TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 38 (Part III) 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 4k 2~/3/fZ- 4~4 V. pY2~ THE GIFT OF FRA~ALE DOES NOT CIRCULATE A 3 Title Page Page 1 THE T \XAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXVIIIIN FIVE PARTS. PART 11(1REPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891. Page 2 (CORN ELL\ K Page 3 CHAPTER L. THE ATLANTA (GEORGIA) CAMPAIGNCONTINUED. May 1September 8, 1864. PART IJJ.* SUM MARY OF TI-Ii~ P RI NOIPAL E VENTS.t May 1. 1864.Skirmish at Stone Church. 2. 1864.Skirmish t Lees Cross-Roads, near Tunnel Hill. Skirmish near Ring~old Gal). 3,1864.Skirmish at Catoosa Sprin~s. Skirmish at Red Clay. Skirmish at Chickamauga Creek. 4, 1864.Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, Jr., assumes command of the Seven- teenth Army Corps. Skirmish on the Varnells Station Road. 5, 1864.Skirmish near Tunnel Hill. 67, 1864.Skirmishes at Tunnel Hill. 7, 1864.Skirmish at Varnells Station. Skirmish near Nickajack Gap. 811, l864.Demonstration against Rocky Face Ridge, with combats at Buzzard Roost or Mill Creek Gap, and Dug Gap. 8-13, 1864.Demonstratiou against Resaca, with combats at Snake Creek Gap, Sugar Valley, and near Resaca. 913, l864.Demonstration against Dalton, with combats near Varnells Station (9th and 12th) and at Dalton (13th). 13, 1864.Skirmish at Tilton. 1415, 1864.Battle of Resaca. 15, 1864.Skirmish at Armuchee Creek. Skirmish near Rome. 16, 1864.Skirmish near Calhoun. Action at Rome (or. Parkers) Cross-Roads. Skirmish at Floyds Spring. 17, l864.Engagement at Adairsville. Action at Rome. Affair at Madison Station, Ala. * Embraces reports of tbe Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Army Corv,s (Army of the Tennessee), and of the Confederate Army. t Of some of the minor events noted in this Summary no circumstantial reports are on file. All such are designated in the Index. Page 4 4 (CFIAP. L. THE ATLANTA CA~IPAIGN. May 18, 1864.Skirmish at Pine Log Creek. 1819, 1864.Combats near Kingston. Combats near Cassville. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Etowah River, near Cartersville. 23, 1864.Action at Stilesborough. 24, 1864.Skirmishes at Cass Station and Cassville. Skirmish at Burnt Hickory (or Huntsville). Skirmish near Dallas. 25June 5, 1864.Operations on the line of Pumpkin Vine Creek, with combats at New Hope Church, Picketts Mills, and other points~ 26-June 1, 1864.Combats at and about Dallas. 27, 1864.Skirmish at Pond Springs, Ala. 29, 1864.Action at Moulton, Ala. June 9, 1864.Skirmishes near Big Shanty and near Stilesborough. 10, 1864.Skirmish at Calhoun. 10July 3,1864.Operations about Marietta, with combats at Pine Hill, Lost Mountain, Brush Mountain, Gilgal Church, Noon- day Creek, McAfees Cross-Roads, Kenesaw Mountain, Powder Springs, Cheneys Farm, Kolbs Farm, Olleys Creek, Nickajack Creek, Noyes Creek, and other points. 24, 1864.Action at La Fayette. July 4, 1864.Skirmishes at Ruffs Mill, Neal Dow Station, and Rottenwo.od Creek. 517. 1864.Operations on the line of the Chattahoochee River, with skir- mishes at HowelPs, Turners, and Paces Ferries; Ishams Ford, and other points. 10-22, 1864.Rousseaus raid from Decatur, Ala., to the West Point and Montgqmery Railroad, with skirmishes near Coosa River (13th), near Greenpoint and at Ten Island Ford (14th), near Auburn and near Chehaw (18th). 18, 1864.Skirmish at Buck Head. General John B. Hood, C. S. Army, supersedes General Joseph B. Johnston in command of tbe Army of Tennessee. 19, 1864.Skirmishes on Peacb Tree Creek. 20, 1864.Battle of Peach Tree Creek. 21, 1864.Engagement at Bald (or Leggetts) Hill. 22, 1864.Battle of Atlanta. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, succeeds Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson in command of the Army of the Ten- nessee. 2224, 1864.Garrards raid to Covington. 23, 1864.Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, in temporary com- mand of the Fifteenth Army Corps. 23Aug. 25,1864.Operations about Atlanta, including battle of Ezra Church (July 28), assault at Utoy Creek (August 6), and other combats. 24, 1864.Skirmish near Cartersville. 27, 1864.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Army of the Tennessee. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Fifteenth Army Corps Page 5 5 OHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. July 27, 1864.Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley, U. S. Army, succeeds Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard in command of the Fourth Army Corps. Brig. Gen. Aipheus S. Williams, U. S. Army, succeeds Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker in temporary command of the Twen- tieth Army Corps. 2731, 1864.McCooks raid on the Atlanta and West Point and Macon and Western Railroads, with skirmishes near Campbellton (28th), near Lovejoys Station (29th), at Clear Creek (30th), and action near Newnan (30th). Garramis raid to South River, with skirmishes at Snapfinger Creek (27th), Flat Rock Bridge and Lithonia (28th). 27-Aug. 6, 1864.Stonemans raid to Macon, with combats at Macon and Clinton (July 30), Hillsborough (July 3031), Mulberry Creek and Jug Tavern (August 3). 30, 1864.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Twentieth Army Corps. Aug. 7, 1864.Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson, U. S. Army, succeeds Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer in temporary command of the Four- teenth Army Corps. 9, 1864.Bvt. Maj. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, U. S. Army, assigned to the command of the Fourteenth Army Corps. 10Sept. 9, 1804.Wheelers raid to North Georgia and East Tennessee, with combats at Dalton (August 1415) and other points. 15 1864.Skirmishes at Sandtown and Fairburn. 1822, 1864.Kilpatricks raid from Sandtown to Lovejoys Station, with combats at Camp Creek (18th), Red Oak (19th), Flint River (19th), Jonesborough (19th), and Lovejoys Station (20th). 22, 1864.Bvt. Maj. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, U. S. Army, assumes com- mand of the Fourteenth Army Corps. 26-Sept. 1, 1864.Operations at the Chattahoochee railroad bridge, and at P~ices and Turners Ferries, with skirmishes. 27, 1864.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Twentieth Army Corps. 29, 1864.Skirmish near Red Oak. 30, 1864.Skirmish near East Point. Action at Flint River Bridge. 31, 1864.Skirmish near Rough and Ready Station. 31Sept. 1, 1864.Battle of Jonesborough. Sept. 2, 1864.Union occupation of Atlanta. 25, 71864.Actions at Lovejoys Station. REPORTS, IETC.~Contin-~ed.* No. 437.Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, of operations May 9, 10, 27, and 28, and July 4, 5, 18, and 21. No. 438.Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ten- nessee~ of operations July 22. No. 439.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U.S. Army, commanding Army of the Ten- nessee. No. 440.Surg. John Moore, U.S. Army, Medical Director. No. 441.Capt. Andrew Hickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, Chief of Artillery, of operations July 22. * Of the campaign, unless otherwise mentioned. For the organization and effect- ive strength of the Union torces during the campaign, see Part I, pp. 89117 Page 6 3 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Caip. L. No. 442.Maj. Thomas W. Osborn, First New York Light Artillery, Chief of Ar- tillery, of operations August 3September 8. No. 443.Capt. Chauncey B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer. No. 444.Capt. William Kossak, Aide-dc-Camp, in charge of pontoon train. No~ 445.Capt. Ocran II. Howard, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Chief Signal Officer. No. 446.Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 447.Lieot. Col. Lobert R. Townes, Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff, of operations July 22. No. 448.Capt. Frank C. Gillette, Provost-Marshall of prisoners captured June 27. No. 449.Licut. Samuel Edge, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. No. 450.Maj. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations May 9-July 17 and August 15-September 8. No. 451.Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations July 2228. No. 452.Brig. Gen. Charles H. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations May 13-June 8. No. 453.Col. Milo Smith, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade, of operations July 2228 and August 23September 2. No. 454.Col. William B. Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, of operations Au- gust 31September 2. No. 455.Col. James A. Williamson, Fourth Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 456.Col. William Smyth, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, of operations May 23 June 6. No. 457.Col. Hugo Wangelin, Twelfth Missouri Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade, of operations May 13-16, July 2225, and July 28-September 3. No. 458.Capt. Charles C. Bland, Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, of opel ations May 120. No. 459.Maj. Abraham J. Scay, Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, of operations May 20-September 8. No. 460.Maj. Clemens Landgraeber, Second Missouri Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, First Division. No. 461.Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations May 13-16 and June 27. No. 462.Brig. Gen. Joseph A. J. Lightburn, U. S. Army, commanding Second Di- vision, of operations July 22 and August 916. No. 463.Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations Au0ust 18-September 8. No. 464.Capt. Gordon Lofland, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division, of No. operations May 1August 12. 465.Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations May 13-June 27. No. 466.Col. James S. Martin, One hundred and eleventh Illinois Infantry, com- manding First Brigade, of operations July 22 and 28. No. 467.Col. Theodore Jones, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade. No. 468.Capt. Cyrus M. Browne, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, of operations June 16September 8. No. 469.Capt. John S. Windsor, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Infantry. No. 470.Capt. Charles Schryver, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois In- fantry. No. 471.Lieut. Col. Delos Van Deusen, Sixth Missouri Infantry Page 7 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. 7, No. 472.Lieut. Col. George H. Hildt, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, of operations May 21September 8. No. 473.Lieut. Col. Samuel R. Mott, Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 474.Brig. Gen. Joseph A. J. Lightburn, U. S. Army, commanding~econd Brigade, of operations May 9-June 27 and July 28. No. 475.Col. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, commanding Seco~ i Brigade. No. 476.Col. James S. Martin, One hundred and eleventh Illinois Infantry. No. 477.Capt. Benjamin North, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry. No. 478.Ca.pt. Carl Moritz, Thirty-seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 479.Lieut. Col. Louis von Blessingh, Thirty-seventh Ohio infantry, of oper. ations May 1019. No. 480.Maj. Thomas T. Taylor, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 481.Col. Augustus C. Parry, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry, of operations May 1120. No. 482.tieut. Col. Robert A. Fulton, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry. No. 483.-Col. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, of operations May 1316. No. 484.Maj. Israel T. Moore, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. No. 485.Lient. George Echte, Second Missouri Light Artillery, commanding Bat- tery A, First Illinois Light. Artillery. No. 486.Capt. Francis De Gress, Battery H, First Illinois Light Artillery. No. 487.Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of affairs (May 17) at Madison Station, Ala., and (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. No. 488.Col. Green B. Raum, Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of attack (May 19) on train near Bellefonte, Ala., capture of train (July 5) near Tilton, Ga., combats (August 14-15) at and near Dal- ton, Ga., and affair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. No. 489.Col. Adam B. Gorgas, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, of affair (May 17) at Madison Station, Ala. No. 490.Col. Clark R. Wever, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, of capture of train (July 5) near Tilton, Ga. No.. 491.Lient. Col. Samson M. Archer, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, of capture of train (July 5) and affair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. No. 492.Capt. John C. Snodgrass, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, of affair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. No. 493.Brig. Gen. William harrow, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division. No. 494.Col. Reuben Williams, Twelfth Indiana Thfantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations May 16August 3. No. 495.Col. John M. Oliver, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations August 4September 8. No. 496.Lieut. Col. Robert A. Gilimore, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry. No. 497.Maj. Edward Adams, Forty-eighth Iliiuiois Infantry, of operations August 3September 7. No. 498.Lient. Col. Owen Stuart, Ninetieth Illinois infantry, of operations May 1 August 3. No. 499.Capt. Daniel OConnor, Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, of operations August 3September 8. No. 500.Lient. Col. James Goodnow, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, of operations May 1-August 3. No. 501.Col. Reuben Williams, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, of operations August 3-September 8. No. 502.Lient. Col. John M. Berkey, Mnety-ninth Indiana Infantry, of operations August 3-September 2 Page 8 8 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~CHAP. L. No. 503.Lieut. CoL Albert Heath, One hundredth Indiana Infantry. No. 504.Lieut. Col. Frederick S. Hutchinson, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, of ~ operations August 3September 2. No. 505.Capt. Henry L. Philips, Seventieth Ohio Infantry, of operations August 4September 3. No. 506.Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcutt, U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 507.Capt. William Stewart, Fortieth Illinois Infantry, of operations June 3September 2. No. 508.Maj. Asias Willison, One hundred and third Illinois Infantry. No. 509.Lieut. Col. George W. Wright, One hundred and third Illinois Infantry, of operations May 1315. No. 510.Col. Robert F. Catterson, Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry, of operations May 115. No. 511.Maj. Thomas J. Ennis, Sixth Iowa Infantry, of operations May 5-15. No. 512.Lieut. Col. Alexander J. Miller, Sixth Iowa Infantry. No. 513.Capt. Joshua W. Heath, Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of operations May 115. No. ~14. Licut. Col. Isaac N. Alexander, Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of operations May 17-September 8. No. 515.Col. John M. Oliver, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations May 6August 3. No.- 516.Maj. Edward Adams, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, o~ operations May 6-August 3. No. 517.Lieut. Col. John M. Berkey, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, of operations May 6-August 3. No. 518.Lieut. Col. Frederick S. Hutchinson. Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, of operations May 6-August 3. No. 519.Maj. William B. Brown, Seventieth Ohio Infantry, of operations July 22. No. 520.Capt. Louis Love, Seventieth Ohio Infantry, of operations May 6Au- gust 3. No. 521.Capt. Henry H. Griffiths, First Iowa Battery, Chief of Artillery, Fourth Division, of operations May 13-15 and July 2022. No. 522.Capt. Josiah H. Burton, Battery F, First Illinois Light Artillery, of oper- ations May 1216, July 2022, August 18 and 23. No. 523.Lieut. William H. Gay, First Iowa Battery, of operations May 115 and July 2022. No. 524.-Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, U. S. Army, conmianding Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, of operations April 29-August 19. ~o. 525.Brig. Gen. Thomas E. G. Ransom, U. S. Army, commanding Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, of operations August 19-September 8. No. 526.Capt. James M. McClintock, Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, Acting Signal Of- ficer, of operations July 22. No 527.Lieut. William H. Sherfy, Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry, Acting Sig- nal Qificer, of operations July 22. No. 528.Lieut. Joseph L. Shellabarger, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois In- fantry, Acting Signal Officer, of operations July 22. No. 529.Brig. Gen. John M. Corse, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 530.Brig. Gen. Elliott W. Rice, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 531.Lieut. Col. Edwin A. Bowen, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry. No. 532.Lieut. Col. Roger Martin, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry, of operations May 1415. No. 533.Capt. Alfred Morris, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry. No. 534.Maj. Thomas G. Morrison, Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry, of operations - July 22 Page 9 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. 9 No. 535.Capt. John A. Duckworth, Second Iowa Infantry. No. 536.Maj. Mathew G. Hainill, Second Iowa Infantry, of operations July 22. N;. 537.Lieut. Col. James C. Parrott, Seventh Iowa Infantry, of operations May 14-15 and July 22. No. 538.Capt. Samuel Mahon, Seventh Iowa Infantry. No. 539.Col. Robert N. Adams, Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 540.Lient. Col. Jesse J. Phillips, Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, command- ing Second Brigade, of operations July 22. No. 541.Capt. Samuel T. Hughes, Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry. No. 542.Lieut. Col. Henry Van Sellar, Twelfth Illinois Infantry. No. 543.Capt. William S. Boyd, Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry. No. 544.Capt. William C. Henry, Eighty-first Ohio Infantry. No. 545.Lieut. Col. Robert N. Adams, Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, of operations July 22. No. 546.Col. Richard Rowett, Seventh Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade. No. 547.Capt. Samuel E. Lawyer, Seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry, of capture of train (July 5) near Tilton, Ga. No. 548.C~t. Frederick Welker, Battery H, First Missouri Light Artillery. Chief of Artillery, Second Division, of operations July 22. No. 549.-Lieut. Andrew T. Blodgett, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, commanding Battery H, First Missouri Light Artillery. No. 550.Brig. Gen. John W. Fuller, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division. No. 551.Lient. Col. Henry T. McDowell, Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry, command- ing First Brigade. No. 552.Lient. Col. Michael W. Manning, Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry. No. 553.Lient. Col. Charles S. Sheldon, Eighteenth Missouri Infantry. No. 554.Lient. Col. Mendal Churchill, Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry, of oper- ations July 22. No. 555.Maj. John S. Jenkins, Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry. No. 556.Lient. Col. Henry T. McDowell, Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry, of operations July 22. No. 557.Brig. Gen. John W. Sprague, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 558.Col. John J. Cladek, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Infantry, of operations May 13-15 and July 22. No. 559.Lient. Col. William A. Henry, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Infantry. No. 560.Col. Wager Swayne, Forty-third Ohio Infantry. No. 561.Maj. John W. Fonts, Sixty-third Ohio Infantry. No. 562.Lient. Col. Jeremiah M. Rusk, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry. No. 563.Col. James H. Howe, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of skirmish (May 27) at Pond Springs, Ala. No. 564.Col. John Tilison, Tenth Illinois Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations August 20September 6. No. 565.Capt. George C. Lusk, Tenth Illinois Infantry. No. 566.Capt. James S. Wright, Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry. No. 567.Col. Charles H. De Groat, Thirty-second Wisconsin Infantry. No. 568.Capt. George Robinson, Battery C, First Michigan Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Fourth Division, of operations July 22. No. 569.Lieut. Henry Shier, Battery C, First Michigan Light Artillery, of oper- ations July 22. No. 570.Lient. Seth M. Laird, Fourteenth Ohio Battery, of operations July 22. No. 571.Lieut. Lemuel Smith, Fifth U. S. Artillery, commanding Battery F, Second U. S. Artillery, of operations July 22 Page 10 10 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 572.Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, jr., U. S. Army. commanding Seventeenth Army Corps. No. 573.Col. Oscar Malmborg, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, Chief Engineer, of operations June 6-21. No. 574.Lieut. James R. Dunlap, Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry, Chief Acting Signal Officer, of operations July 22. No. 575.Lieut. Clifford Stickney, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, Acting Signal Officer, of operations July 22. No. 576.Brig. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, U. S. Army, commanding Third Divis- ion, of operations June 27 and July 2122. No. 577.Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations August 23-September 8. No. 578.Col. George E. Bryant, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 579.Lieut. Col. Greenberry F. Wiles, Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade. No. 580.Col. Adam G. Malloy, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 581.Maj. John T. Cheney, First Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Corps Artil- lery, of operations July 22. No. 582.Lieut. William Justin, Battery H, First Michigan Light Artillery, of operations August 31September 1. No. 583.Brig. Gen. Walter Q. Gresham, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Divis- ion, of operations May 27-July 20. No. 584.Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, of operations July 21September 8. No. 585.Col. William L. Sanderson, Twenty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations June 27. No. 586.Col. Benjamin F. Potts, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations July 17September 8. No. 587.Col. William Hall, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations Jun~ 27 and July 5 and 22. No. 588.Col. John Shane, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 21; No. 589.Brig. Gen. William W. Belknap, U.S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of operations July 31September 8. No. 590.-Lieut. Col. John C. Abercrombie, Eleventh Iowa Infantry. of operations July 22. No. 591. Maj. William A. Walker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, of operations July 21. No. 592.Col. John Shane, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, of operations July 22 ~nd 28. No. 593.Col. William W. Belknap, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, of operations July 21, 22, and 28. No. 594.Lieut. Col. Addison H. Sanders, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, of operations July 22. No. 595.Capt. Crandall W. Williams, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, of operations July 22. No. 596.Medals of Honor awarded Union soldiers for distinguished services. No. 597.General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennes- see, of operations December 27, 1863July 17, 1864. No. 598.General John B. Hood, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennessee, of operations July 18September 6. No. 599.Organization of the Confederate forces. No. 600.Strength of the Confederate forces. No. 601.Casualties in the Confederate forces May 6July 9 Page 11 OHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. 11 No. 602.Brig. Gen. Francis A. Shoup, C. S. Army, Chief of Staff, of operations July 25-September 7. No. 603.Lient. Gen. William J. Hardee, C. S. Army, commanding corps. No. 604.Itinerary of Hardees army corps May 15June 14. No. 605.Brig. Gen. George Maney, C. S. Army, commanding Cheathams division, of operations August 31. No. 606.Brig. Gen. John C. Carter, C. S. Army, commanding Cheathams division, of operations September 1. No. 607.Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry, Gists bri- gade, of operations May 6-July 18 and September 1. No. 608.Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 727. No. 609.Brig. Gen. Mark P. Lowrey, C. S~. Army, commanding Cleburnes divis- ion, of operations August 31 and September 1. No. 610.Capt. Aaron A. Cox,* Fifth Confederate Infantry, Polks brigade, of operations July 2022. No. 611.Brig. Gen. Mark P. Lowrey, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations July 20September 1. No. 612.Col. John Weir, Fifth Mississippi Infantry, commanding Lowreys brig- ade, of operations August 31 and September 1 and 2. No. 613.Brig. Gen. Daniel C. Govan, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations July 22. No. 614.-CoI. Peter V. Green, Fifth Arkansas Infantry, commanding Govans brigade, of operations August 31 and September 1. No. 615.Brig. Gen. Hiram B. Granbury, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations August 31 and September 1. No. 616.Brig. Gen. James A. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations July 21 and 22. No. 617.Lieut. Thomas L. Flynt. Sixth Texas Infantry, commanding Sixth Texas Infantry and Fifteenth Texas Cavalry (dismounted), of operations July 2022. No. 618.Capt. J. William Brown, Seventh Texas Infantry, of operafions July 20 22. No. 619.Capt. John A. Formwalt, Tenth Texas Infantry, of operations July 21 and 22. No. 620.Capt. William H. Perry, Eighteenth Texas Cavalry, commanding Seven- teenth and Eighteenth Texas Cavalry (dismounted), of operations July 2022. No. 621.Maj. William A. Taylor, Twenty-fourth Texas Cavalry, commanding Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Texas Cavalry (dismounted), of oper- ations July 2022. No. 622.Lieut. Col. Cincinnatus S. Guyton, Fifty-seventh Georgia Infantry, com- mandingMercers brigade, of operations July 22-24. No. 623.Col. Charles H. Olmstead, First Volunteer Georgia Infantry, command- ing Mercers brigade, of operations August 2-September 1. No. 624.Col. William Barkuloo, Fifty-seventh Georgia Infantry, commanding Mercers brigade, of operations July 22August 2. No. 625.Lieut. Gen. John B. Hood, C. S. Army, commanding corps, of operations May 7-July 17. No. 626.Lient. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding corps (formerly Hoods), of operations July 27-September 19. No. 627.Brig. Gen. John C. Brown, C. S. Army, commanding Hindmans division, of operations July 28 and 29. * Report probably signed by this officer. The opy on file is without signature Page 12 12 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGI. [CHAP. L. No. 628.Maj. Gen. Patton Anderson, C. S. Army, commanding division (formerly Hindmans), of operations July 30-August 31. No. 629.Lient. Col. Harry T. Toulmin, Twenty-second Alabama Infantry, com- manding Deas brigade, of operations July 28. No. 630.Capt. Isaac M. Whitney. Twenty-second Alabama Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 631.Capt. Napoleon B. Rouse, Twenty-fifth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 22 and 28. No. 632.Capt. Alexander J. Miller, Thirty-ninth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 22 and 28. No. 633.Capt. Archibald D. Ray, Fiftieth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 634.Brig. Gen. Arthur M. Manigault, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations July 28. No. 635.Capt. Starke H. Oliver, Twenty-fourth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 636.Lieut. Col. William L. Butler, Twenty-eighth Alabama Infantry, of oper- ations July 28. No. 637.Maj. John N. Slaughter, Thirty-fourth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 638.Capt. Elijah W. Home, Nineteenth South Carolina Infantry, of oper- ations July 22 and 28. No. 639.Brig. Gen. Jacob H. Sharp, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations July 28. No. 640.Col. William H. Bishop, Seventh Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 641.Lieut. Col. Benjamin F. Johns, Seventh Mississippi Infantry, command- ing Ninth Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 642.Col. J. Byrd Williams, Forty-first Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 643.Lieut. Col. R. G. Kelsey, Forty-fourth Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 644.Lieut. J. B. Downing, Ninth Mississippi Battalion Sharpshooters, of oper- ations July 28. No. 645.Brig. Gen. Edward C. Walthall, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations May 720. No. 646.Brig. Gen. William F. Brantly, C. S. Army, commanding brigade (for- merly Walthalls), of operations July 28. No. 647.Col. Robert P. McKelvaine, Twenty-fourth Mississippi Infantry, com- manding Twenty-fourth and Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry, of operations May 1218. No. 648.Lient. Col. William L. Lyles, Twenty-fourth Mississippi Infantry, com- manding Twenty-fourth and Twenty-seventh Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 649.Col. William F. Brantly, Twenty-ninth Mississippi Infantry, commanding Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Mississippi Infantry, of operations May 720. No. 650.Lient. Col. James M. Johnson, Thirtieth Mississippi Infantry, command- ing Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28. No. 6o1.-.--Col. Samuel Benton, Thirty-fourth Mississippi Infantry, of operations May 11-18. No. 652.Capt. T. S. Hubbard, Thirty-fourth Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 28 Page 13 C~1AP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. 13 No. 653.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson. C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 1-30 and June 22. No. 654.Maj. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations May 727. No. 655.Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton, C. S. Army, commanding division (formerly Stewarts), of operations July 22 and 28 and August 31. No. 656.Brig. Gen. Marcellus A. Stovall, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations May 7-15 and August 31. No. 657.Col. Abda Johrison, Fortieth Georgia Infantry, commanding Stovalls brigade, of operations May 15~-June 1. No. 658.Capt. J. N. Dobbs, Fortieth Georgia Infantry, of operations May 729. No. 659.Maj. Mark S. Nall, Forty-first Georgia Infantry, of operations May 7-25. No. 660.Capt. Lovick P. Thomas, Forty-second Georgia Infantry, of operations May 14-25. No. 661.Maj. William C. Lester, Forty-third Georgia Infantry, of operations May 130. No. 662.Capt. Rufus R. Asbury, Fifty-second Georgia Infantry, of operations May 1525. No. 663.Brig. Gen Henry D. Clayton, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations May 727. No. 664.Col. Bushrod Jones, Fifty-eighth Alabama Infantry, commanding Holtz- claws (formerly Claytons) brigade, of operations August 31. No. 665.Lieut. Col. Peter F. Hunley, Eighteenth Alabama Infantry, of operations May 727. No. 666.Capt. James A. Wemyss, Thirty-f ixth Alabama Infantry, of operations May 7-28. No. 667.Capt. George W. Welch, Thirty-eighth Alabama Infantry, of operations May 7-27. No. 668.Col. Bushrod Jones, Fifty-eighth Alabama Infantry, commanding Thirty- second and Fifty-eighth Alabama Infantry, of operations May 7-28. No. 669.Brig. Gen. Aipheus Baker, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations May 7-June 2. No. 670.Licut. Col. Alexander A. Greene, Thirty-seventh Alabama Infantry, of operations May 7June 2. No. 671.Col. John H. Higley, Fortieth Alabama Infantry, of operations May 727. No. 672.Capt. William D. McNeill, Forty-second Alabama Infantry, of operations May 7-31. No. 673.Lieut. Col. John A. Minter, Fifty-fourth Alabama Infantry, of operations May iJune 2. No. 674.Brig. Gen. Randall L. Gibson, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations May 7-25, July 28, and August 31. No. 675.Maj. S. S. Batchelor, First Louisiana Infantry (regulars), of operations May 9-27. No. 676.Maj. Duncan Buie, Fourth Louisiana Battalion Infantry, of operations May 1529. No. 677.Lieut. Col. Francis L. Campbell, Thirteenth Louisiana Infantry, of oper- ations May 7-29. No. 678.Maj. John E. Austin, Fourteenth Louisiana Battalion Sharpshooters, of operations May 7-29. No. 679.Col. Joseph C. Lewis, Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, commanding Six- teenth and Twenty-fifth Louisiana Infantry, of operations May 7-28. No. 680.Lieut. Col. Ryder A. Kennedy, Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, of oper- ations May 8-13 Page 14 14 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 681.Col. Richard W. Turner, Nineteenth Louisiana Infantry, of operations May 14-28. No. 682.Capt. Robert L. Keen, Twentieth Louisiana Infantry, of operations May 2629. No. 683.Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Mississippi, of operations May 18-31. No. 684.Maj. Ger~. William W. Loring, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Missis- sippi, of operations June 27. No. 685.Lient. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, C. S. Army, commanding corps (for- merly Polks), of operations July 18September 29. No. 686.Capt. Charles F. Yanderford, Chief Ordnance Officer, Army of Mississippi, of guns engaged, & c., May 13-June 20. No. 687.Maj. Gen. William W. Loring, C. S. Army, commanding division, of oper- ations May 10-31 and July 20. No. 688.Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding Lorings division, of operations June 27. No. 689.Brig. Gen. Winfield 5. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations July 20. No. 690.Maj. James M. Stigler, First Mississippi Battalion Sharpshooters, of oper- ations July 20. No. 691.Lieut. Col. Samuel M. Dyer, Third Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 692.Maj. Martin A. Oatis, Twenty-second Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 693.Capt. Thomas J. Pulhiam, Thirty-first Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 694.Capt. Moses Jackson, Thirty-third Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 695.Capt. Charles A. Huddleston, Fortieth Mississippi Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 696.Brig. Gen. John Adams, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations July 19. No. 697.Brig. Gen. Thomas M. Scott, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations July 20. No. 698.Col. Samuel S. Ives, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry, commanding Twenty- seventb, Thirty-fifth, and Forty-ninth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 699.Col. John Snodgrass. Fifty-fifth Alabama Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 700.Capt. Augustus L. Milligan, Fifty-seventh Alabama Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 701.Col. Noel L. Nelson, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, of operations July 20. No. 702.Maj. Gen. Samuel G. French, C. S. Army, commanding division, of oper- ations May 1631, June 27, and July l7-September 6. No. 703.Brig. Gen. William H. Young, C. S. Army, commanding Ectors brigade, of operations July l7September 4. No. 704.Col. William H. Young, Ninth Texas Infantry, of operations June 27. No. 705.Brig. Gen. Francis M. Cockrell, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations June 27 and July l7-September 7. No. 706.Brig. Gen. Claudius W. Sears, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations August 4-27. No. 707.CoL William H. Clark, Forty-sixth Mississippi Infantry, of operations August 2-5. No. 708.Maj. Gen. Edward C. Walthall, C. S. Army, commanding division, of operations June 27 and July l8-September 3 Page 15 CHAP. 14 REPORTS, ETC. hi No. 709.Brig. Gen. William A. Quarles, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations June 27 and July 20 and 28. No. 710.Maj. Samuel L. Knox, First Alabama Infantry, of operations June 27. No. 711.Brig. Gen. Daniel H. Reynolds, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations June 27, July 14-20 and 28. No. 712.Col. Edward A. ONeal, Twenty-sixth Alabama Infantry, commanding Canteys brigade, of operations June 27 and July 20 and 28. No. 713.Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps, of operations May 631 and July 17-October 9. No. 714.Col. D. T. Blakey, First Alabama Cavalry, Allens brigade, of operations A~igust 31. No. 715.Brig. Gen. Lawrence S. Ross, C. S. Army, commanding cavalry brigade (Army of Mississippi), of operations May 17 and July 2830. No. 716.Brig. Gen. Phillip D. Roddey, C. S. Army, of operations May 27-29. No. 717.Col. Josiah Patterson, Fifth Alabama Cavalry, commanding brigade, of operations May 26-29. No. 718.Capt. Thomas J. Key, Arkansas Artillery, commanding Hotchkiss artil- lery battalion, of operations July 22. No. 719.Lieut. Richard L. Watkins, Lookout (Tennessee) Artillery, of operations July 20. No. 720.Maj. George S. Storrs, C. S. Artillery, commanding artillery battalion, of operations June 27. No. 721.Lient. Charles W. Lovelace, Seldens (Alabama) battery, of operations July 20. No. 722.Maj. Gen. Gustavus W. Smi h, C. S. Army, commanding Georgia militia, of operations June 1September 15. No. 723.Maj. Gen. Howell Cobb, C. S. Army, of operations July 30 and 31 (Stone- mans raid). No. 724.Lieut. John A. Vaughan, Eighth Confederate Cavalry, commanding scouts, of operations July 2731 (McCooks raid). No. 725.Capt. Tbomas H. Francis Fourth Tennessee Infantry, of affairs at Auburn, Ala., July 18September 15. No. 726.Maj. W. T. Walthall, of operations July 1316 (Rousseaus raid). No. 727.Maj. John C. Bureb, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army, of oper- ations July 1316 (Rousseaus raid). No. 728.Journal of operations of the Army of Tennessee May 14June 4. No. 729.Findings of the Court of Inquiry upon the loss of Confederate stores at Atlanta. No. 730. Maj. William Clare, Assistant Inspector-General, upon the removal of cit- izens from Atlanta. No. 731.Brig. Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, C. S. Army, of operations June 24. No. 732.Col. Charles G. Armistead, Twelfth Mississippi Cavalry, commanding brigade, of operations June 24. No. 733.Col. Charles P. Ball, Eighth Alabama Cavalry, of operations June 24. No. 734.Lient. Col. Philip B. Spence, Twelfth Mississippi Cavalry, of operations June 24. No. 735.Capt. William V. Harrell, Lewis (Alabama) battalion, of operations June 24. No. 736.Col. James J. Neely, Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry, commanding brigade, of operations June 24. No. 737.Resolution of thanks to officers and soldiers in the Confederate service from the State of Missouri Page 16 16 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 437. Reports of Maj. Gen. James B. lVlicPherson, U. S. Army, com- manding Army of the Tennessee, of operations May 9, 10, 27, and 28. and July 4, 5, 18, and 21. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, about Fire Miles from Resaca, at Intersection of Cross-Roads, May 9, 186412.30 p. m. GENERAL: We met one brigade of rebel cavalry shortly after we emerged from the gap this morning; drove theni back after a slight skirmish. Dodges advance mnst be within two miles of Resaca by this time. The cavalry which we met here was part of Wheelers. Prisoners say they left Dalton at 10 p. m. last night and expected to get possession of the gap. We were a little too quick for them. I cannot find out whether there is any considerable force of infantry at Resaca or not. Will know soon. Few houses along the road and no one at home, except women and children. Country densely wooded. Is impossible to communicate with General Hooker by signals, owing to the rough, impracticable natnre of the country and the dense foliage. I propose to cut the railroad, if possible, and them fall back and take a strong position near the gorge on this [side] of the mountain and await your orders. I wrote to General Hooker to control the road across the mountain from Dalton, about six miles north of Snake Creek Gap. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Jllilitary Division of the Mississippi. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AN~ ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Camp at Sugar Valley, May 9, 186410.30 p. m. GENERAL: General Dodges command moved up and skirmished with the enemy at Resaca this afternoon. While that was going on one company of mounted infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips regiment, succeeded in reaching the railroad near Tilton Station, but was forced to leave without damaging the track. They tore down a small portion of the telegraph wire. The enemy have a strong position at Resaca naturally, and, as far as we could see, have it pretty well fortified. They displayed considerable force, and opened on us with artillery. After skirmishing till nearly dark, and finding that I could not succeed in cutting the railroad before dark, or getting to it, I decided to withdr~w the command and take up a position for the night between Sugar Valley and the entrance to the gap for the following reasons: First. Between this point and Resaca there are a half dozen good roads leading north toward Dalton down which a column of the enemy could march, making our advanced position a very exposed one. Second. General Dodges men are all out of provisions, and some regiments have had nothing to-day. His wagon train is betwee Page 17 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 17 here and Villanow, and possibly some of them are coming through the gap now, but they Could not have reached him near ResaCa; besides, I did not wish to block up the road with a train. It is very narrow, and the country on either side is heavily wooded. I had no Cavalry except Phillips monuted men to feel out on the flanks. If I could have had a division of good cavalry I could have broken the railroad at some point. I shall be compelled to rest my men to-morrow forenoon, at least, to enable them to draw provisions. We have lost some 0 men killed and 80-odd wounded, but have in- flicted a greater amount of damage to the enemy, and captured about ~Th prisoners. General Kilpatrick is very anxious to make the attempt to cut the railroad. General Garrard is in La Fayette to- night; says his horses are very much fatigued and short of forage; desires to remain there until his forage train comes down from Chat- tanooga. When I move forward again I would like a division of Hookers command to hold the entrance to the ~gap and the roads at Sugar Valley, thereby enabling me to move forward with my entire command, except train guards. The news from Grant is glorious. Sincerely, yours, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Cornmaiidiug Military Division of the Mississippi. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Camp in Sugar Creek Valley, May 10, 18645 p. m. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dis- patches of l0[. 30] a. m. to-day. ~ Brigadier-General Williams has re- ported his division at the west end of the gap, and I have directed him to leave one brigade there to guard time trains, and to bring the other two through to this side, posting one regiment on the crest of the mountain near the letter M, on the northeast side of the mountain. Brigadier-General Kilpatricks cavalry is just arriiwing here, and Garrard will be in Villanow to-night. Early this morn- ing I sent out my engineer officers and selected a line which I think a good one, and have been fortifying it all day. The work has not progressed as satisfactorily as I could have wished, for want of~ in- trenching tools in sufficient quantity, though we get along very well. If the enemy attack me, you may rest assured we will give him the best fight we can and he will have to come in strong force to dis- turb us. We have been skirmishing more or less all (lay wmtn rebel cavalry, and they have a line of vedettes extending all around us except on the west, watching our movements and evidently to make out our force. From some of the elevated points they can obtain a pretty good view. Their skirmish line, a very light one, easily driven back, and composed of cavalry, is about seven miles long. From what you say of the position at Buzzard Roost I think it is the place to attack them, and by throwing in here a large force we would have the chances of a decided victory on our side. I feel sat- isfied if you could see the position of things here you would be of *See Part IV. P~ R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 18 18 THR ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. the same opinion. The road through Snake Creek Gap is good and about six miles long. After getting through the country is undulat- ing and generally densely timbered. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Maj. Gen. ~. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. IN THE FIELD Dallas, Ga., May 27, 18644 p. m. We have forced the enemy back to his breast-works throughout nearly the whole extent of his lines and find him occupying a strong position extending apparently from the north Marietta, or New Hope Church, road, to across the Villa Rica road. Our lines are up within close musket-range in many places, and the enemy appear to be massing on our right. I cannot well work toward the left; cer- tainly not until I get trains and everything out of the way, for as soon as we uncover this flank (the right), the enemy will be on it. 7ory respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Maj. Gen. ~. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. DALLAS, GA., May 28, 18646.25 p. m. The enemy attacked us in force at 4.45 p. m. along the whole ex- tent of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Corps, and was handsomely repulsed, with heavy loss on his side and considerable on ours. We are now bringing in prisoners and wounded. Unless an imperative necessity demands it, I do not see how I can move to-night; be- sides, the effect on our men will be bad. JAS. B. McPHERSON, Maj. Gen. ~. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Rnffs Mill, Ga., Jnly 4, 18648.45 p. m. GENERAL: In pursuance of your instructions at daybreak this morning, I directed Major-General Dodge to take his entire com- mand and push across Nickajack Creek at Ruffs Mill, General Blair to send two regiments and a section of artillery, supported by Stonemans cavalry, from Widow Mitchells down to Nickajack, near Turners Ferry. Dodge moved across and ran against Steven- sons division, and as he developed his lines captured a few prison- ers from each division of Hoods corps. I sent over Morgan L. Smiths division, and General Schofield sent in a brigade on Dodges left to try and communicate with Hooker. As soon as the troops were over and in position, I (lirected Dodge to strengthen his skir- mish line, so as to make it almost equivalent to a line of battle, especially over rough ground, and to assault the enemys rifle-pits. The order was gallantly executed, the works taken, and some 50 prisoners captured; QU~r Jo~s not heavy; Colonel Noyes, Thirty-nint Page 19 Ca~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 19 Ohio, severely wounded. This gives Dodge a position about one mile and a quarter east of Nickajack Creek. He has one brigade of Schofield on his left, and Morgan L. Smiths division on his right and rear. The cavalry and infantry demonstration on the Turners Ferry road reached a point, as they think, half a mile* from Nicka- jack, and found it tolerably well fortified, with four guns in posi- tion. This brought the infantry to a halt, and they have not advanced since. They will, however, hold all the ground they have gained, and be ready to try the strength of the enemys works, if it is deemed desirable. I have about 15,000 men across the creek with Dodge, and Logans two divisions (Osterhans and Harrows) in reserve at the forks of the road. They got in late and completely worn out. I do not think more than half of the divisions arrived. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major- General. Major-General SHERMAN, Commanding, & c. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, - Near Gordons, on Tarners Ferry Road, Ga., July 5, 18649 p. m. GENERAL: I send you herewith sketcht of the position of the Army of the Tennessee to-night. Early this forenoon Greshams division, of Blairs command, charged and carried a line of rebel rifle-pits on the Turners Ferry road, and then pressed forward until about 6 p. m. they gained a position on Nickajack Creek, within about 500 yards of rebel intrenchments on the Chattahoochee. Leggetts divis- ion moved down to Howells Ferry, on the Chattahoochee; drove the enemy away on the oppo~ite side of the river, where they were erecting rifle-pits; left a brigade there and four 24-pounder howitzers (brass), and then moved up the river toward the mouth of Nickajack Creek and connected with Gresham. We have had some pretty lively skirmishing and a good deal of artillery firing. The enemy appear to have strong works north of the Chattahoochee, but if they remain where they are to-morrow I think we can punish them severely, as I am getting batteries into position to-night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, J1fc~jor- General. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. BLAKES MILL, GA., July 18, 18649.30 p. m. GENERAL: Inclosed please find sketch ~ of my position to-night and copy of Special Field Orders, No. 70, paragraph VI, from these headquarters. In pursuance of this order, the different commands were in motion promptly at the hour designated, the Seventeenth Corps closing up on the Fifteenth, and the Fifteenth and Sixteenth * Reads a mile and a half in Howards quotation from this report; see p. 37. t Not found; but see sketch with McPherson to Schofield, July 5, Part V, which is probably a duplicate. t Not found. ~See Part V Page 20 20 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [cHAP. L. coming together by heads of column at the Widow Raineys, and the infantry (Fifteenth Corps) reaching a point about one mile from Bramans [Brownings] Court-House, just as the last brigade of the cavalry was passing. The cavalry under Brigadier-General Gar- rard pushed on and struck the railroad, and five regiments were set to work to destroy it. A brigade of infantry (Lightburns), of Mor- gan L. Smiths division, was also sent down, and the two forces to- gether thoroughly destroyed over three miles of track, upsetting the ties, breaking the iron loose, piling up the ties, putting the iron on top, and setting fire to the pile. The whole of the Fifteenth Corps was marched to the immediate vicinity of Bramans [Brown- ings] Court-House, the Sixteenth to the point indicated on the map, and the Seventeenth to Blakes Mill, to be used as a reserve to re- enforce either flank in case the enemy advanced or was found in strong force. There being no water in the vicinity of Braman s [Brownings] Court-House, just before dark, after the brigade re- turned from the railroad, the Fifteenth Corps marched to Hender- sons Mill and went into camp. There is no telegraph line along the railroad. During our operations we saw no indications of any heavy force of the enemy; nothing but cavalry, which fell back and dis- appeared readily on our approach. Inclosed please find copy of re- port just received from General Garrard. * - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. Gommandiug Military Divi& ton of the ]liliississippi. IN THE FIELD, July 21, 18643 p. in. GENERAL: Brigadier-General Leggett, commanding Third Divis- ion, Seventeenth Army Corps, advanced his lines and captured a hill, quite a commanding position, this forenoon; also, some 60 pris- oners, principally from Cleburnes division. General Leggett is on my extreme left. The Fourth Division (late Greshams) made a demonstration at the same time in favor of Leggett, and the loss in the two divisions is between 260 and 300 killed and wounded. The hill is two and a quarter miles from Atlanta, and a portion of the enemys works around the townare in view. The enemy made one vigorous assault and two feeble attempts to recapture the hill, but were signally repulsed. Since that time he has been moving troops in the direction of our left. General Leggett reports having seen at least ten regiments of infantry passing in that direction. I have strengthened that portion of the line with all the available troops I have got, and I will simply remark in closing, that I have no cav- alry as a body of observation on my flank, and that the whole rebel army, except Georgia militia, is not in front of the Army of the Cumberland. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General SHERMAN, Major-General. Commanding. * See Part II, p. 808 Page 21 OHi~1. L) REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 21 No. 438. Reports of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, of operations July 22. BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., July 24, 1864. I have the honor to report the following general summary of the resnlt of the attack of the enemy on this army on the 22d instant: Total loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 3,521 men and 10 pieces of artillery. We have buried and delivered to the enemy, under flag of truce sent in by them, in front of the Third Division, Seven- teenth Army Corps, 1,000 of their killed. The number of dead in front of the Fourth Division, of same corps, including those on the ground not .now occupied by our troops, General Blair reports, will swell the number of their dead on his front to 2,000. The number of their dead buried in front of the Fifteenth Corps up to this hour is 360, and the commanding officer reports as many more as yet unburied, burying parties being still at work. The number of the dead buried in front of the Sixteenthx Army Corps, 422. We have 1,000 wounded of theirs in our hands, the larger number of their wounded being carried off during the night after the engagement by them. We have also captured 18 stand of colors, and have them now. We have also captured about 5,000 stand of arms. The attack on our lines was made seven timifles, and seven times repulsed. Hoods and Hardees corps and Wheelers cavalry engaged us. We have sent to the rear 1,000 prisoners, in- cluding 33 commissioned officers of high rank. We still occupy the field, and the troops are in high spirits. A detailed and full report will be forwarded as soon as complefed. Recapitulation: Our entire loss, 3,521; enemys dead thus far reported buried and delivered to them, 3,220; total prisoners sent North, 1,017; total prisoners wounded in our hands, 1,000; estimated loss of the enemy, at least 10,000. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. Major-General SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near East Point. Ga., September 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of so much of the battle of July 22, in front of Atlanta, as took place after the command of the Army of the Tennessee devolved upon me, in consequence of the unfortunate death of Major-General Mc- Pherson. To properly understand the action after I assumed com- mand, the dispositiou of the troops, together with the occurrences up to that time, are essential. I may, therefore, not improperly state them: On the morning of July 22 the Army of the Tennessee was the left of the army, and occupied a position extending across the Atlanta and Augusta Railroad, about a mile and a half from the enemys works on that side of Atlanta. The troops were disposed as follows: The Second Division of the Sixteenth Corps was i Page 22 22 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~OHAP. L. position on the extreme right, connecting with the left of the Twenty-third Corps. The Fifteenth Army Corps, connecting with Sweenys division, was in position with the First Division, Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods, on the right, the Second Division, General M. L. Smith, in the center, and the Fourth Division, General Harrow, on the left. The extreme left of the line was held by the Seventeenth Corps, disposed as follows: The Third Division, General Leggett, on the right, and the Fourth Division, General Giles A. Smith, on the left. The Third Divisioii, General Leggett, occnpied a hill, a military position of great importance, and the Fourth Division was in position on a continuation of the ridge along the McDonough road, with its left flank refused toward the east. The First Brigade, Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, General Fuller, was in reserve to the Seventeeuith Corps. The Second Cavalry Division, General Garrard, which had been covering the left flank and the trains of the command at Decatur, having been sent on an expedi- tion to Covington, the Second Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Sprague, was posted at Decatur, three miles to our rear and right, to cover the supply trains. The position occupied by the army was intrenched, and crossed the Augusta railroad at the connection of the First and Second Divisions of the Fifteenth Corps. At at early hour in the morning it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned their line of wbrks in our front, and fallen back to their main intrenchments about Atlanta. Onr lines were at once advanced, the rebel pickets readily driven in, and the line which The rebels had held the evening before was occupied. By order of General McPherson, the troops at once commenced to reverse the works. The Fifteenth Corps was moved up to the rebel line in the same position, by divisions, as it held the previous day. Of the Seventeenth Corps only the skirmish line was advanced. The main force remained on the hill and the ridge along the McDonou~h road, a prolongation of the line of the Fifteenth Corps, two regiments of Colonel Halls brigade, the ex- treme left of General Smiths division, being refused. Soon after the occupation o.f this line, General McPherson ordered General Dodge to withdraw General Sweenys division, of the Sixteenth Corps, from the right and mass it in the rear of a new position, to he selected for the Seventeenth Corps. The division moved along a road parallel to the railroad, and bivouacked about three-quarters of a mile in rear of the Seventeeiith Corps. General McPherson also ordered General Dodge to put a brigade of his Fourth Division or. the left of the position assigned to the Seventeenth Corps. The bri- gade had not yet moved when the attack was made The interval between the Fifteenth and Twenty-third Corps, made by the withdrawal of Sweenys division, was filled by moving up the right of the Fifteenth and left of the Twenty-third Corps. Very soon after 12 oclock the pickets of General Giles A. Smiths division, of the Seventeenth Corps, which had been thrown out a mile and a half in rear of his line and in front of General Sweenys division, of the Sixteinth Corps, were attacked. Skirmishers were thrown out by General Sweeny, who at once found the enemy advancing toward the Sixteenth Corps. The enemy had moved a heavy force into the woods on the left flank and rear of the Seventeenth Corps, with the evident intention of striking the left of the Seventeenth Corps, and at the same time throwing a heavy column in its rear. At the time the firing commenced General McPherson was near the Fifteent Page 23 23 CHAP. U 1~EPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Corps. Upon hearing the fire he rode rapidly toward the left of the army. I rode at the same time in that direction, but learning from an officer, whom I met, that an attack was being made in force, I r~tnrned to my corps. A short time afterward Lieutenant-Colonel Strong brought me an order from General McPherson to send a bri- gade to fill the interval between the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps. I sent the Third Brigade, of the First Division, Colonel Wangelin commanding. In the mean time General McPherson had reached the field of operations. In riding across the interval to Giles A. Smiths division, General McPherson was killed by the enemys skirmishers. The rebel force, Hardees corps, advanciiig rapidly, forced back the pickets of Giles A. Smiths division, and struck the left flank exactly perpendicularly to his line of battle. At the same time a heavy fire was opened from batteries posted on a ridge in their rear, the fire being directed upon the rear of the Seventeenth Corps. Simultaneously with this attack the enemy emerged from the timber, in front and to the right of the Sixteenth Corps, in three columns. It was evident that the movement was intended to strike the Seventeenth Corps on the flank and rear at the same time, and that the rebel commander was not aware of the presence of General Sweenys division in that part of the field. General Dodge had at the first skirmishing put his Second Division, with two batteries of artillery, into line of battle, with Fullers bri- gade on its right. The enemy moved upon the rear and right of the command of General Dodge. This movement exposed the flank of the enemys column. General Dodge at once pushed forward two regiments, the Twelfth Illinois and Eighty-first Ohio, that de- livered so destructive a fire on the enemys flank that his column gave way. A charge was made, and the enemy fell back to the woods. Gemmeral Dodge then withdrew his line a short distance to the rear. Colonel Wangelins brigade, of time Fifteenth Corps, about this time came up on the double-quick, and was at once en- gaged with the head of a column of the enemy through the interval between the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, with the evident intention of striking the Seventeenth Corps in the rear of Leggetts division. Wangelin, although his brigade was small, threw it into line of battle, and, moving under a heavy fire, steadily pushed the enemy back and gained a slight elevation of ground, and con- structed a breast-work of rails. The Second Brigade, of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Corps, was on the right of General Leggetts division, of the Seventeenth Corps. Being satisfied, from the direc- tion of the firing, that the enemy was r ishing a column through the interval before mentioned, as well ~ms by the movement of wagons and artillery from that direction, General Walcutt, coum- manding the brigade, changed his front to the left rear. Time brigade was scarcely in position when a force of the enemy ap- peared in its front. The brigade became at once enga~ged, and repulsed the advancing hue. The enemy reformed and attacked the division of General Leggett. This gave General Walcutt an enfilading fire upon them, which he umade very effective by opening fire from a section of 24-pounder howitzers, belonging to time Seven- teenth Corps; A 20-pounder Parrott, belonging to the Seventeenth Corps, which had been abandoned, was retaken by the Forty-sixth Ohio, under heavy fire. The division of Gen. Giles A. Smith, at- tacked on the flamuk and rear, was at once moved to the opposite side of their works. Its flank was partially driven in, and the enemy, by the rapidity of his assault and the heavy force with whic Page 24 rcHAP. L. 24 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. it was made, swept away 2 guns and several hundred prisoners. General Smith, although his flank was developed by the rebel mass thrown upon it, and in great danger from the heavy columns thrown upon his rear, succeeded in forming his men on the re- verse of his works, and, in conjunction with the operations of General Dodge, General Walcutt, and Colonel Wangelin, in check- ing the advance of the enemy. The attacking columns of the enemy advanced as far around as the rear of General Leggetts line. The division was at once placed on the outside of the works, and received and checked the assault successfully. About this time, 1 oclock, I received information of the death of Major-General McPherson, and an order from General Sherman, whose headquarters were at the Howard house to assume coin- mand of the Army of the Tennessee. This order was verbal, and accompanied by the assurance that I could call upon General Scho- field for so many re-enforcements as might be needed. Turning over the command of the Fifteenth Corps, which was not then engaged, to Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, I rode rapidly in the direction of the firing to our left and its rear. When I reached that part of the field the firing had considerably diminished, the enemy having fallen back a short distance to reform his lines. General Leggetts division, of the Seventeenth Corps, held the Bald Hill. General Giles A. Smith also held the greater part of his position on the ex- treme left. Both divisions had been attacked from the rear, and had fought from the outside of their works, and were at that time busily engaged in reversing them in anticipation of another attack from the same direction. Between the left of the Seventeenth Corps and the right of the brigade of the Fourth Division, Sixteenth Corps, General Dodges right, there was an interval of fully a mile in width. The greater portion of this interval was heavily timbered, and afforded an excellent cover for the movements of the enemys troops. It was occupied by no troops whatever, except Colonel Wangelins brigade, of the Fifteenth Corps, which I moved, as I came into the field, to an elevated position in the rear of the center of the Fourth Division, of the Seventeenth Corps, about midway between Bald Hill and General Dodges command. It was partly covered by the bri- gade of General Walcutt. After repulsing the first rebel attack General Dodge had retired his position somewhat, had thrown back his right and left flanks, and sent an urgent request for re-enforce- ments to cover his left flank. I ordered General M. L. Smith to send him Colonel Martins brigade, of the Second Division, of the Fifteenth Corps. His position was in rear of Leggetts division, facing at right angles to his line of battle, and with both flanks refused. The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps had already suffered considerably, 2 guns of the Seventeenth Corps and 6 guns of the Sixteenth Corps and several hundred prisoners having been captured. They had received the attack of the heavy determined columns of Hardees corps, made under the most unfortunate and dangerous circumstances, but had, by the unsurpassed bravery of the men and the great skill and resources of their immediate commanders, main- tained the integrity of their lines. The character and strength of the first assault upon our position had fully developed the tactics of General Hood. The most im- portant position in the then field of operations was the Bald Hill, occupied by the Third Division, of the Seventeenth Corps. It com- manded the whole field occupied by the lines, and covered all ground on which were the trains of the Army of the Tennessee. I there Page 25 cHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 2~5 fore gave General Blair, commanding the Seventeenth Corps, the most positive and emphatic orders to hold the hill at whatever cost. It was apparent, also, that onr most imminent danger was from the great interval between the Seventeenth and Sixteenth Corps. In order to close it, and at the same time adjust our lines in such man- ner that the Bald Hill might be held, I ordered General Blair, as soon as it could be done with safety, to bring his Fourth Division back to such a line that its right should connect with Leggetts left, and the left of the division with Colonel Wangelins brigade. I also ordered General Dodge to swing his right, or refused line, up, so as to connc~ct with the left of Wangelins brigade. Before these movements could be executed the enemy had reformed, under cover of the woods and in the rear of the works which the Seventeenth Corps had constru cted the day before, and made a second assault upon the Seventeenth Corps, which, after a severe struggle, was repulsed. Repeated attempts were made to drive the Seventeenth Corps from the position it held in the rear of the works, but each was repulsed. Another attack was made upon the Third Division by a fresh cob. umn, moving from the southeast in such direction as to threaten General Smiths right and rear as he then faced. Smith formed two lines perpendicular to his works to receive the assault. The enemy struck Colonel Halls line on the front and right, in a solid column, three lines deep, and forced him back into the works. Colonel Potts brigade, however, held its ground, and the enemy finally fell back in considerable disorder. It was now about 3 in the afternoon, as I recollect. For two hours the different assaults upon the posi- tion of the Seventeenth Corps, principally made upon General Giles A. Smiths division, had been unsuccessful in so far as carrying it. The enemy, however, was in possession of the flank, and, perhaps, 200 yards of the main line, and it had been impossible to move the Fourth Division as I had ordered. Up to this time the Fifteenth Corps had not been attacked ; the whole efforts of the enemy had been directed against the left of the Army of the Tennessee. At 3.30 the enemy made an attack upon the Second Division of the Fif- teenth Corps. It was ascertained by the provost-marshals from prisoners captured, and Confederate reports subsequently made, that the attack upon the front of the Fifteenth Corps, and, shortly after- ward, upon the front of the Seventeenth Corps, was made by the corps heretofore commanded by General Hood, and at that time under command of General Cheatham. The enemy advanced from the direction of their main works about Atlanta in columns of regi- ments. The attacking columns moved rapidly upon the Second Division, commanded by General Lightburn. The first assault was repulsed. Their lines, however, were rapidly reformed, and the assault renewed repeatedly, but without success. The withdrawal of Colonel Martins brigade from the Second Division, to re-enforce the Sixteenth Corps, made an interval between the right of the Sec- ond and left of the First Division, which was held by a thin line of skirmishers. Wangelins brigade had been withdrawn from the First Division, so that there were no reserves to the corps. At this point was a deep cut of the railroad, on the right of which four guns of Battery A, First Illinois Artillery, were in position, and firing by the right oblique at the broken line of the enemy. Under the smoke of Battery A a rebel column marched rapidly by the flank up the main dirt road and through the deep cut of the rail- road and were in rear of our lines before the officers or men were aware of their intention. The division at once fell back, the greate Page 26 26 THI~ ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~CHAP. L. part halting in a ravine between the two lines, some, however, re- treating to the old line. Battery A and the 20-pounder guns of Bat- tery H, First Illinois Artillery, were left in the hands of the enemy. The officers and men of both batteries fought with the greatest gal- lantry, serving their guns while they were snrronnded by the enemy. At that time I was giving orders to General Dodge, having jnst ridden to his left~ where General Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Corps, for which I had asked, had gone into position, covering the Decatur road. The command of General Dodge was not engaged. Captain Wheeler, of my staff, informed me of the disaster to the Fifteenth Corps. I ordered Colonel Martin to move at double-quick back to his division, and also ordered General Dodge to send a bri- gade of the Sixteenth Corps to the assistance of the right of our line, at the same time directing him that in the event he needed support, to call upon General Cox, commanding the division of the Twenty-third Corps on his left. The Second Brigade of the Second Division of the Sixteenth Corps, Colonel Mersy comma~iding, moved promptly out, and I conducted it to the rear of the old works of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, where it deployed on the right of the railroad. When I arrived, General Morgan L. Smith and General Lightbnrn were reforming the lines of the Sec- ond Division, in a ravine between the two lines of works. I ordered GenOral Smith, so sooii as lie could reform his lines, to retake the position and the batteries which had been lost. General Woods, commanding the First Division, which was on the right of the Sec- ond Division, finding his position untenable, the enemy occupying a position 300 or 400 yards to his left and rear, threw back his left and rear, forming a line facing the enemys flank, his right resting at the Howard house. At the same time, Major Landgraeber, chief of artillery of the First Division, who had six guns in position, moved them into the open field and opened fire upon the enemy, compelling hini to seek shelter, killing the horses of De Gress battery, and pre- venting the enemy from removing the guns. General Woods then moved his First Brigade forward, attacking the enemy in flank and rear, and his Second Brigade attacking in flank and front. At the same time the Second Division, followed at a short distance by Col- onel Mersys brigade, advanced upon the enemys front. The move- ment was successful. Woods division striking the enemys flank, it began to break, and soon afterward the Second Division charging his front, the line of works, De Gress battery, and 2 guns of Bat- tery A were recaptured. General Woods swung his left around, and the whole line of the First and Second Divisions was reoccupied with no opposition, except a fierce assault upon the Fourth Iowa, which was repulsed. While this was occurring on the center and right of the Fifteenth Corps, the enemy appeared in the rear of Colonel Williams (First) brigade, of the Fourth Division Beino~ threatenedin front and rear, Colonel Williams retired his brigade ~o the lines held in the morn- ing. Colonel Oliver withdrew the Third Brigade. Major Hotal- ing, of my staff, ordered General Harrow to retake the position which had been abandoned. The line was reoccupied about the same time with the reoccupation of the works of the Second Divis- ion. It was now nearly 5 oclock, and, with the exception of two regiments front on the extreme left, the whole of the main line of the Army of the Tennessee was in its possession, notwithstanding the repeated and desperate assaults of the eneniy. His last and final efforts were made uDon the Fourth Division of the Seventeent Page 27 cIHAP. L] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Corps. His assault is described by the officers engaged as the fiercest and most persistent engagement of the day. The attack was made from the east. The enemy formed in, and moved through, the woods, which covered their approach at some points within twenty yards of our breast-works. The men again fought from the reverse of their works. Under a most destructive tire from the Fourth Division and two detached regiments from the Third Division, the enemy moved directly up to our works, and a deadly battle took place. Regimental commanders, wlih their colors, with such men as would follow them, would not infrequently occupy one side of the works, and onr men the other. Many indi- vidual acts of heroism occurred. The flags of opposing regiments would meet on the opposite sides of the same work, and would be flaunted by their respective bearers in each others faces; men were bayoneted across the works, and officers, with their swords, fought hand to hand with men with bayonets. The colonel of the Forty- fifth Alabama was pulled by his coat collar over the works and made a prisoner. This terrible contest lasted for three-quarters of an hour, and the division still held nearly the whole of its ground. About 6 another force advanced from the direction of Atlanta. General Smith had scarcely changed position to the east side of his works, when th& enemy opened upon his left and rear a heavy fire of mus- ketry and artillery, and he was compelled to abandon another por- tion of his works. Falling back a short distance, he formed a line perpendicular to his line of works. The column moving from the west enfiladed this line, and he was compelled to swing his right still farther back. General Leggett moved out his Second Brigade in a line parallel to that which General Smith then held. Colonel Wan- gelirs brigade, of the First Division of the Fifteenth Corps, moved forward, and a new line was fornied with the Second Brigade of the Third Division, Seventeenth Corps, on the right, the Fourth Divis- ion of the Seventeenth Corps fhe center, and the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Fifteenth Corps on the left. This was the line which I had indicated in my orders to General Blair. It extended to the crest of Bald Hill, which two regiments of the Seventeenth Corps, the Eleventh Iowa and Sixteenth Wisconsin, held behind an angle of the works, the enemy holding the same works a little below, four of their colors planted within a stone~s throw of the colors of the Eleventh Iowa. Upon this line the en- emy made an attack in very heavy force. The battle was very severe. Colonel Wangelin moved his left around, advanced upon the enemys flank, and gave the enemy a decided check. The battle at this point closed after dark, and our troops held the field. The enemy retired in the night, after removing the greater part of their wounded. Their dead were left on the field. General Hoods tactics seem to have been to concentrate dur- ing the afternoon and night of the 21st the corps of Hardee and Cheathani near the position of the Army of the Tennessee, and at an early hour in the morning to withdraw from the works in its front to his main intrenchmnents, and, while the Army of the Tennes- see was being advanced to his abandoned line, and before the works could be reversed, to attack our left and rear with one corps, and with the other one right from the front. That he did not succeed was due, in my judgment, to the lateness of the hour at which the attack was made, a lack of concert in his movements, the opportune presence of a portion of the Sixteenth Corps in the rear of the lef Page 28 28 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. rOHAP. L. of our line, but more than all these to the splendid bravery and tenacity of the men and the ability and skill of the officers of the Army of the Tennessee. Very soon after the battle commenced Maj. Gen. James B. Mc- Pherson was killed by the enemys infantry. General McPherson fell in command of the Army of the Tennessee on the field of bat- tle. He was an earnest patriot, a brave and accomplished officer, in all his intercourse with others a true gentleman, and held in the highest degree the confidence and esteem of the officers and men of his command. He met the death of a patriot soldier, universally lamented by those he commanded and by the nation whose Govern- ment and flag he gave his life to defend. During the progress of the battle the Second Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Sixteenth Corps, commanded by Col. J. W. Sprague, which had been stationed at Decatur to protect the trains of the army, was attacked by a considerable force of the enemy. The brigade made a successful fight against great 6dds of numbers, and saved the trains. As I was not upon the ground, I beg leave to re- fer to the report of Colonel Sprague, herewith forwarded, for the. details of his operations. To the general officers in command of the different corps I am very greatly indebted. They all fought their troops with signal ability and skill. After I had assumed command of the army the officers of General McPherson~s staff reported to me for duty. I am under very great obligations to them. They gave me valuable ijiformation as to the position of the troops, and rendered important assistance. The losses of the army amounted in the aggregate to 3,722, as fol- lows: Killed, wounded. Missing. Total. Fifteenth Army corps 118 414 535 1,067 Sixteenth Army corps 103 584 167 854 5eventeenth Army corps 209 561 1,031 1,801 Total 430 1,559 1,733 3,72~2 The discrepancy between this aggregate of casualties and that which was transmitted immediately after the battle* is explained by the fact that the loss of Colonel Spragues brigade, of the Sixteenth, was not included in the reported loss of the Sixteenth Army Corps. We also lost 12 pieces of artillery, viz: Fifteenth Army Corps, 4 guns; Sixteenth Army Corps, 6 guns; Seventeenth Army Corps, 2 guns. The discrepancy of 2 guns between this number and that re- ported after the battle is accounted for by the 2 guns lost by the Seventeenth Corps which were not reported to me at that time. For other and fuller details of the casualties, I beg leave to refer to the reports of corps commanders, herewith forwarded. The loss of the enemy was very severe, including a general officer, Major-General Walker, and a number of field and line officers. We captured 18 stand of colors, something over 5,000 stand of small- [armsl, and in addition to a large number of wounded left on the field, including 33 officers of rank, 1,017 prisoners. The corps com- manders reported, by my orders, the de~td in their respective fronts. We have buried and delivered to the enemy, under a flag of truce sent in by them, in front of the Seventeenth Corps, 1,000. The number of their dead in front of the Fourth Division of the same *See p. 21 Page 29 ciixi. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 29 corps, not then occnpied by onr troops, General Blair reported, would swell the nnmber of their dead on his front to 2,000. The number of dead buried in front of the Fifteenth Corps at the time the report was made was 460, and the commanding officer reported at least as many more yet unburied. The number of dead bnried in front of the Sixteenth Corps was 422. They also reported in the hands of the corps over 1,000 wonnded. Accompanying this report is a sketch* of the field of battle, showing the principal positions. Dur- ing the night I re-enforced that portion of the Seventeenth Corps which occupied Bald Hill. Before morning the enemy withdrew from the small part of the field which they held on onr left. General Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Corps, which was stationed on the Decatur road, was relieved in the morning. Al- though the division was not engaged, I am under obligations to General Schofield for the promptness with which he responded to my request for re-enforcenents. Subsequently, by order of General Sherman, the Augusta railroad, froi~ Decatur to our picket-line, was thoroughly destroyed by the First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps; a refused intrenched line was constructed by the pioneers of the Fifteenth Corps, extending from the left of the line, held by the Twenty-third Corps, and, in pursuance of orders from headquar- ters Military Division of the Mississippi, I withdrew the Army of the Tennessee the night of the 26th, and moved it along the rear of the center and right of the army to a position across Proctors Creek. After putting the army in position that night I was re- lieved by Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard. I call your attention to the accompanying map* of the field of battle, and the consolidated re- port of casualties. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General, Comdg. Dept. and Army of the Tennessee. Capt. L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de- Camp. Recapitulation of casualties occurring in the Army of the Tennessee July 22, 1864, by divisions. Killed. Wounded. Missing. ~ ii - t,5 - a~ command. a ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Fifteenth Army corps, General M. L. Smith: First Division, Brigadier-General 1 10 3 61 1 2 78 Woods. 5econd Division, Brigadier-General 5 58 6 194 14 405 682 Lightburn. Fourth Division, Brigadier-General 5 39 6 114 6 107 307 1,067 Harrow. I Sixteenth Army corps,a Major-General 5 98 37 547 5 162 854 Dodge. Seventeenth Army corps, Major-General Blair: Third Division, Brigadier-General 2 135 21 287 18 297 760 Leggett. Fourth Division, Brigadier-General 10 62 15 238 23 693 1, 041 1, 801 Smith. Total 28 402 88 1,471 67 1,666 3,722 3,722 a No report by divisions. * To appear in the Atlas Page 30 30 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 439. Reports of Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AN]) ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, East Point, Ga., September 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit to you ~he following report of the operations of the Army of the Tennessee during the present campaign: On the 1st of May the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Corps, of this army, were guarding the railroad from Nashville to Huntsville and from Huntsville to Stevenson, covering also the fords and bridges across the Tennessee River, which occupy the approaches to that section of country. One brigade of the Sixteenth Corps was located as an out- post at Decatur, Ala. That portion of the Seventeenth Corps which the commander of the department designated to take part in the campaign was organizing at Cairo, Ill. The latter command was somewhat scattered at this date. Major-General McPherson, com- manding the department, applied himself to the task of concentrating a column, from 20,000 to 25,000 strong, at Chattanooga. The Fif- teenth Corps, Major-General Logan, arrived at Chattanooga on the 4th of May, with an effective force of 12,441. One division of this corps, Brig. Gen. John E. Smith commanding, was left to guard the Huntsville railroad. The Left Wing, Sixteenth Corps, Brigadier-Gen- eral Dodge commanding, excepting the brigade at Decatur, arrived at Chattanooga May 5, with an effective force of 11,649. The aggre- gate strength of the portions of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Corps present was 24,090, viz: 22,437 infantry, 1,404 artillery, and 249 cav- alry. May 6, in accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 1, head- quarters Department of the Tennessee, the command, as above con- stitiited, marched to Gordons Mills. At this date the Army of the Cuniberland was in tho vicinity of Rin~,gold and Catoosa Springs, and the Army of the Ohio at Red Clay. By examining these posi- tions it will be seen that the three armies occupied a relative posi- tion, generally preserved throughout the campaignthat is, the Army of the Cumberland in the center and the other two upon the flanks. The rebel army, under Johnston, was in the vicinity of Dal- ton. The plan of campaign contemplated that this army should turn the enemys left flank at Dalton, while the other armies ptished more directly upon that place; whereupon, May 7, General McPher- son moved his column toward Villanow, and halted for the night at a point west of Gordons Springs Gap. May 8, Major-General Lo- gan marched through this gap, whilst the rest of the command moved south as far as Villanow, and formed a junction with a bri- gade of cavalry, under General Kilpatrick; encamped with the ad- vance within seven miles of Resaca, near Snake Creek Gap. In field orders from this camp, General McPherson uses these words: The object being to make a bold and rapid movement on the enemys flank, or line of communication, all wagons and baggage of every kind will be left behind, & c. With such a purpose the movement of the following day was ordered, the command to pass through Snake Creek Gap in the direction of Resaca. May 9, the colunin moved, General Dodge leading, at 5 a. in., preceded by a portion of General Kilpatricks cavalry. * The enemys cavalry pick- ets were encountered on debouching from the gap at the eastern * Dodge says (p. 375) that his mounted advance consisted of the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, of his own command, not Kilpatricks Page 31 CHAP. LI REPORTS, 110.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 31 extremity. The command pushed on, the cavalry in advance, till within about three miles and a half of the town, when Kilpatrick encountered considerable infantry force, in charging which he was wounded and obliged to leave the field.* Up to this point, from the time of a junction with him, his conduct for boldness and activity in scouting and clearing away the enemys outposts is most highly commended. As will be seen subseqnently, as soon as his wound was healed he returned to the field and participated with the same column in one of the most important operations of the war. Immediately upon the charge of Kilpatrick, General Dodge deployed his skirmishers, under charge of Col. Patrick E. Burke, Sixty-sixth Illinois, who, with very little delay, gallantly drove back the rebel advance to the works around Resaca, and developed an artillery fire from his guns in position in the forts. In view of the enemys works at several points, General McPherson deployed the Fifteenth Corps upon the right, and the Sixteenth Corps upon the left, of the Resaca road, after which he pushed forward a division of General Dodge, with instructions to drive back the enemy and break the rail- road. The best idea of his operations may be gained from General McPhersons letter of May 9, 10. 30 p. in., to General Sherman. He says: General Dodges command moved up and skirmished with the enemy at Resaca this afternoon. While that was going on one company of mounted infantry, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Phillips regiment, succeeded in reaching the railroad near Tilton Station, but was forced to leave without damaging the track. They tore down a portion of the telegraph wire. The enemy have a strong position at Resaca natu- rally, and, as far as we could see, have it pretty well fortified. They displayed considerable force, and opened on us with artillery. After skirmishing till nearly dark, and finding that I could not succeed in cutting the railroad before dark, or getting to it, I decided to withdraw the command and take up a position for the night between Sugar Valley and the entrance to the gap. Here follow the reasons for retiring: first, the exposed position; second, General Dodges comniand without rations. The general thought that if he had had a division of good cavalry he could have broken the railroad at some point. General Garrard had just arrived at La Fayette, with horses fatigued and short of forage, and wished to remain there until his forage train came up from Chatta~ nooga. The losses during the skirmish were 6 men killed and 30 wounded, with a greater damage inflicted upon the enemy. We captured 25 prisoners. Not having succeeded in getting upon the railroad, the command fell back to the intersection of the Dalton and Rome and Resaca roads, in Sugar Valley, taking up a strong position. Though the railroad had not been reached, still the mountain ridge, which Johnston regarded as so complete a barrier, was passed. It seems that the rebel general had dispatched a bri- gade of cavalry at 10 p. m. of the night before, with orders to take possession of and hold Snake Creek Gap. He was a little too late. May 10 and 11, a new position, nearer the gap and naturally stronger, was selected and occupied. On the 12th and 13th the lines were moved forward on the Resaca road to the cross-roads, two miles from the town. As soon as the lines were formed, Major-General Logan pushed forward a strong skirmish line, driving the enemy before him. The enemys skirmish fire was kept up, but he made no considerable stand till the advanced line had reached an open field. Beyond these fields, ~00 or 800 yards distant, a ridge appeared, running nearly in a north and south direction. The enemy had taken position on this ridge, having_artillery and infantry and slight *Kilpatrick was wounded 1~ay 13. Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, commanding Dodges advance May 9, was wounded that day Page 32 32 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. barricades. General Logan placed some batteries of his command in position, and quickly silenced the enemys guns. Immediately the main lines were moved forward and the ridge carried. As soon as the Fifteenth Corps had been formed, with the right across the Resaca road, one division of General Dodges was brought up and deployed farther to the right. In this position the army intrenched; artillery was located bearing upon Resaca and the railroad bridge. When these guns opened in front of Generals Logan and Dodge the effect upon the enemy was perceptible, and interruption of the rail- road trains occasioned. This position, thus commanding the en- emys principal line of coinniunication, rendered his stay at Resaca impossible unless he succeeded in dislodging our army. During the 14th several demonstrations and feints were made by the command to keep the enemy from re-enforcing his right, where there was evidently a battle going on. General Logan says: General Osterhaus took advantage of the feint to attack the enemys skirmishers in the heavily wooded valley near the road. This was done in the most gallant manner. The bridge over Camp Creek was carried, and the Twelfth Missouri In- fantry thrown forward into the woods previously occupied by the enemy, thus forming a living t~t& de-pont, which in the ensuing movement proved of great value. This movement referred to, was an assault made by General Logans troops, aided by a division of General Dodge, between 6 and 6 p. m. of the same day, on an advanced position held by the enemy and within close musket-range of his lines. The description of the assault by General Logan is graphic and of great interest. The brigades of his corps specially engaged were commanded by Brig. Gens. Charles R. Woods and G. A. Smith. After gaining the position, exposed to a galling infantry and artillery fire, the troops were disposed so as to hold the ground. Pioneers and intrenching tools were brought into play as usual. About 7.30 p. m. the enemy made a vigorous assault upon the new line, and was handsomely repulsed. A renewal of the attack was anticipated, and lest the enemys lines should outflank the troops then in position, General Lightburn was sent with his brigade to the right of General G. A. Smith, and some portion of the Sixteenth Corps was sent by Gen- eral McPherson to the support of General Woods. These troops participated to some extent in the closing up of the action, and Gen- eral Lightburn is highly complimented for his promptitude. Nearly 100 prisoners were captured. Loss of the enemy, some 1,500 killed and wounded. During the day General McPherson sent the division of General Sweeny, of the Sixteenth Corps, to Lays Ferry, with instructions to effect a lodgment on the opposite bank of the Ooste- naula and cover the laying of a pontoon bridge, under direction of Capt. C. B. Reese, chief engineer of the department. He moved to Lays Ferry as directed, pushed across one brigade, which, in con- junction with the artillery in position on the west side of the river, promptly dislodged the enemy from the opposite bank, but hearing a rumor that the enemy was attempting a crossing above bim to cut him off from the main army, the division commander withdrew everything to the west side and retired half a mile to a less exposed position. The next morning he moved back to the river, and this time threw over his division, constructed a bridge-head, and laid a pontoon bridge, under the direct supervision of Colonel Buell. Not having received a report from Generals Sweeny or Dodge, I am unable to give a specific accoant of the engagement that succeede Page 33 CHAP. L.j REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 33 this crossing. It appears, however, in collateral reports that the enemy attempted to drive back a part of this division, ~nt failed, and was defeated in the action. Rebel casualties were estimated at 250 in killed and wounded. In part of the other divisions of the Army of the Tennessee there was hot skirmishing and much artillery firing, which was kept up on our part during the night. It was this night (the 15th) that Johnston retreated from Resaca, giving up a second stronghold. FROM THE CROSSING OF THE OOSTENAULA TO THE CROSSING OF THE ETOWAH. In accordance with written instructions from General Sherman, dated May 16, the army was put in motion on the Rome road, cross- ing the river at Lays Ferry; General Dodge had the advance. When between two and three miles from the river the advance met a check, coming upon the enemy in some force. A division of the Fifteenth Corps was pushed up to General Dodges assistance as rapidly as possible. The enemy, however, made but a slight stand, and then retired. In this action the Second Brigade, Second Divis- ion, Sixteenth Corps, was engaged. The casualties amounted to 52 killed, wounded, and missing. Its commander, Colonel Burke, Sixty-sixth Illinois, was mortally wounded and died next day, giv- ing the sacrifice of a valuable life to his country. At this place the command went into position. May 17, the command marched to MeGuires Cross-Roads. On the morning of the 18th, in obedience to instructions from General Sherman in his letter from Adairsville, May 17, the command formed a junction with the Army of the Cum- berland at that point and marched thence to Woodland. Took up position for the night on the Kingston and Rome road. The 19th the command marched to Kingston. Considerable cannonading was heard in that direction before commencing the march; noopp sition, however, was encountered. At this place, with the other troops of the Military Division of the Mississippi, the Arniy of the Tennessee rested till the morning of the 23d, making preparations for ~the march upon Dallas, in obedience to General Shermans Special Field Orders, No. 9. While at this point the army received the thanks of the President of the United States, through the Secre- tary of War, for the vigor and success of its operations thus far. FROM THE CROSSING OF THE ETOWAR TO THE CROSSING OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE. Special Field Orders, No~ 11, of General Sherman, required Ma- jor-General Blair to march the part of the Seventeenth Corps with him from Decatur to Rome and Kingston, and to garrison Rome with a force of ~,000 men. Major-General Blair had assumed com- mand of the Seventeenth Corps, with headquarters at Cairo, on the 4th of May, and had concentrated by the 23d two divisions at Hunts- ville, Ala., but as General Sherman desired to garrison Rome mean- while, before the possible arrival of General Blair, a brigade and battery of the Sixteenth Corps were detached and ordered to Rome, to relieve the division of General J. C. Davis, then at that place. The rest of the command, pursuant to the above field order, marched, on the 23d, across the Etowah, by the Van Wert road. and encamped at night on Euharlee Creek, making a distance of eighteen miles, 3 R RvoL XXXVIII, PT II Page 34 34 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, renAp. L. May 24, marched, via Van Wert, toward Dallas, a distance of twelve miles, camping near a branch of Raccoon Creek. May 25, march& to a position west of Dallas, on Pumpkin Vine Creek. Heavy skir- mishing was heard some five miles distant toward the northeast. May 26, the command was advanced in two columns, the Fifteenth Corps on the right and Sixteenth Corps on the left, through the town. The enemys outposts on the west side of the town having been dislodged and driven back by the cavalry of General Garrard, the skirmishers came npon the enemy some two miles beyond the town. Before night it was ascertained that the enemys general line ran north-northeast and crossed the Powder Springs road. The command was placed in position, Fifteenth Corps on the right and Sixteenth Corps on the left, extending across the Villa Rica road. The cavalry of General Garrard prolonged the line still farther to the right. A line of works was constructed during the night. On the 27th a great deal of artillery firing and skirmishing occurred in front of the Fifteenth Corps, and a demonstration was made by the enemy during the afternoon. His advance was quickly repelled. The Sixteenth Corps was engaged in a similar manner. It took up and fortified an advanced position. It appears, in accordance with General Shermans Special Field Orders, No. 12, May 26, that General McPherson was directed on the following morning (27th) to form a junction with General Davis at or near Dallas, and then move straight toward the enemy at New Hope Church, until he made connection with General Hookers right. General Hooker had approached New Hope Church from a direc- tion at right angles to General McPhersons line of march, and after General McPherson, in obedience to the above instructions, had moved forward and encountered the enemys works, there was still an interval of some three or four miles between General McPher- sons left and General Hookers right. In General McPhersons letter of May 27 he says: I cannot well work toward the left; certainly not until I have the trains and everything ont of the way, for as soon as we uncover this flank (right) the enemy will be on it. Subsequent to this letter General Sherman writes that the army must be united, and directs that preparations be made for gaining ground to the left. General Davis, with his division of the Four- teenth Corps, occupied the interval with not much more strength than a picket-line, owing to the extension. According to General Shermans instructions all preliminary preparations were made for the movement, which was to be completed by the troops on the night of the 28th. The 28th opened with considerable skirmishing along the entire front, which was kept up till afternoon. At 6.25 p. m. General McPherson wrote to General Sherman: The enemy attacked us in force at 4.45 p. m. along the whole extent of the Fif- teenth and Sixteenth Corps, and was handsomely repulsed, with heavy loss on his side and considerable on ours. We are now bringing in prisoners and wounded. Unless an imperative necessity demands it, I do not see how I can move to-night; besides, the effect on our own men will be bad. The movement for that night was postponed. The assault on somc parts of the line General Logan reports to have been with The utmost dash and confidence. * * Mv aggregate loss was 379. We captured 97 prisoners. We buried of the enemys dead in my front over 300 bodies Page 35 CHAP. L.1 REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 35 The loss of the enemy was estimated at 2,000. Casualties in the Sixteenth Corps are not separately enumerated in the reports. Gen- eral Shermaus Special Field Orders, No. 13, May 28, embody the same instructions as his letter of the day before, directing General McPherson to occupy the line from General Hookers right to the creek above the saw-mill. Upon his arrival, Generals Thomas and Schofield were to gaiu ground to the left. Pursuant to these orders instructions were given to draw out by alternate lines, the move- ment in the enemys immediate front to be from right to left. Tn the evening of this day (May 29) General Logan commenced with- drawing the Fifteenth Corps. He reports- Part of the troops on my extreme right had been withdrawn when the enemy demonstrated heavily along my entire front, making it necessary to return all the troops to the trenches again. * * * From 11 p. m. until 3 a. m. the musketry fire on both sides was more or less vigorously sustained, and our intended move- ment was not accomplished. June 1, the proposed change of position was effected just at day- light in the morning and without loss. This was facilitated by a new line of works constructed nearer to the town than the line from which the command withdrew. This line was approached by the enemy with great caution and delay. On reaching General Thomas command, General Hookers corps was immediately relieved, and when opportunity offered, during the next two or three days, works were constrticted as near to the enemys lines as possible, and skir- mishing constantly kept up. At daylight the morning of the 5th it was ascertaine(l that the enemy had abandoned his works near New Hope Church. This day (5th), in compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 18 (General Sher- mans), General McPherson moved his command, via Burnt Church, to Acworth, reaching that place on the morning of the 6th. One corps (the Fifteenth) was p~ished forward about two miles on the Marietta road. Everything remained in position until June 10. Meanwhile General Blair had arrived with his column, having left a brigade and battery at Allatoona Pass, with instructions to guard that pass and the bridge across the Etowah River. June 10, the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps were pushed for- ward, coming upon the enemys skirmishers about a mile south of Big Shanty. General Logans advance soon forced them back to a distance of about two miles and a half from Big Shanty, when he came upon the enemy in stronger force. The next day (11th) a far- ther advance of nearly a mile was made, and the enemys outposts and skirmishers driven into his main line of works. The Seven- teenth Corps formed on the left and Sixteenth on the right of the Fifteenth, and a line of breast-works was constrncted not far front those of the enemy. The position now occupied by the Army of the Tennessee was in close proximity to Kenesaw Mountain and facing toward it. Noth- mug occurred of any note, excepting skirmishing and some artillery firing, until the 15th of June, when General McPherson moved the division of General Harrow-to the extreme left of the army, and lo- cated it in line nearly perpendicular to the line of battle and across the enemys right flank. I quote from General Logans report: The division charged gallantly against the enemy, driving him from his position in confusion, killing and wounding many and capturing about 350 prisoners, 22 of whom were commissioned officers. My loss was 45 killed and wounded Page 36 36 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. In the evening the division was withdrawn to the rear of the Sev- enteenth Corps. In conjunrtion with the movement of General Harrow, General Blair reports that he was enabled to advance his lines considerably. Until the 19th of Jnne the lines were advanced more or less. On the morning of the 19th it was ascertained that the enemy had aban- doned his lines and fallen back to a second line two miles nearer Marietta. The enemys position in front of the Fifteenth Army Corps was on the crest of Kenesaw. The Fifteenth Corps intrenched near its base, the Seventeenth occupied Brush Mountain, farther to the left, and the Sixteenth Corps connecting with the Fourteenth farther to the right. From the 20th to the 23d no change. General Blair, on the 23d, made a reconnaissance in force toward Marietta. Finding the enemy attacking the cavalry to his left and rear he withdrew, after having accomplished the object of the reconnais- sance, which was simply to oblige the enemy to keep a force on his right, and prevent him sending re-enforcements against General Thomas position. The 25th and 26th the Fifteenth Corps (General Logan) changed position to the right, relieving the Fourteenth Corps, the Fifteenth in turn being relieved by the Sixteenth and Seventeenth. From the time of coming into the presence of the enemy, near Big Shanty, until the 25th of June the skirmish fire was constanit and often very destructive of life. Besides, artillery firing was kept up on our troops from the heights, and by them in reply. The enemy had, meanwhile, been abandoning works on his center and left, till he had reached his strongest position in front of Marietta. Now, it will be perceived, by reference to General Shermans Spe- cial Field Orders, No. 28, that a general attack had been determined upon on the 27th of June. General McPherson was to make a feint on the extreme left and a real attack to the south and west of Ken- esaw, General Thomas to attack the center and General Schofield the right. General Blair reports that he made a demonstration on the morn- ing of the 27th, in pursuance of the above instructions. The dem- onstration extende & along the front of the Sixteenth Corps. A por- tion of the Fifteenth was selected by Major-General Logan to make the assault, namely, the division of General M. L. Smith, of two bri- gades (Generals G. A. Smith and Lightburn), and one brigade (Col- onel Walcutts) of General Harrows division. The troops moved forward at 8 a. m. precisely, being formed in two lines. Noyes Creek was crossed, the enemys skirmish rifle-pits carried, but their farther advance was checked by the nature of the ground, taken in connection with the enemys fire. He brought to bear upon our lines two batteries of artillery and a full line of musketry, within short range, from behind his parapets. In addition to the steep slope covered with rock, which our men had to climb, the approaches to the enemys position were rendered more difficult by felled trees. After failing in the attempt to carry the works by assault, Gen- eral Logan directed his men to retire to the last line of works cap- tured, which he caused to be put in a defensible condition. He reports as follows: No less than 7 commanding officers of regiments were killed or disabled in this assault. Among the killed was the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Barnhill. of the Fortieth Illinois Infantry, at the head of his gallant regiment, within thirty feet of the enemys last line. Just at dark the enemy attempted a counter-movement on Lightburns brigade, but was repulsed with loss. We captured 87 prisoners, in- cluding 3 commissioned officers, in the assault. Casualties, 80 killed, 506 wounded, 17 missing; aggregate, 603 Page 37 Oni~ L.] REPORTS, ETO.AIRMY OF THE TENNESSEE. It will be seen by reference to General Shermans Special Field Orders, No. 31, July 1, that preparations were being made to de- prive the enemy of the advantage of Ke nesaw, as it was a barrier that he could hold with few troops, using it to extend his lines and prevent our turning his flank. The movement ordered was for General Thomas to rest his left at the south end of Kenesaw, and push General McPherson past the Army of the Ohio to the extreme right, where he was to threaten the Chattahoochee River, and also the railroad. About daybreak on the morning of the 1st General McPherson commenced the movement, sending one division of the Fifteenth Corps down the Sandtown road. The 2d, the movement was continued by General Blair following the division (M. L. Smiths) of the Fifteenth Corps. It having been discovered that the enemy had evacuated his works, General McPherson sent the rest of the Fifteenth Corps directly to Marietta. Several pris- oners were captured en route. The Sixteenth Corps was moved to the extreme right on the 3d. After reaching Marietta, General Logan also marched to the right, and joined the rest of the Army of the Tennessee. The 4th of July the enemy took up a position behind strong intrenchments in the vicinity of Ruffs Station, or Smyrna Camp-Ground. This was probably a temporary line -to facilitate the crossing of his trains over the Chattahoochee. While General Thomas was pressing hard in front, the Army of the Tennessee was turning the enemys left, going into position near Nickajack CreekSixteenth Corps center, Seventeenth on the right, and Fifteenth on the left. General McPherson writes to General Sherman July 4, 8 a. m. Lightburns brigade, of M. L. Smiths division, secured a position across Nicka- jack Creek at Ruffs Mill yesterday afternoon. * * * Dodge is pushing his com- mand forward east of Nickajack Creek, at Ruffs Mill. Blair is near Widow Mitchells, and has sent two regiments of infantry and a section of artillery, in con- nection with a brigade of Stonemans cavalry, on the road to Turners Ferry, with orders to secure, if possible, a crossing of Nickajack Creek. At 8.45 p. m. he writes: * * * Dodge moved across and ran against Stevensons division, and as he developed his lines captured a few prisoners from each division of Hoods corps. * * * As soon as the troops were over and in position, I directed Dodge to strengthen his skirmish line, so as to make it almost equivalent to a line of battle, especially on rough ground, and to assault the enemys rifle-pits. The order was gallantly executed, the works taken, and some 50 prisoners captured; our loss not - very heavy; Colonel Noyes, Thirty-ninth Ohio, severely wounded. This gives Dodge a position about one mile and a quarter east of Nickajack Creek. He has one brigade of Schofield on his left, and General M. L. Smiths division on his right and rear. The cavalry and infantry demonstration on the Turners Ferry road reached a point, as they think, one mile and a half* from Nickajack, and found it tolerably well fortified, with four guns in position. This brought the infantry to a halt, and they have not advanced since. They will, however, hold all the ground they have gained, and be ready to try the strength of the enemys works, if it is deemed desirable. By this it will be seen that the enemys left flank was not only threatened, but hard pressed, on the 3d and 4th of July, enough to render it unsafe for him to retain his position at Smyrna Canip- Ground. He abandoned this line during the night and fell back near the railroad bridge. July 5: Early this morning Greshams division, of General Blairs command, charged and carried a line of rebel rifle-pits on the Turners Ferry road, and then pushed forward until about 6 p. m. they gained a position on Nickajack Creek, within * Reads a half mile in McPhersons report; see p. 19 Page 38 38 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. about 500 yards of the rebel intrencliments on the Chattahoochee. General Leggetts division moved down to Howells Ferry on the Chattahoochee, drove the enemy away on the opposite side of the river, where they were erecting rifle- pits, left a brigade there and four 24-pounder howitzers, and then moved up the river toward the mouth of Nickajack Creek, and connected with Gresham. We had some [pretty] lively skirmishing and a good deal of artillery firing. During the night of July 9 the enemy evacuated his strong works and crossed the river. July 10, General Blair moved forward and occupied the enemys works. Nothing further was done of importance in this quarter, except the sending of a brigade of General Leggett s division down the river to the vicinity of Sandtown, to picket the river, relieving the whole cavalry force of General Stoneman, that he might cross the river below and get on the enemys communications. July 9, General Dodges command was sent to Roswell Factory, via Mari- etta, arriving the 10th, when it crossed the river and occnpied the bridge-head already constructed by Newtons division, of the Fourth Army Corps. During the next two or three days he built a bridge, 600 or 700 feet long, across the river. General Logan followed Gen- eral Dodge on the evening of the 12th, reaching Roswell on the morning of the 13th, and on the 15th crossed the Chattahoochee and took position on the left of General Dodge. General Blair, who had been temporarily detached to await the return of General Stoneman. rejoined the Army of the Tennessee, crossing the river on the morning of the 17th of July. That evening the head of column of this army reached Nancys Creek, near the place called Cross Keys, on the Roswell Factory and Decatur road. By General Shermans Special Field Orders, No. 36, the army of General McPherson was directed to move toward Stone Mountain, and to secure strong ground within four miles of General Scho- fields position near Decatur. Accordingly he pursued the route, via Blakes Mill, to Brownings Court-House, on the Stone Mountain road. The Fifteenth Corps, which led, was directed to hold itself in readi- ness to assist General Garrard if necessary, who had been instructed to break the Augusta and Atlanta Railroad. Subsequently General McPherson directed General Logan to move forward a part of his command directly on the railroad. This he did effectna]ly, destroy- ing it for a considerable distance to the left of the Decatur road. He encamped for that night near Hendersons Mill. On the 19th the army was concentrated near Decatur, and spent a part of the time in destroying the railroad. The 20th the command moved toward Atlanta in two columns, the Fifteenth, followed by the Sixteenth Corps on the direct road, and the Seventeenth on a settlement road south of the railroad. The Fifteenth Corps encountered the rebel skirmishers soon after leaving Decatur, and drove them steadily to- ward Atlanta. The column advanced to within two miles and a half of the city, when this corps was placed in position for defense. Gen- eral Blairs command, after reaching about the same distance from the city, formed to the left of the Fifteenth Corps. The Sixteenth Corps placed one division between the Fifteenth and the Army of the Ohio and held the other in reserve. Regarding this movement, General Blair says: After marching three or four miles I struck the road running nearly north and south in front of Clays house. At this point the Fourth Division, Brigadier-General Greshams, discovered the enemy posted a half or three-quarters of a mile west of Clays road in a strip of timber, who immediately opened with artillery upon my advance. I immediately ordered up two batteries and silenced the enemys artillery Page 39 39 CHAP. L.] I~EPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. and in the mean time the Fourth Division was deployed into line and advanced, driving the enemy full a mile and a quarter to a ridge of hills. At this point my right connected with Major-General Logan, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. There was a bald hill to the left of this position, occupied by the enemy in some force. From it a sharpshooter wounded General Gresham after he had deployed his division. General Blair, in ac- cordance with orders from General McPherson, directed that the division under General Leggett should assault the hill on the even- ing of the 20th. General Blair reports: If my order had reached General Leggett on the evening of the 20th I am sure the hill would have been carried without serious loss on my part. It seems the order did not reach General Leggett, so that on the morning of the 21st the same movement was ordered and carried into effect with great gallantry. The Third Division moved upon the enemys works at double-quick, capturing from 40 to oO prison- ers. Several ineffectual attempts were made by the enemy to re- gain the hill. The other division of General Blair (Greshams) was pushed forward under a heavy fire to prevent the enemy from re-en- forcing against Leggett. This division was withdrawn as soon as the object of the movement was accomplished. During the skirmishing of the 20th the conduct of Brigadier- General Gresham, who was severely wounded, is highly commended by his corps commander. Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith was assiglled to the command of his division on the morning of the 21st. During the action of the 21st General M. F. Force, of Leggetts division, and Colonels Potts and Shane, of General G. A. Smiths division. receive high praise for their skill and good conduct. The position secured by General Blair played an important part in the memor- able action of the, next day. The losses in this corps on the 21st amounted to an aggregate of 750 killed, wounded, and missing. The enemys loss was not supposed to be as great, as he fought behind breast-works, excepting during his attempts to regain the hill. During the 21st one brigade of the Sixteenth Corps, Colonel Sprague commanding, was dispatched to Decatur, as a guard to the trains, and with orders to relieve any portion of Garrards cavalry at that point. Another brigade of the same corps was sent to Gen- eral Blair, and placed in reserve in rear of his command. This was the position of affairs on the left of the army oii the evening of the 21st of July. During the night following the enemy evacuated his intrenchments in front of the entire army, and had apparently retired within his works immediately covering Atlanta. The 22d of July is, perhaps, the most distinctly marked of any day during this remarkable campaign. The enemy, taking advan- tage of the absence of our cavalry from the left flank, and of our natural supposition that he had fallen back as usual, made a wide detour, completely turning the position of the Army of the Tennes- see, and assaulting from the left and rear with the utmost vigor. At the very opening of this battle the commanding general, Major- General McPherson, was killed. No distinguished officer of this war, who has given a noble life to his country, and left with his countrymen a record of honor and affection, seems to have impressed the citizen and soldier like him, and his death occasioned a profound sense of loss, a feeling that his place can never be completely filled. How valuable! how precious! the country to us all, who have pai Page 40 40 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. for its preservation so dear a price. Upon General McPhersons death, Major-General Logan, the senior officer upon the field, as- sumed command of the Army of the Tennessee, and retained it until it devolved on me, the 27th of July, by direction of Major- General Sherman, and in accordance with a telegraphic dispatch from the Secretary of War. A copy of General Logans able report of this interim is herewith inclosed. * The 26th of July, about 10 p. in., I received a telegram from Gen- eral Sherman, advising me that I had been appointed by the Presi- dent of the United States to the command of the Department and Army of the Tennessee, and directing me to assume command and put the army in position the following morning. Pursuant to Special Field Orders, No. 42, paragraph IV, Military Division of the Mississippi, the army was withdrawn from its position on the left and marched to the rear of the center of the Military Di- vision of the Mississippi during the night of the 26th. At daylight in the morning, the head of column had reached the Buck Head road, near the headquarters of General Sherman, where I joined the army. He then directed me to accompany him to the right, where he would indicate the position he wished me to take. The general pointed out a ridge running nearly south and perpendicular to General Palmers line, opposite his extreme right, along which he desired my column to move. In compliance with General Shermans instructions, I assumed command as the head of the column reached the position in- dicated. The Sixteenth Corps, Major-General Dodge commanding, was lealing. I directed him to deploy his corps in two lines, as each division arrived. General Corses division was first deployed and pushed forward, following a reconnaissance that Brigadier-General Morgan, of Davis division, Fourteenth Corps, was making, in order to facilitate my movement. Corses division pressed forward with- out waiting for Fullers division, which had halted some way back, and created much delay. Fuller was deployed, on his arrival, to the right and rear of Corse, and followed up that movement. In this same maniier each successive division of the army passed to the right of the preceding, formed, and moved forward in echelon. General Corse having arrived at the position I had designated for the left to rest, wheeled to the left till his line faced eastward. Ful- lers division did the same on Corses right, refusing, however, his right flank. The Seventeenth Corps had hardly reached Fullers right when it became too dark to proceed farther. In proceeding thus far, the enemys skirmishers had been easily driven back. The Fifteenth Corps was placed in reserve till the moon arose, about 3 a. in. of the 28th, when one division was sent to cover the right of the Seventeenth Corps. As soon as it was light on the morning of the 28th, I found Major- Generals Logan and Blair already on the field and their commands in motion, in order to extend their lines in the manner previously directed. By 11 a. m. a strong position had been securedGeneral Dodge on the left, General Blair the center, General Logan the right. The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps faced substantially to the east, the latter refusing slightly the right flank, just enveloping Ezra Church. The Fifteenth Corps, General Logan, occupied a wooded ridge parallel with the Lick Skillet and Atlanta road, facing nearly south. As soon as this hill had been carried by the *See~ 21 Page 41 Ciui~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 41 skirmish line, the general pushed up his main line upon it, ordering his skirmishers forward to take possession of a second ridge, for the most part in the open fields. At this time the enemy opened with a battery of artillery, firing shells and sometimes canister across our lines. Considerable skirmishing occurred from the center to the right of the Fifteenth Corps. I determined not to push farther, and reported to General Sher- man that I anticipated an attack. General Logans front was nearly covered with piles of rails and logs. Near 11.30 a. m. General Mor- gan L. Smith, whose division was on the right flank, endeavored to take possession of a hill in his front for the purpose of occupying it with his skirmishers. He met with great resistance, and as the enemys artillery fire was troublesome a section of his artillery came up and engaged that of the enemy, when suddenly a furious attack burst upon us along the divisions of Generals Woods, Harrow, and M. L. Smith, of the Fifteenth Corps, extending a little beyond our right, whereupon Major-General B lair was directed to send all the troops he could spare to re-enforce and extend the right. Four regi- ments were sent at once, but before their arrival the first shock had passed, the enemy being driven back at every point except, perhaps, on the exti3eme right, where there was scarcely more than a skirmish line to resist him. As soon as possible, in less than twenty minutes, Captain Gilbreth, of my staff, led up two regiments to prolong the right. These with the other two above mentioned, Lieutenant-Col- onel Stroiig, department inspector-general, moved promptly into position to prevent the enemy from enveloping General Logans right flank. The position occupied was a very strong one naturally to resist a front attack, but I supposed the enemy had now discov- ered the right, and would push in a body to tliat point before making his second assault. Therefore, in order to secure my right more substantially, twenty-six pieces of artillery were placed in position in such a way as to sweep the approaches in that direction. The enemy reformed and renewed the attack again and again, bi& t with the same result. Our men fired low, and ceased firing as soon as the enemy was repulsed. General Logan reports that during the engagement Colonel (now Brigadi~3r-General) Belknap, brought him re-enforcements of two regiments from General Blair, and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Phillips four regiments from General Dodge. He says: These troops were received at a time when I much needed them, and under the skillful management of the officers who commanded them acted gallantly until the battle was ended. The enemys assaults exhibited so much pertinacity that I feared he might finally, by continually throwing in fresh troops, wear our men out and burst through the line at sonic point. I therefore sent to General Sherman foy re-enforcements, at least a brigade. The general felt so sure that General Morgans division, of the Four- teenth Corps, that had gone toward Turners Ferry, would soon appear on my right flank, that he was contented to send me word to that effect. But as Morgan did not arrive I again sent Lieutenant- Colonel Howard to ask at least a brigade. General Sherman ordered it forward at once. It did not arrive, however, until the battle was over. This was my first battle after taking command of the Army of the Tennessee, and I was delighted with the conduct of officers and men. Major-General Logan was spirited and energetic, going at once to the point where he apprehended the slightest dange Page 42 42 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. of the enemys success. His decision and resolution animated and encouraged his officers aud men to hold on at all hazards. He says: Brigadier-Generals Woods, M. L. Smith, and Harrow, division commanders, are entitled to equal credit for gallant conduct and skill in repelling the ,many and desperate assaults of the enemy. My losses were, 50 killed, 439 wounded, ~3 miss- ing; aggregate, 562. Adding the losses of Generals Blair and Dodge, which were small, the entire loss of killed and wounded will not exceed 600. In a let- ter to General Sherman, July 29, I stated that we had counted 642 rebel dead, aud that I estimated the rebel loss at not less than 5,000. From subsequent rebel acconnts, and from between 100 and 200 more rebel bodies afterward discovered, I believe the enemys loss much larger, certainly not less than 7,000. We captured 5 battle- flags, npward of 1,500 muskets, and nearly 200 prisoners. After the battle of the 28th of July the enemy seemed satisfied to stand oi~ the defensive as long as he held Atlanta. From this time until the 26th of August General Blair reports: The command was occupied in making approaches, digging rifle-pits, and erect- ing batteries, being subjected day and night to a galling fire of artillery and mus- ketry. This was literally true of the entire army. Line after line was constructed, the enemys skirmishers driven back or captured, bat- teries placed in position, in some places within forty or fifty yards of the enemys works. By these means our brave officers and men, without flagging, constantly harassed and worried the enemies of their coantry. On the 19th of August Major-General Dodge, while on his advanced line,. reconnoiteriug the enemys position, received a wound in the head which disabled him. Brig. Gen. T. E. G. Ran- soni succeeded to the command of the corps. On 23d of August General Lightburn received a leave of absence, in consequence of being wounded. General Morgan L. Smith was obliged to leave his division (Second Division, Fifteenth Corps), in consequence of dis- ability arising from a wound received previous to this campaign. August 17, us command devolved on Brigadier-General Hazen. General Lightburu commandedthe division from 4th of August to the 17th, iuckmsive. On the 22d Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods was assigned to the command of the Third Division, Seventeenth Corps. Major-General Osterhaus had returned two days previously, and resumed command of his division (First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps). The crowning operations of this campaign were ordered to com- mence on Thursday night, August 18. The general plan is given in General Shermans Special Field Orders, No. 57, (lated August 16, 1864. After preliminary preparations, the movement was to com- ihence with General Thomas. He was required to move one corps (Twentieth) across the Chattahoochee bridge, another (the Fourth) south of Proctors Creek to near Utoy Creek, behind my right center. Next the Army of the Tennessee was to withdraw and cross Utoy, moving on Fairburn, going as far as Camp Creek, while General Thomas was to cross the Utoy and mass his troops. Third move would bring the Armies of the Tennessee and Ohio as far as West Point railroad. The cavalry, meanwhile, would be so disposed as to cover the flanks and rear. In consequence of the enemy having sent away a large proportion of his cavalry, the movement abov Page 43 43 CHAP. ~.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. referred to was suspended,. In General Shermans telegram of the 17th he says: I will not move our infautry, but break the Macoii road all to pieces with our cavalry. From this I judge that had our cavalry succeeded to his expectation the infantry movement would not have been made; but this was not the case, as the enemy was able to repair the damage done by our cavalry in a few days, while he remained still in possession of Atlanta. It was determined to make the trial to commence during the night of the 2~th. Major-General Thomas inaugurated the movement without loss or serious difficulty. During Thursday night and Friday morning he had massed his command beyond my position. I had previously prepared a new left flank along the ridge near Ezra Church. Gen- eral Ransoms corps (Sixteenth) was retired, marching in conjunc- tion with General Thomas. During the night of the 26th this army withdrew in two columns, General Ransoms corps constituting the rear guard. - The enemy seemed aware of our withdrawing during its progress, and opened on us with artillery and considerable skirmish-firing, but, providentially, we had but one casualty, one poor fellow losing his leg by a round shot. Major-General Logan pursued an inner route, via Utoy, to Camp Creek. Major-General Blair, followed by General Ransom, moved to the same place, via Lick Skillet and Dry Pond. Early in the niorning of the 27th command went into posi- tion near Camp Creek. Brigadier-General Kilpatrick, with his cavalry division, encamped on a road to our right. On the 28th General Kilpatrick, as early as 6 a. in., moved out and cleared our front and right of rebel cavalry as far as the West Point railroad. The command started at 7 a. in., in two columns, per Sidehing or New Hope Church. General. Blair, followed by General Ransom, took a main traveled road, excepting for a short distance at the start, when he cut a new one. Major-General Logan, followed, by the trains, cut a new road parallel to the other for the most part of the way. Some cannonading was heard while we were en route, and some rebel scouting parties encountered our left flank. An attempt was made by the rebel cavalry to drive Kilpatrick back from the railroad, but he drove back the enemy and held the position. About 12 m. the columns arrived and went into a position covering the railroad, the Fifteenth Corps on the left, Seventeenth on the right, and the Sixteenth in reserve. Trains came up rapidly and parked. Generals Logan and Blair intrenched their position in a short time, and spent the rest of the day and part of the night in tearing up the railroad. The 29th the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps remained in position, using part of their troops in completing the destruction of the railroad to the left and right of our position. General Ransom moved Ms corps below Fairburn and destroyed the road till he met the party of the Seventeenth C@rps. The work was remarkably well done throughout, the rails bent double or broken, ties burnt, and in front of the Fifteenth Corps and Seventeenth cuts filled up with earth, rocks, trunks of trees, and other rubbish. Geii- eral Kilpatrick nieanwhile watched the enemys cavalry on the differ- ent roads, and co-operated with us in guarding the approaches. Our picket-line connected with that of General Thomas at Red Oak Sta- tion. The 30th the army moved in two columns, starting at 7 a. m. General Ransom, followed by General Blair, took a road to the righ Page 44 .1 44 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. tCIHAP. L. of that leading to Jonesborough, while General Logan, followed by the trains, pursued the main road. General Kilpatrick was directed to scout the front and cover the right, as on the previous march. There was a little skirmishing, but no very decide d opposition, till we reached the point where Ransoms road came into Logans. At this intersection what appeared to be a brigade of rebel cavalry had made quite an extensive cover of rail barricades. General Kilpat ricks cavalry, supported by two regiments of infantry (Ransoms), drove them from one line, but they had another prepared close by. This time General Hazen, of Logans corps, turned their position, when the rebel cavalry retreated to take up another. The rebels made a strong stand at Shoal Creek, briskly firing upon our advance with artillery. Their position was again turned and they were driven back. Constant skirmishing occurred till we reached Renfroe Place. This was the right of the general position selected by General Sherman, but in conversation he had authorized me, that if I thought I could reach the railroad at Jonesborough, to push ahead. All information went to show that the rebels had some force in- trenched at Jonesborough. Accounts varied from two brigades to a corps. I found that scarcely a drop of water could be obtained without retiring a mile, and that there was none ahead short of Flint River. I thought if I could secure a lodgment on the eastern bank of the Flint I might be able to break the railroad next morning or enable other portions of the army to do so, and at the same time secure the watei~s of the Flint for our use. After a short rest, the columns marched on, General Logans preceded by a squadron of cavalry, under Captain Estes, of Kilpatricks staff, and the other column preceded by Kilpatricks main body, cutting their own road for the most part of the way. Captain Estes pushed so fast that the rebel cavalry could make no other stand from Renfroe to the Flint. On reaching Flint it was discovered that the bridge was not de- stroyed, the enemy defending it from barricades on the opposite bank. I directed it to be carried. Captain Estes deployed his cav- alry, now increased to parts of two regiments, armed with Spencer rifles. He was followed closely by Hazens skirmishers. The cav- alry rushed for th~ river-bank, and fired so fast that the rebels could with difficulty reply. Under cover of this fire a charge was made across the bridge, and the first and second lines of barricades seized. The enemy made still another stand a few rods to their rear, and opened a sharp fire on our advance, when, as if by a spontaneous impulse, General Logans skirmishers, now over the river, made a dash upon the enemy. Again he fled. With considerable skirmish- ing the advance of the Fifteenth Corps reached the highest ground between Flint River and the railroad. Here I directed General Logan to place in position his corps, reserving one division. This he didHazen on the left of the road, Harrow on the right, Oster- hans in reserve. General Kilpatrick pushed over a small part of his command and marched directly toward the town on a branch road, to the right of the one above mentioned. He encountered the enemys infantry in a large corn-field just at dark, upon which he made an assault without any material success. General Logan took advantage of the position he had gained, sending a small force to hold it. Though our arrival in camp was not effected till dark, and the men had marched fighting for fifteen miles, and were, therefore Page 45 Oa& P. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 45 tired, still the Fifteenth Corps covered its front with a good line of breast-works before resting. The Sixteenth Corps was placed in position west of the Flint River facing south. The Seventeenth did not arrive till morning, when it was p laced on the same side the river facing toward the northeast. At daylight General Logan rec- tified his lines, extending them to the right and rear. The Sixteenth Corps bridged the river on the right and formed its lines, connect- ing substantially with the Fifteenth Corps. The Seventeenth con- structed a bridge opposite the left, and the Fifteenth another in the center. General Osterhaus had taken particular pains to locate a battery supported by infantry quite in advance of his main line, bearing upon the railroad some 700 or 800 yards distant. Other bat- teries in the main line were well located. During the night the enemy was pushing his force by cars and otherwise to Jonesbor- ough. I was making preparations to make a reconnaissance in force at 4 p. in., and had given orders accordingly. I had really expected an attack all day on account of the saucy position we occupied, since our artillery, and even musketry reached the enemys principal line of communication. I was not, therefore, at all surprised when, about 3 p. in., a heavy assault was made, ex- tending all along the Fifteenth Corps, and one division of the Six- teeiith. In the morning, before the action, I directed General Blair to send a brigade to General Logans left. Colonel Bryant, of General Woods division, was promptly sent. Fearing lest the enemy should turn that flank between Hazens left and the river, I directed Gen- eral Blair to send the rest of Woods division the moment the action opened. This he did, with instructions to hold his command well in hand, and charge the enemy if he attempted such a movement. The en emy made two or three assaults in all, but neither approaching so near nor exhibiting so much spirit as during the battle of the 28th of July. General Logan reports The most determined part of the assault was maintained by General Hazen. ~ * * J~ raged fiercely in part [front] of Harrow and Osterhaus, the enemy ap- proaching their line at the average distance of 50 to 100 paces. * * * In front of the Second Division (Hazens) 186 bodies of the enemy were buried, 99 prisoners captured, not including 79 wounded, also 2 stand of colors taken. The enemys wounded General Hazen estimates at 1,000, afterward found to be greater. General Harrow, 12 enemys dead, 56 prisoners, not including 60 wounded. Osterhaus esti- mates the enemys loss from 400 to 500 in his front. He discovered 131 graves. General Logan estimates in front of his corps 500 killed, and not less than. 5,000 wounded, and 241 prisoners. His own loss was 154 killed, wounded, and missing. General Ransom reports 57 dead and 92 prisoners taken in front of General Corses division, estimating ene- mys loss at 500 killed, wounded, and missing. His corps suffered the incredibly small loss of 18 killed and wounded. Colonel Bryant, of General Blairs corps, reports the enemys loss in his front 262 killed, wounded, and prisoners. The latter number may be included in General Logans estimate, as this brigade fought in conjunction with the troops on Hazens left. I believe the enemys loss in this battle of the 31st, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, will not vary far from 6,000. General Woods, Seventeenth Corps, and Generals Corse and Fuller, Sixteenth Corps, receive high commendation from their corps commanders for gallantry in this action. By reference to the report of General Kilpatrick, it will be seen that his force on the morning of the 31st moved to Anthonys Bridge Page 46 46 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. a mile and a half below my position. He crossed the river, con- structing a bridge, pushed a small force to the railroad, and took up a threatening position. The enemy dotibtless fearing an attempt to tnrn his left flank in force, attacked Kilpatrick with infantry. After stont resistance he withdrew to the western bank, and the enemy followed him up, crossing with a part of his force. As soon as I got news of this, about the middle of the afternoon, General Blair moved by my direction a division, General G. A. Smiths, to the right of General Ransom, prolonging his line and covering the wagon train. General Carlins division, of the Fourteenth Army Corps, also moved to the vicinity of that flank. The enemy was, however, too much crippled to attempt any further offensive move- ment. The force of the enemy opposed to us, judging from the prisoners taken, were the corps of Hardee and S. D. Lee, under conimand of General ilardee. While these events were transpiring at Jonesborough, Major-Generals Thomas and Schofield had struck the railroad at several-points intervening between me and~Atlanta. The .work for the next day was for me to hold where I was, while the rest of the military division concentrated upon my left, the troops on the railroad destroying it completely en route. On the afternoon of September 1, in accordance with instructions, my command made frequent and strong demonstrations to prevent the enemy from re-enforcing against General Thomas, whilst one of his corps (Fourteenth, Major-General Davis commanding) made its remarkabie and gallant charge between Hazens left and the railroad. My left corps, General Blairs, being relieved by this movement, was dispatched to Anthonys Bridge with instructions to do what he could to worry the enemy from that flank. I sent Lieutenant Hall, of the cavalry, to guide the column, believing that he knew the shortest route, but he took it by a more circuitous route, and con- sumed all the time from 3 p. m. till dark in reaching the bridge, so that: General Blair simply effected a crossing of the Flint River, skirmishing heavily with the enemy. That night the rebels with- drew from Jonesborough, as also the remaining garrison from Atlanta. By the rebel General Hoods dispatch of September 3 it appears that the failure of the two corps under Hardee to dislodge the rmy of the Tennessee from the position at Jonesborough decided him to evacuate Atlanta. Early on the 2d of September niy com- inand marched in three columns, on the right of the railroad, in pursit of the enemy. We came upon him in force near Love joys Station, where he had taken up a strong position, the approaches to which were most difficnlt. As soon as possible my command was deployedFifteeiith Corps on the left, Seventeenth on the right, and Sixteenth substantially in reserve. By the skirmish line of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Corps the enemy was driven from a height on his left of great importance to the security of his position. The main lines were moved forward to close proximity to the rebel works already nearly completed. This was effected by 4 p. in., when I was instructed to stand on the defensive for the present. After remain- ing at this place until the evening of September 5, in accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 64, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, the army withdrew by easy marches to East Point, arriving at that place on the 8th, where it is now in positionFif- teenth Corps in the center, Sixteenth on the right, and Seventeehth on the left Page 47 47 ChAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. In the above report I have labored under the disadvantage of not having received a report from Major-General Dodge. I ani fully aware that my report mnst be in a great measure unsatisfactory, to say the least, to the officers and soldiers~ of this command, as it is impossible for me to depict the glorions work accomplished by this army, as its commander, Major-General McPherson, who partic~ p ated in it would have done. Since I have had the command my thanks are due for energetic services and hearty co-operation to Maj. Gens. John A. Logan, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps; F. P. Blair, jr., commanding Seventeenth Army Corps; G. M. Dodge and Brig. Gen. T. E. G. Ransom, commanding Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, successively. For patriotic zeal and nutiring effort for the success of our cause they are only rivaled by the great body of the officers and soldiers under their command. I wish to record the names of my staff who have contributed s~ much to facilitate the movements of the army and to secure the glorious results of the campaign of Atlanta. Lieutenant-Colonel Clark, assistant adjutant-general; Captain Taggart, assistant adjm taut-general; Captain Gilbert, assistant adjutant-generalrdistiTh guished for completeness of records, clean ness of order~, and assist- ance on the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Strong, assistant inspector- general; Major Osborn, chief of artillery; Captain Hickenlooper, assistant chief of artillery; Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, provost- marshal~general~di5tingui5he(l for untiriug and generous aid of every description. Captain Buel, chief of ordnance; Capt. C. B. Reese, chief engineer; Surg. J. Moore, medical director; Capt. 0. H. Howard, signal officerfor the zealous and admirable manner they performed the duties of their departments. Captain Conklin, chief quartermaster; Lieutenant-Colonel Macfeely, chief commis- sary of subsistence; Lieutenant Blizzard, staff quarterniaster and commissary of subsistence; Dr. E. A. Duncan, staff surgeon-for the care, completeness, and system they displayed in the discharge of the duties of their several departments. My personal staff-Maj. C. H. Howard, senior aide-de-camp; Capt. H. M. Stinson, aide-de-catup; Capt. F. W. Gilbreth, aide-de-camp; Capt. W. M. Beebe, acting aide-de-camp; Capt. E. H. Kirlin, volun- teer aide-de-campreceive my warmest thanks for their exertions night and day in the performance of duty. C. W. Jacques, tele- graph operator, receives my thanks for his skill and (liligence. Herewith inclosed please find the reports of corps and other com~ manders, also list of killed and wounded, maps, * & c. Special atten- tion is called to the report of the chief of artillery of the department. I am grateful to the commanding general of the Military Division of the Mississippi for his confidence, instruction, and uniform courtesy, and it is a proud pleasure that during this trying campaign, and under the pressure of peculiar responsibility, he has never seen fit to censure me officially or otherwise. Respectfully, 0. 0. HOWARD, lila/or- General. Capt. L. M. DAYTON, A. D. C. to Major-General Sherman, A. A. A. G. * To appear in the Atlas Page 48 48 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. [Inclosure.] Effective strength Army of the Tennessee at the commencement of the campaign in Georgia. Command. Officers. Men. Aggrega Fifteenth Army Corps: Infantry 573 10,768 11,341 Artillery 24 736 760 Total 597 11,504 12,101 Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps: Infantry Cavalry Total Seventeenth Army Corps: a Infantry Cavalry Total Total Army of the Tennessee a Joined at Acworth June 10, 1864. 487 11,489 11,976 16 684 700 21 423 444 524 12,596 . 13,120 417 8,597 9,014 19 887 906 4 100 104 440 9,584 10,024 1,561 33,684 35,245 Casualties in Army of the Tennessee in Georgia. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. Command. ,ji - . a a a a H a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Fifteenth Army Corps 54 596 188 3,207 28 605 270 4,408 4,678 Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps 20 356 91 1,708 6 196 117 2,260 2,377 Seventeenth Army Corps .17 405 86 1,713 43 995 146 3,113 3,259 Total Army of the Tennessee... 91 1,357 365 6,628 77 1, 796~ 533 9,791 10,314 Captured.a Prisoners 2,921 Deserters 215 a Turned over to and receipted for by provost-marshal-reneral, Department of the Cumberland. Acknowledged losses of the enemy. b Resaca 2,000 Dallas 2 000 July22 12,000 July28 7,000 Jonesborough 5,000 Total 28,000 b This estimate does not include the loss of the enemy in constant skirmishing or minor attacks in front of the Army of the Tennessee. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, East Point, Ga., September 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: In my report of operations during the Campaign of At- lanta, I made scarcely any reference to the medical department of this army, expecting to transmit in a short time the report of the medical director. His preliminary report* accompanies this letter, and is replete with matter of general as well as professional interest. The campaign was a long one; battles and hard skirmishing of *See p. 50 Page 49 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, .ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 49 great frequency, changes of position constant, and transportation limited; still, by system, by the energy of the medical director and the co-operation of the officers of his department, the sick and wounded have been as well cared for as in any campaign that I have borne a part in. I call special attention to the recommendations of Surgeon Moore regarding the promotion of medical officers. I believe it due to the medical department that patriotic labor on the part of its officers shonld receive the approbation of the Government in the shape of substantial and honorary promotion, as is the case with other departments of the service. I cannot complain, however, of any want of efficiency in that department, and have more than once felt deeply grateful to those faithful snrgeons, who were work- ing night and day to save the lives or alleviate the sufferings of our sick and wounded. They may be assured their labor is not lost. I tender to Surg. John Moore, medical director of the Army of the Tennessee, my special thanks for his indefatigable and successful efforts to provide for the sick and wounded, and recommend him particularly to the War Departument as one worthy of reward. Respectfully, 0. 0. HOWARD, Major- General, Commanding. Capt. L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp to Major-General Sherman. ADDENDA. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Jonesborongh, Ga., No. 13. An gust 31, 1864. The general commanding congratulates this army on the brilliant manner in which they repulsed the attacks of the enemy to-day, and announces to them that while the enemy was throwing upon them the greater portion of his force, Generals Schofield and Stanley moved upon the railroad, two miles south of Rough and Ready, heading off a train of cars loaded with troops going to the support of their re- pulsed columns, and are still on the railroad destroying it. Thus we have whipped the enemy, cut his communications, divided his army, and are prepared to pursue and destroy it. Major-General Sherman desires the general commanding to express his appreciation of the noble conduct of the officers and men of this army, and to assure them that he knows their worth, and is not unmindful of their services. The gallant behavior of the cavalry division, under General Kil- patrick, in meeting the attack of the division of Cleburne is heartily appreciated by the general commanding, and will not remain un- noticed. By order of Maj. Gen. 0. 0. Howard: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- Genei al. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. No. 16. ) East Point, Ga., September 10, 186-1. It is with pride, gratification, and a grateful sense of divine favor that I congratulate this noble army upon the successful termination 4 R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 50 50 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN8 [CHAP. L of the campaign. Your officers claim for you a wonderful record for example, a march of 400 miles, thirteen distinct engagements, 4,000 prisoners, and 20 stand of colors captured, and 3,000 of the enemys dead buried in your front. Your movements upon the enemys flank have been bold and successful: first, upon Resaca; second, upon Dallas; third, upon Kenesaw; fourth, upon Nickajack; fifth (via Roswell), upon the Augusta railroad; sixth, upon Ezra Church, to the southwest of Atlanta, and seventh, upon Jonesborough and the Macon railroad. Atlanta was evacuated while you were fighting at Jonesborough. The country may never know with what patience, labor, and exposure you have tugged away at every natural and artificial obstacle that an enterprising and confident enemy could interpose. The terrific battles you have fought may never be realized or credited, still a glad acclaim is already greeting you from the Government and people, in view of the results you have helped to gain, and I believe a sense of the magnitude of the achievements of the last 100 days will not abate but increase with time and history. Our rejoicing is tempered, as ft always must be in war, by the soldiers sorrow at the loss of his companions in arms; on every hill- side, in every valley, throughout your long and circuitous route from Dalton to Jonesborough, you have buried them. Your trusted and .beloved commander fell in your midst; his name, the name of McPherson! carries with it a peculiar feeling of sorrow. I trust the impress of his character is upon you all to incite you to generous actions and noble deeds. To mourning friends and to all the dis- abled in battle, you extend a soldiers sympathy. My first intimate acquaintance with you dates from the 28th of July. I never beheld fiercer assaults than the enemy then made, and I never saw troops more steady and self-possessed in action than your divisions which were there engaged. I have learned that for cheerfulness, obedience, rapidity of movement, and confidence in battle, the Army of the Tennessee is not to be snrjassed, and it shall be my study that your fair record shall continue, and my purpose to assist you to move steadily forward and plant the old flag in every proud city of the rebellion. 0. 0. hOWARD, Major- General.. No. 440. Report of Sarq. John Moore, U. S. Army, Medical Director. HDQRS. DEPT. AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, MEDICAL DIRECTORS OFFICE, East Point, Ga., September 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following preliminary report of the medical service on the campaign which has terminated with the capture of Atlanta: The troops of the Fifteenth and Left Wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps, numbering 23,000, after having been quietly encamped during the winter at Larkinsville, Huntsvil[e, Athens, and Decatur, were put in motion about the last days of April for Chattanooga, where they arrived about the 1st of May. Before starting on this march supplies of medicines, hospital stores, & c., had been drawn for six months. By a general order, one 6-mule wagon had bee Page 51 CHAP. L.1 REPORTS, ETC.-ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 51 allowed to each regiment for transportation of medical supplies, and to be used for this purpose exclusively. In this wagon were carried also the hospital tents, of which there were an average of one and a half to a regiment. Abundant supplies of all kinds had been brought to Huntsville early in April by Asst. Surg. J. W. Brewer, U. S. Army, medical purveyor. No vegetables had been issued during the winter to the three divisions of the Fifteenth Corps stationed about Larkinsville, and in consequence quite a num- ber of these men were suffering from scurvy, appearing, however, generally in a mild form. The troops at Huntsville and Athens got vegetables from the country, and scurvy did not make its appear- ance among them. The sick and those unable to march, from the whole command, were left at Huntsville, in buildings and field hos- pitals already prepared for this purpose, and under the supervision of Dr. G. F. French, U. S. Volunteers, a zealous and efficient officer. On assembling at Chattanooga the Army of the Tennessee was at once marched through Ships Gap, Villanow, and Snake Creek Gap to the vicinity of Resaca, a village on the Atlanta railroad, where it crosses the Oostenaula River. The enemy at this time occupied Dalton, with the Army of the Cumberland in their front, and that of the Ohio on their right flank. It will be seen that the Army of the Tennessee threatened his rear. On the 9th of May our army enmerged from the Snake Creek Caiion into the Sugar Valley, about six miles from Resaca. An unsuccessful effort was made that after- iioon to reach the railroad. This having failed, the whole army went into camp in Sugar Valley, about five miles from Resaca. During the 10th, 11th, and 12th the Twentieth, Fourteenth, and Twenty..third Corps had made a junction with General McPherson. On the 13th there was a grand advance of our whole force on Resaca, Arnmy of the Tennessee on the right. A series of battles and skir- mishes ensued on afternoon of 13th, and on 14th very obstinate fighting; enemy strongly posted behind intrenchments. Sunday, 15th, passed off very quietly; during night erfemy evacuated, burmi- ing the railroad bridge behind them. The field hospitals were formed for each division by assembling together the hospital tents of the regiments, and having them pitched under the supervision of a medical officer detailed for that duty. The hospitals of the Fifteenth Corpsthree in number were about a mile in rear of our line; that of Sixt~enth Corps somewhat nearer. Three of the best surgeons in each division were selected to perform all operatious, as well as to decide upon the necessity or ~propriety of the operation. To each of these three ~were detailed two assistants. The numuber of wounded receiVed into hospital during the two or three days operations here was 794. The uneven nature of the ground offered protection to the ambulances very near to the front, and the stretcher-bearers were so prompt in bearing off the wouimded, that there were very few instan~es of men remaining on the field more than an hour or two fter be- ing wounded. They were laid on very comfortable beds, nmade by strewing the tents thickly with pine leaves and spreading blankets over these. There were abundant supplies of all important articles, and, altogether, all who came to the hospital were made very com- fortable. On the 16th this army formed the right column in the pursuit of the retreating rebels. All the hospitals were ordered to be concentrated near the village, and sufficient force left for their pro- tection, On my application, a commissary was appointed to remai Page 52 52 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. and provide for the hospitals until all wounded were sent back to the rear. A surgeon in charge, and one to each fifty patients, were left, and all others ordered to rejoin their commands. Medical sup- plies to last for the few days these hospitals were expected to be kept up were left, but several days delay beyond the time thought requisite for their removal having occurred, several articles of sup- plies became exhausted, and were replenished with a good deal of reluctance, as I was informed, from the purveyor of the Army of the Cumberlaud. Before going further, it may be well to state how it happened that we were dependent on this army for supplies. During the winter and spring, and up to within ten days of receivingorders to march, Huntsville, it was thought, would be the base of operations for the Army of the Tennessee, and, therefore, all stores had been ordered to this point. The order to march to Chattanooga was so sudden that time was not given to have these, or a portion of them in charge of a purveyor, sent to the field. Immediate steps were taken to sup- ply this want, by ordering Assistant Surgeon Brewer, medical pur- veyor, to the field. He joined us with full supplies of all kinds, about the 1st of June, near Acworth. This was in good time to re- lieve the wounded from the battle of Dallas, which was fought on the 25th of May. From Resaca to Dallas the march occupied ten days, attended with more or less skirmishing every day. The weather was fine, roads good, a pleasing country, and water excel- lent, and marches generally easy. As a result of all this the health of the men improved vastly in this time, and many who began the campaign so debilitated as to be scarcely able to walk, were now able to march all day. The arrangement of the field hospitals it will not be necessary to detail here again. The battle of the 28th, and the minor operations before and after it, sent to the field hos- pitals 614 wounded men. A large number of the rebel wounded fell into the hands of our su~rgeons on the 28th. On the 31st Army of the Tennessee ordered to withdraw and move five miles farther to the left. All wounded were moved day before to proper locations in rear of new position. Rebel wounded left in care of their friends in the town of Dallas. On 5th of June Army of the Tennessee ordered to extreme left, enemy having run away night before. All wounded to be put into am- bulances again and removed to Acworth, a distance of twelve miles. Here the hospitals were again established, and wounded made as comfortable as practicable in the field. Two (lays after this orders were received to remove all wounded and sick behind fortifications of All~toona Pass. A good site was found about two miles behind Allatoona, and the hospitals of the Fifteenth and SixteenthCorps re- moved the same afternoon. The distance was about seven miles. This proved an unusually convenient place for hospital. It was near an extensive smelting furnace and foundry. A number of cald~ rons were found, and placed in furnaces for purposes of making soup, washing, & c. The division organization of the field hospital was not kept up here, but the several division hospitals consolidated into a corps hospital, and this placed under charge of a surgeon supposed to have some aptness for administrative and executive duties. That of the Fifteenth Army Corps, under charge of Surg. A. Goslin, Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, became a model in its way, and men have probably never made better recoveries than here during the six weeks the hospital was kept up. That of the Six Page 53 Oa~. L.1 I~EPORTS, IETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 53 teenth Army Corps was under charge of Dr. C. Thornton, surgeon Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and was n6t nearly so well managed. While at Acworth Ger~eral McPhersons forces were increased by the arrival of the Seventeenth Army Corps from Vicksburg. It numbered 10,350 men. These troops had marched from Decatur, on the Tennessee River, to Rome, Ga., and then via Kingston, Cartersville, & c. Their sick having been left at different hospitals on the way, they arrived without any incumbrance to retard their actiVity in the field. From June 10 to July 17 was probably the most trying and harassing period of the campaign to the soldiers. The army was then in front of Kenesaw Mountain, with the rebel army strongly intrenched in our front our men were almost con- stantly in trenches, with daily reconnassainces, resulting in heavy skirmishes, and occasioually a very considerable battle. The weather was very hot, and it rained day and night for two or three weeks. On the 27th of June an unsuccessful assault on the enemys line re- sulted in adding 600 wounded men to our hospitals. It was now determined to move the Army of the Tennessee from its position on the extreme left to the extreme right. Wounded again ordered to be sent to the rear. Some three or four weeks be- fore this I had established a large hospital in Rome, Ga., which was now in condition to accommodate about 1,500 men. It was under charge of Surg. G. F. French, U. S. Volunteers, who had been ordered from Huntsville, with all supplies, bedding, & c., that could be brought from there. To this point all the wounded were sent in box-cars, the hospital train being then mouopolized by the Army of the Cumberland. Soon after dark on the night of the 2d of July the move toward the right began. Our trains had been moving in that direction all day. From the top of Kenesaw the enemy could look down on everything going on along our front, as if looking on a map. It was probably this threatened flank movement that caused them to evacuate this stronghold during the night. At sun- rise on the following morning the flags of a portion of the Fif- teenth Corps were waving on the top of Kenesaw. The rebels had abandoned this entire line and Marietta, amid had taken a strong positiou near the railroad bridge on the Chattahoochee. The march was resumed early in the morning on the road leading toward Turners Ferry. Rebels were found intrenched some two or three miles from th~ river, but not in very strong force. They were driven from all their advanced works the following day, aud the army drawn close around the left flank of their new position. After some days reconnoitering this was found too strong to carry by assault, and again the Army of the Tennessee was or(lered to move through Marietta to Roswell Factory, on the river, thirteen miles above the railroad bridge, being now on the extreme left. After three days stay at Roswell, during which a substantial bridge had been built across the river, the several corps, on the 17th of July, moved across the river and took the road leading to Decatur. On the night of the 14th occurred one of the most terrific thunder- storms that I have ever seen; some 4 or 5 men were killed, and about 30 more or less paralyzed. In many cases stacks of arms were struck, and the guns broken and destroyed. On the 20th Decatur, a town six miles from Atlanta, east, was entered, after severe skirmishing. O~ the 22d occurred the severest battle of the campaign. This began in an attack by the rebel forces on our intrenchments, stretching across the railroad, about three mile Page 54 54 THF ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. east of Atlanta. The battle I sted from about 12 oclock noon until near sunset, when the rebels were everywhere repulsed. In the early part of the action General McPherson was killed by a ball through the chest, while riding near the front. Thus prematurely fell an officer pre-eminent for his genius and attainments as a soldier, and as a man peculiarly beloved by all who had the good fortune to know him. It was a determined effort on the part of the rebel general to turn our flank. While theattack in front and on the flank was going on, another force moved from the direction of Decatur, threatening our rear. All our field hospitals came under fire at different times during the day and had to be removed. The number of wounded was about 2,060, all of wh6m, in addition to 500 rebel wounded, were brought to hospital before 10 oclock that night. There was no want of important supplies of every kind. On the 23d, owing to a projected change of line, all our hospitals were ordered farther to our right. On the ~5th they were again or- dered to be removed to the rear of the position occupied by the Army of the Cumberlandstill farther to the right. Of comtse, all these moves were annoying, as well as injurious to many of the wounded, and retarded the proper fitting up of bunks, as well as other hospital conveniences. From these hospitals all wounded were transferred, in a few days, in ambulances to Marietta, a distance of twenty miles, and from that point to Rome by railroad. On the 27th of July the movement round to the right flank was completed. On the 28th, while getting into the new position, the rebels made a very determined attack on the Fifteenth Army Corps, which formed the right of our line. An attack, three or four times renewed, and lasting about five hours, resulted in a repulse to the enemy at all points, with 650 killed and about 5,000 wounded. During the en- gagement our troops threw up barricades, and were thus protected very much. Number of wounded, 540mostly of the Fifteenth Corps. All the wounded, including 80 rebels, were in the division hospitals before 12 oclock at night. The hospitals were first estab- lished within less than half a mile of our line of battle, but, being in range of enemys shells, had to be removed farther to the rear.~ Three days after the battleknown as that of Ezra Church-all the wounded were sent to the corps hospitals in Marietta, fifteen miles distant. These hospitals had been moved from Allatoona Pass to this place early in July. From the battle of the 28th of July to August Ni the usual daily casualties of a siege occurred; the wounded being cared for in the division hospitals about a mile in the rear of the trenches. On the 26th began the grand move of the whole army to the right, with a view of cutting the West Point amid Macon roads. It is ummnecessary to speak of the manner in which this was accomplished. The Army of the Tennessee was on the right, and two days march brought it to the West Point railroad at Red Oak. The 28th, was spent in destroying the road, and march resumed on the 29th by two roads running parallel and passing through Renfroe Place to Jonesborough. Considerable skirmish- mug occurred during the day between our advance and tIme rebel cav- alry, but very few casualties occurred, and in the evening our cav- alry (dismounted) had forced the bridge across Flint River, and the advance of the Fifteenth Corps passed over immediately, and, (lriv~ ing the rebels from their barricades on the other shore, pursued theni up the heights between the river and the town of Jonesbo- rough, and held tMir position until the entire Fifteenth and Six Page 55 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OP THE TENNESSEE. 55 teenth Corps came up, and before morning were intrenched within a few hundred yards of the town and at one point close enough to command the railroad. On the 31st an attack was made upon our lines, but was easily repulsed, with loss on our side of about 100. The hospitals of the Fifteenth Corps were established near the bridge on this occasion, but during the action two of them had to be removed across the river. This was the corps chiefly engaged. On the 1st of September the enemy in front of the Army of the Tennessee stood on the defensive. In the afternoon a vigorous, gal- lant, and well-sustained attack was made by the Fourteenth Army Corps, under command of General J. C. Davis, on that part of the enemys lines to our left. Although stubbornly resisted, 2 lines of the enemys rifle trenches were taken, about 1,000 prisoners captured, a battery of 4 gnus, besides a heavy loss in killed and wounded. Under cover of darkness the rebel army retreated. Next morning we were ordered to pursue. Late in the afternoon, how- ever, General Sherman learned that Atlanta had been evacuate~I and was in possession of our troops, and orders werA3 given to rest for two or three days, and then return by easy marches to Atlanta, where the army arrived on the 8th of September. All our wounded were brought back in ambulances, and, on reaching Atlanta, sent to the hospitals in Marietta. Thus happily terminated a campaign of more than four months duration, conducted under extraordinary difficulties, and no less remarkable for its numerous bloody engagements and daily skir- mishes than for the cheerful endurance of the soldiers under fre- qne~it and long-continued hardships. It shonld have been stated in the proper place that after the death of General McPherson the command of the Army of the Tennessee devolved upon Gen- eral J. A. Logan, who continued in command until the 27th, when General Howard was placed in commandan officer whose brilliant military record dunn0 the war has been rendered still more illus- trious by the extremely important successes won by the Army of the Tennessee while under his command. But no less important than success, in attaching the soldiers of the army to him, is the constant interest which he manifests for their physical and moral welfare DIFFICULTIES ATTENDING THE CARE OF WOUNDEI) AND SICK ON THIS CAMPAIGN. The Army of the Tennessee had been operating for two years on the Mississippi River, where all necessary provisions in the way of hospitals existed, but when ordered on this campaign these hospitals were not available, and all those at Nashville and Chattanooga belonged to the Army of the Cuniberland. The hospitals estab- lished at Huntsville were ordered to be abandoned, as the town was to be garrisoned by troops from the Army of the Cumberland. About this time a temporary camp hospital was established in the vicinity of Chattanooga, under the charge of Snrg. R. Niccolls, IJ. S. Volunteers, and with it were placed several hundred men, who were unable to march from being foot-sore or fatigued, and also many who were sick were sent back from Kingston. About the 1st of June measures were taken to establisfi the main hospital at Rome. I learned from General Sherman that this point would be protected, and from the people that it was celebrated for its salubrity. It wa Page 56 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 56 fOtIAP. I~. organized by Snr4 G. F. French, assisted by Asst. Surg. C. F. Marsh, Twenty-fifth Iowa, and a number of contract surgeons. Buildings were used at first, and afterward tents and buildings. Abont the 20th of June the field hospital at Chattanooga with medical officers and all remaining patients were brought to Rome. All the iron bedsteads, mattresses, and other hospital furniture used at Huntsville, together with everything of this kind in the hands of Doctor Brewer, the medical purveyor, were sent there in the beginning. These made in all about 1,600 beds, and were afterward increased to 3,000 by making bunks. The number in hospital never exceeded at any one time 2,750. For two or three weeks some diffi- culty was experienced in getting proper food for the sick. Doctor French, the snrgeon in charge, reported that fruit and fowls, cows, and vegetables of all kinds were abundant in the country but that the general in command (Vandever), for some unaccountable reason, refused to co-operate with him in getting these much-needed sup- plies, or rather, that he would not allow them to be taken. What are the sufferings of sick men to a hadkneyed and effete politician, when he finds himself unable to alleviate them without incurring the displeasure of ladies(?) who have remained in pleasant quarters while their husbands, sons, & c., are in the rebel army? It were as unreasonable to expect the Ethiopian to change his skin as for a main like this to be influenced by the instincts of a soldier. After the establishment of this hospital no sick or wounded were sent far- ther to the rear. All were treated here and in the corps hospitals in Marietta. There were three of these, one for each corps. That of the Fifteenth was entirely under canvas, and, for completeness of arrangement in kitchen, laundry, and comfort of the sick, soon became a niodel. It was under the charge of Doctor Goshin. The hospital of the Seventeenth Corps was partly in the military college building and partly in tents on the grounds around it. The Six- teenth Corps hospital was altogether in buildings, and was the least comfortable of the three. These at one time contained an aggregate of about 3,000 patients. In a subsequent and fuller report I hope to show that the wounded treated in these hospitals did quite as well and better than in the more elaborately fitted-up buildings farther to the rear. During the campaign 625 wounded and over 3,000 sick were taken into hospitals at Rome, Marietta, and division hospitals in the field. The Army of the Cumberland, having been operating on this line at different points ever since the war began, had numerous hospitals at its command in Nashville and Chattanooga, and, having until recently a monopoly of the hospital trains, was enabled to send its sick and wounded to the rear rapidly, and was not perplexed with the establishment of hospitals for large numbers of men, with scanty materials and often incompetent or inexperienced men. And yet, forgetting all these circumstances, I have understood I was much censured by a medical inspector at Resaca for not having such well-regulated general hospitals in the rear as the Army of the Cumberhand. SUPPLIES. The regiments were well supplied on leaving Huntsville. About the 1st of June Doctor Brewer arrived at Big Shanty with a large stock of everything in the way of supplies. These were at onc Page 57 CHAP. L3 1~EPORT8, ETC.AIDIY OF THE TENNE~EF. issued to the surgeons in chief of divisions, who receipted for them and expended them in the division hospitals. Among these were 2,500 shirts and drawers. After making these issues the remaining snpplies were loaded into a supply train, and on the march moved with the other snppiy trains. ,This arrangement was kept up nntil the taking of Marietta. The supplies were then taken from the train and pnt in store, and issued in the nsual way. They were always in reach of the army, and were left here until the capture of Atlanta. Doctor Brewer deserves much credit for the manner in which his supplies were kept up and the promptness with which they were issued. In many articles the standard supply table was departed from, where it was believed to be for the benefit of the wounded or sick, but the aggregate of medicines used by this army for six mouths past will be found, I think, much below the quanti- ties allowed by the supply table. Of the regimental medical officers of this army I wish to speak a word or two of commendation. After any battle in which great numbers are wounded, of course the work is very hard until all are made comfortable. Usually these battles are far apart, with weeks of intervening rest, but here is a campaign lasting four months, with several severe engagements, and scarQely a single day without skirmishing more or less severe. After each engagement a number of the r~gimental medical officers had to be detached to attend the wounded sent to hospital. It often happened, oxvmng to movements and the rapidity with which battles followed each other, that each division would have two or three different field hospitals at the same time miles apart. Of course, while these continued, it left fewer and fewer men to do the work in the front. With but very few excep- tions they devoted themselves faithfully, and even heroically, to the work before them. Three of the most competent among them died of diseases contracted at the field hospitals, ~nd probably due to overwork. One was killed while with his reginment in the trenches, and 2 others severely wounded. It is perhaps complimentary to the medical corps of the army that they are expected to perform the most arduous, and often painful and disagreeable, offices from no other motive than a sense of duty. In the line, and all t.he other staff departments which require the presence of its members in the field, the prospect of promotion is held out as an additional stimulus to insure the faithful performance of duty. But surgeons are moved by the same influences that operate on other officers, and if the Government would institute some system of promotion, such as exists in the medical departments in other civilized countries, this branch of its work would be more cheerfully done, and many of the best men who enter the service would find it to their interest to re- main, and would not, as now, be constantly availing themselves of every opportunity to quit a service that not only offers no promotion, but which in its administration allows favorites to retain snug places in cities, where the work is light and pay greater than in the field. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. MOORE, Surgeon, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Dept. of the Tenn. Major-General HowARD, Gomdg. Department and Army of the Tennessee Page 58 58 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 441. Report of Capt. Andrew Hickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, Chief of Artillery, of operations Jnly 22. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND Af~MY OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Atlanta. Ga., July 31, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the artillery of the Army of the Tennessee, during the action of the 22d instant The attack commenced on our extreme left and near about 12 in., at which time the following batteries of the Fifteenth and Seven- teenth Army Corps were in position from right to left, viz: Battery F, Second Missonri, two 3-inch guns and two 12-pounder howitzers; Fourth Ohio Battery, four light 12-pounder guns and two 12-pounder howitzers; Battery H, First Illinois, four 20-pounder Parrotts. To the front and right of large brick house on the north side of the railroad, Battery A, First Illinois, six light 12-pounders, four of which were advanced in front of the line; Battery F, First Illinois, six light 12-pounders, was about 400 yards south of the railroad, and the First Iowa Battery, four 10-pounder Parrotts, on the high hill about 800 yards sonth of Battery F, First Illinois. On the right of the Seventeenth Corps, and covering the rioht flank, was Battery D, First Illinois. four 24-pounder howitzers. Immediately on the left of this last-named battery was the Third Ohio Battery, fonr 20-pounder Parrotts, covering one of the large forts near Atlanta. Battery H, First Michigan, of six 8-inch guns; Battery F, Secoiid Illinois, four light 12-pounders. Battery F, Second U. S. Artillery, attached to Sixteenth Corps, was stationed on our extreme left, cov- ing that flank. When the assault commenced in the rear, this bat- tery was applied foil and ordered to report to Major Ross, chief of artillery of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and while en ronte for the rear was captured while passing along the only road leading from its former position. The Fourteenth Ohio Battery and Battery H, First Missouri, were placed in position with the Sixteenth Army Corps, racing tf) the left and rear. The officers and men of these batteries are eiititled to great praise for their noble conduct upon this occa- sion. These bafteries were engaged about two hours, and expended effectively 1,119 rounds of ammniiition. Duriiig the engagement one section of Battery C, First Michigan, was engaged at Decatnr, but, in consequence of the suddenness of the attack, lost their bat- tery wagon and 1 transportation wagon. The enemy, after hard fight- ing, were driven from the field. About an honr after the attack in the rear upon the Sixteenth Corps, tIme enemy made a fnrious assault along the entire front and left of Seventeenth Corps, capturing 1 section of Battery F, Second Illinois, with First Lient. W. H. Powell commanding. The entire support of this battery was captured, and a withdrawal under the circum- stances was simply impossible. About this time the Third Ohio Bat- tery was ordered to withdraw their 20-pounder Parrotts, and, with the remaining section of Company F, Second Illinois,; were placed in position in the rear of the Fifteenth Corps. Battery D, First Ill- inois, and Battery 11, First Michigan, did well, and remained upon the hill which had cost us so much, and which was the key to our entire position. During the attack upon the left and rear, Battery F, First Illinois. was faced to the left, and the First lowa Batter Page 59 59 CHAP. LI. 13tEPO1~TS, ETC.AThT%fl~ OP TUE TEIN7NESSEE. to the left and rear; also two 12-pounder howitzers of the Sec- ond Missouri Battery were placed in position with Battery F, First Illinois, all supported by the Fonrth Division of the Fifteenth Corps. In a short time after the above formation was completed the attack was made on the Seventeenth Corps, in which these guns, particularly the First Iowa, rendered important service. About 1.30 p; m. the enemy attacked the left center of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, forcing the infantry back, and cap- turing Battery H and 4 guns of Battery A, First Illinois. While the enemy was making this assault, the guns of the First Division were turned upon the assaulting column and did great execution. The chiefs of artillery of the different corpsMajor Maurice, of the Fifteenth, Maj6r Ross, of the Sixteenth, and Major Cheney, of the Seventeenth Army Corpsdeserve great credit for the able manage- ment of the artillery of their respective corps, but more particularly are we indebted to the artillery officers and men of the Sixteenth Army Corps, as the safety of the entire command depended in a great measure upon their firmness and bravery. Honorable mention is made of the following officers and men: Captain Welker, chief of artillery of Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps; Captain Griffiths, chief of artillery of Fourth Divisioi~, Fifteenth Army Corps; Captain De Gress, of Battery H, First Illinois; Lieutenant Smyth, Battery A, First Illinois; First Sergt. John L. Bascom, Battery H, First Missouri; Sergt. Seth Calhoun, same battery. who, though wounded through the neck and arm, did not leave the field. Both of these sergeants displayed great courage and coolness, and are commended for promotion. Accompanying please find reports* of casualties, losses, and return showing the expenditure of am- munition during the month of July. A. HICKENLOOPER, Capt. and Chief of Artillery, Dept. and Army of the Tenn. Capt. JOHN K MARSHALL, - A. A. G., Artillery Headquarters, Mu. Div. Miss. No. 442. Report of 1Th~j. Thomas TV. Osborn, First N~w York Light Artil lery, Chief of Artillery, of operations August 3September 8. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, East Point, Ga., September 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I would respectfully report the part borne by the light artillery of the Army of the Tennessee in the late campaign for the occupation of Atlanta, so far as the operations have been under my general supervision as chief of artillery of the army. The following is a list of the batteries serving with the army in the feld, to wit: Fifteenth Army Corps, Maj. T. D. Maurice, chief of drtilleryFourth Ohio Battery; F, Second Missouri Light Artil- lery; A, First Illinois Artillery; B, First Illinois Artillery; F, First Illinois Artillery; H, First Illinois Artillery First Iowa * Not found Page 60 60 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Battery. Sixteenth Army Corps (Left Wing), Capt. F. Welker, chief of artilleryIl, First Missouri Light Artillery; B, First Mich- igan Artillery; C, First Michigan Artillery; F, Second U. S. Ar- tillery; Fourteenth Ohio Battery. Seventeenth Army Corps, Capt. Edward Spear, chief of artilleryD, First Illinois Light Artillery; F, Second Illinois Light Artillery; H, First Michigan Artillery; Third Ohio Battery; Tenth Ohio Battery; Fifteenth Ohio Battery; C, First Missouri Light Artillery; First Minnesota Battery. I was assigned to duty in this army on the 3d of August, 1864. I had but lately joined the army, having borne no part in the cam- paign, and was unacquainted both with the immediate operations of the main army and the topography of the country. I can only forward the reports of the corps chiefs, and take up the record from the 4th of August. The army was at that date lying west-south- west of Atlanta, and substantially intrenched. The Fifteenth Army Corps was upon the right, Seventeenth Army Corps in the center, and the Sixteenth Army Corps on the left, the batteries being well dis- tributed on the main line, and protected by substantial earth-works, ~Thich, in most cases, were well located and constructed. From this date until the 25th of August the general position of the army remaining the same, there is little to note. The main line of battle neared the city, and at each advance threw up substantial works for the artillery before the guns were moved forward. During the operations the artillery was but little exposed to the fire of the enemy, and only an occasional shot from the enemy artillery, or an occa- sional bullet from a sharpshooter doing any damage. While in the advanced works before Atlanta the left of the Sixteenth Army Corps, being within 3,000 or 3,500 yards of the center of the town, Major Ross, chief of artillery of the corps, experimented by throw- ing hot shot in the outskirts of the city with light 12-pounder guns, and in the center of the city with 20-pounder Parrotts. A furnace was constructed, in the form of an arch, with stone and earth, and railroad iron used for grates; wet cotton was used for wadding. So far as the experiment of heating and firing the hot shot from 12-pounder smooth and 2Q-pounder rifles, with the con- ~reniences at our disposal, went the experiment was a success, but with no perceptible results that ever were assured arose from the shot being heated. The range was too great for the 12-pounders, and I am not aware that any especial injury was done by the rifled- shots. About 100 round shots and 50 rifled were thrown. On the 11th of August Lieut. L. Smith, with a detachment of F, Second U. S. Artillery, received a 4~--inch Ilodinan gun, and was assigned posi- tion near the left of the line, and about 4,000 yards from the city, from which point lie threw shells into the city as rapidly as was considered safe for the gun, firing night and day. On the 13th he moved forward 400 yards, and continued shelling the city, firing once in five minutes by day, and once in fifteen minutes night. The vent of the gun first received, on the eighth or nint day, and after firing 700 rounds, began to enlarge rapidly, and at about 900 rounds the vent was about one-third of an inch in diam- eter. On the 23d the gun was exchanged for a new one, which was used two days. The carriage was of defective timber and of inferior construction. The trail gave way on the 24th, and on the 26th it broke and was replaced by a new one. The Fourteenth Ohio Battery also shelled the city considerably, and a few othei rifle Page 61 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 61 guns were able to reach it. During all the operations on this line the enemy used their artillery moderately, and the accuracy of their fire was not great. On the 25th the army commenced the move- ment toward Jonesborough; the artillery was employed but little on the route, excepting to assist in driving the enemy before us on the march from Fairburn to Flint River. A and H, First Illinois, were several times called upon, the army taking position between Flint River bridges and Jonesborough. The artillery was so placed as to command all regular approaches to, and sweep the front of, our line of battle and works thrown up for the batteries. The enemy assaulted our position with considerable vigor on the 31st, and were easily repulsed. Nearly all of the guns of the Fif- teenth Army Corps were engaged, and one battery from each of the other corps. The enemy canie within easy range, and canister was used freely and with good results. On the 1st of Septeniber the army was actively engaged so far only as to make an active and forcible demonstration, in which the artillery played an active part. H, First Michigan, and H, First Illinois, did good service on the enemys infantry and artillery in the advance of the Fourteenth Corps upon their position. From Jonesborough we moved to near Lovejoys, where we used our artillery considerably on the enemys artillery, and in shelling their position. On the 8th instant we reache& our present position in the neighborhood of East Point. A schedule of casualties of officers and summary of the enlisted men, also the expenditures of ammunition, are annexed hereto. On being assigned to duty with the artillery of the army, I found the batteries all in position in the face of the enemy, and, after the wear of a hundred days of active service and campaigmug, in e4uipments the batteries were of necessity much reduced, and con- siderable of the material needed the immediate action of an inspector, and in a few cases the equipments at the opening of the campaign had been incomplete. The armament was by far too varied for an army in the field, consisting of four calibers of rifled gnus and three of smooth-bore. All the horses were much reduced in condition, and in several of the batteries the number fell far short of the full complement allowed the batteries. The uniform of the men was severely worn, but the general health and morale of the men was excellent. These defects are being remedied as rapidly as possible. There have been some complaints, in a general manner, by battery commanders of the ammunition furnished the artillery, but my att& ntion has not at any time been called to it, when it could be examined or tested, excepting that of the 24-pounder howitzers; but these guns have been exchanged for 12 -pounder howitzers, and we shall have no more difficulty with it. The armament of the artillery is reduced to two calibers of rifled and one of smootivbore, and each battery has orders to complete the equipment of its bat- tery in every particular. The discipline of the artillery does not appear to be strict, but the good will and personal bravery of the men could not be surpassed. The officers are brave and devoted men to their duties, and, so far as my acquaintance with them goes, they have succeeded in all they have been called upon to execute, but I think a less feeling of equality between officers and men would add to the efficiency of several of. the batteries. The disposition on the part of battery commanders to expend ammunition freely ap- pears to be general, but as it appears to have been favored by sup Page 62 62 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. nor officers I have not disapproved of it, though in my own opin- ion too much ammunition has been expended to reach the result sought. I have no report from the batteries of the department not serving with this army, and have no knowledge of what or in how many actions they have participated. I have adopted a system of special inspections by field officers as- signed to that duty, and by which means I shall become conversant with the condition of all the batteries in the department. The chiefs of artillery of the different corps have my hearty thanks for the willingness and earnest co-operation with me in all my views regarding the management of the artillery, and too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of the batteries for their great bravery, efficiency, and personal gallantry. I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, T. W. OSBORN Major First New York Artillery and Chief of Artillery, Department and Army of the Tennessee. Capt. J. E. MARSHALL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Artillery, Mit. Div. of the lliliississippi. List of e sualties in the artillery of the Army of the Tennessee, during the pres ent campaign, ending September 4, 1864. First do Second do do Fourth Battery. Division. Fifteenth Army Corps, Maj. T. D. Maurice, chief of artillery: 4th Ohio Battery 1 2d Missouri Light Artillery, Battery F.. 1st Illinois: Battery A Battery B Battery H Battery F 2 1st Iowa Battery Sixteenth Army Corps, Capt. F Welker, acting chief of artillery: 14th Ohio Battery Second 1st Michigan, Battery C do 2d IJ. 5. Artillery, Battery F Fourth 1st Missouri, Battery H I Second 1sf Michigan, Battery B.. Seventeenth Army, Corps, ~ Fourth Spear, chief of artillery: 1st Illinois Artillery, Battery D 1st Michigan, Battery H Th~Igd 3d Ohio Battery do 15th Ohio Battery Fourth 10th Ohio Battery do 1st Minnesota Battery .. .. . do 1 2d Illinois, Battery F do Total 4 Killed. Wounded. . Missing; ~ I _ ____ a 0 ~ 0~ ~ 0 ~ I 8 2 2.... 2 5~ 4 12 5 S 4 2 19 20 9 3 is I 3 ~ 27..... 1 2 7 1... 4 6 3 1 2 4 1 32 31 3 136 74 *A mistake. He was taken prisoner and afterward Blustered out of service. Names of officers killed: Second Lient. George Rust, Fourth Ohio Battery; Lieuts. Samuel S. Smyth * and T. W. Raub, Battery F, First Illinois; and Lieut. W. C. F. Koethe, First Minnesota Page 63 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 63 Return of artillery ammunition e pended by the batteries of the Army of the Tennessee from Ziiay 13 to September 4,1864. ____ _____ 20-pounder Parrott: Solid shot Case-shot Percussion-shell Fuse-shell Canister Total 10-pounder Parrott: - Solid shot Case-shot Percussion-shell Fuse-shell Canister Total 3-inch Rodman: Solid shot Case-shot Percussion-shell Fuse-shel4 Canister Total 6-pounder James: Case-shot Percussion-shell Fuse-shell Total 12-pounder gun: Solid shot Case-shot Shell Canister Total 24-pounder howitzer: - Solid shot Case-shot Shell Canister Total 12-pounder howitzer: Shell Case-shot: Canister Total 712 756 973 2,570 172 no nO a nO a:.. 354 103 2,549 1,049 1 0 H 5,183 4,056 252 1,474 K.. 1,009 1,321 115 4,171 ~57 ~10 274 2,767 . 157 - -- 2,062 2,321 K. I. -- 6,154 7 53 2,796 11,046 40 21 30 91 2,147 824 4,76-4 1,017 2,911 291 223 27 10, 045 2,159 554 661 15 1,230 841 652 1,493 Total numher of rounds 23,179 12,822 18,491 55,092 T. W. OSBORN, JII~jor First New York Light Artillery and Chief c~f Artillery, Dept. and Army of the Tennessee. INo. 443. Report of Capt. Chauncey B. Reese, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engtneer. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near East Point, Ga. September 14, 1864. SIR: In accordance with your instrnctions of the 4th instant, I have the honor to submit the following report of engineering ope Page 64 64 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. ations of this army during the campaign which has just terminated in the capture of Atlanta and East Point: The available force for engineering operations with the three divisions of the Fifteenth Army Corps and the two divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps, which rendezvoused at Chattanooga on the 5th and 6th of May last, consisted of a pioneer corps of from 100 to 150 soldiers, and a small number of negro laborers to each division, and Lieut. Col. D. F. Tiedemaun, [One hundred and tenth] U. S. Colored Troops, and Capt. H. Klostermann, Third Missouri Volun- teers, as acting chief engineer of the Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, and chief engineer Fifteenth Army Corps, respectively, and Capt. James R. Percy, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, as engineer officer, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. There were no instruments for surveying, requisitions which I had made upon my arrival in the department not having been filled. In the march of the army through Gordons Mills, Gordons Springs Gap, and Ships Gap, and Snake Creek Gap, there was nothing engaged the atten- tion of the engineers, save looking out and repairing roads. After the army had passed through Snake Creek Gap, made a demonstra- tion against Resaca, and fallen back to the mouth of Snake Creek Gap on the 9th, General McPherson gave orders for the position to be intrenched. Captain Hickenlooper, of General McPhersons staff; and myself, selected the line of defense, and I directed it to be executed under the supervision of Captain Klostermann and Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemaun, which was done on the 10th, night of the 10th, and the 11th. During the dark and rainy night of the 10th I assisted in posting the Sixteenth Corps behind the works which had been commenced. The army, advancing on the 12th, confronted the enemy at Resaca. On this and the two subsequent days the engineer officers, with the pioneers,.were engaged in throw- ing up batteries and breast-works. On the 14th I was ordered to accompany the Second Divisioii, Sixteenth Army Corps, Brigadier- General Sweeny commanding, to Lays Ferry, to make a demonstra- tion with a pontoon train, which it was expected would be there. I assisted Captain Merrill, in charge of the pontoon train, in crossing the infantry, under considerable fire from the enemy. About 400 men were crossed and then withdrawn near night-fall, General Sweeny hearing that a rebel force was crossing, or attempting to cross, to the north bank of the Oostenaula, at Calhoun Ferry. On the morning of the 15th the division was thrown across the river on a ferry-boat, which was found there, and some pontoons of Colonel Buells train. I had a t6t~-de-pont constructed, capable of holding over a brigade, and intrenchments thrown up on the north bank of the river to cover a withdrawal, should it become necessary. An assault of the enemy on this unfinished t~t~-de-pont in the after- noon was repulsed. There was no special work for the engineers on the march of the ar land, to Kingston. my through McGuires, Adairsville, and Wood- On the 20th 1 indicated to Captain Klostermaun the line for a t6t~-de-pont at Gillems Bridge. This was constructed, under his supervision, by the pioneers of the Fifteenth Corps, o~m the 21st and 22d, and consisted of two batteries and 840 yards of breast-works. Woolleys Bridge was also repaired by Captain Klostermann. While the army was resting near Kingston, during the 20th, 21st, and 22d, I was engaged in reconnoitering the fords on the Oostenaula, and the road leading to the south toward Van Wert. A company o Page 65 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 65 mounted infantry was here permanently assigned to duty with me for reconnoitering purposes. In the advance from Kingston to Dal- las, as in fact generally on the march, I have been with the advance, gaining information, learning the roads, character of country, & c. From the 27th to the 31st of May, while the army was before the enemy near Dallas, two lines of intrenchments were constructed. On the 27th General McPherson sent me to reconnoiter the right flank of our army, it having been reported that the enemy were massing there. On the 28th I was directed to select a position for the Army of the Tennessee on the right of the Twentieth Corps, which was then the right flank of the left wing of the ~rand army, and some two and a half to three miles north, near New Hope Church. This I did, and on the following day conducted staff offi- cers of each corps to it, and pointed out the positions for their corps in the movement of the army to the left, which was ex- pected to take place on the night of the 29th. Several demon- strations made by the enemy during the night, however, pre- vented the movement. I again reconnoitered to the right on the 31st. During the 31st and the night of the 31st a line of breast- works was thrown up, under the superintendence of the corps engin- eers, 500 or 600 yards to the rear, to be held by the rear guard in the withdrawal of the troops on the 1st of June. The ar~ny withdrew on the 1st of June. I this day put in position General Sweeny, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, on the Allatoona and Dallas road, one mile south of the Burnt Hickory and New Hope Church road, covering the right, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemann intrenched the position. June 3 and 4, I was reconnoiter- ing roads toward Burnt Chnrch, and on the 4th, Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemaun and Captain Percy, engineers, with their pioneer corps, cut a road some four miles to Burnt Church, parallel to the main road, and this was, on the 5th, followed by one of the columns of the Army of the Tennessee. The enemy left the front on the night of the 4th. The army having marched to Acworth on the 6th, on the 7th I went from that place to Allatoona with Generals Sherman and McPherson, and yourself, and on the 7th and 8th accompanied yourself in making a thorough reconnaissance of the pass and the country as far as the Etowah bridge. Instructions for making an intrenched position at the pass, including the construction of five small redoubts, were given to Colonel Malmborg, chief engineer of the Seventeenth Army Corps. (This corps had just reached the Etowah bridge on the 7th, and joined the main army on the 8th.) The army advanced from Acworth on the 10th, confronted the enemy around the Kenes w Mountain until the 2d of July. During this time the engineers were constantly employed in building intrenchments. Not less than three distinct lines were made, as the troops advanced from position to position. On the night of the 18th the enemy left a strong posi- tion on the right, running from the base of Kenesaw Mountain east, down the bluffs on the Noonday Creek; their breast-works were re- modeled to suit our position. On the night of the 26th I conducted the Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, to a position, that I had been ordered to select during the day, for massing this division pre- paratory to an attack on Little Kenesaw on the following day. As directed by you, on the 28th I assumed control of the pontoon train belonging to this army, which had just arrived from Nashville. Captain Kossak, who had been with the Sixteenth Army Corps as 5 E RYOL xxxviii, PT U Page 66 66 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. chief engineer since June 16, was assigned to the command of the train, and directed to put it in good order at once. His report of the operations of this train is appended. The army, save the First and Fourth Divisions of the Fifteenth Corps, moved on the 3d of July, passing through Cheneys to near WidOW Mitchells, on the old Sandtown road, and the~ First and Fourth Divisions of the Fifteenth Corps to Marietta, passing east of the Kenesaw Mountain, the enemy having evacuated that part of the line during the night. Still advancing on the 4th, 5th, and 6th, the army came up with the enemy in force on Nickajack; our posi- tion here on the right bank of the creek was intrenched, and batter- ies constructed under the supervision of the corps engineer officers. The pioneers of the Sixteenth Corps, on the 11th, 12th, and 13th, under Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemaun, and the general directions of Major-General Dodge, built a trestle bridge over the Chattahoochee at Roswell Factory, 600 feet long and 13 feet above the water, using the lumber from the buitdings in the vicinity. This corps moved from near Huffs Mill on the 9th. The enemy evacuated the north bank of the Chattahoochee on the night of the 9th, the Seventeenth Corps remaining to cover the right flank. On the 13th the Fifteenth Corps moved to Roswell Factory. On the 14th I selected, with Major Hotaling, a position for this corps on the left of the Sixteenth Corps, on the south of the Chattahoochee. These corps were intrenched, and remained until the 17th instant. During these three days wait- ing at Roswell I reconnoitered the country to the south some four or five miles. While on the march (from 17th to 19th) from Ros- well to Decatur I was sent on the 18th from Brownings Court-House, where the Fifteenth Corps was supporting Garrard, who was break- ing the railroad near Stone Mountain, to Hendersons Mill, to exam- ine the country at that point, with a view to moving the Fifteenth Corps there, to be near the other corps of the army, the Seven- teenth Corps being at this. time at Blakes Mill and the Sixteenth on the West Decatur road, some three miles south of Widow Raineys. On the 21st (the secon~l days advance from Decatur) I was sent by the commandiiig general to the Seventeenth Corps, which was mov- ing south of the railroad and parallel to it, to conduct the corps. I did this, remaining with it until it came upon the enemy in force some two and a half to three miles from Atlanta. On the morning of the 22d I went, with Captain Barlow and Lieutenant Ernst, along nearly the whole front of our line, examined the ground for an advance, the enemy having left his works in front during the pre- vious night. The pioneers of the Seventeenth Corps had already commenced work on this new position when the rebel attack on our left and rear began. The engineer officers had been at work on the 21st, and had constructed a very good line of breast-works on the front toward Atlanta. After the fight the hue of intrenchments was extended to the left in front of the Sixteenth Corps and a part of the Seventeenth, the left of which had changed its front. On the 23d I accompanied yourself in selecting a line, running from the left of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and breaking off in rear of the battle-field of the 22d, the salient passing some 200 yards south of the railroad, with a view to withdrawing the left of the grand army. A substantial line of breast-works was put up here by Captains Bar- low and Klostermann and Lieutenant-Colonel Tiedemaun from the 23d to the 26th of July. During this time Lieutenant Ernst and myself were engaged in reconnoitering the roads to the right of th Page 67 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 67 grand army. On the 26th I conducted staff officers of the different corps over the roads their corps were to withdraw on on the night of the 26th. The engineer officers were preparing roads this day. The army moved ont of position on the night of the 26th, and on the following day moved to the right on Proctors Creek. I super- intended the advance of the troops sonth from Proctors Creek, by General Howards order, until night-fall. On the 28th, while the battle was going on, I assisted General Howard as aide in bringing up troops, & c. While the Fifteenth Corps was fighting, the engi- neers of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps prepared a very good line of breast-works. Captain Klostermann covered some artillery, which the chief of artillery had posted on our right and rear. In the several positions of the army before the last grand flank move- ment, the engineers were always bnsy in reconnoitering positions for an advance, and superintending the construction of intrenchments and batteries. Three, often four, and in places five, different lines of works were put up, one after another, in the several positions taken by the arniy up to the 26th of August. Before the movement to the right from this position, all the roads in that direction had been thoronghly reconnoitered by the engineers, and staff officers of the different corps had gone over them. Preparatory to the withdrawal from this position, the line held by the Fifteenth Corps on the 28th was sek~cted as a left flank, and prepared for defense by the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps. After the move to Sideling, from the 26th to the 28th the army was again intrenched at this point. Moving from Sideling to near Jonesborough, on the 30th, the army was once more frtrenched on the east bank of Flint River, and an assault of the enemy repulsed on the 31st. Atlanta was evacuated while we were in this position on the night of the 1st of September. The army advanced to near Lovejoys on the 2d, and here met the enemy in his works. This last menacing position was intrenched by the pio- neers, and several bridges over a marsh, intervening between our line of battle and the trains, were built by the engineer regiment, Colonel Flad commanding, which reported for duty on the 2d of September. The army, withdrawing on the 3d instant, reached its present po- sition on the 8th of September. In addition to the officers mentioned in the first part of this re- port as being on duty in the beginning of the campaign as engi- neers, Captain Barlow, Corps of Engineers, relieved Colonel Malm- borg as chief engineer of the Seventeenth Army Corps on the 18th of July. Lieutenant Ernst, U. S. Engineers, was on duty as assistant to chief engineer from July 16 to August 5, when he reported to you to take charge of the work at Marietta. A part of the time an officer has been on duty as engineer with each of the divisions of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps. These generally were with the pioneers of their divisions, superintending the constrnction of intrenchments. Captain Percy has been the only division engineer with the Fifteenth Army Corps. He was a most faithful and zealous officer in the discharge of his duties. After constructing a battery within forty yards o~ the enemys rifle- pits on the 18th of August, before Atlanta, lie retired to another bat- tery and was watching the effects of our artillery upon the enemy, when lie was killed by one of their sharpshooters. Capt. Leopold Helmle has been assistant engineer at these headquarters in charge of the office since June 28, and has been an efficient officer. I Page 68 68 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAr. L. all, six or seven enlisted men have been on dnty as surveyors with the compass. Not much had been accomplished in this branch of engineering previous to the arrival of the army at Big Shanty. Our maps and sketches that have already been seut you, and those to be forwarded, will inform you sufficiently as to their labors. I must not omit to call your attention to the valuable services of the engineer officers, and of the pioneers. The number of both has been entirely too small for the amount of labor to be performed. Both have always worked zealously, whether exposed to the inclem- ency of the weather or to the enemys fire. Often intrenchments have beeu thrown up within fifty yards of the rebel sharpshooters, and within 100 yards of their main line of defense. Respectfully submitted. C. B. REESE, Capt. of Engrs., Chief Eng. Dept. and Army of the Tenn. Capt. 0. M. POE, Chief Engineer, Military Divi8ion of the Mi8sissippi. No. 444. Report of Capt. William Kossale, Aide-de4Jamp, in charge of pontoon train. PONTOON TRAIN, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Camp near Atlanta, Ga., September 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: According to order, I have the honor to submit to you herewith, very respectfully, my report of the operations of the pon- toon train of the Army of the Tennessee, during the late Georgia campaign. The train under my charge consisted of thirty canvas pontoons and the necessary outfit, and a pioneer detachment of 3 commis- sioned officers and 105 enlisted men, besides the teamsters. On the 30th of June I took the command of the train, and started on the march the next day. The time up to the 12th of July was spent in m5~rching, and when in camp drilling the detachment and pre- paring them for pontoon duty. The train arrived on the bank of the Chattahoocliee River at Powers Ferry on the 13th of July, and a bridge, consisting of twenty-two pontoons, was thrown across the river. The bridge remained here on the water till the 21st of July. During this time it was subjected to a very heavy travel and a hurri- cane, which took place on the evening of the 14th, without sutferino any injury. The bridge was dismantled, everything dried, and loaded on the 21st of July, by order of Major-General Thomas, and on the 23d I marched with the train, under orders of the same gen- eral, to the railroad bridge across the Chattahoochee River. During the 24th of July I threw the bridge across Chattahoochee River at once. The river was deep and narrow here, and thirteen pontoons were sufficient to bridge it. We hardly laid here twenty-four hours, when orders came to dismantle, load, and go to Turners Ferry, five miles downstream. The afternoon of July 25, therefore, found us on our road to Turners Ferry. The fact, however, that Turners Ferry laid outside our cavalry pickets (General Mc- Cooks command) (letermlfled me to halt the train and report the fact, iii consequence of which I received orders to return tempor Page 69 OTtAP. L.1 REPORTS, ETO.AR1VIY OF THE TENNESSEE. 69 rily to the railroad bridge, but to hold everything in readiness to march ont again at a moments notice. This new marching order came next morning, and by 2 p. m. July 26, 1864, the bridge was thrown at Tnrners Ferry, and the remaining bridge material, and everything else, established in park on the north side of Chatta- hoochee River. On the morning of July 27 I received orders from Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook to dismantle and join his cavalry com- mand. This was accomplished at once, pickets ferried back to the command, and the line of march taken across Nickajack and Sweet Water in the direction of Campbellton. On this march the extreme heaviness of this pontoon train and the miserable condition of the ~inles proved a serious drawback on the celerity and dispatch of this cavalry movement. The march lasted till 2 a. m. next morn- ing, July 28, during which time I lost 18 mules, dropping dead in their harness. When the command arrived opposite Campbellton, after a consultation with me, General McCook concluded not to bridge the river at Campbellton, on account of the unfavorable site, and it was concluded to continue the march to Riverton, seven miles farther down stream. It was impossible to take the whole train along, on account of the condition of the draft animals. I took, therefore, only enough material for one bridge along, and left the. remainder back, guarded by ~ne battalion of cavalry and two pieces. Traveling at a brisk rate, by 2 p. m. the pickets were ferried across and deployed, the bridge thrown, and General Mc- Cook and his whole command crossed it. To lose no time nobody dismounted, but the command went over in solid column, and the bridge stood it well. Under protection of Colonel Hamilton, with the Ninth Ohio Cavalry and two pieces, the bridge remained on water till noon July 29, when it was taken up and loaded, and started, under the escort of Colonel Hamilton and his command, back. We passed Campbellton safely, from which place the enemy fired both times a few randoifi shots, and joined that portion of the bridge which was left behind. The whole train arrived on July 31 safely at Paces Ferry, Chattahoochee River, near Vinings Station, and went into camp. On the 2d of August the whole pontoon train was moved into camp in a better locality, south of the railroad bridge, across Chattahoochee, near the Atlanta and Marietta wagon road. The time from this (late up to August 24 was spent in over- hauling and repairing the whole train, the canvases were cleaned, dried, and refolded, ropes and cables stretched and recoiled, and the entire running gear of the wagons inspected. On the 24th day of Augnst new marching orders arrived, and the train moved across Chattahoochee River to a point abont one mile down stream from the railroad bridge, and had hardly gone into park when orders arrived to march to Turners Ferry and throw the bridge across. This was executed during the night of the 24th till 11 p. m. Leaving the second section of the train behind, and selecting t4ie best teams, I went to the bridge-site on double-quick. The bridge, being guarded by the Tbird Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, remained on the water till Sunday, 4th of September. August 27, the enemy made a reconnaissance from Atlanta toward Turners Ferry, and shelled the bridge for about fifteen minutes, doing no damage. They were, after a short fight, repulsed, and did not ap- pear again. At this point, as well as at any other when I expected any attack, I always arranged the bridge for swinging it in to either shore, preparing the banks, when possible, for the dismantling Page 70 II~H~ ATLANTA ~AMPAIGYI rCHAP. t1~ On Sunday, the 4th of September, the bridge Was taken up, and went into p ark, under the protection of Colonel Capron s cavalry, in an available position, in case it should be needed again at Turner s Ferry. September 10, I received orders which relieved me from duty with this pontoon train. The whole train was, therefore, as- sembled at the railroad bridge, and turned over to a detachment of the First Missouri Engineer Volunteers September 13, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. KOSSAK Uaptain, Aide-de-Camp, on Engineer Duty. Capt. C. B. REESE, Chief Engineer, Dept. and Army of the Tennesssee. No. 445. Reports of C~apt. Ocran IL Howard, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Chief Signal Qfficer. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near Big Shanty, Ga., June 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transniit herewith copy of rebel sig- nal messages, deciphered by the officers of my detachment, between the 10th and 20th instant. They were sent in a code adopted by them since we closed with the enemy in this position, and which was deciphered by the officers of this detachment. Lieutenant Bellinger is chief signal officer with the rebel army in our front. Maj. P. B. Lee and Col. G. A. Henry are assistant inspectors-general detailed to watch our movements frbm Kenesaw Mountain, and to report by signals. It seems they do not intrust this duty to their signal officers. The first intimation of General Polks death was received by rebel signals. It is since verified by deserters. Colonel Henry and Major Lee kept us constantly informed of the movements of the Armies of the Cumberland and Ohio, their dispatches being always received by General McPherson before he received information from any other source. We use every endeavor to keep the fact of our knowl- edge of their code from unauthorized persons. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. H. HOWARD, Captain and Chief Signal Officer. [Capt. H. S. TAFFT, Washington, D. C.] [Inclosures.] General J: No enemy visible from this point this a. m. 0.13. Answer to mistake C is called A. J Small bodies of your cavalry visible at second line of enemys works, directly west of this station. 0.13 Page 71 ChAP. LI 1~EPORTS, ETC.ARM~ OP THE TENNESSEE. 71 We cannot get J. T. or C. C. will not read D. Is there any forage for a guard for us to-night? Maj. W. E. MOORE: I have forty barrels of whisky. Do you wish it sent out for is- sue? ISAAC SCHERCK. General MACKALL: No general engagement; some fighting at Ware Bottom Church. Ashland, Rio R. R. A. B. DAVIDSON. Major SCHERCK: Send the whisky. W. E. MOORE. Capt. J. H. EAKIN: Send me a wagon load of meal, bacon, and salt. Acknowledge re- ceipt. W. E. MOORE. The enemy are still moving slowly and cautiously to our right. P. B. LEE. General JoHNsToN: Brigade of cavalry (enemys cavalry) in line of battle across what we take to be Alabama road. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: Enemys cavalry have disappeared from our right, and my opinion is they have gone on Alabama road; otherwise matters unchanged. G. A. HENRY. General HooD: The enemy have fortified their positiOn on their left. P. B. LEE. General HOOD: Enemy strongly fortified along his entire line where his skirmish~ ers were yesterday, and is still hard at work. No movements can be discovered. P. B. LEE. Yankee battery of four guns shelling the woods in front of Cle- burnes position two miles this side of Pine Mountain. P. B. LEE. General HOOD: Enemy trying to turn our extreme left; cannonading now going on in that direction. The Yanks are shelling us. General JoHNsToN: Enemys skirmishers are in the clear field on left, where Generals Cheathams and Hardees headquarters were, advancing on us in center and fighting. P. B. LEE Page 72 THE ATLANTA OAMPAtGN. R~. L. General JOHNSTON: Enemy have a battery on eastern base of Lost Mountain, and firing occasionally on our cavalry. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: Jacksons artillery are near Lost Mountain and southeast of it, and are firing rapidly. P. B. LEE~ General JOHNSTON: Another large body of enemy little farther to our left, on the road from Lost Mountain to Marietta, and near where General Hardee was on the road and moving toward Marietta. Enemy is forming line of battle perpendicular to our left, and are now in rear of our left and driving hack our cavalry. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: Enemy is still moving in force toward our left in the direction of Marietta from Lost Mountain, at least one division strong. General H.: From our center to our right everything remarkably quiet. No demonstrations; considerable fighting going on to our extreme right. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: The fighting was by our infantry and artillery, on or near the main road as well as could be located. lit has subsided. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: Enemy passing, I think at least one brigade, to our extreme left. Very active firing of artillery immediately in front of us. G. A. HENRY. General JOHNSTON: Very active firing east of railroad; enemy seem to be preparing for an advance; enemy making demonstrations on our extreme left. G. A. HENRY. General MACKALL: There has been very heavy firing of artillery and infantry east and west of Big Shanty. My opinion is it is a feint of enemy to cover some moveni ent on our extreme left. I have apprised General Hood of the movements. G. A. HENRY. General H.: The line that was advancing [on] General Hardee have halted and are fortifying. G. A. HENRY. General JOHNSTON: Quite a column moving to our extreme left; I think at least a division. I will inform you very soon. G. A. HENRY Page 73 ChAP. LI REPORTS, 110.ARMY OF TIlE TEINNESSEE. General JOHNSTON; Your dispatch just received. The column spoken of is still mov- ing to our left, and in rear of Lost Mountain. My impression is a corps is moving, and I think on Lost Mountain and Marietta road. G. A. HENRY. General OEL [?]: Was Lieutenant-General Polk killed? Let me know. HOOD, General. General MACKALL: One brigade of the enemy has moved west of railroad to our left; ambulance train moved with it. GRAY. General HOOD: The remains of Lieutenant-General Polk passed in direction of Marietta Station. 88. General JOHNSTON: Enemy moving by his right flank west; Ii think his purpose is to cut off Rates. P. B. LEE. Later.Disappeared under cover of woods an(i his movements cannot be discovered. P. B. LEE. General HOOD: Enemy is extendin o~ lines farther on the left. P. B. LEE. Later.O wing to character of the country nothing further can be observed of enemys lines moving west of railroad this p. m. Col- onel Henry is here. P. B. LEE. General JOHNsTON: Major Lee is not here. Enemys left one mile east of Cassville road. His line is three-quarters of a mile from ours. CHRISTENDEN, Lieutenant. General McCALL [MAcKALL]: About brigade of enemy have passed west of railroad to our left. Ambulance train moving. G. A. HENRY. General HooD: Enemy advancing double-quick from wooded hill in front of Edwards house. P. B. LEE. Mr. COBB: Have all of the timber cut on the top of the mountain to-night. C., Lieutenant Page 74 [C~IAP. L. 74 THF ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. Major WILSON: Please send a guard for signal duty to report at sunset. General HOOD: Enemy has taken possession of our skirmish line right and left of Big Shanty, Marietta road. P. B. LEE. To Heavy column of enemy moving on Big Shanty and Marietta road on Hood, with amimlances and wagons following. P. B. LEE. General HooD: Enemys skirmishers met ours east of railroad and drove them back. G. A. HENRY. General McCALL [MACKALL]: I went south of Lost Mountain. There are fewer camps on our right to-night than there has been for two nights. This dispatch has been delayed that I might trace the enemys lines. G. A. HENRY. Major WILSON: Assistant A6~jzu5ant-General: Please send detail with axes on Kenesaw Mountain to me. C., Lieutenant. General MCCALL [MACKALL]: The camp-fires to-night show the extension of the enemys lines the length of a regiment to our right; otherwise their position nn- changed. G. A. HENRY. CHENY and EASTMAN: Send rue a list of clothing needed by your post. BELLINGER, Lieutenant. Lieutenant BELLINGER: Two pairs pants, four shirts, and two pairs shoes. CHENY. They are fortifying the position they took from our skirmishers yesterday on Acworth road; no other change. 8. The enemy have fortified their position on their left. 8. General Hooi: Enemy strongly fortified along his entire line where his skirmish- ers were yesterday p. in., and are still hard at work. No move- ment can be discovered. P. B. LEE. We must have a guard for our post; too many stragglers. 118 11 Page 75 75 C~r. LI 1~EPORTS, ETC.ARM~ OP TH]~ TENNESSEE. The enemy have a signal station on our lines. 8. General JOHNSTON: Enemy on road, and moving toward Marietta. Enemy is forming line of battle facing our left, and is now advancing on our left. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: Two columns of the enemy moving south across the field where General Hardee and Cheatham were two days ago. They came from the direction of Golgotha Church. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: All quiet; a column moving to our extreme left. I think it at least division. I will inform you very soon. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON and H.: Jacksons artillery are near Lost Mountain and southeast of it, and are frring rapidly. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: I am up here. HOOD, General. Captain PRIBBLE: Order up five barrels of turpentine for General Jackson immedi- ately; send to Marietta. B. McMICKELL [M. B. McMICKEN?], Lieutenant- Golonel. Generals JOHNSTON, LORING, and HOOD: Quite a column to our extreme left; I think a division. I will inform you soon. G. A. HENRY. HEADQUARTERS. Were rations drawn yet? P.K.D~: Heavy cannonading on our right. Everything indicates a heavy movement in our front. P. B. LEE. General HooD: The enemy have fortified their position on their left. 88. General HOOD: Cannot see any change in their lines, except they are still working ~on their left Page 76 76 THE ATLM~TA CAMPAIGN. (CHAP. L. Mr. GRAHAM: Please send me a Memphis Appeal every morning by some one doming to Station 118. BELLINGER, Lieutenant. General HooD: The enemy have fortified the position they took from onr skir- mishers yesterday; no other change. General JOHNSTON: Enemy skirmishers are in the clearest field on onr left, where Generals Cheathams and Hardees skirmishers were a day or two ago, and fightin~. The field is sonth of Golgotha Chnrch and east of Lost Monntain. P. B. LEE. General H.: The enemy have driven in onr skirmishers, and are moving rapidly in heavy column to General Hoods right, evidently for the pnrpose of flanking him. P. B. LEE. General H.: Enemy passing left flank in colnmn on road. Later.Enemy re-enforced his skirmish line on right of Acworth dirt road pretty heavily. All the batteries east of railroad are open- ing upon us. G. A. HENRY. General HOOD: Enemys skirmishers pnsh east of railroad and driving them back. Later. Enemy constantly re-enforcing their skirmish lines taken from ns on the Acworth road. Some parties moving ont with spades. My opinion is they will fortify their lines to-night. Later.General, I did not know any of General Polks corps was east of railroad. Enemys infantry is now fonr or five miles east of here. P. B. LEE. General JOHNSTON: I disagree with Major Lee as to the distance the enemys infantry extended east of the railroad. My opinion is that two miles and a half will cover their infantry, and their cavalry extends one mile in advance of their infantry. G. A. HENRY. Enemys position unchanged since my last dispatch. Shall I re- main after night Page 77 CRAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 77 OFFICE OF CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Atlanta, Ga., September 9, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the signal detachment nnder my command, during the campaign now just ended with the fall of Atlanta: On the 3d of May I, with so much of my detachment as constituted the sub-detachments ~issigned to the Fifteenth Army Corps and to the Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, the Seventeenth Cor s not being present, marched with those corps from Huntsville, Ala., and vicinity for the scene of active operations then about to commence in Northern Georgia. Marching by way of Bridgeport, Ala., aiid Chattanooga, Tenn., arrived at and passed through Snake Creek Gap, near Resaca, Ga., on the 9th. On that day the officers of my command were very active, established a station of observation, and reconnoitered the country on right and left, keeping well in advance. Lieutenant Sample, moving out with the skirmish line to gain at the earliest possible moment a prominent bald hill as a point of observa- tion, had his horse shot under him, and, abaiidoning him, was one of the first to gain the hill. This hill, commanding a view of Resaca and the roads and fortifications of the enemy, was occupied throughout the day as a station of observation by Lieutenants Edge and Sample, who reported to Generals McPherson and Logan the result of their operations. At night the army fell back to Snake Creek Gap, and on the following day Ii took the entire detachment, with the excep- tion of Lieutenant Frerichs, who was placed in charge of an initial station, and went along the crest of Chattoogata Mountain, with a view to opening communication with Generals Sherman, Thomas, and Hooker, then in vicinity of Buzzard Roost and Tunnel Hill. We were unsuccessful this day, but on the following found a station on Johns Mountain, occupied by one of the signal officers Depart- ment of the Cumberland, with which I opened from Chattoogata Mountain, placing Lieutenants Magner and Sherfy in charge of mountain station and Lieutenants McNary and Frerichs in charge of station near General McPhersons headctuarters. I reported comb munication omen to Tunnel Hill. This line was kept open until the Armies of the Cumberland and Ohio moved south through Snake Creek Gap and joined the Army of the Tennessee. On the 12th Cap- tain MeClintock established a station of observation on Chattoogata range, south of the gap, in communication by signal with a station in charge of Lieutenants Edge and Wilson at General Dodges head- quarters. From this station Captain McClintock reported move- ments of enemys troops. On the 13th the army again advancing on Resaca, I established a station of observation on the right bank of the Oostenaula, from which I could see the enemys position par-~ tially and their railroad and wagon road, together with all move- nients of his left. From this point I sent several communications of importance from time to time. I occupied this station alone until 3 p. in., when I was joined by Lieutenant Edge, who had charge of it thereafter, assisted by Lieutenant Frerichs. On the 14th General Sweenys division was sent to Lays Ferry, four miles south of Re- saca, to effect a crossing. Captain McClintock was sent, with Lieu- tenants McNary and Wilson, to that point, to open communication back to General McPhersons headquarters, near Resaca. Placing Lieutenant Sample in charge of station near Resaca, Lieutenant Page 78 [CRAP. L. 78 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. Wilson and MeNary on a station on a hill near the ferry, and Cap- tain McClintock near the ferry, communication was opened between Generals Sweeny, Dodge, and McPherson. On the following morning, learning that the troops were to effect a crossing early, and wishing to open communication to south side of ferry as early as possible, went myself to Lays Ferry, crossed in pontoon boats with the first regiment, and before the pontoon bridge was laid had communication with Lieutenant McNarys sta- tion on the hill. While communicating with Lieutenant McNary, a brigade of the rebel army made a desperate charge in line of battle to drive our forces into the river. Our batteries on the opposite side of the river and covering the ferry opened on the enemy, firing over our heads, during which time pieces of spherical case-shot from our own batteries went through my signal flag in the hands of Sergeant White. My flagmen, Sergt. James White and Privates Alonzo Glore and Lyman Riley, showed the most commendable coolness and bravery under the heavy fire of the enemys musketry and our own artillery. When the enemy had been repulsed, and the occupation of the south side became a certainty, I directed Captain McClintock to abandon his station and to work from mine, which was done. I then returned to our front, near Resaca, where I received a note from Captain Babcock, chief signal officer, Arniy of the Cumberland, stating that from a point in our front I could communicate with his officers, and, through them, with Generals Thomas and Sherman. That this was not done before was simply owing to the fact that every officer of my party, including myself, was actually employed in charge of stations. .1 immediately established a station and opened a communication, running the station until I could relieve Lieuten- ants Magner and Sherfy from the old station, iii communication with the same officers, when they relieved me. During the night the enemy evacuated their position in front of us and retired toward Atlanta. On the following day I direct~ed the abandonment of all the stations and the rendezvous of the officers and men of this de- tachment at south side of Lays Ferry, where, at 4 p. in., I joined hem, and they were instructed to march with the corps to which they were assigned and to perform during the march such duties, reconnaissances, & c., as were practicable, and to try each night front any pronuinent point that could be found to open communication with General Thomas command, which was to march east of us and parallel with us. This was done every night until our arrival at Kingston on the 19th instant. On the evening of the 17th, near Mc- Guires, the head of the column being attacked, Lieutenants Edge and Sample reconnoitered the country by the Rome road, and Lieu- ~tenants McNary and Frerichs and I by the Adairsvilie road, report- ing by courier the results of our observations. A prominent point between the two roads offering a good view of the surrounding coun- try, I directed Lieutenant MeIN ary to return to General McPhersons headquarters, to which I might communicate by signal, should I be able to get possession of it. Lieutenant Frerichs and myself then proceeded, with a few men from the Eighth Missouri Mounted In- fantry, to the base of the mountain, driving out the enemys cavalry, thence [to] the top of the hill on foot, it being too steep for horses. At the top I could see the enemys position and strength, which I re- l)Orted by signals, through Lieutenant MeNary, to General Mc- Pherson Page 79 CHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 79 Reaching Kingston early on the 19th, remained there iii camp until the morning of the 23d, during which time a thorough inspec- tion of signal equipments, glasses, stores, & c., was held, and every- thing was placed in the best condition that our means would permit of.. From Kingston Lieutenant Frerichs was, after some correspond- ence between myself and Captain Van Duzer, assistant superintend- ent, U. S. military telegraph, ordered by the latter officer to Hunts- ville, Ala., to turn over the field trains for which he was accountable. On the 23d the army marched, crossing the Etowah River west of Kingston. During the march the officers of the detachmeiit were generally in the advance, with the cavalry, in readiness to report by courier any discoveries that would affect the movement of the column. On the 25th the army reached Pnmpkin Vine Church, and on the 26th entered Dallas, just outside of which place the enemy were met in force. Stations of observation were established by Lieutenants Edge, Sample, and Magner. On the 27th I placed Lieutenants Wilson and Sherfy in charge of an initial station which I had selected, and proceeded about three miles in a northeast direc- tion to General Shermans headquarters, with a view to opening communication by signals; found this line impracticable, but on the following day selected a new initial station, and, proceeding to General Hookers headquarters, selected a station from which com- inunication could be had. Notified General Hookers signal officers that they could communicate with General McPherson through it, and they at once occupied it. This line was kept open during the occupation of Dallas and vicinity by the Army of the Tennessee. On the 1st of June stations at Dallas were abandoned, and the de- tachment moved with the army about two miles to the north and east. At this point Lieutenants Edge and Sample were placed in charge of a station of observation in view of a rebel signal station, relieving Lieutenant Hopkins, acting signal officer with the Twentieth Army Corps. This station was occupied until the 5th, the officers decipher- ing all the enemys messages sent therefrom and reporting from time to time the movements of the enemy in their front. The other officers of the detachment were, during the five days that the army remained at this point, generally unemployed, after satisfying them- selves that lines of communication were impracticable, in conse- quence of the heavy timber. At this point Lieutenants Sampson and Ware reported from Huntsville, with the officers just detailed, and instructed Lieutenants Worley, Allen, Weirick, Fish, and Shel- labarger, and the 100 enlisted men sent from Washington. The officers and men were at once assigned to the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Corps, and with their men placed in readiness for duty. On the 5th, the enemy having evacuated their works during the night, the army moved toward Acworth, marching as far as Burnt Church. On the 6th we entered Acworth, where we remained until the morning of the 10th. While at Acworth stations of observation were established, one a mile south of the road on the Big Shanty road, by Lieutenant Sample, and one on the church in town. The latter also served as a communicating station in communication with one on the Allatoona Mountain worked by signal officers Army of the Cumberland, and communicating thence to General Stoneman on the left and General Thomas on the right. This station was worked by Lieutenants Worley and Allen. At Acworth Lieutenants Conard, Dunlap, and Stickney, constituting the sub-detachment with Seventeenth Corps, reported, having marched with the Seventeenth Army Corps fro Page 80 80 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Cit& p. L. some point on the Tennessee. The party was in excellent condition and well eqnipped. I relieved Lieutenant Sample from duty with the Fifteenth Corps, and placed him in charge of this sub-detach- ment. On the 10th the army marched to Big Shanty. We now came in sight of the enemys signal station on Kenesaw Mountain, and learned that he had changed his code. A station was established from which the numbers could be taken down, and with the num- bers so obtained their code was worked out on the second day after coming in view of their station. After this no messa~,es were sent by the enemy from their stations in sight of us that were not promptly deciphered and furnished for the information of the commanding generals. While our army was in position in front of Kenesaw commiini- cation was established by signals from Generals Thomas and Mc- Phersons headquarters to those of Generals Howard and Hooker. Afterward, when the army pushed forward on the right and left of Kenesaw, a station was established near General McPhersons head- quarters which communicated with one on Pine Mountain, worked by Lieutenants Worley and Allen, and through their station to Gen- eral Thomas headquarters. It also communicated with a station of observation on Brush Mountain, in General Blairs front, the highest point of the line, and through that station with General Garrards and-General Blairs headquarters. On the 27th the electric tele- graph line relieved the signal line between the different head- quarters. The communicating stations in operation on the 1st day of July were as follows: One at Major-General Blairs headquarters, in charge of Lieutenants Conard and Stickney; one in General Leggetts front, which served also as a station of observation, in charge of Lieutenants Sample and Dunlap; and one near Generals McPhersons and Dodges headquarters, in charge of Lieutenants Sherfy and Shellabarger. These stations were in communication by signals. On the morning of the 2d orders were received to move at sunset. At sunset the station at General Blairs headquarters was abandoned; the station of observation and the station at depart- ment headquarters in communication with it were kept open until the troops withdrew about 10 p. m. At 9 p. m. Lieutenant Sample sent a message stating that a large column of smoke could be seen rising in the direction of Marietta, and that the usual camp-fires could not be seen in the rear of the enemys lines. On the fol- lowing morning it was learned the enemy had evacuated the previ- ous evening. On the morning of the 3d Captain McClintock es- tablished a station on Kenesaw Mountain, working from the platform built by the eiiemys signal officers. This station, in charge of Lieutenants Sherfy and Adams, communicated with different points in front to the headquarters of Generals Thomas, Hooker, Schofield, and McPherson. Communication was kept open from this point while the armies were moving toward the Chat- tahoochee until the 6th, when it became impossible to communi- cate with Generals Thomas and Hooker, and the station was abandoned. On the 5th, near the mouth of the Nickajack Creek, upon the arniy going into position, stations of obs~rvation were established commanding an excellent view of the enemys works and lines. The station near General Blairs headquarters, in charge of Lieutenants Sample and Edge, was placed in communication with the headquarters of the (livision comunianders of the Seven- teenth Corps, and on the 8th with a station in General How~rcl Page 81 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.AEMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 81 front, in charge of Lieutenants Quinton and Howgate, acting sig- nal officers Army of the Cnmberland. These stations were kept open while the army remained in this position, and were aban- doned on the 12th, when the army moved toward Roswell. While the army was near the month of Nickajack Creek constant reconnaissances were made by the officers of the detachment not em- ployed on stations, who tried froni every prominent point to open com- mnnication with the central station. The Sixteenth Army Corps had on the 9th moved to Roswell, Ga., at which point Lieutenants Wor- ley and Allen had reported on the 6th to Brigadier-General Garrard, commanding the Second Cavalry Division. En route to Roswell, with the Sixteenth Corps, Captain McClintock established a station on Black-Jack Mountain, in charge of Lientenants Sherfy and Shellabarger, who immediately opened communication with signal officers Army of the Cumberland on Kenesaw Mountain, and with Lieutenants Worley and Allen at Roswell. Thus, when General Dodges comniand reached Roswell, communication was established with the right. The army remained at Itoswell until the morning of the 17th. Mean time signal officers had reconnoitered the country for four miles south of the Chattahoochee. On the morning of the 17th the army crossed the Chattahoochee and commenced its march toward Atlanta. En route the railroad was destroyed at several points, in some places by the cavalry and in others by the infantry. Officers of the detachment were constantly in advance, and upon our arrival in the vicinity of Decatur Lieutenant Edge reported to General Logan that the enemy were evacuating that place. Upon arriving before Atlanta stations of observation were established, overlooking the city and enemys works, from which stations much important information was transmitted to the commanding generals. From one of these stations on the 21st Lieutenant Stickney reported to General Leggett the enemy moving a large force to our left, and on the morning of the 22d Lieutenant Edge reported to Major- General Logan that the enemy were moving all available forces to our left. On the 22d the enemy attacked the Army of the Ten- nessee in front, flank, and rear. Lieutenants Conard and Stickney were in charge of a station in General Leggetts front, from which they communicated to station at General Blairs headquarters, in charge of Lieutenant Dunlap. Lieutenant Conards station was entirely uncovered by the falling back of the left at the time of the attack on our left and rear, but this station was held until the last moment, and messages were transmitted to General Blair from Generals Leggett and Smith under a galling fire from front, flank, and rear. So nearly were they surrounded at one time that com- munication other than by signals could only be had at great risk. The last messages transmitted were read over the heads of the enemy. Lieutenant Edge had a station of observation in the Fif- teenth Corps front, 100 feet high. He saw the enemy preparing for a charge upon the Second Division, and informed Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, commanding, of the fact, and received the reply, I ama ready for them. Lieutenant Edge remained at his station. The charge ~ras made and our lines were broken and fell back past the station, and Lieutenant Edge was compelled to descend and retreat before the advancing enemy under a heavy fire of musketry. On the morning of the 22d, accompanied by Lieutenant AllQn, I had visited the entire front, and the station in charge of Lieutenant Stickney. 6 R TVVOL xxxviii, PT Ii Page 82 82 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. We were returning toward the right when the attack on the extreme left was made, and immediately turned, and accompanied General McPherson to the scene of action, to render such service in any capacity as best we could. By order of General McPherson endeav- ored to rally the broken left of the Seventeenth Corps, bnt with little success. We were here joined by Lieutenant Sherfy. We then accompanied the general through the broken line and into an ambush, where the general was killed, and we had a very narrow escape, Lieutenant Sherfy being badly injured by being thrown from his horse, and Lieutenant Allen badly bruised by coming in contact with a tree. I afterxvard directed the placing of a battery to resist the farther advance of the enemy; then reported to Major-General Logan who had succeeded to the command of the army, and rendered such services as I could. The station in charge of Lieutenants Conard and Stickney was reopened on the morning of the 23d, and kept open until night, when the removal of General Blairs headquarters rendered the line impracticable. At this station, on the 23d, Private Philip W. Ashton was mortally wounded. He died on the 27th. The army remained at this point until the night of the 26th, during which time the officers of the detachment kept a constant watch upon the enemy. On the night of the 26th the Army of the Ten- nessee marched to take a position on the extreme right. On the morhing of the 28th, when the army was going into position west of Atlanta, stations of observation were established, one by Lieutenants Sherfy and Shellabarger, and one by Lieutenants Conard and Stick- ney. The latter was between the main and skirmish line; the skir- mishers were driven in by the advance of the enemy, and the officers were compelled to abandon it. The station occupied by Lieutenants Sherfy and Shellabarger was held until 3 p. in., when a heavy fire of solid shot, shell, and spherical case was directed against it, and they were compelled to abandon it, and finally to abandon the hill on which the station was located. I remained at Lieutenant Sherfys station until I was compelled to abandon it, when I reported to Gen- eral Howard and did duty as aide. Lieutenants Edge, Fish, and Weirick were oii duty in the front, and reported result of observa- tions to General Logan.. Lieutenant Sherfy reoccupied his station on the following morn- ing, and communication was opened to a battery in readiness to open, also to General Howards headquarters, to which station he com- municated result of observations. The country in which we oper- ated during the month was very poorly adapted to communicaion by signals, and the lines established have been in such places where ordinarily such communications would not be attempted. The sta- tions established have been from 60 to 100 feet above the ground. Lieutenants Magner and Adams were, during the latter part of the month, on duty with General Garrards cavalry division. The sta- tion of observation in rear of the lines of the Sixteenth Corps, established July 28, commanding a view of the enemys works, his roads, railroad, & c., was occupied by officers of the sub-detach- ment with the Sixteenth Army Corps from morning till night each day until the 20th of August, when I directed that it should be con- stantly occupied day and night. The officers having familiarized themselves with every important postion, it was hoped they would be enabled to report any important occurrence within the lines of the enemy at any hour of the night, such as the burning of stores or buildings, any circumstances which should indicate the enemy Page 83 OH~. L] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 83 intention of evacuating the city. This station was abandoned on the night of the 25th, the Sixteenth Corps withdrawing to new lines to the left and rear. From this station the officers reported by courier to the general commanding the corps any movement of the enemys troops, and change in his works or lines, the result of our own artil- lery practice, the movements of the enemys wagon trains, railroad trains, & c. Each report was also made by signals through the sta- tion near department headquarters to the major-general command- ing. Stations were also established by the officers of the sub-detach- ments with Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps in rear of the lines of the Fifteenth Corps. That in charge of the Fifteenth Army Corps party was constantly occupied during the daytime by Lieutenant Fish, who, commanding a view of the enemys lines to the right of that of the Sixteenth Corps, reported the movement of troops in that direction, and, having a better view of the railroad, reported each night the number of trains each way; the number of ears in each train; the time of arrival or departure, and whether loaded or empty,with troops or otherwise. From this station Lieutenant Fish also reported several important movements of the enemys troops, such as columns of cavalry or infantry to right or left; the with- drawal from one position of the line, and the taking position at an- other; giving the number of squadrons or regiments, & c. Lieu- tenants Dunlap and Conard, with the sub-detachment with Sev- enteenth Army Corps, also established a station to the right and rear of that occupied by the officers with the Fifteenth Corps. This station, commanding the same view nearly as that occupied by Lieu- tenant Fish, was soon abandoned by my orders. The officers not employed upon stations made daily reconnaissances of the enemys lines, noting with the aid of the glass any change therein, and re- porting constantly the result to the nearest commanding general and to the general commanding the corps to which they were assigned. Communication by signals, save from stations of observation, to department headquarters, and in directing the fire of batteries, was not established, the telegraph line between the different headqnar~ ters rendering it inexpedient and unnecessary. On the 18th a dis- patch was received from Major-General Sherman, stating that the telegraph line from Allatoona Mountain to the front was constantly cut, that communication could not be maintained, and directing that I furnish officers who should, in connection with signal officers of the Army of the Cumberland, establish communications by signals. In compliance with this order, received through General Howard, I directed Lieutenants Worley and Allen to establish a statiOn on Allatoona Mountain in communication with Kenesaw Mountain, where I placed Lieutenants Stickney and Sherfy, who communicated thence to a station at Vinings Station, in charge of signal officers Army of the Cumberland, who extended the communication to the front. On the 20th Lieutenant Worley reported communication open, and it has since been maintained. Lieutenants Stickney and Sherfy, Worley, and Allen, in addition to their duties in charge of communicating stations, have used their stations as of observation, keeping a close watch upon the surrounding country, reporting every indication of the enemys presence in the country north of the Chattahoochee. When the army withdrew from its position in front of Atlanta the stations of observation were abandoned, and the officers marched with their respective corps, and, upon going into position near New Hope Church, on the West Point and Atlant Page 84 84 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [OHAP. L. Railroad, Lieutenants Edge and Conard immediately established stations of observation, from which they reported the movements of the enemy in our front. Marching again with their corps. stations were established upon their going into a new position in front of Jonesborough. Ther6 stations were occupied by Lieutenants Edge, Fish, Dunlap, Canard, and Adams, who kept the generals command- ing constantly informed of the enemys movements. The station occupied by Lieutenant Fish was maintained under a heavy fire from the enemy, whose sharpshooters attempted to dislodge him, and finally attempted the demolition of his station by artillery. Lieutenant Fishs reports were of an important nature. Early in the morning on which the enemy evacuated Jonesborough, I pro- ceeded, accompanied by Lieutenant Edge, to the spire of the church in town, from which could be seen, by the columns of dust, the routes taken by the retreating enemy, all of which was promptly reported to the general commanding, and confirmed reports received from other sources. When the army encountered the enemy in position near Lovejoys Station, stations of observation were estab- lished and occupied by the officers of the detachment. During the entire campaign signal officers have, when not em- ployed at their legitimate duties, acted as aides to the general offlc~rs with whoni they were serving. I take pleasure in testifying to the uniform zeal and industry of the officers and men composing my command, who have, I am confi- dent, done all in their power to promote the interests of the service and the success of our arms, and in this they have been untiring. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. H. HOWARD, Captain, Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Comdg. Detach. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. and Army of the Tennesseee. No. 446. Reports of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 28, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in compliance with orders, after being relieved from my position in front of Kenesaw Mountain by the troops of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, I relieved the Fourteenth Army Corps, which was in position on the south and east of Kenesaw Mountain. The movements of troops necessary to carry out the orders were made after dark on the night of the 25th and 26th instant. Brigadier-General Harrows division formed the left, and Brig. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus division formed the right, of my line, and Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smiths division was placed in rear of the two as a reserve. On the morning of the 27th, in obedience to orders, I formbd the division of Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, consisting of Brig. Gen. J. A. J. Lightburns and Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smiths brigades, and Col. C. C. Walcutts brigade, of Brigadier-General Harrows division, all under com- mand of Big. Gen. Morgan L. smith, into column for assault; an Page 85 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 85 at 8 oclock Thoved them forward in two lines against the enemys works on the south side and west end of Kenesaw Mountain. They moved forward gallantly, engaging the enemy almost immediately after leaving our line of works. The advance was continued steadily in the face of a destructive fire from three batteries of about twelve pieces, throwing canister and shell, and from a musketry fire from sharpshooters of the enemy, situated below the enemys first line of rifle-pits, and rifle-pits also. After a most stubborn and destructive resistance they succeeded in taking and holding two lines of the en- emys rifle-pits and advanced toward the succeeding works of the enemy, which were found to be impossible to be carried by assault, on account of a steep declivity of rock twenty or twenty-five feet high, and the nature of the ground, which was of the most rugged and craggy character. Commanding officers state most positively that the position could not be gained in two hours without any opposing force. After vainly attempting to carry the works for some time, and finding that so many gallant men were being use- lessly slain, they were ordered to retire to the last line of works captured, and hold them, which was done. The pioneer co.rps of the different divisions were ordered up at once and used in strength- ening the position already held. Seven commanding officers were killed and wounded in this assault. The position gained by this assault I do not regard as important, except in this, that it reduces the distance to be traversed by the troops before reaching the main line of the enemys works in the event of another advance being made. Near night-fill the enemy on the right of my line advanced from their works and attacked General Lightburns column, and, after a short but decisive fight, were gallantly thrown back, losing very many killed and wounded, whom they were unable to remove. After this affair the enemy remained quiet and little firing was heard during the night. We captured 87 prisoners, 3 of them being commissioned officers. I re4ectfully call your attention to the inclosed report of casualties and report of prisoners captured. rEline names of killed and wounded will be forwarded soon. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General Vols., Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps. Lient. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. and Army of the Tennessee. List of casualties in the Fifteenth Army Corps, Department and Army of the Tennessee, on the 27th day of June, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. command. ~. a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Division 2 22 2 26 26 5econd Division 6 32 21 271 13 27 316 343 Fourth Division 5 37 10 204 4 15 245 260 Total 11 71 31 497 19 42 587 629 JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General Page 86 86 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Atlanta, Ga., July 29, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that in pursuance of orders I moved my command in position on the right of the Seventeenth Army Corps, which was the extreme right of the army in the field, on the night and morning of the 27th and 28th instant, and during my advance in line of battle to a more desirable position, we were met by the rebel infantry from Hardees and Lees corps, who made a desperate and determined attack at 11.30 a. m. of the 28th. My lines were on] y protected by logs and rails hastily thrown in front of them. The first onset was received and checked at 11.30 a. in., and the battle commenced and lasted until about 3 oclock in the evening. During that time six successive charges were made, which were six times gallantly repulsed, each time with fearful loss to the enemy. Later in the evening my lines were several times assaulted vigorously, and each time with like result. The most of the fighting occurred on Generals Harrows and Smiths front, which formed the center and right of the command. The troops could not have dis- played more courage nor greater determination not to yield. Had they shown less they would have been driven from their position. Brigadier-Generals Woods, Smith, and Harrow, division command- ers, are entitled to equal credit for gallant conduct and skill in re- pelling the assault. My thanks are due to Major-Generals Blair and Dodge for sending me re-enforcements at a time when they were much needed. My losses were 50 killed, 439 wounded, and 73 missing; aggregate, 562. The division of General Harrow captured 5 battle-flags. There were about 1,500 or 2,000 muskets captured. One hundred and six prisoners were captured, not including 73 wounded, who have been removed to hospitals and are being taken care of by our surgeons. Five hundred and sixty-five rebels have been already buried, and about 200 yet supposed to be unburied. A large number were undoubtedly carried away during the night, as the enemy did not withdraw until nearly daylight. The enemys loss could not have been, in my judgment, less that 6,000 or 7,000. A more detailed report will hereafter be made. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Atlanta, Ga., July 29, 1864. In forwarding the within report, I wish to express my high grati- fication with the conduct of the troops engaged. I never saw better conduct in battle. The general commanding the Fifteenth Army Corps, though ill and much worn, was indefatigable, and the suc- cess of the day is as much attributable to him as to any one man. His officers, and in fact all the officers of this army that commanded my observation, co.operated promptly and heartily with him. 0. 0. HOWARD, ]lifajor- General Page 87 OHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEU 87 HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that about 10 oclock yester- day morning I caused my skirmish line to advance against that of the enemy, driving them from their pits, which we took possession of after a short but spirited skirmish. At about 1 oclock the enemy reorganized in stronger force and advanced against the position taken, driving my troops from the pits and reoccupying them. At about 4.30 p. m. I caused my skirmishers to be re-enforced, and or- dered them to retake the lost position, which they did quickly and in gallant style. The engagement was severe but of short duration. The position is an important one to us, and is now as securely held as a strong line of skirmishers can hold it and can be occupied by my troops at any time you may suggest. We captured about 140 prisoners. Our loss xvas 11 killed, 81 wounded, and 3 missing; total, 95. (See inclosed report.) The troops engaged were those of the Second and Fourth Divisions, Brigadier-Generals Lightburn and Harrow commanding, respectively. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. Lient. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] A list of casualties in the Fifteenth Army Corps, Department and Army of the Ten nessee, on the 3d day of August, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. 4 command. a a a a a a a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 0 ~ First Division, Brig. Gen. c. H. Woods 3 3 3 5econd Division, Brig. Gen. K. L. Smith 28 2 3 32 35 Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. William Harrow 1 7 2 46 1 3 54 57 Total 2 9 4 77 3 6 89 95 JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Lovejoys, Ga., September 3, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the following summary of the part taken by my command since leaving the West Point rail- road, at Sideling Station, on the morning of the 30th ultimo: In obedience to orders, I moved from my position at Sideling at 7 a. in., on the Jonesborough road, with the division of Brigadier- General Hazen in front, through IRenfroe Place, crossing Shoal Creek. A short distance east of Shoal Creek my advance skirmish- ers met those of the enemy posted behind rail piles, and sharp firing was commenced and continued every few hundred yards to F1int River, our skirmishers driving those of the enemy quite rapidly. The enemy opened artillery at one point, when I caused some guns to be placed in position, and their fire returned, and at the same time sent forward a body of flankers, which soon caused them t Page 88 88 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAr. L. withdraw their guns, and our advance continued to Flint PAver, where a slight resistance was made to our crossing. At this point my skirmishers were reorganized, and, in conjunction with two regi- ments of cavalry from General Kilpatricks command, made a dash for the bridge and secured it, and effected a crossing. The cavalry are entitled to much credit for the gallant style in which they made the charge on the enemy at the bridge. My command was then rapidly pushed beyond the stream, and moved forward until the darkness prevented a further advance; one hour more daylight would probably have secured us the railroad at Jonesborough. I placed my command in position, with General Harrow on the right, General Hazen on the left, and the troops of General Osterhaus occupying part of the line, on both right and left. I directed stroiig works to be made during the night, which was done on my entire front. On the morniiig of the 31st skirmishing opened quite briskly, the enemy occasionally using artillery. It soon became apparent that the enemy was lengthening his lines, and it was judged that lie was being re-enforced. At about 3 p. m. he opened batteries from all points of his lines, and at about 3.15 oclock made a vigorous and determined assault upon General Hazens front, which extended along the front of General Harrow and that part of the line on the right occupied by General Oster- haus~ The attack upon Osterhaus and Harrow was, however, less vigorous than upon Hazen. The fighting was severe for about three-quarters of aii hour, when the enemy wa~ severely repulsed. In a tew moments they had reformed and advanced again, but were severely handled as before, and were compelled to retire before the superior gallantry of our troops. From the reports of division commanders the eiiemys loss in dead is estimated at 500, left on ground in front of our lines, from which they were driven. Their loss in wounded is variously estimated at from 3,000 to 5,000. A rebel surgeon left in charge of their wounded reports it at 5,000 on the 3 1st. Among the wounded was known to be .Maj. Gen. Patton Anderson. We captured 2 stand of colors and about 1,500 muskets and 167 prisoners, in addition to 82 wounded who fell into our hands. Our losses were 154 killed, wounded, and missing. To Maj. Gen. P. Joseph Osterhaus, Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen, and Brig. Gen. William Harrow, division commanders, my thanks are due for the skillful management of the troops during the march and the engagement; and to the soldiers for their gallantry in action and good conduct on the line of march. A brigade belonging to the Sixteenth Corps, Brigadier-General Ransom commanding, on my right, and one on my left belonging to the Seventeenth Army Corps, Major-General Blair commanding, are entitled to much praise for the part taken by them in the engagement with the enemy, and I hereby tender my hearty thanks to the officers named for their co-operation during the engagement which resulted so satisfactorily to us. j~fiq ~o~~mandin~JOHN A. LOGAN Fifteenth Army Corps. Lient. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. Addenda..The troops engaged against us were the corps of Har- dee and Lee, prisoners being captured from the different brigades of both these corps Page 89 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TEN~WSSEE. [First indorsement.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Lovejoys Station, Ga., September 4, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. In addition to the enemys loss reported within, there were buried in front of the Sixteenth Corps, General Ransom commanding, 57 of the enemys dead; 92 prisoners were captured. Our loss in Six- teenth Corps, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man killed and 16 wonnded. In frout of that portion of the Seventeenth Corps engaged, the enemys loss, as far as ascertained, is 250 killed and wounded and 12 prison ers; our loss, 11 enlisted men wounded. The officers and men fully sustained their reputation. ~. ~. HOWARD, .Miajor- General. [Second indorsement.] This report is very satisfactory. I return it to General Howard, as he will need the statistics to make up the general report. W. T. SHERMAN, lkfajor- General, Commanding. Report of casu~alties in Fifteenth Army Corps August 31, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total.. 55 a Command. a a a 1 55 a ~ 0 ~ First Division, Maj. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus 3 4 27 1 4 31 35 Second Division, Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen 16 62 3 81 81 Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. William Harrow 5 1 32 1 37 38 Total 24 5 121 ... 4 5 1491 154 JOHN A. LOGAN, .Miajor-General, Gommanding Fifteenth Army Corps. List of casualties in Fifteenth Army Corps September 1, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. as Command. rj a a a a a u ,4 u 55 a a bo 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ -~ 1 . First Division 1 2 2 30 ... 3 32 35 Second Division 1 5 18 1 1 24 25 FourthDivision 1 5 3 19 1 4 25 29 Total 3 12 5 67 2 8 81 89 H. N. WHEELER, Assistant Adjutant- General. (77~e major-general commanding not present. Page 90 90 Tilt ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. I~. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. [East Point, Ga., September 13, 1864.] COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifteenth Army Corps in the Georgia cam- paign, from May 1, 1864, to 1 p. m. during the battle of July 22, 1864, before Atlanta, at which time, by the death of Major-General McPherson, the command of the Department and Army of the Ten- nessee devolved upon me, and from the evening of July 27, when I again assumed command of the corps, to the 8th of September, when the campaign ended and my command went into camp at East Point, Ga., six miles south-southwest of Atlanta. My immediate command consisted of the First Division, Brig. Gen. P. Joseph Osterhaus, afterward Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, after- ward Maj. Gen. P. Joseph Osterhaus, commanding; Second Division, Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, afterward Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen, commanding; amid the Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. William Har- row, commanding. Accompanying the report is a general map* of our route and camps during the campaign, and plans in detail, num- bered in regular succession, of the most important of our positions in which battles were fought. The operations of the Third Division, Brig. Gen. John E. Smith commanding, which was left in North Alabama, and which has since been guarding railroads and lines of communication, will be given in a separate report. In pursuance of instructions dated April 28, 1864. from the. major-general com- manding the Department and Army of the Tennessee, Osterhaus, Morgan L. Smiths, and Harrows divisions broke up their winter camps along the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, in North Alabama, May 1, 1864, and marched by the wagon road, which runs substantially with the railroad, via Stevenson and Bridgeport, to Chattanooga, arriving during the night of the 5th and morning of the 6th of May. The roads gemi erally were very bad, and streams high. All obstacles were promptly overcome by the pioneers and men of Harrows division, under the general supervision of Captain Klostermann, acting chief engineer officer of the corps. Near Chat- tanooga camps were established, in which were (leposited all surplus baggage, camp a~id garrison equipage, and the transportation of the command was placed on the campaign footing. My command rested on the night of the 6th at Gordons Mills, and marched on the 7th in the direction of Vill anow, camping at the western entrance of Gor- dons Springs Gap. On the 8th marched through Villanow, and camped at the west end of Snake Creek Gap of the Chattoogata Mountain. On the 9th, leaving the entire transportation, except fifteen ammunition wagons to each division, with Col. Reuben Wil- liams brigade, of Harrows division, as a guard, and to hold the gap, the comm~and marched through the gap in the direction of Resaca in light fighting trim, in rear of the Left Wing of the Sixteenth Corps, in compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 3, headquarters Depart- ment and Army of the Tennessee, dated May 8, 1864. At the cross- roads, two miles southwest from Re~aca, by direction of the major- general comumanding the Army of the Tennessee, I halted my command, and disposed it as a support to the forces of General Dodge, which were moving against Resaca. The movement not be- ing successful, I fell back in the evening, by order, to Sugar Val- ley, taking a defensive position at the intersection of the Dalton and * To appear in the Atlas Page 91 91 L,J REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Rome and Resaca roads; General M. L. Smiths division being on my right, its right resting abont a quarter of a mile south of the Resaca road, the line of battle crossing that road and about a quarter of a mile north of it, retiring nntil the formation was nearly par- allel with our line of communicationthe Resaca and Villanow road. Osterhans division connected with its left, and continued the line substantially in the same direction. Harrows division was in reserve. In connection with the forces of General Dodge, this dis- position covered the eastern approach to Snake Creek Gap. On the 10th skirmishing was kept up with the enemys light troops during the entire day. Indications going to show that tb e enemy contem- plated an attack in overwhelming force, a new defensive line was selected, nearer the month of the gap, in a stronger natural posi- tiomi. In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. ~, headquarters De- partment and Army of the Tennessee, I commenced withdrawing ipy command about 3 a. m. of the 11th, and by 6 a. m. had occupied the new position on the left of the Resaca road, the right of M. L. Sumiths division resting on the road, Osterhaus in the center, con- necting with him, and Harrow on the left. The pickets were with- drawn soon after the troops without loss. The 11th was occupied in completing the works. On the 12th I moved General M. L. Smiths division toward Resaca, to the intersection of the Dalton and Rome road, as a support to Kilpatricks cavalry, the whole movenment being a reconnaissance in force xvith a view of developing the force and position of the enemy in our immediate front. On the morning of May 13, iu pursuance of Special Field Orders, No. 7, Imeadquar- ters Department and Army of the Teummessee, the divisions of Oster- haus and Harrow moved out of their works and advanced omi the Resaca road to the cross-roads, two miles from Resaca, where I de- ployed them into line of battle on time left of Morgan L. Smiths division. The line being pei~fected at about 1 p. m. the command, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers, commenced steadily driving the enemy toward Resaca, over broken and irregular ground, with heavy growths of timber and underbrush, with occasional small deared fields. The enemys skirmish fire was rapid and effective, but he made no decided stand until our line debouched from time woods into a wide extent of cleared fields, along the farther edge of which, at a distance of about 700 yards, extended a range of com- manding hills, which bounded the valley of the Oostenaula River on the west, but their particular direction was that of Camp Creek, a small stream wbose banks they fringed. The enemy having taken position on those hills, their infantry firing from behind slight bar- ricades and pits, and having opened artillery with some effect, some pieces of the First and Fourth Divisions were placed in position, and the rebel battery promptly silenced. I then moved forward the entire line, which advanced steadily, and resistingly drove the enemy from his position and carried the Camp Creek hills. The crests imme- diately on the right and left of the road overlooked the enemys forts, the town of Resaca, and the railroad and bridge over the Oostenaula River. I caused artillery to be placed in position on these crests, and opened vigorously, cansing considerable confusion and interrupting the passage of railroad traiims. My lines were formed in the most advantageous positions, using, wherever practi- cable, the crests of the Camp Creek hills, General M. L. Sumiths division, being on our right of the Resaca road, and extending acros Page 92 92 THE ATt~A~TA CAMPAIGTh [CHAP. L. it, with Osterhaus on his left. Harrows division, at first in the re- serve, was afterward deployed farther to the left to fill up a gap caused by the withdrawal of troops of the Twentieth Corps. Here, during the rest of the day, Col. Reuben Williams brigade, of Har- rows division, was engaged constantly, with heavy and continuous skirmishing, with considerable loss. Captain Griffiths, First Iowa Battery, and chief of artillery Fourth Division, placed his guns in position in an open field, directly exposed to the fire of the enemys artillery, and engaged them during the afternoon, with damaging effect, entirely disabling two of the enemys guns, which were left on the field when he evacuated. The line rested at night in the position described, the skirmishers advanced well forward, generally holding the line of Camp Creek. Slight rifle-pits were thrown up by the troops for their protection, and works built for the batteries by the pioneers, a strong show of artillery having been developed in the heavy forts of the enemy. The position of my command at Resaca is shown in the accompanying plan, No. 1. * On the morning of the 14th sharp skirmishing and heavy artillery exchanges were renewed. During the morning the several brigades of Harrow~ s division were removed froni their positions on the left and stationed in rear of M. L. Smiths and Osterhaus divisions as reserves. Ap- pearances indicating that a severe battle was in progress upon the extreme left of our army, I caused a feint attack to be made, and continued for some time lively demonstrations to deter the enemy from sending re-enforcements from our front. General Osterhau~s took advantage of the feint to attack the enemys skirmishers in the heavily wooded valley near the road. This was done in the mosf gallant manner. The bridge over Camp Creek was carried, and the Twelfth Missouri Infantry thrown forward into the woods previously occupied by the enemy, thus forming a liviiig t~t~- de-pont, which in the ensuing movement proved of great value. Directly in front of M. L: Smiths division, and at a distance vary- ing from one-half to three-quarters of a mile from it, a series of low, irregular hills extended from the Gostenaula due north as far as the Resaca road. They were occupied by the enemy in force, and were partially fortified. This position, if in our possession, would bring us within three-eighths of a mile of the enemys nearest fort, and within half a mile of the railroad bridge, thus practically cutting the railroad. To gain this position had been the work intended for the next day, and a number of bridges were to have been thrown over Camp Creek on the night of the 14th instant to facilitate the passage of troops, but the continuous artillery and musketry fire on the left, and the necessity for us to make a further diversion, precipitated the movement, and at 5.30 p. m. of the 14th the assaulting column crossed Camp Creek as best they could, some over the bridge, others on logs, and others wading, with their arms and equipments held over their heads. The assaulting force consisted of Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods brigade, of the First Division; the Third Missouri lnfantry, of the Third Brigade, being substituted for the Twenty- sixth Iowa Infantry, which, being engaged as skirmishers, was un- available, on the left, and Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smiths brigade, of the Second Division, on the right. Both brigades were formed in double lines, and in front and on time left of Woods brigade the Twelfth Missouri Infantry, disposed as skirmishers, accompanied *TO appear in the Atlas Page 93 O~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TRNNESSEE. 93 the assaulting columns. The average distance to the objective point was about one-third of a mile, over a marshy bottom, nearly clear of standing timber, but full of fallen tree trunks and thickets, and intersected with miry sloughs. At ten minutes before 6 p. m. the ad- vance sounded, and the lines of gallant men started at the double- quick over the difficult ground, followed by the cheers of their fel- low soldiers on the Camp Creek hills, and met by a storm of lead and iron from the enemy. The rebel infantry poured in from the hills in front a close, destructive, and well-directed fire. The artil- lery from their forts opened in one continuous roar. The direction of most of their artillery fire was at first diagonally across the lines, the angle growing less as the storming column advanced, until it nearly enfiladed them. Their practice was excellent, the bursting of shells directly over the devoted lines seemed continuous, but neither thicket, nor slough, nor shot, nor shell, distracted for a moment the attention of the stormers from their objective point. Lines tempo- rarily disarranged were reorganized without slackening the speed, until, without firing a shot, they, at the point of the bayonet, planted their colors on the summits of the conquered hills. Under the soldierly and efficient direction of their brigade commanders the troops were at once disposed in the most advantageous positions for holding the ground, and for protection from the artillery fire still furiously kept up. Pioneers and intrenching tools were sent over, and work was immediately commenced making rifle-pits. The indica- tions being that additional troops had been brought up by the enemy, and that an attempt would be made to retake the hills, the vigilant brigade commanders kept their troops ready for every emergency, and the line of skirmishers well advanced and on the alert. The indications proved true, and about 7.30 oclock in the evening the skirmishers came in, and shortly after them a large force of the enemy, in column of regiments, advanced to the assault. They were met by a withering fire, which, at fitst, they received steadily, soon shook, and finally broke their lines and forced them to retire and reform. It being evident that their lines were of greater extent than ours, amid that their next attack would endanger our flanks, Gemmeral Lightburns brigade, of the Second Division, was sent to their assistance. This brigade responded in the most l)rompt and gallant manner. From the Camp Creek hills they had seen the progress of the engagement; had noted the first repulse of the enemy, and as the red flame from the muskets (showing plainly through the night) defined exactly the position of the opposing forces, they had seen the lines of the enemy gradually closing around and in rear of our flanks, every man felt he would be needed, and without orders pro- pared to go; so that when the orders came it needed but the word, and the gallant brigade was wading Camp Creek waist deep, and mu some places neck deep, and off at the double-quick. General Light- burn reached General Giles A. Smiths position with astonishing quickness, and, forming on his right, the united lines poured a fire on the enemy which swept them entirely from that front, defeated and disheartened. About the time General Lightburns brigade was sent over, two regiments of the Sixteenth Corps, time Twenty~ fifth Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth New Jersey Infantry, were sent over by General McPherson, to re-enforce General Woods in the position where they were most needed, and gahla~mtly did their duty, until, about 10 p. in., the last body of the enemy retired, broken and disheartened, from the field, It was evident to the meanest con Page 94 94 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. prehension among the rebels that night that the men who double- quicked across to their hills that afternoon had come to stay. Skir- mishers were thrown well out, and the men intrenched during the night. The loss in my commaud, to include this date, was 102 killed, 512 wounded, and 14 missing; aggregate, 628. We captured 92 prisoners. The loss of the enemy in my front in killed and wounded is esti- mated at 1,500. During the entire day of the 15th skirmishing and artillery firing was kept up, with more or less vigor. I caused artillery to be placed in the most advantageous situations in the position captured the previous day, and the railroad bridge and the town were thus held entirely at our mercy. During the night of the 15th and 16th the enemy evacuated his entire line, and retreated southward, his extreme left at Resaca being of necessity held to the last. Although the sound of the heavy firing on the extreme left of our line, con- tinuing late into the night, did not make it appear as if an immedi- ate evacuation were probable, the skirmish lines in front of my command were strengthened, and were directed to press the enemy constantly at all points during the night. At about daylight in the morning the skirmishers of Smiths and Osterhaus divisions entered Resaca, driving the enemys rear guard across the Gostenaula, and preventing them from destroying the comnion road bridge. The railroad bridge, however, could not be saved, and was completely burned up. Anticipating orders to follow in pursuit on the main south road, I at once commenced moving my command across the river, several of my advance regiments having crossed the bridge, when, in coin- pliance with directions from Major-General McPherson, I halted the command until further orders. Special Field Orders, No. 11, Depart- ment and Army of the Tennessee, arriving soon after, in compliance therewith, I moved my command on the Rome road, crossing the Oostenaula at Lays Ferry, from which point I followed General Dodges command. Learning that he was attacked by the enemy about three miles from the ferry, at his request for assistance, I double-quicked Osterhaus division to his support, and deployed it on the crest of the hills, on the south side of the road, in the most favorable position to resist an attack, and held the other two divis- ions in reserve. It soon became certain that no serious attack need be anticipated, and every evidence going to show that the enemy had retired, the command was moved forward in the direction o~ Mc- Guires, about a mile east of which I went into camp. On the morning of the 18th my command was placed in the advance, and was continued in that position until our arrival at Dallas. A small force of the enemys cavalry, with a battery of artillery, harassed our front, but without materially impeding us. At Adairsville I moved in a southwesterly direction, by a by-road to Woodland, on the Kingston and Rome road, camping in line of battle, with Smiths division in reserve. On the morning of the 19th heavy cannonading being heard in the direction of Kingston, it was deemed proper to park the train at Woodland, leaving a regiment to guard it. I then moved cautiously on the Kingston road, with Osterhaus division in advance, followed by Sniiths and Harrows divisions. We reached Kingston, however, without opposition that afternoon, and camped on the Etowah River Page 95 OHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. While & xamining the surrounding country by my direction, Maj. C. J. Stoibrand, chief of artillery of the corps, a gallant and un- tiring officer, was captured by a squad of the enemys cavalry. The command rested at this point until the morning of the 23d, by which time twenty days supplies had been procured. On the 23d II moved nearly south, on Van Wert road, crossing the Etowah River at Wo.oleys Bridge, and camping at night on the Euharlee Creek, making a distance of eighteen miles. May 24, I marched through Van Wert toward Dallas, a distance of eight miles. May 25, advanced to Pumpkin Vine Creek, camping in line of battle. Hearing heavy firing in the direction of Dallas, and learning from deserters aud others that the enemy were near that place in heavy force, commanded by Johnston in person, I moved my command forward cautiously on the 26th, with a strong advance guard and. flankers. General Dodges command advanced on niy left. The cavalry force, assisted by my artillery, having, after a spirited skirmish, driven away the enemys light troops, which were con- fronting us, on the west side of Dallas, we entered and marched through the town, taking the Powder Springs road to the eastward. At the distance of two miles beyond the town the enemy was found by our skirmishers in heavy force, occupying strong field- works. I caused their line to be felt of sharply, and by night had developed its general position, the general course of which was north-northeast and south-southwest, extending across the Powder Spriugs and Marietta roads, with their flanks well advanced. I immediately placed my command in position, as shown in accom- panyin~, plan (No. 2*), Harrows division being on the right, extend- ing just across the Villa Rica road, Morgan L. Smith in the center, crossing the Marietta road, and Osterhaus on the left, connecting with General Dodges command. Our right was afterward joined by the mounted infantry of Wilders brigade. In this position I caused the most favorable line of works practicable to be throwmi up during the night. On the 27th heavy skirmishing and artillery firing was kept up during the entire day. In the afternoon a strong demonstration was made by the enemy upon General Harrows front, which was checked promptly by his troops. The 28th opened with rapid skirmishing, which continued until 3.30 oclock in the afternoon, when the enemy (afterward ascertained to be Hardees entire command, estimated by prisoners to be 25,000) made deter- mined assaults, in columns of regiments, on the most assailable positions along our entire front. The first assault was on Harrow, amid was made directly down the line of the Villa Rica road, the weakest point in our whole position. The road there runs directly up the backbone of a ridge, which curved continuously to our right and constantly increased in height. It had been con- sidered impracticable to carry our line far enough forward across this ridge to overcomue this objectionable point, without weaken- ing it too much elsewhere in thus adding to its length. The enemy at this point approached within 150 yards, without either having been seen or exposed to our fire. His assault was made in columns of regiments, and with the utmost dash and confi- dence. Three guns of the First Iowa Battery, which had been run out on the skirumish line, were temporarily surrounded by the enemny. They cannot be said, however, to have been in his posses- * To appear in the Atlas Page 96 96 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. sion, as the few who attempted to lay hands on them were shot down. The fighting at this point was close and deadly. As line upon line of the enemy debouched upon the open plateau, within eighty yards of our works, they were met by a front and flank fire from brave men, who stood unflinchingly to their guns, under the orders of their efficient officers. Colonel Walcutt, commanding the brigade engaged, stood on the parapet, amid the storm of bullets, ruling the fight. Line after line was sent back broken to their works, and in half an hour the assault was over, their dead and wounded only occupying the ground on which they advanced. The assault on Smiths division commenced a few minutes after that on Harrow, and that on Osterhaus a short time later still. The nature of the ground on these fronts being less favorable for the enemy than that on Harrows front, they were repulsed very handsomely, and with great loss, though they held on for some time tenaciously, but uselessly. Their dead and severely wounded were mostly left on the field. The eiigagement, from first to last, lasted about one hour, our troops in many places following the enemy, in their retreat, to their works. My losses were as follows: Killed, 30; wounded, 295 ; missing, 54; aggregate, 379. We captured 97 prisoners. The loss of the enemy was estimated at 2,000. We buried of the enemys dead in my front over 300 bodies. In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 23, Department and Army of the Tennessee, on the evening of May 29 I commenced withdrawing the right of my command from the works, the inten- tion of the movement being to change the position of the Army of the Tennessee and of General Garrards command to the left, to con- nect with the Army of the Cuinberland, from which we had been separated by a gap of several miles. Part of the troops on my extreme right had been withdrawn, when the enemy demonstrated heavily along the entire front, making it necessary to return all the troops to the trenches again. During the whole night these demon- strations were continued at intervals. At several points, especially on the left of Osterhians, there was evidence that their feints were intended to be turned into real attacks upon the discovery of any evidence of weakness in our lines. From 11 p. m. until about 3 a. m. the musketry fire on both sides was more or less vigorously sus- tained, and our intended movement was not accomplished. No further change was attempted until the 1st of June, when at day- light I again commenced withdrawing, beginning with the right of my line (previously a retired line had been constructed by the pio- neers of the corps), crossing the road near the eastern edge of Dallas. In this line I placed the troops and batteries until the skirmishers were withdrawn, and everything was in readiness for the complete withdrawal. It was afterwards discovered that this maneuver com- pletely deceived the enemy for the time as to our intentions. This temporary line of works crossed the Villa Rica road perp endicu- larly about half a mile from Dallas, and commanded the large, open field in which the Villa Rica and Marietta roads intersected. The withdrawal was effected speedily and without loss, the column passing through the defensive works above mentioned, followed closely by the enemys skirmishers, who, seeimig the works and hear- ing from them, were deceived into the belief, as it was afterward learned, that the new line was to be permanently held. As soon as it was evident that the enemy was not prepared to follow and attac Page 97 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. I moved my command through Dallas, over the Pumpkin Vine road, and a by-road leading to the main Marietta road to the rear of Gen- eral Hookers command, which I relieved at once with my troops. The position of the troops while at this point is shown in plan No. * Harrows division was on the right, M. L. Smiths in the center, with Colonel Williamsons brigade, of Osterhans division, on the left, the other two brigades of Osterhaus being in reserve, one behind the right and the other behind the left of my line. From the 1st to the 5th of June skirmishing was continuons. Wherever at all possible my lines were pushed nearer the enemys. By daylight on the morning of June 5 the enemy had evacuated his works and retreated. On the 5th of June, in accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 30, Department and Army of the Tennessee, I moved my command on two roads, running nearly parallel with and to the rear of our lines, to Burnt Church, and thence to Acworth, arriving at the latter place on the morning or the 6th. Passing through the town, I moved on the Marietta road about two miles out, and disposed of my troops to command the road and the adjacent open country, Harrow on the right, Morgan L. Smith in the center, and Osterhaus on the left, and remained in this position until June 10. At 6 a. m. of June 10, as directed in Special Field Orders, No. 34, Department and Army of the Tennessee, I moved in the advance on the Marietta road, carrying ten days subsistence, with about 150 rounds of small-arm ammunition per man. Smiths division had the advance, followed by divisions of Harrow and Osterhaus, respect- ively. The infantry skirmishers of the enemy were found posted about one mile south of Big Shanty Station behind slight rail piles, from which they were soon dislodged by our artillery. It was soon evident that the enemy intended making a decided stand, and that they had a formidable line of works in front of Kenesaw Mountain. This line was developed crossing the Marietta road at the distance of two miles and a half from Big Shanty. On the east and west of the road the course of the main line was not determined for several days, the enemy keeping his wings well advanced, and erecting sev- eral lines of temporary works, retiring afterward from one to another of theni as he was pressed by our troops. On the 11th light skir- mishing continued during the day, and on the 12th I advanced Oster- hans division one mile, driving the, enemy into their main line of works, in our immediate front. The position of these works, and of our subsequent movements in front of Kenesaw, is shown in the accompanying plan, No. 4. * I caused a line of works to be thrown up within as short a distance as practicable of the enemy, and occupied them with the troops of General Osterhaus. His batteries shelled the enemy vigorous]y, eliciting comparatively feeble and ineffective response. On the 13th the enemy was reported to be moving with the apparent intention of turning the left flank of the Army of the Tennessee, formed by the Seventeenth Corps. By direction of Gen- eral McPherson, I moved M. L. Smiths division by the left flank to the rear of General Blair, to support him, if necessary. On the 14th the position of my command remained unchanged. Skirmishers and artillery were constantly engaged. On the 15th I moved General Harrows command, by direction of General McPherson, to the ex- treme left of the Army of the Tennessee, and formed it perpendicu- lar to the main line of General Blairs command, thus placing it * To appear in the Atlas. R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 98 98 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [OHAP. L. directly across the right flank of the enemy, Walciitts brigade be- ing in the first line and the brigades of Col. Renben Williams and Colonel Oliver in the second. The division charged gallantly against the enemy, driving him from his position in confnsion, killing and wonnding many and captnring abont 350 prisoners, 22 of whom were commissioned officers. My loss was 45 killed and wonnded. The object of the attack having been accomplished, the division was withdrawn in the evening to the rear of the Seventeenth Corps. From Jnne 16 to iS my lines were advanced wherever practicable, the skirmish and artillery fire being sharp and continnons. On the night of Jnne 18 and 19 the enemy abandoned his line, and retired to a second line abont two miles in the rear. His line in onr imme- diate front was on the crest of Kenesaw Monntain proper, his skir- mish line being at the foot of the inonntain. On the 19th of Jnne I advanced my line to near the base of the monntain, and intrenched. On the 20th I remaihed in that position, with skirmishers and artil- lery constantly engaged. From the 20th to the 25th the position of my command remained nnchanged, with severe skirmishing and artillery practice along my entire line. The enemy shelled my posi- tion from the sninmit of Kenesaw Monntain continnally, doing but little damage. During the interval between the 20th and 25th I continued to pnsh forward the skirmishers up the side of the mountain, driving those of the enemy before ns. On the 24th I attempted to gain the summit of the monntain with a double line of skirmishers, the opinion of my division commanders being that the position was only held by a strong skirmish line of the enemy. The skirmishers advanced in good order, at each step meeting with strong resistance, until they had reached within 200 yards of the crest, where they fonnd a farther advance could not be made without being re-enforced. Not having an order to advance my line, I caused my skirmishers to be with- drawn to a nosition nearer the main line, protected by skirmish pits. This advance proved the enemy to be still in possession of the moun- tain in force. During these operations, Osterhaus (First) division held position on the right, connecting with Dodges command, and Smiths (Second) division on the left, connecting with Blairs coin- mand, and Harrows (Fourth) division was the reserve of my line. All my troops were protected by earth-works. On the 25th, in ac- cordance with Special Field Orders, No. 50, from Department and Army of the Tennessee, to relieve the command of Brig. Gen. Jeffer- son C. Davis division, of the Fourteenth Corps, I sent General Har- rows (Fourth) division, at 8 p. m. of that day, to the right of the Left Wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps, with orders to comply with the requirements of the order referred to. The movement was executed successfully, and without loss, though the situation of Davis divis- ion was very close to the main line of the enemys works. On the 26th, by authority of Special Field Orders, No. 51, from Department and A rmy of the Tennessee, I moved the remainder of my command, Brigadie5-Geuerals Osterhaus and A. L. Smiths divisions, to the right, and relieved the remaining troops of the Fourteenth Corps in position. The movement was executed by the Sixteenth and Seven- teenth Corps, relieving my troops in line in the afternoon of the 26th, when I ordered them to fall back quietly, under cover of the woods, to a position where they remained until after dark, when I moved them by the right flank to the place designated in the order. The distance to march was three miles, and the hour for starting was Page 99 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 99 p. in. At daylight of the 27th the order was successfully executed, my troops having relieved those of the Fourteenth Army Corps, dire6tly under the guns of the enemy, on Little Kenesaw Mountain. This movement again brought my command together, with Oster- hans division on the right and Harrows division on the left, with Smiths division in reserve. In pursuance of instructions contained in Special Field Orders, No. 51, Department and Army of the Tennessee, I organized the division of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, consisting of Brig. Gen. J. A. J. Lightburns aiid Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smiths brigades, and Col. C. C. Walcutts brigade, of the Fourth Division, General Harrow commanding, iiito an assaulting column, under command of General M. L. Smith, with orders to be ready at 8 oclock precisely, on the morning of the 27th, to assault the enemys works on the south and west slope of Little Kenesaw Mountain. The column for assault. being formed, I directed it at 8 oclock precisely to move forward. Immediately after uncovering themselves, they became engaged. The advance was continued in two lines, steadily, in the face of a destructive fire from three batteries of about twelve pieces, throwing shot and shell, and from a musketry fire from the sharpshooters of the enemy, situated below the enemys first line of rifle-pits and also from the rifle-pits. After a most stubborn and destructive resistaiice, my attacking column succeeded in taking and holding two lines of the enemys rifle-pits, and advanced toward the succeeding works of the enemy, situated just below the crest of the mountain. It soon became evident that the works could not be approached by assault, on account of a steep declivity of rocks twenty and twenty-five feet in height, and the nature of the ground, which was of the most rugged and craggy character, exposing at times small bodies of my troops to the concentrated fire of the enemy. Commanding officers state most posi- tively that the position could not be gained in two hours, without any opposing force. After vainly attempting to carry the works for some time, and finding that so many gallant men were being uselessly slain, I ordered them to retire to the last line of works captured, and placed them in a defensible conditiomi for occupancy. The pioneer corps of the command were at once sent to General Smith for this purpose. No less than seven commanding officers of regiments were killed or disabled in this assault. Among the killed was the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Baruhill, of the Fortieth Illinois Volunteers, who was killed instantly at the head of his gallant r~gi- ment, within thirty feet of the enemys last line. Near night-fall the enemy on the right of my line, situated in the captured works, advanced from their works and attacked General Lightbnrns com- mand. After a short but severe engagement they were compelled to retire precipitately, and leave their dead and wounded on the ground, when they could not gain possession of them. After this affair the enemy remained quiet, and little firing was heard during the night. In this assault we captured 87 prisoners, including 3 commissioned officers. My casualties were 80 killed, 506 wounded, 17 missing; aggregate, 603 out of the three brigades which constituted the as- saultimig column. The night of the 27th was occupied in strengthening the position taken in the day. The 28th, 29th and 30th of June and 1st of July passed without any event of importance occurring, the usual picket and artillery firing being constantly kept up on both sides. The di Page 100 100 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [ChAP. L. ferent positions occupied by my command from June 10 to June 30 will be observed by referring to map No. 4, * where they are marked A, B, C, D, E, and F. In accordance to Special Field Orders, No. 56, Department and Army of the Tennessee, dated July 1, I sent the division of Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, at 4 oclock on the morning of the 2d, by a road leading in rear of the army, to the Sand- town road, and thence by the Sandtown road to the support of Gen- eral Schofield, whose headquarters were at Cheneys house, at the intersection of the Marietta and Powder Springs and Sandtown roads. On the 2d of July, by virtue of Special Field Orders, No. 57, Department and Army of the Tennessee, of that date, I was di- rected to pull out of the position held by the First and Fourth Divis- ions of my command, as soon as the left of the column of Maj. Gen. G. M. Dodge had filed out, and march to the Sandtown road, thence down it, following Major-General Dodges command, to the forks of the road leading to IRnifs Mill and Widow Mitchells, where I was to halt and act as a reserve. While the general movem& nts were being performed by the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, before daylight, my skirmishers, through their vigilance, discovered the enemys evacuation of Kenesaw Mountain, and advanced and took possession of the crest of that mountain at daylight. I was then verb~dly directed by Major-General McPherson to move my com- mand (the First and Fourth Divisions) by the left flank, passing Kene- saw Mountain, and to enter Marietta on the south side of the moun- tain. I caused the advance to be made rapidly, with skirmishers thrown well forward, and on the flanks of my command, and entered Marietta before the cavalry, which had previously been ordered, had arrived. We captured 200 prisoners before reaching Marietta. At that place I disposed my command in the most advantageous position, covering the town, and remained in camp until 9 a. in. of the 4th July, when, by direction of Major-General Sherman, dated on the morning of July 4, I prodeeded with my command, leaving the Twenty-fifth Iowa, Colonel Stone commanding, as provost-guard in the town, by way of Cheneys house, and reported to Major-Gen- eral McPherson on the right of the army. South of Cheneys house, on the Sandtown road, I was joined by the Second Division of my command. On the 5th and 6th slight advances were made. On the 7th I occupied the line held by the Twentieth Army Corps on Nicka- jack Creek, very near the banks of the Chattahoochee River, reliev- ing the troops of that comm~ud with the troops of my entjre command. I placed General Harrows (Fourth) division on the right, connecting with the left of the Seventeenth Army Corps, General Osterhaus (First) division in the center, and General Morgan L. Smiths (Second) division on the left, connecting with the right of the Cumberland Army. (See map No. 5. *) This position was maintained, with occasional skirmishing and artillery practice, by my command until the 12th, when, in pursuance of Special Field Orders, No. 66, Department and Army of the Tennessee, I started my troops at 5p. in. to the bridge across the Chattahoochee, near Roswell Factory, and moved by way of Marietta, camping a few miles south of that l)lace, on the night of the 12th. My troops passed through Marietta on the morning of the 13th, and the advanced division of my command reached Roswell that evening. The other two divisions I directed to camp a short distance from Roswell, and on the 15th, in accord- * To appear in the Atlas Page 101 Cxiix~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TilE TENNESSEE. 101 aitee with special instructions from Major-General McPherson, commanding department, I moved my command across the Chatta- hoochee, on the bridge which had just been completed, and took a position on the left of General Dodges command, already in posi- tion. On the 17th of July, in pursuance of Special Field Orders, No. 69, Department and Army of the Tennessee, dated July 16, I moved from the position just referred to, at 5.30 oclock, in advance of the Left Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, on the road leading to Cross Keys, until I reached Providence Church, when I moved on a left- hand road (called sometimes the Decatur road) until I reached Nancys Creek, where I took up position on each side of the road in line of battle. At this point slight skirmishing with the enemys cav- alry took place, and they were driven by my skfrmishers across the creek. On the morning of the 18th at 5 oclock, under Special Field Orders, No. 70, Department and Army of the Tennessee, I started my command on the Decatur road and moved to the Widow Raineys, thence on the Stone Mountain road, by Blakes Mill, to Bowmans [Brownings?] Court-House, at the intersectfon of the Stone Mountain and Lawrenceville and Decatur roads, where I was directed to hold my command in readiness to assist Brigadier- General Garrard, if he should require it, in his efforts to break the Decatur railroad. Subsequently to tho issuing of the order referred to, Major-General McPherson directed me to move, with a part of my command, directly to the railroad, if possible, and break it that day. I accordingly moved forward, with a part of the Second Division, and struck the railroad near Stone Mountain, and effectu- ally destroyed it for a considerable distance. Maj. John R. Hotal- ing, senior aide-de-cainp on my staff, with my escort company, numbering seventy men, was sent out to protect the right flank of this detachment of my command while it was moving in the direc- tion of the road. While out he conceived the idea of penetrating to the road with this little force and destroy what part of it he could between the point the infantry were to strike it and Decatur. He moved accordingly, struck the road, and burned two culverts and destroyed a considerable portion of the track. He is entitled to much credit for this fearless action, as he inflicted considerable damage to the enemy, and at the same time protected the body of troops froni surprise which was moving against the road. After rendering the destruction of the road at the point where I struck it as complete as possible under the circumstances, I moved my coni- mand to the vicinity of Harrisons [Hendersons?] Mill, and placed them in position for the night. In pursuance of Special Field Orders, No. 71, from Department and Army of the Tennessee, I moved at 5 oclock July 19, in light fighting order, on the Decatur road, in the direction of Decatur, under orders to strike the railroad at the nearest point on my route and tear up the track, burn the ties, and make the destruction com- plete and effectual, My command struck the railroad at the town of Decatur, six miles east of Atlanta, and commenced the work of destruction, which in every respect fully complied with the tenor of my instructions. My command bivouacked on the north side of Decatur on the night of July 19. In accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 72, from Department and Army of the Tennessee, dated July 19, 1 moved my command at 5 a. m. July 20 on the direct road to Atlanta, leaving all my wagons, except my ammunition wagons an Page 102 102 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. ambulances, in the vicinity and to the north of Decatur. The divis- ion of General Morgan L. Smith bad the advance, and soon after the head of the column had moved ont of Decatnr, his skirmishers met those of the enemy and drove them steadily before them. The enemy would occasionally use artillery from commanding positions on the road, which in no wise impeded my advance. Ju the after- noon Captain De Gress, commanding Company H, First Illinois Light Artillery (20-pounder Parrott guns), having secured a position from which he could see a part of the city, apparently two miles and a half distant, immediately placed his battery in position and directed his fire toward the place. Several of his shots were observed by the signal officer of the corps to strike some buildings in the town. These were acknowledged to be the first shots from the army which had entered the city of Atlanta. At night I placed my com- mand in position for defense across the railroad, fronting Atlanta, at the supposed distance of two miles and a half from the city. During the night a temporary defensive line was constructed, and I caused a few pieces of artillery to be placed in position. Almost the entire divisions of Generals Harrow and Woods (late Osterhaus) were held in reserve. The 21st was passed in slight advances and demonstra- tions on the enemy to enable General Blairs command to join me on the left, amid General Dodges commimand to join me on the right. During the day I brought into positiomi Harrows and Woods divis- ions on the right and left of Smiths division, respectively, holding a necessary reserve from eaclm division~. My command was now in position across the Decatur railroad with the center of my comn~and, Morgan L. Smiths division, crossing the road. The situation of my commaiid will be seen by reference to map No. ~, * herewith inclosed. The position was strengthened by earth-works, head-logs, & c., dur- ing the night of the 21st. On the moriling of the 22d it was discov- ered that the enemy had abandoned his line of works in our imme- diate front, and I advanced a portion of my command at once and took possession of the line, and directed General Smith to advance a section of artillery to a position in front of the abandoned line, which I pointed out to Imim on the Atlanta road near the railroad, and to advance with it two regiments of infantry to support it. This disposition was hardly completed before I received a written communication from Major-General McPherson, dated at 6 a. ni. July 22, informing me that it was the supposition of General Sher- man that tIme enemy had givem~ up Atlanta and were retirimig iii the direction of East Point, and directing me to put my command in pursuit, passing to the south and east of Atlanta. This order was not put in executiomi, from the fact that the enemy about this time commenced demonstrations in my front, which led me to believe that he had not abandoned Atlanta. At about 10 a. m. this belief was confirmed by a report that the enemy were moving in heavy force around the left flank of the army, formed by General Blairs (Seventeenth) corps, with evident intention of striking us in flank and rear. As soon as the report reached him, General McPherson rode at once toward the left of the army to ascertain correctly the truth of the report, parting with me in the vicinity of the white house on the railroad. The enemy soon developed his intentions by making a most desperate attack on the rear and flank of the Sev- enteenth Army Corps. In the midst of tIme first duset of the enemy, * Probably a mistake. Map No. 6 is again referred to on p. 105, and that will appear in the Atlas Page 103 CHAP. L:1 nEPORTS, ETC.AI~M~t OF TH~ TENNESSEE. 103 news was brought me of the probable death of General McPherson, which was 50011 confirmed. In a few moments, Pwas directed by verbal orders of General Sherman, commanding the armies, to at once assnme command of the army, assuring me at the same time that whatever assistance I might need would be furnished me. Acting upon these instructions, I turned over the Fifteenth Army Corps, then slightly engaged, to Brig. Gei. Morgan L. Smith, com- mander of the Second Division, and assumed command of the De- partment and Army of the Tennessee, as directed. I respectfully refer you to the report of division commanders, herewith inclosed, for particulars of the engagement of the corps while I had the honor to command the department, inasmuch as I find that General Smith failed to make report of the action and subsequent operations of the corps while under his command. These reports show that the command maintained in every respect its well-earned reputation for gallantry, and nobly sustained nuder the guidance of General Smith and division commanders Generals Woods, Lightburn, and Harrow, commanding First, Second, and Fourth Divisions, respectively, the valor of Federal arms. About 3 oclock in the afternoon the enemy by a most desperate assault broke our line and captured the battery of De Gress on the right of the Second Division. As soon as I learned the fact I, as department commahder, ordered that it be retaken at all hazards, and General Woods, commanding First Division, at once disposed his command for that purpose. In the mean time the g~ins of another battery were turned on the horses of the captured battery for time purpo~e of preventing the enemy from removing the guns. This was effect- ual, and General Woods soon led the advance, whichi retook the guns and the position our troops were compelled to abandon. General Woods displayed in this action the greatest judgment and skill. For the particulars of the recapture of the battery, I refer you to Gen- eral Woods report, herewith mclosed. At another point of time lines, situated immediately across the rail and dirt roads, the enemy made a sudden and desperate assault, compelling a portion of the Second Division to give way, and captured 2 guns of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, which they succeeded in carrying away, although under time personal direction of General Smith, the line was almost immediately retaken. Time reason the enemy gained an advantage over this part of my line may be explained by the fact that I was compelled to weaken that portion of the line by the withdrawal of Colonel Martins brigade to fulfill a request to fur- nish General Dodge re-enforcenments, who was at this time severely engaged with the enemy on the left flank and rear of the army. Th~ division of General Harrow, during this time, was desperately emi- gaged with the enemy. He caused some of his guns to be reversed so ~as to bear upon the enemy coming np in rear of time Seventeenth Corps. General Harrows dispositions during the day entitle him to much credit. The fighting along the entire line of the corps was of the most desperate character, often being hand-to-hand. The troops could not have acted more gallantly or behaved better. The losses of the corps were reported to be on that day, 118 killed, 414 wounded, 535 missing; aggregate, 1,067. The corps captured 481 prisoners, and buried over 400 dead bodies in front of their line. At night-fall the Fifteenth Army Corps was in possession of all the ground, and as far advanced as it had been at any time Dr Page 104 104 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [cHAP. L. vious. The troops engaged against the corps on this date was ascertained to b~ Hoods old corps, commanded by Cheatham. The position was strengthened and maintained nntil the 26th, when Gen- eral Smith was directed by me from department headquarters to place General Woods division in the new line of works, which had been constrncted with a view to the withdrawal of the army, and to follow, with his remaining troops, the corps of General Blair, to a new position to be taken up, on the extreme right of the army. As sooix as the Second and Fourth Divisions had filed past the works occnpied by the First Division, it was directed to draw out and fol- low the corps to the new position. General Smith, with the com- mand, reached the position he was directed to arrive at in proper time on the 27th of July. On the morning of the 28th of July, hav- ing been relieved from the command of the department by the ap- pointment of General Howard, I reassumed command of my old corps, and returned General Smith to the command of the Second Division. I here desire to thank General Smith, and the officers and soldiers under him, while in command of the corps, for the gallant manner in which they acted during all the time I was removed from them. General Smith has my especial thanks for the manner in which he conducted the command. Immediately after resuming command of the corps, commenced to move it into the position assigned it, on the right of the Seventeenth Corps, and extreme right of the army, with Woods division on the left, Harrows in the center, and Smiths on the right. My com- mand was thus moving forward in line of battle when the skirmish- ers became very actively engaged, and just as my command had gained the ridge upon which was situated Ezra Chapel, the enemy suddenly and with the greatest fury assaulted the right and center of my line. The troops had not had a moment to construct even the rudest defenses. The. position we occupied, however, at the moment of attack was one of the most favorable that could have been chosen by us, it being the crest of a continuous ridge, in front of the greatest portion of which a good and extensive fire line was opened. The enemy moved forward rapidly and in good order, evi- dently intending to and confidently believing they would break our lines at the first onset, which happily they did not do, nor even com- pel a single portion of it to waver, but all stood firm alike, and repelled the assault handsomely, after about one hours terrific fighting, in which the enemys loss was greater than ours in the ratio of 10 to 1. The enemy soon ref ormed again, and made a desperate assault, which was repeated four successive times with like result of the first. Dur- ing temporary lulls in the fighting, which did not at any time exceed from three to five minutes, the men would bring together logs ay~d sticks to shield themselves from the bullets of the enemy in the next assault. The engagement lasted from 11.30 a. in. until darkness compelled a cessation. The enemy used one battery of artillery. We used none whatever. It was an open field fight, in which the enemy exceeded us in numerical strength, and we exceeded him in determination and spirit to continue the contest. During the engage- ment I received from Major-General Blair two regiments of infantry, under command of Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Belkuap, and four regiments from General Dodge, under command of Lientenant- Colonel Phillips, in all about 1,000 men. These troops were receive Page 105 CHAP. L.] 1~EPOETS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 105 at a time wnen I much iieeded them, and ~jnder the skillful manage- ment of the officers who commanded them, acted gallantly until the battle was ended. Major-Generals Blair and Dodge have my warmest thaiiks for the promptness with which they sent me the re-enforcements mentioned upon my request. Officers and men behaved alike gallantly and heroically; they could not have displayed more courage nor deter- inination not to yield. Had they shown less, they would have been driven from their position, and the enemy would have become the victors. Brigadier-Generals Woods, M. L. Smith, and Harrow, division commanders, are entitled to equal credit for gallant conduct and skill in repelling the many and desperate assaults of the enemy. My losses were 50 killed, 439 wounded, and 73 missing. Aggre- gate, 562. General Harrows division captured 5 battle-flags from the enemy. Between 1,500 and 2,000 muskets were captured, and 106 prisoners (not including 73 wounded). Over 600 of the enemys dead were buried in my front. A large number were supposed to be car- ried away during the night, as the enemy did not withdraw until nearly daylight. The enemys loss in this battle could not, in my judgment, have been less than 6,000 or 7,000. Rebel papers subse- quently read admit their loss very heavy, and say the fighting was the most desperate of the campaign. During~ the night, by my direction, the strongest defensive line that could be established was completed, and the next day (the enemy having in the night retired beyond the reach of my fire) was occupied in burying the enemys dead and remnoxring the wounded from the field to the hospitals in the rear. From prisoners I have learned that the assault was made with Hardees and Lees (late Hoods) corps entire. From the 29th of July to the 3d of August the command was ad- vanZ~ed by swinging the right around a distance of one mile, intrench- ing two intermediate lines. The Fourteenth Corps, from the Cum- berland Army, having been sent to the right, I caused the right of Woods division to connect with its left, thus straightening my line, which now fronted in the direction of Atlanta, east-southeast. On the 3d of August General Harrow, wishing to advance his line to the ridge upon which the enemys skirmish hue was intrenched, or- ganized a portion of his command, which, under his direction, moved so rapidly forward, and with so little demonstration, that he sur- prised the entire line of skirmishers and captured them all. This maneuver was highly creditable to General Harrow and to the offi- cers and soldiers who were engaged in it. The number of prisoners captured in this assault, which though very short, was 83. The Second Division assisted General Harrow in this movement, moving the left of its line in conjunction with him and capturing that part of the skirmish line in its front, with 5 prisoners. The losses of the two divisions were, in the aggregate, 92 during the entire days operations. After the lines of my command had been straightened, with Brig- adier-General Harrows (Fourth) division forming the left, and con- necting with the right of the Seventeenth Corps, Brigadier-General Lightburns division (late M. L. Smiths division) the center, and Brigadier-General Woods division the right, connecting with the left of the Fourteenth Army Corps (as shown in the map, No. 6*), *To appear in the Atlas Page 106 106 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~Oirxp. L. only the usual skirmish4ig and artillery practice was indulged in up to the 26th of August, except, on the 10th day of August, I directed General Woods to advance his line on the right, so as to gain posses- sion of the ridge in his front, the last intervening ridge between his line and that of the enemy. General Woods organized his command accordingly, and moved forward, engaging the enemys skirmishers immediately, soon capturing the line, with about 60 prisoners. His loss was inconsiderable, which was attributable to his skillful man; agement of the troops assigned to take the position. He made his lodgment secure and connected with the right of the Second Divis- ion, throwing his skirmishers forward in advance of the line cap- tured. On the 4th of 4ugust Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, commander of the Second Division, on account of disability arising from a wound received at Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., was compelled, by the advice of his medical officer, to apply for leave of absence, which was granted, and the command of the division then devolved upon General Lightburn, a brave and good officer, who retained command until the assignment of Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen August 17, who is at present the commander; General Lightburn, on the 23d of August, received leave of absence on account of wound received in the head while in the performance of duty. On the 15th day of August Maj. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus having re- turned from leave of absence, granted on account of disability on the 11th day of July, was directed by me to resume command of the First Division. Brig. Gen. C. H. Woods was thus relieved from com- mand of his old brigade. * On the 22d of August, by virtue of Spe- cial Field Orders, No. 106, from Departuient and Army of the Ten- nessee, Brigadier-General Woods was relieved from duty in my command and assigned to command the Third Division, Seven- teenth Corps. The promotion was well deserved, though I was ~orry to part with so good an officer. During General Osterhaus absence he was promoted to his well-earned rank of major-general of vohin- teers, to fill the vacancy of the lamented and much loved McPher- son. Col. C. C. Walcutt, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commander of a brigade in the Fourth Division, was by the Presi- dent appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on the 30th of July for gallant and meritbrious conduct during the campaign, and was assigned to command in the Fourth Division. On the 26th, at 8 p. in., in pursuance of Special Field Orders, Nos. 101 and 108, from Department and Army of the Tennessee, I withdrew my command from its position in front of Atlanta, commnencin~ with Major-Gen- eral Osterhaus division on the right, and continuing with Brigadier- Generals Hazens and Harrows divisions, respectively, and moved them across Utoy Creek to the vicinity of Camp Creek, by way of Judge Wilsons house, thence south by a by-road, reaching Camp Creek early on the morning of the 27th. The pickets of my coni- mand on duty in front of Atlanta were not relieved until after the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps had filed out of their works, when all were relieved simultaneously, under direction of Lieutenant-Col- onel Strong, of department staff, amid rejoined their proper com- mands. The withdrawal of the troops was more successful than we had a right to anticipate, as it was accomplished with only the loss of 1 man in my command. The First and Second Divisions were placed in position one mile south of Camp Creek, and the Fourth * So in original; but should probably readwas thus returned to the command of his old brigade Page 107 107 cuM~. Li 1~EPOHTS, ETC.AHMY OP THE TENNESSEE. Division was held as a reserve. The distauce marched during the night was thirteen miles, over very diffienit roads, and in the midst of a disagreeable rain. After reconnoitering the roads in front to be traveled on the 28th, I started forward at 8 a. in., with the division of Osterhans in ad- vance, on a neighborhood road directly in my front leading toward Fairburn, forming the left colnmn of the Army of the Tennessee, behind which the trains of the army were directed to move. Abont two miles from the position occnpied on the night of the 27th, we crossed the Campbellton and Atlanta road, and strnck the Fairbnrn road two miles and a half from the railroad. This road being as- signed to the corps of Generals Blair and Dodge, I was compelled to cnt an entire road parallel with the Fairbnrn road to the railroad, a distance of three miles. This road was made through dense woods by the pioneers of the First Division, under the snpervision of Gen- eral Osterhaus and Captain Klostermann, chief engineer of the corps, and was completed so rapidly that the advance was at no time checked. The head of my column strnck the West Point railroad, two miles north of Fairbnrn, near Shadna Chnrch, at noon, and immediately went into position covering the road. The division of Brigadier-General Hazen coming up immediately, was placed in position on the left of General Osterhans, and both divisions in- trenched; the division of General Harrow was massed in reserve. I detached one of the brigades of General Harrow, with orders to destroy the railroad track and telegraph wire, instrncting General Harrow to cause the ties to be bnrned and the rails to be burned, bent, and so twisted as to render them entirely useless and irrepar- able, and to break the telegraph wire in pieces and conceal it a dis- tance from the road. On the morning of the 29th General HarrQw reported the order fnlly executed. I made a personat examination of the road, and do not hesitate to pronounce the destruction most coniplete. I directed the cuts in the road to be filled up with dirt and logs, and that percussion-shells be concealed in them in such a manner as to explode should the enemy attempt to repair the road. The enemys cavalry was ascertained to be in my front. The 29t1~ was passed in position covering the road, and on the 30th at 7 a. in., in accordance with Special Field Orders, Nos. 112 and 113, from department headquarters, I moved forward on the direct route toward Jonesborough, crossing Pond Creek and Shoal Creek. About two miles south of the point of the railroad from which we started a detachment of the Ninth Illinois Mounted In- fantry and Captain Jessups company, D, Fifth Ohio Cavalry (my escort company), all under the direction of Captain Cunningham, one of niy ai(les, struck the cavalry vedettes of the enemy and drove them, with considerable skirmishing, a distance of two miles, where they had erected strong and extensive barricades south of Pond Creek, behind which they took refuge. Four men were lost in this advance. The position taken up by the enemy appeared too strong for this force to advanc& against, and the skirmishing con- tinued until the head of my column arrived. The officers men- tioned above displayed a great deal of gallantry in the advance mentioned. The force which they compelled to retire was a strong one and well organized. The head of my column arrived at the barricade at 10 a. m. The enemys force consisted of two bri- gades of cavalry and a battery of artillery. They were handsomely dislodged, after a sharp hit~tle action, by the combined movement Page 108 108 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [cHAP. L. ~ of General Kilpatricks cavalry, a part of which by this time had moyed to the head of my column, and the skirmishers of General Hazens division, who that day had th~ advance of my command. Thence followed continual skirmishing to Shoal Creek, where they made another decided stand, using their artillery freely, necessitat- ing the deployment of General Hazens advance brigade in line of battle, and the opening of a battery to dislodge them. The ad- vance then continued to Renfroe Place, which was reached at 3.30 p. in., the place named in the order for the termination of the march. The absence of water at that point compelled us to make a farther advance, and we moved forward, by direction of General Howard, to Flint River. Arriving there, we found the enemy posted beyond the river under cover of a strong barricade covering the crossing. I at once directed General Hazen to secure the bridge and crossing) and, in conjunction with two regiments of Kilpatricks cavalry, he ordered his skirmishers to charge the position of the enemy. This order was executed promptly and gallantly, the enemy dislodged, and the crossing secured. I at once crossed my whole commaiid and took position after night on the most advantageous ground that ceuld be secured, about three-quarters of a mile south of the river. It was near midnight before the rear of my column, General Osterhaus division, had passed beyond the river, yet, at daylight on the morning of the 31st a strong defensive line was completed and my troops in position for defense. The right of General Hazens division rested on the Jonesborough road, about half a mile from the railroad, his line deflecting to the left, and his pickets, with pickets from Osterhaus division, extending to the river on the left; Harrows left rested on the right of the road, connecting with Hazens right, his line deflecting to the rear in like manner of Hazens line; Harrows pickets connected with those of a small force of Osterhaus division, which held a commanding hill on Gen- eral Harrows right flank; General Osterhaus pickets, with those of General Kilpatricks, extended to the river on my right. With the above noted exception General Osterhaus division was held in reserve and formed my second line, which was intrenched. The hill spoken of on the right, which was occupied by the Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, of Osterhaus division, commanded the flume- diate ground between the right of my line and Flint River, and was a point of great importance, as its possession secured our front posi- tion against any attack on the right flank, which otherwise was much exposed. I caused this hill to be fortified before daylight of the 31st and had the regiment spoken of in position. After day- light on the 31st it was round materially necessary to extend my line on the right so as to connect with the refused line (erected during the night). A permanent and systematic line was accord- ingly formed, requiring almost all of the troops of the Second and Third Brigades of General Osterhaus division. During the night and in the morning a number of railroad trains arrived loaded with troops. These trains could be distinctly seen by the pickets, and the troops were observed to debark and go into position. Gen- eral Osterhans caused two light 12-pounder Napoleon guns to be placed in front of and within 1,000 yards of the depot. These guns eould also play on the enemys line in his front. A part of the Ninth Iowa and Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry was ordered to support this section. Another section of light 12-pounders wa Page 109 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 109 placed in position in the center of the refused line on the right flank. The enemy resisted these operations of General Osterhaus with some determination. Deeming it necessary that the left flank of my command should be more fully supported, I directed General Osterhaus to send two regiments to report to General Hazen, commanding Second Divis- ion, on the left. At the same time, the two regiments of Osterhaus which covered our right flank were relieved by a brigade of the Sixteenth Corps. At noon the section of artillery, posted within 1,000 yards of the depot, opened with telling effect upon the enemys troops, although the infantry had not fully completed their ex- tended line. Our position being isolated from the main army and threatening the enemys communication, we were exposed greatly, and 4iable to attack at any moment. Considering these facts, I caused my lines to be intrenched with great care, under the super- vision of Captain Klostermann, who is one of the most thorough en- gineer officers I have met, in the service. The positions obtained for all the batteries of the corps were the best that could have been se- lected, and division commaiiders were very active in their efforts to establish their lines with a view to hold them at all hazards, and inflicting the severest punishment on th@ enemy should they attack us. At about 3 p. m. August 31 the enemy opened. artillery in front of my entire line, keeping up continual fire for about fifteen minutes, when they uncovered their lines and made a sudden and desperate assault on all parts of my line, approaching at points on the left of General ilazens line (which was the left of my posi- tion) within thirty paces. The most determined part of the assault was maintained by General Hazen, the enemy, perhaps, thinking if they could create confusion at that point they could compel my whole line to retire beyond the river. The assault raged severely in front of Harrow and Osterhaus, the enemy approaching their lines at the average distance of 50 amid 100 paces. The artillery firing of the enemy had prepared my troops for what followed, and when the assault commenced every man was in the trenches and ready for the fray. The most terrible and destructive fire I ever wit- nessed was directed at the enemy, and in less than one hour he was compelled to retire disconifited and in confusion. The rebel general, Patton Anderson, and his staff, rode fearlessly along his lines in front of the Second Division, and did all that a commander could do to make the assaalt a success. But few of those who rode with him in that perilous performance of duty returned from the field. Him- self, with many of his staff, were seen to fall by the ~ierrmng and steady fire of my troops. Prisoners, captured subsequently, state that General Anderson was shot through the abdomen arid carried off the field by his troops. I could not help but admire his gal- lantry, though an enemy. The enemy made two more assaults, but evidently with far less spirit and determination than the first. The withering and destructive fire which they had received in the first onset had dampened their zeal, and destroyed their confidence in being able to defeat us, and they were, consequently, easily repulsed, though not without severe punishment being inflicted on them. The enemys loss was greater than in any~ former engagement, ex- cept on the 28th of July, near Atlanta. In fromit of the Second Division 186 bodies of the enemy were buried between our picket- lines. Gemieral Hazen captured 99 prisoners, not including 79~ wounded, and captured 2 stand of colors. General Hazen est Page 110 110 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. mated their wounded at 1,000, though subsequent facts ascertained places it beyond even that. General Harrow reports 56 prisoners captured, not including 60 wounded, and the burial of 12 dead bod- ies. General Osterhaus estimates their loss iu his front at from 400 to 500. After the enemy had evacuated on the night of the 1st, a staff officer of General Osterhaus discovered, immediately in rear of the point where the most desperate fighting occurred in his front, the graves of 131 bodies, which bore evidence of quite recent interment, and who had evidently been buried with the view to our not discover- ing them. From the reports of division comman(lers I do not hesi- tate to place their loss at 500 killed and from 3,000 to 5,000 wounded, with a loss of 241 prisoners, not including the wounded who fell into our hands. This engagement virtually gave us possession of the ~il- road at Jonesborough, for it established the fact that our position, within half a mile of the depot and the town, was secure against suc- cessful assault. After night-fall the enemy remained quiet. My loss in this engagement was only 154 in killed, wounded, and missing. The enemys force in the assault was ascertained from prisoners captured to be the corps of Hardee and Lee. On the 1st of September the Fourteenth Corps being ordered to take position on my left, I was directed to make a demonstration in its favor. I accordingly, at the appointed time, caused all my artillery to open on the intrenched position of the enemy, and made feints at different points on my line as if I intended to assault them in their works. These feints, I think, resulted satisfactorily, as it kept their trenches full in my front, while the Fourteenth Corps charged the enemy on my left. These demonstrations often, through the day, resulted in slight actions, which in every instance resulted in our favor. On the night of the 1st of September the enemy evacuated their position. At daydawn on the morning of the 2d, such had been their watchfulness, the pickets were in the town and skirmish- ing with those of the enemy just moving out. A great many strag- glers from the enemy were picked up and sent to our rear. Receiv- ing orders to move forward on a road leading by the right of the railroad, I placed Harrows division in advance, and pursued the enemy, with- constant skirmishing, five miles to their intrenched position around L ovejoys Station, and took position on the most elevated ground in the enemys front, only about from 300 to 500 yards from what appeared their main line, and intrenched Har- rows division on the right and Osterhaus on the left, keeping Hazens in reserve. This position was maintained until the nrght of the 5th, when, in pursuance of Special Field Orders, Nos. 116 and 118, froni departument headquarters, I withdrew from the position at- 8 p. in., and returned that night to my old position at Jonesborough, where I remained until 7 a. m. September 7, when I again withdrew and moved to the vicinity of Morrows Mill, aiid there occupied the works the enemy had previously constructed. From this position, at 8 a. m. September 8, I started for East Point, the present place of en- campment, where I arrived about 11 a. m. of the same day, and went into position. placing Osterhaus division on the right, Hazen in the center, an(l Harrow on the left, connecting on the right with the Left Wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps, covering the Macon railroad. The officers amid soldiers of my command have performed the .duties of the campaign willingly and earnestly; in no instance has a~ disposition other than to face the enemy been exhibited. Many o Page 111 OBAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 111 my officers have during the campaign fully earned promotion, some of them have already obtained it, viz, General Osterhaus and Gen- eral Walcutt, both heretofore mentioned. My staff officers, one and all, did their duty, and have my hearty thanks for their co-operation and zeal in assisting me to perform all the duties pf the campaign. I estimate the loss of the enemy in this campaign cansed by my command at abont 3,000 killed and 15,000 wounded. We have cap- tured from the enemy 2,030 prisoners, 420 wounded, and received ~10 deserters; aggregate, 2,660; 11 stand of colors and about 5,000 stand of small-arms. My losses, including those had in skirmishes and picket advances not mentioned in the body of this report, as shown by the nominal lists accompanyiiig this report, are 650 killed, 3,538 wounded, 633 missing; aggregate, 4,824. It is impossible in this report, covering so much time and so many engagements, to speak of individual acts of heroism and bravery, for they were many and frequent. I respectfully call your attention to the nomi- nal lists of casualties of each division, and the reports of divis- ion commanders herewith inclosed; also the maps drawn by Cap- taiii Klostermann, which exhibit the different situations of my troops iii all the engagements with the enemy, aiid the route trav- eled. The report of my chief of artillery is also inclosed with the report of my signal detachment, which is commanded by Lieu- tenant Edge, as brave an officer as is borne on the rolls of the American Army. He was always prompt amid obedient to orders, and in every advance secured the most promiiient position from which lie could view the niovements of the enemy, notwithstanding the danger incurred. His reports often served me to operate suc- cessfully against the enemy with precision, when otherwise I might have been in doubt. I desire to call the attention of the Government to the meritorious services of Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods, Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, Brig. Gen. William Harrow, Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, and Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen, and respectfully recommend their promotion. For the recommendation of officers below the grade of brigadier-general for promotion, I invite attention to the reports of division commanders, which are approved by me. The whole distance marched by my command is 387 miles, as shown by the maps herewith inclosed, ~ not including the separate marches of detached divisions, which added, make 600 miles. It has rendered unfit for service of the enemy nearly 20,000 menaccord- ing to just estimates, 6,000 more than the entire strength of my com- mand when it entered upon the campaign. The medical officers serving omi my staff, Surg. E. 0. F. Roler, medical director, and Surg. John M. Woodworth, medical inspector, were unremitting in their efforts to secure the comfort of the wounded and to cause their wounds to be healed so that they might return to duty. A just estimate of their services may be had from the fact that over 1,000 wounded nien were returned to duty before the con- clusion of the campaign. The duties and business arising in the adjutant-generals department were faithfully and efficiently per- formed under the direction of Lieut. Col. R. R. Townes, assistant adjutant-general of the corps, amid by Captains Whiitehead and Wheeler, assistant adjutants-general; Majors Stolbrand, Waterhouse, and Maurice, who acted as chiefs of artillery, respectivelyStol- brand, until captured by the enemy (heretofore mentioned), Water- house, until relieved on the 25th of June, Manrice from that date *All to appear in the Atlas Page 112 112 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHM. L. until the close of the campaignfully and efficiently performed the dnties assigned them. Maj. Frank C. Gillette, provost-marshal, in addition to the duties of his office, which, upon snch a campaign as the past, where prisoners are daily to be cared for, performed dnty as an aide-de-camp. Capt. L. E. Yorke performed treble duty of commissary of musters, acting assistant inspector-general, and aide- de-camp, and performed them all in such a manner as to leave no room for criticism. Upon Lient. L. B. Mitchell devolved one of the most important duties that rested upon any officer of the command, that of keeping the command supplied with ammunition. His duty was performed fully and to my entire satisfaction. At no time did he allow the supply to fall below 140 rounds per man of small-arm ammunition, and 200 rounds per gun of artillery ammunition. My personal aides, Maj. John 11. Hotaling, Capt. John S. Hoover, Capt. W. B. Pratt, and Captain Cunningham, performed all the duties, both night and day, with a fearlessness and zeal which elicited my hearty commendation, often exposing themselves where duty called theni to the most imminent danger. Lieut. Col. J. Condit Smith, chief quartermaster, until he retired from the service on the 30th day of June, performed the duties of his department completely. He was succeeded by Capt. C. F. Emery, who supplied the command with all it needed promptly and efficiently, and soon entitled himself To my coiifldence. Lieut. Col. Charles A. Mortoii, chief commissary of subsistence, and Capt. W. A. McLean, assistant chief commis- sary, never at any time allowed the command to be fed on half rations, but kept full rations always in the hands of division com- missaries. Fresh beef was furnished by them as often asnecessary. Captain Klostermann, my chief engineer, was untiring in his efforts to establish systematic lines, both offensive and defensive, to select those most favorable for occupation, and, upon the march, to estab- lish good and practicable routes. He is a most worthy and efficient officer. Lieut. William H. Barlow, acting assistant quartermaster at headquarters, performed every duty assigned him with a prompt- miess which proved efficiency. Please find accompanying this report the reports of division com- manders and lists of casualties, with reports from Major Maurice, chief of artillery, and Lieutenant Edge, chief signal officer, and maps and plans by Captain Klosterman, chief engineer. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major-General, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. Lient. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. and Army of the Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY Conps, East Point, Ga., September 13, 1864. I have the honor to recommend for promotion to the rank of brigadier-generals of volunteers the following-named officers, for gallant and meritorious services in the field during this campaign: Col. John M. Oliver, Fifteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry; Col. Hugo Wangelin, Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry; Col. Theo- dore Jones, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Col. James A. Will- iamson, Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; Col. William B. Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. JOHN A. LOGAN, Major- General, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps Page 113 113 ~a& p. L.] REPORTS, ETC.AEMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Recapitulation of losses in the Fifteenth Army Corps in the Georgia campaign. Killed. Wounded. Missing. TotaL a a Command. ~. I. a a a a a a ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Division, ajor-General Oster- 8 121 47 276 2 35 57 832 889 haus. Second Division, Brig. Gen. W. B. Ha- 21 195 63 1,346 18 430 102 1,971 2,073 zen. Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. William 25 280 78 1,328 8 140 305 1,406 1,862 Harrow. Total* 54 596 188 3,350 28 605 464 4,209 4,824 ADDENDA. Return of casualties in the Fifteenth Army Corps during the Atlanta campaign. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties.] Killed. ~Tounded Captured or missing. iS Command. . H uS a a It I. I. i.~ a a a a a a iS iS a a a is 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOCAN. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LocArt. Staff FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS. Brig. Gen. CHARLES H. Woons. Maj. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS. Pioneers Mounted orderlies First Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES R. Woons. CoL MILO SMITH. Brig. Gen. CHARLES H. WooDs. Col. MILO SMITH. Staff 26th Iowa 30th Iowa 27th Missouri 76th Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JAMES A. WILLIAMSON. Staff 4th Iowa 9th Iowa 25th Iowa 31st Iowa Total Second Brigade 1 1 1 1 7 9 1 1 2 4 1 1 7 7 52 1 67 1 8 4 65 78 1 16 1 46 64 1 17 4 87 2 111 3 48 17 210 3 321 I 1 13 4 57 3 77 13 3 67 1 6 90 8 4 49 4 65 1 5 37 5 48 35 17 210 18 281 * But see revised statelnent following. The erroneous additions in this table can- not be explained. 8 R flVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 114 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Return of casualties in the Fifteenth Army Oorps, & e.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. 15 Command. 15 a a Ill Third Brigade. Col. Huco WANOELIN. 3d Missouri 12th Missouri 17th Missouri 29th Missouri 31st Missouri 32d Missouri Total Third Brigade Artillery. Maj. CLEMENS LANDGEAEBEE. 2d Missouri Light, Battery F Ohio Light, 4th Battery Total artillery 1 1 S 10 3 9 3 S 2 43 51 24 31 18 31 3 3 51 67 36 44 28 38 4 35 14 198 1 12 264 2 2 4 I 8 9 2 10 13 Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Con. MOECAN L. SMITH. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. J. LIGIITBUEN. Brig. Gen. MOEGAN L. SMITH. Brig. Cen. JOSEPH A. J. LIGETMUEN. Brig. Cen. WILLIAM B. HAZEN. Staff First Brigade. Brig. Gen. GILES A. SMITH. Col. JAMES S. MAETIN. Col. THEODORE JONES. Staff 55th Illinois 111th Illinois 116th Illinois 127th Illinois 6th Missouri 8th Missouri 57th Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. J. LLOHTBUEN. Col. WELLS S. JONES. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. J. LICETBUEN. Col. WELLS S. JONES. Brig. Cen. JOSEPH A. J. LIGETBUEN. Col. WELLS S. JONES. Staff 83d Indiana 30th Ohio 37th Ohio 47th Ohio 534 Ohio 54th Ohio .~ Total Second Brigade Artillery. Capt. FRANcIs DE CHESS. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A* 1st Illinois Light, Battery H Total artillery 3 8 122 49 676 2 35 892 2 1 1 1 4 27 4 83 16 134 4 33 3 141 4 84 269 .1 11 5 69 1 4 91 14 4 49 12 79 7 4 59 1 1 73 1 8 2 11 22 5 101 3 74 206 11 114 27 510 9 193 864 2 3 9 6 12 12 :17 16 11 74 2 8 7 6 38 4~li~ 96 92 81 194 111 635 2 2 3 9 18 38 62 16 69 207 2 79 131 154 169 236 201 972 1 3 9 1 20 34 4 12 9 25 1 7 21 1 29 59 Tot8I Sesond Division 21 195 67 I 1,166 20 * Includes J3attCry B, consolidated With A, July 12. 114 429 1,89 Page 115 Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Return of casualties in the Fifteenth Army Corps, & e.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. H Command. be H I) o ~ n be o ~ 0 ~ ~ FOURTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILlIAM HARROW. First Brigade. Col. REUBEN WILLIAMS. Col. JOHN N. OLIVER. 26th Illinois 90th Illinois 12th Indiana 100th Indiana Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES C. WALCUTT. 40th Illinois .. 103d Illinois 97th Indiana 6th Iowa 46th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. JOHN N. OLIVER. Staff 48th Illinois 99th Indiana 15th Michigan 70th Ohio Total Third Brigade Artillery. Capt. HENRY H. GRIFFITHS. Maj. JOHN T. CHENEV. Capt. HENRY H. GRIFFITHS. Capt. JosIAH H. BURTON. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F Iowa Light, 1st Battery Total artillery Total Fourth Division Total Fifteenth Army Corps I ..... 3 25 9 26 8 68 6 5 3 3 17 136 76 100 66 378 1 1 3 6 11 26 49 86 180 117 183 78 558 1 14 10 82 107 4 32 6 125 9 176 1 24 11 108 5 149 4 27 5 114 4 154 5 31 5 124 1 166 15 128 37 553 19 572 1 1 j~ 1 17 241 13 5 126 1 13 158 1 11 2 76 2 92 4 15 7 86 13 125 9 67 23 470 3 45 617 1 4.... 9 1 15 4 2 19 25 1 8 2 28 1 40 28 271 79 1,429 10 150 1,967 57 588 196 3,271 32 614 4,758 No. 447. Report of Lient. Cot. Robert R. Townes, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff, of operations July 22. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with request of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, as commander of the Department and Army of the Tennes- see, I have the honor to submit the following report of the p art taken by the Fifteenth Army Corps in the action of the ~2d of July, 115 Page 116 118 THE ATLANTA OAMPATGN. UJHAP. L. 1864, while under command of Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, who is absent from the field, and from whom no official report can now be obtained: At 1 p. m. of July 22, by the death of Major-General McPherson, and the consequent assignment of Major-General Logan to coput- mand the Army of the Tennessee, the command of the Fifteenth Army Corps devolved upon Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith, com- inander of the Second Division, by virtue of his seniority. At the time he was directed to assume command, the tactical formation of the corps was as follows: the First Division, Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods commanding, formed the right of the line, connecting on the right with the Twenty-third Army Corps; the Second Division, Brig. Gen. J. A. J*Lightburn commanding (late Brig. Gen. M. L. Smiths division), formed the center, crossing the railroad and dirt road leading into Atlanta from the east, and, the Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. William Harrow commanding, formed the left, connect- ing with the Seventeenth Army Corps on the left. Reserves were posted from respective divisions in the rear, and occupied the works advanced from early in the morning. The position now held by the advanced line of the command was the position of the enemy of the 21st, which he had abandoned during the night, and was occupied by the corps early in the morning, with instructions from the gen- eral commanding to place them in complete defensible position. The troops were engaged in obeying the directions, when the enemy was discovered by the signal corps to be moving to our left in heavy column, with evident intention of striking us in flank and rear and defeating us, thus securing the Augusta railroad and the transpor- tation of the army left at Decatur, and at other points in the rear. The troops of the Fifteenth Corps, already in position for defense, were notified that immediate action might result, and they became at once prepared for an assault from the enemy. At about noon the engagement opened furiously on the lines of the Seventeenth Corps, situated as above referred to, upon the immediate left of the corps. Almost at the same time a demonstration was made in our front by the enemy, but we were not assaulted in force for some time after. The Sixteenth Corps, which had been moved into line on the flank and rear of the Seventeenth Corps, becoming severely engaged and requiring re-enforcements, Major-General Logan directed that they be furnished from the Fifteenth Corps, which at the time was not seriously engaged. Colonel Martins brigade, of the Second Division, was accordingly detached and sent to the assistance of the Sixteenth Corps. This disposition materially weakened the line of the Second Division, which covered the niain dirt road and the railroad lead- ing into Atlanta, but it was apparently unavoidable and necessary. These dispositions had not long been completed when the enemy made a sudden and desperate movement against the lines of the coni- mand, intending to dislodge us. The attack on the center (which covered the dirt and rail road) and the right of the Second Division, joining the First, was in such force that the line at that point gave way and the guns and horses of De Gress battery (H), First Illi- nois Light Artillery, four 20-pounder Parrotts, with two brass pieces (12-pounders) of Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery, were captured by the enemy. General Woods, commanding First Divis- ion, caused the guns of a battery in his front to open upon the ani- mals of the captured battery of De Gress and the troops of th Page 117 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TIlE TENKESSEE. enemy surrounding it, to prevent it being withdrawn from the posi- tion where it was captured, and immediately afterward, by direc- tion of Major-General Logan (General Smith being at the time on another part of the line), organized a body of his troops from his reserves not in position, and led them forward to the recapture of the battery and that part of our line situated near his own, then in possession of the enemy. The movement of the troops, under General Woods, in this action, was pronounced splendid by General Logan, who witnessed it. It was made suddenly and with the great- est vigor, and struck the enemys left immediately in flank. Gen- eral Woods directed it in person. The battery and line were retaken and the enemy compelled to retire precipitately. Captain De Gress was present to retake possession of the guns and turn them on the discomfited enemy, which he did with the most terrible effect, as they were moving off the field in confusion. It was not surprising, since the line had been so much weakened by the withdrawal of Colonel Martins brigade to re-enforce General Dodge, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, that he should gain advantage over this part of the line. The action resulted so quickly that re-enforcements were not able to reach the point until after the two guns of Coin- p any A, First Illinois Light Artillery, had been removed from the line and taken to the rear by the enemy. Lieutenants Smyth and Raub, of the batttery, acted with the utmost gallantry, using their pieces until the enemy had quite gained their situation, when Lieu- tenant Raub was killed instantly and Lieutenant Smyth taken pris- oner. It was afterward ascertained from prisoners that Lieutenant Smyth was killed before reaching the rear of the enemys lines. * General Smith, who was present at the time on the center of the line where Battery A was posted soon caused the troops to rally at that point and almost immediately retook the position abandoned by us a few minutes before, with only the loss of the two guns men- tioned. The Fourth Division, General Harrow commanding, since about 1 oclock had been hotly engaged with the enemy, who was pressing him at almost all points. As soon as the enemy was discovered in the rear of the Seventeenth Corps, he caused some of his artillery to be reversed and opened with a great deal of effect upon them, in some measure deterring their movement, and thus allowing the troops of the Seventeenth and Sixteenth Corps to be disposed to meet the approaching body of the enemy in the rear. General Har- row maintained all parts of his line, though at a severe loss. In the engagement with the Fourth Division the gallant and meritori- ous Col. Lucien Greathouse, Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, nobly gave his life at the head of his gallant command, urging them to defend their position at every hazard. He was shot through the right breast, and almost immediately expired. Thus passed away a young, gallant, and fearless officer, a sacrifice upon the altar of per- petual Union. The dispositions of General H arrow during the engagement, and the manner in which his troops were commanded, elicited the hearty commendation of Major-General Logan in my presence, as did likewise the conduct of Generals Woods and Light- burn, commanding First and Second Divisions, respectively. The battle lasted with more or less fury until night-fall, when the corps rested in possession of all the positions held by the troops at any * Lieutenant Smyth was mustered out of service March 20, 1865 Page 118 118 THE A~TLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. I~. time previous, and, with the exception of the loss of 2 guns, was completely victorious. The enemy were badly beaten at all points of our lines, and retired before night-fall from our immediate front. We captured from the enemy 481 prisoners, and buried of their dead over 400 bodies in front of our lines. Many of their dead were no doubt secured by them before retiring. The losses of the corps were 118 killed, 414 wounded, and 535 missing; aggregate, 1,067, and 2 guns. The troops engaged immediately in front of the corps were ascertained to be the old corps of General Hood, commanded by Major-General Cheatham. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. R. TOWNES, Lieut. Cot., Asst. Adjt. Gen., and Chief of Staff. Lient. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Asst. A6~jt. Gen., Dept. and Army of the Tennessee. Casualties in Fifteenth Army Corps July 22, 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. 4 ~ u -~ UI 0 Command. - W - 0 a a a a a ~ ~e w ~ 0 0 0 ~- 0+~ a a 18 a 18 a ~ o ~0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ ~ First Division: Infantry 1 9 3 58 1 2 5 69 74 ... . Artillery I a 4 4 5 .... 1 Total 1 10 3 61 1 2 5 73 78 47 5.... 1 Second Division: Infantry 4 54 6 180 13 378 23 612 635 Artillerya 1 4 14 1 27 2 45 47 892.... Total 558 6194 14405 25657682 75 892.... Fourth Division: Infantry 5 38 6137 6 107 1~ 282 299 2 Artilleryb 1 7 8 8 Total 5 39 6 144 6 ~107 17 290 307 359 69j Grand total 11 107 15 399 21 514 47 1,020 1,067 481 163 2 1 aFour limbers lost and 1 gun burst while firing. S Six caissons, limbers, implements, and equipments lost. No. 448. Report of Capt. Frank C. Gillette, Provost-Marshal, of prisoners captured June 27. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Big Shanty, June 28, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following prisoners of war captured June 27, 1864, by the Fifteenth Army Corps: Cap- tain, 1; lieutenants, 2; sergeants, 7; corporals, 4; privates, 73; total, 87. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, FRANK C. GILLETTE, Captain and Provost-Marshal, Fifteenth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps Page 119 OHM. L.J REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. 119 No. 449. Report of Lient. Samuel Edge, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, Acting Signal Officer. HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, 15TH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 12, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of the signal detachment, Fifteenth Army Corps, for the campaign ending September 8, 1864: May 1, this detachment, consisting of four commissioned officers and twelve enlisted men, left Huntsville, Ala., by order of Major- General Logan, in company with the headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, and proceeded to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it arrived on the morning of the 6th of May. Moved the same day to Gordons Mills, by order of the commanding general, thence to Snake Creek Gap in company with the Fifteenth Army Corps. May 9, met the enemy. Lieutenants Edge and Sample moved in company with the skirmishers, they driving the enemy until within a mile of their rifle-pits, when the rebels fired from ambush, wounding tho horse of Lieutenant Sample so badly that he fell, dismounting the lieuten- ant. This caused him to fall back to the main line. Lieutenant Edge kept in front with the skirmishers, and gained a point called Bald Knob, in sight of Resaca, and in range of the enemys sharp- shooters. A message was immediately sent from Lieutenant Edge to Generals McPherson, Logan, and Dodge, informing them of the enemys works and force. In a short time after Major-Generals McPherson, Logan, and Dodge made a reconnaissance in person, each of them using the glass of the lieutenant, and became satisfied that the information received from Lieutenant Edge was cGrrect. Lieutenant Edge was then ordered by Major-General McPherson to remain as long as possible at his post, and give all the information he could to the generals, which was done with promptness. At dark Lieutenant Edge fell back with the army. May 10, the detachment received orders from Capt. 0. H. Howard, chief signal officer, to assist in opening communication with Major-General Hooker, in compli- ance with order from Major-General Sherman, which was promptly obeyed. May 11, succeeded in getting communication with Major- Generals Sherman and Hooker. Lieutenants McNary, Edge, Sam- ple, and Frerichs were engaged on this line. May 13, the detach- ment moved to the front, by order of Major-General Logan, each officer being placed in the most prominent position, in order to give information, both by flag and eourier, of all movements of the enemy and our own army, which was done with promptness. May 16, moved with the army, by order of General Logan, and crossed the Gostenaula. May 17, Lieutenants Edge and Sample moved in front, with the cavalry skirmishers, reconnoitering and keeping them and the commanding general informed of all movements of the enemy. May- 18, moved with the army, by order of General Logan, to Adairsville. May 19, went into camp near Kings~on, where we remained until the morning of the 23d. May 21, Lieuten- ant McNary, commanding the detachment, was relieved from duty, by order of Major-General McPherson, on account of expiration of service, and First Lieut. Samuel Edge assumed command by senior- ity. First Lieut. John H. Frerichs returned to Huntsville, Ala., by order of Major-General McPherson. this leaving two officers and twelve enlisted men for duty. May 23 moved with the army, b Page 120 120 THE ATLAYTA CAMPATGTh [CIrAP. L. order of General Logan, toward Pumpkin Vine Creek, arriving May 2~. May 26, reconnoitered the enemy near Dallas; gave in- formation to Major-Generals McPherson and Logan. May 27, Lieu- tenants Edge and Sample established a station near Dallas, and opened signal communications with Major-Generals Sherman and Hooker, and transmitted all official dispatches with promptness until June 1. when the Army of the Tennessee moved and joined the Army of the Oumberland, causing us to abandon our line of communica- tion. June 1, Lieutenants Edge and Sample moved to the front of the new position of the Army of the Tennessee and established a sta- tion of observation and received several contraband dispatches and transmitted them to Generals McPherson and Logan as soon as re- ceived. Also gave general information of the enemy moving from our front. June 2, received several more contraband dispatches and transmitted them promptly to the generals commanding. June 3, Lieuts. I. C. Worley, J. H. Weirick, W. W. Allen, and C. H. Fish, with twenty-eight enlisted men, reported to Lieut. S. Edge, commanding detachment, for signal duty, by order of Capt. 0. H. Howard, chief signal officer. June 4, received some more contra- band messages. June 5, at daylight Lieutenants Edge and Sample found the enemys works evacuated, and proceeded immediately to old rebel signal station. Answered rebel signal call from Lost Mountain, received contraband message, which was promptly trans- mitted to Major-Generals McPherson and Logan. The detachment then moved with the Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of the com- manding general, to Acwortli, arriving June 6. June 7, Lieutenant Edge proceeded to white frame church, built a station of observa- tion, at 11 p. m. opened communication by signals to Allatoona Mountain, and placed Lieutenants Worley and Allen on station. This station was occupied until the 10th of June, transmitting all messages with promptness. June 9. First Lient. Samuel S. Sample and three men were relieved from duty with this detachment, and assigned to duty in the signal detachment attached to Seventeenth Army Corps, by order of Major-General McPherson. June 10, abandoned station on church and moved with the Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of the commanding general, to Big Shanty. Lieu- tenant Edge, with the assistance of the officers in the detachment, established two stations of observation, received two contraband dis- patches, and transmitted them to the commanding generals as soon as received, when the rebels changed their code and for one day cut off our contraband information. June 11, watched rebel movements all day. The officers, with the aid of Capt. 0. H. Howard, chief signal officer, deciphered the rebels new code of signals. Lieutenant Edge received two contraband messages and found them complete. June 14, moved to the front of Kenesaw Mountain, and established two stations of observation. Lieutenants Edge. Worley, and Allen occupying one, and Lieutenants Weirick and Fish the other, received several contraband messages of considerable importance, which were transmitted with promptness to Major-Generals McPh6rson and Logan. June 15, occupied the same stations; received several contraband messages, all of which were transmitted to the generals. Lieutenant Weirick directed the firing of the First Minnesota Bat- tery, Captain Clayton, by the aid of his glass, which resulted in blow- ing up a caisson and knocking off one wheel of a gun. June 16, occupied same stations and gave important information tQ the gen- erals. June 17, Lieutenant Edge noticed the enemy making move Page 121 CHAP. L.] REPORTS; ETC.ARM~ OP THE TE~ESSEE. 121 ments indicating an evacuation, and reported the same to the gen- erals; also assisted, with the aid of his glass, the firing of two batteries. June 18, the enemy had evacuated their works. Lieu- tenant Edge went to the front and received two contraband mQssages, and handed them over to Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, who was stand- ing on the spot. Our batteries then drove the rebel signal officers off the mountain, and there has not been a rebel signal station seen by any officer in the department since. June 19, Lieutenant Edge, in company with the officers of the detachment, established two stations of observation, from which they gave some information to the gen- erals. June 20, Lieutenant Edge, in company with the officers of the detachment, established a flag station by order of Capt. 0. H. How- ard, chief signal officer. June 21, worked same stations. June 22, established a flag station, by order of Capt. 0. H. Howard, to com- municate with Generals Sherman and Thomas. June 23, established flag station on cotton-gin. June 24, 25, kept up same statioTls. June 26, abandoned station on cotton-gin, and established stations of observation. June 27, watched the enemy closely all day. A charge being ordered by Major-Genqral Sherman, the officers of the detachment used every means in their power to give the command- ing generals information promptly of all movements of the enemy as well as of our own army. June 28 to 3u, our forces having been repulsed, there was but very little seen during those three days. July 1 and 2, the same. July 3, finding that the enemy had evacuated, Lieutenant Edge proceeded with the advance of the army to Marietta, Ga., found the enemy still falling back, and informed the general commanding Fifteenth Army Corps of the same. The detachment encamped with the Fifteenth Army Corps in town that night. July 4, moved toward Edwards Ferry, on the Chattahoochee River, arriving on the 5th of July. July 5, found the enemy strongly fortified on the north bank of the river, near the ferry, of which the generals were informed by Lieutenant Edge. July 6, Lieutenant Edge estab- lished a station of observation on top of a tree, from which could be seen the rebel lines, Atlanta, and most of our own works. From this station Lieutenant Edge, with the aid of other officers, directed the firing of several batteries by signals. This station gave general satisfaction to all general and staff officers. Lieutenant Edge, with the assistance of Lieutenant Sample, of signal detachment, Seven- teenth Army Corps, kept up his observations until the afternoon of the 12th of July. Lieutenants Worley and Allen reported to General Garrard at Roswell, by order of Major-General Sherman, to open signal communication with headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. Lieutenants Weirick and Fish established flag station in rear of Tenth Ohio Battery, by order of Lieutenant Edge, the rebel shells plowing the dirt all around them, one of which killed a horse. On the morning of the 10th the enemy had evacuated their works and fallen back across the river. Lieu- tenants Weirick and Fish moved to old rebel fort and opened com- munication with Lieutenant Edge in signal tree. These stations were kept opened until the 12th of July. The detachment then moved, by order of General Logan, toward Roswell, passing through Marietta, where jt arrived on the evening of the 14th of July. Lieutenants Worley and Allen were relieved by General Garrard and reported to the detachment. July 17, the detachment moved toward Stone Mountain, by order of General Logan, with the army. July 18, arrived at the Augusta railroad, one mile fro Page 122 122 THE ATLANTA CAMPATG~. (CHAP. L. tlie mountain. Lieutenant Edge, in company with three compa- nies of General Garrards division of cavalry, proceeded to Stone Mountain Station, but was driven back to the main army by the enemy. July 19, the detachment moved toward Decatur with the Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of General Logan, Lieutenant Edge, in company with the escort of General Logan, moving in front. Finding a position from which he could see the enemys forces, he reconnoitered the enemy for some time and saw them evacuating, of which he informed the general commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, after which the corps moved up near Decatur, and the general and his escort rode into town. July 20, the detachment moved toward Atlanta, by order of General Logan, with the Fifteenth Army Corps, and found the enemy in force. Lieutenant Edge reconnoitered their lines and gave some important information to the commanding generals during the day. July 21, the enemys lines being driven back by our forces, Lieutenant Edge established a station of observation on a tall pine close to our main line. From this station he could see nearly all of the city of Atlanta, the rebel lines, and most of our own works. Lieutenant Allen, in company with Capt. 0. H. Howard, chief signal officer, built another station on another tree. From these stations the generals received consid- erable information during the day. July 22, Lieutenant Edge took his position in large pine, Lieutenant Fish in station established by Capt. 0. H. Howard and Lieutenant Allen. Lieutenant Allen re- ported to Captain Howard for duty. At 10 a. m. Lieutenant Edge reported to Major-Generals McPherson and Logan the movements of the enemy. At 11 a. m. he reported additional movements of an alarming nature. At 12.30 p. m. the enemy made an attack on our left wing. At 12.45 p. m. General McPherson, accompanied by Capt. 0. H. Howard and Lieut. W. W. Allen of this detachment, with other officers and men, were fired upon by the enemy, resulting in the death of the general and the wounding of Lieutenant Allen, caused by the jumping of his horse against a tree, fracturing his ankle. Soon after this accident Lieutenant Edge saw the rebels massing in front of Fifteenth Corps, and reported the fact to Major- General Logan and Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith. The enemy charged, driving our men back some distance, which forced Lieutenant Edge to abandon his station. Our troops rallied, drove the enemy back, and the station was reoccupied. These stations were kept up until the 25th of July. Lieutenants Worley and Weirick went back to Decatur, in company with the escort of General Logan, to recon- noiter and open communication, if possible, with the front, but failed in doing so. July 26, at dark the detachment moved with the Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of the commanding general, from the left to the right of the grand army. July 27, reconnoitered the enemys lines, gave information to the commanding generals. July 28, Lieutenan-t Weirick saw from an observation station columns of rebel infantry moving to our right, apparently to make an attack. He informed General Logan of the fact, which proved afterward to be correct. This information gave the Fifteenth Army Corps timely notice of the approach of the enemy, and the result of the engagement is well known. July 2931, the officers of this detach- ment did nothing but reconnoiter the enemys position. August 1, Lieutenant Edge proceeded to a 20-pounder battery, by order of Capt. 0. H. Howard, to direct the firing of their guns on the city. August 2, Lieutenant Edge proceeded to the front and built a station of observation on a tree, from which he could see th Page 123 123 LI 1~EP0RTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. most of the city of Atlanta, a great portion of the enemys works, the Macon railroad, and portions of onr own lines. This station was kept np until the 26th of August, and was occupied most of the time by First Lient. C. H. Fish. From him the generals received a great deal of the most important information. Lieutenant Edge pro- ceeded to this station every day and made a general reconnaissance of the enemys works, which was all promptly reported to Major- Generals Howard and Logan. Lieutenant Weirick proceeded each day to the front and reported the resUlt of his observations to the commanding generals. Lieutenants Worley arid Allen proceeded to Allatoona Mountain, by order of General Sherman, August 19, to establish a signal station to communicate with Kenesaw and head- quarters Military Division of the Mississippi, where they are still on duty, Lieutenant Allens wound having healed up, so that he was able for duty. August 26, at dark the detachment moved, by order of General Logan, with the Fifteenth Army Corps, toward Jones- borough. August 28, arrived at the Atlanta and Montgomery Rail- road. Lieutenant Edge made some reconnaissance from the top of a tree; saw two brigades of enemy moving toward us, and informed Major-Generals Howard and Logan of the same. Toward evening the same force retreated toward Jonesborough. August 30, moved again with Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of General Logan, toward Jonesborough, when the army encountered the enemy and went into position across Flint River. August 31, Lieutenants Edge and Fish, with their men, established a station of observation in a tall pine tree, from where they had a good view of Jones- borough, the enemys lines, and Macon railroad. From this station of observation the generals received considerable information during the battles of August 31 and September 1. September 2, finding the enemy had evacuated, the army all moved into Jonesborough, the officers of this detachment keeping in front of the Fifteenth Arn~iy Corps, and found the enemy strongly fortified near Lovejoys, Ga., which brought us to a halt. Lieuten- ant Fish immediately established a station of observation on cotton- press, from which could be seen the enemy in large numbers, all of which was reported to Major-Generals Howard and Logan. Occu- pied this station three days, giving all possible information to the commanding generals. September 5, in the evening the detachment moved, with the Fifteenth Army Corps, by order of the command- ing general, to the present position, and went into camp, the cam- paign having ended. First Lient. John H. Frerichs was relieved from duty with the detachment July 8, 1864, by order of the Secretary of War. The most of the stations mentioned in this report were under fire, and nearly half of them in the most dangerous positions, from which officers and men were liable to be shot down at any moment. Those stations most dangerous have been occupied equally by the officers and men of this detachment, all of whom have shown the greatest coolness and bravery. The detachment consists at the present time of five commissioned officers and thirty-four enlisted men, all but two enlisted men able for duty. Hoping this report will prove satisfactory, I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL EDGE, First Lieutenant, Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Acting Signal Officer, Commanding Detachment. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps Page 124 124 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. (CHAP. L No. 450. Reports of JJIaj. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations 3Iay 9July 17 and August 15 September 8. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor ~to report on the part taken by my divis-. ion in the engagements near Resaca, Ga., which led to the snrrender of that fortified place. My command consisted of the following: Strength of First Division. EFFECTIVE INFANTRY PRESENT. First Brigade, Brigadier-General Woods: Aggregate. 76th Ohio Infantry 526 27th Missouri Infantry 279 26th Iowa Infantry 292 30th Iowa Infantry 331 Total First Brigade 1,428 Second Brigade, Col. J. A. Williamson: 4th Iowa Infantry 322 9th Iowa Infantry 431 25th Iowa Infantry 361 31st Iowa Infantry 315 Total Second Brigade 1,429 Third Brigade, C?l. Hugo Wangelin: 3d Missouri Infantry 12th Missouri Infantry 17th Missouri Infantry 29th Missouri Infantry 31st Missouri Infantry 32d Missouri Infantry 218 289 157 179 163 164 Total Third Brigade 1,170 Total Infantry 4,027 ARTILLERY (MAJOR LANDGRAEBER, COMMANDING). Pieces. Aggre- gate. 4th Ohio Battery: 20-pounder Parrotts 2 12-pounder light field pieces (Napoleons) 4 6 106 Battery F, 2d Missouri Artillery: 12-pounder howitzers 2 3-inch ordnance 2 4 104 Total artillery 10 210 Detachment sharpshooters (Lient. H. E. Williams) 81 Detachment mounted infantry (Capt. W. T. House) 32 Detachment pioneers (Capt. John Keis) 7 Page 125 CHuI~. L.J REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 125 Having passed the three days, 10th, 11th, and 12th, succeeding the unsuccessful attempt on Resaca of May 9, near the southeastern end of Snake Creek Gap, the Fifteenth Army Corps marched on the morning of the 13th instant toward that fortified and strongly re-enforced place. Your order of march placed me in rear of Sec- ond Division. On arriving at the intersection of the Sugar Valley and Resaca and Dalton and Calhoun Ferry roads, we found the cav- alry force of General Kilpatrick, whose progress was checked by rebel cavalry. In obedience to orders received, I deployed the First and Second Brigades of my division on both sides of the Resaca road, unlimbering Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, action front. The Third Brigade and Fourth Ohio Battery were formed in second line, by battalions in mass, behind the first line; Fourth Ohio Bat- tery also in reserve. The sharpshooters, Lieutenant Williams com- manding, and a strong chain of skirmishers from the first line, advanced as close to the enemys line as the conformation of the ground and the timber permitted. This position was in alignment with the Second Division, on my right. The road to Resaca, from the intersection of the Dalton and Calhoun Ferry road, leads around a series of hills in more or less sudden curves until it strikes Camp Creek half a mile west of town. Timber and open fields alternate on both sides of the road, which, before reaching the creek, runs through a short gap, formed by narrow crested hills. From these the forts of Resaca are Within effective range of rifled ordnance (1,600 to 2,400 yards). On receipt of your order to advance, my skirmishers and sharpshooters opened a lively fire on the rebels occupying a belt of timber in their front. Following up their fire by a steady advance, they soon dislodged the rebels, driving them from every position which the terrain induced them to take, until their rear reached the short gap mentioned above, west of Camp Creek. The eminences on both sides of the gap were held by a strong line of sharpshooters, and on the hill on the left a twd-gun battery had been established behirfd some light breast-works. As soon as my line debouched from a belt of timber to an open field, separating us from the rebel intrenchments on the hill (distance not over 700 yards), the battery opened a brisk fire of spherical case and shell. The conformation of the ground on the right of the road afforded comparatively good cover to my skirmishers and sharp- shooters, who not only pushed back the enemy, but succeeded in approaching the position of the battery so as to expose its flank to our fire. While this movement on my right (First Brigade) was being executed, one section of 12-pounder howitzers (Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery) was brought into action against the rebel battery with the usual alacrity and skill of this command. They immediately found the range of their opponents, and the enemy very soon had to yield to our superior practice. Mv ~kirmishers and line followed the retrograde movement of the retels, and took possession of the hills just evacuated by them. The occupation of these ridges giving us a direct artillery fire on the town, the Fourth Ohio Battery was placed in position on the right of the road, while the section of 3-inch ordnance (Battery F, Second Missouri Artil- lery) was brought into action on the foremost crest to the left of the road: the First and Second Infantry Brigades were de- ployed on the left of the road, i~heir lines conforming to the ridges, so that the bottoms in front, which, as yet, separated us from the fortifications, were exposed to their fire. The skirmishers advance Page 126 126 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. to Camp Creek, which winds around the base of the hills occupied by us. The Third Brigade was placed in reserve in the open field at the western slope of the hills mentioned. Our artillery opened with vigor and precision, and the consternation in the doomed town became apparent. The greatest commotion existed among the troops, and numerous railroad trains were seen to move southward over the bridge and trestle-work across Oostenaula River. Of course this became the objective point of fire of our long-range guns, and the Fourth Ohio Battery succeeded in landing several shots into the trains. At the eastern extremity of the gap, now occupied by our artillery and infantry, the Resaca road crosses Camp Creek by a bridge. A belt of timber, very dense, swarmed with rebel sharp- shooters, who kept up a very well-directed fire, against which our skir- mishers were hardly able to make headway, as they were compelled to expose themselves in an open field, while the thicket in front screened the rebel marksmen. Night setting in, artillery and mus- ketry fire both ceased. The skirmishers of the First and Second Brigades, who had been under fire all day, were relieved by the Sev- enteenth and Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, of the Third Bri- gade, and the whole command bivouacked in the position gained by the days engagement. During the night of the 13th all hands were kept .bu~y intrenching our lines. Rifle-pits for the infantry and sharpshooters and breast-works for the artillery were constructed, so that the fire which the enemy opened early on the 14th was returned with great advantage. The enemys sharpshooters were compelled by the shell and case-shot from our 12-pounder guns and howitzers to abandon their shelter in front of the bridge. In con- sequence of the heavy firing heard at the north, where our columns were pressing Johnstons retreating army, you ordered me to make a demonstration along the whole line, opening with all the guns, by way of a feint attack. I availed myself of this opportunity to gain possession of the timber and underbrush in front of the bridge so hotly contested by the rebels. The Seventeenth and Thirty- second Regiments Missouri Infantry, deployed as skirmishers, ad- vanced, wading the creek, in front of the First and Second Bri- gades, and supported by a second line of skirmishers from these brigades. I then ordered Colonel Wangelin to throw the Twelfth Regiment Missouri Infantry of his (Third) brigade across the bridge, and occupy the ground described. Lieut. Col. J. Kaerclier ex- ecuted this order in splendid style, cleared and held the timber and all the ground in our immediate front and in front of the troops on my right, thus forming, with his regiment, a point- dappui for our line of skirmishers, which was now fairly estab- lished beyond the creek. The intensity of the cannonading to the northward rendered a more decided diversion necessary to prevent the rebels from re-enforcing their lines north. I received the major- generals order to assault an eminence, on the east side of the creek and in front of the left wing of Second Division, with one brigade, which was to co-operate with a brigade from the Second Division. I detailed Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods to take charge of the assaulting column, which consisted originally of the Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry, and Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, from First Brigade, and Third Missouri Infantry, from Third Brigade. At 5.30 p. m. all preparations were completed, General Woods column and that of the Second Division were drawn up in two lines, our artillery ceased firing, and this brilliant column of brave men rushed across the open field with cheers and flyin Page 127 G& u~. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 127 colors. They nobly dashed through a hail-storm of lead and iron, which belched forth from all the enemys batteries and rifle-pits. Reaching the base of the hill, they climbed the slope, and, running over the crest of the first undulation in the eminence, fairly effected a lodgment, under cover of a dip in the plateau. The hurrahs of the thousands of admiring friends followed the onward march of this command. The enemy, at first startled by the appearance of our lines of steel, rallied again, and for two long hours fought most des- perately for the repossession of the very important position our brave men had gained. We lost heavily, but General Woods and his men repulsed all attempts on the part of the enemy to dislodge them. (I refer to the generals report for the splendid and decisive part taken by my command in this assault.) The severity of the struggle remAering re-enforcements imperative, I at once dispatched the Twenty-fifth Iowa and Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri Regiments of Infantry to the scene of strife. To support the charge of General Woods, the Twelfth Missouri Infantry had been ordered to rally its left wing on the Resaca road, and to throw its right wing, deployed as skirmishers, forward to the base of the hill to be assaulted, in order to protect the column against a flank fire from the enemys works. The Twelfth executed the order well, but lost considerably in the gallant strife. Toward night-fall they were re- lieved by a regiment from another corps. The pioneers and all available tools were put in requisition during the night to dig rifle-pits, construct batteries, and to build bridges, and prepare fords across Camp Creek, so that by daylight the whole command was secured against any coup on the part of the defenders of Resaca. (I respectfully refer to the accompanying sketch,* which shows the relative positions of the troops of the First Division.) The assaulting party, under General Woods, forming the front line, the Twelfth and Seventeenth and~ Thirty-second Regiments of Missouri Infantry were held in reserve near the bridge. The section of 12-pounder howitzers, in battery near the bridge, commanded its immediate front and protected the left flank of General Woods; the four 12-pounder Napoleon guns, in their position in the gap itself, brought the whole field with a horizon of almost 100 degrees under their fire, while the 3-inch ordnance and 20-pounder Parrotts played on the town, forts, and railroad. The remaining regiments of in- fantry were drawn up in line on the left of these batteries, their skirmishers occupying all the open ground in their front. Our po- sition was very secure, so much so that the enemy did not even threaten it after his unsuccessful attempt on the night of the 14th. A slow fire, both of artillery and small-arms, was kept up all day on the 15th, but the enemy did not give any evidence of offensive inten- tions, and after midnight the flames from burning houses and rail- road bridges proved that the place was evacuated. Early on the morning of the 16th I moved into town, followed by the Twelfth Regiment Missouri Infantry, and occupied the works, driving the enemy, whose rear-guard was just across Oostenaula River, beyond the range of my section of 12-pounder howitzers. I inclose the reports of my brigade commanders and of my chief of artillery, also a nominal list of casualties during these operations, amounting to: Killedcommissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 29. Woundedcommissioned officers, 7; enlisted men, 186. Missing enlisted men, 8. Totalcommissioned officers, 9; enlisted men, 223. *Not found Page 128 128 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. (CH~. L. I have to thank my troops for their zeal and bravery. They did their whole duty, grave as it was, with promptness and alacrity. Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods, commanding First Brigade, Colonel Wan- gelin, commanding Third Brigade, and Major Landgraeber, chief of artillery, had occasion to give renewed evidence of their energy and skill. The officers of my staff were of great assistance to me, and I feel under many obligations to them. I am, major, with great respect, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Brig. Gem. Vols., Comdg. First Div., 15th Army Corps. Maj. R. R. TOWNES, A. A. G., Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Jonesborough, Ga., August 31, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions I have the honor to make the following preliminary report of the operations of to-day: About 3 p. m. the enemy opened a galling fire on our position and immediately afterward made an attack on my lines. Protected by his artillery fire, the enemy approached in solid column very gal- lantly, and drove in our skirmishers. The attack was mainly on my right and the brigade of Sixteenth Corps stationed there, but was gallantly repulsed, the Fourth Ohio Battery behaving with great bravery, although mostly served by new details from the in- fantry, who had hardly had time to become acquainted with their new arm. The enemy, aftei~ being repulsed, attacked again three or four times, though not nearly as determined as the first time, and was on each occasion driven back, our troops occupying at present nearly the same ground as at the time of the attack. In pursuance of instructions from major-general commanding army corps, two regiments, the Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry and Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, were attached to Brigadier-General Hazen, commanding Second Division. to whom I refer for a report of their action. A number of prisoners were taken on the right of my line, which during the action were turned over to, and will be reported by, the Sixteenth Army Corps. I estimate the loss of the enemy at not less than between 200 and 300 in killed and wounded in front of my line. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Major- General, Commanding. [Lient. Col. R. R. TOwNES, Assistant Adjutant-General.] List of casualties, August 31, 1864: Killedenlisted men, 3. Woundedcommissioned officers, 4; enlisted men, 27. Missing enlisted men, 1. Aggregate, 35. HDQRs. FIRST DIvIsION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. COLONEL: On the 20th of May I had the honor to report on the part taken by my division in the operations terminating in the cap- ture of Resaca, Ga., May 16, to which report I beg leave to refer: We left Resaca, together with the other portions of Fifteenth Army Corps, May 16, and crossed Oostenaula River same day at Lays Ferry. Moving thence by way of McGuires Cross-Roads, Adairsville, and Woodland, we marched to the north bank of Etowali River, two miles west of Kingston, where we encamped until th Page 129 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 129 morning of May 23. Crossing EtowahRiver by Wooleys Bridge, and passing Euharlee Creek and Van Wert, we struck the enemys out- posts at Pumpkin Vine Creek, three miles west of Dallas, Ga., on the morning of May 25. 1864. The following day we advanced to- ward the last-mentioned place, dislodging the rebel forces, who held it, after a short skirmish. In pursuing them, however, we came upon the enemy in force, and well posted in a strongly intrenched position, about one mile southeast of Dallas. In pursuance of orders from the major-general commanding army corps, I deployed Col- onel Williamsons (Second) brigade on the left of the Second Divis- ion, which, being in advance, had already engaged the enemy. Availing myself of a high ridge almost parallel to the enemys works, I directed Colonel Williamson to throw up a line of rifle-pits. During the night the Sixteenth Army Corps was to connect with the left of Colonel Williamsons line. The First and Third Brigades of my division were ordered to deploy in reserve in an open field, the Third in rear of Second Brigade, the First Brigade to the left of the Third. The intermediate ground between the First and Third Bri- gades, in reserve, and the Second Brigade, in front, as well as all the ground in front, was very thick timber; I, therefore, to facili- tate communication between the lines, had roads cut along and between them. The enemy opposed these operations persistently, and attempted repeatedly, during the evening and night of 26th, to drive Colonel Williamson back, all of which attempts this offi- cer succeeded in repelling. Before daybreak, however, on the fob lowing day (May 27), he reported large masses of the enemy mov- ing toward his left flank, where the Sixteenth Corps had not, as yet, made connection. After reconnoitering that part of my posi - tion thoroughly, I ordered Colonel Wangelin, at 5 a. in., to deploy his brigade in two lines on the left of Colonel Williamson. It was just in time. A very few minutes after the order was given, and its execution being barely commenced, the rebels attacked on the left flank of Second Brigade, throwing an enfilading fire into its lines, and compelling them to fall back, in spite of the desperate re- sistance of Colonel Williamsons command. At this juncture 1 arrived on the scene of attack with the head ~f the Third Brigade, and immediately ordered the leading regiment (Twelfth Missouri Infantry) to deploy and throw out skirmishers. Capt. Albert F. Affieck (a hero, since killed) executed the deployment of the skir- mishers under a terrible fire. Lieut.. Col. Jacob Kaercher formed his regiment (Twelfth Missouri) in support of the skirmishers, and at once advanced. The attacking rebels yielded slowly to the deter- mined advance of the Twelfth Missouri; the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri (Lieutenant-Colonel Gage commanding the combined battalion) were deployed on the left of the Twelfth Mis- souri, and, throwing the left of the line of these regiments well for- ward, we soon gained all the ground lost at the outset of the rebel - attack, and more, too. I afterward ordered General Woods, with the First Brigade, to relieve the Second Brigade, which had been under fire ever since we arrived near Dallas; the Second Brigade then took up the position in reserve formerly held by Third Brigade~ The Sixteenth Army Corps also came up and made close connec.~ tion with the left of Third Brigade. The lines were now well e~tab- lished and iutrenched~ txvo~sections of light 12-pounder gnus (Fourth Ohio Bat ny, Capt. G. Fi~oehiichs) were placed in battery on thee l~ey pointof my position, sweeping its front completely. I refer t@. Q 1~,, Ii~=-MOL XXXYIIJ, PT Il Page 130 ~lIHg. J2Lring & after lines for the Iroops covering our withdrawal and march to the left. K 1/, 1 SI~ETCI~ OF THE FIELD NEAR DALLAS, GA., OCCUPIED BY THE 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, Genl P. J. OSTERHA US, Comdg. H H z H C~ Page 131 C~r. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 131 the accompanying sketch for the position of my troops. The ground in front of this line sloped off toward a creek, distant about 250 yards. The bed of this creek is very deep and abrupt, and, owing to its formation, not only gave complete shelter to the enemys sharp- shooters, but was wide enough to permit the collection and forma- tion of large masses of troops without our notice. A constant skir- mish fire was kept up on the 27th and up to the afternoon of the 28th, when about 4.30 p. m. the firing increased considerably. Whilst it was yet comparatively quiet in my immediate front, the enemys musketry and artillery fire on the right of the line of the Fifteenth Army Corps (held by the Fourth Division) was terrific, and seemed to advance. I at once ordered the Second Brigade (Col- onel Williamson), held in reserve, to fall in. While doing so I re- ceived General Logans orders to march these reserves to the support of the threatened wing (Fourth Division). Sending word to General Woods to take command of the First and Third Brigades in case of emergency, I at once led the Second Brigade on double-quick to the extreme right, arriving just in time to assist our comrades of the Fourth Division in repelling a fierce assault, deploying on the ex- treme right of the artny corps. Colonel Williamson, commanding brigade, and the officers commanding regiments, deserve praise for the prompt and energetic manner in which they execnted this maneu- ver and enabled us to gain and hold a position forbidding any further attempts on the part of the rebels. The assault was not, however, restricted to the Fourth Division front, but ran all along the lines of our corps. As soon as I saw, therefore, that the Second Brigade was well secured, I repaired to my front proper, and on arrivM found the First and Third Brigades and the four 12-pounder gun battery most excitedly engaged in repelling rebel columns. These had formed in and sallied from the ravine in my front, mentioned before, and had come up to within fifty yards of my line, but only to be mowed down by the hundred and to fall back broken and shattered. Num- bers of dead and wounded were left to us to bury and to care for. The behavior of the men and officers on this occasion was brave beyond description, and it is impossible to mention individual names. The management of the troops by General Woods and Colonel Wangelin was only such as could be expected from such brave and experienced officers. The enemy, after this most decisive defeat, was very slow in re-establishing his skirmish line. Desultory firing continued from the 29th to the 31st of May, only once assuming greater proportions, when, a little before midnight of 30th, the ene- my, probably in the belief that we were evacuating our lines, made a demonstration, but finding our men all there and on the alert, desisted from all attempts at a serious attack. On the 1st of June we finally left the Dallas lines and moved round to relieve troops of the Cumberland Army near New Hope Church. There we were sta- tioned until June 5, when we found the enemy gone from our front. The division left same day, and moved to Acworth, on the Atlantic and Western Railroad, and remained there in camp from June 6 until the morning of June 10. In the morning of the last men- tioned day we advanced farther south and encamped near Big Shanty, a station about three miles north of Kenesaw Mountain, where the enemy was reported to be strongly intrenched. Next morning (June 11) I was ordered to make a reconnaissance in force iu order to develop the rebel position. A narrow belt o Page 132 132 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [cHAP. L. timber in my front was occupied by the enemys advanced pickets. I drove them out, and emerging from the timber we saw the long lines of very substantial earth-works stretching all along the base of Kenesaw Mountain, while lighter fortifications were thrown up on the intermediate ridges between the timber and the main line. By order of the commanding general I deployed my division in two lines, resting on the right of the Marietta dirt road, along which we were advancing (General Greshams division, of the Seventeenth Corps, formed abreast of me on the left of the road). We intrenched the line we occupied along the edge of the timber, placing batteries at suitable points and connecting on the right with the Sixteenth Corps~ The heavy rains which set in at this time considerably re- tarded operations, and no material changes were made in the respec- tive positions of the troops between June 11 and June 13. On that day 1 received your order to make a feint at noon, and availed my- self of that opportunity to dislodge some rebel infantry intrenched in front of my left (Third Brigade). These sharpshooters had been annoying the artillerists and infantry in my main works consider- ably. While the whole of my line were to advance their skirmishers at the hour indicated, and the artillery openedi on the enemys works, Colonel Wangelin, commanding Third Brigade, was ordered to as- sault the aforesaid rifle-pits in his front. Lieutenant-Colonel Kaer- cher, Twelfth Missouri, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gage, Twenty-ninth Missouri, led the attacking party, and carried the enemys pits suc- cessfully, in spite of the severe musketry and shelling which greeted them. Colonel Wangelin, without delay, advanced his whole line to the position just gained and reversed the enemys works. The Second and First Brigades followed on the right, and thus our whole line was advanced about 400 yards. This success was won with but small loss on our side. The gallant Colonel Gage (Twenty- ninth Missouri) and Major Lubbers (Twenty-sixth Iowa) were both wounded in the shoulder, but have recovered and done good service. This episode was succeeded by a period of monotony, lasting till June 19. During the night preceding that day my pickets reported indications of a retrograde movement on the part of the enemy, and kept on the alert, so that when toward morning the rebel pickets fell back, ours followed them up in musket-range. We found the strong line of the rebels at the foot of Kenesaw Mountain evacuated, and our troops occupied the works. In following up the enemy, how- ever, it was found that he had only fallen back about a mile into a second line of works running all along the crests of the Kenesaws and on the slopes east and west, thus protecting the town of Marietta, about three miles in their rear. I was ordered to remain in reserve of the Second Division (which had the advance), and encamped in the intrenched lines just evacuated by the rebels. On the 20th of June, in pursuance of orders received, Colonel Williamsons (Second) brigade deployed on the crest of a hill to the right of the Second Division, where he intrenched himself. This position was in the direct front of rebel batteries placed on the very summit of Big Kenesaw, and exposed to their plunging fire. Between the right of Colonel Williamsons line and the railroad, which here runs through a gap in the mountain, was a considerable interval (the lines of the Sixteenth Corps commenced on the other side of th railroad). con- sequently 011 the 21st of June I ordered General Woods to occupy said interval with his brigade. In order to resist the artillery fir Page 133 OHA~. Li REPORTS, ETC.A1~MY OP TW1~ TIF~NI~ESSEF. 13~ which the enemy constantly kept up from his batteries, as well as musketry fire from rifle-pits on the slope of the mountain, while these lines were being established, I built two casemated batteries for my rifled guns (two 3-inch Rodman and two 20-pounder Parrotts). Early on the morning of June 23 I opened fire from these batteries, and with such precision that the mountain batteries were not only silenced whenever they opened, but were entirely withdrawn on June 25. During the night of the 26th I was ordered to relieve General Bairds division, of the Fourteenth Corps (some three miles to the right of my position). This change was preparatory to an assault to be made next day by the troops of Second and Fourth Divisions at 8 a. m. My skirmishers preceded the assaulting column and drove the enemys advanced line back on his main works. The assault on these was repulsed, although the ground first gained was held and secured. All subsequent operations in our front were limited to artillery practice and sharpshooting from June 27 to the morning of July 3. During this time, however, decisive movements were being executed on the extreme right of General Shermans army, and advantages gained there compelled the enemy to give up the Kenesaw position and the town of Marietta, and retire to the right bank of the Chat- tahoochee Iliver, where extensive and very strong works had been prepared. General Logan ordered me to march at once to Marietta, where I arrived at 9 a. in., and took a defensive position on the left of town. On the morning of the 4th of July we again took up the line of march for Chattahoochee River, by way of Cheneys house, toward Turners Ferry. On July 6 I was ordered to relieve troops of Twentieth Army Corps in front of the rebel works on Nickajack Creek. Only occa- sional picket-firing disturbed the quietude of this position, which we held until the morning of July 10, when the enemy was found to have disappeared from our front. We remained, however, on Nickajack Creek until 5 p. m. on July 12, when th~ whole army corps left, via Marietta, for Roswell Factory, the extreme left of the grand army. We arrived at this place on the 14th of July, and, crossing Cliattahoochee River, threw up and occupied defensive works on the left bank of that stream. My health had been for several weeks so much impaired that during this last movement I had to rely on the assistance of Brig. Gemi. C. R. Woods, and finally, on July 17, to avail myself of a sick leave, which had been granted me some time previous, but which I did not at the time tuake use of, as I still entertained some hopes of being able to see the campaign to its close. Renewed attacks of an old complaint compelled me, however, to leave at the date men- tioned, and I beg leave to refer you to the reports of Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods, who conunanded the division during my absence, for all the operations which occurred until time date of my return to the army. To-morrow I hope to be able to forward my report from the time I reassumed command until date. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Major- General Vots., (Jorndg. First Div., 15th Army Corps. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps Page 134 1~4 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. (CHAP. L. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. COLONEL: On the 15th day of August I resumed command of this division (having been temporarily absent on account of sickness), which was at the time intrenched in three lines, some hundred yards to the right and in front of Ezra Chapel, the scene of combat on July 28, on which Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods, then commanding the division, has reported. The opposing lines had been pushed so close together that operations had come to a stand-still, with the exception of a farther advance on Augnst 22. I availed myself of a demon- stration made in onr front to dislodge the rebel sharpshooters from a belt of woods in my immediate front, whence they had kept up a very annoying fire on us. The move was successful and caused the enemy to fall back on his main line, while we were enabled to ad- vance our front line and two batteries (ten guns) within very destrnctive proximity to the enemys line. Leaving that position on August 26, we marched during the night, by way of Utoy Creek, to Parkers place, about four miles west of Fairburn, on the Atlanta and Montgomery Railroad, where we arrived early on the 27th. After the necessary reconnaissances of the approaches to said rail- road, we advanced at 8 a. in. on the 28th and struck the railroad at noon near Shadna Church, two miles north of Fairburn. -The enemy did not oppose our advance, and we found only a very small picket on the road~ our march was, however, considerably delayed by the necessity of cntting a road for two miles and a half through the timber. On arriving at the point indicated the division was at once deployed and intrenchments thrown up; rebel cavalry was in our immediate front. The night and next day, August 29, was spent in destroying the track of the railroad, which was done most effectually. The order of march for August 30 toward Jonesbor- ough, on the Atlanta and Macon Railroad, placed the First Division in rear of the Fifteenth C9rps, and I had, consequently, no part in the skirmishes with the rebel troops who contested our advance without success, however. The rear of my command crossed Flint River after 11 p. in., and the whole division took position as fast as the troops came in, with orders to intrench at once, as it was evident that the enemy meant to defend Jonesborough Station. My division formed the second line, Second and Fourth Divisions being in front, except the Twenty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry, of my Second Bri- gade, who were posted on the right on an elevated open field. This point was of the greatest importance, as it secured our front position against any attack on the right flank, which otherwise was much exposed. I directed the officers in command there to throw up breast-works during the night, and it is due to their zeal that early in the morning of August 31 we had a strong, substantial line of rifle-pits commanding the intermediate ground between the right of our line and Flint River. On the morning of the 31st of August my position, in reserve to the Second and Fourth Divisions, was materially altered, as I endeavored, under orders from the corps commander, to connect the extreme right of the first line of our corps (Fourth Division) with the refused line of our right, erected during the night, by a permanent and systematic line. This was really an extension of the position in front, and required all the troops of my Second and Third Brigades to make it sufficiently strong. The enemy were very active during the night and all morning, Page 135 CHAP. Li BEPOETS. ETC.-~ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 135 number of railroad trains arriving loaded with troops. The depot being within full view of our skirmish line, I could after daylight see these troops arrive, debark, and go into position. I, therefore, in order to prevent these re-enforcements on the part of the enemy, ordered a battery of two light 12-pounder Napoleon guns to be erected in front of, and within 1,000 yards of, the dbpot and sur- rounding houses; this battery could also play on the enemys line in my whole front. The site of this battery was about 200 yards to the right and 120 yards to the rear of my line. I, therefore, ordered a very strong support of infantry, commanded by Captain Bowman, Ninth Iowa Infantry, and Lieutenant Eicks, Twenty -ninth Missouri Infantry, to support this section, Lieutenant Haug, of Fourth Ohio Battery, commanding. Another section of 12-pounder light Napo- leon guns, commanded by Lieutenant Hust, of same battery, was in position in the center of the refused line on the right flank. In these operations the rebels resisted us with some determination. I was now ordered to send two of my largest regiments, the Sev- enty-sixth Ohio and Thirtieth Iowa, of the First Brigade, to sup- port the left of the first line of our corps, Second Division, while the two regiments of infantry which covered our right flank were relieved by a brigade from the Sixteenth Corps. I refer to the an- nexed plan for the position of my troops. * The section commanded by Lieutenant Haug was ready to open fire about noon, and did so with telling effect. The infantry, however, had not as yet com- pleted their intrenchments, and at 2.30 p. m. there was still a consid- erable gap in the work connecting them with the refused line on the right. While I was still engaged in pushing forward this part of the work, considerable movement was observed on the rebel side. Colonel Wangelin, commanding Third Brigade, reported that very heavy columns of rebel infantry had sallied from their left and ad- vanced in double-quick around our line of skirmishers, evidently with the intention of passing to our right and rear. The rebels had to p ass over an open field to the right of Colonel Wangelins front, and this gallant officer opened a most withering fire on them, but was unable to prevent their flanking maneuver. Lieutenant Hangs shells exploded with terrible precision among the enemy, but with no better success. Regardless of this destructive fire, the enemys columns rushed forward, and I, of course, directed Lieutenant Hang to withdraw his pieces, while Captain Bowman and Lieutenant Eicks were ordered to hold their position at all hazards until the guns were withdrawn. These two officers gallantly held their posi- tion while Lieutenant Haug removed his section with admirable precision; when I brought this party back into our main work, the rebel avalanche was at our very heels. I placed Lieutenant Hangs section of artillery and the supporting infantry, under Captain Bow- man and Lieutenant Eicks, in position on the left of the rifle-pits occupied by the Sixteenth Army Corps and Lieutenant Husts pieces. They all opened at once a most deadly fire on the rebels (the artillery with canister), whose front line was now within 100 yards of ours; at the same time the troops of Colonel Williamsons brigade, who formed the connection with the refused line, poured their fire into the assaulting column. Here I cannot omit to men- tion the splendid conduct of the officers and men of the Fourth Iowa *Seep 138 Page 136 136 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. LcHAP. L. Infantry, who were ordered to occupy that portion of this connect- ing line where as yet no breast-works had been thrown up; they whirled in and held the place most gallantly. The effect of our fire was immediate and terrible; the enemys line, compact until now, broke and dispersed in all directions. A number came over into our lines; the masses, however, fell back into the timber on their right and rear to find protection from our fire. The enemy formed again several times under cover of this timber, and attacked again, though very feebly, showing their first repulse to have been a very severe and decided one. The Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry (Second Brigade) which was afterward thrown forward in advance of the Fourth, Iowa, completely secured our right, and permitted us to finish our intrenchments, the enemy slowly retiring before our skirmishers. I take great pleasure in mentioning those officers who came under my special notice during the sudden and decisive movements of the day. Colonels Wangelin and Williamson, whose men were mostly engaged, displayed the same promptness, zeal, and bravery which they exhibited on so many occasions during the past months. Cap- tain Anderson, acting assistant adjutant-general of Colonel William- son, was wounded while bearing orders. Lieutenant Hang, Fourth Ohio Battery, Captain Bowman, Ninth Iowa Infantry, and Lieu- tenant Eicks, Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry, deserve praise for their faithful obedience to orders under most trying circumstances. Lieut. H. E. Williams commanding pic~neer corps, was wounded, I fear mortally, while assisting me, with his wonted contenipt of danger, in bringing off Lieutenant Hangs guns. During the follow- ing night and on the morning of September 1 we strengthened our lines as well as possible, keeping up a lively fire from our skir- mish line, which we pushed forward vigorously. Lieutenant Husts section of 12-pounder light Napoleon guns was relieved by four pieces of Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, in the center of the refused line, and placed in position on Colonel Wangelins front. The section had just been placed in position, and had hardly opened fire, when Lieutenant Hust was killed by a rebel sharpshooter. He was a brave and in every respect [an] exemplary officer. In the afternoon I received your orders to make a spirited demonstration in my front, to prevent the enemy from re-enforcing his right, which was threatened by our troops advancing along the railroad from Rough and Ready, the impression made on the rebels becoming more and more visible as the firing approached from the north. My skir- mish line was re-enforced and pushed forward gallantly, while the shells from the artillery kept the rebels close behind their works. At about 4 p. m. I ordered Colonel Wangelin to follow the skir- mishers with a strong reserve. Colonel Gage, of the Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry, was the first man over our rifle-pits; Lieutenant- Colonel Simpson, of the Thirty-first Missouri, and. Major Seay, of the Thirty-second Missouri, followed, and with their regiments, altogether under 200 men, advanced on the rebels, drove them from their advanced pits, arid established a new line far in advance of our old skirmish line, and in close proximity to the rebels. Before night all guns which could be brought to bear on the place opened fire, by direction of the commanding general, as it was supposed the rebels were about to leave the town, which was being rapidly inclosed by our troops. During the night the rebels did evacuate Jonesborough. At 3 a. m. my men were in town, and had evidence of the terribl Page 137 187 CI!AP. L.] REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. execution of our last days fire. We prepared for immediate mardi and pursued the enemy four miles, when he took refuge behind earth-works previously prepared. We advanced and intrenched a line along the crest of a range of hills, within from 300 to 500 yards of the enemys works; there we remained until the night of Sep- tember 5, when we commenced our retrograde movement toward Atlanta, which had been evacuated on the 1st instant and was in poe~session of our troops 2d instant. The list of casualties has already been forwarded to you. Its numbers give ample evidence of the bravery and patriotism of our troops, and for the campaign commencing May 9 foots up as follows: Commissioned officers killed, 8; wounded, 47; missing, 2; total, 57. Enlisted menkilled, 121; wounded, 676; missing, 35; total, 832. Aggregatekilled, 129; wounded, 723; missing, 37; total, 889. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, .Miaj. Gen., U. S. Vols., Comdg. 1st Div., 15th Army Corps. Lieut. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. Recapititlation of casualties in First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total. command. . a a a a a a u a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Brigade. 76th Ohio veteran Infantry 1 16 4 87 2 5 105 110 26th Iowa volunteer Infantry 7 7 52 1 7 60 67 30th Iowa volunteer Infantry 1 8 4 65 5 73 78 27th Missouri Infantry 1 16 1 46 2 62 64 Total First Brigade 3 47 16 250 3 19 300 319 Second Brigade. I 4th Iowa veteran Infantry 13 4 57 3 4 73 9th Iowa veteran Infantry 13 3 67 1 6 4 86 25th Iowa volunteer Infantry 8 4 49 ..... 4 4 61 31st Iowa volunteer Infantry 1 5 17 ....... 5 5 43 Total 5econd Brigade 35 16 2io~ ir 18 17 263 280 Third Brigade. 3d Missouri Infantry 5 43 3 51 12th Missouri Infantry 1 5 7 51 3 8 59 17th Missouri Infantry 2 10 24 2 - 34 29th Missouri Infantry 3 5 31 6 38 31st Missouri Infantry 1 9 18 1 27 32d Missouri Infantry 3 2 31 2 2 36 Total Third Brigade 4 35 14 198 1 12 19 245 264 2d MissouriArtillery [Battery F] .... 2 2 4 4 8 1 8 9 4th Ohio Battery Total artillery 1 2 10 1 12 13 Pioneers 1 1 ~ 1 8 i Mountedinfantry 1 1 2 4 4 Grand total* 1 47 676 2 35 ~ ~ 77 90 65 48 51 67 36 44 28 38 * But see revised statement, p. 114 Page 138 138 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L Page 139 139 OHAP. L) REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. INTo. 451. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Woods, U. S. Army, command ing First Division, of operations July 2228. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this division in the battle~ of the 22d and 28th of July: Early in the morning of the 22d of July the division mov~d for- ward into the works abandoned by the rebels the night previous, and took position on the left of the Twenty-third Army Corps, the right resting at the Howard house. About 11 a. m. the Third Brigade, Col. Hugo Wangelin commanding, was detached, by order of Major- General Logan, and sent to the left, leaving me the First Brigade, Col. Milo Smith, Twenty-sixth Iowa, commanding, and the Second Brigade, Col. James A. Williamson, Fourth Iowa, commanding, of the following effective strength: Command. 5) 5) 5) ~ 5) 0 ~ First Brigade. 26th Iowa 10 172 182 30th Iowa 20 263 283 27th Missouri 13 172 185 76th Ohio 24 389 413 Total First Brigade 67 996 1,063 Second Brigade. 4th Iowa 22 278 300 9th Iowa 17 288 305 25th Iowa 365 Total Second Brigade 61 909 970 The Thirty-first Iowa ahsent at Roswell Factory guarding train. Aggregate in First and Second Brigades, 2,033. Of this numher there were tween 200 and 300 011 the skirmish line. About ~ p. iii. the rebels made a determined attack in heavy force upon the lines to my left, and after having been several times re- pulsed, succeeded in breaking the lines and occupying the pits, which gave them a position 300 or 400 yards to my left and rear. Finding my position untenable, I threw back my left, forming a new line, facing the enemys flank, my right resting at the Howard house. I at the same time kept up a b eavy fire of artillery on the enemy, pre- venting them from taking off De Gress battery of four 20-pounder Parrotts, of which they had possession. Shortly after having taken my new position, I received a verbal order from General M. L. Smith, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, to attack the enemy in flank and rear, whilst other troops moved up in front to retake the position. I immediately moved the Second Brigade forward to at- tack in flank and rear, and the First Brigade to attack in flank and front. This proved saccessfnl, and in less than fifteen minutes I had retaken De Gress battery and driven the enemy from the rifle- pits on their left as far as the railroad. The whole rebel line then fell back, and the works were reoccupied by our troops. Whils Page 140 140 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. (CHAP, L. moving back the First Brigade to reoccupy their original position, the enemy made a charge on one regiment (Fourth Iowa) of the Second Brigade, which was posted on the reverse of an old rebel battery. The enemy was driven back with great slaughter and made no fur- ther attacks that mght. On the morning of the 23d my two bri- gades were relieved by a division of the Twenty-third Corps, and I was directed to send one brigade to the left of Sixteenth Army Corps, and to take position on the Decatur road about four miles from Atlanta. On the 26th I was directed to move out with my divis- ion and occupy Decatur for a short time, and to destroy the railroad from that point to Atlanta. I moved out immediately with First and Second Brigades, and destroyed the road in the most thorough manner. On the 27th of July this division moved, with the remainder of the Fifteenth Army Corps, from the left of the army to the right, a distance of from eight to ten miles, and went into bivouac in rear of the Seventeenth Army Corps at 10 p. m. At 2 a. m. on the 28th of July I commenced forming line of battle on the right of General G. A. Smiths division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and shortly after daylight had the line formed. This line was at right angles to the general direction of the main line. As soon as General G. A. Smith commenced to swing around into the line, I moved, conforming to his movements and keeping connected with his right. When the movement was completed my right rested near Ezra Chapel, the gen- eral direction of the line being nearly north and south. As soon as I had got into position I directed brigade commanders to throw up a temporary barricade of rails, which was done in about half an hour. The Fourth and Second Divisions, Fifteenth Army Corps, were placed in position at right angles to the First Division. Shortly after getting into position the enemy opened with artillery on the Fourth and Second Divisions. A little after 12 oclock the enemy made an attack on the Second and Fourth Divisions in heavy force, but were repulsed with great loss. A little after 1 p. m. they made a determined attack on the left of the Fourth Division and the right of the First. The assaults were several times repulsed, but after each repulse the enemy charged in greater numbers and with greater determination, but finding, however, that they could not break the lines, they flually withdrew. This attack lasted something over an hour. They did not attack again in front of the First Division. Only between 300 and 400 men of the Third Brigade were engaged, and there were buried in front of the division of the enemys dead, [sic] including 1 colonel, 1 major, and several company officers. At a fair estimate there must have been at least one rebel killed or wounded for every mau engaged on my side. I cannot speak in too high terms of the conduct of the officers and men under my command during the 22d and 28th. I have to regret the loss, by wounding, of several valuable officers on the 28th. Col- onel Carskaddon, Ninth Iowa; Lieut. Col. Jacob Kaercher, Twelfth Missouri; Maj. P. H. Murphy, Twenty-ninth Missouri; Capt. A. F. Affleck, Twelfth Missouri (since dead); all brave and gallant officers, whose services cannot w& ll be dispensed with. I would mention, as deserving special notice for gallantry on the 22d of July, CoL James A. Williamson, commanding Second Brigade; Col. Milo Smith, commanding First Brigade; Col. William B. Woods, commanding Seventy-sixth Ohio Yeteran Volunteers; Lieut. Col. A. Roberts, commanding Thirtieth Iowa Volunteers; Lient. Col. S. D. Nichols, commanding Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers; Lieut. Col. T. G. Ferreby, commanding Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteers; and on th Page 141 Oiii~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.AEMY OF THE TENXESSEE. 141 28th, Col. Hugo Wangelin, Lieutenant-Colonel Kaercher, command- ing Twelfth Missouri [sic], commanding combined battalions of Seventeenth and Twenty-ninth Missouri; Col. Theodore Meumann, commanding Third Missouri, and Capt. G. Froehlich, commanding Fourth Ohio Battery. To the members of my staff, Major Landgraeber, chief of artillery; Capt. W. A. Gordon, assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. C. M. Marriott, aide-de-camp, and the personal staff of Brig. Gen. P. J. Osterhaus, Capt. C. Andel, Lieut. W. Henley, and Capt. A. A. Per- kins, acting assistant inspector-general, I am under many obligations for the energetic and efficient services rendered. I have already forwarded lists of casualties, amounting to Killed, wounded. Missing. Total. Date. ni . nil - Z 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ July22,1864 1 9 4 (10 1 2 6 71 77 JnIy28,1864 1 9 54 1 9 56 65 Total 1 10 13 114 1 3 15 127 142 I inclose reports of my subordinate commanders, and remain your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Comdg. Division. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 452. Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations May 13June 8. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the approach and attack on Resaca, Ga.: The brigadeconsisting of the Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infan- try, Col. Milo Smith commanding; Thirtieth Iowa Volunteer Infan- try, Lieut. Col. A. Roberts commanding; Twenty-seventh Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Col. Thomas Curly commanding; Seventy- sixth Ohio Volnuteer Infantry, Col. W. B. Woods commanding left their camp near Sugar Valley Post-Office on the morning of the 13th instant, having the advance of the division. Having arrived at a cross-road, about two miles from Resaca, line of battle was formed, this brigade on the right of the division. At about 1 p. m it moved forward to attack, preceded by a heavy line of skir- mishers. After advancing about 600 yards, the skirmish line met the skirmishers of the enemy and drove theni back some distance to a ridge of hills near their supports, consisting of two or more regi- ments and two pieces of artillery, advantageously posted to sweep the road in front. In the course of half an hour the enemys skir- mishers were dislodged and driven, with their suppGrts, into theval- ley in front of the enemys works near the town. This brigade, to- gether with the remainder of the division, moved forward and. too Page 142 142 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. possession of a range of hills overlooking the enemys works, and distant about 1,200 yards. This position was occupied during the remainder of the day and night and until 4 oclock on the after- noon of the 14th. Our skirmishers were during this time con- stantly engaged with those of the enemy. About 4 p. m. of the 14th I was ordered to place my brigade in position in the valley to take a range of hills on the right and front occupied by the rebels. The Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteers, being then in front and engaged as skirmishers, not being available, the Third Missouri Volunteers, Col. Theodore Meumann commanding, was sent me in their stead. I formed my brigade in two lines, the Thirtieth Iowa and the Twenty-seventh Missouri forming the first line, and the Seventy-sixth Ohio and the Third Missouri forming the second line. Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, with three regiments, made the attack to my right at the same time. At about ten minutes before 6 p. m. the ad- vance was sounded, and the lines moved across the field at double- quick time in gallant style. The field was full of logs and briers, and a muddy slough was to be waded at the very start, but these obstacles were quickly overcome. The hills were gained in a remark- ably quick time, the first line passing the first range and driving the enemy from a second about fifty yards in front. The Third Missouri, although in the second line, passed forward to the second range of hills, taking position in the first line. The Seventy-sixth Ohio was formed as a reserve in rear of the first range. Five com- panies were immediately thrown forward to occupy the first ridge, the other five being kept for the purpose of strengthening the lines wherever needed. As soon as the enemy was driven back, a heavy fire from the rebel batteries was opened from the front and left flank, the shells bursting almost in the ranks. This cannonading lasted about half an hour and was remarkable for its precision. Fortu- nately very little damage was done, and the men maintained their positiomi. But few men were lost in this charge, owing mainly to the fact that the lines were preceded to the front amid left by the Twelfth Missouri Infantry as skirmishers, commanded by Lieut. Col. Jacob Kaercber, who moved his lines to the crest in gallant style. After the enemys firing ceased, the lines were placed in the most advantageous positions, and everything prepared as well as possi- ble to resist any attempt of the enemy to dislodge us. But as the lines were very thin, and having disposed of all the reserve force except the five companies of the Seventy-sixth Ohio, and having learned from General G. A. Smith that his entire right was exposed and liable to be turned, I sent to General Logan, by his aide, Cap- taimi [Lieutenant] Moore, who came to inquire our progress, for four regiments to be placed on the extreme right, and for two regiments to strengthen my lines and act as a reserve. The brigade of Brigadier- General Lightburn was sent immediately to the right of General Smith, and occupied the ground. About 8p. m. the enemy advanced in strong force, supposed to be a division and a half, for the purpose of dislodging our line. He was met with a withering fire. His ar- tillery opened at the same time and poured in a most terrific fire of case-shot and shell, sweeping the crest of the ridge occupied by our troops, but the men remained firm. The emmemy advanced to the crest of the hill o~cupied by the Thirtieth loiva, and the firing was con- tinued for some time at a distance not to exceed thirty yards, but ow~ in~ to the nature of the around both parties fired too high, But littl Page 143 C~w. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 143 damage was therefore done. The five companies of the Seventy- sixth Ohio were ordered to the top of the ridge on my right to occupy a portion of the line then greatly needing aid. They did most useful and important service there, under command of Maj. Edward Briggs. Colonel Roberts, of the Thirtieth Iowa, reported that his meu were almost out of ammunition. The fortunate arrival of Colonel Montgomery, with the Twenty-fifth Wiscousin aud the Thirty-fifth New Jersey Regiments, enabled me to relieve the Thir- tieth Iowa. I sent the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin immediately for- ward. They advanced to the crest of the second hill in the most gallant style, and poured in a fire which drove the enemy back to the crest of the next hill, about fifty yards in rear, where they reformed, but did not venture again to advance. Having heard from General Smith that he was hard pressed, I sent the Thirty- fifth New Jersey to his assistance. This part of the engagement lasted about one hour and a quarter. It was remarkable for the vigor of the attack and the stubbornness of the resistance. The enemys infantry attack having been repulsed, the cannonading was increased and lasted about three-quarters of an hour. During this time the shot and shell fell thick and fast; the artillery practice was splendid, but fortunately little damage was done. The firing ceased about 10 oclock. As soon as possible I commenced throwing up rifle-pits. These were made sufficiently strong by daylight to render us reasonably secure. About this time (10.30 oclock) the Twenty- fifth Iowa, Col. George A. Stone commanding, and the battalion composed of the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri Volunteers, under command of Lieut. Col. Joseph S. Gage, reported to me. The battalion, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gage, was sent for- ward to relieve the Twenty-seventh and Third Missouri. These latter regiments, and the Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, were placed in reserve. During the remainder of the night everything re- mained quiet. At daylight on the 15th skirmishing commenced and was kept up all day. About 8 a. m. of the 15th the Fifteenth Michigan, Col. A. E. Jaquith commanding, reported to me. It was placed in a ravine to strengthen the left of my line. This regiment belongs to the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. There was 1 man wounded in this regiment. The advantage gained by this positicn was that it gave a fair view of the bridges in rear of the enemys position~ and at short range, so that they could be destroyed, by a vigorous cannonading, in an hour~ During the night of the 15th embrasures were put up, and two 20-pounder Parrotts and two Napoleon guns were put in posi- tion to destroy the bridges, but during the night the enemy evacuated the works, and our troops marched in on the morning of the 16th. I inclose lists of killed and wounded in my brigade. * The Twenty- sixth Iowa Volunteers, Col. Milo Smith commanding, which, at the time the other regiments of my brigade advanced to this charge, was out as skirmishers, performed very gallant service as such. The list of killed and wounded shows the severity of this service. The Third Missouri lost 1 killed and 11 wounded. The Twenty-fifth Wisconsin lost 24 in killed and wounded. The battalion composed of the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri lost 1 killed and 2 wounded. The whole loss on my part of the line on the 14th and 15th was, therefore, 16 killed, 103 wounded, and 3 missing. This does not include the loss of the Twenty-sixth Iowa. *NOmrnal list (omitted) shows 18 killed, 105 wounded, and 3 mnissin~ total, 120 Page 144 144 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. tOHAP. L. I cannot speak in too high terms of the conduct of the officers and men under my command. They all did their duty nobly, and deserve the highest praise. The following-named officers deserve special mention for gallantry, viz, Lieut. Col. A. Roberts, Thirtieth Iowa; Col. W. B. Woods and Maj. Edward Briggs, Seventy-sixth Ohio; Col. Thomas Curly, Twenty-seventh Missouri Volunteers, all of the First Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps; also~ Col. Theodore Meumann, commanding Third Missouri Volunteers, and Lient. Col. J. S. Gage, commandiiig battalion Twenty~ninth and Thirty-first Missouri Volunteers, of the Third Brigade, First Divis- ion, Fifteenth Army Corps. Colonel Montgomery, of the Twenty fifth Wisconsin, Sixteenth Army Corps, rendered timely and efficient service, and deserves great credit. To the members of my staffCapt. Charles H. Kibler, assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. F. Critz, Thirtieth Iowa, aide-de-camp; Lieut. C. M. Marriott, Seventy-sixth Ohio, aide-de-camp; First Lieut. William E. Ware, Twenty-seventh Missouri, acting assistant in spector-generalmy warmest thanks are due for the faithful and fearless manner in which they carried out all orders. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. WOODS, Capt. W. A. GORDON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. AssI. Adjt. Gem., First Dim, Fifteenth Army Uorps. HDQRs. FIRsT BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CoRps, Near Kingston, Ga., May 21, 1864. GENERAL: I take great pleasure in speaking in the highest term~ of the conduct and gallantry of Colonel Montgomery and his regi ment, the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin, during the time they were unde~ my command at Resaca, on the 14th and 15th instant. The arriva of Colonel Montgomery, with the Twenty-fifth Wiscoitsin and fivc companies of the Thirty-fifth New Jersey, was opportune, as one o my regiments, the Thirtieth Iowa, was hard pressed and their am munition expended. I sent Colonel Montgomery forward with hi~ regiment to relieve the Thirtieth Iowa. This was done in admirabk style; his regiment standing up bravely to their work, and holdin~ the crest of the hill nutil the enemy retired. They afterwar( worked faithfully on the rifle-pits until they were completed. A) the time the five companies of the Thirty-fifth New Jersey reporte I was obliged to send them to General G. A. Smith, on my right who was also hard pressed. General Smith wished me to speal most approvingly of the conduct of the portion of this regimen~ sent to him. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. WOODS, Brigadier-General, Gommanding. Brig. Gen. G. M. DODGE, Comdg. Si teenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIv., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Acworth, Ga., June 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to present the following report of th action of my brigade during the late operations near Dallas, Ga.: The brigade consisted of the following regiments, viz: Twenty sixth Iowa IInf~utry~ Col. ThiQ ~mith couini~ad.ing, about 200 stron Page 145 CRAm L.] REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF TILE TENNESSEE. 14i5 Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. A. Roberts commanding, about 300 strong; Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry, Col. T. Curly com- manding, about 200 strong; Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, Col. W. B. Woods commanding, about ~00 strong. On the morning of the 27th of May, 1864, pursuant to orders of Brigadier-General Osterhaus, I conducted two of my regiments, the Thirtieth Iowa Volunteers and the Twenty-seventh Missouri Volun- teers (the brigade being then in reserve), through the woods to the left of the Villa Rica road, about half a mile to the south of Dallas, for the purpose of relieving some regiments of the Second Brigade, who had earlier in the morning been engaged with the enemy. I posted these regiments (the Thirtieth Iowa on the right) well to the front on the westerly slope of a lull and across a ravine, connecting on my right with a regiment of General Giles A. Smiths brigade, of the Second Division, and on the left with a regiment (Twelfth Missouri) of the Third Brigade of this division. As soon as this (lisposition was made, and the line was covered with skirmishers, I brought up my two other regiments and placed them in a second line, about seventy-five yards in rear of the first. During the forenoon, by my direction, the two front regiments commenced to intrench, and by night had constructed rifle-pits, which formed a good defense. Dur- ing all the day and most of the night the skirmishers in my front kept up a lively fire with those of the enemy. Early in the morning of the 28th of May I sent the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteers to relieve the Twenty-~eventlu Missouri and Thir- tieth Iowa Volunteers in front, these two regiments retiring and making part of the second line. The skirmishing was heavy in my front during the forenoon, and unitil about 4 p. m. During the day the intrenchuments were much strengthened, and the timber immedi- ately in front cut down. At about 3.30 p. m. the~extreme right of our whole line, under General Harrow, having been fiercely attacked, necessitating its re-enforcemenit by the Second Brigade of this divis- ion, which moved rapidly to the right, under the direction of Briga- dier-General Osterhaus in person; at his request I took command of the two remaining brigades. Very soon afterward, at about 4 p. in., the enemy advanced in force to attack in front of these two brigades and to the right and left. The skirmishers were hurriedly driven in, their view of the approaching enemy being much shut out by the broken nature of time ground in front. As soon as the skir- mishers, or such as were able, had rejoined their regiments, and the enemy had appeared in view, a general discharge of fire-arms from the rifle-pits commenced. The enemys line soon wavered, rallied, wavered, and then disappeared, leaving their dead and severely wounded behind. So hasty was their retreat that some of the skir- mishers of the Third Brigade, who were taken l)risoners oh their advance, were overlooked, and thus escaped. The nearest approach to any part of the line occupied by the First and Third Brigades was in that part of the Third Brigade held by the Third Missouri Volun- te~rs, where a few of the enemy advnnced to within about twenty yards of the rifle-pits. The gro~nd in front of that regiment was more favorable for their advance. A rebel color bearer was there shot down. During this charge four Napoleon guns of the Fourth Ohio Battery, Capt. George Froehlich comnuanding, which were in position about the center of the lines of the two brigades, were nota- bly and gallantly served, pouring an almost continuous fire into the 10 R RvOL xxxviii, PT ii Page 146 146 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. advancing and retreating ranks of the enemy, and contributing much toward his repulse. The troops all behaved during this assault with the greatest gallantry. This charge and repulse did not occupy more than half an hour, at which time our skirmishers were again pushed out. They captured in fi~out of the two brigades about 15 of the enemy. Fifteen others, mortally wounded, were brought in. The dead, in considerable numbers, lay in front. The enemy cap- tured were of the First Kentucky Brigade, of Bates division, of Hardees corps. About the time the enemy retired Brigadier-Gen~ eral Osterhaus returned from the right, and I returned to my bri- gade. The loss in my brigade was very small, as shown by the list inclosed. Toward dark the Twenty-sixth Iowa was sent to relieve the Twelfth Missouri, of the Third Brigade, thus extending my front the space occupied by the latter regiment. A renewal of the attack during the night having been apprehended, everything was made ready to meet it. It was not made. During the next day (the 29th) the Twenty-seventh Missouri and Thirtieth Iowa Volunteers occupied the front line, relieving the Twenty-sixth Iowa and Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunte~rs. To render our position more secure, a secoiid line of rifle-pits had been con- structed about seventy-five yards in rear of the front line. During the night the enemy again approached in some force on the right of General Dodges line. A very continuous firing was kept up for some time, extending toward the right. As soon as possible, perceiving that the enemy did not return the fire, I caused the firing in my front to cease. One man of the pickets of the Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteers was woundedmortally, I fearb.y our own fire, and 1 man of the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteers pickets was missing. During the attack oii the 28th I occupied a point where I could see the whole line held by the two brigades. Not a man or officer flinched, and the closer the enemy came the more firm the line ap- pearedto stand. I must mention as conspicuous in bravery during the attack Col. Hugo Wangehin, commanding Third Brigade, and Col. William B. Woods, com manding the Seventy-sixth Ohio Vol- unteers, which regiment occupied the entire front line of the First Brigade. The members of my staffCapt. Charles H. Kibler, assistant adju- tant-general; Lieuts. F. Critz and C. M. Marriott, aides-de-canip, and Lient. William K Ware, actimig assistant inspector-general behaved as they have always donein time most gallant style. It was expected that on tIme night of the 29th our troops would be withdrawn from that part of the hue. The attack and alarm proba- bly delayed the movement. The same position was occupied on the 30th and 31st. On the morning of the 1st of June this brigade was withdrawn in good order~ to the left, encamping in the vicinity of New Hope Church. I append a list of casualties in my brigade between the morning of the 27th of May amid Jumme 1, 1864. ~ I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. R. WOODS Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Div., Fifteenth Army Gorps. * Shows 1 man killed, 1 officer and 8 in n wound d, and 1 man mis ing; total 11 Page 147 CuAp. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 147 No. 453. Reports of Cot. lfilo Smith, Twenty-sixth iowa Infantry, com- manding First Brigade, of operations July 2228 and August 23 September 2. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY Con~s, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigadeconsisting of the Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, Col. William B. Woods commanding; Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. Aurelius Roberts commanding; Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. T. G. Ferreby nomnianding; Twenty- seventh Missouri Infantry, Maj. D. OConnor commandingin the engagements of the 22d and 28th of July, 1864: On time morning of the 22d of July, the position I then occupied being near the main Atlanta and Decatur road and within some two miles of the city, skirmishers reported tbe enemys evacuation of their works, and, in compliance with orders from general commanding di- vision, I at once moved my brigade forward and took position in the deserted works of the enemy, immediately an the left of the Second Brigade of this division, placing the Twenty-seventh Missouri Infan- try and Thirtieth Iowa Infantry in the front line, and on the right and left of the Fourth Ohio Battery, respectively, with skirmishers thrown well out to the front, who reported the enemy iii strong oc- cupation of their second line of works. The Seventy-sixth Ohio and Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry were held in reserve. There was a vacancy between my left amid the troops nearest adjoining of some 250 yards, the intervening ground much depressed and swampy. So soomm as proper tools could be obtained, the enemys rifle-pits yiere reversed, and my position strengthened with all possible dispatch. From demonstrations now making by the enemy, it became manifest they were massing troops immediately in front of time Secomid Divis- ion, on my left, which was soon proven by their attack in such force as to break through our lines at that point. I made immediate p rep- arations accordingly, not, however, withdrawing my skirmishers, and by refusing my left having completely changed my front so as to face the flank of the lines omi my left, I made room for the Sec- ond Brigade on my right, and moved rapidly forward across the swamp now appearing in my front, at once attackiimg the enemy on their flank, and so vigorously that they were soon obliged to abandon the works they had temporarily occupied, together with De Gress bat- tery of 20-pounders that had been in their possession, amid also leav- ing their dcad and wounded in our hands. The works being now strengthemmed by the arrival of more forces, my brigade was at once ordered back to reoccupy its original position. The movement was not executed any too soon, as time enemy was quick to improve time advantage presented, and before we could resume our position in the works had already hurriedly driven in our skirmishers and were pressing rapidly forward. The Second Brigade had been so advami- tageonsly posted in the gap heretofore mentioned that they were able to suddenly check the advancing colunmn, and their well-directed volleys, aided by the Thirtieth Iowa, now in its old position in the works, soon drove the enemy back to the tiumber from which they had emerged with uch confidence. I cannot speak in too grea Page 148 148 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. praise of the troops of lily command for conduct throughout the entire day. Officers and men performed their whole duty. The loss sustained by the brigade during the charge made to regain our works was 32 killed and wounded; 1 commissioned officer shot dead on the field, while nobly in performance of his duty, and 1 very severely wounded. The next morning I was relieved by a brigade from the Twenty- third Army Corps, and moved back on the Decatur road, two miles from that town, taking position almost Oli the extreme flank of our army, with Second Brigade on my right an(l brigade of Sixteenth Corps on my left. Being relieved here (though I may mention my brigade spent one entire day in thoroughly destroying the Atlanta and Augusta Railroad from Decatur some three miles running west) I moved, with other troops of the division, to the extreme right of the army, and on the morning, of 28th of July formed my brigade in two lines, placing the Twenty-seventh Missouri and Twenty-sixth Town in the advance, in an open corn-field, connect- ing with the Seventeenth Army Corps on my left and Second Bri- gade of First Division on my right. This was about three miles west by south from Atlanta. Skirmishers were at once thrown forward, but met few of the enemy. About 8 oclock the line moved forward, and advanced through the heavy timber for the distance of half a mile, our skirmishers continuing to meet with but slight opposition. Here it became evident we were approach- ing the enemys position, and we moved with thc~ necessary pre- caution, skirmishers gradually feeling their ground. At 12 oclock the line was halted on a ridge of timber land, in front of which was a gentle valley of open country, rising again on the opposite side in timber, about half a mile distant, where it was evident the enemy had taken position. Their skirmishers, at flm~st occupying the field, were soon driven to the timber land by the bold advance of our own, who were at once advantageously posted. The enemy now, by musketry and artillery, manifested himself off on our ex- treme right, and my two regiments in the front. line were at once ordered to throw up works with such tools as could be obtained. The work was not completed before the firing indicated a gradual approach to our position. Soon the right of the division becoming hotly engaged, one of my reserve regiments, the Seventy-sixth Ohio. was dispatched as an additional reserve to that line, n~ demonstration being made in my immediate front. Advantage was now taken to strengthen my works and prepare for the attack that threatened my line. My brigade thus lay throughout the after- noon, the troops not becoming engaged, although my skirmishers did good work from time to time engaging the attention of the enemy and guarding against any movement on their part directed toward my line. At night and the next day I continued, to strengthen my lines, when I was relieved by the Seventeenth Corps, and moved to the right to position in reserve since occupied. The loss in the brigade during this day was 2 commissioned officers and 10 enlisted men wounded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILO SMITH, Co~onel Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Gorndg. Brigade. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Fifteenth Army Corps Page 149 OHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 149 HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Lovejoys S/a/iou, Ga., September 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith the following re- port of the operations of this brigade from August 23, the date of my assuming command, until the fall of Atlanta, September 2: On the 23d of August the brigadeconsisting of the Seventy- sixth Ohio Veteran Infantry, Col. William B. Woods command- ing; Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. Thomas G. Fer- reby commanding; Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. Aurelitis Roberts commanding; Twenty-seventh Missouri Infailtry, Col. Thomas Curly commandingwas in position in the front line of works about Atlanta as occupied by this division, connecting on the right and left, respectively, with the Fourteenth Army Corps and the Second Division, Fifteenth Corps, and remained so located until the night of the 26th, when, in obedieiice to orders from Maj or-General Osterhaus, commanding division, the line of works was abandoned. The brigade moved out at 8 p. m. without any loss, and at once took up the line of march for Utoy Creek. Halting toward daylight, the march was resumed at 7 oclock the morning of the 27th, and at 4 oclock that evening my brigade took position on the south side of the Montgomery railroad, near Shadna Church, and at once began the erection of works such as~ before dark made my position safe and tenable. The 28th was spent in completing the destruction of the West Point road; the regiment so engaged, the Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, thoroughly performing the duty assigned it by burning the ties and so bending the iron as to make it wholly valueless. The morning of the 29th I started, together with the remainder of the division, marching toward Jonesborough, on the Macon railroad. Crossing the Flint Ri vcr a mile and a half from Jonesborough at 12 that night, I moved forward to within three-quarters of a mile of the t3wn and went into position in the second line, on the left of the maui Jonesborough road, my right resting on the same and connecting with the Second Brigade of this division, my left extending to the edge of the open field in rear of the left of Second Division, Fif- teenth Corps. The following morning (the 30th) I at once erected a substantial line of works on the line as selected, making my posi- tion in every respect secure. During.the morning, by the order of the major-general commanding division, two of my regiments, the Seventy-sixth Ohio and Twenty-sixth Iowa, were detached from my command, with orders to report to General Hazen, commanduig Second Division, Fifteenth Corps. I herewith inclose the report of Colonel Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio, the senior officer, of the part taken by the regiments while so detached. The afternoon of the 31st, fromn the enemys demonstrations, it became evident he would attack our lines, and during the fighting that soon followed my remaining two regiments were held in reserve. That night I was ordered to complete the connection of our lines with the Sixteenth Corps, which work was well done by the Thir- tieth Iowa Infantry, and on the following day (Septemuber 1) I was again ordered to complete a gap that existed in our works, which object was satisfactorily accomplished by the Twenty-seventh Mis- souri Infantry. The morning of September 2, it being found that the enemny had abandoned his works around Jonesborough, my brigade (the two regiments hitherto detached having reported) joined the division in the pursuit toward Lovejoys Station. Find Page 150 1~5O TIlE ATLANTA CAXTPAIGN. [CHAP. L. jug the enemy behind his fortifications, under the direction of the major-general commanding division I at once deployed my brigade, moved forward to a ridge of land abont 800 yards from the enemys main line of works, and connecting my lines on tbe right with the Second Brigade, and on the left, the railroad, with the Fourth Army Corps, I began throwing up works, night already approaching, and made my position secure. My command still occnpies this position. It is bnt justice to the officers and men of this brigade to state that under all circumstances have they shown themselves willing and ready to endure the labor and hardsbip required of them, and always prompt to do their whole duty before tbe enemy. I append herewith a list of casualties. I am, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, MILO SMITH, Colonel Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Corn dg~ Brigade. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Dir., Fifteenth Army Corps. A DDENDA. Itinerary of the First Brigade, First Dirision, Fifteenth Army Corps, for Jane and July, 1864. t June 1.This brigade was encamped near New Hope Church, Ga., and remained there until the enemy evacuated that position. June 6.Moved to the neighborhood of Acworth, Ga. June 10.Moved in front of enemys first position near Kenesaw Mountain, where, and in front of his second position, it has re- mained, intrenching, skirmishing, & c. The following officers have been wounded: June 15, Capt. William Dixon, Company D, Thirtieth Iowa, near Kenesaw; June 16, Maj. John Lubbers, Twenty-sixth Iowa, near Kenesaw; June 24, First Lient. Frank Critz, Thirtieth Iowa, aide-de-camp, near Kenesaw. July 1.This brigade was encamped near Kenesaw Mountain. July 3.The enemy evacuating, the brigade moved into Marietta. July 5.Moved toward Nickajack Creek. July 13.Moved via Marietta to Roswell Factory. July 14.Crossed the Chattahoochee. July 17.Thence via Decatur to position in front of Atlanta, on main Atlanta and Decatur road, which it reached on the 19th. July 22.Was engaged in the attack made by the enemy on our lines, with loss of 1 officer killed and 1 severely wounded. July 23.Moved back on Decatur road, July 24.Destroyed railroad from Decatur to near Atlanta, some three miles. July 26.Moved to extreme right of line and now occupy reserve position, some three miles west by south from Atlanta. The following officers wounded: July 22, First Lient. Miles Ar- nold, Seventy-sixth Ohio, near Atlanta, Ga.; July 28, First Lient. K F. Byng, Company B, Twenty-sixth Iowa, and Capt. P. H. Bence, Company F, Thirtieth Iowa, near Atlanta, Ga. Shows 3 officers and 47 nwn killed; 16 officers and 250 men wounded; 3 men missing; total, 319. t From monthly returns Page 151 Ciix~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 151 No. 454. Report of Cot. William B. Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, of operations August 31September 2. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-SIXTH OHIO INFANTRY, Near Jomesborough, Ga., September 2, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 31st of August I was ordered by Major-General Osterhaus, corn- mandiu g the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to take the Seventy-sixth Ohio all(l Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, of the First Brigade, under your comiuand, and report with them to Brigadier- General Hazen, commanding the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. I immediately moved with the regiments designated to the left and reported to General Hazen. These regiments, the Sev- enty-sixth Ohio, commanded by Maj. F. Briggs, and the Twenty- sixth Iowa, commanded by Capt. J. G. Crozer, rendered valuable assistance in repulsing the attack of the enemy on the 31st ultimo, and on the 1st instant pressed the flanks of the enemy with a strong line of skirmishers, while attacked in front by the Fourteenth Corps. On the morning of the 2d instant, by command of Major- General Logan, I reported to you with my command. During the operations of these two days both officers and men acted with alacrity, zeal, and conrage. and deserve commendation. I append a list of casualties.* I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. WOODS, Colonel Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry. Col. MILO SMITH, Comdg. First Brig., First Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 455. Reports of Cot. James A. Williamson, Fourth Iowa Infantry, com manding Second Brigade. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIv., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of the Second Brigade in the battle of Resaca: This brigade is composed of the Fourth, Ninth, Twenty-fifth, and Thirty-first Iowa Infantry Regiments. commanded, respectively, by Major Nichols, Colonel Carskaddon, Colonel Stone, and Colonel Smyth. About 10 oclock on the 13th instant the brigade was ordered into line of battle immediately on the left of the First Brigade, where it remained for two or three hours, when I received orders to move my brigade forward, which I did, taking the direction and keeping the alignment of the First Brigade until I arrived near the fortified hill from where the enemy kept np a heavy fire of artillery and mus- ketry. At this point I halted, keeping my right aligned with the * Shows 4 men killed and S men wounded Page 152 152 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. First Brigade, and advancing my left wing, so as to bring them under cover, where I remained until the enemy fell back, when I advanced, with the First Brigade on my right, and took possession of the hill immediately in fronf of the enemys fortifications, where I remained, skirmishing until a late hour at night. On the morning of the 14th commenced skirmishing at daylight, and kept it up all day, suffering considerable loss. Late in the afternoon of the 14th I was ordered, by General Osterhaus, to send one regiment to sup- port a battery which was engaging the enemys fortifications. In obedience to this order, I sent the Twenty-fifth Iowa, Colonel Stone. A little later iii the evening I was ordered to send a regiment to snp- port the First Brigade, which was assaulting the enemys line on my right, and, in obedience thereto, sent the Twenty-fifth Iowa, and moved the Fourth into position to support the battery. I remained in line of battle during the night of the 14th, skirmishing until a late hour, and again resumed the skirmishing at daylight on the 15th, and continued it through the day and until late at night. At daylight on the 16th I received an order from General Osterhans to advance into the town of Resaca, the enemy having evacuated it (luring the night. I have only to say, in conclusion, that there was neither strag- gling nor cowardice in my command. All were anxious to do their duty. I herewith inclose list of casualties. * I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. A. WiLLIAMSON, Colonel Four/h Iowa Infantry, Commanding Brigade. [Capt. W. A. GORDON, Assistant Adjutant- General, First Division.] HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY Conps, Camp near Lovejoys Station, September 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 117, de- partment headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of this brigade during the campaign commene ing May 3, ending with the occupation of Atlanta, Ga., September 2, 1864: The brigade consists of the Fourth, Ninth, Twenty-fifth, and Thirty-first Regiments Iowa Infantry, commanded respectively, at the commencement of the campaign, by Lieut. Col. S. D. Nichols, Col. David Carskaddon, Col. George A. Stone, and Col. William Smyth. May 3, 1864, the Ninth, Twenty-fifth, and Thirty-first marched from Bellefonte to Stevenson. May 4. marched to Bridgeport, where the Fourth Iowa, on return from veteran fnrlongh, joined the brigade, and continued the march to Shelimnound. May 5, 6, 7, and 8, the march was continued, via Chattanooga, Gordons Mills (on Chickamauga Creek), Gordons Gap, to Snake Creek Gap. May 9, left camp early; marched to a point near Resaca, and then marched back again. May 10, in line of battle all day and night. May 11, built breast-works. May 12. moved out of the breast- works, and formed line of battle; remained in hue-nearly all day, and then marched to Sugar Creek. May 13, marched early toward * Shows 6 men killed, 3 officers and 34 men wounded; total, 43 Page 153 CHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 153 Resaca. Skirmishing commenced at about 10 oclock. At 3 oclock we moved forward in line of battle, and drove the enemy into his main line of works. May 14 and 15, the brigade was continually under fire. On the evening of the 15th the Twenty-fifth Iowa took part in the assaults made by Brigadier--General Woods, commanding First Brigade. The loss was quite heavy in the affair at Resaca. May 16, entered the village of Resaca, detailed Twenty-fifth Iowa for provost guard, rested a short time, and resumed the march to Lays Ferry, on Oostenaula River. May 17, 18, and 19, marched from Lays Ferry to Kingston, via McGuires, Woodland, and Adairsville. May 20, 21, 22, remained in camp near Kingston. May 23, marched from Kingston to Euharlee Creek, distance of more than twenty miles. On the 24th marched about twelve miles, encamped at Camp Gold Mine. May 25, marched about twelve miles and to a point about three miles south of Dallas; formed line of battle during heavy rain; lay under arms all night. May 26, moved at 11 a. in., with skirmishers in front, to a l)oint three- quarters of a mile south of Dallas; formed line of battle, and sent out skirmishers, who very soon entered the town, after which we were ordered forward to a point about one mile east of Dallas; went into caump, but did not remain many minutes until I was ordered -to move forward, which I did, and formed line of battle on the left of General Giles A. Smiths brigade, of the Second Divis- ion, Fifteenth Corps. The hue of battle, when formed, was from right to left, in the following order, viz: Twenty-fifth, Fourth, Thirty-first, and six companies of the Ninth Iowa Regiments, this being the order in which the brigade marched that day, and there being no time for forming the line in accordance with the rank of regimental commanders accounts for this formation of the line. As each regiment came into line I immediately sent skirmishers forward, covering the front. These skirmishers always found the enemy only a short distance in front, where a heavy skirmish fire was kept nearly all the night. Just before dark, after reconnoiter- ing the ground in person, I deemed it advisable to advance the Thirty-first and Ninth Regiments to the crest of the high hill, upon the side of which they were originally formed. This move- ment was approved by the general commanding the division, who came up just at the time the movement was completed. Prior to this there had been quite a heavy fire from the front, amid the pickets and the sharpshooters of the division, under command of Lieutenant Williams, could only advance a short distance. It was now nearly, or quite, dark, and under cover of the darkness I hoped to be able to post a strong picket, or skirmish line, far enough in advance to render my line secure from surprise; and, in addition, gave strict orders for no man to leave the line, and thal all should keep their arms in their hands. As soon as it was quite dark the attempt was made to advance the pickets, or, rather, a strong line of skirmishers. In doing this, and before they had been advanced far enough to prevent the line from sudden attack, a fire was opened from the enemy, which seemed to come from a line of battle, in- stead of a line of skirmishers. About 400 yards to the left of my line, and some distammce to the rear, there was a hill, in an open field, which I thonght it important to hold, and was so a(lvised by orders from the general commanding the (livision. To do this required at least two companies, which I took from the Ninth Iowa Infantry. I should here state that before it was dark one co Page 154 154 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. pany of the Ninth had gained this position, and had reported to me that the enemy were in strong force in his front and left flank threatening theni, leaving but four companies of this regimefit in line. From the remaining four companies of the Ninth I was compelled to throw out skirmishers or pickets, to connect my skir- mish line with the two companies on the hill to the left. I then sent Lieutenant Shields, of my staff, to the general comnfanding the division, to inform him of what I had done, and to state further to the general that it had been reported to me by Colonel Carskad- don, of the Ninth Iowa, and also by the officer comlnan(ling the two companies on the left, that my left flank was seriously threat- ened, and that I had no support anywhere on my left, and received the assurance that my statement could not be true. In this posi- tion I remained, my skirmish line being frequently attacked, and my whole command kept on the gui vive through the night. At daylight, in fact before it was light, I went to the left and found the skirmish line drawn back almost to the line of battle. I went in person to the officer coInn7Lan(ling the skirmishers and ordered him to advance them. He reported the enemy but a short distance in his front in line of battle, and that a force was movingbythe flank perpendicular to my line of battle. I pushed the skirmishers forward as far as it was possible, in front of the Thirty-first and the sm~ill portion of the Ninth which was there. About this time the skirmish line on the left, connecting the two companies, commenced giving way, and reported again that the enemy was coming up in heavy force between my left and the two detached companies. I sent Capt. George D. Hilton, of my staff, to inforni General Oster- haus of all that is above stated, and soon after, becoming more con- firmed in my belief that everything was as reported to me, I sent Lieutenant~Shields, of my staff, to repeat the same message, and as- sure the general commanding the division of the fact of the state- ments which I had instructed Captain Hilton to give, as a repre- sentation ma(le by officers commanding the skirmish line, as well as by other officers who had been reconnoitering. The events above narrated all transpired in a very short time and just at daylight. There was a heavy mist or fog, which made it impossible to see a man, or even a line of battle, more than ten paces. While Captain Hilton and Lieutenant Shields were gone with the messag6 to Gen- eral Osterhans the firing nearly ceased, and the apprehension of an attack was somewhat lessened, and the skirmish line to the left re- formed. Both the officers returned from General Osterhaus and as- sured me there was no enemy on or near my flank. While Captain Hilton was reporting to me this intelligence, a heavy fire was opened on the flank driving in the skirmishers. I instantly went to the extreme left and found the skirmish line connecting with the two companies on the hill falling back. I bad just given orders for the fragment of the Ninth Iowa, then present, to form at a right angle to the position they then held, when a terrific fire was opened from the enemy, who had marched across my left flank. This attack was sudden, amid the strong picket, which had been out on the left, coming in precipitately, and on account of the fog missing the flank of the regiment, thus coming to the rear among surgeons, cooks, litter- bearers, servants, and non-combatants generally, created some ap- parent confusion; when, indeed, but few, if any, who had been in line had given way. The enemy were soon repulsed and the fire ceased. My brigade being now several hundred yards in advance o Page 155 155 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, 110.ARMY OP THE TENNESSEE. any other troops, and both flanks exposed, I ordered it to fall back and connect with the left of Second Division, which had in the mean time refused the left of tli~ position held on the evening of the 26th. Very soon after this II was relieved by the First Bri- gade, and ordered to occnpy the position the Third Brigade had jnst left. Three days subsequent fighting developed the fact that the enemys strongest point was in front of the place where my left rested on the night of the 26th and morning of the 27th. After being relieved by the First Brigade, as above stated, the brigade remained in camp, somewhat exposed to the enemys fire, until about 5 p. in. on the 28th, when the enemy made a vigorous as- sault on General Harrows division on onr right, when I was ordered to re-enforce him. My command fell in and double- quicked to his support, and took position on his right. How well, and in what time the movement was executed, I respectfully ask the general commanding to state for me. Dnring the night of the 28th my command built a complete line of works. May 29, re- mained in works and building new works. Heavy firing on the skirmish line. Soon after dark my command was ordered to leave the works, with as little noise a~ possible, and take a position across the main road, so as to cover the rear of the remainder of the corps, which was to move out. About the time this movement was executed, and the Fourth Division commenced to withdraw, the enemy assaulted our lines, and the firing became terrific. In obe- dience to orders, I sent two regiments (the Ninth and Twenty- fifth) back to the original position, and remained until daylight with the other two regiments, and then went with them back to the works on the right of the Fourth Division. May 30, remained in the works, keeping skirmishers active durino~ the day. May 31, remained in the works; skirmishers active. Late in the evening the enemy severely shelled every portion of my line. An attack was apprehended on the right, and preparations made to meet it. June 1, at daylight, my brigade was ordered out of the works to another line a mile in the rear, which had been constructed to cover the withdrawal of the corps. When the corps had passed, my com- mand acted as rear-guard on the march to New Hope Church, the enemy following us very close as far back as Dallas. June 2 and 3, remained in camp near New Hope Church. June 4, relieved General Kimballs brigade, near New Hope Church. Enemy left during the night. June 5, marched toward Acworth. June 6, ar- rived at Acworth. June 7, 8, and 9, remained in camp near Ac- worth. June 10 marched toward Kenesaw Mountain; camped at Big Shanty. June 11, received orders to reconnoiter in force with the remainder of the division ; went forward and took position in reserve in front of Kenesaw Mountain. June 12, remained in camp doing but little. June 13, relieved Third Brigade. June 14, in camp through the day and built an advance line of works at night. June 15, at 2 oclock I advanced my skirmish line with the skir- mishers of the First and Third Brigades, and drove the rebels from the advance line of works; occupied a new line and built works during the night. June 16, 17, and 18, remained on the advance line skirmishing all the time. The enemy left the works on the night of the 18th. June 19, moved forward to the main line of rebel works. June 20, moved to the right of the Second Division, near the railroad, nd built a hue of works for the whole brigade. June 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, renuained in the position taken on the 20th Page 156 150 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. and during all the time labored to advance my skirmish line. June 26, received orders to march at 6 p. in.; marched a few miles to the right and relieved a brigade of the Fourth Corps. June 27, was notified that the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, would assault the enemys line in my front at 8 a. m. In obedience to orders I sent 150 men, under command of Capt. Daniel E. Cooper, Fourth Iowa, brigade officer of the day, to clear the rifle-pits on the right flank of the assaulting column; though exposed to terrible fire, Captain Cooper and his men performed their part in the most gallant manner, carrying the pits by assault, using the bayonet freely. From June 28 to July 2, inclusive, the brigade remained in this line of works, skirmishing all the time and suffering considerable loss. July 3, the enemy evacuated the works on the night of the 2d; marched to Marietta and camped east of the town. July 4, marched at 9 a. m. toward the right of our army; marched twelve miles and encamped. July 5, 6, and 7, changing position by short marches. July 8, took position in front line and built breast-works for the entire command. July 9, 10, and 11, remained in this line. On the night of the 10th the enemy evacuated their works in our front. July 12, 13, and 14, marching from the right of the army on the - Chattahoochee River to the left of it at Roswell, where I crossed during the night of the 14th. July 15 and 16, remained in camp. July 17, marched at 5.30 a. m. toward Atlanta. July 18, marched to Hendersons Mill. July 19, marched to Decatur. July 20, marched near Atlanta and built a line of works. July 21, ad- vanced our line and built another line of works. On the 22d, about 8 a. m.,~in accordance with orders, my command moved out of a line of works which it had constructed on the night of the 21st, going in a westerly direction about three-quarters of a mile, to a line of works which the rebels j~ad abandoned the night of the 21st. The brigade had but three regiments present, viz, the Fourth, Ninth, and Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry Regiments. I sent skirmishers to the front to join the skirmishers who had been sent out the day pre- vious, making in all 150 men, besides officers, on the skirmish line. I also sent 100 men, besides officers, for fatigue duty, to assist in erecting a battery to my left. With the remainder of my command, the Fourth and Ninth in front amid Twenty-fifth in reserve, I com- mnenced transforming the rebel line of works into a line for the defense of my command. The transformation consisted in removing the embankment and abatis to the opposite side of the ditch. This work was soon accomplished, the command remaining close to their arms after the work was done. About 2 oclock the action com- menced on our immediate left, the rebels attacking the Second and Fourth Divisions of the Fifteenth Corps. When the action had lasted half an hour, or perhaps longer, the rebels carried the works in front of the Second Division, capturing Captain De Gress battery of 20- pounder Parrott guns. In accordance with orders of the general commanding the division, I changed the front of my line, letting my right rest where it was, and swmnging my left back, connecting my left with the right of the First Brigade of our division. I remained in line of battle for a short time awaiting the advance of the rebels, but they did not come. General Woods ordered me to advance in two lines and flank the work from which the rebels had driven our forces a short time before. I commenced the movement, the Fourth and Ninth in first and Twenty-fifth in second line, and very soo Page 157 CRAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 157 came under a heavy fire, to which the command was exposed only for a short time, for it soon came under cover on the margin of a little stream. Here was a short delay in getting throngh a thick bramble. The line was soon formed on the opposite side of the stream when the command was given to go forward, which it did gallantly, flanking and carrying the work and recapturing Dc Gress battery, all in the shortest possible time in which a work of this kind cduld be done. I left the Ninth in the works, Sen(liIig the Fourth to the right to occupy a rebel battery which commandcd the head of a ravine which led to our line in the only place where there was not a breast-work. The regiment had not more than formed be- fore it was assaulted by a brigade of rebel infantry, under command of Colonel Baker, and a very stubborn fight ensued. The regiment nobly held the position, and finally repulsed the assault, inflicting great loss on the rebels in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Thirty- seventh Alabama (rebel) was, accordiiig to the statement made by prisoners, nearly annihilated in this engagement. The honor of recapturing De Gress battery is due to the Fourth and Ninth T{egi- ments, men of both regiments arriving there about the sanie time. ~After the last assault made by the rebels was repulsed, the com- mand went to work changing the rebel works, and constructing new works, completing them agaiiist daylight, at which time I received orders td move to the left of the Sixteenth Corps, some two or three miles to the left of our position. Loss in this engagement was 36, 5 being killed, 2 missing, and 29 wounded, including Lieutenant-Col- onel Nichols, of the Fourth Iowa, who was slightly wounded in the thigh in the early part of the engagement. Soon after daylight on the 23d we moved and took our new position. Sunday, the 24th, was spent in destroying the railroad near Decatur. Remained in camp on the 25th and until night of the 26th, when I received orders to move with the balance of the division, which I did, taking a position to cover the rear in a movement being then niade to the extreme right of the army. On the 27th at daylight my brigade moved, covering the rear, and marched all day toward the right, arriving at a place about 10 p. in., where we bivouacked until daybreak, when I moved forward a short distance and went into line of battle in the center of the divisioii. Here we halted a short time and then advanced in line of battle obliquely to the left, and wheeling to the left. After ad- vanciug in this manner for about one mile, or probably a little more, in obedience to orders I halted and formed line of battle in two lines, the Fourth and Twenty-fifth in front, and the Ninth in rear, in re- serve. As won as the line was formed I ordered the construction of temporary breast-works, which the men willingly and hastily con- structed. In about three-quarters of an hour after taking this posi- tion the rebels made an attack oii our lines to my right. The rebel assaults were determined and fierce, lasting for iiearly three hours, but during this time my command was but little engaged, as the rebel attack did not extend farther thaii to a point opposite niy right flank. July 29, remained in camp and built breast-works. July 30, relieved by a brigade of the Seventeenth Corps and moved in a reserve position, and sent the Ninth Iowa to picket the extreme right. July 31, in camp. August 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, in camp and doing picket duty. August 6, moved about one mile to the front and took a position on the left of the Fourteenth Corps, and built a line of works. Au Page 158 158 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. gust 7, men under arms all day. August 8, 9, 10, ii, and 12, re- mained in same line; more than half the time under arms, in ap- prehension of an assault. August 13, my command took part in the assault made by the division on the enemys skirmish line: mak-- ing a Complete suCcess, Capturing nearly the entire force in the pits. August 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, remained in works, making (lemon- strations almost daily against the rebel works, losing some men each day. August 19, advanced my line to the front of First Bri- gade, Twenty-fifth and Thirty-first Regiments occupying line, and digging intrenchments. August 20, making intrenchments. Au- gust 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, occupying our works without much excite- ment or fighting. August 26, marched at dark toward the right of the army; marched all night and until 10 a. m. on the 27th. August 27, in camp. August 28, marched at 7 a. in., arriving at the Montgomery railroad about 11 a. in.; took position on each side of the railroad, Fourth and Twenty-fifth Iowa building a line of earth-works. August 29, in camp; Ninth and Thirty-first Regi- ments engaged in destroying railroad. August 30, marched to a point about one mile north of Jonesboroiigh, and sent two regi- ments, Twenty-fifth and Thirty-first, to support some cavalry on the right; cavalry went away as soon as the regiments came up. The other two regiments (Fourth and Ninth) went to the front. All the regiftients built breast-works (luring the night; August 31, during the forenoon the Twenty-fifth and Thirty-first were relieved by the Sixteenth Corps, and went into the front line and again built a sub- stantial line of breast-works. The Fourth Iowa was also twice moved into new positions, and built works. About 10 oclock I sent 100 men (50 from each the Fourth and Ninth Regiments) to support a battery placed in an advanced position on the right. About 3 oclock the rebels made an assault on our front line. The 100 men from the Fourth and Ninth did their duty in supporting the battery, and succeeded, under the immediate direction of the general com- manding the division, in bringing the guns off from under a heavy fire from the enemy, who had nearly surrounded them. During the assault four companies of the Ninth Iowa, under Captain McSweeney, went forward and took a position in an interval i)etween the right of the Fourth Division and the left of the Third Brigade, ~vhere there were no intrenchments, and while the battle continued succeeded in throwing up temporary works, which enabled them to hold the position. The enemy were repulsed with loss. During the night a regiment of the First Brigade (the Thirtieth Iowa) l)artiahly con- structed a line of works on the right of thie Twenty-fifth Iowa. On the morning of September 1 I relieved this regiment with the Twenty-fifth, which completed the works and occupied them. September 1, lay in works all (lay. Heavy ~kirniishiing in the afternoon. rfwo hundred men on skirmish line. Fourth Iowa took a new position detached from, and on the right of, the division, and built a good line of intrenchments. September 2, the enemy having left during the night, the brigade was ordered to march with (hivis- ion in pursuit. Marched about five ~iiles, amid formed line of battle, and halted for a short time. A sharp engagement was soon brought on by the Fourth Division, and my brigade was ordered to the left of it. The Thirty-first took position in the front line, the other reg- iments in rear, and during the night all intrenchied themselves be- hind good works. September 3, 4, and 5, occupied our works; con- stant skirmishing. In obedience to orders, I moved the brigade ou Page 159 1i59 CHAR. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TILE TENNESSEE. at 8 oclock in the night of the 5th, and marched to Jonesborough with the division, and took the same position which I left on the 2d instant. So closes the record of this memorable campaign. I could not make it more brief and do jnstice to the regiments of the brigade. The vast amonnt of labor done by this command, in addition to the marching and fighting, and the cheerfnlness and zeal with which it has been performed, is sufficient to encourage the best hopes for the snccess of onr army. The troops have neither hesitated nor mnr- mnred at any privation or labor. To the officers and men I owe a debt of gratitnte for their prompt and willing obedience to orders. To my staff officers, Captains Anderson and Darling and Lienten- ants Shields, Nnckolls, and Crane, I am greatly indebted for efficient services. Their bravery and competency will commend them to any officer nnder whom they may serve. I cannot close this report with- ont mentioning in terms of praise my faithfnl orderly, George Simms. The casnalties in the brigade dnring the campaign have been 280. * A list of their names, regiments, and companies accompanies this report. J. A. WILLIAMSON, Colonel Fourth Iowa infantry, Commanding Brigade. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Division, 15th Army Corps. No. 456. Report of ~iJol. William Smyth, Thirty Jlrst Iowa Infantry, of oper ations May 23-June 6. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT IOWA INFTY. VoLS., in the Field, near Acworth, Ga., June 6, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with a circnlar from headquarters Second Brigade, First Division, Fiftecuth Army Corps, Department of the Tennessee, of this date, exhibited tQ me to-day, requiring me to forward, as soon as possible, to your headquarters a report detailing the part taken by my command in the engagements and skirmishes with the enemy since we left Kingston, Ga., with a list of the cas- ualties, giving the names, company, and rank of the killed, wounded, and missing, and also the nature and extent of the wounds, with the dates respectively, I have the honor to report that after leaving Kingston, on the morning of Monday, May 23, we proceeded unmolested until May 26 in the forenoon, whemi, approaching the town of Dallas, Polk County, Ga., about three-quarters of a mile distant, I was ordered to form my command and take position in line of battle to the left of the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers, which was done. In obedience to further orders, I threw forward Company B, as skirmishers, in advance, and so as to cover the regi- ment in line, a distance of 500 yards. Our skirmishers soon ad- vanced as far as the town of Dallas, and, not finding the enemy, we were ordered to advance to an eminence overlooking a part of the town, where we were halted, arms stacked, and the men had an * But see revised statement, p. 113 Page 160 160 TilE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. opportunity to prepare Coffee. Soon after, and early in the after- noon of same day, we proceeded on the marCh toward Dallas, which, after some delay, occasioned by another column passing eastward through the town, we reached toward the west end, and, filing right, passed through the western end of the town on the main road, or street, and in a westward direction. After we had fairly passed through the town we filed left into a field and formed again in line in the rear of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, who were close up to the tim- ber on the south side of the field, and stacked arms. Here we re- mained but a few minutes. A brisk skirmish going on in onr front and to the south of our position and extending in a western direc- tion, we were ordered forward, and, filing to the left, after mov- ing a short distance, say quarter of a mile, along a road running in a perpendicular direction to the main road through Dallas, we again filed to the left into the timber and along a ravine immediately in the rear of our line of battle, which seemed to be formed with ref- erence to it. The Twenty-fifth Iowa was in the advance of our brigade, next the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers, then the Thirty- first Iowa, the Fourth Iowa formed on the left of the Twenty-fifth and the Thirty-first on the left of the Fourth. Our line, as thus extended, still seemed to be conformed with reference to the ravine, which was immediately in our rear. Whilst we were forming on the left of the Fourth, I threw forward Company A, temporarily under command of Lieutenant McQuilkin, of Company D, as skim mishers, in obedience to orders, so as to cover the regiment in line, who immediately advanced to the top of a ridge in our front and at once became engaged in a brisk skirmish with the enemy. I was then ordered to advance our line, which I did, under the immediate eye of the brigade commander, to iiear the crest of the ridge in our front, so that our line was just covered by the crest. In making this last advance, our divisioii sharpshooters, under command of Lieutenant Williams, who were lying on the face of the ridge, moved forward and to the left out of our way. Soon after this our skirmishers sent in a prisoner, a private of a Texas regiment, I believe, if I remember right, tIme Sixth, formerly mounted. I mime- diately sent him, nuder guard, to brigade headquarters. He sur- rendered to Private Cane, of Company A, of my command, who was within a few feet of him at time time he gave himself up. In the dark of the evening, in further conformity to orders, I relieved our skirmishers by a picket of sixty men, under command of Capt. iIVIilo P. Smith, of Company C. In posting the pickets amid re- lieving the skirmishers, owmug to the fact that time sharpshooters and our skirmishers had got somewhat mixed and that the sharp- shooters had been a short time previously withdrawn, one relief of our pickets coming into close proximity with the enemys pickets, were fired upon by the latter, and 1 of our men, Harvey Lamb, a private of Company H, was wounded in both thighs, severely in the flesh of the left thigh, and the bone of the right thigh broken. His right leg has been amputated above the knee, and it is feared that his wounds will or have already proved muor- tal. About the same tunic that our skirmishers were being relieved by our pickets, Company K was detailed, under orders, and placed on the left of our brigade, nuder supervision of Capt. G. D. Hilton, of Colonel Wihlianusons staff, under command of Lieu- tenant Bockins, and I was ordered to relieve the pickets before day- light on the morning of the 2rth, also Company K by another co Page 161 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. 161 pany. This I had done as ordered, relieving the pickets by twenty men of Company B as skirmishers, under command of Capt. R. P. Speer, and Company K by Company G, under command of Capt. J. H. Evans. Our skirmishers soon became warmly engaged with the enemy, and John H. Clough, private of Company B, was mor- tally wounded in the mouth, jaw, and neck. He has since died in hospital. Private Frederick Jacob, Company B, was dangerously wounded in lower jaw and neck. John Parmenter, private Com- pany B, was also severely wounded in the neck and right shoulder. Harlow C. Perry, James Watson, and John A. Rarrick, privates of Company B, are missing since the same time, and are supposed to have been either killed, wounded, or captured; at all events they fell into the hands of the enemy. George Brown, r)rlvate Company B, died in ambulance May 26. These casualties in Company B all occurred on the left of our skirmish line in a very short time, and were owing to the fact that the enemy in line, with skirmishers a short distance in their front, were advancing upon the front and left flank of the skirmishers of the regiment in our brigade to our left, whose skirmishers fell back on our line, when the enemy in line, changing direction, advanced on the front and left flank of our skirmishers, thus exposing Them to a cross-fire from the enemys skirmishers. The left of our skirmish line then fell back, in obedi- ence to orders from Captain Speer, leaving the right of our skirmish hue still engaged with the enemys skirmishiers~ About this time the regiment to our left fell back, passing in our rear to the right along the ravine, and a portion of that regiment, with the colors, was rallied and formed in a line perpendicular with our main line, running down from left of my command to the ravine in our rear, and, together with the left wing of my command, opened a brisk fire on the enemy, effectually checking their farther advance. Whilst this was going on in our imupiediate vicinity, Company K, on the extreme left of our brigade, was engaged with the enemys skir- mishers, and after the skirmish line of the regiment to the left of my command fell back, Company K, who was being relieved by Company G, was forced to fall back also. Companies K and G appeared to have been entirely flanked, at least one battalion of the enemy having gained a position on the other side of the ravine in the rear of our line, with its left resting in the ravine and its right running up the hill on the other side of the ravine. This battalion of the enemy in this position appears to have advanced on Com- panies K and G, which had fallen back to the ravine. Of course these companies, finding by this time that the regiment immedi- ately on their right had fallen back, fell back also. Whilst this was occurring. Charles D. Warner, private of Company G, was slightly wounded in the right leg (this wound has proved to be serious), and Corpl. Elmore Miller and Private James T. Wood, of the same com- pany, have been since missing. Soon after this I received orders to fall back with my command, which was done in good order, passing through the skirmish line of the Third Brigade, which occupied the position which I, until then, supposed was held by the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers, and, passing round the right of the Third Bri- gade. I took position in their rear, to the left of the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers. Here we remained but a short time, and about noon of the 27th took position for rest in the field to the right of the road running perpen(hicular to the main road leading ii R RvoL XXXVIII. PT II Page 162 162 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [C~iAr. L. through Dallas, along which we marched the previous evening and before we filed to the left into the timber to take position in line. Here we remained nntil the evening of the following day, May 28, when, abont 4 p. in., we were ordered to fall in and immediately set off on the donble-qnick to the right, the enemy having charged on onr lines. When my Command reached a point in the rear of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, we were ordered by General Osterhaus np to the snpport of the Sixth Iowa. Three field pieces of the First Iowa Battery (Captain Griffiths), which were in position ontside of onr breast-works, had been captured by the enemy. This we learned from the drivers, who were taking the battery horses to the rear after we were ordered np to the snpport of the Sixth Iowa. This intelligence cansed onr boys to still accel- erate our movements, which had all along been qnite rapid. Onr coming to the support of the Sixth was so gratifying and enconrag~ ing to them that, with onr assistance, they ponred a fire into the enemy so rapid and effective that the enemy was compelled to relinquish the three cannon they had taken and retreated precipi- tately, when the Sixths boys went ont and hauled back the cannon by hand. My command then being ordered to the rear again, we withdrew to the rear into the open field, and remained there firmly under a brisk artillery fire of shot and shell from the enemy for a short time, when we were ordered to join our brigade, which we did, going still farther to the right, and took position in the rear of the brio~ade, with orders to be ready to move at a nioinents notice in any direction ordered. Whilst under fire and dnring the charge on the evening of the 28th Privates William 0. Phelps and William G. Farnham, of Company B, were wounded slightly in the shoulder. We remained in the positinn last above indicated until near day- light of the morning of the 29th of May, when we were ordered to make rifle-pits and breast-works commanding a ravine on the right flank of our brigade, which we did during the forenoon of that day and completed the same. These works ran perpendicular to the line of the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers works, and we, therefore, caused traverses to be constructed for each company so as to cover them on the flanks. These works we occupied until after dark on the evening of the 29th of May, when we moved silently back along to the left of our lines and took position in line of battle along a road running north and southwest of Dallas to the left of the Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers. We remained here in this position dur- ing the night and until about 8 a. nit. of the 30th of May, when we were ordered across the road and a little to the right, where the men could avail themselves of the shade of sonic scrub timber skirting a ravine, and remained there until noon. During the night of the 29th of May seven or eight distinct charges by the enemy were understood to have been made on our front lines, and judging from the rolls of musketry, mingled with artillery, they were supposed to have been desperate, but I have since understood that the fight was ex parte, and that the enemy was at such a distance that they suffered but little or not at all, whilst our loss was not very heavy. About noon of May 30 I was ordered to move again to the right with my command, and took position again to the left of Fourth Iowa Veteran Volunteers, immediately on the right of the works which we had constructed on morning of 29th, and in the rifle-pits previously occupied by Wilders brigade. During this last move- ment Sergt. Thomas M. Belknap, of Company B, was slightl Page 163 CHAP. L.] REPOETS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 163 [wounded] in the head, and Private Mark Orr, of the same com- pany, slightly in the right foot. We remained in the position last indicated until the afternoon of the 31st of May, keeping a strong line of skirmishers in our front in daytime and a strong picket at night, when, in pursuance of orders, we moved back into the works constructe(l by us on the morning of May 29. Our skirmishers, then under command of Capt. 8. S. Farwell, holding their line in froiit of the rifle-l)its we had just left, and an additional line of skir- mishers being thrown out in front of the works then occupied by us covering the right flank, which was then, I understand, the extreme right of our lines. Just before dark, on the evening of 31st of May, the enemy succeeded in bringing a piece or two of artillery into the edge of the woods in front of the Ninth and Twenty-fifth Iowa, and commeiiced throwing shot and shell into the pits we had just aban- doned and [those] which we then occupied, as well as the woods oc- cupied by our skirmishers. The traverses in our works covered us so effectually that not a man was injured, although the enemy had fair range on us. One shell fell in our works, but did not explode. Sergeant-Major Maloney, now acting as lieutenant of Company K, pending his recommendation for promotion to lientenancy of that company, picked it up and threw it over the breast-works. Early on morning of June 1 we again moved silently to the left to near the position occupied by us on the night of May 29, into rifle- pits previously prepared. Here we remained a short time, and then took up the line of march to the left through Dallas, and arrived at camp, near New Hope Church, about 1 p. m. June 1. Here we re- mained until about 3 p. m. June 4, when we moved and took posi- tion again in the rifle-pits in front of the enemys works. We remained in the pits over night, and found, on the morning of June 5, that during the night enemy had evacuated. During the fore- noon we again took up the line of march, and have thence hitherto proceeded unmolested. All of which is respectfully submitted. WM. SMYTH, Golonel, Commanding Thirty-first Iowa Infantry. Lieutenant SHIELDS, A. A. A. G., 2d Brig., 1st Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 457. Reports of Cot. Hugo lYangelin, Twelfth Missouri Infantry, com- manding Third Brigade, of operations May 13-16, July 22-25, and July 28September~ 3. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the troops under my command during the engagements near Resaca, Ga., on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of May, 1864 This brigade arrived, with the division, in time forenoon of the 13th at the rOad leading from Dalton to Calhoun Ferry; was ordered to form line of battle by battalions in mass, as reserve to division, on the right of Resaca road; followed it up in support of division as it advanced upon the enemy; bivouacked that night at the foot of the hill occupied by First Brigade and De Gress battery. The Seven Page 164 164 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Cn~p. L. teenth and Thirty-second Missofrri Volunteers were ordered late in the evening to relieve the skirmishers of First and Second Brio and picket the front of the two brigades mentioned. On the morning of the 14th the Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Tn- fantry was ordered forward as skirmishers toward the bridge over Camp Creek, and directed to push across the bridge, which was done most gallantly, and which gave us entire possession of it. After crossing the bridge this regiment, in the anxiety to get on the hill in front of it, pushed its line forward, and advanced so far that it had to be ordered to fall back a short distance, it havinr not suffi- cient support. At 6 p. m. a charge was omjered to be made upon the enemy occupying the hill in front of the division, the Third Missouri Volunteers being ordered at the sanie time to report to Brigadier-General Woods, commanding First Brigade, which regi- ment participated in the charge, and remained with First Brigade until the occupation of Resaca, and as to the conduct of that regi- ment I respectfully refer to the report of Brigadier-General Woods. During the charge the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, then on the left, opened a terrific fire upon the ~nemy, which was kept up until the hill was carried by our troops, when the regiment was ordered to withdraw across the bridge to clean the guns and rest. The Seyen- teenth - and Thirty-second Missouri Volnuteers were relieved as pickets some time before the charge was niade, and held in reserve near the bridge, and while there these two reginments were kept con- stantly employed for several hours carrying ammunition to the men of the division, and were a great deal exposed to the enemys fire. In the eveiiing the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri Volun- teers were ordered forward to report to Brigadier-General Woods for support, with whom they remained until the morning of the 16th instant. On the 15th instant the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers made rifle- pits along the creek to protect the bridge in case of attack, and occupied the pits during that day and night; the other regiments bivouacked in their present position. On the moriiing of the 16th the town and works of the enemy were reported evacuated, and General Osterhaus, in person, ordered the Twelfth Missouri Volunteers early in the morning to nmarch into towim. I followed, according to orders~, with the remainder of the brigade (the Seventeenth amid Thirty-second Missouri Volunteers). On arriving near town the Third, Twelfth, Twenty-ninth, and Thirty-first Missouri Volunteers again joined my command. I also inclose herewith a report of casualties. * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obediemit servamit, HUGO WANGELIN, Colonel Twelfth Missouri Volunteers, Gomdg. Brigade. Capt. NV. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., 13th Army Corps. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Camp Scorpion, near Atlanta, Ga., July 25, 1864. COLONEL: Having been connected for the last four days with the Seventeenth Army Corps, I consider it my duty to report, for the in- formation of the commanding general, the part taken by this bri- gade during that time. * Shows 1 officer and 9 men killed, 45 men wounded, and 1 man missing; total, 56 Page 165 165 cHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. On July 22, 1864, at about 1 p. in., i received orders from General C. R. Woods, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, of which this brigade forms a part, to march my troops to headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, where a staff officer of General Logan would be in readiness to assign the brigade its position. Arriving at the spot assigned, I found Captain Hoover, aide-de-camp to Major-Gen- eral Logan, in waiting, who conducted the brigade about a mile or more to the left, and assigned as its position the edge of a woods, across a hill, in the center of a gap left between the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps. I immediately caused the troops to con- struct breast-works along their front, which was speedily done, as rails were very abundant at that spot, and threw a strong skirmish force forward to protect our front, give timely warning of an approach of an enemy in force, and take such prisoners as would come within their reach. In the mean time our litter-bearers were directed to search the woods for wounded men who had been left there from the engagement of one hour previous. Surg. Joseph Spiegelhalter, Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, went out to give the matter his personal attention, and succeeded in rescuing and d~liveriug to their friends three wounded men of the Sixteenth Army Corps. At that time the distance of the left of this brigade and the next troops of the Sixteenth Army Corps was at least a quarter of a mile, and the gap on our right to Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, some 200 yards. The Sixteenth Army Corps soon after placed more troops on their right, thus lessening the distance, which troops were, however, soon withdrawn, re-estab- lishing the original gap. Our skirmishers had by this time suc- ceeded in capturing 20 prisoners, of whom 2 were commissioned officers, 1 of whom was wounded before he surrendered. This posi- tion the brigade held when Major-General Blair arrived at 4 or 5 p. rn. when, after some delay, I was directed by him to close up on Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and report to Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith for orders. The skirmishers thrown forward were not withdrawn, to keep up appearances of force, although no sup- port was in their rear. After our right had come up in the direction of the left of Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, General Smith directed a forward movement of the whole brigade, until our right came fully up with the left of his troops, when the right was halted arid the whole line performed a half or three-quarter wheel on its right and came to a stand. The whole movement was performed in thick woods and underbrush. The men keeping well closed up, however, a strong line was speedily established. By this movement our left was farther from connection and support than before; at least half a mile of dense forest lay between it and the Sixteenth Army Corps, and night setting in I changed the position of my left by a half left wheel to the rear of my left regiment, and placed the Twenty-ninth Missouri some 150 yards from the left flank of the main line fronting toward the left. Skirmishers were thrown forward to cover our new position and connect with those left the preceding afternoon in their places, who in their turn, as was re- ported to me, connected with the picket-line of the Sixteenth Corps. About 12.30 a. m. July23 I was put in possession of twenty-four spades, some picks an axes and, under instructions from General Smith, commenced fortifying, selecting such a line as my limited number of men could well defend, and being entirely unsuppOrte(l on the left, refused the works to such an extent that I was sure o Page 166 166 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. our ability to hold the position against all attack. At daylight the works were pretty well completed, and the cntting of the sniall trees in our front formed such an effective abatis that no fear of a capture of our position could reasonably be entertained. The day passed quietly, our litter-bearers being engaged dnring a short trnce in exchanging the rebel dead for those of our own fallen comrades, in which exchange, with accnstome(l liberality, they at least gave five for one, reversing the sonthern idea that one Sonthiern man was worth as much as five Northern. The next day the officer in charge of skirmish line reported that three caissons of the Second U. S. Ar- tillery, filled with ammunition, were in front of our lines. I there- fore directed a temporary advance of our skirmish line, and with a strong fatigue party succeeded in bringing them safe within our line. One army wagon loaded with forage was still farther out, and in our endeavors to save it also the enemy opened fire; one round shot struck and broke one wheel; it was therefore abandoned as not of sufficient value to risk the lives of the men for it. The balance of the day passed quietly, with the exception of some little shelling, as did also this day. The brigade consisted of th~ following regiments with the effect- ive force (muskets) on the 22d as herein set forth: Third Missouri Volun.teer Infantry, Colonel Meurnaun, 135; Twelfth Missouri Vol- unteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Kaercher, 170; Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Romer, 141; Twenty-ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Major Murphy, 151; Thirty-first Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Simp- son, 122; Thirty-second Missouri Volv nteer Infantry, Major Seay, 149; total, 868. We captured 25 prisoners, including 2 commissioned officers, 20 during the day and S during the night, and lost 4 wounded, 3 of the Twelfth and 1 of the Third Missouri. Captain iBurkhardt, Twenty- ninth Missouri, while out with the skirmishers, was taken pris- oner. The only disappointment the officers and men of this brigade ex- perienced was their inability to show by actual combat with the enemy that they were worthy to stand side by side in the defense of their country with the veterans of the Seventeenth Army Corps, whose fighting qualities they witnessed and admired on the memo- rable July 22, 1864, without being able, from their position, to parti- cipate therein. Respectfully submitted. HUGO WANGELIN, Colonel. Commending Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel ALEXANDER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Seventeenth Army C~orps. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, August 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders just received, I hereby submit report of the part taken by this brigade in the engagement with the enemy July 28, 1864. Having arrived late at night (July 27) near the place which was to be the position to be occupied by the First Division, after a fe Page 167 C~. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 16~T hours rest, at about 3 a. m. July 28, 1864, II received orders to ad- vance with my brigade by the right flank, in rear of Second Brigade, and after the Second Brigade went into position by fronting and closing up on the First Brigade on their left. We marched by the Second Brigade and took position on its right, thus forming a line of battle, whereof the First Brigade held th& left, the Second the center, and the Third the right. Iirnnediately after arriving, the Twelfth, Thirty-fi~st, and Thirty-second Missouri, which formed my first line, threw up log breast-works and then sat down to a hasty breakfast. A strong line of skirmishers had been thrown forward as soon as our position had been assigned to us, who soon com- menced exchanging shots with the enemy, whose skirmish line they encountered. About one hour after, a forward movement of all the troops being ordered, with instructions to keep well closed up on Second Brigade, as the forward movement was somewhat in the nature of a left wheel of the Army of the Tennessee, we advanced steadily. The thick underbrush through which we had to pass made the movemeiit very difficult. I contrived, however, to be close up with Second Brigade oii arrival before a large open field, which was crossed in line of battle by the whole division. The whole line still swinging to the left and closing up on the left, I had to move the brigade by a march by the left flank to its final position, a few paces beyoiid a frame meeting-house. The Fourth Division closed up on my right, refusing their line to cover our flank, and commenced for- tifying. Some concentration of the troops on our left caused the whole line to close up some distance to our left again, which created a gap between my right regiment, the Twelfth Missouri, and the Fourth Division, which I had to fill up by the third battalion of the brigade, composed of the Seventeenth ail(l Twenty-ninth Missouri, which formed part of the second, or reserve line. Jinniediately after the permanent establishment of the line I caused breast-works to be thrown up, which was performed as good as circumstances would admit, not being in possession of any tools whateiver. Benches wei e taken out of the church and filled with knapsacks to serve as breast-works, and doubtless did better service than ever before. The country iii our immediate front was covered by a thick growth of small trees, which our skirmish line was ordered to penetrate as far as possible, keeping in connection with the line of Fourth Divis- ion on our right and Second Brigade, First Division, on our left. About 1 p. m. our skirmish line was driven iii by the enemy. The men reported that the enemy were advancing in three heavy hines ready to charge our works. Some appreh3nsion being felt that the report was exaggerated, as usual in such cases, the men were not allowed to fire until the enemy appeared in sight, which brought them to the distance of some eighty yards, when such a terrific fire was opened upon them that iio mortal could stand, and the enemy fell back. Rallying his troops, however, the enemy advanced again, and to streugthen my defensive powers, I caused my last reserve regiment, the Third Missouri, to fill up all weakly manned points on the right of my line, which was principally attacked, thereby secur- ing such a strong line that all apprehensions were put at rest. The enemy attacked again and again, and although the brunt of the attack was directed against the Fourth Division, their hues over- lapped this division and attacked the right of this brigade, but all and every assault was repulsed as speedily as their first main charge. Thus, with more or less firing, the day passed, and tools havin0 bee Page 168 168 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. procured, part of the men were digging and fortifying, while others kept firing; and when night set in we had not only repulsed the enemy, but put up field-works and a fifty-yard wide abatis of such strength that a single line of determined soldiers would have been able to hold them against all attack. The loss this brigade sustained was light in comparison with the enemys loss, of whom 72 were buried in our immediate front. This brigade lost 1 man killed and 34 wounded, of whom 5 were officers. Lieutenant-Colonel Kaercher, Twelfth Missouri, in side, doing well; Major Murphy, Twenty-ninth Missouri, in breast, serious, but doing well so far; Captaiii Affleck, Twelfth Missouri, in leg and abdomen, has since died; Lieutenant Taylor, Twenty-ninth Missouri, on head, doing duty again; and Lieutenant Sellentin, Twelfth Missouri, through windpipe, doing well. All men behaved gallantly and felt sorry that no further attacks were made on them, as they felt invincible in their position, and would have proved it. Respectfully submitted. HUGO WANGELJN, Colonel, Commanding Briqade. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Assi. Adjt. Gen., First Division, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIv., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Lovejoys Station, September 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: In my last report I had the hoirnr to present to the gen- eral commanding division the part taken by the Third Brigade in the engagement with the eneniy July 28 and days following. I hereby subniit a report of the share taken by this brigade in this martial drama from that time on until the capture of Atlanta. On the 2d day of August we were ordered to occupy an open field in rear of Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, as i~eserve, no part of the First Division occupying at that time a position in front. The next day I received orders to occupy p art of the advanced line. The Third, Thirty-first, and Thirty-second Missouri were ordered out, the two latter regiments, however, relieved before night. The Third remaine(l until evening of August 4, when it was also relieved by a regiment of the Second Brigade. Our loss was light, and re- sulted mainly from stray shots of shell and ball, which aimed at the pits in our front fell amongst our nien. Here in this camp we re- mained, being but seldom called upon to assist in demonstrations made against the enemy, until August 26, 1864, when the brigade, joining the other two brigades of the division, marched off at 9 p. m. toward Utoy Creek and eventually West Point railroad, which we struck near Fairburn August 28, 1864, at noon. Here we remained until August 30, half of the brigade occupying rifle-pits for the pro- tection of our troops, while the other half assisted in thoroughly destroying the railroad. My command had previously been con- siderably reduced, the term of service of a great many men of the Twelfth and Third Missouri having expired. The remains of thesenow skeletonregiments were sent back to guard the train by orders from division headquarters, and all those of the Third and Seventeenth Missouri whose term of service expired after the expiration of term of service of the regiment, some 70 or 80 i Page 169 169 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. nuniber, had been detailed to service in the Fourth Ohio Bat- tery, leaving not over 400 men carrying muskets in the brigade. At 9 a. m. August 80, 1864, the brigade (Seventeenth, Twenty- ninth, Thirty-first, and Thirty-second Missouri) resumed its march in rear of Second Brigade, and reached a point about one mile from Macon railroad, near Jonesborough, at 10 p. m. Early on August 31 we built breast-works for protection, but soon a position on the right of the Fourth Division was assigned to us, and the men caused to fortify immediately. At 3 oclock the enemy most furi- ously shelled our position without causing more than a slight loss to us, and immediately thereafter charged the whole works in force. The position of this brigade was very favorable for defense, as a large field was in our front. None of the charging parties came nearer than 150 yards, being unable to stand the withering fire that greeted them to hospitable graves; but all that had advanced that far took refuge in a ravine, which sheltered them from our fire and gave them the means to join their friends again. On the morning of the 1st of September, and again in the evening of the same day, a strong skirmish line was sent forward to feel and engage the enemy, but found his lines too strong to gain any perma- nent advantage. In the evening of the day the brigade was relieved by some regiments of the First and Second Brigades, who held the front line during the night. The enemy evacuated Jonesborough during the night. Pursuit was commenced on the morning of Sep- tember 2. He was met again some six miles south of Jonesborough, near Lovejoys Station. The First and Second Brigades of this division were put into position near the enemys lines, this (Third) brigade, however, held as reserve with the artillery of the division, and did not join in any action. On September 3, 1864, the joyful intelligence of the capture of Atlanta by our troops was officially announced. The brigade loss while in reserve, from August 2 to August 26, 1 enlisted man killed, 12 wounded, and 4 captnred by the enemy; in all 17. The less (September 1 and 2) while before Jonesborough, was 1 commissioned officer killed and 2 wounded, 2 enlisted men killed and 25 wounded; in all 30. Respectfully submitted. HUGO WANGELIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. AdjI. Ge a., First Division, 15th Army Gorps. No. 458. Report of Capt. Charles C. Bland, Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, of operations May 120. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND MISSOURI VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Kingston, Ga., May 21, 1864. SIR: In compliance with your often expressed desire, I take pleasure in reporting to you the operations of the Thirty-second Missouri Volunteers for the first twenty (lays of this month, during which time 1 had the honor of commanding the regiment Page 170 1 ~7O THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. On the 1st instant we struck tents at Woodville, Ala., and marched toward Chattanooga, via Bridgeport, Ala., arriving at Chattanooga on the 6th. We turned over our surplus baggage, camp and gar- rison equipage for storage, and in very light marching order pro- ceeded by rapid marches, with the column of the army which took possession of Snake Creek Gap, arriving there on the 8th. The next day demonstrations were made against IResaca, which caused the presence of the rebel Johnston and his army to prove mani- fest in a very short time afterward. In the battle of Resaca, on the 14th instant, we lost Sergt. James W. Mires, Company I, severely wounded; Private James S. Temple, Company B, severely wounded; Private Dabner Martin, Company F, severely wounded; Private John Danback, Company K, severely wounded. On the 10th we pro- ceeded southward in pursuit of the flying hosts of Johnstons army, but they kept out of reach, and there was no fighting of much con- sequence, on the road taken by the Army of the Tennessee, between Resaca and Kingston. We arrived at the latter place on the 19th and enjoyed a few days rest, during which time Maj. A. J. Seay arrived from Missouri and took command of the regiment, the his- tory of which from this date I leave for him to communicate to you. Our regiment is in excellent condition and eager to continue the race after Old Joe. In a short time scurvy will make its appearance among us on account of the diet we are necessarily confined to, but we look anxiously to the Sanitary Commission for relief, and hope not to be denied the pleasant flavor and the recuperative effects of their many good things to eat and drink. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, C. C. BLAND, Captain Company D, 32d Missouri Vols., Corndg. Regt. [Brig. Gen. JOHN B. GRAY, Adjutant-General of Missouri.] No. 459. Reports of M~j. Abraham J. Seay, Thirty-second Missouri in fantry, of operations May 20September 8. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY.-SECOND MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864. DEAR GENERAL: I have intended, in obedience to your request, to keep you posted in our operations as our gigantic campaign pro- gressed, but owing to the fact that we have been constantly in the front with no field officers to shift any of the labor or responsibility upon, I have so far neglected to write; but I believe the record will show that I have not neglected my duties in the face of the enemy, which is of much more importance to the country. I joined the regiment at Kingston, Ga., May 20, and have com- manded it ever since. We have taken part in every march, skir- mish, and battle in which the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, has been engaged, among the most important of which were the battles of Dallas, May 26, 27, and 28; Kenesaw Mountain from June 10 to July 3 (which was properly a siege); before Atlanta, eas Page 171 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 171 side, on Augusta railroad July 21 and 22; and last, but not least, the bloody contest of the 28th on the extreme right of the army north of Atlanta. Here the dead lay in unbroken lines; I may say in heaps. Our loss is estimated at 600; that of the enemy over 6,000 During all these operations our loss has been the incredibly small number of 20 men. rihe men are so familiar with battles and every precaution and preparation of defense, they will go where others less familiar with their profession would lose heavily, and not lose a man. My men excel particularly in skirmishing, which is really the old Indian style of fighting from behind trees, stones, embank- ments, logs, & c. The Army of the TPennessee has had heavy skir- mishing at this point (southwest of Atlanta) for four days, in which we took an active part on yesterday and the day before; are to-day in reserve. Our arduous duties render it almost impossible for us to be regular and prompt with our reports and returns. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, respectfully, ~ A. ~. SLAY, Major, Commanding. Brig. Geii. JOHN B. GRAY, Adjutant- General of Missouri. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND MISSOURI VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, East Point, Ga., September 8, 1864. GENERAL: I will give you a synopsis of our recent movements: From the 5th to the 26th of August the regiment was engaged in the pits and on the skirmish line. On the night of the 26th we withdrew silently (with First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps) at 8 p. in., and marched all night southwest toward Sandtown, and rested at noo~i 27th. On the 28th we moved due south and took possession of the Montgomery railroad, after slight resistance by the enemy, and destroyed several miles, continuing our labors dur- ing the 29th. On the 30th we moved southeast with the design of striking the Macon railroad at Jonesborough. The enemy contested every foot of ground, but despite their desperate resistance 11 p. m. found us in position. During the night and early on the morning of the 31st we threw up earth-works. We had not finished them when J. B. Hood, after the style of 28th of July, charged our whole line and was repulsed at every point. Mean time General Schofield, on our left, ha dl taken possession of, and destroyed a portion of, the railroad. My regiment lost 2 killed and 3 wounded to-day (31st of August). September 1, the Thirty-second, together with the other regiments of the Third Brigade, charged the enemys works in front of Jones- borough, in which my loss was 7 wounded. It is needless to say (for the country knows) Atlanta was evacuated that night, the enemy destroying immense quantities of ammunition, & c. He also evacuated Jonesborough the same night, moving toward the Gulf of Mexico. Thus you see our work for the present is done, and General Sherman pronounces it well done. On to-morrow we will go into c amp for rest and reorganization. Our present station and post-office address is East Point, Ga Page 172 172 ~E ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. i~: Hoping SOOII to receive from the draft depot men enough to fill my thinned ranks, at least to the minimum, I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, A. J. SEAY, Brig. Gen. JOHN B. GRAY, Major, Commanding. Adjutant-General of Missouri. No. 460. Reports of Maj. Clemens Landgraeber, Second Missouri Light Artil lery, Chief of Artillery, First Dirision. HDQRS. FIRST DIvISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, Col. NELSON COLE, Before Kingston, Ga., May 22, 1864. Comdg. 2d Regt. Missouri Arty., St. Louis, Mo.: COLONEL: I have the honor to submit to you a report of the part taken by my battalion in the battle of IResaca, Ga. Lieutenant Winn has not arrived yet. The army corps has orders to march to-morrow morning at 6 oclock toward Atlanta, Ga. I am, sir, with all respect, your most obedient servant, CLEM. LANDGRAEBER Major and Chief of Artillery. IReport of the battalion of artillery of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, under command of Maj. C. Landgraeber, Second Mis- souri Artillery, and Chief of Artillery, of the part taken in battle of IResaca, Ga. The First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps marched on the morning of the 13th of May, 1864, from Snake Creek Gap, Ga., with a line of skirmishers in front, in the direction of Resaca. Battery F, Second Regiment Missouri Artillerythe two 12-pounder field howit- zers leadingmarched behind the First a e, and the Fourth Independent Ohio Batterythe four l~Japoleon guns leadingbehind the Second Brigade. After a lively skirmish the enemy made a stand about one mile from Resaca, Ga., having posted his artillery on a hill. I brought the howitzer section of Battery F forward, and it took position on the left side of the main road next to a plantation, having for support a company of sharpshooters of the First Division. The enemy was deploying his cavalry about 700 yards in front, but after a few rounds he was compelled to give way. The enemy was firing shell and spherical case-shot at our infantry and artillery, and after being hardly pressed by our skirmishers, had to withdraw their pieces. Our forces then took possession of the hills, and I posted the two 3-inch IRodman guns of Battery F, Second Missouri Artil- lery, on a steep hill, about 400 yards on the left of main road, and opened fire with shell on the enemys works, where he was busily engaged with working parties to finish his breast-works. The two 20-pounder Parrott guns of the Fourth Independent Ohio Battery I brought in position on the right of the road on a hill, and opened fire with them, first on the enemys works and then at the railroa Page 173 173 CHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. bridge, where troops and trains of the enemy were passing. At dark~ the firing ceased, and dnring the night I brought the section of howitzers of Battery F forward to a position on the left of the road in advauce of the Rodman guns, and posted also the four 12-pounder Napoleon guns of the Fourth Ohio Battery in a position on a hill on the left of the road, some distance to the right and rear of the how- itzer section. On the morning of the 14th of May the howitzers of Battery F, Second Regiment Missouri Artillery, fired on a line of rifle-pits, about 200 yards in front, with shells, nearly enfilading them; and the 12-pounder Napoleo.n gnus of the Fourth Independent Ohio Bat- tery opened on a piece of timber which was occupied by the enemy in force. Our skirmishers advanced then, and the Napoleons were obliged to cease firing, the left wing of our infantry having ad- vanced in front of these pieces. The 8-inch Rodman guns of Bat- tery F held their old position of the day before, and maintained a very annoying fire on the enemy. The 20-pounder Parrott gnus of the Fourth Ohio Battery did also very good execution during the day. In the afternoon all artillery was ordered to open a severe fire on all points occupied by the enemy, after which the infantry of the First Division made a brilliant bayonet charge, crossing a deep ravine and a creek, taking possession of the hills in front of them. After sundown the firing ceased. During the night I built a breast-work in the ravine on the right of the main road for the fwo 12-pounder howitzers. which were brought to this point at 5 a. in. on the 15th of May. The 12-pounder Napoleon gnus also were brought forward to the position held the day previous by the howitzers of Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery. The two 20-pounder Parrott guns of the Fourth Independent Ohio Battery I brought forward to the left of the main road, next to the Rodman guns, and opened fire on the enemys fortification. The Napoleon guns and the two 12-pounder howitzers fired in the morning at the rifle-pits of the enemy, and in the afternoon the four 12-pounder Napoleon guns were removed to a position in front of Brigadier- General Lightburns brigade, of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. The section of 20-pounder Parrott gnus was also removed to a position on the right of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and directed their fire at the railroad bridge. On the 16th of May, early in the mor~ning, the section of howitzers advanced at a trot through Resaca, and unlimbered several times to fire on the retreating rebels. The battalion has lost only 1 man killed, 1 man wounded, 7 horses killed. Time Fourth Independent Ohio Battery fired 227 rounds; Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, fired 560 rounds. CLEM. LANDGRAEBER, Afajor and Chief of Artillery. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF o~ ARTILLERY, Before Atlanta, Ga., August 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to give you hereby the most obedient report of the part taken by the battalion of artillery of the Firs Page 174 174 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, in the engagements of the 22d and 28th in front of Atlanta, Ga. Early in the morning of the 22d of July the First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps approached the evacuated lines of the enemy. I bronght the artillery to a rendezvous position on the right of the Decatur and Atlanta road. After reconnoitering, a position was selected in the road leading to Atlanta, in front of the mansion of Howard. Here I built a breast-work for six guns, connecting with the rifle-pits of the First Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and with those of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Captain De Gress battery of four 20-pounder Parrott guns was on my left at a distance of about 800 yards. After I had finished the work, and after mounting the battery with two pieces of 3-inch ordnance guns of Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, and two 12-pounder Napoleon gnus, and two 20-pounder Parrott gnus of the Fourth Independent Ohio Battery, details of men were engaged to cut the timber down in front of the works. At this moment the enemy charged the position to my left, silenced and nearly captured Captain De Gress battery, and compelled the infantry on my left and right to fall back. I brought my pieces tben outside the breast-works and opened fire with canister and spherical case-shot on the ap~)roaching enemy, compelling him to seek shelter behind the works, and preventing him from holding or removing Captain De Gress battery. Receiving, however, a ljvely musket fire in my left, and having no infantry support, I limbered up and brought my pieces back near the lines of our infantry; un- limbered again in the yard of Howards house, and opened fire with shell and spherical case-shot. The First and Second Brigades of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, now advanced and charged the enemy, recapturing the rifle-pits and breast-works, as well as Captain De Gress batte~y, and driving the enemy back in confusion. As soon as I saw the success of our troops I limbered up and brought the six pieces to their former position in the breast-works, and returned the fire of the rebel batteries, which had opened furiously on our troops. During this operation the two 12-pounder howitzers of Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, took a position on the left of the Decatur and Atlanta road, operating with the Fourth Divis- ion, Fifteenth Army Corps. The enemy attacked at about 5 p. m. and was handsomely repulsed after a short engagement, the how- itzers entertaining a brisk fire of shell and spherical case. I was not personally present at this point, and refer you for information to the report of the commanding general of the Fourth Division. The remaining section of two 12-pounder light field guns, of the Fourth Independent Ohio Battery, was placed in position on the Decatur road, but was not engaged. The battalion lost on this day 1 man killed, 3 men wounded. In the engagement of the 28th of July the battalion was not able to take part. I brought only one section of 12-pounder light field guns to the front, and it took first a position on the left of the main road leading to the open field in front of the heights, where the enemy was in pciition. After our infantry had taken these heights, the guns advanced and took a position on the top of the hill, about thirty-five yards in front of the infantry of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and opened with shell and spherical case- shot on the rebel battery. As soon as the enemy charged this position, these guns were withdrawn and marched to the rear Page 175 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, E~RX-~-ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 1Th where I had taken a position on the hills on the right and left of the main road, with all the guns of the battalion. The enemy opened a rapid fire at this point, but without much injury to the artillery, which lost only 1 man wounded. Ii am, sir, with all respect, your most obedient servant, CLEM. LANDGRAEBER, Major Second Regiment Missouri Artillery, and Chief of Arty., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gem., First Division, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST DIvIsION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: The Fourth Independent Ohio Battery and Battery F, Second Missouri Artillery, of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, left their camp at Woodville, Ala., on the 1st of May, 1864. The Fourth Ohio Battery was armed with two 20-pounder Parrott guns and four 12-pounder Napoleon guns, and Battery F, Second Missouri, with two 3-inch ordnance guns and two 12-pounder field howitzers. The division arrived at Resaca on the 13th of May, and both batteries were engaged during the days of the 13th, 14th, and 15th of May, in different positions on the right and left of the main road leading to Resaca. After the evacuation of Resaca on the 16th of May, the battalion marched to Kingston, where it arrived on the 19th of May, and remained for three days in camp. Then the com- mand marched to Dallas, Ga., and both batteries took part again in the engagements at this place. The Fourth Ohio Battery did excel- lent service in repelling the repeated and furious assaults of. the enemy on our works on the 28th of May. The battalion marched on th~ 29th of May to New Hope Church, where it went into posi- tion on the 4th of June. On the 5th of June the battalion marched to Acworth, and arrived at Big Shanty on the 10th of June, where it went directly in position, and opened fire on the enemy at the foot of Kenesaw Mountain. The artillery followed the advance of our infantry during the days from the 12th to the 23d of June by taking always closer positions to Kenesaw Mountain. On the 23d of June I built two casemated breast-works for the rifled pieces of the battal- ion on a ridge opposite Kenesaw Mountain, and these pieces suc- ceeded in silencing the enemys guns. On the 2d of July the artillery marched to the right wing of the army, and was engaged against the enemys artillery on Kenesaw Mountain. On the 3d of July the battalion marched with the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to Marietta, Ga., and crossed on the 14th of July the Chattahoochee River, and took position on the south bank near Roswell Factory, where it remained until the 17th of July, when it marched to Decatur. The battalion took part in the engagement of the 22d of July, for which I refer to my report of July 24, 1864. * On the 23d of July four guns of the Fourth Ohio Bat- tery marched to Decatur to protect a working party engaged in de- stroying the railroad. In the battle of the 28th only one section of 12- pounder Napoleon guns was engaged. The rest of the artillery was posted in the rear of the infantry on a hill. On the 30th of July * Not found; but see report of August o, p. 173 Page 176 1 76 THE ATLANTA CAMPAION. [CHAP. L. the artiller.y took new positions more to the right, and was always engaged against the enemy until the 26th of August, when, during the night, the command marched to the right, destroyed the Mont- gomery railroad, where the artillery was in position to protect the working parties. The battalion marched from there to the Macon railroad, crossed the Flint River, and was engaged during the battle of the 31st of August. Oi~ the 1st of September the battalion was also engaged, and took part in the famous shelling of Jonesborough. On the 2d of Septem- ber the artillery marched to Lovejoys, but, being in reserve, was not engaged. From Lovejoys the battalion marched to East Point, where it is in camp now, engaged in building works for the defense of the line. I have the honor to forward hereby a list of casualties during the campaign. * Officers and men behaved satisfactorily. The two 12- pounder howitzers of Battery F are unserviceable, and I recommend to have them exchanged for two 3-inch ordnance gnus. The other pieces are in good conditioii. The harness is old, but still service- able. Horses are not in sufficient number, and poor. The ammu- nition which the command used was often of a very bad quality. I am, sir, with all respect, your most obedient servant, CLIEM. LANDGRAEBER, Capt. ~. A. GORDON, Major and Chief of Artillery. Asst. Adjt. Gem, First Division, 15th Army Corps. No. 461. Reports qf Brig. Gen. Mqrgan L. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations ]Iiliay 1316 and June 27. HDQR5. SECOND DIvIsIoN, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Resaca, Ga., May 16, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my division in the advance on and battle of Resaca: In obedience to General Logans instructions, I formed line at the intersection of the Dalton and Calhoun and Snake Gap and Resaca roads, on the right of the latter, for an advance on Resaca, at 11.30 a. mu. of the 13th instant. The First Divisioim was on niy left and the Sixteenth Corps on my right. I received General Logans order to advance at 1.30 p. m. The ground was very much broken and covered with heavy timber aiid thick undergrowth, with the excep- tion of an occasional small cleared field. The distance to Resaca was about three miles and a half, and our advance was resisted all the way, particularly on right of Second Brigade, where several were killed and wounded. My division reached a high wooded bill about 400 yards in rear of Camp Creek, overlooking Resaca and time railroad bridge, about 4.30 p. m. We found the ground along Camp Creek partially cleared, with all the dead trees, which were standimig quite thick, on fire, to prevent their being used as cover for our skirmishers. I got my divisioii in position on this hill under a heavy fire, and not without considerable loss. The enemys guns * Embodied in table, p. 114 Page 177 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 177 were plainly visible as well as their colors in their main works. We rested here for the night, and prepared positions for our batteries, which were put in position before morning. On the morning of the 14th heavy skirmishing commenced at day- light, and was continued until about noon, when I received General Logans order to make a feigned attack on their works, as a move- ment of the enemy was apparent to mass his forces on our extreme left, and at about 4.30 oclock I received his orders to send one of my brigades to storm a slight elevation across Camp Creek, and not more than 400 or 500 yards from the enemys main works along the railroad, in conjunction with a brigade from the First Division. Knowing that this elevation was full of rifle-pits, and that Camp Creek could only be crossed at one or two points in my front, this looked like anything but a small contract. The signal was given, and the First Brigade, General Giles A. Smith commanding, moved forward at double-quick, amidst a loud cheer from the whole divis- ion. The brigade having arrived at the creek, some crossed on logs, but the principal part waded, and found the water up to their waists. The enemy, evidently thinking the movement meant an assault on their main works, delivered a volley and retired from the hill, and immediately opened upon it with shell from four different batteries. General Smith reformed his brigade, and moved rapidly to the brow of the hill, but before he could get his lines adjusted the shelling ceased, and a strong force of the enemy advanced to dislodge him from the hill. After a fight at close quarters of about three-quarters of an hour, the enemy gave way, or fell back to reform, and their shelling was resumed. The second attack appeared to be an attempt to turn General Smiths right, and I received orders from General Logan in person to protect his right at all hazards with the Second Brigade. General Lightbnrn, commanding that brigade, responded nobly, and moved over or through the creek at double-quick, some of his men being entirely immersed in crossing, and formed on Gen- eral Smiths right, his own right resting near the Oostenanla River, and immediately opened fire. The enemys assault continued until 8.10, when they gave way at all points. The division was intrenched at this place before morning. Heavy skirmishing all day of the 15th, and soon after dark very heavy firing was heard on our extreme left; and, notwithstanding that did not indicate the evacuation of such a strongly fortified position, I ordered officers in command 6f skirmishers to feel forward all night, and press the enemy if he attempted to get away. The enemys skirmishers commenced to withdraw at 3 a. m. the 16th. They were closely followed into Resaca, and most of them captured, and, after a brisk skirmish about daybreak, the party left to fire the wagon road bridge was driven away, and the bridge saved. Where all behaved so well and did their whole duty, P can see no justice in mentioning particular names. Please find accompanying reports of brigade commanders, and complete list of casualties. * M. L. SMITH, Brig. Gem. Vols., Gomdg. Second Div., 15th Army Gorps. Maj. R. R. TowNEs, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Uorps. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 officers and 31 men killed, 7 officers and 162 men wound~d; total, 203. 15~ R WVOL X~(XV~IJ~ PT ~1 Page 178 178 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 28, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of an assault made by a part of General Logans corps, nuder my command, upon the enemys works to the right of Kenesaw Mountain: In accordance with General Logans order, I withdrew my division from its position to the left of the mountain after dark on the night of the 26th instant, and massed it opposite the extreme right of the mountain and a hill, which is a continuation of the same, to the right. This hill was the objective point of the assault, and my division and Colonel Walcutts brigade, of General Harrows divis- ion, was designated as the assaulting column, and 8 a. m. of the 27th the hour to advance. General Lightburn, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, of about 2,000 muskets, was directed to form in two lines and assault through a little orchard, about 400 yards to the right of the hill, and to advance as soon as he heard a brisk fire on the left. General Giles A. Smith, commanding First Brigade, of about the same strength, was directed to move at the same time in two lines directly on the hill. Colonel Walcutt, commanding the brigade of General Harrows division, of about 1,500 muskets, was directed to move directly for the gorge where the hill joins on to the moun- taii~i, lapping the mountain and left of the hill, feel into the gorge as far as possible, and capture the works in his front. As the enemy could n6t depress their artillery sufficiently to fire on him, he was ordered to advance first, and the opening of the enemys fire upon him was the signal for the other two brigades to advance. The line moved about 8 oclock. It advanced steadily, with a strong line of skirmishers, but owing to the extreme density of the underbrush it was impossible for skirmishers to keep in front of their lines. Found the enemys line of rifle-pits about 400 yards from their main works, and killed or captured most of their skirmishers. After passing a deep, swampy ravine, the line fixed bayonets, advancing, moved steadily and rapidly for the enemys works, amidst a shower of shot and shell. Officers and men fell thick and fast. In addition to the steepness of the ascent, trees had been felled and brush and rocks piled in such a manner as to make it impossible to advance with any regularity. Officers and men still pushed forward. Re- enforcements of the enemy were seen coming in from the right and left. Within about thirty feet of the enemys main works the line staggered and sought cover as best they could behind logs and rocks. Some of the Fifty-fifth and One hundred and eleventh Illinois, of General Gibes A. Smiths brigade, fell on and inside the works. Gen- eral Lightbnrn, on the right, pressed on throngh a swamp, where offi- cers and men sank to their knees, and a very dense thicket, but on ac- count of an enfilading fire, was unable to get nearer than 150 yards of the orchard and works beyond. He, however, by coming sud- denly out of the thicket and swamp, killed and wounded quite a number of the enemy amid captured 2 officers and 36 men. Colonel Baruhill, commanding Fortieth Illinois, of Colonel Wal- cutts brigade, and [Captain] Augustin, Fifty-fifth Illinois. were killed on the hill near the enemys works; Colonel Rice, Fifty- seventh Ohio, also wounded on the hill (leg amputated); Colonel Spooner, Eighty-third Indiana. farther to the right of the hill, was wounded (arm amputated at the shoulder); Colonel Parry, Forty- seventh Ohio, severely in the leg Page 179 CHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 179 Colonel Walcutt, commanding the brigade from General Harrows division, moved forward proniptly toward the gorge, encountered the enemys rifle-pits; captured about 30 prisoners; found the gorge perfectly impassable on account of the rocky and precipitous en- trance. He then turned his attention to the right of the mountain, from which he was receiving a flank fire, and left of the hill; some of his brigade met their fate at the breast-works. Officers and men on the side-hill were completely covered by the second line and sharpshooters, and the artillery of Generals Osterhaus and Har- rows divisions, so that I am satisfied not one prisoner was taken by the enemy. A good line of rifle-pits was made in front of General G. A. Smiths and Colonel Walcutts brigades in one hour, within 100 yards of the hill in some places. At dark the men were all withdrawn from side-hill; our pickets were relieved by General Osterhaus, and I received General Logans order to resume the position occupied in the morning. Accompanying please find list of casualties * and reports of bri- gade commanders. Your obedient servant, M. L. SMITH, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Maj.- R. R. TOWNES, Assistant A5(jutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 462. Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph A. J. Lightburn, U. S. Army, com- manding Second Division, ef operations July 22 and August 916. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., July 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the ehgagement of the 22d instant: Pursuant to orders, I moved my brigade forward, following Col- onel Martins (First) brigade, and took possession of the enemys works in our front, forming on the right of the railroad, and com- menced reversing the works, throwing out a strong skirmish line, supported by the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, together with the One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteers and one sec- tion of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, under the command of Col. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with instructions to watch his flanks and fall back when compelled by the advance of the enemy, placing the remainder of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, in position on each side of the rail- road and Battery H on my extreme right. At 2 p. in., pursuant to orders, I assumed command of the division, and at 3.30 p. m. my whole line was attacked, which was resisted with spirit, until the line was broken on the main road, when the whole command broke in confusion to the rear. Finding it impossible to check the retreat, I proceeded immediately to the works occupied in the morning, Shows 7 officers and 35 men killed, 20 officers and 252 men wounded, and 3 men missing; total, 317 Page 180 180 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. ordering that the Command be there checked, reformed, and retake the position lost, and, if possible, recapture the batteries, which was nitimately done with the assistance of General Woods division and one brigade of the Sixteenth Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Mersy, recaptnring all the guns of Battery H and 2 of Battery A. I regret to say that the command did not behave as on former oc- casions, as it seemed that when the column of the enemy broke through one regiment, the whole command became panic-stricken and fell back in disorder, yet, with the assistance of the general commanding the corps (Brig. Gen. Morgan L. Smith), together with the assistance of his and my own staff officers, we succeeded in re- forming a portion of the command, which was the first to reoccupy the works, taking 75 prisoners. The circumstances under which the division fought were anfavor- able: First. We had occupied a line of such extent that we had very little reserves, and just before the attack three regiments had been sent, under command of Colonel Martin, One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry (brigade commander), to assist General Harrow, and subsequently to General Dodge, leaving but a thin line in front of the First Brigade, under command of Lieuten- ant-Colonel Mott, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and one regiment (the only reserve of the Second Brigade) had been sent to the rear to guard our hospital. leaving but six regimenls in line. Upon assuming command of the division, the command of the Second Brigade devolved upon Col. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who had command of the advance together with the skirmish line, and barely had time to assume the command when the main line was attacked, yet the fighting was desperate until the line became broken, inflicting heavy loss upon the enemy. From the reports of brigade commanders and my own observation I should estimate his loss at from 1,000 to 1,200 killed and wounded. I take pleasure in saying that the officers, especially the staff of the general commanding the corps, together with my own, behaved gallantly in reforming the command and retaking our former posi- tion. All of which is respectfully submitted, together with the reports from brigade commanders. Accompanying please find lists of casualties * giving name, rank, company, regiment, and nature of wounds. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 9, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that my command was to- day employed in finishing a new line of works in advance of the one now occupied, which was completed this evening, except head-logs and abatis. The abatis could not be made in daylight and will, therefore, be finished to-night. I would also report that the new * Shows 5 officers and 55 men killed, 7 officers and 189 men wounded, and 16 officers and 406 men missing; total, 678 Page 181 CHAP. L.] 1~EPO1~TS, ETC.-A1~MY OF THE TENNESSEE. 181 line was occnpied to-day, by direction of the major-general com- manding the department, by troops sufficient to make one rank. Nothing special occurred in front. Picket-firing was quite brisk, and a few shells thrown from the enemys batteries. Respectfully submitted. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lienf Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIvIsION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 10, 1864. I have the honor to report that nothing of interest occurred iu my front to-day. The enemy was quite busy with his artillery to- day, doing us but little damage, consideripg the amount of firing done. My command occupied the new line this niorning one hour before daylight, keeping one regiment in reserve, which occupies that portion of the old line on the right of De Gress battery. A portion of the troops in the line were occupied in trimming up and strengthening the work, and to-night will complete it. extending and throwing forward my right to connect more perfectly with General Woods division and cover a ravines All of which is respectfully submitted. J. A. J. LJGHTBURN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant A~jutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ThFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 12, 1864. I have the honor to report that nothing of importance has occurred in my front during the day. Qnite an artillery duel has been kept up, but I have sustained no damage by it. There was quite a heavy infantry fire in my front about 10 oclock last evening, but I think the cause was more imaginary than real by both parties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 13, 1864. I have the honor to report nothing special in iipy front to-day, except that I advanced the right of my skirmish line to connect with General Woods left, taking three skirmish-pits occupied by the rebels in my front, which drew a considerable fire from the enemys batteries, doing me but little damage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. J. LIGHTB URN, Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps Page 182 182 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. CHAP. L. iIThQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 14, 1864. I have the honor to report nothing unusual in my front to-day. The usual amount of picket-firing was kept up, with some artillery, doing but little damage, as shown by the list of casualties. On last night I straightened and intrenched the skirmish line on my right, upon the ground gained by the advance of yesterday, which, to a certain extent, relieved that portion of my line from exposure to the enemys sharpshooters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. J. LJGHTBURN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Atlanta, Ga., August 16, 1864. COLONEL: Ii have the honor to report that nothing unusual oc- curred in my front to-day. The enemy seems to have had a new set of- men on the skirmish line to-day, who were inclined to fire more than yesterday, and were less careful about exposing them- selves. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lient. Col. R. R. TowNEs, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 463. Report of Brig. Gen. William B. Elazen, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations August 18September 8. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. This division was commanded from the beginning of the campaign to the 5th day of August by General Morgan L. Smith; from that day to the day I took command by General J. A. J. Lightburn. For that period I have caused the adjutant-general of the (livision, who has been on duty with it all of that time, to make a report of the operations of the division, which, upon comparison with the reports of brigades and regiments, I find to be substantially correct. I found the division, August 17, in the trenches in front of Atlanta, composed of two brigades, the First, commanded by Col. Theodore Jones, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers, with 977 effective aggregate for duty; the Second, commanded by Col. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, with 1,173 effective aggregate for duty, with two batteries of light artillery, Company H, First Illinois Light Artil- lery, with three 20-pounder Parrotts, commanded by Capt. F. De Gress, and Company A, of the s~me regiment, with four 12-pounder light field guns, effective aggregate of both for duty being 141, making the entire effective strength of the division 2,291. Th Page 183 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 183 division remained in the position I found it, about 600 yards from the enemy, until August 26, when, at 8 p. in., it moved with the corps in the direction of Fairburn, reaching the West Point and Atlanta Railroad without opposition at a point about thirteen miles from Atlanta at 12 m. August 28. On the morning of the 29th a squad of 1 officer and 9 enlisted men of a Texas Cavalry regiment were Captnred and brought in by Captain Crane, Eighth Missouri (letaChment. The division leading, the corps took up the march at 7 a. m. the 30th in the direction of Jonesborough, distant thirteen miles. After moving about five miles we came upon a portion of Kilpatricks cavalry that had been checked by two brigades of the cavalry of the enemy. Forming two regiments as a support to the skirmishers, already made strong, they all advanced in conjunction with some troops of the Sixteenth Corps on the right, the enemy giving way. As often as the enemy found time during the day he endeavored, by making temporary barricades and by the use of artillery, to check our column; but the march was kept up with but little delay the entire day, crossing Flint River, driving him from the other side, repairing the bridge, and pushing to within a quarter of a mile of the town before dark. At this time we captured an infantry soldier from the enemy, who informed us that two divisions of Hardees corps were before us, and that our lines were not over 200 yards apart. This was also made probable by the musketry fire. The troops were here formed in line, the right resting on the Fairburn and Jonesborough road, and extending north, and a good barricade made along their front. Early on the morning of the 31st Col. Theodore Jones, command- ing First Brigade, on the left, was directed to seize ai~d fortify a commanding eminence about half a mile to the front of his left. He had just gained it when the enemy came also to occupy it. He held his ground, however, with a portion of his command, while the remainder fortified the position. It was found to be of the greatest importance, as it overlooked the entire front occupied by the enemy. Columns of rebel troops were now seen to be extending to our left, planting artillery, and making all dispositions necessary to attack. As he extended beyond my left and as my troops were formed in a light line, with considerable intervals, a brigade, from the Seven- teenth Corps, under command of Col. George E. Bryant, Twelfth Wis- consin Volunteers, and two regiments, under Col. William B. Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteers, were sent to me, and posted where most needed, where they afterward performed good service. I now had sixteen regiments in the line and one in reserve. No point of it could be given up without endangering the entire line. At 2 p. m. the enemy commenced a vigorous fire of artillery all along his line, and was soon after seen advancing his infantry. We had good works, and the attack was met with the most perfect confidence. He came on in two full lines, supported by troops in mass, coming in one place quite inside the works, and persisted in the attack for about three-quarters of an hour, when he was completely repulsed at all points, and those who came too near captured. We lost quite heavily in the trenches before the fight took place, but during the fight we had but 11 killed, ~52 wounded, and 2 missing. Of the enemy we buried over 200, captured 99 unhurt, and 79 wounded. We also took 2 stand of colors and over 1,000 stand small-arms. I have rea- son to believe that over 1,000 of the enemy were wounded Page 184 TILE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 184 [CHAP. L. The division remained in this position during the fight of the Fourteenth Corps on the 1st instant, participating in it from behind our works, and on the 2d moved forward to near Lovejoys Station, remaining in the position there until the night of the 4th, when it moved back to Jonesborough, and on the 6th and 7th to this point. I learn from the records of the division that it left Larkinsville, Ala., in May, with 3,441 effective men. It has lost in the campaign: Officerskilled, 21; wounded, 63; missing, 18. Menkilled, 195; wounded, 1,346; missing, 430. Totalkilled, 216; wounded, 1,409; missing, 448. Grand total, 2,073. * The division has taken from the enemy 603 prisoners, 3 stand of colors, 2,041 stand of small-arms. I have to render my warmest thanks to all the commanders and their men for bravery and good conduct. My staff especially, who were strangers to me, have shown that devotion to duty which merits consideration. Capt. Gordon Lofiand, assistant adjutant-general, and Capt. George M. Crane, Eighth Missouri Mounted Infantry, commanding escort, were wounded while in the discharge of their duty. To Col. Theodore Jones, Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, I have to call especial attention for close attention to duty and a quick efficient method of performing it. I believe the service would be benefited by his promotion. Col. Wells S. Jones, commanding Second Brigade, has also shown close attention to duty and bravery in executing it. The artillery of this division, under Capt. F. De Gress, has per- formed efficient service. Brig. Gen. J. A. J. Lightburn was wounded on the 24th of August, while near the lines of his troops, by a stray bullet from the enem causing him for the present to be absent from the front. I would respectfully call attention to the marked and distinguished service of this division on the 27th of June, at Kenesaw Mountain, and on the 22d and 28th of July, before Atlanta, with the hope, in behalf of the brave officers and men who participated in those en- gagements, that just and proper consideration be given by those who were p resent and can speak of what they saw. Inclosed will be seen a sketcht of the field of the 31st, also the accompanying reports of brigade and regimental commanders. I must also ask the indulgence of my commanders for calling at- tention in this report to the subject of attacks of the front of an enemy in position, since the accurate shooting rifle has replaced the random firing musket, since troops now when in position protect their persons by shelters against bullets, and since they can be n~ longer scared from the liui7e, but see safety in maintaining it, and citing as an evidence of the disproportion of advantage in these con- tests the battles of the 28th of July, when the enemy attacked under such circumstances, leaving of his dead in front of this division 320, while he killed along the same front but 12, and on the 31st of August, when he left over 200 dead, and killed of us but 11. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. HAZEN, Lient. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Brigadier-General. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Gorps. ~ But see revised statement, p. 114. tTo appear in the Atlas Page 185 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 185 No. 464. Report of Capt. Gordon Lofiand, Assistant Adjutant-General, Sec ond Division, of operations May 1August 12. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. By direction of the general commanding the division, I herewith submit a report of the operations of this division from the beginning of the late campaign to the date the present commander relieved General J. A. J. Lightburn. I have thought proper to submit it in the form of a journal. Sunday, May 1, 1864, commanded by Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, the division marched from Larkinsyille, Ala., at 7 a. in., reached Scotts- boi~ough at 2 p. in:, and camped for the night at Dry Creek, haying marched eleven miles; roads bad. Monday, May 2, broke camp at 9 a. in., halted at Mud Creek for dinner, and camped on Four-Mile Creek for the night, having marched twelve miles. Tuesday, May 3, broke camp at 7 a. in., crossed Crow Creek on bridge built by pioneer corps, camped for the night at Bridgeport, Ala., having marched fourteen miles. Wednesday, May 4, broke camp at 7 a. in., crossed the Tennessee River on railroad and pontoon bridges, and campe~l for the xfight at the springs beyond the Narrows, four miles south of Whitesides, having marched eleven miles. Thursday, May 5, broke camp at 6 a. in.; roads bad; marched very slow, as we were retarded by the wagon train of the Fourth Division; marched thirteen miles, and camped for the night in Wauhatchie Valley. Friday, May 6, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched over the point of Lookout Mountain to Rossv~ille for dinner; sent all the camp equipage and baggage of the division to Chattanooga for storage; marched at 2 p. in. to Gor- dons Mills and camped for the night, having marched seventeen miles; roads good; passed over the old battle-ground of Chickamauga this afternoon. Saturday, May 7, marched, by way of Tavern road, to Gordons Gap, a distance of eleven miles; camped for the night. Sunday, May 8, broke camp at 7 a. m. and marched to the entrance of Snake Creek Gap, a distance of eleven miles; country precipitous; water abundant. Monday, May 9, broke camp at 3 a. in., marched through Snake Creek Gap to Sugar Valley Post-Office, on the crossing of the Dallas [Dalton] and Resaca roads, and formed line of battle in order to hold these roads, while the Left Wing of the Sixteenth Corps and the First Division of the Fifteenth Corps moved forward for the purpose of destroying the railroad bridge over the Oostenaula River at Resaca; they having failed in their purpose, were withdrawn to Snake Creek Gaps Tuesday, May 10. remained at cross-roads, skir- mishing with the enemy all day. Wednesday, May 11, started for the mouth of Snake Creek Gap at 2 a. in., the cavalry holding the position at the cross-roads; arrived at the gap at daylight; worked on fortifications all day. Thursday, May 12, moved at 6 a. in. to Sugar Valley and formed line of battle on theground occupied hereto- fore, skirmishing with the enemy all day. Friday, May 13, division moved in column to and formed line at the intersection of the Dal- ton and Calhoun and Snake Creek Gap and Resaca roads, on the right of the latter, for an advance on Resaca at 11.30 a. in. The First Divis- ion was on the left, and the Sixteenth Corps on the right; received orders to advance at 1.30 p. in. The ground was very much broken and covered with heavy timber and thick undergrowth, with th Page 186 186 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. tOHAP. L. exception of an occasional sniall cleared field; the distance was about three miles and a half, and our advance was resisted all the way, particularly on the right. Division reached a high wooded hill about 400 yards in rear of Camp Creek, overlooking Resaca and the railroad bridge, about 4.30 p. in. The ground along Camp Creek partially cleared, with all the dead trees on fire to prevent them being used as cover for our skirmishers. The division went into position on the hill under a heavy fire, and not without considerable loss. The enemys guns were plainly visible, as well as their colors, in their main works. We rested here for the night and prepared posi- tion for our batteries, which were put into position before morning. Saturday, May 14, heavy skirmishing commenced at daylight and continued until about noon, when orders were received from General Logan to make a feigned attack on their works, as a movement of the enemy was apparent to mass his force on our extreme left. At about 4.30 oclock received orders to send one brigade to assault a slight elevation across Camp Creek, and not more than 400 or 500 yards from the enemys main works along the railroad, in conjunc- tion with a brigade from the First Division. Knowing that the eleva- tion was full of rifle-pits, and that Camp Creek could only be crossed at one or two points, there was some doubts about the success of the assault. The signal was given, and the First Brigade, General Giles A. Smith commanding, moved forward at double-quick amidst a loud cheer from the whole division. The brigade having arrived at the creek some crossed on logs, but the greater number waded and found the water up to their waists. The enemy evidently thinking the movement meant an assault on the main works, delivered a volley and retired from the hill, and immediately opened upon it with shell from four different batteries. General Smith reformed hi brigade and moved rapidly to the brow of the hill, but before he could get his lines adjusted the shelling ceased and a strong force of the enemy advanced to dislodge him from the hill. After a fight at close quar- ters for about three-quarters of an hour the enemy gave way, and they again opened with their artillery. The second attack appeared to be an attempt to turn General Smiths right. The Second Bri- gade, General Lightburn commanding, was ordered to his support. General Lightburn moved his brigade at double-quick over, and a part of them through, the creek. and formed 6n General Smiths right, with his right resting near Oosteuaula River, and immediately opened fire. The enemys assault continued until 2 minutes past 8, when they gave way at all points. The division was intreuched at this place before morning. Sunday, May 15, heavy skirmishing all day. Monday, May 16, the enemys skirmishers commenced to withdraw at 3 a. m. They were closely followed into Resaca and most of them captured. After brisk skirmishing, about daylight the party left to fire the wagon road bridge was driven away and the bridge saved. At 12 m. moved down and crossed the river at Lays Ferry and camped two miles beyond, having marched twelve miles. Tuesday, May 17, moved from camp at 7 a. in.. skirmishing all day; the enemy used some artillery; Captain De Gress replied with his 20-pounders, doing good work; marched eleven miles and camped at McGuires. Wednesday, May 18. broke camp at 9 a. in., marched twelve miles, and camped at Woodland. Thursday, May 19, broke camp at 7 a. in., marched six miles, and camped at Kingston until May 23. Monday, May 23, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched nineteen miles, and camped on Euharlee Creek, at the crossing of the Rom Page 187 CHAP. L] REPORTS ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 187 and Van Wert road. Tuesday, May 24, broke camp at 9 a. in., marched eight miles, and camped on Cane Creek, on the Van Wert and Dallas road. Wednesday, May 25, broke camp at 9 a. in.; camped two miles and a half west of Dallas; marched eight miles. Thursday, May 26, advanced on Dallas at 10.30 a. m. At 4 p. m. marched throngh Dallas, met the enemys skirmishers one mile and a half west of town, formed line, and camped for the night. Friday, May 27, intrenched; skirmishing all day. Saturday, May 28, at 5 p. in. the enemy assaulted our lines and were handsomely repulsed with heavy loss; the assault lasted fifteen minutes. Sunday, May 29, skirmishing all day. Monday, May 30, Lieutenant-Colonel Myers killed; skirmishing all day. Tuesday, May 31, heavy skir- mishing; enemy opened at 6 a. m. with artillery; at 8 a. in. cruiet restored. Wednesday, June 1, division moved to the left and relieved Major- General Butterfields division at New Hope Church; marched six miles. Thursday, June 2, remained in camp until June 5. Sunday, June 5, rebels evacuated. Advanced skirmishers at 5 a. in., and took possession of works. Division moved at 10 a. in. to Burnt Church, on the Acworth road, and camped; marched seven miles. Monday, June 6, marched at 7 a. in.; reached Acworth at 11 a. in.; camped one mile beyond Acworth; marched eight miles; camped at Acworth until June 10. Friday, June 10, advanced three-quarters of a mile and constructed works and placed batteries in position. Remained in reserve until June 13. Monday, June 13, moved to the support of the First Division. Tuesday, June 14, division in reserve. Wednes- day, June 15, moved to support the attack of the Fourth Division~ De Gress 20-pounders in position, fired quite rapidly. Thursday. June 16, moved to the support of the First Division. June 17 and 18, skirmishing. Sunday, June 19, enemy evacuated their works last night; moved forward, and occupied the works under a heavy fire of artillery from the enemy on Kenesaw Mountain. Remained in camp and continuous skirmishing until June 26. Sunday, June 26, moved to the right and in front of Little Kenesaw Mountain. Monday, June 27, the division, with Colonel Walcutts brigade, of the Fourth Division, assaulted the enemys works on Little Kenesaw MountainWalcutts brigade on the left, General Giles A. Smith in th~ center, General Lightburn on the right. Colonel Walcutts brigade moved first, and the opening of the enemys fire on him was th~ signal for the other two brigades to advance. The line moved about 8 a. in. and advanced steadily, with a strong line of skirmishers, but, owing to the extreme density of the underbrush, it was impossi- ble for skirmishers to keep in front of their lines. Found the ene- mys line of skirmish pits about 400 yards from their main works, and killed or captured most of their skirmishers. After passing a deep swampy ravine, the line fixed bayonets, advancing, moved steadily and rapidly for the enemys works amidst a shower of shot and shell; officers and men fell thick and fast. In addition to the steepness of the ascent, trees had been felled, and brush and rocks piled in such a manner as to make it impossible to advance with any regularity, but the line pushed forward until the right and left was within thirty paces of the enemys main works, when the line staggered amid sought cover as best they could behind logs and rocks. Some of the men of General Giles A. Smiths brigade fell inside the enemys works. General Lightburns brigade, on the right, had to pass through a swamp and dense thickets, where the men sunk t Page 188 188 THE ATLANTA CAMPATGN. rOHAP. L. their knees; coming suddenly out of the swamp on to the enemys skirmishers, killed and wounded quite a number of them, and cap- tured 2 officers and 36 men. Colonel Baruhill. commanding Fortieth Illinois, and Captain Augustin, commanding Fifty-fifth Illinois, were killed on the hill near the enemys works; Colone] Rice, Fifty-seventh Ohio was wounded on the hill (leg amputated); Colonel Spooner, Eighty-third Indiana, lost an arm, and Colonel Parry, Forty-seventh Ohio, severely wounded in the leg. A good line of rifle-pits was made in one hour, in some places within 100 yards of the hill. At dark the command was withdrawn. Tuesday, June 28, division in reserve until July 2. Saturday, July 2, broke camp at 4 a. in., moved on Sandtown road to the right, and relieved a division of the Twenty-third Corps; marched eleven miles. Sunday, July 3, ordered to push the enemys skirmishers; First Brigade moved down the Sandtown roa(l to Widow Mitchells, the Second Brigade to Ruffs Mill, on the Nicka- jack Creek. General Lightburn found the enemy with artillery. strongly posted on the east side of the creek. A section of Battery B was sent to his assistance, which soon silenced the enemys guns. The brigade charged across an open field, routed the enemy, and occnpied their works; casualties, 2 killed and 45 wounded. Monday, July 4, moved to the support of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Tues- day, July 5, enemy evacuated works, and retreated to the river; moved six miles on Turners Ferry road and camped; remained in camp until July 8. Friday, July 8, marched three miles and camped on the right bank of Nickajack Creek. Saturday, July 9, built works. Sunday, July 10, enemy evacuated; occupied their line of works. Monday, July 11, moved at 11 a. in. on the Sand- town road; marched seven miles and camped. Tuesday, July 12, marched eight miles and a half and camped. Wednesday, July 13, moved at 2 a. in., marched fourteen miles and camped near Roswell Factory. Thursday, July 14, marched three miles, crossed the river and camped; remained in camp until July 17, and built works. Sunday, July 17, marched seveii miles and camped at Cross Keys. Monday, July 18, moved at 5 a. m. down the Stone Mountain road, and struck the Augusta railroad; the Second Brigade destroyed one mile and a half of the road; camped on Peach Tree Creek, having marched sixteen miles. Tuesday, July 19, moved at 5 a. in., struck railroad five miles east of Decatur, destroyed one mile of road, and marched to Decatur without opposition; canqied at 5~p. in.; enemy opened on the town with one piece of artillery. Wednesday, July 20, at 5 a. in. advanced on the main Atlanta road; encountered enemy one mile west of Decal~ur; drove him three miles. Thursday, July 21, built works. Friday, July 22, the enemy evacuated their works last night; pushed skirmishers forward and occupied the works with our main line at 6.30 a. in. ; the First Brigade on the left and Second Brigade on the right of the railroad. The skirmish line was pushed well for- ward, supported by two regiments and a section of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery. The works were then reversed, and Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, placed in position, two guns on the right and two on the left of the railroad, which at that place runs through a deep cut, and Battery H, of the same regi- ment, on the extreme right of the line. At 2 p. in. skirmishers re- ported the enemy forming in our front, and at the same time three regiments were taken out of the line and sent to the rear to pro Page 189 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE~ 189 tect our train and hospital, and the line lengthened to cover the ground from which the regiments had been withdrawn, leaving us without any reserve or support for the batteries. At 2.30 p. m. the enemy advanced in three lines; the skirmishers fell back on their support, who held the position until the enemy approached quite near, when they fired one volley, which checked their advance, and then fell back to the main line. The enemy reformed and ad- vanced on our main works. The first line was handsomely repulsed and sought cover in a ravine and behind a large house in front and to our right. This drew the fire in that direction, and the artillery was directed to fire on the house. The rapid discharges of artillery caused such a smoke that the second line advanced along and through the railroad cut unobserved, and he thus succeeded in breaking our line near the center, causing it to break to the right and left, leaving all of our artillery (ten pieces) in the hands of the enemy. The line was reformed at the works we had occupied in the morning, and, with the assistance of one brigade of the Sixteenth Army Corps, charged and took the works and 6 of the 10 guns lost, and capturing 1 stand of colors and 130 prisoners. Casualties, 63 killed, 200 wounded, and 419 missing. Saturday, July 23, remained in same position, building works and destroying railroad, until July 27. Wednesday, July 27, moved to the right, marched ten miles. and camped at 10 p. m. west of the Atlantic and Western Railroad. Thursday, July 28, went into position at 3 a. m. on extreme right of the whole army. At 8 a. m. moved forward about two miles, con- forming to the movements of the Fourth Division, when the enemy was discovered in position on a high ridge. Skirmishers were pushed forward, taking possession of the ridge, on which our line was immediately formed. The enemy opened fire from a section of artillery, and a strong line of skirmishers was pushed forward to take possession of the next ridge. At this time, 12 in., the enemy advanced in strong force, driving our skirmishers and attacking our main line furiously. The action lasted six hours, the enemy mak- ing as many distinct assaults, each time being repulsed with tre- mendous loss. He almost succeeded at one time in turning our right flank, but the timely arrival of re-enforcements prevented his success. During the action our men improved the few moments between each assault in throwing up rocks, old logs, & c., as a sort of breast-works, with the help of which they were enabled to hold the position against the furious and persistent assaults of the enemy with greatly superior numbers. Toward the close of the action our men fought with the energy of despair. They were completely ex- hausted, the muskets so heated that they could no longer be fired, and hope had almost died within them, when the timely arrival of other troops encouraged them to hold on until the enemy retreated, leaving his dead and wounded in our hands. Many prisoners, wounded, and a large quantity of small-arms fell into our hands. We buried 320 of the enemys dead in our front. Our loss was 12 killed and 119 wounded. Friday, July 29, building works. Satur- day, July 30, moved to Sandtown road and relieved a division of tli~ Twentieth Army Corps. Sunday, July 31, in camp until August 2. Tuesday, August 2, built and occupied new line of works. Wednesday, August 3, all quiet until August 7. Sunday, August 7, attacked and drove in the enemys pickets and occupied their works. Monday, August 8, built works ~ud ~dv~nced line unti Page 190 190 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. August 11. Thursday, August 11, enemy attempted to capture picket-line, but failed. Friday, August 12, all quiet up to August 17; Brig. Gen. W. B. Hazen assumed command of the division. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. LOFLAND, Captain and Assistant Adjutant- General. Lieut. Col. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant AcUutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 465. Reports of Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations May 113June 27. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Kingston, Ga., May 22. 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade, under my command, in the engage- ments before iResaca, Ga., on the 13th, 14th, and 15th instant: At 2 p. m. on Friday, the 13th, my brigade having formed line of battle, occupying the left of your division at the intersection of the Calhoun Ferry and Resaca roads, and about two miles from the latter place I received your order to advance. The ground in my front was very rough, being a succession of hills and ravines, covered with heavy timber, and in many places the underbrush being so dense as to render an advance in line very difficult. The enemys skirmishers were posted on every ridge, and driven back from hill to hill as we advanced. By 5 oclock we had gained a position along the edge of an open field through which ran Camp Creek. The en- emy haviiig been driven to the opposite side, occupied a strong posi- tion on a ridge of hills directly in our front. By your order my skirmishers were pushed forward, reaching the creek at two or three points and reporting it at those points impassable. In this position the brigade rested during the night. On Saturday, the 14th, the skirmishers were all advanced until they reached the creek, and reported two or three places where logs or driftwood enabled them to cross. About 3 oclock, in obedience to your order to show my force and make a diversion to prevent the enemy in our front from sending re-enforcenients to our left, I ad- vanced the One hundred and eleventh Illinois, the Fifty-seventh Ohio, and the Sixth Missouri Regiments to the creek, our skirmish- ers gaining same ground on its opposite bank. Although the high banks afforded partial cover to the men, still they were considerably exposed to the fire from the enemy from the hills in our ~front. At 5 oclock I received orders from you that the hills in our front, from which the fire of the enemy was very annoying, were to be carried, and that my brigade, with General Woods brigade, of the First Division, were designated to make the assault. I accompanied Geii- eral Logan to General Woods quarters, where the final dispositions were made and the signal for starting agreed upon. My line was formed as follows: The One hundred and eleventh Illinois, Colonel Martin, on the right; the Fifty-seventh Ohio, Colonel Rice, on the left; the Sixth Missouri, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Deusen, in th Page 191 191 CHAP. LI REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE center; with the One hnndred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Lient-Col. Frank S. Curtiss, and the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, Lient. Col. A. Froman, in reserve. Orders were given for the three regi- inents forming the advance line to cross the creek and form under the opposite bank preparatory to the general advance. At 6 oclock, General Woods having formed his brigade on my left, the whole moved forward and gained the crest of the hill, driving the enemy from the position, which was a rude breast-work of logs hastily thrown together. To extend my line farther to the right and pre- vent any flank movement from being attempted, I ordered up my two reserve regimeiits aiid placed them on my right, and also with- drew the Fifty-seventh Ohio from the hill they first ascended and placed them on the left of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Ill- inois, then occupying my extreme right. I ordered the pioneer corps to report to Colonel Rice, who immediately set them to throw- ing up a slight work, and sent orders to Lieutenant-CDlonel Cur- tiss to have a few men from each company strengthen his log-work by throwing on such loose logs as lay close around, keeping the men prepared for an attack which I was momentarily expecting. In the mean time the skirmishers were well advanced, covering our whole front, and Lieutenant-Colonel Curtiss was directed to deploy a com- pany on-his right flank, and to support them with three companies, to provide against any attack from that quarter. These dispositions were scarcely made when our skirmishers were driven in, followed closely by the enemy, who had massed a large force in our front, and seemed determined to retake the position at all hazards. Colonel Rice, Fifty-seventh Ohio, in whose immediate front they were ad- vancing in coliwiun by regiments, opened a murderous fire on their closed columns, delivering his fire by rank, and with deadly effect. Lieutenant-Colonel Curtiss, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illi- nois, stationed on Colonel Rices right, opened a cross-fire on the same column; other portions of th~ line on the left also delivered a well- directed fire on their right flank, notwithstanding which they had advanced to within thirty yards of our line before they were checked, and then only falling back to reform and renew the attack, threat- ening my right flank. They were again repulsed, and again rallied for another onset. I immediately Jispatched an aide-de-camp to you for re-enforcemeiits, but before reaching you, you had already discovered the danger and ordered General Lightburus brigade to cross the creek and take position on my right, which he did at a double-quick and a cheer, that evidenced to my men that their right was no longer in danger. Another attack of the enemy was re- pulsed, and after some more desultory firing the enemy retired about 8 oclock. I forgot to mention that General Woods, at my request, sent me about dark five companies of the Thirty-fifth New Jersey, which were posted behind my line as a reserve. During the night good works were constructed along our whole line, and by daylight the place could be held against any force that might be seiit against it. I also received word from General Logan, by one of his staff officers, that any re-enforcements required would be immediately furnished, but the danger for the night seemed to be over, and after disposing my forces properly, I deemed them sufficient to hold the position. Sunday, the 15th, was occupied in strengthening our works and planting batteries commanding the greater portion of the enemys works and the railroad bridge at Resaca. Monday morning foun Page 192 192 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. their works evacuated, and our troops took possession about day- light, and by 9 oclock the whole army was moving in pursuit of the enemy. This was the first fight of the One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteers, having lately been assigned to my brigade. Both offi- cers and men acqnitted themselves in a manner highly Creditable. Col. James S. Martin, Lieut. Col. Joseph F. Black, and Maj. William M. Mabry, the three field officers, are all deserving and. efficient offi- cers. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Lieut. Col. Frank S. Curtiss commanding, assisted by Maj. T. W. Chandler, rendered good service in assisting to repel the enemys assaults on the even- ing of the 14th, delivering their fire by battalion in splendid style. Lieut. Col. A. Froman, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, was severely wounded while crossing the creek. Of Col. A. V. Rice, Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, I cannot speak in too high terms. it was his regiment against which the assaulting column of the enemy, composed of six or seven regiments in close column, was mainly directed. Colonel Rice awaited their near ap- proach, without one man in his line faltering, and then delivered his fire by rank ~at the word of command, and with a coolness and precision seldom equaled by any troops. He was ably assisted by Lieut. Col. S. R. Mott, whose gallantry was conspicuous throughout the engagement. Caps. Addison Ware, jr., assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Will- iam Hill, acting assistant inspector-general; Nelson Patterson, act- ing aide-de-camp, and Edwin H. Moore, aide-de-camp, rendered me great service, freely exposing themselves at any risk~whenever their presence was needed. My orderlies, Privates Oscar Little, William E. Stevens, and Douglas, Eighth Missouri Volunteers, and Orion P. Howe, Fifty-fifth Illinois, were also very useful. The loss of my brigade was 2 Commissioned officers and 21 enlisted men killed and 6 commissioned officers and 93 enlisted men wounded. A complete list of casualties* is herewith transmitted: Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILES A. SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH, Comdg. Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Kenesaw Jllionntain, Ga., June 25, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Arm~(~or~s, under my command, from the 16th of May, 1864, to the 25t of une: On the afternoon of Monday, the 16th of May, my command moved, with your division and Fifteenth Army Corps, in pursuit of General Johnstons retreating army, crossing the Oostenaula River at Lays Ferry, and passed the Sixteenth Corps three miles south of the river. We arrived near Dallas, by way of Adairsville and Van Wert, on the night of the 24th instant, onr advance having consid-. *Qx~4tte Page 193 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OI~ THE TENNESSEE. 193 erable skirmishing all the way. At 11 oclock on Thursday, the 25th [26th], my brigade being in advance, we moved toward Dallas, encountering the enemy near that town. Line of battle was formed and batteries brought into position, when, after some cannonading, the enemy withdrew, our forces entering the town. About 4 oclock Ii received your order to move forward on the Villa Rica road, but had not proceeded more than three-quarters of a mile before we again encountered the enemys skirmishers posted in a thick wood. Five companies of the One hundred and Sixteenth Illinois were de- ployed, and, notwithstanding the stubborn resistance of the enemy, drove them some distance. My brigade was formed in line of battle and more skirmishers sent out, and my line advanced, and at night in- trenched within 400 or 500 yards of their works, General Hardees Corps being intrenched in our front. Capt. Thomas White, com- manding One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Volunteers, a brave and accomplished officer, was killed while gallantly urging on his men. My position was strengthened dnring the next day. Saturday, the 28th, about 3 p. m. our whole line was assaulted. The enemy were re- pulsed with heavy loss; ours slight. The position was held until June 1, when my brigade, with the Fifteenth Corps, nioved about four miles by the left flank, relieving the Twentieth Army Corps. On the night of the 4th of June the enemy evacuated their works in our front, and our forces moved again to the left to Acworth. On the morning of the 10th the Fifteenth Corps moved south to Big Shanty, my brigade having the advance. We met the enemy near that point. Our lines were established, with some skirmishing, but during the night they withdrew to their main works, about one mile back. They were closely pressed until the night of the 18th, when they again fell back to Kenesaw Mountain, leaving a formidable line of works, of which we took possession early next morning. My bri- gade again in the advance, your division moved out to discover their present whereabouts. As we approached the mountain, a battery was opened upon us from its top, bursting shell along our advancing column, and doing some damage. By your order, I formed line of battle in a piece of woods facing the mountain, my right near the railroad; the Second Brigade, General Lightburns, forming on my left. Other troops soon came up on my right and left. This line has been intrenched, and our pickets, after a sharp skirmish, now occupy a line well up the side of the mountain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GILES A. SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. MORGAN L. SMITH, Commanding Second Division. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., June 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade, under my command, in the assault of the enemys works near Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864: On the afternoon of Sunday, the 26th, orders were received to withdraw, at dark, from our position in front of Kenesaw Moun- tain, and move to the right, passing the Sixteenth Corps, and occu- pying a position vacated by the Fourteenth Corps. Early on Mon- 1~3 R RYOL Xxxviii, PT H Page 194 194 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. day morning, the 27th, our assaulting column was formed, consisting of three brigades. My brigade, in the center, was formed in two lines, as follows: The Fifty-seventh Ohio, Colonel Rice, on the right; the One hundred and eleventh Illinois, Colonel Martin, on the left; the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, Captain Windsor, in the center, in front. The second line was composed of the Sixth Missouri, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Deusen; the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Captain Little; the Fifty-fifth Illinois, Captain Augustin, in the order named, from right to left. The Sec- ond Brigade, of your division (General Lightburns), was on my right, and Colonel Walcutts brigade, of tIle Fourth Division, on my left. My line of battle was formed about 100 yards in front of our works, then occupied by the First and Fourth Divisions of the Fifteenth Corps, and immediately in rear of their picket-lines. The position of the enemys works to be assaulted was a ridge or hill on the right of Kenesaw Mountain, Colonel Walcutts brigade to enter the gorge or ravine between the mountain and hill, his right to overlap the left of the hill, and his left to extend over a portion of the mountain. General Lightburns objective point was a ridge farther to my right about 800 or 1,000 yards. The ground was wooded, with thick underbrush in many places, and held by the enemys skirmishers. Nothing further of the ground was known, and very little of the enemys position, except what could be seen from a high point in our lines over the tops of the trees. The movement com- menced at 8 oclock. The enemys skirmishers were steadily driven back, leaving some dead and wounded on the field. The ground over which my line of battle advanced proved even worse than was anticipated. A part of the way was low swampy ground, and so densely covered with underbrush as to compel the men to crawl almost on their hands and knees through the tangled vines. These difficulties were finely overcome, and the open ground iii front of the enemys works gained. The hill was steep and rugged, covered with fallen trees, precipitous rocks, and abatis, rendering any advance in line of battle utterly impossible. The works, a little below the crest of the hill, were very formidable, and filled with men, corn- pletely commanding the whole slope of the hill, and, from the nature of the ground, being enabled in many places to pour in a cross-fire that no troops could withstand. My command moved gallantly up the ascent, making their way independently as best they could over all obstructions, some nearly gaining the works, but only to be shot down as they arrived. Our loss, particularly in officers, was very heavy. Colonel Rice, Fifty-seventh Ohio, not yet fully recovered from his fearful wound at Vicksburg, was shot in both legs, one of which has since been amputated. The Fifty-fifth Illinois lost Cap- tain Augustin, commanding regiment, and Captain Porter, killed within fifteen yards of the intrenchments, and Captain Aagesen and other officers wounded. Of the One hundred and eleventh Illinois, Captain Andrews was killed and Captain Walker wounded twenty yards from the ditch, and Major Mabry struck by a ball on the leg, but not so severe as to compel him to leave the field. To gain any portion of their works seemed impossible. The ground gained was mostly held until dark, when the picket-line was established in the edge of the woods, and the men withdrawn from the side of the hill. Our pickets were soon after relieved by the First Division, and my brigade ordered to occupy the camp of the previous night Page 195 Ciw.. L.] REPORTS, ET~C.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 195 Both officers and men of my command acquitted themselves nobly, and are entitled to all the credit due to brave and gallant soldiers. A list of casualties is inclosed. * GILES A. SMITH, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. M. L. SMITH, Comdg. Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 466. Reports of Col. James S. Martin, One hundred and eleventh illi- nois infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations July 22 and 28. HDQRS. FIRsT BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., July [24], 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the engagement with the enemy on the 22d instant: Receiving an order from division headqnarters at 2 p. in. to take my reserves, composed of the One hundred and sixteenth and One hundre& and twenty-seventh Illinois and Sixth Missouri, and report to General Harrow, commanding Fonrth Division, the command of the two regiments occupying the works, the Fifty-seventh Ohio and Fifty-fifth Illinois, was turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Mott, the One hundred and eleventh Illinois being in an advanced I)osition as support for the pickets. He being in command during the assault, I beg leave to submit his report of that period of the engagement. I reported with my reserve to General Harrow, and immediately after being assigned to position received a second order to march on the Decatur road and report to General Dodge, which I did, and was again placed in position, sooii after which I was informed by Gen- eral Logan that our lines were broken and you driven back, and ordered to report immediately back to my command. I informed the commanding officers of regiments of the reverse of our division, and gave the command to forward to its support, which was obeyed on the double-quick. On arriving in the open field in front of our first line of works I formed line and charged the works. We were repulsed in the first charge by an enfilading fire from the right, but again reformed, and drove the enemy from our works, recapturing 2 pieces of artillery, taking 1 stand of colors, and some 30 or 40 pris- onems. The One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteers was in- trenched some distance in front as a support to my picket-line. They held the works against two brigades, fighting nobly until both flanks were turned, when they fell back in good order, and reformed behind the main works. Fifty dead rebels are reported in front of their position. Officers and men of the entire command did their duty, with a bravery unsurpassed. I must make particnlar mention of Lient. Samuel R. Riggs, commanding Company E, One hundred and six- teenth Illinois Volunteers, for his bravery in capturing a stand of colors, and request that same be returned to him. My staff officersCapt. Addison Ware, jr., assistant adjutant- general; Capt. Edwin H. Moore, acting assistant inspector-general; *Shows 4 officers and 20 men killed, 6 officers and 122 men wounded, and 2 men missing; total, 154 Page 196 196 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Capt. George M. Crane, Capt. John T. McAnley, and LieuV. Robert Martin, aides-de-campdeserve great praise for their bravery and efficiency in action. The enemys loss in my front, from the dead found, is estimated at about 600. I inclose herewith an official list of casualties of the brigade. * JAMES S. MARTIN Golonel, Commanding. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., July 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the engagement with the enemy on the 28th instant: Early in the morning we broke camp, and advanced by the left flank on the right of the Fourth Division, same being the extreme right. The advance was made through timber with heavy under- brush, over rough and uneven ground. We gained position on a ridge on the extreme right about 10 a. in., and were attacked by the enemy in force at 12 in., the First Brigade being in reserve. It was, however,found necessary to extend our lines, when the same was ordered into position in the front. The engagement lasted from 12 m. till 4 p. in., and for severity is unsurpassed by any of the cam- paign. My lines were held, and the enemy repulsed in every assault with terrible slaughter. The entire command, with but a single exception, maintained their position and fought heroically, and are entitled to all praise for their good conduct. Tbe right of the Sixth Missouri Volunteers, under the impression that they were flanked, broke, and for a time that part of the line was confused. They were soon rallied, after which their conduct was unexception- able. My entire loss of killed, wounded, and missing was 82. The en- emys loss in front of the division in killed [was] 320, from which I estimate the entire loss of the enemy in front of the division would amount to 2,200. The regiments composing First and Second Bri- gades occupying different parts of the works, it is impossible to estimate tbe loss in front of each. Officers and men conducted themselves so well particular mention can hardly be made of any. I will, however, mention, as coming under my particular notice, Captain Windsor, commanding One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, and Captain Jolliff, commanding One hundred and eleventh Illinois. They were at all times during the engagement at their posts, directing the fire on the enemy and holding their respective commands steady and cool. My staff offi- cers were at all times at their posts, and acquitted themselves with credit. JAS. S. MARTIN Colonel, Commanding. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. *Slio~vs 3 officers and 31 men killed, 2 officers and 83 men wounded, and 9 officers ~nd 181 missing; total, 309 Page 197 L.] R Ciu~. EPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 197 No. 467. Report of Got. Theodore Jones, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CoRPs, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade from May 3, 1864, the commencement of the campaign, up to the fall of Atlanta, Ga., in co~npliance with Special Field Orders, No. 117, headquarters Department and Army of the Tennessee. There having been no regular journal kept at headquarters First Brigade, the report is made up from private journals and the official reports of actions: The brigade broke camp at Larkinsville, Ala., May 1, 1864, and marched to Bellefonte, Ala., distance ten miles. May 2, marched to within four miles of Stevenson, Ala., distance about ten miles. May 3, marched to Bridgeport, Ala., distance fourteen miles. May 4, marched to Whitesides Station, Tenn., distance ten miles. May 5, marched to Lookout Valley, Ga., distance twelve miles. May 6, marched to Lee and Gordons Mills, Ga., distance fifteen miles. May 7, marched to Gordons Gap, Ga., distance sixteen miles. May 8, marched fourteen miles, passing through Gordons Gap. May 9, marched ten miles, passing through Snake Cr~ek Gap, the enemys pickets being driven during the day. May 10, the brigade moved into position and erected works. Remained in this position during the 11th and 12th instant. May 13, 1864, engagement before Re- saca, Ga. I avail myself of the reports of General Giles A. Smith, then corn.- manding the brigade, of the part taken by this command in that engagement, and covering operations of the brigade up to June 27, 1864.* The brigade remained in this position until the afternoon of June 26. Again I avail myself of report of General Smith, giving the oper- ations of the brigade in the assault on Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864.~ From June 28 to July 2 we remained inactive in camp. July 2, the brigade moved some nine miles to the right of the Twenty-third Corps, on the Sandtown road, and occupied a position ~near Ruffs Mill, on Nickajack Creek. July 3, skirmished with the enemy, driving him beyond Nickajack Creek, and taking up a position near Widow Mitchells house, on the Greens Ferry road, at which place they were relieved by a portion of the Seventeenth Army Corps, after which we returned to the camp occupied the night before. July 4, moved to the left, crossing Nickajack Creek at Ruffs Mill, to the support of the Sixteenth Corps. The brigade was not en- gaged. July 5, moved to the right, on the Turner and Masons Ferry road, and went into camp about five miles from the ferry, and re- mained until July 8. July 8, moved to the front, and occupied a position in front of the enemy, between the Twentieth and Seven- teenth Army Corps, and erected breast-works, in which position we remained until July 11. The enemy evacuated on the night of the * For Smiths reports of May 22 and June 25 (here omitted) see pp. 190, 192. ~Seep. 193 Page 198 198 THE ATlANTA CAMPAIGN. (CHAP. L. 9th. July 11, marched at 11 a. m. about five miles to the right, on the Sandtown road, taking up a position vacated by the cavalry. July 12, moved to the left, camping within three miles of Marietta. July 13, moved at 2 a. in., passing through Marietta and camping near Roswell. July 14, moved at 3 p. m. across the Chattahoochee River to a position two miles beyond Roswell, where we erected works, remaining in that position during the 15th and 16th July. July 17, moved at 5.30 a. m. on the Decatur road, and encamped near Stony Creek. July 18, encamped about five miles from the Georgia Railroad. July 19, moved toward Decatur, striking the railroad about five miles from that place, and, with the assistance of the Sec- ond Brigade, we destroyed it for about two miles. Here we met the enemy s cavalry, with whom we skirmished until arriving at Deca- tur, where the brigade went into position, the enemy being on the opposite side of the town. July 20, moved toward Atlanta, on the main Atlanta and Decatur road, skirmishing with the enemy until within three miles of Atlanta, where we found the enemy in force. During the evening we got into position and threw up works. July 21, remained in the same position, nothing transpiring but the usual skirmishing. July 22.I give the official report of operations of the brigade on this date of Col. James S. Martin, One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, then commanding. * The brigade remained in that position during the 23d, 24th, 25th, and 26th of July, constantly skirmishing with the enemy. Early on the morning of the 27th the brigade evacuated its position, pass- ing in rear of the Armies of the Ohio and Cumberland, to the ex- treme right of the army, camping about 12 m. in front of General Davis division, of the Fourteenth Corps. July 28.The part taken by the brigade in action of this date is given in the following report of Colonel Martin, then commanding. t July 29 was spent in burying the rebel dead and strengthening our works. July 30, the bhgade moved to the front and right about 1,000 yards, relieving a portion of General Davis division, Four- teenth Corps. July 31 and August 1 and~ 2, remained in the same position. On the evening of August 2 moved forward to a new line about 1,000 or 1,200 yards in advance. Augnst 3, remained in the same posi- tion. August 4, on this day I was transferred from the Second Bri- gade of this division and assigned to command of the First Brigade. The brigade remained in this position until August 10, new works having been erected some 300 or 400 yards nearer the enemys line. The brigade moved forward and occupied them, remaining in this position until August 26. In the various positions occupied by the brigade during the month up to this date the whole command was continually under fire, suffering severely. At 8 p. m. August 26 the brigade evacuated their position, and moved, in conjunction with the rest of the army, in the grand movement then taking place, marching all night, halting at 5 a. m. August 27 for breakfast. After the breakfast moved on, crossing Camp Creek, to a fine posi- tion a short distance beyond, where we went into camp and erected temporary works. August 28, moved at 7 a. in., and struck the West Point railroad, near Sideling, some fifteen miles from At- lanta; camped in position and erected temporary works. Angu~t 29, the command was employed in destroying the railroad by * Omitted. See Martins report, p. 195. ~ Omitted. See p. 196 Page 199 199 CHAP. L] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. obstructing the cuts with brush, logs, and dirt. August 30, moved this morning toward the Macon railroad, the Second Brigade in advance of us, skirmishing all day with the enemys cavalry, and driving him before us into their works at Jonesborough. The l)rigade formed with a front of four regiments on the left of the troops then in position, throwing out pickets, covering the front and left of the division, and during the night erected rail-works. August 31, at 5 a. m. III received orders from General Hazen to advance the picket-line of the division and develop the enemys posi- tionthe entire pickets being from my command. the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers picketing in front of the Second Brigade on the right. The pickets in front of my brigade were detailed from the different regiments composing the command, the brigade being the left of the troops then in position. I found it inexpedient to advance the line of the Second Brigade. The rest of the line I advanced by swinging it to the front and right, forming a right angle with the right of the line, the left resting on the crest of an important ridge. I immediately brought forward the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, Captain Schryver, for the purpose of reconnoi- tering farther to the front, on the left of the picket-line. The enemy making his appearance on my left, the One hundred and twenty- seventh Illinois Volunteers was deployed along the crest of the hill on a hue perpendicular to the rear of the first line, covering our left flank. The One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Volunteers was then brought up to support that portion of the line. In the mean time I reported the importance of the position to General Hazen, who directed me to move up another regiment and intrench. The Fifty- seventh Ohio Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel Mott, was brought forward in obedience to that order, and soon after the Sixth Mis- souri Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Deusen, and the Fifty- fifth Illinois, Captain Browne. The enemy about this time could be seen extending his lines beyond our left. The One hundred and sixteenth Illinois was then deployed on the left of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, and soon after II found it necessary to deploy the Sixth Missouri, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Deusen, on the left of the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, leaving but two regiments in line, which I at once set to work on the intrenchments. They had but just commenced work when the enemy moved on us a heavy line of skirmishers, but was driven back by our pickets, Lbut] not before we had lost 2 men killed and 4 or 5 wounded. After a few moments delay, the work was resumed. At about 12 m. two Wisconsin regiments from the Seventeenth Army Corps, the numbers of which I did not learn, were placed in support of the Sixth Missouri and One huudred and sixteenth Illinois, where they intrenched. Up to this time I had fears of being unable to hold my position should my command have been attacked, but now I felt confident of defending it successfully. At about 3 p. m. the enemy made a vigorous assault with three brigades, under the com- mand of the rebel General Clayton, driving in my skirmishers. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois was quickly fo.~ med and placed on the left of the Fifty-fifth Illinois, refusing their left sufficient to give them a fire across the interval between my left and the position of the Wisconsin regiments, in case that Captain Wind- sor, who was directed to fill the gap with the One hundred and six- teenth Illinois, should be obliged to retire. Neither of these regi- ments had protection, only such as the nature of the ground afforded Page 200 200 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. I soon discovered that the enemy was making such headway on my right as to drive the picket-line connecting my command with the Second Brigade, and having fears that they might succeed in getting in my rear, [and] thereby cut me off from support, I withdrew the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois and placed them to the right of the Fifty-seventh Ohio, the position oCcupied by the pickets, where they did good execution. The attack of Claytons division, though obsti- nate, was repulsed in fine style. In front of the Fifty-seventh Ohio the enemy approached to within ten yards of our works. Ammuni- tion running short, bayonets were fixed to receive them. They did not give us an opportunity to use them, for they turned and fled. Half an hour later we were subjected to another assault, this time by General Andersons division, which, as with the first, was re- pulsed, they coming equally as near as Claytons division. Bayonets were fixed by the Fifty-seventh Ohio and Fifty-fifth Illinois, but were not needed. General Anderson led his division, and was severely wounded within thirty yards of our works. This is corrob- orated by rebel officers accompanying a flag of truce in the evening. The conduct of the four regiments engaged, especially the Fifty- seventh Ohio and Fifty-fifth Illinois, who bore the brunt of the as- sault, was such as to excite the admiration of all who witnessed it. Too much cannot be said in praise of Lieutenant-Colonel Mott, Fift~r-seventh Ohio, who, suffering from a badly sprained ankle, infused his men with such courage and determination that it would have been next to an impossibility to have driven them from their works. To particularize further would be consuming time. All, both officers and men, did all that could be asked of them. Among the results of the day, some 80 or 90 prisoners, unharmed, and 58 badly wounded, also 2 battle colors, were secured. During the night of the 1st of September 120 of their dead were buried, and several were left unburied when we marched in pursuit of the enemy on the morning of September 2. September 1, demonstrated with our pickets by advancing them, and by cheering and firing from our maui line in favor of the Four- teenth Corps, moving down the railroad. September 2, advanced the pickets at daybreak and found that the enemy had evacuated during the night. At 8 a. m. we moved in pursuit of the enemy to near Lovejoys Station, on the Macon railroad, and at which place the railroad was thoroughly destroyed for half a mile by the brigade. It then went into camp in reserve. September 3, still in the same position. September 4, erected works to the left of the railroad. September 5, at 2 p. m. to-day occupied the works erected yesterday to cover the movement of the corps as it withdrew from the enemys front. September 6, at 1 a. in., the corps having passed, the brigade was withdrawn and marched to Jonesborough, occupying our old works at 4 a. m. September 7; withdrew from this position at 7 a. m. and marched to Morrows Mill and bivouacked for the night. September 8, moved to East Point, where we are now encamped. Accompanying this I send official list of casualties,* also regi- mental reports, all of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEO. JONES, [Capt. G. LOFLAND, Colonel, Commandtng. Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Division. I in t?~b1e, p. 114 Page 201 201 CHAP. L.~ IREPOI~TS, ETO.AI~MY OF THE TENNESSEE. No. 468. Report of Capt. Cyrus JAiL. Browne, Fifty-fifth illinois Infantry, of operations June 16September 5. HDQRS. FIFTY-FIFTH REGT. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VoLs., Camp near Lovejoys Station, Ga., September 5, 1864. SIR: In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 117, from head- quarters Department and Army of the Tennessee, dated September 4, 1864, I have the honor to transmit here~rith a detailed report of the operations of this command during the campaign ending with the fall of Atlanta. The Fifty-fifth Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteers, under com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler, arrived at Big Shanty, Ga., June 16 1864 on return from veteran furlough, and reported to General GilesA. Smith for duty in the geld, with a present effective strength of 300 commissioned officers and enlisted men. The enemy having evacuated their first line of works, the regi- ment advanced on the morning of the 19th of June, under command of Capt. J. M. Augustin, to the base of Kenesaw Mountain, losing 1 man killed from the artillery fire of the enemy, and on the 20th June fortified their position. Here the regiment remained, con- stantly skirmishing with the enemy and exposed to artillery fire, until the night of the 26th of June, losing 3 men wounded. On the morning of the 27thhaving the previous night marched 4 miles to the rightthe regiment participated in the assault on Kenesaw Mountain. In this charge the regiment nearly succeeded in gaining the enemys works, but being subjected to a deadly cross-fire, and its commander, Capt. Jacob M. Augustin, being shot dead while urging on his men, they were compelled to fall back with the re- mainder of the brigade to the edge of a ravine, and held the position until dark, when they were withdrawn. The loss during the day was as follows: 2 captains killed, 1 captain and 2 lieuten- ants wounded, 12 enlisted men killed and 30 wounded. July 2, the regiment, under command of Capt. Francis H. Shaw, marched eight miles to the right to support General Schofield. July 3, they were engaged skirmishing with the enemy, driving their cav- alry one mile from their front across Sweet Water Creek. July 4, they supported the Sixteenth Army Corps in the advance, and from July 5 to the 8th remained in reserve. July 8, they moved two miles to the front, on Nickajack Creek, and intrenched on the 9th. July ii, the regiment marched eight miles to Sweet Water Creek, to cover the right flank of the army, and on the 12th moved eight miles to the left, passing through Marietta at daybreak of the 13th, and thence, seventeen miles, to Roswell. July 14, the regiment crossed the Chattahoochee River and fortified their position. July 17, they advanced six Yniles to Nancys Creek, and on the 18th marched five miles toward Stone Mountain. July 19, they tore up the track of the Augusta railroad and marched to Decatur, seven miles. July 20, they moved three miles along the railroad toward Atlanta, and intrenched during the night. July 22, the regimeiit advanced half a mile, occupied the enemys works, and remodeled them hastily. At 3 p. m. they sustained an assault from the enemy, and, after two hours action, repulsed them, having been tempora- rily forced to fall back in consequence of being flanked on the right. The regiment made three distinct charges, and finally su Page 202 202 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. tO~. L. ceeded in regaining the works. Vhe loss sustained in this action was : 1 lieutenant killed, 3 enlisted men killed, 14 enlisted men wounded, and 16 enlisted men missing, including the color bearer and the colors. July 27, the regiment marched twelve miles to the extreme right, and on the 28th advanced one mile and a half, and were attacked at 12 in., repulsing the enemy after four hours action. Our loss in this engagement was 1 lieutenant wounded, 5 enlisted men killed, and 11 enlisted men wounded. From this date until August 3 the regiment participated in the advance movements on the enemys works, throwing up three lines of earth-works. August 3, in an advance of the pickets the regiment ~as ordered to charge and take possession of a ridge occupied by the enemy; the ridge was taken and fortified at night, with a loss of 1 lieutenant and 2 enlisted men killed and 3 enlisted men wounded. On the 4th of August I assumed command of the regiment, and from that date until August 26 they were engaged in advancing their lines and in constructing earth-works in the face of the enemy, losing during that time 4 enlisted men killed and 5 enlisted men wounded. On the night of the 26th we evacuated our works and marched to the right fifteen miles, and fortified on the 27th. August 28, we advanced and occupied the West Point railroad, threw up works, and destroyed the track. On the 30th the regiment advaneed across Flint River, skirmishing with the enemy from Shadna Church, and threw up works by night, and on the 31st moved forward with the brigade half a mile, occupied and fortified a hill, and at 2 p.m. were vigorously assaulted bythe enemy in four distinct charges, and repulsed them after two hours action, losing 3 enlisted men killed and 9 enlisted men wounded, and capturing a large number of prisoners and arms. September 1, the regiment made demonstrations in aid of attack- ing columns on the left, sustaining a loss from sharpshooters during the day of 2 enlisted menkilled and 4 enlisted men wounded. The enemy having retreated during the night, the regiment on the 2d joined in the pursuit. Our total losses during the campaign just closed are as follows, viz: Commissioned officerskilled, 4; wounded, 4. Enlisted men killed, 34; wounded, 76; missing, 16. Total, 134. All of which is respectfully submitted~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CYRUS M. BROWNE, Gaptain, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JOHN T. MCAULEY, A. A. A. C., 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 469. Report of capt. John S. Windsor, One hundred and sixteenth liii. nots Infantry. HEADQUARTERs 116TH ILLINOIs VOLUNTEER INFANTRY East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: Pursuant to Special Field Orders, No. 117, from headquar- ters Department of the Tennessee, September 4, 1864, I have th Page 203 ~HXP. LI REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 203 honor to forward the following report of the operations of the One hundred and sixteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry since leaving Larkins Landing, Ala., May 3, 1864: With 19 commissioned officers and 363 enlisted men, under coin- mand of Lient. Col. A. Froman, the regiment marched to Resaca, Ga., participated in the assault and fight of May 14, losing Lieutenant- Colonel Froman, mortally wounded, and 2 enlisted men killed and 6 wounded. From here we marched to Dallas, Ga.; was in front of the Second Division on the 26th of May, and drove the enemys skirmish- ers back to their main works, with the loss of Capt. Thomas White, then in command of the regiment, who was killed, and Lient. James H. Glove and 6 enlisted men wounded The command of the regiment then fell upon Capt. J. S. Windsor~ Participated in the fight of the 28th of May without sustaining any loss. The regiment then marched to New Hope Church, losing 1 enlisted man on the skirmish line. From there we marched to Big Shanty, Ga. Was on the line in front of Kenesaw Mountain; our loss there was 6 enlisted men wounded. We were engaged in the assault of June 27 against the rebel works. The regiment lost 2 enlisted men killed and 25 wounded, Lient. John H. Miller receiving a slight wound. In the various flank move- ments the regiment shared the fortunes of the brigade, finally crossing the Chattahoochee River at Roswell on the 14th of July. Marching thence to the Atlanta and Augusta Railroad, assisted in its destruction. On the 20th of July took position on the line before Atlanta. Participated in the fight of 22d of July, capturing a stand of rebel colors. The regiment lost 5 enlisted men killed and 16 wounded and 2 missing, Capt. John E. Maddux being captured. From the left flank we moved to the extreme right, and was engaged in the battle of the 28th of July, with a loss of 5 enlisted men wounded. Here we buried in our front 85 dead rebels, and picked up 185 stand of small-arms. Capt. George A. Milmine, Lient. Sam- uel R. Riggs, and 2 enlisted men were seriously wounded on the skirmish line on the 18th of August. On the 31st of August we were on the skirmish line near Jonesborough, when the enemy made an assault, driving us back to our support. I was then ordered by Col- onel Jones, commanding the brigade, to fill up a gap between our works; this order was promptly obeyed. Our loss during this days engagment was 2 enlisted men killed and 8 wounded, since which time the regiment has not been engaged. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. WINDSOR, Captain, Commanding 116th Illinois Infantry. Capt. J. T. MCAULEY, A. A. A. G.. 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army iorps. No. 470. Report of C~apt. Charles & hryver,, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Infontry. HEADQUARTERS 127TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Jonesborough, Ga., September 6, 1864. SIR: Pursuant to Special Field Orders, No. 117, headquarters De- partment and Army of the Tennessee, September 4, 1864, I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of the On Page 204 204 ThE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHA?. L. hundred and twenty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry since leaving Chattanooga, Tenn., May 3, 1864, up to the present time: With 2112 men, nnder Lieut. Col. F. S. Cnrtiss, the regiment marched to Resaca, Ga., via Snake Creek Gap, participating in the assault and fight of May 14, losing 1 killed, 4 wounded, and 1 missing. From here we proceeded to Dallas, Ga., crossing the Oostenaula River one mile and a half from Calhoun Ferry. Were engaged in the fight of the 28th of May at Dallas, and suffered a loss of 1 killed and 3 wounded. The regiment next took route for New Hope Church, from there to Big Shanty, and the line in front of Kenesaw Mountain. Were in the assault of June 27 against the rebel works, under the commaiid of Capt. A. C. Little, Lieutenant-Colonel Curtiss being sick and other senior officers absent. On the 6th of July Capt. F. A. Raymond, Company I, was dis- honorably discharged the service of the United States for leaving his command withont authority while advancing on the enemy June 19, 1864, going to the rear an d remaining until sent for, and again on the 27th of June, during the assault on the enemys works. July 11, 1864, the resignation of Maj. T. W. Chandler was accepted by Special Field Orders, No. 154, headquarters Department and Army of the Tennessee. In the various flank mo vements following the One hundred and twenty-seventh shared the fortunes of the brigade, finally crossing the Chattahoochee River at Ros-well July 14. March- ing thence in a southeasterly directio i to the Atlanta and Augusta Railroad, striking it near Stone Mourn am, we assisted in its destruc- tion. On the 20th of July, in the advance upon Atlanta, the loss was 3 wounded, and in the battle of the 22d the regiment had 2 killed and 8 wounded, with 6 missing. Included in this list was Color-Sergt. Alexander Dennis, mortally, and Lieut. E. Percival, severely, wounded. In the engagement of the 28th of July the One hundred and twenty-sevehth was detached from the brigade and placed upon the extreme right of the division. Here we lost 4 killed, 8 wounded, and 4 missing. August 3, in a charge upon the rebel skirmish line, made by order of General Lightburn, our loss was 1 killed and 5 wounded. On the 6th of August, by General Orders, No. 8, issued from depart- ment headquarters, Lieut. Col. F. S. Curtiss was dismissed the serv- ice of the United States for disobedience of orders and misbe- havior before the enemy August 3, 1864i~ Command then devolved upon Capt. Charles Schryver, Company F. While in the works to the west of Atlanta, on the Bakers Ferry road, there were 2 men wounded, and on the night of the 26th of August, while leaving them, Sergt. Maj. XV. W. Lawton was killed by shell. On the 28th instant reached the Montgomery and West Point Railroad, and aided in the work of its destruction. On the morning of the 30th started out in a southeasterly direction, and at night took station in the line near Jonesborough. In the fight of the next day the One hundred and twenty-seventh lost 1 killed, 7 wounded, and 1 missing. * By direction of the President, on the recommendation of the Judge-Advocate- General, the dismissal of Lieutenant-Colonel Curtiss was (October 4, 1864) revoked, and he was restored to his command with a view to his trial by court-martial. A board of officers having subsequently reported that there were no grounds for charges against this officer, he was restored to duty. (Vide Special Orders, No. 36, headquarters Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, April 1, 1865. Page 205 Ca~p. L] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 205 In the skirmishing of September 1 we again suffered a loss of 2 killed and 3 wounded. On the 2d of September joined in the pur- suit of the enemy to near Lovejoys Station, returning to the works previously occupied near Jonesborough on the night of the 5th in- stant, which position we now occupy. The total loss of the regiment up to date since May 3, 1864, has been: Officerswounded, 4. Enlisted menkilled, 14; wounded, 49; missing, 12. Aggregate, 79. At this time there are for duty, present with the regiment, 10 officers and 81 enlisted men. All of which is respectfully submitted. CHARLES SOHRYVER, Captain, Comdg. 127th illinois Volunteer Infantry. Capt. J. T. MCAULEY, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 471. Report of Lieut. Col. Delos Van Densen, Sixth ]kfissouri infantry. HDQRS. SIXTH MISSOURI VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith a detailed report of the marches, scouts, skirmishes, and actions in which the regi- ment has been engaged during the last four months, or the spring campaign of 1864, in Georgia, together with the losses sustained and their nature and causes. The regiment, with an aggregate present for duty of 4 field and staff, 13 line officers, and 286 enlisted men, being attached to the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, left Larkins- ville, Ala., with the corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, on the 1st day of May, 1864, and joined the column under Major- General Sherman, then moving against Atlanta, Ga. Marched first day ten miles; on the 2d eight miles; on the 3d twelve miles; on the 4th nine miles; on the 5th twelve miles; on the 6th seventeen miles; on the 7th fifteen miles ; 8th, ten miles; 9th, nine miles; 10th, nine miles. 11th, skirmished with the enemy. 12th, fell back two miles and fortified Snake Creek Gap. 13th, advanced four miles. 14th, engaged in the battle of Resaca, Ga., being one of the regiments of the First Brigade which successfully charged the hill in front of the enemys works, sustaining a loss of 2 commissioned officers and 24 enlisted men killed and wounded. On the 16th pursued the enemy eight miles; 17th, eight miles; 18th, ten miles ; 19th, eight miles, to Kingston. On the 23d again advanced eighteen miles; 24th, seven miles: 25th, seventeen mi]es; 26th, two miles, to Dallas. 27th[28th], dug rifle-pits and lay on our arms, and at 4 p. m. participate dl in re- pelling a charge of the enemy, causing him heavy loss. Constantly engaged in skirmishing from that time until the night of the 31st, when we were ordered half a mile to the rear, and constructed works preparatory to taking new position. June 1, marched seven miles toward the left. 2d, fortified our position. 3d and 4th, lay in the works. On the 5th, the enemy hav- ing fallen back, we advanced seven miles, and on the 6th marched five miles to Acwo~th. Remained in camp until the 11th, the Page 206 206 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. marched six miles and camped at Big Shanty until the 19th, when we advanced our lines two miles, and remained until the 26th. We then moved with the division five miles toward the right, and on the 27th was engaged in the assault of the enemys works at the foot of Kene- saw Mountain, in which action we lost 1 commissioned officer and 9 men killed and wounded. Although this assault was repulsed, yet the ground charged over was held, and earth-works thrown up in face of a heavy fire, and to this movement was owing, in a great measure, the evacuation of his position by the enemy soon after. July 2, were ordered to advance toward the right; marched ten miles and fortified. On the 3d the regiment was ordered forward as skirmishers, and after driving the enemy two miles were relieved by the Seventeenth Army Corps, they having the advance. On the 4th advanced three miles; 5th, six miles. On the 8th moved three miles into position. On the 11th, the enemy having evacuated Ken- esaw Mountain, we advanced eight miles to Sweet Water Creek, and on the. 12th we were ordered to the left and marched twelve miles; 13th, sixteen miles, to IRoswell. 14th, crossed Chattahoochee River. 15th, fortified. 17th, advanced eight miles; 18th, nine miles, and destroyed Western and Atlantic Railroad near Stone Mountain. On the 19th marched twelve miles, to Decatur. 20th, advanced three miles, skirmishing. On the 22d, the enemy having retired, we ad- van~ed and occupied their first line of works, soon after which the battle of the 22d of July commenced. On this occasion the regiment, being in reserve, was ordered to the left to re-enforce the Sixteenth Corps; afterward still farther to the left and rear to re-enforce the Seventeenth. Returning, we joined in the charges of the First Brigade to retake our own works, which had been carried by the enemy in our absence, two other regiments (One hundred and six- teenth and One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois) having been withdrawn with us. This being accomplished, the enemy were re- pulsed at every point.. Onr loss was heavy, inasmuch as General McPherson was killed. The loss of the regiment was 3 men woun deci and 2 men missing. On the 24th the regiment, with the Eighty- third Indiana, was detailed to conduct and guard prisoners, 900 in number, to Marietta. Returned on the 26th, having marched forty miles. On the 27th marched nine miles to the right, and on the morning of the 28th three miles, and went into position, where we were immediately attacked by the enemy in strong force and with desperate determination. The battle lasted until 4 p. in., they mak- ing six distinct charges. He was repulsed every time with great slaughter. The loss of the regiment in this action was 2 killed and 6 wounded. The 29th was occupied in strengthening our position. 30th, advanced one mile and threw up works. August 1, constructed new line of works one mile in advance, and occupied them on the 2d. Remained in this position, with constant skirmishing and picket-firing and a slight advance of the skirmish line, until the night of the 26th. when we joined in the general move- ment to the right and rear, and against the enemys line of com- munications, striking the Montgomery railroad some fifteen miles from Atlanta on the 28th, having marched twenty-four miles. Hay- ing assisted in effectually destroying this road, the regiment, on the morning of the 29th, was ordered on a reconnaissance, and scoured the country for two miles, south and west, without any important discovery. On the 30th advanced thirteen miles, to the Macon rail- road, contesting every mile of the way with a large body of th Page 207 cHAP. L.3 REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 207 enemys cavalry, gradually driving them before us, and going into position after dark near Jonesborough. On the 31st the regiment, being held in reserve, was thrown out as skirmishers to protect the left and occnpy a gap between ours and the Seventeenth Corps. From the pits in the field occupied by the regiment the enemy could be plainly seen forming his lines and preparing for the assault which soon followed, but the attack was made farther to the right, and mainly on the First Brigade, thus leaving the regiment out of the action. Our loss for the day was 5 men wounded. On the 1st of September occupied works in support of section of Company A, First Illinois Artillery; lost 1 commissioned officer, killed in the works by sharpshooter. On the morning of the 2d, the enemy having retreated, pursued him five miles. Remained there until the night of the 5th, when, having destroyed the railroad, we retired and went into camp at East Point September 8. The regiment has lost during the campaign: Commissioned officerskilled, 3; wounded, 2; missing, 1; total, 6. Enlisted men killed, 6; wounded, 58; missing, 3; total 67; making an aggrbgate of 73, which, added to the number mustered~ out and discharged by reason of expiration of term of service, leaves the present effective strength of the regiment as follows: Field and staff, 4; line officers, 4; enlisted men, 108; aggregate, 116. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, DELOS VAN DEUSEN, Lient. Got., Comdg. Sixth Infantry Missouri Veteran Vols. Capt. J. T. MCAULEY A. A. A. G., 1st Brig.,.2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 472. Report of Lient. Cot. George H. Hildt, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, of operations ]Jiliay 21September 8. HDQRS. THIRTIETH REGT. OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Camp at East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit report of the action of the Thirtieth Regiment in campaign from May 21 to the present time: After our return from veteran furlough, joined brigade at Kingston, at which point we remained in camp one day, and marched on the morning of the 23d for Dallas. May 24, passed through Van Wert. May 25, marched and camped this side of Dallas. May 26, formed line of battle in afternoon and went into Dallas, closely following a few cavalry who acted as rear guard. General Giles A. Smith moved forward soon after, and met the enemy in force a short distance from town. We were ordered to support him just before dark. May 27, skirmished all day and dug rifle-pits all night. May 28, the enemy charged our works to-day at 5 p. in., and were fatally repulsed; their dead and wounded left in front of the pit in great numbers. Our opponent was Bates division, of ILlardees corps. Our losses were 1 officer and 5 men slightly wounded, May 29, at 10 p. m. a rapid fire aroused us, on our left, in front of Osterhaus, and to his left. It was rapid amid determined, and continued with very little intermission until 3 a. m. Wo lost, killed Page 208 208 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. during the night, Second Lieut. Thomas K. White, a sergeant pro- moted, but not mustered. May 30, no change of lines to-day; heavy skirmishing all day; our loss, 2 privates wounded. May 31, moved out of line of works, being relieved by the Fifty-fourth Ohio, and in the evening, with the Eighty-third Indiana and Fifty-seventh Ohio, were formed as a reserve force to support the Fourth Division, ou the right, preparatory to the evacuation of the entire line of works. June 1, moved with entire Army of the Tennessee to relieve Hooker on our left, who, on being relieved, moved still farther to the left, toward the railroad; took our position in skirmish line in front. June 2, were relieved from duty iu front by the Forty- seventh Ohio, and fell back in rear to support them; no troops on our right except those of the Army of the Tennessee; all others have gone to the left. June 3, relieved the Thirty-seventh Ohio at the front this a. m. at 4.30 oclock. June 4, were relieved by Thirty-seventh Ohio at daylight, and took position in rear. June 5, relieved the Thirty-seventh Ohio at the front, and found soon after that the rebels had retreated during the night. Advanced skirmish line to the main line of their works and found a few prisoners and negroes, who stated that the enemy had left at 10 oclock last night, with five trains of wounded, for Marietta. Commenced following the enemy at 9 a. in., moving around their works, on their right, and camped at 5 p. m. June 6, marched and camped south of the town of Acworth, in position. June 7, remained in position to-day. June 8 and 9, in camp. June 10, marched three miles this morning in direction of Marietta; formed line, and advanced half a mile in line of battle; camped and intrenched ourselves during the night. June 11, remained in position all day. June 12, in trenches. June 13, moved this morning at daylight to the left and front about one mile and a half. June 14, in position. June 15, moved at 2 p. m. toward the left, formed in double column, and remained in full view of the enemy until after dark, when we returned to the posi- tion formerly occupied. June 16, moved out to support Osterhaus at 10 a. in., and at 11 a. m. five companies, or left wing of regiment, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hildt, were detached to report at Big Shanty Station, relieving a portion of the Eighth Missouri, their term of service having expired. One of Company B had his leg taken off by a rebel shell, and died during the night. Moved a short distance out of range. June 17 and 18, in camp. June 19, rebels goneevacuated their works and fell back to the base of mountain. We advanced under a heavy artillery fire to a good position on the last rise of ground this side of the mountain ascent. June 20, weather wet; the left wing joined this evening (was re- lieved by Second Iowa), and we intrenched ourselves during the night. June 21, still raining; the line of works completed. June 22, in trenches; rebels threw shell very near us from the position on Kenesaw Mountain; has the effect of plunging shot; no protection even in the trenches. June 23, in trenches. June 24, skirmish line advanced to-day to near top of mountain. Company E, being on the line, lost 1 man killed and 3 severely wounded. Fell back dur- ing the evening to original position. June 25, a few shots from the mountain; the rebels showing themselves a little more plainly. June 26, moved at 8p. m. to the ground occupied by the Fourteenth Corps, on our right, and camped closed en masse. June 27, moved at 8 a. in. to the south point of Kenesaw Mountain, where we threw out a company of skirmishers and passed over our works and th Page 209 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.TARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 209 First Division, occupying theirs toward those of the enemy. Mov- ing, as soon as all were over, by the right flank a short distance, then forward, guide right, to the thicket, across a small stream, met considerable fire, both of artillery and musketry, but the losses were small. Formed line in the thicket, and drove the enemy from a rifle-pit near its edge, capturing a few prisoners~ Moved forward again to the crest, at which point we received a heavy fire from their works. We halted and returned it for a few minutes, when the Lightythird Indiana, on our right, moved back to the thicket, and we fell back to the line of rebel pits, a short distance in ad- vance, bringing Lieutenant White, killed, and Lieutenant McIntyre, seriously wounded. At this point we were enfiladed by the enemys artillery. Captain Chamberlain had his head taken off by a percussion shell, which exploded afterward, taking off both his arms. Capt. E. Warner, wounded in foot, besides a number of non-commissioned officers and men. We again fell back across the run to the edge of the thicket in front of our works, where their fire was more destruc- tive than before, a shot passing through a color-corporal, tearing both arms of the color-sergeant and both legs of another corporal, and pieces wounding men in all parts of the line in the process of being formed. An order was then given to fall back to our line of works by small squads and reform, which was done without any serious loss. An hour afterward an order was received from Gen- eral Lightburn, commanding brigade, to return to our position in the thicket, which we did without loss, and remained until 9 oclock, when we were relieved, and returned to the camp left in the morn- ing. A short time before sundown a tremendous artillery fire passed over us both ways from the enemys batteries and our own, but as few shots were directed at the thicket we suffered but little. June 28, moved to a small stream a short distance in rear of line, and camped to rest. June 29, in camp. June 30, inspection and muster to-day. July 1, in camp. ~July 2, marched this morning at 4 a. m. and relieved the Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, on right of army, eleven miles from camp. July 3, ordered out at 8 a. iii. to support the Fifty-third Ohio, who were feeling for the enemy in our front. Continued skirmishing until 3 oclock, when we were ordered forward and charged across an open field, with brigade, half a mile in extent. We were badly shelled in passing over it, and the proportion of shell wounds was largely in excess of those of musketry. The enemy fell back, taking with them their battery before we could get across a mill-dam, afterwards ascer- tained to be Ruffs Mill, on Nickajack Creek. Were relieved by a portion of the Sixteenth Corps at 8 p. in., and returned to the camp left in the morning. July 4, moved at 3 p. m. across the creek at Ruffs Mill, and supported the Sixteenth Army Corps, as they made an advance on a line of worl~s; that night we were not under fire. July 5, moved at 8 a. m. back across the creek to our right, on road to Atlanta, about five miles, and rested. Ordered out in the evening one mile in advance of brigade, with De Gress battery, and camped with the battery in position, guarding it, on eminence from which we could see the steeples of the city of Atlanta, apparently about eight miles distant, situated on a high level plain. A rebel fort in the valley below, one mile and a half distant, near the ford of the river. to which our battery paid their attention. July 6, the battery made sonie splendid shots to-day ; still in camp. July 7, 14 R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 210 210 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. moved with battery to a position below occupied by one attached to Seventeenth Army Corps; they went still farther to the front. July 8, moved to the left in afternoon about two miles and a half, passing Twenty-third Army Corps on our route. July 9, moved at 4 p. in., joined brigade in position at the front. Intrenched our- selves during the night. July 10, ordered to move at a moments notice. July 11, moved at 11 a. m. about five miles to the right, and camped in the woods. July 12, marched at 4.30 p. m. ten miles, and camped at 11 p. m. three miles from Marietta. July 13, marched again at 2 a. in., passed through Marietta before daylight, and camped for the night at sundown in a fine meadow, near Roswell. July 14, moved at 3 p. m. through the town of Roswell, across the Chattahoochee, to an elevated position and one easily defended, upon the crest of which we are now erecting works of great strength. July 15 and 16, in camp. July 17, moved at 5.30 a. m. about eight miles on the Decatur road, and camped near Stony Creek; met with no opposition from the enemy. July 18, marched at 5 a. in., and taking the Stone Mountain road, we advanced to the rail- road near the station and demolished a large portion of the track from the station westward. Returning, camped about five miles from railroad, much jaded. July 19, marched for Decatur, and strmjck the railroad again on our route and destroyed the track as usual. A small squad of the enemys cavalry tried to interfere with us, but failed; no losses; caitiped in the town of Decatur about sundown. July 20, advanced this morning in direction of Atlanta; deployed as skmrnimshers, ~Vith support from brigade; were frequently opposed by what was reported to be Wheelers cavalry corps, but advanced to within three miles of Atlanta at 12 in., where we found them fortified in our front. July 21, lying in re- serve to-day behind our batteries, who managed to keep the rebels quiet. July 22, rebel works on our front evacuated during the night, and we possessed them and employed ourselves leisurely dur- ing the morning in changing them. At I p. m. a heavy [firing~ was heard on the left, and the works were ordered tQ be put in complete order as rapidly as possible. The firing came gradually nearer, and at 3.30 an attack was made upon us by Hiudmans division, of Har- dees corps. They occupied the works on the left of our brigade, and each regiment in succession in our brigade fell back. We being partly sheltered by the brick house on our left, remained some time afterward with the hope to save De Gress battery, in position on our right, but were compelled finally to leave them in the hands of the enemy, and fall back also to the line of works we left in the morning, where we formed and moved forward to retake the bat- tery, but were compelled to again fall back. Another attempt shortly after was successful, and we occupied the works, with the dead bodies of the enemy strewing the ground in front in great numbers. We lost a number of prisoners. July 23, in camp in trenches. July 24, 25, and 26, in camp. July 27, moved this morn- ing at 3.30 a. m. to the right; passed the entire army, and camped on extreme right at 10 p. m. July 28, moved out this morning at ~5 a. m. to get into position; met the skirmishers of the enemy two miles from camp and drove them~until 8 a. in., when we took posi- tion, as he seemed disposed to attack. A few rails were gathered up and arranged to shield the men, and at 11 a. mu. his assault coin- menced and continued until dark, when he withdrew, leaving us in quiet possession of the field and his great numbers of killed an Page 211 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 211 wounded. During this time four determined assaults were made upon us, all of which were repulsed, with great loss to the enemy. At the first one, the Eighty-third Indiana, on our right, gave way, and we swung the right wing to the rear, giving the enemy a flank fire, which Compelled him to withdraw rapidly. The line was then changed to allow the Eighty-third Indiana to give a flank instead of a direct fire, and the line was not again broken during the day. At 4.30 we were relieved by Twelfth Illinois, and took position in re- serve; erected rifle-pits during the night. July 29, in trenches. July 30. moved to the front and relieved the Fifty-second Ohio on skirmish duty in front of Davis division, Fourteenth Army Corps. July 31, relieved at 8 a. in., and moved inside the works. August 1, dug rifle-pits along the skirmish line, concluding at 9 p. in., and returned to camp. August 2, moved into rifle-pits at day- light. August 3, advanced skirmi hers and occupied rebel rifle-pits in our front at 10 a. in.. but were driven out at ii; advanced again at 4 p. m. ; held them, and commenced intrenching. August 4, a strong work erected during the night; assigned yesterday to First Brigade, Col. Theodore Jones commanding; move(l to-day into trenches occupied by One handred and eleventh Illinois, in First Brigade. August 5, in trenches. August 6, moved to extreme right of brigade, relieving Twenty-fifth Iowa, of First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. August 7. moved out to skirmish line to dig rifle-pits at 10 p.m.; dark, and brush very thick; were relieved at dawn by Fifty-fifth Illinois, and returned to camp. August 8, in camp. August 9, commenced work on a new line of pits still farther ad- vanced. The position a poor one; can be enfiladed. August 10, moved out and occupied the pits in force, and were enfiladed by the enemys batteries, but protected ourselves by digging traverses and erecting stockades. Sergeant Engie ~nd a private lost of Company E; were killed instantly by shell striking in the ditch. August ii, in trenches; an alarm on the left at 11 p. in. August 12, in trenches. August 13, skirmishers moved forward, in connection with Oster- hans, on our right, and carried the rebel pits. The Twenty-eighth Alabama deserted to our lines. August 14, 15, 16, and 17, in trenches. August 18, made a demonstration, with rapid picket-firing and cheer- ing, from the main works in the morning and another at 4 p. m. August 19, an alarm just after dark, caused by rebel pickets attack- ing the pioneers at work in front. August 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 23, in trenches. August 26, marched at 8 p. in., and halted at 5 a. in. for breakfast, having marched all night in direction of Macon rail- road. August 27, after breakfast moved on slowly until 3 p. in.; went into camp in position and threw up works. August 28, marched at 7 a. in., and at 4 p. in. struck the West Point railroad fifteen miles from Atlanta; camped in position. August 29, in camp;non- veterans mustered out. August 30. marched this morning toward the Macon railroad; commenced skirmishing a short distance from camp. We were in rear of De Gress battery (H), with One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, until 8 p. .m, when we were ordered on picket duty in front of division. August 31, rebel pickets firing rapidly this morning. At 12 in. a rebel column of infantry Was seen moving to our right directly in our front and within range. The pickets commenced firing into them and continued for three hours, when they formed line of battle and attacked us, beginning on our right, but in a few minutes became ~xneval alono~ the line. We fell back to the niaiii line of works, and occupied a vacant plac Page 212 212 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. on the left of Second Brigade, between Eighty-third Indiana and Forty-seventh Ohio. In this position we gave the enemy a flank fire as they advanced against the First Brigade, in position on our left, and almost at a right angle with our line. The loss of the en- emy here again was quite heavy, ours scarcely nothing; employed the greater part of the night in improving our works, building abatis, & c. September 1, in trenches. At S p. in. an attack was made on the left by the Fourteenth Corps, which extended to our front, by rapid skirmishing, but nothing more. September 2, the enemy gone this morning, and we marched into Jonesborough. Moved down the railroad about five miles and found the enemy occupying an emi- nence in our front, protecting their train moving from Atlanta. A loud noise, supposed to be an explosion, was heard last ni~tt ii tion Qf Atlanta. In reserve to ~ i direc September 3 and 4, in camp. -day. Destroyed the railroad to-night. September 5, occupied a line of works on an eminence in our rear at 2 p. in. Moved again to the rear at ii p. in., and camped near Jonesborough, behind the works a part of the brigade had occupied during the charge of the enemy August 31. September 6, in camp; formed line at 4 p. in. to repel the ene- my, reported to be advancing through town. They did not come within range. September 7, moved at 7 a. in. toward East Point, and occupied a line of works erected by the enemy the night of Angust 30, at a mill. September 8, moved at 8 a. in. and reached East Point at ii a. in., camping in line of battle by brigade. With much respect, I am your obedient servant, GEO. H. HILDT, Lieutenant- Colonel Thirtieth Ohio Veteran Vol. Infantry. Capt. J. T. MCAULEY, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Gorps. No. 473. Report of Lient. CoL Samuel 1?. Jtiliott, Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-SEVENTH OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY, Camp near East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: In compliance with Special Field Orders, No. 117, September 4, 1864, headquarters Department and Army of the Tennessee, I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the Fifty- seventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, from May 3, 1864, to the fall of Atlanta, Ga., including the operations at Jonesborough: May 3, 1864, marched from four miles west of Stevenson, Ala., to Bridgeport, Ala.; distance, fourteen miles. May 4, marched to Whitesides Station, Teun.; distance, ten miles. May 5, marched to Lookout Valley; distance, twelve miles. May 6, marched to Lee and Gordons Mills; distance, fIfteen miles. May 7, marched to Goidons Gap; distance, sixteen miles. May 8, marched fourteen miles, passing through Gordons Gap. May 9, marched ten miles, passing through Snake Creek Gap, lying on our arms all night, the enemys pickets having been (Iriven through the day. May 10, moved into position apd fortified. Remained in this position during 11th and 1~th. May 18.I can do no better, nor could a more acc Page 213 CHAP. U REPORTS, F ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 213 rate description of our movements be given, than I find in the official report of Col. A. V. Rice, who was then in command of the regi- ment, whose language and report I adopt without alteration: Under orders from Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, we moved from Sugar Valley toward Resaca. Arriving at a point where the road forks to Calhoun Ferry, we took position in line of battle on the Calhoun road, on the left of our brigade and division, General Woods brigade, of the First Division, joining us on the left. A line of skirmish- ers, under command of Capt. George D. McClure, Company A, were immediately thrown forward. At 1 p. m. an advance was ordered. The skirmishers moved forward in good order over the open field, followed by the line of battle. We gained the crest of the wooded hill and halted for a moment, then moved forward and by the left flank for three-quarters of a mile, being ordered.to dress to the bri- gade on our left, the skirmishers engaging and driving the enemy the while. Again we halted for an hour, when, the skirmishers having driven the enemy off the hills in front, we moved forward over a most rough and rugged country to the edge of the woods fronting the enemys works, across a partially cleared bottom field, through which ran Camp Creek, our left resting near the main road to Resaca. At this time my adjutant, First Lieut. W. M. Newell, received a painful wound in his left eye while conveying an order to the skirmishers, which deprived me of his valuable services for txventy-four hours. Here I must mention the gallant action of our skirmishers, and those of the First Brigade, First Division, all under command of Capt. George D. McClure, Company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, supported by Company G, Fifty-seventh Ohio Veteran Volun- teer Infantry, commanded by Lieut. John Doncyson. On taking the hills last men- tioned the skirmishers pushed rapidly forward, driving the enemy closely, taking a section of artillery just to our left, which fell into the hands of General Woods. Company A hem,, out of ammunition, Capt. John A. Smith, with Company K, re- lieved Company A, and in a gallant manner kept the enemy in check until dark. A picket was now sent out, under command of FIrst Lieut. H. Stone, of Company H, and twelve men of Company C. We lay on our arms during the night, and were in line of battle at daylight of May 14, when picket-firing commenced briskly. Nothing more of importance transpired in our front until 1 p. m. Mean time, from 9.30 a. in., a furious battle raged on our left, with seeming doubtful results. At this time I received an order from Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith to advance our skirmishers, with the rest of the brigade, across Camp Creek, 150 or 200 yards in front, and to advance our line of battle accordingly. This was promptly obeyed, charging across the open field with arms right shoulder shift, and at double-quick. The Fifty-seventh Ohio starting first, and the movement being so sudden, the enemy was somewhat surprised. Resting here for a few moments, we again pushed forward our pickets through an almost impassable growth of wild roses, thorn, underbrush, and fallen timber to beyond a second creek or bayou. Our line of battle was immediately moved up through these heavy obstacles to easy supporting distance of the skirmish line, all the while under a sharp fire. The efficient manner that Lieutenant Stone con- ducted his skirmishers in these advances, and during the day, deserves mention. Thus matters remained until 5.30 p. in., when we received orders to charge over the open field and to take and hold the hills 500 yards to our front, the First Brigade, First Division, and First Brigade, Second Division, to take part in the charge. Soon preparations were completed, and the bugle notes sounded for ward. With yells and shouts the enthusiastic troops went wildly over the field, under a terrible shower of lead, shot, and shell. I was instructed to hold my com- mand at the foot of the hill to await further orders, but the war spirit so filled every breast that nothing was thought of but the occupation of the enemys works on the crest of the hill; on and up the line of battle moved fearlessly and bravely. The enemy fled before us, and the gunners forsook their posts; the work was accom- plished, and the position ours. Just at this juncture I received an order from Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith to withdraw my regiment, for now the left of our bfigade lapped over and in front of General Woods brigade, and to report with it to him 200 yards to the right, and at the base of the bald hill, which faced to the south- east. This was immediately done at double-quick and in good order, although the men sullenly left the rich prize of cannon they had captured to fall into other hands. At this moment the fighting was severe, and the whole heavens seemed to be split with bursting shells. Under the immediate direction of General Giles A. Smith and staff, we advanced and occupied the brow of the bald hill. Com- pany C, under command of Capt. John W. Und~rwood, was now sent forward as skirmishers. Mean time the pioneer corps of the Second Division, which ha Page 214 214 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. promptly followed u~ with picks and spades. strengtheni~ the line of rifle-pits facing the east just abandoned by the enemy. In a few moments, under the direction of General Giles A. Smith, I half wheeled the right wing of the regi- ment and advanced it to the line of works being constructed by the pioneers. Lieutenant-Colonel Mott brought up the left wing and formed a continuation of the line to the left. Scarcely had the regiment got into position, when our skir- mishers were driven back by overwhelming numbers. Immediately the right wing occupied the slight works constructed, the pioneers retiring, and now commences to us the most critical and eventful portion of the fight. The sun was just setting; onward, and v. ith a determination unequaled, came the enemy, cliarg- ing us in three lines of battle, of Lorings division, with shouts and yells. Six or seven stand of colors were seen, and as many regiments were confronting us. We had just experienced the wild.feeling of the assailing party; now breathless we stood awaiting the coming storm. Capt. John W. Underwood skillfully conducted his skirmishers to the rear and placed them in their proper position, until which time the fire of the regiment was held, when, by command, the rear rank raised and de- livered a most effective volley; this was followed by a volley from the front rank, and so on alternately, until the attacking force was hurled back. The enemy ap- proached to within thirty or forty yards of our position. It was now growing dark, hut nothing daunted by his failure, the eneiuy formed and charged again, and also. a third time, only, however, to meet the fate of his first approach. A portion of the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, fifty or sixty in number, was formed to the rear of our rear rank and did good execution. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois on the hill to our right, delivered a left oblique with telling effect. My entire command was cool and collected and seemed determined to repel the foe or die at their posts. During the action General Smith sent five companies [of the] Thirty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers to our support, but there being no break in the line their services were not needed and were not used. The fighting closed about 8.30 p. in., when a beautiful moon shone bri~htly on the terrible scene of death, and the deep groans of the wounded and dying made us realize the horrors of war. Immediately after the battle the pioneer corps, whose services I now wish to mention, and whose work no doubt saved many casualties in the regiment, with the assistance of heavy details from my regiment, under command of First Lieut. R. W. Smith, went to intrenching, and before morning strong works were con- structed, behind which we could have defied the enemy. The loss of the enemy must have been heavy. During the night most of his dead and wounded were taken away. In the morning blood, clothing, & c., told how terrible had been the slaughter. Companies E and K were advanced cautiously a short distance, under the command of Capt. A. J. Sennett and Lieut. S. H. Carey. On Sunday, May 15, 1804, we were in line of battle at 3 a. m. At daylight, by order of Brig. Gen. G. A. Smith, [the skirmishersj were advanced, but the whiz of bullets showed that the enemy was near. We remained in position behind ~ur works, and all day long we lay in the trenches, with a heavy picket-firing in front, with nothing to break the monotony save the rumor that a charge was expected from the rebels. After dark Companies B and G, under command of Lieutenant Doncyson, relieved Companies E and K on the picket-line. At 11 p. m. a heavy attack was made on the left, which brought us in line of battle, but which proved only a cover for the retreat of the enemy. At ~ a. m. of the 16th of May, 1864, a bright light toward the town attracted our attention, and soon a crash told us that the railroad bridge was burned. At day- light our skirmishers advanced to the Oostenaula River, but found no force this side. Our brigade and regiment now advanced, under direction of Brig. Gen. G. A. Smith, to the rebel works at the town of Resaca, and the colors of the Fifty- seventh Ohio were the first to be placed upon the strong works, just abandoned by the enemy. A few prisoners fell into our hands, who were sent to the rear. And thus ends our part of the telling and important battle of Resaca, planned and fought with that skill and ability so eruinently characteristic of our commanding general and his subordinate generals over us, but we have to grieve the loss of many~ of our best officers and men, which always seems to be the case. The action of officers and men was all that could be desired, and I hereby openly and gratefully give them the praise their noble bearing and conduct deserves. For the individual services of Lieutenant-Colonel Mott, for his sound judgment under fire, and for his brave and intrepid action, I must acknowledge myself largely in- debted. Also to my adjutant, William M. Newell, who is ever prompt and efficient, and to Lieuts. E. A. Gordon and John D. Marshall, for carrying orders and for val- uable assistance on the afternoon and n4,ht of the 14th, am largely indebted. The line officers did their whole dmity, and the non-combatants in ministering to the wounded discharged their duties well Page 215 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETc.ARMY OP THE TENNESSEE. 215 May 17, marched to the extreme right of the army, the advance of the army driving the enemy to Adairsville and occupied the place. May 18, marched to near Kingston and encamped for the night. May 19, crossed the iEtowah River and remained in camp until May 23; moved southwest from camp to within twenty miles of Kingston. May 24, marched through Van Wert, distance six miles. May 25, marched five miles, to a point near Dallas, Ga. May 26.In relation to this action I use the report of Col. A. V. Rice, who then commanded the regiment: At 11 a. m. of the 26th, under orders from Brig. Gen. Giles A. Sipith, we left our camp near Pumpkin Vine Creek, and moved toward Dallas about one mile (the Fifty-seventh Ohio being in the rear of the bri~,ade), when the brigade formed line of battle, my command, by orders, remaining 200 yards -to the rear, with Batteries A and B, First Illinois Light Artillery. As the line of battle advanced we followed, supporting the batteries. At 3 p. m. our forces occupied Dallas, Ga., and at 3.30 p. m. we marched into toxvn. At 4.30 we moved in a southwesterly direction on the Villa Rica road one mile and a half, to where the road forks to Marietta, Ga. The First Brigade, Second Division, having the advance, met the rebel pickets and engaged them. We remained with Battery A during the night at the forks of the road, supplying the picket-Line with ammunition from the ordnance train. At 7 a. m. of May 27, by orders from Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, I moved my command up to the brigade, and was placed in reserve to the rear of Battery B, having orders through the day to be ready to move at a moments notice. May 28, remained in same position oc- cupied yesterday until 4.30 p. m. ,when the rebels fiercely attacked Fif- teenth and Sixteenth Army Corps (the Fifty-seventh Ohio being still in reserve). I was first ordered to move to the right to the support of General Harrow, of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. We had moved in this direction but a short distance when the Second Division was furiously assaulted, and I then received orders to as- sume the position I had left. In a short time I received orders from General Giles A. Smith to move to a hollow or ravine in our front, to the rear of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, our right to rest on our own brigade and on the main Marietta road. This was inimediately done, all the movements being done under a sharp fire. An attack being anticipated at midnight, by orders, we were in line of battle at 11.30 p. in., and we so remained for two hours. May 29, remained in position behind our works; heavy picket-firing all day. Nothing further of importance transpiring until 9 p. in., when there seemed to be a general attack by the enemy on our entire line; this firing continued until daylight. May 30, remained in same position as yesterday. nothing transpiring of fin- portance. May 31, our position remained unchanged until 1 p. in. An attack being anticipated on the right, the Fifty-seventh Ohio, Thirtieth Ohio, and Eighty-third Indiana. the remaining reserve regiments of the division, were ordered to the right and rear of the Fourth Division, all under command of Colonel Spooner, of Eighty- third Indiana. In the evening three companies (E, K, and B) of Fifty-seventh Ohio and three companies from Thirtieth and three from Eighty-third Indiana, under command of Lieut. Col. S. R. Mott, Fifty-seventh Ohio, were sent out as pickets. Lay on our arms during the night. June 1, at daybreak, by order of Colonel Spooner, we with- drew half a mile to temporary works constructed the night before. At 7 a. in., by orders from General Giles A. Smith, we moved by the left through Dallas to near New Hope Church, to the po- sition occupied by the Twentieth Army Corps, where we remaine Page 216 21f3 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. until June 4. June ~, started for Acworth, where we arrived on the 6th, where we remained until June 10, 1864, when we started for Big Shanty. June 11, moved forward one mile; Continued advancing slowly until June 27, when Second Division of Fifteenth Army Corps was selected to storm Kenesaw Mountain, and, at 7 a. in., moved a short distance to the right and forward to within 600 yards of the rebel line of works, under cover of timber, where the line was formed (the Fifty-seventh Ohio occupying the right of the advance of the First Brigade) ; skirmishers were thrwn forward, and the line moved in close supporting distance. Through the first 150 yards the ground Was thickly covered with underbrush, rendering it very difficult to keep the alignments perfect. This distance being passed we came to an almost impassable swamp, thickly covered with wild shrubbery and vines, rendering the advance in line a very difficult matter. Passing on for a distance of 150 to 200 yards through this swamp we came to the foot of the mountain proper, the enemys pickets being driven before us, and many of them captured. Here a short halt was made and the line reformed, and then [moved] for- ward through a rough, broken country, covered with thick under- growth and heavy timber, for a distance of 250 or 300 yards, when we found ourselves within 75 to 80 yards from the enemys works. The natural growth of timber was, from this point to the enemys works, felled, forming a species of abatis, the difficulties of which to move troops over can never be known, save to those who were there and participated in that hard-fought action. The men were eager for the fray, and pressed onward through a terrible storm of shot and shell, grape an(l canister, to within about fifteen or twenty yards of the main line of works. At this juncture Col. A. V. Rice, who was corn- manding the regiment, was severely wounded in the right leg, the left foot, and forehead. I was at this moment at the left of the regiment, and the regiment joining us on the left commenced fall- ing back. I ordered my men to lie down but to hold their places, which they did (that is, Companies G, B, E, K, and H). Companies C, F, D, and I, owing to the severe fire on their front, the little protection afforded them, and the absence of the cheering of our be- loved colonel in this trying moment, slowly fell back to the woods and there reformed. Not understanding why these companies had taken this position, I went dowii to inquire why a portion of the regiment was left under this terrible fire and the other withdrawn. When I learned that they had done so under orders brought by an orderly of Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, who was repeatedly told to de- liver his order to me, as Colonel Rice was wounded, I then brought Companies G, B. E, K, and H back to the position occupied by Companies C, F, D, and I; Company A, being \vithin ten or fifteen steps of the enemys works, could not at this moment be withdrawn, except at too fearful a sacrifice. They remained until night-fall, and crept out singly and alone, as best they could, joining the balance of the regiment. Under orders from General Giles A. Smith we in- trenched ourselves and remained until about 10 p. in., when we left and assumed the position we occupied in the morning. I cannot complete my duty without making special mention of Capt. George D. McClure and Lient. John D. Marshall. Sergeant Heaton, of Company D, Sergeant Francis, Company A, and Sergeant Wine- gardner, of Company C, deserve, for their action, some substantial acknowledgment from the Government. June 28, 29, 30, all quiet Page 217 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 217 July 1, still occupying same position. July 2, moved nine miles to the right of the Twenty-third Corps. July 3, the enemy evacu- ate Kenesaw Mountain; pursue the enemy; moving on the Greens Ferry road, across Nickajack Creek, in supp~rt of Sixteenth Army Corps, and remain there during July 4. July 5, move on same road. July 6, take position on the right of the Twentieth Army Corps. July 11, moved to the right, on the Sandtown road, in support of General Stoneman. remaining there during the 11th. July 12, march to Marietta, and arrive at Roswell July 13. July 14, cross Chattahoochee River and fortify within two miles of Roswell, and remain there until July 16, when we start for Decatur, via Stone Mountain, arriving at Decatur July 18, haying assisted in destroying the Augusta railroad, and remain here during the 19th. July 20, move toward Atlanta, three miles, skirmishing with enemy, where we built works, and remained during 21st. July 22, about 1 p. m. fighting could be heard on left, continuing for some time, with seeming doubtful result, when three regiments, Sixth Missouri, One hundred and twenty-seventh and One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, of First Brigade, Second Division, were ordered to support of Sixteenth Army Corps, leaving but two regiments (Fifty-fifth Illinois and Fifty-seventh Ohio) in line of battle, the One hundred and eleventh Illinois being in front, supporting skirmish line. About 3 p. m. the enemy attacked the picket-line, driving it back on the support (One huiidred and eleventh Illinois), and finally forcing all back upon the line formed by Fifty-seventh Ohio and Fifty-fifth Illinois. On came the enemy, moving on us in column by regiment, four or five regi- ments deep, extending as far to the right and left as I could see. The picket-line being well in, and the enemy within easy range, I ordered my regiment to commence firing, and continued with such effect as to compel the enemy to withdraw from our front, with the excep- tion of a small number, who had succeeded in gaining the outside of the works, when I ordered the firing to cease. I now observed that the firing was not so heavy on the right, and started in that direction to ascertain the cause. From the position I occupied, I could see that the enemy had succeeded in gaining the works to the right of the railroad, having compelled the Second Brigade to leave the works, and were now forming, to the number of, say, 500, a line of battle partially facing my right, when they opened upon my right and rear, and at a distance of not more than twenty-five paces. Thus placed, I deemed it expedient to change front, which fact I communicated to the commanding officer of Fifty-fifth Illinois, both regiments being under my command. Between my right and the left of the Second Brigade ran the Augusta railroad, and at this point was a cut of from five to fifteen feet deep. When I com- menced the movement of change of front I found a large number of the enemy had passed through this cut in the railroad, and were now on my rear. Believing the movement impracticable, under this state of facts, I ordered both regiments to fall back. Reaching a ravine, I attempted to reform the line. The command being in some confusion, and the density of the underbrush being so great, I could not determine with any degree of certainty to what extent I was surrounded. I continued to fall back to the line of rifle-pits occupied before the advance, where I reformed my line. Here I found Gen- erals Smith and Lightburn urging some men forward. At this juncture~ Colonel Martin came up with the regiments that had been detached and sent to the support of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Th Page 218 218 TilE ATLANTA CAMPA1~. ~CHAP. L. whole line being reformed, we advanced, and after some sharp work, retool: onr works. I desire here to state that the action of men and officers of both regiments, under my command, was all that could be dQslred, as every man remained at his post until ordered to fall back. I am of opinion that we could have held our line, if the brigade on my left had held their position. I shall now mention the manning of the section of artillery of Battery A, First Illinois Artillery, that was on the left of the railroad. I would that I knew the name of every man, that future generations might know to whom they are indebted for their liberties. July 23, 24, and 25, spent in burying dead, & c. July 26, started for the right of the enemy, and got there on the 27th. July 28, taking position on the extreme right of the army, at 10 a. m. we commenced advancing. Soon the skirmishers were engaged, aiid time enemy driven slowly until 11.30 a. m. Having succeeded in getting possession of a hill, we here found the enemy in force, advancing to meet us. Making hasty preparations to receive him, with a few rails and loose stones, we soon had what protection could be received from a line of works of this kind, only eighteen to twenty inches high. As- sault followed repulse for seven long hours. The carnage was fearful, and the dead and wounded on the field told a tale that must clothe many hearthstones in mourning and sorrow. Officers and men behaved more nobly, if such a thing could be, than usual. To attempt to name specific acts of particular persons would enlarge this report to an unwieldy extent. I must, however, be permitted to mention the action of Corpi. Marion Beemer, of Company C, in supplying the regiment with cartridges, under the circumstances and dangers attendant, as being deserving of special mention. July 29, reformed lines and buried tbe dead. July 30 and 31, con- tinual skirmishing all the time. August 1, 2, 3, and 4, continue skirmishing and advancing slowly. On the 4th the regiment took part in a charge, carrying rebel rifle- pits, and fortify the position, where we remain until August 26. Moved to the right in the evening, marching all night and until 12 m. of 27th, reaching the Montgomery and Atlanta Railroad teii miles southwest of East Point. Reniained here until morning of Am~gust 30. Moved on Macon railroad, where we arrived at 8 p. in., after continual skirmishing all day. August 31, met the enemy in force near Jonesborough, Ga., on the Macon railroad. Taking position on a fine range of hills, threw up slight works. The enemy, massing in front of our division and regiment, attacked us in four lines of battle. Owing to the conformation of the ground, the rebels could approach to within sixty to eighty yards of our line un(ier cover. Here they formed their lines and canic into full sight, when we opened upon them. Many fell, but with a stubbornness and deter- mination that showed no value was attached to human life, the gaps were soon closed, as if by magic. Onward they came, with firm step and compressed lip, until they reached, in many places, five paces of our lines. l3elieving they were determined to come over, I ordered my command to fix bayonets. This command, together with its execution, they saw, and this, more than our shot, seemed to bring them to a realizing sense of their situation. To turn and re- treat now to them was certain death. So I, twice during the en- gagement, ceased firing to enable them to come in as prisoners. Having already exhausted my limited knowledge of descriptive words of praise in the many engagements in which the officers an Page 219 OnAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. ~I 9 men of this regiment have won for themselves imperishable iiarnes, I can now only say, in commendation, That they are heroes, patriots, and war-worn veterans that a nation in her most beneficent grati- tude can never repay. This cl6ses the action that resuhted in the fall of Atlanta, in which it has been the honor of the Fifty-seventh Ohio to participate. I feel that I have not done the regiment jus- tice in this hurried and much lengthened repor1~. As they have borne with my frailties on former occasions for my remissness of duty, I can but hope they will do so again. The short space of time allowed would not permit that the half should be told. Casnaltie Commissioned officerskilled, 1; wounded, 5; miss- ing, 3. Enlisted menkilled, 22; wounded, 101; missing, 74. Total, 206. I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfnlly, your obediemit serv- ant, S. R. MOTT, Lientenard- Colonel, Corndg. Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers. A. A. A. G., 1ST BRIG., 2D Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS. No. 474. Reports qf Brig. Gen. Joseph A. J. Lightbnrn, U. S. Army, command ing Second Brigade, of operations May 9June 27 and July 28. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the advance upon and occupation of 7Resaca, Ga.: On the morning of thie 9th instant I marched from camp near Snake Creek Gap to the head of Sugar Valley, at point where the Dalton road crosses the Resaca road, took position, and deployed skirmishers. At 8 oclock on the morning of the 10th my skir- mishers were eiigaged, which lasted until 1 p. m. without any change iii our position. On the morning of the 11th, pursuant to orders, withdrew from my position, leaving my skirmish line supported by Col. Benjamin J. Spooner, Eighty-third Indiana Volunteers, to a partially intrenched position one mile and a half to the rear, formed my line, and completed the intrenchment in my front. On the morning of the 12th moved forward and took up my former position, where I remained during the day and night, with no signs of the enemy in our immediate front. On the morning of the 13th moved forward to another cross-road, two miles from Resaca, formed hine of battle at 10 a. in., advancing in line of battle in the direction of Resaca, driving the enemys skirmishers, until we arrived at Camnp Creek, overlooked by a ridge in the immediate vicinity of the enemys main works, and occupied by a strong line of skirmishers protected by logs and temporary works. Finding Camp Creek amid the groumid on the opposite side impracticable to advance in line, I ordered the Thirty-seventh, Forty-seventh, and Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, comprising my first line, to cover themselves as best they could, but, owing to the elevated position of the enemy, the Thirty-seventh and Fifty-third Ohio were exposed to a galling fire. About this time I received instructions from the general commanding the division to withdraw my line to a more covered positiomi in the woods if I though Page 220 220 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. I could do so without greater loss than remaining in my J)vesent position until after dark. Upon consulting Colonel Jones, Fifty- third Ohio, and Lieutenant-Colonel von Blessingh, Thirty-seventh Ohio, I thought best for these reginients to remain until after dark. When firing ceased Ii withdrew them to a covered position in the woods, leaving a strong line of skirmishers on the line of Camp Creek. Skirmish firing commenced on the morning of the 14th at daylight, and was briskly kept up all day, my command remaining in the position taken the night before until 6.30 p. in., when I re- ceived orders to support Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith, who had taken possession of the ridge in our front and across Camp Creek, which I did, moving my command in double-quick time across the creek, and forming on General Giles A. Smiths right, with the right of my skirmish line resting on the Oostenaula River, which position I in- trenched during the night. Skirmishing commenced at daylight on the morning of the 15th, which was kept up all day without any change of position. The enemy having evacuated Resaca on the night of the 15th, I moved forward on the morning of the 16th to the enemys works, from whence, pursuant to orders, I marched in the direction of Rome, and crossed the Oostenaula. The 12th, 18th, and 19th were occupied, without anything special occurring, in marching to this poimit, where we arrived in the afternoon of the 19th. During the entire march and skirmish all the officers and men of my command behaved handsomely. Our rapid advance to the support of General Giles A. Smith was under a heavy fire of musketry, canister, and shell, but none faltered or fell back, and, with the exception of two or three privates who fell in the creek, wetting their ammunition, all were in their places when the line was formed, Casualties: Commissioned officerskilled, 1; wounded, 3. En- listed menkilled, 2; wounded, 75. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Dirision, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command from the time of leaving Kingston, Ga. (up to which time my last official report included) to the present date: Pursuant to orders, I marched from Kingston on the morning of the 23d of May, in the direction of Rome, Ga. On the 23d, 24th, and 25th I was employed in marching from Kingston to near Dallas, meeting with little or ~mo resistance by the enemy. On the 26th en- countered the enemys pickets near Dallas, formed line of battle, and advanced into Dallas without resistance, the enemys pickets falling back. Marched through Dallas, on the Marietta road, encountered the enemys pickets again, making a stubborn resistance one utile south of Dallas; formed line of battle, and, during that night and the next day (27th), covered my entire front with rifle-pits, which were connected on my left by Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smiths (First Page 221 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, 11G.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 221 brigade, and on my right by Colonel Olivers brigade, of the Fourth Division, my skirmishers being warmly engaged during the day. On the 28th skirmishing commenced at daybreak, and was briskly kept up during the day until 5 p. in., when the enemy made an as- sault upon my command, which was repulsed with heavy loss on the part of the enemy, the assault lasting but twenty-five minutes. During the 29th, 30th, and 31st remained in the same position, with nothing occnrring except brisk firing by skirmishers and sharp- shooters. June 1, withdrew from my position and moved in the direction of New Hope Church. and relieved a brigade of General Butterfields division, of the Twentieth Army Corps, near said church, where J remained during the 2d, 3d, and 4th, with nothing occurring except skirmishing. The enemy having evacuated his position in our front on the night of the 4th, on the 5th I moved in the direction of and encamped near Burnt Church. On the morning of the 6th moved to Acworth Station, where i[ remained in camp, all qniet, until the morning of the 10th, when I moved in the direction of Big Shanty, formed line of battle, and constructed a rifle-pit in my front. Re- mained in line until the morning of the 12th, when I moved in rear of the left of the Seventeenth Army Corps, in reserve. Remained in reserve until the night of the 16th, when I moved to the right and relieved Colonel Halls brigade, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, in which position ill remained, briskly skirmishing with the enemy, until the morning of the 19th, when, it being ascertained that the enemy had evacuated his works in our front, I moved forward and took my present position immediately in front of Kenesaw Moun- tam, in which position I remained up to date (June 23), having almost constant skirmishing \xTith the enemy since taking my present position. During the entire time embraced in this report my officers and mcii (with one exception) have evinced the highest character of sol- dierly bearing. Under fire, on the march, and in camp, during the hot weather and almost incessant rains, I have not heard a murmur or coniplaint. The exception referred to above is the case of Lient. Col. Benjamin H. Myers, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers, who, during a crazy fit of drunkenness, threw himself, in violation of orders, beyond the skirmish line and was killed. My casualties are as follows: Commissioned officerskilled, 1; wounded, 2. Enlisted menkilled, 7; wounded, 89. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. GORDON LOFLAND, Asst. AdjI. Gen., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Big Shanty, Ga., June 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by [my] command in the assault upon the enemys works on the 27th instant: Pmmmsuant to orders, I marched from my bivouac at 7.30 a. in., formed in txvo lines in re r of a battery in Brigadier-Gemmeral Os Page 222 222 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~CHAP. L. terhaus lines, and at ten minutes past 8 moved forward. My ad- vance was a part of the way through an open field nnder a raking fire of artillery obliquely on my right and left, also a musketry fire from the same directions. After passing through this open field, crossing a small stream into low ground covered with underbrnsh and interwoven with vines, through which I advanced a distance of 150 yards to another open field in my front and immediately in front of the enemys main works. The edge of this field was occupied by the enemy with a heavy intrenched skirmish line, which I could not see until the front line was within twenty paces of it. A few vol- leys were fired, and my men dashed forward with clubbed muskets and succeeded in carrying this work, and advanced 150 yards into the open field. Finding this position exposed to a complete flank fire of artillery from the left and musketry from the right, the line fell back under cover of the woods, where I remained with my com- mand until after dark, when, by order, I withdrew to the bivouac left in the morning. During the advance my officers did all that could be done, but the underbrush through which we advanced was so thick that it was impossible to preserve a line; the consequence was the entire line was broken (this accounts for the heavy loss in officers), which was impossible to reform in the woods, on account of the thick under- brush, or in the open field in front, on account of the raking fire to which they were exposed. Some regiments fell back and reformed in the open field in the rear, only to be broken again in advancing. I, however, reformed tIme line as well as I could under the circum- stances, and held my position, pursuant to orders, under a heavy fire of artillery until dark. My casualties are as follows: Commissioned ~officerskilled, 2 wounded, 13. Enlisted menkilled, 16; wounded, 140. Total, 171. A full list will be forwarded soon. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. GORDON LOFLAND, Asst. AdjI. Gem., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CoRPs, Near Atlanta, Ga., July 29, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report [of the part] taken by my command on the 28th instant: About 8 a. m. I formed on the right of General Harrows (Fourth) division with my entire brigade front, refusing my entire line. About 9 a. m. the line moved in the direction of the Sandtown road to a position on a ridge, near a road running parallel with the Sand- town road, with open ground in nearly all my front, my line on the prolon~ation of General Harrows line, with my right refusing to correspond with the conformation of the ridge, throwing up a tem- porary cover of rails and logs for a part of the line. A short time after taking the described position I threw forward two regiments, the Forty-seventh and Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. Wells S. Jones, to drive the enemys skirmishers from a ridge in an open field in my front. Colonel Jones reporting the enemys line too heavy for him, I sent the Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Immfantry to his assistance, replacing these three regiment Page 223 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 223 in the main line by three regiments from First Brigade. About the time the Fifty-fourth reached Colonel Jones the enemy appeared advancing in line of battle from the woods in his front, driving the command back, and engaging my whole line. In the first advance the enemy turned my right, forcing my men from the top of the ridge. At this time two regiments of the Fourth Division were sent to my assistance, when the ridge was retaken and held during the engagement and subsequent]y intrenched. The engagement, as well as I recollect, commenced at 11.3() a. m. and lasted until 3.30 p. in., niost of which time the firing was incessant. The officers and men behaved well; the regiments sent out to oc- cupy the ridge in the open field came back broken, but were rallied in the main line and fought well. My loss was light. From the number of dead found the next day in our front, the enemys loss was heavy. A list of casualties giving name, rank, and nature of wounds will accompany this report. * All of which is respectfully submitted. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN, Brig. Gen. Vols., Comdg. 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th A. C. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Second Division. 13th Army Corps. No. 475. Reports of Cot. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, command ing Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, In Front of Atlanta, Ga., July 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade in the action before Atlanta on the 22d of July: About 3 p. m. I received an order from General Lightburn plac- ing me in command of the brigade. I was at that time about half a mile in front of the main line of works, supporting one line oi~ skirmishers, who were not more than 500 yards from the enemys works, and in plain view of Atlanta. My instructions from General Lightburn were that I would soon be attacked, and that I could either retire to the main line of works there or wait until I was com- pelled to retreat. I gave orders to the two regiments under my com- mand, the Fifty-third Ohio and One hundred and eleventh Illinois Volunteers, together with the section of artillery, to remain in the position they then occupied until our skirmishers were driven in, and then to open fire on the enemy, and hold their position until the enemy appeared to be flanking us. We had fired but a short time when I saw the enemy to our left and rear advancing in heavy force. I ordered the artillery to fall back to the main works and followed it with the infantry. When I entered our works I found the Sec- ond Brigade in the works on the north side of the railroad, with its left resting on the railroad. All the_regiments were placed in the * Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed, 1 officer and 61 men wounded, and 6 men missing; total, 71 Page 224 224 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. front line but seven companies of the Fifty-third and two companies of the Forty-seventh Ohio, which were placed in reserve. Very soon the entire front line became en~aged. The enemy were found to be steadily approaching our works and the reserve companies were all ordered forward into the works. The enemy soon seemed to fall back from the right and center of the brigade, but about this time moved a heavy force up the road, and got another column into the railroad cut. The smoke from our battery, it being near the road, entirely hid them now from our view until they were crossing the works on each side of the battery. Soon after this the head of their column began to emerge from the railroad cut, about seventy-five yards in our rear. The men near the road being no longer able to hold their position fell back in considerable confusion. I attempted to form a line on my right, but I could not succeed. After failing in that I tried to form line in the low ground, about 400 yards from the works, but could succeed in getting but a few men together. I determined then to not attempt to reform until we reached the works we had left in the morniiig. I gave orders accordingly. After gathering up all men we could find we. a(lvanced again to retake our works. I advanced part of my line nearly to the works, but was driven back some 400 yards. We sooii again advaiiced and retook ou~ works, turning the artillery that the enemy had taken from us on them, amid capturing some 80 prisoners. Our loss is as follows: Commissioned officers killed, i; enlisted men, 20; commissioned of- ficers wounded, 4; enlisted meii 90 c 6; enlisted men, 204. Most of ominissioned officers missing, the missing were undoubtedly taken prisoners. About 000 muskc front. 4s were picked up by my brigade in its Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. JONES, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. GORDON LOFLAND, Assi. Adjt. Gen., Second Div., Fifteenth Army C~orps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade in the campaign against Atlanta: On the 1st day of May this command left its winter quarters at Larkinsville, Ala., and marched toward Chattanooga, Teun., fol- lowing the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Arrived at Rossville, Ga., on the 6th of May. Nothing worthy of notice occurred on this march. Here we received orders to turn over all extra baggage, and have it sent to Chattanooga. On the afternoon of the 6th of May we marched again, having left behind all the tents and almost all the camp and garrison equipage belonging to the command (the transportation having been reduced to three teams to the regiment), camped at Lee and Gordons Mills. May 7, marched again and went into camp at night near Taylors Ridge. May 8, marched fifteen miles and encamped near Villanow. Here we first saw indications of the enemy being near. May 9, marched through Snake Creek Gap, and went into camp in rear of the Six- teenth Army Corps. May 10, nIove(l forward into works constructe Page 225 CHAP. L.J REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 225 the night before. Here our skirmishers first met the enemy. May 11, we remained in works. May 12, marched one mile to Sugar Val- ley, formed line of battle, and bivouacked until morning. May 13, marched at 6 a. in. without transportation or knapsacks; were in advance of the entire army. except Kilpatricks cavalry, which marched just before us. Marched about two miles, when the cav- alry having been engaged and repulsed by the eneniy near where Dalton and Calhoun Ferry road crosses the Resaca road, and were ordered forward on the double-quick, and formed line of battle, with the left of the brigade resting on the Resaca road, fronting south- east. Skirmishers were thrown out in front and on the right flank. Remained in this position, skirmishing with the enemy until about 12 in., when a division of the Sixteenth Army Corps formed on our right, relieving our skirmishers on that flank. At 1 p. m. advanced in line of battle, with two regiments in reserve; drove the enemys skirmishers about a mild through very thick woods. Just as our line of battle emerged from the woods the regiment on the right was fired into by the enemy, who were about 400 yards distant, on the south side of the Oostenaula River, and behind temporary rail- works. The enemy were soon driven froni their works, and our line again advanced until we came near Camp Creek, which was less than a mile from Resaca. The line halted at the edge of a field, which extended to the creek bottom, charged across this field, with skirmish line supported by the Fifty-third and Thirty-seventh Ohio Regiments, and drove the enemy out from among the fallen timber and behind the trees to their rifle-pits on the opposite side of the creek. May 14, brigade charged across Camp Creek bottom and formed on the right of the First Brigade just at dark, and intrenched during the night not more than 500 yards from the fortifications at Resaca. We remained in this position, skirmishiub with the enemy, until the morning of the 16th of May, when the enemy were found to have evacuated Resaca during the prQvious night. The brigade lost in this action: Killed, 2 commissioned officers and 19 enlisted men; wounded, 5 commissioned officers and 104 enlisted men. May 16, after marching into Resaca, the brigade marched to Lays Ferry, crossed the Oostenaula River, and went into camp in rear of the Sixteenth Army Corps. May 17, marched early in the morning, being the advance of the Fifteenth Army Corps; soon came upon a brigade of the enemys cavalry, which retreated in the direction of Rome, Ga. Followed them all day, skirmishing with them. Biv- ouacked at night twelve miles north of Rome. May 18, marched through Adairsville, and bivouacked ten miles north of Kingston. May 19, marched to Kingston and went into camp, where we re- mained until May 23, when we marched again in direction of Dallas. May 26, encountered the enemy near Dallas, formed line of battle, threw forward skirmishers, and advanced line until the enemy en- tirely disappeared from our front. Marched through Dallas by the flank, following the Marietta road. Came up with the enemy about one mile east of Dallas, when skirmishers were thrown out, and two regiments of the brigade were formed in line of battle, the other four regiments being placed in reserve. May 27, constructed rifle- pits near the skirmish line, and moved forward three regiments into them. The other regiments were formed about 200 yards in rear of this line as a reserve. Our skirmishers were engaged with the enemys all day. May 28, about 3 p. m. the enemy charged on our works with very heavy column, but were repulsed with great loss, 13 i~ ~yo1~ ~2~X~III, PT II Page 226 226 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Ca~p. L. The officers and men engaged deserve great credit for the courage and coolness they exhibited in repulsing this charge. May 29, skir- mished all day with the enemy, and about 10 p. m. the enemy again charged our line, but were very easily driven back to their work. We remained in this position until June 1, when, with our corps, we withdrew. Our loss in action near Dallas was: Killed, commis- sioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 14; wounded, commissioned officers, 6; enlisted men, 64. June 1, marched through Dallas to the position occupied by the Twentieth Corps, near ew Hope Church, where we relieved a bri- gade of that corps, placing three regiments in the rifle-pits and the remaining three in reserve. Remained in this position, skirmishing with the enemy every day until June 5. The enemy having evac- uated during the night of the 4th, our skirmishers occupied his works at daylight. Loss of. the brigade near New Hope Church was: Killed, 1 enlisted man; wounded, S enlisted men. June 5, marched in northeasterly direction and bivouacked in an ouen field. June 6, marched directly east, reached Acworth about 12 oclock, and went into camp about one mile south of it. Remained in this position until June 10, when we marched toward Big Shanty, where we encountered the enemys pickets; formed line of battle on the right of First Brigade, threw forward skirmishers, and advanced line about half a mile and occupied a ridge, where we constructed breast-works. Remained in this position until June 13, when we were ordered into line at daylight and marched two miles to the left, and formed in rear of the Sevemiteenth Corps. Remained in this position until June 15, when we marched about a mile to the left, to support the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Corps; formed in column of regiments. Remained in this position until night, when we returned to the camp we had left in the morning. June 16, marched about one mile to the right, and formed in rear of General Osterhaus division. In the evening relieved a brigade of the Sev- enteenth Corps in the front line. Remained in this position, skir- mishino~ with the enemy, until June 19. The enemy having evac- b uated his works in our immediate front our skirmishers advanced and occupied his works at daylight. About 10 a. m. the brigade moved forward by the flank to the works evacuated by the enemy. While this movement was being made the enemy shelled us vigor-. ously from their batteries on the top of Kenesaw Mountain. In the evening we advanced our line about half a mile to near the base of the mountain and constructed works in that position. Remained in this position until June 24. June 24, skirmish line was ordered to advance; Fifty-third Ohio was ordered out to support it. We ad- vanced skirmishers to within 200 yards of the crest of Kenesaw Mountain, under a very heavy fire from the enemys skirmishers. Finding it impossible to drive the enemy farther we were ordered to remain in the positioh gained until night and then retire to old line. June 26, marched about 8 p. m. toward the right of our line; bivou- acked about midnight, one mile west of Little Kenesaw Mountain. June 27, received orders to stack knapsacks and be ready to march at 8 a. m. Marched to position occupied by General Osterhaus. ere ordered to form line and prepare to charge the enemys works on Kenesa~xr Mountain; formed in two lines, the Fifty-third Ohio, Eighty-third Indiana, and Thirtieth Ohio being placed in the front line, Forty-seventh, Thirty-seventh, and Fifty-fourth Ohio in re- serve line, the brigade being on the extreme right of the division Page 227 C~ir. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 227 At 8.30 a. m. moved forward double-quick through an open field to a creek under a terrible fire from the enemys artillery and skir- mish line. Halted at creek to rectify line, being partially sheltered from the fire of the enemy. As soon as the line was dressed crossed the creek and advanced through the thickly timbered low ground, the underbrush being so thick it was almost impossible to get through it. About 200 yards from the creek, at the edge of a field, we came upon a line of rifle-pits occupied by the enemy, which were taken after a hand-to-hand contest, in which bayonets and the butts of guns were used. After driving the enemy from this line we ad- vanced about 200 yards, to near the main line of rebel works, on the west side of Little Kenesaw Mountain, the ground being cleared and our line enfiladed from both flanks. We received orders to fall back to the rifle-pits that we had taken at the edge of the woods, it not being thought advisable to again charge the enemys works in our front. We were ordered to remain in this position until night, when we were relieved by General Osterhaus division, having re- mained all day under the fire of the enemys artillery. At 9 p. m. returned to the position left in the morning. The brigade lost in action near Kenesaw Mountain Killed, 2 commissioned officers and 16 enlisted men; wounded, 11 commissioned officers and 134 enlisted men; missing, 5 enlisted men. Brigade remained in camp near Little Kenesaw Mountain until July 2, when it marched south about ten miles to the position occupied by the Twenty-third Army Corps; we relieved a brigade of that corps and immediately con- structed breast-works. July 3, the enemy having withdrawn from our front, General Smith ordered that two regiments from the brigade be sent to recon- noiter the country in our front as far as Ruffs Mill. This party came upon the enemy about one mile from where it left the brigade. Finding a large force of the en3~my, supported by artillery, the four regiments left back in the works were ordered up. Line of battle was formed, which was immediately advanced double-quick against the enemy. When it had advanced about 1,000 yards through a corn- field, under a destructive fire from the enemys artillery and skir- misherswhen within about 300 yards of the enemys artillery, and 100 yards of his infantry, who were posted behind rail-works in the low ground near the creek in front of his artilleryit came to Nicka- jack Creek, and was compelled to halt, being unable to cross at this point. We opened fire from our line and soon drove the enemy from our front, when we crossed the creek at the fords and occupied the works that the enemy had left. Remained in this position until dark, when we returned to the works we had left in the morning. Our loss in this action was: Killed, 1 enlisted man; wounded, 2 commissioned officers and 35 enlisted men. July 4, marched two miles east, crossed Nickajack Creek and formed line on right of .the Sixteenth Corps, and constructed works during the night. July 5, marched about five miles in a southwesterly direction, and went into camp near the Seventeenth Army Corps, where we remained until July 8, when we marched about three miles in a northeasterly direction, where we formed line on left of the First Division. Remained in this position, our pickets skirmishing with the enemys, until July 11, when we mar~hed five miles to the right and camped on Sandtown road. July 12, marched about 4 p. in. in the (lirection of Marietta; bivouacked at 11 p. i~1. July 13. m~ rehed at 2 a. in.. passed through Marietta at daylight, bivouacked t night near Roswell. July 14, marche Page 228 228 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L in the afternoon; passed through Roswell and crossed to the south side of the Chattahoochee River and went into camp, where we re- mained constructing works until July 17, when we marched seven miles toward Decatur. July 18, marched in the direction of Stone Mountain, supporting General Garrards cavalry; reached Atlanta and Augusta Railroad, near Stone Mountain, about 3 p. in., being the only infantry that reached the road. Destroyed about three miles of railroad and returned to our corps, which was about three miles west from the road. Marched on Decatur road, and bivouacked at 9 p. m. July 19, marched again to railroad and drove the enemy from it, and destroyed about two miles of it. Returned to Decatur road and marched in direction of Decatur, reaching there in eveii- ing. Went into camp near town. July 20, marched at 7 a. m. on Atlanta road, being the advance of the Army of the Tennessee, and came upon the enemys pickets about two miles west of Decatur. Two regiments were deployed as skirmishers, and the remainder of the brigade formed in line of battle. We drove the enemy slowly for about two miles in the direction of Atlanta, when we received orders to halt and construct breast-works. We constructed works and remained in this position until July 22, when the enemy, having withdrawn from our front, our skirmish line, supported by a regiment, was pushed forward until they had passed the line of works he had evacuated, and came up to his main works near Atlanta. About 10 a. m. the remaining regiments of the brigade were moved up to the old line of rebel works and formed in line, their left resting on Atlanta road. As soon as line was formed each regiment was ordered to turn the old line of rebel works and prepare them for our defense. About 3 p. m. the skirmishCrs were driven in and the enemy was seen advancing on our front in heavy column. As soon as he came within range our line opened upon him a very destructive fire, which threw into confusion his first line, which, however, was soon replaced by another more determined than the first. This, too, was driven back, and our entire line seemed perfectly secure. On the left of the line, near the Atlanta road, there was a battery which fired over the temporary works; to the left of the dirt road there was a deep railroad cut which was opeu. After the brigade had been firing about forty minutes, and the enemy seemed to be driveii from our entire front, a heavy column approached the battery unperceived, under cover of the low ground and smoke, which came over the works and through the dirt road in force sufficient to overpower the few men placed between the pieces of artillery. About this time another column of the enemy began to emerge from the railroad cut in our rear, which caused the brigade to fall back from the works in considerable confusion. It reformed in a few minutes back at the works we had left in the morning, and, supported by a brigade of the Sixteenth Corps, charged upon and drove the enemy from our works, turning our recaptured artillery upon the retreating enemy. Our loss in action here was: Killedcommissioned officers, 3; enlisted men, 34. Wounded commissioned officers, 5; enlisted men, 125. Missingcommis- sioned officers, 11; enlisted men, 257. July 27, marched twelve miles to the right, bivouacked at 11 p. m. July 28, marched at day- light and formed line of battle on the right of the Fifteenth ~lorps, it being the extreme right of the army. Marched two miles inline of battle, gradually ~vheehing to the left until we fromited south. About 11 a. m. w~ halted on a ridge aHd threw forward our skirmishers. Th Page 229 Ca~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TILE TENNESSEE. 229 regiments tl~rexv up logs and rails in their fronts. Three re4ments were thrown forward as support to skirmish line. At 11 a. m. we were attacked by the enemy in tremendous force, who repeatedly charged onr line, but was each time repulsed with terrible loss. The battle lasted until about 3 p. in., when the enemy retired from our front, leaving his dead and wounded to fall into our hands. Our loss in this action was: Killedenlisted men, 3. Wounded commissioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 48. Missingenlisted men, 12. We fortified and remained in this l)osition until July 30, when we advanced half a mile and occupied the works begun by the Twentieth Corps. Finished the works and remained in them until August 2, when we captured the enemys skirmish line and advanced onr line half a mile, where we constructed works and remained until August 9, when we advanced about 500 yards to a line of works which we had constructed the night before, this line of works being in the open field and only about 800 yards from the enemys main line. Remained in this position until August 26. Our loss in this position: Killedcommissioned offIcers, 2 ; enlisted men, 9. Woundedcommissioned officers, 1; enlisted men, 86. Missingi enlisted man. August 26, we withdrew from our work~ at 9 p. in. marched in direction of Fairburn, a point on the Columbus and Atlanta Railroad; marched all night. August 27, went into camp about 12 oclock near Camp Creek. Constructed works and re- mained in this position until August 29, when we marched again in direction of the railroad, which was about five miles distant. Struck the railroad about two miles north of Fairburn, where we built works of rails and remained until August 30, when we marched toward Jonesborough, a point on the Atlanta and Macon Railroad, being the advance of the Army of the Tennessee. When we had marched about three miles we encountered the pickets of the enemys cavalry, who had obstructed the road. Two regiments were thrown forward as an advance guard, one deployed as skirmishers and the other as support. The cavalry were soon dislodged from their po- sition, and we again slowly advanced, driving the enemy before us until we came to a large plantation, at the opposite side of which the enemy had posted his men behind rail-works, and from which he opened fire from a battery of artillery. The brigade was formed in line here, and the skirmishers thrown forward to the left of the plantation, followed by the brigade; soon conipelled the enemy to again retreat. Several other stands were made by the enemy during the day, but he was driven from them, and night found us not only across Flint River, but within half a mile of the railroad at Jones- borough, having driven the enemy (two brigades of cavalry, two batteries of artillery, supported at Flint River by a brigade of in- fantry) nine miles during the day. The brigade was now formed in line, with the right resting on Jonesborough road, about half a mile from the town, fronting directly east. Four regiments were placed in the front line, with orders to construct rifle-pits during the night; the other two regiments were placed in line about 100 yards in rear of the main line. August 31, about 10 a. in. the two re- serve regiments were moved imito a position on the left of the bri- gade, which had been occupied by the First Brigade. At about 11 a. in. the enemy was discovered moving by the flank toward the right of our corps. This he continued until about 2 p. in., when a line of battle was formed in our immediate front about 800 yards from our line. About 3 p. in. our skirmishers were driven in b Page 230 230 THE ATLANTA CAMPAR~X. (CHAP. L. the enemy, who could be seen a(lvancing along our entire front in two lines of battle. Our line fired on them when they were about 300 yards from o~r works. They were soon thrown into confusion, and never succeeded in coming nearer than 100 yards of our works. The firing continued about one hour and forty minutes, when the enemy disappeared from our front, having fallen back to his rifle- pits. Many of his dead and wounded were left on the field and fell into our hands. Our loss during the actions of the 30th and 31st was: Killedcommissioned offices, 1; enlisted men, 9. Wounded commissioned officers, 2; enlisted men, 41. September 1, remained in works, strengthened skirmish line in the afternoon, and made demonstration on the enemys line while the attack was being made on his right by the Army of the Cum- berland. Loss during the day: 1 enlisted man killed and 1 wounded. September 2, advanced our skirmish line to the rail- road at daylight, the enemy having retreated during the night. Brigade marched at 7 a. in., passed through Jonesborough, and fol- lowed the retreating enemy four miles southward toward Love- joys Station, and camped. Remained here until the night of the 5th, having constructed a strong line of works. September 5, at 12 oclock (midnight) marched back through Jonesborough to our - old works, where we remained until the morning of the 7th, when we took up the line of march for East Point, where we ar- rived on the afternoon of the 8th. The following is the total loss of the brigade during the campaign: Commissioned officerskilled, 11; wonnde(l, 38. Enlisted men killed, 95; wounded, 680. Commissioned officersmissing, 11; en- listed men, 273. Aggregate, 1,108. It is impossible to give in this report the number of prisoners captured, or the number of muskets picked up; no correct account of either having been kept in the brigade. Too much credit cannot be given to the brave officers and men who compose this brigade for the patience and courage that they have exhibited during this long and arduous campaign. Their conduct well deserves the admiration and gratitude of every lover of our country I transmit herewith reports of regimental commanders and full list of casualties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. JONES, Colonel, Comdg. 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. Capt. GORDON LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. No. 476. Reports of Got. James S. Martin, One hundred and eleventh illi nois Infantry. HDQRS. 111TH REGT. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Kingston, Ga., May 21, 1864. SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command at the battle of Resaca, Ga., on the 13th and 14th instant: From the position taken by our corps early on the morning of the 13th I advanced with the main column and, after sharp skirmishing Page 231 231 OiiiP. L) REPO1~TS, ETO.A1~MY OF THE TENNESSEE. gained position on the ridge in front of iResaca, on the right of our brigade and on the left of General Lightburn; soon after securing this position I was ordered to advance, and, if possible, drive the enemy from and hold a small stream at the foot of the ridge and in our front. I advanced my entire command down the ridge until I ran upon my skirmish line, when I was informed by Captain Peirce, commanding, that there was a strong line in his front protected by the timber on the stream; that to gain the stream he had to cross an open field, and that he could not advance without fearful loss. I ordered him to hold his position and the i~egiment to lie down, which partially protected them from the fire of the enemy. I immediately sent Lieutenant-Colonel Black to report the coi~dition of affairs, when I received instructions to advance my skirmishers to the creek, if possible to do so. I immediately ordered Captain Peirce to ad- vance his line to the stream and drive the enemy out, and that I would re-enforce him, which I did with Companies A, B, and G. I re-enforced the skirmish line with three companies for the reason that the captain had informed me that a column of the enemy, of at least five companies, had taken position under cover and beyond the stream. The four companies ordered made a gallant charge across the field and took position, partially protected, on the west bank of the stream, which they found to be impassable. Upon receiving a report from Captain Peirce I ordered him to hold his position; find- ing I could advance -the regiment no farther, and my entire line being exposed, I asked and obtained permission to fall back to our first position on the ridge. This closed our operations on this day, with a loss of 7 killed and 9 wounded. The officers and men of the companies engaged did their whole duty and exhibited cool bravery and determination, honorable alike to themselves and the regiment. At 2 oclock on the 14th I was ordered to advance with four com- panies, push forward my skiruiish line, and gain and hold both banks of the stream. I formed line, composed of Companies F, G, I, and K (E and H being already thrown out as skirmishers), and advanced, under cover of timber, to the field which lay between my position and the stream. I ordered a charge, and we gained the creek with a loss of 1 killed and 1 wounded. I immediately ordered my skirmish- ers to advance to the next range of hills, which they did, driving the enemy before them. While in this position I was notified that a general advance of the entire line was anticipated, and to hold my- self in readiness and await orders. I immediately pushed my entire command across the stream, and ordered the skirmishers to make a still farther advance if practicable. In the mean time I received orders that our brigade, with Woods brigade, of Osterhaus division, at the sound of the bugle, would make a grand charge for the pur- pose of gaining the range of hills in our front, and that my position was on the right of the Sixth Regiment Missouri Volunteers, and that I would take and hold the bald hill to the right. My command had already advanced and was under cover to the left of the hill I was to occupy. At the bugle sound to advance, through a misun- derstanding, we crossed to the left of our proper position and to the next range beyond; meeting a much larger force than ours we slowly fell back and occupied a position to the left of the bald hill; being hard pressed and in danger of being flanked, I sent i~o General Woods, who was on the left, for re-enforcements; they failing to arrive, I went myself and obtained four companies, which enabled us to hold our position. Brave hearts and strong arms forced th Page 232 232 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. enemy back to their works, they leaving numbers of their dead and wounded on the field. I dispatched a messenger to inform you of our position and say that the hill to our right, where I should have been, was not occupied. Night closed the conflict. Our loss was 4 killed and 32 wounded. Officers and men did their duty so well, fought so nobly and bravely, that I can make particular mention of none. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. MARTIN, Golonel, Gomdg. 111th Regt. illinois Volunteer Infantry. Capt. ADDISON WARE. Jr., Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS 111TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, East Point. Ga., September 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the operations of my command during the present campaign: Sunday, May 1, broke camp at Larkinsville, Ala., at 7 a. in., marched ten miles in the direction of Chattanooga, TeILn.~ and en- camped near Bellefonte at 4 p. in.; weather fine. Monday, May 2, broke camp at 7 a. in., passed through Bellefonte, and camped near Crow Creek, making ten miles; nothing of interest transpiring on march. Tuesday, May 3, broke camp at 7 a. in., marched eighteen miles, and encamped at Bridgeport, Ala.; men fatigued but in fine spirits. Wednesday, May 4, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched ten miles, crossed Tennessee River, halted one hour at Nickajack Cave, and encamped near the Narrows for the night. Thursday, May 5, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched ten miles, and encamped at the base of Lookout Mountain. Friday, May 6, broke camp at 7 a. ~n., passed over Lookout Mountain, halted at Rossville at 1 oclock; ordered to turn over extra bagga6e and teams; detailed Lient. David Nichols, of Company I, and squad of six men to take charge of same and store at Chattanooga; marched at 2 p. in. and en- camped near Lee and Gordons Mills; twelve miles. Saturday, May 7, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched eight miles, and encamped near Taylors Ridge at 4 p. in. Sunday, May 8, broke camp at 9 a. in., crossed Taylors Ridge, halted one hour for lunch at Gordons Springs, made a long evenings march, halted for supper; broke camp again at dark, marched three miles, and encamped on moun- tain; indications are that the enemy are near; fifteen miles marched; men fatigued but in fine spirits. Monday, May 9, broke camp at 6 a. in., passed through Snake Creek Gap, Sixteenth Army Corps in advance; heavy skirmishing with the enemy; ordered to be ready to resist cavalry charge; encamped at 4 p. in. at cross-roads near Resaca, Ga. Tuesday, May 10, or(lered in line at 8 a. in., where we remnained during the day; heavy skirmishing in our front; ordered to be ready to move to-morrow morning at 2 oclock; heavy rain- storm during the night. Wednesday, May 11, broke camp at 2 a. in. and took position in Snake Creek Gap behind strong works. Thursday, May 12, ordered to be ready to march at 6 oclock; broke camp at the hour and formed line near cross-roads; ordered to be ready to move on IResaca to-morrow morning at 6 oclock. Friday Page 233 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.----ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 233 May 13, broke camp at 6 a. in., marched three miles, and formed line; heavy skirmishing in front; advanced on Resaca at 2 p. in.; gained ridge in front of Resaca; threw out Companies A, B, C, and G to drive enemys skirmishers from creek in front; gained the bank, the enemy holding position on opposite side; formed line on ridge; loss during the day, 7 killed an(l 8 wounded; being the first time under fire officers and men proved their bravery and daring. Saturday, May 14, ordered at 2 p. m. to take fonr companies and charge the enemys skirmish pits and drive them from the opposite bank of creek; ordered out Companies F, G, I, and K, charged across field and creek, drove the enemy from their pits, and held the same; loss, 1 killed and 2 wounded; ordered to advance at 4 p. m. with the brigade and take bill in my front; advanced in ac- cordance with orders and gained position; was attacked in heavy force by the enemy near sundown; held our position and fortified same during the night; loss, 6 killed, 26 wounded; the benavior of the regiment was all that could be desired. Sunday, May 15, re- mained in position during the day; heavy skirmishing in front. Monday, May 16, Resaca evacuated by the enemy; marched into town and halted until 2 p. in.; took up line of march and crossed the river west of town, and ~zicamped within the lines of the Six- teenth Army Corps; five miles. Tuesday, May 17, broke camp at 6 oclock; marched in the direction of Rome, Ga., without opposi- tion until 3 p. in., when we came upon the enemys rear guard; formed line, exchanged a few shots, and encamped for the night; no casualties. Wednesday, May 18, broke camp at 6 oclock and marched in the direction of Adairsville, Ga.; reached same at 2 p. in.; found the entire army at this point; marched at 4 p. in. and bivouacked at 11 oclock on Rome and Kingston road near gothic house. Thursday, May 19, broke camp at 7 a. in.; halted at noon near Kingston, Ga., and went into camp. Friday, May 20, re- mained in camp. Saturday, May 21, remained in camp. Sunday, May 22, remained in camp. Monday, May 23, broke camp at 6 a. in.; marched in direction of Dallas, Ga., making twenty miles; en- camped near creek at S p. in.; water scarce; hard days march. Tuesday, May 24, detailed as rear guard; broke camp at 4 p. in. and marched until 3 a. in.; train all in; encamped for the remainder of the night; rained incessantly during the march; disagreeable march. Wednesday, May 25, broke camp at 7 oclock, marched until 5, and encamped for the night; had supper; struck camp and marched two miles and again encamped for the night. Thursday, May 26, broke canip at 11 a. in.; formed line near Dallas, Ga.; skirmished with the enemy; drove them out and marched through town; found the enemy in strong force one mile beyond town; again formed line and threw out skirmishers; drove the enemy back, gained a ridge, and encamped for the night; threw up fortifications; 1 killed, 2 wounded. Friday, May 27, threw up additional fortifications; heavy skirmishing in front; loss, 6 wounded. Saturday, May 28, were attacked by the enemy at 4 p. in.; repulsed them with heavy loss; loss, 2 wounded. Sunday, May 29, in position, with heavy skirmishing in front; casualties, 1 killed., 1 woniided. Monday, May 30, in position; casualties, 4 woui~ded. Tuesday, May 31, no ~change in position; Lieutenant-Colonel Black wounded severely in leg; 2 enlisted men. Wednesday, June 1, evacuated our position at 5 oclock and marched to the left, relieving a portion of the Twentieth Arm Page 234 234 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Corps near New Hope Church; my regiment in reserve. Thursday, June 2, in reserve during the day. Friday, June 3, in reserve dur- ing the day. Saturday, June 4, in reserve during the day. Sunday, June 5, enemy evacuated during the night; broke camp at 10a.m.; marched in northeast direction; encamped at 4 p. m. in sight of Lost Mountain. Monday, June 6, broke camp at 6 oclock~ marched in direction of Acworth; reached same at 12 in.; went into camp. Tuesday, June 7, remained in camp. Wednesday, June 8, remained in camp. Thursday, June 9, remained in camp. Friday, June 10, broke camp at 6 a. in.; marched on Marietta road; found the enemy at Big Shanty Station; skirmished with them during the day and found them in force; intrenched near Kenesaw Mountain. Satur- day, June 11, remained in camp during the day, in reserve. Sunday, June 12, remained in position occupied yesterday. Monday, June 13, ordered in line at daylight; marched two miles to the left and took position in woods. Tuesday, June 14, remained in position taken yesterday. Wednesday, June 15, ordered to be iii line at day- light; also at 11 oclock; no change in position. Thursday, June 16, ordered into line at 10 a. in.; marched to the right to support Osterhaus division; encamped in rear of his lines. Friday, June 17, remained in camp until 3 p. in., when we were ordered out in line to make demonstration; accomplished without loss. Saturday, June 18, in camp in yesterdays position. Sunday, June 19, enemy evacuated their works in our front; ordered to be readytomarch~ moved at 8 oclock, threw out skirmishers, and gained position withii~ half a mile of the base of Kenesaw Mountain. Monday, June 20, threw up works on line gained last evening. Tuesday, June 21, remained in works. Wednesday, June 22, remained in works. Thursday, June 23, remained in works; killed, 1. Friday, June 24, impression prevails that the enemy are evacuating; skirmishers or- dered to advance; found the enemy still in force; no change in posi- tion; casualties, killed, 1; wounded, 4. Saturday, June 25, no change of position; heavy skirmishing in front. Sunday, June 26, received orders to be ready to march at dark; marched three miles to the right, and encamped for the night. Monday, June 27, was ordered to be ready at 8 oclock to charge the. enemys works; Sec- ond Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, with one brigade of Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to be the assaulting column; formed line at the hour, charged the works, found them impregna- ble; was repfilsed; fell back a short distance from enemys works; threw up intrenchinents; remained in them until dark; marched to the rear and went into camp; casualties, killed, 1; wounded, 16; missing, 2. Tnesday, June 28, remained quietly in camp during the day. Wednesday, June 29, remained in camp during the day. Thursday, June 30, remained in camp during the day. Friday, July 1, in camp during the day; received orders to be ready to march at 4 oclock to-morrow morning. Satnrday, July 2, broke camp at 4 oclock, and marched eight miles to the right, our brigade relieving a bribade of the Twenty-third Army Corps; my regiment placed in position on the extreme left; threw up fortifica- tions. Sunday, July 3, ordered in line at (laylight, expecting an attack; no enemy appearing, remained quiet until 3 p. in.; ordered to feel the enemy in front; marched one mile, skirmishing with the enemy; returned to camp for the night. Monday, July 4, remained in camp until noon; ordered out with division to support the Six- teenth Corps; marched two miles,. and encamped for the night Page 235 ~35 Ci~. Li REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Tuesday, July ~, broke camp at 6 (clock, aud 1narched four miles to the right; c~ucamped in rear of the Seventeenth Corps. Wednes- day, July 6, iu camp ill reserve. Thursday, July 7, 4n camp in re- serve. Friday, July 8, ordered to be ready to march at 4 p. in.; marched three miles to the left, and formed line iu the woods, con- uecting on the left with the Twentieth Corps; threw out skirmishers. Saturday, July 9, remained in position. Sunday, July 10, pickets report enemy across the river; remained in camp all nay. Monday, July 11, marched five miles to the right, and encamped on Sandtown road. Tuesday, July 12, remained in camp until noon, when I re- ceived orders to be ready to march iii a quarter of an hour; broke camp, and marched ten miles in the direction of Marietta; bivou-~ acked, with orders to be ready to march at 2 a. m. Wednesday, July 13, marched at 2 a. in.; passed through Marietta, Ga., took the Roswell road, and encamped within one mile of town. Thurs- day, July 14, remained in camp until 4 p. in.; broke camp, and crossed the Chattahoochee River, and encamped on the south side. Friday, July 15, remained in camp. Saturday, July 16, remained in camp; orders to be ready to march to-morrow morning at 6 oclock. Sunday, July 17, broke camp at 6 oclock, and marched seven miles on Decatur road; encamped for the night on creek. Monday, July 18, brokp camp at 6 oclock, and marched on road in direction of Stone Mountain, supporting a cavalry force cutting railroad; cavalry succeeded without opposition; marched three miles to the right, and encamped for the night. Tuesday, July 19, broke camp at 5 oclock, and marched on Decatur road; left main road. and struck the railroad east of Atlanta; was formed in line along same; received orders to destroy same in my front, which was cheerfully performed; marched at 12 in. for Decatur, and encamped for the night. Wednesday, July 20, broke camp at 5 a. in. and marched for Atlanta, Second Brigade in advance~ found the enemy in force two miles and a half east of the city ; formed line and [built] intrenchinents. Thursday, July 21, remained in position during the day. By order of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, I was placed in command of the brigade. Friday, July 22, enemy evacuated their works; we took Dossession of same; my regiment placed in position half a mile in front of main line, to support the picket-line; was attacked by the enemy in heavy force at 2 p. in., Maj. W. M. Mabry being in command; made a desperate stand, but was compelled by the num- bers against them to fall back to main works. The enemy pushed on and took the main works, and the regiment, with the division, fell back to the second line of works. They, with the division, were rallied and retook the works. Loss, killed, 18; wounded, 40; miss- ing, 85; Major Mabry slightly wounded in left arm. Too high praise cannot be bestowed on the regiment for this days work. Sev- enty dead rebels were found in front of their position. Saturday, July 23, remained in position on the line. Sunday, July 24, same position. Monday, July 25, same position. Tuesday, July 26, in same position; received orders to be ready to move at 12 oclock to- night. Wednesday, July 27, broke camp at 4 a. in. and marched to the right; encamped at 11 p. in. Thursday, July 28, broke camp at 6 oclock; marched still to the right; gained position at 11 oclock on ridge; heavy skirmishing in front; was attacked by the enemy iii force; repulsed them with heavy loss; men and officers deserve credit for their coolness and bravery; loss, 10 wounded, 1 missing Page 236 236 THE ATLKNTA CAMPAH}N. [CHAP. L. Friday, July 29, threw up works on line occupied yesterday. Sat- urday, July 30, moved at 12 in., and occupied new line of works one mile in advance. Sunday, July 31. in fortifications. Monday, August 1, in fortifications. Tuesday, August 2, advanced our line some three-quarters of a mile; heavy skirmishing in front; regiment in reserve. Wednesday, August 3, regiment in reserve. Thursday, Aij.gust 4, regiment transferred to Second Brigade; took position on the line; 1 wounded. Friday, August 5, remained in Same position. Saturday, August 6, remained in same position. Sunday, August 7. remained in same position. Monday, August 8, remained in same position. Tuesday, August 9, moved to new line of works in front; heavy skirmishing. Wednesday, August 10, in the trenches, with the usual amount of skirmishing; 2 wounded. Thursday, August 11, same position; 2 wounded. Friday, August 12, same position. Saturday, August 13, same position. Sunday, August 14, same position; 2 men, Company B, killed by cannon- ball. Monday, August 15, same position. Tuesday, August 16, same position. Wednesday, August 17, same position. Thursday, August 18, made a demonstration; charged across a field to our skirmish pits; received a shelling; no casualties. Friday, August 19, remaining in same position in the works; 2 wounded. Satur- day,- August 20, same position. Sunday, A~ust 21, same position. Monday, August 22, same position. Tuesday, August 23, same po- sition; 2 wounded. Wednesday, August 24, same position. Thurs- day, August 25, same position. Friday, August 26, same position; received orders to be ready to move at 8 oclock; evacuated works at the hour; marcbed all night; encamped at creek at 12 m. Sat- urday, August 27, broke camp at 6 oclock; marched for Atlanta and Montgomery Railroad; reached same at 2 p. in.; was formed on hue on north side of road; fortified. Sunday, August 28, remained in same position. Monday, August 29, remained in same position; 1 wounded. Tue~day, August 30, broke camp at 7 a. in.; niarched on Jonesborough road; found the enemy two miles from our camp; regiment ordered out on the skirmish line; skirmished with the enemy, driving them before us until 1 oclock, when we were re- lieved by the Thirty-seventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry; marched until dark, gaining position within half a mile of Atlanta and Macon Railroad; threw up works; 2 wounded. Wednesday, August 31, heavy skirmishing in our front; ordered the works to be strengthened; was attacked at 3 p. in. by a heavy force massed in six columns; they were handsomely repulsed, with heavy loss; the conduct of officers and men was all that could be desired, and for cool bravery and determination unsurpassed; killed, 1; wounded, 8. Thursday, September 1, remained in position; made sundry demonstrations in favor of Fourth and Fourteenth Corps, who were coming around on the left. Friday, September 2, enemy reported to be retreating~ ordered to be ready to march; broke campat 7 o clock; marched througb Jonesborough, taking road leading south; met with no opposition until 12 in.; found the enemy intrenched on hill; encamped for the night; in reserve. Saturday, September 3, in camp, near Lovejoys Station, Ga.; received copy of General Shermans order, announcing the evacuation of Atlanta, Ga., by the enemy, its occupation by our troops, and the close of the campaign. For a more full and perfect report of the cofiduct of the regiment during the greater part of the campaign, I would refer you to the reports of my old brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith Page 237 237 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Casualties during the campaign: Total, killed, 37; wounded, 144; missing, 88; aggregate, 269. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. S. MARTIN, Cotonet 111th Regt. illinois Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Capt. A. C. FISK, Asst. A6~jt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 477. Report of Capt. Benjamin North, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTY-THIRD REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Near Lovejoys Station, Ga., September o, 1864. CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eighty-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers in the present campaign, commencing May 1, up to and including the occupation of Atlanta: Moved from Larkinsville, Ala., May 1, via Chattanooga, to Snake [Creek] Gap, Ga.; arrived on the 9th. On the 10th had slight skir- mish; no loss. 13th, 14th, and 15th, engaged the enemy at Resaca; loss, 7 wounded. May 17, had a slight skirmish; no loss. May26 and 27, skirmishing and digging rifle-pits near Dallas; 4 men wounded. May 28, skirmishing until 12 in.; enemy charged our works in after- noon, and were repulsed with great slaughter; 7 men wounded. [May 29], skirmishing still going on; the enemy charged our works repeatedly during the iiight, but with no success. 30th, still skir- mishing; Lient. Col. Benjaniin H. Myers killed about daylight; I man killed and 4 wonuded during the day. June 1, skirmishing near New Hope Church until the 5th; 1 man wounded on the 3d. Skirmishing 10th, 11th, and 15th, near Big Shanty. [17th], made demonstration on ehemys works; enemy evacuated on the night of 19th. and 20th we advanced to the foot of Kenesaw Mountain and kept up constant skirmishing until the 26th, with loss of 1 man, wounded. 27th, made an unsuccessful as- sault upon the enemys works on Little Kenesaw Mountain; Col. Benjamin J. Spooner was severely wounded (had left arm amputa- ted), Lient. Nelson Johnson severely wounded, also 18 men wounded. Evening of 4th July, skirmished and threw up rifle-pits. 8th and 9th, skirmishing near Chattahoochee River. Rebels crossed the river on the morning of the 10th. 12th, moved, via Marietta, to Roswell on Chattahoochee River. Crossed the river on the 14th and threw up works. ~17th, moved toward Stone Mountain and struck the Georgia Railroad iiear that point; destroyed several miles of the road and marched to Decatur. 20th, marched toward Atlanta; skirmiThiug all day, also 21st. Enemy fell back on the night of 21st, and we occupied their works on 22d. During the day were ordered to the rear to guard hospital and supply train; skirmishing with rebel cavalry. 24th, detailed to guard prisoners to Marietta; arrived there on the 25th, and reported back to the brigade on the 26th. 27th, moved to the right, and at 12 oclock, 28th, the emmemy attacked our lines and were repulsed; they made several attacks during the (lay, but were each time driven back, with terrible slaughter; loss, 13 men wounded and 4 missing. Skirmishing every day from July ~1 to August 26; lost 1 man killed, and 4 wounded; we then moved again to the right and struck the West Point railroad seve Page 238 238 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Ca& p. L. miles below East Point, and spent one day in destroying it. 30th, moved toward Jonesborough on Macon railroad, and skirmished from 12 m. nntil dark, driving the enemy to within half a mile of the railroad at Jonesborongh; 2 men wonnded. 31st, enemy as~anlted onr works in afternoon, and were repnlsed with heavy loss; 3 men killed, and 5 wonnded, dnring the day. September 1, skirmishing all day; 1 man killed; enemy evacnated dnring the night. 2d, moved to Lovejoys Station and encamped. Very i~espectfnl1y, your obedient servant. BEN. NORTH, Captain, Corndg. Eighty-third Indiana Vol. Infantry. Capt. A. C. FISK. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 478. Reports of Capt. Carl Moritz, Thirty-seventh Ohio Infantry. HDQRs. THIRTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. JNFTY., Near Atlanta, Ga., Jnly 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit the following report of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry of the battle on the 28th day of July, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga., participated iii by said regiment: The regiment marched to the right of our line, and took position about 10 a. m. on the right of the brigade, which was at the same time the extreme right of the army. By verbal order of General Howard, commander of the Department of the Tennessee, six companies of the regiment were deployed as skirmishers to cover our right flank, and soon after two more companies were ad- vanced as advanced pickets oii the several by-roads leading to our line. The enemy soon appeared in heavy force in our front and flank, and drove in the skirmish line. Maj. Charles Hipp, commanding the regiment, was severely wounded at this time, and Capt. Carl Moritz, Company B, took command ~f the regiment. The regiment fell back from the ridge previously occupied, rallied on the next in rear of the former, and advanced in line of battle to its first position, driving the enemy. By gathering fence rails it erected light breast-works, which were held during the remainder of the day against the fierce and incessant assaults of the enemy, which were repulsed at each time with heavy loss to him. In the mean time the regiment was supported by detachments from other army corps, and ordered in the reserve position for about three hours, when it reoccupied its position in the front line. When night broke in the enemy ceased his assaults, and the regi- ment was enabled to throw up substantial breast-works on its line. The following are the casualties of the regiment : * Officers wounded, 1. Enlisted menkilled, 1; wounded, 5; missing, 2. I have the honor, respectfully, to remain, your obedient servant, CARL MORITZ, L. THOMAS, C~aptain, 6~ommanding Regiment. Adjntant-General, Washington, D. C. * Nominal list omitted Page 239 239 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. HDQRS. THIRTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFTY., Near Jonesborough, September 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit the following report of the Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry of the bat- tie near Jonesborough, Ga., August 31, 1864, participated in by said reglment On the night of August 26, 1864, the regiment marched ont of the intrenchments near Atlanta toward the railroad which leads from Atlanta to West Point, Ga. After the same was completely destroyed, it resumed its march and advanced in an easterly direc- tion against the railroad leading from Atlanta to Macon, and came to a position about half a mile west of said railroad, after having pressed back the skirmishers of the enemy dnring the whole day. Auonst 30, the regiment marched in line of battle as support of the skirmishing line of the brigade. On the 31st of Augnst the forenoon was occupied with erecting breast-works to strengthen the position. At about 2.30 p. m. the enemy advanced in heavy force, and endeav- ored, by several charges, to take our gained position, but was repulsed at each time with severe loss to him. The casualties of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry on ~he 30th and 31st of August were as follows: Officers wounded, 1; enlisted pien wowuded, 8. I have the honor, respectfully, to remain, your obedient servant, CARL MORITZ, Captain, Commanding Regiment. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C. HDQRS. THIRTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFTY., Near Lovejoys Station, Ga., September ~, 1864. Detailed report of the operations of the Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the campaign commencing May 3, 1864, up to and including the occupation of Atlanta. I have the honor to transmit the following report of the Thirty- seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as required by Special Field Orders, No. 117, dated September 4, 1864: The regiment, which on its return from veteran furlough in Ohio, arrived at Louisville, Ky., on the 1st day of May, 1864, met on its journey to the front with a serious railroad accident near Munford- ville, Ky., by which it suffered a loss of 1 killed and 30 wounded enlisted men. Arrived in Nashville on the 3d, and in Chattanooga on the 6th of May, at which place it received new muskets. On the 8th of May it marched from the latter place toward Resaca, Ga., escorting the train of the First Divisiou, Fifteenth Army Corps, and joined its brigade on the 10th of May in Sugar Creek Valley. It participated in the battle at Resaca on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of May, and marched with the brigade, by the way of Calhoun, to Kingston, where it bivouacked until the 23d of May. Lient. Col. L. von Blessiugh, commanding the regiment, left the same on the 23d on sick leave, and Maj. Charles Hipp took command. On the 23d of May the regiment marched with the brigade to Dallas, Ga., which place was reached on the 25th of May, and participated in the actions near said place on the 28th aud 29th of said month Page 240 24() THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. On the 1st of June the regiment marched via Pumpkin Vine Creek toward iNew Hope Church, took position in the lines previ- ously occupied by the Twentieth Army Corps, which were held and defended against the enemy until the 5th of June, when the latter retreated. The regiment then marched with the brigade to Ac- worth, in which vicinity it bivouacked until the 10th of June, when it advanced, with the brigade, against Big Shanty, which place was reached on the same day. From the 10th to the 14th the regi- ment held, with the brigade, the right of the Fifteenth Army Corps, when it advanced more southeast, and near the position of the enemy on Kenesaw Mountain. On the evening of the 16th of June the regiment occupied a part of the thus advanced lines, sent out its skirmishers, and remained in this position until the 19th, when the enemy retired more to the sum- mit of the mountain, and was followed by our advancing forces. The regiment remained directly in front of Kenesaw Mountain until the 26th of June, all the time engaged in sending out skirmishing parties and supporting the skirmishing lines of the brigade. On the 26th of June the regiment moved, with the brigade, more to the right of the line previously occupied, and participated, on the following day, June 22, in the assault on the works of the enemy, but which was repulsed by the same. The regiment remained nuder the artillery fire of the enemy until 11 p. in., when it retired. On the 28th it went in our reserve lines, where it bivouacked, engaged in making out its regimental and comparuy reports for muster and inspection. On the 2d day of July the regiment marched, with the brigade, to the extreme right of the army, taking the San dtown road, and ar- rived at its position at 1 p. ni., and intrenched itself there. On the 3d day of July the reginient, with the brigade, supported part of the Sixteenth Arniy Corps in its attacks on the enemys lines near Nickajack Creek, which he was forced to abandon, and continued in the same service on the 4th July. From the 5th to July 12 the regiment confronted, in various positions, the enemy, who was in- trenched on the northern bank of the Chattahoochee River, when the regiment marched, with the brigade, to the extreme left of our army, and crossed, on the 14th, the Chattahoocihee River at Ros- well Factory, where it threw up intrenchments, but which [iti left on the 17th July, when it marched in a southeastern direction toward the railroad which leads from Augusta to Atlanta. The same was reached on the evening of the 18th, and completely destroyed for five miles, in which destruction the regiment took an active part. On the 19th the regiment reached Decatur, after having assisted in the destruction of .another portion of said railroad on the same day. On the 20th it advanced along said railroad toward Atlanta, and, the enemy appearing in front, advanced in line of battle to a point about three miles and a half east of Atlanta, where it took position and threw up breast-works, in which it remained during the next day. The enemy left his intrenched position early in the morning of the 22d July, and the regiment, with the brigade, took possession of the same and turned them in some manner to use them against the enemy, but not sufficiently, as was shown after- ward. At about 3.30 p. in. the enemy attacked the position in force, and having been successful on the left of the brigade, the regiment being posted on the right, advanced on our flank and rear, and the regiment was forced to fall back to the intrenchi- n~eute occupied im~ the moruing, though it wa~ succe~sful in repe Page 241 241 OHAP. L.] uEPOP~TS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. ling the attack of the enemy in its immediate front. The regiment advanced again, and, in about one hour from the time it retreated, re-entered the intrenchments, which were retaken from the enemy by the timely support of First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and. one brigade of the Sixteenth Army Corps. From the 23d to July 26th the regiment was engaged in fortifying the regained position and throwing out strong skirmish parties, when it marched at daybreak, on the 27th July, with the brigade, toward the extreme right of the army. On the 28th July, about 11 a. in., the regiment took position on the right of the brigade, which was at the same time the extreme right of the army. It deployed six of its com- panies as skirmishers to our right flank, and afterward two more companies were advanced as pickets on the several by-roads leading to our position. The enemy soon appeared in heavy force on our right flank and front, which forced the skirmishers to fall back, who afterward formed again and took position in the line of battle. At this time, Maj. Charles Hipp, commanding the regiment, was severely wounded, and Capt. C. Moritz, Company B, took command. The enemy made continuous charges for about four hours, endeavor- ing to break our lines, but was always repulsed with heavy loss, and, as soon as night broke in, he desisted from his assaults and disappeared from tire front. The time from July 29 to August 26 was occupied by the regiment in repulsing the enemys advanced forces, taking his rifle-pits, ari4 advancing our main fortified posi- tion toward and near the enemys fortifications, which were erected in front, and running parallel with, the railroad which leads from Atlanta to East Point. On the evening of August 26 the regiment marched out of the intrenchments and took, with the brigade, the direction toward Sandtowu. Ou the following day it resumed its march until it reached, on the 28th, the railroad leading from Atlanta to Mont- gomery, Ala: On the 30th the regiment resumed its march in an easterly direction to the railroad leading from Atlanta to Macon, and the enemy having appeared in front about 9 a. in., advanced in line of battle as support of the skirmishers during the remainder of the day, driving the euemy within half a mile of the railroad, when night brok6 in, and the regiment took its position established by the army. The regiment occupied the center of the brigade, and fortified its line by throwing up breast-works on the morning of the 31st of August. The enemy appeared at about 2.30 p. m. in heavy force, attacked our position, and, by repeated charges on our lines, tried to break our lines, but was repulsed at each time with heavy loss to him. September 1, the enemy, though still occupying his intrenched position in front, made no further attacks on the line occupied by the regiment. During the day it threw out heavy skirmishing lines, engaging the enemy all the time, who disappeared on the following night entirely from the front of the regiment, and about daybreak the skirmishers crossed said railroad and entered Jonesborougli, pursuing the retreating enemy. On the 2d the pursuit was contin- ued toward Lovejo$~s station, the regiment, with the brigade, being in rear of the army corps, and went in bivouac near said station. I certify that the above report is correct. CARL MORJTZ, Captain, Commc~mdin~j Re~imei4~ 16 R livOL X~XYHI, IT Ii Page 242 242 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN~ [CHAP. L. No. 479. Report of Lieut. Cot. Louis von Blessingh, Thirty-seventh Ohio Infantry, of operations ilfay 10-19. CAMP OF THIRTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. INFY., SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to transmit the following report of the late engagement participated in by the Thirty-seventh Regi- ment Ohio Volnnteer Infantry: On the 10th instant, at 6 p. in., I reported with my regiment and rejoined the brigade. At Sugar Valley took position on the right center, in rear of the battery, where it remained until May 11, 2 a. in., when it was ordered to march back to Snake Creek Qap, where it took position and was engaged in throwing up intrench- ments. On the 12th instant, at 8 a. in., the regiment was ordered to move forward, and took its same position which it had on the 10th instant. On the 13th instant the regiment was ordered to advance on the Resaca road, and took position of the right center of the bri- gade south of said road and about one mile west of Oosteuaula River. At 1 p. m. this day the regiment advanced, and threw forward one company as skirmishers. With little skirmishing the regiment arrived in sight of the en~mys works at 3 p. m. this day. The regiment was then ordered to advance and occupy a strip of woods on Camp Creek, where severe skirmishing occurred. The regiment remained in its position until night break when it was ordered to fall back about 300 yards, leaving two companies on picket. The casualties this day were as follows: Killed, 1 officer; wounded. 1 officer and 8 eplisted men. May 14, the regiment occu- pied the same position; two companies were ordered forward as skirmishers at 5 p. m. to assist in protecting the right of the First Brigade. At 7.30 p. m. the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was ordered to re-enforce the forces who took a position from the enemy, taking position on the left of the brigade, and remained in that position on the 15th. The casualties this day were as fol- lows: Killed, 1 enlisted man; wounded, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man. May 16, at 3 a. m. the regiment was ordered to relieve the Fifty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the rifle-pits in front of the brigade, throwing one company forward as skirmishers. At 3.30 a. m. this day the enemy evacuated his fortified position. The regi- ment remained in its position to protect a battery until 8 a. in., when it joined the brigade within the enemys works. At 10 a. m. the regiment was ordered, with the brigade, to march on the Calhoun road in pursuit of the enemy, crossing the river at Lays Ferry, and encamped one mile east from the river, on the Rome road. The regiment marched thence toward Kingston, and arrived near said place on the 19th instant, 1 p. in., without further casualties. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, L. VON BLESSINGII Lieut. Cot., Comdg. Thirty-seventh Ohio Vet. Vol. Infty. [Brig. Gen. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C. Page 243 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.--ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. 243 No. 480. Report of Maj. Thomas T. Taylor, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-SEVENTH OHIO INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, East Point, Ga., September 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following account of the operations of the Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry Volunteers since May 3, 1864, nutil September 8, 1864, in pursuance of orders hereto- fore received: May 3, the regiment, returning from veteran furlough, rejoined the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, between Stevenson and Bridgeport, Ala., at 2 p. in., and .encamped at Bridgeport at 6 p. m. From this day until the 10th May the advance was steadily main- tained, having marched, via Bridgeport, Chattanooga, Rossville, Gordons Mills, and Gordons and Snake Creek Gaps, to Sugar Val- ley, where the enemy were found in considerable force. A line of battle was formed, and a spirited skirmish ensued, in which four conipanies of the regiment were engaged. During the afternoon a light line of works was constructed in our front. May 11, retired about one mile, to the mouth of Snake Creek Gap, and assisted in the construction of light field works; the following day returned to the position formerly occupied at Sugar Valley. On the 13th May, at 6 a. in., again moved forward, and, being in the advance, were continually engaged in skirmishing. At the intersection of the Calhoun Ferry and Resaca and Sugar Valley roads the enemy was encountered in such force ~s to render it mi possible to proceed farther with skirmish line. Accordingly, a line of battle was formed along the Calhoun Ferry road, the regimenV on the left of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, with four companies, deployed as skirmishers, and relieved throughout the afternoon. At 1 p. m. the advance was resumed, and the enemy driven from ridge to ridge, until forced behind their works at Resaca, where, at 5 p. in., the line halted on the slope of a ridge facing the enemys works. In the engagenient 5 men were wounded. Saturday, May 14, details were engaged in heavy skirmishing. At 12 m. assisted in making a demonstration, which continued until 4 p. m. At 6 p. m. again made a demonstration, which continued until 7.10 p. in., when we advanced under a very heavy artillery fire to the support of the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, which had stormed a hill occupied by the enemy. During night assisted in fortifying the new position. The day fol- lowing was occupied In skirmishing. On Monday, the 16th, the skirmishers advanced and found the enemy had evacuated. At sun- rise advanced to the railroad bridge across the Oostenaula River. The loss in this entire engagement was 10 wounded. The same day at 9 a. m. began the pursuit; moved, via the Calhoun and Lays Ferry road, across Lays Ferry, and encamped two miles east of the river. On the 17th, being in the advance, was engaged the entire day in skirmishing, and drove the enemy steadily until near McGuires, when they made a stand in a dense wood and opened a battery. The division was then deployed, and the en ire me ad- vanced, wheii the enemy retired. Encamped at sundown about one mile from McGuires, on the Adairsville and Rome road. Arrived at Kingston on the 19th, and encamped on the Connasene Creek, near its confluence with the Etowah River. Resumed the advance Ma Page 244 244 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. 23, and marched, via Blacksville and Van Wert, to Dallas, at which place the command arrived on the 26th, having experienced no opposition except light skirmishing. The same day, abont one mile east of Dallas, the enemy were found strongly posted on the Powder Springs road. During night the regiment was placed in position in the second line, and details therefrom were occnpied on the 27th and 28th in skirmishing and constructing rifle-pits. At 4 p. m. on the 28th the enemy opened with a heavy cannonade, and at 4.50 p. m. made a terrific assault npon our line, which lasted until 5.15 p. in., when they were completely repulsed. The charge was followed by heavy skirmishing, which continued until the 1st day of June. On the 1st day Jmne, at 5 a. in., moved out of the works to Dallas, and from thence at 9 a. m. to New Hope Church, where we relieved Major-General Butterfields division, of the Twentieth Army Corps, and was engaged in continual skirmishing until the morning of the 5th, when it was discovered the enemy had evacuated. At 10 a. m. marched, via Burnt Church, to and one mile beyond Acworth, Ga., where we arrived on the 6th, and remained until the 10th, when the advance was resumed. A short distance south of Big Shanty the enemy were encountered in force. Immediately we formed line, erected light works, re-enforced the skirmish line with details, amid pressed the enemy. The 11th and 12th were likewise occupied in skirmishing. On the 13th moved in reserve to support the Seven- teenth Army Corps, and remained in this position until the 15th, when we moved to the support of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, then engaged on the left in a demonstration against the enemy. At dark returned to old position. On the 16th June relieved Greshams division, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and was placed in the second line of works on the right of Second Bri- gade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, where we remained until the enemy retired frQm their works and occupied a position on Kenesaw Mountain, when we advanced to the vicinity of Greens Station, went into line, assisted in constructing works and partici- pated in the daily skirmishing until the night of the 26th June, when we moved to the front of Little Kenesaw Mountain. On the 27th June the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army C9rps, was formed behind the exterior line of the Federal works in two lines, the Forty-seventh Ohio on the right of the second line, and supporting the Fifty-third Ohio. At 8 a. m. the brigade, thus formed, advanced to storm the works of the enemy upon Little Ken- esaw Mountain. Crossing the open field, completely swept by the enemys artillery, in the most excellent order, and passing through an almost impenetrable morass, came unexpectedly upon the first line of the enemys works, which was occupied by Georgia volun- teers. The Fifty-third Ohio was already engaged in a fierce hand- to-hand conflict with these troops, and the Forty-seventh, to a limited extent, likewise became engaged with the same troops. This line was quickly carried, and the charge continued up the bare knoll beyond, but on account of the exposed position, murderous front and flank fire of the enemy, was unable to proceed, and finally re- tired to the morass, where we remained until dark, when we moved to the rear of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and en- camped. In this assault Col. A. C. Parry, commanding the regi- ment, received a severe wound, and was borne from the field, as the regiment was returning to the muorass, from which time the coni~. ~iuand devolved upon Lieut. Col. Joh~a Wal1a~Q Page 245 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TEI~NESSEE. 245 July 2, marched with the division to the vicinity of Ruffs Mill, and relieved Colonel Stricklands brigade, of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and completed works on the front. The following day at 12 m. was sent out to re-enforce a detachment of the Second Brigade then engaged in making a reconnaissance. The entire detachment was then ordered forward. After advancing about three-quarters of a mile through a wood thick with undergrowth, we came upon an extensive field almost half a mile in width, beyond which the ehemy with one battery were strongly posted behind hastily constructed works on the east bank of Nickajack Creek. A brief rest, and we again advanced, crossing the field on the double-quick, under a se- vere fire of the enemys artillery and infantry. Upon reaching the creek was ordered to cross over. Having crossed and made connec- tion with the Fifty-fourth Ohio on the left, we advanced and occu- pied the works of the enemy, and continued in the possession of them until relieved by the Sixteenth Army Corps. On the 4th July sup- ported the Sixteenth Army Corps in attack upon the enemys works. At 7 a. m. on the 5th, marched, via Sandtown road, to the intersec- tion of the Turners Ferry road, thence down the ferry road to within three miles and a half of the Chattahoochee River, where we encamped and remained until 4 p. m. of the 8th, when we again moved forward, halted in front of the enemys works, and went into line on the west side of Nickajack Creek, near its mouth, where we constructed light works, and engaged the enemys skirmishers until the morning of the 11th, when the enemy retreated beyond the river, and were pursued by skirmishers from all regiments to its north bank. At Ill a. m. of same day marched, via the ferry and Sandtown road, within a short distance of Sweet Water, and camped at 5p. m. The day following, at 5 p. in., resumed the march, and proceeded, via Marietta and Rosweli Factory, to the south side of the Chattahoochee and encamped at 6 p. m. On t~ie 14th and during the next two days assisted in the construction of works. Sunday, 17th, marched at 7 oclock on the road to Cross Keys, and, crossing Nancys Creek and passing Cross Keys, struck the Augusta railway, two miles west of Stone Mountain, and destroyed between a quarter and half a mile of it. After one hours labor on the railway rejoined the division and encamped on Peach Tree Creek. The day following, at 5 a. in., took np the line of march to Decatur, at which place we arrived at 3 p. in.; at 5 p. m. formed line of battle and halted for the night. On the 20th advanced upon the direct road toward Atlanta, deployed on the uiorth side of the railroad, connecting on the left with the Thir- tieth Ohio, driving the enemys force, which consisted of mounted infantry and cavalry, steadily back a distance of about three miles and a half, when a halt was ordered. During night was relieved by a regiment of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, went into line, and on the 21st assisted in the construction of rifle-pits. On the morning of the 22d, nothing but a mere skirmish line of the enemy having been found in our front, our skirniish line moved forward, driving the enemy from their skirmish-pits, their main works, and compelling them to retire under cover of the guns of the principal works on the east part of the city of Atlanta, within a very short distance of which our line halted. The entire division then advanced and occupied the works abandoned by the enemy. A few minutes after 4 p. m. the skirmish line was driven in by an assault of the enemy. Upon arriving within the works occnpied by the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I saw the regimen Page 246 246 THIE A~LAINTA gAMPAIGK. [CHAP. L. first in the following order: Three companies behind the works on the right of a section of artillery on the right of the Decatur road. Subsequently Company K was ordered to support a section of artil- leiy between the wagon and rail roads, posted behind a low earth- work, terminating a few feet from the right bank of a cut in the railway. Said cut is about fifteen feet deep, dry and firm at the bottom, and on the 22d was open and clear, neither occupied by trooI)s nor blockaded. The wagon road on the right of said section and company is about twenty-five feet in width, and was likewise open and unoccupied by troops. The distance between the wagon road and railway is four rods. One platoon of said company, con- sisting of sixteen men, was ordered between the guns composing the last-named section, the other platoon to lie down in rear of it. The remainder of the regiment was in a few moments ordered into posi- tion behind the works on the right of the artillery on the right of said wagon road. Two columns of the enemy advanced up a ravine in front of the works, but were repulsed and retired behind a house and some outbuildings a short distance therefrom, while, apparently, a third advanced by the flank, concealed by the dense smoke of the ar- tillery, up the rail and wagon roads. This advance was not discovered until the head of the column was about to enter the gap made by the open wagon road in the works, mount the works in front of and pass around the last named section of the artillery. The platoon be- tween said guns fought desperately, and all except four were killed, wounded, and captured. The other platoon of said company being in rear of said guns could not fire without killing our men in their front, but received a heavy fire in front and on the right flank, and when the enemy debouched from the said cut in their rear, to avoid capture, they retired. Simultaneously the entire line began moving back. At the works a fierce struggle and hand-to-hand conflict occurred over our colors, in which the enemy were punished most severely. In this struggle Corporal McCarthey, of the color guard, was captured; Corpl. Abraham T. Craig, of the color guard, wounded and captured, and Henry Beckman, color-sergeant, wounded. Lient. Col. John Wallace, commanding the regiment, amid Capt. H. D. Pugh were captured while bravely laboring to form a new line. Upon the arrival of the regiment at the second line of works, by an order of the division commander, 1 was relieved from duty as picket officer of the division to take command of it. Behind these works I reformed the regiment, and, in accord a~n ce with orders from the corps and division commanders, advanced in line of battle with bayonets fixed to recapture the works taken by the enemy. After proceeding a short distance, one small company and men from various regiments joined my line, swelling the num- ber to about 250, with whom, wholly unsupported, I charged, and succeeded in approaching within a few feet of the works, when, such was the storm of fire which swept over this gallant band, that both flag-staffs were shot off and the regimental standard torn from the staff by the fragment of a shell. One of the color bearers, Corpl. Joseph Ludborough, was killed, Corporal Roemhild, of the color guard, wounded. Finding my command flanked, both on the right and left, to avoid capture I retired. In retiring over an entangle ment and through the dense undergrowth, the command became to some extent separated. Meeting a line upon a ridge in the rear ad- vancing, I halted, and, with them, made a second assault. Captain Pinkerton, Company D, and Lieutenant Brachmann, Company G Page 247 CHAP. 14 1~tPORTS, ETC.APJVIY OF THE TENNESSEE. 247 with a portion of the right wing, moved forward on the right of the railway, while I, with men from both wings, moved on the left of it, but, being again outflanked, all were aga~in compelled to retire. This time we withdrew to an open field and reformed as rapidly as possible, and a third time advanced upon works. Captain Pinker- ton and Lieutenant Brachmann, as before, moved on the right of the railway and I on the left of it, pouring a continuous and deadly fire into the enemy, driving them from the works, and retaking a section of artillery, standing upon the left of the railroad, which the enemy had turned upon ns, and which, with the assistance of Sergeant Seidel, Sergt. Maj. Henry Bremfoerder, and Privates Lewis Walker, Company K, and Isaac N. Sliver, Company D, and other men of the Forty-seventh, with a few from the Fifty-third Ohio, I turned upon and served against them until they withdrew from range. In the third assault the regiment captured 17 prisoners of. war. Capts. Charles N. Helmerich and Joseph L. Pinkerton and Lieutenants Brachmann and Wetterer, the only commissioned officers present with the regiment unhurt, rendered efficient aid in the various assaults. Owing to the reasons already stated, it was impossible to preserve organizations intact in such a rapid advance, and regi- ments were completely intermixed and miiigled, but everywhere, on all sides, the men and officers exhibited the greatest gallantry and most daring courage, fighting in whatever organization they found themselves and doing their whole duty as soldiers and as American citizens. From this time until the morning of the 27th we were engaged in skirmishing and destroying the railroad. At daylight on the 27th marched, in rear of the army, to the right, which point was reached on the morning of the 28th, when the division took up a position on a ridge near Ezra Chapel. At 10 a. m. of the 28th were ordered to support the Fifty-third Ohio in an attack upon a force of the enemy posted on the ridge in front of the one occupied by the division, and moved on the left of Fifty-third, and deployed Companies B, D, and K, as skirmishers, which advanced to the summit of the ridge. The enemy then moved in considerable force to the right and threatened that flank of the Fifty-third Ohio, when the remainder of my com- mand moved to the right, deployed as skirmishers, and advanced to the Sandtown road. By this joint advance of the two regiments the enemy were driven from the greater portion of the ridge into the wood beyond. At 12 m. a column of the enemy moved from the wood, by the flank, across our front, as though designing to drive us back, but were easily repulsed by our fire. In about half an hour the enemy were discovered massing in the wood and moving to the right. In a brief space they advanced from it in line of battle, but, quickly breaking into columns, swept like an avalanche over the field, attempting by columns on the right and left, the heads of which were converging in a hollow in our rear, to conipletely envelop us, when, to avoid capture, Colonel Jones ordered us to march in retreat, which movement we executed with the utmost dispatch, and in the best possible manner. When the enemy per- ceived the movement, a body of cavalry, moving on their extreme left, also charged upon us. The fierceness and impetuosity of the charge of the column on the immediate left of the Fifty-third Ohio rendered it impossible for us to rejoin the line of the division, and we came into position a considerable distance therefrom on the right. Against this point the columns which had charged against us mad Page 248 248 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP L. a combined assault, driving us beyond the ridge, and occupying it. Halting again on the side of the ridge, we reformed, and with loud and prolonged huzzas advanced against the enemy, driving them more by noise than numbers from the ridge into the adjoining wood. Immediately upon gaining the hill, Colonel Jones, of the Fifty-third Ohio, assumed command, and by his judicious orders the troops were most advantageously posted, and although many gaps inter- vened between regiments, the line of battle was so formed as to enable us to cover with our fire every inch of the ground in our front. Four times during the afternoon the enemy charged our line, and each time was repulsed with heavy ]oss. At 3.30 p. m. the Eighty-first Ohio relieved us, but at ~5 p. m. we again entered the line. During the engagement there were no works of any description in front of my regiment, but the following night we assisted in the construction of an excellent line, which we completed on the 30th. At 11 a. m. of the 30th marched to the ridge occupied by regiment as skir- mishers on the 28th, and relieved a division of the Twentieth Army Corps, and completed and strengthened the works The following days until August 2 were engaged in light skirmish- ing. On that day, at 3 a. in., we moved forward, occupied a new line, and constructed another line of works. August 3, five com- panies of the regiment were engaged in a very heavy skirmish inci- dent to advancing the line and repelling the repeated attempts of the enemy to recapture their pits. The following day engaged in making demonstration. From this day until the morning of the 9th were occupied in constant skirmishing, when the regiment was ordered to take an advanced position, and complete a line of work& From this day until the 26th August remained in same works, occa- sionally making demonstrations and continually engaged in lively skirmishing. August 26, about 9 p. m. evacuated works and marched, via Sandtown road, crossing Utoy Creek, the north and south forks of Utoy, to the Fairburn road and thence by neigh- borhood road to the West Point and Montgomery Railroad, and encamped near the road, on Camp Creek on the 28th, and held the left flank until a considerable distance of said road had been demol- ished. On the 30th moved from camp upon the Flat Shoals road, on which the column marched, until it intersected the Jonesborough and Fayetteville road, on which the column moved toward Jones- borough. During the morning the enemy appeared in considerable force and contested the advance. Three times during the morning the division was forced to deploy, and by regular line drive them back from our front. At about noon I was ordered to move forward and deploy on the right of said road, and was supported by the Thirty-seventh Ohio, two companies of which I caused to be de- ployed on the right flank; on the left I connected with the Eighty- third Indiana. We then advanced, driving the enemy steadily be- fore us, until they had crossed Plain Creek, when they halted and opened a battery upon the line. We were then halted until a regi- ment was sent around on the right. When this was accomplished, the line again moved forward, driving them steadily back until they had crossed Flint River, when they attenipted to make another stand; but the crossing being comparatively good, with the assistance of the cavalry a crossing was quickly effected, and the advance re- sumed. Again the enemy were compelled to retire, and when once started were driven steadily back until we had approached within half a mile of Jonesborough, when, night coming on, the darknes Page 249 249 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF TILE TENNESSEE. rendered it impracticable to proceed farther. During the afternoon the enemy were driven over seven miles. At 10 p. m. the regiment was relieved by the Thirtieth Ohio, and placed in reserve to the Second Brigade. At 10 a. m. of the 31st, on account of the move- ments of the enemy, the regiment was again ordered forward and placed into line on the left of the brigade. At 3 p. m. the columns of the enemy moved from the woods along the Jonesborough road, and made an impetuous assault upon our line. We reserved our fire until their columns were moving in the open field in front, to our right, when, at the command, an unceasing sheet of fire and lead was hurled to the right-oblique, with splendid effect, into their ranks. The force of the assault was broken in half an hour, but the firing was continued much longer, as they were in range during the entire line of retreat. September 1, was occupied in skirmishing and making demonstra- tions to aid our left. During the night of the 1st the enemy retreated from Jonesborough, and in the morning were pursued to Lovejoys Station, where they were found strongly fortified. Encamped a short distance northwest from the station, and remained in reserve unjAl the afternoon of the 4th instant, when the regiment assisted in constructing a line of rifle-pits a short distance in the rear, which was occupied by the division on the night of the 5th instant. At 10 p. in. of the 5th the regiment marched to Jonesborough, at which place we remained throughout the 6th, and on the 7th marched, via Morrows Mill, to East Point, at which place we arrived at 12 in. and encamped near the station on the Macon railway. I herewith append a list of casualties of the regiment throughout the campaign in the operations hereinbefore specified. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. T. TAYLOR, M~jor, Commanding. Capt. ARCHIE C. FIsK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 481. Report of Cot. Augustus C. Parry, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry, of operations JFEay 1120. IIDQRS. FORTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VOL. JNFTY., In the Field, itear Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. SIR: Upon my return to the regiment, on the afternoon of May 11, I found it intrenched at or near Snake Creek Gap. We moved out of our intrenchments at 9 oclock on the morning of the 12th, with the brigade, to the Calhoun Ferry road, where we remained in line of battle during the night. We moved forward on the morning of the 13th, having the advance of the brigade, throwing out skir- mishers and flankers. Upon meeting the enemy in line of battle, we halted until the army was concentrated, when we again ad- vanced in line of battle with our skirmishers in advance. We moved forward, continually skirmishing with the enemy, when, just * Casualties embodied in table, p. 114 Page 250 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. at dusk, we were ordered to halt at the edge of a woods. Here we were exposed to a severe cross-fire, aud in such a situation that we could not damage the enemy, and, after having S enlisted men wounded, we were ordered to fall back some thirty yards, where we found shelter and rested for the night. We were under arms on the 14th, and at 6.50 p. m. we moved across Camp Creek, with the rest of the brigade, to the support of the First Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. We took position in line of battle in rear of the Fifty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, awaiting an attack from the enemy. At 10.20 the enemy, not showing a disposi- tion to attack us at once, we commenced to throw up intrenchments. Before daylight our works were finished, and we placed in position as reserve of the brigade, where we remained during the day and night of the 15th. On the morning of the 16th we advanced our skir- mishers and found that the enemy had retreated during the night, and we at once marched into the town of Resaca. At 9 a. m. we took up our march in pursuit, and camped for the night on the Cal- houn road two miles east of the Oostenaula River. On the morn- ing of the 17th, at 7 oclock, we continued on our march, having the advance. Taking the Rome road we met the enemy at 4 p. m. near a small creek. We skirmished with them for some time, and after opening upoii us with artillery, they were forced to retire, and we went into camp for the night upon the ground lately held by the rebels. On the 18th we were ordered to march in the rear of the corps train, aiid at 3.20 a. m. of the 19th we halted for a few hours, then rejoiiied the remainder of our division, and with them went into camp at 1 p. m. near Kingston, Ga., where we now remain. Our total loss thus far is 8 enlisted men wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. C. PARRY, Col., Comd~j. Forty-seventh Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty. Capt. A. C. FIsK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 482. Reports of Lient. Col. Robert A. Fulton, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry. HDQRs. FIFTY-THIRD OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY Before Atlanta, Ga., July 25, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the 22d instant the Fifty-third Regiment, under my command, was ordered to advance with the One hundred and eleventh Illinois to support the skirmish- ers to reconnoiter the position of the enemy near Atlanta. We advanced in line of battle about half a mile, driving the enemys skirmishers before us to their outer line of fortifications, which were abandoned at our approach. We then again advanced about half a mile to the top of the hill near Atlanta and halted and remained until about 3 p. in., wheii, finding a superior force of the enemy advancing upon us from their works and about to flank our position, we retired, according to orders, to the line of fortifications held by the enemy in the morning, and then seven companies of the regi- ment were formed in the rear of the Thirty-seventh Ohio Voluntee Page 251 CHAP. Li 1~EPOETS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 25i Infantry as a reserve, and were scarcely in position when the enemy charged the works. The Fifty-third was ordered up to the works. They promptly obeyed, and engaged the enemy and opened a brisk fire on them as they advanced, and the lines of the enemy in their front fell into confusion and were retreating, when another column of the enemy, by a concealed approach by the r ii and State roads, got in the rear of the battery and the Forty-seventh and Fifty-fonrth Ohio Regiments, who were on the left of the Fifty-third Regiment, and attacked them in the flank and captnred the battery and turned the left of those regiments, and they retreated in (lisorder; and the Fifty-third then also fell back in confusion to the second line of fortifications, when the whole line rallied and charged the enemy, bnt were compelled to fall back a few rods through a chaparrrl or thicket, when they were again rallied and returned to the charge and assisted the re-enforcements in driving the enemy from the works, and captured quite a number of prisoners, probably 200, who were taken charge of by other regiments and sent to headquarters. We then went into position occupied by the battery. Companies A, F, and D, who had been detached to the support of Battery H, First Illinois Artillery, remained until the guns were spiked and most of the horses killed before they retired. It would be impossible to make a -distinction in the conduct of the officers, who all acted with gallantry and bravery and used every exertion to rally a~nd encourage the men, and I saw no indication of cowardice or hesitation in re- turning to the charge in any, but we became separated during the battle. All of which is respectfully submitted. R. A. FULTON, Lieut. Col., Gomdg. 53d Regi. Ohio Vet. Vol. Infty. HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY, Near East Point, Ga., September 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the late campaign, commencing on the 1st of May, 1864, and ending on the 8th of September, 1864, resulting in the capture of the city of Atlanta, Ga.: In obedience to orders from headquarters Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, the regiment marched from Scotts- borough, Ala. Nothing of interest occurred until the 12th of May, whcn my regiment was (by order of Major-General Logan) trans- ferred from the Fourth to the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and assigned to the Second Brigade of said division. On the 13th, in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, marched about four miles, formed in line of battle, and moved forward about 12 oclock; halted on a ridge in sight and in good range of a rebel fortification on the opposite side of the Oostenaula River, from which we received an enfilading fire, wounding quite a number. Seeing that it would not do to remain in this position, I, by order of Colonel Jones, immediately changed front of two companies to the rear, so as to front the enemy and return the fire. Soon after I was ordered to move by the left flank; marched about half a mile to the left, and formed a new line on the ridge; moved forwar Page 252 252 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. across an open field and on to a high hill in sight of the enemys works; halted here for a few minutes, when the Fifty4hird charged down the hill through an open field, driving the enemy from their position; remained here until dark and moved back, taking our place in the line; remained here all night, and until the evening of the 14th, when we were ordered (with the rest of the brigade) to the support of the First Brigade in charging across Camp Creek. Took position on the south side and intrenched ourselves during the night, thinking we would be attacked early in the morning, but were not; remained in this position on the 15th, skirmishing with the enemy. On the 16th, the enemy having evacuated, were ordered to move. The loss of the regiment in this action was 3 enlisted men killed and 39 wounded. We marched about six miles and crossed the Oostenaula River, and advanced about two miles to where our forces were engaged, but the fighting ceased as we arrived. On the 17th we advanced, and marched to the enemys defenses, and they abandoned them, and we continued to the rear of Spring Hill, when our advance was fired upon. We formed in line of battle, charged them, and they retreated. We again marched several miles, and were again fired upon by artillery. We halted, and our artillery being brought into position, opened fire, and the enemy fled. We then. encaniped for the night. On the 18th my regiment was guard to wagon train. On the 19th marched to Kingston; remained in camp at that p lace until the 23d, when we marched nineteen miles to Wharton Creek. On the. 24th and 25th to Pumpkin Vine Creek, near Dallas. On the 26th to the east side of Dallas, and the First Brigade engaged the enemy and fought until dark. On the 27th skirmished with the enemy all day and night. On the 28th the enemy charged our line with Finleys brigade of Florida troops, formed in column of regiments, and, owing to the nature of the ground, directed their attack against the Fifty-third principally, and were repulsed with he~ivy loss, estimated at 600. On the 29th they again charged our lines and were repulsed. On the 30th and 31st skirmished all day. On the 1st of June marched to New Hope Church, and remained until the 6th, when we marched toward Acworth, and then to Big Shanty until the 15th, skirmishing most of the time. On the 15th the Fifty-third supported the Fourth Division in making a charge and taking a position in advance, and capturing nearly two regi- ments of prisoners. On the 16th advanced to the first breast-works at the foot & f Kenesaw Mountain. On the 17th made a feint or demonstration on the enemys lines. On the 18th skirmished all day, and advanced picket-lines in the night. On the 19th the enemy evacuated their works in our front, and the troops advanced to the foot of the mountain and remained, skirmishing with the enemy, until the 27th, when the Fifty-third, with other regiments of our brigade, charged the enemys works. We formed line, the Fifty- third Ohio, Eighty-third Indiana, and Thirtieth Ohio forming the front line, supported by the Forty-seventh Ohio, Thirty-seveiith Ohio, and Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiments. Our line was formed behind the works occupied by the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. At 8 a. m. the signal was given, and we moved forward over the works, charged through an open field, under a galling fire from the enemys musketry and artillery, reached the edge of the woods, and crossed the ravine. Here we halte Page 253 253 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. and reformed the line, the enemy keeping up a continuous fire of musketry and artillery from their works. in about fifteen minutes the bugle sounded forward. In an instant the line moved forward with a yell through the woods and underbrush, oVer logs and ravines, and mounted the enemys rifle-pits, situated at the outer edge of the woods, and occupied by the Sixty-third Georgia Regiment. After a desperate hand-to-hand fight, in which the bayonet and butts of muskets were used, we succeeded in cap- turing their works. We captured about 40 prisoners, killing and wounding more than that number. The rebels fought with a des- peration worthy of a better cause. The conduct of our soldiers and officers on this occasion needs no comment. Never did men show more gallantry, mounting the works, shooting the enemy, and beat- ing them over their heads with the butts of their guns. While this desperate struggle was going on the enemy, from their main works, kept up a very destructive fire of musketry and artillery. Their main line of works was in good musket-range, and they did consid- erable execution. After their first line was taken, we pressed for- ward toward their main line. After charging through an open field, we reached the crest of a hill in front of their works, which afforded us but slight shelter. Here we were ordered by Colonel Jones to lie down. After lying here about ten minutes, our flank exposed to a terrific cross-fire, and a report that the enemy were trying to get in our rear, we received orders to fall back to the woods, which we did, holding the first line of works we took. We remained in this position until night, when we were relieved by a portion of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Our loss was 3 commissioned offi- cers, Lieutenants Shoop, Bradley, and Misner, wounded, 7 enlisted nien killed, and 57 enlisted men wounded. We went into camp that night and there remained, nothing of interest transpiring until abont 3 a. m. of the 2d of July, when we moved to the right and relieved a portion of General Schofields conimand. On the 3d the Fifty-third marched toward Ruffs Mill, and found the enemy in position with artillery. After being re- enforced by the remainder of the brigade (except the Eighty-third Indiana) charged across an open field, under a heavy fire of grape, canister, and musketry, and drove the enemy from his intrench- ments, and remained in position until dark, and were relieved by a portion of the Sixteenth Corps. On the 4th supported the Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, when it charged the enemys position one mile east of the mills. On the 5th marched six miles. On the 6th and 7th remained in position (in reserve). On the 8th marched about four miles and encamped near Nickajack Creek. On the 9th advanced half a mile and fortified. The enemy evacuated during the night. Remained here until the 11th, when we marched on the road to Sandtown. On the 12th and 13th marched past Marietta and encamped near Roswell. On the 14th crossed the Chattahoo- chee River; remained during the 15th and 16th. On the 17th marched about ten miles toward Atlanta. On the 18th marched to near Stone Mountain, and destroyed about one mile of railroad. On the 19th marched six miles, and after driving the rebel pickets, de- stroved one mile of railroad, and then marched to Decatur; formed in Wiie, when the rebels opened fire with artillery, but they retired before we engaged them. On the 20th marched on the Atlanta road, supported the ~kiruiishe~s, who enc~unWred thQ ~miemy5 pic1~ets7 bi Page 254 254 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. we drove them steadily before us to within two miles and a half of Atlanta, and halted and fortified. On the 21st remained in position. On the morning of the 22d it was ascertained that the rebels had evacuated their works. The Fifty-third was ordered out to snp port the skirmishers. We advanced to within three-quarters of a mile of Atlanta on the east side, where we threw up a few pieces of timber as a temporary protection. There were no troops on our right, the One hundred and eleventh Illinois Infantry lay on our left; two pieces of Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, occupied a posi- tion on the left of the Fifty-third. With the exception of skirmishing and occasional shots from Battery A, there was nothing of impor- tance transpired in our immediate front until about 2 p. in., when our skirmishers reported the rebels preparing to charge us. Colonel Jones, commanding Fifty-third Ohio, One hundred and eleventh Illinois, [and] Battery A, First Illinois Light, sent them word to be ready to fall back in case they should come upon us in strong force. We were at that time some 600 yards from the main line, formerly the rebel line. It was not long, however, before the officer in com- mai~id of the pickets reported that they were advancing. The battery was ordered to retire, which they did promptly. On came the rebels with their well-known yell. My regiment poured one volley into them and retired as ordered. We fell back to the frame house on the outside of our main line, halted, reformed our line, marched by the right flank through the works, and took position in rear of the Thirty-seventh Ohio. It was not many minutes, however, be- fore the fighting became general, and I received orders to move my regiment forward to the works. The rebels fought desperately, coming up to within a few yards of our works, but every time they came up in our front we sent them back in confusion, but by a con- cealed movement on the railroad they got in the rear. The left flank of the Forty-seventh, was first turned, then followed the Fifty- fourth, Thirty-seventh, Fifty-third, & c. The troops becoming some- what confused and mixed up, fell back to our next line of works, where we rallied and moved forward. We charged through the woods to near the railroad, but were repulsed. We afterward formed in an open field on the south side of the railroad, and with the aid of one brigade of fresh troops retook and occupied our works. The rebel dead in my front numbered about 40. My regiment brought off the field about 25 mortally wounded. Our loss was 1 commissione(l officer (Lieut. S. McMilleu) woun(led, 1 enlisted man killed, 13 enlisted men wounded, 25 enlisted men missing. Nothing of interest occurred from this time until the 27th of July, when we marched around the rear of the army to the right. On the 28th marched, and formed line of battle on a ridge near the Lick Skillet road, and halted, throwing up a few rails for defense. Were then ordered to charge a position held by the rebel skirmishers, and drove them. The enemy were then re-enforced. The Fifty-third was also re-enforced by the Forty-seventh and Fifty-fourth Ohio Regiments. The enemy advanced in force and we retired to our re- serve; fighting all day; repulsed several charges of the enemy. On the 29th remained in camp and buried the dead. On the 30th advanced to new line about half a mile distant. On the 1st day of August we advanced our picket-line and worked at fortifications on new line, moving into them on the 2d. On the 2d Companies B aiid ~ charged the enemys rifle-pits~ driving th Page 255 CHAP. L.] T~EPORTS, ETC.AiRMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 255 rebels from three of them and capturing some 30 prisoners, rho enemy being re-enforced drove our skirmishers back. In the after- noon our skirmishers were re-enforced; charged and retook the works and held them. On the evening of the 26th we left these works and moved, with the army, to the right, marching all night and the greater part of the next day (the 27th). Arrived at the Montgomery railroad on the 28th, and encamped for the night. The Fifty-third Ohio and Eighty-third Indiana, under my command, were ordered out to reconnoiter, but returned without finding the enemy. On the 29th four companies, under Captain Parrill, were ordered out for the same purpose, but found no enemy. On the 30th marched on the Jonesborough road about five miles. Encountered the ene- mys skirmishers and skirmished with them all day, driving them eight miles, the Fifty-third and Thirty-seventh Ohio Regiments supporting the skirmishers. Charged the enemy several times, the last time from the bridge over Flint River about one mile toward Jonesborough, through dense thickets, fields, & c. On the 31st the enemy charged us several times, but were repulsed without loss to us, but suffered from our fire. About 80 dead and a large number of wounded were found within range of our guns. The enemy evacuated on the m4ght of the 2d instant. The Fifty- third brought 8 prisoners and 38 guns, and marched in pursuit of the enemy to near Lovejoys Station, on the Macon roa an was plaQed in reserve. On the evening of the 6th we marched back through Jonesborough to our old works. On the 7th marched about ten miles to the fortifications east of Lees Mills, and on the 8th to this place and encamped. I cannot close without complimenting the brave and gallant officers al) d men of this command, who, under all circumstances, stood up to the work like men. It would be invidious to make distinctions where all acted so nobly. To Adjt. George W. Cavett, who aided me in all engagements, I am particularly indebted, and also to Major Dawes, Captains Parrill, Galloway, Crumit, Lewis, and Fulton, and Lieutenants Shoop, Bailey, Long, Cake, Gilbert, Earles, and Stalder. Great credit is due Sergt. James D. Roberts, Company H, acting sergeant-major, who, on the 28th of July, grasped the colors from the color bearer, and with a small squad of men, headed by the la- mented First Lieut. James H. Boyce, moved forward and planted them on the brow of the hill amidst a storm of bullets and shell, and staid with them until the enemy withdrew from the field. I deeply regret to report the loss of the brave and gallant dead who have fallen in this campaign, among whom were the most gal- lant officers and men of my regiment. Capt. James R. Percy, Capt. Jacob W. Davis, First Lient. Stafford McMillen, and First Lieut. James H. Boyce, and to the wounded, too much credit cannot be given. Casualties: Killed, 19; wounded, 201; missing, 16; total, 236. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. A. FULTON, Lieut. Got., Comdg. 53d Regt. Ohio Vet. Vol. Infly. [Capt. A. C. FISK, Assi8tant A~jutctnt-Gerwrctl, Second Brigade. Page 256 256 TILE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 483. Report of Gol. Wells S. Jones, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, of oper ations ]Lliay 1316. HDQRS. FIFTY-THIRD REOT. OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY, In the Field, near Kingston, Ga., May 20, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my regiment in the actions [of] 13th, 14th, 15th May, near Resaca, Ga.: On the morning of May 13, by order of General Lightburn, I formed my regiment in line of battle along the road running from Dalton to Calhoun. Being on the extreme right of the Second Bri- gade, I immediately threw out a company in my front as skirmish- ers, and deployed another down the Calhoun road some 200 yards to my right. At this time I received an order from General Lightburn to send two companies forward to reconnoiter a hill some 600 yards in front of the right of my line. I immediately ordered Major Dawes to take Companies A and D, and advance them to the foot of the hill, throwing his line of skirmishers to the crest. This order was promptly executed by Major Dawes, who soon reported to me that~his men were occupying the top of the hill and exchanging shots with the skirmishers of the enemy on the opposite bank of the river. About 12 oclock General Veatch formed his division on my right, when I received an order to retire my companies from the hill, and also the company on my right. At 1 p. m. advanced in line of battle, on the right of the brigade, toward Resaca, my skirmish- ers driving slowly the rebel skirmishers. Advancing in this maii- ner for near a mile, the brigade halted to rectify its alignment. My regiment was fired upon from rifle-pits on the south bank of the Oostenaula River some 400 yards distant. In a moment I discov- ered that the fire was enfilading my line, and sent my adjutant to inform General Lightburn of the situation and .request permission to change the front of my right wing to escape the enfilade and better return the fire. Receiving the order, changed front of the right wing to rear on fifth company and opened fire upon the rifle- pits, and in a few minutes almost entirely silenced them. Again moved forward in hue of battle with the brigade. Just after cross- ing the crest of the hill west of Camp Creek, received an order to halt and rectify alignment, almost simultaneously an order to ad- vance to the edge of the field at the base of the hill; moved forward, first strengthening the skirmish line. The moment the skirmishers emerged from the woods there was a fire from the enemy, posted behind trees and logs near the creek, which checked their farther progress. I determined to advance to their support with my entire regiment, and, if possible, drive the rebels across the creek. Gave the order to advance at double-quick, the Thirty-seventh, at the same time, moving farward on the same line, and had the satisfaction of seeing the coat-tails of a regiment or more of rebels leaving Camp Creek bottom for their rifle-pits on the opposite hill. Halted in the bottom and delivered a few volleys, when the firing on their part sub- sided to the scattering shots of a skirmish line. With the Thirty- seventh Ohio remained in this position, with no support on the right until after dark, when I received orders to leave two companies as skirmishers, and retire a company at a time, to the edge of the field and join the brigade. I~emmjned in this position till about 7 p. in. o Page 257 Oa& ~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 257 the 14th, when I received an order to move my regiment across Camp Creek, and form on the right of the First Brigade, sharply engaged with enemy on the range of hills opposite; moved by the flank donble- quick and formed on the right of the Eighty-third Indiana in posi- tion to enfilade the front of the First Brigade, throwing np a rifle-pit. Remained in position till early in the morning of the 16th, when I received an order from General Lightbnrn to advance my skirmish line cautiously toward the enemys works. Sent the order to Cap- tain Fulton, commanding the skirmish line, who advanced the line promptly, and I believe he and his men were the first to enter the works of the enemy. My losses during the engagement were as follows: Killed, enlisted men, 5; wounded, 42; total, 47. I cannot close this report withont expressing my admiration of the courage exhibited by both officers and men of my command. Major Dawes, whose coolness and conrage did mnch to inspire the men, is worthy of particular mention, as are also Lientenant-Colonel Fulton, Captains Crumit, Davis, Galloway, and Lewis; Lieutenant Stephenson, my adjutant, rendered me valuable and efficient aid. IRespectfully, W. S. JONES, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. A. C. FIsK, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade. No. 484. Reports of Maj. Israel T. Moore, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH OHIO INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Before Atlanta, Ga., July 23, 1864. SIR: In obedience to instrnctions from headquarters Second Bri- gade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, of date July 23, 1864, I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken by this regiment in action with the enemy on the 22d instant: At 8 a. in., in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, we left our works and moved to the front one mile, taking possession of the enemys works, forming line of battle facing west. Procuring implements we at once went to work reversing and strengthening his works, and by 2 p. m. we had good works completed. Imme- diately a heavy fatigue party was set to work completillg the works from our left to the dirt road. About 2p. in., and when the works were nearly finished, this party was relieved by the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteers moving up and taking position on our left at nearly right angles with us. About 2.30 p. m. heavy columns of the enemy were seen approaching our works. We reserved our fire until they were within 150 to 200 yards of us, when we fired by rank, keeping up a continuous fire for about thirty minutes. The enemy in our front broke and ran in much confusion. About this time the regiments on our left broke to the rear, and when discovered, the enemy, with banners flying, were marching in through the works by the dirt road, which was open. Receiving a fire in rear and left our regi- ment changed front to rear on right company, taking shelter in 17 R RvOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 258 258 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. woods and rear of large brick house on our right. A column of the enemy coming rapidly through a deep cut of the railroad enfiladed and compelled us to abandon this position. We fell slowly back through thick woods toward the works we left in the morning. Meeting a portion of the regiment that had been formed in rear ad- vancing we formed line of battle, moved forward, retook our works, and pursued the foe, taking about 40 prisoners. Our casualties, a list of which is hereto appended, is 3 killed, 23 wounded, 3 officers and 65 enlisted men missing. The officers and men behaved with great gallantry, not one leaving his post until the regiments on our left had retired and the enemy were firing in our rear not three rods distant from us. Capts. John Bell and Edward B. Moore, with many enlisted men, remained in the ditch and were either killed or cap- tured. It is but justice to the men to say that they were all at their posts doing their duty and that there was no skulking. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. T. MOORE, Major, Comdg. Fifty-fourth Ohio lufty. Vols. Capt. A. C. FISK, Asst. Adjt. Gem., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH REGT. OHIO VET. VOL. INFTY., Near East Point, Ga., September 12, 1864. SIR: i[ have the honor herewith to submit the following report as the part taken by Fifty-fourth Ohio in the campaign from May 1 until the occupation of Atlanta: Leaving Larkinsville, Ala.. May 1, 1864, we marched via Bridge- port and arrived near Cl4attanooga on evening of 5th May. After turning all surplus transportation and baggage over, in charge of Lient. J. W. Shockey, to be stored in Chattanooga, we moved for- ward May 6, and arrived at Lee and Gordors Mills at 8 p. m. and bivouacked for the night. Early on the morning of the 8th we moved forward and passed through village of Villanow, and halted near it at 11 p. in., where we supplied ourselves with three days rations, and rested until 4 a. m. of 9th, when we moved on, passing through Gordons Gap, halting for the night within three miles of Resaca. Made temporary works, and skirmished with the enemy on 10th. Took position on hills in rear on 12th. Moved forward again on 13th and formed line of battle. Advanced rapidly, driving the enemys pickets before us, till within musket range of his princi- pal works. Charged over open field on evening of 14th, under heavy fire of enemys artillery. We lost killed 2, wounded 4. Skir- mished with rear guard of retreating enemy on 16th, lost 2 men wounded. Moving to our right, crossed Oostenaula River on pon- toon bridge, and bivouacked at dark. Moved forward on 17th at 7 a. in., skirmishing with the enemy all day. 18th, moved forward at 7 a. in., passed through Adairsville at 10 p. in., and bivouacked at 2 on morning of 19th; moved at 7 a. in., arriving at a point near Kingston at 1 p. in., where we rested 20th, 21st, and 22d. Moved forward at 7 a. in. on morning of 23d, and arrived at and passed through Dallas on evening of 26th, and formed line of battle, facing east. Skirmished with enemy on 27th, losing 3 men wounded. 28th, moved by left flank two rods in rear and in support of Thirtiet Page 259 OHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.AEMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 259 Ohio, which occupied the trenches. 4p. m. the enemy charged us in large numbers, but are everywhere defeated and driven back, with great loss. Our loss, 1 commissioned officer and 13 enlisted men wounded. Kept up skirmish fire during the 29th, 30th, and 31st. June 1, evacuated our works and moved back through Dallas and to our left, taking position evacuated by General Hookers corps near New Hope Church, holding these works and skirmishing with the enemy 2d, 3d, and 4th. He evacuated his strong works in our front. On the morning of the 5th we marched about seven miles fr~rther to our left. Continued the march on 6th, passed through Acworth about 12 m. and camped one mile south of it. 7th, 8th, and 9th, resting in camp. 10th, moved forward at 6 a. in., pass- ing through Big Shanty at 12 in.; one mile south of this place came up and skirmished with enemy during the afternoon. At dark formed line [of I battle facing south and dug rifle-pits, finishing them at midnight. Remained in this position 11th and 12th. At daybreak on morning of 13th moved one mile to our left, forming line of battle facing northeast. Remained here until 2 p. m. of the 15th, when we moved half a mile farther to our left; moved back same evening. At 10 a. m. of 16th moved to our right one mile, and halted in woods until 9 p. in., when we relieved an Iowa regiment of Seventeenth Army Corps, we supporting Battery H, First Illinois Artillery. Remained in this position until morning of 19th. The enemy left his works during the night and retreated to Kenesaw Mountain~ at 9 a. m. we moved forward and occupied his works; as we advanced he shelled us from top of Kenesaw Mountain. During afternoon we moved forward within a few hundred yards of foot of Kenesaw Mountain and made substantial works. Held our works and skir- mished with the enemy till Sunday, June 26, 1864, when we were relieved and moved at dark.to our right, around on right of Kenesaw Mountain, and bivouacked at midnight. June 2~7, in obedience to orders, we left our knapsacks and marched one mile to our right, forming line of battle in rear of our works. At sound of bugle we scaled our works and moved forward over open field under destruc- tive fire of shell, entering thick underbrush; the left of regiment was cut off and moved to left, while the right moved forward within fifty yards of his main works, a few going much closer. Finding it im- possible to storm his works, after remaining two hours, were ordered back, forming line 300 yards in rear, where we remained till 11 p. in., when, being relieved, we marched back to place we left in morning. Our loss to-day: Commissioned officers wounded, 3; enlisted men wounded, 15; enlisted men killed, 3; enlisted men missing, 2. Rested here until July 2, when moved at 6 a. m. ten miles to our right, taking position on right of Twenty-third Army Corps and south of Kenesaw Mountain. At 12 in., July 3, moved forward within 1,000 yards of rebel works, which are across Nickajack Creek, when they opened on us with shell. Forming line in edge of woods, we charged through open field under terrific fire of shell and musketry, driving him from his works, and occupying them ourselves. Lost to-day com- missioned officers wounded, 2; enlisted men killed, 2; enlisted men wounded, 9. July 4, moved several miles to our right, and on the 5th to within three miles of Chattahoochee River, where we remained till 8th, when at 4 p. m. took new position within one mile of river and nine of Atlanta, made strong works, working most of the night Page 260 260 THE ATLANTA CAMPAiGN. [CHAP. L. Remained here till 11th. Enemy left his strong works in our front on the morning of 10th; moved fonr miles to onr rear, and camped on Widow Mitchells farm. July 12, moved 5p. in., passing through Marietta at daybreak, and Roswell 011 14th; crossing the Chatta- hoochee, went into camp same evening and made strong works. Jnly 17, moved toward Stone Mountain where we arrived on even- ing of 18th, completely destroying Atlanta and Charleston Rail- road for many miles; moved in direction of Decatur halted at 10 p. in., and rested till morning. At 6 a. in. on 19th again on move, striking railroad few miles east of Decatur; destroyed it and moved forward to Decatur. July 20, deployed my regiment in line of bat- tle on left of railroad; deployed four companies as skirmishers, un- der command of Captain Kili, in my front and left flank; moved forward, driving the enemy rapidly before us, till within three miles of Atlanta, when we halted and made works, working all night. July 22, 8 a. in., advanced about one mile, taking possession of works evacuated by enemy last night. Reversed and strengthened works in our front. Also niade heavy detail, and nearly completed works from our left to dirt road, when [about] 2.30 p. in. this detail was relieved by Forty-seventh Ohio, taking position on our left, and at nearly right-angles to us. At 3 p. m. our pickets were driven in and heavy columns of the enemy seen approaching us. When within 150 yards we fired by rank, keeping up a very heavy fire for thirty minutes; the enemy broke and ran in confusion in our front. Just at this time we saw the regiments on our left had given way and were falling back, closely pursued by the enemy, who were rap- idly coming through dirt road, which was left open, and had already gained our rear. The left of my regiment fell back, changing front to rear on first company, taking shelter behind large brick house and in woods; we tried to check the advance of the enemy, but were enfiladed by a rebel columti which had moved, through deep cut in railroad, which was also open and undefended. Falling slowly back several hundred yards, met portions of regiment which had formed at old works; we joined them and moved forward, retook our works, taking 40 prisoners; 74 dead rebels were found in our front. Our loss: Commissioned ifficers missing, 3; enlisted men killed, 3; en- listed men wounded, 24; enlisted men missing, 64. Strengthened our works and remained here till 4 a. m. of 27th, when we moved to extreme right of army. 28th, advanced to gain a position, which we did at 12 m. facing south, having driven the enemy several miles. He opened on us with shells, with but little effect; 10 a. m. moved my regiment by right flank 500 yards, and formed line of battle fac- ing west, open field in front; 11 a. m. moved to front to re-en- force Colonel Jones, who had his regiment deployed as skirmishers. Deployed my regiment in heavy line of skirmishers, advanced, and took position on right of Qolonel Jones, being extreme right of army. Four hundred yards in front the enemy were forming their lines in edge of woods, we keeping up an effective fire for thirty min- utes. He began to advance with two heavy lines; when within good range, we fired and fell back to house and some temporary works of rails, which we held half an hour, when we were flanked on our right, and fell 150 yards farther back in ravine, which we held till re-enforced, when we advanced, taking possession of house and temporary works, which we strengthened and held, although the enemy frequently charged, but was as often repulsed and driven back with great loss Page 261 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 261 Our loss: Enlisted men wounded, 4; enlisted men missing, 2; worked all night making strong works. 30th, advanced 1,000 yards, and completed works in open field in less than two hours. 31st, 2 men severely wounded, 10 more or less injured by lightning. August 2, advanced one mile and built very strong works. Remained here, skirmishing with the enemy, till August 8. Our loss from August 2 till 8, enlisted men 6. At 3 a. m. of the 8th advanced 500 yards and made works in open field. Enemys sharp- shooters have good range and cross-fire on us; we dig caves for protection. We remained here, fighting and skirmishing with the enemy, till Friday, August 26. Our loss in this position is: Enlisted men killed, 1; wounded, 8. At 10 p. m. of 26th moved back, evacuating our works, traveling all night and part of next day, we arrived at a point within a few miles of Montgomery rail- road; formed line facing south, and made works. Moved forward at 7 a. m. of 28th, and took position on Montgomery railroad; made temporary works of rails and logs. We remained here, effectually destroying railroad, till 30th, when we moved at 7 a. m. for Atlanta and Macon Railroad, my regiment being in advance. About 10 a. m. came up with enemy. Deployed my regiment in line of battle, left resting on dirt road leading to Jonesborough. Being well protected by skirmishers in front and on flank, moved forwar& some distance, when I deployed the regiment as skirmishers, left resting on same road, advancing to edge of woods, where halted. The enemy were behind works of rails and houses, about 300 yards in our front and over open field. At command, we moved forward with a yell, driv- ing him rapidly from his works, and rapidly pursued him. A few miles farther oh he had stronger works in open field, from which he kept a continual fire on us as we advanced. Forming line under cover of woods and cotton gin, we moved forward at double-quick, driving him from his works and occupying them ourselves. The enemy opened with shell from a battery on our right, with not much damage to us. Waiting till skirmishers on our left came up, we again advanced and rapidly drove them before us till 3 p. in., when we were relieved and took our place in brigade, very much exhausted. At dark arrived at point three-quarters of a mile from railroad; formed line and made works during the night. Our loss to-day is 1 mortally wounded, since died, and 8 severely wounded. August 31, about 3 p. m. our pickets were driven in, and soon we saw the enemy approaching with three heavy lines of infantry, over open fields, on our left and front. When within good musket-range we opened on them, firing left oblique. They continued to advance under our destructive fire till within 150 to 200 yards of our works, when the first line broke and fell back. Its place was supplied by a line in reserve, but soon all the lines began to waver and fall back in great confusion. Our loss to-day is I killed and 4 wounded. We remained here till September 2, the enemy retiring during the night, pursuing him to near Lovejoys Station. General Sherman announced, September 3, our present task was done and the campaign ended. I cannot speak in terms of too much praise of the conduct of both officers and men of this command. Heroically did they endure the rapid and fatiguing marches of the entire campaign. In action, when every one behaved so well, I would be doing injustice should I par- ticularize any one, yet I cannot close this report without expressin Page 262 262 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CRAP. L. my thanks to George F. Kili, the senior captain, for his untiring zeal in all the operations of the campaign, and his conspicuous bravery in battle. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. T. MOORE, Capt. A. C. FIsK, Major, Commanding. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 13th Army Corps. No. 485. Report of Lieut. George Echte, Second Missouri Light Artillery, commanding Battery A, First illinois Light Artillery. HDQRS. COMPANY A, FIRsT ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY, In the Field, Ga., September 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by this battery in this campaign, commencing May 1, 1864, but it is impos- sible for me to give a minute detail of the part taken from May 1, 1864, .to July 24, 1864, as I was not in command of the battery at that time, and no books or papers were found on my taking com- mand. The battery marched from Larkinsville, Ala., under command of Capt. P. P. Wood, with the division commanded by Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, to Chattanooga, Teun., and took an active part in the battles of Resaca May 13; near Dallas from May 26 to 31; Big Shanty, June 10; Kenesaw Mountain, June 20, and fought more or less until July 2, 1864. When the enemy evacuated Kenesaw Moun- tain the battery moved, with the division, through Marietta, Ga. July 12, Batteries A and B were consolidated~ and First Lient. Samuel S. Smyth assigned to command. The cause of this consoli- dation was the expiration of the term of service of most of the men of the two batteries, and they, with all the officers, were sent to Springfield, Ill., to be mustered out of the service of the ~United States. July 22, the battery was engaged in the battle near Atlanta, Ga. The enemy made a successful assault on our left, which was held by the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps, succeeded in taking our line of works and with it the consolidated battery of Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery. This was a dear-bought victory for the enemy. Battery A lost heavy in men and horses. The casualties of the company were 32 men killed, wounded, and miss- ing; 55 horses were killed and captured, mostly killed; Second Lieutenant Raub was killed; First Lient. Samuel S. Smyth was taken prisoner and reported killed, while being taken to the rear, by one of our own bullets. ~ Shortly afterward our line ad- vanced and drove the enemy from the works they had taken, and recaptured 2 of the six guns of the battery. The enemy succeeded in drawing away four of them. It was at this time, July 23, that I was assigned to the command of the battery by general orders from Fifteenth Army Corps head- quarters, dated July 23, 1864. After having received, from the First Iowa Battery, two more guns, with horses and equipments, and from *A mistake. Lieutenant 8inyth was mustered out of service March 20, 1865 Page 263 263 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. regiments of the First Brigade thirty-three infantrymen, the battery, July 24, was again in fighting trim. On the night of the 26th of July marched from the extreme left to our extreme right, a distance of fifteen miles. Arrived at our destination July 28. At noon the enemys skirmishers were found and fighting began. After our forces had driven the enemy about one mile they were found in strong force. Preparations were immediately made to fight the enemy. Only one section of the battery was engaged, but as no shots could be used with effect the section was withdrawn, by order of Major Maurice, chief of artillery of the Fifteenth Army Corps. The battery was in different positions before Atlanta, Ga., doing good execution with shot and spherical case-shot, until August 26, when at night our army left the works and marched on the Sand- town road toward Jonesborough. We arrived in the vicinity, near Flint River, and the battery was engaged in the battles on the 31st of August and 1st of September; three horses were killed during the two days. The battery at this time is in a very needy condition, and a quan- tity of ordnance and quartermasters stores are required to fill up deficiencies in order to put the battery in complete condition. At the same time I beg leave to report that sixteen men belonging to this battery are on detached service in different places within the department, and as these men are needed to complete the required number of a four-gun battery, I respectfully request that the same be returned to the battery or other men in place of them. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. ECHTE, First Lient. Company F, Second iVilissouri Light Artillery, Comrtmanding Company A, First illinois Light Artillery. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Secon~l Division, 16th Army Corps. No. 486. Report of Capt. Francis De Gress, Battery H, First illinois Light Artillery. IIDQRS. BATTERY II, FIRST ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTY., Near Jonesborough, Ga., September 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to lay before you a report of the part taken by my battery during this campaign. My battery arrived at Larkinsville, April 30, from veteran fur- lough, and started on this campaign, May 1, poorly supplied with horses and material. Passing through Rossvmlle on the 6th, we marched without opposition through Snake Creek Gap, and went into position at the cross-roads, about three miles from IResaca. On the 9th we fell back and took up position on a ridge at Snake Creek Gap. Advanced again on the 12th, and took up position at the cross-roads. On the 13th our army started for Resaca, and I was placed in position on Bald Hill, with the First Division, to fire at the rail- road bridge. A rebel battery of eight guns, in a fort 1,100 yards off, opened on me, and after a lively duel I succeeded in silencing it; had 3 men wounded by pieces of shellPrivate John Olson, in arm Page 264 2G-1 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. Private August Johnson, in foot; Private William H. Case, in breast. Remained in position on the same hill, supporting our ad- vancing infantry by firing at the rebel batteries, rifle-pits, and rail- road bridge, until the morning of the 16th, when we went into Resaca, which the enemy had evacuated the night previous. Started again at 11 a. in., marching on Calhoun road, and crossed the Catahoula [Oostenaula] River at 4.30 p. m; marched until the 19th of May, when we went into camp one mile and a half south of Kingston, where we remained until the 23d. Crossed the Etowah River, and marched without much opposition until we arrived at Dallas on the 26th; then, after changing posi- tion several times during the day, and having 1 man (John A. An- derson) wounded in knee, on the 27th I was placed in position by Colonel Taylor, with the Fourth Division, to engage a rebel battery of eight guns 1,200 yards off. Fought several brisk duels during the day, and on the 28th the enemy charged along our whole front, but was repulsed with heavy loss. Had 3 men woundedCorpl. John J. Buckland, in shoulder; Artificer Frederic Dohmeyer. in shoulder; Private John C. Haggerstroin, shoulder. On the 29th, 8 p. in., took battery to the rear, in a new line of works, to protect our corps, which was to swing back that night; but this was not done until the 1st of June, when we marched to the left and re- lieved the Twentieth Army Corps. Went into position on the 24 in the center of our division. Withdrew on the 4th, and took up a position with the Fourth Army Corps, relieving the Eleventh Indi- ana Battery. The enemy evacuated during the night, and we marched for Acworth on the 5th, where we arrived on the 6th, and remained until the 10th, when we advanced on Kenesaw Mountain, passed Big Shanty 9 a. in., and went into position. Reniained in reserve with division until the 15th, when I was ordered to assist the Severn- teenth Army Corps batte~ies. On the 16th went into position, with the Second Brigade, in front of Kenesaw Mountain and fought the the enemys batteries until he evacuated on 19th. Following him up, we went into position on a knoll with the Seventeenth Army Corps to engage rebel batteries on top of Big Kenesaw. Fought duels every day; also fired at their camp at long range until the 30th, when I withdrew my battery and parked with our corps, then in reserve. July 2, marched with the division to the extreme right of our line, and went into position, relieving a battery of the Twenty-third Army Corps. July 3, went into position to engage rebel battery while the Second Brigade, of our division, charged their line at Nickajack Creek. July 4, moved to the front, with the division, to support the Sixteenth Army Corps, which charged about 5 p. m. July 5, marched on Sandtown road, and went into position on a high hill with the Seventeenth Army Corps; fired at a rebel fort and battery 3,500 yards off with good effect. July 6, seeing a dust supposed to be niade by a column marching and crossing Chatta- hoochee River on a pontoon bridge, about 5,000 yards distant, we shelled them all afternoon, and as prisoners afterward said, with very good effect. July 7, went into position in the advanced line, with the Seventeenth Army Corps, and engaged the rebel batteries. Withdrew on the 8th in the evening and remained in camp until the 12th, when we marched, passing through Marietta on the 13th, and parked again near Roswell, on the Chattahoochee River. Crosse Page 265 (~a~r. L.3 REPORTS, ETO.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 265 the river on the 14th and went into position, while our infantry threw up very strong works. Remained here until the 17th, when we started for the Angusta railroad. Struck the road on the 18th and went into position at night. Advanced again the following morn- ing and took up position in Decatur about 4 p. m. Advanced on the 20th, taking up position several times during the day and engaging rebel batteries. At 1 oclock fired three shells into Atlanta at a distance of two miles and a half, the first ones of the war. On the 21st went into position (nuder protest) with a range of only ten yards, and in front of our line of works, by order of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith. July 22, advanced again, and occupying the works evacuated by the enemy the night previous. I went into position at the extreme right of our division to engage three rebel batteries which were firing at our advancing columns; was ordered to keep up a continuous fire. There was a gap of at least 800 yards between my battery and the First Division, which fact I reported several times. The enemy charged our works about 4 p. in.; was repulsed in my front, but broke through our center, and changing front charged my battery, wliich I was obliged to leave after spiking the guns, and after all my support had left me. As soon as my battery was recaptured I had the guns unspiked and fired again at the re- treating enemy. One of my guns, injured since the 25th of June, burst at the third round. My losses * on that day were very heavy14 men, 39 horses, 1 limber, ambulance, and harness. Re- placed lost horses and harness from Battery A, and had battery in marching order by 9 oclock the following day. July 27, withdrew the battery and marched all night, with division, to the extreme right of our line; went into position in rear of our line, and advanced into position July 31, firing at the rebel forts and city. Took up position again in our new line of works August 3, and fired considerable at rebel batteries, rifle and skirmish pits; had 2 men wounded on the 13th. Remained in same position until the night of the 26th, when we withdrew, and, marching all night, went into camp August 27. Started again the following day, and went into camp about 2 p. m. on the West Point railroad. Started again on the 30th, and alfhough our infantry was skirmishing continually, marched twelve miles. Battery crossed Flint River about 9 a. m. on the 31st, and went into position to protect the flank; fired consid- erable at the rebel columns moving and rifle-pits. The enemy charged our line about 4 p. in., and, moving one gun to the rifle- pits, fired twenty-seven rounds of canister; had 1 man wounded by shell, Private Henry Rahmeyer. September 1, moved one section to the extreme left of our line to engage the enemys batteries firing at the Fourteenth Army Corps, which was advancing; lost 1 man killed, Corpl. Frank Whistler. September 2, marched through Jonesborough, following up the enemy who had evacuated the night previous, and went into camp at 6 p. in., in reserve, with the division. September 5, left camp and returned to Jonesborough. This campaign has been a very severe one on my battery, espe- cially as I started out unprepared, caused by circumstances, and being continually in the field and in position, could not supply my horses with such forage as the country would furnish, and was often with- out forage altogether. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed, 3 men wounded, and 8 men cap- tured Page 266 266 THE ATLANTA CAMPAJf~N. [CHAP. L. I cannot help but speak in the high~st terms of Lieut. Robert S. Gray, Sergt. John McGeorg, and in fact of every man belonging to my battery. They have done no more than their duty, but they did it cheerfully, and the cases of Sergt. Peter S. Wyman, who was killed while spiking the last gun, [and] Private Richard Ray, who was shot because he refused to surrender, certainly speaks well for their bravery. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS DE GRESS, Capt., Comdg. Company II, First Illinois Light Artillery. Capt. G. LOFLAND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 15th Army Corps. No. 487. Reports of Brig. Gen. John F. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of affairs (May 17) at Madison Station, Ala., and (An gust 15) near Tilton, Ga. HDQRS. THIRD DIvIsIoN, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., ]Iiliay 18, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report concerning the recent movements of troops under my command for your information: Learning that the enemy had crossed the river and was concen- trating near Florence, on the 12th instant I telegraphed Brig. Geii. W. Q. Gresham, stationed at Athens, to direct Colonel Rowett to move with his command and Ninth Ohio Cavalry on Florence, and ascertain the amount of force gathered there, and, if he was not sufficiently strong to drive him across the river, to learn all facts connected therewith and report as soon as possible. About 9.30 a. m. yesterday, the 17th instant, a man belonging to the detachment of Fifth Iowa Infantry, stationed at Indian Creek, came in and reported that Madison Station had been attacked, and that heavy cannonading was heard in that direction. Soon after, a man belonging to the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry reached town, stating that the station had been attacked from all directions by a large force, estimated at from 1,000 to 3,000 men, with four pieces of artillery, and that as the regiment was entirely surrounded it would no doubt be captured. He also stated that the attack was made at 8 a. in., while mounting guard, and that the first that was known of the presence of the enemy they were firing into their camp. Upon hearing this report, and learning that a train of cars which started out in the morning had just returned, I immediately ordered out the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and also ordered up from Whitesburg the Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and directed Col. G. B. Raum, commanding Second Brigade, stationed at Larkinsville, to send by train one regiment of his command. While waiting the arrival of these regiments, proceeded to arm all detachments, convalescent soldiers, teamsters, & c., unarmed, in order that every man could be made available, and at the same time made preparations for defense in and around town by placing cotton in position, and also putting ammunition, & c., in secure and accessible places. About 10 oclock I started by train the Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, toward Madison, with intention to hold the balance of the force in town, having heard that the enemy ha Page 267 CHAP. L1 1~EPOETS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 267 made his appearance near town on road leading southwest, until the Eighteenth Wisconsin and Seventeenth Iowa reached this place. About the middle of the afternoon Colonel Alexander, with the Forty-eight Indiana and one battery, left here by rail for Madison. On reaching there they found that the Fifty-ninth Indiana, a part of the Thirteenth Illinois, with the Fifth Ofdo Cavalry125 men had already recaptured the station, and were then following the enemy in their retreat toward Triana, near which place they had crossed the river the night previous. The enemy being mounted and our cavalry being insufficient, the infantry could hardly be ex- pected to do them much damage. They did, however, manage to overtake their rear guard, with whom they skirmished, killing 1 man, wonnding several, and captured 4 prisoners and some 30 or 40 horses. Our loss during the skirmishing was 2 or 3 wounded. At present, having received no official report from Colonel Gorgas, I am unable to give his losses, but they are supposed to be some 40 or 50 missing, but a few wounded, and I am unable to learn of any one having been killed. They burned the station-house, cut the telegraph wire, but it was repaired and in running order the same night; the railroad unharmed. All the regimental property of the Thirteenth Illinois was captured and carried off or destroyed, in- cluding regimental train, camp and garrison equipage, mens cloth- ing, blankets, & c. A full report has been ordered of Colonel Gorgas, and will be forwarded as soon as received. The Fifth Iowa Infantry Veterans returned to Decatur Saturday, and were ordered to take position along the railroad at and near Madison Station to strengthen that line. Preparatory to moving there the regimental baggage, camp and garrison equipage, and records of the regiment, which had been stored at this place, were taken by cars to Madison Station on Monday, the 16th instant. The whole of this property was de- stroyed, and 6 of the men left in charge of it were taken prisoners. I have just received a dispatch from General Gresham, stating that Rowett on his return reports having driven the enemy across the Tennessee at Florence, killing several and capturing 24 men, whom he has with him. We have reports of the enemy gathering in several places througb out the country on this side of the river, who have crossed the river in small squads. It is also reportea that those on the south side are moving up in the direction of Bridge- port or Chattanooga, no doubt to strike at the weakest place in our line of communication. From the force I have, extended as it is along the line, it is totally impossible for me to operate against them successfully, but must content myself in endeavoring to secure the line of communication. I learn that I was misinformed in regard to the telegraph line being cut near Winchester, as per telegram of this date to Major- General McPherson. There is, however, a considerable force of the enemy in the vicinity of Winchester and Fayetteville. Since writing the above, Colonel Gorgas official report has been received, which is herewith inclosed,* and from all the information obtained I am led to believe that he was culpably negligent. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. E. SMITH, Brigadier- General. Maj. R. R. TowNEs, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fifteenth Army Corps. *See of May 17, ~ 271 Page 268 268 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Oartersville, Ga., September 14, 1864. MAJOR: In compliance with your directions of date August 25, 1864, I have the honor to transmit the reports of Lieutenant-Colonel Archer, commanding Seventeenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer In- fantry, stationed at Tilton, Ga.; also report of Captain Snodgrass, commanding detachment of same regiment, stationed at water- tank, north of Tilton. From the reports it will be perceived that there were no casualties previous to the surrender of the stockade at water-tank, and that little or no defense was made. How far this was justifiable it is impossible for me to determine. It is evi- dent they thought there was an overwhelming force, and in the absence of any other information, take it for granted that the offi- cers are correct in their reports. The regiment has always behaved well since being in my command (previous to which I have no knowl- edge of it), and unless I should see it could not believe it would be otherwise. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. E. SMITH, Brigadier-General. Maj. S. B. MOE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 488. Reports of Col. Green B. Raum, Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade, of attack (May 19) on train near Belle- fonte, Ala.; capture of train (July 5) near Tilton, Ga.; combats (August 14-15) at and near Dalton, Ga., and affair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. LARKINSVILLE, May 19, 1864. At 1 oclock this morning 8 cars were thrown off the track two miles east of Bellefonte by the removal of a rail. The train was attacked by about forty men. Colonel Hall and Major Welsh each sent two companies to relieve the train. After some firing the rebels withdrew. The engine went to Stevenson. GREEN B. RAUM. Lient. C. L. WHITE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. RESACA, July 5, 186412 p. m. A train of 16 cars has been captured and burned three and a half miles south of Dalton to night. Colonel Murray sent 200 men out in that direction this evening. The enemy is reported to be 300 strong. I have advised Colenel Murray to send out an additional force. GREEN B. RAUM Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. L. WHITE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Resaca, Ga., July 14, 1864. In compliance with the order from your headquarters, referring a communication from the headquarters of the district to the genera Page 269 269 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETc.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. commanding the division, of date July 8, 1864, in reference to the capture and destruction of a train on the evening of the 5th instant, and the conduct of the commanding officer at Tilton in connection therewith, I have the honor to report that I have thoroughly investi- o~ated the case, and find that about 6 or 6.30 p. m. of the 5th instant a party of the enemy, estimated at from 200 to 300 dismounted cav- alrymen, attacked and captured a loaded train, going to the front, at a point on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, about six miles north of Tilton, Ga. After firing one or two rounds the enemy set fire to the train. None of my command being on the ground, the above facts are obtained from a report made to Col. C. R. Wever, at Tilton, by the engineer in charge of the train. No firing was heard at Tilton. The first information at Tilton of the capture of the train was the light from the burning mass, which was supposed by some to be northern lights. Soon after the light became visible the patrol from Tilton, north, returned to that place, and reported that a train had been captured and was being burnt. Four compa- nies of the Seventeenth Iowa were immediately sent to the scene of disaster, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Archer. He arrived about 9 p. in.; found no person with the train, which was still burning. As no means were at hand to extinguish the fire and save the - property not already consumed, Colonel Archer made a reconnaissance on each side of the railroad for a considerable dis- tance without discovering the enemy. He then moved north about one mile to the water-tank, where he found a detachment of the Sev- enth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, numbering about ninety men, en- camped. He then learned that fifty men had been sent to the scene of disaster from the Seventh Illinois detachment, on the train fol- lowing the one which was captured; that they encountered the enemy, about twenty-five strong, in possession of twelve cars, which had become detached and which were burning. The enemy being fired upon, withdrew to the woods, and the detachment of the Sev- enth Illinois returned to the water-tank. Lieutenant-Colonel Archer left his command at the tank in charge of Captain Hicks, Seven- teenth Iowa Volunteers, and went to Dalton, where a construction train was obtained, with which he returned the next morning, and with his command reached Tilton early on the day of the 6th in- stant. It is difficult for me to estimate the loss, which was com- plete. The train consisted of a locomotive, tender, and 16 cars, loaded with commissary stores. The enemy must have had possession of the railroad abont one hour and a half. I express it as my opinion that Col. C. R. Wever, commanding at Tilton, sent troops to the relief of the train as soon as he had any definite information of the disaster, and that the capture and de- struction of the train is not chargeable to any neglect on his part. At 10 p. m. of the 5th instant I received a dispatch from him in- forming me of the disaster and the steps he had taken to assist the train. The report that no steps were taken by him to disturb the depredators or to arrest the further destruction of the road and property, and secure the safety of the other trains then due until ordered to do so on the following morning, is entirely untrue. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GREEN B. RAUM, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. C. L. WHITE, Assistant Adjntant~General Page 270 270 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., FIFTEENTH CORPS, Resaca, Ga., September 2, 1864. CAPTAIN: Tn compliance with the order referring a communication from the headquarters of the District of the Etowali to the general commanding the division, of date Angust 25, 1864, and. herewith returned, I have the honor of submitting the following report: On the evening of the 14th ultimo, having received reliable in- formation of the strength and movements of Wheelers cavalry I directed Lieutenant-Colonel Archer, commanding Seventeenth Iowa Volunteers, to concentrate his command, directing that Captain Snod- grass, commanding the detachment two miles south of Dalton, re- port to Colonel Laiboldt at that place. Captain Snodgrass was posted fourteen miles north of these headquarters. There being no tele- graph office at Tilton, he was communicated with by courier, not, however, before the enemy had attacked Dalton. Being directed to go to that place, and it being impracticable for him to do so, he con- cluded to remain at, and defend himself in, a stockade erected for the protection of a water-tank. During the night the stockade was surrounded by the enemy and some shots were exchanged. The next morning, from the best information I can obtain, a pretty steady fire was kept up from the stockade until about 8 oclock, the men firing about twenty rounds each. The enemy by this time brought into position two pieces of artillery, and under a flag of truce de- inanded a surrender of the stockade and the captain and his men as prisoners of war, which command was complied with. The stock- ade was of sufficient strength to resist musketry, but would afford no protection against artillery. The captain surrendered his com- mand without suffering any loss, upon the well-grounded belief that, with the use of artillery, the enemy would be able to annihilate his force. He could not hope for assistance, Dalton beiiig invested and Tilton being seven miles distant, that being the nearest point from which troops could be sent. I would add that Captain Snodgrass has been in several engagements and has ever acted with coolness and courage. I herewith inclose a copy of a report, I caused him to make. * I have been unable to learn what loss the enemy suffered in the affair, but it is believed they lost 3 killed and several wounded. They, however, denied any lJss. I inclose a copy of a report made by Lieutenant-Colonel Archer touching the part taken by him in resisting the attack made by the enemy on the railroad south of Tilton. At 10 a. m. of the 15th ultimo I received notice that the enemy had attacked the railroad south of Tilton. I immediately sent the Eightieth Ohio, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Metham, and eighty cavalry, under Captain Robinson, to attack the enemy. These troops although moving with great rapidity, did not reach the point until after the enemy had withdrawn. Hoping the foregoing will be sufficiently explicit, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GREEN B. RAUM Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. S. M. BUDLONG, AcIg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., 15th Army ~Jorps. * See p. 276 Page 271 271 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. No. 489. Reports of Cot. Adam B. Gorgas, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, of affair (May 17) at Madison Station, Ala. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Madison, Ala., May 17, 186412 noon. LIEUTENANT: We were attacked this morning at 8 oclock by a cavalry force, under Patterson, numbering about 1,000, with four pieces artillery. We were obliged to fall back, after a severe fight; and, being completely surrounded, we cut our way through their lines, and fell back to the bridge and water-tank, about three miles east. We formed and returned to this place, and, after skir- mishing, drove them from the town. They captured several of our men, what number we are not now able to say. Our camp and gar- rison equmpage, together with all the regimental and company papers, are either destroyed or carried off. The depot buildings are burned, together with about 50 bales of cotton. The railroad is all right; tele- graph lines cut. We are left here without rations, and but little ammunition. Our transportation is all gone. They retreated in the way of Triana. We have sent a small squad of mounted men to find out where they have gone. Rebel prisoners captured say the force crossed the river last night between Triana and Whmtesburg. I am, very respectfully, yours, & c., B. GORGAS, A. Colonel, Commanding. Lient. C. L. WHITE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., 15th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Madison Station, May 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: I would respectfully submit the following report of the attack made on this post by a force of the enemy, under command of Colonel Patterson, consisting of two regiments of mounted in- fantry and a battery of four 12-pounder howitzers, the entire force numbering about 1,000 men: The attack was made at 8.30 a. m. on the Triana road, on which two of their field pieces were placed in position, the remaining two pieces having crossed the railroad, together with a portion of the enemys command. They, however, did not get into position, as the attack was precipitated by the enemys being discovered by a forage train, which was just starting out. As soon as discovered the enemy opened fire from their two pieces on the Triana road, having previously sent detachments to each one of my picket posts, five in number, guided by some citizens who seemed to know the exact locality of each, encircling them and capturing them entire. On the first alarm my command was quickly formed in line, excepting three companies, who occupied the stockade in the rear of the depot building and behind some cotton bales. Two companies were thrown out as skirmishers, but the enemy appearing in such a large force in their front, I ordered them to fall back to the main column. In the mean time the stockade was rendered untenable by the rapid fire from the artillery, so that the three companies were compelle Page 272 272 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. ~CHAP. L. to fall back behind the railroad embankment, where I at length formed my entire command, being satisfied that we were outnnm- bered nearly fonr to one, and, having nothing to resist their artillery, it wonld be impossible to hold the town; my command the entire time keeping np a rapid and incessant fire, Jfilling 3 and wonnding 15 of the enemy. At this time the rebel force appeared on both flanks and in my rear, which made it necessary to fall back still farther, which I did, in the direction of the water-tank toward Hnntsville, dispersing the enemy in my rear by a few well-directed volleys, the artillery and nearly their entire force following on either side of the railroad, bnt the timber was so thick that they conld do no damage. On arriving at within a half mile of the water-tank I reformed my line, and, after a short rest, again advanced toward Madison Station with a strong line of skirmishers, well extended on either side of the railroad. The skirmishers drove the rear gnard of the enemy from town, the main force having departed after bnrning the depot bnildings and abont 70 bales of cotton. My cam p eqnipage was also bnrned, it, however, consisting of only a small nnmber of tents, which were scarcely serviceable. The men, also, have lost all of their extra clothing and blankets. The damage to the railroad was slight and readily repaired. As soon as the attack was made the wagon train, consisting of eight 6-mnle teams and three 2-horse ambnlances, were ordered on the Hnntsville road, but were intercepted and captured, together with a small train gnard and the teamsters. At abont 12 m. re-enforcements arrived, con- sisting of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, Colonel Heath, 120 men, and the Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry, Lieutenant-ColonQl Scott, 220 men. These, together with 100 men from my regiment, moved after the enemy as rapidly as possible in a driving rain. Colonel Heaths cavalry came up with the rear gnard of the enemy early in the afternoon, and kept up a constant harassing fire, but his force was too small to make a forcible attack. The infantry came up just before snndown, the Fifty-ninth Indiana deploying as skirmishers and driving the enemy before them to the bank of the river, but night coming on and finding that the transportation and prisoners were all across the river, our men fatigued, and ammunition almost exhausted, it was considered best by the commanding officers to withdraw our forces. They were consequently marched back to Madison, a distance of twelve miles from Fletchers Ferry. From reliable sources I learn that the enemys loss at the ferry was 15 killed and 40 wounded. This estimate, I am positive, is not placed too high, which would make their entire loss 18 killed and 55 wounded. Of the number of prisoners from my regiment I have not been able to learn how many were wounded. The loss of the Fifty-ninth is 2 wounded, and the Fifth Iowa Infantry 1 killed. I have but 1 man wounded with the regiment. Inclosed I send a list of the prisoners from my regiment. * I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. GORGAS, ColOflet Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. Lient. C. L. WHITE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., 15th Army Corps. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 65 men Page 273 C~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 273 No. 490. Report of Got. Clark R. Wever, Seventeenth Iowa infantry, of capture of train (July 5) near Tilton, Ga. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH IOWA VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Tilton, Ga., July 12, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders from you~r headquarters, of date Resaca, Ga., July 11, 1864, I herewith submit the following statement in relation to the capture of the train on the evening of July 5, together with a copy of Lient. Col. Archers report of same (inclosed): Soon after sunset on the evening above mentioned, a light was discovered in the direction of Dalton. My attention was called to it. I was unable to determine whether it was a fire, or, as my officers supposed, northern lights. Just at this time the patrol, which had been sent out at the usual hour, returned and reported that the rebels had captured and were burning a train. Ii immedi- ately dispatched four companies, under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Archer, to whose report I call your attention for further information. In reply to your questions I would state: First, that the train was captured about six miles north of Tilton, just before sunset. Second, I can form no idea of the loss sustained; was informed by the engineer that there were 16 cars, loaded with coffee and flour. The train was completely destroyed. Third, I have no means of estimating the amount of firing done. The engineer and his com- rade (who was wounded) reported that as soon as the locomotive ran off the track the train was surrounded by from 200 to 300 men, who fired a volley or two into the train. My opinion is they were too badly scared to be able to tell whether there were 25 or 300 men in the band. The rebs. wore spurs. Fourth, it was fully two hours after the train was captured before my troops reached that point. The enemy, very likely, had possession all that time. Fifth, no firing was heard at Ti]ton. A detachment of Seventh Illinois Vet- eran Volunteers were stationed at a water-tank about one mile above where the train was captured. They were taken down by the train following. Sixth, I received information of the disaster shortly after sunset, and immediately sent four companies, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Archer, to the spot. Very respectfully, C. R. WEVER, Colonel Seventeenth Iowa Vet. Vol. lnfty., Comdg. Post. Lient. M. NICHELSOk, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade. No. 491. Reports of Lieut. Col. Samson ilL Archer, Seventeenth Iowa In- fantry, of capture of train (July 5) and a/fair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. TILTON, GA., July 11, 1864. COLONEL: I herewith submit the following report in relation to the disaster on the railroad on the evening of July 5, 1864: In accordance with your orders, at 7.30 p. m. of July 5, I took Companies C, II, I, and K and marched up the railroad, reaching 18 R R~WOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 274 274 THE ATLA1~TA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. the scene of the disaster at about 9 oclock. Found no person with the cars, which were still burning. As no means were at hand to extinguish the fire and save the property not already consumed, I made a reconnaissance on each side of the road for a considerable distance, discovering no traces of the enemy. I then took the command to the water-tank, distant about one mile from the cars; reached there about 10 oclock. Here I found a detachment of about ninety men of the Seventh Illinois Infantry encamped. The entire command were asleep except the pickets. Upon inquiry I learned the following facts (from a non-commissioned officer, as I saw no commissioned officer): The train which was behind the one destroyed backed down to the tank as soon as they discovered what was being enacted ahead. Reported to the officer in command of Seventh Illinois detachment, who sent fifty men down on the train. At about 150 yards from~the rear of the train (or that portion of it which had broken loose from the rest of the train, viz, twelve cars) they stopped and the men got off. The rebels had just commenced firing that portion of the train. The detachment fired upon them (about twenty-five in number), when they immediately left the rail- road, took to the woods, fired a volley, raised a yell, and left. Thinking that they designed flanking them or attacking the water- tank the detachment immediately got aboard the cars and went back to the tank, where I found them when I arrived. As nothing further could be done at this late hour I left my four companies in charge of Capt. S. E. Hicks, Company K, and went up to Dalton for a construction train to repair the road and remove the rubbish, & c., from the track. With this train I came back in the morning and immediately returned to camp. The disaster occurred about six miles north of Tilton at about 6 or 6.30 p. m. The above report embraces all the facts of consequence with which I am acquainted. Very respectfully~ your obedient sorvant, S. M. ARCHER, Lieutenant-Colonel Seventeenth iowa Vet. Vol. Infty. Col. C. R. WEVER, Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH IOWA VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Tilton, Ga., August 20, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations in this vicinity in which my regiment was engaged, on the 14th and 15th of the present month: On the aftenoon of the 14th citizens from the neighborhood of Dalton reported heavy firing in that direction, and that the garri- son was engaged against a very large force of rebel cavalry. At about 8 p. m. I received a communication from Col. Green B. Raum, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, notifying me that a large force of the enemy was moving to the east of me, and directing me to withdraw Companies D and E (under command of Capt. Thomas Ping, three miles north of me), and to order Captains Snodgrass and Craig to report with their com- panies (H and I) to Colonel Laiboldt at Dalton. I immediately dis- patched orders to the two detachments, and at 11.30 p. m. Captai Page 275 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 275 Ping arrived with his command. During the evening I employed all my force, together with the engineer corps encamped here, in constructing breast-works and digging rifle-pits on each side of Swamp Creek, protecting the railroad bridge and water-tanks. At about 9 oclock, having ascertained that a large body of the enemy were very near us, I sent out two men mounted on mules, on each road leading to the town, so that we might be notified of their ap- proach in tinie to prepare for them. Scarcely five minutes elapsed before eight musket shots were fired in quick succession just across the Connesauga River, distant about 300 yards. I immediately formed my battalion and prepared to receive the enemy, which I supposed would attack us at once. One of my mounted men, Cor- poral Doan, Company C, returned at this junction and reported a heavy force across the river. He and his comrade had ridden past several rebels hidden in the angles of the fence beside the road, and when very near the reserves were halted. They at once wheeled around and started for the river under the fire above mentioned. Corporal Stafford, Company C, was thrown from his mule and cap- tured. Finding that the enemy did not contemplate an immediate attack, I had thirty men of the engineer company posted on the bank covering the main ford of the river. At about 12 oclock the rebels were heard crossing the river a considerable distance below the regular ford, and I immediately sent out Company H, Lieuten- ant Swearengin commanding, to skirmish with them providing they advanced upon us. Captain Browne, with his company (F), was also sent out on the Dalton road for the same purpose. At about 1 a. m. of the 15th, we could plainly hear the enemy de- stroying the railroad about one mile and a half below us. This continued for perhaps two hours, during which time the pickets at the main ford of the Connesauga exchanged occasional shots with those of the enemy (in which they mortally wounded a captain and ser- geant of the Fourth Georgia Cavalry), showing that they were still there. We could hear them to the north and east of us, and I con- cluded that to divide my small force (about 240 muskets) and attempt to save the railroad, would not only leave the bridge, block-house, and tank insufficiently guarded, but would doubtless result in very severe loss, if not the capture of the entire command. I therefore kept my command inside the works. I have since learned that the rebel force numbered over 3,000 (General Martins division of Wheelers cavalry corps), and that they came here for the purpose of destroying the bridge, tank, and block-house, but were deceived by misrepresentations of our strength, and therefore did not attempt it. Captain Snodgrass, Company I, and Captain Craigs company (H) were captured on the morning of the 15th instant, and paroled on the 16th by General Wheeler, eight miles northeast of Spring Place. It was impossible for them to report to Colonel Laiboldt as directed, as the rebels were in strong force between the tank and Dalton. For further particulars I refer you to the accompanying report of Captain Snodgrass, commanding the detachment. Very respectfully, S. M. ARCHER, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventeenth Iowa Vet. Vol. lnfty. Capt. W. W. MCCAMMON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 13th Army Corps Page 276 276 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. No. 492. Report of Capt. John C. Snod grass, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, of affair (August 15) near Tilton, Ga. TILTON, GA., August 20, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following in regard to the engagement between the forces under my Command (Compa- nies H and I, Seventeenth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry) and a portion of General Wheelers cavalry corps, on the 15th day of Au- gust, 1864, at the water-tank, two miles south of Dalton, Ga.: On the 14th day of August, 1864, at 3.15 oclock, firing was heard in the immediate vicinity of Daltpn. Half an hour thereafter, a large force of the enemy appeared on the railroad, at a point one mile and a half south of Dalton. They immediately commenced the destruction of a small bridge at this point, at the same time threatening an attack upon my position at the water-tank. After destr6ying the bridge the enemy continued the destruction of the railroad by tearing up the track, and advancing slowly toward my position. As the enemy appeared in overwhelming numbers, I con- cluded not to make any attack on them, but to hold my position, if possible. I immediately dispatched a courier to Captain Ping, com- manding a small detachment four miles south of me, informing him of my perilous situation, and asking for re-enforcements. Upon the return of my courier I received an order from Lieutenant-Colonel Archer, commanding Seventeenth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry at Tilton, to report to Dalton. This was impossible for me to do, as the enemy was between me and Dalton, numbering several thousand, and slowly advancing toward the water-tank, destroying the railroad track as they came. M the enemy advanced, a considerable num- ber of shots were exchanged with my pickets. At this time I had all my force collected in and about the stockade, keeping out a senti- nel a short distance on each side. The eiiemy continued his work of destroying the railroad, and advancing until after dark. At 11 p. m. my pickets were driven in, when the enemy moved forward and closed his lines to within 250.or 300 yards of the stockade. At this time he appeared to be in overwhelming force, entirely surrounding nie, but almost entirely concealed by the darkness and a thick growth of underbrush. Thus the situation remained until near day- light on the morning of the 15th instant, the enemy firing a few shots at intervals during the night. Shortly before daylight he opened with heavy musketry fire, and gradually closing his lines, still remaining hid from view by the thick underbrush. I exhorted the men to keep cool; not to waste their ammunition by rapid firing, but to make every shot effective. if possible. Heavy firing was kept up in this way until 8 a. in., when it was discovered that the enemy was approaching with sev- eral pieces of artillery, and preparing to shell the stockade. At 8.15 a. m. the enemy sent in a flag of truc& , demanding an immediate and unconditional surrender. After consultation with the officers under my command I offered the following terms: First, that both officers and enlisted men retain their personal property; second, that we should be treated as prisoners of war. These terms were accepted, and at 8.45 oclock I surrendered my entire command, con- sisting of 3 commissioned officers and 62 enlisted men, with all thei Page 277 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 277 arms and accouterments and camp and garrison equipage. We were placed under guard and marched rapidly (eastwardly), passing through Spring Place 3 p. m. of the 15th instant, and camping eight miles northeast of the town, remaining in camp all day on the 16th instant. At 5 p. m. of the 16th we were taken under guard to General Wheelers headquarters, and there paroled, when we immediately starte(l on our return with an escort of one commissioned officer and ten men. At Spring Place the escort left us and returned to join their commands. On the morning of the 17th we continued our march, arriving at Tilton, Ga., at 1 p. in., where I joined my regiment, the Seven- teenth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, J. C. SNODGRASS, Captain, Seventeenth iowa Vet. Vol. Infantry. Lient. F. WOOLSEY, Adjutant, Seventeenth iowa. No. 493. Reports of Brig. Gen. William Harrow, U. S. Army, command ing Fourth Division. HDQRS. FOURTH DIvISIoN, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Jonesborough, Ga., August 31, 1864. Report of operations for August 31, 1864. The command took position last night on the right of the Second Division, forming with double line, and with two regiments deployed as skirmishers, both lines strongly intrenched. Soon after daylight the enemy was discovered busily constructing works in our front. Our batteries were at once put in position, and opening fire soon compelled them to suspend work, and finally drove them from the ground in confusion. At 3 p. m. the enemy opened a heavy fire from artillery, which was followed by aii attack of infantry. As soon as the attacking columns were seen approaching our batteries opened on them with telling effect, breaking their lines and throw- ing them into great confusion. The attack did not extend across our whole front, the heavier part of the attack being to our right. The enemy were repulsed in two assaults with ease, and were severely punished. Owing to the nature of the ground it is hard to form a correct estimate of the enemys loss, the dense undergrowth affording a cover for carrying away his dead and wounded. Number of prisoners captured, 56 ; number killed in the engage- ment, 12; number wounded in engagement, 60; total loss in our front, 128. WM. HARROW, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Capt. G. J. WILKINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 278 278 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. HDQRS. FOURTH DIvIsIoN, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: The following report of the operations of this command is respectfully submitted: The division left Scottsborongh, Ala., on the 1st May, and reached Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 5th, and proceeded from thence, via Crawfish Springs and through Snake Creek Gap, to Resaca, Ga. On the morning of the 13th May, when near the Calhoun road, the com- mand was formed in order of battle, the First Brigade, Col. Reu- ben Williams, Twelfth Indiana Volnuteers, on the left of the First Division, the Second Brigade, then Col. Charles C. Walcutt, Forty- sixth Ohio (now General Walcutt), and the Third Brigade, Col. John M. Oliver, Fifteenth Michigan Volunteers, in reserve, and in this order moved upon the enemy, meeting but little opposition nutil the open field on the left of the Resaca road wa~ reached. Here the skirmishers, under Major Johnson, One hundredth Indiana Volun- teers, were pushed rapidly forward, and drove the enemy into his works on the ridge west of Resaca. At this time Captain Grifliths, First Iowa Battery, placed two guns in position, and, under cover of the fire from these guns, the skirmishers were again advanced, and drove the enemy from his rifle-pits on the road, when a portion of the troops of the First Division moved forward and took possession. Colonel Williams was now advanced across the open ground in his immediate front, and encountered the enemy in force upon a wooded ridge, protected by a dense undergrowth, and, after a fierce conflict of more than an hour, drove them into their works, where he con- tinued to engage them until his ammunition was exhausted, when he was relieved by the Second Brigade. After the enemy had taken shelter behind his earth-works, two batteries were placed in posi- tion and engaged them throughout the day, entirely disabling two rifle guns, which the enemy left on the field. Later in the day the First Brigade was sent to the right of the road as a support to the Second Division, and on the following morning the Second Brigade was moved forward, and took position in rear of the First Division, the Third Brigade continuing to confront the enemy until relieved by a portion of the Twentieth Army Corps. My command did not again actually engage the enemy at this point. The officers and sol- diers of each brigade acquitted themselves in a manner highly grat- ifying. My loss in killed and wounded were about 150. chiefly from the First Brigade. Official lists have been furnish~d. May 16, the division moved forward, by way of Kingston and Van Wert, arriv- ing at Dallas on the 26th. Soon after passing through the town, the Second Division, then in advance, encountered the enemys out- posts, and, rapidly driving them back, took position in front of his main line. This division was placed in position on the right of the Second, and across the Dallas and Villa Rica road, the Third Brigade on the left, the Second in the center, and the First on the right, the First Brigade forming at nearly a right angle with the road, and being the extreme right of the Army of the Tennessee. On the 27th May the enemy attacked this command, directing the assault chiefly against the Second Brigade, with the evident purpose of dislodging them from their position resting on the crest of the ridge and cross- ing the Villa Rica road. The attack was made with much energy and persisted in for an hour, when it was abandoned, and the enemy retired, leaving his dead and wounded and 30 prisoners. Durin Page 279 C~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 279 the night following the command strengthened their position by throwing up slight earth-works. On the 28th, our position remain- ing unchanged, Captain Griffiths, chief of artillery, moved three guns 150 yards beyond my main line, where they were placed in po- sition, and opened upon the enemys works, 600 yards to the front. Al most at the instant these gnus commenced firing a second assault, in greater force and more obstinate than that of the day previous, was made upon the entire line of the Second Brigade, and upon the right of the Third and left of the First Brigade. The struggle was maintained with great spirit and determination on the part of the enemy for near two hours, and was met with unsurpassed gallantry, resulting in complete defeat to the enemy with severe loss, most of his dead and many of his wounded being left upon the field. Col- onel Dickerman, One hundred and third Illinois Volunteers, and Major Giesy, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, commanding his regi- ment, were killed in this action while exhibiting the courage and soldierly qualities that so distinguished each. At the first onset of the enemy Captain Griffiths, with the assistance of Captain Percy, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, at great personal hazard to themselves, withdrew the guns that had been placed in front of my lines. On the morning of the 1st June the command moved from Dallas to New Hope Church, there relieving a division of the Twentieth Army Corps, taking their position in front of the enemy, and con- structing works so near to his lines that during the night of the 4th June they were abandoned, a line of pickets being left to cover the evacuation, which to the number of 70 were captured next morning. On the 5th the division moved in the direction of Acworth, and the day following encamped one mile beyond that place, on the road lead- ing to Big Shanty, and, remaining there until the 10th June, moved forward and took position on the south side of the railroad and near Big Shanty Station. On the 15th June I received orders to move across the railroad and to the left of the Seventeenth Corps, for the purpose of making a demonstration against the enemys right flank, then supposed to rest on a wooded ridge to the left and front of the Seventeenth Corps. Reaching the point indicated, General Walcutt was directed to form his brigade and move upon the enemy; this he did promptly, supported by Colonel Oliver, commanding Third Bri- gade, Colonel Williams, First Brigade, moving so as to protect my left. When General Walcutt formed his command, the enemy im- mediately opened fire upon him, whereupon he ordered a charge upon their works. This was made under a destructive fire. When General Walcutts command reached the low ground at the base of the ridge, upon the crest of which the enemys main force were posted, they were surprised to find their advance obstructed by Noonday Creek, a narrow, but deep stream with steep banks, but the gallant men of his brigade, without hesitation, plunged into the stream and struggled up the opposite bank, charging the enemy in his works, drove them in complete rout from their position, killing and wounding 50, and capturing 400 prisoners, among whom were 20 commissioned officers. This was a brilliant affair, successfully ac- complished after a short but severe contest, and too much praise cannot be awarded the officers and soldiers who participated. Later in the day the division was relieved, and retired behind the main lines, where we remained until the 25th June, when I was ordered to the right, and took position near the base of Kenesaw Mountain. On the evening of the 26th I was ordered to send the Second Brigade of m Page 280 280 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Ca& p. L. command to report to Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, to assist his corn- mand in an assault upon the enemys works, to be made early the day following. I respectfully refer to the report of General Walcntt, accompany- ing this, as also to the report of Brig. Gen. M. L. Smith, for an ac- connt of their conduct on the 27th June. Lientenant-Colonel Barn- hill, Fortieth Illinois Volunteers, was killed in this action at the head of his regiment, and within a few yards of the enemys works. Nothing worthy of particular mention occurred between 27th June and the 2d July. During the night of the latter day the enemy abandoned their stronghold on the Kenesaw Mountain, and on the morning of July 3 the command moved into Marietta, capturing over 100 of the enemys pickets and stragglers. July 5, moved forward on the Sandtown road and united with the Seventeenth Corps. Took position near Nickajack Creek, at which latter place built strong works, and remain~d there until 12th of July, when the command marched, by way of Marietta and Roswell, to the south side of the Chattahoochee River, and on the 17th reached Nancys Creek, where the Second Brigade was put into position on the south side of the creek, the Third and First Brigades remaining in supporting distance on the north side. Here occasional skirmishing with the enemy occurred, but with no special results. July 20, reached a position some three miles west of Decatur, and moved forward, in conjunction with the Seventeenth Corps, to the imme- diate front of the enemy. July 22, during the night of the 21st the enemy abandoned his works in my front. This fact being discov- ered shortly after daylight, the command moved forward near half a mile and took possession of the position lately occupied by the enemy, and immediately proceeded to reverse his line of works; the First Brigade on the right, the Third in the center, and the Second on the left; the Second Brigade connecting with the right of the Seventeenth Corps, and fhe First connecting with the left of the Second Division of the Fifteenth Corps. About noon of the 22d of July a rapid fire of musketry to the left and rear of my command was heard. I immediately ordered two regiments of the Third Bri- gade and a section of artillery into the works they had left in the earlier part of the day. This disposition was scarcely complete before the sound of artillery and musketry unmistakably indicated that an attack was being matte upon the left flank and rear of the Army of the Tennessee. I at once attempted to anticipate any action of the enemy, by directing General Walcntt to face to the rear, and swing his command around so as to face toward our left flank, supplying the place of the troops taken from the front line by extending the lines of the First and Third Brigades. By the time General Walcutt had exe- cuted the order, the enemy appeared, emerging from the woods in his then front. He immediately attacked them, checked their advance, and finally drove them in great disorder under cover of the woods. In this action a portion of the Third Brigade participated. The struggle was short and decisive, entirely disconcerting the enemys plans and affording to the Seventeenth Corps time to collect and reorganize their broken and scattered lines. After this repulse com- parative quiet pervaded for a short time, when the enemy from the direction of Atlanta moved upon my immediate front, and com- menced a vigorons attack. While my command was engaged in meeting this force, I received a message from Brigadier-General Smith saying the Second Division lines had been broken, and tha Page 281 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 281 they had retired to an interior line of works. I at once replied to him that my lines were nnbroken, and that they would be held, but in a short time the enemy appeared in the rear of the First Brigade, having passed throngh the lines of the Second Division, and attack- ing Colonel Williams in the rear. He ordered his command to re- tire to the line they had occnpied in the morning. This also in- duced Colonel Oliver to order his line to the rear. While their movements were in progress, II was passing along the line toward the right. As soon as I discovered the troops retiring, and learning they had been ordered to do so, I at once conntermanded the order, and hastened to find Colonet Oliver and learn why snch order had been given. Upon meeting with him, I for the first time learned that Colonel Williams had fallen back. I at once took prompt measures to recover our lines, ordering Colonel Oliver to return to his position, and Colonel Williams to his. These orders were promptly executed, and soon our hues were entirely restored. During this action Colonel Greathouse, Forty-eighth Illinois Volun- teers, was killed while gallantly leading his regiment. No braver man or better soldier has given his life to his country. Although very young, scarcely twenty-two years of age, he displayed those qualities which would have rapidly commanded for him a higher position; I regret to add that during this engagement the gallant Major Johnson, One hundredth Indiana Volunteers, my picket officer, was captured by the enemy in the gorge to the rear and right of my lines, while encouraging the trbops to hold their position. He possessed in a high degree all those qualities which make the accom- plished soldier, and his loss is severely felt. During the engage- ment the Second and Third Brigades were frequently compelled to change their position, fighting the enemy both front and rear. All their movements were characterized by the utmost coolness, and to their courage and valor a large share of the success of the day is due. During the night of the 26th July the division moved to th~e right, reaching on the evening of the 27th a point near the Greens Ferry road, and early the following morning moved forward, main- taining a position at a right angle with the command of Brigadier- General Woods, commanding First Division; the Third Brigade, Colonel Oliver, forming the connection with the First and Second Brigades moving within the lines, and parallel to the Third. This order of march was continued; our lines facing east and south until ii a. in., when the enemys skirmishers began to dispute farther progress. Everything indicating the enemy to be near, our lines were rapidly formed along a wooded crest facing nearly south, the First Brigade on the right, the Third on the left, and Second in reserve. The line was not entirely formed before the enemy attacked in large force and with great desperation. After a brief struggle their first line gave way; a second was moved forward, but after a severe struggle met a like fate. The woods in our front afforded the enemy an opportunity of reforming his broken lines unperceived. The assault upon my lines was repeated six times between 12 m. and 5 p. in., and in every instance were met and repulsed with great slaughter, until finally sundown greeted us as victors upon the most stubbornly contested and bloodiest battle-field of the campaign. The battle was fought by the Fifteenth Corps against four times their numbers, without the advantage of works on either side. If the soldiers of the Fifteenth Corps had no other claim to consider- ation than their efforts on that day, it would be enough to entitl Page 282 282 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. them to the lasting gratitude of their country. In this engagement the gallant Major lEnnis, Sixth Iowa Volunteers, was killed while encouraging by his example the men of his command. After the engagment of the 28th the enemy fell back and in- trenched themselves, covering the Lick Skillet road. My command marched forward until in plain view of their works, when, on the 3d of August, finding that their skirmishers were so near as to pre- vent the occupation of a ridge which it was thought desirable to hold, I was ordered by the corps commander to drive them off. This my skirmishers proceeded to do, but the enemy re-enforcing their own retook the position. I then sent an additional force against them, under charge of Major Brown, Seventieth Ohio Volunteers, who gallantly charged, drove them from and held the position. The contest was sharp and spirited, and although successful was pur- chased at a high price, costing the life of Major Brown and the killing and wounding of (30 of his command. When Major Brown fell mortally wounded, he said to those near him, Say to General Harrow I died like a soldier doing my duty. He is now beyond the reach of praise or censure, but has left a record which would honor the proudest in the land.. August 4, on this day the One hundredth Indiana Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Heath, and the Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Gillmore commanding, were transferred from the First to the Second Brigade, and the entire organization of the Third Brigade transferred to the First, thus consolidating the com- mand into two brigades, the first commanded by Colonel Oliver, the second continuing to be commanded by Brigadier-General Wal- cutt, and thus organized were placed in position in immediate front of the enemy, covering the Greens Ferry and Lick Skillet road. The command constructed strong earth-works, and day by day ap- proached the enemys works, until the lines were not above 300 yards apart. Constant skirmishing between the opposing forces was kept up until the night of the 26th August, resulting in severe losses to the division, amounting in the aggregate to over 250 men, including many valuable officers, among them Captain Percy, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, the engineer officer of the division. He was a brave and conscientious soldier and ar ornament to the army. Dur- ing the twenty-four days the conimand remained in this position the men were kept constantly in the trenches, the slightest exposure endangering their lives, all of which was submitted to with a degree of cheerfulness unprecedented. While our own losses were heavy the punishment inflicted upon the enemy was greater, as evi- denced by subsequent examination of the position occupied by the enemy, and the number of the (lead there liuried. On the night of the 26th the command was withdrawn and moved to the right, by way of Camp Creek, reaching the West Point railroad, between Red Oak and Fairburn, on the 28th, and immediately proceeded to tear up and destroy several miles of the track, remaining at this point until the 30th. The command moved on the latter day to Flint River and crossing that stream occupied and intrenched a position within half a mile of Jonesborough, on the right of the road leading into the town; the Second Division occupying the left amid the First Division the right. August 31, at 3.30 p. m. of this day the enemy moved upon my lines in large force, and attacked the entire line, when followed a spirited engagement for an hour amid a half befor Page 283 283 CHAP. Li REPOThrS, ETC.AEMY OF THE TENNESSEE. the enemy finally retired, the enemy, however, not exhibiting his usual impetuosity. Notwithstanding the attack was easily repulsed, the enemy lost very heavily in killed and wounded. During the day and the morning following the command captured 130 prisoners, including a number of officers. During the night of the 1st September the enemy evacuated Jones- borough, leaving a large number of his wounded. At 3 a. m. of the 2d September the skirmishers of the Second Brigade of this division were the first to enter the town, securing a nuniber of wounded, which the enemy were endeavoring to remove by railroad, and cap- turing the servant and horses, with equipments, of Brigadier-General Gist, of the rebel army, he narrowly escaping capture by getting upon the train upon which the wounded were being placed. The enemy were pursued this day five miles south of JonesbQrough, the Fourth Division in advance, where this command remaihed until the 5th September, when farther pursuit was abandoned, and the division returned to this East Point, arriving here on the evening of the 8th instant. Connected with the division during the campaign were two bat- teriesFirst Iowa Battery, formerly Captain Griffiths, now Lieuten- ant Gay, commanding, and Battery F, First Illinois Light Artillery, Captain Burton commanding. During the greater part of the cam- paign Captain Griffiths was chief of artillery. He is a brave, intel- ligent, earnest soldier, and always performed his duties promptly and efficiently. His term of enlistment having expired, he was suc- ceeded by Captain Burton, who has discharged his duties with zeal and fidelity. Each of these officers have my thanks for their efficient services. I have not heretofore specially mentioned Col. Robert F. Catter- son, of the Ni~iety-seventh Indiana Volunteers. During a portion of the campaign he was prostrated by disease, but his services before and since his recovery mark him as a model soldier, deserving the hi hest commendation and reward. ~Ihe number of officers and soldiers who have distinguished them- selves is far too great for mention in this report, and I must content myself with thanking them collectively for their gallantry and the cheerfulness with which they have borne privation, and for their cordial support, without which my own efforts would have been fruitless. I have lost 1 staff officer, Captain Percy, Fifty-third Ohio Volun- teers, killed; 1, Major Johnson, One hundredth Indiana Volumiteers, captured; and 3 woundedCaptain Lasley, Fifty-third Ohio Vol- unteers; Captain Wilkinson, One hundred and third Illinois Volun- teers; and Capt. Ira J. Bloomfield. all of whom have distinguished themselves by their uniform gallant conduct. Lieutenant-Colonel Wright, One hundred and third Illinois Vol- unteers, for a time acting assistant inspector-general, was relieved, at his own request, that he might take command of his regiment when his commanding officer, Colonel Dickerman, was killed. He is a gallant officer, and one to whom I am under many obligations. Surgeon Cake, Fifty-third Ohio Volunteers, has always shown himself faithful and efficient in providing for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded, and he will long be remembered by many a grateful soldier for his kindness and attention. My aides, Lieutenant Va~m Dyke, Fourteenth Indiana Volunteers, and Lieutenant Baugh, Fortieth Illinois Volunteers, have each bee Page 284 284 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. conspicuous for their conduct before the enemy, and their prompt- ness in rendering such services as were required and pertain to their respective positions. Captain Cornyn, commissary of subsistence, has shown himself a competent and faithful officer, and has discharged his very arduous duties in the most satisfactory manner. Captain Morlan, assistant quartermaster, has been prompt and effi- cient in the performance of his duties. Lieutenant Cain, mustering officer for the division, has discharged his whole duty. And to each of these, my staff officers, my thanks are warmly tendered. On the 31st August Private William Sharp, Company C, and John Hettinger, Company F, One hundredth Indiana Volunteers, were killed while performing duty as orderlies. They had each been with me during the entire campaign, and were ever faithful and prompt. The first named was as gallant a soldier as I ever saw; the latter, but a mere boy, seemed never to fear (langer, and for no two soldiers of the command have I felt more regret. The division, on this campaign, took from the enemy in battle 8 flags, and captured 1,400 prisoners. My own losses from casualties in battle number in the aggregate 1,988, exclusive of over 300 slightly injured. A report for so great a length of time, and where the conflicts with the enemy have been so frequent, must necessarily be very general, and perhaps fail to do justice to all, but such deficiency is no doubt supplied by regimental and brigade commanders in their reports. I trust the corps commander will find in the conduct of my com- mand, especially when before the enemy, much cause for gratifica- tion. The greater part of the action of officers and men came under his personal observation, and none is better fitted than himself to determine how far they have discharged their whole duty as soldiers and patriots. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HARROW, Brigadier. General, Gorndg. Fourth Div., 15th Army Corps. Lient, Col. R. R. TowNEs, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 494. Reports of Got. Reuben Williams, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, com- manding First Brigade, of operations May 16August 3. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Dlv., 15TH ARMY CoRPs, Near Atlanta, Ga., July 26, 1864. In accordance with orders received from headquarters Fourth Di- vision, Fifteenth Army Corps, I would most respectfully report, that on the morning of the 22d July information was received that the enemy had evacuated the line of works immediately in my front, and in accordance therewith the general commanding Fourth Divis- ion, Fifteenth Army Corps, ordered that my skirmishers should be pushed forward, which was done, meeting with no resistance excep Page 285 285 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. a thin line of the enemys skirmishers, who retreated as we ad- vanced. Orders were received at 7 a. m. to advance my line and occupy the works abandoned by the enemy. I then reversed the works and made them defensible. At 12 m. heavy firing commenced on my left, which proved to be an attack made upon the Seventeenth Army Corps. My reserve regiment (Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Capt. Ira J. Bloomfield commanding) was ordered to report to the Second Brigade, leaving me on the line, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, Lient. Col. James Goodnow commanding, on the right, and Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, Lieut. Col. Owen Stuart commanding, on the left. At 3 p. m. the enemy was reported advancing in my front. At 3.30 oclock the engagement commenced. The enemy was checked and retiring, when, to my astonishment, I discovered the brigade on my right falling back. I held my line in position, and ordered the fire to be directed right oblique, and continued firing in that direction until the enemy was formed to my right and rear, and advancing, pouring in a terrific fire from that point, both with musketry and artillery. My command then fell back under cover of the woods, reformed, advanced, and re-occupied the works. The Ninety-ninth Indiana, Colonel Fowler commanding, reported to me, but could not make any disposition of them at that time, as I was forced to retire the second time and occupy the works I had left in the morn- ing. Orders were then received from the general corn manding to retake the works at all hazards. I immediately moved my line forward and occupied the works without any opposition, and pushed my skirmishers forward nearly to the line they formerly occupied. Herewith I forward the reports and list of casualties of the regi- ments in my brigade.* I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedi ent servant, REUB. WILLIAMS, Uolon~l Twelfth Indiana, Comdg. Brigade. Lient. A. M. VAN DYKE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Division. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 3, 1864. SIR: In obedience to instructions received from your headquar- ters, I have the honor to submit the following as the work performed by my brigade from and after the battle of Resaca up to 3d August, 1864, at which time the brigade was reorganized by an order from corps headquarters, and by seniority of rank the command devolved on Col. John M. Oliver, of the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry: On May 16, in obedience to your order, took up the line of march in pursuit of the enemy, and arrived at Kingston, Ga., on 19th May, nothing worthy of special mention transpiring on the march. Here we rested and procured supplies. On 23d resumed march and crossed Etowah River on Wooleys Bridge, and proceeded in the direction of Dallas, Ga., via Van Wert. On the 25th my brigade was detailed as guards for wagon trains, and about 2 p. m. of that day was fired into by a squad of Texas cavalry, who immediately * Nominal list (omitted) shows 12 men killed, 1 officer and 31 men wounded, and 6 officers and 80 men captured or missing; total, 130 Page 286 286 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. fled without doing any damage; took 1 prisoner that day from same squad. The train was corraled on Pumpkin Vine Creek, and my command was ordered to remain with it, together with an Ohio bat- tery, which was ordered to report to me. There was some alarm created here, occasioned by cavalry scouts reporting that a rebel force had been detached to cut off our train. I was very vigilant at this place, but nothing transpired to confirm the report brought in by the scouts. On May 27 was ordered forward, and moved up and took position on the extreme right of the army with two of my regiments (Twenty-sixth Illinois and One hundredth Jndiana), leaving the other two (Ninetieth Illinois and Twelfth Indiana) with the train about a mile and a half in the rear. Here we constructed fortifications and threw out skirmishers, who im- mediately became engaged with the enemy, and the firing was very brisk. One of the regiments left behind (the Twelfth Indiana) was ordered up and took position on the right, leaving the Ninetieth Illinois with the train. On May 28 the enemy drove in our skir- mishers, following it up with a charge along our whole front in two lines of battle. They were repulsed with grtat slaughter, and retired in disorder to their intrenchments, leaving many of their dead and wounded in our hands, together with a number of prisoners who were-unhurt. On the evening of this day, by your order, I coin- menced withdrawing from the position on the right, and the Nine- tieth Illinois Infantry, which had been brought up during the charge of the enemy, was ordered to commence the movement as soon as it became dark. I had successfully withdrawn my command, with the exception of my skirmish line, under the command of Major Johnson, when a fierce attack commenced on the Sixteenth Corps, and by your order I hastened back with my command, with the exception of the Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, and resumed my place in the line. I ar- rived just in time, as our ~kirmishers had already fallen back into the trenches so recently occupied by our main line. I pushed for- ward the skirmish line, and affairs assumed about the same aspect as before the withdrawal. On June 1 I withdrew from the position held on the right at early dawn, moved through Dallas, and relieved a brigade of the Twen- tieth Corps at New Hope Church. Here the skirmishing was very severe, the enemy firing in many places from their main line of works. On the night of J une 3 I advanced my main line of works so that the left of my brigade was not more than eighty rods from that of the enemy. The enemy evacuated their position the night of June 4. My command here captured 68 prisoners and 175 En- field rifles. On the morning of June 5 began the march toward Acworth and on the 6th marched into the village and encamped in the vicinity; here we rested for a few days. On the 10th the com- mand resumed the march, and took up a position near Big Shanty, where we again constructed fortifications. Nothing transpired here worthy of record until the 15th, when my brigade participated in the action on the left. My command retired with the division, in reserve, until the night of the 26th, when I was ordered to relieve General Morgans brigade, of the Fourteenth Corps, in front of Ken- esaw Mountain. Nothing of particular interest occurred here, save constant and unremitting skirmishing with the enemy, until July 3, when the enemy evacuated. My command here captured 79 prison- ers. On same day marched into Marietta and bivouacked in the suburbs of th~ village Page 287 ~87 Ca& ~. L.~ REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. On the morning of July 4 was ordered to march in the direc- tion of Sandtown. This was a severe days march. The heat was very oppressive and water very scarce, causing much suffering among the troops. On the morning of July 5 moved forward three miles, and on July 6 took a position in line. Fortified and remained here until the 10th, when it was found that the enemy had evacu- ated that portion of the line which lay on the north bank of the Chattahoochee. My skirmish line captured 14 prisoners, and a num- ber of small-arms were secured. On the evening of the 12th re- ceived orders to move in the direction of Marietta; moved six miles, and camped for the night. Resumed march on the 13th; passed through Marietta, and camped within a few miles of Roswell; passed over the Chattahoochee on the evening of the 14th and took position about one mile from the bridge, where we constructed forti- fications. Moved from this place on the morning of the 17th, came upon the enemys pickets, and went into line of battle. On the morn- ing of the 18th moved up to within one mile of Decatur and camped; on the morning of the 19th moved again, passin~ through Decatur on the road to Atlanta. About 2 oclock I received orders to move forward with my brigade to the support of Gen. M. L. Smiths divis- ion, and was placed in position on his left. While here, my com- mand was shelled by the enemy very severely. The same evening the two remaining brigades of the division came forward and went into position, extending my lines to the left, and as soon as the lines were completed the entire division moved forward and took up a new position in the edge of a piece of timber in front of the enemys line of works. Here my command immediately constructed fortifications and remained until the morning of the 22d, when, by pressing forward the skirmishers, it was found that the enemy had abandoned his position during the night. The skirmishers in my front brought in 8 or 10 prisoners. Orders were received from you at 7 a. m. to ad- vance my line and occupy the works abandoned by the enemy. Upon reaching the place designated, I reversed the works with such implements as the men could improvise for the occasion, and made them tolerably defensible. At about 12 m. heavy firing commenced on my left, which proved to be an attack on the Seventeenth Corps. My reserve regiment (Twenty-Sixth Illinois Infantry, Capt. Ira J. Bloomfield commanding), was ordered to report to the Second Bri- gade, leaving me on the line, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, Lient. Col. James Goodnow commanding, on the right, and Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, Lieut. Col. Owen Stuart commanding, on the left. At 3p. m. the enemy were reported advancing in my front, and soon the engage- ment commenced. The enemy were soon checked in my front and were retreating, when, to my utter astonishment, I discovered the brigade on my right, belonging to the Second Division, falling back. I held my line in position, and ordered the fire to be directed to the right oblique, and continued firing in that direction until the enemy, who had broken through the line at the railroad, about the length of two regiments to my right and rear, were advancing, pouring in a terrible fire, both with musketry and artillery. My command then fell back under cover of the woods and reformed. The Ninety- ninth Indiana Infantry, Colonel Fowler commanding, reported to me at this juncture, but I deemed it imprudent to send them into the works at that time, and I directed them to form under cover of the timber. My own command having reformed, advanced and r Page 288 288 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. occupied the works, but I was again forced to retire and occupy the works which I had left in the morning. Orders were received from the general commanding the division to retake the works at all haz- ards. I immediately moved my lines forward and reoccupied the works without opposition, and pushed my skirmishers forward nearly to the line they formerly occupied. A large number of the enemys dead were buried in our front, and there were brought in 32 of the enemys wounded, most of them mortally. The command remained at this place until the night of the 26th, when orders were received to be ready at midnight to move. It was, however, nearly daylight when the command got in motion. On the night of [the] 27th camped in the rear of the Sixteenth Corps, and at daylight in the morning were again on the march. The command moved about a mile and a half, when I received an order to hold my brigade in readiness to support, and govern my movements in accordance with those of Colonel Olivers brigade (the Third). I moved forward, in connection with the entire division, through a dense wood, and finally emerged into an open field. Here I re- ceived your order to join my command on the right of Third Brigade, and move forward by the front and occupy the crest of the hill which lay before us. After some delay in rectifying the line, the advance was made, and the hill occupied under the fire of artil- lery and light skirmishing. I immediately instructed the command to secure themselves by throwing up a protection of whatever could be found, and afterward procured a few shove]s, and ordered that they be used without delay. Scarcely had these orders been given, and the men had time to throw up a slight protection, before the en- emy were reported advancing in force, and very soon our skirmish- ers were driven in, closely followed by the enemys main line. They were soon repulsed and driven back, but only to come again with more determination and increased numbers. In the second assault I discovered symptoms of weakness on the right of my brigade, and to prevent, if possible, a like occurrence as that of the 22d, I imme- diately formed my reserve regiment at right angles with the main line, and sent forward three companies to open an oblique fire, and render all the assistance in their power to help maintain an unbroken line on our right. Re-enforcements arriving, however, I ordered the regiment thus thrown out back into their original position, with the exception of the three companies spoken of. For six hours an in- cessant roar of musketry was kept up, and every assault or attempt on the part of the enemy to drive us from our position was frus- trated. During the progress of the fight, I received notification from you that a portion of the Third Brigade was hard pressed. I sent the Ninetieth Illinois Infantry to their support. This regiment remained in that position during the entire fight. In concluding this report I cannot close without paying a parting tribute to the gallantry displayed on every occasion by the officers and men, who, during a campaign, which has not yet closed, of ninety-five days, have never flinched from duty, be that duty ever so perilous. The brigade which I have the honor to command has, in the aggregate, lost nearly 600 men in killed, wounded, and missing since leaving Scottsborough, Ala., on the morning of May 1, and, with the exception of the battle of Resaca (official report. of which has been forwarded*), there have been but three regiments present * Special report of the battle of Resaca not found Page 289 Cram Li REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 289 at any one time. Out of the ninety-five days they have been together there are but thirty-one of which they were not under fire of the enemys guns. Officers and men, who endure uncomplainingly such a campaign, cannot be too highly spoken of. My thanks are especially due to all my regimental commanders for the promptness with which they have obeyed every order, and the assistance rendered on more occasions than one. In this particular I also desire to express my thanks and high appreciation of the gentlemanly conduct and soldierly qualities of my personal staff. Capt. Ira J. Bloomfield, yny acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. George Nelson, inspector-general, and Lieuts. Henry G. Collis and Lawrence McCarthy, aides-de-camp, deserve tspecial mention for bravery in battles and strict attention to their duties on all occasions. I (leeply regret the loss from the service at the present time of Maj. John B. Harris, wounded (Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry), and Maj. R. M. Johnson, captured on the 22d ultimo, formerly of the brigade, but more recently of your staff. Their places can hardly be filled, and their loss will be deeply felt in their respective regi- ments. Inclosed 1 transmit the official reports of regimental COmman(1Cr5, with the exception of the One hundredth Indiana Infantry, who are now at Marietta, and consequently out of my reach. Official lists of casualties hav~ been furnished your headquarters daily, and consequently they are omitted in this report. * I have the honor to be, geiieral, your obedient servant, IREUB. WILLIAMS,] Commanding Brigade. Capt. GEORGE J. WILKINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Fourth Division. No. 495. Reports of Got. John 31. Oliver. F*fteenth Michigan Infantry, com manding First Brigade, of operations August 4September 8. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, Near Jonesborough, Ga., September 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the casualties and operations of the First Brigade on September 1 as follows: Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, 2 enlisted men killed, 3 wounded, 1 missing in actio ii; Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, 2 enlisted men killed, 1 wounded, 1 commissioned officer wounded (Captain Keueipp) ; Ninetieth Illi- nois Infanti~y, 2 enlisted men wounded ; total loss, 12. At day- light yesterday morning the orders having been given, to advance our line of skirmishers, composed of details from the Fifteenth Thchigan and Forty-eighth Illinois, for the purpose of feeling the enemys lines, Captain Keneipp, Forty-eighth Illinois, commanding, was wounded, and the advance promptly made under direction of Lieut. H. E. McNeil, of the Fifteenth. They pressed forward over the rifle-pits of the enemy, within fifty yards of their main line of works, capturing 32 prisoners, 3 of whoni were commissioned officers. *Casualties embodied in table, p. 115. 19 R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 290 290 THE ATLANTA CAXPAIGN. [CHAP. I The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Edwards, of the Fifteenth, and the manner in which he handled his men, is worthy of great praise. and the commanding officer takes pleasure in announcing that ii has elicited the marked approbation of the general commanding thE division. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. OLIVER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. GEORGE J. WILKINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Division. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CORPS, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the First Brigade since August 4, when the division was reorganized, to- gether with the reports of the regimental commanders, and a copy of the report of the operations of the Third Brigade, which was under my command during the campaign, until it was discontinued in the reorganization: On the 4th of August, 1864, the Third Brigade was discontinued, the troops composing it, together with the Twelfth Indiana Infantry, Col. Reuben Williams commanding, and Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, Captain OConnor commanding, organized as a brigade, and desig- nated as First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. The position occupied was about one mile west of Atlanta, well fortified, and in close proximity to the works of the enemy. On the 5th the Forty-eighth Illinois was put in the front line, relieving a regiment of the Second Brigade. While occupying this position our pickets were constantly engaged, and their fire was often severe and destructive. Our skirmish line having been securely intrenched on the nights of the 7th and 8th, the main line moved forward and occupied it on the 9th, the distance gained being 300 yards on the left, and 450 on the right, and the line lengthened by this movement so that the Ninety-ninth Indiana and Fifteenth Michigan were also brought forward. On the iiights of the 12th and 13th a line of works was constructed, in advance of the Fifteenth Michigan, and occupied by the Seventieth Ohio the following day. At daylight on the 17th Capt. John Murphy, Company B; Ninetieth Illinois In- fantry, having volunteered for the purpose, with twenty men from his own regiment and twenty from the Twelfth Indiana, made a dash on a few of the enemys rifle-pits, which had been annoying us greatly, and succeeded in taking- them, with 8 prisoners, losi ugiman killed. The same night the enemys skirmishers made an effort to retake them, but failed. 18th, made a demonstration, which re- sulted in discovering that there was no diminution of the enemys force in our front; skirmishing continued until the 26th. At 9.10 p. m. commenced withdrawing our lines, leaving the usual number of skirmishers in front, and accomplished it without loss or inter- ruption, the skirmishers having repulsed a heavy demonstration niade by the enemy, and coming in all safe at the sound of reveille in their camps. Marched all night and camped at 1 p. in., 27th, on the south side of Wolf Creek, distance twelve miles, and fortified our position. 28th, marched five miles to Atlanta and Montgomery Rai Page 291 CHAP. L.J REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 291 road, and kept one-half of the brigade emplo~yed during the night in destroying it. 29th, the Twelfth Indiana Infantry detached as train guard. 30th, marched eleven miles, and went into position half a mile from Jonesborough at Sp. in., Seventieth Ohio and Ninety-ninth Indiana in front, Forty-eighth Illinois and Fifteenth Michigan in reserve, and Ninetieth Illinois deployed as skirmishers. This posi- tion was well fortified during the night by the two regiments in front. 31st, constructed an interior line of works during the fore- noon, and had severe skirmishing until 2.30 p. in., ~Then the enemy were seen forming columns for assault; our skirmishers were briskly attacked and driven in; and for a short time the enemy made a de- termined effort to drive us from our position, but were repulsed handsomely. The engagement was quite spirited. The officers and men of the command behaved with gallantry, no men straggling or leaving their posts. The severity of the affair of the 31st was not realized until after we got into Jonesborough and saw the number of men wounded, and heard them talk of the slaughter of that as- sault on our lines. As soon as the enemys columns had been driven back, thQ Ninetieth Illinois was deployed as skirmishers, and again advanced to their old position, which they re-occupied, taking 26 pris- oners. In the engagement our total loss was 23. September 1, at daylight the order was given to advance our line of skirmishers, composed of details from the Forty-eighth Illinois and Fifteenth Michigan, for the purpose of feeling the enemys lines. Captain Keneipp, Forty-eighth Illinois, commanding, was wounded, and the advance was promptly made under the dire~tion of Lieutenant McNeil, Fifteenth Michigan, next in command. They pressed forward on the rifle-pits of the enemy, within fifty yards of the enemys main line of works, capturing 33 prisoners, 3 of whom were officers. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Edwards, Fif- teenth Michigan, on this occasion, is worthy of great praise, and the commanding officer takes pleasure in announcing that it has elicited the marked approbation of the general commanding the division. September 2, skirmishers advanced at dawn, arid finding the enemys works abandoned, pressed forward to the railroad, capturing 1 offi- cer and 7 men. Moved in pursuit at 9 a. in., along the railroad, to the vicinity of Lovejoys Station, and erected, during the night, a strong line of works, at a distance of 400 to 600 yards from those of the enemy. September 3 arid 4, brisk skirmishing. At 8 p. in., September 5, withdrew to our position at Jonesborough. September 7, marched seven miles to Morrows Mill. September 8, marched five miles to East Point. In making a report of so extended a campaign as this, lasting such a length of time, and with a command that has been so uni- formly successful under so many adverse circumstances, and where all alike behaved with great and distinguished courage and devo- tion, to partThularize in especial mentions is unnecessary. I have, though, this to say, for all that, notwithstanding our fearful losses and the terrible battles we have been through, we have always been successful. We have never turned our backs upon the enemy, and have taken in prisoners, and of wounded and killed that fell into our hands, more than our aggregate loss, to say nothing of the killed and wounded carried off by the enemy. The records of the regi- ments of this brigade, through this long and exhausting campaign, are brighter than any ever previously made. They have been true, devoted, constant, and loyal. All the officers, staff, field, and line Page 292 292 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [ChAP. L. with their men, have my sincere thanks and the prond satisfaction that they have contributed their full share toward the crowning re- sult of the great campaign, the capture of Atlanta. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN M. OLIVER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. I. J. BLOOMFIELD, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Division. No. 496. Report of Lient. Col. Robert A. Gilimore, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS VET. VOL. INFTY., SECOND BRIG., FOURTH Dlv., 15TH ARMY CORPS, September 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders received from Col. Reuben Williams, commanding First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I moved, with my com- mand, from Scottsborough, Ala., on the 1st day of May, 1864, pass- ing Stevenson, Ala., on the 3d, arriving in the viciuity of Chatta- nooga on the 5th. Our transportation being reduced to three wagons, all surplus baggage and stores being stored at Chattanooga, on the morning of May 6, in obedience to orders received, I moved for- ward with my command, passing through Villanow, Ga., on the 10th, Snake Creek Gap on the 11th, arriving in the vicinity of Resaca, Ga., on the 12th. May 13, in obedience to orders received from Colonel Williams, comma~nding First Brigade, I moved my com- mand forward and weht into position on the left of the brigade. Immediately upon getting into position, in obedience to orders, I sent out 100 men as skirmishers, in charge of Second Lieut. Charles E. Linsley, Company A, and Second Lieut. Asail Carson, Company D commanded by Capt. Owen W. Walls, Company C. Soon after the skirmishers were sent forward, I was ordered to move my com- mand forward. Conforming my movements to that of the troops on my right. I moved my command steadily forward, through a heavy growth of timber and underbrush, for three-quarters of a mile, under a steady fire from the enemys skirmish line and a shower of shot and shell from the enemys artillery, when, having arrived at the edge of the timber, I was ordered to halt. I then received an order from Colonel Williams, commanding brigade, to send out two companies to the support of the skirmish line. I sent out Company B, commanded by Second Lieut. Theodore Schermer- horn, and Company G, commanded by Cart. Bernard Flynn. Soon after I again received orders to move forward, driving the en- emys lines and arti]lery before us. We were then moved by the left flank half a mile to the left, where we again formed our line and advanced, through a thick growth of timber and underbrush, to where we found the enemy in strong position, and opened a heavy fire on his lines, which we continued for one hour, when, our ammu- nition being expended, I received orders to withdraw my regiment. I was then placed in reserve of the Foi~rth Division, having had during the day 31 wounded, 3 missing, and S killed. May 14, w Page 293 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC. ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 293 remained in reserve, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, until late in the evening, when we were ordered to move quickly half a mile to the right to the support of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. May 15, we remained in support of Second Division. May 16, the enemy having retreated during the night, we started in pursuit, and encamped same day ten miles from Resaca, Ga., on the north bank of the Oostenaula River. May 17, we again started in pursuit, continuing the pursuit; from day to day, nothing of interest transpiring until the 20th, when we arrived at Kings- ton, Ga.. where we remained until the 23d, when we again started in pursuit of the enemy, continuing after the enemy until the 27th, when we found them strongly fortified near Dallas. In obedience to orders received from Colonel Williams, I moved my command forward and took position on the right of the brigade, under a heavy fire of shot and shell from the enemys guns. During the afternoon and night we threw up some slight works for protection from the enemys artillery. May 28, the enemy twice assaulted our lines in heavy force, and were handsomely repulsed each time with severe loss. They were driven from the field in great confusion, leaving their dead and wounded in onr hands. We remained in this position near Dallas until the morning of June 1, 1864, when, in obedience to orders received, I moved, with my command, seven miles to the left, and went into position near New Hope Church, where we remained, skirmishing with the enemy night and day, until the morning of the 5th June. The enemy hav- ing retreated during the previous night, we moved to the left, a~riv- ing at Acworth on the 7th, where we remained until the morning of June 10, when we moved forward to Big Shanty, where we went into line on the left of the brigade. Nothing of interest transpiring until the 15th, when we were moved two miles to the left, and as- saulted the enemys lines successfnlly, capturing a number 6f pris- oners and inflicting a severe loss on the enemy in killed and wounded, our own loss being small. We held the ground the enemy had occupied until evening, when we were relieved by other troops, and placed in reserve, where we remained until the evening of the 19th, when we were moved two miles to the right, and went into posi- tion at the foot of Kenesaw Mountain, where we remained, skir- mishing with the enemy, until the mdrning of the 3d July. The enemy having evacuated the mountain during the night of the 2d, July ~3, we movcd around to the left of Kenesaw Mountain, and occupied Marietta, Ga. July 4, we moved twelvi~ miles southeast, and encamped on the Sandtown road, five miles from the Chatta- hoochee River. July 5, moved east four miles, and encamped near Nickajack Creek. July 6, move(l half a mile; formed our line on the right of the brigade. July 7, moved forward half a mile, and threw up works during the night within 500 yards of the enemys lines, where we remaine4 until the morning of July 12. The enemy hav- ing withdrawn across the Chattahoochee River, in obedience to orders received, we moved back through Marietta, and crossed the Chattahoochee River at Roswell on the 14th; moving up on the south side three-quarters of a mile, we encamped for the night. July 15, we threw up a strong line .of works, and remained in this position until the morning of the 19th, when we moved forward toward Atlanta, Ga., passing through Decatur July 20, driving the enemy before us. After passing the latter place three miles, we formed our lines in a dense woods, and moved forward half a mile, under Page 294 294 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAx.. L. heavy fire of shot and shell from the enemys artillery, after which we threw up a line of works, in which we remained until the morn- ing of the 22d, the enemy having evacnated their main line. Our skirmishers charged the enemys skirmish line, and drove them into Atlanta. Our main line then moved forward, and occupied the enemys works, which we immediately proceeded to change to front the city. We were still engaged on the works, when heavy firing was heard on our left. We were then ordered into position on the left of the brigade. Soon after getting into position, we again re- ceived orders to move to the left, to the support of Col. Charles C. Walcutt, commanding Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. Having reported to Colonel Walcutt, my command was ordered into position on the front side of the works facing to the rear. The enemy at that time coming in heavy force, assaulted our lines, but were repulsed. The enemy having been repulsed from the rear, and hearing firing in the front, my command were immediately ordered to climb their works to repel an assault from the front. Scarcely had my command climbed the works when the enemy were seen advancing on us in heavy force. As soon as they came within easy range of our muskets, we opened a fire upon them, which checked them for but a moment, when they again charged forward, breaking the lines on the right of us. They then occupied the works on our right, when my men changing their fire to a right oblique we successfully enfiladed the enemys lines, and drove them from the works. The enemy assaulted our lines twice afterward, and were finally repulsed and driven from the field in great confu- sion, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. We remained in this position until the night of the 26th, when 1 received orders to move. At 3 a. m. on the 27th I moved, with my command, around in rear of the Armies of the Cumberland and Ohio, encamping for the night in rear of the Fourteenth Army Corps. July 28, we again moved to the right and took our position on the right of the bri- gade. About 9 a. m. we began moving forward, driving the enemys skirmish line before us, until we reached the crest of a tim- bered ridge, where we were ordered to halt. The enemy here gave us a terrific shower of shot and shell. I moved my command to the rear of the crest, that they might be better protected, and directed a few men from each company to gather such articles as could be had and place them on the top of the ridge for the purpose of build- ing a line of works. We had hardly been in this position half an hour when the enemy assaulted our lines in heavy force, and were handsomely repulsed. They assaulted our lines during the day four times, the fourth being the most desperate assault of the day. They came up in front of my command with five stand of colors and got within ten steps of my men and were driven from the field in great confusion and with great slaughter, leaving their dead and wounded in our hands. We captured a number of prisoners, 1 stand of colors, and buried 129 of the enemy in our immediate front. Our loss dur- ing the day was 5 enlisted mimen killed and 35 wounded. July 29, we advanced our lines half a mile, where we remained until the 3d August, when we again advanced our lines half a mile, and our skirmishers, under the command of Captain Walls, had quite a spirited engagement with the enemys skirmish line. Our skirmish line charged the enemys for the purpose of getting possession of a high ridge which was occupied by the enemy midway between ou Page 295 295 ~. LI REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Lines. We drove the enemy from their line, taking 34 prisoners. Soon afterward, the enemy being re-enforced, charged our skirmish line and drove them back and again occupied the ridge. After waiting a couple of hours, our skirmish line again charged the enemy and drove them from the ridge and held it, taking in the second charge 38 prisoners. August 4 we received an order transferring us to-the Second Bri- gade, Fourth Division, Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcutt commanding. We remained in the position occupied by us on the 3d until the night of the 26th, when we moved back from our works and moved around five miles to the right, and encamped on Lick Skillet Creek. August 27, we again moved to the right, arriving on the Mont- gomery railroad on the 28th. which we proceeded to destroy. August 29, we rested near the Montgomery railroad. August 30, we moved forward, driving the enemy before us until night, when we went into line within one mile of Jonesborough, where we threw up a strong line of works during the night. August 31, the enemy assaulted our works in heavy force, and were repulsed and driven from the field, our loss during the day being 1 commissioned officer killed and 2 enlisted men wounded.. We remained in this position until the morning of the 2d Septem- ber, when, the enemy having evacuated Jonesborough, we started in pursuit. After skirmishing with the enemys rear guard for five miles we found them strongly intrenched, where we remained skirmishing with the enemy until the night of the 5th September, when, in obedience to orders received from Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcutt, commanding Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I mo~.Ted, with my command, back to Jonesborough. The officers and men of my command have borne their part during the campaign cheerfully. All having done their duty on every occasion as soldiers, I am unable to particularize. All of which I have the honor to most respectfully submit. Very respectfully, ROBERT A. GILLiVIORE, Lieutenant- Golonel, Comdg. Twenty-sixth illinois In fly. Capt. EDWARD N. UPTON Acig. Assi. Ad]. Gen., 2d Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 497. Report of Maj. Edward Adams, Forty-eighth illinois Infantry, of operations August 3September 7. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. CAPTAIN: On the 3d day of August, 1864. the Forty-eighth Regi- ment Illinois Infantry furnished 100 men and 3 commissioned officers for skirmish duty. The skirmish line was inimediately advanced to the crest of the hill, upon which we subsequently constructed works. The regiment moved out and occupied the line of works which had been constructed by the skirmishers on the crest of the hill August 9, 1864, and remained in the ditches and on the skir- mish line until the night of the 26th, when we were ordered to th Page 296 96 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. right. The regiment moved out of the works at 10 p. in., in rear of the Ninetieth Illinois Infantry and in advance of the Seventieth Ohio Infantry. The skirrnisher~ were withdrawn at 2 oclock of the morning of the 27th. The regiment marched, with the several other regiments of the brigade, until the evening of the 27th at 6 p. in., when we were halted and ordered to take our respective positions on the extrenie right of the Army of tIme Cumberland. Here we remained until the morning of the 28th. We moved to the vicinity of the railroad, where we halted at 5 p. in. At 8 p. in. the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry was ordered to the railroad for the pnrpose of destroying and burning the railroad. After tearing up and burning more than three times the length of the regiment of railroad we were relieved at midnight and ordered to resume our position in the brigade adjacent to the railroad; here we remained thirty hours. On the morning of the 30th we resumed the march, moved to the vicinity of Jonesborough, south-southeast from Atlanta, where we constructed works on the night of the 30th and morning of the 31st. We remained in our works until the morning of the 2d September, when we were ordered to pursue the retPeating enemy. We marched to the vicinity of Lovejoys Station, where we again foumid time enemy strongly imitrenched. Here we Constructed works during the night of the 2d and morning of the 3d. The Forty-eighth Illinois Imifantry was foi~med in line on the left of the Seventieth Ohio Irifan- try and on the right of the Thirty-first Iowa Infantry (which was on the extreme right of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps). We memained in these last-nanmed works until the night of the 5th, when we were ordered to evacuate the works. We left time works at 9 p. m~ and muarcimed directly to Jommesborough, where we resumed our position in the works which we had constructed on the niglmt of the 30th amid morning of the 3.1st August, where we remained until the morning of the 6th, when we evacuated these works and marched to Morris Mill, where we remained until the 7th, when we marched to East Point, and took up our present position. I am, captain, respectfully, EDWARD ADAMS, Major Forty-eighth Illinois Im~fty. Vet. Vets., (Joindg. Regt. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant A~0utant- General. No. 498. Reports of Lieut. Got. Owen Stuart, Ninetieth Illinois Infantry, of operations May 1-August 3. HDQRS. NINETIETH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFTY. VOLS., Acworth, Ga., June 10, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor, very respectfully, to submit a journal of the march of the Ninetieth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers, in compliance with orders, from Fackler Station, Ala., to Resaca, Ga.: May 1, 1864, broke up camp and marched at 11 a. iii.; bivouacked on the Washington plantation, about three miles from Stevenson Page 297 297 CHAP. U REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Ala.; good water. May 2, resumed march at 8 a. m. Met by our late brigade commander, Colonel Loomis, who feelingly took fare- well of his old command; the kindest feelings of the regiment accompanied him. Took our position in the brigade at 10 a. in.; encamped on Crow Creek at noon; marched but two miles, route diverging south. May 3, reveille at 3 a. in.; marched at 4 a. in.; crossed the Tennessee River at Bridgeport, Ala., at noon; camped two miles beyond Bridgeport; roads good; water excellent; marched thirteen miles. May 4, resumed march at 7 a. in.; reached White- sides Station at 5 p. in.; a rough, mountainous road; good water; marched twelxre miles. May 5, took position at 10 a. m. in rear of division, crossing foot of Lookout Mountain, divergin~ south, and encamped near Rossville, Ga. Tents and baggage sent to the rear. May 6, marched at 10 a. m. south, through the valley of Chatta- nooga; country more open and fertile; bivouacked at 2 p. in. near Crawfish Springs; excellent water; marched miles. May 7, re- sumed march at 8 a. mm; crossed the Chickamauga at Glass Mill; halted at 10 a. in.; Sixteenth Army Corps, and Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, passed us to the front; encamped at 11.30 p. in.; marched temi miles. May 8, awaited the passing of trains, and marched at 12 in.; crossed Taylors Ridge at 6 p. in.; bivouacked in Chestnut Valley; marched miles. May 9. prepared to march at 4 a. mu., but ordered to remain and guard mountain pass until 9 a. in.; advanced, and at 12 mu. bivouacked and guarded an important pass; alarmed at midnight and rejoined brigade; marched miles. May 10, countermarched at 8 a. in. to position occupied the night before; resumed march at 4 p. in. south by east to Sugar Valley; marched eight miles. May 11, marched one mile and a half south; reglinent engaged in fortifying; by night the Fourth Division firmly in- trenched. May 12, advanced half a mile to head of Snake [Creek] Gap; regiment in line of battle; 5 p. in. General Sherman visited the position on a tour of inspection. May 13, knapsacks sent to the rear; marched at 7 a. in.; took position in skirmish line near Resaca, Ga., ata. in.; lost 1 man killed, 15 wounded. May 14 and 15, con- cluding days of the fight at Resaca; regiment in reserve; at mid- night the enemy evacuated. Respectfully submitted. OWEN STUART, Lieut. Got., Corndq. Ninetieth Illinois lufty. Vols. Capt. I. J. BLOOMFIELD, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. HDQRS. NINETIETH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFTY. VOLS., Near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the Ninetieth Illinois Volunteers, from the 13th May to the 3d August, 1864, as per instructions: May 14, were in reserve of the division (Fourth) until about 7 p. in., when we were ordered to the support of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. and remained in this position until the 16th, when it was discovered that the enemy had evacuated his position during the night of the 15th. Marched at ii a. mu., crossed the Coosawattee River about four miles west of Resaca, Ga., and con Page 298 298 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [Ciiip. L. tinued the march, via Adairsville and Woodlawn plantation, to Kingston, Ga., arriving May 20, 1864, in rear of wagon trains of the Fifteenth Army Corps. Rested three days at Kingston. Marched on the 23d, crossed the Etowah River about five miles west of Kingston, passed through Flannaway and Van Wert, and camped on Pumpkin Vine Creek the 25th. May 26, guarding one of the flanks of the wagon trains. May 27, marched three miles, and took position on the right flank to prevent any attack on the trains. May 28, ordered to escort trains five miles east of Dallas; rejoined our brigade about 4 p. in., and two companies (G and I) sent on the skirmish line; balance of regiment in reserve. At dark, of the 29th were ordered to the left as escort to trains, and on the 30th received orders from Maj. Gen. John A. Logan to report to Lieut. Col. J. Condit Smith, chief quartermaster, Fifteenth Army Corps, as train guard. May 31, went to Kingston as guard to train for supplies; passed through Euharlee and crossed the Etowah Riper about four miles southwest of Kingston; arrived at Kingston 6 p. in. June 1, returned with train, arriving near New Hope Church on the 3d June. June 4, escorted train four miles toward Acworth, and on the 5th arrri ved in Acworth. June 7, escorted trains to Carters- ville for supplies, and returned next day. Marched to Big Shanty on the 10th and remained guarding trains, doing fatigue duty for the commissary department at Big Shanty until July 3, when we marched to Powder Springs, about twelve miles southwest from Big Shanty. July 5, five companies, under command of Major Flynn, detailed to escort trains to Big Shanty for snpplies. July 6, moved forward, and were rejoined by the five companies. July 7, moved forward again about three miles and camped, picketing roads and guarding trains. July 10, three companies sent as guard to trains to Marietta. July 12, balance of regiment marched to Mari- etta and rested the 13th. July 14, marched at 4 a. m. and joined our brigade at 12 m. near the Chattalioochee, about one mile and a half from Roswell, and that evening crossed the Chattahoochee River at Roswell and camped about one mile and a half on the south bank of the river. Remained in camp the 15th and 16th, and on the 17th started at 6 a. iii. and marched about six miles in a southeasterly direction. July is, started at 7 a. m. and halted about four miles north of Stone Mountain, and marched again until 12 midnight in an easterly direction. July 19, started at 6 a. in.; marched six miles, and camped one mile from Decatur at 4 p. m. July 20, marched through Decatur, and formed line of battle about three miles beyond. The enemy opened artillery on us, when we advanced about half a mile and threw up works during the night, and threw out skirmishers. Remained in this position during the 21st, and on the morning of the 22d advanced and occupied the line of works evacuated by the enemy, they retiring within their main works. At about 2 oclock the enemy attacked the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Corps, and my regiment was ordered to deploy to the left, and occupy the front of two regiments. in a short tinie the skirmishers in my front were driven in, and the enemy soon after appeared in heavy columns, advancing to attack. As soon as the skirmishers were all in my command opened fire on the enemy and soon brbke their line in my front, and held theni in check. They reformed, but were soon broken and forced to fall back in disorder. It was now discovered that they had broken the lines of the Second Division, on our right, and were pouring a heavy fire down our flank Page 299 CHAP. L.] REPOETS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 299 and in the rear. The right wing of the regiment fell back about sixty yards, but were reformed, and went forward to retake the line, when they were ordered to fall back to the lines occupied early in the morning. The regiment was reformed in this line artd receiVed orders to advance and reoccupy the line carried by the enemy, which they did, the enemy retiring in great disorder. Remained in this position nntil the morning of the 27th, when we marched around to the extreme right of the army. July 28, advanced, and, in connection with the Twenty-sixth Illinois and Twelfth Indiana, took position on a rid oe about three miles and a half west of At- lanta, at 10 a. m. Soon after getting in line the enemy attacked us in heavy force, and in a few moments the engagement became gen- eral along the lines of the whole corps. and was kept up for several hours. My regiment was ordered to the support of the Third Bri- gade, Fourth Division, and occupied the temporary works thrown up by the Forty-eighth Illinois, and about 1.30 p. m. I was ordered to relieve the Forty-eighth Illinois in the front line. I did so, and held the line until the enemy were forced to fall back in disorder, leaving their dead and wonnded in our hands. Fortified the line during the night, and next morning (29th) took our position with the First Brigade. July 30, advanced with the brigade and occupied works about half a mile in our front. Remained in this line until the 2d August, when we advanced to occupy a line about a quarter of a mile to the front. August 3, skirmishers were ordered to ad- vance and take the line held by the enemys pickets. The line was taken in our front, but about noon they were reoccupied by the enemy. About 4 p. m. the line was strengthened, the position regained and held, and fortified during the night. The casualties iu~ my regiment have been forwarded each day to brigade headquarters, and foot up, in the aggregate, to 71 since the 13th day of May, i%4. I take this opportunity to say, in behalf of my command, that they have, with scarcely an exception, behaved well, and borne patiently the fatigues and hardships of the campaign. I have the honor to be. colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OWEN STUART, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Col. REUBEN WILLIAMS, Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. No. 499. Report of Capt. Daniel OConnor, Ninetieth illinois Infantry, of operations August 3September 8. HDQRS. NINETIETH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFTY. VOLS., Near East Point, Ga., September 8, 1864. QAPTAIN: In compliance with instructions from brigade head- quarters, 1 have the honor to make the following report of the oper- ations of the Ninetieth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers from the 3d day of August, 1864, up to the present time, viz: The regiment remained on the line taken and occupied August 2 until the 9th August, when I was ordered to advance, in connectio Page 300 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. rORAP. L. with other regiments of the brigade, Col. John M. Oliver command- ing, and fortify on the line held by the skirmishers, a distance of abont 800 yards from the enemys main line of works. The posi- tion was gained and held, and strengthened snfficiently to repel any attack the enemy might make. On the evening of the 16th Capt. John Murphy, commanding Company G, volunteered to capture a line of rifle-pits, held by the enemy within eighty yards of our ulain line, and was furnished a detail of forty enlisted men for that pur- pose, twenty from my regiment and twenty from the Twelfth In di- ana. About an hour before daylight on the morning of the 17th he advanced his detail, and succeeded in capturing 8 of the enemy from one pit aiid driving him out of two others, killing and wound- ing several. The captain lost but 1 man killed. The regiment re- mained on this line, occasionally making demonstrations, until 10 oclock of night of the 26th, when I received orders to evacuate my position as quietly as possible, and move in connection with the bri- gade. Marched all that night and the next day in a westerly course, and bivouacked near Wolf Creek. On the 28th I was ordered to report, with my command, to Colonel Catterson, of the Ninety- seventh Indiana Volunteers, as guard to Fifteenth Army Corps wagon trains. Remained with trains until the morning of the 30th, when I received orders from Colonel Oliver to join the brigade, and marched across the West Point railroad to Jonesborough, Ga., a distance of about twelve miles, arriving at about 8 p. m. I was ordered to picket the front of the brigade with my regiment, and found the enemy in strong force about 300 yards in our front. About 2.30 p. in. of the 31st the enemy advanced in strong force to attack our lines, and drove in the skirmishers on both my right and left, when I ordered my regiment to fall back behind our main line, but not until a heavy fire had opened from the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, on my right, and from the Second Division, on my left. After the fire had ceased from the main line, I received orders to advance my regiment and reoccupy the skirmish line. I did so, and succeeded in gaining and holding the most of the pits, taking 28 prisoners, the enemy leaving 3 killed and 5 wounded in ourjiands, making a loss to them in my front of 36 killed, wounded, and cap- tured. My loss was 3 killed, 13 wounded, and 1 missing. I held the position until dark, when I was relieved by a detail. September 1, built a line of works in rear of the Seventieth Ohio Volunteers, and remained until the morning of the 2d, when it was ascertained the enemy had retreated from Jonesboroughi, and At- lanta entered by Major-General Slocums command. ursued the enemy about six miles south of Jonesborough; my regiment at 3 p. in. ordered to the support of the skirmish line; found the enemy in strong force behind works near Lovejoys Station; took position on a high ridge, about 900 yards from the enemys position, and re- mained until the night of the 5th, and then fell back to the position occupied previously at Jonesborough. On the morning of the 7th fell back from Jonesboro ugh, my regiment rear guard of the Fif~ teenth Army Corps, and camped near Grimes Mill. 8th, arrived at present camp, near East Pbint. A list of casualties during the campaign has been forwarded to brigade headquarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart being absent sick, and Major Flynn absent on account of wounds received July 28, the command of the regiment devolved on me as next in rank, and I would respectfull Page 301 c~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. take this opportunity to say that the officers and men of the Nine- tieth have borne themselves like soldiers, and must compliment them for their obedience, patience, and bravery. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL OCONNOR, Captain ~Jompany D, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army ~iJorps. No. 500. Reports (?f Lient. Col. James Goodnow, Twelfth Indiana infantry, of operations May iAugust 3. H DQRS. TWELFTH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, near Dallas, Ga., June 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with instructions from headquarters First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I herewith tr~nsmit you the following report of the part taken by my cont- mand in the late advance upon Resaca, Ga., and in the battle fought in its vicinity: I received orders for my command to be in readiness to march at 6 a. rn. of 1st May, 1864, while in camp at Scottsborough, Ala. Leaving at the appointed time, and marching in the direction of Chattanooga, I arrived at that place on the evening of the 5th of May, going into camp near the Rossville road. Here all surplus baggage, with the majority of my camp equipage, was placed in store, and my transportation turned over to the assistant quarter- master Fotirth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, with the exception of two wagons. On the morning of the 6th tTie march was re- sumed, and continued in a southeast direction until the 10th of same month, at which time the command passed through and occupied a position at the mouth of Snake Creek Gap, and nearly west of Resaca. From this time until the morning of the 13th ultimo the interval was consumed in slow advances and in constructing fortifi- cations. On the morning of the 13th I moved forward and took my position in the line of battle, with the Ninetieth Illinois Infantry on my right, and the Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry on my left. I was here directed to deploy sixty men in my front as skirmishers; in compliance with~which I sent forward Company B of my regiment, strengthened by a detail of ten men, and commanded by Capt. Will- iam H. Harrison. I subsequently received orders to send two addi- tional comnanies forward as skirmishers; for which purpose Coum- pany A, Capt. Edward H. Webster, and Company C, Lient. Charles F. Mather, commanding, were thrown forward. In this position the advance was sounded, and the linefacing directly to the east moved forward, meeting with but little opposition, except from a few shots from the enemys batteries, which caused me no loss. After advancing to within about a mile of Resaca, the enemy was found strongly guarded and occupying a ridge of hills in our front and upon the left. To accommodate ourselves to the enemys posi- tion it was found necessary to change the direction of the line b Page 302 302 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. an oblique movement to the left. Having received orders to such effect from my brigade commander, I executed the movement and again advanced, moVing into the woods along the base of the ridge occupied by the enemy. While advancing through the woods I caine upon a portion of the line of skirmishers belonging to the Fourteenth Army Corps; it appearing that they had made no move- ment to the left to correspond with that of their line of battle. I however, passed through their line, and reached a field immediately in front of the enemys position. At this point a heavy musketry fire was opened upon us. In a few moments my command had arrived at a position which gave them an unobstructed view of the enemy, who was well posted, aiid protected by his rifle-pits along the side of the ridge. At this time my fire was opened upon them, as was also that of the troops upon my flanks. From 3.30 oclock until 5.30 the fighting was very heavy, at which time, my ammu- nition being nearly expended, I was ordered to be relieved by troops from the reserve line, which was promptly executed, and I retired to the rear to refill my cartridge-boxes. In this action my loss was quite heavy, losing 8 killed and 43 wounded. Among those killed Ii am much pained to announce the name of Capt. Thomas N. Peoples, of Company B, who fell while gallantly leading his company. Among the number wounded was Capt. Benjamin Price, of Company D, who received a severe flesh wound in the right leg, which will deprive me of his valuable services for some time to come. My thanks are due to both officers and men for their gallant con- duct throughout the fiery ordeal, having acquitted themselves as become men engaged in a struggle for the right. On the succeeding day, the 14th, my regiment, with the others composing the First Brigade, was ordered to the support of the Sec- ond Division of the Fifteenth Corps, then advancing its lines. In getting in position I met with but small loss, having 1 man wounded. My command remained with the reserve until the morning of the 16th, when it was found that the enemy had evacuated, thus dos- ing the operations at Resaca. I herewith append a list of casualties in my command during this period, and in the battle of Resaca. * II am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES GOODNOW, Lieutenant- Colonel, Corndg. Twelfth Indiana Infantry. Capt. IRA J. BLOOMFIELD, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army corps. IIDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY, Near Atlanta, Ga., August 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: In conformity to instructions received, I herewith trans- mit to you the following report of the operations of my command during the present campaign and since the evacuation of Resaca, Ga., by the Confederate forces on the night of 1~th May, 1864: On the 16th day of May my command, numbering 22 commis- sioned officers and 408 enlisted men, in obedience to orders, broke *Are~atin~ 1 j 7 m ~ i3i1~1 ud 1 o1E~r d 44 mc wounded Page 303 C~. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 303 camp at Resaca to march in pursuit of General Johnston, then re- treating toward the interior of Georgia; nothing of interest trans- pired along the line of march until the command reached Kingston, Ga., at which place.the command was allowed a rest of two or three days, which proved of immense benefit to the nearly exhausted men. During our stay orders were received to carry forage sufficient for twenty days, and for the whole command to fit itself for an active campaign, and with view to leaving our railroad communications in the rear. The necessary arrangements having been made I received marching orders on 23d May, at which time the march was contin- ued in the direction of Dallas, at which place the advance came upon the enemy. On the 26th I was assigned my position in the line, which was the extreme right. I went in and secured my posi- tion, my right connecting with the cavalry division of General Gar- rard. I immediately sent forward a strong body of skirmishers, who found those of the enemy a few hundred yards in my front. The night was consumed in constructing a line of rifle-pits along my front, which were finished and occupied by the command at daylight on the morning of the 27th. Nothing of interest transpired from this time until in the afternoon of the 28th. At about 2 p. in. of that day considerable firing was heard in the direction of my skirmishers, and in a few minutes thereafter my skirmish line was driven in, closely followed by a strong body of the enemy. As the enemy deployed from the woods and into an open field along niy front, my fire was opened upon him. He pressed forward to within 200 yards of my works, where they attempted to reform their broken lines. The attempt proved unsuccessful, as they were so nmuch ex- posed to my fire, and which eventually drove them from the field and into the cover of the woods in great disorder. The action lasted about thirty minutes, and the enemy must have suffered severely. As to his actual loss I can only conjecture, as he continued to hold a portion of the ground; on which he must have lost heavily, with his skirmish line. My own loss was slight, having but 5 men wounded, the rifle-pits affording excellent protection to the men. Skirmishing continued quite lively until 1st day of June, when, before daybreak of that day, the line upon the right was withdrawn, of which my command formed a part. After the withdrawal of the line was effected the command moved toward the center, where I, in obedience to orders, relieved some troops of General Hookers com- mand upon the front line, in this position I remained until the enemy evacuated his position in my front, my skirmishers capturing a number of prisoners on the morning of the evacuation. While I lay in this position I suffered severely on my skirmish line, losing 14 in killed and wounded; among tbe number were many of my most valuable men. The evacuation of the enemy, from his position at New Hope Church, necessitated another mo vement on our part, which was ordered, and the command moved to Acworth. Remaining here two days, the command resumed its march in the direction of Kenesaw Mountain, then occupied by the eneniy. Arriving in th~t neighbor- hood, the command lay inactive until 15th June, when this regi- ment, with the others composing the division, were moved to the extreme left to secure a position then occupied by the eneniy. Arriv- ing there, my command was assigned a position in the third line; in half an hour afterward the advance was sounded: the position was taken. My loss in the affair was slight, losing but 2 men, bot Page 304 304 TILE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. severely wounded. A few days now elapsed in which but little was done by us, the command lying in reserve, and some considerable distance from the main line. On the 25th my command, in obedience to orders, moved up and occnpied a position on the main line of battle, relieving troops of General Davis division, Fourteenth Army Corps. Here II remained until 4th July, suffering considerable loss from the enemys position, which allowed his sharpshooters to pick off the men in the rifle-pits, my line extending along the base of Kenesaw Mountain, while that of the enemy xvas along the side of the moun- tain and at an elevation sufficient to allow theni to observe any movement in our lines. On the night of 4th of July the dilenly evacuated his position on the Kenesaw Mountain, falling back to the Chattahoochee River. My skirmish line, under charge of Capt. Edward Lenfesty, Company C, succeeded in again capturing a large number of prisoners. At 9 a. m. 1, in conformity to orders, nlove(l my command to Marietta, remaining there that day; the march was resumed next morning in the direction of the Chattahoochee River, on the Sand- town road, taking position that night within two umiles of the river, and from where a good view of Atlanta conld be obtained. At this place, and with a few changes of position, the command remained until orders were given to march to Roswell, at which place my com- mand crossed the Chattahoochee River on the 14th day of July. A position was taken up immediately after the crossing was effected, and the command was busily engaged during the two succeeding days in fortifying it, at which time the command moved in the direction of Decatur, a country town on the Augusta railway, arriv- ing in that locality on the evening of the 19th. The 20th and 21st days were consnmed in advancing a short distance on the Atlanta road. Arriving at a point two miles and a half from Atlanta, a strong position was secured and well fortified. On the morning of the 22d the enemy evacuated his line in my immediate front, falling back to his main line still nearer the city. At 9 a. m. I received orders to advance my line to that occupied by the enemy the night previous, and imniediately set to work at turn- ing the works in order to face the enemys position, which I got pretty well arranged by 12 m. The position which I now occupied was the extreme right of the division, and connecting with the troops of the Second Division at or near where De Gress battery had located. At about 2 p. m. of that day the enemy made a furious as- sault on the extreme left of the line, which was followed by one equally as desperate on the line in my front. The enemy advanced in four lines to within a short distance of my works, when a terrible fire was opened upon him, checking his farther progress. In three- quarters of an hour the assault was, to all appearances, terminated, the enemy having fallen back to the cover of the woods along my front, and I had given the command to cease firing, when my atten- tion was called to the fac~t that the enemy had broken the line of the Second Division and was rapidly gaining my rear. A portion of my fire was turned in that direction, but the enemy, having the advan- tage of being in a very thick undergrowth, which enabled him to fire upon my command from front, flank, arid rear, causing it to fall back at once and in considerable confusion to an old buildih~ a few rods in the rear, where I reformed the greater portion of my cQrp, Page 305 ca~r. L.] REPORTS, ETc.-ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 305 mand; advanced and retook the line of works, but was again called upon to fall back, as we had no support on the right, which pre- vented the holding of the line. After falling back the second time no attempt was made to reform until the comniaml had arrived at the line of works constructed by us the day previously, at which place I again reformed the command, aud held it in readiness to ad- vance as soon as proper support on my right should get into posi- tion. When the arrangenients for the advance had been effected, my command moved forward, with others, and occupied the line with but little opposition. My loss during the action was quite severe, losing 4 commissioned officers and 71 enlisted men in killed, wounded, and missing. The enemy sustained a severe loss in my front. My regiment buried 17 of the enemys dead within a short distance of my works. My hospital detail carried in from my froiit 22 of the enemy s wounded, who had been so severely wouiided as to prevent their getting away. They were mostly members of Hoods corps. Nothing of importance transpired to my command, other than the withdrawal of the line from the extreme left, and the move- ments of the troops which composed the left wing, who were transferred to the extreme right, my regiment being among the number, and going into position at about 10 a. m. of the 28th July. My regiment was placed in reserve in rear of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers. I had been here probably an hour when intelligence was received that the enemy was advancing to attack us. In a few moments the skirmishers were driven in, when the battle commenced, and raged with great fury during the after- noon. Immediately after the action commenced I was called upon to send two of my largest companies to a position on the left of the Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry. For this duty I designated Companies G and K, and placed Major Baldwin in charge, who immediately occupied the ground, and did good service thronghout the day. I subsequently re-enforced him with two additional com- panies, sending Companies C amid H. During the middle of the action I received intelligence that the troops in front of niy right flank were hard pressed and needed assistance. I immediately sent Companies A, F, D, and I to their as~istance, who remained during the balance of the action, which terminated just before sundown, the enemy having been repulsed with dreadful slaughter in several and distinct charges. Nothing of further importance has occurred since the 28th, with the exception of a couple of slight advances and some heavy skir- mishing, in which I have lost quite a number of men. Among the officers lost in the present campaign I regret to an- nounce the names of First Lieut. John H. Waters and Second Lieut. James H. Weaver, both of whoni were promising young officers, and in their death the country has lost two of its most ardent supporters. Lieutenant Weaver fell mortally wounded on the 22d, dying in a few days thereafter. Lieutenant Waters was killed instantly on the 28th, while in charge of Company D, on the skirmish line. Aniong the number missing are Captain Huston amid Lieutenant Alfont, of Company G, and Lieutenant Godown, of Company K. These officers are supposed to be captured. My losses since leaving Resaca, in killed, woumided, and missing, will reach 113. 20 R RVOL XXXVIII, PT II Page 306 306 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. CHAP. L. My thanks are due to all the officers and men of the command for the prompt manner in which each has discharged his various duties during the campaign, and for the bravery with which they have met and vanquished the foe. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES GOODNOW, Lieutenant- Colonel, Co?nmanding Regiment. Capt. GEORGE NELSON, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 501. Report of Col. Reuben Williams, Twelfth Indiana infantry, of operations August 3September 8. HDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: I would most respectfully submit the following report of the operations of this command from August 3, 1864, to September 8, 1864, as directed from your headquarters: On 3d August my command occupied a position in the main line of battle, where I reniained, suffering some considerable loss from the heavy skirmishing in my front, until night of 26th Au- bust, when I evacuated my line in obedience to your order. Marched during the night in direction of Sandtown Ferry. During the day following the line of march was changed to the Fairburn road, arriving at [that] place on evening 28th August, 1864. On morning of 29th my command was detailed as guard for trains of Department of the Tennessee, in which position I have remained up to present time, with exception of being once called into line of battle, forming in line with troops of Seventeenth Army Corps. I herewith append a list of casualties * in my commauct from May 1, 1864, to present time. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, REUB. WILLIAMS, Colonel Twelfth Indiana infantry. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, A. A. A. G. to Cot. John If. Oliver, Comdg. Brigade. No. 502. Report of Lieut. Col. John If. Berkey, Ninety-ninth Indiana In fantry, of operations August 3September 2. HDQRS. NINETY-NINTH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLS., East Point, Ga., ~5eptentber 10, 1864. SIR : I have the honor to report, in compliance with orders re- ceived, the operations of the Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry during the period intervening between August 3 and the taking of Atlanta, September 2, 1864, the operations previous to the above date having been heretofore reported: On the 3d of August, at 3.30 p. mu., six companies were ordered to support the then advancing skirmish line (the other four conipanmes * Embodied ID table, p. 11)3 Page 307 307 CHAP. L.I~ REPORTS, ETc.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. being on the line), when, at dark, the reserve, or supporting, com- panies were ordered on the line, where they remained until midnight of the 4th, when the regiment was relieved, and marched to the works which were left when ordered on the skirmish line. During the tonr of duty 8 men were wonnded; Capt. Josiah Farrar was in command. The regiment remained in the same place until August 9, when, at 10 a. in., marched to the front, or former ~skirmish line, Lie~it. Col. J. M. Berkey in conimand, where they remained until Friday, the 26th day of Angust, when, at 8. p. in., moved to- ward the right of the line, or toward the Montgomery railroad, marching all night and until 3 p. m of the 27th, when we halted on the summit of a ridge, which we fortified, and there remained all night. August 28, marched at 8 a. m. about five miles, to time At- lanta and Montgomery road; halted, bivonacked, and at ii p. in., and until 4 a. m. of the 29th, were employed destroying railroad. August 30, marched toward the Atlanta [Macon] and Western Rail- road, and halted at 8 p. m. within about one mile of it, where we threw up works, near Jonesborough. August 31, the enemy attacked in our front but slightly, on our flanks more generally; 2 dead and 2 wounded were found iii our front. From August 3 until September 2 were killed, 10 ; wounded, 16; missing, 1 ; total, 27. The above report comprises all operations of the Ninety-ninth Jim- diana Infantry which are worthy of note from August 3 until Sep- tember 2, 1864. Very respectfully, yours, ~-. M. BERKEY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 503. Report of Lieut~. C~ol. Albert Heath, One hundredth Indiana In fantry. HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT iNDIANA VOLS., Near Jonesborough, Ga., September 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the campaign just closed: On the 1st day of May last we broke camp at Bellefonte Station, Ala., for tIme campaign. At this time we formed a part of the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded by Col. Reuben Williams, Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. We marched continuously, and arrived before Resaca, Ga., on the 13th day of May, no evemit transpiring necessary to me- port. I refer you to my report made to commander of First Brigade, which is hereto annexed, and which will form a part of this report. I will, however, state here that the effective strength of my regiment on the 1st day of May was 450 men. Was detailed on the 10th day of July to do duty at Marietta, Ca., and on the 3d (lay of August was assm~nQd to your bri~ado; tb~t no report of the opcr~tions of mxm Page 308 308 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. regiment has been made since the 15th day of May, 1864. 1, there- fore, embrace in this my report all the operations of my regiment dnring the campaign. HDQRS. ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS In the Field, June 4, 1864. Sm: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Resaca, commencing on the 13th and ending oii the 15th day of.May, 1864: On the morning of the 13th, at 5 oclock, we moved from the mouth of Snake [Creek] Gap against the enemy, who was massing his force at Resaca; marched to the cross-roads near that place; was ordered to form in rear of the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, there to be held in reserve. I had but just got into position when you ordered me to move to the front by the left flank, form- ing in line of battle on a line with the First Division, commanded by General Oster- hans, and to conform the march of my regiment to that of General Osterhaus. You also ordered me to deploy fifty men in charge of a good officer as skirmishers; all of which was done. About 12 oclock we moved forward in line of battle, through a dense wood, to the open field in the immediate front of the first of the enemys works. Reformed in the edge of the wood next to the fence, and upon the crest of the hill. my skirmishers steadily pressing forward and driving those of the enemy. While this was being done the enemy kept up a furious cannonade, throwing both shot and shell upon the left of General Osterhaus and the entire front of my line, but was finally driven from his first line of works by the skirmishers. You then ordered me to re-enforce my line of skirmishers by two companies from my regi- ment, and to direct them to press forward and drive the enemy from the wood- covered hill on the right of his xvorks just taken. I deployed Companies C and D, who promptly moved forward to re-enforce Captain Fasts company (B), who had been skirmishing from the first; you also ordered me to advance the re~irnent across the open field, and take a position about half a mile to the left, and fronting the rebel works, about 1,200 yards therefrom; all of which was done. Here we re- mained until about 6 p. in., when we were relieved by a regiment from the Second Brigade, and ordered to fall back and replenish with ammunition. For full two hours my regiment was under an intense fire from the enemys artillery, the shells falling and bursting within my lines, but fortunately doing us but little injury. Durin~ the whole of the time my en behaved with remarkable coolness and self- possession. This night we bivouacked upon the field; in the morning was ordered to move forward to support the main column, if necessary; at 7p. m. moved to the right, to support the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. Remained there until morning of the 16th, when, the enemy having evacuated his works in our front, we moved in pursuit. My officers and men conducted themselves gallantly, but I shall do injustice did I not make special mention of Maj. R. M. Johnson, of my regiment, who was in coin- mand of the skirmish line of your brigade, for his coolness, prudence, and gallantry, and most earnestly hope he may be properly rewarded for the g eat service he ren- dered that day, riding along the whole line of skirmishers, iiispiring the men by his heroic example, and personally directing every movement. I also make special men- fion of Capt. 0. J. Fast, Company B, who was in command of the skirmishers of my regiment, assisted by First Lieut. John W. Geisinger, Company D, and would recommend that they be promoted for gallantry. Both were so intelligent, active, and brave that it seemed they could, with their line of skirmishers, drive a whole regiment of the enemy before them. Captain Fast was the first to enter the ene- mys works. All of the officers of my regiment conducted themselves gallantly and discharged their whole duty. My loss in this battle was 13 enlisted men and 1 officer wounded. Respectfully submitted. ALBERT HEATH, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding One hundredth Indiana Volunteers. Capt. IRA J. BLOOMFIELD, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade, Fourth Division. On the 16th day of May, the enemy having evacuated his works, at 11 a. m. we marched in pursuit, and camped on north side of Oostenanla Creek at 8 p. m. May 17, guarded wagon train; marched twelve miles, and bivouacked at midnight. May 18, joiiied brigade early in morning; marched fourteen miles; bivouacked on Burns- by plantation at 7 p. m. ; men cheerful, but considerably fatigued. May 19, marched nine miles; bivouacked near Kingston, Ga. Ma Page 309 CHAP. L.) 1~EPORTS, ETC.A1~MY OP THE TENNESSEE. 309 20, 21, and 22, remained in cami). May 23, broke camp at 7 a. in.; weather very warm; marched about twenty miles; bivouacked on Creek. May 24, marched eight miles; bivouacked on moun- tains. May 25, First Brigade, as train guards, marched ten miles, and camped on Pumpkin Vine Creek at 3 a. m. the 26th. May 26, on guard during the day; at 7 p. in. marched again; marched five miles, halting about one mile from Dallas at 4 a. in. the 27th. May 27, at 7 a. in. was ordered to take position in line; moved out for that purpose; placed regiment in position on the right, and perpen- dicular to the line of the Sixth Iowa; was ordered to deploy two companies of my regiment as skirmishers in my front, which was done. At 12 m. I believed, from indications, that an assault by the enemy was intended. Having no fortifications, I re-enforced my skirmish line with Companies B and C. At 1 p. in. the enemys skirmishers engaged my men sharply, but were repulsed with loss. This day Ii lost in wounded 7 men, including 1 commissioned officer. During the afternoon and night I fortified my line. May 28, placed a very strong skirmish line in front of my regiment. At 3.30 p. m. the enemy charged my skirmish line in force, and steadily,, but slowly, pressed it back to the main line, which was then attacked, but they were handsomely repulsed. The attack lasted about thirty minutes. My regiment in this fight suffered a loss of 3 killed and 14 wounded. In our front we buried U of the enemy and captured quite a number of musketsthe exact number I have forgotten, having lost my memoranda. May 29, advanced our skirmish line and developed the strength of the enemy; then fell back to the original line. Lost in this 3 men wounded. May 30, again advanced the skirmish line ar d suffered a loss of 2 men severely wounded. May 31, remained in line ; no casualties this day. June 1, abandoned our position at 4a.m.; marched to the left seven miles, to a point near New Hope Church; there we relieved a portion of the Twentieth Army Corps. This day lost 2 men wounded. June 2, this day my regiment is in reserve. June 3, advanced our main line of works about sixty yards; lost 1 man severely wounded. June 4, remained quiet; no casualties. June 5, the enemy abandoned his position the preceding night. At 12 oclock we marched to the left five miles and bivouacked. June 6, marched at 6 a. in. six miles and bivouacked near Acworth, Ga. June 7, 8, and 9, remained in camp near Acworth. June 10, marched six miles; halted near Big Shanty; took position and fortified dur- ing the night; Company K deployed as skirmishers; no casualties. June 11, 12, 13, and 14, remained quiet; not engaged with enemy. June 15, at 11 a. in. moved to time left and front, in support of the Second Brigade, who engr ged the enemy. My regiment and bri- gade, being in reserve, was not engaged; remained in reserve until the 25th. June 25, at 8 p. in. moved two miles to the right, and relieved General Davis division, of the Fourteenth Army Corps. Here we remained before Kenesaw, skirmishing comitinually with the enemy, until 3d July; my loss here was 2 nien wounded only in the whole time. July 3, the enemy evacuated his position dunn6 the previous night, and at 8 a. ni. we broke camp and marched to Marietta, Ga., and bivouacked. July 4, marched to the right twelve milesforced march. July 5, marched seven miles amid came up with the enemy at time Cimattahoochee River at 11 a. in.; not engaged with the enemy this day. July 6, renmaineil in camp. July ~, umoved up on line ami Page 310 310 TIJF ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. worked hard all night on our fortifications. Lost 1 man wounded. July 8 and 9, not engaged, except sharp skirmishing. July 10, the enemy evacuate and cross the river; this day I was ordered to report with my regiment at Marietta for duty. July 11, marched to Marietta, where we remained on duty until the 13th day of August. A~igust 14, I reported with my regiment to you for duty, having been assigned to the Second Brigade on the 3d day of August; during the whole time my regiment was at Marietta, the labor of the men was excessive, but was cheerfully performed. From the morning of the 15th to the 26th day of August my regiment was in reserve, doing no other than skirmish duty; during this time my loss was ~ killed and 4 wounded. August 26, about 9 p. m. we withdrew from our position in front of Atlanta, and moved five miles to the right and bivouacked near Utoy Creek at 2 a. m. the 27th, where we remained until 6 p. in., when we again broke camp and marched five miles. August 28, marched to the Atlanta and West Point Railroad, being about seven miles; bivouacked here, and worked a portion of the night destroyin6 this road. August 29, remained in camp. August 30, broke camp at 6 a. m. and marched fifteen miles, to near Jonesborough, Ga., where we fortified during the night. August 31, in the morning found we were confronting the enemy, who was about 1,200 yards from us. During the day strengthened our works. About 3 p. m. the enemy opened upon us with artillery from two different points, one enfilading our works; uii der cover of his guns moved his men preparatory to an assault. About 3.30 oclock he charged to within 100 yards of us; there, under cover of a rise in the ground, fired upon us with great fury. My men returned the fire. The assault lasted about an hour. From the nature of the ground it was impossible for us to fire with effect, but found in our immediate front 5 of the enemy killed. During the action I lost 5 men killed and 6 wounded. September 1, remained in our works. At 4p. m. the enemy opened with artillery 111)011 us, severely wounding 2 men. September 2, during the preceding night the enemy evacuated Jonesborough; at 7 a. m. we marched in pursuit. You ordered me to deploy eight com- panies of my regiment as skirmishers on the right of the wagon road leading south, which I did. We had moved about 1,200 yards when we came upon the rear guard of the enemy, strongly posted behind a barricade of rails. The Sixth Regiment Iowa Volunteers was (le- ployed as skirmishers on the left of the road. Both regiments moved rapidly forward and dislodged the enemy. He rallied again, how- ever, about a quarter of a mile distant, and was again driven. He then fell back about three-quarters of a mile to a barricade in front of a wood. Being driven from this, he opened upon us with two guns, which he had placed in the road about 200 yards from us. We here halted for a short time to rest, then moved forward rapidly, driving the enemy be-fore us. Came up with the main column of his rear guard about five miles south of Jonesborough. Here the enemy opened upon us with two guns, shelling our lines furiously. My men did not hesitate, but pressed forward with a determination to drive him or capture the guns. His firing did not delay us a moment, but my men were so much exhausted that they could go no farther, and we reluctantly halted for rest. While resting we discovered the enemy about half a mile in front in force and intrenched. Here you relieved us from further skirmishing for the day. During the after- noon we moved, with the brigade, to our position, where we in Page 311 311 CHAP. L.] REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. trenched. This day my loss was 1 commissioned officer and 5 men wounded. September 3, remained in camp. Not engaged with the enemy except skirmishing; lost 1 man, wounded. September 4, re- mained quiet; 1 man wounded, while in the main works, by the enemys sharpshooters. September 5, you ordered me to withdraw my regiment at 8 p. in. and march to East Point, Ga.; at the hour we moved, and bivouacked at ini(lnight in onr old works at Joiies- borough withont loss. I forward with this a complete list of the casualties in my regiment since the opening of the campaigu. I will here add that on the I 6th day of July Maj. H. M. Johnson was detailed, by order of Brigadier- General Harrow, for (luty at headquarters Fourth Division. I am informed that in the battle of the 22d July, before Atlanta, he was captured by the enemy while discharging his duty. This loss to my regiment is irreparable. He was a gallant officer. The effective strength of my regiment now is about 350. During the many marches, the almost incessant fighting, my men have been Cheerful and contented; uo murmnring was heard, although a great I)ortion of the time the weather was rainy. All seemed governed by one impulse. While we had a few recruits, they were not found wanting; they worked well. Success was what they asked. All were determined that no act of theirs should prejudice the result. No men were more willing to labor for successnone more gallant. The commissioned officers of my regiment aided very materially in keeping up the discipline and efficiency of the command, and in justice to valuable officers I make special mention of Capt. Orla J. Fast, Company B, who, when a delicate movement was to be made, had charge of the skirmishers of my regiment. I earnestly recoin- men(l that he be promoted for gallantry in the field. I also make special mention of Lieut. Edwin Goldsmith, my adju- tant, cool and self-possessed in time of danger, no one possesses the confidence of the men more than he does. I also recommend him for promotion. All the commissioned officers of my regiment have discharged their duties intelligently and with great gallantry. Recapitulation of casualties: Commissioned officers wounded, 2; missing, 1; enlisted men killed and mortally wounded, 17; wounded, 58; total killed, wounded, and missing, 78. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALBERT HEATH, Lient. Cot., Corndg. 100th Regiment Judiana Votunteers. Capt. E. N. UPTON, A. A. A. U., 2d Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 504. Report of Lient. Cot. Frederick S. Hutchinson, Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, of operations August 3September 2. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY, In the Field, near Lovejoys Station, September 5, 1864. In obedience to orders from headquarters First Brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of Fifteenth Michigan Infantry from August 3 to September 2, inclusive: From 3d to 9th August were in reserve line; sent details on skir- mish lines daily; had 2 wounded in advance of line the 4th. Th Page 312 312 THIS ATLAITA CAMPAIG~t. LOttAP. L. mornilig of 9th August moved to front; re~ieved the Twelfth In- diana Infantry. On 10th moved to extreme front line, on left of bri- gade, men worked all night in trenches; enemy shelling at inter- vals. 11th, 12th, 13th, occupied in completing trenches, traverses, & c.; 11th, had 2 men wounded; on 13th Captain Barnaby and 1 man killed, 2 men wounded. 14th, works in our front occupied by Seventieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Captain Philips had 2 men wounded. From 15th to 26th lay in camp, having detail of skirmishers out each day. 15th, had 2 wounded. 16th, 1 killed. 18th, 1 killed. 19th, moved to second in rear, same position we had before [we] re- lieved Twelfth Indiana; had 1 wounded. 26th, had 1 wounded. Moved at 9 p. m. in advance of brigade; marched until 3 p. m. 27th. Threw up works in night. 28th, marched at 7 to near Montgomery railroad; lay in camp until 30th; marched at 7; camped one mile from Jonesborough. 31st, threw up works; were in reserve; sent two officers and fifty men on skirmish line. September 1, had eighty men omi skirmish line; one officer and thirty men acting as support. An advance of the skirmish line beimmg ordered, was successfully performed; the skirmishers of the Fif- teenth Michigan, under command of Second Lient. S. C. Edwards. capturing 33 prisoners, including 3 commissioned officers, with a loss of 2 killed and 4 wounded; 1 prisoner of war. Lieutenant Ed- wards and his command did their duty nobly. September 2, moved to works of enemy at daylight, remained until 9 oclock; moved, with brigade, to present camp. Total loss, 1 officer and 5 men killed, 16 men wounded; 1 prisoner of war. Very respectfully, F. S. HUTCHINSOY, Lieutenant-Colonel, 6~ommanding. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Dim, 15th Army ~Jorps. No. 505. Report of Capt. Henry L. Philips, Seventieth Ohio Infantry, of op erations August 4September 3. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTIETH OHIO INFANTRY, East Point, Ga., September 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the operations of this command from the 4th day of August, 1864, to the 3d day of September, 1864, inclusive: On the 4th the regiment occupied a line of works in reserve to the brigade, where we remained until the 9th, when we advanced and occupied a line in reserve to the left of the First Iowa Battery. On the 11th four companies were sent to the front and left of the brigade line, and regularly relieved until the 14th, when the whole regiment was advanced to that line, forming the left of the line of th~ First Brigade, connecting with the right of the Second Brigade, of this (livision. This position was an unfortunate one, as it was constantly exposed to the fire of the enemys battery on its left flank, enfilading the entire line of the regiment. The line had to be approache Page 313 ChAP. L.3 REPO1~TS, ET(1XKRMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 313 through saps, and the men were compelled to dig holes in the ground in rear to protect themselves from the effects of the enemys shells. Notwithstanding all the precaution possible we had 6 enlisted men killed, and 2 commissioned officers and 28 enlisted men wounded. We remained in this position until the evening of the 26th, when we withdrew and marched to the right on the Sandtown road. Leaving the Sandtown road we marched toward the Atlanta and West Point Railroad and camped in the woods on the night of the 27th. On the 28th we marched to the railroad, and, in connection with the brigade, destroyed the railroad for three miles and camped. On the 29th we remained in camp. On the 30th we marched to near Jonesborough, Ga., and at night threw up works within 200 yards of the enemys main line. On the 31st the enemy made a reconnaissance in force, and approached in view of the right of our line, but were easily repulsed. We remained in this position until September 2, when we were ordered to pursue the enemy, and marched six miles south of Jones- borough, Ga, and fortified a position in front and right of our bri- gade, in full view 6f the rebel lines. On the 3d we received the welcome news that Atlanta was ours. All the officers and men acquitted themselves to my entire satis- faction. Our losses since the 26th of August are 1 commissioned officer killed, 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men wounded. I cannot close this report without adverting to the great loss the regiment has sustained in the death of its adjutant, First Lieut. Andrew Urban. He was killed on the 3d instant, while communi- cating the glorious news of the evacuation of Atlanta by the enemy and its occupation by oui~ forces. He was shot by a sharpshooter, a minie-ball passing through his chest. He exclaimed, Oh! boys, I am killed~ and instantly expired. Thus fell the model adjutant, the brave and faithful soldier, and generous friend. The regiment mourns his loss. A list of casualties is herewith submitted. * I am, captain, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. PHILIPS, Captain, Severdieth Ohio Veteran Volunteers. Capt. JOHN CAMPBELL, A. A. A. G., 1st Brig., 4th Dii., 15th Army Corps. No. 500. Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcuft, U. S. Army, command ing Second Brigade. HDQR5. SECOND BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CoRPs, In the Field, near Acworth, Ga., June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor of making the following report of the oper- ations of the Second Brigade from the 1st of May to the 15th of May, in~Ausive: The brigade, consisting of the Forty-sixth Ohio, Major Giesy com- manding, and the One hundred and third Illinois, Maj. A. Willison * Shows I officer and U men killed and 3 officers and 85 men wounded; total, 45 Page 314 314 TIfF ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CaAP. L. commanding, left Scottsborongh, Ala., with the division, on the morming of the 1st of May, arriving at Chattanooga and camping on Chattanooga Creek on the evening of the 5th, via Stevenson and Bridgeport, Ala. At this camp orders were issned for storing tents and snrplns baggage in Chattanooga, and directing snrplns trans- portation to report to Lient. Col. J. Condit Smith. The Sixth Iowa, Lientenant-Colonel Miller commanding, arriving from the North, reported to me at 6 p. m. On the morning of the 6th the command was again pnt in motion. Before starting the Ninety-seventh Indi- ana, Colonel Catterson, reported, and have since formed a part of my command. On the night of the 6th we camped at Crawfish Springs; at Chnrch on the 7th; Villanow on the 8th, airiv- ing at Sngar Valley on the 9th, where we remained in camp nntil the 11th. May 12, we took position behind log-works, bnilt the day previons by Colonel Catterson and Major Giesy, abont o~e mile to onr left front. On the 13th we moved to the front on the Resaca road, in the rear of the First Brigade nd the two batteries of Grif- fiths and Bnrton. In the formation of the line of battle in the front of Resaca, my brigade was placed in reserve. When the line ad- vanced, I was ordered to snpport the First Brigade, Colonel Will- iams, who was in the front and on the left of General Osterhans. In this advance Major Willison, One hnndred and third Illinois, re- ceived a severe wound from a shell, the same shell killing his horse. Colonel Dickerman, jnst ret arned from leave of absence, took com- mand of his regiment soon after. At 4.30 p. m. Colonel Williams, having been hotly enga~ ed for two hours, reported himself ont of ammunition, and I was ordered to relieve him. I pnt my brigade in position on the crest of the ridge, running parallel to the enemys works, Colonel Williams retiring upon the advance of my skirmish- ers. Upon examination I found the enemy in force and occupying a very formidable position distant from my line abont 300 yards. A strong line of works dn the crest of their hill, with at least six pieces of artillery, with two lines of rifle-pits on the slope, an open valley, divided by a deep, narrow stream of water between us, made it impracticable to assault the position of the enemy. The enemy used but one gun on this day, which was withdrawn before (lark. The skirmishers kept up a brisk fire and advanced as far as practi- cable, keeping the enemy inside his works. The morning of the 1.4th the skirmishers were again pushed forward, and they advanced very gallantly under a heavy fire that they might take advantage of the protection the banks of the stream would afford, and bring them into closer proximity to the enemy to better harass him and prevent his troublesome fire upon our lines. The right of the skirmish line, composed of two companies of the Sixth Iowa, secured an admirable position on a commanding knob to the right and front, giving them almost complete control of the enemys guns. Much credit is due Major Ennis, Sixth Iowa, for the manner in which he handled his skirmishers. Nothing more than heavy skirmishing was kept up during the day, punishing the enemy severely and with compara- tively small loss to ourselves. After night-fall the skirmishers again advanced and intrenched themselves, and the next days work was looked forward to with great interest. At 3 a. in., the 15th. I received orders to move, with my brigade, to the support of General Osterhaus, leaving my skirmishers on the old line. The One hun- (Ired and third Illinois and Sixth Iowa were placed near Gemieral Osterhaus headquarters; the Ninety-seventh Indiana to the rear o Page 315 315 CHAP. Li REPORTS, ETC.A1~MY OP THE TENNESSEE. De Gress battery, and the Forty-sixth [Qhio] near our old line. Dur- ing the night the enemy evacuated his position, thus ending our oper- ations before Resaca. There had been no brilliaiit general engage- ment; nothing done to put the test to the men, but in all my cam- paigns I never saw men in such excellent condition or exhibit a greater eagerness to do anything required of them. Much credit is due the regimental commanders, Colonels Dicker- man, Catterson, and Miller, and Major Giesy, for the promptness in obeying all demands and the good example set to their men. Lient. E. Bickett, Forty-sixth Ohio, was severely wounded, while leading his skirmishers to the front, on the 14th. The members of my staff, Captain Upton, Lieutenants Grimes, Johnson, and Parsons, deserve much credit for their efficient assis- tance rendered during this campaign. Recapitulation of casualties, May 13, 14, and 15. Killed. Wounded. Total. H command. 5) a br a ~ 0 0 ~ 103d Illinois Volunteers 1 6 1 r 8 46th Ohio veterans 1 1 11 ill 1 13 14 6th Iowa veterans 3 3 12 12 15 15 97th Indiana volunteers 2 2 6 6 5 8 Total 3. .t 2 43 45 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. C. WALCUTT, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Lient. A. M. VAN DYKE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem, 4th Div., 15th Army Corps. HDQRs. SECOND BRIG., FOURTH Div., 15TH ARMY CoRps, Before Atlanta, Ga., August 10, 1864. Sin: I have tile honor of reporting the operations of this brigade, from the evacuation of Resaca by the enemy, on the night of the 15th of May, to include the present (late: On the morning of the 16th my commall(i moved, with the divis- ion southward on the Calhoun road, crossing the Oostenaula River at Lays Ferry. On the 19th we arrived near Kingston, and remained in bivouac till the morning of the 23d, when the command moved toward Dallas, Ga., via Van Wert. On the 26th we took position two miles south of Dallas, on tile rio~ht of tile Villa Rica road, and {~n the right of the army. BATTLE OF MAY 27. My brigade, consisting of the Forty-sixth Ohio, Major Giesy; One hundred and third Illinois, Colonel Dickerman; Ninety-seventh Indiana, Colonel Catterson; and Sixth Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Miller (the Forty-sixth Ohio and Sixth Iowa, reserves, reported to General Harrow early in the morning), was directed to occupy a crest in our front, keeping connection with Colonel Olivers brigade on my left. In the movement my command changed to the left front, occupyin~ a ridge running with the Villa Rica road. Th Page 316 316 TIlE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. tOHAP. L. Sixth Iowa was ordered up and placed on the right. Skirmishers, under command of Captain Wills, One hnndred and third Illinois, were advanced and soon became engaged with those of the enemy, driving them, and by the daring of Captain Smith, One hundred and third Illinois, and one of his men, captured 22 prisoners. The men were put to work constructing rifle-pits. The enemys main line of works was not distant from my ribht more than 500 yards, with four guns in position to command the road I occupied, making my position a difficult one. Colonel Williams brigade was placed on my right, his line forming an acute angle with mine. At 1 p. m. the enemy commenced a terrific shelling. He seemed to have control of the road, but fortunately did me no harm whatever. As soon as the shelling ceased, the enemy, who had formed his lines during the shelling, made a vigorous assault on my line. Owing to the location of the ground and the suddenness of the attack, it became necessary to advance the Sixth Iowa, which they did most gallantly, meeting the enemy with bayonets fixed. The fight soon became general along my front. The men reserved their fire handsomely until the enemys line reached the base of the hill, when they opened, scat- tering and driving the enem y with great loss. In advancing the Sixth Iowa, and before the First Brigade could conform to the move- ment, part of the attacking column, Eighth Mississippi, struck the right of the Sixth Iowa, which was promptly met by Lieutenant- Colonel Miller swinging back his three right companies. These companies repulsed the Eighth Mississippi and secured their dead and wounded, with some prisoners. The officers and men all did well in this engag~ement. My loss was~ comparatively small, while that of the enemy must have been great. This fight was confined exclu- sively to the Second Brigade. During the afternoon De Gress bat- tery was placed on the high hill occupied by the Ninety-seventh Indiana, .and tIme works strengthened along the line. BATTLE OF DALLAS, MAY 28. Brisk skirmishing opened with the day. Lient. Newby Chase, adjutant Sixth Iowa, fell mortally wounded early in the morning amid has since died. He was a very gallant and efficient officer. About 3 a. m. I increased my skirmish line, and placed it in charge of Captain Kelly, One hundred and third Illinois. The Forty-sixth Ohio, who had been operating during the preceding day and night with the Third Brigade, reported and were placed on the left. The enemy showed himself very active during the entire day. At I p. in., as I had been previously notified, our batteries opened upon the enemy and met with a prompt reply. Quicker than thought, al- most, the enemy attacked us in force, and with the greatest vigor ammd determimmation. The skirmishers on tIme roads were quickly driven in. Three lines of time enemny could be distinctly seen rapidly advancing, but they were soomi checked by a (letermu~ued line. Every man was at his post, and remained there dimming the engagement. The fire was reserved until the enemy could be distinctly seen. On the right bayonets were fixed to receive the column that was ad- vancing with such numbers and impetuosity that it seemed they must b eak through my weak hue. The attack soon became gen- eral, the enemy making repeated attempts to carry my position, but were fimmally repulsed. after severe fighting of one hour ammd twenty mimiutes, nmy men following the retreating enemy with terrific vol- leys of musketry. The result shows how gallantly my brigade di Page 317 CHAP. LI REPORTS, ETC.ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. 317 its duty at the battle of Dallas; 244 dead and wounded rebels were found in my front. This battle, severe as it was upon the enemy, cost the country the lives and services of many valuable officers and men. Colonel Dickerman, One hundred and. third Illinois, and Major Giesy, Forty~sixth Ohio, fell mortally wounded, and have since died. They were both brave and efficient officers, and received their wounds during the heat of the engagement, while at the front encouraging their men. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, Sixth Iowa, was severely wounded in the gallant discharge of his duty. We remained on the Villa Rica rOad until the morning of June 1, when, with the division, we moved to the left, and relieved the Sec- ond an d Third Brigades, of General Gearys division, Twentieth Corps, near New Hope Church. The line here was within 100 yards of the enemys advanced works. With considerable difficulty I advanced the works about twenty yards to the front and occupied the crest, securing 11 dead bodies belonging to the command we relieved, killed in a previous engagement. On the night of the 5th of June the enemy evacuated his position. My skirmishers followed them in the morning, capturing a picket post of a lieutenant and 12 men. The Fortieth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Baruhill, just returned from veteran furlough, reported June 5. June 6, we again moved to the left, passing through Acworth, and went into position two miles south, to the right of the Marietta road. June 9, by order of Brigadier-General Harrow, I accompanied General Garrard, with his cavalry, on a reconnaissance to Big Shanty. We returned to the division about 7 p. m. June 12, moved again to Big Shanty, with the division, and were placed in reserve. THE CHARGE OF JUNE 1~. June 15, I received orders to move, with the division, to the left to assist in making a diversion in favor of the Army of the Cumber- land. Arriving at the point indicated, on the left of the Seventeenth Corps, I put my command in position, by direction of General liar- row, with orders to take a ridge on the south side of Noonday Creek, occupied by the enemy. The line was formed, One hundred and third Illinois on the right, Fortieth Illinois on the left, Sixth Iowa on the right center, and the Forty-sixth Ohio on the left center, with the Ninety-seventh Indiana deployed as skirmishers. The ad- vance was sounded about 1 p. in., and though the men had to pass through a thick undergrowth and wade the creek, which was deep, with very steep banks, and under a terrific fire from the enemy, the line, supported by Colonel Olivers brigade, advanced handsomely, taking the position sought for and capturing about 400 prisoners, including a colonel, 8 captains, and 11 lieutenants. The skirmishers were handled magnificently by Colonel Catterson, who deserves the greatest credit for his gallantry. Lieutenant Grimes, acting adju- tant of the Sixth Iowa, was killed. He was a noble soldier. My loss in this charge was 63 killed and wolmn(led. The brigade re- mained in position until 10 p. in., when it was returned to the rear of the main line. June 25, moved to the right, with the division. and relieved Colonel Mitchells brigade, of General Davis division, near the base of Kenesaw Mountain. ASSAULT 0 THE 27Tu OF JUNE. Orders emanating from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps were ~ecemved on the night of the 26th, directing nie to report, with m Page 318 318 THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. [CHAP. L. brigade, to General Morgan L. Smith, whose division was to assault the enemys works on the right of Little Kenesaw Mountain, and take part in the assault. By direction of General Smith, my bri- gade was placed on the left, and ordered to lead the assault, my column to assail the enemys works commanding the gorge between ~he two mountains. At 7 a. m. on the 27th I moved to near the left of General Osterhans, and formed my brigade in two lines, with the Forty-sixth Ohio (Spencer Rifles) deployed in two lines as skirmish- ers. At 8.15 a. m. I sounded the advance. A column never charged more gallantly or with greater determination. The enemy opened upon me at once with artillery from the mountain and a heavy musketry fire from their skirmishers, who were strongly in- trenched. The latter, however, were nearly all killed, wounded, or captured. The main works of the enemy were found to be in a very formidable position on the crest of a gorge, having a steep ascent covered by a heavy abatis. After repeated attempts to reach the enemys works had been made and failed, it being impossible to force our way through the tangled brush under so terrific a fire, the line was withdrawn and intrenched on the crest of the gorge oppo- site the one occupied by the enemy. In this assault the officers and men behaved most gallantly, many nearly reached the enemy s works, but it was useless. A line never struggled harder to suc- ceed, but it was not in human power. My loss was very severe; 246 killed aiid wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Baruhill, Fortieth Illinois, was killed at the head of his regiment. He was a brave and valu- able officer, and died the true soldier. Lieutenant-Colonel Wright, One hundred and third Illinois, received a severe wound, which has since disabled him. His bravery was conspicuous. I was relieved about 10 p. m. by troops from General Osterhans, and returned to my former position. On the night of July 2 the enemy evacuated his position, and on the 3d we moved to Marietta. July 4, moved sixteen miles to a point on the Sandtown road. July 5, moved to the right in support of the Seventeenth Corps. On the 6th went into position in prolonga- tion of the Seventeenth Corps, near Nickajack Creek, and in- trenched. July 12 and 13, moved, by the way of Marietta and Ros- well Factory, to the south side of the Chattahoochee. July 17, moved to Nancys Creek on the Cross Keys road. By direction, my brigade was put in position across the road south of the creek. Slight skir- mishing during the day. July 19, moved near Decatur, camping at Hendersons Mill. July 20, went into position, in reserve to th~ division, south of the Augusta railroad, four miles west of Decatur. July 21, I relieved the right brigade, Colonel Potts, of the Seven- teenth Army Corps. BATTLE OF THE 22D OF JULY. The enemy evacuated his works during the night. Skirmishers were advanced about a mile. The line was moved forward to occupy the abandoned works, which were immediately reversed. The position of the brigade was on the left of the division, connect- ing with the right of the Seventeenth Corps. Abou