No. 10.
Report of Col. John F. Miller, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry,
commanding at Nashville
NASHVILLE, July 19,
1862 — 12 p.m.
GENERAL: Statements of prisoners and others establish these
facts: Complete surprise of the Ninth Michigan and cavalry at about 4 a.m.
Enemy attacked Michigan camp and provost guard in town simultaneously,
approaching in two directions between roads; no grand guard; pickets only in
roads; Michigan troops in discord; men killed in tents attempting to form
square; Colonel Duffield wounded; failed to form, and surrendered. Provost
guards in court-house did most fighting, holding enemy at bay perhaps an hour,
killing 10 rebels; surrendered; part cavalry attempted to join Michigan
regiment; did little fighting; surrendered.
Third Minnesota, 1½ miles in rear, formed on alarm; had
Hewett’s battery; left their camp and reserve ammunition; marched short
distance, halted, took position, waited for attack; enemy, some in front and
flank. At 7 a.m. burned camp charged on battery; were repulsed with slight
loss; made several weak attempts to charge. Infantry hovered about in woods;
but little firing by infantry. Enemy showed signs of intention to retreat;
burned depot supplies; surrender demanded; men anxious to continue fight;
colonel and six captains anxious to surrender. Infantry had plenty ammunition;
battery short, but had 64 rounds left; surrendered at about 3 p.m.; loss, 2 killed,
5 wounded in Michigan. Colonel Lester reported as having been stupid with fear,
some complain, cowardly: strength of enemy, five regiments; average estimate,
1,800. Marched the prisoners 7 miles beyond McMinnville. Whole force left for
Chattanooga, moving rapidly.
Jealousy of officers, causing separation of troops beyond
supporting distance in sudden emergency. Bad picketing, lack of skill,
vigilance, and personal courage on part of officers caused the disaster
according to testimony.
Loss of Ninth Michigan, 14 killed and 63 wounded.
Respectfully,
JNO. F. MILLER.
Colonel, Commanding Post.
Maj. Gen. D.C. BUELL.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
16, Part 1 (Serial No. 22), p. 808-9
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