Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, May 11, 1864 – 8:30 a.m.

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES,                      

Near Spotsylvania Court-House, May 11, 1864—8.30 a.m.

We have now ended the sixth day of very heavy fighting. The result to this time is much in our favor. But our losses have been heavy, as well as those of the enemy. We have lost to this time 11 general officers killed, wounded, and missing, and probably 20,000 men. I think the loss of the enemy must be greater, we having taken over 4,000 prisoners in battle, while he has taken but few, except stragglers. I am now sending back to Belle Plain all my wagons for a fresh supply of provisions and ammunition, and propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer. The arrival of re-enforcements here will be very encouraging to the men, and I hope they will be sent as fast as possible, and in as great numbers. My object in having them sent to Belle Plain was to use them as an escort to our supply train. If it is more convenient to send them out by train to march from the railroad to Belle Plain or Fredericksburg send them so. I am satisfied the enemy are very shaky, and are only kept up to the mark by the greatest exertions on the part of their officers, and by keeping them intrenched in every position they take. Up to this time there is no indication of any portion of Lee's army being detached for the defense of Richmond.

U.S. GRANT,            

Lieutenant-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,

Chief of Staff.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 36, Part 1 (Serial No. 67), p. 4

Captain Charles Wright Wills: October 17, 1864

October 17, 1864.

I incline to think that the raid and pursuit are both over, though we wish that Sherman would follow them until they get the punishment they deserve for their impudence. They tore up some 20 miles of railroad, killed and wounded not over 750 for us, and captured about 1,1OO. Their loss in wounded and killed, whom we have buried, is 1,900; prisoners, that I know of, 600; besides a lot of deserters who have come in. Eight hundred of the prisoners captured by them were negroes, who could not have been taken but for the cowardice of their Colonel, Johnson.

The tearing up of the railroad amounts to nothing. We have not had our rations cut down an ounce in anything.

The man that run that raid ought to be ashamed of himself, and I’ll venture he is.

In Snake Creek Gap, but for General Stanley's laziness, we would have got enough prisoners to make Hood howl. He rested his corps three hours, just as he did when entrusted with a critical piece of work at Jonesboro.

We have been having a gay time this morning. It is cold enough to make us sit close to the fire, and the negroes keep us in chestnuts.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 312

Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Philip H. Sheridan, August 26, 1864—2:30 p.m.

CITY POINT, VA., August 26, 1864—2.30  p.m.                 

(Received 12.10 a.m. 27th.)

Major-General SHERIDAN,

Halltown, Va.:

I telegraphed you that I had good reason for believing that Fitz Lee had been ordered back here. I now think it likely that all troops will be ordered back from the Valley except what they believe to be the minimum number to detain you. My reason for supposing this is based upon the fact that yielding up the Weldon road seems to be a blow to the enemy he cannot stand. I think I do not overstate the loss of the enemy in the last two weeks at 10,000 killed and wounded. We have lost heavily, mostly in captured, when the enemy gained temporary advantages. Watch closely, and if you find this theory correct push with all vigor. Give the enemy no rest, and if it is possible to follow to the Virginia Central road, follow that far. Do all the damage to railroads and crops you can. Carry off stock of all descriptions, and negroes, so as to prevent further planting. If the war is to last another year, we want the Shenandoah Valley to remain a barren waste.

U.S. GRANT,            

Lieutenant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 43, Part 1 (Serial No. 90), p. 916-7

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Saturday, May 21, 1864

Rations of coffee, sugar, hard bread, etc., filled our camp with joy last night. It now looks as if Grant had failed to crush Lee merely on account of rain and mud. We seem to have had the best of the fighting and to have taken the most prisoners. I suspect we have gained the most guns and lost the most killed and wounded. General Crook thinks Grant will force the fighting until some definite result is obtained.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 464

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, Friday, May 13, 1864

Monroe County, In Bivouac, May 13, 1864.

Dearest: — We are all right so far. Burned New River Bridge, etc., etc. A most successful campaign. The victory of Cloyd's Mountain was complete. The Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth and part of Thirty-fourth fought under me. All behaved well. The Twenty-third led the charge over an open meadow to the enemy's works and carried them with a will. It cost us one hundred and twenty killed and wounded. . . . This is our best fight. [The] Twenty-third captured two cannon and other trophies. General Jenkins and other officers and men captured. — Love to all.

R.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 458

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: May 9, 1864

Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, or as Rebs call it "Cloyd Farm." Lasted one hour and a half. The Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth, under the immediate direction of General Crook, charged across a meadow three hundred yards wide, sprang into a ditch and up a steep wooded hill to Rebel breastworks, carried them quickly but with a heavy loss. Captain Hunter killed. Lieutenant Seaman ditto. Abbott's left arm shattered. Rice a flesh wound. Eighteen killed outright; about one hundred wounded — many mortally. This in [the] Twentythird. [The] Thirty-sixth less, as the Twenty-third led the column. Entered Dublin Depot, ten and one-half miles, about 6:30 P. M. A fine victory. Took some prisoners, about three hundred, [and] five pieces [of] artillery, many stores, etc., etc. A fine country; plenty of forage. My loss, two hundred and fifty [men].

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 456-7

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 3, 1863

Meade recrossed the Rapidan last night! This is a greater relief to us than the enemy has any idea of. I hope the campaign is over for the winter.

And we have authentic advices of a terrible check given the enemy at Ringgold, Ga.; their killed and wounded being estimated at 2000, which caused Grant to recoil, and retire to Chickamauga, where he is intrenching.

After all, it is doubted whether Beauregard is to succeed Bragg. Lieut.-Gen. Hardee is in command, temporarily, and it may be permanently. Bragg was relieved at his own request. I know he requested the same thing many months ago. A full general should command there.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 110

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 4, 1863

The only thing new to-day is a dispatch from Gen. Longstreet, before Knoxville, stating that he had been repulsed in an assault upon the place, and calling for reinforcements, which, alas 1 cannot be sent him.

Hon. Mr. Henry, from Tennessee, estimates our loss in prisoners in Bragg's defeat at but little over 1000, and 30 guns. We captured 800 prisoners.

We have intelligence to day of the escape of Brig.-Gen. Jno. H. Morgan from the penitentiary in Ohio, where the enemy had confined him.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 110-1

Captain Charles Wright Wills: August 11, 1864

August 11, 1864.

We have lost 35 men since Colonel Wright left us. There has been a tall artillery fight this p. m. right here, but as usual no one hurt.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 289

Captain Charles Wright Wills: July 23, 1864

July 23, 1864.

The fight came off the 22d, and a glorious one it was for us. Lieutenant Blair of our regiment was killed, also Charles Buck, of Company F, and John Smith of my company. There were seven wounded only. Our brigade gets credit for 400 prisoners. They took us in rear and every other way, but the repulse was awful. Everybody is wishing that they may repeat the attack. Generals McPherson and Force are killed. (Force, was not killed.) Our regiment gets credit for its part, though we were very fortunate in losing so few. Our skirmish line is within one mile of the town.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 283

Special Dispatch to the Republican, February 9, 1862

FORT HENRY, February 9.

Preparations go forward rapidly.

Gen. Grant and Staff, with Colonels McPHERSON and WEBSTER, are now out reconnoitering.

This morning a mound just outside the fort here was opened and nineteen bodies found buried within.  They were mutilated by shot, and had been killed during the bombardment.  This makes the total rebel loss twenty-five.

It will be remembered that the Secession officers denied having any more men killed than the few found lying within the fort—still more were probably killed and secretly buried.

The weather is pleasant and the roads becoming more passable.  River rising rapidly.

Several regiments have just arrived from St. Louis; among others the Forty-third Illinois and  BIRGER’S [sic] Sharpshooters.

SOURCE:  “Special Dispatch to the Republican,” The Missouri Republican, St. Louis, Missouri, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 3.

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 153. Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 153.

Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,                   

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Third Brigade, First Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, in the battles before Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864:

The Third Brigade comprised the Twelfth Iowa Veteran Infantry Volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. J. H. Stibbs; Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Maj. William Dill commanding; Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. William H. Heath commanding; Seventh Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, Lieut. Col. George Bradley commanding; and Battery I, Second Missouri Light Artillery, Capt. S. H. Julian; the brigade commanded on the 15th, at the opening of the battle, by Col. S. G. Hill, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers.

In obedience to orders from the brigadier-general commanding the division, the brigade moved from its position behind intrenchments for defense of Nashville at 7 a.m. 15th instant, and formed in line of battle, with its left resting on the Hardin pike, connecting with Second Division, the right connecting with Second Brigade of First Division, Colonel Hubbard's. Two companies were deployed forward as skirmishers, covering front of brigade. At 10 a.m. the line advanced, crossing the Hardin pike obliquely to the left, conforming to the movements of troops on our right and left. Our skirmishers, pushing rapidly toward the enemy, were soon briskly engaged, driving the enemy's skirmishers before them. About 11 a.m. we arrived in front of enemy's works, consisting on his extreme left, which was nearly in our front, of a formidable fort defended by a four-gun battery. Captain Julian's battery wheeled into position and opened on the enemy's works at from 1,200 to 1,500 yards distance. A rapid and effective fire from the battery was kept up for more than an hour. The enemy's guns poured a heavy fire into our battery, which was completely exposed in an open field, but without disabling our guns or for a moment interrupting Captain Julian's fire. Later in the day the battery was advanced to cover the charge we made. The infantry of the brigade were kept lying down during this first artillery fire, not being within musket-range of enemy. Our skirmishers got close up to enemy's works, and contributed not a little to the success which crowned the day's operations. The forts on the enemy's left being carried about 4 p.m. by the right of our division, the Third Brigade advanced, under a fierce artillery and musketry fire, and charged a formidable work on the right of the Hillsborough pike, carrying the work at the point of the bayonet most gallantly. It was at the parapet of this work that the gallant and lamented Col. S. G. Hill, commanding the brigade, lost his life. He was shot through the head, and died in a few minutes, without speaking. The service lost in Colonel Hill's death one of its bravest and best officers. The enemy's battery that was in the fort on right of Hillsborough pike was being removed, but we succeeded in capturing two guns and a battle-flag. When we had gained the first fort a terrible fire was poured into us from a second work, 200 yards to the left of Hillsborough pike. I ordered a charge on this second work, and carried it, capturing one piece of artillery, caisson, battery wagon, horses, &c. In the two works we captured about 200 prisoners. When we had gained the second work we pressed on to the left, and got in rear of the enemy, where General Garrard's division and the right of the Fourth Army Corps were pressing them in front. We opened a deadly fire on the enemy's rear, as he broke from his works when charged by General Garrard and Fourth Corps, and could have taken a great number of prisoners, but left them to the troops that came over the works in their front. Night now closed our work, and we were ordered into line a little way east of and parallel to the Hillsborough pike.

The casualties of the brigade on the 15th were, 1 officer killed and 1 wounded, 1 enlisted man killed and 35 wounded.

The battery fired about 1,000 rounds; the infantry expended very little ammunition except on the skirmish line, the heavy work having been done with the bayonet.

On the morning of the 16th the Third Brigade, on the left of Colonel Hubbard's — the left of the Third Division — was advanced, covered by skirmishers, from its position during time night toward the Granny White pike, and conforming to the movement of brigades on our right, obliqued and wheeled to the right until it confronted the enemy's strong works across the Granny White pike, at the foot of the Overton (or Brentwood) Hills. My right rested on the pike, connecting with left of Colonel Hubbard's brigade. We pushed forward, under a severe fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry, until partly covered by a fence and stone wall running from the Bradford mansion to the pike. Here we halted until the grand charge in the afternoon. Captain Julian's battery was posted about 400 yards in rear of the infantry, and opened and kept up a heavy fire on the enemy's works. In our immediate front was a four-gun battery. Between 3 and 4 p.m. I observed the right of the division — the First Brigade — advancing to charge the enemy's left, and quickly Colonel Hubbard's brigade, immediately on my right, started on the charge. Seeing that Colonel Hubbard ought to be supported, I ordered the brigade to follow and charge the works in our front. Most bravely did the lines rise, and with cheers, breasting the storm of shot and shell from the four guns in our front, and the fierce musketry fire of the infantry supports of the battery, charge and carry the very strong works on the left of the [Granny] White pike. The splendid Pointe Coupée Battery of four Napoleon 12-pounders, a great number of small arms, and 300 to 400 prisoners were taken. The gallant Colonel Hubbard, who had gained the enemy's works on the right of the pike before I reached those on the left, was sweeping down toward my front, and claimed part of the guns as his capture. Although there can be no doubt that my brigade first entered the works by the front, I thought it but fair to the ever-gallant Second Brigade, which got the start of us in the general charge and pierced the enemy's line in advance of us, to divide the guns; accordingly, Colonel Hubbard took two and the Third Brigade two. We made a short halt upon gaining the enemy's works, and pressed on up the hills about one mile, pursuing the fugitives, capturing many, until, by command of the general, halted at the base of the steep part of the mountain, and put into position for the night.

In the charge, which was made across an open field about 400 yards wide, that noble and brave young officer, Adjt. S. E. Day, of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers, was mortally wounded; he died in hospital on the 19th instant; Lieutenant Rutledge, of Thirty-third Missouri, was seriously wounded; Captain McKelvy and Lieutenant Potter, of Seventh Minnesota, slightly wounded; 11 men were killed and 89 wounded.

I cannot too highly commend the gallant conduct of all the officers and men of the brigade; no troops ever behaved more gallantly. The Twelfth Iowa had not a single line officer, owing to the recent muster-out of non-veterans, yet their conduct was none the less soldierly and brave.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. MARSHALL,             

Colonel Seventh Minnesota,   

Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL, Assistant Adjutant-General.

There were captured by my command in the two days' engagement, 5 12-pounder guns — brass, 1 steel — (exclusive of the 2 Napoleon's conceded to Colonel Hubbard, which would have made the number 7), 5 caissons, 1 battery wagon, about 500 prisoners, and 2 battle-flags.

There was expended, by Captain Julian's battery, 2,000 rounds of 3-inch shell and solid shot; by the infantry, mostly by the skirmishers, about 7,000 rounds of rifle-musket ammunition.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. MARSHALL,             

Colonel Seventh Minnesota,   

Comdg. Third Brig., First Div., Detach. Army of the Tennessee.

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. 460-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 151. Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 151.

Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Britton, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

SIR: The following is the part the Eighth Wisconsin took in the battles of Nashville, December 15 and 16, 1864:

I received orders on the night of the 14th to have my regiment in readiness to move at 6 o'clock on the following morning. At 8 a.m. the regiment moved out of camp on the Charlotte pike about one mile. I was here ordered to move left in front, to throw out one company on my right flank as skirmishers to guard against surprise. Company K, under command of Lieutenant Fellows, was detailed for this purpose. I advanced in this position about half a mile. The enemy was here discovered. I at this time sent forward Company H, under command of Lieutenant Ellsworth, to skirmish and feel the enemy in front. This company was in a short time hotly engaged. I was here ordered to file my regiment left, and passed over to the Hillsborough pike. Here I formed in line of battle, on the left of the brigade, and moved forward about three-quarters of a mile, with Company F, Lieutenant Greenman, in front skirmishing, having at this time three companies out in this position. We moved forward until we encountered the enemy and drove them 300 yards. Came to a halt to support batteries at this time engaged. Lay in line of battle here one hour under fire of rebel batteries. At about 1 p.m. was ordered to move, with still another company out as skirmishers. Company D, Captain Williams, was thrown forward, followed by the regiment. Advanced to within 300 yards of the rebel works; skirmishers moving up to the very ditch of the fort, silencing the guns. According to instructions, I here formed in the rear of the Fifth Minnesota in column of regiments; received orders to follow that regiment and assault the rebel works. The advance was sounded, and I followed the Fifth twenty paces in the rear and participated in the assault, capturing at this time several prisoners. After capturing the fort the regiment swung considerably to the left to cut off the retreat of rebels from the fort. Finding myself flanked I notified Colonel Hubbard, commanding the brigade, who ordered me at once to change my regiment at right angles with the advance line, which I did, and in a short time was prepared for the enemy. Two of my companies here joined me from skirmishing. Company B, under Sergeant Stewart, with Company D, was moved to the left of the regiment as flankers. They at once encountered a heavy force on the pike, behind stone walls. I changed front forward with the regiment and moved in line of battle to the pike. A halt was here sounded, and we lay directly across the pike about thirty minutes. Was ordered forward with my regiment left oblique. After passing the pike about 200 yards another charge was ordered. We took the double-quick and went forward splendidly, capturing quite a number of prisoners, among them a rebel major and several other officers. At this time we had flanked the rebel works. Companies B and D, on the flank, coming forward on a charge, captured fully 200 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery. We drove the rebels here about one mile. Darkness coming on we bivouacked here for the night. This day the regiment captured fully 225 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery, with a loss of only 2 killed and 9 wounded.

On the morning of the 16th the regiment was in line at daylight. About 8 a.m. was ordered to move forward on the left of the Eleventh Missouri. I formed as ordered. Before moving from this position was ordered to move to the rear and center of the brigade as a reserve or support. I moved as ordered until we met the enemy about 400 yards to the front, my left resting near the Granny White pike. We here lay down in line of battle. This was about 9 a.m. We here lay until about 3 p.m. under fire of artillery and infantry. I had several men wounded while lying in this position. At 3 p.m., the grand charge being ordered, the regiment moved forward in good style: at double-quick, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, capturing a great many prisoners, two stand of colors, carrying the enemy's last line of works, and shared with other regiments in the capture of the batteries, both on our right and left. After passing the enemy's works we pushed forward fully a mile beyond, taking in prisoners at every step. Colonel Hubbard here ordered me to halt my regiment to let the men close up. I lay here about fifteen minutes, the regiment all the while pouring in volley after volley at the retreating rebels. My skirmishers here captured three pieces of artillery in the road. I moved the regiment forward to a position on the hills, about one mile beyond this point and two miles in the rear of the works captured. It was now becoming dark; the regiment was ordered to bivouac for the night. This day the regiment lost 5 killed and 46 wounded.

I think it will not be claiming too much when I say the regiment captured in the two days' battle a full battery of artillery, two stand of colors, and at least 500 men, and as many small-arms.

The regiment behaved gallantly — all, both officers and men.

I have the honor to be, lieutenant, your most obedient servant,

W. B. BRITTON,      

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Eighth Regiment Wisconsin Veteran Vols.

Lieut. T. P. GERE,

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. 457-8

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: November 10, 1863

It is supposed our loss in the surprise on Saturday did not exceed 1500, killed, wounded, and taken. It is thought that a battle will occur immediately, if it be not already in progress.

There is no news of moment from any quarter, except the loss of our steamer Cornubia, taken by the blockaders at Wilmington. She was laden with government stores. For months nearly all ships with arms or ammunition have been taken, while those having merchandise on board get in safely. These bribe their way through!

Col. Gorgas gave notice to-day that our supply of saltpeter will be exhausted in January, unless we can import a large quantity.

Another blue day!

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 94

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 28, 1864

June 28, 1864.

The attack was not general; it was made by our brigade and M. L. Smith's Division. We lost nearly one-third of the brigade. Our regiment's loss is 17 killed and 40 wounded. My company had five killed and four wounded. Colonel Wright was shot quite badly in the leg, and Lieutenants Montgomery, Branson and Bailey were killed. In my company Corporals Whittaker, Myers, and Private Sam Mclntyre, Art. Myers, and Jacob Maxwell, were killed Sergeant Breed, Privates Bishop, Frank Breed and James Williamson were wounded. We held all the ground we took (under our fire), but had to leave a few of our dead until dark.

On the p. m. of the 26th Colonel Wright told me that General McPherson and Colonel Walcutt (our brigade commander) had been out through the day examining the ground in front, and that it was in contemplation to carry the southwest spur of the mountain by a charge, and further, that it was not impossible that our brigade would be in as usual. This was kept quiet in the command. About 8 p. m. I was at Colonel Wright's headquarters with several of the officers and we were talking the matter over, when an order came for the colonel to report at brigade headquarters. I believe every one present instantly concluded that we were to fight, and knowing the country before us to be about on a par with Lookout Mountain you can imagine we did not particularly enjoy the prospect. The colonel returned in about an hour. We had all, I believe, fallen asleep. He woke us and said: “Have your men get their breakfasts by daylight; at 6 a. m. the fight will begin on the right, and at 8 a. m. our brigade will, with one from the 1st and 2d divisions, charge a spur of the mountain.” I turned away and after notifying my orderly sergeant to have the men up on time, I turned in. Thought the matter over a little while and after pretty fully concluding “good-bye, vain world,” went to sleep. Before daylight in the morning we were in line, and moving a few hundred yards to the rear of our works, and stacked arms in a grove, which would hide us from the observation of the Rebels on the mountain. You know from where we have been for a few days, we could see them plainly. Cannonading commenced on the right at 6 a. m. and at 7:30 we moved a half or three quarters of a mile along-our lines to the right, after piling our knapsacks and haversacks. A canteen of water was the only extra baggage any one carried. The Rebels caught sight of us as we commenced moving, and opened a battery on us It had the effect to accelerate our movements considerably. Right in front of a Division of the 4th Corps we halted, and rapidly formed our line. While forming the line Corporal Myers of my company was killed by a bullet within six feet of me, and one of Company K's men wounded. I don't know how many more. The ground to be gone over was covered with a dense undergrowth of oak and vines of all kinds binding the dead and live timber and bush together, and making an almost impenetrable abatis. To keep a line in such a place was out of the question. Our skirmishers were sharply engaged from the start, and men commenced falling in the main line; at the same time some 50 of the Rebel skirmish line were captured, and many of them killed. A Rebel lieutenant and five men lay dead, all nearly touching each other.

I understand that they had been summoned to surrender, and were shot either for refusing or before negotiations were completed. Not a man in our regiment knew where the Rebel works were when we started, and I think the most of them found them as I did. I had with my company got within, I think, 60 yards of the Rebel works, and was moving parallel with them. The balls were whistling thick around us, but I could see no enemy ahead.

I did not even think of them being on our flank, until one of the boys said: “Look there, Captain, may I shoot?” I looked to the right, and just across a narrow and deep ravine were the Rebel works, while a confused mass of greybacks were crowding up the ravine. These latter, I suppose, were from their skirmish line, which was very heavy, and trying to escape us. The Rebels in the works were firing vigorously and have no excuse for not annihilating our three left companies K, G and B. The right of the regiment had seen them before and already started for them. I shouted “forward” to my men and we ran down across the ravine, and about one-third the way up the hill on which their works were and then lay down. There was little protection from their fire, though, and if they had done their duty, not a man of us would have got out alive. Our men fired rapidly and kept them well down in their works. It would have been madness to have attempted carrying their works then, for our regiment had not a particle of support, and we were so scattered that we only presented the appearance of a very thin skirmish line. If we had been supported by only one line, I have no doubt but that we would have taken their line of works. Colonel Wright was wounded a few minutes after we got into the hollow, and Frank Lermond came to me and told me I would have to take command of the regiment. I went down to the center and the order was heard to retire. I communicated it to the left and saw nearly all the men out, and then fell back.

I could not find the regiment when I came out, but collected about 30 of our men on the left of the 6th Iowa, and after a while Colonel Wright and Captain Post brought the regiment to where we were, when we formed a brigade line and threw up works within 200 yards of the enemy's, where we remained until 9 p. m., when we returned to the position we occupied in the morning. About 12 of our dead were left in the ravine under the fire of the enemy's guns. But we have as many of their dead as they have of ours. Lieutenant Colonel Barnhill of the 40th Illinois, and Captain Augustine of the 55th Illinois were killed and left on the field. My loss is five killed and four wounded. Two of my dead, Corporal Whittaker and Artemus Myers, were left on the field. Loss in the regiment is 17 killed, 40 wounded. In the brigade 245 killed and wounded. It was a rough affair, but we were not whipped. The prettiest artillery fight I ever saw was over our heads in the evening, about 10 guns on each side.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 268-71

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 129. Report of Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 129.

Report of Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry,

commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

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

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade during the recent engagements before Nashville, on the 15th and 16th instant:

In obedience to Special Orders, No. 141, from division headquarters, I assumed command of this brigade on the morning of the 15th instant and withdrew the regiments from the positions occupied by them between Forts Casino and Negley, massing them under the hill and out of sight of the enemy, leaving a company of each regiment to occupy the works until relieved by troops from General Steedman's command. In this movement we were favored by a heavy fog. With the division, this brigade in advance, I moved my command gradually to the right, crossing the Hillsborough pike about two miles from the city and recrossing it at a point about three miles farther out, and, by direction of the commanding general, took up position on the right of Col. George Spalding's cavalry command, the brigade being formed in two lines, on the left of the Hillsborough pike, with One hundred and fourth Ohio and Twelfth Kentucky in first, and the One hundredth Ohio, Sixteenth Kentucky, and Eighth Tennessee in the second line. I had thrown out two companies of the One hundred and fourth Ohio as skirmishers, and was about to move forward, when an aide of General Couch, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, rode up with an urgent request from General Couch to go to the support of one of his brigades, which was being hotly pressed. I moved immediately on double-quick and took position on the right of this brigade (Third), which was posted on a hill about 600 yards to the right and as many to the front, preserving the same formation, throwing out skirmishers and relieving it from the danger of being crushed. I remained in this position until after dark, when the Third Brigade, Second Division, being withdrawn, I occupied its ground, placing the regiments in the following order: One hundred and fourth Ohio, Twelfth Kentucky, Sixteenth Kentucky, One hundredth Ohio, and Eighth Tennessee, and immediately proceeded to erect breast-works along the line, connecting with Colonel Casement on my left and refusing my right well, so as to prevent a flank movement. I now occupied the extreme right of the army, and was some distance from support in case of a determined movement of the enemy against us.

The command worked all night, and when daylight appeared we found ourselves within 500 yards of the enemy, who was well posted on high hills, behind works erected during the night, our skirmish lines being not over fifty yards apart in our front. We had a quiet morning, disturbed only by occasional skirmish firing, until about 11 o'clock, when the enemy attempted to move some artillery he had placed in position. My men opened on him with their rifles, provoking him to fire a few shots. We soon silenced his guns and prevented their removal. We remained comparatively quiet from this time until about 4 p.m., when the grand charge was made along our lines, and, according to instructions, seeing the success of the charge on my left, I charged the works opposite me, carrying them and capturing 8 pieces of artillery (light 12's), ammunition in 4 limber-chests, 1 wagon loaded with grape and canister, 2 mules, and between 200 and 300 prisoners; no exact account of these latter can be given, as they were taken to the rear immediately. I went into camp for the night on the ground just taken from the enemy, throwing up light works for protection.

I would notice especially the conduct of the regimental commanders — Col. O. W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes, One hundredth Ohio; Lieut. Col. L. H. Rousseau, Twelfth Kentucky; Capt. Jacob Miller, Sixteenth Kentucky; and Capt. J. W. Berry, Eighth Tennessee — who were always present with their commands, leading them in the charge.

The Twelfth Kentucky, being nearest the enemy's works, were the first to reach them, securing four guns. The other four were taken jointly by the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee. I cannot praise too highly the conduct of all the command, both officers and men, and I feel that I was honored in being assigned to such a command at such a time. I would especially mention Capt. J. H. Brown, Twelfth Kentucky, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. D. M. Stearns, One hundred and fourth Ohio, acting aide-de-camp, who behaved in the most gallant manner.

The casualties of the brigade were small, 9 wounded being the total — One hundred and fourth Ohio, 3; Twelfth Kentucky, 5; Sixteenth Kentucky, 1.

The hill charged being steep, the enemy fired over us, as they also seemed to do in the valley through which the left of the brigade passed.

Before closing this report I would refer to the fact that McArthur's division, of the Sixteenth Army Corps, claim to have taken the four pieces captured by the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee without any shadow of right, as the One hundredth Ohio and Eighth Tennessee drove the enemy from them, taking a large number of prisoners, besides the two mules and the ammunition wagon. The One hundredth Ohio had placed a guard over them, but the pieces were subsequently removed by order of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, as was also the wagon.

I respectfully submit herewith reports of regimental commanders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. C. DOOLITTLE,      

Colonel Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, Commanding.

Capt. THEO. COX,

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. 413-5

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 19, 1864

June 19, 1864.

This is the 50th day of the campaign. Our brigade has been under musketry fire 12 days, artillery about 30. We have as a brigade fought three nice little battles, in as many days, repulsing two charges, and making one which was a perfect success. We have captured all told about 650 prisoners, and I think 1,000 a very low estimate of the number we have killed and wounded. I think Cheatham's and Bates' Rebel divisions will say the same. We have thus cleared ourselves with a loss to us of nearly 300, or fully one-fifth of the command. The other nine days we were on the skirmish line, in the rifle pits or front line.

This morning an order was read to pursue the enemy immediately and in ten minutes the “assembly” was sounded. The enemy had fallen back on his flanks, and maybe was intending to evacuate, for our right had swung around him further than I, if in his place, would consider healthy. But he had not yet left the Twin Mountains. The line now runs from right to left by Corps 23d, 20th, 4th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th. The 14th Corps lost heavily to-day, but drove the Rebels four miles. The 23d Corps was still going at last accounts. The artillery firing to-day was beautiful. Our division advanced about one-half mile only. The Twin Mountains are right in front of us, and I have seen the Rebels shooting from six batteries on the crest and sides. Our batteries on a line 600 yards in front answer them promptly.

Only one shell has burst near us, and that 100 yards to our right.

The 55th had one killed and two wounded just in front of us, by shells. All parts of the line advanced from one to five miles to-day, the right swinging forward farthest, a-la-gate. Osterhaus' headquarters are 30 yards to our right. A solid shot from the mountain went through one of his tents yesterday. It has rained hard all day, but nobody minds it a particle. The general feeling is that the Rebels have fallen back to their main position, although they have abandoned ground that we would have held one against five. I can't hear that any line of battle has been engaged to-day, but the force on the advance skirmish lines was probably doubled at least. You would not smile at the idea of sleeping on the ground allotted to us to-night. Mud from six to eight inches deep.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 263-4

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 5, 1864

June 5, 1864.

The Rebels run last night. Everything gone this morning slick and clean. Our regiment was the first in their works. I was over their works to-day and find three lines, two of them very strong. A number of dead men lay beween their lines and ours, which neither side could bury. They were killed during Hooker's fight of May 25th.

Well, I expect another heat like this at the Chattahochie river and when we get them out of there, as we are bound to do, ho! for easy times!

My health continues excellent, and I hope it will until this campaign is over. I am making up for some of my easy times soldiering. The Rebels were awful dirty and the smell in their camps dreadful.

We got some 25 prisoners in front of our division. I think one more big stand will wind the thing up. They made no noise whatever in getting away. I was from 12 to 3 o'clock in the night working within 75 yards of them and did not hear them at all. At one place their works ran through a graveyard, and they had torn down all the palings inclosing graves, to make beds for themselves, and unnecessarily destroyed everything of beauty around. I am sure we would not have done so in our own country, and I would not anywhere. I don't give these Rebels half the credit for humanity or any of the qualities civilized beings should possess, that I used to. I estimate loss of our army here at 7,000 — killed, wounded and missing. It may be more. Heavy reinforcements are arriving though, and the strength of the army is much greater than at any time heretofore. Spirits excellent. I could tell some awful stories of dead men, but forbear. We moved at 9 a. m. about four and one-half miles toward the railroad and have gone into camp for the night.

This is the first day since May 26th that I have been out of the range of Rebel guns, and hardly an hour of that time that the bullets have not been whistling and thumping around. I tell you it is a strain on a man's nerves, but like everything else that hurts, one feels better when he gets over it.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 254-5

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 3, 1864

June 3, 1864.

Relieved the 6th Iowa at 6:30 this a. m. The Rebels shoot pretty close. Killed Orderly Sergeant of Company I, (VanSycle), and wounded three men in our regiment to-day. This makes 50 in killed, wounded and prisoners, or one in every six.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 254

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 27, 1864

Near Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864, 8 a. m.

There has been some very heavy fighting on our left this morning, and everywhere along the line. We have been moving in line since 6 o'clock, supporting skirmishers and the 3d Brigade. Have driven the Rebels about three-quarters of a mile. The 14th Corps must have had a severe fight about 6:30. The bullets have whistled pretty thick this a. m.

Skirmish line, 11 a. m. — Osterhaus and Smith (I think), have just had a big fight on our left. At 8:30 I was ordered to take Companies E, K, B and G, deploy them and relieve the 3d Brigade skirmishers. Deployed and moved forward over one-half mile through the very densest brush—couldn't see six feet, expecting every minute to find the 3d Brigade skirmishers, but they had been drawn in, and we were right into the Rebels before we saw them. Three of my company were wounded in an instant and three of K's taken prisoner, but our boys made the Rebels skedaddle, and all of them got away. Twenty-one Rebels came up in rear of Captain Smith and two of his men. Private Benson shot one of them, and Smith roared out for the rest to surrender, which they did. They (Rebels) said they would not have been taken if the Georgia brigade had not fallen back. I think that is doing pretty well for four companies of our regiment, running a whole brigade. Firing is very heavy all around us.

Twelve thirty m. — A chunk of Rebel shell lit 15 feet from me. Lively artillery firing right over head.

Four p. m.—At 2:15, after firing a few shells, the Rebels set up a yell along our whole front. I knew a charge was coming. At 2:30 another yell was much nearer. My men then commenced firing on them, but they came on yelling pretty well, but not as heartily as I have heard. They came jumping along through the brush more then, making the bullets rain among us. I think they could not fly much thicker. My men did nobly,but they were too many for us, and we had to fall back. I heard their officers halloo to them, “to yell and stand steady,” and they were right amongst us before we left. Our line of battle checked them and made them run. I lost A. Huffard — killed; Seth Williams — died in two hours; Wm. Gustine — severely wounded; E. Suydam — ditto; S. Hudson — ditto; H. Stearns — slight wound; J. H. Craig — ditto; F. Cary — ditto; W. Roberts — ditto; W. G. Dunblazier — captured.

Seven p. m. — I tell you this was exciting. My men all stood like heroes (save one), and some of them did not fall back when I wanted them to. The bush was so thick that we could hardly get through in any kind of line. Gustine and Suydam were about 20 feet on my left when they were shot, but I couldn't see them. The Rebels were not 15 feet from them. I had 31 men on the line, and nine killed and wounded, and one prisoner, is considerable of a loss. They took six more of Company K prisoners, but three of them got off. I don't think anyone can imagine how exciting such a fracas as that is in thick brush. As quick as our line started the Rebels running, I went back on the ground, and found a lot of dead and wounded Rebels. Every prisoner of the 20th Georgia had whiskey in his canteen, and all said they had all issued to them that they wanted. I never say such a dirty, greasy, set of mortals. They have had no rest since they left Dalton. On account of my skirmishers losing so heavily, we have been relieved from the line, and are now in rifle pits, and are supporting those who relieved us.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 248-50