Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, September 16, 1862

Rumors are circulating that we are to be ordered away from here. I am glad of it as I like to be kept active. Still this garrison duty is necessary as it gives us all time to learn our business. There is nothing like practical experience; it is the best school one can have. Marching orders have just come and we leave for Columbus, Ky., in the morning.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 2

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, September 19, 1862

COLUMBUS, KENTUCKY.  Last Tuesday we received marching orders from Paducah. Wednesday morning about 4 o'clock Co. A with some fifty sick men were placed on board the steamer "Rob Roy," the balance of the regiment being on the steamer "Diamond." Rained hard; of course, we were all soaked. Fifteen miles below Paducah we got aground and stuck there until the steamer "May Duke" came along and took us off. I pitied the poor sick soldiers but could do nothing for them but let them see I was willing if I had the power. We arrived at Cairo and were transferred again to the steamer "Eugene," left Cairo about 9 o'clock and got here at 12. Left three of Co. A in the hospital at Paducah. We are encamped on a bluff some two hundred and fifty feet above the Mississippi river and overlooking the battle ground of Belmont, General Grant's first battle. We are encamped on what was the rebel drill grounds and right below us is the water battery. They have a steam engine to pump water up on the bluff. Nelson Towner is stationed here, on General Quimby's [sic] staff, which makes it pleasant for me.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 2

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, September 30, 1862

For the past ten days there was nothing of particular interest. Quite a number of men are sick. I was in the hospital today seeing my men and while there one of Co. C men was dying. He was delirious and wanted his gun that he might take his place in the ranks of his company. Poor fellow, before tomorrow's sun he will be marching with that country's host that have already gone before. Some six or eight others have already died but none as yet from my company. We came near having a large fire the other day, but owing to the exertion of the guard under the command of my 1st Lieutenant Randall, it was put out. He was complimented on dress parade for his courage. Some days we are required to go to church which is held by the men being drawn up in a square and our Chaplain Barnes discourses in the center. As we have a number of good singers the music goes off very well, but there is a great deal of opposition to church on the part of the men, some being Catholics and one a Jew. In my company are two Germans who are atheists so there is quite a mixture. On Sunday last, sixty of the men marched down to the church in the city and took communion. Our camp life promises to be tedious in some respects but we are kept busy in batallion and company drills. Colonel Starring is very proficient in the formations.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 2-3

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, October 15, 1862

Yesterday we had a very large fire here. About 9 o'clock a fire broke out on the commissary boat "Admiral." I was "officer of the day" and was just about to be relieved by Captain Prior. I hastened to the boat but found her so enveloped in smoke that it would be useless to attempt to save her. The fire soon communicated to the store ship "Philadelphia" which had on board a large lot of loaded shell and cartridges. They soon commenced to explode. General Dodge, Post Commander, soon came along and ordered all hands to commence moving boxes of shells and cartridges that were on shore. Soon the shells on the boat commenced to burst and fly all about; several of the men were knocked down. The danger was very great but most of the men stood it well. Both boats were a total loss. The other day when I was "officer of the day" I had charge of the prison in which were a number of rebel prisoners. No one had a right to enter without a permit from the Provost Marshal, the commanding officer of the post or myself. A sickly looking woman with a baby in her arms, a little girl about five years old beside her, came to me and said she had walked thirty miles to see her husband who had been confined two months on charge of being a guerilla. Her wan and dejected appearance confirmed her story and I escorted her to the sick ward where her husband was lying. The moment she saw him she rushed to his cot, threw her arms around him, the little thing climbed up on his bed, and such tears and exclamations of affection I have never heard before. At the same time another prisoner who was confined for the same offence and who was lying directly opposite, died. His friends crowded around his cot and they gave way to their tears and sobs. I could not but turn away and feel the hot tears trickling down my own cheek; there was not a dry eye in that room. I was the only Union soldier present and the wife turned on her knees toward me and begged that I would let her husband go home with her, that he was dying then, as he certainly was. He, too, begged me for his life, but I, of course, was powerless to act in the matter. The friends of the dead man crowded around and begged that they might be permitted to send his body home, which was granted. I was only too glad to get away from such a scene. I have more than my share of such duty as there are only four captains able for duty, all the rest being sick. Making the grand rounds at night, with an orderly for a companion, is not so pleasant when you have to ride through a dense wood for ten or twelve miles. It would be an easy thing for the Rebs to pick me off and I wonder they don't do it. I had a present from home of a box containing cake, preserves, etc., from several of my young lady friends. It was most acceptable.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 3

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, November 1, 1862

On the afternoon of October 23rd we left Columbus by boat on an expedition, destination unknown until we reached New Madrid, Missouri. The force consisted of Companies A, C, I and H. under my command and two sections of Captain Rodgers' Battery, 2d Ill. Artillery. At New Madrid we were joined by Captain Moore's Company of Cavalry (2d Ill.), the whole being under command of Captain Rodgers. We arrived at New Madrid in the morning, disembarked and at once proceeded on our march toward a place called Clarkson where there was a lot of rebels encamped. It was a beautiful day, the sun shone warm and pleasant. We marched about eighteen miles and it being the first march for most of the men, they had blistered feet, but they kept up well. We reached the beginning of the plank road that leads through cypress swamps and through sunken lands which were caused by a great earthquake years before. Although the day had been so pleasant yet it commenced raining at night, and as we had to go without fires it got to be very cold; toward morning it commenced snowing. We started at 2 o'clock a. m. To prevent any noise they left the artillery horses behind and the infantry pulled the guns with ropes while the cavalry led their horses alongside the road. Captain Moore had sent some men forward who had captured the rebel picket, and who, not dreaming of an enemy being so near, had gone into an old log house to keep warm. To me it was a romantic scene; although a bright night the snow was falling lightly, the bright barrels of the guns of the men shining; the quietness of the scene only broken by the tread of the men, the rumbling of the artillery wheels, the cracking of the broken wood caused by the cavalry horses tramping on it; and the danger ahead, made it all most interesting. We reached the town about daybreak and found the rebels asleep. The artillery was posted on the hill commanding the town, while the infantry and cavalry were dispersed so as to surround it. All at once the artillery opened on the barracks and soon the most astonished set of Rebs you ever saw came tumbling out not knowing which way to run. They mounted their horses without any bridles, nothing but the halter, and soon came rushing toward the lane where I had my men posted. We gave them a volley which brought them to a halt and surrender. The fun was soon over and we commenced to gather up our prisoners, our Surgeon Powell doing what he could for the wounded, and the men catching horses, we were soon on our retreat. The artillery horses had been brought up and were hitched to the artillery. I never saw such a cavalcade before—the artillery going ahead, one of the cannons in a wagon, it having been dismounted by its carriage being broken. A company of infantry mounted on horses and mules, then the prisoners surrounded by a guard, then more mounted infantry and lastly, the cavalry. Several houses had been set on fire and women were screaming and crying because their husbands, brothers or sons were being taken away. We camped about ten miles from Clarkson that night, reached New Madrid the next night and Columbus the following day. An incident occurred at Clarkson that may not be to my discredit to relate. In firing into the barracks of the rebels a number of houses were struck by shells which frightened the women and children almost to death. I saw a number of them running out of a house, the children in their bare feet. I ordered my men to keep quiet and went to the women and told them I would help them with their children and lifted a couple in my arms; the poor things were frightened but I told them I would not hurt them; while doing this the shell from our artillery was falling thick around us, but I could not see women and children suffer without helping them.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 3-4

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Stockton, November 10, 1862

Still in camp. Battallion drill and guard duty the order of the day. Quite a number of men sick in hospital. We are, as all new soldiers, anxious for active service. Men want to be tried to see what they are made of.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 176. Report of Col. Lyman M. Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 176.

Report of Col. Lyman M. Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding First Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,                   

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

In the Field, December 21, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the recent battle near Nashville:

On the morning of the 15th instant left camp, on the right of the line of fortifications at Nashville, and moved out with the division on the Hardin pike. About 1.30 p.m. I was directed to report with my command to Brigadier-General McArthur, as support to an assaulting column, which I did at once, but was unable to reach the position assigned me until just after the fort assaulted had been carried. By order of General McArthur I moved my brigade up to the works just carried, to hold them against any attempt the enemy might make to recapture them. I remained in this position until about 4 o'clock, when I rejoined the Third Division by direction of General McArthur and was immediately ordered to advance upon a large force of the enemy strongly posted behind a stone wall on the Hillsborough pike. My command advanced in good order across an intervening open field. The enemy was apparently much demoralized, making but feeble resistance to our advance, and breaking and retreating in confusion before our line had reached his position. My brigade captured 280 prisoners in this affair.

In this connection I would make special mention of Company A, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry (deployed as skirmishers in front of the brigade), by whose bravery and rapid movement the number of prisoners captured was greatly augmented. The Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Lovell commanding, on the right, kept a good line while advancing over the worst of ground, and behaved handsomely, as did the Fourteenth Wisconsin and Seventy-second Illinois Infantry.

From this time until the close of the battle, on the evening of the 16th, the operations of my brigade are identical with those of the division.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. M. WARD,            

Colonel Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, Commanding.

 Capt. J. H. WETMORE, 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. 501

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. 117. Report of Capt. James A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, of operations November 25-December 2, 1864.

No. 117.

Report of Capt. James A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, of

operations November 25 — December 2, 1864.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-SECOND REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFTY.,                      

Near Nashville, Tenn., December 9, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report herewith the history of this command from the date of its joining the Third Brigade, November 26, 1864, to the date of its assignment to the command of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, December 2, 1864.

On the night of the 25th ultimo the regiment moved with the brigade from Columbia across Duck River and bivouacked. On the morning of the 26th ultimo we commenced throwing up works and kept at it all day during a heavy rain. During the day of the 27th ultimo the command lay idle. At night the brigade recrossed Duck River. The Fiftieth Ohio Infantry commenced throwing up works, this regiment acting as a support and to cover the evacuation of Columbia by our forces. At 2 a.m. of the 28th ultimo this regiment again crossed the river, occupying the same works which had been thrown up on the 26th; during the forenoon of the 28th, changed the front of our works; some skirmishing during the day between our pickets and those of the enemy on the opposite bank of the river. Pontoon and railroad bridges were also burned on that day. At 10 a.m. of the 29th of November Lieut. R. H. Mason and twenty men of Company A started with dispatches from General Schofield to the commanding officer post of Williamsport, distant about nineteen miles. He accomplished his errand successfully, passing several parties of rebels during the journey, and returning to his command at Nashville on the 1st of December, without losing a single man. At noon on the 29th ultimo the regiment, with the balance of the brigade, abandoned their works at the river and moved across to the Franklin pike; thence took up their line of march to Franklin. Just before dark, when within three miles of Spring Hill, the brigade passed the wagon train, already halted, and filed to the right of the road. Two companies of this regiment were deployed as skirmishers, the regiment moving forward as their support, forming the right of the advance line of the brigade; constant skirmishing until within half a mile of Spring Hill, when the brigade halted; the skirmishers having moved too far to the right, lost the support of the regiment. In this skirmish the regiment had 4 men wounded. At about 10 a.m. the brigade resumed its march through Spring Hill, and halted about 1.30 a.m., and rested until 3 a.m. of the 30th, at which time the march was again resumed. At about 7 a.m. reached Franklin, the brigade taking position on the right of the road and commenced fortifying, the left of the Fiftieth Ohio resting on the Franklin pike, the Seventy-second Illinois being on the right of the Fiftieth Ohio. Were at work on the fortifications at the time the enemy made their first assault. About 4 p.m., two divisions of the Fourth Corps, being in front of the works, gave way on the approach of the enemy and rushed pell mell into our works. At the same time the support on our left gave way, and the flank of our regiment being turned, the four left companies fell back, and as our right flank also became exposed to the enemy, the remaining companies were also ordered to retire to the second line of works, which was done. At that time, all of our field officers being wounded, I, being the senior captain, took command of the regiment, and a charge was ordered to recover our first position. In the charge all of our color guard, consisting of 1 sergeant and 8 corporals, were shot down, and the night being so dark it was not perceived that our colors, which had been shot to shreds, were missing. An attempt was made to regain the colors, which was unsuccessful. The regiment was ordered to retire by Colonel Strickland, commanding brigade, at about midnight. The regiment then crossed the Harpeth River, and the next morning joined the brigade while on the march to Nashville, at which place we arrived about 3 p.m. on the 1st instant, and camped near Fort Negley. The regiment remained in camp until the 2d instant, when it was assigned to the corps commanded by General A. J. Smith.

The regiment lost in killed, wounded, and missing during the time which we belonged to the brigade, 9 officers and 142 enlisted men. I append a list of casualties.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. A. SEXTON,

 Captain, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteers, Comdg. Regiment.

 Lieut. JOHN B. McLOE,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 23d Army Corps.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 10 men killed, 9 officers and 57 men wounded, and 75 men missing.

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. 392-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 115. Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

No. 115.

Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding

Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,      

Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, since November 24, 1864:

November 24, 1864, in camp at Columbia, Tenn., with two regiments of infantry the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the last regiment having been assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, per order of Brigadier-General Ruger, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 25, 1864, at 9 p.m., Third Brigade receives orders to cross Duck River, and take position on north side near railroad bridge. November 26, 1864, skirmishing commenced at 6 a.m. and continued during the day on south side of river. Third Brigade remains in position on north side of river. November 27, 1864, remained in position on north side of river until 6 p.m., when we received orders and crossed the river to south side, occupying the works previously built by Twenty-third Army Corps, and sent out skirmishers to cover our front. November 28, 1864, remained in works on south side until Fourth Army Corps crossed the river, which, at 4 a.m., the Third Brigade moved across the river and occupied the same works left November 27, 1864. The One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry is assigned for duty with Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 74, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 29, 1864, Third Brigade in same position, and work on fortifications until 12 m. The Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry is assigned to Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 75, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. At 12 m. Third Brigade moved by the right flank for Spring Hill, Third Brigade in advance of Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. All quiet until 5 p.m.; light skirmishing until 9 p.m., when part of brigade moved toward Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, leaving the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments of infantry to follow in rear of all transportation. We reached Johnson [Thompson's?] Station 12 o'clock at night.

November 30, 1864, at 2 a.m., Third Brigade moved from Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, on Franklin road. We reached Franklin, Tenn., at 6.30 a.m., and commenced throwing up works. Works completed at 12 m. The position of Third Brigade, west of Columbia pike, on left of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on right of Third Division, Twenty third Army Corps. Skirmishers thrown out to cover our front. The brigade in two lines — Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry in front line, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry in rear line. At 3 p.m. heavy skirmishing commenced, the enemy driving in our skirmishers, and at 3.30 p.m. the enemy assaulted the whole line, making an effort to flank us out of front line of works by marching down the Columbia pike in solid column. The nature of the ground gave the enemy the advantage. They succeeded in taking the front line of works, but had the pleasure of holding it but a few moments. The second line rallied to the support of the first line and succeeded in driving the enemy from it. The disorderly manner in which some of the troops of the Fourth Army Corps retreated caused a slight confusion, and, indeed, the enemy made his appearance on the outside of the first line of works almost simultaneous with the retreat of the Fourth Army Corps. I then ordered the reserve regiments to first line in support. The Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Gillespie commanding, and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton commanding, renewed the attack with great vigor and gallantry; while the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bradshaw commanding, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Hoge commanding, moved up in good order, under a most terrific fire, and took full possession of the first line of works, and in a hand-to-hand encounter the four regiments drove the enemy from the works, which was held with great tenacity, capturing a number of prisoners (not known). In the charge to drive the enemy from their immediate front of the first line and save it from capture by the enemy, Colonel Bradshaw, of the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, while leading his regiment, with colors in hand, and most gallantly, by personal example, encouraging his men, fell mortally wounded,¹ also, at the same moment, Lieut. Col. M. Clark, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was instantly killed while actively engaged assisting in bringing his regiment up to the first line, while Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton and Major James, of the Seventy-second Illinois Regiment of Infantry, were wounded at the same time.

The tenacity with which the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry held the first line, stubbornly refusing to yield their position, in the midst of a most terrible carnage, and the prompt manner in which the Forty-fourth Missouri and the One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments executed the order to move up to the support of the first line, midst a shower of leaden rain, cannot fail to command the highest admiration of our superiors in the engagement and challenge the good opinion of all brave comrades in the battle.

Lieut. Col. H. S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and Major James, of same regiment; and Capt. J. A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois, [who] took command of regiment when both field officers fell; Colonel Hoge, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Lieut. Col. A. J. Barr, Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry — all are deserving of the highest praise for the marked ability in the management of their men, as well as their noble conduct of true bravery, so handsomely displayed throughout the engagement. To the other officers and men of the entire command I can find no words fitting the occasion sufficiently strong in terms of commendation for the pluck, stubbornness, and genuine heroism exhibited throughout.

I am greatly indebted to the officers of my staff, most especially the three who were present with me during the engagement: First Lieut. John B. McLoe, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. L. A. Burke, acting assistant inspector-general; Second Lieut. C. A. Van Deursen, acting aide-de-camp. Their conduct was such in personal gallantry throughout that entitled them to my deepest gratitude, and as examples worthy of imitation by all good soldiers in so trying an hour of battle. I cannot forget to mention that my two orderlies, John W. Fouts, color-bearer of brigade, and J. Milton Foster, my personal orderly, during the entire fight, exhibited personal bravery in the carrying of orders which does them great credit as good and faithful soldiers.

Although out of ordinary course of reports, I could not make a faithful history of operations without recording the fact that at a very critical moment in rallying to retake the first line, I consider the success of the brigade was mainly owing at this juncture to the immediate personal presence of Brigadier-General Cox, commanding Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and the timely assistance he rendered me in so critical a moment in sending to my support the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bond commanding, who participated in the last two hours of the engagement (the colonel himself being wounded), the regiment rendering that assistance making success complete in holding our works until the order to move was received, which was at 12 o'clock at night, when the brigade withdrew, leaving a heavy skirmish line in the works, and marched across the river over the railroad bridge.

December 1, 1864, at 2 a.m., the skirmishers left in works at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, joined the brigade on the Nashville and Franklin pike. The brigade was in motion marching toward Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived at 4 p.m., and went into position on north side of Fort Negley, on right of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on left of Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.

Below please find list of casualties;² and for further information I will respectfully refer you to reports of regimental commanders; a copy of each accompanies this report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. A. STRICKLAND,                       

Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

¹ Bradshaw survived his wound.

² Shows 6 officers and 67 men killed, 19 officers and 159 men wounded, and 2 officers and 278 men missing — total 531.

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. 389-91

72nd Illinois Infantry: The Chicago Board of Trade Regiment

Organized at Chicago, II1, and mustered in August 23, 1862. Moved to Cairo, Ill., August 23-24, 1862. Attached to District of Cairo to September, 1862. District of Columbus, Ky., to November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, 16th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 7th Division, 17th Army Corps, to May, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, 17th Army Corps, to September, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to November, 1864. Unassigned, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, to December, 1864. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Detachment Army Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps (New), Military Division West Mississippi, to August, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Cairo, Ill., till September 6, 1862. Moved to Paducah, Ky., September 6, thence to Columbus, Ky., September 17, and duty there till November 21. Expedition from Columbus to Covington, Durhamsville and Fort Randolph September 28-October 5. Expedition to Clarkson, Mo., October 6. Expedition to New Madrid, Mo., October 21. Skirmishes at Clarkson, Mo., October 23 and 28. Moved to Moscow, Miss., November 21, and Join Quinby's Command. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign. Operations on the Mississippi Central R. R. November 21-December 30. Duty on line of the Memphis and Charleston R. R. till January 10, 1863. At Memphis, Tenn., till February 24. Yazoo Pass Expedition, by Moon Lake, Yazoo Pass and the Coldwater and Tallahatchie Rivers February 24-April 8. Operations against Fort Pemberton and Greenwood March 13-April 5. Fort Pemberton near Greenwood March 11-16-25-April 2 and 4. Moved to Milliken's Bend, La., and guard duty from Milliken's Bend to New Carthage till April 25. Duty at Richmond, La., April 25-May 10. Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Expedition to Mechanicsburg May 26-June 4. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Moved to Natchez, Miss., July 12-13, and duty there till October 17. Action at St. Catherine's Creek July 28 and September 1. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., October 17, and Provost duty there till October 30, 1864. Expedition to Waterproof, La., January 29-February 23, 1864. Waterproof February 14-15. Yazoo City Expedition May 4-21. Actions at Benton May 7 and 9. Vaughan May 12. Luce's Plantation May 13. Vaughan Station May 14. Expedition to Grand Gulf July 10-17. Port Gibson July 13. Grand Gulf July 16. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., October 30-November 13, thence to Columbia, Tenn., November 13-21. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Spring Hill November 29. Battle of Franklin November 30. Skirmish near Nashville December 7. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. Moved to Clifton, Ten;, thence to Eastport, Miss., and duty there till February 9, 1865. Moved to New Orleans, La., February 9-21, and duty there till March 12. Campaign against Mobile, Ala., and its defences March 17-April 12. Expedition from Dauphin Island to Fowl River Narrows March 18-22. Siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely March 26-April 8. Assault and capture of Fort Blakely April 9. Capture of Mobile April 12. March to Montgomery April 14-25, and duty there till May 23. Moved to Union Springs, Ala., May 23, and duty there till July 19. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., July 19. Mustered out August 7, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 79 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 145 Enlisted men by disease. Total 234.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1077