I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the action of December 7, 1864, near Murfreesborough, Tenn.:
In obedience to orders from Major-General Milroy, commanding, we left Fortress Rosecrans at 8 a.m. on the 7th instant, joined brigade, marched out on Salem pike two miles and a half; from there moved in a northerly direction about one mile and a half, when we were suddenly opened upon by the enemy's artillery. The regiment was ordered by the colonel commanding brigade to support three guns of the Thirteenth New York Battery. Formed my line in rear of the said battery and remained there until the enemy's fire ceased; had four men wounded. The men are deserving of much credit for their coolness, this being the first time the regiment was under fire. We then moved by the right flank and formed line of battle, with our left resting on the Wilkinson pike. Moved forward under fire from enemy's artillery half a mile, when I was ordered by major general commanding to move my regiment to cover the right flank of the division. Formed my line at right angles with our line of battle and parallel with the Nashville pike; sent forward skirmishers at same time, our cavalry being sharply engaged in our front, and our right held that line about one hour, when we joined the brigade and returned to the fortress.
