Showing posts with label Battle of Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battle of Franklin. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: January 21, 1865

A dark, cold, sleety day, with rain. Troopers and scouts from the army have icicles hanging from their hats and caps, and their clothes covered with frost, and dripping.

The Examiner this morning says very positively that Mr. Secretary Seddon has resigned. Not a word about Messrs. Benjamin and Mallory—yet. The recent action of Congress is certainly a vote of censure, with great unanimity.

It is said Congress, in secret session, has decreed the purchase of all the cotton and tobacco! The stable locked after the horse is gone! If it had been done in 1861—

Mr. Secretary Trenholm is making spasmodic efforts to mend the currency—selling cotton and tobacco to foreign (Yankee) agents for gold and sterling bills, and buying Treasury notes at the market depreciation. For a moment he has reduced the price of gold from $80 to $50 for $1; but the flood will soon overwhelm all opposition, sweeping every obstruction away.

The Federal papers say they got 2500 prisoners at Fort Fisher.

It is said the President refuses to accept Mr. Seddon's resignation.

A rumor has sprung up to the effect that Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, has also resigned. If this be so, it will soon produce a great commotion among detailed and exempted men all over the country. Rumors fly thick these dark days. It is a good time, however, for some to resign. The President has need even of incompetent men, and may beg them to remain, etc., and thus they are flattered. But if they really feel that the ship is sinking, they will endeavor to jump ashore, notwithstanding the efforts made to retain them. And then, if the ship should not sink, manned by different men!

I hear nothing more about Gen. Breckinridge as Mr. Seddon's successor, but he is the guest of the old lawyer, G. A. Myers; and it is not probable he is bestowing his bread and meat, in such times as these, for nothing. He has made a fortune, and knows how to increase it—and even ̧ Gen. B. would never be the wiser.

We have at last a letter from Gen. Hood, narrating the battle of Franklin, Tenn. He says he lost about 4500 men—enemy's loss not stated. Failure of Gen. Cheatham to execute an order the day before, prevented him from routing the enemy. His account of the battle of Nashville I have not yet seen—but know enough about it.

Both the Secretary and his Assistant have been pretty constantly engaged, for some time past, in granting passports beyond our lines, and generally into those of the enemy.

Congress has passed an act allowing reserve forces to be ordered anywhere. Upon the heels of this, Governor Smith notifies the Secretary of War that the two regiments of second class militia here, acting with the reserves, shall no longer be under the orders of Gen. Kemper. He means to run a tilt against the President, whereby Richmond may be lost! Now "Tray, Blanche, and Sweetheart, bark at him."

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2p. 393-4

Friday, February 23, 2024

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 5.—Itineraries of the U.S. Forces under the command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.

No. 5.
Itineraries of the U.S. Forces under the command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army.§

FOURTH ARMY CORPS.

First Division.

November 1 to 4.—En route from Chattanooga to Pulaski, via Athens, Ala.. proceeding by rail as far as the latter place. The First Brigade was detailed at Chattanooga to guard corps trains through, and with it arrived at Pulaski on the 12th instant. On arrival at Pulaski the division was thrown into position on a range of hills north of the town. The work of fortifying at once commenced and continued until the 23d.

November 23.—Orders were received and division proceeded to Lynnville, encamping for the night; early next morning broke camp and started for Columbia, arriving there the same evening.

November 25.—Took position, which, however, was changed at night; remained here until the morning of the 27th, when the division was withdrawn to the north side of the river. General Kimball rejoined division and assumed command.

November 28.—In the forenoon occupied a position on the Franklin pike.

November 29.—Moved to Spring Hill.

November 30.—Arrived at Franklin in the morning and went into position, with right of division resting on the Harpeth River; threw up earth-works and prepared to meet the enemy, who attacked at 5.30 p.m. The enemy charged the works twice, but were each time easily repulsed; evacuated works at night; crossed the river and proceeded to Nashville. The division lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 60 during the fight.

December 1.—Arrived at Nashville and were thrown into temporary position.

December 2.—The enemy appeared in our front, and the division was placed permanently in a new position, and threw up strong works, where we remained until the morning of the 15th.

December 14.—Orders were received in the evening to march at 6 a.m. on the 15th to attack the enemy.

December 15.—Moved out as per order and attacked the enemy with decided success; were heavily engaged during the day until darkness ended the day's work.

December 16.—The battle was resumed, ending in the complete defeat of the enemy, who retreated to Franklin during the night.

December 17.—Pushed forward after the fleeing enemy, picking up during the day large numbers of stragglers and deserters. Participated in the pursuit of the panic-stricken enemy through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski, to Lexington, Ala., when we received the announcement that the pursuit of the enemy was for the present ended.

December 30.—Received orders to proceed to Athens, Ala., and started next morning for that place, halting at Elk River, awaiting the completion of the bridge across that stream.

Loss of the division during the month [December] was as follows: Killed, 40; wounded, 191.

January 1, 1865.—Arrived at Elk River in the afternoon and went into camp to await the building of a bridge across that stream.

January 3.—Bridge completed; division crossed and marched to Athens, Ala., arriving in the evening.

January 4.—Marched at 7 a.m. for Huntsville, Ala., and encamped four miles southwest of the city.

January 5.—Arrived at Huntsville, Ala., at 10 a.m., and went into camp about one mile east of the city, where the men have built comfortable quarters, and where the division has since remained.

First Brigade, First Division.

November —Left camp at Shellmound, Ala., with corps wagon train, which we were guarding to Pulaski, Tenn.

November 12.—Arrived at Pulaski; took position and fortified, remaining there until the morning of the 23d, when we broke camp, marching toward Columbia.

November 24.—Arrived at Columbia; took position and remained there until the evening of the 27th, when we crossed Duck River and took up position.

November 29.—Marched in the evening toward Franklin, Tenn., via Spring Hill.

November 30.—Arrived at Franklin at 12 m., where we threw up temporary breast-works and were attacked by the enemy, repulsing them. A portion of the brigade were heavily engaged. Left position at Franklin at midnight for Nashville.

December 1.—Arrived at Nashville, Tenn.; remained in camp there until the morning of the 15th, when we advanced on the enemy and were heavily engaged.

December 16.—Were in the reserve of the division until the rout of the enemy, when we marched in pursuit via Franklin, Columbia, Pulaski, Tenn., and Lexington, Ala.

January 1, 1865.—Broke camp and moved to Elk River, remaining there until noon of the 3d, when we crossed the river and marched to Athens, Ala.

January 4.—Moved from Athens in the [morning], camping on Indian Creek.

January 5.—Moved to Huntsville, Ala.; went into camp one mile and a half from town, where we are at the present time.

Second Brigade, First Division.

November 1.—Arrived at Athens, Ala., per cars from Chattanooga, Tenn.

November 2.—Marched at 6 a.m., and encamped at Elkton.

November 3.—Reached Pulaski, Tenn., and went into camp; built fortifications and remained until the 23d, when the brigade marched toward Columbia and encamped at Lynnville.

November 24.—Marched to Columbia.

November 25.—Built a line of works.

November 27.—On night of this date crossed to north side of Duck River.

November 28.—Marched to Rutherford's Creek and built bridge across the stream.

November 29.—Marched to Spring Hill.

November 30.—Brought up rear guard to Franklin, Tenn.; went into position on the right of the line and erected works; assaulted by the enemy in force; enemy repulsed; crossed to the north side of Harpeth River at 12 o'clock at night.

December 1.—Marched from Franklin, Tenn., to Nashville; lay in camp at that place until the 15th instant.

December 15 and 16.—Engaged in the battle of Nashville. This brigade charged the enemy's works and captured them, with four guns and 400 prisoners.

December 17.—Commenced the pursuit of Hood's army, which was continued until the 31st, when it was abandoned at Lexington, Ala.

January 1, 1865.—Moved into camp upon a ridge near Elk River to await construction of a bridge.

January 3.—Crossed the river; marched to Athens; camped over night.

January 4.—Resumed the march; made twenty miles, and camped five miles from Huntsville.

January 5.—Reached Huntsville early, and went into quarters one mile east of town.

Third Brigade, First Division.

November 1.—Brigade remained at Athens during the day waiting orders. Orders came at 5 p.m., from Major-General Stanley, to move the command to Pulaski at once, but owing to the non-arrival of General Whitaker, commanding division, and the necessity of issuing rations to the men, the brigade did not move until daylight the next morning.

November 2.—Brigade moved at daylight in the advance of the division; marched to Elk River and forded the same just at sundown, and encamped one mile beyond.

November 3.—Brigade marched in rear of division to Pulaski.

November 4 to 23.—Encamped at Pulaski and fortified the position.

November 23.—Orders were received at 10 a.m. to be ready to move at 12 m. This brigade was detailed as rear guard, with orders to march at 3 o'clock the next morning. Changed position during the afternoon and destroyed a small amount of commissary stores, which we were unable to transport. During the evening orders were received from General Stanley to march at 12 o'clock, midnight, after destroying quite an amount of ammunition, provided no train came to transport it to Columbia. The train failing to come, the order was promptly executed, and the brigade marched at 1 a.m. the next morning.

November 24.—The brigade arrived at Columbia at 7 p.m.

November 25.—Took position, built a line of earthworks, had slight skirmishing on our picket front, and at 7 p.m. received orders and changed position to the northeastern limits of the city, where we found a partially completed line of works.

November 26.—Strengthened our works, and near evening received orders to move at a moment's notice, and about 9 p.m. the order was countermanded.

November 27.—Continued to perfect our works; received orders and the brigade marched at 8 p.m.; crossed the Duck River, encamping one mile beyond.

November 28.—Moved at 8 a.m., taking position on the Franklin pike, and erected a line of works.

November 29.—Moved toward Spring Hill. During our march Colonel Waters, commanding brigade, was relieved by General Grose. We took position on a range of hills on the Franklin pike, and threw up temporary works. At 11 p.m. passed Spring Hill; arrived at Franklin next morning.

November 30.—Took position on the right of the Centerville pike; threw up a line of earthworks and prepared to meet the enemy, who were advancing upon us in two lines, at 5.30 p.m.; they were quickly repulsed, with slight loss to the brigade. Lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 37.

December 1.—Arrived at Nashville during the forenoon, and went into camp.

December 2.—The enemy made his appearance; we took temporary position; threw up a line of earth-works; were ordered to a new position, where we erected strong works.

December 3.—The enemy advanced upon us with skirmishers; drove in our pickets, who in turn pushed them back, and occupied their former position.

December 4 and 5.—All quiet along the lines, except the usual picket-firing.

December 6.—Information was received that General Hood was calling for volunteers to assault our works. Increased vigilance was kept up, and dispositions made to meet the attack, but it was not made.

December 7.—Nothing unusual occurred.

December 8.—Enemy drove in our pickets, and occupied their line of works, but by rallying our skirmishers and charging the enemy we retook and held our rifle-pits.

December 9 to 14.—Continued strengthening our works.

December 14.—Received orders to march the next morning.

December 15.—Marched according to orders; engaged the enemy and fought until after dark, capturing many prisoners.

December 16.—Again engaged the enemy at different times during the entire day, meeting with still greater success than the day previous.

December 17.—Pursued the enemy as far as Franklin, Tenn.

December 18.—Again pushed forward at an early hour in the morning; pursued vigorously all day, but failed to overtake the enemy.

December 19.—Marched at 9 a.m.; reached Rutherford's Creek during the afternoon, and occupied the remainder of the day constructing a bridge..

December 20.—-Completed the bridge, and moved as far as Duck River.

December 22.—Lay in camp until this date; crossed the river in the evening, and occupied Columbia, where we encamped for the night.

December 23 to 25.—Pursued the enemy, passing through and encamping three miles south of Pulaski on the last-named day.

December 26.—Lay in camp waiting for rations.

December 27.—Marched to Sugar Creek.

December 28.—Reached Lexington, Ala., and remained in camp until the night of the 31st.

January 1, 1865.—Arrived at Elk River during the afternoon; went into camp, and commenced building a bridge.

January 2.—Continued working on the bridge; also constructed rafts, upon which we succeeded in crossing two regiments.

January 3.—Crossed another regiment on the raft, by which time the bridge was completed, over which the remainder of the brigade was crossed. We then marched to Athens, where we arrived at sundown, and camped for the night.

January 4.—Marched at 7 a.m. for Huntsville; went within four miles of the city and went into camp.

January 5.—Arrived at Huntsville at 10 a.m., and went into camp about one mile east of town, where we built comfortable quarters, where we have since remained.

Second Division.

November 1.—Broke camp at Chattanooga, and division embarked on trains for Athens, Ala., at which place it arrived at daylight of the 2d; disembarked and marched three miles north; encamped on Swan Creek.

November 3.—Marched to Roaring Spring.

November 4.—Crossed Elk River and marched to within four miles of Pulaski.

November 5.—Entered Pulaski in the morning, and was placed in position in the lines around the town, where a strong line of works was constructed.

November 27.—Evacuated the town of Columbia and crossed Duck River after dark.

November 28.—Was placed in position on the Franklin pike, fronting the town of Columbia.

November 29.—Marched to Spring Hill and took up a position to cover the Franklin pike. At 4 p.m. the enemy attacked our lines, and after an hour's severe fighting succeeded in driving back the Third Brigade, which was on the right of the line, to the pike, not, however, until the entire wagon train of the corps had passed into the town.

November 30.—An hour before daylight the division withdrew from the position around Spring Hill; covered the retreat of the army to Franklin, at which place two brigades were placed in position in front of the main line of works, with the First Brigade in reserve behind the works. About 4 p.m. the enemy attacked the two brigades in front, falling back to the works by order. After engaging the enemy from five to ten minutes at the works the troops were rallied, and, with the First Brigade, assisted in repulsing the enemy. The division captured 733 prisoners and 12 battle-flags.

December 1 to 15.—The division remained intrenched before Nashville, its right joining the troops commanded by Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith and its left connecting with the Third Division of the Fourth Army Corps.

December 15.—The division participated in the assault upon the left and center of Hood's army, carrying the rebel works in its front, and capturing flags, prisoners, and three pieces of artillery.

December 16.—In the continuation of the assault the division again carried the opposing intrenchments, with prisoners and colors, bivouacking at night near Brentwood Pass, on the Franklin pike.

December 17.—The division continued in pursuit of the enemy, with the remainder of the Fourth Corps, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski to Lexington, Ala., where it encamped at the close of the month.

January 1, 1865.—The division marched from Lexington to Mount Rozell, Ala., where it remained in camp until the 3d.

January 3.—On that day the division crossed Elk River at Buck Island; thence it marched, via Athens, to Huntsville, Ala., arriving there on the 5th. The First and Second Brigades encamped west of the town. Huts were constructed, and the troops are comfortably settled in winter quarters. The Third Brigade was ordered to Decatur, Ala., to re-enforce its garrison, and left Huntsville January [6] for that point, where it remained, at the close of the month.

First Brigade, Second Division.

November 1.—At 7 a.m. the brigade left Chattanooga by railroad; passed Stevenson at 12 m., Huntsville at 10 p.m., and arrived at Athens before daylight the next morning.

November 2 to 6.—Marched to Pulaski, Tenn.; remained at Pulaski, intrenching, &c.

November 22.—Marched twelve miles to Lynnville, Tenn.

November 24.—Marched eighteen miles to Columbia, Tenn.

November 29.—Marched to Spring Hill; eighteen miles.

November 30.—Marched twelve miles to Franklin; was rear guard for the army; was placed in reserve; when Cox's division broke charged and filled up the gap. Loss, 216 killed, wounded, and missing. Saved the army from destruction.

December 1 to 15.—The brigade lay behind the defenses of Nashville, Tenn., watching the movements of Mr. Hood.

December 15 and 16.—We co-operated in assaulting the enemy's works.

December 17 to 28.—The brigade was engaged in the pursuit of the fleeing rebel army. We marched through Franklin and Spring Hill on the 18th, through Columbia on the 22d, Pulaski on the 25th, and on the 28th, when the pursuit was abandoned, we were farthest in the advance of the infantry—two miles below Lexington, Ala., where we remained in bivouac during the remainder of the month.

January 1 to 5, 1865.—The brigade was marching from Elk River to this place. Since that time the entire command has been in winter quarters at this place, &c.

Second Brigade, Second Division.

November 1.—The brigade reached Stevenson, Ala., and moved by railroad to Athens, Ala.; marched thence to Pulaski, Tenn., where it remained engaged in fortifying until the 22d, when we marched to Lynnville and from there to Columbia. The enemy threatening the latter place, our position near the town was fortified.

November 27.—At night crossed to north side of Duck River.

November 28.—Took position opposite the town.

November 29.—Resumed line of march toward Nashville. When nearing Spring Hill the enemy's cavalry was discovered approaching the place. We double-quicked into position, and drove them about half a mile, and remained in position around the town.

November 30.—At 4 a.m. we withdrew to Franklin, and were engaged in the bloody battle at that place, in which the brigade lost over 25 per cent. The same night we withdrew to near Nashville, where the end of the month finds us.

December 2.—The brigade encamped on the right of the Hillsborough turnpike, about two miles from Nashville. The enemy threatening our position, a line of works was thrown up, behind which we remained until the 15th, when the general assault was made on the enemy's lines. The position of this brigade was on the left of the division.

December 15.—Took part in the storming of the strong redoubts to the left of the Hillsborough pike.

December 16.—Charged a heavy line of works near the Franklin pike, both of which positions were carried, with the capture of a number of guns and prisoners, and without serious loss to ourselves. The brigade has taken part in the pursuit of the enemy from Nashville, through Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski, Tenn, to Lexington, Ala., where the end of the month finds it.

Third Division.

November 1.—Command arrived at Pulaski, Tenn., having marched twenty-five miles that day. The division assisted in fortifying the heights in the vicinity of Pulaski, and remained in camp near that place until 3 p.m. of the 23d, when it marched in the direction of Columbia, Tenn., to Lynnville, fourteen miles from Pulaski.

November 24—Marched to Columbia; went into position and threw up works.

November 28.—The division, with the army, evacuated Columbia, and went into position on the north bank of Duck River.

November 30.—At night the division marched through Spring Hill; passed within 500 yards of the camp of the enemy to Franklin. Next night the division covered the retreat of the army from Franklin to Nashville.

December 1.—The division reached Nashville, took up the position assigned it for the defense of the city, and immediately intrenched; remained in this position, with daily skirmishes with the enemy's pickets, until the 15th.

December 15 and 16.—Participated in the battle, carrying three lines of works. Met with one repulse on the 16th, but carried the same line thirty minutes later.

December 17.—Was engaged in the pursuit of Hood up to the end of the month.

December 31.—In Lexington, Ala.; in the evening encamped four miles from Buck Island Ford en route for Huntsville, Ala.

January 1, 1865.—The command marched to Elk River, near Buck Island, and stopped to bridge that stream.

January 3.—The bridge being completed by 12 m., the command crossed and marched to Athens, Ala., distance eleven miles; from there marched to Huntsville, Ala.

January 5.—Arrived and passing through Huntsville, marched four miles south, where a regular camp was established; remained in camp the remainder of the month.

First Brigade, Third Division.

December 1.—Marched from Franklin, Tenn., to Nashville, Tenn., arriving there at 3 p.m., and went into camp; remained in camp until the 15th, during which time threw up a line of works on the hill in front of Mrs. Acklen's residence, the pickets skirmishing with those of the enemy during our time in camp.

December 15.—Was in readiness to move at 6.30 o'clock, but did not march until 12 m., when the battle of Nashville, on our part, commenced. The brigade assisted in carrying the first and second lines of the enemy's works, and rested in line of battle during the night.

December 16.—Renewed the battle; the brigade was ordered to support Colonel Post's (Second) brigade in a charge on the enemy's works on the Franklin pike. Both brigades were repulsed, with severe loss. From this date until the 28th the brigade was in pursuit of the enemy.

December 20.—The brigade was detailed to assist in bridging Duck River.

December 28.—The pursuit was abandoned at Lexington, Ala., where we remained until the morning of the 31st, when we marched for Huntsville, Ala.

Second Brigade, Third Division.

November 1.—Arrived at Pulaski, Tenn., from Athens, Ala.; in camp at Pulaski until the 22d.

November 22.—The brigade marched toward Columbia.

November 24.—Arrived at Columbia, distance thirty-three miles. Threw up works and remained at Columbia until the night of the 27th, when the brigade crossed Duck River and took position on the north bank.

November 29.—Made a reconnaissance down the river, and marched the same night to Spring Hill.

November 30.—Marched to Franklin, Tenn.

December 1.—Left Franklin, Tenn., and marched to Nashville; entered camp three miles from the city.

December 15.—Took part in general engagement before Nashville; brigade made two charges and was successful, capturing a number of prisoners.

December 16.—Brigade in action in charge on Overton's Knob. Colonel Post was wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Veteran Infantry, assumed command.

December 17.—Marched to Franklin.

December 18.—Marched to Spring Hill.

December 19.—Marched to Rutherford's Creek.

December 21.—Marched to Columbia.

December 25.—Marched three miles beyond Pulaski.

December 27.—Marched ten miles.

December 28.—Marched to Lexington.

Artillery Brigade.

Artillery Brigade shipped at 2 p.m., at Chattanooga, Tenn., by railroad, to Athens, Ala.

November 3.—Arrived at Athens at 2 a.m.; marched four miles, and encamped six miles from Elk River.

November 4.—Marched eighteen miles; encamped three miles south of Pulaski, on Pilton Creek.

November 5.—Marched three miles, and encamped at Pulaski, Tenn.

November 7.—Batteries were assigned their positions in the fortification around Pulaski.

November 23.—Marched at 3 p.m. on the Columbia pike; marched fourteen miles, and encamped at Lynnville.

November 24.—Marched at 2 a.m. nineteen miles to Columbia; arrived at 1 p.m. Batteries A and G, First Ohio Light Artillery, were placed in positions southwest of Columbia, on line of Second Division, Fourth Army Corps; Sixth Ohio Battery and Bridges' (Illinois) battery placed in position south of Columbia, covering Pulaski pike on line of Third Division, Fourth Army Corps.

November 25.—All the batteries placed in positions at different points on the line.

November 26.—Sixth Ohio Battery engaged the enemy at different times during the day; no casualties. Batteries were all withdrawn from the line at dark, and encamped some two miles from Columbia, on the Hampshire pike.

November 27.—All the batteries moved back and occupied their former positions on the line at daylight. Bridges' (Illinois) battery engaged the enemy at different times during the day; no casualties. At dark all were withdrawn from the line and moved across Duck River at ford on Nashville pike, and encamped two miles from Columbia.

November 28.—Batteries were placed on the line formed north of Columbia.

November 29.—Batteries A and G, First Ohio Light Artillery; Sixth and Twentieth Ohio Batteries; M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, and B, Independent Pennsylvania Battery, marched at 8 a.m. twelve miles to Spring Hill, where Batteries A and G, Ohio, and B, Pennsylvania, engaged the enemy with Second Division, Fourth Army Corps. Casualties, 1 man killed and 3 wounded.

November 30.—Bridges' battery and First Kentucky Battery joined the brigade at 12.30 a.m. Brigade moved at 2 a.m. on Nashville pike. When some ten miles from Nashville the enemy's cavalry made an effort to cut the train, when the Sixth Ohio Battery and one section Twentieth Ohio Battery were thrown into position and fired a few rounds, driving them back; casualties, none. Brigade reached Franklin at 9 a.m.; marched nineteen miles. At 3 p.m. all the batteries were placed in position on the line around Franklin. At 4 p.m. all the batteries were engaged with the enemy and continued to fire until 7 p.m., when the brigade withdrew from the line and crossed Harpeth River, and parked some two miles from Franklin. Casualties—9 killed; Second Lieutenant Burdick, Twentieth Ohio Battery (mortally), Capt. T. S. Thomas-son, First Kentucky Battery (slightly), Lieut. C. W. Scovill (slightly), and 47 enlisted men, wounded.

December 1.—Artillery Brigade moved at 1 o'clock and marched eighteen miles.

December 2.—Encamped near Nashville at 9 a.m.; moved camp one mile to the Granny White pike at 10 a.m. Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, Buttery B, Pennsylvania, and First Kentucky Battery placed in position on front line at 2 p.m.

December 3.—All the batteries placed on the line this morning; Sixth Ohio Battery and Bridges' battery fired considerably during the afternoon at the advancing lines of the enemy.

December 4.—Batteries A and G, First Ohio, the Sixth Ohio, and Bridges' battery engaged at different times during the day; enemy fires but little with artillery.

December 6.—Battery G, First Ohio, the Sixth Ohio, and Bridges' battery fired at different times during the day.

December 7.—But little firing from either side; Battery G, First Ohio, and Bridges' battery fired a few rounds.

December 8.—Enemy drove in our skirmish line, but were soon driven back; Sixth Ohio Battery, Bridges' battery, and First Kentucky Battery fired some during the day.

December 9.—No firing from any of the batteries.

December 10.—No artillery firing.

December 11.—No artillery firing.

December 12.—No alterations in the brigade.

December 13.—Bridges' battery and Battery A, First Ohio, relieved from duty with the brigade by Battery E, First Michigan, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery. No artillery firing to-day.

December 14.—Sixth Ohio Battery fired some during the day; orders at 9 p.m. for everything to be ready to move at daylight in the morning.

December 15.—Battery B, Pennsylvania, moved with First Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with Second Division, Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, with the Third Division; was engaged all the afternoon; Battery E, First Michigan, was moved onto the front line in the evening and engaged the enemy; Sixth Ohio and Twenty-fifth Indiana were engaged at different times during the day from the works. Casualties, 1 man killed, 1 wounded, of Battery G, First Ohio. All quiet at 7 p.m.

December 16.—Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First Division, Sixth Ohio Battery, with the Third Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with the Second Division, engaged all day. The First Kentucky Battery moved on the line at 10 a.m.; engaged until evening. Battery B, Pennsylvania, had two pieces disabled by artillery fire; was relieved from the line at 12 m., by Battery M, Fourth United States; was engaged until dark. Drove the enemy and marched some three miles, and encamped at 10 p.m. on Franklin pike.

December 17.—First Kentucky Battery, with First Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with Second Division, Sixth Ohio Battery, with Third Division, and Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, moved at 7 a.m.; the remainder of brigade moved at 8 a.m.; marched thirteen miles, and encamped at 5 p.m. near Franklin, Tenn.

December 18.—First Kentucky Battery, with First Division, E, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery with Third Division, moved at 7 a.m.; remainder of the brigade moved at 9 a.m.; marched on Columbia pike nineteen miles, and encamped at 6.30 p.m.

December 19.—Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First Division, Battery E, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Sixth Ohio, with Third Division, moved at 7 a.m.; remainder of brigade moved at 9 a.m. one mile and a half, and encamped at 12 m.

December 20.—Battery G, First Ohio, in position at Rutherford's Creek; no bridges, and water too high to ford.

December 21.—Pontoons came up at 2 p.m.; Battery G, First Ohio, Battery E, First Michigan, and First Kentucky Battery ordered to cross as soon as the pontoons were laid, to assist in laying a pontoon across Duck River.

December 22.—Battery G, First Ohio, Battery E, First Michigan, and First Kentucky Battery crossed at 5 a.m., and parked on the north side of Duck River; remainder of the brigade moved at daylight; crossed Rutherford's Creek; marched four miles, and encamped with advance batteries near Duck River at 10 a.m.; pontoons finished at 7 p.m., infantry of Fourth Army Corps crossing, the brigade to follow in the rear.

December 23.—Brigade commenced crossing at 12.30 a.m.; crossing very bad. The Sixth Ohio Battery, Battery G, First Ohio, and First Kentucky Battery, and Battery E, First Michigan, and one piece of Battery B, Pennsylvania, crossed, when the bridge broke; at daylight the cavalry was ordered to cross before the other batteries. The First Kentucky Battery moved with First Division, Battery G, First Ohio, with Second Division, Sixth Ohio, with Third Division, moved at 12 m. Battery E, First Michigan, moved, in the rear of the corps, at 5 p.m. Marched three miles, and encamped at 6.30 p.m. First Kentucky Battery fired a few rounds at the enemy's cavalry.

December 24.—The corps ordered to move after the cavalry, and move in the same order as yesterday. The remainder of the brigade joined the command at 10 a.m.; moved at 2 p.m.; marched seventeen miles, and encamped at 8 p.m. near Lynnville.

December 25.—Sixth Ohio Battery, with Third Division, Battery E, First Michigan, with Second Division, and Battery B, Pennsylvania, with First Division, moved at 9 a.m.; Sixth Ohio Battery moved on. The brigade halted at Pulaski, and Sixth Ohio Battery, First Kentucky Battery, Battery G, First Ohio, and Twenty-fifth Indiana, fitted up from Battery B, Pennsylvania, Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, and Battery E, First Michigan, with eight horses to each carriage, then moved on some two miles and a half on the Lamb's Ferry road, and encamped at 10 p.m.

December 26.—Battery B, Pennsylvania, Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, and Battery E, First Michigan, remained in camp at Pulaski.

December 27.—Battery G, First Ohio, Sixth Ohio Battery, Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery, and First Kentucky moved with the corps; marched fifteen miles, and encamped at Sugar Creek.

December 28.—Marched eighteen miles, and encamped at Lexington, Ala.

December 31.—Marched sixteen miles, and encamped at Sugar Creek, Ala.

January 2, 1865.—Battery G, First Ohio, and Sixth Ohio Battery, and Twenty-fifth Indiana Battery, and First Kentucky Battery moved with the corps; marched fifteen miles, and encamped at Athens.

January 3.—Marched eighteen miles, and encamped at Indian Creek.

January 4.—Marched six miles, and encamped at Huntsville, Ala.

January 10.—Battery B, Independent Pennsylvania, and Battery M, Fourth U.S. Artillery, and Battery E, First Michigan, marched from Pulaski, Tenn.; marched nineteen miles and encamped at Elk Mount Springs, Tenn.

January 11.—Marched nineteen miles, and encamped at 4 p.m.

January 12.—Marched eight miles, and encamped at Huntsville, Ala.

TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS.

Saturday, November 5.—Started for Johnsonville, Tenn., at 5 p.m.; reached Gillem's Station, fifty-one miles, at daybreak of the next day.

Sunday, November 6.—Left Gillem's Station in afternoon and reached Johnsonville about 7 p.m.

Monday, November 7.—Left Johnsonville about noon and reached Nashville about 11 p.m. In Nashville until Sunday, 13th November.

Sunday, November 13.—Left for Pulaski at 10 a.m., reaching it at 9 p.m. Staid in Pulaski until Wednesday, 23d November.

Wednesday, November 23.—Marched to Lynnville; reached it at 1 p.m. Cox moved on to Pleasant Grove. Ruger at Columbia with two brigades (Second and Third, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps).

Thursday, November 24.—Moved at 4 a.m. for Columbia, Cox marching at 2.30 a.m. and Stanley about 3.30 a.m., Cox reaching Mount Pleasant pike, two miles south of Columbia, in time to check Forrest's advance.

Friday, November 25.—The troops having been put in position yesterday, the enemy commenced feeling our lines, using some artillery and showing considerable infantry. He made no perceptible headway; our casualties light. Trains were mostly crossed at the pontoon close to town and parked. Cox moved First and Second Brigades across at same point on Franklin pike, Ruger taking his command across to the railroad bridge and intrenching a bridge-head, and Stanley withdrawing two divisions into an interior line erected during the day. These movements commenced at dusk.

Saturday, November 26.—Henderson's (Third) brigade, Cox's division, and Wood's division, Fourth Army Corps, hold outer lines and skirmishing. Pontoon moved down near railroad bridge, and trains not already over commence to cross about 5 p.m. Headquarters still in town.

Sunday, November 27.—Trains finished crossing. Headquarters move to north bank of river. Railroad and pontoon bridges prepared for burning. Henderson and Wood withdrawn in the night, and troops now wholly on north bank of Duck River.

Monday, November 28.—Movement accomplished at daylight and finished by setting fire to bridges. Headquarters moved to Franklin pike. Stanley placed in position in rear and left of Cox. Ruger's left in front of railroad bridge.

Tuesday, November 29.—Stanley with trains and Wagner's division march to Spring Hill. Iii a.m. Kimball shifted to cover left flank. Enemy reported crossing infantry near Huey's Mill. Wood makes reconnaissance and establishes report as true. Ruger ordered over from railroad bridge and pushed on toward Spring Hill about 3 p.m. Cox, Kimball, and Wood follow. Withdrawal made at dark. General Schofield forces way into Spring Hill with Ruger's two brigades and establishes communication with Stanley, capturing men of Cheatham's (rebel) corps. Stanley has been engaged briskly during the afternoon. In the evening Ruger pushes on to Thompson's Station, and Cox coming up at 1 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, pushes forward to Franklin, takes position to cover the town, resting his left on Harpeth River. Kimball and Wagner follow and also go into line; Wood on north bank of Harpeth. Trains are crossed early in the day and pushed forward in p.m. for Nashville. Enemy attacked in force (two corps) and are beaten back eleven times, with great slaughter. Our loss about 900 or 1,000. We withdraw our lines quietly at midnight and march for Nashville, reaching it about noon Thursday, December 1; lines established about the city; headquarters at Saint Cloud.

Friday, December 2.—In Nashville. Troops intrenching.

Saturday, December 3.—In Nashville. Enemy in force in front and making slight demonstrations.

Thursday, December 15.—Moved out of line, being relieved by Steedman's command, and took position—Third Division in rear of Wood (Fourth Army Corps), on Hillsborough road; Second Division in rear of Sixteenth Army Corps (Smith), on Hardin pike. Afternoon united the command and moved to Smith's right. Moved forward, driving the enemy and gaining some heights with artillery. Bivouacked on Hillsborough pike; Cox on the right.

Friday, December 16.—Waited in position, with constant firing until about 4 p.m., when, in concert with Smith, attacked the enemy fiercely and drove him clear off our front, capturing much artillery and some men. Bivouacked on the Granny White pike; Cox on the right.

Saturday, December 17.—Moved in rear of Smith down Granny White pike at 11.30 a.m., reaching the junction of Granny White pike and dirt road leading to the Franklin pike.

Sunday, December 18.—Moved about 10 a.m., troops reaching within two miles and a half of Franklin.

Monday, December 19.—Moved across the Harpeth. Headquarters in Franklin. The Fourth Army Corps and cavalry down near Spring Hill.

Tuesday, December 20.—Moved early, reaching Spring Hill, Cox camping south and Couch north of the village.

Wednesday, December 21.—Couch moved to Rutherford's Creek. Cox remains in camp. Headquarters near the pike and one mile and a half north of the creek.

Thursday, December 22.—No movement to-day.

January 1 to 3, 1865.—In camp at Columbia, Tenn.

January 9.—Arrived at Clifton, Tenn.

January 10 to 31.—En route to Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va.

First Division.

January 3, 1865.—The division marched from Columbia, Tenn., for Clifton, Tenn.

January 9.—Arrived at Clifton.

January 18.—The division embarked on transports on the Tennessee River for Cincinnati, Ohio, thence by rail to Washington, D.C., and encamped at Camp Stoneman, D.C.

First Brigade, First Division.

December 31.—The organization of the First Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, was completed at Columbia, Tenn., in accordance with Special Field Orders, No. 191, dated headquarters Army of the Ohio, December 29, 1864.

January 3, 1865.—The brigade marched from Columbia, Tenn.

January 7.—Arrived at Waynesborough.

January 9.—Monday, marched from Waynesborough, Tenn.; arrived at Clifton, Tenn., p.m.

January 18.—Boarded transports at Clifton, Tenn.

January 24.—Arrived at Cincinnati, via Tennessee and Ohio rivers.

Left Cincinnati for Washington, D.C., p.m., via Little Miami Railroad.

January 29.—Arrived at Washington, D.C.

January 31.—Went into camp at Camp Stoneman, near Washington, D. C.

Second Brigade, First Division.

January 2, 1865.—The Second Brigade moved from Columbia, Tenn., toward Clifton, Tenn.

January 19.—Left Clifton, Tenn., and moved eastward.

January 31.—Arrived at Washington. The Twenty-eighth Michigan Volunteers, Col. W. W. Wheeler commanding, assigned to Second Brigade.

First Brigade, Second Division.

November 1.—Broke camp near Calhoun, Ga.; marched to Resaca, eleven miles distant, and went into camp.

November 2.—Part of brigade took the cars for Nashville.

November 3.—Remainder of brigade received transportation.

November 5.—Arrived at Johnsonville, at which place the brigade remained until the 24th of the month, working on fortifications and performing picket and other duty.

November 24.—Broke camp at Johnsonville at 6 a.m.; marched to Waverly, eleven miles distant, and went into camp for the night.

November 25.—The brigade moved at 10 a.m., and after marching eight miles went into camp.

November 26.—Broke camp at 6 a.m.; marched nineteen miles, fording several creeks, and encamped on the bank of Piney River.

November 27.—Broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched to near Centerville, Tenn., and encamped for the night.

November 28.—Left two regiments of the brigade to guard the ford near Centerville. The remainder marched to Beard's Ferry, on Duck River, fifteen miles distant, and went into camp.

November 29.—Remained in camp.

November 30.—Broke camp at 12 m.; moved three miles in the direction of Franklin, and went into camp to await the arrival of the force left at Centerville.

December 1.—Broke camp at 12 m.; marched sixteen miles in a northeasterly direction, and went into camp.

December 2.—Broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched twenty-four miles, within seven miles of Nashville; rebels in front; reversed the order of march and marched until daylight of the 3d; made sixteen miles during the night.

December 3.—Broke camp at 10 a.m.; marched to Charlotte, seven teen miles distant, and halted for the night.

December 4.—Marched fifteen miles in the direction of Clarksville, and halted.

December 5.—Marched to Clarksville, thirteen miles; crossed the Cumberland River, and went into camp.

December 6.—Remained in camp.

December 7.—Broke camp at dawn; marched twenty-two miles on the dirt road toward Nashville, and halted for the night.

December 8.—Daylight found the brigade on the move; marched twenty-four miles, and went into camp near Edgefield, opposite Nashville.

December 9.—Crossed the river and took position near Fort Negley.

December 10 to 14.—Remained in same position.

December 15 and 16.—Brigade participated in the engagements and operations during these two days before Nashville.

December 17.—Broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched five miles to the Franklin pike, and went into camp.

December 18.—Broke camp at 7 a.m.; marched eight miles, and went into camp near Franklin.

December 19.—Moved camp across the river and one mile west of town.

December 20.—Marched ten miles on the Columbia pike, and went into camp near Spring Hill.

December 21.—Broke camp at 12 m.; marched about six miles to near Duck River, and went into camp.

December 22 to 25.—Remained in camp.

December 26.—Broke camp at 10 a.m.; marched four miles, and encamped north and near Columbia.

December 27.—Moved camp about two miles west of town.

December 28 to 31, inclusive.—Remained in the same position. January 1, 1865.—Remained in camp at Columbia, Tenn.

January 2.—Broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched to Mount Pleasant, eleven miles distant, and went into camp for the night.

January 3.—Broke camp at 7.30 a.m.; marched westward sixteen miles, and encamped near Henryville.

January 4.—Broke camp at 7 a.m.; marched eight miles, and halted at noon.

January 5.—Broke camp at 6.30; marched to near Waynesborough, sixteen miles distant, and encamped.

January 6 and 7.—Remained in same position.

January 8.—Broke camp at 6.30 a.m.; marched thirteen miles, and went into camp.

January 9.—Remained in same position.

January 10.—Broke camp at 6 a.m.; marched to Clifton, four miles distant, and went into camp.

January 11 and 12.—Remained in same camp.

January 13.—Moved one mile west of town.

January 14 and 15.—Remained in same position.

January 16.—Embarked on boats at Clifton, on the Tennessee River.

January 17 to 26.—Occupied in the transit to Washington, D.C.

January 27.—Arrived there; moved in quarters at Camp Stoneman, where the brigade remained during the remainder of the month.

Third Brigade, Second Division.

November 1.—A portion of the corps took railroad transportation at Resaca, Ga.; the Third Brigade marched with wagon train to Tilton, Ga.

November 2.—Moved through Dalton one mile.

November 3.—Marched to Ringgold, Ga.

November 4.—Marched to within one mile of Chattanooga. Remained encamped until the 7th.

November 7.—Took cars for Nashville, Tenn.

November 9.—Arrived at Nashville.

November 10.—Moved on cars to Spring Hill, Tenn.

November 11 and 12.—Remained in camp at Spring Hill.

November 13.—Marched to Duck River, near Columbia, Tenn.

November 14 and 15.—Remained in camp

November 16.—Crossed the river and built works.

November 17 to 21.—Remained in camp.

November 22.—The Ninety-first and One hundred and twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry ordered to Williamsport, Tenn., per order of General Ruger, commanding the Second Division.

November 23.—The Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and the Fourth Corps fell back from Pulaski, Tenn., to Columbia.

November 24.—Skirmished with General Hood's advance. The Seventy-second Illinois temporarily assigned to Third Brigade.

November 25.—All transportation sent across the river.

November 26.—Remained in position.

November 27.—The One hundred and eighty-third Ohio assigned to the Third Brigade.

November 28.—Forces fell back across the river. The Third Brigade held position near railroad bridge.

November 29.—The Forty-fourth Missouri temporarily assigned to the Third Brigade. Marched at 12 m., the Third Brigade in advance of division; moved to Spring Hill; slight skirmishing from 5 to 9 p.m.; the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio moved in rear of transportation; remainder of brigade reached Johnson's [Thompson's?] Station at 12 o'clock.

November 30.—At 2 a.m. moved from Johnson's [Thompson's?] Station; reached Franklin at 6 a.m. and commenced throwing up works; completed works at 12 m.; position west of Columbia pike, on left of the Second Brigade and right of the Third Division. At 3 p.m. heavy skirmishing. At 3.30 p.m. general assault of the enemy; solid column marching down the Columbia pike; arrived at our works almost simultaneously with a retreating force of the Fourth Corps; succeeded in flanking outer line of works and temporarily occupied them; reserve regiments—the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio—ordered to support the Fiftieth Ohio and Seventy-second Illinois; enemy driven out of works and many prisoners captured.

Casualties of the Third Brigade: Col. R. C. Bradshaw, Forty-fourth Missouri, and Lieut. Col. Mervin Clark, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio, killed.(*) Fiftieth Ohio—Officers, wounded, 3; captured, 2. Enlisted men, killed, 7; wounded, 33; missing, 65. Seventy-second Illinois—Officers, wounded, 9. Enlisted men, killed, 10; wounded, 58; missing, 75. Forty-fourth Missouri—Officers, killed, 3; wounded, 3. Enlisted men, killed, 48; wounded, 28; missing, 54. One hundred and eighty-third Ohio—Officers, killed, 2; wounded, 4. Enlisted men, killed, 2; wounded, 39. Total, killed, 72; wounded, 177; missing, 194.

December 1.—At 12 midnight the brigade commenced the march from Franklin, Tenn., back to Nashville. Arrived at 12 m. and took position near and on the left of Fort Negley.

December 2 to 14.—Remained in position; pickets skirmishing with the enemy. The Ninety-first and One hundred and twenty-third Indiana arrived at Nashville and rejoined the brigade; the Forty-fourth Missouri and Seventy-second Illinois Regiments removed.

December 15.—At 7 a.m. left camp and followed the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, to the right; when near Hillsborough pike took position on the extreme right of the Second Division, in front of Compton's Hill. At 4 p.m. became engaged with the enemy and repulsed them. At 8 p.m. ordered to move and take position on right of the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps; built works and threw out skirmishers in front.

December 16.—Remained in same position under fire until 3 p.m., when a charge was made by a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps upon Compton's Hill, carrying it. The Third Brigade moved through enemy's works, and encamped near Granny White pike for the night.

December 17 and 18.—Marched in pursuit of retreating enemy to Franklin.

December 19.—Remained in camp.

December 20.—Moved to Spring Hill.

December 21.—Marched to Duck River, opposite Columbia.

December 22 to 31, inclusive.—Remained in camp.

Casualties of 15th and 16th: One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry—Commissioned officers, wounded, 1. Enlisted men, killed, 1; wounded, 6. Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry—Commissioned officers, wounded (mortally), 1. Enlisted men, wounded, 1. One hundred and twenty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry—Commissioned officers, wounded, 1. Enlisted men, wounded, 6. Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry—Enlisted men, wounded, 5. Total, killed, 1; wounded, 21.

January 1, 1865.—The Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, commanded by Col. John O'Dowd, One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Volunteers, in camp on north side of Duck River, Tenn., in sight of Columbia, Tenn.; no pickets thrown out.

January 2.—Brigade ordered to move at 8 a.m., following Second Brigade; cross the river and march to within two miles of Mount Pleasant; encamp for the night and throw out pickets, covering the front; distance marched, eleven miles and a half.

January 3.—Brigade moves at 7 a.m., taking the advance of the division, and march through Mount Pleasant on the road to and within two miles of Centerville, making about fifteen miles; encamp for the night and throw out skirmishers, covering our front.

January 4.—Brigade moves at 7 a.m. in rear of the division; pioneers sent forward to repair roads, in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Hatry, One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; division halts and encamps to draw rations; picket front and right flank.

January 5.—Brigade moves at 6.30 a.m. in center of division; pioneers still in advance repairing the roads; march to within one mile and a half of Waynesborough, Tenn., and encamp.

January 6.—Still in camp. Brigadier-General McLean assumes command of the brigade.

January 7.—Remain in camp.

January 8.—March twelve miles, to within three miles of Clifton, Tenn.

January 9.—Remain in camp.

January 10.—March at 7 a.m. to Clifton and await transportation.

January 11 to 15.—Remain in camp; pickets thrown out.

January 16.—At 8 p.m. march, following Second Brigade, and embark upon steam-boats Burd Levi, Financier, and Marmora.

January 17.—Start at 6.30 a.m.; reach Paducah at 9.30 p.m. January 20.—Arrive at Louisville, Ky. January 22.— Reach Cincinnati, Ohio.

January 23.—Take cars at Fulton; brigade separated.

January 24 to 29.—Move, via Little Miami, Central Ohio, and Baltimore and Ohio Railroads, to Washington, D. O.

January 30 to 31.—Move to and occupy Camp Stoneman, four miles from Washington, D.C.

Third Division.

November 1.—Moved from Calhoun to Tilton, Ga.

November 2.—Marched to Dalton.

November 3 to 6.—In camp at  Dalton.

November 7.—Left Dalton on cars for Pulaski, Tenn.

November 11.—Arrived at Thompson's Station, Tenn., and went into camp.

November 13.—Marched to Columbia.

November 14.—Marched to Lynnville.

November 15.—Moved to Pulaski.

November 16 to 22.—In camp at Pulaski.

November 22.—Marched to Lynnville.

November 23.—Moved to within seven miles of Columbia.

November 24.—Moved to Columbia, and reached there just in time to check the enemy as they drove our cavalry into town.

November 25.—Constructed line of works at Columbia, and made demonstrations.

November 26.—Crossed to north bank of Duck River.

November 27.—Columbia evacuated.

November 28.—Held the river-bank to prevent the enemy crossing; some severe fighting.

November 29.—Held same position until dark, and marched during the night to Franklin.

November 30.—Battle of Franklin; repulsed the enemy, with severe loss, at every point on our lines.

December 1.—Moved from Franklin to Brentwood at midnight and continued the march to Nashville during the day.

December 2 to 14.—Remained in the fortifications of Nashville.

December 15.—Moved from left to right; pushed round the enemy's flank and took position at night on the Hillsborough pike.

December 16.—Charged the enemy's line and routed them, capturing eight guns; went into camp on Granny White pike.

December 17.—Followed in pursuit of the enemy to Brentwood.

December 18 and 19.—Marched to Franklin.

December 20.—Marched to Spring Hill.

December 21 and 22.—In camp at Spring Hill.

December 23.—Marched to Duck River.

December 24 and 25.—In camp at Duck River.

December 26.—Moved south of Columbia and encamped.

December 27 to 31, inclusive.—In camp near Columbia, Tenn.

January 1 and 2, 1865.—In camp at Columbia, Tenn.

January 3 to 8.—Marched from Columbia, Tenn., to Clifton, Tenn.

January 8 to 14.—In camp at Clifton.

January 15 to 31.—On road from Clifton, Tenn., to Alexandria, Va.

First Brigade, Third Division.

November 1.—In camp at Tilton Station, Ga.

November 2.—Marched to Dalton, Ga.

November 7.—Took cars for Chattanooga, Tenn.

November 8.—Arrived at Nashville.

November 9.—Arrived at Spring Hill.

November 12.—Marched to Columbia.

November 13.—Marched to Lynnville.

November 14.—Marched to Pulaski and encamped until the 23d, when the command moved back to Lynnville and went into position.

November 23.—Marched toward Columbia and bivouacked.

November 24.—Arrived in Columbia and moved to Pleasant Hill pike, skirmishing slightly with the enemy's cavalry.

November 27.—Command moved across Duck River about 12 p.m.

November 28.—The brigade went into position on left of Franklin pike, with strong line of skirmishers to protect ford.

November 29.—The Sixteenth and Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry, supported on flanks by skirmish line from other brigades of the division, protecting ford, was attacked by the enemy and forced back from the ford a short distance, but almost immediately, with the assistance of the artillery, recovered the ground lost, driving the enemy, with comparatively heavy loss, under the banks of and across the river.

November 30.—Fell back to Franklin; fortified and repulsed the rebels in several desperate charges, the brigade capturing 20 battle-flags and killing and wounding many of the enemy; brigade lost 236 men in killed, wounded, and missing, besides several officers.

December 1 to 14.—In trenches in front of Nashville.

December 15 and 16.—Battles in front of Nashville.

December 17.—Marched to near Brentwood. Tenn.

December 18.—Marched to near Franklin, Tenn.

December 19.—Crossed Harpeth River.

December 20.—Marched to Spring Hill, Tenn.

December 21 and 22.—In camp at Spring Hill, Tenn.

December 23.—Marched to Columbia, Tenn., and remained in camp near that place during the remainder of the month.

January 1, 1865.—In camp at Columbia, Tenn.

January 2.—Marched to Mount Pleasant, Tenn.

January 3.—Continued march on the road to Waynesborough.

January 4.—Marched to Buffalo Creek.

January 5.—Marched to Waynesborough.

January 6.—Marched to Clifton, Tenn.

January 7 to 16.—In camp at Clfton; embarked on transports on the night of the 16th.

January 16 to 26.—En route to Washington, D. C.

January 27 to 30.—In barracks at Camp Stoneman.

January 31.—Marched to Alexandria, Va.

Brigade, Third Division.

November 1.—The brigade marched to Tilton, Ga.

November 2.—Marched to Dalton; distance, nine miles.

November 7.—Shipped on cars for Nashville, via Chattanooga.

November 8.—Arrived at Nashville; distance, 181 miles.

November 9.—Arrived at Franklin.

November 10.—Arrived at Thompson's Station, where the brigade disembarked and went into camp; distance from Nashville, twenty-eight miles.

November 13.—Marched to Columbia, Tenn.; distance, fourteen miles.

November 14.—Marched seventeen miles, and encamped at Lynnville, Tenn.

November 15.—Marched eleven miles; encamped two miles north of Pulaski, Tenn.

November 22.—Marched twelve miles; encamped at Lynnville, Tenn.

November 23.—Marched ten miles.

November 24.—Marched to Columbia, Tenn., distance, seven miles, and went into position.

November 25.—Enemy attacked our lines; heavy skirmishing all day. At 12 p.m. we fell back through Columbia across Duck River. Went into position on the north bank at 4 a.m. of the 26th; heavy skirmishing and cannonading all day.

November 29.—Fighting continued all day; brigade withdrew under cover of night, and went into position at daylight at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th; distance marched, twenty-one miles; enemy attacked in force and were repulsed, with loss, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The brigade withdrew at dark and marched fifteen miles toward Nashville.

December 1.—The brigade arrived at Nashville from Franklin, Tenn.

December 2.—Went into position on the right of the First Brigade, between Forts Negley and Casino, forming the center of the division, and remained in position until the 15th.

December 15.—The brigade was ordered to the right of the army;

marched five miles, and went into position east of the Hillsborough pike.

December 16.—Heavy skirmishing all day.

December 17.—Pursued the enemy in the direction of Franklin; marched five miles.

December 18.—Marched eight miles.

December 19.—Arrived at Franklin.

December 20.—Marched to Spring Hill, distance fifteen miles, where the brigade remained until the 23d.

December 23.—Marched to Duck River; distance, eight miles.

December 24.—Ordered to Columbia, Tenn., to act as temporary garrison, where we remained the balance of the month.

January 2, 1865.—Marched to Mount Pleasant; distance, thirteen miles.

January 3.—Marched fifteen miles in direction of Waynesborough. January 4.—Marched to Buffalo Creek; distance, twelve miles.

January 5.—Arrived at Waynesborough, Tenn.; distance, fourteen miles.

January 6.—Marched to Clifton, Tenn.; distance, sixteen miles. January 17.—Shipped on board transports for Cincinnati, where the brigade disembarked and moved by rail to Washington, D.C., where it arrived January 27.

Third Brigade, Third Division.

November 1.—Brigade on the march near Calhoun, Ga.

November 2.—Arrived at Dalton, and went into camp and remained there until the 5th; took cars for Pulaski, Tenn.

November 9.—Arrived at Nashville; took the cars in the evening for Pulaski; went as far as Thompson's Station; went into camp, and remained there until the 13tb.

November 15.—Marched into Pulaski; roads very good.

November 19.—Fell back.

November 24.—Arrived at Columbia; had a skirmish; went into position; built works; remained until the 28th.

November 28.—Fell back at night to the opposite side of the river; went into position.

November 29.—Skirmishing kept up all day; at dark fell back.

November 30.—Arrived at Franklin in the morning; went into position; built works; enemy advanced and attacked at 4 p.m.; was repulsed, with great slaughter and with but little loss in the brigade.

December 1.—Brigade on the march from Franklin to Nashville; arrived at Nashville in the evening; went into position near Fort Negley; remained until the 15th.

December 15.—Moved to the extreme right; participated in the engagement before Nashville; pursued the enemy as far as Columbia; went into camp and remained there during the month.

January 1, 1865.—This brigade was lying in camp near Columbia, Tenn.

January 2.—We broke camp and moved to Clifton, Tenn.; distance, seventy-five miles.

January 6.—Arrived there.

January 16.—At night we went on board of transports, which conveyed us to Cincinnati, Ohio, by water.

January 21.—Arrived there; got on the cars and proceeded to Alexandria, Va.

January 25.—We arrived there at night, and since have been quartered at the Soldiers' Rest.

First Division.

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.

December 1.—The division was engaged in constructing a line of defenses in conjunction with the Second and Third Divisions, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, around Nashville, Tenn., on the west side of the city.

December 15.—At 6 a.m., in accordance with instructions from the major-general commanding detachment, the division moved upon the enemy via Hardin and Charlotte pikes, with the Second Division on the left of the First Division, and the Third Division in reserve. The division made the first successful assault upon the enemy's lines; charged and captured several works, with 11 guns and caissons, several hundred prisoners and muskets, and a considerable amount of ammunition, having driven the enemy from every standpoint until darkness closed the fighting for the day.

December 16.—In the morning the enemy was found occupying a new line, having fallen back from his advanced works during the night. The First Division was again the first to face him, and for a short time in the morning was dangerously threatened by its advanced position. Soon, however, the Second Division came in position on the left of the First Division and the Fourth Corps on the left of the Second Division. In the afternoon of the 16th the First Division charged the salient point of the enemy, drove him from his stronghold, and the remainder of our lines moving forward to support the division, met the entire force of the enemy, defeating and completely routing him. The First Division in this charge captured 13 guns and caissons, several thousand prisoners, 2 brigadier-generals, besides several thousand stand of arms and some ammunition. During the two days' fight the division captured 13 battle-flags.

December 17.—Started with the army in pursuit of the enemy. Marched via Franklin, Columbia, Pulaski, and Lawrenceburg, near which the division encamped on the 31st, destined for Clifton, Tenn.

January 2, 1865.—This division arrived at Clifton, Tenn.

January 5.—The First Brigade embarked on transports; moved up the Tennessee River, and debarked at Eastport, Miss.

January 8.—The remainder of the division embarked for Eastport, where they arrived on the 10th instant and went into camp.

The First Brigade joined the division, and temporary winter quarters were built by the troops for their immediate comfort. A line of works was thrown up for the defenses, and the troops assigned to the respective parts of the line. The regiments have been actively engaged in making the prescribed returns required by the several bureaus of the War Department and refitting for another campaign; also daily drills and parades have been required so far as practicable.

First Brigade, First Division.

December 1 to 15.—This brigade remained at Nashville, Tenn., occupying a portion of the exterior line established to protect that city in case of an attack by the rebels under Hood.

December 15.—It marched out as a part of the First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, to attack the enemy, taking a prominent part in the fighting on that and the following day, being the first in both days to break the lines of the enemy, capturing 15 pieces of artillery complete, 2,500 stand of small.arms, 4 battle-flags, and nearly 1,800 prisoners, including 1 general officer and a large number of other commissioned officers. For the gallantry and success of the command, the colonel commanding received on the field thanks in person from Major-General Thomas, commanding department and army, Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding corps, and, through a staff officer, the congratulations of Brigadier-General McArthur, commanding division.

December 18 [17].—The brigade moved in pursuit of the retreating rebels, and on the last day of the month encamped between Lawrence-burg and Waynesborough, Tenn.

[January, 1865.]This brigade arrived at this place [Eastport, Miss.,] on the 6th instant, where it has since been doing fatigue and guard duty.

Second Brigade, First Division.

December 1.—The brigade formed in line of battle to the left of the Charlotte pike, two miles west of Nashville, Tenn., and remained intrenching its position until the 15th, when it moved out to attack the enemy. During the engagements on the 15th and 16th the brigade captured from the enemy over 2,000 prisoners (including 1 brigadier-general), 9 pieces of artillery, and 7 stand of colors, losing 39 killed and 280 wounded.

December 17.—It moved in pursuit of the enemy, and marching via Franklin, Columbia, and Pulaski, bivouacked on the 31st midway between Lawrenceburg and Waynesborough, Tenn. Total distance marched, 106 miles.

January 1, 1865.—The brigade moved from its bivouac fifteen miles west of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and, marching via Waynesborough, arrived at Clifton, Tenn., January 2.

January 8.—Embarked on transports, and moved to Eastport, Miss., arriving and going into camp January 10.

During the remainder of the month the brigade has remained in camp at Eastport, Miss. Distance marched, thirty-one miles; distance moved by transports, eighty miles.

Third Brigade, First Division.

December 1.—At Nashville, Tenn, intrenching.

December 15.—The brigade ordered to move against the enemy, then in force in front of Nashville; engaged in the battle of that day and the 16th.

December 17.—Commenced pursuit of retreating rebel army.

December 29.—Arrived at Pulaski, Tenn.; marched toward Clifton, Tenn.

December 31.—Encamped fifteen miles west of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

January 1, 1865.—Continued the march; marched fourteen miles, and bivouacked near Waynesborough, Tenn.

January 2.—Marched sixteen miles, and camped at Clifton, Tenn.

January 4.—Two regiments—Twelfth Iowa and Seventh Minnesota—moved by transports to Eastport, Miss.

January 8.—Embarked on boats.

January 10.—Landed at Eastport, Miss., and moved into camp two miles from the river.

January 12.—Fortifying our position.

January 25.—Out of rations; shelled corn is issued to the men.

January 31.—In camp near Eastport, Miss.

Second Division.

[December.]Division remained encamped two miles west of Nashville, Tenn., until the 15th, when it moved in line of battle outside breast-works, attacking the enemy in front, under command of Lieutenant-General Hood, driving them the whole day.

December 16.—The enemy were again attacked and driven from every position in front of this division. It captured during the two days' engagements, 24 heavy guns, 1,000 prisoners, 3 battle-flags, and many stand of small-arms. Among the many officers captured by this division will be found Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson, Colonel Voorhies, and other officers of lesser rank.

December 17.—The division took up line of march in pursuit of the retreating enemy, following front day to day, passing through Franklin, Spring Hill, Lynn, Columbia, and Pulaski; thence across Richland Creek, through Lawrenceburg and Waynesborough, on the Columbia road, where the division is now camped within three miles of that place.

January 3, 1865.—Division reached Clifton, Tenn., and embarked on transports; moved up the Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss., at which place the division is now encamped.

First Brigade, Second Division.

December 1.—The brigade landed at Nashville, Tenn.; formed in line of battle in common with the rest of the troops under General Thomas and threw up intrenchments. In this position we lay until the morning of the 15th, when the army advanced upon the enemy. The First Brigade bore a conspicuous part in the great battle of the 15th and 16th, capturing 10 pieces of artillery and 400 prisoners.

December 17.—The army started in pursuit of Hood's forces, and continued on the march by easy stages, passing through Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Lynn, and Pulaski.

December 31.—Army changed direction toward Clifton, Tenn., on which route the brigade now is.

January 2, 1865.—Brigade reached Clifton, on the Tennessee River. January 3.—Embarked.

January 7.—Landed at Eastport, Miss., where the brigade now is in winter quarters.

Col. John I. Rinaker, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois, took command of the brigade on the 8th, which he retained until the 15th, since which time it has been controlled by its present commander [Col. David Moore].

Second Brigade, Second Division.

December 1.—The command debarked from transports at Nashville Tenn., and moved into line of battle on a range of hills southwest of town two miles. Here earth-works were thrown up, behind which the brigade lay until December 15, when it was ordered out against the enemy. After fighting him two days he was routed.

December 17.—The command moved in pursuit on Franklin pike eight miles, and encamped.

December 18.—Moved two miles beyond Franklin.

December 19.—Moved one mile and a half beyond Spring Hill.

December 20 to 25.—Moving toward Columbia.

December 25.—Reached Columbia.

December 26.—Moved eleven miles toward Pulaski, passing through Lynn.

December 27.—Moved nine miles toward Pulaski.

December 28.—In camp.

December 29.—Moved through Pulaski on road to Lawrenceburg.

December 30.—Moved through Lawrenceburg on Clifton road and encamped.

December 31.—Moved six miles on Clifton road. Marched during the month, ninety-two miles.

January 1, 1865.—Fine day; cold; two inches snow. Marched from camp toward Clifton, on the Tennessee River, sixteen miles.

January 2.—Pleasant day. Marched seventeen miles to Clifton.

January 3.—Cloudy and rainy. Lay in camp.

January 4.—Embarked on transports and moved up the Tennessee River to Waterloo, Ala., arriving January 6; distance, eighty miles.

January 7.—Moved down to Eastport, Miss., and went into quarters.

January 9.—Went out on reconnaissance to Iuka, Miss., and returned same day; distance traveled, eighteen miles; slight skirmish; captured one prisoner.

[January 31.]—The command still lies in camp at Eastport, Miss.

Third Brigade, Second Division.

December 1.—-The brigade took position assigned to it in the line of the defense of Nashville and was immediately employed in fortifying the position, where it remained until the engagement of the 15th and 16th, in which it took part, losing 52 officers and men. Since the morning of the 17th the brigade has been co-operating with the troops of General Thomas' command in the pursuit of the enemy.

December 31.—Encamped near Waynesborough. Marched during the month, 100 miles.

January 1, 1865.—The brigade left camp and passed through Waynesborough.

January 2.—Reached Clifton, Tenn.

January 3.—Embarked on transports.

January 7.—Landed at Eastport, Miss.; disembarked same day and went into camp.

January 9, 10, and 11.—The brigade was engaged in throwing up works; since that time the command has remained in camp at East-port, Miss., having marched during the month a distance of thirty-three miles.

Third Division.

January 1, 1865.—Marched from near Lawrenceburg, Tenn., en route from Nashville.

January 2.—Arrived at Clifton, Tenn. Remained in camp until January 8, when the division embarked on transports and moved up the Tennessee River.

January 10.—Arrived at Eastport, Miss.

January 18.—The command moved out to three miles west from Burnsville, Miss.

January 19.—Marched to Corinth, driving out Ross' brigade of the enemy, who retreated with slight skirmishing. Returned to Eastport, arriving there January 21.

First Brigade, Third Division.

January 2, 1865.—Arrived at Clifton, Tenn.; termination of march from Nashville.

January 8.—Embarked on transports at Clifton.

January 10.—Arrived at Eastport, Miss.

January 18.—Marched with division from Eastport via Iuka and Burnsville, camping three miles west of Burnsville.

January 19.—Marched to Corinth; entered village without resistance; returned and bivouacked near camp of night before.

January 20.—Marched to Iuka, Miss.

January 21.—Returned to camp at Eastport, Miss.

January 31.—Marched from Eastport, Miss., as guards to wagon train; marched out on Fulton road to Rutly's Mills, and loaded train with lumber; returned by Iuka road as far as Iuka, where brigade camped for the night.

Second Brigade, Third Division.

[December.]—Brigade in camp at Nashville, Tenn., until the 15th, when it marched out with our army to attack the enemy. It took an active part in the two days' battle near Nashville, and on the 17th moved toward Franklin, Tenn., in pursuit of Hood's defeated forces.

December 22.—Arrived at Columbia, Tenn., near which place the brigade remained in camp until the 26th, when the march was resumed. Reached Pulaski on the 27th and Lawrenceburg on the 30th, and encamped at Clifton, on the Tennessee River.

January 2, 1865.—This brigade arrived at Clifton, Tenn, and remained there in camp until January 8, when it embarked on steamers and proceeded about seventy miles up the Tennessee River to Eastport, Miss.; arrived there January 10 and went into winter quarters.

January 18.—Brigade marched from Eastport on the expedition to Corinth, Miss.; passed through Iuka, Miss., and reached Corinth January 19; started back from Corinth the same day, and arrived at Eastport January 21, where the brigade has since remained in camp.

Reserve Artillery.

[December.]During the advance of General Hood's army and during the battles in front of Nashville, Tenn., the guns of the batteries of the Reserve Artillery were in position in forts and batteries extending from Fort Morton, on the south, to Fort Gillem, on the northwest, of the city.

CAVALRY CORPS.

[November.]The month was principally occupied in the reorganization, remounting, and re-equipping of the command. The Third Division was placed in condition to accompany General Sherman on his campaign through Georgia, by drawing upon the First and Second Divisions. The latter were ordered to Louisville for remount, &c. The Fourth Division was ordered to Louisville and Saint Louis to be remounted, &c., but on account of its scattered condition the order was not carried out. Headquarters of the corps October 25, at Gaylesville, Ala.; November 1, at Rome, Ga.; November 6, at Nashville, Tenn., where it remained during the month.

Until December 15, headquarters at Nashville, Tenn.

December 6.—Eighth Michigan and Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois ordered to turn over their infantry arms.

December 12.—Cavalry depot moved from Camp Webster, Nashville, Tenn., to Edgefield, Tenn., per Special Orders, No. 35, Cavalry Corps, Military-Division of the Mississippi.

December 15.—Moved with the army operating against Hood.

First Division.

[November.]—The First Brigade detached the entire month.

November 1.—The brigade [First] left camp at Blue Water and marched toward Florence, Ala.; found enemy in force.

November 5.—Enemy attacked crossing of Shoal Creek in force, compelling brigade to retire.

November 9.—Made reconnaissance toward Shoal Creek and found it impassable.

November 15, 20, and 21.—Marched to Taylor's Springs, Lexington, and Lawrenceburg, Ala.

November 22 to 24.—Skirmishing with Forrest's cavalry and falling back.

November 28.—Marched on Franklin pike, skirmishing with the enemy.

November 29.—Fell back and crossed Harpeth River.

November 30.—Recrossed and fought enemy all day.

The Second and Third Brigades turned over the serviceable horses of the division to the Third Division November 1, and proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where they arrived November 9; encamped on Bardstown pike remainder of the month.

December 4.—Second Brigade moved from Louisville, Ky., to Bowling Green, Ky.

December 11.—Received orders to concentrate at Bowling Green, and accordingly the Third Brigade and Eighteenth Indiana Battery were moved from Nashville, Tenn.

December 12.—Received orders to prepare to move on Russellville, Ky. The Third Brigade and Eighteenth Indiana Battery stopped at Franklin and moved Second Brigade there.

December 14.—Command united and moved to Russellville, twenty-one miles distant; sent transportation back; took up Colonel Johnson's command.

December 15.—Moved to Hopkinsville, nine miles, driving part of Lyon's force, taking 70 prisoners and 1 gun.

December 16.—In camp.

December 17.—Advanced to Grubb's Cross-Roads, twenty miles on the Princeton road, where Colonel La Grange's brigade was sent to Providence and a battalion to Princeton.

December 18.—Lyon crossed Tradewater, over which La Grange swam his horses, and as it was impossible to follow with artillery he returned and took up strong position at Hopkinsville.

December 19 to 22.—Scouting and foraging.

December 23.—Left with Third Brigade and battery; marched to Trenton; scout to Hardinsville.

December 25.—Went to Allensworth's house, seventeen miles.

December 26.—Marched twenty-two miles to Springfield.

December 27.—Marched twenty miles on Dixon pike.

December 28.—Arrived at Edgefield, Tenn. During the pursuit of Lyon the Second Brigade marched 416 miles and the Third Brigade 325 miles over horrible roads. The command subsisted off the country; both men and animals suffered much from the extreme cold; 100 men of the Second Brigade had their feet frozen. The First Brigade took part in the pursuit of Hood's army and in the battles of Nashville. Arrived at Waterloo, Ala., December 31.

January 9, 1865.—Command remained at Edgefield until this date, when, in obedience to telegraphic orders, it moved under Bvt. Brig. Gen. L. D. Watkins, General McCook having received leave of absence on surgeon's certificate of disability. Marched for Gravelly Springs, Ala., and went ten miles to Hadley's house.

January 10.—Marched fifteen miles to Johnson's.

January 11.—Marched to Columbia, Tenn.; made headquarters at Mrs. Martin's. Bridge was carried off, leaving greater part of the train on north side of Duck River. It was not until the evening of the 16th that all was in readiness to move.

January 17.—Marched twenty-two miles to Faust's house.

January 18.—Marched seventeen miles to Cunningham's, passing through Henryville.

January 19.—Marched fifteen miles and a half to Shields' house, two miles and a half beyond Waynesborough.

January 20.—Marched sixteen miles down Bear Creek and Point Pleasant; encamped at Mrs. Greacen's.

January 21.—Marched ten miles to Thornton's.

January 22.—Marched eight miles to Bradford's.

January 23.—Marched five miles to Gravelly Springs, to General Wilson's headquarters; went beyond five miles; encamped at Carroll's.

January 24.—Arrived at Waterloo; found First Brigade in camp. Broke up Third Brigade, in obedience to orders, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, assigning Sixth Kentucky Cavalry to First, and Fourth and Seventh Kentucky Cavalry to Second Brigade. General Watkins left, and Brig. Gen. J. T. Croxton, commanding First Brigade, assumed command of division.

The roads for the most part during the march were very bad, and there were constant delays caused by wagons sticking fast. Forage was abundant and the animals were well fed. During the remainder of the month the command remained in camp, budding winter quarters and stables, and drilling constantly.

Second Brigade, First Division.

January 2, 1865.—The brigade marched from Bowling Green, Ky. January 5.—Arrived at Nashville, Tenn.

January 9.—Marched from there, passing through Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Waynesborough.

January 23.—Arrived at Waterloo, Ala. In camp the rest of the month. No engagements have occurred; no property captured.

Second Division.

November 1.—Transferred horses to Third Division and marched to Calhoun on foot; from that place to Louisville by rail, where they arrived on the 14th, and remained the balance of the month, making preparations to be mounted and equipped.

December 1.—Encamped at Louisville, Ky.; Fourth Ohio Cavalry started en route to Nashville, arriving on the 11th; engaged in picketing the Cumberland River between Nashville and Gallatin, Tenn., before and during the battle of Nashville. Went into camp at Nashville, remaining there until the end of the month. The rest of the division was in Louisville, Ky., until the 28th, pressing horses and getting command in readiness for active service.

December 28.—Division marched en route for Nashville, Tenn.

December 29.—Surg. J. L. Sherk and Capt. R. M. McCormick killed by guerrillas near Bardstown, Ky.

December 31.—Encamped at Elizabethtown, Ky.

January 1, 1865.—The division encamped at Elizabethtown, Ky., en route for Nashville. Marched to Edgefield, Tenn., arriving on the 8th. Four men of the First Brigade killed by guerrillas while out foraging. The Fourth Ohio Cavalry rejoined the division.

January 12.—The command crossed the Cumberland River, and encamped near Nashville.

January 13.—Marched for Gravelly Springs, Ala., via Franklin and Columbia, arriving on January 25, and joining the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, went into camp. Distance marched during the month, 286 miles.

Fourth Division.

[December.]The command has been separated during the month, one-half being in Missouri and moving from there to Louisville, the other half being at Memphis, Tenn., taking part in all expedition under General Grierson against the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. This part of the command marched about 400 miles.

Fifth Division.

November 4.—The division left Pulaski, Tenn., and moved to Shoal Creek, Ala., to watch and oppose, as far as possible, the advance of Hood's army into Middle Tennessee. Skirmishing occurred every day and the division succeeded in cutting the enemy's pontoon bridge over the Tennessee River at three different times, thus retarding his movements.

November 16.—Enemy advanced in force, compelling the division to fall back. As it did so it contested every mile of ground.

November 24.—Arrived at Campbellsville, Tenn. Two divisions of the enemy's cavalry were at that place, and hard fighting was kept up until dark, when orders were received to fall back to Columbia, Tenn. From Colombia the division was actively engaged protecting the flank of the infantry column in its retreat toward Nashville; participated in the battle of Franklin, Tenn.; charged two divisions of rebel cavalry, driving them about three miles and across Harpeth River.

December 1.—Division moved from Franklin, Tenn., to Nashville. December 2.—Moved across Cumberland River, and went into camp; up to the 12th the division was busily engaged in remounting and re-equipping.

December 12.—Recrossed the Cumberland and moved to the west side of Nashville, where it remained until the morning of the 15th.

December 15 and 16.—The division made several successful charges on the enemy's lines and works, drove him from one redoubt and two forts, and captured 11 pieces of artillery, 8 caissons, 25 wagons and teams complete, and about 1,500 prisoners, including Brigadier-General Rucker, C. S. Army, and turned the left flank of the enemy.

December 17 to 29.—Division constantly on the move in pursuit of Hood's army, during which time several fights occurred, capturing 9 more pieces of artillery, 6 caissons, and about 200 prisoners. Hood having succeeded in crossing the Tennessee River, the pursuit was discontinued and the division ordered to Athens, Ala., where it is stationed at this date, December 31.

January 15, 1865.—The division moved from near Athens, Ala., to Gravelly Springs, Ala., and went into camp at the latter place, where it remains at this date, January 31.

First Brigade, Fifth Division.

November 5.—The brigade moved out from Pulaski, Tenn., and reached Shoal Creek near its junction with the Tennessee River on the 6th. Skirmished with Hood's advance at different points on Shoal Creek; one man killed. From thence moved brigade headquarters to Taylor's Springs, the regiments being ordered to guard the fords of Shoal Creek and check the enemy's advance.

November 8 and 9.—Skirmished again. This continued almost daily until the 16th, when the brigade was ordered to move up the military road leading to Lawrenceburg. A part of the command was sent to reconnoiter the enemy's column, which was marching on the Florence and Waynesborough road, and returned with 5 prisoners, 5 Spencer carbines, and 3 wagons captured.

November 19.—The command moved out on the Lexington road and reached Lawrenceburg, the enemy on our left flank and close on our rear. An engagement took place here, in which artillery was planted on both sides; several men wounded.

November 22.—The enemy moved up their infantry in front and on our right flank. The fight this day was severe, and we continued to hold our position, the enemy falling back at night.

November 23.—Ordered to fall back toward Pulaski, and reached Campbellsville on the 24th. Here the enemy was again encountered in force with both cavalry and infantry. A severe engagement followed, in which the Twelfth Missouri Cavalry lost 50 men in killed, wounded, and missing, this regiment protecting the rear on the march. Moved thence to Columbia, crossed the river, and marched to a point eight miles northeast from Columbia.

November 28.—The command was turned over to Col. R. R. Stewart, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, and the regiments near Columbia directed to report to him at Snow Creek, about twelve miles below Columbia, on the Duck River.

November 29.—The command moved out, passing through Spring Hill, and reached Franklin the same day at 4 p.m.; continued to Brentwood, and went into camp.

December 2.—The command reached Nashville, having fallen back in front of Hood's army from Florence, Ala. Remained at Edgefield, opposite Nashville, until the 12th, when the Cavalry Corps recrossed the Cumberland and took position on the lines in front of Nashville.

December 15.—The brigade was posted on the right of the entire line. At the first charge the enemy's lines were forced and turned to the left. Three batteries, mounting 12 guns, were captured by the command this day, and several hundred prisoners.

December 16.—The enemy's entire line gave way and sharp skirmishing kept up during the night, when his rear guard was overtaken, and after a severe engagement our troops encamped on the position they occupied. The command moved on through Franklin, crossing Harpeth Creek, and encountering the enemy in force; 3 pieces of artillery were captured and a number of prisoners.

December 25.—A force under Cheatham was met about five miles north of Pulaski, and a sharp skirmish ensued. A portion of the same command was again overtaken at Sugar Creek, and driven, our troops encamping on the ground they occupied.

December 30.—The brigade encamped at Taylor's Springs.

December 31.—Moved to the east side of Elk River and encamped.

January 1, 1865.—The brigade was encamped on the east side of Elk River under orders to march to Huntsville, Ala.; marched to within nineteen miles, when the order was revoked and the command moved back to Elk River, and remained two days in camp. From there marched for Eastport and encamped three days at Waterloo, reaching this point on the 10th.

January 14.—From Waterloo the command moved to Gravelly Springs, Ala., about ten miles above Eastport, and remained there during the month.

Sixth Division.

November 1 to 15.—Capron's brigade (Eighth Michigan, Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry Regiments) lay at Pulaski, Tenn., scouting toward Tennessee River and patrolling the country to its right.

November 15.—It moved to Mount Pleasant, Tenn., and from there on the 17th instant to Waynesborough, which place it reached on the 18th.

November 21.—It fell back toward Mount Pleasant, eight miles south of that place.

November 23.—It was attacked by the enemy's cavalry, before whom it was compelled to fall back through Mount Pleasant, reaching Columbia on the 24th.

November 24.—The Fifth Iowa Cavalry reported, and Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson assumed command of this brigade and Croxton's brigade, of the First Division. On that afternoon the cavalry was withdrawn across Duck River, and remained in bivouac opposite Columbia until the 27th, when the First Brigade was moved to the crossing of the Lewisburg and Franklin turnpike with Duck River.

November 28.—The Seventh Ohio Cavalry reported. On the evening of that day the enemy forced the crossing of Duck River and pressed our troops back as far as Hurt's house, near which place all of the cavalry then present were on that night concentrated.

November 29.—Retired before the enemy to Mathing's house, three miles from and east of Franklin.

November 30.—The battle of Franklin occurred. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry held the extreme right of the army and skirmished heavily with the enemy; the other regiments were on the extreme left and were not engaged.

December 1.—After the battle of Franklin this division—only the Eighth Michigan, Fourteenth and Sixteenth Illinois, Fifth Iowa, and Seventh Ohio Cavalry being present—fell back with the army to Mill Creek, and on the 2d to Nashville, Tenn., crossing the river and going into camp at Edgefield, Tenn., on the morning of that day, where we remained ten days. The Sixth Indiana Cavalry joined (dismounted) on the 7th instant, and the Third Tennessee Cavalry, dismounted and partially disarmed, on the 13th instant. Battery I, Fourth U.S. Artillery, joined the command on the 5th instant. The ten days of rest allowed was devoted to recuperating and reshoeing horses and equipping and clothing the men. To increase the efficiency of the troops, none of the regiments being fully mounted, the Eighth Michigan and Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry were dismounted and their horses transferred to the other regiments. Two brigades were organized for the purpose of the anticipated operations—one mounted, consisting of the Seventh Ohio, Fifth Iowa, and Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Col. T. J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry; the other dismounted, consisting of the Fourteenth Illinois, Sixth Indiana, Third Tennessee, and Eighth Michigan Cavalry, under command of Col. James Biddle, Sixth Indiana Cavalry.

December 12.—Crossed the Cumberland River and took position in battle of Nashville, on the extreme right, covering Charlotte pike.

December 15.—Advanced, and after sharp fighting drove the enemy before us as far as Davidson's house, four miles, capturing 50 horses, some prisoners, and a battery of six guns.

December 16.—Following the retreating enemy with mounted brigade and battery; engaged the enemy at Murray's house, on Little Harpeth River.

December 17.—Engaged the enemy at Franklin, Tenn.

December 19.—Engaged the enemy at Spring Hill and drove him. Here Brigadier-General Johnson was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., to see to mounting his dismounted brigade, while the First Brigade and battery moved on in the pursuit.

December 25.—Engaged the enemy at crossing of Richland Creek, near Pulaski, capturing many wagons and a large amount of ordnance stores, and at Devil's Gap, six miles below Pulaski, on the Lamb's Ferry road, a second severe engagement, in which were lost 3 killed and 18 wounded.

At the date of this report [December 31], having followed the retreating enemy to the Tennessee River, the mounted brigade is en camped near Elk River, in Alabama, on the road from Florence to Athens, Ala., via Rogersville; the other troops are at Edgefield, where also the headquarters of the division are.

January 1, 1865.—The mounted brigade of this division—Sixteenth Illinois, Fifth Iowa, and Seventh Ohio Cavalry Regiments—and the battery marched from their camp at Elk River to Mooresville, Ala, reaching that place on the 2d instant.

January 8.—Marched from there to Pulaski, Tenn. The Fifth Iowa and Seventh Ohio Cavalry, being transferred to the Fourth Division by order of the corps commander, marched to Eastport.

January 17.—Colonel Harrison, with the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry and the battery, reached Pulaski. Brigadier-General Johnson reached Pulaski.

January 18.—The Eighth Michigan joined, mounted, having marched via Shelbyville and Fayetteville; the other troops still remain at Edge-field, dismounted.

Seventh Division.

[January. ]—During the month the First Brigade of the division encamped at Gravelly Springs, Ala. January 9, the Second Brigade was organized, per General Orders, No. 1, of division headquarters, being dismounted and a portion supplied with infantry arms and accouterments. Encamped at Edgefield, Tenn.; engaged in remounting and rearming the command.
_______________

§ From the returns of the commands indicated for November and December, 1864, and January, 1865.

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. 9 3), p. 59-90