TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 32 (Part I) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1891 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 I Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OP THE OFFICIAL BECOZIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lient. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery.. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Seoretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY~ ~ MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXIIIN THREE PARTS. I PART IREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.~ 1891. Page R002 r (. Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Offi- cial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Con- federate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not hereto- fore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of - the House of Repre- sentatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the~use of the Executive Departments. * * Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16,1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distri- buted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each ~ei1~tor shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of - those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by ~the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceec~of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volunfes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, ~r individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. II Page R004 Iv PREFACE. This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the fQrmal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the South- ern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the corre- spondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the cam- paigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspond- ence, & c., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political I~r1soners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, repQrts, and retnrns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the corre- spondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lient. Cot. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, ~ Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLIV. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala- Page. barna, and North Georgia. January 1April 30, 1864 1703 (v Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATiON OF THE OFFICIAL RFCORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES I VOLUME XXXII. (To be inserted in. the voinme. For expl~ination. see General Index volnine, Serial INo. 130, p~ ge XXVlII.) PUBLISHED UNDER TIlE I)IRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AJNSWORTII, CHIEF OF THE REcoRD ANI) PENSION OFFICE, WAR I)EPARTMENT, A NI) MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOOIJEY, indexer. WA S H TN GTO IN: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 9 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. PART i. Page ~ Sixteenth line, bottom, for Brisloe read Bristol. Page 164. Fifth line, bottoni, strike out March 6. Page 477. Foot-note, for Part 2 read Parl~, p. 613. l~ages 715806. Erase foot-note No circususlanlial reports on file, wherever it occurs. PART 2. Page 9. Cox to Casement, January 2, 1864, for z86~ read 1865. NoTE. Should be inserted in Series I, Vol. 45, Part 2, p. 486, follow- ing Coxs circular of January 2, 1865. Page 518. Ewell to Pillow, January 4, 1864, strike out the word the in caption. Page 535. Cooper to Longstreet, last line, for him read you. Page ~7. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 52, Earl 2, p. 59g. Page 552. Johnston to the President, first line, insert * after replies and add foot- note, * See Series I, Vol. 52, Earl 2, p. 596. Page 584. McNairs Brigade, insert [3ss1] after 351/i and before Arkansas. Page 590. Finle- s Brigade, 1st and 3d Florida, transfer t after isl and insert after ist in line following. Page 632. Longstreet to Cooper, first communication, date, for 29 read 19. Page 751. Erase foot-note and insert Probably of February s~. Sec Series I, Vol. 52, Earl 2, p. 619. Page 775. Erase foot-note and insert See Brown to Johnston, Februay io, Series I, Vol. 52, Earl 2, p. 6s6. Page 853. For Robinsons (George J.) read Robinsons (George I.). Page 857. Ninth line, bottom, for 35th Arkansas read 31st Arkansas. PART 3. Page 12. Farragut to Banks, first line, for notes read note. Page 40. Seventeenth line, bottom, for where read whence. Page 41. Third line, top, for work read war. Page 5o. Sherman to Grant, eleventh line, after which insert [I hope]. McPherson to Pullen, second line, for brought [was] read [was] broz{~rht. Page 140. Whipple to Slocum, fourth line, for them in read in them. Page 218. Heintzelman to Halleck, second communication, tenth line, for Indiana read Ohio. Page 221. Sherman to Grant, fourteenth line, f~r small read local. Page 261. Foot-note, fourteenth line, for Eascagoula read Ship Island. Page 281. Eighth line, top, for sufficiently read efficicntiy. Page 287. Hurlbut to Smith, second line, for impractical read impracticable, in my opinion. Page 303. Thirteenth line, top, insert necessary after rendered. Page 305. Sherman to Grant, first communication, sixth line, for Waverly read Purdy. Page 306. Grant to Sherman, third line, erase a before p~rt, and after part insert of another, so as to read and part of another. Page 307. First line, for pass in down read pass on down. Page 310. Sherman to McPherson, last line, for not read now. Page 313. Seventh 4ine, top, insert commas after army and corps, so as to read army, corps, and division commanders. Twenty-fifth line, bottom, for on read or, and after Athcns insert Ga. Twenty-second line, bottom, strike out of following best. Twenty-first line, bottoni, for offering read opening Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. 3 Page 316. Owens to Townes, third line, bottom, for distrust read distress. Page 326. Seventh line, bottom, for incloses read includes. Page 447. McPherson to Dodge, last communication, sixth line, after 3,500 insert [animals]. Page 511. Whipple to Hooker, fourth line, bottom, for move read man. Page 558. First Division, Artillery Reserve, after ~th United States, for Battery M read Battery K Page 562. Second Brigade, Second Division, insert * after 4th West Vfr4rinia. Page 590. J4ongstreet to Beauregard, thirteenth line, for his read this. Page 642. Second line, top, for enemys read enemy; erase the period after near and insert aperiod after enemy, so as to read near the enemy. Unnec- essary delay, etc. Page 645. Txventv-first line, top, insert commas after substitution and lieu, so as to read, The substitution, in lieu, of mere military authority, etc. Page 758. Polk to Lee, eighteenth line, for on read or. Page 774. Paxton to Cole, third line, bottom, for prepare read prepared. Page 777. Sixteenth line, bottom, for sesgeant read surgeon. Page 788. Special Orders, No. 89, Paragraph XL, last line, for Fifty-fifth read Sixty-fifth. Page Soo. Lee to Jack, date line, for 20 read 30. Page S is. Third line, top, erase the coneina after front and substitute a period, begin new sentence with The. Page 868. Finleys Brigade, Bates Division, first line, erase Florida Cavalry (dis. mounted) after ist, and insert after ist, second line. Page 869. Erase t after .V/antg-aults Brie,~ade. Page 901. For Robinsons (George J.) read Robinsons (George I.). Page 903. For Stones (Robert C.) read Stoners (Robert C.). Page 907. For Winstons (Edward) read Winstons (Edmund). INDEX. Insert 811 words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk. (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and correctioiis to the text should be consulted. References are to parts of volume. Part. Alabama Troops (c.). cavalrvRegimellts: 7th (Hodgson) 2,3 7th (Malone) [Malones] 2, 3 Anderson, Adna [John B.] 3 Anderson, General, Steamer 3 Arkansas Troops. Infantry-Regiments: 31st [35th], 584* 2 Barentzen, Lanritz [Lawritz] 3 Batchelder, John H Beatty [Baty], David Becker, Eghert T. B. [c.] Beersheba Springs, Teun. Skirmish at, March i~, 1864 [*3. See Spar/a, Teen. Operations about, etc., March is s8, s86i [Skirmish near. See Sparta, Teun. Oper- ations about, etc.] Biberon, Charles C. [ I 3 Blackwell, R. B. [capta(~i] 2 Bolen, James N. [captain] Bolen,JamesN.[ 3 2 Booth, I,ouis F. [S.] Part. Brewer, James F. [ ] Brewer, James F [Joseph I.] 2 Brough., John. Mentioned, 273, s~6 [Tod, David, 273, 276] 3 B tea, of Cionscription, C. S. A. [Conscript Bureau] 3 canseroii, Hugh D 3 case, Charles R. Correspondence with Hollopeter,Jehn[Jobn] 1, Cheek, Mark R., Steamer (~obb, Robert L., 875; Cobb, Robert, [873].... 3 Cooper, Duacan B. [I)uic.] 2 Corinth, Miss. Evacuation, etc.., Jan.25 [5], 1864 2 Creager, Marvin [~arion] H ... Cummins,Edmnnd [Edward] H 2 Dc Hens, William ff/ [Be Hews, 3 3 Dennis Elias S. [F.] 3 Duff, William I,. (sd Ill. Lt. Art.), [585] 2 Duff, William L. (19th Miss. Batta.) 585 2 DuncanJohnson K. [John] 3 Duncan, R. A. [a.] 3 Duncan, Stephen [ J 1, Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Dustin [Duston], Daniel 3 Elliott, Thomas I. [J.] 2 Everett, Peter 31 Ewing, E. H. [XV.] 2 Exchange, U. S. 5., 388, 389; Gunboat, No. 38, [388, 389] Fores/ Rose, U. S. S., sf8; Gunhoat, No. 9, [158] I Froehlich [Proelich] George 3 Fry, David [Colonel] 3 Pullerton,Joseph [John] S 3 General Anderson, S/earner, 299 3 Georgia Troops. InfantryRegiments: [5sth, 7881* 3 65th, 788k 3 Miscellaneous: Dade Gonn/~ [Davenports] Home Guards 1,3 Grove, Celia A. [Grose, Mrs.] I Grove, Celia A. [Mrs.] 3 Gunboat No. 3. See U. S. S. Romeo [388] ... Gunhoat No. ~. See U. S. S. Pe/rel [388] .... Gunhoat No. 7. See U S. S. New Era [594]. Gunboat No. 9. See U S. S. Fares! Rose [i~S] Gunboat No. 23. See U. S. S. Silver Lake [203] Gunboat No. sS. See U. S. S. Silver Gland [558, 562] Gunboat No. 33. See U S. S. Victory [156, i66] Gunboat No. 36. See U. S. S. Peas/a [iss] .... 3 Gunboat No. 38. See U S. S. Exchange [388, 389] Hale [Hall], John D 3 Hamil/on James (A. D. C.),576 3 Hamilton, James (Q. 3d.). [Mentioned, 576] 3 Hansen [Hanson], Ferdinand Hearsey, William F Henry von Phnl, S/ca mer, s~8 Hill. Roswell S., 672 [Hill, Roswell D., 672].. 1 Hollopeter, Jehn [John] I, I Ho//el [lottie], J. M Hubbard, Hiram F [P.] 3 Hutchinson, Rober/ C. [ I 1 Indiana Troops. Artillery, I,igbtBatteries: 24th, [si8]~ 3 Ingram, Gap/am [XV.B.] 1,2 Jarvis, Dwigh/, Ic. [Dwight, Jarvis, jr.] 3 JohnJ. Roe [Rowe], Steamer Johasen, C. G. [Johnson, C.J.] 3 Johnson, Thomas (6~//z md.), [722, 846] 3 Johnson, Thomas (sd Ba//n. Ky. Rifles), 722, 3 [Johnston, Lieutenant, 856] 3 Kenuedy, Robert P. [V.] Kentucky Troops (C.). Artillery, LightBatteries: [Byrnes, 703] 3 CavalryBattalions: [2d] S Dortebs, 590 2 Kentucky Troops (U.). CavalryRegiments: 2d [3d], i6, 40, 421, 470, 644 Kinzie [Kenzie], David H .3 Part. Kuhn, John H. (9/li Ill.), [87i] 3 Ruho John H. (sd Penn. Car.), 871 3 La/inter, 3/n/ford Al. [Lattimer, Milford M.] . 3 Latrobe, ()smnn [Osman] 2, 3 Lawrence, Walker E., 291 [Walker, Law- rence E., 291] 2 Lightuer, Isaac [Jsaiahl 3 Lowe, William Al I Lowry, Robert. Mentioned, 829, Sso, 836, 8~7 [LowrY, W. I,., 819, 8so, 836, 837] 3 McCorkle, D. [J.] P 3 MeKuight, Saryean/ [Sergeant] Mason, WilliamJ 1 Maury, Dabney H. Correspondence with Cummins, Edmand [Edward] ii 2 Meridian, Miss. Expeditionete. Peb.3M::r. 6, 1864. Coinnsunications from Cummins, Edmand [Edward] H 2 Mississippi Troops. Artillery, LightBatteries: Byrnes, 703 3 Moody, D. N. [M.] 3 Moore, Franklin [Prank] 2 Morphis, J. L. [Major] 3 Mosely,Jonrdan C. [Captain] 2 Mosely, Joardan C. [Lieutenant] 3 Neff, William, 2/4 [242] I New Era, U. S. S., jg/; Gunboat No. 7, ~ I Ohio Troops. Artillery, LightBatteries: 2//h, sz8~ 3 IllfalltryBattaliolls: 1st Sharpshooters (Uompanies), 5/h, 6/h, 7/h, 8/h 2, 3 Owe, U. [W.] G 2 Paducab, Ky., Telegraph Operator at. Correspondence with William J. Mason... Palmer, Joseph, 688, 692, 732, 872 [Palmer, J., 688, 691, 731, 872] 3 Parks, J. H. [Captain] I Pearl River, Miss. Skirmishes on, Pci). 28, iS6~ [1884] Peosta, U. 5. 5., irs; Gunboat No. 36, [152] 3 Petrel, U. S. S. Mes,ti~ed, 388; Gunboat No. ~, [388] Pliol, Henry von, Steamer, i78 Raymond,James, Steamer Reilly, James W., ~i [Reilly, John W., 51] . . Reilly, James [John] W 2 Rives, Alfred L 3 Robinson, George I. [J.] 2, 3 Roe,JohnJ. [Rowe, John], Steamer Romeo, U. 5. 5., 388; Gunboat No. 3, [388] ... Scott, George ~ Shenango [Chenat~g~], Steamer 2 Sigfried, Joshua [Joseph] K 2 Silver Cloud, U. S. S., ,~g8, ~6s, Gunboat No. 28, [558, 562] Silver Lake, U. S. 5., 203; Gunboat No. 23, [203] Sipes, William B., 4o [Sipes, Abram B., 40].. Smith, Andrew J. Mentioned, 262 [Smith, Alexander J., 262]. Spear, Edward, Jr. [Edniulid] 3 Page A005 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. S/oee, George H., 301; Stone, George A., [301]. S/oeer [Stone], Robert G Thomas, Joke Hanson Tkomassoe [Thomason], Theodore TIzoiesoe [Thompson], Frank Towner, H. X~ [A.] Underhill, E. [S.] H Union Troops. Regulars. Artillery, I,ightRegiments: 5th (Batteries), K, ~ [M, 558]5 Vie/el), V S. S., z~6, 166; Gunboat No. 33, [156, i66] Waggener, RobertJ Wallace, Martin R. it!. [M. R.] Waring, George E., jr. Correspoudence with La/imer. Meifor(1 ill. [kattimer, Milford 1\I.] Part. 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 Part. Wheeler, Joseph. Mentioned, 103 [Wheeler, Joseph E., 103].. Whittemore, Heury C. LE.] 2 Wiedrich [Wiedrick], Michael 2 TVzlliemson, JamesA. (sd Ark. Rifles), 86i 3 Williamson, James A. (4/Il Iowa), [86o] 3 Winston, Edmund [Edward] 3 Witcher, Vincent [Vinson] A 3 Wolihin, Andrew M. [W.] 3 Yazoo City, Miss. Occupation of, etc., [March 6] Yazoo River, Miss. Expedition up the, Feb. 3Mar. 6, 1864. See Meridian, Miss., F. pedition I, 3 Yeatmau, James F. [ ] 2 Voc, George P 2 Page A006 i Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLuME I. CHAPTER I Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860-April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9-May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10-. February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11, 1861 502-636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.... 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19,1861. .. 1-749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11, 1861February 1,1862. 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861Janu. CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175-MS ~ VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861-March 17,1862.. 1-1106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Operationson the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. August 21,1861April 11, 1862 Page. CR~TER XVI. Page. Operations in West I~orida, Southern Al- abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou 1435 isiana. September 1,1861May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19,1861-Mar. 4,1862.. 1-946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861-April 10, 1862. 1-834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11March 17, 1862 P71 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481430 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20,1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862. Page. Part I-Reports 1-927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1-1077 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc , 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northera Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part IlReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER ~ Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle aml Ea.st Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May IS-July 27,1862), and Louisiana, May 12,1862-May 14, 1863; and oper- ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. Ix VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CIIAPTETI XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky. Middle and East Tennessee. North Alabama and Southwest Virginia. June 10-October 31. 1862. Page. Part IReports . 1-1168 Part II--Corre~pondence. etc . ... 1-1017 VOLUME XV1IJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XIX. 0 rations in West Tennessee aud Northern Missi~sippi. June le, 1562-January 20, 1861. Page. Part II-ta rts 1807 Part II-Corrts udence. etc 1-916 ~TOJUMF XVIJI. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862June 3, 1863 1-1104 VOLUME X1X1N TWo PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Vir inia. W st Virginia. Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem her 14. 186.2. Page. Part IReports. Septein r 3-20 1-1108 Part IlReports, September 20-November 14: Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novesa- her 14 .. ... .. 1739 VOLUME XX1N TWo PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky. Middle and East Tennessee. No h Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No vember 1. 1862-January 20. 186:~. Page. Part I - Reports 1-997 Part NICorrespondence etc 1516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operatic ~ in Ncrthern Virginia. ~Vest Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. . ~ovember 15. 1862-January 25. 1863 .. 11152 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PA~RTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri. Arkansas. Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. November 20, 1862-December 31,1863. Page. Part IRe ~ 1-926 Part II-Oorrespondence etc 1116 Page R010 x CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXJILIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan uary 21August 10, 1863 Page. Part iReports ... .. - 1-8Z Part li~CorrespondenCC etc , .. 1 986 yOLUME XXIVJN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Tenness .e, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana coiinecte4 with the Siege of Vic sbnrg. January August 10, 1861. Page. Part IRepe ,January 20May 13, including the General Reports for whole l)erioi, January 20-AuguSt 10 -787 Part liReports, May 16August 14) 14199 Part II iCorrespondence, etc ... 1-1070 VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland. and Pennsylvania. January 2)1June 3~ 1883. Page. Part I- Reports 1-111~ 12 Part IlCorrespondence etc VOLUME XXVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Loui.siaua, Texas, and New Mexico. May 14-December 31, 1863. Page Part iReperts, Union Correspondence, etc 1-9~ Part itConfederate Correspondence, etc ... 1-381 VOLUME XXVIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, Pennsylvania. and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863. Page. Part IReports Part lIReports 1-1006 Part 111Correspendence etc ... 1-1092 VOLUME XXVIILIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina awl Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. Jutie 12- December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports. .. . . . . ... 1-756 Part IlCorrespondence, etc . . .... 1-609 VOLUME XXIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland. and Pennsylvania. August 4-De cember 31. 1 . Part iReports 1-1018 Part lICorrespondence. etc 1-93 Page R011 CONTENTS OF PRECEDINt* VOLUMES. VOL UME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky. 8oothwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi. North Alabama, and Nortk t4eorgia. August 11-Octo .r 19, 18tt3. Page. Part IReports 1-1(YTI Part IlReports 1-821 Part I lIUnion Correspondence. etc 1-1017 Part tVUnion and Confederate corre. pondence. etc 1-768 VOLUME XXXI IN THEEE PAIITS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky. Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Al hania. an North (4eorgia. October 20Deceta r 34 l8~ Page. Part IReports and Union correspondence .. 1-852 Part IlReports . . 1-782 Part It I Union nd Confederate correspondence. etc . 1-89 Page R012 0 p . ~ Sunday. Monday. a.~ ~ ~ ~ . Tuesday. ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ Friday. ~ ~ ~ Saturday. 0 ~I2 0 0 0 0 o .~ 6 U . Monday. ~. ~ Tuesday. ~ e~ . . ______ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. . Thursday. . Friday Saturday. 12 Page 1 CHAPTER XLIV. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA. January 1April 30, 1864. PART I. SUMMARY OF TILE PRINCIPAL EVIENTS.* Jan. 1, 1864.Skirmish at Dandridge, Tenn. 1Apr. 18, 1864Hughs operations in Middle Tennessee. 2, 1864.Skirmish at La Grange, Tenn. 3, 1864.Action at Jonesyille, Va. Scout from Memphis, Tenn., toward Hernando, Miss. 4-44, l8fM.Operations about Sparta, Tenn. 5, l864.Skirmish at Lawrenc& s Mill, Tenn. 6, 1864.Attack on steamer Delta on the Mississippi River. Skirmish at Dalton, Ga. 9, l864.Skirmish at Termans Ferry, Ky. 10, 1864.Skirmish near Mossy Creek, Tenn. 1011, l864.Scout from near Dandridge to Clarks Ferry, Tenn. 1016, l864.Expedition from Vicksburg, Miss., to Sunnyside Landing, Ark. 11, l864.Scout to Lexington, Tenn. 1112, l864.Expedition from Maryville up the Little Tennessee River, Tenn 12, l864.Skirmish near Mossy Creek, T~nn~ Skirmish at Marshall, Ky. 13, l864.Skirmish at Ragland Mills, Bath County, Ky. Skirmish near Collierville, Tenn. 1314, 1804.Affair at Sevierville (13th) and skirmish at Schultz Mill, Cosby Creek, Tenn. (14th). 14, 1864.Scout from Collierville, Tenn. Scout to Baldwins Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. Skirmish at Dandridge, Tenn. Skirmish at Middleton, Tenn. Skirmish at Shoal Creek, Ala. 16, l864.Skirmish in White County, Tenn. SkirinI~h at Oak Ridge, Miss. * Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary, no circumstantial reports are on file. All such are designated in the Index. (1) 1 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 2 2 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Jan. 1617, 1864.Operations about Dandridge, Tenn., including skirmishes (16th) at Kimbroughs Cross-Roads and on Bend of Chucky Road, and action (17th) near Dandridge. 17, 1864.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter in command of the Ninth Army Corps. 18, 1864.Skirmish at Grand Gulf, Miss. 19, 1804.Skirmish at Big Springs, near Tazewell, Teun. 20, 1864.Naval reconnaissance of Forts Morgan and Gaines, Mobile Bay, Ala.~ Skirmish at Tracy City, Teun. Skirmish at Island No. 76, Mississippi River. 21, 1864.Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, U. S. Army, temporarily in command of the Eleventh Army Corps. Scout from Chattanooga to Harrison and Ooltewah, Tenn. 2122, 1864.Skirmishes at Strawberry Plains (21st) and at Armstrongs Ferry, Tenn. (22d). 2123, 1864.Scout from Rossville toward Dalton, Ga., and skirmish (22d). 22, 1864.Capture of forage-wagons near Wilsonville, Teun. Affair at Subligna, Ga. 22-27, 1864. Expedition from Union City to Trenton, Teun. 23, 1864.Skirmish near Newport, Tenn. Affair near Woodville, Ala. Scout from La Orange, Tenn.,to Ripley, Miss. 2329, 1864.Operations in North Alabama. 24, l864.Operations near Natchez, Miss. Capture of Union pickets at Loves Hill, near Knoxville, Tenn. Skirmish at Tazewell, Teun. 25, 1864.Skirmish at La Orange, Tenn. Skirmish at Mount Pleasant, Miss. Corinth, Miss., evacuated by the Union forces. 25Feb. 5, 1864.Expedition from Scottsborough, Ala., toward Rome, Ga. 26, 1864.Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Ninth Army Corps. Skirmish near Knoxville, Tenn. Skirmish at Sevierville, Teun. 2tV28, 1864.Operations about Dandridge, Tenn. 27, 1864.Skirmish near Knoxville, Tenn. Affair on the Cumberland River, Ky. 28, 1864.Lieutenant-General ~o1ks command designated DepartmeTlt of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana. Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, IT. S. Army, assigned to coin- mand of the Department of the Ohio, and Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Army, to the command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. Affair at Lees House, on Cornersville Pike, Teun. 2829, 1864.Skirmishes near Jon~sviile, Va.. 28Feb. 8, 1864.Expedition from Gallat~i to Cumberland Mountains, Tenn. 29, 1864.Firing on steamer Sir William Wallace, Mississippi River. 29Feb. 23, 1864.Expedition from Vicksburg, Miss., to Waterproof, La., and skirmishes. * For report of Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut, IT. S. Navy, see p. 386 of Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 5, 1864 Page 3 CHAP. XLIVJ SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 9 0 Jan. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Chickamauga Creek, Ga. 31Feb. 7, 1864.Expedition from Maryville, Tenn., to Quallatown, N. C Feb. 1, 1864.Expedition from Knoxville to Flat Creek, Tenn. 1 2, 1864.Reconnaissance from Maryville toward Sevierville, Teun. 1 7, 1864.Scout in White and Putnam Counties, Tenn. 2,1864.Skirmish near La Grange, Tenn. Operations about Whitesburg, Ala. 3Mar. 6, 1864.The Meridian, Miss., Expedition and co-operating expe- ditions from Memphis, Teun., and up the Yazoo River. 6, 1864.Affair at Bolivar, Tenn. 8, 1864.Skirmish at Barboursville, Kv~ Skirmish at Ringgold, Ga. Scout near Maryville, Tenn. 9, 1864.Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U.S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. John G. Foster in command of the Department of the Ohio. Skirmish in Hardin County, Tenn. 10, 1864.Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox in command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. 13, 1864.Scout near Knoxville, Tenn. Skirmish in Fentress County, Tenn. 14, 1864.Affair near Larkinsville, Ala. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Laurel Creek, Wayne County, W. Va. 15Mar. 6. 1864.Expedition from Vicksbnrg to Grand Gulf, Miss. 16Mar. 27, 1864.Operations about Mobile, Ala. fl, 1864.Expedition from Island No. 10 to Rileys Landing, Tenn. 1722, 1864.Expedition from Motleys Ford, Tenn., to Murphy and vicinity, N. C. 18, 1864.Skirmish near Maryville, Teun. Skirmish at Muffin, Tenn. Skirmish at Sevierville, Tenn. Skirmish at Ringgold, Ga. 1819, 1864.Scout from Ooltewah, Tenn., to Burkes and Ellidges Mills, Ga. 19, 1864.Operations about Browns Ferry, Ala. 20, 1864.Skirmish on the Sevierville Road, near Knoxville, Tenn. Skirmish at Flat Creek, Tenn. Skirmish at Strawberry Plains, Teun. 22, 1864.Skirmishes at Gibsons and Wyvrmans Mills, on Indian Creek, Va., and at Powells Bridge, Tenn. Skirmish on Calf killer Creek, Tenn. Raid on Mayfield, Ky. 2227, 1864.Demonstration on Dalton, Ga. 24. 1864.General Braxton Bragg charged with the conduct of military operations in the Armies of the Confederacy. 25. 1864.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Eleventh Army Corps. 2526, 1864.Scout from Whitesides, Tenn., to Stevens and Fricks Gaps, Ga. 26, 1864.Capture of Washington, Tenn. Skirmish at Sulphur Springs, Tenn. 27, 1864.Skirmish in the Sequatchie Valley, Tenn. 28, 1864Licut. Gen. John B. Hood, C. S. Army, assigned to command of Army Corps in Xrmy of Tennessee. Skirmish at Dukedom, Tenn Page 4 4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Mar. 2 3, 1864Expedition from Larkins Landing to gourd Neck and Gunters- yule, Ala. 4, 1864.Skirmish ne r Murfreesborough, Tenn. Skirmish at Rodney, Miss. 5, 1864.Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Samuel Jones in command of the Trans-Alleghany or Western Department of Virginia. Skirmish at Leets Tan-yard, Ga. Skirmish at fanther Springs, Tenn. 6, 1864.Affair near Island No. 10, Tenn. Attack on Union Pickets at Columbus, Ky. 7. 1864.Skirmish at Decatur, Ala. 7 8, 1864.Skirmishes at Brownsville, Miss. 8, 1864.Maj. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, C. S. Army, temporarily in com~ mand of the Department of East Tennessee. Affairs at Courtland and Moulton, Ala. 9, 1864.Skirmish near Nickajack Gap, Ga. 10, 1864.Guerrilla raid on Clinton, Ky. Guerrilla raid on Mayfield, Ky. 1128, 1864.Operations about Sparta, T nn., ificluding skirmishes on Calf- killer Creek and near Beersheba Springs. 12, 1864.Lient. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant assigned to command of the Armies of the United States; Maj. Gen William T. Sherman to command of the Military Division of the Mississippi; Maj. - Gen. James B. Mc1~herson to command of the Department of the Tennessee; and Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck as chief of staff of the army. Skirmish near Union City, Tenn. Scout to Nola Chucky Bend, near Morristown, Tenn. 13, 1864.Skirmish at Cheeks Cross-Roads, Tenn. Skirmish at Spring Hill, Tenn. 14, 1864.The Ninth Army Corps ordered to Annapolis, Md. Skirmish at Bent Creek, Tenn. Skirmish at Claysville, Ala. Operations in Jones County, Miss. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Bulls Gap, Tenn. Skirmish in Flat Creek Valley, Tenn. 16, 1864.Brig. Gen. 9rlando B. Willcox,U. S. Army, resumes command of the Ninth Army Corps. Raid on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, near Tulla- homa, Tenn. 16Apr. 14, 1864.Forrests expedition into West Tennessee and Kentucky. 17, 1864.Skirmish at Manchester, Tenn. 18, 1864.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Military Division of the Mississippi. Scout from Island No. 10, Tenn., to New Madrid, Mo. Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. ~. Army, resumes command of the Department of East Tennessee. 19, 1864.Skirmish at Beersheba Springs,, Tenn. Skirmish on the Cumberland River, Ky. 21, 1864.Skirmish at Reynoldsburg, Tenn. Skirmish near Moulton, Ala. 22, 1864.Skirmish at Langleys Plantation, Issaquena County, Miss. Affair at Fancy Farms, Ky Page 5 CHAP. XLIV.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 5 Mar. 26, 1864.Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Army of the Tennessee. Skirmish at Clinton, Miss. 27, 1864.Skirmish at Livingston, Miss. Affair at Louisville, Teun. 28, 1864.Affair at New Hope, Ky. Riot at Charleston, Coles County, Ill. Scouts to Capertons Ferry, Ala. Skirmish on Obey~s River, Tenn. 28Apr. 16, l864.Operations in Eastern Kentucky. 29, 1864.Affair at Capertons Ferry, Ala. 29-31, l864.Scout from Lookout Valley to Deer Head Cove, Ga. 30, l864.Scout from Columbus to Clinton and Moscow, Ky. Attack on outpost at Snyders Bluff, Miss. Scout from Athens, Ala. Scout from Woodville, Ala. 30Apr. 1, l864.Reconnaissance from Lookout Valley, Tenn., to McLe- mores Cove, Ga. 31Apr. 2, l864.Scout from Bridgeport, Ala., to Capertons Ferry and vicinity. Apr. 2, 1864.Skirmish at Cleveland, Tenn. 2 4, l864.Reconnaissance from Powder Springs Gap toward Rogersville and Bulls Gap, Tenn. 3, 1864.Skirmish at Cypress Swamp, Tenn. Skirmish on Ducktown Road, Ga. Skirmish at Clinton, Miss. 4, 1864.The Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps consolidated as the Twentieth Army Corps, under command of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army. Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. George Stoneman in command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. 7, l864.Longstreets army corps ordered from East Tennessee to Vir- ginia. Skirmish at Woodalls Bridge, Ala. 8, 1864.Skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge, Ala. 9, 1864.Maj. Gen. John M. Schofle~d, W. S. Army, assumes command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the Cavalry Corps, Department of the Ohio. 10, 1864.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger in command of the Fourth Army Corps. Scout to Dedmons Trace, Ga. Skirmish at Cypress Swamp, Tenn. 11, l864.Scout from Stevenson to Capertons Ferr~, Ala., and vicinity. Affair near Kellys Plantation, Sulphur Springs Road, Ala. 1113, l864.Reconnaissance from Rossville to La Fayette, Ga. 12, 1864.Maj. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, C. S. Army, assumes command of tb~ Department of East Tennes8ee. Skirmish near Florence, Ala. Skirmish at Pleasant 11111 Landing, Tenn. 1216, l864.Reconnaissance from Bridgeport down the Tennessee River tovicinity of Triana, Ala Page 6 6 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., A~D N. CA. [C AP. XLIV. Apr. 13, 1864.Skirmish at Mink Springs, near Cleveland, Tenn. Skirmishes near Decatur, Ala. 14, 1864.Skirmish at Taylors Ridge, Ga. 15, 1864.Skirmish near Greeneville, Tenn. 16, 1864.Skirmish at Rheatown, Teun. 17, 1864.Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, U. S. Army, relieved from com- mand of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and Maj. Gen. C. C. Wash- burn, U. S. Army, assigned to command of the IJistrict of West Tennessee. Skirmish at Holly Springs, Miss. Affair at Flint River, Ala. 18, 1864.Skirmish near Decatur, Ala. 1820, 1864.Expedition from Bnrkesville, Ky., to Obeys River, Tenn. 19, 1864.Operations against Unionists in Marion County, Ala. 1920, 1~64.Skirmishes at Waterhouse~s Mill and Boiling Springs, Teun. 1923, 1864.Expedition up the Yazoo River, Miss.. skirmishes at arid near Mechanicsburg, and capture of U. S. gun-boat Petrel. 21, 1864.Affair at Harrisons Gap, Ala. Skirmish at Red Bone, Miss. 22, 1864.Skirmish on Duck River, Tenn. 23, 1864.Attack on Union pickets at Nickajack Trace, G~. Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, jr., U. S. Army, assigned to com- mand of the Seventeenth Army Corps. 24, 1864.Affair near Decatur, Ala. 2425, 1864.Scout from Riuggold to La Fayette, Ga. 25, 1864.Skirmish near Natchez, Miss. 25-27, 1864.Expedition from Bulls Gap to Watauga River, Tenn. 27, 1864.Skirmish near Decatur, Ala. Attack on Union Pickets on Taylors Ridge, near Ringgold, Ga. Skirmish on Troublesome Creek, Ky. 29, 1864.Reconnaissance from Ringgold toward Tunnel lull, Ga. Skirmish in Berry County, Teun. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Decatur, Ala. 30May 9,1864.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn.,to Ripley, Miss., and skirmish (May 2) at Bolivar, Teun. GEIN~iEHAL R1~PORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of time Cumberland, of operations January 1April 30. No. 2.Itinerary of the Department of the Cumberland, commanded by Maj. Con. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, January 1April 30. No. 3.Maj. Geri. John U. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio, of operations January 1February 9. No. 4.Itinerary of the Department of the Ohio, January 1--April 30. No. 1. Reports of lila]. Gem. George H. Thomas, U. ~. Army, commanding Dep& rtmertt of the Cumberland, of operations ~January 1April 30. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., ]Iiliarch 10, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the operations of my corn- mand for the months of January and February, 1864, as follows: From the 1st until as late as the 20th of January, no movements of any consequence took place. Small scouting parties of both cavalr Page 7 CHAP. XLTV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 7 and infantry were sent out from time to time to watch the move- inents of the enemy, but failed to find him in any considerable force in our immediate front. InformatiOn gained through scouts and deserters placed Johnstons army at Dalton and vicinity, occupying the same position he had taken np after the rebel army had fallen back from Mission Ridge, November 26, 1863, and showing no disposition as yet to a~snme the oflensive. Desertions from the enemy still continued numerous, averaging 30 per day, nearly all of whom wished to embrace the terms of the Presidents amnesty proclamation, which, with Major- General Grants General Orders, No. 10, of [December 12, 1863,] headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, had been freely circulated within the rebel lines for some time previous. On tile 20th of January General G. M. Dodge, at Pulaski, Tenn., having ascertained that a force of rebel cavalry, under Roddey, was constructing fiat-boats, and biding them in Little Bear Creek, Spring Creek, and Town Creek. and also that one of Roddeys regiments was foraging on tile north side of the Teimessee River, he imme- diately informed General Grant of these movements of the enemy, who directed me to orga~ize an expe(lition at once of sufficient force to drive Roddey away from where he was reported to be, and to (lestroy all boats and material that might in any way be used by the enemy in crossing the Tennessee River. On the 22d information was received that Johnsons and Morrisons brigades of Roddeys command had crossed the Tennessee somewhere betweQn Florence and Clifton, on the 18th, intell(iillg to make a raid on our railroads. The guards along the railroads xvere cautioned against an attack from this party, and measures were immediately taken to drive Roddey across the river. Col.A. 0. Miller, Seventy-second Indiana, command- ing one expedition, reports from Blue Water (26th), via Pulaski (27th), that he engaged Johnsons brigade near Florence, routed them, killed 15, and wounded quite a number, taking them prisoners; among them 3 colnmlsslone(l officers. Our loss, 10 wounded. Brigadier-General Gillem also reports having sent out parties from along the line of the Northwestern Railroad, and their having re- turned with Lieutenant-Colonel Brewer, 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 20 men as prisoners. A party of guerrillas, numbering about 150 men, attacked Tracy City on the 20th, and, after having three times summoned the garri- son to surrender, were handsomely repui~ed~by our forces. Col. T. J. Harrison, Thirty-ninth Indiana (mounted infantry), reports from Cedar Grove, 21st instaut,~ that he had sent an expedi- tion of 200 men to Sparta, to look after the guerrillas ill that vicinity. They divided into five parties, concentrating at Sparta. Having passed over the localities of Carters, Champ Fergusons, Bledsoes, aild Murrays guerrillas, his (Harrisons) force remained on the Calf- killer five days, and during that time killed 4, wounded 5 or 6, and captured 15, including a captain and lieutenant, 3~ horses, and 20 stand of arms. Tile Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad having been com- pleted on the 14th instant, and trains running regularly from Nash- ville to this point, stej~s were immediately taken to commence repair- ing the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad. The First Division of the Fourth Corps, Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley commanding, was ordered on the 24th to take up a position north of Chattanooga, be- * Probably an error in date. See Harrisons report of January 14, p. 65 Page 8 8 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. tween Chiekamauga Depot and the Hiwassee River, to protect the repairs on tim railroad. General Hooker, cominandnig Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, was ordered to relieve Stanleys division, then sta- tioned on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad between White- sides and Bridgeport. January 28, Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, commanding Fourteenth Army Corps, with a portion of his command, made a reconnaissance toward the enemys position on Tunnel Hill. He found him still in force at that point, and the object of the movement having been fully accomplished, General Palmer returned to Chattanooga. February 7, Col. William B. Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, reports from Alexandria, Tenn., that, in pursuance to orders, he had recently scouted in the vicinity of Sparta after certain bands of guerrillas infesting that neighborhood, and had succeeded in kill- ing 17 and capturing 12, besides 20 horses and mules. Another force, under Colonel McConnell, succee(led in killing 23 and captur- ing 40 of the same gang. Colonel Stokes ascertained that, when concentrated, the guerrillas in that section of the country will num- ber 600 men, finely mounted. A scout also brouoht me information of an attack by Roddey, with a heavy force, upon our troops sta- tioned at Lebanon, De Kalb County, Ala., on the 3d instant. The rebels were repulsed and driven in confusion toward Gadsden, when, learning that Roddey was being re-enforced by Wheeler, our troops withdrew to Sand Mountain, taking possession of saltpeter cave, near Fort Payne. About the 10th instant, various reports having been received that the enemy nuder Johnston had weakened his force by sending re-en- forcements to Polk, then opposing the advance of our forces under General Sherman; also that he had sent troops to aid Longstreet, in East Tennessee, and it being the desire of the commanding general of the military division effectually to clear out the rebel army directly opposed to our forces at Knoxville, I received orders on the 10th instant to prepare to start for Knoxville on the 13th with such force as could safely be spared from the protection of Chattanooga and its communications, to co-operate with the Army of the Ohio in driving Longstreet from East Tennessee. The army at this period had been very much weakened by the absence of many regiments, who had gone to their respective States to reorganize as veteran volunteers (a list of which I have the honor to annex hereto), so that in making ~ny preparations I found but a small force available. My transportation was in a very poor con- dition, notwithstanding all the efforts made to replace the animals lost by starvation during the close investment of Chattanooga by the enemy, and for want of horses scarcely any of the artillery could be moved. On the 13th the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad was in run- ning order to London. The same day Matthies brigade, of the Fifteenth Corps (Army of the Tennessee), arrived at Chattanooga from huntsville, in pursuance to orders fr~m General Grant, and was immediately placed in position at Cleveland, in reserve. On the 14th I received a communication from General Grant, countermand- ing the orders~he had given me on the 10th to proceed with a force from my command to East Tennessee, and stating that from a con- versation he had had with General Foster, he (General Grant) was coimvinced that all that could be accoumplished by the proposed cam- paign would not compensate for the hardships upon our men, an Page 9 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 9 the disqualifying effects it would have upon them and our war mate- rial for a spring campaign. He then went on to say, that as I had been preparing for a move, he deemed it advisable to make one to my immediate front, the object being to gain possession of Dalton and as far south of that as possible. In accordance with the above instructions, everything being in readiness, Johnsons and Bairds divisions moved out ftom Chatta- nooga and occupied Riuggold, Ga., on the 22d, taking up a position on th~ ridge west of East Chickaniauga Creek, with two regiments of mounted infantry (Colonel Boones Twenty-eighth Kentucky and Colonel Harrisons Thirty-ninth Indiana), on the east side of the creek, the former on the right flank and the latter on the left. Carlins brigade, of Johnsons division, was stationed about midway between the main line and Taylors Ridge. Crufts division of the Fourth Corps moved on the 22d from Blue Sp rings, near Cleveland, to Red Clay. Longs brigade of cavalry co-operated with Crufts column, Longs instructions being to estab- lish communication with Cruft at Red Clay, and then push on as far as possible toward Dalton, on the Spring Place road, observing well the movements of the eneniy, so as to give timely warning of any attempt to turn Crufts left flank, and should the enemy retire, to notify Crnft, so that the latter might advance from Red Clay. During the evening of the 22d General Palmer notified me, from Riuggold, that he had reliable information that Johnston had dispatched Cheathams and Cleburnes divisions to the relief of Polk in Alabama, who was falling back before General Shermans column. On the 23d Davis division of the Fourteenth Corps closed up on the balance of General Palmers command at Ringgold. Brig- adier-General Matthies, commanding a brigade of the Fifteenth Corps stationed at Cleveland in reserve, was directed to send six regiments from his command to re-enforce General Cruft at Red Clay. Colonel Long, having established communication with Cruft the evening before, advanced with his brigade of cavalry along the Spring Place road, driving in the enemys vedettes when within 4 miles of Dal- ton, attacking a regiment of rebel infantry which was encamped I mile beyond, driving them from their camp and capturing some prisoners. The enemy then formed, and Long withdrew his com- mand to Russells Mills, 4 miles east of Xrarnell~s Station, on the Cleveland and Dalton Railroad, and encamped there for the night. Cruft, by instructions from General Palmer, took position on the 23d at Lees house, situated at the cross-roads on the road leading from Red Clay to Tunnel Hill. The command being at this time well concentrated in the vicinity of Riuggold, and having recon- noitered thoroughly on both flanks, General Palmer advanced to feel the enemy in his position at Tunnel Hill, skirmished with him 3 or 4 miles, and, finally, drove him from his position entirely, to a point Thont 1 mile beyond Tunnel Hill, where he formed line and opened on us with his battery. The main force then ~ithdrew and went into camp about 3 miles northwest of Tunnel Hill, and on the niorn- ing of the 24th the line stood as follows: Bairds division south of Taylors Ridge, near Riuggold, with Crufts division at Lees house, Johnsons and Davis divisions in advance, toward Tunnel Hill, with Boones and Tlarrisons regiments of mounted infantry (the former on the left), and Harrisons muemi leading time advance toward Tunnel Hill, Longs brigade of cavalry at Varnells Station, on the Cleveland and Dalton Railroad supported by Groses brigade o Page 10 10 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AM) N. C-A. [CIIAP. XLIV. Crufts division. An advance was made in three columns. After the right and left columns had moved out some distance, the center, with the mounted infantry in advance, . pnshed forward and met with a fire at long range from a battery of Parrott guns, the enemys practice being excellent and succeeding in checking the column. The right and left columns were then set in motion and succeeded in flanking the enemys battery, forcing it to retire. Davis division of the Fourteenth Corps was started in pursuit, and came up with a heavy force of rebels at Buzzard Roost, a pass through what is called Rocky Face Ridge, which, as its name would suggest, is very precipitous and is a very strong position. Johnsons division of the Fourteenth Corps was advanced to the support of Davis position on the evening of the 24th; Davis confronting the enemy at Buz- zar(l Roost., supported by Johnsons division posted a short distance west of Tunnel Hill; Cruft on his left; Crufts headquarters at Lees house. Bair(ls division of the Fourteenth Corps starte(i from Tunnel Hill at 3 a. m. on the morning of the 2~th to join General Cruft on the road leading from Lees house to Dalton, with instructions to move, in conjunction with Cruft and Longs cavalry, down the eastern side of Rocky Face Ridge, and endeavor to force the enemy out of his position in the pass by threatening his right and rear, while Davis, supported by Jolmson, attacked him in front. In the mean time, Harrisons regiment of mounted infantry (Thirty-ninth Indiana) occupied a gap in Rocky Face Ridge, 6 miles south of Buzzard Roost and nearly opposite to Dalton, his instructions being to hold it as long as possible. Baird and Cruft found the enemy east of the ridge in heavy force and very strongly posted, skirmished heavily with him until night-fall, when both divisions were with- (hrawii, ascertaining before leaving that the enemy was iii much stronger force than was supposed, and that in consequence of late movements on our part he had l)een obliged to or(ler back to Dalton the re-enforcements he had sent to relieve Polk in Alabama. Cle- burnes division (one of those reported to have gone south) attacked Colonel Harrisons mounted infantry command at daylight, on the niorning of the 26th, aml forced him to retire from the gap. Being convimiced that the rebel army at Dalton largely outnumbered the strength of the four divisions I had opposed to it, and the movement against Johmmston beimig a complete success, insommiuchi as it caused the recalling of re-enforcemnents semit to O~)pO5e General Sherman~ s expedition against Meridiami, I concl~d~I to withdraw my troops to the position they had occupied previous to the reconnaissance. Bairds division was to fall back on the evening of the 25th to Lees farm, and on the 26th take position on a line of hills about a mile north of the toxvn of Tunnel Hill, to cover the retirement of John- sons and Davis divisions from Buzzard Roost; Davis being or- dered to take post at his old camp in front of Rossville, leaving one brigade to support Baird (ordered to take post at Riuggold), until General Baird had sufficient time to establish his picket-lines. John- son was ordered to take post at Tyners Statiomwith two brigades of his command, sending one brigade to Graysvilhe, and placing a strong guard in Parkers Gap, northeast of Riuggold, to protect Bairds left flamik. Cruft was ordered to take imp his old position at Ooltewah., amid at Blue SprTngs (imeer Cleveland), semidimig a depot guard to pro- tect his supplies at Clevelamid. Longs brigade of cavalry ordered to uiake h)(~st at Cleveland, and keel) the left tiamik well patrolled. Col- ommel Harrisomi, comnnian(himig rrhirtyliinthi Indiana Mounted Imifantry Page 11 CUAP. XLIV.1 GENERAL REPORTS. 11 with the Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Tufantry, Col. W. P. Boone commanding, was posted at Leets Tan-yard, with instructions to patrol the couiitry in the direction of La Fayette, aii(~ to picket strongly all the roads leading from Leets in the (lirection of La Fay- ette. Resaca, and Dalton. In accordance with these instructions Johnson withdrew on the uio~ht of the 26th to Catoosa Platform, Davis, Baird, and Harrison to Riuggold, and on the ~22tb they all took up the positions indicated above. Cruft and Longs cav~alry also fell back to Catoosa Platform on the night of the 26th, and there took up the positions assigned them. I have the honor to forward herewith a consolidated report of cas- ualties; also the report~ of Col. Eli Long, commanding Second Bri- gade, Second Division of Cavalry, and a statement of a refugee from Dalton, showing how matters stood at that place during the late re- connaissance; the monthly returns, for January and February, of Col. J. G. Parkhurst, Ninth Michigan Veteran Volunteer Infantry, provost-marshal-general, and that of Lieut. Col. A. P. Porter, chief commissary of subsistence, giving the average daily issue of rations to destitute citizens during the above-named months. The following regiments, & c., have reorganized as veteran voliin- teers since the 31st of December, 1863, viz: Infantry : Second Minnesota, Fifty-eighth New York, Sixty- eighth New York, Forty-fifth New York, Tenth Illinois, Fifty-ninth Illinois. Thirty-sixth Illinois, Fifty-first Illinois, Forty-fourth Illi- nois, Forty-second Illinois, Eighty-second Ohio I ifty-fifth Ohio, Twenty-first Ohio, Seventeenth Ohio, Seventy tourth Ohio,Twenty- sixth Ohio, Forty-h rst Ohio, Nineteenth Ohio Thirty -first Ohio. Thirty-third Ohio, Fifty-first Ohio, Sixty-fonith Ohio, Fifteenth Ohio, Forty-ninth Ohio, Thirteenth Ohio, Seventy first Ohio, Sixty- fifth Ohio, Fortieth Ohio, Fifth Connecticut Thiiitieth Indiana, Forty-fourth Indiaiia, Thirty-first Indiana, Forty second Indiana, Twenty-second Indiana, Thirty-third Indiana Fitty seventh Indi- ana, Fifty-first Indiaiia, Fifty-eighth Indiana Foi tieth Indiana, Seveiity-thiird Pennsylvania, One hundred and ninth Peunsyl van ia, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, Twenty- first Kentucky, Fourth Kentucky, Eighteenth Keiitiicky, Twenty- third Keiitucky, Third Maryland, Thirteen th Wi5consin, Thirteenth Michigan, Fifteenth Missouri, Eighth Kansas. Mounted infantry : Seventeenth Iiidian a, Fourteenti Mid 1 igan. Cavalry : Fourth Kentucky, Sixth Kentucky, Third Kentucky, Seventh Pennsylvania, Fifth Iowa, First Ohio, Fourth Ohio, Third Ohio. Artillery: Fifth Wisconsin Battery; Second Illinois, H Battery; Second Illinois, I Battery; First Ohio, C Battery; First Ohio, F Bat- tery; First Ohio, B Battery; First Ohio, G Battery; Twelfth Ohio Independent Battery; Thirteenth New York Independent Battery; First Michigan, E Battery; Thirteenth Indiana Battery. Detachments: Second Massachusetts, ~ conipanies~ Thirty-seventh Indiana, Company I; Thirty-seventh Indiana, 47 n~ii; Tenth Indi- ana, 56 men; Twenty-seventh Indiana, 6 companies; Fifteenth Indi- ana, 67 men; Fifth Ohio, 7 companies; Seventh Ohio, Company F; Twenty-fourth Ohio, Company D; Eighteenth Ohio, 62 men; Sixty- ninth Ohio. 41 men; Twenty-seventh Illinois, Company I; Twenty- seventh Illinois, 90 men; Twenty-second Illinois, :34 men; Twenty-first *8cc p 472 Page 12 12 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., KND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Illinois, Company C; Tenth Maine, Company D; First New York Artillery, Battery I, 64 men, Battery M, 64 men; First Illinois Artil- lery, Battery C, 40 men; Fonrth U. S. Artillery, Battery F, 48 men; Fifth U. S. Artillery, Battery K, 52 men; Ninth Ohio Independent Battery, 41 men; First Michigan Engineers, 85 men; First Missouri Engineers, 84 men. Recapitulation: Fifty-two regiments of infantry, ~ regiments of mounted infantry, 8 regiments of cavalry, 11 batteries of artillery, and 24 detachments. I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE CHIEF COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE, Chattanooga, Tenn., March 8, 1864E Capt. S. C. KELLOGG, A. D. C., Ildqrs. Dept. of the Cumberiand, Chattanooga: CAPTAIN: In reply to yonr letter of to-day, I have the honor to inform yon that the average daily issnes of subsistence stores to des- titnte citizens for the month of January, 1864, was 686~~ rations, and for the month of February, 1864, the average daAy issue was 2, 944j~ rations. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. P. PORTER, Lient. Col. and Chief C. S., Dept. of the Cumberland. [Inclosure No. 2.] Report of prisoners of war and deserters received and disposed of, and oaths administered to citizens, during the month of January, 1864, at Chattanooga, ~Tenn. Prisoners of war captured and disposed of a Officers Men 591 Aggregate Deserters received and disposed of: By provost-marshal-general 594 By Captain Goodwin, assistant provost-marshal-general 414 Aggregate 1, 008 Oaths administered to citizens : b Allegiance 45 Amnesty 213 Aggregate 258 Respectfully submitted. J. G. PARKHURST, Col. ijlnth ilifichiqan Vol. lnf., Provost-Mars/wi- General. a The report of prisoners of war is taken from the register in Captain Goodwins office. b The report of oaths administered is taken from the records in this office Page 13 CHAP. XLIV.] GENIERAL REPORTS. 13 [Inclosure No. 3.] Report of prisoners of war and deserters received and disposed of, oaths adminis- tered to citizens, and sales and issues of rations to citizens, during the month of February, 1864. Station. 0 0 0 5 .0 ~ 5 o _______________ o Z E~ Prisoners of war: Captured: Officers 21 38 59 Men 182 421 603 Aggregate 20.3 459 662 Disposed of: Officers 59 Men 603 603 Aggregate 662~ 662 Deserters: Received 821 76 897 Paroled on oath 821 76 897 0 ______ Oaths administered to citizens: __ Allegiance Amnesty 263 263 Aggregate 806 806 Rations: Sales: Families Persons 2,901 2,901 Issues: Families 1,032 1,032 Persons Total: 5,809 5,809 Families 1,538 1,538 Persons 8,710 8,710 Respectfully submitted. J. G. PARKHURST, Cot. Ninth Michigan Jnf. 1~ols., Provost-Marshal- General. [Inclosure No. 4.]~~ ~ JOHN W. GLADDENS STATEMENT. Says he left Daltou on Saturday last. He states that the rebel losses iu the battles we had at Buzzard Roost and ou the east of Rocky Face Ridge were from 50 to 60 killed and 150 wounded. He stated that he was himself upon the field and also heard it from officers; their force in all was about 30,000 me~ and that their forces, which had previously started for Mobile, flad all returned, and that they would not now give furloughs upon any considera- tion ; also that the rebels had plenty of ammunition. Soldiers stat- ing freely if they were driven away frolu Dalton, large numbers of them would throw d7zwn their arms and fight no more. Respectfully submitted. JAMES LAMON Page 14 14 KY., sw. VA.~ TENN., MIS8.~ ALA., AND N. GA. LUnar. XLIV. Lindosure No. LI Killed and wounded .t th. battle okBuuard Rooat~uerzr Daltom, Ga., oslbbnsarp 1864. _______________ ill? _ S. HnDQuaTns DnnTnn or THE CuHEnLAND, Chattanooga, Tens., April 5,1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report as follows the operations of my command durinj ~he month of~arch:00 On the 1st the positions of the different divsions remanied nearly as mentioned in my last report yfr. Johnson!s division, of the Four- teenth Arm~r Corps (Palmers), at Tyners Station, except Kings brigade,, which was at Graysville; Davis 4ivision, rourteenth Corps, at Shallow Ford, near Bossville; Bairds division Fourteenth Corps, at Ringgold; Stanleysdivision, Fourth Corps (drangers), at Blue Springs, near Cleveland; the balance of Grangers command being still on duty with the Army of the Ohio. Longs brigade of cavalry was at or near Calhoun, picketing toward Columbus and Benton. The Thirty-ninth Indiana Mounted Infantry, CoL T. J. Harrison commanding was stationed at Leets farm, on the road leading from Gordodsi(ifls to Binggold and La Fayette, covering Bairds right flank. The Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker commanding, were guarding the railroad from Nash- ville to this point. March 1 aeneral Matthies and his command were ordered to rejoin the Fifteenth Co~ at Huntsville their services being no lonrr required; Longs trigade of cava~ry was ordered to take ,osition a eveland; Colonel hines with eight companies of the First Michigan Engineers and Meotanics, and two regiments of colored troops, ordered to commence the construction of block-houses and other defenses along the Nashville and Chattancoga Railroad, the First Missouri Engineers and Mechanics being detailed forsimular duty along the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. On the ad General Gordon Granger, commanding Fourth Army Corps, was directed to send one brigade of his command to Calhoun, with instructions to picket the approaches from Dalton, at Columbus and ~nton; Wagners brigade, of Sheridants division, accordingly took position at that place; Col. A. P. Campbell, commandin~ First Brigade. First Division of Cavalry, having reported the arrival of his command at Calhoun, was ordered on the 4th to p~to Cleve- land, and remain at that place for the present. Maj.Gen. Gordon Granger sent the following information from Loudon, on the 5th: Longstreets cavalry is said to be making its way to. jpin Johnston, via Marshall, Quaflatown, and Murphy, thence to Benton. it was expected at Murphy to-night. Fm loss from February 22 to 27, p. 421. S MUtAfl~P5~::7 S 151 U, 9 6 155 S Gavairy 3 138 U 5 3 Page 15 Cnxp. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 15 On the 5th Col. Daniel McCook, commanding Third Brigade, Davis division, Fourteenth Army Corps, was ordered to move his brigade to Lee and Gordons Mills, on Chickamanga Creek; Col. T. J. Harrison, commanding Thirty-ninth Indiana Mounted Infantry, stationed at Leets Tan-yard, was driven from his position by a heavy force of rebel cavalry, wbich, as was subsequently ascertained through a deserter, amounted to two brigades. They attempted to gain Har- rison s rear, but tailing to do so, retired by the same way they came. Information was received from a reliable source that Johnston was being re-enforced by infantry and Ruddeys cavalry; Col. Edward McCook, commanding First Division of Cavalry, was iiistructed on the 8th to place his command in camp at Cleveland, and endeavor to recruit his animals as much as possible, sending out scouting parties along our front. This division had been serving with the Army of the Ohio since the withdrawal of Longstreet from before Knoxville, and with long marches, together with the difficulty of procuring forage, the horses and transportation of the command were in poor condition. On the 8th Colonel Harrison was directed to remove his command from Lee aiid Gordons Mills to a position on the road leading from the mills to Riuggold, throwing out I)ickets to Leets Tami-yard and to Woods Gap. Col. W. P. Boone, commanding Twemity-eigbth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, ordered to move his commnaii(l to Lee anJ Gordons Mills. and report to Col. Damiiel McCook, commamiding the brigade at that place. On the 9th Colonel Harrison reconnoitered the gaps iii Taylors Ri~ge amid found the enemy in larger force thami they were previous to lie emonstration of the 5th. On the 13th Longs brigade of cavalry left Cleveland for Riuggold. The Western and Atlantic Railroad was in running order to Graysville the same (lay. During the evening Colonel McCook reported, by signal, fro~m Lee and Gor- domis Mills, that Colonel Boone had just returned from beyond La Fayette, and that lie found no rebels at tbe gaps. On the I (3th the following informatioii was received (lirect from Dalton, and from a relhmble source: Rebel force 45.000, comprising Hoods four divisions Stevenson, on the left, south- east of Dalton, (3,000; Breckinridge, on the left center, 4,000; Stewart on the right center and Hindman on the right. Hardees four divisions; Cleburnes on the left, east of Dalton, 5000 strong; Cheathani~s on the right, and two others on the rail- road. Roddeys cavalry was near Varnells Sta~ion~nninbering 2,000 men ; Wheeler was in front with ii,odo men; total cavalry, 12,000. to 14000. March 18 the balance of Johnsons divisiomi, Fourteenth Corps, reached Graysville from Tyners Station amid went into canip at that place. Omi the 20th tbe Western amid Atlantic Railroad was in running order to Riuggold. About this time information was sent me from Dalton confirmatory of the report received from General Gordomi Gran gem, on the 5th, to the effect tbat a part ~ Longstreets cav- alry was re-enforcmng Johnston, sai(l to be Martins division. Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge, of the Army of the Tennessee, reported from Athens on the 23d, by telegraph. that he had pushed down both sides of the Tennessee River and found the enemy very strohg on the south side, and that he bad no doubt they were preparing for a raid. He could not tell whether it was the whole of Forrests force or not. Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard, commanding time Second Cavalry Di- vision, at Huntsville, was instructed to niove his force to the suppor Page 16 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLt of General Dodge. In a second dispatch General Dodge said h~s troops struck the enemy 3 miles south of Moulton, and after a sha~p fight fell back with a loss of 4 killed and 10 wounded, the enemy f 1- lowing for a distance of 14 miles. A number of the enemy w ~ce killed and wounded, and our force took several prisoners, amc ~ig them a captain of artillery belonging to Forrests command. fn- formation from various sources went to show a concentration of a heavy force of cavalry in Northern Alabama, parties of rebels show- ing themselves in the vicinity of Capertons Ferry on the south side of the Tennessee, and extending nearly as far west as Tuscumbi& . Col. William B. Stokes, commanding Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, reports on the 29th from Sparta, Teun.. the operations of his com- mand against the guerrillas in that vicinity, having had several engagements with them in the space of a fortnight, in which he succeeded in completely routing and scattering them, killing and wounding a number, among them two of their most active leaders, Bledsoe and Champ Fergnson. The organization of colored troops within my command is pro- gressing rapidly and satisfactorily. There are now on duty six fully organized regiments, with an aggregate force of 4,000 men, and three more regiments of infantry organizing, besides a battery of light artillery. The following named regiments, & c., have reorganized as veteran volunteers during the month of March, 1864: Infantry: Tenth Michigan, Thirty-sixth Ohio, Sixty-first Ohio, Sixty-ninth Ohio, Sixtieth Illinois, Thirty-eighth Illinois, Twenty- first Illinois. Mounted infantry: Twenty-eighth Kentucky. Cavalry: Second Kentucky. Artillery: Battery G, First Missouri, Eighth Wisconsin Battery. Detachments: Third Wisconsin Battery; Seventy-ninth Pennsyl- vania Infantry~ three companies Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry; five companies Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; five companies Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry; detachment Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Companies F and K, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infajmtry. Total: Seven regiments of infantry, one regiment of mounted infantry, one regiment of cavalry, two batteries of artillery, and seven detachments of all arms. There had returned to the army from furlouoh up to March 31 thirty-three regiments of infantry, five of cavalry, and ten batteries of artillery, with 5,429 recruits, a list of which is annexed, marked A. * I have the honor to forward, herewith, the monthly return for March of prisoners, & c., from Col. J. G. Parkhurst, provost-mar- shal-general, and a statement of the number of rations issued to destitute citizens during March, from Li~ut. Col. A. P. Porter, chief commissary, of subsistence. I am, very respectfully, your obedient ~rvant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Omitted Page 17 GENERAL REPORTS. 17 [Inclosure No. 1.] Report of prisoners of war and deserters received and disposed of, oaths adminis- tered to citizens, and sales and issues of rations to citizens during the month of March, 1864. Prisoners of war: Captured: Officers Men Aggregate Disposed of: Officers Men Aggregate Deserters: Received Paroled on oath Oaths administered to citizens: Allegiance Amnesty Aggregate Rations: Sales: Families Persons Issues: Farnilie~ Persons Total: Families Persons Station. 01 01 & ci .0 ~ .0 0 oft 4 34 38 100 107 a 0 H 11 134 145 11 11 134 134 145 145 612 41 653 612 41 653 531 394 925 601 3, 729 1,561 9,958 2,162 13,687 6,320 6,320 6,851 394 ~,245 601 3,729 1,561 9,958 2,162 13,687 Respectfully submitted. J. G. PARKHURST, Gol. Ninth Michigan Vol. Inf. and Provost-Marshal-General. [Inclosure No. 2.4~ ~ Statement of the number of rations issued to destitute citizens, in the Department of the Cumberland, during the month of March, 1864. Nashville, Tenn Chattanooga, Tenn. (issued half-rations) Ala Tenn Clarksville, Teun Callioun, Tenn Gallatin, Tenn. (none issued.) First Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland Lookout Valley, Tenn Whitesides, Tenn Shellmound, Tenn Bridgeport, Ala Fourth Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland 2 R RVOL XXXII, PT I CHAP. XLIV.] Rations. 40,000 106,138 15,330 6,912 412 1,906 340 14,314 8,854 5,469 5,726 6,10 Page 18 18 KY., SW. VA., TEINN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Statement of the number of rations issued to destitute citizens, & e.Continued. Rations. Twelfth Army Corps, Department of the Ctti berland 130 Tyners Station, Tenn 18,500 Graysville, Ga 400 Rossville, Ga 11,302 Ringgold, Ga 1,206 Total 233,039 J. C. READ, Captain and Acting Chief Commissary of Subsistence. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Office Chief Corn. Sub., Chattanooga, Tenn., April 12, 1864. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., May 2, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the operations of my com- mand for the month of April as follows, viz: On the 2d instant a force of rebels, said to be 1,500 strong, made a demonstration in the direction of Cleveland and Charleston, E. Tenn., approaching to within 8 miles of Cleveland, when they divided into parties; one going ont in the direction of Ducktown, through the mountains, the other remaining and falling back toward Dalton on the appearance of a force of our cavalry sent ont from Cleveland in command of Colonel La Grange, of the First Wisconsin. A scout, who arrived at Cleveland on the 3d, reported that the above move- ment on the part of the enemy was for the purpose of covering the approach of a force from Longstreets army which was on its way to re-enforce Johnston by way of Murphy, N. C. This was afterward ascertained to be Martins division of cavalry. On the sth the following changes were ordered in the organization of the Army of the Cumberlaud: The Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps to be consolidated and known as the Twentieth Army Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker; Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger relieved of the command of the Fourth Army Corps and Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard (formerly commanding the Eleventh Army Corps) in his stead. Maj. Gen. P. H. Sheridan having been relieved from the command of the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. John New- ton was assigned to that command, and ordered to report to Major- General Howard. On the 10th Brig. Gen. J. W. Geary, commanding Second Di- vision, Twentieth Army Corps, stationed along the railroad from Bridgeport to Stevenson, was ordered to organize an expedition, con- sisting of two regiments, with ten days rations, and embark on the steamer Chickamauga, taking one piece of a~tillery to protect the boat, and then proceed down the Tennessee River as far as Decatur, Ala., examining carefully the south bank of the river, and all streams emptying into it from the south side; destroying all boats of what- ever kind he ni~ight find, and notifying the inhabitants that no more boats would be permitted to be used or built, except with the per- mission of the commanding officer. On returning, General Geary was to examine the north bank in the same manner, and destroy al Page 19 CHAP. XLIV.I GENERAL REPORTS. 19 boats he might find, except such as Major-General McPherson, corn- manding Army of the Tennessee, should need, and the boats at Decatur or Larkius Ferry, which will be the only points at which communication across the river will be permitted, notifying the inhabitants of the same. April 11 the cavalry command of the army was reorganized, form- ing four divisions, of three brigades each, averaging three regiments to a brigade. Brigadier-General Geary returned to Bridgeport on the 15th, re- porting the result of his expedition down the Tennessee to be that he proceeded as far as Triana, Ala., where he came upon the enemy in heavy force on both sides of the river; that deeming it advisable to proceed no farther, General Geary returned, having destroyed a considerable number of boats both going and coming. Information gained from deserters and others estimate the strength of the rebel army at Dalton to be 45,000 infantry and about 12,000 cavalry. The enemy has two brigades of cavalry at Tunnel Hill, watching our movements at Riuggold and the gaps through Taylors Ridge, and one brigade on the road leading from Dalton to Cleve- land, picketing the approaches from that direction. The Fourth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard commanding, having been relieved from duty with the Army of the Ohio, was concentrated at Cleveland on the 22d, and camped at that place and vicinity. The First Division of Cavalry, Col. Edward M. McCook commanding, was still at that point picketing and patrolling the country. Frequent skirmishes have taken place during the month all along our front, between our own and the enemys cavalry. In quite a sharp little affair near Leets farm, on the 23d, we lost 5 killed and 10 wounded, besides 1 officer and 12 men taken prisoners; the enemy having had an overwhelming force, succeeded in gaining our rear. A scout, who left Dalton on the 16th, reports that two divisions from Hardees corps were to be sent to re-enforce Lee in Virginia; this force to be replaced by Lorings division from Mississippi. This man passed through the enemys defenses at Buzzard Roost, and reports them very strong. On the 29th a reconnaissance was made toward Tunnel Hill from Riuggold, composed of 300 cavalry under Kilpatrick and Van Derveers brigade of infantry. They advanced to within a short dis- tance of Tunnel Hill, driving the enei~iy~before them until they developed a largely superior force, when the expedition returned to Riuggold. About this time preparations were commenced for the propose& advance on Dalton in May. The Second Division of Cav- alry, Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard commanding, started from Co- lumbia, Teun., under instructions to report to General McPherson for further orders. The Twentieth Army Corps, Major-General Hooker commanding, was directed to conceuftate in Lookout Valley. G~eral Rousseaus division, of that command, to garrison the block-houses and other points along the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad; the balance of the corps to be placed in marching order immediately. The Fourteenth C~ps, Maj. Gen. J. M. Palmer commanding, was to concentrate at Riuggold, Ga., as soon as possible; and the Fourth Corps was in readiness to move from Cleveland as soon as ordered. Garrards division of cavalry being under orders to report to Ge Page 20 20 KY., SW. VA., ThNN., MISS., ALA., AM) N. GA. [C~1Av. XLIV. eral McPherson for duty, MeCooks (i1V1S1Oli (First) was to move on Howards left, and Kilpatricks (Third) to operate with Palmers corps from iRiuggold. Reliable information was received on the 30th from Atlanta (27th) that heavy re-enforcements to Johns~ton had been passing that point since the 20th, said to be from Mobile, estimated at 10,000. The same person reports from Rome (28th) that part of Polks corps was there, numbering abont 5,000, and still more arriving. Two trains with artillery, fourteen pieces, had arrived that day. Martins cav- alry division was also there, about 4,000 men; also, part of Polks corps had reached Dalton the same day (28th). A reliable scout, sent to Dalton from Chattanooga, reaching Dal- ton on the 25th, returned on the 30th, reporting that the whole of Hoods corps had been moved to the front from its old position in the immediate vicinity of Dalton. He went to Atlanta on the 27th, but learned nothing of importance there. At Resaca he saw the camps of Armstrongs division of cavalry, and at Rome he learned that Lorings and another division had arrived from Mississippi, thus corroborating information received from a different source. During the month there have returned to this army from furlough, as veteran volunteers, eighteen regiments of infantry, one of cav- alry, and four batteries of artillery, with an aggregate of 2,697 re- cruits gained while absent. The quartermasters department has been particularly active con- structing store-houses, & c., at Chattanooga. I have the honor to inclose herewith lists of steamers and other transportation employed by the quartermasters department on the Upper Tennessee, and of the milil ary store-houses at Chattanooga and Bridgeport; also the monthly report of the transactions of the provost-marshals depart- ment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding. Lient. Col. R. M. SAWYER, A. A. G., Military Division of the Mississippi. [Inclosure No. 1.] List of military store-houses constructed at Bridgeport, Ala., up to May 1, 1864. No. Location. Dimensions. For what used. Condition. Feet. I At upper levee 450 by 30 Transfer storehouse Completed. I do 315by30 do Do. 1 On line of railroad toupper land- 100 by 30 Store-house Do. ing. 1 Jo 100by30 do DoL 1 do 300by90 do Do. 1 do 300by90 do Do. 1 256 by 30 Ordnance stQye.house Do. 1 65 by 30 Depot bui1dii~ Do. L. C. EASTON, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CIJMBERLAND, O~Jice Chief Quartermaster, Riuggold, Ga., May 6, 1864 Page 21 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS, 21 [Inclosure No. 2.] List of military store-houses built and in process of construction at Chattanoo a Tenn., May 1, 1864. No. Location. Dimensions. By whom used. . Condition. Feet. 1 On river front of Market street... 150 by 40 Capt. C. K. Smith, assistant quar- Completed termaster May 1,64. 1 do 300by50 do Do. 2 do 300 by 50 Capt. A. D. Baker, commissary of Do. subsistence. 1 On river near Market street 50 by 20 Capt. H. M. Smith, assistant quar- Do. termaster. 1 In rear of depot quartermasters 204 by 40 do Do. office. 1 On Market street 250 by 50 do Do. do 115 by 50 Buildings forengineerde)artment One-fourth completed. 1 In rear of market-house 300 by 50 Buildingsforcommissarydepap~ Do. ment. 1 On Market street 460 by 50 Buildings for ordnance depart- Do. ment. 1 On river-bank (brick magazine) do One- third completed. 1 In rear of depot quartermasters 154 by 40 Buildings for quartermasters de- Foundation office. partment. being laid. L. C. EASTON, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Office Chief Quartermaster, Ring gold, Ga., May 6, 1864. [Inclosure No. 3.] LIST OF U. S. STEAMERS PLYING ON THE UPPER TENNESSEE RIVER, MAY 1, 1864. ChiCkamauga, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Chattauooga, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Kiugstou, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Lookout, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Missionary, built by quartermasters ~epartment at Bridgeport, Ala. Paiut RoCk, Captured at Chattauooga. Guu-boat A, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Guu-boat B, built by quartermasters department at Bridgeport, Ala. Fourteeu barges, built by quartermasters port, Ala. - department at Bridge Three more boats have beeu buiilt at Bridgepoi~4, and are now re- ceiving their engines and joiner-work. L. C. EASTON, Lieutenant- Colonel and Chief Quartermaster. HEADQUARTERS II~EPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chief Quartermasters Office, Ringgold, Ga., May 6, 1864 Page 22 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLTV. [Inclosure No. 4.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL GENERAL, Chattanooga, Teun., ililiay 3, 1864. Capt. S. C. KELLOGG, Aide-de-Ganip, Department of the Gumberland: CAPTAIN: In compliance with your instructions of the 1st instant, I have the honor to submit the following report of prisoners of war, rebel deserters, and oaths administered during the month of April, 1864: Prisoners of war Rebel de~erters. Oaths. 5; 55 03 0 Bywhom. . H ~ H ~ H H H H H ~ H ~ H ~ H H H ~ H H H 0 ~ 0 ~ -1 ~ By Colonel Parkhnrst, provost-ruarshal-gen- 9 319 328 38 38 eral. By Capt. R. M. Goodwin, assistant provost- 30 237 267 3 32 35 865 865 marshal-general. Total 30 237 267 12 351 36b 38 865 903 Respectfully submitted. H. M. DUFFIELD, Lieut. and Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal- General, For Colonel PARKHURST, Provost-Marshal- General. No. 2. Itinerary of the Army of the Gumberland, commanded by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, January 1-April 30.* FOURTH ARMY CORPS. t 4 JANUARY. January 14 and 15, under orders from department commander, the Second and Third Divisions broke up camp near Blains Cross-Roads and moved, with all trains, toward Dandridge, Teun., for forage and subsistence, Third Division in advance; crossed Hoiston River on railroad bridge at Strawberry- Plains, and by ford and ferry at head of column reached Dandri~dge at night. January 16, encamped at Dandridge early~n the morning. ~ * From monthly returns. t Commanded by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger from October 10, 1863, to April 10, 1864; Maj. Gen.Oliver 0. Howard to July 27,1864. f The return of First Brigade, Second Division, reports: Immediately after ar- riving had a skirmish with Longstreets cavalry, driving the enemy back from his position; casualties, 1 corporal and 2 privates slightly wounded Page 23 cHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 23 January 17, slight skirmish with the enemy; under orders fell back to Strawberry Plains at night ; Third Division in the rear. January 18, encamped at Flat Creek, Tenn., and beyond Holston River, in vicinity of Strawberry Plains. January 20, ordered and moved to Sevierville via Knoxville. January 21, passed through Knoxville and went into camp south of the Holston. January 23, two brigades of Second Division ordered to London and one brigade to Kingston; two brigades of Third Division ordered to Maryville and one brigade to Lenoirs * moved on same day. January 25, in position with headquarters at Loudon. January 26 to 28, First Division brigade camps at Bridgeport, Shellmound, and Whitesides broken up and division moved toward Chattanooga. January 29 and 30, in position near Tyners Station. FEBRUARY. First Division. Broke up camp at Tyners Station and moved First Brigade to Blue Springs on the 5th; Second Brigade toward Ooltewah on the 3d, thence to Blue Springs on the 6th; Third Brigade toward Charleston on the 2d, thence to Cleveland on the 4th, toward Ooltewah on the 5th, and to Blue Springs on the 6th. The First Brigade at Blue Springs during month guarding East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad; Second and Third Brigades engaging in recon- naissance toward Dalton, Ga.; on the 22d skirmishing with enemy, and on the 28th returning to camp. Brigadier-General Cruft in com- niand of division from 13th until close of the month, Major-General Stanley being temporarily absent. Second Division. The First Brigade broke up camp at Kingston, and was moved to London under department orders of the 31st ultimo. Division en- camped at London during the month, procuring forage and subsist- ence, guarding depots and railroads and establishing ferries. Four regiments from Third Brigade and section of artillery moved to Sweet Water on the 17th and returnefl 6W 22d. During absence of Major-General Sheridan Brioad from the 24th instant. b ier-General Wagner in command Third Division. Under orders from department commander to concentrate at Knoxville, was moved on the 15th, and retorted at Knoxville to Major-General Schofield on 16th. Moved to Flat Creek on 24th, to Strawberry Plains on 27th, and to New Market on 28th. Brigadier- General Wood returning from absence resumed command on the 12th. Headquarters of the corps during the month at Loudon, Tenn. *The return of Third Division reports that the Forty-fourth Judiana. Eighth Kan- sas, Twenty-third Kentucky, and Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Nineteenth, Forty-first, and Forty-ninth Ohio Regiments were sent home during the month on veteran furlough Page 24 24 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. fOHAP. XLIV. MARCH. First Division. March 12, headquarters moved to Blue Springs; First Brigade sta- tioned at Ooltewah and Second and Third Brigades at Blue Springs during the month, doing the ordinary camp duties. * Second Division. At London, Teun., assisting in the construction of railroad bridge over Tennessee River, guarding stores, & c. Third Division. Made no movement of importance until the 19th, when it marched to Strawberry Plains, and leaving the First Brigade to garrison that post, proceeded to Rutledge, Teun. March 24, moved to Powder Spring Gap and opened communica- tion with Cumberland Gap, and several expeditions were made to ascertain the position and movements of the enemy. Headquarters of the corps at Loudon, Tenn., during the month. APRIL. First Division has not changed position since last return; Second Division marched from London to Cleveland, Tenn., on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th instant; Third Division marched from Straw- berry Plains about the !st instant, and by easy marches proceeded to its present position [near McDonalds]. Headquarters moved on the 10th instant. ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. t JANUARY. Second Division, commanded by Col. Adolphns Bnschbeck, Twenty- seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. The division has remained in caThy during the past month; has, besides usual guard details, furnished large working parties on military roads and railroad. The following regiments re-enlisted as veteran volunteers and left the command to go to their respective States on recruiting service: January 4, the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with 29 officers and 477 men. January 11, the Fifty-fifth Ohio Voluiiteer Infantry, with 27 officers and 423 men; the Seventy-third Pennsylvania Vcdunteers, with 15 officers and 164 men. From these regiments there remain~d here the following numbers of men, who either were debarred the privilege of re-en- listing by the limited term of their previous service or were unwill- ing to re-enlist: From the Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, * The Twenty-first, Thirty-first, and Thirty-eighth Illinois Regiments on veteran furlough. ~ Commanded by Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard from April 2,1863, to April 18, 1864, when it was consolidated with the Twelfth Corps to form the Twentieth Corps Page 25 CEAP. XLIV.] GENERAL UEPORTS. 25 185 men, transferred to the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers; from the Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 118 men, and from the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 16 men, in all 184 men who were transferred to the One hnndred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. Third Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz. Five of the regiments of this division, having re-enlisted as vet- erans, left for home, as follows: The Fifty-eighth New York Vol- nnteers and the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers on Jannary 8; the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteers on Jannary 10, and the Sixty- eighth New York Volunteers on January 12. January 25, at 7 a. in., this division marched from Lookont Valley and assumed the following stations: The Third Bi igade, with the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers of the Second Brigade, were posted at Whitesides, Tenn. ; the remainder of the Second Brigade at Shellmound, Tenn., and the First Brigade at a point opposite Bridgeport, Ala. Division headqnarters were established at Shell- mound, Tenn., where they have since remained. The division serves as a guard for the U. S. military railroad along this route, and is engaged in guard, picket, patrol, and scouting duty. FEBRUARY. First Division, commanded by Brig. Cen. William T. Ward. February 22, the First Brigade, First Division, was ordered by headquarters Department of the Cumberland to march to Bridge- port, Ala., reporting to Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard, commanding Eleventh Corps, for assignment to station. February 23, marched from Nashville. February 29, reached Tullahoma. The Second Brigade, on the removal of the First Brigade from Nashville, was ordered by Major- General Rousseau, commanding District of Nashville, to take post as follows: The Thirty-third Indiana, Nashville, Teun.; Eighty- fifth Indiana, La Vergue and Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad; Twenty-second Wisconsin, Nashville, Teun., and Nineteenth Mich- igan, MeMinuville, Tenn. Division headquarters moved, and i~ m~ow (March 15) with the First Brigade in Lookout Valley. Second Division, commanded by Gol. Adolphns Bnschbeclc, Twenty~ seventh Pennsylvania infantry. The division remains still in camp as at (late of last return. No important military operations have taken place; time employed in drilling and promoting the efficiency of the comm~nd. First Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Hector Tyndale. This brigade has been lying during the entire month at a point on the south bank of the Tennessee River opposite Bridgeport, Ala. It has been engaged during a great part of the month in renderin Page 26 26 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the place secure from attack by constructing works, slashing timber, and obstructing various roads and means of ingress by which an enemy might approach. The Forty-fifth Regiment New York Vol- unteer Infantry proceeded on furlough as a veteran organization on February 2, and is still absent. MARCH. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. William T. Ward. March 2, division headquarters, with First Brigade, left Tullahoma. March 10, reached Wauhatchie, Tenn., where they were encamped by order of Major-General Howard, commanding Eleventh Army Corps; Second Brigade stationary. March 25, the Thirty-third Indiana went home as veterans. The remainder of their men (252) were temporarily assigned to the Eighty-fifth Indiana. Second Division, commanded by.Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr. The division remains in camp in Lookout Valley; position un- changed. The Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry have returned from furlough. March 30, the First Brigade of this division made a reconnaissance to McLemores Cove. Nothing important was obtained, and no engagement. Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Hector Tyndale. During the month the division has been performing guard duty along the U. S. military railroad from Bridgeport to Wauhatchie, sending out continually scouting parties in a southerly direction. The Fifty-eighth and Sixty-eighth New York Veteran Volunteers, the Eighty-second Ohio Veteran Volunteers, and the Thirteenth New York Veteran Battery have returned from their furloughs. The Sixty-first Ohio Volunteers, having re-enlisted as veterans, have gone to Ohio. Battery K, First Michigan Artillery, has been de- tached from the division, and Battery I, of same regiment, has joined the division from Nashville. March 24, the organization of the division was changed to two brigades by yirtue of Special Ordgrs,4No. GO, headquarters Eleventh Corps. TWELFTH ARMY CORPS. * JANUARY. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alphens S. Williams. The division remained in camp in same position as during the month of December, guarding the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail- road between Wartrace and Stevenson. All the old regiments of this division have re-enlisted. Two regiments have gone home in a * Commanded by Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum from September 13, 1863, to April 18, 1864, when it was consolidated with the Eleventh Corps to form the Twentieth Corps Page 27 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 27 body during the month and three more are ready to follow. Pur- suant to orders from the War Department one regiment, the One hundred and forty-fifth New York Volunteers, has been disbanded, the commissioned officers and surplus non-commissioned officers mustered out, and the privates transferred to other New York regi- inents in the division. The work upon fortifications along the line of the railroad has been carried on during the entire month; January 20, the garrison at Tracy City was attacked by guerrillas in numbers greatly superior to those of the garrison, an(i after a sharp fight of about two hours the enemy were repulsed. Our cas- nalities were 2, viz: One captain severely wounded and 1 enlisted man mortally wounded. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gem. John W. Geary. The division remained in camp in Lookout Valley until the 4th in- stant, when it marched to Bridgeport, Ala., two brigades encamping at that place and the Third Brigade being sent to Stevenson. The strength present for duty of the command has been much reduced by the re-enlistment of veterans and their departure on furlough. During the month the following organizations left the command, having re-enlisted: First Brigadefive companies One hundred and forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, January 3; seven com- panies Fifth Ohio Volunteers, January 27; Second BrigadeOne hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, January 20; Third BrigadeSeventy-eighth and One hundred and second New York Volunteers, January 1; Artillery, Independent Battery E, Penn- sylvania Volunteers, January 6. The remaining troops of the First and Second Brigades are doing garrison duty, & c., at the post at Bridgeport, and the Third Brigade at Stevenson. FEBRUARY. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Aiphens S. Williams. This division remains on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and owing to the reduction of effective strength, in consequence of the return home of veteran reginients on furlough, it has been relieved by the Second Division from that part of the line from Stevenson to Tantalon. During the month the re-enlisted portions of Forty-sixth Penn- sylvania, Third Maryland, aud Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry Regiments, aiid of Battery F, Fourth United States; M, First New York, and Ninth Ohio, have left on furlough; the Third Regiment Wisconsin Veteran Volunteers and Second Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers have returned. The tax levied upon citizens of Lincoln County for the support of the families of. men murdered in December has been collected this month. On the return of the expedition, while on the march, 2 privates of the One hiundrec~and fiftieth New York Volunteer Infantry became separated from the column aiid were killed by guerrillas. An expedition was also sent into another portion of Lincoln County to break up a band of troublesome guer- rillas, and they succ~eded in capturing a number of the outlaws, who are now undergoing trial before a military commission Page 28 28 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. John W. Geary. The division lay encamped on the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail- road; the First and Second Brigades and the artillery at Bridgeport, and Third Brigade at Stevenson, Ala., gnarding the railroad and performing provost duty until the 11th instant. February 11, the line was extended, and four companies of the Third Brigade were detached and sent to Anderson, Teun., to guard that post, and four companies of the First Brigade were detached and sent to Capertons Ferry, on Tennessee River, between Steven- son and Bridgeport, Ala. February 20, information was received that the rebel Morgan in- tended making a raid on this post, with a view of destroying the railroad bridge over the Tennessee or tearing up the track of the railroad at some adjacent point, for the purpose of interrupting communication with Chattanooga. Every preparation was made to repel attack, and on the 21st the One hundred and forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Lient. Col. A. Pardee, were sent on reconnaissance to Jasper, Tenn., to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy, if any. They returned on the 22d, and reported no in- dication of the presence of an enemy. February 22, a telegram was received from Major-General hooker, stating that Cleburnes division was then at La Fayette, Ga., in- tending to attack the railroad opposite Bridgeport or between that place and Chattanooga. Guns were put in position, the earth-works strengthened, and the command fully prepared to defeat any design of destroying the bridges or railroad in the occupation of the divis- ion, but the enemy did not appear. A line of pickets extends from a point on the right bank of the Tennessee River, 3 miles above Bridgeport, to a point 1-~ miles south of Anderson, Tenn., guarding the fords on the river and patrolling the railroad, one company being at Widows Creek bridge, on railroad. Division headquar- ters at Bridgeport, Ala. MARCH. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Aipheus S. Williams. The division remains on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, as per last report, performing ab.Qui~ the same duty as heretofore. The veteran regiments are returning as their furloughs expire. About two-thirds of the rails on the McMinnville branch railroad have been taken up during the month and brought to Tullahoma without any casualties. One attack only has been made on the rail- road, and that very soon repulsed without loss upon our side. Some negroes in the railroad employ were run o an some of them, it is reported, were murdered. The attack was by tearing up the track half way between the post at Estill Springs and the trestle bridge at Poor Mans Creek. A train was thrown d~1~ and the cars set on fire, but three only were burned, a portion of the guard at Estill Springs arriving in time to save the others. Second Di7iision, commanded by Brig. Gen. John W. Geary. The division is encamped as reported on February return, viz: First and Second Brigades and artillery at Bridgeport, Ala., an Page 29 CH~. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 29 Third Brigade at Stevenson, Ala., guarding Nashville and Chatta- nooga Railroad and its bridges between Bridgeport, Ala., and Ander- son, Tenn. Fonr companies of First Brigade are at Capertons Ferry, on Tennessee River, and one company at Widows Creek bridge, on railroad. March 17, the Twenty-ninth Ohio and One hundred and forty- seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, of First Brigade, und& r the gen- eral commanding the division, made a reconnaissance to Trenton, Ga. No considerable bodies of the enemy were ascertained to be in the vicinity. Small parties were reported in Wills Valley, and 6 rebel soldiers of Cleburnes division were captured. March 18, expedition returned. March 31, an expedition, consisting of the Fifth Ohio and Twenty- eighth Pennsylvania, of the First Brigade, under Colonel Candy, pro- ceeded down the Tennessee for the purpose of scouring the country and capturing guerrillas reported in the neighborhood. The column has not yet returned, and no intelligence has been received from it up to this date. During the month the following veteran organizations returned to the command from furlough: Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, First Brigade, March 8; One hundred and forty-seventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers, First Brigade, March 6; Fifth Ohio Volunteers, First Brigade, March 26; One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Second Brigade, March 9; One hundred and second New York Volunteers, Third Brigade, March 12; Independent Battery E, Pennsylvania Volunteers, March 8. The Twenty-ninth and One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania, of Second Brigade, and one com- pany of Seventh Ohio, of First Brigade, are still absent. Battery K, Fifth U.S. Artillery (4 commissioned officers and 92 enlisted men), was relieved from duty with division March 29 by Special Orders, No. 16, headquarters chief of artillery, Department of the Cumberland, March 12, 1864, and Battery B, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery (4 commissioned officers and 184 enlisted men), reported for duty March 28 in pursuance of same order. Division headquar- ters are at Bridgeport, Ala. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. * JANUARY. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson. Two regimentsSeventy-eighth Pennsylvania and Twenty-first Wisconsin Volunteersof the Third Brigade have remained in camp on Lookout Mountain during the month. January 21, the remainder of the command changed camp from the right of the line to the vicinity of Fort Wood. The followino regiments, having re-enlisted as veterans, were fu~loughed during the month to their respective States: The Twenty-first, Thirty-third, and Seventy-fourth Ohio, and the Thirty-eighth and Forty-second Indiana. The division has keen engaged during the month on grand guard and fatigue duty. * Commanded by Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer from October 28, 1863, to August 6, 1864 Page 30 30 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Second Divis ion, commande(t by Brig. Gm. J~fferson C. Davis. Camp of the division located near Rossville, Ga. January 26, a reconnaissance was ordered to the front. The divis- ion moved out to iRiuggold, where it remained until the 28th, when it marched back to Camp. * Second Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Cot. Gustave Kam- merting, Ninth Ohio Infantry. During the month this brigade has laid in camp, doing heavy picket and fatigue duty. The One hundred and first Indiana is sta- tioned at Rossville, picketing the gap there. January 26, the Thirty-fifth and One hundred and fifth Ohio and Seventy-fifth Indiana, nuder command of Lient. Col. William OBrien, Seventy-fifth Indiana, marched to Harrison, returning the 29th. FEBRUARY. The First and Third Divisions were encamped at Chattanooga until February 22; Second Division at Rossyille, Ga. February 22, the First and Third Divisions marched to Ringgold, Ga. February 23, the First Division pushed forward to Tunnel Hill, with slight skirmishing; Second Division moved up to Riuggold, Ga. February 24, whole corps moved upon the enemy (excepting one brigade of Second Division left to guard gap at Ringgold) and drove the advance of the enemy, with some heavy skirmishing, back to Buzzard Roost Gap. February 25 and 26, skirmishing continued. February 27, the troops retired, First Division to Tyners Station, Second Division to Rossville, and Third Division to Ringgold, which positions they now hold. Loss during the reconnaissance was slight, considering the amount of work done and strength of the enemy. MARCH. First Division, commanded by B ig~ Gem. Richard W. Johnson. The First and Third Brigades of the division, together with divis- ion headquarters, remained at Tyners Station, Tenn.. until March 19; then marched to Graysville, Ga., situated on Western and Atlantic Railroad, 18 miles southeast of Chattanooga, where Second Brigade has been encamped during the entire month. The Seventy- eighth Pennsylvania and Twenty-first Wisconsin Regiments re- mained detached on Lookout Mountain du~ing the month; also Second Battalion, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, and Fifteenth Kentucky Infantry at Chattanooga. Battery H, Fifth U. S. Artillery, was relieved from duty with division March 12, Special Orders, No. 16, current series~ chief of artillery, Department of the Cnmberland. Remaining two batteriesBattery A, First Michigan Artillery, and Battery C, First Illinois Artilleryjoined division from Chatta * The Tenth and Sixteenth Illinois on veteran furlough Page 31 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 31 nooga March 30. Three regiments of division occupy outposts at Parkers Gap, 4 miles southeast of Graysville; remainder of divis- 1011 been engaged in grand guard, fatigue-duty, target practice, and drill. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis. This division remained in camp during the month, the First and Second Brigades at McAfees Church, and Third Brigade at Lee and Gordons Mills. The troops of the three brigades available for duty of regiments present were reviewed on the 31st by Major-Gen- eral Thomas. First Brigade, Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gem. John B. Turchin. Brigade remained in camp at Riuggold, Ga., during the month. March 10, the Thirty-sixth Ohio was ordered from Chattanooga, Teun., to Marietta, Ohio, on furlough as veteran volunteers. March 12, the Seventeenth Ohio Veteran Volunteers rejoined the brigade from furlough. The Thirty-first Ohio Veteran Volunteers are on the road between Nashville and Chattanooga, marching to join the brigade. APRIL. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gem. Richard W. Johnson. The division has been encamped during the entire month at Graysville, Ga., brigades alternately performing picket and out- post duty. The Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry and Twenty- first Wisconsin Infantry have been stationed on Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Teun., during the month. April 8, the Second Battalion, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, detached and hitherto forming part of garrison at Chattanooga, rejoined the division. During the month the Thirty-third and Seventy-fourth Ohio and Forty-second Indiana Infantry rejoined divisioii from veteran fur- lough. The Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry absent during entire month on veteran furlough. Battery A, First Michigan Artillery, was relieved from duty with division, and Battery I, First Ohio Artillery, assigned to division by special field orders, headquarters chief of artillery, Department of the Cumberland, April, 1864. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gem. Jefferson C. Davis. The First and Second Brigades at camp near Ros~ville, and Third Brigade at Lee and Gordons Mills, Ga., during the month. Second Brigade, Third Division corn Derveer, , manded by Got. Ferdinand Van Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry. The brigade has been lying in camp at Ringgold Gap all this month, picketing the east front. No marches or scouts of any importance have bcei~ made, except en Friday, the 29th, when four regiments o Page 32 32 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the brigade, under the brigade commander, supported the advance and covered the withdrawal of a cavalry reconnaissance under Brig- adier-General Kilpatrick. TWENTIETH ARMY CoRPs. APRIL. Twentieth Army Corps, commanded by 3ifaj. Gen. Joseph Hooker. This corps was organized from the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps by Special Field Orders, No. 105, headquarters Department of the Cum- berland, April 14, 1864,* as follows: The First Division, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams commanding, by the consolidation of the First Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and First Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Army Corps, with the Forty- fifth New York Volunteers. The Second Division, Brig. Gen. John W. Geary commanding, by the consolidation of the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, and the First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps, with the One hundred and nineteenth New York Volunteers. The Third Division, Maj. Gen. Daniel Butterfield commanding, by the consolidation of the First Division and the Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps, with the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin and Twentieth Connecticut. The Fifty-eighth and Sixty-eighth New York Volunteers and Sev- enty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, of the Eleventh Corps, trans- ferred to the Fourth Division, which has, by Special Field Orders, No. 129, headquarters Department of the Cumberland, been detached from the corps and ordered to report direct to department head- quarters. No reports have been received from it. The First Division until the 28th was stationed along the line of communications from Murfreesborough to Tantalon. The Third Brigade between Bridgeport and Shellmound, with detachments at Tracy City and Shelbyville. At that date command marched to the front. The Second Division, First and Third Brigades, stationed on rail- road between Tantalon and Bridgeport; Second Brigade in Lookout Valley. The Third Division, First and T14ii~Q Brigades, in Lookout Valley; the Second Brigade en route from Nashville to pin the division. April 12, pursuant to orders from department headquarters, Gen- eral Geary, commanding [Second] Division, with the Seventh and Sixty-sixth Ohio, detachments of the Twenty-eighth and One hun- dred and forty-seventh Pennsylvania, and a section of Battery E, Pennsylvania Volunteers, proceeded down the Tennessee on the steam-boat Chickanianga, for the purpose of examining the river- banks from Bridgeport to Decatur and destroying all boats not needed for military purposes. The expediti~i met with no material opposition until approaching Guutersville, where a considerable body of rebel cavalry was found drawn up. A detachment of infantry was landed and advanced to meet the enemy, and our artillery opened on him from The boat, when he fled into the town, from which he * In accordance with General Orders, No. 144, War Department Adjutant-Generals Office, April 4, 1864. Commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker to July 27, 1864 Page 33 CHAP. XLIV] GENERAL REPORTS. 33 was soon dislodged, the town falling into our possession. A rebel mail was also captnred there by us. The expedition next proceeded down to Whitesburg, gaining information of the enemys where- abonts, and thence down toward Triana, where on the north side a force fully equal to onrs was discovered drawn up in line, and on tbe south side was seen a much larger force with a piece of artillery. Information had been received at the bluffs, where we destroyed a large boat, that the enemy expected a battery of artillery at Triana. Owing to the insufficient character of the defenses of the boat, the machinery being utterly unprotected, and the fact that numbers of lives would be lost without accomplishing any material object if we attempted to pass through the narrows in opposition to the enemy, it was resolved to head upstream and regain Guntersville as soon as possible, the expedition having got within 14 miles of Decatur. April 13, the expedition reached Whitesburg on its return in the evening and examined the north bank of the river on the passage. April 15, reached Bridgeport about 2 a. in., having destroyed 47 boats and captured 4 prisoners, with but 3 casualties on our side. Important information was also gleaned of movements of the enemy on both banks of the river. CAVALRY. * JANUARY. First Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Edward 31. Mc Cook, Second lindiana Cavalry. January 1 and 2, in camp at Talbotts Station, Teun. January 3, the division moved back to Mossy Creek 3 miles, and remained in camp until the 14th. Weather very cold and snowy. Officers and men suffering severely for lack of tents or other shelter and of clothing. During this time foraging and scouting parties sent to the front captured over 50 of the enemy and killed and wounded several in the different skirmishes that took place. January 14, marched in rear of Garrards and Wolfords divisions of cavalry (Army of Ohio) to Dandridge; 10 miles. January 15, remained in camp. January 16, at 12 m. marched on Morristown road, the enemys cavalry falling back to near Kinibrough~s ~ross-Roads, where their infantry was discovered in strong force. The division returned, found Wolford being pressed back on the right of Morristown road, and, forming upon his left, drove the enemy back sonie distance. Our casualties, 2 killed and 6 wounded; enemys loss not known. January 17, at 1 p. in. the enemy advanced with heavy columns of infantry, attacking picket-post of Second Brigade, on the right of Morristown road. The brigade formed on the picket-line, and, despite the several attempts of the enemy, made wi~i overwhelming numbers of infantry, to gain possession of the wooded eminence, they were repulsed, and after the third attempt ceased. Their colors fell three times in one advance. Their solid, heavy columns suffered severely from the deliberate, well-directed fire of our men. This was the first occasioi~ upon which the division had met the enemys infantry, and here they successfully repulsed the flower of Long- * Commanded by Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott. 3 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 34 34 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. streets rebel corps. Our casualties were 48 killed, wounded, and missing. The division captured 21 prisoners and many dead and wounded. The enemy subsequently acknowledged to citizens of Dandridge a loss of 340 killed, wounded, and missing. The First Brigade was not engaged. Our line was maintained until 11 p. in., when under orders from General Elliott, chief of cavalry, Depart- ment of the Cumberland, (livision fell back over the Mossy Creek and New Market roads, bringing off all our killed, wounded, trans- portation, & c. Division marched to McKinneys Ford, Holston River, crossed and proceeded via Strawberry Plains to Flat Creek, arriving 2 p. m. of January 18; 20 miles. January 19, marched via Knoxville, recrossed Holston River at Knoxville and 12 miles on Sevierville road; 24 miles. January 20, marched to Cannons house on Pigeon River, 3 miles from Sevierville; 14 miles. Jaimary 21, marched by Flat Creek road to Jim Evans Ford, on French Broad River; 15 miles. Picketed French Broad at different fords. Enemys cavalry on north bank of the river. January 22, scouts captured 19 prisoners and 4 wagons, part of forage party of the enemy, near Wilsonville. January 23, moved to Muddy Creek; 3 miles. Detachments of the Second Brigade captured 15 prisoners. January 24, camped at Muddy Creek; detachment of the First Brigade made a reconnaissance to the mouth of Nola Chucky River. French Broad and Nola Chucky Rivers fordable at almost every point. January 25, under orders from General Sturgis, chief of cavalry, Department of the Ohio, moved back via Fair Garden and Sevier- ville to Cannons house, on the Pigeon River. January 26, at 5 p. m. enemy discovered advancing on Fair Gar- den road. Division was advanced beyond Sevierville to west of Middle Fork of Pigeon River, enemy opening on our line with artil- lery. January 27, at daylight Campbells (First) brigade was advanced across Middle Fork of Pigeon River at Hodsdens house, driving the enemy from their strong position west of Big East Pigeon to the east bank of the latter fork, Colonel La Granges (Second) brigade being sent to the left on Staffords road, which intersects Fair Garden road about 2 miles from Fair Garden. Enemys new position was a strong one in the timber, and with their la~g~y superior numbers (being two divisions, Morgans and Armstrongs, under command of General Martin, chief of cavalry) they made stubborn resistance to the advance of the division, but they were steadily driven with great loss, and at the intersection of the Stafford and Fair Garden roads detachments of Second and Fourth Indiana Cavalry, led by Colonel La Grange, completed the rout that had already begun by a dashing saber charge, capturing two 3-inch I7ifled Rodman guns, the battle-flag of General Morgan, his body-servant, and a~arge number of prison- ers, and sabered several of the cannoneers and supports. The regi- mental colors of the Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry aiid a silk American flag in the possession of the rebels were also recapt- ured. Morg~is rebel division was thoroughly broken, routed, and dispersed. Division captured 112 prisoners, 11 being commissioned officers, 2 of the latter being regimental commanders. The enemy left a large number of dead and wounded in our hands, and their loss must have been over 350. Our casualties, 28 killed and wounded; no troops but those of the division were engaged Page 35 CHAI. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 35 January 28, advanced with Garrards and Wolfords divisions to Swauns Island Ford, French Broad River; Wolford being engaged, La Granges (Second) brigade was advanced to his support. Our casualties, 2 killed and 4 wounded. Under orders from General Sturgis returned to Hodsdens house, Middle Fork of Pigeon River. January 29, marched to Wears Cove, Tenn.; 16 miles. January 30, to this station; 12 miles. Third Brigade detached during the month in Department of the Cumberland. Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Got. Abram 0. Miller, Seventy-second Indiana Infantry (mounted). Division headquarters remained in camp at Pulaski, Tenn., from the 1st to the 12th. During this time the following regiments of the division re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and returned home on fur- lough: Fifth Iowa and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, of the First Brigade; First, Third, and Fourth Ohio Cavalry, of the Second Bri- gade, and Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, of the Third Brigade. The Fourth U. S. Cavalry, First Brigade, and Seventy-second Indiana Volunteers, Third Brigade, were detached with General Smith, chief of cavalry, Division of the Mississippi. Divison head- quarters, with part of the Third Brigade and Chicago Board of Trade Battery, moved on the 12th to Huntsville, Ala., and remained there during the month. Detachments of regiments belonging to the different brigades of the division were actively engaged during the latter part of the month on scouting expeditions into East Tennes- see and Northern Georgia. Headquarters Second Brigade remained in camp at Calhoun, Teun. Colonel Long, commanding post, engaged in building a pontoon bridge and constructing two ferries across the Hiwassee River. Scouting parties were frequently sent out, capturing many prisoners and picking up numbers of deserters. January 25, part of the Third Brigade had a sharp engagment with a brigade of the enemy, under General Johnson, near Florence, Ala., driving him across the Tennessee River with considerable loss. First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by (Jot. Robert II. G. ]lfinty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry. January 1, the brigade was at Pulaski, Tenn., but was soon dis- persed by the regiments going home on veteran furloughs, & c. January 5, the Fourth U. S. Cavalry ito~ed, in compliance with orders from Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, from Pulaski, and arrived at Corinth, Miss., January 10. January 11, it left Corinth by railroad and reached La Grange, Teun., the next day. Jannary 12, the headquarters of the brigade started for Hunts- ville, Ala., where it arrived on the 14th, and remained for the rest of the month. January 26, the Fourth U. S. Cavalry left La Gra~ge and marched to Collierville, Tenn., where it remained until February 1. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry left Pulaski, Teun., on the 2d, having re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and proceeded to Nashville, where it remained until the 18th. On the 25th it arri~7ed at Harrisburg, Pa., via Cairo, Ill. On the 27th was furloughed for thirty days. The Fourth Michigan Cavalry, the detachment under Major Rob- bins, on courier duty between Harrison and Calhoun, Tenn., on th Page 36 36 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 4th reported to Colonel Long, at Calhoun, and marched with his brigade to Cleveland and Charleston. From the 12th to the 21st it was on picket at Columbus; from the 21st to the 31st on duty at Calhoun. The detachment under Major Gray left Pulaski on the 9th and on the 19th arrived at Rossville, Ga. ; 160 miles. During the remainder of the month this detachment was employed in scouting the country in connection with the Twenty-eighth Ken- tucky Regiment, all being under the command of Colonel Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky. It was engaged in one or two slight skirmishes. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry left Pnlaski, Tenn., on the 7th, having re-enlisted. Moved to Nashville, where it remained for the balance of the month, being delayed in getting the veteran bounties. The Third Indiana Cavalry was stationed for the most of the month at Maryville, near Knoxville, E. Tenn. It has made no report of its marches or actions. Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry. January 1, this brigade in camp at Calhoun, E. Tenn., Colonel Long commanding the post. January 3, Captain Beebe reported with part of the Tenth Wis- consin Battery for temporary duty with tile brigade. January 6, the Fourth Michigan Cavalry returned to Calhoun from courier duty at Cleveland, the courier-line to Chattanooga having been withdrawn and a line was established to Cotton Port, connect- ing with Washington, on the north side of the Tennessee River. The Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Infantry was relieved from duty with this brigade on the 10th, and marched for Nashville on the 11th. About the 15th instant Colonel Eggleston, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, started for Nashville with the veterans of the detachments of the First, Third, and Fourth Ohio, who had been left at Wood- ville, Ala., in November. Remained at Calhoun the rest of the month. During the month two ferries were constructed and a pon- toon bridge built across the Hiwassee connecting Calhoun with Charleston. A number of prisoners were taken by scouting parties and the pickets, and many deserters came into the post. Third Brigade, Second Cavalry Divi~iou, commanded by Col. Smith D. Atkins, Ninety-Second Illinois Infantry (mounted). January 12, left Pulaski, and on the 14th established brigade head- quarters at Huntsville, Ala. January 25, engaged a brigade of the enemy under General John- son near Florence, Ala., and drove him to the south side of the Ten- nessee River; loss, 9 wounded January 30, established brigade headquarters at Triana, Ala. FEBRUARY. First Cavalr~i Division, commanded by Cot. Edward Ill. Mc Cook, Second Indiana Cavalry. February 8, encamped at Maryville, E. Tenn. February 9, marched to Motleys Ford, Little Tennessee River; S miles Page 37 CHAP. XLIV.) GENERAL REPORTS. 3,7 February 17, a scouting party of 250 men was sent [under com- mand of Major Paine, First Wisconsin Cavalry] to Cherokee County, N. C., and returned on the 22d, having captured 33 prisoners, includ- ing 5 commissioned officers; also 15 mules and 4 horses. This scout was accomplished without any loss on our part. February 23, the First Brigade marched 20 miles tQ Scruggs farm, 4 miles from Madisonville, E. Tenn. February 27, marched from Motleys Ford and reached Madison- ville on the same day, where the command remained in canip during the remainder of the month, sending scouting parties toward the enemy. Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Kenner Gay- rard. During the month headquarters division remained at Huntsville, Ala. February 10, Brig. Gen. K. Garrard assumed command in com- pliance with Special Field Orders, No. 41, headquarters Department of the Cumberland. The Chicago Board of Trade Battery during the month proceeded to Nashville, Tenn., obtained a new armament, and reported back to division headquarters with new horses, equip- ments, and six 3-inch Parrott guns. The headquarters Second Bri- gade were at Calhoun, Tenn. Brigade was employed as couriers, scouts, and pickets, and were during the month engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. The Third Brigade was stationed at or near Mooresville, Ala., and was employed in collecting forage, scout- ing the country, and in picketing the Tennessee River. First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Got. Robert II. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry. During the month brigade headquarters remained at Huntsville, Ala. The Fourth U. S. Cavalry, being at Collierville, Tenn., with the expedition under the command of Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, remained until the 11th, then marched to New Albany, where it arrived Feb- mary 14. February 16, marched and arrived a~O~olona, Miss., on the 19th, and West Point on the 20th, where it met and defeated a large force of the enemy under Forrest. Returned to Okolona February 22, where it had another severe engagement with Forrests forces. The rebels being too powerful, the command retreated that day, and arrived at Memphis on the 26th, where it remained during the rest of the month. The Seventh Penn- sylvania Cavalry was on furlough in Pennsylvania, having re- enlisted as veteran volunteers. The Fourth Michigan Cavalry being at Ooltewah, Tenu., was during the month engage on several scouts, having skirmished at Tunnel Hill, near Buzzard Roost; at Red Clay, near Cleveland; at Cleveland, at Dirt Town, and other places, acting with the Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, under Colonel Boone. The Fifth4owa Cavalry at home on furlough, having re- enlisted as veterans. The Third Indiana has made no report of events. They have been operating in East Tennessee, near Knox- ville Page 38 38 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. [O~w~. XLIV. Second Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry. The brigade stationed at Calhoun, E. Teun. February 4, 600 men arrived aud joined the brigade, being a part of the Ninety-eighth Illinois Mounted Infantry and the non-veterans of the First, Third, and Fourth Ohio, from Woodville, Ala., and on the 11th the veterans of the portion of the First, Third, and Fourth Ohio which had been with Colonel Long started for Ohio. Briga- dier-General Elliott, chief of cavalry, visited the post on the 15th and inspected the command the following day. February 22, pursuant. to orders by telegraph from Major-General Thomas, Colonel Long marched with 600 men350 mounted infantry and 250 cavalryas part of a general reconnaissance toward the enemys lines at Dalton. February 23, marched out the Spring Place road. The advance guard drove in the enemys pickets when within 4 miles of Dalton. The column was then pushed on rapidly and attacked a regiment of rebel infantry, which was encamped within 3 miles of Dalton, driv- ing them from their camp and taking 12 prisoners. Colonel Long then withdrew to Russells Mills, 4 miles east of Varnells Station. February 24, by direction of Major-General Palmer, command- ing, the column again moved toward Dalton and met a force of rebels 5 miles from that place. These were driven in, the advance squadron following to within 3 miles of Dalton. Subsequently Col- onel Grose, with the First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, hav- ing come up, Colonel Long dismounted his command and advanced toward the enemy, driving his skirmishers back 1 mile to their camp. Here the command was attacked by a brigade of rebel infantry. Colonel Long now fell back, night coming on, to Colonel Groses lines. February 25, after advancing half a mile, the enemy was found and engaged. The command was now strengthened by 100 men of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, and at night moved back on the Dalton and Varnells Station road some 3 miles, and on the 26th retired with the infantry to Catoosa Platform. Casualties during the five days: Ninety-eighth Illinois Mounted Infantry, 9 wounded and 2 missing. Detachments of the First, Third, and Fourth Ohio CavalryCapt. R. B. Wood, Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and 2 privates killed and 8 wounded; Fourth Michigaii Cavalry, 3 wounded. Twenty- three prisoners were taken. Other rebel casualties not ascertained. Command returned to Calhoun February 27. MARCH. First Cavalry Division, commanded by C~ol. Edward All. Mc Cook, Second Indidna Cavalry. The division remained at Madisonville, sending out scouting par- ties toward the enemy. March 5, the First Brigade marched under orders to Calhoun. March 8, ortlers were received to proceed to Calhoun. March 9, marched 18 miles; encamped at Mr. Lartins, 3 miles south of Athens; the dismounted men suffered much from marching. March 10, marched 11 miles to Calhoun, where the division stopped, according to orders received from General Granger. There bein Page 39 CHAJ. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. no good camping-grounds at Calhoun, crossed the Hiwassee River and encamped at Charleston. Col. A. P. Campbell, commanding First Brigade, assumed command of division, Colonel McCook being on leave of absence. March 11, received orders from General Elliott to proceed to Cleveland. March 12, marched 12 miles to that place. Nothin~ of importance has occurred since. Good camping-grounds were selected, and good attention paid to the recruiting of the horses; the most unserviceable were, by order of cavalry commander, sent to Chattanooga, Tenn., for the purpose of being recruited. One or two alarms have taken place, which amounted to nothing. The enemys pickets within 14 or 18 miles. Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Kenner Gar- yard. Headquarters division remained at Huntsville, Ala., with portions of the different brigades. The First Brigade headquarters was stationed at that point until the 14th instant; by instructions moved to Nashville, Tenn., the greater portion of that command being in that vicinity; remained there balance of month. The Fourth Michigan Cavalry, of this brigade, was actively engaged with success in scouting the country in East Tennessee. The Fourth U. S. Cavalry, from Memphis, Tenn., and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers returning from veteran fur- lough, arrived at Nashville, Tenn., going into camp at that place on or about the 30th. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry still absent on furlough as veteran volunteers. The headquarters of Second Brigade remained the greater part of the month at Riuggold, Ga., with Col. R. H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, in commandwhile Colonel Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, was absent on veteran furloughpicketing the front of the Army of the Cumberland toward Dalton, the Third Brigade still remaining in camp at Mooresville, Ala. ; nothing of interest oc- curred. APRIL. t~ ~ First Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Edward ilL lJIc6Yook, Second Indiana Cavalry. The division encamped at Cleveland during the whole month. Scouting parties were sent out toward Spring Place and some pris- oners taken; nothing of importance occurred. Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. O~n. Kenner Gar yard. Division headquarters moved on the 4th instant from Huntsville, Ala., with three regiments Third Brigade and detachments First and Second Brigades, to Columbia, Teun., for the purpose of con- centrating at that point the command preparatory to its reorganiza- tion and refitting for the sulumer campaign. Upon the reorganiz Page 40 40 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. tion of the cavalry, the Fifth Iowa and Third Indiana Cavalry (First Brigade), Second Kentucky and Tenth Ohio Cavalry (Second Brigade), and Ninety-second Illinois Volunteers (Third Brigade) were transferred from this division to the Third Division. Colonels Miuty, Long, and Wilder reported with cornplete commands (with the exception of the First Ohio, Second Bri a e at Nashville, Teun.) on the 25th instant at Columbia, Tenn. From the 25th to the 30th the division was active in completing arrangements for operations in the field. Under orders the com- mand, with First and Third Brigades, complete in arms, horses, and equipments, moved for Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 30th. The Second Brigade remained at Columbia, Teun., awaiting arms and horses. Third Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpat- rick. This division was organized April, 1864. Colonel Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, assumed command temporarily by order of chief of cavalry, and commanded until April 17, when he was relieved by Col. E. H. Murray, Third Kentucky Cavalry. Colonel Murray was relieved by General Kilpatrick by Special Field Orders, No. 16, headquarters Department of the Cumberland. The portion of the division reported had one engagement, as follows: April 29, General Kilpatrick, with 500 men, moved through Hookers Gap, Ga., at this place, and drove the enemys pickets until they met a large force, estimated at 2,000; then attacked and drove them for some distance. After fighting them vigorously for some time he fell back; was charged by the enemy by overwhelm- ing numbers, faced about and repulsed them handsomely. Fell back to camp. Some casualties on both sides. ENGINEER Tnoops. Engineer Brigade, commanded by Cot. Timothy 1?. Stanley, Eight eenth Ohio Infantry. January 18, this brigade was organized under the command of Col. T. R. Stanley, Eighteenth ~hi~ Volunteer Infantry. Since that time the entire command has been actively engaged. The Eighteenth Ohio engaged in the construction of two steam ferry- boats; have charge of the swinging ferry, and cutting and rafting timber for store-houses. The Thirteenth Michigan Volunteers, stationed on Chickamauga Creek eno~aged in cutting and rafting saw-logs. The Twenty-first Michigan Volunteers engaged in cutting logs and timber for building store-rooms. The Twenty-second Mich- igan~ Volunteers cutting and rafting logs and delivering them at the mills. February 29, the brigade has been actively engaged during the past month in cutting, rafting, and sawing logs, hewing and fram- ing timber fQr depot buildings, raising and inclosing the same, building fiat and steam boats, and various other duties connected with the engineer department Page 41 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 41 No. 3. Reports of iMiaj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army. commanding Department of the Ohio, of operations January 1 to February 9. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE QHIo, Knoxville, Tenn., January 29, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this army during the past month: After the engagement at Mossy Creek on the 29th ultimo, the cav- alry and one brigade of infantry occupied that position and the region in front for several miles. subsisting as much as possible on the country, until the 12th instant, when it move& toward Dan- dridge. The Fourth, Ninth, and Twenty-third Corps remained in their positions near Blains Cross-Roads. As soon as the bridge at. Strawberry Plains was completed, the Twenty-third and Fourth Corps crossed and marched toward Dan- dridge. The Ninth Corps remained at Strawberry Plains. The necessity for this move arose from the entire exhaustion of all grain and forage for a circuit of 20 miles around the position of the army. The orders for the infantry were to march to Dandridge, where the cavalry had already arrived, there cross to the south side of the French Broad River by nieans of the fords (a bridge to be made of wagons and such boats as could be found), and then to occupy the country to the south of the river for the purpose of obtaining the corn and forage which were reported as abundant. This force, under General Parke, arrived at Dandridge on the 15th, and Harkers brigade, Fourth Corps, commenced to build the bridge of wagons. On the 16th the cavalry became hotly engaged with the enemy toward Kimbroughs Cross-Roads, and were driven back toward the town. The enemy pressed hard on the following day, driving the cavalry close to the town and engaging some of the infantry. In the mean time the wagon bridge had been thrown across to what was supposed to be the south bank, and the brigade crossed over, but it was at length ascertained that they were on,~ai~ island, and that another channel of the river remained to be bridged. As this would occupy six more hours, and as the coming rain would soon make it imp ossi- ble to get up supplies, which were greatly needed, and as the whole of Longstreets force was supposed to be in the immediate front, General Parke decided to fall back to Strawberry Plains. This movement was commenced on the night of the 17th and com- pleted during the two following days. I immediately moved the whole Cavalry Corps through Knoxville to Sevierville to obtain forage, and gave orders th~t all stores should be sent down from Strawberry Plains, and that such parts of the bridge should be removed as would permit its being used immedi- ately by the enemy; then to retire on this place preparatory to fol- lowing our cavalry~ toward Sevierville. Owing to the state of the roads the artillery could not be drawn by. the animals in their weakened condition and had to be sent down by the railroad. This caused the loss of five caissons, which wer Page 42 KY., SW. vA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. tOHAP. XLIV. destroyed, the train sent to bring them having mn off the track. Two pieces thns left were drawn in by the men of the Ninth Corps. Before the Fourth Corps had proceeded 5 miles beyond the river toward Sevierville, reports came from the cavalry that the estimates of the amount of forage and grain to the south of the French Broad were mnch exaggerated, and that there was in reality barely enough for the cavalry alone, the enemy having already toraged to a con- siderable extent there. This fact, coupled with this pressing nature of the enemys move- ments, induced me to change my plans in order to provide against an advance of the enemy in force. It was reported (thus apparently confirming the reports conveyed to me in your dispatch of the 17th instant) that he was largely re-enforced. This rendered it necessary to guard securely my communications to the rear, and at the same time to obtain, as far as possible, subsistence from the country for men and animals. I therefore placed the Twenty-third Corps in positions around this town. The Ninth Corps 5 miles south of the railroad, but still within supporting distance, if needed. The Fourth Corps guarding the rest of the railroad, London and Kingston, with a division at Maryville, to collect the forage and grain of the neighboring coun- try. The cavalry were ordered to hold as far up the French Broad as possible, and to subsist themselves there. All the animals and teams that could be spared were ordered to Camp Burnside. While these arrangements were in progress, the enemys cavalry, on the 23d instant, made a dash upon and captured a drove of 800 cattle, which was being carelessly driven to this town from Cumberland Gap via Blains Cross-Roads. The guard, Company H, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, retired without firing a shot. I pushed out some infantry as soon as I heard of the affair, and recaptured about 200 of the cattle; the remainder had been hurried across the Holston by the rebels. On the 24th instant the rebel cavalry made a dash at Tazewell, but was repulsed by Colonel Kise. General Garrard has since with- drawn the garrison of that place to Cumberland Gap, in order to concentrate his old regiments before the nine-months~ regiments, whose terms of service have very nearly expired, shall leave for their homes. On the 27th General Sturgis attacked the enemys cavalry near Fair Garden, about 10 miles east of Sevierville, and after a sharp fight, lasting all day, defeated them with severe loss in killed aud wounded, capturing over 100 prisoners and 2 steel rifled guns. Colonel McCook, with his division, was chiefly engaged, and finally cleared the field with a saber charge. Wolfords and Garrards divisions came up after a forced march in time to join in the pur- suit. General Sturgis has orders to endeavor to cut the enemys com- munications and make a raid in his rear, but~I very much fear that the jaded condition of his horses will prevent the successful accom- plishment of this object. General Garrard also has orders of the same purport. The condition of the command is such as to demand rest for a time, if its services are expected to be of avail in the spring. The men are much weakened by their diet, which has consisted almost entirely of meat for the past two months, and are in such conditio Page 43 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. that one or two more marches, at this time, will break them down entirely. The draft animals, also, are worn out, weak, and dying for want of forage. These things have convinced me that the safety of the army and the success of the spring campaign de- pend upon the disposition for rest that I have made. By this means a very important object is gained, that of being able to permit the old regiments re-enlisting as vet~ran volunteers to go home at once for furlough and reorganization. This secures the hearty good-will instead of the dissatisfaction which would otherwise prevail among these men, with whom the privilege of a present furlough to go home is more powerful than the other in- ducements offered. The regiments will, in this way, also be sooner returned to the field in ti7le spring, wh~n their refilled ranks will be of more avail, in view of their own improved condition and that of the remaining troops. The supplies are adequate in some respects, and entirely insuffi- cient in others. We have plenty of pork and beef. Over half a mill- ion rations of pork have been salted and packed at this place; over half a million more ratioiis of meat are now here on the hoof. Of bread and breadstuffs we have none. The hospitals are well sup- plied, but the scanty supplies obtained from Chattanooga furnish very little for the troops in the field, who have to be content with what they can glean from the country. Since the opening of the line to Chattanooga, the following amount of bread, sugar, and coffee has been received: Of bread and flour, 136,201 rations; coffee, 598,150 rations; sugar, 640,732 rations; being on an average one-twelfth part of the rations of bread and three-eighths of coffee and sugar. To increase this supply, I am endeavoring to get the railroad in order through to Chattanooga as soon as possible. If there be sufficient rolling-stock placed on this road and the Nashville road, the Armies of the Ohio and the Cum- berland can be well supplied. If sufficient rolling-stock cannot be supplied in time, I would respectfully suggest that the trains be used for carrying quartermasters stores, bread and small rations, while beef-cattle be driven on the hoof to Chattanooga, as has been the practice in supplying this army. The intentions of the enemy are satisfactorily ascertained from scouts and deserters. General Longstreet does not intend to ad- vance, and if we advance he will resj~t ,~t every favorable point, and fall back only when he is forced from these positions in succes- sion, toward Bristoe and Abingdon. He will leave iio supplies behind him. He has thus far lived on the country entirely, but that source is almost exhausted. The railroad will soon enable him to obtain supplies from Virginia, if they can be spared from that State. He has received re-enforcements, consisting of his Third Division (Picketts) and some convalescents. Furloughs have been granted to 5 men from each company, for terms rangin~from twenty-five to thirty-five days. I believe that an advance on our part, with a view of driving him out of East Tennessee before we establish a base of supplies, espe- cially over the bad roads of the winter, would be attended with dis- astrous consequemi*s to this army; for Longstreet to advance will be equally disastrous to him and his army. In the spring I can hold the present position and spare a whole corps for operations elsewhere, which of themselves would compel Longstreets speedy departure from the State Page 44 44 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. If possible we should avoid lighting a great battle in this section of the State. Large armies cannot be supported here for any length of time. It is this conviction, with the necessities of the army, that have forced me to make the dispositions described above. These disposi- tions have for their object the present security and future improve- ment in strength of the army, the safety and enlargement of our communications to the rear, and the preparations for active opera- tions so soon as the condition of the roads, the weather, and supplies will permit. JANUARY 30. I have just received a report from General Sturgis stating that the pursuit of General Martins (rebel) division of cavalry resulted in its complete rout. Armstrongs division, pursued by Wolfords division, saved itself by falling back upon its infantry supports and securing a good defensive position. In the mean time a considerable force of infantry forded the river below Dandridge, which forced General Sturgis to fall back toward Maryville. I have sent him orders to collect all the good horses, to the number of 2,000, if pos- sible, and make a raid toward Saltville, passing around by the way of Clinton, Cumberland Gap, and Jonesville. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, MQior- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oomdg. Division of the Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn. BALTIMORE, MD., February 21, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor, in obedience to your direction, to make the following report of the operations of the Army of the Ohio while I was in command, and of the general condition of affairs in East Tennessee : * General Grant visited Knoxville on the 30th of December, 1863. Seeing the suffering of the troops, .Jm~decided to have me await the arrival of supplies and the completion of the Strawberry Plains bridge before advancing. He left on the 7th of January to return by the way of Cumberland Gap. The cavalry, under General Sturgis, was almost constantly engaged with the enemys cavalry in the direction of Dandridge and Mossy Creek after crossing the Holston. These lights culminated in a general cavalry engagement near Mossy Creek on the 29tl~ [of December], in which the enemy were driven from the field toward Morristown. General Elliotts division of cavalry, from the Army of the Ci~mberland, particularly distinguished itself for gallantry. On the 13th January, the main body of our cavalry having en- tirely exhausted the supplies in the country around Mossy Creek, were forced t6~move to Dandridge, where some little forage was to be found. The draft animals of the infantry and artillery, being * General Foster relieved General Burnside on December 12, 1863. For portion of this report here omitted, see Series I, Vol. XXXI, Part I, p. 286 Page 45 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 45 by this time almost entirely without forage of any kind, were dying by the hnndreds daily. It became a matter of the first importance to move to a position where forage, if not corn for the men, could be obtained at once. I therefore ordered the Fourth and Twenty- third Corps to move across the Strawberry Plains bridge (which was passable on the 15th January), to march to Dandridge, cross the French Broad River near that place on a bridge to be built of wagons and any boats that could be obtained, and then to occupy the country south of that river as far toward the Nola Chucky as possible. It was represented that a considerable quantity of corn was to be found in this section. Besides this, the movement would tend to disturb Longstreet concerning his left flank and communications to the rear, especially toward North Carolina. The Ninth Corps was ordered to hold Strawberry Plains, to be ready to support the movement while in progress, and afterward cover Knoxville. The troops started on the 15th and reached Dandridge on the 17th, when the bridge was immediately commenced. It was completed to what was supposed to be the opposite bank of the river, and a. bri- gade crossed over. It was soon found, however, to be upon an island, and that another channel of the river remained to be bridged. In the mean time the cavalry which had skirmished heavily with the enemy on the previous day (the 16th) near Kimbroughs Cross- Roads, 5 miles from Dandridge toward Morristown, had been forced back by the determined advance of the enemy almost to the town. General Parke satisfied himself that Geiieral Longstreet was in his front with his whole force, having advanced from his cantonments to meet our supposed advance in force. This fact, added to the delay in completing the bridge, the difficulty in crossing in pres- ence of an active enemy, the want of rations, and the commencing rain, which would soon make it impossible to get up supplies from the rear over the then almost impassable roads, induced General Parke to decide to retire at once on Strawberry Plains, which he did without loss. I immediately ordered the whole force to move to Knoxville, cross the Holston on the pontoon bridge at that place (just completed), and ascend the south side of the French Broad to reach the foraging ground that it had failed to reach through Dan- dridge. As the cavalry passed through the town most of their horses had not been fed for forty-eight hours, and some of the artillery horses were without food for four days and nights. The cavalry reached and occupied the coun.try~south of the French Broad as far up as Fair Garden, 10 miles beyond Sevierville, and scouted through the entire country as far up as the Nola Chucky. The Fourth Corps in following was 4 miles out from Knoxville when I received General Sturgis report that the reports of the supplies in that section of the country were very much exaggerated, inas- much as they would only suffice his cavalry for three weeks, and that the roads were impracticable for wagons and artillei!y. Disap- pointed in this, no other course remained but that of distributing the bulk of the force to obtain forage and supplies ~erever it could be found. I accordingly sent the Fourth Corps to Morrisville, Lenoirs Station, and London, with orders to gather their supplies from th6 surrounding counties. The Ninth Corps occupied the railroad, within supporting Thstance of Knoxville. The Twenty-third Corps encamped around the town. All the draft animals were sent to the rear, on the Tennessee River, to forage. Those that were en- tirely broken down were sent back to Kentucky. The cavalry occ Page 46 46 KY., SW4 VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. pied the country south of the French Broad until the supplies were nearly exhausted, when the enemy, feeling the necessity of driving it away, made the effort with his cavalry on the 27th January. Gen- eral Sturgis met the enemys cavalry at Fair Garden and completely defeated it, with a loss of 150 killed and wounded, 75 prisoners, 2 rifled field pieces, and some wagons and horses. The enemys cav- alry was then re-enforced by several brigades of infantry which had succeeded in fording the river, and General Sturgis was in his turn forced to fall back toward Morristown. Previous to this Colonel Palmer with his regiment, the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, had captured General Vance with his staff and 150 prisoners. SubsE- quently he sent an~expedition against Colonel Thomas and his gang of whites and Indians at ~uallatown, which succeeded in entirely breaking up the gang. Al were killed or wounded except 50 that escaped into the mountains and 22 that were brought in as prisoners. The Governor of Kentucky having become anxious for the safety of that State from raids by the enemy, and having called on the Legis- lature to raise regiments for the defense of the State, I sent a division of dismounted cavalry to Mount Sterling, Ky., to be reorganized, re- mounted, and re-equipped for service, either against raids or in making them upon the flanks of the enemys communication with Virginia. The remainder of the cavalry was ordered to the Little Tennessee River to forage. Such was the military situation at the time I was relieved by Gen- eral Schofield, on the 9th February, 1864. In Kentucky the detach- ments guarding railroads and posts had been reduced to the mini- mum. Cumberland Gap and the adjacent districts of the Clinch were under the command of Brigadier-General Garrard, who had an infan- try and cavalry brigade under his conimand. In my opinion no off en- sive movement can be undertaken before the 1st of AprA, in East Tennessee, without running great risks of a disaster which may cause the loss of that section of the country. The reasons are, that the men and animals are worn down and need rest and recuperation; the country between the two armies is entirely exhausted of forage and all kinds of supplies, which it is impossible to hanl from the rear in consequence of the bad roads of the winter and spring, and also of the lack of forage even at the rear. For lack of horses, caused by the want of forage, very little artillery can be taken on a march at this time. The green grass, with the green corn, wheat, & c., will by the 1st of April subsist the animals of ~n army on the march. The men will be recruited in strength, and the veteran regiments re- turned to their brigades, with, probably, filled ranks. The same reasons will keep General Longstreet inactive, unless forced to move. If, however, he should advance with bis present force to attack Knoxville, the chances amount to almost certainty that he will meet with a great disaster. Knoxville, if properly defended, cannot be taken. It is naturally very strong, and I increased the strength of the defenses raised by General Burnside, and arm~ed them with seventy pieces of artille~ry. As for supplies for a siege, they are ample. I had salted down over 500,000 rations of pork and collected 500 bar- rels of flour. If Longstreet attempts to march past Knoxville, for the purpose of ~lestroying the communications with Chattanooga, resistance can be successfully made at the Little Tennessee or the Holston, as a line of defense, while re-enforcements are marching from Chattanooga. At the same time his communications will be open to flank attacks from Knoxville. lf he should attempt to mak Page 47 (JHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 47 a raid into Kentucky through Pound Gap, Pendletons Gap, or Cranks Gap (Cumberland Gap being held by us), a column formed of the disposable force at Knoxville, marching rapidly on his heels, can easily close the gaps in his rear, and perhaps capture his trains; while a force may be thrown aronnd by rail from Chattanooga suf- ficient, with that in Kentucky, to destroy him. No large force will be thrown into East Tennessee by the rebels, unless we Torce them to do so by increasing our force and taking the offensive. It is in their power to increase Longstreets force between this and the 1st of April by detaching from General Lees army, but after that time they will not dare to diminish General Lees force. If by great sacri- fices General Longstreet be now driven from East Tennessee, he will re-enforce other rebel armies where his presence may be productive of more harm than in East Tennessee. While he is in his present position he can neither do damage in Virginia, North Carolina, nor assist General Johnston to resist our armies in Alabama and Georgia. The best policy seems to be to let him remain until the objects of the movements farther south are attained, and until the offensive can be taken with advantage; even then it is questionable whether the engagements with him should. not have for object to retain him where he is until Atlanta, Mobile, Montgomery, and perhaps Augusta and Savannah, fall. Knoxville is only the left wing of the united armies under General Grant. It is 110 miles from the center at Chattanooga, a secondary base, which is still distant from the right wing and the primary base in Tennessee. It is very questionable, whether the left wing should be pushed beyond Knoxville. By keep- ing the army there on the defensive, a considerable force may be spared from it to re-enforce the large army of the center to penetrate into Georgia, where every mile gained in advance tends to dissever the Confederacy. General Longstreets force has been increased by a force from North Carolina, said to be Picketts division, number- ing 2,800 men. General Pickett did not come with it, but remained in North Carolina. Added to the above about 1,000 convalescents arrived from Richmond. On the other side, he had suffered from desertions at the rate of 20 a day, and had allowed 5 per cent. of his force to go home on fur- loughs, ranging from twenty-five to thirty-five days each. His pres- ent strength is 21,000 infantry and artillery and 6,000 cavalry. The Army of the Ohio numbered (Twenty-third Corps, 7,000; Ninth Corps, 4,000; Fourth Corps, 8,000) 19,000 ~ifantry and artillery, and 6,000 cavalry, of which, however, only about 3,500 were mounted. The question of supplies is satisfactorily settled. The railroad from Chattanooga to London was opened. The work on the bridge at London was being rapidly carried on; it should be finished in seventy days. A wagon bridge having been completed across the Holston at Knoxville, I ordered the pontoon bridge removed to London, to enable the supplies brought up by rail to be wagoned across the river and thence conveyed by rail to Knoxville.~ The number of light-draught steamers on the river is to be increased. In general the condition of affairs in East Tennessee was so much improved as to produce a decided feeling of confidence. I have the honor., to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, Maj. Gen. H. ~. HALLECK, ]Ilajar-General of Volunteers., General-in-Chief, U, ~ Arm~y, Washington, D. C Page 48 48 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 4. Itinerary of the Army of the Ohio, January 1-April 3O.~ NINTH ARMY CORPS. t January 1, the headquarters of the Corps and troops were stationed at Blains Cross-Roads, a distance of about 18 miles northeast of Knoxville. January 16, the corps broke camp and marched to Strawberry Plains, a station on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, a distance of about 8 miles in the direction of Knoxville. January 18, Brig. Gen. R. B. Potter, commanding corps, goes home on leave of absence for thirty days. Brig. Gen. 0. B. Will- cox assigned to command of corps. The Second Division is tempo- rarily attached to First Division. January 21, engaged the enemy at Strawberry Plains and held him in check until next morning. January 22, proceeded toward Knoxville, skirmishing with the enemy during the day; formed line of battle 3 miles frQm Knoxville and remained there until the morning of the 24th, the enemy in the mean time having fallen back toward Strawberry Plains. January 24, the corps marched to Erins Station, a distance of 5-s- miles southwest from Knoxville. January 26, Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox ordered to command Second Division, which has been relieved from duty with the First Division. Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke assumes command of corps. January 31, the headquarters of the corps are at Knoxville; the troops at Erins Station. The Twenty-first and Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers; Forty-fifth, Forty-eighth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, and One hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers; Second and Eighth Michigan Volnuteers; Forty-sixth and Fifty-first New York Volunteers, and Second Mary- land Volunteers have re-enlisted, and all marked thus (Xt) have gone home for furlough and reorganization. February 1, broke camp at Erins Station, Tenn., marched to Knoxville, Teun., crossed Holston River, and encamped opposite Knoxville. February 2, recrossed the Holston River at Knoxville and returned to camp at Erins Station. February 15, First Division marched to Knoxville and encamped near Fort Sanders; Second Division moved to a point on Clinton road near Knoxville. February 18, First Division changed camp to a point on Clinton road; Second Division moved l~ miles, joining right with left of First Division. * From monthly returns. The department was commanded by Maj. Gen. John G. Foster from December 9,1863, to February 9, 1864, amXl Maj. Gen. John M. Scho- field to November 17, 1864. ~ Commanded by Maj. Gen. John G. Parke from January 26, 1864, to March 16, 1864; Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox to April 13, 1864, and Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Buruside to August 15, 1864. t Regiments so marked are the Twenty-first Massachusetts, Forty-fifth, Forty- eighth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, and One hundredth Pennsylvania, Eighth Michigan, and Fifty-first New York Page 49 ChAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 49 February 24, marched to Strawberry Plains; 16 miles. February 27, crossed Hoiston River at Strawberry Plains; marched 3 miles on Morristown road. February 28, marched to Mossy Creek; 10 miles. February 29, marched to Morristown, Teun.; 13 miles. March 2, corps moved from Morristown, Tenn., to Mossy Creek, Teun. March 12 and 13, marched from Mossy Creek to Morristown; slight skirmishing. [March 14, the corps ordered to Annapolis, Md.] March 17, corps moved toward Knoxville, having been ordered to Annapolis, Md. March 19, reached Knoxville. March 21, corps marched, taking the mountain road via Camp Burnside for Camp Nelson, Ky., Fifty-first New York Volunteers and convalescents being sent by rail via Loudon and Chattanooga, Tenn. March 31, corps reached Camp Nelson, Ky. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. * JANUARY. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gem. Henry M Judah. FIRST BRIGADE. January 1 to 15, inclusive, remained in camp at Mossy Creek, Tenn. January 16, left camp at Mossy Creek; marched to Strawberry Plains; distance, 14 miles. January 17, arrived at Strawberry Plains and encamped. January 18 to 20, remained in camp. January 21, crossed the river, marched 8 miles, and encamped. January 22, left camp, fell back about 2 miles, and bivouacked in line of battle, having skirmished all day with the enemy. January 23, rested in camp. January 24, fell back to Knoxville; di~ta~ce, 4 miles; marched 2 miles out on the Tazewell road; en camped. January 25 to 31, inclusive, remained in camp. SECOND BRIGADE. January 14, ordered to Dandridge. January 15, arrived at Dandridge; neared the enemy, but no en- gagement. January 17, ordered to Strawberry Plains. January 18, arrived at Strawberry Plains; reniained there two days and returned slowly to Knoxville. January 24, reached Knoxville, where we remain. * Commanded by Maj. Gen. George Stoneman from January 28 to April 4, 1864, and by Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield to April 2, 1865. 4 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 50 50 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Milo S. Hascall. FIRST BRIGADE. January 12, the One hundred and fourth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry and Eighth Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Infantry stationed at Strawberry Plains since the beginning of the month. The One hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ordered to Knoxville, Teun., to do provost duty. January 22, the Eighth Tennessee ordered to Knoxville from Straw- berry Plains, where they had been since January 1; took position on west side of city. January 29, the One hundredth Ohio Regiment, stationed in Knox- ville from the first of the month, ordered to take position near the Eighth Tennessee to do the picket duty on that side of the city, where they now remain. SECOND BRIGADE. January 1, the brigade encamped on the north side of the Holston River, near Strawberry Plains. January 6, crossed the river and encamped on the Dandridge road, 1 mile from Strawberry Plains. January 15, marched for IDandridge. January 16, reached Dandridge. January 17, moved to the support of our cavalry forces engaged with the enemy on the Morristown road; left Dandridge at night for Strawberry Plains. January 19, reached Strawberry Plains. January 21, moved from Strawberry Plains; at night picketed fords and road 4 miles ~out from the plains, skirmishing with the enemy. January 22, moved to Knoxville; encamped on the north side until the 24th, when ordered to the south side of the river, where the brigade is now encamped. First East Tennessee Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. James G. Spears. January 1, brigade stationed at Massengales house, near Holston River, about 30 miles northeast of Knoxville. January 16, left Massengales house, under orders to take up posi- tion at Flat Creek bridge. On the march to Flat Creek bridge the Third Tennessee Infantry was left at Richiand Creek under orders to guard Blains Cross-Roads and Stones Mill. Arrived at Flat Creek bridge with the Fifth and Sixth Tennessee and four pieces of Battery A, First Ohio Artillery. The Fifth Tennessee Infantry was detached and ordered to London, Teun., where it has since remained. The artillery under Capt. J. K. Clingan, company G, Fifth Ten- nessee Infantry, was received by him, owing to the re-enlistment of that battery and their return to Ohio on furlough January 13. January ~1, with the Third and Sixth Tennessee and artillery fell back, under orders, to Loves house, 5 miles northeast of Knoxville. January 22, fell back, under orders, with the Ninth and Twenty- third Corps 1 mile from Loves house, and turned and confronted the advancing foe and forced them to retire Page 51 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 51 January 25, remained on the ground until this date, when ordered to go into winter quarters, the Third Tennessee at Armstrongs Ford, 5 miles northeast of Knoxville; the Sixth Tennessee at the junction of Armstrongs Ferry and Strawberry Plains road, 4 miles from Knoxville. The artillery was ordered to Knoxville on the morning of the 22d, and has been under the control of, Brigadier- General Tillson since that time. The Fifth Tennessee is yet at Lon- don, and report Company G as on detached service; brigade head- quarters 3 miles northeast of Knoxville, at what is called Loves Hill. Command generally in good condition, and was assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, January 21, by command of Major- General Foster. FEBRUARY. First Division, commanded by Col. George W. Gallup, Fourteenth Kentucky Infantry. February 12 to 14, captured by detachment of the Fourteenth Kentucky Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant Brown, 1 or- derly-sergeant of rebel cavalry, and killed 1 notorious guerrilla named Pennington. February 15, the Fourteenth Kentucky Regiment, under command of Colonel Gallup, captured in Wayne County, Va., the rebel Col- onel Ferguson, 2 lieutenants, 1 assistant surgeon, and 41 of his men, 80 stands of arms, 20 horses (killing 13), and all his ammunition, without the loss of a man. February 22 to 28, captured, by a detachment of the Fourteenth Kentucky, 15 guerrillas and horse-thieves under Reuben Patrick in Magoffin County, Ky. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry ill. Judah. February 24, the division marched from Knoxville, Tenn., to Strawberry Plains. February 28, crossed the Holston River. February 29, marched to New Market. Third Division, commanded by Brig. ~en. 3Iilo S. Hascall. FIRST BRIGADE. February 11, moved camp from the north to the south side of Hoiston River opposite Knoxville. February 20, the Fourth Tennessee moved out 3 miles on the Sevierville road, to support cavalry skirmishing with the enemy; returned same evening. February 23, the One hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ~nd Eighth Tennessee moved at 1 a. m. as part of the force making a reconnaissance on the Sevierville road; went out 10 miles; found no enemy; returned same day. February 24, brig~j1e moved into Knoxville and took up position in the works around the city. February 26, the Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry aa- signed to I~irst Brigade Page 52 52 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Cii~p. XLIV February 28, the Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Fourth Tennessee moved into the works south of the river opposite Knoxville, to replace the Second Brigade, Third Division, Twenty- third Army Corps, which moved to Strawberry Plains. SECOND BRIGADE. February 1, encamped on the south side of Knoxville. February 5, pickets attacked by enemys cavalry 2 miles from Knoxville. February 14, again attacked; made reconnaissance with six com- panies of each regiment 5 miles out on the Sevierville road. February 20, rebel cavalry appeared on SevierVille road; pickets skirmished; enemy driven oft with loss by a detachment of the Third Indiana Cavalry; our loss, 4 wounded. February 22, made a reconnaissance under Major-General Stone- man to Shooks and Pickins Gap; found enemys camp abandoned. February 23, returned from reconnaissance. February 29, marched to Strawberry Plains, where the brigade is now encamped. First East Tennessee Brigade, commanded by Cot. William Gross, Third Tennessee Infantry. February 6, Brig. Gen. J. G. Spears in arrest. February 15, the brigade, having remained at Loves Hill, 3 miles northeast of Knoxville, since the 1st of the month, was ordered and moved to Knoxville, Colonel Cross, Third Tennessee Infantry, in command, Colonel Cooper, the senior colonel, being reported sick. February 23, ordered and moved toward Strawberry Plains. The Ninth Army Corps, Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, and Woods division, Fourth Corps, all moved out this morning, arriv- ing at the plains about 4.30 p. m. February 26, crossed the river in the morning, where we lay over until the evening of the 29th. February 29, took up the line of march for New Market; arrived about 9 p. m. MAR~H~ Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry 111. Judah. March 1, the division marched to Panther Springs. March 2, returned to Mossy Creek at night. March 5, reconnaissance of 100 men from Tennessee Brigade made to Panther Springs; were attackeJ by near 500 rebel cavalry in open ground, but forced their way out, after g~ant resistance, with a loss of 2 killed and 22 captured, inflicting on the enemy a far greater loss. March 12, marched to Morristown. March 14, repulsed reconnoitering party (350 rebel cavalry), inflict- ing a loss on them of 1 killed. March 18, returned to Mossy Creek and went into camp Page 53 CHAP. XLIV.] GENERAL REPORTS. 53 Third Division, commanded by Got. James W. Reilly, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry. March 1, the First Brigade was encamped at Knoxville and Second Brigade at Strawberry Plains. March 10, the First Brigade joined the Second Brigade at Straw- berry Plains; marched to Mossy Creek, going in camp at that place on the evening of same day. March 12, moved to Morristown, encamping east of and adjacent to the town, remaining in camp until the morning of the 18th. lVlarch 18, the divison was ordered to march to Mossy Creek; arrived in the afternoon and went into camp. APRIL. First Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Alvin P. Hovey. April 5, took up line of march for London, Tenn.; marched at the rate of 11~ miles per day. April 21, arrived at Charleston, Teun., where received orders as- signing to the First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, Depart- ment of the Ohio, since which time the command has been con- stantly on the move in face of the enemy, making it impossible to report sooner. Second Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Henry Mi. Judah. The division lay in camp at Mossy Creek, Tenn., until the 26th, when it marched via Knoxville to Calhoun, Tenn., where it arrived on the 30th. Third Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Gox. April 1, the division marched from Mossy Creek, Tenn., to Mor- ristown, Tenn. April 2, marched to Bulls Gap, Tenii. April 25, the Second Brigade marched to Jonesborough. The First Brigade marched to Lick Creek railroad bridge and destroyed the railroad entirely to 2 miles beyonitBI~ie Springs ; returned to Bulls Gap at night. Aprir 26, the Second Brigade reached Jonesborough in the even- ing. April 27, marched back, destroying the railroad ~o Greeneville and reached Bulls Gap on the morning of the 29th; division commenced moving to Charleston, Teun., partly marching and partly by rail- road. April 30, camps located at Charleston, Teun. Fourth DiQision, commanded by Brig. Gen. Jacob Ammen. The Fourth Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, organized by Special Orders, No. 1411, dated Headquarters Department of the Ohio, Knoxville, Teun., April 10, 1864, at which date Brib. Gen. J: Ammen assumed command. April 25, Capt. Benjamin K. Weatherwax, Company C, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, killed in action at Watanga bridge, Carters Station, Tenn.; 7 men wounded at same time Page 54 54 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Fifth Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Edward H Ilobson. Almost the whole month occupied in organizing the division and nothing worthy of note transpired, except an engagement near Paintsville, Ky., in which Colonel Gallup, commanding the First Brigade, encountered and completely routed a force of the enemy under Colonel Clay. During the engagement Clay w~s wounded and fell into our hands, together with 60 of his men; also a large num- ber of horses, saddles, and small-arms. This occurred on the 14th. Colonel Weatherford, commanding the Thirteenth Kentucky Cav- alry, had several skirmishes along the Green and Cumberland Rivers during the month, all of which were unimportant. CAVALRY. JANUARY. First Division, Cavalry Corps, commanded by Cot. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry. January 1, First and Second Brigades remained at Mossy Creek, doing heavy picketing until the 14th, when we moved to Dandridge, 12 miles, and went into camp, after skirmishing with the enemy about 1 mile from town. The Third Brigade still at Buffalo Creek, on north side of llolston River. January 16, the division moved out on the Chucky road toward Morristown, 4 miles, when we came upon a much superior force of the enemy in strong position with artillery. The division held its position until the enemy moved down on either flank in strong col- umus, overpowering our small force sent to check the movement, when we fell back in excellent order to the position held by us in the morning, the enemy following us boldly. We had no artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, First Kentucky Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, made a flank movement on the enemy, driving him in confusion from his camp, but was overpowered, and after a gal- lant resistance fell back slowly to the Third Brigade. January 17 (Sunday), the enemy attacked the entire line about 2 p. m. This division had heavy skirmishing until dark, the enemys line and ours in talking distancewl~n night came on. About 10 p. m. (the army having been ordered to fall back to Mossy Creek) this division fell back, holding the rear. January 18, fell back to Strawberry Plains, fording the Holston River. January 19, marched to Knoxville. January 20 and 21, marched 3 miles north of Sevierville and encamped. January 22. marched to Fair Garden, 10 miles, and encamped, and remained until the 25th, when the divisions moved back 3 miles for convenience of forage and water. January 26, marched to Flat Creek, near Fowlers house, and took position. Rad heavy skirmishing with the enemy. After dark fell back near Sevierville and encamped. January 27, moved back to Flat Creek, and then across on Sevier- ville and Fair Garden road to the support of the Second Division, and encamped at night near Fair Garden Page 55 Ca& x~. XLIV.] HUGHS OPERATIONS IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE. 55 January 28, marched to Kelleys Ford and attacked the enemys position. Had sharp fighting for two hours, and then fell back (the enemy not pursuing) to Maryville via Tuckaleechee, Wears and Millers Coves, reaching Maryville at 4 p. m. January 31, Third Brigade in Lee County, Va. The stock of this division is entirely unserviceable for active operations. JANUARY 1APRIL 18,1864. Iluglis operations in Niddle Tennessee.* Report of Cot. John 111. Hughs, Twenty-fifth Tennessee Infantry. DALTON, GA., April 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith the following report of my operations in Middle Tennessee t During the very cold weather in January, 1864, it was impossible to operate on a large scale and our time was occupied in hunting down the bushwhackers and tories, and for that purpose my com- mand was divided; a portion under Major Bledsoe, of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry (this officer had been cut off from Major-General Wheelers commard and had reported to me for duty) operated in White County, and the part commanded by myself remained in Overton. During the month of January a great many tories and bushwhackers w& re killed and some slight engagements with the enemy occurred. On the 14th of February I was rejoined by Major Bledsoe, and on the 15th we attacked and defeated a party of bushwhackers and tories, numbering some less than 100, under Captains Dowdy and Beaty, killing 17, capturing 2, and effectually dispersing the whole gang. On the 22d of February we met a party of picked men from the Fifth Tennessee (Yankee) Cavalry, under Captain Exum. ~ This party had refused to treat us as prisoners of war, and had murdered several of our men whom they had caught straggling from their command. The enemy numbered 110 men; my own force was about 60. The fighting on our part was severe in the extreme; men never fought with more desperation or gallantry. Forty-seven of the enemy were killed, 13 wounded, and 4 captured; our loss was 2 wounded. On the 26th February, I captured Washington, East Teun., with 65 prisoners. killing 3 and wounding 7. On the 27th February, we routed ,a neW ~ompany of State Guards, forming under Governor Johnsons orders, in Sequatchie Valley, under Captain Pirom, capturing 23 prisoners and entirely breaking up the contemplated organization. On the 10th March I met and fought in White County another detachment of Colonel Stokes Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, under Cap- tain Blackburn, numbering about 125 men; my command numbered something less thait 100 men. After abOut ten minutes severe fight- ing, I was forced to retire with a loss of 1 kille~ and 3 wounded; the enemys loss was 3 killed and 7 wounded, according to their own accounts. * Includes skirmishes in Overton County, February 15, and on Calfkiller Creek, February 22; capture of Washington, February 26 ;. skirmishes in Sequatchie Valley, February 27, and in White County, March 10; raid on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, near Tullahoma, March 16: and skirmish March 20. f The portion here omitted relates to operations August 16December 31, 1863, and is printed in Series I, Vol. XXX, Part II, p. 646, and Vol. XXXI, Part I, p. 575. ~ On Calfkiller Creek Page 56 56 xx., sw. \TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. On the 16th March we tore up the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail- road near Tullahoma and captured a train of freight cars heavily laden with supplies for the Federal army at Chattanooga. About Ct) Yankee soldiers were captured and about 20 Yankee negroes killed. The train and s~uipplies were burned and the engine destroyed. On the morning of the 20th March we were, for the first and only time, snrprised by the enemy while in camp and suffered a loss of 2 men killed and some property captnred, including some valuable papers of my own. The enemy in this affair lost 7 killed and 8 wounded, according to their own report. Soon after this I again attempted to retnrn to my regiment. I started on the 2d April with 95 officers and men, all that I could prevail on to come out with me. On arriving within abont 20 miles of Morristown, East Tenn., I learned that our army had left that locality, and I was compelled to return to the section from which I came. On this trip 2 of my men were captured and 6 of the enemy were killed. Upon our return the jaded condition of our horses made some rest necessary, and during that time a consultation was held, when it was decided to again attempt to get through to the arfriy, but in small squads of from 20 to 30. Accordingly, on the 18th April, I started out with a small party, and after much diffi- culty succeeded in reaching the Army of Tennessee at Dalton, Ga., on the 26th April. I immediately reported to General Joseph E. John- ston, commanding, for instructions, and was directed by him to rejoin my brigade as soon as convenient. Some of my command came out about the same time under direction of Captain Gore, of the Eighth Tennessee Cavalry. Some have made their way out since and many refused to come out at all, preferring to remain and take the oath of allegiance to the United States Government. During my operations the number of men under my command varied from 85 to 300; as, under the circumstances, proper discipline could not be enforced, the men came and went pretty much at will, though all mild means were used to maintain discipline. Had I been properly authorized to organize a mounted command from such material as I could find there, I could easily have raised a full regiment of cavalry, as, besides citizens who had never been in the service, there were numbers of deserters from the infantry in the country who would willingly have rejoined the service as cavalrymen. During my stay in that section ~io4ime was spent in idleness. We were almost constantly in the saddle, and not a week passed but more or less fighting took place. Many engagements not mentioned in this report occurred with the enemy; something over 400 of them were killed, including a great many of the worst tories in the coun- try; many were wounded and from 600 to 700 were captured and paroled, and I am confident that my command destroyed for the enemy over half a million dolh~rs worth of Government stores, besides capturing and destroying 3,000 or 4,000 stands of small-arms. Our operations necessitated the presence ~f from 5,000 to 8,000 of the enemys regular troops, who were held at different points to watch and guard against our movements; besides, our presence afforded protection to a large section of country against the depre- dations of th~ gangs of robbers and bushwhackers, who had become a scourge to the Southern citizens. The nature of the service engaged in required rapid marches, and the country being extremely rough and hilly good horses lasted but a short time and many changes were necessary, and it was only wit Page 57 CIL~P. XLIV.] ACTION AT JONESVILLE, VA. great care and considerable expense that the men could keep them- selves mounted. Owing to the scarcity of forage and provisions our expenses were very heavy, and .is the people were unwilling to take receipts or scrip for anything furnished us I was compelled to pay all expenses in money out of my own funds. Receipts were taken when circumstances would admit, all of which were captured with my other papers by the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. HUGHS, Colonel, Commanding Detachment. Capt. WALTER WEIR, A. A. G., Johnsons Brigade. JANUARY 3, 1864.Action at Joneaville, Va. RE~POR1S. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox, U. S. Army. No. 2.Col. Wilson C. Lemert, Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry. No. 3.Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding Confederate forces in East Tennessee. No. 4.Brig. Gen. William E. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 5.Lieut. Col. Aiphonso F. Cook, Eighth Virginia Cavalry. No. 6.Capt. John B. Thompson, Twenty-seventh Virginia Cavalry Battalion. No. 7.Maj. James R. Claiborne, Thirty-seventh Virginia Cavalry Battalion. No. 8.Lieut. Col. Auburn L. Pridemore, Sixty-fourth Virginia Cavalry. No.1. Report of Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilk~ox, U. S. Army. NEAR MAYNARDVILLE, January 6, 18648 a. in., GENERAL: I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Lemert reporting a cavalry force at Jonesville, which encountered Major Beeres battalion, Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry, and captured it after a fight. The force is represented to be Jones brigade. Beeres lost 2 mountain howitzers and a 3-inch gun and a forage train of 21 wagons, which he was protecting. He was scouting and had received intelli- gence of no force besides that which he had previously encountered and whipped. Colonel Thielemaun, at~3q~ewell, reports a small force of cavalry and infantry crossing the Clinch. He does not say at what ford; he thinks it is intended to draw attention from the force on the Jonesville road. Colonel Matson has been detained, but even with his cavalry, if the report turns out true, the line is not safe, and more cavalry is needed. Colonel Lemert reports that he has but one days full rations of hard bread and flour. The rebels are reported to have left Jonesville for Mulberry Gap immediately after the fight. General Grant is here and going for- ward this morning. Says if the infantry here is heeded he will send me back word. Please forward this to General Foster. Very respectfully, yours, 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier-General. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE, Commanding Forces in Field, Strawberry Plains Page 58 58 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 2. Report of Cot. Wilson C. Lemert, Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Cumberland Gap, January 5, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report: I regret to inform you of the loss of Major Beeres command, Third Battalion, Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry, parts of two companies Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry, First Lieut. A. B. Alger and 17 men, Twenty-second Ohio Battery, 2 mountain howitzers and 1 3-inch Rodman gun. On the 1st of this month I directed Major Beeres to attack the rebel force at Jonesville, which was reported to me as 400 men of Sixty-fourth and Twenty-seventh Virginia Mounted Infantry. Major Beeres command camped at Jonesville on Friday night, and as I learn only picketed the road in the direction of Stickley- ville. At daybreak Sunday morning, General Sam. Jones com- mand of 2,000 rebels attacked Major Beeres from the direction of Mulberry Gap, completely surprising and for some time driving him into confusion. The major finally rallied his men and fought the enemy till 3 p. in., when, his artillery ammunition having been some time exhausted, and he having had 1 lieutenant and about 30 men killed, and 2 lieutenants wounded, he surrendered his force of about 250 men, 1 rifled gun, and 2 mountain howitzers. I have the above report from a servant of one of Major Beeres officers. The enemy has driven in my outposts, and on Sunday last he captured one of my forage trains, 21 wagons, some 15 miles this [side] of Jonesville, that Major Beeres was protecting. The Seventy-first, Twenty-first, Eighty-fifth, Ninety-seventh, Sixty-fourth, Twenty-seventh, and Ninth Virginia and the Tenth Kentucky rebel regiments are said to be at Jonesville; the exact number I can not learn. The Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry is at Mul- berry Gap, but I have been compelled to send couriers to recall them. I have ordered Colonel Thielemaun to detain Colonel Matsons com- mand until I can communicate with General Willcox and send one battalion to this post, which I hope will meet the approval of the general. With the force here now I am unable to procure forage or subsistence for my command. Lieutenant-Colonel Matson has been delayed in complying with S~e~al Orders, No. 63, until now, on account of his horses being unshod and unable to travel. The servant who escaped from Major Beeres command further informs me that a short time before the surrender the major could have retreated in this direction, but he took up another position and renewed the attack, and in less than an hour he found his ammuni-. tion exhausted and his force surrounded, and was compelled to sur- render. I telegraphed Captain Bell, commissary ~f subsistence, Camp Nelson, about the 20tl~ of December for subsistence for my command for thirty days, and he replied in two days that he had started one train and was about to start another, but as I have telegraphed to London I can hear of no train for this post. I fear my subsistence has been turned toward Knoxville. I have only one days full rations for my present command of hard bread or flour and salt meat, but plenty of fresh meat, sugar, and coffee Page 59 CHAP. XLIV.] ACTION AT JONESVILLE, VA. 59 I am just informed that a force of 1,400 rebel cavalry left Jonesville for Mulberry Gap immediately after Major Beeres surrendered, and I fear the gap has been taken with the garrison of the Eleventh Ten- nessee Cavalry. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, W. C. LEMERT, Colonel, Commanding Forces at Cumberland Gap tand Tazewell. Colonel BOWMAN, Chief of Staff No. 3. Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding Confederate forces in East Tennessee. RUSSELLYILLE, January 9, 1864. A portion of our cavalry, nuder Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones, attacked on the 3d instant a force of 300 of the enemy near Jonesville, and killed and wounded and captured the whole of it, with 3 pieces of artillery and 20 wagons and teams. J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. William E. Jones, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS JONES CAVALRY BRIGADE, Jonesvilie, Va., January 7, 1864. COLONEL: Preparatory to executing the design imparted in your confidential note of the 28th ultimo, * J moved my command across Clinch River on the 2d instant. Soon after going into camp infor- mation reached me that the enemy had driven Lieutenant-Colonel Pridemore through this place, and was still going east. I at once determined to cross Powells Mountain that night to attack him in rear, and ordered Colonel Pridemore to attack in front as soon as he found me engaged. The weather wa~An~ensely cold. Maiiy of my men could not be started from their camps. Every halt of a few moments fires were started, and probably more than half of those who did leave were far in rear before daylight. The road was rough and in many places almost impassable from ice, but onward we went with all that could or would go. One man was frozen to death and many were badly frost-bitten. Arriving at daylight in the vicinity of the enemy, well nigh con- quered by the hardships encountered by my poorly clad and shod men, I had the satisfaction to find we were une~ected guests. No pickets were on the road we came. We were charging their camp before they were aware of our presence. They flew to their arms and fought manfully. Our leading company succeeded in capturing their artillery, but was not supported quickly enough to avoid losing it again. The enemy falling back took shelter in a farm-house and outbuildings, placing his artillery so advantageously as to make * See Vol. XXXI, Part III, p. 875 Page 60 60 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. a heavy sacrifice of life necessary to dislodge him. Feeling secnre ot the prey my men were kept well sheltered, and skirmished just enough to keep the enemy firing his artillery to exhaust its ammuni- tion. Toward sundown Colonel Pridemore made his appearance east of the enemy, my command being to the west, thus hemming him in the valley. About this time the enemy quitted the houses and Wok position on a neighboring eminence. As soon as he was far enough from his shelter to make return impossible a general assault was ordered, a surrender enforced in a few minutes. We captured 383 officers and men, 45 of whom were wounded, and we killed 10, took 3 pieces of atillery and 27 6-mule wagons and teams. Five of the wagons were broken in the capture. Early on the morning of the 4th one of my scouts returned, re- porting the garrison at Cumberland Gap from 1,000 to 1,500, which was confirmed from other sources. My ammunition was nearly exhausted and my wagons, being com- pelled to make a detour by Pattonsville, did not reach me until the evening of the 5th, when it was too late to effect what was intended for me to undertake. There is probably subsistence enough for my men and horses to March 1 in this county, though long forage will be scant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. JONES, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Col. G. M. SORREL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army East Tennesse. [Indorsement.] JANUARY 21, 1864. Respectfully submitted to the President, who may be interested by the success alluded to by the explanation of the causes that frus trated the more important enterprise. ~. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. No. 5. Report of Lieut. Col. Aiphonso F. fjor.lc, Eighth Virginia Cavalry. HDQRS. EIGHTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY, March 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to herewith transmit a report of the part taken by the Eighth Regiment Virginia Cavalry in the action at Jonesville, Lee County, Va., on 3d day of January, 1864. On reaching the point in rear of the enemys camp from which the attack was made about 8 a. in., i received an~ order from General Jones to place the three companies armed with pistols and sabers in front. I did so, and placed Capt. H. C. Everett in command of those companies, with instructions to charge the enemys camp and take his artillery an4 hold him in check until I could support him with the other six companies. Captain Everett advanced at the trot until he came opposite the camp, when he ordered one company to charge the camp and the other two to charge after the battery of 3 guns which the enemy was endeavoring to get into position in the roa Page 61 CHAP. XLIV.] ACTION AT JOKESYILLE, VA. 61 about 500 yards from their camp. I was prevented from following up and supporting Captain Everett as it should have been done in consequence of a bad place in the road, through which the men were compelled to ride by file. When I reached the point at which we entered the camp II could not ascertain where Captain Everett was, and supposing the whole force of the enemy to be in the camp I dis- mounted my men as quickly as possible and went to the r6lief of the company then engaged. In the mean time Captain Everett had taken possession of the artil- lery, held it a few minutes, and had been driven back by over- whelming numbers. My men, aided by a portion of the Twenty- seventh Virginia Battalion, drove the enemys advance in a few minutes from their positions behind trees, rocks, & c., in the camp, when they fled in confusion back to where their main force had taken position in and around Milburns house. I then reformed the six companies and advanced through the field under fire from the artil- lery to a fence about 400 yards from their position. Here I halted and kept up a heavy fire for a few minutes, when I received an order from General Jones to move my command to the hill on the left and take possession of Milburns house if possible. I then left two com- panies to guard the road, and took the other four with me to the top of the hill. Here I found a portion of the enemys force, and after collecting all the men I could from other commands we drove theni from the woods through the corn-field and down the hill into Mil- burn~s house and outhouses. As soon as I came in full view of their position and numbers I saw that it would be folly to attempt to take the house, as I saw more men enter it and the outhouses than I had with me to make the attack. I then withdrew into the woods again to await further orders. The enemy made several attempts to regain the woods, but failed in all. About 3 p. m. I received an order from General Jones to send a portion of my command across to the road leading to Cranks Gap. I sent three companies under Captain Rocke to that road, and went myself to bring up the two companies that were left on the road. Before I could return an advance was made by the whole command and the enemy surrendered unconditionally. The loss in the regiment wasLieut. A. H. Samuels and 4 enlisted men killed and 7 wounded. Both officers and men behaved as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. COOK, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Eighth Virginia Cavalry. Lieut. W. M. HOPKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 6. Report of Capt. John B. Thompson, Twenty-seventh Virginia Cav alry Battalion. Official report of the part taken by the Twenty-seventh Virginia Battalion of Cavalry in the engagement at Jonesville, Lee County, Va., on January 3, 1864: LIEUTENANT: On arriving within half a mile of the enemys camp on the morning of January 3 I was directed by Gener~d W, E. Jones Page 62 62 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. commanding, to move my battalion, already in column of fours, to the main Cumberland Gap road, a short distance north of its then present position, and upon reaching that road to charge the enemys camp in concert with two companies of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry, who would move upon the river road. On arriving upon the eminence above Wynns house, a short distance west of the enemys camp, I became aware that I was ahead of the two companies of the Eighth; but satisfied that my approach had been perceived by parties of the enemy who ran out of Wynns house in the direction of their camp, I determined to charge the enemy before they could be aroused in their camp and get to their arms. This I did successfully, capturing quite all the force stationed on the Cumberland Gap road, amount- ing to 5~. In the loss I sustained a loss of 4 men severely wounded. The enemys loss was 3 killed on the field and 6 wounded. After the capture of this force I dismounted my men, and leaving a detachment sufficient to guard the prisoners I moved rapidly with the remainder of my battalion within a short distance of the junction of the Cumberland Gap and river road, below or west of Milburns house, into which and the outhouses a large body of the enemy had taken refuge. Here I took position and awaited the arrival of the rest of the troops. Shortly thereafter I moved my command to an eminence on the left or north of the road, the enemy in the mean time having taken position upon a second eminence in my front, also to the left or north of the road. This position I occupied until a general advance was ordered. I theii moved directly upon the enemy, who at once opened fire and kept it up until my line was near them. Upon perceiving that they were completely invested by the lines of other commands of the brigade, which were, like with my own, advanced within a short distance of their position, they sur- rendered about 3 p. m. My loss in this advance was none killed and nQne wounded. My men and officers acted well throughout the engagement. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. THOMPSON, Captain, Commanding, & c. Lient. W. M. HOPKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Jones Brigade. No. 7. Report of ]Jfaj. James R. Claiborne, Thirty-seventh Virginia Cav alry Battalion. HDQRS. THIRTY-SEVENTH VIRGINIA BATTALION CAy., Balls Bridge, Le~ County, Va., March 8, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to orders just rec~ived calling for my official report of the engagement at Jonesville, Va., on 3d day of January, 1864, and at Gibsons Mill*, on February 22, 1864, I have the honor to submit the following: On the evening of January 1, in obedience to orders, I withdrew my pickets from near Mooresburg, on the Rogersville and Knoxville *See p. 411 Page 63 CHAP. XLIV.] ACTION AT JONESYILLE, VA. 63 turnpike, and proceeded with my command to rejoin the brigade, then encamped at Little War Gap. The brigade having moved previous to my arrival at the latter place, I followed and joined the brigade on the evening of January 2 on the north bank of Clinch River. Owing to the swollen condi- tion of the stream and the extreme darkness of the night a number of my men failed to cross, and remained on the south side of the river. My command was halted on the morning of January 3 with the remainder of brigade for the purpose of reforming. I there ascer- tained that many of my men had straggled from the line of march on account of the severe cold and their naked condition, many being entirely without shoes. I could not muster more than 100 effective men. One man froze in the saddle and several others were frosted. I was ordered to follow the Twenty-seventh Virginia Battalion Cavalry. I entered the Jonesville and Cumberland Gap turnpike some 300 yards below the enemys camp at Jomiesville, Va. We moved up at a gallop in column of fours, well closed on the Twenty- seventh Battalion, which halted on the summit of the hill and opened a light fire upon the enemy. at the same time dismounting. The road ahead being blocked, and having no orders but to follow the Twenty-seventh, I dismounted a portion of my command and formed on the left of the turnpike. We pursued the enemy across the field some 100 yards, capturing a number of prisoners. The en- emy turning his battery upon us in open field and at short range, my command fell back a short distance, where I succeeded in rally- ing all, except such as were guarding prisoners to the rear. By your orders I then moved by the left flank and succeeded in carrying a hill heavily timbered and occupied by a few of the enemys skir- misliers and overlooking his battery. Shortly after my occupation of this hill Lieutenant-Colonel Cook came up wi*h a detachment of the Eighth Virginia Cavalry and took command of the whole. The enemy with a small force made an attempt to retake the hill, but were repulsed and pursued by us to within some 250 yards of his main body, when he opened upon us with grape and canister, and thinking it impracticable to attempt to drive him from the Milburn house, near the center of his lines, we fell back to the summit of the hill, where we remained, exchanging a few occasional shots with the enemy till about 3.30 p. in., when Colonel Cook was withdrawn with his detachment. In some twenty minutes after I was ordered to move forward upon the enemy, who had evacuated the Milburn house, and then occupied the hill directll toward Jonesville and in my front. In making this move the enemy fired several volleys into my ad- vancing line, which was informally drawn on account of the nature of the ground over which we had to pass; and at this time of the engagement I sustained my only loss, which was 4 men severely wounded, none killed. I continued to advance, and when within 150 yards of the enemy he teased firing and the engagement on my part here ceased. Respectfully, JAMES R. CLAIBORNE, Major, Gomdg. Thirty-seventh Virginia Battalion Cavalry. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM E. JONES Commanding Cavalry Brigade Page 64 64 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 8. Report of Lieut. Col. Auburn L. Pridemore, Sixtt!-fourth Virginia Cavalry. HDQRS. SIXTY-FOURTH VIRGINIA CAVALRY, January 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: On the morning of January 3, 1864, I received an order from Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones to press the enemy on the north of the road east of Jonesville. Moving forward double-quick for 11 miles, I found Jonesyille occupied by about 50 Yankees. I drew up in line, dismounted, took possession of the hill east of towii, and opened fire. In ten minutes we had possession of the town. Not knowing anything of the force or intention of General Jones I dispatched him and awaited his further orders. In a few minutes I received through a staff officer an order to attack the enemy (now driven by the force below from Milburns to a position on a high hill west of town) in a line perpendicular to the Valley road. Just as my line of attack was formed Captain Caudill, with 100 of the Tenth Kentucky, came up, making my whole strength about 230. Major Richmond had command of the right, Captain Caudill of the left wing. We now commenced to advance through an old sage-grass field under fire of their artillery. We moved to within 250 yards of the enemys line and battery and opened a well-directed fire on his front. After a few rounds I observed that his lines might be easily flanked. I took command of the right wing, leaving Major Richmond that of the left and Captain Caudills men. I had with me about 50 men. I soon took posses-~ sion of a small ridge in the enemys rear, having previously driven the enemys sharpshooters in off of the same ridge. Then ordered Major Richmond forward (who was also on the advance) with an intention to unite my whole force and charge the battery, but before I could reorganize the line the enemy surrendered240 in number, 3 pieces of artillery, 405 wagons, all of their arms, horses, & c. Soldiers from all the regiments coming up who had won honors in the morning and fought with us now, and justly entitled to share with us, joined in collecting the spoils. What was retained in the Sixty-fourth Virginia has been properly accounted for. The Sixty-fourth Virginia and Ten~ Kentucky, both officers and men, acted gallantly. Major Richmond conducted his wing with skill and ability. I had Captain Poteet, Company B, wounded slightly; Private Bryant, Company B, wounded mortally; Private Ratliff, Company F, in leg slightly; Private Flaney, Company I, in thigh severely. Four non-commissioned officers and privates in Tenth Kentucky wounded. Particulars not known. - I am, captain, your most obedient servant~ A. L.P~IDE MORE, Lient. Cot., Comdg. Sixty-fourth Virginia Cavalry. Captain MARTIN, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 65 OPERATIONS ABOUT SPAETA~ TUNN. 85 & NUflY 8, l8Sttout from Xaphiu~ Tm.., tonri Etnamudo, XI... Report of Capt. Lteoiu. B. Skinner, Sieth Illinois OtwaWy. HDQRS. SIXTH ILLINOIS CAvaRY VoLuNruns, Memphis, Tens., Jasnucin) 8, 188t CaPTAIN: Capt. D. L Grimes, sentoutthis morning with detach- ments of Companies I and K, proceeded on the Hernando road to within 4 miles of Heniando. He saw only some small squads of the enemy when near that place, but hearing that there was a force in the town too large for him to compete with, he took an easterly course, intersecting the Holly Ford and Hernandoroad, and returned to~p by that road. The enemy are reported to be on Coldwate; with headquarters at or near (Joldwater Station, the troops very much scattered over the ,from Coldwater to Senatobia, wherever they can obtain foragt They arevariously estimated in numbers, by some as high as 8,000, under the command of Forrest, Faulkner, and others. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Captain, Commanding Detachment L B. SKINNER, Sioth illinois Cavalry. Capt F. W. Fox, Assistant Acljntant-GeneraL JANUARY 4-14, 186LOpcatim about Sparts~ Ten. Report of Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiasna CavaZry.~ HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRds, Cedar Grove, January 14, 186t Gnn.aL: Ihavethe honor to report thaton the.4th instantl: proceeded to the other side of the Cumberland Mountains with 200 men, dividing them into four parties. Capt. Thomas Herrinq was sent down Caney Fork with 60 men; Ca t W. W. DeWitt with zo men directly on Sparta; Ca tain LeavellTdYwn the Blue Spring Cove with 30 men, and I head of 60 men that descended the mountain at the head of the ler. We respectively reached the points designated at daylight on Tuesday morning. My orders to the various parties were to move in the direction of Sparta and concentrate at at in in the even~g, arrestii~g all the men that could be found . The ints designa inc u ethelocalities of Ca tam Carters, Capt Champ Fergusons, Major Bledsoes, and Colonel Murrays squads of bushwhackers. Our move i*ilted in consid- erable skirmishing. We remained on the Calfkiller for five days, and in the time we killed 4 of the bushwhackers and wounded u or 6, capturing 15, inoludin~ a captain and lieutenant, 30 horses, and 20 stand of arma W& visited the farm of Champ Ferguson on two occasions, captur4 much of the sutlers goods taken by him from Colonel Browniow s sutler, andS of his horses, with many valuable * See also Thomas report, p.7. S R RvOL XXXII, PT Page 66 66 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr. XLIV. articles. We had 2 men captured by straggling, but they were stripped of horses, arms, and valuable clothing, and turned loose. Before we left the valley these bandits would fly to the mountains on the approach of even a squad of our men. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. J. HARRISON, Colonel, ~ornmanding. [Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff.] JANUARY 5, 1864.Skirmish at Lawrences ~i11, Tenn. Reports of Cot. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Mossy C~reek, Tenn., January 5. 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honOr to report that the forage detail, Second Brigade, to-day attacked the enemys picket at Lawrences Mill, ~ miles east of Mossy Creek, and captured 12 men with their arms and 9 horses, without loss. Very respectfully, ~. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Cavalry Division, Dept. Cnmb. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLANTh Near Mossy ~1reele, january 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the scout to Lawrences Mill has just returned, bringing 1 lieutenant and 11 men prisoners. The battalion reported at the mill had not been stationed there, but at Hunts Mill, d miles from Lawrences, and had removed before we arrived, leaving a picket, most of which was captured. The nearest rebel force is reported to be at Panther Springs. Inclosed please find list of prisoners. * Very respectfully, ~. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel, Comdg. 2d Brig. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General, First Cavalry Division. JANUARY 6, 1864.Attack on Steamer De1ta,~n the Mississippi River. Report of Col. Lawrence S. Ross, Sixth Texas Cavalry, commanding brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, JACKSONS CAVALRY DIV., Gaines Landing, Mississippi River, January 6, 18647 p. m. MAJOR: The transport Dclta was disabled by my battery at 12 m. to-day, run to the opposite shoi e, and abandoned. Large gun-boat, List omitted Page 67 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH NEAR MOSSY CREEK, TENN. 67 name not visible, came up; received three raking shots and sought safety in flight, having fired but once. Have but one inferior fiat- boat, and cannot cross for high wind and waves. Looking for Col- onel Harrisons forces on the other bank every minute. He has not come to time. Carried 2,000 stands of arms 50 miles on horses. Suc- ceeded in crossing sonie and hid them in the cane with small guard. Tried to haul boats from the Sunflower, but wagons uoutd not pass over the road. Broke the axle-tree of one of my rifled pieces in the action to-day. Will save the piece. Great many boats running the river. I will be forced to leave the river in two or three days on account of the mud and scarcity of supplies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. L. S. ROSS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Major HOLT Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 9, 1864.Skirmish at Termans Ferry, Ky. Report of .2lfaj. Rhys 7)1. Thomas, Fourteenth Kentucky Infantry. CATLETTSBURG, Ky., January 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: As a company of Thirty-ninth Kentucky was moving down the west bank of the 8andy River, between Louisa and Cat- lettsburg, Ky., about 14 miles above the last place, a detachment of Colonel Fergusons rebel regiment, about 150 men, led by Ferguson in person, attacked the company, who were in camp for the night, and killed 1 lieutenant and captured 1 lieutenant and 8 men. The rebels crossed the Big Sandy River on the ice. The Union force numbered 75 strong, commanded by Captain King. Twenty men were sent to hospital at Ashland, being badly frozen. R. M. THOMAS, Major, Commanding Post. Capt. W. P. ANDERSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. 9 ,~ JANUARY 10, 1864.Skirmish near l~Iossy Creek, Tenn. Report of C~ol. Oscar II. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, First Cavalry Dimsion. Mossy CREEK, January 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that a scoi~ting party from the Second Brigade to-day surprised one of the ene~iys outposts, on the Dandridge road about 6 miles from Mossy Creek, and killed 4, including 1 lieutenant, besides making 7 prisoners, without loss. Very respectfully, ~. H. LA GRANGE, Cblonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st C~av. Div., Dept. of the c~umberland Page 68 68 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. JANUARY 1011, 1864.Scout from near Dandridge to Clarks Ferry, Tenn. Report of Cot. William J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, James Evans Ford, Tenn., January 11, 18643 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to report that a small expedition sent out by me last night to Clarks Ferry, 17 miles above this point, on the French Broad, has returned this morning with 7 prisoners, infantry and cavalry, belonging to Sonth Carolina and Tennessee regiments. Two of the prisoners (one a brigade forage master), belonging to Dibrells brigade, of Armstrongs division, and both on a separate examination, say that their brigade is at IDr. Boyds, 2 miles from the mouth of Chucky, on the Dandridge road and within half a mile of French Broad River. They also say that the only other brigade in their division (Harrisons) is, they believe, somewhere near Dib- rells; also that their division left Panther Springs nearly a week ago, on Monday or Tuesday. The forage master is quite well informed., and says he issued forage to 800 en for duty in his brigade; that there are but two brigades in Armstrongs division (Dibrells and Harrisons) and two in Morgans; that Harrisons brigade may be a very little larger than Dibrells; and that one brigade of Morgans division is not as large as Dibrells; that his own regiment, the Eighth Tennessee, has 140 men only; that their cavalry horses are in good serviceable condition, getting 24 ears of corn per day now, when on full rations; that all the forage about Panther Springs and Morristown and in the intermediate country to the French Broad and Chucky is exhausted, also on the banks of French Broad and Chucky on the other side, and that they are now relying for forage on this side of the French Broad and Chucky, getting it across by cames and by fording. He also says that Armstrongs and Morgans divisions of cavalry were both engaged in the last fight at Mossy Creek. One of the infantry prisoners was acting commissary sergeant of his ( regiment the Second South Carolina Infantry, Kershaws brioade McLaws division). His brigade and division were at Russellville when he left them day before yesterday, at which time Hoods divis- ion was at Morristown. He came ao~oss the river to run a mill near Clarks Ferry, the three mills their division had about Russeilville not being sufficient. He confirms the report about McLaws being relieved and sent to Richmond. I had the honor to send a report to General Elliott yesterday via Headquarters Army of the Ohio, at Knoxville, it being impossible to get it across the river in consequence of the ice. In that report I stated that Armstrongs division of cavalry had probably three bri. gades. I now believe he has but two, and~I do not think Martins entire cavalry force for duty without Jones to exceed 4,000, or with Jones to exceed 6,000. (I inclose a copy of that report.) Very respectfully, & c., WILLIAM J. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant SuAw, AcIg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Corps Page 69 CB~. XLIV.] SCOUT TO LEXINGTON, TENN. 69 [Inclosure.] Several citizens from Cocke County, near Parrottsville, who left there yesterday, came to my camp to-day. From them I learned that Longstreet commenced the construction of a pontoon early last week at the Briar Thickets, 3 miles from the Cliucky (soutlzt side), on the road leading from Morristown to Paint Rock; that a before yesterday a dispatch came to the men in charge to move to the saw- mill at Parrottsville (where they prepared to take the stuff already made yesterday) and to go on with the work. The citizens think the pontoons will be thrown across the Chucky at Easterlys Ferry, 3 miles from Parrottsville on the road to Warrensburg. This is also the road leading to Paint Rock and Warm Springs. The French Broad River is now filled with floating ice, and is not fordable or ferryable. The rebel cavalry will have to leave East Tennessee for lack of forage, if they are not permitted to get the corn at Beaver Dam and elsewhere on this side of the river. The bearer is trustworthy. Please send me word by him of our forces. JANUARY 10-16, 1864.Expedition from Vicksburg, Miss., to Sunnyside Landing, Ark. Itinerary of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Gorps, Brig. Gem. Jasper A. Maitby, U. S. Army, commanding, for January, 1864. * January 10, the brigade embarked on steamers Madison, Era, and Northerner, and proceeded up the Mississippi River to Sunnyside Landing, 200 miles, to disperse rebel forces that were obstructing navigation, and said to be attempting to cross arms and munitions from the east to the west side. It having been ascertained at Sunny- side that t here were no rebel troops on either side of the river within reach of infantry forces, the expedition was abandoned and the bri- gade returned, reaching Vicksburg on the 16th. The brigade has been in camp at Yicksburg the balance o~f tJiie month. JANUARY 11, 1864.Scout to Lexington, Tenn. Report of Cot. isaac R. Hawkins, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry. PARIS, TENN JanWary 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honQr to report that up to last evening I remained at Iluntingdon. On the 11th I detached 100 men and sent them to Lexington. They captured some prisoners, and killed 1 guerrilla in the very act of robbing. Captain Beatty brings the intelligence that the Confederates are rapidly concentrating at Jackson; they have for some days been in considerable force near Trezevant, and * From monthly return Page 70 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. after leaving Huntingdon I was overtaken by a messenger who stated that there was at McLemoresville and vicinity 1,000 rebels. This must be a concentration of Newsoms men with those previously near Trezevant. A Colonel Hawkins, from near Nashville, passed Lexington going toward Jackson about three days since, and from all south of Hunt- ingdon there seems to be a general movement in that way, and it is certain that none of Newsoms men went out and that his headquar- ters were on the 10th at Jackson. When I left Union City I had 262 men. I now have 364, and think with force sufficient io hold the country I could recruit a regiment in a short time. I much need arms, clothing, horses, and horse equipments. I would respectfully suggest that the establishment of a post at Trenton at the earliest practicable moment would be attended by the best of results. A large number, say 70, conscripts have reported to me, and asked to be paroled~ in some few cases bringing arms and horses. It will be totally impracticable for Lieutenant Campbell to reach his regimc~nt by way of Lexington, and he will this day report to Colonel Mills, at Paris, Teun. I have the honor, general, to be your obedient servant, ISAAC R. HAWKINS, Colonel, Commanding Serenth Tennessee ~31avalry. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Commanding Third Division, Sixteenth Corps. JANUARY 1112, 1864.Expedition from Maryville up the Little Ten nessee River, Tenn. Report of Lient. Col. Robert Klein, Third Indiana Cavalry. HDQRS. THIRD BATTALION THIRD INDIANA CAVALRY, ]Jlaryville, Tenn., January 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following in regard to a late expedition from my command up the Little Tennessee River, in which I broke up a nest of guerrill~ s composed of absentees, deserters, and paroled soldiers of the rebel aAny, and rebel citizens who had been stealing stock and goods from the loyal citizens of Blount and Monroe Counties, and taking the same to North Carolina to sell them. Their force was variansly estimated from 50 to 200 strong, camped on both sides of the Tennessee River, at a place known as Chilhowee, 24 miles from this place. I left camp with 100 men on the 11th instant at 3 p. in., and stopped at night at the Harrison Ford, 8 miles from their camp, until next morning, when at early dawn I at- tempted to throw half my force across the ~iver, which was nearly swimming for a horse all of the way across; current swift, and much mush ice running. Here I lost First Sergt. Bernhard Kraft, Com- pany K, and his horse by drowning, and came near losing more. I was only ab~ to get 28 men across on the best horses. We then moved up the river, on either side, in concert, as fast as the block- adod roads would admit, scattering their pickets and charging int Page 71 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH AT RAGLAND MILLS, BATH COUNTY, KY. 71 their camps, routing them completely, capturing 1 captain, 1 first lieu- tenant, and 21 men, their arms, horses, eqnipmeuts, & c., without fur- ther loss to us. The prisoners have been put in charge of the pro- vost-marshal of this county to forward to General Carter; the horses, arms, and equipments are taken up on my quartermasters return. Having no intermediate headquarters to report to, I make this re- port direct to your headquarters. Very respectfully, your obedient servaut, ROBERT KLEIN, Lientenctut- Colonel, Commanding. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL Headquarters Department of the Ohio. JANUARY 12, 1864.Skirmish near l~Io~sy Creek, Tenn. Report of Col. Oscar H La Grange, First Wisconsin cfavalry, com manding Second Brig qde, First Cavalry Division. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIvISION, Mossy Creek, Tenn., January 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the forage detail from the Second Brigade to-day drove back one of the enemys outposts, for the purpose of foraging behind it. Killed 1 and captured 15 prisoners, without loss. Very respectfully, 0. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Asst. A~jt. Gen., First Cavalry Division, Dept. Cumberland. JANUARY 13, 1864.Skirmish at Ragland 1~iI1s, Bath County, Ky. Report of Capt. William P. Anderson, ~4ssWt. Adjt. Gen. U. S. Army. LEXINGTON, KY., January 15, 1864. GENERAL: On the 10th instant Col. J. M. Brown, Forty-fifth Regiment Kentucky Infantry, stationed at Mount Sterling, sent a party of 12 enlisted men, under command of Lieut. Robert H. Wilson, of his regiment, on reconnoitering service. Hearing of a party of 35 guerrillas being encamped at Ragland Mills, Bath County, Ky., Lieutenant Wilson attacked them at daylight o~ the morning of the 13th, taking 13 of their number. Lieutenant Wilsons loss was but 1 horse killed. W. P. ANDERSON. General POTTER, Chief of Staff Page 72 7~2 KY., SW. TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. JANUARY 13, 1864.Skirmish near Colliervile, Tenn. Report of Moj. Ira 1?. Gifford, Ninth illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Collierville, Tenn., January 13, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of orders from your headqnarters, I moved out on the road to Pleasant Hill with a battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, numbering about 60 men; while crossing the Nonconnah we heard firing about 1 mile to our left. I moved over the stream as rapidly as possible, the cross- ing being very bad, and before the command had crossed the firing seemed to be coming toward us. I ordered the advance company forward about 60 rods to a road crossing at right angle, where I saw a small party of soldiers pass at full speed. I knew them to be onr own men by their uniform. I then ordered a halt, dismounted two companies, and moved forward in direction of the firing, sending one company around on our left flank mounted. We had advanced about 100 yards through a thicket of brush when we met the enemy coming toward us, numbering from 50 to 100 men, and within 50 yards of us. I tbeu opened fire on them and emptied many saddles, the enemy falling back in great confusion, leaving 1 man mortally wounded on the field, 5 horses, 5 carbines and revolvers, together with 4 prisoners out of the 5 they had previously taken from the command sent out previous to our being ordered out. I skirmished on through the woods about three-quarters of a mile, then ffiounted my men and pursued the enemy about 3 miles, and finding they had too much the start, I returned to camp. Our loss, none. From indications on the field the enemys loss must have been heavy. I remain your obedient servant, IRA R. GIFFORD, Major Ninth illinois Cavalry. Col. A. G. BRACKETT, Commanding Second Brigade. Great credit is due company commanders. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIv., 16TH A. C., Collierrille, Teun., January 14, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to division he~ dquarters. It has been ascertained since the fight that 1 rebel was killed and ~ were wounded. Private James A. Montgomery, of the Ninth Illi- nois Cavalry, Conmany M, is missing. Tl~ party which Major Gifford attacked was the same one which fired into the railroad train on the 12th instant. ALBERT 0. BRACKETT, Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 73 CHAP. XLIVJ SKIRMISH AT SCHULTZ MILL, COSBY CREEK TENN. JANUARY 1314, 1864Affair at Sevierville (13th) and skirmish at Schultz Mill, Cosby Creek, Teun. (14th). REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. No. 2.Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Depart- ment of the Ohio. No. 4.Col. William J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 5.Col. John B. Palmer, Fifty-eighth North Carolina Infantry, commanding Western District of North Carolina. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. (#rant, U. S. Army, commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 17, 1864. (Recd 3.30 p. m. 18th.) On the 14th instant General Vance made a raid toward Sevierville and captured a train of 23 wagons. He was promptly pursued by Colonel Palmer, who recaptured the wagons and took 1 ambulance loaded with medicines, 150 saddle-horses, and 100 stand of arms. Vance and his assistant adjutant-general and inspector-general are among the prisoners captured. U. S. GRANT, Major-General HALLECK, Major-General. General-in-Chief. No 2. Report of Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding De partment of the Ohio. ~ IjINOXYILLE, TENN., January 16, 1864. I have the honor to report that on the 14th General Vance, brother of Governor Vance, of North Carolina, with 300 cavalry, made a raid toward Sevierville and captured a train of 23 wagons sent out from Knoxville for forage. General Sturgis immediately ordered Colonel Palmer with the Fifteenth Pennsylvania (Anderson Cavalry) to pur- sue them. He did so with such activity that he came up with the party as they had halted to feed, 23 miles from Sevierville, surprised them, recaptured all the wagons, drivers, and ani~mals, and in addi- tion a fine ambulance filled with medical stores, 150 saddle-horses, and 100 stand of arms. General Vance, with his adjutant-general and inspector-general, were among the prisoners. The remainder of the rebel party broke and fled to the mountains, closely pursued by the Union Home Guards. General Sturgis speaks in high terms of Colonel Palmers activity and skill. As he has exhibited these qual- ities on several occasions before, I recommend him for appointmen Page 74 74 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANP N. GA. ~ORAP. XLIV. as brigadier-general, and respectfully ask that you indorse the iecom- meudation as a reward for what Colonel Palmer has done and as an incentive to other officers to imitate his example. J. G. FOSTER, Major- General, Commanding. General U. S. GRANT. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Department of the Ohio. DANDRIDGE, January 15, 1864. I have just word from Colonel Palmer, belonging to General Elliotts command, and whom I had sent after a party 300 strong, under command of General Vance, a brother of the Governor of North Carolina, that he overtook them on Cosby Creek, 23 miles from Sevierville, at 3 p. m. on the 14th instant. They had rested to feed their animals, and were about to take the road to Newport when he charged them, routing their entire command. He captured 52 prisoners, including General Vance, his adjutant-general, and in- spector-general; also about 150 saddle-horses and over 100 stand of arms, besides destroying a large number of arms on the road. He also captured a fine ambulance filled with medical stores and pro- visions the rebels had picked up on their retreat from Sevierville. He also recaptured all the wagons and mules, together with the wagon-master and 23 other prisoners that were taken with the trains captured from us near Knoxville. The Home Guards are pursuing the dismounted rebels, who fled to the mountains, and many of them will no doubt be captured. The entire command is dispersed, and the rebels not captured will no doubt return to their homes. The enemy had 2 men wounded. Our loss was nothing. The prisoners are on their way to Knoxville, and the train has been returned to its wagon-master. General Elliott speaks in high terms of Colonel Palmers operations, and I would recommend him to your special consideration. S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Corps. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER. No. 4. Report of Col. William J. Palmer, F4teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Dandridge, Teun., January 15, 1864. Capt. W. C. RAWOLLE, A. A. A. G., Rdqrs. Chief of Cay., Ar~ny of the Ohio: CAPTAIN: I have the honor to inclose a report just received from Col. W. J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Colonel Pal- mer and com~nand deserve honorable mention for their gallant conduct. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier- General and Chief of C~avalry, D. C Page 75 Ca& ~. XLIVI SKIRMISH AT SCHULTZ MILL, COSBY CREEK, TENN. 75 HEADQUARTERS ANDERSON CAVALRY, Near Sevierville. January 15, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that on learning that a cavalry force of the enemy from North Carolina, under General Vance, had entered Sevierville on the evening of the 13th and captured, a train of eighteen wagons, I started in pursuit at 3 oclock the next morning from my camp on the French Broad, 4 miles from Dandridge, with detachments of the Anderson Cavalry and the Tenth Ohio Cavalry, amounting in all to less than 200 men. After a march of 30 miles we found the enemy on Cosby Creek, 23 miles from Sevierville, and within about 5 miles of the Great Smoky Mountains. They had rested to feed their animals, and were about to take the road thence to Newport. I immediately charged them in column of fours, routing their entire command, which fled in the utmost disorder, throwing away their guns, belts, blankets, saddle-bags, & c., and most of them quitting their horses. We captured 52 prisoners, including Brigadier-General Vance, brother of Governor Vance, of North Carolina, and a captain and lieutenant of his staff (the assistant adjutant-general and acting inspector-general of the command); also about 150 saddled horses, and over 100 stand of arms, besides destroying a large number of arms on the road. We also captured a fine ambulance filled with medical stores, of which we were sadly in need; also a quantity of bacon, salt, meal, & c., picked up by the rebels on their retreat from Sevierville. We also recaptured all the wagons and mules, together with the wagon-master and 23 other prisoners, that were taken with the train. Four of these were loyal citizens who had been tied to pre- vent their escape. The enemy had 2 men wounded. Our loss was nothing. II have sent Home Guards to scour the mountains for dismounted rebels, of whom doubtless a considerable number will be captured. The entire force is dissipated, and the men not captured will prob- ably return to their homes. General Vances assistant adjutant-general informs me that the force we attacked was about 300 men. Colonel Thomas, with 150 Indians, co1jii p~,osing the rest of the invad- ing force, with two pieces of artillery and ten to twelve wagons, re- mained back at Gatlinburg (14 miles from Sevierville), where he will probably remain until he hears of the defeat of Vance. If some fresh cavalry can be sent here immediately, these Indians and guns can be captured. General Vance informs me that he left Asheville, N. C., with his command on the 8th instant, and that his men have been in the saddle ever since. He came through Waynesville, Quallatown~ and Gatlinburg. Nearly all of them had new horse equipments, and all were well clad. I have forwarded the prisoners to Knoxville, and returned the train to its wagon-master. I am, lieuter~ant, yours, very respectfully, WM. J. PALMER, Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant SHAW, Acting Assistant-Adjutant General Page 76 76 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. No. 5. Report of Col. John B. Palmer, Fifty-eighth North Carolina in fantry, commanding Western District of North Carolina. HDQRS. WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, Asheville, January 19, 1864. COLONEL: I regret to state that positive informai~ion has just been received that Brig. Gen. R. B. Vance, lately commanding this dis- tVict, is a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. He was captured at Schultz Mill, on Cosby Creek, in Cocke County, Tenn., on Thursday afternoon last. General Vance crossed Smoky Mountain from Jackson County, in this State, to East Tennessee on Tuesday, the 12th instant, with one section of artillery, 325 cavalry, and 100 infantry. Leaving Col. W. H. Thomas and Lient. Col. J. L. Henry with the balance of the force at Gatlinburg, 4 miles below the Smoky Mountain, General Vance proceeded with 180 cavalry to Sevierville, where he, on Wednesday at 3 p. in., captured a train of seventeen wagons, with which he started for Newport, Teun., via Schultz Mill. At this latter place he, on Thursday, about 2 p. in., stopped and re- mained about one and a half hours. Here he was surprised by a force of the enemys cavalry, estimated at about 400, coining from their cam p 6 miles below Sevierville, and himself, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 37 privates, together with about 100 horses, 1 ambulance, & c., captured. The captured wagons and teams were also retaken by the enemy. There being no rear guard or pickets out, the enemy were enabled to approach within 100 yards before they were discovered. The surprise was complete. Col. W. H. Thomas, commanding the party left at Gatlinburg, had been ordered to fall back wjth his infantry and to send Lieutenant- Colonel Henry with his cavalry and artillery to Schultz Mill, where they were directed to take up a position and await the arrival of General Vance. (See copy ~ of order marked A.) Lieutenant-Colo- nel Henry, commanding the cavalry and artillery, replied that he thought it best to fall back with Colonel Thomas, and failed to move as directed. (See statement~ marked B, by Lieutenant Davidson, General Vances acting assistant adjutant-general.) Lieutenant- Colonel Henry, however, proceeded to Schultz Mill on Friday, and the enemy having retired passed safely on to Newport, and is now on his way up French Broad. It is believed that if Lieutenant-Colonel Henry had obeyed the orders sent him, or even without his force if precautions had been taken to prevent surprise, this calamity could have been avoided and the train saved, as the country immediately above Schultz Mill is admirably adapted to defense. I shall feel it incumbent upon me to place Lieutenant-Colonel Henry under arrest for disobedience of orders to await the decision of the general commanding as to whether h~shall be tried by the general court-martial now in session at this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. B. PALMER, C~olonei, Commanding District. Col. G. W. BRENT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of Tennessee. * Not found Page 77 CHAP. XLIV.] SCOUT TO BALDWIN S FERRY, MISS. 77 [First indorsement.] FEBRUARY 2, 1864. Respectfully submitted for the information of the President, who may feel iuterested to learn the cause of General Vances capture. It seems to have resulted from disobedience of orders by another and lack of due precaution by himself. J. A. SEDDON. [5econd indorsement.] WAR OFFICE: The officer being in captivity, no action is practicable which seems proper. J.D. JANUARY 14, 1864.Scout from Collierville, Tenn. Report of Col. Albert G. Bracke It, Ninth illinois Cavalry, com manding brigade. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 14, 1864. Dispatch received. I sent out a scout to-day under Major Bishop. He has rOturned. Went as far as Dudys Mill on the Coldwater. On his return went within 2 miles of Quinns Mill. No enemy there since the 50 or 60 were in this section yesterday. They returned south of the Coldwater last evening. No indication of an enemy. Major Gifford killed 1 and wounded 7 of those [who] fired upon the train yesterday. A. G. BRACKETT, General GRIERSON. Colonel, 1ornmanding Brigade. JANUARY 14, 1864.Scout to Baldwins Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. Report of MciJ. James Ketner, First Kansas Mounted Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST KANSAS MOUNTED INFANTRY, January 15, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to your orders of January 14, I took com- mand of Companies A, B, F, and G in all about 40 men, and xro~ ceeded with them to Baldwins Ferry 1~r ~he purpose, as ordere , of destroying any and all flat-boats, ferries, or other means of crossing the river that I might find at or in the vicinity of said ferry. On my way to the ferry, and while there, I saw no signs or indications of any enemy, and in fact saw nothing by which the rebels or any one else could cross the river. I then divided my command and sent Lieut. and Adjt. John A. Henry with 10 men up the river. About 1 mile above the ferry he discovered a jMace where citizens or others had been floating cotton across the river, and a~ut one half mile farther up he discovered on the opposite side of the river a small skiff half full of water and evidently not in use by any one. At Webbs he discovered 6 bales of the cotton that had been floated across the river from Baldwins Ferry. Both up and down the river there is no road, so that we were compelled to pick our way through undergrowth, over fallen trees, and through swamps and almost im- passable marshes. With the remaining 30 men I started down the river, but could not get to the river at any point, and after travelin Page 78 78 KY, SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. over about 6 miles of territory below the ferry I returned to camp without having seen any of the enemy or even hearing of them. Citizens through the country all tell me that no rebels have been over the river since the raid about Christmas. I found no boats of any description, nor could I find any evidences of crossing at any point. Could learn of only two points of crossing, to wit, Baldwins and Halls Ferries. I would suggest as the only feasible plan at present that a skiff be manned at the bridge and sent down the river. I am satisfied that if there are any private ferries, fiat-boats, skiffs, or other means of crossing the river they can in this way be dis- covered; and if, which is possible, although not very probable, the party should be surprised on their way down, if necessary they can abandon the skiff on the west side of the river and escape, and thus accomplish the object of their mission. The river is now very high, and I am of the opinion that no rebels are crossing at all. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES KETNER, Major, Commanding Detachment. Lient. Col. N. W. SPICER, Commanding First Kansas. JANUARY 1617, 1864.Operations about Dandridge, Teun., including skirmishes (16th) ~at Kimbroughs Cross-Roads and on Bend of Chucky Road, and action (17th) near Dandridge. IRIEPOiRTS.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Army of the Ohio. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Department of the Cumberland, including operations to January 28. No. 4.Col. Edward M. McCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland. No. 5.Col. Archibald P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland. No. 6.Col. Thomas J. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding First Brigade. No. 7.Lieut. Col. Benjamin Smith, Second Michigan Cavalry. No. 8.Maj. Edward G. Savage, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 9.Col. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 10.Col. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, commanding First Cav- alry Division, Army of the Ohio. No. 11.Col. Israel Garrard, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Cavalry Division, Army of the Ohio. No. 12.Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. No.1. Report of Maj. (ien. John G. Parke, U. S. Army. STRAWBERRY PLAINS, January 18, 18641 p. m. I sent you a dispatch yesterday evening from Dandridge that Long- street was immediately in our front with a large force of infantry. * See also Fosters report, pp. 41,45 Page 79 CRAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 79 On the day previous Sturgis made a move on Kimbroughs Cross- Roads. He met but little opposition until he reached the cross-roads. There he found infantry in force, said to be a division. While this force was moving out to that road the enemfs cavalry came in on the Bend of Chucky road and drove Wolford into the infantry sup- ports. On yesterday morning we found the enemy in li~te of battle 3 or 4 miles from town. During the day General Sheridan built a bridge of wagons at the bend below town and crossed Harkers brigade, but to his mortification he found at dark that he was on an island, and that it would require four more hours to complete this bridge. While the bridge was being constructed and scarcely fin- ished, they made a firm assault on our whole line, both columns and lines of infantry being invisible. Our loss was severe, considering the short duration of the affair. We have prisoners from Hampton Legion, Hoods division. One of our men, taken prisoner during the siege of Knoxville, escaped from them three days ago, at Morristown. He reports that all their infantry had left Morristown, and that he also saw them at Kimbroughs Cross-Roads at 2 oclock yesterday. This attack, this force, and proximity to our position, taken in consideration with the unfinished state of the bridge, determined [me] to retire at once upon Strawberry Plains, and the movement is now in progress. I have had no definite report from General Willich, who commands the rear guard, but the general report is that the enemy is not pressing. They have their cavalry on our flanks. I have ordered the force at Mossy Creek to retire, and our cavalry is retiring with us to the plains. The ford of the French Broad was considered rather un- certain, and risks for night unknown. I will probably go into the plains this evening. I will remain here until I hear definitely from the rear guard. Please send me orders at Strawberry Plains for disposition and movements of troops. Very respectfully, JOHN G. PARKE, Major- General. General FOSTER. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Stnrgi~, #L S. Army, commanding Gavairy, Army of the Ohio. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dandridge, Teun., January 16, 186411 p. m. GENERAL: I moved my cavalry forward this morning with the intention of occupying Kimbrou0hs Cross-Roads. Colonel Gar- rards division moved on the Bulls Gap road, followed by General Elliotts division. Colonel Wolfords division adv~iced on the Bend of Chucky road. Four miles out Colonel Wolfor 4 encountered the mass of the enemys cavalry. To relieve him we pressed the harder toward the cross-roads, where we encountered a division of the en- emys infantry (which was moved there last night), with ai~tillery. In the mean time I had ordered Colonel Wolford to fall back on this place if hard pressed. It was impossible to aid Colonel Wolford from the main column without returning to within 2 or 3 miles of this place, which was done Page 80 80 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. & A.. [CHAP. XLIV. Ii regret most deeply our inability to secure these cross-roads, as I deem it the most important point in our front; but the enemy being also awake to its importance has occupied it with infantry, as I feared lie would, and rendered it impossible for me to drive him out with cavalry. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Corps. General FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CoRPs, ]Jfaryville, Tenn., February 4, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the cavalry of this department near Dandridge on the 16th and 17th of January, 18(34: My command, consisting of Colonels Wolford and Garrards divis- ions, cavalry, Department of the Ohio, and Colonel McCooks cav- alry division, Department of the Cixmberland, was moved from Mossy Creek to Dandridge on the 14th of January for convenience of forage and subsistence, driving in the enemys pickets then posted on the eastern skirts of the town. The troops being continually on the march and no previous opportunity offering to supply them, the isth was devoted to issuing necessary clothing and boots. On the 16th of January, the enemys cavalry being in close proximity, I ordered Colonel Wolford with his division to move forward on the Bend of Chucky road, to secure the country as far as Long Creek, while Colonels Garrard and McCook with their divisions advanced on the Bulls Gap road to Kimbroughs Cross-Roads, 9 miles from Dandridge. I soon found that the enemy had massed his entire cavalry force on the Chucky road, 5 miles from Dandridge, while Colonel Garr~rd encountered a division of infantry (moved down from Morristown the previous night) in position at the cross-roads. Colonel Wolford becoming heavily pressed, I ordered Colonel McCook with his division to move over to his assistance, and the enemy was repulsed from the position taken from Colonel Wolford. The object of the reconnaissance being accomplished, Colonel Garrard was ordered to return, and~-ako placed in position protecting the Bulls Gap road. Night coming on, Colonel Wolford was ordered to take the right of our line on the Hays Ferry road, his right resting on the French Broad River, 2 miles above Dandridge, Colonel Garrards division in the center covering the Chucky road, connecting with Colonel Wolfords left and Colonel McCooks right, whose division held the Bulls Gap and Mossy Creek roads. Receiving information about noon on the 17th that the enemy was no doubt preparing for an a3~tack, I ordered my command to form line of battle in the order above indicated an~ await his advance. At 4 p. m. the enemy drove in one regiment of our infantry, picketing inside of my vedettes on our extreme right, and advaiiced with great fu~ on our left, attacking Colonel McCooks division. A battery was then pushed forward by the enemy, shelling our center, to cover the advance of his strong line of infantry. My whole line was now engaged, and the regiment of our infantry in front of Colonel Garrard compelled to give way, so that the cay Page 81 Cau. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 81 airy was on this occasion engaging the entire force of the enemys cavalry and three brigades of infantry of Johnsons and Hoods divisions. The fighting was desperate, our troops charging repeatedly and driving the enemy from his positions, our troops not falling back to the ground held by them in the afternoon until after dark, when the enemy moved up strong lines of pickets close to onr lines.~ I would respectfnlly call yonr attention to the report of Col. E. M. McCook with reference to the commanding officer of an infantry regiment refusing him assistance at a moment when the exertio~i and co-operation of every one was needed to avoid a terrible disaster. Returning from the field after dark, I found the infantry and trains already moving in the direction of Strawberry Plains, and was ordered by Major-General Parke to retire the cavalry on the Dandridge and New Market road, crossing at MeKinneys Ford, when the comniand encamped on the north side of the Holston on the 18th. I would call yonr attention to the reports of division commanders herewith inclosed. The following is a recapitulation of casualties on the 16th and 17th of January: Eight men killed, 3 officers and 55 men wounded, and 17 men missing; total, 83. I am ,ge neral, very respectfully, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry Corps. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. No. 3. Reports of Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Army, com- manding Cavalry, Department of the Cumberland, including opera- tions to January 28. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, Fair Garden, Tenn., January 22, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit th.~ following report of the operations Qf the troops of my commamf on the 16th and 17th near Dandridge, Teun.: As yet, I have not received the report of Col. E. M. McCook, Sec- ond Indiana Cavalry, commanding two of the brigades of First Division (First, Col. A. P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding, and Second, Col. 0. H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding), and of the Eighteenth Indiana Battery, Captain Lilly commanding. On the 16th, 1 was ordered by General S. D~ Sturgis, U. S. Volunteers, commanding Cavalry, Army of the Ohio, to march on the Bulls Gap road to support Colonel Garrards Second Division Cavalry, Army of the Ohio. When about 6 miles from Dandridge my command was ordered to march to the support of Colonel Wol- fords First Division Cavalry, Army of the Ohio, engaged with the enemy on the Chucky Bend road. It being impracticable from the condition of the fields and by-roads to march directly across, my 6 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 82 82 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANE N. ~A. [CHAP. XLIV. command was countermarched. and with First Brigade and Lillys battery the enemy was attacked on onr left (his right), driving him from a ridge which commanded the camps of my command. After abont one and one-half honrs fighting darkness stopped the pnrsnit and we held the ridge. The force of the enemy engaged consisted of cavalry (dismonnted) with artillery. On the 17th, the enemy in considerable force att ck~d a regiment of infantry on picket near my camp. The picket from the Second Brigade charged his advance, taking abont 15 prisoners of Hamp- ton Legion (infantry). The Second Brigade occnpied the ridge taken on the 16th, bnt conld not hold it entirely against the superior force of infantry, and after abont two honrs fighting, darkness again ] eft ns in possession of part of the ridge, with onr dismonnted skirmishers confronting the infantry skirmishers of the enemy, supported, as I was informed by the prisoners taken, by fonr rcgiments of infantry in line of battle, with artillery and a division of infantry in reserve. In accordance with orders my command marched vbont 10 p. m. for New Market, crossing Holston River at McKinn cys Ford, thence via Knoxville to this place. The Fifteenth Pennsylvania with detachment of Tenth Ohio Cav- alry, Col. Win. J. Palmer commanding, had been detached from my command to the sonth side of the French Broad, where they cap- tnred Brigadier-General Vance and staff with 87 enlisted men, 150 saddle-horses, destroyed abont 100 guns, and recaptnred a train of 18 government wagons and trains and 23 enlisted men. The First East Tennessee Cavalry, Lientenant-Colonel Brownlow commanding, was also detached to re-enforce Colonel Palmer. Of its operations I have as yet no report. The oTheers and men of my com- mand behaved with their nsnal gallantry. Those of my personal staff and the staff of the cavalry command rendered me mnch assist- ance. I am, captain, very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT, Brig. Gen. and Chief of Car., Department of the Cumberland. Capt. W. C. IRAwOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF TH ~ CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., February 2, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose copy of report of Col. W. J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of Jannary 15, 1864, and of my letter transmitting the ~ame; also copy of my report* of operations of my command on north side o~Frenchi Broad River, near Dandridge, Tenn., on the 16th and 17th Jannary, 1864. Leaving Dandridge abont 10 p. mu. on 17th, on the 19th I received at Knoxville, en ronte for Sevierville, a commnnication from Brig- adier-General $tnrgis stating that some 4,000 of the rebel cavalry are reported to be on the south side of the river (French Broad) and *5eej~ 51 Page 83 Oiw~. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 83 it is desirable to move out as soou as and as far as practicable; also that he could not leave then, trusting that T would take charge of this matter. My command was compelled for want of subsistence and forage to march from Daudridge to near Seviervilie, fording the Holston above Strawberry Plains and crossing on pontoon bridge at Knoxville, a march of about ~50 miles. On the 20th, I received a communication from Gen6ral Sturgis saying: There is no remaining doubt as to the fact that Longstreets forces ar~ still in the vicinity of Morristown and no intentions are entertained by him of advancing. The question then with us is one purely of forage, and every mile gained now by us in that direction by rapid marching will be so much the less to fight for. You will please, therefore, push as vigorously forward in the general direction of the French Broad as is consistent with the necessary rest and feeding of your men and animals. On the 21st, I received reports from loyal citizens that the rebel cavalry had crossed, or were crossing, the French Broad in large force near Dandridge. In order to ascertain the truth of the report, after consultation with Colonel Palmer, more familiar with all roads and fords than the residents appeared to be, two strong columns under Colonels McCook and Palmer, communicating with each other, were pushed forward in the direction of Dandridge, driving small parties of rebels from the fords and holding them, thereby securing the forage our horses so much needed. Wolfords division of the cavalry, of the Army of the Ohio, was ordered by me to Fair Garden, at the junction of the Dandridge and Sevierville road, with the Newport and Sevierville road. I ordered Garrards division of cavalry, Army of the Ohio, to move on the Newport road, leaving one brigade at Little Pigeon, and to guard the two fords near mouth of Boyds Creek. The fore- ~roing disposition of the troops was made with a view to holding the fords, securing the supplies in the rich Dutch and Irish bottoms of the French Broad and Chucky Riversin the vicinity of which two forage trains of the rebels were capturedand if too hard pressed by the enemys infantry, should he succeed in crossing the river, to fall back in the direction of Maryville, the road to Knoxville being very bad and that place being scarce of subsistence and destitute of forage. On the 22d, at Fair Garden, I received from General Sturgis headquarters a communication stating t4ie general commanding hardly expected the troops to be as far advanced as they are at present, considering the very bad condition of the roads. On the 22d, by Special Orders, No. 21, Extract 21, headquarters Department of the Ohio, January 21, 1864, at my request I was relieved from duty in the Department of the Ohio and ordered to report to the major-general commanding the Department of the Cumberland. Leaving Fair Garden on the 23d, I had the h~ior to report at headquarters of department on the 28th January. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier General, U. S. Vols., and Chief of Gavatry. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff Page 84 84 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, Tenn., February 21, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to unclose herewith copies of reports of Col. E. M. McCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Division, and Col. 0. H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, com- manding Second Brigade, First Division, of the affair near Dan- dridge, Tenn., on the 16th and 17th ultimo, which could not be obtained in time to forward with my report to Brig. Gen. S. D. Sturgis, of the 22d nltimoa copy of which was forwarded to you on the 2d instant. I also inclose herewith copies of reports of Col. E. M. McCook, commanding First Division; Col. A. P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade; Col. 0. H. La Grange, commanding Second Brigade, First Division, and of Capt. Eli Lilly, Eighteenth Indiana Battery, attached to the cavalry command, of the actions with Martins two divisions of cavalry on the 27th and 28th ultimo, near Fair Garden, Teun. The services ren- dered by these troops justly entitles them to be regarded as cavalry, and every effort should be made to keep them well mounted and equipped. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT, Brig. Gem., U. S. Volunteers, and Chief of C1avalry. Brig. Gen. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 4. Reports qf Cot. Edward lii. life Cook, Second Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Division, Department of the Camber- land. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIvISION, Ililiaryville, Tenn., February 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of the report of Col. 0. H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry,* com- manding the Second Brigade of uiy division in the action near Dandridge, Teun., January 17, 1864, together with detailed lists of the casualties: The First Brigade, Col. A. P. Campbell commanding, was en- camped on the Mossy Creek road when the engagement commenced, and was removed from its position and placed in line on the left of the Morristown road connecting with the left of Colonel La Granges line, but was at no time engaged. The report of Colonel La Grange is sufficiently comprehensive to furnish statement of the positions and incidd~mts of the action, and I have nothing to add to it but my expression of admiration for the determination and great courage of the officers and men of the Second Brigad~, which enabled them, acting as dismounted cavalry, encumbered with their led animals, to successfully repulse, in a wooded position, largely superior numbers of time flower of the enemys infantry. _________________________________ * See p. 90 Page 85 Ca& p. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDEIDGE, TENN. 85 I have to note among the casualties of the day the severe and dan- gerons wonnding of Capt. W. W. La Grange. First Wisconsin Cav- alry, who fell while leading his men in a desperate hand-to-hand fight. He was a young officer of distincr promise. taken on this 6uished bravery and great The occasion represented the different regi- ments of the Hampton Legion, Longstreets corps. I retained pos- session of the wooded eminence, which was the object of the after- noons fight, until 11 p. in., when, in accordance with orders from General Elliott, I retired with my command over the Mossy Creek and New Market road, bringing off all my transportation, wounded, and killed. It is the first time that my division has been engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the enemys infantry, and the result gives me increased confidence in their ability to sustain themselves uncter any circumstances against any force. I called upon the officer commanding a regiment of infantry on picket in the rear of where we were fighting to assist us by placing his men in the position on our left afterward occupied by my first brigade. His response was that he was placed there on picket and had no orders. He did not give us the assistance desired. Part of Colonel Camerons infantry brigade came up to our support between 8 and 9 oclock, after all was quiet, but were not engaged and were withdrawn before the cavalry. Our casualties as shown by the lists inclosed were: Two men killed, 3 officers and 26 men wounded, and 17 men missing; aggregate killed, wounded, and missing, 48. The enemys loss far exceeded ours and must have been very heavy as their advances were made in solid heavy columns, exposed for a long time to the deliberate fire of our mentheir colors fell three times. We captured 21 prisoners, and the enemy reported to citizens in Dandridge that their total loss was 340. I also transmit list of casualties* in the affair of January 16, near Dandridge. I am, captain, your very obedient servant EDWARD M. McCOOK, Colonel Second Indiana Cavalry, Commanding Division. Capt. W. C. IIAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of Col. Archibald P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding First C~avalry Division, Department of the C~um- berland. DANDRIDGE, TENN., January 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of to-day of the First Cavalry Division. During the illness of Colonel McCook I assumed command of the division, and in obedience to orders from the general commanding moved my com- mand, with Cal. O,H. La Granges (Second) brigade in advance, on the Morristown road to support Colonel Garrard, commanding Cay- alry Division, Army of the Ohio. After I had proceeded about S * Omitted Page 86 8~3 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. miles in the (hiection 01 Kimbroughs Cross-Roads, 1 received a dis- patch from Colonel Garrard ~tating that he had come in contact with a large force of the enemy, and was being driven back. I immedi- ately commenced forming my command in order to receive the en- emy and cover the retreat of Colonel Garrard, when I was ordered by the general commanding to withdraw my command from the Morristown road [and] hasten to the snpport of Colonel Wolford on the Chncky road. Colonel Jordan, commanding First Brigade, being in rear of Colonel La Granges brigade, was hnrried back in the direction of Dandrid ge nntil he arrived at a road commnnicat- ing with the Chncky road from the Morristown road. Upon his arrival at this point, abont 14 miles from Dandridge, it was fonnd that the enemy had driven Wolfords division back in disorder nearly to Fains Factory, within 1 mile of Dandridge, and that the command was cut off from Dandridge by the right of the enemys line. Colonel Jordan immediately disposed of his brigade, and placed in position one section of Captain Lillys Eighteenth Indiana Battery and attacked the enemy vigoronsly on the flank, and by the time the Second Brigade got into position cleared the Dandridge road and established commnnications with Colonel Wolford again. The entire command now moved forward nnder a heavy fire from the enemy, who had secnred a strong position on a wooded hill, and Colonels La Grange and Jordan, leading in person their dismonnted men, cleared the hill at a charge, driving the enemy fnll a mile and completely turning his right flank. Colonel Wolfords command on the Chncky road not advancing, and night setting in, and my orders being in the ontset merely to establish commnnications with Colonel Wolford and maintain niy position, it was deemed imprndent to fnrther expose my right flank by lengthening the gap between my advancing line and that of Colonel Wolfords, who was not advancing. To Colonels Jordan and La Grange I am nnder many obligations for the consnmmate skill displayed in managing their commands and the example set to their men. I am also indebted to the members of Colonel McCooks (division) staff for their activity and energy dnring the engagement. For list of casnalties and a more detailed acconnt of the operations I forward herewith the reports of brigade commanders. I have the honor to be, very res~e4fnliy, your obedient servant, A. P. CAMPBELL, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. J. E. JACOBS, Assistant Adjzdant- General. [Inclosurel List cf casualties of the First Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland, in the engagement of January 16, 1864, near ~andridge, Tenn. command. Killed. Wounded. Total. FirstBrigadea 1 4 5 Second Brigade b 1 1 2 Aggregate 2 5 7 a All enlisted men of the Ninth Pennsylvania. 5 o. e awn killed of the Fourth Indiana and 1 wounded of the First Wisconsin Page 87 CHAP. XLIV.] O1~ERATI0NS ABOUT DANPRIDGE, TENK, 87 No. 6. Report of Gol. Thomas J. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION CAVALRY, Cleveland, Tenn., ]Jiliarch 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: On account of the retreat from Dandridge, Tenn., and my subsequent illness, no report has heretofore been made from this brigade of the action .of the 16th of January. I now beg leave, as I was in command of the brigade that day, to make the following report On the morning of the 16th of January, 1861, the First Division of Cavalry, Army of the Ohio, under the command of Col. F. Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, was ordered to feel the eneniy and make a reconnaissance on the Chucky Bend road. At 1 p. m. the First Division of Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Col. A. P. Campbell, with Lillys battery (Eighteenth Indiana), was ordered to march to the flank of tile enemy, on the Morristown road. After marching some 5 miles it became evident from the firing that the enemy was fast driving Colonel Wolford back toward Dandridge. By order of Colonel Campbell the division was moved back toward Dandridge to support Colonel Wolford, each regiment countermarch- ing, thus throwing the Second Regiment Michigan Cavalry to the front, followed by the battery, and it by the Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. When within 2 miles of Dandridbe the head of the column was moved on a road to tile left toward the Chucky Bend road. We had not proceeded more than half a mile in this direction when I came up with Colonel Wolfords division in full retreat, gallop- ing away trom the enemy, leaving my flank entirely exposed. I at once ordered Lient. Col. Benj. Smith, commanding the Second Michi- gan Cavalry, to dismount his men, move to the brow of the hill, and hold the enemy in check, if possible, till the remainder of the brig- age could be brought to his assistance. I at once ordered the battery to be brought forward and placed in position, and the Ninth Penn- sylvania Cav~ lry, Maj. E. G. Savage commanding, to form on the left of the Second Michigan. While these formations were being made the Second Michigan Cavalry was hotly engaged, and, though outnumbered five to one, by stead~, unflinching bravery held tile enemy, though flushed with their victory over Wolford, in check. For some reason the artillery did not come promptly into action (it is said that something had broken ill their harness), but by the time that the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry was properly in position it came up. I at once ordered it onto a bill immediately in our rear, and in a few moments it opened with such effect as to silence the battery of the enemy. As the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavairy came into line it was exposed to a galling fire from the enemy, occupy~g a dense woods within 200 yards of its front, and 2 men were wounded at the first discharge of the enemy. I at once ordered the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry to advance and drive the enemy from their cover. By this time the whole lin~ was formed, with the Secomid Indiana to the left of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, amid advanced under a most gall- ing fire, but, nothing daunted, our men pushed forward, and in five minutes the enemy began to retire, but still keeping up a steady fire, which they maintained till driven from the woods, when they r Page 88 88 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rCHAP. XLIV. treated in wild coi~fnsion. We followed the enemy about 1 mile, when, night comiiig on. we wem ordered back to camp. Ii cannot speak too highly of the bravery displayed by Lieutenant- Colonel Smith, of the Second Michigan Cavafry, and Maj. K G. Sav- age, of the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. To the first is dne the honor of checking a victorious enemy with a mere handful of his regiment, and to the second of leadiiig the charge of the Ninth Pennsylvania while driving the enemy from their strong position in the woods. In this action the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry had 2 killed and 4 wonuded. In the Second Michigan there was no loss, though for more than one hour they sustained their position under a hot fire of the enemy. The First East Tennessee Cavalry had a few days before been detailed upon other duty, and was iiot in the action. Respectfully snbmitted. THOS. J. JORDAN, Colonel, Commanding. [Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General.] No. 7. Report of Lient. Cot. Benjamin Smith, Second Michigan Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SECOND MICHIGAN CAVALRY, Cleveland, Tenn., iMiarch 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of my regiment in the action of January 16, 1864: Received orders to march to the assistance of the First Division Cavalry, Army of the Ohio. Marched on the Morristown road 5 miles, countermarched and dismounted to check the enemy, which we did~ laid in line of battle until dark; returned to camp. No loss in killed, wounded, or missing. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. SMITH Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. T. A. NICHOLS, A. A. A. G., First Brig., First Div. Cay. No. 8. Report of Maj. Edward G. Savage, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS NINTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Columbu~, East Tenn., March 25, 1864. LIEUTENANT: According to orders I send ~on the following copy of a report made by me to brigade headquarters on the 17th Janu- ary, 1864: HE4DQUARTERS NINTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Near Dandridge, Tenn., Jan nary 17, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to orders received yesterday, January 16, at 12.30 p. in., I marched my regiment out on the Morristown road, with Second Michigan Cavalry and one section of Captai Page 89 Cn~m XLIV.] OPEPATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGF, TENX. 89 Lillys battery, a distance of 4 miles from camp, when the column halted, and immediately after orders reached me to countermarch the regiment and march in rear of Second Michigan Cavalry and section of Eighteenth Indiana Battery ; when about 2 miles from town column moved on road running to the left of main road. The regiment was ordered to form line of battle to the right of former road, and move forward to the top of the hill. Coiupanies G and I wer& ordered to the left and Company H to the right as skirmishers. Immediately after the regiment was ordered to dismount and fight on foot. The order being promptly obeyed, the line of skirmishers advanced and took positiou in a corn-field in front of the Fourth Indiana Cavalry. The enemy being posted in the woods, opened a brisk fire. Received orders to move by the left flank, and while moving toward the woods on our left Sergeant Beighell and Private Wallace, of Company M, were wounded. After a sharp skirmish of one hour or more with the enemy the skirmishers were ordered to move forward, which they did, dislodgin~ the enemy and driving them a distance of half a mile or more. In the action the regiment sustained the following loss: One killed, 4 wounded (1 mortally, since died). Respectfully reported. * * * * * * * I am, very respectfully, & c., lB. G. SAVAGE, Major, Co )nrnand ing Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Lient. THOMAS A. NICHOLS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 9. Reports of Col. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Gavairy, commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, Dandridge, East Tenn., January 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 16th instant the Second Brigade moved forward in advance of the First Division to a point 6 miles northeast from Dandri~g~on the Morristown road, for the purpose of supporting Colonel Wolfords division, then en- gaged with the enemy. Colonel Wolfords right having been driven back almost to the town, the command was ordered to return by the same road, and engaged the enemy on the right of the Morristown road and assisted the other troops of the cavalry command in driv- ing back the eneIny, who was at one time considerably confused by a vigorous advance of battalions of the Second and Fourth Indiana, and it was thought that his artillery might have een captured had instructions permitted the bringing forward of pm!oper supports for those battalions. Our loss was 1 man killed and 1 mortally wounded; several horses were also killed. Enemys loss unknown. Very respectfully, 0. H. LA GRANGE, Capt. JOHN PRATT, C~olonel, Genumanding. Assistant Adjatant-General, First Cavalry Division Page 90 90 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY Div., D. C., ATcca Scriercille, Tean., January 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I respectfully report that at 4. 30 p. in., on the 17th, a brigade of rebel cavalry under Colonel Harrison attacked one of the pickets of this brigade, which was posted on an eminence to the right of the Morristown road, 2 miles from Dandrid~e. As soon as the firing commenced the First Wisconsin was ordered out at a trot, and dismounted at the foot of the wooded hill on which our picket was posted, for the purpose of occupying it before the enemy and holding it against him. He, however, drove back our pickets so rapidly that he was enabled to open a flank fire be- fore the regiment could be brought into action. At this time the remainder of the brigade was ordered out at a trot, but owing to a misunderstanding, for which no blame can attach to any person, did not move at the first order. The First Wisconsin was driving the enemy rapidly through the woods when the Eighth and Eleventh Texas charged past its left flank upon the led horses. Major Torrey promptly returned with a portion of his command, and some desper- ate hand-to-hand fighting took place for the possession of the horses. The Second and Fourth Indiana arrived at this time, and four com- panies of the former and two of the latter charged the enemys cavalry and drove it three-quarters of a mile, while time remainder of those regiments dismoanted and formed on the left of the First Wisconsin, in which order our line again advanced and drove the enemy through the woods, while the Seventh Kentucky made a gal- lant but unsuccessful attempt to regain the original post of the picket on our right. At this time three bodies of the enemys infantry advanced on our line across an open field in column of sections, and, disregarding our fire, which fell steadily upon theni, move(1 within 30 yards of our front, passing heedlessly over the bodies of their fallen comrades, planted their battle-flag, and began to deploy. Withoimt waiting so hopeless a contest as must have taken place between dismounted cavalrymen and a superior force of trained infantry, our line was withdrawn in good order to its original position, where breast-works of rails were hastily erected, while the mounted men were properly posted for supports with the expectation that the enemy would advance and renew the con- test. The First Brigade now arrived and promptly took position on our left. We remained in line ~wi4iin short range of the enemy until 11 p. in., when an order was received to move to Strawberry Plains. The Second Brigade was the last to leave the ground. Owimig to my desire to possess the hill, which was considered of the highest importance. as commanding the position occupied by the camp of the Federal troops, our men were more freely exposed than they would otherwise have been. Our loss was 48 killed, wounded, and missing (ride report). * We captured 19 of the enemy, and owing to his manner of moving infantry across an open field exposed to oi~r fire, his loss in killed and wounded must greatly have exceeded ours. Deserters last night reported 150. His cavalry was drive~n out of sight in 15 min- utes after the beginning of the action. This skirn~ish has increased my confidence in the fighting quali- ties of the Second Brigade and dimimmished my owii conceit. I pay * Nominal list omitted Page 91 C~. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRID~E, TENN. no undeserved compliments in saying that the charge of Lieutenant- Colonel [Major] Lesslie of the Fourth and Captain Edwards of the Second could not have been bettered; that Major Purdy of the Fourth handled his dismounted men splendidly, and that Major Torrey, by the masterly manner in which he extricated himself from the dan- gerous position in which my culpable haste had placed hi~n, gained new honors for himself and regiment. Lieutenant Mbulton, acting assistant adjutant-general, Second Brigade, who had his horse killed under him, and Captain Robinson, acting assistant inspector-general, who was constantly in the thickest of the fight, deserve special men- tion for their gallantry. Brigade Surgeon Carrick was very prompt and efficient in attending our wounded. Capt. W. W. La Grange, First Wisconsin, fell with a dangerous (probably mortal) wound while gallantly charging at the head of his company near the crest of the hill. Very respectfully, 0. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant-General, First C~ztvalry Division, D. C. No. 10. Report of Gol. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, command ing First Cavalry Division, Army of the Ohio. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Near Knoxville, Teun., January 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report in relation to the operations of my (hivision on the 17th instant that the attack of the enemy was made at first considerably to my left. I formed my command at the forks of the road about 1~ miles west of Dandridge, the First Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Adams commanding, upon the right of Colonel Garrards command, the Second Brigade, Lientellant-Colonel Bond commanding, upon Lieutenant-Colonel Adams right, with his (Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bonds) right resting upon the river; all in good po- sition. The enemy advanced in considerable numbers upon a regiment of infantry (Ninety-third Ohio) which had deployed as skirmishers in my front. After a sharp contest they were driven in and pursued with great fury. I re-enforced the infantry with a part of the Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry (dismounted). They were not able to resist the fury of the attack, and fell back through a piece of woods in good order. I then advanced my whole line to meet the enemy and repulsed him, driving him back into the w~ds, when night came on. After dark I ordered my command to move up under the brow of the hill near the woods, and lie down. In about one hour the enemy lit their camp-fires. After he had collected around his fires I ordered a volley from the whole line, and drove him from his camp. He fell back from our front to where he had originally formed in the evening. After placing a heavy skirmish line I per- mitted the command to return to camp. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded was considerable Page 92 92 KY.,SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. but I do not know the number. Our loss was very trifling, for after dark the enemy did not return our fire. Three wounded covered all our casualties. The officers and men of my command behaved with great gal- lantry. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. FRANK ~WOLFORD, Colonel, Commanding First Divlston. Capt. W. C. RAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 11. Report of Cot. Israel Garrard, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Gavairy Division, Army of the Ohio. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvIsIoN, CAVALRY CoRPS, January 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that about 2 oclock p. m. on the 17th instant, having been ordered to hold my command in readiness to move, I formed it in line on the brow of the bank of the creek, i~ miles out from Dandridge, on the left of the Bend of the Chucky road, my right communicating with Colonel Wolfords command and my left with Colonel McCooks command. Across the creek, and out about a quarter of a mile, was the reserve of the infantry picket post. The infantry was, I believe, the One hundred and twenty- fifth Ohio, Colonel Moore. In front of my First Brigade on the right was open fields. In front of the Second Brigade was heavy woods extending to the top of the large hill, or rather double hill, which extended all the way across our front. From the Morristown road to the Bend of Chucky road in front, and to the right of my position, was a heavy forest on a plain, or rather level ground. At the front edge of this forest a scattering picket-firing had continued for an hour, when a heavy and sustained firing began on the extreme left of the front near the Morristown road. The Second Brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, dismounted and pushed forward rapidly, taking position on the right of the forces engaged. Tl1~ey charged at once, and the rebel force fell back and were driven out of the woods and from the left half of the big hill. The rebels kept the right slope of the hill, and had a battery near the base of it, which commanded our position on the creek. A portion of the rebel force moved over from the hill to the woods on the right of the road, and drove our forces out of the woods and reached a position from which they attacked the infantry line to great advantage. They placed one or two~guns in position at the edge of the woods. A few shots from my guns silenced them. I now ordered the Second Brigade back to the first position on the bank overlooking the creek. The infantry fell back and formed on my right. Golonel Moore reported to me that he had but 1() rounds of ammunition. I ordered him to fall back toward Dandridge. It was now night, but the moonlight enabled us to see that the enemy were establishing their lines opposite to ours, and moving bodies o Page 93 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENX. 93 troops in our vicinity; and the sounds indicated that they were oc- cupying the hill in front of ns in considerable force. One of their bodies of troops, marching near us in the woods, drew the fire of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry; after that their movements were made beyond our sight. About 9 oclock I received orders to march, leaving pickets. Captain Warren, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, was ordered to take command of all the picket details ~roni the cav- alry. He could find none on the front occupied by General Elliotts command. With the pickets, which he withdrew at daylight, he formed the extreme rear guard. The enemy overtook rear guard a mile or two from Dandridge, and skirumished with it during the day. There was no loss of the rear guard. The losses of my command were 3 killed and 12 wounded in the Second Brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Butler; 1 artilleryman killed by accident by our own gun, and 2 slightly wounded in the First Brigade. One regiment (the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry) was over the river gnarding the fords opposite and in the rear of the enemys position. It joined the command the next day at Strawberry Plains, without loss. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL GARRARD, Colonel Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding. Captain RAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 12. Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS, Russellville, E. Tenn., January 19, 1864. SIR: The enemy advanced by Dandridge on the 14th, forcing our cavalry back and aiming to throw us out of position by turning our left. On the 15th, Hoods and Buckners divisions were advanced to a position to meet the enemys move, and aI~. tI~ same time to threaten his base at New Market. On the 16th, he made an effort to throw his cavalry in rear of ours, but the cavalry came in contact with these divisions of infantry and was driven back in some confusion. On the 17th, a part of Hoods division was moved down to the enemys immediate front. The sharpshooters of this division were ordered to advance against the enemys left flank, and Martins cav- alry (dismounted) were ordered to follow this moye, advancing in the enemys front. The battalions of sharpshoot~rs were closely supported by the main force of the division, the immediate object being to gain a favorable position for future operations. The flank movement was handsomely executed, and it was handsomely fol- lowed by the dismnoumted cavalry. As the infantry had had a good long march before reaching the ground, we only had time to get our position a little after dark. During the night the enemy retired to New Market and to Strawberry Plains, leaving his dead upon th Page 94 94 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. field. The retreat seems to have been made somewhat hastily and not in very good order. We only got some few arms and equip- ments and a little ammunition. Our infantry was not in condition to pursne, half of our men being without shoes. Our cavalry is almost as badly off for want of clothing, and the horses are without shoes, or nearly half of them. It was sent forward, however, with orders to make the effort to distress the enemy, and if possible to drive him from this sUe of th6 river. The enemy is much demor- alized, and seems to have been in onr power again, had it been pos- sible for us to avail ourselves of this opportunity. Tb e weather has been very severe for the past three weeks, and we are now having a snow-storm. Our men suffer a great deal for want of clothing even in their huts, and some few have been severely frosted. We have been making shoes since we left Knoxville, but with all of our workmen can only make one hundred pairs a day. As our shoes are all old, they wear out faster than we can make them. Most of those that we have we have made ourselves. If you could order enough to shoe the entire command I think that our order shops will keep us supplied. I have no report yet of the casualties of the two days skirmishing, but do not think that they can exceed 150; possibly not half of this. I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. LONGSTREET Lieutenant- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [Indorsement.] QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Richmond, January 29, 1864. Respectfully returned to the adjutant and inspector general. On a communication similar to the within, received a few days back from the War Department, a report was made to the effect that the last of the supplies called for for General Longstreets com- mand were shipped on the 16th instant. A. R. LAWTON. Quartermaster- General. JANUARY 19, 1864.Skirmish at1~Big Springs, near Tazewell, Tenn. REPOIRTS. No. 1.Col. Charles D. Pennebaker, Twenty-seventh Kentucky Infantry, command- ing District of the Clinch. No. 2.Capt. Jackson Stepp, Sixth Indiana Cavalry. No. 3.Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. No.4. Report of Cot. Charles D. Peunebaker, Tw~tty-seventh Kentucky Infantry, commanding District of the Clinch. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Tazewelt, Teun., January 19, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report for your information: This morning about 5 oclock a party of rebels, numbering abou Page 95 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH AT BIG SPRINGS, TENN. 95 125, surprised and captured about 40 men of the Sixth Indiana Cav- alry, stationed at Big Springs, on the Morristown road, 5~ miles from this place, under command of Captain Stepp. It was a complete surprise. This officer escaped, and has been placed in arrest and required to give an explanation, which will be forwarded to you for information as soon as received. As soon as this was reported, a detachment of cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Matson, Sixth In- diana Cavalry, was sent in pursnit. Colonel Matson ivent as far as Evans Ford, on the Clinch River. and sent a scout across. They found no enemy, and returned. The enemy went out in the direc- tion of Morristoxvn, crossing Clinch River at Evans Ford. I sent a scout yesterday which went in the neighborhood of Mulberry Gap, and returned this evening. They report no enemy in that locality except small scouting parties depredating upon the citizens. Colo- nel Love, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, is encamped near Balls Bridge, on the Virginia road, 14 miles from Cumberland Gap. His scouts have been several miles beyond that point, and report information received froni citizens that the enemy is in position near Jonesville, 1, 00 strong. If this is so, and I have no reason to doubt it, I have not mounted force sufficient to dislodge them. I am, general, your obedient servant, C. D. PENNEBAKER, Colonel, Commanding District. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Capt. Jackson Stepp, Sixth Indiana Cavalry. CAMP SIXTH CAy., (SEVENTY-FIRST) INDIANA VOLS., Jartnary 20, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with your order directing me to send to you a statement in explaiiation of my conduct on the morning of the 19th instant, at Big Springs. I hereby send you the facts as they occurred. In order to present the facts clearly it will be necessary to state what occurred the day previous. ~ On the morning of the 18th 1 had for duty 3 lieutenants and 127 men. On that day I was ordered by Colonel Matson to have 1 lien- tenant and 30 men to report to the commandant of the post at Taze- well, which left me with 97 men and 2 lieutenants. Out of 97 men left me I had 40 on picket duty and 7 on camp duty. My pickets were posted as follows: On the Mulberry Gap road were posted 6 men and 2 non-commissioned officers; onthe Evans Ford road were posted 6 men and 2 non-commissioned officers; on th~Sheltons Ferry road were 7 men and 2 non-commissioned officers; on the Walkers Ferry road were posted 8 men and 1 non-commissioned officer. These pickets were all posted from three-fourths of a mile to 1 mile from niy headquarte~s in camp. The pickets on Walkers Ferry road arid on Sheltons Ferry road were under the command of Lieu- tenant James, of Company G, while the others I commanded my Page 96 90 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. self, visiting them night and day. On the road leading to Tazewell were posted 4 men one-fourth of a mile from camp. On the 18th, a flag of truce from General Vaughns command, escorted by 6 men, came to one of the picket-posts, and without my orders or knowledge were permitted to pass and come to my head- qnarters. They represented themselves as gnarding 3 Union women through from Bulls Gap, where they had had their honses bnrnt and other property destroyed. After making inquiries of the women sufficiently to convince me of their honest intentions I permitted them to pass on. Imniediately I sent the flag of trnce and the escort, guarded by 9 men and 1 non-commissioned officer, back throngh the lines to the river a distance of 3 miles, with orders riot to perniit any conversation whatever by them with any citizen. After this I sent a note to the colonel commanding post stating the circnmstances of a flag of truce coming to the lines, and that I had sent them back to the river, but received no reply. Late in the afternoon the same day a citizen reported to me that some P5 home guards had come across the river 10 miles above, but upon inquiring of the citizen I learned the greater portion of them lived on this side and had frequently come over to their homes; but not being able to spare any men from camp, the horses not being in a condition to go on a scout, I did not think it advisable to go after them. But to guard against any danger, about 8 oclock at night I moved the position of the picket-posts. After giving strict orders to the men on camp guard to be on their watch and alert, and to communicate any alarm to me, I lay down at a late hour. About 5 a. m. on the morning of the 19th, I was awakened by the firing and yells of the rebels, who had completely surrounded the camp. I ordered the men to get to their arms, but the only response I met with was for me to surrender, and that my men were already in their hands. Seeing the condition of affairs, and knowing it was impossible to get my men to do anything, through their fire I suc- ceeded in getting to my horse, which I got on and went to the hos- pital to order the hospital steward to get the sick and medical stores away as soon as possible, and report the affair at Tazewell to the commandant of post. While putting on my bridle and saddle pre- paratory to going back to my quarters if I could possibly get there, and learn the condition of my command (which I knew must be captured), I was again fired at by several rebels, which rendered it impossible for me to return. From t~ie hospital I caine directly to the headquarters of the commandant of post at Tazewell. and made known what had happened. Upon going back with the detachment in the morning which was sent in pursuit, I learned that 21 men of Company I had been taken or were missing, and 24 of Company G, making in all 45 men. The horses which were missing amounted in all to 53 head. From good evidence I learned the rebel force had crossed at Evans Ford and directed their course in a westerly direction, capturing in their route 1 officer and 14 men, purporting t~ be of the First Ten- nessee Regiment. Getting within a short distance of my camp, a portion of them were dismounted and sent over the mountain, evad- ing the pickets on the Walkers Ferry road and Sheltons Ferry road. None of the pickets were disturbed until after the attack was made on the camp, all of them escaping except 5, who were captured as the enemy left. on the Evans Ferry road. The only way I can accoun Page 97 C~p. XLIV.] SKIRMISH AT TRACY CITY, TENN. for the camp guards making no alarm is, they were fired on so sud- denly they had no time to communicate the fact to the Camp. Hoping this may be sufficiently explicit, and being willing to make any statement that is asked of me, * I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JACKSON ST~PP, Colonel KISE, Captain, Sixth indiana Cavalry. Commanding Post. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. RUSSELLVILLE, January 19, 1864. GENERAL: Maj. George W. Day reports a handsome affair at Big $prings, near Tazewell, this morning. With 100 men he attacked iSo Yankees, killed and wounded 6, captured 3 lieutenants, 64 privates, & bO or 70 horses, 50 stand of arms, 6 wagons, and 1 ambulance. J. LONGSTREET, General ~. COOPER, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. Richmond, Va. JANUARY 20, 1864.Skirmish at Tracy City, Teun. RIIJPORTS.t No. 1.Lieut. Col. William B. Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry. No. 2.Col. Joseph M. Sudsburg, Third Maryland Infantry. No. 3.Capt. John F. George, Second Massachusetts Infantry. No. 1. Report of Lieut. C~ol. William B. Woo~ste~, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTIETH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS, C~owan Station, Teun., January 22, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on Wednesday, the 20th instant, the post at Tracy City, commanded by Capt. Andrew Upson, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, and garrisoned by Coin- p any B of said regiment, commanded by Sec~d Lieut. Theo- d ore Jepson and a company of Tennessee cavalr~ almost entirely unarmed and not mounted, and known as Captain Tiptons corn.. pany, was attacked by rebel cavalry numbering from 100 to 150 men, a portion of which force is known as Capt. Joe Carters cavalry, * Captain Stepp was subsequently tried by general court-martial on the charge of neglect of duty, and honorably acquitted. See General Qide~, No, 15, Cav~Wy Corps, Department of the Ohio, April 1,1864. ~ See also Thomas report, p. 7. 7 J~ I~YQL 2~Q~XXI, PT Page 98 98 KY., SW. VA., PENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. ~A. [CHAP. XLIV. This force came through Altamont about 10 a. m. of that day, and 2 niouuted men dressed iu Uniou uniforms rode rapidly up to the house of Capt. S. P. Tipton, then absent from his command and at his home in Altamont, and cried out, Captain, the rebels are coming. As soon as he emerged from his house he was shot and instantly killed by the men that called to him. This force also killed at Altaniont a I)rivate in Captain Tiptons company by the iiame of David Frank- liii. They arrived at Tracy City about 1 p. m. The picket on the road over which they passed was from Captain Tiptons men. The sentinel discharged his piece, but so rapid was the niovement of the force that no alarm reached the camp until the whole force rode in. The point of entry was from the rear of Howard and Benhams store, and immediately, as the head of the column passed to the front of the store, they fired on the sentinel then on duty, miiortally wounding David B. Pbwell, of Company B, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, who was sitting near the sentinel. Many shots were tired by the sentinel and those in and about tIme store. Repulsed here, the force rapidly moved to the railroad depot, some 40 rods distant, where Captain Upson then was with a guard of three men. This placed the whole rebel force between Captain Upson and his com- mnand. He at first attempted to join his command, but seeing hAs 1)osition, he threw down his pistol and surrendered, amid as lie did so was several times shot at, two balls taking effect and seriously wounding him, one having passed through his left lung. While this movement was being enacted, Lieutenant Jepson formed his command in the stockade near the store. The rebels formed in line of battle, under cover of an elevation of ground on the right of the stockade, and also under like cover in rear of time railroad depot, and still another portion farther to the left and in rear of the engine- house. In these positions they were completely sheltered, so as to render our fire from the stockade quite ineffectual, while they, from their concealed positions and behind trees, contimmued to fire at our forces in the stockade without damage. Lieutenant Jepson deemed it inexpedient to advance any portion of his force from the stockade, as by so doing lie would be exposed to a cross-tire from the rebels and endanger the capture of his whole force. In this position the officer in command of the rebel forces dispatched a flag of truce by a citizen with the following proposition for surrender: TRACY CITY, PENN., Jamuary 20, 1864. Lieutenant JEPsoN: Sin: Captain Upson, with 10 of your men, are now in my possession. If the re- mainder of your command xviii surrender at once, without further bloodshed, the entire command shall be at once paroled and permitted to retain all their personal effects. By order of General Wharton: ~. ~. BLEDSOE, Major, Fourth Tennessee cavalry. This proposition was promptly declined by Lieutenant Jepson. Soon another proposition was sent in like manimer of the first, offer- ing to leave the command unmolested provided they could be per- mitted to tak~ the goods from the store near the stockade. This, too, was rejected. Two other propositions for surrender, having in view the possession of the store (the evident object of their raid) Page 99 CHAP. XLIV.] SKITh~[ISJ-L AT TRACY CiTY, TENY. 99 were sent in and declined. Under cover of the depot, the engine- honse, and the buildings covering the coal-chutes men were ad- vanced, and each was fired and totally consumed. The stockade, erected long since, was built with reference to a defense of the store and bnildings in the immediate vicinity of the store, and is so located as to afford no l)rotection to the buildings that were burned. Six men were captured with Captain Upson, all of whom were stripped of overcoats, blankets, and money, and forced to take a parole administered to them nuder threats of death as the penalty of refusal. The rebels remained in position until dark, when, fearing re-en- forcemeiits from Cowan, by the cars which had been stopped and sent back during the afternoon, they left, resting that night about 7 miles from Tracy City, near the house of David Nunley. They then passed in the direction from which they came (near Altamont) toward White County, where I have reasons to believe a rebel force excee(hiiig ~OO can be assembled. During this assault but 3 of Cap- tain Tiptons men could be found. All had fled to places of sup- posed safety, and are again slowly returning to Tracy City. Three of the rebel cavalry are known to have been wounded. The officers and men of the TweIltieth Connecticut Volunteers there engaged exhibited great coolness and determination to do their whole duty. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, WM. 13. WOOSTER, Lient. Got., Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Gomdg. Post. Col. SAMUEL Ross, Commanding First Brigade. Addenda.At the time of the attack on Tracy City on the 20th instant the force consisted of 2 commissioned officers and 72 enlisted men from the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers and Captaiii Tip- tons cavalry (1 officer, 73 enlist~ men) none of which are armed except some half-dozen with squirrel riflesnone mounted, and none of the slightest service. At the time of the attack I was at Anderson, and Colonel Suds- burg sent Captain George with a detail of 100 men, who proceeded by railroad to a point near Tracy City, wh~re he threw out a line of skirmishers and advanced to the place, arriving about 3 a. m. on the 21st instant. Finding matters there quiet, he at once returned with his con~unand to Cowan. Colonel Sudsburg then detailed Second Lieutenant Gould and 43 men froni the Third Maryland Volnuteers to proceed at once to Tracy City to remain until further orders. With this force I proceeded to Tracy City, and disposed of the same in such manner to add materially to the strength of the position. I placed 1 sergeant, 2 corporals, and 12 nien at aii important bridge on the railroad about 1 mile from the place. I pl~ed William W. Morse, captain Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, in command of the post in place of Captain Upson, wounded. This addenda is made pursuant to instructions from division headquarters. WM. B. WOOSTER, Lieut. Cot. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Gomdg. Regt Page 100 100 KY., SW. VA., 1~ENX., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. XLIV. (Indorsement.] HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIvIsIoN, 12TH CORPs, Decherd, Teun., January 23, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, with recommendation that the troops be withdrawn from Tracy City, as I cannot see the public necessity of guarding a private trading establishment and coal mine. SAML. ROSS Got. Twentieth Connecticut VOl. infantry, Gomdg. First Brig. No. 2. Reports qf Cot. Joseph M. Sudsburg, Third Maryland Infantry. COWAN, January 21, 11864. Our force at Tracy City was attacked yesterday afternoon by a mounted force of about 150 men. The force made a most determined resistance, beiiig summoned three times to surrender. Captain Up- son is shot through the body, and, it is feared, mortally wounded, and quite a number are missing. Captain Tiptons cavalry are nearly all missing. They burned the depot and other buildings. The re- enforcements which I sent last night have returned, and I now send a detail of 50 men to permanently re-enforce the post, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster. I also sent a surgeon to the wounded. The rebel force is supposed to be Murrays gang from the vicinity of Collins River. JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG, Colonel, Commanding Post. Lieutenant-Colonel RODGERS, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQR5. THIRD REGIMENT MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS, Cowan, Teun., January 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you report of Capt. J. F. George, Company E, Second Mas~c~usetts Infantry. I have sent to-day 1 commissioned officer and 50 men of my regiment for re-en- forcement to Tracy City. General Kuipe, with whom I had an interview some days ago, informed me that Tracy City was not under my command, but under Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut. Lieutenant- Colonel Wooster not being able to support the post at Tracy City from his regiment, of which th& headqnarters are in Tantalon, I considered it my duty under existing circum~ances to act from here. I would respectfully request further instruction. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG, C~z7tonel Third illiEaAryland Regiment, Gommanding Post. Capt. S. E. PITTMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 101 OHAI~. XLIV.) ~RiI~MISIt AT ThACY CITY, TENX. 101 No. 3. Report of capt. John F. George, Second lifa8sachusetts Infantry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT SECOND MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY, Gowan, Teun., January21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the expedition sent by your order under my command to Tracy City on the evening of the 20th instant: The expedition, consisting of details from the Third Maryland, Fifth Connecticut, and Second Massachnsetts (in all about 100 men and 1 commissioned officer, Lieutenant Clary, Third Maryland), under myself, proceeded about 8 p. m. up the railroad some 6 miles, till we neared the water-tank on the Tracy City Railroad, where we fonnd a train awaiting us. The men were immediately put upon the car, and we proceeded toward Tracy City till within about 4 miles of the town, when we slackened the speed of the train. When within three-fourths of a mile from the trestle bridge which crosses Gizzard Creek, about a mile from the town, and which is somewhat over 150 feet long, the men were disembarked and skirmishers thrown out about 60 paces in advance of the main body, and the command was cautiously advanced toward the bridge. Having learned from the inhabitants of a cottage near by that no firing had been heard and no enemy seen in that vicinity, and that our pickets were posted on the farther side of the bridge, I left a corporal and 10 men in an unoccupied stockade, near the southern end of the bridge, and proceeded across, but found no pickets on the other side. Thus we were in fear that the enemy had captured them, as well as the troops in the town. I then proceeded cautiously, keeping the skirnushers well advanced, till we reached a small trestle bridge about 300 yards from Tracy City depot, when I halted and sent 10 men across to ascertain who were in possession of the town, and by whom was the stockade then occupied. These men soon returned, reporting that the town and stockade were in our possession; and I thereupon advanced into the town and occupied the stockade, in which latter I found about 40 men and a lieutenant of the Twentieth Connecticut Infantry, it then being about 1 a. m. I found, on investigation, that about 3 p. m. a body of guerrillas, about 100 in number, had made a dash into the towli) e~ming in from two oppo- site directions so suddenly as completely to surprise the pickets and outposts. The captain (Upson) of the Twentieth Connecticut com- manding, who was within the depot at the time, having with him about 15 unarmed nien, immediately started for the stockade (about 200 yards distance), but being cut off before reaching it was shot, after throwing down his revolver in token of surrender, and taken prisoner, together with about 15 of his men. Close to the stockade was a log building occupied as a store by a certatn Benham. The rebels made a dash for this, and shot 1 of the men ?f the Twentieth Connecticut who was standing in the door-way, seriously wounding him. The store-keeper, who was within, immediately closed the door and fired with his revolver upon them from the window, wounding 2 of the band. Upon this they returned toward the railroad, thus giving our men an opportunity to enter the stockade, which they then immediately occupied under the command of Lieutenant [Jepsonj, of the Twe Page 102 1o~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. tieth Connecticut. The enemy then, after deploying along the edge of th~ woods snrrounding the town, sent in under flags of trnce four separate snmmons to surrender, which being refused, they proceeded to set fire to the depot, engine-house, and some bnildings connected with the coal works. They paroled and set at liberty 10 of their prisoners. Of the remaining, nothing has been heard. A man named Kennedy, who owns a honse in the place,~ and who was arrested several nights before on snspicion of being a spy, bnt who effected his escape, is supposed to have gnided this rebel party into the town. I remained with my command in the town till 8 a. m. of the 21st, when, seeing no signs of the enemy in the vicinity, and in accordance with yonr orders, I embarked my command on board the cars aiid returned to Cowan, where I arrived at 12 in. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser- vant, JNO. F. GEORGE, Captain Co. E, Secon (1 lIla ssachnsetts Infrntry, (Jomdg. Col. JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG~ Third lliarylarid infantry, (Jornrnafl(liflq Post. JANUARY 21, 1864.Scout from Chattanooga to Harrison and Ooltewah, Tenn. Report of Got. Geza Jliihalotzy, Twenty-fourth illinois infantry. HDQRS. 24TH RECT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, C1iattanoo~Ct, Tenn., January 24, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report, de- tailing additional results of the expedition under my command of detachment Third Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, to Harrison and Ooltewah: On the 20th instant the following-named 4 deserters from the rebel army caine into our lines, whom I sent to Provost~Marshal-General Wiles the same day: John L. Tanner, private, Sixteenth Tennessee Infantry; J. C. Cantrell, private, Sixteenth Tennessee Infantry; T. J. Cantrell, private, Sixteenth Tennessee Infantry, stationed 4 miles below Dalton; Win. P. W~rl~r, piirate, Thirty-fifth Tennes- see Infantry, stationed at Tunnel Hill. They came from Tunnel Hill and Dalton, and report the strength of the rebel forces at those places respectively as follows: At Tunnel Hill, three brigades of infantry and a large force of artillery; at Dalton, two divisions of infantry. On the 21st instant, the morning after receiving your dispatch, in obedience to orders, I proceeded with my command to Oohtewahi, while I sent my train to Chattanooga by th~direct road. With the train in charge of Lieutenant Hodges, Tbirfy-seventh Indiana Vol- unteers, I sent 3 citizen prisoners from the neighborhood of Har- rison (J. T. Gardenhire, J. A. Hunter, and Lyon) to Provost- Marshal-General Wiles, who are charged with having aided rebel guerrillas. On approaching the town of Ooltewah about 10 a. m. I encount- ered a squad of rebel cavalry, some 60 men strong, who, however, precipitately fled from my advance guard, and having no cavalry a Page 103 CHAP. XLIV.1 SCOUT TO HARRISON AND GOLTEWAIT, TEYN. 1O 0 my disposal I was unable to pursue them. The intention of this force was to get into the rear and thereby cut off the commumca- tion of the scouting party of 50 under Capt. H. A. Sheldon, of First Wisconsin Volunteers, whom I had sent out on the preceding day, as reported in my dispatch of January 20, 1864. On my way to Ooltewah, at the house of Anthony Moore, I seized the records of the county registrars office, comprising the follow- ing : Eighteen volumes of records of registrars office, County of Hamilton; two volumes Laws of Tennessee, 183759; one volume Code of Tennessee. The above volunies are at my headquarters, to be disposed of according to instructions. At Ooltewah I arrested Miss S. Locke and Miss Barnet, who have already been delivered to Provost-Marshal-General Wiles, both of whom are charged with carrying contraband information to the rebel army. Through the scouting expedition above mentioned I have obtained the following information: The rebel forces at Tunnel Hill and Dalton, whose exact strength I was unable to ascertain, were re- ported doing considerable moving and shifting recently, the object of which, however, could not be learned. A force of 800 of Wheelers rebel cavalry are encamped 5 miles beyond Igons Gap, whose pickets are stationed at the gap. This force is continually making raids in small detachments on the Union towns and farms of that neighborhood, and committing all manner of outrages and cru~lties on the loyal population. As an incident illustrative of the barbarities constantly being perpetrated by these outlaws, I will mention that a Mr. Tallent, a loyal citizen living near the forks of the roads leading to Red Clay and McDaniels Gap, recently found in his immediate neighborhood a young child in a perishing condi- tion, stripped of all its clothing, which the rebels had left there, having attempted by that means to find the father of the said child, whom they proposed to hang, he being a loyal citizen. I have been reliably informed that a rebel raid on our river trans- portation at Harrison is now positively being prepared. This raid- ing force will have to pass through the mountain gaps near Oulte- wah. The rebels infesting that region of country have been in the habit of disguising themselves in Federal uniforms, and have by this means often succeeded in deceiving the Union people. Messrs. Stone and Scroggins, Union citizens living at Juliens Gap, can give information of a guerrilla band coinman~d by a citizen of Oolte- wali, who steal and plunder from the loyal citizens continually. They also know where a large portion of f lie spoi]s of this bamid are now secreted. A nnmber of discharged soldiers from Tennessee regiments have banded together with Union citizens and oro~ imuzed themselves for self-defense. They are armed with snch weapons as tlmey have been able to procure, consisting of rifles, cam hines amid revolvers. This band of loyal men, who are men of the hi best sense of honor and true patriotism, are doing all they can to pro- mote the success of our cause. Their numuber com~l be imici eased to 200 if arms could be provided for themn. By their aid Surge mi Hunt, of the Ninth Tennessee Infantry, whom I previonsly reported captured by guerrillas, was enabled to escape, amid line is now in safety. I have als~learned that the following named citizens, * liv- imig in the vicinity of Ooltewah, are in tIme habit of harboring the ~ Not subsequently umentioned in the report Page 104 104 KY., SW. VA., TENN., M158., ALA., AND ~. GA. [ChiP. XLV~ guerrillas infesting that region, and that the rebels have signified their intention to burn the town of Ooltewah as soon as the families of the Misses Locke and Barnet, above mentioned, quit the town. After obtaining the above information from my sconting party, who returned about two hours after I arrived at Ooltewah, II took up the march to Chattanooga and arrived in camp at 9.80 oclock the same day with my command, without having sustained any loss. In conclusion I would again most respectfully beg leave to call the attention of the general commanding to the advantages to be gained by permanently stationing a small force at the town of Ooltewah. A force of two regiments with a half battery of artillery conld, in conjunction with the organization of citizens above mentioned, hold all the mountain passes in that region, thereby effectually prevent- ing all raids, securing our river transportation, and affording to the almost exclusively loyal population the protection which they so much deserve. A great amount of most valuable information could also be obtained by such a force with the aid of the citizens of the baud previously mentioned, they being intimately acquainted with the country thereabouts and able and willing to put in operation a most effective system of espionage for that purpose. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, G. MIHALOTZY, Colonel 24th Regt. ill. Vol. Inf., Commanding Expedition. Maj. Gen. J. M. PALMER, Commanding Fourteenth (Jorps. [Indorsernent] HDQRS. FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Chattanooga, January 24, 11864. Respectfully forwarded, and attention called to the highly judi- cious suggestions of Colonel Mihalotzy. J. M. PALMER, Major- General, Commanding. JANUARY 2122, 1864.Skirmishes at Strawberry Plains (21st) and at Armstrongs Ferry, Tenn. (22d). REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, Ninth Corps. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 3.Lieut. Erskine Gittings, Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. ~ Army, commanding First Division, Ninth Corps. HDQRS. FIRST DIvIsIoN, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Camp rear Erins Station, East Tenn., January 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report for the in- formation of the commanding general: According to instructions received I niarched the Ninth Army Corps on the morning of the 16th instant at 9 a. m. from Blain Page 105 XLIV.] ~3KJRMISH Mu ARMSTRONO)S FER1~Y, TENN. 10t Cross-Roads to Strawberry Plains, where I received orders to encamp the command, with the exception of one brigade, which was ordered to take position on the south bank of the river Hoiston. I accord- ingly ordered the Second Brigade, First Division, commanded by Colonel Peirce, of the Twenty-Ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, to take position on the south bank of the river Hoiston, posting two regiments on College Hill to the right of the railroad bridge, and the balance of his brigade, consisting of three regiments, to a position on the left of the bridge, with instructions to picket all roads leading to the railroad bridge. On the evening of the 20th, a detachment of the enemy made a dash on our pickets on the Dandridge road, but were promptly met and repulsed. During the evening I received instructions to march the command across the bridge and leave a strong picket force to protect the men engaged in destroying the bridge. The command crossed at 9 p. in., and the bridge was destroyed during the night. The pickets were withdrawn at 10 oclock the next morning, crossing the river on a flat without molestation. On the morning of the 21st, I ordered Colonel Morrison, command- ing First Brigade, to relieve troops of the Twenty-third Corps sta- tioned to cover the bridge. The Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers garrisoned the block-house, and Lieutenant Gittings battery was placed in a position commanding the opposite approaches to the bridge, supported by the Thirty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteers. The Twentieth Michigan Volunteers was placed on the road leading to Blains Cross-Roads, picketing th,e river to the left. Colonel Peirce s brigade was stationed 2 miles below, guarding the fords to the right. Colonel Collins brigade (Second Division) was held in reserve. At about 11 a. m. the enemy made their appearance in force on the south bank of the river, placing 6 guns in position and opening a severe fire on my forces, evidently determined to dislodge them for the purpose of saving the bridge, which was in flames at the time. I ordered Lieutenant Gittings to open fire on the enemy, which he did vigorously, and was replied to by the enemys batteries, but with- out any material damage to my command. This artillery duel was kept up for nearly four hours without cessation, when the enemy were compelled to abandon their position and retreat out of sight. The bridge being completely destroyed, I received instructions to move my command during the night of the 21st toward Knoxville. The command moved at 3 a. m. of the 22d, Colonel Morrison bring- ing up the rear with his brigade. Two pieces of artillery having been left without transportation (belonging to another corps), and not wishing to leave or destroy them, I appealed to the men of my com- mand, and they cheerfully manned the ropes and dragged the guns and limbers to within 7 miles of Knoxville, when horses were ob- tained to take them the remainder of the distance. At 12 m. on the 22d, I halted the command on the road within 7 miles of Knoxville, when Colonel Morrison reported to me the enemys cavalry following in his rear in force.! received instruc- tions to take a position on the right of the road connecting with Gen- eral Manson. Remaining in said position for some time, and the enemy showing no disposition to attack us, I received instructions to continue my marTh toward Knoxville. I marched the command to within 3~ miles of the city; again formed line of battle awaiting the attack of the enemy. They advanced their skirmishers quite holdly, ~uid occiipied a commanding crest a very short (listance in front o Page 106 106 KY., SW.YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. my line, which would have proved destructive to my men had they been allowed to remain. I accordingly ordered 2 companies of the Twenty-seventh Michigan Volunteers to charge and carry the crest, which they did in a most gallant manner, causing the enemy to make a most precipitant retreat. Occupied the position during the night without further molestation from the enemy. At daylight on the morning of the 23d, I ordered a cOmpany of the Twenty-seventh Michigan Volunteers to advance as skirmishers, supported by the Second Maryland Volunteers. After having scoured the country for a distance of 5 miles, and not being able to find the enemy, rejoined the command, where we remained (luring that day and night. On the morui~g of the 24th, I received instructions to march the coiumand to son~e suitable camp within supporting distance of Knox- ville. The losses during the above engagements are 1 private, Batteries L and .M, Third U. S. Artillery, and Lieutenant Mentzel, of the Forty- sixth New York Volunteers, killed. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the men and officers for their patience and endurance during the march from Strawberry Plains, dragging 2 pieces of artillery a distance of 10 miles over rough, muddy roads, without a murmur. Great credit is due to the brigade commanders for their promptness in carrying out my orders in detail; also to the members of my staff for their valuable assistance. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW. FERRERO, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. H. R. MIGHELS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gem. Orlando E. Willeox, U. S. Army, commanding Second Dirision. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CoRps, January 22, 18644.15 p. m. SIR: With Special Orders, No. 22, received, the last one, to select a camp near the Twenty-third Corps, I had anticipated by moving down with General Mansons division, bef~r~ the enemy, to the intersection of the Knoxville and Armstrongs Ferry roads. I am now carrying On a br~isk skirmish with the enemys dismounted infantry, holding a position about half a mile above cross-rOa(15, my right resting on a crest and my left and center in the valley, covered by underbrush and broken ground. I took this stand in order to develop, if possi- ble the character of the force advancing. So far I have discovered nothing but a division of mounted troops. I did not wish either to divide the force or to march into Knoxville ~th the enemy on my heels. Having no cavalry, I cannot tell anything more than is before me. The enemys flanks are both covered with woods. If you de- termine that I shall hold this position to-morrow, please send me commissary st~es and ammunition to-night. 0. B. WILLCOX, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff Page 107 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISH AT ARMSTRONGS FERRY, TENY. 107 HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, Lyons hulls, Teun., January 31, 1864. CAPTAIN: On the 21st nitimo the Ninth Corps was at Strawberry Plains. The army was moVing toward KnoxVille, with heavy trains over bad roads, and the Ninth Corps was left to bring up the rear. The bridge being dismantled and set on fire, our pickets were with- drawn, as directed by the major-general commanding, from the sonth side of the river in a fiat-boat. The enemy soon appeared, lined the banks of the river conimanding the plains, and from Semi- nary Hill opened fire with a field battery. Lieutenant Gittings, with Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, was posted near a block-house covering the depot, but placed his four guns in a better position on the ridge next in rear of the block-house, and replied with such effect as to silence the enemy, notwithstanding a cross-fire brought to bear upon him from a point to our left and front. We remained in position all day at Strawberry Plains annoyed, after the artillery ceased, only by the enemys sharpshooters. They showed a considerable force of cavalry ali(i mounted infantry, some squadrons, and one long column which we were able to reach with our shells with considerable apparent effect. They seemed to be mov- ing down from the New Market road out upon the Sevierville road, froni which there were roads leading to a ford 2 miles below us, and other fords still lower down, crossing at either of which would have enabled them to cut our train stretched between Strawberry Plains and Knoxville. The picket at the ford was strengthened, and a regiment sent to Flat Creek by the generals order. In the evening a train of cars was expected to take off some public property remaining at the depot, consisting niainly of two guns, said to belong to Good- speeds battery (not of the Ninth Corps), and some caissons. There was no transportation to take this property away, and a telegram was received stating that the cars had run off the track just out of Knox- ville. The troops were ordered by General Parke to be at Flat Creek by daylight. The batteries were started at 12, the troops at 8. I was directed to bring off the guns and caissons, before mentioned, if possible; if not, to destroy them. The men of the Ninth Corps volunteered to drag the guns, which they di(l with much labor, and the caissons were destroyed, as it was impossible to bring them away. The troops reached Flat Creek by daylight, and were ordered to move on toward Knoxville in rear ~f ~ie Twemity-third Corps. At about 1 oclock on the 22d, the enemys cavalry appeared in our rear, 1 niile above the Armstrong house, just as we came up with Mansomis division, Twenty-third Corps, which had been halted. The lines were formed and we marched in compammy with General Manson, without annoyance from the enemy, to a position a mile above the intersection of the Armstrongs Ferry road with the Knox- ville road, where I ordered a halt of all the troops, threw out skir- mnishers toward the enemy, encountered their skirmish line, drove them back, amid carried two wooded knolls whichN~hey had seized in our rear and right. The rebel force driven off, we went into bivouac. They made a demonstration on General Mansons pickets early in the evening, which was repulsed. Their whole force re- turned toward Strawberry Plains about midnight, amid we saw no more of them. They were said to be Armstrongs division of cavalry and mounted immfantry Page 108 108 ICY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. [cHAP. XLIV. Accompanying please find reports of General Ferrero and Lieuten- ant Gittings. Our casualties were as follows :* I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. B. WJLLCOX, Brigadier- General, Coutmanding. Capt. SAMUEL WRIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Ershine Gittings. Batteries L and 111, Third U. S. Artillery. ERINs STATION, Jannury. 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward a report of the operations of Batteries L and M, Third Artillery, during the 21st and 22d of Jan- uary, 1864: On the morning of the 19th, I was ordered to take a position near the block house, overlooking the bridge crossing the Hoiston. I assumed this position but did not place any guns in the house, as the thickness of the timber was very slight and covered with dirt only partially, rendering it somewhat dangerous from splinters caused by solid shot, but still affording sufficient protection from shells. This, together with the limited field of fire, made me think it best to place the guns outside of the fort. No signs of the enemy were apparent until betweeu 10 and 11 oclock of the 21st, when small parties were seen reconnoitering the approaches to the bridge. In half an hour after the first parties of the enemy were seen they brought a field battery into position near the seminary on the opposite side of the river, but as the fire from the enemys sharpshooters was sufficiently heavy to show that if all the pieces were maintained on the ridge the loss would be disproportion- ate to the probable gain, I retired three of them to the next ridge, covering them as well as the stumpy nature of the ground admitted. I left orders with the officer remaining with the gun near the house that I would send him directions to hold his position or withdraw as soon as I was able. He, however,wi4hdrew to the position I had assumed before I had sent him orders, assigning as his reason, which was no doubt a good one, that the slope of the hill on which he fired was so great as to make the recoil of the gun take it to the bot- tom of the hill, and as the gun could not be run to the extreme crest on account of the sharpshooters, the position appeared to be unten- able. The fire of the enemy upon me in my new position was quite sharp, but as most of their shells burst too far to my rear I sustained no injury. The fire brought upon them by my~thre e pieces appeared to do them some injury, as shortly afterward t ey ceased firing from all but one gun, and finally moved this gun some 800 yards to my left and front, and reopened their fire from this piece. Only a few shots were fired by t~enn in this new position. The enemy, later in the day, showed quite a strong force of mounted infantry, or else the manner in which they moved it led us to believe it to be strong. The * Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer killed, 2 privates wounded, 26 privates missing; total, 29 Page 109 CHAP. XLIV.] SCOUT FROM ROSSVILLE TOWARD DALTON, GA. 109 only shots fired by me after their battery ceased firing, were from the rifled 6-pounder guns near the depot. At night-fall I took a posi- tion a little farther to the rear of myfi rst on e, and by 12 p. m. received orders to take the Knoxville road, following in rear of thet rains, & c. The only loss in material which I sustained was one wagon aban- doned by the driver on account of breaking the tongue of the wagon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. GITTINGS Capt. H. ~. First Lieutenant, Third Artillery. Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 2123, 1864.Scout from Rossville toward Dalton, Ga., and skirmish (22d). Report of Got. William P. Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Rossvilie, Ga., January 24, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to your instructions I moved out of camp at Rossville on the 21st instant at 10 a. in., with the following effect- ive force: Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, 220 men and 11 officers, Lient. Col. J. Rowan Boone, commanding; Fourth Mich- igan Cavalry, 211 men and 4 officers, Capt. Alfred Abeel, command- ing. Total, 431 men and 15 officers. Command moved in direction of and through McLemores Cove to a point between Blue Bird Gap and Dug Gap, 25 miles south of Chattanooga, and bivouacked for the night, placing strong pickets on the approaches through those gaps. At 3 a. m. on the 22d instant, the march was resumed, and cross- ing Lookout at the intersection of Pigeon Mountain passed through Broomtown Valley to Summerville, thence across Taylors Ridge to Dirt Towii, and thence I proceeded about 8 miles in direction of Dalton to the camp of Colonel Culberson, commanding Home Guards, where some 300 of that officers regiment were routed; the camp was destroyed with a considerable number of arms and other property but the main body of the enemy escaped in direction of Dalton, where the Confederate forces were strongly posted. Having gone as far as indicated by ~r~ers and being encumbered by considerable number of prisoners, horses, mules, & c., the pro- priety of advancing upon Dalton was doubtful, and I moved back in direction of Chattanooga, recrossed Taylors Ridge and bivou- acked for the night, 3 miles from Summerville. The command marched on this day 59 miles, captured one government wagon, which was afterward burnt, 15 prisoners, among whom was one Captain Hubbard. At 5 a. in. I moved in direction of Rossville, a~d arrived in camp at 10 p. in. The prisoners have been turned over to the provost-marshal at Chattanooga. There were no casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. P. BOONE, Golonel, Commanding Detachment. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff, Department of the Cnm~crland Page 110 110 KY., SW. TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. JANUARY 22, 1 864.Capture of Forage Wagons near Wilsonville, Tenn. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S Army, commandin~ Cavalry, Depart- ment of the Ohio. No. 2.Col. Edward M. MeCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Cav- alry Division. No. 3.Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gem. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Department of the Ohio. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Sevierville, Tenn., January 25, 1864. GENERAL: A small party from Colonel McCooks command yes- terday captured a small wagon train loaded with supplies for Mor- ristown, and captured also 19 prisoners, consisting of 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 17 privates. General Elliotts division has capture(l in all since we reached this side the river, some 75 prisoners. I am sending a detachment to-day to destroy the pontoon across month of Chucky. General Potter and Captain Gouraud are here. Respectfully, ~. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Cavalry. Maj. Gen. J. G. FOSTER. No. 2. Reports of Col. Edward M. Mc~Joolc, Second Indiana Cavalry, com manding First Cavalry Division. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, January 22, 1864. GENERAL: I send the orderly, who knows the road to my head- quarters. A scouting party of the First Tennessee captured a Cap- tain Bennett, commissary on General Bennings staff, Hoods divis- ion, and 7 men who were out looking f~r forage. The First Tennessee and Colonel Palmers force are out after a forage train, and I think will get them, unless the guard is too strong. I will move my command before day, so that their with- drawal will not be noticed from the other side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD M. MCCOOK, Colonel, (Jommanding. Brigadier-General ELLIOTT, Commanding Cavalry. BREMNERS CHURCH, TENN., January 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: Your order for destroying the pontoon was received at 3 p. m. The party detailed (200 strong) started at 4. Millers scou Page 111 Ca& r. XLIV.] CAPTURE OF WAGONS NEAR WILSONVILLE, TENN. 111 was not here. The detachment is in comman(I of Major Kimmel, a good officer, provided with an efficient guide, and will execute your order if possible. There is no pontoon at the mouth of the Chucky. I am informed there was one 3 miles above the month; another 12 miles above that. It will be necessary to cross the French Broad to get at either of them. Even with bridges destroyed, there is no difficulty in crbssing with infantry and artillery, or trains. The guide, Mr. Inman, tells me that there are half a dozeit excellent fords, both above and below the bridges, that can be crossed at this stage of the river without finding water more than knee deep to a man. The total result of the expedition yesterday was 22 wagons with their teams, and 90 prisoners, 2 captains and lieutenant. My headquarters are on the Dougherty road, about opposite Fair Garden. Your dispatch of 2.30 p. m. is just received (5.40 p. in.). Colonel La Grange with all his brigade not barefooted, is away in the direction of Wilsonville, and the guides, who know the ford roads, with him. I took the responsibility of sending him out this morning in order to keep the rebels from crossing into the bottoms. I can procure no other guides, and cannot move until to-morrow morning at daylight. I will suggest to Wolford that lie move on the main road at the same time, and effect a jnnction with me at Wilsonville. I ordered La Grange to destroy the boats at Hays Ferry if lie could get them. I will have full information from him and from Dandridge to-night. EDWARD M. McCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Division. J. A. S. MITCHELL, Capt. and Acig. Aide-dc-Camp, in absence ~f Colonel ]IiEc~Jook. Capt. W. C. RAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. HDQRS. CHIEF OF CAVALRY, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Sevierville, Tenn., January 25, 1864. Col. E. M. MCCOOK, Comdg. Cay. Div., Dept. of the ~Jnmberland: COLONEL: The general commanding t~ie cavalry instructs me to say that it gives him great pleasure to send you the following extract of a letter, written by order of Major-General Foster, com- manding the department: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO. Knoxville, January 23, 1864. Brigadier-General STuRGIs, Gommanding Cavalry: SIR: By direction of the general commanding I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by him of your dispatch announcing the capture of train of the enemy by Colonels McCook and Palmer, and to express to you his gratification and to ask you to make in his na~ne the proper compliments to Colonels MeCook and Palmer and the officers and men serving under them. JAMES H. STRONG, Lieutenant-Uolonel and Assistant Inspector-General Page 112 1 1~? KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. You will please to publish this very complimentary notice of the major-general commanding to your command in orders. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. RAWOLLE, Captain and Aide-de-Gamp. No. 3. Report of Licut. Gen. James Lonystreet, C. S. Army. HEADQuARTERS, January 25, 1864. Twenty-eight of our wagons were captured on the south side of French Broad on the 22d. They were foraging and had neglected to get the usual guards. General Martin captured 800 beef-cattle, and reports 200 wagons abandoned and destroyed by the enemy in the retreat to Knoxville. We lost our teams with our wagons, and got none to replace theni. Major Day made an advance upon Tazewell yesterday. He found the fortifications and forces stronger than was expected, and after a skirmish retired. We lost 1 man, killed; captured 12. J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General, commanding. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va. JANUARY 22, 1864.Affair at Subligna, Ga. .1~eport of Brig. Gen. Alfred Iverson, C. S. Army. ROME, GA., January 23, 1864. Dispatch received states enemy surprised Culberson s command (Georgia State Guards) last night, 7 oclock. Thinks they retired toward La Fayette. A. IVERSON, Brigadier-General. General JOHNSTON. JANUARY 22-27, 1864.Expedition from Union City to Trenton, Tenn. Report of Col. George E. Waring, Jr., Fourth Missouri Cavalry, commanding Cavdlry Brigade.* PENTON, TENN., January 27, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the order of the commanding general, I marched my c~nmand at 7.30 a. in., January 22, from Union City toward Sharps Ferry, on the Obion River. The road in places was very bad. The marching column reached the vicinity of sharps * See also Warings repo4 of Smiths expedition,, etc., p. Page 113 CHAP. XLIV.] EXPEDITION FROM UNION CITY TO TRENTON, TENN. 113 Ferry before night, but the rear of the supply trains was still stuck in the mud, 4 miles from our starting place. I pressed teams and sent back to lighten loads, but nothing could be done that night, as men and animals were exhausted. The river at the ferry was choked with floating ice, the rope broken, and the boat filled with ice and water and in very bad condition. It was nearly daylight before we could commence crossing, and on account of the damaged condition of the boat only S horses could be crossed at a time. Afternoon, January 23, the ice accumulated again, blocked up the river, broke the rope and stopped the crossing for over two hours. At night I received information that the supply trains had all got together at Troy, at which place the Seventh Indiana Cavalry (from Hickman) had joined the command as it marched through. I had placed Colonel Karg6 (Second New Jersey Cavalry) in charge of the terry, and at 9 p. m. the Second Illinois and Nineteenth Pennsyl- vania pioneer corps and a portion of the Fourth Missouri having crossed, I crossed myself and came ahead to decide on the road to be taken and to send the pioneers ahead. I found the bottom on this side of the river in a horrible condition, and the river and sloughs rising very fast. Just before striking the highland (2 miles from the ferry) I found a place where the water was from 3 to 4 feet cheep for a distance of ~0 yards, and was covered with 3 inches of ice. Those who had first crossed had cut their way through, and the ice had been pushed on and packed in the channel near the shore, so that for a distance of 20 feet we had to plunge through a mass of ice and water in which horses and men fell and struggled (sometimes head and all under) until they could get out. For the next 3 miles to the ridges more than half of the road is very bad, and it was with the greatest difficulty that we got through with the three wagons which had been crossed with the Second Illinois and the pioneers. They had to be unloaded and drawn through the sloughs with picket ropes. During the night of the 23d and the day following, the Seventh Indiana crossed with its ambulances. By this time the river had risen to such an extent that the horses had to be landed in 3 feet of water. During the night of the 24th and until noon of the 2~th, we were tryiiig to establish a new ferry farther down the river, but the con- stant rising of the river rendered this impossible. As Colonel Karg6 was cut off from all possibility of communi!~ating with me except by Colonel Shanks, of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, who was the last man to cross, he sent me word by him that lie should go back to Jacksonville, and thence by Dresden and Huntingdon to Jackson, unless he heard from me again. He has taken the best course, and has the energy to get through if any man can. I have now sent Colonel Shanks with the Seventh Indiana and Nineteenth Pennsyl- vania to hold the crossings at Mount Pinson and Bolivar. The Sec- ond Illinois Cavalry is stationed at the bridge at R~1gers Mill, near Spriiig Creek, and will hold the bridge and run the mill until I come np. I am now going back to Dresden by the best road I can find (probably rebuilding Kings Bridge with the pioneer corps). I shall bring my train through as fast us possible, and to this end I am press- ing all the trains I can find in the country. I have been compelled to disobey the order to take a road west of the Columbus and Corinth road, and I cannot get through within the time specified in your con- versation with me. R RVQL X2XXII, PT Page 114 114 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Had we got across the Obion before it commenced to rise we could have gone by the way of Dyersburg, and should have had no diffi- culty in going as far as the Hatchie River beycud what would have resulted from the bad condition of the roads. As the streams to the east of us are now falling rapidly, and the roads are drying up, we niay be able to get through reasonably fast. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. WARING, Jm, Cot. 4th Mo. Car., Comdg. Car. Brig., 6th Div., 16th A. C. Capt. J. ROUGH, Assistant Adjatant- General. JANUARY 23, 1864.Skirmish near Newport, Tenn. HEpoI~/rs. No. 1-Brig. (len. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Depart- ment of the Ohio. No. 2.Col. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturg is, U. S. Army, commanding c1avalry, Department of the Ohio. SEVIERVILLE, TENN., Jannary 24, 1864. GENERAL: I have just returned froni Fair Garden and McCook~s position near Dandridge. Yesterday I ordered a party of 150 men under Major Kimmel to attempt tile destruction of a pontoon bridge rel)orted to be near the mouth of the Chucky. The party returned early this morning, hav- ing gone up the Chucky some 3 miles, but found no pontoon. The Chucky is very low and fordable at nearly all points. Yesterday evening Colonel La Grange (First Wisconsin) was sent with his brigade to intercept a reported train of wagons (said to be 100) with infantry escort near N~w.~ort, and conveying forage to Morristown. The colonel has, returned, but found no wagons. He - capture 15 prisoners. Both these scouting parties examined the country with a view to its resources of forage, & c., going into and through the Dutch and Irish bottoms, and report that the forage has been nearly all hauled by the enemy to the north side of the river, where it is protected by strong guards of infantry. Colonel La Grange estimates that in what was reported to be the richest portion of the valley a division of cavalry could not subsist longer tban three days. From these reports it will be seen that there~s nothing left for this force but to settle abont this place until it shall have exhausted the country, which will be but a short time. What is to do then it is difficult to say. I do not knbw that it can be avoided, but I may say that it is a pity that circumstances should compel us to entirely exhaust the country of these loyal people. If we remain here long they must suffer, and it will bo impossible for them to raise anything nex Page 115 CHAP. XLIV.] AFFAIR NEAR WOODVILLE, ALA. 115 year. The necessity for pressing supplies leads so immediately to plundering that soldiers find no difficulty in taking the step from the one to the other, and in spite of all I can do to the contrary. It is distressing to witness the sufferings of these people at the hands of the friends for whom they have been so long and so anxiously looking. You cannot help it; neither can I, and I only refer to it because my heart is full of it. Respectfully, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Corn ~nanding Cavalry. Brig. Gen. E. K POTTER, Chief of St~f. P. 5.The enemy has made repeated attempts to cross to this side, but have been driven back in every attempt. The infantry of the enemy was sent back to Morristown on Monday morning last. S.D.S. No. 2. Report of Cot. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, com- manding Second Brigade, First ~Javalry Division, Department of the Ctunberland. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Near Fains Ford, Tenn., January 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that the scout froiu the Sec- ond Brigade proceeded by way of Dutch Bottom through Irish Bot- tom to the house of William Jack, 2~ miles from Newport. At this point about 300 of the enemy were found drawn up in an ad- vantageous position, and it being near night and our horses some- what jaded it was not deemed prudent to attack him. One of the enemys outposts was attacked, 3 killed and 16 with arms and horses captured. No loss sustained by the scouting party. Only about 3,000 bushels of corn observed on the entire route. Most respectfully, O~ H. LA GRANGE C~olonel, ~omrnanling. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Asst. AWl. Gen., First ~av. Div., Dept. of the Uamberland. JANUARY 23, 1864.Affair near Woodville, Ala. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U S. Army, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. WOODVILLE, ALA., January 26, 11864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on Saturday night, the 23d instant, about 9 oclock, a party of rebels, about 60 in nunxb~r Page 116 116 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. made a descent upon the corral of unserviceable animals under charge of the division quartermaster and drove off a portion of them besides taking off 17 citizen teamsters. The number of animals now missing is about 90, but I have reliable information that only about 40 were got across the river. The division quartermaster has parties out picking up the animals, and I have no doubt will succeed in picking them up. The corral is situated by the side of the railroad, about 3 miles east of Woodville, and within 400 yards of the rail- road guard of 25 men and between their post and this station. The animals and teamsters were taken by a bridle-path over the mountain within 2 miles of Woodville. The existence of this path was not known. The rebels kept on the summit of the mountains, avoiding the roads, and crossed at a ferry about 4 miles below Larkins Ferry. They reached the ferry about daylight. Owing to the fact that all the teamsters were taken away, and that 3 or 4 men were left at the corral to preveint a citizen giving the alarm, I did not get the information until about 10 oclock a. m. I immediately sent out Lieutenant-Colonel Gage, assistant inspect- or-general, with about 60 mounted artillerymen, in pnrsnit, with in- structions to take the trail and follow as fast as possible. I sent Lieutenant Lacey with 20 mounted infantry in the direction of Guntersville and Major Seay with 200 infantry in the same direction to support either party. As the enemy had in all probability crossed the river by the time the pursuing parties started, the pursuit was fruitless. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 23, 1864.Scout from La Grange, Teun., to Ripley, Miss. Report of (Jot. Edward Prince, Seventh illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS, ha Grange, January 23, 1864. SIR: A scouting force of this regiment, just back from Ripley, captured 3 prisoners and lost 3, taken prisoners. May I send now flag of truce proffering exchange? E. PRINCE, Colonel Seventh illinois Cavalry. Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsement.] No, T. H. HARRIS, Assistard Adjutant-General Page 117 Cn& i?. XLIVI OPERATIONS I~ NOI~TI1 ALAtAIvLk. ill JANUARY 2329, 1864.Operations in North Alabama. SUMMARY OF TIIiE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Jan. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Bainbridge Ferry. Skirmish near the Sweet Water. Jan. 26, 1864.Attack on Athens. Jan. 29, 1864.Skirmish near the Tennessee River. Skirmish near Cobbs Mill. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. John A. Rawlins, U. S. Army, Chief of Staff, Division of the Mississippi. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, commanding Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 4.Col. Abram 0. Miller, Seventy-second Indiana Infantry, commanding Second Cavalry Division. No. 5.Col. Smith D. Atkins, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. NC). 6.Capt. Matthew Van Buskirk, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry. NO. 7.Capt. William McCracken, Ninety-eighth Illinois Infantry. No. 8.Capt. James E. Robinson, Seventy-second Indiana Infantry. No. 1. Reports of Brig. Gen. John A. Rawlins, U. S. Army, Chief of Staff, Division of the 1IIiississippi. NASHVILLE, TENN., January 29, 1864. On the morning of the 25th [26th] the enemy, 600 strong, attacked our garrison, of about 100, at Athens. After a two-hours fight the enemy was repulsed and driven. Our loss 20; the enemys much greater. On the 27th [25th] Colonel Miller had a severe fight on this side of Florence, repnlsing the enemy. Our loss 15 killed, 25 wounded. JN~. A. RAWLINS, Col. ~ ~. KELTON. Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. NASHVILLE, TENN., February 9, 1864. General Dodge reports that on the 2& th [29th] ultimo our forces, under Colonel Phillips, drove Roddey to the soutk side of the Ten- nessee River, captured all his trains, consisting of over 20 mule teams, 200 head of cattle, 600 head of sheep, and about 100 head of horses and mules, and destroyed a factory and mill which had largely sup- plied him. JNO. A. RAWLINS, Col. ~ ~. KELTON, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. Assistant Adjutant-General Page 118 118 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Grenville ill. Dodge, U. S. Army, command ing Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps. PULASKI, January 26, 1864. Monday my force, which inc1nd~d most of oar morning ~ rison at Athens, moved on Roddeys force, west 01 Florence. Last night Colonel Hannon, with about 600 men and 2 pieces of 4rtiliery, crossed river at Browns Ferry, which is 10 miles below Decatur and 12 niiles from Athens, and at 4 a. m. attacked Athens and some of my bridge i)arties near Athens. We had about 100 men. After two hours fighting the rebels were repulsed, and retreated ou Wood Ferry. Our loss is 20; the enemys much larger. The bridge parties are all right, and before this the enemy is south of the Tennessee. They got news some way of our move, and no doubt expected to take Athens, stores, and trains, but they have gone back badly whipped. Our trains all safe. G. ~M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant A~jn tan t- General. PULASKI, January 26, 1864. All my mounted force starte(l Mouday morning [25th] to attack Roddeys command in Colbert Reserve, leaving but a small force at Athens. Colonel Hannon crossed the Tennessee River last night at Browns Ferry, and attacked Athens at 4 a. m. to-day, and after two hours fighting he was repulsed with considerable loss, and retreated toward Browns Ferry. At the time that the enemy crossed the river Colonel Phillips messenger to our forces was at Athens notify- ing them he was 5 miles beyond Elk River. He no doubt by this time is in their rear or flank. Captain Adam sent all out of town and shelled with his men, 75 all tol(1. Hanuon had two pieces of artillery with him. The bridge parties are all safe. Our loss is about 20, all told. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- Gen era~i ~ PULASKI, January 26, 1864. Colonel Miller had a severe fight this side of Florence yesterday. Our loss, 15 killed, 25 wounded. The enemy were repulsed, and several prisoners taken. Prisoners say Corinth has been abandoned and bnrned. I think all the mounted force we can raise should be immediately sent to Florence and Colbert R~erve, and clear out the enemy. They are getting too strong in there for our safety on the railroad, and unless we get them out and keep them employed they will pick up same of our working parties. If we could take amid hold Decatur it would make us all safe, and keep them at proper distance. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. Lieutenant-Colonel BOWERS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 119 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS I~ NORTIt ALABAMA. 119 HDQRS. LEFT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, hdaski, JUn., January 29, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that General Roddey, with Pattersons and Hannons regiments and two pieces of artillery, at- tacked Athens, Ala., on January 26. at 4 a. In., opening upon the town without any notice with his artillery, the shot and shell going through several houses occupied by citizens, and after ~two hours fighting was repulsed and defeated by Captain Adam and 7~ ineii of the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, that being all the force then at the post. The plan of the attack, as has since been ascertained by captured dispatches, was as follows: Colonel Johnson and his brigade, stationed near Florence. was to move upon the Florence and Athens road and attack the town from the northwest, while General Roddey in person, with the forces above named, was to cross the Tennessee River at Browns Ferry, 18 miles from Athens and 10 miles below Decatur, with his men dismounted. The movement of Johnson was defeated by Colonel Miller, of the Second Division, Army of the Cumberland, who fought and checked him at Shoal Creek bridge, 35 miles west of Athens, the evening before the attack. The force at Athens with a force from Pulaski ha(l moved out toward Florence tile day before the attack for the purpose of driving Johnsons force across the Tennessee River. General Roddey did not know of this and moved up in accordance with the plan, but hearing of the force to the west of him and getting Colonel Johnsons dispatch that he could not support him, as he was checked by a heavy force in front, he retreated. We had no force to follow him. Captain Adam and his men displayed great coolness and judgment and fought with determined bravery, checking Geii- eral Roddeys command and holding them some two hours, enabling us thereby to send off all stores and transportation. The noble conduct of these troops saved all of our bridge parties, both north and south of Athens. as well as all the structures lately ~nt up. Had the attack succee(ied it would have been very detri- mental to us, and have delayed the opening of the road for a long time. I think such instances of the repulse of so large a force by so few luen, without fortifications or artillery, very seldom occur, and must redound to the great credit of our arms while it equally dis- graces the enemy. Our loss was about 20 killed, wound~d,~nd missing. The force at Mooresville under Colonel Biggs was notified of tile attack at sunrise by Major Park, superintendent of repairs on rail- road, who urged that officer to fall on the rear of the enemy at Browns Ferry by a road leading direct to that place down the liver. Had this been done the entire force of tile ellemy would have been captured. Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips heard of the contemplated attack and returned promptly, making direct for Browns Ferry, but ilis ad- vance arrived there only just in time to see the~ast of the rebels over. He marched all night and day until he arrived on the ground. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Brkiadier-General. As.4stant A~jutan I- General Page 120 120 KY., SW. VA., VPNN., MISS., ALA., ANt) N. GA. ~CHAP. XLLV~ HDQRS. LEFT WING, 16TH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Teum., February 1, 1864. GENERAL: I am in receipt of yours of January 30, and, so far as driving the enemy south of the Tennessee, I have anticipated your orders. The force sent by General Thomas struck the enemy on this side of Florence skirmished with him, drove him back, and returned to Huntsville, still leaving the enemy on this side of the river. I immediately fitted up what mounted men I could, prefer- ring to take the chances of getting whipped in the offensive to stand- ing here to be attacked at the pleasure of Roddey. This force moved out under Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips Thursday [28th] morn- ing, struck the enemy Friday [29th] noon. and continued driving him Friday night. Johnsons brigade, of Roddeys division, re- crossed to the south side of the river, Colonel Phillips pressing them so hard that he captured all their trainssome 20 mule teams, 200 head of cattle, 600 head of sheep, and about 100 head of horses and mules. He also burned Fosters factory and mill which had sup- plied them. This has cleared the north side of the river. The point we should, in my opinion, seize upon as soon as possible and hold is Decatur. It is the best point to obtain information of movements of the enemy from as well as for our cavalry to operate from either southeast or west, and I do not believe this line of com- munication can be successfully used unless that point is held. I notice what you say in relation to movements of Generals Sher- man, Logan, & c., all new to me, and explains the movements of troops toward Mobile, which I telegraphed you yesterday and to-day. There is no doubt but a considerable force has gone in that direction. I think, however, only one division and one brigade have left Johnston. You are aware that I have guarded our lines of communication for a long time, and I trust when the campaign opens General Grant will see fit to allow me to take part in it. I am always willing and cheerfully acquiesce in any duties assigned me, but like all others sometimes have a preference. I trust you will not consider it as out of place for me to express the above wish. I judge from your letter that the present movement is only temporary. The reports and movements of the enemy look as though Johns- ton was now south of the Etowah River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Woods, U. Army, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, IVoodville, Ala., January 30, 1864. MAJOR: The party of 50 men sent out by me day before yesterday to scout through the country lying between Paint Rock and Flint River and down to the Tennessee has just returned. The liente Page 121 ORAl. XLIV.] ORA~u1ON~ IN NORTH ALAI~AMA. 121 ant commanding reports that lie met a party of rebels, about 20 in number, yesterday morning at 3 a. in., and had a brisk little skir- mish with them, between Vienna and the Tennessee River, near Cobbs Mill. The rebels were driven back and dispersed, seeking shelter in the mountains. No casualties among our men, and none known of among the rebels. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. R. R. TOWNES, Asst. Adjt. Gem., 15th Army Corps, Huntsville~ Ala. No. 4. Reports of ~Jol. Abram 0. Miller, Seventy-second indiana Infantry, commanding Second (Javalry Division. BLUE WATER, January 26, 1864. GENERAL: A portion of Roddeys command, Johnsons brigade, crossed the Tennessee River at Bainbridge, 6 miles above Newport Ferry, ahd 3 miles below Florence, with the intention to make a junction with a brigade of infantry, who were expected to cross the river at Lambs and Browns Ferries, thence proceed to Athens to capture the force occupying the same. We engaged the enemy near Florence, routed them, killed 15; wounded quite a number, who we have in our possession. We have a number of prisoners, among whom are 3 commissioned officers. Captain Ingram, commanding a battalion, is among the killed. Our loss is 10 wounded, 1 mortally. Captain Smith, Company B, Ninety-second Illinois, was severely wounded in the arm. Prisoners report Corinth evacuated and burned. Very respectfully, & c., A. 0. MiLLER, c1ommanding Division Mounted infantry. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Huntsville, Ala., January 28, 1864. GENERAL: In obedience to orders received from you I procee(led with a portion of the Third Brigade, Colonel Atl~ns commanding. On the 25th, at Bainbridge Ferry, 6 miles above Florence, we came upon a portion of Johnsons brigade crossing the Tennessee River. After a sharp skirmish those who had crossed the river took to the hills. I learned from pris~ners taken that the balance of the brigade was crossing the river below Florence for some purpose. I started the command at once for that place. Arriving on the Florence and Athens road I found the vedettes holding in check the enemy. Fou Page 122 122 KY., SW. VA., ~ MISS., ALA., A~ff~ ~. GA. [CHAP. XLTV~ companies of the Ninety-second Illinois Volunteers being ordered for- ward soon engaged them, and revealed the fact of considerable force being there. The whole command was soon dismounted, and ad- vanced upon the enemy in a piece of woods and some old buildings. After a brisk fire on both sides they broke in confusion, and left their dead and wounded in our hands. The rebel commanding officer of one of the battalions was killed. I took possession of his orders, with other papers. These, and what I could learn from prisoners, convinced me that the object was to attack Athens. I also learned that a force of two regiments strong of dis- mounted cavalry was to cross the river at Browns Ferry and aid in the expedition. As soon as I could collect my wounded and get them in ambulances, and those of the enemy in a house close by, and leaving their deadiS in numberon the field, I started for Athens, a distance of 40 miles. Just at dark, after going back a distance of 4 miles, I came upon the camp of Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, Ninth Illinois, who is in command at Athens. After stat- ing to him what my impressions were of the enemys movements, he at once prepared and started back to Athens. He was to send scouts in advance to the ferry and report back the facts. I fed my stock and started at midnight for Browns Ferry or Athens, as I might deem best on the information I would receive on arriving at Rogersville or Lambs Ferry. After marching 20 miles Colonel Phillips reported that he had gone in camp at Rogersville; that he could learn nothing of the enemy being across the river, though should such be the case he would inform me at once. On that information I went in camp at 3 a. in., 26th. At 9 a. m. Colonel Phillips returned with his command, designing to carry out a scout set on foot by General Dodge before I reported to them on January 24. At 11 a. in., January 26, a courier reported that Athens was at- tacked by 1,500 infantry and 2 pieces of artillery. I was then 30 miles from Athens and 25 miles from Browns Ferry, where the enemy had crossed. I returned at once. After crossing Elk River, Colonel Phillips with his command (Ninth Illinois and Eighteenth Wisconsin) was sent upon the river road. I kept the main Athens road. On arriving at the ferry we found the enemy had recrossed. The enemy did little or no damage at Athens, only capturing 5 prisoners, and did not disturb the~biklge on the railroad. I much regret that we did not capture them, which we most assuredly could have done had we not been misinformed or had received information from those who knew the facts. The force that crossed consisted of a part of Roddeys command. They cross and recross the river from day to day for the purpose of obtaining forage. The main force being at Florence, 45 miles dis- tant, I did not deem it necessary to send a force after them as they can readily recross the river, and could imme~ately return upon our leaving. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. 0. MILLER, Colonel, Commanding. [Brig. Gen. W. D. WHWPLE, (Thief of Stajf Page 123 OPEkATIONS IN NORTh A7LAI3AMA. No. 5. Report of Jol. Smith D. Atkins, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Huntsville, Ala., January 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, agreeably to order, I marched with my command on the 23d instant in the direction of Florence via Athens. Arriving within 1 mile of Bainbridge Ferry I sent one company of Ninety-second Illinois to the ford, who snc- ceeded in captnring 6 and killing 5 of the enemy. The prisoners captnred reported a large force crossing at Florence to co-operate with another colnmn on Athens. On the morning of the 25th instant, after marching lj miles to- ward Florence, the advance had heavy skirmishing with the enemy posted in a log building. The Ninety-second Illinois was sent imme- diately in support. The enemy charged them on horseback, bnt were repulsed with loss. The Seventy-second Indiana, Captain Robinson commanding, and Ninety-eighth Illinois, Captain McCracken com- manding, were dismounted and deployed across the road, charged with a shout, routing the enemy, driving him from his position, killing 15, including Lieutenant-Colonel Windes, of Johnsons regi- ment, Captain Ingram, Fourth Alabama, and a lieutenant, and capt- uring 1 man and 2 officers. Orders were found on the body of Captain Ingram showing that he was advancing to co-operate in the attack on Athens. Our loss was 6 wounded. By command of Col. A. 0. Miller, com- manding division, the colnmn marched to Athens and reached Hunts- ville 27th instant. I inclose copies of reports of Captain Van Buskirk, commanding Ninety-second Illinois; Capt. James E. Robinson, commanding Seventy-second Indiana, and Capt. W. McCracken, Ninety-eighth Illinois Volunteers, which I beg may be taken as part of this report, and to which I refer for more minute details. I add with pleasure that every man and officer in the brigade (lid his entire duty duriiig the affair. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, SMITH DYKINS ATKINS, Golonel 92d illinois Volunteers, Gomman(liflg Brigade. Capt. R. P. KENNEDY, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 6. Report of Gapt. Matthew Van Buskirk, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry. HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Huntsville, Ala., J~nuary 27, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report: The Ninety-second Illinois marched from camp near Huntsville on the 23d instant with 22 officers and 343 enlisted men for Florence via Athens, Ala. On the 25th instant Company I (Captain Becker) made a dash on Bainbridge Ferry, capturing the enemys pickets, 6 men, and killing S [men] and some 25 horses. Owing to the difficulty of approach an Page 124 1~4 I~At., SW. VA., T~NX., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLtV. their position being covered by their sharpshooters, the balance made their escape. Resuming onr march, we came upon the enemy in force near Sweet Water in strong position, their center being posted in and around buildings, and their flanks approachable only over an open field, while they were sheltered by woods. They charged us on horseback. We repulsed them and routed them from their posi- tion, capturing I man, 1 lieutenant, and 1 captain, and killing some 15. We returned to camp on the 27th, having the following list of casualties. * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MATTHEW VAN BUSKIRK, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Lient. GEORGE B. THATCHER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 7. Report of Capt. William life Cracken, Ninety-eighth illinois Infantry. HDQR5. NINETY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Huntsville, Ala., January 28, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders received from brigade headquarters I marched with my command January 23, at the time specified, with the brigade, in the direction of Athens;~ went in to camp at the Widow Robertsons, 15 miles from Huntsville. Next day I proceeded on through Athens toward Rogersville, and camped that night at Laniers, on the west side of Elk River. On Monday, the 25th, I started at daylight on the road to Florence without any interruption until we crossed Shoal Creek. Arriving at the cross-road leading to Bainbridge Ferry, I was ordered to take half of my command and proceed on the right of the road to the ferry, which I did, finding iio obstacle. The other half of my com- mand was ordered to hold the road to Florence. After returning from the ferry I took up my march with the brigade toward Florence. After proceeding half a mile skirmishing commenced briskly, when I was ordered to dismount and form my battalion on the left of the road, connecting my right with Ninety-second Illinois Volunteers, and charge the enemy on double-quick through an open field to get possession of the woods occupied b~ t~e enemys right, which I did most effectually, killing and wounding many. My loss was none. After the rout of the enemy, I received orders from Colonel Atkins to remount and fall back to the east side of Shoal Creek, where I went into camp. At 12 p. m. we resumed our march toward Rogersville, and halted at 4 a. m. on the west side of Blue Water. At daylight I marched back toward Florence, and having proceeded about 10 miles received orders to return to Athens, where we arrived a( 7 p. in., and returned to Huntsville next day (the 27th instant). I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM McCRACKEN, Captain, Commanding Ninety-eighth Illinois. Lient. GEORGE B. THATCHER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 7 wounded Page 125 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS IN NORTH ALABAMA. 125 No. 8. Report of Capt. James E. Robinson, Seventy-second Indiana In fantry. HDQRS. 72D REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNT~EERS, Huntsville, Ala., January 27, 1864. SIR: In compliance with your order, I herewith submit a report of ~he part taken by the detachment of the Seventy-second Indiana ~Tolunteers under my command during the recent expedition in the Jirection of Florence, Ala.: In compliance with your order, my detachment, numbering 130 men, marched from camp at Huntsville, Ala., at 1 p. m. on the 23d instant, and camped at dusk same evening within 9 miles of Athens. Marched at daylight next morning (Sunday, 24th), and reached Athens at 8 a. m. Remained at latter place until 11 a. in., when we took up our line of march on the road leading to Florence; camped same evening on the west side of Elk River, 4 miles east of Rogers- ville. Moved again at daylight on morning of 25th (Monday). A half mile west of Rogersville, with my command, agreeably to your order, I left the main road leading to Florence, and proceeding in a southerly direction struck the Tennessee River at Bellevue, on the old steam- boat canal at Muscle Shoals. The river at this point is about 1-4 miles wide, and through that distance I could not see the enemy on the opposite shore, but their camp-fires, a large number of small boats (probably 100), and several immense cribs of corn (which had been boated across from this shore) were plainly visible on the op- posite bank. From Bellevue I proceeded down this side of the Ten- nessee River for a distance of 8 miles, when we again struck the main Florence road. In the reconnaissance along the river bank I discovered no enemy on this side. I found and destroyed 2 boats and 1 rebel army wagon, which were being used in the transporta- tion of forage and provisions across the river. Upon reaching the main Florence road 10 miles east of Florence I moved forward after the brigade, which had passed some time previously. Four miles farther oii, about 3 p. in., we reached Shoal Creek, where I found a part of the Ninety-eighth Illinois on guard, who reported that the head of the colunin had met a rebel foree, & nd were then skirmishing with them. I put my command on double-quick, and in a few min- utes came up with the column, which was halted near the residence of the Widow Huff, 1~ miles west of Shoal Creek. By your order I here dismounted my command and hastened to the front, and formed line of battle on the north side of Florence road, my left resting on the road. The enemy was then firing upon~ our lines. As soon as our line was formed I was ordered to charge the enemy in the woods in front. My men executed the command in ~ gallant manner, charging with a yell in the face of the fire from the concealed enemy until we reached the skirt of the woods, where we caught sight of them behind several log buildings and trees in the woods. We opened a brisk fire on them as we advanced, and they soon gave way and ran in severar directions through the timber. After passing some 300 yards beyond the position just abandoned b~y the rebels, your order to halt was received and obeyed. A few moments after- ward, at ixisk~ an Qrcler came about fa~o and iuar~i~ ~n lino o Page 126 126 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. battle with my command in rear of our brigade; that we were to return to Shoal Creek to camp for the night. We reached the east side of Shoal Creek at 8.30 p. m. and went into camp, with orders to feed, keep our horses saddled, and be ready to march at 12 oclock same night. Moved at 12 oclock, as directed, and arrived at a point 5 miles west of Rogersville at 4 a. m. of the 26th, where we went into camp and had breakfast. At 9 a. m. on 27th resumed march, and proceeded again in the direction of Florence, some 8 miles; then were ordered to counter- march, and by 7 oclock of same day reached Athens. Next day (Wednesday 27th) we marched for camp at this place, where we arrived at 2 p. m. I am happy to say I have no casualties to report in my command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES E. ROBINSON, Captain, Commanding Seventy-Second Indiana. Col. SMITH D. ATKINS, Commanding Brigade. JANUARY 24, 1864.Operations near Natchez, Miss. Report of Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams, C. S. Army. HAMBURG, January 24, 1864. The detachment under General Griffith captured near Natchez 35 prisoners and 60 drays and teams. WIRT ADAMS, Brigadier- General. Col. THOMAS M. JACK. JANUARY 24, 1864.Capture of Union Pickets at Loves Hill, near Knox ville, Tenn. Report of Col. William C~ross, Third Tennessee Infantry. HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT, ~. IENN. VOL. INFANTRY, Mossy ~reele, Tenn., March 28, 1864. SIR In obedience to requirements of existing orders, I herewith report that on the night of January 24, 1864, about 11 oclock, Capt. John C. Slover, of Company E, and Corpl. John G. Yarnell, Privates Daniel S. Harikins, Abraham Yearout, Samuel Yearout, James M. Hensley, Thomas Yarnell, Shadrach Lee, William H. White were captured by a large force of rebel cavalry, off of picket- post near Loves Hill, 5~ miles northeast of Kn~xville, Tenn. Sergt. F. H. Dagley and Private John Weeks were also captured, but made their escape some time afterward. I am, vera respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM CROSS, Colonel, Comdg. Third Regt. F. Tenn. Vol. Infantry. E. D. TOWNSEND, A~istant AdIntant-Generat~ Washin9ton, D. Q Page 127 CRAP. XLIV.] EXPEDITION TROM SCOTTSBOROUGH, ALA. 1 27 JANUARY 24, 1864.Skirmish at Tazewell, Tenn. Reports of Brig. Gem. Theophilus T. Garrard, U. S. Army, com~ manding District of the Clinch. * CUMBERLAND GAP, January 24, 1864. The enemy attacked Tazewell at 3 oclock this morning. Colonel Kise, commanding post Tazewell, telegraphs to me now at 6 a. in.: The enemy is advancing in large force on the Big Springs and Bear Creek roads, coming from the Clinch. I have sent the Ninety- first Indiana Infantry to Powells bridge, and ordered Colonel Kise to fall back on Powells bridge if he is satisfied of the enemy being in large force. T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Stoff. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Cumberland Gap, Tenn., January 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that on the 24th instant, at 3 a. in., the enemy, 600 strong, attacked onr forces at Tazewell. About 100 made a dash upon the town, but were repulsed. All is quiet now, and from returning scouting [parties] I learn that there is no enemy nearer than within 2-i- miles of Jonesville, where a force was found, number not ascertained. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General, Commanding District of the Clinch. Brig. Gen. EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff to Major-General Foster. JANUARY 25FEBRUARY 5, 1864.Expedition from Scottsborough, Ala., toward Rome, Ga. T~EPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 2Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith. U.S. Army, commanding expedition. No. 1. Report of ililiaj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. A~rny, commanding Fifteenth Array ~Jorjs. SCOTTSBOROUGH, ALA., February 6, 1864. GENERAL: Last night my troops under General M. L. Smith returned to the river, having gone in the direction of Rome as far as they could on account of forage, & c. They captured some hO Sc also Fosters report, p. 42 Page 128 128 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr. XLIV odd prisoners, destroyed all the niter works at Rawlingsville. Wheelers force is at Gadsden. Quite a force of the enemy have concentrated at Kingston, and quite a number have passed through Montgomery to Mobile some three weeks since. There is no forage or subsistence after leaving the Tennessee until you reach the Coosa. What is there is being removed as rapidly as possible. Ii leave a force at the river, and will send out again soon in that direction. I think the object has been accomplished, however. I leave for Huntsville this morning and push the work on the road between Huntsville and Decatur as rapidly as possible. A great many Alabamians in the conutry desire to enlist in the Alabama regiment. They have shown themselves very useful men. If I had the authority I could fill the regiment and use them to a good purpose. They are the best scouts I ever saw, and know the country well clear to Montgomery. My veterans are very anxious to go home. Have heard nothing from General Thomas; I know nothing of his movements on the La Fayette road, & c. JNO. A. LOGAN, Major- General. Brigadier-General RAWLINS, Chief of Staff. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding expedition. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Laricins Landing, Ala., February 5, 1864. MAJOR: In obedience to orders from General Logan, received on the 25th ultimo, the Eighth Missouri Volunteers took the pontoon- boats out of Mud Creek, thence down the Tennessee to Larkins Landing, where, under the superintendence of Captain Jenney, of General Shermans staff, the pioneers of my own and General Ewings division constructed a bridge. Upon the arrival of the boats at S p. m. of the 26th, I immediately ferried over six regi- ments of my division to endeavor by a rapid movement to carry out your views and capture some of the pickets operating in the valley of tbe Tennessee, arresting conscripts, and intercepting deserters from the arm about Dalton. The crossing was effected and the horses swum over by 9.30 p. m. The command was divided into three parts. Two regiments, under Colonel Parry, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, moved down the river to surround a camp between Santa and Town Creeks. One, under Colonel Jones, proceeded to Gourd Neck, in the mountains, and the third, under Major Froman, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Volunteers, which I accompanied, made a forced march to Smiths Gap, in Sand Mountain, about 12 mil~s from the landing, to intercept any fugitives from the valley. The~e gaps were occupied by 2 a. in., and the combined movements resulted in the capture of 1 lieutenant, 8 privates, and several guerrillas. Many shots were exchanged in tjie night, and some horses killed and captured. We returned to the landing next day and completed the bridge. This movement created great consternation among the guilty and caused a general stampede of citizens, negroes, and horses for the other ~ido of the Qoo~a River. lilt ~dso enabled uien to come out of th Page 129 CHAP. XLIV.1 EXPEDITION FROM 800TTSBOROUGII, ALA. 129 fastnesses of Sand Mountain who had been secreted a great part of the time for two years, several of whom have since raised companies for the First Alabama Cavalry, and some have enlisted in infantry regiments. One man, McCurdy, immediately after our second ad- vance, mustered his company with a pencil on brown paper, chri~t- ened it, assumed command, ordered an advance into Sand Mountain, and actually made captures of rebel home guards in the same hiding- places they had themselves just vacated. These loyal Alabamians are invaluable, and exceed in number and are equal in zeal to any- thing we discovered in East Tennessee. In obedience to your instructions, I left for Lebanon on the Rome road Monday morning (the rain falling in torrents), having been joined by a brigade from each of the First and Fourth Divisions and A and H batteries, First Illinois Light Artillery, a part of the Fifteenth Michigan Mounted Infantry, a part of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and Captain Allens company, First Alabama Cavalry, from Bridgeport. The road was so bad that I followed your sug- gestion and sent back all of our wheeled vehicles from Gourd Neck, and it was all they could do to reach the river through the bottom. The infantry then took the direct road to Lebanon, arriving there Tuesday at 12 oclock. The cavalry, under command of Colonel Oliver, Fifteenth Michigan, marched toward Guntersville, having frequent skirmishes and some fine races with that of the enemy. Arriving within a few miles of Gnntersville and finding that the place had been hastily evacuated, Colonel Oliver swung round toward the Lebanon road, communicated with me at Town Creek, and then moved rapidly to Lebanon, where he captured 1 lieutenant, and 2 stations of courier-line from Dalton to Decatur, a sergeant-major, about a dozen privates, and $5, 700 Confederate money, which proved to have been a State fund for the relief of soldiers families. From Lebanon I sent the Fifteenth Michigan Mounted Infantry to Raw- liugsville to try to communicate with General Thomas right. They failed in this, but destroyed a quite extensive niter-woiks in the vicinity, and captured 1 officer and 7 privates. On Wednesday morning the enemy appeared in force on the Rome road. Colonel Stones brigade, First Division, moved out on the main road, and Colonels Oliver and Heath reconnoitered his posi- tion on the right with the cavalry force. A few shots were ex- changed at long range. when the enemy retired slowly, and as their mounted force was evidently far superi.pr 4o ours and increasing, I declined to order a pursuit. I commenced the return at 1 oclock and arrived at the bridge at Larkins Landing this evening, Febru- ary ~. ~Lhe results of the expedition I considered important. Many of the Home Guards, including 1 officer, have resumed their allegiance by taking the amnesty oath, and the always-i oyal people of this part of Alabama have learned from the gener~l good conduct of the men who their real friends are. My thanks are due to Major Wheaton and Captain Hotaling, of General Logans staff, Yor willing and valuable assistance. I am, sir, very respectfully, MORGAN L. SMITH, Brigadier- Ger~ral of Volunteers, Commanding Expeditior~. Maj. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant A6~jmttant- General. 9 R RvoL XXXII, PT Page 130 130 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. (IA. [CHAP. XLLV. JANUARY 2628, 1864.Operations about Dandridge, Tenn. SU]MAR~Y OF TIlE PRINCIPXL EVENTS. Jan. 26, 1864.Skirmishes at Flat Creek and Muddy Creek. 27, 1864Skirmishes at Kelleys Ford and McNutts Bridge. Engagement near Fair Garden. 28, 1864.Skirmishes at Fains Island, Indian Creek, Island Ford, Kelleys Ford, and Swanns Island. REPOIRTS.* No. 1. Maj. (len. John (I. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry, Army of the Ohio. No. 3.Col. Edward M. McCook, Second Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Cav- alry Division, Arniy of the Cumberland. No. 4.Col. Archibald P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade. No. 5.Col. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 6.Capt. Eli Lilly, Eighteenth Indiana Battery. No. 7.Col. Israel. (larrard, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Cavalry Division, Army of the Ohio. No. 8.Maj. Edward G. Savage, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 9.Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. No. 1. Reports of lIIqj. Gem. John G. Foster, U~ S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio. KNOXVILLE, TENN., January 27, 1864. The enemys cavalry are pressing General Sturgis quite vigorously between Sevierville and Newport, but he holds his ground. Long- street, with all his infantry, are at Morristown and Russeilville in winter quarters. The re-enforcements received by him consist of Pickett~s division of his corps. ire li~s no apparent idea of advane- Pig before spring. My own situation is secure, and the communica- tion to the rear is well guarded. The supplies received from our depots at Chattanooga and Camp Buruside would be entirely made- (mate were it not for the supplies gleaned from the country by our (Ajstributed parties. I am pushing work on London bridge. Colonel McCallum has arrived, and will also go to work on the road. With this road and the road via Decatur opened, supplies may be accumu- lated for trains for campaign in the spring. ~am sending all broken- down animals to the rear for forage. J. G. FOSTER, ]Jfajor- General. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. * See also Fosters report, p. 42 Page 131 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 131 NASHVILLE, TENN., January 29, 1864. (Received 10 p. nit.) Maj. U-en. J. G. Foster telegraphs from Knoxville, Tenn., under date 9 a. m. 28th, as follows: I have the honor to report that the cavalry under General Sturgis achieved a decided victory over the enemys cavalry yesterday near Fair Garden, about 10 miles east of Sevierville. McCooks division drove the enemy about 2 miles, after a stubborn fight, lasting from daylight to 4 p. in., at which time the division charged with the saber and a yell, and routed the enemy from the field, capturing 2 steel rifled-guns and over 100 prisoners. The enemys loss was considerable, 65 of them being killed or wounded in the charge. Garrards and Wolfords divisions came up, after a forced march, in time to be pushed in pursuit, although their horses were jaded. General Sturgis hoped to be able to make the rout complete JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brigadier- Gent3ral and Chief of Staff. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General. KNOXVILLE, January 30, 186410 a. nit. (Received February 1.) General Sturgis pushed the pursuit of Morgans rebel division until he broke it up entirely, but Armstrongs division took position and with infantry supports repulsed the attack of Wolfords division. In the mean time several brigades of infantry, having crossed the river below Dandridge, forced back McCooks and Garrards divis- ions. General Sturgis then withdrew his whole command toward Maryville. I have now sent him orders to move all his best mounted men (which I hope to make up to 1,500 or 2,000) to make a raid on Longstreets rear, and to attempt Saltville. As he cannot go by the eastward he will move by the west, passing Cumberland Gap, Jones- ville, & c. Otherwise, all is quiet as usual. I have received no answer to my application for sick leave. My knee-joint is becoming more and more painful, and I am fearful that permanent lameness or loss of the limb may ensue if I do not have something done soon. J. G. FOSTER, lYliajor- General. Major-General GRANT. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. ~4rmy, command ing Cavalry, Army of the Ohio. SEVIERVILLE, TENN., January 26, 18648.30 p. m. GENERAL: The enemy advanced this afternoon, from the direction of Fair Garden, two brigades with artillery. We checked him some 4 miles from this place, at Dickeys. Colonel Wolford, however Page 132 132 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND IN. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. who was posted in what is called the Flat Creek road, some 6 miles from here, at a place called Fowlers, was attacked by Armstrongs division and was driven back, when last heard from, some 2 miles. Many of his men came into this place, and report that the enemy had infantry. Colonel Garrard, who was stationed at Tom Evans, on the French Broad, gnarding the fords, has been ordered down to Wolford~s assistance. Wolfords division is so greatly reduced that it only numbers at most 900 men, and I think that is a large estimate. am sending an order to the footmen who left Knoxville this morning to march all night and get up if possible, bnt I fear they will not get up, as Colonel Butler says that the communication ad- (Iressed to him from your office was opened by the officer in com- mand, and that it is more than probable he halted soon after leaving Knoxville. The enemy is evidently~very strong, and exultant over their last few days operations. We will do the best we can, bnt II do not feel like promising mitch. Respectfnlly, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadicr- General, Cononandin g Cavalry. General E. IE. POTTER, Chief of Staff, Knoxville. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dickeys House, January 27, 186412.45 p. m. GENERAL: Last evening Colonel Wolford fell back to within 2 miles of Sevierville, and there remained. The force on the Fair Garden road was held in check by Colonel Campbells brigade, and I brought Colonel La Granges brigade back to within 2 miles of Se- vierville. Colonel Garrard remained at Nichols watching the river road, and I moved up the troops which were watching the fords below the Little Pigeon to Cannons, on the Little Pigeon. Learning that the enemy had concentrated on this (Fair Garden) road, I directed Colonel MeCook to attack him at daybreak. The morning was very foggy, and not much could be done. We have driven the enemy, however, a couple of miles, and I have just sent La Grange up the left-hand road from this place to~ard Fair Garden. Campbell is on the main road, an(l I ant looking for Wolford to come in on the left. How affairs will turn out it is hard to say, but we hope to whip them. The guns are just opening good, and I will have to cease. I will inclose a rough sketch, ~ so that you can follow the movements I have spoken of. Yours, & c., S. D. STURGIS, ~ Brigadier- General. Brig. Gen. E. lB. POTTER, Chief of Staff Knoxville. ~See p. 13~3 Page 133 CHAP. XLIV.i OPERATIONS AI3O~IT flANDIflPGE Ti~NN. 1I Garrard brought to Sevierville to-day, and JVolford ordered to La (}rauges bft. Not yet arru,ed. 133 Pal7ner ~fr Sevier~dlle Page 134 134 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. (~A~ V~IiAP. XLIV HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dickeys, January 27, 18646 p. m. GENERAL: After driving the whole cavalry force of the enemy steadily all day long, onr troops went in abont 4 oclock with the saber and a yell and ronted them, horse, foot, and dragoon, captur- ing over 100 prisoners, which I am sending down, and 2 pieces of artillery, 3-inch steel gnns. Our troops are very much worn down with continnons fighting and little to eat, bnt they are a band of as patient and brave soldiers as I have ever seen thus far. Some 50 or 60 of the enemy were wonnded and killed in the charge alone. In the whole days fighting their loss must be very large. As Wolford and Garrard were brought from a long distance, they fell in as reserves, so that this glorions days work was performed alone by the gallant men of La Granges and Campbells brigades, of McCooks division. Respectfully yours, & c., S. D. STURGIS, Briqadier-General. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. My gallant aide, Captain Rawolle, charged with line and cap- tnred a horse. We will pnrsne them until we drive them ont of the conntry, or are driven ont onrselves. Garrard and Wolford have been marching hard all day and yesterday too; but I am pnshing them up now, tired as they are, with the hope of making this rout complete. S.D.S. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, January 29, 18649 a. m. GENERAL: In pnrsnance of my intentions, when I wrote last, we pursued the enemy very rapidly yesterday morning to the river at Swanns Island, above Dandridge. The rout of the enemy was complete, and Morgans division is utterly destroyed and Generals Martin and Morgan both reported lost by the rebels. On reaching the river I sent a recoi~n~4ssance to Fains Island, below Dandridge, where we found three brigades of rebel infantry crossed to this side and still crossing, wading with knapsacks and overcoats strapped on. I determined at once that it was impossible for us to occupy this country any longer, as the men and animals were per- fectly worn out from constant marching and fighting. Without any time for gathering anything, either for man or beast, we could not live here and fight Longstreets infantry. I determined, however, to destroy Armstrongs division, if possible, before the infantry would get up, as I had just learned from Palmer that it ~as on the main (river) Newport road near Indian Creek, 3 or 4 miles up the river. I put Wolford in at once, supported by La Grange, and left Gar- rard and McCook to watch the infantry. Armstrong, however, was strongly posted~on a heavily timbered bank of the creek on a hill, and had fortified himself strongly. Was joined during the fight by three regiments of infantry. The battle lasted until sundown, when, finding the infantry in our rear advancing, I withdrew to this place by way of Fair Garden Page 135 CHAR. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 13~5 Our loss in this engagement is pretty severe ; about 8 officers that I now know of, and a great many men I fear. As S00~ as I determined to vacate the country I ordered everything away from Seviervillethe wagons, & c., to Maryville via Trundles Cross-Roads; the footmen and captured artillery to Knoxville. I will go down by way of Trotters Bridge and Wears CoVe for the sake of forage. It is hard to leave these loyal people to the mercies of the enemy, but it cant be helped. If I had had a division of infantry at Sevierville, I could have annihilated both these divisions of rebel cavalry, for the rout was complete and the men scattered beyond all possib]e hope of reorganization in Morgans division. I am, general, very respectfully, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. General E. E. POTTER, Chief of Sf aff. We will camp to-night in Wears Cove and to-morrow night prob- ably in Tuckaleechee Cove. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, DEPARTMENT OP THE OHIO, Maryville, E. Tenn., February 4, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command, consisting of Colonels Wolfords and Garrards cavalry divisions, Army of the Ohio, and Colonel Mc- Cooks cavalry division, Army of the Cumberland, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of January, 1864: Having consumed almost all the forage and supplies on the south side of the French Broad River not absolutely necessary for the support of the Union families during the winter, and the enemys cavalry having crossed the river at Swanns Island Ford, so that we were daily contesting with him for the little forage still remaining inside of his lines, I made the following dispositions of my com- mand on the 26th ultimo: Colonel Garrard with his division picketed all the fords and ferries below Toni~E~ans Ford, on the French Broad River, with his reserve in position in rear of Flat Creek; Colonel Wolford with his division was posted on the Flat Creek road near Tom Fowlers house, 6 miles from Sevierville, to be within supporting distance of Colonel Garrard, and vice versa; Colonel Campbells cavalry brigade of Colonel McCooks division, was in position on the main Sevierville and Newport road, 4 miles from the former l)lace, and Colonel La Granges brigade, of the same divis- ion, was held in readiness ih- miles from Seviem~ville, on the main Newport road, to move either to the assistance of Colonels Wolford or Campbell, as might be required by the (ievelopments of the enemys intentions. In these positions Colonels Wolford and Campbell were attacked. the enemy making ~io very determined assault. Finding that Colonel Campbell had the rebel cavalry division of General Morgan in his front, and that the force attacking Colonel Wolford was part of the rebel cavalry division of General Armstrong, I determined to strik Page 136 136 KY., SW VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. first at the force in front of Colonel Campbell (on the main Newport road), and destroy it if possible before the other division could come to its relief. Early on the morning of the 27th, while a dense fog made it im~ possible to see but a short distance, Colonel Campbell was ordered to charge a ridge occupied by the enemy on our left, beyond the bend of the Little Pigeon River, near Hodsdens house, which was the key point to the rebel position. Then opening with rifled guns of Captain Lillys battery, his brigade charged the entire line of the enemy, driving him more than half a mile. The enemy taking up a new position in rear of the creek crossed by McNutts Bridge, I now advanced Colonel La Granges brigade unobserved over a by-road turning off at Dickeys house, 4 miles east of Sevierville on our left, and running nearly parallel with the main Newport road, which it again enters at Jim Walkers, 2-i- miles west of Fair Garden. The enemy discovering this flank move- ment too late to oppose it, fell back rapidly. At the same time I ordered Colohels Wolford and Garrard with their commands (except sufficient force to watch the lower fords and to picket the line from Tom Evans to Jim Newmans on the Flat Creek road, 4 miles from Sevierville) to hold the position occupied by Colonel McCooks divis- ion, to prevent the rebel division of Armstrong from re-enforcing by any of the by-roads leading in the direction of Fair Garden. The enemy, commanded by Generals Martin and Morgan, were now pushed back to the intersection of the by-road taken by Colonel La Grange on our left flank and the main Newport road. At 4 p. m. Colonel Campbells brigade charged dismounted, while Colonel La Grange advanced his line to within pistol-shot of the en- emy, the enemy using canister at this time, but soon ceased firing and prepared to move his pieces from the field, when Colonel La Grange, with the Fourth Indiana Cavalry, charged him with the saber at a gallop, capturing about 150 prisoners (including the commanding offi- cers of three regiments), 2 rifled 10-pounder guns, 1 caisson, 1 ambu- lance, 4 flags, arms and horses, besides many of his wounded, the pursuit being kept up until after dark. The enemy was on this occasion entirely routed, his men hiding and escaping in every direction. Throwing away their arms and equipmeimts they presented the appearance of a panic-stricken mob as they were running through the i~o~mtains, according to the state- ment 6f citizens, who reported their passing until late after midnight. In the pursuit Lieutenant-Colonel Brown] ow encountered the advance of the other rebel division. Firing a volley into it, the direction of the column was changed toward the French Broad River. Colonels Wolford and Garrard arrived at Fair Garden too late to take part in the pursuit, their commands being completely exhausted from excessive fatigue and want of forage and supplies. On the morning of the 28th I moved my whole command toward the French Broad River, on the direct road ~rom Fair Garden to Dandridge, with the view of engaging the enemys cavalry wherever it might be found. Colonel Palmer, commanding the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was ordered to take a plantation road (~ miles from Dandridg~) leading to Indian Creek and entering the river road 5 miles above Dandridge. The advance soon discovered the enemys pickets about 3~ miles from Fains Island Ford, who were driven to their main line near the creek. Finding that the rebel division of Armstrong and the fragment of the division scattered the previou Page 137 CHAP. XLIv.] 0PE1~ATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. day had reinaiiied on the south 5i(le of the river, I immediately ordered Colonel Wolfords division and Colonel La Granges brigade, of Colonel MeCooks division, to the attack. At this moment (4 p. in.) I received information from Colonel Garrard, who was protect- ing the road in Wolfords and La Granges rear in connection with Campbelfs brigade of McCooks division, that the enemy was cross- ing infantry at Fains Island Ford, and that an officer of his com- mand had watched them wading the stream for more than an hour, estimating the force at three brigades. The enemy being thus re-enforced and threatening to cut us off by the only road to Fair Garden (he having already advanced in that direction), I moved Colonel Wolfords division forward rapidly on both sides of the river road, supported by Colonel La Grange s brigade. The enemy was here driven from a strong position on a ridge, running at right angles with the river near Indian Creek. and compelling him to fall back behind breast-works and rifle-pits he had constructed. Colonel Wolford succeeded in forcing him from there on our extreme left. The enemy having now re-enforcements to the extent of three regiments of infantry already engaged, so that he was superior in numbers, besides holding a strong position, and receiving reports that he was also crossing troops at Evans Ford, 6 miles below Dandridge, and advancing on Cannons, :3 miles from Sevierville on the Knoxville road, where I had a small force of dis- mounted meh commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, and having already pushed forward another force to within 1 mile of the cross- roads by which my command had to pass, I ordered Colonel Wol- ford to withdraw his division at dark, to be followed by Colonel La Granges brigade, Colonel McCook bringing up the rear with Gar- rard and Campbell, he having opposed the enemys infantry advance from Fains Island to the last moment. I then moved my command by the way of Fair Garden, Trotters Bridge, and Wears Cove to Maryville, camping one division in Millers Cove to picket the coun- try 20 miles east of Maryville, there not being sufficient forage for the whole command, which it now became nec~ssary to haul from the bottoms of the Little Tennessee River. I cannot give our exact loss in these engagements, but do not think it will exceed 100. Among the number killed were many valuable officers, such as Colonel [Major] Lesslie, of the Fourth Indiana Cav- alry, who fell pierced by a bullet while gallantly leading the charge of a battalion of his regiment. The enen~ys loss was very severe, and I do not think will fall short of 400. As soon as the reports of division commanders are received a correct list will be forwarded. While in Tuckaleechee Cove I received information that the force of Indians and whites commanded by the rebel Thomas (formerly U. S. Indian agent for the Cherokee Nation) was near the forks of Little Tennessee and Tuckaseegee Rivers in North Carolina, who had become a terror to the Union people of East Tennessee and the borders of North Carolina from the atrocities th~ were daily per- petrating. I ordered Major Davidson with his regiment (the Four- teenth Illinois Cavalry) to pursue this force and to destroy it. I am just in receipt of dispatches announcing the surprise of the Indians on the 2d ii~stant near Quallatown. The enemy were 250 strong. Of these, 22 Indians and 32 whites were captured, including some officers. It is reported that less than 50 made their escape, the remainder being either killed or wounded, so that this nest of In- dians may be considered as entirely (lestroyed, nearly 200 of the Page 138 138 KY., SW. VA., TEN N~, MISS., ALA., AND . GA. [CHAP. XLIV. having been killed. In this affair Lieutenant Capron, a gallant young officer of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, was severely and perhaps mortally wounded while charging the enemy. This was an enterprise of great difficulty, through a rugged, mountainous coun- try destitute of supplies of any kind, and Major Davidson is deserv- ing of great credit for the manner in which he exec~4ed his instruc- tions. I will avail myself of this occasion to call the attention of the com- manding general to the fact that for nearly two months my command has been almost daily engaged with the enemy and compelled to live mainly on parched corn, most of which has been gathered at a dis- tance of from 6 to 15 miles. The weather at times has been intensely cold and the suffering very great, most of them being without shelter of any kind; yet they have fought well and been successful in almost every instance, and have borne their hardships with the fortitude of true soldiers, sustained by a sense of the justice of their cause. Colonel McCook, Colonel La Grange, Colonel Campbell, Colonel Garrard, Colonel Wolford, Lieutenant-Colonel Miner, Lieutenant- Colonel Bond, and Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, commanders of divis- ions and brigades, and Colonel Palmer, commanding Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, are deserving of great credit for the hand- some manner in which they handled their commands, in this last, as well as the many previous actions since I assumed command. There are many officers of less rank whose names should be recorded here for their gallantry, bnt it would render this report too long and I will have to refer you to the sub-reports, where justice I hope may be rendered them. I take great pleasure in calling attention of the general commanding to the intelligence, courage, and energy dis- played by Capt. William C. Rawolle, my aide-de-camp, on this last as well as all previous occasions. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier- General, Comdg. (Jar. Corps, Dept. Ohio. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS D~PARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, January 28, 186410 a. m. Brig. Gen. S. D. STURGIS, commanding Cavalry Corps. GENERAL: Your dispatch of 6 p. m. 27th is received. ~ I he com- mandim~g general congratulates you upon your handsome success, and desires you to thank, in his name, Colonels McCook, La Grange, and Campbell for their gallantry in the affair. The report of Long- street moving toward Kentucky has provelbto be unfounded. Gen- eral Garrard sends word that the enemy attacked Tazewell on the morning of the 24th iiustant with a force of about 600, bnt were repulsed. Very Pespectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Chief of Staff. *Seep. 134 Page 139 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DA NDRIDGE, TWNN. 139 No. 8. Reports of Got. Edward 111. Mc Cook, Second Indiana Cavalry, com manding First Cavalry Division, Army of the Gumberland. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, ]Ifaryville, Tenn., February 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I hare the honor to present the following report of the operations of my divisi ~n in its engagement with the enemy near Fair Garden, Tenn., on the 27th ultimo: The enemys cavalry, commanded by General Martin, and consist- ing of two divisions, under Generals John T. Morgan and Arm- strong, had on the afternoon of the 26th advanced to a position on the Fair Garden road, between Little East and Middle Forks of Pigeon River and west of McNntts house. Colonel Campbells (First) brigade was advanced to near Dickeys house late in the afternoon, the enemy opening upon his line with artil- lery. The Second Brigade and battery were in position about dark, but this brigade, with three pieces of artillery, was subsequently re- tired to a point near Sevierville, where it was in communication with Colonel Wolford, whose division had been engaged on the Flat Creek road At daylight of the 27th, Colonel Campbells brigade, with two pieces of artillery, advanced from their position across Middle Fork of Pigeon, and charging the enemys position, which was a strong one, took it without difficulty. The enemy were now discovered in a strong position east of McNutts house, occupying a commanding wooded eminence. Colonel Caigpbells line, from the paucity of numbers in his brigade, was exceedingly weak, and from the extent of the enemys line and the nature of his position was necessarily thin and extended. Upon advancing the First Brigade across the Little East Fork of Pigeon the enemys first line was broken, but they were massed in heavy numbers behind barricades, and the Sec- ond Michigan Cavalry were obliged to fall back across the fork to the timber west of McNutts. The retiring of the Second Michigan Cavalry necessitated the withdrawal of the entire brigade from the east side of the fork. Colonel La Granges (Second) brigade had been sent on the Stafford road to the left of the Fair Garden road~n1 intersecting the latter, about 2 miles from Fair Garden. His advance encountered the enemys pickets about three-quarters of a mile from the rear of the left flank of Colonel Campbells line and drove them in upon the main body, three regiments of which he discovered in position upon arriving at a point on the Stafford road opposite to and about a mile from the left flank of Colonel Campbells skirmishers. I now or- dered an advance of niy entire line, Colonel Campbells brigade again advancing on the right across the bridge an~ stream at Mc- Nutts, meeting the enemy in a new position in the timber, about three-quarters of a mile from the stream, where they made a stubborn resistance, opening with artillery. They were steadily driven, how- ever, from the several positions that they attempted to hold, and near Fair Garden became involved in the confusion that had over- taken their right under the dashing advance of Colonel La Grange upon our left Page 140 140 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AM) N. GA. [OHAP. XLIV. Colonel La Grange, advancing upon the Stafford road, encountered the enemy in very heavy force, far exceeding his own, but the per- sistent courage and determination of his officers and men enabled him to force them steadily back till an open field was reached on the right of the Stafford road, near its intersection with the Fair Gar- den road, which was enfiladed by the enemys battery. The dis- mounted men, however, advanced across the field, pressing the enemys right and obtaining a flank fire upon the heavy force which was engaging Colonel Campbell upon our right. The enemy was thrown into confusion and rout, and Colonel La Grange, with de- tachments of Second and Fourth Indiana Cavalry, by a magnificent and gallant saber charge upon the Fair Garden road, captured two pieces of artillery, sabered the cannoneems and supports, and captured a large number of prisoners. At the same time Lieutenant-Colonel [Major] Lesslie, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, with a part of his regiment, charged with sabers the enemys line upon the left of the road, driving theni after a desperate hand-to-hand fight, and capturing about 5() of them together with General Morgans battle-flag and part of his escort. In this charge Lieutenant-Colonel [Major] Lesslie, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, fell mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men. He was an able, brave, and dashing officer, and his regiment, the cause, and the country can illy afford his loss. The number of our forces that had reached the battery from the rapid gallop that had been made was necessarily small, and some of the enemy, emboldened by this fact, attempted to form and retake their guns; but four companies of the Fourth Indiana Cavalry arriv- ing upon the spot, charging this line of tile enemy, gave them barely time to remove some of their wounded, and tile last attempt of any part of Morgans division to preserve their organization upon the field was abandoned. It was now nearly dark, Morgans division was thoroughly and disgracefully routed and broken, our men were worn out by an ad- vance over a hotly contested and difficult ground, our supply of ammunition was in a great measure exhausted, and I therefore, after occupying tile position taken, sent out detachments of the First East Tennessee and First Wisconsin Cavalrythese detachments comprising the only men that had not been actively engaged in pur- suit. They overtook t.he enemy at Fiat Creek and captured quite a number of prisoners. They attacked the rear and flanks of Arm- strongs division, and soon forced 15h~m into nearly the same rapid and confused retreat that had before overtaken Morgans division. We captured 2 3-inch rifled guns, with their horses; about 800 small-arms, which we destroyed; 112 prisoners (9 of them commis- sioned officers, 2 of the latter being regimental commanders)~ Gen- eral Morgans battle-flag and his body servant, General Morgan him- self narrowly escaping, being in the immediate vicinity of the bat- tery when it was taken. We also recaptured the regimental colors of the Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infant~y, and one other regi- mental color (a silk American flag), which was in the possession of the rebels, and a battery guidon. Many of their killed and wounded fell into our hands, and I estimate their loss in killed and wounded, exclusive of the prisoners taken, at upwards of 200. Our causalties (detailed lists* of which are herewith inclosed) were 4 killed, 24 wounded, and 3 missing. I can only account for * Omitted Page 141 CHAP. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 141 our small loss by the rapidity of our movements and the consterna- tion produced by the saber charges. I do not deem it improper to say that no other forces were engaged in this affair except my division. I have not mentioned in the body of this report the operations of the artillery, which were important. The Eighteenth Indiana Bat- tery was, by sections, assigned to various positions in the several movements made, and in each the admirable practice of Captain Lilly and his subordinates materially aided in dislodging the enemy from his positions and covering our advances. The several regi- ments and battery did their whole duty, and in a manner worthy of all commendation. The opportunity of the day, however, was pre- sented to the Second and Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and ]ed by Col- onel La Grange, their brigade commander, they gladly availed them- selves of it. To Colonel Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding the First Brigade, I have to tender my thanks for the able manner in which he man aged his brigade, weak in numbers, with an enemy in his front strongly posted and far exceeding his own. Col. 0. H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding the Second Bri- gade, disposed and maneuvered his command in a masterly manner, and by the effect of his personal example in leading the magnificent charge by which the enemy were finally routed and dispersed, in a great measure accomplished the crowning success of the day. The several regimental. commanders executed all orders and made the several advances with promptitude and precision, and by. them and to the discipline, bravery, and determination of their officers and men a signal success over the enemy was obtained. The various members of the division staff, Captains Pratt, assist- ant adjutant-general; Porter, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general; Mitchell, Second Jndiana Cavalry, act- ing aide-de-camp; and Lieutenants Gannett, Seventh Kansas Cav- alry, ordnance officer, and Cunningham, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, commanding escort, were, as usual, prompt and efficient in the dis- charge of their duties, and I have to thank them for the assistance rendered me. I inclose herewith copies of reports of brigade and battery commanders. I have the honor to be, captain, your very obedient servant, EDWARD M. MoCOOK, Colonel Second Indiana Cavalry~ ~mmanding Division. Capt. WILLIAM C. RAWOLLE, Actg. AssI. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, ]Jfaryville, E. fIienn., February 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to transmit ~py of report of Col. 0. H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding the Second Brigade, of engagement near Swauns Island, Tenn., on the 28th ultimo. With the excepti~n of two companies of the Second Michigan Cavalry, who were skirmishing with the enemys infantry, who crossed the French Broad River below Swauns Island, no part of th~ division but the Second Brigade was engaged Page 142 142 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. I should state that our men, of which Colonel La Grange speaks in connection with the killing of Lieutenant Stover, were not troops of this division. I am, captain, your very obedient servant, E. M. MoCOOK, Colonel, Commanding Diviston. C~pt. J. E. JACOBS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Comma nd, D. C. A DDENDA. HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, DEPT. OF THE CTJMBERLAND, llfaryville, Tenrt., February 2, 1864. E. M. McCOoK, Comdg. First Cay. Div., Dept. of the (Jumberland: COLONEL: Brigadier-General Sturgis, commanding cavalry, di- rects me to inform you that it gives him great pleasure to thank you in the name of Maj. Gen. J. G. Foster, commanding the depart- ment, for your gallantry in the engagement of the 27th instant, when your division scattered and dispersed the rebel cavalry com- manded by Major-Generals Martin and Morgan. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. RAWOLLE, Capt., A. A. D. C., U. S. Army, and A. A. A. Gen. No. 4. Report of Col. Archibald P. Campbell, Second Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Wears Cove, Tenn., January 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of this brigade in the action of January 27, 1864: In accordance with orders from the colonel commanding, I took position on the hills near Dickeys house at daylight [with] the Sec- ond Michigan and Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, dismounted, and First Tennessee Cavalry, mounted, the Second Michigan took the center on the Fair Garden road, the Ninth Pennsylvania on the left and First Tennessee Cavalry on tlr~ right of the line, with one com- pany mounted on the left of Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry as flank- ers. The enemy were in very strong position on the hills beyond, and their lines extended along my whole front. I ordered the Sec- ond Michigan to advance to Pigeon River and the Ninth Pennsyl- vania to advance skirmishers on the left of my line. The enemys skirmishers opened fire on the line with small-arms. I ordered the Second Michigan to cross the river and advance, which they did through the valley, and charging tl~e enemys position on the hills with a yell, supported by a section of Lillys Eighteenth Indiana Battery, firing over their heads into the enemys lines. The Ninth Pennsylvania advanced and gained the hills to the left. A section of Captain Lillys Eighteenth Indiana Battery was then brought forward, and my command lay under cover while he shelled the enemy in position across the East Fork, Pigeon River. I was ordered to advance my brigade at ii a. in., with instructions tha Page 143 CliAP. XLIV.] QPE~ATJ0NS ABOUT I)ANDRLDGE, TENN. 143 the Seventh Kentucky Cavalry would move forward on my right flank and protect it. I ordered the Second Michigan Cavalry for- ward and across the river at McNutts Mill in the face of the enemys fire; also the Ninth Pennsylvania crossed on the left, and First Ten- nessee advanced to the river on the right. The Second Michigan Cav- alry rushed forward rapidly, charged the enemy with a yell, driving him with a very inferior force, when the enemy charged both in line and column, repulsing the Second Michigan and driving them back across the river. They charged to the river and through the bridge, and drove the First Tennessee back from the river, but were repulsed by the Second Michigan near the bridge and driven. The Ninth Pennsylvania advanced on the left, but as the center and right had fallen back, and the enemy formed to charge them with superior force, they retired to the cover of the woods a short distance. Soon after I advanced my lines and moved forward rapidly, dis- mounted, 2 miles without resistance, when I met the enemys skir- mishers and drove them 1 mile, when I was joined by the right flank of the Second Brigade, which was ~ghting on my left. I advanced by the right flank under cover of the woods to within easy musket-range of the enemys artillery, which was strongly sup- ported. I asked Lieutenant Miller, Eighteenth Indiana Battery, if he could get his gun in position there. He answered, Yes, before the enemy can load. I then ordered my line to charge the enemy and dislodge him from his position, and, with the assistance of one piece of artillery, compelled him to abandon his position, and he fled in utter confusion, when the Fourth Indiana Cavalry charged and captured the enemys artillery. Lieutenant Miller did the best of execution with his gun. I then advanced at a double-quick with my whole command. The enemy were utterly routed; many prisoners captured. Colonel Browulow was ordered forward with his regi- ment (the First Tennessee Cavalry), and charged down the road, taking several prisoners, and, returning, routed and scattered the advance guard of General Armstrongs division. My thanks are given to officers and men of my command for their gallantry and endurance during the day. My loss is 20 killed, wounded, and missing;* 7 prisoners captured. Very respectfully submitted. Your most obedient servant, A. P. CAMPBELL, Capt. JOHN PRATT, $olonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. No. ~. Reports of Cot. Oscar H. La Grange, First Wisconsin Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRsT CAVALRY Dr~IsION ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, Sevierville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have .~the honor to report that at 11 a. m. on the 27th the Second Brigade moved by order on the left-hand road from ~ Nominal list of casualties (omitted) shows 1 man killed, 17 men wounded, and 3 men missing Page 144 144 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Dickeys to Fair Garden. The enemys picket was met within three- fourths of a mile, and fell back half a mile when a force of three regiments was displayed, which was driven by onr skirmishers to the cross-road leading to McNutts Bridge, where a determined stand was made. A battalion of the Second Indiana and one of the First Wisconsin were now sent to make a demonstration on the right of the force opposed to the First Brigade, and attack~~ if their assistance should be needed or any advantage offer. At this point our artil- lery was put into position and the enemy crowded back within half a mile of the point where the right and left hand roads to Fair Gar- den unite. The enemy now having the advantage in position, and the two battalions sent to the right having returned without engag- ing, our dismounted men were relieved by a fresh detail. The Sec- ond Indiana, two companies of the Fourth, and one of the First Wisconsin advanced cantiously through the woods, and were enabled to deliver a telling fire at short range upon the enemy, whose shots flew high above them. Our mounted column was discovered by the enemy, who opened upon it with two pieces. Fortunately but one shell of the first dis- charge exploded, killing 2 horses and wounding 2 men of the Fourth Indiana. Before the discharge could be repeated the column was sheltered in a hollow to the left of the road. The First Brigade was driving a superior force on our right, and as our dismounted men had broken the enemys right and advanced beyond his center they were in danger from the fire of the First Brigade. A request was sent them to reserve their fire. The First Wisconsin was sent rap- idly to the enemys extreme right; two companies on our right halted and poured a steady flank fire at half range upon the force opposed to the First Brigade, and tbe remainder of our dismounted men advanced to within 150 yards of the enemys battery. which opened a rapid but ineffective fire of canister upon their shelter in the woods. Six companies of the Fourth Indiana were now ordered up at a gallop, and charged in column of fours. Just as the battery was moving to the rear the supports parted right and left, and our dismounted men rushed forward with wild cheers. Finding that the enemys mounted supports more than doubled our column, and fearing they would close in behind it, the two first companies were sent forward after the battery, and the other four wheeled into line and charged to the left, where the enemy had planted his battle-flag and was s~ek4ng to rally his broken lines. In this charge Lieutenant-Colonel [Major] Lesslie lost his life. No nobler soldier or truer patriot has fallen in this war. The battery was overtaken, the drivers sabered, and the teams stopped in a deep cut within a quarter of a mile. Seeing our force so small, a battalion of the enemy formed and advanced to retake the guns. A horse in each wheel team was shot to hinder his moving them, and bQ had barely time to carry off his wounded when the remaining four conipanies of the Fourth Indiana arrived and drove him precipitately across tN~ field. The First Wisconsin now reported a brigade of the enemy advanc- ing on the Dandridge road, and while our lines were reforming that regiment was sent to relieve a battalion of the First Tennessee, which had been cut bff by the enemys column. They charged the enemy ~n rear, opened the road, and the battalion returned in safety Page 145 Ca& p. XLIV.j OPERATIONS ABOUT i)ANDRIDGE, TENN. 145 Our loss was 1 killed, Colonel [Major] Lesslie, and 7 wounded. * Twelve of the enemys dead, and 10 severely wounded, were left on the field where our brigade fought. We captured 105 prisoners, including 7 taken by the Seventh Ken- tucky in the morning, of whom 9 were commissioned officers, besides 2 pieces of artillery (3-inch Rodni a division battle-flag. ans), 1 caissoii, an ambulance, and Lieutenants Jackson, of the Fourth. and lull, of the Second, also Sergeant Winkler, of the Fourth. distinguished themselves in the charge. Major Presdee, of the Second, Major Purdy, of the Fourth, and Adjutant Anderson of the Fourth, behaved in a most gallant manner. The command shares with myself renewed obligations to Lieut. D. S. Moulton, acting adjutant, for his gallantry and efficiency. Very respectfully, 0. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel First Wisconsin, Gommanding Second Brigade. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Sevierville, Teun., January 29, 1864. I have the honor to report that at 4 p. m. on the 28th the Second Brigade was ordered to support Colonel Wolfords command, then engaged with the enemy near Rainwaters house, 2 miles from Fains Ford. Finding the enemy had checked his advance, the Fourth Indiana amid one company of the Second were dismounted and moved up on our left past Colonel Wolfords lines, while the Seventh Kentucky was sent in column to our right to flank and if possible to drive tbe enemy from the strong position he held immediately in Colonel Wolfords front. This regiment advanced in fine order to within 200 yards of the enemy, and was the first to discover the breast- works of logs and rails which were masked by the dense woods, and from which the enemy poured a (lestructive fire, remaining himself in coniparative security. As soon as the 4is~very was made our line was halted and a reconnaissance made on the enemys right flank, where a similar breast-work was found. At this time an order was received to fall back, and the First Wis- consin amid Seventh Kentucky covered the retrogade movenient. Our loss was 1 killed amid 4 wounded. Lieutenant Stover, of the Second Imidiana, was killed within 60 yards of the enemys breastworks, where he had led his company, and it is believed was shot accidentally by some o~ our owmi men in his rear. Thousands of rounds were fired in this skirmish by men who did not see the enemy. The habit of allowing cowards to fire over the heads of their own party from a safe distance in the rear is g one of the most reprehensible, and officers who cannot prevent it ought to be shot themselves. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and I man killed and 7 men wounded. 10 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 146 146 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Lieutenant Stover had taken l)art in every engagement of his regiment, and had been twice wounded. The entire coinniand lament his loss. ~ Very respectfully, ~. H. LA GRANGE, Colonel First TYisconsin, Coindg. Secoud Brigade. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No.6. Report if Capt. Eli Lilly, Eighteenth Tndiana Battery. UDQR5. 18TH INDIANA BATTERY, 1ST DIvIsIoN CAVALRY, Miaryville, Tenn., January 31, 1864. CAPTAIN I have the honor to submit the following report of the part. taken by my command in the action of January 27, 1864, near Fair Garden, Tenn.: At daylight of the above day, I took position in the lines of the First Brigade of this division to the right of the Sevierville and New- l)ort road, and iinniediately west of the Middle Fork of Pigeon River, with three guns, the opposite bank being occupied by the enemy. About S a. mi. the First Brigade advanced, driving the enemy from the stream. In the endeavor to gain the first range of hills east we met with sharp resistance, when I opened with shell, and our troops moving under cover of my tire took the ridge, the enemy retreating across the East Fork of Pigeon to the dense timber lying on either side of the Newport road. I now advanced my guns, placing a sec- tion under Lieutenant Rippetoe, on the ridge just taken, at a point half a mile east of Hodsdens house, which commanded the open ground, to the timber across East Fork; the other piece, under Lieu- tenant Miller, quarter of a mile to the right and front of this, cov- ering the bridge at McNutts Mill, which point had been taken by the Second Michigan Cavalry. I directed the woods to be shelled while the troops crossed the stream to occupy them, which was ac- complished; but the enemy having massed a heavy force on this road, drove our lines back to the creek, when I gave him canister from the piece at the bridge and shell from the other pieces to the edge of the woods, preventing his farther pro~ress. Two gulls under Lieutenant Beck, which early in the morning had been sent with time Second Brigade, now reached a position with that command to the right-rear of the rebels at McNntts Mill, and opened a brisk and very accurate fire on their mounted lines, dispersing them in great disorder. Here we received a reply from two rifled guns, which were soon silenced and driven from t~e ground. During this fire the Second Brigade advanced and took t~e rebel position, which was near the intersection of the roads, and the enemy at McNutts Mill, finding their line of retreat threatened, beat a hasty march to keep cornmum~cation with their right, followed closely by the First Brigade, with which I also advanced my three pieces, to the open ground within 600 yards of the junction of the roads, near which the * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) shows 1 officer killed and 4 men wounded Page 147 CHAP~ XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 147 enemy had posted his artillery. Seeing the Fourth Indiana Cay- airy in column of fours in the road to the left, ready to charge with the saber, I brought my guns into position at the gallop to within 500 yards of the rebel battery and opened furiously. They fired a few shots and left the field, when I paid attention to their dismounted lines, which were soon in disorder. The Fourth Indiana n6w charged, I maintaining a rapid fire across their front until they reached the main road, when Ii ceased in this direction and worked with two guns to the right over the First Brigade, now going forward at the double- quick. One gun (supported by the First East Tennessee) was moved at the gallop to support the charging party, which had captured two rifled guns. Arriving on the ground, I found our men in undisputed l)ossession and the enemy flying in all directions. The main column on the road presenting a good target, we practiced on it with lively effect till out of range. One shot from my left section killed 1 man, a mule, and 3 horses; a second took off a gun-wheel, and cut in two a sponge-staff in the cannoneers hands; a third went through a cais- son. From my guns on the right one shot killed 1 and wounded 3 at the rebel guns. My loss is as follows: Private Samuel Mills, detailed from Fourth Indiana Cavalry, killed by a gunshot wound in the head. Ammunition expended, 150 rounds. I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedient servant, ELI LILLY, Captain, Commanding. Capt. JOHN PRATT, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 7. Report of Gol. israel Gctrrard, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Cavalry Division, Army of the Ohio. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, CAVALRY CORPS, Ellejoy Greek, E. Teun., February 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, on the morning of the 27th, I was in position near Nichols house on the road from Cannons, on Little Pigeon, to Tom Evans Ford and other points on the river above, when I received orders to mov,~ l~y way of Cannons and Sevierville to Dr. Hodsdens, on the East Fork of Pigeon. Having reached that point, I halted to feed and await orders. About 9 p. in., in obedience to orders to move to the front and at- tack the enemy at daylight in concert with Colonel Wolford, I moved to the vicinity of Fair Garden, and went into camp with Colonel Wolfords command. During the night I was ordered to delay my movements until the command of Colonel McCook came up within sup orting distance. This occurred about 8 a. in., and, in obedience to oNers, and under the immediate personal direction of yourself, I moved rapidly to the vicinity of the fords at Fains and Swauns Islands, just above and below Dandridge. The picket (rebel) at the intersection of the main road near Rainwate~s house was driven in, and 1 of them captured by the advance under comumand of Lieutenant Capron, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. No rebel force was found on this side of the river, but both fords were found to be picketed by the enemy. A short time after w Page 148 148 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. reached the fords a movement of rebel infantry was made to both of them at Swanns Island, evidently with the intention of resisting our attempt to cross. At Fains Island the character of the move- ment was entirely different; the force was a large one. It was moved rapidly, and on reaching the river dashed in withont hesita- tion and crossed on to the island and moved toward the other cross- ing to our side of the river. This was done so quickly that they gained a position on this side before the picket, sent to that ford nuder Lieutenant Capron, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, could be snf- ficiently strengthened to prevent it. These facts were reported by me to the general in person. I did not consider that his orders re- quired me to move my command to Fains Island and enter on the heavy engagement, which the reported strength of the enemy would have cansed. A scont sent ont ascertained that they had advanced their pickets on this side abont 1 mile from the ford. I therefore made use of the discretion left with me by the general, and with- drew my command from the vicinity of the river. I sent one regi- ment down toward Fains Ford to check their advance while moving my two guns back to the main roa(i, amid, in obedience to my orders, I retnrned to camp near Fair Garden. I moved 2 miles toward Sevierville, owing to the report sent to the general by Lientenant- Colonel Butler, commanding at Cannons, which had come into my hands on its way to him, that the enemy were crossing at the lower fords and threatening Cannons and Sevierville. Abont 11 p. m. I received orders that my command would remain in camp until morning and would form the rear gnard. I remained in camp until 9 a. in., when I moved to Trotters Bridge, on the West Fork of Pigeon. I reached that point jnst after the column, moving by the other road, had passed. I went into camp in Little Cove. The next morning I moved out at a late honr and marched abont 8 miles through Wears Cove, into Tuckaleechee Cove, and camped until next day. At this point, in obedience to the generals order, I detached the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, nuder Major Davidson, on an expedition over the mountains into North Carolina, against the Indians and rebels in camp near the Forks of the Tuckaseegee and Little Tennessee Rivers. From there I moved into Millers Cove, and finally to this point, just outside of the Chilhowee range of mountains. ~. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISRAEL GARRARD, (Jolonet, Commanding Second Diviston. Captain RAWOLLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 8. Report of IIiEaj. Edward G. Savage, Ninth~Pennsylvania cavalry. HEADQUARTERS NINTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, January 29, 1864. SIR: I hav~ the honor to report that, on the morning of the 27th instant, at ~. 30, the regiment formed line in fromit of camp at daylight, ordered to form a line of battle on the ground occupied the previous afternoon. The regiment marched out of camp to the ground, and dismounted the men; horses were Sent back to the camp. The lin Page 149 CHAP. XLIV.) OPERATIONS ABOUT DANDRIDGE, TENN. 149 of skirmish being formed, with Second Michigan on the right, ad- vanced to a corn-field, and, passing throngh, took a position near the east branch of Pigeon Creek, when we met the enemys pickets and skirmished a short time with them, charging the hill they occnpied and drove them from their position; here the line halted nntil re- enforcements arrived. Colonel La Grange taking position on the left of the regiment at 12 in., the line of skirmishers Was ordered to move forward. Second Michigan and a portion of this regiment, nnder command of Major Kimmel, advanced, charging across an open field to a wood. Here that portion of the command halted (the enemy being in strong force in the woods) and received a cross- fire from the Second Michigan Cavalry, the charge being made be- fore I conld form a jnnction with Major Kimmel. As soon as I moved with the Third Battalion a new line was formed, when we advanced to and throngh the woods, driving the enemy across a branch of Pigeon Creek to Fair Garden. Here the skirmishers with- drew from the woods to the road, niarching iii colnmn a distance of nearly 2 miles, and coming np with the enemy I deployed to the left, passing throngh the woods to an open field, where the enemy opened with artillery, shelling the open ground and woods occnpied by our skirmishers. The line iiow advanced, driving the enemy and capturing their artillery. The regiment, during the engagement, was dismonnted from daylight until dark. The casualties dnring the engagment were 3 wonnded, viz: Pri- vate Michael Suiith, Company A, wouiided in the hip; Private Sam. Low, Company M, wounded in wrist; Private Oliver B. Ball, Com- pany M, slightly wonnded in the face, cansed by fragment of a shell. The line of skirmishers of the Second Michigan had been moved by the right flank across the Fair Garden [road] before I received orders to move. The horses coming up at dark, the regiment was mounted and marched back to the woods near McNntts house and encamped. At 7 a. ni., January 28, regiment marched out on road running to Newport, a distance of about 5 miles, tnrniiig to the left, taking the road leading to Evans Ford. When about 2 miles from the ford the regiment formed line of battle across the road, remaining in line a short time. Company C sent out as picket on road to Wilsoiis Ford. Companies A, E, and K sent out to re-enforce Company C. At dusk regiment ordered back to guard roads until pack-mules, & c., had passed out. Called in two companies Second Michigan Cavalry and battalion of the regiment. Marched back to camp near McNntts house, arriving there about 3 a. m. January 29. Respectfully reported. E. G. SAVAGE, Major, Commanding Ninth Pennsylvania Gavairy. Lient. EDWIN HOYT, Jr., Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 9. Reports of Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army. MORRISTOWN, January 29, 1864. General Martin had a severe cavalry fight on the 27th. He was (Iriven back 4 miles, with a loss of 200 killed, wounded, and miss Page 150 150 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. ing, and 2 pieces of artillery. The enemys cavalry has been greatly increased by the cavalry from Chattanooga. Most of the cavalry force from that place is now here. The men, about half that should be in our regiments here, are, I understand, in the camps about Dal- ton. I hope they may be sent here, or these sent there. We can do but little while this superior cavalry force is here to operate on our flank and rear. Do send me a chief of cavalry. J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER Adjutant and Inspector General. MORRISTOWN, February 1, 1864. GENERAL: Brigadier-General Armstrongs cavalry had a success- ful fight with the enemys cavalry on the south side of the French Broad on the 28th. The enemy retreated during the night and the following day and is now at Maryville. Onr forces occupy Sevier- ville. The enemy abandoned Tazewell on the 26th ultimo. Major Day took possession on the next day, and got 8 good wagons without teams and some artillery ammunition. J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER. JANUARY 27, 1864.Skirmish near Knoxville, Tenn. REPOI~TS. No. 1.Col. Marshal W. Chapin, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. No. 2.Lient. Col. Benjamin P. Estes, Thirteenth Kentucky Infantry. No. 3.Maj. William W. Wheeler, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. No. 1. Report of Cot. Marshal IV. Chapin, Twenty-third Michigan In- fantry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty- third Army Gorps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIv., TWENTY-THIRD A. C., Knoxville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. SIR: Inclosed I forward you the reports of Lieutenant-Colonel Estes, Thirteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and Major Wheeler, of the Twenty-third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, of an attack made on our picket-line between the hours of 2 and 3 p. m. yesterday. I have the honor also to report that I received information of the at- tack at 3.10 p. ..m. yesterday. I immediately ordered the two regi- ments of my brigade at this point (One hundred and eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry and One hundred and seventh Illinois Volun- teer Infantry) to hold themselves in readiness to move at a moment Page 151 CHAP. XLIV.J SKIRMISH NEAI~ KNOXVILLE, TENN. 151 warning, and reported ill person to Brigadier-General Judahs head- quarters. Ascertaining that he was absent on some portion of the division line, I reported to Brigadier-General Cox for permission to move out the two regiments in reserve to the assistance of those in advance, which permission I obtained. Without waiting for the ex- ecution of this order I moved to the front myself, when I found that the enemy had been repulsed with a loss of about 15 killed and wounded. This latter information I obtained from a private soldier of the Twenty-third Michigan, who was at a house in advance of the line and who secreted himself from the enemy during the engage- ment, but saw the killed and wounded as they were brought back by the rebels. Our losses are as follows: Thirteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infan- try, 5 enlisted men captured; Twenty-third Michigan, 6 enlisted men captured and 1 mortally wounded. I would very respectfully draw your attention to the necessity of having mounted vedettes stationed in advance of our line to pre- vent a recurrence of similar attacks, or at least give warning, that we may be prepared to receive them. With the force under my coin- mand it is utterly impossible to keep my line sufficiently strong at all points to resist such attacks, and it is absolutely necessary that I should have some warning to re-enforce such portions of the line as may be attacked. My line is about 2 miles long, and with only two regiments on picket duty, numbering 725 enlisted men for duty, you can at once see the impracticability of my forming a line at all points suffi- ciently stroiig to resist a cavalry charge. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, M. W. CHAPIN, Capt. R. C. KIsE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Assistant Adjutant- Genera.l. [[Indorsement.] IIDQRs. SECOND DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Teun., January 28, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The statements embodied in the within communication relative to liability of my picket-lines to incu~sions from the enemys cav- alry are concurred in. II. M. JUDAH, Brigadier- General, Commuuduaj I)ivision. No. 2. Report of Lieut. Col. Benjamin P. Lstes, Thirte& ~th Kentucky In fantry. HDQRS. THIRTEENTH KENTUCKY VOL. INFANTRY Five Miles from Knoxville, Tenn., January 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, on yesterday, January 27, at 2.30 p. in., a body of cavalry, supposed to be a full battalion, made a charge on my right, driving in my outposts and capturing Page 152 152 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. corporal and 4 privates, who are still in the enemys hands. My reserves on the right and center were compelled to fall back; that on the right, resting between the Strawberry Plains and Miller roads, was driven within 200 yards of my camp. un consequence of my isolated position, the like circumstance will occur so often as the enemy see proper to make an attack, unless cav- alry patrols are sent out in my front on these road& to detect the advances of the enemy and warn me of their approach. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. P. ESTES, Lient. Cot., Commanding 13th Kentucky Vol. Infantry. Lient. C. MONTGOMERY, Acting Assistant A~Jutant- General. No. 3. Report qf ill a.j. William W. Wheeler, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD MICHIGAN INFANTRY, Camp Pratt, January 28, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the picket of my regi- ment, stationed on the Strawberry Plains road, was attacked yester- day p. m. (27th) at nearly 2 oclock by a cavalry force of the enemy, numbering between 150 and 200 men, and driven in with a loss of 1 man mortally wounded and 1 corporal and 5 men prisoners. The enemy was enabled, through cover of woods, to form line of attack very near to onr advance sentinels without observation. Four of the 6 prisoners lost by us were on post as sentinels, and as often as the enemy attacks so often shall we lose the greater por- tion of our sentinels, unless mounted men may patrol the roads to points beyond the view of infantry sentinels and patrols. A large force of the enemy, probably 400 or 500 men, was held in his reserve. Many of the enemy were carried back on the saddles of their com- rades. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. WHEELER Major, Commanding. [Col. M. W. CHAPIN.] JANUARY 27, 1864.Affair on the Cumberland River, Ky. Report of Brig. Gen. Edward II. Nobson, U. S. Army. LEBANON, Ky., January 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: Scouts sent to Cumberland Ri~r attacked Guerrilla Richardson, killed 2 of his men, charged them 15 miles, and scattered them in every direction; compelled them to abandon their goods. The probability is that a number of Richardsons men will be capt ured. E. H. HOBSON. Brigadier- General. Capt. SEMPLE, A ssista ~d Adjutant- General Page 153 CHAP. XLIV.] SKIRMISHES NEAR JONESVILLE, VA 153 JANUARY 28, 1864.Affair at Lees House, on Cornersville Pike, Tenn. Report of Ct~pt. George iY. Over~nyer, Eighty-first Ohio infantry. HDQRS. DETACHMENT EIGHTY-FIRST OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, San. Mills, February 2, 1864. SIR: On the 28th January, 1864, I sent out a forago train for corn and pork, 111 Charge of Corporal Casey, acting wagon-master, with instructions to keep the teams and men close together, permit no straggling, and go to Mr. Dabneys farm, about 4 miles from camp and on the left of the Cornersville pike. About 2 miles from camp the train was fired upon and captured, with the following loss: James Mills, teamster, shot through the thigh and left on the field; 6 mules and harness taken away and wagon burnt; William Kimble, teamster, shot in left shoulder, taken prisoner; 6 mules and harness taken away, wagon filled with rails and fired, but was put out by citizens; Corporal Casey and I horse, saddle, and bridle captured; David Reece and William Reece, guards from Company K, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Nelson Shappell, James D. Smith, John Reichelderfer, and Jere- miah Parker, guards, Company G, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, captured and taken prisoners. Recapitulation: Captured, I teamster (wounded), 6 guards, 1 wagon-master, 12 mules and harness, 1 horse, saddle, and bridle; 1 wagon destroyed; all chains for 2 wagons lost or destroyed; wounded and left, 1 teamster. The attack was made at a bend in the pike about 200 yards from Mr. Lees residence by 24 rebels (mounted), armed with 2 pistols and Colt revolving rifle each. They were lying behind a hill in wait- ing. The attack was made by throwing 6 men in the road in front of the teams and 18 men coming over ridge. All commenced firing about the same time at short pistol-range. They had our men sur- rounded and captured almost instantly. They took the men out east about 20 miles, and that evening gave them paroles, signed by Captain Harris, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, by order of General Forrest. Men got back to camp on th~ morning of the 29th, having had all their arms and accouterments taken from them (Corporal Casey was robbed of his watch), but say they were kindly treated. The men have been assigned to duty,.-bi~ an application for arms has been returned. None to furnish at present. Respectfully submitted. G. W. OVERMYER, Gaptain, Gommanding at Sam. Mills. Capt. H. L. EVERETT Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 2829, 1864.Skirmishes near Jonesville, Va. Reports of Got. S. Palace Love, Eleventh Kentucky Infantry, corn mnanding brigade. CLouDs HousE, January 28, 18647 p. m. GENERAL: I sent a scout to-day, about 10 oclock, in the direction of Jonesville, consisting of about ~0 men of the Eleventh Tennesse Page 154 154 KY., SW~ VA., TENTh, MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. Cavalry. They had not gone more thai~ 5 miles from the camp when they encountered a body of rebels variously estimated from 300 to 1,000. A lively skirmish ensued. Our men were driven back, but in good order, to within about 3 miles of the camp, when the re-enforcements I sent forward reached them and checked the rebel advance and maintained their ground, fighting until dark set in. The skirmish commenced about 10 a. in., but I did not hear of it until about 4, although Lieutenant Chapman, commanding scout, promptly dispatched me by two couriers, who from some cause or other failed to reach me. Our loss is 2 killed and 5 or 6 wounded. Among the latter was Captain Newport, Company E, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, in the groin. I fear the wound will prove mortal. From all the information I can gather to-day from scouts and (citizens, there was a considerable force of the enemy hovering around me in the front and right last night. The roads indicate that they were traveled. The farm fencing was torn down, and corn taken from the fields, & c., which citizens say was done last night. I consider my position up here rather hazardous unless the Iron- Works road to my right is well guarded and scouted. I respectfully ask you, if you have the mounted force, to guard me from that quarter. Colonel Davis, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, reports the loss of the enemy heavier, if anything, than ours. Write me by return courier and give me any instructions you may think necessary. I shall feel the enemy to-morrow and try and find out his number and intentions. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. LOVE, Golonel, Cornclg. Third Brig., First Dir., Cavalry Corps. [Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD.] [Jndorsement.J HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Cumberland Gap, Tenn., January 29, 18649 a. m. Brig. Gen. E. E. POTTER: GENERAL: The above dispatch (this is a copy) I received last night at 12 mu. I shall report on ~4ie~subject hereafter. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. T. GARRARD, Brigadier-General, Commandirtg District of the Clinch. CLOUDS HOUSE, January 29, 186410 a. m. GENERAL: I am skirmishing with the enemy. They are in force in front advancing in two columns, One o.f infantry about 4,000 strong, and a force of 3,000 advancing on n~ right down the Iron- Works road. I have started my trains back and will fall back slowly. I would like to have si~pport of at least one regiment at the forks of the road. I expect to come there to-mmight. ~. ~. LOVE, Colonel, Commanding. f Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD. Page 155 CnAP. XLIX~.] EXPBDITJOX TO CTtMBERLAND MOUNTAINs, TENY. I~o ROBERT ELY~S HOUSE, January 29, 18641.30 p. m. GENERAL: T have fallen back 5 miles from Balls Bridge, skirmish- ing nearly all the way with the enemy. I am now in line of battle with the cavalry. The dismounted men are at McPhersons at the stone house. My train is all safe inside your picket-lines. The enemy is still advancing in force with artillery and wagon trains; it is so reported to me by the skirmishers in front. They advance in two columns, about two regiments of cavaky and three of infantry; infantry on the flank and cavalry in the center. Their line of skir- mishers (infantry) number 2 to 1 of my cavalry. This is no sensation dispatch, but true. Officers commanding the mounted force so report. I shall remain where I am. unless driven from it, until night, and then fall back and camp at Weinmans Mill. I fear a flank movement on the Iron-Works road, as they are re- ported moving by the flank in that direction. I would have made a stand at the bridge, but a citizen scout reported 1,200 cavalry on that road, and I thought it prudent to fall back this far to secure my train and rear. I have had 1 man killed to-day, and Captain Newport, who was wounded yesterday, died about one hour ago. S. P. LOVE, Gotonel, Oommanding Third Brigade, Gavairy Gorps. [Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRARD.] JANUARY 28February 8, 1864.Expedition from Gallatin to Cumberland Mountains, Tenn. Report of Gol. Henry K. McGonnell, Seventy-first Ohia Infantry. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Fort Thomas, Teun., February 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the troops under my command in the expedi- tion from January 28 to February 7, 1864, to the Cumberland Mountains: As the forces were under command of yourself in person until we passed Carthage, it is not necessary for n1~e t~ say anything until from that point. In obedience to your orders, I crossed the Cumberland River at the mouth of Caney Fork River, on the morning of the 30th Jan- uary, with the detachment of the Seventy-first Regiment Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry and the battalion of Tennessee troops, under com- inan(i of Major Garrett, and pushed directly to Flynu~s Lick, the Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry going directly up the Cum- berland and the Tennessee troops by the way of ~iestnut Mound, with orders to concentrate at Flynns Lick at 10 a. in. of the 31st. In our advance on this place we had numerous running skirmishes. with detached squads of Hamiltons marauders, killing and captur- ing about 20. We fQund Flynns Lick occupied by Hamilton with about 40 men, who ran upon sight of our advance. Learning from citizens that Hamilton had said he would fight us at that J)iace, I selected 30 men, and leaving the balance of the command 2 miles Page 156 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Th6 out, I went into Flynns Lick in some hope that with this small force he might risk an engagement, but he dashed away as soon as we came in full view. At this point we awaited orders from you. On the morning of the 2d instant, as per your orders, I started in pursuit of Hamilton and Hughs, who were in the direction of Liv- ingston, Tenn. I followed until the 5th instant, which found us at Old Miners. There I separated the detachments, atid gave orders to sweep the countr.y between the road on which we had come and the Cumberland River back to Flynns Lick. While at Livingston I received a communication from Colonel Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, in which he informed rue that he would move from Cook- ville up the Calfkiller River to Sparta, and cover that country. The net results, so far as I have received valid information, are 102 prisoners, 33 killed, 8 wounded, making a total loss of 143 to the horde of robbers that infest that country. Finding Old Columbus, 3 miles above Gainesborougir and between the Cumberland and Roaring Rivers, to be the veriest den of thieves and murderers, I removed the women and children and burned it. I have no means of knowing the number of mules and horses taken. It was considerable, but the quality and condition of the stock was so inferior that its only importance to us was to get them out of the hands of the enemy I have the honor to respectfully suggest that the country between Carthage and the Cumberland Mountains through. which we passed is bordering upon famine. Families without regard to politics are eaten out and plundered by those common enemies of mankind (rangers) until even those formerly wealthy are utterly reduced, and many of the poorer are now actually starving. The people are sick of their folly and of the evil they have contracted and brought upon themselves. They are asking for counsel. They are anxious to have such gentlemen as Hon. Mr. Campbell and Mr. Stokes (I use these names because they used them), to whom they fornierly listened, but whose counsels they learned to despise, to come and direct them, make speeches to them and form a nucleus around which they may gather. In Jackson, Fentress, and Overton Counties rebels go to Glasgow and other towns in Kentucky, where they purchase goods, contraband and otherwise, using but little restraint. We com- pletely broke up for the time being the bands of Hughs, Hamilton, and Doherty. I have the honor to be your tb~dieut servant, H. K. McCONNELL Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. E. A. PAINE, Commanding Post. JANUARY 29, 1864.Firing on steamer Sir Wikiam Wallace, Mississippi River. Report of Lieat. Col. Edwin Moore, Twenty-first Missonri Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-FIRST MISSOURI VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Vicksbarg, Miss., February 1, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the arrival of my com- mand at this place. During the passage and when abreast o Page 157 CHAP. XLIV.~ EXI~EL)ITLON TO W ATERPROOF, LA., ETC. 157 Islands Nos. 70 and 71 we were fired upon by guerrillas, who were concealed behind a breast-work constructed of logs. They fired probably 100 shots and fled. The fire was returned as promptly as possible. The forces seen were supposed to be from 50 to 75 men. II thought it policy not to leave the boat, the willows and brush being very thick. Our loss was 1 man killed, 2 mortally wounded (who died the next morning), and 4 severely wounded. Twenty-seven shots struck the boat. EDWIN MOORE, Lie cit. Col. Twe sty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Coindg. Lient. JAMES B. COMSTOCK, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 23, 1864.Expedition from Vicksburg, Miss., to Waterproof, La., and skirmishes. Report of Gapt. Joseph ill. Anderson, EighNeth Ohw Infantry. VJCKSBUIW, Miss., Jlfarch 4, 1863. SIR: In compliance with the Special Orders, No. 27, dated Vicks- burg, Miss., January 27, 1864, I herewith inclose a full report of the late expedition to Waterproof, parish of Tensas, La .,und er my command. A weekly report would have been made to you, as the above order states, had it not been reported to me that your office was removed to the field. Whereupon regular weekly reports have been sent to General MeArthur, of which I now send you a consoli- dated report. First. After arriving at Waterproof, La., on the afternoon of the 29th January, 1864, I sent a small scouting party out some 8 miles, capturing on the plantation of Mr. Tullis 2 mules and 1 double- barrel shotgun; also capturing at the residence of L. V. Reeves (rebel senator) on the same night 2 prisoners, 2 navy revolvers, and 2 horses belonging to same; same night captured Stephen Cuney (rebel spy) and horse. Second. Captured on the 31st day o~ January, 1864, on the p lan- tation and at the residence of Eli Bowman, 3 horses, 2 saddles, 2 cartridge-boxes, 50 pounds shot, 2 bowie knives, 2 small pistols. I recaptured Union mail, $296 in silver, $500 in gold, and 1 U. S. musket. Third. Captured on the 1st day of February, 1864, on the planta- tion of William A. Beck, 1 horse; same date on Mr. Hays planta- tation, 2 mules; same date on the plantation of Mr. Shields, 7 mules; same date on the plantation of F. Roys, 1 horse ~id 5 mules; same date from off the plantation of Mr. Leach, 3 mules; also the same date taken from refugee negro recruits, 14 mules, and recruited 40 recruits, besides 150 contrabands from off rebel plantations. Fourth. Captured off the plantation of Mr. Belsinger, on the 4th of February, 1864, 6 mules and 1 horse. Fifth. Captured on the 6th day of February, 1864, off P. H. Dief- fenwierths plantation, I mules Page 158 158 KY., SW. VA., TENIN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. [CHAP. XLLV. Sixth. Captured on the 7th day of February, 1864, off J. A. Wat- sons plantation, 2 mules, 220 bales of cotton, 63 of which was claimed by negro servants. Seventh. Captured on the 8th day of Febrnary, 1864, off William Watsons plantation, 6 mules. Eighth. Captnred on the 9th day of Febrnary, 1864~ off the Gibson plantation, 4 mules; same date, off T. Holmes plantation, 6 mules. Ninth. Captured on the 11th day of February, 1864, off A. J. Gib- sons plantation, 2 mules, 1 brown horse, and 2 double-barrel shot- guns. Tenth. Captured on the 12th day of February, 1864, off E. H. Coles 1)lantation, 1 horse and 1 small mule; also 1 small rifle. Eleventh. Captured on the 13th day of February, 1864 (after skir- mnishing with 15 of the enemy), 1 prisoner, an acting assistant adju- tant-general of Colonel Harrisons command, and 1 horse belonging to the same. Twelfth. Captured at different times from refugee negro recruits 25 mules. Captured on the 7th day of February, 1864, off Gibsons plantation, 39 head of beef-cattle. REMARKS. First. As regards Mr. Bowmans case, who is a right-hand man of the rebel Colonel Harrison, the gold and silver was found in a small box in the garret with the U. S. mail in the same box, having mus- lin sewed around it; also, 6 new mess chests, found on same place. Said gold and silver was deposited on board gun-boat No. 9, to await General MeArthurs orders. The said Bowman has been in the habit of leaving his house every day for some time, and returning home late at night, and therefore have every evidence of his being a lead- ing guerrilla. Second. The other property belonged to parties not having protec- tion papers of any kind, and believe them to be rank rebels. Third. Twenty-nine head of the mules was shipped on or about the 3d day of February, 1864, and turned over to the quartermaster at this post. Fourth. The cattle and all of the mules and horses, with the ex- ception of those which were in use on the day of the engagement (13th February~, were either turned l~ose by some party not as yet satisfactorily proven, or broke away from their confinement. Fifth. On February 13, learning that the rebels had crossed Ten- sas River and advancing on me, evidently for the purpose of cross- ing some 1,500 head of cattle over to the Mississippi shore, while a portion of their troops would engage me, I immediately sent out a mounted party of 28 men, in charge of Lieutenant Keislar, of the Eleventh Louisiana Volunteers, African descent, and William L. Jarvis, of the Seventy-second Illinois, to make a reconnaissance. When about 8 miles back they were fired on b~ rebel pickets, among whom 3 citizens were recognized, 2 of whom (Watson and Weast) had taken the oath of allegiance. My scouts drove them back, capt- uring several prisoners, when some 300 rebel cavalry suddenly dashed upon them. My scouts retreated in good order for camp. When within 2 miles of camp the cavalry overtook my troops, and a hand- to-hand fight ensued. Our loss was 11 killed, the (rebels) enemy los- ing 15. A re-enforcement was sent out by me of two companies of infantry and one piece of artillery. The enemy immediately fel Page 159 CHAP. XLIV.] EXPEDITION TO FLAT CREEK, TENN. 159 back. They again attacked the town on the morning of the 14th and 15th, but were repulsed. On Monday, 22d February, 1864, the rebels again recrossed the Tensas River with two regiments of cavalry, two of infantry, and six pieces of artillery. On Tuesday morning, the 28d, they were to charge on Waterproof, the artillery engaging the gun-boat while the cavalry alld infantry were to charge on my fortifications. Having sent a spy within their Iines~and found their forces and intentions, I withdrew my forces in good order at 12 oclock Monday night, at the suggestion of Captain Johnson of gun-boat No. 9. After arriving at this place I gave notice to General McArthiir an(l received orders to send the troops to their respective commands, and turn over the captured property to Captain Fihkler, assistant quartermaster, and ordnance to Lieutenant Chaffee, ordnance officer; all of which was done and receipts taken. I would recommend to your favorable notice William Northedge, late colonel of the Fifty-ninth New York Volunteers, who rendered valuable service throughout the whole campaign. I am, captain, your humble servant, J. M. ANDERSON, Captain Eightieth Ohio, Commanding Expedition. Capt. S. L. TAGGART, Assistant Adjutant- General. JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 7, 1864.Expedition from Naryville, Tenn., to Quallatown, N. C. Report of ]lfqj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army. KNOXVILLE, February 7, 1864. I have the honor to report that an expedition against Colonel Thomas and his baud of Indians and whites at Quallatown has returned com- pletely successful. They surprised the town, killed and wounded 215, took 50 prisoners, and dispersed the remainder of the gang in the mountains. Our loss, 2 killed and 6 wounded. J. G. FOSTER, J$liqjor- General. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. FEBRUARY 1, 1864.Expedition from Knoxville to Flat Creek, Tenn. Report of Col. John R. Bond, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. 111TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, February 2, 1864. SIR: On the moi~ilng of the 1st of February I was directed by Colonel Chapin, commanding brigade, to take command of an ex- pedition toward Strawberry Plains, in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 12, from division headquarters Page 160 160 KY., SW. TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Cm& r. XLIV. At 8.30 a. m. the One hundred and.eleventh Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry and the One hundred and seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry moved from camp, proceeding up the track of the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad to the picket-line of the Thir- teenth Kentucky and Twenty-third Michigan, where a halt was or- dered for a short time, allowing the Twenty-third Michigan to move from camp and join the column. I then threw out skirmishers in front, and proceeded to within 5 miles of Flat Creek, at a point oii the railroad where the wagon road diverges from the track, where I ordered Major Wheeler, of the Twenty-third Michigan, to detach a portioii of his regiment, order- ing them to niove up the wagon road on a parallel hue with the head of the main column, rejoining us at Flat Creek bridge. We arrived at the bridge at 2 p. in., when I sent Company F, Cap- tain Hill, and Company H, Captain Smith, of the One hundred and eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on a scont in the direc- tion of Strawberry Plains. At 4 p. m. the scouting party returned, reporting that they had pro- ceeded to within 2 miles of the plains, seeing no enemy, and from the best information which they could obtain there was no considera- ble force of the enemy at or near the plains, only 3 of the enemy be- ing reported at that place. At 4 p. in., having loaded the train and accomplished the object of the expedition, the column commenced the march in return, and at 10 p. m. went into camp near Knoxville. All of the foregoing report is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, JNO. R. BOND, Colonel One hundred and eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. R. C. KIsE, As~istaut Ac{jutctut-Geueral. FEBRUARY 12, 1864...Reconnaissance from Maryville toward Seviervihle, Teun. REPORTS. No. 1.Brig. Gen. Samuel Beatty, U. S. Army. No. 2.Lieut. Col. James P. Browniow, ?irS~ Tennessee Cavalry. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel Beatty, U. S. Army. HDQR5. THIRD IBRIG., THIRD Div., FOURTH ARMY CoRps, Miaryville, Teun., February 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit th~ following report of a reconnaissance made under my direction,towit: At 2 a. in., February 1, instant, I received orders from Brigadier- General Wilhich, commanding Third Division, Fourth Army Corps, to take two regiments of my brigade, and with two regiments of cavalry and a section of artillery which were to report to nie, to make a reconnaissance toward Sevierville to ascertain the where- about~ of the enemy. At 8 oclock Lieutenant White, commandin Page 161 CHAP. XLIV.] RECONNAISSANCE TOWARD SEVIERVILLE TENN. 161 section of Bridges Battery, Illinois Volunteers, reported to me, and I marched to Little River, on the main road from Maryville to Se- vierville, where I awaited the cavalry. Lient. Col. J. P. Brownlow reported to me at 2 p. in., in command of the First Regiment Tennes- see Cavalry and Fourth Indiana Cavalry, and I ordered the com- mand to cross, and the advance of the cavalry to march to Trundles Cross-Roads and halt for the night. I halted the infantry at Mc- Gloskeys in bivouac. At dawn this morning I ordered the command to advance. Col- onel Browniow, commanding the cavalry, was ordered to advance to discover certainly the position of the enemy. At 8.30 oclock I received the information from Colonel Browulow that the enemy, consisting of one corps of cavalry, under General Martin (two divis- ions, commanded respectively by Generals Armstrong and Morgan), and three brigades of infantry, under General Johnson, were fortify- ing in the fork of the French Broad and Pigeon Rivers, 4 miles west from Sevierville and about 14 miles southwest from Dandridge. The object of the reconnaissance being accomplished, I ordered the command to return to camp at Maryville, where I arrived at 4 p. m. We had no casualties in the command. Respectfully referring to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown- low, I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAM. BEATTY, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Capt. CARL SCHMITT, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Third Div., Fourth Army Corps. No. 2. Report of Lieut. C1ol. James P. Browniow, First Tennessee Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST TENNESSEE CAVALRY, ]Iiliaryville, Tenn., February 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of my command from January 31 to February 3, 1864: On the 1st of February, in accordance with orders from headquar- ters First Divisioii Cavalry, Army of -the Cumberland, I reported with the First Tennessee Cavalry and Fourth Indiana, Major Purdy commanding, to Brigadier-General Beatty, commanding detach- ment, who ordered me to advance as far as Trundles Cross-Roads, 16 miles from Maryville, and encamp for the night, with orders to move in the direction of Sevierville next morning at 5.30 oclock. I moved promptly, in obedience to orders, as far as Boyds Creek, within 8 miles of Sevierville, where I ascertained that the enemy (one corps of cavalry under General Martin, comp4sing Armstrongs a mid Morgans divisions, and three brigades of in f~ntry under Gen- eral Johnson) were fortifying in the fork of French Broad and Pig- eon Rivers, 4 miles west of Sevierville and 14 miles southwest of Dandridge. After satisfying myself perfectly that the information was reliable, I retnTned to camp at this place without any loss. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. P. BROWNLOW, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding, 11 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 162 162 KY., SW. VA., TEINK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. FEBRUARY 1-7, 1864.Scout in White and Putnam Counties, Tenn. Report of Col. William B. Stokes, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Alexandria, De Kaib County, Tenn., February 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to state that, in obedience ~to orders from the major-general commanding the district, I proceeded with 1~0 of my command from Nashville on the 29th ultimo, and arrived at this place on the 30th ultimo, meeting a courier from General Paine, with a dispatch stating that the expedition up the country was a failure, but requested me to meet him at Carthage on the 31st. On my arrival at Carthage I found that General Paine had gone up the river with about 300 men under Colonel McConnell, and was to form a junction with Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, Fifty-second Kentucky Mounted Infantry, who drove the rebels across the river at Flynns Lick. I immediately sent Captain Brandon in command of 30 men with a dispatch to General Paine and Colonel McConnell, stating that I would move my command of 200 men (Captains Black- burn and Waters having joined me near Liberty) at once toward Sparta. I moved out at 7 a. m. on the 1st of February, crossed Caney Fork at Pin Hook above Sligo, and encamped for the night. Moved out at daylight the next morning. Upon arriving at Sparta, my advance ran a few rebels out, about 30 in number, some going north, others south from that place. I then turned the com- mand toward Cookville and up Calfkiller River, near Yankeetown. I came up with a squad and killed 3. Bivouacked for the night 8 miles from Cookville. On the 3d, at 10 a. in., arrived at Cookville, and found that Col- onel McConnell had left, going in the direction of Livingston. I immediately proceeded over on the Calfkiller, and encamped near the notorious Champ Fergusons. I found there some 20 or 30 rebels, who fled as usual at first sight. From Fergusons we moved down the river to Yankeetown, divid- ing the command into three squads, one taking the road through Sparta and Rock Island, another on the Nashville road, and the third on the right through Bunker Hill and Falling Waters to Lancaster. I arrived here to-day. The scout was successful. We killed 17 of the worst men ~ti ~ie country, to wit, Capt. James Davis (chief of Confederate scouts, brother of A. L. Davis, of Nash- ville), who had on his person a pass with the oath indorsed; Cap- tain Conley, Jack Coger, Bill Allcoru, Milt. Hawkins, Neely, Dyer, Melton, and others. Most of these men are known to have been engaged in murder, robbery, and rape; in fact, all were accessory to the outrages committed through this country. We took 12 prison- ers, and captured about 20 horses and mules. The people were very much excited, with ~ry few signs of loyalty, yet I was assured by a few good citizens that on my guaranty to the citizens of protection they would submit, take the oath, and hence- forth prove loyal. They also stated that a number of rebel desert- ers would lay~ down their arms and quit, if permitted to do so. Forage will be very hard to obtain near Sparta, it being very scarce and scattered. I will reach that point in a few days. It will take some time and continued scouting to break up these bands, but you may be assured no time will be lost and no effort spared t Page 163 CH~. XLIV.] OPERATIONS ABOUT WHITESBURO-, ALA. 163 rid the country of them. I will add that the scout, under Colonel McConnell, killed 23 and captured 40 men. From the best informa- tion I can obtain, the rebel force, when concentrated, will number 500 or 600 men, finely mounted but poorly armed. I am, captain, very respectfully your obedient servant, W. B. STOKES, Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Tenneseee Volunteer Cavalry. Capt. B. H. POLK, Assistant Adjutant- General. FEBRUARY 2,1864.Skirmish near La Grange, Tenn. Report of C~ol. John MeGuirk, Third Mississippi Cavalry. FEBRUARY 2, 18645.30 p. m. (Via Waterford, 3d.) Yesterday at 11 a. in., when I was about starting for Moscow, my scouts reported the enemy in force at Junction. I went with my command to the edge of the place and offered them battle, which they declined, and remained in the fort. They were confined closely in the fort. I did not allow them to picket outside. At dark retired with my regi inent and went into the fortifications at La Grange, where I remained until sunrise this morning, when I moved out, being exhausted and horses without forage twenty-four hours. I was, on this account only, compelled to abandon the town and move to forage my command. After I had left the place they attacked my rear guard and harassed me in such manner that I was com- pelled to cross the river south5 which I did at a blind ford, near Am- mons Bridge. My command was diminished on account of the broken-down horses; those I sent to the rear with prisoners yester- day. I will move to my wagons and report my locality as soon as taken. Report states that the party that assailed my rear was com- manded by Major Smith, and numbered 1,500, being detachments from several regiments brought from Denmark and other places in Tennessee. They are coming from Memphis, and could be cut off east of Collierville. They would not attack me in line. I could not maneuver on account of exhaustion. ~eJNO. McGUIRK Colonel, Commanding Third Mississippi Cavalry. Brigadier-General CHALMERS. FEBRUARY 2, 1864.Operations about Whitesburg, Ala. Report of Lient. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Four~ Minnesota In fantry. WHITESBURG. ALA., February 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to instructions from General Smith, I have the honor to state that all is quiet at this point of the Tennessee River. There has been some skirmishing, which only operated to stop working on our boats for about an hour. No damage has bee Page 164 164 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. (IA. [cnA~. XLIV. done to our men, and I presume none has been done to the rebels. We have constructed two boats, which, if properly pitched or tarred, would carry easily 12 to 15 men each. We have sncceeded in secur- ing and destroying a fine large dug-out belonging to the rebels. There is a ferry-boat on the river below. It crosses at no particular point, but whenever opportunity offers. I have had men concealed on the bank to secure the boat two nights. It did not cross the first night, and I have not yet had a report from the parties I sent out last night. The boat is some 5 miles below here. We have thrown up little rifle-pits on this side, which are of no consequence except the appearance of covering onr crossing at this place. I send by the bearer to-day for two days more rations. The guards report to me that they have reason to believe that re-enforcements came to the rebels opposite night before last. I mention this to show that per- haps our expedition has in snch degree proved successful. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. E. TOURTELLOTTE, Lieut. Col., Fourth Minnesota, Commanding Expedition. Captain M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. Meheway reported captured on the other side of the river, and Arnold, if they should get him, should be safely guarded. FEBRUARY 3-MARCH 6, 1864.The Meridian, Miss., Expedition and co operating expeditions from Memphis, Tenn., and up the Yazoo River. SUMMAIRV OF TIlE PRINCIPA.L EVENTS. Feb. 3, 1864.General Shermans column advances from Vicksburg. Action at Liverpool Heights, Yazoo River. 4, 1864.Skirmish opposite Liverpool Heights. Skirmish at Champions Hill. Skirmish at Queens Hill. Skirmish at Edwards Ferry. Skirmish near Bolton Depot. 5,1864.Skirmish on Baker~s Cr& k2 Skirmish at Clinton. Skirmish at Jackson. 6,1864.Skirmish at Hillsborough. 618, 1864.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to Wyatt, Miss. 7,1864.Skirmish at Brandon. Skirmish at Morton. Skirmish at Satartia. 8,1864.Affair at Coldwater Ferry. Skirmish near Morton. 8 9,1864.Skirmishes at and near Senatobia. 9Mar. 6, 1864.Yazoo City occupied by the Union forces. 10, 1864.1Skirmish at Hilishorough. Skirmish at Morton. 11, 1864.General W. Sooy Smiths column advances from Collierville, Tenn. Affair at Raifords Plantation, near J3yhalia Page 165 CHAP. XLIV.3 THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 165 Feb. 12,1864.Affair at Wall Hill. Skirmish at Holly Springs. 13, 1864.Skirmish at Wyatt. 13-14,1864.Skirmishes between Chunky Creek and Meridian. 1420, 1864.Meridian occupied by the Union forces. 1517, 1864.Skirmishes at Marion Station. 16,1864.Skirmish at Lauderdale Springs. 17, 1864.Skirmish near Pontotoc. Skirmish in the Houlka Swamp, near Houston. 18,1864.Affair near Okolona. Skirmish at Aberdeen. 19,1864.Skirmish near Houston. Skirmish at Egypt Station. Skirmish near Meridian. 20, 1864.Skirmish near West Point. 21,1864.Skirmish at Ellis Bridge. Skirmish at West Point, and General W. Sooy Smiths column in retreat. Skirmish at Prairie Station. Skirmish near Okolona. 2122,1864.Skirmishes at Union. 22, l864.Engagement near Okolona. Skirmish at Iveys Hill, or Farm.. Skirmish on the Tallahatchie. 23,1864.Skirmish near New Albany. 24,1864.Skirmish at Tippab River. Skirmish at Canton. 25,1864.Affair near Hudsonville. 26, 1864.Skirmish near Canton. 27,1864.Affair at Madisonville. Skirmish at Sharon. 28,1864.Skirmishes on Pearl River. Skirmish near Yazoo City. 29,1864.Skirmish near Canton. Mar. 2,1864.Skirmish at Canton. 3,1864.Skirmish at Liverpool. Skirmish at Brownsville. 4, l864.General Shermans column arrives at Vicksburg. 5,1864.Attack on Yazoo City. 6, 1864.Yazoo City abandoned by the Union forces. REPOIRTS, ETC.* No. 1.Composition of the Meridian Expedition, under command of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, and the co-operating columns under command of Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith and Col. James H. Coates. No. 2.Abstract from returns for February 29, 1864, of the troops composing the Meridian Expedition and Smiths co-operating coli~nn. No. 3.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Tennessee. No. 4.Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, U. S. Army, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, bf expedition to Meridian, with itinerary of the corps, Jan- uary_26March_10. _____________________________________ * For Union correspondence relative to this expedition, in December, 1863, see Series I, Vol. XXXI, Part III Page 166 166 KY., SW. VA., TEINK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 5.Itinerary of the First Division, Brig. Gen. James M. Tuttle, U. S. Army, commanding, February 127. No. 6.Col. William L. MeMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of expedition from Memphis to Wyatt, with itinerary of the brigade; February 618. No. 7.Return of Casualties in the Third Division, Brig. Gen. A~drew J. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding, February 3-March 4. No. 8.Itinerary of the First Brigade, Col. David Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, commanding, February 2-27. No. 9.Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Col. William T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, commanding, February 3-March 4. No. 10.Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, of expedition to Meridian. No. 11.Col. Milton Montgomery, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. No. 12.Lieut. Col. Jeremiah M. Rusk, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, of expe- dition to Meridian. No. 13.Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Col. James H. Howe, Thirty-second Wis- consin Infantry, commanding, February 3March 31. No. 14.Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, commanding Seventeenth Army Corps, of expedition to Meridian and operations on Yazoo River, with itinerary of the corps, February 3March 18. No. 15.Capt. Andrew Hickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, Chief Engineer, of expe- dition to Meridian. No. 16.Capt. Lucius M. Rose, Chief Acting Signal Officer, of expedition to Meri- dian. No. 17.Brig. Gen. Alexander Chambers, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, of expedition to Meridian. No. 18.Col. William Hall, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. No. 19.Col. William W. Belkuap, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, of expedition to Meri- dian. No. 20.Lient. Col. Addison H. Sanders, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. No. 21.Brig. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, U. S. Army, commanding Third Divis- ion, of expedition to Meridian, with itinerary of the division. No. 22.Brig. Gen. Manning F. Force, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. No. 23.Lieut. Col. Daniel Bradley, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, of expedition to ,,. .w Meridian. No. 24.Maj. Harry Almon, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, of expedition to Meri- dian. - No. 25.Maj. John 0. Duer, Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, of expedition to Meri- dian. No. 26.Lieut. Col. John H. Howe, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Infan- try, of expedition to Meridian. No. 27.Brig. Gen. Marcellus M. Crocker, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Divis- ion, of expedition to Meridian. No. 28.Lieut. William C. B. Gillespie, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, quartermaster First Brigade, of operations February 2628. No. 29.Capt. John Potter, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, of skirmishes on Pearl River. No. 30.Maj. George W. Crosley, Third Iowa Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. No. 31.Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, of expedition to Meridian Page 167 C~r. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 16~ No. 32.Col. Cyrus Hall, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, commanding Second Brig- ade, of expedition to Meridian. No. 33.Brig. Gen. Walter Q. Gresham, U.S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. No. 34.Col. Edward F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanding Cavalry, Seventeenth Army Corps, of expedition to Meridian. No. 35.Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith, U. S. Army, commanding expedition from Memphis, including operations since December 28, 1863. No. 36.Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, of expedition from Memphis, with itin- erary of the division for February and March. No. 37.Col. George E. Waring, jr., Fourth Missouri Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Brigade, of operations January 22February 27. No. 38.Capt. Franklin Moore, Second Illinois Cavalry, of operations January 22February 27. No. 39.Col. John P. C. Shanks, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, of operations~ January 22-February 9. No. 40.Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Browne, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, of operations February 627. No. 41.Maj. Edward Langen, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, of operations January 22-February 8. No. 42.Maj. Gustav Heinrichs, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, of operations February 1127. No. 43.Col. Joseph Karg~, Second New Jersey Cavalry, of operations January 22February 27. No. 44.Lieut. Col. Joseph C. Hess, Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of opera- tions January 22-February 17. No. 45.Maj. Amos J. Holahan, Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations February 16-27. No. 46.Lieut. Col. William P. Hepburn, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, of operations February 1126. No. 47.Lieut. Col. Mathew H. Starr, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, of operations Febru- ary 1126. No. 48.Lieut. Col. George W. Trafton, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, of operations February 1126. No. 49.Lieut. Col. Henry B. Burgh, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, of operations Febru- ary 1126. No. 50.Maj. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, of operations February 1126. No. 51. Lieut. Isaac W. Curtis, Battery K, F~.rst41llinois Light Artillery, of op- erations February 1126. No. 52.Col. La Fayette McCrillis, Third Illinois Cavalry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations February 1026. No. 53.Capt. Andrew B. Kirkbride, Third Illinois Cavalry, of operations Febru- ary 1326. No. 54.Maj. Henry M. Carr, Seventy-second Indiana Infantry (mounted), of op- erations February 22. No. 55.Maj. Christopher T. Cheek, Fifth Kentucky Caval~, of operations Feb- ruary 22-23. No. 56.Maj. William R. McBath, Second Tennessee Cavalry, of operations Feb- ruary 1026. No. 57.Maj. John B. Minnis, Third Tennessee Cavalry, of operations February 1026. No. 58.Lieut. Col. Jacob M. Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, of opera- tions February 10-26 Page 168 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 168 No. 59.Col. James H. Coates, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, commanding Yazoo Ex- pedition. No. 60.Itinerary of the First Brigade, First Division, U. S. Colored Troops, Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Shepard, U. S. Army, commanding, February 10-29. No. 61.Organization of the Army commanded by Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, February 20. No. 62.Abstract from Field Return of the Army commanded~ by Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, February 20. No. 63.Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army. No. 64. Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Army, of operations against expedi- tion from Memphis. No. 65.Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, of operations against expedition to Meridian. No. ~6.Brig. Gen. William H. Jackson, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Divis- ion, of operations against expedition to Meridian. No. 67.Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade, of operations against expedition to Meridian. No. 68.Col. Peter B. Starke, Twenty-eighth Mississippi Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade, of operations against expedition to Meridian. No. 69.Brig. Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations against expedition to Meridian. No. 70.Lient. Addison Harvey, commanding Scouts, of operations against expe- dition to Meridian. No. 71.Brig. Gen. Robert V. Richardson, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations on the Yazoo River. No. 72.Brig. Gen. Lawrence S. Ross, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of opera- tions on the Yazoo River. No. 1. Composition of the Meridian Expedition, under command of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, and the co-operating columns under command of Brig. Gen. JY. Soog Smith and Col. Jwnes H. Coates. SHERMANS ESCORT. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Company A, Lient. Samuel A. Lowe. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT. ,~ ~v FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAMES M. TUTTLE. First Brigade.* Second Brigade.t Col. WILLIAM L. McMILLEN. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. MOWER. 114th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John F. King. 47th Illinois, Col. John D. McClure. 93d Indiana, Maj. Samuel S. Crowe. 5th Minnesota, Col. Lucius F. Hubbard. 72d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Charles G. Eaton. 11th Missouri, Lieut. Col. William L. 95th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brum- Barnl~u. back. 8th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. John W. Jef- ferson. * The First Brigade and Battery E, First Illinois Light Artillery, co-operated Feb- ruary 6 to 15 withSmiths column moving from Memphis. and had no further part in the Meridian campaign. ~ Went into camp at Big Black River bridge, February 4. On February 27 the brigade started for Canton as guard to supply train for the army Page 169 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 109 Third Brigade.* Col. JAMES L. GEDDES. 8th Iowa, Lieut. Col. William B. Bell. 12th Iowa, Lieut. Col. John H. Stibbs, 35th Iowa, Col. Sylvester G. Hill. Artillery. Capt. NELSON T. SPOOR. 1st Illinois Light, Battery E (First Brigade), Lieut. John A. Fitch. Indiana Light, 6th Battery (Third Brigade), Lieut. Louis Kern. Iowa Light, 2d Battery (Second Brigade), Lieut. Joseph R. Reed. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW. 14th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Joseph H. New- bold. 27th Iowa, Col. James I. Gilbert. 32d Iowa, Col. John Scott. 24th Missouri, Col. James K. Mills. First Brigade. Col. DAVID MOORE. 58th Illinois, Col. William F. Lynch. 119th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Kinney. 89th Indiana, Col. Charles D. Murray. 21st Missouri, Major Edwin Moore. Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE. Col. RLSDON M. MOORE.t 49th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William W. Bishop. 117th Illinois, Col. Risdon M. Moore; Lieut. Col. Jonathan Merriam. 52d Indiana, Naj. William T. Strickland. 178th New York, Col. Edward Wehler. Artillery. Capt. JAMES M. COcKEFAIR. Indiana Light, 3d Battery, Lieut. Thomas J. Ginn. Indiana Light, 9th Battery, Capt. George R. Brown. Indiana Light, 14th Battery, Lieu$~. I~ancis W. Morse. First Brigade. Col. MILTON MONTGOMERY. 33d Missouri, Lieut. Col. William H. Heath. 35th New Jersey, Lient. Col. William A. Henry. 25th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. Jeremiah M. Rusk. FOURTH DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. JAMES C. VEATcH. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES H. HOWE. 25th Indiana, Lieu~t. Col. John Rheinlan- der.~ 17th New York (veteran), Col. William T. C. Grower. 32d Wisconsin, Maj. Charles H. De Groat. 2d Illinois Li~.,ht Artillery, Battery D (section), Capt. Charles S. Cooper. * Went into camp at Big Black River bridge, February 4. + In command from February 28. ~ Detachment Page 170 170 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON ESCORT. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Companies B, C, and D, Capt. Garrett Ji. Collins. 4th Independent Company Ohio Cavalry, Capt. John S. Foster. FIRST DIVISION. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS. 11th Iowa, Col. William Hall. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Batteries C 13th Iowa, Col. John Shane. and M (4 guns), Lieut. John H. 15th Iowa, Col. William W. Belknap. Tiemeyer. 16th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Addison H. San- ders. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT. Escort. 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, Company H, Capt. Ernest J. Meyers. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MANNING F. FORCE. Col. BENJAMIN F. POTTS. 20th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Daniel Bradley. 20th Ohio, Lieut. Col. John C. Fry. 31st Illinois, Lient. Col. Robert N. Pear- 32d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson J. Hib- son. bets. 45th Illinois, Maj. John 0. Duer. 68th Ohio, Lieut. Col. George E. Welles. 124th Illinois, Lieut. Col. John H. Howe. 78th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Greenberry F. Wiles. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JASPER A. MALTBY. 8th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Josiah A. Sheetz. 17th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Francis M. Smith. 30th Illinois, Col. Warren Shedd. 7th Missouri, Col. William S. Oliver. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. 1st Michigan Light, Battery H, Lieut. Marcus D. Elliott. Ohio Light, 3d Battery,* Lieut. Thomas J. Blackburn. * Detachment 26th Ohio Battery attached Page 171 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 171 FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MARCELLUS M. CROCKER. Escort. 11th Illinois Cavalry, Company G, Capt. Stephen S. Tripp. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. THOMAS KILnY SMITH. Col. CYRUS HALL. 41st Illinois, Lieut. Col. John H. Nale. 14th Illinois, Maj. John F. Nolte. 53d Illinois, Maj. Rolland H. Allison. 15th Illinois, Col. George C. Rogers. 3d Iowa, Maj. George W. Crosley. 76th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Charles C. 33d Wisconsin, Col. Jonathan B. Moore. Jones. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. WALTER Q. GRESHAM. 32d Illinois, Lient. Col. George H. English. 234 Indiana, Lieut. Col. William P. Davis. 53d Indiana, Lieut. Col. William Jones. - 12th Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. James K. Proudfit. Artillery. Capt. JOHN W. POWELL. 2d Illinois Light, Battery F, Lieut. Walter H. Powell. Ohio Light, 7th Battery, Lieut. Harlow P. McNaughton. Ohio Light, 15th Battery, Capt. Edward Spear, jr. CAVALRY. Col. EDWARD F. WINSLOW. 5th Illinois, Maj. Abel H. Seley. 11th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Lucien H. Kerr. 4th Iowa, Lient. Col. John H. Peters. 10th Missouri. Lieut. Col. Frederick W. Benteen. SMITHS COLUMN. Brig. Gen. W. SooY SMITH.* CAVALRY DIVIS~N4 Brig. Gen. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jr. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM P. HEPBURN. 2d Illinois (5 companies), Capt. Frank- 6th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Mathew H. Starr. lin Moore. 7th Illinois, Lieut. Col. George W. Traf- 7th Indiana, Col. John P. C. Shanks, ton. 4th Missouri,t Maj. Gustav Heinrichs. 9th Illinois, Lieu~Col. Henry B. Burgh. 2d New Jersey, Col. Joseph Karg6. 2d Iowa, Maj. Datus E. Coon. 19th Pennsylvania: 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery K, Lieut. Col. Joseph C. Hess. Lieut. Isaac W. Curtis. Maj. Amos J. Holahan. ~ * Chief of Cavalry, Military Division of the Mississippi. 16th Army Corps. ~ Companies A and B, brigade provost guard. In command from February 16. Page 172 172 KY., SW.VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Third Brigade. Col. LA FAYETTE McCIuLLIs. 3d Illinois (5 companies), Capt. Andrew B. Kirkbride. 72d Indiana (mounted infantry), Maj. Henry M. Carr. 5th Kentucky, Maj. Christopher T. Cheek. 2d Tennessee: Lient. Col. William R. Cook. * Maj. William F. Prosser. 3d Tennessee, Maj. John B. Minnis. 4th Tennessee, Lieut. Col. Jacob M. Thornburgh. UNASSIGNED. 4th United States, Capt. Charles S. Bowman. YAZOO EXPEDITION. Col. JAMES H. COATES. 11th Illinois, Maj. George C. McKee. 8th Louisiana (A. D.) Lieut. Col. Ferdinand E. Peebles. 1st Mississippi Cavalry (A. D.), Col. Embury D. Osband. No. 2. Abstract from returns for February 29, 1864, of the troops composing the Meridian Expedition and Smiths co-operating column. a Present for a a duty. ~ a ~n Command. bia ,12h a 0 0 a bi~ ~ .5 0 ~ Meridian Expedition: Sixteenth Army Corps: First Divisiont 174 2,752 3,518 4,558 8 Third Division 237 4,465 5,244 6,854 14 Fourth Division 102 1,935 2, 2Th 3,735 4 Seventeenth Army Corps: Headquarters 16 27 93 99 First Division (Third Brigade)t 88 1,331 1,517 2,329 4 Third Division 256 5, 133 6,309 8,640 16 Fourth Division 219 4,832 5,620 7,641 16 Cavalry 81 1,871 2.271 4,215 4 Total Meridian Expedition Memphis column: Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps Fourth U. S. Cavalry Total Memphis column Grand total 1,173 22,346 26,847 38,071 66 279 5,934 7,157 9,854 12 13 378 450 876 2l~ 6,312 7,607 10,730 12 I -~ -- 1,465 28,658 34,454 48,801 78 * Wounded and captured February 22. + Exclusive of First Brigade. ~ Compiled from regimental returns Page 173 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 173 No. 8. Reports of 3faj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, command- ing Department of the Tennessee. VICKSBURG, Miss., February 27, 1864. GENERAL: I got in this morning from Canton, where I left my army in splendid heart and condition. We reached Jackson February 6, crossed Pearl and passed through Brandon to Morton, where the enemy made dispositions for battle but fled in the night; pushed on over all obstacles and reached Meridian February 14. General Polk, having a railroad to assist him in his retreat, es- caped across the Tombigbee on the 17th. We staid at Meridian a week, and made the most complete de- struction of railroads ever beheld; south below Quitman, east to Cuba Station, 20 miles north to Lauderdale Springs, and west all the way back to Jackson. I could hear nothing of the cavalry force of General William Sooy Smith, ordered to be there by February 10. I inclose this by mail with a copy of his instructions. * I then began to move back slowly, making a circuit by the north to Canton, where I left the army yesterday in splendid condition. I will leave it there five days in hopes the cavalry from Memphis will turn up. Then I will have them come in. Banks writes he will be ready for his Red River trip March 5, and will want 10,000 men of me: I will run down to see him to- night; also Admiral Porter, who is near Red River. I know if we wipe out Shreveport as I have done Meridian you can safely call for 20,000 men from here and Arkansas in all April. t W. T. SHEPMAN, General J. A. RAWLINS, Major-General. Nashville, Tenn. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vick.~bw4~g, Miss., March 7, 1864. GENERAL: I now have the honor to submit a report of the recent operations in the State of Mississippi: You will remember that when in July last Vicksburg surrendered and a detachment from the Army of the Tennessee under my com- mand had pushed the rebel army of General Johnston into and be- yond Jackson, it was the purpose to go on eastward and destroy the remaining railroads of the State in and near Meridian. The period of the year, the intense heat an4%drought, and the condition of our men after the long siege of Vicksburg rendered the accomplishment of the plan then impracticable, and it had to be deferred to a later period. Events subseque~ntly occurred during September in East Tennes *See inclosure No. 3, p. 151. This dispatch without the inclosure was telegraphed to Halleck and Grant from Cairo, March 10, 1864 Page 174 I ~4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. see which called General Grant and my command to that quarter, bnt as soon as Chattanooga and Knoxville became secure and a respite was needed to repair the railroads to the rear, time and an opportunity were offered to accomplish what had before been de- signed. I offered, if permitted, to break up the useless line of railroad from Memphis to Corinth, to attempt the destruction of Meridian without calling for a single man from the army in the field. Accordingly, disposing of my then command so as to cover and assist in repairing the railroads from Nashville to Decatnr and Stevenson, with General Grants approval I returned in person to the Mississippi River, reaching Memphis January 10. I immediately ordered General Hnrlbnt to abandon Corinth and all minor points, draw in all public property, and forthwith prepare for field service two good divisions of 3,000 men each, ready to embark by the 25th. I fonnd General William Sooy Smith, chief of cavalry on General Grants staff, at Memphis. He had come from Middle Tennessee with abont 2,500 cavalry in pnrsuit of Forrest, who had in the mean time left West Tennessee and fallen back of the Tallahatchie. I ordered all the effective cavalry at once also to be assembled and got ready for the field. I fonnd on General Hurl- buts tn-monthly retnrn of January 10,1864, for duty, an aggregate of cavalry of 9,231, with 7,638 serviceable horses. This, with the 2,300 bronght with General Smith, gave us over 10,000 effective cavalrymen and horses. Having made these preliminary orders, I then hastened to Vicks- burg and gave General McPherson similar orders for two divisions of infantry and artillery; then back again to Memphis, where I remained until the 27th. In the meantime I learned the strength and distribution of the enemy I had to encounter, which was about as follows: On the 1st of February Lieutenant-General Polk, chief in command at Meridian, scattered companies of cavalry and infaiitry all over the State, collecting taxes and forcing conscriptsat Canton, Lorings division of infantry, 18 guns, and about 7,000 men; at Brandon, Frenchs broken division of 10 guns and 3,000 men; two brigades subsequently joined French from Mobile, making his force about 5,000. Major-General Forrest commanded the cavalry district of North Mississippi, headquarters at Como; estimated force, 4,000. Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Lee commai4do~ the southern district of Mis- sissippi, headquarters at Jackson. He had General Jacksons division of three brigades, Ross, Starkes, and Wirt Adams posted in a semicircle behind Yicksburg, and Fergusons brigade was at this time coming to Jackson from Okolona. Lees cavalry was about 4,000 strong. My object was to break up the enemys railroads at and about Meridian, and to do the enemy as much damage as possible in the month of February, and to be prepared by the 1st of March to assist General Banks in a similar dash at the Red River country, espe- cially Shreveport, the whole to result in widening our domain along the Mississippi River, and thereby set the troops hitherto necessary to guard the river free for other military purposes My plan of ction was as follows: General William Sooy Smith to move from Memphis by or before the 1st of February with an effect- ive force of 7,000 cavalry lightly equipped, to march straight on Pontotoc, Okolona, Columbus Junction (Artesia), and Meridian, t Page 175 CHAP. XLIV.] THE ~IERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 175 arrive there about February 10, distance 250 miles; to disregard all minor objects, to destroy railroads, bridges, corn not wanted, and strike quick and well every enemy that should offer opposition, while I with four good divisions of infantry and artillery would at the same time move from Vicksburg on the same objective points, 150 miles distant. When met at Meridian, being present in person, I could then order anew according to the then circumstances, condi- tion of roads; and time left at my disposal. I knew full well what would be the effect of this move, and in all my orders and instructions I dwelt particularly on the point of making no detachments, but to go straight to tliTe one sole object, leaving the minor matters to the future. I inclose herewith my instructions to General Smith with a copy of his report, and must say it is unsatisfactory. The delay in his start to the 11th of February, when his orders contemplated his being at Meridian on the 10th, and when he knew I was marching from Vicksburg, is unpardonable, and the mode and manner of his return to Memphis was not what I expected from an intended bold cavalry movement. I know that froni February 1st to the 17th all of Lees cavalry was to my front. We took daily prisoners from each brigade, so that General Smith had nothiiig to deal with except For- rest and the militia. I hope General Smith will make these points more clear to the general-in-chief, to whom he has returned at Nash- ville, as noted in his report. My own movement was successful in an eminent degree. We left Vicksburg February 3 in two columns, General Hurlbuts by Mes- singers and General McPhersons by the railroad bridge. We met no opposition till General Hurlbuts head of column reached Joe Davis plantation, and General McPhersons the Champion Hills. The 5th was one continued skirmish for 18 miles, but we did not allow the enemys cavalry to impede our march, but got into Jack- son that night on his heels, whipping him handsomeh and utterly disconcerting his plans. Loring and French were marcl:ing at the time to concentrate with the cavalry at Jackson, but were too late. We got into Jackson first, secured their pontoon bridge, repaired it, and commenced crossing Pearl River on the 6th, and on the 7th marched into Brandon. Next day, the 8th, the head of column reached Line Creek, 5 miles from Morton, and on the 9th we entered Morton, General McPherson leading. I halted him th~re~for the balance of the day to break railroads, and gave General Hurlbut the lead, and he kept it all the way into Meridian. Our march was steady and easy by Hillsborough and Decatur. Though cavalry moved on our flanks they gave ~s little -, Gncern, save in scaring in our stragglers and foi~aging parties. At the Tallahatta, 20 miles from Meridian, we found the road obstructed with fallen timber, and, satisfied the enemy was trying to save time to cover the removal of railroad property from Meridian, I droppo4 our trains with good escorts and pushed on over all obstructions straight for the Oktibbeha, where we iound the bridge burning. A large cotton gin, however, close by gave us good material, and a couple of hours sufficed for a new bridge, and we entered Meridian at 3.30 p. m. of the 14th with litfie opposition, and that was soon overcome by a battalion of Colonel Winslows cavalry fighting on foot. Frenchs division had gone the night before and Lorings before day that morning, Lees cavalry covering their retreat. Genera Page 176 176 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Polk had left for Demopolis at 10.30 that morning in the cars. One locomotive and a train were burning as we reached the depot, but all other rolling-stock had been removed to Mobile or toward Sehna, 107 miles distant. I knew we could not overtake the enemy before he would cross the Tombigbee, and in fact I was willing to gain onr point without battle, at so great a distance from the river, where the care of wonnded men would have so taxed our ability to provide for them. So I reste(l the army on the 15th, and on the 16th began a systematic and thorough destruction of the railroads centering at Meridian. The immense depots, warehouses, and length of side- track demonstrated the importance to the enemy of that place. Through it he has heretofore transported his armies and vast sup- plies, and by means of the railroads large amounts of corn, bacon, meal, and produce have been distribnted to his armies. For five days 10,000 men worked hard and with a will in that work of destruc- tion, with axes, crowbars, sledges, clawbars, and with fire, and I have no hesitation in pronouncing the work as well done. Merid- ian, with its depots, store-houses, arsenal, hospitals, offices, hotels, and cantonments no longer exists. To General Hnrlbut I intrusted the destruction north and east of the town, and to General McPherson south and west. The former reports to me officially the destruction of 60 miles of road, with ties burned and iron bent, one locomotive destroyed, and 8 bridges burned. The latter reports officially 55 miles of road destroyed, with 53 bridges and culverts burned, and 6,075 feet of trestle-work below Enterprise across a swamp burned, 19 locomotives, 28 cars, and 3 steam saw- mills destroyed and burned. The railroad is destroyed all the way from Jackson to Meridian, 100 miles; from Meridian to and includ- ing the large bridge over the Chickasawha bdow Quitman; north to and including a bridge at Lauderdale Springs, and east about 20 miles. The enemy cannot use these roads to our prejudice in the coming campaign. Having learned positively that the enemys infantry had crossed the Tombigbee eastward on the 17th, and there beimig nothing between me and the Pearl River but cavalry, which I could not strike with infantry, I remained at Meridian until the 20th of February, leav- ing me ten days to reach Yicksburg and keep my appointment with General Banks, and hearing nothing whatever of General Smith, I ordered General McPherson to m~we4ack slowly on the main road, taking four days to Hillsborough, while I, with General Hurlbuts command and Colonel Winslows cavalry, moved to the north to feel for General Smith. On the 20th, I moved from Marion Station toward Muckalusha Old Town, thence to Union, where I dispatched Colonel Winslow with three regiments of cavalry to Philadelphia and Louisville, some 50 miles in the direction of Columbus, over the very road by which General Grierson moved during his celebrated raid, and by which road I supposed he would feel for us. If no tNings could be had of the cavalry, Colonel Winslow was to send a couple of scouts to find General Smith and order him to come to me at Canton, after which Colonel Winslow was to swing across to Kosciusko and come to Canton. The two infantry columns came together as appointed on the 23d at Hillsborough. Next day we marched for Pearl River on separate roads, making for Ratliffs Ferry. Securing the ferry-boats there and at Edward Page 177 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MEHIDIAN EXPEDITION. 177 above, a good floating bridge was constructed by Captain Hicken- looper, of General McPhersons staff, and the army passed Pearl River, 25th and 26th. Leaving a division to cover the bridge in case our cavalry should make its appearance, the army was bivouacked near Canton, where Colonel Winslow had arrived, having executed his orders to the very letter, but with no tidings of Genei~al Smith. No enemy having troubled us during our march from Meridian to Canton, and anxious to afford our Memphis cavalry an opportunity to reach us, I left the army at Canton, rode into Vicksburg on the 28th, received my dispatches from General Banks, as expected, and sent orders back to General Hurlbut to remain there until the 3d of March, and then come into Vicksburg, while I hastened to New Orleans to confer with General Banks and Admiral Porter, and atljust the details of the next combined movement. I returned to Yicksburg on the 6th instant, found all my army in, and learned that General Smith had not started from Memphis at all till the 11th of February; had only reached West Point, and turned back on the 22d, the march back to Memphis being too rapid for a good effect. Nevertheless, on the whole, we accomplished all I un- dertook. Our march out and in from Vicksburg was well accom- plished; we beat the enemy wherever he opposed or offered resist- ance. We drove him out of Mississippi, destroyed the only remaining railroads in the State, the only roads by which he could maintain an army in Mississippi threatening to our forces or the main river. We subsisted our army and animals chiefly on his stores, brought away about 400 prisoners and full 5,000 negroes, about 1,000 white refu- gees, about 3,000 animals (horses, mules, and oxen), and any quantity of wagons and vehicles. Beyond Pearl River we destroyed all C. S. A. cotton and all that was used in the enemys work at Meridian; also many cotton-gins and piles of cotton were burned by our soldiers and by negroes, without orders and without detection. I attach little importance to these matters, but the great result attained is the hardihood and confidence imparted to the command, which is now better fitted for war. Animals and men returned to Vicksburg after marching from 360 to 450 miles in the space of the shortest month in the year, in better health and condition than when we started. Our losses may be summed up as follows: Command. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. General Huributs 5 21 26 52 General McPhersons 7 21 46 74 Cavalry 9 26 9 44 Aggregate loss of men* 21 68 81 hO We lost some mules and wagons that were out ~oraging, but the mules were soon replaced by captured animals, so tli at no delay re- sulted. I know of no wagons lost save nine, reported verbally by General Hurlbut as having occurred after I came in from Canton. Contemporaneous with these events was a diversion made on Mo- bile. I had requestedit of General Banks before starting from Vicks- burg, and he devolved it on Admiral Farragut. Occurring at the * But see detailed statement in Addenda, P. 191. 12 R RvoL XXXII, PT Page 178 178 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. same time as my movement, it completely deceived our enemy, and resulted in an order for the removal of all its non-combatant popu- lation and caused great alarm, which seems to have spread through all Alabama. Their time is not yet, but will come in the due order of events. I also sent at the same time, February 3, up the Yazoo a combined expedition of gun-boats and transports. Knowing that our move- ment inland would draw off force from the Yazoo, I asked Admiral Porter to send up the Yazoo a fleet of his light-clad boats to explore the Yazoo, Sunflower, and all tributaries where a sufficient draught of water could be found, which he did, viz: Five gun-boats, under com- mand of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U. S. Navy, and I sent along five transports, with two regiments, one of white, Eleventh Illinois, Colonel Coates, and one of black troops. My instrnctious for this expedition are submitted herewith. I suppose it fulfilled its objects, although Colonel Coates has not yet returned and reported, but for some reason, which he will explain, after going up as far as Fort Pemberton, he returned and disembarked at Yazoo City, sending his boats to Vicksburg with cotton and forage. He reports officially having sent in 1,521 bales of cotton, and that the gun-boats had se- cured 207. I have ordered 1,000 bales to be delivered to the Treasury agent, and I ask that its proceeds be applied to indemnify boats that have sustained damage while engaged in a licensed and lawful com- inerce such as the Allen Collier, burned by the guerillas at Bolivar Landing, and the Von. Phnl, fired on at Morganza Bend. The bal- ance of this cotton I have placed with the post quartermaster at Vicksburg, with orders to General McPherson to appoint a board to pay back in kind such loyal persons as Mrs. Grose and Dr. Dizincaii for cotton used by our hospitals or burned by guerrillas. It is folly for us to attempt to indemnify all, but in this way we can give a support to the smaller claimants and encourage them to cultivate their plantations. The sooner all the cotton in the Southern States is burned or got away the better, for it is the cause of filhng our boats and towns with a class of heartless speculators that would cor- rupt our officers and men and sell their lives by foolish exposure that they might get out stolen cotton and buy it cheap. The full official reports of Generals Hurlbut and McPherson are not yet in, but as soon as received they will be forwarded, with amap showing our routes of march, & c. The country is indebted to Genei~M~Hurlbut and McPherson, the actual commanders of the troops in this expedition, whose experi- ence and skill left me an easy task, partaking more of the character of a pleasant excursion than of hard military service. Colonel Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanded the advance guard, and handled his cavalry brigade with skill and success. His flank attack on the heavy cavalry force of the enemy before Jack- son, and his rapid pursuit into Jackson, securing to us the use of the enemys pontoons, entitles him to promotion a~ brigadier of cavalry. I must also give him the credit due for his march from Union on Louisville and Kosciusko, and for making his junction with the main body of the army at Canton at the time appointed. I have thanked in orders the officers and soldiers of the command for their cheerfulness and for their eagerness to fight, to march, or to work day or night as required, but I must leave to corps com- manders the duty of recording their individual acts of merit. * * For Shermans coi~gratu1atory order see p. 187 Page 179 CHAr. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 179 In organizing and conducting this expedition I have been admira- bly seconded by my personal staff, viz, Major McCoy and Captains Dayton and Audenried. I hardly know how to reward them sub- stantially, further than to commend them to the favorable notice of our Government. To Lieutenant-Colonel Bingham, my chief quartermaster, the only member of my general staff that I took from department headquar- ters, I am greatly indebted. Through him were obtained the steam- boats and means by which these troops were so rapidly assembled and concentrated at great distan ces promptly on time. When Colonel Coates makes me the official report of his operations up the Yazoo, I will indorse it according to my judgment at the time. Accompanying this I send a complete file of orders and letters of instruction issued during the expedition. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant W. T. SHERMAN Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, lJIajor-General. Chief of Staff. [Inclosure No. I.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE Maj. Gen. ~. A. HURLBUT, Memphis, January 11, 1864. Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: SIR: The time is now for the execution of a design long contem- plated, which must be improved, else we may lose a step in the natural development of events. You know what I refer to and therefore I need not repeat it. Everything must give way to the execution of our purpose. You will therefore at once organize out of the Sixteenth Army Corps two strong divisions of infantry, at least 5,000 strong each, with proportionate artillery, amid one of cav- alry of same strength; in all 15,000 men exclusive of the cavalry force recently arrived under General W. Sooy Smith. To enable you to effect this combination, I hereby direct the force at Padncah to be reduced to three companies, Cairo to seven, Columbus to one white and one negro regiment, Memphis to,~ two black and two white regiments. All the Memphis and Charleston road to be abandoned save so much of it as can be safely held with tIme remainder of the troops not herein embraced. Abandon Corinth and Fort Pillow absolutely, removing all public property to Cairo or Memphis; also leave all black troops amid such of the local Tennessee regiments as can be employed, with minute instructions to the commanders of posts at Paducah, Columbus, Cairo, Memphis, and such others as you judge best to have fixed to organize and arm the loyal citizens for self-defense. Citizens who volunteer to de~nd their towiis, counties, and neighborhoods against the enemy from without or within, should be protected and encouraged in tbeir laudable efforts; and if you will devise a system applicable to West Tennessee and Kentucky and North Mississippi I will ratify and approve it, making it uniform throughout the sphere of this command. Troops held too long in a city like Memphis, or even at a fixed post with bar- racks, become enervated. I wish, therefore, a general change to take place, and all the men put into camp or bivouac as remote fro Page 180 180 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. towns as possible. The present garrison of Memphis, save the negro regiment, should form the nucleus of one of the infantry divisions named and encamp, say, at Germantown, where they can march inland or into Memphis for embarkation on one days notice. Make the civil authorities guard their own towns, and hold them respon- sible that they preserve good order and government. Let the agents of the U. S. Treasury Department manage e~clusively all matters of trade and internal intercourse. This is clearly the law of Congress, and if it be wise or unwise it is not for us to say. This will manifest itself in due time, and in the mean time it sets free the hosts of local guards and officers whose time has heretofore been absorbed in civil matters. I expect you to take command of the two divisions of infantry in the field. In assigning and transferring regiments nuder this order, I advise you to organize Dodges com- mand into two divisions, adding to his present command say two or three more regiments, which can by him be reported detached. You might send to Dodge one or more brigadiers. Please report to me to-morrow, or next day at furthest, your action under this order, as I will go to Yicksburg and return before we actually move, but all must be complete in ten days at furthest. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. [Inciosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksbnrg, Jannary 17, 1864. Maj. Geit. JNMES B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps, Viclesbnrg, iJilliss.: DEAR GENERAL: I have the statement showing the number of troops at the different posts and stations in your command, and am well satisfied with the aggregate. I believe we now have at our disposal here and at Memphis an available force adequate to break the enemys railroad communication with the State of Mississippi. I mean to break up the railroad at Meridian and as far east as Demop- ohs. I propose to go back to Memphis, and about the 24th or 25th instant to start a force of cavalry of about 7,000, under command of Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smit~i ,to move from La Grange, via Ripley, Pontotoc, and Columbus, down to Meridian, following sub- stantially the Mobile and Ohio Road, breaking it at numerous points. At the same time I will embark two divisions of infantry of the Sixteenth Corps, under Major-General Hurlbut, and hasten to Vicks- burg, where they will disembark and march, via Messiugers, Jack- son, Brandon, & c., to Meridian, timing our march so as to co-operate with the cavalry. I want you to make up two divisions of infantry, artillery, and cavalry to march at the same time via Big Black bridge, Champions Hill, Jackson, & c. I wi~l command in person. I will depend on you to provide pontoons and bridge material for crossing Gener9l Hurlbuts conimand at Messingers, and also a bridge near the old railroad bridge for your own command, so that no delay may~occur there. On arrival at Jackson, we can make a bridge over the Pearl out of material there. I want your command to be about 10,000 aggregate, and your artillery to embrace at least two 20-pounder Parrotts and a battery of either 10-pounder Parrotts or 3 inch Rodman guns. We must leave Yicksburg safe in an Page 181 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MEHIDIAN EXPEDITION. 181 contingency and a guard at Big Black and at Haynes Bluff, and to enable you to do this you can abandon the posts at Skipwiths and Goodrichs. In the present condition of water I do not think the danger of molestation to boats at those points enough to warrant the force now there. On passing Skipwiths I will see Captain Owen, of the Navy, and ask him to send you a light-draught gun- boat to go to Haynes Bluff, and I wish you to send her up with a couple of transports carrying a couple of regiments to reconnoiter the Yazoo above Yazoo City, and to obtain forage on the Sunflower or on the Yazoo. If the Yazoo be found in a fair stage I will, at the same time with our movement inland, make a feint up that river, it may be, as high as Greenwood. Knowing the objects of the movement, I will rely on your making all the preparations possible between this and the 25th instant, by which time you may expect my return. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, liifajor- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Brig. Gen. WILLIAM Soov SMITH, Memphis, January 27, 1864. Commanding Cavalry, & c., present: DEAR GENERAL: By an order issued this day I have placed all the cavalry of this department subject to your command. I estimate you can make a force of full 7,000 men, which I believe to be supe- rior and better in all respects than the combined cavalry which the enemy has in all the State of Mississippi. I will in person start for Vicksburg to-day, and with four divisions of infantry, artillery, and cavalry move out for Jackson, Brandon, and Meridian, aiming to reach the latter place by February 10. General Banks will feign on Pascagoula, and General Logan on Rome. I want you with your cavalry to move from Colhervmlle on Pontotoc and Okolona; thence sweeping down near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, disable that road as much as possible, consume or destroy the resources of the enemy along that road, break up the connection with Columbus, Miss., and finally reach me at or near Meridian as near the date I have men- tioned as possible. This will call for great energy of action on your part, but I believe you are equal to it, a4ld you have the best and most experienced troops in the service, and they will do anything that is possible. General Grierson is with you, and is familiar with the whole country. I will send up from Haynes Bluff an expedition of gun-boats and transports combined to feel up the Yazoo as far as the present stage of water will permit. This will disconcert the enemy. My movement on Jackson will also divide the enemy, so that by no combination can he reach you with but a part of b~is force. I wish you to attack any force of cavalry you meet and follow them southward, but in no event be drawn into the forks of the streas that make up the Yazoo nor over into Alabama. Do not let the enemy draw you into minor affairs, but look solely to the greater object, to destroy his communication from Okolona to Meridian and thence eastward to Selma. From Okc~lona south you will find abundance of forage col- lected along the railroad, and the farms have standing corn in the. fields. Take liberally of all these, as well as horses, mules, cattle, & c. As a rule respect dwellings and families as something to Page 182 18~? KY., SW. YR., TKNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. sacred to be disturbed by soldiers, but mills, barns, sheds, stables, and such like things use for the benefit and convenience of your com- mand. If convenient, send into Columbus and destroy all the ma- chinery there and the bridge across the Tombigbee, which enables the enemy to draw the resources of the east side of the valley, but this is not of sufficient importance to delay your movement. Try and conimunicate with me by scouts and spies from the time you reach Pontotoc. Avoid any large force of infantry, leaving them to me. We have talked over this matter so much that the above covers all points not provided for in my published orders of to-day. I am, yours, & c., ~. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 4.1 SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQ RS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 11. ~ Memphis, Tenn., January 27, 186{. I. Major-General Huribut will, with the command recently organ- ized here, proceed with all dispatch to Vicksburg, and move out on the upper Jackson road to the Big Black near Messingers, and pre- pare a bridge to cross his command to the east. He will then await the arrival of the general commanding. II. Major-General McPherson will move his command, as hereto- fore ordered, to the Big Black railroad bridge, and there prepare to cross to the east. He will leave a covering force at Vicksburg, Haynes Bluff, and the bridge, and will be prepared to iuove from Big Black eastward at an hours notice. III. The command designated for the field will be lightly equipped no tents or luggage save what is carried by the officers, men, and horses. Wagons must be reserved for food and ammunition. Car- tridge-boxes must be filled full of fresh ammunition, and a hundred rounds extra carried along in wagons or on pack animals. Ten days meat and bread and thirty days of salt, sugar, and coffee will be carried in wagons; beef-cattle driven along, and pack aninials, at the rate of one per company, when practicable, in lieu of wagons. IV. Artillery will be cut down one-half, and that double-teamed, and 200 rounds of ammunition for each gun will suffice, but must be carried in caissons belonging to each battery. Artillery carriages must not be loaded down with men and packs, nor must imperfect ammunition be carried along, nor shots wasted at imaginary objects. Chiefs of artillery will see that each box is inspected, and the heavy artillery wagons aiid forges left at the depots. V. The expedition is one of celerity, and all things must tend to that. Corps commanders and staff officers will see that our move- ments are not embarrassed by wheeled vehicles iniproperly loaded. Not a tent will be carried, from the commander-in-chief down. The sick must be left behind, and the surgeons can find houses and sheds for all hospital purposes. VI. All cavalry in the department is placeP under the orders and command of Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, who will receive special in- structions. * *5 * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp Page 183 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 183 [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Viclcsburg, Miss., January 30, 1864. Major-General MCPHERSON, Corndg. Seventeenth Army Gorps, Viclcsburg: GENERAL: Pursuant to my verbal instructions of to-day you have designated the Eleventh Illinois and Eighth Louisiana Regiments to make the expedition up the Yazoo. I wish you would instruct the commanding officer as follows: To act in perfect concert with Cap- tain Owen, U. S. Navy, who acts under my orders by instructions from Admiral Porter. He is instructed simultaneonsly with our move- ment inland to explore and scout the Yazoo and Sunflower, to make the planters along those rivers feel that they are to be held responsi- ble for the safety of the navigation of so much of the Mississippi as lays parallel with the Yazoo. Instruct the officer in command to collect a thousand bales of cotton to be delivered to the agents of the U. S. Treasury, to be converted into money with which to indemnify the owners of the steamer Allen Collier, burned in the Mississippi River opposite Bolivar County; for the cotton and gins of Dr. Dun- caii, recently burned by guerrillas on his plantation near Skipwiths, and other minor depredations on our lawful commerce. Let these boats also collect corn and forage, giving receipts only to the quiet and loyal people, but not to the disloyal. Let the commanding of- ficer impress on the people that we shall periodically visit that coun- try and destroy property or take it, as long as parties of Confeder- ate troops or guerrillas infest the river banks. If, on the contrary, the inhabitants will organize for their own self-defense and for pro- tecting their country from the acts of unfriendly parties, we will gradually open to them a friendly intercourse and trade. All bands of guerrillas or Confederates must be engaged, and if possible pun- ished. This expedition should be up the Yazoo two or three weeks, and should visit every navigable part of the Yazoo and its tributa- ries as far up as Fort Pemberton, Greenwood, or Sidon. The com- manding officer should act in concert with Captain Owen, and if the expedition reaches its destination in a less time than herein indicated, and if an opportunity offers, he may disembark and visit Grenada, or some point on the Central Mississippi Road, breaking itso effectu- ally that it cannot be used by the enemy. Great discretion should be left to the officer in charge, the chiQ.f object being to show a force up in those waters while we are occupied in a different quarter, and while General Sooy Smith is sweeping down from Memphis toward Okolona and Meridian. The enemy must not be allowed to flee and seek shelter from this party near the Yazoo. I ani, with respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE Admiral D. D. POUTER, Vicksbnrg, January 30, 1864. Comdg. Mississippi Squadron, C~airo, ill.: DEAR ADMIRAL: I arrived here last night in the Juliet. I saw Captain Owen in passing Skipwiths, and he was ready to follow to Page 184 184 KY., SW. Vi., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. day. I have selected two fine regiments in five boats to accom- pany him, and have ordered Ellets Marine Brigade to protect the river in the district hitherto guarded by Captain Owen. I will make my letter to Captain Owen very full, asking him to ascend the Yazoo as far as he deems possible, and acting in such a manner as to show the planters along the Yazoo and Snnfiower that we can reach them and punish them in case they connive at the attacks on onr boats in the Mississippi. I have this moment received a letter from General Banks indicating his pnrpose to engage in the Red River expedition in concert with General Steele and myself. My orders from General Grant are to strike Meridian, and he sends me a letter from General Halleck which shadows forth the joint execu- tion of the movement on Shreveport. General Banks is sending an officer np to Cairo to engage boats and supplies. He is taking time by the forelock, and I am willing he shonld do so, but I know when the time comes I will be prepared as soon as any. You must take the initiative, as the gun-boats mnst carry the heavy ordnance, and we should not engage Shreveport until you can put your gun-boats (iron-clad) into the fight. I can be back to Vicksbnrg by the end of February, by which time Red River should be in good boating order. I have a man in from Alexandria, La., bringing me messages from my friends there, but he says when he left there eight days ago the falls were only passable to the lightest-draught boats. Dick Taylor is down at Fort De Russy, which is at one of the Marksville landingsdoubtless Normans, the same where the Queen of the West was taken. Taylor has three brigades with him. This fort can be turned by Banks moving upon Alexandria from Opelousas. Steele should move on Shreveport from Little Rock, and you and I should go straight up Red River. Some one mind should control the whole. I inclose you a telegraphic message* for General Grant, which I be gyon to send to him and send me his answer. March 1 should be fixed as the date for us to enter Red River. Truly, your friend, ~. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Viclcsburg, ]lliiss., January 30, 1864. Lieut. Commander E. K. OWEN, U~. S~ Navy, Gommanding Fifth Division, Mississippi Squadron: DEAR SIR: In furtherance of the expedition proposed up the Yazoo, I will endeavor to explain the objects and purposes aimed at: You are aware that a large cavalry force will leave Memphis about Monday next, directing its course, via Ripley, Pontotoc, Oko- lona, and Columbus, to Meridian. I will leave Yicksburg about the same time with a strong force of infantry and artillery for the same point via Jackson and Brandon. I desire to confuse the enemy as to our plans, and know that the appearance o~ a force up the Yazoo as far as possible will tend to that result. I propose at the same time to have the expedition fulfill other important ends. I have ordered General McPherson to embark here on five good steam-boats the Eleventh Iflinois Infantry (white) and Eighth Louisiana (black) to accompany your fleet. These will be commanded by an experm * See Part II, p.270 Page 185 CaAp. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 185 enced officer (Colonel Coates), who will be instructed~to act in per- fect concert with you. He will not take artillery, as the gun-boats will have that, and it is not designed he should operate far from your boats. Should you find an enemy at Satartia or Yazoo City, I want them engaged, whether you drive them off or not. The mo- ment they find I have crossed Big Black they will make off. Then pass up the Yazoo as far as possibleto Greenwood; destroy all fiats or means used by the enemy to cross from the east to the west; take all C. S. A. cotton you choose as prize, and the transport boats will be ordered to take the private cotton which is abandoned or held by disloyal citizens to barricade their engines and to bring it away to be sold, to make a fund out of which to indemnify the owners of boats that have been destroyed or damaged by the enemy. Impress on the people along Yazoo and Sunflower that we intend to hold them responsible for all acts of hostility to the river commerce. The planters along the Mississippi have been damaged enough, and it is now their turn to feel that war may reach their doors. If the enemy burns cotton we dont care. It is their property and not ours, but so long as they have cotton, corn, horses, or anything, we will appropriate it or destroy it so long as their confederates in war act in violence to us and our lawful commerce. They must be active friends or enemies. They cannot be silent or neutral. I have ordered up the Marine Brigade (General Ellet) to replace your division of light-draught gun-boats. I think now is the time, with almost absolute certainty that the Yazoo v~ill be on the rise, for us to make a good impression on the Yazoo and Sun- flower country. If the planters find that we can make a yearly visitation and clean up old scores they will give less encouragement to the enemy, which has heretofore crossed over to the Mississippi and annoyed our steam-boats. They may protest against our hold- ing them responsible for the acts of the Confederate authorities, but in war we have a perfect right to produce results in our own way, and should not scruple too much at the means, provided they are effectual. I would like you to be prepared to explore the Yazoo and Sunflower Rivers perfectly, and think you should take three weeks or a month in the operation. A force of about 3,200 men, under General Hawkins, will occupy Haynes Bluff, and you can communi- cate through him with the admiral or myself. Do not hesitate to take any kind of provisions or fire-wood, for the enemy must not only pay for damages inflicted on our comnwrce but for the expenses incurred in the suppression. You may assure the inhabitants from me that the moment they can assure us that order and peace are preserved along the Yazoo and Mississippi abreast of them they will be allowed free commerce and intercourse with \~icksburg. I am, with respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 8.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near Decatur, Miss., February 11, 1864. I. To expedite ou~ march the following dispositions are ordered to be made during to-morrow, to go into effect the next day, viz, Feb- ruary 113: To each regiment will be allowed two wagonsone for cartridges and one for bread and cooking utensilsand two amb Page 186 186 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. lances. To each general division and brigade headqnarters one wagon. All other vehicles will constitute a general train under escort of one regiment to a division and one battery, to be designated by General McPherson. II. The army, thns relieved of baggage, will further be reduced by all men who are sick and unable to march, who will remain with the wagon train, and will march the next morning early, each regi- ment followed by its own wagons and ambulances, and colonels of regiments will see that the wagons are helped through bad places in the road. Each man mnst carry a full proportion of ammunition and provisions for five days (three days fnll rations). III. The wagons and escorts thns detached will follow behind the army as far as Chunky River, and there await further orders. The army itself will move by Decatur directly on Meridian, and General McPherson will send one regiment of his corps from Decatnr on the railroad, with instrnctions to keep abreast of him, and in its progress to destroy bridges, culverts, and track of the railroad at the rate of about 12 miles a day. IV. The cavalry and monnted officers will carry on their horses the necessary blankets and provisions for the ride, and trust to the conntry for forage. V. Captain Hickenlooper, of General McPhersons staff, will or- ganize a strong pioneer and working party, and keep close np to the cavalry advance, repairing bridges and roads, so as to expedite onr march. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. [Inclosure No. 9.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 17. ~ Meridian, Miss., February 14, 1864. I. The destruction of the railroads intersecting at Meridian is of great importance, and should be done most effectually. Every tie and rail of iron for many miles in each direction should be absolutely destroyed or injured, and every bridge and culvert completely de- stroyed. To insure this end, to General Hurlbut is intrusted the destruction east and north, and to General McPherson the roads west and south. The troops should be impressed with the impor- tance of this work, and also .that time is material, and therefore it should be begun at once and prosecTit~ with all the energy possible. Working parties should be composed of about one-half of the com- mands, and they should niove by regiments, provided with their haversacks and arms, ready to repel attacks of cavalry. The other half, in reserve, will be able to watch the enemy now retreating east- ward. II. Colonel Winslow, commanding cavalry, will keep his cavalry in advance of the party working eastward, and act as though this army was slowly pursuing the enemy. Ill. Special instructions will be given as to the general supply train, and the troops now in Meridian will by proper brigade parties collect meal, meat, and supplies. The destruction of buildings must be deferred un~l the last moment, when a special detail will be made for that purpose. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, A i(lC-(IC- Camp Page 187 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 187 [Inclosure No. 10.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 18. Meridian, ]Iiiss., February 15, 1864. The general commanding conveys his congratulations and thanks to the officers and men composing this command for their most suc- cessful accoin Meridian, the plishment of one of the great problems of the war. great railway center of the Southwest, is now in our possession, and by industry and hard work can be rendered useless to the enemy and deprive him of the chief source of supply to his armies. Secrecy in plan and rapidity of execution accomplish the best results in war, and the general commanding assures all, by fol- lowing their leaders fearlessly and with confidence, they will in time reap the reward so dear to us alla peace that will never again be disturbed in our country by a discontented minority. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. [Inclosure No. 11.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, IIDQRs. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 19. Meridian, Miss., February 15, 1864. I. General McPherson will move one division of his command early to-morrow morning southward, on the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, with instructions to do as much daiuage to bridges, culverts, and track of the road and any property of the enemy as possible, in- cluding private saw-mills, as far as and including the bridges over Oktibbeha and Chickasawha Creeks, in the neighborhood of Quit- man. II. The officer in command will report back to General McPherson or the general commanding promptly all information gathered re- specting the movements of the enemy. III. Colonel Winslow, commanding cavalry, will send one regi- ment of his command to accompany this expedition, the senior offi- cer reporting for instructions to the officer in command of the divis- ion designated by General McPherson in compliance with this order. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-dc-Camp. [Inclosure No. 12.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, JIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 20. Meridian, Miss., February 18, 1864. I. Having fulfilled completely and well all the objects of the ex- pedition, the troops will return to the Mi~sissippi River to embark in another equally important movement. II. The Sixteenth Army Corps, Major-General Hurlbuts command, and the cavalry commanded by Colonel Winslow, will march from Marion by way of Union and Hillsborough, and the Seventeenth Corps, Major-General McPherson, and the general train from Merid- ian by Decatur and Hillsborongh, each taking four days in reaching Hillsborough. At that point each corps will resume charge of its own train and march by routes to be indicated by the general-in Page 188 188 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. chief. The march will begin on the 20th instant, and the corps commanders will not pass Union and Decatur until they have com- municated with each other by couriers across at those points. Ill. Buildings must not be burned on the return march, save by order of the commanding general of a corps or division, unless they are used as a cover to the enemy from which to fire at our men. Then any commissioned officer may cause them to be destroyed, and report the fact to bis division commander. IV. The march should be conducted slowly (about 15 miles per day) and in good order. Foraging parties must be strong and well commanded. There is no seeming danger, but every precaution should be taken against cavalry dashes at our trains. The wagons should be distributed by brigades along the column, and not kept in a single corps train. V. The general commanding will accompany General Hurlbuts column, and reports will be made accordingly. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. [Inclosure No. 13.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, liD QES. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 21. Canton, Jliliiss., February 26, 1864. I. The troops composing the expedition will rest at and near Can- ton until the general commanding can ride to Vicksbnrg and dis- patch back orders for the next movement dependent on the state of affairs since our departure. The following dispositions will be made of the troops : * 1. General Hurlbut will cause the crossing at Big Black to be recon- noitered and boats and materials collected to build a bridge if ordered or needed. 2. The Sixteenth Corps will occupy the space from Canton to the Big Black on the Yazoo City road. The Seventeenth Corps the space from Canton to Pearl River by the road on which we marched. 3. General McPherson will cause the bridge built on the Pearl River by his pioneers to be guarded till the last moment of its utility to us, when it must be destroyed in toto. 4. The cavalry will take post to the north and east of Canton, and will picket and scout out daily bet~we~n Pearl and Big Black Rivers at least 20 miles. II. Corps commanders will, at the earliest practicable moment, dispatch into Vicksburg, under escort of three or four regiments entitled to furloughs by reason of re-enlistment, all the surplus wagons and captured stock, all sick and wounded men, all pris- oners, negroes, and indeed everything that is an impediment or dead weight to the army, retaining only the effective force of sol- diers and servants and the necessary transportation for short move- ments. III. General Tuttle, commanding at Big Black, will dispatch imme- diately, under escort of one of his regiments, about 60 wagon loads of hard bread, sugar, salt, and coffee in the proportion of the rations to be divided l~etween the two corps of the army, including the cay- *A copy of this order was forwarded by Brig. Gen. W. H. Jackson to Maj. Gen. S. D. Lee, March 6 Page 189 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 189 airy and Tuttles brigade with the Sixteenth Corps. To produce the equality, this train xviii come out by Edwards Depot, Queens Hill Church. Brownsville, and Livingston. IV. General Huribut will cause a section of about 10 miles of the Mississippi Central Railroad north of and including the bridge over Big Black to be effectually destroyed, and General McPherson will cause a similar break at and south of Canton. General McPherson wili also cause the locomotives and cars to be utterly destroyed with powder if necessary. V. Colonel Winslow will detail a regiment entitled to furlough by reason of re-enlistment to report to the general commanding at 7 a. in. to-morrow, without wagons and with two days rations, to escort him to Big Black bridge. VI. Lieutenant Vernay, acting aide-de-camp to Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson, will proceed to Vicksburg, Miss., as bearer of special verbal instructions, and await the arrival of the general-in-chief. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, * Aide-de- Camp. [Inclosure No. 14.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 22. Vicksburg, February 28, 1864. I. The army in the field, now at Canton, will remain there till about March 3 to hear from and assist, if necessary, the cavalry expedition under command of Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, which should have left Memphis February 2 at furthest, but did not until about the 11th. If heard from, General McPherson with his corps will await his arrival, or till he can communicate with him, and order Genera] Smith to the vicinity of Big Black bridge to await further orders, or to act offensively should a cavalry force of the enemy appear this side of Pearl River. II. General Huribut will, about March 3, move his command across Big Black at or near Moores Bluff, and come to Vicksburg prepared to embark for Red River about March 7 next. III. Should General McPherson hear of the safety of the cavalry conimand referred to, or hear no tidings at all of it on or before the 3d next, he also will move down the pe~im~ula between Pearl River and Big Black to the bridge at Messingers, or at the railroad bridge, and resume his former command at Vicksburg and district. IV. The chief quartermaster of the 4epartment will collect a number of steam-boats suitable for the Red River of a capacity to transport 10,000 men, with artillery, ordnance, and subsistence stores for thirty days operations, to be ready at Vicksburg by March 7. V. The commissary of subsistence at Vicksburg will place at Haynes Bluff three days rations for General Ht~rlbuts command of 10,000 men, to be drawn by him on his way down, and the same for General McPhersons corn man(l at the Big Black bridge. VI. The ordnance officer will be prepared to ship on board steam- boats, at the date kfore named, the mortars and 30-pounder Par- rotts with all their ammunition on hand, and also a supply of musket ammunition equal to 200 rounds per man for 10,000 men Page 190 190 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. VII. Lieutenant Vernay, aide-de-camp to General McPherson, will collect all the mail matter and newspapers he can obtain for the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, and convey the same to the army at Canton, and Colonel Winslow, chief of cavalry, will fur- nish him an escort of 200 men, all to start on March 1. VIII. Col. E. F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry~ will proceed with the re-enlisted veterans of that regiment to Iowa, and grant furloughs for thirty days after their arrival at Keokuk. At the ex- piration of the furloughs he will meet them at some rendezvous on the Mississippi River, and reconduct them back to the regiment at or near Vicksburg, Miss. IX. The quartermasters department will provide the necessary transportation to and back. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp. [Inclosure No. 15.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, RDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 24. Vicksburg, Miss., March 6, 1864. I. General Hurlbut will, out of his First and Third Divisions, make up a command of about 7,500 infantry, with two good bat- teries of artillery, the whole under command of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, to embark on the 7th and 8th instant on board of transports, with thirty days rations and provided for an expedition up Red River. Only two ambulances per regiment and one for each battery, and one wagon for each headquarters, will be taken along, and the remaining wagons and sick will be left at Vicksburg, to be taken care of until the command returns to Vicksburg. II. General McPherson will, in like manner, make up a command of about 2,500 men, with one good battery, under a brigadier of rank inferior to that of General A. J. Smith, prepared in like manner to embark on boats on the 7th and 8th instant. The gen- eral in command to report in person to General A. J. Smith, who will receive full and minute instructions from the general com- manding. III. Corps commanders will at once order a part of the re-enlisted regiments of their corps to their respectivi States, where organized, for a furlough of thirty days therein, with full instructions as to procuring additional recruits and rejoining their proper brigades with dispatch on the expiration of their furloughs. The officers and soldiers thus sent on furloughs should be impressed with the impor- tance of their return on time, as military plans can only be based on a positive knowledge of numbers and time. IV. Brigadier-General Veatchs command will proceed via Cairo and the Tennessee River with all its men, guns, transportation, and materials to join the command of General D~lge at or near Athens, Ala. V. The chief quartermaster of the department will provide the necessary transportation to carry out these orders and those issued February 28, 1~64. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp Page 191 CHAP. XLIV.] TILE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ADDENDA. Return of Ccisualties in the Union forces. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Command. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HUELBUT. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDEEW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Col. DAviD MooaE. Killed. a 0 Wounded. a 0 0 58th Illinois 119th Illinois 89th Indiana Total First Brigade Second Brigode. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW. 14th Iowa 32d Iowa Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. EnwARn H. WOLFE. Col. RIsnoN SI. MooRE. 49th Blinois 117th Illinois 52d Indiana 178th New York Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. JAMES H. COcEEFAIR. Indiana Light, 9th Battery Total Third Division FOURTH DIVI5ION.a Brig. Gen. JAMES C. VEATcH. First Brigade. Col. MILTON MONTGOMERY. 35th New Jersey Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JAMES H. HOWE. 17th New York (veterau) 3~d Wisconsin 2d Illinois Light Artillery, BatteryD (section)..... Total Second Brigade Total Fourth Division Total Sixteenth Army Corps 191 Captured or missing. 0 ~ 2 1 12 3 5 14 4 6 3 1 20 24 19 19 1 3 4 1 5 6 I 1 27 29 2 1 6 5 . 12 1 33 2 1 10 6 30 47 3 4 16 1 82 103 1 4 17 22 1 4 17 22 1 10 Ii I 5 6 1 1 1~ 2 15 18 6 32 40 6j 22 1 114 143 a Detachment Page 192 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. IS 0 0 SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON. FIRST DIVISION. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS. 11th Iowa 13th Iowa 15th Iowa 16th Iowa 1St Missouri Light Artillery, Batteries C and M.. Total Third Brigade a THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT. Escort. 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, Company H First Brigade. Brig. Gao. MANNING F. FORCE. 20th Illinois 31st Illinois 45th Illinois 124th Illinois Total First Brigade a. Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN F. POTTS. h Ohio 32d Ohio 68th Ohio 78th Ohio Total Second Brigade a ,.. ,~ Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JASPER A. MALTRY. 8th Illinois 17th Illinois 30th Illinois 7th Missouri Total Third Brigade a Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS. 1st Michigan Light, Battery H Ohio Light, 3d Battery Total artillery a Total Third Division H H H H IS 0 2 2 1 13 18 1 1 19 26 . 7 22, 46~ 75 a Losses not reported in detail. 19 Page 193 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. Command. FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MARUELLUS M. CROCTiER First Brigode. Brig. Gen. THOMAS KILDY SMITH. 41st Illinois 53d Illinois 3d Iowa 33d WisconSin Total First Brigade a Secoad Brigade. Col. CYRUS HALL. 14th Blinois 15th Illinois 76th Bhinois Total Second Brigade a Third Brigode. Brig. Gen. WALTER Q. GRESHAM. 32d Illinois 23d Indiana 53d Indiana 12th Wisconsin I Total Third Brigade a Artillery. Capt. JOHN W. POWELL. 2d Illinois Light, Battery F Ohio Light, 7th Battery Ohio Light, 15th Battery Total artillery a Total Fourth Division Total Seventeenth Army Corps CAVALRY. Col. EDWARD F. WINSLOW. 5th Illinois 11th Illinois 41h Iowa 10th Missouri Total cavalry SMITHS COLUMN. ____ Ii. 1 4 I:::: 81 4 1 12 13 1 36 1 1 2 9 8 13 9 26 28 28 16 21 12 44~ 61 103 154 4 9 4 27 44 2 6 9 Brig. Gen. W. Sony SMITH. CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON. First Brigade. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jr. 2d Illinois (5 companies) 1 1 2 1 ~ 7th Indiana 11 5 l~ 36 84 4th Missouri 14 2d New Jersey 0 2 12 19th Pennsylvania ______________ 4 4 Total First Brigade 1 171 9 49 .... 43, 119 a Losses not rejlorted in detail. 13 H HVOL XXXII, PT I 19 Page 194 194 KY SW. VA. TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Return of Casualties in the Union forcesContinued. Killed. IV iinded. Captured I 01 misSi Command. a a a ~ 0 Second Brigade. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM P. HEPBURN. 6th Illinois 7th Illinois 10 31 9th Illinois 2d Iowa )7 13 46 Total Second llrigade so Third Brigade. I Col. LA FAYETTE MUCRILLIS. 3d Illinois (5 companies) s 13 72d Indiana (Mounted Infantry) 2 5th Kentucky 2d Tennessee I 1 H 16 3d Tennessee 4th Tennessee 1 5 :34 Total Third Brigade _ 41 102 UNAssIGNED. 4th United States 13 1 32 52 Total Smiths column . 0 1) 103 153 388 YAZOO EXPEDITiON. Col. JAMES H. COATES. 40 16 (ii 11th Illinois 1 2 79 8th Louisiana (A. li) 1st Mississippi Cavalry (A. D.) 13~ :38 Total Yazoo expedition .3 I .28 8 113 31 183 Grand total 5 108 ~1 ~6~) 4 410 912 Officers killed or mortally WolOldtd Lieuts James K Catlin, 2d Illinois Cav- alry; Hezekiah G. Dwire, 2d Iowa C~tvalrv Robeit John 11th Illinois Infantry; Eugene E. Walter, 1st Mississippi Cuxalix (A D) Aichib lid Stewart 1st Mississippi Cavalry (A. D.). ~,. .~ ~o. 4. Report of .ilie}. Gen. Stephen A. Ilinrtbnt, 19. AS. Army, eoininartdintj Sixteenth Army Corps, of expedition to .lliLeridian, with itinerary of the corps, Jawuary 26.Aiarch 10. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 7, 18~4. SIR: I I7taVe the honor to report that owing to the non-receipt of full report of ~he marCh and operations of til e First Division, and the absenCe of any report from Brig. Geri. A. J. Sm ithi, ColTimaIld- ing Third Division, Sixteenth Corps, II am unable to report fully on the late expedition to Meridian, Miss., and beg to offer the follow Page 195 ~HAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 195 lug approximation of the work performed by my command: Num- ber of miles of railroad destroyed, 60; number of locomotives de- ctroyed, 1; number of bridges burned, 8; bushels corn grouud into umeal, 2,300; horses captured, 400; mules captured, 750; number of miles marched, 369 ; prisoners taken fmomn the enemy, 50; prisoners taken by the enemy,6; mi55in , 26 ; killed, 5 ; wounded; 21; died, 4. A large train of captured horses, mules, wagons, and oxen was sent into Vmcksburg from Canton, Miss., and the command was almost entirely subsisted on the country during the march. Inclosed please find the report of Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch, com- inanding Fourth Division, Sixteenth Coips. The report of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith will be sent in as soon as received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. HURLB UT, Major-General, Gommanding Sixteenth Gorp8. Capt. L. M. DAYTON, Aide-dc-Camp. Itinerary of the Sixteenth Army Corps, January 26March 10.* The Third Division, Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, and Twenty-fifth Indiana. Thirty-second Wisconsin, Twenty-fifth Wiscoimsin, Seven- teenth New York, and Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers, and Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, of the Fourth Divis- ion, embarked from Columbus, Ky., and Memphis, Teun. ; disem- barked at Vicksburg, Miss., and with part of the Seventeenth Army Corps left Vicksburg on the 3d, marching on Meridian, Miss., via Clinton, Jackson, Brandon, and Hilisborough. February 14, arrived at Meridian. February 15 to 18, inclusive, were devoted to tne destruction of the railroads and public property of the enemy at Meridian, east some 15 miles and north somue 20 miles. February 20, the troops of this corps marched on return via Marion, on MobiL and Ohio Railroad, through Union and Hills- borough. February 26, arrived at Canton. February 27 to 29, remained i~t Canton, Miss. The Second and Third Brigades, First Division, embarked at Memphis aiid arrived at Vicksbnrg too late to join the column, and, by order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, went into camp on Big Black River to cover bridges on Jackson road. The cavalry division of this corps re- ported directly to Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, chief of cavalry, Military Division of the Mississippi, during the month of February, and the report of the march amid operations of th~division with the cavalry expedition imito Mississippi was rendered to Gemieral Smith. The Second Division and r)art of the Fourth Division are in the field at and near Pulaski, Tenn. March 1, the Third Division, Brig. Gen. A. J. Smuith comumamid- mug, amid the Thmrty-secomnd Wisconsn, Twenty-li fthi Wiscomisimi Seventeenth New York, Thirty-fl fth New Jersey Volunteers, and Coumpany D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, of Fourth Division, * From monthly returns Page 196 1% KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch commanding, struck camp at C. iiton, Miss., marching on return to Vicksburg. March 4, took up the Second and Third Brigades, of First Divis- ion, from camp on Big Black River and arrived at Vicksburg. March 10, at Vicksburg the Third Division and Second and Third Brigades of First Division, under command of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, embarked on an expedition up Red River against Shreve- port. Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch, with the Thirty-second Wisconsin, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin, Seventeenth New York, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers, and Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, embarked at Vicksburg and proceeded via Cairo and Tennessee River to join the Fourth Division at Athens, Ala. No. 5. Itiaerary of the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. James ill. Tuttle, U. S. Army, commanding, February 127. ~ February 1, the Second and Third Brigades enibarked on trans- ports at Memphis, Teun., and proceeded to Yicksburg, Miss., the First Brigade remaining at Memphis. t February 2, the troops arrived at Vicksburg at night. February 3, disembarked in the morning and marched to Black River railroad bridge, where the division went into camp. February 27, the Second Brigade marched to Canton, Miss. No. 6. Reports of Cot. William L. MeMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Jnfantry, commanding First Brigade, of expedition from Memphis to Wyatt, with itinerary of the brigade, February 618. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIvISIoN, Dr. Jeters Plantation, February 9, 18647 a. m. GENERAL: I reached this point yesterday evening about sundown, having succeeded in crossing the ~oI~water without loss of man or wheel. My present position is between Coldwater Depot and Sena- tobia, on Hickahale Creek. I intend moving to Senatobia to-day (in fact, my advance is already there), and will push ~n toward Panola as rapidly as I think safe. I hold the crossing at Coldwater and the roads between there and Senatobia, and will continue to do so at least until to-morrow, and longer if I then consider it desirable. My train is too large an(l gives me trouble and anxiety, although everything so far has worked well and the brigade is in fine condition and spirits. Inclosed you will find a copy of my latest~ instructions. If you have any suggestions to offer or orders to give, please forward them by the bearers of this, and, if possible, furnish my couriers with fresh horses. 2VIIy present impression is that by the time this reaches you, or at furthest to-morrow, we shall have accomplished all that is desirable as a mere demonstration, and I can see no ~ood which can * From monthly return. t But see MeMillens reports, following Page 197 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 197 possibly result from our remaining in the vicinity of Panola. Either we should move on or return. Our greatest danger is the possibility of the enemy getting in our rear and obstructing the recrossing at the Coldwater. The country on each side is dirncult to move over, aiid a few men could give serious annoyance. We have, however, oood men and plenty of dry powder, and under any cim~cumstances the brigade will do its former commander no discredit. II drink your good health, general, and will be glad to hear from you by the returning courier. Very respectftilly, your obedient servant, W. L. MciMILLEN, Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. R. P. BUCKLAND, Corn ~na mm ding District of 11femphi~. P. 5. My information is that General Sherman entered Jackson on Friday evening last at 2 oclock, the enemy crossing the Pearl River. Can hear nothing of a force at or near Greenwood. Rebel troops are reported moving toward Grenada. Forrest was at Oxford last Friday. [Inclosure.] IN THE FIELD Memphis, Tenn., February (3, 1864. Colonel MCMILLEN, ~Jommmme imding Brigade: SIR: I send the effective portion of the First Alabama Cavalry to report to you for duty. You can use them for scouting thoroughly on your if anks and as couriers to communicate with me or with General Buckland. Our information makes it almost certain that the rebels have fallen back of the Tallahatchie. One of our bri- ga(les is up the Yazoo, probably as far as Greenwood, and this may account for their retrograde riiovement. We have been delayed awaiting Warings brigade from Columbus, and shall not cross the Coldwater before Monday. As your movement is designed to at- tract their attention be as demonstrative as you can. If I should not be able to communicate with you again move to the vicinity of Panola if you can, improving any opportunity you may have to cross over even, if you think it advisable. C~mmunicate with General Buckland here, and with me at Collierville, if anything important transpires. I am informed from Vicksburg that General Sherman started toward Jackson on Thursday last. If you find it desirable to hold on in the neighborhood of Panola you can send back for sup- plies and your pontoons, if you desire them. Yours, truly. W. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry, If ii. Dir. qf the Miss. CAMP AT BoWENs. 2 MILES SOUTH o~ CHULAHOMA, February 12, 18649 p. m. GENERAL: I received a copy of your te1egra-1~ on the 9th instant to General Buckland night before P st, and left time vicinity of Sena- tobia the next day about noon, reaching this point on the road t Page 198 198 KY., sw. VA., Tm., MISS., ALA., AR]) Ii. GA. [Own. XLI,. Wyatt this evening. There was a force of cavalry (reported abri- gade) under MoCulloch between Senatobia and fano and with whom I had a sharp skirmish at the former place. Could not learn definitely what force Chalmers has at Panola, but heard that he was fortifying and being re-enforced. Think they have all the crossings between Panola and Wyatt guarded, and am told by citizens in tins vicinity that there is at least a brigade on the other side of the river at Wyatt. I will move don there in the morning and await your orders. Have not seen or heard of any considerable force except the one above mentioned between Coldwater and Tallahatchie. For- rest has proclaimed his intention to stand his round on the other side of the Ta]lahatchie,so the people force is generally estimated at from 7,000 to 12,000. 1 sent he larger portion of my train back to Memphis. Have four days bread and ten days gro- ceries on hand. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L MoMILLEN, Brig. Gen. WmLux S. Sn Chief of 6avalry. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG. FIRST Dir 16TH ArmY Corns, Camp at Viol?. PlantatiOn, iebruary 14, 18646 a. m. GnnAL: I reached this place 12 miles south of Quinns Mill lastevening, adwill pushontothernillto-da , atornearwhichf expeotto cross the Cdldwater, cam to-nit in the vicinity of Collierville. I have less than one- rations of hard bread for to-day and to-morrow only; no meat except such as I can find in the country. We have plenty of coffee, sugar, and salt. Cant you send Captain Mallory, who went back with 100 good men, to meet us with supplies, either with a train of cars or wagons? I would like to-morrow evening, at or near Germantown, two days rations of bread and meat for the whole command, say 1,650 men. Please let me know by this courier if I may have this assistance, and be kind enough to send us newspapers. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. MoMILLEN, Brig. Gen. IL ~ BU~~D .. Colonel, Commandvng. Commanding District of Memphis. P. 5.I find no traces of the enemy in force this side of the Tal- lahatchie. Itisterary of the Pint Brigade, lint ))i Skcteenth Army Corps, (Jol. William L. MoMillen, Ninet io Infantry, com- manding, .ZIebruanj 6~18. February 6,.the brigade broke camp in the morning, and moved southward? on the He~ando road. February 7, bivouacked at night in the village of Hernando. *~~ngjg monthly return Page 199 CnAP. XLIV.1 TILE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 199 February 8, moved toward the Coidwater. Having had three companies of cavalry, averaging about 30 each, assigned to the com- mand, a small force was sent in the advance. They met a small rebel I)icket force at the Coldwater Ferry, and succeeded in driving them back and secured the ferry-boat, which enabled the command to ~P055 the stream. Bivouacked that night l~ miles south ~f the Cold- water Depot. The next morning moved on the Senatobia road about 2 miles out; reached the Hickahale stream. The cavalry advanced, and one regiment of infantry was thrown across the bridge. One company of cavalry and two companies of infantry were sent to Senatobia to secure and hold the town. In attempting to cross tile artillery the bridge began to give way, and the rest of the day was spent in repairing it. In the mean time the advance had reached Senatobia and drove the enemy from town, and awaited the approach of the column. About 3 p. m. the rebels made several attempts to charge on them, but were successfully repulsed each time. At nio~ht the b column withdrew to a good camping-ground about 2 miles to tile rear. February 9, reconnaissances were made, and the command put in readiness to a(ivance the day following toward Panola. During the (lay considerable skirinisliin~ was had with the enemy. At 8 p. m. a dispatch was received from Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, commanding cavalry expedition, for the command to join him at Wyatt, on the Tallahatchie. February 10, three bridges were destroyed on the Hickahale after a sharp skirmish, also the Coidwater Ferry, and the command started for Wyatt, which place they reached on the morning of the 13th. The enemy had destroyed the bridge, and were strongly posted on the opposite bank. Constant skirmishing was kept up until dark, but we succeeded in driving them from the river. That night orders were received to meet General Smith at Waterford. February 14, in the morning, moved to Waterford. About 4 p. m. dispatches were received that General Smith had effected a crossing at New Albany. February 15, the command about-faced and started for Memphis. February IS, reached Memphis at night, the object of the expedi- tion having been accomplished, viz, to divert the attention of For- rest, Chabuers. and Lee, and allow General Smith to effect a crossing Oil the Tallahatchie. Subsequent reports from Brigadier-General Smith, commanding cavalry expedition, state that this command rendered him important service, and too much credit cannot be given to the officers and men of this command for their energy and perseverance on this expedi- tion. Starting out with only eight days rations, it subsisted them thirteen. A portion of the road was almost impassable, but the men went cheerfully to work building bridges, cutting out new roads, an(i doing everything in their power to forward the I~ovement, and the interest manifested shows that where such troops are serving victory 15 certaill Page 200 200 KY., SW. TA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 7. Return of Casualties in the Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding, February 3March 4. Command. Killed. Wounded. First Brigade: 58th Illinois 119th Illinois 89th Indiana Second Brigade 14th Iowa 27th Iowa 32d Iowa Third Brigade: 49th illinois 1 117th Illinois 1 6 12d Indiana 1 178th New York 9th Indiana Bntt.ery 1 4 16 Total I 2 1 ca~tnred Aggre~.ate. or missing. 12 4 5 19 3 5 83 14 4 6 19 4 6 1 10 6 30 3 103 J. HOUGH, Captain and Assistant Ac~jutant-General. No. 8. Itinerary of the First Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Cot. David Moore, Twenty-first Missouri infantry, com- wanaing, February 2~2,7.* February 2, command left camp in rear of Vicksburg en route for Meridian, Miss. February 4, the command engaged the enemy on the plantations of Jefferson and Joseph Davis, driving them with the skirmish line. Loss during the engagement: Killed, ; wounded, ; mlsslng,. Encamped at sunset. Nothing worthy of note occurred during the march to Meridian, at which place the command was assigned to the (luty of destroying the Selma railroad, which was most effectually done a distance of 6 miles. After remaining at Meridia~i ii~ camp two days the command moved en route for Canton, Miss., via Union and Hillsborough. February 27, arrived at Canton, Miss., at 2 p. in., at which place the command is still encamped, with headquarters at the house of one Dr. Reid. No. 9. itinerary of the Second Brigade, Third Div~sion, Sixteenth Army Corps, Cot. William T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa I nfantry, coin- manding, February 3-March 4. * February 3, this brigade left Vicksburg with the Sixteenth Army Corps in the expedition commanded by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, * From monthly return Page 201 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 201 and marched by way of Jackson and Hulisborough to Meridian, Miss., and there aided in destroying the railroad for three days. February 20, it commenced the return march by way of Union and Canton, destroying railroad at the latter place for two days, and arrived at camp in rear of Yicksburg March 4. No. 10. Report of Brig. Gen. James C. Veatch, U. S. Army, corrtmanding Fo rth D iris ion, of expecUt tort to Meridian. Sailed from Memphis on board steam-boats Commercial, Em- ma, Kenton, and Mars, 7 a. in., 31st January, 1864. Arrived at Helena, Ark., 6 p. ni. saiue day. Found the Twenty-fifth Wiscon- 5in Infantry preparing to move on board steamer Chotean, then lying at the landing. Furnisbed Colonel Montgomery, the commanding officer, with orders received from department headquarters, and issued Special Orders, No. 2, requiring him to embark as soon as pos- sible, and sail with the fleet in the morning. At 10 oclock the same evening the fleet sailed, leaving the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin to follow. Landed at Yicksburg 2 a. in., February 2, 1864, and went into camp 6 miles from the city. February 3, marched ~t2p.m., and camped on Clear Creek~ roads good; distance 4 miles. February 4, marched at 5.30 a. in.; halted on the east side of Big Black River 10 a. in. The Second Brigade marched on to the church at forks of the road, and camped at 4 a. in. of the 5th. First Brigade and train, arriving 12 in., niarched at 1 oclock from the church, and went into camp in an 01(1 field at 5 p. in.; distance from Big Black to the church, 8 miles; from church to camp, 10 miles; total distance from Black River, 18 miles. February 6, marched at 5 a. in. and weiit into camp 10 a. m. 4 miles west of Jackson. Distance of days march, 8 miles. February 7, crossed Pearl River at 4 p. m. (First Brigade ordered to remain and destroy pontoon bridge across Pearl River), and camped 2 miles west of Brandon 12 o~oc~ at night; trains in the road. Distance of (lays march, 14 miles. February 8, marched at 11 a. in.; halted at Brandon 12 in.; resumed the march at 2 p. in., and camped 10 p. in. at the railroad. Distance of days march, 10 miles. February 9, marched at 5.30 a. in.; halted at Morris Mills on Line Creek, 13~ miles from last nights camp, at 12 in.; at 1 oclock re- sumed the march, and passed through Morton 4 p. in., and there received orders from Major-General Sherman to march to Shockalo Creek, at which place we went into camp at 9 p~ in. Distance of day~s march, 23 miles. February 10, marched from Shiockalo Creek at 6 a. in; the cavalry commenced skirmishing with the enemys cavalry 1 mile from camp; arrived at Hillsbor~ugh, county seat of Scott County, at 9 a. in., S miles from last nights camp ; marched through Hillsborough and crossed Talla Bogne Creek, :3 miles east of Hil4sborough, I 2 in. went into camp at m nm. Distance of (lays march, 8 miles Page 202 202 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. CA. LCITAP. XLIV. February 11, marched from TILt boouu (ireek at 8. III. ; c.rosse(1 Anticola Creek, 4 miles from filit oo~ue Tuscalanieta, 4 miles from Anticola; Bollabusha, 1 miles fi em Tn~calaii~eta; Coona- hatta, 4 miles from Bollabusha camped on the Coonahatta at 5 p. m. Distance of days march, 1 miles February 12, marched in rear ot the Third Division at S a. m. passed through [Decatur], 9 miles, at 12 m. fonud tho towii ou fire placed the cavalry escQrt on guard in the town, and marcbed the division through 1 mile beyond the city. The corps train was fired upon by rebel cavalry; were instantly repulsed, doing no damage. They, however, swept around and attacked that portion of the train tinder charge of the Third Division; reached camp at 8 p. in., 6 miles beyond Decatur, on Little Chunky River. Distance of days march, 15 miles. February 13, marched from Little Chnnky River 11.30 a. m. crossed Tallisha Creek, 4 miles from Little Chunky, at 2 p. in. crossed Tallahatta, 4 mdl es from Tallislia, at 6 p~ m. ; camped on the Bogue Filliahi, 1 mile from T~ Ilal tatta, at S p. in. Distance of days march, 9 miles. February 14, marched from iogue FiThah at 6.30 a. in. erOSSC(l the Oktibbeba Creek and the Creek; camped at Meridian 5 p. m. Distance of day~s march, 15 miles. February 15, remaine(l in camp at Meridian all (lay. February 16, marched to Marion Station. burning as nmnchi of time Mobile and Ohio Railroad as possii)lC. February 17, remained in camp; troops buriming r~ ilroad. February IS, remained in camp during day, burning railroad and grinding breadstuff for tIme command. February 19, sent two regiments to IL uderdahe Springs, in com- pliance with letter received from Major-General 1{urlbut; the regi- ments to destroy railroad, amid, if possible. rn tIme statiomi of Lauderdale Springs, returnimmo the same day, hiavmnt bum ned cul- verts, bridges, andl part of time maihoad as far es Loot Imait s Station. Febrnary 20, mu compliance w tIm Major-General ~hemmnamis Special Field Orders, No. 20 marched at (laylight, takimm~ the advance of the column; crossed Bails Creek 1 miles from Mwon on the Louisville road; a large plantation on tIme west ~mdo belonging to Mr. Holhiday; crossed time Chmekasa~x ha 3 miles In ~ omid and wemmt into camp at the jummetiomi of the Cbickasawha and Pmmmde~ Creeks at 5 oclock. Distance of days mnare~, ~6~- mimmles. February 21, mnarchmed at daylight, crossed time Oktibbeha, 2 miles from camp ; during the niornimmo merched across a number of small streams, said by the people to be dry durimig time summuer season 10 miles from the Oktibbeha eamue the old Choctaw village grounds called , and near it, on the right side of time road, time plamita- tion of James Wilsoim; 9 miles farther reached time towim of Union. consisting of one house; found time enemitys cavalry fighting the guard to the train sent from Decatur. Dista~ce of the days march, 21 miles. February 22, marched from em half mmiile easi of Uniomi at 6.30 a. m. ; reached camp omi the Ibo no 1~ ~h Im 1 Jo p in Distammee of days march, 13 miles. February 23. marched from the Bogne IF dban Ci eeL at daylight reached time TnsQalameta C eeL nuies ~t suin~ se foumid the swamp omme-quarter of a mile on e~~h ~de of flu im in badl comitli- tion and causewayed crossed f lie Antucola 2 miles lirtimer ; Tall Page 203 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MET~ThTAN EXPEDITION. 203 Bogne Creek 4 miles farther eai uped 3 miles beyond, one-half mile east of Hilisborough. Distance of days march, 12~ miles. Febrnary 24, marched from Hilisborough 9.30 a. in., Third Divis- ion in the advance crossed the Shockalo Creek on the Canton road, 24 miles: 2 miles farther crossed Halys Creek; went into camp 7~- miles beyond at 5 p. m. Distance of days march, 12 miles. February 25, nmrclied at daylight, Third Division in the advance~ marched 2 miles, and found the rear of the Third Division still in camp; marched slowly in rear of the Third Division; halted for dinner on the Coffee Bogue Creek; the pontoon bridge broke; and went into camp 2 miles beyond Coffee Bogue. Distance of the days march, 7 miles. February 26, the head of column crossed the Pearl River at 11.30 o clock; the rear of the division crossed at 1 oclock; camped i~ miles north of Canton at 7 p. m. Distance of days march, 13 miles. February 27, remained in camp during the day, the Thirty-second Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry burning the Mississippi Central Railroad, 1 mile west of the town; grinding corn meal at the rate of 40 pounds per hour. The Twenty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry veteranized, and marched as escort to wagon train to Vicksburg, in obedience to Special Field Orders, No. 9, hea(lquarters Sixteenth Army Corps. February 28, remained in camp during the day. February 29, remained in camp. The command mustered. Thirty- second Wisconsin tearing up the track of the railroad in the after- noon. Received hard bread, and orders to march the next day; also ordering General Mowers brigade to march with Fourth Divis- ion. March 1, marched at 9 oclock in the rear of the Third Division; ~losed on General Smiths column at 11 oclock; halted for his train to cross the flat; while halted a party of foragers were driven in by tIme enemys cavalry; sent the escort of caw lry, 33 in nuniber; the officer in command soon reported two or mnore regim emits of rebel cavalry. Orders were sent to Colonel Howe to throw out skirmish- ers amid push forward the train; th~ skirmishers to remain until General Mower should show his heavy, column. Colonel howe, find- ing the eueniy in hue of battle, threw omit txvo reginments of infantry, driving the emiemy off on the Jackson road, and causing a delay of two hours. As soon as recalled thie column moved forward, camp- ing in Livingston at dark, Howes train l~ing across the creek and parked with Coopers battery in the town; General Mowers camped on the creek east of the town, it being iml)ossible to CP055 time creek bottom in the night. Weather freezin~ D 12 mnile~. Troops suffering. ~. istance of days march, March 2, marched from Livingston at daylight, Third Division in the advance. Two miles from Bogue Chitto came up with the rear of Third Division, 11 a. in., Gemmeral Smith having beemi Imalted to build bridge; crossed Bogue Chitto, the head of time division reach- ing the bridge at 6 p. ni.; camped 3 miles beyond~Bogue Chitto, the rear of the colni n (Mowers brigade) reaching camp at 11 p. mu. Distam~ce of days march from Livimmgston to Bogue Chmitto to c mp, 3 miles; total distance, 12 miles. March 3, muarcheil at daylight, Fourth Division in advance, Gei eral Mowers brigade taking the advance of the division; passed through Brownsville, 4 miles, and halted at Queens Hill Church at 10 oclock, 6 miles; crossed Big Black River, 8 miles. The rear o Page 204 204 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. the division and train crossed at 20 minntes before 5 oclock. Camped on Sycamore Creek, 1-i- miles. Distance of days march, 9~ miles. March 4, marched at daylight, and reached camp at 12.30 p. in., camping north of Fort Hill, near Vicksbnrg. Distance of days march, 16 miles. [J. C. VIEATCII, Briqadier- General.] [Inclosure No. 1.] Casualties of Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army t7orps, Department of the Ten nessee. a Animals lost. Command. o -~ ~ .~ ~ .~ ~ Horses. Mules. 25th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry .. 1 - I th Regiment New Jersey Volunteer Infantry . 1 4 22 32d Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry 1 2 5 8 17th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry 1 1 1 9 12 2 2 5econd Illinois Light Artillery, Battery D 1 1 3 25th Indiana Volunteer Infantry a Division train 1 33 Total 3 6 4 6 26 45 6 35 a Marched on 27th to Indianapolis. No report. ~Inclosure No. 2.] Number of miles of railroad destroyed by the troops of the Fourth Dirisiort, Sixteenth Am ty Corps. February 16, 17, and 18, destroyed 6 miles of railroad on the Mo- bile and Ohio Railroad, from Meridian to Marion Station, tearing up the entire track, burning the ties. The iron placed on top of the burning ties was rendered useless. February 19, the Second Brigade, nuder command of Col. James H. Howe, marched to Lockharts Station, 7 miles ilorth of Marion Station, destroying the Lockharts Station depot building, burning all bridges and culverts, and tearing up the tracks in several important cuts. The entire amount of track 4o14t up and destroyed between Lockharts and Marion, estimated at 3 miles, making in all 9 miles of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad entirely destroyed by the troops of this command. No. 11. Report of Col. Milton Montgomery, Tuenty4Nfth Wisconsin In fantry, commanding First Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., 4TH Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near l7icksbmrg, Miss., March 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, was organized at Clear Creek, Miss., by virtue of special orders from headquarters Fourth Division, Six Page 205 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 205 teenth Army Corps, dated February 3, 1864. It was composed of the following regiments, viz: Twenty-fifth Wisconsii~ Volunteers, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers, and Thirty-third Missouri Vol- unteers. on the morning of the 7th of February, the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers was detached and ordered back as an escort f~r the pon- toon train. The brigade accompanied the expeditidu to Meridian and Marion, and thence, via Union, Hillsborough, and Canton, re- turned to Vicksburg, which they reached at 1 p. in. of the 4th instant. They were at no time engaged with the enemy, but on the 12th of February the rear of the brigade, when near Decatur, was fired into, no harm being done. A short time after one regiment (the rrwenty fifth Wisconsin Volunteers) was sent back about 1 mile, and fornied line and threw out a company of skirmishers to protect the train, which had been attacked while crossing Turkey Creek, on the out- skirts of Decatur. On the afternoon of the 16th, the brigade moved up from Meridian to Marion, a distance of at least 5 miles, in 1 hour and 10 minutes, to support Colonel Howe, who was engaged with the enemy, but arrived after all was quiet. On the 25th, the brigade, being then in the extreme rear, was fired into several times by guerrillas about 5 miles east of Pearl River. Starting from Canton March 1, 1864, when we had advanced about 7 miles the Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers were thrown out to support the Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteers, which had formed a skirmish line for the purpose of protecting our train. Hereto is annexed a list of casualties. * All of which is respectfully submitted. M. MONTGOMERY, Colonel 25th Wisconsin Vols., Comdg. Brigade. Capt. F. W. Fox, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 4th Div., 16th Army Corps. No. 12. Report of Lient. Cot. Jeremiah Al. Rnsi~, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, of expedition7 to Meridian. HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY VoLs. Near Vicksburg, Miss., March 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward to you the following concise report of our regiment on the late expedition to Meridian, Miss., in which we took part: On the 1st of February last the regiment emb ~ked on board the steamer H. Chotean, with orders to report at Vick sburg, Miss., where we arrived at 8 p. ni. on the 2d. Here we were ordered to store all surplus property pertaining to the regiment, taking nothing with us but what cQuld be carried by officers and men. February 3, the troops belonging to the Fourth Division, Six- teenth Army Corps, to which we were assigned, under command of * Embodied in revised statement, p. 191 Page 206 206 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [ChAP. XLIV. General Veatch, consisting of six regiments, were organized in two brigades, Col. M. Montgomery taking command of the First ]3ri- gade, and Colonel Howe, of the Thirty-second Wisconsin, taking command of the Second Brigade, since which time I have been in command of the regiment. We proceeded in line of march for parts then nnknown, crossed Big Black River on pontoons, and reached Jackson on the 7th; passed through Brandon, Hillsborough, Decatur, Little Chnnky, and other places of less note, and reached Meridian, Miss., on the 14th and camped near the railroad. Here we remained until the 16th, when we received orders to move to Marion, 5 miles distant, to support the Second Brigade, who were there fighting. On our arrival fighting had ceased, and the enemy ronted. Here we remained till the 20th, tearing up railroad, destroy- ing bridges, culverts, & e., and doing picket duty, grinding corn, foraging, capturing horses and mules. Having fulfilled entirely and well the object of the expedition, we were ordered to return to the Mississippi River to embark in an equally important movement by the way of Union, Hillsborough, and Canton, where we encamped on the 26th, and where we remained till March 1, during which time we foraged and were on picket duty. We then proceeded to Vicksburg by way of Livingston, Browns- ville, crossed Big Black River, reaching Vicksburg the 4th of March. The whole distance marched with expedition was near 400 miles in thirty-one days. During most of the time we were on half ra- tions, but foraged for the other half, and did not suffer much except for the want of bread During this hazardous expedition in entering the heart of the en- emy s connt~ry we have been peculiarly fortunate as a regiment, having lost not a man by straggling or neglect when men have fallen out of line through fatigue, while other regiments have lost men, as their reports will show, I believe from these canses. Our means of transportation were very limited, restricted to 2 army wagons and 2 ambulances, and reserved for forage and ammunition. Many thanks are due the officers for their vigilance all along the route, and the men generally appreciated the care and efforts made in their behalf and obeyed the orders to the letter, published from time to time to the regiment. From the time we crossed Big mai& River until we recrossed it was one continned skirmish, the rebels watching for opportunities to harass us, laying heavy timber in impassable places, burning bridges, & c. On the 12th of February, our regiment and train were fired into from the woods while passing, but no damage done. We halted aiid formed line of battle, sent out skirmishers to scour the woods, but the rebels had fled. The casualties incident to our regiment sinc~we left Helena, Ark., on the 1st Feburary, are as follows: Private James Lick, Company C, while watering ambulance horses on board the H. Choteau, acci- dentally fell overboard and was lost in the Mississippi River on the 2d of February. Private George W. Louthain, Company I, shot by accidental discharge of his gun while falling in company for line of march at Little Chumiky Creek, Mississippi, on the 13th of Feburary. Private John W. Bayse, Company B, died of typhoid fever at De- catur, Miss., on the 21st of February. At the time of his death wa Page 207 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlL NETUDLXN EXPEDITION. 207 with division te im The above 3 men were universally respected in their conilmu1e~ me by all in the regiment who knew them. The service has 1o4 in tbe e men energetic, prompt, an(l good soldiers. ilespeetfulix ubm lIed. J. M. HUSK, Lieu Ic uc nt- Colonel, Co rnrnanding the Regiment. His Excellency ~ xx ES T. Lux ~is, Coceinor Slate of W 2seorisi n. No. P3. It me ra ry of lb e Secon (I Brigade, Fo rth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, Gol. Jcortes Ill Howe, Thirty-second lYisconsin infantry, commanding, February 3iiareh 31. February 3, this brigade was organized and composed of the Thirty-second WI sconsin, Twenty-fifth Indiana, Seventeenth New York Veteran Volu~mteers, and Battery D, Second Illinois Light Artillery. February 4, marched toward Jacksoim, Miss. February 7. arrived at Jackson. Occupied time place as rear- eemard of time Sixteentb Arumy Corps until army all passed; then de- Kroved the emmemys poimtoomi bridge, over which time army imad crossed, alm(i by a iiigimt inarci overtook the main body on the 8th February 8, marched through Brandon Mortomi, and Hilisborough to Decatur. February 12, had just passed through Decatur when the enemys cavalry attacked train of Smiths (hivision; were handsonmely re- pulsed by the Twenty-fifth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Rheinlander, without loss. February 14, marched into Meridian, Miss. February 15, umarcimed up tbe Mobile and Ohio Railroad toward Marion, entirely destroying time road as we umoved up. The advance guard. three coumpames of time Tn cut -fifth Indiana, under Lienten- ammt-Colonel Rhiemumlandem n as flied upon by time cimenmys cavalry from time towim ot Marion in 0oume force. Two companies of the Tn-emily-fifth Thdllnl ~md three comupai~ies of the Thirty-second ~~Viscommsin. with bottci y xx em e em dered up. The enemy were driven omit of towim ranmethx xv mt1m lo~ of 4 killed and a imumber wonimded, and the towim v~ as occupiec Romained in Marion until the 19th, wimen time Thu tx secomid XX mseoimsmu and Twenty-fifth Indiana, under coinumiand of Colonel Howe marched 2 niiles beyond Lockharts Sta- lieu on the Mobml( Inn 0 no F ulroad. destroying all bridges amid (imIx emts tbe sI stuen bimildmno lumber, and time large hospital build- imigs 01 ti~ enenix etimmne(l at night. February 20 in am dmA ton am d Vicksburg; pas~d through Uniomi and Hulisbom on oh February 20 airmveO ci Canton; remained iii camp at that place until Main e 1 Atam b I I ri ~ai~ bi eke eainp Manni CrOsSt(l 0 P g Eltel River. ii~ turn monthly returns Page 208 208 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. March 4, arrived in Yicksburg and remained in camp until the 9th, between which time and the 14th the brigade was moved by regiments and detachments on transports to Memphis, Teun. Went into camp at Hopefield, Ark. ; remained until the 17th, between which time and the 22d the brigade was moved by regiments on transports to Cairo, Ill. March 22. the brigade moved on transports to Columbus, Ky., and took railroad to Moscow, Ky., to repel an expected attack from General Forrest; fonnd him gone, and returned to Columbus same night. March 23, returned to Cairo. March 25, at night, the Thirty-second Regiment Wisconsin In- fantry, under command of Col. James H. Howe, embarked on trans- ports and proceeded to Paduca h, Ky., to repel an attack made on that place by General Forrest. March 26, arrived at Paducali early in the morning. Forrest had left when the regiment arrived. The balance of the brigade took transports in the afternoon and proceeded up the Ohio River ; were joined by the Thirty-second Wisconsin, and the whole brigade pro- ceeded up the Tennessee River, under orders to join the command of General Dodge at Athens. Ala. March 29, arrived at Athens in the afternoon. March 30, moved to Purdy to intercept General Forrest in his anticipated return through that place. March 31, in the afternoon marched back to Athens and embarked on transports. No. 14. Reports of ]lfaj. Gen. James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, command- ing Seventeenth Army Corps, of ecvpcdition to Meridian and operations on Yazoo River, with itLncrc( ry of the corps, February 3March 18. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY Coups, Viclrsburg, hiss., March 8, 1864. GENERAL: I have the satisfaction A reporting to you that Colo- nel Coates, in command of our forces, repnlsed the enemy (two bri- gades, Ross and Richardsons) at Yazoo City, 01) Saturday, the 5th instant, after a desperate conflict, which lasted from 10 a. m. till 4 p. m. The battle, part of the time, was a regular hand-to-band fight through the streets. Colornl Coates loss was 19 killed, 89 woumled, and 1 8 missing. The enemys loss was much greater, and among his killed was a major and a lieutenant belonging to Richardsons command. Colonel Coates held r)ossession of Yazoo City all day Sunday, and embarked his command Sunday evening and is on his way down. I am expecting him here to-day, when I will write you a full report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMXN Page 209 Ca& p. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 209 HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 16, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent expedition into the interior of Mississippi: In accordance with instructions from the major-general coin- manding, the Third Division, Brig. Gen. M. D. Leggett command- ing; the Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. lvii. M. Crocker commanding; the Third Brigade, First Division, Brig. Gen. Alexander Chambers commanding, and the Cavalry Brigade, Col. E. F. Winslow com- manding, were directed to hold themselves in readiness to march about the 1st of February. Pontoons were prepared, and the train fitted up under the direction of C ptain Kossak, aide-de-camup and engineer officer, for the construction of a bridge at Messingers Ferry, on the Big Black, for the passage of Major-General Hurlbuts com- mand, and a floating bridge near the railroad bridge on the main Jackson road, for the passage of my own command. The latter was constructed by Brigadier-General Forces brigade, under the supervision of Capt. A. Hickenlooper, chief engineer of the corps. On the 3d, the different divisions and brigades were assembled at this point by 12 in. The cavalry was immediately ordered across, with directions to push forward rapi(lly and secure the bridge across Bakers Creek, near Champions Hill, which was done, the main portion of the command following, and bivouacking for the night in the vicinity of Edwards Depot. At an early hour the next morning, the 4th, the command was in motion, the infantry and artillery following the main road to Clin- ton, and the cavalry, as instructed, keeping well out on the right flank. At Ch mpions Hill the first resistance was met wit, where we encountered Colonel Starkes brigA4e of cavalry, with two pieces of artillery. Two regiments of Crockers division were immedi- ately deployed, a heavy line of skirmishers thrown to the front, and the whole command ordered forward, driving the enemy easily and steadily over a very broken country, with little loss on our side. The retrograde movements of time enemy were accelerated by the vigorous operations of ~ cavalry on their flanks; by dark they were driven hurriedly across the creek east of Bolton, the bridge saved, amid my conimand bivouacked near the junction of the Clinton, Bolton, and Raymond roads. During the night Starkes brigade was joined by Fergusons from Okolona, and Maj. Gen. S. D. Lee assumed command in the field. The enemny occupied a good position on the hills on the east side of the creek, and everything indicated that they intended to contest the ground stubbornly. As soon as it was light enough to see on the morning of the 5th, the command was put imi motion, Leggetts division in advance. Two brigades of this division were deployed and ordered to advance in line of battle nuder cover of artillery fire fr6~a two 20-pounder and two 10-pounder Parrotts. The enemy soon gave way, and were pushed so rapidly and persistemutly by these two brigades into and through Clinton that time march of the main column was not checked. The cavalry of Witislow, operating on their flank, entered Clinton by the Raymond road just as the advamice of our infantry was coming in on the Jackson road and the rear of the enemy going out eastward. 14 R RVOL XXXII. PT Page 210 210 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. At Clinton I received instructions from the niajor-general com- manding to bear to the south, and, if possible, get into a plantation road which entered Jackson between the Clinton and Jackson and Raymond and Jackson roads, while Major-General Hurlbuts com- mand would follow the main Clinton and Jackson road. After bearing off across the fields about 2-i- miles, the road was reached with the advance of the infantry, and came up with the rear of our cavalry. Colonel Winslow was now directed to crow(l the enemy vigor- ously. outflank his cavalry, if possible, and get into Jackson before him, and informed that the main column of infantry would follow him rapidly and give him all the support be needed. He moved for- ward as directed, came upon the flank of Lees cavalry, which was slowly falling back on the main road before Hurlbuts advance. A dashing charge was made here by the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, routing the enemy and capturing 1 piece of artillery, caisson and limber complete, with horses and artillerymen. The enemy retreated toward Jackson, so closely followed by Winslows cavalry that they had no time to form behind the intrenchments. A disposition to make a stand in the center of the town was shown by them, but a few cai~non shot from the battery which accompanied our cavalry started them on the retreat, a small portion crossing Pearl River on a pontoon bridge near the town to Frenchs division, which was on the east side a few miles distant, and the majority taking the Canton road, on which it was reported Luring was advancing with a view of effecting a junction with French. Winslows cavalry dashed rapidly into the town and down to the river in time to save the materials of the pontoon bridge, though not in time to prevent its being cut loose and partially floated down the stream. It was now dark; the advance division of infantry (Leggetts) was 2-i- miles from the town and had already marched 18 miles sin#e morning, 10 miles of this distance skirmishing continually with the enemy, the leading brigade deployed in line of battle. Not deem- ing it prudent to leave the cavalry in town unsupported, I sent back word to know if one of the brigades would volunteer to go into Jackson with me that night; that the distance was 2-~ miles. The First Brigade (Forces) replied that they would go if it was 10 miles. It was accordingly marched in and placed in position behind the enemys intrenchinents on the Cantbif~road, at 10.30 p. m. At an early hour the next morning the pioneer corps of Leggetts and Ciockers divisions, under the direction of Captain Hicken- looper, chief engineer, commenced collecting the materials and re- constructing the bridge, which was finished by 3.30 p. in., when Brigadier-General Chambers brigade commenced crossing, followed by Crockers and Leggetts divisions. February 7, moved forward at sunrise and entered Brandon with- out serious opposition, bivouacking 1 mile ast of the town. At this point Winslows cavalry, which had been left behind at Jackson, came up and took the advance and retained it until we reached Meridian. February 8,.at 6 a. in., resumed the march, our cavalry skirmish- ing more or less with the enemy, and bivouacked with time main force on Line Creek, 4~ miles from Morton, cavalry about 2 miles in ad- vance. Shortly before dark it was rel)orted that Loririg and French had formed a junction at Morton, and were disposed to give battle Page 211 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 211 A reconnaissance during the night and early on the following morn- ing developed the fact that the enemy had retired during the night in the direction of Meridian. February 9, resumed the march at (3, and entered the town of Morton about 9 a. in., and went into camp to let the Sixteenth Army Corps pass to the front. Heavy details were made and set to work destroying the railroad, 3 miles of which was torn up, ties burned, and iron bent. February 10, resumed march at 6 a. in., an(l went into camp on Talla Bogue, 3j miles east of Hillsborough, the county seat of Scott County. February 11, moved out at 6 a. in., and went into camp on Tus- calameta Creek, having made only 8 miles. The roads were heavy, and the bridges had to be repaired and the swamps corduroyed. Captain Foster with escort company, Fourth Ohio Independent Cav- alry, amid three companies of Fourth Illinois Cavalry, was sent to Lake Station 6n the railroad, and destroyed the railroad buildings, machine-shops, turning-table, several cars, and one locomotive, not in running order, and returned, having had some little skirmishing with the enemys cavalry, which continually hovered on omr flank and rear, to pick up small foraging parties and stragglers. February 12, pioneer corps at work at an early hour, corduroying road through Tuscalameta Swamp. Comumand moved forward as soon as the road was ready and reached Decatur at S p. in., distance 15 miles, and went into camp. February 13, resumed the march at 6 a. in., and went into camp near the Tallahatta Creek. Supply trains of the two corps were corraled at this point, and a guard of four reaiments of infantry and omie battery of artillery, besides Chambers brigade, left with it. February 14, resumed the march at 6 a. in., Forces brigade being detached, and dmrected to proceed to Chunkys Station, 8 miles south, and destroy the railroad bridges, trestle-work, depot, & c., at that station, and then re.join his division by a road bearing northeast. Shortly before reaching the station he encountered the rear guard of Wirt Adamus brigade of cavalry, drove them in disorder across the creek, and captured seven wagons, and then drove them out of the town and accomplished the work he was sent to perform. The main portion of the command moved forward and camped on Oktibbeha Creek, 4~ miles from Meridian. February 15, Crocker~s and Leggett~ ivisions moved forward into Meridian, Corr camping on the south and west sides, the Sixteenth 2~ occupying the north and east. In the afternoon the pioneer companies and Brig. Gen. T. Kilby Smiths br destroying railroads, machinery, & c. igade were set to work February 16, Crockers division, with the Eleventh Illinois Cav- alry, marched to Enterprise, with directions to send the cavalry regiment and brigade of infantry to Quitman, 29 miles south of Meridian, for the purpose of destroying the bridge~cross the Chick- asawha River and the trestle-work through Alligator Swamp, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. February 17 and 18, Crockers division, which went to Quitman, remained in Enterpr4se and vicinity, teariilg up the railroad. On the lOtili, marched back to the Oktibbeha, 4~ miles west of Meridian. Colonel Potts brigade, of Leggetts division, was sent west omi the line of the Southern Railroad to Chunkys Station, with instructions to burn every bridge and trestle-work over a distance o Page 212 212 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 18 miles, and on reaching Chunkys Station to go north to the cor- ral and relieve Chambers brigade, which would then come forward. The other two brigades of Leggetts division (Forces and Maltbys) were employed tearing up the railroads and destroying Government buildings. February 20, at 7 a. in., commenced our return march via Decatur, Hillsborongh, Canton, and Brownsville, crossed Pearl River at Rat- luffs Ferry, on a temporary bridge constructed by the pioneer corps of the Third and Fourth Divisions and Chambers brigade, and reached Canton on the evening of the 26th, without any molestation from the enemy. March 1, left Canton, the rear guard marching out about 4 p. in., and bivouacked about 5 miles west on the Livingston road. Two days before leaving Canton two brigades of the enemys cavalry came up, and as we moved out of the town made demonstrations on our rear guard, but with trifling effect. They continned to harass our rear, and make slight demoiistrations on our fianks uiitil we passed Brownsville, always keeping, however, at a respectful distance from the infantry. March 4, command crossed Big Black on our rctnrn, and resumed its original positions. The following is a compendium of the operations of the several divisions of my command on the expedition: Third Division, Brig. Geri. i/li. D. Leggett. Miles marched 350 Miles railroad destroyed 24 Railroad bridges destroyed 52 Feet of trestle-work destroyed 4, 000 Cars destroyed 10 Car-wheels destroyed 124 Steam-mills belonging to C. S. Army destroyed 3 Wagons belonging to rebel army destroyed 15 Men killed 7 Men wounded (13 severely, 8 slightly) 21 Men missing (39 captured when on duty, 7 stragglers) 46 Fos~rth Division, Brig. Gea. 31. 111. Groeker. Miles marched Miles railroad destroyed 24 Feet trestle-work destroyed 1,910 Men killed 4 Men wounded (1 officer and 12 men) 13 Men missing 44 Third Brigade, First Division, Brig. Grit. Alexander Cliombcrs. Miles marched 340 6~ Miles railroad destroyed ,, Bridges destroyed 1 Feet of trestle-work destroyed 1(35 Locomotives destroyed 19 Railroad cars destroyed 18 Men killed 2 Men wounded ~ 2 Men missing (1 commissioned officer. 13 enlisted men) ..., 14 Large number of car-wheels and trucks destroyed Page 213 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDiTION. 213 Cavalry Brigade, Col. F. F. Winslow. Men killed 9 Men wounded 26 Men missing 9 The troops subsisted for the most part upon the country, relying only on the supply train for small-stores. Large nuinhers of wagons, horses, mules, all(t cattle were l)rought in, taken principally from dis- loyal men. Recapitulation. Miles marched 360 Miles railroad destroyed 55 Railroad bridges and culverts destroyed 53 F~ -4 of trestle-work destroyed 6, 075 ii destroyed 28 Locomotives destroyed 19 C u wheels destroyed ~24 Scam-mills belonging to C. S. Army destroyed 3 C onfederate wagons destroyed 15 Enlisted men killed 13 Commissioned officers wounded 1 Enlisted men wounded 61 ~omnmissioned officers missing 1 Enlisted men missing 112 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. 13. McPHERSON, Major- General. Maj. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant A~ydant- General. Itinerary of the Severtteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. James B. Mc- Pherson, U. S. Army, commanding, February 3March 18. * February 8, the Third Brigade, First Division, Brig. Gen. Alex- ander Chambers commanding; the Third Division (with the excep- tion of the Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, suffering from small-pox, aimd time Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, stationed at Natchez, Miss.), mu command of General Leggett; the Fourth Division, commanded by General M. M. Crocker, and the cavalry forces, in command of Col. E. F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cava~ry~ left Vicksburg for ex- pedition toward Meridian. Distance marched, 19 miles. February 4, encountered the enemy at Champions Hill and skir- mished with him the entire day, advancing cautiously. February II, reached Meridian with some skirmishing and pro- ceeded to destroy railroad, cars, & c. February 15, the Fourth Division went to Enterprise. February 16, the Third Brigade, Fourth Divisiomi, went to Quit- man. February 19, started on return march. Febrnary 28, reached Canton. February 29, encamped at Canton. March 1, the Third and Fourth Divisions and Third Brigade, First Division, at Caliton, Miss. March 5, returned to Vicksburg. The Eleventh Illinois Infantry, with a portiomi of the colored troops, is at Yazoo City. * From monthly returns Page 214 214 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. March 7, Brig. Gen. T. 1(ilby Smith, with a portion of the Third Iowa Infantry, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, Fourteenth Wisconsin infantry, Thirty-third Wisconsin, Ninety-fifth Illinois, and Eighty- first Illinois, and Battery M, First Missouri Light Artillery, ordered up Red River. March 18, Brigadier-General McArthur assigned to command of post and defenses of Yicksburg and Natchez dnrii~g absence of Major-General McPherson. General Leggett ordered to Ohio to superintend recruiting for veteran regiments of his command. * No. 15. Report of Capt. Andrew Ilickentooper, F2fth Ohio Battery, Chief Engineer, of expediliom to Jii1ierni~an. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ENGINEERS OFFICE, Vicksburg, March 25, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the engineer department of the Seventeenth Army Corps during the recent march to Meridian, Miss., and return, as also to submit the accompanying topographical inapt of the route followed: On the 19th of January I received an order from you to construct a bridge across Big Black River at the railroad bridge, the imme- diate supervision of the work being assigned to Captain Black, engineer officer of the Third Division. In company with him I made the necessary examination and selected the site for the bridge at the old road just above the railroad bridge, where the stream was about 200 feet in width, and gave Captain Black the necessary orders to build a combination pontoon and float bridge to consist of five pon- toons ~nd four rafts. The Third Division pioneer corps was ordered to report to him at Big Black River, and also such infantry details, wagons, & c., as he might require, were to be furnished by the com- manding officer of the forces stationed at the bridge. About the same time I also commenced a map of the country between Vicksburg and the Tombigbee River, over which we ex- pected to move. The bridge over Big Black River was 220 feet in length and 11 feet in width, furnished, in accordance with the original plan, on Mon- day morning, January 25. January 31, completed three copies of the map of the country between Vicksburg and Tombigbee River. The engineer force of the Seventeenth Army Corps consisted of the Third and Fourth Divisions pioneer corps, under the .immediate direction of Captain Black, engineer officer Third Division, and Captain Merritt, engineer * Furloughs granted in the month of March to the re-enlisted veterans of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Twentieth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first, Thirty-second, Forty- first, Forty-fifth, and Fifty-third Illinois; the Thirty-second and Fifty-third Indiana; the Third, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteceuth Iowa; the Twentieth, Thirty-second, and Sixty-eighth Ohio, and the Twelfth and Sixteenth Wisconsin In- fantry Regiments; the Third, Fourth, and Eleventh Illinois and Tenth Missouri Cavalry, and the Thirteenth Ohio Battery. t To appear in the Atlas Page 215 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 215 officer Fourth Division. To Lieut. H. M. Bush and assistants, S. Davis and S. W. Dunning, was assigned the topographical survey of the route followed by the corps. February 3, the command having rendezvoused at Big Black River, the column commenced moving over at 10 a. m. The Fourth Division encamped at Edwards Depot, Third Division at Amster- dam, Third Brigade, First Division, at Big Black River. Roads generally good, but rather heavy for 2 miles east of the river. February 4, moved over rather hilly country on good roads about l0{ miles to good camping ground on branch of Bakers Creek. south of Bolton Station. Crossed Bakers Creek ~1 miles east of Edwards Depot. This is a small, sluggish stream, with steep banks, making it impassable except by bridging. Soil, clay loam, easily worked up by a train during wet weather. No preparations for cultivating visible. February ~5, moved eastwardly over rolling and uneven country with good roads until within 6 miles of Jackson, when we turned south through fields and marshy grounds for about 4 miles to south Jackson road. Passed through Clinton, a small wooden town, about 3 p. m. Town now nearly deserted. The advance reached and en- camped at Jackson, but main force encamped on a small stream 3~ niiles west. Soil similar to yesterday. Some little preparations for cultivating visible. Forage scarce; length of march, 15~ miles. February 6, the pontoon bridge used by the rebels, and apparently ~just completed, having been destroyed, the pioneer corps were or- dered forward, and the site for a new pontoon bridge selected about 100 yards below the old crossing, where the stream was only about 130 feet in width. The construction of the western portion of the bridge, with approaches, & c., was assigned the Third Division pioneer corps, under personal supervision of Captaiii Black, engi- neer officer, while the eastern portion with d~bouch6 was assigned to Fourth Division pioneer corps, under charge of Captain Merritt, engineer officer. Operations commenced about 10 a. m. by the col- lection of necessary material, which was found in abundance along the shore, and taken from the wreck of the bridge above. Several good pontoons were found in the drift, about 200 yards below, and one very fine one was found in the woods near the old railroad bridge, launched, and brought up to site of new bridge by a detail from the Third Brigade, First Divisioii. Crib abutments were con- structed on both sides of the river, with c~rduroyed approaches and debouche. The stream being about 130 feet in width, seven boats of a floating capacity of about 12,500 pounds each were used with 3 by 8- inch stringers bolted and braced, and 1& inch flooring with 6-inch guides. Bridge and approaches completed at 3 p. in., and the Third Brigade, First Division, moved over and encamped upon very poor, marshy ground near a small creek, about 2 miles east of bridge. Two small bridges were destroyed by the enemy at this point, and were rebuilt by the pioneer corps of the Third D~visioii during the night. The weather, which had up to this time been very mild, sud- denly turned cold and windy. - February 7, moved eastwardly for the first 3 miles over Pearl River swamp on heavy embankments and good roads. From Pearl River swamp we nThved over slightly undulating country, covered with pine interspersed with oak and considerable underbrush, to Brandon, the county seat of Rankin County, a small town. No im- portant buildings. Soil, light red clay and loam. Section of countr Page 216 21(3 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. north and west from Brandon, from 1 to 5 miles distant, reported pro- ductive and wealthy. Encamped o~ a small creek of indifferent water, abont 1 mile northeast of town, where some cordnroy roads were built by Fonrth Division pioneer corps. Details were also sent out to destroy railroad. Length of march, 13 miles. Forage, beef, pork, and corn snificient for one trip; no snrplns left. February 8, ronte nearly northeast all day over low ridges, cov- ered with pine and scattering oak; nnderbrush thin. Very sparsely settled by ignorant people tired of the war. Encamped on Pela- hatchie Creek, a small, clear stream of excellent water and good sandy bottom, easily forded at this point; length of march, 17~ miles. Forage not abnndant. Abont dark, in accordance with your orders, I made a reconnaissance of the west bank for abont 5 miles north- west, and found it to be a low, swampy country, intersected by nnmerous slonghs or creeks impassable for anything bnt small bodies of infantry. The Fonrth Division pioneer corps engaged in re- building small bridge across Pelahatchie Creek and repairing roads. February 9, marched only 5 miles, over ridges similar to yester- day, to Morton, a station on the Sonthern Railroad, where we went into camp for the pnrpose of allowing the Sixteenth Army Corps to pass us and take the advance. Camped on high ground with water inconvenient and rather poor. Active preparations for cultivating visible. Heavy details fr6m infantry and pioneer corps destroying railroads. February 10, moved eastward over low, rolling pine country, with occasionally high hills and ridges; oak underbrush; soil poor, red clay and sand. Roads generally good, but in some places very bad, requiring corduroying. A few days rain would render them almost impassable for a large train. Very few settlers along the road, but all busy preparing for corn. Encamped on Taala Creek, 3 miles east of Hillsborougli, the county seat of Scott County, a small, wooden town, nearly deserted, and now mostly destroyed by fire. Forage, beef, pork, and corn plenty. Camping-ground very good. Water excellent and convenient. Length of march, 16 miles. February 11, accompanied cavalry expedition to Lake Station, on Southern Railroad, where we destroyed one-fourth mile railroad, 1 culvert, 2 locomotives, 35 cars, 1 depot, 1 warehouse, 1 machine-shop, 2 mills, and 1 water-tank. Marched only 7 miles over heavy roads, but less hilly country than formerly. Much corduroying required; during wet weather road would be nearly impassable for a large train without considerable work by pion~e1~. Wealthy plantations re- ported on both flanks 3 or 4. miles distant. Encamped on Tuscala- meta Creek on good ground. Water convenient. February 12, commenced work on road through Tuscalameta Swamp at 5.30 a. in., with both pioneer cori)s. General Hurlbuts train still in the swamp. Very heavy work, over 3,000 feet of cor- duroyiug and repairing. Road finished by the time the Sixteenth Army Corps train was fairly out of tb e way. The route lay this morning, after passing Tuscalameta Swamp, over rolling pine coun- try, sparsely settled, to Decatur, the county sear of Newton County, a very small town containing but little more than ~he necessary county buildings. Soil, similar to yesterday. Forage, beef, and pork sufficient. ~Camping-ground dry. Water good, and conven- ient. Length of march, 14 miles. February 13, moved nearly east all day over very heavy roads, requiring considerable repairing. Passed several very good plant Page 217 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 217 ti~is, and a very wealthy settlement was reported this p. m. 4 miles to the left. Encamped on an abandoned plantation west of the Tal- lahatta, a small stre~ani with limestone bottom and banks; excellent water. The supply train was corraled at this point, and pioneer train reduced to six wagons. Forage and meat sufficient. Rails scarce. February 14, pioneer corps at work at 5.30 a. m. building bridge across Tallahatta Creek and cordfiroying the swamp. Command commenced moving at 9 a. in., route nearly east. During the a. m. turned suddenly south at Sukelena Creek, from the Marion road, and camped on the banks of the Oktibbeha near Matthews planta- tion. During the morning passed over some ridges quite high, cov- ered with pines, no oak or underbrush. Roads obstructed with fallen trees. Water good and convenient. Marched about 13 miles. February 15, rebuilt a bridge across a branch of the Oktibbeha, and moved on into Meridian, a small Confederate town at the junc- tion of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad with the Southern Railroad. Town wholly sustained by Confederate Government. Forage and provisions plenty. Water good and convenient. Length of march, 4~ miles. The weather, which up to tbis time had been very fine, changed during the night and to-day rained quite hard. February 16, heavy infantry details, with Third Division pioneer corps, destroying railroad, which was effected by taking up the rails and piling the ties together 5 or 6 feet wide and 4 feet high, balanc- ing the rails on their sides with weights on each end, and setting fire to the piles. The rails would invariably bend from 30 to 40 de- grees. We found this to be the most effective manner of destroy- ing the road. The Fourth Division pioneer corps accompanied its division to Enterprise. I also sent Assistant Dunning forward with General Crocker to sketch the route. Weather clear, but cold. February 17, destruction of railroad continues. Lieutenant Bush and Assistant Davis at work sketching Meridian and vicinity. Weather quite cold, but clear. Febi nam y 18 heavy details still at work on railroad. Weather very cold Feom nam x 19 still tearing up railroad. Weather exceedingly cold; light snow flying. Lieutenant Bush, topographical engineer, was ordered to report and accompa y General Sherman, and Assistant S. Davis ~mas placed in charge. Febi uar~ 20 in obedience with your ,~r4ers, I took charge of a detail of t a o companies, and destroyed all the public buildings, ar- senal (containing about 1,000 stand of worthless guns), depots, ware- houses, & c. The command commenced the retrogade march at 6.30 a. in., and moved back over same road over which we advanced. I remained with a detail of cavalry, and destroyed the bridge over the Oktibbeba after the rear guard had passed. Weather clear and cold. We encamped on Tallahmatta Creek, having marched 17 miles. February 21, leaving camp at 7 a. in., we moved on into Decatur, about 12 miles. February 22. leaving Decatur at 7 a. in., we moved on rapidly until we struck Tuscalameta Swamp, where it became necessary to do con- siderable repairimig and recorduroyimmg. We encamped on Untuck- aloo Creek. Lengtl# of march, about 17 miles. Camping-ground good, and water convenient. February 23, leaving camp at 6.30 a. my command moved through Hillsborough at 3 p. in., amid encamped on Shockalo Creek, about Page 218 218 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHA . XLIV. miles west of town. In ~tccordance with your orders, I pushe~rori in advance for the purpose of making a sketch of the roads leading from Hilisborough toward Canton, which plat and report was handed to you npon your arrival. Length of march, 12 miles. February 24, in accordance with your orders, I accompanied the Third Brigade with the pioneer corps on the direct road to Canton for the purpose of constructing a, bridge across PearL River at Rat- luffs Ferry. Our route was northwest during the forenoon, but nearly west in the afternoon, over an excellent road. Oak ridges, with scattering pine and underbrush. Fine plantations under excel- lent cultivation; forage ai d provisions of all kinds in abundance. Halted for about three hours at Coffee Bogue, 17 miles from Hills- borough, to allow the men to rest and get dinner, and then moved on to Ratliffs plantation, 23 miles from Hillsborough, where the infantry went into camp on good ground, but watQr poor and incon- venient. I ordered the pioneer corps, under the division engineer officer, to tear down all the buildings on Ratliffs plantation in which there was lumber suitable for the proposed bridge, and accompanied the cavalry advance to Pearl River, 3-~ miles, for the purpose of locating the site of the bridge, which was selected at a point about 250 yards below the old ferry. Here we secured the ferry-flat, and sent two companies of cavalry to Edwards Ferry, about 12 miles above, to bring down the ferry-boat. They arrived with it about 10 a. m. I then returned to Ratliffs plantation, where I learned that the Third and Fourth Divisions of our corps had, after leaving Hills- borough, moved west on the old Morton road, 13 miles, to intersection of Jackson and Morton road, 2~ miles west of Coffee Bogue, and thence northwest, on road to Ratliffs Ferry, 2~ miles to Burnhams plantation, where the command encamped near Hurricane Creek. Camping-ground good, but water poor. Soil, light clay and sand. Nearly the whole route through scrub-oak woods. Surface low, undulating. Road in very poor condition. Length of march, 1Sf miles. February 25, commenced operations at daylight by sending the Fourth Division pioneer corps, under charge of Captain Merritt, to the river, and leaving the Third Division pioneer corps, under Captain Black, to get out and send forward the necessary timber. The stream being 152 feet in width at this point, we concluded to use only the two ferry-flats, which were each 56 feet in length by 14 feet in width, with a floating capacity. o~ about 73,500 pounds. The small pontoons (4A by 14), captured at Meridian, were too light to be of any service in the bridge. The Third Division pioneer corps, having sent down enough lumber, were ordered forward and reported at the bridge at 11.30 a. m. The western portion of the bridge with d6bouch~ and road to connect up the west bank to main road was assigned to them, and the entrance and eastern portion of the bridge to the Fourth Division pioneer corps, under supervision of Captain Merritt. The 1-inch flooring was removed from the boats, and heavy cleats spiked along the insid~of the boats 1 inches below the top. Two sets of stringers were also laid flush with the top of the cleats, and well braced. The old flooring was then relaid, and over this another layer of 1-inch flooring, the ends flush with the outside of The boats and well secured by spiking and heavy guide planks. A crib abntment was built at the east end of the bridge, extending out about 5 feet into the stream. A heavy oak bent, 7 feet in height. was set 20 feet beycud this, and four 6 by 9-inch stringer Page 219 XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 21~ connected it with the abutment, and strong 1-~--inch flooring laid over the whole. In consequence of the precipitous uature of the opposite side we omitted the crib, and put in a heavy sill. The approach and (1ebOU~che having been completed, the boats were moved out to their positions connecting with the bent on the east, and secured fore and aft to a heavy 2-inch sheet-line. Four (3 by 9-inch stringers, 25 feet. in length, were secured to the sill upon the opposite side, and extending down rested upon the boat stringers ii feet from the end of the boat; a double flooring being laid upon this, a railing constructed and pumps in position, the bridge was completed, and the command commenced moving over at 5 p. m. The cavalry, two brigades of infantry, with some artillery, passed, when a sudden stoppage at the west end of the bridge caused some heavy guns, with infantry, & c., to stop on the center of the bridge, springing the bulk-heads and caus- ing the boats to leak badly. Repairs being necessary, the balance of the command was bivouacked upon the east side of the river. The boat was raised and repaired, light sprung bents placed under the bulk-heads fore, aft, and center, supported by a light pontoon-boat on each side. The Third and Fourth Divisions moved from Hurri- cane Creek to Ratliffs plantation over roads similar to that traveled y esterdav. February 26, bridge guards having been placed with proper in- structions, the column commenced moving over at daylight. The Third Brigade moved nearly west over a good road. Country well settled and cultivated to Canton, the county seat of Madison County, a town of 2,000 inhabitants before the war. Houses mostly of wood; sonue few very fine residences of brick; streets regular; yards well laid out, showing taste and wealth; county buildings neat and sub- stantial. Madison County is considered one of the wealthiest coun- ties in the State, with good soil and almost unbounded resources. Length of marc~, 11~ miles. The Third Division encamped about 1~ miles east of town, and Fourth Division at Terrys plantation, about 1~ mules west of river. In accordance with your orders, I re- mained at the bridge with the Third Division pioneer corps, having sent the Fourth Division corps with the advance. February 27, in accordance with your order, I left written instruc- tions with Colonel Hall as to the manner in which the bridge should be destroyed, and at 12 m. moved forward with Third Division pioneer corps, arriving at Canton at 4.30 p. m. The Fourth Division pioneer corps, under Captain Merritt, ai~ ~estroying railroad stock. February 28, pioneer corps, with infantry details, destroying rail- road and railroad stock. In accordance with your order, I made a reconnaissance of the Sharon roads for about 4~ miles northeasterly. February 29, pioneer corps still at work on railroad. In accord- ance with your order, I made a sketch of roads leading from Can- ton to Livingston. Vernon, & c., for use of General Hurlbut. Weather, which has been fine since leaving Meridian, suddenly changed and became quite cold, with light rain,~ Third Division pioneer corps accompanied train which left this m~rning. March 1, the army commenced moving toward Vicksburg this morning, the Sixteenth Army Corps taking the advance. The Seventeenth Army Corps commenced moving out of Canton about 1 p. m. on the Li~ingston road. Cold, disagreeable rain-storm. Moved over a rich, rolling country, and encamped on a small creek and swamp 6 miles from Canton. Camping-ground on west side. Water good and convenient. Forage and provisions scarce Page 220 220 KY., SW. VA., TEXN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. March 2, command commenced moving at daylight for a few miles over rich, rolling country, with fine plantations. Passing through Livingston, a town of about half a dozen frame houses, 13 miles we a more and pine conn from Canton, entered hilly oak try. Roads up to this point were very heavy on. account of rain. Moving on slowly, encamped about 2 miles east of IBogue Chitto. Good camping-ground, but water LOOP and inconvenient. No forage or provisions to be found. Weather clear and pleasant. Length of march 15 miles. About 1-s- miles east of Livingston there is a very bad, swampy tract, about one-half mile in extent, with raised cor- duroy road, bridges, & c.; would be very easily obstructed and rendered impassable. March 3, at daylight the Fourth Division pioneer corps proceeded to reconstruct and strengthen the bridge across Bogue Chitto, and repair and corduroy road upon west side. Command commenced moving at 7 a. m. After all had crossed the bridge was destroyed. Our route to-day was over high, rolling country, several fine planta- tionS, but little signs of cultivation. About 1 p. m. passed through Brownsville, a small, wooden town with few inhabitants, 31 miles from Canton. The roads were quite heavy, having been consider- ably cut up by the train, which passed over them during the ram. We encamped on good ground on Halls plantation. Water scarce. No forage or provisions in the country. Weather clear amid pleas- ant. Length of march, 18 miles. March 4, command commenced moving at 6 oclock southwest over good road; high, rollimig country; & ~ miles to intersection of main Vicksburg and Jackson road, and thence west oii Vicksbnrg and Jackson road over a low, fiat coumitry to Big Black River, crossing pomitoon bridge built in January. The Fourth Division nioved to their old camping-ground near Hebromis. The First Bri- gade, Third Division, remained at the bridge. The Second amid Third Brigades, Third Division. amid Third Brigade, First Division, moved omi into Vicksburg, 14 miles. Len athi of march, 25 miles. Recap itulatiort of dista aces traveled. Fourteen miles froni Vicks- burg to Big Black River; 32 miles from Big Black River to Jack- son; 50j miles from Jackson to Hillsborough; 25~ miles froni Hills- borough to Decatur; 29~ miles from Decatur to Meridian; total, 151 ~ miles from Vicksbnrg to Meridian: 19 miles from Meridian to Emiter- prise; 13 miles from Enterprise to Quitman; 32 miles from Meridian to Quitman; 55 miles from Meridiamvto~Hillsborough; 38 miles from Hillsborough to Canton; 31 miles from Camiton to Brownsville; 20 miles from Brownsville to Big Black bridge; 14 miles from Big Black to Vicksburg: 373{ miles, total distance marched from Vicks- burg to Quitman and return. Recapitulation of work performed by the pioneer corps of the Third and Fourth Divisions.One thousand two hundred amid ten feet of bridging; 23,740 feet of corduroymug. The men of the pioneer corps worked cheerfully and faithfully whenever called upon, and II am very much iI~debted to the pioneer and engineer officers and assistants for their prompt and energetic co-operation. Very respectfully submitted. A. HICKENLOOPER. Capt. Fifth Ohio Battery, and Chief Eng., 17th Array Corps. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON Page 221 THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 221 [Inclosure.] Summary statement of railroad and contraband property destroyed on the late expedition to Meridian, Mtss. By Third Division: Near Brandon, on Southern Railroad. Chunkys Station Southern Railroad between Chunkys and Meridian.. Morton Meridian Near Meridian on Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Near Canton on Mississippi Central Railroad. Near Jackson Between Brandon and Me- ridian. Total By Fourth Division: Brandon Morton Meridian and vicinity Enterprise and vicinity Alligator Swamp Quitman Canton Lake Station 1 2 150 1,000 6 16 1 4 II 1 _ 12 150133 .... ~1t 1,000 83 1....~ 1,522 1.. 3 32 2 1 111 2 1 .~ I 9 4 1 1.522 2 2 3 3~ I .~ 32~ 2~ 211 331 5 5OO~ 1 1 Ii 51 9 9~0l 1 2 1,70011.. 1 Total 18~ 9,620 41 4 Grand total 59 is, 285 6 4 1.. I. 1 0 1S~ 1 2.35 2O~16 11145 10 6 1( 1,672~3IS~6~3i I 4~15j 1,000 I jjH 32 2 2 1 No. 16. Report of Capt. Lucius .211. Rose, Chief Acting Signal Qtficer, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT~17TH ARMY CORPS, Viclcsbnrg, illiss., March 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report as follows for the month of February: On 1st, b Gsily at work preparing for the march. On 2d, got all ready for a start; expect orders every moment to march. On 3d, received marching orders for 7 a. in.; were ready on time and reported to General McPherson, at Black diver, as ordered. Camped near Edwards Depot. On 4tb, things looked like fight this a. in., and I took party and went to the front. A very short distance brought us in contact with the enemy. They consisted of two brigades of cavalry, commanded by Generals Wirt A~ams and S. W. Ferguson. The fighting dnring the day was almost continuous. The loss on our side was about 30 killed and wounded, principally from tbe Fifteenth Illinois and Thirty-second Ohio. We were on duty constantly on the advance CHAP. XLIV.] By Third Brigade 450~ 250.. 1.. 3900~.. 50.. 50.. 23 750. 1 S Page 222 999 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. skirmish line, and did some good service in reconnoitering the enemys position, as they changed from one hill to another. We pointed out to the general their artillery iu every instance before they could open on our lines. Quite a number of messages were transmitted to-day. Lieutenants Stickney and Dunlap had the right, Lieuten- ants scott and Hurt the left, and I took the center in company with the officer coinmaiidino~ the skirmishers. On 5th, heavy skirmishing all day; loss very light. Pointed out the enemys artillery to-day just in time to save a raking shot into our colunm. as they were moving by the flank. The enemy had seven pieces of artillery in position to rake the road. The guns were discovered and reported by Lieutenant Scott, who was at the time sonu~ distance in advance of the skirmisher ~. Our cavalry dashed into Jackson after dak, getting in the rear of the enemy, compel- ling them to retreat on the Canton road; also preventing the destruc- tion of the rebel pontoon bridge across Pearl River. Camped in Jackson. On (3 Ii. remained in camp at Jackson awaiting the completion of bridge. On 7th, took the advance, and went into Braudon in advance of the cavalry. Had a spirited chase after some ebel cavalry; captured the post adjutant; wemit on 6 miles with the cavalry; had some heavy skirmishing; returned to Brandomi at night to report to General McPherson. Camped at Brandon. On 8th, marched 18 miles; skirmishing light to-day, the rebels not baying forgotten the lesson they received on yesterday from cavalry. Camped withimi 7 miles of Mortomi. On 9th, started in advance for Morton. The Signal Corps had a skirmish witl~ the enemy, drivimmg theum from the town and captur- ing the peA and telegraph office. Camped here. On lOtlm, in camp waiting for Sixteenth Army Corps to pass us. I osked permission to take the advance of Sixteentim Army Corps, but General McPherson said he wanted us, and if the Sixteentim wanted sigmial officers they mnust furnish them. Passed through Hillsbor- ough. Caniped 3 miles beyond that place. On 11th, in the morning received orders to take detachment and accomupammy a cavalry expedition off on the flank to Lake Station for the purpose of destroying the public property, comisistimig of maclmimie- shop cars. locomnotives, & c. While the cavalry were fighting the rebels the Signal Corps wemit throughThe town like a dose of salts, and just a~s we were leaving I noticed a man humiting around to get sonic one to make an affidavit that there had been a town there. Property destroyed valued at ~1,OOO,OOO. On 12ti~, marched 16 miles; camped at Decatur. On 13th, marched 15 miles; camped 16 umiles from Meridian. Omi 14th, camuped 5 miles from Meridian. On 15th, rained all day; entered Meridian at 12 oclock. Took iinosses~~ of a house, and proceeded to dry om~rselves and make our- reives as comfortable as possible. Omi 16th, remained in camup. 0mm 17th, remained in camp. On 20th. ma~cbed at daylight for Canton. We had the advance, and had some skirmishimig. The coi~ps is all the cavalry on this road, and the general hinds plemity for us to do. On 21st. marched 11 miles, campmng at Decatur. No rebels to- day Page 223 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 223 On 22d, started in advance of everything to go through to our trains, which had been left back, and which bad not been heard from for several days. Reached the trains at 12 oclock, having made 28 miles. On 23d, camped at Hillsborough, rebels all around the town. Oii 24th, started on Cantoli road, heavy skirmishing all day. Marched 18 miles. On 25th, went to Pearl River. Opened communication across the river. Engineers building bridge. On 20th, marched to Canton. This is one of the finest towns in the south; about 2,500 inhabitants. About 400 ladies here, refugees from Memphis and other places; very lively for signal officers. On 27th, ordered out with cavalry on reconnaissance, and found the enemy about 1 mile out, and fonght them all day; drove them 7 miles; saw several splendid cavalry charges. On 28th, camped at Canton; spent the time very pleasantly. On 29th, started for Vicksburg. Before we got out of the town two brigades of rebel cavalry entered the other side, and we had a brisk fight in the streets. Heavy skirmishing all day. ~. March 1, skirmishing all day. Beautiful country for signaling; rolling prairie. Did some work to-day. On 2d, fighting all day. Set a trap for the rebels, but they did not bite. On 8d, reached Black River at 11 oclock; was ordered to go to Vicksburg on our own hook. Arrived in camp at this place at 4p. m. L. M. ROSE, Capt., end Chief Acting Signal Officer, 17th Army Corps. Capt. 0. H. HOWARD Chief Signed Officer. No. 17. Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Chambers, LL S. Army, command ing Third Brigade, First Dirisiori, of expedition to Meridian. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, Vicksbnrg, March 7, 1864. SIR: In accordance with imistructions received from headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Third Br~gaite, First Division, Seven- teenth Army Corps, during tIme recent raid Number of miles marched, 340; number of miles of railroad destroyed, 6~ number of bridges destroyed, 1; number of feet of trestle-work destroyed, 165. The pioneer corps of Fourth Division, in charge of Captain Mer- ritt, having renorted to me at Cantomi, Miss., and under mJ direction, destroyed 19 locomotives, 18 railroad cars, amid also a large number of car-wheels amid trucks. The number of men killed, 2; the mmnmber of umen wounded, 2; the number of men missing are: I commissioned officer and 13 en- listed meim. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. ALEX. CHAMBERS, B rigad icr- General, Goinman ding Third Brigade. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 224 224 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. 18. Reports of Cot. William Hall, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, of expedi tion to Meridian. HDQRS. ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, March 6, 1864. Sin: In reply to circular of this date I have the honor to reply: First. Number of miles marched, 840. Second. Number of miles of railroad track destroyed, .2. No bridges or trestle-work destroyed. Third. Number of killed, wounded, and missing, none; number of veterans mustered in, 316; number enlisted to be mustered in, 40; total,856. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HALL Colonel Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. Capt. JOHN C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Vichsbnrg, Mtas., March 6, 1864. Sin: In compliance with circular of March 5, I have the honor to report that there was destroyed by this command, under orders, dur- ing the late expedition, at Morton, Miss., about I mile of railroad track, together with railroad buildings at that place, and at Canton, Miss., about 1 mile of railroad track. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HALL, Colonel Eleventh Iowa Infantry Vols., Comdg. Rcgiment. Capt. JOHN C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 19. Report of Col. William TY. BellIThjl, F~ftcc u/h Iowa Infantry, of expeddwn to i1Icri~dwn HEADQUARTERS i& JFTEENTn IOWA INFANTRY, Near [~c1osbLu(J Thss ifarch 6 1864. Sin: In reply to the circular from hrw~c a licadquarters, dated March 6, 1864, I have the honor to repoit Lb it on the late expedition to Meridian this regiuieiit marched about ~20 miles. TWO miles of railroad track were destroyed; 1 brid~e I turn-table, 50 feet of trestle-work, and 1 passenger car burne t neai ]3raudon, Miss. The loss of the regiment was 1 officer ord 8 enlisted men captured near Canton, Miss. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. BELKNAP, G~olonci Fifteenth Iowa infa) try, (Jomnianding. Capt. J. C. MARVEN~ Acting Assistant Aclj a/ant- General, Third Brigade Page 225 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 22~ No. 20. Report of Lieut. Col. Addison H Sanders, Sixteenth Jow~ Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH IOWA VOLUNThERS, March 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with circular dated headquarters Third Bri- gade, First Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Vicksburg, March 6, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report of the opera- ations of the Sixteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry \Tolunteers during the recent campaign: The regiment marched a distance of about 327 miles, destroyed three-fourths mile of railroad track and 40 feet of trestle-work. The casualties in the regiment were: Accidentally wounded, 1; taken prisoner, 4; left sick at Brandon, 1; total, 6. There are 281 men who have re-enlisted as veteran volunteers in the regiment. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, ADD. H. SANDERS, Lieut. Got., Gommanding Sixteenth iowa Lifantry. Capt. J. C. MARvEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, TA ird Brigade. No. 21. Report of Brig. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, U. S. Army, command- ing Third Division, of expedition to Meridian, with itinerary of the division. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 6, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following summary report of the part taken by my division in the late expedition to Meridian. One more in detail will be made as soon as reports from brigadescanbeobtained: First. Number of miles marched [3501. Second. Number of miles of railroad destroyed. 24; number of bridges destroyed, 52; number of feet of trestle-work destroyed, 4,000; number of cars destroyed, 10; car-wheels, 124; steam-mills belonging to Confederate Government, 3; number of wagons be- longing to rebel army, 15. Third. Number of killed, 7; number of wounded; 21 (13 severely, 8 slightly); number missing, 46 (39 captured when ~n duty, 7 when straggling). I am, colonel, your obedient servant, M. D. LEGGETT, Brigadier- General, Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjntant- General. 15 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 226 2~!6 KY., SW. VA., TEN N., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Itinerary of the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, February 3]Ilarch 4.~ February 3, the Third Division (Twenty-ninth Illinois at Natchez and the Eighty-first Illinois suffering from small-pox, excepted) broke up camp at Vicksburg and Big Black, Miss., in compliance with orders, and marched toward Meridian; bivouacked on hills be- yond Big Black; marched 19 miles. February 4, marched to Bolton Station via Edwards Depot an(I Champions Hill; bivouacked on Bear Creek; marched 14 miles. February 5, marched to Jackson via Clinton, skirmishing heavily with the enemy all day; bivouacked in and near Jackson; marched 23 miles, ii in line of battle. February 6, remained in Jackson. February 7, crossed the Pearl River and marched to Brandon; 14 miles. February 8, marched toward Morton; 16 miles. February 9, marched to Morton ; 4 miles. February 10, marched through Hilisborough; 14 miles. February 11, marched toward Decatur; 10 miles. February 12, marched to Decatur; 18 miles. February 13, marched toward Meridian; 12 miles. February 14, the First Brigade marched to Chunkfs Station and returned, after a skirmish, and destroying railroad, rebel stores, and transportation; 22 miles. The Second Brigade (excepting Sixty- eighth Ohio, left with teams) and Third Brigade marched on Meri- dian road 12 miles. Februarf 15, marched to Meridian; 7 m~miles February 16, the Second Brigade sent along the railroad to Chunkys, 17 miles; the Third Brigade destroying railroad. February 17, the Second Brigade marched from Chunkys. to trans- portation corral, 23 miles; Third Brigade destroying railroad. February 18, the First Brigade marched from corral to Meridian, 17 niiles; Third Brigade destroying railroad; Second Brigade in camp at corral. February 19, destroyed railroad. February 20, t~~e First and Second Brigades marched from Meri- dian to corral; 17 miles. The Second Brigade marched with corral to Decatur; 12 miles. February 21, the First and Thinl I~rigades marched to Decatur; 17 miles. The Second Brigade marched with corral; 18 miles. February 22, the First and Third Brigades marched toward Hills- borough; 17 miles. The Second Brigade marched with corral to Hillsborough; 12 miles. February 23, First and Second Brigades marched to Decatur; 13 miles. February 24, marched toward Canton, on old Jackson road; 16 miles. February 25, marched to near Pearl Rive~ 6 miles. February 26, marched to Canton; 17 miles. February 27 to 29, remained at Canton, destroying railroad and foraging. March 1, moved toward Vicksburg; 6 miles. From monthly returns Page 227 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITiON. 227 March 2, marched to Bogue Chitto Creek; 18 miles. March 3. marched to Queens Hill Church; 16 miles. March 4, the First Brigade marched to Big Black; 12 miles. The Second and Third Brigades to Vicksburg; 27 miles. No. 22. Reports of Brig. Gen. Alianning F. Force, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, In the Field, February 14, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received last night, I marched to Chunkys Station this morning, arriving a little after 9 oclock. Learning on the way that General S. D. Lee was at the station with two brigades (General Wirt Adams and Col. P. B. Starke) and striking their trail lj miles this side of the station, I pushed on rapidly and quietly, surprised their rear guard at breakfast, drove them across the creek, captured and burned seven loaded army wagons; burned a fine trestle railroad bridge of eight trestles and two abutments, destroyed several hundred yards of road and two small trestles, bend- ing the rails, and burned a warehouse filled with about 100 bales of Confederate cotton. Our casualties are 1 enlisted man of the Forty-fifth Illinois, mor- tally, and 2 enlisted men of the Forty-fifth Illinois, severely wounded. The rebels left blood on both sides of the creek, and our fire made some confusion among them. They held with some obstinacy a stockade, which commanded the bridge, but their lQss was un- doubtedly small. Having but forty rounds I was obliged, under the circumstances, to be sparing in their use. The two companies of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, under Captain Collins, behaved handsomely. The brigade officers and men, as always, did all that could be asked. Citizens report that General Lee received orders last night to con- centrate and report at Meridian to-day. He arrived at Chunkys from the northwest, coming into the roa4 over which we went, about 1~ miles this side of the station. Sixty of Fergusons men passed shortly before me over the road which I passed over. A portion of the force at Chunkys were seen to pass to our right on the farther side of the creek, apparently with the design of annoying us on our return. By returning on the road indicated in the order I saw nothing of them. I ani ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Strong to remain at this place, the wagon park of both corps, till further orders an attack being apprehended. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F. FORCE, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Brigade. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 228 228 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. [Inclosure.] HDQRS. 17TH ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, In Camp, February 13, 18647 p. m. Brig. Gen. M. D. LEGGETT, Commanding Third Divtsion: GENERAL: On this side of the first large creek from where I left you is a road leading to Chunkys Station on the raiYroad. At day- light to-morrow morning you will send General Forces brigade down to the station by this road, and let him join us by some road which comes into the road we are advancing on ahead of our present position. While at the station General Force will have his command do all the damage to the railroad he possibly can. He will take his am- bulances and a section of artillery, and you had better have a few men of the pioneer corps go along to repair roads and clear away obstructions. His wagons will come along with the main train, as he will join us to-morrow night. Captain Foster will be instructed to send two companies of cavalry to report to General Force at daylight in the morning. Yours, truly, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIv., 17TH ARMY CORPS, Big Black Bridge, lJfiss., March 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to General Orders, No. 32, I have the honor to report that at 3 p. in., February 3, I received marching orders, and the same evening crossed the Big Black with the rest of the division. At noon of the 5th, the brigade was formed in line of battle on the eastern side of Clinton against a strong position occupied by the enemy with artillery and dismounted cavalry, who fell back as we advanced. At this position 2 enlisted men of the One hnndred and twenty-fourth Illinois were wounded. Major-General McPherson, desiring to occupy Jackson with one infantry brigade that night, the brigade volunteered, and, entering at the south side of the city, reached the works at the north of the city by 8 p. in., a march of 23 miles. About the works and on the road north I captured and destro~ed~eight new army wagons. Dur- ing the night bivouacked near Brandon. A detail from the brigade destroyed half a mile of railroad. On the evening of the 13th, in pursuance of orders, I bivouacked off the road on the banks of one of the branches of the Chunky. 4 miles in rear of the army, and proceeded next morning to Chunkys Station; surprising and driving a cavalry force there under comluand of Maj. Gen. S. D. Lee, and destroying the bridge and road and other public property, a report of which was made at the time, and which I request to be appended and made part of this. I have since heard that Brigadier-General Jackson, who was the immediate commander of the two brigades encountered there, arrived on the field from Meridian in time to be wounded; that a colonel was killed; that the rebels lost besides in killed from 6 to 11 [men] and several horses killed, and that the bridge was entirely consumed to ashes. The Forty-fifth Illinois, Major Duer commanding, was left guard Page 229 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ing the bridge over the Oktibbeha, while the rest of the brigade was at Meridian. While lying at Meridian, the Twentieth Illinois, Lieut. Col. Dan. Bradley; One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, Lieutenant-Col- onel Howe, and Thirty-first Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Pearson, destroyed more than 3 miles of railroad, bending or breaking every rail. At Canton, by order of the division Commander, a brigade party of 50 mounted men and 4 officers was organized. On the 29th of February, ]i sent out the party, numbering 43 men and :3 officers, under command of Lieutenant Smith, adjutant of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, on the Jackson road, with instructions to be cautious of rebel cavalry. On returning and when 6 miles out, they met a mounted force of about equal numbers which they, after some doubt, ascertained to be rebels. Following and skirmishing they soon found larger parties, concealed on each side of the road. They fell back skirmishing, and the greater part suc- ceeded in gaining the swamp. Marching by compass they ran upon a rebel bivouac just at dawn. Turning this, Lieutenant Smith succeeded in reaching camp next morning, with the other 2 officers and 25 men. The rest were undoubtedly captured. Several of them were wounded, I severely. One of the returned party was wounded. I have examined, with the officers, and find that in the encounter with this force Lieutenant Smith behaved with discretion and gaL lantry. At Canton the One hundred and twenty-fourth, Twentieth, and Forty-fifth Illinois destroyed 2 miles of railway, bending every rail, and 100 feet of trestle-work. At the crossing of Bogue Chitto Creek, on the return, the brigade was ordered to guard the rear until the whole army, including the cavalry, had crossed. For this purpose the brigade was posted on a ridge separated from the creek by an open field three-fourths of a mile across. The advance of the rebel cavalry appeared close upon the heels of our own. A little firing from the skirmish line kept them off while the regiments withdrew and every person had crossed except a few mounted officers, when the first rebel appeared upon the ridge which we had occupied. We returned to camp on the afternoon of the 4th of March. The conduct of the brigade on the n~r~h was admirable. The column was compact and without stragglers, the train always closed up, bivouac was made and brokert up promptly. The brigade was not as much as five minutes behiudhand by the watch in obeying a single order received on the march. Their excellence in drill was of service. At Clinton and Chunkys the slightest intimation of command was apprehended and executed with such facility that the brigade appeared to work itself. Capt. J. B. Walker, assistant adjutant-general, was unfortu- nately absent upon leave when the expedition set ou~, but joined us at Canton on the return. Lient. 0. Greenough, aide-dc-camp; Lient. S. II. Adams, aide-de-camp; Lient. G. C. Morton, actin6 assistant- quatermaster, and Lient. H. C. Foster, picket officer, constituting my staff, were indefaPgable. Lieut. Col. J. H. Howe, commanding One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois; Lieut. Col. Dan. Bradley, Twentieth Illinois; Lieut. Col. R. N. Pearson, Thirty-first Illinois; and Maj. John 0. Duer, Forty-fifth Illinois, prompt, watchful, and zealous, had their respective commands well in hand at all times Page 230 230 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. With the whole brigade, officers and men, there appeared to be a strife who would do most to carry out all orders received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F. FORCE, Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Appended is a list* of casualties and of destruction done. Several of the men captured near Canton were also wounded. RAILROAD DESTROYED. Near Brandon, by brigade working party, one-half mile of road and 50 feet of trestle. At Chunkys Station: One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, trestle bridge, 150 feet; Thirty-first Illinois, one-half mile of rail- road. At Meridian: One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, 1 mile railroad and 50 feet trestle; Twentieth illinois, 1 mile railroad; Thirty-first Illinois, 1~ miles railroad. At Canton: One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, 1 mile rail- road, 50 feet trestle-work; Twentieth Illinois, three-fourths mile railroad, 60 feet trestle-work; Forty-fifth Illinois, one-half mile rail- road, 74 feet trestle-work. ARMY WAGONS DESTROYED. At Jackson: By brigade detail, seven new wagons (empty). Chunkys Station: One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, two (loaded); Forty-fifth Illinois, two (loaded). Besides 100 bales Con- federate cotton and station-building at Chunkys Station. RECAPITULATION. Killed, none; wounded, officers, none; enlisted men, 7; missing in action, 19; lost while absent without leave, 4. DESTROYED. Miles of railroad, 6; feet of bridge and trestle-work, 435; army wagons, 15 (8 of them loaded); Confederate cotton, 100 bales. 1 No. 23. Report of Lient. Col. Daniel Bradley, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. TWENTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS~ Big Black, Miss., March 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: The following is a report of the operations of the Twentieth Regiment during the recent exp~ition under command of Major-General Sherman: February 3, about S p. in., the regiment with the balance of the brigade crossed the Big Black River. * Nominal list 0f casualties (omitted) shows 2 men, One hundred and twenty- fourth Illinois, wounded at Clinton; 3 men, Forty-fifth Illinois, wounded at Chunkys Station; and 2 men, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, wounded near Canton; also 1 man, Thirty-first Illinois, missing, near Brandon; 7 men One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois, 1 man Twentieth Illinois, 6 men Thirty-first Illinois, and 4 men Forty-fifth Illinois, missiag near Canton. Four men of the brigade were lost while straggling Page 231 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ~31 February 5, shortly after meruhan, the First ]3rP~ dered to the front, the regiment was formed ~ dade being or- line of battle on the left (north side of the road), and, with skirmishers deployed, ad- vanced, the rebel ~rce retiring before ns. Same date entered Jack- son, Miss. February 14, the 1~rigade having been detached for the purpose from the main co~nmn, we maiched to Chunkys Station, on the Southern Railroad. At this point we had a slight skirmish with a force of rebel cavalry, driving them across Chnnky Creek (or river). The regiment niet with no loss. February 17, being in bivouac at Meridian, Miss., the regiment was ordered to scout on the Choctaw road. Scouted 7 miles, discov- ering nothing of importance. February 18, regiment engaged in destroying railroad. Tore up and burned 1 mile of track and a large quantity of new ties. February 19, relieved the Thirty-first Illinois on picket duty at mill, 2 miles east of Meridian, remaining there until the 20th instant, when we started on return trip. February 29, regiment engaged in destroying railroad south of Canton, Miss. Tore up and burned two-thirds of a mile of track and about 60 feet of trestle-work. March 3, at the crossing of Bogue Chitto Creek, line of battle was formed to cover the passage of the train, cavalry, & c., this regiment on the extreme rear, the Forty-fifth Illinois supporting, but the enemy failed to make his appearance. March 4, arrived in camp on Big Black. During the expedition this regiment tore up and thoroughly de- stroyed, by burning, twisting, & c., 1~ miles of railroad track and ($0 feet of trestle-work. The casualties of the regiment during the expedition are as fol- lows: John Ross, private, E Company, Twentieth Illinois Volun- teers, supposed captured while straggling, February 15, 1804, on the march between corral and Meridian; Private Oliver Harrold, E Company, Twentieth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, supposed captured February 29, 1804, near Canton, Miss., during skirmish by author- ized foraging party, of which he was a member. All of which is respectfully submitted. DANIEL BRADLEY, Lient. Cot., Gomndg. Twentieth Illinois Volunteers. Capt. J. C. DOUGLASS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 24. Report of Maj. Harry Almon, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, of ex pedition to Meridian. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Big Black, Miss., March 10, 1864. SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 32, from Third Divis- ion headquarters, I~ have the honor to submit the following as the part taken by my regiment in tIme late expedition to Meridian, Miss.: On February 3, we left camp and marched some 4 miles, where we camped for the night Page 232 232 KY., SW. VA., TENK., 1VIISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. On the morning of the 4th, we took up the line of march, the Thirty-first being in front of the brigade. Tbere was nothing of consequence occnrred that day. On the morning of the 5th, the Thirty-first JlliiIois fell to the rear of the division train as guard. When within abtut 3 miles of Clin- ton, Miss., I received orders to move with my re~iment to the front and rejoin the brigade, which was skirmishing w\kh the enemy. On arriving at the head of the column I was ordered to relieve the Seven- teenth Illinois, which was snpporting the Twentieth Illinois. The line was then advancing. After marching in line of battle for some distance, I marched the regiment by the right flank, file left, immedi- ately into the road. I then received an order to form the regiment in line of battle on the right of the road in an open field. Before an advance was ordered we moved by the right flank for about one- quarter of a mile, then by the left flank for some 300 yards. We could see the enemy in front, but could not, on account of the dis- tance between us, give them a turn. We then marched until after dark, when General Leggett called for volunteers to go into Jackson that night to hold the place. My regiment was one of the volunteer regiments. We arrived at Jackson, Miss., at about 11 p. m. the night of the 5th February. Remained in camp at Jackson on the 6th. The 7th, crossed Pearl River, and marched about 1 mile beyond Brandon, where we camped for the night. 8th, marched within 4 miles of Morton, where we again camped. Nothing of consequence occurred since leaving Jackson. Morning of the 9th, with the expectation of meeting the enemy we marched into Morton, Miss., arriving at that place in the forenoon, where we encamped. While at this place the Sixteenth Corps passed. On the morning of the 10th, we marched in the direction of Hills- borough. My regiment was guarding the ammunition train. The night of the 10th camped 3 miles beyond Hillsborough. On the 11th, we were in camp until 3 p. m. We then started in the direction of Decatur. Marched all night until 4 a. m. of the 12th. We then camped for a few hours rest. The regiment guarded 60 prisoners that day and night. 13th, marched 10 miles, nothing of interest occurring. 14th, marched to Chunkys Station, 8 miles from the main road. Reached that place about 11 oclQcl~ While the advance regi- ments were skirmishing with the enemy, I put out a line of skir- mishers in front and rear, and then set part of the regiment to destroying railroad. Had no one killed or wounded that day. Marched back to the main road, my regiment being rear guard, and camped at the corral until next day. 15th, marched to Big Chnnky, a distance of 12 miles, where we camped for the night. Morning of the 16th, marched into Meridian, reaching that place in the forenoon; went into camp. i7tI~, was ordered out to destroy railroad. Worked all day and destroyed about 1 miles of railroad. Changed camp to the oppo- site side of town. 18th, marchect out about 2 miles southeast of Meridian to mill, and guarded it while meal was ground. On the 19th, was relieved by Twentieth Illinois, and marched back to camp at Meridian Page 233 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 233 20th, received marching orders. Started at 6 in the morning; made 18 miles. Camped for the night. 21st, marched into Decatur. Camped about 3 p. m. 22d, traveled about 18 miles; nothing of importance. 23d, reached Hillsborough, and Camped for the night. 24th, marched within about 10 miles of Pearl River. 25th, marched to Ratliffs plantation, 5 miles from Pearl River. Camped for the night. 26th, crossed Pearl River. Marched to Canton, 5 miles. 27th, remained in camp until late in the evening, and then changed camp to the opposite side of the town. 28th, changed camp again, nothing of importance occurring. 29th, mustered for pay. Sent out a foraging party under Lieuten- ant Sippel. Had 6 men captured. March 1, left Canton for Black River at 12 m. Went into camp at 12 oclock at night; marched 5 miles. 2d, passed through Livingston and camped on Bogue Chitto. 3d, crossed Bogue Chitto, passed through Brownsville; marched 15 miles. 4th, reached Big Black at 3 p. m. Went into camp. While on this expedition I had 10 men captured by the enemy; none killed or wounded. Seven of those captured while on duty and acting under orders. Three straggled from their command the morning of the 10th February, near Morton, Miss., and are sup- posed to be captured, but have been dropped as deserters. The following is a list of those lost. ~ Respectfully submitted. H. ALMON, Major, Commanding. Capt. J. B. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 25. Report of Maj. John 0. Duer, Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, of ex pedition to Meridian. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Big Black, Miss., March 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: In accordance with General ~rc~ers, No. 32, division head- quarters, 1 have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry in the late expedition to Meridian, Miss.: The regiment took a common part with the brigade until our arrival at Chunky River Station, on the Southern Railroad. On the morning of the 14th of February, having the advance of the brigade, was ordered to throw one company forward as skirmishers. F Company, Lieutenant Vincent commanding, was~quickly deployed to the right of the road, and was soon under fire, and under direc- tions of the general commanding the brigade, the regiment was formed in rear of my skirmishers and advanced immediately upon the enemy. The compa~y of skirmishers in my front drove the enemy across the creek, having 3 woundedPrivates Peter Griffin and Isaac Way, severely, and Private Charles Collas, supposed to be * Nominal list omitted Page 234 234 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., A~1) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. mortally. The regiment advanced withi~i a few rods of the Chunky River. I then complied with directions of the general commanding the brigadesent B and G Companies to protect companies of the One hundred and twenty-fourth (who were destroying the bridge) from the enemys sharpshooters. The enemy soon fell back, leaving six wagons. These wagons were burned by Captain Van Dervort, commanding B Company. At 10.30 a. m. was arde~ed to resume our line of march for the Meridian road. On the night of the i~th of February, received orders to remain at Oktibbeha bridge and guard it until General Chambers brigade came up. General Chambers passed along on the afternoon of the 18th Feb- ruary, when I marched to Meridian and reported to Captain Doug- lass, assistant adjutant-general, Third Division, who informed me where the brigade was encamped. On the 29th instant, Lieutenant Clifford, of Company C, and 10 men (mounted), in compliance with orders, reported to brigade headquarters and joined the brigade foraging party for the purpose of foraging for the several regiments of the brigade. On the after- noon of the same day they were attacked by a superior force of the enemys cavalry, and after a sharp skirmish were compelled to fall back, leavin~ their horses and plunder in the hands of the enemy. Four of Lieutenant Cliffords party were captured~ namely: Pri- vates William Williams, of Company A; John Rolfe, of Company F; Henry C. Errett, of Company H; and Alfred B. Ramsey, of Company K, the latter being wounded in the hand when captured. The rest took shelter in a wood near by and remained until daylight next morning, when they passed to the left of the enemys pickets and came to camp. During the expedition no men were lost by straggling. Your obedient servant, JOHN 0. DUER, Major, Gommanding Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry. Capt. J. B. WALKER, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 26. Report of Lient. Got. John H. Ho~ee, One hundred and twenty- fourth illinois Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. HEADQUART1~RS 124TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, March 7, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders, I respectfully submit the fol- lowing detailed statement of the part taken by this regiment in the late expedition to Meridian: Agreeably to orders, the One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry moved out of camp at 5 p. in., Feb~uary 3, 1864, with five days rations, two in haversacks and three in wagons, mustering 23 commissioned officers and 327 enlisted men, with three wagons, one for hospital pi~rposes, one for the use of officers, and one for rations and cooking utensils. Roads being very bad, moved 4 miles from the river and camped. February 4, sent 4 men unable to stand the march back to camp. Moved at 9 a. in., One hundred and twenty-fourth in the rear of th Page 235 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 235 brigade. Marched 10 miles; progress very slow, owing to constant skirmishing with the enemy by the Fourth Division in front. Went into camp at 9 p. m. Plenty of wood and water, though the men carried rails 1~ miles, being told that none could be found at the camp-ground. February 5, moved at 7.30 a. in., skirmishing with the enemy by Second Brigade before sunrise. At 10 oclock the First Brigade passed to the front, relieving Second and Third Brigades. At 12 m. passed through Clinton, the music playing and the blue banner flung out to the breeze. Two miles beyond Clinton, the rebels occupying a strong position and showing a considerable front, the brigade was deployed on the right of the road, the One huiidred and twenty- fourth in the front on the right, supported by the Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, the regiment being just behind the crest of the hill, from which could be obtained a splendid view of the rebel line. Com- panies K and B were deployed as skirmishers in front of the regi- ment preparatory to an advance. While lying in this position, Pri- vate Joseph Sadler, Company A, was wounded in his right arm by a canister-shot from a shell from one of our own batteries, which was playing upon the rebels over the heads of the men. Private Cleaveland Acox, Company B, had left arm shot away and right knee-cap broken by a solid shot from the rebel battery. Soon after advanced in line of battle toward the enemy. Skirmishers in ad- vance found the enemy non est. A mile and a half farther again came in sight of the enemy, One hundred an(t twenty-fourth on the right of the division and in rear of the Thirty-first Illinois. Some thirty regiments deployed in line of battle, at sight whereof the rebels decamped. Moved toward Jackson on a new road. The First Bri- gade volunteering to march into Jackson, the One hundred and twenty-fourth led the way, and was the first infantry regiment to cross the breast-works of that place. Camped at 9.30 oclock within the breast-works on the north side of town. The men were ver tired, having marched over 20 miles. y February 6, lay in camp all day. At 10 a. m. received orders to move on a scout in the direction of Canton, bu~ they were counter- manded before put into execution. February 7, moved out of camp at 6.30 a. m. and crossed Pearl River. Marched 14 miles, passing through Brandon, and went into camp at 5.30 p. m. February 8, moved out of camp at 9~a. ~fn. Marched 17 miles, and camped at 7 p. m. February 9, moved at 10.20 a. in., One hundred and twenty-fourth in the rear of the Seventeenth Corps. Reached Morton, and camped at 2.20 p. m. February 10, moved at 10.30 a. in., First Brigade acting as train guard. Very slow marching. Passed through Hillsborongh. Camped at 10.45 p. in., having made 1~i miles. February 11, moved at 4 p. in., guarding trai~ A disagreeable march, the train being much delayed in crossing swamp. Camped at 3 a. m. Marched 14 miles. February 12, moved at 10 a. m. Reached Decatur, 16 miles, at 7.40 p. in., and cam~iped. February 13, moved at 10 a. m. Marched 10 miles through bad swamps, and camped at 10 p. m. February 14, the First Brigade being detached from main column to destroy the station and railroad bridge at Chunkyville, 8 mile Page 236 236 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. froni main road, we moved out of camp at 6 a. m. with but two ambulance teams. Marched very rapidly. Encountered rebel out- posts 1 mile from the station. By order of General Force, Com- panies A and F were detailed to destroy the bridge, Companies H and C to destroy the village, and the remainder of the regiment to destroy railroad. The Forty-fifth and Twentieth Illi~iois Infantry being deployed in line of battle on either side of the r~oad, the One hundred and twenty-fourth, followed by the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, moved in column down the road. The brigade advanc- ing in this manner, the rebels were speedily driven across the river. The bridge, a fine, strong trestle-work, with water-tanks and other buildings, was fired under a galling fire from the enemys sharp- shooters. A large building filled with cotton bales, a house used as the rebel headquarters, and other buildings were also destroyed, and one-half mile of railroad iron and ties taken up and burned. Two of the wagons across the river, deserted by the eilemy in his hurried retreat, were also fired by members of the One hundred and twenty- fourth Illinois Infantry. The regiment sustained no loss whatever. The object of the expedition being accomplished, the brigade, by another road, regained the original line of march by 3 p. m. and went into camp. February 15, lay in camp till 11.30 a. in. Raining heavily most of the time. Marched or waded 12 miles, and went into camp at 7 p. ni. February 16, moved at 9 a. in., marched 5 miles, reaching Meridian at 11 a. m. Camped in southwest portion of town. Afternoon the regiment destroyed about 1 mile of railroad and some 50 feet of trestle-work, doing it very rapidly and effectually by breaking the rails by main strength. February 17, removed camp to south side of town. Company C, by order of General McPherson, was detailed to guard the arsenal, but was relieved before night by the Fifty-eighth Illinois. Heavy details for picket, 180 men and 8 commissioned officers being out at one time. February 18, remained in camp, heavy details for picket. February 19, remained in camp. February 20, moved out of camp at 6.30 a. in., homeward bound. Received 29 rebel prisoners from Eighth Illinois. Company H was put in charge of them. By order of General Force, Companies E, K G and B were detailed to bur~t t~ie arsenal, Ragsdale House, and other buildings designated to them, which agreeable task was thoroughly performed. Rations being short, with permission forag- ing parties were daily sent out, not meeting with much success. Marched 18 miles, and camped at 4 p. m. February 21, by order, the rebel prisoners were turned over to General Maltby, commanding Third Brigade. Moved out at 7.30 a. m. Reached Decatur, 12 miles, and camped. Rations very short. February 22, marched at 8 a. m. Made 18 miles, and camped at 7.15 p. m. Received one days rations of coffee, hard tack, and side meat. February 23, marched at 8 a. m. Reached Hillsborough at 1.30 p. in.; 10 miles. February 24, started at 6 a. m. on Canton road. Marched 16 miles, and camped at 3 p. m. The forage party, in charge of Adjutant Smith, being very successful, the regiment was abundantly supplied with rations Page 237 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 237 February 25, moved at 10.45 a. m. Marched 6 miles, and camped 3 miles from Pearl River. Forage plenty. February 26, crossed Pearl River at 2 p. m. Marched 16 miles, and camped near Canton at 8 p. m. One man shot accidentally through left thigh while foraging. February 27, all sick and lame men and extra teams sent forward. At 4 p. m. marched through town, and camped 1 mile southeast of court-house. At 8 p. in., when two-thirds of the regiment weie asleep, the bugle sounded Fall in. The One hundred and twenty- fourth was in line in five minutes, and led the brigade out of camp. Proceeded about one-eighth of a mile, when ordered back to camp. February 28, to-day Adjutant Smith, who, by order of General Force, had been placed in command of the mounted men of the brigade and made several captures of stock of provisions, being out on a similar scout with 38 men, fell in with a large force of rebel cavalry when 7 miles from. Canton, on his return to camp on the Jackson road. After a gallant fight of upward of one hour, and a loss of 5 or more wounded, it was necessary to retreat to avoid cap- ture, and the horses and equipments of the men were abandoned to the enemy; many of the animals, however, being shot and badly maimed. The regiment was ordered out to their assistance, but ordered back at the pickets, hearing that no aid could be rendered. March 1, received orders to be ready to move at 8 a. m. The adju- tant reported at 9 a. m. corporal and 6 men of his party still missing. Moved at 12.30 p. m. Marched 5 miles, and camped at 11 p. m. March 2, the First Brigade being ordered to hold the hills and cover the retirement of the entire corps, the One hundred and twenty-fourth was deployed on the right of the road in front, sup- ported by the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry. Companies A and F were deployed as skirmishers. The army being across the bridge, the brigade at 12.30 fell back, and, taking its place in the column, marched through Brownsville, camping at 8p. m.a march of 18 miles. March 4, started at 7.30 a. in., One hundred and twenty-fourth in extreme rear. Crossed Big Black at 2 p. m. Recapitulation: Number of miles traveled, 304; number of miles of railroad destroyed, 2~ number of feet of bridge destroyed, 250; number wounded (1 mortally), 4; number missing in action, 7. J. H. HOWE, Lieutenant- Colo~et~. Commanding Regiment. Capt. J. B. WALKER. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 27. Report of Brig. Gen. Marcellus 211. Grocker, U. S. Army, com manding Fourth Division, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. FOURTH DIvIsION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Hebron, Miss., March 6, 1864. SIR: I have the hoiior to report that the Fourth Division, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, broke camp on the 3d day of February, 1864, and crossed Ilie Big Black River at the railroad bridge the same day, camping on the Jackson road, about 5 miles from the river. On the 4th of February, the Fourth Division had the advance, and ~t Champions Hill encountered the enemys cavalry. The Secon Page 238 238 KY., SW. V A., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Brigade, commanded by Colonel Hall, having the advance of the division, one regiment of this brigade (the Fifteenth Illinois Vol- unteers, Col. George C. Rogers commanding) were deployed as skirmishers, and the rest of the brigade advanced in line of battle. They slowly drove the enemy during the day, making a march of about 10 miles. At 4 p. m. one regiment of General Greshams bri- gade (the Twelfth Wisconsin, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. K. Proudfit) was sent to the support of the Second Brigade. The loss of this days skirmish was as follows: Twelfth Wisconsin, 3 killed and 4 wounded. Starting from our camp on the morning of the 5th, we marched to Meridian withont encountering an enemy or hearing an authorized shot, arriving at that point On the 15th day of Febrnary, 1864. The next day, pursuant to orders from you, we started at 6 a. m. for Enterprise, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, arriving there at 4 p. m. same day. At that point I detached General Gresham with his brigade to destroy the railroad bridge in the vicinity of Quitman, across the Chickasawha, and the bridge and trestle-work across Alligator Swamp, this side of Quitman. The expedition started at daylight the morning of the 17th and returned the next morning at 9 oclock, having been entirely suc- cessful. On the 19th day of February, at 6 a. in., the division returned to Meridian and Hillsborough road, and encamped 4 miles west of Meridian, from which camp we marched without interruption to and across Pearl River, at Ratliffs Ferry, and encamped on the 26th day of February at Terrys plantation, 12 miles east of Canton. On the 27th of February, I sent one regiment from General Smiths brigade (the Thirty-third Wisconsin, Col. J. B. Moore com- manding) to Madisonville, with orders to destroy the bridge and saw- mill at that point, which duty was accomplished, and the regiment rejoined the command at Canton on the 28th of February. From Canton to our present position at ilebrons plantation, 10 miles east of Vicksburg, we marched with but slight interruption, arriving in camp at 1.30 p. m. on the 4th day of March. The division was on the expedition thirty-one days. The First and Second Brigades marched 350 miles; the Third Brigade marched 390 miles. The num- ber of miles of railroad destroyed is as follows: Two miles. near Meridian, of the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad, by General Smiths brigade; 10 mij.espf the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road, at Enterprise, by the First and Second Brigades, and 2 miles, at Quitman, by the Third Brigade. Three railroad bridges Were destroyed, one over the Chickasawha, near Quitman, 210 feet long; one over the Oktibbeha, about 75 feet long, and one on the Alligator Swamp. One and a half miles of trestle-work on Alligator Swamp from 11 to 32 feet high and 1,700 feet at Quitman from 10 to 30 feet high were destroyed. In the First. Brigade no men were killed or wounded and 28 are missing. In the Second Brigade 1 officer and 4 men wounded and 16 missiug. In the Thmird~Brigade 4 men killed and 8 wounded. The railroad buildings at Enterprise and Quitman were destroyed entirely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. M. CROCKER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 239 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 239 No. 28. Report of Lient. WiUiain~ U. B. Gillespie, Forty-first illinois Infan try, quartermaster First Brigade, of operations February 2628. HDQR5. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH DIv., 17TH ARMY CORPS, February. 29, 1864. SIR In compliance with Special Orders, No. 22, from these head- quarters, dated February 26, 1864, I organized a foraging party, composed of the mounted men of this brigade, for the purpose of procuring forage, bacon, horses, mules, & c., for the use of this command. On the same day, at 8 a. in., I left our camp on the east side of Pearl River, crossed to the west side, and took a direction east of north on a neighborhood road marked 1, as per accompanying diagram, * to Adams and the residence marked 2 and to Williams. Lieutenant Nichols, quartermaster of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers, accompanied me. We had with us 70 men. At the above-mentioned residences we procured about 2,000 pounds of bacon and several bushels of sweet-potatoes. From Adams I sent a ser- geant and 10 men down toward Pearl River after some mules, & c., said to be hidden there. He found 8 serviceable mules and a lot of bacon, 500 pounds of which he brought away with him in an old wagon found at the same place. At the residence marked 2 we pro- cured another wagon, both of which we loaded with bacon, & c. I then took 10 men and started to camp with the animals, & c., already procured, taking the Canton road to a point marked A, where I waited for the Third Division to pass, and then learned that the Fourth Division was going into camp back 2 miles toward Pearl River, for which point I immediately started, and reached about dark. I divided the bacon among the different regiments of the brigade pro rata. Before starting back from the point marked 4, I sent Lieutenant Nichols and 60 men to Willis after some mules and horses, said to be hidden in the swamp. He procured 12 mules and 4 horses, and returned to camp in safety, not having met with an armed rebel during the entire day. At 7.30 a. m. on the 28th instant, I started again with 84 men, 74 of whom were placed under the charge of Captain Potter, Fifty-third Illinois. Lieutenant Nichols accompanied me again to-day, with 10 men as an advance guard. We started from camp on the road luarked 3, followed it to its intersection with tI~e Qanton and Carthage road, thence to near the point marked 4, where we halted for a few minutes. While there, 5 mounted and armed rebels came from the direction of Carthage and turned to the north at the point marked 4. Lieu- tenant Nichols and myself, with our advance, immediately started in pursuit, the remainder of the column following at a short distance in the rear. We advanced to within 75 yards of the rebels, when Lieutenant Nichols commanded them to halt. One of them turned on his saddle and saw us, when they started off at a rapid rate. We fired several shots after them and pursued them t~Lotts, where they turned right and left and we lost them in the brush. From Lotts we continued north, and shortly discovered 3 rebels coming on to the road ahead of us. I ordered the sergeant and 6 men, which I had placed in the advafice, to pursue them, and started forward myself. We pursued them to the point marked 5, where we halted, and I sent * Not found Page 240 240 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 2 men forward to call in the advance. They captured 1 who had disposed of his arms and accouterments: We then returned to the point marked 6, where I directed Captain Potter to leave a sergeant and 14 men to wait for 3 men who were still absent, leaving the prisoner in their charge, and then took to the left with a negro from Cannons plantation to guide us to swamp where Lott was said to have his mules and horses hid, at the point 7. I direci3ed 10 men and a sergeant to be left to watch a road near by. We then searched the swamp, but found nothing. I then directed that Sergeant Drom, of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers, and 4 men be sent back to take the two squads left at points numbered 7 and 6, and take them back to Williams at 4, and then proceed toward Willis, and meet us at that point. We continued on south and east. At 8 we captured 2 deserters from a Mississippi infantry regiment and brought them to camp. At 9 we halted at the intersection of the two roads. While resting we saw about a dozen men make their appearance at the point numbered 10, about three-quarters of a mile from us. We concluded to wait for them to come up, but by the time they got half of the distance between us at least 200 more made their appearance, marching slowly and orderly along. We immediately started on the double- quick toward Canton, and reached the point marked 11, where we halted and waited for theni to come up, and had quite a brisk skirmish with them, killing or wounding 2 so badly that they fell from their horses, one of which was supposed to be their commander. In this skirmish we lost none. I then proceeded as fast as possible on toward Willis, to see if I could find Sergeant Drom with his men, and hurry them up to our relief. Not finding them there, Captain Potter fell back as slowly as the circumstances would permit with the men to the point marked 13, leaving 2 men in the rear to come forward and notify him of the approach of the enemy. This point (13) we concluded to hold as long as possible, to see if Sergeant Drom with his men would not make their appearance. While wait- ing for the advance of the enemy, the 2 men that Captain Potter had left to notify him of the approach of the enemy came up, and reported brisk skirmishing at or about Willis. We waited full half an hour at point 13 before the rebels made their appearance, and then gave them another lively skirmish, dismounting at least 2 more of them, whose ~horses came rushing inside of our lines, 1 of which was captured by our men and brought to camp. In this skirmish we had 2 men wounded, 1 of whom, afrer~eing helped onto his mule by Lieutenant Nichols, was afterward seen to fall from his mule and was left to the tender mercies of the enemy. Some 2 or 3 more whose mules faltered dismounted and took to the brush, and after- ward came into camp afoot. When it became evident that we could not remain much longer at Williams (13), I sent 3 men out toward Lotts to endeavor to communicate with Sergeant Drom, with orders for him to take his men and proceed on the road leading to Sharon, and make for the Canton road with all possib~e speed. We then re- treated in as good order a~ possible to camp, the rebels following us to within a mile or less of camp. The 3 men that I sent to warn Sergeant Drom of his danger were unable to make the cross-roads at Lotts, it being already covered by rebels. They then took to the left through the fields, and made the Sharon road at a point between Lotts and Sharon, where they found about lti of Drom s men, from which place most of them made their way safely to camp, skirmish- ing with rebels at Various points. Since returning to camp I hav Page 241 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITIOTh 241 learned that Sergeant Drom, instead of making for Williams and thence to Willis, had turned to the east at Lotts and endeavored to reach us at Willis by a nearer road, and struck the road at a point at or near 12, after we had passed said point in falling back, and had skirmished considerably with the rebels at that point, being the firing that our outlooks had reported having heard. Here Sergeant Drom is said to have been killed or badly wounded, his meu being com- pelled to fall back on the ~same road that they had advanced on, being followed by a portion of the rebels. There are about 13 men missing unaccounted for as yet. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, sir, with much respect, very obediently, your humble servant, W. 0. B. GILLESPIE, First Lient., and A. A. 9. ilL, 1st Brig., 4th Div., 17th A. C. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 29. Report of Capt. John Potter, Fifty-third illinois Infantry, of skir mishes on Pearl River. CAMP 53D REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Hebron, Miss., March 6, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report: On the morning of February 27, 1864, while in camp near Pearl River, Miss., I was detailed to take command of the foraging party from the Fifty-third Illinois Infantry and report them to the head- quarters of First Brigade. Upon reporting, I was placed in com- mand of the foraging party from the brigade, consisting of 66 pri- vates and 4 sergeants from the different regiments of the brigade. My instructions from the acting assistant adjutant-general were to forage under the directions of Lieutenant Gillespie. Lieutenant Gillespie took the advance, and I followed with the guard. We started on a cross-road running north, and after traveling about three-quarters of a mile we came out on the Canton road. Taking the Canton road we traveled about 1 mile, and then left the Canton road and took a cross-road running northeast. This we followed about 2 miles, when Lieutenant Gillespte ~rdered a halt. He then directed me to leave a sergeant and 13 men from the Fifty-third Illi- nois to guard the road until we returned. I left the guard, as directed, giving the sergeant orders to throw out a picket on each flank and in front. Lieutenant Gillespie then directed me to move forward with the remainder of the party. Here we left the road on which we had been traveling and took a road running through a thick wood and in an easterly direction: When about 1 mile from the road where we left the guard, Lieutenant Gilles~ie again ordered a halt, and directed me to leave a sergeant and 10 men from the Third Regiment Iowa Infantry. The instructions which he directed me to give this guard were as follows: If they saw the enemy approaching they w~re to fall back to the guard from the Fifty- third Illinois, which had been left to guard the road. If they encountered no enemy they were to remain where they had been stationed umitil we returned or sent them orders to follow. We then moved forward until we came to a large swamp. Here Lieutenant 16 R RvOL XXXII, PT Page 242 242 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Gillespie ordered another halt. He then took 10 men as a guard and went in search of meat, which was supposed to be concealed somewhere in the swamp. He returned in about an hour, and directed me to send a sergeant and 4 men back to the squads which we had left as gnards, with orders for the men of the Third Iowa to join those of the Fifty-third Illinois, the whole to return in a body to the Canton road and there await our return. After having sent the sergeant and 4 men back, Lieutenant Gillespie directed me to follow him. I did so, and after traveling about two hours we came out on the Canton road at a point abont 7 miles northeast of our camps. Soon after striking the Canton road we discovered a squad of mounted men following in our rear. I paid bnt little attention to them at first, thinking their squad too small to trouble us. We had gone but a short distance farther when one of the men came up from the rear, and reported a strong force of the enemy pursuing us. Our position at this time not being a good one, I pushed on until I gained the top of a large hill. Here I halted, dismounted my men, and formed a line across the road. I had barely time to accomplish this when the enemy came in sight, about 50 in number. They were coming at a gallop and in bad order, the leader being some distance in advance of his men. I ordered my men not to fire until I gave them orders to do so. The rebel leader came up to within about 40 yards of me, when I ordered him to halt. He did so. He having on a blue shirt or jacket under his great coat, I asked him who he was, as I was in some doubt upon that subject. He replied by shout- ing, ~Who are you ? By this time several of his men came up with him, and I could see that they wore the Confederate uniform. I then ordered my men to fire. Our first volley turned and confused them, and our second emptied two saddles and sent them flying back in the direction from which they came. We kept up our fire as long as they were in sight. As soon as they were out of sight I gave the order to mount, and pushed on until I came near the road where the squads from the Fifty-third Illinois and Third Iowa had been ordered to meet us. About this time a man who was some distance in the rear came up and reported to me that the enemy were coming on again with a force larger than before. We were by this time at the road where the Third Iowa sergeant and his squad were ordered to report. Here we found Lieutenant Gillespie, who had been missing since the first attack. He reported that the sergeant and squad had not yet come up. Thinking it b~t 4o wait as long as possible for them, I ordered the men to dismount and form line, leaving every fourth man to hold horses. We then went back a short distance and formed on the brow of a small hill to wait for the enemy to approach. We waited but a short time before they came, this time about 150 strong. They came up in good order, formed line, and attempted to charge us. Our first fire broke and confused them. They retreated a short distance, formed line, and again came up at a charge, but with no better success than before. Our first volley turned and scattered them and emptied ~veral saddles. Their leader soon formed them, and again they came up at full gallop. Again were they repulsed. This time their leader tumbled from his saddle, and w~s not seen to rise again. About this time a man from the Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry was severely wounded. I ordered 2 men to take him to the rear, put him on a horse, and start with him for camp. When this was done I ordered the men to fall back and mount; theii we started for camp, traveling as fast as our worn-out horses and mules could go without leaving men behind Page 243 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 243 The wounded man must have oeen captured, as his horse was too badly used up to keep up with the squad. I arrived in camp with all the men I took out except those who, by direction of Lieutenant Gillespie, had been left to guard roads. Nearly all of these men must have been captured, as but 4 of them have ever returned to their commands. I cannot close this report without first mention- ing the bravery and gallant conduct of Quartermaster Nichols, of the Thirty-third Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, who rendered me valuable and efficient service throughout the different skirmishes of the day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN POTTER, Captain Company F, 53d Regt. ill. Inf. Vols. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 30. Report of Maj. George JY. Crosley, Th.ird Iowa Infantry, of expe dition to Meridian. HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA INFANTRY, Ilebron, ]Jiiss., March 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to make the fol- lowing report of the loss of this regiment during the recent expedi- tion. As the regiment was almost constantly under the immediate notice and direction of the general commanding the brigade, and as the only detached duty we were called upon to perform was the de- struction of railroad at Meridian and Enterprise, I presume it is only necessary for me to make a detailed report of the loss of the re i.. ment in the affair of the 28th of February. g On the morning of the 28th of February, 23 men of this regiment, under charge of Sergt. Daniel Buckley, Company A, were ordered to report to brigade headquarters to go out with the brigade forag- ing party. During the day the party was attacked by the enemys cavalry, and Sergeant Buckley and 12 men of the detail from this regiment were taken prisoners. The following is a list* of the names of the men captured. Private Francis M. Coverston is known to be wounded severely, perhaps mortally. Corpl. Williani H. Symms was seen to fall from his horse, and is su~p~sed to be killed. Noth- ing is known of the fate of the rest of the party. Very respectfully, your obedient servant G. W. CROSLEY, Major, Commanding Third Iowa Infantry. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 31. Reports of clot. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Near Hebron, Miss., March 5, 1864. SIR: In compliance with General Orders, No. 4, of this date, I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the opera * Nominal list omitted Page 244 244 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. tions of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers in the recent expe- dition to Jackson, Meridian, & c.: Pursuant to orders received on the 2d day of February, 1864, I moved the regiment out of camp, near Hebron, Miss., at 8 a. m. on the 3d day of February ultimo, having present for duty in my com- mand 2 field, 3 staff, and 12 line officers and 499 enlisted men. The regiment crossed Black River on the 3d of February and en- camped 3 miles east of the river on the Jackson road. Marched through Jackson, Miss., and crossed Pearl River on the 6th of Feb- ruary, several skirmishes with the enemy having occurred in the mean time, but in which the Thirty-third Wisconsin was not engaged. Marched at sunrise on the 7th ultimo, and passed through Brandon at 3 p. m. of same day. Reached Morton at 2 p. m. on the 9th ultimo, passed through Hilisborough on the 10th and reached Decatur February 12 at 10.30 p. m. On the 13th ultimo, marched about 12 miles. Road blockaded and bridge burnt at this point. Here an order was received ordering all sick and disabled men to be left behind with the train. The Thirty- third Wisconsin did not leave a man. Marched at 9.30 a. m. on the 14th February, and reached Meridian, Miss., on the 15th ultimo at 10 a. in., in the midst of a severe storm of rain. In the afternoon of same day the regiment proceeded to tear up railroad at and near Meridian, according to orders. On the 16th February, at 7 a. in., the regiment marched with the Fourth Division to Enterprise, Miss., a distance of 17 miles from Me- ridian. Here the Thirty-third Wisconsin was detailed for provost duty, and remained on duty as provost guards until the morning of the 19th ultimo, on which day the regiment marched about 18 miles and camped near Chunky Creek, 4 miles west of Meridian. From this point daily marches were made of from 10 to 18 miles, until the 25th ultimo, when the regiment crossed Pearl River and camped on Terrys plantation. On the 27th February, the Thirty-third Wisconsin marched at 11.45 a. in., with orders to destroy a bridge across Pearl River, near Madisonville. The regiment encountered a small body of the ene- mys cavalry near Smiths Ferry. After an exchange of shots the enemy broke and fled in confusion, and the regiment proceeded to Pearl River and effectually destroyed the bridge aforesaid. On the morning of this day and before tire regiment left Terrys plantation, I caused to be detailed, in obedience to orders, 1 sergeant, James IE. Drom, Company H., and 1-1 men to forage for the use of the Thirty- third Wisconsin. These men were placed, with details from the other regiments in the brigade, under the charge of Lieut. W. C. B. Gillespie, acting assistant quartermaster First Brigade, Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. During the day this party was attacked by a large body of the enemys cavalry and driven back, with the less of the following men of the Thirty-third Wisconsin: Sergt. James B. Drom, Company H; Corpi. Romauzo J. Ashley, Company A; Private Warren D. Card, Company H; Private William Neff, Company I; Private James H. Bo~rlsby, Company C. The fate of these men is unknown, but they are undoubtedly killed or taken prisoners. The last that was seen of them they were almost surrounded by the enemy and fighting with undaunted bravery. The loss of these men is much felt and regretted by the regiments, particularly that of Sergean Page 245 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 245 Drom and Corporal Ashley, who were among the best non-commis- sioned officers in the regiment. No other loss occurred to the regi- ment on the expedition. On the 4th day of March, 1864, the Thirty-third Wisconsin arrived in camp near ilebron, Miss. Too much cannot be said in praise of the officers and it~en of my command for the excellent order and discipline which has been observed by the regiment on this expedition, and for the manner in which all their duties have been performed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 13. MOORE, Colonel, Commanding Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Near Canton, ilIiiss., February 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, pursnant to orders received on the 27th instant, I moved my command to Madisonville, Miss., reaching that point at 5 p. m. of yesterday. Here we met a small party of rebel cavalry, who exchanged shots with us, but broke and fled on the Sniiths Ferry road without any loss on either side. At Smiths Ferry I found a very fine pontoon bridge, which I effect- ually destroyed. At Madisonville I found a steam saw-mill and grist-mill. The saw-mill had been used by the Confederates to saw the timber for the pontoon bridge above mentioned. I deemed it proper to destroy this saw-mill, and acting without orders on the subject I effectually destroyed it by breaking the saws and machinery to pieces. The grist-mill I left in running order. I am glad to say of my command that no building or fence has been fired on the march, nor any property destroyed without orders. Very respectfully, J. B. MOORE, Colonel, Commanding Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. .4 No. 32. Report of C~ol. 6~yrus Hall, Fourteenth illinois infantry, command ing Second Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. HDQRS. 2D BRIG., 4TH DIV., SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Hebron, Miss., ~JiIiarch 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent expedition to Meridian and Enterprise: My brigade, compQsed of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Seven- ty-sixth Illinois Infantry Regiments, left Camp Hebron on the morn- ing of the 3d of February and marched to Black River, where a halt of two hours was made, after which I crossed the river and marched to Amsterdam, where my command encamped for the night Page 246 246 KY.. SW. VA., TENTh, MTS3., ALA., AND N. GA. [OTTAP. XLIV. The next morning, February 4, my brigade was in advance of the Seventeenth Army Cori~s, a small detachment of cavalry forming the advance guard, which, upon reaching the famous battle-ground of Champions Hill, was suddenly assailed by a superior force of the enemy and somewhat rudely handled. Genera IC rocker here ordered me to deploy my leading regiment (the Fifteer1th Illinois Infantry) as skirmishers, and move carefully forward, and if possi- ble develop the position and purpose of the enemy. After advanc- ing thus for a short distance, my skirmishers became earnestly engaged with the enemy, who disputed every inch of ground with ability and determination. I then brought up the Fourteenth and Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry Regiments and formed them on the right and left of the Clinton road, in easy supporting distance of the line of skirmishers. In this order I moved my command forward until we arrived at the forks of the road west of Bakers Creek, where the enemy opened upon us with two pieces of artillery, using shot and shell with great accuracy. The Twelfth Wisconsin (of the Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. Q. Gresham commanding) came for- ward to assist the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, whose stock of ammu- nition was growing short, and in passing an open field in rear of the line of the skirmishers became exposed to the enemys fire, one shot from the enemys guns proving fatal to 3 men of the regiment. A solid shot passed through the ranks of the Fourteenth Illinois In- fantry, fortunately doing no damage with the exception of wounding 1 man slightly. The line of skirmishers was pushed forward to Bakers Creek, closely followed up by my brigade in line of battle. Here we encamped for the night, having driven the enemy for a distance of 7 miles over a very rough and broken country, which afforded several very favorable positions for the enemy, from which it was very difficult to dislodge them. Notwithstanding the disad- vantages under which we labored, such was the skill and adroitness of the officers and men of the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry that but 1 officer and 2 men were wounded during the day. From information obtained from prisoners and from unmistakable evidences left upon the field, the loss of the enemy was very severe. Our march after this until we arrived at Meridian was a very pleasant one. The heavy rain on the morning of our arrival at Me- ridian had but little effect upon the troops, owing to the foresight of our commanding general in permitting us to occupy the houses of the citizens of Meridian. From Meridian we proceeded to the town of Enterprise, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, where I was charged with the destruc- tion of the railroad north of the town, which was done in a most thorough manner, every tie being burned and every rail bent for a distance of 6 miles. After remaining at Enterprise until the morning of the 19th, we commenced our return march, striking the road traveled in going to Meridian 3 miles west of Oktibbeha Creek, Thence returning by way of Decatur, Hillsborough, Canton, & c. On the 1st day of March, my command left Canton, marching 8 miles and camping on Ricks plantation, where it did not leave until 12 oclock on t~zie morning of the 2d, during which time we witnessed the performances of the enemys cavalry, which was pressing our cavalry in the rear rather sharply. I placed my entire command in line of battle, and disposed of the two pieces of artillery left with my brigade by order of Brigadier-General Crocker and awaited thei Page 247 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 247 approach, but they came not. After exchanging a few shots at long range the artillery limbered up. and the entire brigade moved off as usual. Heavy skirmishing was kept up until we reached Livingston, near which place we found the column halted. Having closed up upon the column, we remained about four hours, during which time the enemy came up in large numbers upon our flanks. I again placed my two guns in position and gave them a few shells, which sent them in every direction at the top of their speed. here the enemy withdrew, and as far as I know did not fire another gun upon any of our forces. My command arrived at Hebron, Miss., on the 4th day of March, having been absent thirty days. Executed a march of 350 miles with- out having a single case of sickness of a serious character in the en- tire command. Of the officers commanding regiments in this brigade I cannot speak too highly. Col. George C. Rogers, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, was wounded by a spent ball at Bakers Creek, while receiving in- structions from me as to the disposition of his regiment for the night. I would most respectfully and earnestly call the attention of the commanding general to Lieutenant Allison, of Company H, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, who lost one hand and part of the other at the battle of the Hatchie, and was again severely wounded in the leg in the engagement at Champions Hill. His gallantry and soldier- like qualities are highly commended by his regimental commander. During this expedition the officers and men, with but very few ex- ceptions, behaved remarkably well. A list of casualties has already been transmitted to your headquarters. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully your obedient servant, CYRUS HALL, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. CADLE, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 33. Report of Brig. Gen. Walter Q. Greshc~n,~ U. S. Army, command ing Third Brigade, of expedition to Meridian. HDQR5. THIRD BRIG., FOURTH Div., 17TH ARMY CORPS, Hebron, Miss., March 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command on the recent expedition through Mis- sissippi: On the 4th ultimo, being the second day out, th Second Brigade, Colonel Hall, encountered the enemys cavalry on ~he eastern slope of Champions Hill, and advanced skirmishing to within 14 miles of Bakers Creek, when I received orders from General Crocker to send a regiment to the front and relieve the Fifteenth Illinois. The Twelfth Wisconsin, Lieutenant-Colonel Proudflt command- ing, was ordered up and moved forward promptly and cheerfully and relieved the Fifteenth Illinois and drove the enemy up to and across Bakers Creek, with a loss of 3 men killed and 3 wounded Page 248 248 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. In this charge the Twelfth Wisconsin captured 1 lieutenant and 5 men. The enemy left on the field 4 men killed and 1 major mor- tally wounded. At the same time and place the Fifty-Third Indiana had 2 men wounded. Near Decatur the Twelfth Wiscon- sin had 1 man killed and 2 wounded while on duty with a forage party, and near the same place 4 men straggled from the Fifty-third Indiana and were captured. No casualties in either of the other regiments. On the 16th ultimo, in pursuance to orders from Brigadier-Gen- eral Crocker, with my own brigade, the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry and one section of Spears battery, I proceeded from Enterprise to Quit- man and destroyed a large railroad bridge over the Chickasawha, 2 miles south of the town. The bridge was covered and 210 feet long. Immediately north of the bridge I effectually destroyed 600 yards of trestle, from 10 to 30 feet high. We also destroyed the railroad depot at Quitman, the large and elegant hospital buildings, recently erected, one large steam flouring-mill, and one large steam saw-mill. The railroad bridge was guarded by the Ninth Alabama, but on our approach they abandoned their stockades and fled in the direction of Mobile. Having accomplished the object of our expedition to Quitman, I moved my command back to the head of Alligator Swamp and bivouacked for the night, having marched from 7 a.m. to 8 p. in. 27 miles and worked four hours. On the morning of the 17th, we destroyed the trestle-work over Alligator Swamp, l~ miles in length, and from 9 to 30 feet high. We also destroyed 2# miles of railroad north of the swamp, burning the ties and heating and bending every rail. During the expedition my brigade marched 375 miles, destroyed 4j miles of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, 2 miles of which were bridges and trestle. Although the march was fatiguing, both officers and men bore it with cheerfulness and without a murmur. * I am, captain, very respectfully, & c., W. Q. GRESHAM, Brigadier- General, Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. CABLE, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. ~ Report of Got. Edward F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, com- manding Cavalry, Seventeenth Army Corps, of expedition to Me- ridian. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Near Vicksburg, Miss., February 29, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to orders from M~jor-General McPher- son, my command moved over Big B1acka~ the railroad bridge about noon, 3d instant, and bivouacked at Bakers Creek bridge. Marched at 6.30 next morning toward Raymond, meeting enemys cavalry in sor~e force soon after leaving th~ Jackson road. A charge upon our left flank was repulsed and the enemy followed to the main road, from whence a detour was made and the enemy * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) shows 4 men killed, 7 wounded, and 4 miss- ing; total, 15 Page 249 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 249 again encountered at Mr. Waltons, near Bolton. The Tenth Mis- souri (Major Benteen commanding) being in front, were dismounted, and the enemy driven immediately from his position with some loss, among others 1 major, 1 captain, and 1 second-lieutenant being killed. On morning of 5th, taking a right-hand road at Woodmans, we entered Clinton by the Raymond road just after the enemy left the town, and found them strongly posted 2 miles east, when we moved to the right and approached Jackson by the Mississippi Springs upper road, and when arrived within 1~- miles of the city discovered the enemys column, 3 miles in length, moving by fours toward and into JLackson] on the main road half a mile in front, falling back before the advance of Major-General Huributs column, then about 5 miles from the city. Taking advantage of the enemys surprise at our sudden appearance, I moved quickly forward to the attack, dis- mounting the Fourth Iowa (Major Parkell commanding), whP~h was in front, that they might gain the hill at intersection of the ro~ s, and directing the Eleventh Illinois (Lieutenant-Colonel Kerr co nuand- ing) to deploy to the left, advance over the open ground, ascend the hill, and strike the enemy in his flank and rear. Observing that the enemy advanced one regiment in line to cover his flank and his lateral movement, I caused one rifled gun to throw a few shells into their column in order to aid the attack of Colonel Kerr. One shell killed 3 men. Meantime the Tenth Missouri were pushed forward, imme- diately following the Fourth Iowa, and advancing at a gallop closely pursued through the line of fortifications and into Jackson that portion of the enemys column which retreated in that direction. The bri- gade of Colonel Starke, with a portion of the one in front, being thus cut off from the city, broke in disorder and fled toward the Canton road, the Eleventh Illinois capturing from them 1 Rodman gun and 1 ambulance, with cannoneers and drivers. Leaving directions for the Fifth Illinois (Major Farnan commanding) and the Fourth Iowa to push out south and north, guarding the approaches to the city, and directing the battery to occupy the hill commanding the place, I proceeded, in accordance with instructions, to the rebel pontoon bridge, arriving just in time to prevent, with Tenth Missouri, its de- struction. At this time it was quite dark, and the respective regi- ments bivouacked in their positions. By this success the enemy were prevented from occupying the fortifications, from destroying stores and the bridge, and a large number of men were dispersed through the surrounding country, who failed to rejc~n their commands during the time of the expedition. Several rebel general officers escaped capture by hard riding. The next morning a reconnaissance for 5 miles toward Canton developed no enemy in force, but exhibited many evidences of hasty flight on preceding evening, quite a number of wagons, ambulances, and much other property being abandoned on this road. Biv- ouacked near the asylum until 9 a. in., 7th instant, when the command crossed Pearl River, and taking a left-hand road G~miles out entered Brandon, encamping 3 miles eElst of that place, in advance of the army, after a slight skirmish with some rebel cavalry. At 6 oclock next day took the advance of the army and encamped on Line Creek, skirmishing the entire distance, 19 miles. Reporting to MajZr-General Hurlbut morning of 9th instant, we moved past Morton, near which place the enemy were found in line of battle on the preceding evening, and encamped east of Shockalo Creek Page 250 250 KY., SW. ~VA., TENN., MTSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. XLIV. Marched on 10th instant 16 miles, passing through Hilisborough, where we had a short skirmish, encamping 5 miles in advance of the army, on Ontagoloo Creek. On the evening of the 11th, encamped east of Coonahatta Creek, marching 15 miles; Captain Parsons, with two companies, proceeding to Lake Station and aiding in the destruction of property. Encamped east of Chunky Creek at 5 p. in., 12th ~instant, after considerable heavy skirmishing. Marching at daylight on 13th, encaniped 10 miles west of Me- ridian, fighting some hours after dark (Fourth Iowa in advance), over a rough, mountainous country, driving the enemy 5 miles and punishing him severely. Above one hundred stand of arms were abandoned by him during this fighting. The obstruction of these rough roads by felling of timber was prevented. Moved early on morning of 14th instant, meeting command of Brigadier-General Ferguson 2 miles west of Meridian, driving the enemy speedily through the town. Bivouacked at 3 p. m. on plan- tation of Mr. McLamore, remaining there until morning of the 16th, the enemy having retreated beyond Marion. During the march the command had been in the saddle twelve days; were engaged with the enemy much of that time, always suc- cessfully; had expended above 50,000 rounds small ammunition. The enemy had left on the different fields 50 men dead, and must of course have lost others and had men wounded in due proportion. Thirty of these wounded were found in one hospital at Lauderdale Springs. The men had burned but one building, had worked hard at making roads and building bridges; and had conducted themselves as true patriot soldiers. The prisoners captured to this date numbered 72, many of them of rank, and 37 deserters had been received, all transferred to in- fantr y commands. Notwithstanding a march of above 175 miles, the horses were in better condition than when we left Big Black River. The Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, being directed to report to Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, did not rejoin me until after my arrival at Canton, and I cannot now give any account of the operations of that regi- ment during this temporary detachment. While the army remained in and around Meridian my command scouted to the east and north, des~~ro~4ng property, bridges, & c., and traveling many miles. During the first two days of the return march we had the rear of the Sixteenth Army Corps marching to Union. At this point, acting under special instructions from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, com- manding Department of the Tennessee, I proceeded north, through Philadelphia and over the Pearl River, to a point about 10 miles south of Louisville, thence across over to the main road from that place to Kosciusko, passing through the latto~ place, Thomastown, and Sharon, to Canton, where we arrived at 2 p. in., 25th instant, one day in advance of the army, having niet no enemy north of the Pearl. The command of Brig. Gen. William Soov Smith could not be definitely heard from. I sent two messengers eastward, with in- structions to join him if possible. Remained in bivouac on Three Mile Creek, east of Canton, during the 26th instant Page 251 CITAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 251 Acting under orders from the i~najor-general commanding, with Fourth iowa Cavalry, I had the honor of escorting him to Big Black, arriving at Messingers at daylight, morning of the 28th. The three regiments remaining at Canton were placed in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Kerr, senior officer. Not having received the reports of regimental commanders, I can- not give exact account of our casualties, but am confident they will not exceed following exhibit, viz: Officers, no casualties; enlisted men: killed, 10; wounded, 12; missing, 15; total, 37 * Our capture of horses largely exceeds the number of those killed and abandoned. Just previous to our arrival at Canton the command gathered up a large number of negroes and mules. The negroes and several prisoners of war, captured on return march, were transferred to the infantry at Canton. Several mills, two fine bridges over the Pearl, and some other property was burned by order, and I regret to say that some other buildings were wantonly destroyed. The case of one officer caught firing a building has been reported through proper channels. I cannot praise too l~ighly the conduct of the entire command, when under fire, and respectfully mention following officers as deserving especial credit: Maj. F. W. Benteen and Captain Neet, Tenth Mis- souri Cavalry; Captains Dee and Parsons and First Lieut. Alonzo Clark, Fourth Iowa Cavalry; also Capt. M. H. Williams, acting assistant inspector-general, and First Lieut. A. B. Fitch, acting assistant quartermaster (acting aides), both of whom rendered me valuable assistance. The command traveled, previous to my leaving Canton, an average of 425 miles to the regiment. The number of men on the expedition was 1,400, of whom 1,300 were subject to my orders. I respectfully call your attention to the great want of horses and arms. Hoping this brief report of the operations of the command will be satisfactory, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, E. F. WINSLOW, Colonel and Chief of Cavalry. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General, Seventeenth Army Corps. No. 35. Reports of Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith, U. S~ Army, commanding expedition from Memphis, including operations since December 28, 1863. MEM~UIS, TENN., February 26, 1864. SIR: Major-General Butterfield kindly offers to bear a letter to you, and as the boat is waiting to start I will write you as concisely as possible without referring to my journal for dates. I moved the infantry brigade temporarily assigned to my com * But see revised statement, p. 193 Page 252 252 RY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. mand* first on Panola and then on Wyatt, and drew Forrests forces and attention to these points while I threw my whole cavalry force to New Albany, where I crossed the Tallahatchie without opposition. Forrest then fell back to Grenada, and I moved on by way of Pontotoc to the swamp at the crossing of the Houlka. Here we were met by Gholsons rabble of State troops, to the number of about 600, whom we stampeded and drove pell-mell a@ross~ the swamp, which we fonnd held in force by the enemy. There was bnt a cor- duroy road leading throngh it, which was impassable by cavalry and could not be turned. So I pressed a saucy attack upon the line of the road as if to force it, and swung my main body over to Okolona and thence threw off a brigade to Aberdeen, threatening Columbus, and moved the other two brigades right down the railroad, destroy- ing it as we went, tearing up the ties, burning them and bending the rails. From Okolona to West Point we found Government corn in im- mense quantities all along the road, and this we burned until there was a line of fire from place to place. I had i~o means of ascertain- ing definitely what was Government corn and what the property of private citizens, and could only burn that which was cribbed near the railroad. This I did to the extent of from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 of bushels. We also destroyed 2,000 bales of Confederate cotton; private cotton was not disturbed. All along this portion of our march negroes came flocking to our lines with horses and mules by the huiidreds and thousands. As we approached West Point, we found about a brigade of the enemy drawn up to meet us. This brigade we drove back across the Sakatouchee Swanip, on our right, after a short, sharp fight. We advanced to West Point and felt of the eneniy, who was posted back of the Sakatonchee on our right and the Oktibbeha in our front, in force fully equal to my own that was avai]able for service, encumbered as we were with our pack-mules and the cap- tured stock, which by this time must have numbered full 3,000 horses and mules. The force consisted of mounted infantry, which was dismounted and in strong position under good cover, and beyond obstacles which could only be passed by defiles. To attempt to force my way through under such circumstances would have been the height of folly. I could not cross the Tombigbee, as there were no bridges and the stream could not be forded. To have attempted to turn the position by our right wou+d ~iave carried me all the way round to Houston again, and Forrest could again check me at the Houlka Swamp. I was ten days behind time; could get no com- munication through to you; did not know but what you were re- turning, and so determined to make a push at Forrest in front while I retired all my incumbrances and my main body rapidly toward Okolona, just in time to prevent a rebel brigade from getting in my rear, which had been thrown back for that purpose. We then retired, fighting for over 60 milks day and night, and had the fighting all our own way except at Okolona, where the Second Tennessee Cavalry, the last regiment of a brigade that I had thrown into line to cover the passage of our column by the town, that broke from line into column to move off, stampeded, and galloped over our rear guard, drove a battery of little pop-guns off into a ditch, where it was so badly smashed up that we could not * Colonel MeMillens First Brigade, First Division, sixteenth Army Corps Page 253 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 253 get it along, though we had ample time to have done so, as we un- hitched the horses, destroyed the ammunition, and spiked the guns. They spread confusion everywhere, and the rebels, taking advantage of it, pitched into us and gave us a pretty rough handling, inflict- ing a loss upon us of perhaps 300 or 400 men, killed, wounded, and missing. We at last got organized forces enough to the rear to check the enemy again, and continued our running fight, giving them volley after volley from every line of cover, and then retiring to the next, losing lightly all the while and firing upon the enemy, who were constantly advancing upon positions of our own choosing. This was continued to a good position about 10 miles this side of Okolona, where I disposed a heavy force and let them advance upon us, and gave them a very handsome thrashing after about one hours hard fighting. We made some splendid saber charges during this action, and could have cut them to pieces had it not been for the undergrowth to which they fled. Their loss must have been very large, as we poured a heavy direct and flank fire upon them at close range for the space of an hour, while some of my regiments were charging them in flank. One of the prisoners we took said he saw Colonel Forrest, brother to the general, fall killed. This fight sickened them so that their subsequent attacks were very feeble, though they followed almost to New Albany. Our total loss in killed and wounded will reach probably 400, and of stragglers they must have picked up perhaps 200 or 300, possibly more, but this is immaterial. They took very few prisoners from us in actual battle. And now, general, I can but express my deep regret that I could not get through to you, knowing how greatly you could have been aided by so large a cavalry force, but it was simply impossible, from the following causes: First, the clumsiness of so large a command, encumbered as it was with pack trains and captured stock. Second, the peculiar formation of the country, traversed as it is by an ugly barrier from Grenada to West Point. Third, the number and char- acter of the enemy numerically equal to my available force and better armed for fighting dismounted. The results of my trip are as follows : First, corn burned, from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 bushels. Second, Confederate cotton burned, 2,000 bales. Third, 30 miles of railrQaddestroyed. Fourth, 3,000 horses and mules and 1,500 negroes brought out of the enemys coun- try. Fifth, losses inflicted on the enemy in killed and wounded, I think not less than 500 or 600, possibly much greater, and prisoners, 100. Sixth, forage and provisions for 7,000 of our troops taken from the enemy during our march. Then, as to the movement of troops we occasioned from your front, if any, you know better than we do. If I could have been in time I would have made still more strenuous efforts to reach you, but I could not learn whether you were still at Meridi~mm or whether you had retired. The rebel troops were reported falling back toward Demopolis amid Selma, where they were being heavily re-enforced from Dalton and Atlanta. I will soon write you, referring to my journal for dates. We left West Point to return on time 2~d instant Page 254 254 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Our cavalry is weary, but will soon be rested and in better con- dition than before. I will set Grierson to work fixing them up and go to Nashville immediately, where I am greatly needed. Grierson behaved nobly, and is a man of more Capacity than either you or I have credited him with. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOOY SIVIITH, Brigadier- General, Chief of Cavalry. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Department of the Thnnessee. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 26, 1864. Sin: I penetrated to West Point, Miss., with my cavalry, reaching that point on Sunday, the 21st instant. Burnt 2,000,000 bushels of corn and 2,000 bales of Confederate cot- ton. Brought out about 3,000 horses and mules and 1,500 negroes. Could not force my way through to Sherman. He took Meridian at noon on Sunday, the 14th instant, without serious resistance. Enemy reported falling back on Demopolis and Selma, where they are said to be re-enforcing from Dalton and Atlanta. I could not hear that Sherman had advanced beyond Meridian. A portion of his force was reported at Lauderdale and afterward at Scooba, but I could not get into communication with him. I fought the rebels at four points severely, and skirmished with them as we retired for 60 miles. We h~d the best of them at all points except at Okolona, where our loss was very severe, including a battery of small howitzers, which was driven into a ditch and so disabled that we could not get it along. This whole trouble resulted from the bad conduct of a portion of McCrillis brigade. I will write fully, and start back to Nashville about day after to- morrow. WM. SOOY SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief of Cavalry. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Nashville. V HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., Jiiliarch 4,* 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of recent cavalry operations made by the direction of Major-General Grant, commanding the Military Division oi~ the Mississippi, and in accord- ance with the [orders andt] written instructi~ns of Major-General Sherman, commanding the Department of the Tennessee, copies of which are herewith inclosed. ~ On the 28th day of December; 1863, I started from this city with * Another report, dated April 3, 1864, is on file; discrepancies between that and this are indicated by foot notes. kNot in report of April 3. ~ See inclosure No. 3 to Shermans report of March 7, 1864, p. 181 Page 255 CHAI. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 255 the Second, Third, and Fonrth Tennessee Cavalry Regiments, Third and Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, and Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry. On the 30th, I reached Columbia, from which point I sent the Third Kentucky Cavalry down the north bank of Duck River to scour the country bordering that river on the north to the Tennessee River, and to watch that stream from the mouth of Duck River to a point opposite Fort Henry. The Fifth Kentucky Cavalry was ordered down the south bank of Duck River to clear the country to the Ten- nessee, and to watch that stream from the mouth of Duck River to Savannah, where this regiment was to communicate with me and receive further orders. The object of these movements was to clear the country of the bands of guerrillas that infested it, aud to watch any attempt that Forrest, who was then at Jackson, Tenn., might make to throw his force, or any portion of it, over into Middle Tennessee or Kentucky. These regiments captured some 50 guerrillas, and among them the notorious Colonel Hawkins. The Third Kentucky Cavalry reported back at Nashville, accord- ing to its instructions, and the Fifth Kentucky met my command at Waynesborough and accompanied it from that point. The Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry was ordered from Colum- bia to Pulaski, Tenn., where it reported to General Crook, and was assigned to duty with the Secon dl Cavalry Division under his com- mand, agreeably to my instructions. General Crook sent the Fourth U. S. Cavalry as escort to a sup- ply train, which I ordered him to send through with rations for my command, from Pulaski to Savannah. He also sent the Seventy- second Indiana Mounted Infantry through from Pulaski to Savannah to open communication with that poiut, and hold the ferry-boats there until the arrival of the command. Upon reaching the Tennessee River, the whole command consist- ing of the Second, Third, and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, Fifth Ken- tucky Cavalry, Fourth U. S. Cavalry, and Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry, was thrown across the river and moved toward Corinth, which point we reached on the 8th day of January. Forrest had moved southward into Mississippi before my command reached the Tennessee River, urged to this step by the movement of the troops of the Sixteenth Army Corps upon him. Orders had been issued to abandon the i~ilroad from Memphis to Corinth, and I moved my command to Colhierville, where I awaited the arrival of Warings brigade from Columbus, from which point it was ordered to move to join our other [cavalry*] forces. Owing to bad roads and the freshets, which made the crossing of the streams extremely difficult, especially that of the Obion River, this brigade was delayed, and only reached Colhierville on Monday, the 8th day of February. For full particulars of this march, I beg leave t~ refer to Colonel Warings report. Much of its ammunition had been sent by boats from Columbus, and it was encumbered by a train which had to be got rid of. By great effort the whole command was prepared for the movement and put in motion on the 11th day of February. Forrest had taker position with all his forces behind the Talla- hatchie River, determined to resist our crossing. I threw McMil * According to report of April 3 Page 256 256 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. lens brigade of infantry, temporarily assigned to my command, rapidly toward Panola, from Memphis, moving this brigade on the 8th day of February, and on the 11th ordered it to move toward Wyatt, toward which point I directed the march of my whole cav- alry force, until the impression was made that I intended forcing a crossing at that point, which I attacked with the brigade of infantry and attracted the attention and forces of th~ enemy there while I threw my whole cavalry force around by way of New Albany, where I crossed the Tallahatchie without firing a shot, although we were delayed a whole day at the crossing of Tippah Creek, that was swollen by a freshet. We then moved rapidly on Pontotoc and Houston. When within 10 miles of Houston we encountered an outpost of the enemy, consisting of State troops, under General Gholson. These stampeded and ran away, leaving a portion of their arms behind them. We continued to advance until we encountered the enemy in strong force guarding the crossing of a swamp,which could only be passed by a corduroy road, that was narrow and about 1 mile in length. This we carried after some sharp fighting, and our advance pressed on to the crossing of the Houlka Swamp, 3 miles north of Houston [this swamp extends froni a point 10 miles west of Houston to the*], at the junc- tion of the Houlka with the Oktibbeha, near West Point, and can only be crossed at a few points over narrow roads. These roads were held by the enemy in force, and while our ad- vance was directed to make a determined attack on the force hold- ing the direct road to Houston, the niain body was moved rapidly to the eastward on Okolona, where it arrived so unexpectedly as to capture a number of rebel officers and men on furlough. From this point a regiment was thrown forward by a forced march to Aberdeen to endeavor to seize ferry-boats to effect a crossing of the Tombigbee if this should prove desirable, but no ferry-boats were found. The following morning one brigade was moved to the support of this regiment and to threaten Columbus, while two brigades moved down the railroad toward West Point, throwing out strong detach- ments to make feints and watch the crossings of the Sakatonchee, on our right, and destroy the road as they went, together with vast amounts of corn that was collected in cribs near the railroad. They also destroyed all the Confederate cotton that was found. The bri- gade that went to Aberdeen did the same, and also destroyed a very extensive tannery, together with about 2,000 hides. Hearing that the enemy was concentrating in heavy force at West Point, I concentrated my command at Prairie Station, 15 miles north of West Point, and moved on that place on the 20th day of Feb- ruary. About 1 mile north of the town we encountered a rebel brigade, which we drove after a short, sharp fight. The whole com- mand arrived near West Point at about 3 p. in., and careful recon- naissances were made of the Sakatonchee Sw~mp on our right, the Oktibbeha on our front, and the Tombigbee on our left. They were all found strongly held by the enemy, present in four brigades and to the number of about 6,000 or 7,000, according to the best informa- tion that couhi be obtained. Exaggerated reports of Forrests strength reached me constantly, and it was reported that Lee was about to re-enforce him with a por * According to report of April 3 Page 257 CHAP. XLIVJ THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 257 tion or the whole of his command. Columbus had been evacuated, and all the State troops that could be assembled from every quarter were drawn together at my front to hold the Oktibbeha against me, while a heavy force was seen moving to my rear. About 3,000 able-bodied negroes had taken refuge with us, mounted on as many horses and mules that they had brought in with them. We had in addition to this about 700 pack-mules, and all these incumbrances had to be strongly guarded against the flank attacks that were constantly threatened. This absorbed about 2,000 of my available force. There remained a little less than 5,000 men who could be thrown into action. The enemy was in a position in my front and on my flanks which afforded him every advantage. The ground was so obstructed as to make it absolutely necessary that we should fight dismounted, and for this kind of fighting the enemy, armed with Enfield and Austrian rifles, was better prepared than our force, armed mainly with car- bines. There was but one of my brigades that I could rely upon with full confidence. The conduct of the other two on the march had been such as to indicate such a lack of discipline as to create in my mind the most serious apprehensions as to what would be their conduct in action. Any reverse to my command, situated as it was, would have been fatal. I was ten days late with my movement owing to the delay of War- ings brigade in arriving from Columbus, and had every reason to believe that General Sherman, having accomplished the purposes of his expedition, had returned to Vicksburg. Under the circum- stances I determined not to move my encumbered command into the trap set for me by the rebels. We had destroyed 2,000,000 bushels of corn, 2,000 bales of Con- federate cotton, and 30 miles of railroad. We had captured about 200 prisoners, and 3,000 horses and mules, and rescued as many negroes, well fitted for our service. I therefore determined to move back and draw the enemy after me, that II niight select my own posi- tions and fight with the advantages in our favor. In this I succeeded perfectly, disposing my forces behind every crest of a hill and in every skirt of timber that furnished us cover, and receiving the enemy by well-directed volleys at short range we inflicted heavy losses upon him at every attack, while our own casualties were uniformly light, until w~ rgached Okolona, where, after the Fourth Regulars had driven one entire rebel brigade out of the town three times, a portion of McCrillis brigade, sent to the sup- port of the Fourth, stampeded at the yells of our own men charging, and galloped back through and over everything, spreading confusion wherever they went and driving Perkins battery of six small mount- ain howitzers off the road into a ditch, where the imperfect car- riages they were mounted upon were all so broken that we could not get the battery along and had to abandon it after spiking the guns, chopping the carriages to pieces, and destroying tNe ammunition. Organized forces were immediately thrown to the rear and the enemy handsomely repulsed. Skirmishing continued about 10 miles, when we reached a fine p0- sition at Iveys farn~. Here the ridge spread out into a wide, open field, along the northern margin of which I deployed a line of dis- mounted men consisting of four regiments. A battery was placed in position near the road, from which it could enfilade the coluruu a~s 17 2R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 258 258 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. it advanced. Just to the right of the battery the Fourth Missouri Cavalry [and six compauies of the Seveuth Indiana Cavalry~j were formed, and mounted for a saber charge, and the Third Tennessee Cavalry (mounted) was sent to the extreme right with orders to Charge in flank when the troops made the direct charge in front. While these dispositions were being made the enemy pressed our rear guard, that was well posted, very heavily, and were sorely handled. The rear guard was at last called off rapidly, and the rebel column let into the space prepared for them, when the battery opened upon them in very handsome style, and the dismounted troops poured volley after volley into them. They pressed their attack with great determination, but at last fell back. Just as they began to retire they were charged very handsomely by the Fourth Missouri and Seventh indiana in front and by the Third Tennessee in flank. This completely routed them, and they were driven from the field with heavy loss. It was reported that Colonel Forrest, brother to the general, coin- mander of a brigade, and Colonel Barksdale fell, and McCulloch, another commander of a brigade, and Colonel Barteau were severely wounded in this affair. Strong detachments were thrown out upon our flanks at every vulnerable point, and every attempt to cut our column by a flank attack was met and thwarted. Our march was so rapid that the enemy could ~not outstrip and intercept us, which he constantly endeavored to do. No heavy fighting occurred after we passed the Ivey farm, though skirmishing continued as far as Pontotoc. I[ then moved back to Memphis with everything that we had captured, content with the very great injury we had inflicted upon them, and feeling that every- thing had been achieved that was at all practicable under the cir- cumstances. My orders from General Sherman were so comprehensive as to embrace everything that it would be possible for me to do, and I could not regard them as imperative that I should make a junction with his forces at all hazards, but on the contrary, he expressly stated that he could get along without me if I found it impossible to get through. Returning, I drew the enemy after me and inflicted heavy losses upon him, and saved my command, with all our captured stock and prisoners and rescued negroes, wlthvery trifling losses except in stragglers captured. Attempting to cut through to Sherman I would have lost my entire command, and of course could have rendered him no assist- ance. The conduct of the entire Second Brigade, under Colonel Hep- burn, was worthy of all praise. This brigade consists of the Sec- ond Iowa Cavalry, Major Coon commanding; Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Starr commanding; Se\enth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton commanding, [and Ninth Illinois Cav- alry, Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh commanding*~. All these officers acquitted themselves most creditably. The Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Major Heinri~hs commanding ;. the Third Tennessee Cavalry, Major Minnis commanding, and the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, Colonel Shanks commanding, also made brilliant charges. while the Fourth * According to report of April 3 Page 259 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 259 Regulars, under Captain Bowman, charged a whole rebel brigade three times, and routed it at every charge. Captain Bowman and Lieutenant Davis were particularly distin- giushed for their gallantry. Lieut. W. H. Tugerton, who acted as my assistant adjutant-general, led the charge of the Third Tennes- see most brilliantly, and was uniformly distinguished by his skill ~tud dashing bravery. [All the officers here referred to deserve promotion, and the inter- ests of the service would be promoted by their advancement to higher rank. They are brave, skillful, and valuable cavalry officers. *] General Griersons conduct was worthy of all praise. [Whenever there was anything to be done lie was sure to be found. His skill in managing cavalry movements amid in handling commands in action was obvious and admirable. ~] Information since obtaimied fully justifies the decision to retire I )efore Forrests force from West Point. General Shermans expe- ditionary force had withdrawn from Meridian before my arrival at West Point, on a line that could not have been known to me, cut off as I was from any communication with him. Forrests force is ascer- tained to have been rather above than below my estimate. Chal- mers was moving with two brigades by way of Houston to my rear, while Lee, with from 3,000 to 4,000 men, was ordered up to join Forrest in my front. The country south of West Point and Houston abounds in swamps and streams, extremely difficult to cross when the defiles leading to and over theni were held by an enemy. The incumbrances which already overburdened me would [have] increased and it was impos- sible to shake them off, and, involved in an exceedingly intricate and obstructed country, I would have been compelled to contend thus encumbered with a force numerically largely superior to my own amid, looking back upon the movement, I would in no way have been justifiable in nioving at the time appointed without the whole force which I was ordered to take. [By an unexpected contingency the requirements of my orders became imicomupatible, and I was compelled to adopt the wiser alternativet. I Had I moved with the Second and Third Brigades only, I would have had less than 3,000 men instead of full 7,000, and would have had the odds largely against nie from the moment I dropped the infantry brigade and crossed the Talla- hatchie River, and, nieeting with disaster, would have been subjected to deserved censure. The brigade moved from Columbus under orders not my own, and for its delay I am in nowise responsible. This munch I feel constrained to write in the nature of a defense for the sake of my command, as it must participate in the mortifica- tiomi of a supposed failure, when we bear with us the consciousness of success and duty well performed. I have the homior to inclose herewith the report of Brig. Gen. B. i 1. Grierson, second in command, as also those of4he brigade and r~guuental commanders, to which I beg leave to refer for lists of (asualties from which the following recapitulation is prepared: Killed, 47; wounded, 152; missing, 120; total casualties, 319. ~ ~Not in report of April 3. According to report of April 3. t But see revised statement, p. 194 Page 260 260 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIV. A full list of the prisoners captured, about 200, is in course of preparation, and will be forwarded as soon as it can be completed. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mu. Div. of the Mississippi. Lieut. Col. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., April 9, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, at Washington. I have heretofore reported on this case, and can now only add that General Smith should have moved on time at any and every risk. His instructions here * are as specific as could possibly have been made before the occurrence of the events. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. No. 36. Report of Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson, U. S. Army, com- manding Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, of expedition from Memphis, with itinerary of the division for February and March. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIvISION, 16TH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 19, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor herewith to transmit the official reports of the regimental and brigade commanders of the part taken by their respective commands in the late expedition to West Point, Miss., and return. By direction of General William Sooy Smith, myself and staff marched with the Second Brigade, commanded by Lient. Col. W. P. Hepburn, for the movements of ~vb~ch I refer you to his report, herewith inclosed. This brigade composed the column marching upon the extreme right during a portion of the trip; consequently I could not control the movements of the other two columns, that on the left being at times 30 miles away. During the expedition I sent detachments and secured the ferry over the Tombigbee River at Cotton Gin, and also at Aberdeen. At this latter place I ordered a bridge prepared in case it should be (teemed advisable to cross; otherwise it would serve as a demonstra- tion to mislead the enemy as to our real intentions. The bridge would have been finished in about three hours, when I received orders from General Smith to move with the Second Brigade west- ward to Prairie Station. I beg leave ~o bear testimony to the gallantry displayed by both officers and men as far as they came nuder my notice. The cause of * Reference is to instructions of January 27, appended to 8inith~ report. Se~ Shermans inc1o~ure No, 3, p. 181 Page 261 CRAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 261 the stampede of certain regiments of the Third Brigade near Oko- lona is unknown to me. These regiments afterward, however, redeemed themselves and proved worthy of confidence. The members of my staff, Capt. S. L. Woodward, assistant adju- tant-general; Capt. 0. S. Coffin, assistant quartermaster; Lient. J. M. Caldwell, acting ordnance officer, and Lieuts. A. W. McClure and J. K. Catlin, aides-de-camp, were untiring in their exertiou~, not only during the expedition, but in preparing it for the march. With the limited means at hand, and from the fact that supplies which had been estimated for months since had never been received, unusual exertions were necessary in order to put the command in an efficient condition. The duties of these officers, particularly of the adjutant, quartermaster, and ordnance officer, were extremely oner- ous, and I take pleasure in stating that they proved themselves equal to the emergency. Lient. J. K. Catlin was captured by the enemy on the 22d, while in the gallant discharge of his duty. Respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier- General. Lient. W. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Itinerary of the Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, for Febru- ary and ]iiliarch.* During the month the First Division marched from Union City to Collierville, Teun., from which point it operated with the whole division, under the immediate control of Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith. February 20, the advance of the division engaged the enemy near West Point, and drove him with heavy loss across the Sakatonchee River. February 21, we started upon our return to Memphis, the enemy under Generals Lee and Forrest following. We engaged them on the 21st, 22d, and 23d, each day choosing our positions and allowing them to come upon us. In each attack Th~enemy was repulsed with fearful loss. February 26, the division arrived safely back to the line of thQ Memphis and Charleston Railroad, having destroyed 30 miles of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, an immense amount of Confeder- ate corn, cotton, and other property, and having brought in about 200 prisoners, and about 1,500 negroes and the same number of mules. The troops of this division have been engaged d\uring the month of March in scouting and patrolling from the post of Memphis; no important engagement has occurred. Owing to the re-enlistment as veterans of three-fourths of all regiments in this division which were eligible, the effective force has been much reduced. During the month~he Second Iowa, Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Illinois, and the Fourth Missouri Cavalry have rC-eIIlliSte(1 for the new term of three years. * From monthly returns Page 262 ICY., SW. VA., TRNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. The Third Michigan and Seventh Kansas Cavalry, which were re-enlisted and sent home in the early part of February, have not yet returned. Owing to the scarcity iu the snpply of horses to this division, the effective strength of the command is reduced to less than 2,000. Only 1,500 horses have l)een furnished dnr~ig.the last ten months. No. 37. Reports q,f Col. George E. Waring, jr., Fourth Missouri Cavalry, commanding First Cavalry Brigade, of operations January 22 February 27. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., CAVALRY Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Collierville, Teun., February 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the order of the chief of cavalry, Military Division of the Mississippi, I respectfully forward the fob lowing report of the march of my command from Union City, Tenn., to this post In obedience to the order of Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding Sixth Division, Sixteenth Corps (copy inclosed marked A), I marched my command from Union City at daybreak, January 22. The Troy Bottom, which surrounds Union City, was almost impass- able and I waited within 2 miles of my starting-place until my sup- ply train had got through it (2 p. in.). I then started for Sharps Ferry of the Obion River. I found the next 4 miles of the way very bad, and many wagons stuck fast in the mud. Leaving my quartermaster in charge of the train, I pushed on to a point 4 miles from Sharps Ferry, 13 miles from Union City, passing nearly the whole train on the road. Here I halted for the night, sending orders forward to Colonel Karg6 to commence crossing the command immediately. I sent a party back to press all the teams in the country and send them back to lighten the supply train. By 10 a. m. of January 23, I received information that the train was over the worst of the road, and I marched on to the ferry (23 miles from Union City), reaching there about 4 p. m. I found the rope of the ferry broken and the boat swamped in the ice, with which the river was entirely c3~ok~d. The ice was cut away and the river freed. At 7 p. m. the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry was nearly all across. The pioneer corps (120 men) of the provost guard (2 companies, Fourth Missouri Cavalry) and the battalion of the Second Illinois Cavalry had crossed before. Seeing that everything~ was going on well, I crossed the river at 9 p. m. with my staff and orderlies, and started for the camp of the advance, 5 miles from the ferry, intending to decide on the road to be taken and send the pio- neers forward to repair the road. I found the road for 3 miles from the ferry (through the bottom) almost impassable for wagor~s and even difficult for cavalry, on account of the depth of water in the sloughs. In one place, for about 50 yamis, the water was from 2 to i feet deep and filled with large cakes of broken ice, which caused the horses and men to fall at every few steps. I sent word to the commanding officer of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry not to attempt to cross the bottom until daylight. As the whole bottom was covered with water and i Page 263 dflAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIM~ EXPEIMTJOIN~. 26~ was impossible to see the road in the night, I marched 14 miles instead of S and reached camp (Porters farm) at 4 a. m. January 24. I immediately ordered out scouting parties toward Jackson and Rip- ley to learn the character of the roads and river crossings by the two routes. It was subsequently reported that the road via Ripley was good all the way through, and that the road from Trenton to Jack- son was impassable. During the night of the 23d and the day following, the whole Seventh Indiana crossed with its ambulances. By this time the river had risen to such an extent that the horses had to be landed in 3 feet of Water. During the night of the 24th and until noon of the 25th, we were trying to establish a new ferry farther down the river, but the constant rising of the river rendered this impossible. As Colonel Karg6 was cut off from all possibility of communi- cating with me, except by Colonel Shanks, of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, who was the last man to cross, he sent me word by him that he would go back to Jacksonville, and thence by Dresden and Huntingdon to Jackson, unless he heard from me again. This state of affairs compelled me to take an easterly route, and rendered it impossible for me to go down west of the railroad without great loss of time. At 8 p. m. of the 25th, I left camp with a small escort and marched 14 miles (to within 11 miles of Trenton), when I met the Second Illinois Cavalry, which I had sent to that place to examine the roads, and I encamped for the night. That part of my command which had crossed the river marched early on the 26th, and encamped that night 4 miles north of Trenton. I arrived in Trenton early in the day, and immediately instituted inquiries about the roads over which the train might come from Dresden. On the morning of the 27th, the column came up and I ordered Colonel Shanks, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, to proceed with his own regiment and the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to Mount Pinson, on the south fork of the Forked Deer; there to leave the Nineteenth Pennsylvania to hold the bridge, and to go on with the Seventh Indiana Cavalry to Bolivar, on the Hatchie; there to make a bridge or ferry, and to hold the same for the command to cross. The Second Illinois Cavalry I sent to Rodgers Mill, on the middle fork of the Forked Deer, there to hold the ~bri~1ge and to collect provis- ions for the remainder of the command. I marched with the pioneer corps and the squadron of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry to Parkers Ferry, over the south fork of the Obion, 12 miles southwest from Dresden, and crossed the pioneer corps the same night, with orders to report i~t once to Colonel Karg6, and to bring through the train under his orders. I encamped at the ferry. Jannary 28, I sent a staff officer to communicate with Colonel Karg~ and to inform him of the character of The roads by that ferry, and to tell him to use his best discretion as to which course he would take. He decided to go by the way of Huntingdon as the road had dried np and the bottom at ParkersFerry was very heavy. I received his decision on the 29th of January. January 30, I niarched toward Spring Creek, where Colonel Karg~ was to communicate with me, and encamped for the night near Lavinia, 4 miles north of Spring Creek Page 264 2G4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. (~TA. [CHAP. XLIV. January 31, marched to Spring Creek, and met a messenger from Colonel Karg6 with dispatches stating that he was then 6 miles southwest from Huntingdon, and that the train had not yet reached Huntingdon, as the very heavy rains of two previous nights had rendered the roads almost impassable and had so swollen the streams as to wash away the bridges. He also informed me that he had un- loaded ten baggage wagons and sent them back to lighten the train. Thinking that a better road from Huntingdon to Mount Pinson might be found than that via Spring Creek (which I knew to be very bad), I went on the 1st of February to Colonel Karg6s camp, 21 miles distant, and made diligent inquiry, only to find that there was no other way to go. Seeing that Colonel Karg6 was doing all that was possible to expedite matters, I returned on the same day to Spring Creek, where I was informed on my arrival that the road to Mount Pinson was almost if not absolutely impassable. February 2, I marched with a small escort via Jackson to Mount Pinson with a view to examining the bottom beyond Jackson, having previously sent the Second Illinois Cavalry by the direct road, and left orders for Colonel Karg6 to take that road unless otherwise or- dered. I fonud the bottom at Jackson almost impassable for cavalry, and absolutely so for wagons. February 3, I sent forward the Nineteenth Pennsylvania with orders to report to Colonel Shanks on the south side of the Hatchie River, and waited at Mount Pinson until five wagons of the supply train loaded with 3,500 rations came up under a small escort. With these I pushed on via Medon to Bolivar, arriving at noon of the 4th instant. The boat which had been built by Colonel Shanks com- mand had been found to be imperfect and was being repaired. February 5, the boat was made ready during the night, and the troops which had cQme up with me crossed during the day, though owing to the leaky condition of the boat only 8 horses could be crossed at a time. Toward evening Coloner Karg6 arrived with his command, having left the supply train 10 miles in his rear under a strong guard. The crossing was continued all night, and was effected without serious aacident. February 6, the crossing of the troops and of the supply train oc- cupied the whole day, and in the evening the remaining rations were issued to the command, which had now come together for the first time since January 23. February 7, marched the whole ~om~mand at 6.30 a. m. via Somer- ville to Thorpes farm, 3 miles north of Macon, where all encamped at sunset, except the snpply and baggage train with the Seventh Indiana Cavalry as escort, which had only reached Somerville. February 8, marched to Collierville in obedience to orders re- ceived at Bolivar from Brigadier-General Grierson, the head of the column arriving at 1 p. in., and the train escorted by the Third Ten- nessee Cavalry arriving after night-fall. The supply train was a heavy incumbrance during the whole march, and caused at least a weeks delay, while it ~is of very little use to the main column, which lived off of the country nearly all the time and could have done so entirely. The whole distance made by the train was about 220 miles, and the whole timt consumed was eighteen days. Had it not been for the sudden thaw which rendered the Obion River impassable, we could have come by the way of Ripley, only 120 miles. and would hav Page 265 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 265 made the march in eight days, as the road was comparatively good and the river crossings in tolerable condition. Attention is respectfully called to the report of Col. J. P. C. Shanks, Seventh Indiana Cavalry (marked B *), which contains all that is of much importance containing the trifling engagements with guerrillas on the road, and an account of the brilliant little affair at La Grmge, wheTe Liellteriant Grebe, of my staff, bearing dispatches, with his small escort defeated a considerable force of the enemy; also to the reports of the other commanding officers of the brigade, which (excepting slight geographical inaccuracies) will give you a correct idea of the difficulties of the march. The Seventh Indiana Cavalry was brigaded with my command while it lay at Hickman, and was ordered to join me on the march. Had this not been the case, the large fragment now at Hickman would have been here for duty, and the regiment would have been in better condition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. WARING, JR., Colonel Fourth lJlii8souri Cavalry, Commanding Brigade. Lieut. W. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure A.] HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVIsION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, C~olumbus, Ky., January 21, 1864. Col. GEORGE K WARING, C~omdg. Cavalry Brigade, Union City, Tenn.: SIR: You will proceed with all possible dispatch with your cavalry brigade to Moscow, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, west of Grand Junction, by ~the shortest and most practicable route west of Columbus and Corinth road, and report your arrival at that point to Major-General Hurlbut, or commanding officer at Memphis, for further instructions. You will be guided by the condition in which you find the streams and roads as to what road you will take after crossing the Obion. I hope you will reach the point designated as soon as practicable and in good condition for further march. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~A. J. SMITH, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., CAVALRY DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Camp Grierson, Teun., March 7, 1864. Report of the march of the First Brigade, Cavalry Division, Six- teenth Army Corps, from Collierville, Tenn., to West Point, Miss., and back to Memphis, Teun.: February 11, in obedience to the order of Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith, chief of cavalry, this brigade, consisting of the Seventh In- diana, Fourth Missouri, Second New Jersey, Nineteenth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry, and five companies of the Second Illinois Cavalry, marched from Collierville at 2 p. in., and encamped at 6 p. in. on the farm of Colonel McLean, 11 miles out on the Moscow road. By the *See p. 272 Page 266 2~36 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AYfl N. ~A. CTTAP. XLIV. order of Brigadier-General Smith, a train from Memphis was to have met us at this place, with forage for night and morning and the remaining supplies which were required to fit out the brigade for the expedition. This train failed to arrive. February 12, the train from Memphis arrived at 10.30 a. in., and the supplies and forage were issued immediately. At 2 p. m. the brigade marched, arriving at Hudsonville, 23 miles distant, at 11 p. m. Here orders were received to proceed immediately to Walkers Mills, 3 miles east of Holly Springs, there to await further instruc- tions from the chief of cavalry. At midnight the brigade marched again. February 13, having marched all night, the brigade reached Walkers Mills at 10 a. in., having made 16 miles. A detachment of the Second Illinois Cavalry was immediately sent to Callahans Mills, where the chief of cavalry was reported to be encamped, to report the position of the brigade and receive further instructions. No orders were received during the day. February 14, remained in camp at Walkers Mills expecting every moment orders to march. At S p. m. a messenger arrived from Colonel McCrillis, at New Albany, communicating General Grier- sons order for my brigade to proceed immediately to that point. This order, instead of coming direct from General Griersons head- quarters, about 15 miles distant, had first gone to New Albany and then come back to me. This delay caused more than a days deten- tion of my command. At the time when the order was received foraging parties were out, night was approaching, and it was raining heavily. February 15, the brigade marched at daylight, and at 9 a. m. reached Becks Spring Ferry, over the Tippah River, 7 miles distant. The ferry-boat was found to be very small and in a very unsafe con- dition. It being impossible to cross the c~ mmand by this means, and the ford, which is usually very good, being impassable, owing to the great rise and rapid current of the river, it was necessary to build a bridge of 65 feet span before the command could be crossed. At 3 p. m. a bridge was completed, but as the river was still rising and the center of the bridge was necessarily under water, it was nearly daylight the next morning before the whole brigade was en- camped on the other side of the river. February 16, marched at 8 a. m. for New Albany, 22 miles distant. Owing to the very bad character ~f .~ large portion of the road, al- though six wagons were abandoned and destroyed, it was impossible to reach the Tallahatchie River before 8 p. in., when the whole com- mand, except a portion of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, im- mediately crossed the river and proceeded to a point 4 miles south of New Albany, on the Pontotoc road, where it encamped. The Nine- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, excepting 100 men, was ordered to re- turn to Memphis in charge of prisoners. February 17, marched at 5 a. m. and reached the headquarters of Brigadier-General Grierson, commanding dKision, 7 miles distant, on the Pontotoc road, at 8 a. m. Ordered by General Grierson to go 2 or 3 miles ahead and feed. I went on with the head of the column 4 miles, to the farm of Parson Smith. When only one regiment of my brigacFe had passed the headquarters of General Grierson, the remainder were ordered by General Smith to turn out of the road and allow the other brigades to take the advance. At 2 p. in., the Second and Third Brigades having passed, this brigade fell i Page 267 CRAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 267 their rear and marched to a point 9 miles the other side of Pontotoc, where it was ordered to encamp. The whole distance marched this day was 25 miles. February 18, ordered to march at 6 a. m. Started at that honr and received an order to halt and allow the Second Brigade to take the advance, which occupied two honrs. At the end of this time, the road being clear, started again and marched via ~d Land to Okolona, where we arrived at 4 p. in., when the chief of cavalry ordered that this brigade march on the road toward Egypt Station to a snitable camping-place, and that parties be sent ont to destroy such property along the line of the railroad as might belong to the rebel Government and to destroy the railroad itself. As the column was marching from Okolona and was 2 miles dis- tant therefrom the head of the colnum was fired upon by a party of the enemy, apparently about 20 or 30 strong, who fled on being pur- sued. In the night the pioneer corps and a detachment of the Nine- teenth Pennsylvania were sent to destroy the railroad and Govern- ment supplies as far as Egypt Station, 8 miles south of Okolona. Distance marched this day, 23 miles. In the evening of this day the following order was received: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, DIVISION OF THE Mississippi, Okolona, February 18, 1864. COLONEL: The general directs that you will move your brigade promptly at day- light to-morrow morning on the road leading to West Point via Egypt Station, leaving one battalion at Okolona with orders to send one company 5 or 6 miles out on the road leading north toward Corinth, and one company about the same dis- tance on the road to Camargo. As you proceed throw forces over on the railroad to destroy it and Government stores, if any such ther~e be collected. The general will accompany your column, escorted by the Fourth U. S. Cavalry. I am, colonel, yours, very respectfully, WM. H. INGERTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. February 19, at daybreak, the brigade marched on the road to Egypt Station, excepting one battalion of the Seventh Indiana Cav- alry, which was left at Okolona as ordered, and which subsequently joined the brigade. The brigade arrived at Egypt Station between 8 and 9 a. in., and destroyed the Government property at and near the station. I here learned that there were two roads leading to West Point, one across the prairie, about a mile west of Egypt Station, and one passing around on drier ground hb~ut a mile to the right of Aberdeen. I selected the latter road as being more strictly in accord- ance with the letter of my orders and less difficult to travel, though somewhat longer. After proceeding 4 miles from Egypt Station, I was ordered by General Smith to return and take the prairie road, and by that road the brigade reached Prairie Station at 6 p. in., the head of the column having had several trifling skirmishes in the course of the day. Distance marched, 22 miles. February 20, marched at 9 a. m. in rear of th~ Second Brigade. Arrived at West Point at 3 p. m. with the command in excellent condition, the horses having had plenty of forage and the men cheered by the prospect of meeting the enemy in an open country. Distance marched,.9 miles. February 21, ordered to return to Okolona. Marched at 9 a. in., following the Third Brigade. Received frequent reports of attacks on the rear of the Second Brigade, which was following us, and a Page 268 268 ICY., SW. VA., TEINN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. ~3 p. m. halted at a plantation 4 miles north of Prairie Station, where the Second Illinois, Fourth Missouri, and Second New Jersey Cav- alry made a demonstration to the right, checking a body of the enemy which was attempting to flank the whole column by a move- ment along the railroad. Remained in this position until the Sec- ond Brigade had closed up, and then proceeded, by order of Briga- dier-Geneial Grierson, to the camp of the division; about 3 miles south of Okolona. February 22, marched abont 9 a. m. on the Pontotoc road, pre- ceded by the Second Brigade and followed by the Third. On pass- ing to the left of Okolona, the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, which formed the rear of the brigade, was ordered to fall out and support the Fourth U. S. Cavalry, which had been stationed at the edge of the town to watch the movements of the enemy. At a point about 5 miles west of Okolona a message was received from the rear to the effect that the Fonrth U. S. Cavalry had found the enemy too strong and had been forced to retire with mnch loss, and that the Seventh Indiana Cavalry and the whole of the Third Brigade had been unable to resist the onward march of the enemy, and were re- treating upon the main column. I immediately formed my brigade in line, with skirmishers far out on each flank, and remained in this position until the Third Brigade had passed through, portions of it in such confusion as to endanger the morale of my own command. I was then ordered to fall back to a stronger position, about a mile to my rear, where the Second New Jersey, Fourth Missouri, and Second Illinois Cavalry again formed in line. This position was gallantly held by the Second New Jersey and Second Illinois Cav- alry against a sharp attack until the Seventh Indiana and the Fourth Missouri Cavalry fell to the rear within a line formed by the Second Brigade. These regiments then followed, and a new position in the rear of the whole command was selected on a farm called Iveys Hill, near Tallaboncla. Before the Seventh Indiana and Fourth Missouri Cavalry, with its battery, could be fairly placed in position the other brigades were seen to be retiring, and the immense train of pack- mules and mounted contrabands, which had been corraled in a field near the road, swarmed up with such force as to carry past the line the Second New Jersey and the Second Illinois Cavalry, which were then marching to this position. Several regiments of the other bri- gades were brought to a stand at this place, and the chief of cav- alry in person assumed command ~f ~he field. The enemy followed our retiring forces very closely, and soon attacked us with heavy musketry fire, which was replied to with good effect by the battery of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, one shell from which is reported to have killed Colonel Forrest, brother of General Forrest, who in person was commanding the enemys column. As the enemy ap- proached more closely General Smith ordered the Fourth Missouri Cavalry to charge with sabers. This charge was brilliantly made in the face of a galling fire; but, owing to a high rail-fence between our position and that of the enemy, was wi~Iiout effect except as a diversion. Finding that the charge was useless, the troops broke to the rear and retreated at great speed, but were rallied by their officers on the line of original formation (behind the battery), without the loss of a singte straggler. At the end of an hour, the enemy hav- ing been held in check sufficiently long for the pack train and dis- organized regiments to be withdrawn to a place of safety, the brigade was ordered by the commahding general to retire, a movementwhic Page 269 CaAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 269 was attended with no little difficulty, inasmuch as the enemy had so far flanked our position as to jeopardize the safety of the battery of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, which was only withdrawn under cover of a desperate and brilliaiit charge by a portion of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry and subsequently of two detachments of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry; one piece of the battery having a broken wheel and two ammunition carts with broken shafts were necessarily abandoned to the enemy, the gun being first spiked. In the even- ing the whole division marched to within 2~ miles of Pontotoc, where several hours were spent in reorganizing the different com- mands. February 23, ordered to take the advance and march without de- lay to Memphis. About noon reached New Albany, on the Talla- hatchie River, where General Grierson ordered me to send imme- diately the Second Illinois and the Seventh Indiana Cavalry to the rear to assist the Second Brigade. The Second New Jersey Cavalry was stationed on the north side of the river as sharpshooters, and the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, with its battery, on the hill still farther north overlooking the river. This position was occupied until the entire Second and Third Brigades, with the pack train and contra- bands, had passed on. I was then ordered to leave my pack train with the Third Brigade, and to march my command immediately to Memphis. When I was fairly started I was ordered to receive and escort the contraband negroes who were escaping with the division. Being again under way, about 7 p. m. I was ordered to receive and escort the entire baggage train of the three brigades. About mid- night the command reached the plantation of Mr. Graham, 12 miles from New Albany, where we halted to close up and put the train in the advance. February 24, marched at 4.30 a. in., crossed the Tippah River by the bridge and ford near Becks Spring, and reached the vicinity of Hudsonville about 9 oclock in the evening. February 2~5, marched at 7 a. in., proceeded about half a mile when the head of the column was fired into by a party of guerrillas and 1 man killed and 2 wounded. At Hudsonville received an order to halt and allow the other brigades to take the advance. Subsequently received another order to keep the advance and proceed to Collier- ville, there to repair the bridge across Wolf River, and in the event of the railroad not being in running condition, to cross my command and forage on the country. Arrived aP Collierville at 4 p. m. and found the railroad destroyed. February 26, there being no other means of procuring forage, marched across Wolf River and proceeded to within about 12 miles of Memphis before forage could be found in any considerable quan- tity. Encamped here for the night. February 27, crossed Shelby Ferry and encamped at the Fair Ground, 4 miles from Memphis, on the Charleston Railroad. On re- porting for orders to Brigadier-General Grierson, {ommanding the division, was directed to reniain in this camp, ana draw supplies from Memphis. The detachment of 100 men of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cav- alry, under Major Holahan, was detailed very early in the expedi- tion to guard the prisoners, which duty they continued to perform until its close, bringing safely to Memphis all of the prisoners taken by the entire command excepting 1, who was killed in attempt Page 270 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. ing to escape. At times during the excitement of the retreat, the l)erformance of this duty required great care and coolness. The losses of this brigade in the various engagements were as fol- lows, to wit: Fourth Missouri Cavalrymen killed, 6; won~ded, 4; missing, 4; total, 14. Second New Jersey Cavalryi captain and 2 lieutenants wounded, 1 lieutenant taken prisoner; men wounded, 6; missing, 2; total, 12. Second Illinois Cavalrym~en killed, 1; wounded, 1; missing, 1; total, 3. Seventh Indiana Cavalry3 commissioned officers wounded and taken prisoners, 2 commissioned officers wounded; men killed, 11; wounded, 32; missing, 36; total, 84. Total loss of First Brigade, killed, wounded, and missing, 113. * Between Okolona and West Point the following stores belonging to the enemy are estimated to have been destroyed by this brigade: 250 bales of cotton, marked C. S. A.; 200,000 bushels of corn in Government pens; 280 sacks of shelled corn~ 100 sacks of corn meal in Government store-houses; also 2 cases of English muskets and an assorted lot of commissary stores in the station-house at Egypt. Fifteen bridges and culverts were burned, and the track was de- stroyed in more than twenty different places between Okolona and Prairie Station. Very respectfully, GEO. E. WARING, JR., Colonel Fourth 3fissouri Cavalrg, Commanding. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 38. Reports of Capt. Franklin Moore, Second Illinois Cavalry, of opera tions January 22-February 27. HEADQUARTERS SECOND ILLINOIS CAVALRY, .Collierville, Tenn., February 10, 1864. SIR: In compliaiice with orders, I forward my report of the march from Union City, Tenn., to Collierville, Teun.: I left Union City, Tenn., on the morning of the 22d of January, 1864, and marched to within 3 miles of Sharps Ferry. 23d, left Sharps Ferry and crossed O~ion River at sunrise. Found 3 miles of bottom land overflowed; nearly impossible to bring wagons through it. Camped at Porters farm until the morning of the 26th, waiting the coming up of the column. 26th, left Porters farm and marched to Trenton and caniped. 27th, left Trenton and marched to Rodgers Mill, Spring Creek, and encamped. 28th, sent out foraging party to collect all salt provisions that could be found; also started the mill grinding meal or the brigade, which we kept up until 1~he morning of the 2d of February. 2d, left Spring Creek and marched to Mount Pinson, a distance of 20 miles, and encamped. 3d, left MouQt Pinson and marched to Medon and encamped. 4th, left Medon and marched to Bolivar; built a boat, and on ~be morning of the 5th commenced to cross Hatchie River and * But see revised statement, p. 193 Page 271 CHAP. XLLV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 271 camped 1 mile south of Bolivar, waiting until the morning of the 7th for the supply train to come up. 7th, left camp and marched to near Macon and encamped. 8th, left camp near Macon and marched to Collierville. I have the honor to be~ your obedient servant, FRANK. MOORE, Commanding First Battalion, Second Illinois Cavalry. Col. GEORGE E. WARINQ JR. HDQRS. FIRST BATT., SECOND ILLINOIS VOL. CAVALRY, Camp Grierson, Memphis, Tenn., March 14, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders received from headquarters Firsf Bri- gade, Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of my proceedings in the recent expedi- tion commanded by Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith into Mississippi.: February 11, left Collierville at 3 p. m. in rear of the brigade as rear guard; marched 10 miles on the Moscow road, and encamped at La Fayette. February 12, left camp in rear of the Seventh Indiana at 2 p. in.; marched southeast that afternoon and all night; passed through Holly Springs at daylight. February 13, at 12 in., arrived at Walkers Mills~ remained in camp from 12 m. the 13th until 6 a. m. the 15th; marched to Tip- pah River, 8 miles; spent the night and day in building bridge aiid crossing the river; encaniped on the south side. On 16th, left canip, order of march same as before, at 7 a. in., 8ev- enth Indiana in advance of battalion; arrived and passed New Albany at 8 p. in., aiid encamped 4 miles south for the night. On 17th, left at 5 a. in.; marched 20 miles south, and encamped near Red Land, my battalion in advance. On 18th, left camp at 7 a. in.; passed Red Land at 8 a. in., battal- ion in rear of column, and marched to Okolona and 3 miles south, and encamped for the night. On 19th, left camp at 7 a. in., passed Egypt Station at 10 a. in.; captured a colonel near the station. Battalion took a dispatch from General Smith to General Grierson at Aberdeen, going the 8 miles iii forty minutes, and captured a rebel su~rg~on aiid 1 private. Leav- ing Aberdeen at 5 p. in., with General Griersoiis brigade, I rejoined my brigade at 10 p. m. On 20th, left camp at 6 a. in., in rear of Seveiith Indiana, and marched to West Point, or 1~ miles this side, and encamped in line of battle; skirmishing with pickets all night. On 21st, left camp at 8 a. in. on our return, my battalion in ad- vance of brigade; marched all day and half of the night; skirmish- ing in the rear. Encamped near~ Okoloifa, 3 miles south. On 22d, left camp at 8 a. m. and passed OkolonaX~t 9 a. in., leav- ing Okolona half a mile to the right, falling in in advance of the Sev- enth Indiana. Stampeders going to the front left my battalion in rear of the division. I formed and [began] fighting. Being heavily pressed, I fell back o~ the Fourth Missouri and Seventh Indiana lines, and again being ordered to fall back, I fell back a short distance, formed, and had continual skirmishing and hard fighting until night, gradually falling back, and took up our line of march at dark Page 272 272 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Marched to near Pontotoc, where I halted to rest two or three hours, and at 6 a. m. of the 23d passed Pontotoc, and arrived at New Albany at 2 p. m. Encamped 9 miles this side of New Albany on the even- ing of the 23d. On 24th, marched at 5 a. in.; spent most of the day crossing Tip- pah River; marched most of the night, and encamped~ near Hudson- ville. On 25th, marched at 6 a. in., and arrived at Collierville the same day. On 26th, left Collierville, crossed Wolf River, and encamped on the Macon road. On 27th, marched at 6 a. in., arrived at Memphis at 4 p. in., and encamped at 5 p. m. I have the honor to be, yours, colonel, FRANK. MOORE, Gaptain, Gomdg. First Battalion, Second Illinois Cavalry. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jr. No. 39. Report of Got. John P. C. Shanks, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, of operations January 22February 9. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., February 10, 1864. SIR: In pursuance of your orders, I submit the following report of my march from Hickman, Ky., to this place: January 22, 8 a. in., left Hickman with 606 men, mounted, armed, and equipped, without rations, but with six teams, and ammunition in pouches only for carbines, none for revolvers except one load, under written orders to march to a point within 3 miles of Sharps Ferry, on Obion River, or to rear of column. I camped at Childs farm, 3~ miles north of ferry at 8 p. in., having passed in the fol- lowing order in their camps, Nineteenth Pennsylvania, Fourth Mis- souri, Second New Jersey Cavalry, having marched 33 miles. On 23d, regiment remained in camp. I crossed, and examined bottom on south side; found soir li~ht, river rising rapidly and over part of bottom, which is by the most practical route lj miles in width; Second Illinois and pioneer corps were crossing; also Nine- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. On 24th, at 2 a. in., sent Third Battalion to cross; 6 oclock sent Second, and 8 oclock First Battalion of Seventh Cavalry. I went to ferry with Second Battalion, and was ordered by Colonel Karg~ to cross and examine possibility of crossing wagons. Did so, and found it impossible. Was then ordered to ~o down river 6, 8, 12 miles to the several ferries for crossing; found no boats, and river wider, banks worse, and bottom as bad as at Sharps. Reported at 9 a. in.; my regiment meantime had crossed and gone on. River rose 18 inches 4nring night. I crossed on morning of the 25th, with considerable risk, with dis- patches from Colonel Karg6 to you. Larger portion of my regiment swam their horses, and lost several horses, some arms, but no men. On 27th, left camp with ~eyenth Indh~na Cavalry, Ninetcent Page 273 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 273 Pennsylvania Cavalry, and, two companies of Fourth Missouri for Trenton. Camped 4 miles north of Trenton. On 28th, marched at 7 a. in.; reported to you at Trenton at 10 a. in.; received orders to proceed with Seventh Indiana Cavalry and Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry to Mount Pinson and Bolivar to repair bridges over Forked Deer and Hatchie Rivers. Camped at Muthers farm. On 29th, marched at 7 a. in.; procured some meal of Captain Moore at Spring Creek, and camped at Banes farm. On 30th, marched at 7 a. m. and reached Mount Pinson at 10 a. in., having sent Lieutenant Skinner with a company to take posses- sion of the bridge and crossing, who found guerrillas there and drove them away. Found the river 100 feet wide and 6 feet deep. Was cloudy; threatening rain. Feared to build low bridge. Re- paired old one by putting in span and abutment 50 feet and 10 feet above water. Heavy timbers drawn on wagons from woods by men. On 31st, 2 p. in., marched for the Hatchie, leaving Nineteenth Pennsylvania to guard bridge at Mount Piuson. Camped at Deans farm. February 1, 7 a. in., marched to ferry ;. arrived at 1 p. in., having sent Captain Moore with company forward. Fired on frequently by guerrillas; took 6 en route. Found only small raft; would carry with safety 3 men and horses with hands; could make trip in six minutes. Proceeded to Bolivar, 1 mile, and procured such material as could to build flat-boat. February 2, commenced work on boat, Lieutenant Fackenthall, of Nineteenth Pennsylvania, in charge, I having detailed him for the purpose before leaving Mount Pinson. Constructed sides of boat of railroad timber spliced and bottom of doors from the depot in Bol- ivar; they ~rere double stuff, paiiited and cross-lapped, seasoned, and did not swell to answer the purpose as expected; they were l)oplar, but the paint prevented swelling. Boat 40 feet long, 10 wide. February 3, 4 p. in., launched boat with above results. February 4, 3 p. in., drew boat out again for repairs with another bottom. Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry arrived. February 5, 4 p. in., Colonel Waring, with Second Illinois and part of the Fourth Missouri, arrived. Finished boat at 9 a. m. of that day, Capt. Frank. Moores men assi~tif~g in work. The inter- ference of some of the Fourth Missouri with the hands at the boat caused a short delay. ~From the arrival of the Nineteenth Pennsyl- vania, Second Illinois, and part of the Fourth Missouri, the raft had been continually running, the Seventh Indiana Cavalry having crossed before their arrival. Light teams had also crossed on raft, all heavy teams being with supply train. February 6, Second New Jersey Cavahy arrived in the morning and crossed, and in the evening the supply trains r~mched the ferry and also the remainder of the Fourth Missouri. Boat wi~s ready and all crossed without delay. There was no time lost on account of boat, as all crossed before supply and heavy regimental wagons arrived. February 7, a party of guerrillas attacked a forage party on Poca- hontas road, 2 miles from Bolivar, under command of Lieutenant Kennedy, of Seventh Indiana. He took 9 men, 8 horses, 1 mule, and 7 guns and carbines without loss. 18 R RvOL XXXII, PT Page 274 274 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. February 8, 6 a. in., niarched with column for Collierville, arriv- ing February 9 at 7 p. in. On February 2, at 8 a. in., I sent Captain Shoemaker with 40 men to escort Lieutenant Grebe with dispatches to General Smith. He reached Grand Junction and learned of the enemy at La Grange. He reported to me the fact. I sent him Lieutenant Skinner and 40 more men. He then, on the morning of the 3d, drove the enemy from La Grange, and without further difficulty reported at Memphis. The result of the fray at La Grange was taking 8 prisoners, killing 2, and wound- ing 1, and some horses. Respectfully submitted. JOHN P. C. SHANKS, Colonel Seventh Indiana Cavalry. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jr., Commanding Brigade. No. 40. Report ~f Lient. Cot. Thomas 31. Browne, Seventh Indiana Cavalry, of operations February 627. HDQRS. SEVENTH INDIANA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, Camp Grierson, Tenn., March 12, 1864. SIR: In submitting the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the late cavalry expedition to West Point, Miss., I have to regret the absence of Col. J. P. C. Shanks, who was during all that time in command, but who is now absent in consequeiice of illness induced by the hardships and exposure incident to the march. Hav- ing, however, beeu constantly with the regiment, I hope to be able to give the important particulars of the march with reliable accuracy. Nothing of interest transpired on the march in which this com- mand was concerned independently of the brigade, until its arrival at the first camp beyond Okolona. On the morning of the 19th of February, the Second Battalion, consisting of Companies B, D, F, and H, in command of Major Simonson, was detailed to return~ a~d destroy the railroad depot, & c., at Okolona, and to the north of it. Pursuant to his instructions he destroyed a bridge on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad of about 300 feet in length, 5 miles north of the town; burned the depot at Oko- lona, 50 barrels of salt, a warehouse containing a large quantity of Confederate corn; destroyed a locomotive~ captured some 50 horses and mules, and rejoined the regiment on that evening. On the even- ing of the same day Captain Elliott, with Companies M and A, under instructions destroyed 23 large cribs containing Confederate tithe corn, which had been placed for con~enience of shipping by the side of the railroad near Egypt Station. The quantity of corn thus destroyed was immense, but I could not venture an opinion as to the number of bushels. Captain Elliott at the same time destroyed three trestle ~ridges of considerable size on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad between Egypt and Prairie Stations. On the 20th, being advised that the advance was engaged with the enemy near West Point, the regiment was ordered rapidly forward Page 275 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITiON. 275 and, arriving upon the ground, immediately formed in line of battle on the right of the road and in good order. Remaining in this posi- tion for nearly an hour, it was ordered still farther to the right in support of the Fourth Regiment of Regulars for the purpose of ascer- taining the position of the enemy, who was reported to have been recently seen in that direction. A march on the double-quick of some ~ or 6 miles brought us at dark to the place selected for the nights bivouac without our having discovered the enemy in force. On the return to Okolona on the 21st, this regiment was placed in the column of march at the rear of the First Brigade, the Second Battalion constituting its rear guard. Toward evening the enemy appeared in considerable numbers on our right flank, and made a (lemonstration on our rear guard; but two companies being promptly thrown out as skirmishers to meet them, they retreated without attacking. At this time the regiment was ordered to the rear to the assistance of the Second Brigade, which had been during most of the day engaged. It was countermarched and proceeding rapidly to the rear, when the enemy was discovered in force upon our right, marching parallel with our column. Major Beck with a company was sent forward to feel for them, supported by another company, under the personal command of Colonel Shanks, while I formed the residue of the command in line for action. Major Beck fired upon and drove in their flankers, when the enemy retired to a safe dis- tance; but a further and more vigorous attack by us, and for which we had prepared, was prevented by the character of the intervening ground. The Second Brigade arriving in the mean time, we were ordered to rejoin the command. On this day Captain Elliott. in command of a small detail of for- agers, was attacked near the roadside by an equal number of the enemy, when the captain charged upon them with such spirit that lie killed 1, wounded 2 severely, captured 6 prisoners with their arms, horses, and equipments, bringing them safely to the command without the loss of a man. On the 22d, the regiment was again placed at the rear of the bri- gad e, and to the rear of the train of contrabands, captured mules and horses. Upon arriving near Okolona, the enemy was discovered upon the right, moving in the same direction with ourselves in the open prairie, but keeping tIme embankment of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad between them and us. By the order of General Grierson the regiment left the train and moved tQ t~e right, deploying Com- pany H as skirmishers, who soon became engaged with those of the eneniy. IMoving rapidly forward through time center of town and to time north side of it, the regiment formed in line of battle, the enemy forming in our front to the east, and still hugging closely the railroad embankment. The First Battalion engaged the enemys skirmishers briskly for a few moments, amid drove them rapidly back upon their line. Other regiments were soon brought to our rear and formed for our support, artillery put in position and everything seemed to indicate that an engagement was at hani Our regiment having been cut off from the brigade, left tIme rear of the train exposed and measurably unprotected; therefore, after occupying the above position for some time, we were, by General Griersons order, relieved by another reginment and directed to resume our place in time colunun of march. This order was being executed, but the regiment hia(l moved but a few miles from Okolona. when a portion of the force left in our rea Page 276 276 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. came forward in the wildest disorder and confusion, it having been attacked and driven back by the enemy. The First Battalion was immediately thrown across the road in line of battle, the Second and Third forming at the same time for its support in its rear. Our officers then used every exertion to rally and reform the panic-stricken and flying troops that came pouring upon our lines. To accomplish this was impossible. Very soon the forces of the enemy made their appearance, and skirmishing commenced between them and the First Battalion. The enemy was held in check until, under orders from General Grierson, we retired. The regiment fell back slowly and in good order for some distance, by alternate battalions, and then resumed its march in column. We had not proceeded far be- fore the avalanche of stampeders again came rushing against and past our column, when we again formed in line and again met the enemy, who were at this time pressing the rear hotly and in consid- erable force. We charged upon them, drove them back handsomely, but becoming exposed to a severe flanking fire and being unsup- ported, were compelled to retire. Here we lost several men in killed and wounded, among the latter Lieut. G. II. Kennedy, of Company C, who fell leading the charge. He was left on the field. At this point we also inflicted considerable punishment upon the enemy. Retiring a short distance, we again halted, and held our position firmly until ordered back. Passing through the lines formed in our rear by the other regiments of the First Brigade and a portion of the Second Brigade, Major Beck, by order of General Smith, with two companies of the First Battalion and Companies L and M, went out to the left to protect that flank. After going some distance and encountering no opposing force he rejoined the regiment at Iveys farm. It was now near sundown, and the enemy was pressing hard upon us. The regiment was halted and thrown into line, a portion of it dismounted and sent to the support of the battery of the Fourth Missouri Regiment, which was in position. Soon afterward those dismounted were ordered to their horses, and General Smith ordered a charge. Not hesitating a moment, Major Beck, with Companies A. B, and G, and Major Febles, with Compailies I, K, and M, rode iapidly and gallantly forward upon the lines of the enemy with drawn saber. The nature of the ground prevented the effective use of the saber, but the pistol was substituted for it and did most excel- lent service. The enemy was driv~i ti~om his position, and lost fear- fully in killed and wounded; we also took several prisoners. The charge was not made without loss to us, as we left quite a number of officers and men on the field. Among the former were Capt. J. R. Parmelee and Lient. John Douch, of Company A. Lieutenant Douch was wounded mortally, but the precise fate of Captain Par- melee is unknown. In the fight at Iveys farm the regiment sus- tained the larger portion of its entire loss. On the 23d, we were ordered back from the crossing of the Talla- hatchie to the support of the Second Brigade~und took I)osition, but the enemy having previously discontinued the attack, our services were not required. We then quietly crossed the Tallahatchie. The bridge over which we crossed was burned, and the ford obstructed. Nothing more ~f interest occurred until the ensuin g day. On this day the First IBrigade, in charge of the trains, marched on a different road from the balance of the division, this regiment being in the rear of the First Brigade. We arrived without molestatio Page 277 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ~77 nearly to the crossing of the Tippah River, when a small guard, thrown to protect our rear, was suddenly attacked by a considerable force of guerrillas. We lost 1 man killed, 1 wounded, and 2 taken Lprisoners]. As soon as information of the attack reached the column the regiment was marched back and put in position for their reception; but they made no further hostile demonstrations, quickly withdrawing to the woods to the rear. The number of this force we could not ascertain with certainty, but a captured contraband, who had been a servant to one of its officers, put their numbers at 200. This ended the exciting and material part of the expedition s6 far as this regiment was concerned. From this point we marchecfwithout interruption to our present camp, at which place we arrived with the residue of the brigade on the 27th of February. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing during the expedition is 84, a list of which has been sent you. In conclusion, I feel it but an act of justice to say that under the most trying and disheartening circumstances by which this com- mand was surrounded, both officers and men behaved themselves admirably. To the officers, both field and line, much credit is due for the coolness and alacrity with which they executed every order. Notwithstanding the disorder and confusion many times about it, the regiment at no time was disorganized or demoralized. Respectfully submitted. THOS. M. BROWNE Lieut. A. ~TEZIN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanling. Actin~j Assistant A4iutant- General. No. 41. ReDort of ilfaj. Edward Lan qen, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, of opera tions Jaunary 22February 8. COLLIERvILLE, TENN., February 10, 1864. Report of march from Union City, Teun., to Collierville, Teun., of the Fourth Missouri Volunteer Cavaary~ under command of Maj. Edward Langen: This command left Union City on the 22d day of January, 1864, and took camp 6 miles from Troy, Teun. Left the camp on the morning of the 23d, and marched about 2 miles from Sharps Ferry, on the Obion River. Camped there again. Staid in this camp on the 24th, and left the camp on the 25th to return and take another road, as it was, on account of the rise of the Obion River, impossible to cross any more. Passed Troy and arrived on the 25th, 10 miles from Union City, at Wido* Whites, on the Hickman road. On the 26th, marched at 10 a. in., and camped 3 miles north of Union City. On the 27th, passe4 Jacksonville, Gardners Station, and camped 2~ miles from Dresden. On the 28th, staid in this camp and waited for supply train, which came about 2 miles from camp Page 278 278 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP XLIV. Left on the 29th, passed iDresdeu, McKenzi& s Statioi, and camped 4 miles this side of Huntingdon. Left camp OR the 30th, passed Huntiugdon, aiid camped ~ miles on the other side of Huntingdon. In this camp we staid all the 31st of January and 1st of Febru- ary, on which day the supply train caught up. On the 2d, left camp, passed Spring Creek, and camped 4 miles below Spring Creek, on the Cotton Creek road. In this camp sent five teams from the supply train with provisions to Mount Pinson, and passed Cotton Creek. Passed the Hatchie River ai~d swamp, and camped 5 miles from Mount Pimson. On the 4th February, passed Mount Pinson, camped 8 miles on the Bolivar road. On the 5th, marched through Medon, crossed the Hatchie River on a flat-boat, camped 2 miles on the other side of Bolivar, and left on the 7th. Passed Somerville and camped 8 miles below that place. Left camp on the 8th, p~issed the Wolf River Swamp and river, and arrived at Collierville early in the afternoon. EDWARD LANGIEN, Major, Fourth Missouri Volunteer Carairy. Lient. A. VEZIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 42. Report of Mcij. Gustav Heinrichs, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, of operations February 1127. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, Camp Grierson, Teun., March 17, 1864. SIR: In compliance with special orders from headquarters First Brigade, I have the honor to transiiiit herewith my official report of the part taken by my command in the last great cavalry expedi- tion toward Meridian, Miss., and of the different skirmishes and fights in which the same participated: The regiment left Collierville, Tenn., as part of the First Brigade, on Tuesday afternoon, February 11, and consisted of the First Squad- ron, under Captain Hanson, with Coiipanies D, G, and H; the Sec- ond Squadron, under Captain Kemper, aiid composed of Companies I, K, and L, and the mountain howitzer battery of font pieces, lately organized, under Capt. Charles P. Knispel, with Lieutenants Graessle and Wieser; Companies A and B. being detached as provost guard and Companies F, C, and E, absent from the regiment. We commenced marching day and night, and the good spirit of the men did hardly leave them tinie to reflect over the great distances that were made. February 13, arrived in sight of Holly Spri~igs, Miss., at 6 oclock, having marched all night, and arrived in camp near Walkers Mills that afternoon. Left camp c~i the morning of the 15th under a heavy rain, and arrived near Tippah Creek, where we helped build a bridge with fence rails, and crossed the same with much difficulty, arriving in camp on the other side of Tippah Creek early in the morning of February 16 Page 279 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MEIflDIAN EXPEDITION. 279 Left camp that morning, and crossed the Tallaliatchie that same night. Came in camp after midnight and left camp again at 5 oclock; marched toward Pontotoc, Miss. Arrived near Okolona at dark next day, and while marching into cam p several shots were fired on onr advance, when, nnder direction of colonel Waring, the regiment, with the battery, formed in line ready to engage the enemy, who, however, seemed to have no desire to open a conflict. We followed him several miles, and he dispersed in all directions. So we went into camp at abont l41~ oclock in ex- pectation of meeting him the next morning. Marched the next day via railroad station, near Egypt, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and encamped near Prairie Monnd or Aberdeen, withont my command having a chance of coming into actioiX, althongh skirmishing and heavy patrolling continned all day. On the 20th, we arrived in camp near West Point, and remained in line of battle all night on a most favorable position after some of the other brigades had been in a fight that day. At 7 oclock on the morning of the 22d, when onr brigade received orders to fall back, we left camp in the direction of Okolona. My command marched in the center of the First Brigade, with Capt. H. Kempers sqnadron in the rear of Captain Knispels battery, Cap- tain Hanson having the advance. Early after the march a heavy demonstration was made against the brigade marching in the rear of the First, and by order of the colonel commanding I formed in line of battle the pieces, besides my two sqnadrons, snpported by the Second New Jersey and Second Illinois, to onr right and left. After awaiting an engagement for abont one honr onr brigade was ordered to fall back, and we continned onr march toward Okolona. Abont 2 p. m. Captain Kemper informed me that he was very hard pressed by stragglers from the brigade in onr rear, and that the enemy was coming nearer and nearer. While going to the rear to see what conld be done, Maj. E. Langen, with the First Squadron, had reached a pretty elevated spot, where, with great presence of mind he halted, and was about forming that sqnadron to the right of the road. Meanwhile our battery an the Second Squadron had also reached this point, where we formed the regiment, with the pieces partly in the road and on both sides, facing toward the running friends of the brigade in our rear and the approaching enemy from the opposite hill, snpported again on both flanks by the brave men of the Second New Jersey and Second Hlim~ois. The colonel commanding, at that time bnsily engaged in forming the whole of his brigade, will, I am satisfied, never forget the con- dnct of his regiment on this critical occasion. While the friends of onr rear broke and ran away, and the enemy were coming thicker and thicker, the boys stood like a wall, hoping once to show their ambition to fight, and onr battery just as anxions to be tried the first time nnder fire. We again were ordered back, and arrived near a place called Iveys farm. I was there ordered bybthe colonel com- nianding to the right of the battery, while he in person placed the same in a splendid position. The enemy slowly bnt steadily ap- proached and opened a lively fire on ns. The Fonrth Missouri Cav- alry was ordered to4ismount and fight on foot. The battery had commenced a well-directed fire, and it was there where Colonel For- rest, of the C. S. Army. fell, according to rebel reports since published. It was this young battery that did it. The enemy was checked., and General Smith, present on the occasion, remembering former repr Page 280 280 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. sentations and listening to a repeated request of Colonel Waring to allow the Fourth Missouri Cavalry to make a saber charge, ordered the charge, which was execnted, and, according to the coin- pliments sent to the regiment by him, in a most brilliant style. During that time the brigade was ordered to fall back like the bal- ance of the troops, and under cover of this charge the withdrawal succeeded, under a most furious fire of the enemy, ~yho meanwhile had succeeded in breaking our left line of support. The enemy had advanced nearer than 20 paces. All of the horses of one piece were killed, and the ~arriage broken. Major Langen, with Captain Han- son,. made another desperate charge, and with the balance of the men, reformed by myself and by the bravery of the officers of the battery, succeeded in saving the whole battery, with the exception of one disabled piece, which was spiked. This spiking was done by Sergeant von Westernhagen and Corporal Velguth, of Company M, which act I feel proud and in duty bound to mention as an act of bravery and courage, and respectfully recommend these brave men to the commendation of the colonel commanding. The conduct of officers and men of my command during this terrible engagement has been sufficiently observed by Colonel Waring, and needs scarcely a repetition of honorable notice on my part. Be it sufficient to say that every one, without exception, behaved well and gallantly. The enemy, with a good lesson, fell back and troubled us no more. We formed again on the other side of the Tallahatchie on the 23d, and before crossing the Tippah on the 24th, and arrived, after an easy and comfortable march, safely near Memphis on the 27th. I have also the honor to lay, through you, before the colonel com- manding an official list* of the casualties in killed, wounded, and missing of my command. It will be observed that we lost but little, which shows that the enemy, by the courageous and coolly executed saber charge, was so struck and taken by surprise that he lost the balance of power to give a well-aimed fire, and this explains the many horses shot in the legs and heads. In con~clusion, I beg to be allowed to express my sincere thanks to my comrade with me in command, Maj. E. Langen, for his valua- ble assistance in sharing wi~th me the responsibilities and hardships connected with this expedition. GUST. HEINRICHS Major, Commanding. Lient. A. VEZIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ger~ral. No. 43. I?eports of Cot. Joseph Karg~, Second New Jersey Cavalry, of oper ations January 2~February 27. HEADQUARTERS SECOND NEW J~SEY CAVALRY, Colliervilte, Febraary 110, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Cav- alry Brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report: My commamil broke camp and took up the line of march for Moscow, Teun., on Friday, January 22, at 7.30 a. m. * Embodied in table, p. 193 Page 281 CHAP. XLIVJ TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ~81 T arrived with my command at 4 p. m. the same date at a point within 6 miles of the Obion River, when I was ordered to superin- tend the crossing of the brigade at a point called Sharps Ferry. Leaving my regiment in bivouac, I immediately went to the river, and, after innumerable and almost insurmountable difficulties, I suc- ceeded in getting the Nineteenth Pennsylvania and Seventh Indiana Cavalry, together with a squadron of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry and a detachment of Second Illinois Cavalry, safely over the stream. Owing to the utter impassability of the swamp on the opposite side of the river, in consequence of ~its sudden rise, I was forced to re- linquish the attempt to cross at that point, and after due considera- tion I concluded to take the balance of the command (consisting of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, a portion of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, with three mountain howitzers and the supply and baggage trains of the brigade) to their destination by a more practicable route, if possible. I accordingly started on the line of march with the detachment on Monday, 2~th January, at 2 p. in., and after marching about 12 miles I halted the command for the night at the Widow Whites farm, where I found forage sufficient for the command. At 10 a. in., 26th January, the command broke camp and took up the line of march on the Jacksonville road, and halted the command within 4 miles of Jacksonville same date. The command marched at 8.30 a. m. on the 27th, and arrived within 1 mile df Dresden at 8.30 p. in., same date, where we remaine(l until Friday, 29th, when we broke camp at 6.30 a. in., and reached a point 3 miles beyond McKenzies 5.30 p. m. same day. Station, where we bivouacked at We remained at that point until 12 in., Saturday, 22d, when we moved on to Mitchells farm, 6 miles south of Huntingdon, where we halted at 7 p. in., and received dispatches from the supply train informing me that it was encamped at least 10 miles north of H~mt- ingdon. I immediately gave orders that ten of the baggage wagous of the brigade should be unloaded and sent back to relieve the sup- ply train of a portion of its load, and concluded to remain at the present camp until the supply train arrived. On the evening of Monday, February 1, the supply train arrived, and on Tuesday, February 2, the command broke camp and reache(l a point 4 miles south of Spring Creek at 5 p. in., where we remained until the next day, February 3, when we n~arched at 6.30 a. m. We halte& 5 miles north of Mount Pinson, which point we reached at 6 p. in., February 3. We left camp on the morning of the 4th, and arrived at Medon at 6 p. in., where we halted and bivouacked for the night. The command left Medon at 7 a. m. Friday, February 5, and ar- rived at the Hatchie River at 2.30 p. m. same day. I immediately began crossing the command, and by 12 m. the next day had them all safely over, with the exception o~ the supply train and escort, which did not arrive until some hours after, when it immediately commenc& d crossing, and by 2 a. m. February 6 the whole command was safely over aiid ready for marching, according to orders, on the morning of the 7th instant. During the marclt of the command the greater portion of the time the roads were in an almost impassable condition, so much so that at times it took several hours to pass over a space 1 mile in extent Page 282 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. in addition to that there were numerous parties of guerrillas harass- ing us in front and rear of the command, so that I was forced to move slowly and cautiously. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH KARGE, Colonel, Comdg. 2d New Jersey Volunte~r Cavalry. Col. GEORGE E. WARING, Jr. HEADQUARTERS SECOND NEW JERSEY CAVALRY, Camp Grierson, near Memphis, Tenn., March 16, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders from brigade headquarters to fur- nish an official report of the part taken by my command in the expedition into Mississippi, I have the honor to state as follows: On the 11th February, 1864, at 2 p. in., broke camp at Collierville, Teun., 494 enlisted men strong, and marched 10 miles toward Mos- cow, where we halted near the railroad to supply the command with commissary and quartermasters stores. February 12, at 2 p. in., resumed the march. Reached Hudson- ville at 12 midnight; halted for two hours. February 13, at 2 a. in., resumed the march to Holly Springs, and at 9 a. m. reached Walkers Mills, 8 miles beyond Holly Springs, where the command camped. Forage scarce in the country, and the people hostile. One man shot dead of my command by guerrillas while foraging. February II, are compelled to stop in camp for want of orders from commanding general. On the 15th receive orders an(l march at 8 a. m. Reach Tippalm River at about 1 p. m. The construction of a temporary bridge consunmes six hours. The brigade crosses all right, and my command holding the rear of time column crosses its last man February 16, at 5 a. in., march 3 miles toward New Albany, where a halt of two hours was made for the purpose of feeding. Resume the march at 9 a. in., reach New Albany at 10 p. m. Cross the Tallahatchie, February 17, at 1 a. m. Reach camp 4 miles beyond the Tallahatchie at 2.30 a. in. March at 4 a. in., and having made a junction with time ~Se~ommd and Third Brigades, the First Brigade forms the rear of the division. Time entire column mar5hes now at a brisk trot, passes Pontotoc at 3 p. in., and goes into camp 7 miles beyommd it on the Ripley road.~ February 18, at 9 a. mm, the column resumes its march, the Ffrst Brigade holding the center. Reach Okolona about 5 p. in., and go into camp 3 umiles on a road leading to Egypt Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. February 19, at 6 a. in., the First Brigade t~ok the front, of which my regiment Imad the advance. Passed Egypt Station, and took the road leading to Aberdeen. When within 5 miles of Aberdeen, was ordered to countermarclm ammd form the extreme rear of the entire command. Received written orders from the general commanding to shoot any man who should fall out the ranks, as the enemy was believed to be on both flanks, although my flankers had reported to me on the contrary. Adjutant Pierson brought in six large army wagons which he found hidden in the swamps, each one loaded wit Page 283 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 283 various goods and whisky and propelled by six fine mules. Ordered wagons and stores to be burned, but mules and drivers (colored), with about 100 of their friends, who all were anxious to be, joined to the train. Recrossed the railroad at Egypt Station, and immediately after striking a mere field road to the left I reached, after a feW miles march, the roads leading to Prairie Station and West Point, at which point I found my own brigade and the Third, Colonel Mc- Crillis, drawn up in close column of squadrons. Orders were given here to me to take again the advance with my regiment and pro- ceed to Prairie Station, a distance of 6 miles on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, where the long expected and talked of enemy was reported to be. I marched to the indicated point, which I reached at sun- down, and found, to my astonishment, instead of the enemy a strong picket of Union soldiers, forming the advance of the Second Brigade, coming directly from Aberdeen. Had I delayed ten minutes longer, I might have engaged my own friends, not being able to tell theni from foes on account of the darkness. Camped in the vicinity of the station. Next morning, February 20, at 8 a. in., marched to West Point, occupying the center of the column, the Second Brigade being in advance. At about 2 p. m. heard of some skirmishing going on with our extreme advance and the enemy. Finally, after frequent delays, reached camp 1 mile west of West Point, where I again was ordered to exercise the utmost precaution, as the enemy was occupy- ing both our flanks and rear. The night passed quietly with only occasional firing of pickets. and at dawn next morning, February 21, the firing began to be quite brisk, and when I was anticipating to engage the so-long-sought- for enemy, I was ordered to move my command and proceed on the road I came toward Okolona. The First Brigade again occupied the center, guarding the mule train and negroes. Heavy skirmishing was going on in our rear with the Second Brigade, and occasional shots of howitzers were heard, but no signs of the enemy in our center. We proceeded unmolested some 20 miles, when at last I perceive(l. for the first time since I left Collierville, the enemy on my right, 1 mile distant, in an open field, drawn up in line of battle, evi- dently about 600 strong. By orders of Colonel Waring, my brigade commander, I hastened with my command to take him on the left flank, hiding my men as much as possib~ i~ the skirts of the woods, but before I had time to reach the desired spot, where I could attack him, he had left, and night setting in, I rejoined my place in the column. Marched till 2 a. in., February 22, and halted for four hours 3 miles south of Okolona. At 7 a. mu. marched on the old Pontotoc road, passed Okolona, leaving it to the right within a short distance. Heard of the enemys presence but saw none, and when about 6 miles north of the last-named place (the First Brigade still holding the center and guarding the train), I was ordered by my brigade commander to countermarch and deploy my regim~it within half a umile of the place where I turned on the left side of the road. The position I had taken up was every way a superior one, and I had scarcely made my arrangements when I saw the Fourth Regulars coming from the direction of Okolona in a rather disturbed condi- tion, exhibiting marks of pretty severe handling. This induced me to believe that a general action was close at hand, and as the position which the brigade and especially my regiment occupied was in ever Page 284 284 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. [CHAP. XLIV. way a superior one for effective defense, I ordered at once a part of my command to dismount and placed it in snch a position that it conid sweep with its fire not only the front but the entire left flank and not rnnning the slightest danger of being annoyed by the enemys sharpshooters, the formation of the gronnd affording ample protection for both men and horses. Close to the road and on the left of it stood a large dwelling-honse, surrounded by at least half a d~ozen of bullet- proof negro log cabins, which I was dust on my way to take posses- sion of with 50 of my men who had stepped forward voluntarily, when I received orders from the front to resume my place in the columii of march. I did it with reluctance, for I knew by frequent discharges of fire-arms that General Grierson was still engaging. the enemy in the rear with the Third Brigade. Still, obedience being the first virtue of a soldier, I resumed my march as ordered. Hav- ing proceeded not over 1~ miles I was again ordered by Colonel War- ing to take position on the left-hand side of the road, facing the enemy. I immediately deployed a part of my command in a deep gully, some 500 yards left from the road, intrusting the command of the same to Major Yorke. Twenty-five men, under Adjutant Pierson, I placed dismounted on an eminence facing the bend of the road. I directed his attention particularly to a hollow road on the opposite hill which, if allowed to be occupied by one or two pieces of the the enemys artillery, might have played havoc among my center, which was drawn up as a reserve a few paces in the rear of the 25 men under Adjutant Pierson. I had as yet not disposed of half of my command when a terrible rush was made from the rear, caused by the rout of the Third Brigade, and at a time it seemed that it might carry terror and dismay among the First Brigade, which was just preparing for action. Fortunately, the road being pretty wide and the woods open, it took but very little time for the fugitives to pass, and scarcely had the last one passed my lines when the enemy was on his heels, and began to show himself in considerable numbers in our immediate front on the opposite hill. A few scattering shots and the occasional whiz of balls reminded my men that they were for the first time facing the enemy. But nobly did they perform their work; volley after volley did they pour from their seven- shooters among the pressing foe. Major Yorke did his work bravely on the left; the adjutant was busily engaged in the center keeping the road clear, while Captain von Pannwitz was ordered to take possession, on the immediate right s~d~of the road, of a few buildings, whence he poured forth a galling re. An entire hour the enemy was held in check on my left and center most stubbornly, but hav- ing on my right only one squadron of the Fourth Missouri, under Captain Howe, and a part of the Second Illinois under Captain Moore to support me (the latter was withdrawn during the hottest of the engagement), I began to be apprehensive of being flanked. I sent, therefore, orders to Major Yorke, whose left was considerably in advance of the center and right, to fall slowly back toward the center, still keeping Adjutant Pierson in hi~ old position, when at once a fire was opened by the enemy obliquely on my right. I now ordered the center to move, and I am proud to say that neither an officer nor a man of my command showed any unbecoming haste to withdraw hinrself from the enemys fire. They all moved off in per- fect order, and not until they had inflicted upon the enemy a severe lesson Page 285 CnAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 285 I lost in killed but few, in wounded 8 men, besides 2 officers, Cap- tain von Pannwitz and Lieutenant Montgomery seriously. The latter, I am sorry to say, fell into the hands of the enemy, for the reason that no ambulances were on hand to carry him from the field. The enemy did not molest us in the least. We safely rejoined our column in the brigade, from which we were separated by a motley crowd, who continually were pouring into the road from each side, seeking to get to the front out of harms reach. The regiment de- ployed again one-fonrth of a mile beyond Iveys Hill, where it re- mained until every regiment had passed to the front with the excep- tion of the Fifth Kentucky, which formed the rear guard. Night having now set in and the enemy entirely quieted, the regiment resumed its ordinary march in the column and reached the vicinity of Pontotoc February 23, at 2 a. m. At 4.30 a. m. the regiment took the advance, and reached New Albany at 3 p. m. Crossed the Tallahatchie, covered the crossing of the entire division, which was accomplished at about S p. m. Taking the extreme rear, rejoined the brigade 3 miles northwest of~ New Albany, on the road to Holly Springs. The column still marched 7 miles that night, which brought ns within 15 miles of the Tippah River. February 24, we crossed the river in safety and reached Hudson- yule, within 3 miles, where we camped, the horses having had very little or nothing to eat since the day of the engagement near Oko- lona. February 25, we reached Collierville. 26th, we crossed Wolf River, got some forage for horses and food for men. 27th, we reached within 3~ miles of Memphis, where on the 28th a sndden cold storm had a pernicious effect upon my horses, which, exhausted by long and continual marching since December 22, 1863, and previous to this date the transportation from Washington, D. C., to Columbus, Ky., had rendered for the most part unserviceable. The regiment lost by death on the march and in camp the major- ity of its horses, and of the remaining 161 only 55 can be called serviceable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH KARGI~, Golonel, Gommanding Seco~d New Jersey Gavairy. Lieut. A. VEZIN, Acting Assistant Ac~jntant- General. No. 44. Reports of Lient. Gol. Joseph U. Hess, Nineteenth Pennsylvania Ga~alry, of operations Jannary 22-February 17. HDQRS. NINETEENTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Gollierville, Tenn., Febrnary 10, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to f6rward the inclosed journal as my report of the march from Union City, Tenn., to this place Page 286 286 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. The march was commenced January 22 and concluded February 8, 1864. No incident worthy of note occurred. Our command was frequently fired upon by guerrillas, but no loss was met with. Our train reached us at Bolivar entire, and, with the exception of some stock, the march was made without loss. Respectfully submitted. J. C: HESS, Lieut. Cot., Comdg. Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Lieut. A. VEZIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] Journal of the march of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry from Union City, Teun., to Collierville, Teun., January 22 to Feb- mary 8, 1861: Friday, January 22, left Union City, Teun., en route for Collier- ville, Teun. Encamped for the night 5 miles beyond Troy. Dis- tance ~narched, 15 miles. Saturday, January 23, left camp at 4 a. m. Crossed the Obion River in a fiat-boat. Boat capsized, and 7 horses were lost. After- ward, in crossing the swamp, 23 horses were lost, making a total loss of 30. Distance marched, 13 miles. Sunday, January 24, was spent by the command in waiting for the balance of the regiment to cross the Obion. Encamped at Porters farm. Monday, January 25, encamped at Porters farm. Tuesday, January 26, left Porters farm and marched via Newbern and Yorkville to within 5 miles of Trenton. Distance marched, 24 miles. Wednesday, January 27, broke camp and marched via Trenton, and took the Spring Creek road. Distance marched, 17 miles. Thursday, January 28, broke camp and marched 35 miles. Dnring the day the command frequently crossed the Forked Deer. The advance and rear guard were fired upon. Friday, January 29, broke camp and marched to Mount Pinson. Distance, 8 miles. Saturday, January 30, encamped at Mdunt Pinson. Engaged in repairing the bridge across the Nqrt~ Fork. Sunday, January 31, encamped atM ount Pinson. Monday, Febrnary 1, encamped at Mount Pinson. Tuesday, February 2, encamped at Mount Pinson. Wednesday, February 3, left Mount Pinson and marched to the Hatchie. Distance, 30 miles. Command crossed the same night, and encamped at Bohivar. Thursday, February 4, encampe~l at Bolivar. Friday, February 5, en?z~amped at Bolivar. Saturday, February 6, broke camp and ~narclied to Kennedys Mills. Distance, 4 miles. Sunday, February 7, left Kennedys Mills and marched to within 5 miles of Macon. Distance marched, 28 miles. Monday, FeThruary 8, marched to Colhierville. Distance, 13 miles. J. C. HESS, Lieutenant- Colonel Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry Page 287 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDiTION. 287 FORT PICKERING, MEMPHIS, TENN., February 21, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry reached New Albai~y, Miss., on the morning of the 17th. One hundred men, under Major Holahan, were detached to accom- pany the expedition under General Smith. The remainder returned the same day to Memphis with prisoners and sick. Passed through Holly Springs on the evening of the 18th, and reached Memphis at 4 p. in., February 20. The prisoners were delivered over to the provost-marshal, and the regiment ordered to report to Fort Pickering. Guerrillas followed the command the entire route. Two of them were killed. Respectfully submitted. J. C. HESS, Lieutenant- C~olonel, iJommanding. Lient. A. VEZIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 45. Report of ]liaj. Amos J. Holahan, Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations February 1627. HDQRS. FIRST BATT., 19TH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, Near Memphis, March 14, 1864. SIR: In pursuance to orders received from headquarters First Brigade, Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit to you a report of the part the detachment of the Nine- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry took in the late expedition: Orders were received from headquarters Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, on the evening of February 16, directing the detail of 100 picked men, under the charge of the second officer in command, with a sufficient number of officers from the regiment, while the remainder, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hess, were directed to return to Memphis in charge of prisoners. The detail under my command, assisd by Adjt. N. M. Smith, Captains Berry and Fischer, and Lieutenants Fackenthall, Freeman, and R. C. Allen, left its bivouac on the west bank of the Tallahatchie River at 3 a. m. February 17, crossed the river, taking the Pontotoc road. I reached the camp of the First Brigade at daylight. The line of march had already been commenced by order of Colonel Waring. I took my position in the rear of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry. The day was passed without incident of note. having marched ~boiiit 40 miles. February 18, resumed the march at 7.30 a. in., and marched to Okolona. reaching there after dark. Distance marched, about 35 miles. February 19, at 1 a. in., I received orders from Colonel War- ing, commanding First Brigade, directing me to proceed with my command at 3 a. m. to Egypt and destroy the railroad and stores at that point. I started punctually at the hour named, and reache Page 288 288 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Egypt at 4.30 a. m. I immediately threw out a sufficient forceto picket the roads; then destroyed the telegraph and fell to work at the railroad. Great difficulty was experienced in making rapid prog- ress in the destruction of the road for want of proper tools, but shortly after the tools of the road were discovered in a house some distance from the station. These were at once brought into requisi- tiou, and by 9 a. m. some 300 yards of the road were c~ffectually de- stroyed, the rails torn up and bent, while large fires were built over the track, which I was unable, for want of time, to tear up. At 9.30 a. m. Colonel Waring came up and directed me to fire all the stores found in the place; then rejoin the brigade and act as rear guard. The following articles were captured at Egypt, viz 100,000 bushels of corn, 5,000 bushels of meal and bran, 5 sacks Qf salt, 4 boxes tobacco, 1100 muskets, 2,000 grain bags, and a mail. The corn meal, muskets, and sacks were destroyed, together with the depot, a work- shop, and a store-house. Other buildings were destroyed by strag- glers of other commands. I resumed the march, taking the Aberdeen road. After proceeding 2 miles I met the brigade returning, having taken the wrong road. By order of Colonel Waring I took the advance of the brigade. The brigade encamped at Pine Grove at dark. Distance marched, 18 miles. February 20, broke camp at 7 a. m. and marched to West Point. During the day the advance were engaged in skirmishing. Distance marched, 20 miles. February 21, after having the prisoners, numbering some 80, cap- tured by the different brigades, turned over to me, I, with the rest of the command, commenced a retrograde movement. The rear were heavily engaged during the day. Several foraging parties sent out during the day from my command, by order of Colonel Waring, met parties of the enemy on the flanks and had several spirited skirmishes, which resulted without loss to us. One of the enemy was killed. The command reached Okolona at 8 p. m. Distance marched, 38 miles. February 22, left camp at 7 a. m. At Okolona the rear brigade was attacked and driven back. The First Brigade countermarched and moved to its support, while I with my command and prisoners waited until the pack train and negroes had passed, and then moved in the rear. At Iveys Hill the whole train was halted, and I was ordered by General Smith to a positloif to the left of the road on the edge of the woods, some 75 yards in rear of the summit of the hill, with directions to remain there until further orders. Here I waited until the whole of the three brigades, excepting a battalion of the Second Illinois, passed me, the First Brigade seeming to be the only one that maintained its organization. The enemy continued to advance, and finally drove the Second Illinois, while his balls came whistling through my ranks at every volley. Not thinking it likely that any further orders would be sent me, u~on my own responsi- bility I moved to the rear of the new position taken by the First Brigade. Here I found the negroes panic-stricken, rushing in every direction in the wildest disorder, and it was only by the vigorous use of the saber that I prevented my command from being swept away in this human tornado. Although my column was broken several times, at last, in conjunction with the negro pioneer corps, I was able to form and maintain a good column of fours, and by makin Page 289 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 28~ the stragglers fall in my rear order was established in my part of the train. Shortly after dark one of my prisoners attempted to escape by jumping into a thicket by the roadside, but he had hardly left his horse when half a dozen pieces were discharged t him, and he. as I was informed immediately after, fell dead. We halted at midnight, 2 miles southeast of Pontotoc. Distance marched, about 30 miles. February 23, the march was resumed at 3.30 a. in. Reached New Albany at noon, and immediately crossed the Tallahatchie River without annoyance. After restino~ here for two hours the march was resumed. After crossing the Tallaliatchie bottom we eiica~riped 14 miles from New Albany. February 24, I left camp at S a. m. with the train, the brigade fol- lowing in our rear. After crossing Tippah River i was ordered to follow immediately in the rear of two companies of the Second Illi- nois, who had the advance of the train. At the bridge Colonel War- ing detailed Captain Fischer, with 25 men from my command, to remain and prevent confusion in crossing by the other commands. These mcii afterward joined us at different points along the road. About 3 miles from the river I met Colonel McCriilis brigade, who ~re eted me with anxious inquiries as to how the battle was progress- ing, & c., but I was ignorant of amiy engagement being iii progress. Some 2 miles farther on II met General Smith, who Imad already turmied the Second Illinois back, who greeted me as follows: We are attacked in the rear ; turn back ; II want every man at the river ; but when I imiformed him the imature of time duty I was per- forming, he sai(l : Then also take charge of time train, and pick up all stragglers to assist you in guarding your command, and push on to Memphis as quick as you can. I dont care how you get there, only get the train out of the way. I dont care if you go all the way to-night, only push on as fast as you can. Presuming there was seine reason for this excitement, I moved on at as rapid a gait as I thmouoht tIme train could follow. Shortly after dark, imearimmg the train was not closed imp, I halted about an hour for it, and started as soon as I had it in chose column. I nioved omm a few umihes, and halted betweemi Iludsonville and Mount Pleasant for the night. February 25, I left camp at 7 a. in., ;ind after moving on beyond Mount Pleasant halted and fed my command. Resuming the march at 11 a. ni., I moved on slowly, taking the State Line roa(i between Cohhierville and Germantown. At the4a~ter place I halted for an hour. and then moved omi. After proceeding a short distance I met Lieutenant-Colonel Hess, of tIme Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, mu commuamid of detaclmnments of time Nineteenth Penmmsylvamiia, Sixth Teimnessee, and First Alabama, who were sent out by General Buck- land to re-enforce General Smith. Learning from Colonel Hess that stragglers, who had reached Memphis before me, had reported that the expedition had been totally defeated and scattered, I imumediatehy ordered Adjutant Smith to report to General l3uc1~land and contra- dict the statemeiits of these fellows. I then went into camp 8 miles froum Memphis. February 26, I reported to General Smith and received orders from Liemitenamit Immgertoi~, acting assistant a(l~ntant-general, to turn time train over to Captain IEwart, Second Illinois Cavalry, and report to my regiment at 1~ort Pickerino which I did after turimimig over umy prisoners to Captain Wil hi am s, provost-niarshual of Memphis. 19 R k-~-XOL XXXIJI, PT Page 290 290 KY,, SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. The officers and men of my command deserve great praise for the coolness they displayed and their general good condnct. No strag- gling or vandalism took place, no man being allowed to leave the coinnin withont permission from his commanding officer. Very respectfully, yonr most obedient servant, A. J. HOLAHAN, Major Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Lieut. A. VEZIN, A ct jug 488 ista d Adji~ to, t- General. No. 46. Report of Lient. Col. William P. Hepburn, Second Iowa Cavalry, comma hel in g Second Brigade, of operations February 1126. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Germantown, Tenn., March , 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as a brief report of the action of the S~cond Brigade, Cavalry Division, Six- teenth Army Corps, in the late expedition into Mississippi:~ In accordance to orders from the general commanding the Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I marched the Second Brigade, composed of the Second Iowa Cavalry, Major Coon commanding; Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Starr, commanding; Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton, coummanding; Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh commanding; Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, Lieutenant Curtis comn- mnanding, and two companies of the pioneer corps, in all 2,900 strong, at 3 oclock on the morning of the 11th of February, and effected a crossimig of the Coldwater at Millers Ford and Dotys Mill by 3 oclock of the afternoon. The whole command bivouacked that night 8 miles southeasterly from Byhalia. A.t an early hour the next day the march was resumed, and con- tinued without incident until a point 2 miles east of Waterford was reached, when, at 8 p. in., the brigade went into camp. Four coni- panies of the Second Iowa Cavalry, under comniand of Captain Horton, were sent in the direction of Wyatt to communicate with Colonel McMilleu. On the morning of the 13th the march was resumed. One battal- ion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Major Bishop, was sent to the railroad crossing, in the direction of Abbevilie, to make a feint of crossing the Tallahatchie, and one battalion of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain Webster, was sent to form a junction with Captain Horton. At 3 p. m. the bri- gade crossed the Tippah, at Callahans Mills, on a bridge built by the pioneer corps, under the direction of Lieut~mant-Colonel Starr, and encaniped in the vicinity of Potts house. The march was resumed at daylight, and the Tallahatclmie crossed about 2 p. mu. The brigade encamped for the night amid during the next day 5 m~es south of New Albany. On the 16th, the command marched 4 miles, encamping at Johnsons plantation, 9 miles south of New Albany. On the night of the 17th, encamped 9 miles south of Pontotoc. * Lieutenant-Colonel Hepburn assume~ command of th~ brigade February 7 Page 291 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 291 On the 18th, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, by order of Brigadier- General Grierson, moved upon Aberdeen, 45 miles distant. Colonel Bnrgh, commanding, was opposed by a few companies of Confeder- ate cavalry, which he quickly dispersed, and reached Aberdeen, from which he drove the enemys cavalry at sundown. lie captured several prisoners of war, large quantities of stores, and many horses and mules. On the night of the 18th, the brigade encamped 4 miles east of Okolona. On the 19th, passed through Aberdeen and to a point 2 miles east of Prairie Station. On the morning of the 20th, the entire command moved in the direction of West Point, the Second Brigade in the front. The Second Iowa Cavalry was in the advance of the brigade, and the Sixth Illinois Cavalry upon the left flank on the railroad, which they effectually destroyed. Immense quantities of corn belong- ing to the Confederacy was burned. Near Loohattan Station Colonel Starr reported the enemy in force at a point about 6 miles north of West Point. The advance, consisting of 17 men of Company K, Second Iowa Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Bandy, ran upon a vastly superior force of the enemy. Lieutenant Bandy im- mediately charged them, putting them to flight, capturing several prisoners. His conduct was gallant in the extreme, and entitles him to the i~earty commendation of his commanding officers. One and one-half miles north of West Point the enemy, reported to be Colonel Forrests brigade, advantageously posted in timber and behind fences, vigorously attacked and checked the advance of the Second Iowa. The regiment was soon in position and so supported by other parts of the brigade that the enemy was routed, but not without the loss of Lieutenant Dwire, Second Iowa Cavalry, and 4 men wounded. Lieutenant Dwire was a brave, earnest and faithful soldier, but the many comrades who mourn his loss have the comforting reflection that he died at his post and in the full discharge of his duty. An hour later West Point was occupied by our forces, and the brigade encamped for the night in its vicinity. On the morning of the 21st, one battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Major Whitsit, was ordered out to reconnoiter the West Point and Houston road. He soon found a superior force, and was re-enforced b~ the Second Iowa Cavalry. After an engagement of two hours the enemy were driven across the Sakatonchee. In this engagement we lost several men wounded. While the Second Iowa and Major Whitsits battalion were en- gaged, the enemy, about 400 strong, made a demonstration on the West Point and Colunibus road. They were driven rapidly back by Captain Webster, Seventh Illinois, and Captain Blackburn, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with their respective c6inpanies. After driving the enemy across the Sakatonchee ~nd routing them on the Columbus road, the First and Third Brigades having been well advanced in the retrograde movement, the Second Brigade was ordered to retrace their steps of the day before and cover the rear of the command, the Second Iowa in the rear. I directed Major Coon, commanding the Second Iowa, at any time when he might be severely pressed to sound the signal halt. I also directed the other commanding officers to have the signal repeated from rear to the front of the brigade. Major Coon replied that he could take care of anything that was in the rear Page 292 292 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., AL A., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. For a distance of ~5 or 6 miles our rear guard was scarcely molested. Afterward, for 2 or 3 miles, the skirmishiug was hea~, ;. Eight miles from West Point General Grieu~ n, with the Sixth and Niuth Illinois Cavalry, started to the reli L of the brigade train, reported to be in imminent danger, about 4 m iles to the front. Two companies of the Seventh Illinois were with the train. In passing a swamp, about 9 miles from West Poiiit, the Second Iowa was heavily pressed by the enemy. When a short distance north of it I received word from Major Coon that the brigade was moving faster than it was possible for him to march, aiid immedi- ately afterward that a line must be formed in order to give him relief. The remaining companies of the Seventh Illinois were at once posted upon eligible ground, supporting Company K, First Illinois Artillery. Lieutenant Curtis opened upon the enemy~ and by a well- directed tire checked temporarily their advance, and the Second Iowa fell back behind the line. It is proper here to remark that no signals, as directed, were sounded from the rear, and no calls for assistance or re-enforcements were made that were not at once responded to. The Seventh and Ninth Illinois Cavalry alternately relieved the Second Iowa as rear guard, and, in compliance with orders to fall back as rapidly as possible and fight only when absolutely neces- sary, we resumed our march. During the night the enemy was successfully ambuscaded by the Seventh and Ninth Illinois, and suffered a heavy loss. The brigade encamped 2 miles south of Okolona, at which place Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, was detached and attached to the Third Brigade. At sunrise we resumed the march, the Second Brigade taking the a(ivance. Ten miles from Okolona I was ordered by General Smith to form the brigade in line of battle, makin0 such dispositions that the First and Third Brigades, then heavily pressed by the enemy, might pass through. The Sixth Illinois was detained by General Smith in the rear. The Seventh Illinois I was directed to send for- ward with the train. The Second Iowa and Ninth Illinois were promptly f )rnied in fine positions, but were soon ordered farther to the rear, w mere they met and checked the advance of the enemy. Some th~ ~e hours the troops were used in forming successive lines, and fighting their way slowly back t~ Iveys Hill, where lines were formed and a general engagement tendered the enemy. Dark put an end to the engagement, leaving our cavalry in possession of the field, having repulsed and beaten the enemy at every point where he made an attack. Prior to this the Seventh Illinois Cavalry had been relieved from (Inty with the train, and had borne a distin- guished part in the various ngagem cuts of the day. We bivouacked that night 2 miles south of Pontotoc. and the next day at noon recrossed the Tailahatchie ~t New Albany. The last seen of the enemy he was 9 miles southeast of New Albany. By slow marches we regained our camp at Germnantowii on Friday, the 2f3thi ultin~, at 12 in., after a march of 400 miles in eleven marcl~- ing days Ii loll like [hm2 I cani~o1 ~ plil y expreso my appreciation of i-h V ic ~omiduet of the retoiemeimt:-d comumaders and all officers ~i ~n~n cf th~ S~oim4 Bm ade. All bravely fought. patientl Page 293 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 293 endured, and in all respects exhibited the highest degree of soldierly qualities. To Lieuteu~nt-Col on el Trafton and Lieutenant-Colonel I3urgh, for their earhest and hearty co-oper~dion, I am personally and greatly indebted and express my grateful thanks. The mem- bers of my staff were untiring in their efforts to effect the snccess of the expedition, brave and zealons. I made no calls npon their courage, patience, or endnrance to which they did not respond to my full satisfaction. At least 1,000 horses and mules were captured, bnt our march- ing the first three (lays from West Point was so severe that all were required to remount the men. Several hundred negroes were brought in. Captaiii Schnitzer, acting provost-marshal, has not yet furnished a report of the number of prisoners captured, but I am safe in esti- mating them at Th or 100. Our losses by regiments during the entire expedition are as fol- lows a H ~ Regiment. S a p 2d Iowa 8 27 11 6th Illinois 7th Illinois 4 15 6 9th flhlnois 1 20 10 Total in brigade* is os 32 114 For more particular information I transmit herewith the reports of the regimental and detachment commanders. W. P. HEPBURN, Lieu! enant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. SAMUEL L. WOODWARD. Ass is/ant Acljntan 1-General, ]Ifemph is, Tenn. No. 47. Report of Lieu!. ~Joi. Jifathew H Starn, Qixth Illinois Cavalry, of operations February 1126. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Germantown, Teun., March 1, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following part tak~u by the Sixth Illinois Cavalry in the recent expedition under Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, from Germantown, Tenn., to West Point, Miss.: On the morning of February 11, I received ordeN from Brigadier- General Gr~erson to remain at Germantown until the arrival of the train froni Memphis. At 9 a. ni.. on the same day, I moved toward Olive Branch, Miss., arriving there at 11.40 a. in., thence moving south, crossinig Coldwater at Dotys Mill, thence south through Byhahia, joining and bivouacking with the brigade at a point 11 miles southwest of Holly Springs. * But see revised statement, p. 194 Page 294 294 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Moved at S a. in., February 12, in the direction of Waterford, passing that place at dark; encamped 1-~- miles southeast. At daylight moved one battalion, with pioneer corps, to prepare a crossing at Callahans Mills on the Tippah River. At 9 a. m. re- ceived orders to proceed with the two remaining battalions to the river, and assist in constructing a bridge for the crossing of the command. Arrived at the river at 12 in.; completed the bridge at 3.20 p. in.; marched with the brigade to Okolona, Miss:, encamping on the night of the 18th 5 miles east, where I received orders at 8 p. m. to move with the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and the battery of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry to a point 9 miles north of Aberdeen, Miss., communicating with Lieutenant-Colonel Bnrgh, Ninth Illi- nois Cavalry, at Aberdeen, and taking possession of Cotton Gin Ferry, over the Tombigbee River, 10 miles above Aberdeen. At daylight I moved slowly toward Aberdeen, halting 6 miles north of that place to feed. At 12 oclock I fell in rear of the bri- gade, marching to a point 2 miles east of Prairie Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, where the regiment encamped with the brigade. On the morning of the 20th of Febrnary, I received orders from Brigadier-General Grierson to proceed with the regiment along the railroad to Loohattan Station to destroy all bridges, culverts, rail- road buildings, and C. S. property of whatever kiiid. During the day the amount of Droperty destroyed was estimated at 500,000 bushels corn and 200 bales fodder. I also burned 11 bridges and cul- verts. Arriving at Loohattan Station, I found the enemy in force 1~ miles east of the station. I took position at the railroad and com- municated with General Grierson, who instructed me to remain until further orders, not, however, to advance. Soon after General Grierson arrived in person, with two battalions of Seventh Illinois Cavalry. The enemy, consisting of the brigades of Colonels Forrest and Mc- Culloch, having discovered the column moving on the niain Oko- lona and West Point road, moved rapidly in that direction. At 1 a. m. General Grierson ordered the regiment to rejoin the column. On the morning of February 20, I sent one battalion, under Maj. C. W. Whitsit, to reconnoiter on the Houston road. The enemy were found in small force about 2 miles out. Being superior in num- bers to the battalion under Major Whitsit, the Second Iowa Cavalry moved on the Houston road, re1ieVtn~ hini. Almost immediately after this, I was ordered to move in the direction of West Point, 1 mile distant, to ascertain the cause of an alarm in that direction. I posted my dismounted men on the railroad, and sent forward Cap- tain Blackburn, Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and Capt. M. L. Webster, with one company Seventh Illinois Cavalry, moving on the Columbus road. They encountered a considerable force of the enemys cavalry; a vigorous attack made by the companies of Cap- tains Webster and Blackburn dispersed them ~omplete1y. Receiving orders to take my place in the column, a line of march to the rear having been taken up, I marched out of West Point at 11 a. in., February 21. During the day so many details of companies and battalions were made to assist the Second Iowa Cavalry, then covering the retreat, that it is impossible to enumerate them. At 10 a. in., February 22, I received orders from Brig. Gen. Will- iam Sooy Smith to proceed to the rear of the column with the Sixt Page 295 CRAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 29~i Ii] inois Cavalry, there reporting to Brigadier-General Grierson. The rear of the column being somewhat confused, General Grierson or- dered my regiment into position in advance of th~ First Brigade, two regiments of the Third Brigade being still in advance, skirmish- ing with the enemy. One of the three regiments being i)ressed, broke and retreated through my line in disorder, scattering 6ne bat- talion of my regiment. The Third Battalion, under Major Whitsit, on the left, and the Second Battalion, under Capt. John Lynch, on the right, held the enemy in check for some time, until they were attacked on the flanks, when they were withdrawn, Lieutenant-Col- onel Thiornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, having formed one battalion of his regiment for their relief. During the day the regiment was in action five different times. The limited number of cartridge-boxes and belts precluded the carry- ing of more than 40 rounds of ammunition. This amount having been expended before 5 p. in., the regiment was miot engage(l until dark, when General Grierson requested its assistance with or with- out ammunition. The men responded cheerfully to his call, and re- mained in position about half an hour, until relieved by the Fourth Missouri Cavalry of the First Brigade. At about 11 a. in., February 23, I was ordered to relieve the Fifth Kentucky and Third Illinois Cavalry, then covering the retreat. The regnuent marched in the rear a distance of 9 miles to New Al- bany without exchanging a shot. On the night of the 23d February, at S p. in., in obedience to orders, I sent one battaliomi, under Major ~Thilsit to emicamp at Potts plamitation, with instructions to scout well the Hollow Ford and Kings Bridge road; also the road to Tip- pah River. This was accomplished by daylight in the morning, the battalion halting at the Tippah until the column had passed. Time regiment marched with the brigade from that point to Germantown, Teun., where it is now stationed. The loss of the regiment is 2 wounded and 5 missing. Respectfully submitted. M. H. STARR, Lieutenant- Colonel, commanding Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Lieut. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Actiug Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 48. Report of Lieut. C~ol. George IY. Traf ton, Seven/h Illinois Cavalry, of operations February 1126. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Camp nec r Germanto am, Tenn., February 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordan~e with previous instructions, I started with the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, 200 strong, from camp near Germantown, at 3 a. in. of the 11th instant. My regiment took the advance, and marched first day through Byhalia to Dicks pJantation, about 4 miles south of that place. There we camped for the night. Started from there next morning, my regiment still taking the advance ; marched this day (12th) about 20 miles. From this tim Page 296 29 (; KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. we marche(i daily, taking my regular place in the column according to the order of march, without any incident of note till the 20th instant, when, near West Point, Miss., the advance caine np and skirmished the enemy. My regiment had been 8 miles from the line of march to the left in charge of General Grierson, and returned jnst as the regiments in front had repulsed the enemy and drove him from the field. One battalion of my regiment, under command of Captain Webster, sent to the left and skirmished the enemy, who tied, and the battalion went as far as the town of West Point. By this time it was night, and we went into camp near the town. Next morning reveille sounded at daylight; boots and saddles soon after. About 7 oclock to horse was sounded, and we formed in close column of squadrons on the West Point road, and near the town, and remained there until ne~ rly noon. During this time the regiments in front had been skirmishing, and a couple of companies of my regimemit went to the left; had a skirmish with the enemy. A little before mioon we started, taking the road to return. About 8 o~clock we were called to the rear; had some sliott skirmishing. Camped that night, at 12 oclock, near Okolona. Started next morning in advance, but had not gone far when the report was brought to the front that they were fighting in the rear. We were formed in line of battle on the left of the road and re- mained about half an hour, when we were ordered to proceed with the pack train and other incumbrances. We accordingly started, and l)moceeded about 4 miles, when we were ordered to halt. Shortly after we were ordered to the rear to help smmpport that part of the line. ~We went back omi double-quick, fouimd the different regimnemits iii some little confusion, occasioned by the breakimig up and stamped- ing of a regiment. We inimnediately formed omi the extreme rear, where the enemy were pressing hard, and held tlmem in check until there was a line formned in our rear. We then fell back to another posi- tion. The fighting continued until after dark, when the different regiments withdrew from time field. My regimemit was the last to withdraw from position on the field. As we came off met General Grierson, and Colonel Hepburn was assigned position by General Griersoim, which we maimmtained till the column was in motion, and then followed in time rear to within 4 miles of Pontotoc, where we stopped two hours, amid distributed our ammummition and tIme remain- der of rations. Started again at sunrise, my reghneiit again taking the rear. The enenmy had been crowding the rear from the timne I left the battle- groumid near Okolona, and at Pontotoc they charged my rear guard agaimi, but were repulsed at every advance with such havoc in their ranks thmat they becammme chary of approaching us, and after leaving Pontotoc they only came up two or three timnes within ramige of our carbimmes. Oim the 25th, we recrossed the Tippah and came on to this place, where we arrived on the 2~th safe and sound. Our loss was 4 memm killed, 15 meim wounded~ 1 prisoner of war, and 6 missing. We lost also 200 horses. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, GLO. W. TRAFTON, Lien tenant- Colonel, Gornclg. Seventh Illinois Gavalvy. Lient. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Ae~jntant- General Page 297 CHAP. XLIV.1 THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 297 No. 49. Rej~ort of LieU. (lot, lieu ry B. Burgh, Ninth Illinois (Jarairy, of oi~eraltons Febrnary 1126. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY Germantown, Teun., February 28, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders received from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the late expedition: I left camp at Germantown, Tenn., February 11, 1864, as a part of the Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. On the morning of the 13th, Major Bishop, with one battalion, was ordered to make a demon stration at Abbeville crossing, where he found a large force of the enemy and skirmished with them for an hour, resulting in a loss to the enemy of 4 men wounded, after which lie rejoined the regiment. On the 18th, I was ordered to proceed to Okolona and Aberdeen. At Okolona we met a small party of the enemy and drove them before us, taking the town by surprise, and capturing a large mail and Lieutenant Barber, (lepot quartermaster. From there we marched on Aberdeen where we found two com- panies of State militia, drove them bask, taking possession of the town, killing Captain Rogers, commissary of subsistence, C. S. Army, wounding a lieutenant, and taking prisoners 1 major, 1 cap- tain, 1 surgeon, 1 lieutenant, I hospital steward, and 13 privates, and destroyed about 3,500 bushels of corn, 300 saddle-trees and machin- ery for making the same, one 10-pounder cannon, a large amount of leather, whisky, beans, & c. All along the route from Okolona to Aberdeen large numbers of negroes, horses, and mules were brought in and turned over to the proper officers. On the arrival of the brigade my regiment was ordered on provost duty, and remained in possession of time towmi until the troops passed through, when I rejoined the command. On time 20th, participated in the engagement with the enemy near West Point, capturing Major Dyer, of the C. S. Army, at this place. I destroyed about 200 bushels of white beans that were in store. On tIme evening of the 21st, my regiment was ordered to take the rear, which at that time was hotly pressed.. I succeeded in ambush- ing the enemy and checking his advance for the night, with a re- ported loss to him of 14 killed and 39 wounded. On the 22d, was in the several engagements on the hills back of Okolona. On the 24th, made a rapid march to the support of the First Bri- gade. On the 25th, a forage party from my regiment captured a captain ami(l private of the rebel army. My loss iii the several engagements is as fohlo~: One killed, 20 wounded, and 10 missing. I captured 2 niajors, 2 captains, 3 lieu- tenants, 1 surgeon, and 33 privates, 140 horses and over 200 mules. All of which is respectfully submitted. H. B. BURGH, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Ninth illinois Cavalry. Lient. W. S. BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 298 298 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rOnAP. XLIV. No. 50. Report of ]Ifaj. Do his F. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, of operat~ons February 1126. HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., Febraary 28, 1864. LIEUTENANT: II have the honor to make the following report in regard to the part taken by the Second Iowa Cavalry on the recent raid in the State of Mississippi: On the 1st day of this month I turned over my camp and garri- son eqnipage at Memphis, and remained with my command and in bivouac on my camping-ground, exposed to the cold weather until the morning of the 5th instant, when I was ordered to Germantown, Tenn. At this place my command was in bivouac until the morn- ing of the 11th. In accordance with orders from brigade headquarters, my coin- mand, consisting of the Second Iowa Cavalry, 860 strong, and 4 pieces of artillery, 12-pounder mountain howitzers, left this place at 3 a. in., moving on the Mount Pleasant road; at 10 a. m. reached the Cold- water at Millers Mills, and after some trifling repairs on the road passed the swamp and took the Byhalia road, arriving at that place at 3.30 p. m. At this place found Capt. Charles C. Horton, com- manding First Battalion, Second Iowa Cavalry, armed with Colt revolving rifles, who had been sent to make necessary repairs at the crossing of the Coldwater, in advamice of the command. From Byhalia we took the Chulahoma road for 5 miles and turned east some 4 miles, where we camped for the night. At 8 a. m. of the 12th, Capt. C. C. Horton, commanding First Battalion, was sent to Chulahoma aimd to Wyatt Ferry, on the Talla- hatchie, if necessary, to communicate with Colonel McMillen, com- manding a brigade of infantry. At 8 a. m. the brigade was mu motion, the Second Iowa Cavalry having the advance. During the forepart of the day there was very little skirmishing with a party of scouts, who were placed in the vicinity of Tallaloosa, 8 miles southwest of Holly Springs, to watch the movements of our cavalry. Passing to the right of Tallaloosa, we took the road to Coxs planta- tion, thence turned east, taking the Waterford road. Parties were sent in all directions to ascertain the whereabouts and probable force of the enemy, but no information could be gained of a large force at any point on the Tallahatchie Ri~r.~ but that night pickets were placed at all available crossings on that river, with small scouts or patrols on all roads running north to the Memphis amid Charleston Railroad. During the afternoon it was pretty well understood that Gen- eral Forrests main force had loft Oxford, Miss., his late headquar- ters, and gone south, somue supposed to Grenada. At sunset we reached Old Waterford; at dark thc depot and new town of Water- ford. A citizen of the place informed us that the telegraph had been in operation up to one hour previous, and of ~ourse the enemy had been well posted as to our nunibers and all niovements made (luring the 11th and 12th. The Second Brigade camped 3 miles southeast of Waterford, on Brooks plantation, finding plenty of forage for aiim- mals and provi~ion for men. At 11.30 oclock of the 13th, the command moved on the road to the Tippah River, crossing at Callahans Mills and takiiig the roa Page 299 CHAP. XLTV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 299 to Potts plantation on the Holly Springs road. Bivouacked for the night on Parson Coopers plantation. The command was again in motion at daylight of the 14th on the New Albany road, passing Hickory Flats, and reached New Albany at 2 p. m. At sunset bivonacked 4 miles from this place, on the road toward Pontotoc. Owing to the failure of Colonel Warings bri- gade to close up, the whole command remained in bivouac dniTh g the whole of the 13th at this place. On the 16th only 10 miles were made, when we halted at Cherry Creek for Colonel Warings brigade to close up with the main col- umii. On the 12th, the whole command being together, was pnt in motion at S a. in., and passed Pontotoc at 11 a. in., and took the Honston road running south. Halted for the night some 10 miles south of Pontotoc. At daylight of the 18th, the column was again in motion, and, after a march of some 4 miles, took the Okolona road running east. At 4 p. m. we reached that place, and camped 4 miles beyond on the Aberdeen road. At daylight on the 19th, were again moving on the road to Aber- deen, at which place we arrived at 11 a. m. After a short halt orders were received for us to move on the Prairie Station road, which was obeyed. From Prairie Station the whole command took, on the morning of the 20th, the West Point road, the Second Iowa Cavalry having the advance. Not over 5 miles had been gained when we came up with a light picket of the enemy, and continued to have light skirmish- ing for some 5 miles more, when we suddenly ran into a column consisting of about 250, which were quickly scattered by the three saber companies nuder Capt. George C. Graves. After a halt of two hours for the column to close up, the march was resumed. Light skirmishing continued for some 3 miles, when the advance encountered a force of about 230. Two companies of rifles were immediately dismounted, and in five minutes the whole party was dispersed. This was not done, however, without the loss of Lieutenant Dwire, Company F, killed, and 4 men wounded. The enemy had, during this days skirmish, 1 major seriously wounded in the head, 2 men killed, and 3 wounded. On reaching West Point it was ascertained that the three Forrests (general, colonel, and captain) had just left and passed west across the Saka- touchee River, some 3 miles distant. Up to the time of reaching West Point the largest force encount- ered was reported to be 250 or 300. In no case had they made demonstration of a formidable resistance. Having had the advance during the entire day of the 20th, I had good opportunities for gathering information of the location and nunibers of Forrests commuand, and had at no time placed the force at the Sakatonchee bridge above 2,000 men, and this force without artillery. When the command was ordered to fall back to Qkolona, on the morning of the 21st, I was ordered to take the Second Iowa Cavalry and make a demonstration at the bridge, which I did in the follow- ing manner: After dismounting four rifle companies, I advanced them as skirmishers ~tnder cover of a fence and in close proximity with the enemys sharpshooters; I then brought forward two of umy 12-pounder howitzers and drove them easily from their fences and houses near the bridge. After some two hours tinme used in skir Page 300 300 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. mishi~ig with the rifle, and now and then a shell with howitzers, I withdrew, in compliance with orders, thoronghly convinced of two facts, viz, first, that the enemy had 110 artillery at that place, and, second, that the Federal force was at least 4 to the enemys 1. In obedience to orders I was in rear. The Second Iowa Cavalry formed the rear gnard. After leaving the bridge some 5 miles, firing commenced in the rear, and increased for an honr, when I was called npon by Capt. George C. Graves, in command of the rear gnard, for assistance, as the enemys force was pressing him and threatening his flanks. One battalion of rifles, nnder Capt. C. C. Horton, was immediately dismonnted and placed behind a fence, and the saber companies bronght in. The enemy, thinking the road clear, came np with great boldness. At this time two or three shells and three or fonr ronnds from the rifles checked the movement, when my men retired in good order. From the demonstration of the enemy I deemed it necessary to dismonnt another battalion of rifles, nnder Capt. Panl A. Qneal, and having eight companies dismonnted and the saber companies monnted to gnard the flanks, I felt that the rear of the colnmn was qnite safe. It having been reported to me that the enenmy were moving on my left flank, I fonnd, on examination, that a colnmn was moving, and saw three stand of colors displayed; bnt the command to which they belonged conld not have been over a battalion each. By the assist- aimce of one battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry I was enabled to withdraw my command across a swamp diflicnlt of passage, and after mnonnting my men fell back some ~ miles, when I fonnd my- self again attacked more fnrionsly than before. At this place tile saber companies (monnted), nnder command of Capt. George C. Graves, did great havoc with their carbines. At one time 8 horses came into his lines with empty saddles. Here again I was compelled to dismonnt all my rifles, and it was with the greatest difflcnlty that I got my led horses and howitzers ont of the timber in time to save them. My men on foot had become so completely exhansted that I felt snre at omme time that one-half of them mnst be captnred. Lient. P. L. Reed, who conimands the battery, saved one piece in a heroic manner. The two lead horses having been killed in a nar- row lane, he was compelled to disnionnt men arid bring off one piece for some distance. Having seen the enemy on both flanks, I sent to Captains Qneal amid Horton to fall back with their dismonnted men as fast as possible, bnt they had traveied so far that they were nearly exhansted. Althongh I had given notice that my command was hard pressed and that I was in great need of re-enforcements, I had been nmmable to get assistance. Notwithstanding the exhansted condition of the men, they were bronght off in the most heroic nmanner by Capts. C. C. Horton and PanI A. Qneal, who pressed in the rear and on both flanks, repnlsed the enemy iL the rear, and drove back their flamiks nntil they had made good their escape. On no occasion have I witnessed more determined coolness than on this. There are many officers and soldiers who deserve personal compliment for gallant condnct in tIme action, bnt the short space I amn allowed here forbids that I shonld say more than that all, both officers and men, were never more gallant than on this occasion. After the regiment had reached a point of safety we were relieved by the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, who acted as rear gnard for the bal- ance of the day. At night camped near Okolona Page 301 CHAP. XLIV] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 301 Passed Okolona early on the morning of the 22d, taking the road to Pontotoc. When we had marched some 10 miles on this road, orders were given that a line shonld be formed by the Second Bri- gade that the other two brigades might pass by. By instrnctions from Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson, my command was formed npon a high ridge, the riflemen lying close to the gronnd and the saber companies formed on the right and left flanks to gnard against being outflanked. Until this time the enemy had apparently had their own way until they formed themselves within half circles, where bnllets from the five-shooting rifles fell like hail. They were easily checked, bnt pnrsned continnously for some time afterward. Capt. Chas. P. Moore, Company K, who guarded the right flank, and Lientenant Hamilton, Company M, on the left flank, are deserv- ing of great praise for the part performed by them on this occasion. About 3 p. m. I was ordered by General Grierson to nse my regi- ment as flankers, and gnard the left flank, as a colnmn could then be seen threatening the command in that direction. By some mis- understanding one battalion was left flanking late at night, while the balance had flanked along until it reached the head of the col- umn. The resnlt was that one battalion was in rear and the balance in front, and all in compliance with orders. On reaching the front was ordered by General Grierson to move on until a snitable place could be fonnd On which to halt the command. At 4 a. m. of 23d, the command was again in motion on the Pon- totoc [roadJ. During the forepart of the day a small force followed the rear gnard to New Albany, where the pnrsnit by the enemy ap- pears to have ceased. Nothing of material interest took place until we arrived at Ger- mantown, Tenn., on the afternoon of the 26th. The casualties during the entire scout were as follows: First day (20th February), 1 killed, S wounded; second day (21st February), 6 killed, 18 wounded, 8 missing; third day (22d February), 1 killed, 4 wounded, 3 missing. Total, 8 killed, 27 wounded, 11 missing. Total, 46. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DATUS IE. COON, Major, Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Regiment. First Lient. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. A No. 51. Report of Lient. Isaac TV. Curtis, Battery K, First Illinois Light Artillery, of operations February 1126. GERMANTOWN, TENN., March 1, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to order received from you, i~proceed to give a report of our march on this raid, commencing the 11th of Feb- mary There was nothing of importance transpired more than forming in battery some several times until the 21st, when we formed and fired some 40 romnds in the prairie to cover the retreat of the Second Iowa Regiment. which had kept 11~em (the rebels) iii check until they had experviel nearly ~1i c~f t~iv ammunition Page 302 302 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. We were then ordered to fall back to the rear, and on the morn- ing of the 22d we were detached from the Second Brigade and at- tached to the Third Brigade for the day, as they were in the rear and had no artillery with them. We marched on until about 10 oclock, when we arrived at Okolona and formed ready for a fight, but were soon ordered to march on. We had not proceeded very far when we were unexpectedly surprised by the presence of fleeing cavalry on both sides of us. They were in perfect confusion; some hallooing, Go ahead, or we will be killed ; while some few showed a willingness to fight. After some several unsuccessful attempts to form by battery I gave it up, and marched as best I could until I received an order, purporting to come from headquarters, for me to try and save the artillery by marching through the field to the right. I proceeded to comply with orders, and after crossing some two or three almost impassable ditches, and my horses being nearly entirely exhausted, I came to another ditch some 6 feet deep. I managed to get one gun over safe by the men dismounting and tak- ing it over by hand, and one other, which by the time we got it over was broken so we had to leave it. I ordered them to cut the horses loose and cut the gearing up, and go ahead with the gun and lead horses. I kept the orderly sergeant, 1 corporal, and 2 privates back to help me destroy the ammunition and spike the guns, and when we left them we left them effectually disabled, for the present at any rate. I then proceeded to gather up my company with my single gun, and marched with the Ninth Illinois battery~ during the rest of our march. I lost 30 horses during the march. Some of them I lost in the stampede, but most of them were worn out on march. I still have 80 horses, part serviceable and part unserviceable. I lost my 5 pack- saddles. The men and negroes, they say, were ordered to leave them in the stampede, and I couldnt find them any more. Nothing more worth note transpired. Yours, respectfully, ~. ~. CURTIS, Lieutenant, Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery. Col, WILLIAM P. HEPBURN. No. 52. Report of Cot. La Fayette MeCrillis, Third Illinois Cavalry, com manding Third Brigade, of operations February 1026. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, (~ermanto wn, Tenn., February 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the., following report of the operations of my brigade during the recent ~expedition into Missis- sippi: On the 10th instant, by order of General W. S. Smith, I marched from Collieryille with an effective force of 1,900 men, crossed the Coldwater at Quinns Mill and camped that night at Raifords plan- tation, 4 miles east of Byhalia. February 11, remained in camp by order of General Smith. Lost * Operated by men of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Page 303 cHAP. XLIV.] TILE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 303 2 men killed and 2 wounded on picket that night, and captured 4 prisoners, which I sent immediately to Collierville. February 12, by order of General Smith, I marched at daylight toward Holly Springs. Passed through that place, crossed Che- wahla Creek, at Boatwrights Mills, and camped near burnt mill on Tip- pah Creek. My advance guard were skirmishing with a few rebels nearly all day, with a loss of 3 killed, 2 wonnded, and 1 taken pris- onei~. February 13, I crossed Tippah Creek at daylight, and pnshed for- ward to within 2 miles of New Albany, and ordered the Second Tennessee Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Cook, to march rapidly to New Albany, secure the bridge, and make all repairs necessary for crossing the troops. This order was executed immediately. By your order I sent back from this point one company to communl- cate with Colonel Waring and deliver yonr order to move to New Albany with all possible dispatch. On the morning of the 14th, I moved my whole brigade across the Tallahatchie, and awaited orders. I soon received your order to move toward the Rocky Ford and Pontotoc road and camp from 3 to 5 miles from New Albany, and accordingly moved out and camped at the plantation of a Mr. Duncan, and remained there till the morn- Pig of the 16th instant, when I moved, by your order, to Sewells plantation, 1 mile east of the New Albany and Pontotoc road, and 8 miles from Pontotoc. On the morning of the 12th, in obedience to your orders, I moved out my brigade in advance of the division, and marched on Pontotoc. Arriving there, sent strong detachments toward Oxford, Coffeeville, and Okolona, and moved south on the Houston road, 8 miles from Pontotoc, with slight skirmishing. Camped at the plantation of Robert Puliman, and sent Captain Kirkbride, with the Third Illinois Cavalry, to push the enemy 3 or 4 miles in advance. Captain Kirkbride drove the enemy into a swamp about 4 miles in advance, killed 7 rebels amid wounded niany, and returned to camp at 9 p. m. February 18, at 3.30 a. in., by your orders, I sent Captain Kirk- bride, with the Third Illinois Cavalry, and Captain Kilborn, com- manding scouts, back to Pontotoc, thence to Okolona, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Thornburgh, with the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, to press the enemy toward Houston, which 4me did until the division had passed on the road east to Okolona, when he fell back and closed up to the rear of my brigade, which was the rear of the division. February 19, in obedience to orders froni General Smith, I sent a detachment of the Second Tennessee Cavalry, under Major Prosser, toward Houston. He proceeded to within 6 or 8 miles of Houston fell unon amid engaged the rear guard of Chalmers brigade, then moving southward, drove them as far as Buena Vista, then fell back on the Pikeville road, and rejoined the brigade at midnight, 7 miles southeast of Pikeville. At 7 a. m. I moved my I~rigade direct to Pikeville, thence on the road 7 miles toward Aberdeen, and camped. February 20, I marched to within 2~ miles of West Point. February 21, by General Smiths order, I moved out at 8 a. mu., and marched back to within 3~ miles of Okolona. On the 22d, the brigade was ordered to move in the rear of the division. We moved at 10.30 a. m. toward Okolona, and were mime- diately attacked in the rear by about 400 of the enemy and an equal number on the flamiks, which were successfully kept in check by th Page 304 304 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Second Tennessee Cavalry, my rear guard, commanded by Lieuten- ant-Colonel Cook, and with whom I had ordered a staff officer to remain. On approaching Okolona I was informed by a staff officer that a regiment of rebels had left the right flank and crossed the field toward Okolona. I immediately ordered the Fifth Kentncky, Major Cheek, to advance on onr right flank and protect our colnimi in passing that place. On arriving at Okolona General Grierson directed me to form my brigade in line of battle, which was immediately done, and the gen- eral, with the Fonrth U. S. Cavalry mid Seventh Indiana, by charg- ing and skirmishing with the enemy, tried to bring on a fight, which the rebels declined. General Grierson then ordered me to move ont, send a regiment to the left, look ont for the flanks, and move as rapidly as practicable, and he would leave the Fonrth Regulars, commanded by Captain Bowman, to protect the rear. I ordered the Third Illinois to the left to protect that flank, and scouts to the right to report if any enemy were in that direction, and ordered the column into the lane on the Pontotoc road, as directed. About a mile from town the column was obstructed by the break- ing down of the wheel of a limber of the battery in command of Lient. I. W. Curtis, Company K, First Illinois LPrht Artillery, which you assigned to my command that morning. Tbe scouts on my right reported the enemy advancing, and the Third Illinois in advance on time left being obstructed by a thick undergrowth, I or- dered Captain Kirkbride with his command across the road to the right into an open field to protect the right flank, and as time Third Tennessee were moving out of town, waiting for the advance to get out of the way, the Fourth Regulars and Second Tennessee were attacked by a superior force, who endeavored to cut them off from the balance of the brigade, and after charging gallantly back on time enemy into town, being about to be outflanked, were forced to retire in haste upon the column. At this time time column in front moved suddeimly and rapidly, as time firing commemiced in the rear and a columnmi of the enenmy on our right charged down oim the Third Illinois. I sent forward to re-en- force the Third Illinois on our right, and to halt time cohumn and re- enforce the rear. While giving the order time Third Tennessee, Major Minnis, came up, and I orcFer~d hAm into an open field on our heft, to form and protect the Second Tennessee am Fourtim Regulars, who were hard pressed and outflanked by a superior force. While Major Mimmis was executing the order with most ot his commiimmammd, the Second Tennessee and Fourth Regulars were forced upon tIme ream of the column by tIme enemy in rear and flank, and the Third Tennessee about to be cut off from the column, I ordered them back to the road. While executing th6 order they were driven in on the Second Tennessee and Fourth Regulars, and~charged on in rear and flank, and all three of time last named regiments became entirely disorganized by being mixed up. I muoved forward and formed the Fourth Tennessee on our left and the Fifth~Kentucky on our right, when the enemy, by a move- memit on their flanks, forced them to retire to prevent being cut off from time main column. Time Seventy-second Indiana. Major Carr, ba(h formed omi our right but were pres~ed b~ ok by the Second . ud Third T nuessee ~an Page 305 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 305 Fourth Regulars and stragglers, who broke his line, and lie had to fall back after giving the enemy a momentary check, who passed on his flank to cnt his regiment off from the rest of the command. I then passed on to the head of the disorganized regiments, and found General Grierson and part of his staff officers trying to check the column, and with their id and part of my own staff and. several officers of the Fourth Regulars, Captain Bowman, LientePants Sulli- van, Davis, and others, and found it only partially I)1acticable. Here Captain Bowman, of the Fourth Regnlars, soon extricated most of his command from the Second and Third Tennessee an(l stragglers, and rendered efficient service and assistance in checking the advance of the enemy. Here I sent a staff officer, Captain Booth, with a request to Geui- eral Grierson, who had gone forward, that lie form a line of bat- tle of the Second Brigade and let the disorgaiiized regiments and sti~agghers pass through that they niight reorganize, and imme- diately received word he had already done so, and to pass the regi- luents to the front, where they soon reorganized. The Seventy-second Indiana, Fifth Kentucky, Fourth Tennessee, and Third Illinois acted the whole day with the coolness and cour- age and discipline not excelled by any troops, and never left any position ordered into by the commanding general or myself until outflanked or ordered back. Had it not been for the detention caused by the accident happen- ing to the battery, I am confident that we should have been able to have secured our column from the heavy flanking forces, which were endeavoring to cut off some of the regiments in the rear, with- out any confusion or disorganization of the Second aiid Third Ten- iiessee and Fourth Regulars. Lieutenant Curtis, commanding the battery, did all that energy and courage could do under adverse cii- cnmstances. I earnestly and respectfully recommend to your consideration, and through you to the Governors of the several States where the troops were raised, and Secretary of War, the promotion of Maj. C. T. Check, commanding Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, for bravery in action and skill in handling his men under trying circumstances, and for the same reasoiis Maj. H. M. Carr, Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry; Capt. A. B. Kirkbride, commanding Third Illinois Cay- airy; Lient. Col. J. M. Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry; Major Prosser, Second Tennessee, and ~aj~r Minnis, Third Tennes- see Cavalry. I cannot too highly commend the conduct of my staff officers to your attention, who, with experience and judgment, used every exer- tion to aid in the rep~mlse of the enemy, and earnestly and respect- fully recommend them for promotion as capable and gallant officers, of often-tried courage and military skill; and the public service re- quires their promotion for meritorious conduct on many a battle- field. On the 23d, about 4 miles north of Pontotoc, colonel Hepburn sent word his column was hard pressed in the rear, and General Grierson ordered me to leave two regiments and send one t9. t~i~ right to protect the right flank. I accordingly formed ~he I~ifth~ Kentucky and Thirf Illinois, one on each side Qf the 1~Qad~ and~ seni~ the Third Tennessee to hold a road rn~ini~g parallel, with the one~ over which our column w s passu~g, aud, which led into the main road, about 5 miles south of New Albany, and ordered ~tajor ~Iinn~s 20 ]~. ~voi~ xxxu, P Page 306 306 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. to retire on that road as our rear guard moved on and protect that flank. These orders were well executed. After the Second Brigade had passed the hue of the Fifth Ken- tucky and Third Illinois these two regiments were vigorously at- tacked by the eneiuy, and maintained a severe fight, repulsing every charge of the enemy for 5 miles, when the enemy retired, and we marched to New Albany without further molestation. After a few hours halt at New Albany, by your order I moved out toward Holly Springs, and marched all night, except a tbree-honrs halt at Hickory Flat; crossed Tippah at Becks Spring, 8 a. in., on the 24th. After marching about 5 miles farther, halted for the First Brigade to come up, and repaired the bridge over Tippah Creek to facilitate its crossing. About 2 p. m. I received a message from Col- onel Waring that he was attacked at the creek by about 8,000 rebels, and immediately formed my brigade in line of battle, and so re- mained until about 9 oclock in the evening, wheii the rear of the First Brigade passed me, and I immediately took up my line of march, and arrived in Germantown on the 26th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. F. MeCRILLIS, Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Division. Capt. S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 53. Report of Capt. Andrew B. Kirlcbride, Third Illinois Cavalry, oJ operations February 1326. HEADQUARTERS THIRD ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 27, 1864. SIR: On the evening of the 13th February, I was ordered by Col- onel MeCrilhis, commanding brigade, to proceed to Collins Mill with my command, 7 miles out on Salem road from where brigade was camped at Widow Collins. Proceeded there immediately, and arrived at the mill at sun- down. Ordered Company B to ckai~ge down on the mill and catch any of the enemy who might be there. Lieutenant Shellenberger did so. The enemy, to the number of 20, being on the alert, made their escape in the woods. Found no meal or flour. Got forage for my command, and returned to camp at 9 p. m. On 17th, my command being in advance of brigade and division, charged into Pontotoc at 11 a. m. No enemy there. Proceeded through town on Houston road, 2 miles out; found enemys picket, who by hard running made their escape. Kept the road and flanks completely clear of all enenuy. Camped Within 2 miles of Red Land. Ordered out by colonel commanding brigade on Houston road to proceed 8 or 4 miles and learn of any enemy to be found in our front. Two miles out found Gholson s command. Lieutenant Lucas. in charge of Companies H and C, charged the rebels and drove them in a swamp immediately in our front. On examining the position of the enemy, I found that if I advanced with my whole force I would have been completely flanked. Qrdered Conipany Page 307 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 307 to flank on Red Land road, and Company B on road leading to the right. Dismounted Companies F and H to skirmish in swamp, and Company C ~co support them monnted. Advanced my skirmishers, under fire from the enemy, 200 yards in the swamp, and found that the enemy were in force superior to mine. Being in danger of being flanked; I reported the fact by an orderly to Colonel McCrillis, who ordered me to retire, the object of the reconnaissance being ac9om- plished. Learnt from Colonel Thornburgh, who advanced through the swamp next morning, that we killed 7 of the enemy. My loss 1 man, prisoner. On 18th, ordered by colonel commanding brigade to march at 3.30 o clock, with my command and Captain Kilborns company of sconts, to go back to Pontotoc and learn if any enemy was there, and thence proceed direct to Okolona; did so, met bnt few of the enemy, and drove them. Arrived at Okolona at 2 p. in.; ordered ont on Red Land road to join the brigade, and camp 3 miles ont; did so, joining the brigade at sundown. On 22d, Colonel McCrillis commanding, when line of battle was formed I was ordered to form my command to the left of the Pon- totoc road, in the edge of first timber ont of Okolona; did so. As colnmn was passing ont of town, I was ordered to move my com- mand on left flank in column. Found, on account of thick brnsh and rapid movement of ma~]1 column, rather difficult, bnt did so. Ordered to form line of battle on first gronnd that I conld do so on the left of road. Moved out to form and was forming, when a mass of troops, moving very rapidly, passed through my line, who carried my men away by main force. Collected part of Company H and a few men of other companies under Lieutenant Lucas. Fought the enemy every foot of the way back, Lieutenant Davis, of the Fourth Regulars, and Lieutenant Sullivan, adjutant of same regiment, doing the same, and in conjunction with them we endeavored to stay the progress of the enemy, that our dismounted and wounded men might get away. A mile or two back found Lieutenant Shellenberger with a mixed command, mostly Third men, formed in line, who had been rallied by himself and Captain Perkins, acting assistant inspector-general of bri- gade. Took command and fell back in rear of Seventh Indiana in a very orderly manner, where we formed. Reported the fact to you and received permission to fall back in rear of column and reorganize my command. On my way back repor.ted4to General Grierson, who ordered me on right flank. Went there, and, the column being in rapid retreat, was forced after an hour or two to fall into road. Ordered by General Smith to dismount and fight on foot; did so, forming my men in line with Second Iowa. Enemy being reported to have flanked us, I rode out to see. While in my momentary absence some officer unknown ordered the troops to rally omi their horses and move to the rear. On learnii~g the fact I sent Lieutenant Lucas to bring them back, but it growing dark, the enemy fell back and the fight was over. I may state that during N~ie absence of my command I did all I could to encourage and rally other commands. On 23d, the column being in line of march from Pontotoc to New Albany, I was dropped out of brigade in center of column to act as rear guard for division, with Fifth Kentucky for support. Ordered not to fight the enemy, only sufficient to keep imini from molesting column and staying the march. The column having passed, my command was attacked by abou Page 308 308 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 300 of the enemy, with a Column moving on right flank. Kept up a running fight for two hours, and at a Creek 9 miles from New Al- bany put an effectual stop to the enemy with the assistance of three Companies of Fifth Kentucky under Major Cheek; relieved as rear guard by Sixth Illinois, my horses being played out. My total loss so far as I can learn is 3 killed, 1 wounded mortally, 1 dangerously, and 8 missing. I would just add that my force in any fighting did not exceed 150 men, and on the 23d not more than 60. As our movements had to be rapid, I was compelled to keep my worst mounted nien with the main column. I must also report the fact that Captain Lay disgraced the good name of the regiment by retiring with a portion of his company (F) at first fire on both days.* Lieutenants Lucas, Company M, and Shellenberger, Company B, behaved very gallantly. Sergeants Gra- ham, Company B; Onion, Galliher, Kingery, Company H, and Tricket, Company F, were conspicuous for bravery. Respectfully submitted. A. B. KIRKBRIDE, Captain, Commanding Third illinois Cavalry. Colonel MCCRILLIS. No. 54. Report of ]JIaj. Henry 31. Carr, Seventy-second Indiana Infantry (mounted), of operations February 22. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-SECOND INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Germantown, Tenn., February 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the engagement on the 22d of February, 1864, on the road between Okolona and Pontotoc, Miss.: In the first line of battle, formed in the town of Okolona, I was ordered by you to dismount the command and support the First Illi- nois Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Curtis, and to remain there until the rear of the column (then on the march) had passed, which I did. I was then ordered by you 4o~nount my command and re- sume my place in the column in the order of marcb, our line having been relieved by the Fourth U. S. Cavalry. A very few minutes after leaving Okolona heavy firing was heard in our rear. General Grierson, being near my regiment at the time, ordered me to dismount the regiment and deploy it along the fence to my left and support the First Illinois Artillery, which was placed in position on the hill in my rear. I did so, remaining there until it was ascertained that a heavy force of the enemy were marching in column on our left fiaiik. Seeiiig that the artillery had fallen ba~k and that the com- mands in my front were retiring, I withdrew the regiment, stopping to skirmish with the enemy at every available point on the road, until we passeQthrough the line formed by the Second Brigade. I was then ordered by Lieutenant Ingerton, acting assistant adjutant- general on the staff of General Smith, to move forward and form my * Captain Lay appears to have continued on duty with his company, and was ~iiustered out on expiration of term September 5, 1864 Page 309 CHAP. XLIVJ THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 3O~ command at the first good position on the right of the road to resist the advance of a column of the enemy who were reported approach- ing on the right flank. I took the position, supported on lily right by 100 men, ordered to report to me from the Second East Tennessee Cavalry, and remained there nntil ordered by yon to form my regi- ment on the opposite side of the road behind a fence on the crest of a hill. We were scarcely in place before the enemy advanced upon ns in heavy force, firing very rajMdly. We immediately returned the fire and succeeded in checking the advance, but they kept up a very heavy fire during the whole time we were engaged. Having but thirty-five rounds of cartridges to the man, I withdrew the regiment, as ordered by Captain Perkins, acting assistant inspector-general of the brigade, as soon as lie had succeeded in forming a line in onr rear. Captain Kilborn, commanding the company of scouts, operated with my regiment during the engagement and behaved very gallantly. In this last engagement and during the entire day the officers and men of my command all behaved in a becoming and soldierly man- ner. The men were perfectly cool and did good execution. Two of the officers of the enemy were killed, and I am confident their losses were much more serious than ours. In our losses I am very sorry to report the death of Lieutenant Priest, of Company E, who wa~s a very good and gallant officer, and loved by the entire com- mand. * Captain Thomson and Lieutenants Cassell and Sims were wonnded, the last two seriously. The following is the number of killed, wounded, and missing: Killed, 2 (1 officer and I enlisted man) ; wounded, 14 (3 officers and 11 enlisted men) ; missing, 10 (mostly supposed killed or seriously wounded) ; total, 26. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. M. CARR, Major, Gommanding Regiment. Lieutenant PIKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 55. Report of Maj. Christopher T. Chee1c~ F#fth Kentucky Cavalry, of operations February 2223. HDQRS. FIFTH KENTUCKY CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS, Germantown, Teun., February 2~, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my command in the lat enemy on the 22d and 23d instant: e engagements with the My regiment was first formed in line of battle~t Okolona, Miss., February 22, and was withdrawn from the line and ordered forward on the Pontotoc road by Colonel MeCrilhis, commanding the Third Brigade. I moved as directed about 2 miles, when I received orders from him to halt, and directly after from General Grierson to form in a * Lieutenant Priest was not killed ; he was captured and subsequently died in the hands of the enemy Page 310 310 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. field ou the right of the road and resist the enemy, who was pressing on the rear. My regimeut was immediately formed, as directed, and was soon engaged in a sharp skirmish with them, lasting about fif- teen minutes, and completely checking the head of their column. A movement by them on my flank obliged me to retire, but not until the entire brigade had passed by me and was retiring. I retired about 2 miles farther and formed my command ou the right of the road, the Fourth Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Thorn- burgh, being on the left. No fighting ensued here, as I was ordered to fall back as successive lines were formed in my rear. My regiment was formed some seven or eight times during the day on the rear and flanks of the brigade, and, although twice under fire, we were unable to return it from our position and the short range of our carbines. Just at dusk we were formed in line, dismounted, and behind a fence to the right of the road. At this point a battery and the regi- ment supporting it were forced to retire in some confusion by a heavy force of the enemy. The battery was in the rear, and when my men opened fire the enemy were in close pursuit and ordering the artillerists to halt. Their advance was soon driven back to the main body, and a sharp fight maintained for about twenty minutes, the enemy using a few pieces of light artillery. They then fell back, however, and I was soon after ordered to follow in rear of the bri- gade. Night had now set in, and only a few more shots were ex- changed till daylight The next morning, the 23d instant, my regiment was moved out in the advance of the brigade, and about 10 a. m. was ordered to the rear of the division, with the Third Illinois Cavalry, Captain Kirk- bride commanding, the enemy being reported pressing the rear. I then had about 150 men in my command, many having had their horses shot under them in the previous days fighting and others be- ing broken down. I formed the regiment as directed dismounted, and on the right and left of the road, the Third Illinois being on my left. After waiting half an hour or more br the enemy, a few ap- peared, but a few shots dispersed them, and as no more appeared we shortly retired in the direction of the column, the Third Illinois being in my rear. We were soon followed by the enemy, and a sudden attack made on the rear of the Third Illinois by a force far outnumbering them, which forced them to retire. I imi~e~4iately formed my men on the right and left of the road and on the north side of creek to support them as they fell back. The enemy at once opened a very hot fire upon us from the timber on the opposite side of the creek, and my men being in the open field, I ordered them to fall back to a skirt of woods on the other side of it. Another line was here formed at once, and a brisk skir- mish ensued for nearly half an hour, in which I was supported by the I hird Illinois Cavalry, the enemy not beipg over 200 yards dis- tant. After they fell back I moved out toward New Albany, remaining in rear of the column till we reached the town, none of the enemy appearing in sight. Colonel MeCrillis here ordered us to rejoin the brigade and cross the Tallahatchie River. The regiment marched from there with the brigade to this l)oint. I cannot too highly commend the conduct of the officers and men of my regiment. All did their duty and acted in the best possibl Page 311 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ~1l manner. Individuals cannot be singled out where each did all lie could. The list of casualties in my command is slight. It is as follows. * I have the honor to remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. T. CHEEK, Major, Commanding Fifth Kentucky Caval~ry Vois. Lient. R. W. PIKE, Acting Assistant Aajutant- General. No. ~6. Report of Maj. William P. MeBath, Second Tennessee Cavalry, of operations February 1020. HEADQUARTERS SECOND EAST TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor very respectfully to submit the following report of the part taken by the Second Tennessee Cavalry in the late expedition under General William S. Smith into the State of Missis- sippi: Leaving Collierville on the 10th instant with the rest of the bri- gade, we proceeded on our route, doing the usual amount of picket duty and occasionally some slight skirmishing with the enemy, nothing of particular interest, however, occurring in the earlier part of our march. At New Albany, where we crossed the Tallahatchie, being in the advance of the column, we captured 6 prisoners and sent them to the rear. Passing through Pontotoc, the brigade camped on the night of the 18th instant within 3 miles of Okolona, and on the morning of the 19th Major Prosser received orders to move with 200 men, at 5.30 a. in., to the southwest, in the direction of Houston, while the brigade moved directly south, in the direction of Pikeville; then turn to the left and rejoin the brigade near Egypt. Moving according to instructions, he came upon a scouting party of rebels, 3 miles from camp, numbering 25 or 80, but as they were well mounted could capture nothing bur tlieir pack-mules. One and one-half miles farther, drove in their pickets at the forks of the Pontotoc, Okolona, and Houston roads, and going 5 miles farther toward Houston turned to the left on the Buena Vista road, and after marching 6 miles came upon the pickets of General Gholsons camp, at the forks of the Okolona, Pontotoc, Buena Vista, and Houston roads, 10 miles south of Okolona. General Gholsons brigade had been camped at this place, but had all moved in the direction of West Point except~General Gholson and about 400 men. His pickets were aware of Major Prossers approach and were prepared to contest his advance, but after some warm skirmishing they were driven in. The whole command was routed from their camp and pursued about 2 miles in the direction of West Point. The designs of the enemy to concentrate at West Point having * Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 officers and 3 men wounded and 3 men missing Page 312 312 KY., SW. TA., TENY., MISS., ALA., AND K. ~A. [CHAP. XLIV been developed, he returned, recrossed the LSakatoncheei Rivei~ about 8 miles above Pikeville, and reached the camp of the brig[tde at 7 p. in., reported at brigade and division headquarters, and received the thanks of the general commanding the expedition. The day following, the regiment marched south with the brigade, but was ordered back to picket the [Tombigbee] river at Glad- neys Mills, where some slight skirmishing took place with the enemy. We remained there until S p. in., when we were ordered to rejoin the brigade, which we (lid at 12 oclock midnight, near West Point. On the return of the command from West Point, nothing of in- terest occurred with the regiment until the morning of the 22d in- stant, when it was assigned as the rear guard of the column from the camp occupied by the command the preceding night, 3j miles south of Okolona. The moment the advance of the rear guard, un- der the command of Major Prosser, was sounded, a furious attack was made upon it by the enemy, but being prepared to receive them they were repulsed with considerable loss, as they were in every at-. tack made upon us until we reached Okolona; the gallant and steady behavior of the men preventing the enemy from making any im- pression upon our column. At Okolona the regiment, having but 225 men for duty, exclusive~ of details, was relieved by the Fourth U. S. Regulars, who were or- dered to bring up the rear, and my regiment was ordered to join the column then in line of march on the Pontotoc road. This change had scarcely been made when a heavy colum~n of the~ enemy was discovered moving upon the rear through t town of Okolona, while another column moved rapidly on the left flank witbt the evident intention of cutting off two or three of our regiments in the rear, if not the whole brigade. The Fourth Regulars charged into the head of the column advancing upon them, but were imme- diately repulsed and driven back with considerable loss, Major Presser in the mean time moving six companies, or about 130 men, out of the column into line to support their retreat, as they were re- tiring rapidly before the enemy, and throwiug the rear of the column, as they struck it, into confusion. Here, while endeavoring to check the progress of the enemy, the reoiment lost Lieutenant-Colonel Cook amid 14 men killed and wounded in a few moments; but we succeeded by great exertions in checking tIme enemy while the Fou4i~Regulars retreated upon the column. Although we were obliged to fall back rapidly before the enemy in consequence of his movements upon our flanks as well as rear, we continued to keep up a spirited fire upon his advancing columns, until the disorder produced by the retreat of the Fourth Regulars partially destroyed the organization of the regiinemmt. No demoralization, however, took place, and as soon as the first sup-. porting line was passed the regiment at once rallied, was mine- (liately reorganized, and did good service throughout the day, particularly in the evening, when 100 men, dis~iounted, reported to. Major Carr, Seventy-second Indiana, for duty as skirmishers, re-- maining with Major Prosser on the ground in the face of the emmemy~ until the line gave way 0mm their right and left. The next da~ the regiment agaimi supported the Seventy-second Indiana when in line of battle, but no fightimmg afterward occurred~ worthy of mention in which we were engaged Page 313 JHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. ~313 Altogether tue officers and men deserve credit fov cool conduct and good behavior under the most trying circnm tances. Our loss as far as reported is 15, including Lieutenant-Colonel Cook, supposed to be r~ortally wonnded, * while the others are all believed to have been either killed or wounded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. R. MeBATH, Major, Commanding. Lieutenant PIKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 57. Report of Afaj. John B. Minn is, Third Tennessee Co~alry, of oper ations February 1026. HEADQUARTERS THIRD TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Third Tennessee Cavalry in the recent expedition under General W. Sooy Smith into Mississippi: Leaving Colherville, Tenn., on the 10th instant with the brigade, this regiment accompanied it during the entire march, performing its part of the picket duty, scouting, & c., until proceeding as far as West Point, and returning to within 3 miles of Okolona, where the brigade encamped on the night of the 21st instant. On the morning of the 22d, I was ordered to follow the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, the Second Tennessee Cavalry bringing up the rear of the brigade. For 3 miles before reaching Okolona, the Sec- ond Tennessee Cavalry skirmished with the enemy. At Okolona you offered battle. In accordance with your orders, this regiment was formed on the left flaiik. The enemy were maneuvering in front of us, and the men coolly awaited their advance. Immediately I received orders~ from you to withdraw my men in column of fours, move forward,, and keep well closed up. In obeying this order, and while moving rapidly to close up, for the advance rogilkents were moving very fast, the rear of my regiment was fired into by the enemy, and heavy firing wus heard to the left of my rear, and simultaneously the enemy passed each flank and commenced firing into the advance reg- iments. At the same time the Second Tennessee and Fourth U. S. Cavalry, with inuch confusion, pressed upon my rear, and many passed through my column. Receiving orders from you a second time to move forward I was assigned by you to a position on the right of the yoad, which was held until I received orders from you to fall back ~ii column, as a heavy force of the enemy was moving to cut me off from the main column. In withdrawing my men this time, by force of circumstances they became more or less~ mixed with those from other regiments. I however continued to keep a goodly number of them together, and alternately fought and fell back until I received orders from you to * He survived his wounds Page 314 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. 314 pass through the Second Brigade and rally my men, which being accomplished I was placed, by order of General Smith, on the right flank, and repulsed the advancing enemy on said flank jnst previous to the repulse of the enemy in the [fronti and on the left flank. No engagement took place after this in which this regiment was engaged worthy of notice. The loss sustained by this regiment in killed, wounded, and miss- ing was 5, viz, 2 wounded and 3 missing. I trust you will consider the inexperience of the major command- ing and the men nnder him in the field, and give justice to all. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. MINNIS Major, Commanding. Lieut. JR. W. PIKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 58. Report of Lient. Cot. Jacob ill. Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Carairy, of operations February 102(3. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH TENNESSEE CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry while detached from the brigade at Pontotoc and near Red Land, also at Prairie Station, and during the engagement at Okolona: At Pontotoc, by your order, I sent Major Blackman, with one bat- talion, to make a feint on the Oxford road, while I advanced with part of the other in the direction of Coffeeville. Having proceeded about 4 miles and finding no road leading from Coffeeville to Red Land, I returned to Pontotoc, united the command, and overtook the brigade at camp. At 3 oclock next morning, according to your order, I moved for- ward on the Houston road to cover the move of our forces toward Okolona. Finding the enemys picket at the jumiction of the Okolona and Houston roads, I dismounted l~0 mien, together with a detachment of the Third Illinois, under Lieutenant [S. T. Lucas ?], and drove the enemy toward Houston into a swamp about one-half mile beyond the junction of the roads. Then throwing out a few mounted men on both flanks, I advanced through the swamp, skirmishing with the enemy until daylight. Having reached a bridge torn up by the enemy over a small stream, and repaired the bridge, I crossed the stream and came on the camp of the enemy, about 4 miles from our camp, and drove them off without loss on our side. At this point I received orders to fall backs in rear of the brigade, which I did, marching in rear of the brigade throughout the day. Near Prairie Station I was ordered to proceed to the railroad, tear the same up, ~nd destroy all property belonging to the rebel govern- ment. At the station I found 4 freight-cars loaded with flour and meal and 28 pens of corn, also the depot filled with corn, all of which I burned. I then tore np the track and bent the rails by burnin Page 315 Citi~. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 315 them over the fire made by cross-ties; then returned to the brigade, which I found just leaving camp for West Point. On returning from West Point to Okolona, by your order, I formed in front of the Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry, and in the rear of the Fourth U. S. Cavalry, with the First Illinois Battery* on my left, for the purpose of charging the enemy if the column should be attacked while passing. No attack being made at that time, I received your order to fall back in column in the regular order of march, which I did. After marching about 1 mile I heard the order halt passed up from the rear. Having halted, I rode back to the rear of the First Battalion. I found the Second Battalion, under Major Stephens, moving to the rear, when I moved back with the First Battalion, following up the Second, when directed by Colonel McCrillis to form on the right in the field, which I attempted to do, but the rush from the rear was such that I found it impossible to move my column or form a line, as it was broken in several places and a portion of it carried off by the rushing mass from the rear. Then moving back, collecting my men, I commenced forming near some buildings, where a road intersects coming from the south. Learning that the enemy was advancing on this road and unless checked would cut off the Second Tennessee Cavalry and Fourth U. S. Cavalry, I moved down the road about 400 yards, formed in line in the woods, where we poured several volleys into the enemy, and held them in check until the column had passed. From there I fell back, forming several lines, checking the enemy, and at one time charged the enemy and drove them back. After passing the line formed by the Second Brigade, I was ordered by General Smith to move forward to the pack train, rest my horses, and collect my stragglers, which having done I dismounted my men, formed them on the right of the Fourth U. S. Cavalry behind a fence on a ridge, where we severely punished the enemy. holding my position until the enemy had taken possession of a ridge in our right rear, when I fell back with the column, the enemy ceasing to press us. The regiment lost 11 men killed, 2 officers and 16 men wounded and 5 men missing ; total loss, 34. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. THORNBURGH, Lieutena t-~otonel, Commanding. Lient. R. W. PIKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 59. Reports of (Jot. James H (Joates, Eleventh Jllinoi~ Infantry, com manding Yazoo Expedition. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, YAzoo RIVER, On Beard Steamer Des Moines, February 3, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my command encount- ered the enemy to-day in considerable force, variously estimated at * Battery K, First Illinois Light Artillery Page 316 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CI~AP. XLIV. from 2,300 to 2,500, under command of Brigadier-General toss, and his troops were composed of Arkansas and riexas men aIl(l veterans in the Confederate service. We have been following them closely and carefully for the past two days, and this morning they opened fire upon one of our gun- boats with two pieces of field artillery without, however, doing any damage to the boats. I at once disembarked about 250 of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, under the command of Maj. George C. McKee, Eleventh Illinois Infantry. He was not long in coming upon the enemy, and at once engaged him with his line of skirmish- ers. The lulls in this vicinity (between Satartia and Liverpool) are almost mountainous and difficult of assault, yet our skirmishers steadily advanced and drove then~ from their first position. They rallied, however, but not until I had thrown out to the right of his (McKees) line one wing of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent. I now finding both detachments closely pressed, ordered the bal- :ance of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, consisting of about 300 men, under time command of Capt. H. C. Yore, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, to their support, throwing tbe latter as a reserve and in the rear of about the center of the line of skirmishers. The enemy now opened briskly with two pieces of artillery (apparently 12-pounders), also infantry fire. He at this time attempted to flank us on our right, ~but I met his movements by ordering out the balance of my force, The remaining battalion of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, under (command of Captain Wilson, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent. Major McKee at this time gallantly charged their line and was Tepulsed with a loss of 2 killed and 5 wounded. The eneniy then charged on that part of the line commanded by Capt. H. C. Yore, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, but was nobly repulsed without any loss on our side, and were fairly driven beyond the hill, the possession of which we were contending for. Both detachments of the Eighth Louisiana, African descent, nobly performed their part of the dut1 assigned them and acquitted themselves most handsomely, displaying the courage, coolness, and discipline of the most experienced troops. I would respectfully state that L was materially assisted in the 4ay~s operation by a detachment of 35 mcmi of the First Mississippi Ca ~alry, under command of Major Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, ~vho I took on board at Haynes Bluff to accompany me on the ex- pedition for recruiting purposes for the benefit of that regiment, and who have proven of incalculable benefit to me as scouts, & c. As night approached I gave the signal for the detaclunents to fall back to the boats, the gun-boats covering this movement with well- directed shell. I aum now dropping down the river, where I shall go for about 1 mile, and will make another attack on the enemy at daylight to- morrow morning. I have the honor to report my available strength as follows: Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 500; Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, 387; First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, 35. I have the honor also to report the casualties of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry; Killed, 4; wounded, 12; missing, 8. Eight Page 317 CHAP. XLIV.1 THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 31~ Louisiana Infantry, Atrican descent, killed, 2; Second Lieutenant Welch and 7 privates wounded (some mortally). First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, wounded, 1 (slightly). Respectfully, JAS. H. COATES, Col. 11th Ill. Inf., and Gorndg. Land Forces, Yazoo Expedition~ Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. I would further report that one of the transports of the exp~di- tion (the Platte Valley) has been disabled by running into a snag,. and I will be obliged to send her back to Vicksburg at the first opportunity. Yours, & c., JAS. H. COATES, Colonel Eleventh illinois Infantry. HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, ON BOARD STEAMER DEs MOINES, Yazoo River, near Satartia, February 6, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to respectfully continue my report of the movements of this expedition to this date. On the morning of the 4th instant, at 4.30 oclock, I left our land- ing near Satartia and proceeded without interruption up the Yazoo until, when opposite the bluffs where we had engaged the enemy the day before, the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the transports (haviiig permitted the advance gun-boats to pass unmolested), which was returned briskly and I think effectually by my men from behind hastily constructed barricades composed of knapsacks, boxes of hard bread, & c. The loss on our side from this fire is as follows, viz: Steamer Des Moines, right wing Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 1 man wounded severely in ankle; Sioux City, left wing Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 3 men wounded severely; steamer J. H. Lacey, right wing Eighth Louisiana Infantry, 1 man mortally wounded. The rear gun-boat opened with well-directed shell against the enemy, which dispersed them before the transports could be landed. We then passed on up the river, arrivixg in the afternoon at Gooseys Mill, about 4 miles below Yazoo City, having in the transit stoppe(i at several plantations and secured about 200 bales of cotton, which, as received on boats, were constructed into barricades anJ used for protection to boilers. We also secured at a deserted plan- tation 9 head of beef-cattle and 12 head of mules. At 9.30 p. m. the steamer Hastings made her appearance with clearances, passes, & c., from the Treasury Department, and is now consequently attached to our fleet. She had also bQen fired into at the same point our transports were (near Liverpool)band the watch- man of the boat seriously wounded. I remained at Gooseys Mill during the day of February 5, and at about 11 a. m. the steamer Emma Boyd arrived, and reported as dis- patch-boat for the gun-boat fleet. Two gun-boats having been ordered to approach Yazoo City for the purpose of reconnoitering, found the emiemy at that point imm force; discovered also ~ve guns in position ~nd one other in cours Page 318 318 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. of erection. The guns in position opened fire, two of the shots tak- ing effect on one of the gun-boats. After dropping back and making more careful observations, they returned to their anchorage at Gooseys Mill. Taking as a basis the above expressed observations of the gun- boats and information gathered from other sources, I was satisfied that a much larger force was in position there than was anticipated, and fearing they might plant a battery in my rear at Liverpool (the best point on the river for the erection of a battery), I ordered a return of the fleet to our present position, which we reached at an early hour this morning, not, however, without being fired on with musketry at Liverpool, without in any manner damaging us. I would further respectfully state that the Emma Boyd was ordered by the naval officer to report to Vicksburg, Miss., with dispatches, and having a messenger on board destined for General Sherman, I took the liberty of making to him a full report of the operations and prospects of the expedition. I have ordered that at daylight to-morrow morning (7th instant) two gun-boats shall proceed up the river as far as they can possibly reach, and in the mean time I propose sending a force of infantry, with such cavalry as I have, to engage the enemy at Liverpool, it being represented that the force there consists of the Sixth Texas Rangers and half of some other Texas regiment. Respectfully, JAS. H. COATES, Colonel, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and commanding Land Forces, Yazoo River Expedition. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. The steamer Hastings leaves here to-morrow morning on business co~inected with tie Treasury Department, and on her I send my wounded to Vicksburg. HDQRS. U. S. FORCES, ON STEAMER DES MOINES, One ]hiliile below Yazoo City, February 8, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to respectfully forward report of pro- ceedings of Yazoo River expedition from last report to present date: When last reporting I occupied the position at Gooseys Mill until the morning of the 7th instant. We dropped down the river to a short distance below Satartia. As the enemy were observed on the bluffs near the town, I disembarked my whole force and deployed the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, as skirmishers. The Eleventh Illinois Infantry fbrmed in division as reserve, and gradually engaged time enemy, he rallying ~nd moving by the left flank and toward their main body near Liverpool. At 5.30 oclock I signaled my force to fall back to the transports, and after securing myself against surprise and stationing a strong picket remained for the night. The following morning (February 8), at the suggestion of Captain Owen, commanding gun-boat fleet, I awaited time appearance of the oun-boat Louisville, whicl~ was hourly expected, and not making Page 319 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 319 her appearance for sometime of my hour fixed for starting, about noon I left Satartia and proceeded up the river, and was fully pre- pared and expected to meet with an engagement at Liverpool, but was surprised not to find any of the enemy at that point. Arriving at Gooseys Mill, 4miles below Yazoo City, I signaled the boats to proceed up the river, preceded by two of the gnu-boats, the two gnu-boats passing the city and the transports landing within a mile of the city. In the mean time, when at Gooseys Mill, I dispatched a small but effective force of the First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, Major Cook commanding, and ordered them to proceed up the west bank of the river until opposite the city. Arriving at a point opposite the city, he encountered a small force of the enemy, and after a slight skirmish succeeded in capturing 2 men and 4 horses. The enemy have moved south on the Bolton road and toward the Vicksbarg and Jackson road. Respectfully, JAS. H. COATES, Commanding Yazoo River Expedition. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Yazoo City, Miss., March 2, 1864. GENERAL: I had the honor of communicating with you 28th ultimo, since which time I have been in the occupation of this city; not, however, without some little difficulty, as I am almost con- stantly engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. He comes up and drives my pickets in. I then run him off completely. This occurs two or three times per day. It keeps us watchful, but I am nuder no apprehension at all, for I can hold this place, without a doubt, against five times my numbers. The defenses are strong, and the approaches to them difficult. I was pleased to-day at receiving a communication from Colonel Crandal, dated at Satartia, and saying he was moving for Liverpool. This is just what is wanted if we are to hold this point. I have information that a portion of the force (rebel) here has gone to Liverpool, as I ~ip~osed they would. The force opposing me is Ross brigade of about 1,400 men, and are encamped at 2 miles beyond Beuton, 12 miles from here. They will be re-euforoed, I am reliably informed, by Jacksons command, some 5,000 nien, but whether for an attack upon me or not I am not prepared to say. I have this intelligence from an employ6 of mine, who has been with them for two days aii(l returned to-day. Since hearing from Colonel Crandal I have concluded to send the fleet forward all except the Sir Wilhiani Wallace, which I desire to keep here for foraging and other purposes for the beiiefi~ of the Govern- ment. The cotton I wrote you as beiug claimed by Forsyth I have given permission to ship to you and have you decide the legality of the purchase. I have my tents pitched, camps established, and everything looks cheering, with euouoh fi~ blood. ~ ~,hting to create a healthy circulation of th Page 320 ~32O KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Colonel Osband goes forward for his camp equipage, arms, & c., and will return in a few days. He has been eminently successful in recruiting, having his regiment nearly full and a mule or a horse for every recruit. Accompanying please find manifest of cargoes of boats and a statement of that which is on the gun-boats, but the latter of which I am not personally accountable for, as they claim to be a separate institution, and though it was difficult to convince me of the fact, yet, as advised by General Sherman, I did not dispute the point of rank. Respectfully, JAS. H. COATIES, Colonel Eleventh illinois Infantry, Comdg. Expedition. Brigadier-General MCARTHUR, Commanding Post and Defenses, Vicksbnrg, Miss. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, Yazoo City, Miss., March 2, 1864. GENERAL: I have the nonor to transmit herewith a report of all the cotton taken on expedition up Yazoo River. There may per- imaps be a few more bales on transports than is reported; if ~ it is ~Governnieiit cotton and taken from abandoned places. The amount reported includes lot of 190 bales shipped on steamer Emma Boyd, and been reported. I also send report of cotton bought by private parties as per permit from Treasury Department, and shipped on steamers Hastings and Mattie Cook. The following is a statement of amounts on Government boats: Steamer Sioux City, 400; steamer J. H. Lacey, 192; steamer Des Moines, 228; steamer Minnehaha, 443; steamer Emma Boyd, 190; steamer Sir William Wallace, 68; bales on traiisports, 1,521; amount on gun-boat fleet and in 1)ossession of Capt. E. K. Owen, 207; total amount, 1,728. By order of Col. J. H. Coates, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, com- manding post: J. W. BREWSTER, Lieutenant Eleventh illinois Infantry and A. A. Q. M. Brigadier-General MCARTHuR, Commanding Post of Vick~bu~g~ HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, T icksbnrg, Miss., ]ilarch 11, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to present you the following re- poet of Yazoo River expedition, of which I had the honor of com- manding: Pursuant to orders from Seventeenth Arn~y Corps headquarters, and special instructions from Major-General Sherman, I embarked my command on the 31st of January last, consisting of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Maj. George C. McKe& commandiiig (numbering 21 commissioned officers and 539 en ted men), and Eighth Louis- iana Infantry, African descent,. Licut. Col. F. E. Peebles command- ing (numbering 17 comniissiou.eA officers and 370 enlisted men), o Page 321 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 821 board the transports assigned for the purpose, and disposing of them to the best advantage, and convoyed by five gun-boats, nnder coin- inan(l of Captain Owen, moved np the river, arriving the same night at the mouth of the Yazoo River, where we remained during the night, taking on sufficient fnel to last two weeks. On the morning of the 1st of Febrnary, I moved up the Yazoo River, arriving at Haynes Bluff the same evening, taking on a small detachment of time First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, under command of Major Cook. On the following morning I moved up the river without inter- ruption until within a mile of Satartia, where time enemy were re- ported to be, when I disembarked Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and Major Cook with his small detachment of cavalry, *ith orders to move through the town and toward the bluffs. But few of the enemys pickets were seen, who fled at our approach. I embarked my men again at Satartia, and on the following morning (February 3) moved up the river to within 2 miles of Liverpool Heights, when the enemy opened on my advance with two pieces of artillery. I immediately moved my transports down out of range and disembarked the troops and made preparations to engage him, havimig ascertained the force to be Brig- adier-General Ross Texan brigade and mmumbering about 1,400 men. I ordered Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illi- ]iOiS Infantry to move upon the extreme left with skirmishers ad- ~Taiiced, the right wing of the Eleventh in time center moving in the same manner, amid the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, on time right and right center, to move forward with the Eleventh. We were soon warmly engaged, time enemy falling back to a hastily constructed breast-work of logs, & c., where they made a desper te stand. At this juncture Major McKee ordered a charge with the right wing only of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry (time left wing be- ing engaged with the enemys skirmishers), but the enemy being mu far superior numbers amid having advantage of position, he was obliged to fall back to his former positiomi nuder cover of a hill; not, however, without punishing the emmemy severely, as could be seeii bythe removal of their wounded. The Eighth Louisiana In- fantry, African descent, in the mean time had moved to the right amid had engaged the enemy on the flank, but were compelled l)y superior numbers to fall back to their orm~inal position, being still at close range. Heavy skirmishing noW began between my force and the enemy, which continued until nearly sunset, whe i I gave the signal, and the entire command moved back to their respective boats in good order, removing our wounded with them. Froum observations I had made I was led to believe that the enemy expected me to renew the attack the following morning, amid was more fully amid better prepared to meet me, and knowing their superiority of numbers and large advantage of position, and with two pieces of artillery, and as they were outof range of the gun-b~ts, I concluded it to be a better policy to move up the river, in order to keep them near me, as was designed by Major-General Sherman. On the morning of the 4th, I again moved up the river, and, when nearly opposite the 4oint where we had the engagement the day before, the enemy opened a brisk fire of musketry on the transports, permitting the advance gnu-boats to pass unmolested. My men mm- mediately formed temporary breast-works of boxes of hard bread, knapsacks, & c., and returned the fire with good effect. Five of my 21 R RVOL XXXII, PT Page 322 322 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. men were wounded in this affair, the names, & c., of which please find inclosed. From this point I proceeded up the river without interruption to within 6 miles of Yazoo City, where I remained during the follow- ing day, when I suggested to Captain Owen, commanding gun-boat squadron, to move two of his boats to Yazoo City to reconnoiter, which was accordingly done. They returned in a few hours, report- ing the enemy in heavy force in that place, and were fired upon with artillery, two shots taking effect in one of the boats; also reporting five guns in position and one in course of erection. I have since learned that but two pieces of artillery were there, and but a small force of infantry. Fearing a night attack, I moved down the river again nearly to Liverpool, where I remained until i~e following morning, when I learned from good authority that the main body of the enemy had left for Benton. I then moved a short distance up the river, when I observed men moving on the bluffs in the vicinity. I immediately disembarked a sufficient force, moving forward a line of skirmishers (with reserves at a proper distance), until we had full possession of the heights, exchanging but few shots, the enemy retreating on their horses back toward the interior. Fearing the small force I had dis- embarked would move too far from the boats, I ordered the proper si~nal to be given to return to the transports. The following morning I moved up the river without interruption, and on the evening of the 9th February took possession of Yazoo City. I had disembarked my small force of cavalry 0n the west side of the river with orders to move up to a point immediately opposite the city. They succeeded in capturing a small body of pickets, which had been left by the enemy, and which were duly forwarded to General McArthur by the next boat. The following day (February 10), Col. E. D. Osband arrived from Ha ynes Bluff with the balance of his regiment of cavalry, making a very effective force of about 250 men. At daylight of the morning of the 11th February, I moved up the river, arriving without interruption from the enemy until on the 13th February, when near the head of Honey Island, about 60 Con- federate soldiers were observed ahead and on the right bank of the river. I immediately ordered Colonel Os~band to disembark with his connuand and engage them, moving my transports at the same time at supporting distamice and my mei re~ady to disembark immediately. The enemy fled back from the river, closely followed by Colonel Os- band, who skirmished with them as long as he considered it prudemit to do so, when he returned to the boats, having had 3 men wounded and losing a few horses killed, but had used the enemy severely and succeeded in capturing 3 prisoners. I moved from this point and arrived at Greenwood, Miss., at 9 p. m. on the 14th February, having moved with great caution as far as Fort Pemberton, but found it evacuated. On the morning of the 16th February, I ordered Colonel Osband with his regiment of cavalry to proceed to Grenada, unless he found the enemy in too strong force. He returned the following day and reported havtng been within 5 miles of Grenada, and had learned that it was occupied by General Forrest with his command, but who was reported as moving out from that place. I remained at Greenwood until the morning of February 19 (secu Page 323 CHAP. XLJV.J TILE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 323 ilig as much cotton, & c., as possible during the time), when I re- ceived orders from Brig. Gen. John MeArthur, commanding at Vicksburg, to return to Yazoo City and hold that position until further orders (please find a copy of order inclose(l). I immediately moved down the river, taking cotton, corn, & c., when found on plantations of disloyal parties, making my descent necessarily slow (report of cotton, stock, & c., please find inclosed*). I arrived, how- ever, without interruption further than the tearing off the upper works of the transports by overhanging trees to within 6 miles of Yazoo City, Sunday, February 28, where I disembarked my whole force of cavalry, with instructions to move in rear of Yazoo City and take possession of all the roads leading therefrom. I then moved down leisurely with the gun-boats and transports (giviug the cavalry ample time to secure all the outlets from the city), and commenced disembarking my infantry. Before, however, ]I had my tot cc moved from the boats, I received information that the enemy had attacked my cavalry picket force. I immediately ordered Major Cook First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, with a U etachment of his command to move out on the Benton road and reconnoiter. I then (liseim barked my infantry and formed in line, moving the Eleren1h I~egmment double-quick to the works comman(hing the Ben- ton ioad and the Eighth Louisiana. African descent, to the ridge road on the rt~~ht and commanding the bluff, and stationed two corn )a- mites of cavalry on the extreme left. I About ~-3 p. ni. Major Cook returned, followed closely by a much superior force of the eiiemy until within range of my line of skir- mishets, who drove them back and skirmished with them nearly 3 miles. Major Cook reported having run in General loss entire coin- mualm(i about 6 miles out from the city, and who were evidently emi- (leavorilig to gain possession of the works on the heiAmts b~fore our arrival. The loss in this affair to the cavalry was rather heavy, considering the numbers engaged. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold the l)osltions they then occupied, the mcii of their comutand to lie on their arms and ready for any emergency. The enemy, however, made imo attack in force, but annoyed our picket line continually. About noon omi tue 29th of February, my camp and garrisomt eqin- page arrived, and I ordered the commajud~nts of each regiment to select a suitable camp-ground as near their positiou~ as possible, which was accordingly done, and on the 1st instant we were in very comufortable quarters. The enemy would every day make a dash on muy advance l)icket-posts and vedettes, but would retire upon any demonstration being made by the reserves, and, being well mounted, could not be overtaken. Upon tire night of the 4th instant, .1 ascertaimied that General Ross had been re-entorced by the command of Brigadier-~eneral Richard- son (reported to have 800 Tennessee troops). I gave orders to have my picket reserves strengthened by two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Imifantry and two companies of the Eighth Louisiana, Afri- can descent. Upon the mormilug of Saturday, 5th imistant, a heavy attack was See his repoi~t of March 2, 1864, P. 320 Page 324 324 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [OnAP. XLIV. made on my center picket (Benton road), but they stood their ground manfully, and not until the cue my had opened a heavy artillery fire upon the picket and reserves did they fall back to the main body of the regiment. The engagement had now become extended throughout my entire line. I had instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major Mc- Kee to hold their positions at all hazards, as their redoubts coin- manded the entire city, and as long as they were held we had the town in our possession. About 10 oclock a. m. I discovered a movement on the part of the enemy to flank me on the left, where I had posted a small detach- inent of the First Mississippi Cavalry. I at once ordered four com- panies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, Africaii descent, stationed over a mile distant, to their support. They caine gallaiitiy forward double-quick, but before they arrived within supporting distance General Richardsons entire command had entered the city proper, two regiments being between my headquarters and Fort McKee. At this time Major McKee had sent out a l)ortion of Company K, Eleventh Regiment, to opeii communication to my headquarters, but finding the enemy in too strong force they endeavored to move back to the works, and in doing so the enemy succeeded in captur- ing 10 of them prisoners. Three of them, however, escaped into the city, informing me that my only piece of artillery (a small howitzer borrowed from the gun-boat Exchange, and whueb was posted in the redoubt occupied by Major McKee) ba(l become (his- abled. I immediately sent for another of the same kind, but before I could get it in thie redoubt the enemy had gained full possession of the street, and I posted it upon the corners of the principal streets of the city and behind a hastily-constructed breast-work of cotton, and I regret to say at the first fire of the enemy the officer in charge of the gnu (Ensign Holmes, U. 8. Navy) and bis men shamefully deserted it and fled to the boat, but was met by Captain McElroy, commanding gun-boat, who refused them permission to come on board the boat. I succeeded, however, in moving the gun from its position, and procured anothier squad to uman it, and who performed thieir duty faithfully and within great bravery. The enemny at this time began to crowd nmy small force, and I ordered two niore companies from the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, Africami descent, who responded with alacrity. I miow distributed my small force, ~misisting of A Company, Elev- enthi Illinois Infantry, and six companies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, through tIme streets, in doorways, houses, & c., and com- menced a vigorous and telling fire upon the enemy, the howitzer discharging shell with telling effect into thie houses the enemy had taken possession of. During this time the enemy were ~)ourimig a heavy discharge of shot and shell from six pieces of artillery, doing little damage, however, except to the buildings. In the mean time Major McK~ in his redoubt, with nine companies of the Elevemith, ainid Major Cook with his s~nall detachment of 80 men in the rifle-pits (the rifle-pits having been constructed tIme day before). and Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, with his four companies on the right, wer~e doing nobly. Major McKee was for four hours surrounded on three sides by the enemy with six regiments, and three times was hie ordered to sur- render (orders to surrender and reply of major please find inclosed). During tIme whole time the enemy had gained his position so as to strik Page 325 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 325 the fort. He had kept up a continuous fire of artillery and small- arms, in which our loss was very severe. About 2 p. m. my force made a desperate charge through the streets, completely routing the enemy and pursuing them entirely through the town and beyond the breast-works in the left, my single piece of artillery doing fine execution. The force around and engaged with Major McKee, perceiving their right falling back in disorder, fell into confusion and began to retreat in great disorder, and the major, with only 6 men, sallied from the fort and with loud cheers actually turned the flank of one entire regi- ment. The enemy now fell back out of range, and his losses must have been very severe, they admitting the loss of over 40 killed, and their ambulances could be seen constantly employed. My casualties of this and previous engagements during the expe- dition please find inclosed. * Before the engagement of the ~th instant, I had received a coin- munication from General Ross, of which please find copies with answer inclosed; also copy of communication from General Rich- ardson, received immediately after the engagement, and answer in- closed. I cannot close this report without expressing my heartfelt thanks and unbounded admiration for the very able support afforded me by the brave Maj. George C. McKee and the officers and men of his command; to Maj. J. B. Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, and the officers and men of his command; to Lieut. Col. F. E. Peebles, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, Africami descent, and officers and men composing his command, and would respectfully call your attention to the bravery, coolness, and ability of thes~ officers. To Capt. N. C. Kenyon, Company K; Adjt. II. H. Deane, Lieut. J. W. Brewster, acting regimental quartermaster; Lieut. Charles A. Peiron- net, Company E, all of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, I am under particular obligations. They formed my staff, and acted with all the energy, bravery, coolness, and determined perseverance in the (his- charge of their arduous duties as they ever have been noted for. To Lieut. Orton Ingersoll, Company A, Eleventh Regiment, and the brave men of his command (who were detailed for provost guard, and for a long time during the engagement were the only company in time streets of the city), I desire to be~e~k your most considerate attention. During the advance of the enemy into the city, this coin- pany held greatly superior numbers in check and disputed every inch of ground. I neglected to report in the proper place, that at about lii a. m. on the 5th instant, when I found my position somewhat closely pressed, I dispatched time transport Sir William Wallace to Liverpool (24 miles) to bring the coummand (or as much as could be spared) of Colonel Crandal, Tenth Louisiana, African descent, stationed at that poimmt, but for some cause they did not arrive at ~azoo City until after the tight was over. Upon Sunday evening, 6th instant, the transports South Western, Mars, and Emerald arrived, bringing orders from headquarters Seventeenth Army corps to embark all the force, stores, & c., and again disembarking the force at Liverpool. Marching from themice, leaving time troops belonging at Haynes Bluff at that point, and * Nominal list (omitted) shows ~1 killed, 121 wounded, and 31 missing Page 326 326 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. bringing those belonging to Yicksbnrg to that station, all of which, III have the honor to report, was accomplished withont opposition from the enemy. I have the honor herewith to inclose a rongh sketch* of Yazoo City and its surroundings, with the position of troops, & c. I have the honor, colonel, to remain, respectfnlly, JAS. H. COATES, Gol. 11th illinois luf. Vols., Gomdg. Yazoo River Expedition. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Huntsville, April 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to headqnarters Military Division, and special attention called to the gallantry and bravery of Colonel Coates, Mdjor McKee, and the officers and soldiers nnder them. JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Teun., April 16, 1864. Recorded and respectfnlly forwarded for the information of tb e War Department. ~. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. TEXAN BRIGADE, JACKSONS CAVALRY DIvISION, ]Vliarch 4, 1864. Colonel COATES, Comdg. U. S. Forces, Yazoo City: SIR: Some few weeks ago 2 men belonging to the Sixth Regi- ment Texas Cavalry were captured by one Colonel Wood, of the U. S. Army, near Mechanicsburg, Miss., amid executed, without trial and in cold blood. From threats made by officers and men of your command durimig their recent raids t~rouglu this country, I am led to infer that yourself aiid command indorse the cold-blooded and inhuman proceedings of Colonel Wood. My object in addressing you now is to know whether or not such is the case. What kind of treatment shall nIemnl)e1~5 of this brigade expect, should the fortunes of war make them prisoners, imi your hamids? Will they receive the treatment due prisoners of war, or be murdered as were the 2 unfortunate men above referred to? Regard for the feelings of humanity and a strong desire to see the strucrole in ~hiclm we are engaged conducted ~s becometh a civilized l)eOPle are the motives which have prompted the above inquiries. Up to the time of the death of the 2 men who were murdered by Colonel Wood~ prisoners captured by this commuand were invariably treated kindly and with the consideratiomis due them as prisoners of war; indeed, it is the boast of tIme Texans, that while they have always damaged the enemies of their country to tIme utniost of their *See p. 331 Page 327 C~p. XLIV.] TILE MERJ1)IAN EXPEDITION. 327 ability on the battle-field and in open, fair fight, they had never yet injured nor in any way maltreated prisoners. If, however, the sad fate that befell the 2 men captured at Me- chanicsbnrg await all who may hereafter be taken, we are prepared to accept the terms, and will know what course henceforth to pursne. I trust your answer may be satisfactory to my command, and that there may be no necessity for any change in the treatment heretof ore given to prisoners. I am, colonel, respectfully, & c., L. S. ROSS, Brigadier-General C. S. Army. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS U. S. FoRcEs, Yazoo City, Miss., March 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. L. S. Ross, Commanding Texas Brigade, Jacksons Cavalry Division: SIR: Your communication of date this a. in., per flag of truce, just received and contents noted. I would respectfully reply that your information relative to outrages said to have been committed by Colonel Wood, U. S. Volunteers, is the first intimation that I have received of such transaction, and beg further to assure you that this mode of warfare and treatment of prisoners is as sincerely deprecated by me as by yourself. I desire, however, to call your attention (while speaking on this. subject) to a fact which in all probability you have not yet been advised, viz, that in a skirmish with a portion of your command on the 28th ultimo 19 of my command (colored) were missiug; since then 6 of the number have been found, presenting every appearance of having been brutally used, and compelling me to arrive at the conclusion that they had been murdered after having been taken prisoners. I beg leave to assure you that while I am desirous of performing all that is in my line of duty I will not deviate from those princi- ples dictated by humanity, and it will only be in extreme cases of premeditated provocation that I will tolerate it in any portion of my conimand. I am, general, respectfully, & c., 4A5. H. COATES, Colonel, Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo City. [Inclosure No. 3.] ~orrespondence between Brig. Gen. Lawrence S. Ross, commanding Texan Brigade, and M~j. George C. McKee, commanding redoubt at Yazoo City, Miss., March 5, 1864. FIRST DEMAND. The first demand was for the unconditional surrender of my in- trenchments and the forces under my command. The officer who bQre the flag of truce (Lieutenant Rogers, of Gen- eral Ross staff) stated that he was also instructed to say to the com- mander of the redoubt, That in case of having to storm the works, General Ross said he would be unable to restrain his men. I answered, That means General Ross will murder the prisoners i Page 328 328 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. he is successful. Lieutenant Rogers said, No, not exactly that; but you know how it will be. 1 then refused to receive the com- munication, and told Lieutenant Rogers to say to General Ross to put all of his communications into writing, for if he attacked me with the present understanding and was repulsed, I wduld kill every man that fell into my hands. This is a copy and answer to the first communication. SECOND DEMAND. HEADQUARTERS ATTACKING FORCES, Yazoo City, Jliliarch 5, 1864. ilfajor Commanding Redoubt, Benton Road: MAJOR: An unconditional surrender of the forces holding the redoubt, on Benton road, of Yazoo City, is demanded. You are entirely surrounded and cannot possibly effect a retreat. I have no terms to offer, other than that you shall receive the treatment due prisoners of war. A suspension of the firing on your position for ten minutes will be allowed in order that your answer may be received. Respectfully, & c., L. S. ROSS, Brigadier- General. (Answer.) YAzoo CITY, ]Iiliarch 5, 1864. Brigadier-General Ross: GENERAL: Your demand for the surrender of my forces is re- ceived. In answer, I can only say that I have no idea of surrender- ing. I am sorry that your threat in regard to the treatment of prisoners was not reduced to writing, as it certainly should have been. Respectfully, GEO. C. McKEE, Major Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Redoubt. THIRD DEMAND. ~,. 1. HEADQUARTERS FORCES ATTACKING YAzoo CITY, March 5, 1864. Major MCKEE: Your reply just received. I regret for the sake of humanity that you do not find it consistent with your feelings of duty to your Government to surrender the redoubt, which I can certainly storm and take. As to the treatment of your men and yours~f, I will try and have them protected if they surrender during the charge; but you may expect much bloodshed. If you have no reply to make, we will resume operations when the white flag is down from both your line and mine. - Respectfully, L. S. ROSS, Brigadier- General Page 329 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 329 (Answer.) To this demand no written reply was made. The verbal statement sent to General Ross by Colonel Jones, Third [Ninth] Texas (bearer of flag), That General Ross was a greater philanthropist than my- self, and for him to take down his white flag as soon as he reached his lines. GEO. C. McKEE, Major Eleventh illinois Infantry. [Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, Near Yazoo City, March 6, 1864. Colonel COATES, Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo ~Jity, Miss.: COLONEL: Maj. James G. Thnrmand and Lientenant Rainey, and probably other officers and men of my command, were killed yester- day in Yazoo City, and not bronght off the field. I send ambulances for the purpose of bringing to these headqnarters their remains, which I reqnest you to permit. When I captured yonr wounded yesterday, in all about 30 in one house, I did not allow tbem to be molested, although I could have brought some away with me. I hope you will treat my wounded that may have fallen into your hands with like humanity. I have about 20 of your men as prisoners I would like to exchange for any of my men you may have, and suggest that a commission from each side could meet between our picket-lines for the purpose. If the proposition meets your approbation, you will indicate the time and place in reply to my officer bearing flag of truce. I ask that one of my surgeons be allowed to visit my wounded men and officers in your possession to-day and dress their wounds if necessary. Capt. W. E. Renean, assistant inspector-general of my staff. with escort of men and ambulance train, will bear this com- munication under flag of truce. I have the honor to be, very respectfully R. V. RICHARDSON, Brigadier- General, Commanding Brigade. [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES, Yazoo Qity Miss., March 6, 11864. Brig. Gen. R. V. RICHARDSON, Commanding Cavalry Division, near Ydzoo City: GENERAL: Your communication this a. in., per flag of truce, just received, and I hasten to reply. I would respectfully state that your dead have been decently in- terred and your wounded properly and tenderly cared for, and as there can be no necessity for your surgeon and ambulance corps I decline receiving them. As to the proposition of exchange, if I mistakes not a cartel has been agreed upon in which certain pam~ties and places have been named for such exchange; and as [neither] General Richardson, C. S. Army, nor Colonel Coates, U. S. Volunteers, have been named as the parties, nor Yaz City the point for such exchange, I must re- spectfully decline your proposition. I am, general, respectfully, JAS. H. COATES, Elolonel, G~ommanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo C~ity, Miss Page 330 330 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. Llnclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST AND DEFENSES, Vicksbnrg, Miss., February 18, 1864. Colonel COATES, Commanding Yazoo Expedition: COLONEL: Your report is received and your course approved. On your return to Yazoo City you will remain there with your force until further orders, sending a boat down for your camp and garrison equipage and supplies, forwarding such property as you may have collected to this place. As trade is not yet opened to Yazoo City, you will arrest all par- ties who have not special permission from the Treasury agent at this point, approved by me; also all steam-boats not cleared from here you will take possession of and return them to this post. You will arrest all detectives who are not regularly authorized froni these headquarters or the headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps. A great deal of unauthorized seizure and plundering is committed by men under the pretense of being Government detectives, the blame of which will be attached to yonr command. The regularly author- ized Treasury agents will receive such assistance as you can consist- ently give them in collecting abandoned property and forwarding the same from time to time, together with such corn and forage as you can collect in obedience to your instructions from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman. Yours, respectfully, J. McARTHUR Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 7.] HEADQUARTERS POST, Viclcsburg, February 28, 1864. Colonel COATES, Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo City: COLONEL: Your communication was received. I have ordered your camp and garrison equipage up. Since then I have seen Gen- eral Sherman. It is not his intention to keep you where you are for any length of time. You will, th~e~re, send your steamers, with what cotton and other property you may have collected, to this place at once, when I will return the transports to bring your command down. Communicate with General Huribut, who is, I believe, at Woodruffs Mills, on the Big Black River. In regard to cotton, let all parties (bona tide owners) who have re- mained at home on their plantations dispose of the same to any one authorized to purchase, permitting the Government steamers, on their return trip, to bring it down as freight. Let Colonel Osband send across to the army and he can get men ~nongh to fill his regi- ment up. Let me hear froni you by return of boat. General Sher- man goes down the river to-night. Yours, truly, ~. MCARTHUR, Brigadier- General Page 331 (HAP. XLIY.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEi)ITIOIN. YAZOO EXPEDITION. ~v CAVALf?Y CAMP. 3r07,fh ~J. Iv 0 6jV 331 Page 332 332 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. No. fiG. itinerary of the First Brigade, First Division, U. S. Colored Troops, Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Shepard, commanding, February 10-29. February 10, detachments of Companies A, B, C, D, E, and F, First Mississippi Cavalry, amounting to about 260 men, under com- mand of Col. K D. Osband, marched to Yazoo City, Miss., and joined Yazoo expedition, conimanded by Col. James II. Coates, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and moved up with the expedition to Greenwood, Miss. February 14, met Colonel Forrests rebel cavalry, and routed them after an engagement of half an hours duration. February 16, marched to a point within 8 miles of Grenada, and finding General Forrests division (rebels) returned, moved down the river with the expedition. February 28, entered Yazoo City at 2 p. in., finding no enemy. Major Cook and ~0 nien of Companies C and D were sent to- ward Benton, 6 miles out; run into Ross Texas cavalry brigade and was compelled to retreat, enemy closely following. Captain Cook, Company E, severely wounded, 8 mcii killed, 10 missing, and 3 wounded. Enemys loss known to have been severe. On February 11, the brigade moved from Haynes Bluff to Snyders Bluff, a distance of about 2~- miles, the latter being a stronger and more easily defended position. February 29, Col. F. M. Crandal, in command of about 700 men of his own regiment (Tenth Louisiana) and the Third Mississippi, started on an expedition to Liverpool, on Yazoo River, to keep open communication between Yazoo City and Vicksbnrg. No. 61. Organization of the Army commanded by Lient. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, February 20, 1864. ESCORT. Louisiana Company, Lieiit. P. M. Kenner. LORINGS IX~SIoN.~ Maj. (len. WILLIAM W. LORINo. Featherstons Brigade. A dams Brigade. Brig. Gen. WINFIELD S. FEATHERSTON. Brig. Geii. JOHN ADAMS. 3d Mississippi, Col. T. A. Mellon. 1st Confederatc Battalion, Lieut. Col. 22d Mississippi, Lieut. Cot. H. J. Reid. Geoi gc H Forney. 31st Mississippi, Lient. Col. M. D. L. 6th Missis~pi Col. Robert Lowry. Stephens. . 14th Msassipp Lieut. Col. W. L. Doss. :33d Mississippi, Lieut. Col. J. L. Drake. 15th Mi sissippi Col. M. Farrell. 1st Mississippi Sharpshooters, Maj. Jas. 20th Mississippi Col. William N. Brown. M. Stigler. 26th Mississippi Col. Arthur E. Reynolds. Alabama~ Battei~, Capt. Stephen Char- Lookout (Teun) Artillery, Capt. Rob- pentier. ert L Bairy. * The return reports four batteries with this division; the fourth was probably Cowans Mississippi Battery Page 333 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 333 Bufords Brigade. Brig. Gen. ABRAHAM BUFORD. 27th Alabama, Col. James Jackson. 3d Kentucky, Col. A. P. Thompson. 35th Alabama, Col. Samuel S. Ives. 7th Kentucky, Col. Ed. Crossland. 54th Alabama, Col. Aipheus Baker. 8th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. A. R. Shack- 5~5th Alabama, Col. John Snodgrass. lett. 9th Arkansas, Col. Isaac L. Dunlop. 12th Louisiana, Col. Thomas M. Scott. Pointe Coupee (Louisiana) Artillery, Capt. Alcide Bouanchaud. FRENCHS DIVISION. * Maj. Gen. SAMUEL G. FRENCH. Ectors Brigade. Cockrells Brigade. Brig. Gen. MATTHEW D. EcTOR. Brig. Gen. FRANCIS M. COCKRELL. 29th North Carolina, Capt. W. W. Rol- 1st and 4th Missouri, Col. A. C. Riley. lins. 2d and 6th Missouri, Col. P. C. Flournoy. 9th Texas, Col. William H. Young. 3d and 5th Missouri, Col. James Mc- 10th Texas Cavalry,~ Col. C. R. Earp. Cown. 14th Texas Cavalry,f Col. John L. Camp. 1st and 3d Missouri Cavalry,~ Col. Elijah 32d Texas Cavalry,~ Capt. Nathan An- Gates. derson. CAVALRY CORPS4 Maj. Gen. STEPHEN D. LEE. Escort. Georgia Company, Capt. T. M. Nelson. JACKSONS DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM H. JACKSON. First Brigade. Adams Brigade. Col. PETER B. STARKE. Brig. Gen. WIRT ADAMS. 1st Mississippi, Col. R. A. Pinson. 11th Arkansas Col. John Griffith. 28th Mississippi, Col. Peter B. Starke. 14th Confederate, Capt. Josephus R. Ballentines Mississippi Regiment, Col. Quin. John G. Ballentine. 9th Louisiana Battalion, Capt. E. A. Escort, Louisiana Company,Capt. Junius Scott. V. Webb. 4th [2d] Mississippi, Maj. J. L. Harris. Columbus (Georgia) Light Artillery, 4th Mississippi. Maj. Thomas R. Stock- Capt. Edward Croft. dale. Adams Mississippi Regiment, Col. Rob- ert C. Wood, jr. 9th Tonn~see Battalion, Maj. James H. Akin. Mississippi Battery, Capt. Calvit Rob- erts. Second Brigade. Eci gusorts Brigade. Col. LAWRENCE S. Ross. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL W. FERGUSON. 1st Texas Legion, Col. Edwin R. Haw- 2d Alabama, Col. R. G. Earle. kins. 56th Alabama, Col. William Boyles. 3d Texas, Col. Hinchie P. Mabry. 12th Mississippi Baktalion, Col. W. M. 6th Texas, Col. Jack Wharton. 9th Texas, Col. Dud. W. Jones. 2d Inge. Tennessee (Barteans regiment), Escort, Texas Company, Lieut. Rush L. Lieut. Col. George H. Morton. Elkin. South Carolina Battery, Capt. John Missouri Battery, Capt. Houston King. Waties. * Batteries not accounted for on original return; they were probably Hoskins (Mississippi) and Walshs (Missouri) batteries. ~ Dismounted. ~ No report from General Forrest; the Sixth Alabama Cavalry transferred to North Alabama Page 334 334 KY., SW. VA., TENN., ~IJSS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [OTTAP.. XLIV. CHALMERS DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS. First Brigrtde. Col. W. F. SLEMONS. 2d Arkansas, Col. ~T F. Slemons. 3d Mississippi (State), Col. John Mc- Guirk. 5th Mississippi, Col. James Z. George. 7th Tennessee, Col. William L. Duck- worth. Mississippi Battery, Capt. J. M. Mc- Lendon. Second Brigade. Col. ROBERT MCCuLLOCH. 1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers, Lieut. Col. L. B. Hovis. 18th Mississippi Battalion, Lieut. Col. Alexander H. Chalmers. 19th Mississippi Battalion, Lieut. Col. William L. Duff. 2d Missouri, Col. Robert MeCulloch. Buckner (Mississippi) Battery, Lieut. H. C. Holt. MILITARY POSTS.* Cahaba, Lieut. Col. H. C. Davis. Columbus, Brig. Gen. Daniel Ruggles. Demopolis, Lieut. Col. Nathaniel Wickliffe. Selma, Col. Thomas H. Rosser. No. 62. Abstract from field return of the Army commanded by Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, February 20, 1864. Present for c~ a S a a e duty. ~ ) W a a~ ~ ~ Command. ~ .~ ~ .~ Remarks. ~ S a Cu ~ ~ a ~ a ~U General staff and escort 5 44 44 60 96 .. .. Forneys c o m man d transferred to Gen- eral Maury.t Lorings division 548 5,375 5,372 6,596 12,336 18 Frenchs division I 248 2, 442 2,417 3,094 5,287 8 Cavalry~ (Lees) 652 7,685 7,611 9,981 16640 Cheathams division from Army of Tennes- see not accounted for. Posts: command 11 74 73 102 137 Cahaba 37 254 254 351 501 Demopolis . 11 138 138 224 324 Selma 22 174 174 216 262 Total 1,534 16,186 16,0~ ~l,624 35,583 26 No. 63. Reports of Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army. MERIDIAN, February 6, 1864. (Received Richmolld, 8th.) The movement in force of the enemy from the Mississippi at Vicks- burg, which I dispatched you was contemplated, has been made. A Column estimated at 20,000 entered Jackson ~n the eveniDg of the ~th. Another column (numbers not known) has moved up Yazoo Riverintended, probably, for Yazoo City. These columns were * Composition ~f the garrisons not indicated on original returns. { Not accounted for as such on return of Department of the Gulf for this date. Reference is probably to Baldwins and Mickalls brigades. t No report from General Forrest, and none of the pieces of artillery in Lees com- mand. ~ The aggregate present and absent includes 1,134 paroled prisoners absent Page 335 CHAP. XLLV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 335 opposed by cavalry. I am concentrating my force of infantry at Morton. Whether the enemy intends to move in force across Pearl River does not yet appear. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General COOPER. HILLSBOROUGH, MISS., February 9, 1864. I have kept the War Department informed in regard to the move- ments of the enemy on the western front of this department. He moved ont in heavy force from Vicksburg toward Jackson; also in boats up the Yazoo River. Both columns were met and held in check by the cavalry until developed. He entered Jackson at 6 p. m. Friday, 5th, and from the most re- liable information with a force of from 35,000 to 40,000 infantry, sixty pieces of artillery, and cavalry not known. He crossed Pearl River at 10 a. m. on 7th with his whole force and moved rapidly upon Morton, destroying all the bridges be- hind him. He reached Morton last night, and turned toward Mobile to-day. My infantry force in this part of the department consists of Major-General Lorings division, about 6, 000, and Frenchs, 1,250, with 1,700 exchanged prisoners imperfectly organizedsay 9,000. The rest of the infantry compose the garrison of Mobile. A portion of this, on consultation with General Maury, was withdrawn and ordered to the front, in the hope of making a campaign before it should be needed at Mobile; but the enemys force proving so much larger than was anticipated, and other indications pointing to a com- bined attack on Mobile, made it necessary to restore this garrison and avoid giving battle, which, under the circumstances, might have beeii hazarded. I have therefore ordered the force from Mobile back to that garrison and added other forces to it, so as to strengthen it up to the point deemed necessary by General Maury. These troops, I have no reason to doubt, will reach their destination in due time. I have just returned from an inspection of the defenses of Mobile, and a]tho~~gh not completed are yet in fine condition and very effi- cient. The garrison has six months supply of subsistence, and is very confident. I shall take immediate steps to increase its stores by the rivers. It is of the highest consequence that its requisitions for ammunition for heavy guns should be supplied at once. I have General Lorings force and the cavalry ~tii~ in the field, and am not without a prospect of increasing both. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. His Excellency President DAVIS. NEWTON, MIss., February 10, 1864. (Via Mobile. Received Rjchmond, 11th.) I dispatched the President yesterday as to the ~situation. Since then a dispatch from General Forrest announces two columns of cavalryone to move on them at Grenada; the other on the corn region in the neighbQrhood of Columbus. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 336 336 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANT) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. DEiviopoLls, February 17, 1864. The enemy entered Meridian the 14th, (lay after my last dispatch. His forward movement was retarded by my cavalry, who assailed him in front and flank. His movement was so compact as to make it dif- ficult to do more than annoy him. Since he has been in Meridian he has been breaking up the Mobile and Ohio and the Meridian and Demopolis Railroads. I am informed by General Lee he has moved also on Enterprise. What his intentions are has not yet been deter- mined. He may still go to Mobile or retu~mm to Jackson. Ordered Lee and Forrest to harass him, and to intercept a column of cav- alry coming down to join him from West Tennessee, reported 10,000 strong. Am holding my small force in hand at iDemopolis to take advantage of events. All stores from the Mobile and Ohio Railroad of special value removed, and rolling-stock placed beyond his reach. Am increasing stores of garrison at Mobile. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond, Va. DEMOPOLIS, February 18, 1864. By my orders GeneraL Forrest left a force to hold enemy in check near Memphis some days ago, and is now moving rapidly with his column to strike that of the enemy on its way to Columbus from West Tennessee. This column is one of cavalry, reported 10,000 strong, and is moving to join Sherman and secure food for his in- fantry at Meridian. The head of this colummi is reported near Pon- totoc; General Forrest close by. General Lee moved forward under orders yesterday to co-operate with Forrest in an attack upon it. A command under General Ruggles and the Mississippi State troops will unite in the attack. To crush that force is important. 12. POLK, Lieutenant- General. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond. Th~IOPOLIS, February 18, 1864. My telegrams to the President have kept him advised of the move- ments of the enemy. The last dispatch sent yesterday. General Lee, who is covering my front, reports 7 p. m. yesterday. Says en- emy engaged tearing up Mobile and Ohio and Selma Railroads above Meridian to-day. As yet indicates movement in no certain direction from Meridian. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. MERIDIAN, February 19, 1864. Enemy reported to have torn up 10 miles of Mobile and Ohio Rail- road above Meridian. and the same amount of Selma Railroad from same point, then returned to Meridian; also to have gone down t Page 337 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 337 De Soto, below Quitman, and burned bridge on Mobile and Ohio Rail- road also an amount of Government corn and cotton, then returned to Meridian. Measures taken to save stores and other Government property have been very successful. From Pearl River eastward enemy deprived of the use of all rolling-stock between Pearl River and Tombigbee. The columns of cavalry of enemy from West Ten- nessee, reported by General Forrest to-day 10,000, with thirty pieces of artillery, crossed the Tallahatchie at New Albany on 18th and 14th. Forrest will most probably meet them at West Point, Lee moving north to meet them at same point. The preparations neces- sary for re-enforcements are being made. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond. DEMOPOLIS, February 20, 1864. No movement of the enemy in any direction from Meridian up to the present; probably awaiting the arrival of his cavalry column coming down from West Tennessee. That column reported to-night as arrived at Aberdeen. Generals Lees and Forrests columns ordered to unite and attack it. They are both between it and Sherman, at Meridian, and in supporting distance. Head of my re-enforcing column reported at Montgomery. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General, Richmond. DEMOPOLIS, Febraary 21, 1864. Head of Hardees column arriving to-day. Shall throw head of mine across the Tombigbee to-morrow, push the whole force forward as fast as it arrives, and move upon the enemy. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. President DAVIS, Richmond. DEMOPOLIS, February 21, 1864. Nothing from General Lee or Forrest to-day. Have strong confi- dence in their success in preventing junction of enemys columns, and believe they will succeed against his cavalry. Thiemy reported to have moved from Meridian in direction of De Kal~most probably to look up his cavalry, which is behind time. Refer to dispatch to President for my movements. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. 22 R RYOL XXXII, PT Page 338 338 KY,, SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. DElVIoPoLlS, February 22, 1864. The success of my cavalry in iireventiug aj auction of the enemys two colnums appears to have l)rOkeil lip his canipalgi). The following dispatch just received: LAUDERDALE, February 22, 18643 p. m. General POLK: The latest reliable information is that the enemy left the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in two columnsone from Meridian going to Decatur and the other from this place going to Herbert to meet at Union, and go thence to Cartha~,e and to Canton. R. 0. PERRIN, Colonel, Commanding. At last advices General Forrest had the enemys column of cavalry between the Sakatonchee and the Tombigbee, and was holding it there for the arrival of General Lee. The latter would join him with his column perhaps to-day. I confidently expect a satisfactory re- sult. I move my infantry forward in the morning. Two of General Hardees brigades have arrived. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. CoOPER Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. (Same to General J. E. Johnston, Dalton, Ga.) DEMOPOLIS, February 22, 1864. I bave kept you advised by telegraph of the enemys movements since he left Vicksburg. From several reliable sources I have heard it was the enemys intention to move from Vicksburg, through Jack- son and Meridian, upon Montgomery, Ala., breaking up the railroads as he xvent. it is reported as coming from General Sherman that the campaign was ordered by General Grant, and that he regarded it as a foolish one. It certainly has not been a successful one. The vigorous action of my cavalry nuder General Lee kept him so closed up that he could not spread out and forage. As an evidence of this, a drove of hogs of mine was on the way east and pursued a route within 6 miles on an average of his line of march without molestation and have arrived safely. He was depri3iet entirely of the rolling-stock of all the roads between the Pearl and Tombigbee Rivers, as well as of the use of all the valuable stores which had been accumulated at (lepots on those roads, and, finally, of the services of his cavalry col- umn. This last deprivation was fatal to the further prosecution of his campaign, and as reported to the adjutant and inspector general by telegraphic dispatch to-day, he seems to have given it up and gone back toward the Mississippi. I have reason to believe that the combin& tions now operating against his cavalry force will succeed in breaking and routing, if not even crushing it. If this should be the result, my cavalry will be ordered to fall upon the enemys flanks and rear, and press and harass him as long as he is in the field. I shall pursue him with my infantry in the morning, taking such a course as will enable me t~ act most effectively Page 339 CHAP. XLIV.) THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 339 I have already taken measures to have all the roads broken up by him rebuilt, and shall P~~ that work vigorously. The amount of road destroyed by him may be iii all about ~O miles, extending out on the fonr roads from Meridian as a ecuter. While npou this sub- ject I (lesire to say that it is of the highest importance that measures i)e taken to have the road from Selma to the Toinbigbee finished and the bridge over that river built. I hope the government will take immediate steps to have this effected. For the wailt of it it has taken the greatest exertions to save the public property exposed by the recent movements of the enemy, and such risks should not be taken again. The movements consequent upon the presence of the enemy in this department have demonstrated also that which has been too apparent before, to wit, that the system of having subsistence and quartermasters agents in this department who are working inde- pendently of the supervision and control of the department com- mander operates niost injuriously to the public service. Any sys- tem which niakes a commander in the field dependent for his supplies upon parties over whom he has no control cannot but work badly, and it may be fatally, to his command. All the benefits proposed to be accomplished by the existing arrangements can be much better secured by devolving the responsibility of collecting subsistence and quartermasters stores as well as field transportation directly on the department commander. He is upon the spot, can supervise agents much more closely than the chief of a bureau at Richmond, and cor- rect abuses as well as secure efficiency. Besides, nothing can be more inconvenient, to say nothing more of it, than to require the requisitions of a commander at this distance from the seat of gov- erunient to send his requisitions for stores to Richmond to be ap- proved before the goods can be drawn from the depots. All the evils of the system could be cured by charging the depart- ment commander with the duty of having all these stores collected by his own staff. It is as easy for him to have provision returns showing the amount of all the subsistence in his department made to the War Department every ten days as it is for him to have a field return showing the number of his troops, and he is bound to respond to a requisition for the one as for the other by the depart- ment should they be needed in a distant field. Besides all this, having two or more sets of quartermasters in the department mul- tiplies officials and their retainers to a pernicious extent and produces no small amount of confusion. I repeat, all the evils of the existing sysrem in regard to the col- lection of quartermasters stores, field transportation, and sub- sistence could be cured by having the work done through the department commander, who should not be interfered with in the administration of his department by parties from without acting under a distant authority. I assure you that a large amount of the inefficiency exhibited in these departments arises from the improper distribution of responsibility and supervision, to say nothing of its annoyance, and I earnestly hope it may be changed~ I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant, L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. His Excellency Pm~sident DAVIS Page 340 340 KY., SW. VA., LLNN., MJSS~ ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. DEMOPOLIS. February 23, 1864. The following dispatches just received LAUDERDALE STATION, 22D. Scouts from Daleville report the enemy have all left the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road. Column from Marion marched 3 miles west of Daleville. The column from Meridian is moving west to form junction with column from Marion at Union, which is 30 miles west of Daleville, thence by way of Carthage to Canton. It is thought a small force has been sent by way of De KaIb to burn government corn at that place. R. 0. PERRIN, Colonel, Commanding, & c. LINE CREEK, 9 MILES SOUTHWEST OF WEST POINT, February 22, 186410 a. m. Arrived here at daylight. Enemy are retiring rapidly. General Forrest is pur- suing, and at last report is 16 miles above West Point. He does not know yet whether they are trying to join Sherman via Houston and Grecnsborough or not. Have halted my command till I bear further from him. It is in position to inter- cept raiders unless they are off for Memphis, which I think is the case. Their force was overrated, I think. S. D. LEE, Major-General. From the above and other dispatches, all of the same tenor, pre- ceding these, I think it now certain that the campaign of the enemy is broken up. He must go beyond Pearl River, and I shall pursue him with my cavalry and follow with infantry, re-establishing my f or- mer lines as early as practicable. Is it your wish that Geiieral Hardees column be employed in operations farther west? L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond, Va. DEMOPOLIS, February 23, 1864. My head of column has move(l upoii a line pursued by the enemy to-day. General Hardees troops are supplied with transportation as fast as they arrive. They come in slowly. The whole of the first division iiot yet in. I will press the whole force forward as ral)idly as possible. You will havele rd from my dispatch of this flu )rlli]ig that the enemys infantry are retreating from Mermdian toward Pearl River; also that his cavalry has been foiled and are in retreat westward likewise. My cavalry have orders to pursue; my iufaimtry will follow. In my dispatch of this morning I asked your views as to how far west I might take my re-enforcements. You are acquainted with the country. ~ L. POLK, Lienten ant- General. His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond. * Copy sent to General Lee, at Gainesville, February 23 Page 341 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MEKIDIAN EXPEDITION. 341 DEMOPOLIS, February 24, 1864. (Received Richmond, 25th.) The following dispatch just received: HEADQUARTERS, Starloville, Miss., February 23, 1864. Lieutenant-General POLK: Major-General Forrest reports at 9 yesterday evening 2 miles south of Pontotoc: We have had severe fighting all day with the enemy. The engagement closed about dark. We have killed about 40 of the enemy and captured about 100. Our loss not known, but not so heavy a.s that of the enemy. The prisoners captured report 2 colonels and 1 lieutenant-colonel killed this evening. Colonel Forrest was killed this evening, Colonel Barksdale badly wounded in the breast. Colonel McCul- loch wounded in the hand. We have captured four or five pieces of artillery. General Gholson caine up this evening, and will follow after them and drive them as far as possible. The fighting coinmenc~cl near Okolona late this evening was obstinate, as the enemy were forced to make repeated stands to hold us in check and to save their pack-mules, & c., from stampede. The fight closed with a grand cavalry charge of the enemys whole force. We repulsed them with heavy loss and com- pletely routed them. S. D. LEE, Major-General. General Lees own column is pressing the enemys infantry with the view of harassing it on its retreat toward Canton. General Hardees command has been ordered back to Dalton. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER. DEMOPOLIS, February 27, 1864. The following dispatch from General Lee, at Macon, just received: A cavalry force crossed Pearl River on the 22d near Philadelphia, moving toward Kosciusko. Jackson and Fergusoa left Stark ville on 24th, moving westward. Richardson~s brigade left Tampico same day for Grenada. At last account Gen- eral Ghiolson was still pursuing enemy near New Albany, and had captured a good many prisoners. Forrest could not follow up his success with his main force for want of ammunition. Sherman still moving westward. L. POLK, Lieutenant-General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and In8pector General, Richmond. DEMOPOLIS, ALA., March 3, 1864. Following from one of my staff officers, dated Hilisborough: February 26, Sixteenth Army Corps crossing Pearl Riv~ at Ratliffs Ferry; Seventeenth at Grants Ferry, en route for Canton. February 27, enemy finished crossin~ to-day. Head of column is passing through Canton. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Iimspeetor General, Richmond, Va Page 342 342 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV, DEMOPOLIS, March 4, 1864. The following just from the front: Dispatch just received from General Jackson, dated Sharon, miles from Canton, February 28. He overtook the enemy at that point. Enemy crossed the whole force at Ratliffs and Cullums Ferries and proceeded to Canton, where they were reported short of rations and broken down. Will probably destroy l)ortioIl of railroad north of Canton and go at once to Vicksburg. About 25 had been killed and a number captured. Regiments in every direction to harass them. Ferguson was on old Robinson road, 12 miles from Canton. Ross had been sent to the Yazoo to attack transports; ordnance trains had gone up. Enemy would be pursued to Big Black. Lieutenant Crump, aide-de-camp, was killed on 27th while leading a charge. W. ELLIOTT, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General. I hear there are many transports up the Yazoo, and have ordered re-enforcernents for General Ross for their destruction. L. POLK, Licute maul- General. General S. COOPER, Ac~jutant and Inspector General, Richmond. DEMoPoLIS, March 4, 1864. General Forrest is in nrgent need of experienced brigade coin- manders, and nominates Col. R. M. Russell, of Tennessee, as briga- dier, which I approve. Colonel Russell is a West Point graduate, and served with great distinction under me at Shiloh, commanding a brigade; also in the late operations nn(lCr General Forrest in a like command. General F. has sent forward other nominations, to which I beg leave to referColonels McCnlloch aiid Bell. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. HEADQUARTERS, Demopolis, March 4, 1864. I send by Captain Yanderford ~c~ompanying dispatches, among them a communication from Major-General Forrest containing ac- count of his operations in checking and defeating the enemys cav- alry forces intended to form a junction with his infantry at Merid- ian. You will perceive that it was a brilliant affair, and that it accomplished my wishes in effectually preventing General Sherman availing of his cavalry in his contemplated operations. That suc- cess destroyed his campaign. Disratches from General Lees forces just received are of a very gratifying chara~ter. He has overtaken the enemy on the west of Pearl River in a very exhausted state from a want of provisions and fora~re and a long and hurried march, and is cutting up the rear of his column. I have hope of (lestroy- ing, also, son& of his boats that have gone up the Yazoo toward Grenada. Ross brigade, of Lees division, is on the riVer below them and will be re-enforced, and I have another brigade above them. The result of the campaign has been thus far satisfactory, and we have not as yet seen the end of it. I shall sen(i General For Page 343 CHAP. XLIV.] TIlE MEPJDIA~ EXPEDITIOX. 343 rest without delay into the western district to break up the Federal elections proposed to be held there within the iiext ten days, and to bring out other troops, horses, & c., from there and southern Ken- tucky. My report of the late operations will be sent you in a few days. I refer you in the mean time to my staff officer, Captain Y~nderford. I hope that the War Department will comply with my wishes aml manaoement suggestions in regar(l to the of my department in the several communications recently forwarded, as they are indispensable to its efficiency and successful management. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General COOPER, A~jnta ut and inspector General. DEMoPoLIs, March 8, 1864. The following dispatch received from General Jackson, dated: Canton, March 2, 7 p. in.: Enemys army (Sixteenth and Seventeenth C~rps), between 25,000 and 30,000 in- fantry and 1,500 cavalry, left Canton that morning after remaining three days. Sherman reached there 28th; remained six hours and passed on to Vicksburg, leav- ing McPherson in command. Sent back 9 couriers in great haste to McPherson on 29th. Army moved immediately toward Vicksburg via Livingston and Brook- yule. Large number empty transports passed down the river to Vicksburg, said to be to take Shermans army up the river. Enemy destroyed railroad 8 miles below Canton. In the country, houses bnrned and provisions destroyed. Over 200 of the enemy killed or captured. Ross killed 55 out of 70 negro cavalry near Yazoo City; several small wagon trains taken. Enemy destroyed no railroad bridge. Transports going down Yazoo River. L. POLK, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General. DEMOPOLIS, March 10, 1864. General Lee telegraphs that Ross and Richardson attacked Yazoo City on the 5th instant, capturing many stores and destroying much cotton about being shipped. Enemy r~{ir~d to city, and held it until re-enforced. They were driven out of city, which was occupied while stores were being destroyed. We have quite a number of prisoners. Our loss about 50 killed and wounded. Enemy still occupy Yazoo City and Liverpool, intrenching at latter place. Sherman issued general order at Canton, in which he speaks of many regi- ments in his army entitled to furlough. L. POLK, Lieutenant- Genera~l, Gommanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond. HEADQUARTERS, Demopolis, March 10, 1864. I have an investigation and report upon the damage done the rail- roads by the enemy in their late movements upon this department Page 344 344 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. and herewith inclose it for information of the War Department. The day after the enemy retreated from Meridian I ordered the con- centration of large working parties npon these roads for their recoi- strnction. Yen will see from the report they will all be finished in twenty days, exceptin~ the Meridian and Jackson road. I shall increase the force npon that and shorten the time allotted for its coin- plet.ion. Abont Co miles of telegraphic connections were destroyed. They have all been reconstrncted, and all the roads and commumca- tions are re-established. They will connect with Jackson and Canton in a few days. Respectfnlly, your obedient servant, IL. POLK, Lieutenant- General, Comm o adiug. General COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. [First iiidursemcnt.1 MARCh 22, 1864. Respectfully snbmitted to the President for information. The injnrles done by the enemy to the railroads were very serious, bnt General Polk is proceeding with great zeal and energy to repair them. The interrnption to commnnication will not be longer than was anticipated. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Second indorsement.] MARCH 24, 1864. SECRETARY OF WAR: I have read with gratification the within statement of energetic and successful efforts to restore lines of communication in the do- partment commanded by General Polk. Respectfully returned. JEFFN DAVIS. [Third indorsement.] MARCH 26, 1864. Communicate to General P. the. P~esidents indorsement, which will be gratifying to him. J. A. S[EDDON], Secretary. [Inclosure.] DEMOPOLIS, ALA., March 8, 1864. DEAR SIR: Below please find report of damage done the railroads by the enemy in their late movement on and occupation of Meridian: SOUTHERN RAILROAD. Between Jackson and Meridian4 bridges entirely destroyed, ag- gregate lengtl~ 950 feet; 42 bridges entirely destroyed, aggregate length 3,248 feet; 4 miles of track torn up, iron badly burned au(l bent, and most of the cross-ties burned. Five thousand cross-ties will be required, 300 bars of iron, and 500,000 feet of bridge timbers to complete the work. It can be done in forty days Page 345 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 345 ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI RIVERS RAILROAD. Between Demopolis and Meridiau3 bridges entirely destroyed, aggregate length 160 feet; 5 pieces of trestle-work destroyed, aggre- gate length 6u0 feet; 9 miles track torn np, iron badly burned and bent, and about one-half the cross-ties bnrned; 100 rails entirely rendered unfit for service. MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD. Sixteen miles of track torn up, iron badly burned, and most of the cross-ties burned; 5 miles iron torn up, but not burned; the bridges and trestles all burned 011 47 miles of road from a point 5 miles below Quitman to Lauderdale Springs and track torn up in spots. The worst destroyed track is between Enterprise and Marion Station. The bridging and trestling is of such character that it can be put up as rapidly as the iron can be straightened and the track laid. Two hundred and fifty-six negro laborers were at work on Saturday last and 250 more will be put on this week, after which the work will proceed day and night. In addition to this force a suffi- cient force of bridge-carpenters are at work to keep the bridges in advance of the track. I think the road can be completed by April 1. One bridge and one-fourth of a mile of trestle-work have already been completed. There is now at work on the Alabama and Missis- sippi Rivers Railroad 230 white laborers (soldiers), 50 negroes (laborers). One hundred and seventy-five negro laborers will be added to-day and to-morrow. One bridge 250 feet long has been completed and the timbers out for anotherthe most important one destroyed. One hundred hands are getting out cross-ties and the remain(ler straightening iron and laying track. There is a bridge force sufficient at work to keep the bridges out of the way, and the road can be finished to Meridian in two weeks. The difficulty of procuring tools and materials has hitherto retarded the work very much, but that cause has now principally been overcome. SOUTHERN ROAD. Sixty hands go to work to-morrow, 140 more on Monday next, and as many of the forces on the Alabama and Mississippi Rivers Rail- road as may be necessary to complete it as soon as that road is through. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, SAM. TATE. Lieutenant-General POLK. ADDENDA. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HEADQUARTERS, No. 22. Demopolis,. Ala., February 26, 1864. The lieutenant-general commanding offers his aongratulations to the army on the successful termination of the campaign just closed. The cheerfulness with which the troops have borne the fatigues and inconveniences of the march and their ready acquiescence in the orders directing their movements have entitled them to the highest commendation. To~the firmness and good conduct of the men and the skill and judgment of their officers in checking the enemys march, the commanding general is indebted for seen ring the public stores and depriving the enemy of the railroads and other facilitie Page 346 346 ICY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., AlA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. for foraging and subsistence. The concentration of onr cavalry on his column of cavalry from West Tennessee formed the tnrning-point in the campaign. That concentration broke down his only means of subsisting his infantry, his column was defeated and routed, and his whole force compelled to make a hasty retreat. Never did a grand campaign, inaugurated with snch pretensions, terminate more in- glorionsl y. With a force three times that which was opposed to its advance they have been defeated and forced to leave the field, with a loss of men, small-arms, and artillery. Both of their columns are retreating before the sqnadrons of our pursuing ca alry. The lieu- tenant-general commanding offers his grateful thanks to the whole army, and trusts that this opening campaign of the new year may be an earnest of the successes which await us in the future. By command of Lieutenant-General Polk: THOS. M. JACK, Assistant A (Ijutant- General. No. 64. Reports of Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, U. S. Army, of operatmons against expedition from Memphis. HDQRS. CAVALRY DEPT. OF W. TENN. AND N. Miss., Oxford, Miss., February 5, 1864. DEAR SIR: I take the liberty of addressing you, believing a com- munication relative to the state of affairs in this department would prove interesting and perhaps of importance. I succeeded in bring- ing oat of West Tennessee 8,100 troops, and have since received sev- eral hundred more. I regret, however, to state that the difficulties attending organizing reginients by consolidating the odds and ends of paper commands into full regiments have caused quite a number of disaffected officers and men to run away. having also to leave West Tennessee at very short notice, and unexpectedly to many of the men, they were illy supplied with clothing and blankets, which has contributed in some measure to cause desertion. I have, never- theless, 3,000 new troops, and hope soon to do good service with them. The enemy have evacuated Corinth and the Memphis and Charles- ton Railroad as far west as Germantown, and I have ordered the de- struction of the road from Corinth to La Grange. The advance of the enemy on Jackson, Miss., an4f up Yazoo River rendered it neces- sary to withdraw my command south of the Tallahatchie River in order to co-operate with Major-General Lee, should it be necessary; otherwise the destruction of that road would have been continued farther west. This step, whenever it can be accomplished, is neces- sary in order to prevent its reoccupation by the enemy, and to keep open communication with West Tennessee, in which there are at this time provisions sufficient to subsist an army of 20,000 men for six months. The people of West Tennessee generally ar~loyal to the South, and whenever circumstances will admit of it I expect to re-enter it, and am confident I shall be able to raise and organize at least four more full re~i- n-tents of troops. I regret, however, to state that the people of North Mississippi md the counties adjacent to the Mississippi River are much demoralized by the cotton trade carried on with the enemy. Have endeavored as far as possible to break up all communication with the enemy, seizing all the cotton found in transitn, confiscating wagons and teams, and placing the parties under h~avy penal bond Page 347 CHAP. XLIV.] TIUE MERII)IAN EXPEDITION. 34,7 not to repeat the offense or hold any communication with the enemy or traffic with citizens inside of their military lines. As soon as the roads through the bottoms will permit the moving of troops and artillery, I hope to operate successfully against the boats navigating the Mississippi River. At present it is impracticable. You are no doubt fully posted as to the movements of the enemy from Yicksburg and the Yazoo River against Jackson. My scouts, who have been on the river ever since the movenient began, report that up to the 3d instant thirty-four transports loaded with troops have passed Friars Point, going down. Estimated strength. 12,000. They have evacuated Fort Pillow and Columbus, and, except around Memphis, West Tennessee is almost entirely clear of Federal troops. With an earnest desire to place in the service every available man in the department assigned me, and to secure as far as in my power the subsistence now in West Tennessee so much needed by the army, I am, Mr. President, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. B. FORREST, Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, Major-General, Commanding. President, Richmond, Va. [First indorsement.] ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, March 9, 1864. Respectfully referred to General Bragg. The Cavalry Department of West Tennessee and North Mississippi is not known at this office. North Mississippi and West Tennessee are within the limits of General Polks command. By order Adjutant and Inspector General: H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Second indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES, Richmond, March 16, 1864. Respectfully returned. An inspection of this command has been ordered. GEORGE WM. BRENT, Colonel and A~si~tant Adjutant-General. For GENERAL BRAGG. OXFORD, February 10, 18641 p. m. (Received Meridian, 11th.) Fifteen hundred infantry and 300 cavalry came out as far as Sena- tobia. Colonel McCulloch met and drove them back to Hickahale. I think this only a feint. Their real move is to g~ from Colhierville to Pontotoc and strike the Prairies and Mobile and Ohio Road. Am preparing to meet that move as best I can. They have about 10,000 cavalry and mounted infantry. Smiths Dutch brigade from Colum- bus passed Some~xille on the 7th, going in direction of Memphis; mounted recently in West Tennessee. N. B. FORREST, Major- General. Lieutenant-General POLK Page 348 348 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. OXFORD, Miss., February 11, 186410 p. m. My scopis report a large force of cavalry and mounted infantry crossing Goldwater and moving toward Holly Springs from Byhalia. N. B. FORREST, Major- General. Lieutenant-General POLK, Meridian (care Lieutenant Otey). OXFORD, February 11, 1864. Letters per Lieutenant Otey received. Enemy 5 miles from By- halia, moving east. I am concentrating all my force at this place except Forrests brigade, at Grenada, and two regiments left to guard the Tallahatchie from Abbeville to Panola. Another column of the enemy will no doubt move from Collierville via Salem and Ripley, their destination said to [be the] Prairies and junction with Sherman. Their force is twelve regiments of cavalry and mounted infantry. On the 4th, the Second Brigade, of the Twelfth Army Corps, passed down the river, reporting the whole corps on the way from Chattanooga for Vicksburg. Two hundred pack-mules were sent from Memphis to Germantown on the 7th. My force will be ready to move from here to-morrow morning. N. B. FORREST, Major- General. Lieutenant-General POLK. OXFORD, Miss., February 12, 1864. Yazoo too low for gun-boats to get up far. About 12,000 cavalry and mounted infantry in my front. Expect they will attempt cross- ing Tallahatchie to-morrow. If I find they do not make a move toward Okolona and I cannot prevent their crossing, will fall back to Grenada. N. B. FORREST, Major- General. Lieutenant-General POLK. (Care Lieutenant Otey.) HEADQUARTERS, Grenada, Miss., February 14, 18642 p. m. (Received Gainesville, Ala., 4.45 p. in., 15th.) I am to-day falling back from Oxford and the line of the Talla- hatchie River to this place. I have skirmNshed with the enemy from Panola to mouth of Tippah River. Their forces are moving to my right, crossing Tippah to-day 10 miles above its mouth on the road to New Albany. I am of opinion the larger portion of their forces will meve via Pontotoc to Houston or Okolona and thence southward. Their forces are variously estimated at twenty-seven to thirty-one regiments cavalry and one brigade of infantry, thirteen pieces of artillery. From the best information I can get from scouts and other sources, I think they have 10,000 to 12,000 cavalry Page 349 CHAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 349 Colonel Forrests and General Chalmers brigades move this evening to Houston. I have ordered all the balance of my forces to concen- trate here, and will follow to West Point with all my forces to-mor- row. Watch your right wing closely, and have General Lees forces in position to co-operate with me. In the event the enemy proves too strong for me I shall fall back in the enemys front toward Me- ridian, in case I am forced to fall back at all. Yours, N. B. FORREST, Lient. Gen. L. POLK. Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, Grenada, Miss., February 14, 18648 p. m. (Received Gainesville, Ala., 10.15 p. in., 15th.) General Smith, with 10,000 mounted infantry and cavalry and thirty-one pieces artillery, passed Holly Springs on the evening of the 12th, going in direction of Becks Spring and New Albany. Col- onel Forrests brigade, with battery, left here at 2 p. m. for West Point. Brigadier-General Chalmers, with Colonel McCullochs bri- gade and battery of mountain howitzers, left Oxford at 4 oclock this evening, moving in same direction. Richardsons and Bells brigades, with two batteries, will leave here to-morrow evening at 4 oclock, following Colonel Forrest. Lient. Col. A. H. Forrest is on the Yazoo River with one regiment fighting gun-boats and trans- ports. Gun-boats checked; transports moving down river. I will leave a force at this place. Look out for enemy. They may get ahead of me and attempt to gain your rear and cut railroad. Send force up the road to meet them if they can be spared. Think I can make West Point by morning of 19th. N. B. FORREST, Lieutenant-General POLK, Major-General. Meridian, Miss. GRENADA, February 15, 1864. (Via Macon, 10 p. in., 17th.) My scouts report the enemy, 10,000 stroiig, crossing at New Albany on 13th and 14th with thirty pieces of artilrer5~. I fear they are ahead of me. General Chalmers brigade is moving to Houston from Oxford. Colonel Forrests brigade left here yesterday, and I think will reach West Point by 8 a. m. to-morrow. 1 move from here with Bells and Richardsons brigades at 4 oclock in the morning, and will endeavor to fall in about Starkville. N. B. FORREST, Major-General. Lieutenant-General POLK, (Care Maj. A. M. Paxton.) HDQRS. S~TARKvILLE, February 18, 18644 p. m. (Received Gainesville, Ala., via Artesia, 19th.) I have just arrived here. Have not more than 40 rounds of ammunition to the man. All my artillery will be here to-night, but the horses have been pulled through the mud and are in a broken Page 350 8~O KY., SW. VA., TENN., M1SS.~ ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIV. down condition. If possible, send me some small-arms ammunition, caliber . 54. The enemy s rel)orted moving from Houston in this (lireetion, but I am of opinion if they find out we are here that they will move by Grecusborough. At any rate, if they are not too strong will meet and fight them. Have offered them battle two or three times, and they are evidently trying to dodge around. If I find them too strong will fall back in the direction of Macon, advising you of the fact. Have three brigades here, with all my artillery. McCul- lochs brigade is 25 miles north of this. I think the enemy are fully posted of our movements, as several men [who had] been questioned by our scouts have run off and no doubt fully posted the enemy of our position, force, & c. I am ready to obey any orders you may give, and would like to be kept fully advised of your position, & c., and if the enemy is too strong will so move as to be enabled, with the assistance you may give, to meet and fight them. Have just learned that General Clark, or Governor Clark, has some amumum- tion, caliber . 54. Cannot some of itsay 50,000 roundsbe sent up on hand-cars to Artesia? I can get along with that amount, havimmg plenty for all other arms except the Austrian rifles and Sharps rifles. The ammunition, I understand, is at Macon or Columbus. Have an operator with me, and think it would be well to open tele- graphic communication with you. Will send my operator to Artesia to-night to fit up an office at that place. If you can establish an office it will greatly facilitate communication. And I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. B. FORREST, Major- General. Major-General LEE. HEADQUARTERS, Starkville, Miss., February 26, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 20th instant, and am under many obligations for the ordnance stores and train sent to Gainesville. I am also gratified at being able to say that your wishes in regard to the enemys forces under Generals Smith and Grierson are realizedat least to the extent of defeat and utter rout. We met them on Sunday morning last at Ellis Bridge, or Sakatonchee Creek, 3 miles south of West Point, in front of wlmich Colonel Forrests brigade was posted to prevent the enemy from crossing. After ~a brisk engagement of an hour and a half the enemy retired toward West Point. It was not my intention to attack them or bring on a general engagement, but to (levelop their strength, position, and movements. I moved forward with my escort and a portion of Faulkners Kentucky regiment an(l found the enemy had begumi a systematic retreat, and being unwill- ing they should leave the country without a fight, ordered the ad- vance of my column. Will forWard a detailed official report as soon as reports from brigade commanders ar~recemved. It is sufficient for me to say here that with 2,500 men the enemy, numbering from 6,000 to 7,000 strong, were driven from West Point to within 10 miles of Pontotoc in two days. All his efforts to check our advance failed, and his forces at last fled utterly defeated and demoralized, leaving 6 pieces of artillery, 100 killed, over 100 prison- ers, and wounded estinmated at 300 or over. The seriously wounded, about 50 in number fell into our hands. They took in their retreat eyery c~rria~e. buggv~ ~rb o~A W~Qn ~1oI1g~ the ~o~d to I OTITQY Page 351 ChAP. XLIV.] THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITIoN. 851 their killed and wounded officers, and all their slightly wounded, ac- cording to report of citizens, were moved in front with their pack train. Our loss is about 25 killed, 75 wounded, an(l probably 8 or 10 cap- tured. Among the killed are iii y brother, Col. Jeff. E. Forrest, command- ing brigade Lieutenant-Colonel Barksdale, commanding Georges regiment, and several other officers whose names are notn& xV reinem- bered. It affords nie pleasure to mention the fortitude and ~allantry dis- played by the troops engaged, especially the new troops from West Tennessee, who, considering their want of drill, discipline, and ex- perience, behaved handsomely, and the moral effect of their victory over the best cavalry in the Federal service will tell in their future operations against the enemy, inspiring them with courage and con- fidence in their ability to w