Diary of Dr. Alfred L. Castleman, September 7, 1861

On the high land overlooking the Potomac, about six or seven miles above the Navy Yard at Washington, we have, since our arrival here, thrown up a small fort, formed extensive abattis, and made redoubts and fortifications to command the turnpike leading down the river, and the bridge over which any enemy must pass from any direction above here to reach Washington. This looks like business. The earthwork fort is small, but very strong, and its large siege guns, from twelve to eighteen feet long, with their sullen faces watching up and down the road in every direction, give it a most formidable appearance. A brigade (I have not learned what one) has just advanced beyond us to commence another fort, about two miles to the southwest of us. Neither fort has yet been officially named, but the one just finished is called by the soldiers Fort Mott; the one about to be built they will for the present distinguish by the name of Fort Ethan Allen. In this manner we are closing on the enemy by slow approaches, or parallels. Let Dupont and Butler, from North Carolina, advance to meet us, whilst Fremont takes care of the Mississippi, and we shall have an early closing up of the war. Every day's observation more and more satisfies me that the enemy will not fight us here.

9 P. M.—Our fort is completed, and we have just received orders to cook three days rations, and be ready to move at a moment's notice.

I will here note, once for all, the manner of the soldiers taking care of themselves in a storm, when they have no tents. They all have "rubber blankets." Two forks are set, and a pole laid from one to the other, some four or five feet from the ground. A kind of lean-to roof is made by placing brush or poles against this, one end resting on the ground, the other end resting on the pole. To make this roof water-proof, the rubber blankets are stretched, like tiles on a roof, and no water gets through. In moderate weather the men cuddle together under this, and are reasonably comfortable. In cold weather they make large log fires in front of these "bivouacs," and pass the nights without freezing.

An order was received to-day from the War Department, that in future no labor shall be required of soldiers on the Sabbath, except what is absolutely necessary for our defence.

SOURCE: Alfred L. Castleman, The Army of the Potomac. Behind the Scenes. A Diary of Unwritten History; From the Organization of the Army, by General George B. McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia about the First Day January, 1863, p. 25-6

Official Reports of the Reoccupation of Jacksonville, Florida, by Union Forces, March 10, 1863: No. 2. — Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida.

No. 2.

Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, C. S. Army, commanding District of East Florida.

HDQRS. PROV. FORCES, DISTRICT EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, March 14, 1863.

GENERAL: 1 have the honor to report that on the 10th instant I received information from Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, commanding forces at Camp Finegan, of the arrival at Jacksonville of five gunboats and transports, and the landing of a large number of Abolition troops, said to be negroes. I immediately issued orders by telegraph and express trains for the concentration of all the troops which I could reach within the space of four or five days at the camp in the immediate vicinity of Jacksonville, prepared to check any movement of the enemy by land into the interior. To do this I am compelled to leave with entirely inadequate, protection many important points on the coast whence negroes may escape in large numbers to the enemy and where they have easy access to the interior.

On the same evening I proceeded to the camp, arriving there near midnight. I here found that the enemy had landed from five gunboats and transports, and he had occupied the town with so much celerity and secrecy as to have surrounded it with his pickets before the people generally were aware of his presence.

The next morning I made a reconnaissance in person, with the cavalry companies of Captains Stephens and Chambers, of the Second Florida Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, of the same regiment, and directed Major Brevard, commanding First Battalion Partisan Rangers, with the companies of Captains Mays, Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, numbering 200 men, to advance to the immediate vicinity of the town, and cut off, capture, or kill their other pickets. The cavalry detachment under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, which I accompanied, advanced into the suburbs of the town, where we found the enemy posted in strong picket force. We were fired upon by their first pickets without effect, except the disabling of 1 or 2 horses, and drove them into the town. Proceeding farther, we encountered a stronger force, which I estimated to be about two companies of infantry, drawn up in line of battle and advantageously posted. These opened on us unexpectedly, firing alternately by platoons and by file, with some degree of regularity. Our men, at great disadvantage of position, returned their fire with effect and drove them in haste and confusion from their position, killing 2 of whom we are certainly advised and wounding 4 or 5, and we have some reason to believe inflicting on them a severe loss. In this skirmish we lost a valuable life in Acting Surgeon Meredith, who accompanied the expedition, and was killed in the second skirmish with the enemy. At this point I had expected to meet the infantry detachment under command of Major Brevard, and with them to have retired from the town, capturing such pickets as were posted still farther out. The road taken was shorter than anticipated, and the two skirmishes with the enemy had accelerated our progress, so that we arrived at the place in advance of the infantry. Being under the range of the enemy's five gunboats and of his field pieces, we withdrew, bringing off the body of Surgeon Meredith.

Later in the day Major Brevard, commanding the infantry detachment, making his way into the suburbs of the town, encountered in the vicinity of the same place one or two companies of the enemy drawn up in line under cover of the trees and a house. Feeling the party with skirmishers, he then opened on them with his entire command, when they broke and fled in confusion, having first, however, returned his fire. Major Brevard then withdrew his command, and, although the enemy opened on them with shell from their gunboats, escaped without loss, having inflicted, as we believe, some loss on the enemy. We have ascertained from the reconnaissances and other sources of information that the enemy are certainly in large force in Jacksonville; that they are negroes, with white commissioned officers, company and field, and generally mulatto non-commissioned officers. From the best information that we can gather there may be 4,000 negroes now in the place, with perhaps one company of white troops. That they are expecting re-enforcements and have strongly fortified the place, having cut down all the trees, of which there were a great number, and made of them barricades and abatis; that they have posted field pieces in all the streets and covering the approaches, and have burned the houses from the river out beyond the suburbs of the town, so as to enable them to sweep with their heavy guns the whole country in rear and on either side of the place. They keep five boats with guns of long range in front and on the sides of the town, thus enabling them from the conformation of the ground to cover the country for several miles. The object of these formidable preparations, as we gather from our people who have been allowed to come out and as indicated by the probabilities of the case, is to hold the town of Jacksonville and then to advance up the Saint John's in their gunboats and establish another secure position higher up the river, whence they may entice the slaves. That the entire negro population of East Florida will be lost and the country ruined there cannot be a doubt, unless the means of holding the Saint John's River are immediately supplied. The next movement of the enemy will be to Palatka, and it may be to-day or to-morrow, and will necessitate the division of the force here concentrated. In a short time a similar landing may be effected in the vicinity of Fernandina and another division of the force required. It is impossible to do anything of importance unless I obtain the means asked for. All positions on the river, with the superior weight and number of the enemy's guns, are untenable with the means which I possess. I hope the commanding general will be able to supply me with the means absolutely necessary for the preservation of the people of this district. With the four siege guns asked for I can drive off the enemy's gunboats preparatory to an attack on the town.

I am to-day advised that the regiment of white troops in Saint Augustine have been ordered to re-enforce the enemy at Jacksonville. It is more probable, however, that they will proceed to Palatka, which is an easy march of 30 miles, through an open country, and there establish themselves. With the means at my command I shall not be able to prevent it.

To appreciate the danger of the permanent establishment of these posts of negro troops on the Saint John's River I respectfully submit to the commanding general that a consideration of the topography of the country will exhibit the fact that the entire planting interest of East Florida lies within easy communication of the river; that intercourse will immediately commence between negroes on the plantations and those in the enemy's service; that this intercourse will be conducted through swamps and under cover of the night, and cannot be prevented. A few weeks will suffice to corrupt the entire slave population of East Florida.

I herewith transmit a copy of an address which I deemed it my duty to publish to the people of the State, and which I trust will meet the approval of the commanding general; also a copy of general orders, complimentary to the conduct of officers and men of this command in the two skirmishes of the 11th instant.

The whole force which I am able to concentrate at this point, after leaving exposed many important points, will be less than 1,000 men (of all arms). I further beg leave to urge upon the commanding general the necessity of supplying me with 300 or 400 Enfield rifles and necessary ammunition for new recruits and new companies.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOS. FINEGAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding District of Florida.

Brig. Gen. THOMAS JORDAN,
        Chief of Staff.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, Fla., March 13, 1863

I feel it my duty as brigadier-general commanding this district to inform the people of the district and of the State that our unscrupulous enemy has landed a large force of negroes, under command of white officers, at Jacksonville, under cover of gunboats. He is attempting to fortify the place so as to make it secure against attacks. The purpose of this movement is obvious and need not be mentioned in direct terms. It is sufficient to inspire the whole body of the people with a renewed and sterner purpose of resistance. I therefore call on such of the citizens as can possibly leave their homes to arm and organize themselves into companies without delay and to report to me. Ammunition, subsistence, and transportation will be furnished them while they remain in service. I further ask the zealous co-operation of the whole people in forcing into service all persons within the conscript age who yet remain out. With the blessing of the Almighty, the zealous support of the people and the Government, I doubt not that the detestable foe will soon be driven from their cover.

JOS. FINEGAN,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 2.]

General ORDERS,} No.—,

HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EAST FLORIDA,        

Camp near Jacksonville, March 11, 1863.

The brigadier-general commanding desires to notice in general orders the coolness and daring exhibited by the officers and men of this command of detachments of the companies of Capt. W. E. Chambers and Capt. Winston Stephens, of Second Florida Cavalry, and of the companies of Capts. S. W. Mays, P.B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, under the command of Maj. T. W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, in two separate skirmishes with the enemy in the suburbs of Jacksonville on this day, These troops advanced with steadfast bravery while within range of his gunboats and attacked and drove him from his cover. The brigadier-general commanding commends the gallant and meritorious conduct in this affair of Lieutenant-Colonel McCormick, Second Florida Cavalry, commanding cavalry force, and Capts. W. E. Chambers and W. Stephens, of Second Cavalry, and their officers and men, and of Maj. T.W. Brevard, First Battalion Partisan Rangers, commanding infantry force, and his captains, S. W. Mays, P.B. Bird, J. Q. Stewart, and Asa Stewart, and their officers and men.

The command mourns the loss of Surgeon Meredith, who fell by nobly discharging his duty.

By order of Brigadier-General Finegan, commanding:

W. CALL,        

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 14 (Serial No. 20), p. 226-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 243. — Report of Brig. Gen. James T. Holtzclaw, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864.

No. 243.

Report of Brig. Gen. James T. Holtzclaw, C. S. Army,

commanding brigade, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS HOLTZCLAW'S BRIGADE,        

Near Tupelo, Miss., January 12, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade north of the Tennessee River:

The brigade left Florence with the division on the 20th of November, and arrived in front of Columbia on the morning of the 27th; went into position and skirmished with the enemy late in the afternoon, but without any result. On the 29th, the enemy having withdrawn from the town, I crossed Duck River at 10 o'clock at night and formed on the brigade of General Pettus, which had effected a lodgment during the day. I had worked the remainder of the night intrenching within 100 yards of the enemy's skirmish line. At 4 a.m. the enemy withdrew, closely pursued by my skirmish line, under Major H. I. Thornton, who succeeded in capturing about forty prisoners from their rear guard. At daylight I moved forward with the division in pursuit of the enemy, believing and hoping that he would be forced to a general engagement while en route to Franklin. My command, notwithstanding it had worked all night without a moment for repose, moved forward with great alacrity and marched the twenty-four miles to Franklin by 4.30 p.m., not a straggler falling from the ranks. At sundown I moved forward with the remainder of the division to support a line of General Cheatham's corps then hotly engaged with the enemy, intrenched around the town of Franklin, halting just beyond musket range. I remained in line until 4 a.m., when I moved into the town of Franklin, where I remained till 1 p.m. guarding stores and prisoners, moving at that hour with the command en route for Nashville. I arrived in front of the enemy on the 1st of December, my brigade in advance of the army. Driving in the skirmish line of the enemy, I established myself in position, which the next day became the line for the corps. The next twelve days were spent in intrenching and strengthening the position, which was made impregnable. I organized an efficient corps of shoemakers, finding no difficulty in procuring leather in the surrounding country—would have soon been able to supply all the wants of my command in this respect.

On the 12th of December the skirmish line in my front, without difficulty, drove in the enemy's line to their main works and established our line half a mile in advance. My loss was one man in this affair.

On the morning of the 15th of December the unusual activity of the enemy had the whole command under arms, demonstrating on the extreme right. He attacked late in the day in force on the left. The line gradually contracting to repel the attack, my line became extended three-quarters of a mile. About sundown I closed my line on its extreme left to repel a threatened attack of the enemy. He, however, made no advance, contenting himself with a spirited shelling, mostly under the protection of works. My command sustained no loss. At night the army dropped back to a new line one mile. I brought up the rear and gained my new position at 2 a.m., which was right across the Franklin pike, the road being my center, my left behind a stone wall. I commenced work immediately, and continued until the opening of the enemy's batteries at 7 a.m. obliged me to desist. He soon advanced in force all along my front. At 10 o'clock [he] made a desperate charge, but was driven back, with loss. He then commenced a most furious shelling from three six-gun batteries, concentrating his fire mainly upon my right. One battery of unusually heavy guns was brought down the pike to within 600 yards of my line. The conformation of the ground prevented me sharpshooting it sufficiently to drive it away. At 12 m. the enemy made a most determined charge on my right. Placing a negro brigade in front they gallantly dashed up to the abatis, forty feet in front, and were killed by hundreds. Pressed on by their white brethren in the rear they continued to come up in masses to the abatis, but they came only to die. I have seen most of the battle-fields of the West, but never saw dead men thicker than in front of my two right regiments; the great masses and disorder of the enemy enabling the left to rake them in flank, while the right, with a coolness unexampled, scarcely threw away a shot at their front. The enemy at last broke and fled in wild disorder. With great difficulty I prevented my line from pursuing; with a supporting line I should certainly have done so; but covering the pike, which would be our only line of retreat in case of disaster, I did not feel justified in hazarding the position for what might only have been a temporary success. A color-bearer of the negro brigade brought his standard to within a few feet of my line. He was shot down, and Lieutenant Knox, of the Thirty-sixth Alabama Regiment, sprang over the shattered works and brought it in. Another flag was carried off by an officer after five different bearers had fallen in the vain effort to plant it in my works. At 2 p.m. the enemy attempted a second charge, less determined than the first. Their brave officers could neither lead nor drive their men to such certain death; I noticed as many as three mounted who fell far in advance of their commands urging them forward. The shelling of the enemy's batteries between 12 and 3 p.m. was the most furious I ever witnessed, while the range was so precise that scarce a shell failed to explode in the line. The enemy seemed now to be satisfied that he could not carry my position, and contented himself by shelling and sharpshooting everything in sight. About 4 p.m. I saw the left suddenly give way three or four brigades distant from me. Almost instantaneously the line crumbled away till it reached me. I had no time to give any order or make any disposition to check the disaster, when my command showed symptoms of taking care of themselves. I could only order them back, hoping to reform in a new position. I had to retire under a destructive fire of eighteen guns, 600 yards distant, sweeping almost an open plain. I could not maintain order. The parallel stone walls on the pike separated my command in the center. I had neither staff officer nor courier mounted with me, and used my best endeavors to get my command all on the same side of the pike. I succeeded in doing this about one mile from the field, getting the greater body of the brigade together. I was directed by the major-general commanding to take position as rear guard of the army across the pike. Shortly after dark I moved slowly back, driving up and hurrying stragglers forward. At 11 p.m. I halted four miles from Hollow Tree Gap, remaining until 3 a.m. [17th], when I moved inside of the gap and halted in rear of Pettus' brigade. At daylight our cavalry stampeded, ran through the gap, and formed a mile in the rear. I sent, by direction of the major-general, a regiment up the hollow to the left of the gap. The enemy passing to the right induced the withdrawal of the brigades from the gap. I was unable to communicate with a portion of the regiment sent out, the enemy dashing in in force between us. I moved in rear of the brigade in line of battle to within one mile of Franklin, where I passed the brigade of General Gibson, drawn up to support a section of artillery. I hurried across the river and formed on the southern bank, in Franklin. By the time I had formed, the enemy's cavalry pursued Buford's cavalry division, driving it in confusion into the river. They were repulsed by Pettus' brigade, in the works north of the river, and the section of Bledsoe's battery, in my line on the south, not getting in musket-range of my command. The portion of the regiment I had detached in the morning and could not communicate with passed around the hills to the left of the pike, running five miles to get there. They came into the pike just at the position taken by General Gibson, exhausted with running around the enemy's cavalry. Without notice to myself or authority from the major-general, Brigadier-General Gibson ordered this detachment of about seventy-five men to remain and cover the battery. Then withdrawing with the battery he withdrew his brigade, while my small detachment, in obedience to his orders, held the position, covered the retreat of himself and the section. As a matter of course they were overwhelmed by the enemy's cavalry, 2,000 or 3,000 of whom had surrounded them, three officers and five men only escaping. I went into line next just outside of the trenches of Franklin. The enemy's cavalry dashed up to within 300 yards of my line, firing carbines and pistols. Three or four volleys drove them back. I then marched back in line, halting every few hundred yards until I passed through the gap south of Franklin. Moving on with the division I was ordered into line about six miles from Franklin just before dark. Just after I had formed another of the many cavalry stampedes from Chalmers' division occurred. In trying to get them out of my line and formed on the left I received a severe contusion on the ankle, so painful as to prevent my doing anything for several hours. I retired to seek medical aid, a fight with the enemy's cavalry occurring shortly after. My brigade acted under orders of the major-general. I need not, therefore, speak of its operations in that affair.

I joined my command at Columbia the next day. The corps of General Cheatham bringing up the rear, I with it marched to the Tennessee River, which we reached on the 25th of December, and fortified and crossed on the morning of the 27th.

I will say nothing of the hardships and exposures borne by my command; they but bore their part of the general burden; yet that part they bore with cheerfulness and spirit, and repulsed the enemy, with loss, whenever they encountered him on the soil of Tennessee.

My officers and men conducted themselves to my entire satisfaction throughout all the fights and marches.

To my division and corps commanders I return my sincere thanks. In every emergency of the campaign I have found them at hand ready to advise and assist me.

I offer no excuse for not bringing off Stanford's battery on the right of my line. It was so badly crippled as to be immovable, scarce a whole wheel remaining in its carriages, sustaining, without works, a fire from eighteen of the enemy's guns for seven hours.

Many daring achievements were performed by both officers and men of my command during our stay, which I will hereafter notice in application for them to the department and to army headquarters.

To the efficient commissary of my brigade, Maj. J. W. Williams, I am indebted for the faithful and prompt discharge of his duties. My quartermaster, W. B. Hoyt, by his vigilance and activity, succeeded in bringing every mule and wagon of my command south of the Tennessee River. He also accumulated and brought out in his train a wagonload of leather and a fine supply of shoemakers' tools.

My loss while north of the Tennessee River was as follows: 1 officer and 8 men killed, 1 officer and 27 men wounded, and 13 officers and 149 men missing; total, officers, 15; men, 184; grand total, 199. A good many of the missing, I am satisfied, were killed and wounded in coming out of the trenches, while some made their way across the Tennessee River at different points and have not yet found their commands.

I am, captain, your obedient servant,

J. T. HOLTZCLAW,        

Brigadier-General.

Capt. J. M. MACON,
        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. 704-7

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

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 136. Reports of Col. John S. Casement, One hundred and third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 22-30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 136.

Reports of Col. John S. Casement, One hundred and third Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade,
of operations November 22-30 and December 15-16, 1864.

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

Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade from November 22, the time of leaving Pulaski, until November 30, the day we arrived at Franklin:

Left Pulaski on the 22d and marched to Lynnville, distance twelve miles. On the 23d and 24th marched to Columbia, distance seventeen miles, and went into position on a ridge about one mile south of the town, the right of the brigade resting on the Mount Pleasant pike, and threw up works. On the 25th the Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, was ordered to the front to relieve the Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, which was occupying a rail barricade commanding the crossing of a creek near the skirmish line. The regiment was hardly in position when a brisk skirmish ensued, during which our skirmish line was driven in, but the enemy finding that they could not dislodge Colonel Stewart with their infantry fire, got batteries into position and opened a cross-fire of artillery on him, which obliged him to retire a short distance. Soon afterward three companies of the same regiment were sent to occupy the barricade, which they did until the next morning, but not without considerable loss. At about 12 o'clock on the night of the 25th the brigade withdrew across Duck River, leaving our skirmish line in its original position. On the 27th the One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana, commanded by Col. John M. Orr, was ordered to Rutherford's Creek, with instructions to picket all roads leading to the east. Colonel Orr afterward received further orders from General Ruger, for which you are referred to his report. On the evening of the 29th we withdrew from the vicinity of Columbia, and reached Franklin at daylight the next morning.

Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing is as follows: Commissioned officers — Capt. Robert S. Montgomery, Capt. Axel F. Ekstrom, and Lieut. James Miller, Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, wounded. Enlisted men — One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana., 1 killed, 9 wounded, 39 missing; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 3 killed, 15 wounded, 5 missing; Fifth Tennessee, 1 wounded, 3 missing. Total, 4 killed, 25 wounded, and 47 missing.

I inclose herewith the reports of regimental commanders.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. CASEMENT,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. THEO. Cox,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Div., 23d Army Corps.

_______________

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

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battle of the 30th ultimo:

The brigade went into position at about 9 a.m., east of the Columbia pike, forming the center of the division, facing south, in the following order: Sixty-fifth Indiana, Lieut. Col. J. W. Hammond commanding, on the right; Sixty-fifth Illinois, Lieut. Col. W. S. Stewart commanding, in the center; One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana, Col. John M. Orr commanding, on the left; and the Fifth Tennessee, Maj. D. G. Bowers commanding, in the reserve; and threw up strong works, with an abatis of Osage orange. The enemy attacked in force at about 4 p.m., engaging the whole line. The firing was kept up with great vigor until dark, during which time the enemy made several distinct charges, but were repulsed each time with terrible slaughter. Soon after dark the firing ceased and a skirmish line was advanced, when a large number of the enemy's killed and wounded were found; among the former was Brigadier-General Adams. During the engagement quite a number of prisoners came over our works and were passed to the rear, but it is impossible to form any correct estimate of the number taken by this brigade.

Our loss in killed and wounded was as follows: Sixty-fifth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana, 1 killed, 5 wounded; Sixty-fifth Illinois, 1 wounded; Fifth Tennessee, 1 killed, 5 wounded; total, 3 killed and 16 wounded. Among the wounded was Lieut. Amos Groenendyke, Company F, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana.

Both officers and men did their whole duty; not a man left the works unless ordered to do so, which accounts for the small loss.

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

J. S. CASEMENT,     

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. THEO. Cox,

            Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

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

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders received, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade during the battles of the 15th and 16th instant:

We withdrew from our line near the Franklin pike at daybreak on the morning of the 15th and massed out of sight of the enemy, where we remained until after noon, and then moved to the right of the army and went into position at dark, east of the Hillsborough pike, the First Brigade of this division being on our right and the Sixteenth Corps on the left, and during the night threw up works, which we occupied during the next day, and as our line was within easy musket-range of the enemy, they annoyed us considerably during the day with musketry fire; but at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon a portion of the Sixteenth Corps charged and took a hill in our front, on which the enemy had a strong line of fortifications, and the First Brigade of this division charged at about the game time and carried the hill in their front, which relieved us entirely. We then moved to the right and occupied the works vacated by the First Brigade, where we remained during the night.

Our loss is as follows: Wounded — One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, 3; Fifth Tennessee Volunteers, 1; Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, 5; total, 9.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. S. CASEMENT,     

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. THEO. Cox,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Div., 23d Army Corps.

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. 424-5

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 133. Reports of Lieut. Col. Edwin L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 133.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Edwin L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio Infantry,

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

HDQRS. 100TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,                      

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battle at Franklin, Tenn., November 30: My regiment was the extreme right regiment of the brigade and division, my right resting on the Franklin and Columbia pike, fronting nearly south, the left connecting with the One hundred and fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I had thrown up a temporary breast-work, with head-logs on top and an abatis in front. The First Kentucky Battery was then placed in my line, cutting embrasures in my work, and displacing three companies. To cover these companies I threw up a light earth-work about three rods in rear of my main line. A brigade of General Wagner's division, Fourth Corps, was some 200 or 300 yards in our front. About 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in three lines upon them. They fell back upon us, coming in on the right flank and over our works. They filled our trenches so that we were unable to use our guns, and creating considerable confusion, the enemy reaching our works almost simultaneously with them. I immediately ordered the men belonging to the Fourth Corps to fall back and reform in rear of the second line of works, which order some of my men upon the right mistook as meaning them, and fell back with the colors, but immediately rallied and went back upon my ordering the color-sergeant, Byron C. Baldwin, to advance and plant the colors upon the works. The battery men deserting their pieces, a space was left around the guns between my right and left, which was filled by some men of the Sixteenth Kentucky; at the same time the regiment on the right of the road gave way, and the enemy poured in over the pike onto my right flank. The Forty-fourth Illinois here charged with my right and forced the enemy back beyond the works. From this time until we were ordered to leave the works, at 10.30 p.m., six distinct charges were made upon my right, and repulsed each time. I was exposed to a murderous enfilading fire from our works on the right of the road, which was held by the enemy, never having been retaken by the troops on our right after the first charge. A large proportion of our missing were captured on the skirmish line, which was in advance of the Fourth Corps.

I would particularly mention the distinguished gallantry of Capt. W. W. Hunt (acting major), who fell while nobly fighting at the front works, and of Lieut. M. A. Brown, who was on the skirmish line, and was wounded while falling back upon the main line, and was killed inside of the works, urging the men to stand fast. Color-Sergt. Byron C. Baldwin fell with the colors in his hand, and wrapped them around him in his death struggle.

It would be invidious in me to mention any of the survivors where all did so nobly, both officers and men sustained the character they always bore as brave soldiers.

The following is the number of men engaged and our loss in killed, wounded, and missing: Number of men engaged, 250. Commissioned officers — killed, 2 (1 not mustered); wounded, 1. Enlisted men — killed, 6; wounded, 24; missing, 32. Total, 65.

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

E. L. HAYES,                       

Lieut. Cot., Comdg. 100th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Brig. Gen. JAMES W. REILLY,

Comdg First Brig., Third Div., Twenty-third Army Corps.

_______________

HEADQUARTERS 100TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,              

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the operations of the 15th and 16th instant:

Our movements on the 15th are not worthy of notice, as we simply moved with the brigade around to the right to the support of General Smith's forces and went into position that evening; that night we threw up a line of works, and on the morning of the 16th found the enemy's line also thrown up in the night in plain view in our immediate front. Skirmishing was kept up until about 3.30 p.m., when a charge was made along the whole line. My regiment advanced up a ravine, driving their skirmishers out of their pits until we reached the enemy's line of works, when, in connection with the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, we captured four pieces of artillery and quite a number of prisoners, burns these were at once sent to the rear their numbers cannot be correctly given. The regiment pushed on, making a swing to the right until we formed a line perpendicular to the one we had just left, and on the crest of the hill, where we threw up a new line of works and encamped for the night.

We did not lose a man.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. L. HAYES,                       

Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

[Capt. J. H. BROWN,

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. 419-20

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 127. Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations November 30, 1864.

No. 127.

Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding Third Division,

of operations November 30, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to report the operations of Third Division in battle of Franklin, on the 30th ultimo, I being temporarily in command thereof, General Cox commanding corps.

The division reached Franklin about 5.30 a.m. of the 30th ultimo, and about 7 a.m. were placed in position on the extreme left of the army, and between the Columbia pike and Harpeth River, connecting on right with Second Division of corps, the left resting at or near ——— River, facing southerly and southeasterly. The brigades of the division were in the following order: First Brigade, the right; Second Brigade, Colonel Casement, in center; Third Brigade, Colonel Stiles (in temporary command), on left. The division was substantially formed in two lines. The first line of the division, as soon as placed in position, threw up an ordinary line of rifle-pits, with head-logs, and in some cases abatis was placed in front of works.

As to the conduct of officers and, privates of the division during the many assaults made by the enemy on our line, commencing at or near 4.30 p.m., and continuing at intervals until after dark, I would most respectfully refer to the reports of brigade commanders herewith forwarded.

A compiled list of casualties in the command is hereto appended. The meagerness of this report will not require excuse to my superior officers, who are familiar with the circumstances under which it is made.

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

J. W. REILLY,          

Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Division at Franklin.

Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, Commanding Twenty-third Army Corps.

List of casualties Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, November 30, 1864.

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Missing.		Total.		Aggregate
	O	M	O	M	O	M	O	M
First Brigade.
8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry.				5		2		7	7
12th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry.	1	5		26	1	12	2	43	45
16th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry	2	8	4	38		9	6	55	61
100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.	2	5	1	26		31	3	62	65
104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry	1	9	2	28		15	3	51	54
Total	6	27	7	123	1	69	14	218	232
Second Brigade.
65th Indiana Volunteer Infantry		1		5				6	6
l24th Indiana Volunteer Infantry		1	1	4			1	5	6
65th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.				1				1	1
5th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry		1		5				6	6
Total		3	1	15			1	18	19
Third Brigade.
112th Illinois Volunteer Infantry		2	4	11		9	4	22	26
120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.	1	5		28		11	1	44	45
63d Indiana Volunteer Infantry.		2		4				6	6
128th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.	2		1	3	1		4	3	7
Total	3	9	5	46	1	20	9	75	84
Total Third Division	9	39	13	184	2	89	24	311	335

[ O = Officers, M = Men]

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. 410-1