In compliance with orders from Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, my command, then known as the First Division, Cavalry Corps, West Tennessee, left Clifton, Tenn., on the morning of the 29th of October to join his command in the field at Rome, Ga. Reached Pulaski on the morning of November 1, 1864, when I was ordered by Major-General Thomas to halt and report to Major-General Stanley, at Pulaski. Reported to Major-General Stanley on the morning of November 2. Was ordered by him to proceed toward Florence, and then take command of all the cavalry in that neighborhood and obtain information of the enemy's movements; to move from Pulaski on the 4th of November. Marched by the way of Lexington, opening communication with Brigadier-General Croxton, and on the 5th of November, 3 p.m., struck the enemy's cavalry thirteen miles from Florence, on the military road. After considerable skirmishing drove the enemy across Shoal Creek to a point nine miles from Florence. On the 6th of November established my lines in front of Florence, making Shoal Creek the line, Brigadier-General Croxton holding the left and fifteen miles of the Tennessee River.
On the 9th of November attacked enemy at all points, driving in his pickets, and in Colonel Coon's front, who commanded the Second Brigade Cavalry, drove the enemy's infantry out of rifle-pits, capturing the heights on the south of Shoal Creek, developing the fact the enemy had one corps on the north side of the river, with one division of cavalry. Until the 13th daily attacking the enemy's pickets, developing the fact that his force was increasing on the north side of the Tennessee River, and that Hood was undoubtedly advancing his entire army to the north side.
On the 13th and 14th, having ascertained undoubtedly Hood would move with his army north, chopped in all the gorges leading to the crossing of Shoal Creek with timber, and otherwise obstructing the roads. Skirmishing daily until the 19th of November, when I learned Forrest was moving up the west side of Shoal Creek. Moved nearly my entire command by the right flank. Colonel Coon, commanding the Second Brigade of Cavalry, met Forrest's command after crossing the creek to the west side, and after a severe fight was obliged that night to recross the creek, the day's fight resulting in the capture of a few prisoners from the enemy and the headquarters trains of Chalmers' and Buford's divisions. This also developed the fact that Hood's entire army was moving north, the heads of his infantry corps making their appearance before Colonel Coon's brigade was withdrawn. On the morning of the 20th of November concentrated my forces on Lexington, and on the 21st marched to Lawrenceburg. At daylight of the 22d the enemy attacked my pickets. We held the town all day, repulsing all charges of the enemy's dismounted cavalry, and from 3 p.m. until dark under a fire of twelve pieces of artillery. The enemy, gradually turning my right flank, fell back that night one mile on the Pulaski road. On the morning of the 23d fell back on the Pulaski pike nine miles, where Croxton's brigade, which had been in reserve the day before, became engaged with the enemy in force and gallantly held them until 8 o'clock that night, and then joined the command on the Campbellsville road.
On the morning of the 24th of November marched five miles to Campbellsville, where we became engaged with Jackson's, Buford's, and Chalmers' divisions of cavalry. After much severe fighting the enemy's infantry making its appearance forced me to move by the left flank toward Lynnville. In the first part of the engagement the First Brigade, composed of the Third Illinois, Twelfth Missouri, and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, whipped Buford's division, turning his left and driving the division two miles in confusion onto infantry supports. In falling back on Lynnville the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was left to hold the gorge in the hills. The regiment was commanded by Captain Harper, of same regiment, who repeatedly repulsed the enemy. The last charge was met—when the regiment was out of ammunition—with the butts of his carbines, and the enemy repulsed, though the company in the center, of twenty-five men, had 14 men killed while fighting in line. This gave me time to throw my command in position at Lynnville, at 4 p.m., where the enemy's attacks were in every instance repulsed, and he ceased to attack at 8 o'clock in the evening, when I moved up, in compliance with orders from Major-General Wilson, to Columbia.
In reorganizing the cavalry command I received the addition of three regiments, and was known as the Fifth Division, Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi.
On the 28th the enemy attacked my camp near Columbia, were repulsed, when I was ordered by Major-General Wilson to move to the Lewisburg pike. On the 29th, when falling back toward Franklin, was ordered to relieve Croxton's brigade, then fighting in the rear; was thrown into position at Mount Carmel, where the enemy made two charges and were repulsed with a heavy loss and gave up the attack, when I was ordered by Major-General Wilson to fall back toward Franklin, which was done under considerable light skirmishing in the rear. Crossed Harpeth River that night.
At 3 p.m. on the 30th of November, Jackson's and Buford's divisions appearing in my front, I was ordered by Major-General Wilson to carry the hills in my front and push the enemy back. My command at this time consisted of Colonel Coon's brigade, the Third Illinois Cavalry, and three companies of the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry. The hills were very abrupt, and the enemy had possession of all but one, and were then well round on my left flank. The men of my command dismounted, the line moved forward to the foot of the hills, when the order was given to charge, the men going over them in great spirit. Giving the command a moment to breathe, we again charged, when the enemy broke in confusion, and at 7 o'clock in the evening we had driven them over Harpeth River, from two to three miles distant from our first line of battle. On the same day the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, of my command, had a severe skirmish near Spring Hill. They joined the command that night in time to participate in the battle at Franklin.
December 1, marched toward Nashville, Colonel Stewart's brigade having severe fighting in the rear, near Brentwood. On the 2d of December reached Nashville; camped on the north side of the river.
On 12th of December crossed the Cumberland and moved out on the Charlotte pike. On the 15th was ordered by Major-General Wilson to move out to the attack dismounted, with the exception of one regiment in each brigade mounted, my left to rest on the right of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith's corps and to conform to the movements of the infantry. As the line moved forward I discovered a line of rifle-pits and barricades, when the First Brigade, Colonel Stewart, was ordered to charge, which he did gallantly, carrying the rifle-pits and driving the enemy down the Hardin road, when Colonel Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, was ordered to charge mounted, driving the enemy in confusion, capturing a wagon train and forty-three prisoners. The Second Brigade had then changed its front, wheeling as the infantry swung to the left, while I was obliged to advance Stewart's brigade, with same front I moved out with, to push the enemy back from my right flank; when he had accomplished this, to move his brigade by the left flank, on the right and rear of the Second Brigade, which had continued to move forward, conforming to the wheeling of the infantry to the left, and thus found my Second Brigade on the flank of the first redoubt of four guns. Putting Battery I, First Illinois Light Artillery, attached to my division, in position, I opened with the guns and ordered Colonel Coon, the Second Brigade, to advance, retaining the fire of the men until within 300 yards of the redoubt. Charged the infantry supports, firing; the supports broke, and the redoubt was carried. Lieutenant Budd, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, was the first man in the fort, the second was my adjutant, Lieutenant Colvin, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry. On obtaining possession of the redoubt, while my men were forming, turned the captured guns upon the hill commanding it. As soon as the line was formed the Second Brigade moved forward rapidly and gained the foot of the earth-works, where the men were rallied to carry it. The charge was again sounded; the color-bearer of the Second Iowa Cavalry sprang over the parapets, and was killed inside of the works; he was quickly followed by men enough to carry the fort. We captured in the two works 8 guns and about 250 prisoners. In the charge on the first fort two companies of the Eleventh Missouri Infantry, who had been thrown out as skirmishers, fell in with the line of the Second Iowa Cavalry and entered the fort with this regiment. My command then moved forward. The First Brigade, Colonel Stewart, had then come up, and was deployed on the right of the Second Brigade; moved forward on the flank of the enemy, when the enemy was found in force upon another range of high hills. Stewart's brigade being comparatively fresh I ordered it to charge, knowing a portion of the Twenty-third Corps was in its rear and could support the charge. The men went forward finely, carried the hill, and sweeping over it rapidly, captured four pieces of artillery in the valley on the other side. These guns were turned on the enemy with good effect. They were taken by the Eleventh Indiana, Twelfth Missouri, and Third Illinois Cavalry, and were worked upon the retreating columns of the enemy by Major Hubbard, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry. It was dark before the fighting ceased and my command went into camp at this place.
On the morning of the 16th of December moved out on the Hillsborough pike. The Second Brigade of my division was thrown Out to the right, supported by the First Brigade. The Second Brigade was soon engaged in a sharp skirmish, driving the enemy's skirmishers across the Granny White pike. Found the enemy in force on the hills on the left of that pike. At 12 m. was ordered by Major-General Wilson to take these hills. On reaching the hills held by the Second Brigade found the enemy, having repulsed the infantry in their front, had turned his attention to driving my men from the hills on the right of the Granny White pike. The enemy made four charges, all of which were repulsed. During this time I succeeded in drawing a section of artillery to the top of a hill, held by my command, commanding the hill which our infantry were making efforts to carry. After firing some fifty rounds from the guns ordered my line to advance and charge the hill., which was done in the finest manner. The hill was carried, 150 prisoners captured, and 3 battle, flags; Colonel Spalding, with his regiment, the Twelfth Tennessee, being first on the hill. The prisoners were afterward taken away from Colonel Spalding's guards by some infantry command, I think belonging to Colonel McMillen's brigade; of the command, however, I am not able to state with accuracy. I was then ordered by Major-General Wilson to move out rapidly on the Granny White pike. About eight miles from Nashville we struck Chalmers' division. It was then nearly dark. Throwing some dismounted men upon the flanks of the road, Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee, charged the center, capturing the division colors and Brigadier-General Rucker. The enemy were thrown into confusion, and only the darkness saved him from a thorough rout. Camped there that night.
On the morning of the 17th, by Major-General Wilson's orders, moved out to the left to the Franklin pike. Did not become engaged until reaching Franklin. Met the enemy a short distance below town. A series of charges then ensued until dark, with other cavalry of the corps, resulting in the captured of three pieces of artillery. In the charge during the day the Second Iowa Cavalry captured a stand of colors, and had their standard bearer killed, the second one in the last two days. On the 18th at daylight moved through Spring Hill, skirmishing continually, and at 2 p.m. went into camp. On the morning of the 19th marched at daylight. On reaching Rutherford's Creek found the infantry engaged. Moved by the right flank, deployed in front of Curtis' Creek; supposing it to be Rutherford's pushed across the creek, driving the enemy, who crossed upon the railroad bridge, which had been burned and fallen across the creek. Not being able to ford my horses, crossed the men dismounted and pushed the enemy about two miles, when night came on and I withdrew my men to the north side of the creek. On the morning of the 20th, before daylight, threw dismounted men on the road to Columbia and built a bridge to cross the creek, taking over my Parrott guns. The enemy, under the impression that we were close upon him, the night before took up his pontoons and left his rear guard of about 300 men and a battery, threw two of the guns into the river, and attempted to escape with the other two to the east, when the Second Iowa were sent in pursuit, capturing the guns, six ambulances, a few wagons and cattle, and scattering the rear guard of Texas cavalry.
On the morning of the 24th of December marched in rear of the Cavalry Corps toward Pulaski. Was not brought into action until an hour before dark, at Richland Creek, when my division attacked the enemy's right, turning his flank. Night prevented farther pursuit. Went into camp. On the morning of the 25th marched in rear of Hammond's and Harrison's command. About 3 o'clock the enemy charged Hammond's and Harrison's commands, driving them back in confusion. I was ordered by General Wilson to put my division in position, throwing the First Brigade against the enemy on the left. Colonel Stewart checked and drove back the attempt of the enemy to turn our right. Ordered Colonel Coon to move the Second Brigade to the right, and moved forward. At this time the enemy were driving the center, and captured a gun from the Fourth Regular Battery.* At this moment, to check the onset of the enemy, I ordered the Ninth Illinois Cavalry to dismount and charge, as the ground was bad. Too much cannot be said in favor of this regiment. Undismayed by the rapid retreat of the commands going to the rear, Captain ——, commanding the regiment, threw his regiment to one side to let the flying mass pass, and then with a cheer charged the enemy, driving the enemy back, and forcing him to take shelter under his guns and in the barricades thrown up by the enemy. As soon as my right was well up on the enemy's left flank I ordered the whole division to charge. Carried the works by storm, though held by picked men from eight brigades of the enemy's infantry and Forrest's cavalry, Forrest commanding in person. It was then night, and the pursuit ended. On the morning of the 26th marched in the rear of Hammond's division. Were not ordered up for action until 4 in afternoon, when the enemy left his position and retreated rapidly south.
During the fight on the 25th the Third Illinois attacked the enemy on the railroad and saved two locomotives the enemy were about burning, and captured prisoners. On the 27th marched south through Lexington, sending forward a detachment of 500 picked men the previous night, under Colonel Spalding, who harassed the enemy's rear at Bainbridge, obliging him to abandon wagons, ambulances, caissons, and gun carriages, and capturing prisoners.
This ended the pursuit of Hood's army by my division. It has captured 20 guns, 1,000 prisoners, a large number of wagons, ambulances, caissons, and gun carriages, 2 battle-flags (division colors), and 4 battle-flags taken with prisoners by Colonel Spalding on the second day, and afterward taken from his provost guard by an infantry command when on the way off the field.
I would state the men of this command accompanying me from Memphis have been nearly 100 days in the saddle, more than half the time without rations. Both men and officers have been conspicuous for gallantry. No instance of cowardice has been reported by the brigade commanders, and none have come under my notice; all have been brave.
For conspicuous gallantry I can mention my staff especially. Lieut. Hervey A. Colvin, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, my adjutant, with Lieutenant Budd, Second Iowa Cavalry, were the first officers in the first redoubt stormed by the Second Brigade. Lieutenant Colvin severely wounded. Lieutenant Kendall, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, my quartermaster, when storming the second redoubt, received slight wound, had five balls in his horse and eight through his clothes. Captain Davis, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, behaved with great gallantry.
Colonel Coon, commanding the Second Brigade, Colonel Stewart, commanding the First Brigade, Colonel Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, wounded in charge on Chalmers' division. Captain Harper, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, wounded in attack on the second day. Major Graham, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, wounded storming the second redoubt. Captain Gassling [?], Seventh Illinois Cavalry, wounded storming the second redoubt. Major Horton, Second Iowa Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Lynch, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Major Forbes, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Captain Phillips, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, wounded; Major Hubbard and Major Pritchard, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, and Major Story, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, wounded in last charge first day. Lieutenant-Colonel Carnahan, Third Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant Roberts and Lieutenant Avery, of Colonel Coon's staff.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 575-80
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