TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 45 (Part I) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1894 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 vA5~ pI~ I THE GIFT OF A. i o c~ 0 Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE 0 OFFICIAL IRECOiRD8 OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. DANIEL S. LAMONT, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, Mi~. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of PublioatioR. SERIES IVOLUME XLVIN TWO PARTS. PART IReports, Correspondence, etc. WASIIJNGTON: GOVER~~IBNT PRINTING OFFICE, 1894 Page R002 70 (~ Page R003 PREFACE. The work of preparing the records of the war for public use was begun under the resolution of Congress of May 19, 1864, by Adjt. Gen. E. D. Townseud, U. S. Army, who caused copies to be made of reports of battles on file in his office and steps to be taken to collect missing records. Under the provisions of joint resolution No. 91, of 1866, Hon. Peter H. Watson was appointed to supervise the preparation and formulate a plan for the publication of the records, but he did no work and drew 110 pay under this appointment, which expired July 27, 1868, by limi- tation of the resolution. This resolution also repealed the former one and work ceased. The first decisive step taken in this work was the~act of June 23, 1874, providing the necessary means to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confederate Armies, and directing him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, tele- grams, and general orders, not heretofore copied or printed, and prop. erly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations have been made from time to time for continuing such preparation. Under this act the preliminary work was resumed by Gen~ral Townsend, who first out. lined the plan on which the records are printed, though it appears that originally he contemplated publishing to the world only the more im- portant military reports. Subsequently, under meager appropriations, it was prosecuted in a some~ hat desultory manner by various anbordinates of the War De- partment until December 14, 1877, when the Secretary of War, per- ceiving that the undertaking needed the undivided attention of a single head, detailed Lient. Col. Robert N. Scott, U. S. Army, to take charge of the bureau and devote himself exclusively to the work. The act of June 23, 1874, greatly enlarged upon the first crude scheme of publication. On this more comprehensive basis it was de- termined that the volumes should include not only the battle reports, but also all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Colonel Scott system~ II Page R004 Iv PREFACE. atized the work and the plan and 1)resented the records in the following order of arrangement, which has been adhered to by his successors: The first series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Confederate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Southern States, and of all mil- itary operations in the field, with the correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and sev- eral theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspondence, etc., not embraced in the reports proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The second series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The third series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate offi- cials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General- in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for ta~oops, and the correspondence between the National and the several State author- itie The fourth series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confed- erate authorities given in that series. The first volume of the records was issued in the early fall of 1880. The act approved June 16, 1880, provided for the printing and bind- ing, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a com- pilation of the Official Records (Union nd Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publlcatlon, during the fiscal year ; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive iDe- partments. Under this act Colonel Scott proceeded to publish the first five volumes of the records.* ~All subsequent vol nines have been distributed under the act approved August 7, l~S2, which provides that: The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distrib- uted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as niay be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one, of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall he sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with teu per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall b Page R005 PREFACE. V Col. Robert N. Scott died March ~, 1887, before the completion of the work, which, during a ten years service, he had come to love so dearly. At his death some twenty-six books only had been issued, but he had compiled a large amount of matter for forthcoming volumes; conse- quently his name as compiler was retained in all the books up to and including Vol. XXXVI, although his successors had added largely to his compilations from new material found after his demise. The Secretary of War, May 7, 1887, assigned Lieut. Col. II. M. Lazelle, U. S. Army, to duty as the successor of Colonel Scott. He had con- tinued in charge about two years, when, in the act approved March 2, 1889, it was provided That hcreafter the preparation and publication of said records shall be conducted, under the Secretary of War, by a board of three persons, one of whom shall be an officer of the Army, and two civilian experts, to be appointed by the Secretary of War, the compensation of said civilian experts to be fixed by the Secretary of War. The Secretary of War appointed Maj. George B. Davis, judge-advo- cate, U. S. Army, as the military member, and Leslie J. Perry, of Kan- sas, - nd Joseph W. Kirkicy, of Maryland, as the civilian expert mem- bers of said board. The board assumed direction of the publication at the commencement of the fiscal year 1889, its first work beginning with Serial No. 36 of Vol. XXIV. Each volume includes a copious and accurate index, and for the fur- ther convenience of investigators there will be, in addition, a general index to the entire set when complete in a volume by itself. Nothing is printed in these volumes except duly authenticated con- temporaneous records of the war. The scope of the boards work is to decide npon and arrange the matter to be published; to correct and verify the orthography of the papers used, and occasionally to add a foot-note of explanation. GEO. B. DAVIS , ]Ifajor and J.A., U.S.A LESLIE J. PERRY, Civilian E~pcrt, JOSEPH W. KIIRKLEY, Civilian Expert, Board of Publication. Approved: REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., August 1, 1891. covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same add~ess, the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupoa may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributecs at whose instance the volumes are sent Page R006 Table of Contents Page R007 CONTENTS. CHAPTER LVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala- bama, and North Georgia. November 14, 1864January 23, 1865 11262 VII 4 Page R008 Special Index Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLITME I. CHAPTER I. Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318325 CHAPTER III. The secessionof Alabamaand Mississippi. January 4-20, 1861 326330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V. Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9May 20, 1861 474488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10 February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 502636 CHAPTER VIII. Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February7May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. Ojerations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vir~inia, and West Virginia. April 16July 31, 1861. 1-1612 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10November 19, 1861. 1749 VOLUME IV CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11,1861Februaryl,1862 1174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861Jaun- CHAPTER XII. ary 11, 1862 566721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessee. July 1November 19, 1861 175565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations inMaryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861March 17, 1862. 11106 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Caro- Operations in West Florida, Southern Al. lina, Georgia, and Middle and East abaina, Southern Mississippi, and Lou Florida. August 21,1861April 11 1862 1435 isiana. September 1, 1861May 12, 1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. November 19, 1861March 4, 1862 1946 I Page R010 X CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861April 10, 1862. 1834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX. Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in SoutheasternVirginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and nary 11March 17,1862 171 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER xx. 1862 481-736 Operations in North Carolina. January 11Angust 20, 1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXII1. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17June 24 11077 Part IlReports, June 25-September 2 1994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17June 25 1-818 Part IlReports, June 26September 2 1820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in WestFlorida, Southern Alabama, Sonthern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 1862May 14, 1863; and operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862May 14, 1863 1113 Page R011 CONTENTS OP PRECEDiNG VOLUMES. XI VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-1168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 11017 VOLUME XVIIIUN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. June 10, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862June 3, 1863 11104 VOLUME XIX1N TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3Novem ber 14, 1862. Page. Part IReports, September 320 11108 Part 11Reports, September 20November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3Novem- her 14 1-739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No. vember 1, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862January 25, 1863 11152 VOLUME XXH11N7 TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the North west. November 20, 1862December 31, 1863. Page. Part 1Reports 1-926 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1116 Page R012 XII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIJIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tannessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan uary 21August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-858 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1986 VOLUME XXIVJN ThREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations iu Mississippi and West Tenuessee, including those iu Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vickshurg. January 20August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports, January 20May 15, including the General Reports for whole period. January 20-August 10 1-787 Part IlReports, May 16August 10 1699 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 11070 VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 26-June 1, 1861. Page. Part IReports 1-1123 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1862 VOLUME XXVJIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. May 14December 11, 1861. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1-920 Part IlConfederate Correspondence, etc 1581 VOLUME XXVITIN THREE PARTS. CUAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3Au~ust 1, 1861. Page. Part IReports 11019 Part IlReports 11005 Part IllCorrespondence, etc l-.1092 VOLUME XXVIIJJN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12- December 11, 1863. Page. Part IReports Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1609 VOLUME XXJXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Vir~inia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4De. cember 11, 1861. Page. Part IReports 11018 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 193 Page R013 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XIII VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August UOctober 19, 1863. Page. Part IReports 11071 Part IlReports 1821 Part IllUnion Correspondence, etc 1-1017 Part IV Un~ou and Confederate Correspondence etc 1708 VOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20December 11, 1863. Page. Part IReports and Union Correspondence 1852 Part IlReports 1-782 Part IllUnion anti Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-893 VOLUME XXXIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLIV. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia. January 1April 10, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-701 Part lIUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1811 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-879 VOLUME XXXIII. CHAPTER XLV. Page. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Jan uary 1April 10, 1804 11115 VOLUME XXXIV---IN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLVI. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territories. January 1June 30, 1864. Page. Part iReports ...... 11058 Part I IUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc ... 11107 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc ... 1815 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc .... 1701 VOLUME NXXV1N TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLVII. Operations in South Carolin and Florida, and on the Georgia Coast. January 1November 11, 1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-646 Part 11Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 165 Page R014 XIV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOJIUME XXXVIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XLVIII. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. May 1.-June 12, 1864. Page. Part IReports 11101 Part IlReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 11027 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1903 VOLUME XXXVJIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLIX. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. May 1-August 3, 1864. Page. Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1770 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1696 VOLUME XXXVIIIJN FIVE PARTS. CHAPTER L. - The Atlanta, Ga., Campaign. May 1September 8, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1-936 Part IlReports 1-930 Part IllReports 1-1008 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1807 Part VUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 11031 VOLUME XXXIXIN ThREE PARTS. CHAPTER LI. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Vir~inia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Georgia (the Atlanta Campaign excepted). May 1November 13, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1908 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1880 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1918 VOLUME XLIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LII. Operations in Southeastern Virginia and North Carolina. June 13-July 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports 1823 Part Il-Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1717 Part Ill-Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc ... 1-.823 VOLUME XLJJN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER LIII. Operations in Louisiana and the Trans-Mississippi States and Territaries. July 1December 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports 11006 Part IlUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 11099 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1015 Part lyUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1114 Page R015 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XV VOLUME XLIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER LIV. Operations in Sontheastern Virginia and North Carolina. Angnsf 1December 31, 1864. Page. Part IReports 11029 Part lIUnion and Confhderate Correspondence 1-1311 Part IllUnion and Confederate Correspondence 11370 VOLUME XLIIJIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER LV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, an(1 Pennsylvania. Angnst 4-December 31, 1864. Page Part IReports, Union and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-1032 Part lIUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1951 VOLUME XLIV. CHAPTER LVI. Page. Operations in Sonth Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. November 141)ecember 31, 1864 1101 Page R016 .4 CD CD 4 Sunday. Monday. ~ ~ ~--CJ~~Q 1~ZQ~~ Ls~ k~ ~ k~ Is~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ O~-~4~--1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. Wednesday. ~ ~ i~~~1: ~ ~ ~ ~: Thursday. ~ Friday. ~ ~~: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday. U 0 W 4 CD 0 0 CD O ~ ~ ~~~1: ~ Sunday. ~ ~: Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~ Friday. Saturday. -1 Page R017 c-I CD 4 ~ OO~ 4~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~unuay. ~ ~Q1~~: ~ ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~ Tuesday. ~-~: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. Is~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday. . -~ ~fr-~ ~ ~ ~-~~1: ~1Z~: ~ ~ Friday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday. 0 W 4 0 0 CD C) 4 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sunday. ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday. ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ ~ Thursday. ~%~: ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday. t:~II~ . -~1 ~ . Saturday. H Page R018 Page 1 ChAPTER LVII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA. November 14, 1864January 23, 1865. PART I. SUMMARXT OF TILE PHI NCJPAJL EVEINTS. Nov. 14, 1864.Action near Russeliville, Tenn.~ 1421, 1864.Expedition from Baton Rouge, La., to Brookbaven, Miss., and skirmishes. 14, 1864Jan. 23, 1865.Campaign in North Alabama and Mi4dle Tennessee. 15, 1864.Skirmish near Collierville, Tenn. 1617, 1864.Skirmishes at Strawberry Plains, Teun. 17, 1864.Skirmish at Flat Creek, Tenn. 23Dec. 4, 1861.Expedition from Vicksburg to Yazoo City, Miss., and skir- mish at Big Black Bridge (November 27), and action at Concord Church (December 1). 27Dec. 13, 1864.Expedition from Baton Ronge, La., against the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and skirmish at Chickasawha Bridge, Miss. (December 10). 30, 1864.Skirmish near Dalton, Ga. Dec. 4, 1864.Skirmish at Whites Station, Teun. 5, 1864.Skirmish near Daltou, Ga. 6, 1864Jan. 15, 1865.Lyons raid from Paris, Tcnn., to Hopkinsville, Ky., & c., with skirmishes. 1029, 1864.Expedition from East Tennessee into Southwestern Virginia. 1319, 1864.Expedition from Bar aucas, Fla., to Pollard, Ala., and skirmishes.t 14, 1864.Skirmish on the Germantown road, near Memphis, Tenn. 2122, 1864.Skirmish at Franklin Creek, Miss. 21, 1864Jan. 5, 1865.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., to destroy the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. 25, 1864.Skirmish near Whites Station, Tenn. 31, 1864.Skirmish at Sharpsbnrg, Ky. For reports, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 885. I For reports, see Vol. XLIV, p. 449, (1) 1 R ILVOL xtv, PT Page 2 2 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. [GRAP. LYIL NOVEMBER 1421, 1864.Expedition from Baton Rouge, La., to Brook- haven, Miss., and skirmishes. ThEPOI~TS. No. 1. -Brig. Gen.Albert L. Lee, U. S. Ar~~y, commanding Cavalry Division, Dcpait- ment of the Gulf. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding District of Mississippi and East Louisiana. No. 3.Brig. Gen. George B. Hodge, C. S. Army, coiamaading District of Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana. No. 4.Col. John S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry. No. 5.Col. Daniel Gober, Sixteenth Louisiana Infantry, commanding mounted in- fantry. No. 6.Col. Frank P. Powers, commanding cavalry. No. 7.Capt. John C. McKowen, commanding scouts. No. 8.Findings of a Court of inquiry convened to examiae and report upon the conduct of Brig. Gen. George B. lodge. No. 1. Report of Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division, Department of the Gulf HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Baton Rouge, La., November 22, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of orders from the general commanding, and in accordance with plans submitted to and approved by him, I moved the effective force of my command on the 14th and 15th instant, as follows: Colonel Fonda, commanding Second Brigade, with 500 men, moved oii the evening of the 14th to Port Hudson, and remained there until the following night. At (lark he moved north through Jackson and beyond fifteen miles to the rebel Camp Beauregard. This camp was occupied by the Third Louisiana Cavalry. It was surprised, a number of the enemy taken, a number killed, and the remainder scattered. About 20 wagons were destroyed and a large quantity of flour and meal. At daylight Col- onel Fonda moved across to the Clinton and Liberty road and joined the main column. At 2 p. m. the 15th Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh, Second Illinois Cavalry, with 500 men of the Third Brigade, Colonel Davis, moved out on the Greensbnrg road, crossed the Amite River at IDa- vidsons Ford, and moving north, entered the town of Liberty at Sp. in. of the 16th, completely surprising the enemy and capturing a large number of officers and menabout 60. Among these were four of General Hodges staff; General Ilodge barely effected his escape. Colonel Marsh remained daring the night, and in the morning moved southwest, joining the main colunin. At 5 p. in. on the 15th the remainder of the division, under my personal command, moved out on the Clinton road; a section of artillery, First Wisconsin Horse Artil- lery, accompanied the column. The pickets of the enemy were met twenty miles out; Clinton was surprised at daylight and several pris- oners captured. At noon the 16th the column moved toward Liberty and joined Colonel Fonda; camped at Beaver Creek, thirteen miles from Liberty. At noon next day, 17th, reached Liberty, where Colonel Marsh joined. At S p. m. 17th Colonel Fonda, with 500 men of the second Brigade, moved ox~ ~Uroohh yen, distant forty-~i~ rniles~ A Page 3 (hAP. LVII.] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. C) 0 daylight 18th he surprised the town, scattering a small infantry force stationed there and capturing a section of artillery, with caissons. The gunners were many of them shot down at their pieces. He cap- tured about 50 prisoners; he captured here and destroyed a locomo- tive and train of cars loaded with stores; burned several buildings containing ammunition, cotton and woolen goods; the quantity conid not well be estimated, but are acknowledged by captured officers to have been immense; he also destroyed a inanufactory of boots and shoes, and a tannery containing large stores of leather. He reached Liberty, returning at 5 p. in. of the 19th. At 5 p. in. of the 17th Col- onel Bassford, commanding First Brigade, with 2d0 men, marched on Summit and reached there at daylight, captured some 20 prisoners and destroyed several thousand dollars worth of commissary stores, return- ing to Liberty at 6 p. in. of the 18th. On the 18th I learned that in our pursuit of the enemy on the previous day he had been forced to abandon, near Liberty, a 12-pounder brass field howitzer and caisson; this was discovered and brought to our camp. On the morning of the 18th, the enemy, under Col. J. S. Scott, in force of 800, attacked and drove in our pickets at Liberty; at first repulsed, they again advanced, dismounted, and attacked with desperation. Our men, also (lismonuted, fought bravely. I brought into action the section of First Wisconsin Battery and opened with canister. After a fight of something more than an hour the enemy were driven from the field. Three rebel officers were found dead and some fifteen to twenty privates; two officers were wounded and captured. Our losses were about a dozen wounded, none killed. At 4 p. in. on the 19th I moved my force from Liberty, and crossing the Amite IRiver, went into camp at a distance of six miles from town. We had in our train from 600 to 800 captured horses and mules, more than 100 wagons loaded with captured property, and 3 pieces of cap- tured artillery. The caissons (three) had been destroyed, from difficulty in moving them. Since the day of starting the rain had been almost incessant and the mud was about six inches deep. The enemy in small parties was annoying our flanks, and I deemed it best to burn the cap- tured wagons; this was done on the night of the 19th. The bridge over Beaver Creek, distant eight miles from this camp, was destroyed by the enemy. At 1 a. m. 20th I sent Colonel Fonda, with his brigade amid pioneers of the division, to rebuild it. At 10 a. in. it was in con- dition for crossing; after crossing, it was destroyed. From this time the enemy gaxre us little trouble. On night of 20th. the weather being very inclement, the officers captured were allowed to occupy a room in the house occupied by myself and staff, on their parole not to attempt an escape or leave the premises. In the morning four were missing. The remaining officers have made a request to General lodge that they be returned. I transmit herewith the paI)ers. On the night of the 21st my column safely arrived at Baton Rouge, La. We brought in 199 prisoners (see list transmitted herewith),* 21 of whom were officers. Three officers (badly wounded) were paroled and left at Liberty. I found in the country abundance of forage. The enemy have in my judgment received a blow in this region from which they will not soon recover. It is proper to state that one of the gumis captured at Brookhaven was a steel Sawyer gun, captured some time ago at or near Port Hudson; the other a 3-inch IRodman gun. The section had been used in firing on our transports. Onmittcd Page 4 4 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. My brigade commanders are deserving of the highest praise for their conduct on the entire expedition. Colonel Fonda especially distin- guished himself by the untiring energy which gave success to the various enterprises which were intrusted to him. Colonel Davis, coin- manding Third Brigade, coolly commanded his troops and repelled the attack of the 18th. Lieutenant-Colonel Box, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, bravely led his troops in the thickest of the fight and had his horse shot from under him. Lieutenant-Colonel Marsh made in thirty hours a march from Baton Rouge to Liberty, a distance of eighty miles, and surprised and captared ~O of the enemy. He is a most capable officer. Colonel Bassford, Fourteenth New York, displayed prominently the soldierly qualities which have already distinguished him. The burden of duties imposed on my staff was severe and onerous, but fully dis- charged; I owe them much for our success. 1 am, respectfully, yours, A. L. LEE, Brigadier- General. Capt. W. H. CLAPP, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Indorsornent.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., November 27, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, through headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi. The success of this expedition, on which the general commanding con- gratulates officers and men engaged, is due manifestly to the celerity of movement and faithfulness of execution by subordinate officers of the parts of the general plan intrusted to them. Similar qualities have rendered our cavalry movements elsewhere successful. The thanks of the major-general commanding are tendered to the officers and men com- posing the Cavalry Division for the energy with which this well con- ceived movement was executed. The results have been highly prejudi- cial to the rebel forces and advantageous to the Government. S. A. HURLEUT, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.1 HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, Baton Rouge, La., November 23, 1864. Brig. Gen. 0-. B. lODGE, C. S. Army, Coindg. District of Southwest Miss. and East La.: GENERAL: I have the honor to forward a communication from certain officers of your army, now in my hands, which will sufficiently explain itself. Although, after this communication, I deem it unnecessary, I will here formally request of you the surrender of Capt. W. M. Chamberlain, Lient. F. C. Skehan, Lient. T. W. Younkin, and Lient. T. B. Melton, officers of the C. S. Army, who, in violation of their parole, escaped as described in the communication above referred to. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE, Brigadier- General Page 5 CHAP. LYlI.] EXPEDiTION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 5 [Inclosure No. 2.] BATON ROUGE, LA., November 22, 1864. [Brig. Gen. W. P. BENTON:] GENERAL: I have the honor, on behalf of my comrades, officers of the C. S. Army and prisoners, to hand you a communication to Brig. Gen. George B. lodge, C. S. Army, commanding District of Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana, and request that you forward it to him as early as possible. I am, general, very respectfully, N. T. N. ROBINSON, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Sub-inclosure.] U. S. PRISON, Baton Rouge, La., November 22, 1864. Brig. Gen. GEORGE B. lODGE, Comdg. Dist. of Southwest ]Jiliiss. and East La., Liberty, La.: GENERAL: We have the honor to state that on the night of the 19th instant the Federal cavalry, under Brigadier-General Lee, halted about six miles and a half from Liberty, on the Clinton road, and the weather being inclement and the ground thoroughly saturated, General Lee proposed that such of the officers of the C. S. Army (prisoners in his hands) as wonld give a verbal parole of honor should be permitted, without guard, to make use of the dwelling used as his headquarters. The parole was accepted without dissent, and the prisoners assigned to the same quarters and the same fare as himself and staff. About one hour after, Capt. W. M. Chamberlain, Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry, commandant post Brookhaven, Lient. F. C. Skehan, same regiment, adjutant post Brookhaven, and First Lieu~t. T. W. Youukin, First Confederate Infantry, inspector bureau of conscription, Seventh Congressional District of Mississippi, at Brookhaven, made their appear- ance and stated that they had been paroled in the same manner. The next night (20th) the column halted at Mrs. G. A. Scotts, iiear Jack- son, La., where each officer was imiformed that those who were willing to do so would be paroled for the night npon the same terms. The ground being entirely wet and the rain pouring in torrents, and nearly all the prisoners destitute of covering, the parole was again unani- mously accepted, and the officers allowed the same privileges and accommodations as the general and staff. The next morning the fol- lowing officers were found missing, viz: Capt. W. M. Chamberlain, com- mandant post Brookhaven; Licut. F. C. Skehan, adjutant post Brook- haven; Lieut. T. W. Younkin, inspector conscripts, Brookhaven; Licut. T. B. Melton, Company E, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry. Those who re- mained were subjected to the mortifying and humiliating confession that four officers wearing the Confederate uniform had violated their parole, and in the absence of a guard, under cover of darkness, had made their escape. A stigma has been cast upon the umitarnished escutcheon of our arms. These men have tbrfeited every claini as gemi- tlemen and officers, amid their comrades, who were careful of their pledges, have been left to suffer from the consequences of their bad faith. They may plead in extennation that they did not originally form the compact, but the nature of the compact was thoroughly di5- cussed with themn by many of the subscribers, and they confided to none their intention to escape. We therefore beg, general, that yo Page 6 0 ICY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rCHAP. LVII. will find it in your power to arrest and forward these men by the earli- est opportunity to the same destination as their comrades, who have been more sensitive of their personal honor and the good name of the Confederate Army. Their conduct has been the more dastardly that they have left the odium of their disgrace to rest upon their comrades, who are 110W helpless prisoners in the hands of their enemies. Hoping that our request may be acceded to, we are, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants, N. T. N. Robinson, acting assistant adjutant-general, South- west Mississippi and East Louisiana; W. H. ilurd, major and commissary of subsistence; E. A. Scott, major, C. S. Army (retired list); L. E. Woods, captain, C. S. Army; Alfred Hazard, captain, C. S. Army (retired list); S. D. Richardson, captain, C. S. Army; C. L. Comfort, first lieutenant and aide-dc-camp, Eleventh Louisiana Artil- lery; H. L. Davis, lieutenant and aide-dc-camp; J. W. Birch, lieutenant Company E, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry; Thomas Carty, first lieutenant Company F, Seventh Louisiana; E. Brown, second lieutenant, Lays cavalry; A. M. Langston, second lieutenant Company E, Twentieth Confederate Cavalry; Jas. P. Skolfield, lieutenant Corn- - pany I, Fifth Louisiana Cavalry; W. J. Hammond, lieu- tenant Company L, Twentieth Mississippi Cavalry; H. C. Wood, C. S. Army, General Hodges staff. [Inclosure No. 3.] HDQRS. DISTRICT OF BATON ROUGE AND PORT HUDSON, Baton Rouge, La., November 24, 1864. Brigadier.General lODGE, Comdg. Di st. of Southwest Miss. and East La., Liberty, La.: GENERAL: The accompanying papers will explain themselves fully. I have only to add that the request contained is fally approved by me. Hoping that your sense of justice will insure a compliance, I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant, W. P. BENTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. No. 2. Report of ]iliaj. Gem Franklin Gardner, C. S. Army, commanding Dis trict of Mississippi and East Louisiana. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST LOUISIANA, Jackson, Miss., November 29, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of ~he major-general commanding the department the following report, with opinions and views, premising that such oI)inions, or even sllggestions, as may be made in this communication are only intended to express plainly the condition of affairs in this district, for the better information of the major-general commanding the department: After my report front Corinth on the 11th instant to the lieutenant- general commanding, I left for Jackson, via Meridian, and arrived at Jackson on the afternoon of the 14th instant. Finding there a dispatc Page 7 CHAP. LVII] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 7 for me to proceed to Selma for an interview with the lieutenant-general, 1 started on the morning of the 16th; arrived at Selma on the 17th, and waited for General Taylor, by his order, until the morning of the 19th, when I starte(l for Meridian and met him that night. I remained in Meridian on the 20th, also by his order, to meet General Beauregard, Governor Clark, and General Brandon, and started for Corinth on the 21st, where I arrived on the 23d, having met with delays on the road. Receiving a telegram informing me of the movement of the enemy from Vicksburg that day, I started on a special train on the 24th to go through without stopping, but accidents on the road interfered with running an extra train, and I arrived at Meridian the usual hour on the 25th. I received telegrams on the road, and gave orders from the different stations. Arriving at Meridian I received information that the enemy had recrossed the Big Black and taken up his pontoon bridge. I then remained at Meridian on the 26th to attend to neces- sary duties, and returned here the afternoon of the 27th. I found the enemy at that time moving toward Vaughans Station, on the Mississippi Central Railroad, and that Griffith, with the cavalry of the Central District, was moving rapidly to meet him. I then ordered lodge, who had arrived at Brookhaven with 450 men, to proceed toward Raymond to cover this front. On the 28th information was received that the enemy had burned the railro~d bridge across the Big Black, and also from Clinton, La.; that about 5,000 cavalry and artillery were moving from Baton Rouge toward Greensburg. (Full reports from commanders will be forwarded when practicable.) When I left Jackson the enemy had started out from Baton Rouge, and looking upon this as an ordinary raid (which it turned out to l)e), I gave all orders that could be given from my headquarters. The suc- cess of this raid seems to have been brought about by troops being sur- prised, even after knowing of the advance of the enemy. This will be examined into as soon as practicable. The state of affairs in the Dis- trict of Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana needs an entire over- hauling, which I intend to effect as soon as circumstances will permit. The great cause for the inefficiency of the troops, apparently, can be explained by the fact of a large number being in the vicinity of their homes, and leaving their commands or scouting parties at will, with or without leave. Another cause, undoubtedly, is the fact that large arrears of pay are due, and the want of Confederate money miecessitates the use of U. S. notes, whieh form the preferable currency of the coun- try, and the soldiers obtain this by assisting or conniving at the illegal trade with the enemy. All these trooI)s should be changed as soon as it can be practicable to do so. The post at Corinth and the Northern District of Mississippi, in the present position of affairs, have become of great importance, and I have felt it to be my duty to give my personal supervision there; but the constant calls to this place, by the frequent threats and advances of the enemy, have kept me so much on the move that neither position could be properly attended to. It is also General Beauregards wisli that I should transfer my permanent headquarters at Corinth, but General Taylor deems it impracticable atpiescnt in refer- ence to affairs here, and as a matter of course I must wait orders from department headquarters, which I hold myself ready to comply with cheerfully and at all times. This district is now composed of four sub-districts, as follows: North- east District, north of thirty-second parallel and east of Pearl River and Mississippi Central Railroad; Northwest District, north of paralle Page 8 8 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. LVII. through southern point of Grenada and west of Mississippi Central Railroad Central District, south of Grenada to Natchez and west of Mississippi Central Railroad and Pearl River; Southwest Missis- sippi and East Louisiana, that portion of Mississippi south of a parallel through Natchez and west of Pearl River and the portion of the State of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River. The reor- ganization I would respectfully suggest, to give greater unity of the commands, is to unite into one district the two sub-districtsthe Central District and the Southwest District of Mississippi and East Louisianaunder one commander, say Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams, and to give me the command of a district to be composed of the Northeast District, the Northwest District, and the District of West Tennessee, which last has to face the same enemy at Memphis and support Cor- inth in case of an attack; and further, the outposts of Corinth must necessarily be on the Tennessee River, and cannot come under the command of the commander of West Tennessee, although within his military limits. Therefore I take the liberty to suggest that West Tennessee properly connects with North Mississippi, but the whole, including East Louisiana, would be too great a space for one com- mander, who is required to be present at each point as circumstances require, while the troops of each part are too few to hold the enemy in check long enough to be re-enforced from other positions. I would respectfully urge that the cavalry force of this district be increased as rapidly as troops can be spared. Wades Mississippi regiment, which is represented as an excellent regiment, is being collected at Corinth and Cherokee, and I request that it may be transferred to my command and ordered to the District of Southwest Mississippi and East Louis- iana; and I also apply for Sanders battalion of cavalry, which is recog- nized as a permanent independent battalion. It is also essential to increase the light artillery of this command. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK GARDNER, Major- General. Lieut. Col. GEORGE G. GARNER, Chief of Staff, Mobile. No. 3. Reports of Brig. f9en. George B. iliodge, C. S. Army, commanding District 0/ Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana. IIDQRs. DISTRICT OF SouThwEsT Miss. AND EAST LA., December 8, 1864. Mr. PRESIDENT: I avail myself of the departure of Major Bowemi for Richmond as a safe and sure means of sending you intelligence. I have again the mortification of announcing another formidable raid in my district, with but puerile and hardly noticeable resistance to it. I had 1,000 meu for duty in my camps, better armed, better equipped and clad, than had ever been known in the district500 of them in camp (its front protected by a creek, with a bridge 300 yards off) on the Jack- son and Liberty road; 250 at Williams Bridge, on the Amite, east of Clinton, on the road leading from Baton Rouge to Greensburg; and the remainder at Woodville and on the Homochitto Page 9 CHAP. LVII.~ EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 9 I had just returned from an arduous tour of peusonal inspection of he camps, warning the officers to be on the alert, and reached Liberty on the 15th. On the night of the 16th the officer commanding the main camp, at 3 a. in., allowed himself to be surprised and his force routed and scattered, without any resistance, and the enemy to occupy the main road to Lib- erty. I moved everything back; saved all my stores; but the officer commanding the camp at Williams Bridge, on the Gravel Springs road, allowed 500 of the enemy to pass within two miles of him, sending no warning, and on the evening of the ~same] day that column dashed into Liberty, capturing many stragglers who had skulked into town, but no stores. I escaped, at great risk amid a storm of fire, on foot, walked twenty-four miles, at night, to pass around the enemy to my forces, and did all I could,but before I could gather them together the enemy had done his work and we could only pursue. I do not know that there was actual treason and treachery, but when I tell Your Excellency that I have had to institute proceedings against officers as high as colonels for taking bribes to pass cotton at the very points I had placed them toguard, you will perhaps agree with me that it was not all accidental. I have applied for a court of inquiry, and I hope it will be granted. In the meantime, of course all whose speculations I have interfered with are clamoring against me and Your Excellency, and while these clamors do not affect me a moment, yet I am conscious that, with the pestilential efforts constantly made to annoy Your Excellency, they may cause you additional vexation. I earnestly hope that while I am willing to stay here cheerfully as long as you are satisfied, yet if it will remove any annoyance I hope you will not hesitate to recall me. I should like to have a court of inquiry, but as my colonel has written to me his statement that my disposition of the forces was wise, and I am so conscious that I can satisfy your mind I have done all man could do, that I will cheerfully submit to any change you may deem best. General Gardner is removing these troops and promises to give me others, and I believe I can eventually bring matters to a satis- factory conclusion; yet 1 am so sensibly conscious of your almost pa- ternal kindness that 1 wish no prospects of my own to add to your annoyances. I will send a detailed report as soon as I can. Major Bowen, who bears this letter, is the commissioner for settlement of claims and can give you much information in regard to tIme district. Hugh Davis, my aide, was captured after being separated from me. The family are well, but as I have been with my force to Jackson to aid in repelling a raid there, I have miot seen them for some time. With sentiments of profound respect, your grateful friend and obe dient servant, GEG. B. HODGE, Brigadier- Ueneral. His Excellency President DAvIs, Richmond, Va. SUMMIT, Miss., December 14, 18G4. Mr. PRESIDENT: I send by Major Cary copies of all the orders issued, showing disposition of the troops in my district prior to the last raid and the opinions of my officers as to its wisdom. Colonel Ogden allowed his camp to be surprised and his men scattered, and the enenmy overra Page 10 10 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. IJVIL the district. I had some weeks before been warned that an officer in my command had advised General Lee to send a party on the Greens- burg road to capture me. 1 endeavored, by placing Gobers regiment on this road, to guard against it; at the same time I protected the front, but in vain. I made lily escape with great difficulty after the enemy had surrounded my headquarters and fired into it. Major Cary can give you details which would weary you here. I know, sir, you are disappointed, but I can only say I have earnestly desired to carry out your wishes. I have met from the first with deep and combined resist- ance. The suppression of the cotton trade has raised a host of bitter enemies. These officers and men must leave the district and their places be supplied by others, or the trouble will never cease. With hardly an exception all are corrupt. I shall cheerfully acquiesce in any determi- nation you may arrive at; I only desire your confidence and approval. And permit me, sir, to say that in removing the troops the order must come from you. and bear with it the evidence that your own eye is upon the movement, or it will be evaded. I shall still endeavor to do my duty. With lasting feelings of gratitude an4 respect, I am, your friend and obedient servant, GEO. B. IIODGE, Brigadier- General. His Excellency President DAVIS, Richmond, Va. [Inclosuro No. 1.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ?~ HDQRS. DlST. OF S. W. MIss. AND EAST LA., No. 45. October 20, 1864. * * * * * * * IV. Colonel Powers will move with his regiment and establish his camp somewhere in the Vicinity of Woodville, where forage can readily be obtained. He will picket the fords of the Homochitto, and commu- nic~te any movements of the enemy in that direction to these head- quarters; will, by telegraph, notify the commander of the forces at Clinton. He will hold himself constantly in readiness to concentrate his force and move to the assistance of that operating on the Bayou Sara and Baton Rouge roads. V. The First and Third Louisiana and the regiment now being formed by Colonel Cage will, by the senior officer, be kept in its encampment near Clinton, moving camp only to obtain forage ammd pasturage, and always notifying these headquarters immediately of any change in the location of the camp. The senior officer of the encampmnent will see that strong pickets are constantly kept on the Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara roads, and will immediately notit~ headquarters of any movements of the enemny. By order of Brigadier-General Ilodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST MISS. AND EAST LA., len Miles from Clinton, October 22, 18647 p. m. Colonel GOBER, ~Jommanding ~iJavalry, Nebo Church: COLONEL: Report to me immediately on your arrival at Williams Bridge that fact. Picket the country east of Amite River. When sati Page 11 CHAP. LVII.] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. it fled the enemy is advancing from Baton iRonge, leave a good company, under a good, reliable officer, in observation at the bridge, and move at once to effect junction with Colonel Scott at Clinton; or, if enen~y move too rapidly for that, at Mrs. Pooles, seven miles back of Clinton. Move- ment may not take place for week or ten days yet, but be vigilant. GEO. B. HODGE, Brigadier- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DIST. o~ S. W. Miss. AND EAST LA., No. 51. Liberty, October 27, 1864. I. Capt. J. C. McKowen, Gobers regiment, is, until further orders, detailed from his company, and with his command will scout the coun- try in front of Baton Ronge and Port Hudson, reporting direct to these headquarters, and in the event of any imminent niovenient of the enemy advising nearest military commander. By order of Brigadier-General lodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 4.] -IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST Miss. AND EAST LA., Liberty, October 28, 1864. Col. D. GOBER, Gommanding, bc., Williams Bridge: COLONEL: Information has been received from Yicksburg that troops are moving to Memphis, also to Baton Rouge. Keep your pickets vigi- lant toward Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara, and hold your troops ready to move at a moments notice in any direction. Keep inc informed, but keep a sharp lookont in front and your pickets in position. By order of Brigadier-General lodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. (Same to Lieutenant-Colonel Ogden, commanding cavalry, Beaver Creek.) [Inclosure No. 5.] IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST Miss. AND EAST LA., Liberty, October 28, 1864. Colonel OGDEN, Commanding, Bearer Creek: COLONEL: The general commanding is in receipt of your communi- cation of this date, and desires me to state that he wishes you to keep him informed of everything that transpires, and that he will be at your camp to-morrow. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Thclosure No. 6.] SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DIsT. oi~ S. W. Miss. AND EAST LA., No. 54. October 30, 1864. I. In pursuance of orders from (listrict headquarters Maj. S. W. Campbell, commanding First Louisiana Cavalry, will, as soon as pract Page 12 12 KY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. cable, move with his command to Jackson, Miss., and upon arrival at that point will report to Brigadier-General Adams for duty. Colonel Ogden will relieve the pickets of the First Louisiana and replace them from the regiments of his own command. By order of Brigadier-General Hodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, A cting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosuro No. 7.] IIDQRs. DISTRiCT OF SOUTHWEST MISS. AND EAST LA., Liberty, October 31, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel OGDEN, Commanding Cavalry, Beaver Creek: COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to inform you that from information received from one of our specials the Yankees are displaying great activity at Baton Rouge, and directs you to be on the alert. A party of the enemy, 300 strong, recently (three days ago) came over to Mr. Granville Pierces, on the Greenwell Springs road, and laid iii ambush for some time. Direct your scouts to be active and vigilant, and forward information to these headquarters. .1 am, colonel, very respectfully, N. T. N. ROBIN SON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 8.] HDQRS. DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST Miss. AND EAST LA., Liberty, November 3, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel OGDEN, Commanding Cavalry, Beaver Creek: COLONEL: You will make a daily report from the pickets in your front, both on the Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara roads, stating what companies are on picket at each point. By order of Brigadier-General lodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 9.] IIDQRS. DISTRICT OF SOUTHWEST Miss. AND EAST LA., Liberty, November 3, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel OGDEN, Commanding Cavalry, Clinton, La.: COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding leaves in the morning for the Homochitto. Any communications you may have to send, in addition to forwarding to these headquarters, will be telegraphed, if important, to him via Woodville, Miss., with an address that will enable the operator to send by courier to himsay, Col. Framik P. Powers, ilomochitto River. By order of Brigadier-General lodge: N. T. N. ROBINSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 13 CHAP. LVII.] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 13 No. 4. Report of Col. John S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST LouiSIANA CAVALRY, Clinton, La., November 23, 18G4. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report upon the late raid of the enemy: On Tuesday night, November 15, about ml dnight~ as I was returning from Woodville to this place, in crossin~, the road at Dubois Cross- Roads, ten miles north of this, where the road from Port Hudson to Liberty crosses the Woodville and Clinton road, I learned that a col- nmn of the enemy, 300 or 400 strong, had just passed up in the direc- tion of one of General Hodges cavalry camps. I pushed on to Clinton, notified the post officers there, and hurried ont to the camp of my regi- ment, three miles from Clinton on Liberty road. Soon after riding out of Clinton the enemy came in. I immediately moved my wagons and about sixty men of my regiment (the rest being on short furloughs to obtain clothes, & c., preparatory to going to Central Mississippi) eight miles from Clinton on Liberty road, and turned off~ to MeAdams Bridge, a point on the Amite River ten miles from Clinton. From this point I sent back a scont to watch the movements of the enemy. At 3 p. m. I learned that Brigadier-General Lee, with about 1,200 men, had passed through Clinton and was moving toward Liberty. In order to save my train I then moved on the road toward Osyka. Camped that night on road leading from Clinton to Osyka, about six- teen miles from Liberty. Late that evening I learned from Colonel Gober that a column of the enemy, 300 or 400 strong, had passed up that afternoon from the direction of Greensbnrg, going toward Liberty. On the morning of the 17th, Lieutenant-Colonel Ogden, who had col- lected some 60 or 70 men, and Colonel Gober, with 165, reported to me and asked that I should take command of them. At first I declined to do so. for the reason that I knew nothing of General Hodges plans and by so doing might interfere with his arrangements. They both assured inc that they had heard nothing from General lodge for two days, and did not know what his plans were or where to join him; they only knew that rumor said that the troops under General H~odge]s immediate command had been scattered by the enemys ad- vance. They further urged that only concert of action could insure the safety of our trains and the little command which we had. I then concluded to assume command, and after consultation with the above- named officers determined to leave the wagons, with a small guard, on some out-of-the-way road, and with the few troops under my command to go in search of the enemy. That night (the 17th) we recrossed the Anmite and marched in the direction of Liberty on the Clinton and Liberty road. On the morning of the 18th, on approaching Liberty, we found the enemys pickets within two miles of that place. My advance guard charged and drove them to town. The enemy immediately sent out a regiment of cavalry, which we met and handsomely repulsed. Moving on to Liberty we engaged their main body, commanded by Brigadier- General Lee in person, for near half an hour. The skirmish was quite brisk, but we were compelled to fall back for the want of ammunition Page 14 14 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. which we did in good order, the enemy not daring to follow. My force was less than 300 men. The enemy had 1,200 men and a battery of artillery. I have never seen officers and men behave with more gallantry than did Colonels Gober and Ogden and their commands. In fact, it drew forth the astonishment and praise of the vandals themselves whom we were confronting. The attack was so impetuous and spirited that the enemy ran off their wagons on the Greensburg road and made all necessary preparation for retreat. I am satisfied that had the men under my counnand been snp- plied with ammunition that, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, we would have carried the town and routed the raiders, for when the fact was made known to inc that the mcmi were nearly ont of ammuni- tion, we had gained possession of one-third of the town. My loss was 3 men killed and 10 wounded, and 15 horses killed. I am unable to state enemys loss, bnt believe it to have been three times my own. I fell back to the covered bridge, four miles from Liberty, and remained four hours. From that place I wrote orders to Captain McKowen, who I learned was coming up in my rear with twenty-live men, to return toward Clinton, destroy bridges on Beaver Creek, which would prob- ably prevent the enemy from returning by Clinton, and also detain them in case General lodge desired to attack them. I also instructed him to collect all stragglers, picket the roads leading to the river, and in case parties made any attempt to pass cotton dnring the temporary occupation of the country by the enemy, to shoot the drivem and teams and burn the cotton and wagons. These orders were given with the firm conviction that they would meet the approval of General lodge. Finding on inspection that my men averaged only three rounds of ammunition to the man, I determined to pass around Liberty and get on the east side, in order to procure ammunition from General lodge, whom I presnmed was near by. On Saturday evening (19th) I reached the Brookhaven road. My scouts met and fired into Colonel Fondas regiment near Liberty as he was returning from the railroad, where it appears he had been. That night (19th) I learned that the enemy were evacuating Liberty, and seeing no chance of forming a junction with General lodge, and, more- over, learning that the ordnance train had been captured and all hope of obtaining ammunition gone, I immediately commenced the pursuit of the enemy. In returning the enemy rebuilt the bridge over Beaver Creek, amid after crossing destroyed it. This compelled inc to go twelve miles to the right to cross, and, united with the inclemency of the weather, prevented me from overtaking the enemy until I reached Kel- lers Cross-Roads. At this point my advance guard charged and stam- peded the rear guard of the enemy, a regiment strong, capturing a lieutenant, 4 privates, and a wagon, with about 100 negroes. Finding that the enemy were moving at a rapid gait, and not having ammnuni- tion enough to bring thent to an eugagememit, I placed all the amnmun- nition in the hands of seventy-five picked men, under Major Campbell, of my regiment, and ordered him to pursue, which lie did to within eight miles of Baton Rouge. As a summary of the enemys raid I would state that so far as I am informed they captured about 1,000 head of horses and nmulcs, a great izuammy negroes, 3 pieces of ~rtill~ry, and between 300 and 400 prisoner Page 15 CHAP. LVII.J EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 15 that the enemy advanced by roads which were left wholly unguarded that, to the best of my belief, they could have been kept back by the determined resistence of a column of 500 resolute men. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. S. SCOTT, Colonel First Louisiana Cavalry. Maj. P. ELLIS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson, Miss. No. u. Report of Col. Daniel Gober, Sixteenth Louisiana infantry, command ing mounted infantry. HEADQUARTERS 0-OBERS COMMAND, Near Center cille, November 24, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 45, dated at head- quarters Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana, October 20, re- ceived at Nebo Church, I moved with my command from that point, as directed, to Williams Bridge, establishing my encampment between the plantations of Messrs. Williams and Seuwin, east bank of the Amite River, October 21. The same order required that I should estab- lish a line of couriers to Clinton, La., and communicate by that route with district headquarters. with which requirement I complied by establishing courier post at Mrs. Browns, six miles from my camp, on Clinton and Williams Bridge road, through which I forwarded all communications. On the 24th of October I received an order, dated headquarters dis- trict, ten miles from Clinton, October 22, 7 p. in., reading as follows.* In obedience to above order I immediately sent forward Norwoods squadron to take post at Spillers Church and to guard all roads lead- ing from Baton Rouge to that point. On the 10th of November I ordered Lieutenant Underwood, commiiand- ing Company I of my regiment, to relieve Captain Norwood at the same point and with same instructions. On the evening of the 12th of ~ovem- ber, at about 7.30 oclock, a body of the enemy moved on Lieutenant Un- derwood, attempting to capture him by deception. Their advance guard were dressed in gray uniforms, and when challenged by the vedettes, replied they were friends. This failed, however, and receiving timely notice of their approach, sent information to district headquarters by route designated in Special Orders, No. 45, and held my command in readiness to act, as directed, second order, dated October 22. On Sunday evening, November 13, Captain Ambrose, with Company F of my regiment, having relieved Lieutenant Underwood, was ordered by mne to fall back from Spillers Church and take post at Merritts, to pre- vent being cut off should enemny cross at Stony Point, they having crossed on previous evening at Burlington, four miles lower down. No demonstration, however, was made on part of enemy that day. At about 11 p. m. I received a communication from No. 4, giving ~nforma- tion of a general movement contemplated by the enemy upon the entire line, which communication I forwarded at once to district headquar- ters. Up to this time I had received no information from west side of river, the pickets at Sandy Creek bridge having retired to Sam. Lees wmthout notifying me of the fact, leaving the road to Stony Point $e~ in4osimre No. 2, Hodge5 report, p~ lQ Page 16 16 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. unguarded. During Sunday night enemy again moved out on this unguarded road, crossed the ford at Stony Point at 3 oclock Monday morning, and when fired upon by my vedettes, charged upon them at full speed, endeavoring to run them off time road, and thus surprise and capture reserve pickets, which would have left my camp at their mercy. In this, however, they were foiled by the vigilance of Cap- taiu Ambrose, commanding the outposts, and retired at great haste in directiou of Baton Rouge. At daylight I moved forward with Company E (Captain Corcoran) of my regiment, and reconnoitered in person the various fords and ap- proaches from Spillers Church to Gaunces Mills. Sent a reliable lieu- tenant with two men to the west bank of the river, in direction of Sandy Creek bridge, to co-operate with pickets at that point and to keep me advised from that quarter. I at the same time wrote to Lieutenant Kaul, Third Louisiana, commanding pickets on west side of the river, to move foiward from Sam. Lees to Sandy Creek bridge, and if enemy advanced, to tear up bridge and defend that position stubbornly (hav- ing from thirty to forty men under him), and should he be forced to fall back, to do so by roads leading to my position. These instructions were not obeyed, the pickets retiring to the woods when fired upon by the enemy on Tuesday night, leaving the road to Stony Point again unguarded. I, however, received a courier from Lieutenant Kaul in- forming that the enemy had driven in his I)ickets at Sandy Creek and had passed up at about 9 p. m. The night being very dark and roads difficult, his courier did not reach me until 12 p. m. Immediately on receiving this information I sent orders to Captain Corcoran to fall back from his position near Mr. Merritts to Silver Creek, one mile and a half in my front, to prevent being cut off by road from Gaunces Mills; but before this order reached him he had been twice charged by the enemy, and while endeavoring to form a third time was charged again, losing one man killed, several wounded, and his company dis- persed. Two men of this company who escaped came to me in great haste and reported enemy still advancing. It was now about 1 a. in., and supposing their object to be the surprise of my camp, I immediately sent forward Capt. T. W. Brown with forty men to form in ambuscade at Silver Creek, on the road leading up to my position. The balance of my men were dismounted amid placed in line of battle, and fires built 300 yards in front of this line to deceive the enemy as to lo- cation of my camp. At daylight scouts reported enemy halted on Greensburg road and building fires; force estimated at between 700 and 800, with two pieces of artillery. I subsequently learned that the force was much smaller and without artillery. It having rained heavily from 12 p. in. until daylight, and supposing the enemy waiting for daylight to attack me, I ordered off my wagon train up east side of the river, with directions to cross at Thompsons Bridge, and removed my command to the west side of the river, crossing at Williams Ford, leaving a company, under a reliable officer, to hold the ford, and formed line of battle at Prices blacksmith shop, covering both roads, and with Norwoods squadron in ambuscade in my front, on road leading to Greenwell Springs, while a scout was semit out on the Greensburg road to ascertain if enemy had moved in that direction. While in this position, at about 7.30 a. in. Wednesday, 16th instant, I received a dispatch from Colommel Ogden, dated at Clinton, 5 a. m .,stat- ing that enemy had surprised his camp amid were then between Clinton and Liberty. I then, in accordance with instructions received from district headquarters, moved up the west side of the river~ in orde Page 17 CHAP. LVII.] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 17 if possible, to form Junction with remaining forces; but on reaching the Osyka and Clinton road, and finding that my retreat on the west side of the river to Liberty had been cut off, I then determined to cross at MeAdams Bridge to intercept column moving on Liberty through Greensburg. Near MeAdams Bridge I met Colonels Scott and Ogden with portions of their commands, who repeated to me information, already communicated by scouts, that enemy were at Clinton and mov- ing toward Liberty. Soon after crossing at MeAdams Bridge I received a dispatch from Lieutenant Thompson, commanding scouts, informing me that enemy were then (3 p. in.) seventeen miles above Greensburg, traveling in direction of Liberty. I immediately sent forward scouting party to ascertain position of the enemy, and moved with my command in direc- tion of Kebo Church, and when one mile from Liberty and Greensburg road, scouts returned and reported enemy had passed and were then at Landron Lees, one mile and a half above cross-roads. My men having been called up three nights in succession, and my horses having been withoat food thirty-one hours, my command were in no condition to pursue an enemy traveling so rapidly. I consequently halted for the night. On the morning of the 17th, after consultation with Colonel Ogden, I consented to report to Colonel Scott and operate in enemys rear. At if) oclock night of 17th we crossed to west side of Amite River and moved up the Clfnton and Liberty road in direction of the latter place. The advance met enemy about one mile and a half from town and a brisk skirmish commenced. In obedience to orders from Colonel Scott I dismounted the men of my command and moved on the right of the road to engage the enemy. We soon came up with them posted on a hill in front of the town. In order to drive them from this position I moved with right wing of my regimeht npon their left and succeeded in forcing them to retire in great confusion up hito the town, where they formed a second time behind houses aIl(l on a hill to my left and dismounted. Up to this time my men had moved through a dense forest, and consequently I had no casualties, but we had now to move through a field about 100 yards against time enemy posted behind and in houses. Against this enemy the men moved at double-quick and with great spirit, driving the enemy from and taking possession of the houses. Soon after reaching this position I was ordered to retire slowly to my horses, mount, and move across the bridge three miles from town. I then received orders to move that night across to the Liberty and Nat- ehez road and learn if the enemy were moving in the direction of the latter place. On the morning of the 19th Colonel Scott came up with us at Hog Eye, and ordered me to move aroumid to the north of Liberty to the Brookhaven road and learn if the enemy had moved in that direction. The morning of the 20th we were ordered to follow the enemy in direction of Baton Rouge. The pursuit was kept up until next day about noon, when we were ordered to move to Clinton from Kellers Cross-Roads. D. GOBER, Colonel. Lient. II. P. BRIDGES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Casualties from 12th to 20th, 1864: killed, 2 wounded, 8 missing, 4; total,14. I). GOBER, Colonel. 2 ~ RVOL XLV, PT Page 18 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. [CRAP. LVII. 18 A DDE N 1) A. BROOKHAVEN, November 26, 1864. Lieutenant Bnnx~Es, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: In compliance with the request of the brigadier.general, I have the honor to submit the following as my opinion of the distribution of the forces of the district made by him before the last raid of the enenty: The main objects were the suppression of the cotton trade, the col- lection and return to their commands of absentees, and to guard the approaches to the interior, and the defense of this district. By placing a regiment at Skinners Ferry, on the Homochitto, one at Williaius Bridge, and the main body of the forces at Beaver Creek (the best line of defense), these objects could best be attanied. A smaller force on either flank could not have done the duty required of these regiments, while they were sufficiently close to the main force to be easily concen- trated. The suppression of the cotton trade, the filling up of all the regiments, and the suppression of lawlessness since this distribution was made, is the best evidence of its wisdom. I believe, also, that a concentration could and would have been made had subordinates done their duty and obeyed orders. Very respectfully, I). GOBEII, Colonel. iNoAi. Report of (Aol. Frank P. Powers, commanding cavalry. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND, (Jenterville, Miss., November 21, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following statement of my operations during the 17th, 18th, and 19th instant: At 4 oclock on the morning of the 17th I was apprised of the advance of the enemy. I at the same time received an order to move on to Liberty with all possible dispatch. At 3 p. m. I got to within six miles of Liberty, a distance of thirty-three miles. Here I learned that the enemy had possession of Liberty. Thinking that General lodge with the majority of the command would be at some point on the Gallatin and Liberty road, I determined to make a junction with him at once. I crossed this road twelve miles north of Liberty, and here I learned that a portion of General lodges command was completely surprised, a large portion captured, and the balance disorganized. I found that one brigade of the enemys cavalry had gone toward Brookhaven, and immediately after my scouts reported that a column of the enemy had moved from Liberty to Summit. I at once concluded that so soon as the raid would strike Brookhaven they would move south by the rail- road and join the other column at Summit. I therefore determined to attack the force at Summit before they could make ajnnction. My artil- lery (two 9-pounder Napoleons) I had to abandon, in consequence of the horses being completely broken down. I moved the pieces to a secure point, and reached Summit on the 18th ~t 2 p. m~ I onnd that th Page 19 CHAP. Lvii.] EXPEDITION TO BROOKHAVEN, MISS. 19 enemy had returned to Liberty three hours previous to my arrival. I was here joined by General lodge. All the Subsequent movements of my command are personally known to the general. I am, lieutenant, your obedient servant, FRANK P. POWERS, Colonel. Lieutenant WOODLIEF, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY COMMAND, 64. Brigadier-General HOD~E, Brookhaven, November 26 18 Commanding District: GENERAL: You having asked the opinion of several of the field-officers of your command in relation to the late raid of the enemy, according to your request I have the honor to submit mine: The troops in the district were properly disposed 01; and were I placed in command of the district, I would have them posted at the same points; the safety of the district requires it. Colonel Gober could have joined the central column in six hours; 1 could join in eight hours. The blame is attributable to whosoever allowed the central camp to be surprised and allowed them to go to Liberty by the camp on the left. Had you been notified of the movements of the enemy in sufficient time we could have concentrated at Beaver Creek and defeated the enemy. I am, general, your obedient servant, FRANK P. POWERS, Commanding Cavalry. No.7. Report of Capt. John C. MeKowen, commanding scouts. JACKSON, LA., November 23, 1864. LIEUTENANT: Your orders and request for information in reference- to the late raid have just been received. The enemy advanced from six miles above Baton Rouge at the gallop and dashed on the pickets at about 10 oclock Wednesday morning. My men were already saddled up, and after mounting and forming, I immediately dispatched a courier to Capt. N. T. IN. Robinson, apprising him of the advance of the enemy, and in ten minutes I was engaged. I fell back on plank road toward Clinton, the enemy pursuing. After crossing the Comite River I sent a squad of men on what is called the Brashear road to watch if the enemy were coming, and if so to send a dispatch to that effect. The enemy were advancing at a ga~llop, but the courier on that road reached Clinton some time before the enemy. My first courier had orders to report to Colonel Ogden, at Clinton, with the dispatch directed to Captain Robinson, to be read by the colonel, and to be forwarded by the regular courier line. Why no dispatch reached the general commanding I do not know. I know my dispatch was received at Clinton. The enemy while fighting inc on plank road galloped up the Brashear road, and I was cut off from Clinton. On the Baton Rouge and Bayou Sara road the cncmy chased the pickct Page 20 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. 20 so closely that they were compelled to leave their horses and take to the woods. My first courier reached Clinton two hours before the enemy, ai~d my second a half hour. With their fine horses, and my poor ones, the enemy outtraveled my command, at the same time engaging me on the plank road while the main body went round on the Brashear road, but my scout on the latter road reached Clinton with the information of their advance on that road three-quarters or half an hour before enemy. Respectfully, ~ ~. MoKOWEiN, Captain, Commanding Scouts. Lieut. HUGH P. BRIDGES, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 8. Findings of a Court of Inquiry convened to examine and report upon the conduct of Brig. Gen. George B. Ilodge. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF ALA., MISS., A ND E. LA., No. 25. Meridian, Miss., March 9, 1865. I. A court of inquiry having been convened, by direction of the lieu- tenaiit-general commanding, on thc application of Brig. Gei~. George B. lodge, to examine into and report upon the conduct of Brig. Gen. George B. lodge during the raid of the enemy through Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana in the month of November, 1864, and having made the required exaniination and report, the result is, by the direction of the lieutenant-general commanding, published for the infor- ination of all concerned. II. The court having maturely considered the evidence adduced, report as the summary of facts: 1. The surprise of the camp near Clinton, La., commanded by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Ogden, embracing nearly one-half of the organized force of the district, and the admission of the enemy within the military lines of the district, were occasioned by negligence of the officer in conimand and palpable disregard of the precautionary instructions of Brigadier- General lodge, given fifteen or twenty days previous. 2. The surprise of Brigadier-General lodges headquarters at Liberty, Miss., was occasioned by Lieutenant Kauls pickets disobeying Colonel Gobers orders and leaving the Stony Point road unguarded, which enabled the enemy to pass Colonel Gober, and favored by the darkness of the night, and his want of correct information, to proceed almost unnmolested on the Greensburg road toward Liberty. In addition, a second or interior line of pickets, consisting of a lieutenant and ten unarmed men of Lays regiment, posted by Brigadier-General lodge in front of Liberty, was run down and captured by the enemy, thus en- abling him to move unannounced into Liberty. 3. The investigation shows a sufficient knowledge on the part of BrP~adier-General lodge of the topography of the roads of the country embraced in his district; that all necessary orders had been given by him, and if these had been strictly obeyed, the surprise of his outposts and his headquarters could not have occurred, amid the Jos~s which followed might have been averted Page 21 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 21 OPINION OF THE COURT. After careful investigation of all the facts in relation to the raid of the enemy in Southwest Mississippi and East Louisiana in November, 1864, the court is of the opinion that, in the disposition of his forces, the orders and instructions to his command, Brig. Gen. George B. lodge exhibited good judgment, vigilance, and energy. And while the con- duct of some of his subordinate commanders and the behavior of his troops exhibit a culpable disregard of orders and military discipline, the fact of Brigadier-General lodges recent assignment to the com- mand, and the numerous adverse circumstances by which he was sur- rounded, in the opinion of the conrt, exempt him from all blame for these irregularities. There is nothing in the evidence adduced before this court reflecting in the slightest degree upon his energy, capacity, or courage. The court of inquiry, of which Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams is pre~ident, is hereby dissolved. By command of Lieutenant-General Taylor: LEWIS II. KENKEILY, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- Greneral. NOVEMBER 14, 1864-JANUARY 23, 1865.Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee. STYMMAIRV OF TIlE P~IINCIPAL EVENTS. Nov. 14, 1864.Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, assumes command of U. S. forces at Pulaski, Tenn. 1620, 1864.Skirmishes on the line of Shoal Creek, Ala, 17, 1864.Skirmish near Maysville, Ala. Skirmish near New Market, Ala. 19, 1864.Skirmish at Ducketts Plantation, near Paint Rock River, Ala. 22, 1864.Action at Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 23, 1864.Skirmish at Henryvillc, Teun. Skirmish at Fouch6 Springs, Tenn. Action at Mount Pleasant, Teun. 24, 1864.Action at Campbellsville, Tenn. Skirmish at Lynnville, Teiin. 2427, 1864.Skirmishes in front of Columbia, Tenn. 28, 1864.Skirmishes at crossings of Duck River, Tenn. Skirmish at Shelbyville, Tenn. 29, 1864.Action at the Colnmbia Ford, Tenn. Engagement at Spring Hill, Tenn. Skirmish at Mount Carmel, Tenn. Skirmish near Rally Hill, Tenn. Affair at Thompsons Station, Tenn. 30, 1864.Skirmish at Thompsons Station, Tenn. Battle of Franklin, Tenn. Dec. 1, 1864.Action at Owens Cross-Roads, Tenn. 114, 1864.Operations about Nashville, Tenn. 2, 1864.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fourth Army Corps, vice Major-General Stanley, wounded at battle of Franklin. 24, 1864.Operations against stockades and block-houses on Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, Tena Page 22 22 ~ sw. VA., PENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. tCnAp. LYIL Dec. 4, 1864.Action at Bells Mills, Tenn. 57, 1864.Demonstrations against Murfreesborough, Tenn. 6, 1864.-Action at Bells Mills, Tenn. 7, 1864.Skirmish near Paint Rock Bridge, Ala. 13, 1864.Attack on railroad train near Murfrcesborough, Teun. 15, 1864.Capture of railroad train near Murfrcesborough, Tenn. 1516, 1864.Battle of Nashville, Tenn. 17, 1864.Action at Hollow Tree Gap, Teun. Action at Franklin, Tenn. Action at West Harpeth River, Tenn. 18, 1864.Skirmish at Spring Hill, Tenn. 19, 1864.Skirmish at Rutherfords Creek, Tenn. Skirmish at Curtis Creek, Teon. 20, 1864.Skirmish at Columbia, Tenn. 22, 1864.Skirmish at Dnck River, Tenn. 23~ 1864.Skirmish at Warfields, near Columbia, Tenn. 24, 1864.Skirmish at Lynuville, Teun. Action at Richland Creek, Tenn. 25, 1864.Skirmish at Richland Creek, Tenn. Action at Kings (or Anthonys) Hill, or Devils Gap, Tenn. 26, 1864.Action at Sugar Creek, Teun. -27, 1864.Skirmish at Decatur, Ala. 28, 1864.Skirmish near Decatur, Ala. 29, 1864.Skirmish at Hilisborough, Ala. Skirmish at Pond Spring, Ala. 30, 1864.Skirmish near Leighton, Ala. 31, 1864.Affair at Paint Rock Bridge, Ala. Skirmish at Russeliville, Ala. Jan. 4, 1865.Skirmish near Thorn Hill, Ala. 9, 1865.Reconnaissance from Eastport to luka, Miss. 1518, 186g.The Twenty-third Army Corps embarks at Clifton, Tenn., for the East. 19, 1865.Skirmish at Corinth, Miss. 23, 1865.General John B. Hood, C. S. Army, relinquishes command of the Army of Tennessee. REPOI~TS, ETC.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland. No. 2.Abstract from returns of the U. S. Forces nuder command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas for November 20, Nov ember 30, and December 10, 1864. No. 3.Abstract from returns of the District of Teunessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau, U. S. Ar my, for November 20, November 30, and Decem- ber 10, 1864. No. 4.Abstract from return of the District of the Etowah, commanded by Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U. S. Army, for December 10, 1864. No. 5.Itineraries of the U. S. Forces under the connnand of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army. No. 6.Organization of the U. S. Forces, commanded by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., December 1516, 1864. No. 7.Return of casualties in the U. S. Forces, nuder Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, at the battle of Nashville, Teun., December 1516, 1864. * For General Grants reference to these operations, see Vol. XXXVIII, Part I, pp. 2931. For reports of naval co-operating forces, see Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December 4, 1865 Page 23 CHAP. LVJLJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 23 No. 8.Surg. George E. Cooper, U. S. Arniy, Medical I)irector, I)epartment of the Cumberland. No. 9.Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley, U. S. Atmy, commanding Fourth Army Corps, of operations November 14December 1, 1864. No. 10.Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Army Corp of operations October 26, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 11.Journal of the Fourth Army Corps. No. 12.Surg. J. Theodore Heard, Medical Director, Fourth Army Corps, of oper- ations November 2930 and December 1516, 1864. No. 13.Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations November 30 and December 8 and 1428, 1864. No. 14.Col. Isaac M. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 1430, 1864. No. 15.Capt. William H. Jamison, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry, of operation December 1531, 1864. No. 16.Capt. Andrew M. Pollard, Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of opetation~ November 30December 31, 1864. No. 17.Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, of operations V)ecembev 1530, 1864. No. 18.Maj. Edward G. Mathey, Eighty-first Indiana Infantry, of operations De- cember 1530, 1864. No. 19.Lieut. Col. Saninel N. Yeoman, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1530, 1864. No. 20.Lient. Col. Bedan B. McDanald, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1530, 1864, and January 1721, 1865. No. 21.Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 22.Maj. George Hicks, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 23.Col. Jesse H. Moore~ one hundred and fifteenth Illinois Infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 24.Lieut. Col. Augustus G. Tassin, Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1519, 1864. No. 25.Licut. Col. James C. Evans, Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 26.Lieut. Col. George W. Northup, Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 27.Lient. Col. John H. Humphrey, Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations De- eeml)er 1516 1864. No. 28.Lieut. Col. Charles H. Wood, Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, of operatiomis Decem- ber 1519, 1864. No. 29.Brig. Gen. William Grose, U. S. Army, comnianding Third Brigade, o foper- ations November 30, Decemher 8, and December 15, 1864January 6, 1865. No. 30.Col. John E. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, of operations Novem- her 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 31.Capt. James Cunningham, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, of operations Novem- her 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 32.Lient. Col. Charles H. Morton, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 33.Col. Isaac C. B. Suman, Ninth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 34.Capt. Henry W. Lawton, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, of operations Novemmi- her 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 35.Maj. John C. Taylor, Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry, of operations Novem- ber 30 and Deceniber 1516, 1864 Page 24 24 icr., sw. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 36.Col. Thomas E. Rose, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 37.Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations November 22December 2, 1864. No. 38.Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Army, commanding Second Divis- ion, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 39.Col. Emerson Opdycke, One hnndred and twenty-fifth Ohio infantry, com- manding First Brigade, of operations November 2930 and December 15 16, 1864. No. 40.Maj. Levi. P. Holden, Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry, commandin~ Thirty- sixth Illinois infantry, of operations November 2930 and December 15 16, 1864. No. 41.Lient. Col. John Russell, Forty-fonrth Illinois Infantry, of operations No- vember 30, 1864. No. 42.~Capt. Alonzo W. Clark, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 43.Capt. Wilson Burroughs, Seventy-third illinois Infantry, of operations November 2930 and December 1516, 1864. No. 44.Lieut. Col. George W. Smith, Seventy-fourth and Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry (consolidated), of operations November 2230 and December 15 16, 1864. No. 45ACapt. Edward P. Bates, One hnndred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 29December 1, 1864. No. 46.Maj. Joseph Bruff, One hnndred and twenty-fifth Ohio infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 47.Capt. Edwin B. Parsons, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin infantry, of operations November 29December 1, 1864. No. 48.Capt. Charles Hartung, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 49.Col. John Q. Lane, Ninety-seventh Ohio infantry, commanding Second Bri- gade, of operations November 29December 1 and December 1516, 1864. No. 50.Lient. Col. Charles M. Hammond, One hundredth illinois infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 51.Lient. Col. Henry Leaming, Fortieth Indiana infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 52.Maj. John S. McGraw, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 53.Lieut. Col. J. Rowan Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 54. Ca~ t. William Clark, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of operations I)ecember 1516, 1864. No. 55.Lient. Col. Milton Barnes, Ninety-seventh Ohio Infantry, of operations November 2930 and December 1516, 1864. No. 56.Brig. Gen. Luther P. Bradley, IJ. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 2229 1864 No. 57.Col. Joseph Conrad, Fifteenth Missouri Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade, of operations November 29December 1 and December 1516, 1864. No. 58.Maj. Frederick A. Atwater, Forty-second Illinois infantry, of operations November 2930, 1864. No. 59.Lient. Col. Edgar I). Swain, Forty-second Illinois Infantry, of operations December 14, 1864--January 2, 1865. No. 60.Capt. Merritt B. Atwater, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry, of operations No- vember 2930, 1864. No. 61.Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty-timt Illinois infamitry, of operations Decem- ber 1516, 1864 Page 25 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 25 No. 62.Col. Allen Buckner, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry, of operations Novem- ber 2930 and December 1516, 1864. No. 63.Capt. George Ernst, Fifteenth Missonri Infantry, of operations November30 and December 1519, 1864. No. 64.Lient. Col. Robert C. Brown, Sixty-fonrth Ohio Infantry, of operations No- vember 2930 and December 1516, 1864. No. 65.Maj. Orlow Smith, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 22 December 2 and December 1516, 1864. No. 66.Brig. Gen. Samuel Beatty, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of oper- ations December 15, 1564Jannary 5, 1865. No. 67.Col. Abel D. Streight, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade, of operations December 15, 1564Jannary 5, 1865. No. 65.Licut. Col. William D. Williams, Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of oper- ations December 15, 1564Jannary 5, 1865. No. 69.Capt. William W. Scearce, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, of operations De- cember 15, 1864Jannary 5, 1865. No. 70.Lient. Col. John Conover, Ei~hth Kansas Infantry, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 71.Col. Frank Askew, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations Decemb r 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 72.Capt. Joseph R. Bartlett, Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 73.Lieut. Col. Robert L. Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 74.Ma]. James M. Stookey, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 1516, 1864. No. 75.Lient. Col. Robert L. Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 76.Capt. William H. McClure, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, of operations De- ceinber 1516, 1864. No. 77.Lient. Col. Daniel Bowman, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, of operations De- cember 1516, 1864. No. 78.Lient. Col. James Pickands, One hnndred and twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 79.Col. Frederick Knefler, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15, 1564January 5, 1865. No. 80.Lient. Col. George N. Parker, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, of oper- ations December 15, 1864Jannary 5, 1865. No. 81.Col. George F. Dick, Eighty-sixth Indiana Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 15, 1864January 5. 1865. No. 82.Maj. Joseph T. Snider, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 83.Lient. Col. Henry G. Stratton, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 23, 1864Jannary 5, 1865. No. 84.Capt. Lyman Bridges, Bridges Battery Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Fourth Army Corps, of operations November 23December 1, 1864. No. 85.Maj. Wilbur F. Goodspeed, First Ohio Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery, Fourth Army Corps, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 86.Lieut. Lyman A. White, Bridges Battery Illinois Light Artillery, of oper- ations November 2430, 1864. No. 87.Capt. Frederick C. Sturm, Twenty-fifth Battery Indiana Light Artillery, of operations December 13, 1864January 5, 1865. No. 88.Capt. Theodore S. Thomasson, First Battery Kentucky Light Artillery, of operations Noveniber 23December 4, 1864, and December 16, 1864January 16, 1865 Page 26 26 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 89.Capt. Peter De Vries, Battery E, First Michigan Light Artillery, of oper- ations December 1331, 1864. No. 90.Lieut. Charles W. Scovill, Battery A, First Ohio Light Artillery, of oper- ations November 24December 1, 1864. No. 91.Capt. Alexander Marshall, Battery G, First Ohio Light Artillery, of oper- ations November 23December 4 and December 1531, 1864. TNo. 92.Lieut. Aaron P. Baldwin, Sixth Battery Ohio Light Artillery, of operations November 23, 1864January 5, 1865. INo. 93.Sergt. Henry Horn, Twentieth Battery Ohio Light Artillery, of operations November 30, 1864. No. 94.Capt. Jacob Ziegler, Battery B, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of operations November 23December 1 and December 1531, 1864. No. ~i5.Lieut. Samuel Canby, Battery M, Fourth U. S. Artillery, of operations No- vember 25December 4 and December 1531, 1864. No. 96.Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio. No. 97.Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps, of operations November 30, 1864. I No. 98.-.Abstract from journal of Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps (temporarily) and Third Division, Twenty- third Army Corps. No. ~99.Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations November 30, 1864. No. 100.Maj. Gen. Darius N. Couch, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 101.Bnig sen. Joseph A. Cooper, U. S. Army, conimanding First Brigade, of (operations November 24December 8 and December 1516 1864 ~4o. 102.Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 103.Col. Cicero Maxwell, Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 1516, 1864. No. 104.Capt. Samuel L. Demarest, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 105.Lient. Col. John E. Cummins, Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 106.Maj. Rhadamanthus H. Dunn and Col. William Cross, Third Tennessee In- fantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 107.Lieut. Col. Edward Maynard, Sixth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 105.Col. Orlando H. Moore, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, of operations November 2130 and December 1516, 1864. No. 109.Capt. Leander S. McGraw, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, of operations November 23December 1, 1864. No. 110.Licut. Col. Alfred D. Owen, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23December 5, 1864. No. 111.Col. Charles A. Zollinger, One hundred and twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23December 5, 1864. No. 112.Col. Oliver L. Spaulding, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, of operations November 24December 5, 1864. No. 113.Lient. Col. Isaac If. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, of operations November 21December 5, 1864. No. 114.Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hnndred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of oper- ations November 23December 1, 1864. I No. 115.Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Bri- gade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864. No, 116.Col. John Mehringer, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864 Page 27 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDI)LE TENN, 27 No. 117.Capt. James A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, of operations November 25December 2, 1864. No. 118.Lieut. Col. Charles H. Butterfield, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry, of oper- ations December 1523, 1861. No. 119.Col. John C. McQuiston, One hundred and twenty-third Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 120.Lient. Col. Andrew J. Barr, Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry, of operations November 27December 1, 1864. No. 121.Lient. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of operations No- vember 26December 8 and December 15-46, 1864. No. 122.Capt. William F. Scott, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Infantry, of operations November 2930, 1864. No. 123.Col. George W. loge, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 124.Capt. Alonzo D. Harvey, Fifteenth Battery Indiana Light Artillery, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 125.Capt. Frank Wilson, Nineteenth Battery Ohio Light Artillery, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 126.Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of oper- ations November 2229 and December 1516, 1864. No. 127.Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations November 30, 1864. No. 128.Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of oper- ations November 30, 1864. No. 129.Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 130.Lient. Col. Laurence H. Roussean, Twelfth Kentncky Infantry, of oper- ations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 131.Lient. Col. John S. White, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, of operations No- vember 30, 1864. No. 132.Capt. Jacob Miller, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 133.Lient. Col. Edwin L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 134.Col. Oscar W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, of operation~ November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 135.Capt. James W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 136.Col. John S. Casement, One hundred and third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 2230 and December 1516, 18& t. No. 137.Lient. Col. W. Scott Stewart, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 2230, 1864. No. 138.Lient. Col. John W. Hamniond, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 2230, 1864. No. 139.Col. John M. Orr, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 28-30, 1864. No. 140.Maj. David G. Bowers, Fifth Tennessee Infantry, of operations November 2230, 1864. No. 141.Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, coamnianding Third Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. No. 142.Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, First Ohio Li~ht Artillery, of operations November 22December 1, 1864. No. 143.Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U. S. Army, commanding Detachment Army of the Tennessee, of operations Noveamber 30, 1864January 10, ist;5 Page 28 28 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVIL No. 144.Brig. Gen. John McNrthur, IJ. S. Army, commanding First Division, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 145.Col. William L. MeMillen, Nii~ety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 146.Capt. Edwin C. Sanders, Tenth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 147.Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 148.Lient. Col. William B. (lere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, of operations Decemn- ber 1516, 1864. No. 149.Col. Josiah F. Marsh, Ninth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 150.Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 151.Lient. Col. William B. Britton, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 1516. 1864. No. 152.Capt. Joseph R. Reed, Second Battery Iowa Light Artillery, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 153.Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 154.Lient. Col. John H. Stibbs, Twelfth Iowa Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 155.Capt. Abraham N. Snyder, Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, of operations De- cember 1516, 11864. No. 156.Lient. Col. George Bradley, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, of operations De- cember 1516, 1864. No. 157.Lient. Col. William H. Heath, Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 158.Capt. Stephen H. Julian, Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 159.Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 160.Col. David Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, commanding First Bri- gade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 161.Col. Thomas J. Kinney, One hundred and nineteenth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 162.Lient. Col. Edwin Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, of operations Decenmber 1516, 1864. No. 163.Col. James I. Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864, and January 9, 1865. No. 164.Maj. Robert W. Healy, Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of operations De- cember 1516, 1864. No. 165.Lient. Col. Jed Lake, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, of operations De- cember 1516, 1864. No. 166.Lient. Col. Gustavus A. Eberhart, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 167.Capt. William C. Jones, Tenth Kansas Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 168.Lient. Thomas J. (inn, Third Battery Indiana Light Artillery, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 169.Col. Edward H. Wolfe, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 170.Col. Phineas Pease, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864 Page 29 CUAP. LYTI.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 29 No. 171.Lient. Col. Jonathan Merriam, One hundred and seventeenth Illinois In- fantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 172.Lient. Col. Zalmon S. Main, Fifty-second Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 173.Capt. John B. Gandolfo, One hundred and seventy-eighth New York In- fantry, of opcrations December 1516, 1864. No. 174.Capt. John W. Lowell, Battery G, Second Illinois Light Artillery, of oper- ations December 1516, 1864. No. 175.Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Division, of operations December 1516 and Deceniber 2031, 1864. No. 176.Col. Lyman M. Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 177.Col. Leander Blanden, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 178.Maj. Gen. James B. Steedinan, U. S. Army, commanding Provisional Detach- ment (District of the Etowah), of operations November 29, 1864January 13, 1865. No. 179.Brig. Gen. Charles Cruft, U. S. Army, commanding Provisional Division, of operations November 29, 1864January 13, 1865. No. 180.Col. Benjamin Harrison, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864January 12, 1865. No. 181.Col. John G. Mitchell, One hundred and thirteenth Ohio Infantry, com- manding Second Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864January 13, 1865. No. 182.Lient. Col. Charles H. Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of opertions December 1520, 1864. No. 183.Capt. John M. Benedict, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 184.Capt. Milton A. Osborne, Twe tieth Battery Indiana Light Artillery, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 185.Col. Adam G. Malloy, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee), of operations November 30December 27, 1864, and January 812, 1865. No. 186.Col. Thomas J. Morgan, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops, commanding First Colored Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864January 12,1865. No. 187.Capt. Clarence W. Baker, Fourteenth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations December 2, 1864. No. 188.Col. William R. Shafter, Seventeenth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 189.Maj. Lewis D. Joy, Eighteenth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations De- cember 1516, 1864. No. 190.Col. Lewis Johnson, Forty -fourth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations De- cember 23, 1864. No. 191.Col. Charles R. Thompson, Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, comnianding Second Colored Brigade, of operations December 7, 1864January 15, 1865. No. 192.Capt. Henry Hegner, Twelfth U.S. Colored Troops, of operations Decemher 15, 1864January 21, 1865. No. 193.Col. John A. Hottenstein, Thirteenth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations November 30, 1864January 15, 1865. No. 194.Bvt. Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, of operations October 24, 1864 February 1, 1865. No. 195.Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, First Pivision, of operatioiis October 24, 1864January 14, 1865 Page 30 30 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL No. 196Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch, U. S. Army, commanding Fifth I)ivision, of operations October 29December 27, 1864. No. 197.Col. Datas E. Coon, Second Jo Wa Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 30, 1564Jannary 15, 1865. No. 198.Lient. Sidney 0. Roberts, Acting Provost-Marshal, of operations December 1516, 1864. No. 199.Maj. Charles C. Horton, Second Iowa Cavalry, of operations September 30Novcmber 30, 1864. No. 200.Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson, U. S. Army, commanding Sixth Division, of opcrations ~ovember 24December 19, 1864. No. 201.Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 25, 1864. No. 202.Maj. J. Morris Young, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, of operations Noveniber 28, 1864. No. 203.Col. James Biddle, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 1521, 1864. No. 204.Byt. Brig. Gen. John H. Hammond, commanding First Brigade, Seventh Division, of operations December 1527, 1864. No. 205.Maj. Thomas G. Williamson, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 28, 1564January 6, 1865. No. 206.Col. Edward Anderson, Twelfth Indian a Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, Fourth I)ivision, Twentieth Army Corps, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 207.Capt. Major D. Williams, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, of operations Novem- ber 17, 1864. No. 208.Maj. Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau, U. S. Army, commanding District of Ten- nessee, of operations December 412, 1864. No. 209.Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy, U. S. Army, of operations December 4 and 7, 1864. No. 210.Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Independ- ent Brigade, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 211.Maj. Jerome B. Nnlton, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 1215, 1864. No. 212.Lient. Col. Daniel Grass, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, of operations Decem- ber 4 and 7, 1864. No. 213.Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 4, 1864. No. 214.Maj. George A. Camp, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 215.Col. John S. Jones, One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 4 and 7, 1864. No. 216.Lient. Col. John ODowd, One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Infantry, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 217.Capt. Frank Jackson, Twelfth Battery Ohio Light Artillery, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 218.Col. Arthur T. Wilcox, One hundred and s~venty-seventh Ohio Infantry, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 219.Col. Joab A. Stafford, One hundred and seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 220.Lient. Col. Alfred Reed, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 7, 1864. No. 221.Capt. Henry Bnndy, Thirteenth Battery New York Light Artillery, of oper- ations December 7, 1864. No. 222.Col. Gilbert M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth Indian Cavalry, of operations December 49, 1864 Page 31 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 31 No. 223.Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of oper- ations December 25, 1861. No. 224.Col. Thomas Saylor, Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, of operations I)ecem- ber 13, 1864. No. 225.Lient. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, Assist- ant Inspector Railroad Defrnses, of operations December 4-17, 1864. No. 226.Col. Jairus W. Hall, Fourth Michigan Infantry, of operations November 1721,1864. No. 227.Col. William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations Deceni ber 1921 and 31, 1864. No. 228.Lieut. Col. William F. Prosser, Second Tennessee Cavalry, of operatious December 78, 1864. No. 229.Col. William J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, of operations December 20, 1864January 6, 1865. No. 230.Medals of Honor awarded for distinguished services un(ler Resolution of Congress, No. 43, approved July 12, 1862, and sectioa 6 of Act of Con- gress approved March 3, 1863. No. 231.General G. T. Beauregard, C. S. Army, commanding Military Division of the West. No. 232.General John B. Ilood, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennessee. No. 233.Organization of the Army of Tennessee, commanded by General John B. Ilood, C. S. Army, December 10, 1864. No. 234.Journal of the Army of Tennessee. No. 235.-Itinerary of the Army of Tennessee. No. 236.Col. J. P. Johnson, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General, C. 8. Army. No. 237.Lieut. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Army Corps, of oper- ations November 2December 17, 1864. No. 238.Lient. Col. Llewellyn Hoxton, C. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of oper- ations December 1017, 1864. No. 239.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division, of oper- ations September 29December 17, 1864. No. 240.Maj. Gen. Henry D. Clayton, C. S. Army, commanding division, of oper- ations November 20December 27, 1864. No. 241.Brig. Gen. Marcellus A. Stovall, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations November 20December 27, 1864. No. 242.Brig. Gen. Randall L. Gibson, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of oper- ations December 1517, 1864. No. 243.Brig. Gen. James T. Holtzclaw, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations November 201)ecember 27, 1864. No. 244.Lient. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, C. S. Army, commanding Army Corps, of operations November 29, 1864January 20, 1865. No. 245.Maj. Gen. William W. Loring, C. S. Army, commanding division, of oper- ations November 2930, 1864. No. 246.Maj. Gen. Edward C. Waithall, C. S. Army, commanding division and rear guard of infantry, of operations November 20, 1864January 8, 1865. No. 247.Itinerary of Cheathams Army Corps, October 31, 1864January 17, 1865. No. 248.Col. Ellison Capers, Twenty-fourth South Carolina Infantry, of operations September 29December 2, 1864. No. 249.Brig. Gen. James A. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding Cleburnes division, of operations November 20December 26, 1864. No. 250.Col. Charles H. Olmstead, First Volunteer Georgia Imifantry, commanding Smiths brigade, of operations December 6, 1864January 20, 1865. No. 251.Maj. Gen. William B. Bate, C. S. Army, commanding (livision, of operations November 21December 25, 1864. ~o. 252.Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Array, comnianding cavalry, of oper~ ations November 16, 1864January 23, 1865 Page 32 32 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 253.Return of casualties in Forrests cavalry for November und December, 1864. No. 254.Brig. Gen. James R. Chalmers, C. S. Arniy, commanding Cavalry Division, of operations November 17December 27, 1864. No. 255.Brig. Gen. Lawreuce S. Ross, C. S. Army, commanding Ross brigade, of operations October 24December 27, 1864. No. 256.Brig. Gen. Philip D. Roddey, C. S. Army, commanding District of Nortb Alabama, of operations December 115, 1864. No. 257.Col. Alfred A. Russell, Fourth Alabama Cavalry, of operations October 26, 1864January 17, 1865. No. 258.Capt. Joseph T. Cobb, of operations November 28, 1864. No. 1. Report of ]Jliaj. Gem. George II. Thomas, U. & Army, commanding De partment of the Oumberland. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Eastport, Miss., January 20, 1865. COLONEL :* On the 12th of November communication with General Sherman was severed, the last dispatch from him leaving Cartersville, Ga., at 2.25 p. m. -on that date. He had started on his great expedition from Atlanta to the seaboard, leaving me to guard Tennessee or to pursue the enemy if he followed the commanding generals column. It was therefore with considerable anxiety that we watched the forces at Flor- ence, to discover what course they would pursue with regard to Gen- eral Shermans movements, determining thereby whether the troops nnder my command, numbering less than half those nnder Hood, were to act on the defensive in Tennessee, or take the offensive in Alabama. The enemys position at Florence remained unchanged up to the 17th of November, when he moved Cheathams corps to the north side of the river, with Stewarts corps preparing to follow. The same day part of the enemys infantry, said to be Lees corps, moved up the Lawrence- burg road to Boughs Mill, on Shoal Creek, skirumishi ug at that point with Hatchs cavalry, and then fell back a short distance to some bluffs; where it went into camp. The possibility of Hoods forces following General Sherman was now at an end, and I quietly took measures to act on the defensive. Two divisions of infantry, under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, were reported on their way to join me, from Missouri, which, with several one-year regi- ments then arriving in the department~ and detachments collected from points of minor importance, would swell my command, when concen- trated, to an army nearly as large as that of the enemy. Had the enemy delayed his advance a week or ten days longer, 1 would have been ready to meet him at some point south of Duck River, but Hood commenced his advance on the 19th, moving on parallel roads from Florence toward Waynesborongh, and shelled Hatchs cavalry out of Lawrencebnrg on the 22d. My only resource then was to retire slowly toward my re-enforcements, (lelaying the enemys progress as much as l)ossible, to gain time for re-enforcements to arrive amid concentrate. General Schofield commenced removing the public property from Pulaski preparatory to falling back toward Columbia. Two divisions of Stanleys corps had already reached Lynuville, a point fifteen miles For portion of report here omitted, relating to operations in Nortb Georgia and ~o~th Alabama, see vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 584 Page 33 CHAP. LYH.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 33 north of Pulaski, to cover the passage of the wagons and protect the rail- road. Caprons brigade of cavalry was at Mouut Pleasant, covering the approach to Columbia from that direction; nd, iu addition to the regular garrison, there was at Columbia a brigade of IRugers division, Twenty-third Army Corps. I directed the two remaining brigades of IRugers division, then at Johusonville, to moveone by railroad. around through Nashville to Columbia, the other by road via Waverly to Centervi]leand occupy the crossings of Duck River near Columbia, William sport, Gordons Ferry, and Centerville. Since the departure of General Sherman about 7 ,0~kI men belonging to his column had collected at ChattanQoga, comprising couvalescents returning to their contmaands and men returnino from farlouo-h TI~ese men had been organized into brigades, to be made available at such points as they might be needed. My command had also been re- enforced by twenty new one-year regiments, most of which, however, were absorbed in replacing old regiments whose terms of service had expired. On the 23d in accordance with d irections previously given him Gen- eral Granger commenced withdrawing the ~arrisons from Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville, Ala~., and moved off toward Stevenson, send- ing five new regiments of that force to Murfreesborough, and retaining at Stevenson the original troops of his comTnand. This movement was rapidly made by railroad, without opposition on the part of the enemy. That same night G eneral Schofield evacuated Pulaski and mo~ed toward Columbia, reporting himself in position at that place on the 24th. The commanding officer at John sonville was directed to evacuate that post, after removing all public property, and retire to Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland, and thence to Clarksvillc. During the 24th and 25th the enemy skirmished with General Schofields troops at Colunibia, but showed nothing but dismounted cavalry antil the morning of the 26th, when his infantry came up an pressed our line strongly during that day amid the 27th, but without assaulting. As the enemys move- inents showed an undoubted intention to cross above or below tIme towmm, General Schofield withdrew to time north bank of I1)uck River during the night of the 27th and took up a new position, where the command remained during the 28th, undisturbed. Two divisions of the Twenty- third Corps were placed in hue in front of the town, holding all the crossings in its vicinity, while Stanleys corps, posted in reserve on the Franklin pike, was held in readimmess to repel any vigorous attempt the enemy should make to force a crossing; the cavalry, under com- mand of Brevet Major-General Wilson, held the crossings above those guarded by the infantry. About 2 a. m. on the 29th the enemy suc- ceeded imi pressing back General Wilsons cavalry, and effected a cross- ing on the Lewisburg l)ike; at a later hour l)art of his infantry (Tossed at Hucys Mills, six miles above Columbia. Comumunication with the cavalry having been interrupted and time hue of retreat toward Frank- liii being threatened, General Schofield made preparations to withdraw to Franklin. General Stanley, with one division of infantry, was semit to Spring Hill, about fifteen miles north of Columbia, to cover tlme trains and hold the road open for the passage of the main force, and disposi- tions were made I)reparatory to a withdrawal and to meet any ttack coming from the direction of Ilneys Mills. General Stanley reached Spring Hill just in time to drive off the enemys cavalry and save the trains; but later he was attacked by the enemys infantry and cavalry combined, who engaged him heavily amid nearly s cceeded in dislodg- ing him fromn the position, the engagement lasting until dark. Although a R RYOL ~LY, PT Page 34 34 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. LCHAP. LVII. not attacked from the direction of ilucys Mills, General Schofield was busily occupied all day at Columbia resisting the enemys attempts to cross Duck River, which lie successfully accomplished, repulsing the enemy many times, with heavy loss. Giving directions for the with- drawal of the troops as soon as covered by the darkness, at a late hour in the afternoon General Schofield, with Hugers division, started to the relief of General Stanley, at Spring Bill, and when near that place he came upon the enemys cavalry, but they were easily driven off. At Spring Hill the enemy was found bivouacking within 800 yards of the road. Posting a brigade to hold the pike at this point, General Scho- field, with Hugers division, pushed on to Thompsons Station,~ three miles beyond, where he found the eneniys camp-fires still bnrnnig, a cavalry force having occupied the place at dark, but had disappeared on the arrival of our troops. General Ruger then quietly took posses- sion of the cross-roads. The withdrawal of the main force from in front of Columbia was safely effected after dark on the 29th; Spring Hill was passed without moles- tation about midnight, and making a night march of twenty-five miles, the whole command got into position at Franklin at an early hour ou the morning of the 30th; the cavalry moved on the Lewisburg pike, on the right or east of the infantry. At Franklin General Schofield formed line of battle on the southern edge of the town to await the coming of the eiiemy, and in the mean- while hastened the crossing of the trains to the north side of ilarpeth River. On the evacuation of Columbia orders were sent to Major-General Milroy, at Tullahoma, to abandon that post aiid retire to Murfrees- borough, joining forces with General Rousseau at the latter place. General Milroy was instructed, however, to maintain the garrison in the block-house at Elk River bridge. Nashville was placed mu a state of defense and the fortifications manned by the garrison, re-enforced by a volunteer force, which had been previously organized into a divis- ion, under Bvt. l3rig. Gen. J. L. Donaldson, from the empioy~s of tIme quartermasters and commissary departments. This latter force, aided by railroad employ~s, the whole under the direction of Brigadier-Gen- eral Tower, worked assiduously td construct additional defenses. Major- General Steedman, with a command numbering 5,000, composed of detachments belonging to General Shermans column, left behind at Chattanooga (of which mention has heretofore been made), and also a brigade of colored troops, started from Chattanooga by rail on the 29th of November, and reached Cowan on the mormiing of the 30th, where orders were sent him to proceed direct to Nashville. At an early hour on the morning of the 30th the advance of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smiths com- mand reached Nashville by transports from Saint Louis. My infantry force was now nearly equal to that of the enemy, although he still out- numbered me very greatly in effective cavalry; but as soon as a few thousand of the latter arm could be mounted I should be in a condition to take the field offensively and dispute the possession of Tennessee with Hoods army. The enemy followed closely after General Schofields rear guard in the retreat to Franklin, and upon coming up with the main force, formed rapidly and advanced to assault our works, repeating attack after attack during the entire afternoon, and as late as 10 p. mu. his efforts to break our line were continued. General Schofields position was excel- lently chosen, with both flanks resting upon the river, and the mcii firmly held their ground against an oyerwhelming enemy, who was repulsed Page 35 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 35 in every assault along the whole line. Our loss, as given by General Schofield in his report transmitted herewith (and to which II respect- fully refer), is, 189 killed, 1,033 wounded, an~ 1, 04 missing, making an aggregate of 2,326. We captured and sent to Nashville 702 prisoners, including 1 general officer, and 33 stand of colors. Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley, commanding Fourth Corps, was severely wound A at Franklin whilst engaged in rallying a portion of his command which had been temporarily overpowered by an overwhelming attack of the enemy. At the time of the battle the enemys loss was known to be severe, and was estimated at 5,000. The exact figures were only obtained, how- ever, on the reocenpation of Franklin by our forces, after the battles of IDecember 15 and 16, at Brentwood Hills, near Nashville, and ~are given as follows: i3nried npon the field, 1,750; disabled and placed in hospital at Franklin, 3,800, which, with the 702 prisoners already re- ported, makes an aggregate loss to Hoods army of 6,252, among whom were 6 general officers killed, 6 wounded, and 1 captured. The impor- tant results of the signal victory cannot be too highly appreciated, for it not only seriously checked the enemys advance, and gave General Schofield time to remove his troops and all his property to Nashville, but it also caused deep depression among the men of Hoods army, making them doubly cautions in their subsequent movements. Not, willing to risk a renewal of the battle on the morrow, and hav- ing accomplished the object of the days operations, viz, to cover the withdrawal of his trains, General Schofield, by my advice and direction, fell back during the night to Nashville, in front of which city line of battle was formed by noon of the 1st of I)ecembcr, on the heights imme- diately surrounding Nashville, with 1\faj. Gen. A. J. Smiths command occupying the right, his right resting on the Cunmberland Liver, below the city; the Fourth Corps (Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood temporarily in command) in the center; and General Schofields troops (Twenty-third Army Corps) on the left, extending to Nolensville pike. The cavalry, under General Wilson, was directed to take post on the left of General Schofield, which would make secure the interval between his left and the river above the city. General Steedmans troops reached Nashville about dark on the even- ing of the 1st of iDecemnber, taking imp a position about a mile in adv~ince of the left center of the main line, and oii the left of the iNolensvihle pike. This position being regarded as too umch exposed, was changed on the 3d, when, the cavalry having been (lirected to take post on the north side of the river at Edgefleld, General Steedman occupied the space On the left of the lute vacated by its withdrawal. During the afternoon of the 2d the enemys cavalry, in smuall parties, engaged our skirmishers, but it was only on the afternoon of the 3d that his infan- try made its apl)earance, when, crowding in our skirmishers, he com- meimeed to establish lmis main line, which, on the morning of tIme 4th, we found lie had succeeded in doing, with his salient on the sumnunt of iMontgomery Hill, within 600 yards of our center, his main line oc- cupying the high ground on the southeast side of Browns Creek, and extending from the Nolensvihle pikehis extreme rightacross the Franklin and Granny White pikes, in a westerly direction, to the hills south and southwest of Richland Creek, and down that creek to the Hillsborongh pike, with cavalry extending from both his flanks to the river. Artillery was opened on him from several points on the line, without eliciting any response. The block-house at the railroad crossing of Overalls Creek, five miles north of Murfreesborough, was attacked by Bates division, of Cheat Page 36 36 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. hams corps, on the 4th, but held out until assistance reached it from the garrison at Murfreesborough. The enemy nsed artillery to reduce the block-house, bnt although seventy-four shots were fired at it, no material injury was done. General IMIilroy coming up with three regi- ments of infantry, four companies of the Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, and a section of artillery, attacked the enemy and drove him off. Dur- ing the 5th, 6th, and 7th Bates division, re-enforced by a division from Lees corps and 2,500 of Forrests cavalry, demonstrated heavily against Fortress Rosecrans, at Murfreesborough, garrisoned by about 8,000 men, under command of General Rousseau. The enemy showing an unwillingness to make a direct assault, General Milroy, with seven regi- ments of infantry, was sent out on the 8th [7th] to engage him. He was found a short distance frem the place on the Wilkinson pike, posted behind rail breast-works, was attacked and routed, our troops capturing 207 prisoners and two guns, with a loss of 30 killed and 175 wounded. On the same day Bufords cavalry entered the town of Mnrfreesborough, after having shelled it vigorously, but he was speedily driven out by a regiment of infantry and a section of artillery. On retiring from before Murfreesborough the enemys cavalry moved northward to Lebanon and along the bank of the Cumberland in that vicinity, threatening to cross to the north side of the river and inter. rupt our railroad communication with Louisville, at that time our only sonrce of supplies, the enemy havin~ blockaded the river below Nash. ville by batteries along the shore. The Navy Department was requested to patrol the Cumberland above and below Nashville with the gun-boats then in the river, to prevent the enemy from crossing, which request was cordially and effectually complied with by Lieut. Commander Le Roy Fitch, commanding Eleventh Division, Mississippi Squadron. At the same time General Wilson sent a cavalry force to Gallatin to guard the country in that vicinity. The position of Hoods army aronnd Nashville remained unchanged, and, with the exception of occasional picket-firing, nothing of impor- tance occurred from the 3d to the ldth of December. In the meanwhile I was preparing to take the offensive without delay; the cavalry was being remounted, nnder the direction of General Wilson, as rapidly as possible, and new transportation furnished where it was required. During these operations in Middle Tennessee the enemy, under Breckinridge, Duke, and Vaughn, was operating in the eastern por- tion of the State against Generals Ammen and Gillem. On the 13th of November, at midnight, Breckinridge, with a force estimated at 3,000, attacked General Gillem near Morristown, routing him and cap- turing his artillery, besides taking several hundred prisoners; the remainder of the command, about 1,000 in number, escaped to Straw- berry Plains, and thence to Knoxville. General Gillems force con- sisted of 1,500 men, comprising three regiments of Tennessee cavalry, and six guns, belonging formerly to the Fourth Division of Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, but had been detached from my command at the instance of Governor Andrew Johnson, and were then operating independently under Brigadier General Gillem. From a want of co- operation between the officers directly under my control and General Gillem may be attributed, in a great measure, the cause of the latters misfortune. Following up his success, Breckiuridge continued moving southward through Strawberry Plains to the immediate vicinity of Knoxville, but on the 18th withdrew as rapidly as he had advanced. General Am- mens troops, re-enforced by 1,500 men from Chattanooga, reoccupied strawberry Plains on that day Page 37 ChAP. LVfl.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 37 About that period Major-General Stonemau (left at Louisville by Gen- era! Schofield to take charge of the Department of the Ohio during his absence with the army in the field) started for Knoxville, to take gen- eral direction of affairs in that section, having previously ordered Bre- vet Major-General Burbridge to march with all his available force in Kentucky, by way of (Jumberland Gap, to Gilleins relief. On his way through Nashville General Stoneman received instructions from me to concentrate as large a force as he could get in East Tennessee against Breckinridge, and either destroy his force or drive it into Virginia, and, if possible, destroy the salt-wdrks at Saltville and the railroad from the Tennessee line as far into Virginia as he could go without endangering his command. November 23, General Stoneman tele- graphed from Knoxville that the main force of the enemy was at New Market, eight miles north of Strawberry Plains, and General Burbridge was moving on Cuinberland Gap from the interior of Kentucky, his advance expecting to reach Barboursville that night. On the 6th of December, having received information from East Tennessee that Breckinridge was falling back toward Virginia, General Stoneman was again directed to pursue him, an(l destroy the railroad as far across the State line as possiblesay, twenty-five miles. Leaving him to carry out these instructions, I will retwrn to the posi- tion at Nashville. Both armies were ice-bound for a week previous to the 14th of De- cember, when the weather moderated. Being prepared to move, I called a meeting of the corps commanders on the afternoon of that day, and having discussed the plan of attack until thoroughly understood, the following Special Field Order, No. 342, was issued: * * * * *~ * Paragraph IV. As soon as the state of the weather will admit of offensive oper- ations the troops will niove against the enemys position in the following order: Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee, after forming his troops on and near the Hardin pike, in front of his present posi- tion, will make a vigorous assault on the enemys left. Major-General Wilson, commanding the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, with three divisions, will move on and support General Smiths right, assisting, as far as possible, in carrying the left of the enemys position, and be in readiness to throw his force upon the enemy the moment a favorable opportunity occnrs. Major-General Wilson will also send one division on the Charlotte pike to clear that road of the enemy and observe in the direction of Bells Landing, to pro- tect our right rear until the enemys position is fairly turned, when it will rejoin the main force. Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood, commanding the Fourth Army Corps, after leaving a strong skirmish line in his works from Lanrens Hill to his extreme right, will forum the remainder of the Fonrth Corps on the Hillsborough pike, to support General Smiths left, and operate on the left and rear of the enemys advanced position on the Mont- gomery Hill. Major-General Schofield, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps, will replace Brigadier-General Kimballs division, of the Fourth Corps; with his troops, and occupy the trenches from Fort Negley to Lanrens Hill with a strong skirmish line. He will move with the remainder of his force in front of the works and co-operate with General Wood, protecting the latters left flank against an attack by the enenmy. Major-General Stecdrnan, comumanding District of the Etowah, will occupy the interior line in rear of his present position, stretching from the reservoir on the Cuinberland River to Fort Negley, with a strong skirmish line, and mass the remain- der of his force in its present position, to act according to the exigencies which may arise during these operations. Brigadier-General Miller, with the troops forming the garrison of Nashville, will occupy the interior line from the battery on Hill 210 to the extreme right, including the inclosed work on the Hydes Ferry road. *AS recorded in Thomas order book, this readsHe will mass the remainder, & c Page 38 88 KY., SW. VA., TENH., MISS, ALA., AWl) H. GA. (Osa. Lift The quartermasters troops, under command of Brizadler-GeneralDonaldaon, will. If necessary, be posted on the interior line from Fort Morton to th. battery on Hill 210. The troops occu~,ylng the interior line will be under the direction of Major-Gen- eral Steedman, w charged with the Immediate defense of Nashville during the operations aroimd a. city. Should a. weather permit the troops will be formed [in tlmeJ to commence oper- ations at 6 a. a on th. 15th. or as soon thereafteras practicable. On the morning of the 15th of December, the weather being favor- able, the army was formed and ready at an early hour to carry out the Ian of battle promulgated in the special held order of the 14th. The. Limation of the troops was partially concealed from the enemy by the broken nature of the ground, as also by a dense fog, which only lifted toward noon. The enemy was apparently totally unaware of any intention on our partto attack his position, and more especially did he seem not to expect any movement against his left flank. To divert his attention still fbrther from our real intentions, hh~jor-General Steed- man had, on the evening of the 1~th, received orders to make a heavy demonstration with his command against the enemys right, east of the II which he accomplished with great success and some loss, succeeding, however; in attracting the enemys Rttention to that part of his lines, and inducing him to draw re-enforcements fromtoward his center and left. As soon as General Steedman had completed his movement, the commands of Generals Smith and Wilson moved out along the Hardin pike and commenced the rand movement of the da, wheeling to the left and advancing against the enemys position across the Hardin and Hiflsborough pikes. A division of cavalry (Johnsons) was sent at the same time to look after a battery of the enemys on the Cumberland River at Bells Landin;, eight miles below Nashville. General Johnson did not get into position until late in the afternoon, when in conjunction with the gun-boats under Lieut. Com- mander LeRoy *itch, the enewys battery was engaged until after night- fall, and the place was found evacuated on the morning of the 16th. The remainder of General Wilsons command, HaWhs division leading and Knipe in reserve, moving on the right of General A. 3. Smiths troop~ first struck the enemy along Richland Creek, near Hardins house, an drove him back rapidly, capturing a number of prisoners, wagons, & c., and continuing to advance, whilst slightly swinging to the 1e4 came upon a redoubt containing four guns, which was splendidly carried by assault, at ip. in., by a portion of Hatehs division, dismounted, and the captured guns turned upon the enemy. A second redoubt, stronger than the first, was next assailed and carried by the same troops that captured the first position, taking 4 more guns and about 300 prison- ers. The infantry, Mcirthurs division, of General A. 3. Smiths coin- mand~, on the left of the cavalry, participated in both of the assaults; and,indeed, the dismounted cavalry seemed to vie with the infantry who should first gain the works; as they reached the position nearly simultaneously, both lay claim to the artillery and prisoners captured. Finding General Smith had not taken as much distance to the right as I expected he would have done, I directed General Schofield to move his command (the Twenty-third Corps from the position in reserve to which it had been assigued over to the right of General Smith, exia- bling the cavalry there y to operate more freely on the enemys rear. This was rapidly accomplished by General Schofield, and his troops participated in the closing operations of the day. The Fourth Corps, Brig. Gen. T. 3. Wood commanding, formed on the left of General A. 3. Smiths command, and as soon as the latter ha Page 39 CHAI~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 39 struck the enemys flank, assaulted the Montgomery Hill, Hoods most advanced position, at 1 P. in., which was most gallantly executed by the Third [Second] Brigade, Second [Third] Division, Col. P. Sidney Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois, commanding, capturing a considerable number of prisoners. Connecting with the ldft of Smiths troops (Brigadier-General (arrards division), the Fourth Corps continued to advance, and car- ried by assault the enemys entire line in its front and captured several pieces of artillery, about 500 prisoners, some stands of colors, and other material. The enemy was driven out of his original line of works and forced back to a new position along the base of Harpeth Hills, still holding his line of retreat to Franklinby the main pike, through Brent- wood, and by the Granny White pike. Our line at night-fall was read- justed, running parallel to and east of the Ilillsborough pikeScho- fields command on the right, Smiths in the center, and Woods on the left, with the cavalry on the right of Schofield; Steedmnan holding the position he had gained early in the morning. The total result of the days operations was the capture of sixteen pieces of artillery and 1,200 prisoners, besides several hundred stand of small-arms and about forty wagons. The enemy had been forced back at all points, with heavy loss; our casualties were unusually light. The behavior of the troops was unsurpassed for steadiness and alacrity i-n every movement, and the original plan of battle, with but few alterations, strictly adhered to. The whole command bivouacked in line of battle during the night on the ground occupied at dark, whilst preparations were made to renew the battle at an early hour on the morrow. At 6 a. m. on the 16th Woods corps pressed back the enemys skir- mishers across the Franklin pike to the eastward of it, and then swinging slightly to the right, advanced due south from Nashville, driving the enemy before him until he caine upon his new main line of works, constructed during the njght, on what is called Overtons Hill, about five miles south of the city and east of the Franklin pike. General Steedman moved out from Nashville by the Nolensville pike, and formed his command omi the left of General Wood, effectually securing the latters left flank, and made preparations to co-operate in tIme operations of the day. General A. J. Smiths command moved on the right of the Fourth Corps (Woods), and establishhig connection with General Woods right, completed the new line of battle. General Schofields trool)5 remained in the position taken up by them at dark on the day previous, facing eastward and toward the enemys left flank, the line of the corps running perpendicular to General Smiths troops. General Wilsons cavalry, which had rested for the night at the six- mile post on the Hihlsborough pike, was dismounted and formed on the right of Schofields command, and by noon of the 16th had succeeded in gaining the enemys rear, and stretched across the Granny White pike, one of his two outlets toward Franklin. As soon as the above dispositions were completed, and having visited the different commands, I gave directiomis that the movement agaimist the enemys left flank should be contin tied. Our entire line approached to within 600 yards of the enemys at all points. His center was weak, as compared with either his right, at Overtons lull, or his left, on the hills bordering the Granny White pike; still I had hopes of gaining his rear and cutting off his retreat from Franklin. About 3 p. m. Posts brigade, of Woods corps, supported by Streighits brigade, of the same command, was ordered by Genei~al Wood to assault Overtons Hill. This intention was communicated to General Steedman, who ordere Page 40 40 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. the brigade of colored troops commanded by Colonel Morgan, Four- teenth U. S. Colored Troops, to co-operate in the inovenieiit. The ground on which the two assaulting columns formed being open and exi)osed to the enemys view, he, readily perceiving our intention, drew re-euforcenients from his left and center to the threatened point. This movement of troops on the part of the enemy was communicated along the line from left to right. The assault was made, and received by the enemy with a tremendous fire of grape and canister and musketry; our men moved steadily on- ward up the hill until near the crest, when the restrve of the enemy rose and ponred into the assaulting column a most destructive fire, causing the men first to waver and then to frill back, leaving their (lead and woundedblack and white indiscriminately mingledlying amid the abatis, the gallant Colonel Post among the wounded. General Wood readily reformed his command in the position it had previously ocen- pie(l, preparatory to a renewal of the assault. Imnmediately following the effrwt of the Fourth Corps, Generals Smiths and Schofields commands moved against the enemys works in their respective fronts, carrying all before them, irreparably breaking his line iu ~ dozen places, and capturing all his artillery and thousands of prisoners, aniong the latter four general officers. Our loss was remark- ably-small, scarcely mentionable. All of the enemy that did escape were pursued over the tops of l3rentwood and ilarpeth hills. General Wilsons cavalry, dismounted, attacked the enemy simul- taneously with Schofield and Smith. striking him in reverse, and gain- ing firm possession of the Granmmy White pike, cut off his retreat by that route. Woods and Steedmans troops, hearing the shouts of victory coming from the right, rushed impetuously forward, renewing the assault on Overtons Hill, and although meeting a very heavy fire, the onset was irresistible, artillery and inmmnumerabie prisoners falling into our hands. The enemy, hopelessly brok~n, fled in confusion thrommgh the Breutwood Pass, the Fourth Corps iii a close pursuit, which was continued for several miles, when darkness closed the scene an(l the troops rested from tlmeir labors. As the Fourth Corps pursued the enemy on the Franklin pike, Gen- eral Wilson hastily mounted Knipes amid thatchs divisions of his com- mand, and directed them to pursue along the Granny White pike and endeavor to reach Franklin in advance of the enemy. After proceed- ing about a mile they camne upon the enemys cavalry, under Chalmers, posted across the road amid behind barricades. The position was charged by the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Spalding com- man(ling, amid the enemys hues brokemi, scattering him in all directiomis, and capturimig quite a number of l)risoners, amnoumg theum Brig. Gen. B. W hlu~ker. i)uring tIme two days oi)eratious there were 4,462 prisoners captured, including 287 ofiucers of all grades froni that of major-general, 53 pieces of artillery, and thousands of small-arms. The enemny abandoned on the field all his (lend and wounded. Leaving directions for the collection of the captured property and for the care of the wounded left on the battle-field, the pursuit was comi- tinned at daylight on the 17th. The Fourth Corps pushed on toward Franklin by the direct pike, whilst the cavalry moved by the Granny White pike to its intersection with the Franklin pike, and then took the advance. See a(1(lernla, p. 49 Page 41 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 41 Johnsons division of cavalry was sent by General Wilson direct to ilarpeth River, on the Hulisborough pike, with directions to cross and move rapidly toward Franklin. The main cavalry colnmn, with Knipes division in advance, came np with the enemys rear gnard strongly posted at Hollow Tree Gap, fonr miles north of Franklin; the position was charged in front and in hank simnltaneonsly, arid handsomely car- ried, captnring 413 prisoners and 3 colors. The enemy theii fell back rapidly to Franklin, and endeavored to defend the crossing of Harpeth River at that place; bnt Jobnsons division coming np from below on the sonth side of the stream, forced him to retire from the river-bank, and ot~r cavalry took possession of the town, captnring the enemys hospital, containing over 2,000 wounded, of whom abont 200 were onr own men. The pnrsnit was immediately continned, by Wilson, toward Colnmbia, the enemys rear gnard slowly retiring before him to a distance of abont five miles sonth of Franklin, where the enemy made a stand in some open fields jnst north of West Harpeth River, and seemed to await our coming. Deploying Knipes division as skirmishers, with Hatchs in close support, General Wilson ordered his body guardthe Fourth U. S. Cavalry, Lientenant Hedges commandingto charge the enemy. Forming on the pike in column of fonrs, the gallant little command charged, with sabers drawn, breaking the enemy~s center, whilst Knipes and Hatchs men pressed back the flanks, scattering the whole command and cansing them to abandon their artillery. Darkness coming on dnring the engagement enabled a great many to escape, and put an end to the days operations. The Fourth Corps, nuder General Wood, followed immediately in rear of the cavalry as far as Harpeth River, where it found the bridges destroyed and too much water on the fords for infantry to cross. A trestle bridge was hastily constructed from such materials as lay at hand, but could not be made available before night-fall. General Steed- mans command moved in rear of General Wood, and camped near him on the banks of the Harpeth. Generals Smith and Schofield marched with their corps along the Granny White pike, and camped for the night at the intersection with the Franklin pike. The trains moved with their respective commands, carrying ten days supplies and 100 rounds of ammunition. On the 18th the pursuit of the enemy was continued by General Wil- son, who l)ushed on as far as Rutherfords Creek, three miles from Columbia. Woods corps crossed to the south side of Harpeth River and closed up with the cavalry. The enemy did not offer to make a stand during the day. On arriving at Rutherfords Creek the stream was found to be impassable on account of high water, and running a perfect torrent. A pontoon bridge, hastily constructed at Nashville during the presence of the army at that place, was on its way to the front, but the bad condition of the rqads, together with the incomplete- ness of the train itself, had retarded its arrival. I would here remark that the splendid pontoon train properly belonging to my command, with its trained corps of pontoniers, was absent with General Sher- man. During the 19th several unsuccessful efforts were made by the ad- vanced troops to cross Rutherfords Creek, although General Hatch succeeded in lodging a few skirmishers on the south bank. The heavy rains of the preceding few days had inundated the whole country and rendered the roads almost impassable. 5miths and Schofields com- mands crossed to the south side of Harpeth River, General Smith ad Page 42 42 RY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. LVII. vancing to Spring Hill, whilst General Schofield encamped at Franklin. On the morning of the 20th General Hatch constructed a floating bridge from the debris of the old railroad bridge over Rutherfords Creek, anti crossing his entire division pushed out for Columbia, but found, on reaching Duck River, the enemy had succeeded the night before in get- ting everything across, and had already removed his pontoon bridge; Duck River was very much swollen and impassable without a bridge. During the day General Wood improvised a foot bridge over Ruther- fords Creek, at the old road bridge, and by itight-fall had succeeded in crossing his infantry entire, and one or two of his batteries, and moved forward to Duck River. The pontoon traiii coming up to Rutherfords Creek about noon of the 21st, a bridge was laid during the afternoon and General Smiths troops were enabled to cross. The weather had changed from dismal rain to bitter cold, very materially retarding the work in laying the bridge, as the regiment of colored troops to whom that duty was in- trusted seemed to become unmanned by the cold and totally unequal to the occasion. On the completion of the bridge at Rutherfords Creek sufficient material for a bridge over Duck River was hastily pushed forward to that point, and the bridge constructed in time to enable Wood to cross late in the afternoon of the 22d and get into posi- tion on the Pulaski road, about two miles south of Columbia. Time water in the river fell rapidly during the construction of the bridge, necessitating frequent alterations and camisin much delay. The enemy, in his hasty retreat, had thrown into the stream several fine pieces of artillery, which were rapidly becomimig uncovered, and were subse- quently removed. Notwithstanding the many delays to which the command had been subjected, I determimmed to continue the pursuit of Hoods shattered forces; and for this purpose decided to use General Wilsons cavalry and General Woods corps of infantry, directing the infantry to move on the pike, whilst the cavalry marched on its either flank across time fields; the remainder of the command, Smiths and Schofields corps, to move along more leisurely, and to be used as the occasion demanded. Forrest and his cavalry, amid such other detachuments as had been sent oft from his main army whilst besieging Nashville, had rejoined Hood at Columbia. He had formed a powerful rear gnard, made up of detachments from all his organized force, numbering about 4,000 infan- try, under General Waithall, and all his available cavalry, under For- rest. With the exception of his rear guard, his army had becom~ a disheartened amid disorganized rabble of halfarmA and barefooted men, who sought every opportunity to fall out by the wayside amid desert their cause to put an end to their sufferings. The rear guard, however, was undaunted and firm, and did its work bravely to the last. During the 23d General Wilson was occupied crossing his commamid over Duck River, but took the advance on the 24th, supported by Gen- eral Wood, and came up with the enemy just south of Lynuville, and also at Bufords Station, at both of which places the enemy made a short stand, but was speedily dislodged, with a loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our advance was so rapid as to prevent the destruction of the bridges over Richland Creek. Christmas morning, the 25th, the enenmy, with our cavalry at hia heels, evacuated Pulaski, and was pur- sued toward Lambs Ferry over an almost inipracticable road and through a country devoid of subsistence for man or beast. During the afternoon Harrisons brigade found the enemy strongly intrenched at the head of a heavily wooded and deep ravine, through which ran th Page 43 Ow. Lit.) OAM?MGE 0 NORtH ALA. AND MIBbLE TENS. 4$ road and into which Colonel Harrison drove the enemys skirmishers; he then waited for the remainder of the cavalry to close up before attacking; but before this could be accomplished the enemy, with something of his former boldness, sallied from his breast-works and drove back Harrisons skirmishers capturing and carrying off one gun belonging to Battery I, Fourth U. k Artiflery, whiehwas not recovered us, notwithstanding the ground lost was almost immediately re- by By night-fall the enemy was driven from his position with a about 50 prisoners. The cavalry had moved so rapidjy as to out-distance the trains, andboth men and animals were suffering greatly in consequence, although they continued uncomplainingly to pursue the enemy. General Woods corps kept well closed up on the cavalry, camping on the night of December 25 six miles out from Pulaski, on the Lamb~s Ferry road, and pursuing the same route as the cavalry, reached Lexington, Ala., thirty miles from Pulaski, on the 28th, on which date, h~v1ng deAni~ely ascertained that the enemy had made good his escape across the Tennessee at Bainbridge, I directed farther pursuit to cease. At. Pulaski the enemys hospital, containing about 200 patients, fell into our hands, and four guns were found in Bichiand Creek. About a mile south of the town he destroyed twenty wagons loaded with ammunition, belonging to Cheathams corps, taking the animals belonging to the train to help pull his pontoons. The road from Pulaski to Bainbridge and indeed back to Ilaslivill~ was strewn with abandoned wagons, limbers, small-arms, blankets, & c., showing most conclusively the disorder of the enemys retreat. During the foregoing operations with the advance Smiths and Scho- fields troops were in motion toward the front, General Smiths com- mand reaching Pulaski on the 27th, whilst General Schofield was directed to remain at Columbia for the time being. On our rival at Franklin, on the 18th, I gave directions to General Steedman to move with his command across the country from that point to Murfreesborongh, on the Oha~tanooga railroad, from whence he was to proceed by rail to Decatur, Ala., via Stevenson, being joined sit Ste- venson by Brig. Gen. B. S. Granger and the troops composing the gar- risons of Huntsville, Athens, and Decatur. Taking general direction of the whole force, his instructions were to reoccupy the points in North- ern Alabama evacuated at the period of Hoods advance, then cross the Teunessee with the balance of his force and threaten the enemys rail- road communications west of florence. General Steedman reoccupied Decatur on the 27th2 and proceeded to carry out the second portion of his instructions, finding, how?ver, that the enemy had already made good his escape to the south side of the Tennessee, and any movement on his railroad would be useless. On announcing the result of the battles to Bear-Adndral S. P. Lee, commanding Mississippi Squadron, I requested him to send as much of his force as he could spare around to florence, on the Tennessee River, and endeavor to prevent Hoods army from crossing at that point; which request was most cordially and promptly comjdied with. He ar- rived at Ohickasaw, Miss., on the 24th, destroyed there a rebel battery, and captured two quits with caissons at florence Landing. He also announced the arrival at the latter place of several transports with provisions. Immediately upon learning of the presence at (Jhtckasaw, Miss., of the gun-boats and transports with provisions, I directed General Smith to march overland from Pulaski to Clifton, via Lawrenceburg and Waynesborough, and take post at Eastport, Miss. General Smith started for his destination on December 29 Page 44 44 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. tvir. On the 30th of I)ecember I announced to the army the succesful coin- pletion of the campaign, and gave directions for the disposition of the command, as follows: Smiths corps to take post at Eastport, Miss.; Woods corps to be concentrated at huntsville and Athens, Ala.; Schofields corps to proceed to IThiton, Ga.; and Wilsons cavalry, after sending one division to Eastport, Miss., to concentrate balance at or near Huntsville. On reaching the several positions assigned to them the different commands were to go into winter quarters and recuperate for the spring campaign. The above not meeting the views of the general-in-chief, an dbeing notified by Major-General Halleck, chief of staff U. S. Army, that it was not intended for the army iii Tennessee to go into winter quarters, orders were issued on the 31st of I3ecember for Generals Schofield, Smith, and Wilson to concentrate their commands at Eastport, Miss., and that of General Wood at Huntsville, Ala., preparatory to a re- newal of the campaign against the enemy in Mississippi and Alabama. l)uring the active operations of the main army in Middle Tennessee General Stonemans forces in the northeastern portion of the State were also very actively engaged in operating against Breckinridge, Duke, and Vaughn. Having quietly concentrated the commands of Generals Burbridge and Gillein at Beans Station, on the 12th of IDecem- ber General Stoneman started for Bristol, his advance under General Gillemn striking the enemy, under Puke, at Kingsport, on the North Fork of the Holston River, killing, capturing, or dispersing the whole command. General Stoneman then sent General Burbridge to Bristol, where he came upon the enemy, under Vaughn, and skirmished with him until the remainder of the troopsGillems columncame up, when Burbridge was pushed on to Abingdon, with instructions to send a force to cut the railroad at some point between Saltville and Wythe- ville, in order to prevent re-enforcements coming from Lynchburg to the salt-works. Gillein also reached Abingdon on the 15th, the enemy under Vaughn following on a road running parallel to the one used by onr fortes. Having decided merely to make a demonstration against the salt-works and to push on with the main force after Vaughn, Gen- eral Gillein struck the enemy at Marion early on the 16th, and after completely routing him, pursued him to Wytheville, Va., capturing all his artillery and trains and 198 prisoners. Wytheville, with its stores and supplies, was destroyed, as also the extensive lead-works near the town and the railroad bridges over Reedy Creek. General Stoneman then turned his attention toward Saltville, with its important salt- works. The garrison of that place, re-enforced by Giltuers, C osbys, and Witchers commands and the remnant of I)ukes, all under the coin- mand of Breckinridge in person, followed our troops as they moved on Wytheville, and on returning General Stoneman met them at Marion, where he made preparations to give Breckinridge battle, and disposed his command so as to effectually assault the enemy in the morning, but Breckinridge retreated during the night, amid was pursued a short dis- tance into North Carolina our and caissons. troops capturing some of his wagons General Stoneman then moved on Saltville with his entire command, capturing at that place 8 pieces of artillery and a large amount of am- mumiition of all kinds, 2 locomotives, and quite a number of horses and mnles. The extensive salt-works were destroyed by breaking the ket- tles, filling the wells with rubbish, and burning the buildings. His work accomplished, General Stoncinan returned to Knoxville, accom- panied by General Gillems command, General Burbridges proceedin Page 45 CRAm Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 45 to Kentucky by way of Cumberland Gap. The country marched over was laid waste to prevent its being used again by the enemyall mills, factories, bridges, & c., being destroyed. The command had everything to contend with as far as the weather and roads were concerned, yet the troops bore up cheerfully throughout, and made each twenty-four hours an average march of forty-two miles and a half. The pursuit of Hoods retreating army was discontinued by my main forces on the 29th of December, on reaching the Tennessee River; how- ever, a force of cavalry, numbering 600 men, made up from detachments of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, Second Michigan, Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Indiana Regiments, under command of Col. William J. Pal- iner, Fifteenth Pennsylvania, operating with Steedinans column, started from Decatur ,Ala., in the direction of floods line of retreat in Mis- sissippi. The enemys cavalry, under Roddey, was met at Leighton, with whom Colonel Palmer skirmished and pressed back in small squads toward the mountains. Here it was ascertained that Hoods trains passed through Leighton on the 28th of December and moved off toward Columbus, Miss. Avoiding the enemys cavalry, Colonel Palmer left Leighton on the 31st of December, moved rapidly via La Grange and Russellville and by the Cotton-gin road, and overtook the enemys pontoon train, consisting of 200 wagons and 78 pontoon-boats, when ten miles out from Russellville. This-he destroyed. Having learned of a large supply train on its way to Tuscaloosa, Colonel Palmer started on the 1st of January toward Aberdeen, Miss., with a view of cutting it off, and succeeded in surprising it about 10 p. m. on the same evening, just over the line in Mississippi. The train consisted of 110 wagons and 500 mules, the former of which were burned, and the latter sabered or shot. Returning via Toll-gate, Ala., and on the old military and Hacksburg roads, the enemy, under Roddey, Biftie, and Russell, was met near Rnssellville and along Bear Creek, whilst another force, under Armstrong, was reportec~ to be in pursuit of our forces. Evad- ing the force in his front, by moving oft to the right nuder cover of the darkness, Colonel Palmer pushed for Moulton, coming upon Russell when within twelve miles of Moulton, and near Thorn Hill attacked him unexpectedly, utterly routing him, and capturing some prisoners, besides burning five wagons. The command then proceeded to Decatur without molestation, and reached that place on the 6th of January, after a march of over 250 miles. One hundred and fifty prisoners were captured and nearly 1,000 stand of arms destroyed. Colonel Palmers loss was 1 killed and 2 wounded. General Hood, while in vesting Nashville, had sent into Kentucky a force of cavalry numbering about 800 men and two guns, nuder the command of Brigadier-General Lyon, with instructions to operate against our railroad communications with Louisville. McCooks divis- ion of cavalry was detached on the 14th of December and sent to Bowl- ing Green and Franklin to protect the road. After capturing Hopkins- ville, Lyon was met by La Granges brigade near Greensburg, and after a sharp fight was thrown into coiifusion, losing one gun, some prison- ers, and wagons; the cueiny succeeded, however, by making a wide de- tour via Elizabethtown and Glasgow, in reaching the Cumberlaud River and crossing at Burkesville, front whence General Lyon proceeded, via MeMiunville and Winchester, Teun., to Larkinsville, Ala., on the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad, and attacked the little garrison at Scotts- borough on the 10th of January. Lyon was here again repulsed and his command scattered, our troops pursuing him toward the Tennessee River, which, however, he, with about 200 Qf his men and his remainin Page 46 46 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. piece of artillery, succeeded in crossing; the rest of his command scattered in squads among the mountains. Col. W. J. Palmer, com- manding Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, with 150 men, crossed the river at Paint Rock and pursued Lyon to near Red Hill, on the road from Warrenton to Tuscaloosa, at which place he surprised his camp during the night of the 14th of January, capturing Lyon himself his one piece of artillery, and about 100 of his men, with their horses. Lyon being in bed at the time of his captnre, asked his guard to permit him to dress himself which was acceded to, when, watching his opp~rtu- nity, he seized a pistol, shot the sentinel dead upon the spot, and escaped in the darkness. This was the only casualty during the expe- dition. To Colonel Palmer and his command is accorded the credit of giving Hoods army the last blow of the campaign, at a distance of over 200 miles from where we first struck the enemy on the 15th of 13e.cember, near Nashville. To all of my sub.commandersMajor-Generals Schofield, Stanley, Rousseau, Steedman, Smith, ai~d Wilsoim, and Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood their officers aimd men, I give expression of my thanks and gratitude for their gemmerous self-sacrifice and manly endurance under the most trying circumstances and in all instances. Too mnch praise cannot be accorded to an army ~yhich, hastily made up from the fragments of three separate commands, can successfully contend against a force numerically greater than itself and of more thoroughly solid organiza- tion, inflicting on it a most crushing defeatalumost an annihilation. Receiving instructions unexpectedly from General Sherman, in Sep- teinber, to repair to Tennessee and assume general control of the defenses of our line of communication in the rear of time Army of the Missis- sippi, and not anticipating a separation from my immediate commnand, the greater number of my staff officers were left behind at Atlanta and did not have an opportunity to join me after General Sherman determined on making hismarch through Georgia, before the cominuni cations were cut. I had with me Brig. Gen. W. D. Whipple, my chief of staff; Surgeon G. E. Cooper, medical director; C apts. Henry Stone, Henry M. Cist, and Robert H. Ramsey, assistant adjutants-general; Capt. E. C. Beman, acting chief commissary; Capts. Jolni P. Willard and S. C. Kellogg, aides-de-camp; and Lient. M. J. Kelly, chief of couriers; all of whom rendered important services (luring the battles of the 15th and 16th, and during the pursuit. I cordially commend their services to favorable consideration. There were captured from the enemy during the various actions of which the foregoing report treats, 13,189 prisoners of war, including 7 general officers and nearly 1,000 other officers of all grades, 72 l)ieces of serviceable artillery, and battle-flags. During the same period over 2,000 deserters from the enemy were received, to whom the oath was administered. Our own loss will not exceed 10,000 in killed, wounded, and missing. I have the honor to transmit herewith a consolidated return of cas- ualties, the report of Col. J. G. Parkhurst, provost-marshal-general, and that of Capt. A. Mordecai, chief of ordnance. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, 111 ajor- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. R. M. SAWYER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of the Mississ~ppi Page 47 Cu~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. [Inclosure No. 1.1 Report of casualties of the Army of the Cumberland. Command. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Aggregate. Twenty-third Army Corps: Battle of Franklin 189 1, 031 1, 104 2, 326 Battle of Nashville 9 154 163 Fourth Army Corps: a Detachment Army of the Tennessee (Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith commanding) Battle of Nashville 77 665 2 744 Cavalry Corps (Byt. Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson command- ing): Battles of Franklin and Nashville 88 417 91 616 Total 163 2,289 1,197 3,849 a No report received. SOUTHAT~D HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] OFFICE PROY. MAR. GEN., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, Tenn., February 4, 18G5. Report of prisoners of war captured from September 7, 1864, to January 20, 1865. a a a 4 a 6 a - ~ a .6 a - a a 0 a ~, a ~ - a nj +~ ,-.-~ Captured. a , - a . na a6 a a ~ ~ a ,~ a a a.-, a ~ a -~ ~ a a .,.~ - a a - a ~ a -~ a 2 Q ~ Z ~ September 730 2 4 17 145 5 October 1 12 40 151 1, 135 November 2 3 1 7 25 87 550 3 December 1 7 14 10 18 173 487 1,512 6,336 77 January 120 1 2 18 45 120 842 3 Total 1 7 16 14 22 212 601 1,887 9,008 89 Grand total, 11, 857. Report of rebel deserters received at Nashville, Tenn., from September 7, 1864, up to January 20, 1865. a a a a :12 Ileceived. . -~ a ~ ,~ S a a - a aa a a a a a I ~, ~ ~ .~5 ~ a a -- a a Q ~ z ~ ~ September 730 1 6 70 October 8 96 November 1 3 68 December 2 6 28 281 2 1 January 120 s 15 61 660 Total 7 21 1061,1752 1 Grand total, 1,314. 4 Page 48 48 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. Prisoners of war exchanged during the month of September, 1864. Commissioned officers 128 Non-commissioned officers 225 Privates 979 Total 1, 332 (Equivalent to 2,045 privates.) Aggregate of prisoners of war captured from September 7, 1864, to January 20, 1865 (inclusive), 13,189. Report of rebel deserters receiced outside of Nashville office from September 7, 1864, to January 20, 1865. Date of reception. Officers. Men. September 730 75 October 131 2 146 November 130 50 December 131 ..-j --. 14 January 131 15 558 Total 20 873 Grand total, 893. Aggregate of rebel deserters to whom the oath has been administered from Sep. tember 7, 1864, to January 20, 1865, 2,207. Respectfully submitted. J. G. PARKIIURST, Colonel and Provost-Marshal- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] OFFICE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, DEPT. OF THE CUMBEHLAND, - lWitshville, Tenn., February 5, 18G5. Maj. (len. G. II. THOMAS, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the Cumberland, Eastport, Miss.: GENEHAL: In compliance with your instructions of the 20th nltirno, I have the honor to submit the following report of ordnance material cap- tured from the enemy by the army under your command, between the 1st of October, 1864, and the 20th of January, 1865, all of which ma- terial has been received by the ordnance department: Light 12-pounder guns, rebelmodel Light 12-pounder guns, U. S. model Light 12-pounder howitzers, U. S. model - 3-inch rifles, rebel model - 10-pounder Parrotts, caliber 2.9 inch, U. S. model - 3-inch wrought-iron rifle, U. S. model - 6-pounder smooth-bore gnus, U. S. model - Field carriages and limbers com- plete Field carriages and limbers with- out wheels 42 7 7 3 2 1 2 59 2 Field carriages, no limbers Field caissons and limbers Field caissons, no limbers Infantry small-arms of different models, no bayonets Bayonets of different models Cartrid~e-boxes, infantry Cartridge-box plates Cartridge-box belts Cartridge-box belt-plates Waist l)elts Waist-belt plates Bayonet scabbards Cap pouches Gun slings 2 16 4 3, 079 262 1, 208 238 234 141 178 181 166 364 231 Of the above, two 12-pounder guns, carriages, and limbers were cap- tured by Major-General Milroy, at Mnrfreesborough, Tenn., December, 1864; one 12-pounder howitzer, carriage, and limber was captured by Colonel Palmer from the command of the rebel General Lyon, nea Page 49 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 49 Huntsville, Ala.; two 6-pounder smooth-bore guns, carriages, and lim- bers were captured by Major-General Steedman, near Decatur, Ala.; three 12-pounder gnus, carriages, and limbers; one 10-p6ander Parrott rifle and carriage; one 3-inch wronght-iron rifle and carriage, U. S., were captured at Columbia, Tenn. All the remaining artillery and carriages, and all the small-arms and accouterments, were captured before Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864. The larger number of ammunition-chests captured were filled with ammunition in good condition, and six wagons, loaded with similar ammunition, were captured before this place. I am informed that there are, in addition to what are reported above, 4 guns and carriages now at Pulaski, Tenn., and 3 or 4 guns in the Duck River at Columbia, Tenn., all captured from the enemy or abandoned by him in his retreat to the Tennessee River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. MOIRDECAT, Captain Ordnance, Chi~f of Ordnance, Dept. of the Cumberland. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, Tenn., April 14, 1865. Lient. Col. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Military Division of the Mississippi: COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following supplementary report to my report of the operations of the troops under my command from September 7 to December 31, 1864, as an act of justice to Lient. Col. William G. Le Due, chief quartermaster Twentieth Army Corps, whose name was inadvertently omitted in that report. Colonel Le Due reaching Nashville from leave of absence too late to join his proper command, which had then left Atlanta, Ga., was as- signed by me to duty temporarily as acting chief quartermaster of the troops then concentrating about Nashville. He immediately entered upon those duties with his characteristic energy and zeal, rendered important service in his department for the troops in front of Nashville under MajorGeneral Schofield, when the army was concentrated at Nashville, and during the pursuit of the enemy. I cheerfully and cor- dially commend him for efficiency, intelligence, and zeal in the discharge of his duties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. NASHVILLE, TENN., April 14, 1865. Brig. Gem L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army, Washington: An error was made in my report of the battle of Breutwood Hills, near Nashville, December 16, which I desire to correct. In the assault on Overtons Hill, at 3p. in., Col. C. R. ThonYpson, Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, led the colored brigade, and not Colonel Morgan, as reported. Please alter it on your records. GEG. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Army. (Copy to Lient. Col. R. M. Sawyer, New Berne, N. C.) 4 R RYOL XLY, PT Page 50 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. 50 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE (YUMBERLAND, No. 167. ~ Near Na8hviUe, Tenn., December 16, 1864. The major-general commanding, with pride arid pleasure, publishes the following dispatches to the army, arid adds thereto his own thauks to the troops for the nusurpassed gallantry and good conduct displayed by them in the battles of yesterday and to-day. A few more examples of devotion and courage like these, and the rebel army of the West, which you have been fighting for three years, will be no more, and you may reasonably expect an early and honor- able peace: WASHINGTON, D. C., December 16, 186411.30 a. m. Major-General THOMAS: Please accept for yourself, officers, and men the Nations thanks for your good work of yesterday. You made a niagnificent beginnin,. A grand consummation is within your easy reach; do not let it slip. A. LINCOLN. WASuINGTON, D. C., December 15, 1864midnight. Major-General THOMAS: I rejoice in tendering to you and the gallant officers and soldiers of your command the thanks of this l)epartment for the brilliant achievements of this day, and hope that it is the harbinger of a decisive victory, and will crown you and your army with honor and do much toward closing the war. We shall give you an hundred guns in the morning. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15, 186411.45 p. m. Major-General THOMAS: Your dispatch of this evening j mist received. I congratulate you and the army under your command for to-days operations, and feel a conviction that to-morrow will add more fruits to your victory. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMI3ERLAND, No. 169. 5 Pulaski, Teun., December 29, 1864. SOLDIERS: The major-general commanding announces to you that the rear guard of the flying and dispirited enemy was driven across the Tennessee River on the night of the 27th instant. The impassable state of the roads and consequent impossibility to supply the army compels a closing of the campaign for the present. Although short, it has been brilliant in its achievements and unsur- passed in its results by any other of this war, arid is one of which all who participated therein may be justly proud. That veteran rebel army which, thongh driven from position to position, opposed a stub- born resistance to much superior numbers during the whole of the At- lanta campaign, taking advantage of the absence of the largest portion of the army which had been opposed to it in Georgia, invaded Tennes- see, buoyant with hope, expecting Nashville, Murfreesborough, and th Page 51 CEAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 51 whole of Tennessee and Kentucky to fall into its power an easy prey, and scarcely fixing a limit to its conquests, after having received the most terrible check at Franklin, on the 30th of November, that any army has received dnring this war, and later met with a signal repulse from the brave garrison of Murfreesborough in its attempt to capture that place, was finally attacked at Nashville, and although your forces were inferior to it in numbers,it was hurled back from the coveted prize upon which it had only been permitted to look from a distance, and finally sent flying, dismayed and disordered, whence it came, impelled by the instinct of self-preservation, and thinking only how it could relieve itself for short intervals from your persistent and harrassing pursuit, by burning the bridges over the swollen streams as it passed them, until fin ally it had placed the broad waters of the Tennessee River between you and its shattered, diminished, and discomfited col- umns, leaving its artillery and battle-flags in your victorious hands, lasting trophies of your noble daring and lasting mementoes of the enemys disgrace and defeat. You have diminished the forces of the rebel army, since it crossed the Tennessee River to inva(le the State, at the least estimate, 15,000 ~nen, among whom were killed, wounded, or captured 18 general officers. Your captures from the enemy, as far as reported, amouiit to 68 pieces of artillery, 10,000 prisoners, as many stand of small-arms, several thousandof which have been gathered in, and the remainder strew the route of the enemys retreat, and between 30 and 40 flags, besides com- pelling him to destroy much ammunition an(l abandon many wagons, and, unless he is mad, he must forever relinquish all hope of bringing Tennessee again within the lines of the accursed rebellion. A short time will now be given you to prepare to continue the work so nobly begun. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant.General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERALS OFFICE, No. 33. Washington, March 11, 1865. The following resolution is published for the information of all con~ cerned: [PUBLIC RESOLUTIONNO. 24.1 JOINT RESOLUTION of thanks to Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas and the army under his command. Be it resolved by the Senate and floase of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas and the officers and solJiers under his collmand for their skill and dauntless courage, by which the rebel army under General Hood was signally defeated and driven from the State of Tennessee. Approved March 3, 1865. * * * * * * * By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- (lencral Page 52 52 KY., SW. VA., TFNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYtL No. 2. Abstract from returns of the U. & Forces under command of ]Iiliaj. Gen. George H. Thomas, for November 20, November 30, and December 10, 18G4. NOVEMBER 20. Present for duty. o a o command. General headquarters * Fourth Army Corps I -. .. -. Twenty-thir4 Army Corps + Districtof Tennessee District of the Etowahil Reserve Brigade * Unassigned infantry Unassigned artillery ** Signal Corps Veteran Reserve Corps * Total Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters * First Division (iMicCook) If Seco~id Division (Long) 4t. Fifth Division (Hatch) Sixth Division (Johnson) fill Seventh Division (Knipe) Unattached f Total Grand total . 3, 065 39 775 455 792 193 29 28 7 11 3 13,940 9, 903 19, 141 6, 228 891 1, 047 268 63 327 a 54 a 39 17, 116 12, 103 24, 739 7,902 1, 198 1,436 276 74 732 a H 53 29, 012 21, 991 30, 061 11,084 1 840 1,744 320 108 1. 096 a Fl Fl a 0 ~.0 a Fl a .0 ,~ a o a a a Fl a 54 774 81 110 30 162 123 9 2, 332 51, 808 65, 615 97, 309 11 365 447 693 171 3,206 4,241 7.389 1,597 4 162 4, 258 5, 074 8 558 690 311 2,786 4,035 5,934 43 885 1,110 1962 932 112 2,352 2966 4,366 123 2, 738 4, 274 5. 552 733 16, 590 22, 147 34, 454 68,398 87, 762 131, 763 Present for dutyequipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. Command. a a a Fl Fl Fl a a a a a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 General headquarters * Fourth Army Corps I Twenty-third Army Corps District of Tennessee District of the Etowah I) Reserve Brigade * Unassigned infantry Unassi ned artillery . Signal Z~orps Veteran Reserve Corps 714 443 716 163 29 28 Total 2, 093 5At Nashville, Tenn. tAt Pulaski, Tenn. 4 Second and Third Divisions at Pu- laski, Tenn. ~ See abstract in detail, p. 56. I At. Chattanooga, Tenn., aud Bridge- port, Ala. At Chattanooga, Tenn. On steamer Stone River and at Chat- tanooga, Tenn. 12, 405 9. 380 17. 018 5,332 891 1,047 23 12 56 47 7 765 523 2, 266 1, 494 737 455 772 210 29 28 13, 170 9. 903 19, 284 6,826 891 1. 047 228 46,073 145 3,276 2,238 1 51,349 II Second and Third Brigades at Louis- ville, Ky., dismounted, and the First Bri- gade (Croxtons) at Taylors Springs, Ala, 44 At Louisville, Ky., dismounted. ~ In the field. liii There is no return of the division on file. The figures given are for Caprons brigade only. T Comprising the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th. and 13th Indiana and 15th Pennsylvania Page 53 Ca~p. tVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTil ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Abstract from returns of the U. S. Forces, ~5c.Continued. NOVEMBER 20Continued. Present for dutyequipped. Command. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. ia a a Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters * 9 137 9 137 First Division (MeCookit 89 1, 666 4 80 93 1, 746 Second Division (Long) 47 107 2 101 49 608 Fifth Division (Hatch) 113 2, 749 113 2, 749 Sixth Division (Johnson) II 43 885 43 885 Seventh Division (Knipe) 107 2, 174 5 144 112 2, 318 Unattached 11 119 2, 913 139 2, 913 Total 547 11,031 11 325 558 11,356 Grand total - 2, 093 46, 073 547 11,011 156 5, 601 2, 796 62,705 NOVEMBER 30. Present forduty. -~ n ~ a a ~, a a. a a ~ a~ ~ a ~ 0 a a a.0 ~ a Command. a ~V a a an a a a a a a C a a u ii -- a General headquarters * Fourth Army ~ Twenty-third Army Corps** Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps (f.. - - District of Tennessee f~ District of the Etowah Reserve Brigade Unassigned infantry I) Unassigned artillery ~ Signal Corps Veteran Reserve Corps* Total Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters * First Division (McCook) ~. Second Division (Long) ((I Fifth Division (Hatch) ** Sixth Division (Johnson) Seventh Division (Knipe) Total Grand total 41 766 510 486 704 210 25 30 7 11 15 16, 200 10,081 8, 843 16, 911 6, 864 880 1, 122 262 60 493 42 19, 221 12,237 10, 892 21, 316 8,545 1, 195 1,493 269 71 965 51 31,775 21,442 19,493 25, 610 11, 523 1,832 1, 753 319 107 1,128 655 631 686 81 110 34 28 155 133 11 2, 81)5 61, 716 76, 246 115, 033 20 365 456 702 187 4, 002 4, 931 7, 815 4, 116 4 168 5,674 6,611 8,416 616 4 172 4, 449 5,400 8, 103 2, 608 4 119 2, 729 3, 320 5, 110 134 2,910 3,999 5,878 800 20,129 24,717 36,024 3, 605 At Nashville, Tenn. Second and Third Brigades at Louis- ville, Ky., dismounted, and the First Bri- gade (Croxtons) at Taylors Springs, Ala. t Nt Louisville, Ky., dismounted. i1 In the field. I There is no return of the division on file. The figures giveu are for Caprons brigade only. Comprising the 9th, !lOtli, 11th, 12th, and 13th Indiana and 15th Pennsylvania. At Franklin, Tenn. 81, 845 100, 963 151,057 ft At Nashville and en route. ft See abstract in detail, p. 57. ~ At Chattanooga, Tenn. III At Chattanooga and Nashville, Teun. On steamer Stone River and at Chat- tanooga, Teun. First Brigade (Croxtons) at Frank- lin, Teun.; Second Brigade (La Granges) at Louisville, Ky.; Third Brigade (Wat- kins) at Mitchellavilic, Ky. ttt At Louisville. 5 Page 54 54 KY., SW. VA., TENN., ~fISS,, ALA., AND N. GA. [CHIP. LVII. Abstract from returns of the U. S. Forces, 4-cContinued. NOVEMBER 30Continued. Present for dutyequipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. Command. _____________________________________________ a ,,i a a . . a . a ~ 0 a a a ~ a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 General headquarters~ Fourth Army Cores I 696 14, 511 28 876 724 15, 187 Twenty-third Army Corps I 494 10, 011 494 10, 013 Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps 467 7, 942 16 142 481 8, 284 District of Tennessee 615 14, 784 51 2, 151 688 16. 935 District of the Etowah 152 5, 261 47 1, 494 199 6, 757 Reserve Brigade) 25 880 25 880 Unassigned infantrylT 10 1, 122 30 1,122 Unassigned artillery ** 222 7 222 Signal Corpsll Veteran Reserve Corps * Total Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters * Ffrst Division (McCook) II Second Division (Long) ~ Fifth Division (Hatch) I Sixth Division (Johnson) Seventh Division (Knipe) Total Command. 2,499 54,515 151 5,085 2,650 59,620 16 117 16 117 180 3,648 4 120 184 3,768 11 474 3 120 14 594 169 2,162 2 105 171 2,467 127 2,159 127 2,159 149 1,138 149 1,118 652 11,918 9 345 661 12,261 Grand total 2, 499 54, 535 652 11, 918 160 5,430 3, 311 71,883 DECEMBER 10. Present for duty. a a a a.~ C a t5 at~ u a aS u a., a F-a a 0 at at at ~ .5 0 w General headquarters * 41 41 50 Fourth Army Corps (Wood)* 686 14, 415 17, 639 29, 792 30 Twenty-third Army Corps (Schotield)*... 510 9,894 11,721 19, 725 Detachment Army of the Tennessee 581 11, 145 14, 125 22, 423 48 (Smith) * District of Tennessee (Rousseau) 651 15, 850 20, 424 25, 172 155 District of the Etowah (Steedman) 211 7, 612 9, 409 11, 026 143 Reserve Brigade (Le Favour) Ii 25 753 1, 124 1, 828 a At Nashville, Tenn. ~At Franklin, Tenn. tAt Nashville an4 en route. See abstract in detail, pp. 57, 58. Ii At Chattanooga, Teun. At Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn. On steamer Stone River and at Chattanooga, Tenn. It First Brigade (Cro~tons) at Franklin, Teun.; Second Brigade (La Granges) at Louisville, Ky.; Third Brigade (Watkins) at Mitchellsville, Ky. P At Louisville Page 55 c~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Abstract froac returns of the U. S. Forces, 5-c.-Continued. 1)ECEIV[BER 10Continued. Present for a duty. a, Q,~ ,~ a Command. -~ ~ a a be 8 a be bL 0 -~ Reserve Artillery (Bainbridge) 8 463 489 819 22 Unassigned infantry I 30 1, 060 1, 476 1, 751 Unassigned artillery (Naylor) + 3 115 118 143 5 Signal Corps (Hollopeter)* 12 57 69 106 Veteran Reserve Corps (Cahill) 15 522 976 1, 139 Total 2,795 62,086 77,611 115,974 Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters --- - 23 365 459 705 iFirst Division (MeCook)] - 178 4,043 5,153 7,907 4,280 4 Second Division (Long) fl - - 172 5, 526 6, 582 8, 605 2, 439 4 Fifth Division (Hatch) - - 172 4, 449 5,400 8,103 2, 608 4 Sixth Division (Johnson)~ 153 3. 881 4. 702 7, 111 4 Seventh Division (Knipe) (1 159 3, 708 4,910 6, 735 Total 857 21, 972 27, 206 39, 166 Grand total 3, 652 84, 058 104, 817 155, 140 Present for (lntyeqnipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. Command. +3 s~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ General headquarters] Fourth Army Corps (Wood)] 620 12, 808 26 718 646 13, 526 Twenty-third Army Corps (Schofield) - - 472 9, 077 16 642 488 9,719 Detachment Army of the Tennessee 534 9, 241 27 749 561 9, 990 (Smith) . District of Tennessee (Ronsseau)4 585 13, 797 52 2,087 637 15, 884 District of th~m Etowah (Steedruan) 160 6, 067 49 1, 474 209 7, 541 Reserve Brigade (Le Favour) 19 590 I 19 590 Reserve Artillery (Balubridge) * 8 401 8 401 IJnassigned infantry) 30 1, 060 30 1, 060 Unassigned artillery (Naylor)] 3 115 3 115 Signal Corps (Hollopetery Veteran Reserve Corps (Cahill)] Total 2, 420 52, 640 181 6,186 2, 601 58, 826 Cavalry Corps (Wilson): General headquarters] - - - 38 137 18 137 First Division (McCook) 169 3, 036 3 180 172 3, 216 Second Division (Lon~)f I 74 1,549 3 118 77 1,667 Fifth Division (Hatch) 169 2, 362 2 105 171 2,467 Sixth Division (Johnson) 108 2, 079 1 100 109 2, 179 Seventh Division (Knipe) I) 163 3, 350 163 3, 350 Total 701 12,513 9 503 710 13,016 Grand total 2, 420 32, 640 701 12, 513 190 6, 689 3, 311 71, 842 At Cbattanooga, Tenn. At Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn. 4 On steamer Stone River. ~ At Nashville, Tenn. tAt Lonisyille, Ky. At Edgefield, Tenri. At Edgefield ami Chattanooga, Tenn. flAt Nashville and Edgefield, Tenn. 44 See abstract in detail, P. 58. 5 Page 56 56 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CliAP. LVII. No. 3. Abstract from returns of the District of Tennessee, commanded by ]Ifaj. Gen. Lovell lii. Rousseau, U. S. Army, for November 20, November 30, and December 10, 1864. NOVEMBER 20. Present for duty. a a a ~ a a ~, c~ a ~ Command. Ci a a~ ~ C) . ~C a a ~ a ii afj ~ cc P~ Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps 172 3, 916 5, 925 7, 536 36 6 (Rousseau) Post of Nashville, Tenn. (Miller) 178 4, 698 5, 502 6, 217 298 37 Post of Springfield, Tenn. (Downey) 6 180 477 987 Post of Fort Donelson, Tena. (Brott) 2 108 121 149 60 6 Post of Clarksville, Teun. (Smith) 3 60 I 144 161 98 6 Post of Gallatin, Tena. (Gilfillan) 39 907 1, 081 1, 155 3 6 Troops on Nashville and Northwestern 96 2, 617 3, 379 3, 654 194 12 Railroad (Thompson) .t District of Northern Alabama (Granger)~ 3 3 Post of Decatur, Ala. (Given) 106 2, 285 3, 041 3, 906 60 6 Post of- Larkinaville, Ala. (Hall) 24 493 630 839 Troops on Tennessee and Alabama Rail- 1 1 1 road (Johnson). Post of Columbia, Teun. (McCoy) 35 810 923 1, 123 3 12 Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga 52 1, 028 1, 320 1, 902 2 8 Railroad (Milroy) 4) Post of Stevenson, Ala 3 128 133 147 6 Post of Decherd, Tenn. (Warner) 32 701 833 884 Post of Murfreesborough, Teun. (Van 40 1, 008 1, 224 1, 395 20 57 Cleve). Total 792 19, 141 24, 739 30, 061 774 162 Present for dutyequipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. Command. ~ C2 CC C) C) C) C) a . a . a . a C) ~ C) ~ C) c -~ a S a 5 a 5 a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~si Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps 163 3, 739 4 132 167 3, 891 (Rousseau) Post of Nashville, Teun. (Miller) 158 3, 988 16 753 174 4, 741 Post of Springfield, Teun. (Downey) 8 369 8 369 Post of Fort Donelson, Teun. (Ilrott) 2 108 2 108 Post of Clarkaville, Tena. (Smith) 3 60 3 60 Post of Gallatin, Teun. (Gilfillan) 35 790 4 139 39 929 Troops on Nashville and Northwestern 84 2, 360 5 226 89 2, 586 Railroad (Thompson) .8 District of Northern Alabama (Granger)4 Post of Decatur, Ala. (Given) 102 2, 165 4 124 106 2, 289 Post of Larkinsville, Ala. (Hall) 26 525 26 525 Troops oii Tennessee and Alabama Rail- road (Johnson). Post of Columbia, Teun - (McCoy) 32 676 3 134 35 810 Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga 46 945 3 88 49 1, 033 Railroad (Milroy) .1) Post of Stevenson, Ala 3 128 3 128 Post of Decherd, Teun. (Warner) 32 703 32 703 Post of Murfreesborough, Tenn. (Van 30 738 9 374 39 1, 112 Cleve) Total 716 17,018 56 2,266 772 19,284 Nasliville, Tenn. t At Jolinaonville, Tenn. ~ At Decatur, Ala. At Pulaski, Tenn. II At Tullahoma, Tenn Page 57 57 Ca~. INII.) CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Abstract from returns of the District of Pennessee, ~-c.Continued. NOVEMBER 30. Present for duty. -~ ~ u a ~ a W a y-~-~ ., 5,~ 0 ~o fi a Command. a ~e~u ~ a a be ~e a a bb be ~ a 0 a Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps 474 10, 390 13, 560 16, 307 (Rousseau). Post of Nashville, Tenn. (Miller) 60 2, 000 2, 296 2, 556 367 41 Post of Sprin gtield, Tenn. (iDowney) 8 376 456 954 Post of Fort Donelson, Tenn. (Brott) 3 106 122 151 59 6 Post of Clarksville, Tenn. (Smith) 3 109 140 164 98 6 Post of Gallatin, Tenn. (Gilfillan) 4 144 153 157 4 6 Troops on Nashville and Notthwestern 61 1, 964 2, 360 2 649 87 6 Railroad (Thompson). I District of Northern Alabama (Granger) 3 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery F, 4 120 140 151 60 6 (Pease) 4 Troops on Tennessee and Alabama Rail- 1 1 1 road (Johnson). * Indiana Light Artillery, 21st Battery 4 134 142 158 2 9 (Andrew) * Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga 5 83 95 116 S Railroad (Milroy). Yost of Stevenson, Ala. (Krzyzanowski) 2 124 132 148 9 10 Post of Mnrfreeshorough, Tenn. (Van 70 1, 361 1, 716 2, 095 57 Cleve). Total 704 16,911 21,3161 25,610 ~ ___ 155 Present for dutyequipped. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. Command. I. a a a a a - a . a . a a ~ a a ~ a a ~ a ~ a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Fonrtb Division, Twentieth Army Corps 471 10, 410 471 10, 410 (Ronsseau). * Post of Nashville, Tenn. (Miller) 38 1, 179 19 837 57 2, 016 Post of Springfield, Tenn. (Downey) 8 376 8 376 Post of Fort Donelson, Tenn. (Brolt) 3 lot; 3 106 Post of Clarksville, Tenn. (Smith) 3 109 3 109 Post of Gallatin, Tenn. (Gilfihlan) 4 144 4 144 Troops ou Nashville and Northwestern 59 1, 841 3 107 62 1, 948 Railroad (Thompson). I District of Northern Alabama (Granger) 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery F 4 124 4 124 (Pease) 4 Troops on Tennessee and Alabama Rail- road (Johnson).* Indiana Light Artillery, 21st Battery 4 134 4 134 (Andrew) ~* Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga 2 83 2 83 Railroad (Milroy). - Post of Stevenson, Ala. (Krzyzanowski) 2 124 2 124 Post of Murfreeshorough, Tenn. (Van 59 978 9 383 68 1, 361 Cleve). Total 635 14,784 53 2,151 688 16,935 Nashville, Tenn. t At Johusonville, Tenn. ~ At Stevenson, Ala. ~ At Tullahoma, Tenn Page 58 58 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA tOxiP. LVII. Abstract fro returns of the District of Tennessee, 4-cContinued. DECEMBER 10. Present for duty. -~ 0 a ~ a Q a ~ ~ a ~ o.0 0~ Command. ~ ~ ~ a 0 a a~ ~ a 0 S a Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps 424 9, 210 12, 465 15, 956 (Rousseau) * Post of Nashville, Tena. (Miller) 61 1, 969 2, 264 2, 471 278 42 Post of Springfield, Tean. (Downey) 12 539 693 950 Post of Fort Donelson, Tenn. (Brott) ..... 2 109 121 151 59 6 Post of Chrksville, Tena. (Smith) 3 111 139 163 98 6 Post of Gallatin, lean. (Gilfihlan) 4 145 153 157 4 6 Troops on Nashville and Northwestern 63 1, 964 2, 360 2, 649 87 6 Railroad (Thompson). * District of Northern Alabama (Granger)). 3 3 3 Troops on Tennessee and Alahama Rail- 1 1 1 road (Johnson) 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery F 5 117 138 151 30 6 (Pease). Indiana Light Artillery, 21st Battery 4 136 145 157 3 8 (Andrew) * Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga 4 80 92 115 36 8 Railroad (iMIilroy). Post of Stevenson, Ala 2 122 130 147 9 10 Post of Murfreesboron,,,h, Tenn. (Van 65 I 1, 348 1, 720 2, 101 39 57 Cleve). Total 653 15, 850 20, 424 25, 172 643 155 Present for dutyequipped. Command. Infantry. Cavalry. Artillery. Total. a a a a a - a . a . a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 5 a 5 a 5 a 5 a. o~ ~ Q ~ Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps 420 9, 238 420 9, 238 (Rousseau) Post of Nashville, Tean. (Miller) 39 1, 219 19 750 58 1, 969 Post of Spsingfleld, Tenn. (Downey) 12 554 . 12 554 Post of Fort Donelson, Tenn. (Brott) 2 109 2 109 Post of Clarkaville, Tenn. (Smith) 3 111 3 111 Post of Gallatin, Tenn. (Gilfillan) 4 145 4 i 145 Troops on Nashville and Northwestern 59 1. 841 3 107 Railroad (Thoulpson).* 62 1, 948 District of Northern Alabama (Granger)( Troops on Tennessee and Alabama Rail. road (Johnson).* 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery F 5 117 5 117 (Pease). Indiana Light Artillery, 21st Battery 4 136 4 136 (Andrew).* Defenses of Nashville and Chattanooga . 2 88 2 88 Railroad (Milroy). Post of Stevenson, Ala 2 122 2 122 Post of Murfreeshorough, Tean. (Van 55 945 8 403 63 1, 348 Cleve). Total 585 13, 797 52 2, 088 637 15, 885 At Nashville, Tenn. At Stevenson, Ala. 4 At Tullahoma, Tenn Page 59 ChAP. LYfl.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 59 No. 4. Abstract from return of the District of the Etowah, commanded by ]Iliaj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U. S. Army, for December 10, 18G4. Present for duty--equipped. a Present for ~ A duty. ~ ~ Infantry Artillery. Total. Command -~ ~ ~I2 C) . ~ ~ CC C) . C) - C) a a a ~ a a ~ a ~e A ~ a a 0 ~ ~ P~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 First Separate IDivision* - 101 3, 939 4, 040 6, 690 78 4,041 78 4,041 14th U. S. Colored Troopsi 16 594 610 948 16 594 16 594 16th U. S. Colored Troopsb 26 655 681 869 26 665 26 665 18th U. S. Colored Troop~4. 11 353 364 936 11 352 11 352 42d U. S. Colored Troops* 20 399 419 552 15 217 15 217 44th U. S. Colored Troopst. 14 198 212 805 14 198 14 198 Artillery* 49 1, 474 1, 523 2, 226 143 --____ 49 1, 474 49 1, 474 A -~ Total 237 7,612 7,849 13, 026 143 l6fl6O6749 1,474 209 7, 541 No. 5. Itineraries of the U. S. Forces under the command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army. FOURTH ARMY CORPS. First Division. November 1 to 1.En route from Chattanooga to Pulaski, via Athens, Ala., proceeding by rail as far as the latter place. The First Brigade was detailed at Chattanooga to guard corps trains through, and with it arrived at Pulaski on the 12th instant. On arrival at Pulaski the division was thrown into position on a range of hills north of the town. The work of fortifying at once commenced and continued until the 23d. November 23.Orders were received and division proceeded to Lynn- ville, encamping for the night; early next morning broke camp and started for Columbia, arriving there the same evening. November 25.Took position, which, however, was changed at night; i-emained here until the morning of the 27th, when the division was withdrawn to the north side of the river. General Kimball rejoined division and assumed command. November 28.In the forenoon occupied a position on the Franklin pike. November 29.Moved to Spring Hill. November 30.Arrived at Franklin in the morning and went into position, with right of division resting on the Harpeth River; threw up earth-works and prepared to meet the enemy, who attacked at 5.30 p. m. The enemy charged the works twice, but were each time easily repulsed; evacuated works at night; crossed the river and proceeded to Nash- ville. The division lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 60 during the fight. At Chattanooga, Tenn. I At Nashville, Tenn. I At Bridgeport, Ala. ~ From the returns of the comsuands indicated for November and December, 1864, and January, 1865 Page 60 60 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. December 1.Arrived at Nashville and were thrown into temporary position. December 2.The enemy appeared in our front, and the division was placed permanently in a new position, and threw up strong works, where we remained until the morning of the 15th. December 14.Orders were received in the evening to march at 6 a. m. on the 15th to attack the enemy. December 15.Moved out as per order and attacked the enemy with decided success; were heavily engaged during the day until darkness ended the days work. December 1G.The battle was resumed, ending in the complete defeat of the enemy, who retreated to Franklin during the night. December 17.Pushed forward after the fleeing enemy, picking up during the day large numbers of stragglers an(l deserters. Partici- pated in the pursuit of the panic-stricken enemy through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski, to Lexington, Ala., when we received the an- nouncement that the pursuit of the enemy was for the present ended. December 30.Received orders to proceed to Athens, Ala., and started next morning for that place, halting at Elk River, awaiting the completion of the bridge across that stream. Loss of the division during the month [December] was as follows: iKilled, 40; wounded, 191. January 1, 1865.Arrived at Elk River in the afternoon and went into camp to await the building of a bridge across that stream. January 3.Bridge completed;~ division crossed and marched to Athens, Ala., arriving in the evening. January 4.Marched at 7 a. m. for Huntsville, Ala., and en camped four miles southwest of the city. January 5.Arrived at Huntsville, Ala., at 10 a. in., and went into camp about one mile east of the city, where the men have built com- fortable quarters, and where the division has since remained. First Brigade First Division. November ~.Left camp at Shellmound, Ala., with corps wagon train, which we were guarding to Pulaski, Tenn. November 12.Arrived at Pulaski; took position and fortified, re- maining there until the morning of the 23d, when we broke camp, marching toward Columbia. November 24.Arrived at Columbia; took position and remained there until the evening of the 27th, when we crossed Duck River and took up position. Norember 29.Marched in the evening toward Franklin, Teun., via Spring ilill. November 30.Arrived at Franklin at 12 in., where we threw up temporary breast-works and were attacked by the enemy, repulsing them. A portion of the brigade were heavily engaged. Left position at Franklin at midnight for Nashville. December 1.Arrived at Nashville, Teun.; remained in camp there until the morning of the 15th, when we advanced on the enemy and were heavily engaged. December 1G.Were in the reserve of the division until the rout of the enemy, when we marched in pnrsnit via Franklin, Columbia, Pu- laski, Tenn., and Lexington, Ala. January 1, 18G5Br3ke camp and moved to Elk River, remaining there until noon of the 3d, when we crossed the river and marched to Athens, Ala Page 61 S CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 61 Jctnuary 4.Moved from Athens in the [morning], camping on Indian Creek. January 5.Moved to Huntsville, Ala.; went into camp one mile and a half from town, where we are at the present time. Second I3rigade, First Division. November 1.Arrived at Athens, Ala., per cars from Chattanooga, Tenn. November 2.Marched at 6 a. in., and encamped at Elkton. November 3.Reached Pulaski, Tenn., and went into camp; built fortifications and remained nntil the 23d, when the brigade marched toward Columbia and encamped at Lynnville. November 24.Marched to Columbia. November 25.Built a line of works. November 27.On night of this date crossed to north side of Duck River. November 28.Marched to Rutherfords Creek and built bridge across the stream. November 29.Marched to Spring Hill. November 30.Brought np rear guard to Franklin, Tenn.; went into position on the right of the line and erected works; assaulted by the enen4 in force; enemy repulsed; crossed to the north side of ilar- peth River at 12 oclock at night. December 1.Marched from Franklin, Tenn., to Nashville; lay in camp at that place until the 15th instant. December 15 and 16.Engaged in the battle of Nashville. This bri- gade charged the enemys works and captured them, with four guns and 400 prisoners. December 17.Commenced the pursuit of Hoods army, which was continued until the 31st, when it was abandoned at Lexington, Ala. January 1, 1865.Moved into camp npon a ridge near Elk River to await construction of a bridge. January 3.Crossed the river; marched to Athens; camped over night. January 4.Resnmed the march; made twenty miles, and camped five miles from Huntsville. January 5.Reached Huntsville early, and went into quarters one mile east of town. Third Brigade, First Division. November 1.Brigade remained at Athens during the day waiting orders. Orders came at 5 p. in., from Major-General Stanley, to move the command to Pulaski at once, but owing to the non-arrival of Gen- eral Whitaker, commanding division, and the necessity of issuing rations to the men, the brigade did not move nntil daylight the next morning. November 2.Brigade moved at daylight in the advance of the divis- ion; marched to Elk River and forded the same just at sundown, and encamped one mile beyond. November 3.Brigade marched in rear of division to Pulaski. November 4 to 23.Encamped at Pulaski and fortified the position. November 23.Orders were received at 10 a. m. to be ready to move at 12 m. This brigade was detailed asi~ear guard, with orders to march at 3 oclock the next morning. Changed position durinb the afternoo Page 62 62 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. and destroyed a small amount of commissary stores, which we were unable to transport. During the evening orders were received from General Stanley to march at 12 oclock, midnight, after destroying quite an amount of ammunition, provided no train came to transport it to Columbia. The train failing to come, the order was promptly executed, amid the brigade marched at I a. m. the next morning. November 24.The brigade arrived at Columbia at 7 p. m. November 25.Took position, built a line of eartliworks, had slight skirmishing on our picket front, and at 7 p. m. received orders and changed positiomi to the northeastern limits of the city, where we found a partially completed line of works. November 2G.Strengthened our works, and near evening received orders to move at a moments notice, and a bout 9 p. m. the order was countermanded. November 27.Continued to perfect our works received orders and the brigade marched at 8 p. in.; crossed the Duck Iliver, encamping one mile beyond. November 28.Moved at 8 a. in., taking position on the Franklin pike, and erected a line of works. November 29.Moved toward Spring Hill. During our march Col- onel Waters, commanding brigade, was relieved by General Grose. We took position on a range of hills on tIme Franklin pike, and threw up temporary works. At 11 p. in. passed Spring Hill arrivedat Franklin next morning. November 30.Took position on the right of the Centerville pike; threw up a line of earthworks and prepared to meet the enemy, who were advancing upon us in two lines, at 5.30 p. in.; they were quickly repulsed, with slight loss to the brigade. Lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 37. December 1.Arrived at Nashville during the forQnoon, and went into camp. December 2.The enemy made his appearance; we took temporary position; threw up a line of earth-works~ were ordered to a new posi- tion, where we erected strong works. December 3.The enemy advanced upon us with skirmishers; drove in our pickets, who in turn pushed them back, and occupied their for- mer position. December 4 and 5.All quiet along the lines, except the usual picket- firing. December 6.Information was received that General Hood was call- ing for volunteers to assault our works. Increased vigilance was kept up, and dispositions made to meet the attack, but it was not made. December 7.Nothing unusual occnrred. December 8.Enemy drove in our pickets, and occupied their line of works, but by rallying our skirmishers amid charging the enemy we retook and held our rifle-pits. December 9 to 14.Continued strengthening our works. December 14.lleceived orders to march the next morning. December 15.Marched according to orders; engaged the enemy and fought until after dark, capturing muany prisoners. December 16.Again engaged the enemy at different times during the entire day, meeting with still greater success than the day previous. December 17.Pursued the enemy as far as Fraimklin, Tenn. December 18.Again pushed forward at an early hour imi the morning; pursued vigorously all day, but failed to overtake the enemy Page 63 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 63 December 19.Marched at 9 a. in.; reached Rutherfords Creek daring the afternoon, and occupied the remainder of the day constructing a bridge. December 20.Completed the bridge, and moved as far as Duck River. December 22.Lay in camp until this date; crossed the river in the evening, and occupied Columbia, where we encamped for the night. December 23 to 25.Pursued the enemy, passing through and encamp- ing three miles south of Pulaski on the last-named day. December 2G.Lay in camp waiting for rations. December 27.Marched to Sugar Creek. December 28.Reached Lexington, Ala., and remained in camp until the night of the 31st. January 1, 1SGS.Arrived at Elk River during the afternoon; went into camp, and commenced building a bridge. January 2.Continued working on the bridge; also constructed rafts, upon which we succeeded in crossing two regiments. January 3.Crossed another regiment on the raft, by which time the bridge was completed, over which the remainder of the brigade was crossed. We then marched to Athens, where we arrived at sundown, and camped for the night. January 4.Marched at 7 a. m. for Huntsville; went within four miles of the city and went into camp. January 5.Arrived at Huntsville at 10 a. in., and went into camp about one mile east of town, where we built comfortable quarters, where we have since remained. Second Division. November 1.Broke camp at Chattanooga, and division embarked on trains for Athens, Ala., at which place it arrived at daylight of the 2d; disembarked and marched three miles north; encamped on Swan Creek. November 3.Marched to Roaring Spring. November 4.Crossed Elk River and marched, to within four miles of Pulaski. November 5.Entered Pulaski in the morning, and was placed in position in the lines around the town where a strong line of works was constructed. November 27.Evacuated the town of Columbia and crossed Duck River after dark. November 28.Was placed in position on the Franklin pike, fronting the town of Columbia. November 29.Marched to Spring Hill and took up a position to cover the Franklin pike. At 4 p. in. the enemy attacked our lines, and after an hours severe fighting succeeded in driving back the Third Brigade, which was on the right of the line, to the pike, not, however, until the entire wagon train of the corps had passed into the town. November 30.An hour before daylight the division withdrew from the position around Spring Hill; covered the retreat of the army to Franklin, at which place two brigades were placed in position in front of the main line of works~ with the First Brigade in reserve behind the works. About 4 p. in. the enemy attacked the ~wo brigades in front, falling back to the works by order. After engaging the enemy from five to ten minutes at the works the troops were rallied, and, with the. First Brigade, assisted in repulsing the enemy. The division captured 733 prisoners and 12 ba~tle-fiags Page 64 64 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. December 1 to 15.The division remained intrenched before Nash- ville, its right joining the troops commanded by Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith and its left connecting with the Third Division of the Fourth Army Corps. December 15.The division participated in the assault upon the left and center of Hoods army, carrying the rebel works in its front, and capturing flags, prisoners, an(l th~ee pieces of artillery. December 16.In the continuation of the assault the division again carried the opposing intrenchments, with prisoners and colors, bivouack- ing at night near Breutwood Pass, on the Franklin pike. December 17.The division continued in pursuit of the enemy, with the remainder of the Fourth Corps, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski to Lexington, Ala., where it encamped at the close of the month. January 1, 1865.The division marched from Lexington to Mount Rozell, Ala., where it remained in camp until the 3d. January 3.On that day the division crossed Elk River at Buck Isfand; thence it marched, via Athens, to Huntsville, Ala., arriving there on the 5th. The First and Second Brigades encamped west of the town. Huts were constructed, and the troops are comfortably set- tled in winter quarters. The Third Brigade was ordered to Decatur, Ala.,- to re-enforce its garrison, and left Huntsville January ~6J for that point, where it remained, at the close of the month. First Brigade, AS~econd Division. November 1.At 7 a. in. the brigade left Chattanooga by railroad; passed Stevenson at 12 in., Huntsville at 10 p. in., and arrived at Athens before daylight the ncxt morning. November 2 to 6.Marched to Pulaski, Teun.; remained at Pulaski, intreiiching, & c. November 22.Marched twelve miles to Lynuville, Teun. November 24.Marched eighteen miles to Columbia, Teun. November 29.Marched to Spring Hill; eighteen miles. November 30.Marched twelve miles to Franklin; was rear guard for the army; was placed in reserve; when Coxs division broke charged and filled up the gap. Loss, 216 killed, wounded, and missing. Saved the army from destruction. December 1 to 15.The brigade lay behind the defenses of Nashville, Teun., watching the movements of Mr. Hood. December 15 and 16.We co-operated in assaulting the enemys works. December 17 to 28.The brigade was engaged in the pursuit of the fleeing rebel army. We marched through Franklin and Spring Hill on the 18th, through Columbia on the 22d, Pulaski on the 25th, and on the 28th, when the pursuit was abandoned, we were farthest in the advance of the infantrytwo miles below Lexington, Ala., where we remained in bivouac during the remainder of the mouth. January 1 to 5, 1865.The brigade was marching from Elk River to this place. Since that time the entire command has been in winter quarters at this place, & c. Second Brigade, Second Division. November 1.The brigade reached Stevenson, Ala., and moved by railroad to Athens, Ala.; marched thence to Pulaski, Teun., where it remained engaged in fortifying until the 22d, when we marched to Lynuville, and from there to Columbia. The enemy threatening the latter place, our position near the town was fortified Page 65 CHAP. LYlI.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 65 November 27.At night crossed to north side of iDuck River. November 28.Took p~sitiou opposite the town. November 29.Resumed line of march toward Nashville. When nearing Spring Hill the enemys cavalry was discovered approaching the place. We double-quicked into position, and drove them about half a mile, and remained in position around the town. November 30.At 4 a. m. we withdrew to Franklin, and were en- gaged in the bloody battle at that place, in which the hrigade lost over ~ per cent. The same night we withdrew to near Nashville, where the end of the month finds ns. i)eeember 2.The brigade encamped on the right of the iillsborough turnl)ike, about two miles from Nashville. The enemy threatening our position, a line of works was thrown up, behind which we remained until the 15th, when the general assault was made on the enemys lines. The position of this brigade was on the left of the division. December 15.Took part in the storming of the strong redoubts to the left of the llillsborough pike. December 16.Charged a heavy line of works near the Franklin pike, both of which positions were carried, with the capture of a num- ber of guns and prisoners, and without serious loss to ourselves. The brigade has taken part in the pursuit of the enemy from Nashville, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski T where the end of the month finds it. , eun., to Lexington, Ala., Third Division. November 1.Command arrived at Pulaski, Tenn., having marched twenty-five miles that day. The division assisted in fortifying the heights in the vicinity of Pulaski, and remained in camp near that place until 3 p. m. of the 23d, when it marched in the direction of Columbia, Teun., to Lynuville, fourteen miles from Pulaski. November 24.Marched to Columbia; went into position and threw up works. Nocember 28.The division, with the army, evacuated C6lumbia, and went into position on the north bank of Duck River. November 30.At night the division marched through Spring Hill; passed within 500 yards of the camp of the enemy to Franklin. Next night the division covered the retreat of the army from Franklin to Nashville. Deeembe~ 1.The division reached Nashville, took np the position assigned it for the defense of the city, and immediately intrenched; remained in this position, with daily skirmishes with the enemys pick- ets, until the 15th. December 15 and 16.Participated in the battle, carrying three lines of works. Met with one repulse on the 16th b thirty minutes later. ut carried the same line December 17.Was engaged in the pursuit of Hood up to the end of the month. December 31.In Lexington, Ala.; in the evening encamped four miles from Buck Island Ford en route for Huntsville, Ala. January 1, 1865.The command marched to Elk River, near Buck Island, and stopped to bridge that stream, S H HYOT~ XLV~ PT Page 66 66 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS, ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. January 3.The bridge being completed by 12 ni., the command crossed and marched to Athens, Ala., distance eleven miles~ from there marched to Huntsville, Ala. January 5.Arrived and passing through lluiitsville, marched four miles south, where a regular camp was established; remained in camp the remainder of the month. Fir8t Brigade, Third Divi8ion. December 1.Marched from Franklin, Tenn., to Nashville, Tenn., arriving there at 3 p. in., and went into camp; remained in camp until the 15th, during which time threw up a line of works on the hill in front of Mrs. Acklens residence, the pickets skirmishing with those of the enemy during our time in camp. December 15.Was in readiness to move at 6.30 oclock, but did not march until 12 in., when the battle of Nashville, on our part, corn- meiiced. The brigade assisted in carrying the first and second lines of tIme enemys works, an rested in line of battle during the night. December 16.Renewed the battle; the brigade was ordered to sup- port Colonel Posts (Second) brigade in a charge on the enemys works on the Franklin pike. Both brigades were repulsed, with severe loss. From this date until the 28th the brigade was in pursuit of the enemy. December 20.The brigade was detailed to assist in bridging Duck River. December 28.The pursuit was abandoned at Lexington, Ala., where we remained until the morning of the 31st, when we marched t4i Huntsville, Ala. Second Brigade, Third Division. Nocember 1.Arrived at Pulaski, Teun., from Athens, Ala.; in camp at Pulaski until the 22d. November 22.The brigade marched toward Columbia. November 24.Arrived at Columbia; distance thirty-three miles. Threw up woi?ks and remained at Columbia until the night of the 27th, when the brigade crossed Duck River and took position on the north bank. November 29.Made a reconnaissance down the river, and niarched the same night to Spring Hill. Woeember 30.Marched to Franklin, Teun. December 1.Left Franklin, Teun., amid marched to Nashville; entered camp three miles from the city. December 15.Took part in general engagement before Nashville; brigade made two charges and was successful, capturing a number of prisoners. December 16.Brigade in action in charge on Overtons Knob. Col- onel Post was wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Veteran Inflmntry, assumed coinman d. December 17.Marched to Franklin. December 18.Marched to Spring Hill. December 19.Marched to Rutherfords Creek. December 21.Marched to Columbia. December 25.Marched three miles beyond Pulaski~ December 27.Marched ten miles. December 28.Marched to Lexington Page 67 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 437 Artillery Brigade. Artillery Brigade shippe(l at 2 p. in., at Chattanooga, Tenn., by rail- roal, to Athens, Ala. November 3.Arrived at Athens at 2 a. in.; marched Pur miles, and encamped six miles from Elk River. November 4.Marched eighteen miles~ ci of Pulaski, on Pilton Creek. Icaml)e(l three miles south November 5.Marched three mmiiles, and encamped at Pulaski, Temi. November 7.Batteries were assigned their positions in the fortifica- tion around Pulaski. November 23.Marched at 3 p. in. on the Columbia pike; marched fourteeu miles, and encamped at Lynnville. November 24.Marched at 2 a. m. nineteen miles to Columbia~ ar- rived at 1 p. in. Batteries A and 0-, First Ohio Light Artillery, were placed in positions southwest of Columbia, on line of Second Division, Fourth Army Corps; Sixth Ohio Battery and Bridges (Illinois) bat- tery placed in position. south of Columbia, covering Pulaski pike on line of Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. November 25.All the batteries placed in positions at different l)oints on the line. November 26.Sixth Ohio Battery engaged the enemy at different times during the day; no casualties. Batteries were all withdrawn from the line at dark, and encaml)ed some two miles from Columbia, on the Hampshire pike. November 27.All the batteries moved back amid occupied their former positions on the line at daylight. Bridges (Illinois) battery engaged the enemy at different times during the day; no casualties. At dark all weme withdrawn from the line and moved across Duck River at ford on Nashville pike, and encamped two miles from Columbia. November 28.Batteries were placed on the line formed north of Columbia. Noeember 29.Batteries A and 0-, First Ohio Liglmt Artillery; Sixth amid Twentieth Ohio Batteries; M, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and B, Jude- l)elident Pennsylvania Battery, marched at 8 a. nin. twelve miles to Sprung Hill, where Batteries A and 0-, Ohio, and B, Pe mmusylvania, eu- gaged the enemy with Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Casual. ties, 1 man killed and 3 wounded. November 30.Brid battery and First Kentucky Batteryjoimied the brigade at 12.30 a. m. Brigade moved at 2 a. m. on Nashville pike. When some ten miles from Nashville the enemys cavalry made an effort to cut the train, when the Sixth Ohio Battery and one section Twentieth Ohio Battery were thrown imito position and fired a few rounds, driving them back; casualties, none. Brigade reached Franklin at 9 a. umarched nineteen miles. At 3 p. in. all the batteries were l)laced in ])OSitiOn on the line around Franklimi. At 4 p. m. all the batteries were engaged with the enemy and continued to fire until 7 ~ mu., when the brigade withdrew from the line and crossed Harpeth River, and parked sonic two miles from Franklin. Casualtics9 killed; Second Licuteim- ant Burdick, Twentieth Ohio Battery (mortally), Capt. T. S. Thomas- son, First Kentucky Battery (slightly), Licut. C. W. Scovill (slightly), amid 47 enlisted men, wounded. December 1.Artillery Brigade moved at 1 oclock and marched eight ecu miles Page 68 68 KY., SW. VA., ThNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL December 2.Encamped near Nashville at 9 a. in.; moved camp one mile to the Granny White pike at 10 a. in. Battery M, Fourth UI S. Artillery, Battery B, Pennsylvania, and First Kentucky Battery placed in position on front line at 2 p. in. December 3.All the batteries placed on the line this morning; Sixth Ohio Battery and Bridges battery fired considerably during the after- noon at the advancing lines of the enemy. December 4.Batteries A and G, First Ohio, the Sixth Ohio, and Bridges battery en~aged at different times during the day; enemy fires but little with artillery. December 6.Battery G, First Ohio, the Sixth Ohio ,and Bridges battery fired at different times during the day. December 7.But little firing from either side; Battery G, First Ohio, and Bridges battery fired a few rounds. December 8.Enemy drove in our skirmish line, but were soon driven back; Sixth Ohio Battery, Bridges battery, and First Kentucky Bat- tery fired some during the day. December 9.No firing from any of the batteries. December 10.No artillery firing. December 11.No artillery firing. December 12.No alterations in the brigade. December 13.Bridges battery and Battery A, First. Ohio, relieved from duty with the brigade by Battery E, First Michigan, and Twenty- fifth Indiana Battery. INo artillery firing to-day. December 14.Sixth Ohio Battery fired some during the day; orders at 9p~ m. for everything to be ready to move at daylight in the morning. December 15.Battery B, Pennsylvania; moved with First Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with Second Division, I~attery M, Fourth (I. S. Artillery, with the Third Division; was engaged all the afternoon; Battery E, First Michigan, was moved onto the front line in the even- ing and engaged the enemy; Sixth Ohio and Twenty-fifth Indiana were engaged at different times during the day from the works. Casualties, 1 man killed, 1 wounded, of Battery G, First Ohio. All quiet at 7 p. in. December 1G.Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First Division, Sixth Ohio Battery, with the Third Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with the Second Division, engaged all day. The First Kentucky Battery moved on the line at 10 a. in.; engaged until evening. Battery B, Pennsyl- vania, had two pieces disabled by artillery fire; was relieved from the line at 12 in., by Battery M, Fourth United States; was engaged until dark. I)rove the enemy and marched some three miles, and encamped at 10 p. in. on Franklin pike. becember 17.First Kentucky Battery, with First Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with Second Division, Sixth Ohio Battery, with Third Division, and Battery M, Fourth U. S. Artillery, moved at 7 a. in.; the remainder of brigade moved at S a. in.; marched thirteen miles, and encamped at 5 p. in. near Franklin, Tenn. December 18.First Kentucky Battery, with First I)ivision, E, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery with Third Division, moved at 7 a. in.; remainder of the brigade inove(l at 9 a. mu.; marched on Columbia pike nineteen miles, and encamped at 6.30 p. in. December 19.Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First Division, Battery E, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Sixth Ohio, with Third Dmvision, moved at 7 a. in.; rein ainder of brigade moved at 9 a. m. one mile and a halt; and encamped at 12 mu Page 69 Cn~r. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 69 December 20.Battery G, First Ohio, ill position at Rutherfords Creek; no bridges, and water too high to ford. December 21.Pontoons came up at 2 P~ in.; Battery 0-, First Ohio, Battery E, First Michigan, and First Kentucky Battery ordered to cross as soon as the pontoons were laid, to assist in laying a pontoon across Duck River. December 22.Battery G, First Ohio, Battery B, First Michigan, and First Kentucky Battery crossed at 5 a. in., and parked on the north side of Duck River; reniainder of the brigade moved at daylight; crossed Rutherfords Creek; marched four niiles, and encamped with advance batteries near Duck River at 10 a. in.; pontoons finished at 7 p. in., infantry of Fourth Army Corps crossing, the brigade to follow in the rear. i)ecember 23.Brigade commenced crossing at 1.30 a~. in.; crossing very bad. The Sixth Ohio Battery, Battery G, First Ohio, and First Kentucky Battery, and Battery 11, First Michigan, and one piece of Battery B, Pennsylvania, crossed, when the bridge broke; at daylight the cavalry was ordered to cross before the other batteries. The First Kentucky Battery moved with First Division, Battery 0-, First Ohio, with Second Division, Sixth Ohio, with Third Division, moved at 12 m. Battery B, First Michigan, moved, in the rear of the corps, at 5 p. m. Marched three miles, and encamped at 6.30 p. m. First Kentucky Bat- tery fired a few rounds at the enemy~s cavalry. December 24.The corps ordered to move after the cavalry, and move in the same order as yesterday. The remainder of the brigade joined the command at 10 a. in.; moved at 2 p. in.; marched seventeen miles, and encamped at 8 p. m. near Lynuville. December 2J.Sixth Ohio Battery, with Third Division, Battery B, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First l)ivision, moved at 9 a. in.; Sixth Ohio Battery moved on. The brigade halted at Pulaski, and Sixth Ohio Battery, First Ken- tucky Battery, Battery 0-, First Ohio, and Twenty-fifth indiana, fitted up from Battery B, Pennsylvania, Battery M, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and Battery E, First Michigan, with eight horses to each carriage, then moved on some two miles and a half on the Lambs Ferry road, and encamped at 10 p. m. December 26.Battery B, Pennsylvania, Battery M, Fourth U. S. Artillery, and Battery E, First Michigan, remained in camp at Pulaski. December 27.Battery 0-, First Ohio, Sixth Ohio Battery, Twenty- fifth Indiana Battery, and First Kentucky moved with the corps; niarched fifteen iRiles, and eno~mped at Sugar Creek. December 28.Marched eighteen miles, and encalnl)ed at Lexington, Ala. December 31.Marched sixteen miles, and encamped at Sugar Creek, Ala. January 2, 1865.Battery 0-, First Ohio, and Sixth Ohio Battery, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery, and First Kentucky Battery moved with the corps; marched fifteen miles, and encamped at Athens. January 3.Marched eighteen miles, and encamped at Indian Creek. January 4.Marched six miles, and encamped at Huntsville, Ala. January 10.Battery B, Independent Pennsylvania, and Battery lvii Fourth U. S. Artillery, and Battery B, First Michigan, marched from Pulaski, Teun.; marched nineteen miles and encamped at Elk Mount Springs, Tenn. January 11.Marched nineteen miles, and encamped at 4 p. m. January 12.Marched eight miles, and encamped at Huntsville, Ala Page 70 70 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. Saturday, November 5.Started for Johnsonville, Tenn., at 5 p. in.; reached Gillems Station, lifty-one miles, at daybreak of the next day. Sunday, November 6.Left Gjllem~s Station in afternoon and reached Johnsonville about 7 p. in. Monday, November 7.Left Jolinsonville about noon and reached Nashville about 11 p. in. In Nashville until Sunday, 13th November. Sunday. November 13.Left for Pulaski at 10 a. in., reaching it at 9 p. m. Staid in Pulaski until Wednesday, 23d November. Wednesday, November 23.Marched to Lynuville; reached it at 1 p. m. Cox moved on to Pleasant Grove. linger at Columbia with two brigades (Second and Third, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps). Thursday, November 24.Moved at 4 a. m. for Columbia, Cox march- ing at 2.39 a. in. and Stanley about 3.30 a. in.. Cox reaching Mount Pleasant pike, two miles south of Columbia, in time to check Forrests advance. Friday, November 25.The troops having been put in position yes- terday, the enemy commenced feeling our lines, using some artillery and showing considerable infantry. He made no perceptible headway; our casualties light. Trains were mostly crossed at the pontoon close to town and parked. Cox moved First and Second Brigades across at same point on Franklin pike, linger taking his command across to the railroad bridge and intreuching a bridge-head, and Stanley with- drawing two divisions into an interior line erected during the day. These movements commenced at dusk. Saturday, N~rember 2G.Hendersons (Third) brigade, Coxs division, and Woods division, Fourth Army Corps, hold outer lines and skir- mishing. Pontoon moved down near railroad bridge, and trains not already over commence to cross about 5 p. in. Headquarters still in town. Sunday, November 27.Trains finished crossing. Headquarters move to north bank of river. Railroad and pontoon bridges prepared for burning. Henderson and Wood withdrawn in the night, and troops now wholly on north bank of I)uck River. Monday, November 28.Movement accomplished at daylight and finished by setting fire to bridges. headquarters moved to Franklin pike. Stanley placed in position in rear and left of Cox. lingers left in front of railroad bridge. Tuesday, November 29.Stanley with trains and*Wagners division march to Spring Hill. Jim a. in. Kimball shifted to cover left dank. Enemy reported crossing infantry near Hucys Mill. Wood makes reconnaissance and establishes report as true, linger ordered over from railroad bridge and pnshed on toward Spring Hill about 3 p. in. Cox, Kimball, and Wood follow. Withdrawal made at dark. General Schofield forces way into Spring Hill with lingers two brigades and establishes communication with Stanley, capturing men of Cheathams (rebel) corps. Stanley has becim engaged briskly during the afternoon. In the evemling linger pushes on to Thompsons Station, and Cox coin- ing up at 1 a. in. Wednesday, November 30, pushes forward to Franklin, takes position to cover the town, resting his left on Harpeth River. Kimball and Wagner follow and also go into line; Wood on north batik of Harpeth. Trains are crossed early in the day and pushed forward in p. in. for Nashville. Enemy attacked in force (two corps) and are beaten back eleven times, with great slaughter. Ou Page 71 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 71 loss about 9(40 or 1,000. We withdraw our lines quietly at midnight and march for Nashville, reaching it about noon Thursday, Decem- ber 1; lines established about the city; headquarters at Saint Cloud. Friday, December 2.In Nashville. Troops intrenching. Saturday, December 3.lu Nashville. Enemy in force in front and making slight demonstrations. Thursday, December 15.Moved out of line, being relieved by Steed- mans comniand, and took positionThird Division in rear of Wood (Fourth Army Corps), on Hulisborough road~ Second Division in rear of Sixteenth Army Corps (Smith), on Ilardin pike. Afternoon united the command and moved to Smiths right. Moved forward, drivin~ the enemy and ~aining some heights with artillery. Bivouacked on Hillsborough pike; Cox on the right. Friday, December 16.Waited in position, with constant firing until about 4 p. in., when, iii concert with Smith, attacked the enemy fiercely amid drove him clear off our front, capturing much artillery and some mcii. Bivouacked on the Granny White pike; Cox on the right. Saturday, December 17.Moved in rcar of Smith dowim Granny White pike at 11.30 a. in., reaching the junction of Granny White pike and dirt road leading to the Franklin pike. Sunday, December 18.Moved about 10 a. in., troops reaching within two miles and a half of Franklin. Monday, December 19.Moved across the Harpethi. headquarters in Franklin. The Fourth Army Corps and cavalry down near Spring Hill. Tuesday, December 20.Moved early, reaching Spring lull, Cox camp-. ing south amid Conch north of the village. Wednesday, December 21.Couch moved to Rutherfords Creek. Cox remains, in camp. Headquarters near the pike and one mile and a half north of the creek. Thursday, December 22.No movement to-day. January 1 to 3, 1865.In camp at Columbia, Tenn. January 9.Arrived at Clifton, Tenn. January 10 to 31.En route to Washington, B. C., and Alexaimdria, Va. First Dirision. January 3, 1865.The divisiomi marched from Columbia, Tenn., for Clifton, Teun. January 9.Arrived at Clifton. January 18.The division embarked on transports on the Tennessee River for Cincinnati, Ohio, thence by rail to Washington, I). C., and encamped at Camp Stoneman, ID. C. First Brigade, First Dimsmon. December 31.The organization of the First Brigade, First I)ivision, Twenty-third Army Corps, was completed at Columnbia, Tean., iii accord- aiice with Special Field Orders, ~o. 191, dated headqt~arters Army of the Ohio, December 29, 1864. January 3, 1865.The brigade marched from Columbia, Teun. January 7.Arrived at Waynesborough. January 9.Monday, marched from Waynesborough, rpeun.; arrived at Clifton, Tenn., p. in. January 18.Boarded transports at Clifton, Tenn Page 72 72 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. rOHAP. LVII. January 24.Arrived at Cincinnati, via Tennessee and Ohio rivers. Left Cincinnati for Washington~ D. C., p. in., via Little Miami Railroad. January 29.Ariived at Washington, P. C. January 31.Went into camp at Camp Stoiieman, near Washing- ton, D. C. Second Brigade. First Division. January 2, 18G5.The Second Brigade moved from Columbia, Tenn., toward Clifton, Teun. January 19.Left Clifton, Tenn., and move(l eastward. January 31.Arrived at Washington. The Twenty-eighth Michigan Volunteers, Cod. XV. W. Wheeler commanding, assigned to Second Brigade. First llrigade, Second Division. November 1.Broke camp near Calhoun, Ga.; marched to IResaca, eleven miles distant, and went into camp. November 2.Part of brigade took the cars for Nashville. November 3.Remainder of brigade received transportation. November 5.Arrived at Johusonville, at which place the brigade remaihed until the 24th of the month, working on fortifications and performing picket and other duty. November 24.Broke camp at Johnsonville at 6 a. in.; marched to Waverly, eleven miles distant, and went into camp for the night. November 25.The brigade moved at 10. a. in., and after marching eight miles went into camp. November 2G.Broke camp at 6 a. ut; marched nineteen miles, ford- ing several creeks, and encamped on the bank of Piney River. November 27.Broke camp at 8 a m m Tenn., and encamped for the night. .~ arched to near Centerville November 28.Left two regiments of the brigade to guard the ford near Centerville. The remainder marched to Beards Ferry, on Duck River, fifteen miles distant, and went into camp. November 29.Remained in camp. November 30.Broke camp at 12 in.; moved three miles in the direc- tion of Franklin, and went into camp to await the arrival of the force left at Centerville. December 1.Broke camp at 12 in.; marched sixteen miles in a north - easterly direction, and went into camp. December 2.Broke camp at 8 a~. in.; marched twenty-four miles. within seven miles of Nashville; rebels in front; reversed the order of march and marched until daylight of the 3d; made sixteen miles dur- ing the night. December 3.Broke camp at 10 a. in.; marched to Charlotte, seven- teen miles distant, and halted for the night. December 4.Marched fifteen miles in the direction of Clarksville, and halted. December 5.---lVllarched to Clarksville, thirteen miles; crossed the Cumberland River, and went into camp. December 6.Remained in camp. December 7.Broke camp at dawn; marched twenty-two miles on the dirt road toward Nashville, and halted for the night. December 8.Daylight found the brigade on the move; marched twenty-four miles, and went into camp near Edgefield, opposite Nash. ville Page 73 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 73 December 9.Crossed the river and took position near Fort Negl~y. J)ecember 10 to 14.Remained in same position. December 15 and 1G.Brigade participated in the engagements and operations during these two days before Nashville. December 17.Broke camp at 8 a~. in.; marched five miles to the Franklin pike, and went into camp. December 18.Broke camp at 7 a. in.; marcl~ed eight miles, and went into camp near Franklin. December 19.Moved camp across the river and one mile west of town. December 20.Marched ten miles on the Columbia J)ike, and went into camp near Spring Hill. December 21.Broke camp at 12 in.; marched abont six miles to near Duck River, and went into camp. 1)ecember 22 to 25.Remained in camp. December 26.Broke camp at 10 a. in.; marched four miles, aml en- camped north and near Columbia. December 27.Moved camp abont twO miles west of town. J)ecember 28 to 31, inclusive.Remained in the same J)Ositioll. January 1, 1865.Remained in camp at Columbia, Tenn. January 2.Broke camp at 8 a. in.; marched to Monnt Pleasant, eleven miles distant, and went into camp for the night. January 3.Broke camp at 7.30 a. in.; marched westward sixteen miles, and en camped near Henryville. January ~.Broke camp at 7 a. in.; marched eight miles, an(l halted at noon. January 5.Broke camp at 6.30; marched to near Waynesborough, sixteen miles distant, and encamped. January 6 and 7.Remained in same position. January 8.Broke camp at 6.30 a. in.; marched thirteen miles, and went into camp. January 9.Remained in saThe position. January 10.Broke camp at 6 a. in.; marched to Clifton, four miles distant, and went into camp. January 11 and 12.Remained in same camp. January 13.Moved one mile west of town. January 14 and 15.Remained in same position. January 16.h~mbarked on boats at Clifton, on the Tennessee River. January 17 to 26.Occupied in the transit to Washington, 1). C. January 27.Arrived there; moved in quarters at Camp Stoneman, where the brigade remained during the remainder of the month. Third Brigade, Second I)ivision. November 1.A portion of the corps took railroad transportation at Resaca, (3-a.; the Third Brigade marched with wagon train to Tilton, (3-a. November 2.Moved through IDalton one mile. November 3.Marched to liinggold, Ga. November 4.-Marched to within one mile of Chattanooga. Remained encamped until the 7th. November 7.Took cars for Nashville, Tenn. No-cember 9.Arrived at Nashville. November 10.Moved on cars to Spring Hill, Tenn. November 11 and 12.Remained in camp at Spring Hill. November 13.Marched to Duck River, near Columbia, Tenn. November 14 and 15.Remained in camp Page 74 74 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. November 1G.Crossed the river and built works. November 17 to 21.Remained in camp. November 22.The Ninety-first and One hundred and twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry ordered to Williamsport, Teun., per order of General linger, commanding the Second Division. November 23.The Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and the Fourth Corps fell back from Pulaski, Tenii., to Columbia. November 24.Skirmished with General Hoods advance. The Seventy-second Illinois temporarily assigned to Third Brigade. November 25.All transportation sent across the river. November .2G.Remained in position. November 27.The One hundred and eighty-third Ohio assigned to the Third Brigade. November 28.Forces fell back across the river. The Third Brigade held position near railroad bridge. November 29.The Forty-fourth Missouri temporarily assigned to the Third Brigade. Marched at 12 in., the Third Brigade in advance of division; moved to Spring Hill; slight skirmishing from 5 to9 p.m.; the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio moved in rear of transportation; remainder of brigade reached John- sons [Thompsons ? j Station at 12 oclock. November 30.At 2 a. m. moved from Johnsons [Thompsons O?1 Sta- tion; reached Franklin at 6 a. in. and commenced throwing up works; completed works at 12 in.; position west of Colninbia pike, on left of the Second Brigade and right of the Third Division. At 3 p. in. heavy skirmishing. At 3.30 p. in. general assault of the enemy; solid column marching down the Columbia pike; arrived at our works almost simul- taneously with a retreating force of the Fourth Corps; succeeded in flanking outer line of works and temporarily occupied them; reserve regimentsthe Forty-fourth Missduri and One hundred and eighty- third Ohioordered to support the Fiftieth Ohio and Seventy-second Illinois; enemy driven out of works and many prisoners captured. Casualties of the Third Brigade: Col. 11. C. I3radshaw, Forty-fourth Missouri, and Lient. Col. Mervin Claik, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio, kihled.* Fiftieth OhioOfficers, wounded, 3; captured, 2. Enlisted men, killed, 7; wounded, 33; missing, 65. Seventy-second IllinoisOfficers, wounded, 9. Enlisted men, killed, 10; wounded~ 58; missing, 75. Forty-fourth MissouriOfficers, killed, 3; wounded, 3. Enlisted men, killed, 48; wounded ,28; missing, 54. One hundred and eighty-third OhioOfficers, killed, 2; wounded, 4. Enlisted men, killed, 2; wounded, 39. Total, killed, 72; wounded, 177; mis sing, 194. December 1.At 12 midnight the brigade commenced the march from Franklin, Teun., back to ~ aslivihle. Arrived at 12 m. an(l took nosi- tion near and on the left of Fort INegley. December 2 to 14.Remained in l)osition; pickets skirmishing with the enemy. The Ninety first and One hundred and twenty-third Indi- ana arrived at Nashville and rejoined the brigade; the Forty-fourth Missouri and Severity- second Illinois Regiments removed. December 15.At 7 a. in. left camp and followed the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, to the right; when near Hihisborough pike took position on tIme extreme right of the Second Division, in front -of Comptons Hill. At 4 1). in. became engaged with the enemy and repulsed theum. At 8 p. in. ordered to move aiid take position on right of the First Brigade, Second Divisiomi, Twenty-lhimd Army Corps; built works and threw out skirmish ers in front. Colouel Bradshaw was wounded, not killed Page 75 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 75 December 16.Remained ill same positiou under fire until 3 p. in., when a charge was made by a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps upon Comptons Hill, carrying it. The Thud Brigade moved through enemys works, and encamped near Granny White pike for the iught. December 17 and 18.Marched in pursuit of retreating enemy to Franklin. December 19.Remained in camp. December 20.Moved to Spring Hill. December 21.Marched to Duck River, opposite Columbia. December 22 to 31, inclnstre.Remaine(l in camp. Casualties of 15th and 16th: One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer InfantryCommissioned officers, wounded, 1. Enlisted men, killed, 1 wounded, 6. Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer InfantryCommis- sioned officers, wounded (mortally), 1. Enlisted men, wounded, 1. One hundred and twenty-third Indiana Volunteer InfantryCommis- sioned officers, wounded, 1. Enlisted men, wounded, 6. Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer InfantryEnlisted men, wounded, 5. Total, killed, 1; wounded, 21. January 1,1865.The Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, commanded by Col. John ODowd, One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Volunteers, in camp on north side of Duck River, in , ., no l)ickets thrown out. Tenn., sight of Columbia Teun January 2.Brigade ordered to move at 8 a. in., following Second Brigade; cross the river and march to within two miles of Mount Pleasant; encamp for the night and throw out pickets, covering the front; distance marched, eleven miles and a half January 3.Brigade moves at 7 a. in., taking the advance of the division, and march through Mount Pleasant on the road to and within two miles of Centerville, making about fifteen miles; en camp for the night and throw out skirmishers, covering our front. January 4.Brigade moves at 7 a. m. in rear of the division; pio- neers sent forward to repair r6ads, in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Hatry, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; division halts and encamps to draw rations; I)icket front and right flank. January 5.Brigade moves at (i.3() a. m. in center of division; pio- neers still in advance repairing tlm~ roads; march to within one mile and a half of Waynesborough, Teun., and encamp. January 6.Still in camp. Brigadier-General MeLeani assnuies coin- mand of the brigade. January 7Remnain in camp. January 8.March twelve miles, to within three miles of Clifton, Teun. January 9.Remain in camp. January 10.March at 7 a. m. to Clifton and await transportation. January 11 to 15.Remain in camp; piukets thrown out. January 16.At 8 p. m. march, following Second Brigade, aiid em- bark upon steam-boats Burd Levi, Financier, and Marmora. January 17.~tart at 6.30 a. in.; reach Paducah at 9.30 p. in. January 20.Arrive at Louisville, Ky. January 22. Reach Cincinnati, Ohio. -January 23.Take cars at Fulton; brigade separated. January 24 to 29.Move, via Little Miami, Central Ohio, and Balti- more and Ohio Railroads, to Washington, D. C. January 30 to 31.Move to and occupy Camp Stoneinan, four miles from Washington, D. C Page 76 76 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. Third Division. November 1.Moved from Calhoun to Tilton, Ga. November 2.Marched to I)alton. November 3 to 6.In camp ~.t Dalton. November 7.Left Dalton oii cars for Pulaski, Tenn. November 11.Arrived at Thompsons Station, Teun., and went into camp. November 13.Marched to Columbia. November 14.Marched to Lynuville. Novel ber 15.Moved to Pulaski. November 16 to 22.In camp at Pulaski. November 22.Marched to Lynn yule. November 2.3.Moved to within seven miles of Columbia. November 24.Moved to Columbia, and reached there ~just in time to check the enemy as they drove our cavalry into town. November 25.Constructed line of works at Columbia, and made demonstrations. November 2G.Crossed to north bank of Duck River. November 27.Columbia evacuated. November 28.Ireld the river-bank to preveiit ~the enemy crossing; sone severe fighting. November 29.Held same position until dark, and marched (hiring the night to Franklin. November 30.Battle of Franklin repulsed the enemy, with severe loss, at every point on our lines. December 1.Moved from Franklin to Brentwood at midnight and continued the march to Nashville during the day. December 2 to 14.Remained in the fortifications of Nashville. December 15.Moved from left to right; pushed round the enemys flank and took position at night on the hlillsborough pike. December 1G.Charged the enemys line and routed them, capturing eight guns; went into camp on Granny White pike. December 17.Followed in pursuit of the enemy to Breutwood. December 18 and 19.Marched to Franklin. December 20.Marched to Spring Hill. December 21 and 22.In camp at Spring Hill. December 23.Marched to Duck River. December 24 and 25.In camp at Duck River. December 2G.Moved sputh of Columbia and encamped. December 27 to 31, inclusive.In camp near Columbia, Tenn. January 1 and 2, 1865.In camp at Columbia, Teun. January 3 to 8.Marched from Columbia, Tenn., to Clifton, Tenmi. January 8 to 14.In camp at Clifton. January 15 to 31.On road froum Clifton, Teun., to Alexandria, Va. First Brigade, Third Division. November 1.In camp at Tilton Station, Ga. November 2.Marched to Dalton, Ga. November 7.Took cars for Chattanooga, Tenn. November 8.Arrived at Nashville. November 9.Arrived at Spring Hill. November 12.Marched to Columbia. November 13.Marched to Lynuville Page 77 CHAP. LFII.J CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 77 November 14.Marched to Palaski and encamped until the 23d, when the command moved back to Lynuville and went into position. November 23.Marched toward Columbia and bivouacked. November 24.Arrived in Columbia and moved to Pleasant Hill pike, skirmishing slightly with the enemys cavalry. Noi9ember 27.Command moved across Dnck River about l2p. m. November 28.The brigade went into position on left of Franklin pike, with strong line of skirmishers to protect ford. November 29.The Sixteenth and Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volun- teer Infantry, supported on flanks by skirmish line from other brigades of the division, protecting ford, was attacked by the enemy and forced back from the ford a short distance, but almost immediately, with the assistance of the artillery, recovered the ground lost, driving the enemy, with comparatively heavy loss, under the banks of and across the river. November 30.Fell back to Franklin fortified and repulsed the rebels in several desperate charges, the brigade capturing 20 battle- flags and killing and wounding many of the enemy; brigade lost 236 men in killed, wounded, and missing, besides several officers. December 1 to 14.In trenches in front of Nashville. December 15 and 1G.Battles in front of Nashville. December 17.Marched to near Br~ntwood, Ten~. December 18.Marched to near Franklin, Tenn. Deeembe~ 19.Crossed Ilarpeth River. December 20.Marched to Spring Hill, Teun. December 21 and 22.In camp at Spring Hill, Tenn. December 23.Marched to Columbia, Teun., and remnain~d in camp near that place during the remainder of the month. January 1, 1865.In camp at Columbia, Tenn. January 2.Marched to Mount Pleasant, Tenn. January 3.Continued march on the road to Waynesborough. January 4.Marched to Buffalo Creek. January 5.Marched to Waynesborough. January 6.Marched to Clifton, Tenn. January 7 to 16.In camp at Clifton; embarked on transports on the night of the 16th. January 16 to 26.Eu route to Washington, I). C. January 27 to 30.In barracks at Camp Stoneman. January 31.Marched to Alexandria, Va. Second Brigade, Third L)iri8ion. November 1.The brigade marched to Tilton, Ga. November 2.Marched to Dalton; distance, nine miles. November 7.Shipped on cars for Nashville, via Chattanooga. November 8.Arrived at Nashville; distance, 181 miles. November 9.Arrived at Franklin. November 10.Arrived at Thompsons Station, where the brigade disembarked and went into camp; distance from Nashville, twenty-eight miles. November 13.Marched to Columbia, Tenn.; distance, fourteen miles. November 14.Marched seventeen miles, and encamped at Lynnville, Tenn. November 15.Marched eleven miles; encanmped two miles north of Pulaski, Tenn. November 22.Mai~ched twelve miles; encamped at Lynuville, Teun. November 23,Marched ten miles Page 78 78 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. November 24.Marched to Columbia, Teun., distance, seven miles, and went into position. November 25.Enemy attacked our lines; heavy skirmishing all day. At 12 p. m. we fell back through Columbia across l)uck River. Went into position on the north bank at 4 a. m. of the 26th; heavy skirmish- ing and cannonading all day. November 29.Fighting continued all day; brigade withdrew under cover of night, and went into position at daylight at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th; distance marched, twenty-one miles; enemy attacked in force and were repulsed, with loss, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The brigade withdrew at dark and marched fifteen miles toward Nashville. December 1.The brigade arrived at Nashville from Franklin, Tenn. December 2.Went into position on the right of the First Brigade, between Forts Negley and Casino, forming the center of the division, and remained in position until the 15th. December 15.The brigade was ordered to the right of the army; marched five miles, and went into position east of the Hillsborough pike. December. 16.Heavy skirmishing all day. December 17.Pursued the enemy in the direction of Franklin; marched five miles. December 1R.Maiched eight miles. December 19.Arrived at Franklin. December 20.Marched to Spring Hill, distance fifteen miles, where the brigade remained until the 23d. December 23.Marched to Duck River; distance, eight miles. December 21.Ordered to Columbia, Tenn., to act as temporary gar- rison, where we remained the balance of the month. January 2, 1865.Marched to Mount Pleasant; distance, thirteen miles. January 3.Marched fifteen miles in direction of Waynesborough. January 4.Marched tq Buffalo Creek; distance, twelve miles. January 5.Arrived at Waynesborough, Tenn.; distance, fourteen miles. January 6.Marched to Clifton, Teun.; distance, sixteen miles. January 17.Shipped on board transports for Cincinnati, where the brigade disembarked and moved by rail to Washington, D. C., where it arrived January 27. Third Brigade, Third Division. November 1.l3rigade on the march near Calhoun, C-a. November 2.Arrived at Dalton, and went into camp an(l remnaine(l there until the 5th; took cars for Pulaski, Teun. November 9.Arrived at Nashville; took the cars in the evening for Pulaski; went as far as Thompsons Station; went into camp, and remained there until the 13th. November 15.Marched into Pulaski; roads very good. November 19.Fell back. November 24.Arrived at Columbia; had a skirmish; went into posi- tion; built works; remained until the 28th. November 28.Fell back at night to the opposite side of the river; went into position. November 29.Skirmnishin g kept up all day; at dark fell back. November 30.Arrived at Franklin in the morning; went into posi- tion; built works; enemy advanced and attacked at 4 p. in.; was repulsed, with great slaughter and with but little loss in the brigade Page 79 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 79 December 1.Brigade on the march from Franklin to Nashville; arrived at Nashville in the evening; went into position near Fort Negley; remained nntil the 15th. December 15.Moved to the extreme right; participated in the engagement before Nashville; pursued the enemy as far as Columbia; went into camp and remained there during the month. January 1, 1865.This brigade was lying in camp near Columbia, Tenn. January 2.We broke camp and moved.to Clifton, Tenn.; distance, seventy-five miles. January 6.Arrived there. January 16.At night we went on boar(l of transl)orts, whi~h con- veyed us to Cincinnati, Ohio, by water. January 21.Arrived there; got on the cars and proceeded to Alex- andria, Va. January 25.We arrived there at night, an(l since have been quar- tered at the Soldiers Rest. First Dirision. DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. December 1.The division was engaged in constructing a line of defenses in conjunction with the Second and Third Divisions, Detach - inent Army of the Tennessee, around Nashville, Tenn., on the west side of the city. December 15.At 6 a. in., in accordance with instructions from the niajor-general conimanding detachment, the division moved upon the enemy via Ilardin and Charlotte pikes, with the Second Division on the left of the First Division, and the Third Diyision in reserve. The divisioh made the first successful assault upon time enemys lines; charged and captured several works, with 11 gums and caissons, several hundred prisoners and muskets, and a considerable amount of amumn- nition, having drIven the enemy from every standpoint until darkness closed the fighting for the (lay. December 1G.Jn the morning the enemy was found occupying a nexv line, having fallen back from his advanced works during the night. The First Division was again the first to face him, an(1 for a short time in the morning was dangerously threatened by it~ advanced position. Soon, however, the Second Division came in position on the left of the First Division and the Fourth Corps on the left of the Second I)ivision. In the afternoon of the 16th the First Division charged the salient point of the enemy, drove him from his stronghold, and tIme remainder of our lines moving forward to support the division, met the entire force of the enemy, defeating and coumpletely routing him. The First Divis- ion in this charge captured 13 guns and caissons, several thousand prisoners, 2 brigadier-generals, besides several thousand stand of arms and some ammunition. Durimig the two days fight the division cap- tnred 13 battle-flags. December 17.Started with the army in pursuit of the enemy. Marched via Franklin, Columbia, Pulaski, and Lawrenceburg, near which the division encamped on the 31st, destined for Clifton, Teun. January 2, 1865.This division arrived at Clifton, Tenn. January 5.The First Brigade embarked on transports; moved up the Tennessee River, and debarked at Eastport, Miss. January 8.The remainder of the division embarked for Eastport, where they arrived on the 10th instant and went into camp Page 80 80 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. The First Brigade joined the division, and temporary winter quarters were built by the troops for their immediate comfort. A line of works was thrown np for the defenses, and the troops assigned to the respec- tive parts of the line. The regiments have been actively engaged in making the prescribed returns reqnired. by the several bureaus of the War Department and refitting for another calnj)aign; also daily drills alid parades have been required so far as practicable. First Brigade, First Dnusion. December 1 to 15.This brigade remained at Nashville, Term., occu- pying a portion of the exterior line established to protect that city in case of an attack by the rebels nnder Hood. December 15.It marched ont as a part of the First Division, Detach- nient Army of the Tennessee, to attack the enemy, taking a prominent part in the fighting on that and the following day, being the first in both days to break the lines of the enemy, capturing 15 pieces of artil- lery complete, 2,500 stand of small-arms, 4 battle-flags, and nearly 1,800 prisoners, including 1 general officer and ~r large number of other commissioned officers. For the gallantry and success of the command, the colonel commanding received on the field thanks in person froiu Major-General Thomas, commanding department and army, Maj. Geri- A. J. Smith, commanding corps, arid, through a staff officer, the con- gratu-latrons of Brigadier- General McArthur, commanding division. December 18 [17 J.The brigade moved in pursuit of the retreating rebels, and on the last day of the month encamped between Lawrence- burg and Waynesborough, Tenn. 1 January, 1865.1This brigade arrived at this place I Eastport, Miss., 1 on the 6th instant, where it has since been doing fatigue and guard duty. Second Brigade, First Division. December 1.The brigade, formed in line of battle to the left of the Charlotte pike, two miles west of Nashville, Tenn., and remained in- trenching its position until the 15th, when it moved out to attack the enemy. During the engagements on the 15th and 16th the brigade captured from the enemy over 2,000 prisoners (including 1 brigadier- general), 9 pieces of artillery, and 7 stand of colors, losing 39 killed and 280 wounded. December 17.It moved in pursuit of the enemy, an(1 marching via Franklin, Columbia, an(1 Pulaski, bivouacked ou the 31st midway be- tween Lawrenceburg and Waynesborough, Temi. Total distance marched, 106 miles. January 1, 1865.The brigade moved from its bivouac fifteen miles west of Lawrenceburg, Teun., and, marching via Waynesborough, arrived at Clifton, Tenn., January 2. January, 8.Embarked on transports, and moved to Eastport, Miss., arriving and going into camp January 10. During the remainder of the month the brigade has remained in camp at Eastport, Miss. Distance marched, thirty-one miles; distance moved by transports, eighty miles. Third Brigade, First Division. December 1.At Nashville, Teun., intrenci un g. December 15.The brigade ordered to move against the enemy, then in force in front of Nashville engaged in the battle of that day and the 16th Page 81 CHAP. LYII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 81 December 1 7.Commenced pursuit of retreating rebel army. December 29.Arrived at Pulaski, Tenmi.; marched toward Clifton, Tenmi. li~ecernber 31.Encamped fifteen miles west of Lawrcnceburg, Tenn. January 1, 1865.--Continned the march; marched fourteen miles, and bivouacked near Wayn esborough, Tenn. January 2.Marched sixteen miles, and camped at Clifton,. Tenn. January 4.Two regimentsTwelfth Iowa aAd Seventh Minnesota moved by transports to Eastport, Miss. January 8.Embarked on boats. January 10.Landed at Eastport, Miss., and moved into camp two miles from the river. January 12.Fortifying our positiomi. January 25.Out of rations; shelled corn is issued to the men. January 31.In camp near Eastport, Miss. Second Dirisio~. [December.]Division remained encamped two miles west of Nash- ville, Tenn., until the 15th, when it moved in line of battle outside breast-works, attacking the enemy in front, under command of Lieu- tenant-General Hood, driving them the whole day. December 16.The enemy were agaimi attacked amid driven from every position in front of this division, it captured dimrimmg the two days engagements, 24 heavy guns, 1,000 prisoners, 3 battle-flags, and many stamid of small-arms. Among the many officers captured by this division will be found Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson, Colonel Voorhies, and other officers of lesser rank. December 17.The division took imp line of march in pursuit of the retreating enemy, following from day to day~ passing through Franklin, Spring Hill, Lynn, Columbia, and IN~ ski; thence across IRichland Creek, through Lawrencebnrg. and ~Vay nesborough, on the Columbia road, where the division is now ca ~d wmthin three miles of that l)lace. January 3, 1865.Division reached Clifton, Tean., and embarked on transports; moved up the Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss., at which place the division is now encamped. First Brigade, ASecond 1)iv*sum. December 1.The brigade landed at Nashville, Teun.; formed in line of battle in commnon with the rest of the troops under general Thomas and threw up intrenchments. In this position we lay until the muorn- ing of the 15th, when the army advanced npoh the enemy. The First l3rigade bore a conspicuous part in the great battle of the 15th and 16th caj)tnring 10 pieces of artillery and 400 prisoners. December 17.The army started in pursuit of Hoods forces, and con- tinued on the march by easy stages, passing throimgh Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Lynn, and Pulaski. December 31.Army changed direction towar(l Clifton, Teun., on which route the brigade now is. January 2, 1865.Brigade reached Clifton, on the Tennessee River, January 3.Embarked. January 7.Landed at Eastport, Miss., where time brigade now is iii winter quarters. K KVOL XLV, PT Page 82 82 KY.~ SW. VA., TEfl., MISS., ALA., AND N. (IA. [Ow. LYTh CoL John I. Shaker, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois, took command of the brigade on the 8th, which he retained until the 15th,~ since which time it has been controlled by its present commander [CoL David Moore]. Second Brigade4 Second DiwSuios. December 1.The command debarked from transports at Nashville Teun., and moved into line of battle on a range of hills southwest of town two miles. Here earth-works were thrown up, behind which the brigade lay until December 18, when it was ordered. out against the enemy. After fighting him two days he was routed. December 17.The command moved in pursuit on Franklin pike eight miles, and encamped. December 18.Moved two miles beyond Franklin. December 19.Moved one mile an4 a half beyond Spring Hill. December*) to *5.Moving toward Columbia. December *5.Beached Columbia. December *6.Moved eleven mihs toward Pulaski, passing through LyniL December 97.Moved nine miles toward PulaskL. December *8.In camp. Decesisber *9.Moved through Pulaski on road to Lawrenceburg. December 80.Moved through. Lawrenceburg on Clifton road and encamped. December 81.Moved six miles on Clifton road. Marched duringthe month, ninetytwo miles. January 1,1865.Fine days cold; two inches snow. Marched from camp toward Clifton, on the ~I!ennessee River, sixteen miles. January 2.Pleasant day. Marched seventeen miles to Clifton. January & Cloudy and rainy. Lay incamp. January 4.Embarked on transports and moved up the Tennessee River to Waterloo, Ala., arriving January 6 distance, eighty miles. January 7.Moved down to Eastport, idiss., and went into quar- ters.. January 9.Went out onreconnaissance to luka, Miss., and returned sane day; distance traveled, eighteen miles; slight skirmish; captured one prisoner. [January 81.jThe command still lies in camp at Eastport, Miss. Third Brigade, Second Diviuion. December 1.The brigade took position assigned to it in the line of the defense of Nashville and was immediately employed in fortifying the position, where it remained until the engagement of the 15th and 16th, in whiph it took part, losing 52 officers and men. Since the morning of the 17th the brigade has beeui co-operating with the troops of General Thomas command in the pursuit of the enemy. December 81.Encamped near Waynseborough. Marched during the month, zoo miles. January 1~ 186& The brigade left camp andpassedthrough Waynes- borough. January 2.Beached Clifton, Tenn. January & Embarked on transports. January 7.Lande4 a$ Eastport, Miss.; disernbarke4 mimic day and went into vnmp Page 83 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 83 January 9, 10, and 11.The brigade was engaged in throwing up works; since that time the command has remained in camp at East- port, Miss., having marched during the month a distance of thirty- three miles. Third Dirision. January 1, 1865.Marched from near Lawreiicebnro- Tenn., en route from Nashville. January 2.Arrived at Clifton, Tenii. Remained in camp until Jan- uary 8, when the division embarked on transports and moved up the Tennessee River. January 10.Arrived at Eastport, Miss. January 18.The command moved ont to three miles west from l3urnsville, Miss. January 19.Marched to Corinth, driving out Ross bri9a(le of the enemy, who retreated with slight skirmishing. Returned to Eastport, arriving there January 21. First Brigade, Third Division. January 2, 1865.Arrived at Clifton Tenn.~ termination of march from Nashville. January 8.Embarked on transports at Clifton. January 10.Arrived at Eastport, Miss. January 18.Marched with division from Eastport via luka and Burn sville. camping three miles west of ll3urnsville. January 19.Marched to Corinth; entered village without resist- ance; returned and bivouacked miear camp of night befbre. January 20.Marched to Inka, Miss. January 21.Returned to camp at Eastport, Miss. January 31.Marched from Eastport, Miss., as guards to wagon train; marched out on Fulton road to Rutlys Mills, and loaded traiu with lumber; returned by Juka road as far as Juka, where brigade camped for the iiight. Second Brigade, Third Division. [Decembcr.]Brigade in camp at Nashville, Teun., until the 15th, when it marched out with our army to attack the enemy. it took ami active part in the two days battle near Nashville, and on the 17th moved toward Franklin, Teun., in pursuit of Hoods defeated forces. December 22.Arrived at Columbia, Tenn., near which place the bri- gade remained in camp until the 26th, when the march was resumed. Reached Pulaski on the 27th and Lawrencebnrg on the 30th, and en- camped at Clifton, on the Tennessee River. January 2, 1861This brigade arrived at Clifton, Tenii., and remained there in camp until January 8, when it embarked on steamers and pro- ceeded about seventy miles up the Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss.; arrived there January 10 and went into winter quarters. January 18.Brigade marched from Eastport on the expedition to Corinth, Miss.; passed through Juka, Miss., an(l reached Corinth Jan- uary 19; started back from Corinth the same day, and arrived at East- port January 21, where the brigade h~s since remained in canip Page 84 84 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIT. Reserve Artillery. [December. jDuring the advance of General Hoods army and dur- ing the battles in front of Nashville, Tenn., the guns of the batteries of the Reserve Artillery were in position in forts and batteries extending from Fort Morton, on the south, to Fort Gillem, on the northwest, of the city. CAVALRY CORPS. [Xovember.~The month was principally occupied in the reorganiza- tion, remounting, and re-equi~)ping of the command. The Third Divis- ion was placed in condition to accompany General Sherman on his campaign throu~h Georgia, by drawing upon the First and Second Divisions. The latter were ordered to Louisville for remount, & c. The Fourth Division was ordered to Louisville and Saint Louis to be re- mounted, & c., bat on account of its scattered coiidition the order was not carried out. Headquarters of the corps October 25, at Gaylesville, Ala.; November 1, at Rome, Ga.; November 6, at Nashville, Tenn., where it remained during the mouth. Until December 15, headquarters at Nashville, Tenn. December G.Eighth Michigan and Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois ordered to tarn over their infantry arms. - December 12.Cavalry depot moved from Camp Webster, Nashville, Tenn., to Edgefield, Tenn., per Special Orders, No. 85, Cavalr yCorps, Military Division of the Mississippi. December 15.Moved with the army o~)eratmg against Hood. First 1)icision. [No rember. ]The First ~rigade detached the entire month. November 1.The brigade [First] left camp at Blue Water and marched toward Florence, Ala.; found enemy in force. November 5.Enemy attacked crossing of Shoal Creek in force, com- pelling brigade to retire. November 9.Made reconnaissance toward Shoal Creek and found it impassable. November 15, 20, and 21.Marched to Taylors Springs, Lexington, an(l Lawrenceburg, Ala. November 22 to 24.Skirmishing with Forrests cavalry and falling back. November 28.Marched on Franklin I)ike, skirmishing with the enemy. November 29.Fell back and crossed Harpeth River. November 30.Recrossed and fought enemy all day. The Second and Third Brigades turned over the serviceable horses of the division to the Third Division November 1, and proceeded to Lonis ville, Ky., where they arrived November 9; encanuped on Bardstown pike remainder of the month. December 4.Second Brigade moved from Louisville, Ky., to Bowl- ing Green, Ky. December 11.Received orders to concentrate at Bowling Green, and accordingly the Third Brigade and Eighteenth Indiana Battery were moved from Nashville, Teun. December 12.Received orders to prepare to move on Russeilville, Ky. The Third Brigade an(1 Eioiuteenth Indiana Battery stopped at Franklin and moved Second Brigade there Page 85 Oar. LYUJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AIO) hUDDLE TEEN. 85 December 14.Oommad united ad moved to Busselivifle, twenty- one miles distant; sent transportation back; took up Colonel John- sons command. December 15.Moved to Hcpkinsville, nine miles, driving part of Lyons force, taking TO prisoners and 1 gun. December 16.In camp. December 17.Advanced to GrnbWs Otoss-Boads, twentymiles on the Princeton road, where Oolonel La Grange?s brigade was sent to Prov- idence and a battalion to Princeton. December 18.Lyon crossed Tradewater over which La Grange swam his horses, and asit was impossible to foliow with artillery he returned and took up strong position at Hopkinsviile December 19 to *2.Scouting and foraging. December *5.Left with Third Brigade and battery; marched to Trenton; scout to Hardinsvill& December *6.Went to Aflensworths house, seventeen miles. December *6.Marched twenty-two miles to Springfield. 1)eeeusber 27.Marched twenty miles on Dixon pike. December *8.Arrived at Ed~eld, Tean. During the pursuit of Lyon the Second Brigade marched 416 miles and the Third Brigade 325 miles over horrible roads. The command subsisted off the country; both mea ad animals suffered much from the extreme cold 100 men of the Second Brijads had their feet frozen. The First Brigade took part. in the pursuit of Hoods army and in the battles of Nashville. Arrived at Waterloo, Ala., December 31. .Tansuwy 9,1865.Command remained at Edgefield uutil this date, when, in obedience to telegraphic orders, it moved under Bvt Brig. (len. L. D. Watkins, Genetal MeCook having received leave of absence on surgeons certificateof disability. Marched for Gravelly Springs, Ala., and wet ten miles to Hadleys house. January.1O.Marched fifteen miles to Johnsons. January 11.Marched to Columbis, Ten.; made headquarters S Mrs.Martins. Bridge was carried ofi leaving greater of the train on north side of Duck River.. It was not until the evening of the 16th that all was in readiness to move. January 17.Marched twenty-two miles to Fausts house. January flMarched seventeen miles to Cunninghams, passing through Henryville. January 19.Marched fifteen miles ada half to Shields house, two miles and a half beyond Waynesborough. Jmar% *0.Marched sixteen miles down Bear Creek and Point Pleasant; encamped at Mrs. Greatens. January *1.Marched tea miles to Thorntons. January *2.Marched sight miles to Bradfords. January *5.Marched five miles to Gravelly Springs, to General Wilsons headquarters; went beyond five miles; encamped at Car- rolls. January *4.Arrived at Waterboo~ found First Brigade in camp. Broke up Third brigade, in obedience4 orders, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, assigning Sixth Kentucky Cavalry to First, and Fourth and Seventh Kentucky Cavalry to Second Brigade. General Watkins left, and Brig. Gen. 3. T. Croxton, commanding First $rigade, assumed command of division.. The roads for the most part during the march were very bad, and there were constant delays caused by wagons sticking fast Forag Page 86 86 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. was abundant and the animals were well fed. During the remainder of the month the command remained in camp, building winter quarters and stables, and drilling constantly. Second Brigade, First Dirision. January 2, 1865.The brigade marched from Bowling Green, Ky. January 5.Arrived at Nashville, Teun. January 9.Marched froni there, passing through Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Waynesborongh. January 23.Arrived at Waterloo, Ala. In camp the rest of the month. INo engagements have occurred; no property captured. Second Division. November 1.Transferred horses to Third Division and marched to Calhoun on foot; from that place to Louisville by rail, where they arrived on the 14th, and remained the balance of the month, .makino~ preparations to be mounted and equipped. December 1.Encamped at Louisville, Ky.; Fourth Ohio Cavalry started cii route to Nashville, arriving on the 11th; engaged in picket- ing the Cuniberland Itiver between Nashville an(i Gallatin, Teun., before and duriiig the battle of Nashville. Went into camp at Nash- ville, remaining there until the end of the month. The rest of the division was in Louisville, Ky., until the 28th, pressing horses and get- ting conitnand in readiness for active service. 1)eccmbcr 28.I)ivision marched en route for Nashville, Temi. December 29.Surg. J. L. Sherk and Capt. ii. M. McCormick killed by guerrillas near Il3ardstown, Ky. December 31.Encamped at Elizabethtown, Ky. January 1, 1865.The division encampe(l at Elizabethtown, Ky., en ronte for Nashville. Marched to Edgefield, Tenn., arriving on the 8th. Four men of the First Brigade killed by guerrillas while out foraging. The Fourth Ohio Cavalry rejoined the division. January 12.The connuand crossed the Cumberland iliver, and encamped near Nashville. January 13.Marched for Gravelly Springs, Ala., via Franklin and Columbia, arriving o ii Jaiiuary 25, and joining the Cavalry Corps, Mili- tary Division of the Mississippi, went into camp. Distance marched during the niontli, 28(5 miles. Fourth Division. December.]The command has been separated during the month, one-half being in Missouri and moving from there to Louisville, the other half being at Memphis, Tenn., taking part in an expedition under General Grierson against the Mobile and Ohio llailroad. This part of the command marched about 400 miles. Fifth Division. November 4.The division left Pulaski, Teun., and moved to Shoal Creek, Ala., to watch and oppose, as far as possible, the advance of Hoods army into Middle Teiniessee. Skirmishing occurred every day and the division succeeded iii cutting the enemys pontoon bridge over the Tennessee River at three different times, thus retarding his move- ments Page 87 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA AND MIDDLE TENN. 87 November 1G.Enemy advanced in force, compelling the (liVision to fall back. As it did so it contested every mile of ground. No~eniber 24.Arrived at Campbellsville, Tenn. Two (livisions of the enemys cavalry were at that place, and hard fighting was kept up until dark, when orders were received to fall back to Columbia, Teim. From Columbia the division was actively engaged protecting the flank of the infintry column in its retreat toward Nashville; participated in the battle of Franklin, Temi.; charged two divisions of rebel cavalry, driving them about three miles an(i across Ilarpeth River. December 1.i)ivision moved from Franklin, Temi., to Nashville. flecember 2.Moved across Cumberland River, and went into camp; up to the 12th the division was busily engaged in remounting and re- equipping. December 12.Recrossed the Cumberland and moved to the west si(le of Nashville, Where it remained until the morning of the 15th. December 15 and 1G.The divisi on made several successful charges on the enemys lines and works, drove him froni one redoubt and two forts, and captured ii pieces of artillery, S caissons, 25 wagons and teams coml)lete, and about 1,500 prisoners mel Rucker, C. S. Army, and turned the left ~ n(hno I3ri oadier~C eneral flank of the enemy. f)ecembei~ 17 to 29.Division constantly on the move in pursuit of hoods army, during which time several fights occurred, capturing 9 more pieces of artillery, 6 caissons, an(1 about 200 prisoners. Hood having succeeded in crossinc the Tennessee River, the pursuit was dis- continued and the division ordered to Athens, Ala., where it is sta- tioned at this date, December 31. January 15, 1865.The division moved from near Athcns, Ala., to Gravelly Springs, Ala., and went into camp at the latter place, where it remains at this date J ~, anuary 31. JYir8t Brigade, Fifih I)iri8ion. November 5.The brigade moved out from I~ulaski, Tenmi., and reached Shoal Creek near its junction with the Tennessee River on the 6th. Skirmished with hoods advance at (lifierent })oilIts on Shoal Creek; onem an killed. From thence moved brigade headquarters to Taylors Springs, the regiments being ordered to guard the fords of Shoal Creek an(1 check the enemys advance. November 8 and 9.Skirmished ~igain. This continued almost (laily iiiitil the 16th, when the brigade was or(lere(i to move up the military road leading to Lawreneeburg. A part of the conunand was sent to reconnoiter the enemys column, which was marching on the Florence and Waynesborough road, and retllrned with 5 prisoners, 5 Spencer carl)mes, an(l 3 wagons captured. Aorember 19.The comlnalI(l nlove(l out 011 the Lexing-ton road and reached Lawremiceburg, tile enemy on onr left hank and close on our rear. An engagement took place here, in which artillery was planted ~n both si(les; several men wounded. November 22.The enemy moved up their infiintrv in front and on onr right flank. The fight this day was severe, and we continued to hold our position, the enemy falling back at night. Norember 23.Ordered to fall back toward Pulaski, and reached Campbellsville on the 24th. here the enemy was again encountered in force with both cavalry and infantry. A severe engagement fol- lowed, in which the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry lost 50 u~ien in killed Page 88 88 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. wounded, and missing, this regiment protecting the rear oii the march. Moved thence to Columbia, crossed the river, and marched to a point eight miles northeast from Columbia. November 28.The command was turned over to Col. It. It. Stewart, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, and the regiments near Columbia directed to report to him at Snow Creek, about twelve miles below Columbia, on the Duck River. November 29.The command moved out, passing through Spring Hill, and reached Franklin the same day at 4p. in.; continued to Brent- wood, and went into camp. December 2.The command reached Nashville, having fallen back iii front of Hoods army from Florence, Ala. Remained at Edgefield, opposite Nashville, until the 12th, when the Cavalry Corps recrossed the Cumberland and took position on the lines in front of Nashville. December 15.The brigade was posted on the right of the entire line. At the first charge the enerny~s lines were forced and turned to the left. Threebatteries, mounting 12 guns, were captured by the command this day, and several hundred prisoners. December 1G.The enemys entire line gave way and sharp skirmish- ing kept up during the night, when his rear guard was overtaken, and after a severe engagement our troops encamped on the position they occupied. The command moved on through Franklin, crossing liar- peth Creek, and encountering the enemy in force 3 pieces of artillery were captured and a number of prisoners. December 25.A force under Cheathain was met about five miles north of Pulaski, and a sharp skirmish ensued. A portion of the same command was again overtaken at Sugar Creek, and driven, our troops encamping on the ground they occupied. December 30.The brigade encamped at Taylor~s Springs. December 31.Moved to the east side of Elk River and em~ainped. January 1, 1865.The brigade was encamped on. the east side of Elk River under orders to marchto Huntsville, Ala.; marched to within nine- teen miles, when the order was revoked and the command moved back to Elk River, and remained two days in camp. From there marched for Eastport and encamped three days at Waterloo, reaching this point on the 10th. January 14.From Waterloo the command moved to Gravelly Springs, Ala., about ten miles above Eastport, and remained there during the month. Sixth Division. November 1 to 15.Caprons brigade (Eighth Michigan, Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry Regiments) lay at Pulaski, Tenn., scout- ing toward Tennessee River and patrolling the country to its right. Novembei~ 15.It moved to Mount Pleasant, Teun., and from there on the 17th instant to Waynesborough, which l)lace it reached on the 18th. November 21.It fell back toward Mount Pleasant, eight miles south of that place. November 23.It was attacked by the enemys cavalry, before whom it was compelled to fall back through Mount Pleasant, reaching Coluni- bia on the 24th. November 24.The Fifth Iowa Cavalry reported, and Brig. Gen. It. W. Johnson assumed command of this brigade and Croxtons brigade of the First Division. On that afternoon the cavalry was withdraw Page 89 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 89 across Duck River, and remained in bivouac opposite Columbia until the 27th, when the First Brigade was moved to the crossing of the Lewisburg and Franklin turnpike with Duck River. November 28.The Seventh Ohio Cavalry reported. On the evening of .that day the enemy forced the crossing of Duck River and pressed our troops back as far as Hurts house, near which place all of the cav- airy theu present were on that night concentrated. November 29.Retired before the enemy to Mathings house, three miles from and east of Franklin. November 30.The battle of Franklin occurred. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry held the extreme right of the army and skirmished heavily with the enemy; the other regiments were on the extreme left and were not engaged. December 1.After the battle of Franklin this divisiononly the Eighth Michigan, Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois, Fifth Jowa, and Seventh Ohio Cavalry being presentfell back with the army to Mill Creek, and on the 2d to Nashville, Teun., crossing the river and going into camp at Edgeheld, Tenn., on the morning of that day, where we remained ten days. The Sixth Indiana Cavalry joined (dismounted) on the 7th instant, and the Third Tennessee Cavalry, dismounted and partially (Ilsarmed, on the 13th instant. Battery I, Fourth U. S. Artil- lery, joined the command on the 5th instant. The teu days of rest allowedwas devoted to recuperating and reshoeing horses and equip- ping and clothing the men. To increase the efficiency of the troops, none of the regiments being fully mounted, the Eighth Michigan and Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry were dismounted and their horses trans- ferred to the other regiments. Two brigades were organized for the purpose of the anticipated operationsone mounted, consisting of the Seventh Ohio, Fifth Iowa, and Sixteeiith Illinois Cavalry, under coin- niand of Col. T. J. harrison, Eighth indiana Cavalry; the other dis- mounted, consisting of the Fourteenth illinois, Sixth Indiana, Third Tennessee, and Eighth Michigan Cavalry, under command of Col. James Biddle, Sixth Indiana Cavalry. December 12.Crossed the Cuinberland River and took position in battle of Nashville, on the extreme right, covering Charlotte pike. December 15.Advanced, and after sharp fighting drove the enemy before us as far as Davidsons house, four miles, capturing 50 horses, some prisoners, and a battery of six guns. December 1G.Following the retreating enemy with mounted brigade and battery; engaged the enemy at Murrays house, on Little Harpeth River. December 17.Engaged the enemy at Franklin, Tenn. December 19.Engaged the enemy at Spring Hill and drove him. - Here Brigadier-General Johnson was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., to see to mounting his dismounted brigade, while the First Brigade and battery moved on in the pursuit. December 25.Engaged th~ enemy at crossing of Richiand Creek, near Pulaski, capturing many wagons and a large amount of ordnance stores, and at Devils Gal), six miles below Pulaski, on the Lambs Ferry road, a second severe engagement, in which were lost 3 killed and 18 wounded. At the date of this report [December 31], having followed the retreating enemy to the Tennessee River, the mounted brigade is en- camped near Elk River. in Alabama, on the road from Florence to Athens, Ala., via Rogersvihle; the other troops are at Edgefleld, where also the headquarters of the division are Page 90 90 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., XLA., A~D N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. January 1, 1865.The mounted brigade of this divisionSixteenth Illinois, Fifth Iowa, and Seventh Ohio Cavalry Regimentsand the battery marched from their camp at Elk River to Mooresville, Ala., reaching that place on the 2d instant. January 8.Marched from there to Pulaski, Teun. The Fifth Iowa and Seventh Ohio Cavalry, being transfrrred to the Fourth Division ty order of the corps commander, marched to Eastport. January 17.Colonel Harrison, with the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry and the battery, reached Pulaski. Brigadier-General Johnson reached Pulaski. January 18.The Eighth Michigan joined, mounted, having marched via Shelbyville and Fayetteville; the other troops still remain at Edge- field, dismounted. Seveat It Division. [January.]During the month the First Brigade of the division en- camped at Gravelly Springs, Ala. January 9, the Second Brigade was organized, per General Orders, No. 1, of division headquarters, being dismounted and a portion supplied with infantry arms and accouter- ments. Encamped at Edgefield, Tenn.; engaged in remounting and rearming the command. No. 6. Organization of the U. S. Forces, commanded by Ma~j. Geu~. George iii. Thomas, at the battle of Nashville, Teum., I)ecember 1516, 1864. FOURTh ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. TnoMAs .J. WoOD. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. NAThAN KIMBALL. First Brigade. Col. ISAAc M. KIRBY. 21st Illinois, Capt. William H. Jamison. 38th Illinois, Capt. Andrew M. Pollard. 31st Indiana, Col. .John T. Smith. 81st Indiana, Maj. Edward C. Mathey. 90th Ohio, Lient. Col. Samuel N. Yeo- man. 101st Ohio, Lient. Col. Bedan B. MeDan- ald. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WALTER C. WHITARER. 96th Illinois, M~ij. Georcre Ilicks. 115th Illinois, Col. Jesse 11. Moore. 35th Indiana, Lient. Col. Angostus C. TasSin. 21st Kentneky, Lient. Col. James C. Evans. 23(1 Kentucky, Lient. Col. George W. Northup. 45th Ohio, Lietit. Col. John H. l-Inmnph- rey. 51st Ohio, Lient. Col. Charles H. Wood. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM (IROSE. 75th Illinois, Col. John F. Bennett. 80th Illinois, Capt. James Cunningham. 84th Illinois, Lient. Col. Charles H. Morton. 9th Indiana, Col. Isaac C. B. Sunman. 30th Indiana, Capt. Henry W. Lawton. 36th Indiana (one company), Lient. John P. Swisher. 84th Indiana, Maj. John C. Taylor. 77th Pennsylvania, Col. Tholnas B. Rose Page 91 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WASHINGTON L. ELLIOTT. First Brigade. Col. EMERSON OPDYCKE. 36th Illinois, Maj. Levi P. Holden. 44th Illinois, Capt. Alonzo W. Clark. 734 Illinois, Capt. Wilson Burroughs. 74th Illinois, Lient. Col. George W. 88th Illinois, Smith. 125th Ohio, MaJ. Joseph Bruff, 24th Wisconsin, Capt. ~\TilliaI1l Ken- nedy. Second Brigade. Col. JOHN Q. LANE. 100th Illinois, Lient. Col. Charles M.Ham niond. 40th Indiana, Lient. Col. Henry Learn- ing. 57th Indiana: Lieut. Col. Willis Blanch. Maj. John S. McGraw. 28th Kentucky: Maj. George W. Barth. Lient. Col. J. Rowan Boone. 26th Ohio, Capt. William Clark. 97th Ohio: Lient. Col. Milton Barnes. Capt. Clarkson C. Nichols. Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH CONRAD. 42d Illinois, Lient. Col. Edgar D. Swain. 51st Illinois, Capt. Albert M. Tilton. 79th Illinois,t Col. Allen Buckner. 15th Missouri, Capt. George Ernst. 64th Ohio, Lient. Col. Robert C. Brown. 65th Ohio, Maj. Orlow Smith. THIRD DIViSION. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BRATTY. First Brigade. Col. ABEL D. STREIGHT. 59th Illinois, Lient. Col. William D. Williams. 51st Indiana, Capt. William W. Scearce. 8th Kansas, Lient. Col. John Conover. 15th Ohio: Col. Frank Askew. Lient. Col. John McClenahan. 49th Ohio: Ma,j. Luther M. Strong. Capt. Daniel Hartsongh. Second Brigade. Col. P. SIDNEY POST. Lient. Col. ROJIERT L. KIMBERLY. 59th Illinois, Maj. James M. Stookey. 41st Ohio 71st Lient. Col. Robert L. Kim- berly. Capt. Ezra Dunham. Ohio: Licut. Col. James H. Hart. ~ Capt. William H. McClure. 93(1 Ohio, Lient. Col. Daniel Bowman. 124th Ohio, Lient. Col. .James Pickands. Third Brigade. Col. FREDERICK KNEFLER. 79th Indiana, Lient. Col. George W. Parker. 86th Indiana, Col. George F. Dick. 13th Ohio (four companie~), Maj. .Joseph T. Snider. 19th Ohio, Licut. Col. henry G. Stratton. ARTILLERY. Maj. WILBUR F. GOODSPEED. Indiana Light, 25th Battery, Capt. Frederick C. Sturm. Kentucky Light, 1st Battery, Capt. Theodore S. Thomasson, 1st Michigan Light, Battery E, Capt. Peter De Vries. 1st Ohio Light, Battery G, Capt. Alexander Marshall. Ohio Light, 6th Battery, Lient. Aaron P. Baldwin. Pennsylvania Light, Battery B, Capt. Jacob Ziegler. 4th United States, Battery M, Lieut. Samuel Cunby. * Wounded. Veteran detachment 27th Illinois attached. 9 Page 92 92 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS,, ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr LVII. TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JoHN M. SCHOFIELD. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. (4cm T)ARIUS N. Coucn. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. Coopi~n. Col. ORLANDO H. MOORE. 130th Indiana, Col. Charles S. Parrish. 107th Illinois, Capt. John W. Wood. 26th Kentucky, Col. Cicero Maxwell. 80th Indiana, Lient. Col. Alfred D. 25th ~ichigan, Capt. Samnel L. 1)em- Owen. arest. 129th Indiana, Col. Charles A. Zollinger. 99th Ohio, Lieut. Col. John E. Cummins. 23d Michigan, Col. Oliver .L. Spauld- 3d Tennessee, CoL William Cross. ing. 6th Tennessee, Lient. Col. Edward 111th Ohio, Lient. Col. IsaacR. Sherwood. Maynard. 118th Ohio, Maj. Edgar Sowers. Third Brigade. Col. JOHN MEIIRINGER. 91st Indiana, Lient. Co]. Charles H. Bntterfleld. 123d Indiana, Col. John C. McQniston. 50th Ohio, Lient. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie. 183d Ohio, Col. George W. Hoge. Artillery. Indiana Light, 15th Battery, Capt. Alonzo D. Harvey. Ohio Light, 19th Battery, Capt. Frank Wilson THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. .JACOB D. Cox. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. CHARLES C. DoOLITTLE. Col. JOHN S. CASEMENT. 12th Kentncky, Lient. Col. Lanrence H. 65th Illinois, Lient. Col. W. Scott Rousseau. Stewart. 16th Kentucky, Capt. Jacoh Miller. 65th Indiana, Lient. Col. John W. Ham- 100th Ohio, Lient. Col. Edwin L. Hayes. mond. 104th Ohio, Col. Oscar XV. Sterl. 124th Indiana, Col. John M. Orr. 8th Tennessee, Capt. James W. Berry. 103d Ohio, Capt. Henry S. Pickands. 5th Tennessee, Lient. Col. Nathaniel Witt. Third Brigade. Col. ISRAEL N. STILES. 112th Illinois, Maj. Tristram T. Dow. 63d Indiana, Lieiit. Col. Daniel Morris. 120th Indiana, Maj. John M. Barcus. 128th Indiana, Lient. Col. Jasper Packard. Artillery. lndiana Light, 23d Battery, Lient. Aaron A. Wilber. 1st Ohio Light, Battery D, Capt. (liles .J. Cockerill Page 93 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE. Maj. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. FIRST DIVISION. B2rig. Gen. JOHN McAnTnun. First Brigade. Col. WILLIAM L. McMILLEN. 114th Illinois, Capt. John M. Johnson. 934 Indiana: Col. DeWitt C. Thomas. Capt. Charles A. Hubbard. 10th Minnesota: Lient. Col. SamneiP. Jennisoni Capt. Edwin C. Sanders. 724 Ohio, Lient. Col. Charles G. Eaton. 95th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brain- back. illinois Light Artillery, Cogswells Bat- tery, Licut. S. Hamiltoa Mc- Claury. Second Brigade. Col. LUCIUS F. HUBBARD. 5th Minnesota, Lient. Col. William B. Gere. 9th Minnesota, Col. Josiah F. Marsh. 11th Missouri: Lient. Col. Eli Bowyer. Maj. Modesta J. Green. 8th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. William B. Britton. Iowa Light Artillery, 2d Battery, Capt. Joseph R. Reed. Third Brigade. Col. SYLVESTER G. HILLI Col. WILLIAM R. MARSHALL. 12th Iowa, Lient. Col. John II. Stibbs. 35th Iowa: Maj. William Dill. Capt. Abraham N. Snyder. 7th Minnesota: Col. William li. Marshall. Lient. Col. George Bradley. 33(1 Missouri, Lient. Col. William H. Heath. 24 Missouri Light Artillery, Battery I, Capt. Stephen H. Julian. SECOND I)IVISION. Brig. Geri. KENNER GARRARD. First Brigade. I Second Brigade. Col. DAvIO MOORE. Col. JAMES I. GILBERT. 119th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Kinney. 58th Illinois Maj Robert W. Healy. 122d Illinois, Lieut. Col. James F. Drish. 27th Iowa Lient. Co~l. Jed Lake. 89th Indiana, Lient. Col. Hervey Cra- 32d Iowa Lieut Col. Gustavus A. Eher- yen. hart. 21st Missonri4 Lient. Col. Edwin 10th Kansas (four companies), Capt. Will- Moore. lam C. Jones. ladiana Light Artillery, 9th Battery, Indiana Light Artillery, 3d Battery, Lient. Samuel G. Calfee. Licut. Thomas J. Ginu. Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD II. WOLFE. 49th Illinoic, Col. Phineas Pease. 117th Illinois, Lient. Col. Jonathan Merriam. 524 Indiana, Lient. Col. Zalmon S. Main. 178th New York, Capt. John B. Gandolfo. 24 Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G, Capt. John W. Lowell.~S Wounded. ~ Detachment 24th Missouri attached. Killed. ~ Chief of division artillery. 9 Page 94 94 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CuAP. INII. Second Brigade. Col. LEANDE~ BLANDEN. ThIRD DIVISION. Col. JONATI-LAN B. MOORE. First Brigade. Col. LYMAN M. WARD. 72d Illinois, Capt. James A. Sexton. 81st Illinois, Lieut. Col. Andrew W. Rog- 40th Missouri, Col. Samuel A. holmes. erg. 14th Wisconsin, Ma). Eddy F. Ferris. 95th Illinois, Lieut. Col. William Avery. 33d Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. Frederick 5. 44th Missouri, Licut. Col. Andrew J. Lovell. Barr. Artillery. Indiana Light, 14th Battery, Capt. Francis W. Morsc. 2d Missouri Light, Battery A, Licut. John Zepp. PROVISIONAL DETAChMENT (DISTRICT OF TIlE ETOWAH). Maj. Gen. JAMES B. STEEDMAN. PROVISIONAL i)IVISION. ~ Brig. Gen. CHARLES ClIUFT. First Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN IIAlIRLSON. Third Brigade. Lient. Col. CHARLES H. C-RoSvENou. Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee). Col. ADAM G. MALLOY. First Colored Brigade. Col. THOMAS J. MORGAN. 14th U. S. Colored Troops, Licut. Col. Henry C. Corbiii. 16th U. S. Colored Troops, II Col. William B. C-nw. 17th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. William R. Shafter. 18th U. S. Colored Troops (battalion), Maj. Lewis D. Joy. 44th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Lewis Johnson. Second Brigade. Col. Joins C-. MITchELL. Zlliscellaneous. 68th Indiana,f Licut. Col. 1-larvey J. Espy. 18th Ohio :1 Capt. Ebenezer Grosvenor. I Capt. John M. Benedict. ~ Lient. Charles C-rant. Artillery. Indiana Li~ht 20th Battery, Capt. Mil- ton A. Osborne. Ohio Light, 18th Battery, C 1it. Charles C. Aleshire. Second Colored Brigade. Col. ChARLES R. ThoMPsoN. 12th U S. Colored Troops: Lient. Col. William R. Sellon. Capt. Henry Hegner. 13th U. S. Colored Troops, Col. Joliii A. Hottenstein. 100th U. S. Colored Troops, MaJ. Collin Ford. Kansas Light Artillery, 1st Battery, ___________________ Capt. Marcus 1). Tenney. Composed mainly of detachments belonging to the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seven- teenth, and Twentieth Army Corps, which had been unable to rejoin their proper commands serving with C-eneral Shermans army on the march through C-eorgia. tAttached to Third Brin~ade. I Killed. ~Wonnded. IIDQta~ihc! with pontOQu tratri Page 95 CHAP, ~YII.] ~& M~PAIQ~ IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TEN~4. POST OF NASHVILLE. Brig. Gen. JOHN F. MILLER. Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corp8. Col. EDWIN C. MASON. 1424 Indiana, Col. John M. Comparet. 45th New York, Lient. Col. Adoiphus Dohke. 176th Ohio, Lient. Col. William B. 4e~bitt. 179th Ohio, Col. 1-larley H. Sage. 1824 Ohio, Col. Lewis Butler. Unattached. 3d Kentucky. 28th Michigan, Col. William W. Wheeler. 173d Ohio, Col. John R. 1-lurd. 75th Pennsylvania (detachment), Maj. Henry W. Torbett. Veteran Reserve Corps, Col. Frank P. Cahill. 44th Wisconsin (battalion), Lient. Col. Olivex C. Bissell. 45th Wisconsin (battmdion). GARRISON ARTILLERY. Maj. JOhN J. ELy. Illinois Light, Bridges Battery, Lient, Lyman A. XVhite. Indiana Light, 2(1 Battery, Capt. James S. Whicher. Indiana Light, 4th Battery, Capt. Benjamin F. Johnson. In(liana Light, 12th Battery, Capt. ,Janies E. White. Indiana Light, 21st Battery, Capt. Abram P. Andrew. Indiana Light, 224 Battery, Capt. Edward W. Nicholson. Indiana Light, 24th Battery, Lient. Hiram Allen. 1st Michigan Light, Battery F, Capt. Byron D. Paddock. 1st Ohio Light, Battery A, Lient. Charles W. Scovihl. 1st Ohio Light, Battery E, Lient. Frank B. Reckard. Ohio Light, 20th Battery, Capt. William Backns. 1st Tennessee Light, Battery C, Lient. Joseph Grigsby. 1st Tenisessee Light, Battery D, CRpt. Samuel D. Leinart. 2d U. 5, Colored Light, Battery A, Capt. Josiah V. Meigs. QUARTERMASTERS DIVISION. Bvt. Brig Gen. JAMES L, DONALDSON. CAVALRY CORPS. Bvt. Maj. (len. JAMES H. WILSON. ESCORT. 4th United States, Lient, Joseph Hedges. FIRST DIVISION.I First Brigade. Brig. Gem JOHN T CnOxvoN. 8th Iowa, Col. Joseph B. Dorr. 4th Kentucky (mounted infantry), Col. Robert M. Kelly. 2d Michigan, Lient. Col. Benjamin Smith. 1st Tennessee, Lient. Col. Calvin M. Dyer. Illinois Light Artillery, Board of Trade Battery, Capt. George I. Robinson. 95 Composed of qnartermastem~s employ~s. I The Second and Third Brigades of this division, under the division commander, Brig. Gen, E, M. MoCook, were absent on an expedition into Western Keatneky Page 96 KY.~ SW. YA., TENN., MiSS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. FIFTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EDWALID hATCh. First Brigade. Col. ROBERT H. STEWART. 3d Illinois, Lieut. Cal. Robert H. Carnahan. 11th Indiana, Lient. Col. Abram Sharra. 12th Missouri, Col. Oliver Wells. 10th Tennessee: Maj. William P. Story. Maj. James T. Abernathy. Second Brigade. Col. DATUS E. COON. 6th Illinois, Lient. Col. John Lyncb.t 7th Illinois, Maj. John M. Graham. 9th Illinois, Capt. Joseph W. Harper. 2d Iowa, Maj. Charles C. Horton. 12th Tennessee, Col. George Spalching.t 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery I, Lient. Joseph A. McCartney. SIXTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. RIcHARD W. JOHNSON. First Brigade. Col. THOMAS J. HARRISON. 16th Illinois, Maj. Charles II. Beeres. 5th Iowa, Lient. Col. Harlon Baird. 7th Ohio, Col. Israel Garrard. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES BIDDLE. 14th Illinois, Maj. Haviland Tompkins. 6th Indiana, Maj. Jacob S. Stephens. 8th Michigan, Col. Elisha Mix. :3d Tennessee, Maj. Benjamin Cunning- ham. Artillery. 4th United States, Battery I, Lient. Frank G. Smith. SEVENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH F. KNIFE. First Brigade. Bvt. Brig. Gep. JoIIN H. HAMMOND. 9th Indiana, Col. George W. Jackson. 10th Indiana, Lient. Col. Benjamin Q. A. Gresham. 19th Pennsylvania, Lient. Col. Joseph C. Hess. 2d Tennessee, Lient. Col. William R. Cook. 4th Tennessee, Lient. Col. Jacob M. Thorilbulgh. & cond Brigade. Col. GILBERT M. L. JOHNSON. 12th Indiana, Col. Edward Anderson. 13th Indiana, Lient. Col. WilliamT. Pep- per. 6th Tennessee, Col. Fielding Hurst. Artillery. Ohio Light, 14th Battery, Licut. William C. Myers. Mortally wounded. tDisabled. Wounded. 9 Page 97 CHAP. LVII.) CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. No. 7. Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, under ]Iifaj. Gen. George H. Thomas, at the battle of Nashville, Teun., December 1516, 1864. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a Command. ,Ji -~ ,Ji a . a . a . a a ~ a a a a bI 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ FOURTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. THOMAS J. Woon. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL. First Brigade. Col. ISAAC MI. KIRBY. 21st Illinois 18th Illinois list Indiana 81st Indiana 90th Ohio 101st Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. WALTER C. WEITAMER. 96th Illinois 115th Illinois 35th Indiana 21st Kentucky 23d Kentucky 45th Ohio 51st Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Geu. WILLIAM GROSE. 75th Illinois 80th Illinois 84th Illinois 9th Indiana 30th indiana 36th Indiana (detachment) 84th indiana 77th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WASHINGTON L. ELLIOTT. First Brigade. Col. EMERSON OPDYCKE. 36th Illinois .. 44th Illinois 73d Illinois 74th Illinois 88th Illinois 125th Ohio 24th Wisconsin Total First Brigade 7 U UVOL XLV1 PT I 10 1 4 4 1 1 19 1 1 1 2 1 6 6 1 32 18 29 8 94 7 2 43 25 33 10 120 3 9 1 13 9 9 2 2 4 1 2 4 7 3 3 1 3 4 1 10 11 1 9 40 1 51 2 2 2 6 2 5 7 1 7 1 9 1 17 18 6 6 1 19 20 1 15 16 2 4 4 71 1 82 4 32 10 205 2 253 3 1 6 2 12 2 1 24 2 29 1 1 2 2 1 3 4 1 2 3 8 .2 371 41 51 9 Page 98 98 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVIL Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, 4~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. 13 a Command. IC a 1) . a . . ~ a ~ ~ RI a ~ a ~ a RI 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Second Brigade. CoiJossE QIANE. 100th Illinois 40th Indiana 57th Indiana 28th Kentucky 26th Ohio 97th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH CONRAD. 42d Illinois 51st Illinois 79th Illipois 15th Missouri 64th Ohio 55th Ohio Total Third Brigade Total Seoond Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. SAMUEL BRATTY. First Brigade. Col. ABEL D. STREIGHT. 89th Illinois 51st Indiana 8th Kansas 15th Ohio 49th Ohio Total First Brjgade Second Brigade. Col. P. SIDNEY POST.* Lient. Col. ROBERT L. KIMBERLY. Staff 59th Illinois 41st Ohio 71st Ohio 93d Ohio 124th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. FREDERICK KNEFLER. 79th Indiana 86th Indiana 13th Ohio 19th Ohio Total Third Brigade 1 1 1 1 2 6 2 10 11 4 1 19 2 11 16 5 2 26 1 4 8 49 1 62 2 1 12 15 1 1 9 11 1 4 5 1 1 8 10 5 2 7 4 6 10 8 4 44 2 58 20 14 130 7 171 1 3 2 14 20 15 3 85 101 8 2 10 40 2 1 1 21 27 10 5 39 54 3 37 13 191 244 3. 3 1 7 7 76 9 100 1 5 23 3 32 2 19 5 96 122 1 2 3 22 28 2 1 4 19 1 27 6 30 27 236 13 312 1 7 8 I 1 7 8 Total Third Division 9 68 4QI 434 13 564 5Wouncie21 Page 99 Cni~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, 4c.Continued. Killed. Command. 0 Artillery Brigade. Maj. WILBUR F. GOODSPEED. Indiana Ligh~~ 25th Battery Kentucky Light, 1st Battery 1St Michigan Light, Battery E 1st Ohio Light, Battery G Ohio Light, 6th Battery Pennsylvania Light, Battery B 4th United States, Battery M Total Artillery Brigade Total Fourth Army Corps TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JOHN M. SCHOFIELD. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. GaD. DARIUS N. Coucu. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. COOPER. 110th Indiana 26th Kentucky 25th Michigan 99th Ohio Id Tennessee 6th Tennessee Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. ORLANDO H. MOORE. 107th Illinois 80th Indiana i29th Indiana ~3d Michigan Ohio 118th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. JOHN MEHEINOER. 91st Indiana 123d Indiana 50th Ohio 183d Ohio Total Third Brigade Artillery. Indiana Light, 15th Battery Ohio Light, 19th Battery 1 1 2 Wounded. Captured or mlssIng. a . a a a a a a ~ a 0 ~ 0 ~ 2 2 bC H 3 I 4 6 13 122 64 773 22 994 1 9 10 2 3 41 46 2 3 s 7 7 3 8 11 1~ 9 10 7 5 7?. 89 1 1 2 1 1 2 4 6 6 1 8 9 1 9 10 1 ~ 6 2 4 31 37 1 1 1 2 5 6 I 6 5 7 2 8 18 22 Total Second Division I 1 101 iii 126 148 9 Page 100 100 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISSY, ALA., AND N. GA. LCHAr. LVII. Return of Ca8ualties in the U. S. Forces, ~5-c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a . a - a . a ~ a a ~ a a a 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ THIRD DIVISION. Brig. (len. JAcon ID. Cox. First Brigede. Col. CHARLES C. DOOLITTLE. 12th Kentucky 16th Kentucky 100th Ohio 104th Ohio 8th Tennessee Total First Brigade ,Seeoad Brigede. Col. JOHN S. CASEMRNT. 65th Illinois 65th Indiana 124th Indiana lOld Ohio 5th Tennessee Total Second Brigade Third Brigede. Col. ISRAEL N. STILES. 112th Illinois 63d Indiana 120th Indiana 128th Indiana Total Third Brigade Artillery. Indiana Light, 21(1 Battery 1st Ohio Light, Battery ID Total Third IDivision Total Twenty-third Army Corps IDETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNES SEE. Maj. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITE. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN MCARTHUR. Staff First Brigede. Col. WILLIAM L. MCMILLEN. Illinois Light Artillery, Cogswells Battery 114th illinois Old Indiana 10th Minnesota 72d Ohio 95th Ohio 2 1 5 I 5 5 I 3 1 1 9 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 3 17 17 10 11 141 165 1~ . 1 I I 17 1 1 8 Il 12 52 3 8 15 14 77 1 9. Total First Brigade 22 10 86 118 2 Page 101 CHAP. tYIL] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, ~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. bI a . a . a . a a a a a a a a Ii be ~ Q ~ 0 ~ Second Brigade. Col. Lucius F. HUBBARD. Iowa Li,,ht Artillery, 2d Battery 5th Minnesota 9th Minnesota 11th Missouri 8th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. SYLVEST R (I. HILL.* Col. WILLIAM H. MARSHALL. 12th Iowa 35th Iowa 7th Minnesota 33d Missouri 2d Missouri Light Artillery, Battery I Total Third Brigade Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. KENNER GARRARD. First Brigade. Col. DAVID MOORE. 119th Illinois 122d illinois 89th Indiana Indiana Light Artillery, 9th Battery 21st Missouri Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JAMES I. GILBERT. 58th Illinois indiana Light Artillery, 3d Battery 27th Iowa 32d Iowa 10th Kansas Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE. 49th Illinois 117th illinois 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G 52d Indiana 178th New York Total Third Brigade Total Second Division ~ Killed. 1 1 1 13 7 4 6 5 4 8 5 1 87 46 75 50 1 3 30 22 259 1 315 1 18 19 1 1 16 18 6 3 51 60 3 2 40 45 3 3 1 11 5 128 145 4 63 38 473 1 579 2 1 8 23 14 1 2 1 46... 49 2 2 1 21 12 12 1 24 25 1 22 23 1 1 61 63 1 15 16 2 1 11 14 1 1 1 1 14 1 17 1 1 2 4 5 3 43 . 1 52 8 5 150 101 1 107 58 87 62 8 23 17 1 16 Page 102 102 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, 4~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ,A a . a . a ~ n a ~ a ~ a 0 ~ 0 ~ THIRD DIVISION. Col. JONATHAN B. MOORE. First Brigade. Col. LYMAN M. WARD. 72d Illinois 40th Missouri 14th Wisconsin 33d Wisconsin 3 3 3 3 Total First Brigade Second Brigede. Col. LEANDER BLANDEN. 81st fllinois 1 95th Illinois 44th Missouri I Total Second Brigade ___ ArtiLlery. Indiana Light 14th Battery 2d Missouri Light, Battery A 1 Total Third Division 1 4 Total Detachment Army of the Tennessee 4 72 43 627 2 PROVISIONAL DETACHMENT (DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH). Maj. Gen. JAMES B. STEEDMAN. PROVISIONAL DIVISION. * Brig. Gen. CHARLES CRIJFT. First Brigede. Col. BENJAMIN HARRISON. Second Brigede. Col. JOHN G. MITCHELL. 1 18 3 65 32 Third Brigede. Lleut. Col. CHARLES H. GROSVENOR. Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee). Col. ADAM G. MALLOY. .Miscelleneous. Indiana Light Artillery, 20th Battery 2 6 8 68th Indiana Infantry I 1 7 8 Ohio Light Artillery, 18th Battery 15th Ohio Infantry t 9 2 38 9 6%) Total Provisional Division I ~ 28 7 116 41 195 Composed maiidy of detachments belonging to the Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sev- enteenth, and Twentieth Army Corps, which had been nuable to rejoin their proper commands, serving with General Shermans army on the march throngh Georgia. t Attached to Third Brigade Page 103 103 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NOI~Tli ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. Return of Casnalties in the U. S. Forces, ~5c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ~. ii a S.. S.. S.. a a a . a . 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ First Gelored Brigade. Col. THOMAS J. MORGAN. 14th U. S. Colored Troops 16th U. S. Colored Troops* 17th U. S. Colored Troops 2 18th U. S. Colored Troops (battalion) 44th U, S. Colored Troops Total First Colored Brigade. Second Colored Brigade. Col. CHARLES R. THOMPSON. 2 12th U. S. Colored Troops 13th U. S. Colored Troops 4 100th U. S. Colored Troops Total Second Colored Brigade Total Provisional Detachment POST OF NASHVILLE.) Brig. Gen. JOHN F. MILLER. Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twentieth Army Corps. Col. EnWIN C. MASON. 142d Indiana 45th New York 176th Ohio 179th Ohio 182d Ohio . Unattached. 3d Kentucky 28th Michigan 173d Ohio 78th Pennsylvania Veteran Reserve Corps 44th Wisconsin 45th Wisconsin GARRISON ARTILLERY.) Maj. JOHN J. ELY. 10 51 12 5 4 5 99 161 1 116 114 221 133 4 73 14 376 1 468 9 120 25 606 65 825 Illinois Light, Bridges Battery Indiana Light, 2d Battery Indiana Light, 4th Battery Indiana Light, 12th Battery Indiana Light, 21st Battery Indiana Light, 22(1 Battery Indiana Light, 24th Battery . 1st Michigan Light, Battery F 1st Ohio Light, Battery A 1st Ohio LiTht Battery B Ohio Light, 20th Battery 1st Tennessee Light, Battery C 1st Tennessee Light, Battery ID 2d U, ~. Colored Light, Battery A Detached with pontoon train. t No loss reported. 4 14 1 19 4 4 20 3 41 64 4 114 65 84 9 4 23 16 Page 104 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CIIA~P. LVII. Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, 4c.Continned. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a Command. Si Si I~ a a . a a ~ ~ a a ~ a a a bi~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ QUARTERMASTERS DIVISIOi~ Bvt. Brig. Gen. JAMES L. DONALDSON. CAVALRY CORPS. Bvt. Maj. Gen. JAMES II. WILSON ESCORT. 4th United States FIRST DIVISION. I First Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN T. CROXTON. Illinois Light Artillery, Board of Trade Battery. 8th iowa 4th Kentucky (mounted infantry) 2d Michigan 1st Tennessee Total First Brigade FIFTH IIIVISIIIN. Brig. Gen. EnwARn BATCH. First Brigade. Cot. ROBERT R. STEWART. 3d Illinois 11th Indiana 12th Missouri 10th Tennessee Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. DATUS E. COON. 6th Illinois 7th Illinois 9th Illinois 2d Iowa 12th Tennessee Total Second Brigade Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery I Total Fifth Division SIXTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. RICHARD W. JOHNSON. First Brigade. Col. THOMAS J. BARRISON. 16th Illinois 5th Iowa 7th Ohio 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 3 37 42 5 :i 39 45 7 3 21 35 13 7 101 122 2 1 8 11 4 4 23 11 1 1 11 13 4 19 23 3 5 26 1 35 14 11 87 1 113 27 18 188 1 235 1 4 S 1 3 4 2 1 8 11 Total First Brigade 1 1 9 1 8 20 No loss reported. The Second and Third Brigades of this division, nnder the division commander, Brig. Gen. B. M. MeCook, were absent oa an expedition into Western Kentucky. 10 Page 105 Csii~. LVII.) CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 105 Return of Casualties in the U. S. Forces, 4~c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a a . a a . a ~ a ~ a ~ a a a ti~ C ~ o ~ Secend Brigede. Col. JAMES BIDDLE. 14th Illinois 6th Indiana 8th Michigan 3d Tennessee Total Second Brigade Artillery. 4th United States, Battery I Total Sixth Division SEVENTH tOVISION. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH F. KNIP. First Brigade. Bvt. Brig. Gen. JOHN H. HAMMOND. 9th Indiana 10th Indiana 19th Pennsylvania 2d Tennessee 4th Tennessee Total First Brigade Second Briyede. Col. GILHERT M. L. JOHNSON. 12th Indiana 11th Indiana 6th Tennessee Total Second Brigade Artillery. Ohio Light, 14th Battery Total Seventh Division 7 1 8 7 1 8 1 1 16 1 9 28 2 2 1 1 17 10 4 7 1 9 3 5 1 19 10 57 1 4 2 7 1 4 2 7 6 1 41 12 64 Total Cavalry Corps 2 14 21 249 1 RECAPITULATION. Fourth Army Corps 11 122 64 771 22 994 Twenty-third Army Corps 1 10 11 141 t65 1)etachment Army of the Tennessee 4 72 41 627 2 748 Provisional Detachment (District of the Etowah) 9 120 25 606 65 825 Garrison of Nashville* Garrison Artillery* Quartermaster.~ Division* Cavalry Corps 2 34 21 249 1 22 129 Grand total 29 118 164 2, 398 1 lit 3, 061 * No loss reported. 1 21 21 4 8 32 Page 106 jog KY., SW. VA., TEYN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP, LVII. OFFiCERS KILLED 01? MORTALLY WOUNDED. ILLINOIS. Capt. William MeCansland, 7th Cavalry. Maj. Thomas W. Motherspaw, 73d In- Capt. William B. Young, 27th Infantry. fantry. Lieut. Benjamin G. Hnmes, 38th Infantry. Licut. Peter G. Tait, 89th Infantry. Lient. Robert Gooding, 59th Infantry. INDIANA. Capt. Robert H. Heckathorn, 11th Cay- Capt. Eugene M. Schell, 81st Infantry. airy. Lieut. Noble B. Gregory, 84th Infantry. Lieut. David B. Rees, 11th Cavalry. Lient. John H. Secrist, 123d Infantry. Capt. William M. Raymond, 52d Infantry. IOWA. Lieut. John W. Watson, 5th Cavalry. Col. Sylvester G. Hill, 35th Infantry. KENTUCKY. Lieut. Hugh A. Hedger, 21st Infantry. MINNESOTA. Capt. Henry Stasson, 5th Infantry. Lient. henry G. Bailly, 5th Infantry. Capt. Asgrim K. Skaro, 9th Infantry. Lieut. John R. Roberts, 9th Infantry. Maj. Michael Cook, 10th Infantry. Capt. George T. White, 10th Infantry. MISSOURI. Lieut. Wakefield Standley, 12th Cavalry. Lieut. S. Edward Day, 33d Infantry. Capt. William F. Notestine, 11th Infan- Lient. Thomas Rutledge, 33d Infantry. try. OHIO. Lient. Thomas N. Hanson, 15th Infantry. Lient. Charles J. Rodig, 15th Infantry. Capt. Ebenezer Grosvenor, 18th Infantry. Lient. Samuel W. Thomas, 18th Infantry. Capt. William hlansard, 41st Infantry. Lient. John K. Gibson, 49th Infantry. Lient, Edward L. Pyne, 50th Infantry. Lieut. Everah C. Le Blond, 71st Infantry. Lieut. Eliah A. Widener, 71st Infantry. Lient. John M. Patterson, 93(1 Infantry. Lieut. Thomas R. Owens, 118th Infantry. Lient. Terence A. Dempsey, 124th Infan- try. Lieut. Samuel B. Payne, 124th Infantry. PENNSYLVANIA. Lieut, Alexander T. Baldwin, 77th Infantry. TENNESSEE. Maj. William P. Story, 10th Cavalry. I Lient. William J. Rankin, 12th Cavalry. U. S. COLORED TROOPS. Capt. Robert Head en, 12th Infantry. Lieut. Dennis Dease, 12th Infantry. Lieut. James A. Isorn, 13th Infantry. Licut. Luther L. Parks, 13th Infantry. Lient, George Taylor, 13th Infantry. Lient. .John M. Woodruff, 13th Infantry. Capt. Job H. Aldrich, 17th Infantry. Capt. Gideon H. Ayers, 17th Infantry. Lient. George L. Clark, 17th Infantry. WISCONSIN. Lient. William H. Sargent, 8th Infantry Page 107 107 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. No. 8. Report of Surg. George B. Cooper, U. S. Army, Medical Director, De partment of the Cumberland. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, MEDICAL DIRECTORS OFFICE, Nashrille, Teun., April 7, 1865. SIR: My report of the medical department of the Army of the Cum- berland from the time of the invasion of Northern Alabama and Ten- jiessee by the rebel army under General Hood till the defeat of the same by the Government forces in front of Nashville, and the pursuit tbereof to beyond the Tennessee River, must be a meager and unsatis- factory one in consequence of my having been separated from the army, and not having myself been in active campaign with it until after the battle of Franklin, Tenn., when it presented itself in the defenses of Nashville. The proceedings of the medical corps are, however, ex- ceedingly well pointed out in the accompanying report of Surg. J. Theo. Heard, medical director Fourth Army Corps, who in person ac- companied that corpsall that was left as an organized force of the old Army of the Cumberland, the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps having been taljen by Major-General Sherman to form a portion of the army with which he made the great raid through Georgia. At the time of evacuAting Atlanta the corps hospitals of the Army of the Cumberland were, as they had been in the summer campaign, fully organized and equipped, and were ready to move at a moments notice. The general field hospital, under the charge of Surg. M. C. Woodworth, was in fine condition and of sufficient capacity to receive all the sick and wounded of the army, who, on the breaking up of the division hospitals, might require medical treatment. Supplies of all kinds had been called for and procured by the field medical purveyor, and the army corps were amply and liberally supplied. The ambu- lances, which had been greatly used during the summer campaign, were repaired and put in as serviceable condition as the time and ma- terial on hand would admit of. When the rebel army PAl upon the line of railroad at our rear the inconvenience suffered therefrom was, as far as the medical department was coiicerned,in reality nothing. The only article which ran short was whisky, and this was procured in ample quantities from the subsistence department. The quality, though not equal to that furnished by the medical department, was good enough for all practicable l)urposes. The Fourth and Foui{c~uth Army Corps, having been detailed to follow Hoods army to the rear, the sick from their division hospitals were transferred to the general field hospital, where they were cared for as well as could be wished for, and the troops left Atlanta entirely disencumnbered with sick or wounded men. What occurred from that Pine till the last days of Noveumber, 1864, is known to me by hearsay only and from reading the reports furnished these headquarters. For this information I refer to the excellent report of Surgeon 1{eard, med- ical director, Fourth Army Corps, who, having been one of that little band who held the whole rebel army in cheek from Decatur, Ala., to Nashville, Tenn., is far more competent to make the report than I. Synchronous with my arrival at Nashville from Atlanta and Chatta- nooga came reports of the falliii g back of our army from 1-~ulaski, Tenn., and of heavy and continuous skirmishing with Hoods advance. On the 30th of November came the news that a severe action ha Page 108 108 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. reEk?. IJVIL taken place iiear Franklin, Teiin., and that our losses in both killed and wounded had been heavy. The medical director of the Fourth Army Corps was immediately telegraphed to and asked if he required a hospital train, and early next morning hospital train No. 2 was sent to Breutwood, between Nashville and Franklin. On the night of November 30 two freight trains loaded with wounded from skirmishes beyond Franklin, and which had been brought to that place in ainbu- lances, arrived here. The wounded were transferred to the geueral hospitals here, and were promptly and skillfully cared for by the med- ical officers there on duty. On the following day the troops arrived froiu Franklin, bringing with them quite a number of wounded, but having, nufortunately, been compelled to leave by far the greater portion in the hands of the enemy. Almost at the same time came the troops commanded by MaJ. Gen. A. J. Smith. These troops were deficient in almost everything belonging to the hospital department~ th trains; there was no , cy had no organized ambnlance corps or division or brigade organization of hospitals, but were as they had been from the beginning of the war, and seemed to have learned iiothing from experience or the example of others, and opposed every improvement as an innovation. They had but few medi- cal supplies, and were wanting in almost everything which would aid them in alleviating the sufferings of the sick and wounded of their commands. it became necessary to fit them out with all possible dis- patch, which was done; and thanks are due to Surg. Robert Fletcher, U. S. Volunteers, medical purveyor, for his energy, efficiency, and promptness in this emergency. No one could have performed the duties of purveyor in a manner more creditable to himself or with greater benefit to the Government. As soon as the troops arrived in front of Nashville they were placed in the lines and were compelled to throw up intrenchinents. They were much prostrated by their constant harassing night and day marches from the Tennessee River to Nashville but, notwithstanding this, in a short time, by constant and severe labor, works were thrown np which rendered Nashville impregnable. As the army was short of men, it became necessary to call to the aid of the beleaguered city all the troops within call. Consequently, the different detachments of the army which left Atlanta with General Sherman, a ad had remained behind,in hospitals and otherwise, were organized into a temporary corps under the coinmaml of Major-General Steedman. This extem. porized corps was without any organization whatever, and to it was attached the regiments of colored troops. It is impossible for inc to learn if these troops consider themselves a part and parcel of the Army of the Cumberland, or a separate command made for Colonel Mussey. I should judge them to be out of the department did I take the atten- tion they pay to time existence of this office as a criterion. They are more irregular in forwarding their reports than any regiments in the Army of the Cumberland. The weather, which, previous to the arrival of the troops, had been nioderate, became, shortly after their arrival at Nashville, excessively cold for this latitude. The result of this was much suffering on the part of the troops and the comparative cessation of all offensive ineas- ures on the part of either army. At this time the results of the fatigue undergone by the troops in the retreat from Decatur and the subsequent labor in the trenches began to show themselves in the greatly increased number of men who presented themselves for medica Page 109 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 109 treatment. Many, too, who had without detriment to their health undergone all the hardships of the summer and fall campaign, now yielded to the effects of the bitter cold, and diseases of the pulmonary viscera became numerous. Rheumatic affections, too, became quite prevalent. The advent of the rebel army in front of Nashville, and the fact of intrenching itself rendered the necessity of a general action a moral certainty. To prepare for the sick and wounded of the Gov- ermnent forces demanded a much larger amount of hospital accommoda- tion than was at that time at the disposal of the hospital department. Anticipating a large influx of wounded, the efficient superintendent and director of U. S. general hospitals at Nashville took possession of every building that could be made use of for hospital purposes and had them fitted up with all possible dispatch. Consequently, some 4,000 vacant beds were at the disposal of the medical department. The Assistant Surgeon-General, too, anticip( ting the necessity, ordered to Nashville a large nmnber of medical officers, of whom many arrived prior to the actions and all in sufficient time to be of the greatest serv- ice to the wounded in the battles in front of Nashville. The medical officers of the Fourth Army Corps, being emphatically experts in the care of the wounded after battle, bad everything prepared for prompt and efficient action. They had supplied themselves with all the necessaries, and, in addition, had procured all the delicacies within their reach. The result was that after the actions of 15th and 16th of December the men belonging to the Fourth Army Corps,~ and all who were brought to the field hospitals of that corps, were promptly and skillfully treated and most carefully provided for. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the medical staff of the Fourth Army Corps for their untiring attention and skillful manner of treating the wounded in their (livision hospitals. Were it not invidious to designate and par- ticularize by name certain officers when all are worthy, I would give a list of the medical officers wh9 so faithfully performed their duty. This I will not do, but justice to themselves demands that I should mention and particularize Surgs. M. G. Sherman, Ninth Indiana Vol- unteers; Stephen J. Young, Seventy-ninth Illinois Yolnnteers; E. B. Click, Fortieth Indiana Volunteers, and C. N. Ellinwood, Seventy- fourth Illinois Volunteers, as men deserving of more than ordinary notice. Previous to the battles instructions had been given to the sur- geons in charge to establish division field hospitals as near to the field as practicable, and strict orders were issued directing the surgeons to operate on the field upon all reqniring it, previous to transferring the men to the general hospitals in the city. The weather, which had entirely stopped all offensive military oper- ations, having moderated considerably, the army on the morning of De- cember 15 marched omit beyond the fortifications for the purpose of assaulting the enemys lines. The muedical department of the Army of the Cumnberland proper were prei)are(l to attend to any numnber of wounded brought in to them from the field, and established their hos- pitals as near the front as the safety of the wounded and the configu- ration of the country would admit of. Water being quite plenty, posi- tion only had to be sought for. The extemuporized corps, commanded by Major-General Steedman, had no organized medical staff. This was composed of all the surgeons who could be thund unattached, in conse- quence of being on leave of absence or having been separated from their regiments which had marched from Atlanta with Major-General Sher- in an. To these were added the medical officers of the U. S. Colore Page 110 110 KY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. L\flL Troops. This portion of the medical staff was under the charge of Surg. Josiah D. Cotton, Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers, who acted as medical director. Though hastily brought together and lacking in all the appurtenances for field l~ospitals, the medical officers of this com- mand did all in their power to assist and relieve the wounded nuder their charge. The only great drawback to prompt action in this por- tion of the army was the entire absence of an ambulance corps. The blockade of the Cumberland River by the rebel batteries had prevented the quartermasters department from bringing a sufficient number to Nashville. To avoid the want of ambulances as much as possible, every one that could be found in Nashville, no matter in what capacity used, was takeu possession of and sent into the field, to be used as circum- stances might demand. T1~is,in a manner, served in the place of an ambulance corps, but the want of system and organization was most apparent. The soldiery wounded in the action of the 15th of Decem- ber were, on the same night, brought into the city and placed in the U. S. general hospitals, where every necessary attention was paid them. Such as had not been operated upon were then examined, and such measures were taken as their cases demanded. The wounded in the action of the 16th of December, 1864, were also brought in and placed in the general hospitals. Some were brought in by ambulances of the CO~l)5 and some by vehicles, which had been impressed for that purpose. Surg. 0. Q. Herrick, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, super- intendent of transportation of sick and wounded, made use of all available means to remove from the field each and every wounded man found there. This was a matter of no little labor, for the scene covered several miles, and wOnn(lCd men were in every portion of it, and the cavalry wounded even farther distant; yet, by midday of the 17th of December all our wounded were in comfortable hospitals, the recipi- ents of every attention that skill and science could furnish. The pur- suit of the eueniy entailed,, as a necessary consequence, much more labor in the care of the wounded. The railroads were destroyed, and all the wounded had to be transferred by means of ambulances to the hospitals at Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski. This was done under the supervision of Surg. 0. Q. Ilerrick; and too much praise cannot be given him for his untiring energy and labor in collecting and bringing in from the houses in the vicinity of the line of march the wounded of our own and the rebel army. The cavalry in advance paid but little attention to their wounded, but left them in houses by the roadside, to be cared for by the surgeons of the infantry troops who were following. Time Fourth Army Corps carried with them the sick and wounded in ambulances until they arrived where proper hospital accommodations could be furnished. The Sixteenth and Twenty-third Armny Corps, not being in the advance, had no wounded to care for. In Franklin, Column bia, and Pulaski a large numuber of rebel wounded were found who had been left by their army. A sufficient number of medical officers had been left with them to give them proper atten- tion. These wounded were, as soon as practicable, transferred in hos- pital cars to Nashville, where they were placed in one large hospital. The medical officer in charge was directed to furnish them all neces- saries and such luxuries as the condition of their wounds required. This was done until the arrival of the Commissary-General of Prisoners, who directed that the wounded rebels should be confined to prison hos- pital rations. I do not think that it is the intention of the Government to deprive wounded men, rebels though they be, of everything needfu Page 111 Ca& ~. LYIL] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 111. for their treatment. Prison hospitals being at a distance from the front, it was not expected that wounded men would be brought there till sufficiently well to travel, when diet would be but a matter of minor import. No surgeon can give good results if he be not allowed to use every article called for by sinking nature and to treat disease untram- meled by orders from non-professional men. The wounded of our armies who were left at Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski had medical officers detailed to remain with them until the railroad should have been repaired, when those who could bear trans- portation were to be removed to Nashville. The necessary supplies were left with the sick and wounded as far as was practicable, but not in such abundance as would have been furnished had the railroad been intact. The weather during the pursuit was of the most disagreeable character. Rain fell for four successive days, and when this ceased the weather grew severely cold. This was followed by rain, rain, rain, and as a sequence mud. Probably in no part of the war have the men suf- fered more from inclement weather than in the month of December, 1864, wheu following Hoods retreating army from Nashville to the Tennessee River. The result of this weather and the hard marching was, as might have been looked for, severe affections of the pulmonary viscera, fevers, rheumatism, and diarrheas, which served to fill the hospitals in this vicinity to their utmost capacity. The number of men wounded in the actions in front of Nashville will never be correctly furnished, in consequence of the character of some of the troops engaged and their having no organized medical department. The records of this office, as far as furnished, show for the actions from De- catur to Nashville, 402 wounded; in front of Nashville and during the pur- suit of the rebels, 1,717 wounded. The wounds were caused by musketry, throwing conoidal projectiles, and by artillery of the latest and most approved character. The wounds were received at all distances, from contact with the muzzle of the piece to the extreme range of artillery and musketry. The character of many of the wounds were of the most severe kind, having been received at short range, consequent upou the peculiarity of the battle, which was a series of charges upon heavily fortified lines held by strong forces of the enemy. The medical officers of the Army of the Cumberland did in this cam- paign all that mcii could do to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded soldiery, and have only added to the envious reputation gained by them en many a former battle-field. They are skillful, zealous, untir- ing, and faithful, knowing their whole duty and doing it most conscien- tiously. The medical officers of Sixteenth Corps did their duty well and faithfully, but want of systematic organization crippled their move- ments most perceptibly. I will transmit the nominal list of wounded as soon as it can be made out; it will be defective in the Cavalry Corps and in those troops com- manded by Major-General Steedman. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. COOPER, Surg., U. S. Army, Medical Director, Dept. of the Cumberland. A$ST. ADJT. GEN., DEPT. OF THE CUIMBERLAND, Nashville, Teun Page 112 112 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., A~D N. GA. (C1~A?. LVII. No. 9. Ji~eport of IVLaJ. 6~en. David S. Stanley, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Army Corps, of operations November 14December 1, 18G4. IIEADQUARTIERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., February 25, 1865.* On the 14th [November] Major-General Schofield arrived and assumed command, by direction of iViajor-General Thomas. On the 21st it be- came positively known, from a dispatch intercepted by General Hatchs pickets and from other sources, that the enemy were moving north and in the direction of Columbia. The roads, however, off the pikes were very bad, it having rained very heavily for some days, and then frozen, but not hard enough to bear wagons. It was believed the enemy could make but little speed, and the evacuation of Pulaski was made the afternoon of the 23d. The corps marched to Lynuville that night, to which place the Second Division (General Wagner) had moved the day before. During the night it was learned that the enemy had made good use of his time, notwithstanding the bad roads, and that Colonel Capron~s brigade had been driven out of Mount Pleasant; it was believed by an infantry force. This information was received about 1 oclock at night, and the troops were immediately waked up and put in motion for Coluinhia, twenty-one miles distant. General Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Corps, was ten miles nearer Columbia, and march- ing at the same hour as ourselves he arrived in time to save Caprons brigade of cavalry from annihilation and perhaps the town of Columbia from capture. Turning west at a point three miles south of Columbia, on the Pulaski pike, General Cox, by a cross road, reached the Mount Pleasant pike, and immediately attacking the advancing rebels, drove them back. As fast as the divisions of the Fourth Corps arrived they were placed in line of battle and immediately intrenched them- selves. The First Division, Brigadier-General Whitaker, did not get into position until after night. The enemy~s cavalry made some dem- onstration s upon our left flank during the march, but were easily driven off by a regiment of infantry commall(led by Colonel Knefler. Durimig the 24th and 25th a very strong and complete set of earth-works were constructed, but the line being very long, and leaving no disposable troops after properly occupying it, two divisions of the corps were withdrawn from it on the night of the 25th to occupy a short and inte- rior line, leaving General Woods division to hold the front, formerly held by the entire corps. Coxs (livision, of the Twenty-third Corps, at the same time crossed to the north of Duck River, and General linger commenced the construction of a bridge-head. The enemy undoubtedly deploye their whole force upon our front, and they made several attacks upou our pickets; but it became evident very soon that Hood was moving to the east, and most likely with a view of crossing Duck River above us. The intentions of the enemy became so apparent that it was determined to cross the entire of our force to the north bank of Duck River. The nic~ht of the 26th orders were given accordingly, but the night was so dark and the rain poured down so that no progress could be made crossing the artillery, and at midnight the movement was given up and the artillery replaced in position. During the night of the 27th the withdrawal to the north side of Duck River was made very successfully, the pickets leaving the For portion of report here omitted, relating to operations in North Georgia and North Alabama, see Vol. XXXIX, Part I, p. 907 Page 113 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 113 outside line and falling back to the first line of works at 7 oclock ana remaining one hour, when they fell back to the interior line abandoned by the troops, holding that line until near daylight. The fort and mag- azine were fired, but the destruction was not very complete. The morn- ing of the 28th we occupied the high ground immediately north of Duck River, from below the railroad bridge to about a mile above Columbia. The railroad and pontoon bridges had been destroyed. The enemy could be seen in full view across the river. The troops were employed on the 28th in strengthening their position on the north bank of Duck River; one brigade, Whitakers, was sent back to Ruther- fords Creek to protect all the trains of the army parked near the cross- ing on the Franklin pike. About 3 p. m. it was learned that Forrests cavalry had driven Colonel Caprons brigade of cavalry to the north bank of Duck River, eleven miles above, and that the rebel cavalry had effected a crossing to the same side. Later in the evening the pickets of Woods division reported the enemy crossing cavalry at lucys Mills, five miles above Columbia. A reconnaissaiice sent after dark failed to find the enemy, but early on the morning of the 29th General Wilson sent word that the enemy had laid a pontoon bridge at lucys Mills. At 8 a. m. on the 29th I started to Spring Hill with the First and Second Divisions, all the artillery that could be spared, and all trains and ambulances to follow; at the same time a reconnaissance, consisting of Colonel Posts brigade, of Woods division, was sent up the river, and soon sent back word that the enemy was crossing infantry and wagons and moving off rapidly to the north and parallel to the turnpike. It being apprehended that the enemy might make a flank attack upon the position of our force between Duck River and Rutherfords Creek, the First Division, General Kimball commanding, was halted, and took up position to cover the crossing of th~ creek. At 11.30 oclock the head of the Second Division was within two miles of Spring Hill. A cavalry soldier, who seemed badly scared, was met here, who stated that a scout had come in from the direction of Raleigh [Rally] Hill, and reported that l3ufords division of rebel cavalry was half way between Raleigh [Rally] hill and Spring Hill, and on the march to the latter place. The Second Division was pushed on, and, attracted by the firing east of the village, double-quicked into the place and deployed the leading brigade as they advanced, drove off a force of the enemys cavalry which was (Irivilig our small force of cavalry and infantry and would very soon have occupied the town. General Wagner was ordered to depioy his division at once; Opdyckes and Lanes brigades to cover as much space about the village as would serve for room to park the trains; General Bradleys brigade was sent to occupy a wooded knoll about three-quarters of a mile east of the pike, and which com- manded the approaches from that direction. Up to this time it was thought we had only cavalry to contend with, but a general officer and his staff; at whom we sent some compliment- ary shells, were seen reconnoitering our position, and very soon after- ward General Bradley was assailed by a force which the men said fought too well to be any dismounted cavalry. I received General Schofields dispatch about the same time, telling me that the rebels had been crossing the river, and leaving no doubt but that we now con- fronted a superior force of rebel infantry. About the same time an attack was made upon a small wagon train, composed of some pressed wagons which had passed on, byrebel cavalry, at Reynolds [ThompsonsI Station, three miles toward Franklin, and simultaneously time rebel cay- alry appeared west of us and threatened the railroad station of Spring 8 R RVOL XLV~ PT Page 114 114 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. LVII. Hill. Thus we were threatened and attacked from every direction, and it was impossible to send any re-enforcements to Bradleys brigade, which had become quite severely engaged, lest in so doing we should expose the train and artillery park to destraction. The enemy made two assaults on Bradleys position, and were severely handled and repulsed; but finding his flank the third time they overlapped him on his right, and the general at the time receiving a severe wound whilst encouraging his men, his brigade was driven back to the outskirts of the village, where we rallied them and again formed them in line. The enemy attempted to follow up his advantage, but coIning across the corn-field toward the village they fell under the fire of at least eight pieces of artillery, at good range for spherical case-shot, and received a fire in flank from a section of a battery which had been placed on the pike south of the village. A part of the rebel force making the charge fled to their rear, and a portion ran down into a ravine between their own and our lines and concealed themselves in the bed of the small stream, neither able to crawl forward or go back until night-fall. This was the condition of affairs when night fell. General Bradleys bri- gade had lost about 150 nien in killed, wounded, and missing. We now know that the enemy lost, according to the statement of one of their surgeons who was on the field, 500 men. Our greatest loss was in the disabling of so intrepid an officer as General Bradley. As night closed we could see the enemy rapidly extending his lines, and by 8 oclock it was evident that at least a corps of Hoods army was formed in line of battle, facing the turnpike, and at a near distance of but little more than a half a mile from it. General Schofield arrived from Columbia at 7 oclock in the evening with lingers division. He found the enemy on the pike, and had quite a skirmish in driving them off. My pickets had reported seeing rebel columns passing east of our posi- tion as if to get possession of the hills at Thompsons Station, and the anxious question arose whether we could force our way through to Franklin. it was determined to attempt this, and General Schofield pushed on with lingers division to ascertain the condition of affairs. He found that the enemy did not attempt to hold the road. It was now 11 oclock at night, and Coxs division had just arrived from in front of Columbia; the division pushed on at once for Franklin. From a rebel officer, captain and adjutant-general of Cleburnes division, we learned that it was his division of the rebel army we had been fighting. Woods division, of the Fourth Corps, arrived just after Cox. The enemys skirmishers fired into the column frequently, and stampeded a new regiment which had just joined the day before; but instructions were sent to push on and not get into a fight if the enemy kept off the road, and in half an hour after General Woods division arrived I had the satisfaction of meeting the head of General Kimballs column, which got through with some skirmishing. So close were the enemy on our flank that, when a column was not passing, it was difficnlt for a staff officer or an orderly to get through on the road. General Coxs division was out of the way, and the train commenced to pull out at 1 oclock the morning of the 30th. The number of wagons, including artillery and ambulances, was about 800. At the very starting point they had to pass singly over a bridge, and it was exceedingly doubtful whether the train could be put on the road by daylight. Unless this could be done, and the corps put in motion, we were sure of being attacked at daylight and of being compelled to fight under every dis- advantage. I was strongly advised to burn the train, and move on with the troops and such wagons as could be saved, but I determine Page 115 (211Am LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 115 to make an effort to save the train. My staff officers were busily employed hurrying np teamsters, and everything promised well, when we were again thrown into despair by the report that the train was attacked north of Thompsons Station, and that the whole train had stopped. It was now 3 oclock in the mornilig. General Kimball was directed to l)ush on with the First 1)ivision and clear the road. General Woods division, which had deployed in the night north of Spring Hill and facing the east, had covered the road, was directed to move on, keeping off the road and on the right flank of the train, and General Wagners division, although wearied by the fighting of the day before, was detailed to bring up the rear. Before Kimballs division could reach the point at which the train was attacked, Major Steele, of my staff had gotten up a sqnad of our stragglers and driven off the rebels mak- ing the attack; they had succeeded in burning about ten wagons. The trains moved on again, and at about 5 oclock I had the satisfac- tion of seeing the last wagon pass the small bridge. The entire corps was on the road before daylight. The rebel cavalry was in possession of all the hills to our right, and made numerous demon- strations upon our flank, but were easily driven off by General Woods skirmishers, and when finally a section of Canbys battery uuli.mbexed and threw a few shells into them the rebel cavalrymen disappeared and troubled us no more. Colonel Opdyckes brigade formed the rear guard, and rendered excellent service, skirmishing all the way with the rebel force following us and forcing our stragglers and lame men, of whom there were tuany, to make a final effort to reach Franklin. General Kimballs division reached Franklin soon after 9 oclock and took up position on the right of the Twenty-third Corps, the right flank of the division resting on the Harpeth below Franklin. The line selected by General Schofield was about a mile and a half in length, and inclosed Franklin, resting the flanks upon the river above and below the town. The trains were all c~rossed over to the north side of the ilarpeth; Woods division was also crossed and posted to watch the fords below the place. Colonel Opdycke reached the heights two miles south of Franklin at 12 m. He was directed to halt on the hills to observe the enemy. Croxtons brigade of cavalry was steadily pushed back by the enemys infantry column on the Lewisburg pike, and at 1 oclock Geueral Wagner reported heavy columns of infantry approaching on the Columbia and Lewisburg pikes. General Wagner was instructed to fall back before the advance of the enemy, observing them. About the same time word was received that the rebels were trying to force a crossing at Hughes Ford, two miles above Franklin. From 1 oclock until 4 in the evening the enemys entire force was in sight and forming for attack, yet in view of the strong position we held, and reasoning from the former course of the rebels during this cam- paign, nothing appeared so improbable as that they would assault. T felt so confident in this belief that I did not leave General Schofields headquarters until the firing commenced. About 4 oclock the enemy advanced with his whole force, at least two corps, making a bold and persistent assault, which, upon a part of the line, lasted about forty min- utes. When Wagners division fell back from the heights south of Franklin, Opdyckes brigade was placed in reserve in rear of our main line, on time Columbia pike. Lanes and Conrads brigades were de- ployedthe former on the ri~ht, the other the left of ~he pikeabont 300 yards in front of the main line. Here the men, as our men always do, threw up a barricade of rails. By whose mistake I cannot tell, i Page 116 116 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIT. certainly was never a part of my instructions, but these brigades had orders from General Wagner not to retire to the main line until forced to do so by the fighting of the enemy. The consequence was that the brigades stood their gronnd until the charging rebels were almost cross- ing bayonets with them, but the line then brokeConrads brigade first, then Lanesand men and officers made the quickest time they could to our main lines. The old soldiers all escaped, but the conscripts being afraid to run under fire, many of them were captured. Conrads brigade entered the main line near the Columbia pike, Colonel Lanes several hundred yards to the right of the pike. A large proportion of Lanes men came back with loaded muskets, and turning at the breast- works, they fired a volley into the pressing rebels now not ten steps from them. The part of the Twenty-third Corps stationed in the works for a distance of about three [hundred] or four [hundred] yards to the right of the Columbia pike, and which space took in the First Ken- tucky and Sixth Ohio Batteries, broke and ran to the rear with the fugitives from Conrads brigade. To add to the disorder the caissons of the two batteries galloped rapidly to the rear, and the enemy appeared on the breast-works and in possession of the two batteries, which they commenced to turn upon us. It was at this moment I arrived at the scene of disorder, coming from the town on the Columbia pike; the moment was critical beyond any I have known in any battlecould the enemy hold that part of the line, he was nearer to our two bridges than the extremities of our line. Colonel Opdyckes brigade was lying down about 100 yards in rear of the works. I rode quickly to the left regiment and called to them to charge; at the same time I saw Colonel Opdycke near the center of his line urging his men forward. I gave the colonel no order, as I saw him engaged in doing the very thing to save us, viz, to get possession of onr line again. The retreating men of Colonel Conrads brigade, and, I believe, the men of the Twenty-third Corps, seeing the line of Opdyckes brigade start for the works, commenced to rally. I heard the old soldiers call out, Co me on, men, we can go wherever the general can,~~ and making a rush, our men immediately retook all the line, excepting a small por- tion just in front of the brick house on the pike. A force of the rebels held out at this point, and for fifteen or twenty minutes, supported by a rebel line fifty yards to the rear, poured in a severe fire upon our men. So deadly was this fire that it was only by the most strenuous exertions of the officers that our men could be kept to the line; our exertions, however, succeeded, and in twenty minutes our front was comparatively clear of rebels, who fell back to the position formerly held by the two brigades of the Second Division in the commencement of the fight, from whence they kept up a fire until midnight, when we withdrew. Just after the retaking of the line by our troops, as I was passing toward the left to General Coxs position, my horse was killed, and no sooner had I regained my feet than I received a musket-ball through the back of my neck. My wound, however, did not prevent my keeping the field, and General Cox kindly furnished me a re- mount. The rapidity of the firing made it very difficult to keep up the ammunition, the train being some two miles distant on the road to Nashville when the battle commenced, and our greatest danger at one period of the battle was that we wonld exhaust our ammunition. One hundred wagon-loads of ammunition, artillery and musket cartridges, were expended in this short battle, belonging to the ordnance train of the Fourth Army Corps; this train, however, supplied in great part the wants of the Twenty-third Corps Page 117 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 117 After the first great attack and repulse the enemy made several feeble demonstrations, and until 9 oclock in the evening formed and advanced upon the Columbia pike three or four times. I think these movements were made to keep us from moving, or to ascertain the very moment we left. At the commencement of the engagement word came that the enemys cavalry had forced a crossing at Hughes Ford, and calling upon me for support for our cavalry. General Wood was directed to send a brigade, and General Beattys brigade had started, whe~i information caine that our cavalry had driven the rebels back and the re-enforcements would not be needed. General Kimballs division, holding the extreme right of the line, had comparatively an easy thing of this fight; being well posted behind breast-works, their volleys soon cleared their front of rebels. One brigade, Colonel Kirbys, only had the opportunity to fire one volley, and this was a very effective one, at a rebel brigade which endeavored to move obliquely across our front to gain the right bank of the river. It having been determined to withdraw the troops to Nashville, they were directed to leave the line at midnight, the flanks withdrawing first and simul- taneously, the pickets to be withdrawn when all the troops had crossed. Some villain came very near frustrating this plan by firing a house in Franklin; the flames soon spread, and the prospect was that a large fire would occur, which, lightingup objects, would make it impossible to move the troops without being seen. My staff officers and General Woods found an old fire engine, and getting it at work, the flames were soon subdued and the darkness was found to be increased by the smoke. At midnight the withdrawal was made ~accessfnlly, although the enemy discovered it and followed our pickets up closely. General Woods division remained on the north side of the ilarpeth nutil 4 oclock in the morning as rear guard, destroying the bridges before he left. The enemy indulged in a furious shelling as soon as they found we had left. In the fight of the day before their artillery had not come up, and but two batteries ~vere used upon us. These two batteries threw shells into the towmi during the entire fight. The march was continued to Nashville without interruption; the troops made a short halt at Brentwood to get breakfast and allow the trains to move on. Our men were more exhausted physically than I have ever seen them on any other occasion. From November the 23d, when we left Pulaski, nutil arriving at Nashville we had been constantly in the immediate presence of an enemy we knew to be vastly superior to us in numbers, closely watching to attack us at disadvantage. With us both mind and body were kept at full stretch, and it was only by night marching and the constant use of intrenchments that we could hope to save ourselves. Many of our men were overtaxed and broke down; unable to travel any longer, they fell into the hands of the enemy. On two occasions the enemy was very near obtaining the advantage he sought of usthe first was when Cox drove back his advance,just about entering Columbia; the second and greatest escape for us was at Spring Hill, where, with a whole corps in line of battle, the left of the line within ~OO yards of the road, they allowed all our army, excepting Wagners division, which ha fought them during the day, to pass them with imp unity in the night. Upon arriving at Nashville I turned the com- mand of the Fourth Corps over to Brio- Gen. Thomas J. Wood, and took advantage of leave of absence on account of my wounds. Before closing this report I must mention the distinguished and faith- ful service ren(lered by some of the officers of my command. To Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood I am under more than ordinary obligations fo Page 118 118 KY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~A. FCHAP. LVII. advice, and for his success in selecting every position we occupied from Pulaski to Franklin. To General Whitaker, who commanded the First Division up to Columbia te General Kimball, who succeeded him, and to General Wagner, commanding the Second Division, I am under many obligations for the zeal in carrying out my plans and orders. To the members of my staff much is due for the cheerful and thorough manner in which they discharged their constant and severe duties dur- ing the campaign. Col. J. S. Fullerton, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff; Col. W. H. Greenwood, inspector of the corps; Maj. Will- iam H. Sinclair, assistant adjutant-general; Maj. J. W. Steele, aide-tie- camp; Capt. S. J. Firestone, acting aide-de-camp, and Capt. L. L. Taylor, aide-de-campall were most zealous in the discharge of their duties. Colonel Greenwoods duties were particularly important and thoroughly attended to. To Capt. Lyman Bridges, chief of artillery; to Colonel Hayes, chief quartermaster; to Surg. J. T. Heard, medical director; Captain Hodg- don, chief commissary, and to Captain Tousley, chief of ambulance corps, and Lieutenant Laubach, quartermaster at corps headquarters, I am much indebted for the efficient manner in which they discharged their respective duties. Before closing this report I will mention the names of Colonel Op- dycke,One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Colonel Conrad, Fifteenth Missouri Veteran Volunteers; Lient. Col. Arthur MacArthur, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers; Captain Morgan, assistant adjutant-general, and Captain Tinney, of General Wagners staff, as some of the officers whom I knew and whom I saw behave most gallantly at the battle of Franklin. Colonel Opdyckes gallant services on that occasion I have before noticed in a communication to department headquarters. Although Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox was not in my command, he was my close neighbor in the battle of Franklin, and I take this opportunity to express to him my thanks for his gallant help at that time. A list of casualties has already been furnished. A recommendation for promotion will be forwarded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. S. STANLEY, ]iJia~or- General. Brig. Gen. W. D. WILIPPLE, Chief f Staff. Report of casualties in Fourth Army Corps, at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. Killed, wounded. Missing. Total. I, a a a . a a ~ 3 a a a a a a 0 ~ H 0 ,~ H 0 ~ H 0 First Division ~ ~ 3 14 37 1 17 18 4 56 Second Division 1 47 52 31 488 519 13 657 670 49 1, 192 tfhird Division ArtilleryBrigade 10 10 3 48 51 6 6 64 Total 5 62 67 17 570 607 14 680 694 56 1,112 a as Sc so 1 60 1,241 67 1,168 NASHVILLE, TENS., December 6, 1864 Page 119 CHAP. tVTh] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 119 ADDENDA. FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS, December 17, 1866. Bvt. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Dept. of the Tennessee: My report of the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864, was, from unavoidable circumstances, not written until the 25th of February en- suing. In the notice of the services of my staff on the day of battle I omitted mentioning the name of Capt. John D. Moxley, First Ohio Yoluuiteer Cavalry, one of my aides-dc-camp. I take this opportunity, though late, to correct my report. Captain Moxley did his duty gal- lantly and well on that day, and was busy throughout the fight encouraging and rallying our troops. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. S. STANLEY, Colonel Twenty-second Infantry, Brevet Major- General. No. 10. Reports of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Army Corps, of operations October 26, 1864January 5, 1865. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 10, 1865. GENERAL: In pursuance with orders received from the headquarters Department of the Cumberland to report the operations of the corps from the time it was detached from the main army of the Military Division of the Mississippi, in the latter part of October, to its arrival at Nashville, on the 1st of December ultimo, I have the honor to sub- mit the following: During the evening of the 26th of October ultimo, in the vicinity of Gaylesville, Ala., an order was received from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding the grand Military Division of the Mississippi, directing that the Fourth Corps should proceed to Chattanooga, and stating that the commanding officer of the corps would there receive instruc- tions from Major-General Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberland, regulating its future movements. By rapid marches, though a portion of the road was exceedingly heavy from the recent rains, the corps reached Ihossville, four miles from Chattanooga, during the afternoon of the 29th. Here it encamped for the night. During the night of the 29th an order was received by telegraph directing the corps to proceed by railway to Athens, Ala. Early the morning of the 30th the corps moved into Chattanooga to take the cars. So soon as the trains could be got ready the Third Division was embarked, and before noon all the sections transporting the division moved out of Chattanooga and proceeded to Athens, where it arrived on the morning of the 31st. The First Division embarked the morning of the 1st of November and the Second Division as soon as the transportation could be obtained for it. The instructions from the commanding gen- eral were to concentrate the corps at Athens, with an intimation that it would have to march thence to Pulaski, but not to proceed to the latter without a special order to that effect, unless it should be learned satisfactorily that the enemy had crossed the river and was moving on that place. The artillery and transportation of the corps were ordere Page 120 120 Ri., $~W. VA., TENN., MlS~., ALA., AND N. ~A. (CHAP. tVII. to follow, by the way of Stevenson, Winchester, & c., and a brigade of the First Division was left as an escort to convoy them. At midday on the 31st of October, at Athens, instructions were rcccived from the com- manding general to move to Pulaski immediately. The Third Division being the dnly portion of the corps which had arrived at Athens, marched that afternoon ten miles, aiid the following day, November 1, after a march of twenty-four miles, involving the passage of Elk River, reached Pulaski. On the following morning preparations were com- menced for putting the town in defensible condition. General Hatchs cavalry, which had arrived there the preceding day, was dispatched to the Tennessee ~iver,in the neighborhood of Florence, to co-operate with General Croxtons command, already in that region, in gaining intelligence of the movements of the enemy, and to retard his march should he cross the Tennessee River and attempt to move northward. By Saturday, the 5th of November, the three divisions of the corps, less the brigade escorting the artillery and trains, were concentrated at Pulaski. On the following morning an elaborate system of field- works was laid out, a certain portion assigned to each division, and ground was immediately broken in their construction. The labor was vigorously continued, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, till the works were completed, and when completed the works were im- pregm~iable; the Fourth Corps could have easily held them against the entire rebel army commanded by General Hood. The trains and artil- lery of the corps reached Pulaski on Saturday, the 12th. On the PA- lowing day the several batteries were assigned their positions in the various works. The information received from the cavalry corroborated the information which had been previously obtained, that the enemy was in force on the Tennessee River and was preparing to advance. The vital questions were, what route would lie take, and where would the blow fall. On the 13th of November Major-General Schofield ar- rived at Pulaski, and on the 14th assumed command of all the forces. He brought with him a portion of the Twenty-third Corps. The infor- mation received from the 14th to the 22d attested that the enemy had not only crossed the river in heavy force, but was moving northward. On the 22d it was satisfactorily settled that he was moving northward through Lawrenceburg, and would thence probably move on Columbia; possibly, however, he might turn eastward from Lawrenceburg toward Pula~ski. The Second Division of the corps was sent to Lynuville, ten miles north of Pulaski, the afternoon of the 22d. During the forenoon of the 23d it was asc& rtained satisfactorily that the bulk of the enemys force was moving northward from Lawrencebur~. Hence the remain- ing two divisions of the corps, the First and Third, with the artillery and trains, moved to Lynuville during the afternoon of that day. In- formation received during the night at Lynuville indicated that the enemy was advancing rapidly on Columbia, and would probably reach that place on the 24th. This would have placed him between us and Nashville. The head of the corps moved at 1 a. m. of the 24th, and by 3 a. m. the whole corps was in motion. By a rapid march the two leading divis- ions of the corps, the Second and Third, were concentrated at Columbia and in position by 12 in., having marched a distance of twenty miles. They had been preceded by Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Corps, which had barely arrived in time, by turning westward some two or three miles south of Columbia, and taking position on the Mount Pleasant road, to prevent the head of the enemys column from occupying Co- lumbia in advance of our forces. When the corps evacuated Pulaski o Page 121 CHAP. LVIT.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MiDDLE TENN. 121 the 23d, the Third Il3rigade of the First Division, Colonel Waters, Eighty- fourth Illinois Volunteers, commanding, was left to cover the rear. This service was well performed. The afternoon of the 24th of November was spent by the Second and Third Divisions in throwing np strong intrenchments. The First Division, which had marched in rear of the train, arrived during the evening and went into position on the left of the corps. The Twenty-third Corps was in position on the right. Friday, the 25th the work of intrenching was continued, and by night-fall a strong line of works was completed. An apprehension was raised at this time that the Twenty-third Corps, occupying the right of our in- trenched position, would not be able to maintain its ~O5ItiOll against a decided assault. It was hence deemed expedient to construct an in- terior line of works north and west of the town; this line would have the advantage of being much shorter and of occnpying munch stronger ground than the exterior line, and of having its flanks resting more securely on Duck River. For the construction of the interior line the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, and all of the Twenty-third Corps, less one brigade, were withdrawn from the exterior line. The Third Di- vision was left to hold in the exterior line, the entire former front of the corps, the remainder of the exterior line being held by a brigade of the Twenty-third Corps. During the night of the 25th of November the First and Second Divisions were actively employed in constructing the interior line, and the dawn of the 26th had it well advanced toward com- pletion. Just before daylight on the 26th the enemy made a decided assault on the pickets on and adjacent to the Pulaski road. As he had advanced in greatly superior numbers he succeeded in driving back the pickets a considerable distance, but re-enforcements being promptly brought up the enemy was in turn driven back and the picket-line sub- stantially restored to its former position. It terminated in an affair of pickets, and would scarcely have deserved an official mention, as so many such affairs occur in an active campaign, were it not that we have to lament in connection With it the mortal wounding and subse- quent death of Captain Green, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, picket officer of the First Brigade, Third Division. When our pickets along a part of the front of his brigade were driven back he rushed out, with all the gallantry and enthusiasm of his soldierly character, to the front, and by his orders and the influence of his examl)le succeeded in driv- ing back the enemy. While he was so engaged he received a wound in the abdomen, from which he died in twenty-four hours afterward. His gallant spirit winged its way to join the hosts of others that have preceded it, victims to their patriotic devotion to their country. No further effort was made by the enemy, so long as our forces occupied the southern bank of Duck River, to molest us. During the 26th an intimation was communicated that the forces would evacuate Columbia and pass to the northern bank of the river that night, the movement to be commenced just after night-fall. Prep- arations were made accordingly, but just after dark instructions were distributed that the troops would remain in position, and that the evacuation would not take place till the following night, the 27th. Sunday, the 27th, was a dark, dreary, and cheerless day. Au occa- sional picket skirmish broke the dull monotony of the day. The trans- portation of the corps and its reserve artillery were passed to the north bank of the river during the day. At 5 p. m. the artillery was withdrawn from the exterior line and sent across the river. At 7 p. inn. the infantry of the corps commenced to withdraw from the lines and prepare to cross the river. The Third Division led, followed by th Page 122 122 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. First, then the Second. The pickets were ordered to remain in posi- tion br half an hour after the most advanced division, the Third, com- menced to withdraw, then to retire quietly to the exterior line of works, where they were to remain for an hour, then to withdraw to the interior line, where they were to remain till midnight, or later, should the pas- sage of the troops over the river not warrant their crossing at that hour. The whole operation was accomplished as directed. The enemy did not attempt to interrupt the movement. After crossing the river the troops bivouacked till daylight. The passage of the river had been made about two miles below the town. After the passage was coin- pleted all the bridges were destroyed. Shortly after daylight of the 28th the corps moved up the river, and took position to prevent the passage of the river should the enemy attempt to cross it near the town. Jntrenchments were at once thrown up; pickets and outposts were judiciously disposed to give an early intimation of the movements of the enemy. Near night-fall of the 28th some evidences were received that the enemy was crossing the river some five miles above our left. By daylight on the morning of the 29th these evidences were so far strengthened as to require immediate and vigorous action to prevent our being flanked and turned. A brigade, the Second of the Third Division, Colonel Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois, commanding, was ordered to make a reconnaissance eastward and up the river to watch the move- ments of the enemy, with instructions to report frequently during the day the result of his observations, and further, if the enemy after cross- ing should turn westward at once with a view of attacking our left hank in the position we then occupied, to hold him in check as long as possible by retreating slowly and contesting the ground stubbornly. Orders were also issued for the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, with all the baggage and other trains of the entire force present, and all the reserve artillery, to commence moving to the rear at 8 a. in. on the 29th. At the appointed hour the movement was begun; but to check any namediate movenment of the emmemy to tIme left after crossing the river the First Division was stopped on the hills on the south bank of Rutherfords Creek. This stream is an affluent of Duck River, and is crossed by the turnpike road to Franklin, about four miles north of Columbia. Frequent reports were received from Colonel Post during the day, which were duly reported to Major-Gen- eral Schofield, commanding the forces present, showing that the emmemy had crossed the river in force and was moving northward and parallel with the Columbia and Frankhimm pike, with trains, & c. The Second Divisiou of the Fourth Corps moved up the Franklin pike as a convoy to the trains and reserve artillery of the forces, and arrived at Spring Hill, a small village but twelve miles north of Cohumnbia, at 12.30 p.m. As the head of the division approached time village it was perceived that a regiment of infantry and one ot cavalry, 1)reviously stationed in that vicinity, and whiclm had deployed east of the road, were being forced back on the town. Tlme First Brigade, Second Division, Colonel Opdycke, was immediately deployed into order of battle east of time road to check the emmemy, which, as his force was eav fry, was easily done. So soon as this was done the division was disposed so as to cover the passage of the traimis and the reserve artillery by the village. Opdyckes brigade was posted northward, with its left resting on tIme turnpike road, Colonel Lanes brigade was formed in the center and Brigadier-General Bradleys brigade was formed on the right, with its riglmt slightly refused, but not sufficiently to rest on the road. Skir- mishing was kept up during the afternoon, without, however, seriou Page 123 CHAP. LVII.j CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 1~3 result~, till 4.30 p. m. Then the enemy appeared in front, and on the flank of Bradleys brigade, with a strong infantry force (it was Cle- burnes division, of Cheathams corps), and made a vigorous attack. As Bradleys brigade was heavily outflanked, while pressed in front, it was forced from its position, and its right doubled back on the road and into the village. A few prisoners were captured from us, includ- ing the assistant adjutant-general of the brigade. But the heaviest loss was iii the serious wounding of the gallant brigade commander, Brig. Gen. L. P. Bradley. While nobly attempting to stay his brigade under the tremendous assault which was then being made on it he received a serious wound (fortunately for the country and the military service it was only a flesh wound), which compelled him to relinquish command of his brigade and leave the field. He was succeeded iii command by that gallant soldier and useful officer, Col. Joseph Conrad, Fifteenth Wisconsin [Missouri] Volunteers. Fortunately, the enemy did not press the success he had gained. The casualties of the Second Division amounted to some 3~0 killed and wounded. The immense trains and reserve artillery were parked in the village of Spring Hill and pro- tected by the Second Division; crescent-shaped, with its convexity eastward and its flanks resting on the road, the division maintained its defensive position. The enemy, encamped a short distance only from the division, did not renew the attack. At 7 p. ni. the movement of withdrawing from the north bank of Duck River was commenced. Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Corps, led off. It was followed by the Third Division of the Fourth Corps, and lastly came the First Div- ision of the Fourth Corps, and covered the retreat to Spring Hill. The movement to Spring Hill was protracted and much drawn out by the delay in crossing Rutherfords Creek. By some unfortunate oversight no sufficient bridge had been constructed over this creek, and the troops, arriving at it in the night, were much delayed in crossing it. After the First Division followed the pickets. The head of the Third Division arrived at Spring Hill about midnight, passed rapidly and silently through the village, and took post about a mile north of it, formed parallel to the road and east of it. The object of this disposition was to cover the movement of the trains out of Spring Hill and to- ward Franklin. Coxs division of the Twenty-third Corps, had already moved on toward Franklin. As rapidly as possible the trains were drawn out of park and pushed toward Franklin. While this work was in progress the First Division came up, passed rapidly through Spring Ilili, and moved on as a convoy to the trains. It was necessary to move the troops rapidly and silently through Spring Hill to avoid a night attack from an entire corps of four divisionsCheat- hamswhich lay encamped within 800 yards of the road. The effect of a night attack on a column en route would have been, beyond doubt, most disastrous. The embarrassment of the situation was greatly increased by the presence of the large number of wagons, artillery carriages, & c., which had to be protected and quietly with. drawn. By 5 a. m. of the 30th the whole of the trains had been put on the road, and the rear had passed a mile north of Spring Hill. The Third Division then moved out, marching east of the road a short dis- tance and parallel to it, as a cover to the train; the Second Division followed the Third. A few miles north of Spring hill, just before the dawn, the rebel cavalry made a dash at the trains, but was promptly repulsed by a part of the division. The march was continued without further interruption till about 7 a. in., when the rebel cavalry made a second dash at the trains, but was again quickly repulsed by two reg Page 124 124 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA.. AND N. ~A. [CHAP. LVII. ments of the Third Division, deployed as skirmishers, aided by a sec- tion of artillery. Without further interruption the command continued its march to the vicinity of Franklin. Mnch credit is dne to Colonel Opdycke, whose brigade brought up the icar, for the energetic meas- ures he adopted aiid carried out to get forward the greatly fatigued and worn-out men of the entire command. I3ut for these judicious mneas- ures many weary and sorefooted soldiers would evidently have fallen into the hands of the enemy. Reference is made to Colonel Opdyckes report for more minute. details. On arriving at Franklin the Twenty-third Corps had taken position in the suburbs of the village, with its left resting on the river above the town and its right extending across and west of the turnpike road. The First Division of the Fonrth Corps (Kimballs) was posted on the right of the Twenty-third Corps, with its right flank resting on the river below the town. Intrenchments were at once thrown up by the Twenty-third Corps and Kimballs division, of the Fourth Corps. The Third Division of the Fourth Corps arrived next, and was ordered to cross the liver and take post on the north side. This was done. Wagners (the Second Division), which was marching in rear, was ordered to halt on a range of hills nearly two miles south of the town and deploy his comm and to hold the enemy in check should he attelnl)t to press us. In the meantime the transportation was being passed rapidly across the river. At 12 m. General Wagner reported the appearance of the enemy in heavy force in his front, and later he reported that the enemy was evidently making preparations to attack him in force. The position General Wagner then held was entirely too extensive to be covered by one division, and as the country was open on both flanks and favorable to the movement of troops, the position could be readily flanked, hence General Wagner very judiciously de- termined to retire his command nearer to the town. He posted two brigades, Conrads and Lanes, a.cross the pike, with their flanks slightly refused, about a third of a friile south of the intrenched position of the Twenty-third Corps. The other brigade, Opdyckes, was sent inside of our main worksa most fortunate disposition of this brigade, as the sequel of this narrative will show. Conrads and Lanes brigades hastily threw up rude barricades to protect themselves from the coming storm. Their orders were to maintain their position as long as it could be done without becoming too severely engaged, and then retire on the main line. At 4 p. m. the enemy made a vigorous attack on the front of these two advanced brigades, threatening at the same time their flanks with strong colunmus. Unwilling to abandon their position so long as there wasany probability of maintaining it, unfortunately, the gallant com- manders remained in front too long, and as a consequence, when they did retire, they were followed so closely by the enemy as to enter the works through the break which had been caused by the burst over them of the retiring brigades. The enemy had comne on with a terrific dash, had entered our intrenchmnent, arid victory seemed almost within his grasp. Our line had been broken in the center, two 4-gun batteries had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and it seemed that it was only neces- saryfor him to press the advantage he had gained to complete his success. But at this critical moment the gallamit, l)rompt, nd ready Opdycke was at hand, calling to his men in a stentorian tone, Forward to the lines ! and, adding example to command, lie, with his bold brigade, with lowered bayonets, rushed forward, bore the exultant enemy back over our in- trenchments, recovered the lost guns, and captured nigh 400 prisoners Page 125 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 125 But this reverse did not seem to discourage the enemy; it seemed rather to add to his determination and increase the vigor of his assaults. On, on, he came, till he made four distinct assaults, each time to be hurled back, with heavy loss. So vigorous and fierce were these assaults that the enemy reached the exterior slope of the rude intrench- ments, and hand-to-hand encounters occurred between the courageous combatants across the works, and between the assaults the work of death was not stopped. The undulations of the ground are such as to afford good protection to an attacking force. Under this cover the enemy pressed sharpshooters as imear our lines as possible, and kept up a most galling fire. While these vigorous attacks were being made on our center and left the right, held by Kimba~Js division, was also fiercely attacked three times, all of which assalts were handsomely repulsed, with comparatively slight loss to us, but with terrific slaugh- ter of the enemy. At no time did the enemy gain any advantage on this part of our lines. As night approached the enemy desisted from his fierce assaults, and his offensive efforts degenerated into a sharp skirmish fire. Thus terminated one of the fiercest, best contested, most vigorously sustained passages at arms which have occurred in this war. I am sure it will be no exaggeration to estimate the loss of the enemy in killed, wounded, and captured at 6,000. His loss, as attested by the dispatches of his commanding general, was particularly heavy in general officers, no less than 14 in killed, wounded, and captllre(l. After the conflict was over the ground was thickly strewn with the enemys dead and wounded. Our captures amounted to 21 battle-flags and stands of colors, 11 swords and sabers, and 618 1)risoners, including 46 offi- cers. Our casualties amounted to 5 officers killed, 37 wounded, and 14 missing. Enlisted menkilled, 62; wounded, 570; missing, 680. Total casualties, 1,368. For more minute details of this interesting contest I must refer to the reports of division and bri~ade commanders, herewith Iorwarded; they will repay perusal. The highest commendation is due to Brigadier-Generals Kimball and Wagner, commanding the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, for the skillful manner in which they handled their commands amid for personal gallantry displayed in trying positions. These division commanders write in high terms of praise of the good conduct of their brigade commanders, and these latter of the soldierly conduct of their regimental commanders. Among so many who not only (lid their duty well, but nobly, it is difficult to discriminate individual officers or men for special mention, but I am sure it will not be deemed invidious if I signalize Col. Emer- soil Opdycke, One humidred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, command- ing First Brigade, Second Division, and Lient. Col. G. W. Smith, Eighty-eighth Illinois, commanding his regimeimt in Opdyck& s brigade, whose good fortune it was on this blood-stained day, the 30th of Novem. ber, 1864, to render the most important and distinguished service. The artillery was splendidly served and made terrible havoc in the enemys ranks, both as he advanced and retired. Time officers and men of the batteries are entitled to the highest praise for their good conduct. Whemi the enemy had teniporarily broken our center Major-General Schofield, commanding the forces in the vicinity of Franklin, under the apprehension that our forces engaged on the south side of time river might be compelled to pass to the mmorth side, ordered the fol- lowing disposition, which was made, of the Third Division (then i Page 126 126 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. reserve) of the Fourth Corps, with a view to cover in the withdrawal of our troops, should it become necessary: Beattys brigade was deployed on the north bank of the river above the town; Streights brigade along the bank of the river immediately opposite the town; amid Posts brigade on the bank of the river below the town. Fortu- nately, the exigency for which this disposition was made did not occur in the progress of the contest, but the brigades retained their positions to cover the withdrawal at night, which had been ordered before the occurrence of the attack. To prepare for the withdrawal and retire- ment toward Nashville the trains were started before night-fall of the 30th. At midnight the troops on the south side of the river began to withdraw from the lines and pass to the north side of the stream; this work was rapidly and successfully accomplished. The enemy probably suspected what was going on, but did not attempt to interfere with the movement. The Third Division of the Fourth Corps had been designated to move in rear and cover the retrograde movement. By 3 a. m. of the 1st of December all the troops had been withdrawn from the south side of the river, and the bridges were fired. So soon as the conflagration was so far advanced as to insure its being complete the Third Division commenced to withdraw, and by 4 a. in. the whole of it was on tIme road. As the flames rose from the bridge and coinmuni- cated fully to the enemy our movements he opened a heavy cannonade, which, fortunately, did no injury, and was soon suspended; otherxvise the enemy (lid not attempt to molest us. The rear of the command reached Breutwood, nine miles north of Franklin, at 9 a. in. There the command was halted an hour to allow the men to cook breakfast. Betweemi 1() and Ii oclock the march was resumed, and the rear of the troops reached the vicinity of Nashville at 1 p. in. The corps was reported to Major-General Thomas, commanding the forces, and by him the position (lesignated which December, when oWe it occupied from that date to the 15th of nsive operations xvere commenced. In conclusion it is proper that I should remark that during the oper- ations briefly sketched in this report the corps was commanded by Major-General Stanley. He was wounded in the battle at Franklin, and was compelled by the casualty to relinquish command of the corps before he could submit a report of its operations; hence the duty has (levolved on me. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TU. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH CoRPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 5, 1865. GENERAL: The Fourth Army Corps arrived in the vicinity of Nash- ville, on the retreat from Pulaski, on the 1st of December, ultimo. Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley, having been wounded in the conflict at Franklin, on the 30th of November, and having received a leave of absence on account of his wonud, relinquished and I assumed coiumand of the corps on tIme 2d of December. So soon as I Imad assumed command of the corps I placed it in position as follows, in conformity with orders received from the comumanding general of the forces in the field in person: The left of th Page 127 Cni~. LYII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 127 corps rested on the Casino and extended westward across the Granny White and ilulisborough pikes; the right rested on the left of the De-. tachment of the Army of the Tennessee (Maj. Gen. A. J. Smiths com- mand), midway between the Ilillsborongh and Hardin pikes. As the condition of the forces was not such as to warrant the commencement of ~offensive operations immediately, the first duty to be provided for was the safety of Nashville against assault. For this purpose a line of strong intrenchments, strengthened with an abatis, slashes of timber, and pointed stakes firmly planted in the ground, was constructed along the entire front of the corps. The entire development of this work was something over two miles; it was completed by the morning of the 5th of December. But while the safety of Nashville was being provided for, preparations were also being made for offensive operations. The troops were rapidly re-equipped in every particular, the trains repaired and loaded with suI)plies, & c. As early as the 7th of December the commanding general of the forces had begun to communicate to the corps commanders his plans of ttack, and had intimated that the morning of the 10th would witness the inauguration of offensive oper- ations. But the morning of the 9th dawned upon us, bringing a heavy sleet storm, which soon covered the whole face of the earth with a per- fect mer do glace, and rendered all movements of troops, so long as it remained, impossible. The weather and the condition of the ground were mit safficiently ameliorated before midday of the 14th of December to permit the commencement of operations with any hope of success. The commanding general summoned a meeting of corps commanders at his headquarters at 3 p. m. on the 14th, and delivered to them written orders, from which the following are extracts: As soon as the weather will admit of offensive operations the troops will move against the enemys position in the following order: 3. Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood, commanding Fourth Corps, after leavin~ a strong skirmish line in his works from Laiirens Hill to his extreme right, will form the remainder of the Fonrth Corps on the Hillsborongh pike, to support General Smiths left, and operate on the left and rear of the enemys advanced position, on Mont- gomerys Hill. * * * Should the weather permit the troops will be formed in time to commence oper- ations at 6 a. in., or ns soon thereafter as practicable. To carry out these brief but sententious and pointed instructions of the commanding general, 1 directed, so soon as I had returned to my headquarters, the divhion commanders to assemble there at 7p. in., and after explaining to them fully the intended movements, delivered to them the following written orders: HEADQTJARTEmiS Fo URTIT ARMY CORPS, Near Nash ciUc, Tens., December 14, 1864. Orders of the day for the Fourth Army Corps for to-morrow, December 15, 1864: I. Reveille will be sounded at 4 a. m. The troops will get their breakfast, break up their camps, pack up everything, and be prepared to move at 6 a. in. II. Brigadier -General Elliott, commanding Second Division, will move out by his tight, taking the small road which passes by the right of his present position, form in echelon with General A. J. Smiths left, slightly refusing his own left and, main- taining this relative position to General Smiths troops, will advance with them. When he moves out he will leave a strong line of skirmishers in his solid works. III. Brigadier-General Kimball, commanding First Division, on being relieved by General Steedman, will move his division to the Hilishorough pike, inside of our lines, ~nd by it through the lines, and form in echelon to General Elliotts left, slightly refusing his own left. He will maintain this position and advance with General Elliott Page 128 128 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. IV. As soon as General Kimballs division has passed out of the works, by the Hills- borough pike, General Beatty, eoiamauding Third Division, will take up the niove- ment. drawing out by his left, and will form in echelon to Ceneral Kimballs left. He will maintain this position ai~d advance with General Kimball; he will also leave a strong line of skirmishers behind the solid works along his present position. V. The pickets on p05t, being strengthened when in the jndgment of division commanders it becomes necessary, will n(lvance as a line of skirmishers to cover the movement. The formation of the troops will l)e in two linesthe front line deployed, the secon(l line in close column by division, massed opposite the interval in the front line. Each division commander will, so far as possible, hold one brigade in reserve. Five wa~on-loads of ammunition, ten ambulances, and the wagons loaded with the intrenching tools, will, as nearly as possible, follow immediately after each olivision; the remaining ammunition wagons, ambulances, and all other wagons, will remain inside of our present lines until further orders. One rifle battery will accompany the Second Division, and one battery of light 12-pounders will accompany each of the other divisions; the rest of the artillery of the corps will maintain its present positions in the lines. By order of Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood: J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant A djutard- General. The morning of the 15th was dark and somber; a heavy fall of fog and smoke rested on the face of the earth and enveloped every object in darkness. At 6 a. in. the movenient of the troops was entirely impracticable, bnt between 7 and 8 a. in. the fog began to rise, and the troops silently arid rapidly commenced to move into the positions assigned to them. This preliminary work being completed, nothing fnrther remained for the Fourth Corps to do until the cavalry and Gen- eral Smith had made the long swing from our right which was neces- sary to bring them on the left and rear of the enemys position. At 12.30 p. in., General Smith having swnng np his right so that his com- mand prolonged the front of the Fourth Corps, the serried ranks of the corps begau to a(lvanCC toward the enemys intrenched position. I should have remaiked previously that as soon as the troops l)egan to debouch from our intrenched lines the skirmishers were pushed for- ward to cover the movemdnt, and soon became sharply engaged with the enemys skirmishers and rapidly drove them back. During all the preliminary movements an occasional shot, as the shells hurled throngh the air and bnrst over the troops from the enemys batteries, added inter- est to the scemie and showed that he was keenly watching our operations. When the grand array of the troops began to move forward in unison the pageant was magnificently grand and imposing. Far as the eye conld reach the lines and masses of blue, over which the nations emblem flaunted proudly, moved forward in such perfect or(ler that the heart of the patriot might easily draw from it the happy presage of the coming glorious victory. A few minutes after 12.30 p. m. I deemed the moment favorable for the attack on time left amid rear of Montgom- erys Hill. Montgomerys Hill is an irregularly cone-shaped eminence, which rises some 150 feet above the general level of the country. The ascent to its summit throughout most of its cii cumnference is quite abrupt, and its sides are covered with forest trees. The enemy had encircled the hill just below its crest with a strommg line of imitreuch- ments, and embarrassed the approach of an assaulting force with an abatis and rows of sharpened stakes firmly I)lanted in tile ground. The hill was the enemys most advanced position, and was not more than 800 yards from our lines. The ascent on the left and rear of the liii], taken with reference to the enemys occupation, is more gradual thami the portiomi which directly confronted orir intrenchments. As our troops advanced and swummg to the left, the left of the hill was brought directly in front of the Third Dmvision of the corps. This disposition was favorable to the assault. I ordered Brigadier-General Beatty Page 129 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 129 commanding the Third Division to detail a brigade to make the attack. The Second Brigade of the Third Division, commanded by Col. P. Sidney Post, Fifty-ninth illinois Veteran Volunteers, was selected for the work. The necessary arrangements having been made, at 1 p. m. I gave the order for the assault. At the command, as sweeps the stiff gale over time ocean, driving every object before it, so swept the brigade up the wooded slope, over the enemys intreuchments; and the bill was won. The Second Brigade was nobly supported in the assault by the First Brigade (Colonel Streights) of the Third Division. Quite a number of l)risoners and small-arms were captured in the assault. Previous to the assault I had caused the enemy to be well pounded by the artillery from our lines. This was the first success of the day, and it greatly exalted the enthusiasm of the troops. Our casualties were small com- pared with the success. Up to this time the Twenty-third Corps, Major-General Schofield commanding, had been held in reserve in rear of the Fourth Corps and Major-General Smiths command; but shortly after the assault on Montgomerys Hill I received a message froiu the commanding general of the forces to the effect that he had ordered General Schofield to move his command to the right to prolong General Smiths front, and directing me to move my reserves as much to the right as could be done compatible with the safety of my own front. The order was at once obeyed by shifting the reserve brigade of each division toward our right. The entire line of the corps was steadily pressed forward and the enemy engaged throughout its whole front. The battery accompanying each division was brought to the front, and being placed in short and effective range of the enemys main line, allowed him no rest. As the troops advanced the skirmishers were constantly engaged, at times so sharply t at the fusilade nearly equaled in fierceness the engagement of solid lines of battle. I pressed the corps as near to the enemys mai m line as possible without making a direct assault on it. In doing ~c at the same time swinging to the left, the right of the corps, which ha during the previous portion of the day been in rear of General Smiths left to support it, passed in front of it. This movement brought the center of the corps, General Kim- balls division, directly opposite a very strongly fortified hill near the center of the enemys main line. Impressed with the importance of carrying this hill, as the enemy s center would be broken thereby, I oi-dered up two batteries and had them so placed as to bring a converg- ing lire on the crest of the hill. I will here remark that the enemys artillery on this hill had been a~ noying us seriously all day. After the two batteries had played on tie enemys line for half an hour, during which time the practice had seen most accurate, I ordered General Kimball to assault the hill with his entire division. Most nobly did the division respond to thc aider. With the most exalted enthusiasm and with loud cheers it r xs ad forward up the steep ascent and over the intrenchments. The solid fruits of this magnificent assault were several pieces of artillery rnd stands of colors, many stand of small- arms, and numerous prisoners. The Second Division of the corps (Gen- eral Elliotts) followed the movement of General Kimballs division, and entered the enemys works farther to the right shortly after the main assault Imad been successful. The division in this movement captured three pieces of artillery. Farther to the left the Third Division, General Beatty commanding, had attacked and carried the enemys intrench- ments and captured several pieces of artillery and caissons and numer- ous prisoners. 9 R RYOL XLY, PT Page 130 180 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MiSS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. [ChAP. LVII. Fortunately, this brilliant succesS along the entire front of the corps was achieved with comparatively slight loss. The onset was so fierce, the movement of the troops so rapid, that a very brief interval elapsed l)etween the first shout of the advancing lines and the planting of our colors on the enemys works. But this rapid iuoveineiit had somewhat disoidered the ranks, as well as blown themen, and it was hence necessary to halt the corps for a brief space to reform and prepare for a farther ad- vance. The enemy on being driven front his works had retired in the direction (eastward) of the Franklin pike. His works extending across this pike were still intact. While the troops were being reformed I received an order from tbe comnianding general to move toward the Franklin pike, some two miles and a half distant, to reach it if possi- ble before dark, drive the enemy hard, and form the corps across it, facing southward. This order was received about 5 p. in., almost sun- set. The reformation of the troops was quickly completed, and the whole corps, formed in two lines and covered by a cloud of skirmish- ers, was pushed rapidly toward the Franklin pike. Soon our skirmish- ers became engaged with the enemys, but only to drive theni. But the rapidly approaching darkness too soon brought a period to this glorious work. After crossing the Granny White pike, and arriving within about three-quarters of a mile of the Franklin pike, the darkness became so thick that it was necessary, in order to avoid comifusion and to pi~event our troops from firing into each other, to halt the corps for the night. The corps was formed parallelto the Granny White pike, its right resting on General Smiths left amid its left on the muost northern line, then abandoned, of the enemys works. in this 1)osition, about 7 p. in. of a bleak December night, the troops bivouacked, after their arduous but, fortunately, glomious labors of the day. Tue result of the days operatiomms for the corps was the cal)ture of i() pieces of artillery, 5 caissons, several stand of colors, a considerable number of sinall-armus, and some 500 prisoners. The enemnys intrenched lines had been broken in two places by direct assault and he driven niore than two miles. Of his loss in killed and wounded I could form ito estimate, but it must have been heavy. Fortunately, our casualties were unusually light compared with the success achieved, miot more than 350 killed and wounded in the corps. After having provided tbr the safety of the corps for the night I repaired to the quarters of the commandimig general to receive his orders for the operations of the morrow. These orders were to advance at daylight the following moriung, the 16th, and if the enemy was still in front to attack him; but if lie had retreated to pass to the eastward of the Franklin pike, to thee southward, and pur- sue him till found. At 11.30 p. in. of the 1~th instructions were (listributed to the divis- ion commuanders to adv uce at daylight and attack the enemny if found in front of their commands; but if he should not be found to cross to the eastward of the Franklin pike and muove southward parallel to it, Elliotts division leading, followed by Kimballs, then Beattys. At 6 a. in. on time 16th instant the corps commenced to move toward the Franklin pike. The movement at once developed the enemy in our front, amid sharp skirmishing commence(l immediately. The enemy was steadily driven back, and at 8 a. in. we gained possessiomi of the Frank- lin pike. The enemys skirmishers, after bein~ driven eastward of the pike, retreated southward. Elliotts divisiomi w~s (leployed across the road, facing southward; Beattys division was formed on the left of Elliotts, and Kimballs division muassed near the pike in rear of Elliotts. in this order the corps advanced nearly three-quarters of a utile, whe Page 131 Ca& ~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN, 131 it eiicouiitered a heavy skirmish line stoutly l)arricadcd. Some half a mile ~1I rear of the enemys skirmish line his main line, strongly intrench ed, could be seen. An effort was at once made to connect General Elliotts right with General Smiths left. The interval being too great to accomplish this, I ordered General Kimball to bring np his division and occupy thc space between Generals Smiths and Elliotts commands. This was promptly done, the troops moving handsomely into position nnder a sharp fire of musketry and artillery. Thus formed, the entire corps advanced in magnificent array, under a galling fire of small-arms and artillery, and drove the enemys skirmishers into his main line. Farther advance was impossible without making a direct assault on the enemys intrenched lines, an(l the happy moment for the grand effort had not yet arrived. I hence ordered the division com- manders to press their skirmishers as near to the enemys intrench- ments as possible, and to harass him with a constant fire. In a conflict of this nature I knew we would have greatly the advan- tage of hun, as our supply of ammunition was inexhaustible and his limited. All the batteries of the corps on the field were brought to the front, placed in eligible positions in short range of the enemys works, and ordered to keel) up a measured but steady fire on his artillery. The practice of the batteries was uncommonly flue. The ranges were accurately obtained, the elevations correctly given, and the ammuni- tion being unusually good, the firing was consequently most effective. It was really entertaining to witness it. The enemy replied spiritedly with musketry and artillery, and his practice with both was good. In the progress of the (hitch lie disabled two guns in Zieglers battery. After the dispositions above recounted ha(l been made tIme commuand- Pig general joined me near our most a(lvailce(l position on the Franklin pike examined the positions of the troops, ~.pproved the same, and ordered that the enemy should be vigorously pressed and unceasingly harassed by our fire. Vie further directed that I should l)e constantly on the alert for any opening for a more (Iccisive effort, but for the time to bide events. The geiieral plan of the battle for the preceding day namely, to outflank and Pu ii his h ft wns still to be acted on. Before heaving inc the commail(lmng genem al dcsn (line to confer with Major- Gemieral Steedman, whose command h id unox ed out that morning from Nashville by time Nolensvmlh. I)ike, mmmd in inge a military connection between his right and my hit The enemy ha(i made some display of force between the Franklin ii d N olensvulle 1)1 1~es, but its extent could not be fixed, and it was heim e nec ss u y lot ike precautions with refer- ence to it. Near 12 m. I iodc towud the h ft and umet Major-General Steedmami, conununicatcd to hun the x ie~~ s of the commummuamudi ming 9eneral, aimd submitted to himn some ~uggestiomms in negard to tIme disposition of his cominmamud to meet thos( ~ mew (~ nem d Steedmamin coincided in Opinion with inc and promptly and handsomely, though exposed to a sharp fire from omme of time enemys batteries, placed his command, both infantry and artillery, in a position wlmieh effectually secured my left from beimino turned. I will here remark that General Steedmaums coma- mnand most gallantly amm(l ciffectually co-operated ~ Ith my command during the renmain(ler of the day. For a proper understanidimig of the last great and (lecisive strugwle in the battle of Nashville a brief deseriptiomm of the scene of its occur- remmce awl of time topography of the adjacent (ountry is requisite. The basimm iii which the city of Nashmville stands is inclosed On time south- west, south, and southeast by the Brentwood Hills. Time Franklin pike ruins minearly due south from Nashville. The Breutwood Hills consist o Page 132 132 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. two ranges or branchesthe branch to the west of the Franklin pike runs from northwest to southeast; the branch to the east of the Frank- lin pike runs from northeast to southwest; the two branches unite in a depression, or gap, about nine miles from Nashville. The Franklin pike passes through this gap, and in it is situated the little hamlet of Breutwood. The most northern point of each branch is about five miles from Nashville. From this description it will be perceived that the general configuration of the Breutwood Hills is that of a rudely shaped V. Nashville is north of and about opposite the center of the space included between the two branches; Breutwood is at the apex. The valley inclosed between the two branches is nearly bisected by the Franklin pike. The average elevation of the Breutwood Hills above the general level of the surrounding country is ~ibout 350 feet. The surface of the Nashville basin is broken by ~letached hills, some of which rise to an elevation of 150 feet, with abrupt sides, densely wooded. About five miles from Nashville the Franklin 1)ike passes along the base of one of these isolated heights, which is known as the Overton Hill. When the heavy stress which had been put on the enemy during the forenoon of the 16th had forced him into his works, he was found to occupy a strongly intrenched hue running for some distance along the base of the western branch of the Breutwood Hills; thence across the valley eastward to and across the Franklin pike, around the northern slope of the Overton 1-Jill about midway between its summit and base, with a retired flank, running itearly southward, prolonged along its eastern slope. This line of intrenchments was strengthened with an abatis and other embarrassments to an assault. The right of the enemys main line rested on the Overton I-Jill. A close examination of the position satisfied inc that if the Overton Hill could be carried the enemys right would be turned, his line from the Franklin pike west- ward would be taken in reverse, and his line of retreat along the Frank- lin pike and the valley leading to Brentwood commanded efiectually. The capture of half of th~ rebel army would almost certainly have been the guerdon of success. It was evident that the assault would be very difficult, and, if successful, would probably be attended with heavy loss; but the prize at stake was worth the hazard. Early in the afternoon I began to make preparations for assaulting the hill. Owing to the openness of the country the preparatory movements could not be concealed from the enemy; in truth, from our extreme proximity to his intrenchments, they were necessarily made under the fire of his artillery. Knowing that the safety of his army depended on holding the Overton Hill to the last moment, he re-enforced the position heavily with troops drawn from his left and left center. I directed Colonel IWst to recomi- noiter the position closely, with the view of determining, first, the feas- ibility of an assault, and, secondly, to determine the most practicable point on which to direct it. After a thorough and chose reconnaissance, in which perhaps three- quarters of an hour were spent, Colonel Post reported that the position was truly formidable; that it would be very difficult to carry, but that he thought he could do it with his brigade. He further reported that an assault, in his opinion, on the northern slope of the hill held out the greatest promise of success. I ordered him to prepare his brigade for an assault immediately and to inform me when he was ready to move. I directed General Beatty, commanding Third Division, to have the First Brigade (Colonel Streights) formed to support Colonel Posts. I further ordered Major Goodspeed, chief of artillery of the corps, to open a concentrated fire on the hill for the purpose of silencing th Page 133 Cn~r. LVfl.~ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALN. AND MIDDLE TENN. 133 enerny~5 batteries and demolishing his defenses and to continue the tire as long as it could be done with safety to our advancing troops. The order was effectually obeyed. I also conferred with Major-Gen- eral Steedman and explained to him what I intended to do. lie promptly agreed to move his command forward with the assaulting brigade to cover its left; also to participate in the assault, wTith a view to carrying whatever might be in its front. Everything being prepared for the attack, near 3 p. in. ii gave the order fbr the assaultiiig brigade to advance. This it did steadily, followed by its support. Major-Gen- eral Steedumans commaiid moved simultaneously. I will here remark that General Steedinans artillery had kept up an effective tire oum the enemys works during the interval during which the preparatioiis for the assault were being made. The front of the assaulting force was covered with a cloud of skirmishers, who had been ordered to a(lvance rapidly, for the purpose of drawing the fire of the enemy, as far as P08 sible, and to annoy his artillerists, and to prevent, as much as it could be done, the working of his guns. The assaulting force was il1strLlcte(l to move steadily forward to within a short distance of the enemys works, and then, by a bold burst, ascend the steep ascent, cross the abatis, dash over the rude but strong parapet, and secure the coveted goal. The troops were full of enthusiasm, and the splendid array in which the advance was made gave hopeful promise of success. Near the foot of the ascent the assaulting force dashed forward for the last great effort. It was welcomed with a most terrific fire of grape and canister and musketry: bnt its course was onward. When near, however, the enemys works (a few of our men, stouter of limb and steadier of move- ment, had already entered his line) his reserves oii the slope of the hill rose and poured in a fire before which no troops could live. UnThrtu- nately, the casualties had been particularly heavy among the officers, and more unfortunately still, when he had arrived almost at the abatis, while gallantly leading his brigade, the chivalric Post was struck down by a grape-shot and his horse killed un(ler him. The brigadeits bat- talions bleeding, torn, and brokenfirst halted and then began to retire; but there was little disorder and nothing of panic. The troops promptly halted and were readily reformed by their officers. But for the unfor- tunate fall of Colonel Post, the commander of the assaulting brigade, I think the attack would have succeeded. I had watched the assault with a keen and anxious gaze. It was made by troops whom I had long commanded and whom I had learned to love and admire ftr their noble deeds on niany a hard-fought field. I had observed, with pride and exultation, the evident steady resolve with which they had pre- pared for the assault, the cheerfulness with which they had received the announcement that they were les enfans perdus. So soon as I per- ceived the troops begin to retire, apprehending that the eueiny might attempt an offensive return, I dispatched an order to all the batteries bearing on the hill to open the heaviest possible fire so soon as their fronts were sufficiently cleared by the retiring troops to l)ermit it. I also ordered Colonel Knefier, corn manding Third Brigade, Third Divis- ion, to hold his command well in hand, ready to charge the enemy should he presume to follow our troops. Both orders were promptly obeyed, and if the enemy ever had the temerity to contemplate an offensive return, he never attempted to carry it into eftPct. Not a prisoner was captured from usa fact almost unparalleled in an assault so fierce, so near to success, but unsuccessful; and no foot of ground previously won was lost. After the repulse our soldiers, white an Page 134 134 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII coloreti, lay in(liserinlnlateiy near the ene~uy~s xvorks at the outer edoe of the abatis. But while the assault was uiot iiiiinediately siieeesstiil, it paved the way for the grand and final succesS of the day. The re- enforcements for tii e Overton Hill which the enemy had drawn from his ieft and left center, had so inneh weakened that part of his line as to assure the success of & ieneral Smiths attaek. After withdrawing and reposting the troops that had been engaged in the assault I rode toward the rioht to look to the condition of the Th First and Second l)ivisions. Shortly after reaching the First Divis- ion, which. was on. the right of the corps, an electric shout, which announced that a was y our right and grand advance beino- made b right center, was borne from the right toward the left. I at once ordered the whole corps to advance and assault the enemys works, but the or(ier ~as sca~ce1y necessary. All had canght the inspiration, and officers of all grades and the men, each and every one, seemed to vie with each other in a generous rivalry and in the dash with which they assaulted the enemys works. So general and so combined an attack on all parts of the enemys line was resistless. It rushed for- ward like a mighty wave diiving everything before it. The sharp fire of musketry and artmllciy (lid not cause an instants pause. I ad- vanced with the First I )ix smon and witnessed, with the highest satis- fiictioii, tile gallant st9e in ~x hich it assaulte avid carried the enemys works~ The division an mtd every point of the works in its front rind captured live pie es of aitihlery, several hundred prisoners, and many hundred stand of ~m ill arms. The Second I)ivision gallantly carried tile enemys woi K in its front and captured many l)risoners and small-arms. Th Thud Division reassaulted the Overton Hill, car- iied it, and captured fonr PLCCCS of artillery, a large Ilnmi)Cr of pris- oncis and small-arms, and two stand of colors. Tile enemy fled in the iltinost confusiomi. The entire corps pushed rapidly forward, pressed the pursuit, and eontniue(l it several miles amid till the fast appro ching (larkuess made it necessary to halt for the night. ln the pursuit the Third I)ivisiomi captured five pieces of artillery. Tile batteries of the corps advanced with the infrmntry in the pursuit, and by timely dis- charges imicreaseti the confusion avid hastened the flight of the enemy. The corps bivouacked eight miles from Nashville, and within a mile of the Breutwood Pass, which was under our guns. By the days oper- ations the enemy had been drivell from a strongly intrenched position by assault and forced into an indiscriminate rout. In his flight lie had strewn the ground with 51 tiahl-armns, bayoiiets, cartridge-boxes, blankets, and other material, all attesting the comupletemiess of the disorder to which lie had abandoned hi in self. The captures of the day were 14 pieces of artillery, 980 prisoneis, 2 stan(l of colors, and thousands of small-arms. It may be trllthfuhly remarked that ulilitary history scarcely affords a parallel of a more complete victory. At 12.30 a. m. of the 17th instructiomis were received from the coni- manding general of the forces to move the Fourth Corps as early as practicable down the Franklin pike in pursuit of the enemy. At 6 a. m. of the 17th I directed divisioii commanders to advance as early as practicable, muove rapidly, amid if the enemy should be overtaken to press him vigorously. The night had been rainy amid the Inoriling broke dark amid cloudy. It was, hence, nearly S a. m. before the colunmn was well in motion, but it then advanced rapidly. The instructiomis of the commanding general, received during the night, informed inc that the cavalry would move on my left during the day. It did not, however, get to my left before I moved, and at 10 a. m. I was detained a shor Page 135 CHAP. LVJI.i CAMPAIGN IN NOI~TJI ALA. ANi) MIDDLE TENN. 135 time in permitting a portion of the cavalry to get to the flout, which was necessary, in order that it might reach the position assigned to it in the order of march. After this brief delay I pnshed rapidly forward, and, although the road was very heavy, reached Franklin at 1.20 p. m. The whole line of march of the day bore unmistakable evidence of the signalness of the victory our arms had achieved and the complete- ness of the rout. The road was strewn with small-arms, acconnterments, and blankets. The enemy had destroyed all the bridges over the Big Ilarpeth at Franklin, and as the rains of the previous night and that morning had so swollen the stream as to make it impassable by infaii- try without a bridge, it was necessary to halt to build one, the pontoon train not having come np. Colonel Snman, Ninth Jndiana, nobly volnn- teered to build the bridge, and thanks to his energy and ingenuity and the industry of his gallant regiment, it was readythough he had few con- veniences in the way of tools, the sea~ntiest materials, and the stream was rising rapidlyfor the corps at daylight the morning of the 18th. This service was the more ns~fnl, as well as the more gratifying, as onr cavalry, which, from rcaching the Ilarpeth earlier on the 17th, had been able to ford it, was sharply engaged with the enemys rear guard, several miles in front, and the whole corps was burnimmg with impatience to get for- ward to join in the conflict. The corps was pushed rapidly across the Ilarpeth, pressed forward and marched eighteen miles that day, though the road was very heavy and many crossings had to be made over time streams. Near iiight-fall it passed in front of the cavalry and encamped about a mile in advance of it. The weather Tas very inclenment. During time night of the 18th the rain poured down in torrents, and tlme mormming brought no improvement to time weather of the night. During the night I received instructions front the commanding geimeral of the forces informing me, first, that the cavalry, then encamped in my rear, would move at (5 a. in., pass to the front, and that 1 should move out at 8 a. m. The cavalry had not all passed at 8 a. in., but at the appointed honr the corps Was in muotion. The rain still fell in tor- rents, flooding the earth with water and rendering all movements off the hike impossii)le. The head of the column advanced three miles and a half amid arrived at Rutherfords Creek. This is a bold and rapid stream, nsually fordable, but subject to rapid freshets, and the heavy rains of the preceding twenty-four hours had swollen it beyomid a possibilty of it being crossed without bridges. To construct these it was necessary we should first occupy the opposite bank of time stream. As the head of colunm approached time creek the hostile fire from the southern bank opened with musketry and artillery. To clear the enemy from the opposite bank at the turnpike crossing, where the bridge for the passage of the artillery aiid trains h 4 to be constructed, it was necessary to pass troops over, either above or below and as ~the l)ontoon train was not yet up, every expedient tlmat ingenuity could de- vise was resorted to to effect the desired object. Rafts were con- structed and launched, bmit the current was so rapid that they were unumanageable. Huge forest trees growing near the margin of the streani were felled athwart the stream, with the Imope of spanning it in this way and getting some riflemen over; bnt the creek was so rapid amid the flood so deep that these huge torsos of time forest were swept away by the resistless torrent. In these eftbrts was passed one of the most dreary, uncomfortable, and inclement days I remeumber to have passed in the course of nineteen ammd a half years of active field serv- ice. Late in the afternoomm some dismounted cavalry sneceeded in crossing the creek on the ruins of the railroad bridge and drove off th Page 136 1343 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CIIAP. LYIL enemy from its southern bank. During the night and the early fore- noon of the following day, the 20th, two bridges for infantry were con- structed across the streamone at the turnpike crossing, by Colonel Opdyckes brigade, of the Second Division, and the other by General Groses brigade, of the First Division. So soon as these were com- pleted the infantry of the corps was passed over, marched three miles, and encamped for the night on the northern bank of Duck River. During the night of the 20th the weather became bitterly cold. Wednesday, the2lst, operations were suspended, and the corps remained quietly in camp, as the pontoon train, detained by the swollen streams, the inclement weather, and the miserable condftion of the roads, had not been able to get to the front. The day was bitterly cold, and the rest which the command gained by laying in camp was much needed after their arduous and laborious service of the many preceding days. During the night of the 21st, between midnight and daylight, the pon- toon train came up and reported. I had, as early as the evening of the 20th, encamped a brigade (the First Brigade of the Third Division, Colonel Streight commanding) on the margin of the river, ready to lay down the bridge the very earliest moment that it could be done. So soon as it was light enough to work the morning of the 22d a sufficient number of pontoons (they were canvass) were put together to throw across the river a detachment of the Fifty-first Indiana to clear the opposite bank of the enemy. This service was handsomely performed by the detachment, and quite a number of prisoners was the result of the operation. So soon as the opposite bank was cleared of the enemy Colonel Streight commenced to lay down the bridge, and completed the work with commendable celerity, though, owing to the inexperience of the troops in such service and the extreme coldness of the weather, more time was consumed in doing it than could have been desired. So soon as the bridge was completed I began to pass the infantry of the corps, and during the time which intervened before the time designed by the commanding general for the cavalry to commence crossing, suc- ceeded in getting over most of the artillery and a sufficiency of the am- munition amid baggage trains to permit the corps to continue the pur- suit. After crossing the river I moved the corps a mile out of the town of Columbia, which stands on the southern bank of the river, and encamped it for the remainder of the night. Durimig the evening of the 22d the commanding general informed me that he wished the pursuit continued by the Fourth Corps and the cavalry, conjointly, so soon as the cavalry had crossed the river that he wished the Fourth Corps to press down the turnpike road, and the cavalry to movethrough the country on either side of the corps. Friday, the 23d, Irested near Columbia, awaiting for the cavalry to complete its passage of Duck River, till midday, when, the cavalry not being yet over, I informed the commanding general I would move the corps a few miles to the front that afternoon, encamp for the night. and wait the following morning for the cavalry to move out, with which, as already stated, I had been instructed to co-operate. While at Duck River we learned that the enemy had thrown several pieces of artillery into the river, being unable to get them across. We also learned that his rear guard was composed of all the organized infantry that could be drawn from his army, which was placed under the command of General Wal- thall, and his cavalry commanded by General Forrest. After advanc- ing some five miles south of Columbia, the afternoon of the 23d, the head of the corps came on a party of the enemy posted advantageously in a gap through which the highway passed, with inclosing heights on either side. I ordered Brigadier-General Kimball, commanding the leadin Page 137 CHAP. L~1L1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 137 division, to ieploy two regiments as skirmishers, bring up a section of artillery, and with this force to advance and dislodge the enemy from the pass. The service was handsomely and qnickly performed. One captain of cavalry and one private certainly killed and four privates cap- tured were among the known casualties to the enemy. It being now near night-fall, the corps was halted to await the completion of the cross- ing of the cavalry. On the following morning, the 24th., I was detained till 12 mu., wait- immg for the cavalry to come np amid move out. Shortly after the cav- alry had passed ont through my cami) Brevet Major-General Wilson sent me a message to the effect that he had found the gronnd so soft that he could not operate oft of the turnpike, and begging that I wonid not become impatient at the delay he was causing in the muovement of my command. At 12 in. the road was free of the cavalry, when the corps was put in motion and marched sixteen miles that aftermmoon ,and encamped two miles south of Lynnville. During all this period of the pursuit, and, indeed, to the end of it, the rear guard of the emiemy offered slight resistance, and generally fled at the mere presence of our troops. Sunday morning, the 25th, the corps followed closely on the heels of the cavalry, passed throngh Pulaski, from which the cavalry had rapidly driven the enemys rear guard, amid encamnped for the night six miles from the town, on the Lambs Ferry road. The corps marched sixteen miles on the 25th, the last six miles on a road next to imprac- ticable from the depth of the mud. As we could not have the use of the turnpike farther south than Pulaski, I ordered all the artillery of the corps but four batteries to be left at Pulaski, using the horses of the batteries left to increase the horses of the pieces taken with the command to eight, and of the caissons to ten horses each. I also ordered that only a limited number of ammunition wagons, carrying but ten boxes each, should accompany the comnmnand. These arrange- ments were necessary on account of the condition of the road on which the enemy had retreated. Without extra teams to the artillery car- riages and lightening of the usual load of aim ammnummition wagon, it would have been impracticable to get ike vehicles along; a vigorous pursuit would have been impossible. These dispositions were reported to the commandimug general. He directed me to follow the cavalry and support it. The pursnit was continued with. all possible celerity to Lexington, Ala., thirty miles south of Pulaski. Six miles south of Lexington Brevet Major-General Wilson learned certainly, on the 28th, the rear of the enemy had crossed the Tennessee River on the 27th, amid that his bridge was taken up the unorning of the 28th. These facts were reported to the commanding general, who ordered that the pursuit be discontinued. To continne it farther at that time, besides beimug useless, even if possible, was really impossible. Of the pursuit it umay be truly renmarked that it is without a parallel in this war. It was continued for more than a hundred miles at the most inclement season of the year, over a road the whole of which was bad, and thirty miles of which were wretched, almost beyommd description. It were scarcely an hyperbole to say that the roa(l froum Pulaski to Lexingtomm was bottomless when we passed over it. It was strewn with the wrecks of wagons, artillery carriages, and other material abandoned by time enemy in his flight. The corps remained two days at Lexington await- lug orders. On the 30th of IDecemnber instructions were received to take post at this place. On the 31st the corps marched to Elk River, a distance of fifteen miles. The river being too swollen to ford two days were spen Page 138 138 KY., SW. VA., TERN., MIss., AIaL~ AND N. GA. CUKAP. LYIL in bridging it. Colonel Sninan, Ninth Indiana, and Major Watson Seventy-fifth Iflinois, using the pioneers of the corps as laborers and mechanics, built a substantial trestle bridge, 309 feet long, over which the corps, with its artillery and wagons, safely passed. Elk River was crossed on the 3d of January, and on the 5th the corps was encamped In the vicinity of this place. Thus was close4 for the Fourth Corps one of the most remarkable campaigns of the war. The enemy, superior in numbers, had been driven by assault, in utter rout and demoralization, from s~ongly in. trenched positions, pursued more than 100 miles, and forced to recross the Tennessee River. By actual capture on the field of battle and by abandonment in his flight the en lost three-quarters of his artillery- in prisoners taken from him, by desertion in killed and wonded, his force had certainly been diminished 15,060; and his loss in small-arms, ammunition, and other material of war enormous. From an organised army, beleagnering the capital of Tennessee, the fce had been beaten into a disorganized massa mere rabble. The Fourth Corps captured 25 pieces of artillery, 4 stand of colors, and of small-amps a larpe number, of which, however, no account could be taken, as the pursuit was commenced early the morning of the 17th. Of the artillery captured 19 pieces were taken by on e ene- mys works. The corps captured .111 commissioned officers and 1.857 non-commissioned officers and privates. Thecasualties of the corpsamountedtoOfficers, killed, 19; wounded, 55. Non-commIssioned officers andprivates, killed, 1W wonded, 759P For the more minufr details of the movements of tie troops on the field of battle and in the pursuit, I most respectfully refer the com-z manding general to the reports of the division,brigade, and regimental. commanders; and for the special mention of numerous acts of gallantry and good conduct, I must also refer him to their reports. I desire to commend to the consideration of the commanding general the skill and intelligence evihced by the division commandersBriga- dier-Generals Kimball, Elliott, and Beattyin the handling of their commands, and for the personal gallantry displayed by them on the field of battle. Their services entitle them to the gratitude of the nation and to the most kindly consideration of the Government. The division commanders mention the services oftheir brigade commanders in terms bf the highest praise; they also commend their staff officers for good conduct and valuable services. The reports of the brigade commanders attest the meritorious conduct of the regimental com- mands and of the brigade staff officers. From the very best opportunity of obserting, I can truly bear testi- mony, and I do it with the highest satisfaction to the soldier in did conduct of the whole corps in ali the conflicts of the lSthan& lOth. I have never seen troops behave better on any battle- field. To the members of my staffLieutenant-Colonel Fullerton, assistant adjutant-qeneral and chief of staff; Lieutenant-Colonel Greenwood, assistant inspector-general; Major Sinclair, assistant adjutant-general; Major Dawson, Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, chief of outposts and pickets; First Lient. George Shaffer, Ninety-third Ohio, and First Lient C. I). Hammer, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio, aides~de- camp;. Captain Stansbury, Nineteenth Regulars, assistant commissary of musters; Capt. H deubaugh, provost-marshal; and Liente- ant Kennedy, acting assistant inspector~i~I owe many thanks for the Butm revimed table, p.M Page 139 (SAP. LTILj CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AN)) MIDDLE TEfl. 189 zealous intelligent, and gallant maniner in which they performed their duties, ~both on the Sold of battle and in the long and arduous pursuit. I commend them to the favorable consideration of my seniors in rank and to the Government. Major Goodspeed chief of artillery, rendered the most valuable sew ice on both the 15th and 10th. A battery was never required in any position that it was not promptly put there. The officers of all the batteries engaged behaved with great gallantry as did their men. The artillery practice on both those days was splendid. Burgeon Heard medical director, surgeon Brumley, medical inspec- tor, and Captain ~IYousley, chief of ambulances, performed their duties most satisfactoril. Ample preparation had been made in advance for the wounded, and humane ad efficient care was promptly rendered them. Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, chief quartermaster, and Captain Hodg- don, chief commissary, performed the duties of their respective depart- ments in a satisfactory manner. To the officers of every grade and to the brave but nameless men in the ranks my grateful thanks for the cheerful, gallant, and effective manner in which every duty was performed are due, and are hereby officially tendered. T am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. 3. WOOl), Briga4ier-Generesi of Voivateera, Commandiesg. Brig. (len. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE ClaW of St.f and AssWant I4jnt.nt-Oeneral. ADDENDA. HEADQUAuTnS FouuTH Am Coxes, Brig. (len. 0. D; WAGNER; Xaakvillj Ten., December ~ 1864. Commanding Second Division, .Fourtli Army Corps: GENERAL: When General Stanley left he directed me to address you and expressfor himto you, and totheofficersand men servingin your command, his sincere thanks and gratitude for the pliant service ren- dered at the battle of Franklin on the 30th of November. His wound compelled him to leave you for a time, and while lie did it with regre1~ he felt from the record you have made that in whatever position you may becalled to act, under whatever circumstances you may be sur- rounded, you will in future, as in the past, discharge the duties devolv- hag upon you with credit to yourselves and honor to his successor and t~ the corps. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant WE. H. SINCLAIR, Assistant Adjutant-Gencrai. (Slime to General Kimball.) HnDQUARTns FouRTH Am Coups, Enteuille, Al.., January 6,1865. OPPIOERs an SbLDruus or FonrH Am Coups: You have received the commendation of his Eicellency the President of the United States for your glorious deeds in the various conflicts around Nashville on the 15th and 16th ultimo. You have also received the commendation of the commanding general of the forces engaged in those conflicts, not only for your splendid achievements oa the field o Page 140 140 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Cim~. LVII. battle, but for your cheerful endurance of privations and hardships, in the most inclemeut weather, during the long and vigorous pursuit which followed the rout of the enemy in the vicinity of Nashville. As your actual commander on the field aud in the pursuit, I desire to add my comineudatioi~ to the high enc oruiums you have already received, and to tender you my grateful thanks for your soldierly conduct both on the field of battle and in the trying pursuit. Withont faltering, at the command of your officers, you repe4tedly assaulted the enemys strongly intrenched 1)ositions, and drove 1dm from them in confusion and dismay. Whei he was utterly routed and no longer durst confront you in battle, you at once commenced the most vigorous pursuit, continued it more than a hundred miles, at the most inclement season of the year, over the most miserable roads, and across deep and difficult streams, which were l)assed by your labor alone, and until the enemy was (Iriven in ntter disorganization across the Tennessee River. The substantial fruits of these glorious deeds were 24 pieces of artillery, 5 caissons, several stand of colors, many thousand stand of small arms, and 2,486 prisoners. Such noble services entitle you to the lasting gratitude of the nation. Fortunately, this great success was achieved with comparatively slight loss to the corps750 killed and wounded xvill cover the entire casualties of the corps in the two days conflict. To the friends of the gallant dead and to the woundedand I am snre you will .ioin me in this tribute of comradeshipI offer my sincere sympathy and condolence. I am, respectfully, yours, Till. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General ~,f V~o lunteers. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH Am~iv Coups, Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1865. Brigadier- General WHIPPLE, Chief of AS1taff: The number of flags captured by this corps at Franklin, 21, and at Nashville, 4; total 25. A few of the flags were taken by officers of the Twenty-third Corps from the captors at Franklin; some were sent home by the captors. Swords and sabers captured at Franklin, 11; at Nashville, 28; total, 39. Regimental conunanders report many more swords captured and thrown away, for want of transportation, in the pursuit of Hood. Guns captured at Nashville, 25. Prisoners reported by the corps provost-marshal, captured at Spring Hill and Franklin, 46 commissioned officers and 572 enlisted men; captured at Nashyille, iii commissioned officers and 1,857 enlisted men; total, 2,586 prisoners. I regret that I could not send this report sooner; it was impossible to get division reports. TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CoRPS, huntsville, Ala., January 13, 1865. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. (len. and Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Cumberlaud: GENERAL: Though the troops whose gallant conduct I desire to coin mend to the notice of the commanding general do not belong to m Page 141 Cw~p. LYILI CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 141 command, yet as lie had charged me with the duty of trying to destroy the force of the rebel General Lyon, and as the gallantry was displayed in the operations against the rebel chieftain, I deem it my dnty, as it certainly is my pleasnre, to make a special report of the obstinate de- frnse made l)y First Lient. John H. linli, One hnndred and first U. S. Colored Troops, and the small detachment nnder his command. Lieu- tenant ilnil, with a detachment of fifty-four colored recruits, was ordered on the 7th instant to Scottsborongh, on Memphis and Charleston Rail- road, to guard the water-tanks and depot. During the afternoon of the 8th Lieutenant Hull found the enemy advancing on him in heavy force. Retiring to the depot, which he had loop-holed for defense, lie awaited the attack. The enemy made a vigorous assault on the north side of the depot, which was repulsed. Changing his point of attack, he assaulted the south side of the depot, only to be repulsed. Finally he attacked the west end and north side of the building, to be again more seriously repnlsed than in either of the previous assaults. Lientenant Hull re- ports that the enemy came up in the assaults so near that he seized the muzzles of the muskets and attempted to wrest theiu through the loop- holes. After the third repulse the enemy retired out of musket range and opened omi the depot with his artillery, two 12-pounder howitzers. This made the building untenable, when Lieutenant Hull evacuated it and led his brave little band up the side of the mountain, a distance of about 450 yards, intending there to renew the fight, but the enemy scarcely attempted to follow. After reaching the mountain Lieutenant Hull learned that a train with re-enforcements had reached one of the water-tanks, abont a mile and a quarter distant. He at om~e con cen- trated his command to it, and was not followed by the enemy, who, on the contrary, retreated toward the Tennessee River. Lieutenant Hull estimates the enemys force at 1,200, and rel)orts having inflicted on him a loss of Colonel Oneal and 17 nien killed aIl(l 45 wounded. The casualties of the gallant garrison were 2 men wounded. I think such a resolute defense against such. overwhelming odds merits commenda- tion in orders, not only as an act of justice to the brave men who made it, but as an example to other railroad guards of what may be ac- complished by a determined resistance. I am infornied that the recruits under Lieutenant Hulls command had not been mustered into the service. Justice to these brave men reqnires that it should be done without delay. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General of Volunteers, Commanding. No. 11. ~Journai of the Fourth Army Corps.* PULASKi, TENN. November 14.S a. in., received dispatch from General Hatch, dated Taylors Springs, November 13, 1864, 4 p. in., as follows: The enemy moved up with infantry to Boughs Mills this morniflo and after a slight skirmish fell back on the bluffs and then went into c~ mp. Our line remains the same on Shoal Creek. The enemys pickets and our own stand in sight of each * Kept by Lieut. Col. Joseph S. Fullerton, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff Soc explanatory foot-note, Vol. XXXVIII, Part I, p. 839 Page 142 142 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (GEAr. LVII. other the entire length of the line. Their mdvements this morning indieste a advance. I have ordered the roads near Shoal Creek and the Waynesborough ad florence road tilled in with timber. If they do not advance this abatis will able me to move safely by the right Sank, should it be necessary for me to do so. Most of the road leading to Shoal Creek winds through deep ravines ads be obstructed with timber. 9 a. in., sent Colonel (Japrons brigade of cavalry in the direction of Waynesborough, & c., to see what the enemy is doinp~ M& jor.General Schofield assumes command of the U. S. forces at tins place this morn- ing. This command includes the Fourth Corps, Twenty-third Corps, and the different cavalry detachments with General Hatchs command. Op m received dispatch from General Hatch, dated Taylors Springs, November 14,2 a. m. He says Crouton attacked the enemy and drove his advance posts back, capturing only one prisoner. From this prisoner he learned that two attempts have been made to cross the river by Lees corps (rebel), but the bridge was broken down twice and that the bridge would be repaired on the night of the 13th (last night), when tbe whole rebel army would cross to this side. He also says that Beauregard made a speech to the army and told the troops that they were going forwardHoed to attack Nashville, and Forrest to lead a grand raid to the Ohio Biver. Forrests cavalry is now coming up the Tennessee from below, to cross at Florence. November 15~Nothingof importance this morning. 2p. in., received dispatch from General Hatch (sent to General Schofield) stating that some of his men report that a heavy force of the enemys infantry and cavalry is,at present advancing on the old military road, the road lead. ing from Florence to Columbia. The defensive works of this place are now about completed. November 16.8 a. in., General Hatch reports to General Schofield that the movement of the enemy yesterday was only a reconnaissance, and that there is only one corps of the enemy now on this side of the river. . Nothing further of interest to-day. November 17.lO a. in., (Efeneral Schofield sends word that General Hatch reports that he attacked and drove back the enemys pickets yesterday, taking a few prisoners. The prisoners report that another rebel corps has crossed to this side of the river; that the third and last corps was to cross last night (November16), and that Forrests cavalry, 10,000 strong, is also across and is near Florence. Nothing farther of importance to-day. Rain commenced to fail on the 15th and it has been raining ever since. The roads are in a miserable conAition. November 18.U p. in., nothing further of importance. General Hatch reports that there is no change in his front, and that the enemy is still trflng to cross the river. Last night he sent two men down the river to cut the ropes of the enemys pontoons. (They went down in canoes.) They succeeded, reached the bridge in the night and cut some of the ropes while the enemy was crossing. The bridge has since been repaired. General H[atch] now says thatthere is but onebrigade of~~ caval7 on this side of the river, Still raining. 19. othing of importance or unusual to-day. Rain con- tinued through the day until about 9p. in., when it ceased. November 20.i p. in., General Schofield sends word that General Hatch reports that Forrests cavalry is moving north from Florence, on the old military road. His right brigade attacked Bufords division (of Forrests cavalry) and drove It back, when Buford was largely re-en- forced, and compelled this brigade to fall back to this side of Shoal Creek. All of Hatchs cavalry is now on this side of Shoal Creek. it is prob- able that Forrest is marching for the railroad between this place an Page 143 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 143 Columbia; and General Schofield directs General Stanley to send a (liViSiOli of infautry to Lynnville in the morning. Lynnville is about thirteen miles north of Pulaski, ou the railroad. 2 p. in., General Wagner is directed to take his division to Lynnville to-morrow; to start early in the morning. It has been raining almost during the entire day. Novem ber 21.6 a. in., received in strnetioiis from Vlaj or-General Schofield not to send Wagners divisioii to Lynuville this morning. A dispatch was captnred by General hatch last night, stating that For- rest wonld move his cavalry, starting on Monday morning. The first snow-storm of the season this morning; growing qnite cold. 6.45 p. in., receive(I note from General Schofield, of which the following is a copy: PuLAsKI, TENN .,Aovembe,~1. Major-General STANLEY: General I-latchs report just received leaves no doubt of Hoods advance. He was last night about twenty miles from Florenceone corps on the Waynesborough road and one on the Lawrencebnrg road; the third was only six miles out from Florence. Hood must 1)e going to Columbia or west of that. We will have to move accord- ingly without delay. Have your quartermaster sepd all surplus storeS to Columbia at once, and make all preparations to withdraw entirely from this place by Wed- nes(lay morning, the 23d. Let Wagner march to Lynnville to-morrow morning; Cox will precede him. 7 p. hi., directed General Wagner to march his division to Lynnville to-morrow morningSecond iDi vision, Fourth Corps. Very cold to- night; freezing. November 22.7 a. in., Wagners division started for iLynnville. 9 a. in., General Schofield sent word that lie had just received a dis- pat Ii fboin Colonel Capron, who has been to Lawrencebnrg (went there from Monnt Pleasant), and that lie can hear nothing of Hood; does not think he is advancing. 4 p. in., General Hatchs report received fioin L~wi encebnrg, stating that no force of the enemy has yet come neu th it place. Cold all day; freezing; very cold to-night. \ ot ember 23.8 a. in., received dispatch from General Schofield. of ~ hich Ha following is a copy: HEAmWARTEns Ann v oF irw Onio. I~u lasIPi 11 no \orem b( r Ki I8Gf2 20 a. in. Majov-Gener;il Sr XNLYY & onnnondoiq loni th Corps The general ( oniniindmg directs iiie to inlorin ~ on tWit lit h is inhom itioim Imoin (~encra1 Hatch d ited ii p. ni. ycster(i ~, whit Ii it ~ es littli doubt th mt 1100(1 15 advancing, his inPiiitrv nlv~nice being in L wrentt burg list night I oru st is strik- ing for the railio id md inny possilily rea h it to div Ct nerd St hoht hi will go to Lynnville this morning, and he tiesires von to hive illlh( iailroad ti tins lo nied and starte(lto the r ai at as early an hour this i in is possill md ilso io hive your whole command in it idiness to iiiai-cii to Lynuville this P in should it become ii ccessarv. .1. A. CAMPBELL, Major (1)1(1 - 1N$iSI(Oit A(ljUtOiitGCIlC1Ul. 8.30 a. in., sent directions to (Ilvision coin Iiian(levs to be ready to move for Lynuville at u~oon. The railroad trains are being loaded as fast as possible. 2 p. in., the First and Second Divisions, Fourth Corps, start toy Lynnville; also, all little detachments left at Pulaski, excel)t Col- nimel Waters brigadeThird Brigade, First Divisionwhich will leave at 3 oclock to-morrow morning, amid will cover our trains, artillery, & c. 2.15 p. mn., received a (hisI)atch from General Hatch, who re-ports the cii emnys infantry moving through Lawren cebnrg towar(l Colnrnbi a. He has just heard from one of his spies, who has been in the enemy Page 144 144 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. camp, that Hood has 40,000 infantry strong an(l t5,00() cavalry. Gen- eral Hatch will move for Columbia via Cainpbellsville, to cover our column on the march. 7 p. in., our head of column reaches Lynnville, twelve miles from Pulaski. The trains, artillery, and rear of the infantry column did not reach this place until ii p. in. The troops here bivouac for the night. Tit e enemy is now supposed to be nearer Columbia by one days march than our column. LYINNYILLE, TENN. November 24.i a. in., Major-General Schofield, who is in Lynuville, sends word to General Stanley that he has just heard from Colonel Capron, commanding brigade cavalry, that the enemys cavalry (and a small amount of inflmntry) has driven him back to and through Mount Pleasant toward Columbia. His dispatch dated about 9 p. m. Mount Pleasant is but twelve miles from Colunibia, and there is a good turn- pike between these places; Lynuville is eighteen miles from Columbia, and turnpike thence. 1 a. in., General Schofield directs the Fourth Corps to march for Columbia at 3 a. m. Coxs division, of the Twenty- third Corps (all of said corps now with Schofield), is in camp eleven miles from Lynuville and seven from Columbia. This division has also been directed to march for Columbia at 3 a. In. There is no force in Columbia but about 800 of our infantry, un(ler command of General Huger. The rest of General lingers division is scattered on the Ten- nessee River and Buck Creek. General ii[nger I commands a division of the Twenty-third Corps (Schofields). 3 a. in., the corps started for Columbia in order as follows: Second l)ivision (which was in camp at Lynuville when we arrived there) leading; Third l)ivision following; then the Artillery Brigade; then the trains; then the First Division. 9 a. in., head of column three miles from Columbia. Firing heard on the Mount Pleasant and Columbia pike, very near to Columbia. 10.05, head of column (Second Division) reaches Columbia. About the same time a regiment of the enemys cavalry make an attempt to dash upon our artillery as it is moving along the road. it camnefromu the direction of the Mount Pleasant pike over a cross-road leading therefrom to the road upon which our column is moving. General Wood sent out a regiment of infantry (Colonel Kneflers) and drove the enemy back, killing a few. General Coxs division crossed over to the Mount Pleasant pike early this morning by a cross-road three miles south of Columbia. He reached that pike just in time to save Colonel Caprons brigade of cavalry from annihilation, as it was being driven rapidly into Columbia by a largely superior force of cavalry. General Cox checked the enemy and drove them back a short distance. This also prevented the enemy from get- ting into Columbia before the Second Division, Fourth Corpsthe head of our column. As fast as the divisions of the Fourth Corps arrive in Columbia they go into position in line of battle and throw up barricades and breast-works. 6 p. in., our line of battle as follows: The Second Division, General Wagner, on the right, connecting with the left of Coxs division (Coxs division about one mile west of the town, covering the Mount Pleasant pike and its right resting on Duck River); the Third Division, Gen eral Wood, on the left of General Wagners, its right connecting with General Wagners left, on the Pulaski pike, and facing almost south; the First Division, General Whitaker, on Woods left, the riglmt of the division connecting with Woods left and the left of the division resting near the river, east of the town, the (livision facing almost southeast; the artillery of the corps is planted on th Page 145 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 145 rising ground and knolls along our line of battle. General Cox has been skirmishing a little with the enemy during the entire day. It is supposed that the enemy is now concentrating his infantry force at Mount Pleasant, or this side thereof, on the Mount Pleasant pike. COLUMBIA, TENN. November 25.Have been strengthening our lines to-day. 12.15 p. in., received instructions from General Schofield to send a reconnaissance out on the Pulaski pike. The enemys cavalry are now skirmishing with General Coxs troops on the Mount Pleasant pike. 4 p. in., the forces sent as a reconnaissance on the Pulaski pike returned. The enemys cavalry in force was met about one mile beyond our picket- line. After considerable skirmishing they returned. 4.30 p. in., the enemys cavalry now is in front of the whole line of this army, and is nowhere more than two miles off. S p. in., received Special Field Orders, No. 64, headquarters Army of the Ohio, Columbia, Teun., No- vember 25, 1864, as follows.* 5.15 p. in., directed General Whitaker and General Wagner to move their divisions to the interior line as soon as practicable after dark, and General Wood to occupy all of the old line, covering the Pulaski pike. 10 p. in., the new and interior line occupied by Whitakers and Wagners divisions First and Second and they are now working upon them. November 26.7 a. in., General Schofield received a telegram from General Thomas, dated Nashville, November 25, stating that he wished General S[chofleld] to hold the north bank of Duck River if necessary td prevent Hood from crossing; to hold Hood on the south side of the river a few days until our forces can be concentrated, when we can take the offensive. He further states that General A. J. Smiths force ought to be at Nashville to-day (25th), and that he will at onc~ send him to Marfreesborough if Hood moves toward the Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad. He has already ordered five of General li. S. Grangers regi- ments to that place, and will also order General Milroy to send all of his force (on railroad south of Murfreesborough) there. The enemy made a dash upon the right of General Woods picket-line at daylight this morning and drove it back a short distance. There has been con- siderable skirmishing along our whole front this morning. The enemy up to this time (12 in.) has shown only dismounted cavalry. 12.30 p. in., the enemy is approaching on the Mount Pleasant pike, and de- ploying on the left of the pike about one mile in front of our outer line. 2 p. in., so far as can be discovered the enemy has only deployed about one division of infantry and a small force of cavalry on the Mount Pleasant pike. The enemys action in (leploying such a small force, and in the character of his skirmishing to-day, indicates that he is only making a demoimstration in our front, while he may be endeav- oring to cross Duck River or operate over toward the Chattanooga railroad. It has been raining hard all day and Duck River is risin ~. 2.30 p. in., received instructions from General Schofield to move all of our trains, artillery, & c., over the river this afternoon (to the north bank), and to be prepared to move the infantry over after dark. 3 p. in., directed division commanders to send all of their trains, except ten ambulances and five ammunition wagons, to the division over the miver, at once, and to send the artillery at dusk; also, to be prepared to send the infantry over to-nightto move over the railroad and pontoon ~ For full text of orders (here omitted), see p. 1039. 10 R RYOL XLV, PT Page 146 146 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. bridge, via the Hampshire road. 7 p. in., the rain that commenced this morning still contin es. Jt is almost impossible for trains to move down the bank of the river to the pontoon bridge, and up the bank on the other side. The road on the other side for three i~d1es is almost impassable. But very few wagons and only two or three caissons have crossed up to this hour. Owing~ to the miserable condition of the road it will be impossible for all of the trains and artillery on this side of the river to cross before noon to-morrow. S p. in., sent word to division commanders that it will be impossible to cross the river to-night, and that the movement of the infantry will be suspended nntil further orders. The artillery which has been taken out of our lines of works this evening has also been ordered back. 9 p. in., reports from the cavalry forces guarding the fords of Duck River above and below Co- lumnbia have been received by General Schofield this evening, to the effect that no movements of the enemy have been discovered; that he has appeared t none of the fof4s. 12 midnight, two of the boats of the pontoon bridge have sunk, and but one or two wagons have been able to get over since 7 p. in. Orders were sent at this hour by General Schofield not to attempt to cross over any more to-night, bnt to fix the bridge and cross them over to-morrow a. in. The rain that commenced this morning still continues. If General A. J. Smiths force has reached Nashville it may be sent to Colunibia to-morrow; if it is so sent we will nOt cross to the north bank of the river, but, with these re-enforce- ments, will be able to hold our advanced lines on the south side of the river, while a force of infantry can be left on the north side to prevent Hood from crossing. Tore))~ber 27.S a. in., sent word to division commanders that they wonld not move to-day, but must be prepared to receive orders to cross the river to-night. Pioneers are working on the road at the rivec crossing at the pontoon bridge and on the other side of the river, and the trains will be worked over if possible this mornin~. The rain has now ceased. 1 P. mu., in accordaiwe with instructions received from ~\Iajor- General Schofield, directed divisiomi commanders to send all wagons to the north bank of the river at once. 3 p. in., received Special Field Orders, of which the following is a copy.* 3 p. mu., sent orders to division commanders to move to-night across the river in the order First, General Wood; second, General Kimball; third, General Wagner; and for General Wood to start at 6 p. in.; the pickets to be witlmdrawn to the outer line of works at 6.30 p. in., and to time inner line at 7.30 p. mn., and from this latter line toward morning. General A. J. Smith has not yet been heard from. It is not yet known whether he has reached Nashville. The forces of this corps withdrew, in accordance with instructions, at the hours indicated, without being followed by the enemy. The last of the corps crossed the river at midnight. The rain has ceased; it has not rained since daylight. It is now decided by General Schofield to destroy the pomitoon and railroad bridges across i)nck River after the pickets have crossed to the north side, as it will be impossible to protect them and the fords both above and below Columbia. Deserters from the enemy, just in, report that the last of Hoods infantry arrived at Columbia this evenimmg; that Hood now has 40,000 infantry strong and from 10,000 to 12,000 cavalry. Our force at present: Fourth Corps, abont 15,000, and Schofiel(h5 (Army of time Ohio), abont 10,000, with about 3,500 cavalry. Our forces are increas- ing vapidly each day by the addition of recruits arriving from the North, from 300 to 350 per day. * ~or full text of orders (here omitted), see p. 1086 Page 147 CI;AP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 147 NEAR COLUMBIA, TENN., NORTH OF DUCK RIVER. Norember 28.S a. in., the last of our pickets cross the railroad to the north side of iDuck River. The pontoon boats are scuttled and the ends of the railroad bridge burned. 6.30 a. in., the enemys skirmishers come down to the bank of the river at the railroad bridge and fords. 7 a. in., the Fourth Corps marches to the Franklin pike and go into line of battle on the north side of Duck River, about two miles and a half from Columbia, facing the town, General Wood on the left of the pike, General Kimball (commanding First Division, haviiig relieved General Whitaker) on the right of the pike, his left resting on the pike, General Wagners left connecting with General Kimballs right, and his right resting on Rutherfords Creek. Opposite General W~ gners right (that is, across Rutherfords Creek) rests General Rugers leftRugers divis- ion, of the Army of the Ohio. General Rugers division covers the crossing at the railroad bridge. Just in front of Woods and Kimballs divisions is General Coxs division (Army of the Ohio), which covers the crossing of the river at the Franklin pike. The enemy opened [oni us with artillery fire from Columbia, but the distance is too great to do any damage. Coxs artillery replies. The enemys infantry has been firing at our pickets across the river during the day, and our pickets have been returning the lire. 3 p. in., Colonel Capron reports to Gen- eral Schofield that his brigade of cavalry was driven back from the ford eleven miles north of Columbia this afternoon, and that some of the enemys infantry has crossed to the north side of the river at that point. 5.15 p. in., Colonel Streight (commanding General Woods left, or reserve, brigade) reports that the enemy has succeeded in crossing two regiments of cavalry over the river a short distance beyond his left; that our cavalry pickets there stationed were driven back. Orders were at once sent to Colonel Streight to drive this cavalry back. 5.40 p. in., sent word to General Streight at once to attack and drive back the enemys cavalry that has crbssed above him. 5.45 p. in., directed General Kimball to send his reserve brigadeto Rutherfords Creek, where it crosses the Franklin pike in our rear, at once, to cover our trains on the other side of the same, and for it to take position to the east of the pike. 6 p. in., General Thomas sends a telegram to General Schofield, stating that he thinks General A. J. Smith will be in Nashville in three days, and that if he cannot fight the enemy near Columbiathat is, prevent them from crossing Duck Riverto fall back to the north bank of the Harpeth River, at Franklin, and that he will bring up all of his forces to that point, where and when he will be able to fight Hood. 8 p. in., received instructions from General Schofield to send a party a short distance up the river, from our left, to see whether anything can be seen of the enemy. General Wilson, commanding cavalry, reports that the enemy has crossed his cavalry at several fords above nhupstream. 9 p. in., it is too dark for General Wood to send Streight up the river to look for the cavalry that has crossed above usthe two regiments that Colonel Streight reports as having crossed but General Wood has sent 150 men about one mile beyond his left flank, up the river, to observe the enemy. November 29.7.30 a. in., General Schofield sends word that it is reported by General Wilson that the enemy has laid a pontoon bridge over the river about five miles east of us, beyond our left flank, up the river, and he wishes General Stanley to send two divisions to Spring Hill, eight miles in our rear, on the Franklin pike, to check the enemy, if he approaches that point, until the force here can withdraw and mov Page 148 148 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. back toward Franklin; also to send one brigade up the river to see whether the enemy is crossing, as reported by General Wilson, and if ~so, to cheek him and hold him there as long as possible. Iu accordance with the above, orders were at once given for the movement. 8.45 a. in., the Second Division and First Division start for Spring lull, the Second leading. All of our trains will follow. General Woods division will remain behind, and General XV [ood] will report to General Schofield for orders until he joins the rest of the corps. Two batteries remaiu with Wood, the rest go to Spring Hill. 9 a. in., General Wood sends Colonel Posts brigade up the river, to ascertain whether the enemy is crossing his infantry, and to check him if he is. 11.30 a in., received dispatch from General Schofield stating that General Wood has found the ene- mys infantry on the north side of Duck River. It commenced to cross last night and is now crossing. 11.30 a. in., received a report from some cavalry soldiers, who state that Bafords division of the enemys cavalry are approaching Spring Hill from the east, and that it is now near the town. Our head of column is now two miles and a half from Spring Hill. 12.30 p. in., our head of column reaches Spring Hill just in time to meet the enemys advance. A regiment of inflintry and a cavalry regiment that has been in line east of Spring Hill and covering the Franklin and Columbia pike is just being driven in. General Schofield has detained Kimballs division (First Division, Fourth Corps) at Ruth- erfords Creek. ip. in., General Wagners flankers, acting as skirmish- ers, have just driven the advancing enemy back. A line of battle is formed as follows: Opdyckes brigade faces northeast, its left resting oii the Franklin pike north of the town; Lanes brigade connects with Opdyckes and faces east; Bradleys brigade connects with Lanes, facing in an easterly direction and sweeping around toward the pike south of the townthe line of battle generally about one mile from town. 4p. in., the last of the wagon train, which followed Wagners division, is now coming into town. The enemy has been skirmishing with us ever since we took position, and has made several attacks upon our line, which were feeble and repulsed. S p. in., our right Bradleys brigadeis just driven back, and it reforms in the outskirts of town. 5.30, skirmishing still continuing, but it is growing so dark that the enemy has ceased to press us mach. It is now discovered that lie has infantry as well as cav- alry. 6.30 p. in., General Schofield arrives with part of General Rngefs division (Twenty-third Corps), and Whitakers brigade following. He had considerable skirmishing along the right of the road as he ap- proached town. He captured a few prisoners, among whom is Captain assistant adjutant-general in Clebnrnes division, Cheathams corps. He, as well as other prisoners, report that Cleburnes division attacked us in part this evening. General Schofield reports that the ene- mys infantry has been moving this way all day. Thompsons Station, three miles north of this place, on the Franklin pike, is in possession of the enemy. The troops of Kimballs, Woods, and Coxs divisions will leave Columbia at about dusk. Take it all together, we are in a very bad situ- ation. G& neral Wilsons cavalry not heard from; it is supposed Forrest has driven him back. 9p. in., General Schofield started from Spring Hill to force a passage, if possibl3, at Thompsons Station (three miles north of Spring Hill), if the enemy still holds that place. 11 p. in., General Cox arrived with his division from in front of Colunibia. He has had hard work there, trying to keep the enemy on the south side of the river. He had his own and Woods and Kimballs divisions. About 1,500 of the enemy sneceeded in crossing an(l in laying a pontoon bridge. There was fighting at the river all day. 11.30 p. n.e General Schofield returne Page 149 CHAP. LVH.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 149 irom Thompsons Station. The enemy had withdrawn from there, leav- ing only pickets. General lingers brigade halted there. 11.40 p. in., General Schofield ordered General Cox to move his division for Frank- lin; lingers brigade to go with him from Thompsons Station; for~ the wagon train to follow Cox; Woods and Kimballs divisions to follow the wagon train; and for Wagners division to remain where it is, at Spring Hill, until everything has passed, thcii to move, covering the rear of the army. Cox is now moving, and Wood and Kimball follow- ing. We lost in Wagners division about 250 men in killed and wounded to-day. SPRING HILL, TENN. November 30. 1 a. in., General Coxs division now out of the way, and our trains start for Franklin; have about 500 wagons in the train. General Woods division also starts, moving along on the right of the road. As soon as the train reached a point two miles and a half north of Spring Hill it was attacked by the rebel cavalry. Repeated attacks were made upon the train at the same point aiid at a point half a mile farther north until toward daylight, when Generals Woods and Kim- balls skirmishers drove the attacking cavalry away. These attacks so delayed the train that the rear of it did not leave Spring Hill until nearly daylight. 2 a. in., General Kimballs division leaves Spring Hill. 4 a. in., General Wagners division, covering onr colui~~n, leaves, and his pickets were withdrawn at daylight. Colonel Opdyckes brigade, of Wagners division, acted as skirmishers in falling back. The services rendered by it were of signal benefit. The enemy followed and made repeated attacks, but Colonel Opdycke repnlsed each one handsomely. He also succeeded in bringing into Franklin the great number of broken-down soldiers and stragglers left on the road. For three or four nights and days the troops of this corps have been march- ing and digging, and they are now almost exhausted for want of rest. 9 a. in., the head of our column reaches Franklin. Our march has been much impeded by the wagon train and delayed by the skirmish- ing. 12 in., Colonel Opdycke reaches the high knoll two miles from Franklin; here he halts, and General Wagner is ordered to hold him in this position and snpport him with his other two brigades until lie is seriously threatened by a superior force of infantry. 1 p. in., General Schofield sends word that the enemy is trying to cross Ilarpethi River, a few miles above the town, and that he has driven back Croxtons brigade of cavalry. He therefore wishes General Wood, who has just crossed to the north side of Harpeth, at Franklin, to watch the trains (which are on the same side of the river), and to drive back the enemy if he makes an attempt to get them. Harpeth River is fordable at almost every point. 1 p. in., General Wagner reports two large colniuns of the enemys infantry approaching Colonel Opdyckes position, moving on the Lewisburg and Columbia pikes, and as he cannot successfnlly resist the forces, he is moving his division to within the bridge-head constructed by General Cox around the town of Franklin. 2.50 p. in., General Schofield sends word that the enemys infantry is trying to force a crossing at Hughes Mill, about three miles north of Franklin, and he wishes General Stanley to send a force of infantry to that point, to assist in retarding or preventing his crossing. 3 p. in., General Wood is directed to send a brigade of infantry at oiice to Hughes Mill, to assist the command there in holding the enemy, preventing hi Page 150 150 KY., 8W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. front crossing to the north bank. General Beattys bri~ade (Third), Third 1)ivision, is sent at 3.30 p. in. General Schofield received a tele- grain front General Thonias, stating that he had heard from General A. J. Smith, who was at Clarksville, and he expected him to arrive in Nashville last night. As the enemy is pressing us hard and endeavor- ing to cross the river in several places with his cavalry and infantry, we inay be obliged to fall back to Nashville before General Smith can reach us; this to prevent the enemy front getting between us and Nash- ville. 3A5 p. in., reports conic from the front that time enemy is forming for an assault. General Beatty is directed to post his brigade on the left flank of the fort, on the river, instead of going to flughes Mill. 4 p. in., the enemy makes a vigorous and stroimg assault alommg the entire front of the forces posted beyond the town, within the bridge-head. All of the troops here are posted, save Woods division, Fourth Corps, as follows: On the right, Kimballs division, Fourth Corps; center, Coxs division, Twenty-third Corps; left, fingers brigade, of his divis- ion, Twenty-third Corps.* Two brigades of Wagners division, Fourth Corps, Lanes and Conrads, are posted outside of the line of works, or bridge-head, on the Columbia pike, in advance of Coxs division. After the first assault of the enemy Wagner~5 two l)rigades were drawn back, and occupied part of the line held by Cox at first. As soomi as Wag- ners two brigades were drawim back to the main lute a large number of Coxs men broke and ran. Time enemy, driving hard after these two brigades, entered the lines at this point. Opdyckes brigade, of Wag- ners division, being in reserve, was ordered up at this moment by General Stanley. The rebels were driven back and our line of works reoccnpied. Here General Stanley was severely wounded. Why were these two brigades left out in such aim exposed position, and why did not General Schofield order them in ~ The barricades thrown up stretch from the river on the east of the town to the river on the west. The line is about a mile and a half long, and commands the approaches via the Columbia pike, Carters Creek pike, and Lewisburg pike. The enemys assaults were made by columns, generally seven lines deep, battalion front, and covered by a line of battle, The general assaults were made by six or seven colunins, one of which was cavalry dismounted. 7 p. in., the enemy has been steadily fighting up to this hour since 4 p. in. He has made not less than four vigorous and detemmiimed assaults, each one of which was handsomely repulsed. in addition to these, six or seven weak attempts were made. 7.30 p. in.. General Wilson reports to General Schofield that Jacksons division, of Forrests cavalry, crossed the river at Hughes Mill this afternoon, and that General Hatch whipped him badly amid drove him back across the river. 8 p. in., our trains now moving to Nashville, save headquarters and ammunition trains, which will stop at Breutwood. In accordance with instructions from General Schofield, Wagner and Kimball are in- structed to withdraw from the enemys front and to cross to this side of the river at 12 midnight, amid the pickets to be withdrawn at daylight. If we can withdraw the troops will march at once for Brentwood. The troops of the Twenty-third Corps will be withdrawmm at the same time and follow the Fourth Corps in the march to BEreutwoodi. It is very doubtful whether these troops can be withdrawn, as they are very close to the enemy, with whom they are keeping up a continual skirmish fire. The enemy also makes frequent feeble assaults, evidently with the view to prevent our withdrawal. The enemys attacks to-day were made * But see formation of line as reported by General Cox, p. 350 Page 151 CHAP. LVIII (1AMr~AIeN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 151 with at least 20,000 men; this development was showntwo corps of infantry. 9 p. in., pickets report that the enemy is relieving his troops that have been engaged to-day, and are substituting others for them. The skirmish firing, & c., still keeps up. 10 p. in., some houses set on fire in Franklin, supposed to have been done by the enemy in order to show them any attempt we might make to rctreat. With difficulty the fire was put out by midnight. 12 midnight, the troops commenced to withdraw, according to order. Word sent to Brentwood to send all trains and material to Nashville, General Schofield received a dispatch from Major-General Thomas, stating that part of General A. J. Smiths troops and part of General Steedmans will be in BienP ood in the lnormlim)g. Unless these troops get in position at Breutwood by 6 oclock in the morning we will have to fall back to Nashville very prob- ably. The Fonrth Corps lost iii killed and wounded and a few prisoners, about 1,300 mnen to-day. The enemy lost at least 5,000. A rebel colonel. who was taken prisoner to-day, states that Hood told his mneu to-clay that if they could force our lines of works at Franklin and (lrive us through the town, that their work was done, and there would not be anything to prevent them from going to the Ohio River. hence the desperate assaults. He also said that there was a corps of rebel infhntry and a division of cavalry at Spring Hill yesterday evening, and that the left flank of this infantry corps rested only about 600 yards from time turnpike alon~ which the troops of this army (except Wagners division, which fought the enemy in the afternoon, and which was in Spring Hill) passed. This was known to us at the time, and therefore great anxiety was felt as the troops marched past this point. Au attack was constantly expected. Our whole march from Pulaski has been a race with the enemy and very perilous. For full particulars of battle of Franklimi see official repo ts. RANKEIN, TENN. December 1.12.30 a. in., the troops of this corps commenced to withdraw from the line in front of Franklin, Wagners division (See- oud) first, then Kiniballs division (First), and to cross the Harneth River. Colonel Streights brigade, of Woods division (Third), which was north of the Harpeth, was poste(l on the north bank thereof to cover the crossing. Jt was, the intention to withdraw the troops at 12 midnight or earlier, but some buildings were fired in the town (it is supposed by the enemys sympathizers), which lighted the country for mules arouuid, aiud thus prevented the withdrawal until the fires were put out. 2 a. in., the picket-line, which was left in the works, withdrew. 2.30 a. in., the picket-line reaches the north bamuk of the Harpeth, and the pontoon and railroad bridges are fired. As soon as the flames were discovered, the enemy opened his artillery upon Streights brigade, ou the north bank of the Harpeth, and onr retreating pickets. The enemy did not follow us immediately; it is supposed he was too badly crip- pled in the action to-day to do so. 10 a. un., arrive at Nashville and the troops go into line of battle and rest in position. On account of the great fatigue no work will be done to-day. 5 p. in., a sunall body of the enemys cavalry approached our vedettes and was driven off. General Wilsons cavalry has now reached the vicinity of our position, south of Nashville. General Steedman with 5,000 men and General A. J. Smiths forces are at Nashville Page 152 152 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. NASHVILLE, TENN. December 2.9 a. in., the troops of Fourth Corps take a new posi- tion and go into line of battle on a series of ridges running north of west about a mile and a half from Nashville; the line faces about west of south; the troops are all in one line. On the left of the corps is the Twenty-third Corps; on the right is General A. J. Smiths coin- mand. The left of our line is a few hundred yards east of the Granny White pikeKimballs division is on the left, then Woods division, then Wagners. Wilsons cavalry is crossing the Cumberland Hiver to-day, to remain on the north bank, watch the enemy, and l)revent him from crossing. There is also a fleet of iron-clad gun-boats now in the river, also watching to prevent the enemy from crossing. 2 p. in., General Stanley turns over to General Wood the command of the corps. His wound is very painful, and he starts North on account of it this evening. General Wood turns over to General Beatty (one of his brigade cornma~nders) the command of his division. 2.30 p. in., the enemys infantry approach to within about a mile and a half of our present line and can now be seen deploying in line of battle; about two divisions can be seen. We at once made preparations to receive an attack. 6 p. in., the enemy does not advance; has hot advanced from the position where he was first seen. 6.30 P. in., orders have been given to division commanders to intrench our position, to throw up parapets to-night, and make epanlements for batteries. December 3.Last night the enemy made quite an advance, and con- structed a line of breast-works in front of the entire line of this corps, and exteuding beyond the right and left of it. In front of Streights brigade (Beattys division, Third) the enemy got possession of a ridge about 600 yards from our works, and along the crest of it for about one regimental front they have thrown up strong breast-works. Their line on the right and left of this is there much refused, and runs in such directions that it is at least one mile from our extreme right and left. This ridge is about opposite our center, and Colonel Streight occupies the ridge opposite it, of about the same height. 6 a. in., batteries are placed on Colonel Streights front (two batteries), and we opened fire upon the enemys works opposite. The batteries along the front of the Third Division and part of the First Division are also directed to fire upon the enemys works. Brigadier-General Elliott has been assigned to the Second Division of this corps, and he takes coin- inand of it to-day. General Wagner, who has been commanding it, resumes command of his brigadeSecond Brigade of the same division. 2 p. in., the pickets in front of our left are driven in by the enemy, who makes quite a show of an advance, displaying several lines of bat- tle. After considerable skirmishing he advances a very short distance, where he remains until nearly dark and then falls back. He may intend to attack ns at daylight to-niorrow. Our artillery has kept up quite a steady fire upon the enemy all day. The enemy has not yet replied with artillery. December 4.No change in the enemys or our lines to-day. We have been firing at the enemys lines with artillery during the day and he has not yet replied. It is supposed he has not much artillery ammu- tion with him. December 5.No change in the enemys lines to-day, except that his works may not be quite so full of troops as they were yesterday. We still keep up our artillery firing, and have been making observations to see whether there is a point in the enemys lines that we can attac Page 153 CHAP. LYII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 153 with a chance of success. Major-General Couch was assigned to duty with this corps, in accordance with orders from headquarters Depart- ment of the Cumberland. He reported to-day. As he ranks General Wood he will command the corps, but he refuses to exercise command yet. December 6.Nothing of importance to-day. The enemy is still strengthening his works. We still keep up our artillery fire. The enemy replied with a few shots from two guns opposite the knoll beld by Colonel Streights brigade. Major-General Couch assigned to the Twenty-third Corps to-day; leaves General Wood in command of the Fourth Corps. December 7.The enemy is moving a force to his left, opposite Gen- eral A. J. Smiths command, and he is constructing works extending in the same direction. 2 p. in., General Thomas directed General Wood to discover, by observation or pressing forward our picket-hue, whether the enemy is yet in strength opposite us. Division commanders report that the enemy yet occupies the works opposite our front in the same strength as yesterday, if not in greater. This fact is reported to Gen- eral Thomas. Observations have been made to-day to find some point in the enemys line of works that we can assault. An assault will be made by the Fourth Corps as soon as the troops can get readywithin a few days. December 8.Last night the enemy extended his lines to his left, a short distance beyond the position he held at dark, and constructed there a line of breast-works. 12.15 p. in., the enemy force back the skirmish line of the Twenty-third Corps, just where it joins the skir- mish line of the First Division of this corps. This caused part of our skirmish line on our left to fall back a short distance. The enemys skirmishers followed up closely, but they were driven back and our original skirmish line re-established. 3 p. in., it has beeii decided to attack the enemy at daylight on the morning of the 10th instant. An assault will be made by the Second Division of this corps upon that part of the enemys lines opposite Streights brigade, Third Division, just northeast of the llillsborough pike. The Second Division will be supported by the rest of the corps, save one brigade to be left in our works. General A. J. Smiths column will follow up the assault and cover our right flank, and the cavalry will follow up General Smith. December 9. 9 a. in., heavy storm of rain, snow, and sleet. It has been impossible to observe the movements of the enemy this morning on account of the state of the atmosphere. 10 a in., a deserter came into our lines; he reports that Hood is making preparations for a movement. 2 p. in., received a dispatch from General Thomas, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Nashville, lena., December 9, 1864. Owing to the severity of the storm raging to-day it is found necessary to postpone the operations designed for to-morrow morning until the breaking up of the storm. I- desire, however, that everything be put in condition to carry out the plan contein- plated as soon as the weather will permit [it] to be done, so that we can act instantly when the storm clears away. Acknowledge receipt. 0. H. THOMAS, iIJojor- General. Nothing of importance occurred along our lines to-day. There has been much picket-firing. The day has been quite cold. December 10.There is no apparent change in the enemys lines this morning. The same force appears to be opposite us, and the enemy i Page 154 154 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. KHAP. LVIL still working on his parapets, strengthening them. The snow and sleet that fell yesterday is yet on the ground. It is almost impossible to move over it either on horseback or on foot. 2.50 p. in., received a note from General Thomas asking General Wood What is the condition of the grounJ between the enemys li3e an4 your own? Is it practicable for men to move about on it with facility? 3 p. in., replied to General Thomas note, stating that the ground is covered with a heavy sleet, which would make the handling of troops difficult, if not impracticable; from the condition of the ground an offensive movement would be feeble, & c. The enemy is working on a new and interior line of works this evening. The line appears to be almost parallel to the first line and about half a mile in the rear of it. December ii.10 a. in., there is a meeting of corps commanders at General Thomas headquarters. It is decided that we cannot attack the enemy with any show of success until the weather moderates and the snow and sleet now on time ground thaws. The ground is yet cov- ered with a cake of ice, and it is very difficult to move over it. The weather still continues very coldbelow the freezing point. There is no change in the appearance of the enemys linesexcept that he is still working on his interior linethe new one he is constructing. (Jon- siderable picket-firing to-day; no artillery firing. General Grant has been insisting for several days that General Thomas must attack the enemy. This will be done as soon as the weather will permit. 10 p. in., received dispatch, of which the following is a copy: Brigadier-General WOOD: Have your command put in readiness to-morrow for operations. I wish to see you at my headquarters at 3 p. m. to-morrow. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General. It is very cold to-night and clear. December 12.The sun shimmes bright this morning, but it is yet very cold. The enemy is yet digging and throwimmg up works in our front, and is constructing an epaulemuent for batteries in froiit of General A. J. Smiths works and in rear of his (the enemys) flank work. Batteries placed at this point will command the Izlillsborough and, perhaps, the Hardimi pikes. 3 p. mu., at a meeting of corps commanders at General Thomas headquarters it is decided that we cannot move to attack the enemy or to demonstrate until the ice and sleet that yet covers the ground thaws. Considerable picket-firing to-day. No change within the enemys lines discovered. December 13.No change to-day. It is yet quite cold, but the wind is from the southeast. 5 p. in., growing quite warnm, and the ice is thawing. Usual picket-firing to-day. The enemys second, or interior, line appeared better manned (more troops) than heretofore. December 14.7 a. in., the ice and sleet has all disappeared this morning. Time ground is very muddy and there is a heavy fog. 11 a. in., owing to the heavy fog nothing can be seen of the enemys limmes this morning. 12.30 p. mu., received a note from General Thomas, directing that preparations be made for a niove as per previous arrange- ments, and that General Wood muect him at his headquarters at 3 p. in. The following is a sketch of our lines (of the Fourth Corps) and the rebel lines as they appear: The usual picket-firing to-day. It has grown quite warm, and the ground is turning very muddy. Has been very foggy all day. The conference at General Thomas headquarters ~ Sketch does not appear Page 155 (J~p. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. t55 resulted in the decision to attack the enemy to-morrow, if not too foggy. (3p. in., received Special Orders, headquarters Department of the Cuin- berland, of which the following is a copy.- 7 p. in., issued orders to division commanders to have everything in readiness to move at 6 a. m. to-morrow. General Elliott will form his division slightly in echelon with General A. J. Smiths left, and refuse his left; General Kimball will form on General Elliotts left, slightly in echelon, with his division refusing his left; and Brigadier-General Beatty will form his division on General Kimballs left, slightly in echelon, refusing his left, or, rather, resting his left on our present line of works near the position now oc- cupied by Streights brigade, opposite Montgomery Hill. December 15.6 a. in., very foggy; cannot well form the troops yet. 9 a. in., General Smith has a long distance to swing around before we can advance, and his troops are forming slowly. 12.30 p. in., our right is now moving slowly, conforming to General Smiths movement. 12.30 p. in., General Beatty ordered by General Wood to assault the works on Montgomery Hill. Colonel Posts brigade selected to make the assanlt. 1 p. in., Post assaults Montgomery Hill, and carried it handsomely. We captured quite a number of prisoners. Our loss in killed and wounded not large for the success. 1.30 p. in., General Thomas sent word that he has sent General Schofield to General Smiths right, to enable the cavalry to go around the enemys left flank, and he wishes General Wood to mass his troops toward General Smiths left. Our reserves were at once massed in that direction. 2 p. in., visited General Smith on his line. Our whole line now swing- Pig up toward the enemys works. 2.30 p. in., General Smith carried the left of the enerny~s works. At once word was sent to division command- ers of Fourth Corps to push forward. 3.15 p. in., Generals Elliott and Kimball advance, skirmishing severely. 3.25 p. in., Generals Kimball and Elliott occupy high ground, now very near the enemys solid works. 4 p. in., General Elliott ordered to advance and take the hill in his front on which the enemy has a strong line of works and a bat- tery that is annoying us very much. 4.30 p. in., General Elliott has not yet started, and he is again ordered to move forward. He said that he was waiting for General Smith to come up amid connect with his right; he has advanced beyond General Smiths left. He was directed to move at once and cover his right with his reserve brigade. 4.30 p. in., General Kimball was ordered to take the same hill. Tie moved forward at once, assaulted vigorously, and captured the hill, with the enemys works and a four-gun battery. General Elliotts division arrived upon the hill just as it was captured. General Kiumball assaulted with his whole division. He captured quite a number of prisoners and four battle-flags. The enemy retreated in the direction of the Franklin pike, and formed a line along it, ruImning at right angles to their old line of works, which they yet held from the Frank- lin pike to their extreme right. 5 p. in., received directions from Gen- eral Thomas to move forward eastward, toward the Franklin pike, and to reach it if possible before dark, drive the enemy, and form the corps across the pike, facing south. 5.30 p. in., the troops have just been formedit took some time to form them, owing to the confusion fol- lowing the capture of the hilland have started in lines of battle for the Franklin pike, two miles and a half off. 6.p. in., we have reached the Granny White pike, three-quarters of a mile from the Franklin pike, and it is so dark that the troops cannot move farther without confu- For full text of orders (here oniitted), see Part II, p. 183 Page 156 15~3 KY., SW, VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. siou. The corps is formed parallel with the pike (ou east side), our right connecting with General Smith and our left resting about half a mile from the first rebel works out from Nashville. The enemy has barricaded his frout ou the Nashville pike, and we are skirmishing with him. 8 p. in., call at General Thomas headquarters. He directs that if the enemy has not gone from our frout iu the morniug to attack him; if he has gone, to cross the Franklin pike, move down the east side of it,~while Schofield moves on the pike, followed by General Smiths command. The cavalry will move to the right of General Smith, per- haps on the Granny White pike. 11.30 p. in., directed division com- mnanders to move at daylight in the morning, in accordance with Gen- eral Thomas instructions; if the enemy has gone, General Elliott to lead, followed by Kimball, then Beatty; if the enemy has not gone, to attack him. We have lost about 350 killed and wounded to-day (Fourth Corps); no prisoners. Have taken near 500 prisoners and 8 glimis, besides a small amount of small-arms, & c., and carried the enemys works in two places by assault. There has been very heavy firing all day since t p. m. It is reported to-night that the army captured 26 guns and 1,500 prisoners to-day. December 1G.6 a. mu., the enemy appears in our front in considerable forcei Skirmishing commences. 6.30 a. in., we drive the enemys skir- mishers and advance toward the Franklin pike. S a. in., gain posses- sion of the Franklin pike, driving the enemnys skirmishers. They re- treat down the pike, southward. It is supposed the enemy has been retreating in this direction during the nighttoward Breutwood. As soon as the dispositions indicated in orders last night were mnade Geit- eral Elliott pushed his column ahead down the east side of the Frank- lin pike. He did not move more than half a mile when he met a strong line of the enemny~s skirmishers. He at once deployed and tried to form connection on his right with General Smith. General Beatty Thrmed on his left, deployed in two lilies of battle, and General Kimballs di- vision deployed in his rear. The enemy now occupies a strong line of steep hills that run across the pike, almost at right angles, four miles north of Breutwood. The pike runs through a gap in these hills. They have constructed a new and strong line of works covering this gap amid quite a distance in front of it. On the left of the pike, facing south, the line of works minis over a high and strong ridge. This line also extends beyond our right amid past General A. J. Smiths front. 10 a. in., General Smith does not reach within half a mile of our right, and General Kimballs divisiomin is put in to fill up the gap. 10.15 a. in., we advance about three-quarters of a mile, driviming back the enemy~s skirmishers, amid we can advance no farther without assaulting the enemys works. Our skirumishimig now is very heavy and severe. 12.25 p. in., Major-General Steedmans command moves up and connects with us on our left. Generals Kimball and Elliott report the enemy moving from behind their works, past their fronts, toward our left. They must be massing oii either side of the pike, and especially on the ridge on the left of the pike, looking south. 1 p. in., Gemmeral Beatty is directed to reconnoiter and see whether this ridge or hill on the left of the pike, with the enemys works, can be carried by assault. At 2 p. m. Colonel Post, who made a personal reconnaissance, said that he could take it with his brigade. Tie was at once ordered to do so. 2.45 p. in., Colonel Post assaults the hill (or ridge), supported by Colonel Streights brigade of same divisionThird. The assault was made with great vigor (General Steedman covered ou Page 157 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 157 left flank),bnt was unsuccessful. Part of the troops got into the enemys works, but the fire was so heavy that they could not stay. The enemy had here massed the troops that he had drawn from his left, opposite General Smith. Colonel Post was badly wounded, perhaps mortally. Our loss in the assault, in killed and wounded, about 450. The troops were very successfully drawn back to the point from where they started the enemy did not follow. 3.40 p. in., General Smith carried the works on the enemys extreme left. This being observed, Generals Reatty, Elliott, and Kimball were at once ordered to move forward and assault the enemys works in their fronts. They moved forward almost simul- taneouslyfirst, Kimball; second, Elliott third, Beatty. They carried the enemys works handsomely, capturing over 700 prisoners and 9 guns. 4 Kimball captured 5 guns, Beatty, 4. Posts brigade, assisted by Knef icrs (of Third Division), again assaulted the hill on the left of the pike (looking south), capturing the 4 guns and quite a number of prisoners. During the first assault these four guns did much execution, firing double-shotted canister at our men, close range. As soon as the works were taken we pushed forward in line of battle, driving the enemys rear guard, and at dark reached a point about a mile from Breutwood. The enemy used his ammunition very freely to-day. His artillery fir- ing was heavy and very accurate. The artillery firing of this corps was very heavy. We expended 2,400 rounds of ammunition, from eighteen guns. We have lost during the day about 700 killed and wounded; no prisoners. We have captured 979 prisoners and 11 guns. The army to-day captured - guns and about prisoners. 12.30 p. in., received instructions from Major-General Thomas to move the Fourth Corps in the present order, to-morrow, in pursuit of the enemy. Your wagon trains will follow the troops in the order of pre- cedence. Major-General Wilsons command of cavalry will be on the left of and cover your left flank. December 17.6 a. in., directed division commanders to move forward as soon as they can get ready (they will not be able to move before 8 a. in.), General Kimball to take the right, General Elliott the center and General Beatty the left; the formation to be one brigade iii each (livision deployed, followed by the rest of the troops in columns; if the enemy is met in force, to deploy another brigade in each division; to advance down the Franklin pike. $ a. in., started in accordance with ord ers. Wilsons cavalry started ahead of us, on the Franklin pike, and drove the enemys skirmishers before them. Our advance and movement was rapid. 1.20 p. in., we arrived at Franklin, on the north bank of the river, with the head of column. General Wilsons cavalry has just crossed. The stream is too much swollen to admit of the passage of infantry, and there are no bridges. 2 p. in., Colonel Suman, Ninth Indiana, with his regiment, is directed to bridge the river (Harpeth). It is doubtful whether he will succeed in putting one up, as the river is rising rapidly. 4 p. in., General Wilsons cavalry is skirmishing heavily with the enemy, who is drawn up in line of battle about three miles beyond Franklin. 5 p. in., General Thomas directs General Wood to cross the river as soon as the pontoon bridge comes up and is laid across the river, or as soon as Suman builds his bridge, if it can be done. 7 p. in., Colonel Suman reports that the river is rising very rapidly, and he thinks he will not be able to build time bridge, but will continue work upon it. 8 p. in., General Wilson has just sent a report to General Thomas, stating that he has bust up Steveiisons divis- iomm of infantry and one brigade of cavalry, capturing three guns, & c.; he said his cavalry made some splendid charges. 10 p. in.~ Genera Page 158 158 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. [CHAr. LVII. Thomas directs that the army will move in pursuit of the enemy, in the present order of the different commands, at as early an hour after daylight as possible to-morrow morning, December 18. LIe also states that the pontoon train will not be up before morning. FRANKLIN, TENN December 18.7.30 a. in., Colonel Suman reports that he has been working all night, and has just finished the bridge; the river rose so fast that he could scarcely work, and his bridge was once washed out. 7.30 a. in., orders at once sent to division commanders to move at once Kimball to lead, followed by General Elliott, then Beatty; battery of artillery to follow each division, and the rest of artillery to follow the corps; then ammunition trains, then hospital train, and then headquar- ters trains and regimental baggage; the troops will march down the Franklin pike. 8 a. in., leave Franklin; head of our column just start- ing. 3 p. in., head of column reaches Spring Hill. The mud is very deep, and it has been raining hard up to this hour since 8 a. in.; rain now ceasing. General Wilsons cavalry has met the enemys rear guard about two miles beyond Spring 1-lill and is now skirmishin~ with him. 3 p. m.~ received note from General Wilson, of which the following is a copy: HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MILITARY DIVISION OF TIlE Mississirri, Widow Sayers, December 18, 18642 p. m. Brig. Gen. T. J. WooD, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have halted my command at this place, about two miles from Spring Hill, to feed and issue rations, & c. I am informed that the enemy has two pontoon bridges across the Duck River, near the 01(1 wagon bridge. A little girl, who has just arrived from Tuscumbia, which place she left three days ago, says she saw no troops at that place or this side. Persons say that Hool cannot get across the Ten- nessee River, as our forces at Memphis had repaired the railroad as far as La Grange, and were marching out to attack him in hank. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. WILSON, Breect Major- General, Commanding. At once sent back word to General Wilson that the Fourth Corps would move up at once, and the head of column is now at Spring Hill. 3.40 p. in., arrive with head of column at General Wilsons preseiit headquarters, two miles from Spring Hill. General Wilsons command has here halted. He will leave the pike and move to the left from here. Our column halts here a few minutes. 4.15 p. in., we move on; will move about one mile farther, and then camp for the night. The enemys rear guard but a short distance ahead; it ran rapidly whenever it was approached by the cavalry. 4.45 p. in., reach a point about three miles and a half from Rutherfords Creek and seven miles from Columbia. Here we go into camp in line of battletue First Division on tIme right of the road,, the Second Division on the left, facing south, and the Third Division massed in rear of the Second. ~ p. in., reported our position to General Thomas. 12 umidnight, no orders have yet been received for to-morrow. The enemy is very much demoralized. About one-third of what remains of Hoods army is without arms and as many are without shoes. Thus far we (the army) have taken from them over 430 pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners, perhaps 9,000 up to date, including the captured in hospital. Hoods trains are two days ahead of him. He has but a very few pieces of artillery left~ Forrest, it is supposed, joine Page 159 CHAP. LVII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 159 him with one division of cavalry and two brigades of infantry that he has had at Murfreesborough, part of the same force General lions- sean whipped a few days ago. The rest of Forrests cavalry is iii our front. Wilson has been driving it to-day, together with Cheathams corps that has been acting as rear guard to-day. We (the army) have captured four general officers up to date. SEVEN MILES NORTH OF COLUMBIA, TENN. December 19.i a. in., received instructions from Major-General Thomas to continue onr pursuit of the enemy to-morrow and to start at about 8 a. in. 2 a. in., received a note from General Wilson, statii~g that General Thomas directs that Hatchs cavalry division precede us on the Columbia road, and that it will move out at~ a. in., and will not beinourway. Sa. in., start for Rutherfords Creek. General Hatchs cavalry is still passing and interferes much with the movements of our troops. The rain that commenced on the afternoon of the 16th still continues, it is raining very hard this morning. The ground is in such condition that a wagon cannot possibly move off of the pike, and it is almost impossible to march infantry off of it. 9.30 a. in., reach the north bank of Rutherfords Creek. The cavalry advance reaches the creek before us, and is now engaged in skirmishing with the enemy on the opposite bank. The bridge has been destroyed and the enemy holds a high and commanding line of hills on the south side, near to and running parallel with the creek. Here he has constructed earth- works. As soon as our advance appeared he opened from these works a four-gun battery. He has lined the bank with sharpshooters, and we cannot build a bridge at the turnpike crossing on account of them and the artillery. The rains have so swollen this creek that it is impossible to ford it, being fifteen feet deep in most places. The pontoon train has not yet come up and we can hear nothing of it. iO a. in., parties are sent above and below the turnpike and the position held by the enemy to fell trees across the creek, so that we may cross skirmishers, then a working party to build infaiitry foot bridges. 2 p. in., there are no trees on the bank large enough to reach across, and those that have been cut have been swept around by the very swift current. We have not the tools to build a bridge that wagons can cross on. 8 p. in., Gem eral Elliott directed to try and build a foot bridge near the turnpike, after driving back the enemys sharpshooters by a fire from this side, and to work after dark. Similar instructions gixen to General Kimball to build a bridge below and not far froni the turnpike. The rain still continues to fall very fast and the creek is yet rising rapidly: ii.30 p. in., received a note from General Elliott saying that it will be iinpos- sible to build a bridge over the creek; the water is too deep and swift, and still continues to rise. 12 in., the rain has ceased now, and it is blowing up quite cold. At 12.30 p. in. an order was received from General Thomas saying that, owing to the inclemency of the weather, we need not move camp to-day. This note was (lated 8.20 a. in .,but we had reached Rutherfords Creek when we received it. RUTHERFORDS CREEK, TENN. December 20.i a. in., General Kimball reports that General Grose cannot build the bridge below the turnpike; the stream is too deep and swift. He built two rafts and tried to cross inert to the other banl~, bu Page 160 160 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CH& P. LVII. both rafts were swamped by the swift current, and two men who were on them were drowned. 3 a. in., received a dispatch from General Thomas, dated December 19, 9 p. in., saying: If at all possible you will push forward your command across Rutherfords Creek to-morrow morning and move directly against Forrest, who is said to be in camp between Rutherfords Creek and Dnck River with abont 7,000 cavalry. General Wilson will cross General Hatchs division of cavalry on the ruins ot the railroad bridge and strike Forrest on the flank, whilst you attack him in front. Confer with General Wilson and arrange the relative time of starting the two columns. General Smith will co-operate with you by moving from Spring Hill, by a road crossing the headwaters of Rutherfords Creek and passing the school-house and chnrch at A. Atkinsons and comiug into the Columbia and R leigh [Rally] Hill road near J. Caidwells. Take no wagons with you except the necessary ammunition wagons and ambulances. Your supply train can be brought up afterward. Inclosed in this order was a note from General Wilson, saying to General Wood: I have taken the liberty of reading the inclosed instructions, based upon the first report sent in by Hatch to me this evening. He has subsequently moved back to the north side of Rutherfords, but reports that he thinks Forrest gone. I will direct General Hatch, however, to push out very early in the morning, and ascertain in time the true state of affairs to enable you to judge how strongly you ought to push. I dont think it necessary for Smith to leave the pike at all. 8.30 a. in., orders sent to division commanders to do everything i)os- sible .to get over the river. 9 a. in., General Wilson has not yet sent word of Hatchs movements to headquarters, nor has he called to con- fer. General Wood, therefore, goes to his headquarterS. 9.30 a. in., General Kimball reports that General Grose has a few men across the creek, and that he is crossing his brigade, a~d will sooi~ have a bridge that infantry caii cross. 11.30 a. in., General Kimballs foot bridge done, and he is just commencing to cross his divisioii over. General Wilson is also now crossing his cavalry over the ruins of the railroad bridge. 12.30 p. in., General Elliott has just completed his foot bridge at the turnpike crossing, and is now commencing to cross his division. General Beatty will cross his division on General Kimballs bridge, following him. The pontoon train that General Thomas thought would be up last night has not yet come as far as Rutherfords Creek. 12.4~ p. in., Kimballs division reaches the turnpike and moves toward Colum- bia. 1 p. in., General Elliotts division over the creek and following Kimballs. 1.30 p. in., Beattys division over the creek and following Elliott. 2 p. in., our head of column reaches Duck River; part of the cavalry command is also there. The enemy has left Columbia; his infantry left, the last of it, last night. Forrests cavalry is yet near Columbia. A few of his men, pickets, & c., can be seen on the other side of We river. The enemy took up his pontoon bridges over Duck River at daylight this morning. The river is very much swollen; it is too deep and swift to bridge with timber, and we will have to wait for the pontoon train to come up. As it will be impossible to cross Duck River to-day the corps will be put in camp on the bank of the river, iii the timber on the left of the turnpike. The cavalry is doing into camp on the right of the pike. 3 p. in., it ceased raining about midnight last night, and has not since rained until this hour, aiid it now coin- inences to rain hard, with a prospect of raining all night. 3.50 p. in., the whole corps now in camp. Have just heard from General Thomas. lie reports that the pontoon train will be np to-night. This corps h s already been delayed thirty-four hours waiting for the pontoon train to cross th Harpeth River, Rutherfords Creek, and now Duck River. The enemy has, therefore, gained so many hours in his retreat. It wa Page 161 CHAP. LVII 1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 161 most difficult for us to bridge the Harpeth and Thitherfords Creek for the passage of infantry. 12 midnight, it is still raining hard. The roads oft of the pike are impassable for wagons; they canBot be moved at all. DUCK RIVER, NEAR COLUMBIA, TENN. December 21.7 a. in., snowing this morning; uiot very hard. 8 a. received instructions from Major-General Thomas, dated Itutherfords Creek, 1)eceinber 20, 1864, 8.30 p. in., as follows: Major-General Schofield has been instructed to build a trestle brid~e over Ruther- fords Creek so that artillery and trains can cross. Major-General Smith will assist in getting the pontoon train over and hurry it forward to you as rapidly as possible, to enable you to throw bridges over Duck River early in the niornino~ It is the 0~ desire that the entire army be over the river before to-morrow night, in which case it is to l)e hoped that the greater part of Hoods army may he captured, as he can- not p055i1)ly get his teams and troops across the Tennessee River before we can over- take him. The last of Forrests command and Bates rebel division of infantry arrived opposite Columbia, on the north bank of Dnck River, from IMnrfreesborough, yesterday. If we could have had a pontoon train to enable [us] to cross Rutherfords Creek when we arrived there, we would have captured the most of this force. This part of the enemys force was in such haste that it abandoned six pieces of artillery that were stuck in the mud near Columbia, on the Marfreesborough road. 12.30 p. in., received note from General Thomas, statinn that the pon- toon train will be up as soon as possible. It progresses with great dif ficulty. He wishes General Wood to gather two days forage for the animals of the train (500). Orders were at once sent to division coin- manders to send parties out in the country and gather tip forage. I p. in., the pontoon train is up as far as Rutherfords Creek and part of it is now being laid over the strei~m to cross that part of it which is to be laid over Duck River. It will be dark before it is laid over the creek. 11 p. in., Colonel Streight, who has been directed to assist in laying the pontoon over Duck River, reports that only l)81t of the train has arrived on this side of the river, and that it will be impracticable to commence laying the bridge before morning, lie will commence work on it at 5 a. in. We have collected over twelve wagon-loads of forage for the animals of the pontoon train. We have been delayed another day in the pur- suit of the enemy on account of the pontoon train imot being up with mis. The following reason for the delay has been given: On the 17th instant General Thomas sent word for the train to leave nashville at once, to push forward and join us. Caph in Ramsey, assistant adjutant-general, wrote the order for the train and directed it to come out on the Murfreesborough pike instead of the Franklin pike. The train had moved out fifteen miles on the Murfrcesborou~h pike when (the mistake having been discovered) it was reached by a nies- sen ger, and the officer having charge of it was ordered to move over to the Franklin pike. He crossed over on a country road which was almost impassable. Captain Ramsey says that when General Thomas gave him the order he had just awakened out of a deep sleep, arid said Murfreesborough pike, and not Franklin pike. By this mistake we have been delayed about three days in the i)ursuit of the enemy, and have missed many splendid opportunities to inflict severe blows upon the enemy, perhaps to annihilate him. 11 R RYOL XLV, PT Page 162 162 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. December 22.7 a. in., open fire upon the enemys pickets across Puck River. After considerable firing we succeed in crossing the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry across the river in pontoon-boats. They soon drive back the enemys skirmishers and captnre a few prisoners. These skirmishers were left by the enemy as a party of observation. The Fifty-first Indiana behaved very well, and lost 1 man killed and 7 or 8 wonnded. 8 a. in., the enemy having been driven from the south bank of the river, Colonel Streight (First Brigade, Third Division) commences to lay the pontoon bridge. There are but three pontoniers with the train, and the troops that are to lay the bridge know nothing about the work. It will, therefore be necessarily slow. Some of the prisoners captured to-day report that five brigades of the enemys troops left Columbia very early this morning for Pulaski, and that Hood intends to cross his army over the Tennessee at Decatur. 6.30 p. in., the pon- toon bridge just completed. This corps will move over it at once; the cavalry will follow, and commence to cross at 5 a. in. to-morrow. Gen- eral Thomas verbally directs that as soon as the cavalry gets over to-morrow we press on ~ after the enemy; to move out the Pulaski pike, and the cavalry will move on our flanks. 7 p. in., General Beattys division commences to cross~ General Kimballs will follow; then General Elliotts. 12 midnight, owing to delays the last of Gen- eral Elliotts division is just crossing the pontoon. General Beattys division bivouacs on the ridge just beyond our old picket-linethe one established when we first arrived at ColumbiaGeneral Kimballs division on the right of the Pulaski pike, inside of our old works, and General Elliotts on the left of the pike, inside of the same. The pon- toon bridge is a very poor one, and may break down before all of our artillery and trains pass over it. The artillery is to follow directly after onr troops, and our trains after the artillery. All must be over by 5 a. m. to-morrow to allow the cavalry to cross. COLUMBIA, TEKN. December 23.S a. in., the bridge is in such a bad condition and the descent and ascent of the banks so slippery that it is most difficult to get on and off of the bridge. Since midnight, when the last of Gen- eral Elliotts division crossed, we have been able to cross but three batteries and a few wagons. The rest of our artillery and the greater part of our train is to cross, but the bridge must now be given up to the Cavalry Corps, which is just ready to cross. 7 a. in., directed divis- ion commanders to march (to move down the Pulaski pike) as soon as the cavalry passes. It will be at least 9 oclock before all of the cavalry gets over the river, even if the bridge does not break or have to be re- paired. it was very cold last night; this morning it is a little warmer. The roads off the turnpike are yet impassable. 2 p. in., the cavalry is very slow crossing the bridge, it is very probable that it will not all be over before dark, therefore orders are given to division command- ers to march down the Pulaski pike about five or six miles and camp for the night. 2.30 p. in., commence to march, Kimballs division lead- ing, followed by Beattys, then Elliotts. 4 p. in., come up with the rear guard of the enenmy, posted in a gorge throngh which the pike runs, five miles from Columbia. There are high hills on either side of this gorge, running almost at right angles to the road. 4.15 p. mu., deploy two regi- ment~ as skirmishers and oie as support, and then move forward to drive the eumeiny out of the gorge. A rifle battery is also brought to the front and opens fire. 4.45 p. in., the enemy runs. There was a Page 163 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIIAN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 163 parently one brigade of cavalry in the gorge; was not much firing. The casualties on both sides, so far as known, only one killed, a rebel captain of cavalry. 5 p. in., it is now too late to move aiiy farther, and the troops are put in camp for the night. General Wilson says that all of his cavalry will be over the river by dark, and that he will move out at 5 oclock iu the moruing. The cavalry will move in advance of this corps, and as SOOII as it passes by the corps will move. It has been very cold to-day. FIVE MILES SOUTH OP COLUMBIA, TENN., PULASKI PIKE. December 24.7 a. in., the cavalry still passing by. Division com- manders directed to march and follow it as soon as it has passed; Geit- eral Elliotts division will lead, General i3eattys will follow, then Gen- eral ~ 11.50 a. in., the head of our column just starting on the march. The corps has been drawn out ever since 8 a. in., but could not march on account of the cavalry. The rear of the cavalry column just starting. We will now be able to move rapidly. 1 p. in., received note from General Wilson, who states that he cannot move ~u the side of the turnpike, owing to the nature of the ground; that his progress has been slow, as he has been constantly skirmishing with the enemy. 5 p. in., reach a point two miles and a half south of Lynnville. The cavalry is about a mile and a half ahead, going into camp. The corps will camp at this point for the night. ~iuce 11.50 a. in. the corps has marched sixteen miles and a halfthat is, the head of column. The whole corps marched the same distance in five hours. The force in our front, or in front of the cavalry, is the enemys rear guard, and coiisists of seven brigades of iiifantry and Forrests cavalry. The enemys pontooii train camped on Wednesday night at Mr. Fos- ters, twelve miles south of Columbia, and left there early Thursday morning for Pulaski. All iuf~rmation obtained on the i-oad goes to show that the enemy intends to cross the Tennessee River at Lambs Ferry, that he will lay his pontoon at that point, and that he will not make a stand north of the river. TWO MILES AND A HALF SOUTH OF LYNNYILLE, TENN. (COLUMBIA AND PULASKI TURNPIKE). December 25. 7 a. in., directed division commanderS to march as soon as the cavalry moves and we can get the road, General Beatty to lead, General Kimball to follow, then General Elliott. We have but one days rations now in the haversacks of the men. Our supply train is on the other side of Duck River, and the pontoon bridge is constantly breaking. This fact was reported to General Thomas last night, and he was requested to allow our supply train to cross the river and conic forward as soon as possible. 8 a. in., received a note from General Thomas, saying that he will hurry up our train as fast as he can. 9.10 a. m, the cavalry is now out of the way, and the head of our column starts for Pulaski. 1 p. in., head of column arrives at i~ulaski, having marched eleven miles since 9.10 a. m. General Wilson (lrove the enemys rear guard through Pulaski very rapidly, arid his advance arrived at liichland Creek (in the outskirts of the town) just in time to save the bridge over the same on the Lambs Ferry and Florence road. The enemy had set it on fire and it was burning, arid the enemy just leaving it, when his advanced regiment reached it. It was importrnt that this bridge should be saved, as the creek is not fordable, and w Page 164 164 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [GNAW. LYE. would have been delayed a long time to bridge it Citizens of Pulaski report thatthe enemys pontoon train passed through Pulaski on Friday last, and that General Hood intends to cross the Tennessee Biver at Lambs Ferry or florence. The Lambs Ferry and Florence roads are the same for eighteen miles out from Pulaski, then they separate. It will notbepossibleto tell which road the enemyhas takeuntil we reach the point where the roads separate. 1.15 p. in., General Wilson has crossed Bichland Creek ad is pushing on after the enemy. He meets with considerable resistance, but is driving the enemy before him. Our head of column is just beginning to cross the creek, and we will follow closely in support of the cavalry. We leave the turnpike at Bichiand Creek. Theroadfromhereis almost impassable for wagons and artillery. Wewill take with us from here but onebattery for each division and one reserve battery, three rifle batteries and one 12-pounder Napoleon. For these batteries we will double teams. We will also.double teams for all wagons we take. Our rations are out to-night, ad when we go into camp we will halt until we can get up three days supplies. The road on the south side of Bichiand Creek is covered with broken-don wagons, abandoned artillery, ammunition, & c., left by the enemy. He could not take them with him. Citizens say the mules were taken from these wagons to put to the enemys pontoon train. 3.30 p.m. Itwomiles from Pulaski), received adispateh from General Wilson, stat- ing the enemy has jiven him a cheek; that he is strongly posted, with his front covered with rail barricades; that Forrests cavalry and eight brigades of infantry are in his front, and he wishes the assistance of our infantty. We push forward as rapidly as possible to General Wilsons assistance. 5.30 p. in., our headof column reaches the point where General Wilson was checked by the enemy, but he (the enemy) has fled, and General Wilson is now pushing on. General Wilson was pushing the enemy too fast, when he (the enemy) made a counter- charge and captured one gun, which now remains in his possession. We are now six miles from Puljiski, and halt for the night General Wil- son is informed that we can go no farther until we can get rations. 7 p. in., a train with three days rations for us is now at Pulaski, and officers are sent forward to hurry it up as fast as possible. It cannot be up with the troopQefore 11 a. m. to-morrow so bad is the condition of the roads. 10.15 p. ii., received a note from 4eneral Thomas, direct- ing us to issue three days rations, and then push forward in support or the cavalry; that the cavalry train will follow our troops, and our train will follow the cavalry train. (This refers to a train of three days rations that will be in Pulaski to-morrow morning for us, and our bag- gagetrain.) It has been raining since 1p.m. to-day, and thiswill make the roads even worse. LAMES PERRY (ox FLoRENCE) ROAD, TENN., SIX MILES SOUTH O1~ PULABK . D6eesber *6.8 a. in., the head of a supply train, contai~ng three days rations for our troops, is now three miles out from Pulaski, andis moving very slowly. 8 a. in., division commanders are directed to march as soon as the three days rations are issued (and have been in- structed to make the three dayslast five); General Kimballs division wil lead, General Elliotts will follow, then General Beattys. To facilitate our movement thQ only wagOns that will move with the divis- ions will be five ammunition wagons and ten ambulances to each; all others, headqua~ers wagons, tiutmunition wagons, & c., wifi mov Page 165 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 1 G5 iii the rear of the troops, those of each division in the order in which the divisions march. 5 p. in., it has taken all day for the subsistence wagons to get out to the divisions of the corps and to issue rations. The troops have, therefore, remained in camp. General Wilson moved forward this morning. 5 p. in., issued orders of the (lay for the corps for to-morrow. Geiieral Kimball will lead, General Elliott will follow, then General Beatty. The head of column will start at 5,30 a. in., and the Second and Third Divisions will follow promptly. The orders issued at 8 a. in. to-day in reference to the trains will be observed to- morrow. 7 p. in., received a imote from General Wilson, dated Sugar Creek, seven teen miles from Pulaski, 1 p. in., stating that the enemy made a short stand at Sugar Creek, but soon retreated; that lie will stop there to feed his animals, He also states that as soon as he crosses the creek he will semid a brigade to fell trees in the Teimnessee River to ifoat down and destroy the eizteinys pontoomm bridge. December 27.6 a. in., the corps muarcimed, General Kimball leading, General Elliott following, then General Beatty. 10 a. in., thirteen miles aimd a half from Pulaski reached. Here the Lambs Ferry and Lexington roads seI)arate. The road to Florence is the one via Lex- ington. The Cavalry Corps has moved out the Lexington road, and as General Thomas directed the Fourth Corps to follow and support it, we move omi the same road. Citizens report that the main body, or a large body, of the enemy took this road, and that his (the enenmys) pontoon train moved over it on Friday, or two or three days ago. 10.30 a. in., received note, of which the following is a copy: HEXDQUAETER5 DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Brig. Cen. T. J. WOOD, Pulaski, December ~ 1SGf. Comm en cling Fourth Army Corps GENERAL: Yours of 4 p. m. to-day received. The major-general commanding has no orders for you excel)t to push on and support the cavalry as fast as you can an(l (Irive the rebels into the Tennessee River. Send word back from time to time with information as to the state of your supplies, and your wagons will be sent forward as fast as Possible. Respectfully, WM. D. WHIPPLE. Assistant Adjutant- General. 12.15 p. in., General Wood and staff reach General Wilsons headquar- ters at Pin hook Town, a~bo~lt two miles beyond Sugar Creek. General Wilson states that he is unable to move farther, as he has iiot forage for his horses nor ratiomis for his men. A little forage can be procured from the conmmtry, and the cavalry is now bringing it iii. It is mi- l)Ossible to bring rations up from Pulaski (or rather, it is imnpracti- (able), as time road from that point is almost impassable. It will take twelve hours to haul a wagoim six miles. C eneral Wilson also reports that lie belives that the enemy is now over the rfemmmiessee RiVer; that lie crossed at Bainbridge, where line laid down his pOntoon bridge. (Bainbmidge is on the shoals between Lainl)s Ferry and Florence.) 1.30 p. In., General Wood sent wor(I to General Thomas that he has coimferred with General Wilson, who is of the opinion that the bulk of the enemys army is over the river, and lie has sent parties out on various roads to ascertain certainly whether this suppositioii is correct. If he learns from these parties timat time enemy has not crossed he will move on and we will follow and support the cavalry. If the enemy has crossed we will go no farther, bnt wait further orders in our present position. He also stated that the roads between here ainl Pulaski ar Page 166 1GG KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. f CHAP. LVII. intolerably bad, and suggests that arrangements be made to feed us from some other point, & c. 2 p. in., reached Sugar Creek (the whole corps), having marched twelve miles over the worst road that, perhaps, an army every marched. Our trains are up with us and are now going into camp. The cavalry is ou the other side of Sugar Creek in camp, and we cannot go farther until it moves. 7 p. in., Major Goodspeed, our chief of artillery, reports that after to-morrow morning our artillery horses will have no forage; that we were only supplied with ten days forage, six pounds per day per animal, when operations commenced at Nashville (thirteen days ago), and that the quartermasters departmuent has fuinished none since, though a little has been gathered from the country. These facts are sent to General Thomas in a dispatch per courier who starts at this hour. He is also informed that we can get no forage fromn the country hereabouts (the cavalry havmng gathered all), and if we go on to the river it will have to be done without artillery or ammunition. 8.30 p. in., received note from General Wilson, fromn which the following is an extract: HDQRS. ChIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DivIsioN OF THL MisSmsSmPPI, 1~iuhooIc Town, December 27, 18646 p.m. Brigadier-General WOOD, Commanding Fourth Corps: I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Spalding, at Lexington, 2 p. m. He says the rebel rear guard left there at 10 a. in. A lady from Florence haformed hini that on the evening of the 25th the rebels had not finished their bridge at I-lain- bridge. They were fortified to cover the crossing. The gun-boats were shelling Florence this morning. Spalding pushed on at once. I have written to General Thomas that I would press on with all my force early in the morning. The woman s testimony is in some degrce corroborated by a rcl)el 1)risoner just in. At all events wc had better push on as far ~,nd as fast as possible. I shall move everything, beginning at 5 a. in., though I-latch has received no rations, and three days of Crox- tolls were taken by A. J. Smith. 830 p. in.. sent word to General Thomas that as General Wilson is going on iii the morning we will push ou in support as fast as the condition of the road will allow. His (General Thomas) attentiomi is agaimi called to onr condition and the necessity o~ pu4iing forward rations and forage to this command, and full instructions for the guidance of our movements whemi we reach the Tennessee River, should we get ~o far, are requested. The fact that the emiemy had not ilnished laying his pontoon bridge on the evening of the 25th (as reported by Colonel Spaldimig to General Wilson) is no evidence that the enemy, or the bulk of his army, is not now over the river. There is no reason to change the opunon that Gemi- eral Wilson advanced, i. c., that the bulk of the enemy is over the river. Knowing when the enemys pontoon train left Pulaski, we must con- clude that the enemy has domme well to get his pontoon train to Bain- bridge as soomi as the 25th instant. General Wilsomis proposed move- ument for to-muorrow is not at all judicious, as tIre rear of the emmemy will have crossed the river some time before he can reaclm it, even if they (10 riot commnence to cross until to-day, December 27. His horses will be without forage and his men without rations, an(l he is going into a barren country. Under orders from General Thomas we are obliged to follow up the cavalry closely and 5up~)Ort it, and we are obliged to follow wherever Wilson leads. As soon as the cavalry moves out of the way to-morrow we will march Page 167 CHAP. LVIl.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 167 EIGHTEEN MILES FROM PULASKI, TENN., LEXINGTON ROAD. December 28.6.30 a. in., issued orders for the corps to march at 8 a. in., provided the cavalry is out of the way; General Elliott will lead, General Beatty will follow, then General Kimball. The cavalry will start at 5 a. m. 1() a. in., the head of our column starts. The rear of the cavalry command is just moving out of the way. The road to-day is no better. The troops cannot move upon it at all, but pass through the thick undergrowth of timber and brush on either side. The country through which we are passing is barren and desolate; there are also many swamp fiats. 3.15 p. in., our advance reaches a poin t a mile and a half beyond Le~ington, eleven miles and a half from our camp of last night. Here We halt and the command commences to go into camp. The cavalry has been in our way all day, and xve now overlap the rear brigade of the same. Have not heard one word from General Wilson to-day, therefore it is supposed that he has had no trouble and does not need our assistance. 7 p. in., received a report from Captain Kal- denbaugh (five miles in the rear), who says that none of our traiiis (head- quarters, ammunition, & c.) can get beyond that point to-night. They are stuck fast in the mud and cannot move, and the mules are ex- hausted. Received note from General Wilson, dated headquarters Cavalry -Corps, Bulls Mills, December ~7, 1864, 4.30 p. in., as follows: General T. J. WOOD, ~Jonon ending Fourth Corps GENERAL: I aia directed to inform you that information has been received, that the last f the enemys forces crossed the Tennessee River last evening, and that the bridge was taken up this morning. General Wilson has sent a staff officer to General Thomas with this information and for orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. ALEXANDER, Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief of Staff. 9.30 p.m., sent dispatch to General Thomas, stating that General Wilson has reported the enemy across the Tennessee River, and, a 5 it is no use to move farther as a matter of pursuit, that we will wait here in our pres- ent camp for further orders from him. He is also informed of the con- dition of our transportation; that our ammunition trains, hospital train, & c., are in the rear, stuck in the mud, and cannot possibly reach us to-night. Very cold to-night; freezing hard. LEXINGTON, ALA. December 29.7 a. in., directed commanders of divisions and batteries to send out to a creek two miles east of Lexington, and to one four miles west, large foraging parties, to get whatever corn there may be in the country. Enough corn was found last night in the vicinity of Lex- ington to feed the horses of our batteries and of the rest of the corn- muand one day. No forage train has yet arrived from the rear, nor is there at present a I)rospect of one reaching us. The three days ra- tions that were started from Pulaski yesterday morning, or the morn- ing of day before yesterday, will not reach Lexington before to- morrow morning. The men will have no rations in their haversacks by to-morrow night. At present we are remaining quietly in camp, a~vait- ing orders from General Thomas, the pursuit of the enemy being over. 11 a. in., received a note from General Wilson, saying that he will remain in camp where he is to-day, that his command may obtaiu for Page 168 168 i x., SW. mi., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. age and to be where dispatches may reach him from General Thomas. 12 in., received dispatch from General Thomas, of which following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE CUMBERLAND, Pulaski, Teun., December 28, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. J. WOOD, Commanding Fourth Army Cor s: GENERAL: Your dispatch, dated Pinhook, I)ecemher 27, 12.30 P. in., is just re- ceived. The major-general commanding (lirects that you order your artillery back to this point to be supplied with forage from the post. He further directs that you hold your infantry where they now are for further orders, ready to move in what- ever direction they may be required. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY M. CIST, Assistant Adjutant- General. 2 p. in., sent the pioneers of this corps back to the rear to work on the road from this place to a point eight miles in the rear. 8 p. in., replied to General Thomas note, received at 12 in., as follows: Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 28th instant, directing the artillery with me to be sent back and to retain the infantry where it was, was not received until 12 in. to-day. The commanding general was fully advised at 8.30 p. m. December 27 that I would move forward the next morning to support the cavalry, as General Wilson had determined to continue the pursuit farther toward the Tennessee River. As we have advanced one days march farther south, it occnrs to me that the coum- manding general may not possibly desire the artillery now with me to be sent back to Pulaski. I will, therefore, retain it here until to-umorrow morning, by which time I trust I will receive an answer to my dispatch of yesterday evening, announcing that tile cuerny had crossed the river, and asking for orders. If I receive no fur- ther orders by to-morrow night I will send the artillery back to Pulaski amid retain the imifantry here to await further instructions. In the meantiume I will try and get up my supply train from the rear to subsist the infantry. I repeat that I should be glad to have full instructions from the commanding general for our further move- nients. Very respectfully, & c,, TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding Fourth Corps. 3.45 p. in., received dispatch, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS DEPA1IT~WNT OF TIlE C UMBERLANI), Pulaski, Tenn., December 28,1864. Brig. Gen. T. J. WOOD, Commanding Fourth Army Corps: GENERAr: Your two dispatches of 7 and 8.30 p. in. yesterday have been received. The major-general comusanding directs me to say that it is not expected that yoim shall semmd amy portion of your force farther than time Tennessee River, hut as Gen- eral Wilson has gone on with his command it is necessary that there should be an infantry force to support him- and keep pushing until time enemny is drivemi across the river, when the commands will be placed mu camup at such places that they can be supplied with forage and preparations made for a spring campaign. We canmior exl)ect to h~ve everythimig as we would wish it, but that bad roads amid other difti- culties must be looked for. It seems as though, with time railroad terminus at Sprimig Hill, that the chief quartermaster of your corps might Imave been able to keep the commands supplied with a himuited quantity of forage by sending back the empty wagons to be reloaded. Very respectfully, & c., WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 169 Ow. LVII] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AZID MIDDLE TEEN. 169 5.80 p.m., replied to the above dispatch as follows: Brigadier-General Wmmu CMqf ohBtqtPJssM: Umena: Your dispatch dated December 28, In reply to my dispatches dated? and 8J0 p. m. December 27, has Just been received. Idesire to state to the corn. man~s~~ that my note In regard to the forage was by no mesas Intended a complaint, but was simply designed to communicate a fuct and Inform him of my situatiou with regard tof6rage and other applies, as I waslnstrnctedtodo. Ihave no reason to suppose that the chief quartermaster has been at all remiss In getting map forage frou& the railroad termInus, for the truth is that It has required theentire capacityofmy trainto getupsubsistenceforthemenforsolongadlstauce. Idid not ap~ that it was the generals Intention to cross the Tennessee Rivermnedi- ately, ~but supposIng that it would be done at a carl da with a view to further 7erations, it occurred tome that it ml tfacllitate lilt our takin on the the earliest possible moment subsistence could be ~ there. Rencethereference In mynoteofla.SOp.m.ofthet7thlnstantInregardtotaklng post on the Tennessee mw for ulterior objects beyond the present pursuit Very respectfully, & c., WOOD BflgsM.~Gew4 mB We have gathered enough forage in the country around Lexington to supply this command for about two days. There is none left in it; we have taken all. No orders have yet been received from General Thomas in regard to future movements. 9p. a, citizens report that there is ii band of gumrillas near Wises Mill (about six miles west of Lexington) 100 strong, and that they aremounted on the besthorsesin the country. Information of this fact is just sent to General Wilson, and he is informed that we will send an infantry force out to attack them to-morrow. General Wilson is also requested to send out a body of cavalry for the same purpose. Quite warm to-day. The pound froze last night and is now thawing out. December SO.8J0 a. in., directed General Beatty,commandinq Third Division, to send a regiment to Wises Mill, six miles west of Lexington, at once, to find and attack a band of guerrillas, about 100 in number now near that place. The Forty-firstOhio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Kimberly,is selected andwillstartat9a.m. fl.15a.m.,receiveda note from General Wilson, stating that one of his staff officers whom he had sent to Florence, has just returned, and that he states tiat our gdn-boats have been up to that place on the Tennessee, but had returned before he got there; also, that citizens report that a raiding party from Memphis had torn up the railroad for fifteen miles, be seven miles beyond Tuscumbia, and destroying in the direction cf Corinth; also, that the rebels have all disappeared from both sides of the river at Florence and Bainbridge. They had constructed several strong lines of works at Bainbridge as a bridge-head to protect their crossing. ip. a, received dispatch, of which following is acopy: Hunnauamun DsnWrMNT owmn Cununran, Felsk~ lbs., Thsuubw 19, LW. Brig. Gen. T. 3. Woon, Ceusatausdiag Fourth Anug Ctnp: Unna: The last of the rebel nyhaviug been driven across the Tennessee River, the major-general commanding ~~at the pursuit cease, and that yon march with your corps to Huntsville, Athens, and vicinity, and there go Into for the winter, and attend to ~ of your command an& fitting awaaa.aan. crally for an early spring campaign. The Ca Corps, with the exception division, has also beenordere& to Hun forth. winter. Should you be unable, Area badness of the roade or scarcity of forage, to marelt directly to Huntsville, you can come back to this point and march from bore or you can march direct and send your wagons by this mute, via Elkton. The major-general commanding the force Page 170 170 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP, LVII. in the fiehi tenders his thanks to yourself, your officers and men, for the vigor, bravery, and willing endurance of privations an(l hardships displayed by your coin- mand during this long and toilsome pursuit of the retreating rebel army. Very respectfully, & c., WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff. 1.30 p. in., the trains with three days rations for this command have just arrived from Pulaski. Instructions have been sent to division coiumanders to issue them at once, with instructions that they re to last five days. 2.15 p. in.. sent dispatch to General Thomas, stating that we will march direct to Huntsville all(l Athens, and take with us the artillery and trains now here. It will be easier to (10 so than to send them back to Pulaski and thenc.e to these places. 2.15 p. in., send a dispatch to Colonel Hayes, chief quartermaster of the corps, directing him to send all of the trains and property of the corps now in the rear to Huntsville and Atl~ens, via the Elkton and Pulaski pike. 3 p. in., directed divisioii commanders to send their ordnance officers to the rear at once, to turn over the ammunition in their trains at Pulaski and bring forward the empty trains to Huntsville and Athens. 4 p. in., General Wood wrote to General Thomas a letter, of which the following is a copy: HEADQUARTERS FOURTh Cones. Brigadier-General WHIPPLE, Lexington, Ala., December 30, 1864. Assistant Adjutant-General nd Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Every particle of information, however derived, in regard to the con- dition of Hoods army attests the ilict of its complete and perfect denioralization. I have made many inquiries of citizens living on the road we have followed in the pur- suit, and have received universally the same answers, namely, that one-halt of the retreating troops are unarmed, and that everything like organization is gone. Two escaped prisoners came in yesterday, and their statements fully corroborate the information derived from other sources. One of these prisoners marched, or rather went with Lees corps (for he says there was nothing like marching among them), to within twro miles of the Tennbssee River, where he escaped. He says that not more than one-half of the corps was armed; that there was no organization at all in the corps; that he saw nothing like a company, reoiulent or brigade, and that the men moved in squads, varying from six or eight to fifteen or twenty, and that these squads moved and halted at their o ~n choice. lIe further states that from Pulaski to the point at which lie escaped the rebels had miothing to eat hut parched corn. The other escaped prisoner marc~ed with Cheathams corps from Pulaski toward time Tennessee River, by the old military roa(l. He says that out of the whole corps only about a regiment could be got to guard about 140 prisoners, and that the remainder of the corps marched in small sluads, these squads moving as they chose. He says that in these squads lie saw occasionally a musket or two to shoot cattle & c., along the line of retreat. Both of these men speak of the destitute condition of the rebels in regard to clothing; they are without blankets, a great number without shoes and all imperfectly clad. I feel confident that Hood has not taken across the Ten- nessee River more than half the men he brought across it; that not more than one- half of those taken out are armed; that he lost three-fourths of his artillery; and that, for rout, demoralization, even disintegration, the condition of his command is without a parallel in this war. I aum also confident that his command cannot he reor- ganized for service for some weeks, perhaps not before spring. At present, so far as hoods command is cd)ncerned (arid I know of no other force in that event that could oppose us), tIme whole country from the Tenmiessee River to Mobile is open to us. Should we not then improve the present opportunity for bringing Alabama, at present the best State for supplies the rebels have, under our control I I firmly helieve we can, within the next few weeks, without much opposition, bring the whole State under our control. The Tennessee River affordls us a good line of communication, vastly superior to railroads. Let us establish a depot at or imear the head of navigation, and, within the next ten days or two weeks, place in it, by numerous transports, abundant sup- plies of every kind, as we could, for the troops to be engaged in the expedition. I estimate that 40,000 infantry, 10,000 cavalry, and omme battery of artillery to each division of infantry, with a reserve battery to each corps, would he an ample forc Page 171 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NOHTH ALA. ANI) MIDDLE TENN. 171 for the expedition. To raise this force the whole country behind us, if necessary, might be almost entirely stripped of troops, as I am confident our offensive move- ment would abundantly protect the rear. 1 am quite sure, after the late experience of Hood in Tennessee, that the rebels would not attempt to check us by a counter invasion. Starting with a force composed as above, and taking with ns hard bread, sugar, coffee, and a double allowance of salt for forty days, one days salt meat in seven, a small supply of forage for exigencies, driving as many cattle with us as could conveniently be done, and trusting to the country to supply the remainder of the meat ration and forage for daily use, I have no hesitation in saying that we could eat our oysters in Mobile in forty days from the date of departure. The dis- tance to be traversed is about 300 miles, and an average of less than ten miles a day would carry us through in the period assigned. I would suggest the route from Tus- cumbia, via Tuscaloosa, Selma, giving a side wipe as we passed at Montgomery and destroying the State archives, to Mobile I have made many inquiries touching the country adjacent to the proposed route, and am sure the roads through it are entirely practicable for military purposes, and that it teems with supplies such as a military force would require. The troops would engage in such an expedition with great ardor, and would cheerfully endure all its hardships and privations. If successful, and of this I have not the shadow of doubt, this movement would deal a blow un- equaled in injurious consequences to the hated rebellion. I respectfully submit these views to the consideration of tIme commanding general of the ibrees, and request you will lay this communication before bun at your earliest convenience. I do not here touch upon the co-operation we mightin fact, shonldreceive from our troops on the Mississippi and in the Department of the Gult as such co-operation would be matter of arrangement with other commanders; but it seems to me that the arrange- ments for snch co-operation could be made by the time the main force would be ready to move from its l)ase on the Tennessee River. In conclusion I would say to the commanding eneral that the success of the expedition would be greatly facilitated by moving before Hoods command conid be reorganized, armed, an(l equipj)ed. and before a force could 1e concentrated from other quarters to oppose us. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TH. J. WOOD, Brigadier- General, Commanding. 5 p. in., issued orders of the day for to-morrow, December 31, statii~g that the corps will march for Athens and J-Iuntsville, to start at 7 a. in. to-morrow; General Beattys division will lead, General Kimballs will follow, then General Elliotts. Each division will take one battery and all of its trains, and send its pioneers in front to repair the roads and bridge small streams. The trains that belong to the divisions will move with them until we arrive at Athens and huntsville, and not in the rear of the corps as heretofore. 10 p. in., very cold to-night; snow- ing a little and freezing quite hard. December 31 .7 a. in., the corps started on the march, General Beat- tys division leading, then General Kimballs following. General Elliott has not yet issued the three days rations, that were to have arrived yesterday, to his division. His subsistence train has not yet arrived at Lexington, but will be here before noon. The other (hivis- ions were issued to yesterday. As soon as his division has been issned to General Elliott will march. The roads on to-days march are much better than the one from Pulaski to Lexington. Our march is slow, though, to-day, owing to the fact that we have to bridge many small creeks that run across the road for the passage of infantry; the water and atmosphere are too cold for wading. 1.45 p. in., General Beattys division art ives at Sugar Creek. The water is about three feet deep at the ford and the creek is about ninety feet wide. Halt here to bttild a bridge to cross over the infantry; the teams will ford. 3 p. in., the bridge now completed, and General Beatty is just commenced to cross, General Kimball following up close. General Elliott not yet reported. 4p. in., head of column reaches a point two miles and a half beyond Sugar Creek and one mile beyond Mount Rozell, on the Lexington and Athens road. Here the corps will go into (ualnp; Beattys divisio Page 172 172 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYJI. (Third) now going in camp. 4 p. in., we have marched sevellteell miles and a half, and bridged Sugar Creek and all of the small creeks run- iiing across the ro d on our line of march, since 7 a. in. It is not yet determined at what ford we will cross Elk River; it depends on the condition of the riverwhether it is fordable. If the river cannot be forded, and we cannot build a bridge over it for the passage of infantry, artillery, and onr traiiiis, in less than three days, we will march to huntsville, via Fayetteville, at which latter point is a good bridge over the Elk. By taking this route we must make quite a detour, going thirty-five miles out of the way. Colon~l Greenwood, assistant inspec- tor-general of the corps, has gone to Grigsbys Ford to see whether the river is fordable at that pointthis is, the lower fbrd. Buck Island Ford is the one on our direct road, and Leggs Ford is a few miles farther up the river. 8 p. in., Lieutenant-Colonel Greenwood has just returned, and reports that the river cannot be forded at Grigsbys; if not, it is not fordable at Buck Island. A reconnoitering party will be sent to Leggs Ford, at daylight in the morning, to examine it, and the corps will not move -from camp nntil its report is received. If the corps moves to this for and we there find we cannot cross it or bridge it within three days, it would have to march back to Sugar Creek to take the Fayetteville road. The day has been very bright, but cold; it has been freezing all day. 10 p. in., General Elliott has not yet reported the Dosition of his division. It is not known at corps head- quarters where he camps to-night. MOUNT JIOZELL, ALA., FIFTEEN MILES NORTHWEST OF ATHENS, ALA. January 1, 18G5.6 a. in., Lieutenant-Colonel Greenwood and party starts to Leggs Ford to examine the condition of the river at that point. 9 a. in., General Elliott camped abont five miles from Sugar Creek last night, and has just reached the creek. 10 a. in., Colonel Green- wood reports that none of the fords of Elk River caii be crossed with wagons or artillery; that the water is not less that six feet deep. 10.30 a. in., ordered Colonel Suinan and Major Watson (both of the First Division) to construct a good strong wagon bridge over the Elk at Buck Island Ford for the passage of the corps. All of the pioneers of the corps are instructed to report to them for duty in building the bridge. Colonel Suman says that he will build the bridge by noon on the 3d instant, and that it cannot possibly be built sooner. 11 a. in., ordered Generals Kimball and Beatty to move their divisions to the vicinity of Buck Island Ford, and for them to render Colonel Suinan any assist- ance he may call for, and ordered General Elliott to move his division to Mount Ilozell, about two miles this side of Sugar Creek. 12 in., di- vision commanders directed to send foraging l)arties out from each bri- gade to forage the country for subsistence and to seize mills and grind corn for their troops. 3 p. in., Colonel Sumnan and Major Watson com- mence work on the bridge. There will be some difliculty in construct- ing it, as the stream is too deep to ford, is very swift, no boats can be procured, and it is about 325 feet wide. The only tools that can be found to work with are axes, a few saws, and two or three augers; have no nails or spikes. It might be a saving of time to march to Huntsville, via Fayetteville, thirty-four miles out of the way, but too mnan.y of the men are barefooted or too nearly 50 to march such a long distance. There is a good stone bridge over the Elk at Fayetteville. We move headquarters to Elk River, near the bridoc. The weather moderated much to-day and it is growing quite warni Page 173 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 173 BUCK ISLAND FORD, ELK RIVEk, ALA. January 2.The command is in camp to-day. As many men as can work at it are engaged in constructing the bridge over the river at this point. The work is being pushed forward quite rapidly, and Col- onel Suman says he will have it done by I p. In. tomorrow. Colonel Suinan has charge of the working parties, while Major Watson, who is a practical bridge-builder directs the work. Foraging parties are doing well to-day, and the command is being well supplied. There is now no danger of being out of rations before we arrive at Huntsville, though but three days full rations were issued the day before we left Lexington ,Ala. Quite warm to-day and very clear, but it will rain before midnight to-day. January 3.8.3() a. in., published orders of march. The corps will march as soon as the bridge is completed, probably by noon; General Kimballs division will lead General Reattys will follow, then General Elliotts. Each division will in itself be a separate column, taking its trains, & e., as on the march from Lexington, Ala. The pioneers of the leading division will repair the .roads, cut new roads, & c. (It coin- menced to rain at midnight last night, and yet continues to rain.) 11 a. in., the bridge just completed; no work was done after night; it was built in just twenty hours working time; is very strong, and will admit of the passage of the heaviest trains. 11.30 a. in., General Kim- ball commences to cross the bridge, the other two divisions following. 3 p. in., General Wood and staff arrive at Athens. 3.l~ p. in., received (at Athens) a telegram, of which the following is a copy: PULASKI, January 1, 1865. Brig. Ceo. T. J. Woon: Concentrate your whole corps at Huntsville and prepare for an early resumption of the winter campaign. Instructions by letter have been sent you. The Twenty- third Corps goes to Eastport. WM. D. WHIPPLE, Brigadier-General end Chief of Staff. 4 p. in., head of column arrives at Athens. The corps will encamp here for the night. Tile railroad from Huntsville to Athens has been repaired, and cars are running to this point from Nashville; they have been running for several days. Januctry 4.Marched from Athens to-day. The corps arrived at a point within seven miles of Huntsville, amid there went into cm mup for the night. January 5.lO a. in., the corps arrives in the vicinity of huntsville. The First Division goes into camp about one mile east of the town, the Second about three miles west, and the Third l)ivision about four miles south. HUNTSVILLE, ALA. January 6, 7, & c.January 7,11. a. in., received letter, of which the following is a copy: IIEADQ UARTER5 DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Pulaski, Tenn .,January 1,1865. Brig. Gen. T. J. WOOD, Commanding Fourth Army Corps OLNERAL: Your communication of the 30th ultimo, suggesting plan for continued operations this winter has been received. Probably sonic such plan will be a(lopted, a~ you will see by the inclosed copy of telegram from General Halleek that the lieu Page 174 174 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ~CHAP. LVII. tenant-general is not disposed to permit the army to rest long. The major-general commanding directs tiLat Athens be not occupied by your troops, but that the entire corps be couccutrated at Huntsville, and all returns made up to (tate, and full prep- arations maLle for the campaign at as early a date as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WHIPPLE Brigadier-General end Chief of SIa~J. The following is the copy of the copy of the telegram referred to in the above letter: WASHINGTON, Deconber 31, 18G111.30 a. rn. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS: Lieutenant-General Graut directs all of your force not essential to hold your corn- muincation be collected on the Tennessee River, say at Eastport or Tuscuinbia, and 1)e made ready for such movements as may be or(Iered. It is supposed that a portion of the troops in Louisville and otherparts of Keutucky and Tennessee can be available for active operation elsewhere. General Dodge wishes you to return to Saint Louis the Thirty-ninth Missouri Infantry, so that he may conqdete its organization. Please give us the earliest possible notice of Hoods line of retreat, so that orders niay be given for a continuation of the campaign. Lieutenant-General (irant (locs not intend that your army shall go into winter quarters; it must be ready for active operations in the field. H. W. HALLECK, Major- General. Jctnuary 7 to February 1.The whole corps remained ill camp in the vicillity of the city. No. 12. Reports of ~urg. J. Theodore Heard, Miedical Director, Fourth Army Corps, of operations November 293() and December 1516, 1861. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ARMY CORPS, MEDICAL DIRECTORS OFFICE, Nashville, Teun., December 12, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of the medical department of the Fonrth Army Corps at the battles of Spring Hill and Franklin, November 29 and 30, respect- ively: On the morning of the 29th of November the Fourth Corps (three (livisions) and the Twenty-third Corps (two divisions) were in position on the north bank of Duck iRiver, opposite Columbia, Tenn. The enemy, or the larger portion of the rebel army, was upon the south l)ank and confronting our lines. At 9 a. m. the Second Division F Corps, marched for Sprinu Hill, accompanied by and guarding ourth all the trains of the army, with the exception of twenty ambulances left with the First and Third Divisions Fourth Corps, which divisions were ordered to remain with the Twenty-third Corps until dark and then withdraw with the rest of the army. About 2 p. in., the head of column beiimg within one mile of Spring lull, the general commanding was iidbrmed that the cavalry of the enemy was pushing back our cavalry and rapidly approaching the town. The troops were at once pushed forward at double-quick, passed through the town, charged the enemy, checked him, and finally caused him to retire. Time divisiomm was then l)laced iii position to protect tlic pike on which the trains were mnoviuur. About 4 p. in. the right brigade (Third Brigade, I3rieeadi r-(.~cuera Page 175 Quip. LflLJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 175 Bradley) was furiously attacked by what afterward proved tQ be two brigades of rebel infantry. The attack was continued uutil nearly dark, when our right gave way toward the pike, followed bytheenemy. Fortunately, however, all trains hadthen passed and were parkednorth of the town, where~alao division hospitals weretemporarily established and the wounded rapidly cared for. A few wounded were unavoidably lost when the ht gave way. One hundred and fifteen wounded were brought to hospital. Shortly after dark orders were given to break up hospitals, load ambulances, and be ready to move with the other trains at a moments notice. The rest of the armyreached Spring Hill about lOp. in., ad continued their march through the town toward Franklin. The hospital ad ambulance trains moved at the same time, reaching Franklin at 10 a. m. November 30, without loss, although several times attacked by the enemys cavalry. The wounded ad sick were shipped by rail to Nashville early in the afternoon. The two divisions of the Twentythird Corps, with the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, remained south of Harpeth River ad intrenched themselves; the Third Division, Fourth Corps, crossed to the north sideof theriver, and was not engaged in the battle of Franklin. At about ip. m. November 30 the enemy appeared in force oppo- site our lines. At 3.30 p.m., as it was determined to withdraw at dark toward L4?ashville, orders were given to send all trains, except half the ambulances of each division, to Nashville. Soon after the trains were fairly on the road the enemy commenced a furious attack upon the entire lines. Six distinct a0saults were made, and, by hard fighting, were repulsed, with grejit loss to the enemy. As soon as the firing commenced orderswere sent for the hospital wagons to be parked in the nearest fl~el4 ad the tents to be temporarily pitched, all ambu- lances to return and cross the river. Efforts were then made to obtain a train of cars for the wounded; the commanding general, however, did not deem it best that one should be telegraphed for. Owing to the intense darkness and imperfect provision for crossing and recrossuig the river themovements of ambulances were necessarilrretarded. The wounded were collected at hospital as rap as possible. The town was thoroughly searched for wounded. Orders were issued for the withdrawal of troops at 12o~clock. The ambulances worked constantly until lip, in., and were then loaded to their utmost with wounded col- lected at hospitals. Such slight cases of disease as remained were loaded upon army wagons. The hospitals and ambulance trains were the last to draw out, and were closely foflowed by the troops; 550 wounded were brought ot From all that can be ascertained it is prob- able that from 75 to 100 wounded of this corps were left in the hands of the enemy. Many rebel wounded fell into our hands, but were left for want of transportation. The ambulance train reached Nashville at 9 a. in. December 1, and the wounded were placed in general hospitaL The foflowing casualties occurred in the ambulance corps.of Fourth Army Corps. Lists of Wounded and tabular statements of wounded have already been forwarded. Very respectfully, your obedient serva 3. TAEO. HEARD, Burgeon, U. & Foimsteera. Surg.GEoEGE E. Coonu, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of the Cumberland. Nomlual list (omitted) shows 1 kIlled, Swoundod, sad 1 mIsmiag Page 176 176 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. HEA]~QUARTERS FoURTH ARMY CoRPs, MEDICAL 1)u~ECToRs OFFICE, Hunt8rille, Ala., January , 18(5. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of the medical department of this corps during the battles of December 15 and 16, near Nashville, Tcnu.: On the morning of iJecember 14 orders were receive(1 to be ready at 6 a. m. December 15 to move upon the enemys position. The hospi- tals of this corps, which. since the 2d of the mouth, had been located near the city on the Franklin pike, were ordered to be broken up arid the hospital train to be parked on the Ililisborough pike, there to remain until further developments; the sick were transferred to gen- eral hospital. At 7 a. m. December 15 the troops of this corps moved out by the Hillsborough pike in front of the line of works occupied by them during the two weeks previous, and formed as follows: First Division on the right, connecting with the left of lVTaj. (len. A. J. Smiths command; Second Division on the left of the First; ai~d the Third Division on the left of the Second and somewhat retired. The hospitals of the corps were at once established directly on the hills- borough pike, and about a quarter of a mile in rear of the line of works. The site selected was the lawn in front of a large brick house; water ~vas abundant and good. I)etacinnents from each division ambu- lance train were close in rear of the troops; the remaining ambulances were parked in rear of the works amid ready to move out when req imired; time stretchermuen were with their respective regiments. During the lighting of the 15th ultimo the line of this corps was advanced nearly two miles. The loss in wounded was not severe, being only 203 muen. The wounded were promptly removed from the field amid care(i for at division hospitals. The majority of the wounds were caused by conoi(lal balls. After dark, the fighting having ceased amid all operations and dressings having been attended to, the wounded were transferred to general hospital. As the position of the corps had now changed from the ililisborough pike to the Fram~klimr pike, the hospital train was ordered to be loaded and ready to move ~t daylight on the 16th ultimo. On the morning of the 16th ultimo the position of the troops of this corps was as follows: The Third Division on the left of the Franklin pike, connecting with the right of Major-General Steedmans command; Second Division in center; and the First Division on the right, con- liecting with the commuand of Maj. (len. A. J. Sumith. The hospitals were located on the right and left of the Franklin pike at The Springs, about two miles in advance of the old line of works; the ambulances were near the troops. The fighting of to-day was much muore severe than that of yesterday, although the casualties were won- (lerfully slight. Four hundred and ninety-five men of this corps were wounded and taken to hospital. Shell wounds were of more frequent occurrence than on the previous day. At imight the wounded, after being attended to, were ordered to be transferred to general hospital and the hospital trains to be loaded and ready to move at early day, either for the establishment of the hospitals micar the troops in the event of another battle, or to be rea(ly to follow the corps in case, as was probable, the enemy should retreat. The muedical and ambulance officers of the corps deserve great praise for the faithful and efficient manner in which they performed their arduous duties. With little or no rest for fifty hours, they yet cheer- fully and feadessly continued at their posts. I can truly say that 1 have never seen wounded more promptly removed. from the field or better cared for in division hospitals Page 177 CHAP. LYIJ.I CAMPAIGN IN NORTh ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 177 Medical aiid hospital SupplieS were abundant and rations plenty. There were no casualties in the ambulance corps or among medical officers. The following number of wounded of other coininaiids was received into hospitals of this corps, viz: Rebels, 15; Twelfth U. S. Colored Troops, 2; Thirteenth U. S. Colored Troops, 40; Foarteenth U. S. Col- ored Troops, 1; One hundredth U. S. Colored Troops, 3; total of other cermmands, 61. Inclosed are lists of rebel wounded received iiito hospitals of this command. The battle reports of division hospitals have been forwarded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. THEO. HEARD, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Medical Director. Surg. GEORGE E. COOPER, U. S. Army, Medical Director, Department of thc Gumberiand. No. 13. Reports of Brig. Gen. Nathan Kimball, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations November 30 and December 8 and 1428, 1864. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOIJRTH ARMY CORPS, Near Nashville, Tenn., December 5 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my division in the battle at Franklin, Teun., on the 30th ultimo: On the evening of the 29th orders were received to withdraw from our positioii on the north side 6f Duck River, opposite Columbia, my division to coVer the retreat of the entire army. After the Twenty- third Corps and the Third l)i.vision of the Fourth Corps had with- drawn and passed Rutherfords Creek I withdrew my division, and at 12 midnight crossed Rutherfords Creek and moved on rapidly to Spring Hill, passing within 300 yai-ds of the rebel hues. Here I joined the Second and Third 1)ivisions of this corps. Receiving orders from Ma General Stanley, I at once took position on the left of the road, cover- ing the artillery and trains of the Fourth Corps, and moved forward toward Franklin. We had proceeded about three miles, when word was sent me that the enemy had attacked and were burning the train of the Twenty-third Corps, which was in our front and without guard. I at once sent Col. I. M. Kirby, coinman ding my First Brigade, forward to save the train if possible. Colonel Kirby was prompt in his move- ments and reached the point in time, driving the rebels off and saving all but ten wagons, which the rebels had burned before he came up. From this point we moved OIL to Franklin, at which point we arrived at 12 in. of the 30th. Receiving orders, I went into position, on the right of the Twenty-third Army Corps, in the following order: My right, composed of the Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. C. Whitaker commanding, rest- ing on the ilarpeth River; my left, the Third Brigade, Brigadier-Gen- eral Grose commanding, resting on the Centerville pike, an(l connecting with the Second Division of the Twenty-third Corps; my.First Brigade, Vol. I. iXI. Kirby commanding, in the center. Captain Zieglers battery, 12 ]~ RYOL XLV~ PT Page 178 178 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. (B) Pennsylvania Artillery, having reported to me, was placed in posi- tion by General Grose on the left of the division, near the Centerville pike. General Cox, commanding Twenty-third Corps, calling upon me for a regiment to re-enforce the Second Division of that corps, I de- tached the One hundred and first Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel McDanald commanding, from my First Brigade, and ordered it to report to Gen- eral iRuger. I have no report from it. but am informed by the officer in command of that line that it behaved splendidly, holding a position from which two regiments had been compelled to retire until the end of the battle. Having established my line I gave direction that barricades should be made, and by 4 p. m. my men had thrown up excelleiit barricades the entire length of our line. Thus having completed our works, with skirmishers thrown forward, we awaited the approach of the enemy. At near 5 oclock he made his appearance in my front in heavy force, moving in line of battle, advancing upon us, my skirmishers retiring gradually before them to my maui line. The enemy advanced to within 250 yards of my main line, when mymnen opened upon them with such pie- cision that the rebel line was literally mown down. The destruction of the enemy was terrible indeed, yet they pressed forward with still an- other line, seemingly determined to carry our position. Reaching within a few yards of our line, my men gave them such deadly volleys that their lines mostly fell killed or wounded the survivors broke and fell back in great confusion. In about half an hour after this first repulse the enemy again made his appearance, more to my center and right, and again was he driven back in confusion, and with terrible slaughter. Still not satisfied, and waiting until it was dark, the enemy again advanced and attempted to carry our position, but was again repulsed; after this last repulse of the enemy my skirmishers were again thrown forward from the main line some 300 yards, and remained in their position until the army was withdrawn to the north side of the Harpeth River. it was Lorings division, of Stew arts corps, and a part of Lees corps, of the rebel army, that engaged my division, as we ascertained from pris- oners captured. Captain Zieglers battery on this, as on former occa- sions, did splendidly, inflicting severe punishment upon the enemy, and, in fact, at one time prevented the enemy penetrating our line near the right of Second Division, Twenty-third Corps. Too much praise cannot be awarded this battery. At midnight, in obedience to orders, I withdrew my division from its position, leaving my skirmishers on duty in fromit of the line, and moved to the bridge to effect a crossing, as I had been (lirected to move at once upon Brentwood to take up position until the army should arrive; but to my surprise I found the way blocked up by other troops who had left their position in advance of tIme time, amid lmence was unable to cross in advance, but was compelled to wait and take the position which others should have taken. General Groses brigade (time Third), of my division, was the last of the army to withdraw from the hue in front of Franklin. My skirmishers stood alone iii front of the enemy until the army had crossed Harpetli River, and I am proud to say that every man of my division was in his place and all caine off in good order. My dead were buried and all my wounded brought away. My loss is 60 iii killed, wounded, and missing, as will be seen by the iimclosed report. Every officer and man of this division behaved nobly and is cntitlcd to the highest l)raise. Brigadier-Generals Grose amid Whitaker and Col. I. M. Kirby, my brigade comnianders, are officers worthy to con Page 179 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 179 inand such noble men as those composint~ their brigades. They all deserve well of their country, and I again recommend Col. I. M. Kirby, of the One hundred and first Ohio, for promotion. I am greatly indebted to every member of my staff for valuable services rendered during the engagement. One of my aides, Lient. Joseph C-. Waters, was severely wounded in the right arm while conveying orders. Every officer and man of the division and of my staff has my thanks and commendations for his services nd noble bearing. For further details you arc referred to the inclosed reports of brigade and regimental commanders. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Lieut. Co]. J. S. FULLERTON, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General, Fourth Army Corps. [Inclosure.] Return of casualties of First J)ieision, Fourth Armg C Tenn., Nos~entber 30, , at the battle of Fraokiin 1864. Killed. Wounded. Missin~. command. C H C H~C ~ H -~ FirstBrigade 2 2 8 8 1 3 4 14 SecondBrigade 1 4 5 4 4 9 Third Brigade 3 3 2 22 24 10 10 37 Total 5 3 34 37 1 17 18 60 NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Teun., Deeem ber 8, iSGI. COLONEL: In obedience to orders I have the honor to make the fol- lowing report relative to the affair on my picket-hue to-day: The enemy advanced a strong skirmish line and di-ove my pickets from their position, taking possession, for a short time, of my line. My l)ickets were reformed and advanced as skirmishers, driving the rebels back and regaining their oliginal position, and which they now hold. The picket-line of the Twenty-third Corps immediately on my left gave way first, thereby enabling the enemy to enfilade my line. in order to regain possession of the original position, I took a section of Zieglers battery to a position near the Franklin pike, in rear of my picket reserves, and opened flue upon the rebel lines. They gave way in con- fusion, and I then a(lvanced my picket-line, and at the same time the picket-line of the Twenty-third Army Corps (Coxs (hivision) went for- ward. Two prisoners were captured, belonging respectively to Steven- sons and Johnsons divisions. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obe 1ient servant, NATHAN KIMBALL, Brigadier- Gener 1, U. ~ Volunteers. Lieutenant-Colonel FULLER TON, Ohief of Staff, Fourti Army Corps Page 180 180 KY., SW. VA., TENN.~ MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Gin. LYE. HEwQuAurnS FIRST DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY Conn, Knutnil is, Ala, Jesuery 6,1865. COLoNEL: I havethe honor to reportthat on the evening of the 14th of December last I received the order of the general commanding the corps to be ready to march at 6 & clock the next morning, for the pur- pose of attacking the rebel army, thea intrenched before Nashville. At that hour my command was under arms, and immediately after day-. break it was moved toward the right and out throngji our line Qf works on the Hiflsborough pike, and put in positionthe Third Brigade, Brig. (len. WilIWn Grose commanding, on the right his right extend- ing to the position taken by the left of the Second Division of this corps, ~4~eFirstBrigade,COLLM.Kfl~by commanding, on the leN his left resting onthe Hillsberough pike; ~e Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. Walter 0. Whitaker commanding was placed in reserve opposite my center. All of my brigades were f~rmed in twolines of battle. During the forenoon my line was advanced, driving the enemys skirmishers before it to a ridge fronting and about 1,000 yards from Montgomerys Hill, where the en~ had strong works and a battery commanding the Hillsborough pike. In this advance my command had obliqued to the left, conforming its movements to adjaceut commands, and nearly all of the First Brigade crossed the turnpike and took position to the left of it Zieglers battery (B,.Second Independent Pennsyiv nia Artillery) had ~eeno~4eredtoreporttome,andwMplacedIR t~onontheridgebe- fore spoken of; near thepike, and on the left of it. About midway be- tweenthis position and Montgomerys Hill,infront of myleft,intervened.. a small ridge of ground,which almost disappeared at the Hillsborough pike,in front pfmyleft center. The countrybetweenmyposition Mid the enemys works was open, and every movement of my troops could be plainly seen by him. At 2 p.m. I was ordered to occupy this ridge, which was promptl done by Kirbys bri e, Grosss brigade con- ht The right of Groses brigade in this movement was retired to protect my rightiank, which was left exposed in conse- quence of the Second Division not having moved at the same time. Ziegler was sent forward with his battery, and took position on the Hiflsborough pike, on the right of First Brigade, and within easy musket-range of the enemys works. From this point he kept up a gall- ing and continuous fire upon the ,sen many of his shells through the rebel embrasures into their ranks. Upon securing the ridge of ground referred to it was discovered that at the foot of the slope toward the enemythere was an old road, somewhat worn by rains an Ion use, and which Kirbys front line was ordered to occupy. A good protection to a p art of my line was thus procured for the time being within 250 yards of the enemys works. At 4 p. in. I askqd and received permission of the general command- ing the corps to assault this hill. The command, forward,was imme- diately qiven. Grosss brigade advanced along the turnpike, and, crossing it, passed a stone fencewbich had been used bythe enemy, and charged up the steep hill at double-quick. The right of this brigade reached around aid inclosed the southwesterly orleft end of the enemys works on Montgomerys HilL Kirbys brigade moved directly forward, with an unbroken line, across acorn-field where the ground was very heavy, and through the brush and fallen timber on the hill-side, never halting until his frout he was inside the enemys works. Both bri- gandes moved in the face of a murderous fire of canister and rifle-balls, and both reached the hill-top at nearly tine same moment Kirby lost Page 181 GEar. LVUJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENt 181 to the enemys fire. In this assault my command captured pieces of artillery, about 300 prisoners, and great numbers of small and side arms. The prisoners were sent to the rear, and the command pushed on in pursuit of the retreating enemy, leaving the artillery, small-arms, and other trophies in the works from which the enemy had been driven. The right of my line was here thrown forward and the direction of my front changed toward the left. The enemy was closely pursued until my command reached the Granny White pike, where darkness ended the days work, and the command bivouacked for the night. In obedience to your orders, at 7 o~clock the morning of the 16th, I formed my command in line of battle, with the Second Brigade, Briga- dier-Genpal Whitaker commanding, on the right, the Third Brigade, Brigadier-General Grosecommanding, on the left, and the First B~ e, Col. L IL Kirby commanding, in reserve, each brigade in two lines. Throwing forward a strong line of skirmishers, and supporting them with my whole command, the enemys position in my front was soon developed, and he was found strongly posted in earth-works along the base of a high ridge, his line extending toward the east across and cov- ering the Franklin pike. At 10 oclock I was in positjon in front of the enemy, my line parallel to his, my left resting upon the Franklin pike, and nay right connecting with Garrards division, of the Sixteenth Corps. Zieglers battery was posted upon an eminence near my center and about 1,000 yards from the enemys works. At1p. m.I advanced my lines to a ridge about 400 yards from the enemys main works, and occupied it, under a most galling fire from his artillery immediately ha my front. It was in this position, while using his bat- tery with great effect upon the enemy, that Ziegler had two of his pieces disabled by solid shot His battery was then withdrawn, and Ba , Fourth U. S. Artillery7 Lieutenant Canby commanding, reporting to me, was put in the position formerly occupied by Zieglers battery, where it did excellent ~ punishing the enemy severely. At 4 oclock my command charged the enemys works successfully, cap. turing pieces of artillery, 900 prisoners, and a great number of small- ns and intrenching tools, which were left in the works while the com- mand pressed on after .the enemy, who were fleeing down the Franklin pike. The Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, MJ. George Hicks command- mg, was in the advan~ and pressed the enemy so closely that a drove of cattle was abandon by them. The pursuit ended soon after dark, and my command bivouacked seven miles from Nashville, on the Frank- lin pike, picketing the Brentwood Pass. Canbys battery pressed for- ward with the division during the pursuit of the enemy. Early on the morning of the 17th the pursuis was continued, and my command bivouacked at night on the north bank of the Harpeth River near Franklin. During this days march great numbers of stragglers and deserters from the enemy were picked up and sent to the rear. On the 18th my commapd crossed the Harpeth River, and marching through Franklin, bivouacked three miles south of Spring HilL On the 19th I moved to near Rutherfords Creek, which, although usually easily forded was then so swollen by the heavy rains which had con- tinued to fall without cessation since the afternoon of the 16th, as to be impassable, all the bridges having been destroyed. The Third Bri- guide, Brigadier-General Grosb commanding, was sent soon after noon to bridge the stream, and before dark the next day my whole command had crossed the creek, bivouacking near the Franklin pike, about three- quarters of a mile from Columbia. The division remained in bivouac a Page 182 182 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. L~IT. that niltil 9 the ~.. it crossed Duck point oclock evenino of the 0kI when liver by the poutoon bridge, and bivouacked about midnight south of the town of Columbia. The march was resumed at 2 oclock the even- lug of the 23d. The a(lvance guard of cavalry immediately in my front came up with the rear guard of the enemy about five miles south of Columbia, stroiigly posted in a pass between high hills an(l through which the road ran. I immediately deployed a strong hue of skirmish- ers and sent them forward. A section of Thomassons (First Kentucky) battery was put in positiou about 800 yards from their lines and opened upon them. After a sharp skirmish they were (Irivell from the pass, leaving behind a captain mortally wounded and one man killed. My command bivouacked for the night in the pass. On the 24th I marched to a point on the Pulaski road three miles south of Lynuville and bivouacked. On the 25th I moved through Pulaski to a point on the Lambs Ferry road six miles south of Pulaski, where my command bivouacked and remained next day awaiting the arrival of rations. On the morning of the 27th I move(1 at daylight, umd bivouacked near Puncheon Church, on Sugar Creek. At daylight the 28th my coin- mnand resumed the march, and bivouacked at sundown near Lexington, Ala., where orders were received announcing that the pursuit of the enemy for tile present was ended. 1 have receipts for 9 pieces of artillery and 968 prisoners of war captured by this division during the actions of the 15th and 16th. The reports of my brigade commanders make the captures of artillery amount to 17 pieces, but 1 have no doubt that 4 of these are claiune(i by two different brigades. I am, however, positive that this division captured 13 i)ieces of artillery amid 1,200 prisoimers of war, besides great numbers of small-arms, several wagon-loads of intrenching tools, and a number of beef-cattle. In the eagerness of both officers au(1 men to pursue the fleeing enemy prisoners were sent to the rear and the artillery and other spoils Passed by, which by this means falling into the hands of comman(ls which came after us were accredited to them, although the credit of the capture is due to this division. My losses were 9 officers killed and 4 wounded; 32 enlisted men killed, 207 wounded, and 2 missing. Reference is respectfully ma(le to the accompanying tabular statement of the losses of each brigade. For a full and complete statement of time gallantry of officers and men I respectfully refer you to the accompanying reports of brigade and regimental commanders. It is unnecessary for me to mention to the general commanding the corps the conduct of my division in the battles of the 15th and 16th nitimo and in the pursuit of the enemy succeeding those battles. He was an eye-witness to the noble bravery of the officers and men in their daring and successful assaults upon the enenmys works, and the patient amud cheerful temper with which they endured the tedious and fatiguing pursuit, through rain and mud, wi mile driving the rebel hordes across the Tennessee. But I cannot close this report without commendimig to the general com ianding and to the Governumen t J3rig. Gens. Walter C. Whitaker and William Grose amid Col. I. M. Kirby, of the One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, my brigade commanders, for the skillful man- ner in which they handled their troops and the promptness with which they obeyed and executed my orders. My thanks and gratitude are ten- dered them, and the Government should reward them. I also with pleasure commend the officers and men of my whole command, who deserve the highest praise and gratitude of the nation. Although i Page 183 Ow. tYn.) CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 188 general terms I t,hus commend all, I would make special mention of Capt Charles B. Bowan, of the Ninety-sixth Regiment Illinois Infantry, who, when the rebels were driven from their works on the afternoon of the 16th pursued them with twenty of his men so closely that he was beyond l!,earing of the order to halt and reform, and continued press. ing immediately upon their heels, taking maq prisoners and stamped- ing their drove of cattle;. and of Lient William Felton, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry, and acting assistant adjutant-general of the First Bri- gade, who, in the charge on Montgomerys Hill, seized the colon of his regiment and bore them on horseback through an embrasure into the rebel works; and of Father Cooney, chaplain of the Thirty-fifth Indi- ana Infantry, who remained in the front with his regiment, encour- aging and cheeriRg themen by his wordsand acts; andof Color-Sergt. Jesse H. Hall, of the One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, who, when attacked by a rebel officer with a drawn saber, defended himself with his flagstaff and beat the officer into an unconditional surrender; and of Sergt. John Vincent, of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, who bore the colon of his regiment into the rebel battery ahead of his comrades and planted them there while the enemy were loading the guns. I cannot speak in too. high terms of.commendation of Zieglers (Battery B, Second Pennsylvania Independent Artillery) and Canbys (Battery F (MJ, Fourth U. S. Artillery) batteries. To the bravery energy, and skill of their officers and men this division is gres~tly in& ebted for its success in charging the enemys works. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky may well be proud of such sons, their repre sentatives in the nations army. The honor of those States and the welfare of the nation will ever be safe in their hands when led by such noble chiefs as Bennett, Suman7 Smith, Bose, Mooi~e, Yeoman, Evans, Morton, Wood, McDanald, Tassin, N umphrey, Hi*s, Taylor, Mathey, Jamison, Pollard, Cunningham, and Lawton. To the officers of my staff I am grateful for their valnable services in promptly delivering my orders and assisting in the execution of them upon every part of the field. I commend them to your most favorable consideration. I have the honor to be, colonel, very. respeotflilly, your obedient servant, Br4wNer-G.ser4 NATHAN KIMBALL, ix. & roluews.,s, Cosmssa.~. Lient. Col. 3.5. FULLERTON MaC A4jt Ge.. ad (Jk4f of Ste,j iberti Army Cesy.. Bute rviued table, p. 17. Rqp.fl e/..eveleIn ef the fleet DEwIden, RunS s(j,~Cer~e~ at th battleef Huh. wIUe,Deeeusberl5.ud.r6 Page 184 184 XL, St VA., TENN., MISS., ALL, AND N. GA. (tar. LYE. ITo. it Reports of VoL law. If. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio l4fantry,. commanding First Brigade, of operation. Kovember BOoed December 14-80, 1864. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Dlv FoURTH fln CoRPS, Year Nat viNe, Teen, December 41864. I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the late action at Franklin, Tent: The brigade wived with the division at Franklin about 1~ in. November 30,1864, and during the afternoon was placed in position on the right of General GroWs brigade, with three regiments (Twenty- first and Thirty-eighth illinois and Thirty-first Indiana) in the front line, and temporary barricades constructed at once. Heavy flrmp was soon heard to the left of us, indicating severe fighting, and our picket- line in a short time became briskly en~ged. I then put two companies of the One hundred and first Ohio rnthe front line, to close a gap between this brigade and that of General Gross. This disposition had just been madewhen the division pickets were seen coming in hurriedly, followed by a considerable force of the enemy, who came as far as the opeii ridge directly in our front, when we opened fire on him, and with two or three volleys drove him back. The skirmishers were then advanced, and held their position until the tiny withdrew. During the action iwas orderedto send a regimenttoreporttoGeneralBuger, commanding [Becondi Division, Twenty-third Arm? Corps; the eight companies of theOne7hndred and flTst Ohio not on the front line were sent, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel MeDanald. I understand that they were put in position on the line of works of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and did work, holding a most critical point in the he until ordered away. Our loss was 2 men killed and 14 wounded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L IL KIBBY Coloee4 Commanding. Capt N. G. FRANKLIN ActQ.g Assistant it4jstant-OeuseraL HDQRS. FIST BmG., FIRST Div., FoURTH ARMY CORPS, Leeingtoe, 4k, December 80,1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade, from the mornin; of December 15,1864, to present date, Induding the battle of Nashville: Late in the evening of December 141 received verbal instructions from the general commanding division to have my command in readi ness at 6 o7clock the following morning to move into position, prepara- tory to moving against the enemys works. At 6 a. a December 15 my briga~le was under arms, and moved, between 7 and 8 o?clock, with the division, to the Hulsborouqh pike, and out that through our he of fortifications, going into position, with my right connecting with General Gross, and nq left resting on the Hillsborough pike, the One hundred and first Ohio Eighty-first Indiana and Ninetieth Ohio form- ing my front line, the I~wenty-flrst Illinois, Thirty-eighth Illinois, and Thirty-first Indiana my rear line, in the ordarnained. The skirmish Page 185 GEar. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA.; AND MIDDLE TENN. 185 ore of the brigade, under command of Major Hitchcock, Ninetieth Ohio, were taken from Thirty-first Indiana and united with those of balance of division, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Haflowell, Thirty-first Indiana. During the forenoon I moved gradually forward, gaining ground to the right, conforming to the movements ofthe troops urn my right and slightly refusing myleft in compliancewithinstruc-. tions previously received, andrested at the foot of the long ridge inter- veining between our line of works and those of the enemy. In a short time this ridge was cleared of the enemys skirmishers, and I was ordered to change direction a very little to the left, and move forward and occupy the ridge, which order was executed at once, resting about two-thirds of my line on the left of the Hiflsboron h pike, and resting in this position until2 p. in., in support of Zieglers battery, which hid been placed in position on the left of the pike, and was working vigor- ously against the main line of the enemys works. About 3.30.p.m.I. received orders to move forward and occupy a low ridge m the open fields near the foot of the hill on which the enemys works were, and. immediately.under his guns. I moved at once with the Ninetieth Ohio in advan~ to secure the point or crown of the ridge, and formed my first hne of battle along the crest of the ridge. The musketry fire here from the enemys works was very anoying, and seeing a sunken road- way on theslope of the ridge next the enemy7 I moved the front line into that, and found it an admirable protection, and brought up my rear line near the crest of the ridge, but under cover; in this position the enemys balls wereharinless. This disposition of the troops being inade,I was surprised to see Zieglers battery again on my right in the open field and within easy musket-range of the enemy, and throwing shot into him thick and fast. This battery, together with one placed in position by General Kimball, near the left of my brigade, soon worked confusion in the ranks of rebeldom, and at 4.15 p. a. I was ordered to charge the enemys works. The front line led off at the double-quick9 followed closely by~tiie second line, each regiment of the front line striving to be the first to plant their colon on the rebel works, and the rear line eager to support their gallant comrades going before. The musketry fire encountered was very severe, but the front line was equal to the task, although they struggled over heavy ground and up a sharp ascent. The flags of the three regiments were carried so near a true line that neither can claim much honor over the other for being the first on the works, and the rear line was close on the heels of the front in crossing the works. Here the brigade captured four guns, one Rodman and three, brass Napoleons. Being our line we changed front to the east . and moved in that direction, crossing the Granny White pike, and halting some time after dark, bivouacked in line. December 16 this command was held in reserve for the division until after our lines iecame heavily engaged, when I was ordered to the left of the Second Division, to support either that division or the Third, as they might need help.. Frequently through the day I was exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy,butescapedwiththelossofthreemen wounded. Whentheworks were carried .1 followed the Second Division, and shifted to the right until was again in rear of the First Division and moved with that in pursuit. From that time to the present I have moved in column with the division in pursuit of the enemy, not having been actively engaged since. Our toss on the 15th wasofficers, killed, P wounded, 5~ men, killed, 19; wounded, 92; on the 18th, men, woundek, 3; total, dO Page 186 186 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. tOHAP. LVII. Capt. E. M. Schell, Eighty-first Indiana, killed iii the assault on the 15th, was a young officer known by all iii the brigade an(1 admired for his accomplishments and gentlemanly qualities, arid honored for the remarkable gallantry lie (lisplayed in all actions in which be was engaged. All of my officers displayed that gallantry for which they are ever conspicuous, arid on this occasion seemed determined, as did most of the men, that there should be no failure if human efforts would avail. With such officers as Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first indiana, Lieutenant- Colonel Yeoman, Ninetieth Ohio, and Lieutenant-Colonel MeDanald, One hundred and first Ohio, to control an(1 (lirect a line, a brigade commander need have no fear for the repritation of command. I would also call the attention of my superiors to Lient. Col. James IL Hallowell, Thirty-first Indiana, who commanded the division skirmish line on the 15th of December. His personal gallantry on that day, and the ability with which he handled the skirmish line, is rarely equaled and I have never seen surpassed; he deserves great credit. I am again called upon to express umy thanks to, amid my warnmest admiration for, nmy staff officersLient. William Feltomi, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lient. T. J. Stevens, acting inspector-general; Capt. Williaimm N. Beer, topogra~)hical engineer, and Lieut. J. C. Smith, aide-de-campfor their intelligent discharge of duties. They rendered great aid in the assault on the- enemys works by being mounted and continually on the front line. Lieutenant Felton distinguished himself by seizing the colors of the Ninetieth Ohio amid bearing them on Imorseback through an embra- sure in the w~orks. My escort deserve my warmest thanks tbr their devoted attention, riding with me at all tinmes and bearing miiy iiao to the front in the assault till the works were carried. For further particulars I have time hoiior to call your attention to the acconipanying rel)orts of regimental conmmanders. I ani, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. M. KIRBY, Capt. B. D. MASON, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. In addition to the above report I would call special attention to the gallantry of Color-Sergt. Jesse H.. Hall, One hundred and first Ohio. When about to cross the enemys works lie was met by a rebel officer with drawn saber and seemingly in comumand of that portion of the line. Sergeamint Hall demanded the surrender of this officer and was refused. He (the sergeant) then brought into requisition the spear of his flag-staff and compelled an unconditional surrender. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. M. KIRBY Colonel, Commanding. No. 15. Report of Capt. William IL Jamison, Twenty-first Illinois infantry, of operations December 1531, 1864. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIRST ILLINOIS, January 1, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 14th of December, 1864, while lying in camp at Nashville, Tenri., on the right of Granimy White pike, I received an order from Col. I. M. Kirby, commanding First Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, to b Page 187 Ow. LflLJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLH TEWN. 187 ready to move at daylight on the morning of the 15th. in accordance with said order we moved to the right to the Hardin pike, then filed to the left until we passed outside the defenses, when we were formed in rear line of brigade, on right of Hardin pikethe Thirty-eighth Illinois was on my right, the Thirty-first Indiana on my left, and the Eighty-first Indiana in my immediate front. After being formed we lay on our arms for some time, when we were moved forward to the crestofasmallbiilwhichwas inourfront. Welayherefornear an hour, then moved to the base of the hill, and were halted in rear of a stone wall. After laying here about thirty minutes we were moved forward into a corn-field, our left resting on the Hardin pike. We lay in this position for sometime, when we moved to the front about haifa mile, and halted in rear of the crest of a hill near the enemys works; here we lay about an hour, there being considerable firing fro~a the workM. About this time our front line began moving forward, and Brigadier-General Wood, commanding Fourth Army Corps, rode up and ordered us forward qnickly; we advanced as rapidly as the nature of the ground (which was an open field and verymuddy) would permit. The enemy about this time opened hvery hot firefrom his works, which were situated on the crest of a hill in our front On arriving at the base of this hill Ifound a large number of men lying down. I supposed them to be. the Eighty-first Indiana, who were in our front; but finding it impossible to halt at this point, I passed over them and pushed on for the works, ad although we started in rear line, our color was the second on the works.. That night we were sent on picket duty, and on the 16th we were again formed in rear line of brigade, and moved to the front and left, until we came near the Franklin pike,. when we halted and threw up some light works. We were then moved farther to the left and halted, remaining there until the enemys line was broken, when we started in pursuit, and moved forward until dark, when we halted. Since that time we have been with the brigade in pnrsnit of the enemy. My loss during the campaign iskilled, none; wounded, 1 commis- sioned officer and 6 enlisted men, among whom was my color-sergeant; total, wounded,?. To the officers and men of this command I return my sincere thanks for their gallantry and promptness in doing their duty. it would be nseless in me to designate any officer or man as doing more than an- other,asalldidtheirdutytrulyand welL I am, lientenant, yours, W. H. flMISON1 (lqtais, Oouusadmg Twntv-flrat Ifluw... Lieutenant FELTOir, Acting Assistant A4jstant-OeneraL Ho. 16. R~port of Capt. Andrew If. PoUard~ Thirty-eighth Illinois IVafl, of operation November 80December 81,1864. HDQRs. TmETY-GHTH ILLINOIS VET. VOL. IN1FAJTEY, January 2,1865. LIEunnNT: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of this regiment since Franklin: Upon reaching Franklin, November 30, 1864, the regiment was placed in position in the front he near the right and threw up works Page 188 188 KY., SW. VA., TENN., M1~S., ALA., AND N. ~A. (CHAP. LVII. At 4 p. m. the skirmish line was diiven in and the enemy showed him- self in front, but a few roun(LS from the works drove him back and the skirmishers again advanced and no more trouble was given us during the tight. The line was nithdrawu in the night and we reached Nash- ville December 1. I)ecember 2, were 1)laced in J)osition on the left of the Granny White pike and threw up works. December 3, were ordered out to support the pickets. December 4, moved to the right of the Granny White pike, where we remained till December 15, when we moved with the brigade to the right of the Ilillsborough pike and took part in the movements of the day. At 4 p. in., with the brigade, charged the enemys works on the left of the liullsborough pike. Our loss on the 15th very lightone officer (Lieut. 13. G. flumes) and one enlisted man wounded. December 16, were with the brigade in sup- port of the front line, and moved from near the Granny White pike to near the Franklin pike. During the movement were annoyed by shells. A piece of shell slightly wounded Lient. John ONJ eara on the ankle, but he remained with the command. When the emieiny was driveii from a his works we joined in the pursuit. Halted for the night about two miles from Breutwood, on the Frankliii pike. December 17, reached Frammklin. December 18, crossed the Harpeth, passed through Frank- lin and Spring Hill, camping about four miles from Spring Hill. Decemiuber 20, crossed Rutherfords Creek and camped on Duck River. l)ecemnber 22, crossed Duck River and passed through to Columbia. Reached Pulaski December 25; passed through and camped about six miles out, on the Florence road. Reached Lexington 1)ecember 28 ,aimd remained there till the 81st. Loss during the campaign, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. M. POLLARD, (Jctptaut, Comm an ding Regiment. Lieut. WILLIAM FELTON, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gem; 1st Brig., 1st Div., 4th Army Corps. No. 17. Report Cot. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, of oper ations December 1530, 1864. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT INDIANA VET. VOLS., Near Lexington, Ala J)eeember 30 1864. .7 SIR: I have the honor to submit the following rel)ort of the part borne by the Thirty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the cam~)aign commencing at Nashville Teun December 15, 1864: Pursuant to orders from brigade headquarters, received about 10 oclock on the night of the 14th instant, the regiment was formed early the next morning, and moved into position with the brigade near time Hopkinsville [Hillsboroughj pike. The regiment numbered 503 muskets and 25 commissioned officers, and constituted the left of the second line in the formation of the brigade. During the day the movements of the regiment conformed to that of the brigade, steadily advancing in the direction of Montgomerys Hill, where the enemy was pretty strongly in- trenched. It was near 4 oclock in the afternoon before the regiment was brought into action, or was much exposed to the fire of time enemny, except occasional shots of artillery, which, fortunately, did no exec Page 189 189 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. tion. About this time the regiment was occupying a l)Ositiou near the crest of a hill, with Companies H, I, and K retired some thirty l)aees, to make room for a section of artillery. While in this position l3rigadier- General Wood rode by and gave the word to charge Montgomery s Hill, in our front. The command not being distinctly heard or understood, the right commenced rapidly moving out, the movement being taken up successively to the left, and the three left companies being retired, half the distance to the enemys intreuchinents had been gained before anything like a regular line was formed. In the meantime the left of the front line had obliqued to the left and the right had borne to the right, leaving about a regimental front vacant; into this space the regiment was hurriedly pushed and charged the hill, and entered the enemys works and shared in the captures along with the front line of the brigade. During this charge most of the casualties of the regi- imient occurred. It should be remarked that about 8 oclock in the morning Lieutenant-Colonel Hallowell reported to division headquar- ters as division officer of the day, and commanded the skirmish line with much skill and gallantry. Company A, First Sergt. l~. H. Water- man (who was comuiissioned first lieutenant and awaiting muster) conimnandin g; Company B, Captain Hammond; Company I), Captain ileed, together with a detail of twenty men of the regiment, consti- tuted the skirmishers of the brigade. During the forenoon Lieutenant Waterman, Company A, was severely wouimded, and Lieut. J. I-I. Welch, Company 1, was detailed to command the company. Although there were fifty of our drafted recruits on the skirmish line, the conduct of time line is represented as being the most gallant. l)ecemnber 16, the regimeimt moved into position early in time niorning near time Franklin 1)ike, but the brigade being in reserve it was not called immto action. In the pursuit of the enemy that followed the regiment has marched with the brigade, but has at no time emmgaged the enemy. It is with pleasure that I refer to the fact that the conduct of the officers of the regiment during time cam~)aign has been gallant witlmout an exception, and that of the men has been soldierly in action and on the mnarch they have manifested creditable enduramice. The casualties of the regim~nt are 10 killed and 33 wounded. I am, lieutenant, respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. T. SMITh, Colonel, Commanding. Licut. WiLLIAM FELTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 18. Report of ]liaj. Edward U. Mathey, Eighty-first Indiana fifantry, of oJ)erations December 1530 1864 hEADQUARTERS EIGHTY-FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Nea~ Lexington, Teun., December 30, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have time honor to report that on December l~, 1864, the Eighty-first Indiana Volunteers was ordered to advaimee a~ainst the etiemy. At about 4 p. mu. it charged up a hill, took the works in its front, capturing at tlme same time about 66 prisoners. The loss of the regiment was 3 comnmuissioned ofhcer5 an(h it) mnemm killed and ~vounded. One officer (Capt. E. M. Schell) was mortally wounded, and 4 men wer Page 190 190 KY,, SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Cn~. LVII. instantly killed. On December 16 the regiment was in reserve, and in following up the front line a cannon-ball struck in the regiment, wound- ing 3 men, one severely, his leg being cut off. Since the above date we have been T)ursuing the enemy, but have not participated in any engagement. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, yonrs, & c., E. G. MATHEY, Lieut. WILLIAM FELTON, Major, Commanding Regiment. Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 4th Army Corps. No. 19. Reports of Lient. Col. & tmuei K Yeoman, Ninetieth Ohio infantry, of operations December 1530, 1864. IIDQRS. NINETIETH REGIMENT OHIO NoL. INFANTRY, Near Lexington, Ala., Deeember 30, 1861. LIEUTENANT: In accordance with circnlar from brigade headquarters of this instant, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken in the actioiis of the 15th and 16th instant, and the pursuit of General Hoods rebel forces to this place: In accordance with orders received from brigade headquarters, my command was in line on the left of the Granny White pike at 6 a. in. on the 15th instant, and at 6.30 a. m. my regiment was relieved by a portion of Brigadier-General Crafts command. At 7 a. m. it was in motion, moving across the Granny White pike i)y the right flank, fol- lowing the Eighty-first Indiana. At 8.30 a. m. passed through our breast-works on the Hillsborongh pike, and formed in line upon the right, the left of my regiment retired and resting near the J)ike. At 10 a. m. the skirmishers commenced advancing, and we moved over the crest of a hill in oar trout, obhiquing to the left, our skirmishers driv- ing the enemy in our front from his skirmish pits. A halt was ordered, during which the enemy used his artillery upon our lines. At 11 a. in. we were ordered forward a second time, the brigade making nearly a right half wheel, and throwing my regunent upon the left of the Hills- borough pike, its right resting upon the pike. In this advance of nm y battle line to enemys riflepits I lost but one man wounded. A battery being ordered into position, my command was moved to the left until it connecte(l with the right of the Third Division. In this position we remained until 2 p. mu., when I was ordered forward by Colonel Kirby to take a hill 400 yards from my front and within rifle-range of the enemys works. I advanced without opposition until reaching the crest of the hill, when the enemy opened upon inc from his works. I immediately put my men under cover, amid ascertaining tluft a thug road in my front afforded a better protection for my men, by order of Colonel Kirby, I moved my men forward to it, where they were well protected, and from this position I opemmed a vigorous fire upon them. At about 4 p. in. I observed them shifting rapidly to the left; this I communicated to Colonel Kirby, when a charge was ordered, to whichi the men responded with cheers, and in ten minutes my regimental hag [was] first on time enemys works and mny men pursuing them. I ordered a halt, and reforming my regimemit, was placed by Colonel Kirby in position at right amigles with the eneumys works, my right restin Page 191 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 191 on their works. Formed thus, we moved forward, crossing the Granny White pike, and bivouacking 1,000 yards east of it, when my regiment was ordered to aud built works parallel with the I)ike. In this actiou I lost thirty-two men in killed and wounded. My entire command behaved with the greatest gallantry and enthu- siasm, but I regret that in the enthusiasm and eagerness of my coin- mand to pursue the enemy that my command neglected to secure the trophies of war that we had captured from the enemy, both these and the prisoners falling into the hands of other commands coming up to our support. 16th, my regiment again formed left of the front battle-line of the brigade, and moving ont of our works by the right flank, we shifted gradually toward the enemys right. At 9.30 a. In. we moved fbr- ward in line of battle, supporting the Second and Third Brigades, our movements entirely controlled by the movements of those commands. At 11 a. mu., in advancing through an open corn-field on the right of the Franklin pike, 1 had one man wounded by artillery; from that until the emiemy was routed, and night found us in pursuit of the enemy, my command acted quietly and efficiently in the execution of all orders. We bivouacked on the right of the Franklin pike, six miles south of Nashville. On the 17th instant moved in same order on the Franklin pike, and bivouacked on the north side of Harpeth River near Franklin, making a march of twelve miles. On the 18th crossed the ilarpeth, and moving in the direction of Columbia marched eighteen miles, and bivouacked in six miles of Columbia. On the 19th moved one mile, halted, and bivouacked. On the 20th, p. in., crossed Rutherfords Creek, and biv- ouacked on the banks of Buck River, opposite Columbia, where we remained until the 22d, at 7 p. in., when we crossed Duck River, and moving through Columbia, bivouacked on the left of Mount Pleasant pike. On the 23d moved at 1 p. m. on the Pulaski pike, and bivouacked six miles south of Columbia. On the 24th moved at 1 p. mu., marching thirteen miles, and bivouacked on the ri~ht of Pulaski pike. On the 25th moved at 8 a. iii., reaching and passing through Pulaski, twelve miles. At 1 p. m. crossed Richland Creek and moved out six miles, in snl)port of cavalry, marching sixteen miles, and bivouacking at 8 p. iii. Remained in same position until 5.30 a. in., when we moved out the same road twelve muiles, bivouacking at 2 p. iii. on Sugar Tree Creek. On the 28th moved at 8 a. in. and made this f)oint, a distance of twelve miles, at 5 P. m. I canmiot close my report without special mention of Color-Sergt. Jacob S. Cockerill for his gallantry in beiimg first to plant his colors oii the enemys works, and would muake special mention of other men, non-commissioned officers, and officers, but the universal good conduct and cheerfulness of the commamid throughout the battles and hard marches of the campaign will not admit of it. Appended you will find a list of the killed and wounded of my com- mand of the 15th and 16th instant.* Those that are marked slight were only thrown out of action during the first day; most of them now are with the command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. N. YEOMAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Lient. WILLIAM FELTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Genera!, First Brigade, {r. Nominal list (omitted) shows 4 mcii killed and 29 mcii wounded Page 192 192 KY., SW. YA., TEEN., MISS., ALA~ AR]) N. GA. (War. LYE. BriQus. NDWTITH BEGINT Omo VOL. INFANTRY. LInUTENANT: In compliance with circular from department head- quarters of the 27th instant, I have the honor to forward the following statement in regard to a stand of rebel colors and several swords cap- tured but not secured by my command on the 15th instant at Nash- vile, Teun., and ask that you append it to my report of December 30, 1864: The center of my regiment struck the enemys works at the point where a rebel stand of colors was planted on the left of the fort here- tofore mentioned in my report, the right of it reaching to the left wing of said fort. As the members of Company U crossed the works Pri- vates Irvin, Brown, and others, of CompaniesO and B, saw a stand of rebel colon on the grond near the diteh, but the word was forward, and the command pass~d over the crest of the hill after the flying enemy, and, in the excitement of the chase, not pausing to collect any trophies. In substantiation of this statement I append the statement f James B. Vansickle, a private .of Company H of my command, who came up after theregiment had crossed the works, and says that he saw a soldier with a stand of rebel colors, and asking him where he cap- tured them, he said that he picked them up right there, where the Ninetieth Ohio crossed the Works. He then asked him to what regi- ment he belonged, and he replied to the Ninth Indiana. Others of my comnian4 saw him with the colors, and substantiate this. As to the swords, there were as many a three or four others besides the one forwarded by me, its history, shown me by soldiers of my command, which I ordered them to keep, but being ordered to form a new line and move forward in line of battle throughthebrnsh until long afteR? night-fall, the ioldiers could not carry them ad they threw them any. I claim credit for my command for the capture of this stand of colors, and the prisoners who passed through my regimental line to the rear, and respectfully forward the name of Private James W. Homey, of Company 0, as a soldier who by his heroic conduct in being first on and over the enemyp works, fixing his bayonet as he mounted them, has won the right to receive any testimonial that the Government may see proper to award as a acknowledgment of his conduct I am, as ever, your obedient servant, ~. N. Lieutemt-Oologiei, Oommaesdusg. [Lient. WILLIAM F.ULToN, MU., A.aietat A4j.etat-GeneraL] No.20. RrrtsoflMtt. VoL Bedim. B. KeDuessid,, One hmsdred and finS Ohio operations December 16-80, 1864, and Jasey 17-21,.. 1865. HnDQUARTEuS 101ST Omo VoLuNTms, H.mtnille, 1W., Jannarij 6,1865. Sm: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my command during the present campaign, commencing December 15 1864- burin~ the night of December 14 orders were received to provide the necessary amouRt of nupqnitiop sud mae other preparations to Page 193 S Cn~& r. LVII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 193 an active campaign. At the same time orders were also received to move at (3 oclock the following morning. I had previously taken the precaution to make all needful preparations, and was ready to move promptly at the time designated. The colonel commanding in person assigned to my regiment the right of the front line of his brigade, and at the same time gave general directions to be observed during the day, to be varied only as he should direct. I moved with the brigade across the Granny White pike, beyond the Acklen place, then west on the Hhillsborongh pike, and formed in line of battle in front of the works constructed by the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, and to the right of the Hillsborough pike. in this position we remained during most of the forenoon, waiting for the formations on our extreme right to be completed. I think it was near 12 m. when the first general advance was ordered. As we moved forward I noticed that the Ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, General 0-roses brigade, joined on my right, and the general guide was right. Our skirmishers succeeded in driving those of the enemy beyond the point at which our first line was to be established, a my regiment sustained no loss in reaching it. While in this position the enemy shelled us vigorously, but suc- ceeded in doing but little damage. At 2 oclock in the afternoon another advance was mna(le to a road running parallel and within about 300 yards of the rebel works. The banks of this road formed an excellent protection to our men from the enemy8 musketry, which at times was very seveuc. In the last advance we had crossed the Ililisborough pike and formed about 200 or 300 yards to its left. While in this position, and at about 4 p. nm~, an assault of the works was ordered, and executed in splendid style. My regiment moved for- ward promptly at the command, although encountered by a heavy fire of musketry. As far as my observation went no one faltered until the enemy~s works were in our hands, and [claim for my regiment the honor of Imaving planted the first colors on the rebel works at that I)oint of the line. In the advance the right wing of my regiment struck an angle in the works in which was posted three pieces of artillery. Officers and men forced their way through the emnbrasures, capturing these guns. The artillery (three pieces) was turne(i over to the ordnance depart- ment and a memorandum receipt given by Lieutenant Croxton, ord- nance officer First Divisioim, Foarth Armny Corps. Two officers saber~ were captured, and have been forwarded, with statement, through the adjutant-generals department. We also captured and sent to the rear about 100 prisoners, including several commissioned officers. The ground in and about the trenches was strewmu with abandoned cloth- ing, small-arms, intrenching tools, & c. At this time the utmost enthnsiasm prevailed, and the command became somnewhat scattered, and it was mmear night-fall before it could be reformed. The direction ot march was here chan~ed toward the Granny White pike. The ground was very uneven, and moving in line qaite difficult as well as tiresome on the men. By direction of the colonel commanding I threw forward a company as skirmishers, and the advance was continued to a short distance beyond the Granny White pike, where a halt was ordered alid position taken for tIme imight. Where all did so well it is difficult to discrimimmate in favor of any one, but I feel that my own thanks and those of the command are due to Sergt. Jesse II. Hall, Company I, who was temuporarily carrying the regimental colors. I never witnessed more gallant conduct than he dis- played during the entire day, always carrying the colors at the head of the command. 13 R RYOL XLY~ PT Page 194 194 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYJI. On the 16th my regiment was changed from the right to the center of the brigade. Being in reserve we did not become engaged and suffered no loss. We moved to the Franklin pike and out to I3rentwood Hills, and there bivouacked until daylight the following morning. I have par- ticipated with other portions of the army in pursuit of the enemy as far as Lexington, Ala. A report of the casualties of my command has already been for~varded through the proper channels. I have to thank both officers and men for gallant bearing during the two days of battle aiid victory at Nashville, and for the uncomplaining and patient manner in which they have endured the seventies of the campaign. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. B. McDANALI), Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding 101st Ohio Volunteers. Lient. WILLIAM FELTON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. (len., 1st Brig., 1st i)iv., 4th Army (Jorps. - HEADQUARTERS 101ST Ouio VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Hnntsnille, Ala., January 22, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report: In compliance with orders received from headquarters on the ex-eniug of the 17th instant I furnished my regiment with three days rations of haid bread and lnove(l at 7 p. m. same day out the Big Cove road in J)ursuit of a party of bushwhackers that had captured one first lieuten- ant, four men, and one team of a forage party that had been sent out from my regiment on that day. On the morning of the 18th Lieutenant White, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, reported to me with one com- pany of cavalry, twenty-five men, as also Captain Ilarris, Union scout and guide, with written instructions for me. I crossed Flint River by means of a raft constructed of logs and a small canoe, and scoured the country lying between Flint River and Paint Rock River from the Ten- nessee River as far north as Cedar Mountain, capturing fon.r bush- whackers, with their horses, arms, and accouterments; also two citizen s charged with harboring and feeding bushwhackers, named J ohn Cobb and William P. Horubuckle. The names of the prisoners captured with ann s are Adams Cobb, Theophilus Cobb, George W. Hunt, and Harrison D. Herring. I am informed that all the above-named prisoners have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States Government, since which time they have engaged in bushwhacking. I burned sonic fifty tenements on my line of march that were occupied by bushwhackers and their supporters, leaving their families in a houseless, helpless condition with orders to leave that country by going north or moving south of the Tennessee River. The commummity at large throngh the country be- tween Flint and Paint IRock Rivers uphold and support these bands of guemiillas, by feeding them and communicating with them, informing them of any Federal force that is in the vicinity, ut order that if they are closely pursued, tlmey hide their arms, (lisband, and become good, loyal citizens at once, armed with an oath of allegiance, properly attested and approved by U. S. officers. Such being the case, with the addi- tion of the mountaius to flee to in order t~ conceal themselves in th Page 195 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 195 rocks and caves, it is impossible to capture them without they are taken wholly by surprise. I returned to camp on the afternoon of the 21st, being absent four days. Respectfully submitted. 13. B. MODANALD, Licut. Got. 101st Ohio Volunteer i4antry. Gomdg. E~xpedition. Licut. WiLLIAM TPELTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General No. 21. Reports of Brig. Gen. IValter C. Whitaker, U. S. Army, commanding Second Briyade (1/ operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. HDQRS. SECOND BRK., FIRST Div., FOURTh ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864. I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade on the 30th day of November, 18(54: Ou that day at 4 a. in. my brigade moved tiom Spiing Hill, on the west side of the turnpike road, bringing up the rear of the army. On reaching the heights about two miles south of Franklin, I formed a line of two battalions front on the summit of tht idge, and inasse(l my remaining regiments in rear. My 1)OsitiOiL ~va~ on the w est side of the pike; joining me east of the pike was General Wigners division, of the Fourth Corps. About 12 oclock the enemy was discovered moving upon my position in strong force in several lines of battle, with a heavy skirmish hue in froiit. 1 at once deployed my bi mo ade along time high range of hills to my right, and threw up a temporary line of breast-works. While moving into position one man, a sergeant of Company C, Ninety- sixth Illinois Volunteers, was mortally wounded. After remaining in this position about one hour I was ordered to withdraw my brigade and report to the general commaudiiig, at Franklin. I moved into the city at once and was thrown into position on the right of the division and army, my right flank resting on the Harpeth River. My line of battle was formed in the following order: Forty-fifth Ohio Voluimteers, Lient. Col. J. IL. Humphrey commanding, on the right; next on its left the Fortieth Ohio Volunteers, Lient. Col. James Watson commanding; next, Twenty-first Kentucky Volunteers, Lient. Col. J. C. Evans com- inanding; and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, Lient. Col. A. G. Tassin commanding, on the left. I held in reserve the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Maj. George hicks, the Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers, Lient. Co]. G. W. Northup, and the Fifty-first Ohio, Lient. Col. C. H. Wood. My froiut line was ordered to construct a line of works which were but half linished when they were assaulted by tIme enemy in force, smipposed to be two brigades. The fighting was short but severe. The enemy persisted in the assault about fifteen minutes, when they broke and fled, to return imo more; they lost many killed an(l wounded. My loss was slight, having but 1 man killed and 8 wounded. I remained in this positiomi until 12 oclock at night, when, pursuant to orders, I withdrew from my works and crossed the river, takimig no the line of march for Nashville Page 196 196 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL In speaking of the conduct of my staff and of my officers and men, it is oniy necessary to state that they displayed their usual coolness and bravery in all the operations in which we were engaged. 1 am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. C. WHITAKER, Bnyadier- General. Capt. N. U. FRANKLIN, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Dirision, Fourth Army Corps. UBQRS. SECOND BRiG., FIR ST 1)iv., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, in the Field, Columbia, Teun., December 22, 1864. The 15th of December my brigadecomposed of Twenty-first Ken- tucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans commanding; Twenty-third Ken- tucky Infantry, Lient. Col. G. W. Northup commanding; Thirty-fifth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin commanding; Forty-fifth Ohio, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Humphrey commanding; Fifty-first Ohio, Lieutenant- Colonel Wood commanding; Ninety-sixth illinois, Maj. George Hicks commanding; One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Col. J. H. Moore coin- mandingmoved from their camp, below Nashville, about one mile to the right on the Hilisborough turnpike, to assault General Hoods army, occupying his lines of intrenchment in front of and south of that city. The First and Third Brigades of this division formed the first line. My brigade, massed in column of regiments, was held in reserve, covering the interval between the First and Second Divisions, ready to move to any point requiring support, and its movements were ordered to con- form to those of the advancing column it was supporting. The general movement was for t e right to swing round on the left as a pivot. The troops were put in motion, and about noon General Smith, on the ex- treme right, began to drive the enemy slowly, and soon heavy skirmish- ing began along our entire line. The Second Division, Fourth Corps, moved so slowly that the First Division on its left advanced beyond it and moved so rapidly that I was compelled to move my command by the left flank to unmask it from the Second Division, in order to be in readiness to support the First and Third Brigades of the First Divis- ion in an assault they were, at 4 p. in., making on a fortified hill in front of the Second Division, on the Hillsborongh turllpike road. This hill was carried in such spirited and gallant style by the First Brigade, Col- onel Kirby commanding, and the Ninth Indiana, Colonel Suman com- manding, that the reserve was not called into action at this timAe. The enemy having been driven from this position, he was pursued and driven along Imis intrenched lines beyond the Granny White turnpike. I)arkness coming on, my brigade bivouacked on this turnpike, about three miles from Nashville. Though in reserve for a large portion of the time, my commimand was under heavy artillery fire, and lost this day 1 killed and 4 wounded. December 16, between 6 and 7 a. in., we advamiced, Second Brigade and Third Brigade having the advamice of the division, my brigade being on the right, and formed in two lines, from right to left, as fol- lows: Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-fifth Ohio Tw sixth Illinois in first line, and in enty-flrst Kentucky, Ninety- my second line, One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Thirty-fifth Indiana, and Twenty-third Kentucky. Throwing out a strong line of skirmishers, under Captain Quigley, of Twenty-third Kentucky, the enenmys skirmishers were firumly drive Page 197 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 197 by him, with some loss, and the rebels were found in a position strongly intrenched covering the Franklin turnpike road. Steadily advancing under a heavy fire of artillery, my command moved to within 1,000 yards of the enemys works. In my immediate front were two rebel batteries of four guns each, 12 pounder Napoleons, ~ brigade and other rebel trooI)s supporting in strong intrenchments, with strong embrasures for their artillery. They kept up a constant fire of shell, round shot, arid musketry on my main line and skirmishers, killing and wounding sonic of my officers and men. By 2 p. m. of to-day three several assaults had been made on the enemys linesone by the Third Division, one by the Second Division, and one by the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Corps. They were made with great bravery and persistence, but were repulsed. Between 1 and 2 p. in. my front line was moved, nuder heavy fire, to between 400 and 500 yards of the enemys main lines, in an open corn-field, where a frail pro- tection was temporarily thrown up. At between 8 and 4 p. in. heavy firing indicated that General Schofield and General Smith were driv- ing the rebels on the extreme right on their front. General Garrards division, on my right, having orders to advance, without awaiting orders I directed my brigade to storm the enemys works in my front. This order met with the most cordial approval of General Kimball (livi sion commander who came up as my troops were beginning to move. With alacrity and gallantry unsurpassed the storming column, composed of the Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-flftl~ Ohio, Twenty-first Kentucky, and Ninety-sixth Illinois, with the second line at supporting distance (all under fire), advanced through an open cornfield for 400 or 500 yards, under a terrific fire of shell, canister, and musketry. The enemys lines were stormed. Nothing could impede the boldness and energy of the attack, and in four or five minutes their works, 6 pieces of artil- lery, 600 stand of small-arms, and between 400 and 500 prisoners were ours. Many of time enemy were killed and wounded, and those sur- viving not taken prisoners precipitately fled in great disorder. The Ninety-sixth Illinois followed them rapidly, sweeping down the line of their works, adding to their wild confusion and terror. By the time we had possession of their works and had planted the flag of our coun- try on them, the Third Brigade swept down on its front, and soon the entire rebel front was one wild scene of rout and terror. So energetic and impetuous was the assault of my brigade that two of the pieces of artillery captured were found double-shotted with canister; the gun- ners had fallen or fled, and the pieces left undiseharged. With alacrity the brigade was pushed forward down to and on the right of the Frank- liii turnpike road, accompanied by Battery M, of the Fonrth Regulars, until it became tQo dark to proceed farther. After halting, Provost-Marshal Lieutenant Pepoon was sent to col- lect and take care of the spoils of victory, and reported, in addition to the cannon, smuall-arms, and prisoners, a large supply of intrenching tools. My loss was light, compared with the danger, incurred and the great results accomplished, being 1 officer and 8 privates killed, and 34 privates wounded, and 1 private missirib, making a grand total on both days of 49. This smallness of loss is attributable to the high firing of the enemy, who overshot the storming cohnnn. It is with deep regret that I record the death of Lientenamit Hugh A. Hedger, of the Twenty-first Kentucky. He was killed by a solid shot, at the head of his company. Intelligent, brave, generous, and efficien Page 198 198 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., ANI) N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. as an officer, his loss will be deeply felt by his regiment and the service; to his friends andwidowed mother it is irreparable, but they feel that he has left a name for honor as imperishable as the everlasting hills under whose shadow he yielded up his life for his country. Appended to this report will be found tables of my loss. The ardor of pursuit prevented my enumerating and giving the loss of the enemy; it was heavy. We were supported on the advance of to-day by Captain Zieglers (Second Pennsylvania) battery, and later in the day by Battery NI of the Fourth Regulars, Captain Canby and Lieutenant Stephenson being in command. Both batteries were handled with consummate skill and effect. Each of the officers I have mentioned, as also the men of the batteries under my immediate notice, bore themselves well and deserve the highest praise. A generous emnlation and spirit of rivalry pervaded my command as to who should reach the enemys lines first. From the length of my line it was impossible for me to see whose colors were first on the ~nemy~s works, bnt little difference of time was between all of the storm- ing column. I must divide the honor between them, for the flag of our country was never more gallantly borne. A high meed of praise is due the supporting column for the promptness of its movements. I must specially mention as highly deserving of our country, Col. J. II. Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Lietiten ant-Colonel Wood, Lieutenant- Col- onel Northu~ Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin, Lieutenant- Colonel Humphrey, and Major Hicks. Each one of these officers commanded regminents, amid did so bravely and ably. I speak most favorably of the coolness and biavery of Major Hoskins, of the Twenty-first Kemitucky, amid of Lieutenant-Colonel Poteet, of the One hundred and fifteenth Iilimiois, who was division officer of the day. Tis with pleasure that I call the attention of the general commanding to a list of those who have beeii specially noticed by their regimental commanders, accompanying this report. Of the brave and imidomitable men composing my command from Ohio, Indiana, llhinois, and Kentucky, I can truly say they did their whole duty fairly, efficiently, and with aim intemisity of spirit seldoni eqnaled, and never surpassed. Throngh the labors and services of my brave staff officersCapt. H. F. Temple, acting assistant adjutant-general; my aides, Lieut. John B. Buckner and Lieut. C. W. Earle; my inspector, Capt. John NI. Frew, and my provost-marshal, Lieutenant Pepoonthe whole power and effective sicength of my brigade was hurled upon the enemy at the right moment, and in the most available manner. Quick to comprehend and swift to execute every order regardless of any danger, the warniest gratitude of our country, the highest praise of the general coin- manding, and my warmest thanks for their services, are dne them. Brigade Smmrg. C. J. Walton amid Surgeons Jeminings, Evans, and Aver- dick came under my immediate observation in the discharge of their noble duty of alleviating the sufferings of onr brave wounded, and this while under heavy fire from the enemy. Of Father Co~uey, chaplain of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, I comumend him as an example of the army chaplain; meek, pious, and brave as a lion, he worked with his brave regiment iii the valley of the shadow of death, affording the ministrations of his holy religion to the wounded - and dying, and giving words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers. It is with commingled feelings of pride and satisfaction that I recOr(l the part taken by the Iron Brigadean integral part of the splendid Page 199 199 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NO1~TII ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. victorious Army of the Cumberlandin adding another laarel to that immortal wreath that now crowns our national honor, integrity, and glory. I have the honor to be, yours, with respect, WALTEII C. WHITAKER, Brigadier- General. Capt. F. I). MASON, A~st. Ac~jt. Gem., First Dirision, Fourth Army Corps. Report of officers and men mentioned specially by their regimental commanders for gallantry and meritorious conduct in the battles before nashville, Tenn., which I desire to append to my official report: Father P. P. Cooney, chaplain Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers- Adjt. W. NI. Williams, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; First Lient. A. G. Hen- derson, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; Adjt. John E. Smith, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Capt. William Nicholas, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenants Knous, Fisher, Ayres, Croxton, Pocock, and Purvis, also Sergt. Maj. S. G. J. Worthington and Sergeants Shaw, English, and Carruthers, commanding companies Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Capt. Charles E. Rowan, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; First Lient. Will- iam Dawson~, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; Adjt. E. A. Blodgett, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; Color-Sergt. John Vincent, Ninety- sixth Ilhnois Volunteers. List of (as1(alt-ies in the Second Brigade, Firot Division, Fourth Army Corps, in the battles before Nashville, Teusi., December 1510, 1804. Officers. Men. 4 Command. Date. I ~ ~ s~ -~ ~ 3 ~ H m -1 1864. 21st Kentucky Volunteers, Lient. Col. I. c. Evans Dec.15 1 1---. 2 2 Dec.16 1 1 1 3..-. 4 3 234 Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. coL (1. W. Dec. 15 Northup. Dec. 16 :3 . -- 3 :1 C I)ec. 15 35th ludiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. G. Tassin. Dcc. 16 I 2 2 . - - 4 4 45th Ohio Volunteers, Lient. Col. I. H. Humphrey $ I)ec. 15 . 1 1 1 -~ Dec.16 1 2--.. 3 3 Dec.15 51st Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. col. C. H. Wood Dec. 16 1 8 - . - 9 9 96th Illinois Volunteers, Ma.j. George Hicks - - -. Dec. 15 A Dec.16 3 9 113 13 ~ Dec. 15 115th Illinois Volunteers. Col.J. H. Moore ~ Dcc. 16 2 - -. 2 2 - I---. Total 1 9 38~ 1 48 49 This list is made fl-oin lists accompanying each regimental coin- manders report, and is believed to be correct. W. C. WHITAKEIt, Brigadier- General Page 200 200 I(Y., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL No. 22. Report of 1111j. George Hicks, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, of oper ations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. NINETY SIXTH I~EGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, In the Field (in pursuit of Hood), December 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment ou the 15th and 16th instant: (in Thursday, December 15, the regiment broke camp at 6 a. m. and moved forward with the brigade, occupying a position on the left of the second line. The regiment was Jield in reserve during the day, and was not actively engaged with the enemy, nor did it suffer any loss, though under the fire of the enemy~5 artillery. Friday morning, December 16, the regiment had position on the left of the front line of the brigade. Daring the forenoon it moved forward to the right of Groses brigade, taking position in the edge of a skirt of timber to the right of the Frankliu pike, leaving au open field between us and the enemys main line of intrenchments, which was 1,000 yards distant. In our immediate front was a rebel battery of four guns, 12-pounder Na- poleons, which briskly engaged Stephensons battery on our immediate right. Between 12 and 1 oclock orders to advance the line were received, and the regiment moved forward in good style to the poiiit indicated, about 500 yards nearer the enemys works, and hastily con- structed a line of protecting breast-works. In front of my left as it then rested the enemys line formed almost a right angle, with their right thrown forward so as to subject us, in case of a. further advance, to a direct cross-fire. The enemys battery was in position at the angle. About 4 p. in., and while yet at work at the breast-works, I received orders to conform to the movements of the troops on my right, and ii they advanced to move forward with them. I had barely time to coni municate this order before the right of the brigade was discovered in motion. The order was immediately given to my regiment to move forward, which was promptly obeyed. A little confusion was occa- sioned by some delay on the part of troops on my immediate right, in consequence of which the line was not as perfectly formed as I could wish, but the men advanced, all of them, most gallantly, keeping such line as they could. We started on the double-qnick, but the plowed field over which we marched was so muddy that it was impossible to maintain so rapid a gait. The advance, however, was steady and tin- wavering, though extremely fatiguing. We were not a little annoyed by the cross-fire to which we were subjected and the shower of grape and canister which the rebel battery rained about us, but, most fortu- nately, they overshot us in the main, and our loss was surprisingly light. The steady advance of the regiment was unchecked, and it pushed forward until it had possession of the rebel line of works, striking them some thirty yards to the rP~ht of the battery. Without a moments halt the regiment immediately turned to the left and captured the men and guns of the battery while the artillerists were yet en gaged in put- ting in another charge of grape. The prisoners were ordered back, and the regiment swept down the line of works, capturing large numbers of prisoners, which were sent to the rear. Among the prisoners cap- tured were large numbers who had fled from the works in our imine- diate front as we advanced, and who had huddled together in a hollow to the left of the battery. At this time the rebel brigade and battery confronting Grose, seeing our advance (lirectly upon their flank, broke and fled precipitately down the pike. The regiment deployed on their flank and pushed forward to intercept their progress, but the mci Page 201 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 201 were by this time well-nigh exhausted, and only succeeded in seriously harassing them in their retreat, killing and wounding a number and picking up a considerable number of stragglers. Finding the regiment far advanced without support, I commanded a halt, reformed my line, and afterward joined the brigade, when it advanced. Captain ilowan, with a score of men, was so far in advance that the command to halt did not reach him, and he continued the chase for a mile or more, keep- ing up a lively skirmish with the retreating enemy. As they fled the rebels endeavored to drive back with them a drove of beef-cattle, some fifty in number. Captain iRowans squad succeeded in stampeding these, and the enemy was compelled to abandon them. I took no defi- nite account of the number of prisoners captured by the regiment, though I know there were hundreds of them. I had no men to spare t6 guard either them or the battery while there was a fleeing mass of rebels l)efore me, so leaving prisoners and guns to the rear I pressed forward in pursuit of the routed enemy. In claiming the capture of prisoners and guns for my regiment I wish to acknowledge that there were a number of men from other re~4ments in the brigade who fought most gallantly side by side with my men. Some were skirmishers and some had pushed forward far in advance of their regiments, bnt at the time the battery was capture(l and the prisoners in the works immediately to the right and left of it my regi- ment wa~ the only organized force there present to make the captnre. Every one of my officers without exception behaved most gallantly, and the same is true of the enlisted men. I had in the regiment some eighty new recruits, who had received their arms only two or three days before the battle and had not been drilled an hour, yet they vied with the Qld soldiers in heroic conduct. I would make emphatic mention of Sergt. John Vincent, color-ser- geant of the regiment, who was the first man of my regiment on the works and the first man at the battery. As he advanced along the parapet, bearing the national colors, the rebel foes dropped their weapons, and once more were compelled to acknowledge the supremacy of the glorious flag which waved in triumph over them. First Lient. William Dawson, Capt. Charles E. Ilowan, A E. A. Blodgeti, and, indeed, all my officers and men, deserve especial praise for their distin- guished gallantry dnring the battle. I append a list of killed and wonnded.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (+EOItGE TuCKS, Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt~ H. F. TEMPLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 23. Report of Col. Jesse H. ]Ifoore, One hundred and fifteenth Illinois Infan7 try, of operations December 1516, 1864. HEADQUARTERS 115TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Rutherfords Creek, Teun., December 19, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor of submitting the following as my report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle before Nashville Tenn., on the 15th and 16th instant: On the 15th my regmment moved out from camp with the Second Bri- gade about daylight and took position in reserve, supp6rting First and Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed, 9 men wounded, aml 1 man missing Page 202 ~O2 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. Third Brigades, First Division, and only followed the movements of the brigade, as the work of routing the enemy was so complete as to preclude the necessity of putting the reserve into action. My regiment suffered but slightly during the day, though frequently exposed to a heavy fire from the enemys artillery. On the 16th my command took position in the second line of battle, and moved on the enemy, supporting the right of the first line. On this day my command was more exposed and suf tk~red more severely thaii on the day previous; but with the exception of one company, which was on the skirmish line, my regiment was not actively engaged, as the front line carried the enemys works with such slight resistance as to leave scarcely anything for the second line to do. My entire command behaved with commendable coolness during the entire engagement. My losses as follows :* We have, with the entire Fourth Corps, pursued the enemy vigorously and successfully up to this camp, but with no additional casualties. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~J. Ii. MOOHE Colonel, Commandinq. Capt. II. F. TEMPLE, Aely. Asst. A~jt. Gem, 2(1 Brig., 1st Dii., 4th Army Corps. No. 24. Report of Lieut. Col. Augustus U. Thssin, Thirty-fifth Indiana Tnfantry, of operations J)eeember 1519, 1864. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-FIFTh INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, near Rutherfords Creek, Tenn., December 1!), 1864. CAPTAIN: On the evening of the 14th instant, while in front of Nash- ville, I received orders to be ready to move at 6 oclock the next morn- ing, with three days rations in haversacks and each man supplied with sixty rounds of ammunition. On the morning of the 15th moved 6ut- hide of our works in front of the city, and formed in line of battle, my regiment being in the second line of our brigade, which was held in reserve, the Twenty-third Kentucky on my right, and the Ninety-sixth Illinois on the left. Oar front line having carried the enemys works and still advancing, our brigade moved forward in suI)port until after (lark, when we went into camp about three miles and a half from Nash- ville, on the right of the Granny White pike, and betweeii it and the flillsborongh pike. Next day (December 16) broke camp at daylight, and advanced in line of bittle upon the enemy, whohadformued anew line of defense about two miles in the rear of the works taken by our troops on the preceding day. The Thirty-fifth Indiana held the center of the second line of the brigade, with the One hundred and fifteenth Illi- nois on the right amid the Twenty-third Kentucky on the left; in this order we gradually advanced until the rebel works canine in view, when a rebel battery opened on our front line. The brigade being at a halt, we remained in this position exposed to the fire of the enemys artillery, which was kept up irregularly on our line. While in this position sev- eral shots came tearing through my regiment, two of which killed 2 muen and mortally wounded 2 others. About 4 p. m. our front line was ordered to charge, and carrying the enemys works, time second line moved ra~)idly in supl)ort. The enemy broke an(l fled in confusion, our Nominal list (omitted) shows 9 inch wounded Page 203 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NOI~TII ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 203 brigade rapidly pursuing in the same order as they formed in the morn- lug, until dark, when we halted and bivouacked about eight miles from Nashville, 300 yards on the right of the Franklin pike. Next morning (the 17th) took the line of march for Franklin, and camped about one mile from the town, there to wait nutil a bridge could be constructed across the ilarpeth River for the troops to cross. Crossed the river next morning, marched eighteen miles, and camped about three miles beyond Spring Hill, on the right of the Columbia pike. My officers and men behaved gallantly. Although the majority of the men of my regiment are recruits they did well. Great praise is due to Father Cooney for his constant presence in the field, attending to the wants of the wounded and cheering ns all by his presence. The following are the casualties in my command. They occurred on the l6th.* Trusting that the conduct of the Thirty-fifth Indiana has met the approval of the general commanding the brigade, 1 submit this hasty and hurriedly written report. I have the honor to l)e, very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUST. G. TASSIN, Lient. Cot., Corn 4g. Thirty;flfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Capt. II. F. TEMPLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 25. Report of Lient. Coi. James C. Erans, Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, of operations I)ecernber 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. TWENTY-FIRST REGT. KENTUCKY YET. VOL. INFTY., In the Field near Columbia, Teun., I)ecember 19, 1864. CAPTAiN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my regiment during th~ engageruent in front of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th: On the morning of the 15th, at daylight, I moved my regiment in obe- (hence to your orders, with the brigade, from its position near the (A ranny White pike, about half a mile to time right, and took position in the front line of the brigade, just outside the breast-works, with the Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry on my right and the One hundred and fifteenth Illinois on my left. I was not engaged during the day, the brigade being in reserve. At night my regiment was put in bivouac on the Granny White pike. During the day I had 1 man killed (J. A. Nicholas, private, Company E) and 1 slightly wounded (W. A. Gibbany, private, Company C). On the morning of the 16th, at daylight, I moved out by the right flank to the first line of works, from which the rebels were driven the evening before, at a point about half way between the Granny White and Franklin pikes, and was there assigned to a position in the front line, with the Forty-fifth Ohio on my right and the Ninety- sixth Illinois on my left. We therm moved forward to the second line of works where we halted for about one hour. We then moved to the front and right to a point about half a mile from the position occupied by the rebels, where we were halted and aligned, and then moved for- ward, all the time subjected to a heavy fire from the rebel artillery, * Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 men killed and 2 men wounded Page 204 204 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. about 400 yards, where we were halted and ordered by you to throw up works, which we did. At this point I had I officer and 1 man killed by a solid shot, First Lient. Hugh A. Hedger, commanding Company I (a brave and gallant young officer), and C. B. Thompson, private, Corn- pany 1. At about 4 p. in., in obedience to your instructions, I got my regiment ready for a charge upon the enemys works, which were about 600 yards off across a cornfield. A few minutes after the Forty-fifth jumped their works with a yell (the signal for my moving) and away we went; every man, it seemed, tried to get the lead. In abont three minutes from the time of leaving our works we entered the rebel works, the rebelswhat we did not captureflying in every direction before us. My colors were the first planted upon the four guns captured by the brigade, though the Ninety-sixth Illinois and Forty-fifth Ohio deserve as much credit each for the capture as my regiment. Just in rear of the works I halted my regiment and reformed them, and then moved forward, by your in structioii s, in pursuit of the rebels, but failed to get up with theni before dark when we went into bivouac. My officers and men acted with great coolness and bravery, as they have always heretofore done while engaged with the enemy. in the charge I lost 3 men slightly wounded, Corpi. W. S. MeMeekin, Coin- pany E; J. N. Owens, private, Company C, and D. N. Morton, private, Company F. The reason why I had so few men hurt was because the rebe2ls fired almost entirely above us. I cannot close my report without mentioning the gallantry with which the Forty-fifth Ohio and Ninety-sixth Illinois moved in the charge; they are both excellent regiments. In the I)ursllit of Hoods army so far my regiment has not beeu engaged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. C. EVANS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. H. F. TEMPLE, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Geft., 2d Brig., 1st Dir., 4th Army Corps. No. 26. Report of Lient. Col. George W. Northap, Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1664. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD KENTUCKY INFANTRY, In the Field, Tenn., December 18, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the ol)erations of my command during the late engagements in front of Nashville: My regiment moved from its camp near Nashville on the morning of the 15th instant, at 8 a. in., following the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and reached the Hillsborough pike at 9 a. m. We remained here nearly an hour, when we agairL moved and went into position in froiit of the works. Here we remained for a short time, when we advanced to the front and halted behind Battery G, First Ohio Light Artillery. It will be useless for me to attempt to give the different movements of the regiment on the 15th, as we were almost constantly in motion, and suffice it to say that we bivouacked for the night near the Granny White pike. On the morning of the 16th we moved at daylight and formed a line on the left of Granny White pike and parallel with it, the Twenty- third on the left of the second line. I remained here tom a short time Page 205 205 CHAP. LVIII CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. when I was directed to conform with the movement~ of the regiment on my right, which moved off by the right flank. I followed them for a short distance, when I was directed to form a double column and follow the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which formed the left of the front line. I followed them until they reached the rebel works near the Franklin pike, where I deployed thc regiment immediately in rear of the Ninety-sixth. In a few minutes after the deployment I was di- rected to follow the One hundred and fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which moved off by the right flank. I followed them for some distance, when we again went into position, my regiment forming the left of the second line. In this position we moved forward in line of battle about 500 yards, the enemy using his artillery upon us pretty briskly. But the mcii moved steadily forward and paid no attention to the shell that were bursting around them. We reached the position about 1 p. in. and remained until 3 a. in., when were again ordered for- ward, and only reached a hue of works that had bcen built by the front line. Here we remained until the front line had succeeded in taking the rebel works and were driving the enemy handsomely in front of them. After the enemy was thoroughly routed we again advanced, and soon overtook the front line and followed on until we went into camp for the night. Here the fighting ceased, and we have followed the enemy to this place and expect to go at him again in the morning. I am indebted to all of the officers of the regiineiit for the prompt man- ner in which they followed my directions, and for their assistance in keeping the ~men] quiet under the severe shelling that we lay under on the 16th instant. The casualties in the regiment were very slight, as the regiment was in the second line during the entire two days engage- ments. The following is the list of losses in the two days fight in front of Nashville: Harvey Copass and William II. Jenkins, Company A, and William J. Miles, Company F. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, GEG. W. NOI~THUP, Lientenant- Colonel, Comdy. Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry. Capt. H. F. TEMPLE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 24 Brig., 1st 1)iv., 4th Army Corps. No. 27. Report ~-f Licut. Cot. John IL Humphrey, Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516 1864 HDQRS. FORTY-FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER iNFANTRY, December 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part takeii by my regiment in the action before Nashville December 15 aiid 16: On the morning of the 15th the regiment moved in front on the right of the brigade, and although frequently exposed to the enemys artil- lery, our loss was very light, only one man woundedSergt. Joseph W. James, Company E; no other casualties on that day. On the 16th the regiment moved second from the right of the bri ~ade, in the front line, and after advancing in line for about half a mile, we halted in a peach orchard in front of one of our batteries. The enemy, seeing our posi- tion, commenced a furious shelling, during which we had one ma Page 206 206 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII killedJames II. Eastman, Company F. In a short time we received orders to advance to within 300 yards of the enemys works; we did so, and at once threw up breast-works, laid there some two hours, when we were notified that an advance was intended. We were to be gov- erned by the movements of the regiment on our right, aud which was a little in the rear of our line. The command Forward ~ was given,. and as soon as the regiment on our right came up on a line with us we advanced over our works, and with a yell charged the enemy in their works, driving them in every direction and capturing many, amid amidst shouts of applause the colors were planted on the enemy~s works. Not one of my officers faltered~ all did their duty nobly. As far as I was able to ascertain the men did their duty well. Lient. A. G. Henderson, Company C, was the first to reach the enemys works, and came very near being captured, but support coming up at once, he was able to take his captors prisoners. I think I am safe in saying that lie was the first to reach the enemys artillery. In this charge we had two men woundedCorpl. Wallace Botkin, Company K, mortally; Will- iam Norman, Company I, slightly. Much credit is due all my officers, but especially to Adjt. W. M. Williams, who was of great service to me in the absence of the other field officers; the adjutant was always at his post cheering the mnen, and being of munch assistance to mue. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. HUMPHREY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. II. F. TEMPLE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 28. Report of Lient. Cot. Charles if. Wood, Fifty Jirst Ohio Infantry, of operations December 151!), 1864. llu~QRs. FIFTY-FIRST REGT. Onio VET. VOL. INFANTRY, December 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: In comnl)liance with circular from brigade headquarters I have the honor to submit the following report of the part takei by time Fifty-first Ohio in the recent battle in front of Nashville, atl(l its operations from the morning of the 15th of l)ecember up to the present time: At daylight December 15 the Fifty-first Ohio moved with the bal- ainmce of the Second Brigade outside of the defenses of ~ ashville, amid to the right of the Hilisborough pike, where the brigade ivas massed and held in reserve, not taking part in the action, but keeping in support- ing distance of the advance line dnring the entire day, and camping at night on the right of the Granmiy White pike, one mile from the (lefenses of the city. On the morning of time 16th iiistamit at 6 oclock I moved my command, with the balance of the brigade, half a mile south on the Granny White pike, and formed line of battle, the Fifty- first Ohio taking position omi the right of the second line. The brigade then moved about three-quarters of a mile toward the Franklin pike, when it changed direction and moved south parallel with the l)ike. At this juncture ihe Fifty-first Ohio was ordered to the front line, which consisted of the Fifty-first Ohio on the right, the Forty-fifth Ohio and Twenty-first Kentucky in the center, and Ninety-sixth liii Page 207 CHAY. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 207 iiois on the left. With this formation the Second Brigade moved for- ward and obliqued to the right, u:nmasking the Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Corps, and filhng a gap that existed between the Third Brigade and the left of the Sixteenth Corps. Moving forward with the line about 600 yards we came in sight of the enemys works, which were located at the foot of~ a high range of hills. The eiiemy observing our advance opened heavily with artillery from several bat- teries. The Sixteenth Corps coming to a halt, and having received orders from General Whitaker to govern ruy movements by the troops on my right, I was compelled to halt my regiment in an open field, exposed to the fire of both musketry and artillery. I was here ordered to build works, which I immediately proceeded to do. The enemy attempted to dislodge us from our position with artillery, but were soon silenced by the Third Indiana Battery on our right and the Sec- ond Pennsylvania on our left. In this position I remained, skirmishing with the enemy until 4 oclock, at which time the Sixteenth Corps charged the enemys works, and in compliance with previous orders 1 immediately moved out of my works (then nearly completed), and charging across an open field a distance of 600 yards under a fire of musketry and artillery, (Irove the enemy from his works in great confusion, throwing his small-arms iii every direction, and abandoning a battery of Thur guns. The regiments on the left conforming to the same moven~ment, we continued the pursuit (capturing many prisoners) until night-fall, when I went into camp with the balance of the brigade on the Franklin ])ike, seven miles from Nashville. F~onm the morning of the 17th instant up to the preseimt timne I have conformed to the movement of the brigade in the pursuit of the enemy, and not having been engaged will refrain from going into the details of the march. The strength of my command upon entering the fight was 10 officers and 550 men. My loss was slight, but 1 man killed and 10 wounded. I cannot close this report without mt~ntion of the officers and men of my regiment for the coolness and gallammtry exhibited when under fire and in the assault made upon the enenirs works; mmot a imman faltered, but each and every one seemed to vie with the other in being foremost in time charge. To nmy staffAdjt. John E. Smith alI(l Sergt. Maj. Samuel G. J. WorthingtonI tender my thanks for assistance rendered me and comimiend them for their gallantry. I also take pleasimre in mentioning the nanmes of Capt. William Nicholas, Lieutenants Knous, Fisher, Ayres, Croxton, Pocock, and Purvis for the masterly manner in wimich they handled their mcmi and their gallant bearing during the actiomi. I-laying but seven limme officers, Coin panics B, E, and C were coummanded by Sergeammts Shaw, English, and Carrutlmers, who did honor to themselves and commands, and are deserving promotion. I wish to make special mention of my assistant surgeon, l)r. liobert P. Jeummings, ~x-ho remnaimmed at all times with the limme ot battle, rendering immediate relief to the wounded, and to whom I am nuder obligatiomms for assistance mu carrying orders. In additiomi to the tabular statement required with this report, as the casualties are light, I hereto annex a list of the names. I aiim, captaimi, very res~)Cctfully, your obedient servant, C. II. WOOD, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. H. F. TEMPLE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem, 2d Brig., 1st Div., 4th Army Corps. ~onmimial hi~t (omitted) ~how~ 1 man killed and 10 men woummded Page 208 208 KY., SW. VA., TEfl., MISS., ALA.~ AND N. GA. (Cs& r. LYIL No. 29. B1ort.qf Brig. (ten. Willis. Ordee, U. S. Army, eomms.dMg Third of operatE.... November 80, December 8, s.d December 15, 1864-.Jswary 6,1865. HDQS. THIRD DinG., FIRST Div., ForuTH ARMY Coups, Xehuille4 Tern.., December 5 1864. CAPTMN: I have the honor to report the part taken by this com mad in the battle at Franklin, Ten., on the 80th ultimo. The effective force (seven regiments) Rresent was about 2,227. We marched the precedin; night and morning of the 80th from near the north bank of Duck Diver a distance of seventeen miles. Arrived at Franklin about 10 s. m. buring.this march the enemywas menacing and in some pines attacking our right flank and trains and hail engaged some others of our forces at Spring Hill the evening before severely; After arriving at Franklin. ad resting about a hour2 while surveying the position, I was ordered ad took position on the right of the Centervill~pike with the left of the infantry line resting on the pike, the Eighty.fourth Indiana, Thirtieth Indiana, Seventy-fifth Illi- nois, ad Ninth Indiana in the front line from left to right in the order named; the latter regiment on the right refused. about 150 yards out of the main line. The Ei;htieth and Eighty-fourth Illinois Regiments were placed in the rear lme,the latter so place4 as to cover a ravine and low piece of pound between the Seventy-fifth Illinois and Ninth Indiana. The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania was all placed upon the skirmish line covering the brigade front, at half a mile out. As I was. forming these lines ad getting into position Captaii Ziegler, Com- pany B, Pennsylvania Battery, of four guns, reported to me; I placed him on the left of the pike, prolonging the left of my front line. The lines thus formed faced southwest My left was extended by a brigade of General Burrs diVision Twenty-third Corps, and to the right of my brigade were the other tw6 brigades of our division, extending to the river. Thecommandwasthnsinpositionbylp.m.,whenallhands went vigorously at work making barricades, preparing for thereception of the enemy that we knew were coming. About 4 oclock skirmishing commenced, and about 5 oclock the enemy in two lines made his appearance, drove in our skirmishers, and advanced steady in good order ad with great determination until their front line came within about 250 yards, when our front line was ordered and commenced to return the fire. The destruction to the enemy was terrible, yet they presbed forward,butfewof them got nearerthan 100 yards of our lines. The amys front lin0 apparently mostly fell; a few scattered ad dis- appeared. His secoid line broke ad fell back in confusion. In about thirty minutes after this repulse the enemy again made his appear- ance about 400 yards to my right, moving by the flank perpendicular to my front line, evidently contemplating nothing to the right of my brigade. In this hewasmistaken. He soon camaupon Colonel Kirbys brigade to my right, and by a concentrated fire direct from Kirby and oblique from the right -of my line was soon severely punished and driven baek in confusion. After dark a short time the enemy again advanced and made a weak attempt to carry our position, but was repulsed as before. We then advanced our skirmishers, and so continued ntil we were ordered and withdrew at midnight to the north sided Harpeth River, and matched for this place. It was Lorings division of Stewarts corps, of the rebel army, that engaged my brigade, as we l~arned from prisoners taken Page 209 CHAP. LVII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 209 Captain Zieglers l)attery oii this as on former occasions did splendidly and intlicted severe injury upon the enemy. My officers and men behaved well. Colonel Rose and his brave Seventy-seventh Pennsyl- vaiiia Regiment deserve notice for the gallant manner in which they resisted the advance of and skirmished with the enemy until driven by overwhelming nnmbers into the main lines. The Thirtieth Indiana, most of them new recruits, nuder Captain Lawton, commanding the regiment, stood by the colors to the man and fonght well. I had the honor of being oim their portion of the line most of the time, and can speak of my own knowledge. The Eighty-fourth Indiana, under Major Taylor, on the left of the front line, maintained their position bravely. The Seventy-fifth Illinois, nuder its gallant colonel (Bennett), dis- char,~ed its whole duty. The Ninth Indiana, as on all former occasions, with its brave and daring colonel (Suman), did their part. I regret to be compelled to record the severe wonud of Colonel Waters, of the Eighty-fourth Illinois, in the upper part of the right arm, from a far- reaching minie to the rear of the line. The Eightieth Illinois, under Captain Cunningham, did a willing part in being shifted from one point to another during the engagement where danger would threaten most. I return my grateful acknowledgements to my staff officers and non- commissioned staff for the efficient and willing assistance given me on the field; The following table shows the casualties in the command: I Officer~ Men. Command. -~ --_ a .~ 1- I K 75th Illinois volnnteer Infantry 80th Illinois volonteer Infantry I 84th Illinois volnnteer Infantry 2 2 - 2 9th Indiana volnnteer Infantry 30th Indiana volunteer Infantry 2 6 6 7 84th Indiana volunteer Infantry 19 19 77th Pennsylvania volnnmeer Infantry 2 1 2 Total 2 21 ~I 22 101 35 17 For further particulars reference is made to the reports of regimental commaimders herewith forwarded as far as I have been able to obtain them. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, W. 0-ROSE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. N. 0-. FRANKLIN, Aetg. Asst. AdIt. (1cm, First Division, Fourth Corps. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST l)IYISIoN, FOITRTH CORPS, Nashville Teun., December 8, 1864. SIR: As requested, I have the honor to make the following report as to the transactions on the picket-line this afternoon: The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, from this brigade, was OH picket with posts and sentinels, their left resting Olt the Franklin pike, connecting across the pike with pickets of time Twenty-third 14 R HVOL XLV~ PT Page 210 210 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL Corps, on the right with those of the First Brigade, this division. When I arrived on the ground my pickets had regained the posts, those on the right were returning to theirs, a portion of those on the left across the pike were in the act of advancing to the brick house in rear of where their reserve pickets had been. The rebels at this time had possession of the sentinel line to my front and left. Colonel Rose, coin- manding Seventy-seventh, states that the line gave way to his right and left before his regiment fell back. Lieutenant-Colonel Lasselle, Ninth Indiana, division officer of the day, corroborates this statement as to the right. Shortly after I got to the line the enemy was driven from the sentinel line to my front, and I presume also to my right, and all repossessed by our sentinels. The enemy was also driven from the former sentinel line at and to the left of the pike for some distance, but when I came in our former sentinel line to the left of the pike was not yet reoccupied by the Twenty-third Corps. From the best information I can obtain a skirmish line only of the enemy advanced upon our pickets, but that a battle line came out of the rebel trenches as far as the creek in our IThut on the pike. I think there were no good reasons for our lines fThling back. I will take the liberty of stating here, as I have to division officers of the day and others, that taking our division picket-line together, it is not well posted. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, W. GItOSE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. B. 13. MASON, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. THIRD BRiG., FIRST Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, IJuntsrille, Ala., January G, 1SG~. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in the battles at iNashville, Tenn., on the 15th and IJ3th of iDecember, 1864. Pursuant to orders from division commander, I moved my brigade from its position in front of Nashville,~ near the Franklin pike, to the right of the Hillsborough pike. Six regiments marched with me at day- light on the morning of the 15th. The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania being on picket, followed as soon as relieved. My effective force, 2,190. The order of battle was to be by divisions in echelon forward on the right. My brigade was formed on the right of the ilihisborough pike and in front of our fortifications surrounding the city, the Second I)ivision of the Fourth Corps on my right, the First Brigade of our division on my left. Of my command the Eighty-fourth and Eightieth Illinois and Ninth Indiana were in the front line from right to left, in the order named; the Seventy-fifth Illinois, Thirtieth and Eighty-fourth Indiana in the secoiid line. The Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, when relieved from picket, came up in reserve. The lines of the enemy ran at right angles with the Franklin and Granny White pikes, and continued in the same direction on to a hill near to the left of the ililisborough pike, where it made an angle obliquely to the rear, fronting the Hills- borough pike, and covering well his left flank of main line. My position was immediately in front of the angle, as above described, of the enemys line. The Sixteenth Corps, on the right of our corps, which was to move forward in echelon to us, had much farther to move, and skirmish over more ground thami we, before reaching the enemys mai Page 211 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 211 lines; hence, the forenoon was used in the Sixteenth Corps swinging around and driving in the out lines of the enemy so as to meet his main lines at the same time our corps would in a general advance. Upon an intervening ridge or hill, halfway distant from where my lines were formed and the enerny~s main lines, were his lines of out- post, and about 600 yards from where we formed. At about nooi our corps lines moved forward, drove in the enemys outposts, my front line ca~)turing several prisoners and sustaining Some ~, mostly from artillery. We occupied the ridge that had been in possession of the enemy, with our skirmishers well advanced down the farther slope. While in this position I suggested to the corps commander that if another intervening eminence to the left of my command, and in front of Colonel Kirbys brigade, was carried, aim d the enemys outposts driven therefrom, I thought I could then advance over the valley in my front and ascend the hill and carry the enemys main line and his artillery that had been dealing roughly with us. The corps commander said it should be doiie. In a few minutes thereafter I received direc- tions from the division commander to advance in conjunction with Col- onel Kirbys brigade on my left, which was then commencing to move. I sonnded the forward and advanced my front line down the slope, over hedges and stone fences, across a narrow valley, and to a lon~ stone fence at the base of the enemys hill about 400 yards from his main works and battery in the angle as I have above described. Colonel Kirbys brigade advanced equally as far. The division on my right did not come up until sonic time after. Some time was consumed in this position in preparing for the assault, our skirmishers gradually crawling up time hill. In this position my two left regiments in front limie had crossed, and lay to the left of the Ilillsborough pike. At about 4 oclock the corps and division commanders, I think, were on the lines to my left. I discovered preparations for the advance in that direction, and the lines began to move. I ordered the forward, and the whole line from right to left as far a~ I could see advanced rapidly. The Eightieth Illinois, my center regiment, struck the enemys works at the angle, the Eighty-fourth Illinois to the right, and the Ninth Indiana to the left. The struggle was soon over~ time enemy routed, leaving four pieces of artillery and some prisoners in this part of the works. My two left regiments, without further orders and without stopping to count their trophies or captures, pursued the fleeing enemy beyond his works about 600 yards, and was anxious for farther pursuit. It xvas now night-fall. We formed and readjusted lines and attemnpted pur- suit, and succeeded in crossing the Granny White pike, moving along the emmemys works to the east, when the darkness prevented farther movements, and we threw up some works at our front lines and rested for the night. At daylight on the morning of the 16th 1 v~as directed and moved my command to the front, crossed a creek, and occupied the abandoned works of the enemy to the right of the Franklin pike. Skirmaishimmg was now going on in front. We soon advanced to another abandoned line of works, and after considerable moving about near the pike, and time position of the emmemy being ascertained, I was directed, and near noon formed in line on the right of the Second Division of our corps, and to the right of the pike, and on the left of the Secomid Brigade of our division time Seventy-fifth Illinois, Eighty-fourth Indiamia, and Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania in front line from right to left in the order named; the Eighty-fourth Illinois and Ninth Indiana in second line; the Eightieth Illinois and Thirtieth Indiana in third line. Th Page 212 212 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. view. and skir enemys lines were in plain mishing and artillery firing were briskly going on. The ground to my front was open, mostly a farm, with a ravine running obliquely across my front to the left, and which I bad to cross before reaching tile enemys lines. A little after noon the advance was ordered and the whole lines moved as far as I could see either way. We soon drove in the enemys skirmishers to their outpits or first works, and assaulted and carried them. On gaining these works 1 discovered the Second Division to my left moving beyond to the main line of the enemys works, which was about 400 yards to my front ; I also ordered the forward, but as I was starting I discovered the line to my right was not moving, and I halted my two right regiments, seeing they could not advance alone without a severe fi ank fire upon them. The left regiment, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, Colonel Rose, moved forward to the right of the Second Division to within a few paces of the enemys main works. The Second l)ivi~ion being repulsed, Colonel Roses regiment also fell back to the first line gained, which we strength- ened and maintained under a severe fire from the enemys main line. We were now safely in this position and ready for another move. Near 4 oclock the fighting was very severe far to our right, and it was discovered that our forces had turiied the rebel left and were roll- ing them. The assault was taken up from right to left all along our lines. My front moved in conjunction with the lines on my right. The engagement now became general. The enemys lines were soon carried, with many prisoners, and all his artillery that was in his works. The scene was magnificent; the grandest I have beheld during the war. Most of the enemy in my front were captured, with three pieces of artillery. Tile enemys trenches were strewn with arms, accouter- inents, and camp equipage. The officers of the three front regiments, with mnany privates, led the van, cheering onward, as did those who fol- lowed in the rear lines. Lamented Adjutant Gregory, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, fell when within about 100 yards of the enemys works, from an artillery ball or shell, while pressing forward with his regiment. May kind remembrances follow him. My brigade moved forward of all other troops on the right of the Franklin pike, so that my skirmishers covered the mountain pass at Brentwood at night-fall, where we rested for the night. Early next morning the pursuit was contimmned, my brigade in front. Our forces continued to press the enemy until his remainder, not killed, wounded, or captured, had crossed the Tennessee River, about 110 miles from Nashville. We pursued under bad weather, over bad roads, and with great fatigue and hard labor to the command, to Lexington, Ala.; fromu thence to this place. The regimental commanders, Colonel Bennett, Colonel Rose, Colonel Suman, Lieutenant-Colonel Morton, Major Taylor, Captain Lawton, and Captain Cunningham, with their officers and men, have my grate- ful thanks for their willing obedience to or(lers, their brave and effi- cient executiomi of every duty upon the battle-field and during the cam ~)aign. lines and positions contaiii- My command routed the enemy from his immg 7 pieces of artillery4 on the first and 3 on the secommd day; captured a large number of small-arms, with 12 captaimis, 23 lieutenaimts, and 606 enlisted men prisoners, as shown by copies of vouchers hereto attached. It is hoped that credits will not be given or claimed for prisoners without vouchers. The trophies captured are shown by sepa- rate special reports from regiments and have been forwarded Page 213 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 213 I am indebted to my staff officers and non-commissioned staff for their interest manifested in the welfare of the command, and their prompt and efficient service on the battle-field and dnring the march. I miss the gallant yonng officer, Lieutenant Parrott, Seventy-fifth Illinois, one of my aides, who fell in the second days battle, badly wounded in the thigh. The following table shows the ainouiit of (asilalties in the command, to wit: (Itlicers. Men. A ggregate loss. Command. - P a p ~a -~ 75th Illinois Volunteers, Col- John E. Bennett 2 9 4 4 6 6 80th Illinois Volunteers, Capt. J. Cunningham 7 7 84th Illinois Volunteers, Lient. Col. C. n. Morton 1 1 t S 1 0 9 9th Indiana Volunteers, CoL I. C. B. Sumasi S I ii 17 18 18 18 80th Indiana Volunteers, Capt. n. W. Lawtou 6 6 I 6 6 (l 84th Indiana Volnuteess Maj. John C. Taylor I - - - - 1 1) 20 20 77th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Thomas E. Jlose. - I - - - 1 13 16 16 Total 214 6 4 tl 6175 1 82 82 Whilst I rejoice that the nnnlber of casualtte~ is not luge, yet I deeply regret the loss of such excellent and brave soldiers. Lieuteii- ant Baldwin, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania, an excellesit and brave young officer, fell in the second days battle at his J)ost, atid died as heroes die. For further particulars of the part taken by each regiment, respec- tively, reference is nla(le to reports of regimental colnlnan(lers herewith - forwarded. I have the honor to be, capta1n, your obedient servant, W. (~.ROSE, Ilviqadje)- (~en (1U 1 Comnmand~n(, I Capt. E. D. MASON, ~1~vttaiit A djntant- (,Yucral. No. 80. ReporIN ~/ (Jol. John B. Bennett, Seventy-fifth Illinois infantry, of oper atious November 30 and December 151(1, 1864. IIDQRS. SEvENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS \T0L8., Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders received I Itave the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle at Franklin, Teun., on November 30, 1864: The regiment moved with the command from Duck River at 10 p. m. on the 29th of November; continued the march until 7 a. m. November 30, when we arrived at Franklin. We halted a few minutes to get breakfast, and in obedience to the order of Brigadier- General (3-rose this regiment was placed in position on the front hue at the right of the pike, joiniug the Ninth Indiana Veteran Volunteers on the right Page 214 214 ICY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. LVII. the Thirtieth Indiana Veteran Volunteers on the left. The men were kept hard at work makin9 rifle-pits until about 4 p. in., when brisk fir- ing was heard on the skirmish line in my front. The skirmishers were soon driven back by the enemy, who was now seen advancing in heavy lines of battle. I ordered the men to drop their intrenching tools, put on their accouterments, and take their places behind the uncompleted works, ready to repel the attack of the enemy. It was with difficulty that the men were made to hold their fire until tile enemy were near enoug-h for them to do good execution. He moved forward in good order within good musket-range. 1 theii ordered the men to fire. The first volley partially stopped his advance. A few more well-aimed vol- leys sent the enemy back in confusion. Brisk skirmishing was kept up till late in the night. No casualties occnrred in the regiment. At dark 1 sent some men a few rods in front of my line of works to observe any move that the enemy might make, and soon after a company for picket under colnman(I of Capt. Amos B. Segur, C mpany I. At 12 midnight the works were evacuated, and with the command I moved across the ilarpeth River. I have never seen such coolness and deter- mined bravery by all of my officers and men, in repelling the attack of a superior force, as at the battle of Franklin. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. BENNETT, Colonel, (10mm a nding AS~eventy -fifth Ilbuots. Lient. FRANK BINGHAM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Driqade. HEADQIJARTERN SEVENTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, near , Ala., January 2, 18G5. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the engagements of the 15th and 16th ultimo: On the morning of December 15, at 7 a. in., in compliance with instruc- tions from Brigadier-General Grose, I luoved my regiment from the works we had built and occupied for two weeks, going about one umile to the right, and formed my line, supporting the Eighty-fourth Illinois Vol- unteers, with my right connecting with the Second Division of the Fourth Army Corps. This regiment was retained in the second line dur- ing the entire day. Governing my movements by those of the front line, keeping at all times within supporting distance, I followed the Eighty- fourth illinois Volunteers until after night-fall, passing through the abandoned works and camps of the enemy, and bivouacked near the Granny White pike. December 16, at 6 oclock in the morning I formed my regiment fronting nearly east, occupying the right front of the brigade, and connecting with Brigadier-General Whitakers left. With one company deployed for skirmishers, I moved without opposi- tion to near the Franklin pike, where I rested for an hour. In compli- ance with instructions I now changed direction to the right and reformed near the house of Mr. Plater, having changed my front from east to south. The enemy from this point could be distinctly seen, and in my immediate front, about one-third of a mile distant, were occupy- ing a bald eminence protected by temporary works of rails and brush. The interveniimg distance was through an old corn-field, unbroken by anything that would afford us the least protection, but at the comman Page 215 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 215 forward every man I)romptly obeyed the order, but the men being heavily loaded and the ground very wet and muddy, it was impossible to preserve the line. When within fifty yards of the enemys works I was confronted by a small muddy streani, f)roducing almost a halt while in plain view and easy range of the enemys rifles, an advantage of which they availed themselves by giving us a full volley. Their aim, however, was too high and resulted in no damage to ns except the wounding of Capt. B. L. Irwin, Company U. The stream was 50011 crossed, and, at a double-quick, delivering our fire as we went, we assaulted their works, they stubbornly refusing to give them until we had arrived within a few feet of them. We capture(l here twenty prisoners; more mighthave been taken had the men been permitted to disencumber them- selves of their knapsacks and other superfluous baggage. The force routed here was at least equal to my own in numbers. The secoud and main line of the rebel works was n~w in plain sight, distant about 400 yards, at which we kept up a lively fire for about an hoar, receiving in return a severe fire of shot and shell, killing 2 men and wounding 2 more. We improved the works and remained in this position until 3 p. in., when I was again ordered forward to assault the main works. The ground to be passed over was an old wheat-field with deep mud, and worse, if possible, than the cirn-field through which we charged in the morning, but the distance was made with all possible speed, and as we scaled their works at least one-half of the force threw down their arms and surrendered; the remainder were in full retreat. I am unable to give the number ef prisoners captured by my regiment here; it is variously estimated at from 100 to 300. My line was now badly broken, but with only a momentary halt the men rallied on their colors and pushed forward impetuously for something over a mile. Being now completely exhausted, we were relieved by the rear and supporting line, but darkness soon prevented farther pursuit, and we camped near the Franklin pike, six miles from Nashville. It affords me pleasure to testify to the coolness, courage, and gal- laimtry of both the officers and nien of my command. Where all are equally brave it were unjust to particularize, bnt of the few recruits (twenty in number) who joined us but a few days previous to the en- gagement, tis but an act of justice to say that they behaved with great gallantry, delivering their fire with the coolness and bravery of the veteran soldier. It is with regret that I lose the services of that worthy officer, Capt. Robert L. Irwiii, a most exemplary man, brave and untiring in the dis- charge of his duties. This is the second wound the captain has re- ceived since entering the service; the first, at the battle of Perryville, obliged him to resign, but I am happy to learn that his present wound will not disable him, and that his absence will be but temporary. I have the honor to subjoin the following list of the killed and wounded in this regi~n cut during the eng gement: Killed, Sylvester Chapman and Gilbert W. Jennings, privates, Company I; wounded, Capt. Robert L. Irwin, Company G, Byron Weldou and II. Edward Tal- cott, privates, Company C. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. BENNETT, Colonel. Lient. FRANK BINGHAIXI, Aide-dc- Camp, Third Nriyade Page 216 21G KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 81. Reports of Capt. James Cunningham, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. HDQRS. EIGHTIETH REGT. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., Near Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received from brigade head- quarters I have the honor to submit tlie following report of the part taken by my command in the late battle at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864: The regiment reached Franklin about 11 oclock a. m. of the 30th, and, by direction of General Grose, immediately went into position on the right of the rear line of the brigade, our right connecting with the First Brigade and our left with ~he Eighty-fourth Illinois. Here we threw up breast-works and remained till S p. in., when we were ordered to the support of the Second Pennsylvania Battery, which was sta- tioned on the Centerville turnpike about a quarter of a mile to ou~ left. About 10 p. m. the battery was removed, and we were ordered back to our original position. At 12 oclock, in conjunction with the rest of the brigade, we resumed our march toward Nashville. I h-ave the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Captain, Commanding. [Capt. JOSEPH BIIINTON.] HDQRS. EIGHTIETH IIEGT. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS., Elk River, Ala, January 2, 1865. SIR: In accordance with -orders from brigade headquarters I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my com- mand in the late fight near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th days of iDecember, 1864: At 6 oclock of the 15th the regiment struck tents, and at 6.30 oclock, by direction of General Grose, moved out, following the Eighty-fourth Illinois. We formed on the right of the llillsborongh pike, in the front line, our right connecting with the Eighty-fourth Illinois, and our left with the Ninth Indiana. About 10 oclock we began to advance under a heavy artillery fire from the batteries. By 3 p. in. we had advanced to the foot of the hill on which the rebel works were constructed, and on the left of the Hillsborough pike. When the final order to charge was given we umoved up the hill on double-quick, and scaling the breast-works at the point where the rebel battery was posted, captured it, and pressed on after the flying rebels. After pursuing them a quarter of a mile I halted my command to reformu the line when an aide rode up and ordered me to return to the brigade, which was formina some distance iii the rear. In endeavoring to retrace my steps amid the general confusion I took the wrong course, and did not succeed in rejoining the brigade till some time after dark, bat finally came up with it on the Granny White pike, where we bivouacked for the night and built works. During the day I lost 2 men mortally and 1 severely wounded. On the 16th the regiment formed in the rear line, a~i~d though exposed to a heavy artillery fire was not engaged in the fight. Near the close of the day the rear line passed to the front and advance Page 217 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 217 about half a mile, but met with no resistance from the demoralized enemy. We bivouacked for the night some five miles from Nashville, our left resting on the Frankliu pike. Though our loss was small, I am happy to be able to report that all, both officers and men, performed every duty assigned theni cheerfully and fearlessly as becomes brave men. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Captain, Commanding Regiment. iCtlt. FRANK I3INGIIAM, Aide-dc- Camp, 3d Brig., 1st Div., 4th Army Corps. No. 82. Reort~ of Col. Charles II. Morton Ki ~p.. Lient. , ghtyjonrth Illinois Infan try, ~f operations November 30 and December 15iG, iSGI. IIEAIJQITARTER8 EIGHTY-FOURTH iLLINOIS INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 18G4. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make, for the information of the general commanding, the following report of the part taken by the Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Yoluuteer Infantry, commanded by Col. L. II. Waters, in the engagement of November 30, at Franklin, Teun.: The regiment was placed in positiou on a ridge covering a ravine in front. On the right of this ravine the left of the Ninth Indiana rested. and on the left of it the right of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, both regi- ments being about 100 yards in advance of the position occupied by the Eighty-fourth Illinois, thus leaving a gap in the lines of some fifty yards, which the position assigned to us effectually covered. Hasty breast-works were thrown up, but no time was given to construct works of sufficient strength to resist artillery before the enemy attacked. NG opportunity offered for opening fire upon the enemy from our works, as they were driven back by the fire from the Seventy-fifth Illinois and Ninth Indiana in every attempt that was made to charge up the ravine. At dusk, up to which time but one casualty had occurred in the com- mand, Lient. R. W. Caswell, adjutant, being wounded in the neck, but not dangerously, I was directed by Colonel Waters to report to Geii- eral Grose in the rear of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, with four companies, which I did, taking with me Companies A, I, K, and B. The two latter were sent by the general in advance of the lines, and had some skir- Inishing with the enemy, but fortunately umet with no casualties. At 1~ oclock (midnight) I was directed to withdraw with the remaining companies to the Centerville pike, almd there join the rest of the com- mand, to follow in the rear of the brigade as they withdrew from the town. It was at this time that I received the painful intelligence that Col- onel Waters was seriously wounded in the arm and near the shoulder. It gratifies me now to be able to say that it is thought his aria will be saved, and there is every prospect that he will not be long in recover- ing; though the ball passed through the bone, the surgeons represent that it is not broken. The woands of the colonel and adjutant were the only casnalties in the command, though I will mentiomi here that Lieutenant Waters, of the Eighty-fourth Illinois, for some time pas Page 218 ~18 KY., ~W. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. ~4A. rCHAP. Lvii. and n~w aide-dc-camp to General Kiniball, commanding First Division, received his Secon(l wound in this engagement. At Stones River he was wounded in the foot, and now in the forearm, though not so sen- onsly but that he kept his saddle during the engagement, and is still on duty. Though the regiment was not closely engaged it was in range of the musketry and artillery of the enemy during the whole progress of the battle, and both officers and men evinced that eagerness and deter- mination they have so often shown in many har(l-fought battles to do their part in the work that might be assigned to them. The constant vigilance and activity for which Colonel Waters is noted was even more than usually conspicuous iii his efforts on this occasion to make preparations to resist the attack; and though constantly exposed to the fire of the enemy from the time their first charge was made, he seemed only intent upon having his command in readiaess at all points to meet any emergency that might arise. The length of time that must necessarily elapse before he can return to duty will be ~reat1y regretted by the officers and men of the regiment. After Colonel Waters received his wound Major Cox took command of the six companies remaining at the breast-~vorks, and at 12 oclock joined me on the pike as we withdrew from the town. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. 11. MOI{3?ON, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Eighty-fourth Illinois linfautry. Lient. F. BINGHAM, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTY-FOURTH ILLINoIs INFANTRY, Huntsville, Ala., January 5, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make, for the information of the general commanding, the following report of the part taken by the Eighty-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer [ufantry, under my command, in the battles of the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, at Nashville, Teun.: When the brigade moved out of camp at daylight on the morning of the 15th in obedience to orders, I took the advance, and after passing through the fortifications on the llillsborough pike filed to the right and took my position in the front line on the right of the brigade, some 200 yards to the west of the pike and about the same distance in front of the works, the Eightieth Illinois on my left, the Second Division of the Fourth Corps on my right. I advanced in line of battle, guiding right, somewhat over a umile under a severe artillery fire from the enemy, by which I had 6 men wounded. My command halted under the shelter of a stone fence, within 300 or 400 yards of the enemys works, where I remained about an hour and a half, in part protected from the enemys fire by the stone wall, but principally by a battery on a hill to our left and some regiments of the Third Brigade to the left of us, which kept up a galling fire upon the enemy and prevented theum to a great extent from using either artillery or infantry against us. About 4 oclock in the afternoon, the order being given to advance, I crossed the Ilillsborough pike by the right flank, and ascending a hill entered the rebel works in time to see the enemy retreating in disorder, some of their artillery being abandoned and left in theli- works at th Page 219 CHAP. LViI.j CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 219 point where my command entered. I continued to advance by the hank until orders were received from the general to halt anti form in line. I will add here that, notwithstanding the excitement attending the pur- suit and rout of the enemy, my command kept together, and at no time was there any confusion or difficulty in enforcing prompt obedience to orders. At sundown I was ordered to move in an easterly direction, and after dark, having advanced a mile or more, crossed the Granny White pike, went into position and constructed works, as directed by the general. As I was formiiig my lines at this point 23 prisoners were sent to inc by Lieutenant Itoeschlaub, who captured them with his company on the skirmish line. On the morning of the 16th I moved at daylight, and crossing the Franklin pike remained for sonic time in the enemys works, but after- ward recrossed the pike, and advanced in huie of battle on the right, and in the rear line of the brigade, to a point in front of the new posi- tion occupied by the rebel forces, and about 500 yards from their works. I lost 2 men wounded by artillery while advancing to this position. I remained here three hours or more, my command covering a ravine in front, on the right of which was the Second Brigade of the First 1)ivis- ion and on the left the Seventy-fifth Illinois. i)uring the time that I held this position the Seventy-fifth illinois kept up a steady and effect- ive fire on the enemy, by which I was so well protected that I met with no casualties. Between the hours of 3 and 4 p. m. I moved in order of battle in conjunction with the whole line, and charging at a double- quick to the enemys works, passed over them without losing a man. Before entering their works over 200 rebel prisoners passed through my command, but deeming it of the greatest importance to keep my connection with the rest of the brigade and to lose no time in pressing the enemy, I allowed them to pass through to the rear, to be taken in charge by the provost gnards. I continued to advance until I found that there were no troops connecting with me on the right or left, and seeing General Kimball I halted and went to him for orders. lie directed me to advance as fast as possible toward a rebel battery that had opened upon us from the direction of Breutwood, on the Franklin pike. In obedience to the order I advanced some half a mile farther with as much speed as the exhaustion of my men would allow, and finding that I had passed the skirmish line halted for the purpose of forming a new line of skirmishers. At this time the Seventy-fifth illinois came up and joined us on the left, and soon after General Grose and staff. 1 was afterward ordered to continue the advance, which I did, guiding left, until night overtook us, when I received orders from the general to move my command to his headquarters on the pike near Brentwood, and bivouacked for the night. As I passed the rifle-pits of the enemy I found them filled with arms and accouterments which had been thrown away as they fled, and also saw some pieces of artillery and caissous which had been abandoned, but kept my entire command advancing, as I considered the importance of retaining my relative position in the line paramount to everything else. My loss in the battles of the 15th and 16th is S men wounded amid 1 missing. I was greatly indebted to Major Cox and Lieutenant Edson, acting adjutant, for the efficient aid they rendered me, and anythimig that I could add here in praise of the spirit and gallantry displayed at all times by them and by every officer and man of the regiment would be too little. Too much cannot be said in praise of all, and the gahlatutry and devotion shown by them in the battles.of the 15th and 16th gav Page 220 220 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. LVII. assurance that they will be as eager in the future as in the past to meet the enemy, determined not to fail in whatever part they may be called upon to take in subduing the rebellion and restoring peace to their country. List of casnalties.* Very respectfully, your obedient servai it, C. ii. MORTON, Lieutenant- (!oionel, Comma 11(l/nfl Eighty-fourth Tilino b~. Lient. F. BINGHAM, Aide-dc- Camp, 3d J?rig., 1st I)ir., 4th A rmy (Jorps. No. 33. Reports 0/ Cal. Isaac C. B. ASuman Ninth Indiana Infantry, of oper ations November 30 and December 1516 1861. hEADQUARTERS NINTH INDIANA VETERAN INFANTRY Nashville, Ten n., December 6, 1861. LiEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my regiment iii the light at Franklin, rf cnn., November 30, 1864: My regiment that day was placed in line of battle, extending the right of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, with a space of about forty yards intervening, a small ravine nd stream of water running betweeu. As soon as the line was formed works were thrown up and completed just as the rebels made their appearance iii front, about 5p.m. Only a skirmish line showed itself in front of my regiment, though their line of battle was seen very close in front of the Seventy-fifth Illinois. One volley, an oblique fire, was all the fighting my regiment did. No cas- ualties occurred. At midnjght the regiment drew away from the work, crossed the river, and marched for Nashville. Respectfully submitted. 1. C. B. SUIVIAN, Colonel Ninth Indiant Infantry. Lientenai it I3lNGHAmv[. HEADQUARTERS NINTH INDIANA INFANTRY, In camp near Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment (Ninth Indiana Infantry) in the battles before Nashville, 15th and 16th of December, 1864: On the morning of the 15th I was ordered to take post with my regi- ment on the left of the front line of the brigade, and Company I of the regiment was ordered forward as skirmishers under command of Cap- tain Nutt. When the brigade advanced the skirmishers from umy regi. meut charged the enemys pits and captured eight prisoners, driving the enemy and losing several men seriously wounded. After advancing 300 or 400 yards I was ordered to halt, and remained quiet a while in a position protected from the artillery fire of the enemy. I was again ordered to advance, and moved down the slope of the hill, behind which we had just been lying for protection, and through corn-fields in the low ground, until I came to a small ri4ge, behind which I ordered the men to lie down. Observing a few minntes later that the right of the Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 7 men wounded, and 1 man missing Page 221 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 221 regiment was exposed from th~ ridge falling away in that direction, I moved rapidly forward again over a corn-field, and took shelter in a sunken road behind a stone fence which afforded protection from the fire out of the enemys works, now only about 40() yards distant on a hill. This last advance, nearly half a mile, although in plain view of the enemy and under fire of his artillery all the time and for quite a distance exposed to the fire of small-arms, was so rapid that it was accomplished with bnt small loss. Whilst lying in this road several of my men were injured by shells from one of our own batteries playing over us. In order not to interfere with the working of the battery, and at the same time to protect my men, I ordered the three right companies of the regiment to move to the right. This left an interval of 200 yar(ls between these companies and the balance of the regiment, which was the c~~use,in the advance which shortly afterward took place, of these companies being some distance in rear of and prevented their reach- ing the works 50 soon as the balance of the regiment, which had moved some distance before I could get orders to these detached companies to move. After lying nearly an hour behind this stone fence I was ordered to charge the works on the hill in my front. The regiment sprang ont of the sunken road, and advanced rapidly and steadily over an open field for nearly 200 yards under a galling fire from the rebel works, and without halting ascended the hill nutil within sixty or seventy paces of the enemys line, where observing the men were much fatigued and also impeded by their knapsacks, I ordered theni unslung. This was done in a moment, and the regiment rushed forward over the short intervening space so quickly that many of the enemy could not get away from the works before my men were upon them. A corps staff officer ordered me to move ahead. Seeing the enemy fleeing in my front I scarcely took time to reform when I pushed forward in pursuit for nearly half a mile, when I halted the regiment, as I discovered it was useless to pursue with a prospect of making any captures, as the enemy fled so rapidly my men could no.t overtake them. I reformed with and ~omned in the advance of the brigade across the Granny White pike, and bivouacked with it that night. In the assault on the works on Montgomery Hill I am proud to bc4ieve I can claim that if men of my regiment were not first in the enemys works, at least there were none there before the Ninth. The regiment passed over several pieces of cannon and a large number of the enemy in the works, but (lid not stop to secure trophies or count prisoners~ but dashed onward after the largest body of armed rebels they could see in their front. On the morning of the itith the Ninth was ordered to form in rear of the second line, and advanced in this position with the brigade until the charge on and capture of the enemys outer works, when my regiment and a regiment from the second line were ordered to form between the first and second lines. I staid here under shelter until the final assault. When the first line vacated the temporary works made by turning those lately taken from the enemy, and advanced to the assault, I was ordered to occupy the works just vacated, but was immediately ordered out of them, and to press foi~~vard, in obeying which order my regiment passed into the front line, and crossed the enemys works with that line. While reforming in rear of the works the gemi- eral commanding the brigade himself rode in front of the regiment, amid ordered it to advance at once. Dashimig forward the regiment did not again halt until the brigade was reformed on the hill more than a mile behind the enemys works. When the rear line was ordered to take the a(lVancC my regiment was ordered to move with the former front, now rear line, antI continued in this position until the brigad Page 222 222 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N~. GA. [CHAP. LYIi. shortly afterward halted, and rested for the night. On taking the works on the 16th many prisoners and trophies were, as on the previous day, passed by the regiment without note being made of them. And as on the 15th, agaiu we pressed the enemy so closely that many of them could not get away from the works and were captured. And as before, those who succeeded in getting away fle(l so rapidly, throwing away arms and everything which hindered their flight, that it was impossible to overtake them. My loss in the two days fighting was 1 officer and 17 men wounded; none were killed. Accompanying this report is a list of casualties.* The slightness of the loss sustained by the regiment I attribute to the rapidity of its advance, which kept the men from being long under fire and to the fact that their steady, per- sistent movement forward disconcerted the enemy; for my men never faltered for an instant during the two days, even under the sharpest fire. To the gallant men of the Ninth I owe my thanks for the more than cheerful, the eager alacrity with which they obeyed every order to move against the enemy. I expected much from them, and my expectations were more than realized. With such men it is impossible to fail. To Lieutenant-Colonel Lasselle and to Major Carter I am greatly indebted for valuable assistance. Doctor Gilinore followed the regi- mentclosely and did all for the wounded that could be done. Sergeant- Major Burr did his whole duty and exhibited his usual ccolness under fire. I cannot give too much i)raise to the line officers of the regiment. All did everything that officers could do. Captains Nutt, Merritt, Craner, Hodsden, Lieutenants Thompson, Crebbin, Tyn er, Martin, Roberts, D rullinger, and Fans proved themselves worthy to command such men as they led. Lieutenants Dustan and Ijams came particu- larly under my notice as displaying marked gallantry; in each days fight they were with the first over the enemys works. A list of some few trophh~s captured and preserved by the regiment has been heretofore forwarded, in obedience to an order from brigade headqjiarters; but most of the trophies taken by the regiment were abandoned during the pnrsnit of the enemy. Respectfully, your obedient servant, I. (X B. SUMAN, Colonel Ninth indiana Infantry. Lient. F. R1NGIIA~m, Aety. Asst. Adjt. (len., Ja Brig., 1st Die., 4th Army (Jorps. ~No. 34. Reports (j Capt. Henry iV. J~awton, Thirtieth indiana Infantry, ~if operations Norember 30 and J)eeember 1516 18b4. HEADQUARTERS THIRTIETH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Nashrille, Tenn., December 5, 1864. Sw: In compliance with instructions, I have the honor to report the part taken by my regimnemit in the action at Franklin, Teun., on the 30th day of November, 1864: After a very irregular march of all night I arrived, with the brigade (Third), at Franklin at about 8 a. m. of the 30th instant. Was formed Q~uittc1 Page 223 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 223 in irregular order, and, with arms stacked, remained long enough to prepare breakfast. Abont 11 a. in. we were moved to the right, near the western portion of the city, and were formed by General Grose, commanding brigade, in line of battle. My position was in the front line, joined on the right by the Seventy-fifth Illinois and on the left by the Eighty-fourth Indiana. Skirmishing had already begun on the left of the line, and was now commencin~ in our front. A line of works was now being rapidly constructed, and by 4 p. m. was completed. My regiment being composed mostly of new levies or drafted men, and entirely ignorant of tbe use of arms, I deemed it necessary to have all spare time given to drill; consequently, when the works were finished, I was forming for that purpose, when the pickets in my front coin- menced firing very rapidly, and by the time I formed behind the works were driven by a charge from the enemy. They fell back immediately in my front, and compelled me to hold my fire for the purpose of saving our own mew The enemy received an oblique and very destructive fire from the Ninth Indiana, on the right of the line, which checked him until the pickets got under cover of the works, when I immediately opened upon him. The two fires soon became too hot, and he was com- pelled to fall back, which he did in considerable disorder. Pickets were again sent out in my front, and kept up a slow fire, but were not again driven in. Heavy fighting was done, however, on the left, but my command had no part, and nothing farther occurred until 12 that night, when onr line was withdrawn and I moved with the brigade across the river without further molestation. The losses sustained by my regiment were as follows: Private John Ottman, killed; Privates Stephen Vancamp, Julius Burns, James Sim- mons, and Adam llumbnrger, and Tollman Morris, Company C, wounded. The men above named, except the last, were all new soldiers, and were not yet assigned to companies. The conduct of both officers and men was good without exception, and they have my warmest than-ks for the promptness with which they did their part. Very respectfully, H. W. LAWTON, Captain, Comman ding Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers. Lient. F. BJN~IIAM, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. IID~ns. Tm UTIETH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Elk Rirer, January 2, 18G5. SIR: In compliance with oiders just received, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the bat- tle of the 15th and 16th of last month: On the morning of the 15th, at 6 oclock, my regiment moved with the brigade on the Granny White turnpike, to the right of the center of our line, and was formed on the left of the rear line of the brigade, the Ninth Indiana in my front, and the Eighty-fourth Indiana on my right. The position was about 300 yards in front of our first line of works, and was covered by a slight rise of ground in our front. At about 1 p. in., the front line having advanced, the rear line followed until arriving on the next ridge, about 300 yards distant, the rear line was ordered to remain until further orders. Preparations were made for an assault, which was made by the front line, and the enemys work Page 224 224 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. carried. I was then ordered forward in line, and ll~Ofl reaching the enemys works moved by the flank along the line to the Granny White pike, where 1 arrived at 8 p. in., and went into camp for the night. Next morning I again moved with the brigade at (i oclock about one mile to the left, near the Franklin tnrnpike, and was formed in order of battle. My regiment now ocenpied position on left of the front line, joined on the right by the Eighty-fourth Indiana, and the left resting on the Franklin pike. Skirmishers were now thrown forward, one corn- pany from my regiment, and soon enconntered the enemys picket, and became engaged. The line was then advanced under direction of the brigade commander across the open field, and formed in front of the enemys second line of works, where it lay for a few minutes. From here I moved by the right flank until arriving on top of the hill on my right, when I again moved forward for a short di stance, and was ordered to halt, and after the line passed, moved by the right dank, and took position on the right of the rear line, joined on the left by the Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which position I ad- vanced about a quarter of a mile, when the line again halted, the right resting in a skirt of timber and the left in open field in rear of a corn-field. The front line was now hotly engaged for a few moments, while the rear was under a heavy fire of shot and shell. From here [ was moved to the left, and took position in rear of a temporary line of works. The front line was soon advanced, when the rear followed, and upon arriving on the hill about one mile (listant was placed in the front line, and after advancino about a mile was halted, and bivouacked for the night; from here I sent three companies on picket. The miext morn- ing I again moved forward on the Franklin l)ike, nothing of importance transpiring except the capture of a few of the enemys stragglers, of which my regiment captured a captain and 19 men. The loss of my regiment in both days action was as follows: Privates John Hart, Company A, George W. Phillips, Company B, Charles Brown, Company C, M. I(. Loyd, Company B (accidentally), and James Wright, Company E, wounded. Charles hlenders, Coi~~~~any G, shot himself in hand for purpose of getting to the rear. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. LAWTO NT, Caphun, (Jommanding Thirtieth Indiana Infantry. Lient. F. BINGHAM, Aide-de- Camp, Third Brigade. No. 35. keports oJ My. John C. Taylor, Eighty foarth Indiana 1i0antry, of operations Norember 30 and December 1516 1864. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTY-FOURTh INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, December 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders received from the general command- Pig I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the operations of my regiment in the battle fought near Franklin, Teun., November 30, 1864: About 12 in., by direction of the general commanding brigade, I formed my regiment on the north side, umy left resting on the Carters Creek pike, a little to the rear of the Atkins school-house, where I threw up a temporary line of works. Aboult 3.30 p. ni. the enemy at- tacked the skiruiisii line in my front, which was soon drivemi into th Page 225 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 225 main line of works. Having my regiment formed in rear of the works I had built, I directed them to fire upon the enemy, who was exposing two lines of battle about 600 yards to my front. I kept np a brisk fire upon the enemy for about ten minutes, which, iu connection with the fire from a battery in position immediately on my left, compelled the enemy to seek shelter by moving by the left flank under cover of a small hill. I ordered my men to cease firing, which they did, with the exception of an occasional shot, which was kept up until about 11.30 p. in., at which time, by order of the general commanding brigade, I withdrew my regiment from the field. My loss in this engagement was 1 man severely and 1 slightly wounded. I have, sir, the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. TAYLOR, Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JOSEPH BRINTON, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 4th Corps. HEADQUARTERS EIGhTY-FOURTH INDIANA VQLUNTEERS, Destitute Hollow, Ala., January 6, 1865. SIR: I ihave the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Eighty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers in the battles of the 15th and 16th of December, near Nashville, Tenn.: By order of the general commanding, at 6 a. ni. of the 15th instant, I broke up camp, and moved my regiment out on the Hillsborough road umitil we passed through the line of works that had been occupied by the Second Division. By order of the general commanding I formed my regiment on the left of time Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers, on the right of the Hillsborongh road. My regiment remained in this position in the second line during the greater part of the day, my movements conforming with those of the battalion on my right. In the evening, after the front line had charged and carried the enemys works, I received orders to march my regiment by the flank and follow the Seventy-fifth Illinois, which I did, until we came to the Granny White pike, where I again threw my regiment into line on the left of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, facing eastwardly. I had remained in this position but a short time when I received orders to move my regiment forward until I caine to the pike, and then by the left flank on the pike. I had moved but a short distance by the left flank when 1 was ordered to halt my regiment and move it on the west side of the road, and go into camp f6r the night. December 16 6 a. by order of the general commanding, I moved my regiment across to the east side, and about 400 yards from the Granny White pike, where I was ordered to form my regiment in line on the left of the Sevemity-fifth Illinois, and throw out a company of skirmishers to cover my front. This being done the order to advance was given, when we moved forward in a direction a little south of east, to a line of works built by the enemy~ which we found to be evacuated. Here, by order of the general comnmanding~ I changed my front, facing to the south. We remained in this I)Osition but a few minutes, when, by order of the general commanding, I moved my regiment by the left flamik nimtil the left of the Thirtieth Imidiana, which was formed on my immediate left, rested upon the Franklin pike. We remained in this position until about 10 oclock, when, by order of the general comiimanding, I moved my regiment by the flank in a south- westermi direction about 600 yards, when I was ordered to take position 15.R RYOL XLV, PT Page 226 226 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL on the left of the Seventy-fifth Illinois, facing south. We remained in this position but a few moments, when orders were given to advauce. We had advanced but a few hundred yards wheu we came upon the enemys skirmish line, which strongly resisted the advance of the skirmish line in our front, but fell back in considerable haste upon the approach of our line of battle. By order of the general commanding I halted my regiment and for- tified upon the captured line. We remained in this position, keeping a scattering fire upon the enemys works, until about ~ p. in., when the order was given to charge the enemys main line of works. We crossed our wotks and moved across the field in our front under a destructive fire from the enemys works until we came to a ravine about midway between the two lines, when, by order of the colonel commanding the guiding battalion on my right, the line halted. In moving across the field we bore so far to the left that the ravine aftbrded cover for but six of my right companies. As soon as the enemy discovered that the line had halted they opened a galling cross-fire upon my four left com- panies. Seeing the critical position in which they were placed, and that my left was unsupported, I ordered them forward. It was in the execution of this order that my adjutant fell; part of his head being blown away by a solid shot from one of the enem~ s guns. The charge was Jed by Captain Orr, of C oinpany K, Lieutenant Fisher, of Com- pany E, Sergt. Maj. E. T. Chaffee, Sergeant Stahl, of Company K, and Sergeant Kemp; of Company E. They were the first upon the enemys works, and closely followed by the remainder of the four companies. After leaving a guard with the captured prisoners the remainder of these four companies pushed forward after the retreating enemy, and became separated for awhile from the remainder of the regiment. My regiment captured during this days operations between 200 and 300 prisoners, 1 piece of artillery, and 1 caisson. The piece of artillery was captured by Sergeant Kemp, of Company E. After the charge, by order of the general commanding, my regiment fell back and followed along in rear of the brigade until we were ordered to halt and go into camp for the night. List of casualties in the Eighty-fourth Indiana in the battles at Nash- ville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864.* I have, sir, the honor to be, very respeetfally, your obedient servant, JOHN C. TAYLOR, Major, Commanding Regiment. Lient. F. BINGIIAM, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 4th Army Corps. No. 36. Reports of Cot. Thomas B. Rose, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA INFTY., clamp Near Port Andy Johnson, Tenn., December 4, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders from the general command- imig Third Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, I submit the following report of the part this regiment took in the battle of Franklin on the 30th of November, 1864: On the morning of the 30th ultimo, at it a. in., I received orders from Brig. (len. (Irose to report forthwith with this regiment for picket duty. * Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer killed and 19 men wounded Page 227 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 227 We had marched all night the night before, had a very slight skirmish with some rebel cavalry early in the morning, and had just arrived in Franklin. We had stacked arms and made some arrangements for a temporary camp; the men were very tired, and it was perhaps half an hour before I was able to comply with the order. We were posted and instructed by General C-rose himself about a mile from Franklin, to the right of the turnpike leading from Franklin to Centerville, in the follow- ing order: On~ company was I)osted about 60 yards from the turn- pike; another company was posted 200 yards to the right of this on a line running at an angle of twenty degrees with tIme turnpike, and to the right of this company on a line running nearly perpendicular to the turnpike were posted two other companies, 100 yards apart; the other four companies were i5osted in reserve at about 200 yards from each extremity of the hue, and about the same distance from the center of the line. On the left of my line were the j)ickets of General Ilugers command, and on my right were the pickets of the Second Brigade of this division. I had scarcely finished giving instructions to nuy men when the enemy appeared iii my front on the right of the turnpike, and the pickets commenced firing. In a few minutes tIme enemy was seen extending his lines to our left in great force at the same time rapidly encircling our right, and the pickets became hotly engaged with their skirmishers. The enemy kept constantly re-enforcing his line of skir- mishers, but we easily kept them at bay until the pickets on our left, being fiercely assaulted, suddenly gave way. The left of my line of pickets then gradually begun to fall back. The company on the ex- treme left had received instructions from General Grose, through me, to fall back to the main line in town, if they found they could not hold their position, but they were so completely tnrned that they were coin- pelled to fall [back] to the four companies held in reserve, which they did in good order, fighting gallantly. They were commanded by Lient. Ed. Morgan, who deserves coinplnuent. One by one the outpost companies from left to right now fell back to the reserve post and took their places in the regimental line. As soon as the outposts had joined the reserve post I perceived the enemy close upon us, advancing in line of battle, wheim I commenced firing by bat- talion and soon cleared my front of the enemy; but soon received a heavy fire directly upon my right flank, killing two of mny men amid wouimding several others. The enemy had already pa55e(l may left and I fell back about the distance of my regimental front, faced about, delivered a volley, and quickly changed front forward to receive the limme of the enemy that was coming (lown upon my right flank. I stopped the enemy in this direction instantly, but soomi found the enemny coming up yelling and firing upon my left flank, my original front. I then fell back almost to the ravine and changed front so as to receive the rebels in this direction, and delivered a volley upon them, which, as they were on higher ground than we were, and within fifty paces of us, produced most fearful carmiage. They went back pell-mell. I miow thought I could hold them and ordered mny men to take shelter behind the fence, which was very high and strong. Mounted on horseback mnyself; and omi the side of the fence next to time rebels, I rode down to the femice corner, thinking to find a place to get through. J here found the enemy comumn~ down the ravine in great force directly npon the right flank of my me~i- ment, and myself completely hemmned imi. I ordered two of mny men to knock dowmm the fence to let inc through to my regiment, but the fire was so hot and the rebels so close that my line gave way, and I was obliged to clismonmmt and knock dowmm the fence myself. As the rebels were close upon me yelling to me to surrender, my men thought I wa Page 228 228 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYLI. gone up, and began to retreat rapidly. I soon extricated myself; how- ever, mounted my mare, overtook my regiment, restored order, and formed line. Our fire was now weak compared with that of the enemy. My officers and men had been complaining for sonic time for want of ammunition; at last declared that they were entirely out. I then ordered them to fall back to the breast-works and replenish their ammu- nition. As soon as this was done I started forward again, but was ordered back in reserve by General Grose, and my regiment took no further part in the action. On the whole my regiment fought with great gallantry, and I am under many obligations, first, to General Grose for the skillful manner in which he posted my pickets, and to my officers for their valuable assistance. I would respectfully call to your notice Capt. J. J. Lawson, my second in command; Captain Stark, who commanded the third outpost from the left; Lient. James W. Johnston, who commanded the second out- post; Lieutenant Vera, who commanded the fourth outpost; Lient. James A. Hans and Sergeants Gillmen, Murphy, and Martin, who commanded their companies at the reserve post, and last, though not the least, Adjt. C. Snively. All seemed to vie with each other in exhibiting coolness and precision in the performance of their duties in this most trying position that perhaps the regiment was ever placed. I herewith append a list of the casualties.* Submitting the foregoing, I ani, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS E. I~OSE, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. F. BINGIIAM, Acting Assistant .A~jutant- 6Ynerai. HD QRS. SEVENTY-SEVENTH IIEcT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., January 2, 1865. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders received this morning, I have time honor to report the i)art taken by my regimnent in the late battles micar Nashville, on time 15th and 16th of December, 1864: On December 14 my regimemit was on picket, and was not relieved until near noon omm the 15th, when I at once marched to join the brigade near the Hillsborough pike. The regiment was then placed in reserve, and took no part in the action of that day. On December 16 my regiment was in the second line of the brigade, but was ordered to the left of the front line, and soon after advanced to the assault of the enemys works; the first line was taken, but we failed in the attack on their second and main line. After snstaining a very severe fire for several minutes I foil back to the line of captured works, which was soon converted into a mneans of defonse. About 4 p. m. I was again ordered to charge, and this time met with complete success, capturing one gun, many prisoners, and completely routing and demoralizimig the enemy. The l)ursuit was continued until dark, whelm we encamped for the night. First Lient. Alexander T. Baldwimm, a brave amid efficient officer, was killed in the first charge. The regiment lost in wounded 15 enlisted men. Respectfully submitting the above I am, sir, your obedient servant, THOMAS E. ROSE, Colonel, Commanding. Lient. F, BINGHAM, Aide-dc-Camp and A. A. A. G., 3d Brig., 1st Div., 4th A. C. Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 men killed, 14 wounded, ane 2 missing Page 229 LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLIi~ TENN. 229 No. 37. Reports of Brig. Gen. George D. Wagner, U. S. Army, commanding Sec- ond Division, of operations November 22December 2, 1864. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVIsiON, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1864. SIR: The following is respectfully submitted as the official report of the operations of this division in the recent movement from Pulaski, Tenn., to this place~ Pursuant to orders from Major-General Stanley, commanding the corps, the division marched from Pulaski at 8 a. in. on the 22d day of No- vembei, 1864, and reached the village of Lynnville, about thirteen miles distant, early in the afternoon. The division remained at Lynuville till 2 a. m. of the 24th, when orders were receive(l directing the com- mand to march, with all possible haste, to Columbia, as the enemy was reported to be marching upon that place. The division was on the road by 3 oclock and arrived at Columbia by 10 a. iii., having marched eigh- teen miles. When we reached the town we Ibund the eneuiy had already attacked and driven in our cavalry outposts on the Mount Pleasant road and was already seriously threatening the garrison. Our infantry advande, Genera.] Coxs division, of the Twenty-third Army Corps, com- ing up in the nick of time, the advance of the enemy was effectually checked. The livision was at once put in position on a range of hills southwest of the town and every precaution taken to pnt the place in a defensible condition. Friday, November 25, was spent in construct- ing an interior line of defenses, and after night-fall the troops were with- drawn from the outer line and took position on the new line, the right of the division resting on I)uck River, about three-quarters of a mile below the railroad bridge. This line was at once put in a good state of defense. On the 26th we received orders from General Stanley to get ready for crossing Duck River that night, but owing to a break in the pontoon bridge the movement was postponed. On the 27th the trains again commenced crossing the river, and before night all wagons were across except five ammunition wagons and ten ambulances to the division. The troops of the corps began crossing the river soon after dark, and by 1 oclock on the morning of the 28th this division was safely over the river and in camp on the railroad about half a mile from the rail- road bridge. In the forenoon of the 28th 1 received orders from Geii - eral Stanley to move up the river about two miles and go into position on the north side of Duck River opposite to Columbia. The command remained here over night, constant skirmishing being kept up on the lines. On the morning of the 29th I was ordered by General Stanley to put the division on the road and march at once, in advance of the train, to Spring Hill. I was notified that General Kimballs division would fol low the train. At 9 a. in. the command was on the road and marching toward Spring Hill, which place we reached early in the afternoon. Our timely arrival saved the place front falling into the hands of the enemy, who had turned the left flank of our army and reached Spring Hill with his cavalry before we arrived there. Learning from citizens who were leaving the village that the enemy was threatening the place, I gave directions to Colonel Opdycke, commanding my leading brigade, to hurry up, and galloped forward with my staff and escort. Corning into the village I found the skirmishers of the enemy in full view and moving upon the l)lace from the east and not over half a mile distant. The garrison being encouraged with the hope of immediate succor, th Page 230 230 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. troops stood their ground till Opdyckes brigade caine up on the double- quick to their support. A heavy line of skirmishers was deployed and thrown forward, which checked the enemys advance. In the mean- time Colonel Lanes brigade came up and I formed it on the right of Colonel Opdycke, causing Colonel Lane to throw forward a heavy line of skirmishers, connecting with the one already out on his left. The enemys cavalry charged this line, but was repulsed with loss. General Stanley directed a brigade to be put into position on the east side of the road, about two miles south of Spring lli~ll, to protect our flank at that point till the artillery should get past. General Bradleys brigade, having been assigned to that duty, did not reach Spring ilith till the first attack of the enemy had been repulsed. Finding the enemys cavalry posted on the crest of a ridge overlooking the town, and enabling them to overlook our whole movement, I directed Colonel Lane to advance his brigade and drive off the enemy and occupy the ridge, which order was promptly obeyed and the enemy driven off behind the ridge more than a mile from the town. General Bradleys brigade having by this time come up, General Stanley directed me to place it in position in a point of woods to the right of and somewhat detached from Colonel Lanes bri- gade, and about half a mile from the turnpike along which our train was passing. This brigade had been but a short time in position before the enemys cavalry appeared in its front and assaulted his line, but was promptly repulsed. It was near sundown when the enerhy again appeared in G eneral Bradleys front, but this time with infantry, and in very strong force. Seeing that his right flank was in danger, I placed two pieces of artil- lery and my only reserve regiment, the Thirty-sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Olson, well out on his right flank. These dispositions were scarcely completed before the enemy was upon us in heavy force, his lines outfianking ours by great odds, which compelled General Bradleys right to fall back after a hard fight. His left flank being also turned was givifig, seeing which he went in person to that flank to assist in checking the enemy iii that direction, but while so doing was so severely wounded by a musket-ball in the left arm near the shoulder that he had to be carried from the field. General Bradleys brigade being now flanked and outnjimbered, retired and reformed at the edge of the village, taking such position as to protect our wagon train, part of which had reached Spring Hill just before the last attack com- inenced. Seeing that General Bradleys brigade must come back as far as the town I directed Colonel Lane to move two regiments of his brigade to tl~eright to act as a support, and enable Colonel Conrad, Fifteenth Missouri Volunteers, who succeeded to the command when General Bradley was wounded, to reform his lines. I)arkness had now set in and no further movements of the enemy were apprehended before daylight next morning. After affairs had become quieted down I sent the Thirty-sixth Illinois and Captain Chickering, an officer of my staff; back on the Columbia pike to open communication with the forces in the rear. They succeeded in getting through without difficulty, and at about p. m. General Whitakers brigade, of General Kimballs division, clime into the town and took position on my right. The Twen- ty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, under Captain Clark, having been detached from Colonel Lanes brigade to guard a road about a mile south of Spring Hill, was attacked by the enemy in the evening with umuch superior force, but succeeded in coining off after a stubborn fight, and reached the main body with a loss of 3 killed, 3 wounded, and 1 missing Page 231 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 231 At 4 oclock a. m. November 30, by direction of General Stanley, the division took up the line of march for Franklin, and was charged with the duty of protecting the rear of the army. For this purpose I caused the Second and Third Brigades to march in parallel columns along the road and directed Colonel Opdycke to move in line of battle to bring up the rear, and in doing so to bring forward all stragglers belonging to the army. The command moved off in good order. The enemy be- gan skirmishing with the rear of Colonel Opdycke early in the morning, but we reached the vicinity of Franklin without accident or loss. When the rear of the division reached Stevens Hill, two miles south of Franklin, General Stanley sent me an order to halt and allow the troops to get breakf~st. I placed Colonel Opdyckes brigade in position in the gap and on the high l)oint east of the pike, with a section of artillery, to check the advance of the enemy, who was pursuing us at this time Colonel Lanes brigade being put in position on Colonel Opdyckes left, and Colonel Conrad going into line to the left of Colonel Lane, General Whitakers brigade, of the First Division, occupying the heights on the right of the pike. The enemy soon appeared in our front in heavy force, and the command was l)ut under arms to be ready to repel an attack. Soon after these dispositions were made I observed the troops of the corps moving toward Franklin, and I withdrew my command from its advanced position on the heights and followed on toward town. When within half a mile of town I met a staff officer froni General Stanley, with written orders directing me to reoccupy the heights and hold them unless too severely pressed. In obedience to this order I returned to the position from which I had just withdrawn my com- mand, except that I now detached one regiment from Colonel Lanes brigade and directed it to be placed on the heights to the right of the pike, from which General Whitaker had just withdrawn his brigade. These dispositions were scarcely completed when Colonel Opdycke sent a messenger to report to inc that the enemy was moving two heavy columns of infantry against our line, one by each of the two pikes lead- ing into Franklin, one column tnrning my left hank. I thereupon again withdrew my command and retired toward the main line of our troops, which surrounded the town, and sent an officer of my staff to notify General Stanley of my movement. I directed Colonel Lanes brigade and a section of artillery to go into position on the hill to the right of the pike, about one mile north of Stevens Hill, where he remained skir- mishing with the enemy till his right flank was about to be turned, whemi I directed him to leave a heavy line of skirmishers to hold the hill as long as possible, and to withdraw his brigade and go into posi- tion on the right of the Third Brigade, which had beemi formed on the left of the pike about 400 yards in advance of our main line, at the same time placing a section of artillery on the pike between these two brigades. The commanders of the Second and Third Brigades, Col- onels Lane and Conrad, were now directed to hold their position long enough to develop the force of the enemy, but not to attempt to fight if threatened by time enemy in too strong a force. The skirmishers in Colonel Lanes front held their groummd so persistently that the advance of the cimemy was checked from that quarter and did not reach his lines till after they had made their attack upon Colonel Conrad. At about 4 p. in. the enemy had driven in onr s.kirmim~hers and began the attack in heavy colunmns; their onset was so sudden that Colonel Conrad found his brigade heavily engaged and about to be flanked before he could withdraw his line. His men fought gallantly, refusing to retire till completely flanked and driven out of their hastily throw Page 232 232 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. up barricades, when they retired on the main line. On reaching the main line of works the officers rallied their men as best they could and l)laced them in position to support the works which were give up [sic] their position at the approach of the enemy, who followed close on the steps of our retiring lines. When the command retired from Stevens Hill I directed Colonel Opdycke to form in the rear of Carters house to the right in rear of the main line of works, to act as a reserve, and when the troops occupying the main line of works at Carters house gave way, Colonel Opdycke, who had orders to re-enforce any portion of the line which might need his assistance, rushed forward with his brigade and retook the works. He came so close to our line that the fight became a hand-to-hand conflict across the parapet, which was kept up for hours, many of the enemy rushing over our works only to be killed or captured by our men. The ground in front of our lines was open and level, which afforded the best possible range for our musketry fire, which mowed th~ enemy down in heaps. Jadging from the number of battle-flags which fell into our hands, whole organizations of the enemy must have been annihilated. The division alone captured 12 battle- flags, and, according to the reports from brigade commanders, 70 offi- cers and 683 enlisted men. The fight raged for about four hours with great fury, the main attacks being directed against the line at Carters house. After the firing had ceased I received orders from General Staflley directing me to withdraw my command across the river at mid- night, and move toward Nashville as far as Brentwood. About mid- night, finding the troops which were to follow me across the river already crossing, I directed my brigade commanders to get ready and cross the river at once and march out on the Nashville pike. On reaching the village of Brentwood the division was put in advance of the army and reached Nashville about 10 ocJock on the morning of the 1st instant. The loss of the division, as reported by brigade commanders, was as follows: Killed, officers, 5;. enlisted men, 47. Wounded~ officers, 31; enlisted men, 488. Captured and missing, 670. These were mainly from those regiments that had a large number of recruits, many of whom had been armed but a few days. I cannot speak of all the gallant deeds, but must be allowed to lament the death of so gallant and accomplished an officer as Lieutenant-Colonel Olson, Thirty-sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteers, who charged the enemy at the head of his regiment and materially aided in saving the day. Each of the brigade commanders, General Bradley, Colonels Lane amid Opdycke, and Colonel Conrad, who succeeded General Bradley in the command of the Third Brigade after the formner received his woumid at Spring Hill, acted most gallantly and efficiently in every particular during the action at Spring Hill and Franklin; so did their staff officers and the officers commuanding their regiments, but particularly may be named Colonel Lanes assistant adjutant-general, Capt. Henry C. Tinney, who had three horses shot under him during the engagement. Your attention is respectfully called to the reports of subordinate commanders for particulars in regard to the gallant conduct of the officems and men of their commands and for the details of the action which are given more fully by them than would be proper in this report.. I desire to beam testimony to the gallantry and fitness of Col. Emer- son Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, for his position, and he should by all means be promoted at once. There is no man in the army more worthy to be a brigadier-general Page 233 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTh ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 23~ My staff acted with great gallantry and efficiency. Lieutenants iRoyse and Moore, my aides-dc-camp, did me great service. Lieutenant IRoyses term of service has just expired. His last duty at Franklin was characteristic of his whole terni, and proves him to be one of the best officers in the army and a great loss to the Government. I am under special obligations to Capt. E. G. Whitesides, One hun- dred and twenty-fifth Ohio, acting assistant adjutant-general, Capt. J. L. Morgan, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteers, division inspector, Capt. J. W. Chickering, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, assistant commis- sary of musters, who are worthy officers in every respect. Capt. George Lee, the assistant adjutant-general of the division, was not on duty in the action on account of physical disability for field duty, but he is a very efficient, worthy, and accomplished officer. I am also indebted to Lieu- tenant Balding, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, acting ordnance officer of the division, for efficient services rendered on the field during the action. Captain Sibley, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, acting provost-mar- shal, was on duty with the train. Of Dr. E. 13. Glick, chief surgeon of the division, too much cannot be said in his praise as an accomplished officer and a skillful snrgeon. His constant attention to business and proficiency as a surgeon render himim one of the most valuable medical officers in the army. Licut. A. J. Douglass, Seventy-first Ohio Volun- teers, ordnance officer of the division, is a most worthy officer, but was not present OR account of sickness. Capt. Charles Fouke, coinmi ssary of subsistence, U. S. Volunteers, was with the command during the movement and always performed his duty well. Respectfully, your obedient servant, G. D. WAGNER, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Maj. WILLIAM H. SINCLAIR, Assi~tant Adjutant- General. IIEADQITARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CoRPS, Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864. Maj. W. H. SINCLAIR, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fourth Army Corps: MAJOR: In compliance with circular from corps headquarters I have the honor to report prisoners, flags, & c., captured in recent engage- ment, as follows: Prisoners. Command. Flags. Officers. Men. First Brigade, Col. B. Opdycke 19 375 9 Second Brigade, Col. J. Q. Lane is 239 2 Third Brigade, Col. Joseph Conrad 6 69 1 Total 70 683 12 The following are the names of the captors of the flags: First Lieut. Sylvester Clement, Company A, Seventy-fourth Illinois, one; Private Peter M. Woolf, Company A, Eighty-eighth Illinois, one; Corpl. James K. Merrifield, Company C, Eighty-eighth Illinois, two; Corpl. Benjami Page 234 234 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. LVII. Newman, Company G, Eighty-eighth Illinois, one; Corpi. Samuel 131t- ties, Company 11, Eighty-eighth Illinois, one; Private William C. Rob- erts, Company I, One hundred (lid twenty-fifth Ohio, one; Private Theophile Ducquet, Company D, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, one; Corpi. John Miller, Company 13, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin, one; Sergt. Alfred Ransbottomn,- Company K, Ninety-seventh Ohio, one; Private James S. ORuley, Company I, Fortieth Indiana, one; Sergt. A. Clark Copeland, Company II], Sixty-fifth Ohio, one. Respectfully submitted. U. I). WAGNER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. The above is tue report of brigade commanders. Only about 400 prisoners (officers and mcii) passed through the hands of my provost- marshal. U. D. WAGNEW No. 38. Reports of Brig. Gem Washington L. Elliott, U. S. Army, commanding - Second Division, of operations i)ecember 1516, 1864. I{EADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION FoURTH ARMY Con~s Huntsville, illa., January 8, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this division on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, near Nashville, Tenn., in the attack upon Hoods rebel army: In compliance with orders of December 14, from Brigadier-General Wood, commanding Fourth Corps, the division was formed on the 15th in echelon with and on left of the D& tachment of the Army of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith commanding, and in the following order: First Brigade, commanded by Col. E. Opdycke, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the right; Second Brigade, commanded by Col. J. Q. Lane, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on the left; and Third Brigade, commanded by Col. Joseph Conrad, FifL teenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, in reserve. The division advanced in this order upon the enemys lines, with the left of General Smiths command, until the left of the division approached the Ilihisborough tnrnpike, when orders were given to connect with General Kimballs First Division, Fourth Corps, on the left. As we approached the enemys works the front of the division necessarily became contracted because of its connecting on the right and left with other trool)s. Find- ing the left of General Smiths line not advancing xvith the Fourth Corps, orders were given by General Wood, commanding, to move forward independent of any connection on the right. The original line was re-established, and the division advanced rapidly with cheers, en- tering the works of the enemy covering the Hillsborough turnpike simultaneously with the troops on my left, and with those of General Smiths beyond his troops on his extreme left, capturing artillery, pris- oners, and a flag, and driving the enemy from his works. The rapidity with which the troops moved and the distami ce passed over, as also the nature of the ground and obstacles, rendered it necessary to re-estab- Awarded a Medal of Honor Page 235 CHAP. LYIL] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 235 lish the lines, which caused a few minutes delay before making a farther advance. The division then advanced to the east of the Granny White turnpike. Being confronted by the skirmishers of the enemy, and it being too dark to proceed farther, the division camped for the night in the following order: First Brigade on the left, Second Brigade in the center, and Third Brigade on the right, fronting the Franklin turnpike, with the right refused, covering the Granny White turnpike. iDuring the night occasional picket-tiring occurred. On the lGth, at daylight, the division advanced in the same order in which it had encamped on the 15th, passing over the works of the enemy evacuatedAnring the night. As the skirmishers approached the Franklin turnpike the skirmishers of the enemy were soon encoun- tered. This, with information obtained from prisoners and citizei~s, caused me to form line of battle with my left resting on and the line perpendicular to the turnpike. It was soon discovered that the enemy confronted us in force, and orders were received for the division to ad- vance, connecting with General Kimballs (First) division on the right, and supported by General Beattys (Third) division on the left. The division advanced steadily under the tire of the enemys first line and of his artillery, gradually increasing the rapidity of the step, which, with cheers, almost amounted to a charge. Flushed with the success of the previous day, the desire to rush forward without orders was only checked by heavy volleys of musketry with shot, shell, and canister, when about 100 to 150 yards of the enemy~s main line of works, from which the division soon protected itself by means of logs and a few intrenching tools, holding all the ground gained until a farther advance was made, when, under the general instructions of General Wood, commanding Fourth Corps, to take advantage of any oppor- tunity that offered, seeing the troops advancing on my right, the division rushed over the enemys works, sending to its rear masses of prisoners which time or circumstances did not admit of stopping to collect or take account of. Learning that the enemy was endeavoring to form his line near the Overton property, and after passing through his works, my lines were re-established on the west of and perpendicu- lar to the Franklin turnpike, and the division advanced, gaining ground to the left, and halting un(ler the fire of the enemys artillery, posted south of the Overton property, and again advanced with right resting on the Franklin turnpike and perpendicular to it, keeping up communication with the First Division on my right. The pursuit of the enemy was continued until near dark, the division camping in line of battle, and in the order in which it had advanced. I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallantry and good conduct of officers and men. The division has nobly sustained its former repu- tation. Colonels Opdycke, Lane, and Conrad, commanding respectively the First, Second, and Third Brigades, have my thanks for the ability with which they commanded. I respectfully refer to their reports for the details of the operations of the several regiments and the casualties. The following officers composing my personal staff and that of the division rendered me great assistance in the field, viz ,Capt.E.G. Whitesides, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Joseph L. Morgan, Seventy- third Illinois Volunteers, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt. John W. Chickering, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, assistant commissary of musters; C apt. T. Eugene Tillotsom, acting ordnance officer; First Licut. Thomas E. Balding, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, an Page 236 230 ICY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. First. Lieut. Brewer Smith, Sixty-~fth Ohio Volunteers, aides-de-camp. Surg. B. B. Glick, Fortieth Indiana Volunteers, was on the field, when not otherwise employed, giving his attention to the wounded. Capt. Charles Fouke, cornmissary of subsistence; Capt. B. J. Smith, assistant quartermaster; Capt. MT. H. Sibley, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volun- teers, acting provost-marshal and Capt. W. H. Hoadley, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteers, in charge of ambulances of the division, each per- formed his appropriate duty. The mounted orderlies detailed for the headquarters of the division frequently supplied the place of staff officers in conveying oiders, and performed their duty with zeal and gallantry. Jam, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. ELLIOTT, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Lient. Col. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Fourth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, FOURTH ARMY CoRPS, Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865. COLONEL: Although the operations of the several batteries of the corps will, I have no doubt, be hilly reported upon by the commander of the Artillery Brigade, I deem it proper to mention in connection with the report of the operations of my division the services of Captain Mar- shalls battery (G, First Ohio Artillery), which accompanied the division on the 15th and 16th ultimno, always at the front, and firing with great accuracy upon the enemys lines and retreating masses, but more par- ticularly in its exposed position near the Overton Hills on the 16th, subjected to a heavy fire of shot, shell, and canister. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, & c., W. L. ELLIOTr, Brigadier- General, U. S. Volunteers, Commandi~ag. Lieut. Col. J. S. FULLERTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fourth Army Corps. Recapitulation of casualties and captures of the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, in the battles near Nashville, Teun., December 15 and 16, 1864. Officers. Men. Captures. Prisoners. 8 . a ~ .~ ~ 8 ~ a - a - a a ~ o a a a -~ ~ 0 ~ First Brivnde 8 38 4 3 1 15 190 Second Brigade 5 4 47 3 ThirdBrigade 3 8 44 2 Provost-marshal of Second I)ivision 13 265 Total Ii 20 129 9 Rut see revigeti table, P. 98 Page 237 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 237 ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DJY~5ION, FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 6, 1865. [Lient. Col. J. S. FULLERTON:] COLONEL: In accordance with orders received from the general com mandiiig the corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of trophies captured by this division during the engagements of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville: Corpi. J. K. Merrifield, Company C, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, captured and brought from the field two rebel flags, one a brigade and the other a regimental flag, without designation. Corpl. Peter M. Woolf, Company A, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volun- teers, captured a rebel battle-flag inscribed First and Fourth Missouri Infantry. Corpl. Benjamin Newman, Company G, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volnn- teers, captured a rebel battle-flag inscribed Fifth and Sixth Arkansas. l~rivate Samuel Bittles, Company II, Eighty-eighth Illinois Volun- teers, captured a rebel battle-flag inscribed Featherstons Division. First Lient. Sylvester Clement, Company A, Seventy-fourth Illinois, captured a rebel battle-flag in front of the works, which was passed to the rear. Corpi. Ahnou C. Steele, Company D, Seventy-fourth Illinois, captured a rebel flag, which was not brought front the field. Private John F. Brown, Company 1), Seventy-third Illinois, shot a rebel color bearet byplacing his gun between thehead-log and the breast- works and captured his colors. The colors were afterward handed to a mounted officer whom he did not know, and were not returned. Private William C. Roberts, Cornpaiiy I, One hundred and twenty- fifth Ohio, captured a rebel flag, which was not brought from the field. Private Theophile Ducqnet, Company D, One hundred and twenty- fifth Ohio, captured a rebel flag; which he handed to a i~uounted officer, and it was not again returned. Corpl. John Miller, Company B, Twenty fourth Wisconsin, recaptured the colors of the Fifty-first Illinois and brought them from the field. The above were all captured at the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864. Private Hans Shure, Company K, and Musician Fred. A. Shull, Eighty-eighth Illinois, captured two sabers at the battle of Franklin, November 30, and were forwarded with statements of capture, & c. Sergt. Elijah Kellogg, Company C, Seventy-fourth Illinois, captured a saber at Franklin, November 30, 1864. Private William Hicks, Company F, Forty-fourth Illinois, captured a saber at Nashville, December 15. Capt. L. C. Mills, Company C, First Lient. A. W. Clark, Company D, Private George W. Madison, Company F, and Private George Arm- strong, Company C, Forty-fourth Illinois, each captured a saber at Nashville, December 16. Private Peter Rohman, Company K, Forty-fourth Illinois, captured a saber at Nashville, December 16, which has been forwarded to depart- ment headquarters. Sergt. N. P. Ramsdell and Private John A. Hobart, Company G, and Private John 11. Gatehouse, Company D, Forty-fourth Illinois, each captured a saber at Nashville, December 16 Page 238 238 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA~. [CnAP. LVII. First Lient. Charles C. Chapman, Company I, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, captured a saber at Nashville December 16, which has been forwarded. The swords as enumerated were all taken from the hands of rebel officers. Those not mentioned as forwarded were left on the field in the hurry to press forward. Cerpi. Edgar S. Case, Company E, Thirty-sixth Illinois, captured a rebel flag at the battle of Nashville, December 15, 1864, and brought it from the field. This flag belonged to the regiment that supported the rebel battery on the right of the llullsborough pike. Three of the guns were captured, as will appear in another part of the report. The five flags captured by the Eighty-eighth Illinois and the one captured by Corporal Case were the only ones that were brought from the field by the captors. Those captured by the Eighty-eighth Illinois were dis- played before General Thomas when he visited the brigade on its arrival at Nashville. They were afterward sent home by those who captured them. Since then they have been ordered to be returned, and will be forwarded to department headquarters as soon as they arrive. The First I3rigade, Colonel Opdycke commanding, captured eight pieces of artillery at Franklin, and three I)ieces at Nashville, on the 15th of December, 1864. Corpi. Edgar S. Case, Company E, Thirty-sixth Illinois, captured a flag, 1)eceniber 15, 1864. Corpi. William Hicks, Company F, Forty-fourth Illinois, captured a sword, December 15, 1864. Second Brigade, C ol. J. Q. Lane commanding: Sergt. Alfred Rausbottom, Company K, Ninety-seventh Ohio Volumi- teer Infantry, captured a battle-flag, November 30, 1864. First Lient. S. B. Moody, Company B, One hundredth Illinois, cap- tured a saber at Nashville, December 16, 1864. Private J. S. ORiley, Company I, Fortieth Indiana, captured a battle-flag at Franklin, November 30, 1864. Third Brigade, Col. Joseph Conrad commanding: Corpl. John H. Smith, Company E, and Private John Mohlisomi, Coin- pany B, Forty-secomid Illinois, each captured a battle-flag at Franklin, November 30, 1864. Private B. Downs, Company K, Forty-second Illinois, captured three battle-flags at Franklin, November 30, 1864. Lient. P. P. Boyer, Company II, Seventy-ninth Illinois, captured three battle-flags at Franklin, November 30, 1864. First Lient. Ezekiel Moores, Company A, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, captured a sword at Franklin, November 30, 1864. First Sergt. V. H. Gregory, Company E, Sixt~i-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, captured a C. S. sword, belt, and scabbard at Nashville, December 16, 1864. Private Jacob Alhion, Company D, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, captured a C. S. sword, belt, and scabbard at Franklin, Novem- ber 3Q 1864. First Sero-t A C Copeland, Company II, Corpl. Joseph Boley and Private Joseph Walters, Company I, and First Sergt. John Kanel, Company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, each captured a C. S. sword, belt, and scabbard at Franklin, November 30, 1864. Private Alex. Heggatt, Company K, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, captured a sword at Nashville, December 16, 1864. Sergt. A. Lewis, Comnpany E, Fifty-first Illinois, captured a flag at Franklin, November 30, 1864 Page 239 Ow. LYILJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE [UN. 289 Limit. Charles. Hills, Company K, Fifty-first illinois, captured. pistol and belt at Franklni, November 80, 1864. BecapltulationFlags, 19; swords, 17; guns, 11. Respectibfly submitted. W. I~ ELLIOTT, lis~-One~4, U. & Vbinteers. No. 89. Reportqof VoL Rosen.. Opdgehej Os.. kindred d twe.tv.APA Ohio Infatrg, ~ First Brigade, of .pera$ouss November/fl-SO and Deceusber 1616,1864. HDQv.s. FIRsT BRIG., Suoozw Dry., 4TH Air Corns, Nashville, Tan., December 6,1864. CAPTAIN: I respeotfihlly submit the following report of the opt. atlons of this brigjade from November 29 to December 1: The command is composed of seven regiments: Eighty-ei;hth ad Seventy-fourth Illinois, commanded by Lioutefrant-Colonel Bath; Sev- enty-third Illinois, Major Motherspaw- Thirty-sixth illinois, Lieutenant- Colonel Olson; Forty-fourth Illinois, tientenant-Colonel Russell; Twein- ~j fourth Wisconsin, Major MacArthur; One hundred and twenty-fifth hio, Captain Bates. At 8 a. in., November 29, we moved from near Duck River on the Franklin pike in the advance, and when within a mile of Spring Hill I was notified that the enemy were advancing into the town. General Wagner ordered me on the double-quick and we soon entered the village, formed line facing north of east. Colonel Smith deployed his command as skirmishers. The enemy were advanc- ing in fair view, with quite a force of cavalry. General Wagner ordered me to drive them oflW The line of battle followed the skir- mishers and we easily eleared our front. Gew~ral Wagner sent for a regiment to go to the right, and I sent the Thirty-sixth Illinois. The Seventy-third was ordered to sup port Colonel Smith, and the One hu- dred and twenty-fifth was moved up the Franklin pike and deployed to drive away the enemy that was approaching from that direction. By order from General Stanley I pls~ed the Forty-fourth illinois and Twenty-fourth Wiseonsin west of the pike, and near the railroad sta- tion. They were weil deployed, and connected with the One hundred and twenty-fifth. This disposition thoroughly protected our left and rear, and was maintained till about 4 a. in., November 30. By General Wagners orders I then drew in all of the regiments, except Colonel Smiths, and made dispositions to act as rear guard. I was informed that our situation was critical, and the greatest efforts would be needed. Formed in two lines of battle, and Colonel Smiths command came icket and deployed as skirmishers. A section of the Fourth Artillery reported to me at 6.30 a. m We faced to the rear and moved off in line, As we debouched into the little valley at Thomp- sons Station skirmishing opened. Colonel Smith managed his line and sustained no loss. He killed a few rebels, one an officer, rod glen soon commenced filling the road, mostly new men with immense knapsacks. They were so worried as to seem indifferent to capture. I ordered each of my three lines to bring along every man at the point of the bayonet, and to out off the knapsacks. These orders were obeyed rigidly, and probably less the Page 240 240 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. Lvii. twenty men escaped our vigilance and were captured. I am sure that we saved 500 men from capture by these severe measures. The enemy continued to annoy onr rear all the time, and at 11 a. m. we reached Stevens Hill, overlooking Franklin, took position on it, and remained there an hour and a half. General Wagner then or(lered me off, and as my rear was clearing the hill, was ordered back there. When I reached the top of the hill I at once discovere(l heavy and parallel columns of infantry approaching rapidly. I was ordered off again after sending a number of shell and solid shot at the advancing enemy. At about 2.30 p. m. the brigade was massed about 200 yar(Is to the rear of Carters house and on the right of Columbia pikethe main line of defefise crossed this pike just in front of C.s house. General Wagner was with me in person, and ordered me to fight when and where I thought I should be most needed without further orders. The men got coffee, and at about 4 p. in. General Cox sent me a request to have my brigade ready, and I received no other orders till after the battle. I was familiar with the whole ground and knew that Carters hill was the key to it all. The fighting was now heavy, and I commenced moving the command to the left of the pike for greater security to the men and for easier maneuvering in case of need. While thus moving a most horrible stampede of our front troops came surging and rushing back past Carters house, e4xtending to the right and left of the pike. I at first thought them only the Second and Third Brigades of our division that were left nearly a quarter of a mile to the front with orders to fall back; but I soon saw that the troops at the main works had left them. When I gave the order First Brigade, forward to the works, bayonets came down to a charge, the yell was raised, and the regiments rushed most grandly forward, carrying many stragglers back with them. We deployed as we charged, which took us up in echelon forward on the center, Colonel Smiths two regiments leading as follows: I I Colonel Smith. I I P I 73d Illinois. 125th Ohio. I I I I 44th Illinois. 24th wisconsin. I I 36th Illinois. The enemy were following our troops with ~,reat celerity and force. He was met this side of Carters house by our charge, and at once put to rout with a loss of 394 prisoners, 19 of whom were officers, 1 a colonel, and 9 battle-flags. A battery and a section of another near Carters house were abandoned to the enemy in the stampede, and were retaken by this charge and worked by the officers and men of this coin- mand. Our lines were now restored and the battle raged with inde- scribable fury. The enemy hurled his masses against us with seeming desperation. Officers devoted their mightiest energies to bringing up the stragglers to the breast-works, and we soon had the position impreg- nable. These desperate assaults continued till after dark, when th Page 241 CHAP. LVlI.j CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 241 enemy ceased all heavy efforts against our position. I twice stepped to the front of the works 011 the Columbia pike to see the effect of such fighting. I never saw the dead lay near so thick. I saw them upon each other, dead and ghastly in the powder-dimmed star-light. My withdrawal was under General Coxs instructions and was accomplished at midnight. My pickets, under Major ilolden, of the Eighty-eighth Illinois, remained an hour later, when he brought them off without annoyance. The brigade lost an aggregate of 216. Jts trophies were 9 battle- flags, 394 prisoners, 19 of whom were officers, retaking a battery and a section of another one, and recapturing the colors of a regiment of another brigade. Maiiy other battle-flags were left by the enemy when our charge put the enemy to flight, but which the men would not stop to pick up till after the battle; in the meantime other troops came up and secured them. My losses were light, but five regimental commanders were either killed or disabled. Among the former I deplore the death of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Olson, of the Thirty- sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteers. He was a true, noble man, and a high type of an officer. The officers and mcii all did ma guificently, but Lieutenant-Colonel Smith was conspicuous even among heroes, and his command captured five battle-flags. Captain Bates, commanding One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, was almost beyond reach of praise. lie did every- thing that lie ought, and so did each and all. The nation will do them justice; I cannot. Capt. iR. C. Powers, acting assistant adjutant-general, was of emi- nent service. His high judgment and courage were of great assistance in the achievements of this momentous day. I respectfully ask your attention to notices of individual gallantry in the subordinate reports. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMERSON OPDYCKE, Capt. E. G. WHITIiSIDES, Colo,nel, Commanding. Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Report of casualties in First Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps,frorn No- vember 29 to November 30, inclusive. Officers. Mien. Command. a - a -~ a a _ a a ___________ _ ___ _ ~ H ~ 88th Illinois volunteers 2 7 6 15 15 74th Illinois volunteers 1 1 1 6 1 8 9 73d Illinois Volunteers 1 3 4 5 19 5 29 33 44th Illinois Volniiteers 1 26 25 52 52 36th Illinois volunteers 1 2 3 5 45 18 68 71 24th wisconsin Volunteers 1 1 2 1 16 7 24 26 125th Ohio volunteers. 2 1 3 14 7 21 24 Total 3 9 1 13 15 133 69 217 230 Spring Hill 1 1 2 16 5 24 25 Franklin 3 5 1 12 13 117 64 193 205 Respectfully submitted. EMERSON OPDYCKE, Colonel, Commanding. 16 R RYOL XLV~ PT Page 242 242 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near Nashville, Teun., December 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: Tn compliance with instructions of this date, I herewith submit the following report of prisoners aiid battle-flags captured by the several regiments of this brigade during the late engagement: Prisoners. ~0 In Command. 125th Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Capt. E. P. Bates 5 85 2 88th and 74th Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. G. W. Smith 10 200 7 44th Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Lient. Col. John Russell 1 80 24th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Capt. E. B. Parsons 1 10 1 Total 19 375 10 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMERSON OPI)YCKE, Colonel, Comman ding. Capt. E. G. WHITESIDES, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, $econd Division. * IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near Columbia, Tenn., December 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to instructions just received from division headqnarters I make you a report of the operations of this brigade during the two d~ys battle of Nashville, December 15 and 16. At S p. m. December 14 1 was sent for at division headquarters, where I received orders to have my command ready to move at 6 a. m. December 15; sixty rounds of ammunition and three days rations to each man. I was to form en echelon to left and rear of the left of tile Sixteenth Army Corps, and my movements were to be subordinate to General Smiths. I was to form in two lines of battle, the rear one to be in double columns at half distance; one reginient to be left in the works and sufficiently deployed to cover the front then occnpied by my brigade. At 6 a. in. December 15 my command was ready to move and I awaited the movement of the Sixteenth Corps for several hours. The morning was densely foggy. As soon as the troops on my right commenced moving my brigade passed to the front of our works and a little to the right, a few hundred yards to the right of Ilillsborough pike, facing west of south. The Forty-fourth Illinois Veteran Volun- teers, Captain Clark commanding, was left in the works, and a heavy detail made froln it to re-enforce the picket-line, which was to act as our skirmishers under charge of brigade and division officers of the day. The Eighty-eighth and Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteers, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Smith commanding, formed the right of my front battle line; the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, Major Bruff commanding, a to , )yards on Smiths left, all few paces the left and 20( to the rear of the Sixteenth Corps left. The Thirty- sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteers, the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteers, Captain I3urroughs commanding, the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, Captaiu Ken- nedy commanding, fQrmed the se~coud line, each in double column a Page 243 CHAP. LYILI CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 243 half distance, and 300 paces to rear of first line. They were formed from right to left in the order of mention of them. To the front of us the field descended into a ravine, then arose into an open and promi- nent hill or ridge that ran parallel to our line. At about 10 a. in. we moved forward our skirmishers, driving the enemys pickets handsomely. As our lines of battle made the crest of this ridge the enemy opened a brisk artillery fire from a wooded and more considerable hill several hundred yards to our fromit. Our columns were endangered by this fire and they were deployed into line. The ground to our front was of quite a descent and then of easy ascent through open and pleasamit woods to ~iear the enenmys intrenched posi- tion. A short distance before reaching him stone fences and felled trees made ngly obstructions. Colonel 1~ane, with onr Second Brigade, was on my left. I now changed front about thirty degrees to the right, and advanced across the ravine and half way up the enemys hill. The skirmishers of the brigade under Captain Patten, of the Seventy-third illinois Volunteers, worked imp and occupied a stone fence pretty well to the rear of the enemy. At about 4 p. in. I was or(lered by General Elliott to move up the hill. We moved forward simnultaneonsly with the Second Brigade, the left of the Sixteemith Corps remaining station- ary, my right passing closely niong their front. Before we got up with our line of battle volunteers had been called for from the skirmish line to go to the rear of time position and carry it. I refer you to regimental reports for lists of thosebrave men. They carried the position gallantly, aided greatly by the charge in front. A number of my men had a hand- to-hand contest in the work. The rebel artillerymen used their revolv- ers until overcome by our bayonets. Corpi. Edgar S. Case, Company E, Thirty-sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteers, wremiched a battle-flag from a reb in the works and gallantly bore it off to his regiment; Lieutenant Hulse, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio, seized one of the guns, turned it on the enemy, and himself fired it a number of times; Captain Pattemm, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteers, and brigade officer of the day, took two guns, placed a guard over them until a written receipt was obtained for them. That receipt is now in my possession. I enter into these details so that those brave mcmi and officers may have some acknowledgment of their valuable and gallant services. At djmsk I was ordered by General Elliott to form on General Kimballs right and move with him. This was done, mnoving in the dark a little south of east. The Twenty-fourth Wisconsin covered my front as skirmishers; just east of the Granny White pike skirmishing opemmed and we halted, threw up rude works, and bivouacked for the night. December 16, iu obedience to division orders I had the Forty-fourth Illinois brought forward, and before broad daylight mnoved forward with about the same formation as last evening. As we neared the Franklin pike my skirmishers developed the emmemy. Wli~n my left reached the pike I was ordered to halt and change front, so as to flice south, my left against the Franklin pike, Second Brigade on my right, First Division in my rear. I only had room for two regimental fronts. The Thirty-sixth ammd Forty-fourth Ilhimmois formed my first battle line; Twenty-fourth Wisconsin remained out as skirmishers. The others were in rear and deployed into line. We waited about two hours for the Third Division to come up omi our left, and then we moved forward rapidly and put the enemy behind his works. I was ordered to guide to the Second Brigade. Our direction was so related to the enemys line that my left was soon within 150 yards of it and my line nearly perpendicu- lar from it. His artillery and musketry perfectly enfiladed my line Page 244 244 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. We were halted and the front line soon threw up l)rotective works. The Third Division halted 300 yards to my rear and left, which left me in danger of being turned. I had the left of the front line refused con- siderably, and placed the four rear regiments in a strong position 150 yards to rear of front line, its left extending two regimental fronts farther to the left and refused them well to the rear. They also threw np works rapidly, and I considered my position stroug enough for any prob- able need. Brisk musketry was maintained between my left front line and the enemy. At about 3 p. in. I was ordered to make all possi- ble demonstration to favor Colonel Posts charge on my left, but not to move unless ordered. An hour later a movement forward coin- menced on the right, and I took it up, swinging forward my right until parallel with the enemys works, and then stormed and carried them with 205 prisoners, 15 of whom were officers. I have receipts from division and department provost-marshals for the above captures. The front line alone was in this charge and m& 16e. The rear line was kept in perfect order about 300 yards to the rear. The enemy broke in panic confusion. We pursued rapidly, crossed the Franklin pike and rail- road, and then moved dne south and bivoucked after dark, joining the left of our Second Brigade. The trophies of the brigade were 1 battle-flag, 3 guns, and 205 prison- ers of war, 15 of whom were officers. Its losses were 8 men killed, 38 wounded, and 4 missing; total, 50 men. Colonel Barrett, Forty-fourth Illinois, who is on detached duty at Nashville, galloped out just before the last assault and joined his regi- ment, not to command, but to fight with it, presenting a fine example of courage and patriotism. Regimental commanders displayed their usual capacity and courage. My staff were worthy of high thanks, especially Capt. H. C. Powers, acting assistant adjutant-general. He rushed over the works with the troops and captured a rebel major with a number of privates. 1 feel thankful to Almighty God for such handsome results with such slight losses. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMERSON OPPYCKE, Colonel 125th Ohio Volunteer infantry, Commanding. Capt. E. G. WHITESIDES, Acting Assistant A~jntant- General. ADDENDA. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Nash rule, Tenn., December 10, 18G4. OFFIcERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FIRST BRIGADE: Your recent achievements in the terrible battle at Franklin corn- inand my profound thanks awl admiration. When the furious masses of the enemy had stormed and carried our main works at the keypoint of our whole position, and were dri xring our other forces in confusion, you rushed grandly nd defiantly forward, your bayonets gleaming with sunlight, assailed the victorious foe, crilshing him beneath your mighty energies, cai)tnred 394 prisoners, 1$) of whom were officers, 9 rebel battle-flags, retook the colors of a regiment belonging to a less fortunate but friendly brigade, retook 8 pieces of artillery and worked them with awful havoc on the deep columns of the enemy, restored our lines, and saved the army from disastrous overthrow Page 245 CHAP. Lvii.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 245 Generals Wagner, Cox, Wood, Stanley, and Schofield each have asserted that the First Brigade saved the day, and even the immortal Thomas said, From what they all tell me, colonel, your brigade save(I the day. Shoulder to shoulder, discipline and valor must always triumph. Your fame is high; defend it and maintain it or die gloriously in the effort. It is an honor to belong to the First Brigade. Let us mingle our tears over our fallen colnra(les. EMERSON OPI)YCKE, Colonel, Commai~ ding. No. 40. Reports of ]lliaj. Levi P. Holden, Eighty-eighth Illinois infantry, corn- mcnding Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 29 30 and December 1516, 1864. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY YOLIJNTEERS, Near Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864. Sin: In compliance with orders received, I have the honor to submit the followiiig report of the part taken by the Thirty-sixth Illinois In- fantry Volunteers in the action at Spring I-Till, Teun., November 29, and Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864: The regiment, commanded by Lient. Col. P. C. Olson, with the bri- gade and (livision, arrived at Spring Hill about 12 m. November 29, and immediately formed a line of battle facing east and confronting the enemys cavalry, who were already skirmishing with our own a short distance north of the town. Half an hour later we were with- drawn from the line, aiid up to 4 p. in. occupied position of inconsid- erable importance at which time we were ordered to support a section of artillery half a mile south of town and about fifty rods east of the Franklin pike. Here we formed a line of battle under fire of the enemy, but Could not hold the position long, as the enemy advanced npon us from right, left, and front, compelling ns to fall back to an elevated piece of ground a quarter of a mile south of town, where we remained during the night. At 4 a. m. November 30 the regiment joined the brigade which formed a rear guard for the troops marching to Franklin, where we arrived at 2 p. in. and formed line of battle in rear of the brigade. At 3 p. in. the regiment was ordered to advance under a very heavy fire and take position behind the works. The regi- ment made several attempts to take the next line, but each time was repulsed with heavy loss. We remained in our old position until about 11 p. in., when we received ordera to fall back to the north side of the river and reorganize the regiment. After reorganizing, the regiment with the brigade marched to this place. To this report I append a list of casualties.* L. P. HOLDEN, Major Eighty-eighth .Illinois Infantry, (Jomdg. Regiment. Capt. Ii. C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjntant- General. * Shows 1 officer and 5 men killed, 2 officers and 45 men wounded, and 18 meu missing Page 246 246 KY., SW. YA.,.TENN., MISS., ALA., Am) N. GA. [Ony. LVII. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-SIXTH ILLINoIs, Hear CohmmMa, Tess., December *2,1864. SiR: In compliance with orders received, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Thirty-sixth Illinois in front of Nashville, Texan December 15 and 16,1864: On the 15th we moved with the brigade and formed a. part of the second line; was not engaged with exception of a detachment of twenty skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant Hail (Thirty-sixth Illi- nois), who moved forward with the charging cohunn about 4.30 p. m. ad captuied 1 commissioned officer and 20 men (prisoners) and 2 pieces of artillery. Corpl. E. S. Case, Thirty-sixth Illinois (one of the skirmishers), captured one battle-flag. At daylight on the 16th moved with the brigade about one mile, when we halted, remained there until about 10 a. in., when the regiment was ordered to their position in the front line, joining the Second Brijade on the left. As soon as this position was taken the regiment, with the whole line, charged across an open field, driving the enemys skirmishers, and advanced to within fifty yards of their works. Ontleft being exposed, receiving an enfilad. ing fire, and our right giving any, we were compelled to fell back about 100 yards, where we reformedour line and remained until Op. in., when, perceiving the enemy giving any in our front, I ordered the regixdent forward to the works, where they moved in good order, cap- turing about 200 prisoners; moved about one mile after passing the works, where I refoamed the regiment and took my positiont the sec- ond line. Both officers ad. men under my command behaved in the most praiseworthy mauner; their bravery and coolness while in action was unsurpasse4,as on former fields in which they have won a high reputa- tiOL To this report I append a list of casualtiesP , your o~ent %. ~. HOLDEN, JUg or Bigktg-eiijktk IWnois, CwsmswsMsg Re$usest. Capt B. C. Powns Aetis, ii.t..tf AdjstastOeseraL No. 41. Report of Best. VoL Joke RsuaeU Forty-fourth IWsofeI*fastry, of operation November 80,1864. HDQRS. FoRTY-FouRTH ILLINOIS VETERAN INFANTRY, Na.kuille~ Tess., December 6,4864. CoLonL: Ihavethehonortomakethefollowin reportofthepart taken by this regiment in the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1861.: When we were ordered forward the enemy had driven our forces m on the center and had plated their colors on our works. We charged forward, drove the enemy back, and replanted our colors on the works. As we did so a good many higitives that had been driven back were rallied and went forward with us. The enemy had captured all that was left ofour battery, and as we rushed forward they forced a part of the men belonging to the battery over the works yith them. This bat- tery was afterward worked by some men of my own regiment After being driven back the enemy occupied the outer portion of our works Shows 8mm killed, 1 oM~er and 6 men wounded, adS ma missing Page 247 (]rn& r. LVII.] OAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MiDDLE TENN. 247 for over two hours, when they surrendered. Our colors suffered very much from the terrible fire of the euemy, the flagstaffs were partially cut away iu several places, and the flags badly cut and torn. The prisouers captured numbered 83, who reported that they were all that was left of the three regiments they belonged to. Among them were the colonel au(l a captain of the Eiohth Mississippi and Capt. (1. NV. Covell, Company F, Third i\tissouri: The two framer surrendered to me, and I received their swords, and Captain Covell surrendered to Sergt. Israel P. Covey, of Company B. They were sent to the rear in charge of Lieut. Lewis C. Mills, of Company C, who delivered them over to the colonel of an Ohio regiment iu the Twenty-third Corps. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN RUSSELL, Lieut. Col. Forty-fourth Jillinois Infantry, Comdg. Regiment. Col. F. OPDYCKE, Commanding Brigade. No. 42. Report of Capt. Alouzo W. Clark, Forty-fourth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. 111Qn8. FORTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS VETERAN INFANTRY, Huntsville, Ala., January 12, 1865. CAPTAIN: lu accordance with instructions received from headquar- ters Second Division, I have the honor of ma]Png the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the late battles of the 15th and 16th before Nashville: By order of Colonel Opdycke the regiment formed the morning of the 15th in the breast-works. where the brigade had been encamped, and were, with time exception of Lieutenant Allen and seventy men (who were employed on the skirmish line), retained until the next morning. At 3 oclock on time morning of the 16th we marched to join our bri.. gade, then On the Granny White pike. At daylight marched with the brigade in line of battle marched but a short distance, when sharp skirmishing commenced, and about it oclock the regiment, with the brigade, charged over an open field and partly tlmrough a skirt of tium- ber to within about 100 yards of the enemys works (our l)osition being on the left of time front line of the brigade), but, owing to a heavy enfi- lading fire on 1)0th flank~, fell back about fifty yards, securing better covering and position, fronm whence we kept up an incessant firing until about 3 oclock, when we, with the brigade, charged the enemys works, capturing a number of prisoners; but owing to the order to move for- ward were unable to take receipt or to tell the exact number taken. We then immoved forward with the brigade (our position being on ~he riglmu of the second hue), pursuing the enemy until time darkness of the night prevented our pursuit farther. I have no special mention to make of officers or men, all behaving in the best of manner. Our list of casualties for the 15th and 16th is as follows: Commis- sioned officerswounded, 1 (Charles M. Lyon, first lieutenant and 2; umissing, 5. acting adjutant). Enlisted menkilled 3 wounded 2 Total, 31. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A. W. CLARK, Captain Forty-fourth Illinois Yeteran Infantry, Comdg. Regt. [Capt. It. C. PowERs Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. Page 248 248 KY., SW. VA., ~NN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVIL No.43. Reports of CapL Wilson Burroughs, Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, of operations November 2Q-~3O and December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD ILLINOIS YOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of this command from the morning of the 29th of November to Decem- ber 1, 1864: Upon breaking up camp on this side of Duck iRiver, near Columbia, Tenn., on the morning of the 29th, four companies of the regiment, viz, A, F, D, and I, were ordered to go forward an(l get in advance of the train and proceed to Spring Hill, and there deploy out across the pike and railroad and stop stragglers and others from coming any farther this way. They proceeded under command of Captain Jones, of Coin- pany ID, to carry the order out, and a few minutes after taking up their I)osition the enemys cavalry made their appearance, approaching the town from the northeast. Captain Jones, seeing that they would cut him oft from the rest of the army if they succeeded in gaining the town, immediately fell back to some barricades erected by the One hundred and twentieth Indiana. In the meantime the rest of the brigade caine up and drove the enemy back. Previous to this the remaining com- panies of the regiment, which were in the advance of the brigade, had beeim thrown out on the right as flankers, and held their position on the skirmish line during the night. The four companies under command of Captain Jones were sent out on the extreme left of the line of skirmish- ers, but soon after the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry came in upon their left, which was the position during the night. On the morning of the 30th the regiment was withdrawn from the hue and again united and acted in conjunction with the rest of the brigade as rear guard, amid advanced in line of battle on the left of the pike to Framiklin, the Forty-fourth Illinois being upon the right. Upon our arrival at Franklin we were brought into a position upon the left of the pike as we approach Nashville, and some 300 or 40() yards in the rear of our line of works, for rest and refreshment. The enemy after massing their forces drove in our skirmish line amid rapidly advanced npou the main line, a pottion of which broke in considerable confusion, which our men perceiving amid knowing the necessity of immediate action became clamorous to be led to the works and rescue, and upon receiving the order from Major Motherspaw to advance, did so with a cheer, reaching the works now upon the right of the pike just in time to drive the enemy back and save a battery which had been left with- out any support. This position the regiment held during the rest of the engagement, repulsing the enemy in their several desperate attempts to drive us from our position. The regiment was withdrawn with the rest of the brigade and arrived in this city on the 1st instant. The following is a list of the casualties - Recapitulation: Commissioned officers killed, 1; wounded, 3. En. listed men killed, 5; wounded, 18; missing, 6. 1 am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILSON BURROUGHS, Captain, Comdg. Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Capt. IL C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. * Nominal list omitted Page 249 OBAP. L~H.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 249 IIDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD ILLiNOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, (lamp near IJuntsrille, Ala., January 12, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the two days battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864. It was formed in the second line dnring both these days, and conformed to the varions evolntions of the brigade; it also took part in the charges made in each days operations. The casnalties were one enlisted man mortally wonnded in the advance made on the enemys works dnring the second day. I have to add that my regiment snstained its former repntation for good condnct before the enemy, and I refrain from mentioning the valor of any particnlar one lest I shonld do injnstice to the remainder. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, & c., WILSON BURROUGHS, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Col. E. OPDYCKE, Comdg. First Brig., Second Div., Fourth Army Corps. iso. 44. Reports of Lieut. Col. George W. Smith, Seventy-fourth and Eighty- eight1i~ Illinois Infantry (consolidated), of operations November 2230 and December 1516, 1864. HDQRS. EIGHTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY, In the Field near Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the part borne by this command dnring the recent operations of the Army of the Cumberland: November 22 moved out with the army from Pulaski, Tenn., and marched to Lynuville. November 23, broke camp at 2 a. m. and marched to Columbia, going into position and building works. No- vember 25, reconnoitered the enemy, skirmishing with his advance. At night fell back to a new position, which we intrenched. November 27, consolidation of the Seventy-fourth Regiment Illinois Infantry with this command. Evacuated Columbia at dark, crossing Duck River. November 28, went into reserve position on north side iDnek River. November 29, marched to Spring Hill; skirmished with enemys cavalry from 2 ~,. m. until dark, driving them from the town. Remained on picket all night. November 30, constituted the skirmish line for tIme rear of the army; exchanged shots with the enemy during the entire march. Reached Franklin at 2 p. m. At 4 p. m. led the brigade in a charge upon the enemys assaulting column, successfully repulsing it, and capturing five rebel stamid of colors, with from 200 to 300 pris- oners. At midnight covered the withdrawal of the brigade from the town, crossing Harpeth River at 2 a. in. December 1, and marching with the brigade to the outer defenses of Nashville, where we went into camp preparhtory to being assigned to position. Upon all occasions of conflict with the enemy the officers and men of time consolidated command behaved with the utmost courage and coolness. I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W SMITH, Licutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. R. C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 250 250 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVIL JIDQRS. 88TH AND 74TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Duck River, December 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this command in the battles of Nashville on the 15th and 16th instant: The regiment was not immediately engaged, but mdved into position at different points on the line with its brigade and was nnder fire mnch of the time. In the first days engagement a detail from the coin- mand was upon the skirmish line under direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Boone, division officer of the day, and conducted itself well. In the afternoon volunteers were called for to pass in rear of a rebel battery, and, if possible, capture it. Some twenty were engaged in the work, and the result was a snecess. The names from this command are: Sergt. William I. Colvin and Corpl. Peter M. Woolf, Company A; Corpl. W. W. Dillon, Company H; Private George Tyrrell, Company F, and Private Joseph Bray, Company K, Eighty-eighth Illinois. Many prisoners came into our lines during the two days, but it will be impossible to estimate correctly their number, nor am I inclined to claim them as captures of the regiment. The casualties were: Privates Josiah Inman, Company D, and Horatio Banks, Company E, Seventy- fourth Illinois, slightly wounded. - I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. It. C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 45. Report ~/ Capt. Edward P. Bates, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 29December 1, 1864. HEADQUARTERS 125TH Onio VOLUNTEERS, Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 18G4. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of the One hun- dred and twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteers from November 29 to December 1, 1864. On the morning of November 29 the regiment was bivouacked on the north bank of Duck River, opposite Columbia. At 8 a. in., and ten minutes after receiving the order, mny comuniand marched, as directed by Colonel Opdycke, the fifth regiment in the brigade and division, on the pike toward Spring lull, (histant twelve miles. At 11 a~. in., having arrived within a mile of the town, the command was movcd double- quick to reach the place befire it should be occupied by a large cavalry force of the enemy then in sight. Our lines were formed north of the town, with the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio on the left of the pike and of the brigade, and as soon as formned the brigade advanced, driving back the enemy till he disappeared from our front. Soon after he was seen advancing on the Franklin pike, and, as directed by the colonel commanding, my regimmient was immediately (Ieployed and advanced, covering the pike, aIl(l successfully held the enemy in check there While other parts of the lines l)ecame more seriously engaged. A skirmish line of more than half a mile in lemigth was thus main Page 251 Ow. LYILJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TEEN. ~5l tamed by the regiment during the afternoon and night Meanwhile the army and train retreated safely through our lines toward Franklin. At daybreak the out joined the brigade, which was to be rear guard. The lines of retreat were formed under direction of the colonel commanding, with the One hndred and twenty-fifth Ohio in the rear line on the left ofthe pike. At 6 a. m. the retirement commenced and proceeded without serious interruption to Franklin, which place we reached about 2 p. m. and took a commanding position to check the advancing columns of the enemys cavalry and infantry then in sight At about 3 p. m. the brigade was relieved and moved within a hastily constructed line of works near Oarters house, on the pike, where the men were permittedto take the first refreshmente of the day. Scarcely was supper ended when sharp picket-Siring was heard on all sides, and the men were called to arms; the rebel battle-line soon joined their skirmishers and the fight began. With all celerity the ~frien~ of the brigade were moved to right and left of the pike ready for use, and the front of my command uncovered; the next moment the line at the works was broken, a mass of frightened recruitS and panic-stricken men came surging back, and the clash of arms, the whizzing of bullets, andthe demoniac yell of an elated foe was all that could be heard, when the order came from our leader to advance my regiment, and the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio charged double-quick through and over crowds of routed men, and met the rebels at our abandoned works, and poured into them withering .volleys that sent them reeling back from our lines, strewing their way with flags, dead, and won I was quickly joined on the left by the gallant Twenty-fourth Wiseonsin and Eighty-eighth Illinois, and on the. right by the noble Thirty-sixth. Illinois that added their veteran fire, which thoroughly repulsed the first fierce assault Two gums at the right of the regiment that had been deserted by all but a single corporal, were quickly brought into action again, new barricades constructed, stragglers fotced back to them, and disaster averted. Eep~ted assaults weremade and repulsed, each time with greatloss to the enemy in killed, wounded; and prisoners. The trophies secured were 2 guns saved, 2 battle-flags and 85 prisoners captured. I cannot select retributive language to describe the bravery evinced by the entire regiment Officers were examples and the men emulated them. Someinstances deserveparticular mention. Sergt. HenryRoss, of Company H, penetrated enemys lines three times, demanded sur- render, and actually conducted to our lines 40 rebel prisoners. CorpL Joseph Wilson, Company C, was captured, and subsequently made his escape with 25 rebels as prisoners. Sergeant French, Company C, in charge of a party of sharpshooters, did excellent service. Private William C. Roberts, Company, I and Thecphile Ducquet, Company B, captufted each a rebel battlellag. The casualties in the regiment were 1 officer and 1 man killed; 1 officer and 18 men severely and 1 officer and 6 men slightly wonded nd 8 men missing. Among the killed was the lamented Capt B. B. Stewart, of Company B, whose courage, capacity, generosity, and intellectual worth endeared ~~~all,andrecommendedhimtohigherpo5itiOn. Itiaduetothose reported missing, to say that they are all men of true courage, and that death or severe wounds caused them to be missing. At 11 p.m. the regiment retired a short distance from the works as support to the pickets, and at 12 crossed the Harpeth Biver, having brought the wounded off the teld. The march was immediatel Page 252 25~2 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. LVII. resumed, with the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio first in the brigade, and the brigade was the first of the army to enter Nashville at 10 a. m. December 1, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWAT~D P. BATES, Captain, Commanding 125th Ohio Volunteers. Capt. It. C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral. No. 46. Report of ]liliaj. Joseph Bra/f, One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio Infan try, of operations December 1516. 1864. HEADQUARTERS 125TH OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Near Columbia, flenn., December 21, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 15th instant my command, simultaneous with others, moved out of the works at Nashville to attack the enemy, participating in the charge upon the enemys position to the left of the Hillsborough pike, which we carried. Lieutenant Ilulse, in command of squad of skirmishers, captured one gun to the right and front of this position, which lie turned upon the enemy, doing good service. On the 16th advanced upon the enemys works to the right of the Franklin pike and charged with the line, the enemy flying in disorder. The casualties in the command were 1 killed and 3 severely wounded. Your obedient servant, JOSEPH BJtUFF, Major, Commanding Regiment. [Capt. It. C. POWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral.] No. 47. Report of Capt. Edwin B. Parsons, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations November 29December 1, 1864. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Nashville, December 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from your headquarters this day I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the late battle at Franklin, and the movements from the 29th ultimo to the 1st instant, inclusive: At 8 a. in., on the morning of the 29th ultimo, in obedience to orders, we broke camp in front of Columbia, and marched left in front, follow- ing the Thirty-sixth Illinois; in arching rapidly we arrived at Spring Hill about 11 a. in., moving through the town at double-quick, and formed line of battle with the Thirty-sixth Illinois on our right and the Forty- fourth Illinois on our left; advanced about 400 yards, halted and threw un a barricade of rails. Arrived just in time to prevent the enemy Page 253 CRAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 253 cavalry from entering the town. We remained in this position until about 4.30 p. in., when we were ordered to the railroad station; we threw up a barricade and remained all night, picketing our front and connecting with the pickets of the Forty-fourth Illinois on our right. On the morning of the 30th, at 4 a. in., in obedience to orders, we marched to the right of the Franklin pike, where we formed in line witil One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio on our right and the Thirty- sixth Illinois on our left, acting as rear guard. We marched in this manner until we arrived near Franklin, when, the skirmishers being withdrawn from our front, we were ordered to take position behind a stone wall on the left of the pike and observe the movements of the enemy. After remaining in this position three-quarters of an hour we were ordered to move by the flank again toward the rear; moving a sh6rt distance the order. was countermanded, and the regiment was deployed as skirmishers; remaining in this position about half an hour we were ordered to move by the flank into Franklin, which we did, first deploying three companies as skirmishers to cover the rear. Arriving near the works the regiment was relieved by a regiment from the Second Brigade. We then marched in with the other regiments of the brigade, went 400 yards to the rear of the works, where we stacked arms, and the men were allowed to rest and get their dinners, it being now about 2.30 p. in., having marched without breakfast. At about 4.30 p. in. the enemy attacked our lines furiously, and the troops in the works in our front gave way in confusion. We charged forward with fixed bayonets, driving many stra~glers back to the works and retaking a part of the lines, which had been momentarily held by the enemy. The fighting at this point was for a time hand to hand, one of my sergeants receiv- ing a severe wound in the head from a saber in the hands of a rebel officer. The regiment remained behind the works keeping up a con- tinual fire until abont 11 p. in., when, M~jor MacArthur having been wounded and Captain Philbrook, acting field officer, killed, I assumed command of the regiment, and, in obedience to orders, fbrmed it and marched back to towim, where we remained abont half an hour, when I was ordered to follow the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio and form line a short distance in rear of the works to support the line in case of necessity. We remained in this position about three-quarters of an hour, when I was ordered to follow the One hundred and twenty-fifth Ohio across the river, in arching all night toward Nashville. Major MacArthur was severely wounded soon after the engagement commenced while gallantly leading his regiment in the thickest of the fight, and Captain Philbrook, than whom a braver officer never lived, was killed near me while nobly performing his duty. I deeply regret we were obliged to leave his body in the hands of the enemy. Our loss in enlisted men was 1 killed, 16 wounded, and 3 missing. Where all did so nobly ~tis impossible to note each individual case of gallantry without doing injustice to others. For some seven hours the regiment was under the fire of the enemy, the men volunteering as often as necessary to go back and bring up supplies of ammunition, and keeping up so constant a fire as to prevent the enemy again advancing on the works. I desire to make mention of Sergts. Felix MeSorley and Thomas Toohey, of Company F, who assisted in working the guns of the bat- tery near the right of the regiment after nearly every man had left them, the fire of the enemy being hotter at this thami any point on the line. I would also mention Corpl. John Miller, of Company B, wh Page 254 254 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. brought off the colors of the Fifty-first Illinois that had been left on the field, carrying them all night; he delivered theni to the adjutaizit of that regiment the next day. On T~ecember 1 we continued our march until about iioon, when we formed line and went into camp near Nashville. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, E. B. PARSONS, Captain, Commanding. Capt. 11. C. POWERS, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Second Division. No. 48. Report of Capt. Charles Ilartung, Twenty fourth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Huntsville, January 13, 1865. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders I have the honor to report the fol- lowing part taken by my regiment in the late engagements in front of Nashville, December 15 avid 1(5, 1864: On the morning of the 15th ultimo, iii obedience to orders, the com- mand was in readiness to move at an early hour, but did not until about 8 a. in., when it followed the Seventy-third Illinois. Moved out of the intrenchments and to the right of our former position, and closed en masse in rear of the first line of battle. After lying in this position about two hours the order to move forward was given; halted several times before reaching the first range of hills. When near the brow of the hill we halted until, the fire from the enemys battery being so accurate, the order was given to deploy the regiment and move forward to a fence, where we remained near two hours. We then moved over the hill through a ravine and to the foot of another hill on which the enemy had a redoubt. Remained here but a short time getting into position preparatory to making a charge on the works, when we moved forward at double-quick, and the works were carried without opposi- tion. After reaching the top of the hill we remained in line about an hour, when we moved to the front nearly a mile by the right flank. The regiment was then ordered on the skirmish line a imd moved forward about half a mile after deploying. It now being dark, we soon struck the enemys skirmishers, when brisk firing commenced. Maimitnined the position until orders were received to retire. Moved a short distance to the rear, threw up a line of works, amid remained all night. At (5 a. in. on the morning of the 16th the order was received to move forward. Moved cautiously about two miles, when we came upon the enemys skirmishers and drove them steadily bn ck to their main line of works, where we remained until about 3 p. ni., when time regimnent was relieved by a regiment from General Steedmans command; the regiment then retired a short distance and awaited orders. Remained in this position nearly two hours, when orders came to rqjoin tIme brigade. After rejoin- ing the brigade the regiment marched in hue of battle about two miles to the front and went into camp. I have the honor to be, captain, respectfilhly, yours, & c., CHAS. HARTUNG, FCapt. R. C. POWERS, Captain, Com~nanding. Acting Assistant Adjutant- Ueneral. Page 255 CHAP. LYIJJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTII ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 255 No. 49. Reports of Gol. John 9. Lane, Ninety-seventh Ohio i4antry, command- ing Second Brigade, of operations November 29December 1 and Decem- ber 15iG, 1864. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIcf., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Nashville Tenn December 7 1864. , ., SIR: In obedience to orders from the headquarters Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, I have the honor to very respectfully submit for the information of the general commanding the following report of the operations of this brigade from and imicludimi g the 29th day of Novem- ber to and including the 1st day of 1)ecember, 18(i4: I assumed commaimd of the brigade on the morning of the 29th ultimno while the troops were in line of battle on the north side of Duck River, near the Franklin pike. Time brio-ade consisted of the Twenty- sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, Captain Clark commanding; Ninety- seventh Ohio Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes commanding; Tweiity-eighth Kentucky Veteran Volunteers, Lieu tenant-Colonel Boone commanding; Fortieth Indiana Veteran Volnnteers, Lieutenant- Colonel Leaming commandin~ Fifty-seventh Indiana Veteran Volun- teers, Major McGraw commanding, and One hundredth Illinois Volun- teers. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamumond conunanding, making in all 80 comnmissioned officers and 1, 58G enlisted men. At 8 a. in., by order of General Wagner, I moved my command in the direction of Spring Hill. I was notified that a division of rebel cavalry was on our ilammk, and made the usnal dispositions to gnard against snrprise by putting out flankers, & c. On imearimig Spring Ilill it became apparent that the enemy was trying to get possession of that place. Leaving the Twenty- sixth Ohio one mile and a half south of town for time purpose of pro- tecting our trains I toyed my command at double-quick to the east side of town, formed line of battle,deployed the Twenty-eighth Kentucky Veteran Volunteers as skirmishers, and by order of Gemmeral Wagner moved at once on the enemy, who was in heavy force on an eminence half a mile east of the town, with his skirmishers within 400 yards of our trains. The troops moved forward in splendid style; the enemy stubbornly resisted for thirty minutes, when he yielded the eminence to Colonel Boones Twenty-eighth Kentucky Veteran Volunteers, and moved to my right in the direction of the Third Brigade. I ordered Colonel Hammond, with his regiment (One hundredth Illinois Volun- teers), to support Colonel Boone, Twenty eighth Kentucky, whom I had instructed to hold his position, when, by order of General Wagner, I withdrew my line of battle to a position near the town, where we im- mediately constructed a line of rifle-pits. I had but ,just made this disposition of my command when the Third Brigade became engaged with greatly superior numbers, which, after a ~allant resistance com- menced falling back in the direction of the town. By order of General Wagner I changed my fl-out forward on the First B~~ttalion, let the Third Brigade pass me and form in my rear, and prepared to dispute the enemys farther advance with a line of skirmishers well out. I moved the One hundredth Illinois and Company F, Fortieth Indiana, to my left so as to hit the enemy in flank, which caused him to stop and reformn his lines. Before he could again advance the darkness of the night made onr position secure. The troops rested on their arms until 4 oclock on the morning of the 30th, when by order of General Wagner I resumed the march hi th Page 256 256. KY., SW VA., TEEN., MISS., ALA., AND N. (IA. [GNAW. LVI!. direction of franklin; moving to the right of and parallel with the Columbia pike, with flankers well out, watching the enemy, who was maneuvering for our trains. This march was most arduous to the troops, who had already been twenty-four hours on constanl duty with- out sleeping eatin. At 11 o7clock we wived at Stevens? Hill, two miles south of Franklin, ad for line of battle, my right resting on the hill, where we remained until ip. in., when, by order of General Wagner, Imoved mycommand to the west side of the Columbia pike, in front of Stone Hill (see accompanying sketcr), posted a strong line of skirmishers coverin; my front ad flanks, ad saw the balance of the army retire to a position in the rear. From the top of Stone Hill in the rear of my brigade I saw the enemy come through a gap in Stevens? Hill, in two columns, one formed on the right, the other on theleft ofthepike. At2 o7clock I seutword to General Wagnerthat. the enemy was advancing in force and was about to envelop my flanks. With my skirmish line and a section of artillery posted on Stone Hill I retarded the advancing column until I received orders, and withdrew mycommandtoapositionone-third of a mileinadvanceofthemain line of works on the righlioftbe Third Brigade. I here received orders to give battle to the enemy, and, if able, drive him off; if overpowered, tocheckhimaslong as possible, and then retire to themainlineof works. At about 3p.m. the enemy drove inmy skirmishers; advanced in heavy columns, striking the Third Brigade, and pressing don on the Fortieth Indiana Veteran Volunteers on the left of my line. This regiment steadily held its position, driving back the enemy at every attempt to force our lines until the Third Brigade, on my left~, fell hack, whenlgavethe order to retire to the mainline of works. Wehad much difficulty in getting into the works, owing to a heavy line of abatis of locust boughs placed there for some purpose, through which my line had to pass. This caused some delay which enabled the enemy to get within fifty feet of us~ fortunately five of my regiments had held their fire, when, forming quicklybelund the works, they poured into the advancing column a so 6adly that the enemy fell back in dis- may only, however, to renew the attack, which now became a hand-to- ban& fight over the parapet, lasting until 10 oclock at night Fresh troops were constantly hurled against our lines, until the enemy had made eleven distinct assaults upon our works with a determination only surpassed by the undaunted courage of our troops. Regiments would charge over the parapets into our lines only to be beaten don with dubbed muskets or taken prisoners. Private James S. ORiley, Company I Fortieth Indiana Veteran Vol bayoneted the color- bearer of tue Fifteenth Alabama ~ent, and carried away the flag. In front of the Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteers arebel regiment planted their colors on our works. First Sergt. Alfred Bansbottom, Company K of that regiment, captured the flag and took thecolor-bearer prisoner. We captured from the enemy 284 prisoners, 45 of whom were officers. My loss in this enpagement, although fightin; behind a good line of works, was 16 commissioned officers and 402 enlisted men. I could here instance many acts of great personal courage, but where all did so well I deem it improper if not invidious to make distinctions. My staff consisted of Capt Henry C. Tinney, assistant a4jutant-gen- eral; Lieut Louis L. Cox, aide-de-camp; Ca t John W. Aughe, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt Orpheus C. Harvey, provost-marshal,. and Capt George A. Lemert, topographical engineer. These officers were of invaluable service to me, promptly carrying my orders and S.. Flat. LXXIII, Map4 o Page 257 GRAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 257 everywhere stimulating the troops to greater exertions. Capt. William A. Munger, acting commissary of subsistence, arid Lient. Caleb B. Gill, acting assistant quartermaster, were on duty with the trains. Dr. Ilosca Tillson, chief surgeon of the brigade, rendered every possible assistance to the wounded. At 11 p. in. I withdrew my command from the line of works and resumed the march to Nashville, Tenn., at which place I arrived at 11 oclock on the morning of the 1st day of December, 1864. I have the honor to submit herewith a sketch showing the position occupied by my brigade.* I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN Q. LANE, Colonel Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteers, Commanding Brigade. Capt. E. G. WHITESIDES, Acty. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near JThntsville, Ala., January 6, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of this brigade in the battle before Nashville, Teun., on the 15th and 16th of December last: My brigade was encamped near the outer line of works, the left rest- ing on the Uillsborough turnpike. On the evening of the 14th I received orders from General Elliott in person to have my command in readiness to move at 6 a. m. of the 15th, with three days rations in hav- ersacks and sixty rounds of ammunition per man. My command con- sisted of the Twenty-sixth Ohio Infaiitry, Captain Clark; Ninety-sev- enth Ohio Infantry, Lieutenant- Colonel Barnes; One hundredth Illinois Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel flammoiid; Fortieth Indiana Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Learning; Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Blanch; Twenty-eighth Kentucky Infantry, Lieutenant- Colonel Boone, amounting in all to 73 commissioned officers, 1,242 enlisted men. At 7 oclock on the morning of the 15th, ha ving deployed one regiment, Twenty- sixth Ohio Infantry, before the solid works, I moved my brigade half a mile to the right, and formed order of bat- tle, my right connecting with Colonel Opdyckes (First) brigade. My skirmishers consisted of details from the different regiments, and were commanded by Maj. J. S. McGraw, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. At about 10 oclock I moved my command forward to an emineiice within musket-range of the enemys battery, the skirmishers having driven his pickets within the main line of works. My men being much exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy, I protected them as best I conid by the nature of the ground, and remaine(l in this position sev- eral hours, a battery having in the meanwhile been placed within my lines, to which I acted as support while it shelled the enemys works in our front. At about ~ p. in. I again advanced, preserving an align- ment on General Groses brigade, of the First Division of this corps. In our front the enemy occupied a commanding eminence, with a strong line of works, protected from infantry by several lines of excellent abatis. I marched from the ridge which I had occupied for some time See Plate LXXIII, Map 4 of the Atlas. 17 R HVOL XLV, PT Page 258 258 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. across the ravine in front, avid halted at the foot of the hill occupied by the enemy. I here readjusted my lines, and charged up the hill slinul- taneously with the skirmish line and the commands ou my right and left. The men comprehended the task before them, and bounded for- ward with a yell and determined vigor that the enemy could not with- stand, and before the line became fairly engaged he gave way, leaving his works iu our possession. My skirmish line charged over the para- pet in advance of the line of battle, capturing four guns, but pressing on without leaving a guard with them they fell into other hands. The skirmishers continued to drive the enemy for some distance be- yond his works, and captured another (Napoleon) gun, which was brought back into my lines. I next moved on a line parallel with the enemys works, following the interval between Colonel Opdyckes brigade and the Sixteenth Army Corps, about a mile, and bivouacked for the night on the east side of the Granny White pike, on a line between the First and Third Brigades of this division. On the morning of the 16th, at about 7.30 oclock, I advanced in two lines between the other two bri- gades in a direction nearly due east until nearing the Franklin pike, when my skirmish line encountered the enemy and drove him into his works. The line was then swung to the right and advanced on a line with the pike, double quicking to within 150 yards of the enemys main worki~, where I found him in force, and in obedience to orders halted and constructed a line of rifle-pits. I here remained, occasionally demonstrating against the enemy and keeping up a constant fire, to keep down the sharpshooters, until about 4 p. in., when, the enemys line having been broken on the right, a general charge was ordered and the main works carried at the point of the bayonet without serious loss, capturing 83 prisoners. Ii pursued the enemy for some distance after crossing his works, and then reformed my command and advanced about a mile, going into camp at dark in order of battle. During the two days engagement I lost 8 officers wounded, 4 men killed 47 wounded, 3 missing; among the former Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes, commanding Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Lieu- tenant-Colonel Blanch, commanding Fifty-seventh Indiana Veteran Vol- unteer Infantry. Ii will not make special mention of any one where all did their whole duty, executing all my orders and moving against the enemy with a willingness I have never seen excelled. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Q. LANE, Colonel Ninety-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. Maj. J. B. SAMPLE, Assist nt Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CoRPS, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 5, 1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following captures of trophies by my command. The articles cannot now be obtained, as they are with the regimental baggage, but will be forwarded as soon as possible, together with a statement of the circumstances attending each capture: One battle-flag, captured by Sergt. Alfred Ransbottomn, Company K, Ninety-seveuth Ohio yolunteer lufautry, at Fr~nklin, T~nn., November 30, 1864 Page 259 CHAP. LVH.j CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 259 Conimissioned officers sword, captured at Nashville, Teun., December 16,1864, by First Lieut. S. B. Moody, CompanyD, One hundredth Illinois Volunteers. Battle-flag, captured by Private James S. ORiley, Company I, For- tieth Indiana Volunteers, at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Q. LANE, Colonel, Commanding. Maj. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Ai(jutant.Generai, Second Dir., Fourth Army Corps. No. 50. Report of Lient. Col. Charles ]ii. ilammond one hundredth Illinois Infantry, (~f operations December 1516, 1864. [JDQRS. lOOm ILLINOIS iNFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Near Ihmntsrille, Ala., January 12, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations-of my command in the battles in front of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864: The evening of December 14 1 received or(lers from Col. J. Q. Lane, commanding brigade, to have my command in readiness to march at 6 oclock the following morning, with three days rations and sixty rounds of ammunition per man. At 7 a. m. December 15 I moved my com- mand from the works near the Hilisborough pike by the right flank a dis- tance of about 300 yards, where 1 halted and formed my regiment in column by divisions in rear of tile Fortieth indiana Volunteers, my right resting on the First Brigade, Second I)ivision, Fourth Army Corps, my left on the Ninety-~eventh Ohio Volunteers. After remain- ing in this position about two hours I was ordered to move forward. At a distance of about 400 yards from our own works the enemy opened ou us with artillery, when I was ordered to deploy my regiment and move in line of battle. Upon arriving near the enemys rifle-pits I was ordered to halt my eomman(l and have the men lie down. I remained in this position until about 4 p. ni., when our skirmish line charged the enemys works, and, by order of Colonel Lane, I moved my command forward on the double-quick to their support. The works being car- ried I moved my regimnent through a dense thicket to the left of the Granny White pike, when, by order of Colonel Lane, I deployed my regiment as skirmishers, moved forward, and ascertained the enemys position, and established a picket-line, which I held until the morning of the 16th instant. At 7 a. mu. I)ecembcr 161 was ordered by Colonel Buckner, Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and division officer of the day, to move my skirmish line forward to the Franklin pike, after crossing which 1 swung my left forward, and afterward conformed to time movements of the regiment on my right. We struck the enemys skirmnishers and drove them in good style into their rifle-pits. Lient. M. N. M. Stewart, Company A, the inimitable skirmisher and hero, with Companies A and F, then charged, and drove the enemy from their rifle-pits and into their mnain line of works, holding the line until about 4 p. in., at which time they were relieved by colored troops from General Steedmans command, who charged the enemy~s works and were repulsed. I was ordered by Geperal Wood to deploy my reg Page 260 260 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. ment and stop such men as were falling back of the original line. Order being restored, I was directed by Colonel Bnckner, Seventy- ninth Illinois, division officer of the day, to join my brigade, wherever I conid find it, which I succeeded in doing at dark. The casualties in my command were exceedingly light, considering the lei~gth of time we were exposed to fire dnring the two days battle. The following is a list of casualties: WoundedJoseph Butcher, private, Company F, leg ampntated; Edward M. Clark, private, Com- pany B, flesh, ankle. I am, sir, very respeetfidly, your obedient servant, C. M. HAMMOKI), Lieutenant. Colonel, Commanding. Capt. Louis L. Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 51. Report of Licut. Cot. Henry Learning, Fortieth Indiana infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. FORTIETH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 24, 1d65. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken in the battles of the 15th and 16th of December last, before Nashville, Tennessee: The regiment under my command was simply used as a support for the first line; not being itself actually engaged, of course acted only a secondary part; still, I think the part was well maintained. 1 noticed a great improveThent in the morale of the recruits, who had reached inc bnt a short time previous to the battle of Franklin, and found theni pretty well brokeu in to stand about the only fire they were exposed to, th at of t he enemys artillery. My total loss was 11 menl killed and 10 wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. LEAMING-, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Captain Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. IIDQRS. FORTIETH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 14, 1865. Capt. L. L. Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: In compliance with your request to send you the rebel battle- flag captured by my regiment at Franklin, Teun., together with a statement of the circumstances attending its capture, I have the honor to report that the flag was captured by Private James S. ORiley, Company I, under the following circumstances: After a part of the second line at the battle of Franklin had given way a number of the enemy came over our works and some into the yard of the brick house just to the right of the Columbia pike. Private ORiley with others stopped behind the house, and the fire they opened prevente Page 261 CHAP. Lviii CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 2(31 the farther progress of the enemy at that place. Oitiley did not long remain behind his shelter, but sallying out met a color-bearer of the rebel force at the other end of the house, aiid running him through with his bayonet carried off his flag in triumph. Colonel I3lake after- ward obtained the flag and probably now knows where it is. I shall request him to send it back to the regiment. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HI. LEAIMING, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Fortieth Indiana Infantry Volunteers. No. 52. Report of ]VLaj. John S. McGraw, Fifty-sereuth Indiana Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. FIFTY-SEVENTH I~EGIMENT iNDiANA VOLUNTEERS, Huntsrille, January 12, 1865. Sin: In compliance with instructions I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the engagements of the 15th and 16th ultimo at Nashville, Teun.: On the 14th ultimo this regiment was occupying a position in the fortifications defending Nashville, to the immediate right of the Hills- borough pike, Lieutenant-Colonel Blanch couiinanding. On the even- ing of that day orders were received at these headquarters from Col. J. Q. Lane to be, with the command, in readiness to move before daylight of the 15th ultimo. In accordance everything was prepared, and at near daylight the brigade began a movement to the right of the position which it had been occupying. After going about half a mile in this direction the lines of the brigade were formed in front of the fortifications, this regiment being assigned a position on the left of the front line of the brigade. The enemy occupied a position well fortified to our front about one mile. Our line was advanced, conforming to the movements of troops to our right, until we rested within about 500 yards of the enemys main line of works, occupying in doing so the day until nearly 4 p. m. During this advance the enemy was somewhat active with his artillery. At not far from 4 p. m. an assault was ordered on the enemys position, to which we at once advanced. When the assault was fairly commenced the enemy to our front abandoned their works, firing before and as they did so to a very limited extent, which fact accounts for the exceedingly small loss sustained. After possessing the enemys position our lines were reformed and the advance was con- tinued to a point on the Granny White pike, where we rested for the night. On the following morning, the 16th, pursuit was continued and the enemy was found to have assumed a position to the rear of the one occupied by him on the 15th, one mile, or near that distance. At about 10 a. m. an advance was ordered and began, when the enemy opened from his line of works a heavy fire on us. When this fire was opened the men of the advancing line began the double-quick and cheer, and the result was an assault on the enemys position, which proved a failure, as the left of this division was not connected with other troops. As I was not in command of the regiment at the time I cannot say whether an order to make the assault was received or not. During this movement Lieutenant-Colonel Blanch was wounded so severely that he was co Page 262 262 KY., SW. VA., TIENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr~. LVII. pelled to leave the field, and I at once assumed command of the regi- ment. After occnpying a position within easy musket-range of the enemys main line nntil nearly 4 p. in., an assanit to onr right being successfnl, I was ordered to pnsh my regiment forward. The order was at once carried out and the enemy was driven in confusion from their works. Pnrsnit was continued beyond the Franklin pike and to the vicinity of the Brentwood Pass, where we rested for the night. Some prisoners were captured by this command, to what nniuber I cannot say, as they were in all cases sent to the rear of our line nngnarded. The loss of the regiment dnring the two days engagement is 1 killed and 15 wonnded. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, ~our ol)cdient servant, JOHN S. McGliAW, Major, (Yornrnandiny Regimeu I. Capt. L. L. Cox, Aetinq Assistant Adjutant- General.] No. 53. Reporf of Lieut. Gol. J. RoWan Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentueky Tn fantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IQRS. TWENTY-EIGHTH KENTUCKY VETERAN VOLS., Huntsville, Ala., January 12, 1865. SIR: In compliance with instrnctions, I have the hoi ior to submit the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-eighth Kentucky in the operations against the enemy before Nashville, Teun., December iS and 16, 1864: The regiment, nuder comniand of Maj. (A-. W. Barth, was formed in line of battle about 7 a. mu. December 15, on the right of the front line of the Second Bri~ade, Second Division, Fourth Corps, before the for- tifications of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Corps. An advance of the line was soon ordered and the regiment was moved for- ward, conforming its movements to those of the brigade line of battle, and encountering considerable opposition from the enemy, who dis- puted the advance with artillery and musketry, to little effect, how- ever, as he was rapidly driven from each position selected, with little loss to ns. Jnst before dark, or abont 4.30 p. in., the enemy was dis- covered prepared to stan(l behind a good line of field-works, on a knoll imniediately to the left of the I{illsborough pike. The order to charge was given by our brigade commander, Colonel Lm ne, and with a loud yell that bespoke success the regiment made its way rapidly over time stone femices, across the pike, then up the hill, through the abatis, and the fort, artillery, and many prisoners stood as the captured fruits of a gal- lant amid successftd charge. The bright and new colors, which only a few days before had been presented the regiment, were anuong the first, if not themselves the first, that floated over the fort, and told its cap- ture~ thus within a few hours after being given to the regiment they met with a baptism bloody but glorious. May it ever be so while they are borne against the enemies of such a Government as that they rep- resent. About a mile beyond and directly to the rear of this fort, l)y Colonel Lanes order, the regiment fortified its front, and thereafte Page 263 CHAP. LVH.~ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 263 rested the remainder of the night. Betbre moving out the morning of the l(ith instant I resumed command of the regiment having the day previous been in charge of the skirmish line of the division, as division officer of the day. Early the line was formed. The position of the regi- mnent was same in the line of battle as the day previous and the advance ordered. Skirmishing soon ensued, but not checking the advancing line. A halt was made on the hill-side to the right of the Franklin pike, and while in this position the euemy opened on us with a battery some distance to our right, but causing no casualties in my regiiuent. About 1 oclock the line was again put in motion; the skirmishers soon became engaged, and by 2 oclock developed the enemy in force in our front with an evident determination to stay if he could. Colonel Lane ordered a charge; a stirring and confident yell followed. The ground to be traversed was broken amid the distance considerable to run over with heavy knapsacks, & c., but the men bounded forward with alacrity regardless of the storm of grape, shell, canister, and musketry that opposed their advance, and drove the enenmy over the hills to the cover of a formidable line of works, covered by several heavy lines of abatis, amid made to secure the Franklin pike. Our line ran at right angles with these works, but we moved up to within easy rifle-range. We were then ordered to change front to the rear, and this being done we squarely faced the enemy in his fortifications. Skirmishers were thrown out in -our front, and in an almost incredibly short pace of time the regiment had covered its front with a good and secure line of works, from which it kept up so heavy a fire as to silence the enemy in our front. About 4 p. m. we were ordered to charge the enemy~s fortifica- tions. The line was formed, the order given, and received by the men with the same exhibition of confidence that had characterized them the day before, and they dashed toward the works, passed the entan ble- ments and abatis, cleared the works, ami captured many prisoners, all of whom were ordered to the rear, amid the regiment continued the pur- suit of the flying and demoralized enemy, who stood not upon the order of going but went at once, every one for himself, and each one apparently anxious to lead the retrograde movements. The pursuit continued as rapidly as possible until we nec red Breutwood, wheu darkness interfered and the brigade halted for the night. The Twenty-eighth Kentucky was detailed for picket, and covered the front of the brigade during the night. I am intbrmed by the ordnance officer that the regiment expeimded 37,000 rounds of ammunition this day, and I can testify that it was all sent in the directiou of the enemy amid was not lost on the field. On this occasion the officers and men of the regiment fully sustained the reputation they had long before established and continue to enjoy. While we rejoice in the consciousness of having contributed in some degree toward the accomplishment of so much advantage to our cause, we cannot but feel grateful and happy because of having suffered so iiiconsiderable a numerical loss in casualties. lieports of the killed and wounded have preceded this, showing nanme, rank, company, & c.; the total is 1 enlisted muan killed and 5 wonimded. I have the honor to be. respectfully, J. IIOWAiN BOONE, J1ieittcnaut~ (lolorwi, (lonunandmuy. Lient. LOUIS L. Cox, Acting Assistant Adjntan t- General Page 264 264 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. M~. ~ Report of Capt. William Clark, Twenty-sixth Ohio Ii~fantry, of oper- ations December 1516, 1861. IIDQRS. TWENTY-SIXTH Gino YET. VOL. INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 12, 1865. SIR: I have the honor of forwarding the following report of the part taken by this command in the engagements in front of Nashville on the 15th and 16th nitimo: On the morning of the 15th ultimo the regiment, consisting of 116 guns and 6 commissioned officers (1 field and staff and 5 line), was ordered to deploy along the works covering the old front of the Second Brigade, and hold them at all hazards. We remained here nntil the morning of the 16th, at 4 oclock, nothing of importance occurring, when we were ordered to rejoin our brigade on the Granny White pike, where we found them advancing on the enemy, who had retired to a strong line of works near the Franklin pike. Advanced with the brigade, driving the enemys skirmishers from their pits, and taking a position within seventy-five yards of their main works; but were forced to retire after a few minutes to the rebel skirmish pits, where we kept up a heavy fire and constructed a line of works. Remained here until the enemys lines were broken on our right, when we moved forward, driving them from their works, and pursued them about three miles, where we were overtaken by night and went into camp. Lost diiriiig the day 1 man wounded and 1 missing. I am, sir, very respectftdly, your obedient servant, WILLIAM CLARK, Captain, Commanding. Lient. LouIs L. Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 55. Reports of Lient. Col. Milton Barnes, Ninety-sereath Ohio Infantry, of operations November 2930 and December 1516, 1864. HDQRS. NINETY-SEVENTH REC-IM NT OHIO VOL. INETY, Near Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the recent engagements with the enemy in the vicinity of Spring Hill and Franklin, Tenn., on the 29th and 30th, respectively, of November, 1864: On the morning of the 29th, Col. John Q. Lane having been called to the command of the brigade, I found myself in command of the regi- ment, and marched from the vicinity of Columbia to Spring Hill. On nearing the latter place, and in obedience to orders, and learning that our advance was engaging the enemy, I double-quicked the regiment through and to the eastward of the town. The enemys cavalry were posted in heavy lines of battle in full view on the hill opposite, and were already bearing down on our skirmishers of wh of this regiment, formed a part. Forming n~yline Company F, of battle quickly, and receiving an order from Colonel Lane to advance, we charged rap Page 265 CHAP. LViIJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 265 idly down upon them, through corn-fields, over fences, and across the ravine, when the enemy began a precipitate retreat, and, with the ex- ception of a skirmish line, soon disappeared from our immediate front passing to the right. Our portion of the b ttle-line did not again become engaged during the day, but we were thrown afterward to the right in the rear of the Second Brigade, in time to check further dis- aster there. During the remainder of the evening observed the utmost vigilance, and were busily engaged strengthening our position with whatever of means were at our command. I have the honor to report no casualties in the affair. Early on the following morning (30th) we marched to the vicinity of Franklin, arriving there about noon, and immediately began to make dispositions to resist a contemplated attack by the enemy in force. Having to change our position several times, much valuable time was lost to us in this regard. Our line was finally formed to the south of the town in the midst of an extensive open plain, where there were natural means of protection or defense, and several hundred yards from our main line of works on the elevation at edge of town, our position being near the right center, and to the right of the Columbia pike, two companies having been left as skirmishers on the hill half a mile beyond. We had but fairly begun to throw a temporary work, with the very limited means at our disposal, when about 4 p. m. the enemy was seeu iii several heavy concentric lines, extending in a semi-circular direction, completely covering our front and flanks, and suddenly driving in our skirmishers~ came surging across the plain with terrible and irresistible force. They struck first the forces on the left, then the front and cen- ter of the line, which soon gave way and exposed us to a front and enfilading fire. Seeing our troops on the left giving way, and having held our position until every other regiment both to the right and left had given way, we were left with the only alternative of retreat or capture. We then fell back under the enemys galling fire, with some confusion, to the main works, which we found difficult to cuter in consequence of a heavy abatis of locust brush in their front. Most if not all our men succeeded, with great difficulty, in getting inside the works, and doubled on the line already there, which, together with the fact that the enemy, following closely in our rear, immediately com- menced storming, and actually entering the works, created for a time an almost uncontrollable panic among both lines, and for a few moments all was in terrible confusion. At this juncture, critical in the extreme, our officers and men, with very few exceptions, exerted themselves to the ntmnost to turn the tide of battle. At this point it was impossible to recognize regimental or even company lines; but rallying and com- mingling with other regiments and companies, fought with great des- peration, and nobly bore their part in the furious hand-to-hand encounter which soon resulted in hurlin~ back the enemy and deciding the for- tunes of the day. Thus they held their ground with the most stubborn heroism, repulsing the enemy at each subsequent assault, until abont 10 p. in., when the firing gradually ceased. I received an order from Colonel Lane in person to draw off the regiment and reorganize the line. In gathering them together they came from the front. I have the honor to report the capture of one rebel battle-flag, taken by Sergt. Alfred liansbottom, of Company K. I respectfully commend him to the proper authorities for a proper acknowled gin cut of his per- sonal bravery. I have the honor also to report the capture of seven prisoners Page 266 266 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ALA., AN!) N. GA. [03k?. Lflt Our casualties are as follows, viz: Officerswounded, 5; missing, 1. Enlisted mawounded, 38; killed, 5; missing2 20. Total, 69. The greater portion of those reported missing are supposed to be either killed or wounded and in the enemys hands. EL BARNES, Lientamntdolonel, Comnsaadng. Lient. Louis L Cox, Acting Aeeiats,nt A4frtantGsera Second Brigade, to. HDQXs. Nxnn-sIuvnTH RGInNT Ouio VOL. INPTY, Near Hnntniile, Ala., January 14, 1865. Sn: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part. taken by this regiment in the late battles in front of Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th of December A D 1864: Having been notified of; and ordered to be in readiness for the con- templated movement upon the enemy the evening previous, I! had the regiment folly equipped and ready to move by daylight on the morning of the 15th. About 9a.m. of that day we advanced, in connection with the ;est of the brigade, beyond our previous line of works, ad mov- ing slowly and catiouuly forwa5rd we gained the brow of a bill in an 9penlleld, about half smile distant, where we lay for several hours in support of the battery which was attached to our division, ad which was engaging the enemy in his sttongly fortified position on the hill beyond, and where we were exposed to his artiller! fire. About 4 p. m. we advanced across the open ground intervemng between our relative positions about half a mile, when we halted in line of battle at the fcot of the hill which the enemy occupied. It was only a few minutps, however, when a general charge was ordered to take the works; we moved forward in line of battle in double-quick, and participated in the capture of this strong position. Lieut. John H. Carlisle, of Company A, with a detail of twenty men from the regiment, constituted a part of the skirmish line, and were amoug the first to enter the enemys works. This dosed the active oper- ations of the day, and after reforming our line we moved forward, bearing to the left until we crossed the Granny White pike, where we halted ad went into camp for the night. At daylight on the morning of the 16th we moved in an easterly direction until we strack a ridge of wcodland on the right of the Franklin pike, when we changed direc- tion to the right, and halted until about 12 to. While in this position we were subjected to a vigorous artillery fire from the enemys guns. About ip. m. we were ordered forward on a line nearly parallel with the pike; we moved in quick time, and for the last quarter of a mile in double-quick, driving the enemys skirmishers until we reached a point on an elevated piece of ground within 200 yards of their main work; when the regiment, being within easy range, became actively engaged, and, although sorely pressed, receiving a raking fire of musketry and artillery, we held our position, and succeeded in throwing up a hght breast-work.. In this position most of our casualties occurred. A vig- orous fire was kept up until dispositious were being made for the final charge, which resulted in the complete and final rout of the enemy from his well chosen and formidable positiou. A few minutes before this last movement was executed I received a wound in my right shoulder from a shell, which temporarily disabled me, and made it nec Page 267 CH~. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NOkTII ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 267 essary for me to leave the field. I turne(1 over the command of the regiment to Capt. C. C. Nichols, whose report for the remainder of the campaign is herewith transmitted. Up to this time the casnalties were as follows: Officers, wounded, (3; enlisted men, wounded, 19; killed, 1. Total, 26. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. I3AIRNES, Lieutenant- (Jolon el, Corn manding. Capt. L. L. Cox, Acting Assistant Adjutant- (~1eneral. HDQR8. NINETY-SEVENTH IIEGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., February 10, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that the bearer, First Sergt. Alfred Ransbottom, Company K, Ninety-seventh Pegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, captured the accompanyilig rebel battle-flag at the battle of Franklin, Teun., on the 30th day of November, 1864. The incidents connected with its capture are as follows: Our troops occupied a tem- porary line of works sonth of Franklin, Tenn., which was frequently assanlted by the enemy. This regiment took a very important part in the conflict, repelling the attack in every instance. The enemy kept np an incessant fire, and charged our line frequently until after night- fall, when volunteers were called for to pass through a gap in our works on the Columbia pike that they might enfilade the enemy and capture a portion of their storming party. Sergeant Rausbottom was among the first to volunteer to execute this perilous task, and as the contest became hand-to-hand he wrested the flag from the hands of the rebel color-bearer and carried it from the field in triumph as a trophy of one of the most hotly contested battles of the war. Such acts of noble daring are seldom equaled and rarely surpassed. I therefore earnestly desire that the military authorities may properly appreciate his per- sonal gallantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. I3AItNES, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comn anding. Hon. B. iXI. STANTON, Secretary of War. No. 56. Report of Brig. Gen. Luther P. Bradley, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 2229, 1864. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND DIV., FOURTH ARMY CoRPs, December 5, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from the general commanding the divis- ion, I have the honor, very respectfully, to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade since leaving Pulaski. Teun., November 22, 1864, to 5 p. m. of the 29th instant [ultiino]: At 8 a. m. of the 22d instant [ultimo] my brigade, consisting of the Fif- teenth Missouri Infantry, Col. Joseph Conrad commanding; the Forty- Not found Page 268 2(38 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AN!) N. GA. ECHAI. LYJI. sccon(l Illinois Infantry, Maj. F. A.. Atwater commanding; the Fifty- first Illinois Infantry, Capt. A. M. Tilton commanding; the Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry, Col. Allen J3ackner commanding; the Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, Licut. Col. II. C. Brown commanding, and the Sixty- fifth Ohio Infantry, MaJ. Orlow Smith commanding, broke camp near Pulaski, Tenn., and moved north on the Nashville turnpike in the direction of Columbia via Lynuville; reached Lynnville at 2 p. in., and went into camp. We remained at Lynnville until 4 a. m. of the 24th in- stant [ultimol, when we took up line of march on the Nashville turnpike, moving north toward Columbia. We reached Columbia at 10 a. in., and went into position on the south side of the town, fronting south. We here built a line of works and remained in camp near them until 7p. m. of the 25th instant [ultimo], when we changed position to the west side of the town and built a line of works; remained in camp near them until 9 p. m. of the 27th instant [ultimol, when we broke camp and moved across Duck River, and at l2p. m. bivouacked on the north bank. We moved from there 8 a. m. of the 28th instant [ultimo], crossed Rutherfords Creek, moved to the left about one mile and a half, and went into position on the north bank of Duck River; built a line of works and remained in that position until 8.30 a. in. of the 29th instant [ultimo], where we broke camp and moved north on the Nashville turnpike in the direction of Spring Hill. My brigade on this day was therear brigade of the division. When within about two miles of Spring Hill I received an order from General Wagner, commanding division, through Capt. B. G. Whitesides, of his stafi to pull out of the road and let the artillery pass. According to instructions I immediately moved to the right of the road, and let the artillery, consisting of two batteries, pass. I then moved on again and reached Spring lull about 2 p. in., and weiit into position on the east side of the village, fronting east, and immediately threw out the Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry as skirmishers. I put four regiments on the line, the Sixty-fifth Ohio on the right, the Fifteenth Missouri Infantry on the left of the Sixty-fifth, the Fifty-first Illin6is Infantry on the left of the Fifteenth, and the Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry on the left of the Fifty-first. I then had one regiment, the Forty-second lllinois ,in reserve. I then received orders from General Wagner, commanding division, to ad- vancemy skirmishers. I immediately sent orders to liavethem advanced. They had not advanced more than 300 yards when they became engaged with the enemys skirmishers, but we drove them steadily before us for about three-fourths of a mile when I sent orders to Lientenant-Coloiiel Brown to halt, as he was getting too far advanced. In the meantime I had got the men to carrying rails with which to form some shelter in case we were attacked by a superior force. The men were busily engaged in the work when my skirmish line was attacked by superior numbers and driven back within 300 yards of my line of battle. I immediately got my men in line ready for an attack, and rode down to the skirmish line and found that it had been attacked by dismounted cavalry. The officers on the skirmish line reported to me that the enemy was massing troops in front of our right. ii imme- diately rode back to my line, and as I had no connection on my right or left, I was fearful that my flank would be turned, and believing that an attack would be made on my right I formed the Forty-second Illinois (the regiment I had in reserve) on the right of my line of battle and at an angle of about forty-five degrees to it. The Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, which formed the skirmish line, had by this time got entirely without ammunition, and as they were being steadily pressed back I ordered them in. When they had got in and reformed again, and supDlie Page 269 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 269 with ammunition, I sent the regiment over on the right of the line in support of the Forty-second Illinois. As SOOII as the regiment had got into position as directed, a heavy column of infantry was seen approach- ing my line, threatening my front and right flank. We were soon fun- onsly attacked in front and on the right flank, a brigade of the enemy swinging completely around the right of the Forty-second Illinois and the Sixty-fourth Ohio. We gave them a very destructive fire and some- what staggered them in front, and had we had some support on the right, and the right flank not been turned, we could have held ours ground. After firing about ten minutes, the right and center were compelled to give way, aimd in some disorder, owing to the fact that over one-half of the men of these regiments were recruits and drafted irien who had never been under fire, neither had they been drilled. The brigade fell back about a quarter of a mile, when it was rallied and placed in position by General Wagner, commanding the division. The subsequent movements of the brigade will be reported on by Colonel Conrad, who then assumed and is now commanding the brigade. The following are the casualties of the brigade: Commissioned officerswounded, 5; wounded and missing, 5. Enlisted nienkilled, 17; wounded, 109; missing, 62. Total, 198. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. P. BI~ADLEY, Brigadier- General. Capt. E. G. WHITESIDES, AcHug Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 57. Reports of Gol. Joseph Gonrad, Etfteenth Missouri Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 2.9December 1 and December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND Div., FOURTH ARMY Conps, December 1, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders from the general commanding the divis- ion, I have the honor, very respectfully, to submit the following report of the operations of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, from the evening of the 29th of November, 1864, to December 1, 1864: I assumed command of the brigade after General Bradley had been wounded amid just after the troops had been driven back. As soon as the men were rallied and the regiments reformed 1 placed them in posi- tion as follows, and as directed by the general commandin~ the divis- ion: The Forty-second Illinois to the right of the Nashville turn- pike, fronting southeast; the Fifty-first Illinois on the left of the Forty-second; the Seventy-ninth on the left of the Fifty-first the Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry on the left of the Seventy-ninth; th~ Fif- teenth Missouri on the left of the Sixty-fourth, and the Sixty-fifth Ohio I held in reserve. I then threw out some skirmishers about 500 yards in advance of my line of battle, and had the men composing my line of battle carry boards amid rails and make a light line of works with them. At 4 a. m. of the 30th I received orders from the general commandin Page 270 270 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. (Car. LVIL the division to commence withdrawing my command. I moved my command immediately and took up the line of march on the Nashville turnpike, marching north in the direction of Franklin. At about 8 a. m. and when within about two miles of Franklin I received orders from the general commanding the division to form my brigade in two lines of battle on the east side of the turnpike, fronting south, and to allow the men to make coffee. I did so and remained in .that position until * about 9.30 a. in., when I received orders from the general commanding the division to move my command farther north on the tarnpike. I did so immediately2 and formed my brigade about 600 yards to the rear of my former position, and in single line of battle on the east side of the pike,fronting east, as directed by the general commanding the divis- ion, and also threw out some skirmishers about half a mile in front of my line of battle. Bemained in that position until about 10.30 a. in., when I withdrew my command, as directed by the generalcommanding thedivision towithin abouthalfamileofEranklin, and formeditinsingle line of battie, one regiment on the right of the turnpike and five on the left of it, fronting south, with my left a little refused. The regiments were formed in the following order: Fifteenth Missouri Volunteers on the right and connecting with the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps; the Fifty-first illinois on the left of the turnpike, leaving a space the width of the turnpike between it and the Fifteenth Missouri, and in that space was a section of Battery K, First Ohio LightArtillery; the Seventy-ninth Illinois on the leSt of the Fifty-first; the Forty-second Illinois on the left of the Seventy-ninth; the Sixty- fourth Ohio on the left of the Forty-second, and the Sixty fifth Ohio on the left of the Sixty-fourth. I then threw out a strong line of skirmishers about half a mile in front of my line of battle, and as I could the enemy maneuvering in my front in force about a mile and a half distant, and anticipating an attack on my lines, I sent word to the general commanding the division to ask him if it *as expected that I should bold the line I was then on, but just as the staff officer was starting the general came up and gave, me orders to hold the line as long as possible, and to have the sergeants to fix their bayonets and to keep the men to their places. I accordingly gave the same instructions to my regi- mental commanders, and believing an attack would soon be made on my line, I ordered my regimental commanders to build a line of works in front of their regiments, respectively. About 3.30 p. in., and as the men were very busily engaged in throwing up a work, the enemy, who had been forming his lines in front of my lines2 commenced advancing on us. They advanced very slowly and steadily, and in three lines of battle; they drove my pickets in, and just as the enemy got within good musket-range a staff officer of the general commanding the division rode up to me and said that the general ordered that if the enemy came oumetoostrong, and insuchforceastooverpowerme,that I should retire my line to the rear of the main line of works, which were about a quarter of a mile in my rear, but as the enemy was so close to me, and as one-half my men were recruits and drafted men, and knowing that if I then retired my lines my men would become very unsteady and confused, and perhaps panic-stricken, I concluded to fight the enemy on the line 1 then was, so I ordered the men to commence firing. We poured a very destructive fire into their line, and it staggered them very much, and at the second voiley from my men the enemy fell back fl .4 wbta% P*ttery X wus 119$ then Page 271 Czar. LYILI CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 271 under the crest of a smell bill In our front, but they very quickl~. reformed and advanced on us again. My men were very cool steady, and loaded and fired very rapidly. After we had fired flfte6u minutes I fond that the Second Brigade, which was on my right, was faUing back, and that the enemy was flanking me on the right, and that unless I retired my line that I would have a great many of my men captured. I then gave the order for the Fifteenth Missouri to retire and the did so, and beforelcouldgettothenextregimenton the left (the Fifty-first Iflinois) I found that they had airead! com- menced retiring, and abont the same time all the rest of my regiments fell back, but so close were the enemy to them before they commencjsd retirin; that some of the men of the Fifty-first Illinois dubbed mus- kets with them. Immediately as our men left the works the enemy fired several vol... leys at us, and then charged after us. Owing to the great number of recruits in the brigade my men became very much confused. As fast as the men reached the inner line of works they halted and would have been easily rhUied, but the works were manned by ihe Twenty- third Corps, and the men of that corps became panic.stricken when my men rushed over them, and they (the Twenty-third Corps) conenced leaving the works. My men, who had already been whipped, and by superior. numbers, seeing the Twenty-third Corps men leaving, com- menced retiring again but they were soon rallied, and wentback to the works again, and fought until the battle was over. The men after they were rallied fought, with very few exceptions, very bravely and worthy of veterans. We captuked a number of battle-flags of the enemy, but got the credit of capturing but one. Lient. P. P. Boyer, of the Seventy-ninth illinois, after the firing had ceased, went out in front of the works and pickedup three of the enemys battle-flags and pitched them over the work and the One hndred and fourth Ohio2 of the Twenty-third Corps, h and go t the credit of capturing them. Major Atwater, commanding theFo fly-second Illinois, states that his men captured four stand of the enemys colors, but that a colonel of the Twenty-third Corps ordered them to give them to him and they did it. The Sixty-fifth Ohio captured one stand of colors. The bri- gade captured many prisoners, but we did not keep them with us, but sent them to the rear under guard, and they were taken across the riverandputintheringwherealltheprisonerswere. Atll.30p.m. I received orders from the general commanding the division to com- mence withdrawing my brigade from the line. 1 did so, and at 12 o?clock crossed the Harpeth River, and took up the line of march a the Nashville turnpike; reached Nashville about 2 p. in. of the 1st of December and went into camp on the east side of the Franklin turn- pike, honing south. In the engagement of Franklin the casualties of my brigadewere as follows: Commissioned officerskilled 1; wounded 5; missing, t Total, 10. Enlistedmenkilled, 6; wounded, 120; missing, 261. Total, 387. Grand total, 397. I desire to call the attention of my superior officers to the manner in which my regimental and company officers handled their commands; every movement and order was executed finely. My thanks are due, and most cordially extended, to those heroic officers and thebrave men under theircommands. My staff officers, of which therewere only three present, Capt 3. H. Willsey, topographical engineer, Capt George Wwllort pr~yo~i~~Iwl, anjj Capt. T. ~? Tii!otson, inspeo$or-rer Page 272 272 KY.~ SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [Ow. LVII. They were very prompt in carrying my orders, and assisted in rallying the men. Capt George Mueller is reported [missing]; when last seen he was very bravely endeavoring to raily the men. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient 1;, JOSEPH CONRAD, Colonel F$fteentk Missouri Infantrij, Commanding Brigade. Capt E. (3. Wrnnsmns, Acting Assistant A4jntsnt-GeneraL HDQRS. Tmn BRIG., SEconD Div., FonTH CORPS, December 4,1864. Sn: In compliance with circular just received I have the honor to report the following as the name of the captor of the flag cap tired by this brigade on the 30th ultimo: Sergt A. Clark Ccpeland, Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteers. I am, sir, very respect(ully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH CONRAD Capt E. G. Wmnsmus Colonel, Commanding Br4wk Acting A..i.t..t A4Jutant-Gteneral. HDQRS. Trnn ThuG., Sucon DIv., FonTH An~ Corns, Huntsville, Ales., January 5,1865. MAJOR: I have the honcr to transmit herewith the reports of the different regiments in my command in accordance with circular re- ceived from headquarters Department of ~he Cumberland, dated Pulaski, Tenn., December 27, 1864. There were a great mans swords, battle-flags, & c., taken by the com- mand at the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville, but as the regimental commanders report they were taken by the Twenty-third Army Ccrps, and not having transportation the swords have been left behind and lost I claim 100 prisoners anA 1 piece of artillery taken by my command at the battle of Nashville, and while my men were taking the prisoners to the rear they were taken from them by the First Division, Fourth Army Corps. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH CONRAD, Colonel, Commanding. Mqj. J. B. Sirnnu, lest. A4jt (ion., Second Division, Fourth Army Corp. HD~s. Tmn BRIG., SEconD Div., FoURTH ARn CoRn, Decatur, Ak.., January 8,1865. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of mybrigade in thebattle of Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864: My brigade occupied a position on the maIn line to the right of the Hilhiborough pike, about three miles from Nashville, Tent, the First and Second Brigades of this division being on my right and left, respectively. On the evening of the 14th of December, 1864,1 receive Page 273 CHAP. LVIIJ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 273 orders to have my command ready to move the next morning at day- light, with three days rations ill their haversacks and sixty rounds of ammunition to the marl; a1~o to leave the smallest regiment of the bri- gade in the works then occupied, to be deployed as skirmishers to hold the same. The above orders were complied with. The Fifty-first Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, Capt. A. iVII. Tilton commanding, was left to hold the mainline, occupied by the brigade. The movement commenced at 8 a. m. I moved my brigade by the right flank about half a mile, following Lanes brigade. The command was passed to the outside of the line of works. The brigade was then formed in two lines of battle and in reserve, being immediately in the rear of Opdyckes brigade. The first line of battle consisted of the Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Allen Buckner commanding, on the right; the Sixty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. IR. C. Brown commanding, in the center, and the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Capt. George Ernst commanding, on the left. The second line consisted of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Lient. Col. B. ID. Swain commanding, on the right, and the Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Maj. Orlow Smith commanding, on the left. The division then moved forward, my brigade conforming to the movements of the other two, more particularly to that of Opdyckes. The above disposition of the command was maintained throughout the day, the Pnemy being steadily pressed back until about sundown, when a strong position occupied by the enemy was carried by an assault. From this position the brigade moved by the flank to the left, following Lanes brigade; took up a position on the left of the Granny White pike, and on the right of Lanes brigade, which position was fortified during the night, the right of the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry resting on the pike, the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry on the left of the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the Forty-second Illiiiois Volunteer Infantry and the Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the second line, the Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry on picket covering the whole front of the brigade. My command was not engaged with the enemy during the day. Here the brigade bivouacked for the night. December 16, orders were sent during the night for the Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry to join the brigade, which it did before day- light. The movement commenced soon after daylight. I was ordered to conform as far as practicable to the movements of Lanes brigade, which was on my left. The Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was advanced as skirmishers, covering my front, the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry on the right, and the Fifteenth Missouri Yolnnteer Infantry on the left of the front line, the Fifty-first and Forty-second Illinois Voluiiteer Iiifantry and Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry composing the second line. My right flank being entirely unprotected, I threw out two companies of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer In- fantry to cover the right. The command moved forward in the direc- tion of the Franklin pike. Here information was received that the enemy had taken up a new position and fortified it, about one mile to our right. Our skirmishers became engaged with the enemys pickets a short distance from the pike. Here the Fifty-first Illinois Volunteers were thrown out to cover the right flank, and the brigade made a right wheel, changing direction to the right. Here the command halted for a while. The Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was moved back out of its proper position to allow a battery, which had taken position in its immediate rear, to open upon the enemy. At this l)Oint my 18 H RVOL XLV~ PT Page 274 274 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. brigade was considerably exposed to the shot and shell of the enemys batteries in my front and on my right. The First Division having moved up on my right, the Fifty-first Illinois Yolunteer Infantry was withdrawn and pat on the right of the front line. About 11 a. mm a general forward movement was made, driving the enemys skirmishers rapidly. I was ordered to conform to the move- ments of the brigade on my right. Upon entering the woods the double- quick was ordered, and the command was thrown forward rapidly, assaulting the enemys works, carrying a strongly fortified skirmish line, but failing to carry the main line for the reason that the brigade on my right failed to come up, and not being supported on my right I was obliged to fall back. After the assault failed the brigade fell back to the line previously occupied by the enemys skirmishers, and corn- menced strengthening the same works which we had just t ken from the enemy. This line was occupied till 3.30 oclock, the Sixty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry composing the first line, the Fifty-first Illinois Xolunteer In- fantry and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry and the Sixty-fifth Ohio Volnimteer Infantry composing the second line, the Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry being still on the skirmish line some distance to our left. A heavy demonstration was made on this line to create a diversion in favor of a command which made an assault on the enemys limme On the Franklin pike. At 3.30 p. m. the entire line charged the enemys works (his left hay- immg been turned), which resulted in the complete amid utter rout of the enemy. Here my brigade captured two pieces of artillery, a great num- ber of small-aims, and a large number of prisoners; it is imupossible to tell how mammy, as they were sent to the rear immediately in squads, and no account kept of theum. The comumand moved forward rapidly, crossed to the left of tlme Franklin pike, and pursued the enemy to the vicinity of Breutwood, where the brigade went into bivouac for the night. The casualties of umy brigade were as follows: Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantryi enlisted man killed, 1 commissioned officer and 8 enlisted men wounded; Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infan- tryi commissioned officer (mortally) and 4 enlisted men wounded; Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry2 enlisted men killed and 12 wounded; Fifty-first illinois Volunteer infantryi enlisted man killed and 1 commissioned officer and 9 enlisted men wounded; Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer lnfantry~ enlisted men wounded and 2 nmissimmg; Sixty- fifth Ohio Volumiteer Infantry4 enlisted muen killed and 6 wounded. Total, S enlisted men killed ,3 commissioned officers and 44 enlisted muen wounded, 2 enlisted men nnssing; aggregate, 57. The officers aiid men of this brigade are entitled to great credit for the gallantry shown throughout the two days operations. Maj. S. L. Coulter, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Capt. Phelps Paine,, assist~ant adjutant-generaL and Capt. J. II. Willsey, topo- graphical engineer, of my staff, are entitled to special memmtion for the very efficient manner iii which they discharged their duties. The reports of the regimental commanders are herewith respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, sirs your obedient servant, JOSEPH CONliAD, Golouel Fmfteeuth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Brigade. [Maj. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant- GeneraL Page 275 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 275 No. 58. Reports of Miaj. Frederick A. Atwater, Forty-second Illinois Infantry, of operations November 2930, 1864. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY, Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864. I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a report of the oper- ation s of the Forts -second Regiment Illinois Volunteers during the bat- ties of Spring Hill and Fraiiklin, Teun., November 29 and 30, 1864, including a list of killed, wounded, and missing. On the morning of the 29th of November, at 6 oclock, we marched to Spring Hill, arriving at 2 p. in., and were soon placed in position on the extreme right of the Third Brigade and entirely separated from the balance of the brigade, and distant to the right about 150 yards, and, by order of General Bradley, we threw up a barricade of rails in our front as best we could with one line of rail fence and sent out a line of skirmishers, which was very soon driven back by the enemy advancing in force we were ordered to hold said line as long as possible, bat having 350 entirely new recruits, who had no drill at all and never were under lire, I did not expect to hold such a line very long. The enemy soon struck us very heavily in our immediate frbnt, he having three lines of battle plainly visible and moving well to my right. I ordered my men to reserve their lire until the enemy caine within very short range, which they did; then we poured a deadly volley into them, which caused them to retire their first line and reform, the second line advancing while the first line moved by the flank and under cover of a hill completely past the right of my regiment, when they commenced firing rapidly into our right and rear, and being advised twice by my superiors, the field officers of the Sixty-fourth Ohio, I finally ordered my regiment in retreat, and while doing so the colors of the regiment became separated and the sergeant and all the color guard with one of them were killed and the flag was captured by the enemy. We retreated about half a mile, when we reformed the regi. mnent with only one flag, and the loss of some 110 in killed, wounded, and missing, as per inclosed list.* After dark the Forty-second Illinois was placed on picket and I was detailed as officer of the day, and before daylight of the 30th, the army all having passed, I withdrew the pickets and rejoined my brigade, and arrived at Franklin at noon, where we were soon placed in position on the left of the Columbia pike, with orders to throw up works and to hold them. Not having maiiy tools we could not build very good works, and consequently could not hold them long after the enemy came upon us, although we did not leave theni until the right and left both gave away, aiid we were obliged to fall back over a level ground a distance of at least 600 yards and the enemy in very strong force closely following us and continually firing upon us; upon arriving at a main and strong line of works in our rear I halted and formed the regiment and fought as well as possible until long after dark, with a loss of 55 killed, wounded, and missing. I)uring the fight of the 30th one of my recruits shot down a rebel color- bearer and took his flag from him, but was soon ordered by a colonel in the Twenty-third Corps to turn it over to him, which he did, and during the night two more of my regiment went out in front of the works and found three rebel flags, which they brought in with one of * Not found Page 276 276 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA.. [CHAP. LYIL the rebel soldiers, who was on picket, as a prisoner, but as soou as they came into our lines an officer of the Twenty-third Corps ordered them to give him the colors, and like good soldiers they obeyed thc order. So far as the conduct of the officers and mcii of the regiment is con- cerned I have only to speak of it in the highest terms. About midnight of the 30th we quietly retired from Franklin to Nash- ville, where we arrived at 10 a. In., very nearly tired out. I have the honor to be, sir, your very obedient servant, F. A. ATWATER, Miajor Forty-second Illinois, Commanding Regiment. Licut. BREWER SMITH, Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 3d. Div., 4th Army Corps. HDQRS. FORTY-SECOND iLLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, fluntsville, Ala., January 5, 18G5. SIR: Having been in command of the Forty-second Regiment Illi- nois Infantry during the battles of Spring Hill and Franklin, Tenn., on the 29th and 30th of November, I beg leave to submit to you the fol- lowing report: The reginient was placed near the left of the front line at Franklin, and ordered to throw up works, which we did as best we could in about one hour and with very few tools to work with, and when the enemy caine upon us we had a very poor line of works, an(I yet we lla(1 imper- ative orders to hold them. We tried as well as we could to hold the works, but were forced back to the second line, where the regiment halted and remained until midnight, when the brigade fell back, and very soon after we came to the second line of works a rebel color- bearer ran up onto the works, and Corpl. John H. Smith, Company E, shot the man and took the tiac, and just then a line officer of the One hundred an(t fourth Ohio Infantry demanded the if ag. The corporal remonstrated, but finally had to give them to the officer. Private John Mollison, of Company B, captured one flag, which was taken from him by some officer of the same regiment, and Enocli Downs, a private of Company K, went out in front of the works to help one of his wounded comrades in after the firing had nearly ceased in our front, and while there he picked up three rebel flags and brought them in, and as the One hundred and fourth Ohio Regiment were stationed behind the same works during the battle the colonel saw the private bring in the colors, and immediately demanded them of the man, say- ing at the time that all which were captured in his front belonged to his regiment. The man stoutly protested, but upon being told by the colonel that he would put him in arresthe gave up the colors. He having been in the service only six days, hardly knew whether it was best to obey the orders of other regimental officers, and consequently did not obey at first. Said private says one of the colors was that of the Sixth Alabama Regiment, and one had the stars and bars, the other the stars and X. We have no swords which were captured. 1 have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, F. A. ATWATER, Major Forty-second illinois Volunteer Irfantry. Brig. (ien. W. Ii. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- (lenerat, 1)epartment of the (Jumberland Page 277 CHAP. LYII.i CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 277 No. 59. Report ~f Lieut. (Jol. Edqar D. Swain, Forty-second illinois Infantry, of operatjons December 14, 1864January 2, 1865. FIBQRS. FOETY-SECOND ILLINOIS VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Mount Rosa, Ala., January 2, 1865. SIR: In accordance with circular received this morning from division headquarters, 1 have the honor to report the part performed by the Forty-second Illinois Veteran Infantry since the 14th of December, 1864. In accordance with orders received during the p. In. of the 14th the regiment moved with the bri~ade on the morning of the 15th. Being in reserve it took no particular part in the movement until the charge, in which it took l)art with brigade, with a loss of one enlisted man wounded. During the evening of the 15th it moved with the brigade to the left with the intention of reaching the Franklin pike, but owin gto darkness and running against the enemys pickets were obliged to bivouac on the Granny White pike. At daylight it moved with the brigade toward the Franklin pike until near the Breutwood ridge, where the enemys pickets were again encountered. At this poiut four companies were put upon, the skirmish line, and led the charge made upon the enemys first line of works, with a loss of two enlisted men wounded, which line of works were held until the charge in the afternoon, in which the regi- ment took part, with a loss of 2 killed and 10 wounded. The officers and men in the command have without an exception be- haved gallantly. Since the battle of the 16th the regiment has been with the brigade in 4)ursuit of the enemy. Total loss: 1 commissioned officer wounded, 2 enlisted men killed and 12 wounded. I have the honor, sir, to be your humble and obedient servant, B. D. SWAIN, Lient. Col. Forty-second Illinois Veteran Infantry, Comdg. Regt. Maj. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Division, 4th Army Corps. No. 60. Report of Capt. Merritt B. Atwater, Fifty-first Illinois in, fantry, of operations Novel ber 2930, 1864. HDQRS. FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY~ Nashville, Teun., December 5, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following condensed report of the operations of my command during the engagenients of Novem- ber 29 at Spring lull, and on the 30th instant [ultimo] at Franklin, Teun.: On the morning of the 29th of November my command moved into col- umn and marched to Spring Hill, Tenn. Arriving at 2 p. m. with our brigade, were put in position, and hastily threw up slight works. Had just completed them when the enemy came upon us in a charge, strik- ing the right of the brig de. The right wing was ordered to support the Fifteenth Missouri on our right, and warmly engaged, with the exception of the right company of left wing. The left wing was not engaged. The left wing held their ground until the right gave wa Page 278 278 KY., SW. YA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP LVII. and they were receiving a tiank fire in their rear, when they were ordered to fall back, which they did in good order, rallying twice. The right was commanded by Capt. A. M. Tilton, the left by Captain Atwater. Falling back under a galling fire from the enemy one mile and a half to rear and left, again formed near the main body; when formed, were again move(l in position and threw up works. Our loss in this action was 12 enlisted men wounded and 5 missing. On the morning of 30th of November moved into column at 5 a. in. and marched to Franklin, Tenn., arriving at 11 a. m. Moved into position, onr right resting on the Nashville turnpike, and threw up hasty works. The enemy appeared at about 5 p. in., moving upon us in two lines deep. In this position we fought until the brigade on our right gave way, when, under a heavy cross and front fire from the enemy, I ordered my command to fall back to the second line. The enemy then were within two rods of our front, and also on our flank. The retreat was over a clear open field 600 yards to the inner line. Our casnalties show the dif- ficulty of the position. In this action we lost 1 lieutenant and 5 enlisted men killed; 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 46 enlisted men wounded; 1 lieutenant and 89 men missing. Many of the missing undoubtedly are either killed or wounded. The regiment was corn- inanded by Capt. A. M. Tilton until the evening of the 30th, when he was wounded, and the command devolved upon me. Iamproudtosaytheconductofthemenwasgallantintheextreme, with but very few exceptions, and worthy of veterans. Where all did their duty so well, it would be invidious to specify individual instances of bravery. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, MERRITT B. .AT WATER, Captain, Commanding Fifty-first illinois Volunteer Infantry. [Col. JOSEPH CONRAD.] No. 61. Report of Capt. Albert M. Tilton, Fifty-first illinois Infantry, of oper ations December 1516. 1864. HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS, in the Field, January 3, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following condensed report of the operations of my command in the battles of ~ ashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864: On the 15th my regiment occupied the works composing the brigade front in skirmish line, and was not engaged. Joined the brigade on the morning of the 16th and moved out in line on the right of the Forty- second Illinois. Afterward moved to the right to guard the flank, but soon after rejoined the brigade and formed on the right of the Sixty- fourth Ohio. In the charge of the morning the casualties were 1 enlisted man killed and 1 officer and 9 men wounded. No casualties in the charge on the second line. Very respectfully, A. M. TILTON, Captain, Commanding Fifty-first Illinois. Captain PAINE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brig., 2d Division, Fourth Corps Page 279 CHAD. LYlI.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MLDDU~ TENN. 279 A D I)EXDA. HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-FIRST ILLINOIS, In the Field, January 5, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the folio ing as the number of trophies taken by my command since November 30, 1864: One battle-4ag, taken by Sergt. M. Lewis, Company E, at the battle of Franklin, and claimed and taken away by an officer of the Twenty- third Corps. One pistol and belt, taken from an officer of the C. S. Army as he came over onr works by Lient. Charles Hills, Company K, which he has now in his possession. He was wounded afterward and is now at home in Chicago. Several prisoners were cal)tured and delivered to the corps provost- marshal, for which the several men captnring have the receipts. These men are now absent and I cannot at present give their names. Qnite a nnmnber of swords, & c., were captnred at the battles of Nash- ville, but were thrown away in the hnrried marching that occnrred afterward. I regret that the want of sufficient data prevents me from making a more complete report. I am, captain, very truly, A. M. TILTON, Captain, Fifty -first Illinois, Commanding. Captain PAINE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 62. Reports of Col. A 11cm Buckner, Seventy-ninth Illinois Infantry, of oper ations November 2950 and December 1516, 1861. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-NINTH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Near Nashville, Teun., December 5, 1864. SIR: In compliance with a circular received I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the part taken by the Seventy-ninth and veteran detachment of the Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers in the Spring Hill and Franklin battles of the 29th and 30th ultimo: On the 29th ultimo, immediately after arriving at Spring Hill, near 3m in., this regiment and detachment took position on the extreme left of the brigade, say half a mile southeast of town. A work was SOOII made of rails and logs, and the men ready to meet an attack. In a short time the skirmishers were driven in, and the rebels began to move in a right oblique direction to our front. In a few moments heavy firing began to the right of the brigade, and continuc(l until that part of the line was compelled to give way. No attack had as yet been made oh my front. When I saw I should be eomnpletely outflanked and the regiment captured, I gave the order to fall back, amid rallied at the first fence, where we fired a few shots. Seein~ that this was not the best place, I retire(l to the next fence, where we formed in pretty good order, and fired, say five minutes. Again we fell back in or(ler to the crest of a hill, about faced, and fought for a time, when I brough Page 280 280 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. my regiment oft the field in good order. I immediately received an order from division headquarters, and formed to the left of a large building, in which was corps headquarters, where we built a tempo- rary line of works. So ended the work of the 29th, with a loss of 8 wounded and 2 missing. On the 30th ultimo we moved, in c onnec- tion with the brigade, to Franklin, took position to the left of the Fifty-first Illinois, whose right rested upon the Columbia pike from one-quarter to half a mile in front of the inner line of works. During the morning my men had provided themselves with a large number of spades and shovels from one of the wagons, which had been cut down by the way, and after our position was taken a line of works were con- structed in a short time. It was not long until the skirmishers were en- gaged in our front (Capt. W. B. Young, of the Twenty-seventh detach- ment, in charge of our skirmishers), and as they fell back we saw huge masses of rebels to our right, lefi, and front of our brigade, which seemed to be one mile long and three and four lines deep. Our orders were to have sergeants fix bayonets and hold the men to it; thus we stai(l and I held fire until solid lines were within 150 my their yards of the front, when we opened, and kept up the fire until the enemy was within ten yards of our works. Though we mowed them down in a terrible manner they seemed to pay but little attention and kept rushing on; by this time we had fired from eighf to ten rounds. I saw there was no use to stay longer and ordered the men back, but numbers staid and were either captured or killed. We fril back to the works to the left of the pike, and I was enabled to rally, and afterward fought in connection with troops of the Twenty- third Corps, and others of our brigade and corps (for here we were mixed from the cotton gin on to the pike), until some time in the night. The troops being thick, and we not needed longer, I told General Reilly that I would get my regiment back, and try to get off our wounded. In a short time orders canine, and we got the brigade together, and came out of the town about midnight. Thus ended the part this regiment and Twenty-seventh detachment took in this fight. These were all old soldiers. Officers and men did nobly, but all will pardon me when I say that Captain Young, commanding the detach- ment, behaved in the most gallant manner possible during the battle. My loss was 3 officers killed or wounded, and 23 enlisted men wounded ,and 48 missing. My total loss in both battles waskilled, none; wounded, 31; missing, 53. I went into the engagement with a total of 212 men for duty. I might claim many prisoners, for I assisted to capture scores, but II will not, for ten times more have already been claimed than captured. Respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, ALLEN I3UCKNER, Colonel, Cornmandin~ Seventy- inth Illinois Volunteers. Lient. B. SMITH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. P. 5.Lient. P. P. Boyer, of Company II, in front of the cotton gin, captured three battle-flags with his own hands. ALLEN BUCKNER, Golonel, Commanding Seventy-ninth Illinois and Detachment Page 281 CHAP. LVII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 281 HDQRS. SEVENTY-NINTII ILLINOIS INFANTRY XOLIJNTEERS, In the Field, Ala., January 2, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Seventy-ninth Illinois Volunteers and detachment of the Twenty-seventh Illinois Veteran Volunteers in the battle near Nash- ville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th ultimo: On the 15th we were ordered, in connection with the brigade, out on the field, but remained in reserve. At night 1 was ordered on picket. On the morning of the 16th my regiment was ordered forward, in connection With the other two regiments of the Second Division, on picket to the Franklin pike. We met with some resistance, and the capture of twenty- five prisoners was the result. On arriving at this point, say half a mile from where I started, I received an order from General Elliott, and made a right wheel, moved forward, and drove the rebels out of their skirmish pits, when I was ordered to halt. Remained here one hour; then charged their skirmish line one-quarter of a mile, until I devel- oped their works on the left of the pike. I formed my whole skirmish line, with the exception of a little of the right, in front of the Third Division. After skirmishing until 2 p. m. I sent to General Elliott to know if I might join our own brigade and division. His answer was to fall back, when relieved, and become a reserve for the troops in front. This order I gave to my regiment and the other two in my charge. In a few minutes we were relieved, mostly by colored troops, when we moved back. I imme(hatcly sent to General Elliott to let hiiu know where I was and ask what to do. His order was for each regiment to report to their respective commands. This ~vas done as soon as possible, but we were unable to get np until the final charge was over, and in this I claim no part. We immediately joined the bri- gade and have been with it in the chase after Hood. The casualties of the comnlan(I during the two days battle were 1 commissioned officer mortally wounded and 4 enlisted men wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALLEN I3UCKNER, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. PHELPS PAINE. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 63. Reports of Capt. George Ernst, Fifteenth Missouri Infantry, of operations November 30 and Deeember 1519, 1864. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MISSOURI INFANTRY, Deeember 8, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the part taken by my regi- ment in the last engagement on the 80th of November, 1864, at Frank- un, Tenn. The Fifteenth Regiment Missouri Veteran Volunteer Infantry, under my command, left Spring Hill in the night of the 29th of November, 1864, with the Third Brigade. The regiment marched all night until 11 a. m. the next day, when I received orders to support the skirmish line on the left of our line near three miles from Franklin, Tenn. At 2 p. m. I received orders to fall back and join the brigade and tak Page 282 382 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CUAP. [AU. in the line of battle the lef possession [position] first , t resting on the turnpike of Franklin and Columbia, to support two pieces of artillery, the right connecting with the Fortieth Indiana Veteran Volunteers. About 4 p. in. the enemy attacked us en masse, and we were com- pelled to fall back to the second line. During the retreat I lost some of my bravest officers and men, and I cannot praise highly enough the conduct and bra ery of officers and men. After the regiment fell back it was rallied i a the rear of the main line md did good and brave fight- ing. The regiment took a good many prisoners, which were sent to the rear. I very respectfully mention the conduct of Capt. William Hark of Company H, who, being deadly wounded, encouraged the men by call- ing, Boys, I die, but give them of your bullets and they will not go farther and our country is saved. He died on the battle-field as a hero and patriot. The bravery shown on this occasion by officers and privates cannot be enough praised. My loss is 5 killed, 19 wounded, and 49 missing. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, colonel, your very obedient servant, GEORGE ERNST, Captain, Commanding Fifteenth Regiment ~}Lissoari Im~/antry. Col. JOSEPH CONRAn, Comdg. Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth A viny (Jorps. HDQIrS. FIFTEENTH RE~T. MISSOURI INFTY. VET. VoLs., January 2, 18G5. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Fifteenth Regiment Missouri Infantry,, under my command, during the last cam- paign. During the night of the 14th of December I received orders to hold the regiment in readiness to march at 4 a. in. the next day. On the 15th of December I received orders to take position with the regiment on the left of the first line of battle of the Third Brigade. The regiment advanced all day in line and was not very much exposed to the fire of the enemy. I lost not a man killed nor wounded. During the night we camped in an open field, drawing [throwing] up light earth-works for defense. The next morning, on the 16th of December, we advanced in line of battle, forming the left wing of the first line of battle of the brigade three-quarters of a mile,whereweinade a charge on the works of the enemy. Repulsed, the regiment fell [back] in good order and took position behind small earth-works, the left of the regiment connecting with the Second Brigade. In the afternoon another charge on the euemy~s works was ordered, and the regiment advanced in good order, with the brigade, and stormed the works and repulsed the rebels, with a great loss of arms and ammunition. We made some prisoners and sent them to the rear. The loss of the regiment in this affair was 1 enlisted man killed, and 1 commissioned officer, Capt. John Pestell, and S men wounded. The regiment camped during the night three miles from the battle-field, on the Franklin pike. The regiment marched on the 17th with the brigade to Franklin. I found there ten wounded men of the regiment in the hospital. On the 18th we camped near Spring Hill; on the 19th near Columbia. There I lost a man killed while on skirmish line. 1 had no other loss since that time Page 283 GRAP. LVIII CAMPAIGN iN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 28~ I give, all credit to commissioned officers and men for their bravery and good conduct during the campaign. The health of the men at present is very line and they are all in good spirits. I have the honor to be, & olonel, very respectffilly, your very obedient servant, GEORGE ERNST, Capt., Comdg. Fifteenth Ileyt. MIssouri Infantry Veteran Vols. [Col. JOSEPH CONRAD, Commanding Brigade.] HDQRS. FIFTEENTH REGIMENT MISSOURI INFANTRY, January 2, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that the Fifteenth Regiment Missouri Infantry captured no flags or swords in the battles of Frank- un or Nashville, Teun. Very respectfully, your very obedient servant, GEORGE ERNST, Captain, Commanding Regiment. [Col. JOSEPH CONRAD, Commanding Brigade.] No. 64. Reports of Lient. Cot. Robert C. Brown, Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 2930 and December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. SIXTY-FOURTH OHIO REGIMENT VOL. INFTY., N~ar Nashville, Teun., December 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with your circular, received this morning, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regi- ment in the late battles at Spring Hill and Franklin, Tenn., on the 29th and 30th of November, 1864: Reaching Spring Hill early in the afternoon of the 29th instant, the approach of an enemy was soon discovered, when the brigade was immediately put in position, my regiment thrown forward as skirmish- ers, with orders to advance and see what strength threatened the place. The right wing deployed under the direct charge of Major Coulter, while the left was held in reserve. The whole line advanced, driving the cue- mys skirmishers for a distance without much difficulty. A body of cav- alry being discovered on our right, and lest they might dash down a road which lay at this time in rear of our line, I sent Lieutenant Smith with his company (E), which till that time was held in reserve, to a prominence on the right and near the road, with orders to hold that position while the line was advanced beyond the road. The line had reached the dwell- ing known as the residence of Doctor Peters, where it had halted but a moment, when the enemy was discovered to be moving cavalry both to our right and left. Having at this time four companies in reserve, I immediately threw two of them to the support of the right and the remaining two to the left. The entire regiment was no sooner on the line than the enemy commenced advancing with a heavy line of infan- try, and pushing their cavalry still beyond our flanks. We easily checked them in front, but the rapid movement of the cavalry on our flanks assured us that to save our command it must fall bac Page 284 284 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP LVII. to the road before referred to. Frequently we took position from which our ranks poured most deadly volleys, but our attempt to check their advance being frnitless, we at length withdrew behind a hastily constructed defense held by the brigade, and were sent as support to the Forty-second Illinois Intlintry, on the right of the brigade. A most determined attack was made on this line, which was given up only when overwhelmed by the force of the enemy, and the regiment with the brigade moved back to take a stronger position, which the enemy did not attack. At 4 oclock on the morning of the 30th the regiment with the bri- gade left Spring Uill, moving to Franklin, where it arrived by midday and was put in position 50() or 60() yards in front of the main line of works, where the men, with a few spades, volnutarily threw up a bank, which, in conseqnence of no timber, was very low. This we were ordered to hold in case the enemy advaiiced. (3-eneral Wagners order was to pnt the sergeants with fixed bayonets in rear of the line to hold the men to their position. Although I did not order the sergeants to charge bayonets on my own ranks, yet I held my regiment in that posi- tion till the whole line was overwhelmed by the enemy and was pushed back together to the main works, at which our men made noble defensein some instances met the enemy in a hand-to-hand conflict. Lient. Christian M. 0-owing, who had just received promotion from ser- geant, distingnished himself upon that occasion in a hand-to-hand encounter with a stalwart form who had crossed our works, but soon was made to bite the dust. To give the exact number of prisoners captured would be a m tter impossible other comniands were on the same line and mingled with my owi. Prisoners in large numbers came over the works in our front, but to say how many of these should be accounted to my command wonld be difficult. Three rebel colors were taken from the enemy on the works by this regiment, but were not pre- served, as those captnring them were in close conflict with the enemy. They were thrown to the rear and picked up by other persons. The casualties of the commalid on the 29th and 30th were: Killed~ 7; wounded, officers, 1; men, 55; missing, 54. My thanks are due both officers and men for their soldierly deport- ment on both those bloody fields. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. C. BROWN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. IIDQRS. SIXTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO VET. VOL. INFTY., Decatur, Ala., January 7, 1865. Sin: I have the honor to make the following report of the battle near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th (lays of December, 1864, SO far as my regiment was engaged: On the morning of the 15th camp was broken and the regiment moved with the brigade at daybreak from a position on the main line, where it had previously fortified, on- the right of and near the llillsborough pike. Having moved half a mile to the right the brigade was formed in reserve in rear of the Second Brigade and in two lines, my regiment being the center regiment of the front line of the brigade. Early in the day a forward movement commenced which continued steadily until my regiment had crossed the Granny White l)ike, where it took up position and fortified on a line nearly parallel with it, the darkness of the night having checked onr advance. On the morning of the 16t Page 285 Cn~y. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 285 instant, at daybreak, our columns again advanced, my regiment this day on the front line. The enemy had fallen back during the night about one mile, where they were found to be strongly fortified ,with a temporary fortification about 300 yards in front of the main line. This my regi- ment, with the brigade, charged and carried and held till about 3 oclock in the afternoon, when the main line was charged and carried, with many prisoners, small-arms, and sorn e artillery. The routed enemy ran without consideration and were followed promptly a few miles when the command was again bivouacked for the night. My loss during the two days engagement was 5 enlisted men wounded and 2 enlisted men missing. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. C. BROWN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. PHELPS PAINE, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. SIXTY-FOURTH OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY, Huntsville, Ala., January 5,1865. SIR: I have the honor to report that during the late campai~n sev- eral flags were captured by my command, but not retained. A number of swoi~ds were captured also, but having no transportation for them they were abandoned. I am, sir, your obedient servant, R. ~. BROWN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. PHELPS PAINE, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 65. Reports of ]IIaj. Orlow Smith, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 22December 2 and December 1516, 1864. IIDQRs. SIXTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VET. VOL. INFTY., In Camp near Xashvilie, Teun., December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper- ations of the Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry during the campaign from the 22d of November, 1864, to the 2d day ot December, 1864: On the morning of the 22d of November, 1864, we took up the nmarch from Pulaski, Teun. (where we had been iii camnp nearly two weeks). The Sixty-fifth Regiment had present 356 men. We marched with the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, of which the Sixty-fifth is a part; that day we marched about thirteen miles imearly, to a little place on the l)ike called Lynuville, where we encamped for the niglmt with the rest of the brigade. Next day, 3 p. in., we changed camp; moved out a little east of the towmm. The Sixty-fifth Regiment was ordered out on the Campbellstown road to reconnoiter, as the enemy were reported to be out in this direction. We went out some three miles; found no enemy; came back to camp about 8 oclock in the even- ing. At 2.30 oclock next morning reveille was sounded and thetroops were on the move for Columbia, Tenn., by 4 oclock. The Sixty-fifth was the rear regiment of the Third Brigade. We marched rapidly an Page 286 286 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N GA. [CHAP. LVII. arrived at Columbia 11 a. m. on the 24th distance, eighteen miles. Here we took our position in line of battle on the right of the brigade and immediately commenced throwing up a good line of works. Company 1), of the Sixty-flfth, was soon ordered on picket, where they remained until next day. The regiment encamped near the works. On the 25th most of the regiment was ordered on picket, where they remained until the afternoon of the 26th. Our pickets kept up brisk firing with the enemys nearly the whole time they were on the line, but no serious cas- ualties happened. On the night of the 26th our regiment, with the rest of the brigade, changed camp, took position b ck near the river. The Sixty-fifth occupied the second line. Remained here until the night of the 28th, when, with the rest of the brigade, we fell back across the river and went into camp until next morning, when, with the rest of the brigade, we changed positions and occupied the front line of the brigade on the left of the Seventy-ninth Illinois, on the north bank of iDuck River, where we built very formidable works. Camped near our works for the night. On the morning of the 29th we took up the march as advance guard with thebrigade and division for Spring Hill; distance twelve miles. We marched rapidly; arrived there about 2 oclock p. m. The enemy had already got there in advance of us. Skirmishers were immediately thrown out and the enemy driven back. Our brigade was immediately formed in line of battle, the Sixty-fifth Regiment occupying the extreme right of the line. I had the regiment throw up a strong rail barricade, which was of great consequence. Soon after getting into position, the enemy greatly outnumberiuiig our skirmishers compelled them to fall back, which they did in good order. Soon a very heavy column of the enemys infantry was discovered coining down rapidly on my right, and after a very severe fight with him, my officers and men doing their duty most nobly, we were compelled to fall back, as the enemy had such great odds against us that their left swung far beyond and around my right, forcing me to give back, which could not be helped. The Sixty-fifth, with the rest of the brigade, formed a second line, and with the assist- ance of the artillery compelled the enemys left to fall back, and we were able to keep our position and hold the enemy in check until the rest of the army came up to our assistance. The regiment lost in this action as follows: Three commissioned officers wounded, and 4 enlisted men killed, 25 wounded, and 15 missing. Just when the enemy were pressing the regiment the hardest I was severely hit by a musket-ball and was taken off the field. Capt. Andrew Ilowenstine then took command ot~ the regiment and had only had it a few minutes nutil he was severely, if not mortally, wonnded, and left in the hands of the rebels. Major Coulter, of the Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, then took command of the Sixty-fifth. Early on the morning of the 30th the army was drawn off and made a rapid march to Franklin, where the Sixty-fifth, with the rest of our brigade, arrived about 11 a. in., the enemy closely pressing them the whole way. Immediately on arriving at Franklin our brigade was thrown out in advance of the rest of the army, the Sixty-fifth on the left of the brigade. Very soon the enemy moved on in heavy columns and very rapidly, determined to crush all before them. Our brigade was out something over a quarter of a mile in advance of the works, and only the bravery, energy, and determination of both officers and men saved the brigade from capture or destruction, but after severe fight- ing with the enemy the Sixty-fifth, with the rest of the brigade, fell back to the works, where they rallied and fought the enemy with th Page 287 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 287 bravery of American soldiers. The enemys loss was heavy. The loss of the Sixty-fifth in this engagement foots up s follows: One enlisted man killed, 16 enlisted men wounded, and 17 enlisted men missing. The Sixty-fifth remained with the brigade at the works until near 11 oclock at night, when they were drawn off and took up the march to Nashville, where they arrived the next day about 10 p. in., where we went into camp, and where we are up to date. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ORLOW SMITH, Major ASiXty-fifth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. Col. JO8EPH CONRAD, Commanding Third Brigade. P. S.The Sixty-fifth captured 1 rebel stand of colors and about 20 prisoners at Frank]in. ORLOW SMITH, Major. HDQRS. SIxTY-FiFTH REGIMENT OHiO VOL. INFANTRY, Decatur, Ala., January 6, 1865. SiR: I would respectfully submit the following report of th~ oper- ations and losses of the Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry during the battles before Nashville, Tenn., Deceniber 15 and 16, 1864: Early on the morning of the 15th, pursuant to orders, the regiment broke camp and moved out in front of the works, taking its assigned place in the second line of the brigade to which it belongs. i)uring this day the regiment was not engaged with the enemy, but changed its position several times, advancing and moving to the left, conform- ing its movements to those of the brigade, and bivouacked at night on the Granny White pike. Shortly after daylight on the morning of the 16th the brigade again advanced, moving toward the Franklin pike, the Sixty-fifth occupying the same position in the line as on the pre- vious day. Near the Franklin pike, about 11 a. in., the enemys pickets were driven, and the brigade charged up to within a short distance of the main line of rebel works, nuder a heavy e of musketry and artil- lery, and eiigaged the enemy briskly. The entire loss sustained by the Sixty-fifth was during this portion of the engagement. In about twenty minutes the brigade was ordered to retire, and it fell back to the rebel skirmish pits, where the Sixty-fifth assisted in the construction o# a line of earth-works. Remaining there nntil about 3.30 p. m. the entire line charged the rebel works (the enemys left having been turned), and the rebels fell back in utter confusion and rout. A large number of prisoners were captured, but it is impossible to ascertain the number taken by any one regiment in such a charge, in which all the regiments participated equally. The flying enemy was pursued until dark, when the brigade went into camp, the Sixty-fifth resting on the Franklin pike, about seven miles from Nashville. The following is the number of casualties in the regiment, all Dc- (~ember 16: Enlisted menkilled, sergeants, 1; corporals, 2; privates, 1; total, 4. Enlisted menwounded, sergeants, 1; privates, 5; total, 6. Aggregate, 10. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, OlILOW SMITH, Major Sixty-fifth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. [Col. JOSEPH CONRAD, Commanding Brigade Page 288 288 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. IIDQRS. SIXTY-FIFTH REGiMENT OHIO VET. VOL. INFTY., January 3, 1865. The following is a list of trophies captured from the enemy by the Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry during the pres- ent ca1n~)aign: Name and company. Trophy. Place and date of capture. First Lient. Ezekiel Moores, command One C. 5. sword, belt, and Franklin, Tenn., November lag Company A. scabbard. 10, 1864. First Sergt. V. II. Gregory, Company F. One C. S. sword and scab- i Nashville, Tenmi., December bard. 16, 1864. Private Jacob Allion, Company ID One C. 5. sword and scab- Franklin, Tenn., November bard. 10, 186 First Sergt. A. C. Copeland, Company H.~ One C. 5. sword Do. First 5er~t. A. C. Copeland, Company H. One battle-flag Do. Corpl. Joseph Foley, Company I One sword and belt Do. Private Joseph Walters, Comnjnny I Two battle-tiags Do. First Sergt. John Kanel, Company One C. S. sword, belt, and Do. scabbard. Private Alexander He~gatt, Company K - One C. 5. sword, belt, and Nashville, Tenn., December scabbard. 16, 1864. The above swoids, belts, and scabbards have beeu lost or abandoned during the recent pnrsait of the enemy ou account of lack of trans- portation or means of carrying the~u alono- The two cap- battle-flags turedby Private Joseph Walters, Company I, were both claimed aild taken possessiou of by officers of the Twenty-third Corps the same evening. The one captured by Sergt A. C. Copeland, as also the sword taken by him, were sent to his home in Guernsey County, Ohio. OI{LOW SMITH, Major Sixty-fifth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. No. 66. Report ~f Brig. Gen. Samuel Beatty, U. S. Army, commanding Third Divi8ion, of opcratioils December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. HEADQUARTERS THIRD l)Iv1SION, Foumrn An1iy Cones, IIunt8viiie, Ala., January 7, 1865. COLONEL: I have the honor to forward the following report of the action of this division in tile battles of the 15th an(l 16th of I)eeeinber, 1864, before Nashville, alid the subsequent pursuit of the Tebel army under the rebel General J. 13. Ilood: On the evening of December 14 1 received orders to have my com- mand in readiness to move at 6 oclock 011 the followinir morning. I accordingly made all necessary preparations, and on the morning of the 15th I moved out and made disposition of my troops in accordance with the follo~ing orders from the colflmanding general of the colps: IV. As soon as General Kimballs division has passed out of the works by the Hilisboroagh pike, General Be~ tty, commanding Third Division, will take up the move- riment, drawing out by his left, and will form in echelon to General Kimballs left. He will maintain this position and advance with General Kimball. He will also leave a stron line of skirmishers behind the solid works along his present position. I disposed of my command in the following order: The Second l3ri- gade (Colonel Post) on the right, the First Brigade (Colonel Streiglit) on the left, the Third Brigade (Colonel Kiietler) in reserve. We lay in this n2 waiting movements on the ii ght of the army, until near Page 289 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 289 p. in., when I was informed by the general commanding the corps that he wished me to get possession of the hill immediately in my front, which was held by the enemy as an advanced position and enabled him to see too much of our movements and strength. The position was a commanding one, easily defended, and the enemy had strongly intrenched themselves. I directed Colonel Post, commanding Second Brigade, to at once assanit the position and carry it, if possible. I at the same time directed Colonel Streight, commanding First Brigade, to support Colonel Post, moving on his left and a little in echelon to him. When the disposition was completed and the order given to take the hill the Second Brigade moved forward with great rapidity, and, ascending the steep declivity, swept over the intrenchments of the enemy, and carried the position. The First Brigade (Colonel Streight), which was intended as a supporting column, fired with the spirit of the charge, rushed forward, and the charge almost became a race to the summit of the hill. The enemy tied in contusion to the main line of works oii a series of ri(lges behind this hill. I at once strengthened the l)Osition and remained in it nutil about 4.3() p. in., when I moved in conjunction with General Kimballs division, against the main hue of the enemys works. As his division broke the line of the enemy on my right my command followed up the assault, and swept down and over the line of intrenchinents, routing the enemy, who fled in utter confnsion to the hills and woods in the direction of the Franklin turn- pike, leaving a large nnmber of prisoners, fonr pieces of artillery, and five caussons in our hands as fruits of the victory. I immediately formed my command behind this line of works, refnsing the regiment on the left (the Fifteenth Ohio) to protect my flank, as my reserve bri- gade had been left in position near uiy former line to prevent any col- umn of the enemy pushing up to get in my rear. The four pieces of artillery mentioned were captured near the white house, on the left of my line, by the Fifteenth Ohio, fro in which position, protected by the buildings, it had caused me serious annoyance in my former position and as we advanced to the second assanlt. The battery was stontly defended, and was only secured by the determination and valor of the assailants. Great credit is due to the officers and men of the command for the prompt and energetic manner in which they accomplished the work assigned them; in fact, I had greater difficulty to hold theni in (,heck from advancing too far than in having any order for advance executed. As soon as my lines were reformed amid my reserve brigade brought up, I advanced in the directiomi of the Franklin pike, conform- ing to the movemnemits on my right until night came on and the dark- ness rendered farther advance inadvisable, when, by direction of the corps commander, I halted my command in position near the Granny White pike, intrenched my front, and went into bivouac for the miight. During the night I received orders from the corps commander to advance at daylight the next morning, the 16th, conforming to the movements on my right. 1 moved my comman(l forward at the time indicated to the Franklin pike, where, in conformity to orders, I wheeled to the right and marched southward, moving my command oii the left of the turnpike, my right flank resting on the turnpike. This move- ment to the right brought the right of my line in counection xvith the left of the Second Division (Brigadier-General Elliott), severing its con- iiection with the left of the First l)ivision. In this formation I moved southward toward Franklin about one mile and a half, when we encountere(l the skirmishers of the enemy posted on a partially wooded ridge. My skirmishers advanced rapidly against them, and after a 19 R RVOL XLV, PT Page 290 290 KY., SW. Vt, TERN., MISS., ALA.~ AND N. GA. (Czar. L~ fierce encouter of several minutes drove them from the position, to which I moved forward at once and occupied with my front line. Advancing my skirmish line again I fond the enemy strongly pdsted behind intrenchments, protected by an abatis on a double ridge, the declivity of the ridge forming a gap through which theturnpikepasses. I ordered the Sixth Ohio B a (Lieutenant Baldwin) to at opce take position on the ridge occupied by my line, and the commanding general of the corps placed another battery on my right on the same elevation, from which they did good service in shelling the position of the enemy. and battering don his defenses. About 2p. m. I received an order from B~ er-General Wood, commanding the corps, to carrythelineofdefensesiii myfronton the left of the turnpike 1y assault. I accordingly directed Colonel Post commanding Second to place his command in position to suit the works, and di~pose~4i the First Brigade (Colonel Streight) to support him, bring- ing up my reserve brigade (Colonel Knefier) to occupy the line from which the other brigades withdrew, and which had already been par- tially barricaded. About Sp. m. the order was giv0n and the Second Brigade dashed gallantly forward, and under a withering fire of musketry and artillery made every effort to obtain possession of the str~hold of the enemy. The First Brigade (Colonel Streight) sup. nobly, and moving forWard with alacrity endeavored to carry the lines, but the position was tbo strongly defended to be car- ried, and the withering fire of the enemys infantry and artillery made. it entirely impossible to hold the advanced position we had gained, and my troops were withdrawn to their former position on the ridge. The loss in my command in this encounter was very heavy, among which was some of my best officers. Colonel Post commanding Second Brigade, was seriously wounded, as was also two members ofhis stat Lieutenant-Colonel Hart,commanding Seventy-first Ohio, waswounded, also M& jor Strong, commanding Forty-ninth Ohio. The enemy did notattonipt to follow up our withdrawal, but re- mained behind their intr~nchments, a few of them venturing over to rifle the persons of our dead and wounded who had fallen nearesttheir works. Asthe command retired I deployed a skirmish he In the posi- tionwhichithadformerlyoccupisd, within 300 yards of the enemys main works. The assault was not a success, because of the impossibility to carry a position so stubbornly defended, and with so.many obetructions placed to prevent the troops from reaching the main work with any- thing like a formation or organization. The enemy either discovering or anticipating this movement hastily brought re-enforcements from his 1e4 and.from the position where I stood I saw large bodies of fresh troops move rapidly don the slope and into the works. Prisoners taken afterward state that two brigades were brought hastily from their left to re-enforce that position1 and that they reached there when my advance he was only about thin or forty yards from the works; but although not a success, I am satisfied, from subsequent observation and from conversation with. prisoners, that It contributed materially to the attainment of the end desired by causing the enemy to withdraW his troops from his left and thereby so Weaken that part of his he that it was carried before the troops could be moved back again after my command was withdrawn. A few men cleared the abatis, and reached the work, as was attested by their bodies being afterward found lyingright up against the work and several wounded inside the work. I had but just reformed my command behind its former position whoa I observed a assaulting cohwm on my right moving forward Page 291 CHAP. LYlI.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 291 evidently belonging to the First l)ivisio~i. I prepared at once to support them, and a few minutes afterward I discovered, by a wavering in the enemys lines, that it was meeting with success. I ordered my command again forward. The Third Brigade (Colonel Knefler), leading, went forward with a cheer, followed closely by the other two brigades formed in echelon on his left, and this time were more suc- cessful, carrying the works of the enemy, capturing a battery of fonr guns, and rapidly pnshing on in pursnit of the fleeing and routed enemy. The command also captured five other guns in the low land on the left or eastern side of the hill, which the enemy fled from, finding it impossible to get away with them, from our rapidly advancing column. It would be proper here to remark that ii had deployed a heavy skirmish line ex- tending about one mile to my left, and covering the front of the troops on my left, as they had not advanced as rapidly as I had, and I took this precaution to protect my left. It was this skirmish line that cap- tnred the five pieces of artilleryin the swamp, but no guards were left over them, and they may have been afterward claimed by troops coining up from the rear. The J)nrsnit was continued for two miles and a half when the darkness of the night rendered it impracticable, when we were ordered to halt, and occupying a ridge running eastward from the railroad, bivouacked for the night. The morning of the 17th dQmonstrated plainly that the enemy had fled from onr front, and the ground strewn with arms, accouterments, and munitions of war showed that his retreat had been both hasty and irregular. I received orders about S a. m. to move forward, conforming to the order for movements of the day previous, amid press the enemy vigorously. A heavy rain had set iu during the night, and continued during the day, makin~, it impossible to move through fields on the left of the road and continue the pursuit with speed and vigor desira- ble. I therefore, in accordance with instructions fiom the corps com- mander, withdrew my command to the turnpike, and moving in rear of the First Division, reached Franklin about 4 p. in., and went into camp. I brought forward my supply train during the night and dis- tributed rations to my command, and had everything in readiness to continue the pursuit at daylight next morning. I received orders at 8 a. in. on the morning of the 18th that the bridge across Little Harpeth was completed and the corps would move forward immediately, my division marchimig in the rear. The rain continued falling heavily, but we reached Spring Hill before dark, and went into camp sonic two miles or two miles and a half south of that village. December 19, received orders at 8 a. ni. to move forward, following the Second Division, the cavalry to precede that division amid clear up the road. On arriving at Rutherfords Creek found the enemy had destroyed the bridge, and the stream was so swollen by the rain as to be umifordable, and in accord- ance with orders I put my command in caump to await the completion of a bridge across the stream. December 20, received notice about 12 m. that the bridge was completed, ai~d orders to cross. Moved forward to the vicinity of Duck River, and went into camp near the position occu- pied by the division on November 28, to await the arrival of Pontoons, sending Colonel Streight with his brigade to the river to assist in effecting a crossing. The crossing was not secured and the bridge laid until the evening of the 22d, when I crossed over with my division and, passing through Columbia, went into camp about one mile from the town on the Pulaski road. On the niorning of the 21st [22d] Colonel Streight, commanding First Brigade, acting under orders from the corps corn- mander, threw one regiment of his command (the Fifty-first Indiana Page 292 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. 292 hastily across the river in pontoons, and (irove the enemy out of Columbia and occupied the town. The enemy resisted the crossing stubbornly, inflicting serious loss upon the regiment, but their stubborn- ness was not equal to the valor and determination of our troops, and several captures were made of the retreating force of the enemy. December 23, received orders to march toward Pulaski as soon as the cavalry was out of the way, my division marching in rear of the corps. The rear guard of the enemy stubbornly resisted our advance, and we succeeded in advancing bftt five miles during the day. December 24, marched at 8 a. in., my division following the Second Division, and went into camp at dark two miles south of Lynuville, having advanced twelve miles. December 25, marched at 8 a. ni., my division in advance of the corps, preceded by the cavalry. After passing through Pnlaski I crossed liichland Creek, and took the dirt road leading to Lambs Ferry, on the Tennessee IRiver. About 1 p. m. I received intelligence from the corps commander that the cavalry was hotly engaged with the enemy, and I pressed forward with my command as rapidly as the condition of the roads would admit for about six miles, when, the cav- alry having succeeded in dislodging the enemy and night coming on, I was ordered to put my command in camp. Owing to our rapi(l pursuit of the enemy, the difficulty of getting our train across Duck River, and the almost impassable condition of the roads, our supplies did not over- take ~s until late in the afternoon of the 26th, when they were at once distributed to the command, and every preparation made for an early advance on the morrow. I)eeember 27, received orders t9 march at daylight, my division marching in the rear. The rain continue(l heavily yesterday and during the night, rendering an advance extremely tedious and difficult; the loose nature of the soil of the country through which we passed rendered locomotion with artillery and trains almost impossi- ble without the assistance of infantry to extricate them from the deep cuts and gullies, cans ed by heavy rains since and during the passage of the rebel army and trains.. We succeeded in advancing eleven miles, passing a large number of abandoned ammunition wagons of the enemy and large quantities of ammunition partially destroyed, but did not encounter the enemy. December 28, marched at 8 a. in., followi ngthe Second Division, and marching thirteen miles, reached Lexington, Ala., eleven miles from the Tennessee River and sixteen miles from Florence, where intelligence reached us that time enemy had succeeded in cross- ing the Tennessee River, amid the pursuit was ai)andoned. On the morn- ing of the 31st, in coml)liamice with orders from the gemmeral commanding the corps, I marched at 7 a. mu. for Huntsville, Ala., via Athens, crossed Elk River on January 3, 1865, at Buck Island Ford, on a bridge con- structed under orders fromn the corps commander, and reached Hunts- ville on the morning of the 5th, and thus completed the campaign. In writing a report of operations affording opportunities for the dis- play of personal gallantry and heroism and for rendering distinguished service it is impossible to chromuicle the name of every officer and sol- dier specially distinguishing himself, and where all have done well to attempt to discriminate individuals would, perhaps, lead to invidious distinctions. To umy brigade commanders, Col. A. D. Streiglmt, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers, comuman ding First Brigade; Col. P. Sidney Post, Fifty- ninth Illinois Volunteers, commuanding Secomid Brigade, and Col. Fred. Kmm efler, Seventy-ninth In diana Volunteers, commanding Third Bri- gade, I return my thanks for the prompt and efficient manner wit Page 293 S sun. LYiti CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TEEN. 298 which they executed my orders and sought opportunities for dealing blows to the enemy rather than waiting them to be pointed out to them. Lieut CoL B. L. Kimberly, Fo4j-first Ohio, took command of my Second Brigade on the evening of the 16th, after Colonel Post was dis- abled, and I cannot refrain from making especial mention of. 1dm here. In the management of the brigade he displayed the qualities of an experienced and capable soldier, and I would recommend him to our common superiors for promotion. Of the officers and men of this command who deported themselves so bravely and entered so heartily into the actions and fierce assaults and bore up so manfully in the sub uent pursuit, I cannot speak in BAA too high praise. The nation can saf& y trust its honor and safety to the couxage and endurance of suchinen. The officers of my staff per- formed their duty tell, both on the battle-field and the subsequent arduous campaign, and it is due to them to record. their names in my official report~ and thank them individually for their valuableassist- ance and co-operation. Capt. N. P. Bestow, assistant a4jutant-gen- eral- Lient B.C. Reid, Nineteenth Ohio, aide-de-camp, also j!erformed the Auties Qf provost-marshal; Maij. 3. G. Dunbar, Seventy-ninth Indi- ana, inspector; Burg. K D. Lynde, U. S. medical director; Capt. L A. Beemau Eighty-ninth Illinois, ordnance officer, also assisted me on the fle1d~ Iaeut A. (1. Bierce, Ninth Indian a, topographical engineer, ren- derek me efficient service; Capt H. W.Johnson, Forty-fret Ohio Vol- unteers, acting assistant quartermaster, and Capt Ion NaIl, Seven- teenth Kentucky Volunteers, acting commissary of subsistence, and. Captain Carnahan, Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, acting combils- sary of subsistence, rendered efficient service in their respective de- ents. Lieut 3. H. Wick, chief of ambulances for the divisio and ourg.Benjamm N. Failorj Nineteenth Ohio, in charge of hospital, are deserving of thanks for the promptness with which the wounded were removed from the field and attention given them. I have the honor to forward herewith the reports of my brigade com- manders, accompanied by the reports of regimental commanders; also a report of casualties an recapitulation of capture.. I am, colonel, very respecthlly, your obedient sernn4~ Lleut CoL 3.5. PDLLnToN BriuwUer-Geserd, Cemmua~2iuuej. ASflSt4PSt A4jtetnt4nwaL [IneiOsU1ONObi~J Bcprt ~1 neugitiw ef tad. SuEdes datA. kttiee lien ZfmheW% lb..., ..aa. us usE .16th day. of Dealer, .W64 Page 294 294 KY., SW. VA.. TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. [Thelosure No. 2.] Recapitulation of the captures of this division in the battles of Nashville and pursuit of the rebel army under General Hood. Field pieces 13 Battle-flags U. S. guidon (recaptured) 1 Officers sword 1 Prisoners 721 Numberless small-arms of which no account was taken, as the pur- suit was too rapid to admit of giving them attention. No. 67. Report of Col. Abel D. Streight, Fifty-first Indiana infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG-., THIRD Dlv., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Green, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865. SIR-: In accordance with orders received yesterday from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the battles near Nashville, and the subse- quent pursuit of the enemy: My bi-igade occupied, previous to the engagement, the hill to right and front of Mrs. Acklens residence, with our right resting on the hills- borough pike and immediately in front of the enemys works on Mont- gomery Hill. On the evening of th~e 14th of December I received in- structiomis from General Beatty in person to be ready to move at 6.30 oclock the following morning, with sixty rounds of cartridges per man, and to take up my position on the left of the Second Brigade, and form in two lines, the first deployed in line of battle, and the second line in double column at half distance within supporting distance of the front line. The next morning everything was in readiness in accordance with instructions, but did not receive orders to move until about it a. in., when the brigade was moved over the woiks and formed immediately in front of its old position in the following order: The Eighth Kansas Volunteers on the right and the Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers on the left of the first line, and the Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteers on the right, the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers in the center, and the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteers on the left, fornied in (louble column at half (listance, composed the second hue. We remained in this position about one hour, when I received orders to move forward on the left amid in con- junction with the Second Brigade, and charge the enemys works on Montgomery Hill. Our advance was sharply contested at first, but the impetuosity of the men seemed almost uncontrollable, and soon all firing ceased on our side, and the only unsettled question for the time seemed to be as to who amnong our officers and men should reach the wol-ks first which I believe was settled in favor of the Eighth Kansas boys, though the boys of the Fifty-first were but a few seconds later; nor was the second line much behind, amid I am not certain but that many of those who belonged in the secon(l line had reached amid formed a part of the advammce by the time the works were carried. The enemy fled in confusion, the Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers and Eighth Kansas Volanteers and portions of the other legiments pursuing fo Page 295 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLt~ TENN. 295 about 300 yards, capturing many prisoners and small-arms. My posi- tion being the extreme left of our attacking column it was necessary to look well to my left flank, conseqnently I ordered the Fifteenth Ohio to take a position to time left and rear of our lines. I was soon ordered into position near the Montgomery house, my left refused to the rear, where we constructed some temporary works to protect the command, and about 3 p. m. 1 received orders to advance upon the second line of the enemys works. The brig~de was promptly put in motiomi, con- forming to movements of troops on my right, and amid a most galling fire from both our left flank aiid front carried the works in double-quick time, capturing a large number of prisoners and small-arms. Here again the Eighth Kansas was successful in reaching the works in ad- vance of any other portion of my brigade, though all pressed forward as fast as possible, and I can only attribute the slight advantage gained to superior fleetness of the men. In the meantime I had ordered the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers to pro- ceed in the direction of a frame house on the Granny White pike, some 400 yards to oum~ left, for the purpose of protecting our left flank. The enemy at the time was shelling our flank from that direction. The Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers moved with such rapidity and vigor that the enemy, after a short contest, tied, leaving four brass 12-pounder field pietes with limbers complete, a quantity of artillery ammunition and small-arms, aud several prisoners in the hands of the Fifteenth as a reward for their bravery. The guns were promptly turned upon the enemny, who, on perceiving the strength of the force before whom he had fled, rallied and reformed, evidently for the purpose of retaking the captured artillery. On learning the condition of things I ordered the Fifty-first Indiana to the support of the Fifteenth Ohio, and immediately made application to General Beatty in person for permis- sion to take my entire brigade to the support of that position; permis- sion was granted, but before tlje brigade could be placed in position the enemy had withdrawn. I then received orders to form east of the Granny White pike, and bivouacked for the night. Next morning (the 16th), in accordance with orders from division headquarters, we advanced about two miles without encountering the enemy, conforming to the movements of troops on our right, until we approached the Overton Hill, when my brigade was ordered into reserve in rear of the Second Brigade. We remained in this position until about 3 p. in., when I was ordered to support the Second Brigade in a charge of the enemys works on Overton Hill, and imi accordance with instructions formed my brigade in three lines of battle. The Fifteenth and Forty- ninth Ohio Volunteers, Col. Frank Askew commanding, composed the first line. The Eighth Kansas and Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, Lieut. Col. William D. Williams commanding, the second line; ammd the Fifty-first Indiamma, the third line, Capt. W. W. Scearce commanding. The brigade advanced in this order. Each line commander was ordered to keep within 150 yards of the preceding line, and every effort was made to retamn the above formation, but as the several preceding lines approached the enemys works each seemed to waste away, until all becamne intermingled in one mass, the more brave and daring of both brigades and of the several regiments proceeding clear up to the works. It soon became evident that under the circumstances it was impossi- ble to carry the works, as large numbers ot muen from both .brigades commenced running to the rear. Fearing a commuter-charge from the enemy, I at once proceeded to organize a force for the purpose of coy Page 296 296 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII ering the retreat of the command; but before I had time to accomplish my object the entire command retired behind our works, and I hastily reformed the brigade, where we remained for about one hour, when the enemy, being flanked on our right, gave way in our front, and I was again ordered to advance. Conforming to the movements of troops on my right, we proceeded to within aboat two miles of Breutwood; had some skirmishing, capturing numbers of prisoners and small-arms. Here we bivouacked for the night and resumed the pursuit in connec- tion with the Fourth Army Corps, the next morning, but encountered no enemy until the morning of the 22d. Having received orders the evening before from General Wood to lay a pontoon bridge across Duck River, 1 made preparations, and at daybreak commenced crossing the Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers, under Captain Scearce, in pontoon boats, about one mile and a half above the old bridge, anU at the same time ordered the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers to deploy on the right bank of the river to cover as far as possible the crossing; a sharp skirmish ensued between the Fifty-first and about 500 of Forrests mcii, which resnlted in killing, wounding, and capturing about SQ of the enemy, including 2 commissioned officers, and driving the balance away, with a loss on our side of 12 men killed and wounded. The bridge was laid, and the troops commenced crossing the evening of the 22d. Since then my brigade has occupied its allotted positions in the pursuit of the enemy, but has encountered nothing worthy of note except muddy roads, which were everywhere abundant. The brigade went into the action on the morning of the 15th with about E400 mnskets amid 80 officers, including the officers and provost guard at brigade headquarters, aiid lost during the several engage- nients 3 officers killed and 13 wounded, and 3~ enlisted men killed, 201 wounded, and 1 missing, making a total loss in the brigade of officers and men killed, 39; wounded, 214; of missing, 1. The officers killed were Capt. Thomas N. Hanson and Lient. Charles J. Rodig, both of the Fifteeiith Ohio, and Lieut. Peter G. Tait, of the Eighty-ninth Illinois. Among the officers wounded were Maj. L. M. Strong, Forty-ninth Ohio, severely; Maj. B. II. Kidder, of the Eighty- ninth Illinois, severely; Col. Frank Askew, Fifteenth Ohio, slightly; Capt. M. T. Anderson, Fifty-first Indiana, severely. I am happy to state that from information lately obtained there is a fair prospect that all the wounded officers of this brigade will recover. Total captures by the brigade346 enlisted men, 4 commissioned offi- cers, 4 pieces of artillery amid limbers complete, 1 sword, and a large number of small-arms. I am muost happy to be able to report that both officers and mimein of this brigade acted at all times as becomes brave and gallant men defending the national honor, and while we pause to drop a silent tear in memory of the fallen heroes who but yesterday were our comrades, fall of hope, life, and vigor, amid to speak words of syiimpathy and encour- agement to our wounded, let ins resolve to emulate their heroic example in defense of national life. It is useless for me to attempt to speak of individual acts of bravery, for to do so wonld be to make distinctions where all did nobly. To the officers of my staff I owe much for their efficient assistance rendered me, as well ~s for their brave and daring examples. Lient. G. S. Crawford, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, acting commissary of subsistence, volunteered to act as my aide and was foremost imi every charge, as was also Lient. Wallace i\IcGratlm, actin~ assistant adjutant- general, who was wounded; Capt. John M. Farquhar, acting assistan Page 297 0mw. LYILJ OAMPAIGN IN NOITH ALA. AND RIDDLE TEEN. *97 inspector-general; Capt Cyrus H. Askew, provoskmarshal; andLient. Thorns C. Davis, aide-do-camp, and did much by their examph~ to render our operationssuccessfbL I have the honor, sir, to be, your most. obedient servant A. D. STBEIGH~P, Capt K. P. BEsTow, 0olon#il~ Commanding Brigak Aseletant AJjvts.estOemeraL No.68. Report.ofLiega. GeL William D. William., Eighty-ninth illinois Iutfantry, of operations December 15, 1864-Janwarij 41865. HDQHs. EIGHTY-lmrTu ILLnroIs IxPAxny VoLUNTEERs, Camp Green, Ala, January 8,1865. Sn: I have the honor to retort the part taken by the Eighty-ninth illinois Infantryin the operations of the FirstBrigade in front of Nash. yUle, Tenn.7 on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, and~ the subse- quent pursuit of the enemy to Lexington, Ala., embracing a period of fifteen days. In compliance with orders, four companies, viz, B, F, D E, of the Eighty-ninth, took position on the skirmish he in front of Lhe breast- works at daylight, relieving, four companies of the Fifty-first Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry.. The otter six companies, in company with the bdgade, moved out of the breast-works to the front at 1 p. xi. of the 15th ultimo. At 2 p. m. a general advance was ordered, the Eighty-ninth taking position on the right of the second he, with the Eighth Kansas on our left, in support of the first line. The first line assaulted the enemys first line of intrenohments and handsomely carried them. The four companies of the Eighty-ninth, deployed as skirmish-. ers early in the morning, entered the enemys works simultaneous with the first line, not in front, however, of the First B in company with the first line of the Second ]~~~e(ColonelPo~)),th* position being to the right of the first in the advance. The Second Brigade obliqued to the left, thereby overlapping, a p art of the first line of the First Brigade, causing some confusion and compelling the First Brigade to oblique some distance to the left to prolong the he of battle. Immediately on gaining possession of the enemys works the Eighty-ninth, in company with the brigade, proceeded to erect breast-works. After nearly completing them we were ordered to the right to fill the gap made by the previous obliquing of the Second Brigade. After waitinjperhaps two hours from the first assault the First Brigade assaulted the enemys second line of intrenchments, the Eighth Kansas, Eighty-ninth Illinois, and Yifty-flrst Indiana consti- tuting the first he. The asstult was gallantly and vigorously made, the three regiments of the first line enteuing the works almost simul- tuineously, the Eighty-niuth capturing 78 prisoners6 and not. finding the brijade provost-marshal, turned them over to apt M. P. Bestow, assistant adjutant-general, Third Division, who ordered them in charge of the division provost Our regimental loss in these two assaults was surprisingly small, which I attribute entirely to the celerity and vigor. of the assaulting lines. Not an officer or man hesitated amoment, but rushed at the enemy on the double-quick, or rather run, and never stopped ntil the enemys works were scaled and the victory won. Out loss on the 15th was 2 killed and 4 wounde Page 298 298 KY., SW. VA., TFNN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. ICHA?. LVII. About 5 p. m. the Eighty-ninth was moved to the left about half a mile, and after considerable marching and countermarching in the dark bivouacked in an open field. Next moruillg at sunrise, in coin- pany with the brigade, moved down the Franklin pike about 11 ye miles, and remained in position until 2 p. in., when we were ordered to sup- port the Second Brigade (Coloiiel Posf) in a charge on the enemys works; the troops behaved gallantly, but on. account of the murderous fire and stubborn resistance of the enemy, were compelled to withdraw, which was done in good order and without confusion. About 4 p. in., the enemy being driven from their work s in our immediate front by an assaulting column gaining their works on our right, thus exposing them to a flank flue and danger of capture, we moved down the pike some three miles aud bivouacked for the night. The next day, the 17th, we, being the rear division of the corps, did not get st rted until about 9 a. in., passed through Brentwood, and en camped at Franklin for the night, after a very fatiguing days march. From thence we proceeded in company with the brigade, marching alternately in front and ream, passing through Spring Hill, Columbia, and Pulaski, arriving at Lex- ington, Ala., on the eve of the 27th, where we halted for two days, and learning that the enemy had crossed the Temuessee River, and was beyond pursuit we were ordered to Huntsville, Ala~., where we arrived in company with the brigade on the afternoon of the 5th day of January. Our losses duriiig the campaign are as follows: Commissioned offi- cers killed, 1; wounded 9~ total 3~ enlisted men killed 3 wounded 14~ , , , , -, , total, 17; making an aggregate of 20 all told. Great praise aiid credit is due the officers and enlisted ineum of the Eighty-ninth Regiment Illinois Inthutry for their heroic conduct in the battles before Nashville, and their patient forbearance during all the hardships incident to such a glorious though tedious campaign; and the beginning of the new year finds tIme Eighty-ninth, though depleted in numbers, yet ready at any and all times to battle for their countrys flag and the Union. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. D. WILLIAMS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Eighty-ninth Illinois Infantry. Lient. W. MCGRATH, Aety. Asst. Ac(jt. Gen., 1st Brig., 3d Div., 4th Army Corps. No. 69. Report of Capt. William IF. Scearce, Fifty-first Indiana Iimfantry, of operations December 15, 1861January 5, 1865. HDQR5. FIFTY-FIRST INDIANA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, Camp Green, Ala., January 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the followimig report of the part taken by the Fifty-first Indiana in the late battles before Nashville and pursuit of the enemy. The regiment received om-dems to be prepared for an advance by daylight on the morning of the 15th ultinmo. At 11 a. in. we moved over our own works and formed in front of them, in easy rifle range of tIme enemys works. At 12 in. we received orders to charge and take the hill in our immediate front, which was domie without difficulty. TIme regiment inimnediately, on the occupation of the rebel works, was moved to the left a short distance, and unti Page 299 CHAP. LVIL~ CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 299 4 p. m. was occupied in throwing up a new line of works. At this time I received orders to form my regiment in front of the works a short distance to the right. Half an hour later the regiment was ordered to occupy the second line of works, then some 300 yards in our front. This second charge was made in splendid style, under a heavy fire both of artillery and infantry. The regiment now moved to the left about a mile, where it took up its position for the night. At daylight on the succeeding morning, in accordance with orders, we moved for- ward in the secoud line about two miles, when the advance of the troops on our right being disputed, we moved to the right as a sup- port. The regiment was formed in the rear line of the brigade, which at the time was a reserve for the Second Brigade. Shortly after 2 p. m. the order was given to advance on the enemys works. My regiment received orders to move up as a support. The front lines failed to take the works, and my regiment, supposing they were to charge the works, e pressed on over the lines in front of them, regardless of orders, until they reached the front line, some thirty feet from the works. The con- test here was indeed desperate. The left of my regiment was exposed to a most galling fire of grape and canister from a battery in its front. remained in this position about ten minutes when the We , troops on my flanks giving way, I was compelled to fall back. In tbis brief engagement the regiment lost 3 commissioned officers and over 80 men. The regiment accompanied the army in its pursuit of 1-lood through Tennessee. At Columbia, the enemy disputing onr advance over Duck River, my regiment crossed in pontoon boats and drove the enemy from the town, capturing quite a number of prisoners. During the campaign the regiment has taken 182 prisoners. The entire loss is 15 killed, 101 wounded, and 1 missing. I have the honor, lieutenant, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. W. SCEAI-ICE, Captain, Commanding Fifty-first Indiana Infantry. Lient. W. MCGRATH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 70. Report of Lient. Col. John Conorer, Eighth Kansas Infantry, of oper ations December 15, 1364January 5, 1865. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH KANSAS, January 7, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to report the part my regiment took in the recent campaign against the enemy under GeueraJ Hood. (in the morning of December 15, 18(54, we lay under arms in line of works, front of Nashville amid east of Hillsborough pike, until about 9 a. n~., when I moved out and formed in line of battle front of works, con- forming to mnovemnent of the line on the right. Renmained in this posi- tion until 10 a. in., when, according to orders, I ordered Captain Bal- derston with thirty men for skirmish line to cover front of regimemmt. We themi advanced with the entire line to charge the rebel works, and reformed in the captured works carrie(l by the skirmish line. Lay in this position until 3 p. mu., when, by conforming to movements on our right, gradually approached to within 400 yam-ds of rebel second line, being on right of our brigade; lay in this position abommt thirty muinutes until the forces, some distance on our right (beyond hill on Hillsborong Page 300 300 KY., SW. VA., rVENN., MISS, ALA., AND N. GA. ECHAP. L~iI i)ike), started the rebels from their works at this instant the left Pt Second Brigade made a feint to charge; we, taking it as real, charged down the slope through a lively tire to a ravine midway between our position and the rebel works. Being the only regimeut in this advanced position we lay down and took cover for about five minutes, and then charged for their works, about 150 yards distant, which we entered and captured about ninety prisoners who had thrown do~ ii their arms and remained in the works. We I)ressed on over the works in pursuit of the retreating enemy to a ravine about 400 yards beyond thei wo:ks, from which place we kept up a tire on them as they ascended the opposite slope. Major Dawson, of corps staff, then ordered the regi- ment to fall back to our position in line. There were no troops on oar right or left that entered time works as soon, excepting those on the hill to our right. We lost in this charge 1 killed and 10 wounded. Decem- ber 16, my regiment was in second line of brigade; moved in line about 8 a. in., two miles down the Franklin pike, confronting the enemy on Overtons Hill; lay in this position until about 3 p. um., when Second Brigade charged the hill, and our brigade, the First, acted as support. My regiment moved on with the brigade to within forty yards of rebel line of works, under a heavy fire of musketry; here the troops of both brigades were mingled together. We remained in this position from twelve to fifteen minutes, when I received orders to withdraw my regi- ment, which I did, and reformed in front of our works. In this charge I had 7 killed and 22 wounded. We again advanced in pursnit of enemy, who had been iIanke~I from their works, and pursued umitil after dark, bivouacking near Brentwood Hills; since which time we have performed no particular part in the campaign, but have been with the brigade up to the present time. Both the men and officers behaved with undaunted bravery.* Total number of guns in the fight, 141. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, JNO. CONOVER, Lieutenant- Colonel Eighth Kansas, Commanding. Lient. WALLACE MCGRATH, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 71. Report of Col. Frank Askew, Fifteenth Ohio Ii~fantry, o/ operations 1)eeember 15, 1864January 5, 1865. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH RE~T. OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Camp Green, near Huntsrille, Ala., January 7, 1865. SIR: In compliance with an order just received I beg leave to sub- mit the following as a brief report of the part taken by this command iii the late battles before Nashville on the 15th and 16th ultinio: On the 15th we were in the secomid line of the brigade in double column closed in mass in rear of the right wins of the Fifty-first Indiana, amid moved in that positiomi and with that formation in the charge in the forenoon which resulted in the capture of the first line of the enemys works. Wheii we reached time works, by direction of General Beatty, we were deployed into line and moved to the extreme left of We brigade, and refused to protect that flank, with Company K, Captain Carroll; Company B, Lieutenant Smith, and Company G, Lieutenant Doohittle, Nominal list of casualties (here omitted) shox s 8 men killed, and 2 officers and 30 men wounded Page 301 CHAP. LYH.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. ANI) MIDDLE TENN. 301 deployed as skirmishers. In the afternoon when the charge was made on the second line of the enemys works, the remaining seven companies were moved forward to MeCrarys house, on. the Granny White pike, directly. behind which were the enemys works with a battery of four guns in them. The house and outhouses, together with the nature of the ground. concealed our strength and movement from the enemy occupy- ing the works and supporting of the battery, and when the foremost men emerged from the cover of the houses the enemys infirntry gave us one volley, which was promptly returned. A rush was made for their works and gumis, when they fled, leaving their battery of four fine 12-pounder Napoleons with limbers and a considerable amount of am- munition in our hands. At the same time Captain Carroll, with the three companies which had been deployed as skirmishers, moved down the first line of the enemys works, which to our left was still occupied by his skirmishers, driving them and capturing about thirty. Our loss in this days operations was but nine enlisted mcii wounded. On time 16th we were on the right of the first line of the brigade, with Companies E and K (leployed as skirmishers. In the subsequent movements and changes of direction in finding the enemy these two companies were considerably to the left of the i)osi~ion occupied by the brigade, and covered partly tlme front of Major General Steedmans command, and were in effect detached from their own command during tlme day.- -In the charge made in the afternoon, I was instructed by the colonel commanding to take conmmnand of the first line of the brigade, composed of time Forty-ninth Ohio, Major Strong, on the left, amid my own regiment on the right, and move it within supporting (listalmee of the second line of Colonel Posts brigade. When Colonel Posts brigade started we umoved forward and kept within a short distance of his sec- ond line, and in good order, but when we reached the depression directly in front of. the enemys works it was evident that Colonel Posts attack had failed, and the fire of the enemy was so severe that tne him was thrown into confusjon, without, however, any evidence of panic or fear on the part of any one. While exerting myself to the best of my ability to restore order and urge the men forward I was struck in the breast with a musket-ball, which, though inflicting but a slight wound, from the nature of it, being a contusion, soon rendered any violent physical effort on my part impossible, so I went back, and with the assistance of the adjutant, Lieutenant Cope, collected together and reformed most of the regiment directly in rear of the Sixth Ohio Battery. In this charge we lost Capt. Thomas N. Hanson, Company A, and Lieut. Charles J. Rodig, of Conipany ID, two valuable officers, killed, also Sergt. J. Ward, of Company (I, killed, and 14 enlisted men wounded. As soon as the regiment was reformed I sent for Lieutenant- Colonel McClenahan, who was absent in command of the skirmishers of the brigade, to come and relieve me of command; as he had not yet returned when the second advance was ordered, I went with the regi- ment until we had passed the enemys works, when Colommel MeClena- han arrived amid took command. When the second advance was made a number of our men who had remained near the enemys works, and had not returned after the first charge, took a number of prisoners, for whom they have receipts, to the amount of lO() enlisted men and 2 commissioned officers. I remained with the regiment until after dark on the night of the 16th, when the increasing pain of my wound compelled me to go to the rear to seek relief. I wemit to Nash- ville and staid two days, during which time the regimnemit was under the command of Lieutemmammt-Colonel .McClenahan. I am informed not Page 302 302 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. ing of special interest transpired during that time. I rejoined the command before it crossed Rutherfords Creek, and again took command of the regiment. Nothing which I think it necessary to mention hal)pened during our toilsome arid laborious pursuit of the enemy. in conclusion, allow inc to say that the officers and men of this com- mand without an exception, so far as I know, did their whole duty. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK ASKEW, Colonel, ~on~manding Regiment. Lieut. W. MCGRATH. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 72. Report of Capt. Joseph B. Bartlett, Forty-iiinth 6~hio Infantry, of oper. atioms December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. IIDQRS. FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Camp Green, January 7, 1865. LIEUTENANT in obedience to instructions received, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this regiment from the 14th of December last until its arrival at this camp: On the morning of December l~, 1864, the regiment, then under the command of Maj. L. M. Strong, broke camp and took position behind the intrenchments at Nashville assigned thereto, and remained until 11 a. in., at which time it was drawn off to the right for brigade forina- tion, and was placed on the left of the second line. At 12 m. moved across the intrenchmnents and formed in double column, not changing position in the brigade. At 12.30 p. in., under orders received, the regi- ment charged and carried tbat portion of the enemys first line of works in its immediate front. Upon reaching the enemys works the regi- ment deployed to the left to cover the flank. Companies B and G were thrown forward to intercept the enemys skirmishers falling back on our left, and captured thirty-five prisoners. Companies A and F were thcn deployed as skirmishers to cover regimental front, and immediately moved forward, pursuing the enemy, who was rapidly falling back, till reaching the enemys second line of works, which they occupied, engaging the enemy farther to the left, who still occupied a portion of the line. In this movement they captured prisoners. The Fifteenth Reglinent Ohio Volumiteers was then inove(l to the left of the Forty- ninth, and Companies A, F, B, and G then rejoined the regiment, which in the meantime had moved a short distance by the right flank, connect- ing with the Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers. Here hastily constructed breast-works were erected, and the Eighth Regiment Kansas Volunteers formed on the left of time Forty-ninth Ohio. By orders received from Colonel Streight, Companies ID, I, C, an(I 11 were deployed as skirmishers to cover the front of the brigade, and at 2.30 ~ m. were relieved by Conipanies E, K, G, and B. At 3.30 p. in. the regi- ment,in connection with the other regiments of the brigade, charged and carried the enemys third line, meeting with but feeble resistance; the enemy at the time moving under the effect of a charging column on our right. The brigade, was then reformed, the Forty-ninth Ohio occu- pying the left of the second line, (iomnl)anies B, K, G, and B rejoining the regimnemit. At 4.30 p. m. the regiment was moved by the left flan Page 303 C~r. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 303 along the enemys works to the Granny White pike, joined on the right by the Fifteenth Ohio and on the left by the Eighty-ninth Illinois, in which position it remained until dark, at which time it was moved to the left and rear along the said pike and then to the front, some distance across the pike where it went into bivonac for the night, having pre- viously covered its front with ~kirinishers. In the operations of this day the casualties of the regiment amounted to 2 commissioned officers and 3 enlisted men wounded. December 1%3, at sunrise, the regiment moved acioss and to the left of the Franklin l)ike. Companies E and K were deployed as skirmish- ers to cover our left flank, on which duty they remained until the close of this days operations. The regiment, in connection with the brigade, moved forward on the left of the Frnnklin pike to within three miles of Brentwood, the skirmishers driving those of the enemy before them. At this point the enemy was encountered in force amid found strongly entrenched on what is known as the Overton 11111. At 11.30 a. m. the First Bri~ade was formed in rear of the Second Brigade, the Forty- ninth occupying a position in the front line, between the Eighth Kansas on the right and the Fifteenth Ohio on the left. At 12 in., in accord- ance with orders previously received, the Second Brigade moved upon the enemys works, supported by the First Brigade. The resistance was such upon the part of the enemy as to cause the lines of the Sec- ond Brigade to become broken ~ind disorganized upon reaching a point within a short distance of the enemys works, many officers and men having been killed and wounded and many having sought shelter from the heavy fire pouied upon them by the enemy from behind his works. At this time the regiment, in conjunction with the First Brigade, was pushed forward to within about fifteen yar(ls of the enemys works; some of the men of the regiruent~ succeeded in gaining them under a very heavy fire. It was soon found impossible to push any con sidera- ble portion of the line further forward, and suffering severely from the enemys fire at this close range., the regiment, having lost its command- ing officer, Maj. L. M. Strong, who fell severely wounded while gal- lantly leading his men, besides many other officers and men killed and wounded, and the enemy stubbornly defending their works against any prospect of their being carried by us, retired with the remainder of the brigade to its original position occupied previous to moving upon the enemys works and reformed under cover of the Third Brigade. In this charge the regiment lost 3 commissioned officers wounded and 10 enlisted men killed amid 36 wounded out of about 150 engaged. Upon reforming, Captain Hartsough, the senior officer pres- ent, assumed command of the regiment, and shortly after the enemy, having been routed on our right, fell back rapidly from their works in our front, and we advanced, l)ursuing them until dark. when the regi- ment went frito bivouac for the night. December 17 I assumed command of the regiment, having previous to this time been serving as inspector of the Third Division, Fourth Corps. Since I assumed command the regiment has not been engaged iii any action. The total num ber of prisoners captured is 45. For a nmore complete statement of the casualties reference is here made to the accompanying report thereof Respectfully submitted. J. II. BARTLETT, Lieutenant MCGRATH Captain, Commanding. t~~tin~ Assistant Adjutant- General Page 304 304 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. IIDQRS. FORTY-NINTH Onlo VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865. The following is a list of casualties occurring in this command in the battles before Nashville, Teun., December 15 and 16, 1864.* ~J. li. BARTLETT, Captain, Commanding.] No. 73. Report of Lient. Col. Robert L. Kimbe~ly, Forty-first Ohio Infantry- commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15, 1864Jan uary 5, 1865. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY, Huntsrille, Ala., January 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Second Brigade, Third I)ivision, Fourth Corps, in the battles before Nashville, Deceniber 15 and 16, and the subsequent pur- suit of the enemy: Until the assault of Overtons Knob, December 16, the brigade was commanded by Col. P. S. Post, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, who was wounded in that assault while gallantly leading his brigade, and the command devolved upon me. At daylight on the 15th of Decem- ber the brigade quitted its position oii the Granny White pike and moved to the right, forming in front of the enemys position at the burnt house. The Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant- Colonel Hart, was on the right of the first line; the Fifty-ninth Illi- nois Volunteers, Major Stookey, on the left; the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. Pickands, in the second line. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Licut. Col. 11. L. Kimberly, was deployed as skirmishers, covering the front of tIme bri- gade, and the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. I). Bowman, was left to hold the position the brigade occupied before leaving. Shortly after getting into position the brigade was ordered forward against the enemys fortified position in front, which was car- ried without difficulty, the skirmish line clearing the rebel works with- out being checked, and pursuing the enemy nearly to his second line of works. The brigade was moved to a stone fence 200 yards beyond the house, and strengthened its line by throwing up a slight parapet of earth against the wall. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry was relieved from the skirmish line and placed on the left of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the second line. At about 3 p. in. an advance was made upon the enemys second line of works, which was gallantly carried by the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in advance of the line on both flanks. These regiments sustained a considerable loss in this charge. The second line was moved up to occupy the captured works, and the first line promptly reformed. It was nearly dusk when the action ceased, and the brigade was then moved across time Granny White pike, taking a position nearly parallel to it, and facing the high ground on the Franklin pike, and intrenched. Shortly after daylight on the 16th the brigade moved and formed on the left of, and perpendicular to, the Franklin pike, the Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One hundred arid tw-enty-fourth Ohio Volun- ~ Nominal list (omitted) shows 10 men killed, and 5 officers and 39 ~neii wounded Page 305 CHAP. LVII.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 305 teer Infantry, an(1 Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infautry, being in the front line, and Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the second line. Moving forward in line of battle, the brigade caine in front of Overton Knob, an eminence the enemy had fortified with breast-works, abatis, & c., and upon which he had in position a battery. Halting 600 yards from the knob, the Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was moved to the right of the pike, and the Sixth Ohio Battery placed in position to fire upon the knob. The brigade lay here some time, the art illery firing on the enemys works in front. At length Colonel Post, commanding brigade, was ordered to assault the knob. Colonel Streights (First) brigade to sup- port him. The Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Inf~utry was deployed as skirmishers, and moved forward with orders to push as far up as possi- ble, the enemy having showed few indications of a strong line in the works. The Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry was moved back to the left of the pike, closing upon the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was designated as the battalion of direction. The skirmishers moved steadily forward to the edge of the woods covering the side of the knob, and then rapidly up its side, encountering, when a short distance from the enemys works, a formida- ble abatis, while at almost the same moment the enemy was seen to move into his works a well-closed line of battle, which immediately opened a furious fire. The brig de in the meantime had followed closely upon the skirmishers, the two lines moving up in splendid order until receiving the heavy fire of the enemy, and then charging with spirit. The enemy, however, bravely defended his works, his infantry firing rapidly and low, while his battery swept the hillside with canister. The second line (Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry) came up promptly, and made a desperate effort to push on over the works. Two men from the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volun- teers, with a skirmisher from the Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, actually accomplished the fea;t, but after holding the ground sonme minutes, during which time many valuable officers were lost, the bri- gade, with Colonel Streights, which came up as support, was compelled to fall back to the position from which it had started. During this last movement a staff officer from the division com- maim der informed me I was in command of the brigade, and directed me to form it in rear of Colonel Kneflers line. I know of no straggling to the rear, either at this time or any other, during the two days opera- tions. The brigade had suffered heavily. Colonel Post, the brigade com- mander, was seriously wounded while urging on the men, and his horse was killed almost at the same moment. Lieutenant Clark, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenant Cobb, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, picket officer, both of C ol- onel Posts staff, were severely wounded. The gallamitry of Major Dawson (General Woods staff), who rode with the front line, and was wounded while endeavoring to penetrate the enemys abatis, was par- ticularly remarked. Lieutei iant- Colonel Hart, commanding Seventy- first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also fell severely wounded at this point. Captain Mennet, Lieutenants Mossman, Anderson, Gooding, and Irvine, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers, wounded, amid Captain Knight, same regiment, killed ;* Lieutenant aimd Adjutant I)empsey, Lieutenant A mistake as to Knight; lie was wounded. Lieutenant Gooding, of Knights company, was kille(i. 20 K KvOL XLv, PT Page 306 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LYIL 306 Payne, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Captains Lewis and IRaidaic, Lieutenants Stevens and Daum, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer infantry, wounded; Captains Han sard and MtMahon, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieutenants IDelker, Patterson, and Miller, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Lieutenant Patterson, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Captain Tower, Lieutenants Bonnell and Harnian, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer infantry, wounded; Licuts. E. A. Wide- ner and E. C. Le Blond, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, killed; Capts. Goodwin, MeDevitt, ud buck, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wounded; Lieutenants Brandoii and McConnell, Seventy-first Volunteer Infantry, wounded, were the losses among commissioned ofticers in the regiments, and show with what gallantry the men were led during the battles. I have reason to thank LieutenautColonel Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Inftmtry; Lieutenant-Colonel Bow- man, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Iufimtry; Major Stookey, Fifty- ninth Illinois Volunteers; C aptai Ii McClure, commanding Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Captain l)uuham, commanding Forty- first Ohio Volunteer Intantry, for zealous an(i efficient discharge of duty while I commanded the brigade, and particularly for promptness in reforming their commands after the repulse at Overton Knob. I have also to acknowledge my obligations to the brigade staff. On the morning of the 17th the brigade moved with the army in pursnit of the enemy, but was not again engaged. On the ~6th of De- cember, the brigade then lying six miles from Pulaski, on the Lexing- ton road, I relinquished the command to Col. H. K. McConnell, Sev- enty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The provost-marshal of the brigade holds receipts for 278 prisoners and 4 pieces of artillery, besides which Sergt. William Garrett,* Coin- pany G, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Private Holconib,* Company A, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, each captured a rebel battle-flag. Subjoined is a tabular statement of casualties: Officers Men Aggregate. _________________________________________ _______ I _______________ 1 I,.~i. a ~- a a a -~ a ~ H Headquarters 5econd Brigade, Third I 3 3 Division, Fourth Army Corps. 41st Ohio veteran Infantry 1 )3 3 il 28 3 32 71st Ohio veteran Infantry 2 19 96 21 101 122 Old Ohio Veteran Infantry 1 3 I 3 25 28 124th Ohio veteran Infantry I 2 4 1 19 1 3 23 1 27. 59th Illinois Volunteer Infantry 1 9 100 7 76 9 8; 81 Total 6; ~7 301 236 131 36 263I 13 312 I have the honor to be, captain, very icspecttul]y, your obedient servant, I~ L KIMBERLY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Forty -first Ohio Veteran Infantry. Capt. M. P. BESTOW, Assistant Adjutant- General. Awarded a Medal of Honor Page 307 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDI)LE TENN. 307 No. 74. Report of Mal. James M. Stookey, Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. FIFTY-NINTH IREGT. ILLINOIS VET. VOL. JNFTY., Near Huntsville, Ala., January 9, 1865. SIR: In compliance with orders received from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken l)y the Fifty-ninth Regiment, Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry, in the two days fight before Nashville Te ber, 1864: , nfl., on the 13th and 16th of I~ecem- I broke up camp at 4 a. in. on the 15th, and by daybreak was marching with Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps, to Hills- borough pike; there remained in reserve till near 10 a. in., then charged the skirmish line near the bnrnt house, Fifty-ninth in front line, cap- turing some prisoners. Sergt. William 1\IcElhammey planted first colors on the enemys skirmish pits, but the men, being so eager for time fray, could not be halted until they had reached a stone fence some seventy- five yards farther on. There we remained under lire of a i)attery until near 3 p. in., when we were ordered to cha.roe the enemys main line ot works. The regiment was in front line, and we moved forward in line of battle with the left of the rebiment entirely unprotected, under fire fromn our front and our left as far as the enemys musketry were able to reach us; but we still moved steadily on to within 100 yards of the works, when we charged omi double-quick, bursting through their brush abatis, carrying their works and capturing a good portion of the force in our front. The officers and men were too eager in the pursuit of the retreating foe to search for trophies among what they supposed were secure. After this marched to the Granny White pike and biv- ouacked for the night. On the 16th marched by daybreak, crossed time Franklin pike, then moved forward in line. Fouiid the enemy on Overton Knob, near Frammklin pike, imi a well-intrenclied position. Colonel Posts brigade was to assault the works. In the formatiomm the Fifty-ninth was on time right of rear line, with instructiomis to move forward and if the front line failed iim taking the works to charge them. This I obeyed to the letter, but failed also. In the charge the muen went as near the works as any other organization, as the position of my dead and wounded showed after the battle mimen were killed within twenty feet of the abatis. The support never came ~ to us, but fired over our position. I received orders finally from some officer, say- in g, Fall back; we are falling back. I then marched the regiment off the field, it being the last organization which left it, and formed behind our battery, where the brigade was then forming. This ended the part taken by the regiment in the fight. My officers and men all did nobly; all were eager and deterumimmed to be first crossing the enemys works. My acting adjutant, Lieut. D. F. Korhammer, rendered me promptly every assistance in his power. I hereto append a list of casualties.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, JAMES NI. STOOKEY, Lient. B. A. HAMILTON, ]Jliajor, Commanding. Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 3d Div., 4th Army Corps. ___ ~ Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 9 men killed, and 5 officers and 76 men wounded Page 308 308 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 75. Reports of Lieut. Cot. Robert L. Kimberly, Forty Jirst Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. IIEMQTJARTERS FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN INFANTRY, Near Hnntsrille, Ala., January 8, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battles i)efore Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864, and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy: At 4 oclock on the morning of the 15th of I)ecember the men were wakened without bugle call and quietly got breakfast aud struck tents. Shortly after daylight the regiment moved with the brigade some dis- tance to the right of its old position, and was placed on the right of the second line of the brigade in front of the enemys position at a brick house to the right of the Granny White pike. Afterward the regiment was ordered to deploy as skirmishers, covering the front of the brigade, and attempt to dislodge the enemy at the house. This was accomplished, the enemy making little resistance, and being pursued by the skirmishers nearly to his second line of works, far beyond the house. The rebiment was then relieved as skirmishers and resumed its position on the left of the second line of the brigade. In the snb- sequent assault of the enerny~s second line of works the regiment, though under fire, did itot engage, but moved up to occupy the cap- tured works, to allow first line to reform behind them. The command bivouacked at night near Granny White pike, intrenching its line. December 16, having moved shortly after daylight to and across the Franklin pike, the regiment went into position before Overton Knob, on the left of the first line of the brigade. In the assault of the knob the regiment served as skirmishers for the brigade, being ordered to push as far up to the enemys works as possible. Being deployed 600 [yards] from the enemys works on the knob, the regiment moved stead- ily forward to the edge of the wood, covering the side of the hill, and then, at the command, advanced at a run. Near the enemys line a good abatis was encountered, but many of the skirmishers penetrated it. Just at this moment, however, the enemy, who had shown little force in his works, moved into them a line of battle iii good order, aimd its fire effectually checked all advance, as it did the movement of the brigade which followed the skirmishers very closely. The regiment remained in this position until the repulse of the assault, and then fell back, reforming upon the ground from which it started. I have to mention Private George H. Kleihans, Company I, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Inf ntry, who penetrated the rebel abatis, and jumped the parapet in face of the rebel line of battle. Sergts. E. Morse, Company B, and Garrett, Company G, with several men, did not fall back with the regiment, amid afterward, seeing the enemy leaving his works, dashed forward amid took possession of four pieces of artillery; Ser cant Garrett also seized a rebel battle-flag. These were the first men in the rebel works after their abandonment, amid xvith several others from Company A, added materially to the enemys pamiic by promptly pursuing him over the hill and firing upon his retreating lines. Private I). I. llolcomb, Company A, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one of these men, captured a battle-flag. I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of officers and men Page 309 CliA?. LYIIJ CAMPAiGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 309 The list of casualties, though not large, includes some of the officers and men most marked in the regiment for faithful service and good conduct on the battle-field. Of these is Captain ilansard, wounded on the 15th, who has since suffered amputation of the leg; Captain Mc- Mahon and Lieutenants Delker, Miller, and Patterson, wonnded~ After the assault, until December 26, during which time I had the honor to command the brigade, the regiment was commanded by Cap- tain Dunham, to whom I am nnder obligations for his faithful di~~ charge of all duties. I have to submit the following list of casualties :* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. L. KIMBERLY Lieutenant-Colonel, Corn dg. Forty first Ohio Volanteer Infantry. Lient. B. A. HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN iNFANTRY, Neai~ Huntsville, Ala., Jan nary 7, 1865. Sin: I have the honor to make the following statement of the capture of the two battle-flags herewith transmitted, by men of my regiment: In the assault of Overton Knob, near Nashville, on the 16th of Decein- ber, 1864, the Forty-first Regiment Ohio Veteran Infantry was deployed as skirmishers to cover the advance of Colonel Posts (Second) brigade of the Third Division, Fourth Army Corps. The skirmishers pushed for- ward to and in advance of the abatis before the enemys works, and when the brigade was repulsed some of them were so near the works as to be unable to retreat. Sergts. J. J. Mattocks, J. Jackson, Corpls. A. Flint and G. F. Haynes, and Privates D. I. Holcomb, and 5. 1). Ralph, Company A, Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry, were thus situated, and remained until they saw the enemy leaving their works, when ~they rushed forward and crossed the rebel parapet, securing a number of prisoners and a battle-flag. While lying near the works these men checked an attempt on the part of the enemy to throw forward a skirmish line to occupy the ground where our wounded were lying. Sergts. A. D. Hosmer, B. Morse, and Private Strickland, of Company B, and Sergt. William Garrett, of Company G, Forty-first Ohio Veteran infantry, were also on the skirmish line and remained similar to those above mentioned, but were some distance to the left, directly in front of six pieces of artillery, when the enemy was seen to leave his works. They immediately advanced to them, taking possession of four pieces of artillery and capturing a battle-flag. Sergt. William Garrett, of Company G, obtained possession of the flag imear the deserted guns. These men were the first Federals in the rebel works. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - R. L. KIMBERLY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Corndg. Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry. Lient. B. A. HAMILTON, Acting Assistant A tijuta nt-General. Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 man killed, 5 officers and 23 men wounded, and 3 men missing Page 310 310 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. LVII. No. 76. Report of Capt. William fi. McClure, Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. IIDQRS. SEVENTY-FIRST OHIO VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 9, 1865. SIR: I have the honor, in compliance to orders, to make the following report of the part taken by the Seventy first Ohio Veteran Volunteer infantry, in the two days fight before Nashville, Teun., on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864: We broke camp at 4 a. m. on the 15th, and at 7 oclock was marching with the Second Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army Corps, to Hills- borough pike, and there remained in reserve until 9 oclock, when two companies, A and F, were deployed as skirmishers, they remaining on the line through the day. The regiment was formed in the frontliiie, with the right resting on the First Brigade, the Fifty-ninth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry on the left. We charged with the column on the skirmish line at the burnt house, taking some prisoners. The regiment was halted at the stone fence in rear of the house. We remained there under a heavy artillery fire nntil 3 p. nt, at which time the charge was made on the main line of the enemys works. The regiment moved for- ward through a field under a heavy fire of musketry, losing a number of men. At within 100 yards of the works we charged on the double-quick, carrying the works, with a loss of 49 men killed and wounded. The abatis was very heavy, bnt was able to burst through and plant our colors first on the works, the color-bearer (Sergeant Bodwell) being wonnded in the attempt. We captured a number of prisoners, and one piece of artillery with limber chest [which] was in our front. We marched to the Granny White pike and bivouacked for the night. On the 16th marched at daybreak, crossed the Fr~nklin pike, then moved forward in line. Found the enemy in force on Overton Knob. In the assault the regiment was formed in the second line, with the Fifty-ninth Illinois Veterau Vol- unteer Infantry on the right, with orders to conform our movements with the Fifty-ninth Illinois, as they were to follow the pike. The enemy made a stubborn resistance, and after remaining nuder a fire of artillery and musketry for thirty minutes, was ordered to fall back, as the entire line on our left was falling back. Our line was pressed for- ward as far as any other, three color-bearers being wounded right at the abatis, and quite a number were found dead within twenty feet of the works. The regiment was reformed in rear of the batteries, and ready for the second assault within fifteen minutes after the order to fall back. The officers and men acted nobly. CQlonel Hart was wounded near the middle of the charge, at which time I took command of the regiment. I herewith append a list of casualties: Killed and wounded, coin- missioned officers, 7; enlisted men, 117; total, 124. W. H. MCCLURE, Captain Seventy;flrst Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Lieut. B. A. HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- (lenerat Page 311 CHAP. LYH.1 CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 311 No. 77. Report of Lient. (Jot. Daniel Bowman, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, of operations 1)ecember 1516, 1864. IIIJQRS. NINETY-THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Huntsville, Ala., January 9, 1865. Sin: I have the honor of submitting the following report of the oper- ations of the Ninety-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the battle before Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864: On the morning of the 15th of December, 1864, I received an order from the colonel commanding the brigade to relieve the picket guard in front of the brigade, requiring a detail of two commissioned officers and sixty enlisted men, and to deploy the remaining portion of the regiment in the line of rifle-pits when vacated by the brigade. This order I coin- plied with, remaining in that position nutil 4 p. in., when I received ami order to withdraw the pickets and rejoiim the brigade, which at that time was halting on the Granny ~ hite pike about one mile in front of the position we had occupied. After rejoining the brigade we moved with the brigade and crossed the Franklin pike. After crossing the pike the brigade moved down tIme pike, halting at a point known as the second line of the enemys defemises. Here I was ordered to take a position on the right of the front line, the right resting on the turnpike. The brigade advanced, halting at a slight emimmence on the pike about 600 yards from the line of the enemy. At this point the regiment was moved to the right amid in flie rear of the battery, the left of the brigade now resting on the pike. While lying in this position I received an order to furnish two commissioned offi- cers and fifty-six enlisted men to be placed on the skirmish line. This detail was not relieved, and did not participate in the assault. I remained in this position on the right of the turnpike until in the afternoon, when I was directed to unsling kmmapsacks, place them on piles, amid detail a small knapsack guard. The regiment now recrossed the turnpike, the right resting on the pike. This was the position of the regiment in the line dnring the assault, in which onr loss is as fol- lows: Commissioned officerskilled, 1; wonnde(l, 3. Enlisted mimen killed, 2; wounded, 22. Total, killed, 3; wounded, 25. Total loss, 28. Very respectfully, DANIEL BOWMAN, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Ninety-third Ohio. Lieutenant HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No.78. Report of Lieut. Cot. James Pickands, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 1516, 1864. HEADQUARTERS 124TH OHIo VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, In Camp, near Huntsville, Ala., January 8, 1865. LIEUTENANT: I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and twenty-fourth Regiment Ohio Foot Volunteers in the recent engagement of December 15 and 16: Late in the evening of the 14th 1 received orders to have my regi- muent in readiness to move at (laylight on the following morning. The general was sounded at 4 a. iii. on the morning of the 15th, and by day Page 312 312 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. Lvii. light everything was ready to move out, the baggage 1)acked, and the wagons on the pike. The men were ifirnished with sixty rounds of ammunition and three days rations. At about S a. in. our line was formed, and we moved by the flank to the right avid front of the Ack- len place, where we remained inactive for about two hours. We were then moved forward over the works built and previously occupied by the Third Brigade, and went into position, my regiment on the left of second line, with the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers on my right. The regiment was soon ordered forward to the first line, avid my regiment moved to the right, so as to cover the center, it being the only regiment on that line. We were theii ordered to charge the hill at the brick house, and take the first line of the enemys works. I followed the movements of the first line at a distance of about fifty yards to their rear. The works were taken by the skirmish line, and the first line advanced to the stone wall, 100 yards to the front. My regiment was ordered into position near the brick house td snpport a section of Bat tery M, Fourth U. S. Artillery. We remained here for about two hours, when the first line was moved forward to the crest of a hill in their front, when I was ordered to the stone wall, and placed on the right of the second line, with time Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry on my left. We had hardly reached the position when the brigade was ordered to charge the second line of the enemys works. Time second line moved promptly forward, but the works were taken before we reached them. We were then ordered forward to the first line with the Companies B and II thrown forward as skirmishers. We remained here but a short time, when we were moved by the flank to the left across the Granny White pike, where we built works and bivouacked for the night. At reveille on the morning of the 16th the troops were formed and stood to arms, and at the break of day were moved by the flank to and along the Franklin pike nntil we reached the third line of the enemys works, that had been abandoned by them in the night. Here we went into line on the left of the pike, my regiment in the cemiter, with the Ninety-third Ohio on its right. We remained but a short time, and were moved for- ward in line to the crest of the hill in front of Overton lull, where we were ordered to construct a slight work of rails. We were then moved by time flank so as to throw the Muety-third to the right of the pike, and the right of my regiment resting upon the pike. We found the enenmv strongly posted on Overton hill in strong works with infantry and artillery. The Sixth Ohio Battery was then brought up and placed in my front and opened a heavy lire upon the enemy. We remained in this position nutil about3 p. in., when wewere ordered to charge the hill. We moved forward, my regiment on the left of the first line the Ninety-third on myrighit, with the Forty-first Ohio as skirmish- ers. Wehad hardly crossed our works when the enemy opened npon us with artillery. We moved steadily fbrward until within about 200 yards of the enemys works, when the charge was sounded. I never saw men go forward in better style or with more spirit until within a few yards of the abatis in front of time enemys works, when they met with such a withering fire of artillery amid small arms as to check the line and cause the men to take such shelter as they could find. At this time the enemy were re-enforced by one or two lines, and their fire became so heavy that, although re-enforced by our second line, it was impossible to go forward; but the umen remnained firm and returmied the enemys fire until it became unbearable, wlmen the brigade broke amid fell back to its former position, where it reformed promptly, my regiment occu- pying the same ground as before the charge Page 313 CHAP. LVII.] CAMPAIGN IN NORTH ALA. AND MIDDLE TENN. 313 My loss in officers was very severe. The regiment went into the charge with 9 officers, out of which 6 were killed or wouude(l (2 killed and 4 wounded). We iiow heard heavy firing on the right, and soon after saw the en- emy leaving their works on the hill. The First Brigade was ordered forward, and our brigade followed them, my regiment still ocenpying the left of the first line. We moved forward in line very rapidly for abont two miles, when it became qnite dark, and we were ordered into bivouac for the night at Overton Hill. Corpi. Frank Carr,* Company D, recaptured a IT. S. guidon from the enemy, which I have already forwarded to corps headqnarters. I respectfully submit a list of casualties.t I am, lieutenant, your most obedient servant, JAMES PICKANDS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lieutenant HAMILTON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 79. ~ of (Jol. Frederick Knefier, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, corn- nianding Third Brigade, ~t operations December 15, 1864January 5, 1865. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD 1) IV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Near Huntsville, Ala., January 7, 1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the.following report of the part taken by this brigade in the battle before Nashville, and the sub- sequent pursuit of the enemy until its arrival in camp near this place: On the 15th day of December, 1864, the brigade was ordered to form in reserve of the two other brigades of the division and to conform to their movements. This position was maintaitied during the day. Sey- eral casualties occurred. Lieut. George M. Hull, tIme acting picket officer of the brigade, was severely wounded while advancing the line of skirmishers. On the 16th day of December, 1864, the position of the previous day was ordered to be maintained, whichwas kept up until after the division reached the Franklin pike. In the aftet~noomm of that day the brigade was moved fdrward to occupy the position of time First and Second Brigades, who were then forming for the assault of the enemys intrenchments on Overton Hill. Orders were received, in case the assault should not succeed, to hold the line should the enemy advance. Light breast-works were erected at this point. The assault being unsuccessful, the brigades engaged in it reformed imm rear of the line. Shortly afterward great confusion became apparent among the enemy. I ordered the line to advance rapidly and to carry the works. This was accomplished without loss. Four guns, many prisoners, great quantities of ammunition, and large imumbers of small-arms were captured. The line was ordered to advance in pursuit of the retreat- ing enemny, preceded by a strong skirmish line. The enemy was here compelled to abandon five pieces of artillery, which were captured. Time pursuit was continued till dark, when orders were received to return and to join the division. After passing through Franklin, Columbia, *Awarded a Medal of Honor. I Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 officers and 1 man killed, and 4 officers and 17 men wonnded Page 314 814 KY., SW. VA., ?ENN., MISS., ALA., AND) IL GA. (Oar. LVII. Pulaski, Toxin., and Lexington, Ala., in pursuit of the enemy the bri- gade strived in Huntsville, Ala., on the 5th instant and is now in Aist of casualties is hereto attaohed. Numberof guns captured, 9; prisoners, 158. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectftlly, your obedient FRED. KNEFLEB, (JoL 79th Regt. ibid. Yole., (Jouudg. 3d Brig., 3d Dlv., 4th A. C. Capt K. P. BEsTow, Ant. AIJL (Ms., Third DivIsion, Fourth Army Corp.. No. 80. Report of IAeuL CoL George V. Parker, Seventy-nInth Indiana in/us- try, of operation. December 15,1864January 5,1865. HDQES. SEVENTY-NINTH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INPTY., Hear Huntvill., Ak, January 7,1865. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken b my regiment in the late battles of December 15 and 16, 1864, and the subsequent purstit of the enemy. On the morning of December 15 my command was in readiness to. move at 5.30 a. m. By order of Colonel Knefler, commanding brigade, I took position on the left of the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, connecting my left with the right of the Eighty-sixth Indiana Volun- teers. In the movement upon the outer line of the enemy at 12 a, although in support of the line charged with carrying the position, my command evinced the highest degree of coolness and soldierl