Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 226. — Reports of Col. Jairus W. Hall, Fourth Michigan Infantry, of operating November 17-21, 1864.

No. 226.

Reports of Col. Jairus W. Hall, Fourth Michigan Infantry, of operating November 17-21, 1864.

HUNTSVILLE, November 21, 1864.

General Granger directs me to telegraph you the following report of Colonel Hall, Fourth Michigan, who pursued the rebels that tore up the railroad on Saturday morning:

BROWNSBOROUGH, November 20, 1864.

Colonel LYON:

I found Russell yesterday at dusk at Duckett's plantation, on Paint Rock River. Drove him two miles, and scattering him to the mountains, captured his camp, several horses, saddles, &c., also rations and forage for my command. It being nearly dark, could do nothing more. Took his track this morning at daylight, but soon found he was too far in advance for successful pursuit. I know of four rebels killed, if not five; we have their guns. One of our men wounded in shoulder. Russell has doubtless gone toward Fayetteville. A force from the other direction will be apt to meet him.

J. W. HALL,  

Colonel, &c.

W. P. LYON,

Colonel, Commanding.

Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE.

________________

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH REGIMENT MICHIGAN INFANTRY,        

Larkinsville, Ala., November 21, 1864.

SIR: I have respectfully to report that, in compliance with orders received, I proceeded to Brownsborough and assumed command of a force assembled there, numbering 394 men, of which 145 were mounted. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 17th I moved on the New Market road. At Maysville my advance was fired upon by a picket of the enemy, which detained the command about fifteen minutes. I then proceeded to within four miles of New Market, and took the road leading over the mountains to Jones' Cove, where I was informed the enemy were encamped the day previous. Arrived at Mr. Sandsley's plantation at 8.30 a.m., and being informed that the enemy 500 strong were three miles in advance, I halted the command for dinner. I then set the column in motion, and after ten minutes' march came upon the <ar93_637>enemy in line of battle on the side of the mountain, and advanced upon him with a strong line of skirmishers, from which he retreated. It then became a running fight. As fast as the infantry could march I drove him around and over the mountains, up Hurricane Branch five miles beyond New Market, killing 9 and wounding 3 or 4, including 1 commissioned officer, which he took with him or secreted in such a manner that we could not find them. It then being dark I returned to New Market in order to have possession of the different roads. The following morning being cloudy and rainy, and the roads becoming bad, and the infantry having marched twenty-one miles the day before, I decided that it was impossible to keep up with Russell, as he ran too fast even for our mounted force. I then returned to Brownsborough, which I reached before dark. The following morning about 9 o'clock I was informed that the railroad had been torn up five miles north. A train being at hand I took all the infantry forces then at Brownsborough and proceeded to the place of destruction, leaving orders for Captain Givens to move with the mounted force to that point as soon as possible. The force under him, numbering 124 men, reached there at 11.45 a.m. I then proceeded on Russell's track, coming up with him at dusk at Duckett's plantation, near Paint Rock River. Dismounting all the Enfield rifles I moved on him at a double-quick, using the dismounted men on the mountain on the right and the cavalry on the left of the road which runs along at the foot of the mountain. The enemy here made a more stubborn resistance than at any time previous, and I was in hopes that he would stand long enough for us to get within short range, but I was soon invited to another race, as he showed his heels as usual; it was then dark, and impossible to come up with him again.

I captured his camp, rations for the men and oats and corn for the horses, also several horses, saddles, bridles, forage, and haversacks, blankets, and canteens, which were mostly filled with whisky. About thirty horses were captured in all, several of which are in Captains Williams' and Da Huff's and Lieutenants Chapman's and Reynolds' commands--the number I have been unable to ascertain; Captain Givens has three or four, which will be accounted for hereafter. Captain Kennamer's home guards has eight or ten head of cattle at Woodville, which I directed to have sent here. Some twenty stand of arms were captured, including rifles, carbines, and shotguns; they were mostly given to the home guards, as they were mostly without arms.

Much of the property captured at the camp was of considerable loss to the enemy, but of very little use to us. I ordered it burned and otherwise destroyed.

I occupied the enemy's camp the night of the 19th, and the next morning at daylight took his track, but soon ascertained that he was too far in advance for me to overtake him, and as it had been raining all night and the streams rising rapidly, I did not think it prudent to follow him, and therefore returned with the command to Brownsborough, where I arrived at dark, that being the only point where I could get to the railroad on account of high water.

Two of my command were slightly wounded. I lost 2 horses drowned and 3 or 4 abandoned.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. HALL,         

Colonel Fourth Regiment Michigan Infantry.

Lieut. WILLIAM M. SCOTT, 

        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. 636-7

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 207 — Report of Capt. Major D. Williams, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, of operations November 17, 1864.

No. 207

Report of Capt. Major D. Williams, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, of operations November 17, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS POST, WHITESBURG,        

November 21, 1864.

GENERAL: In compliance with orders from Colonel Lyon, dated at Huntsville, November 15, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report:

Marched from this place on the 16th instant, with forty men of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry-eighteen from Company D, the remainder from my own company—to Huntsville, where I received a re-enforcement of two commissioned officers and forty men of the Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry. From thence we marched to Brownsborough, Ala., where we arrived at sunset, and were joined by thirty men of Company H of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, under command of Captain Da Huff, thirty men of the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, under command of Captain Givens, and 250 men of the Fourth Michigan Infantry, under command of Colonel Hall. We remained at Brownsborough until 3 a.m. of the 17th, when, under command of Colonel Hall, we marched in the direction of New Market. When two miles out, and at the small town of Maysville, our advance met rebel pickets and drove them back. After marching six miles farther, and at about 7 a.m., we halted, breakfasted, and fed our horses, after which we started in pursuit of the enemy, meeting them, under command of Russell, Johnson, and Mead, supposed to be 500 strong, all mounted and in line of battle, which we soon broke, driving them from their ground in confusion, our men pursuing them. We followed them until night, driving them nine miles, they rallying five times, but were handsomely repulsed and driven back each time. Night coming on, and our horses and men being considerably fatigued, we ceased fighting in the vicinity of New Market, and encamped at that place for the night. The enemy is known to have lost 9 in killed and 3 wounded, while we lost not a man. On the morning of the 18th we countermarched to Brownsborough, and being unwell myself, by permission from Colonel Hall, I returned to Huntsville, leaving my command. At 3 a.m. of the following day the railroad track was torn up six miles east of Brownsborough, and the command sent in pursuit of the marauders, the result of which will be otherwise reported.

The conduct of Colonel Hall and all the remaining officers and men is worthy of commendation.

I am, general, with profound respect, your obedient servant,

MAJOR D. WILLIAMS,        

Capt. Company C, 12th Indiana Cav., Comdg. Cavalry Forces.

Brigadier-General GRANGER,
        Commanding District of Northern Alabama.

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. 612

The Burnside Expedition Officially Heard From

Four of the Vessels Lost, Three Run Ashore, and a Number of Lives Lost, and the Fleet Lands in Pamlico Sound.

FORTRESS MONROE, January 27.

By the arrival of the steamer Eastern State, we have the first direct and official intelligence of the Burnside Expedition.  The Eastern State left Hatteras Inlet last night, and arrived here this morning.

The recent storms were unusually severe at Hatteras, and considerably delayed and crippled the expedition, but when the Eastern State left, everything looked favorable.

The Burnside Expedition sailed from Hampton Roads on the 11th and 12th of January, and consisted of over 125 vessels, of all classes. – They arrived at Hatteras between the 12th and 17th inst., having been greatly retarded by severe storms and adverse winds, which prevailed during that time.

After their arrival at Hatteras they experienced a series of unparalleled storms, so that at times it was impossible to hold communication between any two vessels of the fleet.

After the storm it was discovered that no vessel drawing over 7 feet 8 inches could pass into Pamlico Sound.  No vessel either could pass outside the bar, drawing over 13 feet, unless very skillfully piloted.  In consequence of this the City of New York struck on the outside of the bar.  She had cargo valued at $200,000, of powder, rifles and bombs, and proved a total loss.  Her crew was saved.

The steamer Pocahontas went ashore near the light house and became a total loss.  Ninety valuable horses belonging to the Rhode Island Battery were on board of her, and were all drowned, including several valued at $500 each.

The Grape Shot parted her hawser and went down at sea.  Her crew were saved.

An unknown schooner, loaded with oats, and another schooner, name unknown, with six of her crew, were lost on the beach.

The steamer Louisiana struck on the bar, where she still remains.  The report of her burning is incorrect.  She may get off.  The Eastern Queen and the Voltigeur are also ashore.  The latter will probably get off.

The Water vessels attached to the Expedition had not reached their destination when the Eastern State left, and had it not been for the condensers on board some of the vessels, and a vessel on shore, the most terrible suffering must have occurred among the troops.  As it was, the water casks were composed of old whiskey camphene, and kerosene oil casks.

It is thought the pilots of Hatteras are traitors, having intentionally run the vessels ashore.

The waves dashed with a clean sweep across the Hatteras shore, completely cutting off the fort from outside communication.

Colonel Allen of the 9th New Jersey Regiment, and his Surgeon, Weller, with a boat’s crew, and the 2d Mate of the Anne Thompson, when they found that the troops needed water, manned a life boat in order to reach the General and obtain it.  The boat swamped and the Colonel, Surgeon and Mate were drowned.  The crew were saved.

Gen. Burnside has succeeded in getting over the bar one half of his vessels, including the gunboats and 7,000 troops.  Everything appeared to be in satisfactory condition when the Eastern Star left.  The large transports with troops remained outside until the arrival of the Spaulding, from Port Royal on the 3d, when Capt. Hawes volunteered to bring them all inside.  This was accomplished yesterday afternoon, the Eastern State passing the last of them as she left.

A portion of the tug boats chartered by Gen. Burnside for the expedition refused to proceed any further than Fortress Monroe.

Fair weather has set in, and the schooners of the expedition are making their appearance with water, coal, and provisions, and everything looks more promising.  Gen. Burnside has been indefatigable, he is confident of the ultimate success of the expedition and has the respect of every man under his command.

The only troops that have been landed are the 24th Massachusetts Regiment and the Rhode Island Battery.  Col. Hawkins’ regiment goes with the Burnside Expedition.

There has been no loss of life except what is above mentioned.  Different reports are received at Hatteras from the surrounding population in relations to the disposition and intentions of the enemy.  Some who came in say that the rebels are completely frightened and will not make a stand.  Another report is to the effect that large masses of troops will be concentrated in the vicinity, and still another store, confirmed by many, that their exertions will be directed chiefly to placing obstacles in the way of our progress to Norfolk.

The rebels keep a good look out on our movements with their gunboats.  Two of them made their appearance after the storm, but disappeared when chased.

The mails by the Eastern State will be forwarded to-morrow.

The Pensacola left here (Ft. Monroe) this afternoon for Key West, Pensacola and Ship Island.  She will report to the Commodore of the fleet in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Baltimore boat brought down this morning the 2d and 4th batteries from Wisconsin. – They will remain at Fortress Monroe for the present.

A flag of truce was sent out this P. M. to meet the rebel steamer Selden, and brought back among the release prisoners, Lieut. Parks, 4th Michigan, Dr. Wm. B. Fletcher, 6th Indiana, Lieut. Wm. Booth, 2d Wisconsin, and Lieut. Hooper, 1st California.

We find the following in Southern papers.

To-day’s Richmond Dispatch has reliable authority for making the statement that “General Beauregard takes command of the army at Columbus, Ky., and Gen. Gustavus W. Smith succeeds him in the position he has so long and so successfully occupied.  At Columbus, we understand, that Gen. Beauregard is subordinate to no one except Gen. A. Sydney Johnson [sic].  This change goes into effect without delay.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Burr Williams

Private, Co. E, 4th Michigan Infantry

Died January 27, 1865, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Stones River National Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Special to New York Papers

NEW YORK, May 27 – The Herald’s correspondent reports that the 4^th Michigan regiment in the recent skirmish on the Chickahominy fought and routed an entire rebel brigade.

Petersburg papers report that on the 19^th, 183 of the Monitor’s crew went ashore at City Point, and were surprised by the rebels, nine were made prisoners, the balance reached their boat and pulled for the vessel.  They were shot at and eight killed.

The Virginia Legislature has appropriated $200,000 to remove the women, children and decrepid persons from Richmond to a place of safety.

The rebel army was encamped within a few miles of Richmond.

Rebel accounts state that the Mayor of Vicksburg replied to the summons of our gunboats, that the Mississippians never surrendered.

Martial [law] is in force in Charleston.  The papers and the citizens are fearful of the surrender of the city.

{Tribune’s Dispatch.}

ARMY IN THE FIELD, NEAR FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA, Monday May 26 – Further accounts are received of Col. Crook’s brilliant victory at Lewisburg, Greenbriar county.  On the 23d Gen. Heath [sic] attacked Col. Crook with 3,000 infantry and cavalry and six cannon.  After a spirited fight of an hour the rebels fled in confusion.  Their flight soon became a rout.  Col. Crook captured four rifled cannon – on so near his position that it was loaded with canister.

The rebels in the early part of the fight carried off their killed and wounded but left on the field thirty eight dead including several officers, and sixty six wounded.  One hundred prisoners were captured – among them Lieut. Co. Finney, Jam. Edgar, and other officers.  Three hundred stand of arms were taken.

The enemy to secure their retreat, burned Greenbriar bridge, beyond which they could not be pursued.

Crook’s victory was only won by hard fighting against greatly superior forces.

We lost 14 killed, 60 wounded and 5 pickets captured.  Some of our wounded were shot in the streets of Lewisburg as they were returning to the hospital by the citizens of the town.

BOTTOM BRIDGE, May 23 – Intelligent slaves in General Kiney’s camp this morning say that yesterday noon, when they left Richmond, the rebel army was moving out of the city and northward to the Fair Ground.  Those who know the position say that it is about two miles out on a high commanding plateau.  We understand that this position is being fortified and that the enemy intends to give us battle there.

{Special to Evening Post.}

Gen. Sigel arrived here to-day and called upon the President.  He met with a warm reception.  It has been suggested that a command will be given him with Gen. McDowell.  It is believed that his enterprise, skill and dash will greatly aid in getting that command to Richmond or in retrieving the ground in case any part of our forces should meet with a check.

The House Military Committee to-morrow takes up the subject of the enlargement of the Erie canal.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 4

Loss of the 4th Michigan

NEW YORK, May 27 – The Herald gives a list of losses in the 4^th Michigan Regiment in the recent skirmish.

Killed – Private M. D Spear, co. B, shot through the heart.

Wounded – Private Franklin Drake, co. B, mortally; private Wm H. Chase, co. C, mortally; private Wm M.  Zing, co. B, flesh wound in arm; corporal John Campbell, co. B, flesh wound in thigh; private Martin B. Rockway, co. B, compound fracture of the forearm; private Charles Bruner, co. A, flesh wound in thigh; private Chas. Burrow, co. I, wounded in mouth.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 4

Sick and Wounded Michigan Soldiers

NEW YORK, May 28 – Among the sick and wounded soldiers which arrived here on the steamer Spaulding, are the following from Michigan.

H Newton, 4^th, W Robinson, 16^th, W L Robinson, 4^th, Serg’t A A Carr, 5^th, D Gunny, 9^th, M L Tuttle and Sergt [F] P Light, 7^th, J Johnson 4^th, Corporal A L Hayward 15^th, C Dond, 7^th, F Ken 16^th, A M Hodge, 16^th, Add Cole, 7^th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3