Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 121. Reports of Lieut. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 26-December 8 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 121.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Hamilton S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 26-December 8 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIFTIETH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY,       

Nashville, Tenn., December 8, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of this regiment since crossing Duck River, at Columbia, Tenn., including the casualties at Franklin:

November 26, crossed the river at 2 a.m. on railroad bridge, and camped at Duck River Station; built rail barricade, and took position behind it. November 27, in camp all day till 5 p.m.; ordered to cross river at dark; crossed after dark and occupied works prepared for us until 3 a.m. next day, when we returned to north side of river, and went into position till the railroad and pontoon bridges were destroyed. At 11 a.m. November 29 fell into column and moved in the direction of Spring Hill and Franklin. While advancing toward Spring Hill the same night we were attacked by a body of rebels in the dark; repulsed and drove them back, and moved on toward Franklin, where we arrived at 6.30 a.m. of November 30. Went into position and built works on south side of Franklin, and were attacked by the enemy in force at 3.20 p.m., and fought them till 12 p.m., losing: Commissioned officers — wounded, 3; missing, 2. Enlisted men — killed, 7; wounded, 33; captured, 10; missing, 57. Total loss, 112.

I deem this a favorable opportunity to mention the brave and heroic manner in which both officers and men of the regiment met and fought the enemy in a hand-to-hand conflict. Never before did I witness such a bloody contest, and yet there were none who faltered. Capt. J. G. Theaker, of Company F, fell, wounded in the leg, while bravely encouraging his men in their noble work. Lieut. Michael Walsh, of Company D, and Lieut. J.T. Lucas, of Company B, were also wounded while in the devoted line of their duty. Lieut. J. H. Haney, of Company B, and Lieut. Edwin G. Edgley, of Company H, were both captured while in the discharge of their duty. I cannot omit to mention in this connection the valuable assistance I received from Capt. John S. Conahan, of Company D, acting major. My staff — consisting of Adjt. Jerome F. Crowley, Dr. N. B. Cole, and Sergt. Maj. P. F. Pechiney — deserve great credit for the prompt manner in which they performed all their duties during the whole engagement. All the officers and men of the regiment have my sincere thanks for their promptness in obeying orders, and the brave and efficient manner in which they did their bloody work upon the enemy. Coleman Quinn, private of Company K, bravely left the works in pursuit of a rebel ensign, whom he shot, and captured his colors. The boy, not knowing the value of this trophy, gave the colors to some Federal officer in the night.

The regiment retired at 12 p.m. by orders, falling back with the army (marching all night) to Nashville. December 1, arrived at this place at 12 m., and went into position on the left of Fort Negley (facing northwest). December 2-8, all quiet and we occupy the same position.

Accompanying this will be found a list of casualties, giving name and company and the nature of casualty.

Respectfully submitted.

H. S. GILLESPIE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.            

ACTG. ASST. ADJT. GEN., 3D BRIG., 2D DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS.

_______________

HDQRS. FIFTIETH REGIMENT, OHIO VOL. INFANTRY,      

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

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of operations of this regiment on the 15th and 16th days of this month:

December 15, broke up camp at 6 a.m. and moved with Third Brigade, Second Division, to extreme right and rear of the Sixteenth Army Corps, where we laid upon our arms till 3 p.m., when we were ordered to take position on the extreme right of our army. About 4 p.m. charged the enemy, in which we had a warmly contested fight for twenty minutes, driving them back to their intrenchments. First Lieut. E. L. Pyne was mortally wounded while gallantly leading his men forward to the fight. Threw up barricades at dark, and heavy skirmishing ensued. At 7 p.m. same night were relieved by Second Brigade, Third Division, and moved one brigade distance to the left and connected with the First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. Built strong breast-works. December 16, heavy skirmishing in our front. Laid quiet in our works till 3 p.m. Sixteenth Army Corps charged and carried the rebel works in our front, our brigade supporting, then moved forward in line of battle one mile and camped for the night.

Casualties: First Lieut. E. L. Pyne, Company K, wounded through breast and arm (mortal); Private Philip Hamen, Company G, in head (slight).

I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. S. GILLESPIE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.            

ACTG. ASST. ADJT. GEN., 3D BRIG., 2D DIV, 23D ARMY CORPS.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 395-7

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 120. Report of Lieut. Col,. Andrew J. Bart, Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry, of operations November 27-December 1, 1864.

No. 120.

Report of Lieut. Col,. Andrew J. Bart, Forty-fourth Missouri Infantry,

of operations November 27-December 1, 1864.

[DECEMBER —, 1864.]

Regiment arrived at Nashville, Tenn., November 27, 1864, and was ordered immediately to the front at Columbia, Tenn., per Special Orders, No. —; went aboard railroad train same day; arrived at Duck River bridge, near Columbia, November 28, 1864, and reported immediately to Major-General Schofield for orders; was assigned Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Strickland, on eve of 28th; lay on arms all night, and next day received orders to fall back with brigade to Nashville, Tenn. Marched to near Spring Hill same day, and in evening had skirmish with enemy and lay on arms until 4 a.m. November 30, when we received orders to proceed on march. Arrived at Franklin, Tenn., sixteen miles southwest of Nashville, about 2 p.m., and proceeded to throw up defenses against enemy under command of Hood, who arrived about 4.30 p.m., when battle began. The Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteers were on right center and in hottest of fight. The enemy made thirteen desperate charges in our front, but were gallantly repulsed each time. At 1 a.m. December 1 command received orders to fall back to Nashville, Tenn.. which was done in good order, arriving at Nashville at 12 m. December 1, 1864.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 A. J. BARR,

 Lieutenant-Colonel Comdg. Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteers.

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. 395

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 117. Report of Capt. James A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, of operations November 25-December 2, 1864.

No. 117.

Report of Capt. James A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, of

operations November 25 — December 2, 1864.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-SECOND REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFTY.,                      

Near Nashville, Tenn., December 9, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report herewith the history of this command from the date of its joining the Third Brigade, November 26, 1864, to the date of its assignment to the command of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, December 2, 1864.

On the night of the 25th ultimo the regiment moved with the brigade from Columbia across Duck River and bivouacked. On the morning of the 26th ultimo we commenced throwing up works and kept at it all day during a heavy rain. During the day of the 27th ultimo the command lay idle. At night the brigade recrossed Duck River. The Fiftieth Ohio Infantry commenced throwing up works, this regiment acting as a support and to cover the evacuation of Columbia by our forces. At 2 a.m. of the 28th ultimo this regiment again crossed the river, occupying the same works which had been thrown up on the 26th; during the forenoon of the 28th, changed the front of our works; some skirmishing during the day between our pickets and those of the enemy on the opposite bank of the river. Pontoon and railroad bridges were also burned on that day. At 10 a.m. of the 29th of November Lieut. R. H. Mason and twenty men of Company A started with dispatches from General Schofield to the commanding officer post of Williamsport, distant about nineteen miles. He accomplished his errand successfully, passing several parties of rebels during the journey, and returning to his command at Nashville on the 1st of December, without losing a single man. At noon on the 29th ultimo the regiment, with the balance of the brigade, abandoned their works at the river and moved across to the Franklin pike; thence took up their line of march to Franklin. Just before dark, when within three miles of Spring Hill, the brigade passed the wagon train, already halted, and filed to the right of the road. Two companies of this regiment were deployed as skirmishers, the regiment moving forward as their support, forming the right of the advance line of the brigade; constant skirmishing until within half a mile of Spring Hill, when the brigade halted; the skirmishers having moved too far to the right, lost the support of the regiment. In this skirmish the regiment had 4 men wounded. At about 10 a.m. the brigade resumed its march through Spring Hill, and halted about 1.30 a.m., and rested until 3 a.m. of the 30th, at which time the march was again resumed. At about 7 a.m. reached Franklin, the brigade taking position on the right of the road and commenced fortifying, the left of the Fiftieth Ohio resting on the Franklin pike, the Seventy-second Illinois being on the right of the Fiftieth Ohio. Were at work on the fortifications at the time the enemy made their first assault. About 4 p.m., two divisions of the Fourth Corps, being in front of the works, gave way on the approach of the enemy and rushed pell mell into our works. At the same time the support on our left gave way, and the flank of our regiment being turned, the four left companies fell back, and as our right flank also became exposed to the enemy, the remaining companies were also ordered to retire to the second line of works, which was done. At that time, all of our field officers being wounded, I, being the senior captain, took command of the regiment, and a charge was ordered to recover our first position. In the charge all of our color guard, consisting of 1 sergeant and 8 corporals, were shot down, and the night being so dark it was not perceived that our colors, which had been shot to shreds, were missing. An attempt was made to regain the colors, which was unsuccessful. The regiment was ordered to retire by Colonel Strickland, commanding brigade, at about midnight. The regiment then crossed the Harpeth River, and the next morning joined the brigade while on the march to Nashville, at which place we arrived about 3 p.m. on the 1st instant, and camped near Fort Negley. The regiment remained in camp until the 2d instant, when it was assigned to the corps commanded by General A. J. Smith.

The regiment lost in killed, wounded, and missing during the time which we belonged to the brigade, 9 officers and 142 enlisted men. I append a list of casualties.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. A. SEXTON,

 Captain, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteers, Comdg. Regiment.

 Lieut. JOHN B. McLOE,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 23d Army Corps.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 10 men killed, 9 officers and 57 men wounded, and 75 men missing.

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. 392-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 115. Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

No. 115.

Report of Col. Silas A. Strickland, Fiftieth Ohio Infantry, commanding

Third Brigade, of operations November 24-December 7, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIV., 23D ARMY CORPS,      

Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, since November 24, 1864:

November 24, 1864, in camp at Columbia, Tenn., with two regiments of infantry the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the last regiment having been assigned to Third Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, per order of Brigadier-General Ruger, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 25, 1864, at 9 p.m., Third Brigade receives orders to cross Duck River, and take position on north side near railroad bridge. November 26, 1864, skirmishing commenced at 6 a.m. and continued during the day on south side of river. Third Brigade remains in position on north side of river. November 27, 1864, remained in position on north side of river until 6 p.m., when we received orders and crossed the river to south side, occupying the works previously built by Twenty-third Army Corps, and sent out skirmishers to cover our front. November 28, 1864, remained in works on south side until Fourth Army Corps crossed the river, which, at 4 a.m., the Third Brigade moved across the river and occupied the same works left November 27, 1864. The One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry is assigned for duty with Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 74, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. November 29, 1864, Third Brigade in same position, and work on fortifications until 12 m. The Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry is assigned to Third Brigade, per Special Orders, No. 75, headquarters Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. At 12 m. Third Brigade moved by the right flank for Spring Hill, Third Brigade in advance of Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps. All quiet until 5 p.m.; light skirmishing until 9 p.m., when part of brigade moved toward Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, leaving the Forty-fourth Missouri and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments of infantry to follow in rear of all transportation. We reached Johnson [Thompson's?] Station 12 o'clock at night.

November 30, 1864, at 2 a.m., Third Brigade moved from Johnson [Thompson's?] Station, on Franklin road. We reached Franklin, Tenn., at 6.30 a.m., and commenced throwing up works. Works completed at 12 m. The position of Third Brigade, west of Columbia pike, on left of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on right of Third Division, Twenty third Army Corps. Skirmishers thrown out to cover our front. The brigade in two lines — Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry in front line, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry in rear line. At 3 p.m. heavy skirmishing commenced, the enemy driving in our skirmishers, and at 3.30 p.m. the enemy assaulted the whole line, making an effort to flank us out of front line of works by marching down the Columbia pike in solid column. The nature of the ground gave the enemy the advantage. They succeeded in taking the front line of works, but had the pleasure of holding it but a few moments. The second line rallied to the support of the first line and succeeded in driving the enemy from it. The disorderly manner in which some of the troops of the Fourth Army Corps retreated caused a slight confusion, and, indeed, the enemy made his appearance on the outside of the first line of works almost simultaneous with the retreat of the Fourth Army Corps. I then ordered the reserve regiments to first line in support. The Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Gillespie commanding, and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton commanding, renewed the attack with great vigor and gallantry; while the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bradshaw commanding, and One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Hoge commanding, moved up in good order, under a most terrific fire, and took full possession of the first line of works, and in a hand-to-hand encounter the four regiments drove the enemy from the works, which was held with great tenacity, capturing a number of prisoners (not known). In the charge to drive the enemy from their immediate front of the first line and save it from capture by the enemy, Colonel Bradshaw, of the Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, while leading his regiment, with colors in hand, and most gallantly, by personal example, encouraging his men, fell mortally wounded,¹ also, at the same moment, Lieut. Col. M. Clark, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was instantly killed while actively engaged assisting in bringing his regiment up to the first line, while Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton and Major James, of the Seventy-second Illinois Regiment of Infantry, were wounded at the same time.

The tenacity with which the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry held the first line, stubbornly refusing to yield their position, in the midst of a most terrible carnage, and the prompt manner in which the Forty-fourth Missouri and the One hundred and eighty-third Ohio Regiments executed the order to move up to the support of the first line, midst a shower of leaden rain, cannot fail to command the highest admiration of our superiors in the engagement and challenge the good opinion of all brave comrades in the battle.

Lieut. Col. H. S. Gillespie, Fiftieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Stockton, Seventy-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and Major James, of same regiment; and Capt. J. A. Sexton, Seventy-second Illinois, [who] took command of regiment when both field officers fell; Colonel Hoge, One hundred and eighty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Lieut. Col. A. J. Barr, Forty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry — all are deserving of the highest praise for the marked ability in the management of their men, as well as their noble conduct of true bravery, so handsomely displayed throughout the engagement. To the other officers and men of the entire command I can find no words fitting the occasion sufficiently strong in terms of commendation for the pluck, stubbornness, and genuine heroism exhibited throughout.

I am greatly indebted to the officers of my staff, most especially the three who were present with me during the engagement: First Lieut. John B. McLoe, acting assistant adjutant-general; Capt. L. A. Burke, acting assistant inspector-general; Second Lieut. C. A. Van Deursen, acting aide-de-camp. Their conduct was such in personal gallantry throughout that entitled them to my deepest gratitude, and as examples worthy of imitation by all good soldiers in so trying an hour of battle. I cannot forget to mention that my two orderlies, John W. Fouts, color-bearer of brigade, and J. Milton Foster, my personal orderly, during the entire fight, exhibited personal bravery in the carrying of orders which does them great credit as good and faithful soldiers.

Although out of ordinary course of reports, I could not make a faithful history of operations without recording the fact that at a very critical moment in rallying to retake the first line, I consider the success of the brigade was mainly owing at this juncture to the immediate personal presence of Brigadier-General Cox, commanding Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and the timely assistance he rendered me in so critical a moment in sending to my support the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Bond commanding, who participated in the last two hours of the engagement (the colonel himself being wounded), the regiment rendering that assistance making success complete in holding our works until the order to move was received, which was at 12 o'clock at night, when the brigade withdrew, leaving a heavy skirmish line in the works, and marched across the river over the railroad bridge.

December 1, 1864, at 2 a.m., the skirmishers left in works at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864, joined the brigade on the Nashville and Franklin pike. The brigade was in motion marching toward Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived at 4 p.m., and went into position on north side of Fort Negley, on right of Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and on left of Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.

Below please find list of casualties;² and for further information I will respectfully refer you to reports of regimental commanders; a copy of each accompanies this report.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. A. STRICKLAND,                       

Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade.

Lieut. S. H. HUBBELL,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

¹ Bradshaw survived his wound.

² Shows 6 officers and 67 men killed, 19 officers and 159 men wounded, and 2 officers and 278 men missing — total 531.

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. 389-91

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 114. Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 114.

Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 118TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report respecting the operations of the One hundred and eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry from November 23 to December 1, inclusive:

On Wednesday, November 23, the regiment left Johnsonville, Tenn., and proceeded by rail to Columbia, forty miles south of Nashville, at which point it arrived early on the morning of the 24th. As the enemy were advancing on Columbia a position was at once taken and preparations made for a vigorous defense. Our position was changed on the night of the 24th, and the 25th and part of the 26th was employed in guarding the banks of the Big Bigby Creek. The 27th, 28th, and 29th the regiment was in position at the Duck River railroad bridge, where we had considerable skirmishing with the enemy across the river. We lost 1 killed and 1 severely wounded. On the 29th we withdrew from our position near the bridge and marched toward Franklin, at which place we arrived early on the morning of the 30th, having had a slight skirmish the previous evening near Spring Hill. At Franklin a line of works was constructed, and the regiment, with the brigade, went into position on the right of the Columbia pike, the Twenty-third Michigan being on the left, and Eightieth Indiana on the right. Skirmishing began about 2 p.m. and became quite sharp an hour later, when it became evident that the enemy intended to attack us in force. About 3 o'clock their columns could be seen forming for the attack, and about 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in columns of three in depth. As the right of our line was somewhat refused, and as the attack was heaviest on the left, the line of the enemy's advance was diagonally across our regimental front. This movement gave us a good enfilading fire on the whole mass in our front, an advantage which was promptly seized and used to good effect. The conflict continued with unabated fury until 9 p.m., at intervals until 12 o'clock.

I should be doing injustice to the officers and men of the regiment were I not to bear testimony to their determined bravery and unfaltering valor in the battle at Franklin.

We lost four men only — slightly wounded.

On the 1st of December we fell back to Nashville and took position.

Our campaign has been short but severe, as much of the marching and labor was done in the night.

The losses are 1 killed and 5 wounded.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

E. SOWERS,             

Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt.

HENRY A. HALE,

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. 388

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 113. Report of Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, of operations November 21-December 5, 1864.

No. 113.

Report of Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 21-December 5, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 111TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In accordance with orders I have the honor to submit the following report of my command from the 21st of November to date:

On the 21st of November my command left Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River: and came on cars about forty miles on the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. At this point we found a train of cars burning upon the track. By order of General Ruger I unloaded my command from the cars and set them clearing wreck. Remained here until 10 p.m. 22d, when, after clearing track and relaying a portions, we proceeded to Nashville, from thence by railroad to Columbia, where we arrived at 3 a.m. of the 23d. Remained in the vicinity of Columbia until the night of the 27th, frequently changing position and building some seven lines of breast-works. On the night of the 27th we crossed to north bank of Duck River, and went into position at daylight on the 28th on the right of the railroad. Went with right wing of my regiment down Duck River two miles to guard a ford. Skirmished some with cavalry, losing one man mortally wounded. On the 29th I received orders to remain with my regiment until dark guarding the railroad bridge across Duck River and the fords, the balance of the command having moved out on Franklin pike. Skirmished considerably during the day, losing two men, one mortally wounded, the other severely. On the evening of the 29th I concentrated my command, One hundred and eleventh Ohio and seventy-five men of the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, and started out without a guide to find the Franklin pike. Struck the pike at 10 p.m. and reached Franklin at noon on the 30th, making a march from the ford on Duck River of twenty-four miles. On the morning of the 30th the rebel cavalry attacked our wagon train, drove off our cavalry, and were making for the train. My regiment drove them off, losing one man severely wounded in the neck. Upon arriving at Franklin I was assigned a position on the left of the brigade. We threw up temporary breast-works, which were not completed when our skirmishers were driven in and the rebels in three lines came up on our front. They were repulsed in my front and on the right, but the regiment on my immediate left gave back, and for a moment I feared the line was lost. I ordered my regiment to “fix bayonets and stand by the works,” which they did. At this juncture Capt. P. H. Dowling came up, and by great exertion succeeded in rallying a portion of the broken line, brought them forward, and retook a portion of the works on my immediate left. The fighting was incessant on my left and in front until midnight, and most of my guns became so hot that they could scarcely be handled. At midnight, in accordance with orders, I brought my regiment off the field with the balance of the brigade. Marched the balance of the night, and the next day, December 1, reached Nashville at 2 p.m., where we have since been in position.

In the engagement at Franklin all my officers and men behaved to my entire satisfaction. A list of casualties, in accordance with orders, has been placed in the hands of Doctor Brewer, brigade surgeon.

Losses — killed, 12; wounded, 40; missing, 2; total, 54.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

ISAAC R. SHERWOOD,     

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. HENRY A. HALE,

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. 387-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 112. Report of Col. Oliver L. Spaulding, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, of operations November 24-December 5, 1864.

No. 112.

Report of Col. Oliver L. Spaulding, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry,

of operations November 24-December 5, 1864.

HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders of the colonel commanding brigade, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the regiment under my command from the 24th of November last to date:

On the 24th of November the regiment was at Johnsonville, Tenn., under orders to rejoin the brigade at Columbia. At 4 p.m. of that day it left Johnsonville by rail, and arrived at Columbia at noon on the 25th, and immediately built works on that part of the line to which it was assigned, sending five companies on picket. At 2 o'clock the next morning the regiment retired with the brigade some two miles, near to Duck River, and was occupied all day and night in building works on the left of the brigade line. On the morning of the 27th we were ordered to move to the right, where we took up a new position, our right resting upon the railroad a short distance from the railroad bridge, and threw up works. In the afternoon the regiment was ordered on a reconnaissance to the right of our line to ascertain what force, if any, the enemy had thrown across the river at a ford some six miles on our right. Having accomplished the object of the reconnaissance we returned to camp shortly after dark and crossed the river, with the brigade, (luring the night, taking position on the north bank of the river a short distance to the right of the railroad bridge. We remained here till morn of the 29th, when we retired with the division toward Franklin, reaching there on the morning of the 30th. On the evening of the 29th, when near Spring Hill, a body of the enemy was found to be in our front. In the advance upon them this regiment was thrown on the right flank of the line to move by the flank in the rear of the line and guard against any movement the enemy might make upon that flank. I threw out flankers, who, in the darkness, ran upon the pickets of the enemy. In the confusion we captured a rebel adjutant-general. On arriving at Franklin we threw up works in the position assigned us, throwing up traverses upon the flanks of each company, which proved of the greatest service to us in the engagement of the evening, as the enemy had a heavy flank fire upon us during most of the time. At a little past 4 p.m. the enemy assaulted our works with three lines, apparently confident of carrying them with ease, but after a most stubborn attempt he evidently became convinced that he had undertaken a very heavy contract, and one which one of the high contracting parties had no idea of ratifying. He renewed the attack several times, only to be repulsed each time, with terrible loss. During the engagement the left of the regiment was more hardly pressed than the right, and most of my fire was left oblique. At one time two companies of the One hundred and eighty-third Ohio, on our immediate left, broke and left their part of the Works unprotected. A body of the enemy occupied the outside of these works for some time. Here we shot down two color-bearers, and prevented their entering the works, till they were again occupied by two companies of the Eightieth Indiana. As the Eightieth was moving to the left to occupy this position I threw one company on the right center — where the enemy's fire at that time was very light — over the works, and fired one volley into rebels as they lay upon the outside of our works. During the engagement we took among other prisoners Lieutenant Lee, aide-de-camp, of General S. D. Lee's staff.

My loss during the engagement was 2 killed, 13 wounded, and 3 missing. Among the killed was Lieut. D. M. Averill, a brave and thorough officer.

Shortly after midnight we crossed the river with the division, and reached Nashville shortly after noon of December 1.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O. L. SPAULDING, 

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. H. A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General Second Brigade.

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. 385-6

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 111. Report of Col. Charles A. Zollinger, One hundred and twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

No. 111.

Report of Col. Charles A. Zollinger, One hundred and twenty-ninth

Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

HDQRS. 129TH REGT. INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit the following as a part taken by the One hundred and twenty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the late campaign in Tennessee:

On the morning of November 23, 1864, my regiment was put aboard the cars at Johnsonville, Tenn., from which place we proceeded to Columbia, Tenn., arriving there on the morning of the 24th, and took position on the right of One hundred and eighteenth Ohio, in support of brigade. At 10 a.m. same day was ordered out to protect the railroad bridge across Duck River, where we remained until after dark, at which time we were ordered to move and join the brigade. We there took position on right of brigade and fortified during the night. At this place we remained until 2 a.m. November 26, when we moved back (with brigade) to Duck River bridge, where we again fortified, and kept the position until 2 a.m. November 28, at which time we were ordered to cross the river (crossing on railroad bridge), where we again took position in support of the brigade, and remained in that position until 8 p.m., when we were ordered to take position in front line on the right of the One hundred and eighteenth Ohio, where we fortified during the night, and remained at our works until 12 m. November 29, when we were ordered to move in rear of the One hundred and eighteenth Ohio in the direction of Franklin, Tenn., and on arriving within two miles of Spring Hill was ordered back one mile and a half to guard a point until Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, and one division of Fourth Army Corps should pass, which we did, and at 12 o'clock (midnight) we started and rejoined the brigade near Spring Hill, and without halting marched with it to Franklin, arriving at daylight November 30. Breakfast over, we took position near town, near Franklin pike, where we fortified and sent out pickets. At 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in three lines of battle, drove in our pickets, and charged our works repeatedly, with heavy slaughter to themselves and comparatively small to us. At about 3 a.m. December 1 we moved out in direction of Nashville, Tenn., where we arrived same evening and where we still remain.

In closing this report I have the honor to state that the officers and men of my command discharged every duty assigned them cheerfully and promptly, and deserve the title of true soldiers and devoted friends of our country.

List of casualties of my regiment are as follows.*

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

 C. A. ZOLLINGER,

Colonel, Commanding 129th Regiment Indiana Volunteers.

Col. O. H. MOORE,

Comdg. Second Brig., Second Div., Twenty-third Army Corps.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 4 men killed, 1 officer and 15 men wounded and 2 men missing.

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. 384-5

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 110. Report of Lieut. Col. Alfred D. Owen, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

No. 110.

Report of Lieut. Col. Alfred D. Owen, Eightieth Indiana Infantry, of

operations November 23-December 5, 1864.

HDQRS. EIGHTIETH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with circular issued from division headquarters of this date, I have the honor to make the following report of operations of my regiment from Johnsonville, Tenn., up to the present time:

Leaving that place November 23, 1864, by railroad, via Nashville, we arrived at Columbia, Tenn, about 2 a.m. of the 24th instant [ultimo], where we were ordered by Colonel Moore into the earth-works on the south side of town and the fort. About 10 a.m. I received orders to march out on the Mount Pleasant pike. After proceeding about a mile I was detached from the brigade, and moved to the right of the pike, where I relieved a battalion of cavalry, who were guarding a ford across the creek that ran into Duck River, and about one mile from its mouth. Here I threw up a barricade of rails, and at 10 p.m. Captain Lee, assistant commissary of musters, brought me orders to move to a commanding position 250 yards to my left, and relieved me by the One hundred and twenty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After completing another barricade I permitted my men to rest during the remainder of the night, and at 8 a.m. on the 25th Colonel Moore moved my regiment to the left of the One hundred and eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where I constructed earth-works to the pike, a distance of 300 yards. Company B, Captain Mosier commanding, was on picket and under fire during the day, but sustained no loss. At 6 p.m. I received orders to march at 12 that night to Duck River railroad bridge, following the Twenty-third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, but in consequence of a misunderstanding the Twenty-third Michigan and my regiment were separated from the remainder of the brigade about 1 o'clock in the morning, and compelled to return to the pike, when we marched to Duck River bridge, arriving there shortly after daylight of the 26th instant. Here we were again occupied in erecting earthworks until 3 a.m. on the morning of the 28th of November, when we were ordered to cross Duck River and build works on the north side, but before finishing them the enemy's skirmishers made their appearance on the opposite bank, and occupied our attention until 11 a.m., when they opened upon my regiment with artillery. After firing a few shots two guns of the Twenty-second Indiana Battery, on my right, silenced those of the enemy.

Nothing more of interest transpired during the day or night, and at 10 a.m. on the 29th I moved, in obedience to Colonel Moore's orders, toward the Franklin pike. On arriving within two miles and a half of Spring Hill the enemy's skirmishers opened upon us and we were ordered into line of battle, and marched to within one mile of Spring Hill, where we halted for an hour, after which time we resumed our march, reaching Franklin at 7 a.m. on the 30th instant, and were again occupied in building works. At 4 p.m. the enemy moved upon us, but were driven back in confusion. During the engagement I received orders to send two companies to take possession of the works on the left of the Twenty-third Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry, where troops had been driven back. I sent Companies C and H, under Captain Cochran, who retook the works and held them during the fight, taking 40 prisoners, including 1 major, 1 inspector.general, and 2 lieutenants. My loss during the fight was 10 men wounded — Sergt. George W. Walker, Company B; Corpl. J. Alexander Chambers, Company C; Privates William H. Spore and William C. Mcintire, Company E; Corpl. J. L. Knowles and Private Adam Emmert, Company F; Privates Henry Ferrell and John Hunley, Company H; Private W. H. H. Ranner, Company G, and Sergt. V. Corben, Company K. At 12 o'clock at night we left the works, crossing the river, and marched toward this place, arriving at 3 p.m. of the 1st instant, where we have remained uninterrupted until the present time.

Respectfully submitted.

ALFRED D. OWEN,            

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Eightieth Regiment Indiana Vol. Infantry.

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. 383-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 109. Report of Capt. Leander S. McGraw, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 109.

Report of Capt. Leander S. McGraw, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HDQRS. 107TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS.,    

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following as an official report of the One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers, from the 23d day of November, 1864, to the 1st day of December, 1864:

On the 23d day of November we left Johnsonville, Tenn., on the cars, and arrived at Columbia, Tenn., the day following. In the evening the regiment was ordered into line of battle and threw up works. On the 26th marched across Duck River and erected barricades, and recrossed said river on the evening of the 27th. On the morning of the 28th was ordered to move in the direction of Spring Hill, where we arrived about 10 p.m. of the same day; but not halting, moved on toward Franklin, some four miles, and took position a quarter of a mile east of the pike road, with brigade. About 1 o'clock next p.m. was ordered to hold our position, while the rest of brigade moved onward toward Franklin. At 2.30 o'clock skirmished briskly with the enemy, and at 5.30 took up the line of march for Franklin, where we arrived at 12 m. Threw up works during the afternoon were attacked by the enemy about 5 o'clock in heavy force. He charged the works time and again, but was successfully met at all times. At one time (about dusk) four stand of colors were planted upon our breast-works, across which the enemy charged furiously, but was met by our brave boys and hurled back in utter confusion. In this charge the heroic Lieutenant-Colonel Lowry fell while gallantly cheering his men on to victory, when Leander S. McGraw, captain, took command of the regiment. On the morning of December I was ordered to move in the direction of Nashville, where we arrived at 12 m.

The following is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEANDER S. McGRAW,   

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. HENRY A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 3 men killed, 1 officer and 14 men wounded, and 1 man missing.

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. 382-3