No. 21.
Reports of Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker,
U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade of operations November 30 and December
15-16, 1864.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade on the 30th day of November, 1864:
On that day at 4 a.m. my brigade moved from Spring Hill, on the west side of the turnpike road, bringing up the rear of the army. On reaching the heights about two miles south of Franklin, I formed a line of two battalions front on the summit of the ridge, and massed my remaining regiments in rear. My position was on the west side of the pike; joining me east of the pike was General Wagner's division, of the Fourth Corps. About 12 o'clock the enemy was discovered moving upon my position in strong force in several lines of battle, with a heavy skirmish line in front. I at once deployed my brigade along the high range of hills to my right, and threw up a temporary line of breast-works. While moving into position one man, a sergeant of Company C, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, was mortally wounded. After remaining in this position about one hour I was ordered to withdraw my brigade and report to the general commanding, at Franklin. I moved into the city at once and was thrown into position on the right of the division and army, my right flank resting on the Harpeth River. My line of battle was formed in the following order: Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. H. Humphrey commanding, on the right; next on its left the Fortieth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. James Watson commanding; next, Twenty-first Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans commanding; and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. G. Tassin commanding, on the left. I held in reserve the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Maj. George Hicks, the Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup, and the Fifty-first Ohio, Lieut. Col. C. H. Wood. My front line was ordered to construct a line of works, which were but half finished when they were assaulted by the enemy in force, supposed to be two brigades. The fighting was short but severe. The enemy persisted in the assault about fifteen minutes, when they broke and fled, to return no more; they lost many killed and wounded. My loss was slight, having but 1 man killed and 8 wounded. I remained in this position until 12 o'clock at night, when, pursuant to orders, I withdrew from my works and crossed the river, taking up the line of march for Nashville.
In speaking of the conduct of my staff and of my officers and men, it is only necessary to state that they displayed their usual coolness and bravery in all the operations in which we were engaged.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fourth Army Corps.
The 15th of December my brigade reposed of Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans commanding; Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup commanding; Thirty-fifth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin commanding; Forty-fifth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey commanding; Fifty-first Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Wood commanding; Ninety-sixth Illinois, Maj. George Hicks commanding; One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Col. J. H. Moore commanding—moved from their camp, below Nashville, about one mile to the right on the Hillsborough turnpike, to assault General Hood's army, occupying his lines of intrenchment in front of and south of that city. The First and Third Brigades of this division formed the first line. My brigade, massed in column of regiments, was held in reserve, covering the interval between the First and Second Divisions, ready to move to any point requiring support, and its movements were ordered to conform to those of the advancing column it was supporting. The general movement was for the right to swing round on the left as a pivot. The troops were put in motion, and about noon General Smith, on the extreme right, began to drive the enemy slowly, and soon heavy skirmishing began along our entire line. The Second Division, Fourth Corps, moved so slowly that the First Division on its left advanced beyond it and moved so rapidly that I was compelled to move my command by the left flank to unmask it from the Second Division, in order to be in readiness to support the First and Third Brigades of the First Division in an assault they were, at 4 p.m., making on a fortified hill in front of the Second Division, on the Hillsborough turnpike road. This hill was carried in such spirited and gallant style by the First Brigade, Colonel Kirby commanding, and the Ninth Indiana, Colonel Suman commanding, that the reserve was not called into action at this time.
The enemy having been driven from this position, he was pursued and driven along his intrenched lines beyond the Granny White turnpike. Darkness coming on, my brigade bivouacked on this turnpike, about three miles from Nashville. Though in reserve for a large portion of the time, my command was under heavy artillery fire, and lost this day I killed and 4 wounded.
December 16, between 6 and 7 a.m., we advanced, Second Brigade and Third Brigade having the advance of the division, my brigade being on the right, and formed in two lines, from right to left, as follows: Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-fifth Ohio, Twenty-first Kentucky, Ninety-sixth Illinois in first line, and in my second line, One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Thirty-fifth Indiana, and Twenty-third Kentucky. Throwing out a strong line of skirmishers, under Captain Quigley, of Twenty-third Kentucky, the enemy's skirmishers were firmly driven by him, with some loss, and the rebels were found in a position strongly intrenched covering the Franklin turnpike road. Steadily advancing under a heavy fire of artillery, my command moved to within 1,000 yards of the enemy's works. In my immediate front were two rebel batteries of four guns each, 12 pounder Napoleons, Pettus' brigade and other rebel troops supporting in strong intrenchments, with strong embrasures for their artillery. They kept up a constant fire of shell, round shot, and musketry on my main line and skirmishers, killing and wounding some of my officers and men. By 2 p.m. of to-day three several assaults had been made on the enemy's lines—one by the Third Division, one by the Second Division, and one by the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Corps. They were made with great bravery and persistence, but were repulsed. Between 1 and 2 p.m. my front line was moved, under heavy fire, to between 400 and 500 yards of the enemy's main lines, in an open corn-field, where a frail protection was temporarily thrown up. At between 3 and 4 p.m. heavy firing indicated that General Schofield and General Smith were driving the rebels on the extreme right on their front. General Garrard's division, on my right, having orders to advance, without awaiting orders I directed my brigade to storm the enemy's works in my front. This order met with the most cordial approval of General Kimball, division commander, who came up as my troops were beginning to move. With alacrity and gallantry unsurpassed the storming column, composed of the Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-fifth Ohio, Twenty-first Kentucky, and Ninety-sixth Illinois, with the second line at supporting distance (all under fire), advanced through an open cornfield for 400 or 500 yards, under a terrific fire of shell, canister, and musketry. The enemy's lines were stormed. Nothing could impede the boldness and energy of the attack, and in four or five minutes their works, 6 pieces of artillery, 600 stand of small-arms, and between 400 and 500 prisoners were ours. Many of the enemy were killed and wounded, and those surviving not taken prisoners precipitately fled in great disorder. The Ninety-sixth Illinois followed them rapidly, sweeping down the line of their works, adding to their wild confusion and terror. By the time we had possession of their works and had planted the flag of our country on them, the Third Brigade swept down on its front, and soon the entire rebel front was one wild scene of rout and terror. So energetic and impetuous was the assault of my brigade that two of the pieces of artillery captured were found double-shotted with canister; the gunners had fallen or fled, and the pieces left undischarged. With alacrity the brigade was pushed forward down to and on the right of the Franklin turnpike road, accompanied by Battery M, of the Fourth Regulars, until it became too dark to proceed farther.
After halting, Provost-Marshal Lieutenant Pepoon was sent to collect and take care of the spoils of victory, and reported, in addition to the cannon, small-arms, and prisoners, a large supply of intrenching tools.
My loss was light, compared with the danger incurred and the great results accomplished, being 1 officer and 8 privates killed, and 34 privates wounded, and 1 private missing, making a grand total on both days of 49. This smallness of loss is attributable to the high firing of the enemy, who overshot the storming column.
It is with deep regret that I record the death of Lieutenant Hugh A. Hedger, of the Twenty-first Kentucky. He was killed by a solid shot, at the head of his company. Intelligent, brave, generous, and efficient as an officer, his loss will be deeply felt by his regiment and the service; to his friends and widowed mother it is irreparable, but they feel that he has left a name for honor as imperishable as the everlasting hills under whose shadow he yielded up his life for his country.
Appended to this report will be found tables of my loss. The ardor of pursuit prevented my enumerating and giving the loss of the enemy; it was heavy.
We were supported on the advance of to-day by Captain Ziegler's (Second Pennsylvania) battery, and later in the day by Battery M of the Fourth Regulars, Captain Canby and Lieutenant Stephenson being in command. Both batteries were handled with consummate skill and effect. Each of the officers I have mentioned, as also the men of the batteries under my immediate notice, bore themselves well and deserve the highest praise.
A generous emulation and spirit of rivalry pervaded my command as to who should reach the enemy's lines first. From the length of my line it was impossible for me to see whose colors were first on the enemy's works, but little difference of time was between all of the storming column. I must divide the honor between them, for the flag of our country was never more gallantly borne. A high meed of praise is due the supporting column for the promptness of its movements. I must specially mention as highly deserving of our country, Col. J. H. Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, Lieutenant-Colonel Northup, Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey, and Major Hicks. Each one of these officers commanded regiments, and did so bravely and ably. I speak most favorably of the coolness and bravery of Major Hoskins, of the Twenty-first Kentucky, and of Lieutenant-Colonel Poteet, of the One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, who was division officer of the day. 'Tis with pleasure that I call the attention of the general commanding to a list of those who have been specially noticed by their regimental commanders, accompanying this report. Of the brave and indomitable men composing my command from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, I can truly say they did their whole duty fairly, efficiently, and with an intensity of spirit seldom equaled, and never surpassed.
Through the labors and services of my brave staff officers—Capt. H. F. Temple, acting assistant adjutant-general; my aides, Lieut. John B. Buckner and Lieut. C. W. Earle; my inspector, Capt. John M. Frew, and my provost-marshal, Lieutenant Pepoon—the whole power and effective strength of my brigade was hurled upon the enemy at the right moment, and in the most available manner. Quick to comprehend and swift to execute every order regardless of any danger, the warmest gratitude of our country, the highest praise of the general commanding, and my warmest thanks for their services, are due them.
Brigade Surg. C. J. Walton and Surgeons Jennings, Evans, and Averdick came under my immediate observation in the discharge of their noble duty of alleviating the sufferings of our brave wounded, and this while under heavy fire from the enemy.
Of Father Cooney, chaplain of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, I commend him as an example of the army chaplain; meek, pious, and brave as a lion, he worked with his brave regiment in the valley of the shadow of death, affording the ministrations of his holy religion to the wounded and dying, and giving words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers.
It is with commingled feelings of pride and satisfaction that I record the part taken by the Iron Brigade—an integral part of the splendid, victorious Army of the Cumberland—in adding another laurel to that immortal wreath that now crowns our national honor, integrity, and glory.
I have the honor to be, yours, with respect,
Asst. Adjt. Gen, First Division, Fourth Army Corps.
Report of officers and men mentioned specially by their regimental commanders for gallantry and meritorious conduct in the battles before Nashville, Tenn., which I desire to append to my official report:
List of casualties in the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, in the battles before Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864.
|
Command. |
Date. |
Officers. |
Men. |
Aggregate. |
||||||
|
K |
W |
M |
T |
K |
W |
M |
T |
|||
|
21st Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
1 |
1 |
.... |
2 |
2 |
|
Dec. 16 |
1 |
.... |
.... |
1 |
1 |
3 |
.... |
4 |
5 |
|
|
23d Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup. |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Dec. 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
3 |
.... |
3 |
3 |
|
|
35th Indiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. G. Taasin. |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Dec. 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
2 |
2 |
.... |
4 |
4 |
|
|
45th Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. H. Humphrey |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
1 |
.... |
1 |
1 |
|
Dec. 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
1 |
2 |
.... |
3 |
3 |
|
|
51st Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. C. H. Wood |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Dec 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
1 |
8 |
.... |
9 |
9 |
|
|
96th Illinois Volunteers, Maj. George Hicks |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
|
Dec. 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
3 |
9 |
1 |
13 |
13 |
|
|
115th Illinois Volunteers, Col. J. H. Moore |
Dec. 15 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
2 |
.... |
2 |
2 |
|
Dec. 16 |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
.... |
7 |
.... |
7 |
7 |
|
|
Total
|
|
1 |
.... |
.... |
1 |
9 |
38 |
1 |
48 |
49 |
[K = Killed. W = Wounded. M = Missing. T = Total.]
This list is made from lists accompanying each regimental commander's report, and is believed to be correct.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), pp. 195-9
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