Showing posts with label 100th OH INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 100th OH INF. Show all posts

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 135. Report of Capt. James W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 135.

Report of Capt. James W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. EIGHTH TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,    
Near Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that during the operation against the enemy's left, in front of Nashville, on the 15th of December, this regiment, with the others composing the brigade, was held in reserve as support for the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. During the night of the 15th the latter brigade was withdrawn and our own advanced and occupied the ground, throwing up during the night strong breast-works, which we occupied until about 2 o'clock of the following day. About this hour the brigade was ordered to charge the works in their front, which was successfully done. In this charge this regiment held the extremity of the line of our brigade. In that portion of the works taken by this regiment, in connection with the One hundredth Ohio, were captured four pieces of artillery, which, or at least two of them, were being loaded by the gunners, but they were so closely pressed that they were compelled to abandon them, leaving the charges in the muzzles of the guns. These two regiments also captured two mules and wagon, the latter being loaded with grape and canister. Subsequently this regiment moved forward about 150 yards to the crest of a hill, built temporary works and camped for the night, and the next morning we found the enemy gone.

We lost none in these actions.

Respectfully,
J. W. BERRY,                       
Captain, Commanding Eighth Tennessee Infantry.
Capt. J. H. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 423

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 134. Reports of Col. Oscar W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 134.

Reports of Col. Oscar W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry,
of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. 104TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,                      
Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your command, I have the honor to transmit a report of the part taken by the One hundred and fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the battle at Franklin, Tenn.

The regiment (in connection with the brigade) reached Franklin, Tenn., from Columbia, about 5 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ultimo, and bivouacked in line until about 8 a.m., when the brigade went into position in two lines, on the right of the division — the One hundredth and One hundred and fourth Ohio formed the first line, the One hundredth on the right, its right resting on the Columbia pike, and the One hundred and fourth joining it on the left. The regiment immediately erected in its front a good breast-work, most of the companies putting head-logs upon their works. These were scarcely completed until the rebels advanced in two lines against the Second Brigade of the division, on our left. A curve in the works of the left wing of the regiment enabled the left companies to enfilade the lines of the rebels as they advanced, and the three left companies fired several rounds, doing good execution, when the rebel lines fell back in disorder and confusion. Immediately afterward a brigade of the Fourth Corps, which had been posted on a ridge about 500 yards in front of our works, began falling back, first in good line and order, and afterward in great haste and confusion, when it became apparent that the real charge was being directed against that part of the line occupied by this regiment, the One hundredth Ohio, and the brigade of the Second Division on the right of the pike. As the line of the Fourth Corps fell back from the ridge it was followed at a distance of not over 100 paces by the first line of the rebel infantry, which gained rapidly upon it, so that the men of the Fourth Corps had scarcely crossed our works until the ditches in front were filled with rebels, scrambling to get over the works, and in some instances, upon the right of the regiment and in front of the One hundredth Ohio, many of the rebels passed over the works in company with the rear of the Fourth Corps men. The confusion and hurry of the crossing of this advance line, their officers crying to them, to “get to the rear and reform,” came near throwing our line in confusion, and the three right companies borne back by them, and in doubt as to the commands, fell back a few paces, but in almost a moment afterward rushed back, with fixed bayonets, and regained their works. The Sixteenth and Twelfth Kentucky rushed from the second line simultaneously with them and joined them and the One hundredth Ohio, on the first line, from which (having overcome all the rebels who had crossed the works) they kept up a constant and destructive stream of fire, cutting down by hundreds the rebels who had accumulated and massed in the ditches and immediately in front. The other seven companies to the left, so soon as the Fourth Corps men had crossed, began to pour forth such a severe fire that though the rebels in greater number than their line had gained the ditches, were unable to attempt getting over the works, but were cut to pieces by the destructive fire of the men. The rebels in this charge were seen in three lines at least, but if in more, the smoke of the firing prevented us from seeing their approach. So soon as it became apparent that this charge was repulsed, the firing was stilled, and those of the rebels in the ditches who were not killed or wounded were ordered to ground arms and surrender, when about 300 climbed over the works and were sent to the rear. Then almost immediately a second charge of the rebels followed, equaled only in fierce determination and bravery by that of the first charge; this was again met by a fire equally as true in aim and destruction as before, resulting in the complete repulse of the enemy, when about 200 more prisoners were taken in over the works. By the time the second charge was repulsed night had come, and, though firing was afterward directed at our line from the front, and replied to by our men, yet no subsequent charge was successful in reaching near to our works. The regiment remained in the works until after 11 p.m., when, with their command, retired across the Harpeth River, and took up the line of march toward Nashville.

Eleven rebel battle-flags were taken in front of our lines (two by Color-Corpl. Newton H. Hall,* Company I, who shot their bearers, and crossed over and captured them during the heaviest of the firing); 9 of them were turned over to brigade headquarters; the others are reported as having been sent to friends at home by mail before it was known by the captors that they should be turned over, or orders received requiring it. The slaughter of the rebels was very great, the ditches were filled with them, and the ground for many rods in front was literally covered with their dead and wounded.

The officers and men all did nobly, and when the battle was ended and the rolls called scarcely any were missing.

Our casualties in this engagement were: Killed, 1 commissioned officer, 16 enlisted men; wounded, 2 commissioned officers, 32 enlisted men; missing, 6 enlisted men; total, 3 commissioned officers and 54 enlisted men.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
O. W. STERL,                       
Colonel 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
ACTG. ASST. ADJT. GEN., 1ST BRIG., 3D DIV., 23D A. C.
_______________



HEADQUARTERS 104TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  
Near Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions, I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry Volunteers in the operations of the 15th and 16th of December, in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

Having been relieved from our position in the works to the right of the Franklin pike, in connection with the rest of the brigade, the One hundred and fourth moved to the right of the Granny White pike, in rear of the Fourth Corps; remained there until 1 p.m., when this regiment, in connection with the rest of the brigade, was moved off to the right, through the works, marching in the rear and parallel to the Fourth Corps and Smith's corps until we had gained the extreme right, when, changing direction, we were moved to the front, crossing the Hillsborough pike over the ridge on which the Fifteenth Indiana Battery was in position and into a corn-field, where the brigade was halted in column of regiments, the One hundred and fourth in front. Here we lost three men wounded from gunshots from the enemy posted on the ridge in front of us. The troops in our immediate front being at this time pressed very hard by the enemy the First Brigade was ordered up for support, the One hundred and fourth taking the advance. Moving up under protection of the ridge we obtained position without loss. Remaining quiet until after dark, the brigade was placed in position in line of battle, the One hundred and fourth on the right and flank. The night was passed in throwing up works. December 16, remained in position in our works until between 3 and 4 p.m., when the order came for the First Brigade to charge the works in trout of us. The One hundred and fourth having been placed on the flank in the works at an angle with our main line we were detained some little time in changing front. On reaching their works the enemy were found flying in confusion, having abandoned them without much resistance. The brigade again going into position in line of battle, the One hundred and fourth on the left, temporary works were thrown up during the night.

Very respectfully,
O. W. STERL,                       
Colonel 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
|Capt. J. H. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.|
_______________

* Awarded a Medal of Honor.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 421-3

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 133. Reports of Lieut. Col. Edwin L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 133.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Edwin L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio Infantry,
of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. 100TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,                      
Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle at Franklin, Tenn., November 30: My regiment was the extreme right regiment of the brigade and division, my right resting on the Franklin and Columbia pike, fronting nearly south, the left connecting with the One hundred and fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I had thrown up a temporary breast-work, with head-logs on top and an abatis in front. The First Kentucky Battery was then placed in my line, cutting embrasures in my work, and displacing three companies. To cover these companies I threw up a light earth-work about three rods in rear of my main line. A brigade of General Wagner's division, Fourth Corps, was some 200 or 300 yards in our front. About 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in three lines upon them. They fell back upon us, coming in on the right flank and over our works. They filled our trenches so that we were unable to use our guns, and creating considerable confusion, the enemy reaching our works almost simultaneously with them. I immediately ordered the men belonging to the Fourth Corps to fall back and reform in rear of the second line of works, which order some of my men upon the right mistook as meaning them, and fell back with the colors, but immediately rallied and went back upon my ordering the color-sergeant, Byron C. Baldwin, to advance and plant the colors upon the works. The battery men deserting their pieces, a space was left around the guns between my right and left, which was filled by some men of the Sixteenth Kentucky; at the same time the regiment on the right of the road gave way, and the enemy poured in over the pike onto my right flank. The Forty-fourth Illinois here charged with my right and forced the enemy back beyond the works. From this time until we were ordered to leave the works, at 10.30 p.m., six distinct charges were made upon my right, and repulsed each time. I was exposed to a murderous enfilading fire from our works on the right of the road, which was held by the enemy, never having been retaken by the troops on our right after the first charge. A large proportion of our missing were captured on the skirmish line, which was in advance of the Fourth Corps.

I would particularly mention the distinguished gallantry of Capt. W. W. Hunt (acting major), who fell while nobly fighting at the front works, and of Lieut. M. A. Brown, who was on the skirmish line, and was wounded while falling back upon the main line, and was killed inside of the works, urging the men to stand fast. Color-Sergt. Byron C. Baldwin fell with the colors in his hand, and wrapped them around him in his death struggle.

It would be invidious in me to mention any of the survivors where all did so nobly, both officers and men sustained the character they always bore as brave soldiers.

The following is the number of men engaged and our loss in killed, wounded, and missing: Number of men engaged, 250. Commissioned officers — killed, 2 (1 not mustered); wounded, 1. Enlisted men — killed, 6; wounded, 24; missing, 32. Total, 65.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. L. HAYES,                       
Lieut. Cot., Comdg. 100th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Brig. Gen. JAMES W. REILLY,
Comdg First Brig., Third Div., Twenty-third Army Corps.
_______________

HEADQUARTERS 100TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,              
Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the operations of the 15th and 16th instant:

Our movements on the 15th are not worthy of notice, as we simply moved with the brigade around to the right to the support of General Smith's forces and went into position that evening; that night we threw up a line of works, and on the morning of the 16th found the enemy's line also thrown up in the night in plain view in our immediate front. Skirmishing was kept up until about 3.30 p.m., when a charge was made along the whole line. My regiment advanced up a ravine, driving their skirmishers out of their pits until we reached the enemy's line of works, when, in connection with the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, we captured four pieces of artillery and quite a number of prisoners, burns these were at once sent to the rear their numbers cannot be correctly given. The regiment pushed on, making a swing to the right until we formed a line perpendicular to the one we had just left, and on the crest of the hill, where we threw up a new line of works and encamped for the night.

We did not lose a man.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. L. HAYES,                       
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
[Capt. J. H. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.]

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 419-20

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 132. Report of Capt. Jacob Miller, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 132.

Report of Capt. Jacob Miller, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH KENTUCKY VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,    
Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part my regiment took in the movement of the army on the 15th and 16th instant:

On the 16th [15th] instant, at 6.30 a.m., we moved from our camp in rear of our works, on the right of the Franklin pike, and formed column, by division, en masse with the brigade. Soon after orders were received, and we moved to the right of our line, where our regiment again formed line of battle, the One hundred and fourth Ohio and Twelfth Kentucky resting in our front. At 12 m. it was evident that a move was being made to the right. At 1 p.m. orders were again received, and we continued our movement slowly to the right. At 4 p.m. we again formed line of battle for the purpose of supporting the Third Brigade of the Second Division, which at the time was advancing a short distance to the right and about 100 yards to the front. Soon the rattle of musketry was heard, and we were ordered forward on double-quick to form on their right and rear, their right having become hotly pressed. Night coming on the Third Brigade, Second Division, was withdrawn and we moved forward and took position on the line they had occupied, with our right resting on the Twelfth Kentucky and left on the One hundredth Ohio. By direction of Colonel Doolittle, commanding brigade, we constructed a line of earth-works during the night to protect our front. During the whole time we were constructing our works the enemy's sharpshooters, a few hundred yards in our front, and immediately in front of works they were at the same time constructing, kept up a constant firing. On the morning of the 16th no change on the part of the enemy in our front was visible, only that they had finished their works, some 400 yards distant, which looked very formidable. The sharpshooters continued their firing, and at 8.30 o'clock one man of Company D, while coming from the rear to the works, was struck in the left hip, causing a severe flesh wound. We remained in this position until 3 p.m., when we were ordered to charge and occupy the enemy's works in our immediate front, which we did, driving the enemy's skirmishers before us and their artillerists from their guns, who were just in the act of charging them with canister. Night coming on, we encamped some 200 yards to the left and rear of the enemy's works, constructing a line of earth-works.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JACOB MILLER,     
Captain, Comdg. Sixteenth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry.
Capt. J. H. BROWN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 418-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 129. Report of Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 129.

Report of Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry,
commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,       
Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade during the recent engagements before Nashville, on the 15th and 16th instant:

In obedience to Special Orders, No. 141, from division headquarters, I assumed command of this brigade on the morning of the 15th instant and withdrew the regiments from the positions occupied by them between Forts Casino and Negley, massing them under the hill and out of sight of the enemy, leaving a company of each regiment to occupy the works until relieved by troops from General Steedman's command. In this movement we were favored by a heavy fog. With the division, this brigade in advance, I moved my command gradually to the right, crossing the Hillsborough pike about two miles from the city and recrossing it at a point about three miles farther out, and, by direction of the commanding general, took up position on the right of Col. George Spalding's cavalry command, the brigade being formed in two lines, on the left of the Hillsborough pike, with One hundred and fourth Ohio and Twelfth Kentucky in first, and the One hundredth Ohio, Sixteenth Kentucky, and Eighth Tennessee in the second line. I had thrown out two companies of the One hundred and fourth Ohio as skirmishers, and was about to move forward, when an aide of General Couch, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, rode up with an urgent request from General Couch to go to the support of one of his brigades, which was being hotly pressed. I moved immediately on double-quick and took position on the right of this brigade (Third), which was posted on a hill about 600 yards to the right and as many to the front, preserving the same formation, throwing out skirmishers and relieving it from the danger of being crushed. I remained in this position until after dark, when the Third Brigade, Second Division, being withdrawn, I occupied its ground, placing the regiments in the following order: One hundred and fourth Ohio, Twelfth Kentucky, Sixteenth Kentucky, One hundredth Ohio, and Eighth Tennessee, and immediately proceeded to erect breast-works along the line, connecting with Colonel Casement on my left and refusing my right well, so as to prevent a flank movement. I now occupied the extreme right of the army, and was some distance from support in case of a determined movement of the enemy against us.

The command worked all night, and when daylight appeared we found ourselves within 500 yards of the enemy, who was well posted on high hills, behind works erected during the night, our skirmish lines being not over fifty yards apart in our front. We had a quiet morning, disturbed only by occasional skirmish firing, until about 11 o'clock, when the enemy attempted to move some artillery he had placed in position. My men opened on him with their rifles, provoking him to fire a few shots. We soon silenced his guns and prevented their removal. We remained comparatively quiet from this time until about 4 p.m., when the grand charge was made along our lines, and, according to instructions, seeing the success of the charge on my left, I charged the works opposite me, carrying them and capturing 8 pieces of artillery (light 12's), ammunition in 4 limber-chests, 1 wagon loaded with grape and canister, 2 mules, and between 200 and 300 prisoners; no exact account of these latter can be given, as they were taken to the rear immediately. I went into camp for the night on the ground just taken from the enemy, throwing up light works for protection.

I would notice especially the conduct of the regimental commanders — Col. O. W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio; Lieut. Col. L. H. Rousseau, Twelfth Kentucky; Capt. Jacob Miller, Sixteenth Kentucky; and Capt. J. W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee — who were always present with their commands, leading them in the charge.

The Twelfth Kentucky, being nearest the enemy's works, were the first to reach them, securing four guns. The other four were taken jointly by the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee. I cannot praise too highly the conduct of all the command, both officers and men, and I feel that I was honored in being assigned to such a command at such a time. I would especially mention Capt. J. H. Brown, Twelfth Kentucky, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. D. M. Stearns, One hundred and fourth Ohio, acting aide-de-camp, who behaved in the most gallant manner.

The casualties of the brigade were small, 9 wounded being the total — One hundred and fourth Ohio, 3; Twelfth Kentucky, 5; Sixteenth Kentucky, 1.

The hill charged being steep, the enemy fired over us, as they also seemed to do in the valley through which the left of the brigade passed.

Before closing this report I would refer to the fact that McArthur's division, of the Sixteenth Army Corps, claim to have taken the four pieces captured by the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee without any shadow of right, as the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee drove the enemy from them, taking a large number of prisoners, besides the two mules and the ammunition wagon. The One hundredth Ohio had placed a guard over them, but the pieces were subsequently removed by order of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, as was also the wagon.

I respectfully submit herewith reports of regimental commanders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. C. DOOLITTLE,      
Colonel Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. THEO. COX,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 413-5

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

John L. Ransom: The Finis

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WHAT BECAME OF THE BOYS — REFUSED PERMISSION TO GO HOME — A REFERENCE TO CAPT. WIRTZ — RETURN HOME AT THE END OF THE WAR.

In may interest some one to know more of many who have been mentioned at different times in this book, and I will proceed to enlighten them.

George W. Hendryx came to the regiment in March, 1865, when we were near Goldsboro, N. C. He says that after running away from Andersonville at the time of the discovery of a break in which all intended to get away in the summer of 1864, he traveled over one hundred and fifty miles and was finally re-taken by bushwhackers. He represented himself as an officer of the 17th Michigan Infantry, escaped from Columbia, S. C., and was sent to that place and put with officers in the prison there, changing his name so as not to be found out as having escaped from Andersonville. In due time he was exchanged with a batch of other officers and went home North. After a short time he joined his regiment and company for duty. He was both delighted and surprised to see me, as he supposed of course I had died in Andersonville, it having been so reported to him at the North. He did valiant service until the war was over, which soon happened. He went home with the regiment and was mustered out of service, since when I have never seen or heard of him for a certainty. Think that he went to California.

Sergt. Wm. B. Rowe was exchanged in March, 1865, but never joined the regiment. His health was ruined to a certain extent from his long confinement. Is still alive, however, and resides at Dansville, Mich.

Sergt. Bullock was also exchanged at the same time, but never did service thereafter. He is now an inmate of a Michigan insane asylum, and has been for some years, whether from the effects of prison life I know not, but should presume it is due to his sufferings there. His was a particularly sad case. He was taken sick in the early days of Andersonville and was sick all the time while in that place, a mere walking and talking skeleton. There is no doubt in my mind l that his insanity resulted from his long imprisonment.

E. P. Sanders arrived home in Michigan in April, 1865, and made me a visit at Jackson that Summer. He was the only one of all my comrades in prison that I came in contact with, who fully regained health, or apparently was in good health. He was a particularly strong and healthy man, and is now engaged in farming near Lansing, Michigan.

Lieut. Wm. H. Robinson, who was removed from Belle Isle, from our mess, it having been discovered that he was an officer instead of an orderly sergeant, was exchanged early in 1864, from Richmond, and immediately joined his regiment, doing duty all the time thereafter. Soon after my escape and while with company "A," a note was handed me from Capt. Robinson, my old friend, he having been promoted to a captaincy. The note informed me that he was only a few miles away, and asked me to come and see him that day. You may rest assured I was soon on the road, and that day had the pleasure of taking my dinner with him. He was on his general's staff, and I dined at head-quarters, much to my discomfiture, not being up with such distinguished company. We had a good visit, I remember, and I went to camp at night well satisfied with my ride. Told me that a pipe which I engraved and presented to him on Belle Isle was still in his possession, and always should be. Was a favorite with every one, and a fine looking officer. He is now a resident of Sterling, Whiteside Co., Ill. Is a banker, hardware dealer, one of the City Fathers, and withal a prominent citizen. It was lucky he was an officer and taken away from us on Belle Isle, for he would undoubtedly have died at Andersonville, being of rather a delicate frame and constitution.

My good old friend Battese, I regret to say, I have never seen or heard of since he last visited me in the Marine Hospital at Savannah. Have written many letters and made many inquiries, but to no effect. He was so reticent while with us in the prison, that we did not learn enough of him to make inquiries since then effective. Although for many months I was in his immediate presence, he said nothing of where he lived, his circumstances, or anything else. I only know that his name was Battese, that he belonged to a Minnesota regiment and was a noble fellow. I don't know of a man in the world I would rather see to-day than him, and I hope some day when I have got rich out of this book (if that time should ever come,) to go to Minnesota and look him up. There are many Andersonville survivors who must remember the tall Indian, and certainly I shall, as long as life shall last.

Michael Hoare tells his own story farther along, in answer to a letter written him for information regarding his escape from the Savannah hospital. Mike, at the close of the war. re-enlisted in the regular army and went to the extreme west to fight Indians, and when his term of service expired again re-enlisted and remained in the service. In 1878 he was discharged on account of disability, and is now an inmate of the Disabled Soldier's Home, at Dayton, Ohio. From his letters to me he seems the same jolly, good natured hero as of old. I hope to see him before many months, for the first time since he shook me by the hand and passed in and out of his tunnel from the Marine Hospital and to freedom.

The two cousins Buck, David and Eli S., I last saw top of some corn in an army wagon I jumped from when I first encountered the 9th Mich. Cavalry. Little thought that would be the last time I should see them. Their command belonged to the Eastern Army in the region of the Potomac, and when communication was opened at Savannah they were sent there on transports. I afterward received letters from both of them, and David's picture; also his wife's whom he had just married. David's picture is reproduced in this book and I must say hardly does him justice as he was a good looking and active fellow. Presume Eli is a farmer if alive, and "Dave" probably preaching.

"Limber Jim," who was instrumental in putting down the raiders at Andersonville, was until recently a resident of Joliet, Illinois. He died last winter, in 1880, and it is said his health was always poor after his terrible summer of 1864. He was a hero in every sense of the word, and if our government did not amply repay him for valiant service done while a prisoner of war, then it is at fault.

Sergt. Winn of the 100th Ohio, who befriended me at Savannah, is, I think, a citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a prosperous man. Any way, he was in 1870 or thereabouts. Was an upright man and good fellow.

Every one knows the fate of Capt. Wirtz, our prison commander at Andersonville, who was hung at Washington, D. C, in 1866, for his treatment of us Union prisoners of war. It was a righteous judgment, still I think there are others who deserved hanging fully as much. He was but the willing tool of those higher in command. Those who put him there knew his brutal disposition, and should have suffered the same disposition made of him. Although, I believe at this late day those who were in command and authority over Capt. Wirtz have successfully thrown the blame on his shoulders, it does not excuse them in the least so far as I am concerned. They are just as much to blame that thirteen thousand men died in a few months at that worst place the world has ever seen, as Capt. Wirtz, and should have suffered accordingly. I don't blame any of them for being rebels if they thought it right, but I do their inhuman treatment of prisoners of war.

Hub Dakin is now a resident of Dansville, Mich,, the same village in which lives Wm. B. Rowe. He has been more or less disabled since the war, and I believe is now trying to get a pension from the government for disability contracted while in prison. It is very difficult for ex-prisoners of war to get pensions, owing to the almost impossibility of getting sufficient evidence. The existing pension laws require that an officer of the service shall have knowledge of the origin of disease, or else two comrades who may be enlisted men. At this late day it is impossible to remember with accuracy sufficient to come up to the requirements of the law. There is no doubt that all were more or less disabled, and the mere fact of their having spent the summer in Andersonville, should be evidence enough to procure assistance from the government.

And now a closing chapter in regard to myself. As soon as Savannah was occupied by our troops and communications opened with the North, a furlough was made out by Capt. Johnson, of our company, and signed by Assistant Surgeon Young, and then by Col. Acker. I then took the furlough to Gen. Kilpatrick, which he signed, and also endorsed on the back to the effect that he hoped Gen. Sherman would also sign and send me North. From Gen. Kilpatrick's head quarters I went to see Gen. Sherman at Savannah and was ushered into his presence. The Gen. looked the paper over and then said no men were being sent home now and no furloughs granted for any cause. If I was permanently disabled I could be sent to Northern hospitals, or if I had been an exchanged prisoner of war, could be sent North, but there was no provision made for escaped prisoners of war. Encouraged me with the hope, however, that the war was nearly over and it could not be long before we Would all go home. Gave me a paper releasing me from all duty until such time as I saw fit to do duty, and said the first furlough granted should be mine, and he would retain it and send to me as soon as possible. Cannot say that I was very sadly disappointed, as I was having a good time with the company, and regaining my health and getting better every day, with the exception of my leg, which still troubled me. stayed with the company until Lee surrendered, Lincoln assassinated and all the fighting over and then leaving Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in April, went to my home in Michigan. In a few weeks was followed by the regiment, when we were all mustered out of the service. As had been reported to me at the regiment, I had been regarded as dead, and funeral sermon preached.

It was my sad duty to call upon the relatives of quite a number who died in Andersonville, among whom were those of Dr. Lewis, John McGuire and Jimmy Devers. The relics which had been entrusted to my keeping were all lost with two exceptions, and through no fault of mine. At the time of my severe sickness when first taken to Savannah, and when I was helpless as a child, the things drifted away from me some way, and were lost. But for the fact that Battese had two of my diary books and Sergt. Winn the other, they also would have been lost.

I hope that this Diary may prove successful in its mission of truly portraying the scenes at Andersonville and elsewhere during the time of my imprisonment, and if so, the object of its author shall have been accomplished.

Yours Very Respectfully,
JOHN L. RANSOM,
Late 1st Sergt. Co. A, 9th Mich. Cav.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 160-4

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 128. Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30, 1864.

No. 128.

Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade,
of operations November 30, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,       
Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to report the operations of the First Brigade-composed of the One hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. O. W. Sterl; One hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes; Sixteenth Kentucky Veteran Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. S. White; Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Infantry, Lieut. Col. L. H. Rousseau, and Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, Capt. J. W. Berry — in battle of 30th ultimo at Franklin, Tenn.

The brigade was placed in position on the right of the division, on left of Columbia pike, facing south, or nearly so, the right of the brigade resting on pike, the left connecting with the Second Brigade. Owing to the Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky Volunteer Veteran Infantry being rear guard upon the evacuation of position on north side of Duck River, near Columbia, on evening of 29th ultimo, they did not reach Franklin for some considerable time after the other portion of command, in consequence of which the brigade was formed with One hundredth Ohio Infantry on right, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry on left, with Eighth Tennessee Infantry in reserve. The first line of the brigade, immediately upon being placed in position, commenced intrenching, and succeeded in getting up an ordinary line of works, with head-logs. Upon the arrival of the Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, about 10 a.m., they were put in reserve. The brigade had strong line of skirmishers thrown well forward. At about 4.30 p.m. the enemy were discovered approaching in strong force upon a portion of the Fourth Corps, in front of brigade; the advance was rapid, the troops remaining until the enemy were in such close proximity to them before they retired, that the enemy's heavy assaulting columns pushed them back rapidly over our line of works, the enemy following closely and determinedly.

The officers of my command and myself were using our utmost to prevent our men from firing until all of our own men could succeed in getting into the works. This, with the enemy pushing close after, and in some cases with our own men on the works, caused a momentary abandonment of the line by a portion of the right of the brigade. The line was rapidly rallied by their officers and with the assistance of the Sixteenth Kentucky, that at this moment led by Lieutenant-Colonel White, who, seeing and appreciating the disaster that would be caused if our line should be broken, gallantly ordered and led his regiment forward to the breach before orders to that effect could reach him. That portion of the enemy who had gained inside our works were either killed or taken prisoners. The enemy made various and continued assaults upon the line, but were each time repulsed with fearful slaughter. Every inch of the works was held, both inside and outside, until the brigade was ordered to fall back. The One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel McCoy, was ordered up, or at least came up, gallantly and nobly, and mingled with our men in rear of the works during the remainder of the fight. The Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. John Russell, was ordered up, and right nobly did they come and render valuable services. The Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Rousseau, in reserve in rear of the One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, pushed his men forward to the works and did valuable service.

It is proper for me to say that, with the exception of the aid rendered by the One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as herein stated, the brigade received no assistance during the fight, unless, perhaps, some of the men coming in over the works may have rallied in or behind the lines.

I cannot in justice but mention the efficiency and bravery of Col. O. W. Sterl, and also that of Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes, who, with his regiment, particularly distinguished themselves.

Lieutenant-Colonels White and Rousseau have already been mentioned. In fact, the regimental officers and men of the brigade nobly sustained the reputation earned on other fields, to which the flags captured, some twenty, the number of prisoners taken, the almost unparalleled slaughter of the enemy in front of their works, the casualty list, all bear ample and indisputable evidence.

I herewith forward a list of the casualties in the brigade.

Among the many brave men killed I regret to report Capt. H. D. Palmer, Sixteenth Kentucky; Capt. W. W. Hunt, One hundredth Ohio; Lieut. W. F. Kemble, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. M. A. Brown, One hundredth Ohio Infantry; Lieut. J. J. Hiser, Sixteenth Kentucky, and Lieut. F. M. Jackman, Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Infantry. Among the wounded, Lieut. Col. J. S. White, Sixteenth Kentucky; Lieutenants Markley, Brown, and Wood, Sixteenth Kentucky; Lieut. S.S. Cope, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. H. Obee, One hundredth Ohio; and Lieut. G. W. Clarke, Twelfth Kentucky Infantry.

My staff officers performed their duties bravely and efficiently. I regret to report that Capt. D. D. Bard, my assistant adjutant-general, was mortally wounded whilst fearlessly discharging his duty.

I would respectfully call attention to the reports of regimental commanders as to individual acts of bravery by officers and enlisted men that would more properly come under their notice.

The reports, no far as received, are herewith forwarded.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
 J. W. REILLY,         
 Brigadier-General, Commanding.
_______________

List of casualties in First Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps,
at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864.

Command.
Killed.
Wounded.
Missing.
Total.
Aggregate.
O
M
O
M
O
M
O
M
8th Tennessee.



5

2

7
7
12th Kentucky.
1
5

26
1
12
2
43
45
16th Kentucky.
2
8
4
38

9
6
55
61
100th Ohio
2
5
1
26

31
3
62
65
104th Ohio
1
9
2
28

15
3
51
54
Total
6
27
7
123
1
69
14
218
232

[O = Officers     M = Men]

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
 J. W. REILLY,         
 Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
Capt. THEO. COX,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Div., 23d Army Corps.
_______________

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,                      
Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I herewith have the honor to report nine battle-flags captured at Franklin, on the 30th ultimo, by First Brigade, including two captured by the One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio. There were twenty in all captured, but many were torn up and sent home by the privates, and some others were lost.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
 J. W. REILLY,         
 Brigadier-General, Commanding.
 Capt. THEO. Cox,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Div., 23d Army Corps.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 411-3

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: September 26, 1864

Am really getting better and hopeful. Battese has the two first books of my diary; would like to see him. Was mistaken about Rowe being in the hospital; he is not, but I hear is in the big stockade with bulk of prisoners. Say we were removed from Andersonville for the reason that our troops were moving that way. Well, thank heaven they moved that way. Mike Hoare, the irrepressible Irishman, is hobbling around and in our tent about half the time; is also getting well. Quite a number die here not having the constitution to rally. This is the first hospital I was ever in. My old coverlid was washed and fumigated the first day in hospital. Am given very little to eat five or six times a day; washed with real soap, an improvement on sand. Half a dozen rebel doctors prowling around, occasionally one that needs dressing down, but as a general thing are very kind. Can see from my bunk a large live oak tree which is a curiosity to me. Although it is hot weather the evenings are cool, in fact cold; ocean breezes. A discussion on the subject has set me down as weighing about ninety-five; I think about one hundred and five or ten pounds; weighed when captured one hundred and seventy-eight; boarding with the confederacy does not agree with me. The swelling about my body has all left me. Sergt. Winn belongs to the 100th Ohio; he has charge of a ward in this hospital.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 97-8

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: January 22, 1864

Aroused at four to march at 5. Failed to get off. Saw Hy Smith, Goodsell and Walker, Charley Brooks and Milo Cravath — Chaplain 100th O. Climbed Lookout Mt. with Hugh, Smith and Lu Emmons. Difficult job, but well paid. Scenery grand. In camp at 11. Coffee and went to bed. Scarcity of blankets. Much noise.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 106

Monday, July 7, 2014

100th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Toledo, Ohio, July to September, 1862. Ordered to Cincinnati, Ohio, September 8, thence to Covington, Ky., and duty there till October 8. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio, to October, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Kentucky, to January, 1863. District of Central Kentucky, Dept. Ohio, to June, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army Ohio, to July, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to August, 1863. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Dept. of North Carolina, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Ordered to Lexington, Ky., October 8, 1862, thence to Richmond, Ky., December 1, and to Danville, Ky., December 26. To Frankfort, Ky., January 3, 1863. Duty at various points in Central Kentucky till August. Expedition to Monticello and operations in Southeastern Kentucky April 26-May 12. Burnside's Campaign in East Tennessee August 16-October 17. Telford Station and Limestone September 8. (240 men captured at Telford Station while guarding railroad.) Knoxville Campaign November 4-December 23. Siege of Knoxville November 17-December 5. Pursuit to Blain's Cross Roads. Duty at Blain's Cross Roads till April, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Cartersville May 20. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Muddy Creek June 17. Noyes Creek June 19. Cheyney's Farm June 22. Near Marietta June 23. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Utoy Creek August 5-7. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Duty at Decatur till October 4. Pursuit of Hood into Northern Alabama October 4-26. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Battle of Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. At Clifton, Tenn., till January 16, 1865. Movement to Washington, D.C., thence to Federal Point, N. C., January 16-February 9. Fort Anderson February 18-19. Town Creek February 19-20. Capture of Wilmington February 22, Campaign of the Carolinas March-April. Advance on Goldsboro, N. C, March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Near Raleigh April 13. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Greensboro, N. C. till June. Mustered out June 20, and discharged at Cleveland. Ohio, July 1, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 3 Officers and 90 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 6 Officers and 268 Enlisted men by disease. Total 317.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1540-1