Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 21. — Reports of Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker, U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 21.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Walter C. Whitaker, U.S. Army, commanding Second Brigade of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade on the 30th day of November, 1864:

On that day at 4 a.m. my brigade moved from Spring Hill, on the west side of the turnpike road, bringing up the rear of the army. On reaching the heights about two miles south of Franklin, I formed a line of two battalions front on the summit of the ridge, and massed my remaining regiments in rear. My position was on the west side of the pike; joining me east of the pike was General Wagner's division, of the Fourth Corps. About 12 o'clock the enemy was discovered moving upon my position in strong force in several lines of battle, with a heavy skirmish line in front. I at once deployed my brigade along the high range of hills to my right, and threw up a temporary line of breast-works. While moving into position one man, a sergeant of Company C, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, was mortally wounded. After remaining in this position about one hour I was ordered to withdraw my brigade and report to the general commanding, at Franklin. I moved into the city at once and was thrown into position on the right of the division and army, my right flank resting on the Harpeth River. My line of battle was formed in the following order: Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. H. Humphrey commanding, on the right; next on its left the Fortieth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. James Watson commanding; next, Twenty-first Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans commanding; and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. G. Tassin commanding, on the left. I held in reserve the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, Maj. George Hicks, the Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup, and the Fifty-first Ohio, Lieut. Col. C. H. Wood. My front line was ordered to construct a line of works, which were but half finished when they were assaulted by the enemy in force, supposed to be two brigades. The fighting was short but severe. The enemy persisted in the assault about fifteen minutes, when they broke and fled, to return no more; they lost many killed and wounded. My loss was slight, having but 1 man killed and 8 wounded. I remained in this position until 12 o'clock at night, when, pursuant to orders, I withdrew from my works and crossed the river, taking up the line of march for Nashville.

In speaking of the conduct of my staff and of my officers and men, it is only necessary to state that they displayed their usual coolness and bravery in all the operations in which we were engaged.

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

W. C. WHITAKER,        

Brigadier-General.

Capt. N. G. FRANKLIN,
        Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fourth Army Corps.

_______________

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG. FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

In the Field, Columbia, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

The 15th of December my brigade reposed of Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans commanding; Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup commanding; Thirty-fifth Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin commanding; Forty-fifth Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey commanding; Fifty-first Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Wood commanding; Ninety-sixth Illinois, Maj. George Hicks commanding; One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Col. J. H. Moore commanding—moved from their camp, below Nashville, about one mile to the right on the Hillsborough turnpike, to assault General Hood's army, occupying his lines of intrenchment in front of and south of that city. The First and Third Brigades of this division formed the first line. My brigade, massed in column of regiments, was held in reserve, covering the interval between the First and Second Divisions, ready to move to any point requiring support, and its movements were ordered to conform to those of the advancing column it was supporting. The general movement was for the right to swing round on the left as a pivot. The troops were put in motion, and about noon General Smith, on the extreme right, began to drive the enemy slowly, and soon heavy skirmishing began along our entire line. The Second Division, Fourth Corps, moved so slowly that the First Division on its left advanced beyond it and moved so rapidly that I was compelled to move my command by the left flank to unmask it from the Second Division, in order to be in readiness to support the First and Third Brigades of the First Division in an assault they were, at 4 p.m., making on a fortified hill in front of the Second Division, on the Hillsborough turnpike road. This hill was carried in such spirited and gallant style by the First Brigade, Colonel Kirby commanding, and the Ninth Indiana, Colonel Suman commanding, that the reserve was not called into action at this time.

The enemy having been driven from this position, he was pursued and driven along his intrenched lines beyond the Granny White turnpike. Darkness coming on, my brigade bivouacked on this turnpike, about three miles from Nashville. Though in reserve for a large portion of the time, my command was under heavy artillery fire, and lost this day I killed and 4 wounded.

December 16, between 6 and 7 a.m., we advanced, Second Brigade and Third Brigade having the advance of the division, my brigade being on the right, and formed in two lines, from right to left, as follows: Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-fifth Ohio, Twenty-first Kentucky, Ninety-sixth Illinois in first line, and in my second line, One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, Thirty-fifth Indiana, and Twenty-third Kentucky. Throwing out a strong line of skirmishers, under Captain Quigley, of Twenty-third Kentucky, the enemy's skirmishers were firmly driven by him, with some loss, and the rebels were found in a position strongly intrenched covering the Franklin turnpike road. Steadily advancing under a heavy fire of artillery, my command moved to within 1,000 yards of the enemy's works. In my immediate front were two rebel batteries of four guns each, 12 pounder Napoleons, Pettus' brigade and other rebel troops supporting in strong intrenchments, with strong embrasures for their artillery. They kept up a constant fire of shell, round shot, and musketry on my main line and skirmishers, killing and wounding some of my officers and men. By 2 p.m. of to-day three several assaults had been made on the enemy's lines—one by the Third Division, one by the Second Division, and one by the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Fourth Corps. They were made with great bravery and persistence, but were repulsed. Between 1 and 2 p.m. my front line was moved, under heavy fire, to between 400 and 500 yards of the enemy's main lines, in an open corn-field, where a frail protection was temporarily thrown up. At between 3 and 4 p.m. heavy firing indicated that General Schofield and General Smith were driving the rebels on the extreme right on their front. General Garrard's division, on my right, having orders to advance, without awaiting orders I directed my brigade to storm the enemy's works in my front. This order met with the most cordial approval of General Kimball, division commander, who came up as my troops were beginning to move. With alacrity and gallantry unsurpassed the storming column, composed of the Fifty-first Ohio, Forty-fifth Ohio, Twenty-first Kentucky, and Ninety-sixth Illinois, with the second line at supporting distance (all under fire), advanced through an open cornfield for 400 or 500 yards, under a terrific fire of shell, canister, and musketry. The enemy's lines were stormed. Nothing could impede the boldness and energy of the attack, and in four or five minutes their works, 6 pieces of artillery, 600 stand of small-arms, and between 400 and 500 prisoners were ours. Many of the enemy were killed and wounded, and those surviving not taken prisoners precipitately fled in great disorder. The Ninety-sixth Illinois followed them rapidly, sweeping down the line of their works, adding to their wild confusion and terror. By the time we had possession of their works and had planted the flag of our country on them, the Third Brigade swept down on its front, and soon the entire rebel front was one wild scene of rout and terror. So energetic and impetuous was the assault of my brigade that two of the pieces of artillery captured were found double-shotted with canister; the gunners had fallen or fled, and the pieces left undischarged. With alacrity the brigade was pushed forward down to and on the right of the Franklin turnpike road, accompanied by Battery M, of the Fourth Regulars, until it became too dark to proceed farther.

After halting, Provost-Marshal Lieutenant Pepoon was sent to collect and take care of the spoils of victory, and reported, in addition to the cannon, small-arms, and prisoners, a large supply of intrenching tools.

My loss was light, compared with the danger incurred and the great results accomplished, being 1 officer and 8 privates killed, and 34 privates wounded, and 1 private missing, making a grand total on both days of 49. This smallness of loss is attributable to the high firing of the enemy, who overshot the storming column.

It is with deep regret that I record the death of Lieutenant Hugh A. Hedger, of the Twenty-first Kentucky. He was killed by a solid shot, at the head of his company. Intelligent, brave, generous, and efficient as an officer, his loss will be deeply felt by his regiment and the service; to his friends and widowed mother it is irreparable, but they feel that he has left a name for honor as imperishable as the everlasting hills under whose shadow he yielded up his life for his country.

Appended to this report will be found tables of my loss. The ardor of pursuit prevented my enumerating and giving the loss of the enemy; it was heavy.

We were supported on the advance of to-day by Captain Ziegler's (Second Pennsylvania) battery, and later in the day by Battery M of the Fourth Regulars, Captain Canby and Lieutenant Stephenson being in command. Both batteries were handled with consummate skill and effect. Each of the officers I have mentioned, as also the men of the batteries under my immediate notice, bore themselves well and deserve the highest praise.

A generous emulation and spirit of rivalry pervaded my command as to who should reach the enemy's lines first. From the length of my line it was impossible for me to see whose colors were first on the enemy's works, but little difference of time was between all of the storming column. I must divide the honor between them, for the flag of our country was never more gallantly borne. A high meed of praise is due the supporting column for the promptness of its movements. I must specially mention as highly deserving of our country, Col. J. H. Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel Evans, Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, Lieutenant-Colonel Northup, Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin, Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey, and Major Hicks. Each one of these officers commanded regiments, and did so bravely and ably. I speak most favorably of the coolness and bravery of Major Hoskins, of the Twenty-first Kentucky, and of Lieutenant-Colonel Poteet, of the One hundred and fifteenth Illinois, who was division officer of the day. 'Tis with pleasure that I call the attention of the general commanding to a list of those who have been specially noticed by their regimental commanders, accompanying this report. Of the brave and indomitable men composing my command from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, I can truly say they did their whole duty fairly, efficiently, and with an intensity of spirit seldom equaled, and never surpassed.

Through the labors and services of my brave staff officers—Capt. H. F. Temple, acting assistant adjutant-general; my aides, Lieut. John B. Buckner and Lieut. C. W. Earle; my inspector, Capt. John M. Frew, and my provost-marshal, Lieutenant Pepoon—the whole power and effective strength of my brigade was hurled upon the enemy at the right moment, and in the most available manner. Quick to comprehend and swift to execute every order regardless of any danger, the warmest gratitude of our country, the highest praise of the general commanding, and my warmest thanks for their services, are due them.

Brigade Surg. C. J. Walton and Surgeons Jennings, Evans, and Averdick came under my immediate observation in the discharge of their noble duty of alleviating the sufferings of our brave wounded, and this while under heavy fire from the enemy.

Of Father Cooney, chaplain of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, I commend him as an example of the army chaplain; meek, pious, and brave as a lion, he worked with his brave regiment in the valley of the shadow of death, affording the ministrations of his holy religion to the wounded and dying, and giving words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers.

It is with  commingled feelings of pride and satisfaction that I record the part taken by the Iron Brigade—an integral part of the splendid, victorious Army of the Cumberland—in adding another laurel to that immortal wreath that now crowns our national honor, integrity, and glory.

I have the honor to be, yours, with respect,

WALTER C. WHITAKER,        

Brigadier-General.

Col. E. D. MASON,
        Asst. Adjt. Gen, First Division, Fourth Army Corps.

Report of officers and men mentioned specially by their regimental commanders for gallantry and meritorious conduct in the battles before Nashville, Tenn., which I desire to append to my official report:

Father P. P. Cooney, chaplain Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers; Adjt. W. M. Williams, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; First Lieut. A. G. Henderson, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers; Adjt. John E. Smith, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Capt. William Nicholas, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenants Knous, Fisher, Ayres, Croxton, Pocock, and Purvis, also Sergt. Maj. S.G. J. Worthington and Sergeants Shaw, English, and Carruthers, commanding companies Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Capt. Charles E. Rowan, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; First Lieut. William Dawson, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; Adjt. E. A. Blodgett, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers; Color-Sergt. John Vincent, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers.

_______________

List of casualties in the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, in the battles before Nashville, Tenn., December 15-16, 1864.

Command.	Date.	Officers.				Men.				Aggregate.
		K	W	M	T	K	W	M	T
21st Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. C. Evans	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	1	1	....	2	2
	Dec. 16	1	....	....	1	1	3	....	4	5
23d Kentucky Volunteers, Lieut. Col. G. W. Northup.	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
	Dec. 16	....	....	....	....	....	3	....	3	3
35th Indiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. G. Taasin.	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
	Dec. 16	....	....	....	....	2	2	....	4	4
45th Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. J. H. Humphrey	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	1	....	1	1
	Dec. 16	....	....	....	....	1	2	....	3	3
51st Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. C. H. Wood	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
	Dec 16	....	....	....	....	1	8	....	9	9
96th Illinois Volunteers, Maj. George Hicks	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....	....
	Dec. 16	....	....	....	....	3	9	1	13	13
115th Illinois Volunteers, Col. J. H. Moore	Dec. 15	....	....	....	....	....	2	....	2	2
	Dec. 16	....	....	....	....	....	7	....	7	7
Total		1	....	....	1	9	38	1	48	49

[K = Killed.  W = Wounded.  M = Missing. T = Total.]

This list is made from lists accompanying each regimental commander's report, and is believed to be correct.

W. C. WHITAKER,        

Brigadier-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), pp. 195-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 16. — Report of Capt. Andrew M. Pollard, Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 30-December 31, 1864.

No. 16.

Report of Capt. Andrew M. Pollard, Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 30-December 31, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS VET. VOL. INFANTRY,        

January 2, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of this regiment since Franklin:

Upon reaching Franklin, November 30, 1864, the regiment was placed in position in the front line near the right and threw up works. At 4 p.m. the skirmish line was driven in and the enemy showed him self in front, but a few rounds from the works drove him back and the skirmishers again advanced and no more trouble was given us during the fight. The line was withdrawn in the night and we reached Nashville December 1. December 2, were placed in position on the left of the Granny White pike and threw up works. December 3, were ordered out to support the pickets. December 4, moved to the right of the Granny White pike, where we remained till December 15, when we moved with the brigade to the right of the Hillsborough pike and took part in the movements of the day. At 4 p.m., with the brigade, charged the enemy's works on the left of the Hillsborough pike. Our loss on the 15th very light—one officer (Lieut. B.G. Humes) and one enlisted man wounded. December 16, were with the brigade in support of the front line, and moved from near the Granny White pike to near the Franklin pike. During the movement were annoyed by shells. A piece of shell slightly wounded Lieut. John O'Meara on the ankle, but he remained with the command. When the enemy was driven from his works we joined in the pursuit. Halted for the night about two miles from Brentwood, on the Franklin pike. December 17, reached Franklin. December 18, crossed the Harpeth, passed through Franklin and Spring Hill, camping about four miles from Spring Hill. December 20, crossed Rutherford's Creek and camped on Duck River. December 22, crossed Duck River and passed through to Columbia. Reached Pulaski December 25; passed through and camped about six miles out, on the Florence road. Reached Lexington December 28, and remained there till the 31st.

Loss during the campaign, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. M. POLLARD,        

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

Lieut. WILLIAM FELTON,
        Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 4th 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), pp. 187-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 14. — Reports of Col. Isaac M. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 14-30, 1864.

No. 14.

Reports of Col. Isaac M. Kirby, One hundred and first Ohio Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 14-30, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

Near Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the late action at Franklin, Tenn.:

The brigade arrived with the division at Franklin about 12 m. November 30, 1864, and during the afternoon was placed in position on the right of General Grose's brigade, with three regiments (Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois and Thirty-first Indiana) in the front line, and temporary barricades constructed at once. Heavy firing was soon heard to the left of us, indicating severe fighting, and our picket-line in a short time became briskly engaged. I then put two companies of the One hundred and first Ohio in the front line, to close a gap between this brigade and that of General Grose. This disposition had just been made when the division pickets were seen coming in hurriedly, followed by a considerable force of the enemy, who came as far as the open ridge directly in our front, when we opened fire on him, and with two or three volleys drove him back. The skirmishers were then advanced, and held their position until the army withdrew. During the action I was ordered to send a regiment to report to General Ruger, commanding [Second] Division, Twenty-third Army Corps; the eight companies of the One hundred and first. Ohio not on the front line were sent, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McDanald. I understand that they were put in position on the line of works of the Twenty-third Army Corps, and did good work, holding a most critical point in the line until ordered away. Our loss was 2 men killed and 14 wounded.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. N. G. FRANKLIN,
            Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., FOURTH ARMY CORPS,        

Lexington, Ala., December 30, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade, from the morning of December 15, 1864, to present date, including the battle of Nashville:

Late in the evening of December 14 I received verbal instructions from the general commanding division to have my command in readiness at 6 o'clock the following morning to move into position, preparatory to moving against the enemy's works. At 6 a.m. December 15 my brigade was under arms, and moved between 7 and 8 o'clock, with the division, to the Hillsborough pike, and out that through our line of fortifications, going into position, with my right connecting with General Grose, and my left resting on the Hillsborough pike, the One hundred and first Ohio, Eighty-first Indiana and Ninetieth Ohio forming my front line, the Twenty-first Illinois, Thirty-eighth Illinois, and Thirty-first Indiana my rear line, in the order named. The skirmishers of the brigade, under command of Major Hitchcock, Ninetieth Ohio, were taken from Thirty-first Indiana and united with those of balance of division, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hallowell, Thirty-first Indiana. During the forenoon I moved gradually forward, gaining ground to the right, conforming to the movements of the troops upon my right, and slightly refusing my left in compliance with instructions previously received, and rested at the foot of the long ridge intervening between our line of works and those of the enemy. In a short time this ridge was cleared of the enemy's skirmishers, and I was ordered to change direction a very little to the left, and move forward and occupy the ridge, which order was executed at once, resting about two-thirds of my line on the left of the Hillsborough pike, and resting in this position until 2 p.m., in support of Ziegler's battery, which had been placed in position on the left of the pike, and was working vigorously against the main line of the enemy's works. About 3.30 p.m. I received orders to move forward and occupy a low ridge in the open fields near the foot of the hill on which the enemy's works were, and immediately under his guns. I moved at once with the Ninetieth Ohio in advance, to secure the point or crown of the ridge, and formed my first line of battle along the crest of the ridge. The musketry fire here from the enemy's works was very annoying, and seeing a sunken roadway on the slope of the ridge next the enemy, I moved the front line into that, and found it an admirable protection, and brought up my rear line near the crest of the ridge, but under cover; in this position the enemy's balls were harmless.

This disposition of the troops being made, I was surprised to see Ziegler's battery again on my right in the open field and within easy musket-range of the enemy, and throwing shot into him thick and fast. This battery, together with one placed in position by General Kimball, near the left of my brigade, soon worked confusion in the ranks of rebeldom, and at 4.15 p.m. I was ordered to charge the enemy's works. The front line led off at the "double-quick," followed closely by the second line, each regiment of the front line striving to be the first to plant their colors on the rebel works, and the rear line eager to support their gallant comrades going before. The musketry fire encountered was very severe, but the front line was equal to the task, although they struggled over heavy ground and up a sharp ascent. The flags of the three regiments were carried so near a true line that neither can claim much honor over the other for being the first on the works, and the rear line was close on the heels of the front in crossing the works. Here the brigade captured four guns, one Rodman and three brass Napoleons. Reforming our line we changed front to the east and moved in that direction, crossing the Granny White pike, and halting some time after dark, bivouacked in line. December 16, this command was held in reserve for the division until after our lines became heavily engaged, when I was ordered to the left of the Second Division, to support either that division or the Third, as they might need help. Frequently through the day I was exposed to the artillery fire of the enemy, but escaped with the loss of three men wounded. When the works were carried I followed the Second Division, and shifted to the right until was again in rear of the First Division and moved with that in pursuit. From that time to the present I have moved in column with the division in pursuit of the enemy, not having been actively engaged since.

Our loss on the 15th was—officers, killed, 1; wounded, 5; men, killed, 19; wounded, 92; on the 16th, men, wounded, 3; total, 120.

Capt. E. M. Schell, Eighty-first Indiana, killed in the assault on the 15th, was a young officer known by all in the brigade and admired for his accomplishments and gentlemanly qualities, and honored for the remarkable gallantry he displayed in all actions in which he was engaged. All of my officers displayed that gallantry for which they are ever conspicuous, and on this occasion seemed determined, as did most of the men, that there should be no failure if human efforts would avail. With such officers as Col. John T. Smith, Thirty-first Indiana, Lieutenant-Colonel Yeoman, Ninetieth Ohio, and Lieutenant-Colonel McDanald, One hundred and first Ohio, to control and direct a line, a brigade commander need have no fear for the reputation of command. I would also call the attention of my superiors to Lieut. Col. James R. Hallowell, Thirty-first Indiana, who commanded the division skirmish line on the 15th of December. His personal gallantry on that day, and the ability with which he handled the skirmish line, is rarely equaled and I have never seen surpassed; he deserves great credit. I am again called upon to express my thanks to, and my warmest admiration for, my staff officers—Lieut. William Felton, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. T. J. Stevens, acting inspector general; Capt. William N. Beer, topographical engineer, and Lieut. J. C. Smith, aide-de-camp for their intelligent discharge of duties. They rendered great aid in the assault on the enemy's works by being mounted and continually on the front line. Lieutenant Felton distinguished himself by seizing the colors of the Ninetieth Ohio and bearing them on horseback through an embrasure in the works. My escort deserve my warmest thanks for their devoted attention, riding with me at all times and bearing my flag to the front in the assault till the works were carried.

For further particulars I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanying reports of regimental commanders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. E. D. MASON,
        Assistant Adjutant-General.

In addition to the above report I would call special attention to the gallantry of Color-Sergt. Jesse H. Hall, One hundred and first Ohio. When about to cross the enemy's works he was met by a rebel officer with drawn saber and seemingly in command of that portion of the line. Sergeant Hall demanded the surrender of this officer and was refused. He (the sergeant) then brought into requisition the spear of his flag-staff and compelled an unconditional surrender.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. M. KIRBY,    

Colonel, Commanding.

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), pp. 184-6