Showing posts with label 2nd IA Lt ART. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2nd IA Lt ART. Show all posts

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 152. Report of Capt. Joseph R. Reed, Second Battery Iowa Light Artillery, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 152.

Report of Capt. Joseph R. Reed, Second Battery Iowa Light Artillery,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA BATTERY,            
In the Field, December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by this battery in the recent engagement in the vicinity of Nashville:

On the morning of the 15th instant the battery moved from its position at 8 a.m. and marched in the brigade, following all its movements in column and line until the enemy was discovered in a strongly intrenched position on our front. Here, by direction of General McArthur, I placed my rifle section in position 200 yards in rear and a little to the right of the brigade line. From this position I fired ten rounds from each gun, when I moved it forward and placed it in position on a slight eminence in front of the brigade, and also brought forward my 12-pounders as fast as I could find positions where they could be used to advantage. I occupied this position until the brigade was moved forward, when I replenished my limber-chests and followed it, and, under direction of Colonel Hubbard, occupied a position on the left of the battery of McMillen's brigade, within 600 [yards] of the enemy's works, on which I opened a vigorous fire, which I continued until the work was carried. I immediately moved forward and placed the battery in position on the left of this work and opened fire on the summit of the next hill, up the sides of which our skirmishers were then advancing. As soon as this position was carried I moved to the front of the work and opened on the enemy's line in the woods and pike 1,000 yards to our front, paying particular attention to a hill to the right of the line, on which the enemy had placed a battery. When this hill was carried and the enemy's line broken by the charge of the brigade, a confused mass of the enemy broke from the stone wall at the pike and started to the rear across an open field. On this ground I opened all my guns with shot and shell, plowing through and exploding amongst them; a larger number of them ran back to the wall and, as I afterward learned, surrendered. I then moved to the front and reported to Colonel Hubbard, who directed me to open on a battery of the enemy which was firing on the left of our line. As our position was immediately on the enemy's flank and our fire enfiladed him, the battery was limbered up and the whole line moved to the rear after a very few moments. I continued firing until he passed beyond my range, and it being then quite dark I encamped for the night.

During the night I had thrown up a slight work on the front of my guns, and at 5 a.m. was harnessed and hitched up, and at 7 a.m. moved out of our works with the brigade. Changed front to the right and opened fire on the enemy's train, which was in sight, moving to the right and rear. The brigade moving to the front, was soon hotly engaged. By direction of General McArthur I moved one section to the front and placed it in position on a crest to the right and rear of the brigade and in front of the line of the Twenty-third Corps, immediately following it with the other four guns, which I put in position still farther to the right. From this position I kept up a vigorous fire on the enemy's line until the final charge at near 3 p.m. As soon as the line was carried I moved three guns (all for which I had any ammunition) to the front, following the brigade and opening on the enemy from every favorable position. At dark I encamped with the brigade, bringing forward during the night the balance of the battery.

During the two days I expended 1,500 rounds of ammunition. I had but a single casualty during the whole engagement, and that resulted from the accidental, premature discharge of one of the pieces.

To my lieutenants, Coons and Burk, I am indebted for prompt and efficient assistance. My non-commissioned officers and men uniformly behaved with coolness and gallantry.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. REED,   
Captain, Commanding Second Iowa Battery.
Lieut. T. P. GERE,
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. 458-9

Monday, May 13, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 150. Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 150.

Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.


HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
In the Field, December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Eleventh Missouri Veteran Infantry in the late battles near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of December 15 the regiment, with the brigade, left camp near Nashville, and made a reconnaissance to the right and front, skirmishing with the enemy on the Charlotte pike, then passed to the left, taking position in line of battle in front of our former position. From here we advanced in support of Captain Reed's (Second Iowa) battery until the order was received to charge the rebel fort. The charge was made in handsome style. Company E, commanded by Captain Notestine, being in the advance, in line of skirmishers, were the first to enter the fort. (Captain Notestine was afterward badly wounded and had a leg amputated.) The regiment continued to advance until the second fort was taken by the cavalry and other troops on the right. Here we were allowed to rest a few moments, when we again moved forward. After advancing a short distance we came upon the enemy in line of battle on a hill; here another charge was made, in which the rebels were completely routed, and driven in perfect confusion a distance of three-quarters of a mile, officers and men behaving most gallantly, capturing many prisoners. Night coming on we were ordered to halt and remained in line of battle during the night, throwing up temporary earth-works.

The order to advance was given at an early hour on the morning of the 16th, and the regiment, together with the brigade to which it belongs, advanced in line of battle across an open field, but soon discovered that the enemy were strongly posted on the opposite side of the field behind formidable breast-works. After advancing about a half a mile under a heavy fire from the rebel skirmishers and sharpshooters, we came within range of the enemy's fire from their line of works and were ordered to halt and remain in line of battle. After remaining here a short time the regiment was ordered to change its position and form in rear of the Fifth Minnesota. In making this move the regiment lost several men killed and wounded, being exposed to a severe fire from the entire rebel front. It was in making this move that our gallant leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Bowyer, received a severe wound in the arm while directing the movements of the regiment. We remained in this position until about 3 p.m., when the order was given to charge the rebel works. The order was no sooner given than the regiment started at a double-quick, charging through the open field for a distance of about 600 yards, under a most galling fire from the enemy. On reaching the works many prisoners were captured in the trenches, and many others either shot or captured while attempting to escape. A rebel battery of four guns was also captured here by the brigade, for which the Eleventh Missouri would respectfully claim, with the gallant brigade commander, its share of the honor. Two rebel flags were also captured by the regiment, one by Lieutenant Simmons* and the other by Corporal Parks,* color guard. In making the charge the colors of the regiment were three times shot down, having one color-bearer killed and two wounded. The flag-staff was shot into three pieces by a rebel shell. After the enemy were driven from their works we continued in pursuit for a distance of about one mile, driving them in the wildest confusion and capturing many prisoners, when we were ordered by the brigade commander to halt and join the brigade, which was forming a short distance in the rear. Here we remained until the morning of the 17th, when it was ascertained that the enemy were retreating, and we were ordered, with other troops, to follow in the pursuit.

The losses in the regiment in the two days' fighting are 4 men killed and 83 wounded, including 10 commissioned officers.

During the fight every officer and man behaved with commendable coolness and bravery. No especial mention can be made of individual acts of courage or bravery, as every officer and man behaved in the most praiseworthy manner.

M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Regiment.
 Lieut. T. P. GERE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
_______________

ADDENDA.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
 Eastport, Miss., January 20, 1865.
Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Lieut. William T. Simmons,* Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag belonged to the Thirty-fourth Alabama Infantry, and was being borne off by the rebel color-bearer at the time our forces entered the rebel intrenchments. He was ordered by Lieutenant Simmons to halt and surrender; refusing to do so, he was told he would be shot if he did riot, when he surrendered the flag to the above-named officer.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.
 Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private G. W. Welch,* Company A, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, in the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was being borne off the field as the enemy were retreating from their works, when the rebel color-bearer was struck by a shot from our lines, and the colors captured by the above-named man. It is not known to what regiment they belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      
Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.
 Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private James W. Parks,* Company F, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was captured in the enemy's line of intrenchments. The rebel color-bearer having been wounded by a shot from our lines, the colors were captured by the above-named soldier. It is not known to what regiment the flag belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. J. GREEN,                       
Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
_______________

* Awarded the 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. 454-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 148. Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 148.

Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 18, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit for the information of the colonel commanding the brigade the following report of the part taken by the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the battles before Nashville on the 15th and 16th instant:

At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 15th instant, in obedience to orders received the evening previous, my command was in line, supplied with three days' rations in their haversacks and fifty rounds of cartridges per man. Soon after I was directed to move out to the Charlotte pike and await further orders. At about 8.30 or 9 o'clock the brigade marched out on the Charlotte pike nearly a mile, the Fifth following the Ninth Minnesota, when the column struck off into an open field to the left of the pike, where the order of march was reversed, and I was directed by the colonel commanding to move by the left flank in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, with a line of skirmishers deployed on my right to protect my flank. The regiment then moved forward in the place assigned it in the column, passing in range of a masked battery of the enemy on our right, from which several shells were thrown, bursting near our ranks, but doing no damage, my flankers occasionally coming in contact with and firing upon the enemy's skirmishers on my right. After moving by the flank something more than a mile I received orders from the colonel commanding to form my regiment in line on the right and forty paces in rear of the Eleventh Missouri (the formation of the brigade being in echelon by regiments) and to deploy a strong line of skirmishers in my front, all of which was promptly obeyed. Soon the order to move forward was given, and my regiment marched steadily forward in the place assigned it in the line. We had proceeded but a short distance when we encountered the enemy's skirmishers, and driving them back, advanced nearly two miles, when the enemy opened upon our line with a battery posted upon a hill and behind earth-works about a half or three-quarters of a mile in our front. During a heavy cannonading between our own and the enemy's artillery, in obedience to orders, I moved my regiment forward on a line with the regiment on my left, and the entire line was advanced across a hollow and creek to the crest of the hill and to within about 100 rods of the enemy's battery and works, where they were found in strong line of battle. I was here directed by the colonel commanding the brigade to form my regiment on the left of the Ninth Minnesota, in the front line (the brigade here being formed in two lines), and prepare to assault the enemy's works. My regiment threw off their knapsacks, blankets, and overcoats, and fixed bayonets ready for the charge. The order to forward was soon given, and our line moved steadily on through the brush and fallen timber in our front under a heavy fire from the enemy, closely followed by the second line; and as we drew near the rebel line of battle volley after volley was poured into their wavering ranks, which soon gave way, and as they fled our forces pursued them, killing and wounding many, and capturing large numbers of prisoners. The pursuit was continued until we crossed the Hillsborough pike, when our line was halted. The enemy was soon discovered to be moving on our left flank, and I was directed to change my front to the left, which I did under a sharp fire, and moved my regiment, in obedience to orders, by the left flank across the pike, my right resting on or near the same. Our skirmishers soon became hotly engaged, and we were again ordered to advance. The enemy soon opened upon us with musketry from the crest of a hill in our front, where they were formed in strong line, and with artillery on our right; but our troops, flushed with victory, rushed forward, with bayonets fixed, at a double-quick, breaking the enemy's lines, killing and wounding large numbers, and capturing hundreds of prisoners and small-arms. In this charge the loss in my regiment was quite severe, as we were exposed to an enfilading fire of musketry and artillery on our right flank, as well as the direct fire in front. First Lieut. Henry G. Bailly, commanding Company K, was severely and probably mortally wounded, and several non-commissioned officers and privates were killed and wounded. We pursued the enemy nearly or quite a mile, when our line was again halted, and, in obedience to orders, I bivouacked my regiment in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, it being then quite dark. During the night I constructed rifle-pits in front of my regiment and the battery, all being quiet in our front except occasional firing by the pickets.

At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16th I was directed to form my regiment on the left-of the Ninth Minnesota, outside the works constructed the night previous, and to deploy a line of skirmishers in my front. As soon as the line was formed the order to move forward was given, and our line was advanced, under a heavy fire, nearly a mile, and to within about 100 rods of a strong line of intrenchments, occupied by the enemy in large force. Here the line was halted and the brigade was formed in two lines, the Fifth Minnesota on the left and in the front line, the Third Brigade being on my left. Intrenching tools were sent to the regiment, and I caused temporary breast-works to be constructed to protect the men from the enemy's sharpshooters. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon I received orders from the colonel commanding to be in readiness to charge the enemy's works in our front at a moment's notice; and at 4.15 p.m. the order to forward was given, which being repeated along the line, the Fifth Minnesota, with bayonets fixed, moved over the breast-works in their front into the open field which lay between them and the enemy's works, and at a double-quick rushed forward under the most terrific and withering fire of musketry and artillery it has ever been my fortune to behold or encounter. Yet, forward our line pressed, and soon the colors of the Fifth Minnesota were planted, the first in the brigade, upon the rebel intrenchments, and the enemy were driven from their fortified position. The regiment pursued, capturing hundreds of prisoners, among whom was Brigadier-General Jackson and many other officers. I think I can safely say that the Fifth Minnesota captured more prisoners in this charge than the regiment numbered. The pursuit was continued about one mile, to the foot of the Granny White Hills, where the regiment bivouacked for the night.

The glorious victory we had won had not, however, been a bloodless one. The loss in my regiment in this charge had been nearly 100 killed and wounded, which was about one-fourth my entire command. Capt. Henry Stasson, commanding Company E, a brave and faithful officer, was killed while leading his company in the charge. Capt. A. P. French, commanding Company I, was severely wounded at the head of his company. A list of the killed and wounded in the two days' engagement is herewith respectfully transmitted.*

The officers, without exception, behaved with conspicuous gallantry and performed their duty with coolness and good judgment; and the soldiers fought with that bravery and determination which knows not defeat, and are entitled to the warmest gratitude of their country. Captains Morehouse and French, and Lieutenants Bishop and Hatch, while in command of the skirmish lines in front of the regiment at intervals during the two days' engagement, performed their duty most satisfactorily. Capt. T. J. Sheehan, commanding Company C, the color company, gallantly stood by the colors, and in the last charge on the 16th instant, two color-bearers having been shot, he placed the colors in the hands of a non-commissioned officer of his company, who planted them on the rebel intrenchments. My especial thanks are due to Maj. John C. Becht, who rendered me efficient aid on the field during the two days' engagement. First Lieut. Roscoe Hilton, acting regimental adjutant, a brave and gallant young officer, was always in the right place at the right time, and discharged his duties to my entire satisfaction and with credit to himself. Surgeons Kennedy and Leonard were untiring in their efforts in the care of the wounded, both upon the field and at the hospitals.

On the morning of the 17th instant the regiment was ordered to join in the pursuit of the defeated enemy, and being unable to remain in the field on account of physical disability and injuries received the day previous, I turned over the command to Major Becht, to whom I would respectfully refer the colonel commanding for any information pertaining to the regiment since that time.

Respectfully submitted.
WM. B. GERE,         
Lit. Col., Comdg. Fifth Regt. Minnesota Vet. Vol. Infantry.
 Lieut. T. P. GERE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________

* Embodied in Table, p. 101.

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. 449-52

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 147. Reports of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 147.

Reports of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding Second Brigade,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,               
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  
Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the information of the general commanding the following details of the operations of the Second Brigade, First Division, Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee, in the battle of the 15th and 16th instant, near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the evening of the 14th instant I was directed by the general commanding to hold my brigade in readiness to move promptly at 6 o'clock on the following morning. In compliance therewith I moved at the hour designated from the line of works occupied by the brigade, and formed in column of regiments near and to the left of the Charlotte pike. At 8 a.m. I moved out on the pike in column, by the flank, and about a mile from the point of starting was directed by General McArthur to move to the left across the country to the vicinity of the Hardin pike, or until I should be able to connect with the line of the Third Brigade. In executing this movement I encountered a skirmish line of the enemy, which I was required to engage and push back. This, however, involved but little delay; the connection was readily formed and my line established upon the right of the Third Brigade. The regiments were formed in the following order from right to left, viz: Ninth Minnesota Infantry, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, and Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, with the Second Iowa Battery in reserve. I advanced in order of echelon by battalion, the formation being made on the left, and with a line of skirmishers, consisting of four companies, one from each regiment, deployed in my front. A steady advance was maintained until about the hour of 12 m., no force of the enemy being encountered that the skirmishers were not enabled to press back. The line swung gradually to the left as the advance progressed, crossing the Hardin pike at an angle and in a southerly direction. About a mile from the point where the line crossed the Hardin pike the enemy began to develop himself in considerable force and to dispute our advance more stubbornly. An intrenched battery of four guns, posted on a commanding eminence to the right of the Hillsborough pike, and a section in position on a hill some 400 yards to the rear, opened upon our advancing line, to which the Second Iowa Battery, in conjunction with the other artillery of the division, returned a spirited fire. A position for the artillery at close range was obtained, and some very effective practice upon the part of our batteries witnessed, which, in conjunction with the operations of the skirmishers, effectually silenced the enemy's guns. Company E, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, Captain Notestine, engaged as skirmishers, advanced to within a dozen yards of the more advanced work of the enemy, from whence they drove the gunners from their pieces. By direction of the general commanding I gained a position as near the enemy's battery as practicable, formed the brigade in two lines, the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota constituting the first and the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin the second line, and prepared to assault the work.

Simultaneously with the line upon my right I advanced at a double-quick, and crossing a deep ravine, moved in a manner to turn the right flank of the position. The enemy made but a feeble effort to check the assault; his infantry gave way in disorder, and his artillery fell into our possession. Captain Notestine's skirmishers, of the Eleventh Missouri, were the first to enter the work, and assisted in turning the captured guns upon the retreating enemy. I pursued as far as the Hillsborough pike, steadily driving everything in my front, and capturing many prisoners, my skirmishers the while pressing up the hill to the rear of the captured position, and entering the work of the enemy simultaneously with the troops upon my right. The enemy now made a strong effort to rally, and showed himself in some force upon my left, which at this time was wholly unsupported. His line of battle was being formed, running across my left, toward the rear, and his skirmishers showed a bold front, and were advancing. I had already deployed a line of skirmishers covering my left flank, which I now re-enforced  and ordered forward; at the same time changed front upon the center, right wing forward, thus facing southeasterly, and crossing the Hillsborough pike at nearly a right angle. The Second Iowa Battery in the meantime had taken position to my left and rear, and was throwing shell with marked effect at a body of the enemy maneuvering in my front. The fire of the artillery, and the rapid advance of my skirmishers, two companies of which — Company D, Eighth Wisconsin, Captain Williams, and Company D, Eleventh Missouri, Captain Erwin — charged along the Hillsborough pike at a run, had a very demoralizing effect upon the enemy, who surrendered in large numbers, or retreated in utter disorder. The two companies mentioned captured about 450 prisoners, among whom were several field officers. The prisoners were turned over to Lieutenant Kelly, of General Thomas' staff. I was now directed by the general commanding to remain where I had established my line across the Hillsborough pike until support could be brought up for my left, unless an advance movement was made upon the right; in which case I should also move forward. At about 4 p.m. the troops of the Twenty-third Army Corps, that had formed line upon the right but somewhat to the rear of my position, commenced an advance, which I took up, and swinging to the right, moved across the pike and through the timber up the hill. I had advanced but about sixty rods, when I encountered the enemy in force. His line of battle was formed along the crest of the hill, in a position of some natural advantage, very favorable for defense, and from which I received, for a moment, a sharp and somewhat effective fire; but a very brief encounter with the veterans of the Second Brigade sufficed to break the enemy's line, which recoiled under our withering fire and fell back in disorder before the steady advance I maintained. In the pursuit the retreat of the enemy was rendered a rout; the killed and wounded were strewn thickly along the field, and straggling detachments surrendered at almost every step. Upward of 400 prisoners were sent to the rear. Captain McGrew, of my staff, turned over to Lieutenant Kelly 218 in one body, and numerous squads of from 10 to 20 and upward were sent under guard to the general corral. The pursuit was continued to the Granny White pike, where two pieces of artillery were captured, the enemy being so hotly pressed that he abandoned them in the road.

Finding myself far in advance of the troops on my right, and being wholly without support upon the left, I deemed it prudent to order a halt, particularly as the enemy was moving up re-enforcements toward my left, and maneuvering as if to turn my flank. I retired my line a few yards, and formed along the crest of a ridge, at the same time ordered up the Second Iowa Battery, whose effective practice checked the movements of the re-enforcing column of the enemy and served to increase the confusion of the retreat. A brigade of the Twenty-third Corps soon formed upon the right in continuation of my line, and the Third Brigade of this division closed up upon my left. It had now become quite dark, and the general commanding directed that I maintain my present position for the night. The men were directed to lay on their arms, each regiment supplied with tools and instructed to intrench its front. I deem it necessary, to complete the record of the Second Brigade in this day's work, to state that in breaking the enemy's line in the final charge of the day, I completely turned the right flank of the position in front of the Twenty-third Corps, which undoubtedly contributed in some measure to the success of its capture and the repulse of its support. At about sunrise on the morning of the 16th instant the general commanding directed me to advance my brigade and feel for the enemy's position. I moved out in line, maintaining the formation of the previous day, my left resting on the Granny White pike. An advance of perhaps a hundred rods developed the enemy's position, and drew from his line a very galling fire. I found him posted behind a line of works running parallel to my front and crossing the Granny White pike at a right angle. I continued to advance under a severe fire until I had reached a point within 300 yards of the works, where the men could cover themselves in a measure, halted, formed the brigade in two lines as on the preceding day, preparatory to an assault, and reported progress to the general commanding, who instructed me to maintain my position until further dispositions could be made. The Second Iowa Battery, with other artillery of the command, was brought forward and placed in favorable positions for an effective fire against the enemy's line. The Second Iowa occupied a point on elevated ground to the right and rear of the brigade, where it performed most efficient service for several hours during the day, effectually silencing one of the enemy's batteries, exploding a limber, and damaging the defenses with the precision of its shots. Company H, Fifth Minnesota, Captain Morehouse, and Company F, Ninth Minnesota, Lieutenant McMillan, deployed as skirmishers, advanced to within 100 yards of the enemy's works, and, though suffering severely, stubbornly maintained their position until the final assault. For the purpose of securing for my men a better cover from sharpshooters, who kept up an annoying fire, as well as to provide for possible contingencies, I directed my first line to intrench its front.

At about 4 p.m. I received the order to assault the works in my front. The order was no sooner communicated to the command than each regiment moved forward with a determination that bespoke success. Every officer and man was at once in his place, and fully comprehending the duty of the hour, resolved upon its fearless discharge. My line of advance lay across a corn-field, through every foot of which the men were exposed to a direct fire from the line of works in front and a cross-fire on either flank. My line was no sooner in motion than it was met by a most withering volley, and as the regiments struggled on through the muddy field, softened by the recent rain, their ranks were sadly decimated by the continuous fire they encountered. A battery on my left enfiladed my line, and with fearful accuracy poured its discharges of grape through the ranks. But seemingly unmindful of the storm of missiles they were breasting, the veterans of the Second Brigade did not falter, but, pressing steadily on, gained the works and carried them, in literal execution of the order they had received. Almost simultaneously the colors of the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry were pushed over the parapet, closely followed by the flags of the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin. Large bodies of the enemy surrendered in the works; some, however, attempted to escape by retreating to the hills in the rear. Directing the Ninth Minnesota and Eighth Wisconsin to pursue up the hills, I swung the Fifth Minnesota and Eleventh Missouri to the left, and sweeping along the flank of the enemy, inside the works, captured many prisoners, and driving the support that was attempting to rally in protection of the battery, from whose fire I had suffered so fearfully, captured it entire. Three pieces of artillery were also taken by the Eighth Wisconsin and Ninth Minnesota, which they compelled the enemy to abandon in his hasty flight. The enemy kept up a desultory fight as he retreated in straggling bodies up the hills, but the pursuit did not cease until the heights were gained and darkness had put a period to the operations of the day.

The material results of this day's work were to be seen in the 1,200 prisoners sent to the rear — among whom was Brigadier-General Jackson, who surrendered to Lieut. J. F. Bishop, Fifth Minnesota Infantry — 7 pieces of artillery, with caissons, captured, and the colors of seven rebel regiments, in possession of the brigade, making an aggregate of captures made by the brigade in the two days' operations of 1 brigadier-general, over 2,000 prisoners, 9 pieces of artillery, and 7 stand of colors. The brigade went into action with a total of 1,421 muskets, and expended 61,000 rounds of musket and 1,500 of artillery ammunition.

As the brigade acted for the greater part of the time during both days under the eye of the general commanding, it is unnecessary for me to speak particularly with reference to the conduct of the command during the trying ordeals of the 15th and 16th instant. I cannot, however, in justice to the gallant officers and men of the Second Brigade, conclude this report without recording my high appreciation of their conduct on every occasion during the two days' fighting, and returning to every officer and soldier of the brigade my thanks for the heroism they displayed, and for the promptitude with which they responded to every order given them. To regimental and battery commanders I am much indebted for efficient co-operation, especially manifested in their successful execution of the various movements incident to the operations of the command. Col. J. F. Marsh, commanding Ninth Minnesota; Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, commanding Fifth Minnesota; Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, commanding Eighth Wisconsin, and Lieut. Col. Eli Bowyer, commanding Eleventh Missouri, each handled their regiments in an admirable manner, and by examples of personal gallantry encouraged their men to deeds of glorious daring. Lieut. Col. William Markham and Maj. H. B. Strait, Ninth Minnesota; Maj. J. C. Becht, Fifth Minnesota, and Major Green, Eleventh Missouri, were prompt and efficient in the discharge of their respective duties. Capt. J. R. Reed, commanding Second Iowa Battery, performed highly important service in both days' operations.

I cannot cite in evidence of the character of the work the Second Brigade performed in the battle of Nashville anything more suggestive than the list of casualties it suffered. Three hundred and fifteen officers and men were killed and wounded in the two days' fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel Bowyer, Eleventh Missouri, received a very severe wound in the arm, and with great reluctance was taken from the field. Major Green, while subsequently commanding the regiment, had his horse killed under him, and was himself painfully wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Gere and Major Becht, Fifth Minnesota, had each a horse killed under them in the thickest of the fight. The colors of the Fifth Minnesota were four times shot down in the final assault, and the flag of the Eleventh Missouri fell the third time, but both were still borne onward.

To my staff the thanks of myself and the command are due for very valuable service in all the operations on the field. Lieut. William H. Sargent, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and acting assistant in-spector-general of the brigade, was killed in the last day's fight. He had distinguished himself by great personal gallantry during the assault, and was urging forward in the pursuit, after the enemy's works had been carried, when he fell. Endowed in an eminent degree with those qualities that endear man to his fellow, and a bright ornament to his profession, the fall of Lieutenant Sargent adds another to the list of her brave defenders, for whose memory the country will drop a tear when the records of this war are made up. Lieut. T. P. Gere, acting assistant adjutant-general, received a painful wound while in the very front of the line when the conflict was fiercest. Capts. J. G. McGrew and William W. Cleland, acting aides, each distinguished himself for efficiency, and were conspicuous for acts of personal daring. Lieut. J. P. Owens, acting assistant quartermaster, discharged all the duties pertaining to his department with promptness and ability.

Subjoined is a summary of the casualties suffered by the brigade in the two days' fighting:


Officers.
Men.

K
W
M
K
W
M
5th Minnesota Veteran Infantry
1
5

13
87
1
9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
2
3

7
46

11th Missouri Veteran Infantry

8

4
75

8th Wisconsin Veteran Infantry
1
5

6
50

2d Iowa Battery




1

Total
4
21

30
259
1
Total casualties
315

              [K = Killed.     W = Wounded.     M = Missing.]
                                                           
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. F. HUBBARD,     
Colonel Fifth Minnesota Veteran Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, First Division.

ADDENDA.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,               
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  
Eastport, Miss., January 17, 1865.
Maj. J. HOUGH
Assistant Adjutant-General,  Detach. Army of the Tenn.:

MAJOR: I have the honor to herewith transmit the colors of the Fourth Mississippi Regiment, C. S. Army, captured in the battle before Nashville, on the 16th of December, 1864.

This flag was taken in the works of the enemy in the position carried by this command, and was captured by and surrendered to the hands of First Lieut. and Adjt. Thomas P. Gere,* Fifth Minnesota Veteran Infantry, and acting assistant adjutant-general of this brigade.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,     
Colonel, Commanding.
_______________

*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. 444-9

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 145. Report of Col. William L. McMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 145.

Report of Col. William L. McMillen, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,                       
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,      
In the Field, December 25, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this command in the recent engagements near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th instant:

The following regiments and battery compose the brigade: Seventy-second Ohio Infantry Veteran Volunteers, Lieut. Col. C. G. Eaton commanding; Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brumback commanding; One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Capt. J. M. Johnson commanding; Ninety-third Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Capt. Charles A. Hubbard commanding; Tenth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. S. P. Jennison commanding; Cogswell's Independent Battery Illinois Light Artillery, Second Lieut. S. H. McClaury commanding.

On the evening of the 14th instant I received from the general commanding division instructions to have my command ready to move the following morning at 6 o'clock, with three days' rations in haversack and fifty rounds of ammunition per man. I was ready at the hour designated, but owing to delay on the part of the cavalry did not move until near 9 a.m., taking the Charlotte pike, in the rear of the Second Brigade. Reaching the vicinity of Richland Creek, just beyond which the enemy's lines were established, I was directed to deploy, with my right resting on the Charlotte pike near Douglass' house. This was done accordingly, but whilst executing the movement the rebels opened with a battery, unhorsing Col. D.C. Thomas, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, and severely wounding several men in the One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry. I brought one section of artillery into action and silenced the guns of the enemy. Soon after this orders were received to move by the left flank, keeping my left close to the right of the Second Brigade. In this movement I described the arc of a large circle, and it was continued until we had crossed the Hardin pike, and reached the vicinity of the Hillsborough pike, where the enemy was found strongly posted on the side and summit of a high hill, with a four-gun battery in his lower and a two-gun battery in his upper work. A battery far to our right, belonging, I think, to some cavalry command, was engaging these guns when we came up. Deploying the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry as skirmishers, I advanced my battery to within 400 yards of the enemy's works and opened on them with a rapid and telling fire. Whilst the battery was thus engaged I moved up the balance of the brigade and formed it, the Seventy-second Ohio as skirmishers, the Ninety-fifth Ohio and Tenth Minnesota in the front line, and One hundred and fourteenth Illinois and Ninety-third Indiana in the rear, and made preparations to charge. The Second Brigade formed to my left and one or two regiments of Hatch's division of cavalry on my right. Upon an order from the general commanding division, we advanced upon the works and carried both quickly, capturing the 6 guns, 300 or 400 prisoners, and a lot of small-arms. In this charge I regret to state that the gallant Col. D.C. Thomas, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, was severely wounded, and a number of brave men were killed and wounded. The cavalry regiments on my right deserve credit for the dashing part they took in assaulting and capturing these works. After collecting prisoners and guns and placing them in charge of the Seventy-second Ohio to be conveyed to Nashville, my command moved on the Hillsborough pike and took a position on its east side, in the rear of the Second Brigade, where we camped for the night. Two cannon, 2 caissons, 1 army wagon filled with arms and accouterments, 7 commissioned officers, and 148 enlisted men were secured and turned over by my command as the fruits of this day's work.

Early on the morning of the 16th I moved out and occupied the temporary works constructed during the night by the Second Brigade, which had already moved forward and become engaged with the enemy. Soon afterward an order to advance and form in two lines on the right of the Second Brigade was received and executed; my first line throwing out skirmishers, who advanced to within a short distance of the enemy's works, which could be plainly seen from a hill in front of a division of the Twenty-third Army Corps, commanded by General Couch, and upon which my battery went into position and did good execution in silencing those batteries of the enemy within range and in covering with a rapid fire an assault made later in the day by my brigade. Throughout the fore part of the day we remained in line, using artillery freely, and occasionally advancing the skirmish line, which invariably met with stubborn resistance. Toward noon I commenced digging a rifle-pit to protect my first line from the enemy's fire and also to enable it more securely to hold the ground in case of an assault, preparations for which, on the part of the enemy, I thought could be seen. In front of Couch's division, Twenty-third Army Corps, there was a very steep hill, over the crown of which the enemy's main line extended, and which formed the key point to his works, in front of our division. This hill once carried and securely held, these works, as far as we could see to our left, became untenable, and would necessarily have to be abandoned. Being a position of so much importance it was, of course, guarded by a strong body of troops, besides being so steep, it was supposed no assaulting party could live to reach the summit. We waited long hours for the division of the Twenty-third Army Corps in front of this hill to carry it, intending to advance at the same time and carry the works at its base and our left. At length General McArthur, tired with the long delay and fearful the day would pass without making any serious impression upon the enemy's lines, directed me to withdraw my brigade and “take that hill.” This was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I immediately withdrew my skirmishers, retired the regiments, and moved them by the right flank to a point opposite the hill to be carried; forming in two lines outside of the works occupied by and in front of Couch's division; supplied empty cartridge boxes, and posted my battery so as to command the enemy's position. The front line consisted of the following regiments, named in their order from right to left: One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry, Captain Johnson commanding; Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, Captain Hubbard commanding; Tenth Minnesota Infantry, Lieut. Col. S. P. Jennison commanding; the second line of the Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, Lieut. Col. C. G. Eaton commanding, and the Ninety-fifth Ohio, Lieut. Col. Jefferson Brumback commanding. After the troops were ready the assault was delayed some time, in consequence of a failure on the part of the ordnance department to supply the battery with ammunition. Ten rounds for each gun were finally procured from Captain Reed, of the Second Iowa Battery, and about 3.30 o'clock I ordered Lieutenant McClaury, commanding Cogswell's Independent Battery, to open on the hill, and under cover of this fire advanced to the assault. Regimental commanders had been instructed to move out silently, with fixed bayonets, and, if possible, gain the enemy's works before delivering their fire. A strong skirmish line had been thrown forward, with orders to advance, firing as soon as the brigade moved. Capt. James Fernald, of my staff, was placed in charge of the skirmishers, and, as ever, performed his duty with the utmost daring and gallantry. Quickly and steadily the brigade moved down one hill and up the other to within a few feet of the enemy's parapet, where we received a volley, which on the right went over our heads, but on the left punished the Tenth Minnesota severely. Nothing daunted, this gallant regiment, together with the others composing the front line, cleared the enemy's works with a bound. The two regiments in the second line were inside almost as quickly, having pushed forward with the highest spirit and determination.

Brigadier-General Smith, 84 field, staff, and line officers, and 1,533 enlisted men were captured in this charge, together with 4 battle-flags, 8 cannon, 8 caissons, a large number of small-arms and accouterments. My loss, although not heavy considering the work performed, embraces many gallant officers and soldiers. It mainly fell upon the Tenth Minnesota Infantry, which was exposed to a flanking fire. Two field officers, 6 line officers, wounded, and some 60 enlisted men killed and wounded in this charge alone, attest the fiery ordeal through which the regiment passed; and the fact that it reached the rebel works in its front as quickly as the regiments on its right, which were less exposed, is ample evidence of the courage and daring of both officers and men. Lieutenant-Colonel Jennison, the commanding officer, was conspicuous for his high daring, and set a noble example to his officers and men. He fell severely wounded on the enemy's works, and his loss, even if but temporary, will be severely felt by his regiment. Lieutenant-Colonels Brumback and Eaton, Captains Johnson and Hubbard, commanding regiments, acquitted themselves on this occasion, as they always do, with distinguished gallantry, setting their respective commands examples which must always insure success. In fact, all officers and men of this brigade engaged on the 15th and 16th instant displayed an eager desire to engage the enemy, and a courage tempered with a high resolve rarely, if ever, surpassed. To Lieutenant McClaury, his officers and men, I am under particular obligations for their bravery and efficiency in working their battery. Although but recently attached, they have already won the esteem and admiration of the entire command.

The following is a summary of the prisoners of war, guns, colors, &c., captured and turned over by my brigade in the recent engagements:

General officers
1
Cannon
10
Field, staff, and line officers
91
Caissons
10
Enlisted men
1,681
Wagons
1

____
Small-arms (estimated)
2,500
Total
1,773
Accouterments (estimated)..sets
2,500

To the officers of my staff — Capt. James Fernald, Seventy-second Ohio Infantry, brigade picket officer; Lieut. O. H. Abel, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. Josiah Barber, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, acting aide-de-camp, and Lieut. John C. Chittenden, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, acting assistant quartermaster — I am under renewed obligations for that devotion to duty and gallantry under fire which has always characterized them. They have my thanks and deserve the gratitude of the country for their intelligent discharge of every trust, however trying or dangerous. To Lieut. A. L. Whiteside, regimental quartermaster, Ninety-third Indiana Infantry, I tender my thanks for valuable services rendered on both days as volunteer aide-de-camp.

I have the honor to forward herewith a list of the killed and wounded, from which it will be seen that the entire loss in this brigade was as follows: Commissioned officers — wounded, 10. Enlisted men — killed, 22; wounded, 86. Total, 118.

I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. McMILLEN,   
Colonel Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

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. 440-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 144. Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

144.

Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DETACH. ARMY OF THE TENN.,                       
Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my division during the battles of the 15th and 16th instant in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

Pursuant to orders from the major-general commanding, I moved on the morning of the 15th, at 7 a.m. the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, consisting of the Seventy-second and Ninety-fifth Ohio, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois, Ninety-third Indiana, and Tenth. Minnesota Infantry Regiments, and Cogswell's Independent Illinois Battery; also the Second Brigade, Col. L. F. Hubbard commanding, composed of the Eleventh Missouri, Eighth Wisconsin, Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry, and Second Iowa Battery, out from the intrenchments around Nashville on the Charlotte road; also the Third Brigade, Col. S. G. Hill commanding, consisting of the Twelfth and Thirty-fifth Iowa, Thirty-third Missouri, and Seventh Minnesota Regiments, and Company I, Second Missouri Artillery, out on the Hardin road; the Third with orders to take position on the right of the Second Division, and the First and Second to swing to the left, and connecting with the Third, so as to complete the line. The two brigades on the Charlotte road waited two hours for the cavalry to take the advance, according to the instructions received the evening previous; but no move taking place on their part, and being informed that the line was awaiting my arrival, I passed through the cavalry line, deploying to the left of the road, right resting on same, until they reached Richland Creek, two miles and a half, encountering the enemy's battery and skirmishers, which were silenced by Cogswell's battery, giving the cavalry an opportunity of advancing. Finding that they were too far advanced, and not connecting with the main line, I moved them by the left flank obliquely to the rear, connecting with the Third Brigade, as designated, the whole line moving forward. My division being on the flank, the whole swinging on our left as a pivot, our march was necessarily long and tiresome.

After crossing the Hardin road the First Brigade encountered the first redoubt of four guns on the enemy's extreme left. Moving up the Second Brigade to its support, they were immediately formed for assault, both batteries taking position about 300 yards distant. After a brisk fire the fort was silenced and the infantry dashed forward. Simultaneous with their advance the cavalry of General Hatch's division charged, and, from their advantageous position, entered the works with my skirmishers and claimed the guns as their capture, which I conceded to them, their gallantry on that occasion being conspicuous, although the fort had been rendered untenable by the fire from my batteries. I then ordered the First Brigade to charge the second hill to the rear of the fort just taken, which they gallantly did, capturing two guns and caissons and a great many prisoners. In this they were supported by the Second Brigade, their skirmishers entering simultaneously with the First Brigade. While this was going on the Third Brigade charged the redoubt commanding the Hillsborough road, and carried it in gallant style; but pressing on in connection with the Second Division, the guns, three in number, were taken into possession by the Fourth Corps, together with a number of prisoners, which might have been properly credited had not Col. S. G. Hill, commanding brigade, been unfortunately killed in the charge. For further evidence of this I refer to Brigadier-General Garrard, commanding Second Division. Immediately following this General Couch's division, which had come into position by moving around my right and rear, charged the fourth position, a strong hill to our left. Simultaneous with the charge I ordered Col. L. F. Hubbard, commanding Second Brigade, to move forward on the left of Couch's division, sweeping around the base of the hill, thereby flanking the enemy's position and rendering the charge of General Couch an easier one. This was a bold and successful movement on the part of Col. L. F. Hubbard's command, and reflects great credit on him in handling his troops so successfully, for he encountered the enemy for a short time in front of him and on his flank, yet did not falter. Our line was then formed for the night and fortified between the Hillsborough and Granny White roads, nearly parallel with the same, thus ending the first day's battle.

On the morning of the 16th, at 8 a.m., I moved the division forward by wheeling to the right on the Twenty-third Corps, forming at right angles to the position held the night previous, with the Granny White road running through between the Second and Third Brigades, and moved up at 9 a.m. to within charging distance of the enemy's main line of works, but finding no dispositions made by the corps on my right to co-operate with me, I ordered the command to construct rifle-pits to protect them from the infantry fire of the enemy's main line, my batteries in the meantime being used with good effect on their works. Continuing in this position until 3 p.m., when, again consulting with Major-General Couch, commanding division on my right, and being informed that he had no orders to advance, and fearing that if delayed until next day the night would be employed by the enemy to our disadvantage, I determined to attack, sending word to this effect to the major-general commanding corps, and no contrary orders being received I prepared for the assault. In order to do so successfully, it was necessary that the hill on the enemy's extreme left and immediately in front of the Twenty-third Corps should be taken first. I ordered the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, to move by the right flank and take position in front of and to take the hill, Major-General Couch sending forward a brigade to occupy and hold the intrenchments vacated by Col. W. L. McMillen, in case of an emergency, the Second and Third Brigades having orders to charge as soon as the First had advanced half-way up the hill, which was the salient point of the position. The First Brigade, with fixed bayonets, without a cheer or firing a shot, but with firm resolve and without doubting their success, commenced the difficult ascent, and without a halt, although exposed to a murderous fire, which none but the bravest troops could withstand, planted their colors on the very apex of the hill. At the appointed time the Second and Third Brigades — the Third commanded by Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry — moved forward on the enemy's works. Their path lay across a cornfield, traversed by stone walls and ditches, which, together with the softness of the ground, exposed as they were to a direct fire in front, and enfiladed by batteries on the flanks, for a time held with intense interest the most experienced officers who beheld it; but onward was their motto, and their banners were planted on works defended by the choicest troops of the rebel army, calling forth the remark of the rebel officers that powder and lead were inadequate to resist such a charge. Onward still the division pressed, gathering in prisoners by the hundred and guns by batteries (a list of which is appended) until the hills in rear of the enemy's lines were secured, where the line was formed for the night, and attention turned to the many brave officers and men who had so gloriously maintained their country's honor and sealed it with their blood.

In connection with this I wish to mention the services of the agents of the Christian Commission: conspicuous among which were Mr. Carter, of Wisconsin, and others whose names I failed to obtain, who, regardless of personal danger, were everywhere present, ministering to the wounded. A cause sustained by such and similar agencies cannot fail.

Before closing the report I beg to bear testimony to the gallantry and heroic fortitude displayed by every officer and soldier of my command; their conduct throughout was par excellence.

In addition to the report already forwarded of officers recommended for promotion I would call your attention to the reports of brigade commanders, transmitted herewith, for the names of those officers recommended by them for special mention for gallantry and good conduct. My thanks are also due in an especial manner to the officers and men of the artillery of my division, serving their guns in such a manner as to call forth my highest admiration. I am also greatly indebted to the following members of my staff for valuable services throughout: Capt. William H. F. Randall, assistant adjutant-general; Capts. Duncan MacLean and John W. Gregg, aides-de-camp; Dr. S. W. Huff, surgeon-in-chief, whose duties were arduous, but not beyond his capabilities; Capt. S. Carkener, Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, judge-advocate and acting aide; Capt. E. R. Applegate, Eleventh Missouri Volunteers, ordnance officer; Capt. Joseph Mayer, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, temporarily on duty as aide; Lieut. P. Meagher, Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, mustering officer and acting aide; Lieut. Samuel A. L. Law, acting assistant quartermaster; Capt. J. A. Leonard, commissary of subsistence, for efficiency in their respective duties; Capt. J.P. Houston, acting assistant inspector-general, who was unfortunately wounded while charging with the skirmishers the broken ranks of the enemy. He is a valuable officer. I deeply regret his temporary loss. To all of whom my thanks are due.

In addition to the above report I wish to mention the First Brigade, Third Division, Colonel Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding, consisting of the Fourteenth and Thirty-third Wisconsin and Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, for their promptness in moving forward to support my left on the first day's battle and securing many prisoners.

The following is the list of captures, which needs no comment: Prisoners of wary including Brigadier-Generals Smith and Jackson, 4,273; battle-flags, 13; guns with caissons, 24; small-arms, estimated at 4,500; besides several wagons and horses. There were expended during both days' fighting, 4,681 rounds artillery ammunition; 84,000 rounds of musketry ammunition.

My total casualties, as per report forwarded, are as follows: Killed, 68; wounded, 506, and 1 missing; making a total of killed, wounded, and missing, 575.*

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. McARTHUR,         
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S. — I wish particularly to mention in connection with this report the gallant conduct of Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, commanding Third Brigade, called to take command during the first day's battle and continuing throughout. His admirable management and example stamp him as an officer of rare merit.

J. McARTHUR,         
Brigadier-General.
Maj. J. HOUGH,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detachment Army of the Tennessee.
_______________

* But see revised table, p. 101

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. 437-40