No. 197.
Report of Col. Datus E. Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry,
commanding Second Brigade, of operations September 30, 1864-January 15, 1865.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIFTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS,
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Gravelly Springs, Ala., January 20, 1865.
MAJOR: In compliance with circular from division
headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of my command from the 30th day of September, 1864, to the 15th day of January,
1865:
September 30, my brigade (Second Brigade, First Division,
Cavalry Corps, District of West Tennessee), consisting of the Sixth Illinois
Cavalry, Maj. Charles W. Whitsit, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. William C.
Blackburn, the Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. Charles C. Horton commanding, and
Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, Capt. I. W. Curtis commanding, was
engaged during the morning in making preparations for a ten days' scout. At 12
m. the column was in motion on the Germantown road. The rain fell in torrents
for two hours. When within one mile of Germantown turned north and crossed the
Wolf River at Patten's plantation; the crossing was upon a poorly constructed
bridge, which delayed my wagons and artillery until after dark, and caused much
trouble in passing through the heavily timbered bottom on the opposite side.
The command was in bivouac by 11.30 p.m., seven miles north of Germantown.
October 1, left camp at daylight, marching in rear of First Brigade; passed
Macon at 12 m., and took Somerville road; camped three miles from the former
place. October 2, moved at 4 a.m.; reached Somerville at 7 a.m., and took
Bolivar road; arrived at that place at 4 p.m. I immediately made a heavy detail
from Second Iowa Cavalry to finish a bridge across the Hatchie, which the
Seventh Illinois Cavalry had been sent in advance to construct. At 8 p.m. the
bridge was completed and the whole command over and in camp. October 3, moved
out of Hatchie Bottom at daylight, taking Mount Pinson road; crossed the Forked
Deer River at sunset, and camped one mile north of the river at 8 p.m. and near
the above-named town; heavy rain all night. October 4, left bivouac at 3 a.m.,
and reached Mifflin, Henderson County, and fed horses while the men made
coffee. At 10 a.m. moved on, taking the road leading down the valley of Beech
River, leaving Lexington to our left and north some eight miles. Camped at
Jones' plantation, three miles from Scott's hill. Rained very hard all day.
October 5, moved at daylight, passing Scott's Hill and taking Decaturville
road, at which place we arrived at 2 p.m.; halted an hour to feed; at sunset
reached the Tennessee River, opposite Clifton, where we found the fleet, under
command of Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn. October 6, steps were taken early for
crossing by means of transports. At 2 p.m. all were across; and in accordance
with orders from your headquarters moved out on the Nashville pike ten miles,
and camped for the night. October 7, marched all day on Nashville pike; passed
Waynesborough, county seat of Wayne County, and at 10 p.m. camped for the night
on the Nashville pike, within seven miles of Lawrenceburg. October 8, resumed
the march at 3 a.m. and owing to the extreme darkness of the morning were
misled and marched some five miles out of our way; halted at 9 a.m. for
breakfast and to feed; reached Lawrenceburg, the county seat of Lawrence
County, at 1.30 p.m. After a short halt moved out on military road leading to
Florence, Ala.; when three miles out took the road leading down the valley of
Shoal Creek and camped ten miles from Lawrenceburg. October 9, left this
encampment at daylight, returning to the military road, and moved in the
direction of Florence until we reached Bough's Mills, where I received orders
to encamp for the night. At this point we learned that Forrest had crossed the
Tennessee River and escaped unharmed. October 10, at 4 a.m., were again in
motion toward Florence; on arriving at Wilson's Cross-Roads received orders to
move toward Waterloo; passing to the north of Florence some six miles reached
Waterloo at 4 p.m., and camped for the night. October 11, remained in bivouac
until 4 o'clock, when we moved down the river some ten miles, with the hope of
finding the gun-boats and fleet and of procuring rations for the men. To make
this more certain Maj. C. C. Horton, Second Iowa Cavalry, had been sent in
advance, with his regiment, to the fleet with dispatches; unfortunately,
however, the fleet had dropped down the river a few hours previous to their
arrival, opposite Eastport, Miss. October 12, reveille at 4.30 a.m. My brigade
was on the road for Savannah at daylight. The brigade was snugly encamped one
mile below Savannah at 2 p.m. October 13, still in bivouac. There being no
visible means of procuring rations for my men, who had now been subsisting on
the country at a poor rate some three days, I made application for and obtained
permission to gather up corn and wheat and take it to a mill five miles
distant, where I supplied my command scantily for the next four days. October
14, 15, and 16, during this time each day was industriously spent at the mill
by parties grinding meal into flour, while others rode the country to procure
salt, bacon, &c., to make it palatable. In great anxiety we waited for the
boats till the evening of the 16th, when orders came to move in the morning.
October 17, at 7 a.m. moved on the Waynesborough road a distance of some ten
miles, when we turned toward Clifton, at which place we arrived at sunset,
having marched some thirty miles over an extremely rough road. October 18, on
arriving at Clifton found no boat, went the grand rounds on a large scale (some
150 miles), and returned to the starting point very hungry, ragged, and tired.
During the afternoon, while unwelcome feelings were causing us to cast about
for some means of subsistence, the steamer Duke hove in sight to the great
satisfaction of the whole command. Our fine hopes were soon blasted, for we
learned that it had only short rations of hard bread and meat; these were
equally distributed among the different regiments, the balance to be gathered
from the country during the absence of the steamer to Johnson's Landing. From
the 18th to the 27th of the month the officers and men were industriously
employed in shoeing horses and making necessary preparations for an active
campaign. Owing to the scarcity of blacksmiths and blacksmith tools, I sent to
the country and pressed sufficient to supply the deficiency in part only. Many
of the horses were shod by the use of the common pocket-knife and hatchet; the
horses, however, improved, as the forage obtained from the country was
abundant. October 28, received orders to be ready to move to-morrow. October
29, left Clifton at 3 p.m., taking the Nashville pike, and camped three miles
out. October 30, at 9 a.m. the general commanding came up with the First
Brigade, which passed through my camp in the advance, when all moved along to
Lincoln Creek, twenty-four miles, and camped for the night. October 31, resumed
the march at 7 a.m., reached Lawrence-burg at 3.15 p.m., and camped one mile
beyond.
November 1, left bivouac at 6 a.m. and reached Pulaski,
eighteen miles distant, at 3 p.m., and camped for the night. November 2, 3, and
4, during these three days the time was occupied in procuring clothing and
rations for the men, while shoes were being fitted on the horses, and
preparations made for a heavy campaign. November 5, at 8 a.m. were again in
motion on the Lamb's Ferry road, which leads to a ferry by that name on the
Tennessee River. Camped for the night on Sugar Creek. Heavy cannonading was
heard in the direction of the Tennessee River during the afternoon, which gave
undoubted evidence of Hood's advance into Tennessee.
November 6, leaving bivouac before daylight enabled us to
reach Lexington, Ala., before 11 a.m., where we halted for an hour to learn the
whereabouts and movements of the enemy. Getting no satisfactory information,
moved on to Bough's Ford, on Shoal Creek, the Second Iowa Cavalry in advance.
On arriving within two miles of the ford the advance met the enemy's pickets,
driving them across the creek rapidly, when the whole command came in full view
of a heavy line extending along the bluffs on the opposite side. By direction
of the general commanding I detached a portion of the Second Iowa to burn the
flouring mill above the factory. Lieut. George W. Budd, commanding Company G,
was sent for that purpose. After a lively skirmish of nearly an hour it was
ascertained that the mill was on the opposite side of the stream, and that the
water was too high to admit of crossing, mounted or dismounted, besides the
enemy was some 300 strong, and a large number posted in and about the mill, rendering
the position almost impregnable, to say nothing of the difficulty of crossing
the stream. These facts being reported to me I conveyed the same to the general
commanding, who directed that I withdraw all my brigade except the Second Iowa
Cavalry, which should hold its position until further orders. At 9 p.m. all
were in camp in a most unpleasant rainstorm. November 7, at daylight found
ourselves with mud and water under foot and a drenching rain still falling. By
direction from division headquarters, I took my command back five miles for
feed. At I p.m. I made a demonstration on the enemy's pickets with my whole
brigade, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Capt. William C. Blackburn commanding, in
advance. A persistent and heavy skirmish took place, when the enemy was driven
from the bluff on the opposite side. The regiment reached the ford, but the
stream was too much swollen to admit of crossing, the water carrying horse and
rider down the stream. During an hour spent in skirmishing and an unfruitful
effort to cross and destroy the mill, it was ascertained beyond doubt that the
enemy had reenfored the picket heavily, and that Shoal Creek was much higher
than on any day previous. I withdrew, fell back to Stutt's Cross-Roads, and
camped for the night.
November 8, remained in bivouac during the forenoon, giving
opportunity to the Second Iowa Cavalry to vote for Lincoln, which was done
almost unanimously. At 2 p.m. moved to Bough's Ford, where I arrived at 5 p.m.
in a heavy rain-storm. Detachments were immediately sent to reconnoiter the
ford on the main road, also the one below, while a company was sent to the mill
above. All reported, as on the three days previous, that the stream could not
be forded. An effort was then made to construct a raft to cross at the mill,
which failed for the want of material. During a skirmish of an hour the rain
fell in torrents, and soon night came on, closing all operations for the day,
when I withdrew to a point near the bivouac of the previous night. Sent Maj. C.
P. Moore, Second Iowa Cavalry, with detachment of 100 men, to the rear of the
enemy on the Tennessee River, with instructions to strike the river ten miles
below Florence. Rained steadily all day.
November 9, during the night received orders from General
Hatch to make another demonstration on the enemy at Bough's Ford. Moved out
promptly at 7.30 a.m.; reached the ford at 9 a.m.; roads nearly impassable from
mud and water; found, as usual, the enemy's pickets heavy and well posted on
the opposite side. The stream still too high to admit of fording from either
side, withdrew at 12 m., and camped at Watkins' house. Rained during the
afternoon, but cleared away at sunset. Major Moore, Second Iowa, returned with
his command safe, having passed around in rear of the enemy's lines, a distance
of forty miles, and striking the Tennessee River ten miles distant below
Florence, making a distance in going and returning of eighty miles' travel in
twenty-four hours. The object of the expedition was to bring in seven men of
General Croxton's command, who had been three day's previously sent down the
river from Bainbridge to destroy the enemy's pontoons at Florence. If the
object of the expedition had not been accomplished, they were to complete the
work of destruction and meet this party below, but after diligent search and
careful inquiry the major returned. November 10, remained in camp all day, the
first pleasant day since leaving Pulaski. Owing to the extremely inclement
weather, bad roads, &c., my command was again entirely destitute of
rations. Two mills were taken possession of, and a regular system of foraging
off the country was adopted, which, with the most careful management, could but
poorly supply the men. Received orders during the afternoon to be ready at 9
a.m. of the 11th to make another demonstration on the enemy's picket, in
conjunction with the entire command. November 11, reached the ford and opened
upon the enemy's picket at the precise moment designated. The Sixth Illinois
Cavalry, Maj. Charles W. Whitsit commanding, having the advance, were deployed
as skirmishers, dismounted, forming a line from the main road up the stream to
the mill, while a section of artillery was put in position on the military
road. The skirmishers soon drove back the advance picket, while the artillery
caused their reserve, at first in plain view, to scatter to their rear. A
company of mounted men were in the meantime to try the ford on the main road
and ascertain its condition for crossing. After a thorough trial it was found
to be too deep even for mounted men. The Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. C. C. Horton
commanding, succeeded in finding a ford near a quarter of a mile below the main
crossing, where I ordered him to commence crossing as rapidly as possible. This
order was obeyed in a most gallant manner by Company G of that regiment, with
Lieut. George W. Budd commanding the advance. The First Battalion, Maj.
Gustavus Schnitzer commanding, was soon over and engaging the enemy in a lively
skirmish, when Major Horton reported the ford impracticable for the passage of
more troops, from the quicksand and miry soil on the opposite shore, and that
it was impossible to cross the artillery in any event. I ordered him to
dismount the remainder of his regiment, place them in line along the shores,
and recall Major Schnitzer. While the First Battalion was crossing and
recrossing the stream the enemy kept up a heavy fire from a barricade some 300
yards distant, on a high bluff. Another effort had been made in the meantime to
cross at the mill, which had been unsuccessful on account of high water. The
Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Blackburn commanding, which had been sent, on
leaving camp, to make a flank movement to the right of this position, by
crossing Shoal Creek above the pond and mill and moving down on the opposite
and west side of the stream, now appeared in sight, frightening the enemy's
pickets to such an extent that they fell back so far as to allow this regiment
to cross the stream in safety by swimming their horses, with the exception of
Company A, Lieut. David Hilier commanding, who, by a misunderstanding of
orders, took the back track until severely pressed by a brigade of the enemy's
cavalry, when he coolly took to the timber and hills, evading their main force,
and after much difficulty succeeded in recrossing Shoal Creek, reporting with
all his men in camp at dark. The cool, undisturbed manner of this officer in
relieving himself from the snare of the enemy is at least highly creditable. At
1 p.m. withdrew my command and went into camp again at Watkins' house.
November 12, remained in camp all day. Issued a very light
ration of meal ground at the mill. November 13, remained in camp during the
day; received orders during the evening to proceed immediately to blockade all
roads leading into the military road. November 14, the detail to fell trees
reported all roads effectually blockaded in compliance with orders. November
15, at 4 a.m., moved out on military road toward Lawrenceburg, and camped at
Wilcoxson's plantation, five miles distant. November 16, left the military road
at 8 a.m., passed down the valley of Wolf Creek, and crossed Shoal Creek at
Wolf Ford; moved from the opposite side to Aberdeen, thence to Big Butler, and
down to Little Butler, from which place moved directly south toward Wilson's
Cross-Roads. After passing a mile, the advance, the Second Iowa Cavalry, found
the enemy's pickets and dashed at them furiously, and ran them into their
reserve pell-mell which created a stampede of the whole command, composed of
General Roddey's brigade, which, in turn, ran back to their infantry camps in
great confusion. Through the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Griffith, of Company
D of the above-named regiment, we captured several prisoners, who informed us
of many important facts touching the movements of the enemy. After having
forced Roddey within the infantry lines, I became satisfied that the enemy were
continually receiving re-enforcements, and that Forrest had recently joined
Hood (on the 14th), and that the location about the two Butler Creeks was not
the most safe for the camp of a cavalry command I therefore took the
responsibility of recrossing Shoal Creek at the Savannah Ford, and went into
camp at Hains' plantation, three miles from Cowpen Mills. November 17, moved
camp to Cowpen Mills and sent patrols three miles across Shoal Creek. Found the
enemy in force. November 18, made reconnaissance across Shoal Creek with the
entire brigade three miles to Butler Creek and Florence road, and sent the
Second Iowa Cavalry as patrols to the Florence and Waynesborough road four
miles distant, returned to Cowpen Mills and camped.
November 19, in compliance with orders from division
commander, moved my brigade across Shoal Creek at Cowpen Ford, for the purpose
of camping on Butler Creek. On reaching the Butler Creek road, three miles
west, drove in the enemy's picket, and sent Capt. A. E. Mock, of Ninth Illinois
Cavalry, commanding battalion, to patrol the Waynesborough road. The main
column turned north to Butlers Creek, while Capt. J. W. Harper, with the
remainder of his regiment (the Ninth Illinois Cavalry), stood picket on the
road running south toward Florence. I remained with my escort at the
cross-roads to see the train safely closed up for three-quarters of an hour,
when I was informed by an orderly that the Second Iowa had met the enemy in
heavy force, and that Buford's division was in their front, on Big Butler
Creek. At about this moment Captain Harper reported the enemy pressing his
picket from the south, and that they had the appearance of being infantry.
Leaving an orderly to close the column I sent another to inform Captain Harper
that he must hold his position at all hazards until the pack train and
artillery had passed, as it was impossible, from the bad condition of the road,
to halt or return by the same route. I then rode rapidly to the Second Iowa,
and found them engaged with superior force. I immediately sent the train and
artillery down the valley of the Little Butler, accompanied by the Sixth
Illinois as escort, Major Whitsit commanding, who was instructed to take all
axes and spades and make's crossing on Shoal Creek at all hazards, as this was
the only place of escape from a well devised trap of the enemy. The next thirty
minutes were passed in great anxiety, as Buford, on the north, was pressing the
Second Iowa hard in front and flanking on their right and left with vastly
superior numbers, while the Ninth Illinois was heavily pressed in the rear by a
force from the south. During this time a messenger was sent to Captain Mock,
informing him of his situation, and that unless he returned soon I would be
compelled to abandon the last place left for his escape. As the Ninth Illinois
came up they passed to the right and rear of the Second Iowa, down the Little Butler,
and forming a line dismounted at the junction of the Big and Little Butler,
where the high and abrupt bluffs on either side made the valley quite narrow.
This made a good support for the Second Iowa when compelled to fall back. By
this time the situation of the Second Iowa became truly critical, in
consequence of the rapid movements of the rebel flanking column, which reached
nearly to their rear on the right and left. Seeing it was impossible to hold
the gap until Captain Mock could be heard from I ordered Major Horton to fail
back and form again in rear of the Ninth Illinois. Each regiment then fell back
alternately and formed lines for two miles, when we reached Shoal Creek, and I
found, to my great surprise, the Sixth Illinois pack train, artillery, and
ambulances all safe on the opposite side, and the regiment dismounted to cover
the crossing. A lively skirmish was kept up by the rear guard while the command
passed down the steep miry bank by file obliquely 150 feet. The mortification
and apparent chagrin of the rebels when they found their prey had unexpectedly
escaped was made known by those hideous yells, such as only rebels can make. 1
carefully placed my pickets on all practicable roads and encamped at dark at
the same place I had left in the morning, with the firm conclusion, as
previously reported, that Butler's Creek was by no means a desirable location
to encamp. The day had been one of incessant rain.
November 20, moved from Cowpen Mills at 3 a m., going toward
the military road. On arriving at that place halted for an hour, when I
received orders to move to Bluewater Creek and camp, leaving pickets on
military road. Captain Mock, of Ninth Illinois Cavalry, reported on military
road, having traveled all night to reach the command. He succeeded in reaching
the Waynesborough road, but in returning found himself and command completely
surrounded by the enemy, and took to the hills by meandering neighborhood
roads. By accident he came upon General Chalmers' division wagon train and made
a charge on the guard, capturing several wagons and prisoners and fifty mules,
besides much plunder which he could not bring away. While in the act of
destroying the train he was attacked by a superior force and compelled to leave
all and take to the woods again. By the assistance of Union men and negroes he
was guided by circuitous routes until he reached the column. His loss was
thirty men, most of whom were taken prisoners. Papers conveying important
information were captured with the train, information which must have been of
infinite importance to General Thomas, as they detailed the movements about to
be made, giving timely notice to all of what was to take place. Captain Mock is
entitled to much credit for the skill displayed in bringing out his command
with so little loss. At sunset the pickets on the military road were attacked
and compelled to fall back. Patrols sent to the military road and the front on
all roads during the fore part of the night found the enemy advancing in force
November 21, ordered to take the rear on the Lexington road at daylight.
Reached Lexington at 10.15 a.m., when the division joined Croxton's brigade and
was ordered to take the Lawrenceburg road in rear of command and train. Reached
Lawrenceburg at 5 p.m. and camped for the night. The day was cold and much snow
fell during the afternoon and night following.
November 22, morning cold and the ground frozen hard. About
12 m. the enemy commenced skirmishing with our pickets, when Capt. Jacob F.
Bandy, Second Iowa Cavalry, with one battalion was sent to ascertain their
force. At three miles distant from town the enemy was found in force and
strongly posted on bluffs and behind well-arranged rail barricades. After an
hour's skirmish he fell back to the picket. At 2 p.m. the enemy moved up in
heavy force, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and encamped in line in plain
view of town and of our bivouac. In compliance with orders I immediately put my
command in line of battle on north side of town. The enemy soon opened with one
section of artillery when my battery replied. An hour was spent in firing by
the artillery on both sides with no result, when we were ordered to fall back
on Pulaski road, Second Brigade to take the rear. My pickets and command
withdrew in good order, though heavily pressed by superior force. Halted and
camped seven miles east of Lawrenceburg, leaving General Croxton's command in
our front.
November 23, left camp at 4 a.m.; halted at Richland Mills
to feed and issue rations to the men. General Croxton's command, in the rear,
was heard skirmishing heavily. At 3 p.m. moved three miles toward Pulaski and
took to the left up the valley of Dry Creek, camping five miles south of
Campbellsville.
November 24, moved at 6 a.m., taking the rear. Arrived at
Campbellsville at 9 a.m. Received orders to follow the First Brigade and camp
one mile above and north of the town on the creek. Sent patrols west one mile,
who soon returned, reporting the enemy moving on our left, with vedettes
standing on every high bluff in sight. This information was promptly conveyed
to General Hatch, who ordered patrols strengthened and sent back to watch the
enemy. Had not proceeded half a mile when I was informed that the First
Brigade, a short distance ahead, had met a heavy column, supposed to be
Buford's division. I immediately ordered the regiments along the column to
throw down the fences, and two regiments, the Sixth and Ninth Illinois, to form
a line dismounted. This was not, fully accomplished, however, when I was
ordered to fall back to the east side of town, and hold the Lynnville road
until the First Brigade, reported in a critical situation, could be recalled.
My line of battle was soon formed, the left, the Ninth Illinois, resting near
the church, the Second Iowa in the center, and the Sixth Illinois on the right,
extending north, the entire line facing to the west. The regiments had barely
time to dismount. The battery was soon put in position near the center of the
line, when the enemy's infantry made its appearance in heavy force on the south
and west side of the town. By direction of General Hatch the battery commenced
firing at a range of one mile and a half. The effect of the cannonading was
excellent, causing the whole rebel column to halt for at least one hour and
deploy in heavy force. During this time a flanking column of the enemy was
discovered moving to our left, threatening the Lynnville road, when I ordered
the Second Iowa, Maj. C. C. Horton commanding, to guard and check that
movement, who soon reported the force engaging him vastly superior to his. I
immediately sent the Ninth Illinois as support. These regiments were both
immediately in a heavy skirmish, their position soon became intolerable, as the
enemy was undoubtedly moving their main column by the right flank, to get
possession of the road in their rear. These facts I communicated to the general
commanding, who ordered me to fall back and hold the road regardless of the
First Brigade. When three-fourths of a mile from town I found the enemy in
strong force on the left, with a battery playing at 1,000 yards distance upon
my column. The men were deployed on foot on the left while the led horses and
artillery passed by the road. The fire from the flank of musketry or artillery
was quite lively, but no casualties occurred, save the killing of two horses.
Two miles from Campbellsville my flanking column and patrols from the left were
suddenly driven in as the road turned to the left through a narrow gorge, and
just at the time General Hatch was passing. Capt. E. T. Phillips, Company M,
Sixth Illinois Cavalry, commanding his escort, discovering the rebels, charged
in an instant with his company and saved the gallant commander from capture.
This gallant act of Captain Phillips is worthy of special compliment here, as well
for his daring as for the good result. Unfortunately, the captain, received a
wound in the left hand, which disabled him for the campaign. The Ninth Illinois
Cavalry, Capt. J. W. Harper commanding, following immediately in rear of the
general's escort, was ordered by him to dismount and hold the gap at all
hazards. Captain Harper had scarcely dismounted his men, when they received a
heavy fire from a brigade of the enemy. Not a particle daunted the captain
ordered his men forward until it became a hand to hand fight. In the meantime I
was notified of the perilous condition of the regiments, being then one-fourth
of a mile in advance. Not knowing the nature of their orders I directed Captain
Harper to fall back slowly, but was soon informed that their ammunition (sixty
rounds) was nearly exhausted. I then formed the Second Iowa across the gorge to
protect them while they withdrew. The loss of this regiment was thirty killed
and wounded in less than that number of minutes; among the number were four
orderly sergeants killed. It is with pride that I mention the fact that Captain
Harper brought his men back in good order, although the loss was heavy. No
sooner had the Ninth Illinois passed through the line of the Second Iowa than
the rebel brigade came at double-quick up the hollow, colors in front, and in
another instant was in line of battle. Three hundred Spencers from the Second
Iowa drove them back in confusion; but a moment, however, intervened when the
rebels rallied. Major Horton in the meantime retired and mounted by battalions,
under fire, leaving one officer and five men wounded on the field. I then sent
Captain Bandy, Second Iowa, with two companies as rear guard, to Lynnville,
three miles distant. The whole brigade was here thrown out in line of battle,
and held the enemy in check until after dark, when I was ordered to withdraw
and march in rear to Columbia. Put my command in bivouac within the infantry
pickets at 11.30 p.m.
November 25, crossed Duck River, and encamped three miles
above the city. November 26, at 10 a.m. moved out on the Murfreesborough road,
and encamped eight miles east of Columbia. Rained continually during the day
and that night. November 27, remained in bivouac all day; still raining very
hard. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry having been assigned to this brigade, Maj.
John M. Graham, commanding regiment, reported for duty. I sent Captain Glass,
of Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and 400 men, to Shelbyville, to ascertain the
enemy's movements in that direction.
November 28, rained until 12 m. At 2 p.m. received orders to
move immediately. While "boot and saddle" was being sounded the enemy
opened with a volley upon the picket on the Shelbyville road. By aid of a glass
the enemy could be seen in heavy force through the thin fog, about two miles
distant. I ordered a battalion of the Second Iowa, Captain Foster commanding,
to support the pickets, while the command made preparations to move. By
direction of the general commanding I sent the artillery and train on the
Spring Hill road. This order, however, was soon countermanded, and the train
sent to Huey's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike, where the brigade erected a
slight barricade of rails, and slept on their arms during the night.
November 29, took up line of march at 4 a.m., passing
Croxton's and Harrison's commands and moving toward Franklin, my brigade
marching in rear of division to Mount Carmel, where it halted and fed in line
of battle to the left of the pike. At 9 a.m. General Croxton's command passed
my brigade, heavily pressed by the enemy. The light rail barricades previously
prepared served as temporary breastworks and enabled my brigade, then
dismounted, to check the enemy's movements. But a few moments passed until the
whole line was engaged in a heavy skirmish, which continued for an hour, when I
received orders to withdraw slowly, which was done by alternate numbers in
line, dismounted, for two miles, when I ordered the brigade mounted. I then
withdrew by brigade in line of regiments, each regiment in line of squadrons in
column of fours. The enemy, discovering this formation, charged down the pike,
in column of fours, on a small company of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, which was
acting as rear guard. In accordance with previous instructions from me the
company did not halt, but continued to fall back, leading the enemy between the
flanking columns right and left, who opened upon them a raking fire, throwing
them into confusion, and ending the pursuit for the day. The command arrived at
Nolen's plantation at 12 m., and halted in line of battle until 4 p.m., when it
moved toward Franklin two miles, and, turning to the right, crossed Little
Harpeth River and moved north to the Nolensville and Franklin road, where the
brigade was encamped for the night.
November 30, the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Col. George
Spalding commanding, having been assigned to this brigade, reported for duty.
Remained in bivouac till 12 m., when the enemy were reported to have driven our
pickets in at the ford on the Little Harpeth. I received orders to put my
brigade in line of battle dismounted,
and I sent the Sixth Illinois to support the pickets in front, and the Second
Iowa to guard the left on the Nolensville road. After some thirty minutes I
received orders to move my line forward, which was done promptly. At the
distance of half a mile the enemy made his appearance in force on a high bluff
in front, when, by order of the general commanding, I ordered the brigade to
charge the hill and drive the enemy back, which was performed in a most gallant
style, until he was driven back across the Little Harpeth River. The enemy's
force making the attack was supposed to be Buford's division of cavalry and
mounted infantry, estimated to be from 5,000 to 6,000 strong. My entire command
acquitted itself in a most creditable manner, and camped for the night on the
ground occupied the night previous.
December 1, at 5.30 a.m. marched with the division to
Brentwood Station, where I was ordered to form in line of battle on the
Franklin pike. I remained here until 2 p.m., when I moved on the Nashville pike
in rear of the command, crossed over to Murfreesborough pike, and camped for
the night. December 2, marched with the division at 5 a.m., on the right flank,
to Nashville, and crossed the Cumberland River during the afternoon, and
encamped at Edgefield. During the time from December 3 to December 11 the
brigade was encamped at Edge-field, making preparations for active duty again.
December 12, moved camp across the river, and camped two miles south of the river
between the Hardin and Charlotte pikes. December 13 and 14, in camp.
December 15, by the direction of the general commanding the
division the brigade moved out at daylight from camp across the field, on the
right of the Hardin pike, two miles, forming dismounted on the right of the
infantry under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith. The led horses were placed in the rear of
their respective regiments, with the exception of the Twelfth Tennessee
Cavalry, Col. George Spalding commanding, which regiment I kept mounted for a
charge, should an opportunity present. An hour was spent in regulating the line
of infantry and cavalry, when the advance was ordered, and all moved forward,
presenting a most magnificent spectacle. We had not proceeded far when we
crossed the Hardin pike, where a wagon train was discovered still in sight
moving south, and Col. George Spalding was sent in pursuit. After traveling
eight miles he came upon the rear guard and charged on it, capturing some
twenty wagons, with teams, &c., complete, some forty prisoners, and a large
amount of plunder, belonging to the rebel General Chalmers' headquarters. My
brigade formed on the extreme right of the infantry, with directions to conform
to their movements, which were in a large circle and caused lively marching for
the men, as the distance traveled by them was much farther than that of the
infantry. After marching for three miles, much of the time at a double-quick, I
formed my brigade on the left flank of the enemy, one mile and a quarter to the
left of the Hardin pike. Passing my battery to my right flank, where a
favorable opportunity offered to enfilade the enemy's lines, the Seventh
Illinois and Second Iowa were directed to support the battery. My artillery had
discharged but a few shots at the redoubt when it was rapidly replied to. A
lively fire was kept up on both sides for an hour with but few casualties. The
command moved forward until within 500 yards of the enemy's works, when General
Hatch directed me to charge and take the nearest redoubt. The regiments engaged
in this charge were as follows: Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Maj. John M. Graham
commanding, on the right; the Second Iowa Cavalry, Maj. C. C. Horton, and Ninth
Illinois Cavalry, Capt. Joseph W. Harper commanding, in order, on the left of
the Seventh Illinois; and the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieut. Col. John Lynch
commanding, on the left of the brigade and closed up to the right of the
infantry. In making the charge the right wing of the brigade had an open field,
with nothing to impede their progress save two stone fences, while the left
wing had a heavy thicket to pass through. At the word "Forward!"
stone [fences and] thickets were very slight impediments in the way of this
veteran brigade. The enemy, discovering the movement, changed their little
messengers of shell to grape and canister, accompanied by heavy musketry from
the infantry support behind their works. As I rode along the line I found each
regiment competing with the others to reach the redoubt. So near the same time
did each regiment reach the redoubt that it was difficult for some time to
ascertain who was the first to reach the prize. All acted nobly, and are
entitled to the highest praise, under the circumstances, for their efforts to
be the first. The evidence, carefully examined, awards to Second Lieut. George
W. Budd, of Company G, Second Iowa Cavalry, and his company, the honor of being
the first to scale the rebel works and take possession of the rebel cannon,
which were four in number—Napoleons. On reaching the inside of the works he
drew his saber upon the cannoneers and forced them to discharge the last load
intended for the Federals on their own friends, then in plain view on the east
side of the fort, not 500 yards distant. As the command took possession of this
point a rebel battery opened from another redoubt, 600 yards distant, situated
upon the top of a bluff some 200 feet high and protected by strong earth-works.
General Hatch ordered me to charge the hill without delay. This order was
promptly obeyed by all my command, officers and men. The "charge" was
sounded, and in twenty minutes the colors of the Second Iowa Cavalry were
planted on the works by the color-bearer, Sergt. John F. Hartman, of Company F,
who was mortally wounded by a musket-ball passing through the abdomen. During
the charge the enemy kept up a brisk cannonading, accompanied by heavy musketry
firing from the infantry within the redoubt. The long march previous, the
charge in taking the first redoubt, and the short time given until the charge of
the second, rendered it almost impossible for a cavalryman to move faster than
a walk. So eager were the officers and men to reach the second redoubt that
many fell to the ground exhausted. Lieut. Col. John Lynch, Sixth Illinois
Cavalry, while at the head of his regiment gallantly leading his men, fell
exhausted and was carried from the field. Many soldiers, when too tired to
walk, crawled upon their hands and knees up the steep bluff to the foot of the
redoubt. While my men were in the act of charging this last fort the infantry
had reached within supporting distance, when I ordered my officers to pass the
words, "Second Brigade, take those guns before the infantry get up!"
and in less than ten minutes the work was done. Lieut. John H. Carpenter,
Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was the first man who entered the redoubt,
killing the officer in command of the fort, while at the same moment Sergeant
Hartman planted the colors of his regiment inside the works. In honor to the
brave who have fallen I should say that on arriving within some twenty yards of
the redoubt I found this brave color-bearer completely exhausted and halted in
advance of the line. I asked him, "Sergeant, can you put those colors upon
the works?" He replied, "I can, if supported." When I called for
the Second Iowa to support their colors it was done with an iron will, but the
sergeant fell and was soon borne from the field. In this fort were two pieces
of artillery (12-pounders), a large quantity of ammunition, and 150 prisoners.
In ten minutes these guns were turned upon the enemy with such effect as to
cause great confusion in their retreating columns. The prisoners and plunder
had not been collected when I was ordered to continue the pursuit, leaving them
in charge of the infantry. On quitting the fort, having previously instructed
my regimental commanders where to form and collect their men, I mistook two
regiments of the First Brigade for those of my own, and had the distinguished
honor of leading them to the summit of a third hill, and shall ever remember
with pleasure the gallant conduct of these men in holding that place, under a
most galling fire from the enemy in front and on both right and left flanks,
until the infantry came up, when they moved forward and took three pieces of
artillery, from which they had driven the enemy a few moments before. These
regiments, I am informed, were the Twelfth Missouri and Eleventh Indiana
Cavalry. At dark I bivouacked my command near the redoubts on the Lewisburg
pike.
December 16, at 10 a.m. was ordered to move my brigade out
on the Lewisburg pike and support General Knipe. After advancing a mile I
halted one hour, when I was ordered to move my command to the east of the pike,
form in line dismounted, and move forward, in conformity with the infantry,
toward the Granny White pike. The steep hills, rising abruptly from 100 to 200
feet high, and covered with thick undergrowth, rendered it almost impossible
for the movement of troops even dismounted. By putting the brigade by regiments (Sixth and Ninth Illinois, Second Iowa,
Seventh Illinois, and Twelfth Tennessee) in line, successively, in order from
left to right, and each upon a hill, I was at last able to move forward nearly
one mile, when the whole line became engaged. The brigade was skirmishing
heavily when I received orders to halt and hold my position. The line was upon
a high, narrow ridge, thinly wooded, but affording an excellent point to
defend. During the first hour here the Seventh Illinois charged a rebel work,
driving the enemy away, capturing seventy-five prisoners and a large number of
small-arms, bringing the prisoners safely sway and destroying the arms. About 3
p.m. I ordered the Sixth and Ninth Illinois and Second Iowa, on my left, to
commence firing at will on a fort some 500 yards distant, while two pieces of
my artillery played upon it from the valley below. This, I am satisfied, had
the desired effect, for the enemy commenced evacuating in a very few minutes.
The whole line was then moved forward, and the Twelfth Tennessee captured some
150 prisoners. Three stand of colors were left in the hands of the infantry. On
reaching the Granny White pike I was ordered to follow the enemy south, and, if
possible, charge them before dark, as they were retreating in great haste. Colonel
Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee, took the advance, and had not proceeded
more than one mile when he made a charge, which threw them into confusion, and,
by the assistance of the Ninth Illinois, who were brought up dismounted, I soon
drove them from a strong position protected by a barricade of rails. The
Twelfth Tennessee and Sixth and Ninth Illinois followed them to another strong
position, half a mile distant, when a hand-to-hand fight took place, and lasted
an hour after dark. At this place Brigadier-General Rucker was captured by
Capt. Joseph C. Boyer, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, who received a severe blow on
the forehead from the hand of the rebel general. In this personal contest
Captain Boyer wrenched the rebel general's saber from his hand, who in turn
seized and took his, when a Federal soldier, name unknown, shot the general in
the arm, causing him to surrender. It was in this melee, amidst intense
darkness, that the two regiments of Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Federal and
Confederate, met and mixed in mad confusion, neither knowing the other save by
the usual challenge, "Halt, who comes there?" Colonel Spalding, who
was foremost in the charge, was halted by two Confederate soldiers, who, on
hearing his answer to the challenge, grasped his horse by the reins on either
side and demanded his surrender, when the colonel put spurs to his horse, and
with one bound the noble animal took himself and rider beyond danger. Private
Berry Watson, Company G, Twelfth Tennessee, captured and brought away General
Rucker's division flag, and was promoted to sergeant by Colonel Spalding, the
same night, for gallant conduct. Majors Kirwan and Bradshaw, of the Twelfth
Tennessee, charged entirely through the rebel lines with their battalions, and
afterward returned by passing themselves as belonging to the Twelfth Tennessee
Confederate Cavalry, and in great anxiety to meet the Yankees. Camped for the
night on Granny White pike, eight miles south of Nashville.
December 17, moved at daylight and continued the pursuit,
following in rear of the cavalry command to Franklin, where I was ordered to
move to the left on the Lewisburg pike three miles and cross over to the
Columbia pike. When three miles south of Franklin we met the enemy, and I
immediately formed the whole brigade and charged mounted. On reaching and
driving in the rebels left the Second
Iowa pressed its way around to their rear, when a hand-to-hand fight ensued,
resulting in the capture of one stand of colors and several prisoners. In this
engagement Sergt. John Coulter, Corpl. A. R. Heck, and Private Black, of
Company K, captured and brought off a stand of division colors, after which
Private Black and Corpl. A. R. Heck were killed and Sergt. John Coulter was
severely wounded. The sergeant, however, succeeded in bringing away the rebel
standard. Sergeant Margaretz, of Company F, same regiment, the second
color-sergeant, was killed at the same place, but not until he had killed the
rebel who demanded his colors. On burying the dead three Federal and five
Confederate soldiers were found dead within three paces of each other. The
firing in the rear, in conjunction with the brisk engagement in front, caused
the enemy to fall back, and with detached portions of the brigade I continued
to press his flank until dark, when I dismounted the Ninth Illinois, formed in
range, and fired upon him by volleys, driving him from another position, and,
in co-operation with other troops, capturing three more pieces of artillery.
One of these pieces was brought off the field by the Ninth Illinois. The
darkness prevented further movements, and we camped for the night seven miles
below Franklin.
December 18, moved at daylight, continuing the pursuit to
Spring Hill, where we found a considerable force of the enemy, and fired but a
few shots, when they fell back in confusion. Camped for the night three miles
south of Spring Hill. December 19, resumed the march at 7 a.m., and continued
to Rutherford's Creek, where we dismounted, marched by the right flank one
mile, and succeeded in crossing the Sixth Illinois on the wreck of the burnt
railroad bridge, when the fragments floated away and the balance of my command
were compelled to ford the stream some distance above. Moved two miles below on
the enemy's flank, the Sixth Illinois skirmishing until dark; then the command
encamped for the night. December 20, at daylight were again in motion down
Rutherford's Creek. Marched nearly two miles, when I was ordered to dismount my
command and construct a crossing from the fragment of a railroad bridge which
the rebels had destroyed the day previous. This work was completed, and my
command across at 12 m., and the pursuit again resumed. The Seventh and Ninth
Illinois were dismounted and deployed on foot, while the remainder of the brigade
followed mounted to Duck River, opposite Columbia. On arriving here found the
enemy had crossed his rear guard in comparative safety at 4 a.m., leaving a
small party, with a piece of artillery, as rear guard in the town upon the
opposite side. A light skirmish between the above-named regiments and the
enemy, accompanied by light cannonading from both sides, closed the operations
of the day, when the command encamped to await the arrival of the pontoons.
During the skirmish the Seventh Illinois discovered where the enemy had
abandoned four pieces of artillery by tumbling it into Duck River over the
abutment of the old bridge. It was afterward taken out by the infantry.
December 21 and 22, the main part of my command remained in
camp two miles northeast of Columbia. One battalion of the Second Iowa, Capt.
Samuel Foster, Company M, commanding, was sent on the Shelbyville pike in
pursuit of a party of rebels, who were reported escaping with two pieces of
artillery. The captain succeeded in capturing them without resistance, after a
day's march, and also found six ambulances and three wagons in poor condition.
December 23, crossed the Duck River, and encamped five miles south of Columbia
on the Pulaski pike. December 24, marched with the division, in rear of General
Croxton's command, as far as Lynnville, when my brigade was ordered to march by
the left flank, to gain the rear of the enemy's lines, and drive him from a
strong position on Richland Creek, but was prevented by the unfordable
condition of Richland Creek, when I dismounted my command and engaged the enemy
at long range for half an hour. During this skirmish the rebel General Buford
was wounded by the Seventh Illinois. Camped for the night. December 25, marched
with the division, in rear of Colonel Harrison's and General Hammond's
commands, reaching Pulaski at 11 a.m., and passing beyond some six miles, when
the enemy was found in force. A light skirmish ensued when the advance was
repulsed. My brigade was immediately dismounted, and after a heavy skirmish of
an hour drove the enemy from a strong position protected by a barricade of
rails, and encamped for the night. December 26, marched in rear of General
Hammond's command to Sugar Creek, and encamped for the night. December 27, sent
Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry; with a detachment of the
best mounted men of each regiment (500 men in all), in the direction of
Bainbridge, to ascertain the movements of the enemy. December 28, moved with
the command to Blue Water, via Livingston, where we encamped for the night.
Remained in camp during the 29th and 30th, having learned that the enemy had
effected a crossing of the Tennessee River at Bainbridge. December 31, marched
to Elk River on the Huntsville road; camped on opposite and east side, after
much difficulty in crossing. The stream high for fording.
January 1, reached Athens, Ala., at 2 p.m., and camped five
miles beyond. January 2, left bivouac at 4 a.m. for Huntsville, but were halted
by a staff officer five miles on the road, who informed me that our destination
had been changed from Huntsville, Ala., to Waterloo, opposite Eastport, Miss. I
countermarched my command and camped at Perran's plantation, five miles
southeast of Athens. January 3, moved camp from Perran's plantation to Widow
West's, where I was ordered to rest my horses and shoe as many as possible.
January 4, 5, and 6 were spent in shoeing horses and resting them from the
fatigues of the last campaign. January 7, marched for Waterloo, where we
arrived on Wednesday, the 11th, at sunset, having traveled a distance of some
eighty-five miles, in a most disagreeable state of weather as well as of roads;
the weather cold and the mud frozen and in places very deep. After remaining in
bivouac opposite Eastport some three days, by order of the brevet major-general
commanding the corps I moved to this camp on the 14th day of the month.
In conclusion I must say that the campaign and labors of the
brigade have been endured by the officers and soldiers with unparalleled
fortitude. They have been subject to all the privations that soldiers are heir
to, and without eliciting the least complaint. An army made of such material,
veterans of nearly three years' standing, can accomplish what the world never
before witnessed.
I am happy to mention the names of my staff—First Lieut.
John H. Avery, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, acting assistant adjutant-general; First
Lieut. Sidney O. Roberts, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, provost-marshal; First Lieut.
Thomas J. Cox, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general;
First Lieut. Samuel J. Dangler, Second Iowa Cavalry, ambulance officer; First
Lieut. Henry B. Ludlow, Second Iowa Cavalry, acting assistant quartermaster
First Lieut. E. A. Davenport, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, acting commissary of
subsistence—for the worthy and efficient manner in which they discharged their
duties.
The conduct of the officers and men hi every regiment and
company was of the most soldierly character, and were I allowed the space I
would gladly mention many officers and hundreds of soldiers whose bravery is
worthy of personal compliment in this respect.
I should do injustice were I to omit to mention the
important service rendered my brigade by Company I, First Illinois Light
Artillery, from the time it reported to me at Nashville up to the present, and
especially in the battle of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, and at
Franklin, on the 17th, in shelling the enemy from the fort on the north side of
town, and also at the fight that night at the Little Harpeth, also at Spring
Hill, Rutherford's Creek, and Columbia. The officers and men conducted
themselves in the most gallant style, always delivering their messages to the
enemy with astonishing accuracy.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DATUS E. COON,
Colonel Second Iowa Cav., Comdg. 2d Brig., 5th Div., Cav. Corps.
Maj. HENRY C. FORBES,
Chief of Staff to Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch, Comdg. 5th Div.
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. 580-94
