Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 175. Report of Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Division, of operations December 15-16 and December 20-31, 1864.

No. 175.

Report of Col. Jonathan B. Moore, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Third Division,

of operations December 15-16 and December 20-31, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION,    

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,

In the Field, December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Third Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, in the battle of December 15 and 16, at Nashville, Tenn.:

At 8 a.m. of the 15th, by order of the major-general commanding, I placed the Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry in the trenches on the Charlotte pike, with the first section of the Fourteenth Indiana Battery, the Fortieth Missouri Infantry, with the second section of the Fourteenth Indiana Battery, in the works on the Hardin pike. I then moved out on the Hardin pike with three regiments of the First Brigade, Fourteenth and Thirty-third Wisconsin and Seventy-second Illinois, Col. L. M. Ward commanding; two regiments of the Second Brigade, Ninety-fifth and Eighty-first Illinois, Col. L. Blanden commanding, and Company A, Second Missouri Light Artillery, of six guns, First Lieut. J. Zepp commanding. I formed these brigades in column by regiments, and moved forward as reserve and to support the First and Second Divisions, which were both advancing in line upon the enemy's works. At 1 p.m., by order of the major-general commanding, I ordered Col. L. M. Ward, with his brigade, to the right to support General McArthur, who, with his division, was then charging one of the enemy's forts. At about 4 p.m. Colonel Ward reported back to me, and I immediately moved my entire command forward in line, and filled up a large gap in McArthur's lines between Hubbard's and Hill's brigades, caused by Hill's brigade moving to the left. In my front I found the enemy strongly posted behind a stone fence on the Hillsborough pike, but unable or unwilling to stand for a moment against our advancing lines. In this charge my command captured between 200 and 300 prisoners and 3 pieces of artillery. Night found my entire command on the front line, driving the enemy, and about one mile beyond the Hillsborough pike, my battery, six guns, playing upon their retreating and broken ranks. Darkness put a stop to the battle. My command lay upon their arms upon their line, which I judged to be in the center, and between the First and Second Divisions, until 4 a.m. of the 16th, when, by order of the major-general commanding, I moved back to the Hillsborough pike, and to the right upon it about one mile and a half upon our extreme right to support General Cox's division, of the Twenty-third Corps. Here I remained during the day guarding the right flank.

The First Brigade had wounded: Private Lyman Fairclo, Company C, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, gunshot wound in leg, slight; Private John R. Edwards, Company F, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, gunshot wound in head, slight; Private George Welch, Company F, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, gunshot wound in foot, slight. The Second Brigade had wounded: Sergeant Kennedy, Company A, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteers, cannon shot, compelling amputation of the thigh. Company A, Second Missouri Light Artillery, lost, killed by a shell, Private Simon Okley. None missing from my command. I can only account for the small loss in my command as one of the rebel prisoners did. Said he: “How could we fight? You got on our end” (i.e., flank). Company A, of the Thirty-third Wisconsin, broke through their line and charged them down their flank, perfectly enfilading their line at the stone fence.

All the regiments of my command behaved splendidly. In the charge on the Hillsborough pike all moved in line as on parade.

Col. L. M. Ward, of the Fourteenth Wisconsin, commanding First Brigade, and Col. L. Blanden, of the Ninety-fifth Illinois, commanding Second Brigade, both deserve especial notice; each handled his brigade with skill and judgment. I desire also to mention favorably the following members of my staff: Capt. J. H. Wetmore, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. H. M. Bush, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, aide-de-camp and picket officer; Capt. W. L. Scott, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, acting assistant inspector-general; First Lieut. William McNeil, Eighty-first Illinois, ordnance officer; and Maj. L. Dyer, Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, surgeon-in-chief. Each of these officers were at all times during the two days' battle at their proper places, doing their duty bravely, gallantly.

For further particulars I refer you to the reports of my brigade commanders, which are herewith respectfully forwarded.

J. B. MOORE,                       

Colonel Thirty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry,

Comdg. Third Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee.

 Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

ADDENDA.

Movements and operations of Third Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, from the 20th to the 31st of December, 1864.

December 21, in camp near Spring Hill, Tenn., were ordered to move at dark; moved out of camp, but received orders to countermarch and return to camp. December 22, marched to Duck River, and camped near river-bank. December 23, in camp near Duck River; at night, in pursuance to orders from major-general commanding corps, the Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers and the Seventy-second Illinois were ordered to proceed, under command of Lieut. Col. F. S. Lovell, to Columbia and take possession of the town and do provost duty and prevent marauding and pillaging. In compliance with said order Colonel Lovell moved to Columbia, took possession of the town and established an efficient provost guard, effectually preventing all irregularities. December 24, marched the infantry of the command across Duck River at 1.30 p.m.; the artillery and train were unable to cross on account of the Fourth Corps train occupying the bridge. The infantry marched four miles and a half from Columbia on the Pulaski pike, and went into camp. The regiments on duty at Columbia were relieved at 4 p.m. by a brigade of the Twenty-third Corps and immediately moved to rejoin the division. December 25, in camp all day awaiting the arrival of batteries and supply train. December 26, moved at 9 a.m.; after marching five miles, the Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, in compliance to orders received from the major-general commanding corps, were sent back to report to Captain Drew, assistant quartermaster, at Columbia. December 27, moved at 9 a.m., and camped at night near Pulaski. December 28, Seventy-second Illinois rejoined division to-day; battery and train came up; division did not move to-day. December 29, moved at 9 a.m.; marched about eight miles; camped six miles west of Pulaski. December 30, moved at 7 a.m.; passed through Lawrenceburg at 1.30 p.m.; camped at sundown five miles west of Lawrenceburg. December 31, marched at 8 a.m.; marched ten miles, and camped at 1.30 p.m.

The march for the whole ten days was very disagreeable and arduous, the weather being very inclement, and despite much suffering caused by shoes being worn out and the necessary exposure of a campaign at this season of the year, the sanitary condition of the division is very good.

Very respectfully submitted.

WM. L. SCOTT,        

Captain and Acting Assistant Inspector-General,

Third Division, Detachment Army of the Tenn.

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. 499-501

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 158. Report of Capt. Stephen H. Julian, Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 158.

Report of Capt. Stephen H. Julian, Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

Official report of the part taken by Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery, in the battles fought before Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864:

On the morning of the 15th of December, 1864, I was ordered, with my battery, to follow the Third Brigade, First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, which was done, until I had marched about three miles from our camps, where the enemy was found in three different forts, with a heavy line of skirmishers to oppose our advance. I ordered my battery forward about 100 yards in advance of our line of skirmishers and came in action on a hill in an open field under the fire of the enemy's line of skirmishers and the fire from three rebel batteries — one immediately in my front, about 1,200 yards distant; one on my left, 1,500 yards; and one still farther on my left, 2,000 yards distant. In the morning Lieutenant Davis was detached as an aide-de-camp to Colonel Hill, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee. Section commanders were as follows: Lieut. Philip Lynch commanded the right section; Lieut. William J. Williams, the center section; Sergt. R. D. O. Nicholson, the left section. When I came in action I found the enemy's sharpshooters to be very annoying, as well as the firing of their artillery from the different forts on my left and center. I ordered Lieutenant Lynch, commanding the right section, to direct his fire on the fort immediately in my front, and Lieutenant Williams, who commanded the center section, to fire on a regiment of rebel infantry that was advancing to support the rebel battery in my front. The third round he fired the shells were seen exploding amidst the enemy's ranks, which sent them on double-quick into their fortifications. Sergeant Nicholson, commanding the left section, was ordered to fire on a line of sharpshooters that was posted about 300 yards to my left in a brush thicket. The third round he fired they were seen running in great disorder in the direction of their fortifications. After I had driven the enemy's sharpshooters and infantry into their works, I directed my whole battery but the sixth piece to fire on the fort immediately in my front. The sixth piece fired on the rebel battery on my left; the firing was continued for two hours, when the fort was charged in my front and captured, together with four pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. I then moved by the left flank and gained an eminence about 600 yards from the fort on the left of my first position, and came in action with my whole battery. The enemy only replied three times. After I brought my battery into position I held the fort silent for one hour, when the infantry charged and captured it. I then advanced my battery immediately in rear of the infantry about half a mile, and bivouacked for the night.

At 4 o'clock December 16, 1864, we moved forward about three-quarters of a mile and found the enemy strongly fortified. Lieutenant Lynch was detached as an acting aide-de-camp to Colonel Marshall, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, vice Colonel Hill, killed on the 15th. Lieutenant Davis commanded the right section; Lieutenant Williams, the center section; Sergeant Nicholson, the left section. I advanced my battery to within 400 yards of the enemy's works and to the left of the Granny White pike, and came in action under the fire of four rebel batteries and large number of sharpshooters. The fire at first appeared to be concentrated upon my battery, on account of its being in advance of the other artillery and nearest the enemy's works. This concentrated firing did not last long, as the batteries, both on my right and left, soon moved up and came in position and attracted the attention of the rebel batteries from my battery. I kept up a continuous fire until 3 p.m., when order was given for the infantry to charge the rebel works, which was done with success and honor to the Army of the Tennessee.

Ammunition expended on the 15th and 16th was 2,200 rounds.

Casualties: Private William Lee, wounded in left ankle; Privates William J. Simmons and Robert W. Williams, powder burnt.

In conclusion, let me say that the officers and men of my command behaved with gallantry.

Very respectfully, your  obedient servant,

S. H. JULIAN,          

Captain Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery.

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. 471-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 157. Report of Lieut. Col. William H. Heath, Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 157.

Report of Lieut. Col. William H. Heath,  Thirty-third Missouri Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS,       

Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers in the battles of 15th and 16th of December, 1864, at Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of the 15th instant, at about 7 o'clock, the regiment moved out, pursuant to orders from Colonel Hill, commanding Third Brigade, and was formed in line-north of Hardin pike and on the right of Third Brigade, connecting on the right with the Second Brigade, Colonel Hubbard commanding. At 9 o'clock the line of battle advanced diagonally across the pike, and a break occurring in the skirmish line in my front, Captain Rose was sent forward with Company H to fill up the gap. This company became engaged immediately with a line of the enemy concealed behind a rail fence south of the Hardin pike. A general advance of the entire line drove the enemy from this position and back toward his main works. With but feeble resistance, the enemy's skirmishers were pushed rapidly back, until at about 1 p.m. our main line of battle had been brought to within about 1,500 yards of the left of the enemy's works, when I received orders to take position on the right of Battery I, Second Missouri Artillery, and support it upon that flank. Sharp artillery firing ensued between this battery and a four-gun battery posted on the enemy's extreme left, during which Captain Rose with his skirmishers drove the rebel sharpshooters promptly in and took position so near their battery as to seriously annoy the gunners and impede the handling of the artillery. At 1.30 I received orders to move to the left of Battery I and close a gap between it and the Thirty-fifth Iowa. This change made it necessary to send out Lieutenant Knowlton with Company B as skirmishers in front of the new position. Lieutenant Knowlton handled his line with good effect, driving in the rebel skirmishers and pressing them closely. At about 2.30 o'clock, the main work on the enemy's left being captured, with all its artillery, by troops on my right, I received orders from Major-General Smith to advance the regiment, making a half wheel to the left, so as to confront the next work toward the rebel right, and on the completion of this movement, received orders from Colonel Hill to halt and have the men lie down. (During this halt Captain Rose returned his company to its place in line of battle.) At about 4 o'clock I received orders to advance to the charge, keeping closed up on the Thirty-fifth Iowa and conforming to the movements of that regiment. The order of battle brought the regiment directly in a dense thicket, through which it was impossible to advance with regularity. The line of defenses of the enemy was such that when the Thirty-fifth Iowa entered his works on my left and 100 yards north of Hillsborough pike, I discovered a body of the enemy directly in front of my line strongly posted behind a stone wall on the pike, this wall being covered by a work south of the pike and still farther toward the rebel right. Without waiting to restore my line, I ordered a charge upon this wall pell mell, and had little difficulty in driving the enemy, who appeared panic stricken and fired badly. The loss of the regiment in this charge was but two wounded. It being now dark, orders were issued to bivouac in line for the night parallel with Hillsborough pike and south of it.

December 16, shortly after daylight, orders were received to move forward in line of battle, keeping in line with the Seventh Minnesota, on our right, and conforming to the movement of that regiment. In this order the regiment passed across the Granny White pike and then wheeled to the right, in order to confront a line of rebel works at right angles with the pike. Orders were now received to form line fifteen paces in rear of the Twelfth Iowa, which was at the right of the brigade, and take shelter behind a stone wall. All these movements were executed under a galling fire from two rebel batteries, aided by musketry, our own batteries in our rear also firing over us, and occasionally bursting their shells immediately over or amongst us. We remained in this position until about 3.30 p.m., when we received orders to intrench for the night. While this order was being executed there was a general movement of the lines to our right, and a charge was made upon the rebel works. This regiment, with the Twelfth Iowa and Seventh Minnesota, was ordered to move forward and carry the enemy's position in front of us. Passing over the stone wall and through a plowed field, we received a terrible direct musketry fire from a brigade of the enemy posted behind a stone wall in our front, and a very galling cross-fire of canister from a strong and well-handled battery to our left. Seeing the left flank of the enemy's infantry already turned by the First and Second Brigades, I ordered my regiment to wheel to the left and storm his works and battery in that direction. This was done in the most gallant and successful manner, the men pressing eagerly forward through the first line, and being the first regiment to display their colors inside that portion of the enemy's works. Expecting a counter movement from the enemy's reserves, I here halted the regiment momentarily to reform the line, and immediately thereafter advanced about one mile through the rebel encampment to the foot of a chain of bluffs, being joined by numbers of men, who, in their impetuosity, had entered the works in advance of their regiments. No resistance was offered by the enemy to our farther advance until we arrived at the foot of the bluffs. Here we were met by a hot but inaccurate fire from rebel stragglers on the crest of these bluffs, but succeeded in silencing them by sending out a few skirmishers. It being again near dark, farther pursuit was refused, and we received orders to bivouac in line for the night.

During this day the skirmishing was done by Company G, under command of Lieutenant Rutledge, and subsequently by Company C, Captain Campbell, who relieved Rutledge about noon. Both companies did excellent work in annoying the rebel gunners, and both joined in the final charge.

Too much cannot be said in praise of the gallant men and officers who thus carried strong defenses manned by the flower of Hood's army of veterans. The coolness and determination of their advance were beyond all praise. They fired but little, pushing ahead at the double-quick and saving their ammunition till they should come to close quarters.

Among the losses I regret to number Adjt. S. Edward Day, of Saint Joseph, Mo., an officer of the first ability and conspicuous gallantry. He received a mortal wound during the heat of the charge, while bravely cheering on the men to victory. Also, Lieut. Thomas Rutledge, of Saint Louis, at the head of his noble company, received a wound which it is feared will prove fatal. Beloved by all for their manly patriotism and social qualities, they were mourned sincerely by every brave comrade.

The regiment went into this day's battle with 280 men, and lost 43 killed and wounded.

Appended is a full list of casualties in the two days' battles.*

Very respectfully,

WM. H. HEATH,      

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

 Lieut. HENRY HOOVER,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Embodied on table, p. 101.

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. 468-70

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 153. Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 153.

Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,                   

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Third Brigade, First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, in the battles before Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864:

The Third Brigade comprised the Twelfth Iowa Veteran Infantry Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. H. Stibbs; Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Maj. William Dill commanding; Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. William H. Heath commanding; Seventh Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. George Bradley commanding; and Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery, Capt. S. H. Julian; the brigade commanded on the 15th, at the opening of the battle, by Col. S. G. Hill, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers.

In obedience to orders from the brigadier-general commanding the division, the brigade moved from its position behind intrenchments for defense of Nashville at 7 a.m. 15th instant, and formed in line of battle, with its left resting on the Hardin pike, connecting with Second Division, the right connecting with Second Brigade of First Division, Colonel Hubbard's. Two companies were deployed forward as skirmishers, covering front of brigade. At 10 a.m. the line advanced, crossing the Hardin pike obliquely to the left, conforming to the movements of troops on our right and left. Our skirmishers, pushing rapidly toward the enemy, were soon briskly engaged, driving the enemy's skirmishers before them. About 11 a.m. we arrived in front of enemy's works, consisting on his extreme left, which was nearly in our front, of a formidable fort defended by a four-gun battery. Captain Julian's battery wheeled into position and opened on the enemy's works at from 1,200 to 1,500 yards distance. A rapid and effective fire from the battery was kept up for more than an hour. The enemy's guns poured a heavy fire into our battery, which was completely exposed in an open field, but without disabling our guns or for a moment interrupting Captain Julian's fire. Later in the day the battery was advanced to cover the charge we made. The infantry of the brigade were kept lying down during this first artillery fire, not being within musket-range of enemy. Our skirmishers got close up to enemy's works, and contributed not a little to the success which crowned the day's operations. The forts on the enemy's left being carried about 4 p.m. by the right of our division, the Third Brigade advanced, under a fierce artillery and musketry fire, and charged a formidable work on the right of the Hillsborough pike, carrying the work at the point of the bayonet most gallantly. It was at the parapet of this work that the gallant and lamented Col. S. G. Hill, commanding the brigade, lost his life. He was shot through the head, and died in a few minutes, without speaking. The service lost in Colonel Hill's death one of its bravest and best officers. The enemy's battery that was in the fort on right of Hillsborough pike was being removed, but we succeeded in capturing two guns and a battle-flag. When we had gained the first fort a terrible fire was poured into us from a second work, 200 yards to the left of Hillsborough pike. I ordered a charge on this second work, and carried it, capturing one piece of artillery, caisson, battery wagon, horses, &c. In the two works we captured about 200 prisoners. When we had gained the second work we pressed on to the left, and got in rear of the enemy, where General Garrard's division and the right of the Fourth Army Corps were pressing them in front. We opened a deadly fire on the enemy's rear, as he broke from his works when charged by General Garrard and Fourth Corps, and could have taken a great number of prisoners, but left them to the troops that came over the works in their front. Night now closed our work, and we were ordered into line a little way east of and parallel to the Hillsborough pike.

The casualties of the brigade on the 15th were, 1 officer killed and 1 wounded, 1 enlisted man killed and 35 wounded.

The battery fired about 1,000 rounds; the infantry expended very little ammunition except on the skirmish line, the heavy work having been done with the bayonet.

On the morning of the 16th the Third Brigade, on the left of Colonel Hubbard's — the left of the Third Division — was advanced, covered by skirmishers, from its position during time night toward the Granny White pike, and conforming to the movement of brigades on our right, obliqued and wheeled to the right until it confronted the enemy's strong works across the Granny White pike, at the foot of the Overton (or Brentwood) Hills. My right rested on the pike, connecting with left of Colonel Hubbard's brigade. We pushed forward, under a severe fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry, until partly covered by a fence and stone wall running from the Bradford mansion to the pike. Here we halted until the grand charge in the afternoon. Captain Julian's battery was posted about 400 yards in rear of the infantry, and opened and kept up a heavy fire on the enemy's works. In our immediate front was a four-gun battery. Between 3 and 4 p.m. I observed the right of the division — the First Brigade — advancing to charge the enemy's left, and quickly Colonel Hubbard's brigade, immediately on my right, started on the charge. Seeing that Colonel Hubbard ought to be supported, I ordered the brigade to follow and charge the works in our front. Most bravely did the lines rise, and with cheers, breasting the storm of shot and shell from the four guns in our front, and the fierce musketry fire of the infantry supports of the battery, charge and carry the very strong works on the left of the [Granny] White pike. The splendid Pointe Coupée Battery of four Napoleon 12-pounders, a great number of small arms, and 300 to 400 prisoners were taken. The gallant Colonel Hubbard, who had gained the enemy's works on the right of the pike before I reached those on the left, was sweeping down toward my front, and claimed part of the guns as his capture. Although there can be no doubt that my brigade first entered the works by the front, I thought it but fair to the ever-gallant Second Brigade, which got the start of us in the general charge and pierced the enemy's line in advance of us, to divide the guns; accordingly, Colonel Hubbard took two and the Third Brigade two. We made a short halt upon gaining the enemy's works, and pressed on up the hills about one mile, pursuing the fugitives, capturing many, until, by command of the general, halted at the base of the steep part of the mountain, and put into position for the night.

In the charge, which was made across an open field about 400 yards wide, that noble and brave young officer, Adjt. S. E. Day, of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, was mortally wounded; he died in hospital on the 19th instant; Lieutenant Rutledge, of Thirty-third Missouri, was seriously wounded; Captain McKelvy and Lieutenant Potter, of Seventh Minnesota, slightly wounded; 11 men were killed and 89 wounded.

I cannot too highly commend the gallant conduct of all the officers and men of the brigade; no troops ever behaved more gallantly. The Twelfth Iowa had not a single line officer, owing to the recent muster-out of non-veterans, yet their conduct was none the less soldierly and brave.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. MARSHALL,             

Colonel Seventh Minnesota,   

Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

There were captured by my command in the two days' engagement, 5 12-pounder guns — brass, 1 steel — (exclusive of the 2 Napoleon's conceded to Colonel Hubbard, which would have made the number 7), 5 caissons, 1 battery wagon, about 500 prisoners, and 2 battle-flags.

There was expended, by Captain Julian's battery, 2,000 rounds of 3-inch shell and solid shot; by the infantry, mostly by the skirmishers, about 7,000 rounds of rifle-musket ammunition.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. MARSHALL,             

Colonel Seventh Minnesota,   

Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Detach. Army of the 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. 460-2

Joseph M. Harris & Joshua C. Harris

HARRIS, LEWIS, farmer, Sec. 35; P. 0. Cincinnati; born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1814. When about 18 months of age, his father, Joshua H., moved to Franklin Co., Ind.; one of the earliest settlers of the State; cleared and improved a farm, until 1850, when he moved to Vermilion Co., Ill., where he died at the age of 70; his mother died in 1847, at the age of 72. In 1835, Mr. Harris married Miss Polly Cults, daughter of Robert and Jane Cults, then residents of Franklin Co., Ind., since of Hamilton Co., Ind.; her mother died in 1842; her father is now with Mr. and Mrs. H. Soon after marriage, Mr. Harris removed to Decatur Co., Ind.; in 1855, to Louisa Co., Iowa; engaged in farming; thence to this county, in, 1856, where he owns 279 acres of land, valued at 820 per acre; have eight children — Joseph M., Joshua C, Mary J., Martha A., Hulda E., Lewis J., Emma and Margaret E. Democrat; members of the Baptist Church; is a member of A., F. & A. M., No. 42 Centerville. Their eldest son, Joseph M., was a member of the Missouri Battery, enlisted in the fall of 1863, and Joshua C. enlisted in February, 1862, in the 16th Iowa V. I.; served until the close of the war. During his stay of one year in Louisa Co., he loaned his money, consisting of $4,000, which was a total loss; consequently he started here with comparatively nothing.

SOURCE: The History Of Appanoose County, Iowa, published by Western Historical Company, 1878, p. 594-5

Colonel Cyrus H. Mackey

SECOND COLONEL, THIRTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

Cyrus H. Mackey is twenty-eight years of age, and a native of Illinois. He is a lawyer by profession, and, at the time of entering the service, was a resident of Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa. He was made lieutenant-colonel of the 33d Iowa Infantry the 10th of August, 1862, and served with that rank till the 18th of August, 1863, when he was commissioned colonel of his regiment. He was not however mustered to that rank till the 22d of April, 1864. The 33d Iowa has been under his command a chief portion of the time since entering the field; for Colonel, afterward General Rice was in command of the brigade to which the regiment was attached.

To give in detail the operations in which the 33d Iowa has taken part can not be done with interest; for they are recorded elsewhere in these pages. From the time of entering the field to the present, the 29th and 33d Iowa regiments have served together, and the history of one regiment is nearly the same as that of the other. It accompanied the White River and Yazoo Pass Expeditions, and marched with General Steele on the Little Rock and Camden Campaign. The regiment most distinguished itself at the battles of Helena and Saline River, or Jenkins' Ferry, the former fought on the 4th of July, 1863, and the latter on the morning of the 30th of April, 1864.

The following is from Lieutenant-Colonel Mackey's official report concerning the battle at Helena:

"The men, after having been constantly engaged for six hours, were very much exhausted. From eighty to one hundred rounds of ammunition had been expended to the man. The loss of my own regiment was: killed on the field, seventeen; wounded, fifty-two; taken prisoners, seventeen. Three men were taken at Battery C. Eight of the wounded have since died from their wounds. I went into the engagement with five hundred men. The officers and men of the entire command behaved themselves splendidly. The force we had to contend with was at least five to one, and I feel perfectly safe in saying that the regiment took as many prisoners as we had men in action. They all did so well that it is a difficult matter for me to attempt to particularize who did best.

"I take particular pleasure in mentioning the names of Major H. D. Gibson, Captain John P. Yerger, Captain John Lofland, Lieutenant Cheney Prouty, and Captain L. W. Whipple. The manner in which these officers conducted themselves is deserving of the highest praise.

"I would also call your attention to the good conduct of 2d Lieutenant Sharman, of Company G, who had command of the picket-guard. He succeeded in holding the enemy in check until we were fully prepared to receive them, brought his guard all off except a number that were killed and wounded in good order, and joined the regiment. He was wounded in the head very severely, but I think not dangerously."

For the part taken by the 33d Iowa on the Camden march and in the different skirmishes and actions in which it was engaged, I refer to the reports of its commanding officers. From the time Steele left Little Rock till after his arrival at Camden, the regiment was commanded by Major H. D. Gibson, and the following is from his official report:

"Prior to the arrival of our forces at Prairie de Anne, the part taken in any engagement by my regiment was entirely unimportant. On arriving at Prairie de Anne, I was ordered to form line of battle and move to the left of the 50th Indiana, which was done. I was then ordered to form column by division, and in that order I moved forward on to the prairie. While crossing a slough in the timber joining the prairie, a shell from the enemy's gun exploded near the regiment, killing one man and breaking several guns. On reaching the open ground, I again deployed, sending forward two companies as skirmishers, with instructions to move steadily forward, which they did, driving the enemy before them, the regiment moving to their support. In this order I moved forward till the regiment rested where the enemy's artillery first opened fire. It then being dark, the skirmishers were ordered to rest in place, and the regiment retired two hundred yards to unexposed grounds and bivouacked. At 11 o'clock P. M. the enemy dashed upon the skirmish line, but was repulsed without injury to us. The transactions of the following day are unimportant. On the morning of the 13th of April, we moved, in connection with the entire forces, through and to the west of Prairie de Anne, our skirmishers steadily driving the enemy before them. On approaching their works on the Camden and Washington road, the enemy hastily withdrew. From that time till the morning of the 15th, nothing worthy of note transpired.

"On the 15th day of April, my regiment led the advance of the infantry. Two companies were deployed as skirmishers on either side of the road, and, having moved forward two miles, were fired upon by the enemy. The skirmishers moved forward, driving them, assisted by a howitzer, until they came within range of the enemy's artillery, which was opened upon us, wounding four men. My regiment supported the 2d Missouri Battery on the right. Having taken this position, I sent forward three sharp-shooters from each company to assist the skirmishers, and annoy the enemy's gunners. After an engagement of two hours the enemy withdrew from his position, after which the march was resumed. At about two miles distant, we were again fired on; and while awaiting orders a shell from the enemy's guns burst near my regiment, dangerously wounding one man. A sharp skirmish was kept up for two and a half miles, when the enemy withdrew from our front. Our entire loss in killed and wounded, when we reached Camden, amounted to one killed, and four wounded."

Colonel Mackey reached Camden on the 19th of April, and assumed command of his regiment. The following is from his official report concerning the part taken by his regiment in the return to Little Rock.

"Nothing of particular interest took place from the time of the evacuation of Camden until my arrival at Saline River. On the evening of the 29th, at 6 ½ o'clock P. M., I was ordered to the rear on the Camden road to support Colonel Ingleman's Brigade, an attack being anticipated during the night. I stood at arms during the entire night, the enemy making no particular demonstration, although in speaking-distance. Night very dark and raining most of the time.

"About 4 o'clock A. M. on the 30th, I received orders that, as soon as the 43d Illinois Infantry on my left was withdrawn, I should retire about three-fourths of a mile toward the river, and take position covering the passage of the troops while crossing. This movement I executed without being discovered by the enemy. This position I occupied half an hour when the enemy made his appearance. The skirmishers immediately engaged them, holding them in check for half an hour. When I was relieved by the 27th Wisconsin Infantry, I marched my command to a new position, one mile in the direction of the crossing. In twenty minutes the engagement became general, and I was ordered to the support of the 50th Indiana Infantry on the left. From this time until the close of the battle, the regiment was almost continually engaged.

"As to the conduct of both officers and men of my command, I cannot speak in terms too high. To attempt distinction would be injustice to my command, as all did their duty nobly. A short time before the close of the action I received a wound in my right arm, which compelled me to quit the field, the command of the regiment devolving upon Captain Boydston, Company A, who, at the close of the engagement, marched the regiment off in good order."

In the desperate engagement at Jenkins' Ferry, the loss of the 33d was severe. Eight enlisted men were killed, and six officers and ninety-seven enlisted men wounded. There were also twelve missing; making the total loss of the regiment one hundred and twenty-three. The commissioned officers wounded were Colonel Mackey, Captains Comstock and Totten, and Lieutenants Conner, De Garmo and Kindig. Captain P. T. Totten and Lieutenant T. R. Conner were both mortally wounded. The former was shot through the thigh, and the latter through the neck. The subsequent history of the 33d is nearly the same as that of the 29th Iowa.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 497-500

COLONEL SAMUEL MERRILL

TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY.

Colonel Samuel Merrill is a native of the State which was first settled by traders and fishermen "on the Maine," and is a representative-man of New England. He was born on the 7th day of August, 1822, in the town of Turner, Oxford county, where he resided till the age of sixteen; when he moved with his parents to Buxton, York county, of the same State. After removing to Buxton, he taught and attended school by turns, until he attained his majority, and then visited the Southern States, with the intention of settling there, and making teaching a permanent business. But, as the colonel himself expresses it, "he was born too far north." Suspicions were awakened, many questions asked, and he was finally advised to leave, which he did in disgust. Nor did he ever return, until, under orders from his Government, he led his regiment to the field. Returning to Maine after his rebuff in the South, he purchased a farm, and two years later married. In 1847, he lost his wife, after living with her only fourteen months. Soon after, he sold his farm and moved to Tamworth, New Hampshire; where, in company with his brother, J. H. Merrill, Esq., he entered the mercantile business. This he followed with good success, till the year 1856, when he removed to McGregor, Iowa, and established a branch house of the same firm.

While a citizen of New Hampshire, Colonel Merrill was twice elected to the State Legislature. He was a member of that body in 1854 and in 1855, the time when the celebrated struggle for United States Senators came off, which finally terminated in the election of John P. Hale and James Bell. For nearly forty consecutive years previous, the State had been democratic.

In 1854, Nathaniel B. Baker, our present adjutant-general, was Governor of New Hampshire, and Colonel Merrill a member of the House. Just six years later, both of these gentlemen were elected to the Iowa State Legislature, and served together in that body.

In January, 1851, Colonel Merrill was again married, his second wife being a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine. From this union three children were born; though all of them died young, the oldest living to be only two and a half years old. From 1856 till the spring of 1861, Colonel Merrill continued in the wholesale and retail dry-goods and grocery business; but, at the last named date, sold out and became a member of the McGregor Branch Bank.

In the summer of 1862, Colonel Merrill entered the United States service. Ardent in temperament and radical in sentiment, it was only his unsettled business, as I am credibly informed, that prevented him from enlisting in the war sooner. He was commissioned colonel of the 21st Iowa Infantry, on the 1st of August, 1862, and, on the 16th of September following, left Dubuque in command of his regiment for St. Louis on the steamer Henry Clay.

One of the most interesting pages in the history of the 21st Iowa, is that which relates to the battle of Hartsville, Missouri — an engagement, of which less is known in our State, than of almost any other, in which Iowa troops have fought. Colonel Merrill arrived with his command at Rolla, Missouri, on the 23d of September, 1862, and, previous to the 11th of January, 1863, (the date of the Hartsville battle) had marched it from one point to another in Southern Missouri, without ever meeting the enemy. We should, however, except the affair at Beaver Creek, where, on the 27th of November, a small detachment of the regiment, while guarding a provision-train from Rolla to Hartsville, was cut to pieces by rebel cavalry.

General J. S. Marmaduke, on the 31st of December, 1862, (I quote from the rebel general's report) "marched from Lewisburg, Arkansas, via Yellville, Arkansas, to strike the enemy in rear and flank," with a force numbering, according to his own estimate, three thousand three hundred and seventy men. Advancing by way of Ozark, the rebel force appeared before Springfield on the 8th of January, 1863, and at once began an assault on the place.

As has been already stated in the sketch of General Edwards, Springfield was, at the time in question, commanded by General Brown of Missouri. Doubting his ability to make a successful defense against so unequal a force, he telegraphed General Fitz Henry Warren, commanding at Houston, Missouri, for reinforcements. The telegram was received by General Warren on the morning of the 9th. Without waiting to confer with General Curtis, commanding the Department, he promptly organized a force, consisting of the 21st Iowa, the 99th Illinois, three companies of the 3d Iowa, and the 3d Missouri cavalry, and two guns of the 2d Missouri Battery, and, placing it under command of Colonel Merrill of the 21st Iowa, ordered that officer to proceed by forced marches to Springfield, and report to the commanding officer of the place. On Saturday evening, the 10th instant, Colonel Merrill had reached Woods' Fork, about six miles west of Hartsville, where he halted his command for supper and rest. Reveille was beat on Sunday morning at two o'clock, and preparations made to resume the march, when scouts came in with the report that the enemy, in heavy force, was advancing on the Springfield road. Colonel Merrill at once comprehended the situation. Marmaduke had been repulsed at Springfield; and he had now to fight the entire rebel command. With this understanding he made a hasty disposition of his forces, and met the advance of the enemy with so vigorous an attack that he soon fell back, and, moving south to the old Springfield road, continued his march in the direction of Hartsville. Being advised of this movement, Colonel Merrill moved back hastily, and secured a commanding point to the west of the town that not only made his own position secure, but enabled him to command the place.

The fight at Hartsville opened with artillery at eleven o'clock A. M. and continued till four in the afternoon, when the enemy, repulsed and punished at every point, withdrew from the field. The force under Colonel Merrill in this engagement was about one thousand: that of the enemy was not leas than three thousand three hundred and seventy — probably, not less than five thousand. The contest was unequal, and the victory all the more brilliant. Of this battle General Marmaduke says, in his official report: "At Hartsville, I met, fought, and drove, in the direction of Lebanon, sixteen hundred infantry and five hundred cavalry, under General Merrill. The battle was desperate." It was indeed desperate for him; for he lost among his dead one brigadier — the "brave McDonald" — three colonels, and one major, "besides other brave officers." General Marmaduke, in his retreat to White River, frequently said to Lieutenant Brown of the 3d Iowa cavalry, whom he had taken prisoner at Wood's Fork: "Why, Lieutenant, your boys fought like devils."

At Hartsville, the loss of the 21st Iowa was thirty in killed, wounded and missing. Four enlisted men were killed, and two officers and sixteen enlisted men wounded.

Subsequently to the winter of 1862-3, and till after the fall of Vicksburg, the history of the 21st is nearly the same as are those of the 22d and 23d Iowa Infantry regiments. Brigaded with the two last named regiments, together with the 11th -Wisconsin, (a splendid body of troops) the 21st Iowa marched on the Vicksburg Campaign, and took a distinguished part in the battles of Port Gibson and Big Black River Bridge. In the former of these the regiment led the advance of its corps, and received the first fire of the enemy.

"At the widow Daniel's plantation, some nine miles from Port Gibson, we were ordered by General Carr to take the advance. I ordered Company A, commanded by Captain A. R. Jones, and Company B, commanded by Captain W. D. Crooke, as advance skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, and supported by Companies D and F, commanded by Major Van Anda; next was a twelve-pound field piece from that excellent battery, the First Iowa: all supported by the balance of my command."

The road from Rodney, Mississippi to Port Gibson, (and it was on this road that the battle was fought) runs along a high, broken ridge, and is cut down in many places to a great depth. The 21st Iowa, when near Thompson's Hill, where the Federal skirmishers were fired on, was ordered to halt and rest in one of these cuts. A majority of the men had thrown themselves down in the road, and upon their backs, using their knapsacks as a support — a favorite position for the soldier, when ordered to rest on the march. Others were leaning up against the steep banks of the road. Among the latter, were Dr. William L. Orr, surgeon of the 21st Iowa, and, I believe, Colonel Merrill, both having dismounted. It was now nearly two o'clock in the morning. The colonel and doctor stood talking together unconcernedly, when they were startled by a brilliant flash, and, at the same instant, a storm of musket-balls came whirling down through the cut. Almost at the same instant, the enemy opened with artillery. They were in force on the hill above — and thus the fight opened and lasted about and hour, when both parties, as if by mutual consent, ceased firing. The battle was renewed at day-light the next morning, and lasted nearly the entire day. The 21st Iowa fired the first gun; but, although engaged nearly all day, the loss of the regiment was only one officer and thirteen men wounded. Colonel Merrill, in the afternoon of the engagement, commanded his brigade, and had his horse so severely wounded that, it was necessary to leave it upon the field. For his conduct in the engagement, he was thus complimented by General Carr, the division commander: "The 21st Iowa, Colonel Samuel Merrill, first in the battle, and one of the last to leave the field." Of Company B, and its gallant captain, the same report says: "Company B, 21st Iowa, Captain Crooke, received the first fire of the rebel pickets, and returned it with great coolness." Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap was the only commissioned officer of the regiment wounded in this engagement.

Among the officers and men whose names are mentioned for good conduct in this engagement are Captains Benton, Harrison, Voorhees, Boardman and Watson, and Sergeant B. Krist. The latter captured a rebel orderly, who was at the time bearing dispatches.

The battle at Big Black River Bridge, where the 21st Iowa next distinguished itself, is one of the most gallant affairs of the whole war: an account of it will be found in the sketch of the late Colonel Kinsman, of the 23d Iowa. It was in this charge that Colonel Merrill, while leading his regiment, received the wound which afterward necessitated his leaving the service. His regiment, too, suffered severely. Seven enlisted men were killed, and three officers and sixty-four enlisted men wounded. In his official report of the engagement, Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap says:

"Colonel Merrill, commanding the regiment, fell in the first part of the charge, severely wounded, while gallantly leading his regiment against the enemy. * * * *

I can not of course make mention of all those who distinguished themselves on that battle-field, as that would be to copy the roll of all present. Major S. G. Van Anda, received the highest credit for the coolness and bravery with which he conducted the charge, the left being in front, through the storm of leaden hail. Much of the success of the charge is owing to his gallant conduct and daring example. Captain Harrison was one of the first officers on the enemy's works. Captains Swivel, Voorhees, Watson, Boardman, and Crooke behaved with great coolness. Lieutenants Roberts, Childs and Dolson, received the praise of all who saw their bravery. Lieutenant Howard of Company B, acting adjutant, received a mortal wound while gallantly performing his part of this gallant charge.

With no desire to do injustice to other brave men of the regiment, I will mention, specially. Captain Jesse M. Harrison, Company C; for his conduct on the field was most admirable. He was one of the first to enter the enemy's works. On coming to the bayou in front of the rebel works, he saw a fallen tree, lying in the water, and sprung upon it, and from that to the opposite side, which he reached without wetting his feet. His company having waded the stream, followed directly to the bridge to cut off the retreat of those to the right. His forethought and courage added not less than five-hundred to General Grant's roll of prisoners. The captain's residence is in Dubuque, and I am told he is a wealthy bachelor. I am in wonder at the status of so brave a man.

After participating in the siege of Vicksburg, (during which the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap was killed) and the second march on Jackson under General Sherman, the 21st Iowa was ordered to report to General Banks at New Orleans. A chief portion of the time since the regiment has served in the trans-Mississippi Department. I have already said its history was much the same as that of the 23d Iowa. It was stationed at Old Town, Texas, early in March, 1864, when Colonel Merrill, not yet fit for duty, re-joined it. The colonel's wound was much more severe than was at first supposed; for after the lapse of nine months he was still unfit for duty. Believing that he could not again endure the hardships of field service he wrote a letter to his officers in which he expressed his determination to resign his commission; but they and the regiment would not consent, and a petition was drawn up and forwarded to him which in length measured nearly twenty feet.

Colonel Merrill re-joined his regiment in March as already stated, but his health was gone, and after a few weeks he resigned his commission and returned to his home in McGregor. The history of his regiment since he left it is not an eventful one. It has served on the Gulf and along the Mississippi River.

Colonel Merrill in his habits and manners is a New England man; and, in person, he is a fair sample of the sons of Maine which is noted for her stately forests and stalwart men. He is six feet high, and weighs two hundred and fifteen pounds. As a soldier, Colonel Merrill ranked high, and was popular both with his command and his superiors. When he entered the service, he was strictly a civilian, but notwithstanding this, he was, though of a nervous temperament, cool in action and brave to a fault. That he was regarded as possessing the [qualities] of a commanding officer, I need only state that he was placed in command of a division at West Plains, Missouri, when he had been in the service only five months. In politics, he is radical, and deems the term "Black Republican" of no reproach. On resigning his commission in the army, he was elected President of the First National Bank, McGregor, Iowa, which position he still holds.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 367-374