Showing posts with label 115th OH INF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 115th OH INF. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 223. — Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 2-5, 1864.

No. 223.

Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,
of operations December 2-5, 1864.

HDQRS. 115TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        
Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the operations of my regiment during Hood's late advance into Tennessee.

On the 25th of November, as per instructions from headquarters post of Murfreesborough, I started to Duck River Bridge, at the same time sent the adjutant northward toward Nashville on an inspection tour. I found the troops from here to Duck River supplied with the requisite amount of ammunition and subsistence to December 10, 1864. The adjutant returned November 27, making a similar report. I immediately forwarded twenty days' rations to all the detachments of the regiment from Nashville to Duck River, supplying the troops to the 1st of January, 1865.

Block-house No. 2, five miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. George D. Harter, was the first attacked by the enemy. About 8 a.m. December 2, 1864, a force was seen approaching the block-house, a large majority of whom were dressed in Federal uniform. The force began gradually to surround the block-house. About this time a railroad train was heard approaching from the south. When it came in sight it was discovered to be loaded with colored troops. The train came up very slowly, and when on the bridge at the block-house was fired into by the enemy's artillery, disabling the engine and wrecking the train immediately. This began the fight, and seven pieces of artillery opened fire on the block-house. The colored troops, which consisted of parts of the Fourteenth and Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, and numbering in all about 350 men, under command of Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops, sought protection at the block-house. They were scarce of ammunition, and Lieutenant Harter gave to Colonel Johnson for the use of his command 2,000 rounds, without which they could have rendered but little or no assistance to the block-house garrison. The garrison kept up constant firing on the enemy, forcing them to change the position of their artillery frequently. One piece, however, which did them the most damage, was stationed on a hill about 500 yards north of the block-house. It was loaded under cover of the hill, pushed to the crest, sighted and fired, and then drawn back to reload. The garrison was unable to force this gun from its position. Firing was kept up continually from 10 a.m. until dark. Near 500 rounds solid shot and shell, from 10 and 20 pounder guns, were fired at the block-house. The rebels told our wounded (who were left in their hands) that they fired upward of 460 rounds. Night found the block-house in a ruinous condition, the north wing being completely destroyed, outside casing of west wing was badly damaged, the lookout gone, two large breaches made in the roof, and one of the posts—the main support of the roof—knocked out, while the other center posts were badly splintered. Lieutenant Harter, taking into consideration the condition of the block-house and that his ammunition was nearly all expended, regarded it as certain capture to remain until daylight. Consequently, at 3 a.m. December 3, 1864, the garrison evacuated the block-house, and, accompanied by the colored troops, arrived safely in Nashville at daylight. Upon reporting to Major-General Thomas, Lieutenant Harter was informed that an order had been issued two days previously directing the abandonment of all block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The courier failed to get through the rebel lines, consequently the order was not received. Casualties of the garrison at this block-house (No. 2) were 1 enlisted man killed and 3 enlisted men wounded.

No. 1 block-house, four miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. Jacob N. Shaffer, was attacked and the entire garrison captured December 3, 1864. The amount of firing upon and damage done to block-house and garrison before its surrender has not been ascertained. It is reported, however, that firing was kept up throughout the day and that a flag of truce was sent in five times during the day.

Block-house No. 3, near Antioch, commanded by Capt. D. N. Lowrey, was attacked on the 3d of December by artillery. The rebel guns here were placed in such positions as to prevent the block-house garrison from doing them much injury other than occasionally picking off a gunner. After holding out for thirty-six hours and receiving ninety shots, from 12 and 20 pounder guns, the garrison was compelled to surrender.

Capt. Lewis F. Hake, commanding at La Vergne, received an order December 4, 1864, from Major-General Thomas (which had been issued three days previously), to abandon all the block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough and withdraw the forces to the latter place. Couriers were started each way along the railroad on the morning of the 5th to notify the commanders of the block-houses. Sergt. William McKinney, commanding Block-house No. 4, having received this order, was in the act of evacuating his block-house, when he was attacked and compelled to surrender.

On the morning of the 5th of December, 1864, as the command at La Vergne was completing its preparations to march to Murfreesborough (two wagons having already been loaded), the rebels suddenly made their appearance in considerable force on all sides, and a flag of truce was discovered approaching. It was halted at a proper distance and Lieutenant Eadie sent out to meet it. Whilst a consultation was being had under the flag the rebels took advantage of the same and planted four pieces of artillery bearing directly on the command. Under the circumstances, being surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, with their artillery in position commanding the whole ground ready for firing, Captain Hake was compelled to surrender his command, consisting of 73 men (regimental martial band included), 25 horses and equipments, 2 pieces of artillery (one 6 and one 12 pounder), and small-arms.

Commanders of block-houses Nos. 5 and 6, Capt. William M. McClure and Lieut. John S. Orr, received Captain Hake's order the night of the 4th. They evacuated their block-houses on the morning of the 5th instant. Rebels in small squads had already made their appearance on all sides. The garrisons were compelled to make a circuitous route around through Jefferson, marching over twenty miles, had several skirmishes with the enemy on the way, and arrived safely in camp at Murfreesborough about 2 p.m. of the same day.

Block-house No. 7, four miles from Murfreesborough, commanded by Lieut. H. H. Glosser, was attacked on the 4th instant by rebel artillery and musketry. Seventy-six artillery shots were fired at the blockhouse, thirty-two of which struck it. The railroad bridge at this point was saved, and but little damage was done to the block-house other than knocking off the lookout. This house was not again attacked with artillery. Sharpshooters remained keeping the garrison hemmed in, as the following communication, being the first that was heard from Lieutenant Glosser, will explain.

BLOCK-HOUSE No. 7, December 18, 1864.

Major-General MILROY:

 

SIR: I am informed by your scout (Mr. Lee) that the rebels have retreated. He tells me that if there is anything I want to send a note to you and say what it is. General, I want nothing but liberty. I have been hemmed in for thirteen days, not daring to put my head outside the block-house. The rebel sharpshooters have left, and I feel better. The health of myself and men is good; am ready for any emergency. General Forrest sent in a flag of truce four times, demanding the surrender of this house, promising to treat me well, and threatening to burn me with Greek fire if I refused. I resolved to believe nothing but such things as I could see; and as I could not see the Greek fire, I thought I would wait until I did.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 

H. H. GLOSSER,       

First Lieut. Company E, 115th Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty., Comdg. Block-House No. 7.

No casualties were sustained at this block-house. The garrison kept up firing at all times when the rebels appeared in sight, expending during the whole time nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

The detachments at block-houses between Murfreesborough and Tullahoma, with but one exception, were not attacked by the enemy.

Block-House No. 9, near Bell Buckle Station, Lieut. M. S. Hurd commanding, was approached by flag of truce and its surrender demanded. Lieutenant Hurd promptly refused, telling them "if they wanted the block-house, they must come and take it." The rebels did not open fire with their artillery, and after a few volleys of musketry withdrew from sight. Straggling rebels were now seen all along the road to Tullahoma, quite a number of whom were picked up and forwarded to Murfreesborough.

You are already cognizant of the part taken by the detachment in and near Murfreesborough, which renders it unnecessary for me to mention the particulars. So far as I am able to learn I have good reason to believe that every detachment of the regiment throughout has done its duty as became soldiers.

I feel it my duty here to make special mention of the manner in which Lieuts. George D. Hatter and Henry H. Glosser, with the little bands of veterans under their command, so nobly acquitted themselves under such trying circumstances. Too much credit cannot be given them for so gallantly defending their block-houses against the prolonged attack of the enemy, so much their superior in numbers and furnished with 10 and 20 pounder guns.

Captured, 170; killed, 1; wounded, 4; escaped since capture, 4.

Accompanying this report is a list of casualties in the regiment, as nearly correct as I am at this time able to give.

I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS C. BOONE,        
Colonel 115th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.
Lieut. H. H. SHEETS,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. 631-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 225. — Report of Lieut. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses, of operations December 4-17, 1864.

No. 225.

Report of Lieut. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,
Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses, of operations December 4-17, 1864.

OFFICE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR RAILROAD DEFENSES,                
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,        
Murfreesborough, December 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, December 4, at about 11 a.m., the enemy opened three pieces 12-pounder artillery on block-house No. 7, at distances of 500 and 800 yards, throwing seventy-two shot and shell, thirty-one of which struck the building, five in the lookout and twenty-six in the main building and its entrance way. Of the twenty-six, six were thrown into the inner casing at loop line. It will be remembered that the outer casing of this house is supported above the loop line by pillars twelve to fifteen inches long. The shot were thrown in between the upper and lower logs of the outer case and the pillars. Some of the pillars were struck and shattered but none knocked entirely out. No shot penetrated the main building; no shot struck, however, directly on the loop, the bearing of the guns being such as not to admit of it except at the corner. No shot penetrated the timbers of inner case sufficiently deep to distend the timber on the inside. About 2 p.m. Major-General Milroy engaged the enemy and relieved the garrison. On Monday, the 5th, about 2 p.m., the enemy again opened three pieces on house, at distance of 800 and 900 yards to the northwest, and fired five or six shot and shell, one of which only struck the building, doing but little damage. The garrison were ready for the attack, and had seven or eight loops bearing on the battery. I required them to fire by rank, which was done, and done with such precision as to compel the enemy to limber up and get away at double-quick, with the loss of one horse, and, I learn from rebel authority, three or four wounded men; their sharpshooters left with them. We took advantage of the dark to get more wood and water, and some timbers, with which the floor of tower was made bomb-proof. About midnight a Federal soldier came to garrison, saying that General Bate had sent him to say to garrison that if they would surrender that he (Bate) would parole the whole garrison, respect private property, &c., and that he would send in flag by 6 a.m. or sunrise. At 12 the promised flag came, by order of General Hill, asking surrender upon terms offered by General Bate; was answered that "We would hold the block-house." This morning a picket-line was put out around us, the sharpshooters looking after also. On the 7th flag came in, by order General Forrest, giving ten minutes to surrender or be burned with Greek fire, etc. Four flags came in during the thirteen days. On Friday, the 16th, the pickets were called in. On 17th all disappeared except a few stragglers, who evinced no disposition to molest.

The garrison did not have one man hurt, nor did the house sustain any serious injury.

The deficiency in the block-house, as developed in this case (and as far as I can learn in that of No. 2), is in the staunching supporting the ceiling and in the horizontal bracing at the cap plates. In No. 7 the girder spanning the south wing commenced to give way while the house was bombarded in the opposite side or wings. I had temporary posts put in and other like improvement made as circumstances suggested. I am of the opinion that the rectangular building, properly constructed and located, is the better plan for the blockhouses. I have increased confidence in block-houses as means of defense, from my experience, and believe that they can be so constructed as to resist any artillery that is ordinarily brought to bear against them.

Allow me to recommend to favorable consideration Lieutenant Glosser and his command; they behaved nobly during the siege of fourteen days.

Respectfully submitted.
H. M. TORRENCE,        
First Lieutenant and Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses.
Maj. JAMES R. WILLETT,
        Chief Inspector R. R. Defenses, Dept. of the Cumberland.

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. 635-6

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 190. — Report of Col. Lewis Johnson, Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops, of operations December 2-3, 1864.

No. 190.

Report of Col. Lewis Johnson, Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Troops,
of operations December 2-3, 1864.

HDQRS. FORTY-FOURTH U.S. COLORED INFANTRY,         
Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affair which occurred on the 2d and 3d instant, at Stockade No. 2, on Mill Creek (Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad), between the troops temporarily under my command and the enemy under General Forrest:

At 8 a.m. the train containing the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Infantry and Companies A and D of the Fourteenth U.S. Colored Infantry left Murfreesborough and arrived at the bridge over Mill Creek, guarded by Block-house No. 2, at about 11 a.m., when suddenly a battery opened upon the train, nearly all of which was upon the trestle bridge. The locomotive and first car were struck and several of the men injured. I immediately got my command off the train and moved it up to the stockade, which I supposed was evacuated, but, on my arrival there, found it occupied by a detachment of the One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Lieutenant Harter. As the block-house was full, and three batteries were shelling us terribly, and a heavy musketry fire commenced from all sides, I formed my men around the house and then pushed a portion up a hill on the east side of the fort, which entirely commanded it, and from where the heaviest fire was kept up. Unable to carry the crest of the hill I kept the men on the side of it, and had logs and stumps of trees converted into a breast-work. This position afforded them much shelter, and they held it against several assaults of the enemy. The batteries, which continued their fire, injured the block house constantly; they had to change position a dozen times, being silenced by our musketry. At about 5 p.m. the enemy managed to establish a battery on the hill of which I spoke above, and it was this battery which did more harm than all the rest. It knocked the lookout of the stockade to pieces, and also the roof, which caved in at several places. The shots fired by it struck the house every time, and a number penetrated it; one shell, exploding inside, killed the railroad conductor, who had sought shelter in the house, and wounded several of the garrison. It was now dark and the artillery fire ceased, but musketry was still kept up. I drew the command back to the block-house, and left a strong skirmish line at the position which we had occupied during the day. As my ammunition was nearly exhausted (the men who came off the train only had forty rounds), and I expected an assault, I stopped all firing in order to reserve the tour rounds I had left per man for the last effort. The firing was kept up until 3 a.m. of the 3d, but not answered by my men. My position was quite desperate, and when I took into consideration that my stock of ammunition was almost expended, the stockade so much used up that a few shots would have knocked it down, and having lost one-third of the men, I resolved to abandon the stockade and fight my way to Nashville. I knew that should the place be surrendered or taken by assault a butchery would follow, and I also knew that re-enforcements would have been sent to me if it had been possible to send them. I therefore left the block-house at 3.30 a.m., and, contrary to my expectations, got through the rebel lines without much trouble. I arrived at Nashville about daylight.

In addition to the above I have to state that I left Surg J. T. Strong, Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Infantry, and Chaplain Railsback, Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Infantry, in the block-house to take care of the wounded men.

The soldiers and officers of the different commands behaved well and steady during the entire fight, and especially during the retreat; every man did his duty; not a shot was fired, but silently they marched, determined to die rather than be taken prisoners.

The forces engaged numbered as follows: Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Infantry, 227 muskets; Companies A and D, Fourteenth U.S. Colored Infantry, 80 muskets; detachment One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Volunteers, 25 muskets; total, 332 muskets.

The losses are:
                       
Command.
Killed.
Wounded.
Missing.
Total.

 A
O
M
O
M
O
M
O
M
44th U.S. Colored Infantry
....
8
....
35
2
37
2
80
82
Companies A and D, 14th U.S. Infantry.
....
2
....
5
....
18
....
25
25
Detachment 115th Ohio Volunteers
....
2
....
6
....
....
....
8
8
Total
....
12
....
46
2
55
2
113
115

[O = Officers  M = Men  A = Aggregate]

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. JOHNSON,                       
Colonel, Commanding.
 Lieut. JOHN E. CLELAND,
            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. 540-1

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

115th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Massillon, Ohio, and mustered in September 18, 1862. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, September 27. Assigned to duty by detachments as Provost Guard and guarding Forts, Arsenals, Store Houses and Magazines at Camps Chase, Dennison, Ohio, Maysville, Covington and Newport, Ky., and Cincinnati, Ohio, till October, 1863. Ordered to Chattanooga, Tenn., October 23, 1863; thence to Murfreesboro, Tenn. Attached to Post of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 12th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to April, 1864. Unassigned, 4th Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to July, 1864. 1st Brigade, Defences of Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to March, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Sub-District, District of Middle Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and along line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, in Block Houses and at Bridges till June, 1865. Regiment was specially selected for this arduous duty because of the great number of skilled mechanics and artisans in its ranks. Skirmishes at Cripple Creek, Woodbury Pike, May 25, 1864 (Detachment). Smyrna August 31, 1864. Block House No. 4 August 31, 1864. Company "B" captured by Wheeler. Block House No. 5 (Co. "B"). Block House No. 2, on Mill Creek, Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, December 2-3. Block House No. 1 December 3 (Detachment). Block House No. 3 December 3 (Detachment). Block House No. 4 December 4 (Detachment). Block House No. 7 December 4 (Detachment). Siege of Murfreesboro December 5-12. "The Cedars" December 5-7. Lavergne December 8. Duty along Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad from Nashville to Tullahoma, Tenn., till June, 1865. Mustered out June 23, 1865.

Regiment lost during Service 1 Officer and 8 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 138 Enlisted men by disease. Total 151.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1545-6