Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 257. — Report of Col. Alfred A. Russell, Fourth Alabama Cavalry, of operations October 26, 1864-January 17, 1865.

No. 257.

Report of Col. Alfred A. Russell, Fourth Alabama Cavalry,

of operations October 26, 1864-January 17, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH ALABAMA REGIMENT CAVALRY,        

January 17, 1865

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of services rendered since the 26th day of October, 1864:

In obedience to orders from army headquarters, 1 crossed the Tennessee River with my regiment on the 29th day of October, 1864, at Sublett's Ferry, two miles south of Bellefonte, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. During one month's service in Madison and Jackson Counties the railroad was cut at different places on an average of twice every week, destroying half a mile each time.

After the evacuation of Decatur my command pursued the retreating enemy from Huntsville to within fourteen miles of Stevenson (distance, forty-five miles), capturing about 450 negroes and 250 wagons, 1 train of cars and engine, which was taken possession of by Lieutenant-Colonel Windes, of General Roddey's command, and causing the enemy to destroy another train, the engine falling into our hands; also a large lot of iron, medical, commissary, quartermaster's, and ordnance stores were captured at Huntsville; all of which property was restored to the owners or turned over to Brigadier-General Roddey. My command, during the period, killed 48 of the enemy and captured 52 horses, in addition to the above specified.

The enemy did not occupy the Memphis and Charleston Railroad for a period of about two weeks, and that road might have been destroyed by the troops Brigadier-General Roddey had upon it to within twelve miles of Stevenson. In compliance with orders from Major-General Forrest, I would have brought to the army not less than 1,500 men, who are now within the lines and their services lost to the country, but for the contrary influence of some of the staff officers of Brigadier-General Roddey and S. D. Cabaniss, inspector of conscription. My loss, 1 man killed and 2 wounded.

Respectfully submitted.

A. A. RUSSELL,        

Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

        Major MASON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Tennessee.

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. 775-6