Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 241. — Report of Brig. Gen. Marcellus A. Stovall, C. S. Army, commanding brigade, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864.

No. 241.

Report of Brig. Gen. Marcellus A. Stovall, C. S. Army,

commanding brigade, of operations November 20-December 27, 1864.

 

HEADQUARTERS STOVALL'S BRIGADE,        

Tupelo, Miss., January 14, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade on the north side of the Tennessee River:

Uninterruptedly I marched from Florence, Ala., to Columbia, Tenn., and remained encamped in its vicinity until the morning of the 30th of November. The enemy having evacuated the place the night before, early on that morning I crossed Duck River and commenced the line of march for Franklin, Tenn. Owing to the length of the march on the eventful day of the battle of Franklin, the division to which my brigade was attached did not arrive in time to enter the conflict. Thrown forward, however, in advance of the other two brigades of the division to relieve some of the troops which had been engaged, I occupied the enemy's first line of works. While in this position I lost 1 officer killed and 2 or 3 men wounded. I remained here until about 9 o'clock the next morning, when I was ordered into the town of Franklin to guard it. Subsequently I was removed into camp, where I remained for a short time, when I resumed the line of march toward Nashville on the Franklin and Nashville pike.

On the 2d of December I went into line of battle on Overton's Hill, in front of Nashville, when, after moving twice, I finally located on the one which I occupied until the army was retired on the night of the 15th of December. About 12 p.m. I took position near the same line from which I moved forward on the 2d instant. Notwithstanding my men had been up all night, they were placed in that position of the line previously occupied, upon which no work had been done, consequently they had no time for rest, and, in fact, were engaged upon the fortifications when the action commenced.

About 9 a.m. on the 16th the enemy planted a battery which completely enfiladed my entire front. During the whole day I was therefore subjected to a fire of artillery, both direct and on my left, quite as severe as any to which I have ever been exposed. Between 2 and 3 o'clock my line was assaulted by the enemy, and notwithstanding the works, but frail at best, had been demolished in several places, the men stood true to their colors, and with a persistency and gallantry that could not have been excelled, poured a deadly fire into the enemy's ranks, which resulted in their successful repulse. Between 3 and 4 o'clock I was informed the entire left had given way, and was ordered to remain in position and await instructions. After waiting some little time, and not receiving any orders, seeing the imminent danger of capture to which my command was subjected, it being on the extreme right of the army, I took the responsibility of moving off. This was not done, however, I should, perhaps, state, until the whole army had given way and I left alone and unsupported, with the entire force of the enemy closing in upon me It is with peculiar pleasure that I am enabled to chronicle the fact that not a man of my brigade, so far as I could see, left the works without orders, and that I was able to march them out in good order and save the battery which I supported. Not until the men saw fleeing before them the whole army did my brigade exhibit any evidences of panic; and though something of the kind was manifested for a short while, they collected promptly and were of the number that covered for two days the retreat consequent upon this great disaster.

During the day following I was engaged frequently with the enemy's cavalry, and on every occasion successfully repulsed them. In one charge my command captured between 75 and 100 prisoners, 1 stand of colors, with many horses, saddles, bridles, and such other things as constituted the outfit of a Federal cavalryman.

While my loss was comparatively slight, it is with painful regret that I am obliged to record the death of Lieut. H. M. Wylie, adjutant of the Forty-second Georgia Regiment, and at the time acting on my staff. Conspicuous for gallantry as a soldier, efficiency as an officer, urbanity as a gentleman, the loss is no less to the service than to the friends who survive him. He fell, where the brave always fall, at his post, in the manful discharge of his duty.

Respectfully submitted.

M. A. STOVALL,        

Brigadier-General.

Capt. J. M. MACON,
        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. 700-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 235. — Itinerary of the Army of Tennessee.

No. 235.

Itinerary of the Army of Tennessee.¹

November 14 to 20.—Army at Florence, Ala.

November 21.—Left Florence. Encamped to-night at Rawhide.

November 22.—Encamped to-night at the junction of the Waynesborough road with the old Nashville road.

November 23.—Encamped to-night at the iron-works, four miles from Waynesborough.

November 24.—Encamped to-night near Henryville.

November 25.—Moved to Mount Pleasant.

November 26.—Encamped to-night at Andrew Polk's.

November 27.—Crossed over to the Pulaski and Columbia pike and encamped.

November 28.—Part of the army entered Columbia this morning, which was evacuated last night.

November 29.—Army pursuing the enemy.

November 30.—Franklin was attacked at about 3 o'clock this evening. Fighting continued until about 9 o'clock at night. Thirteen general officers killed, wounded, or captured.

December 1.—Army entered Franklin, which was evacuated last night. Troops engaged to-day in burying the dead.

December 2.—Moved within four miles of Nashville and established our lines. Army headquarters at Colonel Overton's, on the Franklin pike.

December 3 to 14.—Army around Nashville. No fighting of importance. Forrest's cavalry and some infantry sent around to Murfreesborough. Some fighting around Murfreesborough, but no results. Two transports with some 300 mules captured on the Cumberland by Chalmers, but the boats were afterward recaptured.

December 15.—Enemy attacked and drove our left in some confusion. Johnson's division, of Lee's corps, and Stewart's corps gave way. Some guns captured by the enemy.

December 16.—Yankees charged our lines and were repulsed. About 3 o'clock the whole line gave way in confusion, losing guns and property, retreating in great disorder to Franklin.

December17.—Army falling back. Headquarters to-night near Spring Hill.

December 18.—Headquarters to-night at Columbia.

December 19.—Headquarters still at Columbia.

December 20.—Moved to Pulaski.

December 23.—Left Pulaski for Bainbridge.

December 24.—Some of the army reached Bainbridge to-day; the rest on the route.

December 25.—Army at and around Bainbridge.

December 26.—Pontoon bridge was completed today and the army commenced crossing. Headquarters at Bainbridge.

December 27.—Headquarters moved to Tuscumbia to-day.

December 28.—Headquarters at Tuscumbia.

December 29.—Moving on toward Corinth.

December 30.—Headquarters at Burnsville, Miss.

December 31.—Headquarters at Burnsville.

January 1, 1865.—Still at Burnsville.

January 2.—Moved to Corinth in the cars.

_______________

¹ Kept by Col. Edwin J. Harvie, assistant inspector-general, C. S. Army.

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. 675

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 203. — Report of Col. James Biddle, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15-21, 1864.

No. 203.

Report of Col. James Biddle, Sixth Indiana Cavalry,

commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15-21, 1864.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SIXTH DIV., CAVALRY CORPS,                

MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,        

Edgefield, Tenn., December 24, 1864.

SIR: In accordance with directions from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Second Brigade in the recent campaign in Middle Tennessee:

The brigade broke camp at 3 a.m. on the 15th, and at 6 a.m. moved out on the Charlotte pike, as previously directed. After passing the outer lines of our works the command was formed in column of battalion to await further orders. At 8 a.m. orders having been received the brigade moved forward on the Charlotte, parallel with Colonel Harrison's (First) brigade. Four miles from the city we were met by the enemy in force, with artillery posted on the west side of —— Creek. Here the brigade was deployed, covering the road and closely supporting Colonel Harrison's (First) brigade. The battery attached to the division took position on the east side of the creek; the Second Brigade was brought up to support the battery. The enemy being dislodged from his position, the brigade moved forward some four miles, where the enemy again made a stand. Here the Sixth Indiana Cavalry supported the artillery, the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry filling a gap between the mounted portion of the Sixth Division and the First Division, General Croxton. This gap was afterward closed by General Croxton moving to the right, when the Fourteenth Illinois were withdrawn, and shortly afterward I ordered them to report to Colonel Harrison to fill a gap in his line. On the 16th the brigade moved from the Charlotte pike to the Hardin pike, taking charge of the division trains, and holding the bridge across Harpeth River. On the 17th the brigade moved across the country to the crossing of the Harpeth River by the Hillsborough pike, holding the fords at that place to prevent any flank movement of the enemy in that direction. While there we captured a captain and 12 men. On the 18th we moved in the direction of Franklin, on the east side of the river—not being able to cross owing to high water—and camped there. On the 19th moved to Franklin, where orders were received to move to Nashville, via Nashville and Franklin pike, where the command arrived December 21, 1864.

The men suffered severely owing to constant rains and the bad condition of the roads, they being unaccustomed to marching, from which cause I was not able to reach the enemy after the first day.

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

JAS. BIDDLE,        

Colonel Sixth Indiana Cavalry, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. E. T. WELLS,
        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. 606

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 195. — Report of Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, First Division, of operations October 24, 1864-January 14, 1865.

No. 195. 

Report of Brig. Gen. John T. Croxton, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, First Division, 

of operations October 24, 1864-January 14, 1865. 

MAJOR: I have the honor to report that on the 24th of October, 1864, this brigade was on the Tennessee River, in compliance with the following order, viz:

 

NASHVILLE, October 13, 1864.

Brig. Gen. JOHN T. CROXTON:

 

I have just ordered that the Ninth and Tenth Regiments Indiana Cavalry and the Tenth and Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry be mounted from the horses used by General Steedman, and they will be ordered to report to you to assist in guarding the river Send Colonel Roper's brigade to this place, as it is made up of detachments, and I desire to reorganize it and send it to the front as soon as possible. Get into position by the 14th or 15th at farthest, if possible, and report to me the point selected for your camp, and establish a line of couriers between it and Pulaski or Athens, whichever may be the nearest point of telegraphic communication.

 

GEO. H. THOMAS,        

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.

The effective strength of the brigade was about 1,000 men, two-thirds of whom were scattered from Lamb's Ferry to Florence, a distance of twenty-four miles, guarding the fords and ferries, and the remaining third in reserve, encamped near Center Star. General Thomas had promised to send the Tenth and Twelfth Tennessee and also the Ninth and Tenth Indiana to assist in guarding the river, but General Granger retained the latter-named regiments, and of the former only about 450 men reported, and these were so badly mounted and so carelessly managed that before the date mentioned they reported less than 200 effective men. These were stationed at Martin's Mills, three miles west of Florence, on the Waterloo road, and charged with watching Pride's, Garner's, and Cheatham's Ferries. On the evening of the 29th of October I obtained reliable information that Hood's entire army was at Town Creek, and would probably attempt to lay a pontoon bridge at Bainbridge during that night. I at once dispatched this information to General Thomas, and sent the Second Michigan Cavalry to re-enforce the guard at Bainbridge, a battalion to Raccoon Branch, two miles above Florence, and ordered the Tenth and Twelfth Tennessee from Martin's Mills to watch the ferry at Florence. No demonstration was made that night, but about 3 p.m. of the day following two brigades of Johnson's division, of Lee's corps, were suddenly thrown across the river in flat-boats, landing about three miles below Bainbridge, at a point never known or used as a ferry. The troops had been during the night previous crossed to an island near the northern bank, where they lay secreted during the day, and were rapidly crossed. As soon as it was discovered the troops above and below moved promptly to meet them, and fought until night-fall, but were unable to hold their ground. By that time the enemy had succeeded in driving them back until they held possession of the Huntsville and Florence road at Judge Posey's. During the night I gathered up all my available force at Shoal Creek bridge, at which point I remained, reconnoitering daily and driving in the rebel pickets in sight of Florence, until on the 5th of November my reconnoitering party was met and driven back by a column of rebel infantry, which proved to be Johnson's division. They attacked us at 10 a.m. at Shoal Creek, and, failing to drive us away, sent two brigades to a ford near the mouth of the stream, where they crossed and forced us to retire. The brigades recrossed during the night, and my outposts reoccupied the line of the creek.

On the 6th General Hatch arrived at Lexington with his division, and I reported to him. We remained in statu quo until the 20th, when the rebels began to move, and we accordingly by way of Lexington and Lawrenceburg until we joined the army at Columbia, on the 25th, where, by order of the general commanding the corps, I reported to Brigadier-General Johnson, under whose command I remained until we reached Edgefield.

On the morning of the 30th of November, when at Matthews' house, on the Franklin and Murfreesborough road, I was ordered to cross Harpeth and move to Douglass Church, on the Lewisburg pike, and if pressed by the enemy to recross the river at McGavock's Ford, one mile and a half from Franklin. About 10 o'clock the rebel advance attacked us, and skirmishing continued until about 2 o'clock, when their cavalry made a dash, and, being repulsed, moved up the river toward Hughes' Ford, while their infantry took their place I at once crossed my command, except the Second Michigan Cavalry, which was left to contest the advance of the rebel infantry, which it did very effectually, holding their position until nearly sundown, when, being forced to retire by overwhelming numbers, they recrossed the river just as the rebel cavalry that had crossed at Hughes' Mills made their appearance. I had just formed to meet them when Colonel Dorr reported the rebel infantry crossing between my position and Franklin, and, knowing the danger to the army from such a move, if successful, I left the First Tennessee and Second Michigan in position to resist the advance of the cavalry, and hurried with the Eighth Iowa and Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry to meet the infantry, and if possible drive them back. I discovered, however, the report to be unfounded, and at once moved' forward the Second Michigan and First Tennessee, while General Hatch moved on my left, and the whole of the rebel cavalry were driven back across the Harpeth.

On the morning of the 16th [15th] of December my command as ordered was in line of battle outside the intrenchments at Nashville and on the right of General Hatch, ready to move. When General Hatch moved, however, two brigades of infantry, said to belong to McArthur's division, were moving by the left flank across my front, and as soon as they were out of the way I moved forward, but found a rebel battery on the Charlotte pike which I could not pass, and as the troops on my right did not move up I wheeled the Second Michigan Cavalry to the right, and, supporting it with the Eighth Iowa, moved directly for the hills on which the rebels were posted, and from which they were driven at the first dash. I intended at once to mount and join General Hatch, but Colonel Alexander arriving directed me to remain, supporting General Johnson, which I did until sundown, when I proceeded, by order of the general commanding, to rejoin the corps on the Hillsborough pike. The rebels had already left General Johnson's front, and moving in the same direction as my brigade we encountered them on the Hardin pike, and I accordingly left the Fourth Kentucky Mounted Infantry at Williams' house to cover that road.

On the 17th [16th] my brigade was in reserve until nearly dark, when it was thrown across the Granny White pike, on the right of Knipe's division, but too late to accomplish its object. On the 18th [17th] we crossed the pike, passed around Brentwood, down the Wilson pike to Matthews' house, swimming the Harpeth at McGavock's Ford, encamping at Douglass Church, encountering only small parties of the enemy, and capturing near 130 prisoners.

Nothing of interest occurred until the 24th, when my brigade had the advance from Columbia on the Pulaski pike. We skirmished most of the day, and late in the evening drove the enemy across Richland Creek, capturing a few prisoners and a battle-flag. The Eighth Iowa Cavalry, Colonel Dorr commanding, had been sent by me to cover my right flank, and was directed to keep up communication with the First Tennessee, which formed the right of my line. Although 1 sent several times for it I was not able to get sight of it during the day, and at night in encamped several miles in rear of the brigade. Had it been up (and I know no good reason why it was not, as the firing indicated clearly the position of the brigade), we would, without doubt, have captured the enemy's artillery and many prisoners. After that day the brigade was not engaged.

On the 29th we were ordered from Bull's Mills to this place, with instructions to destroy Bear Creek bridge if practicable. As the transports had been lying in the river for four days (pointing clearly to the expectation of troops), and, as Hood's army reached Cherokee Station the night we reached Waterloo, I decided it was not possible to burn the bridge, and afterward, when it became possible, I determined it was not advisable. I sent Captain Johnston, Second Michigan Cavalry, and acting assistant inspector-general of my staff, with fifty men, over, on the night of the 6th instant, who captured and brought over an officer and 16 men of the Fourth Alabama Cavalry.

I send herewith a list of casualties in my command since September 1.* A report of prisoners captured has already been made the pro-vost-marshal.

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

JOHN T. CROXTON,        

Brigadier-General of Volunteers. 

        Major BEAUMONT,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps.

A D D E N D A.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION,         

Near Richland Creek, December 25, 1864. 

Lieut. Col. A. J. ALEXANDER,
        Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps:

COLONEL: I have the honor to forward herewith a rebel battle-flag captured from Chalmers' division yesterday evening. The capture was made by Corpl. Harrison Collins, Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry. The corporal saw the rebel standard bearer, under the direction of a rebel major, trying to rally his men. He determined to have the flag; led a charge, killed the major, routed his men, and secured the flag.

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

JOHN T. CROXTON,        

Brigadier-General, Commanding. 

_______________ 

* Omitted; shows 1 officer and 35 men killed, 8 officers and 107 men wounded and 6 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. 572-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 142. Report of Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery, of operations November 22-December 1, 1864.

No. 142.

Report of Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery,

of operations November 22-December 1, 1864.

HDQRS. BATTERY D,.FIRST OHIO LIGHT ARTILLERY,      

Near Columbia, Tenn., December 30, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the batteries of Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, from the 22d day of November, 1864, on which day they moved from Pulaski, Tenn., to the 1st day of December, 1864, at which time they arrived at Nashville, Tenn.:

Late in the day, November 21, 1864, I received orders to have the batteries of the division in readiness to move early the following day, 22d instant. In compliance, I notified the commanding officers of the batteries — Fifteenth and Twenty-third Indiana and Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery — of the division of the import of the order. Agreeably to your order, the batteries marched on the 22d instant, taking the road leading to Lynnville, Tenn.; reached Lynnville about 1 p.m.; went into camp short distance out from the town. Remained here until 2 p.m. of the day following, when I received orders to prepare to move at once. This order was immediately transmitted to Captain Harvey and Lieutenant Wilber, commanding, respectively, the Fifteenth and Twenty-third Indiana Batteries, and shortly thereafter the batteries were in line of march in direction of Columbia, Tenn., marching until 7 p.m., and when distant about six miles from Columbia, where they halted for the night. 3 a.m. the day following, 23d instant, I received orders to have the batteries in readiness to move immediately. This order I at once transmitted to the battery commanders of the division, and soon thereafter they were on the road marching in direction of Columbia, Tenn. When near Columbia I left the Lynnville and Columbia pike and crossed to the Mount Pleasant pike, which I reached about 8 a.m., and just as the advance of the enemy's cavalry was nearing town (Columbia), driving before them our own cavalry. I at once placed one section of Battery D, under Lieutenant Vincent, on the left of and near the pike, near the residence of Mrs. Wilson, and 600 or 700 yards in advance of the main line, and in rear of this section, on the main line, I stationed the Twenty-third Indiana Battery. Just to the right of the pike, and on the same line with the Twenty-third Indiana Battery, I stationed the other section of Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Artillery, under Lieutenant Reed, and still farther to the right I placed the Fifteenth Indiana Battery, on the main line. These positions they maintained until the night of the 25th instant, when, in obedience to orders, I withdrew them to the opposite side of the river (Duck) and placed them in park. While in position on south side of the river there were expended on the 25th instant a total of 198 rounds shell — 84 by Fifteenth Indiana Battery and 114 rounds by Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery. During the 26th and 27th of November the batteries remained in park. On the morning of the 28th instant the batteries were again placed in positions which were, in my opinion, well calculated to dispute the crossing of the river by the enemy — the Twenty-third and one section of the Fifteenth Indiana Batteries in such positions as to command the ferry or ford; the other section of Fifteenth Indiana Battery farther to the right and near the residence of Mrs. Brown; Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, to their left, on the line with Colonel Casement's brigade, commanding other crossing of the river. During the engagements of the 29th instant one section of Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, under Lieutenant Reed, was moved to different parts of the line and used with good effect at different times, silencing the guns on the enemy's extreme left. In these positions there were expended on the 28th and 29th instant a total of 834 rounds shell, 40 rounds canister, and 5 rounds case-shot — by Fifteenth Indiana Battery, 333 rounds shell and 40 rounds canister; by Twenty-third Indiana Battery, 297 rounds shell; and by Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, 204 rounds shell and 5 rounds case-shot. In obedience to orders the batteries were withdrawn early in the night of 29th instant, and immediately took up line of march on Columbia and Franklin pike, reaching Franklin 7 a.m. 30th instant. Crossed the river Big Harpeth, and one battery (Battery D, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery) was placed in Fort Granger, from which position it expended 160 rounds shell and 3 rounds case-shot. The Fifteenth and Twenty-third Indiana Batteries were placed in park after crossing the river, where they remained during the day. About 2 a.m. December 1 moved out, in obedience to orders, in direction of Nashville, where I arrived 12 m. December 1, 1864.

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

G. J. COCKERILL,  

Capt. and Chief of Arty., Third Div., Twenty-third Army Corps.

 Capt. THEO. Cox,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Third 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. 431-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 141. Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 141.

Reports of Col. Israel N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, commanding Third Brigade,

of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-THIRD INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with instructions received from Brigadier-General Cox, I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the operations of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th of November, the brigade being temporarily under my command on that day, owing to the illness of Col. Thomas J. Henderson, the brigade commander.

By direction of General Cox I placed the command in position early on the morning of the 30th, on the left of the Second Brigade, and with the left resting on the river and in the following order: One hundred and twentieth Indiana Infantry, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Infantry a short distance to the rear in reserve. Substantial works were at once thrown up, and such portions of our front as were not already obstructed by a well-grown and almost impenetrable hedge were covered with a strong abatis made of the hedges which ran at right angles with the works. At about 4 p.m. the enemy commenced his advance on our front in three lines of battle, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers. When within shell range, Battery M, Fourth Regulars, stationed on the left and rear of the brigade, opened upon the advancing lines. The front line of the enemy soon came within range of our muskets and was repulsed. A portion of their second line succeeded in reaching that part of the works held by the One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and planted their colors upon them. The color-bearer was killed, and the flag fell upon the outside. A number of the enemy succeeded in climbing over the works and were taken prisoners. This charge of the enemy was soon repulsed, and he made no further serious efforts to drive us from our position. The battery I have already mentioned, together with a battery in the fort across the river, kept up a continuous firing upon our front till after dark, which, I have no doubt, did much to check any further attempt of the enemy to advance upon us. In the meantime the One hundred and twentieth Indiana on the left was subjected to a terrific enfilading fire, both from the enemy's artillery and infantry. The regiment and its commander, Colonel Prather, in my opinion, deserve great praise for the heroic manner with which they held their position, the loss of which might have resulted in a defeat to our army. It is proper also that I should mention the stubborn and soldierly conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Packard, One hundred and twenty-eighth Indiana, and his command, in resisting the enemy after he had reached their works. The One hundred and twelfth Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Bond commanding, though in reserve, was exposed to a considerable fire during the engagement, and near nightfall was ordered by General Cox to re-enforce some portion of the Second Division.

The conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Morris, commanding Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers, as well as that of the officers generally, was praiseworthy, and that of the men was made more efficient by the aid and presence of Colonel Henderson, the brigade commander, who, though suffering from illness, could not withstand the desire to be present where his command was engaged, and who was along the lines during the engagement, and whose opportunities of witnessing their good conduct were equal to my own.

By direction of General Cox I withdrew the brigade, except the One hundred and twelfth Illinois, across the river at midnight.

I learn that a report of the casualties and the number of prisoners taken has already been forwarded to General Cox.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. STILES,

Colonel Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry.         

 Lieutenant STEARNS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

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

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command in the battles of the 15th and 16th instant, at Nashville, Tenn.:

On the morning of the 15th I moved the brigade from its position near Fort Negley to the right, in the rear and in support of a part of the Fourth Corps, on the Hillsborough pike. Near noon I marched farther to the right, following the First Brigade, and supporting the Sixteenth Corps and a portion of the cavalry. At night I took position on a high hill on the extreme right of the infantry, and occupied the adjoining heights by a strong force of skirmishers. Some time in the afternoon of the next day the cavalry on our right advanced, and the skirmishers of my command were ordered forward with them. About this time a successful charge was made by the infantry on my left, and the enemy in my front was driven from his position. At this time I received an order from General Cox to move two regiments forward, form on the left of the cavalry, and advance with it. I found, in attempting to comply with this order, that the cavalry, meeting with little or no resistance, was moving so rapidly that it was impossible for me to operate with it. Soon after I received orders to bivouac for the night.

My only loss was that of three enlisted men wounded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I. N. STILES,

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.        

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. 429-31

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 140. Report of Maj. David G. Bowers, Fifth Tennessee infantry, of operations November 22-30, 1864.

No. 140.

Report of Maj. David G. Bowers, Fifth Tennessee infantry,

of operations November 22-30, 1864.

HDQRS. FIFTH REGT. EAST TENNESSEE VOL. INFTY.,       

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In compliance with circular just received, bearing date of the present instant, I respectfully submit the following report of the operations of the Fifth Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, viz:

On the 22d of November, at daylight, I received orders to march, and took up the line of march from Pulaski, on the Columbia pike, and arrived at Lynnville at 11 a.m., a distance of twelve miles from Pulaski. At Lynnville we went into camp, and remained quiet until 1 p.m. November 23, at which time I received orders from General Cox to report to Colonel Casement, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division, and at the same time received a verbal order to report immediately with my regiment on the pike leading to Columbia. I fell in at the rear of the brigade, and marched until 7 p.m., and then went into camp, having marched a distance of eleven miles. I received orders to be ready to march at 5 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, and took up the line of march at daylight toward Columbia. We arrived at Columbia at 10 a.m. same day, having gone eight miles, and took position to the south of the town, and received orders to construct works of defense. At 2 p.m. I moved to the right and to the southwest of the town, and took position in line of battle, my right resting near the Mount Pleasant pike, and facing to the south. We there constructed a line of breastworks and sent out skirmishers, who engaged the enemy. We remained in that position until 7 p.m. on the 25th, when we received orders to be ready to move at a moment's notice. About 11 p.m. we moved slowly through the town, and crossed the Duck River; moved up the river half a mile, and rested for the night. Captain Sparks and thirty men were on picket, and did not cross the river until the morning of the 27th. On the 26th one man of Sparks' detail was wounded. On the morning of the 26th we moved in position, and there remained until the 29th. At 7 p.m. on the 29th we were ordered into line, and marched out half a mile on the Franklin pike, and took position behind earthworks to the left of the pike. We remained there half an hour, and then took up the line of march for Franklin. We arrived at Franklin at 5 a.m. on the morning of the 30th, having marched twenty-three miles during the night. Captain Ragle, Company K, and thirty men, brought up the rear of the brigade from Columbia, and arrived at Franklin about 9 a.m., having lost one man, who, from fatigue, was left by the way, and probably fell into the hands of the enemy. On the night of the 29th our wagons were attacked by the enemy, and one of them burned or destroyed, containing regimental baggage Part of our baggage, which was sent to Pulaski, by instructions from Colonel Henderson, for want of transportation, was destroyed on the 23d, including part of the regimental and company books and papers.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

DAVID G. BOWERS,          

Major, Commanding Fifth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry.

Capt. C. D. RHODES,

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. 428-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 139. Report of Col. John M. Orr, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 28-30, 1864.

No. 139.

Report of Col. John M. Orr, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry,

of operations November 28-30, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 124TH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers since the afternoon of the 28th of November, 1864, at which time my regiment was detached, by order of Col. J. S. Casement, from the brigade, and ordered to the rear to guard the crossing at Rutherford's Creek, near Columbia:

On the afternoon of the 29th I received orders from Major-General Schofield to picket all roads running east for a distance of one mile from the pike, between Rutherford's Creek and Spring Hill, Company B being left on picket on said creek. In compliance with orders, I moved the remainder of the command forward. After moving two or three miles, Company C was ordered by General Ruger to move off the road and into the woods to the support of his own pickets. The company was posted by his assistant adjutant-general, there to await the order of the general. Moving on to Poplar Grove, five companies (D, E, H, I, and K), under command of Lieut. Col. Henry H. Neff, were placed on a road leading east. Companies A, F, and G, under my own immediate command, advanced toward Spring Hill, some one mile and a half or two miles from Poplar Grove. While here cannonading could be distinctly heard in the direction of Spring Hill. Report soon came by courier that the enemy held the pike in my immediate front, and were advancing. Company A was immediately deployed as skirmishers, and advanced upon the enemy. Companies F and G were ordered to blockade the pike. They were then ordered to the front as skirmishers, which order was promptly obeyed, and soon connected their left with the right of the advancing line. Company A soon became hotly engaged with the enemy; Companies F and G were also soon engaged, forcing the enemy to retire, after which I ordered the companies previously stationed on the roads to move forward and join their command. Company A lost one man, seriously wounded through the left lung, who was left at a house near by, and fell into the enemy's hands. From here we moved on toward Franklin, where we arrived at 6 a.m. 30th, here going into position with the brigade. While here Company B joined us from off picket at Columbia, having been detained until the rear of the army had passed; Company C failed to report. It was placed on picket, by order of Brigadier-General Ruger, there awaiting his orders to be relieved, but he failing to give the necessary instructions, the company is supposed to have maintained its position awaiting for orders, but receiving none, was captured by the enemy.

 JNO. M. ORR,          

 Colonel, Commanding.

 Capt. C. D. RHODES,

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. 427-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 138. Report of Lieut. Col. John W. Hammond, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry, of operations November 22-30, 1864.

No. 138.

Report of Lieut. Col. John W. Hammond, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry,

of operations November 22-30, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTY-FIFTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, 

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of operations of my regiment from the 22d of November, 1864, to the date of our arrival at Franklin, Tenn.:

The regiment was with the brigade all the time covered by this report. The only items worthy of special notice (if any are) are the following: On the 25th two companies (E and F), under Major Baker, were sent up Duck River, on the north side, to reconnoiter the fords for five miles, which he did, and returned at 12.30 p.m., having found the fords impracticable and no enemy in sight of them. Company D was sent the same day to Rutherford's Creek to construct a foot bridge, which was done, and the company left there on picket, and joined the command at Spring Hill on the night of the 29th of November. The march from Columbia to Franklin, twenty-two miles, from 8 p.m. to 4.30 a.m., with scarcely a halt, would be worthy of notice if the regiment had been separated from the brigade. The regiment arrived at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 4.30 a.m., not having lost a single man, so far as known, by straggling or otherwise.

I was ordered to hold my regiment as a reserve to the First Brigade, guarding the ford at Columbia, on the 28th and 29th of November. There the regiment was under some shelling from the enemy's batteries, but, with its usual happy fortune, sustained no loss. Beyond this, nothing occurred out of the usual routine until the battle of Franklin, a report of which is not desired.

Respectfully submitted.

JOHN W. HAMMOND,       

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. C. D. RHODES,

Acting 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. 427

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 137. Report of Lieut. Col. W. Scott Stewart, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry, of operations November 22-30, 1864.

No. 137.

Report of Lieut. Col. W. Scott Stewart, Sixty-fifth Illinois Infantry,

of operations November 22-30, 1864.

HDQRS. SIXTY-FIFTH ILLINOIS VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,       

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In accordance with circular of December 5, I hereby have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Sixty-fifth Illinois from November 22 to November 30, 1864:

The regiment left Pulaski, Tenn., on the 22d day of November, at 7 a.m., marched seven miles, and went into camp near Lynnville; the next day it broke camp at 1 p.m., and marched about eight miles on the road toward Columbia; the march was continued early on the 24th, and the regiment arrived at Columbia at about noon, when it immediately took up position south of the city and intrenched strongly. At 11 o'clock the following day the regiment was ordered out on picket duty, and was posted as reserve of the skirmish line, behind a protecting rail breast-work. Shortly after the regiment was in position the enemy advanced in force, but he was checked as soon as the front was cleared from our retiring skirmishers by our promptly delivered fire. The enemy not deeming further attempt to advance his infantry prudent, brought his artillery into position, and the regiment was exposed to a severe fire from the front and the right flank. The rail fence proved to be a pernicious position, for the regiment crowded behind it, and to prevent a useless and great loss of life, the order was given to retire. With the loss of 1 officer and 3 men wounded (severely) and 1 private killed, the regiment fell about seventy-five yards back, under the shelter of the hill crest. The line was immediately established, and Companies B, G, and K, under command of Capt. R. S. Montgomery, advanced as skirmishers into the old position behind the rail breast-work. After dark the regiment, in compliance with received orders, marched back to camp, leaving the above-mentioned detachment on the skirmish line. It crossed the Duck River the same night, and went into camp one mile and a half north of Columbia early on the morning of the 26th. Companies B, G, K held, according to orders, their position against the enemy's pressing infantry and most destructive artillery, and at 7 o'clock on the 26th of November, after having lost more than one-third of their number, the companies retired in good order and fell back to the first line of breast-works, where they remained until the 27th of November; they crossed the river after dark and joined late at night the regiment. The regiment remained in camp until the 29th, when it in the evening resumed the march, and arrived at Franklin early in the morning of the 30th; distance, twenty-five miles.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. STEWART,     

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Sixty-fifth Illinois.

Capt. C. D. RHODES,

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

_______________

* Nominal list of casualties, on file, shows 3 men killed, 3 officers an 15 men wounded, and 5 men missing during the month of November, 1864.

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. 426

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 134. Reports of Col. Oscar W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 134.

Reports of Col. Oscar W. Sterl, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. 104TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,                      

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

SIR: In obedience to your command, I have the honor to transmit a report of the part taken by the One hundred and fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the battle at Franklin, Tenn.

The regiment (in connection with the brigade) reached Franklin, Tenn., from Columbia, about 5 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ultimo, and bivouacked in line until about 8 a.m., when the brigade went into position in two lines, on the right of the division — the One hundredth and One hundred and fourth Ohio formed the first line, the One hundredth on the right, its right resting on the Columbia pike, and the One hundred and fourth joining it on the left. The regiment immediately erected in its front a good breast-work, most of the companies putting head-logs upon their works. These were scarcely completed until the rebels advanced in two lines against the Second Brigade of the division, on our left. A curve in the works of the left wing of the regiment enabled the left companies to enfilade the lines of the rebels as they advanced, and the three left companies fired several rounds, doing good execution, when the rebel lines fell back in disorder and confusion. Immediately afterward a brigade of the Fourth Corps, which had been posted on a ridge about 500 yards in front of our works, began falling back, first in good line and order, and afterward in great haste and confusion, when it became apparent that the real charge was being directed against that part of the line occupied by this regiment, the One hundredth Ohio, and the brigade of the Second Division on the right of the pike. As the line of the Fourth Corps fell back from the ridge it was followed at a distance of not over 100 paces by the first line of the rebel infantry, which gained rapidly upon it, so that the men of the Fourth Corps had scarcely crossed our works until the ditches in front were filled with rebels, scrambling to get over the works, and in some instances, upon the right of the regiment and in front of the One hundredth Ohio, many of the rebels passed over the works in company with the rear of the Fourth Corps men. The confusion and hurry of the crossing of this advance line, their officers crying to them, to “get to the rear and reform,” came near throwing our line in confusion, and the three right companies borne back by them, and in doubt as to the commands, fell back a few paces, but in almost a moment afterward rushed back, with fixed bayonets, and regained their works. The Sixteenth and Twelfth Kentucky rushed from the second line simultaneously with them and joined them and the One hundredth Ohio, on the first line, from which (having overcome all the rebels who had crossed the works) they kept up a constant and destructive stream of fire, cutting down by hundreds the rebels who had accumulated and massed in the ditches and immediately in front. The other seven companies to the left, so soon as the Fourth Corps men had crossed, began to pour forth such a severe fire that though the rebels in greater number than their line had gained the ditches, were unable to attempt getting over the works, but were cut to pieces by the destructive fire of the men. The rebels in this charge were seen in three lines at least, but if in more, the smoke of the firing prevented us from seeing their approach. So soon as it became apparent that this charge was repulsed, the firing was stilled, and those of the rebels in the ditches who were not killed or wounded were ordered to ground arms and surrender, when about 300 climbed over the works and were sent to the rear. Then almost immediately a second charge of the rebels followed, equaled only in fierce determination and bravery by that of the first charge; this was again met by a fire equally as true in aim and destruction as before, resulting in the complete repulse of the enemy, when about 200 more prisoners were taken in over the works. By the time the second charge was repulsed night had come, and, though firing was afterward directed at our line from the front, and replied to by our men, yet no subsequent charge was successful in reaching near to our works. The regiment remained in the works until after 11 p.m., when, with their command, retired across the Harpeth River, and took up the line of march toward Nashville.

Eleven rebel battle-flags were taken in front of our lines (two by Color-Corpl. Newton H. Hall,* Company I, who shot their bearers, and crossed over and captured them during the heaviest of the firing); 9 of them were turned over to brigade headquarters; the others are reported as having been sent to friends at home by mail before it was known by the captors that they should be turned over, or orders received requiring it. The slaughter of the rebels was very great, the ditches were filled with them, and the ground for many rods in front was literally covered with their dead and wounded.

The officers and men all did nobly, and when the battle was ended and the rolls called scarcely any were missing.

Our casualties in this engagement were: Killed, 1 commissioned officer, 16 enlisted men; wounded, 2 commissioned officers, 32 enlisted men; missing, 6 enlisted men; total, 3 commissioned officers and 54 enlisted men.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

O. W. STERL,                       

Colonel 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

ACTG. ASST. ADJT. GEN., 1ST BRIG., 3D DIV., 23D A. C.

_______________

HEADQUARTERS 104TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

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

CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions, I would respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry Volunteers in the operations of the 15th and 16th of December, in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

Having been relieved from our position in the works to the right of the Franklin pike, in connection with the rest of the brigade, the One hundred and fourth moved to the right of the Granny White pike, in rear of the Fourth Corps; remained there until 1 p.m., when this regiment, in connection with the rest of the brigade, was moved off to the right, through the works, marching in the rear and parallel to the Fourth Corps and Smith's corps until we had gained the extreme right, when, changing direction, we were moved to the front, crossing the Hillsborough pike over the ridge on which the Fifteenth Indiana Battery was in position and into a corn-field, where the brigade was halted in column of regiments, the One hundred and fourth in front. Here we lost three men wounded from gunshots from the enemy posted on the ridge in front of us. The troops in our immediate front being at this time pressed very hard by the enemy the First Brigade was ordered up for support, the One hundred and fourth taking the advance. Moving up under protection of the ridge we obtained position without loss. Remaining quiet until after dark, the brigade was placed in position in line of battle, the One hundred and fourth on the right and flank. The night was passed in throwing up works. December 16, remained in position in our works until between 3 and 4 p.m., when the order came for the First Brigade to charge the works in trout of us. The One hundred and fourth having been placed on the flank in the works at an angle with our main line we were detained some little time in changing front. On reaching their works the enemy were found flying in confusion, having abandoned them without much resistance. The brigade again going into position in line of battle, the One hundred and fourth on the left, temporary works were thrown up during the night.

Very respectfully,

O. W. STERL,                       

Colonel 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

|Capt. J. H. BROWN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.|

_______________

* Awarded a 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. 421-3

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 131. Report of Lieut. Col. John S. White, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, of operations November 30, 1864

No. 131.

Report of Lieut. Col. John S. White, Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry,

of operations November 30, 1864.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH KENTUCKY REGT. VET. VOL. INFANTRY,              

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment on the 30th ultimo, in the engagement at Franklin. Tenn.:

This regiment arrived at Franklin at 12 noon of that day and went into position on east side of Columbia pike, with its right resting on same, and proceeded immediately to throw up works. Before completing these I received orders to stand to arms, the firing having commenced in front. I formed my men behind these works, where I remained quiet, until observing a portion of the line in my front give way, I ordered my regiment to charge the enemy, who were occupying the works so abandoned, which it did, engaging them in a hand-to-hand conflict, which lasted about forty minutes. I succeeded in driving them beyond the works, inflicting a heavy loss. Many prisoners were taken by my regiment; as to the exact number it is impossible for me to give an estimate. As the battle was still raging, I was compelled to send them to the rear. This position was held until about 10 p.m., when I was ordered to withdraw, which I did, moving in the direction of Nashville, at which place I arrived morning of December 1.

List of casualties: Commissioned officers — killed, 2; wounded, 3. Enlisted men — killed, 8; wounded, 40; missing, 16. Total, killed, 10; wounded, 43; missing, 16. Aggregate, 69.

I have the honor to be, respectfully,

J. S. WHITE,             

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Sixteenth Kentucky Regiment Vet. Infantry.

 Lieutenant STEARNS,

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. 417-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 130. Reports of Lieut. Col. Laurence H. Rousseau, Twelfth Kentucky Infantry, of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

No. 130.

Reports of Lieut. Col. Laurence H. Rousseau, Twelfth Kentucky Infantry,

of operations November 30 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. TWELFTH KENTUCKY VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,        

Nashville, Tenn., December 7, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report, in obedience to order just received, the operations of the Twelfth Kentucky Infantry at Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th of November, as follows:

My regiment was exceedingly fatigued by recent fighting and marching, when about noon of the 30th of November we marched into Franklin, and were assigned our position on the left of the Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, both regiments, as was also the Eighth Tennessee Infantry, being in reserve to the remainder of the brigade. The space of time between our arrival and the engagement of the 30th was employed in cooking and sleeping, the men being sadly in need of both food and rest. When it became evident that the enemy was determined to attack I moved my regiment, by order of General Reilly, under shelter of the slight but steep ascent upon which the line of works in our immediate front was built. Our position was at this time in rear about fifty paces of the extreme left of the brigade. The assault commenced a very few minutes after I had made this move. I had my men in readiness to move to any point the instant I should receive orders. After remaining in this position a very short period I observed the line of works at and near the old cotton-gin in the angle of the line being abandoned by our troops; seeing the danger, and well knowing the disastrous consequences that would follow if the enemy should gain the works at this point, I ordered my regiment on my own responsibility forward to the works. Upon our arrival at that point I found a sufficient extent of the line abandoned into which to throw my whole regiment. The enemy had possession of the outside of the works, their officers calling on them to hold the works, “that they had them, if they knew it.” Their colors were planted on our works, and a number of their men had gained the top and fired down into our ranks; even bayonets and clubbed muskets were used. After a severe struggle we gave the enemy a check, and our line was becoming stronger and stronger every moment by the return of those who had at first abandoned them.

To hold the works after this crisis against the assaults which were again and again made was a task comparatively easy. When the repulse was finally completed, and a skirmish line was ordered out in front, a portion of my men were sent out, and the regiment was ordered back to the position it occupied at the beginning of the assault. Some little time before we withdrew across the river a detail of twenty men, with non-commissioned officers and a captain, was called for, which I furnished; immediately after I furnished two companies to report to Colonel Hayes, commanding the One hundredth Ohio, at his own request, to enable him to hold his portion of his line, against which the enemy was making repeated assaults.

The fatigues which my regiment had to undergo were of the severest kind. My men were without rest and sleep four nights in succession, having performed fatigue and picket duty in very heavy details, fought until midnight at Columbia on the 29th, marched to Franklin by noon of the 30th, fought until 11 o'clock the night of the 30th, and then marched to this place.

In regard to the conduct of the officers of my regiment, I deem it unnecessary to make any remark; they all did their duty to the fullest extent. But I would beg leave to mention particularly the conspicuous bravery and coolness of Capt. John Travis, Company B, acting major; Thomas Speed, adjutant; Captains Brown, Company D, Crozier, Company O, and Lieut. J. B. Francis, Company I, and Lieut. D. Gray, Company L These all I saw myself, and can bear testimony to their valuable service.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 L. H. ROUSSEAU,              

 Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Lieutenant STEARNS,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. TWELFTH KENTUCKY VETERAN VOL. INFANTRY,        

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

I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry, in front of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th December, 1864:

Early on the morning of the 15th my regiment was withdrawn from the line of Works it had occupied on the right of the Franklin pike, and massed with the brigade in rear of the position the brigade had occupied. During the greater portion of the day, being in reserve, we remained inactive, merely moving in mass with the troops that were held in reserve. It was late in the afternoon, when apparently the flank movement to the right was completed, that we first came in contact with the enemy. This was when the First Brigade moved up in line to support the troops on the right of the Second Division, who were very briskly engaged. It was almost dark when we closed up to within a few paces of the rear, and were ordered to lie down and shelter ourselves behind the crest of the hill. In this position we remained perhaps two hours, when the troops in our front moved to the left, and we were ordered to advance to the crest of this hill and build works. The portion of the line occupied by my regiment in this position was the summit of the elevation, with the right refused to about a perpendicular to the left wing. In this position we threw up very secure works, which proved to be of great benefit on the next day. The morning of the 16th showed us that we were in very close proximity to the enemy, as we learned afterward by actual measurement only 400 yards from their line of works built the night previous. Until about 3 p.m. we remained in our works, sheltered from sharpshooting, which was very brisk. We annoyed the enemy to a considerable extent ourselves, and prevented their using a battery of four guns upon us, which was planted in our immediate front, and also prevented their removing it, when they attempted to do so. About 3 p.m. we received orders to charge the enemy's works. At the command my men moved out promptly, though in consequence of the right being refused to the rear, that portion of the regiment was unable to move with the left wing; however, being very energetically urged forward by Captain Travis, it was brought up very promptly. The enemy gave us several very severe volleys at first, but upon the whole made very feeble resistance. We went into their works and found we had captured 4 pieces of artillery, each with a limber-chest full of ammunition, 51 prisoners, and 40 intrenching tools, besides a considerable number of small-arms, which I neglected to have gathered up until too late, and found that some other troops had removed them.

In the operations of the two days my loss was small, only 5 men slightly wounded.

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

L. H. ROUSSEAU,   

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry.

 Capt. J. H. BROWN,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 415-7

List of Those Who Sheltered in the Carter House Basement During the Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864

• Fountain Branch Carter
• Moscow Branch Carter
• Mary Orlena Carter
• Walter Fountain Carter
• Hugh Ewing Carter
• Anna Josephine Carter
• Mary Alice Carter McPhail
• Alice Adelaide McPhail
• Orlando Carter McPhail
• Marcus Eugene McPhail
• Frances Hodge Carter
• Annie Vick Carter McKinney
• Sarah Holcomb Carter
• Sarah McKinney Carter
• Fountain McKinley Carter
• Ruth James Carter
• Susanna Carter
• Oscar Carter
• Tom Carter
• Jackson Carter
• Calfurnia Parrish Carter
• Gustavus Carter
• Johann Albert Lotz
• Margaretha Lotz
• Matilda Lotz
• Augustus Lotz
• Paul Lotz

SOURCE: Eric A. Jacobson, CEO of Battle of Franklin Trust.  He notes, "there may be 2-3 more who were in the basement, but we have not been able to find any rock solid evidence as of yet.”

A big shout out to Eric for supplying this list.  He is the author and co-author of the following books about the battle:

• For Cause & for Country: A Study of the Affair At Spring Hill & the Battle of Franklin, (which he was nice enough to autograph for me several years ago when he lead a tour of Carnton. You will find my review posted HERE.)
• Baptism of Fire: The 44th Missouri, 175th Ohio, and 183rd Ohio at the Battle of Franklin
• Tennessee Hero Confederate Brigadier General John Adams
• The McGavock Confederate Cemetery: "A Revised and Updated Compilation"

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 128. Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of operations November 30, 1864.

No. 128.

Report of Brig. Gen. James W. Reilly, U.S. Army, commanding First Brigade,

of operations November 30, 1864.

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

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to report the operations of the First Brigade-composed of the One hundred and fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. O. W. Sterl; One hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes; Sixteenth Kentucky Veteran Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. S. White; Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Infantry, Lieut. Col. L. H. Rousseau, and Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, Capt. J. W. Berry — in battle of 30th ultimo at Franklin, Tenn.

The brigade was placed in position on the right of the division, on left of Columbia pike, facing south, or nearly so, the right of the brigade resting on pike, the left connecting with the Second Brigade. Owing to the Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky Volunteer Veteran Infantry being rear guard upon the evacuation of position on north side of Duck River, near Columbia, on evening of 29th ultimo, they did not reach Franklin for some considerable time after the other portion of command, in consequence of which the brigade was formed with One hundredth Ohio Infantry on right, One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry on left, with Eighth Tennessee Infantry in reserve. The first line of the brigade, immediately upon being placed in position, commenced intrenching, and succeeded in getting up an ordinary line of works, with head-logs. Upon the arrival of the Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, about 10 a.m., they were put in reserve. The brigade had strong line of skirmishers thrown well forward. At about 4.30 p.m. the enemy were discovered approaching in strong force upon a portion of the Fourth Corps, in front of brigade; the advance was rapid, the troops remaining until the enemy were in such close proximity to them before they retired, that the enemy's heavy assaulting columns pushed them back rapidly over our line of works, the enemy following closely and determinedly.

The officers of my command and myself were using our utmost to prevent our men from firing until all of our own men could succeed in getting into the works. This, with the enemy pushing close after, and in some cases with our own men on the works, caused a momentary abandonment of the line by a portion of the right of the brigade. The line was rapidly rallied by their officers and with the assistance of the Sixteenth Kentucky, that at this moment led by Lieutenant-Colonel White, who, seeing and appreciating the disaster that would be caused if our line should be broken, gallantly ordered and led his regiment forward to the breach before orders to that effect could reach him. That portion of the enemy who had gained inside our works were either killed or taken prisoners. The enemy made various and continued assaults upon the line, but were each time repulsed with fearful slaughter. Every inch of the works was held, both inside and outside, until the brigade was ordered to fall back. The One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel McCoy, was ordered up, or at least came up, gallantly and nobly, and mingled with our men in rear of the works during the remainder of the fight. The Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. John Russell, was ordered up, and right nobly did they come and render valuable services. The Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Rousseau, in reserve in rear of the One hundred and fourth Ohio Infantry, pushed his men forward to the works and did valuable service.

It is proper for me to say that, with the exception of the aid rendered by the One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and Forty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as herein stated, the brigade received no assistance during the fight, unless, perhaps, some of the men coming in over the works may have rallied in or behind the lines.

I cannot in justice but mention the efficiency and bravery of Col. O. W. Sterl, and also that of Lieut. Col. E. L. Hayes, who, with his regiment, particularly distinguished themselves.

Lieutenant-Colonels White and Rousseau have already been mentioned. In fact, the regimental officers and men of the brigade nobly sustained the reputation earned on other fields, to which the flags captured, some twenty, the number of prisoners taken, the almost unparalleled slaughter of the enemy in front of their works, the casualty list, all bear ample and indisputable evidence.

I herewith forward a list of the casualties in the brigade.

Among the many brave men killed I regret to report Capt. H. D. Palmer, Sixteenth Kentucky; Capt. W. W. Hunt, One hundredth Ohio; Lieut. W. F. Kemble, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. M. A. Brown, One hundredth Ohio Infantry; Lieut. J. J. Hiser, Sixteenth Kentucky, and Lieut. F. M. Jackman, Twelfth Kentucky Veteran Infantry. Among the wounded, Lieut. Col. J. S. White, Sixteenth Kentucky; Lieutenants Markley, Brown, and Wood, Sixteenth Kentucky; Lieut. S.S. Cope, One hundred and fourth Ohio; Lieut. H. Obee, One hundredth Ohio; and Lieut. G. W. Clarke, Twelfth Kentucky Infantry.

My staff officers performed their duties bravely and efficiently. I regret to report that Capt. D. D. Bard, my assistant adjutant-general, was mortally wounded whilst fearlessly discharging his duty.

I would respectfully call attention to the reports of regimental commanders as to individual acts of bravery by officers and enlisted men that would more properly come under their notice.

The reports, no far as received, are herewith forwarded.

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

 J. W. REILLY,         

 Brigadier-General, Commanding.

_______________

List of casualties in First Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps,

at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864.

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Missing.		Total.		Aggregate.
	O	M	O	M	O	M	O	M
8th Tennessee.				5		2		7	7
12th Kentucky.	1	5		26	1	12	2	43	45
16th Kentucky.	2	8	4	38		9	6	55	61
100th Ohio	2	5	1	26		31	3	62	65
104th Ohio	1	9	2	28		15	3	51	54
Total	6	27	7	123	1	69	14	218	232

[O = Officers     M = Men]

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. W. REILLY,         

 Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.

Capt. THEO. COX,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Div., 23d Army Corps.

_______________

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

Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I herewith have the honor to report nine battle-flags captured at Franklin, on the 30th ultimo, by First Brigade, including two captured by the One hundred and seventy-fifth Ohio. There were twenty in all captured, but many were torn up and sent home by the privates, and some others were lost.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. W. REILLY,         

 Brigadier-General, Commanding.

 Capt. THEO. Cox,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Third 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. 411-3