General John Bell Hood to James A. Seddon, October 15, 1864

NINE MILES SOUTH OF LA FAYETTE, GA.,        

October 15, 1864. (Via Selma 17th.)

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,

        Secretary of War:

This army struck the communications of the enemy about a mile above Resaca on the 12th instant, completely destroying the railroad, including the block-houses, from that point to within a short distance of Tunnel Hill, about four miles of the Cleveland railroad, capturing Dalton and all intermediate garrisons, with their stores, arms, and equipments, and about 1,000 prisoners. The main body of Sherman's army seems to be moving toward Dalton.

J. B. HOOD,        

General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 39, Part 2 (Serial No. 79), p. 820; John Bell Hood, Advance and Retreat, p. 262

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 227.—Reports of Col. William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 19-21 and 31, 1864.

No. 227.

Reports of Col. William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry,

of operations December 19-21 and 31, 1864.

HDQRS. MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. DEFENSES,        

Huntsville, Ala., December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I left Stevenson on the afternoon of the 19th instant with one train and arrived at Woodville a little before dark. I found Colonel Prosser preparing to move to Brownsborough. He moved up the river about four miles that night, and attempted to cross at the most shallow ford on that stream, but the high water prevented him from doing so. He returned, and after several hours labor planking the railroad bridge we got his command across. The other trains arrived on the morning of 20th, and after leaving sixty infantry and a piece of artillery at the bridge, together with the dismounted and twenty mounted cavalry, we moved on to Brownsborough, arriving there at dark. The railroad and bridges are unharmed, but all of the block-houses were burned on the 19th. Colonel Prosser preceded us to Brownsborough, and at Maysville surprised and scattered from 100 to 200 rebels, killing 3 and capturing 7; several were drowned in attempting to swim Flint River. Hearing from a tolerably authentic source that there were 700 rebels, infantry and artillery, in Huntsville, besides their cavalry, I thought it prudent to send Colonel Prosser ahead to reconnoiter before putting my trains across Flint River. He moved in the night, arriving here at daybreak, and took quiet possession of Huntsville. There have been but a few troops here, and they left last evening. I arrived here with the trains soon after noon. I left 35 men at Hurricane Creek and 100 at Brownsborough. Captain Williams' command, which came here with Colonel Prosser, is ordered to the latter place to-morrow morning. I also left a piece of artillery there. When the trains left Larkinsville yesterday morning Captain Givens' command had not arrived there, and, of course, no artillery was left there; but I started a train back there this morning with the artillery and to complete the repairs to the telegraph line, which is broken in several places. I sent a guard of fifty men on this train. I learn here that the gun-boat fleet passed down the river last night, and I therefore do not send the detachment of the Seventy-third and One hundred and second Ohio Volunteer Infantry to Whitesburg. We get but little intelligence here of the movements or intentions of the enemy. A report, which I deem tolerably reliable, is, that orders were received here yesterday from General Hood to hold Huntsville at all hazards, and, further, that it was his intention to make Decatur his main position, with his right resting at this place. The intelligence of Hood's defeat did not reach here until yesterday.

The enemy did but little damage in this vicinity. They carried off Judge Humphreys a prisoner, and obtained some forty recruits. We arrived here too soon for their conscription. I await intelligence from Decatur with considerable anxiety.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. P. LYON,        

Colonel Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Vol. Infantry, Comdg.

Lieut. SAM. M. KNEELAND,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. DEFENSES,        

Huntsville, Ala., January 3, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the capture and destruction of Paint Rock bridge, on the 31st ultimo, the facts not having been obtained by me until to-day:

When I left Stevenson on the 19th ultimo, under orders from the general commanding to reoccupy this place and the railroad, I received written orders to leave fifty infantry and verbal orders to leave one piece of artillery and twenty mounted cavalry at Paint Rock bridge. I reached there on the morning of the 20th ultimo, and left the piece of artillery, the twenty cavalry, and Company G of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Volunteer Infantry, fifty-six strong, the whole commanded by Second Lieut. Samuel C. Wagoner, Company G, Thirteenth Wisconsin. I also left a corporal and one man of Battery D, First Missouri Light Artillery, to drill a gun squad which I directed to be detailed from the infantry to work the piece. These, together with Captain Kennimer's company of home scouts, nominally about thirty strong, constituted the garrison of the place. I spent considerable time with Lieutenant Wagoner, and gave him full and explicit directions to place the gun upon an elevation northeast of the bridge, to encamp his command near it on the same elevation, to immediately fortify his position by throwing up a redoubt of logs, earth, and rock on the summit of the elevation, giving him specific directions to carry up the face toward the mountain, which approaches quite near the bridge at that point, sufficiently high to protect the gunners in case of attack from sharpshooters in the mountain, to put every team necessary, of which there were several at the place, and every available man, upon this work immediately, and press it to an early completion, and to picket thoroughly every approach to his camp, throwing out his cavalry as vedettes. I endeavored to impress upon his mind that he was liable to attack at any time, and that the utmost vigilance on his part was required to save him from disaster. About a week afterward I received a note from Lieutenant W[agoner] stating that he had information that there was a large force of rebels in the vicinity of Claysville, on both sides of the river, the substance of which I telegraphed to you, and the reply of the general commanding, which was immediately forwarded to the lieutenant, reiterated in the strongest language the instructions which I had already given him. I deeply regret the necessity which compels me to state that Lieutenant Wagoner entirely disregarded the most vital of the orders. He did not fortify his position, and he put out no picket, except one man on the bridge, and had no camp guard, except one sentinel at the gun, and, incredible as it seems, although he had notice from several sources on Friday evening that the enemy were within a few miles of him in force, he did not increase his pickets or take a single precaution to guard against surprise. The attack was made by the combined forces of Mead and Johnson, and that of Whitecotton from the other side of the river, amounting in all, as nearly as I can learn, to about 400 men, at 4 o'clock in the morning. The enemy came from the mountain east of the camp, and was first discovered by the sentinel at the gun. He fired, and gave the alarm, but before the camp could be aroused the whole force was in it, and the garrison overpowered and most of it captured. The lieutenant and 37 men of Company G and 1 artilleryman were captured. Nineteen of Company G, the other artilleryman, the cavalry, and the home scouts escaped; only a few of the latter were in camp, the balance being absent on a scout. The prisoners were taken to the river by Whitecotton's command at Claysville, and were, doubtless, sent to the other side. The balance of the attacking force went north. They burned and cut the bridge so that it fell into the river, and they left the gun unspiked, but mutilated the carriage.

I go there to-morrow, and will then be able to give an account of the loss of arms, camp and garrison equipage, &c.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. P. LYON,        

Colonel Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Vol. Infantry, Comdg.

Lieut. SAM. M. KNEELAND,
        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. 638-40

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 222. — Report of Col. Gilbert M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 4-9, 1864.

No. 222.

Report of Col. Gilbert M. L. Johnson, Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, of operations December 4-9, 1864

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH INDIANA CAVALRY,        

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 10, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with orders received in communication dated headquarters, Murfreesborough, December 5, 1864, I have the honor to report that, in accordance with verbal orders received from Major-General Rousseau on the evening of December 3, 1864, I took up the line of march with my command on the morning of December 4, 1864, toward La Vergne, with the view of camping that night at that point. Upon reaching a point some three miles distant from this place I met a detachment of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, which had been stationed at Overall's Creek, retiring upon this point, being pursued by the enemy. I ordered the captain in charge of the same to deploy his men as skirmishers on the left of the road, at the same time throwing a company of my command on the right, and proceeded in this manner one mile to the creek, the enemy's skirmishers falling back to the opposite bank. A brisk skirmish was kept up, the creek intervening, the enemy at the same time opening on us with three pieces of artillery. At this time I addressed a communication to the general commanding, of which the following is a copy:

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH INDIANA CAVALRY,        

Overall's Creek, December 4, 1864.

Major-General ROUSSEAU:

 

GENERAL: I am holding the skirmish line at Overall's Creek. The enemy expose a line double to mine; reported moving column on my right flank; have used three pieces of artillery on me; also reported the same to be used on the block-house. Slight loss; skirmishing rapid; await orders; artillery moving toward their rear on the pike. Heavy artillery firing distinctly heard in the direction of Nashville. I shall endeavor to cross the creek.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

G. M. L. JOHNSON,        

Colonel Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry.

Shortly afterward General Milroy came up with re-enforcements, his infantry relieving my skirmish line, and I formed my regiment in column on the pike, at a distance of 400 yards from the bridge. Just before night-fall I received an order from General Milroy, through Captain Carson, to charge across the bridge, which order I obeyed. After gaining the opposite bank I turned the head of my column to the right, and swung round the base of the hill, menacing the enemy's left flank, which had the effect of causing the retiring of a large part of the enemy's force. My pieces (Enfield rifles) being discharged and difficult to reload when men are mounted, and the enemy having turned their artillery on me, I retired my column to the creek under cover of the bank, and in doing so received a slight fire from our own forces stationed in the block-house, they evidently in the darkness mistaking us for the enemy. I immediately threw out skirmishers, dismounted, and, reforming my line, made another dash around the former position of their left flank and in rear of the hill on which their artillery had been planted. The enemy having retired, I threw out outposts and withdrew my command to this side Overall's Creek. I retired, in accordance with orders from General Milroy, and arrived in camp at this place about 1 a.m. December 5, 1864.

Additional skirmishes and reconnaissances have been had with the enemy on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th of December, 1864. In these my command has captured about 20 prisoners, among whom were 1 major and 1 lieutenant.

Please find the list of casualties appended.*

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

G. M. L. JOHNSON,        

Colonel Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry.

Major CRAVENS,
        Asst. Adjt. Gen., Defenses Nashville and Chattanooga R. R.

_______________

* Shows 1 officer and 7 men killed and 34 men wounded.

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. 630-1

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 223. — Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 2-5, 1864.

No. 223.

Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations December 2-5, 1864.

HDQRS. 115TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the operations of my regiment during Hood's late advance into Tennessee.

On the 25th of November, as per instructions from headquarters post of Murfreesborough, I started to Duck River Bridge, at the same time sent the adjutant northward toward Nashville on an inspection tour. I found the troops from here to Duck River supplied with the requisite amount of ammunition and subsistence to December 10, 1864. The adjutant returned November 27, making a similar report. I immediately forwarded twenty days' rations to all the detachments of the regiment from Nashville to Duck River, supplying the troops to the 1st of January, 1865.

Block-house No. 2, five miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. George D. Harter, was the first attacked by the enemy. About 8 a.m. December 2, 1864, a force was seen approaching the block-house, a large majority of whom were dressed in Federal uniform. The force began gradually to surround the block-house. About this time a railroad train was heard approaching from the south. When it came in sight it was discovered to be loaded with colored troops. The train came up very slowly, and when on the bridge at the block-house was fired into by the enemy's artillery, disabling the engine and wrecking the train immediately. This began the fight, and seven pieces of artillery opened fire on the block-house. The colored troops, which consisted of parts of the Fourteenth and Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, and numbering in all about 350 men, under command of Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops, sought protection at the block-house. They were scarce of ammunition, and Lieutenant Harter gave to Colonel Johnson for the use of his command 2,000 rounds, without which they could have rendered but little or no assistance to the block-house garrison. The garrison kept up constant firing on the enemy, forcing them to change the position of their artillery frequently. One piece, however, which did them the most damage, was stationed on a hill about 500 yards north of the block-house. It was loaded under cover of the hill, pushed to the crest, sighted and fired, and then drawn back to reload. The garrison was unable to force this gun from its position. Firing was kept up continually from 10 a.m. until dark. Near 500 rounds solid shot and shell, from 10 and 20 pounder guns, were fired at the block-house. The rebels told our wounded (who were left in their hands) that they fired upward of 460 rounds. Night found the block-house in a ruinous condition, the north wing being completely destroyed, outside casing of west wing was badly damaged, the lookout gone, two large breaches made in the roof, and one of the posts—the main support of the roof—knocked out, while the other center posts were badly splintered. Lieutenant Harter, taking into consideration the condition of the block-house and that his ammunition was nearly all expended, regarded it as certain capture to remain until daylight. Consequently, at 3 a.m. December 3, 1864, the garrison evacuated the block-house, and, accompanied by the colored troops, arrived safely in Nashville at daylight. Upon reporting to Major-General Thomas, Lieutenant Harter was informed that an order had been issued two days previously directing the abandonment of all block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The courier failed to get through the rebel lines, consequently the order was not received. Casualties of the garrison at this block-house (No. 2) were 1 enlisted man killed and 3 enlisted men wounded.

No. 1 block-house, four miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. Jacob N. Shaffer, was attacked and the entire garrison captured December 3, 1864. The amount of firing upon and damage done to block-house and garrison before its surrender has not been ascertained. It is reported, however, that firing was kept up throughout the day and that a flag of truce was sent in five times during the day.

Block-house No. 3, near Antioch, commanded by Capt. D. N. Lowrey, was attacked on the 3d of December by artillery. The rebel guns here were placed in such positions as to prevent the block-house garrison from doing them much injury other than occasionally picking off a gunner. After holding out for thirty-six hours and receiving ninety shots, from 12 and 20 pounder guns, the garrison was compelled to surrender.

Capt. Lewis F. Hake, commanding at La Vergne, received an order December 4, 1864, from Major-General Thomas (which had been issued three days previously), to abandon all the block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough and withdraw the forces to the latter place. Couriers were started each way along the railroad on the morning of the 5th to notify the commanders of the block-houses. Sergt. William McKinney, commanding Block-house No. 4, having received this order, was in the act of evacuating his block-house, when he was attacked and compelled to surrender.

On the morning of the 5th of December, 1864, as the command at La Vergne was completing its preparations to march to Murfreesborough (two wagons having already been loaded), the rebels suddenly made their appearance in considerable force on all sides, and a flag of truce was discovered approaching. It was halted at a proper distance and Lieutenant Eadie sent out to meet it. Whilst a consultation was being had under the flag the rebels took advantage of the same and planted four pieces of artillery bearing directly on the command. Under the circumstances, being surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, with their artillery in position commanding the whole ground ready for firing, Captain Hake was compelled to surrender his command, consisting of 73 men (regimental martial band included), 25 horses and equipments, 2 pieces of artillery (one 6 and one 12 pounder), and small-arms.

Commanders of block-houses Nos. 5 and 6, Capt. William M. McClure and Lieut. John S. Orr, received Captain Hake's order the night of the 4th. They evacuated their block-houses on the morning of the 5th instant. Rebels in small squads had already made their appearance on all sides. The garrisons were compelled to make a circuitous route around through Jefferson, marching over twenty miles, had several skirmishes with the enemy on the way, and arrived safely in camp at Murfreesborough about 2 p.m. of the same day.

Block-house No. 7, four miles from Murfreesborough, commanded by Lieut. H. H. Glosser, was attacked on the 4th instant by rebel artillery and musketry. Seventy-six artillery shots were fired at the blockhouse, thirty-two of which struck it. The railroad bridge at this point was saved, and but little damage was done to the block-house other than knocking off the lookout. This house was not again attacked with artillery. Sharpshooters remained keeping the garrison hemmed in, as the following communication, being the first that was heard from Lieutenant Glosser, will explain.

BLOCK-HOUSE No. 7, December 18, 1864.

Major-General MILROY:

 

SIR: I am informed by your scout (Mr. Lee) that the rebels have retreated. He tells me that if there is anything I want to send a note to you and say what it is. General, I want nothing but liberty. I have been hemmed in for thirteen days, not daring to put my head outside the block-house. The rebel sharpshooters have left, and I feel better. The health of myself and men is good; am ready for any emergency. General Forrest sent in a flag of truce four times, demanding the surrender of this house, promising to treat me well, and threatening to burn me with Greek fire if I refused. I resolved to believe nothing but such things as I could see; and as I could not see the Greek fire, I thought I would wait until I did.

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

 

H. H. GLOSSER,       

First Lieut. Company E, 115th Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty., Comdg. Block-House No. 7.

No casualties were sustained at this block-house. The garrison kept up firing at all times when the rebels appeared in sight, expending during the whole time nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

The detachments at block-houses between Murfreesborough and Tullahoma, with but one exception, were not attacked by the enemy.

Block-House No. 9, near Bell Buckle Station, Lieut. M. S. Hurd commanding, was approached by flag of truce and its surrender demanded. Lieutenant Hurd promptly refused, telling them "if they wanted the block-house, they must come and take it." The rebels did not open fire with their artillery, and after a few volleys of musketry withdrew from sight. Straggling rebels were now seen all along the road to Tullahoma, quite a number of whom were picked up and forwarded to Murfreesborough.

You are already cognizant of the part taken by the detachment in and near Murfreesborough, which renders it unnecessary for me to mention the particulars. So far as I am able to learn I have good reason to believe that every detachment of the regiment throughout has done its duty as became soldiers.

I feel it my duty here to make special mention of the manner in which Lieuts. George D. Hatter and Henry H. Glosser, with the little bands of veterans under their command, so nobly acquitted themselves under such trying circumstances. Too much credit cannot be given them for so gallantly defending their block-houses against the prolonged attack of the enemy, so much their superior in numbers and furnished with 10 and 20 pounder guns.

Captured, 170; killed, 1; wounded, 4; escaped since capture, 4.

Accompanying this report is a list of casualties in the regiment, as nearly correct as I am at this time able to give.

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

THOMAS C. BOONE,        

Colonel 115th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.

Lieut. H. H. SHEETS,
        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. 631-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 225. — Report of Lieut. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses, of operations December 4-17, 1864.

No. 225.

Report of Lieut. H. Milo Torrence, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,

Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses, of operations December 4-17, 1864.

OFFICE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR RAILROAD DEFENSES,                

DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,        

Murfreesborough, December 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, December 4, at about 11 a.m., the enemy opened three pieces 12-pounder artillery on block-house No. 7, at distances of 500 and 800 yards, throwing seventy-two shot and shell, thirty-one of which struck the building, five in the lookout and twenty-six in the main building and its entrance way. Of the twenty-six, six were thrown into the inner casing at loop line. It will be remembered that the outer casing of this house is supported above the loop line by pillars twelve to fifteen inches long. The shot were thrown in between the upper and lower logs of the outer case and the pillars. Some of the pillars were struck and shattered but none knocked entirely out. No shot penetrated the main building; no shot struck, however, directly on the loop, the bearing of the guns being such as not to admit of it except at the corner. No shot penetrated the timbers of inner case sufficiently deep to distend the timber on the inside. About 2 p.m. Major-General Milroy engaged the enemy and relieved the garrison. On Monday, the 5th, about 2 p.m., the enemy again opened three pieces on house, at distance of 800 and 900 yards to the northwest, and fired five or six shot and shell, one of which only struck the building, doing but little damage. The garrison were ready for the attack, and had seven or eight loops bearing on the battery. I required them to fire by rank, which was done, and done with such precision as to compel the enemy to limber up and get away at double-quick, with the loss of one horse, and, I learn from rebel authority, three or four wounded men; their sharpshooters left with them. We took advantage of the dark to get more wood and water, and some timbers, with which the floor of tower was made bomb-proof. About midnight a Federal soldier came to garrison, saying that General Bate had sent him to say to garrison that if they would surrender that he (Bate) would parole the whole garrison, respect private property, &c., and that he would send in flag by 6 a.m. or sunrise. At 12 the promised flag came, by order of General Hill, asking surrender upon terms offered by General Bate; was answered that "We would hold the block-house." This morning a picket-line was put out around us, the sharpshooters looking after also. On the 7th flag came in, by order General Forrest, giving ten minutes to surrender or be burned with Greek fire, etc. Four flags came in during the thirteen days. On Friday, the 16th, the pickets were called in. On 17th all disappeared except a few stragglers, who evinced no disposition to molest.

The garrison did not have one man hurt, nor did the house sustain any serious injury.

The deficiency in the block-house, as developed in this case (and as far as I can learn in that of No. 2), is in the staunching supporting the ceiling and in the horizontal bracing at the cap plates. In No. 7 the girder spanning the south wing commenced to give way while the house was bombarded in the opposite side or wings. I had temporary posts put in and other like improvement made as circumstances suggested. I am of the opinion that the rectangular building, properly constructed and located, is the better plan for the blockhouses. I have increased confidence in block-houses as means of defense, from my experience, and believe that they can be so constructed as to resist any artillery that is ordinarily brought to bear against them.

Allow me to recommend to favorable consideration Lieutenant Glosser and his command; they behaved nobly during the siege of fourteen days.

Respectfully submitted.

H. M. TORRENCE,        

First Lieutenant and Assistant Inspector Railroad Defenses.

Maj. JAMES R. WILLETT,
        Chief Inspector R. R. Defenses, Dept. of the Cumberland.

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. 635-6