GENERAL: In compliance with your request of to-day, I have the honor to submit for the information of the major-general commanding the following summary of the operations of the Cavalry Corps during the recent campaign:
On the retreat of our army from Pulaski the cavalry was concentrated at Columbia, November the 24th, comprising Hatch's division, about 2,000 men, Croxton's brigade, of the First Division, 1,300, and Capron's brigade, of the Sixth Division, of 1,500 men. The corps was immediately stationed on the north side of Duck River, between Columbia and the Lewisburg pike, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. On the 28th of November, about noon, the pickets gave notice of the enemy's advance at various fords and in such force as to leave no doubt of his intention. Major-General Schofield was at once notified and orders issued for the concentration of the cavalry at Hurt's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike. Capron's brigade, stationed on that road at the crossing of the river, was surrounded and attacked on all sides, but, owing to the good management, bravery, and coolness of Major Young, commanding the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, it was extricated with but slight loss. On the 29th, closely pressed by the rebel cavalry, my command fell back slowly to Mount Carmel, when the rear was assigned to Coon's brigade, of Hatch's division. The enemy attacked boldly, but were handsomely repulsed; as was afterward learned, he turned thence toward Spring Hill, molesting us no more that day. At night, joined by Hammond's brigade, of the Seventh Division, the Cavalry Corps occupied a position on the north bank of Big Harpeth River, connecting with the infantry at Franklin and watching the river as far as Triune. On the morning of the 30th, Hammond's brigade was at Triune, Hatch's division at Matthews' house, and Croxton's brigade on the Lewisburg pike, at Douglass Church; Harrison's brigade (formerly Capron's), of the Sixth Division, was held in reserve. About 2 p.m. the rebel cavalry were reported crossing directly in our front, having pressed Croxton back to within two miles and a half of Franklin. He was ordered to withdraw his force entirely to the north side of the stream, and to attack the enemy in flank; Hatch was directed to attack in front; the orders were promptly executed, and by night the rebels were driven across the river at every point. The conduct of the troops, and particularly of Generals Hatch and Croxton, was most admirable. The force of the enemy consisted of Jackson's and Buford's divisions of cavalry. On the 30th the Cavalry Corps withdrew from its position, by the various country roads between the Franklin and Nolensville pikes, to Thompson's Chapel, near Nashville. When near Brentwood, General Hammond's brigade, in the rear, had a sharp skirmish with the enemy's advance, but succeeded in reaching its position in the line at the chapel without material difficulty.
Early in the morning of December the 1st [2d] the cavalry withdrew from its exposed position on the Nolensville pike and marched through Nashville to camp, at Edgefield, on the north bank of the Cumberland River. During the ensuing ten days every effort was made to put it in an efficient condition for active service. Horses were seized, arms, clothing, and equipments were issued, and the dismounted men organized into brigades. In obedience to orders from the major-general commanding, on the 12th of December, the corps marched to the south side of the river, crossing on the railroad and pontoon bridges, and massed between the Hardin and Charlotte pikes. The effective force was 12,500 men, 9,000 horses, 2,000 of which were scarcely fit for service. At 6 a.m. of the 15th of December, as had been previously ordered by Major-General Thomas, the corps was ready to move, but owing to the foggy weather and the delay of Smith's corps could not advance until about 10 a.m. The Sixth Division, Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson commanding, formed and moved on the Charlotte pike, clearing it of the enemy as far as Davidson's house, driving a battery of artillery and a part of Chalmers' division of cavalry from their position on Richland Creek. It is reported that the navy got possession of a battery which this movement caused the enemy to abandon. Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook having been sent with two brigades of his division against the rebels under Lyon in Kentucky, the balance of the division, Brigadier-General Croxton's brigade, debouched from the fortifications near the Northwestern Railroad, and, forming on the left of the Sixth Division, between the Hardin and Charlotte pikes, advanced, as soon as its front was uncovered by McArthur's division of infantry, and crossing Richland Creek turned the enemy's position in front of Johnson's division, on the Charlotte pike. As soon as the enemy had withdrawn General Croxton moved to the left, crossed the Hardin pike, where, after night-fall, he came in contact again with the rebels, moving in a parallel direction, and, after some sharp skirmishing, drove them off. He encamped that night on the Hillsborough pike, five miles and a half from Nashville. The Fifth Division, Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch commanding, formed on the Hardin pike, its left connecting with the infantry, its right with General Croxton, advanced simultaneously with the infantry, encountered a strong force of the enemy's cavalry—Chalmers' division—well intrenched on both sides of Richland Creek. After a sharp fight the enemy was driven from his works and pushed rapidly beyond Hardin's house, near which place a part of Hatch's command, the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Spalding commanding, captured the headquarters train of General Chalmers, consisting of fourteen wagons with records, clothing, forage, and safe. In accordance with his instructions General Hatch then crossed the country from Williams' house toward the Hillsborough pike, re-established his connection with the infantry, and advancing his right flank struck the enemy's line on the flank and rear, completely enveloping it, drove it rapidly back upon the fortifications constructed upon the Brentwood Hills for its protection. Hastily forming his Second Brigade, dismounted, Col. D. E. Coon commanding, he pushed boldly forward and carried the enemy's works, capturing in the first redoubt 4 guns and 65 prisoners, and in the second, a closed work, 6 guns and 175 prisoners. The First Brigade, Col. R. R. Stewart, was thrown well round to the left and rear of the enemy, and handsomely supported the movement of the Second Brigade. This operation is one of the handsomest of the war, and although participated in by the infantry of McArthur's division, they yield the credit to the cavalry. As soon as his command could be formed General Hatch was ordered to push forward. His First Brigade and part of the Second on the right of the infantry, crossed the Hillsborough pike, and, in conjunction with a part of the Twenty-third Corps, carried the hills beyond. They claim, also, to have captured the three guns which fell into our hands at that point. Darkness having intervened by this time, he was ordered into camp near the Hillsborough pike, on the extreme right of the infantry. The Seventh Division, Brig. Gen. Joseph F. Knipe commanding, formed on the Hardin pike inside of the works, and, as soon as the general movement had developed itself, moved out in the pike and held itself in readiness to support the infantry or Hatch's division. When the pikes in my front were cleared of the enemy, Knipe's division moved by the rear to the right of Hatch's division, reaching the Hillsborough pike just after the works on it were carried, near the six-mile post, crossed and turned short to the left, and pushed by a country road to the Granny White pike. Hammond's brigade, mounted, was in advance, followed by the dismounted brigade. The latter proceeded no farther than the Hillsborough pike, occupied a strong position on it, and covered the other troops from a movement of the enemy in that direction. General Hammond's pickets were all night on or near the Granny White pike, and early on the morning of the 16th began skirmishing with the enemy. The country was very unfavorable for cavalry operations. General Hammond was ordered to support his pickets by the balance of his brigade. General Hatch was ordered to move also, take position on the right of the infantry, connect with Hammond, and, in conjunction with Hammond's brigade, drive the enemy from the hills and push them as vigorously as possible in flank and rear. This order was given about 9.30 a.m. The movement began at once, and was sustained with great steadiness throughout the balance of the day. Hatch's division and Hammond's brigade, of Knipe's division, soon succeeded in establishing themselves firmly in the enemy's rear, on a line perpendicular to the Granny White pike and extending from the right of the Twenty-third Corps, a few hundred yards from the Hillsborough pike, across the Granny White pike toward the Franklin pike. The enemy was driven steadily back from hill to hill all along the line, but particularly in front of General Hatch's left. The positions occupied were heavily wooded and very difficult of ascent, but Hatch, with great labor, carried his battery into a position enfilading and taking in reverse the enemy's line. Coon's brigade charged a large hill in the enemy's rear as McArthur's division assaulted it in front. About 4.30 p.m. the enemy, pressed in front, flank, and rear, broke in disorder. Croxton's brigade, which had been held in reserve on the Hillsborough pike, as soon as the success of these dispositions had become apparent, was ordered to march rapidly across the country to the Granny White pike and beyond the right flank of Hammond's brigade, but owing to the lateness of the hour and heaviness of the road over which he was compelled to move he secured but few prisoners. Hatch was ordered to mount his division and press rapidly down the Granny White pike for the purpose of striking the enemy again at or beyond Brentwood. He had not proceeded far before he encountered Chalmers' division of cavalry, and, although it was then almost dark, attacked it with the greatest promptitude and vigor, driving it from a strong position behind rail breast-works. Brigadier-General Rucker, commanding a brigade, a number of prisoners, and the division battle-flag were captured. The night was so dark and wet, and the men and horses so jaded, that it was not deemed practicable to push the pursuit farther.
On the 17th, at 5 a.m., General Knipe, with Hammond's brigade, followed by General Croxton's brigade, moved by a county road up Richland Creek to the Franklin Pike, Croxton taking the Wilson pike at Brentwood. Hammond, pushing on in vigorous pursuit, came up with the enemy just beyond Brentwood, drove him back to Hollow Tree Gap, four miles north of Franklin, where he made a stand. General Knipe attacked With the main part of the brigade, while General Hammond, with the balance, turned the position and attacked the rebels in flank. About 250 prisoners and 5 battle-flags were taken, and the enemy driven rapidly beyond the Harpeth River, at Franklin. General Knipe's command captured one gun near the river. He crossed the Harpeth near the railroad bridge. Johnson's division, with Harrison's brigade, having pushed out at 4 a.m. on the Hillsborough road and crossed, came up the south bank of the Harpeth and entered Franklin about the same time. Hatch, having struck the Franklin pike two miles south of Brentwood, pushed to the left and crossed at the ford on the Murfreesborough road. Croxton crossed at his old crossing two miles above the town. The rebels, finding Johnson on their flank, fell back to a strong position on the Columbia pike two miles south of Franklin, leaving his hospitals, about 2,000 wounded, and 10,000 rations in our hands. Hatch moved out between the Lewisburg and Columbia pikes; Knipe on the Columbia pike; and Johnson on the Carter's Creek pike. General Knipe attacked by the front, while Hatch and Johnson moved upon the enemy's flanks, and, although the rebel rear guard was composed of Stevenson's division of infantry [and] Buford's division of cavalry, it was pressed rapidly back, with heavy skirmishing, to a position just north of the West Harpeth River. At this place it had become so dark, and our troops so close upon the enemy, that it was with difficulty our troops could be distinguished from the rebels. Hammond's brigade was deployed on the extreme right, Hatch's division across the pike and through the fields to the left. The Fourth U.S. Cavalry, my escort, Lieutenant Hedges commanding, formed in column of fours on the pike. Generals Hatch and Hammond advanced rapidly and the Fourth Cavalry at the charge. The enemy's line, broken and driven back, fled in great confusion; the flanks of our lines pressed on rapidly. General Hammond's brigade, crossing West Harpeth, struck the enemy on the pike again in flank, while Coon's brigade, on the right of the road, the Fourth Cavalry on the pike, pressed close upon their rear. The enemy abandoned three 12-pounders and the carriage of a fourth. These guns can scarcely be called the capture of any particular division or regiment, though they were actually withdrawn from the field by the Fourth Cavalry, my staff, and General Hatch in person. One of them has been credited to the Fourth Cavalry and the other two to Hatch's division, though the charge of General Hammond, with the Tenth Indiana, upon the enemy's flank, a quarter of a mile beyond, had probably a greater influence in causing their abandonment than the operations of General Hatch's command.
The conduct of the troops in this affair was most admirable, particularly that of the Fourth U.S. Cavalry, the Second Iowa, and Tenth Indiana. Brigadier-General Hammond, Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham, Tenth Indiana, and Lieutenant Hedges, Fourth U.S. Cavalry, were particularly conspicuous. The good management and bravery of General Hatch, the skill, untiring energy with which he commanded his division, are worthy of the highest commendation. Night saved the enemy's rear guard from complete destruction.
The 18th the pursuit was renewed at dawn, in the same order, Johnson on the Carter's Creek pike, Hatch and Knipe on the Columbia pike, and Croxton on the Lewisburg pike. The enemy's rear guard was soon encountered by the advanced skirmishers, but, in spite of the most strenuous efforts on the part of our troops, could not be again brought to a stand, though they had prepared for it at Spring Hill. The pursuit was pushed to within three miles of Rutherford's Creek, but the rain, need of rations and ammunition, compelled a halt for the trains to come forward. 19th, the pursuit was pushed to Rutherford's Creek, but it was found too high to ford—the enemy between that and Duck River; Hatch got two regiments across on the ruins of the railroad bridge, and after some skirmishing night came on, he withdrew to north side. Weather very inclement. 20th, Hammond, Croxton, and Harrison remained in camp drawing supplies; Johnson and Knipe went back with dismounted brigades to refit; Hatch crossed on lower railroad bridge; enemy gone. Hammond, Harrison, and Croxton moved to camp on Rutherford's Creek.
Summary: Captured by Hatch's division--2 redoubts, 17 guns, 2 battle-flags, 2 droves of beef-cattle, 35 wagons (including the headquarters train of Chalmers' division), I brigadier-general, 701 prisoners; Knipe's division---5 battle-flags, 350 prisoners, 1 piece artillery, 2 caissons; Johnson's division---56 prisoners; Croxton's brigade--184 prisoners; Fourth U.S. Cavalry--1 gun, 25 prisoners. In addition to this Johnson's and Knipe's divisions should be credited with the wounded taken in hospitals at Franklin.
In concluding this report permit me to say that, if the operations just described have been of any avail in the recent campaign, it is due entirely to the concentration of the cavalry and its reorganization as a separate corps. I have, therefore, to request that the credit awarded it may be used to secure from the War Department the recognition of its separate existence as a corps, and an official approval of the measures already inaugurated for its efficiency. With an opportunity to complete its organization, a full supply of Spencer carbines for the entire command, and we can take the field next spring with a force of cavalry fully competent to perform any work that may be assigned it.
Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland.]
I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, from the date of its organization, October 24, 1864, to the present time:
Having been relieved from the command of the Third Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, on the 1st day of October, 1864, for the purpose of taking command of the cavalry forces in the armies operating under the command of Major-General Sherman, I proceeded, without delay, to join him in the field. I arrived at Gaylesville, Ala., where the army was resting after its pursuit of General Hood, on the 23d of October. On the 24th of October I was assigned, by order of General Sherman, to duty as chief of cavalry and commanding officer of all the cavalry in the Military Division of the Mississippi. By the same order the mounted forces of the Armies of the Ohio, the Cumberland, and the Tennessee were detached from these armies, constituted one command, and designated the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi. Upon investigation I found that the cavalry serving with the Army of the Ohio consisted of one organized division, Stoneman's, nearly all dismounted, one brigade under Colonel Capron, sent to Louisville, Ky., for remount, the other under Col. Israel Garrard, at Atlanta, Ga. Besides this division there were five or six regiments of good cavalry and one division of one-year mounted infantry serving in Kentucky and East Tennessee. This force being for local defense, however, was not detached, and therefore forms no part of the Cavalry Corps. I found the cavalry of the Army of the Cumberland organized into four divisions, three of which were composed of fine regiments from the northwestern States, well organized, and efficiently commanded by Brigadier-Generals McCook, Garrard, and Kilpatrick, and having done very hard service during the Atlanta campaign. The Fourth Division consisted entirely of Tennessee regiments serving in Tennessee. The cavalry of the Army of the Tennessee had been organized into two divisions, by order of Major-General Howard, commanded, respectively, by Brigadier-General Hatch, U.S. Volunteers, and Colonel Wins-low, Fourth Iowa Cavalry. Both were at that time serving in West Tennessee. The divisions contained from six to ten regiments, organized into three brigades each. In the new organization the four divisions of the Army of the Cumberland were numbered, respectively, First, Second, Third, and Seventh, the two divisions of the Army of the Tennessee were designated, respectively, Fifth and Fourth, and the division of the Army of the Ohio the Sixth Division. The Tennessee troops were divided among the other divisions, so as to intermix them with troops from other States. From the lack of general and staff officers to simplify organization and to counteract a tendency to use the third brigades as reserves, each division was organized into two brigades, except the Sixth, which, for special reasons, was allowed three. The chiefs of cavalry of the different departments were relieved from duty and directed to report to their commanding generals for other assignment. In pursuance of General Sherman's instructions measures were at once taken to collect, reorganize, remount, and bring into the field the largest possible force of cavalry, in order that he might have such a preponderance in that arm as would enable him to throw the enemy on the defensive, while with his infantry he could march to the seacoast unmolested. It was thought that if Hood followed him, instead of crossing the Tennessee River into Tennessee, that in a short time my entire cavalry force could be put upon a footing to harass and annoy him beyond endurance. With this in view General Hatch was ordered to march with the Fifth Division from Clifton, Tenn., by the most direct route, to Rome, Ga.; General Grierson was designated as the commander of the Fourth Division, and directed to assemble as much of it as possible, put it in a thorough condition, and be ready to march, when orders should be sent him, through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and join the army under General Sheridan. It soon, however, became apparent that Hood would march north instead of following General Sherman, and that operations would be forced upon us before the cavalry forces could be organized.
A reconnaissance by General Garrard, with the Second Division, toward Gadsden, on the Coosa River, on the 25th of October, and on the 27th and 28th to the south of the Coosa toward Jacksonville, revealed the fact that the rebel army under Hood had left Gadsden on the 22d of October, marching in the direction of Warrenton, on the Tennessee River. As soon as General Sherman became thoroughly convinced of this he issued orders for the concentration of his army at Atlanta, and hurried his preparations for the campaign. Finding that he could wait no longer all the serviceable horses of McCook's and Garrard's divisions, and Colonel Garrard's brigade, were turned over to the Third Division, and every effort was made to put it upon a thoroughly efficient footing, while the dismounted men of the First and Second Divisions were ordered, by rail, to Louisville, Ky., for remount and re-equipment. Having made these dispositions I was ordered by General Sherman to Nashville for the purpose of completing the cavalry reorganization and assisting in the operations of General Thomas against the rebels under Hood. I arrived at Nashville on the 6th day of November and reported to Major-General Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland and the Military Division of the Mississippi.
General Croxton's brigade, of the First Division, having been recently remounted at Louisville, Colonel Capron's (now Harrison's) brigade, of the Sixth Division, and the Fifth Division, while on the march to join General Sherman, were halted by General Thomas and directed to act in conjunction with the infantry forces assembling at Pulaski, under General Stanley, to resist the march of Hood. On the 24th of October Croxton's brigade, about 1,000 strong, was stationed on the Huntsville and Florence road, at Center Star, with outposts and pickets, watching the Tennessee River from the mouth of Elk River to Florence, and a detachment of the Tenth and Twelfth Tennessee, of General Hatch's division, were stationed on Cypress Creek, at Martin's Mills, three miles from Florence, watching Pride's, Garner's, and Cheatham's Ferries, on the Tennessee River. On the 29th of October General Croxton sent a dispatch to General Thomas informing him of General Hood's proximity to the river and of his intention to cross it at Bainbridge that night. About 3 p.m. on the 30th two brigades of Lee's corps landed on the north side about three miles below Bainbridge. General Croxton concentrated his command and attempted to repel them, but was driven back. He retired to the east bank of Shoal Creek and took position near Shoal Creek bridge, where he remained reconnoitering until November 5, when he was forced to retire by the advance of Johnson's division, of Lee's corps. He reported to General Hatch at Lexington on November 6.
On the 4th of November General Hatch, in compliance with the instructions of General Stanley, moved from Pulaski toward Florence, with orders to assume command of all the cavalry in that neighborhood and watch closely the enemy's movements. In executing these orders General Hatch, the next day, opened communication with General Croxton, and, in conjunction with him, drove the enemy's cavalry pickets across Shoal Creek, and established pickets of observation along the line of that creek and the Tennessee from the mouth of Elk River. While engaged in observing the movements of the enemy frequent skirmishes were had with his cavalry. On the 9th of November a general attack was made by the small force under General Hatch. The rebel cavalry was driven back upon the infantry at Florence, a part of the unfinished works at that place captured by Colonel Coon's brigade of the Fifth Division, and the information in regard to Hood's position previously obtained verified. By great activity, watchfulness, and good judgment on the part of General Hatch, every movement of the enemy and indication of his intention were promptly reported to Generals Stanley, Schofield, and Thomas. On the 13th and 14th of November General Hatch, having become convinced that General Hood would march north at an early day, used his command in cutting trees into the roads crossing Shoal Creek, for the purpose of retarding the rebels in their movement. On the morning of November 19 the enemy was reported marching north on the west side of the creek. Colonel Coon's brigade made a forced reconnaissance in that direction, captured the headquarters trains of Buford's and Chalmers' divisions, met the enemy's cavalry in force, and, after a severe engagement, discovering the march of the rebel infantry, was compelled to rejoin the main force, on the east side of the creek. General Hatch concentrated his forces, without delay, at Lexington, and on the 21st retired to Lawrenceburg, where he was attacked early the next morning by the enemy's cavalry. A severe fight ensued, in which the enemy, with twelve pieces of artillery and a large force of cavalry, fighting dismounted, made several efforts to drive the forces of General Hatch from their position, but the latter held on with great tenacity till night and then withdrew one mile toward Pulaski.
On the 23d General Hatch withdrew by that road, turning toward Campbellsville. When within nine miles of Pulaski Croxton's brigade had the rear and were attacked by the rebel cavalry at the junction of the roads leading to the two places just mentioned. It, however, resisted every attack till after dark, holding its position and retreating at leisure by night to the neighborhood of Campbellsville. On the 24th the cavalry again resumed its march, and at the latter place was again attacked by the entire rebel cavalry, supported by infantry. At first the enemy were severely repulsed by the First Brigade, Colonel Wells, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, commanding, but in turn the enemy drove back Colonel Wells and compelled General Hatch to retire by the road to Lynnville. This road leading through a very hilly country, a small rear guard was sufficient to hold the enemy in check. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Harper commanding, was directed to occupy a strong gorge near the turnpike and to delay the rebels as long as possible. He performed the duty assigned him with great gallantry, giving the main body of the command an opportunity to take position at Lynnville. Sharp fighting was continued at that place until after dark, when, in accordance with my order, General Hatch withdrew to Columbia. Colonel Capron's brigade, of the Sixth Division, had been sent by General Schofield toward Waynesborough to observe the movements of the enemy in that direction, while Hatch and Croxton were on Shoal Creek. Upon the advance of the rebel cavalry, Colonel Capron retired, skirmishing with the enemy, directing his march toward Mount Pleasant and Columbia. On the morning of November 25 the entire force, including the infantry, was concentrated at Columbia.
Having made all possible arrangements at Nashville for expediting the reorganization of the cavalry, in pursuance of General Thomas' instructions, I started to the front to take command of the force in the field, and on the 23d of November met General Schofield between Lynnville and Pulaski. The Fifth Division contained at this time but 2,500 men, Croxton's brigade, about 1,000, and Capron's, 800, in all about 4,300 men, to contend with three divisions estimated at not less than 10,000 men, and commanded by General Forrest, hitherto the most successful of rebel cavalry leaders. After the concentration of the forces at Columbia, and while General Schofield was making arrangements to withdraw from that place to the north side of Duck River, the cavalry crossed and was disposed of so as to watch every movement of the enemy, either to the right or left. Hatch's division and Croxton's brigade were stationed about six miles east of Columbia on the road to Shelbyville; Capron's brigade, to which had been added the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, Col. J. M. Young commanding, took position at Rally Hill, on the Lewisburg turnpike; it was further strengthened after taking position by the arrival of the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, from Louisville. This brigade and Croxton's were temporarily formed into a division, under the command of Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson. Three regiments of the First Brigade of Hatch's division, Col. R. R. Stewart, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, commanding, were ordered to take post to the west of Columbia, for the purpose of watching the fords and crossings of the river between that place and Williamsport. General Hatch sent the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, via Chapel Hill, to Shelbyville, with directions to feel well out from that place toward Lewisburg and Cornersville, if possible, returning by the south side of the river to the crossing of the Lewisburg pike.
At noon of November 27 [28] the pickets of Croxton's and Capron's brigades gave notice of the appearance of the rebel cavalry at the various fords between Columbia and the Lewisburg pike, particularly at Huey's Mill, eight miles above Columbia, in such force as to leave no doubt as to their intentions. The pickets in the vicinity of Huey's Mill were soon driven in and the rebels immediately began crossing. At 2 p.m. I sent a dispatch to Major-General Schofield, notifying him of the enemy's movement, informing him that I should endeavor to concentrate my force at Hurt's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike, and requesting him to send Stewart's brigade to me by the way of Spring Hill. Col. T. J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, had already been sent by General Johnson to the brigade at the Lewisburg crossing, with orders to hold the enemy as long as possible at the river. By 7 p.m. the entire force was concentrated at Hurt's Cross-Roads. Colonel Harrison, however, had not reached his brigade, but having been posted by Colonel Capron, it held on as long as possible. Colonel Capron himself, with a small portion of his command fell back in disorder toward Franklin. The detachments at the various fords held on bravely until night, when they were collected by Maj. J. Morris Young, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and withdrew by the pike. The enemy, having crossed lower down, marched by the Murfreesborough road and arrived at Rally Hill before the detachments under Major Young. The latter, finding his retreat cut off, formed his own regiment with sabers drawn, dismounted others to cover the flanks, boldly charged, broke through the rebels, and brought off his command with only trifling loss. By this' time it had become evident that the entire rebel cavalry force, three divisions, had crossed and were directing their march toward the Lewisburg pike, an excellent macadamized road leading to Franklin, and at 8 p.m. I sent a dispatch by courier to General Schofield, informing him of this fact and that no part of Forrest's force up to dark had moved toward the Franklin pike. During the night several prisoners were brought in, from whom I received valuable information. At 1 a.m. [29th] I sent a dispatch to General Schofield informing him that the force which had crossed at Huey's Mill was Forrest's corps of cavalry, consisting of Chalmers', Jackson's, and Buford's divisions, and Biffle's regiment; that the rebel infantry were to have begun crossing two hours before by three pontoon bridges under construction at the same place. Believing this information to be perfectly correct, I therefore suggested that our infantry should reach Spring Hill by 10 a.m. of that day [29th]. I regarded my force too small, with Hammond's and Stewart's brigades absent, to cover the Lewisburg pike and at the same time the dirt roads leading to Spring Hill, and believing that General Schofield, with the infantry, would have plenty of time, marching by the Franklin pike, to reach Franklin or any intermediate point before the enemy, marching by bad dirt roads, made worse by the heavy rains which had recently fallen, I determined to keep my entire force on the Lewisburg pike and hold the enemy as long as possible, hoping by good management to get no farther back that day than to the Ridge Meeting. House. I had previously sent orders for Colonel Stewart to join me on the Lewisburg pike, marching by the way of Spring Hill, and all night, if necessary. Similar orders were sent at the same time to Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. H. Hammond, then momentarily expected with two regiments of the Seventh Division freshly remounted. On the presumption that no general engagement would be risked till our forces were strengthened, and that the enemy's movement had become sufficiently developed, I directed General Hatch to retire slowly by the pike, following Capron's brigade, and General Croxton to cover the rear, fighting the enemy, and to fall back only when compelled to do so by movements upon his flanks. Soon after daylight [29th] the enemy attacked Croxton's pickets, but finding them strongly posted moved off the road and struck well around his flanks, causing him to withdraw. Heavy skirmishing ensued, the enemy pressing forward with the greatest celerity endeavoring to push around and strike our column in flank, as was anticipated.
At Mount Carmel Meeting-House, five miles from Hurt's Cross-Roads, a strong barricade erected by Capron's brigade was occupied by Coon's brigade, of Hatch's division, Croxton's brigade passing through it. The enemy made two determined charges upon it, but were repulsed with severe loss. From this point the enemy ceased to press upon the rear of the column. No news having come from Hammond or Stewart, it was hoped that they had arrived at Spring Hill in time enough to form a junction with the infantry and to resist any movement of the rebels in that direction. I continued to march slowly, and by the middle of the afternoon arrived at Douglass Church, four miles from Franklin. Near this place I found General Hammond, and was joined by a detachment of Stewart's brigade, from whom I learned that the latter and some of our infantry had been skirmishing with the rebel cavalry during the day near Spring Hill. I remained with Hammond's brigade to hold the road near Douglass Church and cover Franklin, while Hatch's division and Johnson's crossed to the north side of the Harpeth, at Hughes' Ford, and went into camp on the road from Franklin to Triune, at Matthews' farm, two miles and a half east of Franklin. After it was dark, a reconnaissance out the Lewisburg pike to the meeting-house revealing no enemy on that road, I withdrew General Hammond's brigade to the north side of the Harpeth, and directed him to march, via Petersburg, to the Nolensville pike at Triune, and from the latter place to watch the movements of the enemy in that direction.
Early on the morning of the 30th, by my direction, Brigadier-General Johnson sent Croxton's brigade to the south side of the river, with orders to take position at Douglass Church, cover Franklin as long as possible, and if compelled to fall back to recross the Harpeth at a ford a mile and a half above the town. General Hammond, having reported by daylight no enemy in the direction of Triune, was ordered to retire by Petersburg to Wilson's Mill, on the Wilson or Brentwood pike. At 10 a.m. the enemy's advance attacked General Croxton's position, but was handsomely repulsed. At 2 p.m. he was again attacked by infantry, but, after repulsing the enemy, the rebel cavalry moved to his left as if to cross at Hughes' Ford. This movement caused him to retire to the north side of the river by McGavock's Ford. He had scarcely reached the north bank when the pickets higher up the river reported the enemy's cavalry crossing at various places. The command was immediately got under arms and dispositions made to attack and drive them back. General Croxton's brigade on the right, General Hatch's division in the center, moved promptly out and engaged the enemy, charging him with a strong line of dismounted skirmishers, while Capron's brigade, under Colonel Harrison, looked well out to the left and rear. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was sent to the Hillsborough pike. The action had already begun when General Croxton was informed that the rebel infantry were crossing the river between his right and the town of Franklin. Leaving two regiments, the First Tennessee and Second Michigan, to assist in the attack against the rebel cavalry, he proceeded at once with the balance of his brigade to drive back the force reported to be crossing below. He soon discovered, however, that the report was false, and moved promptly against the rebel cavalry. Hatch had already attacked with vigor and begun driving them rapidly back. The men seemed inspired with the greatest courage and determination, and in a very short time had repulsed the enemy at every point. By night the whole force was driven beyond the Harpeth. The accompanying sketch1 will show the importance of this success on the part of the cavalry over Forrest's forces, while the hard-pressed infantry were nobly repelling Hood's furious assaults against the defenses of Franklin.
General Schofield, having withdrawn the infantry to the north bank of the river during the night and determined to continue his march toward Nashville, directed me to remain with the Cavalry Corps in the position it then held till daylight on the morning of December 1, and then to retire, covering the rear and flanks of the infantry. This order was complied with, the enemy having been so severely handled the day previous as to be unable to follow until he found the road clear. Hammond's brigade, followed by Hatch, moved by a country road to the Wilson pike, near Edmonson's house; Croxton marched parallel to the Franklin pike. At Wilson's Mill Hammond was found encamped and left to bring up the rear. Stewart's brigade, of the Fifth Division, having halted to feed, Hammond was delayed longer than was intended and in withdrawing was attacked by the rebel cavalry, but succeeded, with slight loss, in repelling the enemy. From the neighborhood of Brentwood, after the infantry had halted, the whole command marched by various country roads to Thompson's Chapel, on the Nolensville pike, where it took up a strong defensive position for the night. Before daylight the next morning it marched to Nashville, and late in the evening crossed to the north side of the Cumberland River and encamped in Edgefield.
During the ensuing ten days every effort was made to put the corps in an efficient condition. Clothes were drawn for the men; the horses were shod; extra shoes were fitted; and every horse that could be drawn from the corrals of broken-down stock, or reached in Tennessee or Southern Kentucky, was taken. By these means the Cavalry Corps, exclusive of La Grange's and Watkins' brigades, of the First Division, was increased by nearly 9,000 mounted men. Besides this, two brigades of 1,500 men each were organized out of the dismounted men previously assembled at the cavalry depot near Nashville. While in camp the river was carefully watched by the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, from Nashville to the vicinity of Clarksville.
On the 2d of December Brevet Brigadier-General Hammond was ordered with his brigade to Gallatin for the purpose of watching the river as far up as Carthage. Having heard from his scouts that a rebel force had taken post at Lebanon, by the assistance of gun-boats sent for that purpose, on the night of the -- he crossed the river with a strong force, well mounted, and made a reconnaissance to and beyond that place, but found no enemy.
On the 11th of December, in pursuance of instructions from Major-General Thomas, I ordered Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook to take his battery and Watkins' brigade toward Bowling Green, till he met La Grange's brigade, and with the united force go in pursuit of General Lyon, who crossed the Cumberland River below Clarksville on the 9th of December, and was supposed to be marching via Hopkinsville to destroy Green River bridge, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. General McCook came up with the rebels on the morning of the 16th at Hopkinsville, and after a sharp fight captured two pieces of artillery and drove them from the place. They retreated rapidly toward Green River, pursued by La Grange's brigade. So closely was Lyon followed by La Grange's brigade that he was compelled to disband his conscripts and leave many of his men. With the balance he pushed on through Madisonville, Ashbysburg, and Elizabethtown, crossing Tradewater, Green River, and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in his route. La Grange was greatly delayed by the muddy roads, swollen streams, and the destruction of the bridges and boats. The pursuit was relinquished at Hodgensville, Lyon's command having become reduced[to] 400 or 500 men, more bent on escaping from Kentucky than to inflict injury upon the forces sent against him. For a detailed account of the operations of General McCook's command I respectfully refer you to his report submitted herewith.2
On the 9th of November [December] I received orders from Major-General Thomas to move my command to the south side of the Cumberland, to take position between the Hillsborough and Hardin pikes, and to be in readiness to join in the attack against General Hood the next day. But a heavy rain setting in General Thomas delayed his operations. Snow, sleet, and intense cold followed, covering the ground so thickly with ice as to render it impossible to move cavalry not specially shod for such an occasion. In fact, neither infantry nor cavalry could have marched over a country so undulating and broken as that separating our lines from those of the enemy. On the evening of the 11th the weather changed and the ice began to melt. The Cavalry Corps, all detachments having been drawn in in the morning, began crossing, and by night was in the position assigned it, ready to move against the enemy as soon as the condition of the ground would allow it. By the night of the 14th everything seemed favorable; officers and men confident of the result that would follow a well directed attack. In the order of battle made by General Thomas the cavalry was directed to attack upon the right of the infantry, conform to its movements, drive the enemy's forces from the Charlotte and Hardin turnpikes and the banks of the Cumberland at Bell's Landing, turn and envelop the enemy's left flank and, if possible, strike them in the rear. In making arrangements to comply with these instructions 1 conferred the night before the battle with General A. J. Smith, commanding the Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee. His troops having been engaged in holding that part of the defenses from the Hillsborough pike westward to the river, it was necessary for them to assemble in such a way as not to encumber the ground upon which the cavalry was to operate. To accomplish this the general assured me he would march the division on my right to the left by roads to the rear of my command, inside of the intrenchments. The commanding officers of brigades and divisions, having personally examined the ground upon which they were to operate, were assembled at my headquarters and received their instructions verbally. To prevent any misunderstanding they were furnished with written orders to the following effect, on the night of the 14th of November [December]: The Fifth Division, Brigadier-General Hatch commanding, was directed to debouch from the fortifications at or near the Hardin pike, and move with its right flank on or near the pike, its left flank connected with the infantry of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith to clear its own front, and as soon as Smith should carry the rebel advanced position to swing to the left, envelop and take in reverse the enemy's left flank. Croxton's brigade, of the First Division, was ordered to debouch near the Hardin pike by a dirt road between that and the Charlotte pike, to move with its left flank connecting with Hatch's division and its right following the line of the ridge between the Charlotte and Hardin pikes; after clearing Hardin pike of the enemy and crossing Richland Creek, General Croxton was directed to conform to the movements on his left. The Sixth Division, one brigade mounted, the other having no horses, Brig. Gen. R.W. Johnson commanding, was ordered to move by the Charlotte pike, clear that road of the enemy, keeping connection with Croxton by skirmishers or patrols, and to push as far as Davidson's house, eight miles from the city, so as to cover the movement of the balance of the corps from the enemy's cavalry; General Johnson was specially charged with looking out for the guns at Bell's landing and the force with them. Brig. Gen. Joseph F. Knipe, commanding the Seventh Division, one brigade mounted, the other dismounted, was directed to debouch on the Hardin pike after the movement had begun and hold himself in readiness to move in any direction. Brigade and division commanders were informed that the operations of the Cavalry Corps were designed to clear the enemy from its immediate front, cover the right of the infantry, envelop the enemy's left flank, attack him in the rear, and, if possible, force its way to the Franklin pike at or near Brentwood. The country being plowed fields or heavily timbered hills, very abrupt and difficult, they were directed to leave all wheels except those of the artillery behind.
The whole command was under arms ready to move by 6 a.m. December 15, but owing to a dense fog the attack was delayed. By 8.30 a.m. it had cleared away: but McArthur's division, not having been directed to march, as General Smith had promised, moved across the front of my command, thereby delaying the general advance till about 10 a.m. Had the enemy been specially alert this delay might have been very detrimental to the plan of attack. As soon, however, as the infantry on Hatch's left began moving he advanced, with his left touching the Hardin pike and his right extending toward the Charlotte pike. The position which the infantry held being farther to the right than was originally intended compelled a corresponding change on the part of the cavalry. Simultaneously with the advance of the infantry the cavalry forces moved as directed. Hatch's division was still further delayed after beginning in advance by McArthur's infantry, but finally, having a clear road, advanced rapidly with a strong line of skirmishers. The enemy, Ector's brigade of infantry, were found posted beyond Richland Creek, on commanding ground, well intrenched, but by a gallant charge by Stewart's brigade were driven rapidly beyond Hardin's house, with the loss of some prisoners and intrenching tools. When near the latter place the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Spalding commanding, charged the enemy, captured 43 prisoners, the headquarters train of General Chalmers, 14 wagons, containing baggage, papers, and records. Having cleared his front General Hatch marched rapidly by the left flank with his First Brigade to join the Second Brigade, which, wheeling with the infantry, found itself on the flank of a four-gun battery posted in a redoubt covering the enemy's left. Having posted his battery (I, First Illinois Light Artillery) so as to enfilade the enemy, General Hatch pushed forward Colonel Coon's brigade, dismounted, charged the rebel infantry supports, broke them, and captured the redoubt, with its guns. Lieutenant Budd, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, was the first man in the redoubt, closely followed by Lieutenant Colvin, acting assistant adjutant-general of the division. In this attack a portion of the infantry skirmish line gave assistance. The captured guns were turned upon the enemy, occupying a higher hill, strongly intrenched, still farther on. Hastily forming, the Second Brigade pushed boldly forward, the First Brigade following the movement still farther to the right. The enemy's new position was very strong. The left of their line occupied a hill still higher than the one already carried, and with steep sides. On the top of it they had constructed an irregular inclosed work of rails and earth, in which a four-gun field battery was placed. To men less brave and determined than the dismounted horsemen of Hatch's division it would have seemed like madness to attack such a position. I have seen columns of infantry hesitate to attack positions not half so strong, but Coon's brigade, armed with the Spencer carbine and in a strong line of skirmishers, at the command of General Hatch, advanced at the charge. In spite of the steep acclivity and withering fire of artillery and musketry from the rebel parapet, the redoubt was carried, with the battery of 4 guns and 250 prisoners. While the Second Brigade was collecting and forming its scattered ranks General Hatch, with the First Brigade, crossed the Hillsborough pike and again attacked the enemy on another range of hills, drove them from it, and took possession of a battery of four guns in the valley beyond. It was now almost dark; the cavalrymen having been fighting all day on foot, owing to the roughness of the country, were very much fatigued. General Hatch was ordered to bring up his horses, collect his men, and bivouac on the Hillsborough pike. The Twenty-third Corps, Major-General Schofield commanding, had moved to the right of Smith's corps and carried the hills in its front just before dark. General Hatch was directed to connect with Schofield's right and cover it from the enemy. As soon as Hatch had broken through the enemy on the Hardin pike Knipe was directed to move out and pass to Hatch's right, conform to his movements and push in upon the enemy's rear. The First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Hammond commanding, advanced to the Hillsborough pike, striking it near the six-mile post, and three-quarters of a mile farther on turned up a branch of Richland Creek, and reached the Granny White pike just at dark. The dismounted brigade took position on the Hillsborough pike, covering Hatch and Hammond from an advance of the rebel cavalry on that road. Croxton's brigade and Johnson's division, having been delayed, like Hatch, by McArthur's infantry, moved promptly forward at the word and found the enemy posted beyond Richland Creek. The rebel cavalry, with four guns well posted, seemed determined to hold their ground, but strongly attacked by Harrison's brigade, of Johnson's division, in front, while Croxton pressed on their right, they were forced to give way. Croxton, after following for several miles, turned to the left and crossed the Hardin pike, and marched through the country, skirmishing with Chalmers, moving in the same direction, and finally, after dark, bivouacked near the six-mile post, on the Hillsborough pike. Johnson continued his advance along the Charlotte pike, and came up with the rebels, strongly posted, beyond a small creek emptying into the Cumberland near Bell's Landing; after some sharp skirmishing General Johnson made dispositions to attack the rebel right in conjunction with Croxton, hoping thereby to drive them from the road and separate them from the main rebel army. The gun-boats dropped down and opened on their flank, while Lieutenant Smith, with Battery I, Fourth U.S. Artillery, opened upon them in front. General Croxton having, by my order, turned toward the left, General Johnson did not think himself strong enough to risk an attack upon the rebel position. Night coming on he bivouacked in their front, intending to attack before daylight the next morning. This plan was frustrated by the withdrawal of the rebels after night. The first day's operations having resulted in driving back the enemy's entire left wing four miles, with our cavalry on the left flank and rear of the enemy, orders were issued for the continuance of operations the next day.
Early on the morning of the 16th Hammond's pickets on the Granny White pike were attacked and driven in, but ordering him to strengthen them with his entire brigade, if necessary, he in turn drove the enemy back. At the same time I directed General Hatch to move on the enemy's rear, passing to Hammond's left. The country, very hilly and densely covered with timber, was entirely impracticable for mounted men; the whole force was therefore dismounted and pushed forward. Croxton moved to the front, ready to support either Hammond or Hatch, and orders were sent to Johnson to march across the country to the Hillsborough pike. By noon the skirmishers of Hatch and Hammond had formed a continuous line, stretching from the right of Schofield's corps across the Granny White pike. This line was parallel to that of the enemy and facing in the direction of Nashville. The men of the Fifth and Seventh Divisions, urged forward by their gallant officers, steadily pressed the enemy back at every point, skirmishing heavily. Having informed Generals Thomas and Schofield of the position occupied by my command and what it was doing, the infantry was ordered forward on the right, and, as they charged the front of the rebel works, Coon's brigade, of Hatch's division, attacked them in the rear. Pressed in front, flank, and, rear, about 4 p.m. the enemy broke and fled in confusion from the field. Croxton was hurried from the Hillsborough pike toward Brentwood, but could not reach the flying army before dark. Hatch and Knipe were ordered to mount their commands and pursue with all possible rapidity. As on the day before, from the difficult character of the ground and the distance traveled dismounted, considerable time was unavoidably lost before the horses could be led to the men. Hatch was directed to push down the Granny White pike, and, if possible, reach the Franklin pike that night. He had not, however, gone more than a mile when his advance encountered the enemy's cavalry, Chalmers' division, strongly posted across the road behind a barricade of rails. A portion of the command were hastily dismounted and deployed on both sides of the road. While the skirmishers were advancing the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, led by Colonel Spalding, charged the enemy, broke his lines, scattered them in all directions, and captured Brigadier-General Rucker, then in command of the division. Night having closed in the enemy was enabled to make his escape. The pursuit was necessarily discontinued, men and horses being worn out and hungry. The corps bivouacked for the night--Knipe, Croxton, and Hatch on the Granny White pike, and Johnson on the Hillsborough pike near the Harpeth River. Before daylight they were in motion again--Knipe, in the advance, marched through the country to the Franklin pike; Croxton crossed and marched through the fields to its left; Hatch marched by the Granny White pike and a country road to the Franklin pike, and then followed Knipe; while Johnson pushed to the Harpeth River, forded it, and moved rapidly toward Franklin. General Knipe, with Hammond's brigade, came up with the enemy at Hollow Tree Gap, four or five miles north of Franklin. After a sharp fight, in which General Hammond with a part of his command passed around the enemy's right and struck them in flank, the position was handsomely carried. Three colors and 413 prisoners, including 2 colonels and 2 lieutenant-colonels, were captured. The rebel rear guard then fell back rapidly to Franklin, crossed the Harpeth, and prepared to defend its crossing but General Johnson, with Harrison's brigade, having marched at 4 o'clock and crossed the river on the Hillsborough pike, moved rapidly to Franklin, struck them in flank, and compelled them to retreat to a new position, south of the town. Knipe crossed by the ford and entered the town almost simultaneously with Harrison's advance; Hatch and Croxton crossed soon after at the fords above the town. At Franklin the enemy's hospital with about 2,000 wounded fell into our hands; 200 of our own wounded, left there on the retreat to Nashville, were also recovered, together with 17,000 rations. The pursuit was immediately continued, Knipe and Hatch moving in parallel columns along the Columbia pike, Johnson down the Carter's Creek pike, and Croxton on the Lewisburg pike. The flanking columns were directed to push rapidly forward and endeavor to pass round the flanks of the enemy's rear guard, composed almost entirely of infantry, while a strong force of skirmishers across the pike should press it continually and compel it to form line as frequently as possible. By these means I hoped to break up their last organized force and disperse the disorganized and flying mass they were covering. My orders were obeyed with great alacrity, but the enemy, finding his flanks so much endangered, retired as rapidly, but skirmishing heavily with Hatch and Knipe. Late in the evening, apparently exhausted with rapid marching, the rebels took a strong position in open fields about a mile north of the West Harpeth. It was then almost dark from fog and approaching night.
The men of General Hatch's advance, by their rapid movements, had become so intermingled with the sullen and disheartened enemy, he began to doubt that the force in his front were really those of the rebel rear guard. The momentary hesitation caused by this uncertainty gave the rebels an opportunity to put their battery in position and reform their line. I immediately gave orders for Hatch and Knipe to collect their men and charge both flanks of the enemy, and directed my escort, the Fourth U.S. Cavalry, about 200 strong, Lieut. Joseph Hedges commanding, to charge their center, on the pike. These orders had scarcely been given before the enemy opened a rapid fire from their battery, not over 300 yards from us. Hatch's battery promptly replied. Lieutenant Hedges, thinking that I simply wished him to ascertain the character of the force in our front, hastily moved his regiment about and to the side of the road and out of the range of the rebel guns, but, at my orders as promptly resumed his original formation, in column of fours," in the road, and dashed forward at a gallop with sabers drawn, broke through the enemy's battery; Hatch's division and Hammond's brigade, dismounted, rushed forward at the same moment. The enemy, broken in the center and pressed back on both flanks, fled rapidly from the field, withdrawing his guns at a gallop. Lieutenant Hedges, outstripping his men, was captured three different times, but throwing his hat away and raising the cry "The Yankees are coming, run for your lives," succeeded in getting away. The rout was complete, and although it was then very dark everybody pressed rapidly forward, the Fourth U.S. Cavalry and General Hatch, with a handful of men, in advance on the pike, and the Fifth Division on right and left. General Hammond, with the Tenth Indiana Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham commanding, fording the West Harpeth a few hundred yards to the right, again struck the rebels in the flank. Pressed in all directions the artillerymen left their guns and saved themselves as best they could; the infantry scattered in all directions; darkness alone enabled the entire command to escape. The rebel force was found to be Stevenson's division, of Lee's corps, under command of General Forrest, who had just returned from Murfreesborough.3
Early the next morning the Cavalry Corps, although out of rations, again renewed the pursuit--Croxton and Johnson endeavoring to strike the enemy at Spring Hill; Hatch and Knipe moving as the day before. The enemy, having encamped at Spring Hill, marched rapidly toward Columbia, but could not be again brought to a stand. The densely wooded country, muddy roads, and plowed fields, rendered almost impassable by the constant rain, made it very difficult for troops traveling on the right and left of the pike to get forward fast enough to overtake the enemy marching on the pike. Late in the afternoon the command halted seven miles north of Columbia for rations, having had nothing to eat since the day before and nothing in the country for them to take. Supplies arrived during the night, and early in the morning the pursuit was resumed, notwithstanding a heavy storm of rain and snow then prevailing. General Hatch arrived at Rutherford's Creek at an early hour, followed closely by the Fourth Corps. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, by order of General Thomas, the balance of the Cavalry Corps remained in bivouac. Rutherford's Creek, swollen by the rains and having steep and abrupt banks, could not be forded. The pontoon train was behind, and did not arrive till the next day. The enemy occupied a strong position commanding the site of the old bridge. General Hatch succeeded in crossing a few skirmishers on the ruins of the upper railroad bridge, about a mile from the pike, but, after some skirmishing, withdrew them to the north bank after dark.
The morning of the 20th General Hatch constructed a floating bridge out of the debris of the lower railroad bridge and crossed his entire command, but the enemy had succeeded in getting everything across Duck River the night before. This stream, being also much swollen, could not be crossed until the pontoon bridge was laid. Brigadier-Generals Johnson and Knipe were sent to Nashville to remount their dismounted brigades on the 20th.
On the 24th of December the whole corps, having crossed Duck River, resumed the pursuit, but General Hood had improved his opportunity and reformed his rear guard by selecting all of the well-armed infantry in his command; they were organized into eight brigades, of about 500 men each; the available cavalry that could be controlled were also used; all under command of Lieutenant-General Forrest. The trains and body of the army were hurried toward the Tennessee River, marching to Pulaski, and thence by the dirt roads to Bainbridge. The rear guard had thus a clear road and when pressed could fall back rapidly. The country on the right and left of the pike, very broken and densely timbered, was almost impassable; the pike itself, passing through the gorges of the hills, was advantageous for the enemy; with a few men he could compel the pursuing force to develop a front almost anywhere. In the vicinity of Lynnville, the country being open, the enemy was driven rapidly back, and at Buford Station, near Richland Creek, while Hatch was-pressing them on the pike Croxton struck them in flank and drove them in confusion beyond Richland Creek. In this affair one flag and a number of prisoners were captured and the rebel General Buford wounded through the leg. The rebels retreated that night to the vicinity of Pulaski, but the next day were driven through that place, closely pressed by Harrison's brigade. The bridges across Richland Creek were saved by the celerity and good management with which Colonel Harrison handled his command, so that, without delaying, he continued the pursuit, and by 2 p.m. came up with the enemy strongly intrenched at the head of a heavily wooded and deep ravine, through which ran the road. The country was so difficult and broken that the men of Harrison's brigade were necessarily in weak order, but nothing daunted, they pursued the enemy's skirmishers back to their fortified position. Here they were compelled to halt, and while the troops of Hatch's, Croxton's, and Hammond's commands were marching through the woods to their support, a few hundred of the enemy's infantry, for the first time since the battles about Nashville, sallied from their breast-works and drove back Harrison's attenuated skirmish line and captured one gun of Smith's battery (I, Fourth U.S. Artillery). They were promptly driven back, but had succeeded in getting the captured gun off. Hammond, Croxton, and Hatch moving on the flanks of their position they abandoned it hastily just before night, leaving about fifty prisoners in our hands.
On the 26th the pursuit was continued to the Sugar Creek, the enemy falling back and making but slight resistance. At the latter place they took up a strong position and held it until General Hammond had developed his forces and got ready to attack. Hastily withdrawing, they continued their march throughout the night. It had now become evident that no effort on the part of my command could bring again Forrest to risk another engagement. Having neither rations nor forage, and learning that the main body of the rebels had already reached the south side of the Tennessee, I directed the corps to halt, and the next morning I sent Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, with 500 picked men, after the enemy, with directions to continue the pursuit until he had reached the Tennessee River. He reached the river, at Bainbridge, early on the morning of the 28th, the last of the enemy having crossed and taken up the bridge during the night.
The road from Pulaski to Bainbridge was as bad as it could possibly be the country through which it runs almost entirely denuded of forage and army supplies. Both men and horses suffered greatly. Hood having effected his escape, the corps was ordered to Eastport for the purpose of refitting and resting. Before this order was received, however, Hatch, Hammond, and Harrison had marched to Athens, on the road to Huntsville, in pursuance of previous instructions from General Thomas.
The reports of the provost-marshal show that during these operations the cavalry captured from enemy 32 guns, 11 caissons, 12 colors, 3,232 prisoners (including 1 general officer), and compelled them to abandon or destroy over 100 wagons, 8 ambulances, and 1,348 mules.
Detachments of the Sixth and Seventh Divisions accompanied the movements of Major-General Steedman south of the Tennessee, and burned the rebel pontoon and a large supply train; in all, 80 pontoons, 125 wagons.
Our losses were: I gun; 122 officers and men killed, 521 wounded, and 259 missing.
For the details of these operations and acts of special gallantry I respectfully refer to the reports of Generals McCook, Hatch, Hammond, Johnson, and Croxton, which I submit herewith. Reports of other commanders will be sent forward as soon as obtained. The operations of the Third Division, extending from Atlanta to Savannah, are fully detailed in the reports of General Kilpatrick and his subordinate officers, transmitted herewith.4
General Kilpatrick and his gallant command are specially worthy of praise for the admirable manner in which they co-operated with the movements of the infantry in their long and tiresome march, as well as for the confidence and bravery with which they attacked and defeated at various times the superior numbers of the rebel cavalry under General Wheeler.
The officers of my staff have performed their duties most efficiently throughout the entire campaign, but I am particularly indebted to Lieut. Col. A. J. Alexander, assistant adjutant-general, Seventeenth Corps, chief of staff; Maj. E. B. Beaumont, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. E. B. Carling, chief quartermaster; and Capt. J. C. Read, chief commissary. These officers have fully earned the promotion for which they have already been recommended to the War Department.
It is with great pleasure I mention the services of Maj. William P. Chambliss and Capt. John Green, U.S. Army, special inspectors of cavalry. In furnishing remounts, arms, and preparing troops for the field, they have done more than all other persons toward promoting the efficiency of the cavalry service in this military division.
Before closing this report it may not be improper to say that throughout the entire campaign the bravery and steadiness of the cavalry troops, new and old, were most conspicuous. Nothing could have been more admirable than their conduct on the Harpeth, in the two days' battle at Nashville, in the affair on the West Harpeth, or in the pursuit which followed. -I know of no battles in the war where the influence of cavalry was more potent, nor of any pursuit sustained so long and well.
The results of campaign, added to those following the same policy in the Army of the Potomac, clearly demonstrate the wisdom of massing the cavalry of an army, and it is to be hoped will obtain from the War Department a recognition of the corps already organized.
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland.
The brevet major-general commanding takes great pleasure in communicating to the cavalry the generous commendations and thanks of Major-General Thomas for their success, good conduct, and dashing gallantry displayed throughout the recent engagements near Nashville. Guns, prisoners, and battle-flags are the sure evidences of victory. It is with great pleasure that the brevet major-general commanding states no corps in the army can show more of them than the cavalry.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 16.}
It gives the brevet major-general great pleasure to transmit the following complimentary notice of the operations of the Cavalry Corps, and to assure the officers and soldiers of his command that he fully indorses the declaration of Major-General Thomas:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Pulaski, Tenn., December 29, 1864.
Maj. Gen. J. H. WILSON,
Commanding Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding tenders his thanks to yourself, officers and men for the vigor, skill, bravery, and endurance displayed by your corps in this long and toilsome pursuit of the retreating rebel army.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.
By order of Brevet Major-General Wilson:
GENERAL ORDERS No. 18.}
The brevet major-general commanding takes great pleasure in commending the gallant and meritorious conduct of the following-named officers and enlisted men of the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, during the recent campaign: Col. George Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, for gallantry in charging the enemy's works in front of Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864; Col. Thomas J. Harrison, commanding brigade, Sixth Division, for gallantry and energetic discharge of his duties; Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, for gallantry in the night fight on the West Harpeth; Capt. Joseph C. Boyer, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, for gallantry in hand-to-hand fight on the night of the 16th of December, 1864, resulting in the capture of his opponent, Brigadier-General Rucker, of the Confederate army; Captain Davis, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, for behaving with great gallantry; Capt. Norman M. Smith, Nineteenth Pennsylvania, for attention to duty at all times, bravery at Hollow-Tree Gap (December 17), Anthony's Hill (December 25), Sugar Creek (December 26, 1864); Capt. George R. Mitchell, Company K, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, for gallantry in leading a charge against the enemy at Indian Creek, December 22, 1864; Capt. William Mead and Lieut. George S. Snook, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, with eighty men of Companies D and K, of the same regiment, charged through the rebels, 300 strong, killing and wounding many and capturing twenty-five prisoners; First Lieut. Thomas Claiborn, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, for attention to duty at all times and bravery at Hollow-Tree Gap, December 17, 1864; Lieut. Hervey A. Colvin, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, and Lieutenant Budd, Second Iowa Cavalry, for gallantry during the charge on first redoubt, stormed by the Second Brigade, Fifth Division, in front of Nashville; First Lieut. Joseph Hedges, Fourth U.S. Cavalry, for gallantry in fight on the Little Harpeth River, December 18 [17], 1864, charging a strong line of rebel infantry with his regiment mounted, charge resulting in the capture of three guns from the enemy; Sergt. George G. Chism, Company A, Ninth Indiana Cavalry, for charging with fifteen men and capturing twenty rebels at Franklin December 17,1864; Sergt. Martin G. Rossmalier, Company H Fourth U.S. Cavalry for bravery during the action at Little Harpeth River; Corpl. Harrison Collins,5 Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry, for capturing a rebel battle-flag from Chalmers' division December 24, 1864; Private Simpson B. Gaston, for gallantry in leading the charge on Reynolds' Hill, December 25, 1864.
The gallantry of the troops of the Cavalry Corps has receives the commendation of the major-general commanding the department. It is regretted that the brevet major-general commanding cannot mention more from the host of meritorious soldiers who were distinguished for their gallantry. The division and brigade commanders having been mentioned in the report of operations, on that account are not mentioned in general orders.
By command of Brevet Major-General Wilson:Consolidated report of prisoners of war captured and Confederate deserters taken by Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, commanded by Breret Major-General Wilson, during the campaign from November 30, 1864, to December 31, 1864.
|
|
Officers. |
Men. |
||
|
Troops. |
Prisoners of War. |
Rebel Deserters. |
Prisoners of War. |
Rebel Deserters. |
|
First Division |
7 |
|
357 |
3 |
|
Second Division |
|
|
|
|
|
Third Division |
13 |
|
229 |
|
|
Fourth Division |
2 |
|
43 |
|
|
Fifth Division |
17 |
|
1,669 |
|
|
Sixth Division |
|
|
|
|
|
Seventh Division. |
47 |
|
848 |
|
|
Total |
86 |
|
3,146 |
3 |
Disposition of prisoners of war and deserters.
|
To Colonel Parkhurst, provost-marshal-general Department of the Cumberland |
517 |
|
To provost-marshal Army of the Tennessee, Eastport, Miss |
36 |
|
To Captain Sparks, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers |
10 |
|
To General Granger, Huntsville, Ala |
95 |
|
To Fourth Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland |
296 |
|
To Captain Dugger, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois Infantry |
7 |
|
To General Kimball |
8 |
|
At Franklin, Tenn |
12 |
Remainder transferred to infantry officers during the fighting; no receipts taken for the same.
I certify that the above report is correct.Consolidated report of property captured by Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, commanded Brevet Major-General Wilson, during the campaign from November 30, 1864, to December 31, 1864.
[Column Lables.]
|
A |
Division. |
E |
6-pounder James rifles. |
I |
Small-arms. |
M |
Wagons. |
|
B |
Brigade. |
F |
6-pounder Napoleons. |
J |
Sabers. |
N |
Ambulances. |
|
C |
Regimental. |
G |
|
K |
Locomotives. |
O |
Pontoon wagons. |
|
D |
12-pounder howitzers. |
H |
Caissons. |
L |
Hand cars. |
P |
Mules. |
|
Troops. |
Standards |
Artillery. |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
|
First Division |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
1 |
1 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Second Division |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Third Division |
1 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
2 |
3 |
365 |
.... |
1 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Fourth Division |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Fifth Division a |
1 |
4 |
.... |
4 |
4 |
7 |
14 |
7 |
2,021 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
26 |
8 |
.... |
.... |
|
Sixth Division |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Seventh Division b |
2 |
3 |
1 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
158 |
.... |
125 |
1,348 |
|
Total |
4 |
7 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
17 |
11 |
2,386 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
184 |
8 |
125 |
1,348 |
I certify that the above report is correct.
PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Gravelly Springs, February 6, 1865.
1 See Plate CV, Map 9 of the Atlas.
2 See p. 791.
3 For sketch of the action at West Harpeth, accompanying this report, see Plate CV, Map 6 of the Atlas.
4 See Vol. XLIV.
5 Awarded a Medal of Honor.
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