Official Reports: Action at Rockcastle Hills, or Camp Wildcat, Ky.. October 21, 1861. No. 6. — Report of Col. Taz. W. Newman, Seventeenth Tennessee Infantry.

No. 6.

Report of Col. Taz. W. Newman, Seventeenth Tennessee Infantry.

NEAR ROCKCASTLE HEIGHTS, Octobcr 21, 1861.

As ordered, I formed my regiment from hill-top to hill-top at open intervals to move in rear of Colonel Rains' regiment and support him. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was ordered to take command of the left wing, composed of Companies A, D, F, and I, commanded by Captains Hoyle, Finch, Hunter, and Mathews, and for the movements of said companies upon the field I refer you to the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, which is hereto appended and made a part of my report.* The six companies, viz, B, C, E, G, H, and K, commanded by Captains Marks, McDearman, and Armstrong, and Lieutenants Davis, Holden, and Harrison, constituting the right wing, were under my immediate command, and moved forward in line of battle in the direction of the heights in front of our position.

Upon reaching a point within eighty yards of the heights, we discovered a number of men ascending the heights and entering the fortifications, but supposing these men to be a portion of Colonel Rains' command, I did not order them to be fired upon.

At this point we received a heavy volley of rifles and musketry. The command moved on, however, without returning the fire, until within forty paces of the enemy's works, before we discovered they were not Colonel Rains' men, at which time the men were ordered to cover as well as they could and to return the enemy's fire. In this position we maintained a heavy fire for twenty-five minutes, when I ordered Captain Armstrong and Lieutenant Harrison to move their companies around to my extreme right, to prevent a flank movement of the enemy, which I saw they were about to make. These officers executed the order with promptness and alacrity under fire. The fire was kept up by all the companies for an hour and ten minutes, and seeing that it was impossible to fall back without great loss, I ordered the works to be charged. Four companies gallantly charged the works as ordered, officers and men seemingly vieing with each other as to who should be first to reach the works of the enemy.

After the fortification was reached, and many of my men had got within the works, driving the enemy from the first parallel, not receiving  any support, and being nearly destitute of cartridges, I ordered my command to fall back, which it did in good order. While this was being executed the other two companies maintained their position as ordered.

I take pleasure in stating that the officers and men all acted with great coolness and firmness, such as would do credit to veteran troops, and for more than an hour sustained a heavy fire.

Killed, 11; wounded, 34.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

TAZ. W. NEWMAN,        

Colonel Comdg. Seventeenth Regiment Tennessee Volunteers.

F. K. ZOLLICOFFER,
        Brigadier-General, Commanding.

_______________

* Not found.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 4 (Serial No. 4), p. 213-4

Diary of 5th Sergeant Osborn H. Oldroyd: May 22, 1863

Mortar from the river in front. “During the siege

of Vicksburg, sixteen thousand shells were thrown

from the mortar gunboats, and naval batteries

into the city."—Hamersly. 

Last night mortar-shells, fired from the boats on the river in front of the city across Point Louisiana, fell thick over all parts of Vicksburg, and at three o'clock this morning every cannon along our line belched its shot at the enemy. Nothing could be heard at the time but the thundering of great guns—one hundred cannons sent crashing into the town —parrot, shrapnell, cannister, grape and solid shot—until it seemed impossible that anything could withstand such a fearful hailstorm. It was indeed a terrible spectacle—awfully grand.

At ten o'clock we had orders to advance. The boys were expecting the order and were busy divesting themselves of watches, rings, pictures and other keepsakes, which were being placed in the custody of the cooks, who were not expected to go into action. I never saw such a scene before, nor do I ever want to see it again. The instructions left with the keepsakes were varied. For instance, “This watch I want you to send to my father if I never return”—“I am going to Vicksburg, and if I do not get back just send these little trifles home, will you?”—proper addresses for the sending of the articles being left with them. Not a bit of sadness or fear appears in the talk or faces of the boys, but they thought it timely and proper to dispose of what they had accordingly. This was done while we awaited orders, which (it last came in earnest, and in obedience to them we moved up and took our place in the rifle pits within a hundred yards of Fort Hill, where we had orders to keep a diligent watch, and to tire at the first head that dared to show itself. The air was so thick with the smoke of cannon that we could hardly see a hundred yards before us. The line to our right and left was completely hidden from view except as revealed by the flash of guns, and the occasional bursting of shells through the dense clouds. About eleven o'clock came a signal for the entire line to charge upon the works of the enemy. Our boys were all ready, and in an instant leaped forward to find victory or defeat. The seventh Missouri took the lead with ladders which they placed against the fort, and then gave way for others to scale them. Those who climbed to the top of the fort met cold steel, and, when at length it was found impossible to enter the fort that way, the command was given to fall back, which was done under a perfect hail of lead from the enemy. The rebels, in their excitement and haste to fire at our retreating force, thrust their heads a little too high above their cover,—an advantage we were quick to seize with well aimed volleys. In this charge a severe loss was met by our division, and nothing gained. What success was met by the rest of the line I can not say, but I hope it was better than ours. Thus ended another day of bloody fight in vain, except for an increase of the knowledge which has been steadily growing lately, that a regular siege will be required to take Vicksburg. This day will be eventful on the page of history, for its duties have been severe, and many a brave patriot bit the dust under the storm of deadly fire that assailed us.

SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 31-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 150. Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 150.

Report of Maj. Modesta J. Green, Eleventh Missouri Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      

In the Field, December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Eleventh Missouri Veteran Infantry in the late battles near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of December 15 the regiment, with the brigade, left camp near Nashville, and made a reconnaissance to the right and front, skirmishing with the enemy on the Charlotte pike, then passed to the left, taking position in line of battle in front of our former position. From here we advanced in support of Captain Reed's (Second Iowa) battery until the order was received to charge the rebel fort. The charge was made in handsome style. Company E, commanded by Captain Notestine, being in the advance, in line of skirmishers, were the first to enter the fort. (Captain Notestine was afterward badly wounded and had a leg amputated.) The regiment continued to advance until the second fort was taken by the cavalry and other troops on the right. Here we were allowed to rest a few moments, when we again moved forward. After advancing a short distance we came upon the enemy in line of battle on a hill; here another charge was made, in which the rebels were completely routed, and driven in perfect confusion a distance of three-quarters of a mile, officers and men behaving most gallantly, capturing many prisoners. Night coming on we were ordered to halt and remained in line of battle during the night, throwing up temporary earth-works.

The order to advance was given at an early hour on the morning of the 16th, and the regiment, together with the brigade to which it belongs, advanced in line of battle across an open field, but soon discovered that the enemy were strongly posted on the opposite side of the field behind formidable breast-works. After advancing about a half a mile under a heavy fire from the rebel skirmishers and sharpshooters, we came within range of the enemy's fire from their line of works and were ordered to halt and remain in line of battle. After remaining here a short time the regiment was ordered to change its position and form in rear of the Fifth Minnesota. In making this move the regiment lost several men killed and wounded, being exposed to a severe fire from the entire rebel front. It was in making this move that our gallant leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Bowyer, received a severe wound in the arm while directing the movements of the regiment. We remained in this position until about 3 p.m., when the order was given to charge the rebel works. The order was no sooner given than the regiment started at a double-quick, charging through the open field for a distance of about 600 yards, under a most galling fire from the enemy. On reaching the works many prisoners were captured in the trenches, and many others either shot or captured while attempting to escape. A rebel battery of four guns was also captured here by the brigade, for which the Eleventh Missouri would respectfully claim, with the gallant brigade commander, its share of the honor. Two rebel flags were also captured by the regiment, one by Lieutenant Simmons* and the other by Corporal Parks,* color guard. In making the charge the colors of the regiment were three times shot down, having one color-bearer killed and two wounded. The flag-staff was shot into three pieces by a rebel shell. After the enemy were driven from their works we continued in pursuit for a distance of about one mile, driving them in the wildest confusion and capturing many prisoners, when we were ordered by the brigade commander to halt and join the brigade, which was forming a short distance in the rear. Here we remained until the morning of the 17th, when it was ascertained that the enemy were retreating, and we were ordered, with other troops, to follow in the pursuit.

The losses in the regiment in the two days' fighting are 4 men killed and 83 wounded, including 10 commissioned officers.

During the fight every officer and man behaved with commendable coolness and bravery. No especial mention can be made of individual acts of courage or bravery, as every officer and man behaved in the most praiseworthy manner.

M. J. GREEN,                       

Major, Commanding Regiment.

 Lieut. T. P. GERE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

_______________

ADDENDA.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      

 Eastport, Miss., January 20, 1865.

Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Lieut. William T. Simmons,* Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag belonged to the Thirty-fourth Alabama Infantry, and was being borne off by the rebel color-bearer at the time our forces entered the rebel intrenchments. He was ordered by Lieutenant Simmons to halt and surrender; refusing to do so, he was told he would be shot if he did riot, when he surrendered the flag to the above-named officer.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. J. GREEN,                       

Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.

_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      

Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.

 Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private G. W. Welch,* Company A, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, in the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was being borne off the field as the enemy were retreating from their works, when the rebel color-bearer was struck by a shot from our lines, and the colors captured by the above-named man. It is not known to what regiment they belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. J. GREEN,                       

Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.

_______________

HDQRS. ELEVENTH MISSOURI VETERAN INFANTRY,      

Eastport, Miss., January 21, 1865.

 Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tennessee:

SIR: I have the honor to respectfully submit the following statement in regard to the rebel flag captured by Private James W. Parks,* Company F, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, at the battle near Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864:

The flag was captured in the enemy's line of intrenchments. The rebel color-bearer having been wounded by a shot from our lines, the colors were captured by the above-named soldier. It is not known to what regiment the flag belonged.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. J. GREEN,                       

Major, Commanding Eleventh Missouri Infantry.

_______________

* Awarded the Medal of Honor.

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. 454-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 149. Report of Col. Josiah F. Marsh, Ninth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

149.

Report of Col. Josiah F. Marsh, Ninth Minnesota Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS NINTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,       

Camp near Duck River, Tenn., December 21, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following as my official report of the part performed by my regiment in the battles of the 15th and 16th instant in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

We arrived in Nashville, Tenn., from Saint Louis, Mo., on the morning of the 1st instant, and were immediately ordered to the front, and took a strong position on elevated ground about two miles from the city, my regiment occupying the right of the Second Brigade and resting on the Charlotte pike. Here we proceeded to intrench, and remained until the morning of the 15th instant. On the evening of the 14th instant we received orders to be in readiness to move at 6 o'clock the following morning. Ample preparations were made and at the appointed hour, and my command, fully equipped for the anticipated struggle, was in line awaiting orders to advance. By direction of the colonel commanding the Second Brigade, I took the advance and moved out on the Charlotte pike about One mile, where a line of battle was formed, and the whole brigade then moved by the left flank about one mile and a half, into an open field, where we were halted and the whole of the First Division formed in echelon by brigade from left to right, and in this order advanced steadily to the front, feeling for the enemy with a strong skirmish line, until about 11 a.m., when the fog, which up to this hour enveloped the country, was suddenly dispelled by a lively breeze from the south, unveiling the first line of the enemy's works. Our batteries were allowed to play upon him for about an hour, but being unable to silence his guns, a charge was ordered. Our lines were soon formed, my regiment having the right of the first line of the Second Brigade, and the order to advance received by our brave boys with a shout, and on they went at double-quick under a terrible fire. Not a man faltered, however, but pressed forward, preserving a good line, and in a few minutes our colors were floating over the rebel works. We captured in this assault 4 Napoleon guns and about 50 prisoners. Our men, stimulated by their success in the first assault, were impatient and anxious to advance on the second work, which was but a short distance to the left and in front, consequently no time was allowed for the usual artillery firing, but our lines adjusted as soon as possible, and on we moved, in the face of a most destructive fire, without halting until the Stars and Stripes were planted over two more rebel guns, which, together with quite a large number of prisoners, fell into the hands of the First Brigade, which halted here to rest for the night. Here the Second Brigade was also halted and allowed to rest for a short time, and then, swinging to the left, we crossed the Hardin pike and pushed forward in the direction of a strong position occupied by the rebels, on an eminence commanding the Granny White pike. This point gained, we had reason to believe that the balance of our work would be comparatively easy. To gain this point we were compelled to charge through an open wood and across a field of about one mile in extent, every inch of which was stubbornly contested by a strong force of the enemy. My men were very much fatigued, yet there was no faltering, but all moved forward steadily, and ere the sun set the position was carried and several guns and a large number of prisoners captured. Night was now closing in around us, and, finding that we were far in advance of the balance of our division, by direction of the colonel commanding, we bivouacked for the night.

I cannot close the record of this day's work without inviting the attention of the colonel commanding to the gallant conduct of Lieut. Jules Capon, of my regiment. He had command of our skirmish line during the day and behaved nobly, and was wounded in the head while gallantly leading his company in this last charge.

On the morning of the 16th instant we discovered that the enemy had fallen back during the night and was strongly posted behind heavy works of earth, timber, and stone on a line at right angles with our own. Here was work for us again, and all appeared anxious to be at it. Our lines were soon in motion, and, wheeling to the right, were brought parallel with the rebel intrenchments, and advanced to within 300 yards of them. This movement was made in the face of a galling fire from a well-protected foe, and not without loss to us. The point was gained, however, and we were directed to cover ourselves as well as possible and wait further orders. While occupying this position I had one officer and three enlisted men severely wounded. On our arrival at this point I sent forward a company of skirmishers, under command of Lieut. A. J. McMillan, of my regiment, to cover our front and watch the movements of the enemy. His position, though a dangerous one, was nobly maintained until 4 p.m., when he joined his regiment in the final charge. The rebel sharpshooters annoyed us considerably during the day, and my men were becoming very impatient, when, at about 4 p.m., the order to charge came and was received with a shout that might be heard for miles away. The Second Brigade led off, my regiment on the right, and although the ground was very soft and the fire from the rebel works the most destructive and terrible we had ever met, yet there was no faltering, but pressing forward, the works were soon gained, and the flag of the Ninth Minnesota the first planted thereon. During this assault my regiment captured 2 battle-flags and about 550 prisoners, including 1 colonel.

We did not tarry long here, but pushed forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy. We soon engaged him again, keeping up a brisk fire for half an hour, when a rebel officer and sixty men surrendered to us and were sent to the rear. Firing then ceased, and several small squads of prisoners were afterward captured by my regiment; in all, about 150 men and 3 line officers. During the pursuit we also took 3 brass field pieces, in the capture of which, however, we were assisted by the Eighth Wisconsin.

Our loss in killed and wounded, during both days' fighting, is 58, a statement of which has been transmitted.*

I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of the officers and men of my command; all were prompt in their obedience to orders, and conducted themselves in a manner that called forth the praise of the oldest veterans. Lieutenant-Colonel Markham and Major Strait were at their posts throughout, and discharged their duties faithfully. Adjt. E. H. Couse displayed a great deal of coolness and bravery, and rendered efficient service. Surg. R. H. Bingham and Asst. Surg. J. C. Dixon were at the field hospitals, and were untiring and skillful in the discharge of their duties. Chaplain A. H. Kerr visited the battle-ground several times during the engagement, relieving the sufferings of the wounded and assisting in carrying them from the field.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. F. MARSH,            

Colonel Ninth Minnesota Volunteers, Commanding.

Lieut. T. P. GERE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* See p. 101.

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. 452-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 118. Report of Lieut. Col. Charges H. Butterfield, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry, of operations December 15-28, 1864.

No. 118.

Report of Lieut. Col. Charges H. Butterfield, Ninety-first Indiana Infantry,

of operations December 15-28, 1864.

HDQRS. NINETY-FIRST INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,                    

In the Field, Tenn., December 23, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor herewith to transmit a report of the part taken by the Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the campaign since December 15, 1864.

On the morning of the 15th the regiment broke camp in Nashville and moved with the brigade to the right of our lines around Nashville, marching during the day some eight miles, and during the afternoon was engaged in a slight skirmish with the enemy, with a loss of two men severely wounded. During the night of the 15th of December the regiment constructed a strong line of works in the enemy's front, throwing pickets in advance. The regiment remained in these works until the afternoon of the 16th. During a charge in front of the regiment on the 16th the picket-line advanced with the charging party, with a loss of one man severely wounded. Camped for the night near the Granny White pike. On the morning of the 17th crossed to the Franklin pike, and during the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st the regiment has marched from near Nashville to this point.

The following is a list of the casualties which have occurred in the regiment since the morning of the 15th of December, 1864.*

I have the honor to be, lieutenant, yours, very respectfully,

 CHAS. H. BUTTERFIELD,            

 Lieut. Col. Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Comdg.

 Lieut. C. A. VAN DEURSEN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 5 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. 394

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 28, 1864

May 28, 1864, 9 a. m.

Still in rifle pits. We have been treated to a terrific storm of shells, spherical case, and solid shot. The batteries are in plain sight of each other, and the gunners call it a thousand yards between them. I don't think either battery does very fine work, but they make it more than interesting for us. A conical shell from a 12 pound gun passed through a log and struck a Company C man on the leg, only bruising him. Two solid shot fell in my company works, but hurt no one.

Seven p. m.—Talk about fighting, etc., we've seen it this p. m. sure, of all the interesting and exciting times on record this must take the palm. At about 3:45 p. m., a heavy column of Rebels rose from a brush with a yell the devil ought to copyright, broke for and took three guns of the 1st Iowa Battery which were in front of the works (they never should have been placed there); the 6th Iowa boys, without orders, charged the Rebels, retook the battery and drove them back. They came down on our whole line, both ours and the 16th A. C, and for two hours attempted to drive us out. We repulsed them at every point without serious loss to us, but I believe they are at least 3,000 men short. In our brigade Colonel Dickerman, Lieutenant Colonel 6th Iowa commanding, and Major Gilsey, commanding 46th Ohio, are wounded. Besides these I don't think our brigade lost over So. It was a grand thing. I did not lose a man and only three companies of our regiment lost any. When the musketry was playing the hottest, Logan came dashing up along our line, waved his hat and told the boys to “give them hell, boys.” You should have heard them cheer him. It is Hardee's Corps fighting us, and he promised his men a “Chickamauga,” but it turned out a “Bull Run” on their part. It is the same corps our regiment fought at Mission Ridge. Our line is very thin along here, but guess we can save it now. I heard a 40th boy get off an oddity this evening, he said: “If they come again, I am going to yell if there's any danger of their taking us.” “Worlds by Nation Right into line Wheel!” and “if that don't scare them, I propose going.”

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 250-1

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

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 107. Report of Lieut. Col. Edward Maynard, Sixth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 107.

Report of Lieut. Col. Edward Maynard, Sixth Tennessee Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SIXTH REGT. EAST TENNESSEE VOL. INFANTRY,                       

In the Field, December 22, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to circular just received from headquarters First Brigade, I beg leave to submit the following as a report of the operations of this regiment on the 15th and 16th instant:

In accordance with instructions received from Brigadier-General Cooper, commanding First Brigade, tents were struck at 5 a.m. on the 15th, and breakfast over, the regiment was formed in order of march at 5.30 a.m. At about 8 a.m. took up the line of march from our encampment on the Franklin pike near Nashville, following the One hundred and thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, and crossed to the Hardin pike. We moved out from the defenses of the city on that pike, and were at once formed in line of battle on left of First Brigade. From this point we were moved forward to a dirt road intersecting the Hillsborough and Hardin pikes. In this road we lay until about 1 p.m.; we then moved to the right by the flank until we passed a fort on the right of the Hillsborough pike about six miles from Nashville, which a portion of our cavalry force had occupied a few moments before. At this place formed in order of battle again, and moved across the Hillsborough pike. We had proceeded nearly half a mile when the enemy opened upon us with artillery from a high point three-quarters of a mile in front of us. A charge was ordered and we moved on the rebel artillery at the run. As we approached the hill we discovered that a body of the enemy's infantry lodged behind a stone wall to our left was raking that flank. The direction of the movement was changed to the left, and we conducted our operations against the wall. As the men were already jaded I ordered them to halt behind a rail fence near the wall and unsling knapsacks. This having been done, we charged the wall, took it, and crossed it, where 150 prisoners surrendered to us, and were immediately sent to the rear. The charge was continued nearly half a mile beyond, resulting in capturing about fifty rebels, and was stopped because worn down by the race. My loss in the charge and during the day was 1 man killed and 9 wounded. After we reformed we took position on a wooded hill between the Hillsborough and Granny White pikes about seven miles from Nashville, and during the night of the 15th threw up a temporary line of works. During the night threw out a picket in my front and held one.third of the regiment under arms. On the 16th instant we lay at rest in these works until about 4 p.m. At that time we moved out and formed in a corn-field in rear of the position from which the enemy had just been dislodged, to the left of the Granny White pike. Moved across that pike and about half a mile toward the Franklin pike, and bivouacked for the night.

The following is a list of killed and wounded on the 15th instant.*

I owe it to all the officers and all the men to say that our success is owed during each day to their courage, coolness, and prompt obedience.

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

EDWARD MAYNARD,      

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Sixth Regiment East Tennessee Volunteers.

Capt. T. C. HONNELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed and 8 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. 377-8

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Tuesday, August 23, 1864

It was chilly and foggy this morning, but it cleared about 9 o'clock a. m. Skirmishing still continues on the pike and on the left of the line. It's rumored the Nineteenth Corps charged the enemy this morning driving it back in confusion. The Tenth Vermont moved to the right this forenoon giving room for a battery on our left. Our forces have thrown up breastworks, but I don't anticipate any attack.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 139

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, July 21, 1864

The same thing over and over, again and again.¹ All the available rooms in town have now been turned into hospital wards. We have single, iron cots with good mattresses, and the sheets and pillows are kept nice and clean.

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¹ On this day the Iowa Brigade made a charge on Bald Hill, in front of Atlanta. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 206

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: Sunday Morning, July 24, 1864

Sunday morning, Kearnstown, hot. Ordered out into line early for inspection. Instead orders came to advance. Hot skirmishing began right off. Our regiment placed at the right of the line, west side of the pike. Colonel Mulligan with his division form the left of the line. Our position is on high ground where we can overlook the field. Orders came to charge into the woods. There we found the enemy en masse. They poured their fire on Mulligan's division. Mulligan was killed, his division losing very heavy. They were ordered to fall back. Orders came for our regiment to fall back to Winchester. We marched back and later the enemy came out of the wood, when we saw plainly the large force they had. Owing to my naked feet I could hardly keep up, but kept pushing. There are many hills around Winchester. Before we could reach the earthworks the enemy had field guns posted on hills commanding our position. As I could not keep up with the boys I came near being captured. I made a running jump over into the rifle pits near the old Star Fort. As I landed in the pits a solid shot also struck there. As I looked at it was thankful it was not a shell. Running around in the pits I was able to get out on the opposite side from the enemy and take my place in our company, line being just in the rear of the fort, where we formed. Shells began to drop all around us. Finally one came in our midst, doing much damage, some being killed and wounded. It caused great excitement as the dust and dirt flew over us. A peculiar numbness came to me, making me think I was wounded. Picking up my gun that had fallen to the ground, I discovered that it had been hit by a piece of the exploded shell, the barrel being flat and bent. I threw it down and picked up another on the field. That was no doubt the cause of my numbness. Orders came for a change in our position and to fall back to Bunker Hill. Up to this time we had been fighting and falling back for about sixteen miles. Had the 6th Corps remained in the valley it would have given us more show against Early's large force, as they are in plain sight and we can see them from the hills. We will hold Bunker Hill and remain here for the night. I am in agony with my feet. We are in a ragged, dirty condition. The life of a soldier is a hard one. Our suffering at times is intense. It's all for our country that we all love.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 104-5