Brevet Major-General George Armstrong Custer to the Soldiers of the 3rd Cavalry Division, April 9, 1865

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,       

Appomattox Court-House, Va., April 9, 1865.

SOLDIERS OF THE THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION:

With profound gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your commanding general avails himself of this his first opportunity to express to you his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles which to-day resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. The record established by your indomitable courage is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has won for you even the respect and admiration of your enemies. During the past six months, although in most instances confronted by superior numbers, you have captured from the enemy in open battle 111 pieces of field artillery, 65 battle-flags, and upward of 10,000 prisoners of war, including general officers. Within the past ten days, and included in the above, you have captured 46 pieces of field artillery and 37 battle-flags. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, and have never been defeated, and notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have borne a prominent part, including those memorable battles of the Shenandoah, you have captured every piece of artillery which the enemy has dared to open upon you. The near approach of peace renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigues of the toilsome march, or the exposure of the battle-field, but should the assistance of keen blades, wielded by your sturdy arms, be required to hasten the coming of that glorious peace for which we have been so long contending, the general commanding is proudly confident that in the future, as in the past, every demand will meet with a hearty and willing response. Let us hope that our work is done, and that, blessed with the comforts of peace, we may soon be permitted to enjoy the pleasures of home and friends.

For our comrades who have fallen, let us ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded and to those who languish in Southern prisons, let our heartfelt sympathies be tendered.

And now, speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended and the task of the historian begins; when those deeds of daring which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable, are inscribed upon the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name may be written, as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division.

G. A. CUSTER,

Brevet Major-General.

Official:

            L. W. Barnhart

                        Captain and A. A. A. G.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 46, Part 1 (Serial No. 95), p. 1133-4  Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 156

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 135. Report of Capt. James W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 135.

Report of Capt. James W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. EIGHTH TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,    

Near Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that during the operation against the enemy's left, in front of Nashville, on the 15th of December, this regiment, with the others composing the brigade, was held in reserve as support for the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. During the night of the 15th the latter brigade was withdrawn and our own advanced and occupied the ground, throwing up during the night strong breast-works, which we occupied until about 2 o'clock of the following day. About this hour the brigade was ordered to charge the works in their front, which was successfully done. In this charge this regiment held the extremity of the line of our brigade. In that portion of the works taken by this regiment, in connection with the One hundredth Ohio, were captured four pieces of artillery, which, or at least two of them, were being loaded by the gunners, but they were so closely pressed that they were compelled to abandon them, leaving the charges in the muzzles of the guns. These two regiments also captured two mules and wagon, the latter being loaded with grape and canister. Subsequently this regiment moved forward about 150 yards to the crest of a hill, built temporary works and camped for the night, and the next morning we found the enemy gone.

We lost none in these actions.

Respectfully,

J. W. BERRY,                       

Captain, Commanding Eighth Tennessee Infantry.

Capt. J. H. BROWN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 423

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: April 4, 1865

Up at daylight. Sent telegram home. Moved up the Appomattox, our Div. in advance. Captured 300 or 400 prisoners, 5 guns and many wagons. Hill's Corps and cavalry on our front. Near Bevil's Bridge enemy made a stand at a crossroads to get a part of their column by. Artillery opened and rebs ran. Our regt. did not become engaged. Went out to pick up wounded. Quite a number of deserters. Camped on this ground. Richmond ours. God hasten peace. Clear and pleasant. Cavalry moved on up the Appomattox. 1st Div. in advance. Would that I could see mother now in her distress. Passed a part of the infantry. Made a feint towards Amelia C. H. Went into camp. 2nd on picket. Moved out again at 11 P. M. Returned to main road and marched all night.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 154

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, April 5, 1865

Reached Juttersville Station on Danville R. R. at 10. 5th Corps made a reconnoissance and captured a large number of prisoners, wagons, flags, cannon, etc. Suffered some. Rebs at Amelia C. H. Cox spied.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 154-5

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: April 6, 1865

Drew rations in the night. Moved at 7 — whole army. Cavalry to the left of Burkeville. Charged the reb wagon train. Scattered the skirmish line and charged each way. Chester and myself charged nearly 4 miles, nearly to the head of train — no support. (Battle of Sailor's Creek.) Chester wounded in the head. Eggleston and Smith got several pieces of artillery. Got back to command by a circuitous route, the rebs having cut us off. Two divisions charged mounted and were repulsed. Reformed and charged again with success, the 6th Corps engaging the rear. Lt. Stearns killed. Several Co. "C" captured. Several thousand prisoners, many colors, Generals and cannon. 2nd credited 650 prisoners, 60 officers and 4 pieces of artillery. Lost good men.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 155

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: April 8, 1865

Moved out early and met the 2nd Div., Crook's, at Prospect Station on R. R. A beautiful day. Troops all cheer for Custer. Captured at Appomattox Station 4 trains of cars, charged and captured 24 pieces of artillery and heavy train of wagons after fighting until 10 P. M. Did not stop till reached rebel camp at Appomattox C. H. Horse hit by a shell and I struck by a spent ball.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 155-6

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Thursday, March 2, 1865

Commenced to rain early. Our div. in advance. Massed just before reaching S. Reached our old camp at Waynesboro at 3 p. M. The Va. Brigade formed mounted. We formed dismounted. Went out where we could see the rebel line on a hill and in the woods, running almost around W. 2nd Ohio in advance as skirmishers. Forward was given and the 2nd went forward until it carried the woods and the hill, driving the Johnnies pell-mell. I was mounted and went in on the muscle, when the rebs gave way. Took a great many prisoners myself. Captured 1,300 prisoners, 10 guns and 150 wagons and 10 stands of colors. Advance charged through the gap and burned a heavy amount of supplies at Greenville. Gen. Early barely escaped capture. It is a wonder to me how the boys stood it so well. Gen. Custer gave us great credit. Camped just through the gap. Raining.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 146

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 11, 1864

June 11, 1864.

Colonel Wright and I rode out to the front to-day. The Johnnies are about one and one-half miles from us, and occupying what looks like a very strong position. Rumor says that Sherman has said that he can force them to leave here any moment, but will wait for supplies and the roads to dry up. The cars got to Big Shanty about noon to-day, and indulged in a long and hilarious shriek. The Rebel locomotive about two miles further down the road answered with a yell of defiance.

I hear to-day that the 23d Corps took 2,000 prisoners and two cannon. I guess its yes. Rosencrans is actually coming, they say. I don't think we need him. Sherman moves very cautiously, and everybody feels the utmost confidence in him. I saw him yesterday — seems to me he is getting fleshy. He don't look as though he had anything more important than a 40-acre farm to attend to.

It has rained almost all day. You musn't expect me to write anything but military now, for it is about all we think of.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 258

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 22, 1863

Gen. Wheeler has taken 700 of the enemy's cavalry in East Tennessee, 6 cannon, 50 wagons, commissary stores, etc. Per contra, the steamer Venus, with bacon, from Nassau, got aground trying to enter the port of Wilmington, and ship and cargo were lost. There is a rumor that Gen. Taylor, trans-Mississippi, has captured Gen. Banks, his staff, and sixteen regiments. This, I fear, is not well authenticated.

A poor woman yesterday applied to a merchant in Carey Street to purchase a barrel of flour. The price he demanded was $70. “My God!” exclaimed she, “how can I pay such prices? I have seven children; what shall I do?”

“I don't know, madam,” said he, coolly, “unless you eat your children.”

Such is the power of cupidity — it transforms men into demons. And if this spirit prevails throughout the country, a just God will bring calamities upon the land, which will reach these cormorants, but which, it may be feared, will involve all classes in a common ruin.

Beef, to-day, sold in market at $1.50 per pound. There is no bacon for sale, or corn-meal. But we shall not starve, if we have faith in a beneficent Providence. Our daughter Anne, teaching in Appomattox County, writes that she will send us a barrel of potatoes, some persimmons, etc. next Wednesday. And we had a good dinner to-day: a piece of fat shoulder Capt. Warner let me have at $1 per pound — it is selling for $2.50 — and cabbage from my garden, which my neighbor's cow overlooked when she broke through the gate last Sunday. Although we scarcely know what we shall have to-morrow, we are merry and patriotic to-day.

Last night I went to hear Rev. Dr. Hobson, Reformed Baptist, or Campbellite, preach. He is certainly an orator (from Kentucky) and a man of great energy and fertility of mind. There is a revival in his congregation too, as well as among the Methodists, but he was very severe in his condemnation of the emotional or sensational practices of the latter. He said, what was never before known by me, that the word pardon is not in the New Testament, but remission was. His point against the Methodists was their fallacy of believing that conversion was sudden and miraculous, and accompanied by a happy feeling. Happy feeling, he said, would naturally follow a consciousness of remission of sins, but was no evidence of conversion, for it might be produced by other things. It was the efficacy of the Word, of the promise of God, which obliterated the sins of all who believed, repented, and were baptized. He had no spasmodic extravagances over his converts; but, simply taking them by the hand, asked if they believed, repented, and would be baptized. If the answers were in the affirmalive, they resumed their seats, and were soon after immersed in a pool made for the purpose in the church.

I pray sincerely that this general revival in the churches will soften the hearts of the extortioners, for this class is specifically denounced in the Scriptures. There is abundance in the land, but “man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” I hope the extortioners may all go to heaven, first ceasing to be extortioners.

The Legislature has broken up the gambling establishments, for the time being, and the furniture of their gorgeous saloons is being sold at auction. Some idea of the number of these establishments may be formed from an estimate (in the Examiner) of the cost of the entertainment prepared for visitors being not less than $10,000 daily. Their agents bought the best articles offered for sale in the markets, and never hesitated to pay the most exorbitant prices. I hope now the absence of such customers may have a good effect. But I fear the currency, so redundant, is past remedy.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 78-9

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 19, 1864 – 5 p.m.

Kingston, Cass County, Ga., May 19, 1864, 5 p. m.

The artillery has been working all day, but have not heard how much of a fight. That dead Rebel colonel was Iverson, of the Second Georgia Cavalry; we think he was formerly a M. C. of this State, and a secessionist. The citizens here have most all left the towns, but are nearly all at home in the country. The cavalry had sharp fighting in the road we have come over to-day. Many dead horses and a number of fresh graves by the roadside. I wish I was in the cavalry. This plodding along afoot is dry business, compared with horse-back traveling. I hear this morning that Wilder's mounted infantry captured two cannons and 600 Rebels this afternoon. Also that 6,000 prisoners were yesterday started from Dalton for the North.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 244

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 105. Report of Lieut. Col. John E. Cummins, Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 105.

Report of Lieut. Col. John E. Cummins, Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFTY.,

In the Field, December 22, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the engagement near Nashville, on the 15th and 16th instant:

The regiment moved with the brigade early on the morning of the 15th toward the enemy. Nothing of interest transpired until about the middle of the afternoon, when the regiment moved forward a considerable distance in line of battle, meeting with no enemy until in passing across an open field the enemy appeared on the left flank of the brigade behind a stone wall, and in our front on a high steep hill a small body of infantry with three pieces of artillery. As soon as the rebel battery opened, the men yelled and rushed forward without orders, charging up the hill on a run. The rebels were driven from their position and the artillery captured. The officers and men of this regiment contributed their fair share to the success of this movement. On the top of a hill beyond the one on which the artillery was captured the regiment went into position, with the Third Tennessee on the right and Twenty-fifth Michigan on the left, and remained until after night, when the regiment, by orders, moved to another position and spent the whole night in fortifying.

On the morning of the 16th we found the enemy intrenched on a hill in our immediate front, within rifle-range, and all day shots were being exchanged between the rebels and skirmishers from this regiment. The regiment was also exposed to shots from the enemy's main line of works, but sustained no loss. The regiment was not otherwise engaged during the day.

The following is the list of casualties in this regiment on the 25th instant.^†

The officers and men of the regiment conducted themselves well, but no opportunity was given for special acts of courage.

Respectfully submitted.

JOHN E. CUMMINS,                       

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Capt. T. C. HONNELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

^† Nominal list (omitted) shows 7 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. 375-6

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 16, 1864

May 16, 1864, 6 p. m.

The old story — the Rebels evacuated last night. They made two or three big feints of attacking during the night, but are all gone this morning. It is said they have taken up a position some five miles ahead. Prisoners and deserters are coming in. At Resaca we captured eight cannon, not more than 100 prisoners, and some provisions; don't know what we got at Dalton. Some estimate our whole loss up to this time at 2,500 killed and wounded. Everything is getting the road for pursuit. The prisoners say Johnston will make a stand 40 miles south.

Six p. m.—The 16th Corps moved out on the Rome road, and while we are waiting for the 14th Corps to get out of our way word came that the 16th had run against a snag. We were moved out at once at nearly double quick time to help them. Trotted four miles and passed a good many wounded, but we were not needed. We bivouac to-night on the southeast bank of Coosa river. I hear to-night that our loss in the corps is 600 and that no corps has suffered less than ours. Some think the whole will foot over 5,000.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 242-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 104. Report of Captain Samuel L. Demarest, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 104.

Report of Capt. Samuel L. Demarest, Twenty-fifth Michigan Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FIFTH MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,   

Near Columbia, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this regiment on the 15th and 16th instant:

On the 15th instant the regiment marched out with the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and was identified with all the movements of the brigade on the right flank of the army. About 3 p.m. we supported a charge made by dismounted cavalry, in which 2 batteries of 4 guns each were captured, with a number of prisoners. Immediately after the regiment was engaged in another charge, where 3 pieces of artillery were captured. During this day 2 commissioned officers and 2 men were slightly wounded and 1 man severely wounded. During the night works were constructed; and on the 16th we supported a charge made by a portion of the Sixteenth Corps, a number of the Twenty-fifth Michigan taking active part in the charge, and being instrumental in taking prisoners.

The following is a list of casualties.*

Very respectfully,

S. L. DEMAREST,

Captain, Commanding.

Capt. T. C. HONNELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 officers and 3 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. 374-5

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 103. Report of Col. Cicero Maxwell, Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864

No. 103.

Report of Col. Cicero Maxwell, Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

CAMP TWENTY-SIXTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,     

Five Miles North of Columbia,, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-sixth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the actions near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th instant:

We left our camp near Fort Negley about 8 a, m. on the 15th instant; moved slowly two or three miles toward the right, passed through our outer line of works on the Hardin turnpike, and formed line of battle at 11 a.m., just outside the works and on the left of the pike, the Twenty-sixth Kentucky Volunteers being the right of the First Brigade. In forming line one of our men, James H. Cohron, Company B, was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of his own gun. Between 12 m. and 1 p.m. we were moved forward about a mile, the right considerably advanced, and halted in a lane. A heavy cannonade was going on at the time, and the enemy's shells occasionally exploded near us, but no one was injured. After remaining here an hour or so we were moved by the right flank, changing direction somewhat to the right, a mile perhaps, again formed in line of battle, and moved briskly forward. As we commenced to move a strong position of the rebels in our front was gallantly charged by some dismounted cavalry, and a number of prisoners and several pieces of artillery were captured. We continued to move, our right advancing, until our line was nearly or quite perpendicular to the one first formed in the forenoon; and at little more than a mile from where we formed line the second time our brigade charged a strong position of the enemy on one of the high hills, or knobs rather, between the Hillsborough and Granny White pikes, about five miles from Nashville, and though the men were exposed to a galling front and cross-fire, they moved steadily and rapidly forward, drove the rebels in great disorder from their positions, and captured a number of prisoners and several pieces of artillery. In a few minutes we were moved about half a mile farther, and took position at sundown on a high hill exposed to a cross-fire from the enemy posted on another hill on our right. Here we remained all night and threw up earth-works. Our regiment was not regularly engaged on the 16th, but was moved forward with the First Brigade the final charge was made late in the afternoon, and bivouacked for the night near the new house of Mr. Lea, on the left of the Granny White pike.

The line officers of the Twenty-sixth Kentucky, without exception, and the enlisted men, with few exceptions, behaved very gallantly. We lost 2 men killed, besides Cohron, and had 44 wounded, some severely, but the most of them slightly. Captain Hackett, who, as senior line officer, was assisting me in the absence of the lieutenant-colonel and major, and was mounted, was severely wounded while bravely urging the men forward. The color-bearer, James Scott, was severely wounded in the leg as he ascended the hill but would not go to the rear until he had planted our regimental flag on the top, and he was among the first there. Lieutenant Brown, acting adjutant, behaved with great gallantry and rendered me great assistance.

I inclose herewith a list of the names of the killed and wounded:*

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

C. MAXWELL,         

Colonel Twenty-sixth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry.

Capt. T. C. HONNELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Embodied in table, p. 99.

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. 373-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 102. Report of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 102.

Report of Col. Charles S. Parrish, One hundred and thirtieth Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 130TH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,    

Columbia, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command during the operations of the 15th and 16th instant:

On the morning of the 15th I was ordered into line a few rods outside of the works surrounding Nashville, supported on the right by the Twenty-fifth Regiment Michigan Infantry, on the left by the Sixth Tennessee Infantry. After marching some four miles toward the Hardin pike and crossing the same, formed in line of battle and commenced moving down a steep hill toward the enemy's line; when near the foot of the hill the enemy were observed in the act of planting artillery on a hill directly in our front, which soon opened on the line of the First Brigade, when, without any definite orders for that purpose, the whole line commenced moving rapidly and with enthusiasm toward the rebel guns. Owing to the rapid and difficult marching during the morning the line was not kept very perfect, yet the crest of the hill was gained and the pieces — three in number — captured by the First Brigade and a small number of dismounted cavalry. During this affair the following enlisted men of my command were killed and wounded.*

I was then ordered forward to the next hill, and ordered to throw up works, which was done, and skirmishers thrown out At 10 p.m. was ordered to report with my command to Captain Milholland, and by him instructed to throw up another line of works fronting directly toward the south, supported on the left by the One hundred and twenty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers Second Brigade, Second Division, and on the right by the One hundred and twenty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, [Third] Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. I remained in this position within range of the enemy's guns until late in the afternoon of the 16th instant, when ordered to move; marched three miles in line of battle; crossed the Granny White pike, and camped on the farm of W. McCormack Lea, where we remained until the morning of the 17th of December.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

C. S. PARRISH,        

Colonel, Commanding 130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

 Capt. T. C. HONNELL.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 man killed and 9 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. 372-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 101. Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Cooper, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 24—December 8 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 101.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Cooper, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 24 — December 8 and December 15-16, 1864.

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

Near Waynesborough, Tenn., January 7, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, from the 24th day of November, 1864, to the 8th day of December, 1864, inclusive:

On the evening of November 23 I received orders from Major-General Thomas to march my brigade and the Sixth Michigan Battery to Centerville, and guard the ford at that place and Beard's Ferry, five or ten miles above. I procured transportation from Captain Howland, assistant quartermaster, at Johnsonville, and marched on the morning of the 24th via Waverly and arrived at Centerville on the evening of the 27th, when I left two regiments — One hundred and thirtieth Indiana and Ninety-ninth Ohio — to guard the fords at Centerville, and moved with the remainder of my command to Beard's Ferry, which I found to be fifteen miles distant, the nearest road I could go. I found the country infested with guerrillas, who hung upon my flanks and advance and rear guard. I reached Beard's Ferry on the evening of the 28th, and immediately reported to General Ruger, commanding Second Division. I remained at Beard's Ferry until the morning of the 30th, when I received orders from General Ruger (dated November 29) to march to Franklin. I immediately sent orders to the two regiments at Centreville to join me at Killough's, five miles from Beard's Ferry. I marched to Killough's on the 30th and awaited the remainder of the brigade.

At 2 o'clock on the 1st of December I received a dispatch from General Thomas to march on the Nashville and Centerville road, and cross the Harpeth River at the Widow De Moss'. I immediately moved forward and crossed the Harpeth River over the iron bridge on the Hardin pike on the evening of December 2. I learned during the day from rebel deserters that our forces had fallen back from Franklin and Hood's army was probably on the road between me and Nashville, but I moved forward toward Nashville until I reached a high hill eight miles from the city, where I could distinctly see the enemy's camp-fires on both sides of the road between me and Nashville. I then reversed the order of march and moved across to the Charlotte pike, marching all night, and recrossed the Harpeth River at daylight on the morning of the 3d. I reached Clarksville on the evening of the 5th, and remained there until the morning of the 7th, when I moved on the dirt road toward Nashville, and arrived there on the evening of the 8th, making in all a distance of 210 miles.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 JOSEPH A. COOPER,        

 Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Division, 23d Army Corps.

_______________

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

Near Columbia, Tenn., December 23, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to orders from division headquarters I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, in the engagement near Nashville, on the 15th and 16th instant:

In obedience to orders the brigade was in line ready to march at 5.30 a.m. of the 15th, but did not move until 8 a.m. I moved out in advance of the division on the Hardin pike, and formed line of battle on the left of that pike at right angles with the pike, facing west of south. I then moved forward in line of battle about three-quarters of a mile, throwing forward the right until the brigade faced east of south. Nothing of importance occurred until 1 p.m., when I was ordered to form on the right of General Smith, commanding Sixteenth Corps. I moved by the right flank until I passed General Smith's right, and then moved briskly forward to support the dismounted cavalry, who gallantly charged a strong position of the rebels in our front, and captured a number of prisoners and some artillery. I continued to move forward directly across the Hillsborough pike, until in passing through an open field the enemy opened with artillery and musketry from a high hill in our immediate front. As soon as the rebel battery opened the men, without waiting for orders, commenced cheering and rushed forward, charging up the hill at double-quick. The lines were necessarily much broken, owing to the extreme difficulty of climbing the hill, but the men rushed forward as best they could and soon gained the top of the hill, and captured three pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. As we charged up the hill the enemy opened on us with musketry from a stone wall on our left flank, which enfiladed our entire line, and the Sixth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry changed direction to the left, and charged the wall and captured about 150 prisoners, who were sent to the rear. The brigade took position on the crest of a hill, connecting with Colonel Moore, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, on the left, but without any connection on the right. The enemy still occupied a high hill on my right, and I refused the right of the brigade to protect that flank, and put out skirmishers and commenced building a line of works. Colonel Mehringer, commanding Third Brigade, joined on my right during the night, and connected his line of works with mine. In obedience to orders I sent two regiments — One hundred and thirtieth Indiana and Ninety-ninth Ohio — to build a line of works on the right of Colonel Mehringer's brigade, and sent a detail of 100 men to build a fort on the right of my brigade. I kept strengthening my works during the night, and kept one-third of the command in line all of the time.

On the morning of the 16th I found the enemy strongly intrenched on a hill in my immediate front. Shots were exchanged between my skirmishers and those of the enemy, but without loss to us. The brigade was not otherwise engaged during this day. After the charge made by the Sixteenth Corps I moved forward in line of battle, as ordered, until I crossed the Granny White pike, where I camped for the night.

The officers, without exception, and the men, with few exceptions, behaved gallantly.

The following are the casualties of each regiment in the brigade:

Command.	Killed.	Wounded.
26th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry	2	44
6th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry	1	9
3d Tennessee Volunteer Infantry	3	8
99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry		7
130th Indiana Volunteer Infantry	1	9
25th Michigan Volunteer Infantry		5
Total	7	82

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOSEPH A. COOPER,         

Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

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. 370-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 100. — Report of Maj. Gen. Darius N Couch, U S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 100.

Report of Maj. Gen. Darius N Couch, U S. Army, commanding Second Division, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,      

Near Columbia, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to the orders of the major-general commanding the Army of the Ohio, this division moved from the line it occupied in the intrenchments at Nashville at 7.30 a.m. December 15, upon being relieved by the troops of General Steedman, and took position in rear of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith's corps, on the Hardin pike. At 1 p.m. advanced to within supporting distance of Smith's troops, then engaged. Soon, after was directed by General Schofield to push forward to the right of the former officer's line and engage the enemy. The division marched rapidly nearly two miles, swinging around at a right angle to the east, crossing the Granny White pike at 2.45 p.m., in line of battle by brigades, in the order of Cooper, Moore, and Mehringer. Passing Smith's extreme right more than half a mile, Cooper, assisted by a few hundred dismounted cavalry, charged a high knob held by the rebels with infantry and three guns, carrying it most gallantly. Moore, swinging to the left, aided in taking a stone wall which flanked my position. In the meantime Mehringer, having been thrown to the right and front to occupy a piece of woods, then received the attack of a rebel column, which he completely repulsed in thirty minutes. A brigade of General Cox's division was sent to support him, but it did not have occasion to go into action. The Fifteenth Indiana Battery followed the division and used its guns with good effect until night. My line was fortified after dark, including the knob previously referred to, which proved to be a point of vital importance to our success on the following day. On the 16th Wilson's Nineteenth Ohio Battery was brought on the field from the intrenchments of Nashville and held in reserve. Harvey at daylight occupied the knob fortified during the night. This battery was the only part of my command seriously engaged during the day, Cooper and Moore simply supporting General A. J. Smith in his advance on the enemy's lines from 2 to 3.30 p.m.

The division displayed great gallantry and dauntless courage throughout the action. Should I commend the officers and men by name I would not know where to stop.

The captures were 200 prisoners, 3 guns, and 2 stand of colors.

Appended please find reports of brigade commanders and lists of casualties.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

D. N. COUCH,          

Major-general.

 Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General Army of the Ohio.

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* Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 10 men killed and 11 officers and 126 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. 369-70

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, October 19, 1864

Firing again on picket. Turned out. At daylight heavy firing commenced on left with infantry. At 8 A. M. learned the infantry had fallen back in confusion, losing 24 pieces of artillery. 8th and 19th corps broken. 6th corps firm and in line. Cavalry went into position immediately and gave infantry time to form. Crossed the pike and formed again — under heavy fire all the time. Kept the position until Sheridan came up, then sent over to the right again. Charged rebel cavalry. Little before dusk whole line advanced — routing the rebs. Two regts. of 3rd Div. charged to the right, driving reb cavalry over Cedar Creek and the rest charging on right of 19th corps, 5th N. Y. in advance. Overtook the artillery and wagon trains, capturing it and many prisoners.

_______________

Note — The modest entry under date of Oct. 19, 1864, refers to the historic battle of Cedar Creek, Va., when Sheridan made his famous ride on his black horse from Winchester, “twenty miles away,” and saved the day. During Sheridan's temporary absence from his army, Gen. H. G. Wright, the next in command, permitted himself and the army to be totally surprised at three o'clock in the morning, by the recently defeated army of Gen. Jubal A. Early. The Union troops were nearly all sleeping in their tents when the enemy's cannon and musketry opened on them in a terrific onslaught at close range. The Union artillery was mainly captured, nearly 5,000 Union soldiers killed and captured, and our army, except the Cavalry and one Division of Infantry, started in panic and confused retreat towards Winchester in the rear — where Sheridan had spent the previous night. Up to that point the event had been one of the greatest Union disasters of the war. But about 10 o'clock in the morning Sheridan arrived on the field in the dramatic manner described in the poem, "Sheridan's Ride," and instantly all was reversed. Meanwhile the Cavalry, which had not been involved in the surprise and panic and slaughter, being encamped on the right and left flanks of the army out of the line of the attack of Early, had promptly been ordered to the center and front, where they held the Confederates back from further pursuit until Sheridan's arrival. Sheridan's presence promptly restored confidence. The retreating and disorganized troops quickly rallied, and by 3 P. M. a general charge was ordered all along the line occupying some four miles front. The Cavalry charge on this occasion was the finest performance and spectacle at any time witnessed by the writer during the war. The astonished and recently victorious Confederates broke in confusion, their retreat was a worse panic than that of the Union army in the early morning. All our artillery was retaken from the enemy and some thirty cannon captured in addition, besides great numbers of prisoners and the entire wagon train of Early. Early's army never made another serious rally. — A. B. N.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 133

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: Sunday, October 9, 1864

Ma's birthday. God bless her and grant her many years to live. 55. Packs and train ordered back. Moved back to fight rebs. Found them at Tom's Brook hill. 5th N. Y. in advance. 3rd N. J. support. Line soon formed and advance sounded, then charged. Went in with 2nd Ohio. Completely routed the Johnnies and ran them pell-mell several miles, capturing 6 pieces of artillery, 12 wagons, 14 ambulances, 154 prisoners. 1st Div. about the same success. 5 pieces of artillery.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 132

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: September 25, 1863

The latest dispatch from Gen. Bragg states that he has 7000 prisoners (2000 of them wounded), 36 cannon, 15,000 of the enemy's small arms, and 25 colors. After the victory, he issued the following address to his army:

headquarters Army Of Tennessee,

field Of Chickamauga, Sept. 22, 1863.

It has pleased Almighty God to reward the valor and endurance of our troops by giving our arms a complete victory over the enemy's superior numbers. Thanks are due and are rendered unto Him who giveth not the battle to the strong.

Soldiers! after days of severe battle, preceded by heavy and important outpost affairs, you have stormed the barricades and breastworks of the enemy and driven him before you in confusion; and destroyed an army largely superior in numbers, and whose constant theme was your demoralization and whose constant boast was your defeat. Your patient endurance under privations, your fortitude, and your valor, displayed at all times and under all trials, have been meetly rewarded. Your commander acknowledges his obligations, and promises to you in advance the country's gratitude.

But our task is not ended. We must drop a soldier's tear upon the graves of the noble men who have fallen by our sides, and move forward. Much has been accomplished — more remains to be done, before we can enjoy the blessings of peace and freedom.

(Signed)

Braxton Bragg.

The President has received an official report of Gen. Frazer's surrender of Cumberland Gap, from Major McDowell, who escaped. It comprised 2100 men, 8 guns, 160 beef cattle, 12,000 pounds of bacon, 1800 bushels of wheat, and 15 days' rations. The President indorsed his opinion on it as follows:

This report presents a shameful abandonment of duty, and is so extraordinary as to suggest that more than was known to the major must have existed to cause such a result. — J. D. Sept. 24.

The quartermasters in Texas are suggesting the impressment of the cotton in that State. The President indorses as follows on the paper which he returned to the Secretary of War:

I have never been willing to employ such means except as a last resort. — J. D.

The Secretary of War is falling into the old United States fashion. He has brought into the department two broad-shouldered young relatives, one of whom might serve the country in the field, and I believe they are both possessed of sufficient wealth to subsist upon without $1500 clerkships.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 52-3