Showing posts with label 7th OH CAV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7th OH CAV. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 201. — Report of Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 25, 1864.

No. 201.

Report of Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry,
commanding First Brigade, of operations December 25, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SIXTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS,                
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,        
Near Sugar Creek, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 25th instant this brigade had the advance in pursuit of the enemy, moving out of camp ten miles north of Pulaski at 5 a.m. The enemy's rear guard was struck about two miles from the camp, when active skirmishing commenced. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was in advance, drove the enemy from every position, and when near Pulaski charged gallantly through the town, saving the covered bridge across Richland Creek, which the enemy had fired, and which he was attempting to hold with a heavy force until destroyed. I immediately ordered two guns in position and deployed a force along the creek, obliging the enemy to withdraw. Crossing the bridge I followed up the pursuit rapidly, dislodging the enemy from strong positions, until reaching the head of a narrow gorge, some seven miles from Pulaski, where the enemy had taken position on a high hill behind strong barricades. His position was admirably selected, being hidden from view by heavy timber until within a few feet of it. Supposing that the enemy would retire from this position, as he had from others on a flank movement from us, I deployed the Seventh Ohio Cavalry on the right and the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry on the left of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, all dismounted. These regiments moved upon the enemy most gallantly, when suddenly he opened from a masked battery of three guns and charged over his works, in two lines of infantry with a column of cavalry, down the main road. Before this overpowering force my men were obliged to fall back about half a mile, when we checked the enemy, and, receiving support, drove him back.

I regret to state that Company I, Fourth U.S. Artillery, were obliged to abandon one gun and limber at this time. The battery had been placed in position by General Wilson's order. The stand made by the enemy at this point was to save his train, as we had driven his rear guard sharp upon it. From prisoners I learn that this rear guard consisted of seven brigades of infantry and one division—Jackson's—of cavalry, all under General Forrest. In the hasty evacuation of Pulaski the enemy threw two cannon into the creek, burned a locomotive and train of five cars loaded with arms and ammunition, and it is reported he left near town two locomotives in good order. For six miles below Pulaski the road was strewn with abandoned artillery ammunition, and burning and abandoned wagons. I think he saved some twenty wagons entire.

We captured during the day 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and some 50 or 60 men, also some 150 wounded at Pulaski.

Our casualties, mostly from the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, consisted of 3 killed, 18 wounded, and 5 missing. In charging the bridge at Pulaski the Fifth Iowa Cavalry lost 3 killed and 3 wounded.

Brevet Major-General Wilson expressed himself much pleased with the operations of the brigade during the day. The officers and men of the brigade behaved admirably; they are men who can be relied upon.

T. J. HARRISON,        
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. E. T. WELLS,
        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. 603

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Saturday, March 1, 1862

We leave Nashville; descend the river, and return to Clarksville, where we are again quartered in the old tobacco factory. We still find Clarksville a very congenial locality, notwithstanding the citizens' hearts are with the South in its struggle for “Empire.” We remain here until Friday, when the Seventh for the second time leaves Clarksville and the old tobacco factory. Marching on board the steamer E. H. Fairchild, we are soon descending the Cumberland. As we pass Fort Donelson, we are reminded that over on those hills, and in those ravines brave men sleep—sleep as martyrs for freedom. As we glide quietly down beneath the shadow of the projecting cliffs, we imagine that a voice comes from those hills and ravines, saying to us in the language of the poet:

“Ye harvesters, rally from mountain and valley,
And reap the fields we have won;
We sowed for endless years of peace,
We harrowed and watered well;
Our dying deeds are the scattered seeds,
Shall they perish where they fell?

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 45

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: January 11, 1864

Several boys not inclined to go home. Assigned to 7th O. V. C. Thomas, Peck, Kearn, Beach, Montgomery, Bentley, Rutzel. Good boys, sorry. Relieved Hamlin. Went to Knoxville to fix papers. Slept with Avery on floor at Charley's.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 105

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 16, 1863

Long, Normaldorf and I went ahead and lay down by a fire. Went back early to command and took breakfast on popcorn, rather weak subsistence. Our brigade in rear. Remained two hours after command left. Rebels soon commenced work and we fell back and soon took positions. 7th O. V. C. in rear. Rebels came out, skirmishers dismounted and reserve mounted in line of battle. 7th fell back and the rebs charged. 2nd Ohio formed on a hill in time to check rebs. Howitzer fired several shots. Continued to fire back to two miles of cross roads and went into camp.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 101

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 18, 1863

Got 2nd O. and 7th O. details running mills. Bought some beef cattle and settled some accounts. Various orders for the brigade. Uncertain about its movements. McDowell paying off 2nd Brigade. Our Brigade to be paid off soon. A cold day. Water frozen. I am so anxious to hear from Fannie. I am miserable indeed.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 101-2

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: December 10, 1863

Soon after breakfast brigade ordered to Morristown on a reconnoissance. Sent June to see about rations and left the rest of the boys to go for cattle and pork. At the river encountered rebel pickets. Drove them back on Morristown and Cheek's Cross Roads. Drove the pickets steadily. 2nd O. V. C. on X roads, 9th Mich. and 7th O. V. C. and section of Artillery on M. road. Mile from M. found rebels posted in woods and cornfield behind a fence. Artillery brought up and men dismounted in front and 9th sent to the flank. Soon commenced in earnest. Our A. did badly, rebel artillery first rate. At dusk 9th made a charge and routed three regiments, 8, 21, 36th Va., from intrenchments. About 50 rebels killed. Our loss slight.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 100

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: November 11, 1863

Sent out June for cattle. Brought in several nice ones. About noon drew rations and issued them to the 2nd and 7th Ohio. Did the work myself with the help of Mose. The detail for the boys was received. They reported. Mail came. Nothing for me. Oh!

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 97

Monday, October 9, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: November 15, 1863

After breakfast packed up. Went up town and got rations of coffee and sugar for ten days, and beef. 7th marched to St. Clair, also Col. Garrard. Drove the cattle. Found a comfortable room. An old stove for quartermasters and Commissary. Cleaned it out, and got stove and seemed comfortable. Little like Sunday. Thought often of home and home privileges.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 97

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: November 7, 1863

Halted near the gap till daylight. Moved on to Russelville where we got forage and halted for dinner. Unsaddled and remained over night. Great reports about the Rogersville affair. 7th Ohio passed by, rather thin. Several 2nd Tenn. prisoners came in, having escaped from the rebels.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 96

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: November 9, 1863

Up before sunrise. Got breakfast and was off before sunrise. Reached Morristown by 7 A. M. Reported for duty as Commissary. Saw Lt. S., then went back to Russelville and got rations for 2nd and 7th of Lt. Leavitt, Div. Com'ry. 2nd and 7th went into camp north of town in the woods. Cold and chilly night.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 96

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: October 3, 1863

Col. blamed none but himself yesterday; said he had misgivings immediately and thought fortunate that all were not taken. Moved before midnight. Camped at 2 A. M. near a creek, "Muddy," called, I believe. Five miles from Bull's Gap. In P. M. alarm, and 2nd and 7th took positions and had some skirmishing. One man, Co. “A,” killed. Went back to camp and 7th Ohio relieved us. Camped a mile farther on. Got forage and settled down.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 91

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: September 28, 1863

Went into camp soon after breakfast to see the Conscript messengers mustered. Mail came, nothing for poor me — somewhat disappointed. Boys all happy. Firing on pickets in front. Two men and 7 horses of 7th Ohio taken from Reserve. Whole command turned out. Force sent out and met by Rebels with Artillery. Train sent back in a hurry. Fall back about noon, Carter's orders being not to risk engagement — from Burnside. People all sad to have us leave. Reached Henderson a little after dark. Boys hate falling back, pleases rebs too well.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 90

Friday, September 8, 2017

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: September 23, 1863

Big smoke on Rebel side. Party went down and discovered bridge on fire, rebels all gone. Put out fire, only 20 ft. burned. Soon 2nd in advance and 7th O. moved on across the Watauga and followed Rebs. Co. C in advance, came upon pickets, saw them one and a half miles and came back having learned that they had crossed the river, all but 60. One of C got a prisoner and one shot a horse. Was platooned as flankers, men in reconnoissance. Went back and camped in old rebel camp. Chicken for supper. Exciting day. Hillhouse had few men as extreme advance. None hurt.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 89-90

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: June 27, 1863

Thunder shower during the day. Passed the day reading and resting. At 5 P. M. commenced marching towards Jamestown. 7th and 2nd Ohio. Rained very hard. Fishing Creek too high to ford. Bivouacked on the bank. Cleared off, so slept very well, save wet clothes. Thede and I went together. Three days' rations. A. B. along, first for two months.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 75

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Diary of 1st Sergeant John L. Ransom: November 22, 1863


Belle Island, Richmond, Va. — I was captured near Rogersville, East Tennessee, on the 6th of this month, while acting as Brigade Quarter-Master Sergt. The Brigade was divided, two regiments twenty miles away, while Brigade Head-Quarters with 7th Ohio and 1st Tennessee Mounted Infantry were at Rogersville. The brigade quarter-master had a large quantity of clothing on hand, which we were about to issue to the brigade as soon as possible. The rebel citizens got up a dance at one of the public houses in the village, and invited all the union officers. This was the evening of Nov. 5th. Nearly all the officers attended and were away from the command nearly all eight and many were away all night. We were encamped in a bend of the Holston River. It was a dark rainy night and the river rose rapidly before morning. The dance was a ruse to get our officers away from their command. At break of day the pickets were drove in by rebel cavalry, and orders were immediately received from commanding officer to get wagon train out on the road in ten minutes. The quarter-master had been to the dance and had not returned, consequently it devolved upon me to see to wagon train, which I did, and in probably ten minutes the whole seventy six mule army wagons were in line out on the main road, while the companies were forming into line and getting ready for a fight. Rebels had us completely surrounded and soon began to fire volley after volley into our disorganized ranks. Not one officer in five was present; Gen. commanding and staff as soon as they realized our danger, started for the river, swam across and got away. We had a small company of artillery with us commanded by a lieutenant. The lieutenant in the absence of other officers, assumed command of the two regiments, and right gallantly did he do service. Kept forming his men for the better protection of his wagon train, while the rebels were shifting around from one point to another, and all the time sending volley after volley into our ranks. Our men did well, and had there been plenty of officers and ammunition, we might have gained the day. After ten hours fighting we were obliged to surrender after having lost in killed over a hundred, and three or four times that number in wounded. After surrendering we were drawn up into line, counted off and hurriedly marched away south. By eight o'clock at night had probably marched ten miles, and encamped until morning. We expected that our troops would intercept and release us, but they did not. An hour before daylight we were up and on the march toward Bristol, Va., that being the nearest railroad station. We were cavalrymen, and marching on foot made us very lame, and we could hardly hobble along. Were very well fed on corn bread and bacon. Reached Bristol, Va., Nov. 8th and were soon aboard of cattle cars en-route for the rebel capital. I must here tell how I came into possession of a very nice and large bed spread which is doing good service even now these cold nights. After we were captured everything was taken away from us, blankets, overcoats, and in many cases our boots and shoes. I had on a new pair of boots, which by muddying them over had escaped the rebel eyes thus far, as being a good pair. As our blankets had been taken away from us we suffered considerably from cold. I saw that if I was going to remain a prisoner of war it behooved me to get hold of a blanket. After a few hours march I became so lame walking with my new boots on that the rebels were compelled to put me on an old horse that was being lead along by one of the guard. This guard had the bed spread before spoken of. Told him I was going into prison at the beginning of a long winter, and should need a blanket, and could'nt he give me his. We had considerable talk, and were very good friends. said he rather liked me but wouldn't part with his bed spread. Didn't love me that much, treated me however with apple jack out of his canteen. I kept getting my wits together to arrange some plan to get the article in question. Finally told him I had a large sum of money on my person which I expected would be taken away from me anyway, and as he was a good fellow would rather he would have it than any one else. He was delighted and all attention, wanted me to be careful and not let any of the other rebels see the transfer. I had a lot of Michigan broken down wild cat money, and pulled it out of an inside pocket and handed him the roll. It was green paper and of course he supposed it greenbacks. Was very glad of the gift and wanted to know what he could do for me. My first proposition to him was to let me escape, but he couldn't do that, then I told him to give me the bed spread, as it might save my life. After some further parley, he consented and handed over the spread. He was afraid to look at his money for fear some one would see him, and so did not discover that it was worthless until we had become separated. Guards were changed that night and never saw him any more.

The cars ran very slow, and being crowded for room the journey to Richmond was very tedious. Arrived on the morning of Nov. 13th, seven days after capture, at the south end of the “long bridge,” ordered out of the cars and into line, counted off and started for Belle Isle. Said island is in the James River, probably covers ten or twelve acres, and is right across from Richmond. The river between Richmond and the island is probably a third or half a mile .The "long bridge " is near the lower part of the island. It is a cold, bleak piece of ground and the winter winds have free sweep from up the river. Before noon we were turned into the pen which is merely enclosed by a ditch and the dirt taken from the ditch thrown up on the outside, making a sort of breastwork. The ditch serves as a dead line, and no prisoners must go near the ditch. The prison is in command of a Lieut. Bossieux, a rather young and gallant looking sort of fellow. Is a born Southerner, talking so much like a negro that you would think he was one, if you could hear him talk and not see him. He has two rebel sergeants to act as his assistants, Sergt. Hight and Sergt. Marks. These two men are very cruel, as is also the Lieut, when angered. Outside the prison pen is a bake house, made of boards, the rebel tents for the accommodation of the officers and guard, and a hospital also of tent cloth. Running from the pen is a lane enclosed by high boards going to the water's edge. At night this is closed up by a gate at the pen, and thrown open in the morning. About half of the six thousand prisoners here have tents while the rest sleep and live out of doors. After I had been on this island two or three days, I was standing near the gate eating some rice soup out of an old broken bottle, thoroughly disgusted with the Southern Confederacy, and this prison in particular A young man came up to me whom I immediately recognized as George W. Hendryx, a member of my own company “A” 9th Mich. Cavalry, who had been captured some time before myself. Was feeling so blue, cross and cold that I didn't, care whether it was him or not. He was on his way to the river to get some water. Found I wasn't going to notice him in any way, and so proceeded on his errand. When I say that George Hendryx was one of the most valued friends I had in the regiment, this action on my part will seem strange as indeed it is. Did not want to see him or any one else I had ever seen before. Well, George came back a few moments after, looked at me a short time and says: “I believe you are John L. Ransom, Q. M Sergt. of the same Co with me, although you don't seem to recognize me.” Told him “I was that same person, recognized him and there could be no mistake about it.” Wanted to know why in the old harry 1 didn't speak to him then. After telling him just how it was, freezing to death, half starved and gray backs crawling all over me, &c., we settled down into being glad to see one another.

SOURCE: John L. Ransom, Andersonville Diary, p. 9-12

Saturday, August 23, 2014

7th Ohio Cavalry – “River Regiment”

Regiment organized at Ripley, Ohio, October, 1862, and duty there till December, 1862. First Battalion (Cos. "A," "B," "C," "D"), ordered to Lexington, Ky., November 22, 1862, and duty there till December 21. 2nd Battalion ordered to Lexington, Ky., December 20, 1862, and 3rd Battalion to same point December 31, 1862. Attached to District of Central Kentucky, Dept. Ohio, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, District of Central Kentucky, to April, 1863. 1st Provisional Cavalry Brigade, 23rd Army Corps, Army Ohio, to June, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, to August, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to November, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps, Dept. Ohio, to May, 1864. 1st Brigade, Cavalry Division, District of Kentucky, 5th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to July, 1864. 1st Brigade, Cavalry Division, 23rd Army Corps, to August, 1864. Mounted Brigade, Cavalry Division, 23rd Army Corps, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, 23rd Army Corps, to November, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to December, 1864. 1st Brigade, 6th Division, Cavalry Corps, to February, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Cavalry Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--1st Battalion participated in Carter's Raid into East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia December 21, 1862, to January 5, 1863. Passage of Moccasin Gap December 29, 1862. Actions at Zollicoffer Station December 30. Watauga Bridge, Carter's Station, December 30 (Cos. "A," "D"). Regiment participated in operations in Central Kentucky against Cluke's forces February 18-March 5, 1863. Slate Creek near Mt. Sterling February 24 and March 2. Operations against Pegram March 22-April 1. Dutton's Hill March 30. Expedition to Monticello and operations in Southeast Kentucky April 26-May 12. Monticello May 1. Rocky Gap, Monticello, June 9. Carter's Raid in East Tennessee June 16-24. Knoxville June 19-20. Roger's Gap June 20. Powder Springs Gap June 21. Scout to Creelsborough June 28-30. Pursuit of Morgan July 1-25. Buffington Island, Ohio, July 19. Operations against Scott in Eastern Kentucky July 26-August 6. Near Rogersville July 27. Richmond July 28. Lancaster July 31. Paint Lick Bridge July 31. Lancaster August 1. Burnside's Campaign in East Tennessee August 16-October 19. Winter's Gap August 31. Expedition to Cumberland Gap September 4-9. Capture of Cumberland Gap September 9. Carter's Station September 22. Zollicoffer September 24. Jonesboro September 28. Blue Springs October 5 and 10. Sweetwater October 10-11. Pursuit to Bristol October 11-17. Blountsville October 13-14. Moved to Rogersville October 17-19. Knoxville Campaign November 4-December 23. Action at Rogersville November 6. Stock Creek November 14. Defence of Cumberland Gap during siege of Knoxville November 17-December 5. Morristown December 10. Cheek's Cross Roads December 12. Russellville December 12-13. Bean's Station December 14. Rutledge December 16. Blain's Cross Roads December 16-19. Rutledge December 18. Stone's Mill December 19. New Market December 23. Dandridge December 24. Mossy Creek December 26. Operations about Dandridge January 16-17, 1864. Kimbrough's Cross Roads January 16. Dandridge January 17. Operations about Dandridge January 26-28. Fair Garden January 27. Ordered to Nicholasville, Ky., FebrUary. Operations against Morgan in Kentucky May 31-June 20 (Detachment). Cynthiana June 12. March to Atlanta, Ga., July 4-26. Siege of Atlanta July 26-September 2. Stoneman's Raid to Macon July 27-August 6 (Co. "D"). Clinton and Macon July 30 (Co. "D"). Hillsborough July 30-31 (Co. "D"). Sandtown and Fairburn August 15. At Decatur till October 4. At Atlanta till November 6. Moved to Nashville, Tenn. Nashville Campaign November-December. Henryville November 23. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Duck River Crossing November 28. Columbia Ford November 29. Franklin November 30. Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. West Harpeth River and Franklin December 17. Spring Hill December 18. Richland Creek December 24. Pulaski December 25-26. Moved to Gravelly Springs, Ala., and duty there till March, 1865. Wilson's Raid from Chickasaw, Ala., to Macon, Ga., March 22-April 24. Montevallo March 31. Ebenezer Creek near Mapleville April 1. Selma April 2. Montgomery April 12. Columbia, Ga., April 16. Capture of Macon April 20. Scout duty in Northern Georgia till May 15. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., and duty there till July. Mustered out July 4, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 26 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 197 Enlisted men by disease. Total 229.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1477-8