MAJOR: In compliance with circular from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command from the 30th day of September, 1864, to the 15th day of January, 1865:
September 30, my brigade (Second Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps, District of West Tennessee), consisting of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Maj. Charles W. Whitsit, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. William C. Blackburn, the Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. Charles C. Horton commanding, and Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, Capt. I. W. Curtis commanding, was engaged during the morning in making preparations for a ten days' scout. At 12 m. the column was in motion on the Germantown road. The rain fell in torrents for two hours. When within one mile of Germantown turned north and crossed the Wolf River at Patten's plantation; the crossing was upon a poorly constructed bridge, which delayed my wagons and artillery until after dark, and caused much trouble in passing through the heavily timbered bottom on the opposite side. The command was in bivouac by 11.30 p.m., seven miles north of Germantown. October 1, left camp at daylight, marching in rear of First Brigade; passed Macon at 12 m., and took Somerville road; camped three miles from the former place. October 2, moved at 4 a.m.; reached Somerville at 7 a.m., and took Bolivar road; arrived at that place at 4 p.m. I immediately made a heavy detail from Second Iowa Cavalry to finish a bridge across the Hatchie, which the Seventh Illinois Cavalry had been sent in advance to construct. At 8 p.m. the bridge was completed and the whole command over and in camp. October 3, moved out of Hatchie Bottom at daylight, taking Mount Pinson road; crossed the Forked Deer River at sunset, and camped one mile north of the river at 8 p.m. and near the above-named town; heavy rain all night. October 4, left bivouac at 3 a.m., and reached Mifflin, Henderson County, and fed horses while the men made coffee. At 10 a.m. moved on, taking the road leading down the valley of Beech River, leaving Lexington to our left and north some eight miles. Camped at Jones' plantation, three miles from Scott's hill. Rained very hard all day. October 5, moved at daylight, passing Scott's Hill and taking Decaturville road, at which place we arrived at 2 p.m.; halted an hour to feed; at sunset reached the Tennessee River, opposite Clifton, where we found the fleet, under command of Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn. October 6, steps were taken early for crossing by means of transports. At 2 p.m. all were across; and in accordance with orders from your headquarters moved out on the Nashville pike ten miles, and camped for the night. October 7, marched all day on Nashville pike; passed Waynesborough, county seat of Wayne County, and at 10 p.m. camped for the night on the Nashville pike, within seven miles of Lawrenceburg. October 8, resumed the march at 3 a.m. and owing to the extreme darkness of the morning were misled and marched some five miles out of our way; halted at 9 a.m. for breakfast and to feed; reached Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Lawrence County, at 1.30 p.m. After a short halt moved out on military road leading to Florence, Ala.; when three miles out took the road leading down the valley of Shoal Creek and camped ten miles from Lawrenceburg. October 9, left this encampment at daylight, returning to the military road, and moved in the direction of Florence until we reached Bough's Mills, where I received orders to encamp for the night. At this point we learned that Forrest had crossed the Tennessee River and escaped unharmed. October 10, at 4 a.m., were again in motion toward Florence; on arriving at Wilson's Cross-Roads received orders to move toward Waterloo; passing to the north of Florence some six miles reached Waterloo at 4 p.m., and camped for the night. October 11, remained in bivouac until 4 o'clock, when we moved down the river some ten miles, with the hope of finding the gun-boats and fleet and of procuring rations for the men. To make this more certain Maj. C. C. Horton, Second Iowa Cavalry, had been sent in advance, with his regiment, to the fleet with dispatches; unfortunately, however, the fleet had dropped down the river a few hours previous to their arrival, opposite Eastport, Miss. October 12, reveille at 4.30 a.m. My brigade was on the road for Savannah at daylight. The brigade was snugly encamped one mile below Savannah at 2 p.m. October 13, still in bivouac. There being no visible means of procuring rations for my men, who had now been subsisting on the country at a poor rate some three days, I made application for and obtained permission to gather up corn and wheat and take it to a mill five miles distant, where I supplied my command scantily for the next four days. October 14, 15, and 16, during this time each day was industriously spent at the mill by parties grinding meal into flour, while others rode the country to procure salt, bacon, &c., to make it palatable. In great anxiety we waited for the boats till the evening of the 16th, when orders came to move in the morning. October 17, at 7 a.m. moved on the Waynesborough road a distance of some ten miles, when we turned toward Clifton, at which place we arrived at sunset, having marched some thirty miles over an extremely rough road. October 18, on arriving at Clifton found no boat, went the grand rounds on a large scale (some 150 miles), and returned to the starting point very hungry, ragged, and tired. During the afternoon, while unwelcome feelings were causing us to cast about for some means of subsistence, the steamer Duke hove in sight to the great satisfaction of the whole command. Our fine hopes were soon blasted, for we learned that it had only short rations of hard bread and meat; these were equally distributed among the different regiments, the balance to be gathered from the country during the absence of the steamer to Johnson's Landing. From the 18th to the 27th of the month the officers and men were industriously employed in shoeing horses and making necessary preparations for an active campaign. Owing to the scarcity of blacksmiths and blacksmith tools, I sent to the country and pressed sufficient to supply the deficiency in part only. Many of the horses were shod by the use of the common pocket-knife and hatchet; the horses, however, improved, as the forage obtained from the country was abundant. October 28, received orders to be ready to move to-morrow. October 29, left Clifton at 3 p.m., taking the Nashville pike, and camped three miles out. October 30, at 9 a.m. the general commanding came up with the First Brigade, which passed through my camp in the advance, when all moved along to Lincoln Creek, twenty-four miles, and camped for the night. October 31, resumed the march at 7 a.m., reached Lawrence-burg at 3.15 p.m., and camped one mile beyond.
November 1, left bivouac at 6 a.m. and reached Pulaski, eighteen miles distant, at 3 p.m., and camped for the night. November 2, 3, and 4, during these three days the time was occupied in procuring clothing and rations for the men, while shoes were being fitted on the horses, and preparations made for a heavy campaign. November 5, at 8 a.m. were again in motion on the Lamb's Ferry road, which leads to a ferry by that name on the Tennessee River. Camped for the night on Sugar Creek. Heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of the Tennessee River during the afternoon, which gave undoubted evidence of Hood's advance into Tennessee.
November 6, leaving bivouac before daylight enabled us to reach Lexington, Ala., before 11 a.m., where we halted for an hour to learn the whereabouts and movements of the enemy. Getting no satisfactory information, moved on to Bough's Ford, on Shoal Creek, the Second Iowa Cavalry in advance. On arriving within two miles of the ford the advance met the enemy's pickets, driving them across the creek rapidly, when the whole command came in full view of a heavy line extending along the bluffs on the opposite side. By direction of the general commanding I detached a portion of the Second Iowa to burn the flouring mill above the factory. Lieut. George W. Budd, commanding Company G, was sent for that purpose. After a lively skirmish of nearly an hour it was ascertained that the mill was on the opposite side of the stream, and that the water was too high to admit of crossing, mounted or dismounted, besides the enemy was some 300 strong, and a large number posted in and about the mill, rendering the position almost impregnable, to say nothing of the difficulty of crossing the stream. These facts being reported to me I conveyed the same to the general commanding, who directed that I withdraw all my brigade except the Second Iowa Cavalry, which should hold its position until further orders. At 9 p.m. all were in camp in a most unpleasant rainstorm. November 7, at daylight found ourselves with mud and water under foot and a drenching rain still falling. By direction from division headquarters, I took my command back five miles for feed. At I p.m. I made a demonstration on the enemy's pickets with my whole brigade, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. William C. Blackburn commanding, in advance. A persistent and heavy skirmish took place, when the enemy was driven from the bluff on the opposite side. The regiment reached the ford, but the stream was too much swollen to admit of crossing, the water carrying horse and rider down the stream. During an hour spent in skirmishing and an unfruitful effort to cross and destroy the mill, it was ascertained beyond doubt that the enemy had reenfored the picket heavily, and that Shoal Creek was much higher than on any day previous. I withdrew, fell back to Stutt's Cross-Roads, and camped for the night.
November 8, remained in bivouac during the forenoon, giving opportunity to the Second Iowa Cavalry to vote for Lincoln, which was done almost unanimously. At 2 p.m. moved to Bough's Ford, where I arrived at 5 p.m. in a heavy rain-storm. Detachments were immediately sent to reconnoiter the ford on the main road, also the one below, while a company was sent to the mill above. All reported, as on the three days previous, that the stream could not be forded. An effort was then made to construct a raft to cross at the mill, which failed for the want of material. During a skirmish of an hour the rain fell in torrents, and soon night came on, closing all operations for the day, when I withdrew to a point near the bivouac of the previous night. Sent Maj. C. P. Moore, Second Iowa Cavalry, with detachment of 100 men, to the rear of the enemy on the Tennessee River, with instructions to strike the river ten miles below Florence. Rained steadily all day.
November 9, during the night received orders from General Hatch to make another demonstration on the enemy at Bough's Ford. Moved out promptly at 7.30 a.m.; reached the ford at 9 a.m.; roads nearly impassable from mud and water; found, as usual, the enemy's pickets heavy and well posted on the opposite side. The stream still too high to admit of fording from either side, withdrew at 12 m., and camped at Watkins' house. Rained during the afternoon, but cleared away at sunset. Major Moore, Second Iowa, returned with his command safe, having passed around in rear of the enemy's lines, a distance of forty miles, and striking the Tennessee River ten miles distant below Florence, making a distance in going and returning of eighty miles' travel in twenty-four hours. The object of the expedition was to bring in seven men of General Croxton's command, who had been three day's previously sent down the river from Bainbridge to destroy the enemy's pontoons at Florence. If the object of the expedition had not been accomplished, they were to complete the work of destruction and meet this party below, but after diligent search and careful inquiry the major returned. November 10, remained in camp all day, the first pleasant day since leaving Pulaski. Owing to the extremely inclement weather, bad roads, &c., my command was again entirely destitute of rations. Two mills were taken possession of, and a regular system of foraging off the country was adopted, which, with the most careful management, could but poorly supply the men. Received orders during the afternoon to be ready at 9 a.m. of the 11th to make another demonstration on the enemy's picket, in conjunction with the entire command. November 11, reached the ford and opened upon the enemy's picket at the precise moment designated. The Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Maj. Charles W. Whitsit commanding, having the advance, were deployed as skirmishers, dismounted, forming a line from the main road up the stream to the mill, while a section of artillery was put in position on the military road. The skirmishers soon drove back the advance picket, while the artillery caused their reserve, at first in plain view, to scatter to their rear. A company of mounted men were in the meantime to try the ford on the main road and ascertain its condition for crossing. After a thorough trial it was found to be too deep even for mounted men. The Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. C. C. Horton commanding, succeeded in finding a ford near a quarter of a mile below the main crossing, where I ordered him to commence crossing as rapidly as possible. This order was obeyed in a most gallant manner by Company G of that regiment, with Lieut. George W. Budd commanding the advance. The First Battalion, Maj. Gustavus Schnitzer commanding, was soon over and engaging the enemy in a lively skirmish, when Major Horton reported the ford impracticable for the passage of more troops, from the quicksand and miry soil on the opposite shore, and that it was impossible to cross the artillery in any event. I ordered him to dismount the remainder of his regiment, place them in line along the shores, and recall Major Schnitzer. While the First Battalion was crossing and recrossing the stream the enemy kept up a heavy fire from a barricade some 300 yards distant, on a high bluff. Another effort had been made in the meantime to cross at the mill, which had been unsuccessful on account of high water. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Blackburn commanding, which had been sent, on leaving camp, to make a flank movement to the right of this position, by crossing Shoal Creek above the pond and mill and moving down on the opposite and west side of the stream, now appeared in sight, frightening the enemy's pickets to such an extent that they fell back so far as to allow this regiment to cross the stream in safety by swimming their horses, with the exception of Company A, Lieut. David Hilier commanding, who, by a misunderstanding of orders, took the back track until severely pressed by a brigade of the enemy's cavalry, when he coolly took to the timber and hills, evading their main force, and after much difficulty succeeded in recrossing Shoal Creek, reporting with all his men in camp at dark. The cool, undisturbed manner of this officer in relieving himself from the snare of the enemy is at least highly creditable. At 1 p.m. withdrew my command and went into camp again at Watkins' house.
November 12, remained in camp all day. Issued a very light ration of meal ground at the mill. November 13, remained in camp during the day; received orders during the evening to proceed immediately to blockade all roads leading into the military road. November 14, the detail to fell trees reported all roads effectually blockaded in compliance with orders. November 15, at 4 a.m., moved out on military road toward Lawrenceburg, and camped at Wilcoxson's plantation, five miles distant. November 16, left the military road at 8 a.m., passed down the valley of Wolf Creek, and crossed Shoal Creek at Wolf Ford; moved from the opposite side to Aberdeen, thence to Big Butler, and down to Little Butler, from which place moved directly south toward Wilson's Cross-Roads. After passing a mile, the advance, the Second Iowa Cavalry, found the enemy's pickets and dashed at them furiously, and ran them into their reserve pell-mell which created a stampede of the whole command, composed of General Roddey's brigade, which, in turn, ran back to their infantry camps in great confusion. Through the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Griffith, of Company D of the above-named regiment, we captured several prisoners, who informed us of many important facts touching the movements of the enemy. After having forced Roddey within the infantry lines, I became satisfied that the enemy were continually receiving re-enforcements, and that Forrest had recently joined Hood (on the 14th), and that the location about the two Butler Creeks was not the most safe for the camp of a cavalry command I therefore took the responsibility of recrossing Shoal Creek at the Savannah Ford, and went into camp at Hains' plantation, three miles from Cowpen Mills. November 17, moved camp to Cowpen Mills and sent patrols three miles across Shoal Creek. Found the enemy in force. November 18, made reconnaissance across Shoal Creek with the entire brigade three miles to Butler Creek and Florence road, and sent the Second Iowa Cavalry as patrols to the Florence and Waynesborough road four miles distant, returned to Cowpen Mills and camped.
November 19, in compliance with orders from division commander, moved my brigade across Shoal Creek at Cowpen Ford, for the purpose of camping on Butler Creek. On reaching the Butler Creek road, three miles west, drove in the enemy's picket, and sent Capt. A. E. Mock, of Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanding battalion, to patrol the Waynesborough road. The main column turned north to Butlers Creek, while Capt. J. W. Harper, with the remainder of his regiment (the Ninth Illinois Cavalry), stood picket on the road running south toward Florence. I remained with my escort at the cross-roads to see the train safely closed up for three-quarters of an hour, when I was informed by an orderly that the Second Iowa had met the enemy in heavy force, and that Buford's division was in their front, on Big Butler Creek. At about this moment Captain Harper reported the enemy pressing his picket from the south, and that they had the appearance of being infantry. Leaving an orderly to close the column I sent another to inform Captain Harper that he must hold his position at all hazards until the pack train and artillery had passed, as it was impossible, from the bad condition of the road, to halt or return by the same route. I then rode rapidly to the Second Iowa, and found them engaged with superior force. I immediately sent the train and artillery down the valley of the Little Butler, accompanied by the Sixth Illinois as escort, Major Whitsit commanding, who was instructed to take all axes and spades and make's crossing on Shoal Creek at all hazards, as this was the only place of escape from a well devised trap of the enemy. The next thirty minutes were passed in great anxiety, as Buford, on the north, was pressing the Second Iowa hard in front and flanking on their right and left with vastly superior numbers, while the Ninth Illinois was heavily pressed in the rear by a force from the south. During this time a messenger was sent to Captain Mock, informing him of his situation, and that unless he returned soon I would be compelled to abandon the last place left for his escape. As the Ninth Illinois came up they passed to the right and rear of the Second Iowa, down the Little Butler, and forming a line dismounted at the junction of the Big and Little Butler, where the high and abrupt bluffs on either side made the valley quite narrow. This made a good support for the Second Iowa when compelled to fall back. By this time the situation of the Second Iowa became truly critical, in consequence of the rapid movements of the rebel flanking column, which reached nearly to their rear on the right and left. Seeing it was impossible to hold the gap until Captain Mock could be heard from I ordered Major Horton to fail back and form again in rear of the Ninth Illinois. Each regiment then fell back alternately and formed lines for two miles, when we reached Shoal Creek, and I found, to my great surprise, the Sixth Illinois pack train, artillery, and ambulances all safe on the opposite side, and the regiment dismounted to cover the crossing. A lively skirmish was kept up by the rear guard while the command passed down the steep miry bank by file obliquely 150 feet. The mortification and apparent chagrin of the rebels when they found their prey had unexpectedly escaped was made known by those hideous yells, such as only rebels can make. 1 carefully placed my pickets on all practicable roads and encamped at dark at the same place I had left in the morning, with the firm conclusion, as previously reported, that Butler's Creek was by no means a desirable location to encamp. The day had been one of incessant rain.
November 20, moved from Cowpen Mills at 3 a m., going toward the military road. On arriving at that place halted for an hour, when I received orders to move to Bluewater Creek and camp, leaving pickets on military road. Captain Mock, of Ninth Illinois Cavalry, reported on military road, having traveled all night to reach the command. He succeeded in reaching the Waynesborough road, but in returning found himself and command completely surrounded by the enemy, and took to the hills by meandering neighborhood roads. By accident he came upon General Chalmers' division wagon train and made a charge on the guard, capturing several wagons and prisoners and fifty mules, besides much plunder which he could not bring away. While in the act of destroying the train he was attacked by a superior force and compelled to leave all and take to the woods again. By the assistance of Union men and negroes he was guided by circuitous routes until he reached the column. His loss was thirty men, most of whom were taken prisoners. Papers conveying important information were captured with the train, information which must have been of infinite importance to General Thomas, as they detailed the movements about to be made, giving timely notice to all of what was to take place. Captain Mock is entitled to much credit for the skill displayed in bringing out his command with so little loss. At sunset the pickets on the military road were attacked and compelled to fall back. Patrols sent to the military road and the front on all roads during the fore part of the night found the enemy advancing in force November 21, ordered to take the rear on the Lexington road at daylight. Reached Lexington at 10.15 a.m., when the division joined Croxton's brigade and was ordered to take the Lawrenceburg road in rear of command and train. Reached Lawrenceburg at 5 p.m. and camped for the night. The day was cold and much snow fell during the afternoon and night following.
November 22, morning cold and the ground frozen hard. About 12 m. the enemy commenced skirmishing with our pickets, when Capt. Jacob F. Bandy, Second Iowa Cavalry, with one battalion was sent to ascertain their force. At three miles distant from town the enemy was found in force and strongly posted on bluffs and behind well-arranged rail barricades. After an hour's skirmish he fell back to the picket. At 2 p.m. the enemy moved up in heavy force, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and encamped in line in plain view of town and of our bivouac. In compliance with orders I immediately put my command in line of battle on north side of town. The enemy soon opened with one section of artillery when my battery replied. An hour was spent in firing by the artillery on both sides with no result, when we were ordered to fall back on Pulaski road, Second Brigade to take the rear. My pickets and command withdrew in good order, though heavily pressed by superior force. Halted and camped seven miles east of Lawrenceburg, leaving General Croxton's command in our front.
November 23, left camp at 4 a.m.; halted at Richland Mills to feed and issue rations to the men. General Croxton's command, in the rear, was heard skirmishing heavily. At 3 p.m. moved three miles toward Pulaski and took to the left up the valley of Dry Creek, camping five miles south of Campbellsville.
November 24, moved at 6 a.m., taking the rear. Arrived at Campbellsville at 9 a.m. Received orders to follow the First Brigade and camp one mile above and north of the town on the creek. Sent patrols west one mile, who soon returned, reporting the enemy moving on our left, with vedettes standing on every high bluff in sight. This information was promptly conveyed to General Hatch, who ordered patrols strengthened and sent back to watch the enemy. Had not proceeded half a mile when I was informed that the First Brigade, a short distance ahead, had met a heavy column, supposed to be Buford's division. I immediately ordered the regiments along the column to throw down the fences, and two regiments, the Sixth and Ninth Illinois, to form a line dismounted. This was not, fully accomplished, however, when I was ordered to fall back to the east side of town, and hold the Lynnville road until the First Brigade, reported in a critical situation, could be recalled. My line of battle was soon formed, the left, the Ninth Illinois, resting near the church, the Second Iowa in the center, and the Sixth Illinois on the right, extending north, the entire line facing to the west. The regiments had barely time to dismount. The battery was soon put in position near the center of the line, when the enemy's infantry made its appearance in heavy force on the south and west side of the town. By direction of General Hatch the battery commenced firing at a range of one mile and a half. The effect of the cannonading was excellent, causing the whole rebel column to halt for at least one hour and deploy in heavy force. During this time a flanking column of the enemy was discovered moving to our left, threatening the Lynnville road, when I ordered the Second Iowa, Maj. C. C. Horton commanding, to guard and check that movement, who soon reported the force engaging him vastly superior to his. I immediately sent the Ninth Illinois as support. These regiments were both immediately in a heavy skirmish, their position soon became intolerable, as the enemy was undoubtedly moving their main column by the right flank, to get possession of the road in their rear. These facts I communicated to the general commanding, who ordered me to fall back and hold the road regardless of the First Brigade. When three-fourths of a mile from town I found the enemy in strong force on the left, with a battery playing at 1,000 yards distance upon my column. The men were deployed on foot on the left while the led horses and artillery passed by the road. The fire from the flank of musketry or artillery was quite lively, but no casualties occurred, save the killing of two horses. Two miles from Campbellsville my flanking column and patrols from the left were suddenly driven in as the road turned to the left through a narrow gorge, and just at the time General Hatch was passing. Capt. E. T. Phillips, Company M, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, commanding his escort, discovering the rebels, charged in an instant with his company and saved the gallant commander from capture. This gallant act of Captain Phillips is worthy of special compliment here, as well for his daring as for the good result. Unfortunately, the captain, received a wound in the left hand, which disabled him for the campaign. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. J. W. Harper commanding, following immediately in rear of the general's escort, was ordered by him to dismount and hold the gap at all hazards. Captain Harper had scarcely dismounted his men, when they received a heavy fire from a brigade of the enemy. Not a particle daunted the captain ordered his men forward until it became a hand to hand fight. In the meantime I was notified of the perilous condition of the regiments, being then one-fourth of a mile in advance. Not knowing the nature of their orders I directed Captain Harper to fall back slowly, but was soon informed that their ammunition (sixty rounds) was nearly exhausted. I then formed the Second Iowa across the gorge to protect them while they withdrew. The loss of this regiment was thirty killed and wounded in less than that number of minutes; among the number were four orderly sergeants killed. It is with pride that I mention the fact that Captain Harper brought his men back in good order, although the loss was heavy. No sooner had the Ninth Illinois passed through the line of the Second Iowa than the rebel brigade came at double-quick up the hollow, colors in front, and in another instant was in line of battle. Three hundred Spencers from the Second Iowa drove them back in confusion; but a moment, however, intervened when the rebels rallied. Major Horton in the meantime retired and mounted by battalions, under fire, leaving one officer and five men wounded on the field. I then sent Captain Bandy, Second Iowa, with two companies as rear guard, to Lynnville, three miles distant. The whole brigade was here thrown out in line of battle, and held the enemy in check until after dark, when I was ordered to withdraw and march in rear to Columbia. Put my command in bivouac within the infantry pickets at 11.30 p.m.
November 25, crossed Duck River, and encamped three miles above the city. November 26, at 10 a.m. moved out on the Murfreesborough road, and encamped eight miles east of Columbia. Rained continually during the day and that night. November 27, remained in bivouac all day; still raining very hard. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry having been assigned to this brigade, Maj. John M. Graham, commanding regiment, reported for duty. I sent Captain Glass, of Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and 400 men, to Shelbyville, to ascertain the enemy's movements in that direction.
November 28, rained until 12 m. At 2 p.m. received orders to move immediately. While "boot and saddle" was being sounded the enemy opened with a volley upon the picket on the Shelbyville road. By aid of a glass the enemy could be seen in heavy force through the thin fog, about two miles distant. I ordered a battalion of the Second Iowa, Captain Foster commanding, to support the pickets, while the command made preparations to move. By direction of the general commanding I sent the artillery and train on the Spring Hill road. This order, however, was soon countermanded, and the train sent to Huey's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike, where the brigade erected a slight barricade of rails, and slept on their arms during the night.
November 29, took up line of march at 4 a.m., passing Croxton's and Harrison's commands and moving toward Franklin, my brigade marching in rear of division to Mount Carmel, where it halted and fed in line of battle to the left of the pike. At 9 a.m. General Croxton's command passed my brigade, heavily pressed by the enemy. The light rail barricades previously prepared served as temporary breastworks and enabled my brigade, then dismounted, to check the enemy's movements. But a few moments passed until the whole line was engaged in a heavy skirmish, which continued for an hour, when I received orders to withdraw slowly, which was done by alternate numbers in line, dismounted, for two miles, when I ordered the brigade mounted. I then withdrew by brigade in line of regiments, each regiment in line of squadrons in column of fours. The enemy, discovering this formation, charged down the pike, in column of fours, on a small company of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, which was acting as rear guard. In accordance with previous instructions from me the company did not halt, but continued to fall back, leading the enemy between the flanking columns right and left, who opened upon them a raking fire, throwing them into confusion, and ending the pursuit for the day. The command arrived at Nolen's plantation at 12 m., and halted in line of battle until 4 p.m., when it moved toward Franklin two miles, and, turning to the right, crossed Little Harpeth River and moved north to the Nolensville and Franklin road, where the brigade was encamped for the night.
November 30, the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Col. George Spalding commanding, having been assigned to this brigade, reported for duty. Remained in bivouac till 12 m., when the enemy were reported to have driven our pickets in at the ford on the Little Harpeth. I received orders to put my brigade in line of battle dismounted, and I sent the Sixth Illinois to support the pickets in front, and the Second Iowa to guard the left on the Nolensville road. After some thirty minutes I received orders to move my line forward, which was done promptly. At the distance of half a mile the enemy made his appearance in force on a high bluff in front, when, by order of the general commanding, I ordered the brigade to charge the hill and drive the enemy back, which was performed in a most gallant style, until he was driven back across the Little Harpeth River. The enemy's force making the attack was supposed to be Buford's division of cavalry and mounted infantry, estimated to be from 5,000 to 6,000 strong. My entire command acquitted itself in a most creditable manner, and camped for the night on the ground occupied the night previous.
December 1, at 5.30 a.m. marched with the division to Brentwood Station, where I was ordered to form in line of battle on the Franklin pike. I remained here until 2 p.m., when I moved on the Nashville pike in rear of the command, crossed over to Murfreesborough pike, and camped for the night. December 2, marched with the division at 5 a.m., on the right flank, to Nashville, and crossed the Cumberland River during the afternoon, and encamped at Edgefield. During the time from December 3 to December 11 the brigade was encamped at Edge-field, making preparations for active duty again. December 12, moved camp across the river, and camped two miles south of the river between the Hardin and Charlotte pikes. December 13 and 14, in camp.
December 15, by the direction of the general commanding the division the brigade moved out at daylight from camp across the field, on the right of the Hardin pike, two miles, forming dismounted on the right of the infantry under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith. The led horses were placed in the rear of their respective regiments, with the exception of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Col. George Spalding commanding, which regiment I kept mounted for a charge, should an opportunity present. An hour was spent in regulating the line of infantry and cavalry, when the advance was ordered, and all moved forward, presenting a most magnificent spectacle. We had not proceeded far when we crossed the Hardin pike, where a wagon train was discovered still in sight moving south, and Col. George Spalding was sent in pursuit. After traveling eight miles he came upon the rear guard and charged on it, capturing some twenty wagons, with teams, &c., complete, some forty prisoners, and a large amount of plunder, belonging to the rebel General Chalmers' headquarters. My brigade formed on the extreme right of the infantry, with directions to conform to their movements, which were in a large circle and caused lively marching for the men, as the distance traveled by them was much farther than that of the infantry. After marching for three miles, much of the time at a double-quick, I formed my brigade on the left flank of the enemy, one mile and a quarter to the left of the Hardin pike. Passing my battery to my right flank, where a favorable opportunity offered to enfilade the enemy's lines, the Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa were directed to support the battery. My artillery had discharged but a few shots at the redoubt when it was rapidly replied to. A lively fire was kept up on both sides for an hour with but few casualties. The command moved forward until within 500 yards of the enemy's works, when General Hatch directed me to charge and take the nearest redoubt. The regiments engaged in this charge were as follows: Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Maj. John M. Graham commanding, on the right; the Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. C. C. Horton, and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. Joseph W. Harper commanding, in order, on the left of the Seventh Illinois; and the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieut. Col. John Lynch commanding, on the left of the brigade and closed up to the right of the infantry. In making the charge the right wing of the brigade had an open field, with nothing to impede their progress save two stone fences, while the left wing had a heavy thicket to pass through. At the word "Forward!" stone [fences and] thickets were very slight impediments in the way of this veteran brigade. The enemy, discovering the movement, changed their little messengers of shell to grape and canister, accompanied by heavy musketry from the infantry support behind their works. As I rode along the line I found each regiment competing with the others to reach the redoubt. So near the same time did each regiment reach the redoubt that it was difficult for some time to ascertain who was the first to reach the prize. All acted nobly, and are entitled to the highest praise, under the circumstances, for their efforts to be the first. The evidence, carefully examined, awards to Second Lieut. George W. Budd, of Company G, Second Iowa Cavalry, and his company, the honor of being the first to scale the rebel works and take possession of the rebel cannon, which were four in number—Napoleons. On reaching the inside of the works he drew his saber upon the cannoneers and forced them to discharge the last load intended for the Federals on their own friends, then in plain view on the east side of the fort, not 500 yards distant. As the command took possession of this point a rebel battery opened from another redoubt, 600 yards distant, situated upon the top of a bluff some 200 feet high and protected by strong earth-works. General Hatch ordered me to charge the hill without delay. This order was promptly obeyed by all my command, officers and men. The "charge" was sounded, and in twenty minutes the colors of the Second Iowa Cavalry were planted on the works by the color-bearer, Sergt. John F. Hartman, of Company F, who was mortally wounded by a musket-ball passing through the abdomen. During the charge the enemy kept up a brisk cannonading, accompanied by heavy musketry firing from the infantry within the redoubt. The long march previous, the charge in taking the first redoubt, and the short time given until the charge of the second, rendered it almost impossible for a cavalryman to move faster than a walk. So eager were the officers and men to reach the second redoubt that many fell to the ground exhausted. Lieut. Col. John Lynch, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, while at the head of his regiment gallantly leading his men, fell exhausted and was carried from the field. Many soldiers, when too tired to walk, crawled upon their hands and knees up the steep bluff to the foot of the redoubt. While my men were in the act of charging this last fort the infantry had reached within supporting distance, when I ordered my officers to pass the words, "Second Brigade, take those guns before the infantry get up!" and in less than ten minutes the work was done. Lieut. John H. Carpenter, Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was the first man who entered the redoubt, killing the officer in command of the fort, while at the same moment Sergeant Hartman planted the colors of his regiment inside the works. In honor to the brave who have fallen I should say that on arriving within some twenty yards of the redoubt I found this brave color-bearer completely exhausted and halted in advance of the line. I asked him, "Sergeant, can you put those colors upon the works?" He replied, "I can, if supported." When I called for the Second Iowa to support their colors it was done with an iron will, but the sergeant fell and was soon borne from the field. In this fort were two pieces of artillery (12-pounders), a large quantity of ammunition, and 150 prisoners. In ten minutes these guns were turned upon the enemy with such effect as to cause great confusion in their retreating columns. The prisoners and plunder had not been collected when I was ordered to continue the pursuit, leaving them in charge of the infantry. On quitting the fort, having previously instructed my regimental commanders where to form and collect their men, I mistook two regiments of the First Brigade for those of my own, and had the distinguished honor of leading them to the summit of a third hill, and shall ever remember with pleasure the gallant conduct of these men in holding that place, under a most galling fire from the enemy in front and on both right and left flanks, until the infantry came up, when they moved forward and took three pieces of artillery, from which they had driven the enemy a few moments before. These regiments, I am informed, were the Twelfth Missouri and Eleventh Indiana Cavalry. At dark I bivouacked my command near the redoubts on the Lewisburg pike.
December 16, at 10 a.m. was ordered to move my brigade out on the Lewisburg pike and support General Knipe. After advancing a mile I halted one hour, when I was ordered to move my command to the east of the pike, form in line dismounted, and move forward, in conformity with the infantry, toward the Granny White pike. The steep hills, rising abruptly from 100 to 200 feet high, and covered with thick undergrowth, rendered it almost impossible for the movement of troops even dismounted. By putting the brigade by regiments (Sixth and Ninth Illinois, Second Iowa, Seventh Illinois, and Twelfth Tennessee) in line, successively, in order from left to right, and each upon a hill, I was at last able to move forward nearly one mile, when the whole line became engaged. The brigade was skirmishing heavily when I received orders to halt and hold my position. The line was upon a high, narrow ridge, thinly wooded, but affording an excellent point to defend. During the first hour here the Seventh Illinois charged a rebel work, driving the enemy away, capturing seventy-five prisoners and a large number of small-arms, bringing the prisoners safely sway and destroying the arms. About 3 p.m. I ordered the Sixth and Ninth Illinois and Second Iowa, on my left, to commence firing at will on a fort some 500 yards distant, while two pieces of my artillery played upon it from the valley below. This, I am satisfied, had the desired effect, for the enemy commenced evacuating in a very few minutes. The whole line was then moved forward, and the Twelfth Tennessee captured some 150 prisoners. Three stand of colors were left in the hands of the infantry. On reaching the Granny White pike I was ordered to follow the enemy south, and, if possible, charge them before dark, as they were retreating in great haste. Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee, took the advance, and had not proceeded more than one mile when he made a charge, which threw them into confusion, and, by the assistance of the Ninth Illinois, who were brought up dismounted, I soon drove them from a strong position protected by a barricade of rails. The Twelfth Tennessee and Sixth and Ninth Illinois followed them to another strong position, half a mile distant, when a hand-to-hand fight took place, and lasted an hour after dark. At this place Brigadier-General Rucker was captured by Capt. Joseph C. Boyer, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, who received a severe blow on the forehead from the hand of the rebel general. In this personal contest Captain Boyer wrenched the rebel general's saber from his hand, who in turn seized and took his, when a Federal soldier, name unknown, shot the general in the arm, causing him to surrender. It was in this melee, amidst intense darkness, that the two regiments of Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Federal and Confederate, met and mixed in mad confusion, neither knowing the other save by the usual challenge, "Halt, who comes there?" Colonel Spalding, who was foremost in the charge, was halted by two Confederate soldiers, who, on hearing his answer to the challenge, grasped his horse by the reins on either side and demanded his surrender, when the colonel put spurs to his horse, and with one bound the noble animal took himself and rider beyond danger. Private Berry Watson, Company G, Twelfth Tennessee, captured and brought away General Rucker's division flag, and was promoted to sergeant by Colonel Spalding, the same night, for gallant conduct. Majors Kirwan and Bradshaw, of the Twelfth Tennessee, charged entirely through the rebel lines with their battalions, and afterward returned by passing themselves as belonging to the Twelfth Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, and in great anxiety to meet the Yankees. Camped for the night on Granny White pike, eight miles south of Nashville.
December 17, moved at daylight and continued the pursuit, following in rear of the cavalry command to Franklin, where I was ordered to move to the left on the Lewisburg pike three miles and cross over to the Columbia pike. When three miles south of Franklin we met the enemy, and I immediately formed the whole brigade and charged mounted. On reaching and driving in the rebels left the Second Iowa pressed its way around to their rear, when a hand-to-hand fight ensued, resulting in the capture of one stand of colors and several prisoners. In this engagement Sergt. John Coulter, Corpl. A. R. Heck, and Private Black, of Company K, captured and brought off a stand of division colors, after which Private Black and Corpl. A. R. Heck were killed and Sergt. John Coulter was severely wounded. The sergeant, however, succeeded in bringing away the rebel standard. Sergeant Margaretz, of Company F, same regiment, the second color-sergeant, was killed at the same place, but not until he had killed the rebel who demanded his colors. On burying the dead three Federal and five Confederate soldiers were found dead within three paces of each other. The firing in the rear, in conjunction with the brisk engagement in front, caused the enemy to fall back, and with detached portions of the brigade I continued to press his flank until dark, when I dismounted the Ninth Illinois, formed in range, and fired upon him by volleys, driving him from another position, and, in co-operation with other troops, capturing three more pieces of artillery. One of these pieces was brought off the field by the Ninth Illinois. The darkness prevented further movements, and we camped for the night seven miles below Franklin.
December 18, moved at daylight, continuing the pursuit to Spring Hill, where we found a considerable force of the enemy, and fired but a few shots, when they fell back in confusion. Camped for the night three miles south of Spring Hill. December 19, resumed the march at 7 a.m., and continued to Rutherford's Creek, where we dismounted, marched by the right flank one mile, and succeeded in crossing the Sixth Illinois on the wreck of the burnt railroad bridge, when the fragments floated away and the balance of my command were compelled to ford the stream some distance above. Moved two miles below on the enemy's flank, the Sixth Illinois skirmishing until dark; then the command encamped for the night. December 20, at daylight were again in motion down Rutherford's Creek. Marched nearly two miles, when I was ordered to dismount my command and construct a crossing from the fragment of a railroad bridge which the rebels had destroyed the day previous. This work was completed, and my command across at 12 m., and the pursuit again resumed. The Seventh and Ninth Illinois were dismounted and deployed on foot, while the remainder of the brigade followed mounted to Duck River, opposite Columbia. On arriving here found the enemy had crossed his rear guard in comparative safety at 4 a.m., leaving a small party, with a piece of artillery, as rear guard in the town upon the opposite side. A light skirmish between the above-named regiments and the enemy, accompanied by light cannonading from both sides, closed the operations of the day, when the command encamped to await the arrival of the pontoons. During the skirmish the Seventh Illinois discovered where the enemy had abandoned four pieces of artillery by tumbling it into Duck River over the abutment of the old bridge. It was afterward taken out by the infantry.
December 21 and 22, the main part of my command remained in camp two miles northeast of Columbia. One battalion of the Second Iowa, Capt. Samuel Foster, Company M, commanding, was sent on the Shelbyville pike in pursuit of a party of rebels, who were reported escaping with two pieces of artillery. The captain succeeded in capturing them without resistance, after a day's march, and also found six ambulances and three wagons in poor condition. December 23, crossed the Duck River, and encamped five miles south of Columbia on the Pulaski pike. December 24, marched with the division, in rear of General Croxton's command, as far as Lynnville, when my brigade was ordered to march by the left flank, to gain the rear of the enemy's lines, and drive him from a strong position on Richland Creek, but was prevented by the unfordable condition of Richland Creek, when I dismounted my command and engaged the enemy at long range for half an hour. During this skirmish the rebel General Buford was wounded by the Seventh Illinois. Camped for the night. December 25, marched with the division, in rear of Colonel Harrison's and General Hammond's commands, reaching Pulaski at 11 a.m., and passing beyond some six miles, when the enemy was found in force. A light skirmish ensued when the advance was repulsed. My brigade was immediately dismounted, and after a heavy skirmish of an hour drove the enemy from a strong position protected by a barricade of rails, and encamped for the night. December 26, marched in rear of General Hammond's command to Sugar Creek, and encamped for the night. December 27, sent Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry; with a detachment of the best mounted men of each regiment (500 men in all), in the direction of Bainbridge, to ascertain the movements of the enemy. December 28, moved with the command to Blue Water, via Livingston, where we encamped for the night. Remained in camp during the 29th and 30th, having learned that the enemy had effected a crossing of the Tennessee River at Bainbridge. December 31, marched to Elk River on the Huntsville road; camped on opposite and east side, after much difficulty in crossing. The stream high for fording.
January 1, reached Athens, Ala., at 2 p.m., and camped five miles beyond. January 2, left bivouac at 4 a.m. for Huntsville, but were halted by a staff officer five miles on the road, who informed me that our destination had been changed from Huntsville, Ala., to Waterloo, opposite Eastport, Miss. I countermarched my command and camped at Perran's plantation, five miles southeast of Athens. January 3, moved camp from Perran's plantation to Widow West's, where I was ordered to rest my horses and shoe as many as possible. January 4, 5, and 6 were spent in shoeing horses and resting them from the fatigues of the last campaign. January 7, marched for Waterloo, where we arrived on Wednesday, the 11th, at sunset, having traveled a distance of some eighty-five miles, in a most disagreeable state of weather as well as of roads; the weather cold and the mud frozen and in places very deep. After remaining in bivouac opposite Eastport some three days, by order of the brevet major-general commanding the corps I moved to this camp on the 14th day of the month.
In conclusion I must say that the campaign and labors of the brigade have been endured by the officers and soldiers with unparalleled fortitude. They have been subject to all the privations that soldiers are heir to, and without eliciting the least complaint. An army made of such material, veterans of nearly three years' standing, can accomplish what the world never before witnessed.
I am happy to mention the names of my staff—First Lieut. John H. Avery, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, acting assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. Sidney O. Roberts, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, provost-marshal; First Lieut. Thomas J. Cox, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general; First Lieut. Samuel J. Dangler, Second Iowa Cavalry, ambulance officer; First Lieut. Henry B. Ludlow, Second Iowa Cavalry, acting assistant quartermaster First Lieut. E. A. Davenport, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, acting commissary of subsistence—for the worthy and efficient manner in which they discharged their duties.
The conduct of the officers and men hi every regiment and company was of the most soldierly character, and were I allowed the space I would gladly mention many officers and hundreds of soldiers whose bravery is worthy of personal compliment in this respect.
I should do injustice were I to omit to mention the important service rendered my brigade by Company I, First Illinois Light Artillery, from the time it reported to me at Nashville up to the present, and especially in the battle of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, and at Franklin, on the 17th, in shelling the enemy from the fort on the north side of town, and also at the fight that night at the Little Harpeth, also at Spring Hill, Rutherford's Creek, and Columbia. The officers and men conducted themselves in the most gallant style, always delivering their messages to the enemy with astonishing accuracy.
Chief of Staff to Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch, Comdg. 5th Div.
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. 580-94
