TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 31 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 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 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL BECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. 4 PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. -SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED TINDER 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 IlREPORTS. WASH}NGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1890 Page 2 A J~L( Page 3 CHi~B~~XL4T. OPERATIONS IN KEIN\ UCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA. October 20December 31, 1863.* PART II. NOVEMBER 2327, 1863.The ChattanoogaRiuggold Campaign. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Nov. 23, 1863. Skirmishes at Orchard Knob, or Indian Hill, an~l Bushy Knob, Tenn. 24, 1863.Battle of Lookout Mountain, Tenn. Skirmish at foot of Missionary Ridge, Tenn. 2427, 1863.Raid on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, with skirmishes at Charleston, Teun. (26th), and Cleveland, Tenn. (27th). 25, 1863.Battle of Missionary Ridge. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Chickamauga Station, Tenn. Skirmish in Pea Vine Valley, Tenn. Skirmish at Pigeon Hills, Tenn. Skirmish near Graysville, Ga. 27, 1863.Engagement at Ringgold Gap, Taylors Ridge, Ga. REPoRTS. THE UNION ARMY. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, General-in-Chief U. S. Army. No. 2.Abstract from returns of the Union forces at and about Chattanooga November 20, 1863. No. 3.Organization of the forces under command of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, engaged in the campaign. No. 4.Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, including operations since October 18, with orders and correspondence, November 19-29, congratulatory orders, and the thanks of Congress. *For summary of the principal events during this period, see Summary in Part I, pp. 1-4 Page 4 4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHA~P. XLIII. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.. No. No. No. No. No. No. 5.Mr. Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War, October 30December 12. No. 6.Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, Chief Engineer, Military Di- vision of the Mississippi. No. 7.Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster-General U. S. Army. No. 8.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 9.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Cumberland, including operations October 31-December 31, and field dispatches, etc., November 2229. No. 10.Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Army Corps, including operations since November 18, with congratulatory orders, etc. No. 11.Surg. Alonzo J. Phelps, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 12.Brig. Gen. Charles Cruft, U. S. Army, commanding Second and Third Brigades, First Division, including operations November 22Decem- ber 2. No. 13.Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Bri- gade. 14.Maj. George Hicks, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry. lti.Col. Bernard F. Mullen, Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry. 16~Col. Sidney M. Barnes, Eighth Kentucky Infantry. 17.Col. Jacob E. Taylor, Fortieth Ohio Infantry. 18.Lient. Col. Charles H. Wood, Fifty-first Ohio Infantry. 19.Lient. Col. John E. Cummins, Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry. 20.Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, commanding Third - Brigade. 21.Maj. Clayton Hale, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry. 22.CoL John E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry. 23.Col. Louis H. Waters, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. 24.Col. Isaac C. B. Suman~ Ninth Indiana Infantry. 25.---Maj. Gilbert Trtisler, Thirty-sixth Indiana InfantryX 26.Capt. George M. Bacon; Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry. 27.Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sh~ridan, U. S. Army, commanding Second Divis- ion. 28.Col. Francis T. Sherman, Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry, commanding First Brigade. 29.Lient. Col. Porter C. Olson, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry. 30.Col. Wallace W. Barrett, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry. 31.Col. James F. Jaquess, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry. 32.CoL Jason Marsh, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry. 33.Lieut. Col. George W. Chandler, Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry. 34.Col. Michael Gooding, Twenty-second Indiana Infantry. 35.Lieut. Col. Arnold Beck, Second Missouri Infantry. 36.Capt. Samuel Rexinger, Fifteenth Missouri Infantry. 37:Maj. Carl von Baumbach, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry. 38.Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, commanding Second Bi4~. gade. No. 39.Col. John Q. Lane, Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 40.Maj. Charles M. Hammond, One hundredth Illinois Infantry. No. 41.Maj. Frank White, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry. No. 42.Capt. Benjamin F. Hegler, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry. No. 43.Lieut. Col. Elias Neff~~Fortieth Indiana Infantry. No. 44.Lient. Col. George W. Lennard, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. No. 45.Lient. Col. Joseph Moore, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry Page 5 L~ip. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAI~ING GOLD CAMPAIGN. D No. 46.Lieut. Col. William H. Young, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry. No. 47.Lieut. Col. Milton Barnes, Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 48.Col. Charles G. Harker, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 49.Col. Emerson Opdyckc, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Demi-Brigade. No. 50.Col. Allen Buckner, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry. No. 51.Col. Henry C. Dunlap, Third Kentucky Infantry. No. 52.Col. Alexander Mcllvain, Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry. No. 53.Lieut. Col. William A. Bullitt, Third Kentucky Infantry, commanding Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry. I~o. 54.Capt. Edward P. Bates, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry. No. 55.Col. Nathan H. Walworth, Forty-second Illinois Infantry, commanding Second Demi-Brigade. No. 56.Lieut. Col. Francis Swanwick, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry. No. 57.--Col. Jonathan R. Miles, Twenty-seventh Iflinois Infantry. No. 58.Capt. Edgar D. Swain, Forty-second Illinois Infantry. No. 59.Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry. No. 60.Capt. William A. Naylor, Tenth Indiana Battery. No. 61.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 62.Brig. Gen. August Willich, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 63.Col. Richard H. Nodine, Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry. No. 64.Lieut. Col. William P. Chandler, Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry.i No. 65.Lieut. Col. William D. Williams, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry. No. 66.Col. Frank Erdelmeyer, Thirty-second Indiana Infantry. No. 67.Lieut. Col. Harvey J. Espy, Sixty-eighth Indiana Infantry. No. 68.Col. John A. Martin, Eighth Kansas Infantry. No. 69.Lieut. Col. Frank Askew, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 70.Maj. Samuel F. Gray, Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 71.Capt. John A, Gordon, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry. No. 72.Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 73.~--Maj. Calvin D. Campbell, Sixth Indiana Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 74.Col. William W. Berry, Fifth Kentucky Infantry. No. 75.Maj. Richard T. Whitaker, Sixth Kentucky Infantry. No. 76.Lieut. Col. James C. Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, including march to the relief of KnoxYille. No. 77.Maj. Joab A. Stafford, First Ohio Infantry. No. 78.Lieut. Col. Alexander C. Christopher, Sixth Ohio Infantry. No. 79.Lieut. Col. Robert L. Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Infantry. No. 80.Capt. Samuel B. Smith, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry. No. 81.Lieut. Col. James Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio In- fantry. No. 82.Brig. Gen. Samuel Beatty, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 83.Col. Frederick Knefier, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry. No. 84.Col. George iF. Dick, Eighty-sixth Indiana Infantry. No. 85.Col. George H. Cram, Ninth Kentucky Infantry. No. 86.Col. Alexander M. Stout, Seventeenth Kentucky Infantry. No. 87.CoL Dwight Jarvis, jr., Thirteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 88.Col. Charles F. Manderson, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 89.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, with fietd dispatches and congratulatory orders. No. 90.Lieut. Henry C. Wharton, U. S. Corps of Engineers Page 6 6 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 91.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh Army Corps, including march to the relief of Knoxville, with complimentary orders. No. 92.Surg. Daniel G. Brinton, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 93.Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr, U. S. Army, commanding Second Di- vision. No. 94.Col. Adolphus Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, com- manding First Brigade. No. 95.Col. George W. Mindil, Thirty-third New Jersey Infantry. No. 96.Maj. David A. Peloubet, Thirty-third New Jersey Infantry. No. 97.Lieut. CoL Allan H. Jackson, One hundred and thirty-fourth New York Infantry. No. 98.Col. Patrick H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Infantry. No. 99.Maj. August Riedt, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 100.Lieut. Samuel D. Miller, Seventy-third Pennsylvania Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 101.Col. Orland Smith, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Bri- gade, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 102.Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry, includ- ing march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 103.Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 104.- -Col. Charles B. Gambee, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 105.Maj. Samuel II. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry. No. 106.Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, in- cluding march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 107.Itineraries of the First Brigade (Brig. Gen. Hector Tyndale) and the Third Brigade (~ol. Frederick Hecker), November 130. No. 108.Maj. Thomas W. Osborn, Chief of Artillery. No. 109.Capt. Michael Wiedrich. First New York Light Artillery, Chief of Artil- lery, Second Division. No. 110.Capt. William Wheeler, Thirteenth New York Battery, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 111.Lieut. Christopher F. Merkle, Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery. No. 112.Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, with congratulatory orders. No. 113.Col. Charles Candy, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade. No. 114.Col. Thomas J. Ahl, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding regiment and First Brigade. No. 115.Col. John H. Patrick, Fifth Ohio Infantry. No. 116.Capt. Ernst J. Krieger, Seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 117.Col. William T. Fitch, Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 118.Capt~ Thomas McConnell, Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry. No. 119.Lieut. Col. Ario Pardee, jr., One hundred and forty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 120.Col. George A. Cobham, jr., One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania In- fantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 121.Col. William Rickards, jr., Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 122.Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Walker, One hundred dnd eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 123.Col. David Ireland, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade Page 7 Cusp. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 7 No. 124.Col. Abel God.ard. Sixtieth New York Infantry. No. 125.Col. James C. Lane, One hundred and second New York Infantry. No. 126.-Capt. Milo B. Eldredge, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York In- fantry. No. 127.Lieut. Col. Charles B. Randall, One hundred and forty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 128.Maj. John A. Reynolds, Chief of Artillery. No. 129.Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, U. S. Army, commanding Fourteenth Army Corps. No. 130.Itinerary of the Fourteenth Army Corps, November 130. No. 131.Surg. Ferdinand H. Gross, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 132.Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson, U. S. Army, commanding First Di- vision. No. 133.Brig. Gen. William P. Carlin, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 134.Lieut. Col. Douglas Hapeman, One hundred and fourth Illinois Infantry. No. 135.Lient. Col. Daniel F. Griffin, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry. No. 136.Lieut. Col. William T. B. Mclntire, Forty-second Indiana Infantry. No. 137.Col. Cyrus E. Briant, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry. No. 138.Col. Anson G. McCook, Second Ohio Infantry. No. 139.Capt. James H. M. Montgomery, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry. No. 140.Maj. Rue P. Hutchins, Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry. No. -141.Cd. William L. Stoughtdn, Eleventh Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 142.Col. Marshall F. Moore, Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry, commanding Demi- Brigade. No. 143.Lieut. CoL Alexander W. Raffen, Nineteenth Illinois Infantry. No. 144.Capt. Patrick H. Keegan, Eleventh Michigan Infantry. No. 145.Maj. James J. Hanna, Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 146.Capt. Robert E. A. Crofton, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, commanding Six- teenth and Nineteenth U. S. Infantry. No. 147.Capt. George W. Smith, Eighteenth U. S. Infantry. No. 148.Brig. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis,U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 149.Brig. Gen. James~. Morgan, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, in- cluding march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 150.Col. Samuel W. Price, Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 151.Lieut. Col. Oscar Van Tassell, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, Second - Brigade, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 152.Lieut. Col. Carter Van Vieck, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, including - march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 153.Col. Daniel McCook, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 154.Col. Oscar F. Harmon, One hundred and twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 155.Maj. James T. Holmes, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 156.Brig. Gen. Absalom Baird, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 157.Brig. Gen. John B. Turchin, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 158.Col. Morton C. Hunter, Eighty-second Indiana Infantry. No. 159.Lieut. Col. Ogden Street, Eleventh Ohio Infantry.. No. 160.Capt. Benjamin H. Showers, S~venteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 161.Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Lister, Thirty-first Ohio Infantry. - No. 162.Lieut. Col. Hiram F. Devol, Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry. Page 8 8 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Oiw.. XLIIL No. 163.Capt. John H. Jolly, Eighty-ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 164.Capt. Edward Grosvenor. Ninety-second Ohio Infantry. No. 16,5.Col. Ferdinand Van Derveei, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 1(~6.Co1. Milton S. Robinson, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry. No. 167.Col. Newell Gleason, Eighty-seventh Indiana Infantry. No. 168.Lient. Col. Thomas Doan, One hundred and first Indiana Infantry. No. 169.Lieut. Col. Judson W. Bishop, Second Minnesota Infantry. No. 170.Col. Gustave Kammerling. Ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 171.Maj. Joseph L. Budd, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry. No. 172.Lieut. Col. William R. Tolles, One hundred and fifth Ohio Infantry. No. 173.Col. William H. Hays, Tenth Kentucky Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 174.Lient. Col. Marsh B. Taylor, Tenth Indiana Infantry. No. 175.Lient. Col. Myron Baker. Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry. No. 176.Maj. Robert M. Kelly, Fourth Kentucky Infantry. No. 177.Lieut. Col. Gabriel C. Wharton, Tenth Kentucky Infantry. No. 178.Lient. Col. Henry D. Kingsbury, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 179.Maj. Charles Greenwood, Thirty-eighth Ohio Infantry. No. 180.Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, U.S. Army, Chief of Artillery, Army of the Cumberland. No. 181.Capt. James H. Stokes, Chicago Board of Trade Battery, commanding right batteries. No. 182.Col. James Barnett, First Ohio Light Artillery, commanding First Divis- ion, Artillery Reserve. No. 183.Capt. Josiah W. Church, First Michigan Light Artillery, commanding First Brigade, Second Division. No. 184.Lient. Obadiah German, Eighth Wisconsin Battery. No. 185.Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, Secon~i Cavalry Division, of raid on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, and including operations November 17, 1863January 3, 1864. No. 186.Lieut. Col. Edward Kitchell, Ninety-eighth Illinois (mounted) Infantry, of raid on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. No. 187.Lieut. Col. Henry Jordan, Seventeenth India~ (mounted) Infantry, of raid on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. No. 188.Maj. Horace Gray, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, of raid on the East Ten- nessee and Georgia Railroad. No. 189.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, including operations since September 22, and march to the relief of Knoxville, with field dispatches November 1829, and thanks of Congress. No. 190.Capt. Ocran H. Howard, Chief Signal Officer, Army of the Tennessee. No. 191.Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 192.Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 193.Col. Thomas Curly, Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry. No. 194.Maj. Willard Warner, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry. No. 195.Col. James A. Williamson, Fourth Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 196.Lieut. Col. George Burton, Fourth Iowa Infantry. No. 197.Col. David Carskaddon, Ninth Iowa Infantry. No. 198.Col. George A. Stone, Twej~ty-fifth Iowa Infantry. No. 199.Col. Milo Smith, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry. No. 200.Lieut. Col. Aurelius Roberts, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry Page 9 C~. XLIII.1 THE CHA[TANOOGARTNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 9 No. 201.Lieut. Col. Jeremiah W. Jenkins, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry. No. 202.-Itinerary of the First Brigade, Second Division, Col. Nathan W. Topper commanding, November 1-30. No. 203.Brig. Gen. Joseph A. J. Lightburn, U. S. Army, commanding Sei~ond Brigade. No. 204.Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, U.S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, in- cluding operations since September 28. No. 205.Col, John M. Loomis, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 206.Col. Charles C. Walcott, Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 207.Col. Joseph R. Cockerill. Seventieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, including operations since September 28, and march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 208.Capt. Henry Richardson, First Missouri Light Artillery, Chief of Artil- lery. No. 209.Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, including operations since September 29. No. 210.Col. Jesse I. Alexander, Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 211.Lieut. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota Infantry. No. 212.Col. Clark R. Wever, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade. No. 213.Col. Francis C. Deimling, Tenth Missouri Infantry. No. 214.Brig. Gen. Charles L. Matthies, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 215.Lieut. Col. Nicholas C. Buswell, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry. No. 216.Col. Jabez Banbury, Fifth Iowa Infantry. THE CONFEDERATE ARMY. No. 217.Abstract from returns of the Army of Tennessee October 31 and De- cember 10, 1863. No. 218.Organization of the Army of Tennessee, General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding, November 20, 1863. No. 219.General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennessee, with field dispatehes, etc. No. 220.Return of Casualties in the Confederate forces. No. 221.Brig. Gen. John K. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Cheathams divis- ion, Hardees corps. No. 222.Brig. Gen. Edward C. Walthall, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 223.Col. William F. Dowd, Twenty-fourth Mississippi Infantry. No. 224.Lieut. Col. A. J. Jones, Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry. No. 225.Col. William F. Brantly, Twenty-ninth Mississippi Infantry. No. 226.Maj. James M. Johnson, Thirtieth Mississippi Infantry. No. 227.Capt. H. J. Bowen, Thirty-fourth Mississippi Infantry. No. 228.Brig. Gen. John C. Moore, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 229.Brig. Gen. Marcus J. Wright, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 230.Col. Johri H. Anderson, Eighth Tennessee Infantry, commanding r~gi- ment and Wrights brigade. No. 231.Lieut. Col. Chris. C. McKinney, Eighth Tennessee Infantry. No. 232.Capt. Benjamin Randals, Sixteenth Tennessee Infantry. ~No. 233.Col. Sidney S. Stanton, Twenty-eighth Tennessee Infantry. No. 234.Lieut. Col. John G. Hall, Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, commanding Fifty-first and Fifty-seconc?Tennessee Infantry. No. 235.Capt. R. F. Kolb, Alabama battery Page 10 10 KY., SW. VA., TENX., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [OnAP. XLIII. No. 236.Lieut. R. T. Gibson, Howells (Georgia) battery, Walkers division. No. 237.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division and Left Flank, Army of Tennessee. No. 238.Brig. Gen. John C. Brown, C. S. Army, commanding brigade and Steven- sons division. No. 289.Capt. Max Van Den Corput, Cherokee (Georgia) Artillery. No. 240.Lieut. Col. William R. Butler, Eighteenth Tennessee Infantry, command- ing Eighteenth and~Twenty-sixth Tennessee Infantry. No. 241.Maj. John P. McGuire, Thirty-second Tennessee Infantry. No. 242.Col. Anderson Searcy, Forty-fifth Tennessee Infantry, commanding Forty-fifth Tennessee Infantry and Newmans battalion. No. 243.Brig. Gen. Edmund W. Pettus, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 244.CoL Charles M. Shelley, Thirtieth Alabama Infantry. No. 245.Brig. Gen. Alfred Cumming, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 246.Brig. Gen. William B. Bate, C. S. Army, commanding Breckinridges division, Breckinridges corps. No. 247.Return of Casualties in Stewarts division. No. 245.Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, C. S. Army, commanding division, etc., with thanks of the Confederate Congress. No. 249.Lieut. Richard W. Goldthwaite, Semples (Alabama) battery.~ No. 250.Brig. Gen. Lucius E. Polk, commanding brigade. No. 251.Capt. M. H. Dixon, Third Confederate Infantry, commanding Third and Fifth Confederate Infantry. No. 252.Lieut. Col. William J. Hale, Second Tennessee Infantry. No. 253.Col. Daniel C. Govan, Second Arkansas Infantry, commanding Liddells brigade. No. 254.Lieut. Col. E. Warfield, Second Arkansas Infantry, commanding Second, Fifteenth, and Twenty-fourth Arkansas Infantry. No. 255.Col. John E. Murray, Fifth Arkansas Infantry, commanding Fifth and Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry. No. 256.Lieut. Col. Peter Snyder, Seventh Arkansas Infantry, commanding Sixth and Seventh Arkansas Infantry. No. 257.Lieut. Col. A. S. Hutchison, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, commanding Eighth and Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry. No. 258.Brig. Gen. Mark P. Lowrey, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 259.Maj. Frederick A. Ashford, Sixteenth Alabama Infantry. No. 260.Col. Samuel Adams, Thirty-third Alabama Infantry, commanding Thirty third Alabama Infantry and Gibsons battalion. No. 261.Lieut. Col. H. D. Lampley, Forty-fifth Alabama Infantry. No. 262.Col. A. B. Hardcastle, Forty-fifth Mississippi Infantry, commanding Thirty-second and Forty-fifth Mississippi Infantry. No. 263.Capt. T. M. Steger, Fifteenth Mississippi Battalion Sharpshooters. No. 264.Col. H. B. Granbury, Seventh Texas Infantry, commanding Smiths bri- gade. No. 265.Capt. John R. Kennard, Tenth Texas Infantry, commanding Sixth and Tenth Texas Infantry and Fifteenth Texas (dismounted) Cavalry. No. 266.Capt. C. E. Talley, Seventh Texas Infantry. No. 267.Maj. William A. Taylor, Twenty-fourth Texas (dismounted) Cavalry, com- manding Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth Texas (dismounted) Cavalry. No. 268.Brig. Gen. John H. Kelly, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Cavalry Di- vision Page 11 Ca& p. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. / I No.1. Reports of Maj. Gen. henry TV. hlalleck, General-in-Chief U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., November 15, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your orders, I submit the following sum- mary of military operations since my last annual report: * * * * * * * Major-General Grant arrived at Louisville, and on the 19th [of October, 1863], in obedience to the orders of the President, assumed general command of the Departments of the Tennessee, Cumber- land, and Ohio. In accordance with his recommendation, Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas was placed in the immediate command of the Department of the Cumberland, and Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman of that of the Tennessee. As the supply of the army at Chattanooga demanded prompt at- tention he immediately repaired to that place. By bringing up from Bridgeport the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, under General Hooker, and throwing a force from Chattanooga, under General W. F. Smith, on the south side of the river at Browns Ferry, the points of Lookout Mountain commanding the river were recaptured on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of October. This important success restored his communication with his depots of supplies. * * * * * * * All of which is rQspectfully submitted. H. W. HALLECK, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. General-in-Chief. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, December 6, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your instructions, I submit the following summary of the operations of General Grants army since my report of the 15th ultimo: It appears, from the official reports which have been received here, that our loss in the operations of the 27th, 28th, and 29th of October, in reopening communications on the south side of the Tennessee River from Chattanooga to Bridgeport, was 76 killed, 339 wounded, and 22 missing; total, 437. The estimated loss of the enemy was over 1,500. As soon as General Grant could get up his supplies, he prepared to advance upon the enemy, who had become weakened by the detachment of Longstreets command against Knoxville. General Shermans army moved up the north side of the Tennessee River, and during the night of the 23d and 24th of November~estab- lished pontoon bridges, and crossed to the south side between Citico Creek and the Chickamauga. On the afternoon of the 23d, General Thomas forces attacked the enemys rifle-pits between Chattanooga and Citico Creek. The battle was renewed on the 24th along the whole line; Sherman carried the eastern end of Missionary Ridge up to the tunnel, and Thomas repelled every attempt of the enemy to regain the position which he h~ad lost at the center, while Hookers force in Lookout Valley crossed the mountain and drove the enemy from its northern slope Page 12 q 12~ KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [9IAP. XLIII. On the 25th, the whole of Missionary Ridge from Rossyille to the Chickan~auga was, after a desperate struggle, most gallantly carried by our troops, and the enemy completely routed. Considering th& strength of the rebel position and the difficulty of storming his in- trenchments, the battle of Chattanooga mnst be regarded as one of the most remarkable in history. Not only did the officers and men exhibit great skill and daring in their operations on the field, but the highest praise is also due to the commanding general for his admirable dispositions for dislodging the enemy from a position apparently impregnable. Moreover, by turning his right flank and throwing hi~ back upon Riuggold and Dalton, Shermans forces were interposed between Bragg and Longstreet, so as to prevent any possibility of their forming a junction. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing is reported at about 4,000. We captured over 6,000 prisoners, besides the wounded left i.n our hands, 42 pieces of artillery, 5,000 or 6,000 small-arms, and a large train. The enemys loss in killed and wounded is not known. While Generals Thomas and Hooker pushed Braggs army back into Georgia, General Sherman with his own and General Granger s forces was sent into East Tennessee to prevent the return of Long- street and to relieve General Burnside, who was then besieged in Knoxville. We have reliable information that Sherman has success- fully accomplished his object, and that Longstreet is in full retreat toward Virginia; but no details have been received in regard to Shermans operations since he crossed the Hiwassee, nor of Burn- sides defense of Knoxville. It is only known that every attack of the-enemy on that place was successfully repulsed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. General-in-0h4. No. 2. Abstract from returns of the Union forces at and about Chatta nooga November 20, 1863. Q command _____ S 0 Headquarters Military Division of the Miscilasippi. Army of ihe Cumberlalid: General headquarters Fourth Army corps: Corp5 staff First Division a Second Division Third Division Present for ~ Present for duty equipped. duty. o ___________ 4) ___________ 4) A Infantry, Cavalry. Artillery. ci . ci a _ __ __ ~ 0 ~ 0 18 18 21 42 63 498 6,991 8,812 472 6,370 8 283 445 6,543 8,248 437 6,129 9 240 422 7,118 9,105 400 6,433 9 368 ____ 20,694 26,223 1,309 18,937 26 891 I ______________ __________________ ____________ __________ ____________ ____________ 15 15 - 18 18 ____ 18 Total Fourth Army corps. 1,386 ____ ___ 54 Hookers headquarters 9 -52 60 aThe First Brigade and division artillery not engaged in the chattanooga-Ringgold-campaign. The strength of these troops, as reported November 30, was: Present for duty. 125 officers and 2,470 men. Aggregate present, 3,048 Page 13 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Abstract from returns of Union forces, & c.Continued. Present for 4 Present for duty equipped. duty. ~ a Command. ~, Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. ~ a U 0 ~ a a a a i~ ~ a~ a 0 ~ ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Army of the CumberlandContd. Eleventh Army Corps: Headquar~~ Second Division Third Division Total Eleventh Army Corps.. ___ Twelfth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division a Second Division Total Twelfth Army Corps... ___ Fourteenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Division Total Fourteenth Army Corps. Cavalry Corps: Third Brigade, First Division b. Second Division c Total Cavalry Artillery Reserve Engineer troops Spears brigaded Garrison of Chattanooga Total Army of the Cumber- land. e Army of the Tennessee: Headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps: Staff First Division Second Division Fourth Division Total Fifteenth Army Corps. ___ Seventeenth Army Corps: Second Divisiong 3d U. S. Cavalry Total Army of the Tennessee. Recaoitnlation: Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. Army of the Cumberland Army of the Tennessee Grand total s, o~ 41 58 2 41 2,686 3,452 146 2,483 3,293 4,259 175 2,965 6228 8 806 14 11 150 189 350 6,020 7,769 323 5,489 14 534 26 13 144) 190 3 132 269 4,528 5,244 260 4,121 9 271 i6 229 4,057 4,772 221 3,882 6 186 10 511 8,725 10,206 484 8,135 15 457 26 24 267 418 23 378 310 5,772 7,573 284 5,081 5 277 304 5,952 7,271 293 5,733 6 310 18 342 6,264 7,815 318 5,905 9. 843 18 980 18,255 23,077 918 17,097 20 930 52 65 862 1,122 65 862 315 5,113 6,621 122 1,827 170 2,096 4 110 380 5,975 7,743 122 1,827 235 2,958 4 110 7 39 1,396 1,502 38 1,435 56 106 1,429 2,538 67 ~1,421 1,779 66 1,421 55 1,040 1,323 53 1,086 3,898 65,007 82,235 3,275 53,992 235 2,958 117 1,357 221 13 13 8 8 291 3,443 4,787 (f) (f) (f) 20(1 ~i4 257 3,423 4,468 232 2,769 1 41 9 255 16 313 5.072 6,1199 (f) (f) (f) (f) 14 869 11,948 15,662 232 2,769 1 41 9 455 44 258 3,733 4,756 237 3,384 1 38 9 279 10 10 139 219 10 139 1,150 15,815 20,650 469 6,153 12 213 18 734 54 18 18 3,898 65,007 82,235 3,275 53,992 235 2,958 117 4,357 221 1,150 15,815 20,650 489 6,153 12 213 18 734 54 80,822 102,903 3,744 60,145 247 3,171 135 5,091 275 a Guarding raiiroad between Wartrace Bridge and Bridgeport, Ala. bAt Capertons Ferry, Ala., strength given as reported November 30. Remainder of division and corps headquarters at Murfreesborough. cHeadquarters and First and Third Brigades at Maysville, Ala. Only Long~s (Second) brigade and ~ttached troops took part in the Chattanooga~Ringgold Campaign. dAt Sale Creek, Tern. e See statement of troops engaged in battle, p. 14. f Not reported on original. gAs reported November 10, on corps return November 80. No report for November 20. 1 Page 14 14 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [ORAl.. XLIIL ADDENDA. Troop8 in the Department of the (Jumberland engaged in the battle of (ZYhatta nooga, November 2224, 1563.* Command. .~ .~ c~ ~ ~ FOURTH ARMY CORPS. First Division (Second and Third Brigades) 245 2,909 3,134 Second Division 460 6,463 6,923 Third Division 453 7,U48 7,501 Total Fourth Army Corps 1,138 16,420 17,558 FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. First Division (First and Second Brigades) i~95 8,884 4,079 Third Division 286 5,747 6,033 Total Fourteenth Army Corps 481 9,631 10,112 ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. Second Division 181 2,882 3, ~ Third Division ~4 3,379 3,603 TWELFFH ARMY CORPS. Second Division 141 2,218 2,359 Total Eleventh and Twelfth Corps 546 8,479 9,025 Aggregate 2,165 34,530 36,695 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Aprit 23, 1864. No. 3. Organtzation of the forces under command of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, engaged in the campaIgn. ARMY OF THE C~UMBERLAND. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. 1st Ohio Sharpshooters, Capt. Gershom M. Barber. 10th Ohio Infantry, Lieut. Col. William M. Ward. FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER. FIRST DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. CHARLES CRUFT. Escort. 92d Illinois, Company E, Capt. Mathew Van Buskirk. *Ajj nnsigned paper found with the records of the Department of the Cumber- land, and marked office copy. ~ The First Brigade and Battery M, 4th U. S. Artillery, at Bridgeport, Ala.; the 115th Illinois and 84th Indiana, of the Second Brigade, and 5th Indiana Battery, at Sheilmound, Tenn., and the 30th Indiana and 77th Pennsylvania, of the Third Bri- gade, and Battery H, 4th U. ~. Artillery, at Whitesides, Tenn Page 15 15 Ca& a. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WALTER C. WHITAKER. 96th Illinois: Col. Thomas E Champion. Maj. George Hicks. 35th Indiana, Col. Bernard F. Mullen. 8th Kentucky, Col. Sidney M. Barnes. 40th Ohio, Col. Jacob E. Taylor. 51st Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles H. Wood. 99th Ohio, Lieut. Col. John E. Ciimmins. Third Brigade. S Col. WILLIAM GROSE. 59th Illinois, Maj. Clayton Hale. 75th Illinois, Col. John E. Bennett. 84th Illinois, Col. Louis H. Waters. 9th Indiana, Col. Isaac C. B. Suman. 86th Indiana, Ma~. Gilbert Trusler. 24th Ohio, Capt. George M. Bacon. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. PHILIP H. SHERIDAN. First Brigade. Col. FRANCIS T. SHERMAN. 36th Illinois: Col. Silas Miller.* Lieut. Col. Porter C. Olson. 44th Illinois, Col. Wallace W. Barrett. 73d Illinois, Col. James F. Jaquess. 74th Illinois, Col. Jason Marsh. 88th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George W. Chandler. 22d Indiana, Col. Michael Gooding. 2d Missouri: Col. Bernard Laiboldt.* Lieut. Col. Arnold Beck. 15th Missouri: Col. Joseph Conrad. Capt Samuel Rexinger. 24th Wisconsin, Maj. Carl von Baumbach. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. WAGNER. 100th Illinois, Maj. Charles M. Hammond. 15th Indiana: ~ Col. Gustavus A. Wood.* Maj. Frank White. Capt. Benjamin F. Hegler. 40th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Elias Neff. 51st Indiana,t Lieut. Col. John M. Comparet. 57th Indiana, Lieut. Col. George W. Lennard. 58th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Joseph Moore. 26th Ohio,Lieut. Col.William H.Young. 97th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Milton Barnes. * Temporarily in command of a demi-brigade. ~ Between Nashville and Chattanooga en route to join brigade Page 16 16 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP.~ XLIfl. Third Brigade. Col. CHARLES G. HARKER. 22d Illinois, Lient. CoL Francis Swanwick. 27th Illinois, CoL Jonathan B. Miles. 42d Illinois: CoL Nathan H. Walworth.* Capt. Edgar D. Swain. 51st Illinois: Maj. Charles W. Davis. Capt. Albert M. Tilton. 79th Illinois, Col. Allen Buckner. 3d Kentucky, Col. Henry C. Dunb?p. 4~4th Ohio, Col. Alexander Mellvain. 65th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William A. Bullitt. 12~th Ohio: Col. Emerson Opdycke.* Capt. Edward P. Ba~s. Artillery. Capt. WARREN P. EDGARTON. 1st Illinois Light, Battery M, Capt. GeorgeW. Spencer. 10th Indiana Battery, Capt. William A. ~~ylor. 1st Missouri Light, Battery G, Lieut. Gustavus Schueler. 1st Ohio Light, Battery I,t Capt. Hubert Dilger. 4th United States, Battery G,t Lieut. Christop~ier F. Merkie. 5th United States, Battery H,t Capt. Francis L. Guenther. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen~ THOMAS J. WooD. Fir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. AUGUST WILLIcH. 25th illinois, CoL Richard H. Nodine. 35th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William P. Chandler. 89th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William D. Williams. 32d Indiana, Lieut. CoL Frank Erdel- meyer. 68th Indiana: Lieut. Col. Harvey J. Espy. Capt. Richard L. Leeson. 8th Kansas, Col. John A. Martin. 15th Ohio, Lieut. CoL Frank Askew. 49th Ohio, Maj/Samuel F. Gray. 15th Wisconsin, Capt. John A. Gordon. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM B. HAZEN. 6th Indiana, Maj. Calvin D. CampbelL. 5th Kentucky: Cdl. William W. Berry. Lieut. Col. John L. Treanor. 6th Kentucky, Maj. Richard T. Whit- aker. 23d Kentucky, Lieut. Col. James C. Foy. 1st Ohio: Lieut. Col. Bassett Langdon. Maj. Joab A. Stafford. 6th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Alexander C. ~ Christopher. 41st Ohio: Col. Aquila Wiley. Lieut. Col. Robert L. Kimberly. 93d Ohio: Maj. William Birch. Capt. Daniel Bowman. Capt. Samuel B. Smitlv 124th Ohio, Lieut. Col. James Pickands. - * Temporarily in command of a demi-brigade. t Temporarily attached Page 17 Cais. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGI~. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BEATTY. 79th Indiana, Col. Frederick Knefier. 86th Indiana, Col. George F. Dick. 9th Kentucky, Col. George H. Cram. 17th Kentucky, Cob Alexander M. Stout. 13th Ohio, Col. Dwight Jarvis, jr. 19th Ohio, Col. Charles F. Manderson. 59th Ohio, Maj. Robert J. Vartosdol. Artillery. Capt. CULLEN BRADLEY. Illinois Light, Bridges Battery, Capt. Lyman Bridges. 6th Ohio Battery, Lieut. Oliver H. P. Ayres. 20th Ohio Battery,* Capt. Edward Grosskopff. Pennsylvania Light, Battery B, Lieut. Samuel M. McDowell. ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS.t Maj. Gen. OLIVER 0. HOWARD. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. Independent Company, 8th New York Infantry, Capt. Anton Bruhn. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ADOLPH VON STEINWEHR. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. ORLAND SMITH. Col. ADOLPHUS BUScHBECK. 33d New Jersey, Col. George W. Mm- dil. 134th New YoEk, Lieut. Col. Allan H: Jackson. 154th New York, Col. Patrick H. Jones. 27th Pennsylvania: Maj. Peter A. McAloon. - Capt. August Riedt. 73d Pennsylvania: Lieut. Col. Joseph B. Taft. Capt. Daniel F. Kelley. Lieut. Samuel D. Miller. 17 33d Massachusetts, Lieut. CoL Godfrey Rider, jr. 436th New York, Col. James Wood, jr. 55th Ohio, Cob Charles B. Gambee. 73d Ohio, Maj. Samuel H. Hurst. THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. CARL SCHTJRZ. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. HEcTOR TYNDALE. 101st Illinois, Col. Charles H. Fox. 45th New York, Maj. Charles Koch. 143d New York, Col. Horace Boughton. 61st Ohio, Col. Stephen J. McGroarty. 82d Ohio, Lieut. Col. David Thomson. Second Brigade. Col. WLADIMIR KRZYZANOWSKI. 58th New York, Capt. Michael Esem baux. 119th New York, Col. John T. Lockman. 141st New York, Col. William K. Logie. 26th Wisconsin, Capt. Frederick C. Winkler. * Temporarily attached from the Artillery Reserve. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, had under his immediate command the First Division, Fourth Corps, the Second Division, Twelfth Corps, portions of the Fourteelith Corps, and the FirstDivisiou, Fifteenth Corps. Company K, 15th Illinois Cavalry, Capt. Samuel B. Sherer, served as escort to General Hooker. 2 R RYOL XXXI, PT I Page 18 18 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Third Brigade. Col. FREDEIUCK HECKER. 80th Illinois, Capt. James Neville. 82d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Edward S. Salomon. 68th New York, Lieut. Col. Albert von Steinhausen. 75th Pennsylvania, Maj. August Ledig. ARTILLERY. Maj. THOMAS W. OSBORN. 1st New York Light, Battery I, Capt. Michael Wiedrich. New York Light, 13th Battery, Capt. William Wheeler. 1st Ohio Light, Battery I,* Capt. Hubert Dilger. 1st Ohio Light, Battery K, Lieut. Nicholas Sahm. 4th United States, Battery G,* Lieut. Christopher F. Merkle. TWELFTH ARMY CORPS.t SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. GEARY. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. CHARLES CANDY. Col. GEORGE A. COBHAM, Jr. Col. WILLIAM R. CREIGHTON. Col. THOMAS J. AHL. 29th Pennsylvania, Col. William Rick- ards, jr. 5th Ohio, Col. John H. Patrick. 109th Pennsylvania, Capt. Frederick L. 7th Ohio: Gimber. Col. William R. Creighton. 111th Pennsylvania, Col. Thomas M. Lieut. Col. Orrin J. Crane. Walker. Capt. Ernst J. Krieger. 29th Ohio, Col. William T. Fitch. - 66th Ohio: Lieut. Col. Eugene Powell. Capt. Thomas McConnell. 28th Pennsylvania: Col. Thomas J. Ahl. Capt. John Flynn. 147th Pennsylvania, Lieut~ Col. Ario Pardee, jr. Third Brigade. Col. DAVID IRELAND. 60th New York, Col. Abel Godard. 78th New York, Lieut. Col. Herbert von Hammerstein. 102d New York, Col. James C. Lane. 137th New York, Capt. Milo B. Eldredge. 149th New York: r Col. Henry A. Barnum, . Lieut. Col. Charles B. Randall. ARTILLERY. Maj. JOHN A. REYNOLDS. Pennsylvania Light, Battery E. Lieut. James D. McGill. 5th United States, Battery K, Capt. Edmund C. Bainbridge. * Temporarily attached to Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. ~ The First Division engaged in guarding the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad from Wartrace Bridge, Tenn., to Bridgeport, Ala., etc. Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, the corps commander, had his headquarters at Tullahoma, Tenn Page 19 Ciw. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 19 FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JoHN M. PALMER. ESCORT. 1st Ohio Cavalry, Company L, Capt. John D. Barker. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. RICHARD W. JOHNSON. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. CARLIN. Col. MARSHALL F. MOORE. 104th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Douglas Rape- Col. WILLIAM L. STOUGHTON. man. 19th Illinois, Li~ut. Col. Alexander W. 38th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Daniel F. Raffen. Griffin. 11th Michigan, Capt. Patrick H. Keegan. 42d Indiana, Lieut. Col. William T. B. I 69th Ohio, Maj. James J. Hanna. Molntire. 15th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. 88th Indiana, Col. Cyrus E. Briant. Henry Keteltas. 2d Ohio, Col. Anson G. McCook. 15th United States, 2d Battalion, Capt. 33d Ohio, Capt. James H. M. Mont- William S. McManus. gomery. 16th United States, 1st Battalion, Maj. 94th Ohio, Maj. Rue P. Hutchins. . Robert E. A. Crofton. 10th Wisconsin, Capt. Jacob W. Roby. 18th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. George W. Smith. 18th United States, 2d Battalion, Capt. Heliry Haymond. 19th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. Henry S. Welton. Third Brigade.* Brig. Gen. JOHN C. STARKWEATHER. 24th Illinois, Col. Geza Mihalotzy. 37th Indiana, Col. James S. Hull. 21st Ohio, Capt. Charles H. Vantine. 74th Ohio, Maj. Joseph Fisher. 78th Pennsylvania, Maj. Augustus B. Bonnaffon. 79th Pennsylvania, Maj. Michael H. Locher. 1st Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. George B. Bingham. 21st Wisconsin, Capt. Charles H. Walker. Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery C, Capt. Mark H. Prescott. 1st Michigan Light, Battery A, Capt. Francis E. Hale. 5th United States, Battery H,t Capt. Francis L. Guenther. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JEFFERSON First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JAMES D. MORGAN. 10th Illinois, Col. John Tillson. 16th Illinois, Lieut. Col. James B. Cahill. 60th Illinois, Col. William B. Anderson. 21st Kentucky, Cd. Samuel W. Price. 10th Michigan, Lieut. Col. Christopher J. Dickerson. 14th Michigan, ~ Col. Henry R. Mizner. C. DAVIS. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN BEATTY. 34th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Oscar Van Tas sell. 78th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Carter Van Vleck. 3d Ohio, ~ Capt. Leroy S. Bell. 98th Ohio, Maj. James M. Shane. 108th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Carlo Piepho. 113th Ohio, Maj. Lyne S. Sullivant. 121st Ohio, Maj. John Yager. * During the engagements of the 23d, 24th, and 25th was in line of battle holding fort and breastworks at Chattanooga. t Temporarily attached to Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. ~ Detached at Columbia, Tenn. Detached at Kelleys Ferry, Tennessee River Page 20 20 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS~, N. ALA., AND N. GA. [OHAP. XLIII. Third Brigade. Col. DANIEL MoCooK. 85th Illinois, Col. Caleb J. Dilworth. 86th Illinois, Lient. Col. David W. Magee. 110th Illinois, Lieut. Col. E. Hibbard Topping. 125th Illinois, Col. Oscar F. Harmon. 52d Ohio, Maj. James T. Holmes. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM A. HOTCHKISS. 2d Illinois Light, Battery I, Lieut. Henry B. Plant. Minnesota Light, 2d Battery, Lieut. Richard L. Dawley. Wisconsin Light, 5th Battery, Capt. George Q. Gardner. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ABSALOM BAIRD. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. TURCHIN. 82d Indiana, Col. Morton C. Hunter. 11th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Ogden Street. 17th Ohio: Maj. Benjamin F. Butterfield. Capt. Benjamin H. Showers. 31st Ohio, Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Lis- ter. 36th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Hiram F. Devol. 89th Ohio, Capt. John H. Jolly. 92d Ohio: Lieut. Col. Douglas Putnam, jr. Capt. Edward Grosvenor. Second Brigade. Col. FERDINAND VAN DERVEER. 75th Indiana, Col. Milton S. Robinson. 87th Indiana, Col. Newell Gle~son. 101st Indiana, Lieut. Col. Thomas Doan. 2d Minnesota, Lieut. Col. Judson W. Bishop. 9th Ohio, Col. Gustave Kani~merling. 35th Ohio: Lient. Col. Henry V. N. Boynton. Maj. Joseph L. Budd. 105th Ohio, Lieut. Col. William R. Tolles. Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD H. PHELPS. Col. WILLIAM H. HAYS. 10th Indiana, Lient. Col. Marsh B. Taylor. 74th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Myron Baker. 4th Kentucky, Maj. Robert M. Kelly. 10th Kentucky: Col. William H. Hays. Lieut. Col. Gabriel C. Wharton. 18th Kentucky,* Lieut. Col. Hubbard K. Mllward. 14th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Henry D. Kingsbury. 38th Ohio, Maj. Charles Greenwood. Artillery. Capt. GEORGE R. SWALLOW. Indiana Light, 7th Battery, Lieut. Otho H: Morgan. Indiana Light, 19th I~ttery, Lieut. Robert G. Lackey. 4th United States, Battery I, Lieut. Frank G. Smith. * Detached at Browns Ferry, Tenn. Page 21 Caw. XLIII.] THE CHM[TANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 21 - ENGINEER TROOPS. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH. Engineers. Pioneer Brigade. 1st Michigan Engineers (detachment), Col. GEORGE P. BUELL. Capt. Perrin V. Fox. 13th Michigan Infantry, Maj. Willard G. 1st Battalion, Capt. Charles J. Stewart. Eaton. 2d Battalion, Capt. Correll Smith. 21st Michigan Infantry, Capt. Loomis K. 3d Battalion, Capt. William Clark. Bishop. 22d Michigan Infantry, Maj. Henry S. Dean. 18th Ohio Infantry, Col. Timothy R. Stanley. ARTILLERY RESERVE. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. BRANNAN. FIRST DIVISION. Col. JAMES BARNETT. First Brigade. Maj. CHARLES S. Corrin~. 1st Ohio Light. Battery B, Lient. Nor- man A. Baldwin. 1st Ohio Light, Battery C, Capt. Marco B. Gary. 1st Ohio Light, Battery E, Lieut. Albert G. Ransom. 1st Ohio Light, Battery F, Lieut.Giles J. Cockerill. Second Brigade. 1st Ohio Light, Battery G, Capt. Alex ander Marshall. 1st Ohio Light, Battery M, Capt. Fred- erick Schultz. Ohio Light, 18th Battery, Lieut. Joseph McCafferty. Ohio Light, 20th Battery,* Capt. Ed- ward Grosskopff. SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade. Capt. JOSIAH W. CHURCH. 1st Michigan Light, Battery D, Capt. Josiah W. Church. 1st Tennessee Light, Battery A, Lieut. Albert F. Beach. Wisconsin Light, 3d Battery, Lieut Hiram F. Hubbard. Wisconsin Light, 8th Battery, Lieut. Obadiah German. Wisconsin Light, 10th Battery, Capt. Yates V. Beebe. Second Brigade. Capt. ARNOLD SUTERMEISTER. Indiana Light, 4th Battery, Lieut. Henry J. Willits. Indiana Light, 8th Battery, Lieut. George Estep. Indiana Light, 11th Battery, Capt. Arnold Sutermeister. Indiana Light, 21st Battery, Lieut. Will- iam E. Chess. 1st Wisconsin Heavy, Company C, Capt. John R. Davies. CAVALRY4 SECOND BRIGADE (SECOND DIVISION). Col. ELI LONG. 98th Illinois (mounted infantry), Lieut. Col. Edward KitchelL 17th Indiana (mounted infantry), Lieut. Col. Henry Jordan. 2d Kentucky, Col. Thomas P. Nicholas. 4th Michigan, Maj. Horace Gray. 1st Ohio, Maj. Thomas J. Patten. 3d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles B. SeideL 4th Ohio (battalion), Maj. George W. Dobb. 10th Ohio, Col. Charles C. Smith. * Temporarily attached to Third Division, Fourth Army Corps~ tCorps headquarters and the First and Second Brigades and 18th Indiana Battery, of theFirstDivision, at and about Alexandria, Tenn.; the Third Brigade at Caper- tons Ferry, Tennessee River. The First and Third Brigades, and the Chicago Board of Trade Battery, of the Second Division, at Maysvilie, Ala Page 22 22 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL POST OF CHATTANOOGA. Col. JOHN G. PARKHURST. 44th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Simeon C. Aldrich. 15th Kentucky, Maj. William G. Halpin. 9th Michigan, Lieut. Col. William Wilkinson. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN.* FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS.t Maj. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR, Jr. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHA1JS. First l3ri gade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES R. WooDs. Col. JAMES A. WILLIAMSON. 13th Illinois: 4th Iowa, Lieut. Col. George Burton. Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Par- 9th Iowa, Col. David Carskaddon. tridge. 25th Iowa, Col. George A. Stone. Capt. George P. Brown. 26th Iowa, Col. Milo Smith~ 3d Missouri, Lieut. Col. Theodore Meu- 30th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Aurelius Roberts mann. 31st Iowa, Lieut. Col. Jeremiah W. Jen~ 12th Missouri4 kins. Col. Hugo Wangelin. Lieut. Col. Jacob Kaercher. 17th Missouri, Col. John F. Cramer. 27th Missouri, Col. Thomas Curly. 29th Missouri: Col. James Peckham. Maj. Philip H. Murphy. 81st Missouri, Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Simpson. 82d Missouri, Lieut. Col. Henry C. War- moth. 76th Ohio, Maj. Willard Warner. Artillery. Capt. HENRY H. GRIFFITHS. Iowa Light, 1st Battery, Lieut. James M. Williams. 2d Missouri Light, Battery F, Capt. Clemens Landgraeber. Ohio Light, 4th Battery, Capt. George Froehlich. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. GILES A. SMITH. Col. NATHAN W. TUPPER. 55th Illinois, Col. Oscar Malmborg. 116th Illinois: Col. Nathan W. Tupper. Lieut. Col. James P. Boyd. 127th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Frank S. Curtiss. 6th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Ira Boutell. 8th Missouri, Lieut. Col. David C. Coleman. 57th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Samuel R. Mott. 13th United States, 1st Battalion, Capt. Charles C. Smith. * General Sherman had under hisimmediate command the Eleventh Corps and the Second Division, Fourteenth Corps, of the Army of the Cumberland; the Second and Fourth Divisions, Fifteenth Corps, and the Second Division, Seventeenth Corps. ~ The Third Division, Brig. Gen. James M. Tuttle commanding, at Memphis, La Grange, and Pocahontas, Tenn Page 23 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 23 Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. J. LIGHTBURN. 83d Indiana, Col. Benjamin J. Spooner. 30th Ohio, Col. Theodore Jones. 37th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Louis von Blessingh. 47th Ohio, Col. Augustus C. Parry. 54th Ohio, Maj. Robert Williams, jr. 4th West Virginia, CoL James H. Dayton. Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A, Capt. Peter P. Wood. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B, Capt. Israel P. Rumsey. 1st Illinois Light, Battery H, Lieut. Francis De Gress. FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. HUGH EWING. First Brigade. Col. JOHN M. LOOMIS. 26th I1~iois, Lieut. Col. Robert A. Gill- more. 90th Illinois: Col. Timothy OMeara. Lieut. Col. Owen Stuart. 12th Indiana, Col. Reuben Williams. 100th Indiana, Lieut. CoL Albert Heath. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. CORSE. Col. CHARLES C. WALCUTT. 40th Illinois, Maj. Hiram W. Hall. 103d Illinois, Col. Willard A. Dickerman. 6th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Alexander J. Miller. 15th Michigan,* Lieut. Col. Austin E. Jaquith. 46th Ohio: Col. Charles C. Walcutt. Capt. Isaac N Alexander. Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH R. COCKERILL. 48th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Lucien Greathouse. 97th Indiana, Col. Robert F. Catterson. 99th Indiana, Col. Alexander Fowler. 53d Ohio, Col. Wells S. Jones. 70th Ohio, Maj. William B. Brown. Artillery. Capt. HENRY RICHARDSON. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. John T. Cheney. 1st Illinois Light, Battery I, Lieut. Josiah H. Burton. 1st Missouri Light, Battery D, Lieut1 Byron M. Callender. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH. First Brigade. Col. JESSE I. ALEXANDER. 63d Illinois, Col. Joseph B. McCown. 48th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Edward J. Wood. 59th Indiana, Capt. Wilford H. Welman. 4th Minnesota, Lient. Col. John E. Tour- tellotte. 18th Wisconsin, CoL Gabriel Bouck. Second Brigade. Col. GREEN B. RAuNi. Col. FRANCIS C. DEIMLING. Col. CLARK R. WEVER. 56th Illinois, Maj. Pinckney J. Welsh. 17th Iowa: Col. Clark R. Wever. Maj. John F. Walden. 10th Missouri: Col. Francis C. Deimling. Lieut. Col. Christian Happel. Col. Francis C. Deimling. 24th Missouri, Company E, Capt. Will- iam W. McCamrnon. 80th Ohio, Lient. Col. Pren Metham. ~ Detached at Scottaborough, Ala Page 24 24 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES L. MATTHIES. CoL BENJAMIN D. DE~. Col. JABEZ BANBURY. 93d Illinois: CoL Holden Putnam. Lieut. Col. Nicholas C. Buswell. 5th Iowa: Col. Jabez Banbury. Lieut. Col. Ezekiel S. Sampson. 10th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Paris P. Hender~n. 26th Missouri, Col. Benjamin D~ Dean. Artillery. Capt. HENRY DILLON. Cogswells (Illinois) Battery, Capt. William Co~swell. Wisconsin Light, 6th Battery, Lieut. Samuel F. Clark. Wisconsin Light, 12th Battery, Capt. William Zickerick. No. 4. Reports of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi, including operations since October 18, with orders and correspondence, November 1929, congratulatory orders, and the thanks of Congress. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 23, 18633 p. m. (Received 6.40 p. in.) General Thomas troops attacked the enemys left at 2p. m. to-day, carried the first line of rifle-its running over the knoll, 1,200 yards in front of Fort Wood, and low ridge to the right of it, taking abont 200 prisoners, besides killed and wounded. Our loss small. The troops moved under fire with all the precision of veterans on parade. Thomas tro6ps will intrench themselves, and hold their position until daylight, when Sherman will join the attack from the mouth of the Ohickamauga, and a decisive battle will be fought. U. S. GRANT, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Major-General. General-in- Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 24, 18636 p. m. (Received 4 a. in., 2~th.) ~C The fight to~day progressed favorably. Sherman carried the end of Missionary Ridge, and his right is now at the tunnel, and left at Chickamauga Creek. Troops from Lookout Valley carried the point of the mountain, and now hold the eastern slope and point high up. I cannot yet tell the amount of casualties, but our loss is not heavy. Hooker reports 2,000 prisoners taken, besides which a small number have fallen into our hands fro~n Missionary Ridge. U. S. GRANT, lIIqjor-General. Major-General HALLECK Page 25 THE cHAL?rAM~OGA~RINGGOLD CAMPAIGY. WASHINGTON, November 26, 18638.40 a. m. Your dispatches as to fighting on Monday and Tuesday are here. Well done. Many thanks to all. Remember Burnside A. LINCOLN, President United States. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 26, 186311.30 a. m. I congratulate you on the success thus far of your plans. I fear that General Burnside -is hard pressed, and that any further delay may prove fatal. I know that you will do all in your power to re- lieve him. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Major-General GRANT, Chattanooga, Tenn. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 26, 18637.16 p. m. (Received 10 p. in.) Although t~ie battle lasted from early dawn till dark this evening, I believe I am not premature in announcing a complete victory over Bragg. LookoutMountain top, all the rifle-pits in Chattanooga Valley, and Missionary Ridge entire have been carried, and now held by us. I have no idea of finding Bragg here to-morrow U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. H~~LEoK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 26; 18637.30 p. m. (Received 2.10 a. in., 26th.) I have heard from Burnside to the 23d, when he had rations for ten or twelve days. He expected to hold out that time. I shall move the force from here on to the railroad between Cleveland and Dalton, and send a column of 20,000 men up the south side of the Tennessee, without wagons, carrying four days rations and taking a steam-boat loaded with rations, from which to draw on the route. If Burnside holds out until this force gets beyond Kingston, I think enemy will fly, and, with the present state of the roads, must abandon almost everything. I believe Bragg will lose much of his army by desertion, in consequence of his defeat in the last three days fight. U. S. GRANT, -. Major-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 26 26 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS.~ Ii. A LA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 26, 186311. 1~ a. m. I congratulate you and your army on the victories of Chattanooga. This is truly a day of thanksgiving. H. W. HALLECK, Mnj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, General-in-Chief. Chattanooga, Tenn. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 27, 18631 a. m. (Received 3.10 a. in.) I am just in from the front. The rout of the enemy is most com- plete. Abandoned wagons, caissons, and occasional pieces of artil- lery are everywhere to be found. I think Braggs loss will fully reach sixty pieces of artillery. A large number of prisoners have fallen into our hands. The pursuit will continue to Red Clay in the morning, for which place I shall start in a few hours. U. S. GRANT, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK Major-General. General-in-Chief. RINOGOLD, GA., 2 p. in., Via Chattdnooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863 7 p. m. (Received 1.30 a. in., 28th.) The pursuit has continued to this point with continuous skirmish- ing.Jt is asserted by citizens that Longstreet is expected to-mor- row, and that the enemy will make a stand at Dalton. I shall not take their word, however, but will start Granger this evening to Burnsides relief. I am not prepared to continue pursuit farther. U. S. GRANT, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, Major-General, Commanding. General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 28, 18639.20 p. in. (Received 12.35 p. in., 29th.) The pursuit of the enemy to beyond Riuggold shows their great defeat and demoralization. Prisoners taken must amount to 6,000 ~ or more. Qyer forty pieces of artillery have fallen into our hands. The roads everywhere are strewn with wagons, caissons, small-arms, and ammunition. Troops are now on their way to the relief of Buruside. Granger goes to Knoxville. or uiitil he knows Longstreet has left East Tennessee. Sherman goes to the Hiwassee, and will be sent farther if it becomes necessary. U. S. GRANT, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK Major-General. General:in~Chief Page 27 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 2~7 CHATTANOOGA, TENN., December 7, 18637 p. m. (Received 1.40 a. in., 8th.) Our losses in killed, wounded, and missing in recent battle about 4,000. Enemys loss in killed about the same. We took over 6,000 well prisoners, forty-two pieces of artillery, and caisson and battery wagons for a large nnmber of pieces. Number of small-arms col- lected about 5,000. Many have, no doubt, been collected by regi- ments and not accounted for. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. Major-~General HALLECK. HDQRS. MILITARY DIvISIoN OF THE Mississippi, In Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., December 23, 1863. COLONEL: In pursuance of Genera1 Orders, No. 337, War Depart- ment, of date Washington, October 16, 1863, delivered to me by the Secretary of War at Louisville, Ky., on the 18th of the same month, I assumed command of the Military Division of the Mississip comprising the Departments of the Ohio, the Cumberland, and~ tYie Tennessee, and telegraphed the order assuming command, together with the order of the War Department referred to, to Maj. Gen. A. E. Burnside, at Knoxville, and to Maj. .Gen. W. S. Rosecrans, at Chattanooga. My action in telegraphing these orders to Chatta- nooga in advance of my arrival there, was induced by information furnished me by the Secretary of War, of the difficulty with which the Army of the Cumberland had to contend in supplying itself over a long mountainous and almost impassable road from Stevenson, Ala., to Chattanooga, Teun., and his fears that General Rosecrans would fall back to the north side of the Tennessee River. To guard further against the possibili,ty of the Secretarys fears, I also telegraphed to Major-General Thomas on the 19th of October, from Louisville, to hold Chattanooga at all hazards; that I would be there as soon as possible. To which he replied on same date, I will hold the town till we starve. Proceeding directly to Chattanooga, I arrived there on the 23d of October, and found that General Thomas had immediately, on being placed in command of the Department of the Cumberland, ordered the concentration of Major-General Hookers command at Bridge- port, preparatory to securing the river and main wagon road between that place and Browns Ferry, immediately below Lookout Mount- ain. The next morning after my arrival at Chattanooga, in com- pany with Thomas and Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, chief engineer, I made a reconnaissance of Browns Ferry and the hills on the south side of the river and at the mouth of Lookout Valley. After the reconnaissance, the plan agreed upon was for Hooker to cross at Bridgeport to the south side of the river with all the force that could be spared from the railroad, and move on the main wagon road by way of Whitesides to Wauhatchie, in Lookout Valley. Maj. Gen. J. M. Palmer was to proceed by the only practicable route north of the river from his position opposite Cihattanooga to a point on the north bank of the Tennessee River and opposite Whitesides, there to cross to the south side to hold~ the road passed over by Hooker. In the meantime, and before the enemy could be apprised of our intentions, a force under the direction of Brig. Gen. W.F.Smith Page 28 28 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. tC~. xLrn. chief engineer, was to be thrown across the river at or near Browns Ferry to seize the range of hills at the mouth of Lookout Valley covering the Browns Ferry road, and orders were given accor It was known that the enemy held the north end of Lookout Va~IO~T with a brigade of troops, and the road leading around the foot of the mountain from their main camps in Chattanooga Valley to Look- out Valley. Holding these advantages he would have had little dif- ficulty in concentrating a sufficient force to have defeated or driven Hooker back. To remedy this the seizure of the range of hills at the mouth of Lookout Valley and covering the Browns Ferry road was deemed of the highest importance. This, by the use of pon - toon bridges at Chattanooga andBrowns Ferry, would secure to us by the north bank of the river, across Moccasin Point a shorter line by which to re-enforce our troops in Lookout Valle~y than the narrow and tortuous road around the foot of Lookout Mountain af- forded the enemy for re-enforcing his. The force detailed for this expedition consisted of 4,000 men, under command of General Smith, chief engineer, 1,800 of which, under Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen, in sixty pontoon-boats, containing 30 armed men each, floated quietly from ha tanooga past the enemys pickets to the foot if Lookout Mountain on the night of the 27th of October, landed on the south side of the river at Browns Ferry, surprised the enemys pickets stationed there, and seized the hills covering the ferry, without the loss of a man killed and but 4 or 5 wounded. The remainder of the forces, together with the materials for a bridge, was moved by the north bank of the river across Moccasin Point to Browns 1~erry without attracting the attention of the enemy, and before day dawned the whole force was ferried to the south bank of the river, and the almost inaccessible heights rising from Lookout Valley and its outlet to the river and below the mouth of Lookout Creek were secured. B 10 a. m. an excellent pontoon bridge was laid across the river at Browns Ferry, thus securing to us the end of the desired road nearest the enemys forces, and the shorter line over which to pass troops if a battle became inevitable. Positions were taken up by our troops from which they could not have been driven except by vastly superior forces, and then only with great loss to the enemy. Our artillery was placed in such position as to completely command the road leading from the enemys main cam s in Chattanooga Val- ley to Lookout Valley. On the 28th, Hooker emerged into Lookout Valley at Wauhatchie by the direct road from Bridgeport, by way of Whitesides, to Chattanooga with the Eleventh Army Corps, un- d& r Major-General Howard, and Gearys division of the Twelfth Army Corps, and proceeded to take up positions for the defense of the road from Whitesides, over which he had marched, and also the ~ road leading from Browns Ferr~ to Kelleys Ferry, throwing the ~ left of Howards corps forward to rowns Ferry. The division that started under command of Palmer for Whitesides reached its des- tination and took up the position intended in the original plan of this movement. These movements, so successfully executed, secured to us two comparatively good lines by which to obtain supplies from the terminus of the railroad at Bridgeport, namely, the main wagon road by way of White~jdes, Wauhatchie, and Browns Ferry, distant but 28 miles, and the Kelleys Ferry and Browns Ferry road, which, by the use of the river from Bridgeport to Kelleys Ferry, reduced the distance for wagoning to but 8 miles Page 29 Cau~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 29 Up to this period our forces at Chattanooga were practically in- vested, the enemys line extending from the Tennessee River above Chattanooga to the river at and below the point of Lookout Mount- ain below Chattanooga, with the south bank of the river picketed to near Bridgeport, his main force being fortified in Chattanooga Valley, at the foot of and on Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mount- am, and a brigade in Lookout Valley. True, we held possession of the country north of the river, but it was from 60 to 70 miles over the most impracticable of roads to any supplies. The artillery horses and mules had become so reduced by starvation that they could not have been relied on for moving anything. An attempt at retreat must have been with men alone, and with only such supplies as they could carry. A retreat would have been almost certain an- nihilation, for the enemy, occupying positions within gunshot of and overlooking our very fortifications, would unquestionably have pur- sued our retreating forces. Already more than 10,000 animals ~ad perished in supplying half rations to the troops by the long and tedious route from Stevenson and Bridgeport to Chattanooga, over Waldens Ridge. They could not have been supplied another week. The enemy was evidently fully apprised of our condition in Chat- tanooga, and of the necessity of our establishing a new and shorter line by which to obtain supplies, if we could not maintain our posi- tion; and so fully was he impressed of the importance of keeping from us these lineslost to him by surprise and in a manner he little dreamed ofthat in order to regain possession of them a night attack was made by a portion of Longstreets forces on a portion of Hookers troops (Gearys division, of the Twelfth Corps) the first night after Hookers arrival in the valley. This attack failed, however, and Howards corps, which was moving to the assistance of Geary, find- in~t hat it was not required by him, carried the remaining heights by the enemy west of Lookout Creek. This gave us quiet possession of the lines of communication heretofore described south of the Tennessee River. Of these operations I cannot speak more particularly, the sub-reports having been sent to Washington with- out passing through my hands. By the use of two ~team-boats, one of which had been left at Chattanooga by the enemy and fell into our hands, and one that had been built by us at Bridgeport, plying be- tween Bridgeport and Kelleys Ferry, we were enabled to obtain sup- plies with but 8 miles of wagoning. The capacity of the railroad and steam-boats was not sufficient, however, to supply all the wants of the army, but actual suffering was prevented. Ascertaining from scouts and deserters that Bragg was detaching Longstreet from the front and moving him in the direction of Knoxville, Tenn., evidently to attack Burnside, and feeling strongly the necessity of some move that would him to retain all ~is forces and recall those he had detached, irec ions were given for a movement against Mis- sionary Ridge, with a view to carrying it, and threatening the enemys communication with Longstreet, of which I informed Burn- side by telegraph on the 7th of November. After a thorough re- connaissance of the ground, however, it was deemed utterly imprac- ticable to make the move until Sherman could get up, because of the inadequacy of our forces and the condition of the animals then at Chattanooga, and I was forced to leave Burnside for the present to contend against superior forces of the enemy until the arrival of Sherman with his men and means of transportation. In the mean- time reconnaissances were made and plans matured for operations Page 30 30 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIII. Dispatches were sent to Sherman informing him of the movement of on street and the necessity of his immediate presence at Chat- tanooga. On the 14th of November, I telegraphed to Burnside as follows: Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BIJRNSIDE: Your dispatch and Danas just received. Being there you can tell better how to resist Longstreets attack than I can direct. With your showing you had better give up Kingston at the last moment and save the most productive part of your possessions. Every arrangement is now made to throw Shermans force across the river, just at and below the mouth of Chickamauga Creek, as soon as it arrives. Thomas will attack on his left at the same time, and together it is expected to carry Missionary Ridge, and from there push a force on to the railroad between Cleveland and Dalton. Hooker will at the same time attack, and, if he can, carry Lookout Mountain. The enemy now seems to be looking for an attack on his left flank. This favors us. To further confirm this, Shermans advance division will march direct from Whitesides to Trenton. The remainder of his force will pass over a new road just made from Whitesides to Kelleys Ferry, thus being concealed from the enemy, and leave him to suppose the whole force is going up Lookout Valley. Shermans advance has only just reached Bridgeport. The rear will only reach there on the 16th. This will bring it to the 19th as the earliest day for making the combined movement as desired. Inform me if you think you can sustain yourself until that time. I can hardly conceive of the enemys breaking through at Kings- ton and pushing for Kentucky. If they should, however, a new prQblem would be left for solution. Thomas has ordered a division of cavalry to the vicinity of Sparta. I will ascertain if they have started and inform you. It will be entirely out of the question to send you 10,000 men, not because they caunot be spared, but how could they be fed after they got even one day east of here? U. S. GRANT, Major-General. On the 1~5th, having received from the General-in-Chief a dispatch (of date the 14th) in reference to Burnsides position, the danger of his abandonment of East Tennessee unless immediate relief was afforded, and the terrible misfortune such a result would be to our arms, and also dispatches from Mr. C. A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War, and Colonel Wilson, of my staff, sent at the instance of General Burnside, informing me more fully of the condition of affairs as detailed to them by him, I telegraphed him as follows: CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. AMBROsE E. BuRNsIDE: I do not know how to impress on you the necessity of holding on to East Tennes- see in strong enough terms. According to the dispatches of Mr. Dana and Colonel Wilson, it would seem that you should, if pressed to do it, hold on to Knoxville and that portion of the valley which you will necessarily possess. Holding to that point, should Longstreet move his whole force across the Little Tennessee, an effort should be made to cut his pontoons on that stream, even if ft sacrificed half of the cavalry of the Ohio Army. By holding on and placing Longstreet between the Little Tennes- see and Knoxville, he should not be allowed to escape with an army capable of doing anything this winter. I can hardly conceive of the necessity of retreating from~ East Tennessee. If I did so at all it would be after losing most of the army,~ and~ then necessity~would suggest the route. I will not attempt to lay out a line of retreat. Kingston, looking at the map, I th9ught of more importance than any one point in East Tennessee. But my attention being called more closely to it, I can see that it might be passed by, and Knoxville and the rich valley about it possessed, ignoring that place entirely. I should not think it advisable to concentrate a force nea~r Little Tennessee to resist the crossing, if it would be in danger of capture, but I would harass and embarrass progress in every way possible, reflecting on the faet that the Army of the Ohio is not the only army to resist the onward progress of the enemy. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 31 CHAP. XLIII.] THE ()HATTANOOGARLNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 31 Previous reconnaissances, made first by Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, chief engineer, and afterward by Thomas, Sherman, and myself, in company with him, of the country opposite Chattanooga and north of the Tennessee River, extending as far east as the mouth of the North Chickamauga, and also of the mouth of the South Chickamauga and the north end of Missionary Ridge, so far as the same could be made from the north bank of the river without exciting suspicion on the part of the enemy, showed good roads from Browns Ferry up the river and back of the first range of hills oppo- site Chattanooga, and out of view of the enemys positions. Troops crossing the bridge at Browns Ferry could be seen and their num- bers estimated by the enemy, but not seeing anything further of them as they passed up in rear of these hills, he would necessarily be at a loss to know whether they were moving to Knoxville or held on the north side of the river fori future operations at Chattanooga. It also showed that the north end of Missionary Ridge was im~er- fectly guarded, and that the banks of the river from the mout of South Chickamauga Creek westward to his main line in front of Chattanooga was watched only by a small cavalry picket. This de- termined the plan of operations indicated in my dispatch of the 14th to Burnside. Upon further consideration (the great object being to mass all the force possible against one given point, namelX~Mis~ sionary Ridge, converging toward the north end of it) it was eemed best to change the original plan, so far as it contemplated Hookers attack on Lookout Mountain, which would give us owards corps of his command to aid in this purpose, and on the 18th the following instructions were given Thomas: Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS: All preparations should be made for attacking the enemys position on Missionary Ridge by Saturday at daylight. Not being provided with a map giving names of roads, spurs of the mountains, and other places, such definite instructions cannot be given as might be desirable. However, the general plan, you understand, is for Sher- man, with the force brought with him, strengthened by a division from your com- mand, to effect a crossing of the Tennessee River just below the mouth of Chicka- mauga, his crossing to be protected by artillery from the heights on the north bank of the river (to be located by your chief of artillery), and to secure the heights from the northern extremity to about the railroad tunnel before the enemy can concen- trate against him. You will co-operate with Sherman. The troops in Chattanooga Valley should be well concentrated on your left flank, leaving only the necessary force to defend fortifications on the right and center, and a movable column of one division in readiness to move whenever ordered. This division should show itself as threateningly as possible on the most practicable line for making.an attack up the valley. Your effort then will be to form a junction with Sherman, making your advance well toward the northern end of Missionary Ridge, and moving as near simultaneously with him as possible. The juncture once formed, and the ridge car- fled, ~ommunications will be at once established between the two armies by roads on the south bank of the river. Farther movements will then depend on those of the enemy. Lookout Valley, I think, will be easily held by Gearys division and what troops you may still have-there belonging to the old Army of the CumberLand. Howards corps can then be held in readiness to act either with you at Chattanooga or with Sherman. It should be marched on Friday night to a position on the north side of the river, not lower down than the first pontoon bridge, and there held in readiness for such orders as may become nec~ssary. All these troops will be provided with two days cooked rations in haversacks and 100 rounds of ammunition on the per- son of each infantry soldier. Special care should be taken by all officers to see that ammunition is not wasted or unnecessarily fired away. You will call on the engi- neer department for such preparations.~as you may deem necessary for carrying your infantry and artillery over the creek. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 32 32 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~r. XL~. A copy of these instructions was furnished Sherman,* v~rith the fob lowing communication: Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: Inclosed herewith I send you copy of instructions to Major-General Thomas. You having been over the ground in person, and having heard the whole matter dis- cussed, further instructions will not be necessary for you. It is particularly desira- ble that a force shouldbe got through to the railroad between Cleveland and Dalton, and Longstreet thus cut off from communication with the south; but being con- fronted by a large force here, strongly located, it is not easy to tell how this is to be effected until the result of our first effort is known. I will add, however, what is not shown in my instructions to Thomas, that a brigade of cavalry has been ordered here Which, if it arrives in time, will be thrown across the Tennessee above Chicka- mauga, and may be able to make the trip to Cleveland or thereabouts. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. Shermans forces were moved from Bridgeport by way of White- sides, one division threatening the enemys left if an~ in the direc- tion of Trenton, crossing at Browns Ferry, up the north bank of the Tennessee to near the mouth of South Chickamauga, where they were kept concealed from the enemy until they were ready to force a crossing. Pontoons for throwing a bridge across the~ river were built and placed in North Chickamauga, near its month, a few miles farther up, without attracting the attention of the enemy. It was expected we would be able to effect the crossing on the 21st of No- vember, but owing to heavy rains Sherman was unable to get up until the afternoon of the 23d, and then only with Generals Morgan L. Smiths, John E. Sigiths, and Hugh Ewings divisions, of the Fifteenth Corps, under command of Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, of his army. The pontoon bridges at Browns Ferry having been broken up by the drift consequent upon the rise in the river and rafts sent down by the enemy, the other division (Osterhaus) was detained on the south side, and was on the night of the 23d ordered, unless it could get across by 8 oclock the next morning, to report to Hooker, who was instructed, in this event, to attack Lookout Mount- ain, as contemplated in the original plan. A deserter from the rebel army, who came into our lines on the night of the 22d of November, reported Bragg falling back. The foilo~ng letter from Bragg, received by flag of truce on the 20th, tended to confirm this report: HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, November 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding U. S. Forces. & c., Chattanooga: GENERAL: As there may still be some non-combatants in Chattanooga, I deem it proper to notify you that prudence would dictate their early withdrawal. 1 am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, General, Commanding. Not being willing that he should get his army off in good order, Thomas was directed, early on the morning of the 23d, to ascertain the truth or falsity of this report by driving in his pickets and mak- ing him develop his lines. This he did with the troops stationed at Chattanooga and Howards corps (whicli had been brought int6 Chattanooga because of the apprehended danger to our pontoon bridges from the rise in the river and the enemys rafts) in the most * Under same date Page 33 CHAP. XLIII] THE CHA11~AN0OGARINGG0LD CAMPAIGN. 33 gallant style, driving the enemy from his first line and securing to us what is known as Indian Hill or Orchard Knoll, and the low range of hills south of it. These points were fortified during the night and artillery put in position on them. The report of this deserter was evidently not intended to deceive, but he had mis- taken Braggs movements. It was afterward ascertained that one division of Buckners corps had gone to join Longstreet, and a sec- ond division of the same corps had started but was brought back in consequence of our attack. On the night of the 23d of November Sherman, with three divisions of his army, strengthened by Davis division, of Thomas, which had been stationed along on the north bank of the river, convenient to where the crossing was to be effected, was ready for operations. At an hour sufficiently early to secure the south bankof the river, just below the mouth of South Chickamauga, by dawn of day, the pontoons in North Chickamau~: were loaded with 30 armed men each, who floated quietly past t enemys pickets, landed, and captured all but 1 of the guard, 20 in number, before the enemy was aware of the presence of a foe. The steam-boat Dunbar, with a barge in tow, after having finished ferry- ing across the river the horses procured from Sherman with which to move Thomas artillery, was sent up from Chattanooga to aid in crossing artillery and troops, and by daylight of the morning of the 24th of November 8,000 men were on the south side of tho Ten- nessee and fortified in rifle-trenches. By 12 m. the pontoon bridges across the Tennessee and the Chickamauga were laid, and the re- mainder of Shermans force crossed over, and at half past 3 p. m. the whole of the northern extremity of Missionary Ridge, to near the railroad tunnel, ~was in Shermans possession. During the night he fortified the position thus secured, making it equal, if not superior, in strength to that -held by the enemy. By 3 oclock of the same day Colonel Long, with his brigade of cavalry, of Thomas army, crossed to the south side of the Tennessee and to the mouth of South Chickamauga Creek, and made ~i raid on the enemys lines of communications. He burned Tyners Station, with many stores, cut the railroad at Cleveland, captured near a hundred wagons and over 200 prisoners. His own loss was small. Hooker carried out the part assigned him for this day equal to the most sanguine expectations. With Gearys division (Twelfth Corps} and two brigades of Stanleys division (Fourth Corps), of Thomas army, and Osterhaus divison (Fifteenth Corps), of Shermans army, he scaled the western slope of Lookout Mountain, drove the enemy from his rifle-pits on the northern extremity and slope of the mount- ain, capturing many prisoners, without serious loss. Thomas, hav- ing done on the 23d with his troops in Chattanooga what was intended for the 24th, bettered, and strengthened his advanced posi- tions during the day, and pushed the Eleventh Corps forward along the south bank of the Tennessee River, across Citico Creek, one bri- gade of which, with Howard in person, reached Sheiman just as he had completed the crossing of the river. When Hooker emerged in sight of the northern extremity of Lookout Mountain, Carlins bri- of the Fourteenth Corps, was ordered to cross Chattanooga & eek and form a junction with him. This was effected late in the evening, and after considerable fighting. Thus on the night of the 24th our forces maintained an unbroken line, with open communica- tions, from the north end of Lookout Mountain, through Chattanooga 3 R RVOL XXXI, PT I Page 34 34 KT., .t~T VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., 4ND ~. 0-A. [CHAP. XLIII. Valley, to the north end of Missionary Ridge. On the morning of the 25th, Hooker took possession of the mountain top with a small force, and with the remainder of his command, in pursuance of orders, sWept across Chattanooga Valley, now abandoned by the enemy, to Rossyille. In this march he was detained four hours building a bridge across Chattanooga Creek. From Rossvll4e he ascended Mis- sionary Ridge and moved northward toward the center of the 110W shortened line. Shermans attack upon the enemys most northern and most vital point was vigorously kept up all day. The assaulting column advanced to the very rifle-pits of the enemy, and held their position firmly and without wavering. The right of the assaulting column being exposed to the danger of being turned, two brigades were sent to its support. These advanced in the most gallant manner over an open field on the mountain side to near the works of the en- emy, and lay there partially covered from fire for some time. The right of these two brigades rested near the head of a ravine or gorge in the mountain side, which the enemy took advantage of, and sent troops, covered from view, below them and to their right rear. Be- ing unexpectedly fired into from this direction, they fell back across the open field below them, and reformed in good order in the edge of the timber. The column which attacked them was speedily driven to its intrenchments by the assaulting column proper. Early on the morning of the 25th the remainder of Howards corps reported to Sherman, and constituted a part of his forces during that days battle, the pursuit, and subsequent advance for the relief of Knoxville. Shermans position not only threatened the right flank of the enemy, but, from his occupying a line across the mountain and to the railroad bridge, across Chickamauga Creek, his rear and stores at Chicka- mauga Station. This caused the enemy to mass heavily against him. This movement of his being plainly seen from the position I occupied on Orchard Knoll, Bairds division, of the Fourteenth Corps, was ordered to Shermans support, but receiving a note from Sherman informing me that he had all the force necessary, Baird was put in position on Thomas left. The appearance of Hookers column was at this time anxiously looked for and momentarily expected, moving north on the ridge with his left in Chattanooga Valley and his right east of the ridge. His approach was intended as the signal for storming the ridge in the center with strong columns, but the time necessarily consumed in the construction of the bridge near Chattanooga Creek detained him to a later hour than was expected. Being satisfied from the latest information from him that he must by this time be on his way from Rossville, though not yet in sight, and discovering that the enemy in his desperation to defeat or resist the progress of Sherman was weakening his center on Missionary Ridge, determined me to order the advance at once. Thomas was accordingly directed to move forward his troops, constituting our center, Bairds division ~ (Fourteenth corps), Woods and Sheridans divisions (Fourth Corps), and Johnsons division (Fourteenth Corps), with a double line of skirmishers thrown out, followed in easy supporting distance by the whole force, and carry the rifle- p its at the foot of Missionary Ridge, and when carried to reform his lines on the rifle-pits with a view to carrying the top of the ridge. These troops moved forward, drove7 the enemy from the rifle-pits~at the base of the ridge like bees from a hivestopped but a moment until the whole were in lineand com- menc~d the ascent of the mountain from right to left almost simu Page 35 C~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 35 taneously, following closely the retreating enemy, without further orders. They encountered a fearful volley of grape and canister from near thirty pieces of artillery and musketry from still well-filled rifle-pits on the summit of the ridge. Not a waver, however, was seen in all that long line of brave men. Their progress was steadily onward until the summit was in their possession. In this charge the casualties were remarkably few for the fire encouutered. I can ac- count for this only on the theory that the enemys surprise at the audacity of such a charge caused confusion and purposeless aiming of their pieces. The nearness of night, and the enemy still resisting the advance of Thomas left, prevented a general pursuit that night, but Sheridan pushed forward to Mission Mills. The resistance on Thomas left being overcome, the enemy aban- doned his position near the railroad tunnel in front of Sherman, and by 12 oclock at night was in full retreat, and the whole of his strong positions on Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Valley, and Missionary Ridge were in our possession, together with a large number of pris- oners, artillery, and small-arms. Thomas was directed to get Gran- ger, with his corps, and detachments enough from other commands, including the force available at Kingston, to make 20,000 men, in readiness to go to the relief of Knoxville, upon the termination of the battle at Chattanooga, these troops to take with them four days rations, and a steam-boat loaded with rations to follow up the river. On the evening of the 2~5th November, orders were given to both Thomas and Sherman to pursue the enemy early the next morning, with all their available force, except that under Granger intended for the relief of Knoxville. On the morning of the 26th, Sherman advanced by way of Chickamauga Station, and Thomas forces, under Hooker and Palmer, moved on the Rossville road toward Graysville and Riuggold. The advance of Thomas forces reached Ringgold on the morning of the 27th, where they found the enemy in strong posi- tion in the gorge and on the crest of Taylors Ridge, from which they dislodged him, after a severe fight, in which we lost heavily in valu~ able officers and men, and continued the pursuit that day until near Tunnel Hill, a distance of 20 miles from Chattanooga. Davis di- vision (Fourteenth Corps), of Shermans column, reached Riuggold about noon of the same day. Howards corps was sent by Sheri7nan to Red Clay to destroy the railroad between Dalton and Cleveland, and thus cut off Braggs communication with Longstreet, which was successfully accomplished. Had it not been for the imperative ne- cessity of relieving Buruside, I would have pursued the broken and demoralized retreating enemy as long as supplies could have been found in the country. But my advices were that Burnsides supplies would only last until about the 3d of December. It was already getting late to afford the necessary relief. I determined, therefore, to pursue no farther. Hooker was directed to hold the position he then occupied (intil the night of the 30th, but to go no farther south at the expense of a fight. Sherman was directed to march to the rail- road crossing of the Hiwassee, to protect Grangers flank until he was across that stream, and to prevent further re-enforcements being sent by that route into East Tennessee. Returning from the front on the 28th, I found that Granger had not yet got off, nor would he have the number of men I had directed. Besides, he moved with reluctance and complaints. I therefore determined, notwithstand- ing the fact that two divisions of Shermans forces had marched fro Page 36 36. KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Memphis, and had gone into battle immedia;tely on their arrival at Chattanooga, to send him with his command, and orders in accord- ance therewith were sent him at Calhoun to assume command of the troops with Granger, in addition to those with him, and proceed, with all possible dispatch, to the relief of Burnside. General Elliott had been ordered by Thomas, on the 26th of November, to proceed from Alexandria, Teun., to Knoxville, with his cavalry division, to aid in the relief of that place. The approach of Sherman caused Longstreet to raise the siege of Knoxville, and retreat eastward on the night of the 4th of December. Sherman succeeded in throwing his cavalry into Knoxville on the night of the 3d. Sherman arrived in person at Knoxville on the 6th, and, after a conference with Burn- side in reference to organizing a pursuing force large enough to either overtake the enemy and beat him or drive him out of the State, Buruside was of the opinion that the corps of Granger, in conjunction with his own command, was sufficient for that purpose, and on the 7th addressed to 8herman the following communication: KNOXVILLE, December 7, 1863. Major-General SHERMAN: I desire to express to YOU and to your command my most hearty thanks and grat- itude for your promptness in coming to our relief during the siege of Knoxville, and I am satisfied that your approach served to raise the siege. The emergency having passed, I do not deem for the present any other portion of your command but the corps of General Granger necessary for operations in this section, and inasmuch as General Grant has weakened the forces immediately with him in order to relieve us, thereby rendering the position of General Thomas less secure, I deem it advisable that all the troops now here, save those commanded by General Granger, should return at once to within supporting distance of the forces in front of Braggs army. In behalf of my command, I again desire to thank you and your command for the kindness you have done us. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. Leaving Grangers command at Knoxville, Sherman, with the re- mainder of his forces, returned by slow marches to Chattanooga. I have not spoken more particularly of the result of the pursuit of the enemy because the more detailed reports accompanying this do the subject justice. For the same reason I have not particularized the p art taken by corps and division commanders. To Brig. Gen. W. 13. Smith, chief engineer, I feel under more than ordinary obli- gations for the masterly manner in which he discharged the duties of his position, and desire that his services be fully appreciated by higher authorities. The members of my staff discharged faithfully their respective duties, for which they have my warmest thanks. Our losses in these battles were 757 killed, 4,529 wounded, and 330 missing; total, 5,616. The loss of tIme enemy in killed and wounded was probably less than ours, owing to the fact that he was protected by his intrenchments, while our men were without cover. At Knox- ville, however, his loss was many times greater than ours, making his entire loss at the two places equal to, if not exceeding, ours. We captured 6,142 prisoners, of whom 239 were commissioned officers, 40 pieces of artillery, 69 artillery carriages and caissons, and 7,000 stand of small-arms. -. The Armies of the Cumberland and the Tenhessee, for their energy and unsurpassed bravery in the three days battle of Chattanooga and the pursuit of the enemy, their patient endurance in marchin Page 37 C~. XLIII.] THE CHAflANOOGARINGGOLI) CAM1AIGN. to the relief of Knoxville, and the Army of the Ohio for its masterly defense of Knoxville and repeated repulses of Longstreets assaults upon that p lace, are deserving of the gratitude of their country. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Col. J. ~. KELTON, Major-General, U. S. Army. As8istant Adjutant-General. ADDENDA. CHATTANOOGA, November 19, 18~3, Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Bridgeport, Ala.: The chief engineer reports that he will require 750 oarsmen to carry out the programme of effecting the crossing of the river. Of this number he has secured all he can from General Thomas com- mand, 375, and will require the balance from your forces. As these men and the brigade who are to fill its boats have to march about 5 miles higher up the river than the balance of the command, II would suggest that the detail be made to-night and they placed in advance for the remainder of the march. The commanding officer of this detachment can be instructed to report to General W. F. Smith for a guide to conduct his march from Browns Ferry to their place of embarkation. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. NOVEMBER 19, [1863.] General GRANT, Chattanooga: General Ewing arrived at Trenton yesterday at 10 a. m. John E. Smiths division is all on the march, and the two other divisions are crossing the river now. I start myself to-day. It is rather slow work crossing the bridge here, but we worked almost all niglrt. I will be at Shellmound or Whitesides to-night, and about General Hookers to-morrow. I will keep the column closed up, and reach the camp opposite Chattanooga as soon as possible. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Bridgeport, Ala.: To-morrow morning I had first set for your attack. I see now it cannot possibly be made then, but can you not get up for the follow- ing morning? Order Ewing down immediately, fixing the time for his starting so that the roads and bridge will be full all the time. I see no necessity for his moving by a circuitous route, but you can bring him as you deem proper, reflecting that time is of vast impor- tance to us now that the enemy are undeceived as to our move up to Trenton. Every effort muSt be made to get up in time to attack on Sunday evening. U. S. GRANT, Major~ General Page 38 38 KY., SW.VA., TIENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cn~& r. XLIIL CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE U. THOMAS, Commanding Department and Army of the Gumberland: GENERAL: On reflection, I think it would be better to let Howard start as soon as possible, making his march and crossing of the river by daylight. Our forces will be seen by the enemy coming out of Lookout Valley, and seeing this force cross into Chattanooga will have a tendency to conceal from them Shermans movement. If it is not practicable to make this change now without interfering too much with uses it was previously intended to put the bridge to, I do not insist on the change being made. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Jliliajor- General. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 20, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Division of the Mississippi, Chattanooga, Teun.: GENERAL: Your letter of this morning, suggesting that General Howard pass across the river in daylight, was handed to me at Fort Wood, and I have taken the earliest opportunity to reply, after re- turning to my quarters. I did not give the order to General How- ard, because, by an arrangement with General Smith, chief engineer, he is to have the exclusive use of the bridge all afternoon, to enable him to pass across the river the balks and chesses for the pontoon bridge to be thrown across the river above. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 20, 1863. Major-General THOMAS, Commanding Department of the Cumberland: GENERAL: A Aote just received from General Sherman, giving present position of his forces, shows an entire impossibility for him to get all his troops up and over Browns Ferry before to-morrow night. His attack cannot be made, therefore, before Sunday. morn- ing (22d), if then. I have written to him to use all dispatch to be ready by that time. You can make your arrangements for this delay. You can exercise your own judgment about bringing How- ard across to-night, as previously directed. The only advantage in it will be in getting continuous use out of the bridges. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 39 CHAP. XLIII.] TilE CIIATTANOOGARLNG43OLD CAMPAIGN. 39 CHATTANOOGA, November 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Bridgeport, Ala.: I am directed by the general commanding to say that, in order to avoid delay, you will have your troops pass your transportation and move up at once, leaving only a sufficient force to guardyour trains. JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Department of the Cumberland: GENERAL: I have just received a report of the position of Sher- mans forces. The raid last night has thrown them back so much that it will be impossible for him to get into position for action to- morrow morning. He will be up, however, against all calamities that can be foreseen, to commence on Monday morning. - Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, iJiajor- General, Commandiri~g. CHATTANOOGA, November 22, 1863, Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Near Chattanooga: Owing to the late hour when Ewing will get up, if he gets up at all to-night, and the entire impossibility of Woods reaching in time to participate to-morrow, I have directed Thomas that we will delay yet another day. Let me know to-morrow, at as early an hour as you can, if you will be entirely ready for Tuesday.morning. I would prefer Woods should be up to cross with the balance of your com- mand, but if he can [not] be up in time to cross as soon as your pontoons are laid, I would prefer you should commence without h im, to delaying another day. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. CHATTANOOGA, November 22, 1~63. Brig. Gen. CHARLES R. Woons, Comdg. First Div., Army of the Tenn., near Chattanooga: You must get up with your force to-morrow without fail. Pass the wagon train and leave it to follow with rear guard. If you, can- not get up with your artillery, come without it, leaving it to follow. I will expect the head of your column at Browns Ferry by 10 a. m. to-morrow (23d) without fail. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. (One copy of above sent commanding officer at,Whitesides, one~ to commanding offiter at Bridgeport, and they ordered to forward by courier. Page 40 40 KY., SW.. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISIoN OF THE Mississijwi, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Army of the Cumberland: GENERAL: The bridge at Browns Ferry being down to-day, and tlie excessively bad roads since the last rain, will render it impossi- ble for Sherman to get up either of his two remaining divisions in time for the attack to-morrow morning. With one of them up, and which would have been there now but for the accident to the bridge, I would still make the attack in the morning, regarding a day gained as of superior advantage to a single division of troops. You can make your arrangements for this delay. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Army of the Cumberland: GENERAL: Up to the hour I left General Shermans headquarters 3. ~0 this afternoon, General Davis had not reported to him. If Davis has not received orders to report to Sherman, and to receive his di- rections directly from him during the present movement, please so instruct him at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, November 23, 18633.30 a. m. Major FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: I have the honor to forward you the following informa- tion obtained from two deserters who came inside the lines of this division after 12 this a. m. These men state the rebel army is retreating. Say the troops whicli passed over the ridge yesterday were goin to hickamauga Sta- tion. They say the rumor in camps was yesterday that by this even- ing there would be nothing but their pickets left. Say their wagon trains had be~en ordered in (they had been kept to the rear for forag- ing purposes). They fully corroborate the statement of prisoners received yesterday morning as to their artillery having all left. I send the prisoners to corps provost-marshal herewith. Respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. J. WOOD, Brig. Gen., U. S; Vols.;~Comdg., General Officer of the Day. (Forwarded to General Grant. Page 41 Ciw~. XLIII.] THE dHATTANOO4S~ARINGG OLD CAMPAIGN. 41 HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Chattanooga, November 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commitnding Army of the Cumberland: GENERAL: The truth or falsity of the deserters who came in last night, stating that Bragg had fallen back, should be ascertained at once. If he is really falling back, Sherman can commence at once laying his pontoon trains, and we can save a day. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Camp opposite Chiclcamauga, November 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Chattanooga: DEAR GENERAL: I received your letter at the hands of Captain Audenried, and immediately made the orders for the delay of twenty hours. I need not express how I felt, that my troops shoul~l & tuse delay, but I know Woods must have cause, else he would not delay. Whitakers and Crufts troops fill the road, doubtless, and it must be a ditch full of big rocks. But Ewing is up, and if possible Woods or Osterhaus (for I got an orderly in the night announcing that he had overtaken and would resume command to-day) will be also. But in any event we will move at midnight, and I will try the Missionary Ridge to-morrow morning, November 24, in the manner prescribed in my memorandum order for to-day. I will use -the Second Divis- ion in place of the First as guide, and Jeff. C. Davis division will act as reserve, and bring me forward the artillery as soon as the bridge is put down. I will try and get out at least six guns in the first dash for the hills. As.you ask for positive information, I answer: No cause on earth will induce me to ask for longer delay, and to-night at midnight we move. What delays may occur in: the pontoons I cannot foretell. I will get Jeff. C. Davis to make some appearances opposite Harrison, to make believe our troops are moving past Bragg to interpose be- tween him and Longstreet. Every military reason now sanctions a general attack. Longstreet is absent, and we expect no more re-enforcements, therefore we should not delay another hour, and should put all our strength in the at- tack. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, - Major-General. HDQRS; MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: General Thomas tQAay advanced his lines about 1,200 yards, carrying the enemys first line of rifle-pits, and now occupies Orchard Knoll, in front of Fort Wood, and the rifle- p its and range of hills to the right ef it. He will fortify and hold the ground thu Page 42 4b KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AN~ N. GA. [C~r. XLIII. taken. General Howards corps is advanced to the railroad bridge next to the river and to the left of Fort Wood, and will occupy this advanced position to-night, and from there move early in the morn- ing, hugging the river closely, to form a junction with you. Our loss was light; the enemys, in killed and wounded, supposed to be small. We captured full 200 prisoners. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 1863. Brigadier-General WooDs, (Care Major-General Hooker): If the bridge is in readiness for you to cross between now and 8 a. m. to-morrow, cross over and come immediately to Chattanooga, in the absence of further orders. Should you not be able to cross by that time, report to General Hooker, to join him in a~y effort he may be calle on o make. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. BALD MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION, November 23, 1863. Major-General GRANT: Sherman has four divisions across. General Woods has come up and is now embarking. Six pontoons more will complete the bridge. Howard has halted about half a mile from Sherman, and made his men lie down. The rebels have men behind the railroad bank to right of the tunneL Cannot see whether few or many. C. A. DANA. (Similar dispatch to Thomas.) NOVEMBER 24, 186311.20 a. m. General SHERMAN: Thomas forces are confronting enemys line of rifle-pits, which seem to be but weakly dined with troops. Considerable movement has taken place on to p of the ridge toward you. Howard has sent a - force to try~and flank the enemy on our left, and to send through to communicate with you. Until I do hear from you I am loath to give any orders for a general engagement. Hooker seems to have been engaged for some time, but how I have not heard. Does there seem to be a force prepared to receive you east of the ridge? SenQ me word what can be done to aid you. Yours, -. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 43 C~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINOGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 43 NOVEMBER 24, 186312.40 p. m. Maj. Gen. 0. 0. HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: Resist but bring on no attack until otherwise directed unless troops to riglit or left of you become engaged: In that case push your line forward or to the right or left, as circumstances may require. The open space between you and Sherman cannot be closed until Sher~ man advances to shorten it. General Thomas is not here, but I will communicate this order to him as soon as he can be found. U. S. GRANT, Major~.General. NOVEMBER 24, 186312.40 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS: General Howard reports enemy moving on Schurz front. Hold reserVes of Granger, or a portion of his force, if there are no reserves to spare, to be in readiness to move to Howards assistance, if he is attacked. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 24, 18631 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: Shermans bridge was completed at 12 in., at which time all his farce was over, except one division. That division was to cross im- mediately when his attack would commence. Your forces should attack at the same time, and either detain a force equal to their ow~i or move to the left to the support of Sherman, if he should re- quire it. U. S. GRANT, Mojor- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Near Chattanooga: You will attack the enemy at the point most advantageous from your position at early dawn to-morrow morning (25th instant). Gen- eral Thomas has been instructed to commence, the attack early to- morrow morning..~ He will carry the enemys rifle-pits in his imme- diate front, or move to the left to your support, as circumstances may determine best. General Hooker carried the point and eastern slope of Lookout Mountain to-day, and now holds the line from the white house to the point where the railroad passes beneath the mountain down to the river at the Chattanooga side. He reports that his men are un- flinching and cannot be driven fr6m their position, which they are strengthening every moment; that the enemy still holds the top of Lookout Mountain, and he cannot prevent it until he can get aroun Page 44 44 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [ciii~. XLIII and take possession of the Summertown road, which he is informed will require him to descend into the valley. He has captured two guns, and he thinks full 2,000 prisoners. Our loss is not severe, he says. Carlins brigade crossed over Chattanooga Creek from here to Lookout late this afternoon to Hookers support. It has had con- siderable fighting. The enemys wagon trains were seen passing between 2 and 3p.m. down the Summertown road from the top of the mountain to Chat- tanooga Valley. 113y order Major-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. MILITARY DIvISI& N OF THE Mississippi, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Army of the Cumberland: GENERAL: General Sherman carried Missionary Ridge as far as the tunnel, with only slight skirmishiAg. His right now rests at the tunnel and on top of the hill; his left at Chickamauga Creek. I have instructed General Sherman to advance as soon as it is light in the morning, and your attack, which will be simultaneous, will be in co-operation. Your command will either carry the rifle-pits and ridge directly. in front of them or move to the left, as the presence of the enemy may require. If Hookers present position on the mountain can be maintained with a small force, and it is found impracticable to carry the top from where he is, it would be advisable for him to move up the valley with all the force he can spare and ascend by the first practicable road. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT Major-General, Commanding. MISSION RIDGE STATION, November 25, 186312.45 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Where is Thomas? SHERMAN, Major-General. ~ ORCHARD KNOB, November 25, 18631 p. m. Major-General SHERMAN: I am here; my right is closi Missionary Ridge. ng in from Lookout Mountain toward GEG. H. THOMAS, Major- General Page 45 C~. XLIII 1 THE CIIALTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 45 CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Near Chattanooga: If YOU can, without interfering with the disposition of your troops for the attack, put in the brigade of Howards corps now with you on your right, so that it may fall in on the left of its own corps as soon as the condition of affairs will permit, you will please do so, as his corps is small. ~. ~. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: I am directed by the general commanding to say that you will start a strong reconnaissance in the morning at ~ a. in., to ascertain the position of the enemy. If it is ascertained that the enemy are in full retreat, follow them with all your force, except that which you intend Granger to take to Knoxville. This will make sufficient force to retain here. I have ordered Sherman to pursue also, he taking the most easterly road used by the enemy, if they have taken more than one. Four days rations should be got up to the men between this and morning, and also a supply of ammunition. I shall want Grangers expedition to get off by the day after to-morrow. By order of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- General, and Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Near Chattanooga. No doubt you witnessed the handsome manner in which Thomas troops carried Missionary Ridge this afternoon, and can feel a just pride, too, in the part taken by the forces under your command in taking, first, so much of the same range of hills, and then in attract- ing the attention of so many of the enemy as to make Thomas part certain of success. The next thing now will be to relieve Burnside. I have heard from him to the evening of the 23d. At that time he had from ten to twelve days supplies, and spoke hopefully of being able to hold out that length of time. My plan is to move your forces out gradually, until they reach the railroad between Cleveland and Dalton. Granger will move up the south side of the Tennessee with a column of 20,000 men, taking no wagons, or but few, with him. His men will carry four days rations with them, and the steamer Chattanooga, loaded with rations, will accompany the expedition. I take it for granted that Braggs entire force has left. If not, of course the first thing is to dispose of him. If he has gone, the only thing necessary to do to-morrow will be to send out a reconnaissance to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy. U. S. GRANT, Major-General Page 46 46 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AND N. GA. [O& AP. XLIII. P. S.On reflection, I think we will push Bragg with all our strength to-morrow, and try if we cannot cut off a good portion of his new troops and trains. His men have manifested a btrong desire to desert for some time past, and we will now give them a chance. I will instruct Thomas accordingly. Move the advance f6rce early on the most easterly road taken by the enemy. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF- THE Mississippi, In the Field, Chattanooga, November 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Army of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch received. Thomas was ordered to pur- sue with all his force, except Grangers, on the road the enemy re- treated, and is no doubt in motion before this. The general commanding will be with the pursuing column, that he may give such general directions on the field as circumstances may suggest. Until you receive other orders, you will follow up the enemy on the most easterly road he may have takeii, as directed by dispatch of last evening, being governed by your own judgment and the enemys movements, the object being to bring him to battle again, if possible. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS Brigadier- General, and Chief of Staff. HDQR5. MILITARY DivisioN OF THE MississIppi, In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 26, 1863. (Received 27th.) Maj. Gem GEORGE H. THOMAS, Commanding Department and Army of the Cumberland: GENERAL: Sherman put Jeff. C. Davis division in motion to pur- sue the enemy about midnight last night. Howards corps followed at 4 a. m. this morning, and ordered his other three divisions to close up by Chickamauga Depot. He crossed on pontoon bridge at mouth of Chickamauga, and goes up on east side all the way. You will please move in the direction of the enemy all the force indicated for the pursuit in your orders of last night with all possi- ble dispatch. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff. ~ RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 186312.30 p. m. Major-General SHERMAN, Commanding Army of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Hooker has engaged the enemy here, strongly posted on the hills. It looks as if it will be hard to dislodge them. If you can move down with a force east of the ridge on the east side o Page 47 Ciiii~. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANOOGARINNGOLD CAMPAIGN. 47 the railroad it will effectually turn the enemys position. I do not care about the pursuit being continued farther south. I am anxious, however, to have the Cleve an and Dalton Railroad effectually de- stroyed. I thinkone brigade will be sufficient to do this. They can move on any road most direct, and should go without a wagon. If you know any reason why one brigade will not be sufficient for the duty indicated, or why a force sufficient for it should not be detached at this time, you need not send them until you can com- municate with me. Yours, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 18631 p. m. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS~ Near Chattanooga: Hooker has just driven the enemy from this place, capturing three pieces of artillery and some prisoners. Sherman is near by. It is reported by citizens that Longstreet is expected to-morrow, afid that the enemy will make a stand at Dalton. I do not intend to pursue farther however. I think it best not torely on statements of citi- zens altogether. You will direct Granger, therefore, to start at once, marching as rapidly as possible. to the relief of Burnside. Should he obtain satisfactory evidence that Longstreet has abandoned the siege of Knoxville, he will return at once. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ringgold, Ga., November 27, 18637.30 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Colonel Grose, commanding brigade sent toward Tunnel Hill, re- ports that Bragg and Breckinridge staid last night at a house 2 miles from here, on the left of the road; Hardee and Cleburne about a mile from here; that the enemy are in strong force about 2 miles from here. They have burned a long railroad bridge about 24 miles distant, the second bridge from here. Hardee made remark at break- fast this a. in., Longstreet was in extremely critical position. The road good, and no evidence of any train stalled. Citizen said no heavy train passed since 9 a. m. They had 2 of our wounded pris- oners, which Colonel Grose brought in. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Gn,aysville, November 2810.10. General GRANT: DEAR GENERAL: I have been over to see Generals Davis and Howard, and will start to-morrow for Cleveland. Will be to-morrow night near a point marked Tuckers on the Coast Survey map. Ge Page 48 48 Ky., SW VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. oral Howard moves by the old Alabama road, and Davis and Blair by the Ringgold and Ooltewah road. Now I hear that the cavalry have already destroyed a large part of the railroad about Cleveland, and I infer from the dispatches that Colonel Duff has shown me that Longstreet is yet (27th) at or near Knoxville, passing rather above Knoxville, and that Sam. Jones is coming to him from Abingdon. General Hooker also has sent me a copy of his report to you, that Bragg is collecting his army at Tun- nel Hill, and that he has held on to Palmer. Now these may change your plans. If so, send me orders via Tyners and Ooltewah. It may be imprudent to spread too much. That was Rosecrans mis- take, and we should not commit it. Unless I receive orders I will go to Calhoun, and find out some- thing definite about Longstreet, and if he is coming down we must thwart him. I dont like to see Hooker alarmed, but it would be prudent to have the road cleared of all the trains, ambulances, cais- sons, & c., that are now sticking in the mud. Hooker also has too much artillery to move witli anything like expedition. Yours, truly, W. T. SHER1~~AN, Major- General. GRAYSVILLE, GA., November 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding Right Wing, Army in the Field: General Sherman will start with his force for Loudon, leaving to- morrow morning. You will -remain where you are during the 29th and 30th, or advance toward Dalton, if you find it practicable to do so without a battle. Should you be able to get a force into Dalton, destroy all materials that might be used in the support of ati army. The object in remaining where you are is to protect Shermans flank while he is moving toward Cleveland and Loudon. If, there- fore, you should become satisfied that a force of the enemy move up the Dalton and Cleveland road, you wilr either attack them or move into Dalton behiud them after they have passed, as you may rogard most favorable. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 28, 18635 p. m. Major-General GRANT: GENERAL: I have received your note regarding General Sher- mans movement and my remaining here, and so forth. This noon an orderly of General Johnstons, as he represented him- self, came into our lines and reports the enemy re-enforcing and in~ trenching at Tunnel Hill. A column of troops from General Joe Johnston, he reports, sent to i!e-enforce Bragg. That General Cheat- hams division was marching back to Tunnel Hill this morning, and that the enemy were advancing this side of Tunnel Hill. There ha Page 49 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIAfl~7ANO0GARINGG0LD CAMPAIGN. 49 ijo opportunity occurred yet for me to ascertain the truth of this report. General Thomas has ordered General Palmers corps ba~ to Chattanooga. I have taken the liberty of detaining General Palmer until I can send a copy of your order to General Thomas. I am, very respectfu1ly~, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. CHATTANOOGA, Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, November 29, 1863. Commanding Fourth Corps: It is now ascertained that up to the 26th instant Longstreet had not abandoned the si& g~ 6f Knoxville. Now that Braggs army has been driven from Chattanooga, there is no reason to suppose he will abandon the siege until forced to do so by re-enfprcements sent to Burnsides aid, when he will ~robably take up his march eastward to rejoin Lee about Richmon , or ha t where he comes to Fajlroad communication with Richmond, but where he can still threaten East Tennessee. On the 23d instant, General Burnside telegraphed that his rations would hold out ten or twelve days; at the end of this time, unless relieved from the outside, he must surrender or retreat. The latter will be an impossibility. You are now going for the pur- pose of relieving this garrison. You see the short time in which relief must be afforded or be too late, and hence the necessity for forced marches. I want to urge upon you in the strongest possible manner the necessity of reaching Burnside in the shortest time. Our victory here has been complete, and if Longstreet can be driven from East Tennessee, the damage to the Confederacy will be the most crushing they have experienced during the war. This important task is now intrusted to you, and it is expected that you will do your part well. Use as sparingly as possible of the rations you take with you. Replenish all you can from what you find on the road, giving receipts in order that settlements may be made with loyal persons hereafter. Deeming what is here said [sufficient] to show you the impor- tance of great promptitude in the present movement, I subscribe myself, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: News is received from Knoxville to the morning of the 27th. At thal time the place was invested, but the attack on it was not vigor- ous, Longstreet evidently having determined to starve the garrison out. Granger is on the way to Burnsides relief, but I have lost all faith in his energy and capacity To manage an expedition of the im- portance of this one. I am inclined to think, therefore, that I shall have to send you. 4 B B VOLXXXI. PT I Page 50 50 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA.~, AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Push as rapidly a~ you can to the Hiwassee and detprmine for your. self what force to take with you from that point. Granger has his corps with him, from which you will select in conjunction with the forces now with you. In plain words, you will assume command of all the forces now moving up the Tennessee, including the garrison at Kingston, and from that force organize what you deem proper to relieve Buruside. The balance send back to Chattanooga. Granger has a boat loaded with provisions, which you can issue and return the boat. I will have another loaded to follow you. Use, of course, as sparingly as possible from the rations taken with you, and subsist off the country all you can. It is expected that Foster is moving by this time from Cumberland a on noxville. I do not know what force he has with him, but p resume it will range from 3,500 to 5,000. I leave this matter to you, knowing that you will do better acting upon y our discretion than yon could trammeled with instructions. I Will only add that the as advices from Burnside himself indicated his ability to hold out rations only to about the 3d December. U. S. GRANT, Major7 General. CHATTANOOGA, November 29, 18637 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Commanding, & c., near Ring gold, Ga.: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your note of November 28, 5 p. in., and to say that your detention of Palmers corps is approved, and in view of the bare probability that the enemy may have assumed a menacing atti- tude in your front. you are authorized to detain Palmer as long as you may think necessary. In anticipation of your return here in a few days, and the prob- able continuance of bad roads, the general thinks you had better send back your extra artillery and wagons at once. J. H. WILSON, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ringgold, Ga., November 29, 18631 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Your dispatch of 7 a. m. received. I notified General Thomas of n~y detention of Palmers corps la~t evening by the same courier that carriedi the dispatch to you. At the same time General Palmer notified General Thomas, asking for orders in view of his having been ordered to Chattanooga by General Thomas. General Thomas reply, dated at midnight, to General Palmer, ordered him to return at once. Upon General Palmer showing me this order I of course directed his compliance with it. He has been gone some three hours with his command. The enemy are unquestionably prepared to make a defense at Tunnel Hill, but the only force that has shown itself in front of my advance pickets has been a body of about 5 Page 51 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 51 cavalry. I do not think it is their intention to make an advtwice movement. I will know more concerning their position and move- ments as soon as my detachment of cavalry heft in direction of Trenton comes up. I expect them every moment. All the wagons, except those required to take back two steam-engines, have been re- turned. We have only two batteries here. I inclose copy* of a letter captured here, written by one of General Hardees staif. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MIL. Div. OF THE Miss., No. ~. ~. In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., December 8, 1863. The general commanding takes great pleasure in publishing to the brave armies under his command the following telegraphic dispatch just received from the President of the United States: WASHINGTON, December 8, 1868. Major-General GRANT: Understanding that your lodgment at Chattanooga and Knoxville is now secure, I wish to tender you and all under your command my more than thanks, my pro- foundest gratitude for the skill, courage, and perseverance with which yow and they, over so great difficulties, have effected tl~at important object. God bless you all. A. LINCOLN. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, As8istant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. MiL. DIV. OF THE MISS., No. ~. In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., December 10, 1863. The general commanding takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks and congratulations to the brave armies of the Cum- berland, the Ohio, the Tennessee, and their comrades from the Potomac, for the recent splendid and decisive successes achieved, over the enemy. In a short, time you have recovered from him the control of the Tennessee River, from Bridgeport to Knoxville; you, dislodged him from his great stronghold upon Lookout Mountain; drove him from Chattanooga Valley; wrested from his determined grasp the possession of Missionary Ridge; repelled, with heavy loss to him, his repeated assaults upon Knoxville, forcing him to raise the siege theP3; driving him at all points, utterly routed and dis- comfited, beyond the limits of the State. By you.r noble heroism and determined courage you have most effectually defeated the plans of the enemy for regaining possession of the States of Ken- tucky and Tennessee. You have secured positions from which no rebellious power can drive or dislodge you. For all this the general commanding thanks you colk~ctively and individually. The loyal people of the United States thank and bless you. Their hopes and * Not found Page 52 52 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. prayers for your success agaiust this unholy rebellion are with you daily. Their faith in you will not be in vain. Their hopes will not be blasted. Their prayers to Almighty God will be answered. You will yet go to other fields of strife, and, with the invincible bravery and unflinching loyalty to justice and right which have character- ized you in the past, you will prove that no enemy can withstand you, au(l that no defenses, however formidable, can check your onward march. By order of iMaj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 398. Washington, December 21, 1863. The following joint resolution by the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives of the United States is published to the Army: JOINT UE5OLUTION of thanks to Maj. Gen. Ulysses 5. Grant and the officers and soldiers who have fought under his command during this rehellion; and providing that the President of the United 5tates Shall cause a medal to he struck, to be presented to Major-General Grant in the name of the people of the United States of America. Be it resolved by tie Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Coagress assembled, That the thanks of Congress be, and they hereby - are, presented to Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, and through him to the officers and soldiers who have fought under his command during this rebellion, for their gal- Jantry and good conduct in the battles in which they have been engaged; and that the President of the United States be requested to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be presented to Major-General Grant. SEC. 2. And be it further resolved, That, when the said medal shall have been struck, the President shall cause a copy of this joint resolution to be engrossed on parchment, and shall transmit the same, together with the said medal, to Major- General Grant, to be presented to him in the name of the people of the United States of America. SEC. 3. And be it farther resolved, That a sufficient sum of money to carry this resolution into effect is hereby appropriated out of any money in the Treasury riot otherwise appropriated. SCHUYLER COLFAX, Speaker of the House of Representatives. H. HAMLIN, 1~ice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. Approved December 17, 1863. A. LINCOLN. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General. No~5. Dispatches of iMir. Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War, October 30December 12. * CHATTANOOGA, October 30, 1863~5 p. m. Nothing important since morning. Rain all day. Hooker has been ordered to change his weak position for a very strong line run- ning diagonally across Lookout Valley, his right covering the Kel * For Mr. Danas reports, October 2130, see Part I, p. 68, and for his reports, No- vember 13December 12, relating to operations ~n East Tennessee1 see I~art I, p. 2~8 Page 53 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 53 bys Ferry Road and resting on Raccoon Mountain, while his left rests on one of the series of mamelons which form our bridge-head and extend up the valley. Palmers troops sent hence on Saturday night to co-operate with Hooker at Rankins Ferry have not got up yet, it having been found impossible to get the pontoon bridge from Bridgeport Junction up the river from Shellmound. Palmer is also greatly to blame for en- cumbering himself with wagons contrary to orders, and for leaving his artillery to get up Waldens Ridge without the assistance he had been ordered to furnish by providing ropes and men to drag the pieces up the ascent. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [C. A. DANA.] CHATTANOOGA, October 31, 18639 p. m. Enemy has continued his useless shelling from LookoutwMountain to-day. No other demonstrations. Steam-boat Chattanooga has landed two cargoes from Bridgeport at Kelleys Ferry to-day. The Paint Rock has been repaired, and leaves Bridgeport to-night atl2 oclock. Everything here prosperous. We have buried 130 rebels, killed in the night battle of the 28th. Weather fine. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 1, 126312m. Enemy quiet. Weather splendid. River risen 5 feet. Bridge here broken by drift; eight pontoons crushed and carried off. Bridge at Lookout Valley uninjured. Paint Rock arrived safely at Kelleys Ferry. Four days rations for whole army landed there since yesterday morning. Another captured steam-boat, the Dun- bar, has been lying here ever since Chattanooga was first occupied, waiting for some inconsiderable repairs to her machinery. The quartermasters department, which has charge of these repairs, has shown culpable negligence or incapacity in making them. The, Dunbar is a powerful boat, able to ascend the Suck without warp- ing. She can carry 350 tons freight. It is still uncertain when she will be ready. Hookers forces occupied their new line yesterday. As soon as the timber in his front is slashed his position will be exce~dingiy strong. Palmers division has at last got across the river at Shell- mound. One brigade is stationed at Whitesides to hold that gap and one at Shellmound occupies the passes which debonch there, and the remainder is to hold Moores Gap and the bridge-head op- posite Bridgeport. Palmer himself is sick from exposure on his re- cent march and the effects of ~ wound received here a month since. Grant has assigned him to command Fonrte~nth Corps, and lie has accepted, although three weeks ago he put his resignation in hands of Rosecrans for the reason that lie was not tliei~ made a corps co Page 54 54 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. mander. He is a good division general and a sensible man, but hardly equal to this new position. Rousseau is deeply grieved be- cause Palmer is put over him. Ten 20-pounder rifle guns have been ordered from Nashville to be placed on a hill on the north side of the river, bearing on the head of Lookout Mountain. Some 30 guns will also be placed on the maine- lons in Lookout Valley within 1,800 or 2,000 yards of the same object, and with the fire of all this artillery it is probable we can drive the enemy from that point, andthus open the river all the way to this place. Everything should be ready by Wednesday. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary (if War. CHATTANOOGA, November 1, 18634 p. m. Having got short an(l rapid transportation for subsistence, a new difticulty suddenly appears. It seems that we have no subsistence stores at Stevenson, and that our steam-boats actually havd to come up the river with light loads. The fault is with Lieutenant-Colonel Simmons, commissary of the department, and Captain Little, depot commissary at Nashville. There is no excuse for them, for even the universal intermeddling and non-action of Rosecrans cannot have prevented the bringing up of rations. They should, in my ~iudg- ment, be at once dismissed from the service, but when I told Gen- eral Thomas that I should ask you to dismiss them, he begged that such punishment might not be inflicted, since it was not certain that the fault was not with Rosecrans. General Reynolds, however, thinks both ought to be summarily dealt with. I promised Thomas that I would make no recommendation with respect to Simmons, but would simply report the facts. Thomas applies to-day for new chief commissary. I recommend Col. Clark B. Lagow and Col. Joseph C. McKibbin, additional aides, be mustered out. The first belongs to Grant, who desires to get rid of him. The second, Rosecrans sent away for drunkenness. Both are worthless fellows, who earn no part of their pay. Grant has dispatches from Sherman dated 27th, at Florence. One brigade was at Tuscumbia, and would have to march back to East- port to cross the river. A regiment of Alabama cavalry, which S herman had sent south to eut the railroad, had beeii worsted. Sher- mans advance is necessarily slow, much as he is needed here. Burn- side desires a diversion to be made by Thomas; but, as I have before reported, this army is immovable for want of animals, forage, and subsistence. Bridge nearly repaired. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 2, 186312 m. Enemy firing occasi6nally from Lookout Mountain upon our lines in Chattanooga. No (lamage Page 55 CHAP. XLILL.] THE CHATTANOOG ARLNGG0LD CAMPAIGN. 55 Sixteen pontoons of the bridge herb were carried away about day- light this morning, and have gone down the river. Four were crushed yesterday. It is thus impracticable for the present to restore this bridge, and connnumcation across the river is now had by means of fiat-boats only. A flying bridge is being rigged, and will be at work before dark. Large fiats are being made for use as flying bridges. The Browns Ferry bridge is reported broken, but we have no offi- cial report, and p resume the bridge is now in order. Both these bridges were made here. A regular pontoon bridge, which was laid across at Shellmound during Hookers movement, has been brought up to Kelleys Ferry, and is to come here, but it will take much time to get it up past the rapids by hand, where General Thomas is un- ~y~rilling to risk either of the steam-boats in towing. It is evident that pontoon bridges cannot stand the winter freshets, and General Meigs, whose services here are invaluable just now, has given orders for permanent structures. I have to report Brigadier-General Whitaker as drunk and disorderly in public, at the Browns Ferry bridge, yesterday. We have conflicting reports respecting the movement of rebel troops up the river, but the balance of evidence seems to me to show that it still continues. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 2, 18638 p. m. Rebels fired about a dozen shells around Thomas headquarters this afternoon. Nobody hurt. Browns Ferry bridge, broken this morning, was restored at 4 p. m. Bridge here still open; cannot be finished before to-morrow night. Flying bridges will be done by that time. Dispatches from Shermans army to 30th received. His advance was still at Florence. Latest reports from up river indicate rebels have sent there a corps of observation merely, consisting of divisions of Breckinridge and Stevenson, under Cheatham. Warm. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. K M. STANTON. Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, Norember 3, 186310 a. m. Thanks to energetic efforts of General Reynolds, subsistence stores are coming forward. One hundred thousand rations landed at Kel- leys Ferry yesterday, and 150,000 are to be landed there to-day. Captain Fry, shipping commissary, Louisville, complains railroad there leaves subsistence stores waiting for days in railroad depot. Work on fortifications here, suspended since occupation of Look- out Valley, resumed to-morrowX General Meigs has brought up the necessary tools, and 4,000 men will be worked daily. Works finished in fourteen days, when 10,000 m~n can be left here ajid remainder o Page 56 56 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAI~. XLIII. army moved into Lookout Valley for convenience of supply. The position there is naturally much stronger for us than this. Enemy is concentrating on and about Lookout Mountain. Many new camp fires appeared there last night. Their force at Stevens Gap, especially, seems to be strengthened. Engineers report that gaps at Whitesides, Nickajack, and Moores Spring can be fortified without much work, so that small force can resist any attack. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 4, 18639 p. m. Examination of Lookout Valley to-day shows no rebel force on that slope of the head of the mountain. No firing from battery on summit. Many deserters came in to-day. All report Buckner and Cheatham gone up river. Weather very warm; clear. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 4, 1863Er p. m. Dispatch from Sherman, dated Eastport, 31st, just received. Two gunboats~and 3 ferry-boats had just reached him, enabling to cross his troops rapidly. The two divisions which had advanced to Tus- cumbia, which I have before erroneously reported as one brigade, had reached Eastport. With Ewings and John E. Smiths divis- ions, which were already over, Sherman would immediately march to Athens. Could take only ten days rations, and could use the corn and meat of the country freely. Shermans army is 30,000 strong. No news from Burnside. Grant thinks no more than 20,000 men have gone against Burnside from here. Anderson, at Nashville, reports railroad better supplied with roll- ing stock than was supposed. Will be able at once to send down 60 freighted cars daily, and in a few days 70. Of these, Thomas requires 35 to be loaded with subsistence stores, no matter what the demand for other transportation. The steam-boats on this river, which have hitherto come up no farther than Kelleys Ferry, are henceforth to come to Browns Ferry, and land their cargoes at Lookout Valley bridge. This will save about 8 miles wagoning. but will materially lengthen the time required for the voyage, as it takes as long to pass up the rapids as to make all the remainder of the trip from Bridge- port here. I suggest that gunboats of very light draught should be ~C provided fo~ this part of the Tennessee. General Meigs has taken measures to increase the number of transport steam-boats. The Dun- bar still lies here. Her machinery is promised at Nashville next week. This steam-boat was brought from Fort Henry over the shoals after Grant captured that place. Grant desires me to go up to Burn- side, and, if I do not hear from you to the contrary I propose to start about Saturday. - [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 57 Ca~. XLIIL] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 57 CHATTANOOGA, November 5, 1863li a. m. Spies from rebel camps report Buckners corps, Cheathams corps, including Hiudmans division and that formerly commanded by Cheatham, together with division of Breckinridge, as gone to East Tennessee. Their places in lines here occupied by Georgia militia. Force before Chattanooga stated at 8,000. All withdrawn from Look- out Valley except pickets on west slope of the mountain point and cavalry force at Trenton, variously stated at from 600 to 2,000. Three brigades infantry on summit of Lookout Mountain. Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson returned from laying out fortifications to protect the river between here and Bridgeport; reports that at Moores Spring there is no gap or defile in Raccoon Mountain, but that many practicable descents from the top can be found there. Accordingly, the bridge-head at Bridgeport must be the main de- fense for that part of the line. All the mountains in this country are but elevated plateaus, and good roads can be made across their tops in any direction. The difficulties are in ascending and descend- ing. A Union refugee from Montgomery; who was recently at. Mobile, reports only 4,000 troops there. Grant and Thomas considering plan proposed by W. F. Smith to advance our pickets on the left to Citico Creek, about a mile in front of the position they have occupied from the first, and to threaten the seizure of the northwest extremity of Missionary Ridge. This, taken in connection with our present demonstration in Lookout Valley, will compel themto concentrate and come back from Burnside to fight here. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 6, 18635 p. m. No movement of enemy except continuance of harmless shelling from Lookout Mountain. Thomas has spent day visiting Hookers lines in Lookout Valley. Lines vei~y negligently placed and work on rifle-pits badly done. Apparently this is the first time Howard has ridden the lines of his corps. Hooker seems to pay little attention to his duties. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 7, 186310 a. m. Second Lieut. A. C. A. Huntington, Company E, Eighth Georgia Infantry, deserted to us last night. He is a Northern man, who had lived in Georgia before the war,j~nd was forced into the service. His manner and statements bear the stamp of truth. He reports that Cheatham and Stevenson moved up the river some time ago, and that Longstreet marched with Hoods and McLaws divisions on Wedne Page 58 58 Kr., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N: ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. day and Thursday last, one of McLaws brigades, to which Hunt. ingtou belonged, having been withdrawn from Lookout Mountain on Wednesday night. The artillery of the corps was sent by way of Chickamauga Depot to Dalton and Cleveland, the (lirect Knoxville railroad not having been reopened. Hoods division enbamped at Tyners Station on Wednesday night, and it was well understood among the officers of the corps that they were going by way of Lon- don to join Cheatham, and co-operate with a force from Lees army on the east in driving Burnside out of East Tennessee. A citizen of London, who left that place on Monday last, reports to Thomas that Cheathams force was collecting all the corn and cat- tie of the country and sending them south, and that Cheatham was about to move up the Sweet Water Valley, with a view to fording the Little Tennessee at Morganton. Huntington says that there is now only one brigade on and about the head of Lookout Mountain, but they have four lines of intrench- ments on the summit to defend the head of the mountain against assault by a force ascending Nickajack trace from Lookout Valley. The opinion prevails in Braggs army that Thomas is about to fall back to Stevenson to procure, supplies, and they regard pur occupa- tion of Lookout Valley as intended merely to secure our retreat. Bragg is giving thirty and forty day furloughs to men who bring in a certain number of recruits; convalescents are also brought up in considerable numbers. The total force now under Bragg, Huntington estimates at 90,000 men, in better condition than is usual in that army I~efore receiving this information, Grant had ordered Thomas to execute the movement on Citico Creek, which I reported on the 5th, as proposed by Smith. Thomas, who rather preferred an attempt on Lookout Mountain, desired to postpone the operation until Sher- man should come up, but Grant has decided that for the sake of Buruside the attack must be made at once; and I presume the advance on Citico will take place to-morrow morning, and that on Missionary Ridge immediately afterward. If successful, this opera-. tion will divide Braggs forces in Chattanooga Valley from those in the Valley of the Chickamauga, and will compel him either to re- treat, leaving the railroad communications of Cheatham and Long- street exposed, or else to fight a battle with his diminished forces. A dispatch from Sherman, received through Crooks cavalry last night, brought the intelligence he would be at Athens on the 5th. Atlanta Appeal of the 3d says if we are not dislodged from Look- out Valley our possession of Chattanooga is secure for winter. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 8, 186311 a. m. Reconnaissance of Citico Creek and head of Missionary Ridge made yesterday by Thomas, Smith, and Brannan, from the heights~ opposite on the north of the Tennessee, proved Smiths plan of attack impracticable. The creek and country~ are wrongly laid down on our maps, and no operation for the seizure of Missionary Ridge can b~ undertaken with th~ force which Thomas can no Page 59 Ca& ~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANO0GARLNG{~0LD CAMPAIGN. 59 command for the purpose. That force cannot by any efforts be made to exceed 18,000 men. The deficiency of animals, forage, and subsistence rendering any attacks by us on Braggs line of communi- cations at Cleveland or Charlestoii out of the question, it follows that no important effort for the relief of Burnside can be made. Thomas has, however, determined to attempt to regain Lookout Mountain. A battery of eight 20-pounder Parrotts will be placed on the hills of Moccasin Point, directly opposite to Lookout, on the north shore of the river, enfilading western slope of mountains head, while the batteries of Hooker, placed on the mamelons of Look- out Valley, will have a direct fire upon that slope. Under the cross- fire of these batteries the entire point of the mountain, including the railroad and wagon road, may be occupied by Howards infantry. Above this rise the precipitous palisades, 100 to 200 feet high, which support the plateau of the summit. To gain this plateau, the divis- ion lately commanded by General Palmer, now stationed at White- sides and Shellmound, will be thrown forward to Trenton, which is an advantageous position for covering the approaches to Bridgeport and Shellmound. From Trenton there are several paths up the mountain which are accessible to infantry, and are but slightly guarded. The nearest road for artillery is that of Frick~ Gap. After ascending the mountain there are three lines of breastworks to be carried before the northern extremity of the plateau, where the rebels have their battery and signal station, is taken. The occu- pation of the western slope below the palisades is comparatively easy, and if we gain the eastern slope also we may perhaps com- mand the road to the plateau with our artillery, and even compel the enemy to abandon the grofind between Chattanooga Creek and the base of the mountain, and withdraw his lines for some distance up the valley. In that case there will be a possibility of cutting off the supplies of the force on the plateau, and thus regaining coin- plete possession of the mountain, but the relative positions of the two slopes of the point of the road to the plateau, and the rebel intrenchments near the base, are very imperfectly known, and can only be ascertained by trying. Thomas thinks Bragg still has 40,000 men in the lines here, militia included. Grant thinks his force does not exceed 30,000. Deserters report Hardee appointed to command Polks corps. Rebel papers say Bragg tendered resignation. Davis refused it. Appeal of the 5th says decisive battle or great strategic movement now at hand. Deserters again report Johnston here. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 9, 186311 a. m. Citizens from the Hiwassee country report that Braggs forces in that region are falling back toward Atlanta. Deserters from the lines in our front confirm the report to some extent, but no one here believes it. Thomas thinks of a demonstration about Harrison by throwing bridge across the Tennessee, crossing 10,000 men, and build- ing bridge-head, menacing rebel communications. Cold. I leave for Kingston at noon, accompanied by Wilson, of Grants staff. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 60 60 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cix~. XLIII. CHATTANOOGA, November 18, 18633 p. m. The plan for attacking Braggs positions is completed and its ex- ecution begun by moving Ewing s ivision, of Shermans army, from Bridgeport to Trenton, where it should arrive to-day, threatening the enemy by Stevens Gap. The remainder of that army will move into Lookout Valley by way of Whitesides, extending its lines up the valley toward Trenton as if to repeat the flanking movement of Rosecrans. Having drawn the enemys attention to that quarter, Sherman will disappear on Thursday night and encamp his forces behind the ridge of hills north of the Tennessee, opposite to Chatta- nooga, and keep them there out of sight of the rebels during Friday. On Friday night Engineer Smith will throw a l~ridge across the river just below the mouth of Chickamauga Creek, so that on Satur- day morning Shermans command may be across before daylight, if possible. With the creek protecting his left flank, he will push for the head of Missionary Ridge. His force will consist of about 15,000 muskets of his own army, Jeff. Davis division, of the Fourteenth - Corps, about 7,000 strong, and the Eleventh Corps, 5,000 strong. At least such is now Grants intention as regards the c6mposition of Shermans wing of the attack. At the same time that this wing ad- vances, Granger, with about 18,000 men, will first move up on the left of the Chattanooga lines, throwing two bridges across Citico Creek, and engaging the rebel right with all possible vigor. Hooker, with Gearys division and two brigades of Palmers division, now stationed at Whitesides and Shellmoundand to be relieved for this purpose by forces thrown forward by Slocum from the garrisons on the Nashville railroadwill also attack the head of Lookout Mount- ain to hold the rebel left in its positions, and, if practicable, carry the mountain. Deserters from the rebels, of whum about 20 come in daily, report they are expecting an attack, but think it will be made directly upon the front of lines here. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of 2War. CHATTANOOGA, November 18, 18637.30 p. m. Ewings division, moving from Bridgeport by way of Shellmound, Whitesides, and Murphys Hollow, reached Trenton about 11 a. m. to-day. No report from Ewing yet received. A scout of Howard~$ reports that about 12 miles up the valley Ewing was fired at by two guns from Lookout Mountain, ineffectually. General Negley having reported to Thomas for duty from Nashville, Thomas replied that he could not give him a command until a court had cleared him from charges of cowardice and desertion at Chickamauga. Colonel Lagow, additional aide-de-camp, having resigned, Grant would prefer that he should not be dismissed. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War Page 61 Ca& p. xLm.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 61 CHATTANOOGA, November 19, 186310 a. m. Everything going on well; p reparations actively pushed; bridges all ready. The pontoons will be launched in Big Chickamanga on north of the Tennessee. There are one hundred and forty of them and three large fiats which will be filled with troops and land on rebel side. Landing force will be 3,500. Two pontoon bridges will be laid. Landing is to be at daylight. Sherman will be here this morning and his troops to-morrow morning. Rousseau has gone to command District of Nashville, with R. S. Granger, command- ing post, under him. R. W. Johnson commands his late division of Fonrteenth Corps. D. S. Stanley takes Palmers late division, Fourth Corps. Warm and smoky. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 19, 186312~ m. General Dodge reports from Decatur that nothing whatever is being done to repair the railroad between that place and Nashville. He desires to set his men at work upon the unimportant bridges, leaving the larger ones to be built by contractors, but, as the whole is under Andersons orders, he is unable to touch it. Meanwhile, the army here is suffering for want of forage, and it may be considered as proved that the present railroad, with the rolling stock on it, can- not keep up a sufficient supply. Though Anderson has been in con- trol for three weeks there is no visible increase in the number of cars daily brought through to Bridgeport, the weekly average neiTer ex- ceeding sixty per day. The stock of rations is kept up by the vig- orous enforcement of Thomas order devoting to subsistence 35 cars daily, but other supplies fall short in proportion. The difficulty is not only that there is not rolling stock enough, but the track is so bad that trains constantly run off in spite of every precaution. Be- sides, there is some reason to fear that it will be practically impossible for one man to conduct the business of both roads, no matter how great his ability. Now that Sherman is here, with 6,000 animals in addition to the thousands of dilapidated and dying beasts of Thomas command, the matter is even more serious than it was before. * [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. I. CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 186311 a. m. One brigade of John E. Smiths division, of Shermans army, crossed the Browns Ferry bridge just before dark last evening, leaving the other brigades 5 or 6 miles behind in Lookout Valley. They were moved over during the night, and.got out of sight on the road to the proposed place of landing, but the operation was performed so slowly * Portion here omitted appears in Part I, p. 261 Page 62 62 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. that it was impossible to get Howards corps over until after daylight. As Ewings division moves from Trenton down the valley this morn- ing, all in full view of the enemy, he will understand that he is to be attacked. As yet, however, there is no evidence that Bragg sur- mises where the precise point is that is to be assailed. There are to be only two attacking columns, the idea of a demonstration on Look- out Mountain having been abandoned. Shermans column will con- sist of his own troops and part of Jeff. C. Davis division, not over 20,000 men in all. The co-operating column from here, moving across Citico Creek, will be ~8,000 men, under Granger. Howards corps is posted north of the Tennessee, ready to cross at Shermans bridges or at the bridge here, to support the one or the other column. A brigade and a half of Stanleys division comes from Shellmound and Bridgeport to take the place in Lookout Valley vacated by Howard, or possibly a brigade from this division may be added to Howards reserve. Shermans landing will be covered by eighty gnus from, the heights north of the Tennessee. The ground where he lands is bottom, a little more than 2 miles wide before reaching the ridge he is to seize and occupy. Braggs total force here cannot exceed 50,000 men, and, judging from the great number of deserters, they are not as dangerous as formerly. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 18631.30 p. m. The.attacking force from within Thomas lines is to consist of the three divisions of Wood, Sheridan, and Baird. The first two move directly across Citico Creek to join Sherman, if possible, while Baird makes a feint against the enemys center, and covers the right flank of the moving column. That flank is also covered by the fire of twelve 20 and 30 pounder rifled guns in the forts on our left and center. Howards corps is ordered to march immediately into Chat- tanooga, that he may be seen by the enemy and lead the latter to be- lieve all the troops moving through Lookout Valley are coming here. Whether Howards forces are needed to support Shermans or Grangers column in the battle to-morrow, it appears that they can reach their destination more promptly by moving on this side of the river rather than on the north side. To move artillery, Granger borrows horses from Sherman, horses here being disabled. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 18632.30 p. m. Brigadier-General Mitchell, just relieved from command of cavalry, Department of the Cumberland, is incapacitated by ill health, result- ing from severe wounds, fo~ field service. He will not ask for leave of absence, and desires duty as commander of some post. Thomas has no such command to give him, and would be glad if you coul Page 63 CHAP XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 63 employ him on some board or court. He is a shrewd, energetic man, might be used advantageously on Crittenden and MeCook court. Thomas has been much embarrassed by Stanley, who gets drunk and is lazy and careless. Still, he is a major-general assigned to this de- partment by the Administration, and Thomas has not felt himself at liberty to order him away. Accordingly, he has very reluctantly appointed him to command a division. Can I tell Thomas that he must follow his own judgment in such cases? Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 20, 18637 p. m. Bragg sent Grant a flag this afternoon, warning non-combatants to leave Chattanooga. It having proved impossible to get up Sher-, mans troops, movements intended to-morrow postponed. Hon. E. M. STANTON [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 21, 18639.~0 a. m. Heavy rain all night; still continuing. Roads bad; movement of troops difficult. Sherman may be obliged to leave subsistence trains in Lookout Valley, where he camped last night. Deserters report rebels have heavy rafts in Chickamauga Creek, with torpedoes at- tached, waiting for rise of water. This rise will now occur, when our bridges will be in danger from flood as well as toi~pedoes. Anderson reported to Grant last night that contractors were back- ward in offering for bridges on Nashville and Decatur Railroad, one only having proposed to build all in ninety days, with forfeiture for every day over one hundred. Anderson inquired if he should make contract. Grant has relieved Anderson from all connection with that road, on the grotind that, having ordered him three weeks ago to get it done as soon as possible, he should have got further on with work than now to refer question of contracts to him. Dodge is ordered to proceed with all dispatch opening road, and Colonel Pride, formerly serving with Grant on West Tennessee railroads and before Vicksburg, has been sent for to take direction of work. Quarter- master-General returned here last night from weeks stay at Bridge- port. Hon. IE. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 22, 18638 a. m. Morning beautiful; cool. Shermans troops nearly up. How~ ard ordered to march into Chattanooga 2 p. m. to-day. Steam- boat Dunbar has her machinery~ nearly completed.; will be ready for use within twenty-foni hours. Negley replied to Thomas sug- gestion that he should demand court of inquiry on imputations o Page 64 64 KY., SW. VA., TENN., ~IISS.~ N; ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. cowardice and desertion, that he had fully satisfied you these charges were erroneous, aud you had thereupon ordered him back to this department. Thomas then directed him to remain in Nashville till further orders. Colonel McKibbin, additional aide, under arrest for attempting to break through pickets while drunk, was yesterday released by Thomas on condition he should apply to be relieved from duty in this department. Ewings division, while encamped at Tren- ton, sent detachment up Lookout Mountain by way of Johnsons Crook. Reached top on the 20th without opposition; returned same night. Deserter who came in yesterday reports that Stevensons troops, who are occupying the mountain, fell back before Ewings men, refusing to fight, because they said they had not been exchanged. Bragg sent additional re-enforcements to Longstreet three days ago. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.]~ Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 186310 a. m. The continued movement of Sherman, Thomas, and Howard, which should have been executed Saturday morning, Novembei 20, is still paralyzed by the fact that Woods division, of Fifteenth Corps, is still behindhand, its advance having scarcely reached the mouth of Lookout Valley, while its rear guard is still far back on the road to Bridgeport. A lamentable blunder has been committed in moving Shermans forces from Bridgeport, with the enormous trains they brought from West Tennessee following in usual order in rear of each division, instead of moving all the troops and artillery first. Grant says the blunder is his; that he should have given Sherman explicit orders to leave his wagons behind; but I know that no one was so much astonished as Grant on learning they had not been left, even without such orders. It is yet doubtful whether the movement can be executed by to-morrow morning, and though Shermans troops have been carefully concealed in the valleys on the northern shore of the Tennessee, it is impossible that the enemy, who has seen them march through Lookout Valley, should not have discovered where they have been placed. Meanwhile the evidence that Bragg is re- treating from Chattanooga to a line covering the communications of Longstreet accumulates. Rebel families in the vicinity of Harrison have for some days been moving south. A lieutenant of Thirty-seventh Tennessee Infantry, who deserted Saturday, reports that everything in Braggs lines indicated retreat. Yesterday the railroad eat of Missionary Ridge was unusually active during the day, and troops and trains were seen moving eastward over the ridge from Chattanooga Valley. Last night two deserters came in at midnight reporting that Braggs artillery had been sent ~ off; that the trains were all ordered in from up Chattanooga Valley; ~ that the troops were moving off, and that by this evening only a picket line would be left here in our front. Grant has ordered reconnaissance to ascertain truth of these reports. Steamer Dunbar was running last night, catching rafts sent down to break our bridges. River very high. While at Trenton Ewing destroyed Gustavus W. Smiths extensive new iron-works. Rain threatened. H~u. E. M. STANTON, -. IC. A. DANA.] Secretary of War Page 65 Ca~. XLIII.] TUE CHATTA2N0OGAJiU~GGOLD CAMPAIGX. 65 CHATTANOOGA, November 23, l863~3. 30 p. m. The reconnaissance in force made by Thomas has been completed in the most brilliant and successful manner. The troops employed were the divisions of Wood and Sheridan, of the Fourth Corps, under the immediate orders of Granger. The object of the move- ment was not only to ascertain the strength of the enemy, but to occupy two bald knobs situated in front of our left, half way between our lines and Missionary Ridge. The principal attack was made by Ha~ens brigade, commanded by that general, supported on the left by Willich and on the right by the whole division of Sheridan. The entire field was distinctly visible from Fort Wood, in front of which Hazens line of battle was formed, and as the whole army was under arms, with Howards corps formed in solid column as a reserve to the attacking force, the spectacle was one of singular magnificence. The field being commanded by the heavy guns of the forts, only one field battery was taken into action. This was planted on an elevated knoll in front of the center, on which Sheridans line of battle was formed before the order to advance was given. The troops mov~d out of their intrenchments just before 1 oclock, and remained in line for three-quarters of an hour, in full view of the enemy. At last, everything being ready, Granger gave the order to advance, and Hazen and Willich pushed out simultaneously. The first shot was fired at 2 oclock, and in five minutes Hazens skirmishers were briskly engaged, while the artillery of Forts Wood and Thomas was opened upon the rebel rifle-pits and camps behind the line of fight- ing. The practice of our gunners was splendidthe camps and bat- teries of the enemy being about a mile and three-quarters distantbut elicited no reply, and it was soon evident that the rebels had no heavy artillery, ii~ that p art of their lines at least. Our troops, rapidly ad- vancing as steadily as if on parade, occupied the knobs upon which they were directed at twenty minutes past 2. Ten minutes later Wil- lich, driving forward across an open field, carried the rifle-pits in his front, whose occupants fled as they fired their last volley, and Sheridan, moving through the forest which stretched before him, drove in the enemys pickets, and halted his advance, in obedience to orders, on reaching the rifle-pits, where the rebel force was waiting for his at- tack. No such attack was made, however, the design being to secure the heights on our left, but not to assault the rebel works. We have taken about 200 prisoners, mostly Alabama troops. and have gained aposition of great importance, should the rebels still attempt to hold the Chattanooga Valley, as with these heights in our possession a column marching to turn Missionary Ridge is secure from flank attack. The rebels fired three small guns only during the affair, and this tends to confirm the impression that they have withdrawn their main force. Prisoners ~ho have been examined say they belong to Hilidmans division, and know nothing of any general evacuation. Troops withdrawn have been sent to Knoxville, they say. Our losses not yet ascertained. Sherman wrote Grant this moriiing expressing his sorrow and mortification at the failure of his forces to get up. It seems that Blair reported his whole command at Stevenson before they had really arrived, which led Sherman to make erroneouis calculations. ]3ut the fault of marching with trains Sheri~an attrib~ites to hi~ R 1~YQIi XXXI, ~T I Page 66 66 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. self, Grants orders that he. should get all his troops here before Friday night having been positive, and it was his own duty to see that nothing hindered his arrival. Clear. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON. Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 18638 p. m. Our Casualties are about 75 in all, including both killed and wounded. After 4 p. m. rebels opened artillery from top of Mis- sionary Ridge; the total number of cannon they displayed about twelve, all small caliber. Just before dark they displayed a force on our left where Howard had taken up his position. Nothing shows decisively whether enemy will fight or fly. Grant thinks lat- ter; other judicious officers think former. River has risen 6 feet since yesterday morning. Enormous quantities of drift. Both Chattanooga bridge and Browns Ferry bridge broken. Current furious; difficult to anchor pontoons firmly. Woods d~visicn still remains in Lookout Valley. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON. Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 18639 p. ni. My report of 3.30 p. in. was erroneous in failing to state that General Samuel Beattys brigade, of Woods division, held the ex- treme left in the movement, Willich forming the center, and Hazen some rifle-pits in the open field very ga lantly; an exploit I attributed the right of that division. Beatty co-oj~erated efficiently, and carried to Willich. We have 6 officers killed and wounded. Our troops are slashing trees in their front. High spirits. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 24, 1863-7. 30 p. in. I have spent the day observing the movements of the forces on our left under Sherman. His leading brigade, under General Giles A. Smith, embarked in pontoon-boats in North Chickamauga Creek about midnight, and, dropping down the Tennessee, landed on the south bank, just above the mouth of the Chickamauga, about 2.30 a. in.. surprising and securing a rebel picket of 19 men. The ~re- mainder of the division of Morgan L. Smith and the whole of John E. Smiths were ferried across by daylight, landing south of the Chickamauga. They immediately set about digging rifle-pits to cover the bridge, whose construction proceeded with great vigor. under the personal direction of General William F. Smith. The transportation of the troops Was continued by pontoon..boats and the steamer Dunbar, which arrived at the crossing about 8 a. m. The bridge was finished shortly before 1 p. in., whemN ~herm~n instantly ~et his troops in motiom lie 1t~md just b6611 s~rc~~~gthenecj by 1~ Page 67 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOOARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 67 rival of a brigade of the Eleventh Corps, which had marched from Chattanooga on the south bank of the river without being attacked. The march of the column was directed upon the head of Missionary Ridge, the line of battle moving parallel to the river, the left flank resting on the Chickamauga, the right extended into the plain, sup- ported by the brigade of the Eleventh Corps, While Jeff. C. Davis was left behind in reserve. The crest of the ridge was gained with- out serious opposition or loss, and at 4 oclock, when I left the ridge, the line extended from the turnpike bridge over the Chickamauga to fhe tunnel of the Knoxville railroad; the rebels fired only one cannon and displayed but few sharpshooters. On the right of our lines the struggle was more severe, and though 2,000 prisoners were captured, the result was less decisive. General Hooker gained a foothold on the point of Lookout Mountain, but his possession was hotly disputed till after dark. Since then General Palmer has sent him the brigade of General Carlin from Chattanooga, ferrying the men across Chattanooga Creek, and with this re-enforcement the position can probably be held. In the center nothing has been done except by the artillery of the forts. Grant has given orders for a vigorous attack at daybreak by Sherman on the left and Grangei~ in the center, and if Bragg does not withdraw the remainder of his troops we shall probably have a decisive battle. What force he has had in our front to-day is still a matter of question. The prisoners captured on point of Lookout were taken, 1,200 by Woods division, of the Fifteenth Corps, and 800 by Gearys, of the Twelfth. They are.reported to be Stevensons Vicksbtirg troops. Sky clear. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [C. A. DANA.] CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 18637.30 a. m. No firing at front. This makes it pretty certain Bragg retreated. Palmers troops had sharp fight with rebels on eastern slope head of Lookout Mountain last night, lasting two hours, until lOp. m. Full moon made their battle-field as plain to us in this valley as if it were day, the blaze of their camp fires and the flashes of their guns dis- playing brilliantly their position and the progress of their advance. o report of the result yet received, but probably they got posses- sion of Summertown road. As soon as positively determined Bragg has gone, Grauger, with 20,000 men, moves up south bank Tennes- see, accompanied by steam-boat bearing supplies, to cut off Long- streets retreat and relieve Burnside. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [C. A. DANA.] CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 18639 a. m. Bragg evacuated summit Lookout Mountain last night, and our troops occupy it, but he still holds to his rifle-pits along base Mis- sionary Ridge, and has been moving troops all the morning toward front of Shermans position in C~iickamauga Valley.. What force he can mass there still undetermined. [C. A, DANA.] lion, J~, M, 8TA~NTON, Seccct~ry of War Page 68 68 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 18631 p. m. Soon after my dispatch of 9 a. in., battle commenced on our left, the attack being made by Sherman apparently, though no report from him yet received. Fight raged very furiously all forenoon, both east of Missionary Ridge and along its crest this way toward Knoxville railroad tunnel, which we gained about 12 m. On our right rebels all gone. Hooker moving the troops under his com- mand along Rossville road. Rebels just opened artillery in that direction, apparently at his column. In our front here rebel rifle- pits are fully manned, preventing Thomas gaining ridge. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 18634.30 p. m. Glory to God. The day is decisively ours. Missionary Ridge has just been carried by a magnificent charge of Thomas troops, and rebels routed. Hooker has got in their rear. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 25, 18638 p. m. We have taken to-day 2,000 prisoners and thirty pieces of artillery. The nature of the ridge allowed the main body of the rebels to escape. The losses of Thomas army are very slight, and I hear of no prominent officer among them killed except Colonel Phelps, com- manding a brigade. The heights which Thomas carried by assault are at least 500 feet above Chattanooga Valley, with an inclination of at least 450, and exceedingly rugged and difficult. Up to 2 p. m. the battle raged principally on our left, and though we have not yet a report of our losses in that quarter, they must have been very 8evere, the enemy having made vigorous efforts to crush him and (lislodge him from his position on the ridge. Having repelled these attacks Sherman undertook to take by storm a battery which the rebels obstinately maintained upon the hill above the tunnel. Whether he employed his own troops or those of other corps I do not know, but I saw the column sent up for this purpose twice repulsed, falling back the first time in disorder. The rebels having sent the~~ great mass of their troops to crush Sherman, Grant gave orders at 2 p. m. for an assault upon their lines in front of Thomas, but owing to the fault of Granger, who devoted himself to firing a bat-. tery instead of commanding his corps, Grants order was not trans- mitted to the division commanders until he repeated it an hour later. Accordingly it was not executed until after 4 p. in., when the neaN ness of night rendered it im~practicable to follow up and complete the victory. I find that I was mistaken in reporting in my dispatch of 4.30 p. 1MW tii~it TJQQL~r ]md got ill the ene1Ry~ rear, He w~s dehiyed i Page 69 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGA1fl~aGoLI) CAMPAWTh 69 building a bridge across Chattanooga Creek, and only came up in time to occ;izipy a part of the ridge on the extreme right. Prisoners state the r~umber of the enemy engaged at 2~5,OOO. Bragg himself was in command and was among the fugitives before our assaulting columns. Among Shermans wounded are Generals Corse, Matthies, and Giles A. Smith. Our men are frantic with joy and enthusiasm, and received Grant, as he rode along the lines after the victory, with tumultuous shouts. Good. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 26, 186310 a. m. Prisoners taken yesterday reported this morning at 3,300, but probably not over 3,000, with 52 cannon, 5,000 stand small-arms, 10 flags. Among prisoners large proportion officers from colom~els down. Sheridan continued the fight on our right, along the east slope of Missionary Ridge, until 9 p. in., by the light of the full moon. He took there 300 prisoners, 13 cannon, and a train ~f 12 wagons. On our left Bragg burned a train he could not carry off. Bragg has rallied his forces within the forks of the Chickamauga, on the Rossville and Riuggold road. Sherman and Hooker, with Bairds and Stanleys divisions, Fourteenth Corps, ordered to move upon him at 7 a. m. this morning. Grant has just gone out to the front, expecting Bragg to fight another battle rather than abandon Longs treets line of retreat. Prisoners say Longstreet was ordered back day before yesterday, and Buckner, who had been started to re-enforce Longstreet, was sent for on Monday. Battle yesterday was fought by corps of Hardee (late Polks) and Breckinridge, 25,000 to 30,000 men in all. Hardee was before Sherman; Breckinridge before Thomas. Breckinridge was with Bragg at the moment of the rout, and they escaped together. The storming of the ridge by our troops was one of the greatest miracles in military history. No man who climbs the ascent by any of the roads that wind along its front can believe that 18,000 men were moved up its broken and crumbling face unless it was his fortune to witness the deed. It seems as awful as a visible interposition of God. Neither Grant nor Thomas in- tended it. Their orders were to carry the rifle-pits along the base of the ridge and capture their occupants, but when this was accom- plished the unaccountable spirit of the troops bore them bodily up those impracticable steeps, over the bristling rifle-pits on the crest and the thirty cannon enfilading every gully. The order to storm appears to have been given simultaneously by Generals Sheridan and Wood, because the men were not to be held back, dangerous as the attempt appeared to military prudence. Besides, the generals had caught the inspiration of the men, and were ready themselves to undertake impossibilities. Our losses in this assault are estimated at about 2,000, though we have no reports yet. Probably the total casualties of this great battle will not exceed 5,000. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War Page 70 70 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. A LA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLiU. MISSIONARY RIDGE, November 26, 18631~30 p. m. Bragg is in full retreat, burning his depots and bridges. The Chickamauga Valley, for a distance of 10 miles, is full of the fires lighted in his flight. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 27, 186310 a. m. Sherman yesterday captured two 32-pounder rifle guns at Chicka- mauga Station, and Palmer three guns at Graysville. Bragg burned vast quantity of corn at Chickamauga Station, but left much un- burned; also much meal. Jeff. C. Davis had brisk fight for a rebel wagon train just before dusk last evening; result unknown. Sher- man will to-day occupy Red Clay Station, on Dalton and Cleveland Railroad, cutting off L ongstree t on that line. Hooker advances upon Riuggold by the direct road from Rossville. Our losses in the battle in killed will hot exceed 500, nor wounded and missing 2,500. Woods and Sheridans divisions, Fourth Corps, returned to Chattanooga last evening, preparatory to marching up the Tennessee, but doubtful whether the movement will be made, Shermans occupation of rail- road being most probably sufficient to compel Longstreets retreat from East Tennessee. Three regiments, cavalry and mounted in- fantry, under Colonel Long, crossed Tennessee by Shermans bridge on the 24th, to do all possible damage in Braggs rear. Bizgned Ty- ners Station same night; not heard from since. All of Thomas cavalry ordered to Kingston, via Sparta; be there by 30th. Our number of prisoners captured will be fully 5,000. Many were taken yesterday. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. RINGGOLD, November 28, 18638 a. m. Yesterday the first great fault in this admirable campaign occurred at this place. General Hooker arrived here about 9 a. m. with Gea- rys division, Twelfth Corps, Osterhaus division of Shermans army, lately commanded by Woods, and two divisions Fourteenth Corps. nuder Palmer. The enemy were drawn up in the narrow gorge where ~ the railroadpasses between Taylors Ridge on the right and White Oak Ridge on the left, the two ridges being, in fact, but parts of the same range of hills. It was a very dangerons defile to attack in front, and common sense plainly dictated that it should be turned. This could be done without difficulty by way of White Oak Ridge, which can be passed with ease in many places, while Taylors Ridge i~ steeper, though infinitely easier to go over, than ~fissionary Ridge at Chattanooga. However, Hooker attacked in front, and the result wa~ officially reported by him last night in the loss of 500 killed and wounded, where there was no necessity of losing 50. Having bee Page 71 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 71 repulsed in his first attempt Hooker tried to turn the position, but in this blundered yet worse, for he sent his troops through the near- est gap in White Oak Ridge, not more than half a mile distant from the gorge, where the movement was fully visible to the enemy, and where they had time to prepare a destructive cross-fire, which made this attack quite as fatal as the former. Having thus failed in this flank movement, in which the Twelfth Missouri lost nearly all its officers, he sent Gearys troops again at the front, and finally carried it by Gearys New York regiments. The troops of Oster- hans suffer~d most. It is said that a rebel regiment laid down its arms, and when the Twelfth Missouri came near in consequence, another rebel regiment rose from the ground immediately in the rear and gave our men a fatal volley. The truth of this story I have not been able to ascertain for myself, but it is generally believed by our officers. Colonel Longs cavalry expedition has arrived at Har- rison, having destroyed the railroad at Cleveland for 3 miles on both the Dalton and Chattanooga lines. Longstreet is reported as having been at Calhoun on the 25th instant with his command. Bragg staid here night before last in same house where Grant is lodged. Our advance has been nearly to Tunnel Hill, and reports stroHg rebel force concentrated there ; another heavy body is at La Fayette. Howards corps went to Varnelfs Station yesterday to destroy rail- road, and move down toward Cleveland, tearing up the track. Sher- man is at Graysville, and all this army perfectly concentrated. Gran- ger ordered to move from Chattanooga toward the Hiwassee last night or at daylight this morning. Considerable rain last night. Muddy. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, ATorember 28, 18637 p. m. Arriving here I find the results of Colonel Longs cavalry expedi- tion were much more important than was reported at Riuggold. He burned 80 wagons, including Braggs headquarters train, of which he brought in the mules; tore up the railroad between Cleveland and Charleston and for 10 miles south of Cleveland, and captured 250 prisoners; would have burned Hiwassee Bridge but for cannon rebels had there. Sherman march ~s at daylight from Graysville for Charleston. Granger marched hence same direction this afternoon. No news respecting Longstreet. Rain. Hon. E. M. STANTON. [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of lVar. CHATTANOOGA, November 29, 186311 a. m. The active campaign here mn~t terminate with the pending opera- tions against Longstreet, which can scarcely be prolonged beyond December 6. The condition of the roads, and the impossibility of getting supplies even as far as Chattanooga, if forage for mules an Page 72 ~72 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. artillery horses be included, render a movement upon Rome and Atlanta impracticable for the present. Such a movement cannot safely be undertaken until six months supply for both troops and animals is accumulated here, so that we shall no longer be under the necessity of employing a great part of our forces to guard rail- roads in our rear, but can concentrate everything here for the supreme effort. What is now necessary is to hold Chattanooga and the line of the Hiwassee, to complete and protect the railroads and the steam-boats upon the Tennessee, and to amass food, forage, and ordnance stores in the fortress here. But all this will require only a portion of the forces under Grants command, and, instead of hold- ing the remainder in winter quarters, he proposes to employ them in an offensive campaign against Mobile and the interior of Ala- bama. For this purpose he thinks not more than 35,000 men will be necessary, which number he will draw from the armies of Sher- man and Thomas. Embarking at Nashville, as if to return to West Tennessee and Yicksburg. he can land them all at New Orleans, and possibly at Pascagoula Bay, before the enemy get wind of his design. Investing Mobile, he will leave a sufficient force to hold his lines and keep the garrison imprisoned without any unnecessary fighting, while with the mass of his army he operates in the interior against Montgomery, Selma, or whatsoever point invites attention. He has asked me to lay this plan before you, and to ask for it the approbation of the Government. He will himself write to General Halleck on the subject, and perhaps also to yourself. I earnestly hope that you will agree to his design, and as soon as may be give your assent to its execution. A winter campaign may be made there with little if any difficulty. I can see nothing to condemn, but everything to approve, in the scheme. Weather cold. [C.. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 29, 1863--2 p. m. Grant has ordered Sherman to assume command of all the forces operating from the south for the relief of Burnside. These forces consist of Byrds mounted brigade of Tennessee troops, belonging to the Army of the Ohio, and now at Kingston, altogether cut off from Burnside; of Elliotts division of cavalry, which should reach Kingston to-day or to-morrow; of Grangers corps, Howards corps, and Morgan L. Smiths and Ewings divisions of the Army of the Tennessee. Hooker, with Gearvs division and the division of Os- .~ terhaus, remains at Ringgold till December 1, when he returns here. John III. Smiths division, Fifteenth Corps, returned here last night out of rations, and will remain. Shermans new command will be supplied from the country, which it will soon exhaust, and by steam- boat. Weather very cold and clear, drying roads rapidly. I leave immediately to join Sherman and observe his campaign. He is ordered to march as far as Knoxville. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 73 CHAP. XLIII.] THI~ CHAT~rANOOGA~~1~INGGOLD CAMPAIC+N. CHATTANOOGA, December 12, 186310 a. m. General Grant has just sent for me, to say that he v~. shes me to go to Washington to represent more fully his views and wishes with regard to the winter campaign. As the matter is important, I start this afternoon; but if you think it unnecessary for me to come, con- trary orders will reach me at any point on railroad. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 6. Report of Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, Chief Engineer. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Nashvitl~, Tenn., January 19, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following retort of engineering operations done with reference to the battle of Chat- tanooga, November 23. 24, and 25: Frequent and careful reconnaissances had determined that Mis- sionary Ridge, from the tunnel to the Chickamanga, was not occu- pied by the enemy, and that a passage of the river could be forced at the mouth of the Chickamauga. General Grant having determined to attempt the seizure of that portion of the ridge, the preparatory steps were, first, to put the works at Chattanooga in a defensible condition, in order to allow a comparatively small force to hold that phce, and thus to bring every available man into the field. To do this heavy details were made and kept constantly at work before the battles, so that on Saturday, November 21, the works were all in a condition to defy assault. Sec- ond, bridge material had to be collected for two bridges, and put in convenient positions for use. There was in the Department of the Cumberland one regular bridge train, which was scattered from Bridgeport to Chattanooga. This, by the strenuous exertions of Lient. George W. Dresser, Fourth Artillery, was collected in the vicinity of Browns Ferry by Wednesday, November 17. The two saw-mills in my charge were also run night and day, and a new bridge started, under the superintendence of Capt. P. V. Fox, Michi- gan Engineers. The river at the point selected to throw the bridge was at the time of measurement 1,296 feet inwidth, and the current gentle, so that no trouble was anticipated in the mechanical part of the operation. In order to afford facilities for the occupation of the north bank of the creek and to allow a cavalry force to break the railroad between Knoxville and Dalton, the Chickamauga also required bridging at its month. This stream was about 180 feet in width, with a sluggish current. The North Chickamauga, which is a stream emptying into the Tennessee River on the right bank about 8 miles above Chatta- nooga, offered such facilities for launching the boats, that it was de- termined to put them in the water there and float them down, loaded with soldiers, to the point of crossing, as an operation quicker and more quiet than that of lauhching them at the place of passage. By Friday night, November 20, i1$~ boats were in the creek, furnished with oars and crews, the creek cleared of snags to its mouth, and all the citizens in the vicinity put under strict guard to prevent the in- formation getting to the enemy Page 74 74 KY., SW. VA., TENIN., MISS., N. ~ AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. The boats were taken to the creek on by-roads through the woods, and not exposed to view of the rebels in any point of the distance. In the matter of selecting the roads, clearing the creek, furnishing the crews for the boats, and keeping the citizens under guard, I mm~t acknowledge my obligations to Col. Daniel McCook, command- ing a brigade posted near the mouth of the North Chickamauga. The rest of the bridge material and boats (about 2~5) were parked behind the river ridge of hills, and within 400 yards of the place of crossing, entirely concealed from the enemy. During this time the Tennessee River, swollen by rains in the upper country, brought down drift-wood in such quantities and of such a character, that on Friday night or early Saturday morning the pontoon bridge at Chat- tanooga was carried away, and so much of the material lost that it was impossible to relay it. On Saturday night the flying ferry at Chattanooga was disabled, and the pontoon bridge at Brown~s Ferry was so injured that it was not relaid till Tuesday, November 24. This left to us fo~ communication only the steamer Dunbar, at Chat- tanooga, and a horse ferry-boat at Browns Ferry. On Monday night, however, the flying ferry was repaired and again in operation. For- tunately, the troops had all been placed in position before these dis- asters, and the only effect was to lull the enemy into security, under the idea that no attack could be mad~ with our communication so cut. The fear was that it would be impossible to throw a bridge across the river for General Shermans command, or that, if thrown, it could be maintained as long as it was needed. On Monday, November 23, General Thomas moved to the front to reconnoiter, and occupied Indian Hill, with his left on Citico Creek. Captain Merrill and Lieutenant Wharton, of the Engineer Corps, were instructed to attend to the building of bridges across that stream. On Monday night at 12 p. m. the boats, with the designated brigade, left the North Chickamauga and quietly effected a landing on the left bank of the Tennessee, both above and below the mouth of the South Chickamauga, and the business of ferrying over troops then began. The rise in the river had increased its width so that we had not been able to accumulate boats sufficient for two bridges across the Tennessee; therefore only one was commenced. Lieuten- ant Dresser, in charge of the regular pontoon train, began the con- struction of this bridge about 5 a. m. on the 24th, taking from the ferry the boats of his train as fast as they were needed, and allowing the others to be used hi crossing troops. CQl. George P. Buell, in command of the Pioneer Brigade, soon after the boats had landed their first load, deployed his men on the right bank and went to work vigorously to clear up the ground on the shore, and level it where necessary for the passage of troops to the boats, and also to prepare a steam-boat landing. At daylight he sent a party furnished with ropes and ring-bolts to ~ catch and make fast to shore the rafts in the Chickamauga Creek, which we learned from deserters had been made for the destruction of the bridges at Chattanooga. The duty was well performed, as all duty is by Colonel Buell, and five rafts were anchored to the shore. The rebels had intended to prepare the rafts each with a small pilot raft, having a torpedo attached, containing about 50 pounds of pow. der, to blow up by percussion as they went under the bridges. The arrangements were not completed when they were interfered with by General Shermans passage of the river. At daylight 8,000 troops were across the river and in line of battle. Soon after wor Page 75 C~. XLIII.] T11I~ CHATTANOOGAI5UNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 75 was continued on the bridge across the river froni both ends, arid Capt. P. V. Fox, Michigan Engineers, began the bridge, across the South Chickamauga. According to previous arrangement, Brig. Gen. J. H. Wilson brought up the steamer Dunbar to assist in the passage of the troops, about 5,000 infantry and one battery of artil- lery; besides the horses of the generals and their staff were crossed in that manner under the energetic direction of General Wilson. At 12.20 p. m. the bridge across the river was completed, the one across the creek having been finished a little before, and by 3 p. m. the bri- gade of cavalry under Colonel Long had crossed and was on its march. The bridge across the river was thrown with less trouble than was anticipated, because it was found that most of the drift hugged the right bank, and to avoid the catching of the drift on the cables anchors were dispensed with for several boats near the shore and the structure kept in place by guy lines to the trees on shore. Lieu- tenant Dresser deserves all praise for his intelligent energy in throw- ing a bridge of nearly 1,400 feet in length over such a flood in such a short time. That same afternoon two pontoon bridges were thrown across the Chattanooga Creek to connect the center and right of General Thomas command, the right by that time occupying the base of Lookout Mountain. On the 25th, an additional bridge was thrown across the Citico Creek at its mouth and the unused bridge above brouoht down and thrown across the river at Chattanooga. On the 26th, Lieutenant Wharton and the Pioneer Brigade, under Col. George P. Buell, were ordered to accompany the pursuing col- umn toward Riuggold, and Colonel Buell reports the completion of a bridge across the West Chickamauga Creek by daylight of Friday morning. Lieutenant Twining, of the Engineer Corps, had been ordered to reconstruct the bridge near Shallow Ford across the South Chickamauga. On Friday, at Riuggold, orders were given to Lieu- tenant Wharton to attend to the destruction of the railroad at that place and whatever mills were in the vicinity. On Sunday, Captain Merrill was ordered to accompany the column under General Gor- don Granger toward Knoxville. I beg to call the particular atten- tion of General Grant to the accompanying report of Brigadier- General Wilson* with reference to the bridge constructed under his direction across the Little Tennessee for the passage of General Sher- mans column over that stream; also that of Captain Poe,* Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio. The officers of the Engineer Corps were zealous and efficient. I forward with this a map t large enough to show the strategic movements made before the battle, and also a map giving the battle-field. These maps are mainly due to the exer- tions of Captain West, U. S. Coast Survey, of my staff, and to the labors of Captains Dorr and Doun, of the same Department, who have been ordered to report to me by Professor Bache, Superintend- ent U. S. Coast Survey, and who all deserve the thanks of the gen- eral for their labors. By them the distances were determined before the battle for the use of artillery, and also the heights of artillery positions occupied by us and the enemy. Very respectfully, WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief Engineer, ]Ifil. Dii. of the Miss. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAwLINS, Chief of Staff. * See Part I, pp. 315 and 431, respectively. t To appear in the Atlas Page 76 7E~ KY., SW. VA, TENN., MISs., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. A D1JENDA. OFFICE CHIEF ENGINEER, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 20, 1863. Colonel STANLEY: Ojie commissioned officer to be in charge of every six boats, himself to be in the leading one of his six. Each boat to hold 5 oarsmen and 25 armed men; no more. The 5 boatmen to take their places first, and as the others enter they can be directed by the oarsmen where to sit or stoop. None mnst be allowed to stand if they can be other- wise made rooni for. Upon entering or leaving the boat it would be best to do so from the bow or stern, and not take the sides, to pre- vent them from npsetting. Not a word must be spoken except by those in charge when absolutely necessary, and then with the least possible voice to make themselves heard. When in the main stream, if the current is sufficiently strong to carry the boats down, no oars are to be pulled, except in an emer- gency when speed is required. If the action of the oar on the oar- lock produces a squealing sound when speed and silence are required, some one sitting near it must dip out of the river some water with their hand and pour on to the oarlock. If the order should be given to muffle the oars the tail of a coat or a hat placed between the oar- lock will prevent any sound. The right bank of the river must be hugged as closely as the depth of water will allow. When coming in sight of two lights on the right bank, along side of each other, and parallel to the river, the boats must be steered for the left bank of the river, and when in range of two other lights on the right bank, one behind the other instead of alongside, the leading boat of all is to land on the opposite shore (left bank), the rest landing down stream from it, and as near to each other as convenient. When all have passed down by those first landed then the oarsmen must pull direcfly across to the other side for another load. By, order of Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith: PRESTON C. F. WEST, Captain, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. CHIEF ENGINEER, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Teun., November 20, 1863. Colonel STANLEY: You will cause at once the small flat-boat to be filled with a proper number of men to be sent to the head of the island, to watch for rafts, & c., that may be sent down by the enemy. The flying bridge -~ must also be ready to go out in the stream at any moment to catch and tow to shore any such raft, & c., in case the men in the flat-boat are unable to do so. In case of a failure of both parties to manage such raft they must try at least to guide them through the bridge, the officer in charge of which must be informed, and he will take up a portion of the bridge, and let the boatmen know where to guide them so as not to break it. By order of Brigadier-General Smith: PRESTON C. F. WEST, ~Japtain, and Acting Assistant Ac~jutan t-General Page 77 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHAVfANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAI~N. HDQRS. CHIEF ENGINEER, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 20, 1863. To the Officer in Charge of Pontoon Bridge: You are hereby directed to keep the sharpest lookout for rafts or other drift that may be sent down by the enemy to-night. In case you are warned from the boats up-stream from you of the approach of any such matter you must have the bridge taken up, letting the boatmen ahead of you know the place by lights or otherwise, so they can guide it through. If you are not warned by them, and such rafts are reported by your men, make eveiy exertion to save the bridge. Should any rafts pass through your bridge send word to the Browns Ferry Bridge by land at once. By order of Brigadier-General Smith: PRESTON C. F. WEST, Captain, and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No.7. Report of Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster- General U. S. Army. HDQRS. U. S. QUARTERMASTERS DEPARTMENT, In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 26, 1863. SIR: On the 23d, at 11.30 a. in., General Grant ordered a demon- stration against Missionary Ridge, to develop the force holding it. The troops marched out, formed in order, advanced in line of battle, as if on parade. The rebels watched the formation and movement from their picket lines and rifle-pits, and from the summits of Mis- sion Ridge, 500 feet above us, and thought it was a review and drill, so openly, so deliberately, so regularly was it all done. As the line advanced, preceded by skirmishers, and at 2 p. m. reached our picket lines, they opened a rattling volley upon the rebel pickets, which replied and ran into their advanced line of rifle-pits. After them went our skirmishers, and into them, along the center of the line of 25,000 troops, which General Thomas had so quickly displayed. Until we opened fire, prisoners assert that they thought the whole movement was a review and general drill, and then it was too late to send to their camps for re-enforcements, and they were over- whehued by force of numbers. It was a surprise in open daylight. At :3 p. m. the important advanced position of Orchard Knob and the hues right and left were in our possession, and arrangements were ordered for holding them during the night. r The next day at daylight General Sherman had 5,000 men across the Tennessee, established on its south bank, and commenced the construction of a pontoon bridge about 6 miles above Chattanooga. The rebel steamer Dunbar, repaired at the right moment, rendered effective aid in this crossing, ferrying over some 6,000 men. By nightfall General Sherman had seized the extremity of Mission Ridge nearest the river, and was intrenching himself. General Howard, with a brigade, opened commnnicatiou~ with him from Chattanooga, on the south side of the river. Skirmishing and cannonading continued all day on the left and ~ent~r, Gener~d Hooker scah~d th~ ~1~p~s of Loo1~o~t 2Mo~xntaii~ frQ Page 78 78 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. the valley of Lookout Creek, drove the rebels around the point, cap- tured some 2,000 prisoners, and established himself high up the mountain side, in full view of Chattanooga. This raised the block- ade, and our steamers were ordered from Bridgeport to Chattanooga. They had run only to Kelleys Ferry, whence 10 miles of hauling over mountain roads and twice crossing the Tennessee on pontoon bridges brought us our supplies. All night the point of Mission Ridge, on the extreme left, and the side of Lookout Mountain, on the extreme right, blazed with the camp-fires of loyal tropps. The day had been one of driving mists and rains, and much of Hookers battle was fought above the clouds, whic~h concealed him from our view, but from which his musketry was heard. At nightfall the sky cleared, and the full moon, the hunters moon, shone upon the beautiful scene. Till 1 a. m. twinkling sparks upon the mountain side showed that picket skirmishing was still going on; then it ceased. A brigade sent from Chattanooga crossed Chattanooga Creek and opened communication with Hooker soon after nightfall. General Grants headquarters during the afternoon of the 23d and the day of the 24th were in Woods redoubt, except when in the course of the day we rode along the advanced lines, visiting the headquarters of the several commanders in Chattanooga Valley. At daylight on the 25th, the Stars and Stripes were discerned on the peak of Lookout. The rebels had evacuated the mountain. Hooker moved to descend the mountain, and, striking Mission Ridge at the Rossville Gap, to sweep it on both sides and on its summit. The rebel troops were seen as soon as it was light enough stream- ing by regiments and brigades along the narrow summit of Mission Ridge, either concentrating on their right to overwhelm Sherman, or marching for the railroad and raising the siege. They had evacu- ated the Valley of Chattanooga; would they abandon that of the Chickamauga? The 30-pounders and 4-~--inch rifles of Woods redoubt opened on Mission Ridge. Orchard Knob sent its compliments to the ridge, which, with rifled Parrotts, answered, and the cannonade thus com- menced continued all day. Shot and shell screamed from Orchard Knob to Mission Ridge, froni Mission Ridge to Orchard Knob, and from Woods redoubt, over the heads of General Grant and General Thomas and their staffs, who were with us in this favorable position, whence the whole could be seen as in an amphitheater. Headquarters were under fire all day long. Cannonading and musketry were heard from General Sherman. Howard marched the Eleventh Corps to join him. Thomas sent out skirmishers, who drove in the rebel pickets, and ~ even shook them in their intrenchments at the foot of Mission Ridge. Sherman sent an assault against Braggs right, intrenched on a high knob, next to that on which Sherman himself lay fortified. The assault was gallantly made, reached time edge of the crest, held its ground for what seemed to nie an hour; but was then bloodily, repulsed by reserves. A general advance was ordered, and a strong ljne of skirmishers, followed by a deployed limme of battle some 2 miles in length, at the signal of six cannon-shots from the lw?4quarter~ oii Orchai~d KnQb~ ~oy~d rapidly and orderly forward Page 79 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAIRINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 79 The rebel pickets discharged their muskets and ran into their rifle- pits; our skirmishers followed on their heels; the line of battle was not far behind; and we saw the gray rebels swarm out of the long line of rifle-pits in numbers which surprised us, and spread over the base of the hill. A few turned and fired their pieces, but the greater number collected into the various roads which creep obliquely up its steep face, and went on to the top. Some regiments pressed on and began to swarm up the steep sides of the ridge. Here and there a color was advanced beyond the line. The attempt appeared most dangerous; but the advance was supported, and the whole line or- dered to storm the heights, upon which not less than forty pieces of artillery, and no one knew how many muskets, stood ready to slaughter the assailants. With cheers answering to cheers the men swarmed upward. They oathered to the lines of least difficult ascent and the line was broken. Color after color was planted on the summit, while musketry and cannon vomited their thunder upon them.. A well-directed shot from Orchard Knob exploded a rebel caisson on the summit. A gun was seen galloping to the right, its driver lashing his horses. A party of our soldiers intercepted him, aiid the gun was captured with cheers. A fierce musketry fight broke out to the left, where, between Thomas and Sherman, a mile or two of the ridge was still occupied by the rebels. Bragg left the house in which he had held his headquarters and rode to the rear as our troops crowned the hill on each side of him. General Grant proceeded to the summit, and then only did we know its height. Some of the captured artillery was put into position, artillerists were sent for to work the guns, caissons were searched for ammuni- tion. The rebel log breastworks were torn to pieces, and carried to the other side of the ridge and used in forming barricades across it. A strong line of infantry was formed in the rear of Bairds line, hotly engaged in a musketry contest with the rebels to the left, and a se- cure lodgment was soon effected. The other assault to the right of our center gained the summit, and the rebels threw down their arms and fled. Hooker, coming in from Rossville, swept the right of the ridge and captured many prisoners. Braggs remaining troops left early in the night and the battle of Chattanooga, after three days of maneuvering and fighting, was won. The strength of the rebellion in the center was broken; Buruside relieved from danger in East Tennessee; Kentucky and Tennessee redeemed; Georgia and the Southeast threatened in the rear, and another victory added to the chaplet of Unconditional Surrender Grant. To-night the estimate of captures is several thousand prisoners and thirty pieces of artillery. Loss for so great a victory not severe. Bragg is firing the railroad as he retreats toward Dalton; Sherman is in hot pursuit. To-day I visited the battle-field, which extends for 6 miles along Mission Ridge and for several miles on Lookout Mountain. Probably no so well-directed, so well ordered a battle has been delivered during the war. But one assault was repulsed, but that assault, by calling to that point the reserves, prevented their repulsing any of the others. A few d~s since Bragg sent tQ Gener~i Grant ~ f1a~ of trxiee t Page 80 80 KY., SW~ VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. advise him that it would be prudent to remove any non-combat- ants who might be still in Chattanooga. No reply hasb een returned, but, the combatants having been removed from this vicinity, it is probable that the non-combatants can remain without imprudence. May I suggest that your visit to Louisville. with the measures there inaugurated, have done the cause in this quarter much good. It would be well to visit us here, and also for the President to review an army which has done so much for the country and which has not yet seen his face. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 8. Return of Casualties in the Union forces. * [coinpi~ed from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a I) Commana. i a ~j a ci a I) I, a i.. a a e I) ~ a .5 a a a ~ .~ ~ bc be o ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS. FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. (len. CHARLES CRUFT. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WAITER C. WHITAKER. 96th Illinois 1 2 12 15 35tn Indiana 1 10 11 8th Kentucky 4 40thOhio 1 11 1 15 2 30 51st Ohio 1 1 4 6 99thOhio 3 1 12 16 Total 5econd Brigade Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM GROSE. 59th Illinois 75th Illinois 84th Illinois 9th Indiana 36th Indiana 24th Ohio Total Third Brigade Total First Division 1 16 6 57 2 82 1 4 13 18 2 2 4 4 2 1 22 25 1 10 11 4 4 4 5 55 64 1 20 11 112 2 140 * Includes skirmishes at Orcharil Knob (or Indian Hill) and Bushy Knob (23d); battle of Lookout Mountain and skirmish at foot of Missionary Ridge (24th); bat- tie of Missionary Ridge (25th); skirmishes at Chickamauga Station, Pea Vine Valley, Pigeon Hills, Tenn., and near Graysvill~, ~a. (26th), and en& a~ement av Rin~old Gap, Taylor8 Pid~e, Ga. (27th) Page 81 Ca& p. XLIII.] THE CHAII2ANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Ret urv. of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. H H Command. S S S ~ I) . I) 5 .d ,j ~ .5 S ~S S 0 [4 0 [4 0 [4 Staff 36th Illinois 44th Illinois 736 Illinois 74th Illinois 88th flhinois 22d Indiana 2d Missouri 15th Missouri 24th Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE D. WAGNER. 100th Illinois 15th Indiana 40th Indiana 57th Indiana 58th Indiana 26th Ohio 97th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. CHARLES G. HARKER. Staff 22d Illinois 27th Illinois 42d Illinois 51st Illinois 79th lllinois 3d Kentucky 6lth Ohio 65th Ohio 125th Ohio Total Third Brigade Total Second Division 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 5 2 1 1~ 5 5 3 4 2 18 23 41 41 39 13 17 31 29 21 27 49 51 48 19 27 37 6 25 27 248 3 309 1 5 26 32 1 23 9 166 199 20 8 130 158 2 10 79 91 5 5 55 65 2 5 29 36 16 9 124 149 1 69 51 609 ~30 1 3 4 3 3 13 19 2 6 6 64 78 5 7 39 51 1 1 1 12 15 2 5 7 4 7 47 58 1 1 5 25 32 1 1 12 14 2 1 20 29 4 25 32 246 307 11 119 110 1,103 3 1,346 THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. Woon. First Brigode. Brig. Gen. AUGUST WILLICH. 25t11 Illinois 9 5 53 67 35th Illinois 6 2 46 54 89th Illinois 1 3 1 29 34 32d Indiana 1 8 35 44 68thlndiana 1 2 2 20 1 26 8thKansas 3 1 23 27 15th Ohio 1 3 2 18 24 49th Ohio 3 5 1 47. 56 6 15th Wisconsin ___ Total First Brigade 7~ 39 14 277 1 338 6 it ItVOL XXXI. PT II 81 SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. PHILIP H. SHERIDAN. First Brigade. Col. FRAudS T. SHERMAN. .1 Page 82 82 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLI1I. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a a S S a ~. a a a a -C .3 .3 S ~ 0 ~.0 ~ 0 Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM B. HAZEN. 6th Indiana 5th Kentucky 6th Kentucky 23d Kentucky 1st Ohio 6th Ohio 41st Ohio 93d Ohio 124th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BRATTY. 79th Indiana 86th Indiana 9th Kentucky 17th Kentucky 13th Ohio 19th Ohio 59th Ohio Total Third Brignde Total Third Division Total Fourth Army Corps ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. OLIVER 0. HOWARD. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ADOLPH VON STEINWERR. First Brigade. Col. AnoLPaus BUSCHBECK. 33d New Jersey 134th New York 154th New York 27th Pennsylvania 73d Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. ORLAND SMITH. 3.3d Massachusetts 136th New York 55th Ohio 73d Ohio Total Second Brigade Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. CARL SCHURE. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. HECTOR TVNDALE. 101st Illinois 45th New York 143d New York 61st Ohio 82d Ohio Total First Brigade .... 2 6 13 8 9 10 5 17 15 5 82 3 6 4 5 4 4 31 60 46 22 34 64 26 65 61 18 396 76 62 23 45 79 39 88 81 29 522 5 2 28 28 1 5 2 38 46 1 4 5 25 35 5 5 2 1 17 1 21 1 2 10 13 2 25 27 2 12 12 148 1 175 15 133 57 821 9 1,035 27 272 178 2.016 14 2,527 1 1 2 19 23 1 8 6 12 6 53 13 84 14 3 52 8 85 162 1 27 11 137 8 99 283 4 3 1 2 8 11 2 5 8 1 1 2 1 3 2 18 4 28 2 10~ 13 155 8 103 311 3 1 1 1 1 1I3~ 3 Command Page 83 CHAP. XLIIL] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Command. a) ~6 a) a) +~ 0 .3 ~ 0 ~ Wounded. a) S I o ~ Captured or missing. a) S I~ I) a) +~ ~ .5 0 r~ Second Brigade. Col. WLAnIMIR KRZYZANOWSKI. 58th New York 119th New York 141st New York 26th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade 1 2 3 Third Brigade. Col. FaEnEaIcii HEcKER. 80th Illinois 82d Illinois 68th New York 75th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Total Third Division Total Eleventh Army Corps TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. SE~ONO nIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. GEARY. First Brigade. Col. CHARLES CANnY.a Col. WILLIAM R. CREIGHTON. b Col. THOMAS J. AHL. 5th Ohio 7th Ohio 29th Ohio 66th Ohio 28th Pennsylvania 147th Pennslyvania Total First Brigade Seco d Brigade. Col. GEORGE A. CORHAM, Jr. 29th PennSylvania 109th Pennsylvania 111th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. DAvIO IRELARn. Staff New York 78th New York 102d New York 137th New York 149th New York Total Third Brigade 2 _____________________ I Total Second Division I j 6 a Disabled NQvember 24. 1 1 1 10 16 7 2 2 11 19 3 31 14 171 8 103 330 3 13 10 48 74 1 4 10 15 4 3 27 34 2 17 19 4 21 15 102 142 3 2 7,.. 12 1 2 7 10 4 4 14 29 10 24 I 15 49 34 38 32 56 136 1 50 14 38 74 177 252~. 341 b Killed November ~7, 83 a) bI 1 2 3 Page 84 84 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. 11 illed. Command. a S a 0 S FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. PALMER. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. RICHARD W. JOHNSON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. \YILLIAM P. CARLIN. 104th Illinois 38th Indiana 42d Indiana 88th Indiana 2d Ohio 33d Ohio 94th Ohio 10th Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. MARSHALL F. MOORE. Col. WILLIAM L. STOUGHTON. 19th Illinois 11th 1~~1chigan 69th Ohio 15th United States. 1st. Battalion 15th United States, 2d Battalion 16th United States, 1st Battalion 18th United States, 1st Battalion 18th United States, 2d Battalion 19tl~ United States, 1st Battalion Total Second Brigade Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JEFFERSON C. DAVIS. Staff First Brigade. Brig. (4en. JAMES D. MORGAN. 10th Illinois 16th Illinois 60th Illinois 21st Kentucky 10th Michigan Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN BEATTY. 4 1. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a a S ,A ~ L I. a a a a .5 0 .5 I~ 5 ~ 5 0 Id 0 Id 9 :1 15 8 32 1:1 10 29 15 21 9 42 17 16 37 17 .~ 1 24 12 122 -____ - ~ .~. . 159 2 2 22 26 1 5 3 25 34 1 10 4 30 1 46 I 5 6 3 6 1 10 1 1 8 10 1 15 16 13 13 1 2 3 .3 22 11 126 2 164 4 46 23 248 2 323 1 1 1 1 6 6 2 2 9 9 :14th Illinois 78th Illinois 1 4 98thOhio 2 6 108th Ohio 1 113th Ohio 121st Ohio K Total Second Brigade 3~ 1~ . 1 2 5 8 1. 2 3 2 Page 85 CHAP. ~tLlit.1 T1t~ CIIAtTANOOGARt~tG(I~OtD CAMPAU~N. Return of Casualties in the Union forces Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or fussing. a a Command. l~ ~ ~ a ~ a I. a u .3 u .3 a ~ ~ 0 .3 0 [~1 0 r~i ~ 0 ~1 Third Brigade. Col. DANIEL MCCOOK. 85th Illinois 86th Illinois 110th Illinois 125th Illinois 52d Ohio Total Third Brigade Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ABSALOM BAIRD. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN B. TURCITIN. 82d Indiana 11th Ohio 17th Ohio 31st Ohio 36th Ohio 89th Ohio 92d Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. FERDINAND VAN DERVEER. 75th Indiana 87th Indiana 101st Indiana 2d Minnesota 9th Ohio 3.5th Ohio 105th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD H. PRELP5XI Col. WILLIAM H. HATs. 12 K s 2 2 2, 5 4 6 10 10 3 10 2 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 4, 5 29 6 16 42 12 34 59 13 43 45 12 219 3 4 2 4 6 18 2 4 3 2 3 15 14 11 29 31 12 19 10 126 2 10th Indiana 74th Indiana 4th Kentucky 10th Kentucky 14th Ohio 3 38thOhio 3 .2 16 97K. .. 9 79 30 Total Third Division I 442. 6 Total Fourteenth Army Corps 13 130 I 719 j 14 Total Third Brigade 11 16 9 1 10 17 34 ,. H bI 3 2 Ii 42 20 51 16 47 75 17 58 284 19 15 35 39 14 3o 11 163 /. 11 18 12 12 20 46 3 119 566 Total Army of the Cnmberland 49 482 281 3,178 8 131 4, 129 o Killed November 25. 93 Page 86 t Y., SW. VA., TI~NN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [dRAP. XLIII. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a a Command. S S S .~ ;.~ a ~ a i~ a u3 ~ sS ~ . C bI 0 ~ 0 ~1 0 r~ ~ ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR, Jr. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Cen. PETER J. OSTERRAUS. First Hi gade. Brig. Gen. CRARLES R. Woous. 13th Illinois 3d Missouri 12th Missouri 17th Missouri 27th Missouri 29th Missouri 31st Missouri 32d Missouri 76th Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JAMES A. WILLIAMSON. 4th Iowa 9th Iowa 25th Iowa 26th Iowa 30th Iowa 31st Iowa Total Second Brigade Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. GILES A. SMITH.~ Col. NATHAN W. TIJPPER. Staff 55th Illinois 116th Illinois 127th Illinois (frh Missouri 8th Missouri 57th Ohio 13th United States, 1st Battalion Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. J. LIGRTBIYRN. 83d Indiana.. 30th Ohio 37th Ohio 47th Ohio 54th Ohio 4th West Virginia Total Second Brigade 3 4 2 2 .i~l. 4 3 1 5 2 51 7 19 11 10 19 19 2 40 1 ~26 6 2 1 .1 5 28 25 178 4 37 277 1 9 1 36 2 49 3 12 15 7 22 29 4 12 16 4 1 22 27 2 1 16 19 1 18 14 120 2 155 6 46 31 298 4 39 432 I I 3 3 2 1 3 1 1 2 1 3 S 1 13 2 16 5 5 5 3 30 28 3 S 71 86 (I Wounded November 24. 63 7 27 20 13 54 28 2 63 3 35 .38 Page 87 87 t~IIAP. XLHI.] THE CHATTANOOGAUNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Command. .4 rtillCl j. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A Total Second Division FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. HUGH EWING. First Brigade. Col. JOHN 31. Loonis. 26th Illinois t)Oth Illinois 12th Indiana 100th ludiana Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig: Gen. JOHN M. CoRsE.a Col. CHARLES C. WALCUTT. Staff 40th Illinois lOld Illinois (ith Iowa 46th Ohio Killed. Wounded. si ~ I. ~ 0 ~ 10 10 9 6 3 Total Second Brigade 3 Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH R. COCEERILL. 48th Illinois 97th Indiana 99th Indiana 5:30 Ohio 70th Ohio Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st Missouri Light, Battery D Total Fourth Divison Total Fifteenth Army Corps SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH. First Brigade. Col. JESSE I. ALEXANDER. Q .3 Oj ro 6 6 ti 85 76 88 43 98 34 26 7 14 3 4 3 4 4 Captured or missing. ci u ~. H H ~ H .3 ~ o ~ 2 I 13 2 2 305 71 53 31 31 16 194 :1 3 18 1 1 1 103 93 117 62 386 51 89 65 40 2 246 3 2 .2 6 65 42 504 20 637 12 121~ 8 887 4 61 1,172 63d Illinois 1 2 48thlndiana I 59th Indiana i 1 4th Minnesota . 18th Wisconsin ___ ___ ___ I Total First Brigade 1 3 4 a Wounded No~ ember 2 Page 88 KY., SW. VA., ~NN., MISS., N. AtA., AND N. (IA. [OHAP. XLIII. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Command. Second Brigade. Col. GREEN B. RAUM.a Col. FRANCIS C. DEIMLING. Col. CLARK R. WEVER. 56th Illinois 17th Iowa 10th Missouri 24th Missouri, Company E 80th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES L. MATTHIE5.a Col. BENJAMIN D. DEAN.b Col. JABEZ BANBURY.C Staff 93d Illinois 5th Iowa 10th Iowa 26th Missouri Total Third Brigade Total Second Division Total Army of the Tennessee Grand total Killed. 0 1 12 13 Wounded. I 0 .3 3 5 15 29 48 3 33 Captured or missing. I. 0 1 19 58 64 5 58 ~ 37 12 -~ 3 21 ~204 1 ..~. 1 i 19 2 44 25 93 ... . 2 2 20 8 74 106 10 6 36 1 7 62 2 13 1 33 1 3 53 5 44 12 133 12 109 315 264 15 130 523 20 202 112 1,151 19 191 1,695 69 684 393 a Wounded November 25. b Assumed command November 25. c Succeeded Colonel Dean November 25. 4,329 27 322 5,824 OFFICERS KILLED 01? MORTALLY WOUNDED. ILLINOIS. Maj. Douglas P. Bushnell, 18th Infantry. Capt. Walter Blanchard, 13th Infantry. Lieut. David M. Richards, 25th Infantry. Lieut. Herbert Weyman, 27th Infantry. Lieut. Hugh M. Love, 27th Infantry. Lieut. Sidney M. Abbott, 36th Infantry. Lieut. Jacob Y. Elliott, 42d Infantry. Lieut. Alfred 0. Johnson, 42d Infantry. Lieut. George C. Smith, 42d Infantry. Capt. Carl R. Harnisch, 44th Infantry. Capt. George L. Bellows, 51st Infantry. Lieut. Joshua M. Fields, 56th Infantry. Licut. Charles H. Lane, 88th Infantry. Lieut. Henry L. Bingham, 88th Infantry. Capt. Henry L. Rowell, 89th Infantry. Lieut. Erastus 0. Young, 89th Infantry. Col. Timothy 0Meara, 90th Infantry. Lieut. James Conway, 90th Infantry. Col. Holden Putnam, 93d Infantry. Capt. William Walsh, 103d Infantry. Lieut. Grin S. Davison, 104th Infantry. ~ INDIANA. Capt. Frank P. Strader, 6th Infantry. Capt. Frank H. Aveline, 12th Infantry. Capt. Hezekiah Beeson. 12th Infantry. Capt. John F. Monroe, 15th Infantry. Lieut. William D. Sering, 15th InThntry. Lieut. Col. Jacob Glass, 32d Infantry. Lieut. James M. Hanna, 40th Infantry. Lieut. John Reese, 68th Infantry. Capt. Francis M. Bryant, 75th Infantry. Capt. William M. Southard, 86th In- fantry. Lieut. Burr Russell, 87th Infantry. Capt. James H. Steele, 88th Infantry. Lieut. Daniel Little, 88th Infantry. Capt. James M. Harland, 100th Infantry. Lieut. Henry T. Waterman, 101st In- fantry Page 89 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTAM)OGARINGCiOLD CAMPAIGN IOWA. Lieut. Thomas H. Cramer, 4th Infantry. Lieut. Charles S. Miller, 5th Infantry. Capt. Robert Allison, 6th Infantry. Lieut. George H. Conant, 10th Infantry. Lient. Isaac Sexton, 10th Infantry. Capt. Luther F. McNeal, 17th Infantry. Capt. John L. Steele, 26th Infantry. KENTUCKY. Lieut. Gavine D. Hunt, 3d Infantry. Capt. John P. Hurley, 5th Infantry. Capt. Upton Wilson, 5th Infantry. Lieut. William S. Barton, 9th Infantry. MICHIGAN. Maj. Benjamin G. Bennet, 11th Infantry MINNESOTA. Lieut. Samuel G. Trimble, 2d Infantry. MISSOURI. Capt. Herman Hartmann, 2d Infantry. Lieut. George Maehl, 17th Infantry. Capt. William A. J. Russell, 10th In- Capt. Edward H. Stoddard, 26th In- fantry. fantry. Capt. Joseph A. Ledergerber, 12th In- Lieut. Henry P. Harding, 26th Infantry. fantry. Lieut. John Wellmeyer, 27th Infantry. Lieut. Frederick Kessler, 12th Infantry. Capt. Henry Justi, 29th Infantry. Capt. John G. Reis, 15th Infantry. Capt. Martin Menne, 29th Infantry. Lieut. August F. Hranitzky, 17th In- Lieut. Julius Selle, 29th Infantry. fantry. Capt. Francis Doherty, 31st Infantry. NEW JERSEY. Capt. William G. Boggs, 33d Infantry. I Capt. Samuel F.Waldron, 33d Infantry. NEW YORK. Maj. Gilbert M2 Elliott, 102d Infantry. I Lieut George C. Owen, 137th Infantry. Lieut. Charles F. Tresser, 136th Infantryj Lieut. Col. Joseph B. Taft, 143d Infantry. OHIO. Lieut. Christopher Wollenhaupt, 1st In- fantry. Maj. Samuel C. Erwin, 6th Infantry. Col. William R. Creighton, 7th Infan- try. Lieut. Col. Orrin J. Crane, 7th Infantry. Lient. Morris Baxter, 7th Infantry. Lieut. Joseph Cryne, ~th Infantry. Lieut. Isaac C. Jones, 7th Infantry. Capt. David K. Curtis, 11th Infantry. Lieut. George E. Peck, 11th Infantry. Capt. James C. Cummins, 15th Infantry. Lieut. Frank W. Sanders, 15th Infantry. Maj. Benj. F. Butterfield, 17th Infantry. Lient. James K. Rochester, 31st Infan- try. Col. Edward H. Phelps, 38th Infantry. Lient. John Lewis, 38th Infantry. Lient. Joseph Newman, 38th Infantry. Maj. Thomas Acton, 40th Infantry. Capt. Win. W. Munn, 41st Infantry. Lient. William W. Watson, 41st Infan- try. Lieut. Henry S. Dir~am, 41st Infantry. Lieut. George Gorman, 46th Infantry. Lieut. Henry F. Arndt, 49th Infantry. Lieut. Jacob C. Miller, 49th Infantry. Lieut. Isaac H. White, 4~9th Infantry. Lient. Jacob Wolf, 49th Infantry. Lient. Edward Bromley, 55th Infantry. Capt. Henry H. Kling, 64th Infantry. Lieut. Harrison Davis, 66th Infantry. Lieut. John S. Scott, 69th Infantry. Capt. Ira P. French, 76th Infantry. Lient. John A. Lemert, 76th Infantry. Lieut. John R. Miller, 76th Infantry. Lieut. Simeon B. Wall, 76th Infantry. Capt. John Kinney, 80th Infantry. Lieut. Francis M. Ross, 80th Infantry. Capt. William B. Whittlesey, 92d Infan- try. Lieut. Hugh Townsend, 92d Infantry. Lieut. George B. Turner, 92d Infantry. Maj. William Birch, 93d Infantry. Capt. James H. Frost, 124th Infantry. I Page 90 90 1~Y., SW. VA., TI~NN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. PENNSYLVANIA. Maj. Peter A. McAloon, 27th Infantry. f Capt. Charles S. Davis, 147th Infantry. Lieut. Peter Kaylor, 28th Infantry. UNITED STATES ARMY. Lient. Peter J. Coenzler, 16th Infantry. WISCONSIN. Capt. Howard Greene, 24th Infantry. I Lieut. Robert J. Chivas, 24th Infantry. No. 9. Reports of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, command- ing Army of the Cumberland, including operations October 31 December 31, and field dispatches, etc., November 2229. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 24, 186312 m. (Received 3.45 a. in., 25th.) Yesterday at 12.30 oclock Grangers and Palmers corps, supported by Howards, were advanced directly in front of our fortifications, drove in the enemys pickets, and carried his first line of rifle-pits, between Chattanooga and Citico Creeks. We captured 9 commis- sioned officers and about 160 enlisted men. Our loss about 111. To- day Hooker, in command df Gearys division, Twelfth Corps, Oster- hans division, Fifteenth Corps, and two brigades, Fourth Corps, carried the north slope of Lookout Mountain, with small loss on our side, and a loss to the enemy of 500 or 600 prisoners. Killed and wounded not reported. There has been continuous infantry fighting from 12 oclock until after night, but our troops gaJlantly repulsed every attenipt to retake the position. Sherman crossed the Tennes- see before daylight this morning, at the mouth of South Chicka- mauga, with three divisions of the Fifteenth~.Corps and one division of the Fourteenth Corps, and carried the northern extremity of Mis- sionary Ridge. General Grant has ordered a general advance in the morning. Our success so far has been complete, and the behavior of the troops admirable. GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 25, 186312 p. m. (Received 3.15 a. in., 26th.) The operations of to-day have been more successful than yesterday, having carried Missionary Ridge, from near Rossville to the railroad tunnel, with a comparatively small loss on our side, capturing abdut forty pieces of artillery, a.large quantity of small-arms, camp and garrison equipage, besides the arms in the hands of the prisoners. We captured 2,000 prisoners, of whom 200 were officers, of all grades; from colonels down. Will pursue the enemy in the morning. Th Page 91 ChAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANO~GARINGG0tD CAM1~AIGN. conduct of the officers and troops was everything that could be ex- pected. Missionary Ridge was carried simultaneously at six differ- ent points. GEO. H. THOMAS, Aitajor- General. Maj. Geii. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 26, 186311 p. m. (Received 3.20 a. in., 27th.) General Davis, commanding a division of the Fourteenth Corps, operating with General Sherman, gained possession of the Chicka- mauga Depot at 12.30 oclock to-day. My troops, having pursued by the Rossville and Graysville road, came upon the enemys cavalry at New Bridge, posted on the east side of the creek. They retired on the approach of our troops. The column will be detained for a few hours, to rebuild the bridge, but Hooker thinks he can reach Grays- yule, and, perhaps, Riuggold, to-night. Many stragglers have been picked up to-dayperhaps 2,000. Among the prisoners are many who were paroled at Vicksburg. What shall I do with them? GEO. H. THOMAS, liliajor- General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 27, 186~12 p. m. (Received 4.50 p. in., 28th.) General Palmer reports that Johnsons division, Fourteenth Corps, surprised A. P. Stewarts division last night, taking four guns, two caissons, and many prisoners. Hooker reports his arrival at Ring- gold at 9 a. in. to-day. Found the road strewn with caissons, lim- bers, and ambulances, and he commenced skirmishing with the en- emy at 11 a. m. in the railroad pass or gap, near Riuggold. About half of Osterhaus and third of Gearys divisions engaged and forced the enemy to abandon the position he had taken in the passes. Both divisions suffered severely, the enemy making obstinate resist- ance. On the morning of the 24th, I sent Colonel Long, commanding Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, across South Chicka- mauga, to make raids on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. ~ He returned this evening, bringing 250 prisoners, and reports that ~ he destroyed the railroad from Tyners Station to the Hiwassee and 10 miles southwest of Cleveland. He also destroyed 80 wagons, large quantities of commissary stores, and other sup p lies at Cleveland. He attempted to destroy the pontoon across the H iwassee, but found it too strongly guarded for his force. By direction of General Grant, I will send General Gordon Granger early to-morrow up the Tennessee, to harass Longstreet as much as possible, and draw him away from Knoxville. The prisoners we have taken since the 23d now sum up more than 5,000. I have three steam-boats running between Bridgeport and this place. As soon a Page 92 KY., S~V. VA., TI~NX., Miss., Th AtK, ANT) ~4. (IA. [CHAP. XLIII. repairs on the railroad are complete we shall again be in good con- dition. Have been greatly embarrassed by the condition of the means of transportation and the lines of communication. GEO. H. THOMAS, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK Major-General, Commanding. General-ir~-Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, December 1, 1863. GENERAL: The following operations of the Army of the Cumber- land since October 31 are respectfully submitted to the General-in- Chief: As soon as communications with Bridgeport had been made secure, and the question of supplying the army at this point rendered cer- tain, preparations were at once commenced for driving the enemy from his position in our immediate front on Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, and, if possible, to send a force to the relief of Knoxville. To enable me to dislodge the enemy from the threaten- ing position he had assumed in our front gnus of a heavier caliber than those with the army were needed, also additional means for crossing the Tennessee River. Brigadier-General Branuan, chief of artillery, was directed to send for the necessary number of guns and ammunition, and after consulting with Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, chief engineer, to prepare the batteries for the guns on their arrival. While awaiting the arrival of the guns and ammunition, work was prosecuted on the fortifications around the town. In addition to his duties of superintendiug the work on the forfifications General Smith pushed.vigorously the construction of two pontooA bridges, to be used in the execution of the movements which were determined upon as necessary to a successful dislodgment of the enemy. Guerrillas having become somewhat troublesome to the northeast, of McMinnville and east of the Caney Fork of the Cumberland, Brig- adier-General Elliott, chief of cavalry, was ordered, November 14, to establish his headquarters with the First Division of Cavalry at or near Alexandria, and employ the division in hunting up and exter- minating these marauders. Elliott reached Alexandria on the 18th, and on the 27th reports that his scouts met those of Buruside on Flint Ridge, east of Sparta, and that Lieutenant-Colonel Browulow, with detachments from the First East Tennessee and Ninth Penn- sylvania Cavalry, attacked the rebel Colonel Murray on the 26th at Sparta, killing 1, wounding 2, and capturing 10 of the enemy, in- cluding a lieutenant of Champ. Fergusons; he also captured a few horses and some ammunition, and destroyed extensive salt-works ~ used by the rebels. A company of scouts, under Captain Brixey, also encountered a party of guerrillas near Beersheba Springs, capturing 15 or 20, and dispersing the rest. Brig. Gen. R~ S. Granger reports from Nashville, November 2, that A mixed command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Scully, First Middle Tennessee In- fantry, sent out from Nashville, attacked and defeated Hawkins and other guerrilla chiefs, and pursued them to Centreville, Hickman County, where Hawkins made another stand, attacking our forces while crossing the river. Hawkins was again routed, and pursued until his forces dispersed. Rebel loss from 15 to 20 killed and 0 prisoners; our loss 1 severely and several slightly wounded Page 93 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARLNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 93 Again, on November 4, that Major Fitz Gibbon, Fourteenth Michigan infantry, came upon the combined forces of Cooper, Kirk, Williams, and Scott (guerrillas), at Lawrenceburg, 35 mile~ from Columbia, and after a severe hand-to-hand fight defeated them, killing 8, wounding 7, and capturing 24 prisoners; among the latter, 1 captain and 2 lieutenants. Major Fitz Gibbons loss, 3 men slightly wounded and 8 horses killed. He reports the en emy 400 strong, and his force 120. .7 November 13: Caj~tain Cutler, with one company of mounted infantry and a portion of Whitte- mores battery (mounted), belonging to the garrison of Clarksville, had a fight near Palmyra with Captain Greys company of guerrillas, killing 2, wounding 5, and taking 1 prisoner; Cutlers loss, 1 lieutenant and 1 man wounded. November 16: Scout organized by Brigadier-General Paine, and sent out from Gallatin and La Vergne, returned, and report having killed 5 and captured 26 guerrillas, with horses, sheep, cattle, and hogs in their possession, collected for the use of the rebel army. Brigadier-General Crook, commanding Second Division of Cavalry, was ordered, November 17, to concentrate his division at or near Huntsville, Ala., and to patrol the north side of the Tennessee from Decatur to Bridgeport, and to hunt up bands of guerrillas reported to be roaming about in that region, arresting and robbing Union citizens. General Crook reports on the 21st that an expedition sent down the Tennessee had destroyed nine boats between Whitesburg and Decatur, some of them 60 feet long. The expedition crossed the river and drove off the rebels, taking their boats. From the besi in- formation to be obtained, there were two small regiments of cavalry and one battery on the other side, doing picket duty. Lee and Roddey reported as having gone to Mississippi. ~ajor-General Sherman, commanding Army of the Tennessee, having been ordered with the Fifteenth Corps to this point to participate in the operations against the enemy, reached Bridgeport with two divisions on the 15th. He came to the front himself, and having examined the ground, ex- pressed himself confident of his ability to execute his share of the work. The plan of operations was then written out substantially as follows: Sherman, with the Fifteenth Corps, strengthened with one division from my command, was to effect a crossing of the Tennessee River just below the mouth of the South Chickamauga, on Saturday, November 21, at daylight; his crossing to be protected by artillery planted on the heights on the north bank of the river. After crossing his force, he was to carry the heights of Missionary Ridge from their northern extremity to about the railroad tunnel before the enemy could concentrate a force against him. I was to co-operate with Sherman by concentrating my troops in Chattanooga Valley, on my left flank, leaving only the necessary force to defend the for- tifications on the right and center, with a movable column of one division in readiness to move wherever ordered. This division was to show itself as threateningly as possible on the most practicable line for making an attack up the valley. I was then to effect a junction with Sherman, making my advance from the left, well toward the north end of Mission Ridge, and moving as near simultaneously with Sherman as possible. The junction once formed and the Ridge carried, communications would be at once established between the two armies by roads running on the south bank of the river. Further movements to depend on those of the enemy. Lookout Valley was to be held by Gearys division of the Twelfth Corps, and the tw Page 94 94 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CH~~. XLIII. brigades of the Fourth Corps ordered to co-operate with him; the whole under command of Major-General Hooker. Howards corps was to be held in readiness to act either with my troops at Chatta- nooga or with General Shermans, and was ordered to take up a position on Friday night on the north side of the Tennessee near the first pontoon bridge, and there held iii readiness for such orders as might become necessary. General Smith commenced at once to collect his pontoons and materials for bridges in the North Chicka- inauga Creek. preparatory to the crossing of Shermans troops, proper precautions being~ taken that the enemy should not discover the movement. General Sherman then returned to Bridgeport to direct the movements of his troops. Colonel Long (Fourth Ohio Cavalry), commanding Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, was ordered on the 16th to report at Chattanooga on Saturday, the 21st, by noon; the intention being for him to follow up the left flank of Shermans troops, and if not required by General Sherman, he was to cross the Chickamauga, make a raid upon the enemys com- munications, and do as much damage as possible. Owing to a heavy rain-storm, commencing on Friday (20th), and lasting all of the 21st, General Sherman was not enabled to get his troops in position in time to commence operations on Saturday morning, as he expected. Learning that the enemy had discoyered Shermans movements across Lookout Valley, it was thought best that General Howard should crqss over into Chattanooga, thus attracting the attention of the enemy, with the intention of leading him to suppose that those troops he had observed moving were re-enforcing Chattanooga, and thereby concealing the real movements of Sherman. Accordingly, Howards corps was crossed into Chattanooga on Sunday, and took up a position in full view of the enemy. In consequence of the bad condition of the roads General Shermans troops were occupied all of Sunday in getting into position. In the meantime, the river having risen, both pontoon bridges were broken by rafts sent down the river by the enemy, cutting off Osterhaus division from the balance of Shermans troops. It was thought this would delay us another day, but during the night of the 22d, two deserters reported Bragg had fallen back, and that there was only a strong picket line in our front. Early on the morning of the 23d, I received a miote from Major- General Grant, directing me to ascertain by a demonstration the truth Or falsity of this report. Orders were accordingly given to General Granger, commanding the Fourth Corps, to form his troops and to advance directly in front of Fort Wood, and thus develcrp the strength of the enemy. General Palmer, commanding the Fourteenth Corps, was directed to support General Grangers right, with Bairds division refused and en ii~che- ion. Johnsons division, Fourteenth Corps, to be held in readiness, under arms, in the intrenchments, to re-enforce at any point. How- ards corps was formed en masse behind the center of Grangers corps. The two divisions of Grangers corps (Sheridans and Woods) were formed in front of Fort Wood; Sheridan on the right, Wood on the left, with his left extending nearly to Citico Creek. The formation being completed about 2 p. m. the troops were advanced steadily and with rapidity directly to the front, driving before them first the rebel pickets, then their reserves, and falling upon their grand guarda stationed in their first line of rYfle-pits, captured something over 200 men, and secured themselves in their new positions before the enemy had sufficiently recovered from his surprise to attempt to send r Page 95 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGG OLD CAMPAIGN. 95 enforcements from his main camp. Orders were then given to Gen- eral Granger to make his position secnre by constructing temporary breastworks and throwing out strong pickets to his front. Howards corps was moved up on the left of Granger, with the same instruc- tions, and Bridges (Illinois) battery was placed in position on Or- chard Knob. The troops remained in that position for the night. The Tennessee River having risen considerably from the effect of the previous heavy rain-storm, it was found difficult to rebuild the pontoon bridge at Browns Ferry. Therefore it was determined that, General Hooker should take Osterhaus division, which was still in Lookout Valley, and Gearys division, Whitakers and Groses bri- gades, of the First Division, Fourth Corps, nuder Brigadier-Gen- eral Cruft, and make a strong demonstration on the western slope of Lookout Mountain, for the purpose of attracting the enemys at- tention in that direction and thus withdrawing him from Sherman while crossing the river at the mouth of the South Chickamauga. General Hooker was instructed that in making this demonstration, if he discovered the position and strength of the enemy would justify him in attempting to carry the point of the mountain, to do so. By 4 a. m. on the morning of the 24th, General Hooker reported his troops in position and ready to advance. Finding Lookout Creek so much swollen as to be impassable, he sent Gearys division, supported by Crufts two brigades, to cross the creek at Wauhatchie, and work down on the right bank, while he employed the remainder of his force in constructing temporary bridges across the creek on the main road. The enemy, being at- tracted by the force on the road, did not observe the movements of Geary until his column was directly on their left and threatened their rear. Hookers movements were facilitated by the heavy mist which overhung the mountain, enabling Geary to get into position without attracting attention. Finding himself vigorously pushed by a strong column on his left and rear, the enemy began to fall back with rapidity, but his resist- ance was obstinate, and the entire point of the mountain was not gained until about 2 p. in., when General Hooker reported by tele- graph that he had carried the mountain as far as the road from Chattanooga Valley to the white house. Soon after, his main col- unin coming up, his line was extended to the foot of the mount- ain, near the mouth of Chattanooga Creek. His right, being still strongly resisted by the enemy, was re-enforced by Carlins brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Corps, which arrived at the white house about 5 p. in., in time to take part in the contest still going on at that point. Continuous and heavy skirmishing was kept up in Hookers front uiz~til 10 at night, after which there was an unusual quietness along our whole front. With the aid of the steamer Dunbar, which had been put in con- dition and sent up the river at daylight of the 24th, General Sher- man by 11 a. in. had crossed three divisions of the Fifteenth Corps, and was ready to advance as soon as Davis division of the Four teenth Corps commenced crossing. Colonel Long (Fourth Ohio Cavalry), commanding Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, was then ordered to move up at once, follow Shermans advance closely, and to proceed to carry out his instructions of the day before, if not required by General Shermati to support his left flank. Howards corps moved to the left about 9 a. in., and communi- cated with Sherman about noon. Instructions were sent to Genera Page 96 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHA?. XLIII. Hooker to be ready to advance on the morning of the 2~ith from his position on the point of Lookont Mountain to the Sutuinertown road, and endeavor to intercept the enemys retreat, if he had not already withdrawn, which he was to ascertain by pushing a reconnaissance to the top of Lookout Mountain. The reconnaissance was made as directed, and having ascertained that the enemy had evacuated during the night, General Hooker was then directed to move on the Rossville road with the troops under his command (except Carlins brigade, which was to rejoin its division), carry the pass at Rossville, and operate upon the enemys left and rear. Palmers and Grangers troops were held in readiness to advance directly on the rifle-pits in their front as soon as Hooker could get into position at Rossville. In retiring on the night of the 24th, the enemy had destroyed the bridges over Chattanooga Creek on the road leading -from Lookout Mountain to Rossville, and, in consequence, General Hooker was delayed until after 2 p. m. in effecting the crossing of the creek. About noon, General Sherman becoming heavily engaged by the enemy, they having massed a strong force in his front, orders were g~iven for General Baird to march his division within supporting distance of General Sherman. Moving his command promptly in the direction indicated, he was placed in position to the left of Woods division of Grangers corps. Owing to the difficulties of the ground, his troops did not get in line with Grangers until about 2.30 p. m. Orders were then given him, however, to move forward on Grangers left, and within sup- porting distance, against the enemys rifle-pits on the slope and at the foot of Missionary Ridge. The whole line then advanced against the breastworks, and soon became warmly engaged with the enemys skirmishers; these, giving way, retired upon their reserves, posted within their works. Our troops advancing steadily in a continuous line, the enemy, seized with panic, abandoned the works at the foot of the hill and retreated precipitately to the crest, where they were closely followed by our troops, who, apparently inspired by the im- pulse of victory, carried the hill simultaneously at six different points, and so closely upon the heels of the enemy that many of them were taken prisoners in the trenches. We captured all their cannon and ammunition before they could be removed or destroyed. After halting for a few moments to reorganize the troops, who had become somewhat scattered in the assault of the hill, General Sheri- dan pushed forward in pursuit, and drove those in his front who escaped capture across Chickamauga Creek. Generals Wood and Baird, being obstinately resisted by re-enforcemeuts from the enemys extreme right, continued fighting until darkness set in, slowly but steadily driving the enemy before them. In moving upon Rossville, General Hooker encountered Stewarts division and other troops. Finding his left flank threatened, Stewart attempted to escape by c retreating toward Graysville, but some of his force, finding their re- treat threatened from that quarter, retired in disorder toward their right, along the crest of the ridge, when they were met by another portion of General Hookers command, and were driven by these - troops in the face of Johnsons division of Palmers corps, by whom they were nearly all made prisoners. It will be perceived from the above report that the original plan of operations was somewhat modified to meet and take the best ad- vantage of emergencies, which necessitated material modifications of that plan. It is believed, however, that the original plan, had it bee Page 97 CHAIR. XLIII] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 97 carried out, could not possibly have led to more successful results. The alacrity displayed by officers in executing their orders, the en- thusiasm and spirit displayed by the men who did the work, cannot be too highly appreciated by the nation, for the defense of which they have on so many other memorable occasions nobly and patri- otically exposed their lives in battle. Howards corps (Eleventh) having joined Sherman on the 24th, his operations from that date will be included in Shermans report; also those of Brig. Gen. J. C. Davis division, of the Fourteenth Corps, who reported for duty to General Sherman on the 21st. General Granger s command returned to Chattanooga, with instructions to prepare and hold theniselves in readiness for orders to re-enforce General Burnside at Knoxville. On the 26th, the enemy were pursued by Hookers and Palmers commands, surprising a portion of their rear guard near Gray sville after nightfall, capturing three pieces of artillery and several hun- dred prisoners. The pursuit was continued on the 27th, capturing an additional piece of artillery at Graysville. Hookers advance encountered the enemy posted in the pass through Taylors Ridge, who, after an obstinate resistance of an hour, were driven from the p ass with considerable loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our loss was also heavy. A large quantity of forage and some addi- tional caissons and ammunition were captured at Riuggold. On the 28th, Colonel Long (Fourth Ohio Cavalry) returned to Chattanooga from his expedition, and reported verbally that on the 24th he reached Tyners Station, destroying the enemys forage and rations at that place, also some cars, and doing considerable injury to the railroad. He then proceeded to Ooltewah, where he captured and destroyed some trains loaded with forage. From thence he pro- ceeded to Cleveland, remaining there one day, destroyed their cop- per-rolling mill and a large depot of commissary and ordnance stores. Being informed that a train of the enemys wagons was near Charleston, on the Hiwassee, and was probably unable to cross the river on account of the break in their pontoon bridge, after a few hours rest he pushed forward with a hope of being able to de- stroy them, but found, on reaching Charleston, that the enemy had repaired their bridge and had crossed their trains safely, and were prepared to defend the crossing with one or two pieces of artillery, supported by an infantry force on the north bank. He then returned to Cleveland and damaged the railroad for 5 or 6 miles in the direc- tion of Dalton, and then returned to Chattanooga. On the 28th, General Hooker was ordered by General Grant to remain at Riuggold until the 30th, and so employ his troops as to cover the movements of General Sherman, who had received orders to march his force to the relief of Buruside by way of Cleveland and Loudon. Palmers corps was detached from the force under General Hooker and returned to Chattanooga. I have the honor to annex hereto consolidated returns of prisoners, captured property, and casualties. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Vols., Gommanding. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS., Adjutant-General U. S. Army. 7 U UVOL XXXI, PT I Page 98 98 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL [Inclosure No 1.] Report of Casualties, Department of the Cumberland, during the battle of Chat tanooga, November, 1563. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. CS ,,~ U ~ ~ CC H a ~, a ~ a a ~ .-~ a ~ a ~ 52 CS ~ 52 .5 H a CS ~ -~ H 0 ~ H 0 ~ H 0 ~ H ~ FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Major General GRANGER. First Division, Major-General Stanley. Second Division, Major-General Sheridan. Third Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Wood. Total FOURTEENTH ARMY coaps.b Major-General PALMER. First Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Johnson.c Second Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Davis. Third Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Baird. Total ELEVENTH ARMY CORP5. Major-General HowARO. Second Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral von Steinwehr. Third Division, Major-General Schurz. Total TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. Major-General SLOCUM. First Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Williams.e Second Division, Brigadier-Gen- eral Geary. Total Grand total* 1 12 14 27 18 123 136 277 19 135 150 304 S 105 59 169 80 1,046 792 1,918 85 1,151 851 2,087 (a) 104 1,286 1,001 2,391 46 258 304 (d) 97 461 7 565 143 719 7 869 3 22 25 14 162 176 8 116 124 325 1 1 1 13 14 10 10 25 3 23 26 15 175 190 8 126 134 350 7 49 56 33 252 285 4 4 345 7 49 56 33 252 285 4 4 345 37 349 529 217 2,345 3,281 8 130 145 3,955 a Number missing included in sub-report. b Officers and enlisted men reported in same column in sub-report. c Third Brigade not included in sub-report. d No report from Second Division. e First Division notengaged. - At least 225 rebels killed. [Inclosure No. 2.] The following is a copy of a telegram just received from Major- General Granger at Knoxville. The list of casualties in the Fourth Army Corps on the previous page [above] is compiled from the state- * ~ee full revised statement p. 80 et seq Page 99 99 Cn~. XLIII.] THE CIIATTAN00GARiNGG0LD CAMPAIGN. ments of staff officers at this place; the discrepancy cannot be ex plained until General Grangers report is received. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, VIA CALHOUN, TENN., January 16, 1864. General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga, Tenn.: Lost in Sheridans and Woods divisions, 2,544 men; in Stanleys, about 200. G. GRANGER, Major-General. [Inclosure No. 3.] .4~eport of rebel deserters and prisoners of war received and captured October 20December 1, 1863. October. November. Total. ~ ~ 60 4 4 ~ C~ C.) 5~) 60 ~ ~ 60 H 0 H 0 ~ -~ Deserters 1 40 41 2 530 532 3 ~570 573 Prisonersofwai 6 92 98 230 5,241 5,471 236 5,333 5,569 Total 7 132 139 232 5,771 6,003 239 5,903 6,142 [!nclosure No. 4.] ORDNANCE OFFICE, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Ten n., January 16, 1864. Brig. Gell. WILLIAM D. XXHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Cumberland: SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a list of all ordnance and ordnance stores captured from the enemy, together with a list of expenditures and losses by our own troops, in the recent battle of Chattanooga: Captured from the enemy. FIELD GUNS AND HOWITZERS. Smooth-bores: 6-pounder guns, 3.67-inch bore S 12-pounder light guns, Confederate pattern, 4.62-inch bore 13 12-pounder light guns, model 1857, Leeds & Co.. New Orleans 6 12-pounder field howitzers, 4.62-inch bore 3 Total smooth-bores 30 Rifled guns: 3-inch, Confederate pattern 1 10-pounder Parrott gun, model 1861, 2.9-inch bore 4 6-pounder field, 3.67-inch bore 2 6-pounder James, 3.80-inch bore 1 Total rifled guns 8 Siege, garrison, and sea coast guns: 24-pounder guns, 5.82-inch bore 2 Total pieces captured...~~. ~. .~, . ..... ~, ,. .. 4 Page 100 100 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. ARTILLERY CARRIAGES. Field carriages: For field 12-pounder gun 13 For 12-pounder field guns (no limbers) 6 For 6-pounder field guns 5 For 6-pounder field guns (no limbers) 3 For 12-pounder field howitzers (no limbers) 3 For 10-pounder rifled guns 3. For 10-pounder rifled guns (no limbers) 1 For 6-pounder rifled guns (no limbers) 3 For 3-inch rifled guns 1 Caissons: For 12-pounder light guns 18 For 12-pounder field howitzers 2 For 10-pounder rifled guns 3 For 6-pounder rifled guns 2 For 3-inch rifled guns 1 Battery wagons 4 Traveling forges 1 Artillery harness: A good many parts of harness were also captured, but no com- plete sets. ARTILLERY AMMUNITION. Rounds. For light 12-pounder gun 1,137 For 12-pounder field howitzer 320 For 6-pounder field gun 347 For 10-pounder rifled gun 324 For 3-inch rifled gun 57 For 3.8-inch rifled gun 151 MISCELLANEOUS. Small-arms: Stand of small-arms, mostly Enfield 6,175 Cavalry sabers 28 Infantry accouterments: Bayonet scabbards 547 Cap pouches 511 Cartridge boxes 1,911 Cartridge-box plates 439 Cartridge-box belts 149 Waist belts 165 Waist-belt plates 149 Infantry ammunition rounds.. 55,000 Expended and lost by our own troops. Small-arms stand.. 211 Infantry accouterments ets.. 171 Artillery ammunition ounds.. 1,977 Infantry ammunition do.... 1,460, 125 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. G. BAYLOR, Captain, and Chief of Ordnance, Dept. of the ~Jumberland. A DDE ND A. SOUTH CHICKA~IAUGA SIGNAL STATION, November 22, 186w Captain MERRILL, Chief Signal Officer, Dept. of the Camb~rland: CAPTAIN: A heavy body of troops are moving in direction of our left on crest of Missionary Ridge. One portion of them are northea8 Page 101 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 101 6f the tunnel on the crest of the ridge, their train being directly above the tunnel. Another portion of them are on the crest of the ridge and side, also near the farthest log fortifications on their right. I think they are moving down the east side of Missionary Ridge. DE MOTTE, Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer. SIGNAL STATION OPPOSITE SOUTH CHICKAMAUGA, November 22, 186310 a. m. Captain MERRILL: Column of infantryat least one divisionmoving to our left from rebel center along the base of Missionary Ri~i1ge. QUINTON, Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer. MOCCASIN POINT SIGNAL STATION, November 22, 1863. (Received 11.55 a. in.) Captain LEONARD: Can see artillery and long train of wagons going np the road on Mission Ridge, eight degrees east df south from this station. WOOD, Captain, and Acting Signal Officer. BALD MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION,. November 22, 18634 p~ in. Captain MERRILL, Chief Signal Qfficer: The enemy are stirring; moving toward onr right. QUINTON, Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer. HDQRS. SECOND DIvISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ~Jaldwells Ferry, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: A few moments after the first guns of artillery were fired at Chattanooga this morning, the enemys infantry was discov- ered moving rapidly up the hill a little below and opposite this point. A column of a brigade has passed since first discovered. The col- umu is still moving on. They seem to be moving for action. No wagons are to be seen with it. I send this by my medical director, Surgeon Payne, who can give particulars. Very respectfully, JEF. C. DAVIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. P. S.Since writing the above the column is seen going up the river, and a large train is also seen . moving up the river some dis- tance above this point Page 102 102 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. NOVEMBER 22, 18631.50 p. rn. Major-General THOMAS: All the enemys camps upon his right look like they are deserted. The troops are evident ly out of them~for some purpose or other. JEF. C. DAVIS, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQR5. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 313. Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 22, 1863. * * * * * * * II. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 272 (current series), from these headquarters, Brig. Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, com- manding Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, is hereby de- tailed as general officer of~ the day for to-morrow, November 23, 1863. He will report at these headquarters at 8 a. m. to-morrow for in- structions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WILLIAM McMICIfAEL, Majcr, and Assistant Adjutant- General. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, November 23, 1863. Lieutenant QUINTON: General Thomas wants to know whether in your dispatch of yes- terday the rebels were moving toward our right or toward Rossville. You must be more particular. JESSE MERRILL, captain, and Acting Signal Officer. STATION OPPOSITE SOUTH CHICKAMAUGA, November 23,1863. (Received 10 a. in.) Captain MERRILL: They were moving toward Rossville; came out of their camps by company, formed on their color line, and moved off by regiments. I counted ten regiments. QUINTON, Lieutenant, Acting Signal Officer. NOVEMBER 23, 1863. General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: I send you the following rebel message. It is not quite complete: lip. m. HARDEE: Enemy all north of east. Troops were massed from left to center. Those on the right moved to center. South from Raccoon, on mountain, were in line in full sight, east. If they intend to attack, I think it will be on our left. Bridges gone. C. L. STEVENSON. Respectfully submitted. JESSE MERRILL captain, and Chief Signal Officer Page 103 c~. XLIII.] THE CHATTAKOGGARINGOOLD CAMPAICTN. 103 NOVEMBER 23. 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I send two more rebel messages, the first one taken from Lookout and the other from Missionary Ridge :* HARDEE: I observed from this point the movements of the enemy until -. The object seemed to be to attract our attention. The troops in sight were formed from center to left. Those on the right moved to center. Troops from Raccoon were in line in full sight. If they intend to attack my opinion is it will be upon our left. Both of their bridges are gone. S[TEVENSON], General. On whose left did General S. think your attack would be made? Respectfully submitted. JESSE MERRILL, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer. ORCHARD KNOB,, November 23, 18633 p. m. General THOMAS: The enemys rifle-pits in front, 1,200 yards, very strong and filled with rebels. They cannot be carried without heavy loss. G. GRANGER, Major-General. NOVEMBER 23, 18634.15 p. m. General THOMAS: Heavy columns are passing to our left to the front of Howard. They have double lines of rifle-pits in his front O~ GRANGER, Major- General. CHATTANOOGA, November 23, 18636.40 p. m. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General: GENERAL: An order has just been handed me directed to Briga- dier-General Baird, directing him to close to the left on Sheridan. Is it intended that he shall advance so as to connect with Sheridans line? JOHN M. PALMER, Major- General, (Jommanding. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, November 23, 18636.30 p. m. Major-General PALMER, Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps: The general commanding direct~ that General Bairds troops move to the left and connect with General Sheridan. The troops need not * Message from Missionary Ridge not found Page 104 104 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. 0-A. [CHAP. XLIIL move farther to the front than is necessary to connect, and only those on the extreme left. By command of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. and Chief of Staff. NOVEMBER 23, 1863. General GRANGER: Hold and strengthen your position. General Howards corps is taking position on your left. By order of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 23, 1863. Major-General GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: The general commanding department directs that you throw one division of the Fourth Corps forward in the direction of Orchard Knob, and hold a second division in supporting distance, to disclose the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity of his old camp. Howards and Bairds commands will be ready to co-operate if needed. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, November 23, 1863. Brigadier-General Wood, with his division, will, as soon as possi- ble, carry out the foregoing instructions, and he will be supported by General Sheridans division, to be posted along near the line of railroad, its right resting about midway between Moores road and the Brush Knob, in front of Lunette Palmer. G. GRANGER, Major- General. NOVEMBER 23, 18639 p. m. Major-General THOMAS, Commanding: GENF~RAL: They signaled from Lookout Mountain that both our pontoons were broken. This was only the latter portion of the mes- sage; all that could be caught. All quiet except a few shots on Sheridans right. From the exclamations, I thiiik probably some~ deserters coming in. Respectfully, - J. C. McKJBBIN, Colonel Page 105 Cu.& p. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOC~ARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 105 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, November 23, 186310 p. m. GENERAL: Nothing of importance except heavy camp fires in Chattanooga Valley, extending clear hack to the Nickajack road, as if troops had come down the mountain. The following was signaled from Lookout Mountain: Maj. D. H POOLE: What is the position of things on the right? JACKSON. J. C. MCKJBBJN, Colonel. HEADQUARTERS DEARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 23, 186310 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Lookout Valley: If Woods division does not get across the river by daybreak, he is ordered to report to you, and in that event the general commanding department directs that you endeavor to take the point of Lookout Mountain. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. 14TH ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 23, 186310.50 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland: GENERAL: The firing heard when I left headquarters was only a few shots on Bairds front. Baird informed me that before receiv- ing the order to close to the left on Sheridan, he was in that position. After leaving him I rode around the line of pickets on my front. The officer in command of the advance post immediately to right of Rossville road reports the movement of wagons on his front, but could give no information as to the direction they were moving. He said, They are masSing troops on our front; I heard distinctly the order, close in mass. The officer in command of a detach- ment of the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Regulars reports the felling of trees by the enemy near the base of Lookout Mountain. From the direction he pointed in giving the information, they may be blocking the road around the point of the mountain. Very respectfully, JOHN M. PALMER, Major- General, Commanding. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, North Chicicamauga c~reelc, Tenn., November 23, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Stajf: SIR: I have the honor to report that a rebel picket, on the oppo- site side of the river, called across td one of my pickets, and aske Page 106 106 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AN]) N. GA. [OHAP. XLIII. when we would be ready to move our pontoon-boats out of the creek. And also said. You Yankees think you will take us by surprise. From this it seems that the rebels have become acquainted with our movements; this is nothing more than I anticipated, for on last Tuesday, before I myself was fully advised of the plan, and before a single pontoon had reached this point, and even before the road was cut to convey them hither, a citizen fully detailed the plan to one of my captains, stationed at Moccasin Gap. On the morning the pontoons left Chattanooga, at least 20 citizens were allowed to pass them unmolested and unarrested, before the pontoons had left the Poe road to come to this point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. McCOOK. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 314. ~ Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 23, 1863. * * * * * * II. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 272, current se- ries, from these headquarters, Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson, command- ing First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, is hereby detailed as general officer of the day for to-morrow, November 24, 1863. He will report at these headquarters at 8 a. m. to-morrow for instruc- tions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WILLIAM McMICHAEL, Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 24, 186312.30 a. m. Major-General HOOKER, Lookout Valley: Intercepted rebel dispatch is to the effect that rebels expect us to attack them on their left in the morning. General commanding de- sires that you make demonstrations early as possible after daybreak on point of Lookout Mountain. General Grant still hopes Woods division will get across to join Sherman, in which case your demon- stration will aid Shermans crossing. If Woods cant cross you can take the point of Lookout if your demonstration develops its practi- cability. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HOOKERS HEADQUARTERS, November 24, 18632 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: I am just informed that Woods division will not be able to cross the river for twelve hours, and in consequence have given direction Page 107 Ow. XLIII.) THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 107 for it td take~yosition for an advance on Lookout Nose, to be there at sunrise .~~hat there may be no mistake as to the crossing, I will send a staff officer to ascertain positively. HOOKER, Major- General. LOOKOUT VALLEY, November 24, 18633.15 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: I now have information that the bridge will not be completed to- day, and I have made preparations accordingly. I will make my demonstrations as soon after daylight as practicable. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. LOOKOUT VALLEY, November 24, 18637.3O~a. in. Major-General REYNOLDS: My troops are all in position, but in consequence of the swollen state of the creek the crossing will be delayed an hour or so. JOSEPH HOOKER, - Major-General, Commanding. LOOKOUT VALLEY, November 24, 18638 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: I have sent Geary, supported by Whitaker, to cross the creek at Wauhatchie, and work down on the right bank of it. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. BALD MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION, November 24, 18638 a. m. Captain MERRILL: One division of infantry is now moving toward our left on Mis- sionary Ridge. J. H. CONNELLY, Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer. OPPOSITE SOUTH CHICKAMAUGA, November 24, 186311 a. m. (Received 12 in.) Captain MERRILL: Sherman has three divisions across and four guns. Rebels moving heavy force to our left. They have a battery at Tunnel bridge. Bridge laid; steamer ferrying. QUINTON, Signal Officer Page 108 108 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, INSPECTOR GENERALS DEPARTMENT Fort Wood, rNovomberl 24, 186311 a. m. Major-General THOMAS: GENERAL: The enemy are moving by flank to our left on Mission- ary Ridge. (Signal from Colonel Barnetts battery, opposite side of river.) G. M. L. JOHNSON, captain, and Acting Assistant Inspector- General. LOOKOUT VALLEY, November 24, 186311 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: I am in condition to cross the creek, bnt as it will be attended with some considerable loss, I have deemed it advisable to await the ar- rival of Gearys command down its right bank before doing so. I think that he will be up as early as 12 oclock. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, commanding. LOOKOUT VALLEY, November 24, 186312.15 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: The valley is now clear. General Gearys division is on the crest of the slope of Lookout Monntain. JOSEPH HOOKER. Major- General, com~nanding. BALD MOUNTAIN SIGNAL STATION, November 24, 186312.20 p. m. Major-General THOMAS: General Howards column has formed junction with Sherman. C. A. DANA. SIGNAL STATION OPPOSITE SIDE OF RIVER, November 24, [1863]12.30 p. m. General THOMAS: Bridge completed. DANA. CAMERON HILL SIGNAL STATION November 24, [1863.] (Received 12.30 p. in.) Captain MERRILL: Our forces have carried th~ works near white house, on Look- out. HOWGATE Page 109 C~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 109 FORT WOOD (FROM SIGNAL STATION OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RIVER), November 241 p. m. Gen~ral THOMAS: Woods is about to cross. DANA. HOOKERS HEADQUARTERS, November 24, [1863]1.25 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: In announcing the fact of our great success this morning I had no time to state its results. The conduct of all the troops has been brilliant, and the success has far exceeded my expectations. Our loss has not been severe, and of prisoners I should judge that we had not less than 2,000. The bulk of my infantry is now assembling on the east side of Lookout Mountain. Of course the routes do not ad mit of the passage of artillery. HOOKER, Major-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, White House, Lookout Mountain, Nov. 24, [1863]2 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: I have established my headquarters in the white house, on Look- out Mountain. The enemy are massing rapidly on my right. Sup- port me. Have taken two guns. Respectfully, W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 4TH ARMY CORPS, White House, on Lookout, November 24, [1863]2 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLERTON, Chief of Staff: I am in possession of the white house, on Lookout Mountain, and if I get ammunition I can hold it. The enemy are massing on my right. Respectfully, W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: Can you let General Whitaker have ammunition? We have no ordnance officer, and Qeneral Granger is in the front. Very respectfully, J. S. FULLERTON, Lieutenant-colonel, and Assi3tant Adjutant-Generd Page 110 110 Ky., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 24, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: General Thomas has just ordered the Moccasin Point baftery to open on the Summertown road. Order sent by courier. J. P. WILLARD, Captain, and Aide-de-Camp. HDQRS. SIGNAL CORPS, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 24, 1863. Captain WILLARD, Aide-de-Camp: CAPTAIN: The order from General Thomas to batteries on Mocca- sin Point, directing them to open on Summertown road, cannot be sent just now, on account of mist and rain. I will send it as soon as possible, unless otherwise directed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JESSE MERRILL, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer. Captain MERRILL: Please send me a copy of the order. J. P. W[ILLARD]. NOVEMBER 24, 18632.35 p. m. WOOD: General Thomas directs that the battery on [Moccasin] Point open on the Summertown road immediately. MERRILL. NOVEMBER 24, 1863. (Received 3.10.) Captain LEONARD: Naylors and Aleshires batteries are firing at enemy in line of battle on our right, beyond rolling mills. WOOD, Lieutenant, and Signal Officer. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS; November 24, 18633.45 p. m. General HOOKER: Hold position until you can replenish ammunition. Brigade get~ ting across Chattanooga Creek to support you. By comnn~nd of Major-Gejieral Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, ~Z1fa~or-~emeral Page 111 CH~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. ill HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 24, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: Your success is glorious. Resupply ammunition if possible. We are crossing a brigade to connect with you. Send prisoner~ to Kelleys Ferry to be guarded. Take accurate list. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 24, 18634 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: It is so dark in Chattanooga Valley that it is impossible for me to see the position of the enemy or his numbers,and Ideem it very im- prudent to descend into it to-night. I hold the line from the white house to the point where the railroad passes beneath the mountain down the river on the Chattanooga side. We have smart skirmishing along the line, particularly the upper part of it, but my troops are unflinching, and cannot be driven from their position, which they are strengthening every moment. The enemy continue to hold the top of Lookout Mountain, and I cannot prevent it until I can move around and take possession of the Sum- mertown road, which, as I am informed, requires me to descend into the valley. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- G~neral, Commanding. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 24, 18635.15 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: General Carlins brigade has just reported to me. I have sent it to the right of my line, resting on the white house, as this was held by troops exhausted from the labors of to-day. At this point they will be in position to threaten the enemys rear, if he does not retire before morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 24, 18636.40 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: I am all right for to-night. In the morning I shall be short of bat- teries, though I hope to have the road and the bridges in condition to enable me to bring forward some of mine by the time I shall re- quire them. The enemy had felled trees across the Chattanooga road over the mountain, and a slide in the road made it necessary to ex- pend a good deal of labor u~6n it. From the dense fog to-day I have not been able to learn much of the topography of Chattanooga Valley in my front. For this reason I suggest that the operation Page 112 112 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. of to-morrow be suspended until the fog lifts, if it should not re- quire too much detention. I request that General Smith will forward me the map of which lie spoke a day or two since. JOSEPH HOOKER Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 24, 18639.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Lookout Valley: The general commanding the department congratulates you most heartily upon your glorious success to-day, and desires that you con- vey his warmest thanks tb the troops under your command for their valorous conduct. General Grant has just directed that General Sherman move along Missionary Ridge to-morrow with his force, while our force advances to the front, co-operating with Sherman and compelling the enemy to show whether he occupies his rifle-pits in our front. Be in readiness to advance as early as p& ssible in the morning into Chattanooga Valley and seize and hold the Summer- town road and co-operate with the Fourteenth Corps by supporting its right. Map sent by courier at 8 oclock this evening.. J. J. REYNOLDS ]Ilqjor-General, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HD QRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 315. ~ Chattanooga, Teun., Nov. 24, 1863. * * * * * * * II. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 272, current series, from these headquarters, Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan, com- manding Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, is hereby detailed as general officer of the day for to-morrow, November 25, 1863. He will report at these headquarters at 8 a. m. to-morrow for instruc- tions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WILLIAM McMICHAEL, Major, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, November 25, [1863.] General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: I had the flag of our country unfurled on Lookouts bold front at sunrise this morning, and have possession of the point. Have skirL mished it for a mile on top. -Saw only 6 rebels. Respectfully, W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General Page 113 C~. XLIII.] THE CIHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 113 HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, White House, Lookout Mountain, November 25, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: I have the honor to report that we have possession of the peak of Lookout Mountain. Present indications point to the enemys hav- ing abandoned our front; prisoners think they have abandoned the valley entirely. Have ordered a reconnaissance to get some infor- mation, and will know more presently. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. NOVEMBER 25, [1863]7 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: The general commanding desires that you immediately move for- ward, in accordance with instructions of last evening. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General, and Chief of Staff. [Captain WILLARD, Aide-de-Camp:] CAPTAIN: We have no communication with General Hooker. The two officers were ordered to join General Hooker on the mount- ain, and are on their way there now. Will have communication very soon, I think. I will send message as soon as open. Respectfully, JESSE MERRILL. WHITE HOUSE, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, November 25, 18638.15 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: Column of troops passing along Mission Ridge to our left; been moving for some little time. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. k HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 25, 18638.45 a. m. (Received 9.45 a. in.) Major-General HOWARD: The general commanding department directs that you move your force toward General Shermans, looking well to your right if anl~ IL RVQL XXXI, PT I Page 114 114 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. and in readiness to form line on your right in case you should be attacked on the march. J. J. REYNOLDS Major- General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, White House, Lookout Jliliountaim, November 25, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: Upon the clearing up of the fog, since dispatch at sunrise, we can see the enemys camps over on the slope of Missionary Ridge and in the valley near there. Our glasses are not strong enough to detect how thickly they are filled. I failed to inform you yesterday that we captured two pieces of artillery and about two thousand stand of small-arms; the latter are scattered over the whole field of yesterday. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. SIGNAL STATION OPPOSITE SOUTH CHICKAMAUGA, November 25, 18639 a. m. Captain MERRILL: One division infantry is now moving toward our left on Missionary Ridge. CONNELLY, Signal Officer. [Indorsement.] Communication has just been opened with Lookout, and message to General Hooker sent. MERRILL. ORCHARD KNOB, November 25, 18639 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Wood: Do not fire any more from F6rt Wood, except an occasional shot into the enemys rifle-pits on their extreme right, and on top of the ridge, when the enemy show themselves in force. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. WHITE HOUSE, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Novemlzer 25, 18639.20 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: Have regiment on Summertown road; one on summit of Lookout.~ Enemy reported picketing Chattanooga Creek. They appear to be burning camps in valley. I await orders. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding Page 115 Ciin~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CA1~f~PAIGN. 115 DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, November 25, 186310.10 a. m. Major-General HOOKER: Leave Carlins brigade at Summertown road, to rejoin Palmer. Move with the remainder of your force, except two regiments to hold Lookout Mountain, on the Rossville road toward Missionary Ridge, looking well to your right flank. By order Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General. ORCHARD KNOB, November 25, 186310.30 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Wood: The enemy is in force in farther edge of woods below their camp to left of Orchard Knob. Put a few shells in there. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. ORCHARD KNOB, November 25, 186310.45 a. m. Battery North Side of River: Your elevation is too small. Shells fall just in front of our troops. Fire at enemys camp and top of ridge. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. MOCCASIN POINT SIGNAL STATION, November 25, [1863]10.45 a. m. [Captain LEONARD:] CAPTAIN: Fifty degrees east of south, and about 2 miles distanl~, heavy column of rebels moving toward Missionary Ridge. WOOD, Signal Officer. ORCHARD KNOB, November 25, 186311 a. m. COMMANDING OFFICER, Fort Wood: You are firing in the wrong direction. Fire near the tunnel north of Orchard Knob, . GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General Page 116 116 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLII1. NOVEMBER 25, 186312 m. Major-General HOOKER: I wish you and General Palmer to move forward firmly and steadily upon the enemys works in front of Missionary Ridge, using General Sheridan as a pivot. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. NEAR CHATTANOOGA CREEK, TENN., November 25, 18631.25 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: I have been delayed preparing Crossing at Chattanooga Creek. Bridges are destroyed. Shall be stopped perhaps an hour. The advance are skirmishing with the enemy across the Creek, probably rear guard. The bearer will return with any dispatches. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Comm ending. MISSIONARY RIDGE, November 25, 18631.35 p. m. General REYNOLDS: Have you seen General Hooker? Failed to find him. Established no headquarters. Reported gone to Chattanooga. His forces gone to Carlins brigade on ridge. Granger, Sheridan, and Hazen at Braggs headquarters. JOHNSON, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General. MISSIONARY RIDGE, November 25, 18636 p. m. General THOMAS: I think we have them, but I want a battery. Respectfully, GRANGER, General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, BRAGGS VACATED HEADQUARTERS, Missionary Ridge, November 25, 18637.15 p. m. Major-General THOMAS, c1ommanding Department of the C~umberland: GENERAL: It is probable that we can cut off ~ large number of the enemy by making a bold dash upon the Chickamauga, eithe Page 117 (Yu~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAIRJNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 117 upon the Rossville road or the one to the north of it. or upon all of the roads leading from our present front to the Chickamanga. The enemy are evidently badly demoralized. Our men are in great courage and in spirits. I am ready for any orders or dispositions you may be pleased to make. We have captured about forty pieces of artillery and about 2,000 prisoners, small-arms, & c., in proportion, besides 50 wagon loads of forage. G. GRANGER, Major-General, Commanding. P. 8.The enemys loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners is very heavy. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, Chattanooga, November 25, 186312 m. Major-General GRANGER Missionary Ridge: Your dispatch of 7.15 p. m. was duly received. Please accept my hearty congratulations on the splendid success of your troops, and convey to them my cordial thanks for the brilliant style in which they carried the enemys works. Their conduct cannot be too highly appreciated. I have just seen General Grant, who (lesires that you make preparations to move up the river as soon as possible. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General, U. & Vols., Commanding~ [Indorsement.] This message was sent to Missionary Ridge, but as messages came from there, I concluded he is in town. SHERIDAN. U. S. Army. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 316. Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1863. I. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 272, current se- ries, from these headquarters, Brig. Gen. A. Baird, commanding Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, is hereby detailed as gen- eral officer of the day for to-morrow, November 26, 1863. He will report at these headquarters at 8 a. m. to-morrow for instructions. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WILLIAM McMICHAEL, Major, and Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, No. 7. Loolcovt Mountain, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1863. The splendid achievements of the troops engaged in the assault and capture of Lookout Mountain have elicited from the general commanding the department his warmest congratulations, and it i Page 118 118 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. with the highest satisfaction they are communicated to the com- mand. The triumphs of yesterday, the successive gallant charges up the mountain side over the enemys intrenchment, with the suc- cessful results, will be remembered as long as the giant peak of Lookout shall be their mute but eloquent monument. No words of the major-general commanding ca~ express his admiration for the conduct and valor displayed during the operations of yesterday by the troops engaged, including the First Division of the Fourth Corps; the First Division, Fifteenth Corps; the First Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Corps, and the Second Division, Twelfth Corps. The following extract from a telegram received is promulgated in compliance with orders: CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 24, 1863. Major-General HOOKER: The general commanding the department congratulates you most heartily upon your glorious success to-day. and desires that you convey his warmest thanks to the troops under your command for their valorous conduct. J. J. REYNOLDS Major-General, Chief of Staff. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD; Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, November 26, 186310 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: From the best information I have been able to obtain from the reconnaissance of my own command and from those of others, and after giving the subject my best reflection, I am already of the opin- ion that my column should move to Graysville via iRossville. In suggesting this, it is with the impression that the entire force of the enemy is falling back with all possible rapidity. If I am not pre- vented from making this movement rapidly, I think there is good reason to suppose that a portion of the enemys retreating column may be intercepted. The general can judge whether or not my col- umn should be su.pported by that of General Palmer. Permit me to suggest that the troops of General Sheridan, now at Mission Mills, be instructed to destroy the railroad bridge across Chickamauga River. HOOKER, Major- General. RoSSvILLE, Major-General REYNOLDS: November 26, 186311 a. m. Colonel Simmons, instead of sending the rations, sends a note to me, ordering me to direct the commissary of Eleventh and Twelfth Corps to apply at Chattanooga for commissary stores, and returns the guide sent down to conduct the train. Perhaps you can compre- hend this; I cannot. We shall rely upon your having some one ex~ ecute your orders to place 20~00U rations and forage at Rossville as soon as possible. The guide Will show them out. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD Page 119 119 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAKRINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, 1\Tovember 26, 18631 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: General Thomas approves your suggestions, and directs that you push on to Graysville. Genoral Palmer is ordered to report to you and support you. Very respectfully, R[EYNOLDS]. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 26, 18631 p. m. Major-General PALMER: You will report to General Hooker, and co-operate with him in his movement on Graysville. You will move with Bairds division and Johnsons, except the brigade in the fort. By command of General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General~ Chief of Staff. NOVEMBER 26, 18631.45~p. m. General GRANGER: The general commanding directs me to say to you that it is Gen- eral Grants order that you complete your preparations for the Knox- ville expedition as soon as possible. W~. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Near Pea Vine Creek, Ga., November 26, 186310 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: We have reached a ridge said to be 2~ miles from Riuggold. Gen- eral Palmer led the column, and captured three pieces of artillery complete near the ridge, where we now are, where we struck the rear of enemys column. His (Palmers) advance is at Graysville. We are informed that it was the rear of Hardees command, com- posing the Left Wing of Braggs army. If not otherwise directed, I shall move on Ringgold at daylight. Subsequent movements will depend upon what I learn there. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Graysville, November 27, 18636.30 a. m. General JOSEPH J. REYNOLDS: With Johnsons division last night surprised General Stewart, took three guns (Napoleon), two caissons, and many prisoners. Sur- prise complete. I send prisoners and artillery in this morning. Here we took an additional gun1 ~. ~. PALMER. Major- General Page 120 120 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Ciw.. XLIII. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 18639 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: Our column has arrived at this point. Some skirmishing now in front in the gap through which the railroad passes to Dalton. We had skirmishing (light) along the road this morning, and picked up some prisoners. The town is pretty much cleaned out. The road was strewn with caissons, limbers, ambulances, & c.; every evidence that the retreat is precipitate and disorderly. Our provisions have not arrived, and as the men have been without food for twenty-four hours I shall be compelled to return for supplies. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 186310.45 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: GENERAL: In compliance with the instructions sent direct to Gen- eral Palmer, I have directed hini to return to Chattanooga with his conimand. I send with him about 200 prisoners, in additioh to those sent in yesterday and last evening. I inclose herewith copy of a letter * captured here, written by a staff officer of General Hardees to his wife, as it will inform the general of rebel views of our recent operations. Of the rations forwarded yesterday there was a great deal of flour, which cannot be used in consequence of the absence of means to make bread. The general will observe, from my instructions from General Grant (copy forwarded last evening), that I am not perniitted to ad- vance unless I do so without fighting a battle. This puts me in the condition of the boy who was permitted to learn to swim provided he would not go near the water. I have information, which I deem reliable, that the enemy are preparing defenses to make a determined resistance at Tunnel Hill. Under orders of General Grant, 1 have destroyed the bridge and 2 miles of railroad yesterday, and am prepared to burn the depots, mills, and tanneries before my departure. Under my present orders, I am required to remain here until the 30th. I request orders for my movements after that time. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, (iomrn anding. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 186311.30 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: The enemy makes a stand determinedly in the position where the railroad passes through the gap here. I have not yet been able to drive him from it or to turn it. There is still skirmishing going on, but I have given directions for the firing to cease. My artillery has but now arrived. I shall try the effect of that as soon as it can be got in position. None of Palmers has been en- * Not found Page 121 CHAi~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAIUNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 121 gaged. About one-half of my original command (Osterhaus and one- third of Gearys) have been engaged. My loss has been quite heavy. I shall not persist in the attack unless it is to my advantage. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 186312.45 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: GENERAL: The enemy have been forced to abandon the position he held on the ridge reported in my last. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 18633 p rn. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: GENERAL: By direction of General Grant, I have sent a brigade in the direction of Tunnel Hill. This force is sent not so much to fight as for making captures of trains reported stalled and to con- vey the impression of pursuit of the enemy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ring gold, Ga., November 27, 18634 p. in. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: The summary of operations to-day thus far is: Our march here, driving the enemy from his camp on Chickamauga and here, and finally driving him from his position in the gap, heretofore reported. Our captures will be probably 150 or 200 prisoners; the number can- not be accurately given, as they were sent to the rear in different parties from different commands; a store-house at the depot, with a large quantity of forage; four or five caissons, partially filled with ammunition. General Palmer captured another piece of artillery at Graysville, making four in all since we left Rossville, coming this way. Nothing yet from the brigade sent toward Tunnel Hill. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, C~ommanding. RINOGOLD, GA., November 27, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: I have not been able heretofore to send a niemorandum of the op- erations of the 25th on Missionary~ Ridge. As soon as the bridge over Chattanooga Creek could be completed we advanced along the ridge in three columns, capturing one piec Page 122 122 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. of artillery and Several hundred prisoners from Stewarts division, opposing us. The balance of the enemy that maintained any organ- ization were driven in and captured by General Johnsons division. We captured a large quantity of flour at Rossville, 50 or 60 boxes artillery ammunition, large quantities of small-arms, among them many new ones in boxes unopened. Our loss in killed and wounded was slight, and did not compare with that inflicted upon the enemy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General. RINGGOLD, GA., November 27, 18636 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: I cannot leave here until my wounded are all removed. If the ambub~nces sent for arrive, I shall probably be able to get them off to-morrow. General Palmers command might be withdrawn from here. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant JOSEPH HOOKER, lllajor- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ring gold, Ga., November 28, 186312 m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: Two musicians, deserters from the enemy, came in this morning. They state that Braggs army was pretty fairly concentrated at Tun- nel Hill, about 8 miles from here, the object being to cover their trains, baggage, & c. Their pickets were this side, within 3 or 4 miles from here. They thong t no stand would be made this side of Atlanta. They state that the woods and ravines are full of deserters who were determiiied to leave the enemy now, but did not like to come into our lines, and would try to get into Kentucky and Ten- nessee (their homes) around our lines. The musicians were from a Kentucky. regiment, and brought in their instruments with them. We have taken 70 barrels of flour, which is ordered to Chattanooga, to be delivered to the chief commissary. Our exact casualties, as reported, of yesterday, are: be command. . 0 H General Geary 22 179 4 205 General Osterhaus 43 245 16 304 Total.... 6% 424 20 a509 a Less 2 missing, since brought in, 507. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, .Zhicijor- General, Commanding Page 123 CHAP. XLIII.j THI~ CHATTANOOGA1flNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 1-2~ RINOGOLD, GA., November 28, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chattanooga: GENERAL: Under the orders I now have (but just received from General Grant), I shall need 50,000 rations, to be sent out as soon as possible. From information I have that the enemy are re-enforcing their troops at Tunnel Hill, said to be from Johnstons command, I have taken the liberty of retaining General Palmers command until I can satisfy myself with regard to the accuracy of the report. I inclose copy of General Grants order. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Miajor- General, Commanding. P. S.Of the order to General Palmer I only learned by chance. I have to request that all orders affecting my command may be sent through me. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, November 29, 18634 p. m. Major-General PALMER: The general commanding department directs that your troops re- sume their camps at Chattanooga. You will throw out a proper picket on our old front line. Starkweathers brigade has just started on an expedition on the top of Lookout Mountain. Very respectfully, ~. ~. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. From railroad crossing on Citico Creek to the Chimneys on Chat- tanooga Creek. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ringgold, Gd~., November 30, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: Two contrabands, just arrived from Dalton, report the main force of the enemy gone beyond Dalton, about 300 men at Tunnel Hill, and the enemys cavalry this side. The rations requested to be sent out yesterday morning have not arrived. I am without provisions for one brigade, and shall be compelled to return for them. The non- arrival of the train will, I now fear, compel me to leave some ma- chinery, which I hoped to take back with me in the emptied wagons. Very respectfully, & c., JQSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUAI~TERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 30, 18639 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOSE~PH HOOKER: GENERAL: The general commanding department directs that you leave Riuggold with the forces under your command, starting * See Grant to Hooker. p. 48 Page 124 124 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. shortly after the nioon rises to.night, and move toward Chatta- nooga. The troops of the Twelfth Corps and those of the Fourth Corps will resume their original positions west of Lookout Mountain and on the road to Bridgeport. Osterhaus division will be halted at a convenient point between Chattanooga and Rossville, and the commanding officer will report to General Grant for instructions. Execute the orders received from General Grant in reference to the destruction of property at Ring- gold. It is reported, on what seems good authority, that some of our dead lie unburied on the battle-field of Chickamauga. Order a detail from the command of General Cruft, or the whole command if necessary, to return via Chickamauga and bury them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 15, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the operations of my com- mand from December 1 to 31, 1863, as rollows: December 1, General Hooker returned to Chattanooga from Ring- gold with Gearys division, of the Twelfth Corps, and Osterhaus division, of the Fifteenth Corps. Crufts two brigades, of the First Division, Fonrth Corps, were ordered to proceed to Chickamauga battle-field and bury such of our dead as still remained unburied by the rebels. This duty finished, they were to return to their former positions on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, between White- sides and Bridgeport. General Hooker, on evacuating Riuggold, destroyed the railroad depot and other buildings, as well as such captured property as could not be removed. General Grangers corps marched to the relief of Knoxville, acting in connection with General Shermans command, which was also moving toward that place. Third Brigade, First Division of Cavalry, Colonel Watkins, of the Sixth Kentucky, commanding, was stationed at Rossville, with an infantry support of two regiments, to guard our south front. General Elliott, with the First Cavalry Division, was ordered to pro- ceed from his position, in the vicinity of Sparta, to Kingston, East Tennessee. He received later instructions, to the effect that in case he did not reach that place in time to participate in the pursuit of Long- street, he was to establish his headquarters at Athens, and throw out posts as far as possible to the southeast to observe the movements of the enemy in that direction. Information given by deserters from the enemy places the rebel army in our front as follows: Cleburnes division is at Tunnel Hill, and the balance of the army is statidned between there and Dalton. They state that the troops are very much demoralized, the men be- ing very much scattered from their regiments, and desertions are numerous. Buckners corps was not in the battles in front of Chat- tanooga, it having gone to the assistance of Longstreet seven or eight days previous. December 3, Col. George P.. Buell, Fifty-eighth Indiana Volun- teers, commanding Pioneer Brigade, commenced constructing a double-track wagon road over the nose of Lookout Mountain. December 13, General Gillem reports from Nashville that he ha Page 125 CHAI. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 125 just returned to tliat p~1ace from the Tennessee River. The work on the Northwestern railroad was progressing. Guerrillas between the Cumberland and Duck Rivers broken up. Perkins and Ray were disposed of, the former having been killed and the latter captured. Retugees and conscripts from the south side of the river report that Forrest and Pillow are at Jackson, West Tennessee, with about 4,000 men, 1,000 of whom are well mounted and organized. December 15, a small party of rebels, under Maj. Joe Fontaine, Roddeys adjutant, was captured by General Dodge near Pulaski. They had been on a reconnaissance along the Nashville and Chatta- nooga Railroad and the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. Measures were immediately taken to guard against an attack on either rail- road. On the 17th, Howards corps returned to Chattanooga from Knox- ville; also Davis division, of the Fourteenth Corps. The latter was posted along S p ring Creek, south of Missionary Ridge, and the former returned to its position in Lookout Valley. Through scouts we learn that the enemy is strengthening his posi- tion between Tunnel Hill and Dalton; also at Resaca, near the Coosa River, and at Allatoona Mountains, the last named place being a for- midable position. Information from various sources leads to the be- lief that Hardee is making the Oostenaula River his front, defended by rifle-pits and fortifications; also the Etowah River. All deserters and scouts agree in their statements that the rebels in our froht are disheartened and demoralized. President Lincolns amnesty procla- mation was having a good effect in encouraging desertions, and movements have been taken to circulate it quite extensively within the enemys lines. The cavalry command, under General Elliott, having been detained by General Foster for duty in his department, Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, was stationed at Calhoun, on the Hiwas- see River, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy in that vicinity. The balance of the Seconi Division, under com- mand of General Crook, was ordered by General Grant, on the 20th, to move from Huntsville, where it then was, to Prospect, with a view to operate against Forrest. General W. S. Smith, chief of cav- alry of the Military Division of the Mississippi, with the Third Fifth, and Seventh Kentucky, Second and Fourth Tennessee, and Eighth Iowa Cavalry Regiments, started for Savannah on the 20th, to cross the Tennessee, and operate on the flank and rear of Forrest and drive him from West Tennessee. The operations of the cavalry have been quite brilliant during the month. Col. L. D. Watkins, commanding Third Brigge, First Division, from his position at Rossville, has made several successful raids into the enen~ys lines. On the 5th, a reconnaissance sent by him proceeded as far as Ring- gold without finding any signs of the enemy, except stragglers and deserters. Again on the 14th, with detachments of the Fourth and Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, numbering about 250 men, he made a re- connaissance toward La Fayette, surprised that town, capti~iring a colonel of the Georgia Home Guards, 6 officers of the rebel signal corps, and about 38 horses and mules; our loss, none. On the 23d he sent out a scout of 150 men from Fourth and Sixth Kentucky Regiments, under command of IM~ajor Welling, of the Fourth Ken- tucky, which proceeded as far as La Fayette, capturing at that place 1 commissioned officer, 16 non-commissioned and privates, 10 citi- zens (said to be violent rebels), and 38 horses and mules Page 126 126 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIII. On the 22d, a party of Wheelers cavalry, numbering about 75 men, attacked a small party of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, sta- tioned at Cleveland. Our loss was 1 or 2 captured, some property lost, consisting of overcoats, saddles, & c., but the enemy were finally dr~iven off. On the 23d, Gearys division, of the Twelfth Corps, left their camp at Lookout Valley to take up a position along the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, one brigade to be stationed at Bridgeport and the other at Stevenson. On the 28th, Colonel Bernard Laiboldt, Second Missouri Infantry, in charge of a train and escort, principally of convalescents belong- ing to the Fourth Corps, proceeding from Chattanooga to Knoxville, was attacked by a force of Wheelers cavalry, numbering between 1,200 and 1,500, as he was crossing the Hiwassee River at Charles- ton. He immediately formed his guard in line of battle on the south side of the river, succeeded in crossing all his train in safety, and then charged the astonished rebels and drove them in confusion. He then called upon Col. Eli Long for cavalry co-operation, who sent all the force he then had in camp, numbering 150 men. With this small force Colonel Long charged the enemy with sabers and drove him 5 miles, gapturing 130 prisoners, including S commissioned offi- cers. Our loss was 2 killed and 15 wounded. The enemy left his dead and wounded, as well as quite a number of small-arms, & c., upon the field. Both Colonels Laiboldt and Long are entitled to great credit for the manner in which they repelled this attack. I earnestly recommend them to favorable consideration for promotion; Colonel Laiboldt, for his executive ability and efficiency as a brigade commander of the Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps; Col. Eli Long, for the valuable service he rendered during the recent bat- tles in front of Chattanooga and for many instances of previous good conduct. Provost-Marshal-General Wiles reports that 1,080 deserters from the enemy have come into the lines of this army between the 19th of October and December 31. Twenty regiments had reorganized as veteran volunteers on the 1st of January, 1864, as follows: . 0 command. .~ ~ 29th Pennsylvania Infantry 2 2 12 28th Pennsylvania Infantry 1 2 12 111th Pennsylvania Infantry 2 2 12 147th Pennsylvania Infantry 1 2 12 26th Battery, Pennsylvania Artillery 1 3 4~ 66th Ohio Infantry 1 2 12~ 29th Ohio Infa4try 1 2 12 14th Ohio Infantry 3 3 14 38th Ohio Infantry 3 3 14 6th Ohio Light Battery 2 3 4 17th Ohio Infantry 1 3 14 3d Wisconsin Infantry 3 1 12 35th Indiana Infantry 2 1 4 9th Indiana Infantry 3 1 4 29th Indiana Infantry 1 1 4 38th Indiana Infantry 1 1 14 60th New York Infantry 3 2 12 78th New York Infantry 3 2 12 102d New York Infantry 3 2 12 9th Michigan Infantry a 14 16th Illinoi~ Infantry 1 2 14 ~t Provost gu~r1 Page 127 Cusp. XLIII.] THE CHAITAN0OGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 127 The above regiments had left their divisions on the 1st of Janu- ary, 1864; a great many others were preparing to reorganize as veterans. I have the honor to annex hereto* the official report of the opera- tions of the Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, commanding; also that of Col. Bernard Lai- boldt, Second Missouri, concerning the repulse of Wheelers cavalry at Charleston, and copies of the official reports of the cavalry force under General Elliott at the engagement at Mossy Creek, E. Tenn. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. ft. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Vols., Commanding. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army. No. 10. Report of M~j. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Army Corps, including operations since November 18, with congratulatory orders, etc. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Loudon, East Tenn., February 11, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward to the major-general com- manding the Department of the Cumberland, the following report of the operations of the Fourth Army Corps in the recent battles of Chattanooga. For particular and detailed accounts of the facts men- tioned therein, I refer to the official reports of division, brigade, and regimental commanders, herewith forwarded. On the 18th day of November last, I received instructions from Major-General Thomas directing me to hold the two divisions of command, then at Chattanooga, in readiness to join in an attac about to be made upon the enemy in our front. In this attack I was to co-operate directly with Major-General Sherman after he had crossed his command from the north bank of the Tennessee River, immediately below the mouth of Chickamauga Creek, and had reached the north end of Mission Ridge. This attack was ordered to be made at daylight on the morning of November 21. I was, there- fore, directed to bridge Citico Creek, a deep, narrow stream that would separate my command from the position that was to be occupied by Major-General Sherman, working under cover of darkness on the night of the 20th, and to cross it with my two divisions before day- light the next morning, moving to ward the north end of Mission Ridge, and marching so as to arrive at that point simultaneously with Major-General Sherman. It was designed that after having effected a juncture with these troops I should change the direction of my column, and move along the northwestern side and base of Mission Ridge, taking the enemy in front and flank. This contemplated at- tack, however, was not made on the morning of the 21st, the orders having been countermanded on the 20th, when it was found that Major-General Shermans column, which had been much delayed on *See pp Page 128 128 KY., SW. VA., TENN.; MISS., N. ALA., AND N~ GA. FOHAP. XLm. the march from Bridgeport, Ala., by the heavy rains and the bad roads, could not get up in time for it. On the night of November 22, acting under orders similar to those above mentioned, I bridged Citico Creek and placed my command in readiness to cross it, but did nothing further, as I received a note, after dark, from department headquarters informing me that as an accident had happened to the bridge at Browns Ferry Major-General Sherman would be there de- tained, and that consequently immediate action was to be suspended. The disposition of the troops of this corps on the morning of No- vember 23 was as follows: TheS econd Division, under command of Major-General Sheridan, and the Third Division, under Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, were camped within our advanced line of rifle- p its in front of Chattanooga, the right of Major-General Sheridans division resting on the Rossville road, and the left joining General Woods right, while the left of General Woods division rested on the right bank of the Tennessee River northeast of the town. The First Brigade of the First Division was at Bridgeport, Ala., and the Second and Third Brigades of the same divisionthe Sedond com- manded by Brigadier-General Whitaker, and the Third commanded by Colonel Grose, and both under the temporary command~of Brigadier- General Cruftwere marching from Shellmound and Whitesides, en route to join Major-General Hookers command, on the south side of the Tennessee River, near Browns Ferry. On the night of Novem- ber 22 there were movements in the enemys camp indicating that he was advised of our intentions, which by reason of delays and ac- cidents had become somewhat apparent, and that he was either with- drawing or concentrating his forces. His front, however, remained unchanged. At 11 oclock on the morning of the next day, Novem- ber 23, I received a dispatch, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Ohattanooga, Teun., November 23, 1863. Major-General GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: The general commanding department directs that you throw one division of the Fourth Corps forward in the direction of Orchard Knob, and hold a second division in supporting distance, to discover the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity of his old camp. Howards and Bairds commands will be ready to co- operate if needed. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff. Orchard Knob is a rugged hill rising 100 feet above the Chatta- nooga Valley, lying between Fort Wood, a work on onr exterior line of defense northeast of Chattanooga and Mission Ridge, being dis- tant from the former point 14- miles, and about 1 mile from the ridge. The ascent of the knob is very steep, save on the side to the right, looking south, where the gronnd, gradually sloping~ from the summit, makes a dip or gorge, and rises on the other side to nearly the same height as the knob; from this point. rnnning off in a southwestern direction for over one-half of a mile, turning to the right, is a rough, rocky ridge, which is covered with a sparse growth of timber. Along the crest of this ridge the enemy had made breastworks of logs and stone and a line of rifle-pits. Along the base of Orchard Knob, on the side toward Chattanooga, was another line of rifle-pits, which extended beyond the knob, on our left, for more than 1 mile, following the curvature of Citico Creek, and yet to the left of its ter~inatioi~, ~nd ~n the other side of the creeI~ r Page 129 Cw~. XLIII.] THE CHAYI?AN0OGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 129 / two additional and parallel lines. A heavy belt of timber, ranging from one-fourth to three-fourths of a mile in width, lay between our lines and Orchard Knob, covering the front of the knob and the line of the ridge, and serving the enemy as a mask for his position and movements. Between this tiniber and Chattanooga were open fields, some of which, being low and swampy, were difficult to cross with troops. Through them runs the Atlantic and Western Rail- road which, as it approaches the river, bends toward the north end of Mission Ridge, where it passes through the tunnel. The foregoing is a brief sketch of the ground and points over which, and in the direction of which, I was ordered to make a recon- naissance. It would be necessary to give a more complete descrip- tion of such to fully explain the movements of my troops that were made in obedience to this order. As such cannot be given in this brief report, I will forward a map ~ of the topography of the country, to be attached hereto, and for reference, as soon as it can be pro- cured. In order to carry out the instructions of Major-General Thomas, I directed Brigadier-General Wood, commanding the Third Divis- ion, to prepare for an advance by forming his troops in the open field at the base of the slope of Fort Wood, and without the lines of our rifle-pits, and at the same time I directed Major-General Sheridan, commanding the Second Division, to hold his troops within support- ing distance on the right of General Wood, posting them along the line of the Atlantid and Western Railroad, with his right resting opposite Lunette Palmer. The positions indicated were promptly taken by these two divisions at noonday, with no attempt at con- cealment or surprise, and in p lain view of the enemy, who watched them from Mission Ridge an d Orchard Knob. The troops moved into line and position with such regularity and precision as to present the appearance of a formation for re- view or parade, and the enemys pickets, but a few hundred feet off, were apparently awaiting a display or military pageant when our skirmish line advanced and opened fire. At half past, 1 p. m. I directed General Wood to advance. In a few moments his troops, having passed through the open fields, engaged the enemy in the ~roods, and drove them back to their rifle-pits. The resistance here met with, especially in front of Hazens brigade, where we sustained the heaviest loss, was very stubborn, and the enemy was only driven back when his works were cleared by the bayonet. In this dash which was quick and gallant, we lost 125 officers and men killed and wounded, and by it we gained Orchard Knob and the ridge to its right, at the same time capturing many prisoners. The Twenty- third Alabama Infantry almost entire, with the regimental colors, was captured. As soon as General Wood had occupied the knob and the ridge, I directed Major-General Sheridan to advance his division, and it was placed in position, en ~chelon, on the right of General Wood, the two divisions forming a continuous line of battle resting on the ris- ing ground lying almost parallel with Mission Ridge, and sweeping on the extreme right around toward our chain of defensive works at Chattanooga. The reconnaissance was a complete success. In making it we not only obtained The desired information, but had To appear in the Atlas. I~ ~VQL ~ PT Page 130 130 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [ChAP. XLIII. also successfully attacked the enemy and had driven him from a strong and important positioil. Orchard Knob and the ridge to its right looked into the long line of rifle-pits at the base of Mission Ridge, which were held by the enemy in force, and they also af- forded points of observation upon movements that the enemy might make through the valley toward the scene of Major-General Sher- mans operations. My command now remained in position await- ing further orders. I reported our success and the position and condition of the enemy in our front to Major-General Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberland, and at 4 p. m. I received a dispatch from him instructing me to hold and strengthen my position, and stating that Major-General Howards command was taking position on my left. In accordance with these instruc- tions, a rude line of breastworks was thrown up along my front dur- ing the evening, and an epaulement for a six-gun battery was con- structed on the knob, in which Bridges battery of four 3-inch Rod- man guns, and two Napoleons were placed before morning. Immediately after receiving the above instructions, I observed from Orchard Knob that Major-General Howard was meeting with such resistance from the enemy in the double line of rifle-pits to the left of our position and on the opposite side of Citieo Creek as to prevent him from making any further advance or from gaining possession of them. I therefore ordered Brigadier-General Beatty, commanding Third Brigade, Third Division, to send two regiments through the woods as quietly as possible, to surprise the party of the enemy, and to attack them in flank. The regiments sent by him for this purpose, the Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, commanded by Colo- nel Manderson, and the Ninth Kentucky Infantry, commanded by Colonel Cram, came upon the enemy suddenly, attacked them in flank, and drove them back toward Mission Ridge. The rifle-pits, however, not having been taken possession of by the troops in their front, were re-occupied by the enemy during the night, but they were again cleared in a similar manner by the same two regiments after daylight the next morning, and, for some reason unknown to me, were not even then occupied by the troops of the Eleventh Corps. On the 24th day of November, the two brigades of the First Divis- ion of this corps, under command of Brigadier-General Cruft, were, with Major-General Hooker, engaged in his splendid assault upon Lookout Mountain. Copies of the official reports of Brigadier-Gen- eral Cruft and of his brigade and regimental commanders have been forwarded to me. The original reports have been forwarded to Major-General Hooker. To these and to the report of Major- General Hooker I refer for a full statement of the conduct of my troops on Lookout Mountain. It may be allowed me, however, as their commanding officer, to thank them for their conspicuous gal- lantry, for the important service they rendered, and for the hearty-~- support which they gave to Major-General Hooker on that memo- rabl e day. During the night of Noveniber 23, Major.General Sheridans and Brigadier-General Woods commands were engaged in strengthening their positions. All of the next day they remained in line, watching the enemy in front, and awaiting orders. No movement was made by them during the day, and the quiet of this part of our lines was only broken by an occa~ioual exchange of shots between Bridge Page 131 Ca~p. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 131 battery on the knob and the enemys batteries on Mission Ridge. At 6 p. m. I received a dispatch of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. General GRANGER: The general commanding the department directs that you have everything ready for an offensive movement early to-morrow morning. J. J. REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff. One mile in front of our position, and almost parallel with it, was Mission Ridge, a line or backbone of rugged hills rnnning from a point about 4 miles northeast of Chattanooga, where it juts toward the Tennessee River in a southwesterly direction until it dips into the valley at Rossville, 4 miles south of Chattanooga. It is of almost a uniform height along the part mentioned, rising about ~5OO feet above the valley that lies at its base. On the side looking toward Chatta- nooga it presents a bare, rough, and broken surface, marked by gul- lies and ravines. This monutain barrier, even as nature planted it, was a most formidable fortress. The commander who held it might be warranted in the conclusion that troops could not storm it. But strengthened as it was by the enemy with a line of heavy -breast- works running along its base, with two additional lines of rifle-pits, one partly girdling it midway up and the other fringing its crest, and with epauleinents on the summit for fifty guns, it could well be deemed impregnable. Lying between Mission Ridge and Orchard Knob and the ridge to the right is a broad wooded valley, extending on the right to the southwestern end of the ridge, while to the left it ex- tends beyond Orchard Knob, stretching toward the river and Chat- tanooga. From the end of the ridge last mentioned this valley sweeps around into the Chattanooga plain: that part of it, though, is almost altogether cleared of timber, leaving open ground for the most part between Mission Ridge and the position held by Major- General Sheridans division. In front of Mission Ridge the enemy had cleared away the timber for a distance of from 300 to 500 yards, so as to leave no obstruction to a direct and enfilading fire from them. During the night of November 24, the enemy withdrew from Look- out Mountain and from Chattanooga Valley, and commenced to mass his whole force upon Mission Ridge. At daylight the next morning, November 25, Major-General Sherman having crossed the Tennessee River at the designated points, gained possession of the northern end of the ridge near the railroad tunnel. Long columns of the enemy could be seen before sunrise moving toward that point, and it was not late in the day before their guns, with General Sher- muan s briskly replying, were heard opening the battle. For hours my comuniand, from behind their breastworks, anxiously and im- patiently watched this struggle of their brothers in arms away off to their left, on the northern end of the ridge. They saw these veterans from Vick~burg coming to their relief and engaging the same enemy who had beleaguered them for nine long weeks, holding them in their (lefensive works by strong lines of circumvallation that rested upon Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge and in the Chattanooga Val- ley, and that stretched like an iron crescent from the river on their right to the river on their left. As the day wore on, their impatience of restraint gathered force, and~ their desire to advance became almost uncontrollable; at last caine tile order to nm )ve Page 132 132 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. ILIIL General Sherman was unable to make any progress in moving along the ridge during the day, ~s the enemy had massed in his front; therefore, in order to relieve him, I was ordered to make a demonstration upon the works of the enemy directly in my front, at the base of Mission Ridge. I accordingly directed Major-General Sheridan and Brigadier-General Wood to advance their divisions at a given signal, moving directly forward simultaneously and briskly, to attack the enemy, and, driving him from his rifle-pits, to take pos- session of them. At twenty minutes before 4 p. m. six guns, the signal agreed upon, were fired in rapid succession, and before the smoke had cleared away these two divisions (Sheridan on the right and Wood on the left) had cleared the breastworks that had shel- tered them for two days, and were moving forward. They were formed in the following order: First, a double line of skirmishers, that covered the troops behind; then the line of battle by brigades, commencing on the extreme right with Colonel Shermans brigade, then Colonel Harkers, then Brigadier-General Wagners, then Brig- adier-General Hazens, then Brigadier-General Willichs, and next, on the extreme left, Brigadier-General Beattys; following this line were the reserves in mass. It pleases me to report thai scarcely a straggler could be seen as this magnificent line, stretching 1 mile from end to end, swept through the valley up to the assault. At the moment of the advance of these troops Mission Ridge blazed with the fire from the batteries which lined its snmmit. Not less than fifty guns opened at once, throwing a terrible shower of shot and shell. The enemy, now taking the alarm, commenced to move troops from both extremities of the ridge for the purpose of filling upth e works below and around these batteries. In the meantime the troops holding the woods were driven back to the works at the base of the ridge, their pursuers rapidly following. Here they halted and made a stout resistance, but our troops, by an impetuous assault, broke this line in several places; then, scaling the breast- works at these points, opened a flank and reverse fire upon them, which, throwing them into confusion, caused their precipitate flight. Many prisoners were left in our hands, and we captured a large num- ber of small-arms. My orders ha~ now been fully and successfully carried out, but not enough had been done to satisfy the brave troops who had accomplished so much. Although the batteries on the ridge, at short range, by direct and enfilading fire, were still pouring down upon them a shower of iron and~the musketry from the hill-side was thinning their ranks, they dashed over the breast- works, through the rifle-pits, and started up the ridge. They started without orders along the whole line of both divisions from right to left and from left to right, simultaneously and with one accord, animated with one spirit and with heroic courage. Eagerly they rushed forward to a dan~er before which the bravest, marching .~ under orders, might tremble. Officers caught the enthusiasm of the men, and the men in turn were cheered by the officers. Each regi- ment tried to surpass the other in fighting its way up a hill that would try those of stout limb and strong lungs to climb, and each tried first to plant its flag on the summit. Above these men was an additional line of rifle-pits filled with troops. What was on th~ summit of the ridge they knew not, and did not stop to inquire. The enemy was before them; to know that was to know sufficient. At several points along the line my troops were ascending the hill ~b~i~g pos~.tiou~ less o~pQ~d VQ thG enemys a~tiU~ry ~xe Page 133 Oii.~p. XLIII.] TH1~ CIIATTANOOGAflIXGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 133 though more exposed to the fire of his musketry. Seeing this, I sent my assistant adjutant-general to inquire, first of General Wood and then of General Sheridan, whether the troops had been ordered up the ridge by them, and to instruct them to take the ridge if possible. In reply to this, General Wood told him that the men had started up without orders, and that he could take it if he could be supported. In the meantime an aide-de-camp from General Sheridan had re- ported to me that the general wished to know whether the order that shad been given to take the rifle-pits meant those at the base of the ridge or those on top. My reply was that the order had been to take those at the base. Conceiving this to be an order to fall back to these rifle- p its, and on his way to General Sheridan so report- ing it to General Wagner, commanding Second Brigade of Sheri- dans division, this brigade was withdrawn from a position which it had gained on the side of the ridge to the rifle-pits, which were being raked by the enemys artillery, and from this point, starting again under a terrible fire, niade the ascent of the ridge. My assistant adjutant-general, on his way to General Sheridan, reported to me General Woods reply, but by my instruction went no farther with the message which I had given him, as I had already sent Captain Avery, my aide-de-camp, directly to Major-General Sheridan, in- structing him to go ahead and take the ridge if he could. I had also in the meantime sent all of the rest of my staff officers, some of them to deliver similar messages to Major-General Sheridan and Brigadier-General Woodfearing the first messages might not get throughand others to order up the reserves and every man that remained behind to the support of the troops starting up the ridge. I~rigadier-General Johnsons division, of the Fourteenth Army Corps, was now ordered up to the support of Major-General Sheri- dan, while Brigadier-General Bairds division, of the same corps, was pushed up to the support of Brigadier-General Wood on the left. Through the shower of musket shot that came from above, climbing up the ridge o~rer rocks and felled timber, my command marched upward. In just one hour from the time of leaving Orchard Knob it was driving the enemy from his last line of breastworks and rifle-pits and capturing his batteries. As soon as the enemy had been driven from the summit of the ridge in front of Major-Gen- eral Sheridan he fled down its southern slope, retreating toward Chickamauga Creek. General Sheridan promptly followed them, moving with two brigades of his division (Brigadier-General Wag- ners.and Colonel Harkers) down the road leading to Chickamauga Station. He had pursued but 1 mile, when, as night was approach. ing, he came up with a large body of troops posted, with eight pieces of artillery, in a strong position on a high ridge. Our men, elated with their success thus far, stopped not at this obstacle, but boldly pushing up to the enemys line, opened a vigorous fire of musketry and then made a gallant assault, which caused him to fly. Two guns and part of the enemys wagon train were here captured. As it was now night, and as the troops were almost exhausted by the fatigues of the day, they were halted on this ridge for the pur- pose of taking a short rest before continuing the pursuit. Brigadier- General Wood had just driven the enemy from his front on the summit of the ridge, when I ob~erved a large force of the enemy coming from that part of the hill occupied by Major-General Sher- man, and moving in the direction of our left flank. Before General Wood could get is roops in shape to meet them, Brigadier-Genera Page 134 134 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ~CHAP. XLIII. Baird opportunely arrived with his division, and went into position on our left. When the enemy came up a sharp contest here com- menced, which afterward lasted until dark. After the Seventeenth Kentucky Infantry had wheeled to the left and fired a few volleys into the enemys flank, thereby immediately relieving Bairds right, I directed General Wood to form his division on the ground it then occupied, for the purpose of resting his men and getting them also ready for the anticipated pursuit of the enemy. Two and a half miles straight forward from the ridge, held b~ General Wagner and Colonel Harker at dark, is Chickamauga Creek. From this point it runs toward the north end of Mission Ridge, which was held by Major-General Sherman; then, sweeping around the same, it flows in a northwestern direction for a short distance and empties into the Tennessee River. Taking the north end of Mission Ridge as the apex, and the ridge and Chickamauga Creek as sides, we have an acute triangle. It was my design, as soon as the troops were sufficiently rested, to move, and, as soon as I could procure guides, to push Sheridans division, supported by Woods, down Moore~s road, and, if possible, get possession of the crossings of Chickamnauga Creek; then, swinging my column around, to move toward the north end of Mission Ridge. By this movement I ex- pected to capture many prisoners, together with wagon trains and artillery that could not get over the creek in time to be saved by the enemy. The night was favorable for this movement, as the moon shone clear and bright. At 7.15 p. m. I sent a dispatch to Major- General Thomas, informing him that I thought we could cut off a large number of the enemy by making a bold dash upon the Chick- amauga, moving down the roads that le(l from our front, and that I was in readiness for any disposition that he might be pleased to make. Being, to my great disappointment, unable to procure guides acquainted with the country between the ridge and the creek, I was not able to commence the niovement until midnight, so that by the time General Sheridan reached the creek the rear guard of the enemy was just crossilig. The en~my was so closely pursued, however, that he was obliged to burn his pontoon bridge before all of his forces could cross the creek, leaving several hundred of them to fall into our hands as prisoners. We also captured a large number of wagons loaded with quarterniasters supplies, together with caissous, limbers, small-arms, artillery ammunition, & c. In accordance with orders received from Major-General Thomas, I withdrew the troops from this pursuit before daylight, to make preparations to start on forced marches for the relief of Major-Gen- eral Buruside at Knoxville. The bold and successful attempt to storm Mi~sion Ridge, the~$ results that followed, the short time consumed in beating back the enemy, and the fruits of the victory, were such as to render this one of the most remarkable battles of the age. The ridge was taken after a hard struggle, and those who looked on from below were un- able to tell which division or what regiment first reached its summit, for along my whole line many regiments appeared to dash over the breastworks on the crest at the same moment. Although it took but one hour to gain time ridge, my command lost 20.21 per cent. of the forces engaged, in killed and wounded. For the particulars of the casualties, I refer to the tabuThx statement of the same herewith filed. We captured thirty-one pieces of artiLlery and 3,812 prisoners. General Sheridan reports 1,762 prisoners taken by his division Page 135 CHAP. XLIII.] THR CIIATTANOOGAIUNGGOIA~ CAMPAIGN. 135 for whom he obtained receipts, and General Wood reports 2,050 taken by his division, for over 1,000 of whom he also obtained re- ceipts. I do not hesitate to state that the enemy, in his flight, lost over 5,000 stand of small-arms. In many places the ground was covered with them. We passed by without gathering them up, as we were pursuing and fighting th~ enemy until after dark and as my command was recalled during the night for the purpose of march- ing to Knoxville. For an account of the captures made by the two brigades of my First Division, on Lookout Mountain, and for a state- ment of their losses, I refer to the official reports of Brigadier-Gen- eral Cruft, forwarded to Major-General Hooker. Were I to name all who in this most gallant feat of arms won credit, I must needs call the roster and rolls of my command. Sufficient be it then, in this place, that I refer for the names of officers and men worthy of special mention to the reports of their immediate commanders. To Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan, conspicuous for his conduct and gallantry on every battle-field where he has been engaged, and not less so upon this one; to Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, the tried and trusty soldier, who here added a new glory to his enviable record; to Brigadier-Generals Willich and Hazen and Wagner, and Samuel Beatty, and to Colonels Harker and Sherman, commanding brigades, whose names will be heard whenever i~ told the story of the march- ing and fighting of this army; to the regimental and company officers, and to the private soldiers in the ranks, not merely my own acknowl- edgments, but those of the whole country, are due. To all of the members of my staff for rendering me important service in carry- ing dispatches and orders over the hottest part of the field during the battle, and for promptly and efficiently performing all other duties required of them, I offer my sincere thanks. G. GRANGER, Major- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff, Department of the Cumberland. [Inclosure.] Statement of hilled, wounded, and missing in the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan; and in the Third Di- vision, Fourth Army Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, in the battle of Mission Ridge. Killed. Wounded. command. ~ H 0 ~ H First Brigade, second Division, colonel Sherman 6 26 32 27 239 266 SecondBrigade, Second Division, Brigadier-Generaiwagner 2 70 72 50 586 636 Third Brigade, 5econd Division, colonel Harker 4 23 27 34 235 269 TotalSecond Division 12 119 131 111 1,060 1,171 First Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Willich ... 7 46 53 17 267 284 Second Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Hazen. .1 - 7 86 93 30 399 429 Third Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Beatty 2 12 14 12 148 160 Total Third Division 16 144 160 59 814 873 Total Second andThird Divisions * 28 263 291 .170 1,874 2,044 * But see revised statement, p. 81, 82 Page 136 136 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Statement of killed, wounded, and missing, & e.Continued. Missing. Total. Command. a . bO ~ a a ~ First Brigade, Second Division, Colonel Sherman 33 255 298 Second Brigade, Second Division. Brigadier.Generalwagner 2 2 52 658 710 Third Brigade, Second Division, Colonel Harker 38 258 296 Total Second Division 2 2 123 1,181 1,304 First Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Willich 24 313 337 Second Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Hazen 37 485 522 Third Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Beatty 14 160 174 Total Third Division 75 958 1,033 Total Second and Third Divisions * 2 2 198, 2,139 2,337 Respectfully submitted. G. GRANGER, Major- General, ~1ommanding Fourth Army Corps. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. P. II. SHERIDAN, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: The general Commanding directs me to say that there is every indication that the enemy are breaking np their, camp and - leaving. Instruct your pickets to find out, if possible, whether they are going. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS Lient. Col. ~. ~. FULLERTON, Chattanooga, November 22, 1863. Asst. Adjt. Gen., and Chief of Staff, Fourth Army Corps: COLONEL: David Gardiner, first lieutenant Company B, Thirty- seventh Tennessee Infantry, Tylers brigade, Bates division, Breck - inridges corps, who resides near Knoxville, Tenn., came in last night, making the following statement: Buckners and Andersons divisions moved day before yesterday to MeLemores and Pigeon Coves. Indications are that a general move is to be made. Baggage 15 being reduced, and hard bread is being issued. Most of the army is massed be- tween Braggs headquarters and Lookout Mountain; but few troops on the right of Braggs headquarters. Reported yesterday that Longstreet occupied Knoxville. ~. Braggs army now here is composed of four corps, two divisions in each corps, four brigades in each division. The corps are commanded by Hardee, Breckinridge, Walker, and Buckner. Total strength about 60,000. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major-General, Commanding. The movement to MeLemores Cove was made to meet Sherman, who was expected to attack Sfevens Gap. (Sent to Generals Thomas and Grant.) But ~e rQvis~d ~tat~ment, p. ~1, ~2 Page 137 CiLw. XLIII.] THE OHATTANOOGARfl~GGOLD CAMIPAIGN. 137 HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CoRPS, Chattanooga, November 22, 1863. Generals SHERIDAN and WooD: Your division will at once be provided with two days cooked rations and placed in the haversacks of the men; also 120 rounds of ammuni- tion per man, 60 to 80 rounds to be carried on the person of each sol- dier,. the balance in wagons; the wagons to be left in the vicinity of Fort Wood in readiness to move wherever ordered. Two batteries to each division and 150 rounds of ammunition to each piece will be taken. The troops will be held in readiness to move at a moments warning. The rations should be cooked and every preparation made, if possi- ble, before dark this evening. Further detailed instructions in reference to your movement will be given as early as possible. Very respectfuliy, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, Major- Generai, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, November 23, 186310.30 .P~ m. Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN, Commanding Second Thviswn: You will move your command to the left, so as to bring it oppo- site Hazens right. Place the battery now on Brush Knob at the point I indicated to you. General Baird will close to his left and unite with your right, and he will also place another battery at Brush Knob. Very respectfully, G. GRANGER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQ~ARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 24, 18636.40 p. m. Major-General SHERIDAN, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: The following instructions have just been received: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. General GRANGER: The general commanding department directs that you have everything ready for an offensive movement early to-morrow morning. J. J. REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff. You will make every preparation for such movement. By command of Major-General Granger: J. S. FULLERTON, Lieutenant-C~olonel, Ass~istant A~ju~ant-General. MISSIONARY RIDGE, November 26, 18637.40 p. m. General GRANGER: Two rebel deserters report all Braggs army across Chickamauga River, and forming about 6 niiles from here. No stragglers this side of river. HAZEN, Brigadier4eneral Page 138 138 KV., SW. VA., T1~NN., MISS., N~ ALA., ANtI N. GA. [CHar. XLIII. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, November 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. P. H. SHERIDAN, Gommanding Second Division, Fourth Army Gorps: GENERAL: Make every preparation for moving upon Knoxville to-morrow with four days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition per man; no wagons will be taken; everything in light marching order. A steam-boat will pass u p the river abreast of the command, loaded with supplies, from which the troops will be furnished at points to be designated hereafter. You will report at these headquarters in person the moment your command is in readiness to march, and will then receive detailed instructions as to the route, march, & c. By command of Major-General Granger: WM. L. AVERY. t31aptain, and Aide-de-Camp, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS FOURM~H ARMY QORPS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 26, 1863. Generals SHERIDAN and WOOD: The general commanding directs me to say that there will be no movement of your division to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. FULLERTON, Lieutenant- C~olonel, and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, Teun., November 26, 1863. Brigadier-General WooD, ]llissionary Ridae: Bring in your command and put them in your camp at once. By command of Major-General Granger: J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, BRAGGS HEADQUARTERS, Miissionary Ridge, Teun., Nov. 26, 1863. Soldiers of the Fourth Army Corps: The followifig dispatch from the major-general commanding the department is published for your information: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 25, 1863. Major-General GRANGER, Mission& ry Ridge: Please accept my congratulations ~ the splendid success of your troops, and con- vey to them my cordial thanks for the brilliant style in which they carried the ene- mys works. Their conduct cannot be too highly appreciated. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, Commanding Page 139 ChAP. XtIIt.J THI~ CHATTANOOGAflINGGOLP CAMPAU~N. 1~9 In announcing this distinguished recognition of your signal gal- lantry in carrying, through a terrible storm of iron, a mountain crowned with batteries and encircled with rifle-pits, I am constrainel to express my own admiration of your noble conduct, and I am proud to tell you that the veteran generals from other fields who witnessed your heroic bearing place your assaijlt and triumph among the most brilliant achievements of the war. Thirty cannon, more than 3,000 prisoners, and several battle-flags taken from the enemy are among your trophies. Thanks, soldiers! You made that day a glorious page of history. G. GRANGER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CoRPs, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. Generals SHERIDAN and WooD: The inclosed instructions will be carried into effect as follows: Sixty rounds irf ammunition and ten days rations per man will be loaded upon the Paint Rock as soon as possible. One company of sharpshooters from each division will go upon the steamer as a guard. Two wagons to each brigadeone for tools and one for brigade head- quarterswill be taken. Tools for building bridges, repairing roads, such as augers, saws, axes, picks, spades, & c.; also one bat- tery to each division, and two days forage for each animal, will be carried. You will march as early as practicable 41o-morrow morn- ing. One medical wagon to each brigade will be taken. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, Major- General, 6~ommanding. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 27, 18637 p. m. Maj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, Commanding Fourth C~orps: GENERAL: The general commanding department directs that you march without delay with the divisions of Sheridan and Wood to the relief of General Buruside at Knoxville. You will take as much artillery as you can, and move without wagons. Ten days rations for your entire command and extra ammunition will be transported on the steamer Paint Rock, now at the wharf. Take three days rations and 40 rounds of ammunition on the persons of the men. J. J. REYNOLDS. Major- General, Chief of Staff. No. 11. Report of Surg. Alonzo J. Phelps, U. S. Army, Medical Director. HDQRS. 4TH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTORS OFFICE, Chattanooga, Tenn., December Th, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the opera- tions of the medical department of this corps at the battle of Chat- tanooga: About one week before the battle we had intimations, not official Page 140 140 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIII. but from a reliable source, that a battle would soon take place for the repossession of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Ac- cordingly I began to prepare for wounded men by emptying the di- vision hospitals of the milder cases of sickness, and fitted up such other buildings as were placed at my disposal, including the U. S. General Hospital, under charge of Surgeon Salter, U. S. Volun- teers. By the time the battle cams off I had good shelter for 1,200 men and beds for 650. Having very few tents, I had to depend mainly upon buildings for shelter. The most of the regimental hospital tents were captured at Chickamauga, and had not yet been replaced. The medical officers of each division were assigned to specific duty, and all was in readiness, so far as our limited means would permit, fdr the fight that opened on the 23d day of November. The battle was opened by a reconnaissance in force, made by Gen- eral Woods (Thir4) division, it was made at 1 p. m. in the direc- tion of Missionary Ridge. The result of this movement was a brisk fight of half an hour, and the occupation of a low range of hills~ a mile distant from our lines. In this affair Woods division lost about 125 men in killed and wounded. The wounded ware promptly removed to the hospitals in town. Having driven the enemy from this important position, our forces were ordered to halt rind make themselves secure. On Tuesday, the 24th, there was no movement of importance from our front; but about noon General Hooker, upon the right, made the attack upon Lookout Mountain. Among the troops with which he made the attack were the Second and Third Brigades of the First Division of this corps, and, although they were ~in front of the at- tacking forces, their loss in killed and wounded scarcely exceeded 100. The wounded were removed with difficulty over bad roads to Kelley~s Landing. On Wednesday, the 25th November, General Sherman, on our left attacked the enemy, and fought until past midday. At about half past 3 oclock in the afternoon the divisions of Wood and Sheridan, of this corps, were ordered to assault the rifle-pits of the enemy at the base of the ridge, which was distant about three-fourths of a mile. They moved forward steadily, carried the rifle-pits, and halted not unti the had stormed and taken possession of the heights beyond. Here, in less than an hour, these two divisions lost over 2,100 men in killed and wounded. The range was short, and the fire consisted both of musketry and artillery. Not less than forty cannon poured an enfilading fire of grape and spherical case upon the troops as they ascended the ridge, and as they neared the top they were greeted with hand grenades, extemporized by igniting shells with short time-fuses, and rolling them d own upon our lines. Some bayonet wounds were received upon the crest of the ridge; a large proportion of the wounds were severe. The wounded were promptly removed from the field, so that by 2 oclock at night it was reported to me that all the hurt were gathered under shelter. The slightest wounded were permitted to go to their regimental quarters. The operating surgeons, with their assistants, were distributed equally around, and attention was given first to primary amputations. Amputation was recommended in all cases where the articular e Page 141 On~& p. XLIII.] THE CHArTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 141 tremities of the knee-joint were involved by direct impingement of the ball, or by a fracture extending from the bony structure above or below. Fractures of the thigh, as a general principle, were not am- ps~itated. A few days after the battle, the Second and Third Divisions of corps were ordered to Knoxville, Tenn., where they are now engaged as a reserve for General Burusides forces. I wish to speak of the efficient aid that I received from Surg. Francis Salter, U. S. Volunteers, in charge of U. S. General Hospi- tal No. 4. I wish also to recommend to your favor Surg. W. W. Blair, Fifty- eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, division surgeon, Third Division; Surg. D. J. Griffiths, Second Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, division surgeon, Second Division; Surg. A. M. McMahon, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Surg. A. W. Hiese, One hundredth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry; Surg. E. B. Glick, Fortieth Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and Surg. Francis W. Lytle, Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The following is a summary of the killed and wounded, the nomi- nal lists of which accompany this report: Officers. Enlisted men. Command. ,~ ~ 0 0 ~ ~ ~ I First Division 1 5 18 80 104 Second Division 12 105 123 1,046 1,286 Third Division 14 59 136 792 1,001 Total* ~ j ~~i79i~~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant;, A. J. PHELPS, Smrg., U. S. Vols., Medical Director, Fourth Army Corps. Surg. GLOVER PERIN, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 12. Report of Brig. Gem. Charles Gruft, U. S. Army, commanding Second and Third Brigades, First Division, including opera- tions November 22December 2. p HEADQUARTERS SECOND AND THIRD BRIGADES, FIRST DIvISIoN, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, December 10, 1863. C4PTAIN: The following report of the action of that portion of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps, which was engaged in the recent operations near Chattanooga, is respectfully submitted On the 22d ultimo, the divi~sion was in position on the south side of the Tennessee River, as follows : First Brigade, Col. D. A Page 142 142 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Enyart commanding, opposite Bridgeport; Second Brigade, Briga- (her-General Whitaker commanding, at Sheilmound; Third Bri- gade, Col. William Grose commanding, at Whitesides. Orders from department headquarters had been previously re- ceived directing me to march the brigades from Sheilmound and Whitesides (except two regiments and the artillery to be left as gar- rison at each post) to Lookout Valley, and report for orders to Major- General Hooker. The occupancy of the roads, however, for the pas- sage of troops of General Shermans command, induced a modifica- tion of the orders from day to day. On the morning of the 23d ultimo, the two brigades commenced their march. Six regiments of the Second Brigade (Brig. Gen. W. C. Whitaker) left Shellmonnd at 8 a. in., and six regiments of the Third Brigade (Colonel Grose commanding) left Whitesides at 10 a. in.. and after a march of 21 and 13 miles, res}ectively, were re- ported to Major-General Hooker during the afternoon of the same day. The garrison left at Shellmound consisted of One hundred and fif- teenth Illinois, Colonel Moore commanding; Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, Major Neff commanding; Fifth Indiana Battery, Lient. Alfred Morrison commanding; and that left at Whitesides of Thir- tieth Indiana Volunteers, Lient. Col. 0. D. Hurd commanding; Seyenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Capt. John E. Walker commanding; Battery H, Fourth U. S. Artillery, Lient. H. C. Cushing commanding. The following twelve regiments from the two brigades of the division constituted my field command, to wit: I Effective strength. Command. ~ ~n o .3a~ ~ 0 _________________________ o ~ I Second Brigade, Brigadier-General Whitaker commanding: 8th Kentucky volunteers, Col. Sidney M. Barnes commanding 18 184 202 96th Illinois volunteers, col. Thomas E. Champion commanding 14 258 272 40th Ohio volunteers, CoL J. E. Taylor commandin~g 16 3331 349 35th Indiana Volmfteers, Col. B. F. Mullen comman in 24 144 168 51st Ohio volunteers, Lient. CoL C. H. Wood commanding 14 160 I 174 99th Ohio volunteers, Lieut. CoL J. E. Cummins commanding 24 276 300 Total 110 1,355 1,465 Third Brigade, Col. XV. Grose commanding: 59th Illinois volunteers, Maj. Cla~on a e commanding 22 . 264 286 75th Illinois volunteers, Col. John E. Bennett comman in 24 242 266 84th Illinois volunteers, Col. LouiS H. Waters commanding 22 283 305 9th Indiana volunteers, Col. I. C. B. Suman commanding 22 271 293 36th Indiana volunteers, Maj. Gilbert Trusler commanding 11 253 264 24th Ohio volunteers, Capt. G. M. Bacon commanding 12 198 210 Total 113 1,511 1,624 In addition to the above infantry, Major-General Stanley, com- manding division, very kindly added Company E, Ninety-second Illinois Mounted Infantry (Capt. M. Van Buskirk commanding), for escort duty, numbering 2 officers aiid 43 enlisted men. The aggregate effective strength in the command on the morning of, the 23d ultimo was: Officers, 225; enlisted men, 2,909; total, 3,134. On the night of the 23d, the command bivouacked, as directed, near General Hookers headquarters, in Lookout Valley, Ilearly opposit Page 143 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHA11?ANOOGARLNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 143 the point of the mountain. It was much fatigued from tl~e long march of the day, which, owing to the heavy condition of the roads and the rains, was arduous. The transportation did not arrive until late in the night, and then brought only the barest necessities in the way of ammunition, for- age, and rations, all tents and camp equipage having been left behind. Upon reporting to Major-General Hooker, it was stated by him that the command would probably be held in reserve, and orders were given to make the men as comfortable as possible with this view. About a quarter past 3 a. m. of the 24th ultimo, orders were re- ceived from Major-General Hooker to have the command in readi- ness to march at the earliest dawn of day, and to detach Brigadier- General Whitakers brigade to march back to Wauhatchie and report to Brigadier-General Geary to cross Lookout Creek near that place and co-operate with him. This order at once severed my command. It was, however, promptly executed. Brigadier-General Whitaker marched from his bivouac at 6 a. in., with his column, most cheer- fully, though much worn by its march of 21 miles the day previous, aiid Colonel Groses brigade was standing to arms at that time ready to march, and so reported. At half past 6 a. m. orders from the major-general comnianding were received to move the remaining brigade rapidly to seize two bridges over Lookout Creek, in our front, and place skirmishers in front of them and hold and repair them. The orders stated that Lieutenant Oliver, of Major-General Hookers staff, who bore them, would guide the brigade commander to the bridges. He exhibited also a written paper, stating what the condition of the bridges was supposed to be, and the repairs necessary to be made to cross the column, which were trifling and much less than were found to be required. Colonel Grose was ordered to provide himself with the few tools supposed to be requisite for the purpose, and to move straightway, and his column moved out at 6.4~ a. m. Before reaching the bridges Colonel Groses column was halted, and some time spent in sending back for tools. At 9 a. m. Colonel Grose was moved to position op- posite the unfinished bridge, just below the railroad bridge across Lookout Creek. Upon nearing the west bank of the creek, it was found that the enemys skirmishers occupied the opposite bank in strong force, and it was impossible to reconnoiter it satisfactorily until these were driven away. They were strongly posted in rifle-pits near the bridge- head and in line upon a banquette back of the railway embankment completely commanding the bridge, and rendering it impossible for the working party to approach it. Some very spirited skirmishing was h~d from 10 to 10.30 a. m. along the front of Colonel Groses line. It was, however, held in check by orders from the major-general commanding, until he could be apprised of the approach of General Gearys column, advancing on the mountain side from Wauhatchie. About 10.30 a. m. orders were received to leave but two regiments of the brigade at the bridge and send the other four half a mile farther up the creek, there to construct a crossing if possible, and be ready to throw them across to join the left of General Gearys line of attack as it approached, and press up the mountain with it. This movement was promptly exe- cuted by Colonel Grose, he personally marching with the four reg Page 144 144 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., Th ALA., AND N. GA. [Cau. XLIII. ments, and leaving Colonel Waters, Eighty-fourth Illinois, and Colonel Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois, to carry, repair, and hold the bridge when the signal therefor should be given. At 11 a. m. Colonel Waters was ordered to have a sufficiency of poles cut and ready to place on the bridge in his front, so that he could be ready to throw his command across. He was also advised in orders of the manner in which the attack would be made upon the right, and that a section of artillery in position on the hills to his rear and right would open u on t e rebel rifle-pits in his front. At this time (11 a. in.), in compliance with orders from Major-General Hooker, dis- patches were sent to each detachment of my command, directing that as soon as the enemy were started our forces should pursue to the crest of Lookout slope only, where the lines should be reformed, and that the bridges across Lookout Creek should be made perfect after the troops had passed. These orders reached Colonel Grose and Colonel Waters; but owing to his position on the mountain side the bearer of them could not deliver them to General Whitaker until the occasion for doing so had passed. About 11.30 a. ni. the troops of General Gearys first line became visible, marching steadily and slowly along the mountain side and gradually ascending it as they advanced. At a signal given the bat- teries upon Moccasin Point, on the Bald Knob, and the section near General Hookers position opened fire on the rebel intrenchments in the valley with splendid effect. The troops on the mountain moved forward as rapidly as possible over the rough and rocky ground. General Osterhaus and Colonel Grose threw their troops rapidly across the stream, the latter form- ing on the extreme left and commencing the ascent in extension of General Gearys line. The rebel camps and works on the mountain side were swept by our advancing line after a stubborn resistance. The brigade lying at the base of the mountain holding the roads became p~inic stricken under the terrible effect of the artillery fire and the successful charge of our soldiery upon the mountain above them, and fled from the trenches and scattered in all directions. Colonel Waters immediately seized the bridge and threw two com- panies of skirmishers across the stream, and occupied the works in the valley, capturing here many prisoners. The bridge was found to be in a very incomplete state, requiring much labor upon it before even the residue of the column could be passed. This passage was accomplished as rapidly as possible, the men crossing upon a single log, and Colonel Waters column was dispatched up the main mountain road with instructions to swing on to the left of the attacking line, which he accomplished by the time it had reached the crest of the mountain. He, however, at the sug- gestion of Major-General Hooker, was passed beyond the crest and to the left of the white house sufficiently far to uncover and protect the mouth of Chattanooga Creek, and allow Brigadier-General Car- lin s command, of General Palmers corps, to pass out from Chat- tanooga and join our left. it was deemed a matter of the first importance that the bridge should be repaired so that artillery and ammunition wagons could cross it at the earliest moment. This matter was placed in charge of Captain Scott, Eighty-fourth Illinois, and Lieut. C. C. Peck, of my staff, who were furnished with a fatigue party of three companies of the Eighty-fourth Illinois. This bridge was over a hundred feet in leii.gi~h, and required ~evcra1 uew ~t~iug tiiubert~ aud tlo~ii~g fo Page 145 CRAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANO0(~AR1NGGoLD CAMPAIGN. 145 nearly the whole length. It was completed by nightfall, however, and in time to supply the exhausted ammunition and rations of the troops upon the mountain. The officers in charge of it and the men who labored upon it deserve commendation for their energy. After carrying the enemys works and camp upon the hill-side, about half past 12 p. m. our assaulting lines pressed up the mount- ain side, driving the foe before them at every point. About 1 p. m. they made the bench of the mountain just below Lookout Point, stormed the rebel works there successf ally and planted the national colors upon them, and pressed on beyond the white house as far as the Summertown road by about 1.30 p. m. Dispatches reached me at the left of our line on the mountain shortly after 2 oclock from Brigadier-General Whitaker and Colonel Grose, dated at the white house 2 p. in., announcing the complete success of their commands, and the fact that they were in positions indicated and would be able, on receiving an additional supply of ammunition, to hold them suc- cessfully. In clambering up the mountain there necessarily was much irregularity of line among the assaulting regiments. Colonel Grose, with a portion of his brigade accompanying him, had pushed to the right in the ascent, and had connected with General iWhita~ kers left on the mountain, and both had some of their regiments in the front line. At, say, half past 2 p. m. my command lay upon the bench of the mountain thus: Brigadier-General Whitaker at or near the extreme right; Colonel Grose farther on the left with four regiments; Col- onel Waters with two regiments upon the extreme left, resting upon the main Chattanooga road and ho ding it. The line of skirmishers was beyond the white house. Log barricades were rapidly con- structed along the front of the whole line. The residue of the after- noon was spent in sharp skirmishing with the enemy, who still ap- peared in considerable force on the east side and top of the mount- ain; ~a heavy fog enveloped the mountain, and a vast deal of am- munition was uselessly consumed by skirmish parties on both sides with trifling casualties; this continued until about midnight. The regiments in the front were relieved from time to time, so that dur- ing the afternoon and night all the regiments in my command had borne their part in the skirmishing and had more or less exhausted their ammunition. Before nightfall, thirty boxes of ammunition were conveyed up the mountain by the horses and troopers of my escort, and shortly after dusk the ammunition wagons were got over the bridge at Lookout Creek and a short distance up the slope of the mountain, and from these the men of the various regiments supplied themselves during the night by carrying it on their shoulders. Rations were also similarly procured, and the men made as comfort- able as possible during the night. The storming of Lookout must rank as one of the most splendid 4chievenients of the war. It was a complete success throughout. It was comparatively bloodless on our part, but this was the result of the dash and irktrepidity of the soldiery engaged. Detachments from three armies fought here side by side engaged in a common purpose, only emulating each other in the amount of peril and labor that each should encounter. The spectacle of the assault owthe west side of the mountain was sublime, and one which is not rewitnessed in a life-time. The ex- ploit will become historical, and must take rank among the noblest feats of the arms of any nation. 10 R ItVOL XXXI, PT I Page 146 146 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. At daylight on the morning of the 25th my command lay along the crest of the mountain in the position heretofore indicated. A cessation of picket firing during the night, confirmed by the best observation that could be made during the darkness, led to the belief that the enemy had evacuated the top of the mountain as well as the east slope of it and his works in the valley npon the left of his line. This result was anticipated by Major-General Hooker on the evening previous as the effect of the occupancy and holding of the crest. Arrangements therefore were made before the dawn of day by Brigadier-General Whitaker and Colonel Grose to send a party from each brigade at daylight to endeavor to scale Lookont Point and plant the national flag npon it. Volunteers from the Eighth Kentucky (Col. Sidney M. Barnes) and the Ninth Indiana (Col. I. C. B. Snman) started with a noble emulation to see which should first attain the summit, plant the national colors upon it, and make reconnaissance of the upper plateau of the mountain. The Eighth Kentucky was the successful com- petitor for the honor. As the morning sun rose it discovered the national banner floating out in the mountain air from Lookout Point, and the soldiery below caught up a shout from the regiment on the summit ~vhich rang through the crags and valleys and was borne to their comrades be- low, who were standing to arms behind the defenses of Chattanooga. About 8.30 a. m. the (listant sound of artillery was heard upon our left in the direction of Mission Ridge, which indicated the commence- ment of Major-General Shermans attack in that quarter, and l)repared the troops upon the mountain to anticipate the scenes of the day. About 10 a. m. orders were received from Major-General Hookertwo regiments to be placed upon the point of the mountain, with instruc- tions to intrench themselves and hold it at all hazards. Under orders these regiments were also further instructed to make proper details to explore the late battle-field, bury the dead, and collect and secure all abandoned arms and property, and to make reports of the same to the headquarters of Major-General Hooker. This duty was assigned to the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers (Col. S. M. Barnes) and the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers (Colonel Champion), who were henceforth detached from their commands, and held the point until the morning of the 2d instant, when they were relieved by troops from General Gearys command. About 10 a. m. orders were received from Major-General Hooker, commanding an advance on the Rossville road in the direction of Mission Ridge. General Osterhaus division was ordered to lead the column, this command to follow, and General Gearys command to bring up the rear. About 11 a. m. this command moved out in the direction indicated ~ and reached the foot of the mountain about 12 in., closely following General Osterhaus. The march was made in the direction of Ross- ville to Chattanooga Creek, a distance of about 5 miles, with prompt- ness and without incident. Upon reaching Chattanooga Creek it was found that the enemy had destroyed the bridges across it. General Osterhaus threw a~ regiment speedily across the creek, which passed to the gorge in the ridge and had some brisk skfi~niishing with the enemy. A section of the enemys artillery was posted so as to command the gorge and part of the plain beneath. and was used freely in firing upon it, bu Page 147 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 147 without effect. This was driven off by General Osterhaus skir- mishers. Some delay was occasioned here in the construction of a bridge sufficient to cross the infantry column. This was, however, accom- plished, and General Osterhaus column was thrown across and a por- tion of it advanced in the direction of Mission Ridge, on the left of the Rossville road, striking the ridge about half a mile to the north- ward of McFarlands house, without encounter with the enemy. - My command was now ordered forward and was pressed rapidly out the Rossville roa(1. Upon reaching the gorge at McFarlands honse the column of General Osterhaus was met coming down the ridge with the intention, as the general stated, of passing down from the valley along the road at the base of the ridge in the direction of Chattanooga. Upon request of General Osterhaus, the head of my column was halted long enough to communicate with General Hooker, who was hut a short distance to the rear. His answer came in a few moments in the shape of an order borne by Major-General Butterfield, chief of staff, to occupy the ridge immediately and en- gage the enemy vigorously in case he should be met, pressing the line rapidly northward along the ridge until the enemy was encountered, and that Geiieral Osterhans would support it in the valley on the right and General Geary in the valley on the left. The head of the column was turned immediately up the ridge from near McFar- lands house at 4 p. m. In riding to the front in advance of the col- umn to select the line of battle, myself, staff, aii(l escort rode upon a line of the enemys skirmishers advancing (lown the ridge and were subjected for a few moments to a sharp fire from them. Two regi- mnemits from the head of the cohuinmi, Ninth and Thirty-sixth. Indiaiia, were ordered up omi double-quick. and running into line under fire of the enemys skirmishers, instantly cllarge(h amid drove them. The residue of the column was 50011 formed in line, time Third Brigade (Colonel Grose) in advamice, Second Brigade (Brigadier-General Whitaker) within supporting (histance except two regiments (Fifty- first Ohio and Thirty-sixth Indiana), which were thrown to the front on Colonel Groses left flank. A delay of a few moments occurred while thQ troops of the other commands upon the right and left were getting into position. The ridge at the point of ascent, and, in fact, along the whole extent, was so narrow 011 tol) as not to a(lmit of full brigade forma- tion. The assault, therefore, was nia(he ii a column of fonr hues of three regiments front, at supportin__ intervals. It is a coincidence worthy of remark that nmy corn lnan(h first emicoun- tered time eimemy on the ridge behmimid imitremichmmuents, which had been constri.icted by this divisiomi on the ~1~t ot September last, and behmind which it lay the day after the battle ot Ctuckamauga. Everything beimig in readiness, amid time suppoutmno mimmes imi position, the advance was sounded, amid time hues moved 4eadmlv tip and emicountered the enemy with great spirit ami(h emithusiasm and, after a few moments, broke Imis line amm(l started hiiimm iii a totil mout. The column marched 011, with a steady fire froni the fromit himme ~x ithont scarcely breaking step, and (irove the enemy before themum, completely clearimig the ridge for a (histance of between 2 and :3 miles, and ummitil it imiter- sected the column of Major-General Palmumer, muovimug out from Chat- tanooga on a line at right angtes to our advance. Here the troops were halted and bivouacked for the night. So suddemm amid well comuceived was this flank movement that it seemed to have taken th Page 148 14~ KY., SW. Vi., TEINN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CEAP. XLIII. enemy wholly by surprise. Prisoners captured stated that the force of the enemy encountered upon the ridge was the division of General Stewart. Very many of the enemy were killed outright in this attack, and some 40 badly wounded were afterward cared for by our surgeons in the field. Two hundred and fifty-seven prisoners were captured and held during the assault. The whole ridge was swept of the enemy, who, in their retreat, ran down the east slope of it, and many fell into the hands of General Osterhaus command. The casualties of my command in this engagement were slight, not exceeding 4 killed and 30 wounded. The impetuosity with which the men charged the enemy, and the success which they had in breaking his lines early in the fight, ren- dered the assault comparatively bloodless on our side. The men were encamped along the ridge near the headquarters which the rebel general, Stewart, had occupied in the morning. Our long hue of blazing camp-fires must have presented a welcome spectacle to our comrades in arms at Chattanooga. On the morning of the 26th ultimo, orders were received to march, via Rossville, to Graysville, this division in advance, followed by General Geary, General Osterhaus in rear. The line of march was commenced about 10.30 a. m. Upon reaching McAfees Church, some 3 miles beyond Rossville, the head of the column encountered a portion of Major-General Palmers corps, occupying the road and marching eastward. A short halt was made, permitting General Palmers troops to pass on, when the march was resumed, following them. Reaching West Fork of Chickamauga River it was found that the bridge over that stream had just been destroyed by the enemy. Some delay occurred here in constructing a bridge sufficient to cross the iiifantry. This was, however, accomplished, under charge of Lieuts. C. C. Peck and John A. Wright, of my staff, with a fatigue party from General Palmers corps. My column commenced crossing at 4 p.m. About dark the head of the column reached Pea Vine Creek. The canip fires of the enemy were visible on the ridge beyond Pea Vine Valley, and it was reported that some considerable force of the en- emy were still in the valley in our front. Orders here were changed, making Riuggold the destination of our column. Major-General Palmer was to proceed by way of Grays- ville. The troops of the latter, however, were formed in line between the Ringgold and Graysville road and moved forward 1 o attack the enemy in the valley occupying the Ringgold road, which was done with success. The night was dark, and these dispositions involved such delay that my command did not commence crossing Pea Vine Creek until after 8 p. ni. The command was moved cautiously forward upon the enemys camp upon the ridge some 2 miles east of the creek. It was found, however, that he had fled, leaving his camp fires burning, and the command under orders bivouacked for the night on the ridge at 10p.m. November 27. at half past 7 a. in., the command marched under orders in rear of the column in the direction of Ringgold, distant about 5 miles, which was reached about half past 9 a. m. Arriving at the East Fork of Chickamauga River, it was found that Gen- eral Osterhans was engaging the enemy in considerable force along the base of the ridge on the east of the town ~nd in the gorge t Page 149 chAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 149 the south of it. The troops at the head of the column made a con- siderable d~to ur up the river across the hills, in order to cross the stream at the covered bridge. This command followed the column, and was ordered to enter the town and halt. The enemy were using artillery from the ridge east of the place freely, and my command marched up under range of his fire. The head of the column was halted near the Catoosa House. In this position the command was subjected to occasional musketry from the enemys sharpshooters at long range, and one man, Private Johnson, Company H, Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, only was killed, and but 2 or 3 others slightly wounded. At half past 11 a. m. Colonel Groses brigade was moved up to the railway and placed in position along the west ide of the em- bankment, with its right resting on the depot, to relieve a portion of General Gearys command. A very sharp fight had been progress- ing from about 10 a. m. upon the slope of the mountain, east of the place and in the gorge below it, between the e~iemy and some of the regiments of Generals Gearys and Osterhaus commands, in which this command did not participate. At half past 12 p. in., in compliance with orders, the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteers (Lieutenant-Colonel Cummins) was sent from Gen- eral Whitakers brigade across the river to ascend the mountain and, if possible, hold the crest on the south side of the gorge. Two companies of this regiment, as skirmishers, had nearly suc- ceeded in gaining the crest, pressing up the mountain in a very gal- lant manner, when the order was countermanded, the enemy having effected a general retreat. About 1 p. m. all firing ceased, and our forces were left in possession of the town. In compliance with orders my command was bivouacked in the woodland on the north margin of the place. At 3.40 p. m. orders were received to move a brigade toward Tun- nel Hill, upon a reconnaissance. Reports led to the belief that a wagon train of the enemy might be captured by an energetic move- ment in that direction. Instructions did not permit an engagement to be brought on in case the enemy should be discovered in force, but directed such demonstration to be made as should convey to the enemy an impression of pursuit. The execution of this order was intrusted to Colonel Grose and the brigade under his command. He moved out at 4 p. m. After proceeding about 2 miles, Colonel Grose encountered the enemys skirmishers and a small force of cav- alry and pursued them, driving them before him for a mile and a half, when he came upon the main body of the enemys rear guard, which he supposed to be the division of General Cleburne, which was posted on the hills commanding the road. The brigade laid in posi- tion in front of the enemy until 8 p. in., when it was withdrawn to its bivouac. As the result of this reconnaissance Colonel Grose ob- tained important information as to the movements of the enemy, which was promptly communicated to General Hookers headquar- ters. November 28, orders were received directing one brigade to be placed at work effectually to destroy 1 mile of the railroad track, commencing at the depot in Riuggold and extending in the direction of Graysville. The performanQe of this order was intrusted to Briga- dier-General Whitaker, who, with his brigade, performed the work ordered in a rapid and satisfactory manner in the mode specified in his orders Page 150 150 KY .,sW. V A., TENN., MISS., N.AIA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. November 29, the command lay quietly at Riuggold. On the 30th. orders were received, in compliance with orders from department headquarters, directing a detail of a brigade from my command to bury our dead on the battle-field of Chickamauga. Colo- nel Grose was ordered to perform this (luty. and left with his brigade at 3 p. in. Colonel Grose reached the Chickaman ga at Reeds Bridge after nightfall and camped there, and the next day, December 1, performed the duties required of him. He found and buried, say, 400 bodies of our soldiers, who had been left on the held unburied by the enemy. His report details the manner in which he performed this service. On the evening of the 30th, orders were received to return with the command ~to the respective positions heretofore held on the south side of the Tennessee River, commencing the moVement at 2 a. in. the following (lay. At the time meiitioned Brigadier-General Whitakers command move(l an(l encamped in the evenin~ at Wauhatchie. Colonel Grose, having completed his labors on the field of Chickamauga, encamped near Rossville. On the 2d instant, both brigades had resumed their former posi- tions at Whitesides and Shellmound. The following statement exhibits the casualties in the command during the three battles of the 24th, 25th, and 27th ultimno: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. S S S ~ u ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ H Second Brigade 16 (1 57 2 82 Third Brigade 4 5 55 64 Total 1 20 11 112 2 146 In this none but cases requiring hospital treatment are rated as wounded. Many others were struck and slightly injured, but not incapacitated for duty. The reports of Brigadier-General Whitaker, commanding Second Brigade, and Col. W. Grose, commanding Third Brigade, with the reports of the colonels of the various regiments appended, are here- with subniitted, marked, respectively, A and B. * The brigade re- ports are well prepared, and furnish a clear idea of the operations of each. They are especially commended to the consideration of the major-general commaii(iing. These reports, as well as the regimental reports appended, contain numerous special mentions of individual officers and men for gal- lantry in action. Many of these fell under my personal notice. A list of these special mentions is collected, amid herewith submitted, marked C, in order that they may be brought more particularly to the notice of the major-general commanding. The report of Lient. J. H. Jacques, acting provost-marshal of the division, is herewith submitted, marked D. f It furnishes the *See pp. 154, 169. I Omitted Page 151 CHAP. XLIJ1.] TI IF CIIATTANO( )GAR INGGOLI) cA MPMGX. t 91 names and military history of the 598 prisoners captured during the recent engagements, and properly turned over; also copies of re- ceipts for a large number properly turned over, lists of whom could not be furnished during the battle. Total number of prisoners cap- tured by this division was, say, 1. 877. Iii additioi~ to prisoners, a large number of small-arms, am mumtion, tents, commissary sup- plies, and forage were also captiire(i and turned over to the P1Ol~Ci~ authorities, invoices of which have not yet been made, so that the quantities cannot be satisfactorily stated of Brigadier-General Whit- akers comm and. The report of Colonel Barnes and the accompamying papers are referred to. Two pieces of abandoned artillery and their caissons were received by the division ordnance officers from Brigadier-General Whitaker and properly turned over under orders from Major-General hooker. The report of Surg. S. G. Meuzies, medical directior of the (livis- ion, is herewith submitted, marked IE. This report shows that, in addition to caring for the wounded of this command, the entire medical force and all the supplies oii hand were used in administer- ing to time relief of the wounded and dying of Generals Gearys and Osterhans (livisions after the battle of Ring~old Surgeons Meuzies, Ball, Sherman, Kersey, Kyle, amid Assistant Sin- geons Gilmore, Raven ot, and Gaston, and Surgeons Beach amid Matchett, were unremitting in the discharge of their duties in field and hospital, and, in addition to our own wounded, had large calls impoti them in the ministration to the wounded of the emmemy. They were untiring amid unselfish in their efforts to alleviate [the suffer- ings of] all wounded muen, without regard to where they belonged. Especial obligations to the brigade commanders are awarded for the brave amid skillful maimer in which they hmamidled their com- mands. Both of thenm are soldiers of long experience, amid have left their mark on muammy battle-fields. Their conduct met my entire approbation. Brig. Geim. Walter C. Whmitaker, in the storming of Lookout, served with Brigadier-General Gearys commau(l, and that brave officer bears testimony to his satisfaction therewith. Time general nmaliage(l his comumamud successfully amid courageously at all times, an(i (leserves well of time comnitry for the part which he bore in the late battles. Colonel Grose hias bug coummauded a brigade in the Army of time Cummiberhand with iuiarked ability, amid his own conduct amid that of his connuand duirimug the late operatiomis fully sustain his reputatioui. hit is difficult to fluid a braver officer or one more worthy of promotion. Colonels Barmies, Champidn, Taylor, Mullen, Benumett, Waters. and Sumnan, with Licutemmant-Cobonels Wood amid Cumumiums, Majors Hale amid Trusler, and Captain Bacon, commanding regiments, were gallamit amid earnest in the discharge of their duties, amid, within thieir respective field and staff officers and the men comprising their com- mnands, behaved well. The following staff officers served with me during time battles: Maj. Lyne Starling, assistant adjutant-gemmeral; Lient. John A. Wright, First Kentucky Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. H. E. Stausbury, Nineteenth U. S. Infantry. actimig aide-dc-camp; Lieut. C. C. Peck, Sixth Ohi6 Volumuteer Infantry, acting aide-de- camp; Lieut. J. H. Jacques, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infamitry, acting provost-marshal; Lient. B. F. Croxton. ordnance officer Page 152 152 KY., SW. VA., PENN., Miss., N. ALA., AND Th GA. [CHAP. XLLIi. They each performed the duties of their respective positions in a fearless and satisfactory mannershrank from no trial or exposure required of them. Company E. Ninety-second Illinois Mounted Infantry (Capt. M. Van Buskirk), deserves notice for the excellent manner in which it performed escort and other duties assigned to it. The officers and men of the company were indefatigable in their attempts to supply the brigades with ammunition by packing it upon their horses np Lookout Mountain. and in all the actions rendered efficient service in the capture and guarding of prisoners and conveying them to the rear. Private J. H. Miller, Company B, Eighty-fourth Illinois Volun- teers, a detailed clerk in the adjutants office of the division, sought and obtained permission to go to the front with his company, and carried his musket therein during the recent campaign. His desire to share the perils and exposures of the field with his comrades, when his detail shielded him therefrom, is worthy of commendation. With regards to the major-general commanding for his many courtesies exhibited to this command during the recent short but brilliant campaign, I am, captain, your obedient servant, CHARLES CRUFT, Brigadier- General, Commanding. [Inclosures.] C. LIST OF SPECIAL MENTIONS. Second Brigade (Brigadier- General Whitakers report). Col. Sidney M. Barnes, Col. Thomas E. Champion, Col. J. E. Tay- lor, Col. B. F. Mullen, Lieutenant-Colonel Cummins, and Lient. Col. C. H. Wood, for bravery and the skillful manner in which they handled their regiments. Majors Dufficy and J. S. Clark, for gallant conduct. Capt. J. R. Boone, assistant adjutant-general; Lientemiants Phipps, Peck, and Riley, aides-de-camp; Lieutenant Pepoomi, provost-marshal, and Captain North, brigade inspector, for courage and bravery;~~ through their assistance I was enabled to handle my brigade as I desired. Captain Wilson, Company C, Eighth Kentucky Infantry; Sergt. H. H. Davis, and Private William Witt, of Company A; Sergts. Jo- sepli Wagers and J. G. Wood, of Company B, and Private Joel Bradley, of Company I, Eighth Kentucky Infantry, for bravely volunteering to scale the cliffs and plant the national banner on Lookout Rock. Sergt. Maj. J. Mosely, Eighth Kentucky Infantry; Color Sergeant Duncan, Privates Jacob Butler, Company G, and Clark Thornton, Company D, Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Sergeant- Major Powers, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, worthy of special observation. Private Warren C. Gallihue, Eighty-fourth Indiana, and Private Spears, Fortieth Ohio, orderlies, are recomniended for promotion for gallantry. Lieutenant Igoe, quartermaster Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers Page 153 (JkiA1~. XLIII.J THE CJ4ATTANOOGAItIXGGoLD CAMPAIGN. i~3 offered his services as brigade quartermaster, and discharged his thankless, fatiguing duty, regardless of mud, and was active iu obtaining supplies for the meu. From Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (Col. S. liE. Barnes report). Adjt. Thomas Edgar Park, for coolness and daring ou battle-field. From Ninety-sixth illinois Volunteer Infantry (Colonel (Jham- p ions report).Adjt. E. A. Blodgett, for efficient service and gal- I antry. From Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (Colonel Taylors report). Maj. Thomas Acton and color-bearer Corpl. Richard Beetle, Coni- p~~y D, who were killed on the enemys works while urging the men forward. Lieut. J. W. Smit~h, for gallantly leading his men forward to a hand-to-hand encounter with the enemy in his works. Corpl. J. Rider, Company C, for seizing the colors when shot down, and gallantly bearing them during the battle. From Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry (Col. B. F. Mul- lens report).Adjutant Gallagher, for coolness and intrepidity. First Lient. John Maloney, Company A, for daring and courage. From Ninety-ninth Ohio Voinnteer Infantry (Lient. Cot. J. E. Camnmins report).Adjt. E. B. Walkup, for coolness and bravery. Color bearer, Sergeant Duncan, for gallantry, and Private Jacob Butler, for coolness and daring. Third Brigade. From, Eighty-fourth illinois Volunteer Infantry (Colonel Waters report).Major Cox and Adjutant Caswell, for gallantry and promptness in the discharge of their duties; Captain Scott, Com- pany B; Captain Nelson, Company F, and Lieutenant Miller, Com- pany G, are entitled to much credit for the construction of a bridge across Lookout Creek. From F~fty-nirtth Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Jfcmjor Hales re- ])ort).Capt. J. M. Stookey and Adjt. George F. Clark, for valuable assistance and ready co-operation. Corpl. R. Allen and Privates G. W. Canfleld and J. B. Holcomb, Company A; Privates M. Kel- ley, W. H. Beard, and J. C. Still, Company B; Private J. P. Woods, Company E, and Private H. Twohous, Company C, for gallant con- duct. E. HDQRS. FIRST Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTORS OFFICE, Ringgold, Ga., November 28, 1863. Brigadier-General CRUFT: I have the honor to report the following, viz: That on yesterday, the 27th instant, when your command started around on the west side of Ringgold, the wounded from General Gearys troops were l)rought back across the bridge over the East Fork of the Chicka- nianga. Your forces, not being engaged, I took Surgeon Beach and Assistant Surgeons Matchett, Gilmore, Gaston, and Ravenot, who were on the ground, with me, to the assistance of Surgeon Ball, of General Gearys staff. About 10 oclock, as the wounded began to be brought back, two houses were taken on the west side of th Page 154 12i4 AN~ 1~Y., SW. VA., ILNN., Miss., N. A LA., ~. (~A. LUnAr. XLIJI. river, and the sufferers attended to as well as could be, under the cii- cumstances. Upward of 100 caine to us, wounded in every con- ceivable manner. After the battle ceased, many were taken into the town and placed in the Catoosa House, the court-house, and bank building, a]oug with, those who had been brought there miinediateiy from the field, nuni- bering in all 261. I detailed Surgeon Shermn ii, in charge of the Catoosa House, as- siste(l by Surgeons Kersey and Kyle, and Assistant Surgeon Avoir- dick. Surgeon Beach, and his assistant, Surgeon Matchett, to help ~ the court-house, and Assistant Surgeons Gilniore. Gaston, and Ha- venot, to the bank buildings. Surgeon Sherman remained at the Catoosa House until this iuorriiiiP (28th). when time wounded were sent to Chattanooga, discharging the onerous duties imposed upon him with great ability and perseveraiiee. The surgeons of the other commands were short of sur)phies. and our instrunments, dressings, & c., were placed freely at their disposal. It is needless to say the dressing and supplies were used up. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. (If. MENZIES, Medical Director, First Diiision, Foii nh Army corps. No. 13. Report qf Brig. Gen. Walter C. Wh itaker. TX S. Array, corn maud iug Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST Div., 4TH ARMY CORPs. Shelirnourid, Tenn.. December 6, 18(13. The following report of time part taken by umy l)rigade in storming Lookout and driving the enenmy froum before Chattanooga is sub- mitted: On leaving Shehhmound time One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, the Eighty-fourth Iimdiana, amid time Fifth Imidiana Battery were detailed to defend the works erected for the i)rotectioii of our supply hue. These were nuder the comnuauud of Col. Jesse H. Moore. of the Oiue hundred amid fifteenth Illinois. This duty was well performed. Six regiments, the Eighth Kentucky, Col. Sidney M. Barnes; time Ninety-sixth Illinois, Col. Thomas K Chamupiomi; Thirty-fifth Indi- ana, Colonel Mullen; the Fortieth Ohio, Colonel Taylor; the Ninety- ninth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Cummins; the Fifty-first Ohio. Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, under my command, left Sluehimoniud Niveunber 23, at 9 a. m. After a tiresome march, over rough roads, I reported to Geumeral Cruft. division commander, at time base of Raccoon Mountain, near the nuouth of Lookout Creek, having made 23 miles during the day. For reasons unknown to me, the command of our brave and efficient division, General Crufts (two brigades), was divided, and this brigade ordered to report at daylight on time morniuug of the 24th to Brigadier-General Geary, of General Hook- ers command. This was dane with celerity and dispatch. Time troops were massed near Wauiuatchuie. They w& re deployed, cross- ing Lookout Creek on the damn of a little mill, near which, by order, the kumapsacks amid blankets of my command were left under guar(l Page 155 CHAP. XLI1I.] THE cli AtTA~()Oc~ARINfl(~O1A) CAMPAIGY. l~55 The line of battle was as follows: Second Brigade, of General Gearys division, in front on the right; Third Brigade in the center, and First Brigade on the extreme left and i~ear the base of the mountain. These brigades were small, and the division did not muster many more men than did my brigade, which was formed, the Eighth Kentucky on the right at the base of tbe rough projecting crags forming the summit of Lookout. the Thirty-fifth Indiana next, then the Ninety-ninth Ohio, and then the Fortieth Ohio on my extreme left; the Ninety-sixth Illinois and Fifty-first Ohio were placed 100 yards in rear of my right on the upper bench, to make firm my right flank. The lines of the entire storming party, though intended to be double, were, from the extent of the ground to be assailed, partially em 6chelon, and my front had to be protected by skirmishers. Owing to the formation of the mountain, my brigade, occupying the position nearest the apex of the cone, had a shorter route in going around the mountain than those nearest its base, and ex necess, fate in advancing would and did overtake aud pass the front line. Thus formed, the brigade advanced rapidly and in good order over the steep, rocky. ravine-seamed, torrent-torn sides of the mountain for near 3 miles. It was laborious and extremely toilsome. The enemy was here found sheltered by rocks, trees, and timber, cut to form abatis or obstruction, while the summit of the mountain was covered with sharpshooters, concealed by the overhanging cliffs. At- tacking them with vigor, we drove them before us. The enemys camp being assailed by General Gearys command. lower down the mountain, numbers of them fled toward the sunimit and were cap- tured. They did not conceive it possible for a force to advance on the ground my brigade was then covering. Steadily but energetic- ally and firmly a(ivancing, my brigade reached the crest of Lookouts bold projecting point Its profile is delineated from beneath against the sky. In good order my bold comlnan(i, now become one line, swummg round time crest, the right beimig the pivot, with the flags of the Fortieth Ohio omm time left and of the Eighth Kentucky on the right, floating free and triumphant. Two vast armies looked upon us. Witim beatimmg Imearts we imeard the soul-stirring vivas of our countrfs friends, amid, responding boldly, we charged upon the ral- lyimmg colnummis of the rebels. A portion of General Gearys division, mneeting overwlmelmiimg opposition from the rifle-pits in the orchard, before reaclming the white house, and having no cover, were falling back in considerable disorder. The enemy were also sending re-en- forcements from the summit of the mountain over a swag or depres- sion in the cliff. Some 300 or 400 yards to our rear, on the west side of the mountain, the Eighth Kentucky, Colonel Barnes, was halted atm the crest of the ridge, with orders to deploy skirmishers to drive the enemy back, and to hold the crest at all hazards. This was well done. The Ninety-sixth Illinois and Fifty-first Ohio were ordered forward to assail the rifle- p its in the rear, wimile the Fortieth Ohio, Ninety-nimmth Ohio, and Thirty -fifth Indiana assailed them on the flank. These dispositions Were made at mnore than double-quick timne, and umy brigade had now passed the right of time front line. Boldly the charge was made, the enemy resisted stubbornly, so that a hand-to-hand contest in portions of the pits ensued. The force on umy right, under Chaumpion ammd Wood, swept down between the white house and the summit. The other regiments passed the flanks, and we drove them along the sides and down the mountain betwee Page 156 1~6 KY., SW. vA., TEYN., MISS., N. ALA., AND Th GA. [~Ar. XLIIt one-fourth and one-half mile beyond tbe white house. My command pursued them, and, with portion of General Gearys division, formed and held the advance lines, not only against the retiring foe, bu~ also against heavy re-enforcements of the enemy, until we were re- lieved by our troops. This took place near nightfall and after night. In this charge the Fortieth Ohio, Colonel Taylor, took two pieces of cannon, which have been turned over to the ordnance officer. And a little after 1 p. m. the general in command of this brigade, with a portion of his staff, had possession of the white house, whence mes- sages were sent at 2 oclock to General Cruft, division commander, General Granger, corps commander, and General Thomas, annonuc- ing our success. Later in the evening that brave officer, Colonel Grose, arrived with his troops on the crest in the rear of my com- niand, where he took position. The skirmish firing of the enemy along the front was very spirited, occasionally varied by an effort to charge our lines. I directed him to throw forward two regiments to the right to the support of the Ninety-sixth Illinois and Fifty-first Ohio, to eiiable Colonel Champion to take the Summertown road in order to capture the artillery and rebel forces on the mountain. This be dec lrue dto do, and exhibited me a written order from Gen- eral Hooker directing that, as soon as the enemy are started, our forces pursue to the crest of Lookout only. This he was bound to obey. This order I did not see or know of until after my command had driven the enemy beyond the crest of Lookout near a mile. I was subsequently supported ably, and a por- tion of my command relieved from skirmish duty on the front line during the night, by Colonel Grose. The enemy threw grenades or shell over the cliffs, and the fire of their sharpshooters was so galling that we must inevitably have lost niany men but for a dense cloud that enveloped the mountain top about noon. Weary with the forced march of the previous day, and with the fight that had been prolonged all day and into the night, wet with the cold, drizzling rain that fell on the mountain, yet my command were vigilant and active to maintain the position so fearlessly and boldly won. The enemys loss was heavy; to me it is unknown. Early on the morning of the 25th, I called for volunteers from the Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry to scale the cliffs that over- hang the crest of the ridge or point, and take Lookout Rock. It was not known what force was on its top. Captain Wilson, of Company C, Eighth Kentucky Infantry; Sergt. H. H. Davis and Private William Witt, of Company A; Sergts. Joseph Wagers and James G. Wood, of Company B, and Private Joel Bradley, of Company I, promptly volunteered for this purpose. It was a bold undertaking. Scaling the cliff, they took possession and unfurled our countrys flag where so lately treason had defiantly flaunted her symbol of ruin. This flag was the gift of the loyal women of Estill County, Ky.It has been most honorably borne. These men were quickly followed by the Eighth Kentucky Infantry, led by Colonel Barnes, who was re-enforced later in the day by the Ninety-sixth Illinois, Colonel Champion leading. They were directed to hold the mount- ain at all hazards. Considerable stores and munitions of war, with the tents of a large encampment, fell into our hands. For particulars I refer to the re- port of Colonel Barnes, who took them in charge. The number of prisoners taken by this command on Lookout is about 600. Thes Page 157 CiI~. XLIII.] THE CHATTAN0OGARINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 1 57 were sent to the prison ponnd at the rear. I refer to the report of the provost-marshal of this brigade for particnlars. Abont 11 oclock of this day the Fortieth Ohio, Ninety-ninth Ohio, Fifty-first Ohio, and Thirty-fifth Indiana, nnder my command, ad- vanced, by orders, in the direction of Rossyille, to assault the left of the enemy on Missionary Ridge. At a signal from onr center, near Chattanooga, we advanced, Colonel Groses splendid brigade having the advance, my command supporting him. General Cruft was in command to-day of the division. The enemy were driven with great impetuosity. To prevent Colonel Groses command from being flanked on the left, two of my regiments, the Thirty-fifth Indiana, Colonel Mullen, and Fifty-first Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, were ordered to the front. They advanced in fine order, and continued fighting gallantly on the front line until the enemy were driven from the ridge. That night we slept on Missionary Ridge. Next morning, the 26th, we started in pursuit of the swift-footed General Braxton Bragg. Our progress was impeded by destroyed bridges and swollen streams. a night we slept on the ridge be- yond Pea Vine, which divides the waters of East and West Chicka- mauga. At daydawn (27th), the pursuit is continued and the rear of the enemy overtaken at Riuggold. In the battle at Riuggold (most gal- lantly maintained by General Osterhaus and General Geary) my command was held in reserve until late in the morning, when, by order from General Hooker, I detailed the Ninety-ninth Ohio, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Cummins, to reconnoiter a peak of Taylors Ridge, to the right of the gorge, through which the railroad passes.. This was being rapidly done when the enemy were routed and fled. My com- mand destroyed over a mile of railroad, beginning at the depot in Riuggold; the ties were burned and the iron bent. The weather became excessively cold; the men were without blankets and over- coats, but not a murmur of dissatisfaction came from them. Officers and men were inspired with a loyal enthusiasm that enabled them to beat the enemies of our Government and endure the bitter hardships of exposure unrepining. I specially commend Sid. M. Barnes, Col. Thomas E. Champion, Colonel Taylor, Colonel Mullen, Lieutenant- Colonel Cummins, and Lieutenant-Colonel Wood for bravery and the skillful manner in which they handled their regiments. I also call attention to Major Dufficy and Maj. John S. Clark for gallant conduct. I have not a word of censure for any officer of my com- mand, but am truly gratified to have it in my power to say they all discharged their duty promptly and efficiently. The enlisted men were quick to obey and execute every order, however hazardous to carry out, and, in addition to those already mentioned, I add the names John Mosely, sergeant-major of the Eighth Kentucky; Duii- can, color sergeant of the Ninety-ninth Ohio; Jacob Butler, of Com- pany G, and Clark Thornton, of Company D, of same regiment; John Powers, sergeant-major of Thirty-fifth Indiana, as worthy of special observation. To my staff I call the attention of the general in command. We had to dismount and go on foot in storming Lookout. The trans- mission of orders over its rugged sides in the face of the enemy was one of great danger and labor, but the energy of my intrepid as- sistant adjutant-general. Capt. J; Rowan Boone; of my untiring aides, Lieutenants Phipps. Peck, and Riley; of my provost-mar- ~hal, Lieutenant Pepoon, and of brigade-inspector, Captain North Page 158 158 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. enabled me to overcome it all, and through their assistance, I was enabled to handle my brigade in the manner I desired. Not an order was sent that was not swiftly carried and as swiftly executed. I deem it dne Warren C. Gallihne, of Eighty-fourth Indiana, and William J. Speers. ~f Fortieth Ohio. orderlies on my staff, to recom- mend them for promotion for gallantry. Q nartermaster, Lieutenant Igoe. though not brigade quartermas- ter, offered his services for the expedition and discharged his thank- less, fatiguing duty regardless of mud, and was active in obtaining supplies for my men and forage for the animals through the cold, freezing nights. The strength of my command in storming Lookont was 110 com- missioned officers and 1,355 enlisted men. making an aggregate of 1,4(35 actively engaged. My loss in killed is, 1 officer and 10 enlisted men; wounded, 0 officers and 57 Qulisted men; 2 missing; making an aggregate loss of 82 men. (See tabular statement herewith ap- pended.) Our country, his family, and his friends have to mourn the loss of Major Acton, of the Fortieth Ohio. He was among the best offi- cers in the service. It is a source of great satisfaction to have aided in accomplishing such magnificent results with so little loss, and I can only attribute it to the care of that Providence who spread the mantle of His pro- tection over us; and the bold impetuosity of my brave men that gave no time to the enemy to rally their broken columns. To the officers and men of General Gearys war-worn (livision, the heroes around whose brows cluster the unfading laurels of Gettys- burg, we of the Army of the Cumnberland extend a soldiers greeting and congratulation. They were our companions in storming Look- out, and the best testimonial we can give them of our appreciation of their bravery and endurance is, that we thought their valor and conduct worthy of our most. energetic emulation. W. C. WHITAKER, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Secom;i Brigade, First Div., 4th A. U. Lieutenant WRIGHT. Asst. Adjt. Gem.. Fowrth Army (Joi~ps. [Inclosure. I Statement of the strength of the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. Wcdter (7. VVhitaker eommandjng, and the deduction from loss in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold. r a. Hegiment. ~ H 96th Illinois ~olunteers 2.58 272 40th Ohio Volunteers 16 333 349 99th Ohio Volunteers ~ ~3 ~ 51st Ohio Volunteers 14 160 174 35th Indiana Volunteers 144 168 8th Kentucky Volunteers 18 184 202 Total number engaged in the fight 110 1 355 1,46 Page 159 - :. t ~ (bar. XLULJ THE OHATIANOOGARIIIGOOLD OAMPAIGN. 159 0mm Ma DqL gi~j~j liii Dthlfllnoiuvohunteers. 31 3 1 13 15 15 40thOhloVcluutemn. 1 ii 2 ii 15 3 US 88 USthobso Volunteers 1 8 13. 15 16 Slut Ohio Volunteers 1 I it .....~ 1? 85th IncilanaVohmteers.! I j ii 10...... 10 Nih KentuckyVolunteers . .I ~ 4 4 Total. U~ I VjiSWSj7SU w. a. wmThm, Bfl~ No. It Report of MctJ George Hick, Ninety-ei& cth Illinois Infantry. HDQSS. NIflTY4IXTH RUGrT. ILL. VOL. INFANTRY, Lookout Mountain, Tents., November 30, 1863. LIEUTENANT: Owing to the illness of CoL Thomas E. Champion, I have made out the foil of the action of the Ninety- sixth Illinois Volunteers since leaving Sheilmound, which report is herewith submitted, respectfully: The regiment left She on with the brigade on the 23d, and took place iii the column as rear guard. We arrived within General Huokefs lines at 9 p. in. and encamped for the night. The rep- ment was in line ore daylight of the 24th, ad soon afterward followed General Gearys command up the Lookout Valley. We crossed Lookout Creek ad ascended the mountain to the base of the cliff, having our position on the right of the thiril line. We then moved along the mountain side, con ormi our movements to those of the preceding lines, ad receiving a sharp fire frot the enemys sharpshooters on the cliff above us. About noon we were ordered forward with the Fifty-first Ohio to the support of the first line, ad Colonel Champion was placed in command of the two ~gimen~, the undersigned assuming the command of the Ninety-sixth Rep ment. Passing through the second line, the regiment advanced until it reach a int ~ust above the white house, near which the Fortieth Ohio was severely engag$ with the enemy, by whom that regiment was ressed. In obedience to prompt orders from Colonel Champion, this r~e~iment was rapidly moved own the side of the mountain to the assistance of the Fortieth Ohio, and poured in on the enemy a hot enfilading fire. The contest was ended almost as soon as begun, the enemyretreating precipitately. The regiment then resumed its former course of marct, and proceeded some hun- dteds of yards, until it reached. a point where a portion of General Gearys command was lying in line. Pursuant to orders we halted there, forming on the right of the line. Here for nearly three hours we were engaged with the enemy, but our position was so strong and sheltered that the loss was conparatively light. A regiment was sent to relieve us about 3 oclock in the afternoon, but took position mainly on our left, and it was not thonght advisable to withdra Page 160 160 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIII. the regiment until other troops occupied the very important ground we covered. This was accomplished just at dusk, and the regiment retired to the ~rear line. On the morning of the 25th, the Ninety-sixth was ordered to oc- cupy the summit of Lookout Mountain, in conjunction with the Eighth Kentucky, and we have since remained here. I deem it proper to state that Colonel Champion made persistent but ineffectual efforts to induce regiments lying just in rear of the first line to take position on the extreme right, and thus flank the enemy, according to directions of General Whitaker, and that efforts to relieve the Ninety-sixth Illinois before dark, so that our regiment might thus have moved, were also unavailing. Had such a move been made, our success on the 24th would have been much greater, as we would thus have obtained full control of the road leading from the mountain. The line officers and men of the regiment all deserve commendation for the manner in which they endured the unusual fatigue of the march up and along the mountain and over acres of abatis, and their unflinching bravery under the enemys fire. I will add that I was greatly assisted in the operation of the day by Lient. E. A. Blodgett, adjutant, who ren~dered efficient service and behaved with great gallantry. It is with feelings of unfeigned thankfulness that I refer you to the fact that our loss was wonderfully light, as will be seen by the report of killed and wounded herewith appended.* I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE HICKS, First Lieut. J. ROwAN BOONE, Major, Commanding Regiment, A c/baj Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 15. Report of Col. Bernard F. Mullen, Thirty-fifth Indiana I~fantry. HEADQtTARTERS THIRTY-FIFTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Ring gold, Norember ~30, 1863. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the orders of Brigadier-General Whit- aker, I beg leave to make the following report of the part my regi- ment took in the recent battles: On the morning of the 24th instant, my regiment left camp in Raccoon Valley and proceeded toward Lookout Mountain. By orders of the general the men divested themselves of all superfluous baggage, and prepared to cross Lookout Creek, the Eighth Kentucky in the advance and the Thirty-fifth Indiana following. Crossing the creek we ascended a slope of the mountain and formed line of battle, the Eighth Kentucky on the right. Now for the first time I understood our business to be to sweep the Lookout Valley and carry the enemys works on the mountain by storm. The route across the spurs of the mountain was exceed- ingly rough. deep gorges, rugged ascents, and sharp projecting rocks rendering the march toilsome and tedious. Notwithstanding the character of the ground, my regiment, as indeed did the whole bri- gade, maintained a splendid and unfaltering line. Close to the flank works of the enemy our line of skirumishers was discovered. A spattering fire commenced, and then, unable to ~~m~e * Embodied in revised stateiiient, p. 80 Page 161 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 161 serve a well-regulated line with the other regiments of our brigade, and the enemys fire becoming more severe, I ordered my men to press forward briskly and push through the line of skirmishers. When within 200 yards of the outer works a terrific volley from the enemy was let in upon our whole front line. I now ordered the regiment to charge in a run. This order was obeyed with a hearty cheer, and the Thirty-fifth, without firing a shot, entered the first works of the enemy. Farther down the slope on my left I discovered a portion of our attacking party hotly engaged with the enemy, who held another strong intrenched position, and believing it to be important to push on with the right of our line I left the first works and with rapidity dashed at the second line of the enemys defenses, capturing some prisoners and two pieces of artillery. The general being present there in person, ordered me to hold what I had, and I ordered the color bearer, Sergt. Jim Somers, to plant the flag of the regiment on the works. In the midst of a fire from the enemy on the hill-tops, and while holding the works, the Fifty-first Ohio, being in the second line, gallantly rushed forward to engage the retiring but still resisting enemy in our front. Toward evening I was ordered to re- lieve the line in front, which had exhausted their ammunition. I moved the regiment as ordered, and held the line until, our ammuni- tion in turn being exhausted, we were relieved by another regiment. That night we bivouacked upon the ground won. The next morn- ing the flag of the Eighth Kentucky, of our brigade, was floating from the peak of Lookout. On Wednesday, the 25th instant, about noon, orders for march came, and we moved frohi Lookout, taking the Rossville road. Reaching Rossville Gap, the enemy was found to be in some force. A line of battle was established, throwing the Thirty-fifth Indiana on the extreme left of the front line of the brigade. After ascend- ing the steep hill-side, a staff officer directed me to form on the left of Colonel Groses line, which I promptly did, and moving forward with that line the enemy was routed an(l the field won. We slept upon Missionary Ridge that night, and marched the following morn- ing upon Ringgold. Nothing was left for my regiment to do but to support the attacking party in this affair. I am happy to state my loss in all of this was comparatively small. Capt. James Fitzwilliams, of Company G, was shot through the arm while gallantly leading his company at Lookout. I regret also to announce that Private James Kearns, of Company A, was desper- ately wounded (shot through the lungs) at the same time. I ap- pend a list of casualties, and beg leave to say my officers and men, without exception, behaved gallantly. To Major Dufficy, for his gallant conduct, I am under obligations. Adjutant Gallagher de- serves especial umention for his coolness and intrepidity. First Lieut. John Maloney, commanding Company A, was conspicuous for dar- ing and courage. Sergt. Maj. John Powers deserves mention for his coolness and courage throughout this marching and fighting. Trusting the conduct of the Thirty-fifth Indiana has met the ap- proval of the general commanding the brigade, I respectfully sub- mit the foregoing hurriedly written report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. 1VWLLEN, Colonel, Gomm and in q Tli i dy-fifth hid ici ma Volunteers. Capt. J. ROWAN BOONE, Acig. Asst. Adjt. Gem. 11 R RVOL XXXI, PT I Page 162 162 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 16. Report of Col. Sidney ill. Barnes, Eighth Kentucky Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Lookout Mountain, December 1, 1863. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I herewith submit to you, for the information of the commaudiug general, a report of the operations and art taken by the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers, under my comman , in the storming of Look- out Mountain, to wit: I have the honor to report that at 8 a. in., 23d November, 1863, my command, together with five other regiments of the Second Brigade, General W. C. Whitaker commanding, marched from Sheilmound to the front to engage the enemy, and at 6 p. in., or about that time of same day as above, arrived near the headquarters of Major-General Hooker. opposite Lookout Mountain and near the foot of Raccoon Mountain, and encamped for the night. Early next morning, at 6 a. mu., we were ordered by General Whitaker forward into action, the Eighth Kentncky in the advance of the brigade. We proceeded by the way of General Gearys headquarters to the rear of a chain of hills on the west side of Lookout Creek amid Mountain. Whemi the Second Brigade formed hue of battle and prepared for actmomm and the storming of Lookout Mountain, we formed on the left of the Twelfth Army Corps, or General Gearys division, and from there we moved by the flank, in rear ~of Gearys division, cross- ing Lookout Creek near mouth of Wauhatclmie, after which three lines of battle were formed, Gearys command havimug the advance. The Eighth Kentucky formed on the right of the second line, and the whole force moved along the slope or side west of the summit of Lookout Mountain, the lines of battle extending from near Lookout Creek to the cliff of Lookout Mountain, which cliff extended along the emutire slope and right of the line. The advance was rapid and over deep ravines, large rocks, high ridges, and very uneven and rough ground. We advanced in a northerly direction toward the point of Lookout Mountain, a distance of 3 miles, perhaps. The enemy was encountered about 1 mile from the point of the mountain. They made a stubborn resistance, but were ultimately driven around the point of the mountain in splemudid style, many prisoners being captured and sent to the rear. The Eighth Kentucky was not really engaged mn the action, although subjected to a heavy fire from the enemy on the mountain above for a mile at least. During our ad- vance we advanced in supporting (listance of the first line and suffi- ciently near to be repeatedly fired into by the enemy in front. After reaching the ridge or spur of the mountain, immediately opposite the point of Lookout Mountain and to the left of and immediately - under the point where the rebel artillery had been stationed, and there operated, we were ordered to halt and hold the ridge or spur at all hazards, which we did. Here we remained from about 12.30 oclock in the day until next mornino the 25th November, about sunrise, in line of battle, all the tinme6 without water, overcoats, or blankets, suffering considerably. An attempt was made, at the re-2 quest of Brigadier-General Whitaker, by Lientemmant Jones, of Com- pany F. Eighth Kentucky, to reach the sumumit, but it failed on account of the superior force of the enemy on the summit ~nd th Page 163 Cn~4v. XLIII], THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 163 use of hand grenades by the enemy. Here, bowever, the party killed 1 rebel, and sustained no loss. Early next morning, about sunup, Brigadier-General Whitaker approached the Eighth Ken- tucky and asked if they could not furnish a party to ascend the summit and plant the flag of the Eighth Kentucky, in honor of the Second Brigade. Immediately Captain Wilson, Company C, Eighth Kentucky, who commanded the color company, volunteered to try the experiment, the officers and men of the Eighth Kentucky agreeing to sustain and support him. Five of the regiment ascended with Captain Wilson. In a few minutes they planted the colors of the Eighth Kentucky on the summit or top of Lookout Mountain. I then forwarded the regiment immediately to the summit to his sup- port, and threw out a strong skirmish line and formed line of battle and advanced the line several hundred yards from the point, and continued the skirmish line to Summertown amid to the rebel encamp- ment, finding most of the enemy had retreated, capturing a consid- erable amount of commissary stores, a large number of tents and camp equipage, several boxes of artillery ammunition, about one hundred and eighty small-arms, and some little corn. The Twelfth Army Corps have taken possession of most of the commissary stores and artillery ammunition, and a considerable quantity of the other captured property has been hauled away by order of Colonel Mackay, assistant quartermaster, Department of the Cumberland. We cap- tured during the 25th, the day we took the mountain, 100 prisoners, and sent them to the rear. We now hold, together with the Ninety- sixth Illinois (Colonel Champion), Lookout Mountain. He and his command have rendered me valuable assistance in securing the captured property and other necessary duties in fortifying, & c. The Ninety-sixth Illinois belongs to the Second Brigade, and was ordered on the mountain to support the Eighth Kentucky; in fact, many of them rushed up after the Eighth Kentucky to assist without being actually ordered. The Eighth Kentucky, under my command, numbered when we formed line of battle and crossed Lookout Creek, 18 commissioned officers, including field and staff, and 184 enlisted men; in all, 202 officers and enlisted men. Company G having been left in rear by order of Brigadier-General Whitaker to guard wagons, & c., they did not participate in the action. All my offi cers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, with the exceptions hereinafter named, did their duty and are entitled to praise, except Corpl. Burges Elliott and Privates John W. Ward and George Aldridge, of Company B; John Brandenburgh, John Ashcraft,Will- iam Hall, William H. Ross, Henry Fike, Company D; Privates William Maes and Daniel Edwards, Company F, and Privates Will- iam Aldridge, Hardin Moore, and John Selby, Company H. They are reported by their company commanders as having without pen- mission fallen out and to the rear after crossing the creek and the advance commenced. Corporal Elliott contends he was sent to the rear with a prisoner by Lieutenant Phipps, of General Whitakers staff, about which I am not advised. He has heretofore been a good soldier. The others contend they broke down and could not keep up. They are stout men, and I regret to say that I fear they did not altogether discharge their duty. They all rejoined the command on the mountain after the enemy were (Iriven off. We lost no officers in killed, none were wounded amid none missing. Four enlisted men were wounded, none of them seriously. I canno Page 164 164 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ,[CHAP. XLIII. account for the loss being so small except from the dense fog that enveloped the wbole country dnring part of onr advance and while we lay in line of battle. The fog continned from 1 p. m. to about 11 p. in., and obscnred the scene. I have the honor to especially mention Capt. John Wilson, Com- pany C, and Sergt. Harris H. Davis. Company A; Private William Witt, same company; Sergt. Joseph Wagers, Company B, and James G. Wood, Company B; also Private Joel Bradley, Company I, for their extraordinary (laring and gallantry, in ascending the summit of Lookont Mountain and planting the colors of the Eighth Ken- tucky on the sninmit in advance of every other person, in the pres- ence or sight of both armies. I trnst they may be promoted. I also have the satisfaction in mentioning Maj. John S. Clark and Adjt. Thomas Edgar Park and Sergt. Maj. John Mosely for their cool- ness and daring in and during the whole action. They rendered me essential service, and they each deserve promotion. I herewith retnrii a tabular statement* of those wonnded, & c. All of which I respectfnlly submit. SIDNEY M. BARNES, Colonel Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Irjantry, Elomdg. Lient. J. ROWAN BOONE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. N. B.By way of supplement to my report I beg leave to report that Corpl. Burges Elliott, Company B, Eighth Kentucky, was really sent back with prisoners by Lieut. J. P. Phipps, aide-de-camp to General Whitaker. and he should be honorably mentioned. All of which is respectfully submitted. No. 17. Report of Got. Jacob F. Taylor, Fortieth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FORTIETH REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Camp near Ringgold, Ga., November 80, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with General Orders, No. 12, Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry left Shellmound with the balance of the brigade on the 23d instant for the front, marching until late in the evening, when it encampe(l for the night near Lookout Mountain. Early in the morning of the 24th, the line of march was again taken up, crossing a creek at the foot of Lookout and (continuing - up the slope of the mountain, where three lines of battle were formed, the Fortieth Ohio first), from the left of General Whitakers brigade, which formed the second line. About 12 m. an advance was ordered. After advancing half a mile, slight skirmishing commenced with the frst line, which gradu- ally increased as the line moved forward until the firing became geii- eral, when General Whitaker, who was then in the line with his brigade, ordered a charge. which was successfully obeyed, and after E~mbodied in ~evi~ed stateigent, p. 80 Page 165 c~p. XLIII.] TILE CIIATTANoOGARING(4oIA~ CAMPAIGN. 165 driving the enemy several hundred yards and into his camp, the Fortieth passed the front line, the men of t1i~ latter remarking as the Fortieth passed Here comes fresh troops to relieve us ; Go it, boys, we have chased them up for you; pour itiuto them; give them hell. The Fortieth now being in advance continued the charge, routing the enemy in confusion from every point for more than a half mile, scaling his ditches and stone barricades about the white house, where two pieces of artillery and over ~3OO picks and spades were captured. The pursuit was continued over walls and ditches until the enemy were met in such numbers as to compel the regiment to fall back to a stone wall for protection, which it successfully held until relieved by fresh troops. While directing the men in this last position, the gallant Major Acton fell, instantly killed by a musket shot through the breast. Also the brave Richard Beetle, corporal Company D, who so nobly carried the colors through the charge, was killed. Effective strength of regiment before the engagement was 16 offi- cers and 333 enlisted men. Casualties, 1 officer aiid ii men killed, 1 officer and 15 men wounded, 2 men missing. Aggregate loss, 2 offi- cers and 28 men. On the morning of the 25th, the regiment was detailed to recon- noiter Chattanooga Valley, which was continued to the creek, and until about 12 in., with no further result than the capture of 6 pris- oners and two cases of guns (new) nearly full. The regIment was then ordered to rejoin the brigade near Mission Ridge, which it did about 2 p. in., and moved with the balance of the brigade on the ridge, but was not brought under fire. On the morning of the 26th, the regiment, with the brigade, was or(lered to move on the Riuggold road. After crossing a small stream about 9 p. m. the regiment was detailed to deploy and recon- noiter a niountain where it was supposed the enemys train had en- camped. This was done, with the result of the capture of 1 supply wagon and 1 caisson. On the morning of the 27th, the march was continued to Riuggold, where the advance of the column again encountered the enemy. The regimeiit was again formed in line of battle, forming tbe fourth line of General Whitakers brigade, but was not engaged in the action. Officers and nien, with but few exceptions, did most nobly during the campaign. Those deserving particular attention for gallant con- duct in storming Lookout Mountain are Major Acton and Corpl. Richard Beetle (color bearer), who were killed on the enemys works while urging the men forward ; Lient. Johii W. Smith, Company I, who gallantly led his men forward and encountered the enemy in a hand-to-hand conflict in his works; Corpl. J. Rider, Compamiy C, who picked up the colors when shot (lown, leaped upon a rock, and defiantly waved them iii the enemys face, and proudly bore them on the field. Very respectfully. your obedient servant, J. P. TAYLOR, Cob riel. Commanding Regiment. Lient. J. ROWAN BOONE. Acting Ass isif, I Acijulci ml- General Page 166 166 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 18. Report of Lient. (hot. (11w rles H. Wood, Fifty-Jii8t Ohio infantry. HEADQUARTERS FiFTY -FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEERS, J?inggold, Ga., November 30, 1863. CAPTAIN: Pursuant to orders from Brig. Gen. W. C. Whitaker, II have the honor to report the operations of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers since it left Shelimound, and the part taken by it in the recent battles near Chattanooga: On Monday morning, November 23, at 8 oclock, I marched my command with the balance of the Second Brigade in the direction of Chattanooga, and after a very fatiguing march of 20 miles over rough roads bivouacked for the night in Lookout Valley, opposite the point of Lookout Mountain. At 6 oclock, Tuesday morning, November 24, 1 marcbed to Wan- hatchie Station, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad,where, pur- suant to orders, the regiment divested itself of all baggage prepara- tory to the storming of Lookout Mountain. Moving across Lookout Creek I ascended the mountain as high as the bluffs, and formed my regiment in the second line on the left of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. At the command forward I moved with the balance of the brigade along the side of the mountain, encountering the enemy. The first line drove him rapidly before it, the second line, following immediately in rear of the first and preserving an unbroken front, notwithstanding the galling tire of musketry and artillery that was poured into the ranks both from the front and from the top of Lookout Mountain, which swarmed with sharp- shooters. On arriving at the point of Lookout Mountain, I passed through the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers on the right of the first line and, moving around the crest of the hill about 200 yards, halted. By this time the left of the first line, which had driven the enemy out of tIme works,was being repulsed, and I was ordered by the gen- eral commanding the brigade to move quickly to their support. Changing front forward on the ninth company, I moved my regiment double-quick dowmi the hill; striking the enemy on his left flank, I poured in a few well-directed volleys, driving them back to the woods in great disorder. Changing front immediately to the right, I moved forward around the mountain amid took position on the right of the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois Vohumiteers, which bad been engaging time enemy on my right. Before the formation with the Ninety-sixth Illinois was completed the enemy was observed to be moving to the right, evidently intend- ing to turn our right fiamik. Postimig tue regiment among the rocks (which formed admirable breastworks) I advanced a line of skir- mishers, which, however, were soon driven back amid tIme enemy - formed to charge us from our position. Massing their force they moved forward with a yell. My regiment reserved its fire until the rebels came within thirty paces, then, pouring iii a deadly fire, they sent them back howling. A second charge was made with like re- sults, and the enemy, finding it impossible to (lislodge us fvom oui~ position, retired about ~() paces, keeping up a continuous fire till half past 3 oclock, at which time, my ammunition being exhausted, I was relieved by the Fifty-ninth Illinois and nioved my command to the rear, where I bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 25th, at 4 oclock, I was again ordered for- ward to the front line, but. no firing h)assed between my comman Page 167 16~7 CIjAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGAJUNGGOL]) CAMPAIGN. and the enemy, daylight revealing the fact that he had retreated from the mountain. About 11 a. ni. I received orders to march my command to Rossville, which point I reached about 4 p. in. Having found the enemy in force on Missionary Ridge, I was ordered to form line on the left of the Thirty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and move up the ridge on the north side of the gap. On reaching the summit I received orders to report to Colonel Grose, whose bri- gade was warmly engaged with the enemy Reporting to Colonel Grose, he immediately moved me to the left of his front line, which was then exposed. Throwing forward one company as skirmishers they S00~ encountered the enemy. At this juncture an order was received for the entire line to charge, which it did, completely rout- ing the enemy and capturing several hundred prisoners. By an order from General Whitaker I rejoined my brigade and bivouacked for the night on Missionary Ridge. Thursday morning. November 26, I marched my command in the direction of Riuggold, and camped for the night on the ridge west of Pea Vine Creek. Friday morning, November 27, I moved with the column on Ring- gold, where the enemy was found strongly intrenched, on Taylors Ridge. Quite a severe engagement took place, my command taking no part except supporting the attacking party. I am pleased to report that the part taken by the Fifty-first Ohio, both at the storming of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, was attended with very small loss. I entered the action on the 24th with but nimie companies, Company G beimig detailed as guard for baggage, and 1 officer and 13 men as guard for ammunition train, leaving me a command of 13 officers and 160 men. Company G was relieved on the 25th, and came up in time to participate in the fight at Missionary Ridge. My loss amounted to 1 man killed and 6 wounded. In honor to the dead I wish to mention the name of Adam Iselie, who was killed in resisting the charge of the enemy on Lookout Mountain. Though a foreigner by birth, in very indigent circum- stances, with a large family, and in poor health, ill able to bear the privations of a soldier, yet, when his country called upon her sons to defend her rights, his patriotism sacrificed all, and he was one among the first to respond. No braver spirit or more gallant a soldier ever fell in defens~ of his countrys flag. I cannot close my report without expressing my thanks to both officers and men of my command for the gallantry and intrepidity displayed by them throughout the entire action. To mny staff I am specially indebted for assistance rendered me during the battle. In fact I ani proud to state that the conduct of all my officers and men was such as will do honor to the State from which they camne ; but for fear further comment might be construed as boasting, I will re- fer them to the general commuandiug the brigade, under whose im- mediate eye they fought. Accompanying this report I annex a list of the casualties. * Hoping the conduct of the Fifty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteers has met with the approval of the general commanding, I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. WOOD, Lieutenctnf- Colonel, Comdg. F~fty-ftrst Ohio Volunteers. Lient. J. ROWAN BOONE, Acting Assistant Aci~jutartt-Generai. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 80 Page 168 168 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 19. Report of Lient. Col. John E. Unrnmins, Ninety-ninth Ohio In fantry. HDQRS. NINETY-NINTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Shelimound, December 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the late engagement at Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and Ring- gold, Ga.: The regiment marched from Shelimound on Monday morning, November 23, with 24 commissioned officers and 226 enlisted men. Fifteen men and 1 commissioned officer were detailed to guard bri- gade headquarters teams, and 12 enlisted men to guard ammunition train. These men were not afterward with the regiment until onr return to Sheilmound. The regiment went into the fight on Look- out Mountain with 23 commissioned officers and 241 enlisted men, of which 3 enlisted men were killed, 12 enlisted mcii wounded, and 1 commissioned officer wounded, viz. * In marching np Lookout Mountain, with very few exceptions, the men and officers behaved exceedingly well. From the time the fir- ing commenced on the skirmish line in the advance, the men pressed forward so eagerly that it was impossible to keel) them back, and they rushed through the line in front, running right over the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Infantry, and taking the extreme advance. I tried to halt the regiment and reform it in the intrench- ments to the left of the white house, but it was impossible; the men rushed on. sweeping around the niountain until we met a heavy force of the enemy neai where they had built rifle-pits on the side of the mountain next Chattanooga. I ordered the men to take posi- tion behind a stone wall, which position they held until their ammu- nition was nearhy exhausted, and they were relieved by other troops. Nearly all of the officers and men behaved gallantly, and I only mention those who fell under my immediate notice. Adjt. B. B. Walkup was chose by my side during the whole engagement, and rendered me valuable assistance. Captain Bope, when we were in the extreme advance, took charge of a party of men, stationed them among the rocks, amid skirmished with the enemy back in a large open space between our troops and those on the right of the front line. I should remark that a portion, or perhaps the whole of the Fortieth Ohio Regiment and the Ninety-ninth, became mingled together in the impetuosity of the charge in the front, and reniained there until relieved, fighting gallantly. Private Jacob Butler, of Company G, who captured a rebel major and was the first man in one of the rebel earth-works, deserves special notice; also Sergeant Duncan. color bearer of the regiment. At Mission Ridge the regiment was not under fire. At Pigeon Mountain, Company D (Captain IBope) and Company B (Lieutenant Davison) were deployed as skirmishers, and advanced up the ridge on double-quick, capturing a rebel captain of artillery and 1 private. At Riuggold the regiment was ordered to charge up Taylors Ridge on the right of the gap, which they started to do with great * Nominal list omitted Page 169 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 169 alacrity, the skirmishers being advanced one-third of the way uy the ridge, when the regiment was ordered back. Private Clark Thornton, of Conipany D, who was a deserter from the regiment, volnntarily went with the regiment and engaged in the fight, acting with great coolness and bravery, always being in the front rank. I therefore recommend that he,be restored to dnty with the loss of pay during his absence. The regiment returned to camp yesterday with all of the men it started with, except the killed and a portion of the wounded. Respectfully, yours, J. E. CUMMINS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Ninety-ninth Ohio Vol. Infantry. Lient. J. ROWAN BOONE, A~itiitg Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.Company B was detailed in charge of regimental wagons, aud the company joined us before the charge on Lookout Mountain, except 8 men left in charge of wagons. No. 20. Report of Col. William Grose, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, corn- mending Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIv., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, VVhitesides, Tenn., December 4, 1863. SIR: In accordance with duty, I have the honor to report the part my brigade took in the recent battles before Chattanooga. On the 23d of November, ultimo, under orders amid command of Brigadier-General Cruft, I marched from this place with part of my commamid, IEighty-fonrth Illinois, Colonel Waters ; Ninth Indiana, Colommel Sumami; Seventy-fifth Illinois, Colonel Bennett; Thirty- sixth Imi(liamia, Major Trusier; Fifty-ninth Illinois, Major Hale Twemmty-fonrth Ohio, Captaimi Bacon; effective force, oflicers and mueim, 1,t393. We muarched that day to Lookout Valley, and reported to Major-General Hooker, where we rested for time night, and were ready to move at daylight on the morning of the 24th, at which time I was ordered with my commnamid to the front, and imiformed that Gemmeral Hooker desired to see me in person. I repaired to his quar- ters and received imistructiomis to move with muy comniand amid drive the emieiny fromn and effect a crossing of Lookout Creek at a de- stroyed bridge near the railroad crossino~ of that creek, which courses along the base of Lookout Mouiitain omi the west into the Tennessee River. I imumediately went forward in advance of the troops to make observatiomis and learn the position, and found the enemys pickets on the east bank and ours on the west, within 30 paces of each other, enjoying a friendship which was soon after broken and turned into wrath upon the approach of my forces. I discovered S00~ that the creek was more swollen than was expected, and the only means of passage was to repair a space in the center of the bridge of about 15 feet, which was covered by the enemy from their rifle-pits on the opposite side and from the railroad embankment, which gave them complete protection. I ordered up the Eighty Page 170 170 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. fourth Illinois, supported by the Seventy-fifth Illinois; the former in line, with proper skirmishers, advanced through a bayou or pond, some places to their waists, drove the enemy under cover, and soon occupied the west bauk of the creek, and Captain Chambers, of the Thirty-sixth Indiana, with a detail, was sent forward to do the work, but it was fouud impracticable without too great a loss. In the meantime, Captain Bacou, with the Twenty-f onrth Ohio, had moved upon the left of the two Illinois regiments, and was briskly skirmish- ing with the enemy along the creek. General Hooker upon a hill to the rear soon saw the impracticability of the crossing, and desired to see me. On reporting to the general, he directed me to take the other four regimeits not thus in position and proceed to the creek, a mile above and to the right, where General Woods brigade, of Gen- eral Osterhaus division, was constructing a pole bridge, which was near completed when I arrived at the crossing point. I met General Woods there; he had some skirmishers over the creek, and a regi- ment ready to follow. As soon as that regiment passed over the general kindly gave me the use of the bridge, when I at once crossed over the four regiments and prMonged the line of battle on his right. I formed in double lines, the Thirty-sixth Indiana and Fifty-ninth Illinois in front line, the right of my lines connecting with the left of the brigade of General Whitaker and of General Geary still to my right, who had advanced from a crossing still farther to the right and higher up the creek. The lines thus formed obliquely up the slope of the mountain and the grand forward move was soon in motion, moving forward as fast as the men and officers could climb (for all were on foot), sweeping everything before them, over rebel camps and rebel rifle-pits. As the lines advanced, so that the left of General Woods brigade neared the position of the Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois, flanking the rifle-pits of the enemy de- fending the crossing, the enemy were so surprised at the Yankee trick the most of them threw down their arms and surrendered. These two regiments immediately crossed under command of General Cruft, and extended the main line of battle on the left, covering and advancing on the main Chattanooga road over the point of the mountain slope, these two regiments of Colonels Waters and Bennett, the latter in front with the whole line., only halted when imperative orders were received to pursue to the crest of Lookout Slope only, and no farther, until further orders. The Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois had already been gal- lantly pressed forward 400 or 500 yards in advance of the crest and beyond and to time left of the white house, and sufficiently far to un- cover the mouth of Chattanooga Creek and allow troops to pass from tIme city to our rear. My other regiments were iii tIme hue rather above and to the right of the white house, but fully covering the plateau of ground on which it is situated. There were two regiments of the troops on my righut that were immediately under the hmgh ledge of rocks at the top of the mountain that were farther advanced than the center of the line. I was greatly annoyed with overtures to relieve these two regiments With regiments from mny command, and before nightfall I sent the Fifty-ninth Illinois amid the Nimuth Indiana to relieve timemn, making now four regiments of mine in the front linetwo on the extreme left and two on the right, and far in the advance of all other regiments. At the point now occupmed by these two regimemuts there was constant firing kept up on both sides, and about 8 p. m. Colommel Sumaum and Major Hale, commanding thes Page 171 171 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. two regiments on the right, repOrte(i their ammunition exhausted, when the Thirty-sixth Indiana and Twenty-fourth Ohio were sent to relieve them, who held the position until about midnight, when the firing ceased on 1)0th sides, the enemy evidently having retired from our front and, as afterward appeared, from the top of the mountain, but not until these two latter regiments had also exhausted their am- munition. Thus all my regiments had been in the front line during this engagement. The gronnd in front of the center of the line, in and about the white house, I believe, was the common stock of the skirmishers of all the cOmmands engaged, and at the house they found in park two pieces of the enemys artillery (with the limgbers), which were not in use upon our advance. Early the next morning, the enemy having entirely left the mount- ain, the Stars and Stripes in triumph waved upon the point of rocks on the summit of this grand old mountain. This was the conclusive evidence to observers for many niiles around that one of the grand- est feats of the war had been performed by our soldiers in success- fully storming this stronghold and taking most of the enemy that were there posted prisoners. Our advancing lines completely en- filaded muost of the enemys works, which were poorly adapted to the defense of the position. Early on the moriming of the 25th of Noveniber, the Eighty-fourth amid Seventy-fifthm Illinois were advanced on the heft to make a re- connaissance, and captured some rebel guards, camps, baggage, and several boxes of arms near the road from Chattanooga up the moumitain to Summertowim, and found that the main force of the en- einy had evacuated Chattanooga Valley. These facts being reported, the whole force under General Hooker moved about 10 a. m. toward Rossvihle,~ situated at tIme base of Missionary Ridge, 5 miles distant from Chattammooga, at which place the La Fayette road passes through a gorge in the ridge, having to rebuild the destroyed bridge over Chattanooga Creek. It was after 2 p. mu. before our advance, General Osterhaus division, reached the rebel lines strongly posted in the gorge. The attack was soon made, however, and the advanced division forced the passage, routed time enemy, and moved forward through the gorge. As my advance approached the passage in the ridge, General Cruft directed me to move up the point of the ridge to the left and at right angles with the road. As we ascended the poimit of the ridge, a brisk fire was opened from the summit upon some cavalry escort in our front. They soon found other quarters, amid gave way for our infantrythe Ninth Indiana. Colonel Suman was iii advamice, amid seenmimigly by imituitiomi came into line with skir- mishmers in front, supported by the Fifty-mminth Illinois, Major Hale, in double-quick 0n time left, the Eighty-fourth Illinois and Thmirty- smxthm Indiana in the second hine, the Seventy-fifth Illinois and Twenty-fourth Ohio forming the third line. By the time the rear lines were formed, the advance line had charged amid driven the en- emy from two lines of barricades, visiting the enemy with severe punishmemit, killing and wounding a large number and taking all the balance prisoners that were behind the barricades. Two regi- ments of General Whitakers brigade soon came up on the left of my second and third hues on the slope of time ridge, General Gearys division advancing still farther to the left in the valley; at the same time General Osterhaus division was advancing on the east side of the ridge to my right. We continued the advance, meeting and driving more of the en- emy northward on the ridge; at the same time heavy firing was go Page 172 172 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. cHAP. XLIII. ing on a couple of miles to our frout. As we approached, it seemed to be advancing toward us, which turued out to be General John- sous division, Fourteenth Army Corps, driving the enemy south on the ridge, where his lines and ours approached within 800 or 900 yards of each other. The enemys forces between us threw down their arnis, and firing and destruction of life ceased, and it appeared to me that we had more prisoners between than we had men in our own lines. Here we disposed of prisoners, cared for the wounded, buried the dead, and rested for the night. Colonel Suman and Major Hale, with their regiments, deserve favorable mention for daring and gallant conduct on this occasion. On the morning of the 26th, our forces moved on the Riuggold road in pursuit of the routed enemy. Two divisions of the Fourteenth Corps, under Major-General Palmer, had the advance, followed by General Osterhaus division; then caine the two brigades of our division, followed by General Gearys division, delayed at Chicka- mauga to rebuild bridge. We reached Pea Vine Valley about sun- set, and the forces advanced cautiously through its mud and dense underbrush until the advance reached the La Fayette road, where it found a battery and train of the enemy moving. One volley cap- tured all, scattering the men therewith in every direction. General Palmers forces there took the Grays ville road to the left. Our divis- ion moved forward out of the valley, ascended the hill, gathering up many scattering prisoners, and rested for the night 4 miles from Ringgold. At early day on the morning of the 27th, General Osterhaus tak- ing the advance, followed by our division, at about 8 oclock we ap- proached the town and found the enemy in force on White Oak Ridge, and in the gorge through which Middle Chickama~ga flows beyond the town. A severe engagement soon commenced, our forces endeavoring to carry the position by a front assault; the action lasted about four hours, with heavy loss to us. At last the place was carried and the enemy driven. My brigade had been placed in position in the town, took no part, but was under fire, where I lost 1 nian killed shortly after the enemy had been driven from their position. I received orders to move with my command in pursuit, and was soon under way; sldrniishiug with their rear guard soon commenced, and destroyed bridges made the pursuit difficult and slow. We fol- lowed them until night, a distance of 3 miles, and found what ap- peared to be a division in a well selected position, and, in accordance with orders, I returned to Riuggold. We recaptured 2 of our wounded men, took 2 more prisoners, found broken caissons, wagons, ambulances, dead and (lying men of the enemy strewn along the way to a horrible extent. We remained at Riuggold until the evening of the 30th of Novem- bem, when I received orders to return to Whitesides, via the Chicka- mauga battle-field. We marched to Reeds farm, on West Chicka- mauga, 6 miles, and camped for the night. On the 1st day of December, we crossed the creek, proceeded 2 miles to the memorable battle-field of the 19th and 20th of Septem- ber, 18(33. We buried the remains of about 400 of our brave fallen comrades that had been the prey oft animals for two and a half months. On the left of our line the (lead of the enemy over a por- tion of the ground had been well buried, and ours tolerably well covered, but toward the center and right, but few of ours were at- tempted to be buried or covered at all. The heads and feet of thos Page 173 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANO0GARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 173 on that part of the field that had been slightly covered were mostly uncovered, and frequently found separated and some distance from the bodies. On the west of the road from Lee and Gordons Mills to Rossville, and on our center and right and as far as I went to the south, but few burials had been attempted of either party. We had not time to explore the entire field, and no dQnbt many of our sol- diers remain unburied yet. All good clothing had beeii stripped from the bodies. Such a sight of inhumanity 1 hope never to wit- ness again. On the 2d of December, we marched to our old quarters at this post, and thus ended our part of a fruitful campaign. My command took prisoners as follows, the evidence of which is herewith forwarded List of names and rank taken by my provost-marshal 245 Wounded on Missionary Ridge and prisoners 21 Voncher of Lientenant Jacques, division provost-marshal 111 With officers 4 Vouchers of Captain Woodbury, Twenty-ninth Ohio Volunteers 159 Vouchers of Captain Taulby, Twenty-seventh Missouri Volunteers 37 Captured by Colonel Surnan on Missionary Ridge and turned over to the regiment on his right, a~ he states, which was one of General Woods regi ments - 200 Total 777 The conduct of the officers and men of my command was highly commendable, and I thank them for a prompt obedience and execu- tion of all orders without regard to danger or fatigue. Ii am under obligations to my staff officers for their kind and will- ing assistance rendered me during the campaign. The following is a table of casualties in the brigade during ihe campaign, viz: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. a a a a command. S S S . .~ a a a ., a -~ a a 0 ~ 0 P1 0 P1 0 P1 -~ 36th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Maj. G 1 10 11 11 Trusler. 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. I. C 2 1 22 1 24 25 B. Suman. 59th Illinois VolunteerInfantry. Maj. C. nale 1 4 13 4 14 18 75th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. J. E 2 2 2 Bennett. 84th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, col. L. II 4 4 4 Waters. 24th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. G. lvi 4 4 4 Bacon __ ____ __ __ __ Total ~ 64 Knowing that I filled every post of danger rethiliretI of me, I re- joice that so few of my. men have fallen, conipared with former battles. Lists of the casualties accompany the reports of the regi- mental commanders, respectively, which, for further particulars, are herewith forwartied. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, WM. GIIOSE, Colonel, Corn rnanding. Lieut. JOHN A. WRIGHT, Actg. A& st. AJjl. Ge Page 174 174 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 21. Report of illaj. Clayton Hale, Fifly-n inth Illinois infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-NINTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, fT/hitestdcs, Teun., December 3, 1863. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received from Colonel Grose, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Infantry in the recent opera- tions near Chattanooga: On the 23d day of November, the regiment left camp at this place and marched, with the others of the brigade, on the road to Chat- tanooga, and camped that night within General Hookers lines, near Lookout Mountain. On the 24th, at about 6a. in., after supplying each man with 30 rounds of ammunition, I moved the regiment out and marched directly toward Lookout Mountain. Whemi near Chattanooga Creek the brigade was halted, and an additional supply of 30 rounds of ammunition to each man was issued. At this point the Seventy- fifth and Eighty-fourth Illinois and Thirty-sixth indiana were sent to the left, subsequently followed by the Twenty-fourth Ohio, the Fifty-ninth Illinois and the Ninth Indiana remaining where the bri- gade was first halted until after 112 in., when, in compliance with orders from Colonel Grose, I moved my regiment in a soutb westerly direction, followed by the Ninth and Thirty-sixth Indiana and the Twenty-fourth Ohio, on to the railroad, down which I followed about one-third of a mile; then, filing to the left, passed over a hill covered with fallen timber, and over intrenchments occupied by a portion of the Twelfth Corps, and by a circuitous route through a dense thicket to Lookout Creek, where I was joined by Colonel Grose, from whom I received definite instructions, and by whose direction I crossed the creek on a narrow bridge, which had been previously constructed, and, moving down the bank a short disc tance, filed the regiment to the left and entered a deep ravine, through which it passed, and debouched upon tIme mountain side. I then marched by the right flank straight up the mountain, which was so steep and difficult that the men were frequently compelled to cling to the rocks and bushes to enable them to maintain their foot- ing. Continuing to march in this manner until I had passed a por- tion of the First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and until a sufficient interval had been obtained to enable the other regiments of the brigade to prolong their lines on my left, I then caused the regiment to march by the left flank, having previously thrown Companies A and C forward as skirmishers. In this manner the regiment, with the others of the brigade, advanced in line of battle under a heavy fire of musketry from the enemy, concealed behind rocks, and from omme or more pieces of artillery planted on the sum- mit of the mountain. Sweeping around the point of the mountain, the men moved steadily forward, capturing the enemys camps and intrenchments, almost their entire picket guard, their officer of the day, and a large number of prisoners, until we reached the enemys. intrenchments near the white house, which had been hastily Than- doned by them with two pieces of artillery. I then, by order of Colonel Grose, halted the regiment, remaining in position over two hours, during a part of which time the men were engaged in con Page 175 C~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 175 structing breastworks, although much annoyed by the enemys sharpshooters from the cliffs above. Our situation was rendered the more unpleasant by a cold, drizzling rain, and by a dense fog which settled down, shrouding surrounding objects from view. At about 3 p. m. I received orders from Colonel Grose to relieve the Fifty-first Ohio, of General Whitakers brigade, then engaged with the enemy about 300 yards in front. Supported by the Ninth Indiana on the right, my regiment moved splendidly and rapidly forward in line of battle over ground that was so steep, rocky, and covered with undergrowth and fallen trees that the men had great difficulty in preserving their footholds, but, regardless of these ob- structions, they pushed boldly forward, clambering over rocks and fallen trees, amidst a perfect tempest of musket balls, and took posi- tion in a ravine held by the Fifty-firstOhio, which retired as soon as my regiment got into position and had opened fire on the enemy, who were posted behind rocks about 30 yards in advance of my line. For over three hours my men held their position in this ravine, firing steadily except at intervals, when 1 caused firing to cease for fear of exhausting my ammunition. During these intervals the enemy would increase their fire and advance their line toward us, when our fire would recommence along the whole line, forcimig the enemy to hastily fly to the shelter of the rocks. It becoming nearly dark, and my ammunition being nearly exhausted, I sent a messenger to Colo- nel Grose informing him of that fact. He returned answer that I would be relieved very soon. At this juncture word was brought me that the Ninth Indiana, who had been fighting on my right, had fallen back, thus exposing my right flank to an enfilading fire. I immediately sent word to Lieutenant Gooding, commanding my right company, to have his men protect themselves as well as possible behind the rocks and trees, but on no account to fall back until ordered. At about 6.30 p. in., and just as the ammunition of my mnen was exhausted, the Twenty-fourth Ohio marched in to relieve me and took the places of my nien, whom I caused to march out by the left flank into the road amid back to brigade headquarters, where I reported to Colonel Grose, by whose direction I moved a short distance in rear of my former position and bivouacked for the night. Nothing could exceed the coolness and steadiness of the officers and men on this occasion. Each man went in with 80 rounds of ammunition, all of which was expended against the enemy, and whenever a man was wounded and disabled I caused their remaining cartridges to be distributed among the men. At about 7 p. m. I sent a detail of 28 men and 3 non-commissioned officers, in charge of Lieutenant Sanderson, down the mountain with instructions to go to the ordnance traimi and have a wagon- load of ammunition brought up the mountain, if possible. About 10 p. in. a portion of the detail returned, bringing loads of cartridges slung in blankets on the shoulders of the men, with a message from Lieutenant Sanderson that it was impossible to get the wagon up the mountain owing to the bad condition and steepness of the road, and requested that I would send more men with blankets to carry the ammunition up. I accordingly sent Company C, com- manded by Lieutenant Henderson, with blankets and shelter tents, and by 3 oclock omi the following muornimig 15,000 rounds were carried in this manner up the mountain a distance of 2 miles and issued to the regiment Page 176 176 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. On the morning of the 25th, it was ascertained that the enemy had abandoned the snmmit of the mountain during the night, and abont 10 a. m. the regiment marched, with the remainder of the brigade, down Lookout Mountain and across Chatt.anooga Valley, which had also been abandoned by the enemy, to Rossville. Arriving there at about 4 p. in., the regiment followed the Ninth Indiana up Mission Ridge. The Ninth, having formed line of battle across the ridge, was attacked by a large force of the enemy, which had been driven by General Johnsons division, of the Fonrteenth Army Corps, toward Rossville. At the time this attack was commenced my regiment was ascending the ridge, and was marching by the right flank diagonally across it. Receiving instructions from Colonel Grose, I immedi- ately caused niy regiment to march by the left flank, and to change front forward on the first company, which was rapidly executed, and quickly brought the regiment on a line of prolongation with the left of the Ninth Indiana. These movements were executed on the double-quick and under a heavy fire from the enemy, but the men moved rapidly forward and returned the fire with effect, driv- ing the enemy from their breastworks, with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. In this manner the enemy were driven by the Fifty-ninth Illinois and the Ninth Indiana over a mile, and back upon the division of General Johnson, which was advancing along the ridge toward Rossville, who took them in hand, killing and cap- turing the most of them. It being now dark, and the ridge clear of the enemy, I moved back toward Rossville about half a mile and bivouacked for the night. On the 26th, the regiment was on the march in the direction of Riuggold in pursuit of the enemy, and continued the march until after midnight. The picket guard thrown out from my regiment captured 6 prisoners during the night, who were turned over by me to the brigade provost-marshal; these were in addition to 12 captured by the regiment while on the march. On the 27th, moved into Riuggold, and was held in reserve, but under fire, during the storming of the heights at that place. On the evening of the 27th, engaged with the remain(ier of the brigade in a reconnaissance in the direction of Tunnel Hill. Remained in camp at Riuggold until the evening of November 30, when we marched 5 miles in the direction of the battle-field of Chickamauga, and bivouacked. December 1, marched on to the battle-field, and were employed until about 3 p. m. in the burial of our dead left on the field during the battle of the 19th and 20th of September; then marched beyond Rossville and bivouacked. December 2, returned to camp at Whitesides. Great praise and credit are due the officers and men under my command for their uncomplaining patience and fortitude on the weary niarchi and in comfortless bivouac, and for their dauntless courage and gallant conduct on the field of battle. Where all per- formed their whole duty so nobly amid bravely, it would seem almost unjust to mention individual acts of bravery. Nevertheless, I deem it my duty to especially mention the gallant conduct ot Privates Charles Crentz, Benjamin A. Griffith (who was wounded), George W. Canfield, Joel B. Holcomb, and Corph. Richard Allen, of Coum- pany A; Privates Michael Kelley, William H. Beard, and James C. Still, of Company B, and Private James P. Woods. o( Company E, in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and of Private Henry Twohous, Company C, who was engaged as a skirmisher at the battle on Mis Page 177 Ca& p. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGG OLD CAMPAIGN. 177 sion Ridge, and who pushed forward into the enemys lines and returned with two rebel prisoners, with their arms and accouter- ments. To Capt. James M. Stookey, who was an acting field officer, and to Adjt. George F. Clark, I was much indebted for valuable assistance and ready co-operation. I herewith inclose a list of casualties. * I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLAYTON HALE, Major, Comdg. Fifty-ninth Regiment illinois Infantry. Capt. SAMUEL WEST, A. A. A. G., Third Brig., First Div., Fourth Army Corps. No. 22. Report qf Cot. John E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Whitesides, Tenn., December 4, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent campaign since leaving this camp on November 23, 1863, to the present date: In accordance with orders received from Colonel Grose, com- manding Third Brigade, First Division, of the Fourth Army Corps, early on the morning of November 23, 1863, I moved with my com- mand in the direction of Chattanooga, with orders to repair the road beyond the railroad tunnel, but finding the road blocked with a supply train it was impracticable to do so. Consequently, I halted it, and awaited the arrival of the balance of the brigade. I then moved with them, and camped near Major-General Hookers head- quarters, about 2 miles from Chattanooga. At 7 a. m. of the 24th, we marched to near the banks of Lookout Creek, which runs near the foot of Lookout Mountain. Here I formed line of battle in the rear of the Eighty-fourth Reginient Illinois Infantry, with orders from Colonel Grose to support their left. He also ordered me to send two companies to the railroad bridge on our right, with orders for them to take shelter behind the abutments. By his orders, I soon after sent two more companies across the railroad, which formed in line on tbe bank of the creek. These companies had orders to annoy the enemy as much as possible while the working party from the Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers was repairing the bridge so that troops might cross. The six remaining companies of my command I had formed in line of battle, lying down immediately in rear of the Eighty-fourth Reg- iment Illinois Infantry. We maintained this position for some time. At about 11 a. m. I received orders from Brigadier-General Cruft, commanding First Division, Fourth Army Corps, to cross the creek at once. I immediately ordered the four companies at and beyond the railroad, who were under the command of Major Watson, to meet me with the balance of the reginient at the bridge. Upon ar- riving there I found that the bridge was not passable. I ordered my men to stack arms and bring timbers, when we, with a small detail from the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, soon made it passable. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 80. 12 R RVOL XXXI, PT I Page 178 178 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [c~A~. XLIII. The Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry claimed the right to pass in the advance, but Brigadier-General Cruft ordered me not to wait for any one, but to push forward as soon as possible. After crossing I sent out skirmishers from Companies B and G, and moved in line of battle until I came to the creek. Here I took quite a number of prisoners, which I sent to the rear, near the bridge which we had just crossed, where I saw a guard stationed for that purpose, as I was informed by a staff officer of the brigade. Upon arriving at or near the creek again, I called in my skirmish line and moved my whole command by the right flank across the railroad, over the brow of a hill near a vacant house, where I formed another line of battle. Here Captain Brooks, inspector-general for the brigade, reported to me. I also sent some 25 more prisoners to the rear which were taken at or near the house. Major-General Hooker soon rode up and ordered me to move on the mountain road toward Chattanooga, and, if possible, to go on until I could see that place. I then threw out Company E, under command of its efficient officer, Captain Frost, as skirmishers. Moved on the balance of my com- mand. After we had gained the highest point of the mountain nearest the road. we overtook General Woods command, who formed on our right. Here I halted and reported to General Hooker for orders, who ordered me to move forward to a point overlooking the road and its approaches, and to hold it at all hazards. I accordingly ordered an advance. Mv skirmishers were soon engaged with the enemy, but I still maintained my advance movement, and with little diffi- culty and no loss, I moved my command to a point in the road where it passes between two high rocks, in full view of one of the enemys forts, quite a distance below and beyond the white house and open fields on the side of the mountain, which are so distinctly seen from Chattanooga. As soon as I could, with safety, I built breastworks across the road and in front of m.y whole line. I placed two companies on picket, the left resting on the creek at the foot of the mountain. My right did not connect with any one, but the left line of General Woods pickets were immediately in my rear and to my right. The balance of my command bivouacked for the night, resting on their arms. On the morning of the 25th of November, I received notice from Colonel Waters, Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry, that Ma- jor-General Hooker had ordered his regiment and mine to make a re- connaissance into the valley, the Eighty-fourth taking the advance, my regiment acting as reserve. We advanced to near the valley road leading to Chattanooga, found no enemy, and returned to the position we had occupied the evening previous, my pickets dnring the even- ing and morning capturing 8 prisoners, which were turned over to the brigade provQst-marshal. Here we joined the brigade again, and proceeded with it to Rossville. Finding the enemy in force, Colonel Grose ordered me to form a line of battle at the foot of Missionary Ridge, which I did, my right resting on the line of the Twenty- fourth Ohio Infantry, immediately in the rear of the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry and the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. As the advance line of the brigade moved forward, I immediately closed up with it. At dark we went into camp for the night, the enemy being completely routed from Missionary Ridge. At 10.30 a. in., November 26. in obedience to the order of Colonel Grose, commanding brigade, I moved out with my command in a southeasterly direction on the Graysville road in rear of th~ Eighty Page 179 Ciw. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 1~9 fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry. At dark we could see the enemys camp-fire not far distant. We were formed in position for battle, but not engaged. I then deployed three companies as skirmishers, and, with the balance of my regiment, moved up the hill past the enemys deserted camp. At about 11 p. m. ]i placed my regiment in position for picket, commanding both sides of the Riuggold road, they being some distance in advance of the brigade. About 1 a. m. of the 27th, we were aroused by firing on the picket line. My command was at once drawn up in line ready for an attack. After a few shots from our picket sentinels the rebel cavalry,which were advancing, wheeled and rode out of hearing. I then took Com- pany A, under command of Captain Parker, and went in advance of the line some three-quarters of a mile and succeeded in capturing 2 prisoners, which were turned over to the brigade provost-marshal. Soon after daylight we moved on toward Riuggold. As we came nearer the town the skirmishing increased until a regular engage- ment was had. We moved at a double-quick till we arrived in town, then halted. I soon received orders to move to the left and form a line of battle at the railroad track and shelter my men behind the embankments, where we remained until the enemy were driven from their position. At about 2 oclock we went into camp near the north- ern part of town. About 4 oclock I received orders to move, the men to leave their camp equipage and blankets behind, to join the balance of the brigade, wbicli was ordered to pursue the fleeing en- emy, as far as practicable, which we did for about 4 miles, skirmish- ing with them some part of the distance, my regiment being in the advanced line. Having arrived at a church sitnated near the creek, Colonel Grose, commanding brigade, ordered a halt, where we re- mained until after dark, when he cansed large and numerons fires to be built along the several lines of the brigade; after which we re- turned to camp, marching in line of battle until we reached the railroad bridge. We remained in Ringgold until November 30, when we moved in the direction of the Chickamanga battle-field, and at dark bivouacked for the night. December 1, 1863, we moved on to the battle-field. The most part of the day was engaged in burying the (lead who fell on those memorable days, September 19 and 20, 1863, at the battle of Chicka- mauga. At about 3 oclock we moved on, and encamped about 2 miles north of Rossville. December 2, 1863, we resumed the line of march and arrived at this camp about 3 p. in., having had but 2 slightly wonnded during the whole campaign. The conduct of all the officers and men during the whole time was truly praiseworthy. All seemed to vie with each other to do their whole duty as patriots and soldiers. The names of the prisoners I cannot give, as I immediately turned them over to the bri~ade provost-marshal, or sent them to the guard stationed at the bridge where we first crossed Lookout Creek. Hoping that all future campaigns may be as successful, I am, captain, your obedient servant, JOHN K BENNETT, Colonel Sevewty-fifth Regifnern5 Illinois Infantrg. Capt. SAMUEL WEST A. A. A. G., Third Brig., First Div., Fourth Army Gorps Page 180 180 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CEAP. XLIII. No. 23. Report of Cot. Louis H Waters, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Ringgold, Ga., November 29, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the infornziation of the colonel commanding the following report of the participation of the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, under my command, in the recent battles before Chattanooga: On the 23d instant, we left our camp at Whitesides with 260 men and 19 officers, arriving at the camp of Major-General Hooker on the evening of that day. Early next morning we moved with our bri- gade to the front and were soon, with the Seventy-fifth Illinois, com- manded by Colonel Bennett, detached from our brigade and ordered to take the bridge across Lookout Creek, near the point at which the railroad crosses that stream, and to drive the enemy from their rifle- pits along its east bank. We moved around the ridge lying between us and the creek, and at the east base deployed Companies F and G as skirmishers and pushed them forward to the creek, following with the Eighty-fourth in the first line and the Seventy-fifth in the sec- ond. Running parallel with the creek and some 75 yards from it we came upon a pond, varying in depth from 2 to 4 feet, through which, to gain the bank of creek, we had to charge under a constant fire from the enemys sharpshooters. Our men went bravely on and soon reached the west bank of the creek, where we soon constructed some log works that afforded us much protection. In addition to my skirmishers, I sent forward the best shots of each of my compa- nies, and had in a few minutes the satisfaction of knowing that the rifle-pits across the creek were useless to the enemy, as he could not peer above them to shoot at us without being hurt. As soon as my command was in position a detail from the Thirty-sixth Indiana, under Captain Chambers, reported to me to repair the bridge. The enemy from the slope of Lookout Mountain, seeing this movement and suspecting that an effort was to be made to repair the bridge, immediately made dispositions to drive off the working parties. Nearly a regiment of the enemy was moved up to the railroad, which, on the east side, diverges from the creek at an angle of about 40~, and completely covered the bridge and opened a brisk fire upon Captain Chambers party and such others as appeared in sight. Sat- isfied that no work could be done on the bridge nutil the enemy was dislodged from the railroad, I asked Colonel Grose to send such force as he might think necessary to my right and beyond the railroad. Four companies of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, under Major Watson, were promptly sent. About this time the working party was re- called, and I was informed by Lieutenant Boice, of Colonel Grose s staff, that our forces were to cross farther up the creek to flank the enemy, and that I was expected to divert their attention from this movement as much as possible. To do this I kept up a brisk fire along my skirmish line, and delivered an occasional volley whenever a squad of the enemy could be seen, and went actively to work felling trees. At 11.30 a. m. I received the accompanying orders, marked A and B. At about 11.45 a. m. the forces which had crossed above us began to drive the enemy along the mountain side before them, and the enemys forces in our front, changing front to meet this ad- vance, exposed their lines to an enfilading fire from my comman Page 181 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 181 which sent them in confusion to their rear. I hastily threw over the broken bridge some poles, and in a few minutes had two skirmish companies across, which were followed by the Seventy-fifth Illinois, and they by the other companies of my command. My companies captnred and sent in 111 men and 4 lieutenants. They were taken from the rifle-pits and from behind the railroad embankment, where they had been kept by the vigilance of the skirmishers and sharp- shooters of the Eighty-fourth and Seventy-fifth Illinois. These pris- omiers were turned over to the provost-marshal, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, and receipt taken therefor. Leaving at the creek Company B, commanded by Captain Scott, and Company G, commanded by Lieutenant Miller, of Company D, to complete the bridge, we proceeded along the Chattanooga road to the crest of Lookout Slope, where we took position as follows, under the personal direction of Major-General Hooker: The Seventy-fifth Illinois was pushed forward and far in advance of our lines upon the mountain side, and until it entirely uncovered the crossing of Chat- tanooga Creek, thus enabling re-enforcements to reach us from Chattanooga without molestation. Colonel Bennetts skirmishers were within 200 yards of the mountain road leading from Summer- town to Chattanooga. The Eighty-fourth Illinois was posted in rear of the Seventy-fifth, and a little in advance of General Osterhaus front line. Being the only reghuent upon this road, occupying a very important position, men and officers worked with a will in each command, and in a little while each regiment had constructed sub- stantial works of logs and stone. Early on the following morning, by direction of Major-General Hooker, I made a reconnaissance with the two regiments out into the valley, and had the pleasure of re- porting that the enemy had beaten a hasty retreat. In the second valley we captured a rebel camp, its guard of l~ men, a number of tents, .3 boxes of arms, and I box of rebel clothing. Leaving a guard over them, we returned to the positions we had occupied during the night, and at about 8 oclock rejoined our brigade and moved with it to Rossville. In the fight on Missionary Ridge my regiment was in the second line and immediately in the rear of the Ninth Indiana, but did not have an opportunity to participate, as the gallant Ninth monopolized the entire affair. From Missionary Ridge, on the 26th, we moved to and encamped on Taylors Ridge, near Riuggold, and on the following morning we moved to the town, and during the engagement at that place were in position along the railroad, but were not engaged. On the even- ing of the same day we proceeded with the brigade, my command having the advance, on a reconnaissance down the Dalton road. The enemy having fired the railroad bridge over the Middle Chickamauga, we were much annoyed in crossing this stream. As we neared Ca- toosa Platform, a station on the Atlanta road, the enemys skirmishers posted along the opposite bank of the Chickamauga, which here ran parallel with our front, opened upon us a lively fire. I immediately deployed three companies to cover our flank, having two already deployed covering our front, and pushed my line at double-quick to the creek, followed by the Thirty-sixth Indiana and the remaining companies of my regiment in line. The e]iemys skirmishers fell back to a wooded hill beyond our range, and rejoined what appeared to be their rear guard. The bridge at this place having been fired and unsafe to pass, I reported the same to Colonel Grose, who di Page 182 182 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL rected me to hold my position while he moved the other regiments of his command to the left. The enemy, doubtless believing from the vigorous manner in which Colonel Grose pushed forward, that our army was advancing, attempted to make dispositions to repel our advance, judging from the efforts of rebel officers to rally their men, whose commands were distinctly heard. In the station house we found 18 rebel and 2 Federal wounded. The latter were placed in the ambulance of the Thirty-sixth Indiana. The others were left, as we had no means of moving them to Riuggold. They were all severely wounded, and had been left by the enemy without any pro- vision for their care. Their curses upon their former friends were both loud and deep. Late in the evening we returned with the bri- gade to Riuggold, delighted with the results of the campaign and proud of the part taken by the old Third Brigade. During the entire affair my command behaved to my entire sat- isfaction. Captain Scott, Company B; Captain Nelson, Company F, and Lieutenant Miller, commanding Company G, with their compa- nies, are entitled to much credit for the constrnctioii of a bridge across Lookout Creek. Major Cox and Adjutant Caswell were con- stantly at their posts, and prompt in the discharge of every duty. Captain Brooks, brigade inspector, was with me during the 24th, and rendered me much valuable assistance. We captured 130 prisoners, including 4 lieutenants, and near 250 small-arms. Those in boxes were turned over to Lieutenant Crox- ton, ordnance officer, First Division, Fourth Army Corps. In the affair of the 24th I lost 3 men, severely wounded, aiid had 1 severely wounded on Missionary Ridge on the 25th ultinio. Below I append a particular list of the casualties.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. H. WATERS, Capt. SAMUEL WEST, Colonel, Commanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. [inclosure A.] HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL HOOKER, November 24, 1863. Brigadier-General CRUFT, (7ommanding Dir isiort: GENERAL: Major-General Hooker directs that as soon as the enemy are started, our forces pursue to the crest of Lookout Slope only, where the lines will be formed. Pursue no farther than the crest without further orders. The bridges are to be made perfect after the troops have passed. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, ]lifoj& r-General, Chief of Staff. [Inclosure B.] NOVEMBER 24, 186311 a. m. Colonel WATERS, Commanding: Have a sufficiency of poles cut and ready to place on the bridge in your front. The attack will be made by Generals Geary, Woods, * Embodied in revised statement, p. 80 Page 183 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 183 an(l other troops of General Osterhaus on right, and you will be ready to cross as soon as they may force the enemy off the ridge to the right. A section of our artillery will open from the hills in yonr rear and right, on the rebel works on hill and the rifle-pits. By order of Brig. Gen. Charles Cruft: LYNE STARLING, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 24. Report of Got. Isaac U. B. Suiman, Ninth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. NINTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Ring gold, Ga., November 30, 1863. SIR: Being ordered to fnrnish a report of the part taken by my regiment in the late battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, November 24, 25, 26, and 27, I have the honor to report as follows On the 23d of November, my regiment left camp on Raccoon Mountain, near Whitesides, Teun., and with the brigade marched to near the foot of Lookout Mountain, where we camped for the night. In the forenoon of the 24th, after crossing Lookout Creek, we were put in line of battle and moved forward toward the top of Lookout Mountain, which we found very steep and rocky. In pass- ing up this mountain for half a mile my regiment was under the fire of the enemys sharpshooters; 2 of my men were struck by them, though but slightly hurt. As my regiment moved forward I found tbat my line of battle was coming on a line with the range of two pieces of artillery on the top of the mountain. The enemy depressed one of his pieces and fired at my regiment, when his gun exploded and part of the fragments fell in the ranks of my regiment, but doing us no harm. From that point I moved my regiment by the flank and under cover of the rocks to the open field, where again I found the enemy. Here they made a stand, and I again brought my regi- ment into line of battle. At this point I received orders from one of the aides of Colonel Grose to halt my regiment. After remaining at this point near one and a half hours, I received orders to move my regiment forward and relieve some regiment that was reported out of ammunition. Some officer, representing himself as belonging to the regiment that was being pressed and out of ammunition, offered to guide my regiment to the point where the said regiment was en- gaged, but after following him a short distance I found if I con- tinued to follow him I should be nowhere near the point that Col- onel Grose had ordered me to occupy with my regiment. After arriving at the point indicated by Colonel Grose, I threw out skir- mishers and moved my regiment forward, paying no attention whatever to the guide, and soon engaged the enemy at a range of about 125 yards, the fog being so thick that it was impossible to see a man at that distance. The enemy holding ground some 20 feet higher than that which I occupied behind the crest of a hill, caused him to fire over my regiment to a great extent. At this point it would be well to speak of the gallant services of my adjutant, S. P. Hodsden, in connecting the left of my regiment with the troops on my left, which he did with promptness, althongb~the task was one of great danger to his person, having to pass over a ridge that the enemys bullets struck that passed over the regiment. He descende Page 184 184 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. the hill, which was over ~ found the troops on my left, delivered my message to them informing them of my position on their right and front, and rejoined his regiment in safety, assuring me that my position was made known to the troops on my left. At this time, finding my ammunition about exhausted and my men greatly fa- tigued from working with the train the previous night until 12 oclock, I sent him to Colonel Grose to inform him that my men were nearly out of ammunition, and that I wished to be relieved by some fresh troops that had had the comforts of camp the previous night. After waiting until the last round, was fired, which was taken from the wounded and dead of my regiment, and the enemy still keeping up a continual fire upon my regiment, it being near 8 p. in., I sent Major Carter to see Colonel Grose and inform him as to the condition of my regiment, and ascertain if it could be relieved, so as to have some ammunition brought forward. At half past 8 p. m. I was relieved by the Thirty-sixth Indiana, and moved my regiment back to the open fields near the white house, and camped for the night. My loss up to this time was 1 (private) killed and 15 enlisted men wounded. On the morning of the 25th, I received an order from Colonel Grose to send some 20 men under charge of an officer to the top of the mountain and feel the enemy, and see if he still held his position. Sonic 30 men volunteered for the expedition, and Colonel Grose con- sented that I might take charge of the expedition myself. After ascending part of the way up the hill with 30 men and my color- guard and colors, I beheld the Stars and Stripes planted upon the craggy rocks by the gallant troops of General Whitakers brigade, when my party descended the hill and joined their regiment after showing their brigade commander that their will was good in try- ing to be the first to plant their banner upon the summit. About 11 a. m. we were again on the march toward the foot of the mountain on the road leading toward Rossville, and arrived at the base of Missionary Ridge near 4 p. m. and commenced ascending the hill by the flank, being the advance regiment in the brigade, General Cruft and staff and Colonel Grose and staff riding in front of my regiment. As soon as they gained the top of the ridge the enemys skirmishers opened fire upon them, scattering portions of the cavalry escort down through the ranks of my regiment. I promptly threw forward my two first companies as skirmishers and changed front forward on third company, and moved forward to the top of the ridge where the enemy had checked the advance of my skirmishers. As soon as my regiment gained the top of the ridge his line of battle opened fire upon me. Without allowing my regi- ment to fire a shot from its line. I ordered bayonets to be fixed and my regiment to charge their position at a double-quick, which was gallantly carried. As soon as I had gained the desired point, I ordered a volley to be fired into their broken and fleeing ranks. At this point we captured some 50 prisoners, also killing and wounding a large number of their men. Soon my men had reloaded their guns and the enemy by this time had rallied his brokeim ranks behind some breastworks 300 yards in his rear and opened fire on my regi- ment. Seeing the reserves come up over the brow of the hill, I ordered my regiment to charge their second breastworks, which were carried by storm. At this point my regiment captured mine 200 prisoners, which I turned over to the regiment on my right, not wishing to break my line of battle to send them to the rear. A Page 185 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTAN0OGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 185 I expected he would make another stand, I pushed forward some 200 yards farther, and captured some 20 more prisoners. At this point we killed some 10 or 12 of his men, and wounded some 30. Here I received orders to halt my regiment until the reserves came up. When they came up we pushed forward about a mile, and, finding no enemy, we camped for the night. In this action I lost 1 private killed, 2 privates mortally wounded, and 5 enlisted men wounded, and 1 lieutenant slightly wounded. On the morning of the 26th, we took up our li~ie of march for Riuggold, where we arrived on the morning of the 27th at 10 a. in., and witnessed a severe skirmish between the troops of Generals Geary and Osterhaus divisions and two brigades of the enemy posted on Taylors Ridge. After the enemy was driven from his position, my regiment, with the brigade, went into camp. About 3 p. rn. my regiment, with the brigade, was ordered out on a recon- naissance some :3 miles on the road leading to Tunnel Hill. Finding no enemy near us in force, we returned to camp. Drs. Sherman and Gilmore, my surgeon and assistant surgeon, were at their posts dis- charging with fidelity their duty. The officers and men of my regi- ment conducted themselves with the greatest gallantry during the several engagements of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, and they have the warmest thanks of their regimental commander therefor. * I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant, I. C. B. SUMAN, Colonel Ninth Indiana. Capt. SAMUEL WEST, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 25. Report of ~ Gilbert Trmsler, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Whitesides, Tenn., December 3, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Thirty- sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers during the recent battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Pigeon Ridge, and Ring- gold: On the morning of the 23d ultimo, we took up our line of march with the brigade, moving a distance of 10 miles over bad roads, biv- ouacking for the night near General Hookers headquarters and opposite Lookout Mountain. At daybreak on the 24th, my regiment moved in direction of Lookout Mountain at a point where a bridge had been burned by the enemy over Lookout Creek. This I was ordered to rebuild, and detailed Companies I, D, G, and F to do the work, which they were unable to perform in consequence of the rak- ing fire of the enemy over the bridge, and our skirmishers were una- ble to drive them away. After waiting about two hours, we then moved to the rear and around some fortified hills that concealed our movements, and up the creek to a point where another bridge had been constructed, where we crossed and moved in line of battle directly up the slope of mountain; halted near the white house. Al- though the march was fatiguing and almost unreasonable, my men * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) embodied in revised statement, p. 80 Page 186 186 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. never faltered or hesitated, but went to work immediately, digging rifle-pits to screen them from the enemys fire. After dark II moved forward with my command to relieve the Ninth Indiana, of your brigade, who had exhausted their ammunition; this was done by ascending still higher up the mountain, then around a ledge of rock along an almost inaccessible path, where we formed line, our men fixing their bayonets in the ground to hold them to their proper places. We opened a most terrific fire on the enemy, which was kept up until 12 oclock, when we were relieved for the night. On the morning of the 25th. we moved across to Missionary Ridge, forming the second line of battle, supporting the advance, charging up the hill and along the summit till cleared entirely of the enemy. On the night of the 26th, Company D, under command of Captain Chambers, surprised and took 14 of the enemy prisoners. On the morning of the 27th, Lieutenant Smith, of Company G, with a detail of 6 men, captured 12 other prisoners. All this on Pigeon Mountain. After leaving Pigeon Mountain we moved on to Riuggold, where our forces were engaging the enemy, and took position to the left of depot and in rear of railroad embankment in support of a battery of two guns, then playing upon the enemy, who held Taylors Ridge. Here we remained till ordered into camp, when late in the day we were summoned to arms and pursued the enemy a distance of 3 miles beyond Riuggold, in support of the Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, whose skirmishers moved the enemy before them. The casualties in my regiment in these engagements are as fol- lows : * From Riuggold we returned to this camp by way of field of Chick- amauga. We found large numbers of our dead robbed of every ves- tige of clothing and unburied. These we interred as decently as possible under the circumstances. IL am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. TRUSLER, Capt. SAMUEL WEST, Major, Commanding Regiment. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 26. Report of Capt. George 31. Bacon, Twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Whitesides, Tenn., December 3, 1863. CAPTAiN: I have the honor to herewith transmit the following re- port concerning the part my regiment took during the capture of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge: On the 23d day of November, 1863, in pursuance to an order from brigade headquarters, my regiment left its camp at Whitesides, Tenn., and proceeded on the Chattanooga road to the front of Look- out Mountain, near the headquarters of Major-General Hooker, and encamped there for the night. On the morning of the 24th, the regiment took up its line of march and advanced to Lookout Creek, in front of the enemys rifle-pits. Two of my companies were thrown out as skirmishers by order of * Embodied in revised statement, p. 80 Page 187 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Colonel Grose, commanding brigade, while the regiment followed up, crossing a slough of Chattanooga Creek, to support the skirmish- ers, who became engaged with the enemy on the opposite bank of the said creek. Colonel Grose then ordered me to throw up breast- works, in order to shelter my men from the enemys fire, which was kept up briskly by the enemy and vigorously replied to by my men. Xfter engaging the enemy about an hour, Colonel Grose ordered me to rejoin the brigade. The brigade moved forward, taking a cir- cuitous route, crossed Lookout Creek, formed a line of battle, and moved forward as fast as the nature of the ground would admit, driving the enemy before us. After the brigade reached the in- trenchments of the enemy it halted, and, being exposed to a constant fire of the enemy, Colonel Grose ordered me to change the position of my regiment, and I accordingly moved about 200 yards and took a position on a ridge, in the rear of the enemys ~ntrenchments, and threw up breastworks in order to shelter my men from the fire of the enemys sharpshooters, two companies being sent out in the mean- time to guard our rear and watch the movements of the enemy. After remaining in this position until dark, Colonel Grose ordered me to the front to relieve the Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, which had expended its ammunition. I held the position until the regi- ment exhausted its ammunition, and was relieved by the Fourth Iowa about midnight. My regiment had 4 men wounded during the tim& it occupied the position held previously by the Fifty-ninth Illinois Regiment, the names of which are annexed to this report. Omi the morning of the 25th, my regiment left Lookout Mountain with the brigade, which crossed Chattanooga Valley and participated in the capture of Missionary Ridge. My regiment marched with the brigade from Missionary Ridge on the morning of the 26th, and arrived at Riuggold, Ga., on the 27th. The .1)rigade left Riuggold on the same day on a reconnoitering expe- dition, returning to the said place on the evening of the said day, and remained at Riuggold until the evening of the 30th. Left Riuggold on the night of the 30th, and encamped on Chickamauga Creek, near the battle-ground. On the morning of the 1st of December, my regiment followed the brigade and marched to the battle-ground of Chickamaug a, where it assisted iii burying the dead, who were left exposed bythe enemy since the battle on the 19th and 20th days of Septemr, 1863. After remaining on the battle-field nearly all day attending to the duty assigned to my regiment by Colonel Grose, we were ordered back and arrived at our old camp at Whitesides, Tenn., on the even- ing of the 2d of December. The conduct of officers and enlisted men of my regiment was all that could be expected. Orders were obeyed and promptly executed, and order and decorum prevailed during the affair, officers and men having the utmost confidence in their brigade commander, Col. Will- iani Grose. The following is a list of casualties :* I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, GEORGE M. BACON, Captain, Commanding Twenty.fourth Ohio. Captain WEST, A. A. A. G., Third Brig., First Div., Fourth Army Corps. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 80 Page 188 188 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 27. Report of iiiaj. Gem. Philip H. Sheridan, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, London, Teun., February 20, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit to the general commanding the following report of the operations of my divisiOn in the Valley of Chattanooga, embracing the storming of Mission Ridge and the pursuit of the enemy to the crossing of Chickamauga Creek, at Birds Mill: On the morning of November 23, my division lay inside of the fortifications at Chattanooga, its right resting on Fort Negley; the left well over toward Fort Wood; the front parallel to Missionary Ridge. This ground I had occupied for a long time. The right of my picket line commenced on the direct road from Chattanooga to Rossville, swept around on the arc of a circle, crossing Moores road, and in front of an elevation on my front, known as Bushy Knob now designated the National Cemeteryand joining on to the picket line of General Wood, nearly in front of Fort Wood. The division of General Baird was on my right; that of General Wood on my left. My division consisted of three brigades, the First, commanded by Col. Francis T. Sherman, composed of the following regiments: Sec- ond Missouri, Fifteenth Missouri, Twenty-second Indiana, Thirty- sixth Illinois, Forty-fourth Illinois, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, Seventy-third Illinois, Eighty-eighth Illinois, and Seventy-fourth Illinois. The Second, commanded by Brig. Gen. G. D. Wagner, embracing the following regiments: Fifteenth Indiana, Fortieth Indiana, Fifty- seventh Indiana, Fifty-eighth Indiana, Twenty-si seventh Ohio, and One hundredth Illinois. xth Ohio, Ninety- The Third, commanded by Col. C. G. Harker, Sixty-fifth Ohio In- fantry, consisting of the following regiments: Twenty-second Illi- nois, Twenty-seventh Illinois, Forty-second Illinois, Fifty-first Illi- nois, Seventy-ninth Illinois, Third Kentucky, Sixty-fourth Ohio, Sixty-fifth Ohio, and One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, in all, twenty-five regiments; the effective force about 6,000 officers and men. The command had been prepared for an offensive movement for some days. About 12 m. of the 23d, I was notified by Major-Gen- eral Granger that General Wood would make a reconnaissance to an elevated point on his (Woods) front, known as Orchard Knob, an(i I was directed to support him with my division and prevent his right flank from being turned by an advance of the enemy on Moores road and from the direction of Rossville. In obedience to these instructions, I marched my division from its camp at about 2 p. in., placing Wagners brigade on the northern slope of Bushy Knob, Harkers brigade on the southern, and Shermans in reserve. Immediately upon taking this position, I was joined by two bat- teries of the Fourth Regular Artillery, * from the Eleventh Army * Osborn joined with Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and Battery I, First Ohio Light Artillery See Osborns report, p. Page 189 cHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARJNGG0LD CAMPAIGN. 189 Corps, under command of Major Osborn. These were placed in position, one on Bushy Knob; the other in a small lunette, which I had previously constructed. Shortly after this disposition had been made the division of Gen- eral Wood passed my left flank on its reconnaissance, attacked the enemys pickets, drove in their line, and took possession of Orchard Knob. Wagners brigade followed up the movement en echelon with Woods right, Harker moving forward em ~chelon with Wag- ner s right, and Sherman following in reserve. In this forward move the skirmishers of Wagner and Harker encountered those of the enemy and drove them in. After the two brigades had reached a slight ridge on the front, 300 yards in advance, they were halted, and, by direction of Major-General Thomas, a line of rifle-pits was constructed covering the front, making the position a very strong one. Shortly after dark, General Wood, feeling uneasy about his right flank, by direction of General Granger, I moved closer to him, at the same time ordering Battery G, Fourth Artillery, to a position on the left of Wagner, so as to give entire security to General Woods right. Strong lines of pickets had already been thrown out on my front, and I advanced scouts to watch any movements of the enemy during the night. Next morning and next day found me in the above described line, without any inconvenience, except being at several times subjected to a very heavy artillery fire from rebel batteries on Mission Ridge. During the day I was joined by Captain Guenthers battery, Fourth [Fifth] Artillery, which I placed on Bushy Knob. On the morning of The 25th, I directed Colonel Harker to drive in the rebel pickets on my front, so as to enable me to prolong my line of battle on that of General Woods, the necessity of refusing my right having been obviated by the capture of Lookout Mountain. The enemys pickets retired without resistance, and Wagn~r, Harker, and Sherman were advanced on the prolongation of Woods line, and lay down upon their arms in front of Mission Ridge. Battery G, Fourth Artillery, was moved to a position in front of Wagners left, and Guenthers battery to a position in front of Harkers center. I would here state that the division of General Baird had been moved from my right during the morning. Shortly after this disposition had been completed, about 2 p. in., orders were received from General Granger to prepare to carry the eneniys rifle-pits at the base of Mission Ridge, to report when ready, and that the signal for attack would be six guns fired from Orchard Knob in quick succession. I had few changes to make. Wagner was in two lines, connecting with Woods right; Harker also on two lines, and closed on Wagner. Sherman I had directed to form with his brigade a column of attack, with a front of three regi- ments, and to throw out a heavy line of skirmishers on his front, covering the right flank of his column, as the troops on my right did not close onto me or were en ~chelon. Wagner and Harker were also directed to cover their fronts with heavy lines. After this disposition for attack had been made, my right rested some distance to the right of Moores road; my left joined Wood well over toward Orchard Knob. A small stream of water ran parallel to my front. The center of my division was opposite to Thurmans house, on Mission Ridge, the headquarters of General Bragg. The ground in my front was Page 190 190 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CUAr. XLIII. first, open timber, then an open, smooth plain, the distance across varying from 400 to 900 yards to the first line of the enemys rifle- pits; next, a steep ascent of about 500 yards to the top of the ridge, the face of which was rugged and covered with fallen timber; lastly, the rifle-pits on the ridge, abont 250 yards from the first line of rifle- pits; at the base of the ridge was a second line of pits, commencing at a point about opposite my right center, and extending to the right. While making my dispositions for attack, the enemy in plain view of the whole division, was making his dispositions for resistance. He marched regiments from the right, waving their blue battle-flags, and filled up the spaces in his rifle-pits not already occupied. I had Wagner, Harker, and Sherman. Their men were veterans; they had been at Pea Ridge, Shilob, Perryville, Stones River, Chick- amauga. While riding from right to left, and closely examining the first line of pits occupied by the enemy, which seemed as though they would prove untenable after being carried, the doubt arose in my mind as to whether I had properly understood the original order, and I dispatched Captain Ransom, of my staff, to ascertain from General Granger whether it was the first line that was to be carried or the ridge. He had scarcely left me when the signal was given, and the division marched to the front under a most terrible tornado of shot and shell. It mo~ed steadily on, and, emerging from the timber, took up the double-quick arid dashed over the open plain and at the enemys first line with a mass of glistening bayonets which was irre- sistible. Many of the enemy fled; the balance were either killed or captured. The front line of the three brigades reached the first line of pits simultaneously, passed over them, and lay down on the face of the mountain. The enemy had now changed from shot and shell to grape and canister and musketry. The fire was terrific. About this time Cap- tain Ransom, who had been dispatched to General Granger, as here- tofore mentioned, reached the left of niy division and informed Gen- eral Wagner that it was the first line which was to be carried. Wag- ner withdrew his men to that line with severe loss. One of Harkers demi-brigades was also retired to the rifle-pits. Captain Ransom then found me about the center of the line, and confirmed the original order; but believing that the attack had assumed a new phase, and that I could carry the ridge, I could not order those officers and men who were so gallantly ascending the hill, step by step, to return. I rode from the center to the left, saw disappointment in the faces of the men, told them to rest for a few moments, and that they should go at it again. In the meantime the right and right center were ap- proaching the second line of pits, led by twelve sets of regimental colors; one would be advanced a few feet, then another would move up to it, each vieing With the other to be foremost, until the entire twelve were planted on the crest of the second line of pits by their gallant bearers. Looking to the left I saw a single regiment far over in Woods line dash up the hill and lay down below the crest. General Hazen ~ men also commenced the ascent. Captain Avery, of General Gran- gers staff, here came up and informed me that the original order was to carry the first line of pits, but that if, in my judgnient, th Page 191 Cii~. XLIII.I THE CHATTANOOGARINGG0LD CAMPAIGX. 191 ridge could be taken, to do so. My judgment was that it could be carried, and orders were given accordingly, obeyed with a cheer, and the ridge was carried. The right and right center reached the sum- mit first, being nearest to the crest, crossing it to the right of Gen- eral Braggs headquarters. The contest was still maintained for a few minutes, the enemy driven from their guns, and the battery captured. Two of the pieces taken were designated, respectively, Lady Buckner and Lady Breckinridge. The adjutant-generals of Generals Breckin- ridge and Bate, and many other staff officers, were taken prisoners, the generals themselves barely escaping, General Bragg having left but a few moments before. The whole division had now reached the crest. The enemy was retiring, but had a well-organized line covering his retreat. His disorganized troops, a large wagon train, and several pieces of artillery could be distinctly seen fleeing through the valley below within a distance of half a mile. I at once directed Wagner and Harker to press their rear guard, and capture the wagon train and artillery if possible. The right of Wagners and the left of Harker s brigade moved along the road leading to Chickamauga Station (Moores road), their brigades being deployed to the left and right of the road. Both brigades skirmished with the enemy in this advance. Wag- ner s brigade drove the enemy from, and took nine pieces of artil- lery. On reaching a point abont 1 mile from Missionary Ridge, the road ran on a high, formidable ridge, on which the enemy had posted eight pieces of artillery, supported by a heavy force, notwithstand- ing which, these gallant brigades, without artillery, did not hesitate to attack him. I immediately rode toward the front, and met a staff officer of Col- onel Wood, commanding demi-brigade, who informed me that the command was hard pressed, and that two regiments were on the left of the road with captured ai~tillery. I repaired at once to the regiments, Twenty-sixth Ohio and Fifteenth Indiana, and ordered them to advance, at the same time hastening forward myself to the front, where I found Colonel Wood contending bravely against over- whelming numbers of the enemy, his men clinging to the face of the hill, as they had done but a few hours before on Mission Ridge. It was dusk, and the two regiments above referred to were about flanking the enemy, but in order to accomplish this a high bluff, where the ridge on the left terminated, had to be carried. General Wagner here joined me, and I designated to him the point to be carried, and directed him to accompany the regiments in person. Colonel Harker, who had also joined me, was directed to push for- ward the demi-brigade, of Colonel Opdycke, on the right. But a few moments elapsed ere the Twenty-sixth Ohio and Fif- teenth Indiana carried the crest. When the head of the column reached the summit of the hill, the moon rose from behind, and a medallion view of the column was disclosed as it crossed the moons disk and attacked the enemy, who, outflanked on the left and right, fled, leaving two pieces of artillery and many wagons. This was a gallant little fight. While we were thus pushing the enemy and forcing him to abandon his artillery, wagons, and stores, the division of General Wood retnaijied on Mis- sion Ridge, constructing rifle-pits, and General Hazen and his br Page 192 192 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CUAP. XLIII. gade employed themselves in collecting the artillery from which we had driven the enemy, and have claimed it their capture. General Wood, in his report to General Thomas of artillery taken, claims many pieces which were the prizes of my division, and when told by me that the report was untruthful, replied that it was based upon the report of General Hazen, who, perhaps, will in time base his on those of the regiments. But whether Wood, Hazen, regimental or company commanders are responsible, the report is untrue. Eleven of these guns were gleaned from the battle-field and appropriated while I was pushing the enemy on to Chickamanga Station. I beg pardon for this unpleasant digression. After the ridge wa~ captnred General Wagner and Colonel Harker went into bivouac. About 12 oclock at night, being ordered with my division to press the enemy, I drove him over Chickamauga Creek, capturing very many prisoners. caissons, limbers, and wagons; also a large quantity of artillery, ammunition, and small-arms. I reached the creek at about 2 oclock of the morning of the 26th of November, and in the afternoon of the same day returned to camp at Chattanooga, and was ordered to prepare to march on Knoxville to raise the siege. To recur again to the assault on Missionary Ridge and the positions taken for the attack, I would make mention of the most terrible cross-fire of artillery and musketry to which my troops were sub- jected for a distance of at least 1-~ miles, while in and emerging from the timber, and during the time occupied in crossing the open plain to the first line of rifle-pits. In justice to my gallant officers and men, I must say that their conduct was more than heroic. It was the prompting of a brave heart in a just cause, and an inspiration caused by time sight of the old flag which had been borne by them through many battles. The gallant color bearers, officers and men, who planted their flags upon Mission Ridge are the true heroes of the battle. In giving praise I cannot, nor w~ill our country, forget that 123 officers and 1,179 men of this division bathed the face of Missionary Ridge with their loyal blood. The living have a monument, the dead a glorious grave in the National Cemetery in the Valley of Chattanooga. at the base of Missiomi Ridge. I am pleased to recommend to the attention of time major-general commanding, and to my country, General G. D. Wagner and Col- onels Harker amid Sherman, commanding, respectively, time Second, Third, and First Brigades. Colonels Harker amid Sherman accom- pammied the colors of their regiments, and iimspired the men by their coolness and gallant bearing. I take great pleasure in recommending these officers for promotion to brigadier-generals, a position which they have fairly won on this and other fields, and which they are fully qualified by ability and long experience to fill. Of Colonels Laiboldt, Secomid Missouri; Miller, Thirty-sixth Illinois; Wood, Fifteenth Indiana; Walworth, Forty-second Illinois; Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, each of whom commanded demi- brigades, I would say much in approbation; they are well worthy of any compliment their country caim confer. Of the regimental commanders, Colonel Jaquess, Sevemity-third Illi- nois; Barrett, Forty-fourth Illinois; Marsh, Seventy-fourth Illinois; Conrad, Fifteeimth Missouri; Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, Eighty- eighth Illinois; Olson, Thmirty-sixtim Illinois; Beck, Second Missouri; Colonels Dunlap, Third Kentucky; Buckner, Seventy-ninth Illinois Page 193 CHAP. XLIII.] TIlE CII ATTANOOGAIUNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 193 Meilvain, Sixty-fonrth Ohio; Miles, Twenty-seventh Illinois; Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bullitt, Sixty-fifth Ohio; Swanwick, Twenty-second Illinois; Major Davis and Captain Tilton, Fifty-first Illinois; Cap- tain Swain, Forty-second Illinois; Major Davidson, Seventy-third Illinois; Lieutenant-Colonel Nell, Fortieth Indiana; Moore, Fifty- eighth Indiana Barnes, Ninety-seventh Ohio; Yonng, Twenty-sixth Ohio; Major Hammond, One hundredth Illinois; Major White, Fif- teenth Indiana, many of whom were wounded, I would speak in the highest praise. By their brilliant exalnple, at the heads of their re- sl)ective regiments, men were inspired to the perfection of deeds of valor an(1 heroism. To the skirn~isli line, composed of the Eighty-eighth Illinois, Fifty- seventh Indiana, and Forty-second Illinois, great credit is due for the gallant manner in which it charged the enemys lines. Lienten- aiit-Colonel Lennard. Fifty-seventh Indiana, Major Sherman, Thirty- sixth Illinois, and Captain Swain, Forty-second Illinois, in charge of the skirmishers of their respective brigades, are brave and effi- eieimt officers and well deserving of promotion. With such officers to lead success is inevitable. In my special mentions must be included Captain Guenther, com- mandino a battery, temporarily assigned to nine, and also the officers of Battery G, Fourth Artillery, to whom I am indebted for valuable services rendered, and regret that I am unable to particularize by name. I wish also to bring to the notice of the major-general command- mime tIme officers of my staff, my aides, Capt. J. S. Ransom, Lients. Frank H. Allemin, M. V. Sheridan, and T. W. C. Moore, my faithful assmstauts; assiduous in the disebarge of their duties, always ready and prompt to carry orders. Surg. D. J. Griffithins, medical director; Capt. George Lee, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Warren P. Edgartom ebief of artillery; Capt. W. L. Mallory, commissary of aThno suh)sistelmce; C apt. P. U. Schmitt, assistant quartermaster; Maj. Frammeis Mohmrhmardt, topographical engineer; Capt. H. N. Smmvder. contulissary of musters, all of whom discharged their duties witb fidelity. Jim sumumumming up, I make the following statement of casualties: Of- fleets killed, 12; men killed, 119; aggregate, 131. Officers wounded. ii 1 ; mcii woumm(lecl, 1,060; aggregate, 1,121. Men muissiming, 2. Total officers killed, woutided, and missing, 123. Total uteri killed, wounde(l. and missiming. 1, 131. Gramind aggregate, 1,304. * The following captures were inmmade by inny divisiomt: SexTenteen l)ieces of artillery. Six of thinese, within caissomins complete, were turmied ovem. and receipts obtained therefor. The eleven were hauled off the field and appropriated, as heretofore mentioned, while the division was pushing the enemy back on Chickantauga Creek. Thre number of prisoners taken are as follows: First Brigade, 420; Second Brigade, 262; Tlmird Brigade, 530; in all, 1,262. t I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major- Gene rat, Commanding. Lieut. Col. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. * But see revised statemeftt, p. 81. Map accompanying this report will appear in the Atlas~ l~5 R ~YOL XXXI, PT T Page 194 194 KY., SW. VA., IENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. llnclosurel List of leilleci, uounded, and missing of the Second iJirisiom, Fourth Army Corps (battle of Missionary Rid ge), Maj. Gets. Philip H. Sheridan. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. a a - S a a Command. a a a a a C 0 .5 .~ - I S 5 t S 0 0 H 0 H H 0 H ~ First Briade, Colonel 6 26 32 27 239 266 33 265 298 Sherman. Second Brigade, Briga- 2 70 72 50 586 636 2 2 52 658 710 dier-General Wagner. Third Brigade, Colonel 4 23 27 34 235 269 38 258 296 Harker. Total* 12 119 131 111 1,060 1, 171 2 2 123 1,181 1,304 No. 28. Report of tiol. Francis T. Sherman, Eighty-eighth Illinois In fantry, Colnrnandirtg First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, E. Tenn., January 22, 1864. SIR: I have tile honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade at the battle of Mission Ridge on Novemn- bem 25. 1863: On Monday, the 28d, my brigade was ordered to be in readiness to move to time front and beyond onr lines of works at Chattanooga at 1 p. in. At time honr named tile brin-ade marched, following the b Third Brigade, and took position with my right restimig on the Dal- ton road. By commmmnammd of General Sheridan, the brigade was drawn up in two lines. The first was, by nmy order, placed under time coum- rnammd of Col. Silas Miiler, Thirty-sixtim Infantry Illinois Volunteers. Tue second line was by inc placed under command of Col. B. Lai- b( )ld t. Secomid Missomiri Infantry Volunteers. During time afternoon the 1)riga(le limmes were advanced 600 yards. and remaimmed in position during the night, time men sleeping on their arms. At 3 a. in. of the 24th, I received orders to rimove the brigade by the left, and take position in reserve and rear of the Third Brigade, wlmiCh was promptly done. At 4 a. in. orders were received to place timree regiments of my brigade on the right of time Third Brigade, in prolongation of their first line, behin~i hastily constructed rifle-pits. Iii obedience to timis order the Forty-fourth Illinois, Thirty-sixtim Illi- imois, and time Seventy-third Illinois were thus placed, and Col. W. W. Barrett, Forty-fourth Illinois. assigned to take comumand of timem. Time Eighty-eighth Illinois and Seventy-fourth Illiimois were placed in rear, as support to the above regiineimts. This disposition of the bri,gmde remained unchanged until 12 in. of time 25tim, wimen the entire division line was moved forward some 300 But sec revised statement, p. 81 Page 195 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARING COLT) CAMPAICrN, 195 yards. The other regiments of my brigade were moved to the right and year of the line, when they were formed in the following order, in fonr lines, as follows: First line: Forty-fonrth, Thirty-sixth, and Seventy-third Illinois, Colonel Barrett commanding. Second line: Eighty-eighth Illinois and Twenty-fonrth Wisconsin, Co] onel Miller commanding. Third line: Twenty-second Indiana, Colonel Gooding command- 111g. Fonrth line: Second Missonri, Fifteenth Missouri, and Seventy- fourth Illinois, Colonel Laiboldt commanding. With a heavy line of skirmishers on my front and flank, under command of Major Sherman, Thirty-sixth Illinois, whom I com- mend to the general commanding. At 2.30 p. m. I received instrnctions from General Sheridan in person to hold the brigade in readiness to advance and assault the enemys works at the base of Mission Ridge at a signal which would be given from Orchard Knob by the firing of six gnns at intervals of two seconds. At 3 p. m. the signal guns were fired, and the brigade moved for- ward, in conjnnction with other troops of the division, in quick time, through the timber to the open plain beyond, which lay in front of the enemys works. The troops at this point, takirg the double-quick step by order, swept across the open gronnd under a most terrific fire of artillery and musketry with unbroken ranks, and cleared the first line of th~ enemys works at the point of the bayonet, taking many prisoners. After a brief halt for breath, the order to advance and carry the second line of works, behind which tile enemy bjid rallied, was re- ceived by the troops with a cheer, and gallantly did they do their work as they dashed on through the storm of iron and lead hurled against them by our foes. In ten minutes time the works were taken as before, the enemy, with broken ranks, retiring in confusion up the slope of the ridge to their third line, upon the crest. The troops, being much exhausted by their rapid advance and hard fighting, rested a few minutes behind the parapets of the rebel works of tile second line, gathering tileir energies for the last and final advance to the third line, upon the c est of the ridge. From the second line the hill rises abruptly to an angle of nearly 40~, and was covered by fallen timber and brush, which made tile ascent very difficult and fatiguing. Again the order to advance was re- sponded to with cheers, the colors, borne by their brave and gallant bearers, taking the lead, each bearer wishing to be the first to place the banner of his regiment upon the last of the rebel works. Slowly and surely we pressed up the hill, overcoming all obstacles, defying the enemy in his efforts to check our determined advance. Officers and men alike vied with each other in deeds of gallantry and brav- ery, cheering one another on to the goal for which we were contend- ing. In this manner we gradually worked our way to the summit, over the rugged sides of the ridge, every foot being contested by the enemy. Rocks were thrown upon our men when the musket ceased to be of use, but to no purpose. When within 10 yards of the crest our men seemed to be thrown forward as if by some power- ful engine, and the old flag was planted firmly and surely Oil the last line of works of the enemy, followed by the men taking one battery of artillery. The battle was won and Mission Ridge was taken Page 196 196 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. while the enemy fled in great disorder from before onr victorious troops, who took whole companies of the rebels prisoners. The brigade was reformed, the ranks being broken in the as& nt of the ridge, and bivouacked for the night on the crest of Mis- sionary Ridge. At 12 midnight we were, by order of the general commanding. marched on the road to Birds Mill about I~ miles in pursuit, and halted until 11 a. m. of the 26th, when we were moved to the Chickamauga Creek. At 4 p. m. orders were received to return, to our old camp at Chattanooga, at which place we arrived at 6 p. m. To Colonels Laiboldt, Second Missouri, and Miller, of the Thirty- sixth Illinois, I am in(lebted for their untiring exertions and gal- lantry they displayed in encouraging and leading their respective commands to the assault, and by their example aiding in the suc- cessful termination of the battle. I take great pleasure in calling the attention of the general com- manding to their distinguished services. I also recommend to the general commanding, for favorable notice, Colonel Jaquess, Seventy- third Illinois; Colonel Barrett, Forty-f ourt.h Illinois; Colonel Marsh, Seventy-fourth Illinois; Colonel Conrad, Fifteenth Missouri; Lieu- tenant-Colonel Chandler, Eighty-eighth Illinois; Lieutenant-Colonel Olson, Thirty-sixth Illinois; Lieutenant-Colonel Beck, Second Mis- souri, for meritorious conduct and cool courage they displayed in the action, each one leading his regiment in the assault until the ridge was taken, and by their example encouraging and inspiring tI~eir men with confidence to deeds of bravery and valor. I take this opportunity to make favorable mention of the officers attached to the brigade staffCapt. B. Carroll, Lieut. John M. Turn- bull, Lient. N. P. Jackson, and Lieutenant Morse, Twenty-first Mich- igan, acting assistant adjutant-generalfor the prompt and cool man- ner they executed orders intrusted to theni. Herewith find copies of official reports Df the regimental com- umanders of this brigade, together with a list of casualties sustained by the brigade in ;the battle. * I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, yours, F. T. SHERMAN, Colonel Eighty-eighth Illinois Infty. Vols., Comdg. Brigade. Lient. T. W. C. MOORE. Acting Assistau] Adja taut- General. No. 29. Report of Lieu]. Elol. Porter C. Olson, Thirty-si th Illinois In fantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLS., Chattanooga, Ten in., November 28, 1868. SIR: In compliance with or(lers from brigade headquarters, to fur- nish a statement of the part taken by the Thirty-sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers in the late action near Chattanooga, Tenn., I have the honor to make the following report: At 12 mm, November 28. 1868. the Thirty-sixth. Illinois took po- sition to the left of the Riuggold road, the right testing at the well ~ Casua1ti~s embodied in revised statement, p 8l Page 197 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 197 of Warners house; the left joining the rigbt of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, and fronting east. I took this position by order of Col- onel Miller, he being assigned to the command of four regiments of the first line. At 2 p. m. I moved the regiment forward with the rest of the line 200 yards. At S P. in., in compliance with orders from Colonel Sherman, the Thirty-sixth Illinois went forward into the timber, our right joining the left of the Seventy-third Illinois. Details from the regiment were set to work erecting barricades, and here we remained during the night. At 3 oclock on the morning of the 2-Ith November, as directed by General Sheridan, the Thirty-sixth Illinois was moved about 500 yards to the left of the road, and joining Colonel Harkers brigade. Colonel Barrett reported to me that he had been directed to take command of the three regiments of the First Brigade that were in the front line, the Thirty-sixth being cne of them. We were not engaged with the enemy during the day; remained here through the night. On the morning of the 25th November, at 10 oclock, as ordered by Colonel Barrett, I sent forward three com- panies to be deployed as skirmishers (A, B, and F). These com- panies were placed under command of Major Sherman of this regi- ment. At 1 p. in., in compliance with orders from Colonel Sherman (my brigade commander), the Thirty-sixth was advanced to the first line of the enemys works, about three-fourths of a mile from the foot of Missionary Ridge, my regiment forming a part of the front line. At 2.30 p. m. Colonel Sherman directed that at a given signal I should move forward, as the whole line would advance at that time. TIme signal was soon given; the Thirty-sixth advanced with the front line; at the distance of one-fourth of a mile we emerged upon an open field stretching to the foot of the ridge.. We moved across this field on the double-quick, our ranks m neantimne being plowed by shot and shell. Upon our approach the enemy fled in hasty retreat to the top of the ridge, from which place it was now evident they intended to make their defense. Upon reachmino the first line of the enemys works, near the foot of the hill, we halted for a minute or so to catch breath. I then ordered the regiment forward to the second line of works. The hill-side was now being swept with a merciless storm of grape and canister. Showers of musketry were hurled throngh our ranks, to which our men replied with great vigor and accuracy. Having reached the second line of works on the hill-side (being the third from where we started), again we halted for a short time. These moments of rest were faithfully employed in delivering the enemy a deadly fire. Again I ordered the regiment to advance. They obeyed with alacrity; thins we ascended the hill, halting oc- casionally a moment to deliver onr fire and obtain a little rest, for time speed with which we had made the long chargethe men carry- ing 80 rounds of ammunition with accouterments of a soldierhad nearly exhausted them. The hill was steep amid rugged; the fire from tIme enemy was inces- sant; in many places they were strongly posted behind barricades of logs, rails, or stones; but, notwithstandino~ all the difficulties under which we labored, we reached the summit of the hill in less thami an hour and a half from the time the chmar~e commenced. As we ar- rived at the summit of the hill the enemy fled in great confusion: the rout was complete. In connection with other regiments of this brigade, we assisted in capturing several pieces of artillery, a nu Page 198 198 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. her of caissons, and a great quantity of small-arms, for which I am sure that my superior officers will award a full share of credit to the gallant officers and men under my command. We went into bivouac upon the ridge near the house known as Braggs headquarters. At 1 oclock on the morning of the 26th November, by order of Colonel Miller, the Thirty-sixth Illinois moved in pursuit of the en- elny with the rest of the brigade upon the road toward Chickamauga Station. On the afternoon of the same day we returned with the brigade to Chattanooga. Throughout the entire engagement the officers and men under my command behaved with the greatest gallantry and coolness. Though they have conducted themselves bravely and nobly on former fields, it seems to me that on this occasion the regiment has added a new and brighter luster to their already good name and well-earned laurels. I do not know that they exceeded the men of other regi- ments in this action, for all seemed to vie with one another in deeds of daring; but this I do believe, that their conduct for bravery and almost superhuman exertion has never been surpassed in any army. Their names will be held in remembrance by a grateful country. It is impossible to mention specially, within the short space al- lowed for this report, the names of all who behaved nobly. I can- not, however, omit to mention the gallant conduct of Maj. George D. Sherman; much is due to the bravery with which he exposed his own life wherever he was needed. I desire also to thank Adjt. Charles T. Case for the etbciency with which he assisted me in mami- aging the regiment; his conduct was exceedingly praiseworthy. The line officers conducted themselves in the most praiseworthy mauner. I mention the names of the company commanders: Captain Merrill, Company I; Captain McNeal, Company C; Captain Biddulph, Coni- pany K; Captain Cass. Company D; Captain Mossman, Company F; Lieutenant Clark, Company E; Lieutenant Beebe, couimandin~g Company H; Lieutenant Salisbury, Company A; Lieutenant Bars- tow, Company G; Lieutenant Haslehurst, commanding Company B ; their bravery and coolness were manifested in every part of the regiment. Of the conduct of the enlisted men the facts stated in this report form a more brilliant compliment than any other that could be given. I must, however, mention the name of the flag bearer, Pri- vate William R. Fall, of Company C, for bravery. He can have no superior; he was among the first to reach the summit and wave the Stars and Stripes in the face of the enemy. It is not for me to comment upon the conduct of my superiors, but I desire to state that the conduct of Colonel Miller, of this regi- ment, was especially conspicuous for gallantry; he rode along the line exposing himself with the most perfect coolness, directing, en- couraging, and urging forward the exhausted men of whatever regi- ment he found. I mak6 this statement as an acknowledgment of his assistance, not that anything I could say would add to his high reputation. To this report I append a list of casualties. * Your obedient servant, PORTER C. OLSON, Liemdcnard- Colonel TIKriy-sixth illinois Vols., Gorndg. Regi. Lieutenant NIEMAN, Acting Assistant A~jnta at- General. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 199 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTAINOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 199 No. 30. Report of Gol. Wallace W. Barrett, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Teum, -November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit a report of the part taken by this regiment in the late movement of this army, culmi- iiating on the 25th instant in the possession of Missionary Ridge. On the night of the 22d of November, I received orders from Colonel Sherman, commanding the brigade to be ready to move at a moments notice, with SO rounds of ammunition to the man, and two days cooked rations in the haversacks. In compliance with a previ- ons order to the same effect, the men already had the ammunition, and the rations were immediately snpplied. At about 1 p. m. of the 23d, the regiment moved out and took a position just in rear of the first reserve of the division picket, in time second line of time brigade, the Fifteenth Missouri being on our right and the Seventy-third Illinois on our left. At about 4 p. mm we advanced about 100 rods, where we lay on our arms nutil some time in the night, when we moved by the left flank on to open ground on the left of a hill on our left. Just before day of the 24th, the regiment, by order of Colonel Sherman, moved to the right of the first line of the brigade, behind some protection thit h~d beemi comistructed during time night, the 5ev- emity-third amid Thmmty sixth Illinois, successively, being on our left, amid the Eighty emolith amid Seventy-fourth Illinois beiiig iii reserve. We remained mu this position ui~til ahzout 12 mu. of the 25th, when, the troops on oum m lit being removed, I sent out, by order of Colonel Sherman, three cornpammmes from each of the three regiments form- ug time first line as skim mishers, to protect our front amid right flank. This line of skim mishers was under tIme command of Major Slier- man, of the Thmmty sixth Illinois. Shortly after, the whole brigade was advanced to time second swell of the ground in our front in some open timber, and formed in five lines of battle, this regiment still being the right of the first line. At about 3.30 p. mu. time signal was given from Orchard Knob to advaiice, Colonel Sherman directing me to go as far as I could. As soon as the line cleared time timber and entered the open ground in our front, the eneniy anmioyed mis all they could with their batteries on Missionary Ridge. We crossed the open space, about half a mile wide, on the double-quick, and dislodged the emmemny from their rifle- pits at the foot of time ridge in our front, which was at time same time done on our right by the line of skirmishers before spoken of. We now pressed up to the second line of rifle-pits, about a third of the way up the ridge, when we again compelled the enemy to retire. At this point Captain Harnisch, of Company E, took tIme colors, which had fallen, and while carrying thmeni conspicuously up to the third line of works, was shot dead. The colors were now takeim up by Abraham Loring, a private of Company H, who carried them conspicuously in front of time whole line and planted them first of any upon time enemys works on the top of time ridge. At the third line of works we were greatly anmmoyed by a galling fire from a hill on our right. We soon, however, cansed it to slacken, and then, with a rush, cleared the ridge of the enemy. It was about an hour and a half from the time the signal was given to advance until w Page 200 200 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. A LA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. carried the ridge. We lay that night in line of battle, and at about 1 a. m. of the 2~3t.h, we moved a short distance down the valley on the other side of Missionary Ridge, and at 11 a. m. of the same day we moved still farther down the valley. At about 4 p. m. of the same day we returned to camp. The officers. men, and all behaved splendidly, and exerted themselves to the utmost to make the move- ment a success. I desire to make especial mention of Abraham Loring, a private of Company H, for his bravery in taking tbe fallen colors and planting them first upon the ridge, and Benedict Wa~d vogel. a private, Company A, who, by killing a rebel captain, cansed the capture of an entire company of the enemy. I transmit here- with a list of casualties sustained by the regiment in the ebarge upon Missionary Ridge. * All of which is respectfully submitted. W. W. BARRETT, (~olon el, Co in m (iU (inn!. Lient. A. NIEMAN, A. A. A. G., First Brig., Second Div., Four/li Army Corps. No. 31. Report of Col. James F. Jacpiess, Seventy-third illinois Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, C7tcdtanooga, November 27, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the en~aoement of the 25th: There seemed to be a perfect confidence among officers and men in the success of the move to be made; hence the order for forward was received with nunsual joy and delight. In making the charge across the valley and up Mission Ridge the regiment was in the front, with the Forty-fourth Illinois on the right and the Thirty-sixth Illi- nois on the left. There was no faltering. When we reached the first rifle-pits, we halted but for a moment to take breath; having advanced on the run for about 1 mile, the men were quite exbansted. It required but a few moments, however, till they were ready for the forward. On we charged, passing the second line of works, dealing death to the flying foe. The ascent from here to the top of the hill was difficult. The fallen trees, rocks, and underbrush, thongh im- peding our progress, afforded us some protection, and over these we climbed under the flying missiles of the foe, eager to plant our colors on the top of the ridge. We were among the first that reached the goal. I have no language equal to tbe task of expressing my admiration of the courage and noble daring of my officers and men. To make special mention of any would seem to do injustice to others, but I must be allowed to speak of a few cases of special note. Lieutenant-Colonel Davidson was wounded at the first rifle-pit, after having heroicall.y and bravely cheered the men tbrou~h the, storm of shot and shell that was poured out on us as we crossed the open field in reaching the enemys first works. lie was ordered to the rear. Captain Bennett, in charge of Companies A, B, and F, * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81. Page 201 CHAP. XLIII.] TIlE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 201 deployed as skirmishers, assisted by Captain Cross, of Company A, and Lieutenant Patten, of Company B, did a work that entitles them and their men to lasting praise and honor. Captain Kyger, of Com- pany C, for gallantry in pushing forward the colors, and Captain Morgan, of Company H, and Lieutenant Wolgemuth, of the same company, Lieutenant Bodman, commanding Company D, and Lieu- tenant Van Winkle, commanding Company K, deserve great praise for courage and promptness in pushing forward their respective companies. Lieutenant Tilton, Adjutant Wilmer, and Sergeant-Major Garrett, my special assistants, after Lieutenant-Colonel Davidson was woundod, did noble service. Captain Burroughs, of Company E, deserves special mention, he being the only captain remaining of those present at the organiza- tion of the regiment. Captain Burroughs has been in every fight, and has (lisplayed coolness and courage which has won the admira- tion of all. Corporal Hasty, the bravest of the brave, who carried the colors, has won for himself, his cause, and his country everlast- ing honors, and no officer or soldier in this or any other part of the army deserves more praise than Corporal Hasty. He will be re- warded with promotion in his company. His associates in the color guard did nobly. The Seventy-third Illinois captured more prisoners in number than there were men in the regiment. The casualties in the regiment were 3 privates killed, 1 officerLieutenant-Colonel Davidson wounded, 23 privates wounded, some 2 or 3 of them niortally. The Seventy-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers has lost many valnable men since it entered the sefwice, but is still ready for any emergency of march or battle. We are ready to do or suffer. I have the honor to be, yours, truly, JAMES F. JAQUESS, Colonel Seventy-third Illinois Infantry Volunteers. Col. F. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. First Brig., Second Div., Fourth Army Corps. No. 32. Report of Col. Jason Marsh, Seventy-fourth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, November 25, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor, in compliance with order of this morning, to report that on the afternoon of the 23d instant my com- mand moved with the brigade from camp directly to the front about half a mile, remaining with slight change of position until about 3 p. m. of the 25th instant, when the brigade was placed in line of battle, consisting of three lines. My command was placed in the rear of the extreme right of the third line of the division, and con- tinned in that pcsition until we reached the first line of the enemys rifle-pits. Having had but little experience in snch scenes, I am un- able to describe the character of our advance over the last 100 or 150 rods to this line, better than to say that it was done amid an unin- terrupted hail-storm of shells, canister, grape, and musketry, per Page 202 202 xxr., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. feetly terrific, yet apparently exciting no terror; certainly not cansing a man to flinch, or turn back. But as the different lines reached the rifle-pits the men dropped promisenonsly into the ditch as a shelter from the enemys fire, while they could get a moments rest from the complete exhaustion caused by the rapid donble-quick march for nearly a mile. After a very brief rest, an effort was made to move the men forward, which i~t was found a very difficult thing to do. The long, steep ascent in front covered with the enemy, the top lined with numerous batteries and breastworks, was well calculated to appall the stoutest hearts. It was, therefore, not strange that men required much urging to induce them to brave the danger. My efforts were directed entirely to the officers and men of my com- mand to move them forward, irrespective of the previous order of the lines or of the movement of other regiments, and in this effort I was zealously and efficiently assisted by many of the officers of my command. I should fail to do justice and to give a true statement of what transpired were I here to omit to record the tact tbat the colors of my regiment first advanced over these works, ably sus- tained by the officers and men, and steadily kept the advance until planted on the enemys breastworks at the crest of the hill. The entire charge up the hill was pretty much every man on his own hook, without regard to reginients or companies, and I do not mean that officers and men of other commands were not promiscuously mixed with my command in the entire charge up the hill, but I in- sist the fact to be that my regimeiit was there in more force than any other regiment and I think I should not go beyond the truth were ,I to say than the entire brigade, so far at least as conceriied tbe advance. The first on the enemys works, ai~id almost simultan- eously, were Lieutenant Clement, Company A; Captain Stegner, Company I; Captain Bacon, Company G; Captain Leffingwelh, with some of their men. The eiiemy was still in considerable force be- hind their works, but for some unaccountable reasoii they eitber fled or surrendered instantly upon the first few of our mcii reaching them, not even trying to defend their battery, which was imme- diately captured by Captain Stegner. As further evidence of the fact I have insisted on, in forming a line on the ridge within a very few minutes after the enemy had left, and for the puipose of mime- diate pursuit, there were but 2 men absent from Company A and 1 man from Company I, besides those wounded. It is not a matter of opinion, but a fixed fact, that no other companies in the brigade could show that record at that time aiid place. I did not personally see everything transpire as I have stated, for the reason that having reached within 6 or 8 rods of the crest with the advance I was severely wounded and disabled from moving farther, but from tbe point I occupied I had a distinct view of what was done and how it was done. In niy own experience 1 have very little idea of the char- - acter of this brilliant achievement by comparison, but so far as I have learned of the engagements of other troops in other armies, I fail to remember niany instances where officers and men, one and all, have evinced more daring courage, more enduring fortitude, more persistent and obstinate perseverance than did my entire com- maiid during this memorable charge. Where all did their duty so nobly, so bravely, it would be unjust and impracticable to particularize individuals, and yet I cannot for- bear to make mention of the unexampled bravery of my color bearer, Sergeant Allen, who kept the advance from the first until within Page 203 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAPJNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 203 or 8 rods of the crest, where he was struck down and disabled. The flag was then seized by Corpi. S. C. Compton, who bravely bore it erect to within a few feet of the crest, when he was shot (lead. Private Hensey, of Company I, then seized it as by instinct of duty and planted it where it was startedon the breastwork, on the very crest of Missionary Ridge, which they had boastingly but vainly regarded as inaccessible and impregnable. The schedule hereto attached will show the casualties of my command. * Your obedient servant, JASON MARSH, Colonel, Commanding Seventy-fourth illinois Volunteers. Col. F. T. SHERMAN, Commanding First Brigade. No. 33. Report of Lient. Col. George TV. Chandler, Eighty-eighth illinois Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the recent engagement with the enemy: The regiment, on the 23d instant, was on picket in front of Fort Negley when the movement of the army was begun. We were re- lieved on the morning of the 24th and ordered to join our brigade, which had moved to the left during the night. At 11 a. m. on the 25th, under the direction of Colonel Sherman, I took position behind the breastwork on the picket line to the left of the road leadin~, out from the left of Fort Negley. At 2 p. m. the reoiment with the brigade advanced to the rise of ground on which had been the enemys picket line, where it was halted. The regi- ment occupied the right of the second line, and at 3 oclock, under the immediate direction of Colonel Miller, who had the direction of the second line, we advanced to the assault of the enemys works on Missionary Ridge. We advanced on quick time until we reached the edge of the timber, when we took the double-quick across the plain, a distance of half a mile to the first line of works, the enemy firing into our ranks from the first line and pouring grape and canister from the batteries on the crest of the ridge. Here, under the little shelter afforded by this first line of works, the men sank from ex- haustion. We remained here only a few moments, and advanced to the second line, driving the enemy before us. The men were now so completely exhausted, and there was kept up such a galling fire from the enemy, that a farther advance seemed almost out of question. A few moments of rest, however, and they followed the colors, which were ordered forward. The advance was slow but sure, having to contend not only with the direct fire, but an enfilading fire from the right. When near the upper works of the enemy we halted, waiting for the troops on our right to advance and draw from us the fire which was enfilading our own line of advance. This, fire not in an way diminishing, I ordered the colors forward on the works, which * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 204 204 xxr., ~w. VA., TENN., Mt~S., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. a moment after were carried and the Stars and Stripes waved tri- umphantly on Missionary Ridge, the enemy being in full retreat and great confusion. The distance from where the charge was begun to the top of the ridge was at least 1-i- miles across a wide, open plain and up a long steep hill protected by three lines of rifle-pits, one at the foot, the second about half way up, and the third on the crest of the ridge, with artillery on the top. The tirhe occupied was about one and a half hours. The regiment rested on the ridge until about 1 oclock the next mormug, when, with the brigade, we moved to the front, lj miles, and halted until about 10 oclock, when we moved forward to Chicka- mauga Creek. In the afternoon we returned to camp. I desire to make honorable mention of the officers of this regiment, all of whom did their duty most gallantly. Capt. George W. Smith, of Company A, acting field officer, was conspicuous for his bravery while urging on the almost exhausted men, until about two-thirds of the way up the hill he fell severely wounded. First Lient. Dean R. Chester, commanding Company G, was shot through the leg while crossing the plain, but gallantly led his company to the second line of works. Second Lient. Henry L. Biugham, commanding Corn- p any H, was killed just before we reached the second line, but proved himself entirely worthy the straps he ha(l so recently mounted. First Lient. Edward E. Tucker, commanding Company D, was conspicu- ous for his daring in moving among the men urging them forward. Sergt. Maj. Richard Realf was everywhere urging on those who fell behind, of other regiments as well as those of our own. It affords me great satisfaction to mention our brave color bearer, Sergt. John Cheevers. Gallantly he carried our banner, planting it always in the advance for the regiment to rally on, never letting it trail in the dust, but waving it encouragingly to those behind and defiantly to the enemy before him, never faltering till lie waved it over the top of Missionary Ridge. It is difficult to select any one from the ranks and give him special mention where all behaved so well, but I niust mention Corpl. Thomas Larey, of Company K, and Private William Isbester, of Company B, who seemed to vie with the colors for the advance. Accompanying this report I send a list of the casualties of the regiment. * I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, yours, G. W. CHANDLER Lieutenant Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. A. A. A. G., First Brig., Second Div., Fourth Army Corps. No. 34. Report. of ~iJol. Michael Gooding. Twenty-second Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT INDIANA VOLS., Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the late engagement with the enemy in front of Chattanooga: At 1 p. m. on the 23d instant, I received orders to march my com * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 205 205 C~r. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARJNGG( )1J7~ CAMPAIGN. mand ont and form on the left of the brigade in the front line. I accordingly formed my regiment in the following order: Company A, First Lieiit. John Gooding commanding; Company F, Capt. EL A. Stepleton commanding; Company D, First Lient? P. II. Carney commanding; Company I. Second Lient. L. S. Mayfield command- um; Company C, Capt. W. H. Taggart commanding; Company H, Capt. Williani Powers commanding; Company IE, Capt. W. H. Snodgrass commanding; Compan.y K, First Lient. Alouzo Smith commanding; Company G, First Li eut. H. B. Baxter commanding, and Company B, Capt. A. D. Sawyer commanding. I moved can- tionsly forward until night, when we bivouacked in the rear of a line of intrenchinents thrown up during the evening. At 1 p. inn. on the 25th instant, I deployed companies E (Captain Snodgrass) and K (Lieutenant Smith) as skirmishers, and received orders from the colonel commanding brigade to form in the center and rear of the brigade, with instruction to move on the enemys works at the foot of Missionary Ridge and to act as a reserve, and was informed by the colonel commanding the brigade that there were three lines in advance of mine and to keep from 100 to 150 yards in the rear of the lines, and if they should not succeed in tak- ing their works, to push forward with my regiment and take the intremmchmnents and hold them if possible. I accordingly moved for- ward in conformity ~vith the movement of the brigade. As I came near the edge of the open ground I found that the left of the brigade had no protection. I immediately gave orders to left oblique, double-quick, until I was uncovered by the front lines of time brigade and passed the lines, joined the skirmishers, and planted time colors of the regiment on the rebel works. I was well supported by the Seventy-f ourth Regiment Illinois Volunteers imme- diately in niy rear, amid the Eighty-eighth and Thirty-sixth Illinois. Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, Second Missouri, and Nineteenth Ohmio on my right. I ordered my men forward up the ridge, and Colonel Miller, Thirty-sixth Illinois, and commandimig first line of time bri- gade, ordered the whole line forward, and I pushed men up to the second line of works as fast as possible. On and on, clear to time top, and over the ridge they went to the hollow beyond, killimig and wonmiding numbers of the enemy as we advanced, and leaving the rebel battery in our rear. We captured great numbers of prisoners amid sent them to the rear without guards, as we deemed the pursuit of the enemy of greatei importance. I then received orders to fall back to the top of the ridge, where we rested until 12 oclock of the same night, from whence we marched on the Dalton road near 2 miles, amid again bivouacked for the night. 0mm the following morning I received orders to move forward to Cimickamauga Creek. We remained there until 3 p. in., and from thence returned to our present camp at Chattanooga. All the officers and men of my command behaved nobly, charging the enemys works in a gallant style, making the hollow below re- verberate with their vociferous cheering. I will recommend Color Sergt. George W. Gibson, Comupany C; Color Corpls. John Caton, Company F, and Theodore B. Ridlen, Company H, to the Governor of Indiana for promotion, for timeir gallantry in action amid for the admirable muanner in which they escorted the colors up the heights of Missionary Ridge. I cannot give too much praise to Captain Powers, Company H; Lientenamit Smith, Company K; Lieutenant Gooding, Company A, and Secomid Lientenamit Moser, Company G, for their ~i~tauce wid for the gallant ~ .i~ which they en Page 206 206 KY:, SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA.~ AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. couraged their men Uj) the side of the mountain and charging the enemys works right up to the muzzles of their guns. Second Lieu- tenant Maylield was wounded early in the eii~agement, but corn- manded his company in the charge and over the ridge, and would not leave the field when advised so to do; also Sergeant Major Gray is commendable for his assistance in urging the men forward; also Actg. Adjt. V. P. Mason, Captains Snodgrass, Taggart, Sawyer, and Lieutenants Carney, Tanner, Gordon, Baxter, Linson, Kennedy, an(l Riggs performed their duties faithfully and were with the ad- vance of their respective commands until the last rebel had left the mountain. * Respectfully submitted. M. GOODING, f7olonel, Comdg. Twenty-second Regiment Indiana Vols. Lient. A. NIEMAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, First Brigade. No. 35. Report of Lieut. Gol. Arnold Beck, Second Missouri Infantry. HDQRS. SECOND MISSOURI VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Teun., November 28, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the following report of the part taken by the regiment nnder my command in the action of November 25, 1863: At about 1 p. m. on that day, the brigade received orders to move forward from a position held since the 23d to the edge of the timber, about half way between our fortifications and the Mis~ionary Ridge. There we remained in line of battle until about 3 p. in., when an assault on the enemys rifle-pits was ordered. My regiment pressed steadily forward. The enemy being thrown from the first rifle-pit, after firing deadly volleys in our ranks, was driven over his next parallel and to the niountain side, our troops being exposed to a most galling fire fi om the batteries on the crest of the hill as well as from a terrific musketry, especially while crossing a meadow more than half a mile in width. Almost exhausted, we reached the foot of the hill, but the order to take the forniidable earth-works of the enemy, towering 600 feet above us and garlanded with a wreath of cannon, was to be accomplished yet. Climbing the steep mountain, my regi- ment pushed forward with might and main, and is fully entitled to its share of the glory of that assault, whose results have already been duly appreciated. To mention a single officer or man for distingnisbment I dare not do, without using the common phrase: All did their duty. I must this time acknowledge that to praise a single one would be injustice - to the balance. Inclosed please find a list of casualties, * which, though compara- tively light, took from our decimated ranks veterans whose misfor- tunes I deeply mourn. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARNOLD BECK, Lieu!. Cd. Secoud Missouri Vol. L4untry, Coin dg. Regt. [Lieiit. A. NIEMAN, A eting Ass istu ni Adjatuni- General.] * Nominal lht of ca~ua1ties (omitted) embodied in rcvhcd statement, p. 81 Page 207 CHAP. XLIJI.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 207 No. 86. Report of Gapt. Santa el Rex in ger, J17/Yce n/h iliissouri Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MIssouRI iNFANTRY, November 27, 1868. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the movements of the Fifteenth Regiment Missouri Infantry duriiig the late movement, as follows The regiment lay inactive until the afteri~oon of the 2~th, when, at about. 2 oclock, we were ordered illt() position in the woodS front- ing Missionary Ridge, in the last line of the attacking column. At abont 3 oclock the niovement commenced. We marched at common time through the woods until we reached the edge of the plain, when double-quick was ordered and kept np until we reached the intrench- ments at the foot of the hill. Here our lines became broken on ac- count of the obstacles, and we struggled up the hill as best we could, each man for himself. I would particularly mention from personal view the following men for their brave and gallant behavior: Wilhiam V/ihhi, bugler, who kept continually in front sounding his bugle to advance; Michael Kick, our color bearer, and First Sergt. John H. Droste, Company I, and Corpl. Uhrichm Frei, Company IF. for keeping with the flag most always in front of the whole storming column. Our colors were the second ones inside of tIme intrenchments at the summit of the hill. After reaching the summuit of the hill our colonel was wounded while in pursuit of the flying enemy, and sent to the rear, at which timue I took command of the regiment and formed iii line of battle on tIme summit of the hill near where the road crosses the hill. The troops on our right amid left marching forward in line of battle, as no one appeared to give me orders, I concluded to follow them, and we took up position on the road in the valley at the rear of Wagners brigade, which was engaged in our front. When the en- gagement was over I marched my men on top of time hihh to our right aml stacked amins, seli(hing a messenger to find our brigade and to obtain orders, iii accordance with whieh wbemm received, we marched back amid joined time brigade on to1) of the Missionary Ridge, from which time we remained with the brigade until it returned to camiip. I sub~oimi a comnI)hete list of the casualties of our regimemmt. ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL REXINGIER, Gupta in, Gomeig. Fifteenth Regiment ililiissouri Infantry. [Lient. A. NIEMAN, Actg. Asst. A~Jt. Gem.] No. 37. Revort of ilIeJ. Carl ron Bamonbach, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin hui fctntry. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WIscoNSIN VOLUNTEERS, Ganup near Gltattanooga, November 27, 1863. LIEUTENANT: In comphiamice with orders, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report as to the part nmy regimnent took in the late campamgn My command moved from camp at 2 p. m. on Monday, the 23d * Embodied in revised statement, P. 81 Page 208 208 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL instant, and took position in line of battle on the left of the Dalton road. I remained in this position until about half past 2 oclock the next (Tnesday) morning, when I moved my command, by order of Colonel Miller, by the left flank, and took position about half a mile from my original one. I remained in this position until half past ii oclock Wednesday morning. From here we moved by tbe right flank a distance of about one-quarter of a mile to tha left and rear of our first position. We remained in this position about two hours and a half. We then advanced by the right flank directly to the front, a distance of quarter of a mile. We then formed line of bat- tle immediately on the left of the Eighty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, remained in this position about one hour and a half, at the expira- tion of which time I received orders to advance. We advanced a short distance at the common step, when the command was given to move at double-quick. My regiment advanced in admirable line of battle up to the first pits of the enemy. Upon reaching the first line the men were pretty much exhausted, and unable to move for same time. In about five minutes, however, we moved over the first pits of the enemy, but after advancing beyond the first hue, the line of battle was not regular. The men took advantage of all obstacles in the way for shelter, and thus advauced steadily toward the top of the ridge. The fighting fleive and severe, but owing to the formation of the ground my men were able to screen themselves partially from the deadly volleys that were being hurled at us at every step of our advance. In the course of the ascent my men bad to rest several times on account of exhaustion. But at length -we succeeded in gain- ing the crest of the ridge, after two hours steady fighting. My regiment remained on the top of the ridge for about four hours, when my men were provided with rations. We then moved down the opposite side of the ridge in a southerly direction, halted about 4 miles from our position on the top of the ridge, remained in this position all night and until about 10 oclock Thursday morn- ing, when we moved forward toward Chickamauga Station, about 3 miles, where we halted and remained for some hours. From here we moved back toward our old camp near Chattanooga, where we arrived at sundown. During the engagement of Wednesday I have to lament the loss of the following officers: Capt. Howard Greene, who was killed in- stantly while gallantly cheering on his men. Lient. Robert J. Chivas was also instantly killed while cheering in the advancing lines. Capt. Richard H. Austin was quite severely wounded on the thigh and neck; never lived a braver man than the captain. Lieut. Thomas E. Balding was wounded very severely in the right lung. I wish especially to mention him for his gallantry on the field. I take great pleasure in stating that all the officers and men did finely, and deserve a great deal of credit. I would most respectfully mention Adjt. Arthur MacArthur, jr., for - his bravery. When the color sergeant was exhausted he carried the flag in front of the regiment, cheering the men to follow him up the ri(loe Acconipanying you will find a list of casualties. * I am, respectfully, yours, CARL VON BAUMBACH, Major, Gommanding Regiment. Lieutenant NIEMAN,_Actg._Assi._A~jt. Gen., First Brigade. 1~fl~bQ(ijeCi in revised ~t~tQ]4iCnt, p. ~l Page 209 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARIINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 209 No. 88. Report of Brig. Gem. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, command ing Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Loudon, Tenn., February 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my command in the battle of. Missionary Ridge, with ac- companying reports of regimental commanders: Oii the 23d of November, I received from General Sheridan orders to move to, and form nmy command in order of battle near the picket lines to the right of Fort Wood. Soon after IL was ordered to ad- vance amid drive in the rebel pickets, which was done, advancing about 1.000 yards, with the loss of only 6 men. Colonel Harker was oii my ri2ht and General Hazen on the left. I remained in tIme I)Ositiomm thus gaimmed until the 25th, with bnt slight skirmishing with smnall-armmms ami a few shots from Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, which lia(l reported for duty temporarily. About 2 p. mu. on the 25th, I was informed by General Sheridan that we were to carry the enemys works at the foot of the ridge, amid possibly storm time heights, amul was directed to make disposi- tiomis accordimigly. I muo ved my command forward some 800 yards, forimmed imi order of battle, and, lying on arms, awaited the signal to advance. The Fifty-sevemith Indiana, Lientemmant-Colommel Lennard commimnamidimig, formed time first line, amid was deployed as skirmishers at about 2 paces interval. The One hundredth Illinois, Fifty-eighth Imidiamia, Fortieth Imidiamia, amid Twemmty-sixth Ohio, formed the second line, wimich was conimnanded by Colommel Wood (Fifteenth Indiana). The Ninety-seventh Ohio and Fifteenth Indiana comprised the re- serve, forumimig time third limme. About 8 oclock the signal to advance was given. Time conmrnand at once moved forward, in conjunction with other comnmammds on the right and left, respectively, and was met by a terrible fire which the enemy immediately opened from his ar- tillery posted omi the ridge. Lieutenant-Colonel Lennard carried the lower works with hiS regiment and pushed forward to the foot of time ri(ige, sonme 200 yar(ls in advance, where he was joined by the secomm(l limie, which had moved rapidly forward without halting. At this tinme I was imiforumed by a staff officer that it was General Gran- gems or(ler miot to go beyond the works at the foot of the ridge. Part of my comunmamid, however, was already beyond that point, but I di- rected it to return to time works, amid sent an officer to General Sher- idaim asking perumissiomi to carry the heights, as I saw we must do that or we could not remaimm in the works, the emmemy having com- plete commirol of them with his artillery. However, before hearing fronm hmium, I ordered the command to storm tIme ridge, brimiging up time Fifteemithm Imidiana amid Ninety-seventh Ohio, which had imot yet been enga~e(l although suffering from the enemys artillery. The result is a umatter of history, as we gained the ridge, capturing artillery, provisiomis, amid small-arms; to what amount, however, I do not know, as we pushed on after the eimemy as soon as I had reformed time command. The enemny was immediately in my front, retreating in the direction of Chickamauga Statiomi, and attempting to get off a portion of his artillery and train. I immediately pushed forward in pursuit all time troops I had formed, semiding time Fifteemith Indiana and Twemmtv-sixth Ohio. under Lientemiamit-Colonel Young, to the left 14 R nvOL XXXI, PT I Page 210 210 KY., SW. VA., TIENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. to capture a battery (that was trying to escape with a small guard), which was doue. The Ninety-seventh Ohio aud Fortieth Indiana took the main road, supported by the One hundredth Illinois and Fifty-eighth Indiana, to be followed by the Fifty-seventh Indiana as soou as it could be formed (it having been deployed as skirmish- ers). Colonel Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, also accompanied me with a portion of Colonel Harkers command. Hav- ing advanced about three-fourths of a mile, we engaged the enemy, who was posted on a ridge commanding the road. A battery well covered by woods was stationed on the ridge, and opened on the col- umn as soon as it came in sight. This was about nightfall, and it soon became so dark that it was very difficult to prevent confusion, but after a brisk fight of half an hour, and General Sheridan arrmv- ing with re-enforcements, we routed the enemy, capturing two picces of artillery and some prisoners. Here we rested for four hours, when we again moved after the emiemy, followino him to Chicka- manga Creek, whence we returned next day to Chattanooga. The force engaged numbered about 1,800, the loss being as follows: Killed, 2 commissioned officers and 7t enlisted mcii; wounded, 51 commissioned officers and 387 enlisted men; missing, 2; total, 718. * For particulars I refer yon to the regimental reports. This loss was so great for the reason that a concentrated fire of artillery from the front and flanks was brought to bear upon my command, as well as a most deadly fire from small-arms. It is imnl)ossil)le here to speak of the gallantry of individuals when all (lid 50 well; each (lid his (hilty nobly, but I mnst be allowed to call the attention of the coin- mnaiid~ng general to Colonel Wood, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers, who connuandecl time second line, for the ability (lisplayed, and to him I am much indebted, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonel Leminard, Fifty-seventh Indiana, of the first line, who acte(l with his usual gallantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes, Ninety-seventh Ohio, de- serves great credit for his soldierly bearing, as lie at the head of his regiment led his men through that storm of bullets; but none deserve more credit than Lieutenant-Colonel Young, Twenty-sixth Ohio, who, with his own hands, planted his colors on the enemys works, as well did Lieutenant-Colonel Neff, Fortieth Indiana, who, after sev- eral color bearers had fallen, took the colors and bore them up the lmilh, and iii I)ulrsuit of the emmemy, passing directly by Braggs head- quarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, Fifty-eighth ludiamma, and Major hammond, One hundredth Ill immois, conimnanding their respect- ive regiments, performed their duty ~ ell. Major White. Fifteenth Indiana, although woumn(led, refused to leave the field until the ridge was carried, after which Captain Heolem assumed command of the regiment and deported himself so as to deserve promotion. The Fifty-first Imidiana Volunteers Lmeut( nmnt-Colouel Comparet coin- manding, was absent, and not them etore emigaged. To the members of my staff I am much indebted fom tIme mntellP~ent mimaummer iii which they assisted me on the field. C upt an Timiney, with his usual gal- lantry, dashed up time line with the first troops, amid, with tIme aid of aim orderly (G. W. IDusenberry, Fifteenth Indiana), turned time loaded gnus of the enemy on his retreating ranks. Lieutenammts Nicar and Royse, aides-de-camp; Captain Aughe, inspector; Captain Hunter, provost-marshal, and Lieutenant Jones, ordnance officer, were very efficient in the discharge of their duties durimig the hottest of the en- * But see revised statement, p. 81 Page 211 Ow. ZLIILJ TIlE OHATTANOOGAkINOGOLD OAMPMGN. 211 gagoment. Lieutenants Royse ad Jones had their horses killed candor them; Captain Hunter was wounded; Lieutenant Sterne, acting assistant quartermaster was also on the field and rendered good service. Doctor Glick, brigade surgeon, as he always does, rendered valuable services on the field. C o ml Miller, Privates Dusenberry, Vick, Alexander, Camp~ll, and the latter being wounded), members of my escort, behaved well an are worthy of mention. This report is not as perfect as it shou.ld be, owing to the regimental reports having 6een forwarded during my late absence. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant G. D. WAGItER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. Ozoitex Ln, A. A. 0., Second Divfrion, Fourth Army Corps. No. 39. Report of Col. John Q. Lane, Ninety-seventl& Ohio Infantry, corn mandingSeconct Brigade. HDQRs. SECOND Biua., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY CoRps, Loudon, Tenn., February 15, 1864. Sm: In obedience to instructions from the head uarters of the Second Division, I have the honor to submit for the information of the general commanding the following report of the operations of this brigade from and including the 23d day of Novemter, to and ingluding the 26th day of Novemter, 1863, in the late battles in front of Chattanooga: About 12 m. on the 23d, General Waqner moved the brigade from its camp in Chattanco to a position in front of Fort P~mer, and deployed it in the folVwing order of battle: First line, One hun- dlredthlllinois, Fifty-eighth Indiana, and Ninety-seventh Ohio; second line, Fifty-seventh Indiana, Twenty-sixth Ohio, and Fif- teenth Indiana, the right resting on the crest of the cleared hill, the line being east of and nearly parallel with the railroad. The Fortieth Indiana was at the time on picket duty in front of the right of the brigade. About 2 oclock, in obedience to orders from the general coin- nmnding, the brigade advanced upon the enemys pickets and drove thorn about one-third of a mile with a loss of 1 man killed and 4 wounded in the Fortieth Indiana, which regiment had been deployed and advanced as skirmishers. By moving the brigjade in a direction at right angles with the original line, the interval Was widened be- tween it and Colonel Harkei?s (Third) brigade on the right. General Wagner halted the command, advanced the left, refused the right, moved by the right flank, and closed the inteival. At 3 p. m. he commenced throwing up a breastwork, and by dark the line was tolerably well protected. With the Ninety-seventh Ohio. advanced as pickets, the command remained in this position until 6 a. in. of the 24th, wheiiGeneral Wag- ner moved it by the left flankadistance of 400 or 5(X) yards, to close on Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery. It remained here withou~ Page 212 gig KY., SW. VA., flNN~ MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Czar. XLUL any inwrruption, other than an occasional harmless shell from the enemys batteries on Mission Ridge until about 3p.m. of the 25th, when the general formed the following order of baffle: Fifty- seventh Indiana as skirmishers; first line, One hundredth Illinois, Fifty-e~ghth Indiana, Twenty-sixth Ohio, and Fortieth Indiana; second line, Fifteenth Indiana and Ninety-seventh Ohio. The signal being given for an advance, the troops moved off in gallant style, first at a double-quick and thon at a run, for nearly 500 yards, and gained the enemys works, which they cleared, and dashed on up the slope to within 800 yards of the mountain crest when, by order, they fell back to the rifle-pits, where the remained under shelter for a u one- ourth of an hour, when t.L line was again ordered forward, advancing across the open ground to the base of the ridge, where the second line closed upon the first, and all moved up the mountain together. I arrived m Chattanooga on my way to my oommand in time to witness this p art of the action, and cannot speak in too high praise of the gallantry of the troops at this trying and important crisis in the engagement. Officers vied with their men for the front Lieu- tenant-Colonel Neff, Fortieth Indiana~ carrying his regimental colors in advance of his men, all apparently animated with the noble determination to drive the enemy at all hazards from his strong position. Their effort was crowned with complete success. The enemy, not waiting an issue with the bayonet, fled in disorder, leav- ing his dead and wounded on the ground. At the house known as Braggs headquarters, the enemy was driven from three guns, which fell into our hands. At this point the main road, leading from Chattanooga to Campbells [Chic ~a] Sta. tion, crosse& the mountain. On the eastern slope it was intersected by other roads running along the ridge. On this principal road the enemy was retreatin with 0s train. On the left a small force yas trying to haul off a battery. General Wagner seeing it, ordered the Ninety-seventh Ohio and Fortieth Indiana to on r the enemy. The Twenty-sixth Ohio and Fifteenth In0 ,in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Young, were moved to the left to takethe bat- tery. They captured all the guns, consisting of 4 brass pieces, 2 Par- ro veral caissons, limbers, and 3 horses, still harnessed. The Ninety-seventh Ohio and Fortieth Indiana encountered the enemy strongly posted on a hill three-fourths of a mile from the summit of the ridge. Lieutenant-Colonel Young, hearing the steady firing of musket and artillery, moved his two regiments in that direction, without leaving a guard with the guns he hadcatured. Strikin the enem on t right flank, the whole line ed forward and again routed him, capturing 2 brass pieces, small-arms, and prisoners. During the night the command was moved to the vicinity of Chick- ainauga Creek, but did not again come upon the enemy. On the evening of the 26th, General Wagner moved the brigade back to its camp in Chattanooga. Ire tthatthe many gallant acts of officers and men are not proper y mbntioned in this report, but the less from the frequent assurances that all did their duty nobly. The number of killed and wounded in the brigade demonstrates the stubborn resistance of the enemy, and the short time occupied in storming the rifle-pits and drivin rom the ~id hours), the energy and earnestness of the charge. ge (less than two According to the records of the office of the provost-marshal, th Page 213 CHAP. XLIII.] TILE CILATTAINOOGARLNG GOLD CAMPAIGN. brigade captured 762 prisoners, 11 guns, and numerous small-arms, not counted, besides a large quantity of ammunition. The brigade went in.to action with an aggi egate of about 2,000. and lost in killed and wounded an aggregate of 710. I transmit herewith a list of casualties. * I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN Q. LANE, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. T. W. C. MOORE, Aide-de-Liamp, Acty. Asst. Aojt. Gen. No. 40. Report of ]Uiuj. Charles 111. Haii~mond, One hundredth illinois In fantry. HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that, at 12 m. on Tuesday, Novem- 1)er 23, 1863. I was ordered to get my command in readiness to march with two (lays rations in the haversack and 80 rounds of cartridges to the man. At I p. in. I moved my command to tIme picket line in front of Fort Wood, and fornied ill line of battie on the left of the brigade, my right restina~ on the left of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteers. I sent Companies A and G to the front as skirmishers, when an advance was ordered and the enemys pickets driven one- half mile in gallant style. After having gained this distance, I was ordered to halt, where I remained during the night, in the meantime throwing up a line of breastworks on my regimental front. At 6 a. in., November 24, I moved my regiment, by order of Gen- eral Wagner. about 500 yards to the left, with my left resting on Battery G, Fourth Regiment U. S. Artillery. I remained in this position until the 25th instant, being occasionally shelled by the enemys batteries on Missionary Ridge, but sustaining no loss. At 2 p. m. of the 25th, I received orders to form my regiment in their present position (which was in the front line and extreme left of time brigade) and to move forxvard, taking all before us. After advancimig about 200 yards under a heavy fire from the enemys bat- teries on Mission Ridge, I, by order of Colonel Wood, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers, halted my reginient amid ordered my men to lie down. In the meantime, Battery G, Fourth U. S. Artillery, moved up and again placed their gnus in position on my left. At precisely 4 oclock I was ordered by Colonel Wood, Fifteenth Indiana Volun- teers, to advance with my regiment, to charge on a double-quick, amid go for all there was before us. After charging the valley a distance of about 1,200 yards to the enemys rifle-pits, and over them to the foot of Mission Ridge. a distance of about 200 yards, without haltimig, mny men, on attemmipting to gain the crest of the ridge, seemed to fall down from exhaustion. I was here thrown from my horse by the concussion of a shell and, upon recovering my senses, discovered my regiment, with others, falling back to the rifle-pits from which we had driven the enemy. Remaining at the foot of the ridge, I * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 214 214 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. soon, however, saw that another charge had been ordered, and dis- covered, with joy, my men advancing with the line, and, after wading throngh a storm of shot and shell, gained the ridge, driving the enemy froni it in confnsion and captnring 23 prisoners, who were sent to the provost-marshal-general of the department nnder charge of Capt. Rodney S. Bowen, Company A, who had received a wonnd which compelled him to leave the field. I immediately orgallize(l my regiment, and while so doing discovered a nnmber of pieces of artillery in a ravine on my left. I sent Lientenant Stewart, of Com- pany A, to see if these gnns which the enemy had abandoned conld not betnrned npon tbem. He retnrned and reported them to be fonr 10-ponnder Parrotts and two brass Napoleons; also, that it wonid IC- qnire a nnmber of men to place them in position. I ordered him to report the same to General Wagner, and ask permission to get them, bnt before receiving a reply was ordered by yon to move forward my regiment on the left of the Fifty-eighth Indiana Volnuteers, and, after advancing (300 or 800 yards, was ordered by Colonel Wood to halt. After remaining in tbis position abont twenty minntes, I was ordered by Lientenant Royse to move with my regiment in rear of the Fifty-eightb Indiana Volnnteers, at a distance of 100 yards from them. Arriving at time foot of the hill on wbich time enemy was posted resisting time a(lvance of the Ninety-seventh Obio and Fortieth Indiana Yolunteers, and seeing the importance of a flank mnovement to dislodge the enemy. I moved my regiment to the left and nearly parallel with the Fifty-eighth Indiana. On gainimig die to1) of the hill, I came sn(ldeilly upon the enemy, who immediately broke and scattered. I was here or(here(i to halt mny command and throw out one-half of it as pickets. At 1 a. m. of the 26th imistant, I supplied my men with one days ratiomis ami(l SO ronuds of cartridoes aud moved forward, with the balance of the brigade, in the direction of Cliickamauga Station, to within one-half mile of Chickamanga Creek, where I remained until noon, when I moved forward to the creek, bnt was soon ordered by General Wagner to return to Chattanooga, where I arrived with mmmy conimnand at sunset. Time casmmalties in my regimmment were as follows. * I ammm, sir, very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servamit, C. M. HAMMOND, M(~jor, Corn mu ctndvug One hundredth Illinois Volmu deers. Capt. H. C. TINNEY, Assistant A4(jatant- Geneirat. No. 41. Report of Mc4j. Frank White, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR: I respectfully snbmit the following report of the part taken by the regiment (Fifteenth Indiana) which I had time honor to coum- mand in tIme engagement near Chattanooga, on November 2~, 18(33: Our position in the morning was in tIme second line of battle of the * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 215 215 CHAP. LXLILI TIlE CHATTXNOOGA-AUNC GOLD CAMPAIGN. brigade, and on a ridge in rear of the rifle-pit built by the brigade on the day previous. At about 2 p. in., the front line of battle having moved, we moved forward and occupied the rifle-pits. At 2.30 we moved across the rifle-pits and toward the enemy under a sharp fire from the enemys batteries, which did very little damage. We lay down on a line with the rifle-pits of General Woods division, awaiting orders. At 8.80 orders came, and we moved forward in line, support- ing the first line until we were within about 200 yards of the enemys first line of rifle-pits. Here we were halted about half an hour, and then we moved forward at double-quick to the rifle-pits, and lay down on the exterior slope of the embankment about fifteen minutes. We then moved forward again with a cheer (passing the first line of battle of the brigade) up Mission Ridge under a terrible fire from the enemy in their rifle-pits near the brow of the ridge, and from their batteries near Bragg~s headquarters on our right front, and from a position opposite our left flank. The men behaved with great intrepidity aml coolness, moving forward, delivering a rapid and effective fire, until near the top of the ridge, when we made a charge, and after a short but stubborn resistance on the part of the enemy we drove them from their rifle-pits an(i over the brow of the ridge mu ereat confnsioim, ca~)turiiig prisoners representing six regiments. After we had driven the enemy over tIme hill we followed them imp, delivering an effective fire iiito their retreatimig ranks. About half way down the hill we were halted and ordered by General Wagner to move toward a hill oim our left fromit, which we did, taking three pieces of artillery in one place, and in concert with the Twenty-sixth Ohio taking teii pieces in another place, driving tIme enemy from thiemmi. The enemy beiiig still in force iii our front, we moved for- ward in line of battle, aii(l having but about 180 men I did miot heave a guard over the guns. We halted about 1~ immiles froum the battle- field and took niany prisoners, sending them to the rear. Time officers amul men of time regimnemit behaved with such gallamitry that it woul(l be bard to discriminate, but time cOfl(luct of Color Sergt. George Bammks~ who carried his colors umitil shot twice, and of Second Lieuit. T. N. Graham, Company G, who timemi carried the colors for- waril and planted them omi time enemys breastworks, nuder a terrible fire, deserves especial commendation. I have to tender thmammks to Capt. B. F. Hegler, Company A, for time assistammce rendered me iii comnmanding time reginment, amid time coohmuess displayed by hum duurimig time actiomi. Our loss was heavy. Time immumuber takeim imito actiomi amid time loss sustaimmed is as follows: 0 F~ E-~ Taken into action 18 318 834 Killed 2 2 29 Wonnded ~ Total loss* 10 18~ 195 I womuld also add flint mny regimemmt was time first regiment of time i)rigade to plant their colors on time enemnys works and were nobly supi)orted on the right by the Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, who deserve great credit for time part taken by them in the action. But see revised statement, p. 81 Page 216 21(3 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. We captured the battle-flag of the Thirteenth Louisiana Regiment, but it was torn to pieces by the men for t it from them. rophies before I could take After night, being wounded, I turned over the command of the regiment to Capt. B. F. Hegler, and returned to camp. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK WHiTE, Capt. H. ~. TINNEY, ]IfaJor Fifteenth fmiiama i olnnteers. Assistei nt Adjutant- General. No. 42. Report of Capt. Benjamin F. Heqier, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry. HEADQUARTERs FIFTEENTH INDIANA INFANTRY London, Tenn., February 2, 1864. SIR: The following report of the part taken by the Fifteenth In- diana Regiment in the storming of Mission Ridge November 25, 1868, is respectfully submitted, in the absence of the field officers: The regiment, in the disposition for battle, occupied the left of the reserve line, with the Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry on our right, these two regiments constituting the reserve. In our front was a plain open field, which the brigade had orders to cross and take the rifle-pits at the base of the ridge. As soon as the move- ment was commenced the guns on the summit of the ridge swept the plain, but with little effect until we neared the rifle-pits, over which, the first line passed and behind which the reserves took temporary shelter. We were soon ordered forward to assist the first line, which partly up the ridge, was suffering severely. The ordei~ was promptly obeyed, and the regiment, passing the first line, pushed on for tbe summit under a sharp fire from the enemys musketry in the rifle- pits, encircling the ridge and the front, and enfilading fire of the bat- teries on the crest. The ascent was very steep and our progress so obstinately contested that it was necessarily slow, but in forty-five minutes after leaving the base of the ridge our colors were planted on the crest by Second Lieut. Thomas N. Graham (the first of the brigade) and the enemy fleeing in disorder. Our captures aniounted to prisoners (not counted) representing many different regiments, several pieces of artillery, and some wagons. On gainimig the crest, the regiment was reformed amid with the Twenty-sixth Ohio, ordered to move by the left flank to c~ture a battery reported near by in a ravine. These guns were taken their number I cannot positively state as I did not count tli in md as the regiment was ordered to move, with the Fortieth In(h1Hia, on amiother battery of two guns then firimig on us, no gua d was h tt over the~ guns already taken. On this last battery we moved ts the left of the line. These gnus being taken by the Fortieth Imuhana ended tIme days work. Time conduct of officers and men on this occasion deserves high commendation, and one can scarcely be melitione(l before another for gallant daring. Sergeant Banks, though severely wounded, bore the colors until a second shot compelled him to intrust the flag to other hands. But I will not continue special mentions, as space wil Page 217 CH.4. XLIII.] TIlE CllATTANOOGAIUN~OLD CAMPAIGX. 217 not permit. Let the achievement and the list of casualties be their record. The regiment went into action with, enlisted men, 317; com- missioned officers, 17 ; aggregate, 334, and suffered a loss of corn- missioned officers killed, 1; wounded, 9; enlisted men killed, 23; wonnded, 166; total, 189. Aggregate loss, 199. Of time wonnded an unusual number have since died. I am, sir, Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, BENJ. F. HEGLIER, Captain, Corn rn anding Fifteenth Indiana. Lieutenant Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 43. Report of Lient. Got. Elias Neff, Fortieth Indiana Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FORTIETH INDIANA INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Teun., November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have time honor to report that, on the hfternoon of Monday, November 23, my command being at that time on picket duty, having received an order to advance the line, I at once did so. The left of the line of skirmishers soon met those of the enemy, and after a brisk encounter drove them, with a loss to us of 1 man killed and 4 wounded. TIme line thus advanced was held by my command until midimight, when, being relieved, I moved it, under orders from General Wagmier, farther to the left and formed it upon the right of time front line of the brigade. This position, relative to the brigade, was retained during all subsequent operations. Durimig Tuesday all was quiet. Wednesday, about 1 p. in., an order to advance was received. A forward movement was made for a distamice of nearly one-fourth of a mile, when a halt was ordered, and everything prepared for a rush upon the rifle-pits of the eneniy, then about one-fourth of a mile in front. At the word of comnmammd the men marched forward briskly, gradu- ally imicreasing the pace to a run after emerging from the thicket that., up to this time, had screened the pits from sight. In a few moments the pits were in possession of the skirmishers, and the regi- memit occupied them soon after, losing 1 man killed in the move- ment. The men were with difficulty restrained fromn a farther ad- vance at once, bnt those who had rushed on were recalled, and for ten minutes all lay under the shelter of the parapet. Again came the order to move forward, and with alacrity it was obeyed. The distamice to be traversed to the foot of Mission Ridge was fully another quarter of a mile, and it was made at a run with but small loss, though under a severe fire. This position, owing to time steep- ness of time ridge and its peculiar formation, was comparatively safe. The men, taking advantage of any species of shelter the ground af- forded, began time ascent. Scarcely had this movement upon the ridge commenced when the order to fall back to the rifle-pits was received from General Wag- ner, through an aide, and givemi to the men. It was with the great- est reluctance, almost amounting to a refusal at first, that this order was obeyed, but the sense of duty prevailed, and they fell back, suf- fering very severely in the movament; but the sheit~r thus obtained was not long made use of. Again, under the proper order, the line advanced to its former position, again losing heavily in the move Page 218 21~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND IN. GA. ECui~. XLm. ment. Now commenced the struggle; man by man, as each would gather breath, firing as they went, the brave fellows rushed up, al- ways onward, never backward for one moment. The tire here was, on the part of the enemy, rapid and well sustained, both by the in- fantry and the batteries upon the ridge, which at this time poured a constant shower of grape down the slope; but the advance was not even checked, only so far as necessary for rest, and in less than an hour the crest was gained and the enemy driven in utter confusion from the front. As the regiment reached the top of the ridge and swept forward the right passed through, without stopping to take possession, the battery at General Braggs headquarters that had fired so venomously during the whole contest. Halting then for a few moments to give time for those who were not up to reach me, and joined by a few men of the Fifty-seventh Indiana, under Cap- tain Dunn, of that regiment, who had been in command of them as skirmishers in my front, and had shown marked courage and energy, I moved forward down the hill, capturing prisoners and firing effect- ively upon those who attempted to escape. Time rout of the enemy was comnplet~ at this point. At the foot of the hill some stores were captured and two wagons with their teams. The number of prison- ers taken was fully 200, and, as I could spare no men to guard them, I ordered them to the rear and lost sight of them. In a few mo- ments again I was ordered to move forward by General Wagner, and the small remnant of my command having come up, and a line of skirmishers, under Captain Elliott, Company A, thrown out, I moved forward, and in less than half a mile again encountered the enemy drawn up on a crescent-shaped ridge, with the horns encircling the flat upon which we were advancing, and completely commanding it at all points. The battery had been placed in position here by the enemy, and was vigorously worked during our advance. To storm the hill with the force we then had was clearly impossible, but re- treat was not to be thought of; to whatever shelter could be found was taken advantage of, and the fire unremittingly kept up from our thinned ramiks for an hour and a quarter. The rifle-balls passed in almost every direction, front and flanks, but no man, save the wounded, passed to the rear; but at the same time it seemed certain that an- nihilation or capture awaited; no help seemed available, when a cheer upon our left announced a movement upon their flank, amid the enemy at once fled, leaving in our hands two more pieces of artillery, one wagon loaded with ammunition, and one box of new rifles. In this second engagement our loss was 40 in killed and wounded. The total loss was 20 killed and 138 woundedabout 4~ per cent. of the whole number engaged. Eight commissioned officers were wounded, Captain Dooley, Com- pany F; Captain Marks, Company I; First Lieutenant Hanna, Com- pany C; Second Lieutenant Youkey, Company K, severely and dan- - gerously. I cannot express too high appreciation of the conduct and gallantry of both officers and men of my command. The record of loss in both is sufficient eulogy. Respectfully smmbmitted. ELIAS NEFF, Lienten aid-Colonel, Gomdg. Fortieth RegI. Indiana Vols. Capt. H. C. TINNEY, Asst. Adji. Gem., Second Brigade, Second Dimsmon Page 219 claw. flfll THE OHATIANOOGA-4INGGOID OAMPAIGH. 219 No. 44. R~port of Lieut. CoI. George F. Lenrmnird, Afty-seveu*h Iudiancs Infantry. HDQits. Firn-sEvENTH INDIANA VOL. INFANT ELY, Cthattetnooga, November 28, 1863. Sm: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the brilliant movement wbich resulted in the capture of Mission Ridge, with all its trophies of cannon ad colors: On the morning of the 25th instant, this regiment was moved for- ward, and one-half of it depi yedas skirmishers in front of the entire brigade, the other half being held in reserve. In this condition we advanced several hundred yards, meeting with but little resistance from the enemy. At 2 p~ m. I was ordered by Brigadier-General Wagner to deploy my entire regiment as skirmishers, to cover the front of his brigade, and move forward to a wood some 800 yards in front of the enemys first line of works at the foot of Missirsn Ridge, and then fix bayonets and await the signal to advance. A out 3 oclock the signal was given, when, with remarkable promptness, eve man in the regiment moved forward in splendid. style on the ble-q .Iininediately upon debouching from the wood the enemy opened a brisk artillery fire from the summit of the ridge. Under this fire, with the addition of musketry when we had come within its range, the men advanced to their desperate work across a open plain of at least 700 yards in width, with a firm ad steady step. At this juncture, the scene was truly sublime. To the left, and on a line with us, swept forward the lucky men of General Woods division, while on the right and a e the rear came the ~ant Forty -second Illinois of Colonel Harkers brigade. Immediately in our front, and extending away off to the right and left, was the en- emys rifle-pits, filled with men apparently awaiting our nearapproach to deal death and destraction among us. Eight hundred yards be- yond, and at an altitude of not less than 400 feet, was the crest of Mission Ridge, blaring with the quick, sharp flash of cannon ad alive with the enemys long lines of infantry, in busy preparation for the encounter. The hiss and screamof deadly missiles from a hundred guns filled the air, and the very earth seemed to reel and rock under the rapid (hscharge of heavy guns from Forts Wood and Negley. When we arrived within about 150 yards of the enemys works, he commenced giving way, when I ordered my men to fire, ad then push forward and clear the rifle-pits with the bayonets. This the men did in handsome style, capturing at and near the pits over 100 prisoners, with the loss on our side of but 2 men mortally wounded, since dead. Here we halted until the first line, composed of the Ninety-seventh Ohio, Fifty-eighth Indiana, Twenty~ Ohio, and One hundredth Illinois came up, under command of Colonel Wood, of the Fifteenth Indiana, when the order was given to move forward, my men falling in with the different regiments composing this In and moving forward with them. My rejiment bei~xg thus min led with the others of the line, and there being no Officer on the leVi o Page 220 220 KY., SW. VA., FENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ECHAP. XLIII. superior rank to myself, I assumed command of the left wing. In this order we moved forward under a destructive cross-fire from the enemys artillery, about 200 yards, when he opened upon us with musketry. Our men advanced steadily, returning the fire, but at great disadvantage, as the enemy was crouched within his rifle-pits, at the summit of the ridge. This was a trying moment, but our men slowly advanced, seizing upon every available object to screen them- selves from the deadly aim of the foe. Matters stood thus, when Lieutenant-Colonel Young, of the Twenty-sixth Ohio, who was gal- lantly superintending the movements of the center, informed me that the order was to fall back to the rifle-pits. This order, though doubtless given for the best of military reasons, was very unfortu- nate, as we were then so near the base of the ridge that the enemys artillery could do us no harm, and his musketry but little. Most of the men obeyed the crder reluctantly, as it would subject them again to that murderous cross-fire which had killed and wounded so umany of their comrades. We remained at the rifle-pits about 15 minutes, when we received the order of the general commanding to move forward. The line moved in good order and with promptness to about the point it oc- cupied when ordered back, when the Fifteenth and Fortieth Indiana came up splendidly to our assistance, giving fresh courage and hope to our thinned and exhausted line. Soon forward was heard ringing above the din of battle, when the line moved steadily for- ward, fighting every inch of the way to the top of the ridge, killing and capturing many of the enemy imi their rifle-pits, so stubborn was their resistance and so confident were they in the strength of their position. Mission Ridge was ours. There it stands, and will stand to the end of time, a towering monument of glory to time discipifue and courage of the American volunteer soldier. I immediately organized my regimemit, and by order of the com- manding general pushed on in pursuit of the retreating enemy, but had no further emugagement with 1dm. In conclusion, I congratulate time officers of the regiment for their coolness amid courage in the hour of danger and for the splendid maimer in which they handled their men on tIme battle-field. Par- ticularly am I nuder obligations to Major Blanch and Adjutant Smith, both of whom were mounted and showed a reckless disregard of danger and rendered me great service during the action. The umajor, though severely wounded, when we were about half way up the ridge, remaimmed with us umutil after nightfall, amid themi only wemit to tIme rear to assist in gathering up our wounded men. Time enlisted men have my most heartfelt thanks for their gal- lantry and soldierly bearing on that day. When all are alike dis- timiguished it is improper to make imividious distinctions. My loss was 2 killed amid 90 wounded, muany of whom were mor- tally, and have already died. We captured 124 prisoners. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. LENNAIID, Lieutenant- Golonel, Gommanding. Capt. H. C. TINNEY, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 221 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. No. 4~. Report of Li~ut. Col. Joseph Moore, Fifty-eighth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA YOLS., Chattanooga, Tenn., Nocember 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volnuteers, nnder my command in the late engagement near Chattanooga, Tenri., and on Missionary Ridge, on the 23d, 24th, and 25th of November, 1863 On Monday, the 23d of November, abont 1 p. in., I received orders from Brigadier-General Wagner, commanding brigade, to form my regiment and march to the front, which was immediately done, in connection with the other regiments of the brigade. My regiment was formed in line of battle in the front line of the brigade, the Ninety-seventh Ohio on the right and One hundredth Illinois on the left, my regiment in the center, and this line was formed a short dis- tance in the rear of the picket line. I was here notified that this line would be under the immediate command of Colonel Wood, of the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers. We remained in this position a sh.ort time waiting for the troops on our left to get into position. As soon as the line was completed the line of skirmishers advanced and drove back the pickets of the enemy in splendid style. Our line followed in the rear of the skirmishers until we reached the old picket line of the enemy, where we changed direction somewhat to the right, marched a short distance farther to the front, where we were halted and lay the greater part of the night and threw up rifle-pits. About 2 a. m. we marched near 200 yards to the left, so as to connect with the troops of General Wood, where we lay during the 24th, while the fight was g& ing on over Lookout Mountain, and up to about 1 p. m. of the 25th of November, when we again advanced to the front until we formed a line with General Hazens brigade, which was on our left. This time the Fortieth Indiana Volunteers was on the right of our line, Twenty-sixth Ohio next to the Fortieth Indiana, Fifty-eighth Indiana next, and the One hundredth Illinois on the left. The men were ordered to lie down in this position, as the enemy was pouring a heavy fire upon us from their artillery on Missionary Ridge. We reniained in this position until about 3 p. in., when the order was given to move forward on to the enemys works, a short distance from the foot of Missionary Ridge. The line started forward in quick time, but soon came to a double-quick and run, and charged over the enemys works and up to the foot of the ridge, capturing quite a number of prisoners that had failed to climb the hill in time to make their escape. All this time we were under a perfect hail of shot from the enemys artillery and infantry that were on the top of the ridge, and were so completely covered that it was impossible for our men to do much execution. By the time we reached the foot of the hill, the men having already run imear 1 mile, and that with their blankots, rations, and 80 rounds of cartridges, besides equipments, on them, so they were almost perfectly exhausted; consequently, our progress in climbing the hill was not very rapid, although we were making some prog- ress, when we received orders td tall back to the enemys old breast worKs, then in our rear near 200 yards. We fell back to the works and rested for a few minutes, when we again charged forward, thi Page 222 ~22 KY., ~W. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. time to the top of the hill, the enemy remaining in their works near the top of the hill until our men were within a few yards of them, when the greater number broke and ran down the hill on the oppo- site side, though quite a number threw down their guns and sur- rendered. It was now near sunset. I formed my regiment on the top of the ridge and marched to the front, on to the second ridge, where I was ordered by Colonel Wood to halt my regiment, along with the Fifty-seventh Indiana and One hundredth Illinois, and there to await orders, while the Fortieth Indiana and Ninety-seventh Ohio were moved on in the front line. In a short time the advanced regiments became engaged with the enemy, and I received orders to move my regiment to the front aiid left of the road, where I was ordered to halt, opposite a steep hill on which the enemy was posted. The enemy soon gave way again and the pursuit ended for the time, and this regiment was thrown forward on picket for the night. About 2 a. m. my regiment was called in and marched to the front with the remainder of the brigade to Chickamauga Creek, but was not again engaged, and returned to camp in Chattanooga on the evening of November 2(3. In passing to the front from Missionary Ridge we saw several pieces of artillery which had been abandoned by the enemy, though I did not leave any one in charge of them. It gives me pleasure to state that during this coiitest all, both offi- cers and men, nobly performed their duties and fought bravely for victory; and where all do so well it is impossible to distinguish as to the meritorious conduct of any. It also gives me pleasure to state that Chaplain J. J. Hight was immediately on the field, and rendered very efficient aid to our wounded soldiers. This regiment went into action with 253 arme(l mcii and 17 coin- missioned officers. I have to report the following losses iii this regiment, to wit: Commissioned officers: Killed, none; wounded, Capt. J. M. Smith, Capt. Greemi McDonald, Lieut. A. Milburn, Licut. Z. Jones, and Lieut. George Hill. Enlisted men: Killed, 5; wounded, 55; missing, none. Total killed. 5; wounded, (30; aggregate loss, Go. Respectfully submitted. J. MOORE, Lien/en cmi- Colonel, Corn m anding Regiment. Capt. H. C. TINNEY, A. A. U., Secomi Brig., Second Div., Fourth Army Corp8. No. 46. ]?epori of i~ieal. (Jol. JVilliai,t H. Yowug, Tw mdy-sixlh Ohio In HDQRS. TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR : I have the honor herewith to report the part taken by my command, the Twenty-sixth Regiment Ohio Voluimteers, in the move- ments of the 28d, 24th, 25th, and 26th instant in this vicinity. About 2 p. m. on the 23d, in obedience to orders from the brig Page 223 CHAP. XLIII.] TILE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 223 dier-oeneral Commanding, my regiment was moved to the front and formed in the Center of the rear line in line of battle a few yards in the rear of the picket line and immediately in front of Fort Pal- mer. An honr later, while the brigade was advancing and driving in the enemys pickets, I took command, in obedience to orders for- merly received from General Wagner, of the rear line, consisting of the Fifteenth Indiana on the right, Twenty-sixth Ohio in the center, all(l Fifty-seventh Indiana on the left, which line was advanced in line of battle and halted with brigade near the enemys picket line, where it lay until night. Dnring this movement the Twenty-sixth Ohio was nnder the immediate command of Maj. W. H. Sqnires. During the night my reginient was advanced to the front line, moved with the brigade to the left abont 400 yards and assigned the front center, having the Fortieth Indiana on its right and Fifty- eighth Indiana on its left. In this position rifle-pits were constrncted (lining the night. On the 24th, we lay in line of battle in onr rifle-pits withont change of position or interruption, except by an occasional harmless shell from the enemys batteries in onr front. Abont 3 p. m. of the 25th, on orders from Colonel Wood, com- inanding the front line, to advance my regiment with the rest of the brigade, I moved to the front across an open field in view of the en- emy, some 500 yards, where we lay down half an hour, receiving, but without casualty, a severe fire of shell. I here received and gave to niy officers orders to advance slowly and steadily in line until or(lered to halt, as it was intended, if possible, to take all before us to the top of Missionary Thdge. The movement to the front began as directed (about 3.45 oclock), but the line had advanced but a few hundred yards when the troops on my either flank without orders, so far as I understood, quickened their pace to a double-quick. After endeavoring for some time to preserve the prescribed pace. finding my men were falling to the rear and chafing under the restraint, I quickened their step, regained my place in the line, and double-quicked under a terrific fire of shot and shell for 800 to 900 yards to the enemys line of rifle-pits at the base of the monntain,which, being found empty, were immediately cleared and the charge enthusiastically continued up the mountain slope, the crest at this point being 000 to 800 yards distant. About half this latter distance was made most gallantly and without serious casnalty, but the (listance the men had double-quicked, some 1,200 to 1,500 yards, and the increasing angle of the acclivity had completely ex- hausted them. We were now, too, receiving a very hot fire of mus- ketry from the enemys rifle-pits on the crest in front as well a~ an enfilading fire of shell and solid shot from the right and left, the po- sition of the line we were assailing being much retired and our line of march bisecting the arc of a circle whose limbs were lined with rebel batteries throwing upon us a concentrated fire. I thereupon ordered my men to move slowly, advancing firing as skirniishers, availing themselves of every shelter available, avoiding undue exposure, but to keep up a forward movement. The latter I found extremely difficult by reason of the great exhaustion of of- ficers and men, both behaving with the utmost gallantry, but in a number of cases falling at my feet completely outdone. We were, however, steadily approaching a point much shelter6d by the config- uration of the ground and already occupied by a few men in ad- vance, when I received an order to fall back to the rifle-pit at th Page 224 224 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. base of the ridge. The order was promptly repeated but reluctantly obeyed, for we felt that with a little rest and strengthened by the second line the ridge could be carried. Up to this time but 2 officers and a few men of my command had been struck, and though so eii- tirely for the moment exhausted, their enthusiasm was still high and their confidence unabated. We fell back rapidly under a galling fire, and, losing several men, took refuge behind the before-mentioned rifle-pits and for a number of minutes, perhaps fifteen, lay nnder a most terrific cannonade sustain- ing but little if any loss. Two of my lieutenants and a nnmber of my men, perhaps one-fifth, failing to comprehend the order to fall back, remained on tl~ie hill-side and rejoined their command when the second charge was made. After remaining nearly a quarter of an hour under cover, the line was again ordered forward, advanced rapidly and gallantly across the gentle but exposed slope (300 yards) with which the acclivity begins, and then seeking shelter, began again the more toilsome ascent in the face of a bitter fire. For more than 200 yards we had slowly and laboriously worked our way up the mountain side, suffering serious loss, and beginning to feel most sensibly the exhaustion that was breaking down both officers and men, when, perceiving the line fear- fully weakened by the causes just nientioned, and by the necessity of extending it to cover an arc of which our original line had been the chord, I galloped back to urge up the rear line to support us in the final struggle at the enemys works. They, however, were on the way ere I reached them, and soon joined us, filling up the gaps in the front line, and giving fresh encouragement to the few heroic spirits who were already closing upon the rifle-pits with which the mountain crest was fringed, and from which a steady fire was still pouring down upon us. My color sergeant was already severely wounded, the senior cor- poral had been killed, another had fallen down exhausted, a fourth and the last seemed scarcely able to climb farther, when, feeling the moment had come for the crowning and final effort, I took the colors and led the advance of my command the remaining Th0 yards into the enemys works as he threw down his arms and took to flight. 0mm advancing some yards farther, I found the enemy was already in rapid retreat beyond the ridge, pushing forward his wagons and en- (icavoring to carry off his cannon. Halting a moment to permit the meii with me to regain their breath and those in the rear to come up, we then pushed immediately forward to gain a knob beyond, from which I hoped to be able to stampede and capture a wagon train still mu sight. After advancing about 300 yards, passing and leaving a guard with two brass guns, being without support, I again halted to rally around my colors a few more men, when I was joined by the Fifteenth In- diana and at the same time received orders through an orderly to retire. I sent back by the orderly the information that a large wagomi train was near at hand, and asked permission to attempt its capture. Ere an answer was received General Wagner joined me and directed me to take the Fifteenth Indiana, Major White commanding, and my own regiment, and move off to the left and take possession of a battery about 300 yards distant, which the enemy were endeavoring to carry off through a ravine on my left. Placing the Twenty-sixth Ohio under command of Major Squires, and throwing out skirmish- ers from the Fifteenth Indiana, the comumamid was moved rapidly t Page 225 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTAN0OGARTNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 225 the left oblique in order to capture tlie party in charge of the guns. They were, however, already cutting loose the horses, and succeeded in getting away, leaving all the guns (four brass pieces and two Par- rotts) and several caissons and limbers, and 8 horses still harnessed. Never havifig captured cannon before, and hence not appreciating the importance of claiming the guns as trophies, besides feeling they were entirely safe in my rear, and thinking I might need all my corn- mand in front, I left no guard with them, bnt immediately pushed forward upon the [retreating enemy] some hundreds of yards to the front. I was now about three-quarters of a mile from the ridge. The troops on my left, who had previously advanced several hundred yards, had all been withdrawn. There was a gap of one-third of a mile between my right and the left of our brigade, and deeming it prudent to advance no farther without support. especially as it was already dark, I was about to retire, when there was opened up a brisk fire of musketry and artillery from a hill or ridge about three-fourths of a mile to my right oblique. After waiting a few minutes until I discovered a stout resistance was being made, and the issue possibly doubtful, directing my original line of skirmishers to protect my left flank I changed front to the right oblique, directing Major Squires to throw out two companies of skirmishers to cover the new front; and sending notice around by the rear of my intention, I took up a line of march for a knob, from which I expected to turn the enemys position by attacking his left flank. The exceeding and unexpected roughness of our route, comprising steep acclivity, dense thicket, and thickly tangled swamps, made the undertaking one of no little difficulty. It was, however, finally accomplished and the height was gained, and so successfully that 1 lieutenant and S men, comprising the enemys right, were captured and theli line imme- diately broken, with the capture of two brass gn; u. The Federal troops here engaged proving to be our own brigad~. I a gain assumed command of my own regiment, which, however, saw no further special service, but remained with the brigade until it returned to camp on the evening of the 26th. At every step of our advance from the tinme we reached the en- emys rifle-pits, prisoners were picked up by the men under my com- mand, but, as we were constantly in the extreme front, they were at every opportunity passed immediately to the rear and handed over, without credit asked or given, to whoever would relieve us of their care. There were reported to me 45 thus disposed of; many others were passed, as we advanced, and no notice taken of them, as they seemed making fair time for our rear, and I had good reason to be- lieve they would be carefully looked after and kindly cared for by officers and men who were giving their attention to that part of the work. Of the conduct of my command perhaps nothing need be said; it was mostly witnessed by the general commanding the brigade. We were in no sense repulsed, not even checked beyond what a prudent caution demanded under the shifting condition of the conflict. I can only account for being ordered back after getting nearly or qaite half way from the base to the summit of Missionary Rid~e on the 25th by supposing the ardor of the command had already carried it beyond instructions. Too much cannot be said in commendation of the personal gal- lantry of my officers. Maj. W. H. Squires, who at several times was left in coummand of the regiment, and Adjt. James A. Spence, 15 R HVOL XXXI, PT I Page 226 226 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. both unhorsed in the very beginning of the action, most gallantly, heroically acquitted themselves, lending me most material assistance from first to last. Assistant Surgeon Rush acquitted himself with commendable zeal and fidelity of his duties as field surgeon. It is but simple jnstice to deserving merit to record here as worthy of particular mention the following names of line officers of my regiment, who, with the exception of Second Lieutenant Johnson, remained with their companies until the fighting was over, thongh several were painfully, but not seriously hurt; Captains Peatman, Company F; Frazier, Company D; Adair, Company I; Baldwin, Com- pany G (wounded in the face); First Lieutenants Hume, command- ing Company K; Franklin, commanding Company B (wounded in the leg) ; Foster, Company A (wounded in the leg); Renick, Com- pany F; Timberlake, Conipany D; Second Lieutenants Guy, Com- pany K; Johnson, Company IL; Og~ n, Company F; Hill, command- ing Company A; Goodhue, commanding Company C (wounded in the leg), and Pla.tt, Company G. Your attention is respectfully invited to the following statement of casualties in this regiment: Commissioned officers wounded, 5; enlisted men killed, 2; enlisted men wounded, 29; 1 of them has since died. During the brief period that I was in command of the rear line of three regiments on the afternoon of 23d nothing occurred worthy of mention. Tue regiments were all ably handled by their respective commanders. While temporarily in command of the Fifteenth Indiana on the evening of the 25th, I could not fail to notice the very gallant bear- ing of that regiment, and particularly the spirit and ability displayed by Major White and Captain Hegler. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. YOUNG, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. H. C. TINNEY, Assistant Adjutant- General. I No. 47. Report of Lient. Gol. Hilton Barnes, Ninety-seventh Ohio In fantry. HDQRS. NINETY-SEVENTH Orno VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, London, Tenn., February 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part - taken by this re& iment in the engagement with the enemy in front of Chattanooga, November 23. 24, and 25, 1863 According to previous orders, at 1 p. m. of the 23d, I had my com- mand in readiness for action, with three days rations in haversacks and 80 rounds of ammunition to the man, the effective strength being 23 officers and 411 enlisted men. I moved with the rest of the bri- gade to the front and formed line of battle on the right in the first line, my right resting on the top of the hill across the railroad in front of Fort Palmer. I rested in this position until about 3 oclock Page 227 Ow. XLULJ THE OHATEANOOGARIKGGOW OAMPAIGN. 22! until the troops on our left (Woods division) began to move upon the enemys pickets. Then receiving the order to advance, I moved forwardtothe first ravine, where I detached Corn es A and F (Captain Rosemond and Lieutenant O~le), deployed as skirmishers. They immediately became engaged with the enemys skirmishers, driving them rapidly over the next hill into the woods, where they made a stand and attempted to turn our right, but moving quickly by the right flank, and our skirmishers pressing hotly in froni, they were soon checked and driven rapidly beyond their first line of works. My line having now reached the crest of the bill, I halted it and held the position while the troops in rear came forward and oommenced building a line of breastworks. After dark I moved the regiment forward a ut 250 yards, and picketed the front of our bri- gade during the night. I lost none in killed or wounded in the first days engagement. At 8 a. m. of the following day (24th), I was relieved by the Fif- teenth lndiana Volunteers, and, moving back, took their former posi- tion on the right in the second line, and rested dur~ the day. November 25, about 3p. in., I advanced withthe ~tFwnn across the breastworks thrown up the night and day previous. While cross- ing I had 1 man wounded. Reaching an open field, I rested until the batteries on our left fired the signal for a general attack, when I moved forward through the woods into the open plain in front of the enemys second line of works at the foot of Mission Ridge, where we were exposed to a terrific fire of shot and shell. In a few minutes I received the order to advance to the works and occuv them, the front line having passed. In doing so my men moved in perfect line of battle at a double-quick, with the coolness and precis- ion of an ordinary drilL In the meantime the enemys batteries, supported by a heavy line of infantry, were pourin~ a continuous voli7ey of shot, shell, shrapuel, grape, and canister own the slope and across the plain. I now received an order from General Wag- ner to leave the rifle-pits and close up on the front line, which Ipro- ceeded to do. This order was countermanded, but before I could repeat it the men were under waj and I could not stop them. Reach- ing the foot of the hill, I closed on the Fortieth Indiana Volunteers. Regimental lines now became almost obliterated. I receivod no ordsrstoascend the hill but that previously stated. I urged my men forward. The enthusiasm soon became general, officers and men vying with each other in their eagerness to be foremost in storming the enemys last line of works on the crest of the ridge. They rushed onward and upward from point to point over the diii- cult ground and up the steep ascent amidst the incessant hail-storm of iron and lead, displaying acts of personal bravery which was cer- tainly almost without a parallel in the annals of war. Not one man went to the rear who didi not carry a wound. The line of our ascent covered a shallow ravine, terminating on the top of the ridge at the apex of an obtuse angle in the enemys line, subjecting us to a direct and cross fire. About forty minutes elapsed in scaling the hill, when, from the steady advances and determined spirit of our men, the enemys lines wavered, broke, and finally fled in confusion to the rear. My regimental colors crossed the ridge to the left of the house which a few minutes before was Gene Braggs headquarters. Over 150 prisoners were captured by my command; and many more weresentthrough mylinesto the Warwithout a guard, owing to the excitement of the moment and the immediate order to refor Page 228 228 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. the line and pursue the enemy. Receiving such orders from Gen- eral Wagner, I formed as quickly as possible on the left of the Fortieth Indiana Volunteers, and proceeded down the direction of the road leading toward Chickamauga Station. When we reached the foot of a hill about 1 mile distant, we again encountered the enemy, and immediately became engaged. It now became dark, and it was apparent from the murderous fire to which we became exposed that the enemy had chosen a strong position and intended to maintain it. This and the Fortieth Indiana being the only regiments engaged in this last encounter, we could not advance without almost certain destruction. The fight continued over an hour, resulting in the loss of a large proportion of those counted in the aggregate of killed and wounded. Finally the Regiment nioved up on my left around the point of the hill, when the enemy immediately ceased firing, and we moved forward and occupied their position. My loss in killed was 16 enlisted men; wounded, 9 officers and 124 enlisted meim. I cannot speak too highly of both officers and men on this occa- sion. Suffice it to say that all did their duty and did it miobly, amid well deserve the gratitude of their country. Effective strength engaged: Officers, 23 ; enlisted men, 411; total, 434. Killed : Officers, none ; enlisted, 16. Wounded : Officers, 9 ; en- listed, 124. Missing, none. Total; 149. Officers wounded were Major Moore, Surgeon Gordon, Captain Rosemond, Captain Weisser, Captain Liun. Lieutenant iBrady, Lieu- tenant lEchelberry. Lientenamit McClure, amid Captain Gilley. Very respectfully, M. BARNES, Lie ate nunt Coloiwl, Co iamanding. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Second Brigade. No. 48. Report of Col. Charles G. Harker, Si~rty:fifth Ohio Infantry, corn- man cling Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, London., Tewn., February 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of time opera- tions of my brigade in time battle of Missionary Ridge from amid in- cluding time 23d day of Novenmber, 1863, up to and including time 26th day of November, 1863: My brigade consisted of nimme regiments, and, in order to facilitate (Irilhilig, marching, and maneuvering in front of the enemy, I had, with. the consemit of time gemmeral commanding the division, (livided it into demi-brigades. The First Demi-Brigade was commnanded by Col. Emerson Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volun- teers, and consisted of the Third Kentucky Volunteers, Col. Henry C. Dunlap commanding; Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Col. Allen Buckner commanding; Sixty-fourth C)hio Volunteers, Col. Alexander Mcllvain coinmandimig; Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, co Page 229 C1~u?. XLIII.] THE CITATTANOOGARINGGOLID CAMPAIGN. 2~9 mall(ied 1 y Lied. Co]. William A. Bullitt, of the Third Kentucky Volunteers, and One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, temporarily commanded by Capt. K P. Bates. The Second Demi-Brigade, commanded by Col. Nathan H. Wal- worth. Forty-Second Illinois Volnnteers, and consisted of the Twenty- seventh Illinois Volnnteers, Col. Jonathan R. Miles commanding; Twenty-second Illinois Volunteers, Lient. Col. Francis Swanwick commanding; Fifty-first Illinois Volunteers, Maj. Charles W. Davis co~rinianding, until wounded, when the command devolved upon Capt. A. M. Tilton; and the Forty-second Illinois Volunteers, tem- porarily commanded by Capt. IE. D. Swain. About 12 in. on the 23d of November, I received an order from Major-General Sheridan, commanding the division, to march my command with 40 rounds of cartricl ges, with out knapsacks or haver- sacks, to an eminence known as Brush Knob, about one-half mile to the front of the line of rifle-pits conimnanded by Forts Wood and Negley, amid nearly equidistant from each. The left of my command rested near the summit of Brush Knob, the front line consisting of three regiments in hue of battle; the balance in double column omi time center were formed in rear of flue hill, taking shelter froni the enemys artillery should he open upon us. The Second Brigade of our division (Wagners) was on my left and a little advanced, the First Brigade (Shernuans) was on my right a little retired. My front was covered by a line of skirmishers from the Fortieth Indiana Volunteers, of Gemmeral Wagners brigade, sup- ported 1)Y detachments from Colonel Opdyckes demni-brigade. We remnained in this position until General Wood advanced upon Orchard Knob, which advance was followed by General Wagners brigade. I was soon ordered to follow General Wagner, and to take position 0mm a ridge about one-eighth of a mile to the frommt of Brush Knob. umy left commuecting with General Wagners right, while my right, a little refused, was to rest on Moores road and near tIme point where the picket limme crossed said road previous to the advamuce of our forces. In taking this l)ositiomm a sharp engagemnent within the rebel pickets ensued the enemy m tpi(llv gave way, amm(l we sustained but slight loss. llaving gaummed thus positiomin we were ordered to con- struct. rifle-pits along ommi emPume Im out. About dark I was ordered to have time right of my skim muishm hue thrown forward; this was skill- fully done by a part of time Thmum d Kemutucky Volunteers, which cap- ture(l a umuninber of prisoumer~ mum thus movemnent. iuuciuding 2 commnis- siommed officers. The limme hemming tlmus established we remaimued in positioum during the imight pernumttimmg detachmmemmts to return to time camup for ratioums amid knapsacks, amud smufficiemut cartridges to supply eacim muan with 60 rouminds. Tuesday, November 24, all was quiet oum my immediate front, but heavy bring of n4umsketry and artillery occurred oum our extreme right, resuml tiimg imi the capture of Lookoinint Monumfaimin by our forces. Wedmmesday, Novenuber 25, about S a. ni., I was ordered to advance mmmv skirmumish line to an emiumemuce abomint one-eigimth of a niile to the fromint. Timis advance was made witimout opposition. my brigade tak- imig positioum imin a line of rifle-pits abandoned i)y the eulenmy. We remained imi this position immactive until about 3 p. ni., wimeum orders were received to prepare to carry time enemys works in our front. My command was disposed imm the following order: Colonel Wal- worths demi-brigade un the right, within time Forty-secomud Illinois Volunteers covermn6 umy whole front as skirmishers; the Twenty Page 230 230 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. seventh illinois Volunteers in th( ii out urn ut Ii dtl(, the Twenty second J1li~ois Volunteers and Pitt lh 4 Illinois \Tohnltecrs about 300 yards to the rear, deployed into hun C loud )pdyckes (ICuhi brigade oiu the left, the Third Kcntm lix N ol ont~ ci and the Sixty- fourth Ohio Volunteers in the fi ou tt I inc the Sixty fifth Ohio Volun- teers and the One hundred aiid tweiity fifth Ohio Volunteers in the second line, all deployed, the Sex eutv ninth Illinois Volunteers in double column about 200 yar(ls in rear of the second line. This disposition beiuio~ ui~do. Coloiiels Opdycke and MTalworth were ordered to niove forward at the firing of the signal gun from Orchard Knob, and to carry the works at all hazardswere directed to conform to the niovenients of General Wagners brigade, which was on my left. The ground in i ny immediate front was covered with timber for a distance of about one-eighth of a mile; froni there to the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge, a distance of half a mile, the ground was entirely cleared of tiniber and coiuiparatively level. At the given signal, the lines moved forward quite hiaiulsomely. Arriving at the opeii ground w~ were exposed to a most terrific fire of shot and shell from the enemys battei~~T located oii the ridge in our front. The brigade on my left, now moved in double-quick time, which was conformed to by my own command. My troops carrie(t the first line of rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge simultaneously with the brio~ade on my left and right. We reached it, however. much fatigued and souiewhat disorgauiizedl from the rapidl niarch across time l)la.in amid the severe artillem~ flu in to xvhich we had beemi ex- posed. The advamice troops, eaoem to complete the work so well begun, commenced aseciudimig the ridge though they were in effect- ive range of the enemys mmmskdtm N xx Thehm umow opemied most fun- ously, while shot amid shell frommi the im tullery gave place to grape amid cammister. The ascent was someix hit irregular, owing to the con- formatiomi of time groundl audi time dmfhdmmltx d)f ascending ; they, how- ever, continued oainimug grommuid, takimig advantage of trees. stumps, & c., until they hadi reached about omme thu d. of the distamuce from the foot to the sunumit, when time I)rigade upoui mmiy left coumunieiice(l re- tiringwhich I afterward learned was by orderthins leaving my left emutirely without support amid partially exposedl to a cross-fire. I ordered Colomuel Opdycke to retire beyondl time first flume of rifle-pits an(l reforum his conmniandl. Before tiPs order was (omiveye(i to Cob- mmcl Waiworthm I saxxT Geumeral Shenid aim, who stated that time falling back was mu)t by imis order, amid that, hue xxToumld ordier an advance again as soon as the troops had recovered a little froum their fatigue. Colo- nel Wmlwortims denmi-bnigade did not fail back. Time order to again pasim forxx-ardl was soomu given by Gemmeral Shenidami, amid was obeyed within alacrity by time couuimimand. TIme (ilfiheuulty and danger which the brave officers amid mcii passed tiurouglm fromum time fooi~ of time hill to the suninmit barnes descniptiomi. From time mmatnu& of time groumudl it was inipossible to niove forward witlu re~uianity and in line, ex- posed to time mumost gallimig fire of imiusketry amid umider a ceaseless storm of grape, canister, amid other (leadly umissiles. TIme brave offi- ccis andi men pushed forxxTard within a dieterminatiomi which nothing could dammuit, and entirely worthy of the great cause for which we are struggling. Though officers amud meum were constantly failing, the command moved steadily forward. taking advantage of every depression in time gronmudor tree, or stumpto rest for an instant, rehoad. and tiuen umove forward; thins, foot by foot and pace by pace. thue crest xxTas beimug reacluedi to the adlummiration. of all xvhuo witmiesse Page 231 C~p. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAiRINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 231 it, and to the surprise even of those who participated in the l)CriloUS undertaking. My right and Colonel Shermans left interlo6ked, so to speak, as we approached the summit, and it was near this point that I saw the first part of my line gain the crest. This was done by a few brave men of my own and Colonel Shermans commands driv- ing the enemy from his intrenchinents. The gap thus opened, our men rushed rapidly in, and the enemy, loath to give up their positiou, still remained, firing at my command toward the left; and the battery in frout of the house known as Gen- eral Braggs headquarters was still firing at the troops, and was captured by our men while the gunners were still at their posts. The enemy, now evidently panic stricken by the boldness of our movements, commenced retiring, and soon the entire ridge was in our possession, leaving many prisoners, cannon, and small-arms in 0111 ~os5~551Ofl. The crest thus gained, the most unbounded enthusiasm I had ever witnessed then prevailed throughout the entire command, and though the enemy was but a short distance in our front, endeavoring to secure his train and a portion of his artillery, it was with difli- culty that we could sufficiently control the men so as to reform our lines, and follow up the retreating foe. Order being once more restored, I was directed by General Sheridan to follow up the foe and secure as much of his train as possible. A short distance to the front tile road forked. I sent Colonel Opdycke, with his demi-brigade, on the direct road toward Chickamauga, while Colonel Walworth was directed to take the road to the right. Colonel Opdycke, with his demi-brigade, in connection with a part of General Wagners brigade, encountered the enemy at a ridge 1~ miles from the crest of Missionary Rid~e Here, after a very stubborn fight, time ridge was carried. Colonel Walworth was recalled from ins position to the ridge, but did not arrive in time to participate in the engagement. To Colonel Opdycke is due whatever praise my brigade may have received for the battle on time second ridge. It being now quite dark, our position was selected by General Sheridan, and we were ordered to bivouac until further orders. About 1 a. in., November 26, we were ordered to the crossing of the Chickamauga near Chickamauga Station, about 5 miles to the front. This movement was made without opposition. We arrived at the crossing about 3 a. mm, where we went into camp. Finding time bridge destroyed, we were directed to repair sonme fiat-boats and prepare for crossiIig, but about 2 p. m. we received orders to abamidon far- thier pursuit and return to our old camp in front of Chattanooga. We captured and sent to (livision amid corps headquarters, 303 pris- oners and a large number of small-arms. In regard to the number of pieces of artillery, it will probably be difficult to reconcile the reports of my regimental conunanders with the reports of other regimmiemits aimd brigades, who fought so nobly with my owim commm- mand, and who are alike entitled to share the honors and glories of the day, umore anxious to folio ~ the enemy than to appropriate tro- phies already secured. We pushed to the froimt, while the place we occupied, on ascending the hill, was soon occupied by other troops, who, I have learned, claim the artillery as having fallen into their own hamids. It must, timemefore, remain with the division and corps commanders, who knew the relative positions of each brigade and division, to accord to each tue trophies to which they are due. From my personal observation, I can claim a battery of six guns Page 232 232 KY., SW. \TA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. c+A. [CHAP. XLIII. captured by a portion of my brigade. The aggregate of regiimental commanders will far exceed that number, but, believing it not impos- sible that in the necessary confusion, two or more commands might lay claim to the same pieces, I simply submit their reports, assured that ample justice will be done to all. The following is a list of killed and wounded: Officers. Enlisted men. Command. Headquarters 1 3 ti4th Ohio 1 5 1 25 65th Ohio 1 1 12 I25thOhio 1 2 3d Kentucky 1 1 5 22d Illinois 3 3 13 27th Illinois 42d illinois 2j 6 6 64 51st Illinois i 8 4 28 1 1 1 12 Total* I 4 34 23 235 It is with pride that I call the attention of my commanders to the conduct ot Colonel Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and Colonel Walworth, of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteers, commanding demi-brigades under me. By their good conduct, and the faithful discharge of every duty devolving upon them, they have rendered me invaluable assistance, and in the battle of Missionary Ridge were conspicuous for gallantry, daring, and skill. Whatever praise is due true bravery and soldierly qualities are (lue them; and I take pleasure in recommending them as in every way worthy and capable of commanding brigades. To my regimental commanders, Colonel Dunlap, Third Kentucky: Colonel Mellvain, Sixty-fourth Ohio; Colonel Bnckner, Seventy- ninth Illinois; Colonel Miles, Twenty-seventh Illinois; Major Davis. Fifty-first Illinois (who fell severely wounded while gallantly leadiiig his men): Lieutenant-Colonel Bnllitt, Third Kentucky, commanding Sixty-fifth Ohio; Lieutenant-Colonel Swanwick, Twenty-second Illi- nois; Captain Bates, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, and Cap- tain Swain, Forty-second Illinois, great praise is due and most cheer- fully accorded for their good conduct throughout the terrible struggle resulting in the capture of Missionary Ridge. For the good conduct of subordinate officers and enlisted men I must refer you to the reports of regimental commanders herewith inclosed. To my staff I am indebted for the prompt and efficient manner in which every duty was performed. I should make especial mention of Maj. Samuel L. Coulter, Sixty-fourth Ohio, my acting assistant adjutant-general. He was of most valuable service to me, and by his gallantry and daring greatly encouraged the troops in assault- ing the ridge. It affords me great pleasure to acknowledge his distinguished services. I should also mention in terms of especial praise the good conduct ofLieut.AlfredO.Johnson,_aide-de-camp to Colonel Walworth, who * But see revised statement, p. 81 Page 233 Ow XLIIId THE CHATTAYOOG ARINGGOLI) CAMPAIGIN. 233 fell severely wounded while faithfully performing his duty, and who has since died. He was an accomplished young soldier, generous, brave, and patriotic. Missionary Ridge will forever stand an enduring monument to the noble and brave officers and men who fell so gloriously while scaling its summit. Respectfully submitted. C. G. HARKER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Lient. T. W. C. MOORE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 49. Report of Col. Emerson Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Demi-Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DEMI-BRIGADE, Chattanooga, Tenn., j\Tovember 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of the First Demi- Brigade, beginning on the 23d and ending on the 26th of November. This demi-brigade has an existence only for active operations, and hence the command of it is attended with difficulties not known to legal organizations. It is composed of five regiments, viz : Third Kentucky, Colonel Dunlap; Seventy-ninth Illinois, Colonel Buck- ner; Sixty-fourth Ohio, Colonel Mcllvain; Sixty-fifth Ohio, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bullitt; One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio (my own regiment), Captain Bates comniandin g. At noon of the 23d of November. I received orders from Colonel Harker to move my command to the front. We had but started when we saw the whole army in motion, dressed as if for review. The Third Kentucky was then on picket duty, also a portion of the Sixty-fifth Ohio. We xvere soon near the picket line of the enemy, and were there formed, under the directions of Colonel Harker, in two lines, and the Sixty-fifth Ohio deployed to the front as skir- mishers. General Wagners brigade was to my left, and Colonel Walworths demi-brigade to my right. My right was somewhat refused, and the skirmishers became engaged. Ours advanced rap- idly, and were followed by the main force till halted and set to throwing up breastworks. These were pushed to completion with vigor, when details were made to brin~ rations and blankets. The troops then lay down by their guns, with orders from Colonel Harker to be ready for action at a moments notice. Nothing occurred to my front on the 24th worthy of mention. At about 2 p. m. of the 25th. I moved the five regiments composing my command several hundred yards to the front, with the general line, au(l into an open woods. Colonel Harker directed me to form my command into three lines, the first and second to be two regiments each, both deployed, and the third in double column, each line to be about 300 yards to the rear of the one in front of it, and that we were to carry the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge with the bayonet. I was also directed to be governed by the movements of the troops next on my left, and if they advanced up the ridge, I was to move up also and maintain my relative position. The Third Kentucky and Sixty-fourth Ohio were placed in the first line, the Sixty-fourth Ohio on tile right of the Third Kentucky. The Sixty Page 234 984 n., SW. vs., mint, mes., it ALA., Mm IL GA. (Car. lUlL fifth Ohio ad One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio formed the second line, the One hundred and twenty-fifth to the right of the Sixty-fifth. The Seventy-ninth Illinois was to the rear and opposite the interval betweenthere entsofthesecondline,andformedthethirdline. At the signal 6! six guns from a designated spot, the lines advaced briskly ad in gcod order till they cleared the woods. From here to the foot of the ridge was an unobstructed plain. There were, in some places, two lines of rifle-pits, ad beyond them the rid~, which is 500 feet high, ad the ascent isanangle of 450 Upo crest of this ridge the enemy wereinstrong force of all arms. At the instant we appeared upon the plain the crest seemed alive with the roar ad flame of artillery, bat the shells mostly burst over our headsattoo~reataheighttoproduceeffectotherthantoaddtothe awful sublimity of the scene. The troops to our left were soon run- ning and yelling, and to obey the order to maintain my 0tion on the prolongation of their nght, my command also from the quick step to the run. This soon brought us three-eighths of a mile, and to the rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge, but the men were quite out of breath, and I regretted to see the troops tomy left move on up the ridge before they had time to rest afew minutes. But they r the rifle-pits following the retreating enemy under a terrific of canister and musketry until nea~rtalf waj up, when the line halted. The men lay down, and m of them oun consider- able protection behind stumps, fallen trees, & c. Soon the brigade to my left fell back to the rife- p its. Those of my men who had not protection also took shelter in the rifle-pits, and those who had pro- tection remained where they were and maintained a deliberate and effective fire upon the enemj. A few minutes of needed rest was now given, the tremendous re of the enemy meanwhile doing but littleliarm, and left us to contemplate the unparalleled grandeur and sublimity of the scene. The second and third lines came up to the pits and took shelter in them. Forward soon passed along the lines; then the whole moved up slowly in the face of an inde- scribable fire of all arms, ad forced the enemy either to flee in dis- order or surrender at their pns. My command captured Braggs headquarters house and the six guns which were near there. One of thesel ordered turned upon the enemy, which was done with effect. Colonel Harker ordered me to pursue and endeavor to capture a train. I soon sent back a caisson and 6 mules. A half mile farther on I came upon the enemys rear guard. It was well posted upon a hill, with two guns. It was now dark, except for the moon. The One hundred ad twenty-fifth was skirmishinq to the front and the two pieces of artillery were worked upon us with energy. I also re- ceived reports from various sources that my extreme right was threatened. I posted my few troops in a strong position, and sent scouts and flankers well out1 and made all possible exertions to ascer- tam the strength and position of the enemy. Colonel Wood, of Wagners brijade, was making the same exertions on the left of the road. Ilis skirmishers and mine were acting in conjunction. The hill was soon carried, and one gnn was captured by my skirmishers, the other one by Colonel Woods skirmishers. Colonel Harker came to me, and was ordering all forward when or~ ders came from General Sheridan to pursue no f~rther until ordered. The men got ready to rest for the night, but at it3Op. a we were ordered to pursue. Cartridges were issued, and the division moved rapidly toward Birds Mill, on the Chickamauga River. My coin Page 235 CHAP. XLTII.] THE CHATTANOOGARJ~GGOLD CAMPAIGN. 235 mand had the advance. The Sixty-fifth Ohio was (leployed as skir- mishers, their center moving upon the road. LPhe other regiments moved in two lines, deployed. The road was strewed with muskets, accouterments, and artillery ammunition, evidences of a disorderly retreat. Prisoners were taken at every few rods, and at 3 a. m. of the 26th we reached the river. The bridge was destroyed, and our tired troops were glad to bivouac. Soon after daylight I was ordered to prepare iuieans tor crossing the troops to resume the pursuit, but by the time this was nearly accom- plished we were ordered to Chattanooga, where we arrived at dusk of that day. The trophies of my command were over 300 prisoners, hundreds of small-arms, and 7 pieces of artillery, caissons, harness, mules, & c. Its losses were: Killed, officers, 1; enlisted men, 10. Wounded, officers, 17; enlisted men, 124. Aggregate loss, 152. I can hardly imagine it to be possible for any troops to merit higher comniendation or deeper gratitude froni the Republic than those of this command did on the memorable 25tl~ day of November, 1863. It is not easy for the just pen to oniit many names who distinguished themselves for heroic devotion to country, but I cannot refuse to mentioii Colonel Dunlap, commanding Third Kentucky. He led his reginient on horse, and when 2 color bearers had fallen, he bore the old flag rapidly to the crest in advance of his command, if not of the whole army. Lieuteuiaiit-Colonel Bulhitt, commanding Sixty-fifth Ohio, had a sharp contest for the guns, but his flag triumphed amidst the sWrm. Captain Bates, commanding One hundred and twenty- fifth Ohio, was cool and judicious. I commend him for handling tIme regiment so that it performed nobly the part assigned to it, and with such. small loss. Lieutenants Carr and Carter, my aides, rendered valuable services in carrying orders and assisting in maintaining order in the ranks. Orderly R. Duncaim continued coolly by me through the severest fire. Private Daniel M. Peters, Company F, Sixty-fifth Ohio, shot a rebel officer from his horse on the crest, and mounted the colonel commanding~ he having both of his horses dis- abled in the ascents of the heights I respectfully refer you to the reports of regimental commanders for further special notices of gallantry. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMERSON OPDYCKE, Cot., Corndg. 1st Demi-Brig., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 4th A. C. Maj. S. L. COULTER Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 50. Report of Got. Allen Bucicuer, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry. HDQRs. SEVENTY-NINTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., Sweet Water, Tenn., February 12, 1864. Sin: I have the hiommor to submit the followimig report of the part this regiment took in time battle of Mission Ridge I received orders to move out of camp near 12 mu. on the 23d of November, 1863, which was promptly obeyed. Our position in the first line was to the rear and opposite an interval between the Sixty- fifth and One hundred and twenty-fifthm Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Soon aim order came to move forward, holding the same position Page 236 236 icy., sw. vs., PENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. This movement was conti~.iued until we approached near the first wood. Skirmishing had been going on for some time to our left; now it began in front. Quite a nnmber of balls passed through the regiment, but with no effect. After remaining here a short time, I received an order to move by the right flank, then by the left, until we arrived at the foot of the hill in the above-named woods. Our position was the right of the First Demni-Brigade. Breastworks were at once thrown up. During the night, in connection with the line, we moved by the left flank about 200 or 300 yards and remained until near night the following day, when Lieutenant-Colonel Rives was ordered to take the regiment on picket (I being detailed as division officer of the day for the next day). On the morning of the 25th, the regiment was relieved. Near 3 p. m. Lieutenant-Colonel Rives was ordered to move forward in rear of and covering the interval between the Sixty-fifth and One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry at double col- umn at half distance. This position was retained until the regiment arrived in the open field, where it was exposed to the fire of rebel artillery. The colonel deployed into line and continued the move- ment until he reached the rebel fortification at the foot of Mission Ridge, when I took command. Seeing the line to my left beginning to fall back, I ordered the regiment to halt at the breastworks. T]ie fire from the rebel artillery and small-arms was terrific. General Sheridan and Colonel Harker rode along the lines an(l told us to be ready to move up the ridge. Accordingly the order came. The right of the regiment rested on the left of the road, where it crossed the rebel fortification, leading up the hill toward Braggs headquar- ters. We took a right oblique direction through a peach orchard until arriving at the wood and logs on the side of the ridge, when I ordered the men to commence firing, which they did with good effect, and continued it all the way up until the heights were gained. At this point the left of the regiment was near the right of the house and I claim that my officers and men captured two large brass pieces, literally punching the cannoneers from their guns. Privates John Fregon and Jasper Peterson, from Company A, rushed down the hill, captured one caisson with a cannoneer and (5 horses and brought theni back. The first order I received after arriving at this place was said to have been from General Sheridan to form a line. This we did, in connection with others, and I reported our position to Colonel Harker. through Captain Eaton and Lieutenant Carr, as soon as possible, and received an order to remain, make ourselves comfortable, and wait till further orders. Near 12 oclock orders were received and we moved, in connection with the brigade, to Chickamaug~ Creek. 1 cannot tell how many prisoners we captured, for I had no means of knowing, but I ani satisfied we took our share. I will not stop to speak of particulars, but simply state that my officers and men did nobly. There were 2 enlisted men killed, 1 mortally wounded, 4 slightly wounded. Yours, ALLEN BUCKNER, Golonel, Commanding Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteers. Lient. L. HANBACK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 237 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 237 No. 51. Report of Cot. Henry C. Dunlap, Third Kentnc1~~y Infantry. HEADQUARTERS THIRD KENTUCKY INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Teun., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit through Colonel OpdyCke, Corn- iiiauding First Demi-Brigade of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, the following report of the operations of my regiment since Monday morning, the 23d instant, when, in obedience to orders, I took charge of the picket line of our brigade front, with 10 officers and 190 men of my regiment, and a detail from the Sixty- fifth Ohio About 1 p. m. Major Brennan reported to me with the remnant of the regiment which had been left in camp, the advance of the di- vision upon our left being engaged, and the enemy in our front being 111)011 the gui vive, I was ordered by Colonel Harker to strengthen my picket line to the extent of seven companies, holding three in reserve. At twi]ight I was notified by Colonel Harker that a general advance of the lines would be made at once, and that the officer of the day would designate the point at which the right of my lines would rest, but I saw no officer to give the information, and conformed the ad- vance of. our lilies to the movements of the brigade upon our left. The advance was conducted with promptness by Major Brennan, and halted 200 yards beyond the old line, near the crest of a hill within 30 paces of tile rebel outposts. Upon my extreme left Captain Barnett, Company B, captured, without tile fire of a gun, 2 sentinels; just at this juncture 2 rebel lieutenants came up with an additional sentinel, and were also quietly cautured and sent to the rear by Captain Barnett. Having placed my reserve near the new line, I discovered my right nnprotacted, there being a gap of 200 yards. I found on my right and rear the Eighty-eighth Illinois, and urged upon the commander the importance of occupying said space with promptness. He ad- vanced and took the position upon the prolongation of my new line. Having procured intrenching tools, at 11 p. m. my sentinels dug rifle-pits within a stones throw of the rebel pickets, and at dawn of day were secure from musket-shots, but the line up on my right had no~t protected themselves likewise, and to my surprise the line of sentinels on my right fell back before sunrise and left it unguarded. I at once deployed my resemWe and held the whole regiment upon sentinel duty ulItil S a. mm of the 24th, when I was relieved by the One hundred aiid twenty-fifth Ohio, and was conducted to the left, in tile new position of the brigade on the second line, in rear of and supporting the Sixty-fifth Ohio, which occupied the new line of rifle- pits on the extreme left of the brigade, where we rested until about 110011 of the 25th. when I was ordered by Colonel Opdycke to advance to the ditch, as the Sixty-fifth Ohio had been deployed as skirmishers, preparatory to the general movement. About 2 p. in.. under command of Colomiel Opdycke, I moved the regiment forward, my position being in the front line of battle and on the e7:tremne left of our brigade. After advancing about 600 yards we were halted, and the five regiments of Colonel Opdyckes command were placed in their position upon the general line with the usual coolness and dispatch of this gallant officer. During th Page 238 238 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. process of this conformitory movement, in full view and easy range of the enemy, we were saluted with many shells as a foretaste of the reception with which we would soon be greeted for confronting the headquarters of the traitor Bragg. After the lapse of about an hour I was notified by Colonel Opd ycke that with fixed bayonets we would be ordered to charge the rifle-pits of the enemy at the foot of Mission Ridge. About 3.80 p. m. we moved forward with steadiness and good order, niiprecedented except by the result. The distance to the foot of the ridge was about three-quarters of a mile, most of the way over a perfect I)lain. unobstructed even by a tuft of grass. I was ordered to dress upon and conform to the brigade upon our left. This order compelled me to move on the double-quick for this reason, the line of the base of the ridge and the general line of battle formed an angle of about 350, which angle was to our left; hence, to chain ge the rifle-pits simultaneously required the consequent fatigue, more destructive than the storm of shell and shot, through which my vet- eran boys defiantly charged and reached the enemys works without a straggler iii the rear. The line of skirmishers who occupied them retreated to the summit upon our approach. Having been ordered by Colonel Opdycke to conform ex ctly to the movements of the troops upon my left, to halt at the trenches if they did, or to move on when they did, I obeyed the order to the letter, for the halt was but monientary, and althmongh greatly ex- hausted, my men sprang over the rifle-pits and advanced to climb the terrible hihl. Every officer in the command led the charge in front of their mneii, and demonstrated to them their willingness to lead where they called upon them to follow. Major Brennan, Adju- tant Hunt, and myself, were mounted amid led the line respectively upon the right, left, and center~ and the men coolly, reserved their fire until we advanced within range of tIme crest of the hill. After a brief engagement or offensive action on our part, I discovered the line to my left falling back and heard amounted othicer,whom I did not recognize, giving the order to fall back. I did not repeat the order, because I did not know the authority for it, amid dreaded for the command the fatality of a rapid fire from a battery in my immediate front, but finding many upon the right also falling back, I galloped to the trench in the rear to reform the men. I ordered those near to me to form at the ditch, but gave no command, for in the clamor of battle it could not be heard; about 40 or 50 of the regiment remained on the hill-side. After about fifteen minutes, the second charge was commenced, and not an inch did we yield as we slowly fought the way to the summit, which was reached in triumph about sunset, with 209 guns out of 221. Major Brennan had his horse shot under him while attempting to rally the men to our left., whom lie did not know had been ordered to fall back, but he continued to do his duty gallantly, and fell from exhaustion in cheering on the men, but recovered in a short time and came promptly to his post. Adjutant Hunt was also comispicuous in gallantly riding to thie front, and upomi the outset of the second charge lie took the State flag amid bore it far in advance of time regiment, to within a few rods of the summit, when lie fell seriously wounded, and said to those who came to his assistamice that he wished them to win the battle first, and then take him off the field. As to the conduct of my line officers, all behaved like heroes, an Page 239 239 ChAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. did their whole duty with cool and efficient courage, and their ex- ample palpably caused their men to deal with deliberate aim death missiles to the foe. My loss was 4 enlisted men killed, 7 commissioned officers wounded out of 15, and 54 enlisted men wounded out of 271.* The loss is proportionately small compared to other battles aiid considering the position we charged; but it is not always those who lose the most men who do the most efficient fighting. The fatal fire of my men lessened the immuber of the enemy and struck terror to others, as was evidenced by the dead on the summit iii my front, and the scat- tered guns and equipments of those retreating. The color sergeant, who carried the national flag, fell exhausted upon the hill-side. Corporal Hayes, of the color guard, had not borne it but a few steps when he fell badly wounded. Being at his side, I took time flag and carried it to the crest of tile hill, but had the staff shot in twain be- low the flag. I saw to umy right several flags in advance of ours, amid having time advantage of being mounted I hastened on, and wheim I reached time crest I saw no other flags for the distance of at least several regiments to the right or left. I do not meimtion my- seif in this connectiomi for any self-laudation, but through simple justice to the comrnnammd, by stating facts, to simow that the Third Kentucky was at least not the last to reach the proudly-won summit. The p oimmt at wimich time center of my regimnemmt reached the crest was at the stable to the left of the house, said to be Braggs headquar- ters, and inminediatehy in front of the road which leads down the southmerim slope of the ridge. Oime piece of the abandoned battery was to time left of timis poiimt; the remainder to the right near by. Some prisommers surrendered to us before we reached the crest, amid olhers after we got over time ridge. According to company commanders re- ports, time umumber sums imp 131 captured. We saw scores of guns aumd e quip muents scattered aroummd, evimicing great demoralization and a Imeadlong retreat. I formed the reginmeimt a few minutes after sun- down, and advanced by order amid under the direction of Colonel O~ dycke on the track of the enemy. After proceeding about a mile or less, we came upon their rear guard, who opened a battery upon us, supported by infantry, but we speedily drove them ~fter consider- able firing; after which Captain Barnett was ordered to deploy his comnpammy to the front. At 8 oclock he was recalled and returned with 5 prisoners, wimich he imad taken about half a mile to our front. We were then placed in camp in a strong position by Colonel Op- dycke. and about midnight, when we were about to enjoy the much needed rest for time night, we were called to arms, drew ammunition ammd rations, and, without a straggler left behind, cheerfully marched under our trusted and tried commander about 4 miles on the road to Chickamauga Station, and went into camp on the creek at Birds Mill at 3 a. m. of the ?Gtim, where we remained until 3 p. in., when ordered aimd marchcd back to our old camp at Chattanooga, as proud a little band of patriots as ever battled for a countrys cause; amid are yet ready to storm as many Mission Ridges as are necessary to untramumel the proud name of a nation once boasted in the worlds history. With great respect, your obedient servanh H. C. DUNLAP, Co1onel~ Commanding. IMIaj. S. L. Couuii~mm, Acting Assistant A~jntant- General. * But ~mee revised statement, p. 81 Page 240 240 KY., SW. VA., TEYN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 52. Report of Go?. Alec~iander McIhain, Sixty-foarth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. SIXTY-FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 22. 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit, through Colonel Opdycke, corn- inanding demi-brigade, of the Third Brigade, Second Division Fourth Army Corps, the following report of my regiment, since the morning of the 23d of the present month: In obedieuce to orders from Colonel Harkei. the command, with iS commissioned officers and 208 men, advanced in connection with the brigade to the front, and assisted in erecting a temporary breast- work until ii p. in., when it was ordered by Colonel Opdycke to the front on picket duty, and there remained until 10 a. m. of the 24th. lit was then relieved by the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and returned to the line of reserves, where it remained until 8 oclock in the forenoon of the 25th. At this time it again went to the front line. About 1 p. m. I had 1 inaii severely wounded. Soomi after 2 oclock I was ordered by Colonel Harker to prepare for a charge, as warm work was expected. My regiment, by direc- tion of Colonel Opdycke, advanced about (300 yar(ls, amid took posi- tioii on the right of the Third Kentucky and left of Illinois Regiments. About 3 oclock Colonel Harker directed me to be gov- erned in my advamice or retreat by the line on my left. The coin- mand now advanced steadily to time open field in front of the ridge, whei it moved forward at double-quick and a run, passing the rebel breastworks without a halt, until it caine to the foot of the ridge; but owing to the great distance over which the men had run, they were unfitted for ascending the steep sides of the bill without a short respite for rest, and were therefore halted. The line on tIme left having commenced falling back to the rebel works for better protection while resting, my coummand also fell back. After a few niomnemits it again advanced with spirit to the foot of the ridge, and pressed forward until the summit was gaiiied. Here the regiment rested a few i~oments, and again advanced, nuder the direction of Colonel Opdycke, in the direction of the retreating rebels. My reg- iment now being on the left of the brigade, the Third Kentucky going forward as skirmishers, we advanced about 1 mile, and halted, taking 3 prisoners at the last point of halting. About 1 a. um. of the 26th, we again advaiiced, and halted at Cliickamauga Creek, where we remained until about 3 p. in., when ordered to return to calmil). My commnamid lost in the advance upon Missionary Ridge 1 captain and 1 private killed, and 6 officers and 25 men wounded. It is due to the officers and men of this command to say that in the charge across the field, the ascent of the ridge, and the assault of the rebel line, they displayed the greatest courage arid valor; and when the stupemidous magnitude of the perfectly accomplished under- taking is taken into comisideration, their heroism reflects additional luster upon our flag, and will serve to honor the name of the Sixty- fourth, with the many others which participated in that immortal achievement, while its history remains. ALEXANDER McILVAIN, Maj. S. L. COULTER Colonel, EYommanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gemer~1 Page 241 War. XLULJ THE OHAflAHOOGARXNUQOLD OAMPAION. 241 No. 53. Report of Lieut. Col. William A. Bullit4 Third Kentucky Ifl fantry, commanding Skcty-flfth Ohio Infantry. HDQES. SIxTr-nrrH OHIO VOLUNTEn INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tewn., ~T(y~,~p~p 27, 1863. Sm: In accordance with orders received front the colonel com- manding the brigade, I hereby respectfully submit a report of the part taken by the Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the series of en~men~ which commenced on the 23d instant: About 1 p. m. on Monday, the 23d instant, I received orders to form my regiment and move toward the front, which I did, follow- the One hundred and ~~~-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and being foffowed by the Sixty-fourth 0 io Volunteers, when the bri4ade was form4 on a ridge a short distance north and to the rear of the picket line. I was ordered by Colonel Harker, commanding brigade, to move forward and deploy my regiment as skirmishers upon the picket line, which I was to support in case they were at- tacked. While occupying this position a regiment, belonging to General Wagners brigade, moved ahead of me and deploys, cover- ing about three-fourths of my front After they had gotten about 200 paces I was ordered by Co onel Harker to advance. I met with no resistance until I had gone about 400 paces, when the line con- necting with my right failing to advanc~, my right became exposed. Of this the enemy took advantage and poured several voileys into my line in rapid succession, severely wounding 2 men and ridd~g the clothes of Captain Smiths commanding the right company. This caused momentary confusion, which was increased by the cowardly behavior of Captain Peatman, Twenty-sixth Ohio, who was brigade officer of the day for Gene Wagners brigade. He deserted? his line whil0 it was under fire, ran brough my command, and threw himself upon the pound behind a hill some distance in my rear. I ordered him to rejoin his command, which he did reluctantly, but in a few minutes he again ran to the rear and screened himself be~d a tree. As I have stated, the confusion here was but momentary; a vigor- ous fire from my line soon caiksed the enemy to give wajj I now received orders from Colonel Harker, through Colonel c vain, division officer of the day, to refuse myright so that it woald connect with the line on my right. This done, and having thrown my left forward so that it would cover a gap between the skirmishers of our brigade and those of General Wagners, I halted and remained un- disturbed in this position until about lOp. in., when, being relieved by the Fifty-seventh Indiana, I retired to the breastworks, which had been constructed about SOyards in my rear. Here my regiment remained until about 1p.m. on Wednesday, the 25th instant, when Colonel Harker o~e~~me to proceed with my regiment to the picket line, and there pointed out a slightly elevated ridge, about 400 paces to the front, upon which the enemy had some heavy earth-works, and which he was supposed to occupy. Colonel Hawker directed me to take it with a dash. Having deployed nay right wing as skinnishws, disposed of my left at intervals in their re~r, aiid ordered that not a ~iui should be fired until the work was entered, I moved forward to find the work deserted. From this point, by order of General Sheridan, I seat two 16 a avon XXXI, PT Page 242 242 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP~ XLIII. companies forward to reconnoiter the ground between our lines and the mountain. They went as far as the timber extended and reported no enemy this side of the works at the base of the mountain. About 3 p. m. I was ordered by Colonel Harker to report to Colonel Op- dycke, commanding demi-brigade, who assigned me to a position in the second line, on the left of the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio and in rear of the Third Kentucky. Colonel Opdycke advised me that we were going to charge the enemys works, and that he expected me, when ordered forward, to effect a lodgment without reference to the balance of the command; that I must follow the regiment in front of me only when it advanced. About 3.30 p. ni. the order to advance was given. After march- ing several hundred yards through the woods, we entered upon a plain which was about half a mile wide, and which extended to the enemys works. Across this we charged through a storm of explod- ing shells, which the enemy within easy range poured upon us from the sumniit of the ridge, but the men, undaunted and confident of success, moved forward with a shout. The regiment which was in front of me having o bhiqued to the left upon approaching the works, I found my regiment unmasked and in the front line, and here Col- onel Harker ordered me to ascend the ridge. My men, already ex- hausted by the long and rapid charge across the plain, pressed on and were shortly half way up the hill, when the troops on our left giving way, we were ordered to fall back. I assenibled my regiment in the works at the base of the hill, where they remained for about fifteen minutes, when we were again ordered forward. The I)OsitiOn in which i~y regiment found itself was immediately in front of a battery, which belched forth a stream of canister upon us with terri- ble rapidity. Iii addition to this, the enemy, when driven from other points, rallied around this battery and defended it with des- peration. It cost a struggle to take it but we finally succeeded and the colors of the Sixty-fifth Ohio were the first planted upon the yet smoking guns. Captain Smith, of my regiment, was placed in charge of the captured battery, which consisted of five guns, three caissons, and 17 horses. I was then ordered by Colonel Harker to join Col- onel Opdycke, who, with a part of his command, had pushed on in pursuit of a wagon train. When I reported to Colonel Opdycke I was place(l on the right of the Sixty-fourth Ohio. We moved for- ward a short distaiice and halted for half an hour, when we were again put upon the march. We finally halted upon a ridge a short distance south of and parallel with Mission Ridge, where we built fires and prepared to rest for the night. About 10 p. m. we were again ordered under arms. The brigade was formed and I was ordered to deploy my regiment in front as skirmishers, with the center upon the road leading to Chickamauga Station. In a few moments we moved forward and proceeded as far as Birds Mill, on the Chickamauga River, taking a number of prisoners on the way, but meeting with no opposition. We remained here until about 3 p. m. of the 26th instant, when we took up our march for camp. My regiment, to a man, did its duty. To mention those who acted gallantly would be but to furnish you with a inns- ter-roil of my regiment. I desire to mention hut one who distin- guished himself by his cool bravery. During the charge up the mountain, when tIme color bearer, froni excessive fatigue, was unable to proceed, Corpl. Thomas H. Johnson, Company K, grasped the colors, and, calling upon the mcmi to follow him, dashed up the hill Page 243 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 243 He was the first man from my regiment to reach the summit, and lie ascended immediately in front of the battery over which his flag was the first to wave. My reoiment Captured 50 prisoners ~ can but for ~irL~L accouliu, many were captured and sent to the rear of which no note was taken. Officers killed, none; officers wounded, 1; enlisted men killed, 1; enhstecl men wounded, 13. Very respectfully, W. A. BULLITT, Lieut. (Jol. Third Kentucky, Comdg. Sixty-fifth Ohio Vols. Maj. S. L. COULTER, A cling Assistant Adjutant- (}cnercd. No. 54. Report of Capt. Eclwctrd P. Bates, One h undred and twenty-Jifth Ohio I+tntry. HEADQUARTERS 125TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, THIRD BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, London, Tenu., Febru~ctry 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit, through Colonel Opdycke, com- nlan(ling demi-brigade of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, the following report of the operations of my regiment from November 23, I 8(33, to include the battle of Chatta n( )oga At 11 a. in.. November 23, my regiment was ready for action, with the following organization : E. P. Bates. captain, commanding Lient. S. A. Smith, acting adjutant; HI. McHenry, surgeon; Free- man Collins, acting sergeant-major; AT. H. Crowell, quartermaster- Ser~~e ant; Edward Trimble, commissary sergeant Command. S a so cal)t. Joseph Biuff, commanding company A Sergt. R. K. nulse, coimnanding company n 1 36 37 26 Ser, t. John A. canon, commanding company C 31 Capt. 13. 13. Stewart, commanding Company I) 1 01 22 Lient. I). A. Stinger, commanding company B 1 31 32 capt. s. B. Parks, comnianding Company F 1 I 33 34 Lient. W. W. Cashing, commanding company 0 15 Lient. C. T. Clark, commanding Company II I 24 25 (apt. A. Coonrod, commandin~ coinpi~ I I) Field and staff 31 Total . . . ,~) ~4 ___ __ _ I At 1 p. in. the regiment marched with the brigade to the picket line, 150 yards to the left of the Riuggold road, fronting Missionary Ridge, and with the Sixty-fifth Ohio on my left, amid followed by the Seventy-ninth Illiiiois, mIloVe(l forward as (hirected by the colonel commanding in sul)port of the skirmish line, which was immediatel Page 244 244 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. advanced, conformatory to simultaneous movements on the left. The enemy was driven. At 3 p. m. our line was established at his former outposts, and made a formidable breastwork before dark. At 8 p. in., as directed by the colonel commanding, my regiment move(l with brigade 200 yards to the left, and rested on arms dur- ing the night. November 24, at 8 a. in., relieved with my regiment the Sixty- fourth Ohio on picket. No firing occurred on our lines that day. November 25, was relieved from picket by Thirty-eighth Ohio at 4 a. in., and joined the brigade. About i p. in., as ordered, I moved my battalion 100 yards in advance of our line of works, to position in second line of battle in the demi-brigade, supporting the Sixty- fourth Ohio, with the Sixty-fifth Ohio on my left and Seventy-ninth Illinois on the right. I was then informed we were about to take the enemys works by Colonel Opdycke, who instructed me, when the order to charge should be given, to conform to movements on the left, follow the Sixty-fourth Ohio, faithfully support it, and not fail at all hazards to accomplish any work that regiment might be inadequate to perform. The order caine, and the line advanced, steadily at first, till the brigade oim the left commenced an imprn- dent fast march, that necessitated a conformatory double-quick movement of my command, through brnsh and over swampy grounds three-fourths of a mile to the enemys works at the base of Mission Ridge. The most fearful tornado of bursting shells had now passed into a more destructive shower of grape. We held the en- emys works, filled with captives; but to remain there was destruc- tive, to retreat (lishoilorable; so the advance was ordered by Colonel Harker and eagerly executed by my ~ommand, in the imme(liate front of an open battery, near General Braggs headquarters on the crest. One-third the ascent was made when, unfortunately, the brigade on my left fell back to the works, bequenthing to us a severe cross-fire previously directed to it, and I was ordered to retire to that line. Not all my nien obeyed; they merely halted, and resting under cover of logs and stumps waited to be heroes in the final glo- rious charge, which, after a moments needed rest, was ordered by Colonel Harker, and the men again rushed to the last onset. The enemys fire was now terrific. Captain Bruff, of Company A, here fell with severe wound in the side, and Sergt. Freeman Thoman assumed command of his company. Perceiving that the ridge across which my regiment extended was commanded to the very crest by a battery in front, also by those to right and left, I directed the men to pass up the gorges on either side. About 40 men, with Captain Parks and Lieutenant ~Stinger, l)assed to the left, the balance to the right, and boldly charged on, till, foremost with those of other regiments, they stood on the strongest point of the enemys works, masters alike of his gnus and l)osition, heroes in unsurpassed victory. Especial praise is due to many for meritorious conduct, but to no officers more deserving than Captain Stewart, of Company D, and Lieutenant Clark. of Company H, whose cool management preserved order in the ranks, and whose hazardous examples emulated the boldest and eneouraoed ti ~e flU term g. Withm utmost satisfaction do 1 refer to the heroic conduct. of Pri- vate ~John Simpson. of Company G, one of the few and faithful guards to the gallant Colonel Harker in his famous artillery ride, who, spying 3 rebels escaping with a load of ammunition and arms Page 245 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 245 advanced alone, killed I, put the others to flight, and, by order of Major-General Sheridan, drove the team to his headquarters in Chattanooga. Having gained the crest, my battalion was quickly formed, when I was directed to remain in present position till further orders by General Sheridan. Meantime, that part of my command under Captain Parks had l)assed up to the left of the battery, and under directions of Colonel Opdycke was moved forward as skirmishers, supported by the bri- ga(le and covering the road upon which the enemy had retreated wheiff the fight was renewed and continued till after dark. Captain Parks reports his skirmish line to have charged upon and captured one gun that otherwise would have beei~ hauled off. At 8 p. in. I was ordered to join the brigade with my regiment, and soon after the brigade marched in pursuit of the routed enemy, whom we followed to his place of crossing the Chickamauga, at which point we remained till the afternoon of the 26th, when the regiment and brigade returned to Chattanooga, arriving there about dark. Casualties. company. _________ _________ A 4 13 4 Ii 3 1) 3 F 5 F 4 a 1 n 2 I 6 Total* 2 1 14 15 32 A single day was allowed me in which to prepare for a march to Knoxville, and during that time the dead were buried and the wounded comfortably provided for in hospitals. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. P. BATES, Captain, Commanding 125th Ohio Volunteers. Lient. L. HANBACK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 55. Report of G~ol. Nathan H Wcdworth, Forty-second illinois Infantry. commanding Second Demi-Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY. Chattanooga, Teun., November 27. 1863. SIR: Agreeably to your orders, I herewith submit the reports of the regimental commanders of the demi-brigade of which I had * But see revised statement, p. 81. Wounded. Killed. 5erionsly. slightly. ~ Q. ~. ~). ~ is ~ is 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 I 2 2 2 2 1 1 3 . Page 246 24f3 KY., SW. VA., TEYN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CnAP. XLIII. command during the late movement, together with a report of the general operations of the demi-brigade for that time. I received orders from Colonel Harker to move this demi-brigade at once, without blankets or rations, and with 40 ronnds of ammn- nition, at 1 p. ni. on the 23d. I marched it out in the general colnmn and formed it in two lines near the knoll in front of Fort Wood. At sundown I moved it to its position in line of battle on the old picket line, where it was posted with the Twenty-seventh and the Fifty-first on that line, with the Forty-second Illinois and Twenty-second illi- nois in double column in rear. We lay in this position until noon of the 2i~th, when I received orders to move to the front and throw out the Forty~second Illinois as skirmishers to cover the whole brigade. The lines were advanced about 300 yards, and up to the rebel rifle- pits of their picket lines, and the skirmishers some 800 yar(ls in front of that line. Capt. IE. D. Swain, commanding the Forty-second Illi- nois, was here ordered to advanee when the skirmishers on his left did toward the front, governing his movements by theirs, and to carry the first of the enemys rifle-pits and go only a few yar(ls be- you d. If the skirmishers on his left fell back, lie was ordered by Colonel Harker to do the same. At the signal the demi-brigade moved to the front in the following order The Forty-second Illinois in front as skirmishers, the Twenty-seventh Illinois in the first line, the Twenty-second and Fifty-first Illinois in the second line. The general direction was perpendicular to the Missionary Ridge, with guide toward our left. I gave the Twenty-second and Fifty-first Illinois orders to follow the Twenty-seventh Illinois at a distance of 300 yards. The Forty-second Illinois advanced at the signal, and.without halt- ing, took the first line of rifle-pits under very severe fire. They sent back here about 100 prisoners. Their line appeared not to halt until they had crossed beyond the second line of rifle-pits, when they fell back after the skirmishers of the brigade on their left had, agreeably to instructions. The Twenty-seventh Illinois by this time had reached the first ~ine, and I ordered them to advance up the hill, as I saw that the enemy had been driven from the second line of pits by the skirmishers. They advanced gallantly, and, joining with the Forty-second, already much extended, gradually gained ground to the point. The fire of musketry and artillery on this position of the hill was terrific, but those regiments never gave an inch of ground, but steadily pushed forward until they gained the summit of the hill at the same time that the brigade on our right did, and carrie(t it gallantly. Men could fight no better, and as their whole action was m- mediately under my direction, I saw no fault on their part. They pursued the fleeing rebels some 100 rods beyond the crest of the hill, - and until recalled. The Fifty-first Illinois and Twenty-second Illi- nois mistook the direction and followed Wagners brigade up the hill, and as the advanced line held their way so steadily, they were not needed. The Fifty-first Illinois joined us again at tIme top of the hill, and by order of Colonel Harker I advanced the three regiments about one-half mile to the front, when it became dark and we were ordered to halt. At 7 p. m. they were moved 1 mile to the front and left, where we lay until 12 oclock, when, having obtained rations and ammunition, and the Twenty-second Illinois having joined us, we were ordered forward to Chickamauga Creek, at which place we arrived at 2 a. in. the 26th Page 247 CHAP. XLIII.] TIlE CflATTA~OOGAtUNGGOLD CAMPAIGX. 247 The Twenty-seventh were here placed on picket and sent in 145 prisoners before 1 p. in., at which time they were relieved. We moved toward camp at 2 p. m. and arrived at 5 p. ni. I cannot add too much praise to the officers and men of the Forty- second Illinois for the manner in which they gallantly advanced and took the two lines of rifle-pits, and also to the Twenty-seventh Illi- nois, who so nobly held their way np the hill imder the furious storm of shot and shell. No men could do better than those regi- ments did that day. They lost heavily, particularly in officers. The Forty-second Illinois lost 7 ont of 13 commissioned officers engaged. and the Twenty-seventh 7 officers killed and wounded. Capt. K D. Swain, commanding the Forty-second Illinois, and Col. J. R. Miles, of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, did excellent service and deserve well of their country, as do all of their respective regiments. Lient. A. 0. Johnson, whe acted as my aide-de-camp, was very seriously wounded while assisting me near the snmmit of the ridge in my duties. He is a gallant officer. The loss as far as reported is as follows :~ Twenty-seventh Illi- nois, 2 commissioned officers end 8 enlisted men killed, and 5 com- missioned officers and 62 men wounded; Forty-second Illinois, 5 en- listed men killed and S commissioned officers and 39 men wounded; Fifty-first Illinois, 1 commissioned officer and 1 enlisted man killed, and 1 commissioned officer and 12 men wounded; Twenty-second Illinois, 5 enlisted men killed and 3 commissioned officers and 9 men wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. H. WALWOTITH, Colonel Forty-second Illinois. Maj. S. L. COULTER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 56. Report of Lieut. Col. Francis Swanwick, Twenty-second illinois Infantry. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that I received Colonel Wal- worths order to advance to time attack of the enemys works on Mis- smon Ridge about 3 p. mm on the 25th instant, and to move in second line as support to the left of Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry, the Fifty-first being in line with us on the right. Before reaching the foot of the mountain the Twenty-seventh had got on our right and front, the Fifty-first being still in line with us. On reaching the double line of defenses at the foot of the mountain. which we did under a storm of shot, shell, and grape, I observed that a regi- ment in front of us had halted in the most advanced ditch. I ordered my regiment to lie down in the first one, and while there saw some regiment on our left retreating in some disorder down the foot of the mountaiim. After lying some time in the ditch there was another general advance and the regiment moved up in hue with the other * But see revised statement, p. 81 Page 248 94S EL, sW. VA., TkNi4., urns., N. ALA49 A)??) 14. GA. tOw. lUlL troops and continued to advance, taking advantage of sheltered places to make two temporary halts. We reached the summit a little before sunset immediately in front of the enemys artillery pursued the flying rebels over the ridge of the mountain and fired on them as long as they were within reach, then reformed near the building said to have been General Braggs headquarters, and there receiving Colonel Harkers verbal order to that effect, again moved on in pursuit of the enemys train; afterward received an order from Colonel Harker to halt which I did; was urged by several officers and finally by General Wagner, who said he had General Sheridans order to move all troops on to support his left, and Colonel Harker coming up at the same time, I moved the regiment up on a bill on the left of where the enemy had some artillery. We were there fired on by some of our own men in our rear. After remaining some time we were ordered on picket I placed half the regiment on post, intending to relieve with the other half at 1 a. m. of the 26th, but before that time were ordered forward; halted at Chickamauga Creek about 3.30 a. in., where we remained till afternoon, when we returned to our quarters at this place. Very respectfully, Lieut. (JoL, Comdg. F. SWANWICK, lioenty-aeoond flinois Infantry. Maj. S. L Coxam AaM~~ Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL No. 57. Report of CoL Jonathcm B. Miles, Tu.entg-aeventk Illinois Infa#ntry. HDQnS. Twnn-suviuzqTH ILLiNoIs Innrm~ VoLs. Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. But: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance toorders, my regiment moved from camp at noon the 23d of November, and took position in the line of battle, where we lay until evening assisting in the meantime in tlirowingup temporary protection. BeLind them we took position at dark, where we lay until the afternoon of the 25th. A or about 2p. in. I moved my regiment to the front and took my position in the front line to charge the rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge, and also the ridr. At nearly 3.30 p. in. my regiment moved forward at double-quick across the open field and captured the two lines of rifle-pits in front of them,. at the foot of the ridge, with nearly all the men in them without firing but few shots. Up to this time my loss was very slight, owing in a great measure to the skirmishers from the Forty-second Illinois ke~ing the enem1s heads below their works. We overtook the skirm ers near the rst line of rifle-pits. The men were nearly exhausted by this time, and our progress from this time to the top of the ridge from this cause and the steep ascent was quite slow. But the regi- ment, without faltering, finally, at about t30 p. in., gained the enemys works, in conjunction with a portion of the Thirty-sixth Iii-.. nois, who were immediately on our right The regiment, or a por- tion of it, proceeded to the left don the ridge for nearly or quite one-fourth of a mile, capturing three or four piecesof cannon driving the gunners from them. The regiment I again formed anA inovm Page 249 Gnu. ZKflLJ tHE OEATTANOOGA-Ri1tGGOLI) CAXPAIGN. 249 forward, and the morning of the 20th fond the regiment on picket at the banks of the Chickamauua. In the afternoon, with the bri- gade, I moved my regiment to its present encampment, arriving at dark, where it now remains. My loss was 2 commissioned officers killed and 5 wounded; also 8 enlisted men killed and 62 wounded.* Wounds generally severe. My loss was nearly all on the side hill. All of which is respectfully submitted for your consideration. S. B. MILES, Colonel, Commanding lAventy-aeventh iWmnois. Maj. S. L CouLTn, Acting Aetiutant Adjutasnt-Generai No. 58. Report of Capt. Edgar D. Swain. Forty-aecond Ilitnota Infantry. HDQEs. FoRTY-sEcoND REGIxnT ILLINOIs INFANTRY, November 27, 1863. Sm: I have the honor of making to you the followin~ report of the part petformed b the Fort -second Regiment Illinois Infantry in theists battle of Missionary Ridge: Upon Sunday the 22d instant about 12 in., we received orders to march immeMatel , without 6lankets or rations, and moved in accordance. Marchelto the front about half a mile outside the line of fortifications, and were assigned a tion upon the left of the Dalton road,inthe reserve line of battle, where we remained until about 1 p. m. of the 25th instant, when I received orders from Cot N. H. Walworth, commandin demi-brigade, to move outside the line of rifle- pits and deploy tffe regiment as skirmishers, covering the front he brigade, with the left joining the right of General Wagners skirmish line. I then received instructions from Colonel Harker, commandi~ brigade, ~ advance at a given signal and attack the enemyinthe~ rifle-pits. I did so under nite a hevy fire, charged and carried two lines of the enemys woiks, capturing about 150 prisoners; then moved up the hill about 80 yards, an there remained until the line of battle came up, when, with th em, and without rallying, we moved forward again, enterin with it the enemys works upon the crest of the hill, after which rallied the regiment and joined the demi-brigade, and, under the command of Co on 1 Walworth, moved don the eastern sloj~e of the ridp about one-half mile, but found no enemy. I remained in this position about one hour and a half, when I received orders to move ~to ~p, upon the right of Moores road, to Ooltewah, which I did. About 11.30 p. in. received orders to march, and moved to Missionary Mills, and camped for the balance of the night and a part of the day on the 26th instant, when we were ordered to return to our old camps at Chattancoga~ The casualties are 7 commissioned officers wounded, 5 enlisted men killed, and 39 enlisted men wounded. Whole strength of the regi- ment on the 22d instant, and engaged on the 25th, was 200 enlisted men and 14 commissioned offleers. But revised stateunpit, p. 81 Page 250 250 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Every officer of the regiment did his whole duty, and I cannot, without injustice, give to one more credit than to another. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. SWAIN, Captain, Corn dg. Forty-second Regiment Illinois Infantry. Maj. S. L. COULTER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 39. Report of ~Japt. Albert 111. Tilton, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Ten n., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor, through Colonel Walworth. commanding demi-brigade, to submit the following report of the operatious of my regiment since the 23d instant: The regiment left camp on the 23d about 1 p. in., following the Twenty-seventh Illinois and forming line on its left on a knoll, near the old picket line, when one-half the regiment was ordered forward to build barricades. Moved forward to the breastworks at dusk, where we renia.ined until the afternoon of the 23th, when, after form- ing in a strip of timber in our front, we moved forward in rear of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, with the Twenty-second Illinois on our immediate left. The regiment marched in good order across the open field, under a heavy fire from the enemys guns, and scaled the ridge. Major Davis, cominan ding regiment, having been severely wounded v and Captain Bellows killed, I took command, and, by order of Colo- nel Walwortli, nioved the regimeiit forward, deployed as skirmishers, supported by the Forty-second Ilhiiiois, about half a mile, where I remained in skirmish line until ordered to encamp. Moved out at 1 a. in., in rear of the Twenty-seventh Illinois, to Birds Mill; remained there the greater part of the day and returned to our old camp at dusk. As far as my knowledge extends, every officer and man did his duty. I mu, major. very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. TILTON, Maj. ~. L. COULTER, (iYa.ptain, (Iominanding Regiment. Acting Assistant Ac~jutant- General. No. 60. Report qf Capt. William A. Naylor, Tenth Indiana Battery. HEADQUARTERS TENTH INDIANA B ~TTERY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR: I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my comniaiid, stationed at Moccasin Point, oii the 23d, 24th, and 25th of November iiistant: On the niorning of the 2~d, I was directed to keep a close watc Page 251 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. ~51 upon Lookout Mountain and to opeii upon any of the enemys troops which might be moving in the vicinity. About 3 p. m. a line of troops was noticed forming in the valley near the foot of the mount- am, and the guns of the battery immediately opened upon t. This line soon moved by the flank to the direction of Missionary Ridge, and was soon beyond our range, and we had nothing further to call our fire for this day. On the 24th, during the assault of Lookout Mountain, the troops of the enemy were discovered falling back before our advancing lines and retreating across the hill-side in plain view and direct range of our guns. Opening upon them with a brisk and destructive fire from 20 and 10 pounder Parrotts, they were prevented from rallying nutil they had reached a line of rifle-pits, east of the white house, in which they were still exposed to an enfilading fire from the bat- tery. At this juncture I received an order from signal station, signed Hooker, to cease firing. About 3 p. m. I received an order from Major-General Thomas to shell the Summertown road, which I immediately did, until dark- iiess prevented working to advantage. With night closed my par- ticipation in the action. Respectfully, WILLIAM A. NAYLOR, Captain., Corn man ding Tenth Indiana Battery. Capt. Louis J. LAMBERT, Asst. Adjt. Gen. Artillery, Dept. of the ~Jumberland. No. (31. Reports of Brig. Gem. Thomas J. ~W6od, U. S. Army, commanding Third Dir ision. HDQRS. THIRD Div., FOURTH ARMY CoRps, ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE, Orchard Knob, in Enemys Advanced Rifle-pits, Nor. 24, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following sunimary of time results of the operations of my division yesterday: I was ordered to make a reconnaissance with a view to developimig the position of the enemy, bnt it resulted in a substamitial attack on the most advanced lute of tIme enemys rifle-pits. These pits were l)lace(l along the crests of steep and (hifficult heights, which were gallantly carried. Our lines advanced magnificently and iii perfect order. We hold the position gained and have strengthened it by a(lditional works. Our lasses are as follows: Killed, 29; wounded, 1611 ; missing, none. We captured 114, includimug 8 commissioned officers, I stand of regm- mental colors, belonging to the Twenty-eighth Alabama, and 250 stand snuall-arums. A more full report will be made hereafter. I am, very respectfully. your obedient servamit, TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Cal. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Ac~jntant- General Page 252 252 KY., SW. VA., ThNN., MISS., CL ALA., ASD 21. GA. ECEar. lUlL HDQRs. Tmn Divisiox, FoURTH ARMY CoRPs, On Missionary Ridge, Ncn.,e,nber 26, 186311 p. m. Gnna: I have the honor to report the following as a summary of ogerations of niir division this ~. in.: prisoners, 2,000 stand pieces of artillery captured, 700 small-arms, 1 stand regimental colon, 1 battle-flag. As nearly as I can estimate it my casualties are as follows: 800 killed and wounded. Among them are some of the very best officers of my division. Complete lists under all the different heads will be furnished at the earliest possible moment. In regard to the artillery captured there can be no doubt since we have all of the pieces m possession, horses being captured with some of the batteries. In regard to some of the other items of captures and casualties, there may be errors which more minute reports will correct. The above are believed to be approximately correct. I cannot too highly commend the gallantry and good conduct of both officers and men. Their behavior was beyo~d ~ praise. Respectfully, your obedient servant Brigadier-General ~ TI!. J. WOOD Yolt& nteera~ Commanking. Maj. Gen. JOsEPH J. REYNOLDs, Chief of SYaff. HDQBs. TmRD DIvIsIoN, FounTE Ann Cons, In the Field in East Tennessee, December 20, 1863. Sm: As early as the 15th day of November, ultimo, it was a- erally known among the higher commanders of the troops assem~.ted in Chattanooga that a movement was in contemplation to cause the investment, which had then continued nearly sixty days, to be raised The investing force, commanded by Gene Braxton Bragg, of the rebel army, comprised eight divisions of infantry, arranged in four coips, under some of the ablest officers in the enemys service. Re- liable information obtained at the time the movements for raising the investment were in contemplation showed that the rebel divis- ions averaged not less than 6,000 infantry each. This estimate would give 48,000 infantry as the foot-investing force. Including the artil- lery and cavalry,itwould be a moderate estimate to place the whole investing force at over 50,000 men. The rebel divisions usually com- prise four brigades, with a field battery attached to each brigade. This data would give 182 field guns as the artillery equipment of the beleaguermg army, but a very imperfect understanding of the defensive power of the rebel army would be obtained br considering its numbers and equipment only. It occupied a position so strong naturally, and so intrenched by art, as to duplicate the defensive power of its members. Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge are so related to each other and to Chattanooga that the army which holds them commands the outlets from the town on the east, south, and southwest. The natural strength and command of the position occtpied by the in- surgents had been much improved by intrenchments. During the week commencing on the 15th and ending on the Ski of November Page 253 Osaw. XLULJ THE OHALJYANOOQAEINGGOLJ) OAMPAIGN. 258 the subordinate commanders of the Army of the Cumberland were summoned twice to department headquarters to have the plan of operations explained to them and to receive their instructions. The original plan of operations was briefly this: The force of Ma or- General tiherman was to cross the Tennessee River at the mou of South Chickamauga Creek, ascend the northeastern flank of Mission Ridge (which here juts against the river), sweep along the ridge and take the enemys intrenchments, both at its base and on its crest, in flank and reverse. Two divisions of the Fourth Army Corps, General Sheridans and my own, were to cross Citico Creek near its mouth, just above Chat- tanooga, move up the peninsula inclosed between the creek and the Tennessee River, form a junction with the right flank of General Shermans force, swing to the right and sweep along he l9wer slope and the base of Mission Ridge. The orceinChatt& . nooga was to make a demonstration against e enemys works directly in front of Chattanooga, while at the same time looking out for the safety of the town against a counter-attack. The force in Lookout Valley (General Hookers) was to threaten Lookout Mountain. It was conceded that a direct front attack of the enemys works on Mission Ridge could not be made with a reasonable prospect of success; or, i? such an attack should be successful, it could only be so at a great and unnecessary cost of life. In pursuance of this plan orders were issued on Friday, the 20th, tobeprepared to move at lit t]4e following morning. It was directed that the men should have 100 rounds of ammunition on their persons, Mid twO days cooked ratious in their haversacks. A heavy fall of rain Friday afternoon and night, with other causes of delay, pre- vented General Shermans command from reaching in time the point at which he was to pass the river, consequently the movement in- tended to be made at day light Saturday mo was postponed. On Sunday, the 22d, the orders of the precedin Friday were renewed. The failure of General Shermans comman!to be, Sunday night at the rendezvous assigned it, caused a further postponement of the movement of the troops destined to co-operate immediately with it. To a iust understanding of the subsequent movements of my divis- ion, it should be remarked that during the whole of Sunday, the 22d. much movement, some of it singular and mysterious, was observed in the rebel army. Officers in command of grand guards and out- posts were instructed to observe the greatest vigilance Sunday night, to send out patrols frequentlyas near as possible to the enemys picket lineand to report promptly all information of interest. At 12 m. on Monday, the 23d, I received the following orders: HhADQunTns DUPARTMNT 01 THE CUnLAND, Chattanooga, Tens., November 28, 1868. Major-General Ganieu, CommaacUng liburtla Anny Corps: The general cowman department directs that you throw one division of the Fourth Corps foi ~iawl in the direction of Orcjmard Knob. and hold a second division. in supporting distance, to disclose the position of the enemy, if he still remain in the vicinity of his old camps. Howards and BaIrd s eomnsnds will be ready to co-operate, if nee4ed. L J. REYNOLDS Mctjor-Generai, Chief of M Page 254 254 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, November 23, 186312 m. Brig. Gen. T. J. WooD, Commanding Third Division, Fourth Army Corps: Brigadier-General Wood with his division will, as soon as possible, carry out the foregoing instructions, and wiil be supported by General Sheridans division, to be posted along near the line of railroad, its right resting about midway between Moores road and the Brush Knob in front of Lunette Palmer. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. GRANGER, Major-General, G1ommanding. Immediately on receipt of this order, II summoned my brigade com- manders to my headquarters, to give them full and minute explana- tions in regard to the manner in which I intended to execute the iu- structions I had received. I desired also to explaiu in person the part the command of each was to perform in the operations. The disposition of the division, as was then explained to the brigade coin- manders, and as was subsequently most successfully carried out, was as follows: Hazens brigade on the right, Wihlichs on the left, were to be formed in two lines; the first line deployed, the second in double column closed em rnassc; Beattys brigade, formed in double column, closed em masseso as to be ready to deploy to the front or deploy faced to the leftwas held in reserve in rear of Willichs left. This arrangement would fully protect Willichs left from any flank move- ment of the enemy during the advance. As General Sheridan had becn ordered to occupy a position which would place his division in rear of umy right flazik during the advance, I had no occasion to look to the safety of my right. In addition to the double-hue formation just describe(i, the entire grand guard on (hity for the day was to be (ieployed on the advance sentinel ]ine of pickets, so that the whole would be covered with a cloud of skirmishers. I ordered the formation to take 1I)lace on the broad slope on the soiitherui side of Fort Wood. This work covers a conical eminence of about 200 feet elevation above the level of the river, situated about half a mile out of Chattanooga, in a southeasterly direction. From its parapet the rebel works amid troops were clearly discernible. The descent of the bill on the northern, eastern, and western sides is ab- rupt, but gradual on the southern, extending down into the valley, through which runs the Western and Atlantic Rail way. At 1.30 p. m. the arrangements were all completed, the troops were in position, and the reserve ammunition and ambulance trains in rear of Fort Wood. Then, at the bugle signal, Gte magnificent array, in exact lines and serried columns, umoved forward. It scarcely ever falls to the lot of man to witness so grand a military disphay. Every circumustance that could heighten the interest of, or impart dramatic effect to, the scene was present. On the ramnparts of Fort Wood were gathered officers of high rank, covered with honors gathered oum other fields. There were also officers distinguished for scientihc attainments and mare admimmistrative ability. Troops in line an d colummi checkered the broad plain of Chattanooga. Iii front plainly to be seen was the enemy so soon to be encountered in deadly con- flict. My division seemed to drimuk in time inspiration of the scene, amid when the ~ advance was sounded moved forward in the perfect order of a holiday parade. It has been my good fortune to witness on the Champ de Mars and on Longehamps, reviews of all arms of the French service, nuder the eye of the most remarkable man of the present generation. I once saw a review, fohiowed by a mock battle Page 255 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGAKRINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 255 of the finest troops of El Re Galantuomo. The pageant was held on the plains of Milan, the queen city of Lombardy, and the troops in the sham conflict were commanded by two of the most distinguished officers of the Piedmontese service, Cialdini and another, whose name I cannot now recall. In none of these displays did I ever see any- thing to exceed the soldierly bearing and the steadiness of my division, exhibited in the advance of Monday afternoon, the 23d. There was certainly one striking difference in the circumstances of these grand displays. The French and Italian parades were peaceful pageants; ours involved the exigencies of stern war; certainly an immense difference. I should do injustice to the brave men who then moved forward to the conflict in such perfect order were I to omit to record that not one straggler lagged behind to sully the magnificence and per- fectness of the grand battle array. From Fort Wood to the rail- road the country is open; south of the railroad the country passed over is partly open and partly wooded. Hazens brigade had to pass over the open field, several hundred yards in breadth, and Willichs through the woods. On the southern side of the field the enemys first line of pickets was posted. The skirmishers were instructed to pass forward, so soon as the advance was sounded, as rapidly as pos- sible, and drive in the enemys out line of pickets on their reserves. This service was excellently performed. To tIme proper understand- ing of the subsequent movements of the division some explanatory remarks are necessary. Orchard Knob, given in the order directing the reconnaissance as the guiding point, is a steep, craggy knoll, rising some hundred feet above the general level of the Valley of Chattanooga. It is 2,100 yards from Fort Wood. The rebels had held the knob as an out- post since the investment was first established. A position naturally so strong they had done little to strengthen by intrenchments on its summimit. To the right of Orchard Knob, looking to the south, a rocky, abrupt, wooded ridge extends several hundred yards toward the southwest. It is not so elevated as the knob. The enemy had formed rude but strong barricades on the northern slope just below the crest of this ridge. To the left of the knob, still looking to the south, a long line of rifle-pits extended away off to the northeast, and trending round reached almost to Citico Creek. Orchard Knob was the citadel of this line of intrenchments. General Willich was ordered to direct his brigade on the knob, and General Hazen his brigade on the intrenchments on the right of it. So soon as the skirmishers moved forward time enemy opened fire. Across the open field amid through the woods the skirmishers kept up a sharp rattling fire, steaLlily and rapidly driving in the enemy. As the knob and intrenchments were neared the fire became hotter, the resistance of the rebels more determined; but the majestic advance of our ines was not for a moment stayed. Finally, Willichs brigade,~ which had met with less opposition than Hazens, having arrived quite near the knob, by a bold burst~ ascended its steep acclivity, crowned its summit, and it was ours. Reference is made to the report of Brigadier-General Willich for a more full description of this brilliant feat of arms. In the meantime, Hazens brigade was encountering a determined resistance from the enemy, sheltered by his breastworks, on the rocky ridge to the right. For a few momemits the fire was sharp and de- structive. More than a hundred casualties in the leading regiment attest the severity of the fire Page 256 268 KY., SW. vi., IUN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cm. flU!. But nothing could restrain the impetuosity of the troops. In a few moments after Willichs brigade had carried Orchard Knob, Hazens skirmishers poured over the enemys barricades. The Twenty-eighth Alabama, with its flag, was captured almost entire. I respectfully refer to the report of :Brigadier..Genernj Htizen for a more detailed narrative of this gallant and successful assault Anong the killed we have to mourn the loss of Major Birch, Ninety-third Ohio, ho was tilled while gallantly leading his regi- ment to the charge. So soon as the knob and barricades were carried, the enemy fled to take shelter in his intrenchments at the base of Missionary Ridge. Beattys brigade, though not playing so distinguished a part as either of the other two brigades, was doing service in the post assigned him. FollowingtheleftofWiuic s e so soon as the knob was carried, some of Beattrs regiments were 6rought for- ward to occupy a portion of the rifle-pits to the left of Willichs position. The remainder of the brigade was held in reserve. Shortly after the successful dash General Granger, commanding the Fourth Army Corps, joined me at Orchard Knob. Personal ob- servation assured him of the extensiveness and oompleteness of our success. The result being reported to General Thomas command- big the de ent, he ordered that the position should ie held and intrenched. Soon the men were engaged in this work. While so employed, the enemy opened a most terrific fire of shot and shell on us from several batteries established on Missionary Ridge. It was continued nearly an hourin fact, until toward nightfall. It seems almost a miracle, but it is nevertheless true, that no damage was in- flitted by the enemys artillery. One man only was very slightly wounded by the fragment of a shell. While my division was engaged in intrenching its position, the Eleventh Army Corps was ordeted to take position on my left. The resistance it met in its front from the enem in his rifle-pits ren- dered its progress slow. Two regiments of Beattys brigade were deployed to the left, to take the rifle-pits in flank, drivo out the enemys skirmishers thert,from, and relieve the pressure on the front of the Eleventh Co~ This service was quickly and handsomely done, but the Eleventh Corps neglecting to occupy the rifle-pits the enemy returned to them. It was, hence, necessary for the two regi- ments of Beattys brigade to render the service over again Tuesday morning the 24th. The whole of the night of the 23d was spent in intrenching our position. In this laborious service the troops evinced as much forti- tudeas they had shown gallantry in gainingthe position. Not only was a line of rifle-pits and barricades constructed along the entire front of the diVision~during the night, but a tout epaulbment for a six-gun field battery was thrown up on the summit of Orchard Knob. Bridges battery, of four 3*-inch Rodman guns and two Na leons, was placed in position during the night of the 23d. The eaSy light of Tuesday morning disclosed to the anxious gaze of the rebels such works as must have convinced them we bitendedto hold the position won the day before. Perchance they saw in this evident intention the prognostic of further and more extensive operations, to be at- tended by more distinguished and important results. [must refer to the report of General Beatty, commanding Third Brigade of my division, for a full report of the movemen4 ~f his command in the operations of the 23d Page 257 CHAP. XL1II.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 257 During the 24th, the division was quiet, remaining in undisturbed possession of the important acquisitions of the previous afternoon. The eneniy, in full view and sheltered behind his rifle-pits at the base of Missionary Ridge, made no effort to retrieve his losses. Au occasional shot from the skirmishers, and the booming of a gun from Orchard Knob, varied the monotony of the day. We had ample opportunity to watch with eager interest the brilliant opera- tionsthough miles away from usof General Hookers command for the possession of Lookout Mountain. And when the morning sun of Wednesday had dispelled the mist from the mountain top, and displayed to our view the banner of the free and the brave flying from the topmost peak of Lookout Mountain, loud and long were the joyous shouts with which my division made the welkin ring. Shortly after nightfall Tuesday, the 24th, I received the following order: HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, November 24, 18636.40 p. rn. Brigadier-General WOOD, Third Division, Fourth Corps: GENERAL: The following instructions have just been received: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. General GRANGER: The general commanding department directs that you have everything ready for an offensive movement early to-morrow morning. ~ J. REYNOLDS, Jlajor-General Chief of Staff. You will make every preparation for such movement. By command of Major-General Granger: J. S. FULLERTON, Lieutenant-C1olonel, and Assistant Adjutant-General. In conformity with these instructions I had, during Tuesday night, 100 rounds of ammunition per man distributed to the troops, aiid the rations in the haversacks replenished. At dawn Wednesday morn- iy. my division was ready for action, and only awaited the order from the senior officers to commence the onslaught. Early in the forenoon of Wednesday, Orchard Knob became the station of officers of high rank and signal renown. The comnianding general of the Grand Division of the Mississippi was there; and there also was the CoiVlnlailder of the Department and Army of tIme Cumberland. The (lay wore on. During the forenoon I was ordered to advance my line of skirmishers to the southern edge of the woods intervening between my position and the enemys line at the base of Mission Ridge. This service was gallantly performed, the enemys skir- inishers being rapidly driven back and compelled to take shelter l)ehind their rifle-pits. As the day progressed the interest which attracted every eye and absorbed every feeling was that involved in the attempt of General Shermans command to effect a lodgment on Mission Ridge near the tunnel. Severer opposition than had been expected was evi- dently being met with. To lessen the opposition General Sherman was encountering, it was determined that a movement should be made against the rebel center. I was ordered to advance and carry the enemys intrenchmnents at the base of Mission Ridge and hold them. The signal for tIme advance was to be six guns, fired iii rapid succession from the battery on Orchard Knob. The necessary in- 17 R RVOL XXXI, PT I Page 258 lit., SW. VA., PENN., Miss., N. ALA., AN]) N. GA. [CifAP. XLIII. structions were given to the brigade commanders. This was near 3 p. m. Soon the booming of the guns awakened the reverberations of the fastuesses of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain and before the echoes had died away in the distant recesses of their rugged heights the advance was commenced. Mission Ridge is an elevated range; with an average altitude of several hundred feet above the general level of the country, running from northeast to southwest. The part of it assaulted by my division the afternoon of the 25th is about 4 miles from Chattanooga, and about a mile from Qrchard Knob. Between the latter and the base of Mission Ridge there is a broad, wooded valley. Of course this had to be traversed before the intrenchments at the base of the ridge could be assaulted. So soon as my troops began to move forward the enemy opened a terrific fire from his batteries on the crest of the ridge. The batteries were so posted as to give a direct and cross fire on the assailing troops. It would not, perhaps, be an exaggeration to say that the enemy had fifty pieces of artillery disposed on the crest of Mission Ridge. But the rapid firing of all this mass of artil- lery could not stay the onward movement of our troops. They pressed forward with dauntless ardor, and carried the line of intrenchments at the base of the ridge. The enemy in these iutrenchments, doubt- less impressed with the uselessness of resistance, made no serious opposition, but sought safety by flight behind his intrenchments on the crest of the ridge. The assault was so rapid that a considerable number of prisoners were captured in the intrenchments. When the first line of intrenchuments was carried, the goal for which we had started was won. Our orders carried us no farther. We had been instructed to carry the line of intrenchments at the base of the ridge and there halt. But the enthusiasm and impetu- osity of the troops were such that those who first reached the in- treuchments at the base of the ridge bounded over tb em, and pressed on up the ascent after the flying enemy. Moreover, the intrench- ments were no protection against the enemys artillery on the ridge. To remain wonld be destructionto return would be both expensive in life and disgraceful. Officers and men all seemed impressed with this truth. In addition, the example of those who comumeuced to ascend the ridge so soon as the intrenchmeuts were carried was con- tagious. Without waiting for an order the vast mass pressed for- ward in the race of glory, each man anxious to be the first on the summit. The enemys artillery and musketry could not check the impetuous assault. The troops did not halt to fire. To have done so would have been ruinous. Little was left to the commanders of the troops than to cheer on the foremostto encourage the weaker of limub, and to simstain the very few who seemed to be faint hearted. To the eternal homior of the troops, it should be recorded that the laggards were, indeed, few in number. The interval which elapsed between the carrying of the intrenchments at the base of the rmdge and the crowning of the summit must have been one of intense and painful anxiety to all who were not participants in the assault. The ascent of Mission Ridge was indeed ami effort to try the strongest limbs and the stoutest hearts. But suspense and anxiety were not of homing duration. Upxvard steadily went the standard of the Union (borne onward by strong arms, mmpheld by brave hearts), and soon it was seen flying on the crest of Mission Ridge. Loud indeed were the shouts with which this spectacle was received. Some of the first troops on the c~e~t of the ridge pressed forward in pursuit Qf th Page 259 CHAP. XLIII.] THE (HATTANOOG ARJNGGOLI) CAMPAiGN. 259 fleeing enemy. immediately in front of them, while others (with great good sense on the part of their brigade coummanders) were deployed to the right and left to (lear the ridge and relieve time pressure on ou 1 troops that had not gaille(l the sumummut. The good effect of the dank attacks was almost instantaneously apparent, and soon time entire crest was occupied l)y our troops. Mission Ridge was onrs. Time enemy, whom we had seen durino the two long months of the investment occupying this (lomninating position. was in full retreat. As the day was nearly spent, and the trooi)s much worn, and some- what disordered l)y time ascent, the puisnit could not, of course, be long continued. Darkness was coining on apace, andthe brigades were ieforined on time crest of the 1i(loe where they bivouacked for I he night. The assault of Mission Ridge is certaimily one of the n tost icinarkable 8 chievenlents that have ever occurred. Military history would probably be ransacked in vain for a parallel. With so umucim of pimysical obstacle to overcome, with so nmuch armed re- sistance encountered, probably no assault was ever so eminently suc- cessful. In fifty minutes from the time time advance commenced, the first flags were seen flying on the crest of the ridge. But the great aclmievememit was mmot won withomit serious loss. Mammy gallamit and accomplished officers and brave men were killed amul wounded imm the assault. To these especially is the lasting homage and gratitude of time commimtry due. As is not at all singular, there is a differemice of opimmion as to what troops first crowned the summit of Mission Ridge. All time different (livisioIms engaged iim time assault set up claims to this imommor. The brigades of the saimme divisiomi (I kimow it is so in nmy (livisiomm) have (olmflictilmo claimmus, amid imi like mnaimner time regimemits of the same bri- lay claim time hmommor. Each cominamider, observimmo of cour ga(le to ~, se, his owim t.moops more closely tlman others, is disposed to think, with all honesty, that his conrnmammd was first omm time crest. While admuittimig I aum liable to be umistaken, I sincerely think a considerable portion of nmy divisiomi were tIme first troops that reached the summit; but I am not able to discriminate with certainty ~ luich one of the three 1)rigades was first up. Time truth is, parts of e inch brmoade reached tile crest almost simultaneously, and wlmeme immluustmce might be douie I do umot think it advisable to make a decismoim oum time conflicting claims. In fact, I do miot comusider myself conmpetemmt to (lo so. I was much more iminterested in getting to the top of the ridge thamm iii see- mug who reached there first. Hap~i1y it is a question which does not le(luire to be definitely settled. The strong position of the enemy was carried, and it matters little wimat particulmr m eommnent, brigade, or (livision was first on the summit. Where all strove so arduously to do well he who was first ump can only be considered as more fortu- mate, umot mnore deserving, thmaum hiSs comrades. I muist refer to time meports of brigade comumandems. with their accompaniments, the reports of reginmental conmmnaumders, for a more minute and detailed narrative of the operations of their several commamuds than I can l)lesemmt in this report. rro these reports I ummust also refer for mammy instances of special comnmemmdatiomm for gallantry amid good conduct (hisplayed by regimental and company officers and soldiers. To re- cord all the instamuces of hmeroisum displayed by nuen and officers would extend this report beyond all reasonable comm ss. After the rout of the rebel army by the smmccessfnl assault on Mission Ridge omi the afternoon of the 25th. time more immll)ortalit mesults of the brilliant ~peratiomus which commenced on the 28d and termillate(l with night Page 260 260 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MiSS., N. AL A., AND N. GA. LUHAP. XLIII. fail of the 25th, as shown by the reports of the brigade commanders, were as follows: General Willich, commanding First Brigade, re- J)orts the capture of five pieces; General Hazen, commanding Second Brigade, reports the capture of eighteen pieces, and General Beatty, commanding Third Brigade, reports the captnre of eight pieces of artillery. There is, I believe, some conflict of claim between Gem- era] s Willich and Hazen as to the priority of capture of two pieces of artillery, and I think they have both included them in their re- ports of captures. Without pretending to decide which of the two has the better claim, which I ani really not able to do (nor is it at all importanli the question should be decided). bnt making the cor- rections to avoid counting two pieces twice, the reports of the bri- gade commanders show an aggregate capture of twenty-nine pieces of artillery by the division, all field guns. In regard to the conflict between Generals Willich and Hazemi, it may be remarked that it is not at. all strange such differences of opinion should exist in regard to occurrences 011 the battle-field, as, by reason of the turmoil of the conflict, it is often impossible to mark distinctly the exact. order of piecedence of events, and when also two regiments may arrive sim- ultaneously at the same place, and each honestly thinks itself the first there. General Willich, commanding First Brigade, reports the capture of two regimental colors. General Hazen, commanding Second Brigade, three, and General Beatty, two, making a total of seven. General Willich reports the capture of twelve hundred staml of small-arms. General Hazemi, six hlun(lred amid fifty, and General Beatty, two hundred, makino fifty stand of small-arms. an aggregate of two thousand and Grand summary of captures by the division: Field gnus, 29; field caissons, 25: regimental colors. 7; stand of small-arms, 2,050; l)ris- ommers, over 1,000. for whom receipts were obtained by tile provost- marshal of the division from the provost-marshal-general. I have not time report of my provost-muarshal before me, and hence cannot oix~e tile exact number. Amnong tile p~15OIl~~5 were officers of various grades. Time cas- ualties in the division amounted to 16 officers killed an(h 59 wounded; 1l011-colnmissiolle(l officers and privates killed, 144; woumided, 81 4 muaking the total casuaht.ies of the divisiomi 1,033.* Amnong these tile country has to muourn the loss of mainly gallant aIl(l accomuphished oflicars and brave and devoted muen. I Imave already noted tile deatim of Major Birch. of the Nimietv- third Ohio, who was killed while gallamitly leading his regimemmt in time assault omm the emmemuvs intrenchments on Monday afternoomm, the 28d. Major Erwimi, Sixth Ohio, amid Major Glass, Thirty-second In- (hialla, while displaying like heroism, were killed in time assault omi Mission Ridge. 1mm tIme death of these excellent and gallamit officers the coummtry has sustained a severe loss. To mny brigade comumanders. Gemmeral Wihhich. commandimmg First Brigade: General Hazen. commanding Second Brigade. and Gemmeral Beatty (Sam.), commandimig Third Brigade, my warninest thamiks are (lime, ammd are hmerebv temm(lered, for the prompt, skillful. amid intehli- gemmt mammminer in which they l)e~fornied their duties in these brilliant operations. Tlmey each displayed imighi personal gallantry, as well as 1iiofessi~ omal illt(4I [gellce. 1 c )m iici~d theni the onsderatioii am] But see revised statement, p. ~2 Page 261 (hAP. XLITT.i TIlE CIT ATTAN00GAT~INOG0LT) CAMPAIGN. (are of my seniors in rank. They speak in terrnspf high praise of their staff officers, and I doubt not justly. Tn writing a report of )perations affording opportunities for the display of personal gal- lantry and heroism, and for rendering high and distinguished serv- ice, it is impossible to chronicle the name of every officer or soldier s~)ecially distinguishing himself. And when all have done well to attempt to discriminate between individuals would perhaps lead to invidious distinctions. But as in extensive operations some are for- tunate enough to specially distinguish themselves, it is doing no more than justice to them to commemorate their names in an official re- port. Colonel Berry, commanding Fifth Kentucky, displayed con- spicuous gallantry on the ~3d and on the 25th. He was slightly wounded on both days. Colonel Wiley, conimanding Forty-first Ohio, rendered signal service on both days, and displayed high cour- age. In the assault on Mission Ridge he received a ghastly wound in his right leg, rendering amputation necessary. Lieutenant-Col- onel Langdon, First Ohio, charging with his regiment up to the very crest of Mission Ridge, was severely wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, commanding Thirty-fifth Illinois, after being among the very first on the summit of Mission Ridge, rendered the most important service by a prompt movement to the left, whereby a portion of the resisting rebels were swept off. Lieu- tenant-Colonel Chandler then, according to his brigade commanders report, followed up the enemy 1-~ miles in his retreat. Colonel Stout, comnmam~diiig Seventeenth Kentucky, and Colomiel Knefier, command- ing Seventy-ninth Indiana, distinguished themselves by the vigor of their assaults on Missiomi Ridge amid the ardor with which they Thacked the rebels after the crest had been gained. To the members of my persomial staffCaptain Bestow, assistant a(l~ utant-general; First Lieutenant Yaryan, Fifty-eighth Indiana, and Second Lieutenant Shaffer, Ninety-third Ohio, aides-de-camp; Captain Bartlett, Forty-ninth Ohio, inspector-general of the division, amid Captaimi Wells, Eighty-ninth Illinois, assistant commissary of musters, who accompanied me on the field throughout the entire operationsmy thanks are specially due for much valuable assist- alice, promptly and intelligently rendered. They all bore themselves with signal gallantry. Captain Bestow was slightly wounded by the fragiue~it of a shell in the assault on Mission Ridge. To the members of my staff who were not immediately on the field Captain Bradley, Sixth Ohio Battery, chief of artillery; Ca~taim~ Myers, assistant quartermaster; Captain Muller, commissary of sub- sistence; Lieutenant Haldeman, ordnance officer, and Captain Taft, provost-marshalI must render thanks for the excellent manner iii which they perfornied their appropriate duties. Captaimi Bridges, conimanding the battery which was posted on Orchard Knob during the night of the 23d, did good service. Special praise and commendation are due to that accomplished and Christian gentleman, Surg. W. W. Blair, medical director of the di- vision, for the excellent arrangement provided in advamice for takiiig care of the wounded, and for the prompt manner in which, as far as human power could do it, their sufferings were alleviated. Though it may be unusual, I trust it will not be considered in bad taste, more especially when it is remembered that we commenced the career of arms together in our boyhood, if I return my sincere ac- knowledgmnents to the commander of the corps (Maj. Gen. Gordon (4ranger) of whiclm mny (hivision is a part for the prompt and heart Page 262 NY., SW. VA., IEX~., MISS., N. ALA., ANT) N. OA. [CHAP. XLIII. sllT)p9rt he gave me throu~hnt [lie brilliant operations ~rhich ter- ininateci in raising the l)ruteaeted in vestment of Chattanooga and the rout of the rebel army. Immediately after the termination of the operations around Chat- tanooga, my division, with another of the corps, was ordered to march to the relief of the garrison of Knoxville, beleaguered by the rebels under General Longstreet. Thinly clad, sonie of the men being absolutely barefooted and all deficient in clothing, and after having been more than two months on short rations, the march was cheerfully and rapidly made at a most inclement season of the year. The line of march having been changed after leaving Chattanooga. it was impossible to draw subsistence from time commissariat depart- ment, and during the remainder of the march it was necessary for the troops to subsist on the country. This their indomitable energy enabled them to do, amid I may add they have been compelled to live in the same way, more or less, ever since. When we marched from Chattanooga it was understood that the object of time niovement was siniply to cause time siege of Knoxville to be raised, and that so sooim as this was accomplished we were to retmmrn. On our arrival at Knoxville, it was determuimmed to hold ns there while the oarrison pursued the retreating rebels. After remnainiug at Knoxville a week, a report was received that Longstreet had turned on his pursuers amid was driving them back. To support them, we were ordered to umake a forced march to this point, and here we imave remained ever since, suffering all time privations and hardships that imisufficient clothing, insufficient shelter, and insufficient food at the muost inclem- emmt season of the year can produce. When we marched from Chattanooga the troops were allowed but one wagon per regiment for the transportation of baggage, shelter, an(l cookin~ utensils. II am, very respectfully, your obediemmt servant, TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant A~jntant- General, Fourth Army Corps. [Inclosure.] Stat~ineut of Casualties in the Third Division, Fourth Armyj (!o~ps, in the opera tions before Chattanooga, November 23 00(1 Ti, t863. Killed. Wounded. ~ a. ~ (iorruuai~d. Q I2~~ ~ Sr 0 0 n 46 17 267 337 86 30 399 522 12 12 148 174 144 59 814 1,03:1 But see revised statement, P 82. First Brigade Second Brigade Third Brigade Total* 1 Page 263 263 ChAP. XL1I1j TITh OHALUANOOCrA1d~~GGOtD CAMPAIGN. KNOXVILLE, Fehruary 20, 1~64. Major-General GRANGER: Effective force of this division at the battle of Mission Ridge was 5,200. Previous dispatch was answered by mail. TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General of f~olunteers. No. 62. Report of Brig. Gen. August Willich, U. S. Army, commanding First Brngade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG.. THIRD DIv., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Strawberry Plains, Tenn., December 31, 1863. SIR: In conformity with orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the late engage- ments at Chattanooga: On the 23d of November, at 11 a. in., I received orders to form my brigade in front of Fort Wood, for reconnaissance toward Missionary Ridge. After having formed my brigade, the order was so far modi- fied that I should take Orchard Knob, i{ miles in front of Fort Wood, and hold it until further orders. Formation of the brigade: Eighth Kansas, Colonel Martin com- mandin g, in front as skirmishers. First line, Fifteenth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Askew command- ing, on the right; Forty-ninth Ohio, Major Gray commanding; Twenty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Nodine commanding; Thirty-fifth Illi- nois, Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler commanding. Second line, Thirty-second Indiana, Colonel Erdelmeyer command- ing, on the right; Eighty-ninth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Will- iams commanding; Sixty-eighth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Espy commanding; Fifteenth Wisconsin, Captain Gordomi commanding. The first hue deployed in line of battle, the second line in donble column on the center, closed en masse. On the division signal, which was given as soon as the Second Bri- gade had formed to my right, I gave the commamid march. Under a lively skirmish fire the brigade advanced in quick time into the position assigned to me. The small loss, 4 killed amid 10 wounded, is explained by the impetuosity of the advance, which did iiot permit the enemy to reform after being once broken by our skirmishers. Only a short time before this engagement the Eighth Kansas, Sixty-eighth Indiana, Twenty-fifth Illinois, Thirty-fifth Illinois, and Fifteenth Wisconsimi had been attached to my old brigade. The splendid advance of the skirmish line of the Eighth Kansas, the steady and determined pressing on of the other regiments estab- lished at once between them and the old regiments of my brigade a feeling of companionship and of mutual confidence, which became apparent, two days later, in the storming of Missionary Ridge. Under orders, I erected an epaulement on the crest of Orchard Knob, and breastworks in front and on both sides of it, under a heavy artillery fire from the enemys guns, which was but little heeded by the men, and with all its terrific appearance did yery little daniage. Some uneasy feeling prevailed among the men concerning General IFJoward~ corps, which had formed to th~ kft of our Jivi~on, bu Page 264 KY., SW. VA., TENN., Mfss., N. ALA., ANi) N~. GA. [CHAP. XLITI. which (lid not conic up to a hue with us. though our (ilvision had twice cleared the rifle-pits in their front. The position above indicated we held during the afternoon of the 28d, 24th, and the former part of the 25th of November. At 9 a. iii. on the 25th, under orders, our pickets drove the enemy back to their rifle-pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge. At 11 a. m. I received an order to prepare for an advance, and to advance toward Missionary Ridge at the signal of Six ral)id cannon shots. I understand since that the order was given to take only the rifle- pits at the foot of the ridge; by what accident, I am unable to say, I di(l not understand it so; I only understood the order to advance. I formed the brigade, the first line, Fifteenth 01 Ohio, Twenty-fifth Illinois, Thirty-fifth Illinois; iio, Forty-ninth second Indiana, Eighty-ninth Illinois, Eighth second line Thirty- Kansas, Sixth-eighth Indiana; last reserve, Fifteenth Wisconsin. Both lines deployed on account of the heavy artillery fire we were exposed to. On the given signal the brigade advanced in quick time, but shell and spherical case fell very thick, and all the regiments double- quicked until they reached the rebel rifle-pits and canips at the foot of the ridge, driving the enemys infantry before them, all his artil- lery being on the crest of the ridge. It was evident to every one that to stay in this position would be certain destruction and final defeat; every soldier felt the necessity of saving the day and the cam- paign by conquering, and every one saw instinctively that the only place of safety was in the enemys works on the crest of the ridge. My adjutant, Captain Schmitt, was already at the extreme left. I sent my aide, Lieutenant McGrath, and ordnance officer, Lieuten- ant Foot (who on this occasion was wounded by a shell), to different regiments, I myself, with my inspector, Lieutenant Green, went to the Eighth Kansas, and the command forward was soon heard all along the lines, though I verily believe that even without any coin- inand the regimeiits would have stormed, as a great number of skir- mishers were already climbing up the ridge before the command was given. The part of the ridge which fell to the share of my brigade formed a kind of a crescent; two roads, one on the right, one on the left, lead- lug up the hill, there joining with the roads on the crest of the ridge and forming the main road to Chickamauga Station, the only good line of retreat of the enemy. The ascent was (in the closer quarters) defended by one battery to the right and two batteries to the left, on two different sallying points. Many men fell down exhausted in climbing up under the enemys fire, some fainted, but irresistible was tIme general advance. What so often is uttered in eloquent speeches in comfortable salon8, in State houses, and iii halls of Congress, Victory or death was here an umicomufortable reality. The right of the brigade reached first, and mounted the enemys breastworks, consisting of men from all the regiments of the center amid right. From these works they had to charge the rallying enemy amid received tIme fire from the bat- teries on the right and on the left. The battery on the right was taken ~n a very few moments by the right of mine and the left of General Hazens brigade. The Thirty-second Indiana and Sixth Ohio claim the honor of being the first to plamit their colors on the crest; but a few moments [elapsedj and all the colors of the brigade were in the enemys wdrks. The Thirty-fifth Illinois. Twenty-fifth Illinois, su Page 265 CHAP. XJAII.] TfIE CTTATTANOO(4 AT~INCOOIJ) CAMPAIGN. 265 j)( )rtud by the Sixtyeighth lli(halla, au4 ~L j)Ortioli Of the Eighth Kansas. took the first battery on the left, drove the enemy from the guns, and passed it. This battery was afterward claimed as a trophy I ~y another command. Lieuteuant-Coloiiel Chandler, carrying his regiineiital colors after 7 color sergeants had been killed or wounded, the colors receiving more than thirty bullet holes, planted them oi~ the works, where they were soon joined by those of the Sixty- eighth Indiana, Eighty-sixth Indiana, and Fifty-ninth Ohio (the two latter of General Beattys brigade). Here Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler wheeled the Thirty-fifth illinois and Sixty-eighth Indiana, and portions of the Eighty-sixth Indiana and Fifty-ninth Ohio to the left, and charged the enemy in the flank. while the other regi- ments of the brigade followed the fleeing enemy down the east slope of the ridge and took from him five pieces of artillery ~nd eight (aissons, which had already reached on their flight a half to three- quarters of a mile from the crest. Colonel Chandler followed up the charge in the flank of the enemy for 1~ miles, joined by men of Generals Beatty and Bairds commands, who had gained the crest in thie wake of the charge. I thien recalled my regiments from the pursuit, and received orders from General Grant in person to reform time brigade on the crest for further eventualities, which I (lid. Our trophies, credited to my brigade, are 5 pieces of artillery, 8 ciis5on5, 1,200 stand of small-arms, 2 battle-flags. aiid between 300 and 400 prisoners, though properly it is entitled to more. it should be a rule that no command has a right to claim a trophy which it finds and from which it does not drive the enemy by force of arms. The loss of the brigade is 7 officers killed. 17 officers wounded, 46 enlisted umemi killed, 207 enlisted men woumided; total, 337i~ This, compared with the result, slight loss is exi)laincd, as on the 28d, by our rapid advamice. To speak of the bravery amid patriotisni of the officers amid men of the brigade would only be a repetition of what I had to say of the Thirty-second Indiana, Forty-nimithi Ohio, Fifteenth Ohio, Eighty- ninth Ilhimmois, already so often after each battle in which they fought and comiqimered, amid who have foumid in the Eighth Kaimsas, Twemity- fifth Ilhimmois, Thirty-fifth Illinois, Fifteemithi Wisconsin, and Sixty- eighth Imidiamma their p~ems. I must declimme to mention names of braves among the brave. The name of Lientenant-Colommel Chandler I had to mention to elucidate the claims of other commands farther to the left to have reached the works omi the ridge first, or simultammeomisly with us. For time mianmes of our noble dead and for deeds of individual gallantry. I respect- hilly refer to the regimental reports. I respectfully call the attention of the higher comumanders agaimi to the fact that by the fate of battle time regiments of my COmmami(h have been reduced to less than one-fourth their strength, amid urgently ask that steps be taken to fill up the regiments, so that our iimvaluable veterans do not waste away altogether. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, A. WILLICH, Brigadier- General. Capt. E. T. WELLS, ________~4ctiiqj Ass is/a a! AWe/a ;d- General. But see revised statement. p. 81 Page 266 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CrIAP. XLm. No. ~:3, R6port of (Jot. Richard LI. iVodi,w, Tw& nty-fifth Ittinoi8 infantry. CAMP OF TWENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN The following is respectfully submitted as a report of the part borne by the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Iiifantry in the taking of Mission Ridge: The regiment moved out of camp about 1 p. m. on the 23d instant, took position in the brigade iu front of Fort Wood. In connection with the balance of the brigade advanced at 2.30 p. m. on first line of enemys works, they having been driven out by the line of skir- mishers in our front. At 6 p. m. relieved the line of skirmishers in our front from the Eighth Kansas Volunteers with three companies of this regiment. At 10 a. in., 24th instant, was relieved by the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, and the regiment fell back as reserve in the second line. On the 25th instant, at 1 p. in., relieved the Sixty-eighth Volunteers an(l again took position in the first line with three companies in front as skirmishers. At 3 p. in., when the signal was given for a general advance, the skirmish line was pushed rapidly forward, and the enemys works at ti ~e bottom of the hill carried, the battle-flag of the Forty-second Alabama Regiment and a number of prisoners captured. We then l)uslie(l forward, under a galling fire from the enemys batteries sta- tioned on the knobs at the right and left of us at the distance cf 300 or 400 yards, and close-range musketry on our front and flanks, until we reached the crest of the ridge, when the enemy broke and ran in confusion Arriving at the top of the hill a portion of the advance followed the retreating enemy, capturing one James rifled cannon and seven caissons loaded with ammunition. The recall was then sounded, and the regiment assembled on the top of the ridge, where it bivouacked for the night. The effective force of the regiment when it went into the engage- inent. was: Commissioned officers, 16; en listed men, 244; aggregate, 2(;0. ~Ihe following are the casualties: Killed, enlisted men, 9. ~ouiided, commissioned officers, 5; enlisted men, 53. Aggregate, 67. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, R. H. NODINE, Gob net, Commanding Regiment. Captain SChMITT, A .~s istu Ut ii d jutant- General. No. 64. Report of Lien!. Gol. William P. Chandler; Thirty-fifth Itlinois infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLS., In the Field, December 10, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the action of the 23d, 24th, and 25th days of November, 1863: On th~ 23d day of November, this command was organized as fo Page 267 CRAP. XLIII.] T111 C1JATTANO0(~AR1NGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 267 lows Company A, commanded by First Lieut. John Phillips, of Company H; Company B, commanded by First Lieut. William L. Warning; Company C, commanded by Captain Parsons, of Corn- pany H; Company D, commanded by Captain Vance; Company E, commanded by Second Lient. F. M. Alihands; Company F, com- manded by Second Lient. Thomas Hogan; Company G, commanded by Capt. Nelson Staats, of Company K; Company H, commanded by Capt. S. M. Parsons; Company I, commanded by Second Lient. C. V. B. Smith; Company K, commanded by Capt. Nelson Staats; Captain Tri~ax, Company I, acting as lientenant-colonel. On the 23d ultimo, this regiment was formed on the left of the bri- gade in the first line of battle, supporting the left of the line of skir- mishers, and advanced in its proper position to the enemys rifle-pits, which were taken, and in which we remained dnring the night, with a loss of 1 man wounded. On the 24th ultimo, 2 men were wounded on the skirmish line, and at 1 p. m. we were relieved in the rifle-pits by the Fifteenth Wiscon- sin Volunteers, commanded by Captain Gordon, when the regiment was retired to the second line, where it lay in reserve until 12 in., 25th ultimo, whemi it took its former position in the front line aimd on the left of the brigade. During the forenoon the enemy threw several shells into our posi- tion, but without injury. About 2 p. m. I received orders from Brigadier-General Willich, commanding brigade, to be prepared to advance whenever the signal of six guns should be fired in quick succession. In compliance with these orders the regiment was formed in the front line and on the left of the brigade, supported by the Sixty- eighth Indiana Volunteers; in the second line the Twenty-fifth Illi- nois Volunteers on the right and the brigade of Brigadier-General Beatty on the left. The signal being given about 2.30 p. in., the regiment advanced in line, and in good order at quick time about one-halt mile, when re- ceiving a heavy fire from the enemys batteries on Mission Ridge, about half a mile distant, the double-quick step was taken and umaintained about a fourth of a mile, when the enemys rifle-pits at the foot of the ridge were easily carried. Our line having then reached the line of skirmishers, both entered the enemys works tooether. 0 Haviiig advanced more rapidly than the troops on my left, and reaching the enemys works considerably in advance of them, I halted my command and fired a volley at a heavy column of the enemy retiring up the ridge under cover of a battery immediately in front of ~my left. The slight resistance made by the retreating colunimi of the enemy induced me to believe that a vigorous charge would succeed in silencing or capturing their battery, time fire from which was very rapid, but not destructive. Directing my color sergeant to advanc~ directly on the battery in front of my left, I ordered the regiment forward. They advanced rapidly to within 20 steps of time eiiemys works, there being exposed to a very destructive fire from the enemys infantry, the men, being completely exhausted by their rapid advance up the steep hill, were compelled to halt at that critical point. Fearing that the movememit would fail, I moved to the front pist in time to receive the colors from the hands of the sixth colo Page 268 2C8 KY., SW. VA., TFNN., Miss., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIII. orporal, Preston (the color sergeant., Alex. Hughes. aiid 3 corporals having previously been wounded), as he was instantly killed. About this time I noticed Captain Houston, of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, with one coinp~ny of that regiment gallantlv supporting me. arid also Lieutenant Mclnerny, of the Eighty-sixth In(iiana Volunteers, urging forward his men, thus enabling its to keep up a deadly fire upon the enemy whenever they showed them- selves above their embankment, until the advance of the Sixty- eiglrt.h Indiana Volunteers came charging up the hill to our assist- ance, when, calling upon the men to follow, I carried the flag into the enemys works, preceded by a gallant soldier of the Sixty-eighth, who was shot dead the moment he passed over their parapet. Lieutenant Mclneruy, with the advance of the Eighty-sixth Indi- ana, with their flag, immediately followed, and in a few moments the colors of the Sixty-eighth emitered on my right. During our advance up the hill and after entering their works, the enemys battery immediately on our left was pouring in a heavy fire, and as soon as our front was cleared of infantry tire colors of tins regiment, together with tire colors of the Sixty-eighth and Eighty-sixth, were moved rapidly to our left and tire men called omr to follow, which they gallantly did, (iriving tire enemy before tlremn and capturing two of tireir cannon. At that time I noticed air officer actively engaged leading on tire men, whom I afterward learmred was Captain Watson, of the Fifty-ninth Oinio Volunteers, and also another flag, which I believe was the flag of that regiment. After the capture of the cannon, the four colors were rapidly ad- vanced to our left, tire men of the various regiments following and ~)onring a deadly fire on the enemys flank whenever he attemped to make a stand. Tirus was ire (Iriven from his rifle-pits for i~- muiles, omrr numnbers constantly increasing by other commands coming up in our rear, and time emremy was repulsed by their assistance in a vmgor- ous assault made about sunset. At dark, firing having ceased, I joined the brigade about 2 miles to our rmght. Many of the retreating enemy were overtaken and captured on the slope of the irill, and also large numbers in their works on the crest of the ridge. Too uruch praise cannot be given to both officers and men for their gallant conduct on that day. Major Mcllwain, Captain Keys, Company F, and First Lient. George B. Peake arrived from Mur- freesborough just in time to take part imr tire assault, and rendered valuable assistance by their activity amrd bravery. Captain Keys and Lreutenamrt Peake were woumrded. TIre large number of the enemy killed in the works at the point carried by ims shows tire stnrbbormrness of the resistamrce made by tlmemn, and attests to the skill and courage of our meir, they killing more of the enemy in his works than our loss on tire outside. Our colors received 32 shots. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. P. CHANDLER, Lien tenant- Golonel, Comm an ding Regiment. Capt. CARL SCHMITT, A. A. G., First Brig., Third Dir., Fourth Army c/oips Page 269 Cii~v. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 269 No. 65. Report of Lient. Col. William D. Williams, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTY-NINTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., Chattanooga, November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report: The Eighty-ninth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, under the command of the undersigned, in compliance with orders, took rendezvous position in front of Fort Wood at 12 in., November 23, 1863, as a support for the first line of battle. On our right was the Thirty-second Indiana Infantry Volunteers; on the left the Sixty- eighth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, in like rendezvous position. At 1 p. in. the signal to move forward was given. The Eighty-ninth moved steadily forward; the skirmishing lihe of the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry Volunteers driving before them the enemys skirmishing line and reserves, the enemy abandoning their first line of intrenchments. The Eighty-ninth proceeded to a point on the first line of intrench- ments, known as Orchard Knob, and there halted, in obedience to orders, and lay upon their an s until the next day, November 24. The next morning at 10 oclock the Eighty-ninth was ordered for- ward to relieve the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry in the first line, with orders to throw two companies to the front as skirmishers. About 11 oclock our skirmishing companies, under the command of Lient. Erastus 0. Young, were ordered forward to dislodge the enemys skirmishers on their front. This was quickly and gallantly done on the double-quick. They advanced about 1,000 yards, and were then ordered to halt. This front was maintained until relieved by the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry Volunteers at 2 p. in., November 25. ln this advance of our skirmishers none of the Eighty-ninth were killed or wounded, although they were vigorously shelled by the enemys batteries planted on Missionary Ridge and resisted with considerable vigor by the enemys skirmishing line. On being relieved by the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, the Eighty-ninth took rendezvous posi- tion at the foot of Orchard Knob. At 4 p. in. the Eighty-ninth were ordered forward as a support to the Forty-ninth Ohio to assail the enemys second line of intrenchments. The Eighty-ninth moved steadily forward in double column until within 500 yards of the enemys works, and then deployed into line of battle; moved for- ward, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, over the enemys second line of intrenchments up the steep sides of Missionary Ridge to the crest, assailed ineaiiwliile by the enemys batteries on the right and left and a heavy infantry fire on the right, left, and froiit. We oained the top of Missionary Ridge, driving the enemy before us. After pursuing them and taking many prisoners, we halted about 1,000 yards beyond the crest. I halted the regiment, closed them up, and awaited further orders. At dark General Willich ordered us to stack arms and bivouac for the night. The Eighty-ninth remained iii line of battle on the top of Missionary Ridge until the evening of Thursday. November 26, when we returned, under orders, to our old camp in the rear of Fort Wood, Chattanooga, where we now are. During all the foregoing operations the Eighty-ninth was under the eye of the conimanding general. My (il)Selwatiafl failed to dis- cover the slightest hesitancy in oflicers or men in the advance on the enemys works Page 270 270 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS.~ N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XbIH. The casualties of the Eighty-ninth are comparatively light. Capt. Henry IL. Rowell was seriously wounded near the crest of the ridge while gallantly leading his company. Second Lient. Erastus 0. Young, (olnilmuding Company A, fell near the crest, shot dead, while shouting Forward and victory ! Three enlisted men were killed and 31 wounded during the advance up the hill. The following is the list of casualties in the Eighty-ninth Regi- ment Infantry Illinois Volunteers during the operations of the 23d. 24th, 25th, and 26th of November, 1863: Commissioned officers, 1 killed and 1 wounded; non-commissioned officers, 5 wounded; pri- vates, 3 killed and 24 wounded; total killed and wounded, 34. None I nissinO Annexed please find list of killed and wounded by name and rank. * All of which is respectfully submitted. WM. D. WILLIAMS. Lient. Col., Corndg. Eighty-ninth illinois Infantry Vols. Capt. CARL SCHMITT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 66. Report of Cot. Frank Erdelmeyer, Thirty-second Indiana infan try. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-SECOND INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Ten in., No rentber 28. 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the part taken in the en- gagement of the 23d, 24th, and 25th instant, at Missionary Ridge, by f lie Thirty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, as follows: On the 23d instant, the regiment marched out of camp at about 1 ~ in., took position in front of Fort Wood, on the right of the bri- gade, second line, to support the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The reoiment did not become engaged that day, but lost, while ad 0 vancing toward the enemy, 1 man killed and 1 man wounded. We built breastworks on top of Bald Knob Oin the evening of the 23d instant, and relieved the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in front on the morning of the 24th instant, and remained on I)ickef (lurino that day, without any shots being exchanged in our immedi- ate front. On the morning of the 25th instant, at about 10 oclock, the l)ickets of my regiment were ordered to advance. The line advanced boldly toward the enemy, driving their strong picket line into their intrench- ments on foot of the ridge. The pickets were then relieved by the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the regiment took position in the second line behind Bald Knob. At 3 p. in., a general advance having been ordered, the regiment advanced in double column when the signal was given. The column being exposed to the enemys ar- tillery fire. I deployed the regiment, and advanced through the woods in line of battle. Coming to an open field, the artillery fire of the enemy becoming desperate with grape and canister, I advanced the regiment in double-quick time, driving the enemy out of the in- trenchments on foot of the ridge. On arriving at the breastworks. being too much exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy, I deemed it advisable to advance at once. The order having beemi given, the men at once vigorously and gallantly advanced and slowly climbed * Omitted Page 271 271 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGG OLD CAMPAIGN. up the Missionary Ridge, taking possession of the ridge, capturing live pieces of artillery with caissons and many prisoners, who were sent to the rear. The colors of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the Thirty-sec- nd Indiana Volunteers were the first that arrived ou the crest of the ridge, where the enemy had partly rallied and seemed to be disposed to make another stand. The men immediately turned the artillery of the enemy and forced the rebel cannoneers to load and fire into their own meii. The organization of companies and regiments was en- tirely broken, but the men resolutely pushed forward, driving the rei)els precipitately before them, and routing their lines who trie(I to rally oii foot of the ridge in the woods; also killed several can- noiieers and artillery horses. who tried to haul several pieces of artillery away, and compelled them to surrender. It is my painful duty to announce to you herewith the death of Maj. Jacob Glass, who was lately commissioned as lieutenant-col- onel of the Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, and wounded at about the center of the Missionary Ridge while charging up the ridge. The losses of the regiment during the engagement are 1 field officer and 8 enlisted men killed, and 35 enlisted men wounded. Before closing my report, I cannot abstain to give my full praise to all officers and men for the promptness, gall antry,b ravery, and good behavior displayed by them during the whole engagement, and nuder such trying circumstances. I have the honor to remain, general, very respectfully, your nuost obedient servant. FRANK ERDIELMEYER, (Jolonel, (Joindg. Thirty-second Regintent 1ndia~ia VOIN. Brig. Gen. A. WILLICH, Commanding First Brigade. No. 67. Report of Lient. (Jot. Harvey J. Espy, Sixty-eighth Indiana In fantry. IIDQRs. SIXTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS~ Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, the following as the part taken by my regiment duriimg the several days engagement around Chattanooga: Being placed as support to the Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, oum the 23d instant. I was not enabled to bring my men into action during that day. but, while advancing, Privates were woumided in their hands. TIme column being halted on the line of rifle-pits abandoned 1)y the rebels, a mile distant from Missionary Ridge and parallel with it, finding a gap between the left of General Willichs brigade, of which my regiment had the honor to form a part, and time right of Beatty s brigade, I asked and obtained permission to place my regiment in the gap, thus bringing it in front. During that night both men and officers were constantly employed with ax, pick, and spade, making rifle-pits to complete the connec- tion between the two brigades. Never have I seen men more patient, or work with a better will. During the whole of the after part of the day we were exposed to the fire of th~ enemys artillery~ but Page 272 272 KY., SW. VA., TENN., M1SS.~ N. AL4., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. although they seemed to have the range of the rifle-pits, but little damage was done, their shells seldom exploding. On the morning of Tuesday, the 24th instant, I took the place of J9he Twenty-fifth Illinois, in line of battle. My regiment being small, I was compelled to divide it into three reliefs for picket duty on my front, which, be- ing added to the labor and fatigue of the day and~ night before, was very trying on both men and officers. But I must do them the jus- tice to say that I did not hear a complaint from any one. During the night n~ disposition was manifested to press my front, and every- thing remained quiet until 10.30 oclock on Thursday LWednesdayj, the 25th, when the picket line was ordered to advance, which they did in fine style. Some casualties occurred on account of the failure of the skirmishers on my left to keep up connection with mine, they becoming at one time stationary, and thus allowing the enemy OIL my left to gain a cross-fire. Privates Washburne, of Company II, and Hohn, of Company E. were both slightly wounded. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Captains Bryant and Mauzy, Lieutenants Wilkinson, Wheeler, and Bailey, who were commanding the skirmishers, and Captain Moore and Lieutenant Wood, who were with the reserve. The names of Privates Henry Bickle, of Company H, and Nelson Ham- mel, of Company IE, here deserve honorable mention for the intre- pidity and daring with which they followed up the enemy. The enemy was driven from his works at the base of the hill, but .for sonie reason the skirmishers were withdrawn again into the timber, probably to gain cover for a new picket line, the works being on opemi ground. Nothiiig further of note occurred until 3.30 oclock, wheii the signal was given for a general advance of the line, my left being again placed to support the Thirty-fifth Illinois. The movement was made in fine style under a very severe fire of shot and shell, until we gained the open field, when we found it necessary to move at a double-quick step, the enemy having a cross-fre over the field, and the air being filled with grape and canister. I have never seen nien move with a firmer tread thaii did mine under a fire so galling. On they moved, driving the enem.y again from his works at the base of the hill, and on, up the ascent beyond. The charge, as it was, was irresistible, and would have been much more so had it not been for the fatigue of the men, consequent upon their double-quicking so far before begimining the ascent. Many of tile enemy threw down their guns and ran through my ranks to the rear. After passing through the first line of works, and within about 120 yards of the works upon the hill, I was struck down by the explosion of a shell, from which I did not sufficiently recoxTer to observe anything more until the hill was carried by our troops, and from which I ani still suffering. Homiorable mention might be made of many officers aiid men, l)ilt I fear to do injustice to others who might not have come under my observation. But I feel it a duty to mention the name of Lieut. John Reese, of Company C, acting adjutant, whose voice could be heard far above the din and roar of battle, urging on and encouraging the men. He was shot throu9i the body, just before reaching the works, and died ill ~1 few hours. Sergeant Short, of Company B, c~ A or bearer, aI SO richly (leserves to be mentioned for the noble manner in which he breasted the storm of bullets, and carried and l)lantcd our colors upon the works Page 273 Ci{~~. XLu1.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 273 Captain Leeson, who commanded the regiment, after reaching the works upon the hill (Captains Patterson and Moore having beeii wounded and carried to the rear), requests me to submit with my report a list* of casualties of the regiment, he having been called away with the regiment on duty. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. J. ESPY, Lientenant-Golonel, Oomdg. 68th Regiment Indiana Vol. Inf. Capt. CARL ScHMITT, Assistaiit Adjutant- General. No. 68. Report of Cot. John A. 3lartin, Eighth Kansas Infantry. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH KANSAS VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 2i, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eighth Regiment Kansas Volunteer Infantry in the late battle: On the morning of the 23d iQstant, the regiment was ordered on picket duty, and was on the outer lines, when, at noon, orders for the advance were received. The brigade shortly afterward marched out and formed in rear of the picket station. I was ordered by Gen- eral Willich to strengthen my outside picket line by doubling the outpost reserves on it and advancing the station reserve to their place, and then to move forward rapidly until I reached the enemys first line of intrenchments. This was immediately done, and at the signal the line advanced. We at first met with a stubborn resist- ance, but the mei~i pressed forward with such impetuosity that the enemy broke and we drove them a mile and a half, passing their first line of works before they could recover from their confusion. Our skirmishers passed on some 200 yards beyond their line, the brigade occupying the enemys works. Our loss in this days fight was but 3 men wounded. We captured some 40 prisoners and wounded about a dozen of the enemy. The night of the 23d, and until noon on the 25th, we remained at this line, strengthening it by various additions. At noon on the 25th, we were ordered to take the enemys line of intrenchments on Mission Ridge. We moved out of our works, taking position in the second line in rear of the Twenty-fifth Illinois, our left resting on the Sixty-eighth Indiana. We then advanced steadily in line through the woods and across the open field in front of the enemys intrench- ments at the foot of the hill, subjected during the whole time to a very heavy artillery fire from the enemys batteries. Reaching the first line of works, we halted to rest our men for a few moments, and then again advanced through a terrible storm of artillery and mus- ketry to the foot of the hill and up it as rapidly as was possible. The crest of the hill where we moved up was formed like a horseshoe, we advancing on the interior, while the enemys batteries and in- fantry on the points on both the right and left poured in a most ter- rific fire. But the line never faltered or wavered, although from the jiature of the ground regiments were mixed one with another, and company organization could not possibly be preserved. Each man * Embodied in reviSC(1 statement. p. 81. 18 R RYOL XXXI, PT I Page 274 274 KY., SW. VA., TENX., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XL~. struggled to be first on the top, and officers and men of the regiment, without a single exception, exhibited the highest courage and the most devoted gallaiitry in this fearful charge. The enemy held their ground until we were only a dozen yards from the breastworks, when they broke in wild confusion and lied in panic down the hill on the opposite side. A portion of our men pursued them for nearly a mile, ~ ssisting in capturing aiid hauling off several pieces of artil- lery and caissoiis, which the enemy were trying to run off. We occupied the summit of Missionary Ridge until the iiight of the 26th, when we were ordered to return to camp ~t this place. Our loss was 1 commissioned officer wounded, and 3 enlisted men killed and 23 wounded. Where all behaved with such. conspicuous courage, it is difficult to make distinctions, but I cannot forbear mentioning my adjutant, Lient. Sol. R. Washier. Wounded at Chickamauga, and not yet re- covered from the effect of the wound, suffering from a severe sprain of the leg, which prevented his walking, he mounted his horse and rode through the whole battle, always foremost in danger. Maj. Edward F. Schneider also left a sick-bed to go to the battle-field. The line officers presentCapt. James M. Graham, Company C; Capt. John Conover, Company F; Capt. Samuel Laighiton, Company A; Capt. Robert Flickinger, Comjlaiiy G; Lient. Marion Brooks, Company I; Lieut. William S. Newbury, commanding Company H; Dent. William II. Babcock, commanding Company K, and Lieut. Rowland Risdon, Company Eall behaved with marked gallantry and courage. Sergt. William Melchiert, commanding Company B, and Sergt. Thomas Adamson, commanding Company D, should also be men- tioned for conspicuous gallantry and courage. The regiment went into the battle with 219 effective men. I send accompanying a list of killed and wounded. * I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your most obe- dient servant, JNO. A. MARTIN, Colonel Eighth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, ~Jomdg. Capt. CARL ScHMITT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 69. Report of Lieut. Gol. Frank Askew, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGT. OHIO INFANTRY VOLS., Camp near Knoxville, Tenn., December 20, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by this command in the operations in front of Chattanooga, from the 23d to the 2~th days of November, inclusive: About noon on the 23d, we received the order to prepare to move out immediately, with two days rations in haversacks and 60 rounds of ammunition. Our preparations were soon made, and about 1 p. iii. we moved out of the works, following the Forty-ninth Ohio, and formed (lireetly in front of Fort Wood, being on the right of the first line of the brigade, amid connecting with the left, of the first line of General Hazens brigade. We remained here a short time waiting * Embodied in revised statement, p. 81 Page 275 CHAP. XLIII.] TUE CII ATTANOOGARINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 275 for the other troops to form. When all was ready, at the signal we moved forward with the whole line, the pickets moving forward as skirmishers and driving the enemys pickets before them. under a sharp fire. When we had gained the summit of Orchard Knob, we rested, the object of the movementwhich was understood to be a reco~~naissancehavnmg, I suppose, been accOml)liShCd. After rest- ing here a few minutes, in pursuance of the orders of the general. we began to erect a barricade or breastwork of logs and stones, and whatever loose material we could find, on the knob. As S00~ as we began to work the enemy opened on us with his batteries from the top of Mission Ridge, and also from batteries at the foot, and although their firing was rapid, and contimined until nearly clark, it did not materially interfere with the progress of onr work, so that by the morning of the 24tl~ we had erected a very good protection against the fire of infantry. During the forenoon of the 24t1, we were relieved by the Thirty- second Indiana Regiment, and took their place in the second line, where we relnained until the forenoon of the 25th, when we relieved the Thirty-second Indiana, taking again the right of the first line of the brigade, covering onr own front with Company A (Capt. J. C. Cnmmiiis) and Company B (Lieutenant Smith) deployed as skir- mishers, supported by Company F (Captain Giover) and Company G (Captain Dawson) in reserve, all under the command of Major McClenahan. We were disposed in this manner on the afternoon of the 25th, when the signal for the general advance was given, at which we moved forward with the whole line, taking the double- quick step as soon as we reached the open ground in front of the first line of the enemys works at the foot of Mission Ridge. The skirmishers, with the supporting companies deployed with them, went into the works at the foot of the ridge, meeting with very little resistance from the few infantry of the enenmy, who occupied these works. Their artillery had all been removed during the nights of the 23d or 24th. Our skirmishers were soon followed by the regi- muent in line, which, as we neared the foot of the ridge, was exposed to a very heavy fire from artillery and infantry, posted behind the works on the top of the ridge, the artillery fire doing us but little (lamage, however, as they shot over us. Here, every one being con- siderably exhausted by the rapid pace at which we had reached the foot of the ridge, and under the protection of the log hints which had been the camp of the enemy, most of the command halted, and rested for a moment before undertaking the difficult task of climbing the steep face of the ridge, crowned with batteries, and encircled with rifle-pits; however, the stouter ones soon pushed out, followed by the whole command, and slowly and stubbornly began to climb the hill, exposed all the while to a deluge of grape and canister from the batteries and musket-balls from the rifle-pits. Still, on they went, a stage at a time, picking off any of the enemy who dared show his head above their works; finally the works were reached, and, with a yell, the men went over them, and in among the terror-stricken and confused enemy; many of whoni threw (lown their arms and yielded themselves prisoners, and were sent to the rear. Those who at- tempted to escape were pursued (lown the eastern slope of the ridge amul many of them captured. auth pieces of artillery and caissons, which the enemy were attempthP~ to get off down the roadwhich leaves the summit of time ridge where this command gained it and ~~1 runs (lowrI the eastermi slope of the ridge to the valleywere piir5Ue(~ Page 276 276 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. some of the horses shot, and the artillerists driven off or captured. The command being by this time very much scattered and disorgan- ized, and fearing that there might be an attempt on the part of the enemy to regain the ridge, I caused the rally to be sounded, and in as short time as possible we were reorganized amid ready for any movement, offensive or defensive, and awaited orders. While resting here, Captains Dawson, Carroll, and Pettit were sent with details from the regiment to bring up the artillery and caissons, which we had compelled the enemy to abandon. They returned with five pieces of artillery and several caissons. Shortly after this I received the order to join the brigade on the top of the ridge, which we did, and our operations for this day were ended. I desire to call the attention of the general to the gallant conduct of Sergeant Ward, our color bearer, who, while climbing up the ridge with the colors in advance of the regiment, received a severe wound. The colors were taken up by Corporal Norton, one of the color gnard, and borne on up, and we have the gratification of knowing were among the first which were planted on the enemys works. Robert B. Brown, * a private of Company A, also deserves special mention for having captured a flag of the enemy. Major McClenalman and Adjutant Dubois were present during the operations of the three days. and fully sustained their reputation as brave men and good officers, which they had gained on other battle-fields. Capt. J. C. Cumumins (who had his left arm shot away after he had gained the top of the ridge), Captain Glover, Captain Dawson, Captain Carroll, Capt. G. W. Cummins, Captain Pettit, and Captain Byrd (who was again wounded, having just rejoined the regiment from an absence on account of wound received at Chickamauga) were con- spicuous for their gallantry, and were with their men cheering them on. The subalterns of the regiment bore themselves well, and remi- dered valuable service. Lientemmant Sanders, who was killed, al- though but lately promoted, gave promise of beimig as good an officer as he was an excellent soldier. I regret that on acconnt of the already voluminous extent of this report I cannot furnish you the namnes of every mion-commissioned officer amid private of this regimemit who participated in the assanlt on Mission Ridge, but I hope that mneasnres may be taken to have their names preserved and recorded, so that in after (lays, when their labors shall have been rewarded with the blessings of peac the~ may be able to poimit with pride to the fact that they weie arnono ~he heroes of Mission Ridge. Our loss was as follows: Officeis and mcii. Commissioned officers I I Enlisted men Total 4 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yomn obedient servant, FRANK ASKEW. I~ Ic alea tn 1 (ioloiui, (low naualin g Pcg imwiii. Capt. (JAi-u. SCHMITT. Assi810 uf A (~pdu ;d-(Thneral. * ~varded a 11L~dIt1 (11 1101101 Page 277 CHAP. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANOOGARINO(~OIJ) C.AMPAI(4N. ~ 7 No. 7u~ T?eport of lliaj. Samuel F. Gray, Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-NINTH OHIO INFANTRY, In Camp near Knoxville, Teun., December 20, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the battles of the 28d, 24th, and 25th of November at Chattanooga: The regiment was organized as follows: Company A, commanded by Capt. D. Hartsongh; Company B, commanded by Lient. Jacob W. Iler; Company C, commanded by Capt. John Greer; Company D, commanded by Lient. Jacob C. Miller; Company E, commanded by Capt. Jonas Foster; Company F, comnianded by Lient. Jacob Wolf; Company G, commanded by Lient. Isaac H. White; Company H, commanded by Lieut. M. Miles; Company I, commanded by Capt. M. IE. Tyler; Company K, commanded by Lieut. S. W. Simons; Capt. Luther M. Strong, acting field officer; Sergt. Maj. D. R. Cook, acting adjutant. By command of Brigadier-General Willich, commanding brigade, the regiment f6rmed on the open ground in front of Fort Wood at 2 p. m. on the 23d, in the first line, with the Fifteenth Ohio on our right, the Twenty-fifth Illinois on the left, and supported by the Eighty-nintih Illinois in the second line. At the signal given the line advanced on the enemy, our front being covered by the Eighth Kansas as skirmishers, and meeting with but little resistance by tire pickets of the enemy, who fell back to a line of rifle-pits at the foot of Orchard Knob. The advance of the line, preceded by the skirmishers, was splendidly executed, and the enemy was driven from his pits, quite a number of prisoners falling into our hands. By order, we halted on the knob and strengthened our position by throwing up stones and earth; this was done under a sharp artillery fire front the enemys guns at the foot and top of Mission Ridge. r~j71j5 closed the first days operations. Our casualties were 3 men slightly wounded. Tire morning of the 24th found us strongly intrenched and sup- i)orted by Captain Bridges battery of artillery. At 10 a. m. we were relmeved by the Eighty-ninth Illinois, and returmied to the sec- ond line, and remained in reserve until 1 p. m. on the 25th, when we again took position iii the first line. At 3.30 oclock I was ordered, by the general commanding brigade, at the signal of six guns, fired in quick succession from the battery on Orchard Knob, to advance and occupy the rifle-pits of the enemy at the foot of Missionary Ridge. The signal was given at 4 oclock, the line of battle being formed as on the first day. I ordered the regiment forward, with my front covered by Company C, Captain Greer; Company I, Captain Tyler, and Company H, Lieutenant Miles. An advance of a few rods brought these companies under fire from the intrenched position of the emnemy, and without stopping to fire they charged gallantly for- ward, and with their bayonets captured the works. So daring and rapid was the movement that the enemy threw down their guns and suffered theunselves to be captured by a force numerically greatly inferior. Our line of battle advanced in quick time through the woods in our front for about 300 yards, when, emerging from the woods into an open field, the enemy opened on us with all his bat Page 278 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANI) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. teries on the ridge, tilling the air all ar( )l11i(l with ex~)lodn1g shells. At this juncture the order double-quick was given, in order to gain the protection of the works almost captured by our skirmishers. The order was promptly and cheerfully obeyed, but ou reaching them they were found insufficient and altogether untenable; to have stopped here would have been annihilation. We were now receiv- ing a murderous fire from infantry and artillery posted on the hill above. We therefore pushed forward and gained a positioii under the hill, the enemy being unable to depress his artillery sufficiently to reach us. Having advanced over a distance of half a mile at double-quick my men were completely exhausted, and we halted to rest, taking such shelter as we could find, behind small stumps, logs, and inequalities of the ground. The fire to which we were now exposed was terrific beyond con- ception, and from the position we occupied we were unable to check it by firing; our only hope was to charge the bill. The order to advance was again given, and the men went bravely forward, toiling up the hill, going step by step, until the crest was reached, and the enemy in our front completely routed. My color sergeant, David Armstrong, was among the first on the ridge, and proudly planted the colors on the deserted works of the enemy. When we gained the ridge the enemy opened on us from a battery posted on our left, giving us an enfilading fire and raking their own rifle-pits. Froni this battery we suffered severely, but our presence over the ridge and on their left flank, compelled them to desert their guns and join their flying comrades. Pursuit was made for a quarter of a mile, taking many prisoners and contributing to the capturing of several pieces of artillery. The regiment being considerably scattered, I thought it prudent to halt and reorganize, which was done, and we joined the brigade on the ridge. Our loss in this days engagement was 5~ killed ali(l wounded. Among the killed, we mourn the loss of Lieutenants Miller, White, and Arndt. I feel altogether incompetent to pay a suitable tribute to the memory of these gallant officers. They entered the service as enlisted men, and earned their promotions by heroic (leeds on many sanguinary fields. Lieutenant Miller was the favorite of the regiment and beloved by all who knew him, a Christian hero, whose example is eminently worthy of imitation. He fell on the parapet of the enemys works, an(l lived to see victory perched upon our glorious banner. Lieutenant White was a faithful officer and a true gentlenian, whose loss is keenly felt by the entire regiment. Lieutenant Arndt distinguished himself at the battle of Stones River; his gallant conduct being witnessed by his colonel, he was- promoted theref or. He died while bravely urging forward his men to that fearful charge. I cannot commend too highly the conduct of every officer in this command. To their courage and skill I owe the success of the regi- ment. I take pleasure in asserting the fact that they are all-day nien, ever at their post of duty. They have participated, without an ex- ception, in all the battles in, which the command has been engaged. The country owes them a debt of gratitude foil their distinguished services and patriotic sacrifices. My thanks are due Capt. K M. Strong, acting field officer, an Page 279 279 CHAP. XLIII.1 THE CHATTANOOGJVRINGGOLP GAMPAIGi~. Sergt. Maj. D. R. Cook, acting adjutant, for valuable assistance on the field. I might mention many cases of individual courage among enlisted men worthy of special mention, but too unmerous to em- body in this report; due notice will be made of them hereafter. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. F. GRAY, ilLajor, Commanding Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry. Capt. CARL SCHMITT, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 71. Report of Capt. John A. Gordon, Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Teun., November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that my regiment, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, consisting of 130 men, moved out of camp on the afternoon of November 23, and formed a part of the secoiid line of our brigade, then forming in front of Fort Wood; moved with the brigade to where it took the first line of the enemys rifle-pits; remained there all night, sleeping on our arms. On the morning of the 24th, moved to the left of the front line, and relieved the Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and on the morning of the 25th formed a part of the skirmish line that so gallantly drove the enemy to their last line of works at the base of the mount- ain. About 1 p. m. we in turn were relieved by Thirty-fifth Illi- nois Infantry, and took a position assigned us as reserve, in the rear of the Sixty-eighth Indiana and Eighth Kansas Volunteer In- fantry; moved in this position, with the brigade, to the to1) of Mis- sionary Ridge. Our casualties were nominal, having omily 6 men slightly wounded. It would be invidious for me to particularize where all tried to do their duty. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. GORDON, C~aptctin, Comdg. Fifteenth TYisem in Vol u nteer Thfamtry. Capt. CARL SCHMITT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 72. Reports of Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 4TH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, November 24, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the result of the operations of my brigade yesterday, as follows: Losses: 2 officers killed and 12 wounded; 26 enlisted men killed and 127 wounded; total, 14 officers and 153 men Page 280 280 KY., SW. VA., IENN~., MISS., N. ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. This loss occurred almost entirely in the battalion composed of the Forty-first and Ninety-third Ohio Volnnteers, nnder command of Colonel Wiley, of the former regiment. We captnred 146 men and officers of the enemy, taking their regimental colors and abont two hnndred stand of small-arms, besides killing several ~f the enemy. The good condnct of the troops cannot be too highly commended. I am, very respectfnlly, W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. Captain BESTOW, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIv., 4TH CORPS, In Camp near Knoxville, Tenn., December 10, 1863. SIR: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to report as follows of the operations of my brigade, commencing with moving from camp at Chattanooga, November 23, resulting in the ront of the enemy on Missionary Ridge, and ending with onr arrival at this point December 7: At 12 in., November 23, I received orders to form my brigade near Fort Wood and hold it in readiness to move in the direction of Mis- sion Ridge (sontheasterly), with the remainder of the division, on a reconnaissance. The position assigned me was on the right of the front line. The brigade was formed in five battalions as follows: First Battalion, Col. Aquila Wiley, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, command- ing, was composed of the Forty-first Ohio, Lieut. Col. R. L. Kim- berly, and Ninety-third Ohio, Maj. William Birch. Second Battal- ion, Col. W. W. Berry, Fifth Kentncky Volunteer Infantry, com- manding, of the Fifth Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. L. Trea- nor, and Sixth Kentucky Volunteers, Maj. R. T. Whitaker. Third Battalion, Lient. Col. B. Laugdon, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanding, of the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Maj. J. A. Staf- ford, and Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers, Lient. Col. James C. Foy. Fourth Battalion, Lieut. Col. James Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, commanding, of the One hun- (Ired and twenty-fourth Ohio, Maj. J. B. Hampson, and Sixth In- diana Volunteer Infantry, Maj. C. D. Campbell. Fifth Battalion, Sixth Ohio, Lient. Col. A. C. Christopher commanding; in all 2,2~6 effective officers and men. The First and Third Battalions were deployed in the front line and the Fourth and Fifth were formed in double column in the second line. The Second Battalion was on picket and in position to be used as skirmishers. The entire battalion was deployed as such, and at the sound of the bugle at 2 p. m. the entire brigade moved forward in exact order, and in two minutes the skirmish line was sharply engaged with that of the enemy, which gave ground after firing their pieces, and no considerable opposition was felt after, until we reached their first line of rifle-pits, about one-half mile to the rear of their picket line, where the pickets and, their reserves en- deavored to check our advance, but pushing the First Battalion, that being immediately in front of their principal force, the work Page 281 281 CIIAP. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANOOC A-IUNCCOJA) CAMPAIGN. situated ott a rocky hill, was carried in the most handsome manimer, capturing near,, the entire regiment holding it, the Twenty-eighth Alabama InfanTry, with their colors. It was not accomplished, however, without serious cost to the Forty-first and Ninety-third Ohio Regiments. Major Birch, leading the latter, fell here, also 11 of his men killed and 48 wounded. The Forty-first Ohio lost 11 men killed and 52 wounded. Colonel Wiley and Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly, of the same regiment, each had horses killed under them, and Colonel Berry, commanding the skirmishers, was twice struck. This position was actually carried at the point of the bayonet, the enemy being captured behind their work by the men leaping over it. During the last half mile of this advance my right was entirely exposed, and suffered severely from an enfilading fire of the enemy. The night of the 23d was employed in strengthening our position by works, and the 24th was passed without engaging the enemy. At about 11 a. m. on the 25th, I was ordered to advance my skirniish line sufficiently to develop the enemys strength behind his main line of breastworks at the foot of Mission Ridge and about one-half mile in our front. This was handsomely done, under the immediate command of Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher, Sixth Ohio Infantry. In this advance Maj. S. C. Erwin, Sixth Ohio, was killed by a shell, and 8 or 10 others killed and wounded. At about 3 p. m. this day I received orders to move forward with the remainder of the division and take possession of the enemys works at the foot of Mission Ridge, taking cover behind them, and there to await further orders. The One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio was on picket and used as skirmishers. The other formations of battalions were similar to that on the 23d instant, the Sixth Kentucky reporting to Colonel Christopher and acting with the Fifth Battalion, and the Sixth In- diana Volunteers acting with the Second. Both lines were deployed, time Third and Fifth forming th~ first, and the First and Second tIme second line. At the signal the brigade moved forward, and simultaneously a fire from at least fifty pieces of artillery from the crest of Mission Ridge was poured upon us. We moved in good order at a rapi(i step, under this appalling fire, to the enemys works, which were situated about 300 yards before and toward Chattanooga front the crest of the ridge, the enemy fleeing from these works at our al)- proach. The command, on reaching these works at the foot of the hill, covered itself, as ordered, on the reverse side of them as best it could. but very imperfectly, being so near aIl(i so much below the crest of the ridge. The musketry fire from the crest was now telling severely upon mis, and the crest presenting its concavity toward us we were completely enfiladed by artillery from both flanks. The position was a singular one, and can only be well understood by those who occupied it. The command had executed its orders, and to remain there till new ones could be sent would be destruction: to fall back would not only be so, but would entail disgrace. On commencing the advance, time thought of storming Mission Ridge had not entered the mind of any one, but now tIme necessity was apparent to every soldier of the command Page 282 282 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., A~D N. GA. (CRAP. XLIII. Giving the men about five minutes to breathe, and receiving nO orders, I gave the word forward, which was eagerly pbeyed. The forces of General Willich on my left had commenced the movement somewhat in my advance, and those of Major-General Sheridan, on my right, were a considerable distance in my rear. There was in my front the troops of General Breckinridge, forming the left of the enemys center. Not mnch regard to lines could be observed, bnt the strong men, commanders and color bearers, took the lead in each case, forming the apex of a triangular column of men. These advanced slowly bnt confidently, no amount of fire from the crest checking them. Lientenant-Colonel Langdon, of the First Ohio, gaining a position where the conformation of the hill gave cover till within 3 yards of the crest, formed several hnndred men there, checking the head for that purpose, then giving the command, the column broke over the crest, the enemy fleeing. These were the first on the hill, and my command moving up with a shont their entire front was handsomely carried. The troops on my immediate left were still held in check, and those on my right not more than half way np the hill, and were being snccessfully held back. Hastening my men to the right and left along the ridge, I was enabled to take the enemy in flank and reverse, and, by vigorously using the artillery captured there, I soon relieved my neighbors and carried the crest to within a few hundred yards of Braggs headquarters, he himself escaping by flight, being at one time near my right encouraging the troops that had checked Sheridans left. The heroism of the entire command in this engagement merits the highest praise of the country. Col. Aquila Wiley, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, commanding the First Battalibn, was shot through the leg, making amputation neces- sary. The loss to the service of this officer cannot be properly esti- mate(l. He was always prompt and thorough, and l)ossessed ca- pacity and knowledge of his duties that never left him at fault. I know no officer of equal efficiency in the volunteer service, and none whose past services entitle them to better reward. The services and losses of his battalion, composed of the Forty-first and Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, also stand conspicuous. Lieutenant-Colonel Lamig- don, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanding Third Battalion, was shot through the face just as he had reached the crest of the hill, and after lying prostrate from the wound again moved forward, cheering his men. The services of this officer in gaining the crest should be rewarded by promotion to the grade of brigadier-general. He has previously comumanded a brigade with efficiency. Colonel Berry, Fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, was again wounded just as he had reached the crest at the head of his battalion, being the third received in these operations. He, however, did not leave the field. A like promotion in his case would be not only fitting but beneficial to the service. On the fall of Colonel Wiley, Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly, Forty- first Ohio, assumed command through the remainder of the fight with his usual rare ability. Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher, Sixth Ohio Infamitry, and Lieu- tenant-Colonel Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio, com- manding battalions, rendered valuable and meritorious service. I have also to mention Corpl. G. A. Kraemer, Company I, Forty-firs Page 283 283 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CI1ATTANOO(~A--RINGGOtD CAMPAI(~N. Ohio, for his gallantry in tnrning upon the enemy the first gun on the ridge, which lie discharged by firing his mnsket over the vent. The same man alone ordered and received the surrender of 20 men with the colors of the Twenty-eighth Alabama on the 23d instant. Sergt. D. L. Sntphin, Company D, Ninety-third Ohio, on reach- ing the crest, captured a stand of colors in the hands of its bearer. Corporal Angelbeck, Company I, Forty-first Ohio, seeing a caisson filled with ammunition already on fire with 2 wounded horses attached to it, cut them loose and ran the burning carriage down the hill be- fore it exploded. The colors of the First Ohio Infantry, the first on the hill, were carried at different times by the following persons: Corpl. John Emery, Company I, wounded; Corpl. William W. McLaughlin, Company I, killed; Capt. Nicholas Trapp, wounded; Corpl. Frede- rick Zimmerman, and Major Stafford. The foregoing are but a few of the many instances of heroism dis- played on this occasion. Maj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio, and Maj. S. C. Erwin, Sixth Ohio Infantry, who fell while leading their men, were soldiers of rare efficiency, and their loss will be severely felt by the service an(l lamented by their friends. My entire staff, as has always been the case in the numerous bat- tles in which they have been engaged, conducted themselves with the greatest bravery and usefulness. In summing up the operations of the 23d and 25th, I have to report the capture of 382 prisoners, beside a large number of wounded, of 2 stand of colors, of 18 pieces of artillery, with their appendages, 650 stand of small-arms, a con- siderable quantity of clothing, camp and garrison equipage, and sev- eral loaded wagons. Forty-nine of the emiemy, including 1 colonel, were buried by my parties. Attention is called to the reports of battalion comman(lers accom- panying this paper. My entire casualties were as follows: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Regiment. ~ H 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 4lstOhio 1 1~ S 88 62 5th Kentucky 2 8 ( 4 lstOhio 1 10 4 6 79 GthOhio 1 5 2 26 5 39 i2lthOhio 1 3 18 2 29 23d Kentucky ~ 2 76 6th Indiana 13 3 Old Ohio 1 19 4 88 6th Kentucky 22 23 Total5 7 86 30 3 529 On the morning of the 28th, we took up the march for this place, which was reached the evening of the 7th instant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier- General. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Third Division, Fourth Corps. * But see revised statement, p. 8~2 Page 284 284 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 73. Report of AIaj. Calvin D. Campbell, Sixth Indiana infantry, in cluding march to the relief of Knoxville. HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOL. INFANTRY. Camp near Knoxville, Tenn., December 8, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as the part taken by my command from the morning of the 23d ultimo to the present time: At 12 oclock the 23d, I was ordered to move out at once and con- solidate with the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which I did. After consolidating, Colonel Pickands in command, we moved out in front of Fort Wood, forming a line of battle on the left of the brigade, my regiment being the extreme left. We were then ordered to advance upon the enemys works in Chattanooga Valley, a distance of three-fourths of a mile, where we Inet with a considerable force in the works, but after a few well- directed fires from us they fell back, and we took possession of their works, where we remained until dark. After dark we advanced our line over the crest of the hill, and threw up a strong line of breast- works. At 3 a. m. the 24th, I was consolidated with the Fifth Kentucky, and operated with it during the remaining part of the battle. About 2 p. in., November 25, we were ordered to advance upon the second line of the enemys works, at the base of Missionary Ridge, a distance of three-fourths of a mile. We had advanced but a few yards when the enemy opened their batteries upon us. The eneiuy seeing our columns advancing, left the second line before we got within range of them. Arriving at the second line we halted and rested a few minutes. We then made a charge upon the third line of works upon the crest of the ridge through a dense hail of lead and iron a distance of half a mile. When we arrived within 15 or 20 yards, I gave my command orders to fix bayonets and go into them, which was done. We rushed upon them, capturing quite a number of prisoners and several pieces of artillery. I claim to have had the first colors on the ridge. I had 1 man killed on one of the pieces of artillery, and as soon as lie fell the color bearer jumped upon the same gun and was shot through the leg. A part of my command used the guns that we captured upon the enemy to good effect. Lieutenant-Colonel Treanor, of the Fifth Kentucky, and myself, with a part of the two regiments, followed the enemy a con- siderable distance, and was ordered back to where the remainder of the two regiments were on the ridge, and took a position and threw up breastworks, where we remained until 9 p. in., November 26. We then moved back to our old camp in Chattanooga. On the evening of the 27th, I posted my command upon the old picket line. On the evening of the 28th, I was ordered to consolidate with the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which consolidation remained during the march to this place. On the 28th, we left camp and moved out about 6 miles, and bivou- acked for the night. On the 29th, marched at 6 a. in. and reached Harrison at dark, and went into camp Page 285 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CIIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 285 On the 30th, we moved from camp early and reached the ferry on the Hiwassee River at dark. On the next day, December 1, we remained in camp until 2 p. in., and then moved on to the river, crossing about dark, and camping about 1 mile beyond. On the 2d, we marched 20 miles, passing through Decatur. On the 3d, we reached Sweet Water, a distance of 17 miles, after dark. On the 4th, we started early and reached a point within 3 miles of the Little Tennessee River. On the morning of the 5th, we moved out of camp early and crossed the river, cam ping in the evening. On the 6th, we passed through Maryville, and early in the after- noon reached our camping ground on a small river. My command was ordered on picket. On the 7th, we left camp about 7 a. in., and marched to within 2 miles of Knoxville, a distance of 10 miles, reaching our present camp. During the engagement of the 23d and 25th of November, I can- not speak in too high terms of the officers and men of my command. Every one acted coolly and deliberately, with a determination to win or die, andtheir record is one of which I am proud. The loss of my command is as follows: In the engagement of the 23d, 9 wounded; in that of the 25th, 13 killed and 51 wounded, and 4 commissioned officers wounded; aggregate lost inaction, 77; miss- ing during the march, 2; total, 79. C. D. CAMPBELL, Major, Commanding. Captain CROWELL. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. ~4. Report of (lol. William W. Berry, Fifth Kentucky infantry. HDQRS. FIFTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Knoxville, ~ December 8, 1863. CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following report of the opera- tions of my command from the 23d oi~ November to the 7th instant, inclusive: Being on picket in front of Chattanooga at 2 p. in.. November 23, I received orders to deploy my entire command, consisting of the Fifth and Sixth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, as skirmishers. This done, the Forward ! was sounded, aud the line advanced with great reg- ularity. The enemys pickets fell back rapidly on their reserves, which were strongly posted behind rifle-pits on the crests of a series of knobs, same of which were timbered, ol;hers bare. At but one point along the line the opposition stromi enou~h w~s ~ to check the skiimish line, and this was but momentary. as the Ninety-third and Forty-first Ohio Regiments came up in fine order, and the whole line went over the works, captnring.the primicipal portion of the enemys forces in them, flags, guns, accouterments. and all. lit this affair, Capt. J. P. Hurley, one of my best officers, fell mortally woirnded. Tie (lied miexi day. The service coui(l uot have met with a heavie Page 286 286 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAr. XLLIL loss in the death of a single individual. Major Whitaker, Sixth Kentucky, held his portion of the line fully up to the works. We held the position thus taken till the afternoon of the 25th, when I received orders to consolidate the Fifth Kentucky Regiment with the Sixth Indiana Volunteers, and be prepared to advance on the enemy at once. The position assigned me in the brigade was on the left of the second line. There was to be an interval of 400 yards between the lines. At the proper time I advanced, and reached the enemys second line of works a few moments after the flrslAine of bat- tle had occupied them. This was the extent of my order. But hearing Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon, commanding that portion of the first line in my front, order it forward, I advanced simultaneously. In a little while the lines became mingled, the strong men of each regi- ment outstripping the weaker in climbing the steep acclivity, and thus the heights of Mission Ridge were carried, and eighteen pieces of artillery captured with, I believe, the entire force of the enemy in our front. Again I have to regret the loss of a capital officer, Captain Wilson, killed half way up the ridge. Young, earnest, and brave, his coun- try and comrades will never forget the sacrifice there made. The guns captured were immediately turned upon the enemy in General Sheridans front. The rebel cannoneers good naturedly assisted in this artil~ry practice, which to us was rather novel business. Lieutenant-Colonel Treanor, Fifth Kentucky, and Major Camp- bell, Sixth Indiana, merit the highest commendation for the energy and coolness with which they organized a body of men from all the regiments, and threatened to cut off the enemy to our right, thus relieving General Sheridan from a most determined opposition. The officers and men of my command cannot be awarded too great honor for their heroic conduct in this the most fiery ordeal of the war. The whole thing was more a matter of individuals than of organi- zation, and consequently the glory is more personal than in any bat- tle I know of. My loss was heavy, but were the dead only living I should esteem the trinmph cheaply purchased. The temporary absence, on account of wounds received in this bat- tle of Captain Hnston, Lieutenants Zoller and Thomas, is a source of considerable embarrassment, as they are most valuable officers. My color bearer, Corporal Murphy, was killed within a few feet of the summit in advance of the entire brigade. I had no braver uman in my command. Adjutant Johnstone and Surgeon Miller have my thanks for the services reudered me, and I especially commend Sergeants Wolf and McDermott for their handsome behavior. You are respectfully referred to Major Campbells report for those honorably mentioned in Sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. We remained on Mission Ridge till the evening of the 26th, when we moved to Chattanooga to prepare to set out for Knoxville, which point we reached, after ten days marching, on the aftermioon of the 7th instant. Inclosed you will find lists of the killed and wounded of the Sixth Indiana, Fifth and Sixth Kentucky Regiments. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. BERRY, Colonel Fifth Kentmwlcy Volunteers. Captain CROWELL, Assistant Adjuto ut- General, Second Briqciide. Embodied in revised statenment. p. 82 Page 287 ChAp. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 287 No. 75. Report of AIaj. Richard T. Whitaker, Sixth Kentucky infantry. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH KENTUCKY INFANTRY, Knoxville, December 8, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of tue part taken by the Sixth Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the advance from Chattanooga upon Missionary Ridge, and the subse- quent movements of the brigade: On Monday, November 23, in the regular course of duty, the regi- ment being on picket with the Fifth Kentucky, Colonel Berry com- manding, at the front, the order was received to deploy the picket line as skirmishers, about 300 yards in front of the line of battle to be formed in rear, and, maintaining that distance, to advance against the enemys line. I made the necessary disposition of the Sixth Kentucky, my skirmish line connecting on the right with the Fifth Kentucky, and on the left with the right of General Willichs brigade. About half past 1 p. in., at the signal from the brigade bugle, the forward movement began. When the regiment had ad- vanced some 40 or 50 paces a pattering fire was opened by the en- only, increasin.g in rapidity and volume as we gradually advanced. My skirmishers advanced with great regularity and precision, pre- serving an unbroken line and returning the enemys fire with anima- tion. In this manner, with only one or two slight pauses, the enemy was driven in my front some three-fourths of a mile to their breast- works. Here they made a temporary stand, but after a few moments firing my command charged over their breastworks, taking a num- ber of prisoners and small-arms. Having passed the breastworks some 150 yards, the skirmish line was halted, the enemys entire line of breastworks having been carried. From this time until dark the regiment was under a galling fire of artillery, and a scattering fire was maintained by the enemys skirmishers, during which Captain Armstrong, of Company F, in command of the right of my skir- mish line, was wounded in the foot by a rifle-shot and had to leave the field. After dark the Sixth Kentucky was placed on picket and remained until 2 a. in., when it was relieved by the One, hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Pickands commanding. Tuesday, the 24th, at 5 a. in., the regiment was turned out to clear obstructions in the front, and complete its portion of the breastworks which had been turned against the enemy. On the morning of the 25th, orders having been received to be ready to move at a moments notice, preparation was made accord- ingly by the Sixth Kentucky, and about half past 1 p. m. I was ordered to move and form the regiment on the left of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher commanding, in the front line of battle and the extreme left of the brigade. The order was complied with, and at about 2 p. m. the signal to advance was given. The movement was upon Missionary Ridge across an almost level valley from 1,200 to 1,400 yards in width, 400 or 500 yards timbered, the remainder open ground. At the signal the whole line advanced, and whemi a fourth the width of timbered ground had been passed tile enemy opened with a most furious cannonade from the crest of Missionary Ridge, the curvature of which enabled them to bring a number of batteries to bear with both a direct and cros Page 288 288 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XL1II. fire. The roar of artillery was deafening, but the regiment moved steadily forward, and having cleared the timber and come in full view of the enemy, he seemed to redouble his artillery efforts and the line accelerating its pace, the rattle of his small-arms was added to the crash of bursting shells. Through all the line advanced np to and drove from their breastworks at the base of the hill the panic- stricken enemy. After a short breathing spell, I ordered the regi- ment to advance to the crest of the hill, which it did, halting only twice in the ascent to gain breath. Having gained the crest and breastwork, the enemy fleeing in front of us, a part of the regiment was sent to the right, by order of Lieutenant Bierce, of General Hazens staff, and the remainder I turned to the left to meet a rally of the enemy, which was successfully done by this part of the regi- ment, aided by a portion of the Sixth Ohio, under command of their lieutenant-colonel. In this attack the colors of the Sixth Kentucky were planted upon two pieces of artillery before the drivers dis- mounted, a part of a battery which the enemy were driving off the field. None of it escaped, though these were the only pieces brought to the brigade. Some of the Sixth Ohio were with my men and colors when the cannon were captured. The fight closed in my front about half an hour before sunset. Both officers and men deserve great praise for the coolness and slldierly bearing exhibited in both these engagements. The Sixth Kentucky remained on the ridge that night and the next day. The night of the 26th, returned to camp at Chattanooga, where it remained the next day and night, and on Saturday, 28th, took up the line of march for Knoxville, which was reached on the evening of the th, meeting with nothing but the incidents usual upon a march. Subjoined is a list of the casualties sustained by the regiment in the two engagements. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant. R. T. WHITAKER. Major, Commanding Sixth Kentucky Infantry. Cart. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 76. Report of Lieut. Got. James C. Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky In fantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville. HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD REGT. KENTUCKY VOL. INFTY., Camp near Knoxville, Tenn., December 8, 1863. SIR: About noon on the 23d of November, 1863, as we lay in camp at Chattanooga, Tenn., I received the order to march, each man to have 100 rounds of cartridges on his person, as soon as possible. I reported to Colonel Langdon, of the First Ohio Infantry. In a very short time the two regiments were organized into one battalion, Col- onel Laugdon commanding. The First Ohio was organized into six companies of 36 men each and :34 sergeants. The Twenty-third Ken- tucky was organized into four companies of 86 men each and 115 ser- geants. On arriving at the ground assigned for the formation of ~ Embodied iii revised statement, p. 82 Page 289 CHAP. XLII1.J THE CHATTANOO& ARLNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. i89 the brigade our battalion was assigned on the right of the second line. abont 100 yards to the rear of the Forty-first Ohio and Ninety- third Ohio, the First Ohio forming the right, the Twenty-third Ken- tucky joining their left. We marched straight out across the rail- road, in double column on the center. After we had proceeded 500 or 600 yar(is the colonel directed me to send ont the rear division to l)1oteCt onr right as flankers, Major Stafford commanding. We now moved on and soon took possession of the enemys first line of works to the right of the Forty-first Ohio, where we lay until nightfall. In the meantinie we had sent out two companies of the First Ohio to our front, which kept up a continual skirmish fire with the enemy. We now sent Captain Tuft, Twenty-third Kentucky, to relieve a company of skirmishers of the Forty-first Ohio, who had expended their ammunition. A little before dark, at General Hazens own suggestion, we sent out Captain Trapp, First Ohi& , a little to our front, to take possession of a high knob commanding a large view all around. By this time night had set in, and we commenced throwing up breastworks. We only had three companies present with us, the other seven being on the picket line. Two of those companies, by command of Colonel Langdon, were put at work on the breastworks, each company working two hours at a time through the night. The third company, under Captain Mavity, of the Twenty-third Kentucky, was divided into two reliefs, and put to chopping brush from our front. I was on duty until 1 oclock that night. when, through the kindness of Colonel Langdon, I laid down and tried to take a little rest. At 4 a. m. I was awakened by the colonel. By this time the men had made a pretty fair line of breast- works, long enough for twice the number of men that we had to fight behind. The men now stood to arms, but some of the men took turns and kept throwing up dirt, so that by breakfast time we had a splendid line of rifle-pits to fight behind. We remained in this position throughout the day, nothing occurring worthy of notice. Our loss on the 28d of November was 1 killed, 2 severely wounded. amid 1 slightly wounded. On the evening of the 24th of November, I reported to Lieutenant- Colonel Christopher, Sixth Ohio, for picket duty. He ordered me to commence on the right of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio. who were then on picket duty. and relieve them as far as my regiment would, that lie would connect with me on the left and re- lieve the balance of the line. This I (lid. The night was passed in l)erfect quiet. About 10 a. mu. on the 25th, we were ordered to advance our line of skirmishers, which we did, driving the enemy into his first line of breastworks. It was nicely done. My right did not move out as fast as the left; it seemed as if the skirmishers to our right did not move out hardly any. After some work I had the right to move out on a line with the left and center. This was nearly to the brow of the hill. I now proceeded toward the left of the line to see if Col- omiel Christopher had any other orders had proceeded but a little 1)ast our center when I discovered my next to the last company on the left falling back. Captain Williams commanding. I called out to tlmemn to know what was the matter, I could see mmothing to fall back for. Some of the umen answered that Captain Williams was ordered to march his company back. The two companies on my right stood fast. Captaimi Barnes miow informued me that the Sixth. Ohio had fallen lack and that Colonel Langdon had ordered us to 19 ii RVQL XX Xl. PT I Page 290 29C) KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., iN. ALA., AND N. GA. LUHAP. XLIII. fall back also. I knew this must liaye been a mistake about Colonel Langdon, but the Sixth Ohio being the directing regiment, I knew it must be right. I then ordered the men to retreat back so as to connect with the right of the Sixth Ohio. We now lay undisturbed until about 1 p. in., when the enemy opened a battery on us throw- ing shot and shell right in the midst of the skirmishers. So close and accurate did they shoot that I was obliged to make the men lie down, and expose themselves as little as possible. The shelling was kept up until about :3 p. in., when we were relieved by the One hun- dred and twenty-fourth Ohio. Our loss this day up to this time was 3 wounded. I now reported with my regiment to Colonel Langdon, of the First Ohio. The two regiments were again formed into one battalion and marched to where the left of the brigade had previously rested. We were now formed in line of battle, our two regiments forming the right of the first line. After about fifteen minutes the bugle sounded the advance, the whole brigade moving over our breastworks and down the hill at a double-quick. The enemy opened a heavy fire of shot and shell on us from Missionary Ridge, but noth- ing daunted, the entire line moved on. After we had proceeded a short distanceI was on the right of the battalion, in my place as second in coinniandColonel Langdon now ordered me to the left to hurry up my regiment, saying that I knew the men better than he did. I immediately went there and hurried the men along by all possible means. It was almost impossible for some to keep up. I could not run along the whole line, but so far as I saw, every man did as well as he could. My position on the right of the regimental line was tolerably close to the colors. We were not long in gaining the first line of breastworks, where we halted to gain breath. I was completely out of breath. The enemy now poured a concentrated fire into our ranks. The position was a very exposed one and Colonel Langdon soon gave the order to advance. We now rushed up the hill, the enemy pouring a destruc- tive fire into our ranks. There never was such a bold and daring charge made or witnessed by the Army of the Cumberland. The bravery and impetuosity of this charge need not be described to you; yourself and our gencral witnessed it and were in the midst of it. When within about 50 yards of the top of the hill Colonel Langdon gave the order to fix bayonets. which was done while we still kept advancing. When within about 25 yards of the top of the hill, Colo- nel Langdou, who was exhorting the men to do their best, fell wounded. I was close to him at the time. I did not say or do any- thing at that moment to let the men know it. As soon as he recov- ered a little, I asked him if we should go on. He said nothing, but told me to pick out 5 or 3 men and have them watch a log that was not more than 12 or 15 steps from us, and to shoot the rebels as they raised up. Captain Mavity, Twenty-third Kentucky, was standing by me. I knew he had some good shots in his company, and I in- structed him in regard to tIme colonels wishes. We could see them plainly. They did not stay there long. The colonel now gave me the order to advance, which we instantly did. This was the last that I saw of Colonel Langdon, who is as brave and as prudent an officer as there is in the Army of the Cumberland. We were up the hill in a very few moments. and some of the rebels who Imad been mur- dering our men to the last moment, rolled over on their backs and looked up in a very pitiful attitude. We did not have a moment to lose on them, but started some of the first ones down the hill and lef Page 291 CHAP. XLIII.] THE (AIATTAN0OGARINGGOLD CAMPAI& N. the balance to those that would come after us. We now advanced toward our right along the ridge. The brigade to our right had not reached the top of the hill yet. The regiment to our left had ad- vanced a little across the ridge and were firing in that direction. I halted with the two regiments at the first earth-works on our right in order to collect the men together. I could plainly see that there was a large force of rebels in line of battle just under the ridge oppo- site where the next brigade to our right was climbing the hill. At this instant our color bearer was shot down; Lieut. J. P. Duke grasped the colors and carried them the balance of the evening. Major Stafford was carrying the colors of the First Ohio. He had received a wound in the leg, but nothing daunted he kept the field, and none of us knew he was wounded until after it was all over. I (ould not restrain the impetuosity of the men of both regiments that were with me, and knowing that the men that were scattered were (loing good work somewhere else I ordered them to advance, and we f )llowed them up some ~500 or 600 yards along toward the right and lip the ridge, the enemy leaving in confusion down the side of the hill. By this time it was very near dark. I ordered a halt and sent officers of both regiments back to hunt up the men of their respect- ive regiments. I soon had a large majority of both collected to- gether. I now received orders from the general to throw up tem- poiary breastworks, winch we SOOR accoml)hished. A little after dark I received orders to march the two regiments back along the ridge and form on the left of the Ninety-third Ohio. Tools were now sent us. and as the men had eaten a bite of snpper,we threw up good rifle-pits along the front of both regiments. The loss of the the Twenty-third Kentucky this day was S killed and 29 wounded. On tile night of the 23th, I sent out a picket force of 30 men and 2 officers from each reo~im .~ ent. Thursday, 26th, lay in perfect quiet, collecting and burying the (lead. We relieved our picket by detail from both i egiments, accord- ing to their respective numbers. That night about 10 & clock marched back to our old camp near Chattanooga. Friday. the 27th. we lay in camp preparing to march to the relief of General Buruside, at Knoxville. Teun. Saturday, the 28th, about i p. in., I was ordered to report to Col- onel Berry. Fifth Kentucky. Our regiment was consolidated with the Fifth Kentucky. We immediately joined the brigade and pro- (eeded towar(l Knoxville, Teun. My regiment was formed into five companies. 38 men each, and 13 line officers, 2 field officers, an adju- tant., and a surgeon. Marched about 5 miles this day. Sunday. 2~th, marched about 9 miles, and camped close to Harri- son. Teun. 30th, marched about 20 miles; camped close to Hiwassee. Monday. Tuesday, December 1 crossed ~he Hiwassee and encamped close by; distance about 2~ miles from place of starting. At this point I could not help contrastino the speed and facility of crossing here with the slow process of crossing the Tennessee in September last. December 2, marched 20 miles; passed through Decatur this day, and emicaniped about. 20 miles from our starting point. December 3, marched 20 miles this day, and encamped close to Sweet Water December 4, marched about 12 miles. December 5, crossed the Little Tennessee at Morgauton, on a bridge that General Sherman~s command had built the day before. We made 12 m~Ies this day Page 292 292 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N, GA. [CHAP. XLIII. December 6, passed through Maryville, Tenn.; encamped about 3 miles beyond, making some S miles. Monday, December 7, started and crossed Little River, at Rockfort, and marched about 9 miles; encamped about 2 miles from Knox- ville, Tenn. In conclusion, I would say that our mmmarch in the last ten days has been pleasant. The weather was remarkably fine for this season of the year, and the roads were very good. ~ Yours, very respectfully, JAMES C. FOY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Coindg. Twenty-third Kentucky. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 77. Report of lJfc(j. Joab A. Stafford, First Ohio Infantry. HDQR8. FIRST REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Gamp near Knoxville, December 8, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Ohio Regiment in the engagements of the 23d, 24th, and 25th of Novem- ber, near Chattanooga, Tenn. On the afternoon of the 23d, the regiment was consolidated with the Twenty-third Kentucky,under the command of Lieutenant-Col- onel Langdon, of the First Ohio, and took its position, forming double column closed en masse, on the right and in rear of the front line. In this manner the regiment advanced until the line in front became hotly engaged with the enemy. At this moment I was ordered by Colonel Langdon to take two companies from the battalion and move to the right oblique, for the purpose of protecting the flank. I did so, taking Company B, First Ohio, and one company of the Twenty- third Kentucky, and pressed forward, taking possession of the enemys hue of breastworks on the right, being opposed only by a slim line of skirmishers. A few moments after we had occupied the enemys works they appeared on onr extreme right, advancing for the purpose, no doubt, of turning our flank. I deployed a line of skir- mishers to cover the flank. At this moment Colonel Langdon came up with the balance of his command, drove the enemy back, and held the position. In this skirmish the regiment behaved nobly, losing 1 man killed and 3 wounded. On the night of the 23d, the regimemit was occnpied in strengthen- ing its positioii amid doing picket duty. Nothing worthy of note happemied omi the 24th. On the morning of the 25th, two companies of time regiment being on the skirmish line, were ordered to advance along with the balance of the skir- mishers of the brigade. They advanced to within about 300 yards of the emmemys works under a sharp fire from their infantry and artillery. Soon after, the two companies from the First rejoined their regiment. Lines were then formed preparatory to an advance on the enemnfs works. r~ he First took position on the right, in the * Nominal list (omitted) sbows 9 men killed an(l 2 officers and 34 men wounded a total of 45 Page 293 CRAP. XLIII.] TILE CIIATTANOOGAIIINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 293 * front hue, deployed, the first line being under command of Colonel Langdon. About ~ oclock the line advanced nuder a heavy fire from the enemys artillery and infantry. Their first line of works was carried by storm, and, after a few minutes rest, the men pressed steadily forward up Missionary Ridge. About two-thirds of the way ~ip Colonel Langdon fell severely wounded while bravely leading his men forward. The brave Captain Trapp fell about the same time badly wounded. Still the men moved steadily on, under a terrible fire, to the crest of the hill, driving the enemy out of their works, taking a great number of prisoners and two pieces of artillery. The crest of the hill gained, our position became very critical, Hazen 5 brigade being at that time the only one on the ridge, the enemy sweeping the ridge at every fire from his cannon on our right. Our men became coIlsi(lerably scattered in their advance up the ridge, and it was with a great deal of difficulty that a very great number of any one regiment could be gotten together. Hastily collecting about 20 men from my own regiment, the balance having inclined to the left and fighting nobly, and a few front other regiments, I moved to the right on the crest at a double-quick, driving the enemy away and capturing their first two pieces of artillery on our right, they retir. ing over tine crest to the left and opening a flanking fire upon us again. I ordered a charge, and the enemy was driven from their new position. They now opened four pieces of artillery upon us about 100 yards farther to the right, and also formed a lime of in- fantry across tine crest for the purpose, no doubt, of driving us from the ridge. I now had 15 men under Captain Hooker, and about 115 more from different regiments. They all seemed determined not to give a single inch, though they were opposed by four pieces of artil- lery and nearly a whole regiment of infantry. I gave the command forward, and all started at double-quick. It seemed inicredible, nevertheless it is true, that our 30 men went at them with a right good will. The enemy broke and retreated in every direction, leav- ing their four guns and a great number of prisoIiers in our hands. This last battery was captured immediately in front of General Sher- idans left regiment, they being about one-half the way up the ridge. We followed the enemy up and (Irove them from several pieces of artillery and caissons that they were trying to get off with. We also captured one cannon and caisson and one wagon on tine opposite crest of the mill. I then returned and rejoined my battalion, muow under command of Lientenant-Colonnel Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky. The regiment behaved most miobly, both officers and men. They all took example from our noble colonel, who fell before the action was over. They vied with each other in deeds of heroisnn. I would respectfully recommend to your favorable consideration Captains Trapp, Hooker, Jones, Patterson; Lieutenants Leonard, Homan, Yarian, Grove, Ward, Kuhlmann and Young; also, Dr. Barr. They are efficient officers, and deserve the highest encomiums for their noble conduct. Lieutenant Wolleuhaupt, who was killed wlnile gallantly urging his men forward, was a good officer, and beloved by all. His loss is severely felt in the regiment. The loss in the regiment was heavy, 1 officer and 11 men killed, 4 officers and 62 memn wounded, making the loss in the regiment since time 23d as follows Officers, 11 killed and 4 wounded; men, ii killed aind 65 wounded; tOtal 81 * * But see revised statern& ~t, p. 82 Page 294 294 KY., SW. VA., TRNN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAPI XLIII. Upon the march from Chattanooga to this 1)lace nothing worthy of 1~Ot.(~ occurred. Respectfnlly submitted. J. A. STAFFORD, Major, (Jommanding First Ohio Volan teer [ufini try. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjidant- General. No. 78. Report of Lient. (Jol. Alexander C. Christopher, Sixth Ohio In fantry. HDQRS. SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Teun Decen (Ja~np near Knoxrille, ., iber 8, 1868. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by my command in the engagements of the 28d and 25th No- vember, near Chattanooga, Teun.: On the afternoon of the 23d, I was ordered, with my regiment, to take position on the left of the second line of battle, and moved for- ward with the brigade, but took no active part in the engagement. That night threw up breastworks in our front. On the evening of the 24th, the Twenty-third Kentucky (Lieuten- ant-Colonel Foy commanding) was ordered to report to me, aIl(i at dark my.command was sent on picket and relieved the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio. About 10 oclock on the morning of the 25th, I was ordered to ad- vance my line and ascertain what force the enemy had in their works at the foot of Missionary Ridge. I did so, and drove their pickets into the rifle-pits, and found that but a small force occupied them. The skirmishers of the brigade on my left having been ordered to fall back, did so, which obliged me to retire my line and occupy the edge of the woods through which I had passed. At this time Major Erwin was struck by a piece of shell and instantly killed. In the death of this valuable officer the regiment suffered a heavy loss, as his bravery and efficiency had endeared him to all. Between 2 and 8 p. m. my command was relieved by the One hun- dred and twenty-fourth Ohio and returned to our line of works. Soon after the Sixth Kentucky (Major Whitaker comnlan(ling) re- ported to me, and I was ordered to take position on the left of the first line of battle. At the signal for advance, moved forward and gained the crest of the ridge, with the balance of the brigade. I am pleased to state that every officer and man of my command did his duty. To Major Whitaker, Sixth Kentucky, I am indebted for the aid he rendered me in the advance on the ridge. Attached I forward a list* of the killed, wounded, and missing dur- ing the several engagements of the 28d and 25th ultimo. During the march from Chattanooga to this point nothing OccmnTe(1 worthy of mention. Very respectfully. your obedient servant, A. C. CHRISTOPHER, Lientenant- (Jolonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. * Embodied in revise(1 statement. p. 82 Page 295 295 (i~r. XLIII.i TIlE CHATTANOOGA~RINGGOLD (DAMPAICxN. No. 79. Report of Lient. Ccl. Robert L. Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO iNFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, In Camp near Knoxville, Teun., December 8, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the battalion under my command, which includes the Forty-first and Ninety-third Regiments Ohio Infantry Volunteers, from the time of breaking camp at Chattanooga, November 23, 1863, to the present date: At the commencement of the operations, Col. Aquila Wiley, Forty- first Ohio Infantry Volunteers, was in command of the battalion, but the wounding of that officer on the evening of the 25th devolves upon inc the duty of reporting the operations before I assumed com- mand. At noon of November 23, the battalion prepared to niove from its camp near Fort Wood, Chattanooga, upon a reconnaissance toward Missionary Ridge, and at 2 oclock of that day marched in line of battle with the brigade upon the enemys rifle-pits, a mile in advance of the ridge. The position assigned this battalion was upon the right of the first line, its front being covered by the Fifth Kentucky In- fantry as skirmishers. The advance for 800 yards from Fort Wood was 5ver open ground; beyond this was a forest, in the skirts ot~ which the enemys pickets were met, but gave way readily before the skirmishers. As the line advanced in support of the skirmishers, Colonel Wiley, seeing his right uncovered, sent two companies of the Forty-first Regiment, under Major Williston, to act as flankers. Passing over a gentle crest, which had been occupied by the rebel pickets, and into the dense undergrowth of oak in the valley beyond, the enemys resistance became suddenly obstinate. The skirmishers could advance no farther, but the main line went steadily forward for 200 yards without firing, thongh receiving a rapid musketry fire. A good line of rifle-pits, on a considerable crest 100 yards to the front, was now distinctly visible, and in these pits the rebel pickets had been rallied. Colonel Wiley sent notice of this fact to his brigade commander, and received immediately an order to take the rifle-pits and hold time crest. Before the messenger bearing the order reached him, Colonel Wiley had opened fire and led his bat- talion forward to within 50 paces of the rifle-pits. Here he met a severe fire from the front and right flank. At the latter point the enemys line of works bent toward his front, and enabled him to pour upon Colonel Wileys line an enfilading fire. Near a fourth of the memi were struck down here in advancing 23 or 30 paces, and the bat- talion was for a moment staggered by the withering musketry. It SOOII rallied, however, under the personal efforts of Colonel Wiley and his subordinates, amid l~ressed forward over the rifle-pits. As 50011 as these were reached, the enemys resistance ceased and the men who occupied the pits generally surrendered and were sent to the rear. A slight parapet for the defense ot the position was at once constructed. The line to our right was also abandoned almost immediately, and the battaliomi was left iii quiet possession of the works, subject only to a cannonade of an hour from the enemys bat- teries on Missionary Ridge. During the 24th, and until afternoomi of the 25th, the battalion re- mained in the position above described. At 2 p. m. of the 25th th Page 296 296 KY., SW. VA., TF~NN., MISS., N. ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. brigade was formed to cai~y the enemys works at the foot of Mis- sionary IRidge. Colonel Wileys battalion was assigned a 1)OSitiOil on the right of the second line. The battalions of this line were de- ployed, having to pass for three-quarters of a mile under fire of the enemys batteries on the ridge before coming upon the works at the foot. Scarcely was the line in motion before the enemy commenced a furious cannonade from the ridge, which was continued uninter- ruptedly until his batteries fell into our hands. The works at the foot of the ridge were carried by the skirmish line, and the battalion moved up and covered itself behind them, as well as was possible. While lying here Colonel Wiley, who had incautiously exposed himself, was struck by a canister-shot, which shattered his leg. A few moments afterward I heard the order from the brigade com- mander to assault the enemys line at the summit of tIme ridge, and the command of the battalion having devolved upon me, I at once ordered the men forward. Owing to time noise of the cannonade, and the fact that the men were lying flat upon their faces for cover, it was impossible to make this command heard along the entire line. After advancing briskly about 3() paces, perceiving my men were imot yet all up, I checked the movement for a moment to close up the line. The enemys canister was thrown too thickly, however, to permit an instants halt here, and at my command the men promptly commenced the ascent of the ridge. This was very steep and cov- ered with stumps, logs, & c. The advance was made steadily, though of course slowly, and the nature of the ground preveimted any attempt at the preservation of lines. When about two-thirds of the ascent had beemm accomplished, I saw that the face of the hill where mny battalion was umoving was concave, and exposed to fire from tbe rifle-pits at the top, while a battery to the right enfiladed the line. To the left ~0 paces time face of time Imill was convex, and a part of time left battahiomms was moving up well covered. To take advantage of this, I closed to time left umost of my men, and witim the rest, wlmo were now wmthmn 80 paces of time enemys rifle-pits, opened a fire upon the battery to the right, whicim was tlmrowing canister very rapidly. The fire of my umen was very effective, the rebel gunmmers firing but two shots after we opened upon them, when they deserted timeir pieces an(l ran. Half a dozen men of the Forty-first Regiment, who were farthest to the right, at once seized the battery, and, turn- ing it upomm time enemy, added materially to the panic whmich had now seized theni. The party to my left, before alluded to as moving up the convex face of time hill. had entered time enemys rifle-pits, and time portmon of my battalion to the right of tbis were fast forming in them, when going forward to look down the opposite slope, I dis- covered the enemy rallying just under the crest. Sending the colors of my regiment forward to time crest, the men were ordered to ad- vance, when timey dashed upon the enemy withont waiting for com- mand, and drove lmimn entirely froum the position. To the right the enemy still held out, and my battalion, with others of the brigade, advanced along the ridge several hummdred yards, wimen mt was halted and prepared to defend the place should the enemy attempt to retake it. No further fighting occmmrred, and time evening was spent in collecting time artillery which had been captured. On the night of the 26t1m, time battalion returned to camp at Cimat- tanooga, and on the 28th, marched witim time brigade for Knoxville, reaching its present camp on time 7th immstant Page 297 CHAP. XLIII. 1 TIlE CII ATTANOOGARINGGOIA) CAMPAIGN. 297 No praise is extravagant when applied to the officers and iiien whose bravery and zeal carried the enemys works nuder such heavy loss on the 23d. and climbed the apl)arently impreguable heights of Missionary Ridge on the 25th. I have particularly to thank Major Willistou, Forty-first Ohio Jufantry Volunteers, aud Captain Bow- luau, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for efficient and gallant services, and, without exception, the subordinate officers of both regiments for gallantry in action and faithful performance of duty at all times. Corpl. G. A. Kraemer, Company I, Forty-first Ohio Infantry Volunteers, deserves especial mention for turning the first gun on the enemy when the ridge was carried, and for capturing the flag of the Twenty-ei~hth Alabama Regiment on the 23d. Sergt. D. L. Sutphin, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, took a rebel flag on the ridge, making two taken by the battalion. It would be presumption in me to speak in commendation of Col- (mel Wi] ey, or to say more than that the loss to himself is less than the loss to the service. Maj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, a brave and faithfiil soldier, fell on the 23d. while leading his men to the assault. The loss of the honored dead (lenlailds their countrys mourning, but the manner of their death will be mentioned with just J)ride always. The following is a statement of the casualties: Killed. Wounded. Missing. a Date. a a 0 r 0 ~ 93(1 Ohio November 230 12 3 November2lb 3 19 Total 1) j (1 81 41st Ohio: November~3c 10, 3 4 60 8 November 25d d 2 Total I i 88 I I a Number engaged November 23: Commissioned officers, 9; enlisted men, 194; total, 203. b Number engaged November 25: Commissioned officers, 6; enlisted men, 126; total, 132. c Number engaged November 2.3: Commissioned officers, 14; enlistedmen, 230; total, 244. 4 Number enga~ed November 25: Commissioned officers, 11; enlisted men, 175; total, 186, Aggregate engaged November 23: Coin missioned officers, 23; enlisted men, 424; total, 447. Aggregate engaged November 25 : Commissioned officers, 17; enlisted men, 301 ; total, 318. Aggregate casualties November 23 : Killed, commissioned officers, none enlisted men, 22. Wounded, commissioned officers, 0; en- histetl men, 89. Aggregate casualties November 25: Killed, com- missioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 10. Wounded, columissioned officers, 4; enlisted men, 37. Total killed and wounded, 1 69. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieut. ~Z!ol. 41st Ohio Infly. Vols., (Yorndq. 3d BaUm. Capt. JouN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General Page 298 ~98 KY., ~W, VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AND N GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 20. Report of Capt. Sam nel B. /Stnith, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. NINETY-THIRD REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS, OamJ) near Knoxville, Ten n., December 8, 1863. SIR: I respectfully submit the following as my official report of the part taken by the Ninety-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- fantry in the late battles of the 23d amid 25th ultimo~ On the afternoon of the 23d ultimo, the Ninety-third Regiment, under the command of Maj. Williani Birch, consolidated with the Forty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. A. Wiley com- manding. The consolidated battalion advaucqd toward the breast- works of the enemy in front of Fort Wood. When within about 200 yards of the rebel works bayonets were fixed and the works were taken by assault. While advancing through the woods, and before reaching the enemys lines, Major Birch received a mortal wound and was carried to the rear, Capt. Damiiel Bowman assuming com- mand of the Ninety-third Regiment. Upon entering the rebel works the colors of the Twenty-eighth Alabama Regiment were surrendered to Captain Bowman. Our loss in the charge was comparatively heavy, caused by exposure to an enfilading fire from both sides, besides that from the front. The regiment retained amid occupied the position it had gained until time afternoon of the 25th, whemi. being comisolidated, as before, with the Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, it advanced a~ainst the rebel works at the foot of Missionary Ridge, assaulted amid carried themn. During the few minutes it remaineil behind the last-mentiommed works, Colonel Wiley, commuandiug the consolidated battaliomi, was seriously wounded and Captain Bowuman, commanding the Ninety- third, received a slight wound. Both were carried to the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly assumn ed command of the consohi- (lated battalion and I, beimig time semmior officer present with the regi- ment, assumned comniand of time Nimmety-timird. Being ordered forward, I advanced with the regimuemit to the assault of the rebel works omi time summuit of Missiomiary Ridge, which, the Ninety-third particip ting, were so brilliamitly carried i)y the brigade. Upon entering the works, time colors of a rebel regi- ment (number unknown) were surrendered to Sergt. . L. Sutphiu, of tbe Ninety-third Regiment. The following is a list of tue killed, wounded, and missing of the Ninety-third Regimuent imi the battles of time 23d and 25th ultinmo: Killed. Wounded. Missing. __________ 53 53 Date. a. ~ a. a .. a a ~ ~ a a K3a s ~ o ~ 0 ~ 0~ November 23 12 3 42 . 57 November25 3 2 19 K :. 24 I Total 15 51 61 .~ 81 All of which is most resl)ectfmlllv submitted. Very respectful] y, SAML. B. SMITH, Captain, Corn dg. Ninety-third keg!. Ohio Vol. Infantry. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr.. Ass is/ant Adjatawt-C/cneral Page 299 ChAP. XL11I.1 TII E CJiATTANOOGARINGG( )LI) CAM1~AiGN. ~99 No. 81. Report of Liest. Gol. James Pickands, One hnndred and twenty- fourth Ohio Thfantry. HEADQUARTERS 124TH OHIo VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Knoxville, Tenm, December 8, 18f~3. CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my battalion in the advance on Mission Ridge: On the afternoon of November 23, we were ordered to prepare for a reconnaissance and were moved to the front of Fort Wood, where my battalion, composed of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio ail(l Sixth Indiana, took its position on the left of the first line. We then made a steady and continued advance, and occupied the enemys rifle-pits on a range of lulls midway between Fort Wood and Mission- ary Ridge. After gaining the lull I was ordered to form a breastwork, and my men were kept at work until dark, being exposed to an almost constant fire of artillery from Missionary Ridge. During the night we received intrenching tools and continued to work until 1 oclock, when I was ordered to relieve with my regiment the Fifth and Sixth Kentucky Regiments on picket duty. From this time my regiment was separated from the Sixth Indiana, and after being relieved from picket I was ordered to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon, of tim First. Ohio. In the advance of the 23d, the loss in my battalion was as follows: One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio: Officers wounded, 2; enlisted men wounded, 1; enlisted men killed, 1; total, 4. Sixth Indiana: Enlisted men woumuied. 9. Aggregate, 13. On time afternoon of the 25th, I was ordered to relieve with my reoiment the Sixth Ohio and Twenty-third Kentucky Regiments on tim skirmish line, with instructions to advance at the signal of six guns and take possession of the works at the foot of the rid~e To reach flue works we were obliged to pass over a cleared space of about 800 yar(ls. Before arriving at the works, the enemy de- serted them amud began retreating up the luill nuder a fire of musketry tromn muuy limue. We lay behind the emuenmys works till the brigade came up, whuen thue left wing of nuy regimemut advanced witlu it, the right wimug asceudino the hill witluout support. TIme fire of mus- ketry and camuister was very heavy, and the advance was slow but steady. Upon reacluing the top of the hill, we drove the enemy from the rifle-pits in our front, wimile several members of Conupany G turmied ~ i)iece of artillery loaded within canister amid (hischarged it at the retreating emuemny. In an attempt of the enemy to carry off a battery, my nien shot the horses amid captured the guns and two cam ssons. The part of time line comnuanded by Lieutenant Proctor descended the opposite side of time bill and captured two wagons loaded with anus aml(i ammunition. The trophies captured were as follows : 7 pieces of artillery, 2 caussous, S stand of arms, 1 wagon load of anunmunition, and 2 wag- ons, besides a imumuber of horses. Time loss in my regimuent was: Officers killed, 1; officers wounded, 1; enlisted muen killed. 4 enlisted men wounded, 19 total, 25 Page 300 300 KY., SW. VA., ThNN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Car. lulL My regiment marched with the brigade from Chattanooga to Knox- ville U asua1M~fL~l i~rt rant, PICKANDS Capt. Jon CRowaL, Jr., Assistant Adjtdant.Generai. No. 82. Reports of Brig. Lien. St& muel Beatty ZL S A tiny, commanding Third BrigaAe. HDQRB. THin Brnu., Trnn Div., FOURTH ARia Corns, (Jlaattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1868. Csrnnr: I have the honor most respectfully to submit the fol- lowing report of the operations of my command in the late move- ment from this p lace: On Monday afternoon, November 23, at 1.30 oclock, in obedience to orders from Brigadier-General Wood, commanding Third Divis- ion, Fourth Army Corps, I marched the re mentsot mycominand from their camps and formed in double columns in support of the brigade of Bri~adier-Generaa Which. In anticipation of this movement I had caused each of the seven regiments of my brigade p resent, except the Seventeenth Kentucky Volunteers, Col. Alexander M. Stout commanding, to be consoh- dated into five companies, each forming oommands of two battalions tinder the senior field officer of the twotattalions, the first composed of the Seventy-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Cot #red. Knef- ler, and the ki -sixth Indiana Volunteers, Cot George F. Dick, commandedb CoL Fred. Knefier ;the second, oomposed of the Thir- teenth Ohio Volunteers, Cot Dwight Jarvis, an e Fifty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Maj. Robert J. Van commanded byCol. Dwight Jarvis; the third, composed of the Ninth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers, Col. George H. Cram, and the Nineteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers. Cot Pharles F. Manderson, commanded by Cot George H. Cram. The Nineteenth Ohio, Cot Charles F. Manderson, was on outpost duty that day and was ordered by er-General Willich, corps officer of the day, to re-enforce the picket line and advance as slur- mishert I ordered Colonel Cram, commanding the Ninth Kentucky, to support it with his regiment, while with the balance of my com- mandladvanced, in support of the brigade of General Which, 1 mile,~ when, by order of General Wood, I deployed the Seventy-ninth Indi- a, Co onel Knefier, and the Eighty-sixth Indiana, Colonel Dick, in advance of my column, with left rifused to guard against a flank attack by the enemy. The firing of the enemys batteries was very sharp and my men were much exposed to it. but very happily none were iWured by it at this lace. The brigade of Gene~~dale, of the Eleventh Corps, moved into position on my left, and at dark the troops of Major-General Howard relieved the Ninth Kentucky and Nineteenth Ohio Regi- ments, which joined the balance of my brigade. In their skirmishing Page 301 GEar. XLULJ THE OHArFANOOGABINGGOLI) OAMPAIGK. 301 during the afternoon these re~iments very gallantly drove the enemy from one line of rifle-pits (which were afterward vacated by the a- tension of my line to the ht and reoccupied by the rebels, and a heavy force of the Eleventh Corps was at first repulsed in the at- tempt to carry them). In doing this the lost lmankilled,lofflc9r and 10 men wounded in the Nineteenth Ohio, and 2 men wounded m the Ninth Kentucky. During Monday the Seventy-ninth and Eighty-sixth Indiana Regiments and the lhirteenth and Fifty-ninth Ohio Regiments threw up very substantial rifle-pits and defenses of logs, and a de- tail from the Seventeenth Kentucky felled the timber in front for an abatis Tuesday my command remained quiet, picketing a limited 4ace in front of the troops on my left. On Wednesday morning, the 25th, the troops of the Eleventh Corps having moved away from my left, by orders from the general commanding the division I moved the Thirteenth and Fifty-ninth Ohio Re ents to the left and rear in double column, ready to de- loto the left or front as might become necessary. At 2.80 p.m. ~ recei orders from GeneraiWood to prepare to advance, with two regiments in line, with the front of General Willichs brigade and the balance of my brigade in column. (The Ninth Kentuc was deployed as skirmishers, covering a front left of my brigade front, an m the advance were supported b the troops of General Bairds division.) The advance of my brigade was the Seventy-ninth Indi ana Cot Fred. Knefler, and the Elghty -sixth Indiana, Cot George F. ISieL These regiments advanced7wi h irit and drove the enemy from his riflepits and works at the foot of the ridn The fire of he enemy was so hot here, and ejiBJaded us so com- pletely, that Colonel Kiiefler, commanding the two regiments, was not ordered to halt, and pushed on up the hill. This rendered it necessary to support them with other troops, and, being unable to obtain commumcation with General Wood, I immediately ordered forward the Thirteenth Ohio, Colonel Jarvis, and the Fifty-ninth Ohio, Major Vanosdol, to their assistance. Most gallantly did the ents spring to their work, and step by step, exposed to the tsr- fire of batteries on the right, left, and in front, did they ascend the steep hill. Hoping to obtain a firm footing on the ridge, I ordered forward the remaining two regiments of my brigade Seventeenth Kentucky, Colonel Stout, and the Nineteenth Ohio, Cot. Charles F. Manderson, to support those already sent forward, and soon after received the order from General Granger to send forward all my troops. The two regiments advanced in splendid order. By the time they were half way up thesideoftheri e the four regiments in advance had gained the crest and occupied the rebel works, having successfully at the second attempt, charged the enemy from them and planted their colors on the summit of Mission Xidge. The colors of four re ents of my brigade, viz Seventy-mnth Indiana, Eighty-sixth In irteenth Ohio, anA Fifty-ninth Ohio, were almost simultaneously planted on the enemrs worka At nearly the same time the colors of a regiment of General Willichs brigade were established on the works by its colonelc At this time the Seventeenth Kentucky, Col. A. M. Stout, and the Nineteenth Ohio, Cot Charles F. Manderson, arrived at the summit of the ridge in good order, forming in the rebel rifle-pits i Page 302 302 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. ~A. [CHAP. XLIII. line, with two regiments of General Willichs brigade on their right, and the Thirteenth and Fifty-ninth Ohio Regiments and a part of the Eighty-sixth Indiana moved to the left and assisted the Ninth Kentucky, which had gained the snmmit of a point to the left of my position to captnre four pieces of artillery, three of which we nioved to the Signal Hill. Tile fourth was captured by the Ninth Kentucky, Colonel Cram, the colors of that regiment beiiig placed upon the gun by Lient. W. A. Sutherland, of my staff. That regi- nient advancing upon the enemy, the gun was left in possession of other troops, which arrived after them. A hard fight ensued at that point, and the enemy was fast re-enforcing, but he was held in check by these parts of regiments till the arrival of General Bairds (livis- 1011 in support, when he was, after stubborn resistance, driven in confusion. The Seventy-ninth Indiana and Eighty-sixth Indiana followed down the hill, ski great confusion. rmishing with the retreating enemy, who fled in The Seventeenth Kentucky was moved forward to a position iiidi- cated by Major-General Granger, supported by the Nineteenth Ohio, and, by his personal command, fired a full volley after the fleeing rel)els. This ended the fighting in that front. Men of the Seventy-ninth Indiana and Eighty-sixth Indiana. and a detail from tile Nineteenth Ohio, hauled up from the front.three pieces of artillery with limbers and one caisson with limber, which had beeii mu down the hill by tile rebels, but in their hasty retreat they were unable to get theni farther. Another piece was captured by niy men, but was hauled from my front during the night by other troops. I posted the Seventeenth Kentucky on outpost and bivouacked for the night. Thursday (he- tails were made to bury the dead and gather up small-arms. Forty- two rebel dead were buried on the point known as Signal Hill. The captures of niy brigade amounte(l in all to 8 pieces of artillery with limbers, 1 caisson with limber. Besides these pieces three others were taken possession of by my troops, but in the advance they were left with troops who came up in support of us; over 200 Slilall-arms, 126 prisoners, including a Major Fergus, Forty-second Alabama (besides hundreds not receipted for), 1 regimental battle- flag, and 1 Confederate flag, which last, I regret to say, was torn to pieces as mementoes by the capturing troops before brought to tile attention of their conunanding officers. In recounting tile operations of my command in the advancino of the lines on the 23d, and the charging of Mission Ridge on the 25th, I Ilave to compliment Col. Fred. Knefier, Col. Alexander M. Stout, Col. George F. Dick. Col. Dwight Jarvis. Col. George H. Cram, Col. Charles F. Manderson, and Maj. Robert J. Vanosdol for the dis- cipline and efficiency of their tr6ops, and upon the gallamit style with which each vied with the others in (loilig their utmost to secure a victory to our arms. The advance of the Seventy-ninth and Eighty- sixth Indiana was strongly resisted by the enemy, but led by their gallant commamiders, and supported by the advance of the Thirteenth and Fifty-ninth Ohio Regiments in splendid style. succeeded in frst planting the national flag on the rebel works on the summit of Mis- sion Ridge. The advance of my reserve regiments, the Seventeenth Kentucky and Nineteenth Ohio, was under a very heavy fire, but they moved in line in excellent order, and arrived upon the crest soon after the planting of the colors upon it. The Ninth Kentuck Page 303 XLIII.] TIlE CHATTANOOGA-IIINGGOLI) CAMPAIGN. 303 was deployed, covering a front of nearly half a mile to the left of my immediate front, and arriving npon the summit of the hill were en- abled by the snpport of other portions of my brigade to drive the enemy and captnre artillery. Col. George H. Cram received a severe wonnd after arriving on the ridge; bnt the whole was nnder the eye of the general com- manding the division, and other commanding generals, and fnrther comment is needless. I beg to call yonr attention to the appended list of casnalties, which ms snrprisingly small compared with the resnlts attained. I am, very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, SAMUEL BEATTY, Brigad ter- General, Commanding. Capt. M. P. BESTOW. Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Division. Recapitulation. Killed~ Wounded. Missing. Aggregate. ~ Regiment. ~ ~ ~ u ~ u u Ci2d) 0 k~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ I9thOhio 1 2 10 2 11 79th Indiana 28 28 9th Kentucky I 4 5 25 6 29 17th Kentucky 5 5 llthOhio 2 1 17 1 1 20 59th Ohio 2 25 2 25 86th Indiana Li 5 2 38 3 43 Total 2 12 12 148 . 1 14 161 HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD Dmv., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, CYhattanooga, November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: I respectfnlly snbinit the following statement in regard to the captnre of seven pieces of artillery by my brigade on Mission Ridge on the 25th instant: After the taking of the point to the right of the honse, and after- ward occnpied by me for headqnarters, amid by the signal corps as a station, the Thirteenth Ohio and Fifty-ninth Ohio IRegimnents, and parties of other regii~ents of my brigade, moved to the left to the next hill past the honse. They then charged the battery on the last- miamed hill, and the colors of the Fifty-ninth Ohio were placed on one gnn, and the adjntant of that regiment and the adjntant of the Thir- teenthm Ohio placed their hamids on another piece at the same time. They were followed by the men of their regimemits and the pieces possessed. Captain Watson, Company A, Fifty-milntlm Ohio, with his men, took possessiomi of a third piece in advance of the first two, and tnrned it npon the enemy to fire. bnt by the time it was loaded onr own men were in the way. This last piece had four white horses attached, and Captain Watsomm had it moved to the Signal Hill by the team. The first two pieces were taken possessmon of by Adjntant George, Thirteenth Ohio Yolnnteers, and by men of the Thirteenth and Fifty-ninth Ohio Regiments hanled to the Signal Hill. Three pieces were bronght np from the second ridge and the valley between Page 304 304 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANfl N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. in my direct front, by men of the Seventy-ninth Indiana and a detail from the Nineteenth Ohio. The Ninth Kentucky Volunteers was deployed as skirmishers in front of the division of General Baird and charged up the hill to the left of the Signal Hill, and was accompanied by Lieutenant Suth- erland, of my staff, who placed the colors of the Ninth Kentucky npon another piece, which was not moved from where it was cap- tured. General Wood accompanied the Ninth Kentucky and knows that no other troops than those of his division passed up at that place until the hill with the battery was possessed. The gun which was at the foot of the hill in my direct front was taken away by troops on my left makino by my brigade. b eight guns in all captured Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL BEATTY, Capi. M. P. BESTOW, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 88. Report of Gol. Frederick Ku efler, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-NINTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLS., Chattanooga, Tenn., J\Torember 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: II have the honor to submit the following report of the part. taken by the Seventy-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers and Eighty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, consolidated, and placed under my command by order of General Beatty, in the battle before Chattanooga: On the 23d instant, at noon, orders were received to march, and leaving our camps we formed at supporting distance, in double col- umn, in rear of the left ~f Briga(lier-General Willichs command. The advance being niade, we followed in the above order for about a mile, halted, (ieployed the colum]t, and were ordered to form on the left of General ~Wilhichs line. Not a shot was fired by my coni- mand during all this time. At night orders were received to fortify our position with rifle-pits and abatis. I)urjng the night we suc- ceeded in accomplishimig and carrying out thi6~order as directed, amid had at the break of day a hue of field-works of much strength. Nothtinc~ occurred Tuesday, the 24th, or Wednesday, time 25th, until about 3 oclock in the afternoon, at which tinte I was ordered by General Beatty to a(I vance with immy commna~md beyond our works an(i form on the left of the front line of General Wilhich, to advance and take the rifle-pits of the rebels in out fromit. The rebels upomi our approach abandoned their rifle-pits, which were occupied by our forces. Not having received any order to remain in the rebel works, I ordered my comumand to advance upomi the mountain side in our front. Crossing the open space beyond the works we niet a terrible fire, enfilading nty command in all directions. The fire of the rebels becoming very severe, and their infaittry in front, who were retreat- imug before us, halting occasionally and firing upon its, I perceived that the safety of my commumnand required it to oet the protectiomi of the niountain si(he to be enabled to take shelter among the trees an Page 305 CHAP. XLIII. I THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 3%J~5 rocks. I urged a rapid advance, and with the hearty co-operation of the officers of both regiments the whole line was carried forward in the best order possible, on almost inaccessible ground. Here, pro- tected l)y the steepness of the mountain, the men were enabled to make good their foothold, and reply to the rebel musketry, which was very galling, amid almost surrounding us. We advanced steadily step by step. When near the top my attention was called by Captain Ilowe to the fact that our advance 111)011 the mountain isolated us froni the rest of tIme line with which we advanced upon the enemys ride-pits: there was mio support on the right or left, and on lookimig back perceived oum~ forces occupying time rebel works below; to re- trace our ste1)s would have been inevitable destruction to the entire commimand. The resolve to advance and hold every inch of ground until supported was our only safety. The line advanced firmly, taking advantage of every obstacle, under a most furious fire of artillery and small-arms the enemy rolling lighted shells among my men and throwing rocks upon our heads; but the ground was held and contested with the utmost determination. Time rebels did not succeed in forcing us back one step. We remained in our position, our flags and time enemys almost touching, keeping up a heavy fire, until support came omi the right and left, advancing up the mount- ain. At last orders were given to fix bayonets, and to charge themu; once the effort failed, but advancing again, succeeded, and gained time enemys works, which were covered with dead and wounded, and full of rebels, who made haste to fling away their guns and to get to our rear. As umy men swarmed upon time crest time rebels made another stand, commanded, as ascertained, by the rebel General Hardee, but their resistance was very feeble; they were quickly broken, and fled in the greatest confusion. Here a battle-flag was captured; I regret to say it was torn to shreds by the men in their eagermiess to secure mementoes. After pursuing the rebels, and the capture of many pieces of artillery and numerous prisoners, the conimand bivouacked upon the crest of Missionary Ridge. It is with much pleasure that I can report the loss of both regi- ments as surprisingly little, wheim taken into consideration with the muagnitude of the effort, and its results. A list of casualties is hereto appended. * I beg leave to call time attention of time general to the following officers whose comiduct deserves special mention: Captains Hanna, Jordan, amid Howe, Adjutant Ritter. Lieutenants Mounts and Burns, of the Seventy-ninth Imidiana Volunteers; Captains Sims, Greg- ory, and Carnahan, Lieutenants Melnerny and Laymoum, of the Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. They with all other officers did their whole duty. Anmong the enlisted men, where all displayed such daring, it is hard to make a distinction. First Sergt. William M. Johnston, Com- pany D; Color Sergt. Henry C. Lawrence. First Sergt. Simeon J. Thompson. of Company B; First Sergt. Henry N. Osiorn, of K; and John W. Hartpence, a drummer, of Compammy C, who went into the ranks amid fought wellthe last three of whom are seriously woundedas well as all non-commissioned officers, have acted with intrepidity and great bAvery, assisting their officers in every manner. I caummot (dose this witliomut making my acknowledgments amid Embodied iii revised statement, p. 82. 20 K RVOL xxxi, PT I Page 306 306 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. MATh thanking Col. George F. Dick, of the Eighty-sixth Indiana Volun- teers, for the valuable assistance rendered me in commanding the two regiments while consolidated daring the battle and from the time we left our camps. I have the honor to be, captain, very, respectfully, your obedienj3 servant, FRED. KNEFLER. Cob net Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteers. [Capt. 0. 0. MILLER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade.] No. 84. Report of Col. George F. Dick, Eighty-sixth Indiana Infantry. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTY-SIXTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, November 22, 18(33. SIR: I have tue honor to submit the following as a report of my regiment in the late engagement near Chattanooga, on the 23d of November:, According to orders received from your headquarters. I moved out my regiment, which, according to previous arrangement, had been consolidated with the Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteers, Col. Fred. Knefler commanding. My regiment forned the left wing of the battalion, and we moved in front of Fort Wood, where, with the brigade, we formed in double colummi in mass. We then moved on the enemy and halted when about 1 mile east of the fort, where we were ordered to deploy in line of battle. We lay in this position till dark, nothing occurring in our front with the exception of picket firing, when we were ordered to move to the right a short distance. We bivouacked until about 11 p. mu., whemi orders were received to dig rifle-pits and construct an abatis in front by felling the dense timber. The 24th we lay in the same position awaitimig further orders. 0mm the 25th, at 3.30 oclock, we received orders to move forward, which we did, amid halted outside time abatis, an(l formed imm line with and to the left of General Willich. Orders were given to forward on double-quick amid charge the emmenmys breastworks at the base of Missionary Ridge. We double-quicked about 1 mile, driving the emiemy before us imi confusion, and took possession of his works, dur- ing time whuole of which tinme we were under a muost deadly fire froni his gumus on the ridge. It was here that Maj. Jacob C. Dick and Lieut. Jerry Hongim, coummuanding Compammy B, received wounds which disabled them to lead their men farther. The pursuit was commtiimued, amid wimemi at the foot of time ri(lge we had to face volleys of musketry from the enenmy. We chuarged the hill through this hail, which was poured immto our ranks from rifle-pits at time summit of the mountaimi, which was about 1,200 feet in height, and the ascent at about an angle of 50~. When about two-thirds of the way up, the brave amid much loved Captain Southard, Company K, was imustantly killed while gallantly leadiQg and cheering his men. When within about 50 feet of the enemys works our men, being so nearly exhausted, halted behimud stumps amid trees to rest. Again we started, follo~ying the colors, which were nobly bormme aloft i)y the eohor bearer, ~ergt. Steplmemm Cronkhite, Compammy E. This gallan Page 307 CHAP. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLI) CAMI~A1GN. 307 soldier (leserves much honor for his bravery in bearing the unfurled Stars and Stripes np these steep and rocky heights, and in the face of a most bitter fire. When within 15 feet of the enemys works he fell wounded and was nuable to go farther. They were taken np by Sergt. Thomas J. Graves, Company D, who gallantly carried them over the works and pursued the confused and retreating enemy. Here might be mentioned that some of the men were in advance of the colors. Private John Clawson, Company C, has the proud honor of l)eing the first man inside the works in our front on the heights of Missionary Ridge. A portion of the regiment coptinued the pursuit, following the retreating enemy, pouring deadly volleys into his conf used and scattered ranks. When about a quarter of a mile to the left of the point where we reached the summit, the enemy made a stubborn resistance behind a second line of breastworks. Here Sergt. Thomas J. Graves, who was gallantly waving the colors, fell dangerously wounded. They were taken up by Capt. William S. Sims, who almost at the same time captured the major of The Forty-second Alabama. However, we succeeded in driving the enemy. Another portion of the regiment charged directly over the ridge, and with others of the brigade cal)tured and brought to the top, by hand, two pieces of artillery. We bivouacked on the ridge for the night. On the 26ti~, we lay on the ridge awaiting further orders. At 8 ~ in. or(lers were received to return to camp near Chattanooga, wbieh were complied with, arriving here about 10 oclock. Of my regiment. I am proud to say, that both officers and men be- haved well. Much honor and credit is due them. The officers in 1)articulal displayed that courage amul bravery that should charac- terize every true soldier. I might specially mention, as these came uhi(ler my immediate observation, ainl without any disparagement to others, the names of Captain~ Sims, G emumer, Gregory, and Car- nahami, and Lieutenants Melnerny and Laymon, as doing much in leading their men to victory. Of our companions in arms, the Seventy-ninth indiana Volunteers, I can pay them no higher compliment than to say they fotight with their usual gallaiitry amid bravery. The colors on whose folds were umscribe(l Presented to the Eighty-sixth Indiaiia Volunteers by the }adies of Boone County, received 88 musket-shots and 2 in the staff, one of which severed it. Herewith I send you a rebel battle-flag, captured while ascending the hill. While it is out of place, and I feel a delicacy in presuming to (lictate as a junior officer, yet I must say that Col. Fred Knefler Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteers, well deserves and richly merits a comnmnission as a brigadier-general, for his gallantry displayed in the charging and taking of Missionary Ridge. The regimemit went into the engaoement with 286 enlisted men and 19 officers. Herewith I send you a list of the casualties. ~ All of which is respectfully submitted. G. F. DICK, (7olo i~ ci, (I~om ~nw ~td I eq Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. Capt. 0. 0. MILLER. Assistant A~(jutunt- ~cuerol. Fiubodie] OH VeViSc( I ststenoent, p~ 8 Page 308 308 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND ~ GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 85. Report of Col. George H Gram, Ninth Kentucky Jnfantry. HEADQUARTERS NINTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Teun., November 27, 1868. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Ninth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers from the tinie of moving out of our works on the evening of the 23d until our returu on the night of the 27th November, 1868 We moved out about 1 oclock on the evenimig of the 23d, formed (loul)le colunmn of divisions on the hill-side to the left of Fort Wood, amid were immediately ordered by General Beatty to move forward to the reserve station of the brigade picket line, to support the Nine- teenth Ohio, which was on picket. On reaching the reserve, the skirumish line began advancing and was met by a sharp fire from the enemys line, when I immuedmately deployed the battalion amid moved it forward in support of the Nineteenth Ohio, when I received an or(ler from General Beatty to support both his and General Willichs skirmish line, amid moved by the right flank across the Western and Atlantic Railroad some 200 yards, then forward toward the East Ten- nessee railroad. During this time the skirmishers had been con- stantly engaged and had driven the enemys line stea(lily back, and the line in our immediate front had reached the railroad embamik- ment, where they seemed to meet with more resistance and ceased advancing. As we were exposed to the fire of the enemys skirmish- ers, I ordered the battalion to move forward at double-quick to the shelter of the railroad. During this movement 2 memi were wounded. On Ieaching the railroad the skirmish line again moved forward. I now received an order fromu General Beatty to move along the road to th~ right about 200 yards to a house, cross the road, and advammce immt~ the woods with the skirmishhine. After advancing some 300 yards, I found the skirmislmers halted, and lay there for some time, when General Tyndal& s brigade, of General Howards corps, relieved us, and we moved to the left until we joined the Nineteenth Ohio, where we hay till dark, whemi we were conducted by Lieutenant Foster to a point where the other regiments of the brigade lay, where we remained until Tuesday evening, the 24th, whemi five compamiies of the regiment were ordered on picket. Wednesday morning, the 25th, about 10 oclock, I moved out with the remaining five companies with orders to support the line in an ad- vance across an opeii field some 400 yards wide, bounded on the farther side by a thick wood. We moved forward at double- qnick, cross- ing the field and drivimig from the woods the Twenty-second Alabama (rebel) Regiment, which fled without firing a gun. We captured 1 prisoner. Pushing on through the woods we established our line on the edge of the open field. extending to the foot of Mission Ridge and in full view amid rifle range of the first hue of rebel works, some 800 yards distant. Our line connected on the right with that of General Willichs brigade, but the line on our left did not advance with us, and we extended our line to the left by extending intervals and deploying ami additional company until it reached the East Ten- muessee railroa(h. coverutg at least 1 mile of front. About 1 oclock the heft of 01mm line was relieve(l by General Turchimis brigade, and soon after we recelve(l or(lers froni General Beatty to move forward on the tirst line ol the enemys works at the foot of the ridge at a givcmi signal. About 8 oclock, hearing the signal, we moved fo Page 309 Cf!AP. XLIII.1 ,TUE CITATTANOOG ARINGGOLt~ CAMPAIGN. 309 ward, and at once found ourselves exi)oSed to a terrible fire of artil- lery from the batteries on the ridre and some niusketry from the works. Notwithstanding the great number of shells fallino and ex ploding around us we suffered but slight loss and continued to press steadily forward. The men had been ordered to abstain from firing until they reached the work, and did so with scarce ~u exception. The speed at which we advanced with the steepness of the ascent, soon exhausted the men, but all pushed forward as fast as they were capable of going until they reached the work, where they fell breath- less and exhausted; with scarcely strength left to fire at the enemy, who had fled at our approach, and were flying in confusion up the face of the ridge. We lay behind the works, resting and waiting for the promised support, exposed to the fire of the batteries on the ridge until, seeing no prospect of support coming, we crossed the line of works and pushed on up the face of the ridge now growing steeper every step. Once more we were compelled from exhaustion and lack of snpport to halt, sheltering onrselves behind a rail pen. for we were now exposed to a musketry fire from the hill-top. Troops from the first line of works, belonging to Bairds division, now began to come up, and we again moved forward slowly, for the ascent was now almost perpendicular, until we reached the top of the ridge, when the enemy slowly fell back along the ridge to the left, and gaining strength and numbers we pressed them until their retreat became a rout. We were now joined by troops from many other regiments, who had gained the summit, and continued driving the enemy with occasional halts and fights for nearly 500 yards, when we met a body of the enemy advancing to meet us, and a most des- perate fight began, lasting for half an hour, which at times threatened to drive us from the ridge. About dark the firing ceased and the enemy were in full retreat. No organization of companies or regi- ment was maintained after leaving the first work. Each man strug- gled to crown the summit, all seeming to think of the accomplish- ment of the one great object. After the firing ceased the regiment was gathered together and moved back to the right to a point where the brigade bivouacked, where we lay until Thursday night at 9 oclock, when we umoved into camp behind our works at Chattanooga. Our loss, considering the character of the work done, was very slight. It sums up as follows Commissioned officers killed, 1; commissioned officers wounded, 5 ; enlisted men killed, 4; enlisted men wounded, 25; total, 35. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, GEG. H. CRAM, Colonel, Commanding Ninth Ken/u c/c y Volunteers. Capt. 0. 0. MILLER, Asst. A~jt. Gem, 3d Brig., 3d Die., 4th Army Corps. No. 86. Report of ~Jol. Alexander 111. Stout, Seventeenth Kentucky Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT KENTUCKY VOLS., Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make you the following report of the operations of this regiment from the 23d instant to the 26th in- stant: My regimemmt, under orders, moved ont imm columun of division Page 310 310 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. (~A. [CHAP. XLIII. doubled on the center, on the afternoon of the 23d nistaiil, jul lowing the battalion comnutuded by Colonel Jarvis, f the Thirteei~th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. When the pickets of the enemy in our front had been driven in. my regiment was placed ii] reserve and near where the enemys line of pickets had been. With occasional changes of position we re- mained near the same point ni~til the afternoon of the 2~th instant, when a general movement upon the works of the enemy was ordered. In the meantime, I had furnished a company for outpost duty for twenty-four hours, and nearly every company took its turii at work on the intrenchments. The company (C, Captain Beckham) detailed for outpost duty had sharp skirmishing, and drove a regiment of the enemy out of its rifle-pits. Many shots of the enemy fell very near the regiment, but no omie was hurt. On tIne afterinoon of the 25th instant my regiment, when the general advance was made, moved forward in the same relation and formation as before, in good order amid great confidence. The muovememit was made across our own intrenchmnent,s and over very (lith cult and marshy ground, while the shot and shell of tine enemimy filled the air and plowed tine ground around ins, and was continued until we had approached within 200 yards of the works of the enemnmy at tine base of tine ridge. There, in ol~dience to your orders, I deployed into line amid awaited further orders. Whemn the battalions in advamice had advanced more than half way up the ascent of Missionary Ridge, I advanced quickly, as ordered by you to do, but had great difficulty in restraining officers amnd men in their ardor to reach the crest, but succeeded in keeping them in line. Their entlnnnsiasmn, ex- cited by the desire to reach the crest, and the tremendous cheering of our several limes. amid the thiuniderinug of the gunmis omi both sides, knew mo bounds. Not an officer or maim mnamnifested fear or hesita- tioun. I am proud to say that I have mnomne to blame, an(i that all (lid so well that none could excel. We readied the crest very soon after the first flag had been I)lanted unpoum it, amid while tine balls of the en- emy were flying thick around us. After the firing around us had ceased the regiment sent a volley after tine retreating enennv. nuder the direction of Major-General Granger in person. After it becanue (lark uny regiment was detailed upon outpost duty, and wemnt dowmn tine ridge to the fromut, and was relieved omn tine night of the 26th instamut, amid, nuder or(lers, returne(i to camp. I have to report a sergeant and 4 privates wounded, but none killed or missing. I forward herewith a report, by name and company, of the wounded. * Very respectfully, A. M. STOUT. Colon el. C~omm an ding. Capt. 0. 0. MILLER, A. A. G., Hdqrs. 3d Brig., 3d Div.. 4th Army Corps. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 82 Page 311 CUAP. XLIJI. J THE CTIATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 31.1 No. 87. Report of Got. Jiwight Jarvis, jr., Thirteenth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the followiug report of the part taken by my regiment in the recent movement of this army, result- ing in the decisive victory of the 23th iustant in the capture of Mis- sionary Ridge: At 2 p. in. of the 23d, we marched out in frout of Fort Wood. The Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry were, by your order, also placed nuder my command, and I advanced in colnmn of division in rear of the Seventy-ninth and Eighty-sixth Indiana a distance of abont a mile, subjected to qnite a heavy fire from the enemys bat- teries, but withont any casualty. After dark I formed my lines in rear of Colonel Knetlers corn maud and threw up breastworks, which were completed by daylight next morning, and where we remained all of the 24th, a rainy, disagreeable day. On the morning of the 25th, I marched ont of my intrenchlnents and formed division a short distance to the left, and awaited orders. At 8 p. in., by your instructions, I advanced in column under a ter- rific fire from the enemy, a distance of abont 500 yards. until we reached the open field, when I formed my hue with the Fifty-ninth on my left and advanced at double-quick to the enemys works at the foot of the ridge, which I occnpied for a few minutes in order to breathe my men; then commenced to ascend the ridge, which, owing to the natural obstacles, was necessarily slow, for never for one moment did the enemys firingthough the shell, grape, and canister from the right and left fell thick in our midst and the riflemen occupied the defenses at the crest of the hillinipede our advance. Slowly but gradually onr flag was advanced, my color sergeant being shot in the act of placing the flag upon the works. The fighting here was very severe for a few moments. The men were too much exhausted to charge the works at once, but used their rifles to a.good purpose umitil sufficiently recovered to charge, which we finally did at a few minutes past 4 p. m. The enemy offered a stubboril resistance, but we carried the works gallantly and drove the foe along the ridge to the left a distance of about a mile. The fruits of the victory are in your hands. Where all acted so well it would be invidious to indicate individual acts of bravery. Color Sergeant Lloyd, for his conspicuous gallantry as standard- bearer upon this and upon former fields, is especially deserving of mention, however, and I hope he may receive the reward he so well merits. My list of casualties is surprisingly small for the results achieved, and, when we take into consideration-the obstacles surmounted, really wonderful. Appended is the list. * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DWIGHT JARVIS, JR., Colonel, Gomdg. Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Vol. Infantry. Capt. 0. 0. MILLER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Embodied in revised statement, p. 82 Page 312 3l~ KY., & XV. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 88. Report of Cot. Charles Ii). ilfanderson, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. IIDQRS. NINETEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Chattanooga, Tenn., November 27, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the part taken by the Nineteenth Ohio Volnnteer Infantry in the late engage- ment: At ~. 80 a. m. on Monday, the 23d, the regiment went on picket, with the left ontpost (No. 4) on the Tennessee River bank across Citico Creek and the right connecting with the Eighth Kansas Regi- ment of General Willichs brigade. The regiment, numbering 2~0 privates, 28 sergeants, 22 officers, was divided into eight reliefs, four of which were on outpost duty and the remainder held at the station. At about 2 p. in., nuder orders communicated by Brigadier-General Willich in person, I deployed outposts No. 1, Lieutenant Reefy commanding; No. 2, Captain Laubie commanding, and No. 3, Lieu- tenant Walker commanding, on the picket line as skirmishers, with instructions to advance, guiding from the right and refusing the left. Outpost No. 4, Captain Agard commanding, was ordered to remain and hold the l)Osition between the river and creek. At 2.30 the ad- vance was made, the picket of the enemy offering considerable re- sistance, but being driven with loss beyond the railroad embank- ment, where he rallied on an open field in the rifle-pits thrown up for the protection of his picket reserves. Here I strengthened the skirmish line by deploying another relief, under the command of Captain Percival. and, the whole line advancing briskly, under the charge of Captain Brewer, drove the enemy from his works, wound- ing some and capturing prisoners. The left of the skirmish line, meeting with a heavy flanking fire from across the creek, by which Lieutenant Walker was severely wounded, had changed front to the left and, under charge of Captain Laubie, held the foe in check. The front of the line pushed on at a double-quick across open fields, (lrivim)g the enemy from two houses, in front of one of which was a lengthy rifle-pit, from which the enemy fled, and which we held nuder the fire froni the house. The Ninth Kentucky Volunteers, Colonel Cram commanding, which at the commencement of the advance had formed our support, having moved far to the right, and there being a movement of a force around our left with amY apparent disposition to flank us, I sent word by Lieutenant-Colonel Stratton of the fact to Brigadier-General Beatty, and, moving the reserve by the right flank out of the open field, took cover in the woods to the right, changing front to the left, amid was there rejoined by the Ninth Kentucky Volunteers, which formed on our right. Here we rested until our skirmishers were re- lieved by those of General Howards corps, when by order the regi- nient rejoined the brigade about dark. About 8 oclock, Captain Agards command, across Citico Creek, having been relieved and ;jomued the regimeiit, by verbal order of Brigadier-General Beatty, we marched to camp, distributed rations and ammunition, amid at 10 oclock returned, forming with the Ninth Kentucky Volunteers one battalion in (louble column in rear of the Seventeenth Kentucky Vol- unteers. We rested in this position until Wednesday afternoon, when the advance was ordered. We marched in olumn of divis- ions, left in front, to a position close to the emmemys works, at the foo Page 313 eFIAP. XLIII.1 THE CHATTANOOGARINGGoLD CAMPAIGN. 313 of Missionary Ili(ige, where, the order }~eiit (ommiluicated by your self, the regiment deployed ilit() fine and advanced at (louble-quick to the crest of the ridge, receiving a heavy fire, both of artillery and small-arms, but sustaining a trifling loss. After standing in line for some tiiue, by order of Major-General Granger, we changed front forward in rear of the Seventeenth Kentucky Volunteers, with line extending down the eastern declivity of the ridge. Afterward took l)osition on the right of the brigade, where we bivouacked until or- (lered back to Chattanooga the night of the 2kth. Our men assisted in bringing up several guns, caissons, and limber chests from the base of the hill, where they had been abandoned by the enemy. The loss of the regiment (a detailed statement of which is ap- pended) was 1 enlisted man killed, 2 officers and 9 enlisted men wounded. All, both officers and mQn, did their whole duty, both faithfully and well. I am particularly indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Strat- ton and Major Nash for their active and cheerful assistance during the engagement. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES F. MANDER~ON, Golonel, Gomdg. Ni rwteemth Ohio Vol anteer Thfantry. Capt. 0. 0. MILLER, Assistant A(~jntant- General. No. 89. Report of M~J. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, with field dispatches and con- gratulatory orde r.s. HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Lookout Kdley, Teun., March 13, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: My attention has been called to a few clerical errors in the copy of report of the operations of my command in the vicinity of Chattanooga, and to several of my own, which I desire to correct before its publication. For this reason I request that the inclosed copy may be substituted for the one forwarded through the head- quarters of the military division, and that the latter may be returned to me. By a comparison of the reports the only essential change in the meaning will be found to be in substituting 12-pounder battery of howitzers for 24-pounder, as I had erroneously written it. I should address this request through Lieutenant-General Grant if assured of his whereabouts, and now request that it may be re- ~erred to him if in Washington. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Jfqjor- General, Commanding Page 314 ~14 KY 8W. VA., TENN., MISS., N~ ALA., AM) N.GA. [cRAm XLIII. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookoyt Valley, Tenn., Feb mary 4, 1864. GENERAL: ii have the honor to snbmit the following report of the part taken by my command in those operations of the army which resulted in driving the rebel forces from their positions in the vicinity of Chattanooga, and of its participation, immediately afterward, in their pnrsnit. In order that these operations may be distinctly nnderstoodthat the troops concerned be known and receive the honor dne themit is necessary to premise by stating that the general at tack was ordered to be made on the enemys extreme right at daylight on the 21st of November, and that preparatory orders were sent, throngh me, on the 18th, for the Eleventh Corps to cross to the north bank of the Tennessee River on the 20th. At this time the Eleventh, and a part of the Twelfth Corps, were encamped in Lookont Valley opposite to the left of the enemys line. In consequence of the non-arrival of the force mainly relied on to lead off, the attack was postponed to the following morning, and again postponed until the 24th for the same reason. Meanwhile orders were received for the Eleventh Corps to go to Chattanooga, where it reported on the 22d. This divided my command, and, as the orders contemplated no a(ivance from Lookout Valley, appli- cation was made by nie to the major-general commanding the de- partment for authority to accompany the Eleventh Corps, assigning as a reason that it was my duty to join that part of my command going into battle. This was acceded to, and, preparatory to leaving, invitation was sent for Brigadier-General Ge~ary, who was the senior officer in my absence, to examine with me the enemys positions and defenses, and to be informed at what points I desired to have his troops held. This was to enable me to make use of the telegraph in communicating with him advisedly during the progress of the fight, should a favorable opportunity l)resellt itself for him to advance. On the 23d, the commander of tile department requested me to re- main in Lookout Valley, and make a demonstration as early as pos- sible the following morning on the point of Lookout Mountain, my comimmand to consist of the parts of two divisions. Later in the day, the 23d, a copy of a telegram was received from the major-gen.eral commanding the Divisiomf of the Mississippi to the effect that in the event the pontoon bridge at Browns Ferry could not be repaired in season for Osterhaus division, of the Fifteenth Corps, to cross by 8 a. m. on tile 24th, the (livision would report to me. Soon after, another telegram, from the headquarters of the department, in- structed me, in the latter case, to take the point of Lookout Mount- ain if my demonstration silould develop its practicability. At 2 a. m. word was received timat th@ bridge conid not be put in serviceable condition for twelve hours, but to be certain on tile subject, a staff officer was dispatclmed to ascertain, and at 8. 1~ a. in., on the 24th, the report was confirmed. As now composed, my command consisted of Osterhaus division, Fifteenth Corps; Crnffs, of the Fourth; Gearys, of the Twelfth (excepting from the two last-named divisions such regiments as were required to protect onr communnications with Bridgeport and Kelleys Ferry); Battery K, of the First Ohio, amid Battery I, First New York, of the Eleventh Corps (the two having horses for but one); a part of the Secommd Kentucky Cavalry, and Company K, of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, making an aggregate force of 9,681 Page 315 315 CHAP. XLIII.] TILE CHATTANoOGARINGGOI~ CAMPAIGN. We were dli stimger~ 110 one (livisioll ever having seen ejther of thu ()tilAiIS. Geary~s division, supported by Wliitakers brigade, of Crufts di- vision, was ordered ~to proceed up the valley~ cross the creek near Wanhatchie, and march down. sweeping the rel)eis from it. The other brigade of the Fourth Corps to advance, seize tile bridge jnst below the raili oad, and i epair it. Osterhans division was to march iup from Browns Ferry, under cover of tile hills, to the place of crossing; also, to fnrnish supports for the batteries. The Ohio bat- tery was to take a position on Baid Hill, and the New York battery on the lull directly in rear. Tile Second Kentncky Cavalry was dis- patched to observe the movements of the enemy in the direction of Trenton. aiid the Illinois company to perforni orderly and escort (Inty. This disposition of the forces was ordered to be made as soon after daylight as practicable. At this time the enemys pickets formed a continuous line along tile right bank of Lookout Creek, with the reserves in the valley, while his main force was encaumped in a hollow half way up the slope of the mountain. Tile summit itself was held by three brigades of Stevensons divisiomi. and these were comparatively safe, as the only means of access from the west, for a distance of 20 miles up the valley, was by two or three trails, adniitting of tile passage of but 1 man at a time_ -in(l even those trails were held at the top by rebel pickets. l~or this PC~50il no direct attempt was made for the dislodguiemit of this tou to On the Chattamlooga side, which is less precipitous, a roa(l ot easy o;rade has been iiiade communicating with the summit by zm~ zclg hues running diagonally up the nioumitain side, amid it was behie~ A that before our troops should gaimi possessiomi of this, the enemn~ on the top would evacuate his position, to avoid beiiig cut off fiom hiu~ mauui body, to rejoimi which would imivolve a march of 20 Or )O llill( . Vie~x e(l fi m whatever point, Lookout Mountaimi, with its high pahisaded crest, amid its steep, rugged, rocky, and deeply-furrowed slopes, presented an imposing barrier to our advance, and when to these natural obstacles were added almost interniinable, well-planned, all(l wehl-constiiiicted defenses. held by Americans, the assault became an enterprise +orthy of the aumbitiomi amid renown of the troops to wliouii it was imitruste(h. On the northeru slope, midway between the summit amld the Ten- nessee, a plateau or belt of arabic hamid encircles the crest. There a contniii( )li5 line of earth-works had beemi throwmi up, while redoubts, re(ians. amid pits appeared lower down the slope, to repel an assault from the (lireetiomi of the river. On each flank were rifle-pits, epaul- ements for batteries, walls of stone, and abatis to resist attacks from either the Chattanooga or Lookout Valleys. In the valleys them- selves were earth-works of still greater extemit. Gearv commenced his movement as imistructed, crossed the creek at 8 oclock, captured the entire picket of 42 men posted to defemid it, marched directly up the mountain, until his right rested on the pal- isa(les. and headed down the valley. At the same tinie Groses brigade advanced resolutely, with brish~ skirniishing, drove the enemy from the bridge, and at once proceeded to put it in repair. The firing at this point alarmed the rebels. and imunediatehy their columuis were seen filing down the mountain front their camps, and movimig into their rifle-pits and breastworks at the same time mumu Page 316 31 C KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANi) N. GA. rCTTAP. XLIII. [1 SlIC( I tIIPBI ST-~ [Yes behind the en ibaii K nient f the railroad, which cirn bled theuL, without exposure, to sweep, with a tire of musketry, the held over which-our troops would be compelled to march for a distauce of 800 or 400 yards. These (liSpositionS were (liStiuCtly visible, and as facilities for avoiding theiu were close at hand, Osterhaus was directed to send a brigade, uuder cover of the hills and trees, about 800 yards higher up the creek, aud prepare a crossing at that poiut. This was Brig- adier-General Woods brigade. Soou after this Cruft was ordered to leave a sufficient force at the bridge to eugage the attention of the eueniy. aud for the balance of Gros& s brigade to follow Woods~. Meauwhile a sectiou of howitzers was planted to enfilade the positions the enemy had taken, and Oster- hans established a sectiou of 20-pounder Parrotts to enfilade the route by winch the enemy had left his camp. The battery on Bald Hill enfiladed the railroad and highway leading to Chattanooga, and all the batteries and sections of batteries had a direct or enfilading fire within easy range on all the positioiis taken by the rebels. Besides, the 20-pounder Parrotts could be used with good effect on the rebel camp on the side of the mountain. With this disposition of the ar- Ullery it was believed we would be able to prevent the enemy from lispatching relief to oppose Geary, and also keep him from running iway. At ii o~clock Woods had completed his bridge. Gearys. lines ap- peared clOse by. his skirmishers smartly engaged, and all the guns cpened. Woods and Grose then sprang across the river, joined Gearys left, and moved down the valley. A few of the enemy es- caped from the artillery fire, and those who (lid ran upon our infan- [ry and were captured. The balance of the rebel forces were killed or taken prisoners, many of them remaining in the bottom of their pits tor safety until forced out by our men. Simultaneous with these operations the troops omi the mountain rushed on in their advance, the right passing directly under the muzzles of the enemys guns on the summit, climbing over ledges and bowhders, up hill and down, furiously driving the enemy from his camp and from position after position. This lasted until 12 o clock, when Gearys advance heroically rouIide(i the peak of the mountain. Not knowing to what extent the enemy might be re-enforced and fearing froum the rough character of the field of operations that our lines might be disordered, directions had been given for the troops to halt on reaching this high ground, but, fired by success, with a flying, panic-stricken enemy before them, they pressed impetuously forward. Cobhams brigade, occupying the high ground on the right, between the enenmys main line of defense omi the plateau and the l)ahisades, incessantly plied them with fire from abo~re and behind, while Jreland~s brigade was vigorously rolling them up on the flank, and both bemmig closely supported by the brigades of Whitaker and Creigh tomi, our success was uninterrupted and irresistible. Before losing the advantages the ground presented us, the enemy had beemi re-emiforced. Meantime, after having secured the prisoners, two of Osterhaums regimnemits had been sent forward omi the Chatta- nooga road, and the bahauice of his amid Crufts (livisions had joined Geary. All the rebel efforts to resist us only resulted in rendering our success more thorouigh. After two or three short but sharp conflicts, time plateau was cleared. The emmemy, with his re-enforce Page 317 CHAP. XLIII.] TIlE CIIATTANOOGARIN(iG0LD CAMPAIGN. 317 ments, driven fi 0111 the walls and pits around Cravens nouse (the last point at which he could make a stand in force), all broken and dismayed, were hurled in great numbers over the rocks and preci- pices into the valley. It was 110W near 2 oclock, and our operations were arrested by the darkness. The clouds, which lla(i hovered over and enveloped the summit of the mountain during the morning, and to some extent favored our movements, gradnally settled into the valley and com- pletely veiled it from our view. Iiideed, from the moment we had ronuded the l)eak of the mountain, it was only from the roar of battle and the occasional glimpse our comrades in the valley could catch of our lines and standards that they knew of the strife or its progress; and when, from these evidences, our true condition was revealed to them, their painful anxiety yielded to. transports of joy which only soldiers can feel in time earliest moments of dawning victory. Deeming a descent into the valley imprudent, without more accurate infom~mation of its topography, and also of the position and strength of the enemy, our line was established on the east side of the mount- ain, the right resting on the palisades, and the left near time mouth of Chattanooga Creek, and this we strengthened by all the means at hand, working until 4 oclock, when the commander of the depart- ment was informed that our position was impregnable. During all of these operations the batteries on Moccasin Point, under Captain Naylor, had been busily at work from the north bank of the Tennessee River, and had contributed as much to our assist- ance as the irregularities of the ground and the state of the atmos- phere would admit of. From our position we commanded the enemys lines of defense, stretching across Chattanooga Valley, by an enfilad- ing fire, and also by a direct fire, many of his camps, some of which were mu our immediate vicinity. Also direct commnunication had been opened with Chattanooga, and at a quarter past 5 oclock Brigadier-General Carlin, Fourteenth Corps, reported to me with his brigade, and was assigned to duty on the right of the line, to relieve Gearys command, almost exhausted with time fatigue and excitement incident to their unparalleled march. To prevent artillery being brought forward, the enemy had under- mined the road and covered it with felled timber. This was re- l)aired and placed in serviceable condition before morning. During the day and until after midnight an irregular fire was kept up along our line, and had the appearance at one time of an effort to 1)reak it. This was on the right, amid was at once vigoronsly and handsomely repelled. In this, Carlins brigade rendered excel- lent service. His report is herewith forwarded. Before daylight, anticipating the withdrawal of time rebel force from the summit of the mountain, parties from several regiments were dispatched to scale it, but to tIme Eighth Kentucky must belong the distinction of having been foremost to reach the crest and at sunrise to display our flag from the peak of Lookout, amid the wild and prolonged cheers of the men whose dauntless valor had borne it to that point. During the night the enemy lia(l (~miietly abandoned the mountain, 1eavin~ bchii ~OOOO rations. the camp aw~ arrisoii eqimipage of three 1 )rig~ tdes, and other nuih~ rid. Au nnl)elletrahle mist still covered the face ol the valley. Pris oimers reported that time enemny bad abaudoited 4, but, deeming it imprudent to descend, a reconnaissance was or(lemed, and 8001) afte Page 318 318 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. 9 oclock report came in that the rebels had retired, but that their pickets still held the right bank of Chattanooga Creek, in the direc- tion of Rossville. Soon after the fog vanished, and nothing was to be seen in the valley bitt the deserted and bnrning camps of the enemy. Among the fruits of the preceding operations niay be ennmerated the concentration of the army, the abandonment of defenses upward of 8 miles in exteiit, the recoxTery of all the advantages ~n. positioii the enemy had gained from our army on the bloody field of Chicka- inauga, giviiig to ns the undisputed navigation of the river and the control of the railroad, the capture of between 2,000 and 3,00() piis- oners, 3 stand of colors, 2 pieces of artillery, upward of 3,000 urns- kets, & c. Of the troops opposed to us were four brigades of Walker~s divis- ion, Hardees corps, a portion of Stewarts division of Breckiuridges corps, and ~ the top of the mountain were three brigades of Steven- sons division. In conforniitv with orders, two regiments were dispatched to hold the mountain, Carliiis brigade directed to await orders on the Sumniertowii road, and at 10 oclock niy colunin, Osterhaus (being nearest the road) leadiiig, marched for Rossvil]e. On arriving at Chattanooga Creek it was discovered that the enemy had destroyed the bridge, and, iii consequence, our pnrsuit was delayed nearly three hours. As 50011 as f lie striu~ers were laid, Osterhaus managed to throw over the Twenty-seventh Missouri Regiment, and so~n after all of his infantry. The former deployed, pushed forward as skirmishers to the gorge in Missionary Ridge, and drew the flue of the artillery and infantry holding it, and also discovered that the enemy was atteiuptino to cover a train of wagons loading with stores at the Rossville house. As the position was one presenting many advantages for defense, the skirmishers were directed to keep the enemy engaged iii froiit, while Woods brigade was taking the ridge on the right, and four reginients of VSTilliamsons on the heft. Two other regiments of this brigade were posted on the road leading to Chattanooga to pre- vent surprise. Tn. executing these duties the troops were necessarily exposed to the enemys artillery, but as soon as it was discovered that his flanks were being turlie(l and his retreat threatened, he hastily evacuated the gap, leaving behind large quantities of artil- lery and small-arm anununition, wagons, ambulances, and a htouse full of conimissary stores. Pursuit was made as far as consistent witht my instructions to clear Missionary Ridge. Meanwhile the bridge had been completed ali(l all the troops over or crossing. Osterhaus received instructions to move, wit hi his division, parallel with the ridge on tile east, Cruft on tIme ridge, and Geary in the valley, to the west of it, withiiii easy supporting (us- tance. Tile batteries accompanied Geary, as it was not known that - roads could be found for thieni with the other divisions without (lelaying the movements of time colninii. General Cruft, with his staff, preceded his column in ascending the ridge to supervise the formation of his lines, and w s at once met by a line of time enemys skirmishers advanciiig. I lu ~ mnthi aimd Thirty-sixth Iudiana~ Regiments sprang forward, ran into hue mimider their fire, amid instantly charging. drove back the rebeiN whole the residue of the column formed their hines, (Poses brmoade withi the Fifty-first Ohio an(1 Thmirty-fifth Indiana, of Whitakex s Hi advance Page 319 319 C~r. XLIII.] THE CHATTANO04ZfARINGG0LD CAMPAI& N. the balance of the latter closely supporting the front line. It was, however, soon fonnd that the ridge on top was too narrow to admit of this formation, and the division was thrown into fonr lines. By this time the divisions of Geary and Osterhaus were abreast of it, and all advanced at a charging pace. The enemy had selected for his advai~ce line of defense the breast- works thrown up by our army on its return from Chickamauga, bnt such was the impetuosity of our advance that his trout line was routed before an opportunity was afforded him to prepare for a de- termined resistance. Many of the fugitives, to escape, ran dowmi the east slope to the lines of Osterhans, a few to the west, and were picked up by Geary. The bulk of them. however, sought refuge behind the second line, and they, in their turn, were 80011 rciuted, amid tire fight became almost a running omme. Whenever the acci- demits of the ground enabled the rebels to mak~ an advantageous stand, Geary and Osterhans, always in the right place, would pour a withering fire into their flanks, and again the race was renewed. This continued until near sunset, when those of the enemy who had not been killed or captured gave way, and in attempting to escape along the ridge, ran into the arms of Johnsons division, of the Four- teenth Corps, amid were captured. Our enemy, the prisoners stated, was Stewarts divisiomm. But few escaped. Osterhaus alone captured 2,000 of theum. This officer names the Fonrth Iowa, Seventy-sixth Ohio, arid Twenty-seventh Missouri Regiments as having been especially distinguished in. this engage- ment. Landgraebers battery of howitzers also rendered brilliant service on this field. Here our bnsiness for the day ended, and time troops went into bivouac, with cheers and rejoicings, which were caught up by other troops in the vicinity and carried along the ridge until lost in the distance. Soon after daylight every effort was made, by reconnaissance and inquiry, to ascertain the whereabouts of tire enemy, but to no pur- pose. The field was as silent as the grave. Knowing the desperate extremities to which he must be reduced by our success, with his retreat seriously threatened by the only line left him with a hope of success, I felt satisfied the emiemy must be in full retreat, and accord- ingly suggested to the commander of the department that my column march to Graysville, if possible, to intercept him. This was approved of, and, re-enforced by Palniers corps, all moved immediately in that direction, Palmers corps in advance. On arriving at the West Fork of the Chickamauga River, it was found that the enemy had destroyed the bridge. To provide for this contingency, Major-General Butterfield, my chief of staff, had in tire morning prudently requested that three pontoons, with their balks and chesses, might be dispatched for my use, but as they had not come up, after a detention of several hours, a bridge was comi- structed for the infantry, the officers swunmning their horses. It was imot until after 3 oclock the regiments were able to commence cross- Pig, leaving tire artillery and ambulances to follow as soon as prac- ticable; also a regiment of infantry as a guard, to complete the bridge, if possible, for the artillery, amrd also to assist in throwing over tire pontoon bridge as 500ii as it alTivC(i. Partly in consequence of tins delay, instructions were grven for Palurers command to con- tinue on to Graysvillc on reaching the La Fayette road, amid for the balairce Qf tire corurnaic] to proceed to Rin~goid (Croft now leading) Page 320 320 KY., SW. VA., TENN., Miss., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. as this would enable me to strike the railroad ~ or 5 miles to the south of where it was first intended. Palmer was to rejoin me in the morning. Soon after (lark word was received from Palmer, through a mem- ber of his staff, that he had come up with the enemy, reported to be a battery and 2,000 or 8,000 infantry. Instructions were sent him to attack them at once, and while forming his lines to the left for that purpose, the remaining part of the column was massed as it caine up, to the rioht of the road, and held awaiting the movements of Palmer. His enemy was discovered to be a battery of three pieces, with a small escort, and was the rear of the rebel army on the road from Graysville to Riuggold. Three pieces of artillery were captured, and snbsequently an additional piece, with, I believe, a few prison- ers. I have received no report from this officer of his operations while belonging to my command, although mine has been delayed six weeks in waiting. We were now fairly up with the enemy. This at 10 oclock at night. Crufts division advanced and took possession of the crest of Chickamauga hills, the enemys abandoned camp fires still burning brightly on the side; and we all went into bivouac. My artillery was not yet up, and in this connection I desire that the especial attention of the commander of the department may be called to that part of the report of General Osterhans which relates to the conduct of the officers who had the pontoon bridge in charge. I do not know the names of the officers referred to; was not fur- nished with a copy of their instructions, nor did they report to me. The pontoons were not brought forward to the point of crossing at all, and the balks and chess-planks only reached their destination between 9 and 10 p. in.; distance from Chattanooga 10 miles, and the roads excellent. Then trestles had to be framed, and the bridge was not finished un- til 6 o clock the following morning. The report of Lient. H. C. Wharton, of the Engineers, and tem- porarily attached to my staff, who was left behind to hasten the com- pletion of the bridge, is herewith transmitted. No better commen- tary on this culpable negligence is needed than is furnished by the record of our operations in the vicinity of Riuggold. The town was distant 3 miles. At daylight the pursuit was me- newed, Osterhaus in advance, Geary following, and Cruft in the rear. Evidences of the precipitate flight of the enemy were every- where apparent; caissons, wagons, ambulances, arms, and ammuni- tion were abandoned in the hurry and confusion of retreat. After going about 2 miles, we came up with the camp he had occupied during the night, the fires still burning. A large number of prisoners were also taken before reaching tile East Fork of the Chickamanga River. We found the ford, amid also the bridge to .the south of Riuggold, held by a body of rebel cavalry. These discharged their arms and quickly gave way before a handful of our men ai pursued ijito the town. , id were closely I ro(le to the front on hearing the firing, where I found Osterhians out with his skirmishers, intensely alive to all that was passing, amid pushing ollwaP(l briskly. He informed me that four pieces of artil- lery had ~ tist left I be rebel canip, weakly escorte(l, ~uid ran into the gorge, which lie Coi1h(l have cal)tured with a small force of cavalry. The gorge is to the east of Riuggold, awl we were ap~)roachung i Page 321 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 321 from the west. A little firing occurred between our skirmishers, as they entered the town, and small parties of the rebel cavalry and infantry, the latter retiring in the direction of the gap. This is a break in Taylors Ridge of sufficient width for the river to flow and on its north bank room for an ordinary road and a railroad, when the ridge rises with abruptness on both sides 400 or 500 feet, and from thence, running nearly north and south, continues unbroken for many miles. Covering the entrance to it is a small patch of young trees and undergrowth. It was represented by citizens friendly to our cause, and confirmed by contrabands, that the enemy had passed through Riuggold, sorely pressed, his animals exhausted, and his army hopelessly demoralized. In a small portion of it only had the officers been able to preserve regimental and company formations, many of the men having thrown away their arms. A still greater number were open and violent in their denunciations of the Confederacy. In order to gain time, it was the intention of the rear guard to make use of the natural advantages the gorge presented to check the pursuit. The troops relied on for this were posted behind the mountain and the trees, and the latter were also used to mask a couple of pieces of artillery. Only a feeble line of skirmishers ap- peared in sight. The only way to ascertain the enemys strength was to feel of him, and, as our success, if prompt, would be crowned with a rich harvest ot mah~riel, without waiting for my artillery (not yet up, though after 9 oclock), the skirmishers advanced. Woods deployed his brioade in rear of them under cover of the embankment of the rail- road, and a brisk musketry fire commenced between the skirmishers. At the same time the enemy kept his artillery busily at work. Their skirmishers were driven in, and as we had learned the position of the battery, the Thirteenth Illinois Regiment, from the right of Woodsy line was thrown forward to seize some houses, from which their gun- ners could be picked off by our men. These were heroically taken and held by that brave regiment. Apprehensive that he might lose his artillery, the enemy advanced with a superior force on our skir- mishers, and they fell back behind Woods line, when that excellent officer opened on the rebels and drove them into the gorge, they leaving, as they fled, their dead and wounded on tIme ground. Our skirmishers at once re-occupied their line, the Thirteenth Illinois all the time maintaining its position with resolution and obstinacy. While this was going on in front of the gorge, Osterhaus detached four regiments, under Colonel Williamson, half a mile to the left, to ascend the ridge and turn the enemys right. Two of these, the Seventy-sixth Ohio, supported by the Fourth Iowa, were thrown forward, and as the enemy appeared in great force, when they had nearly gained the crest, Geary ordered four of his regiments still farther to the left, under Colonel Creighton, for the same object, where they also found an overwhelming force confronting them. Vigorous attacks were made by both of these columns, in which the troops exhibited extraordinary daring and (levotion, but were com- pelled to yield to numerical superiority. The first took shelter in a depression in the side of the ridge about 50 paces in rear of their most advanced position, and there remained. The other column was ordered to resume its position on the railroad. All the parties sent forward to ascertain the enemys position and. 21 R RYOL XXXI, PT I Page 322 322 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. rcBAP. XLIII. strength were small, but the attacks had been made with so much vigor, and succeeded so well in their object, that I deemed it unwise to call up the commands of Palmer and Criift, and the remaining brigades of Geary, to deliver a general attack without my artillery. I therefore gave instructions for no advance to be made, and for the firing to be discontinued, except in self-defense. These orders were conveyed and delivered to every officer in command on our advance line. \2\Tord was received from General Woods that appearances in his front were indicative of a forward movement on the part of the enemy, when Irelands brigade, of Gearys division, was sent to strengthen him. Cobhams brigade, of the same division, took a well-sheltered position behind the knoll, midway between the depot and the opening to the gap. These officers were also ordered not to attack or to fire unless it should become necessary. I may here state that the greatest difficulty I experienced witl~ my new command, and the one which caused me the most solicitude was to check and curb their disposition to engage, regardless of cir- cumstances, and, it appears, almost of consequences. This had also been the case on Lookout Mountain and on Missionary Ridge. De- spite my eInl)hatic and repeated instructions to the contrary, a desultory fire was kept up on the right of the line until the artillery arrived, and you will see by the reports of commanders that, under cover of elevated ground between my position and our right, several small parties advanced to capture the enemys battery and harass his flank at the gap. It is with no displeasure I refer to these cir- cumstances in evidence of the animation of the troops, neither is it with a feeling of resemitment, for of that I was disarmed by an abidiug sense of their glorious achievements. It has never been my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted troops. Between 12 and 1 oclock the artillery caine up, not having been able to cross the West Fork of the Chickamnauga until 8 oclock on the morning of the 27th. Under my acting chief of artillery, Major Reynolds. in conjunction with Gemierals Geary and Osterhaus, one section of 12-pounder howitzers was placed in position to bear on the enemy in front of our right and to enfilade the gap; another sec- tion of 10-pounder IParrotts was assigned to silence the enemys bat- tery, and one section farther to the left, to bear on some troops held in mass in front of Gearys regiments. At the same time a regiment from Crufts division had been sent around by the bridge to cross the Chickamauga, and, if possible, to gain the heights of the ridge 011 the south side of the river, the possession of which would give us a plunging fire upon the emiemy in the gorge. Two combanies had nearly gained the summit when they were recalled. The artillery had opened with marked effect, the enemys guns were hauled to the rear, his troops seen moving, amid before 1 oclock lie was in full re- treat. Williamsons brigade followed him over the mountain, while skirmishers from the Sixtieth and One humidred and second New York Regiments pursued him through the gap. Efforts were muade to burn the railroad bridges, but the rebels were driven from them and the fires extinguished. During the artillery firing the major-general commanding the Division of the Mississippi arrived, and gave directions for the pur- suit to be discontinue a er in the day, soon after 3 oclock, I received instructions from him to have a reconnaissance made imi the direction of Tunnel Hill, the enemys line of retreat, for pu Page 323 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOG XRINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 323 of observation, and to convey to the enemy the impression that we were still after him. Groses brigade was dispatched on this service. About 2 miles ont he ran upon a small force of rebel cav- alry and infantry, and pursued them abont a mile and a half, when he fell upon what he snpposed to be a division of troops, posted on the hills commanding the road. The brigade retnrned at 8 oclock, and went into bivonac. Colonel Groses report in this connection concludes by saying that we found broken caissons, wagons, am- bulances, dead and dying men of the ei~emy strewn along the way to a horrible extent. As some misapprehension appears to exist with regard to our losses in this battle, it is proper to observe that the reports of my division coinnianders exhibit a loss of Th killed and 377 wounded, about one- half of the latter so severely that it was necessary to have them con- veyed to the hospital for proper treatment. They also show of the enemy killed and left on the field 130. Of his wounded we had no means of ascertaining, as only those severely hurt remained behind, and they filled every house by the wayside as far as our troops penetrated. A few of our wounded men fell into the enemys hands, but were soon retaken. V/c captured 230 piis- oiiers and 2 flags, to make no mention of the vast amount of property and mat ~riel that fell into our hands. Addiug to the number of pIlsoliers and killed, as above stated, the lowest estimated proportion of wounded to killed usual in battle would make the losses of the enemy at least three to our one. From this time the ol)erations of the Right Wing, as it was now called, became subordinate to thiose of the colunni marching to the relief of the garrison of Knoxville. Instructions reached me froni the headquarters of the military division to remain at Riuggold during the 29th and 30th, unless it should be found practicable to advance toward Dalton, without fight- ing a battle, the object of my remaining, as stated, being to protect Shermans flank, with authority to attack or move on Dalton should the enemy move up the Dalton and Cleveland road. In retreating, the enemy had halted a portion of his force at Tun- nel Hill, midway between Rimiggold and Dalton, and as he evinced no disposition to molest Sherman, my command rested at Riuggold. I was kept fully advised of tIme rebel movements through the activity an(h daring of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, whichi had joined me on the 28th. 1mm obe(hience to verbal chirectiomis givemi me by time commamider of the divisiomi, the railroad was thoroughly destoye(1 for 2 miles, mnetmidiug thie bridges omi each side of Rimiggold, l)y Palmers amid Crufts commnamids; also time depot, tannery, all thS mills, amid all materiel that could be used iii the support of aim arumy. Y/e found on our arrival large quantities of forage and flour. What was miot require(l by time wants of thie service was either sent to thue rear or burned. )mmr woumi(led were as prom~)tly and as well cared for as circum- stances would permit. Sur~eon Moore. time medical director of the Ammy of the Tennessee, voluntarily left his chief to devote himself to their relief, and under his active, skillful, and humane auspices, and those of the medical directors with the divisions, they were com- fortably removed to Chattammooga on the 28th. My simicere thanks are tendered to all time officers of the umedical staff for their zeahous and careful attentions to the wounded, omi this as well as our forme Page 324 324 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. fields. Especially are they due to Surgeon Ball, medical director of Gearys division, and to Surgeon Menzies, medical director of Crufts division. On the 29th, Major-Gener~d Palmer returned to Chattanooga with his command, having in charge such prisoners as remained in Ring- gold. On the 30th, the enemy being reassured by the cessation of our pursuit, sent a flag of truce to our advanced lines at Catoosa, by Maj. Calhoun Benham, requesting permission to bury his dead and care for his wounded, abandoned on the field of his last disaster at Riuggold. Copies of this correspondence have heretofore been forwarded. * Also, on the 30th, under instructions from department headquarters, Groses brigade, Crufts division, marched for the old battle-field at Chickamauga, to bury our dead; and on the 1st December, the infantry and cavalry remaining left Riuggold, Geary and Cruft to return to their old camps, Osterhans to encamp in Chattanooga Valley. The reports of commanders exhibit a loss in the campaigii, includ- ing all the engagenients herein reported, in killed, wounded, and missing, of 960. Inconsiderable, in comparison with my apprehen- sion, or the ends accomplished; nevertheless, there is cause for the deepest regret and sorrow. Among the fallen are some of the brightest names of the army. Creighton and Crane, of the Seventh Ohio; Acton, of the Fortieth Ohio; Bushnell, of the Thirteenth Illinois; Elliott, of the Oiie hun- dred and second New York, and others, whose names my limits will not allow me to enumerate, will be remembered and lamented as long as courage and patriotism are esteemed as virtues among men. The reports of commanders also show the capture of 6,547 prisoners (not including those taken by Palmer at Graysville, of which no return has been received), also 7 pieces of artillery, 9 battle-flags, not less than 10,000 stand of small-aruis, 1 wagon train, and a large amount of ammunition for artillery and infantry, forage, rations, camp and garrison equipage, caissons and limbers, ambu- lances, and other impedimenta. The reports relating to the capture of the flags are herewith transmitted. Iii the foregoing, it has been impossible to furnish more than a general outline of our operations, relying upon the reports of subor- dinate commanders to give particular and discriminating informa- tion concerning the services of divisions, brigades, regiments, and batteries. These reports are herewith respectfully transmitted. The attention of the major-general commanding is especially in- vited to those of the divisiou commanders. As to the distinguished services of those commanders, I cannot speak in terms too high. They served me day and night, present or absent, with all of the well-directed earnestness and devotion they would have served them- selves had they been charged with the responsibilities of the com- mander. The confidence inspire(l by their active and generous co-operation, early inspired me to feel that complete success was inevitable. My thanks are due to General Carlin and his brigade for their services on Lookout Mountain on the night of the 24th. They were posted in an exposed position, and when attacked repelled it with great spirit and success. I must also express my acknowledgments to Major-General Pal- *Seep 338 Page 325 (~. XLIII.] ThI~ OliMi~AI~OOGAIIII~GGOLD CXMPAIG~{. mer and his command for services rendered while belonging to my column. Lieutenant Ayers, of the signal corps, with his assistants, rendered me valuable aid in his branch of the service during our operations. Major Reynolds, the chief of artillery of Gearys division, proved himself to be a skillful artillerist, and requires especial mention for his services. His batteries were always posted with judgment and served with marked ability. The precision of his fire at Lookout and Riuggold elicited universal admiration. To my staff more than ever am I indebted for the assistance ren- dered upon this occasion. Major-General Butterfield, chief of staff, always useful in counsel, was untiring and devoted on the field; Capt. H. W. Perkins, assistant adjutant-general; Col. James D. Fessenden, Maj. William H. Lawrence, Capt. R. H. Hall, Lieuts. P. A. Oliver and Samuel W. Taylor, aides-de-camp, bravely and intel- ligently performed all their duties. Lieut. H. C. Wharton, a promising young officer of Engineers, reported to me from the staff of the major-general commanding the department, and was unwearied in his assistance, both as an engi- neer and as an officer of my personal staff. Major-General Howard has furnished me, for transmittal, his able report of the operations and services of the Eleventh Corps, from the time it passed from my command, November 22, to that of its return, December 17. As it relates to events of which I had no personal knowledge, it only remains to comply with his wishes, with the request that the major-general commanding the department will give it his especial attention. I may add, that the zeal and devotedness displayed by this corps and its commander, in performing all the duties assigned them, and in cheerfully encountering its perils and privations, afford me great satisfaction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, ]Ifajo r- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorseruent.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OP TIlE UNITED STATES, in Field, Ctdpeper Court-House, Va., March 25, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, Washington, D.C. I know of no objection to the substitution of this for Major-Gen- eral Hookers original report of his operations in the battle of Chat- tanooga. Attention is called to that part of the report giving, from the re- ports of his subordinate commanders, the number of prisoners and small-arms captured, which is greater than the number really cap- tured by the whole army. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General, U. S. Army Page 326 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. At A., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. 4 [Inclosure.] Report of Casualties in General Hookers command during the battles of Look out Mo?oitain, Missionary Ridge, and Riuggold. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. i ~ ~ ~. ~ ~. ~ ~. Q ~ . ~) -~ -4 Q .~ ~5 0 c~ 0 .5~ c~ ~ ~ Q ~ H Q ~ H 0 ~ H ~ (learys division (Second Division, 7 49 56 33 252 285 4 4 345 Twelfth Corps). Osterhaus division (First Division, Fif- 7 50 57 39 296 335 4 40 44 436 teentli Corps). Crufts division (First Division, Fourth 1 21) 21 11 112 123 2 146 Corps). Carlins brigade (First Brigade, First .... 23 134 159 Division, Fourteenth Corps). Total, less Fourteenth Corps 15 119 159 63 660 877 4 46 48 1,086 (leneral Palmer, commanding Fourteenth Corps, has made no report of the casualties in his coin- maud. The Eleventh Corps is not included, as it was not under my command. JOSEPH HOOKER, Moy~r. General, Low ioctndiug. ADDEND A. CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND rp~rELFTH CORPS, Lookout Vulley, Team., Noiernber 20, 1863. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division, Twelfth Corps: The major-general Commanding directs that you hold one-half of your Command in readiness to occupy that part of our line now b eld by the Eleventh Corps, and that the latter be reliexred as soon after dark to-night as practicable. He recommends that you send the necessary staff officers along the line to-day, in order to examine it and see how the pickets are stationed, so that the change may be made without delay or confusion. The general considers this part of the line more exposed than the part on which your (hyision is established and lie requests that your (lisposition be made accord- ingly. Very respectfully, H. W. PERKINS, Lien tenant, Aide-de- Gamp, and Aety. Ass I. A C~}1. Gei~. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 20, 18636.2() p. in. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The major-general commanding directs me to say that your coin- mand will not move for a day or two. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, ]IJiajor- General, chief of Staff Page 327 UHAP. XLJI1.] ~VHE CHATTANOO~ARfl4 GUOLD CAMPAIGIN. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., November 20, 18636.20 p. m. Major-General HOWARD: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you Will not move your corps until further orders. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., November 21, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with your instruc- tions of last night, the orders directing a movement of my command have been suspended, and that it remains as heretofore. I beg leave to report further that two divisions of Major-General Shermans command are still in my rear. One of them was encamped in the vicinity of Trenton last night, the other somewhere beyond White- sides. If free use of the bridge at Browi~s Ferry can be given the former for crossing as it conies up, it may be able to cross the Ten- iiessee to-night, while the latter will not probably reach it to cross before to-morrow. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND- TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., November 22, 1863. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The major-general commanding directs that you relieve General Howards pickets without delay, in accordance with your previous order. The movement as countermanded will be made to-day. The general would like to see you here at headquarters for a few moments. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Major-General HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: The major-general commanding directs that, in compliance with orders from department headquarters, you move your command s Page 328 328 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AN]) N. GA. LOHAP. XLIII. as to cross Browns Ferry bridge about 2 p. m. to-day, and thence to Chattanooga direct. Brigadier-General Geary will be instructed to relieve your pickets. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, C ]Jic& or-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 22, 1863S.4~ p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The major-general commanding directs me to say that the opera- tions are suspended again, in consequence of unexpected delays. You will let your troops remain where they now are until further orders. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, ]1li& or- General, Ch lef of 514. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 22, 1863. Colonel NICHOLAS, Corn ma uding Cava ivy Detachment: The major-general commanding directs that you march with your whole force at daylight to-morrow in the direction of Trenton, keep- ing a sharp lookout on all the approaches from the south and east, reporting without delay any force you may find to Brigadier-General Geary, who will be found at these headquarters. You should move with two days rations and forage, unless you are likely to gather forage in the valley. Take advantage of yonr movement to gather all the forage you need. The general suggests that you send your wagons to Kelleys Ferry to-day for what supplies you need, as there are no wagons on the road from Chattanooga there, and to-morrow there will be a great many. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of 514. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookont Valley, Tenn., November 22, 18639 p. m. Col. T. P. NICHOLAS, C~omnz and ing Cavalry Detachment: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that the movement has been suspended, and that you will not move your command until further orders. Very respectfully, H. W. PERKINS, Lieutenant, Aide-de& amp, ami Acty. Asst. Adjt. (len Page 329 CHAP. XLIII.1 THE CHATTANOOGARIXGGOLD CAMPAIGX. 329 HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., November 22, 18639 p. m. Major-General HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: The major-general commanding djrects me to inform you that the movement has been suspended until further orders. He says that if your command has crossed at Brawns Ferry, you Will encamp on that side; if not, you can return to your old camps to-night. Very respectfully, H. W. PERKINS, Lieidenant, Aide-de- Cam~p, and Actg. Assi. Adjt. Gem. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookoat Valley, Teun., November 23, 186310.43 p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The major-general commanding directs that you move your com- mand at the sound of the first firing in the morning. Very respectfully, DANE. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of SU(ff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tew~m., November 24, 1863. Brigadier-General GEARY, Coin man ding Dtvisio n: The major-general commanding directs that you hold your com- mand in readiness to march at daylight, leaving the requisite num- ber of troops to hold your line, say, two or three regiments, and those in readiness to join you should it be necessary. One brigade of General Crufts troops Will be ordered to support you. The general is ordered to take Lookout Mountain, and a division of General Shermans is ordered to support the movement. He desires that your chief of artillery may take charge of the battery on Bald Hill, au(i to be there as soon after daylight as practicable. He also de- sires that you will cross Lookout Creek just bove Wauhatchie, neam~ the mill, and he suggests that you take one section of artillery with you. This may involve the necessity of bridging the creek, and he desires that you go prepared for it. After crossing Lookout Creek march down the valley, sweeping every rebel from it. At the same time a corresponding crossing will be made down here. Make your movements with the utmost rapidity. General Wb.itaker is in- structed to nmarch to Wauhatchie, and there report to you. Very respectfully, WM. H. LAWRENCE, Major, and Aide-de-Cainp. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 24, 1863. Brigadier-General CRUFT, C~on an ding Division: The major-general comumanding directs that you have your coni- muand in readiness to move at the earliest d- wn of (lay. Let Gem Page 330 ~3O KY., SW. VA., ~PENN., MISS.. N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. eral Whitakers brigade be instructed to take position at Wauhatchie and to co-operate with General Geary, who will cross Lookont Creek near that place. The brigade will march without wagons, inasmuch as after crossing the creek they will march down it. Further in- structions will reach you in due time. Very respectfully, WM. H. LAWRENCE, ]lfojo r, and Aide-dc- camp. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS. Lookout la/icy, Tenm, November 24, 1861. i~rigadier-General GEARY: General Hooker thinks you had better not attempt to conic down on the right bank of Lookout with wheels, unless you find the road so goo(l that it will not delay your advance. Very respectfully, I)ANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- (Thu cral. (i/h wJ of S/off. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CoRPS, Lookout ht//ey, Team., November 24, 1 8(;35 a. in. Brigadier-General GEARY, Co~ninamdui g Lhris ion: One of General Cruft~s brigades will move (lowIl when the battery moves at (layliglit to iBald Hill. You are to move promptly at day- light. Very respectfully, I)ANL. BUTTERFiELD, Major- General, Chief of Skif. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CoRPS, Lookout Va//cy, Temi., Norember 24, 18633.3u a. in. Brigadier-General CRUET, Commanding Division: A staff officer will be here in waiting to accompany your brigade that moves to seize the bridges over Lookout Creek. Please let him know when it is ready, and have it move as promptly as possible so as to seize the bridges by daylight. The one is a pole bridge, the other a stringer bridge. Both have been partially destroyed. The general desires that they be promptly seized, and skirmisher~ put out in front to hold and repair them and prevent the enemy seizing or destroying them. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff Page 331 ~JHAP. )~tIIt.J THE CI1ATTANOO(~AhuiNGUOLD CAM1~AIGN~. 381 HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley [Penn., Noreimber 24, 18638 a. m. Qificer Comm an (11mg Batteries at llocca s ii Point: General Hooker desires that you will keep a sharp lookout on the easterly slope of the nose of Lookout Mountain. If any of the enemys troops move up there shell them. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Jliajor- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH Corps, Lookoat laNe/I, ThU it N orciubet ~4 1863. Major-General BUTTERFIELD. Oh ici o Staff. Not a miian has l)een remove/I from the pu kc t line ot oni camp to-(lay. it is the same line we have iia(i 51fl( ( mu A Ho~ aid left., all(l I (lesire it to be held by those men. Hive you InN ( poit~ of the cavalry sent out in the (lirectiomi of Trent m On tin e~ ipt of this they must be instructed to keep well out mud im the ihif night and day. You will also (lirect an officer an(l a comup mn~ of men froni the regiment holding the right of General Cearys picket ii ne to proceed at once and destroy the bridge effectually by which Gen- eral Geary crossed Lookout Creek in the viciiiity of Wauhatchie this morning. I wamit the imaine of time officer imitrusted with timis duty, for him to report by letter when lie has executed it. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER. HEADQUARTERS ELEvENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Look() (/1 ttilwi, Thi/ilt. , XO/(~U/b(m 21-, 1 8(;3. Brigadier-General CRLTFT Ma~or-Gemieral Hooker (lirects that as soon as the cmi emy are started our forces pursue to the crest of Lookout Slope oiily, where the hues will be formed. Pursue no farther than time crest without further orders. The bridges are to be made perfect after the troops have passed. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, 3Th/Joi -General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTh CORPS, Lookout Valley, [Penn., lYoren/ber 24, 1863. Brigadier-General OSTERHAUS, Commanding Division. Gemueral Hooker directs that as soon as your troops cross the bridges must be made firm and strong, and passable for artillery Page 332 332 RY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ECHAP. XLH1. As soon as the enemy are started our forces will pursue vigorously as far as the crest of the slope of Lookout. At the crest the com- mands will be halted and lines formed, with the troops closed up. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. IIDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Lookout Jliliountain, Tenn., November 24, 1863-i p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: We are nearly on the crest of the hill. Everything is successful so far. The enemy holds the crest in considerable force against us. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Briqadier- General, Common ding. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CoRPs, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., November 24, 18631.15 p. in. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: We are immediately under the crest of the hill. We have between 300 and 400 prisoners, and have taken two pieces of artillery. Please send me artillerists to work them. Very respectfully, your obadieut servant, JNO. W. GEARY, BrigadierGeneral, Comm an(1 in g. LooKouT VALLEY, November 24, 18631.:30 p. in. Captain NAYLOR: Our troops had the crest of Lookout Mountain at 12 oclock. Your dispatch is (late(i i .30. Where do you see their flank ? DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Mayor- General, Chief of Stuff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 24, 18632 p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: Make yourself strong in the position you occupy to-night. I am on the Chattanooga road, amid do not know that I will be able to coin- municate with you personally to-night. Our men are busy remov- ing trees and other obstructions. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Commanding Page 333 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 333 HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Lookout Mountain, Temn., Nov. 24, 18632.4.5 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: We are pressed heavily, and need re-enforcements. We must have ammunition; I have sent for some, but it does not come. My rear should be well looked to. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. SIGNAL STATION, November 24, 1863. General HOOKER: Do you want, any help? J. M. PALMER, M~jov- General. NOVEMBER 24, [1863.] General PALMER: Can hold the line I am now on; cant advance. Some of my troops out of ammunition; cant replenish. HOOKER, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookont Mountain, Tenui., November 24, 18634 p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Co ut ~na uding Div is ion After the fog lifts I expect to descend into the valley, unless I re- ceive orders to the contrary. The force I have there n~w should be al)le to hold it until that time. Our communications on the left with Chattanooga is established. In all probability the enemy will evacuate to~nioht. His line of retreat is seriously threatened by my troops. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Mojor- General, ~Jomm~anding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout ]Iiliourttain, Tenn., Noveutber 24, 18634.~O p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Cotnmandirtg Division: I congratulate you and your command on their glorious achieve- ments of to-day. As the upper part of the line is most exposed, it has been stiffened with re-enforcements. As every inch of groun Page 334 334 KY., SW. VA., TENN., 1~IJSS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. we have wrenched from the enemy to-day must he held until a renewal of the conflict, perhaps to-morrow, see that your troops get up their ammunition and strengthen their defenses. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, ]Jfojo r-Ge iw ral, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Loo1~out Volley, Tenm, November 24, 18636.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: I am for the present at the foot of the hill, where we were this a. m. Shall go to old headquarters at 10.80. if all remains quiet here. The cavalry have returned; been to Trenton, and nothing there but a little of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry. Have sent them orders to send out pickets and patrols on all approaches for 3 or 4 miles up the valley. Tue work on the bridges progresses very slowly. Have had Perkins pushing it. General Cruft promises to have the bridge near the railroad passable for wagons in thirty-five minutes. Have not been able to get any account or hear from the right of Gearys old line; hope to, soon. It o~ot dark before I could start the pioneers for Kelleys Ferry, in compliance with General Reynolds order; shall start them at (layliglit. I gave Captain Hall, when he left, full statement of position of affairs, which he has prob- ably explained to you. Will they occupy the enemy at daylight from Chattanooga? Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, JIft& or-Geuerctl, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Lookout Miountani, Team., November 24, 18637 p. ni. Maj. Geii. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh oral Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: Our position will be untenable when the fog lifts, owing to the great advantages of the enemy with his sharpshooters on the cliff. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. JNO. W. GEARY, Briga(i icr General, Common (hug. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teun., JVorember 24, 18638.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: Orderly just brought a dispatch from you. Orderly, horse, and all got in the creek, and the dispatch is wet and torn, could not clearly read it, but could make out order for (lestruction of the bridges over which Geary crossed, and have sent full, positive, and peremptory instructions. I sent you a report from cavalry sent to Trenton. I had heretofore directed Colonel Nicholas to picket an Page 335 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 335 patrol all al)proaches. Will now send him word to keep his whole force out night and (lay on the alert until otherwise ordered. I have some vompanies of the Twenty-fifth Iowa here (near where we were this morning). I shall hold theni here as a reserve to throw to any portion of the line attacked. Browns Ferry bridge complete. A corporal brought word to send prisoners to Chattanooga~ Reynolds (lispatcll to yon said Kelleys. Which shall be done? The bridge over Lookout, near railroad, is complete for teams. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Statf. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Thu in., November 24, 18638.45 p. m. Col. T. P. NICHoLAS, (Jo inma ud in g Cavalry l)etachinent: General Hooker directs that you keel) your whole force out (lay alI(I night constantly, and on the alert, until further orders. Fight and dispute the passage of any force, blocking their way. Give us lull and tilnely information. Guard and watch all approaches. Ac- knowledge receipt of this. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, ]Ilajo v-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Ten it., November 24, 186310 p. m. Brigadier-General OSTERHAUS, Commandinq Dir is ion: General Hooker directs that you have your batteries cross Look- out Creek and report to him at daylight. Have all the ammunition replenished to-night, the animals all well fed early. and everything in readiness for a good days work to-morrow. The Twenty-fifth Iowa have been ordered across Lookout Creek to join their division, moving at daylight. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, ]Ifajor- General, Cit ief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenin., November 24, 186310 ~ Hi. Major REYNOLDS, Chief of Artillery: General Hooker directs that you cross Lookout Creek with your batteries and report to him at daylight. Have all the ammunition replenished, the horses well fed early, and all in readiness for a good days work. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff Page 336 336 xx~., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LCHAP. XLIII. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Loohout ]Jlouritain, Teun., Norember 25, 1863Daylight. Major-General HOOKER: I have the honor to inform you that our flag waves over the peak of Lookout Mountain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JINO. W. GEARY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTh AND TWELFTH CORPS, White House, Lookout Mounta in, Nov. 25, 18689.30 a. m. Brigadier-General GEARY CoHlmaflding Jiihvisz on: The commands will advance on the Rossville road toward Mission Ridge. General Osterhaus will take the advance, guarding well his right flank. General Cruft will follow General Osterhaus. General Whitaker will detach another regiment, leaving two regiments to hold Lookout. General Geary will follow with his command the rear of the whole. General Carlins brigade remains at Sunimertown road, and will rejoin General Palmer. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staf. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, in the Field, November 25, 186312.45 p. m. Major-General HOOKER: More evidences of hastily abandoned camps, tents, bayonets, hos- pitals, amid wounded; think there are two regiments and two guns covering train of wagons that left here this a. m. Push Osterhaus omi the bridge. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, illissionary Ridge, Ga., November 26, 1863. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The following will be the order of march to-day: First, Crufts (livision, followed by Geary, with one battery under Reynolds, Geary followed by Osterhaus. The route will be to Graysville, via Rossville, and the march will be made with all possible dispatch, with the column well closed up. The leading division will throw skirmishers well to the front and on to the flanks. By command of Major-General Hooker: SAMUEL W. TAYLOR, Lie~ttenant, and Aide-de-Camp Page 337 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 337 HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Chickanianga Creek, Ga., November 26, 18631.40 p. m. Major-General HOoKER: Major-General Palmer is here at head of column with brigade and division. Bridge destroyed. No pioneers here. If the pontoons are coining, hurry them up. Graysville, 3~ miles. I fear two hours delay, if not more. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Near Pea Vine Creek, November 26, 186310 p. m. Brigadier-General OSTERHAUS, Commanding Division: The troops will be held in readiness to march in the direction of Ringgold at daylight to-morrow. Have your column ready. Gen- eral Osterhaus will have the advance, followed by General Geary; General Cruft in rear. General Palmer will move from Graysville along the railroad, in the direction of Riuggold, at daylight, using his discretion as to leaving any force at Graysville, being governed by any information he may obtain before his march. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ringgold, Ga., ATovember 27, 18633.40 p. m. Brigadier-General CRUFT, Commanding Division: General Hooker directs that you send a brigade to Tunnel Hill. Reports state enemys wagon train stalled beyond here in that direc- tion. By energetic movement your brigade may make important captures. Though not intended to bring on an engagement, the force should, if possible, convey to the enemy an impression of pursuit. Let the commanding officer report promptly and frequently t? these headquarters what is passing in front, and remain out until turther orders. Let them move promptly~ Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chi~f of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Ring gold, Ga., November 28, 18637.15 a. m. Major-General PALMER, Commanding: General Hooker directs that you send at once a brigade to thor- oughly and effectnally destroy the two railroad bridges between here 22 R RVOL XXXI, PT I Page 338 338 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. and Tunnel Hill; after doing this, to effectually destroy at least a mile of railroad track, taking up the ties, burning them, and bend- ing the rails. The depot and store-house at the railroad are all to be destroyed. A caisson out on the road beyond the gap should be brought in. Our wounded are nearly all off, and we shall only be waiting for the effectual completion of the work ordered to return. Urge energy, but not such as to do the work partially, upon the offi- cer intrusted with this duty. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. HEAD OF ADVANCE GUARD, ARMY OF THE TENN. in the Field, November 30, 1863. Corn manding Officer Federal Forces at Ringgold: SIR: I understand that 8 of my wounded and 4 of niy dead are lying between our respective pickets. I desire to remove them, and I request that you will not fire upon the detail sent for that purpose. If the dead I left on the field at Riuggold are not yet buried, I would esteem it a courtesy to be allowed to send a detail to bury them also. You will please signify your intentions in these respects to the officer bearing this flag, Maj. Calhoun Benham, assistant adjutant- general and chief of my staff, who will take the steps which may be necessary in the premises. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, P. R. CLEBURNE, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS Major-General CLEBURNE, Ringgold, Ga., November 30, 1863. Comma nding: I am directed by Major-General Hooker to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date. No objection will be made to the removal of your wounded and dead between the respective pickets, between the hours of 12 and 2 p. m. to-morrow December 1, by a party not to exceed 30 in number, under a flag of truce. The dead left on the field at Riuggold have all been buried. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major- General, Chief of Staff. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, Ringgold, Ga., November 30, 1863. The conimands will march to-morrow as follows: General Crufts division at 2 ~, in., returning to his camps on thQ road to Bridgeport Page 339 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARJNGGOLD CAMPAIGN. 339 General Gearys division at 2.30 a. in., returning to his camp in I lookout Valley. General Osterhaus division will follow General Geary and encamp in Chattanooga Valley, between Rossville and Chattanooga, and re- port to General Grant for instructions. The baggage and wagons will start as soon as the moon is up~ The cavalry under Colonel Nicholas will bring up the rear. General Geary, directly before leaving, will cause all the mills, the railroad depots, the tanneries, and the two road bridges over Chick- amauga River near Ringgold to be thoroughly destroyed. Colonel Nicholas, commanding the cavalry, i11 keep his cavalry at least a mile in rear of General Osterhaus column during the move- ment, and report to General Osterhaus until his division shall ehave passed Rossville, when Colonel Nicholas will return with his com- mand to camp in Lookout Valley. By command of Major-General Hooker: H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant A~jutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Teuu., December 28, 1863. Hon. SALMON P. CHASE. Secretary of the Treasury: SIR: I wrote you very hastily from Riuggold, and in my letter inti- mated that the battle just ended had developed and closed differently from what was designed, so far as concerned the operations of my column. I had no time to explain, and have had none since until now. That you may correctly understand my reasons for making that statement, I send you herewith copies of instructions and corre- spondence, * which will leave you no room for misapprehension. I mark them confidential, as I am not satisfied, under the orders of the War Department, that I am at liberty to furnish them even to a minister of the Government. By the first order, which unceremo- niously deprived me of the Eleventh Corps, you will perceive that the strategy and tactics of the campaign were to throw it into the hands of Sherman. to my exclusion. On receiving the order, I said to General Thomas that it was my practice to accompany the por- tion of my command going into battle, and that if he had no objec- tion I would go with the Eleventh Corps to Chattanooga, to which he assented, and said that he would be glad to have me do so. You will observe the attack was ordered to be made on Saturday, the 19th. At that time the greater part of the troops to whom this duty was assigned were at Bridgeport, certainly two good marches distant. Of course they were not on hand at the appointed time, and the movement, which was intended to be more or less of a surprise, was postponed, first until the next day (Sunday), and again until the fol- lowing Tuesday. You will rightly conclude that these delays ex- tinguished all possible hope of taking the enemy unawares, especi- ally if you bear in mind that the pontoons were removed to the point of crossing and the batteries placed in position to cover it on the day first named for the execution of the movement. This, however, had mio material consequence, for it was_so remote from * ~{ot found, this being printed from hookers Letters Sent I3QQk Page 340 340 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., ANT) N. (~A. [CHAP. XLIII. the right of the enemys position on Missionary Ridge that he ap- pears to have regarded it as a matter of no moment to him. Mean- time. I received a request from General Thomas to remain in Look- out Valley, I presume for the reason that he apprehended some dem- onstrations of the enemy in this direction, as at the time of mak- ing it it was not known that any force would be left me to make an aggressive movement. Things began to look squally for me. I said to Butterfield that it was cut and dried for me to be a spectator to the fight, but thought that I would have a toe in the stirrup some- how before it was over; tbat it had been my fortumme to take a lead- ing part in every battle, except that of the first Malvern, from the beginning of the rebellion; that man proposed and God disposed in this matter of battles, amid went about my business, obeying orders as usual to the best of my ability. Monday night came and found three of Shermans divisions over the river at Browns Ferry, when, lo, and behold! the pontoomi bridge parted antI left Osterhaus divis- ion on my side iii Lookout Valley. Near midnight I received orders, as you will rea(l, that in the event that division could imot cross that night, I would commsider it of my command and attack Lookout Monntaimm. Immediately I dispatched a staff officer to the bridge, and found it could not be repaired before the following mngbt, and at once ordered the troops to be in position for time assault omi Look- out at daylight, amid at the earliest dawn set about my busimiess. You know the rest. That day I crossed Lookout, and the night of that day ami(i the following morm~ ing Sherman crossed the Tennessee with his commamid. Those that crossed first took possession of high groumid. and commenced. throwimmo up defe same tlmin( on a uses, tIme eneuiy doing tIme g continuation of the same ri(lge, a broad ravine or depressiomi (lividimig thieni. The nmormming found the former with one liule ammd the latter with two lines of hastily thrown-up defemises, miot so long, however, but that they could readily be turued either to the right or time left. Sherman attacked thmemu in front au(l was repulsed, rtli(l omily abamm(homme(i it after time fourth trial ; not, however, until he bad carrie(I the a(lvance(l himme. but with losses more severe than those ~perienced by that officer imi his attacks on Vicksburg, the 28th and 29tl~ of December. 1 862. Time enenmys supi)oits were placed behind 11i5 secomm(I limme, amm(I on that was placed his mammi reliance. All of Shermans attacks were made long after I had carried Lookout, which had enabled me to comummiand the emiemys defenses across Chattanooga Valley, ami(l which my success had compelled him to abammdomm. This placed mue on the direct limme to cut off his retreat, while Shiemmuan. had lie beemi successful, could ommly have pushed him back over time omuly line lie had to retreat on. This attack omi tIne left, after I ha(l taken Lookout, which was well known to all time army, ran only be cemusidered imi the light of a (hisaster. Sherman is aim detive. energetic officer, hut in judgment is as infirm as Burmiside. He will imever be successful. Please rememuber wh~ t I tell you. It was natural for Grammt to feel I)8ltial to his 01(1 companions, amid do alt mu imis power to emihauce their renown. Nevertheless, you will N)Pieciate my miervousmiess imi beimig placed in tIne situatiomn in which this l)aitiahity was umanifested, ahmnmost wholly at my expense. I will do Grant time justice to believe that he was honestly of tine opinion that the plain lie adopted was tine most likely to insure success to our arms. He aimed for time battle to commence and end on the left, while it connunemneed amid ended oin time right. Jam informed that he has since said, Damn the battle; I had nothing to do with it Page 341 341 O1~AP. ~LIIi.j fILE CIIATTKNO0GARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. Be this as it may, with the aid of the in8truetions and my expla- nation you will be able to form. an enlightened judgment on the subject. The day after Lookout I encountered the rebels again on Missionary Ridge, where my dispositions and their execution were extremely gratifying to me. On the Pea Vine a part of my forces had another encounter, no less satisfactory, and at Ringgold, the day following, still another. I was now fairly up with the tail end of the enemys column. After marching all the morning through great (Illantities of his material of war and taken many prisoners, we fairly jammed him into the ravine in the mountains through which his route led, and then attacked, with one brigade, his rear guar(l, which had been posted to defend it, that being the only mode by which we could ascertain its strength and position. It was stoutly held l)y a division, and the attack failed. A brigade was then sent to the left to turn it, and there, too, our troops were met with an overwliehn- ing force. I then sent a detachment to the right to find a vulnerable l)c)int, and while it was moving the artillery came up (having been (letailled up to this time in waiting for the bridges to be built, as the enemy destroyed them as fast as he fell back), and as soon as it was in position to rake the ravine the enemy was compelled to give way, and the pursuit was renewed until suspen(led by General Grant in ~ My losses in all of these operations will be near 1,100 men. 1 took upward of 4~000 prisoners. 8 pieces of artillery, 8 stan(l of colors an innumerable lot of small-arms, large quantities of artil- lery and small ammunition, a great number of caissons and wagons, large quantities of grain and flour, caump and garrison equipage, & e. The troops were wrought up to an intense degree of excitement, and I believe timat there is no one of them, from the highest to tIme lowest, who will not say that those four days were not only the muost event- ful, but the happiest of their lives. We started out witlm two days rations, but that was enough. We lived omi the excitement. My coumniand consisted of detachments from all of the armnmes, ammd met for the first tinie the mnorning of the advance on Lookont. The intro- (luctiomi was informal but satisfactory, amid soon ripened into muature amid, I trust, a lastimig friendship. This umuch for ourselves; now for the emiemy. Time Ummion people in Riuggold informed mue that the army retreated through that town in a disorganized and (lemimol- alized commdition, about omme-third of them without arums, liavie thrown them away; one-third with arms, but herded tooether like cattle, and in the residue only had their officers been able to pre- serve pany an(i regimental formation, and all the anytlmimm~ like com rank and file swearing that they would mmot serve the daunmed Confed- eracy amiy longer. I was convinced at the timue with the force I then had it was imi my power to follow that army imutil I had captnred or destroyed it. The pursuit, however, was suspended for the reason, I presnme, that the comumamiding gemmeral had not sufficient confidence ii the opimnon of Buruside as to the impregmiahility of his position at Knoxville to leave himu to take care of himself until I conld take care of Braggs army. He may have been influence(i by coimsid- erations of which I had mmo knowledge. I only know that here tIme pursuit emided. The rebels have now an a(ivammced division at Tf umimmel Hill, and his main force is at Resaca, where they are in- trenching. That army is now smitfemino from as immany as forty deser- tions per day, which is reducing their force faster than they can n~ake additions to it by conscription. It numbers about 3~,000 Page 342 ~42 xx-., sw. VA., TENX., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIIL Braggs army have no heart in the cause. Their own officers appear to distrust the fidelity of the enlisted men, and as they have no dis- cipline like that in Lees army, they will retire as soon as a forward movement is made by our troops. Before the battle of Lookout I had opened communication with Cheathams division holding the summit of the mountain and had good reason to believe that I would have succeeded in bringing in all of the enlisted men, with some of the officers, but for their untimely removal. They were relieved by Stevensons division. The only conditions I required were that they should give themselves up to me with arms in their hands and take the oath of allegiance; theirs, that they should be permitted to return to their homes, or go where the conscription should not reach them. You will remember that when Bragg retreated from Tennessee, he was compelled to march the Tennessee troops under guard. Among the deserters there are also a good many Georgians and Alabamians. The disaffection in the armies of the South proper, as Jefferson Davis calls the Cotton States, must till the minds of the rebel authorities with cruel appre- hensions. Bragg has since been displaced, but I look for no great change, no matter who niay be named for his successor. The hos- tility to the rebellion and to the leaders has become a l)art of their nature. The poor wbite men of the South had so long been accus- tomed to being led and governed, that in the incipiency of the rebell- ion they had no inclination to follow their instincts, and now only venture to assert their independence when impelled to it from the sternest motives of self-preservation. Only yesterday one of them said to me that in case the Confederates succeeded, of what benefit could it be to him. They tell me that their money is good for noth- ing except to gamble with. A years pay will not buy them a pair of boots, and it is to the worthlessness of their money, not the scarcity of food, their high prices must be ascribed. I judge that they have The necessaries of life sufficient for their purposes. I learn that where Longstreet has gone, at Rogersville, he wil 1 have no difficulty in supplying his army through the winter from the coun- try. I regret that Sherman should have returned from Knoxville, until Longstreet was driven so far into North Carolina that return would be impossible. I am of opinion that he will rejoin Braggs army by the road through the mountains leading froni Raleigh, which he will have no difficulty in striking at Asheville. This will surely be his course if an advance is looked for from this direction. But we are in no condition to advance, and with the data in my i)ossession I cannot conjecture when we will be; if no improve- ment can be made in our communications, I do not hesitate to say. never. Rely upon it, our depots must be nearer, and we must have more regular communications with them. Since our arrival here we have been oii but little more than half supplies, and it is telling fearfully on men and animals. The great embarrassment lies be- tween Bridgeport and Nashville. The capacity of the road is insuffi- cient for present wants. The continuation of that road from Bridge- port to Chattanooga is yet unfinished, and will remain so for weeks to come. Nothing appears to admit of completion within a reason- able time. For instance, two months ago, when in Bridgeport, I was told that the bridge over the Tennessee would be completed in a week, and it is not yet finished. How can you make calculations and project future operations without a basis? The road from this to Atlanta is reniarkable for its great number of bridges. All, o Page 343 343 Ou~. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. course, will be destroyed as the rebels retire, and to wait for them to be rebuilt would consume a season. It therefore appears necessary to leave a force to hold Chattanooga, and with the main army move upon a line of communication that will facilitate, and not retard, our progress. It seems to me that Mobile should be taken this win- ter, and, if possible, Montgomery. It is the best season of the year for these operations, and a sufficient force I should think, without knowing, is available for the service. With Montgomery in our possession it might be ventured to move this army to and beyond Atlanta, and look to that for our future line of communication. The advantages of this will readily suggest themselves to you. From that point all that is left of the Confed- eracy is vulnerable. The enemy would require an army everywhere, and would have one nowhere. It would require Lee to abandon Vir- ginia, or the balance of the South to fall into our hands with a feeble struggle. I should prefer this to canaling or making a railroad port- age around what is called the shoals on th~ Tennessee. That in my judgment would be a great improvement on our existing communi- cations, as then, in our operations with the uninterrupted navigation of the Tennessee, Chattanooga might be made to hold the same re- lation to the future movements of this army that Nashville has to the past. One-half of the men now established on the line of the railroad for its protection would cover the river. In view~f all con- siderations, and I have given it a good deal of reflection, I prefer the former plan, mainly for tIme reason that I believe it will lead to a more expeditious and a niore certain solution of tIme vast problem in which we are engaged. I have before communicated to you my views concerning the importance of Chattanooga. The advantages its possession give to us cannot be too highly estimated. With its present defenses a limited force can hold it. In the foregoing I have only indicated my general ideas in order to call it to your attentiomi, and in the hope that you will suggest sonie wiser -ones. At all events it well deserves the study of all. But, whatever plan may be determined on, we shall require men, and I hope that our friends in Congress will miot relax in their efforts to raise them, and as speedily as possible. If I mistake miot, the spring movements will be delayed from want of troops. The history of the war has shown more vigor and activity imi providing men amid means in tIme dark days of our adversity than when they bear a brighter aspect. I fear our friends feel that the war is nearly ovem, amid that there is no cause for further exertion; besides, many of them are liable to be allured this winter from their duties to the country by the great business of president- muaking. The enemy are evidently looking forward with intense in- terest to the time when our three years men will be discharged, and it is theim they hope to have their ranks full and to make head against us. I am doing all I can to preserve the veteran regiments, and hope to save all of them in my command. Eight of Gearys regiments have declared their willingness to re-enlist for the war, and the most of themu have availed themselves of the thirty days furlough with that view. Howards regiments are following their example. No event of the war has afforded me more satisfaction than this. It is conclusive evidence to my mind that our memi are here but for one purpose, and that to personally conquer this rebellion. The an~ nouncement of this determination will carry dismay to the hearts of the rebels. I very much regret that the suggestion I made in regard to raising negro troops in Kentucky amid Tennessee was not though Page 344 344 xx-., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. AlA., A~D N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. sufficiently well of to be adopted. I mentioned Butterfield in con- nection with it only for the reason that I know of no officer who could accomplish so much in so short a time. His forte is dispatch and completeness of organization. He will accomplish more in one day than most men can in ten. Reasons of state may exist for not placing Kentucky on the same footing with Maryland in recruit- ment of negro regiments. Of this I know nothing. Hereafter our armies will be operating on long lines through populous districts, re- quiring unusually large forces to defend them. We should bear in mind that the war is not over, and however repugnant it may be to the great mass of the people in rebeldom, they are not in condition to speak or to act so long as they remain under the rule of rebel authorities. In my judgment we will have to take possession of States now in rebellion before we can reasonably look for decided action in our favor. It will be slow even then, but it will be as sure as it is slow. I have become so sick of the war that I desire nothing so much as its termination. With a proper effort; one that it is possible for us to make, I believe that before another winter is upon us the necessity for keeping up these immense armies may be removed. It appears to me that our people have it in their hands to make it of longer or shorter duration. I am glad to see that an effort is be- ing made to merge the volunteers and regulars. This should have been done at the beginning of the war. In fast, there is no differ- ence now; it only exists in theory. I know that I accepted my coni- mission of brigadier-general in the army reluctantly, and only for the reason that it was tendered me in compliment for services. I have since had occasion to regret it many times, for it has only been an instrument of self-degradation to me ever since. Officers who had no commissions in the regular service have jumped me, while in the assignment of commands it has never been considered. If my services in this rebelljon do not merit reward, they certainly have been such as should shield me from punishment. Many of my juniors are in ~he exercise of independent commands, while I am here with more rank piled on top of me than a well man can stand up nuder, with a corporals guard, comparatively, for a command. You cannot wonder, then, at the sincerity of my desire for the war to be brought to an end irrespective of the country and the cause. I see that they are pitching into Meade on all sides. I lost my confidence in him when he allowed Lee to escape. I thought well of him as a corps commander, and never doubted but that he would do as well with the responsibilities of an army upon him. He is a small craft, and car- ries no ballast. The report of our veteran General-in-Chief reads well, and, if true, would be a good one. His idea for Burnside to cross the Rappahannock at the fords is novel. I think he took it from my testimony before the investigating committee. It is certain he makes no allusion to it in his, and it was certainly a point of vital importance for the committee to know in their investigation of that case. Grant swears that he had no orders to disobey in his cam- paign of Vicksburg, and I know that I was sent here, not to protect, but to open communication with Rosecraus army. Indeed, the re- port is full of error. Since I have been in the West I have made the acquaintance of a glorious soldier, and that is General Osterhaus. He is going East in a few days, when I hope you will have an oppor- tunity to see him. He is expecting a sister to arrive in New York the fore part of next month, and designs visiting Washington befor Page 345 ~45 OHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTA~OOGKA1INGGOLD CA1~WAIGN. his return. If I may except the Prince de Joinville, he is the beet representative of the European service it has been my fortune to be- come acquainted with. He commande& a division on my last cain- paign, and I speak from a full knowledge of his admirable mode of governing men and his splendid conduct on the battle-field. No mis- take can be made in making such men major-generals, nor in un- making many that we have. Osterhaus tells me that the effect of Frank Blairs vulgar attack on yourself was the transfer of his hitherto most devoted friends to you. Surprising as it appeared at the time, it was impossible for me to divest my mind of the admoni- tions you had given me, with the greatest kindness, and when to this was added, in your connection, the name of some injured female woman, I felt inclined to inclose some elegant extracts from certain letters in my possession, with a few additions of my own, to you. The favorable opportunity, however, appears to have passed. I in- quired of Butterfield if he knew aiiything of the woman case, and, as he did not, I concluded that any remarks I might have to make would be unnecessary. Our Savior was calumni~ted and reviled while on earth, and, if people have grown wiser since, I doubt if they are better. With regard to myself, I had a good character until I fell in command of the Army of the Potomac, and, so far as I know, have had since, and as I am not conscious of any change in myself, I conclude that I was mistaken for the office, and that it was the lat- ter that was comfnitting all these offenses before high Heaven. In your case, I am certain the cause will not be4 found within yourself. This will not reach you until after New Years; nevertheless I shall wish you its richest gifts. I desire that you will make my kindest regards to Mrs. Sprague. I received the polite invitation to be pres- ent at her ~\Tedding, and regretted more than I can express the neces-~ sity for my absence. My friends write me that her dress was exquis- itely tasteful, and the bride surpassed herself. I hope that she is as happy and well as I wish her to be. Butterfield is in New York. I advised him not to go to Washington lest he should be arrested by order of the General-in-Chief. That courtesy, however, is reserved for particular friends. Good-bye. Your friend, JOSEPH HOOKER~ AIc~jo r- General, Corn w andiny. No. 90. Re port of Lieut. Henry C. Wharton, U. S. Corps of Engineers. ENGINEERs OFFICE, Nashville, Tenn., January 17, 1864. GENERAL: In compliance with instructions received from you, I have the honor to submit the following brief report of the building of the trestle bridge across the West Chickamauga, in the advance of your troops upon Riuggold, Ga.: The bridge was built by the First, Second, and Third Battalions, Pioneer Brigade, nuder the command of Colonel Bnell, assisted by a small detail of men from the Fifteenth Missouri Infantry, not numbering more than 50 men, which, together with the Pioneers, gave me a working party of about 450 men Page 346 ~46 NY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANP ~. GA. (CHAP. ~LIIL Colonel Buell arrived with his command between 8 and 9 p. in., and his wagons, with chess-plank and balks, about one hour after- ward. The timber for the remaining portions of the bridge was cut down, and had to be carried to where the bridge was to be constructed. Orders were given to commence work at about 9 p. in., and the bridge was completely finished by half past 6 the next morning. Owing to the cold, the Pioneers were divided into three reliefs, each taking one-third of the night. Taking this fact into consider- ation, and also considering the depth of the stream (in some places over 5 feet), the building of this bridge reflects credit on the Pioneer Brigade, officers and men. I would state that it was originally iutended to throw a pontoon bridge over the Chickamauga, but owing to some mismanagement of Colonel Stanley, who had charge of the boats, this object was defeated. In conclusion, I would call your attention to the excellent conduct of Colonel Buell, who, ever present with the working parties, aided me greatly in the completion of the bridge. Lieutenants Huntington and Turner, and also Sergeant Myers, of the Pioneers, were particnlarly efficient. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY C. WHARTON, Lieutenant of Engineers. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Lookout Valley, Tenn. No. 91. Report of AIaj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Eleven th Army Corps, including march to the relief of Knox- r ille, with complimentary orders. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., December 28, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report upon the operations of this corps during the battle of Chattanooga, and during the march that followed, until its return to this camp. In accordance with instructions received through your headquar- ters, the infantry, with three batteries, left this point at I p. in., November 22 ultimo. The remaining two batteries, Wiedrichs (Battery I, First New York) and Heckmans (K, First Ohio), were left behind and established under General Hookers directions. They participated to some extent in the glorious work of getting posses- sion of Lookout Mountain. My original instructions contemplated placing the Eleventh Corps in reserve on the peninsula between the bridges of Browns Ferry and Chattanooga, in order to act with General Thomas at Chattanooga or with General Shernian, as the exigencies of the battle should determine. Subsequent instructions from your headquarters, dated November 22, directed me to cross the pontoon bridge at Browns Ferry at 2 p. m. of that Jay, and move thence to Chattanooga direct. This change, as I understand, was based on the report of the chief engineer of the department that it was practicable to re-enforce Sherman along the south bank o Page 347 tt& i~. XLIU.] T1LI~ CHATTAI400CTARINGGOLD CAMPAIGN. the Tennessee without trusting to the treacherous pontoons. The north bank of the river is high, and intermediate between the Chat- tanooga bridge and the point 3 miles above, selected for Shermans crossing, is a prominent knoll in the river bank, which overlooks the broad interval on the other shore spread out between the heights of Chattanooga and Mission Ridge. The ridge springs from this interval land between the Chickamauga and the Tennessee and stretches off for miles in a southwesterly direction, leaving the Chickamanga on the left. I sent a battery (Wheelers, Thirteenth New York) to the knoll described. He commanded all the low ground as far as his guns would reach, and, in conjunction with Fort Wood, situated on the south bank and near to Chattanooga, prevented any large force from occupying such points as might separate Sherman from the main body. My remaining force, about (,OOO strong, moved over the bridge into Chattanooga and took post to the right of Fort Wood. The rebel signal officers report from Lookout, read by one of our officers, was that a large force, appar- ently a corps, had passed into Chattanooga. This, taken in connec- tion with the fact that General Shermans troops had been and were still passing along Lookout Valley, now in plain view and now hidden by hills, makes it probable that Bragg took my force for a part of Shermans, and therefore was in doubt as to the principal point of attack, if, indeed, he believed yet that any attack at all was intended. Bad roads, and, perhaps, other unforeseen hinderances, (lelayed the march of the troops that were to operate on our left, so that Sunday night, November 22, the general movement intended for the morrow was postponed. I received the order direct from General Thomas, and also through your headquarters. My com- mand remained during the night as posted. Monday, November 23, deserters reported that the enemy intended to retreat, an(l some deserted camps visible from Fort Wood gave rise to the rumor that the retreat had begun. During the morning a reconnaissance was ordered, General Grangers corps being selected to make the movement and mine held in readiness for support. At 1 p. in., General Granger deployed to the east and south of Fort Wood, facing toward Mission Ridge. The enemy on the ridge and on the few high intermediate points were gazing on the magnificent display, and apparently without thinking that so fine a para(le with- out any attempt at concealment was a demonstration against them. As soon as formed, the lines moved briskly forward, driving in the enemys outposts and taking Orchard Knob, a small hill little more than half way to the ridge, and 1 mile south from the Tennessee. The enemy had here a small epaulement for two gnus amid rifle-pits. During this operation I had, by General Thomas directions sent a battery (Company G, Fourth Regulars) to the next height, Brush Hill, southeast of Fort Wood, nearly opposite the center of Granger s line. Afterward, during the battle this battery was moved forward to Sheridans front line on Grangers right, having been replaced by Dilgers (Company I, First Ohio). Lieutenant Merkle, commanding the regular battery, was highly complimented for good firing. General Grant determined to hold Orchard Knob. A creek, the Citico, having two small branches, bends around in the low ground, its general direction northwest, amid flows into the Tennessee half a mile north of Fort Wood. The western branch passes near Orchard Knob. I was directed to move up to this creek, covering the approache Page 348 34s KY., SW. VA., TENN., MiSS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [OHAP. XLIIi. to Grangers left. The land near the creek was for the most part covered with woods. Major-General Schnrz with his division of infantry was ordered to take the right of this line, and General Steinwehr with his division the left. The two divisions were de- ployed with great promptitnde. The skirmishers were more or less engaged as they advanced along the entire line, and qnite briskly in Steinwehrs division. The latter had 3 killed and abont ~2O wonnded, mainly in the Thirty-third New Jersey, here for the first time en- gaged, and with credit; General Schnrz, 1 killed and 12 wonnded. The enemy was forced back beyond the creek, and the line ocen- pied as directed. This ended the engagement of the first day of the battle. The troops threw np slight breastworks dnring the night and next morning. From the map it will be noticed that the Atlanta railroad, passing sonth of Fort Wood, inns northeast nearly parallel with the river. The East Tennessee railroad, passing north of Fort Wood, crosses the other before entering the tnnnel through Mission Ridge. My line cut both these roads, and its left rested just across the Citico on the river. At 9 a. m. of the 24th, General Steinwehr, by my direction, moved the Seventy-third Ohio Regiment across the Citico near its month, which, deploying nearly at right angles to the general line, hand- soniely cleared onr immediate front as far as the East Tennessee railroad. As there was difficulty in recrossing the creek, the regi- ment was halted in this position and served as a cover to a move- ment that shortly took place. General Sherman had now effected a crossing of the Teniiessee just below the month of South Chickamauga. I was directed to open commnnication with him by a brigade. General Steinwelir detailed Colonel Buschbecks, which I accompanied in person, with a small escort of cavalry. Some skirmishing occurred on our right, and thinking we might nieet resistance from that quarter, I had Krzyza- nowskis brigade, of Geiieral Schnrz division, brought forward as a support. Very little opposition being made, the junction wiTh Sherman was effected just as he was placing the last boat of the bridge. Already two of his divisions had been thrown over in boats, and had covered their bridge by a line of breastworks. From this place to the north end of Mission Ridge, the distance is a mile all(l a ]ialf, the ground mostly low and undulating. The general pointed out the hill he should first attempt to secure. He requested me to allow Colonel Buschbecks brigade to remain and skirmish on his right, while he advaiiced toward the ridge. The brigade was ordered to remain. I then returned to my corps by the route we had come. Believing Colonel Krzyzanowski could take care of his brigade, sit- uated as he was under the cover of Wheelers guns froni the op- posite shore, I concluded to leave him on the northeast side of the Citico to keep open the communication along the river with Busch- becks brigade. During this march, and while returning, heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Lookout Mountain, and at 5.20 p. m. we were cheered with the news that General Hooker had carried the heights and secured the eastern slope of the mountain. Dilgers (Ohio) battery had been sent to the Chattanooga Creek and fired effectively, preventiiig a movement of the enemy between Hooker and Palmer, and covering the building of a pc~ntoon bridge across the creek Page 349 349 CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGARJNGCT0LD CAMPAIGN. Early in the morning of the 25th, I issued orders to my divisions, in accordance with General Thomas instructions, to conform to the movements of General Sherman; as he moved forward along the ridge, I was to advance and complete my connection with him. In order to effect this, after hearing that he had reached the tunnel of the East Tennessee railroad, I directed General Steinwehr to push forward his left till it rested on this railroad, which he accomplished with very little opposition. During the whole morning, from day- light, the enemy were seen marching along the crest of Mission Ridge toward General Shermans position. At 9.45 a. in. aii order was received by me to march toward Gen- eral Sherman, looking out well for my right flank. An aide from General Grant urged me to hasten, as General Sherman needed re- enforcements. At 10.45 a. ni. my head of column arrived at the pontoon bridge, where I halted amid massed my troops, starting to report in person to Gemmeral Sherman. He sent me the order through Lientenaut-Col- oiiel Meysenbing, of my staff, amid afterward repeated it to me, to take post on his left, closing a space that had just been left vacant by troops that had been pushed farther to the right in support of the maui attack along the ridge. The corps was placed as directed, its left resting on Chickamauga Creek, near Boyces Station, and its front well covered by a good line ot skirmishers. The right rested high up the ridge, omi a work con- structed amid occupied by a part of General Blairs corps. Here, again, my troops covered theniselves with breastworks. The report that General Sherman had reached the tunnel was premature. Instead of finding a continuous ridge of land, as one would sup- l)~se, looking from Chattamiooga, that portion of Mission Ridge north of the East Tennessee railroad is broken into transverse ridges, with (leep ravimies between them. The emiemnys troops had possession of the first ridge or hill north of the tunnel, on my arrival, and a fierce contest was goimig omi betweemi them and the attacking party for its Th)Ssessiomi. Colommel Buschbecks brigade, or rather a part of it, as General Steinwehr had detained two of his regiments with him, was bearing a l)art in this action. Having been assigned to General Ewing, this brigade went imito action with that of Colonel Loomis, of Ewings division. The comiduct of the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, under Lientemiamit-Colonel McAloon, was most highly complimented. The main attack was along the crest of the ridge, and Colonel Loomis was tryimig to support it by a movement from the front. McAloomi actually led his regiment up that steep acclivity, 500 oi~ i00 feet high, under a terrific fire of grape and musketry, and staid there till he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Taft* be- haved with equal intrepidity with the Seventy-third Pennsylvania, til] he was killed. His troops (Irove the enemy from some buildings and held them. Subsequemitly, after his death, some of his company comnumanders culpably allowed themselves and many of their men to be takemi by the enemy. It is alleged in excuse for them that they exhausted their ammunition; that Colonel Loomis left their flank exposed, and their position was turmied. General Shermami did not succeed in dislodging the enemy, but these vigorous assaults served to accumulate against us a heavy * Of the One hundred and forty-third New York; in temporary conmnmand o~ the Seventy-third Pen