Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 201. — Report of Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 25, 1864.

No. 201.

Report of Col. Thomas J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry,

commanding First Brigade, of operations December 25, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SIXTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS,                

MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,        

Near Sugar Creek, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 25th instant this brigade had the advance in pursuit of the enemy, moving out of camp ten miles north of Pulaski at 5 a.m. The enemy's rear guard was struck about two miles from the camp, when active skirmishing commenced. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was in advance, drove the enemy from every position, and when near Pulaski charged gallantly through the town, saving the covered bridge across Richland Creek, which the enemy had fired, and which he was attempting to hold with a heavy force until destroyed. I immediately ordered two guns in position and deployed a force along the creek, obliging the enemy to withdraw. Crossing the bridge I followed up the pursuit rapidly, dislodging the enemy from strong positions, until reaching the head of a narrow gorge, some seven miles from Pulaski, where the enemy had taken position on a high hill behind strong barricades. His position was admirably selected, being hidden from view by heavy timber until within a few feet of it. Supposing that the enemy would retire from this position, as he had from others on a flank movement from us, I deployed the Seventh Ohio Cavalry on the right and the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry on the left of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, all dismounted. These regiments moved upon the enemy most gallantly, when suddenly he opened from a masked battery of three guns and charged over his works, in two lines of infantry with a column of cavalry, down the main road. Before this overpowering force my men were obliged to fall back about half a mile, when we checked the enemy, and, receiving support, drove him back.

I regret to state that Company I, Fourth U.S. Artillery, were obliged to abandon one gun and limber at this time. The battery had been placed in position by General Wilson's order. The stand made by the enemy at this point was to save his train, as we had driven his rear guard sharp upon it. From prisoners I learn that this rear guard consisted of seven brigades of infantry and one division—Jackson's—of cavalry, all under General Forrest. In the hasty evacuation of Pulaski the enemy threw two cannon into the creek, burned a locomotive and train of five cars loaded with arms and ammunition, and it is reported he left near town two locomotives in good order. For six miles below Pulaski the road was strewn with abandoned artillery ammunition, and burning and abandoned wagons. I think he saved some twenty wagons entire.

We captured during the day 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and some 50 or 60 men, also some 150 wounded at Pulaski.

Our casualties, mostly from the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, consisted of 3 killed, 18 wounded, and 5 missing. In charging the bridge at Pulaski the Fifth Iowa Cavalry lost 3 killed and 3 wounded.

Brevet Major-General Wilson expressed himself much pleased with the operations of the brigade during the day. The officers and men of the brigade behaved admirably; they are men who can be relied upon.

T. J. HARRISON,        

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. E. T. WELLS,
        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. 603

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 7, 1862

3 a.m.—Less rain. General Nelson, that energetic and wide-awake officer, is at my headquarters, near a large tree, and issues his orders to me verbally: “Colonel Ammen, you will put the Tenth Brigade in motion, as soon as you can see to move, at dawn; find the enemy and whip him.” He went towards the Nineteenth Brigade. The Tenth Brigade is in line, ready to meet an attack, and preparing the best possible breakfast that their haversacks, culinary advantages, &c., will afford; the skirmish line strengthened and advanced several hundred yards beyond the bayou in our front, and the brigade commences the march through the undergrowth, crosses the bayou, ascends the steep, high bank; first line advances far enough to let the second cross, halts, adjusts alignment, &c., the skirmishers advancing slowly and cautiously in the mean time. Our left is to rest on the marsh or Tennessee River, and our line of march is to be up the river. It is now light, and we are again in motion through the wet undergrowth and forest. Rain has ceased. An occasional shot is fired by our skirmishers, and now we are at a clearing, and some cabins and tents are standing, from which our troops were driven yesterday. We cross the open space and halt in the forest. The battle has commenced miles to the right. The fire is extending along the line, and has been coming nearer and nearer, and now we hear the shouts of the distant combatants. The Tenth is again in motion. Our skirmish line has some work, but the enemy falls back; does not advance on our front in force. The advance is slow and cautious; the position of our left flank is examined carefully and is near a swamp; cannot be easily turned. The undergrowth, the forest, and the clearing a short distance in front are favorable to us. About a mile from our position this morning; our advance has not been interrupted. The confidence of the men increased, if I may judge from their cheerful salutes and happy countenances as I pass along the Nines. The roar of artillery and small-arms is extending to our left rapidly. The brigade on our right is engaged furiously. A battery is brought to the support of the Nineteenth, and the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry is taken from my front line to support the battery. The Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry takes position in the front line.

No sooner is our line formed than the enemy assault fiercely, but the brave men and officers of the Tenth Brigade stand cool and firm, and hurl the foe back again and again, as often as he reaches the crest of the small rise immediately in our front. The attacks of the enemy are frequent and desperate, but our new troops have the coolness of veterans. Captain Mendenhall's battery, Fourth U.S. Artillery, comes to our support when we need assistance. Right good service did Captain Mendenhall and his well-drilled and efficient battery perform. The troops on our right are hard up to hold their position, and are not able to dislodge the enemy in their front. We of the Tenth have our hands full. The enemy is massing in our front, apparently determined to carry our left flank. The Tenth is placed on the best ground for defense, concealed as far as practicable, and ready to receive the attack of superior numbers. On the rebels come with loud shouts, and when they are at the proper place the men of the Tenth rise, the front rank fires, loads; the rear rank fires, &c. The rebels find the aim too accurate and the balls to numerous to continue the advance; they fall back, renew the attack repeatedly, but are each time repulsed by the brave men and officers under my command. Generals Buell and Nelson come along; call my attention to the great force in my front, which we had seen and been fighting some time. They were uneasy for the safety of the left, but when they witnessed the fierce assault of the rebels and the cool and determined courage of the men and officers of the Tenth and the decided repulse of the rebels, their expressed their admiration and promised me re-enforcements. Captain Mendenhall's battery was taken to another part of the line of battle which was sorely pressed. The battle rages with us; no cessation; no diminution of numbers in our front; no appearance of retreat, but evident signs of another attack. They come, but cannot move our line; another effort without success; our left baffles all their courage and skill. We have fought long against superior numbers; the men are weary; ammunition is nearly exhausted. Our brave and noble Generals (Buell and Nelson) have taken good care of their troops. Ammunition is close to our line; the boxes are taken to the line; the cartridge boxes are filled and each man has 20 more cartridges on his person. The gallant Captain Terrill, with his battery, Fifth U.S. Artillery, dashes in and takes position at the right of our line; opens fire on the enemy just at the decisive moment; dismounts several pieces of one of their batteries in our front. The fire of the infantry is also constant and protracted. The line of battle was more than 4 miles long; a partial cessation; distant firing suddenly all along the line; an incessant roar of fire-arms; shouts of men, &c. The left of our line and the right of the rebels are as busy, as determined, and as anxious as at any other part of the line of battle. The fire is terrible on both sides. The Tenth Brigade advances slowly, but is gaining ground. The rebels fall back slowly, stubbornly, but they are losing ground. Terrill's battery helps us greatly. We advance more rapidly; push the rebels across the field; pass the tents deserted by our troops early Sunday. The rebels take ammunition from the boxes as they tarry among the tents, where they made a stand for some minutes. Our troops rout the rebels, and also replenish their cartridge boxes from the ammunition at this camp. We pursue a short distance; the rebels are re-enforced; are too strong for us, and we in turn fall back slowly in good order to the forest we left an hour or more before. The fight continues, but our position is strong; we could not be driven from it. Re-enforcements were sent to me by the generals; the left advanced; the rebels fell back. The troops under my command made a charge; the rebels retreated in haste; disappeared in the forest, and the battle was at an end for that day about 3.30 p.m. Parties were sent in pursuit, but there was no fighting except slight skirmishing. The troops bivouacked about 2 miles in advance of our starting point this morning. General Nelson goes to the gunboats and leaves the division under my command. General Buell comes to prepare for to-morrow's fight; I accompany him; he selects line of battle; orders me where and how to form division; accompany him to Crittenden's division, &c.; get back about midnight. General Buell is indefatigable, careful of his men, cool in battle, labors hard to get the best positions, and sees and examines for himself. Rains hard. General Thomas division arrived on boats at 11 a.m.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 335-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 141. Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 141.

Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,

of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-THIRD INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with instructions received from Brigadier-General Cox, I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th of November, the brigade being temporarily under my command on that day, owing to the illness of Col. Thomas J. Henderson, the brigade commander.

By direction of General Cox I placed the command in position early on the morning of the 30th, on the left of the Second Brigade, and with the left resting on the river and in the following order: One hundred and twentieth Indiana Infantry, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Infantry a short distance to the rear in reserve. Substantial works were at once thrown up, and such portions of our front as were not already obstructed by a well-grown and almost impenetrable hedge were covered with a strong abatis made of the hedges which ran at right angles with the works. At about 4 p.m. the enemy commenced his advance on our front in three lines of battle, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers. When within shell range, Battery M, Fourth Regulars, stationed on the left and rear of the brigade, opened upon the advancing lines. The front line of the enemy soon came within range of our muskets and was repulsed. A portion of their second line succeeded in reaching that part of the works held by the One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and planted their colors upon them. The color-bearer was killed, and the flag fell upon the outside. A number of the enemy succeeded in climbing over the works and were taken prisoners. This charge of the enemy was soon repulsed, and he made no further serious efforts to drive us from our position. The battery I have already mentioned, together with a battery in the fort across the river, kept up a continuous firing upon our front till after dark, which, I have no doubt, did much to check any further attempt of the enemy to advance upon us. In the meantime the One hundred and twentieth Indiana on the left was subjected to a terrific enfilading fire, both from the enemy's artillery and infantry. The regiment and its commander, Colonel Prather, in my opinion, deserve great praise for the heroic manner with which they held their position, the loss of which might have resulted in a defeat to our army. It is proper also that I should mention the stubborn and soldierly conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Packard, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and his command, in resisting the enemy after he had reached their works. The One hundred and twelfth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Bond commanding, though in reserve, was exposed to a considerable fire during the engagement, and near nightfall was ordered by General Cox to re-enforce some portion of the Second Division.

The conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, commanding Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers, as well as that of the officers generally, was praiseworthy, and that of the men was made more efficient by the aid and presence of Colonel Henderson, the brigade commander, who, though suffering from illness, could not withstand the desire to be present where his command was engaged, and who was along the lines during the engagement, and whose opportunities of witnessing their good conduct were equal to my own.

By direction of General Cox I withdrew the brigade, except the One hundred and twelfth Illinois, across the river at midnight.

I learn that a report of the casualties and the number of prisoners taken has already been forwarded to General Cox.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. STILES,

Colonel Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry.         

 Lieutenant STEARNS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,     

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command in the battles of the 15th and 16th instant, at Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of the 15th I moved the brigade from its position near Fort Negley to the right, in the rear and in support of a part of the Fourth Corps, on the Hillsborough pike. Near noon I marched farther to the right, following the First Brigade, and supporting the Sixteenth Corps and a portion of the cavalry. At night I took position on a high hill on the extreme right of the infantry, and occupied the adjoining heights by a strong force of skirmishers. Some time in the afternoon of the next day the cavalry on our right advanced, and the skirmishers of my command were ordered forward with them. About this time a successful charge was made by the infantry on my left, and the enemy in my front was driven from his position. At this time I received an order from General Cox to move two regiments forward, form on the left of the cavalry, and advance with it. I found, in attempting to comply with this order, that the cavalry, meeting with little or no resistance, was moving so rapidly that it was impossible for me to operate with it. Soon after I received orders to bivouac for the night.

My only loss was that of three enlisted men wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. STILES,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.        

Capt. THEO. Cox,

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. 429-31

4th & 5th U. S. Artillery Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

4TH U. S. ARTILLERY.

BATTERIES “H” AND “M”

CAPTAIN JOHN MENDENHALL.

5TH DIV. (CRITTENDEN)

5TH U. S. ARTILLERY.

BATTERY “H”

CAPTAIN WM. R. TERRILL.

2ND DIV. (MCCOOK)

ARMY OF THE OHIO

THESE BATTERIES WERE ENGAGED

NEAR HERE FROM ABOUT 9 A. M.

TO 1.30 P.M. APRIL 7, 1862.

CASUALTIES

3 KILLED. 19 WOUNDED.  TOTAL 22.


Note: To the left and slightly behind the monument in the bottom photograph is Bruce's Brigade position marker.

T. J. Denly

T. J. DENLY, one of the progressive farmers of Knox Township, residing on section 9, is a native of Wiltshire, England, born April 23, 1838, the eldest son of John and Sarah (Gilmore) Denly, who were the parents of ten children – Thomas J., Emily, Daniel, Fanny, Edward, John, Sarah, Hannah, Martha and a daughter Mary, who is now deceased. Thomas J. was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of his native country.  He came to America in January, 1857, and for two years lived in New York and vicinity. He then removed to Pike County, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming two years. April 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regular Artillery, and was in the service three years. He participated in the engagements at Yorktown Peninsula, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh. He was honorably discharged at Rappahannock, Virginia, in April 1864.  After the war he located in Wayne County, Ohio. August 23, 1864, he was married to Mary Gilmore, of Holmes County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Dorothy (Young) Gilmore. They have seven children living – James Alfred, Mary Emily, Ellen Elizabeth, Martha L., Jane, Ira E., Fanny E. A son named Wesley E. is deceased.  After leaving Wayne County, Ohio, Mr. Denly settled in Knox County, Illinois, remaining two and a half years. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and made his home in Ward Township for seven years, and in the spring of 1883 bought the farm where he has since resided. His farm is one of the best located in Knox Township, and contains 140 acres of improved land under the best of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, out buildings for the accommodation of his stock, and a fine orchard on his farm. This fine property has been acquired by years of industrious toil and persevering energy. Mr. Denly being a poor man when he commenced life for himself, and is numbered among the self-made men of Clarke county, where he is much respected for his fair and honorable dealings. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now affiliates with the Greenback party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 237

Battle of Murfreesboro: Stones River National Battlefield

BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO

– JAN. 2, 1863 –

½ mile north is the hillock commanding a ford over Stone’s River.  Here Capt. John Mendenhall, 4^th US Artillery, artillery officer of Gen. Crittenden’s staff, set a groupment of 58 guns which broke up the assault across the river of Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge’s Confederate Division.  Tablets on the spot give details.

SOURCE: Interpretive marker and cannon at the corner of NW Broad Street and McFadden’s Lane (present day Van Cleve Lane), Murfrees-boro, Tennessee

Parson’s Battery, 4th U. S. Artillery Co. “H” & “M”: Stones River National Battlefield

The most powerful federal battery on this field armed with four 3” Ordnance rifles and four 12 pdr. Howitzers.  This batter of battle hardened regulars poured charge after charge of canister at less than 100 yards into the oncoming grey ranks – helping stifle attacks on the Round Forest and the Nashville Pike, on the morning and early afternoon of December 31, 1862.  At times the Confederate Infantry were on three sides of the battery but Lt. Charles C. Parsons gave no ground.  During the entire battle Parsons fired more than any battery, 2,299 rounds, and suffered very few casualties due chiefly to the havoc caused by their deadly accurate fire.  Parsons was promoted to the rank of captain for his heroic action at Stones River.

SOURCE: The original interpretive marker at Stones River National Battlefield, pictured at right.

Parson’s Batteries Heavily Engaged

The 200 Regular Army gunners of Batteries H and M set up their eight cannon from here all the way to the Nashville Pike.  For four solid hours at brutal, sort range they fired many hundreds of rounds of munitions into the rebel ranks.  Their steady, punishing barrages helped dishearten their foes and encourage their comrades.

. . . my instructions from General Palmer were to remain in the position where I then was, in order to check the advance of the enemy, should he turn our right [flank].  At about 8 a.m. our infantry came falling back from the pine woods . . . our batteries were swung around and brought at once into action.  The approach of the enemy was parallel . . . to our front, and when he arrived within about 300 yards we opened upon his first line . . . [with] canister . . . the enemy fell back beyond our view.  He reappeared shortly afterward to our left, but again, receiving our fire, he fell back beyond our view . . . At about 12 [noon] just as I had nearly given out of ammunition, I received orders to retire.

– Charles Parsons, 1^st Lieutenant, commanding battalion, 4^th Regiment United States Artillery.

SOURCE: The new interpretive marker at Stones River National Battlefield, pictured at left.

William H. Cottew: Obituary

Another Pioneer Passes Away.

With the death of William H. Cottew, another of the Peabody pioneers goes to join the fast increasing list of those who, having served their community through years of hardships and toil, are passing on leaving to their children and grandchildren the heritage of their labors.

Mr. Cottew was born in England, July 28, 1840, and died at his home in Hutchinson, June 3, 1913, age seventy-two years, ten months and five days. His parents located in Illinois when he was but a boy, and it was from this state that he enlisted in Company H, 36th Illinois Cavalry [sic] afterwards to Company H, 4th Regular Artillery. He did valiant service and was wounded during the battle of Chickamauga. Soon after coming home from the war he was married to Margaret Bastian, who with four children, survive him.

It was in 1871 that he brought his family to Peabody, living on the old homestead until 1909, when he moved to Hutchinson where two of his children lived. Of the four children, Charles H. lives in this city, Fred F. in Halstead, Mrs. Gertrude McElvain, and Leo H. in Hutchinson. Five grandchildren, two brothers and one sister also mourns his departure. Rev. M. C. Brooks conducted the funeral services at the Methodist church, the remains being interred in Prairie Lawn cemetery at this place. The deceased was a worker for the best interests of the neighborhood in which he lived and was a member of the Christian church at Hutchinson.

– Published in The Peabody Herald, Peabody, Kansas, Thursday, March 18, 1909, p. 8

William H. Cottew, Private, Co. F, 36th Illinois Infantry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE: Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Footnote.com

William H. Cottew, Private Co. H, 4th U. S. Artillery: Pension Index Card

SOURCE: Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Footnote.com