Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 178. Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U.S. Army, commanding Provisional Detachment (District of the Etowah), of operations November 29, 1864 - January 13, 1865.

No. 178.

Report of Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman, U.S. Army, commanding Provisional Detachment (District of the Etowah), of operations November 29, 1864 - January 13, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE ETOWAH,        

Chattanooga, January 27, 1865.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent campaign which resulted in the defeat of the enemy before Nashville and his retreat to Alabama: In obedience to the orders of Major-General Thomas, my command—consisting of the Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Sixty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Sixth Indiana (dismounted) Cavalry; Fourteenth, Sixteenth, and Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops; detachments of the Fourteenth, Twentieth, and Seventeenth Army Corps, organized into a provisional division and commanded by Brig. Gen. Charles Cruft; and the Eighteenth Ohio and Twentieth Indiana Batteries; amounting in the aggregate to about 5,200 men—moved from Chattanooga, by railroad, on the 29th day of November, and proceeded to Cowan, Tenn., where I took my command from the cars the next morning at 8 o'clock and placed it in position. At 6 p.m. of the same day I received an order, by telegraph, from the major-general commanding to proceed as rapidly as possible with my command and report to him at Nashville, arriving at that place at 5 p.m. on the 1st day of December. By an accident to one of the trains the command of Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops, was detained until the morning of the 2d of December, when the train conveying his troops was attacked by the cavalry of the enemy five miles south of Nashville. I herewith submit Colonel Johnson's report of his encounter with the enemy.

On the 2d day of December I moved my command, by order of the major-general commanding, into position, and occupied and fortified the ridge between the Murfreesborough and Nolensville pikes, and crossing the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad on Rains' farm.

December 3, by order of Major-General Thomas, I withdrew my command from the position occupied the day previous and placed it on a line indicated near the city of Nashville, on the north side of Brown's Creek, extending from the Nolensville pike across the Murfreesborough pike, the left resting near the house of Major Lewis, a short distance from the Lebanon pike. This position was strongly fortified by my troops, and held until they were withdrawn to participate in the action on the 15th of December.

December 5 and 7, by order of Major-General Thomas, I directed a small brigade of colored troops, under the command of Col. T. J. Morgan, of the Fourteenth U.S. Colored Troops, and the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers and Sixth Indiana (dismounted) Cavalry, under the command of Colonel Biddle, to reconnoiter the position of the enemy in my front. This force on both days drove the enemy from the left of the works constructed by my command on Rains' farm, which he had taken possession of after my troops abandoned them. These reconnaissances were conducted by the officers in Command with prudence, energy, and ability, and were successful in developing the enemy's position. A detailed account of the result will be found in the report of Colonel Morgan, herewith forwarded.

December 11, in compliance with the order of Major-General Thomas, I directed Brigadier-General Cruft to reconnoiter the enemy's position. This reconnaissance, made by a brigade under the command of Col. J. G. Mitchell, owing to the whole surface of the country being covered with ice, rendering it almost impossible for men or animals to move over uneven ground, and on account of the steep slopes to be ascended in approaching the position of the enemy, was a difficult duty, but it was accomplished and the position of the enemy developed.

December 13, in obedience to the orders of Major-General Thomas, a brigade of General Cruft's troops, under the command of Col. A. G. Malloy, reconnoitered in front of my position, and felt the enemy's right. The ground being still covered with smooth ice rendered the movement tedious and hazardous, but under all the disadvantages was skillfully executed, the enemy forced into his works, and the object of the reconnaissance accomplished. The movement was made under the immediate direction of General Cruft.

December 15, the weather having moderated, and the ground thawed sufficiently to enable men and animals to stand up, in obedience to the orders of Major-General Thomas, the Provisional Division of troops, under the command of Brigadier-General Cruft, moved at 4 a.m., and relieved the troops of the Fourth and Twenty-third Army Corps, occupying their exterior line of works and picketing the front of this line from the Acklen place to Fort Negley, and commanding the approaches to the' city by the Granny White, Franklin, and Nolensville turnpikes. Brig. Gen. J. F. Miller reported his command to me at 4 a.m., and occupied the works from Fort Negley to the Lebanon pike, commanding the approaches to the city by the Murfreesborough, Chicken, and Lebanon turnpikes. Brig. Gen. J. L. Donaldson reported his command at 6 o'clock, and occupied the works from the right of General Cruft's command to the Tennessee River, commanding the approach to the city by the Hardin and Hillsborough turnpikes. Having thus disposed the troops as directed for the protection of the city—fully commanding all its approaches—and rendering the public property and supplies secure against sudden attack from either flank I moved out at 6.30 a.m., in obedience to the orders of Major-General Thomas—with the Twelfth, Thirteenth, and One hundredth Regiments of Colored Troops, under the command of Colonel Thompson, of the Twelfth Colored; the Fourteenth, Seventeenth, Forty-fourth, and a detachment of the Eighteenth Regiment Colored Troops, under command of Col. T. J. Morgan, of the Fourteenth Colored; the Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, and the Second Battalion, Fourteenth Army Corps, under command of Lieut. Col. C. H. Grosvenor; and the Twentieth Indiana and Eighteenth Ohio Batteries—to attack the enemy's right, employ his forces at that point, and as far as possible by my movements to mislead him as to the real point of attack. The fog was very dense, and delayed somewhat movements on the entire line. A few minutes before 8, when the fog had partially cleared away and all my dispositions had been made for attack, Brig. Gen. W. D. Whipple, chief of staff' of the Department of the Cumberland, instructed me, by order of Major-General Thomas, as to the time of attack. At 8 o'clock, the time designated, the attack was made by the troops of Colonel Morgan and Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor, Colonel Morgan commanding, advancing from the Murfreesborough turnpike toward Riddle's Hill, rapidly driving in the pickets of the enemy and assaulting his line of works between the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and the Murfreesborough turnpike. In this assault the troops behaved well, carrying a portion of the enemy's works, but as they were exposed to a destructive fire, the enemy rapidly re-enforcing that part of his line, and as my object was to deceive the enemy as to the purposes of the major-general commanding, I withdrew this force, and immediately reformed it for an attack on a force occupying an earth-work east of and within short musket range of the Rains house. This attack was made at 11 a.m., and resulted in my troops getting possession of the Rains house, and other adjacent brick outbuildings, which were loop-holed and held until the next morning. While these attacks were being made by the troops under Colonel Morgan, Colonel Thompson's command moved across Brown's Creek, between the Nolensville and Murfreesborough turnpikes, and attacked and carried the left of the front line of works of the enemy resting on the Nolensville pike. This portion of the enemy's line was held by Colonel Thompson's command until the morn-in, of the 16th.

During the operations of my command against the enemy's right, General Cruft, holding the exterior line protecting the city, and watching vigilantly all the movements, saw an opportunity to use his artillery on a flying column of the enemy's troops, and promptly ordered the Twenty-fourth [Twenty-fifth?] Indiana Battery, Captain Sturm, to open, which he did with effect, scattering and demoralizing the force.

Darkness closed the operations of the day; all the orders I received from Major-General Thomas had been executed—his plans successful, and victory crowned our efforts. Throughout the day, and until the action closed at dark, my command behaved nobly, making the several assaults ordered with cool, steady bravery, retiring only when ordered to do so. A portion of the command suffered severely; but no troops, behaving as gallantly as they did in assaulting fortified positions, could have suffered less, or borne their losses more heroically.

December 16, at 6 a.m., in obedience to the orders of Major-General Thomas, my command moved on the enemy's works, and found that he had evacuated the right of his line in my front during the night. Rushing out my troops on the Nolensville pike, rapidly driving his cavalry, I took up a position between the Nolensville pike and the left of the Fourth Corps, commanded by Brig. Gen. T. J. Wood, my right resting on the railroad, my left refused near the Nolensville pike, and covering the entire left of our line, engaging and putting to flight a portion of the enemy's cavalry. General Cruft, as I advanced with the troops under my immediate command, uncovering the approaches to the city by way of the Murfreesborough and Nolensville turnpikes, promptly pushed forward a brigade of his troops, under the command of Col. John G. Mitchell, and occupied Riddle Hill, protecting our rear against any attempt of the enemy to use his cavalry to annoy us or interfere with our ammunition or ambulance train. At 1 p.m., in obedience to an order from Major-General Thomas, my command formed a junction with the command of General Wood, and my troops united with General Wood's in assaulting the enemy, who was strongly posted and fortified on Overton's Hill. In this assault, although unsuccessful, the troops engaged—two brigades of General Wood's, and Colonel Thompson's brigade of colored troops, and Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor's brigade from my command—exhibited courage and steadiness that challenged the admiration of all who witnessed the charge. The concentrated fire of musketry and canister from the enemy's works forced them back, with severe loss They were immediately reformed to renew the assault, which would have been promptly made, but a division of General Wood's troops, as I was informed, on the right of the Franklin pike, taking advantage of the withdrawal by the enemy of a portion of his troops in their front to re-enforce Overton Hill, made a charge, which caused the entire line of the enemy to give way and retreat rapidly and in disorder. My troops, in conjunction with General Wood's, immediately pursued, rapidly, taking a number of prisoners. The pursuit was continued until after dark, when our exhausted troops bivouacked for the night near Brentwood.

December 17, my command, in obedience to orders, continued the pursuit, covering and protecting the left of our line, moving from Brentwood, on the Wilson pike, to a point four miles south of Brentwood, and crossing from that point by a southwest road to Franklin, where it bivouacked for the night, not being able to cross the Harpeth River, which was much swollen by the heavy rain of the night and day previous, and the bridges destroyed by the enemy.

December 18, my command moved across the river and proceeded about three miles beyond Franklin, on the road to Spring Hill, when, in obedience to orders, I returned with my troops to Franklin and marched to Murfreesborough, to proceed by rail to Decatur. Moving General Cruft's troops from Nashville by the Murfreesborough pike, the whole command was concentrated at Murfreesborough on the evening of the 20th. At Murfreesborough I received dispatches from Col. A. J. Mackay, chief quartermaster of the department, informing me that the transportation necessary to move my command by rail to Decatur was on the way from Chattanooga, and transports conveying supplies would meet me at such point as I might designate. These orders and dispositions of Colonel Mackay were all perfect, but the severe cold weather, the injuries to the road, and the criminal negligence, incompetency, and indifference of a portion of the railroad employés, occasioned serious delays.

On the morning of the 22d of December my command moved from Murfreesborough, reaching the mouth of Limestone River on the evening of the 26th, where I found Brig. Gen. R. S. Granger, with his command, with four gun-boats, one armed transport (the Stone River), and five transports, with rations and forage forwarded from Chattanooga for my command.

December 27, having constructed the trestles and secured the plank necessary to bridge a lagoon, on the south side of the Tennessee River, the night previous, I moved a portion of my command, with the transports, convoyed by the gun-boats, down the river to a point three miles above Decatur, where a landing was effected, the lagoon rapidly bridged, the troops crossed, and pushed out in the direction of Decatur. The enemy attempted to check the crossing of the troops with artillery, which he posted within half a mile of where we were crossing the lagoon, but my advance having crossed before this artillery opened was rapidly pushed out and drove it off. At 3 p.m. the whole of my infantry had crossed, and at 7 p.m. was in possession of Decatur.

December 28, my artillery and cavalry was crossed; the command rationed and moved out three miles on the road to Courtland. The cavalry—the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, Colonel Palmer, and detachments of the Second Tennessee, Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Indiana, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Prosser, amounting in the aggregate to about 650 effective men, Col. William J. Palmer, of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, commanding—moved from Decatur at 8 p.m., and pushed rapidly forward, encountering the enemy six miles from the river, on the Courtland road, and at once attacked and routed him, capturing his artillery—a section of six-pounder brass guns.

December 29, my command moved at daylight, the cavalry in advance, and went into camp at 5 o'clock within four miles of Court-land. The infantry met no opposition. The cavalry skirmished most of the day in advance of the infantry, driving the enemy rapidly toward Courtland. At Pond Spring, three miles northeast of Courtland, he made a stand, but was immediately charged and routed by my cavalry. The report of Colonel Palmer, commanding the cavalry, herewith forwarded, gives a full account of this affair.

December 30, my infantry moved to Courtland, and went into camp on the south side of the town on Big Nance Creek, the cavalry pushing on as far as Leighton, thirteen miles west of Courtland. At 5 p.m. I received a dispatch from Colonel Palmer, written at Leighton, asking my permission to pursue, capture, and destroy Hood's pontoon train. I immediately gave him permission to exercise his own judgment in the matter. He decided to pursue, and in the most splendid manner not only accomplished all he proposed—the destruction of the pontoon train—but pursued, captured, and destroyed a supply train of 110 wagons. Colonel Palmer's command, in this enterprising and daring expedition, captured and destroyed upward of 300 wagons, nearly 1,000 stand of arms, a large number of mules and oxen, and captured and turned over 2 pieces of artillery, 200 prisoners, including 13 commissioned officers, and 170 serviceable mules. To support the movement of Colonel Palmer I advanced two brigades of infantry, under command of Colonel Thompson, to Town Creek, seven miles west of Courtland, and one brigade, under command of Colonel Salm, to Leighton. General Cruft's division, with the artillery, remained at Courtland.

January 3, having learned that Colonel Palmer had been successful, and receiving an order from Major-general Thomas to return with my command to Chattanooga, I moved with my infantry and artillery for Decatur, reaching that place on the evening of the 5th of January.

January 4, at 1 a.m., I moved with the artillery and sick of the command on board the transports for Chattanooga, leaving Brig. Gen. Cruft to return with the infantry by rail. General Cruft was delayed several days on his return by an order from Major-General Thomas directing him to pursue the rebel General Lyon. This portion of the campaign, owing to the heavy rains swelling all the streams out of their banks and rendering the roads almost wholly impassable, was very arduous, but was skillfully and satisfactorily conducted by General Cruft, resulting in the capture of a part of Lyon's men, and driving all who escaped out of the country utterly demoralized. The report of General Cruft, herewith forwarded, gives a detailed history of his operations in pursuit of General Lyon. January 13 General Cruft returned to Chattanooga with his command.

The following table will show the casualties of my command during the entire campaign:

Command.	Killed.		Wounded.		Missing.		Total.
	O	M	O	M	O	M	O	M
14th U.S. Colored Infantry.1		4		41		20		65
44th U.S. Colored Infantry.	1	2		27	2	49	3	78
16th U.S. Colored Infantry.		1		2				3
18th U.S. Colored Infantry.		1		5		3		9
17th U.S. Colored Infantry.	2	14	4	64			6	78
12th U.S. Colored Infantry.2	3	10	3	99			6	109
13th U. S. Colored Infantry.	4	51	4	161		1	8	213
100th U.S. Colored Infantry.		12	5	116			5	128
18th Ohio Infantry3	2	9	2	38		9	4	56
68th Indiana Infantry		1		7				8
Provisional Division, Army of the Cumberland	1	19	3	74		33	4	126
20th Indiana Battery4			2	6			2	6
Total	13	124	23	640	2	115	38	879

[O = Officers     M = Men]

¹ Organized as the First Colored Brigade, Col. T.J. Morgan commanding.

² Organized as the Second Colored Brigade, Col. C. R. Thompson commanding.

³ Included in the Provisional Division, Army of the Cumberland, Brigadier-General Cruft commanding.

⁴ Captain Osborne.

The larger portion of these losses, amounting in the aggregate to fully 25 per cent. of the men under my command who were taken into action, it will be observed fell upon the colored troops. The severe loss of this part of my troops was in their brilliant charge on the enemy's works on Overton Hill on Friday afternoon. I was unable to discover that color made any difference in the fighting of my troops. All, white and black, nobly did their duty as soldiers, and evinced cheerfulness and resolution such as I have never seen excelled in any campaign of the war in which I have borne a part.

In closing this brief report of the operations of my command during the campaign, I feel that justice compels me to mention several officers who distinguished themselves by their energy, courage, and unremitting efforts to secure success.

Brig. Gen. Charles Cruft performed herculean labor in organizing, arming, and equipping the detachments of recruits, drafted men, and furloughed soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee to the number of 14,000-10,000 of whom took part in the campaign, in the battles before Nashville and in guarding the railroad defenses south of the Tennessee River. Six thousand of these men were commanded by the general in person in the field from the commencement until the close of the campaign. The general deserves the thanks of the country for the able and efficient manner in which he has performed this duty.

Brig. Gen. John F. Miller, commanding post of Nashville, displayed energy, efficiency, and promptness in placing his troops in position to hold a portion of the exterior line protecting the city of Nashville.

I am much indebted to Brigadier-General Donaldson, chief quartermaster of the department, for his efficient and energetic efforts to fit out my command on its arrival at Nashville, and for the assistance he rendered with the armed men of his department in protecting the city of Nashville pending the engagement. My thanks are due Col. A. J. Mackay, chief quartermaster Army of the Cumberland, for his promptness in furnishing transportation to convey my command from Mur-freesborough to Decatur, and forwarding supplies for my troops, by transports, to the mouth of Limestone River.

Col. Felix Prince Salm, Sixty-eighth New York Veteran Volunteers, commanded a provisional brigade of my troops, and exhibited high qualities as a soldier. I respectfully recommend him for promotion.

Col. T. J. Morgan, Fourteenth U.S. Colored Troops, behaved gallantly. I respectfully recommend him for promotion.

Lieut. Col. C. H. Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, behaved nobly in leading a charge on the rebel works, on the Rains place.

The following officers of my staff accompanied me on the campaign and discharged all the duties that devolved upon them in a most satisfactory manner: Col. C. S. Cotter, First Ohio Light Artillery, chief of artillery; Maj. S. B. Moe, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. A. Mills, Eighteenth U.S. Infantry, inspector; Capt. M. Davis, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Capt. W. B. Steedman, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Lieut. J. G. McAdams, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, acting commissary of subsistence. Col. H. B. Banning, One hundred and twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, served me ably as provost-marshal; Capt. A. R. Keller, assistant quartermaster, reported to me, and rendered me efficient service as quartermaster for my command.

I am deeply indebted to Maj. S. B. Moe, my assistant adjutant-general, for his efficient and gallant services on the field, as well as for the valuable aid which his large experience as a railroad man enabled him to render me in pushing through the trains conveying my troops from Chattanooga to Nashville, and from Murfreesborough to Decatur.

Captain Osborne, Twentieth Indiana Battery, and Captain Aleshire, Eighteenth Ohio Battery, deserve praise for the effective and gallant manner in which they handled their respective batteries.

I am pleased to mention Mr. Stevens, superintendent of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, Mr. Talmadge, master of transportation at Chattanooga, and Mr. Bryant, assistant superintendent Nashville and Chattanooga road, as most honorable exceptions among the railroad men who have been censured by me for neglect of duty. These gentlemen did everything in their power to aid me in getting over the railroad with my command. I respectfully commend them for their efforts.

I respectfully recommend Col. William J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, for promotion for distinguished, gallant, and successful services in pursuing, capturing, and destroying the pontoon and supply train of the enemy.

I fully concur in all that General Cruft has said in his report in commendation of the officers of his command.

Mr. James R. Hood, of Chattanooga, accompanied me throughout the campaign, and rendered me efficient and valuable services as a volunteer aide.

Respectfully submitted.

JAMES B. STEEDMAN,      

Major-General, Commanding.

 [Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE,

            Chief of Staff.]

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. 502-9

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. 129. Report of Col. Charles C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 129.

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

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

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

Spring Hill, Tenn., December 22, 1864.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I respectfully submit herewith reports of regimental commanders.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHAS. C. DOOLITTLE,      

Colonel Eighteenth Michigan Infantry, Commanding.

Capt. THEO. COX,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 413-5

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 126. Reports of Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division, of operations November 22-29 and December 15-16, 1864

No. 126.

Reports of Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, commanding

Third Division, of operations November 22-29 and December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Columbia, Tenn., December 29, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and engagements of this division from the 22d to the 29th of November ultimo, inclusive:

On the morning of the 22d of November, in accordance with orders received from headquarters Army of the Ohio, I moved the division from Pulaski to Lynnville, and, in view of the report that the enemy were in force at Lawrenceburg, placed Reilly's brigade upon commanding ground on the west of the village and of Lynn Branch, covering the Lawrenceburg road. Henderson's and Casement's brigades were placed north of the village, also on the west side of the turnpike. Wagner's division, of the Fourth Corps, which followed my command and reported to me by order of the major-general commanding, I put in position on the south and southwest of the place, the whole force forming a semicircle, resting upon the turnpike north and south of the village, and all the roads being held by outposts and chains of vedettes. Nothing was seen of the enemy except that on the morning of the 23d a reconnoitering party of cavalry approached on the Lawrenceburg road and captured two men of Reilly's brigade, who were, without authority, beyond the pickets. The commanding general arrived in person about noon of the 23d, and I received orders to move my division toward Columbia about ten miles, so as to cover the crossing of the Columbia pike by the Mount Pleasant and Shelbyville road. The division was immediately put in motion and reached the point designated at dusk and went into camp. Casement's brigade being in advance was put in position with its right resting upon commanding ground near the junction of the roads, and Henderson's and Reilly's brigades being respectively on the left. Nothing was seen of the enemy, though reports were received that they were in force at Mount Pleasant, nine miles distant, and moving toward Columbia.

November 24, at 4 a.m., received orders to move at once with my division to Columbia, and to cover that place during the concentration of the army there, the enemy being reported to be pushing our cavalry rapidly back on the Mount Pleasant and Columbia pike. The division was immediately put in motion, Reilly's brigade in advance, followed by Henderson's, and Casement's brigade bringing up the rear, covering the train. At a point two miles from Columbia I determined to take a cross-road intersecting the Mount Pleasant pike one mile and a half from the former town, and, marching the head of the column rapidly, reached the last-named turnpike just as the cavalry brigade, commanded by Colonel Capron, reached the same point in hasty retreat before a very superior force of the enemy's cavalry, under Forrest, who had been pressing them hard for several miles. This was at 7 a.m. l ordered Reilly's brigade into position on the right (west) of the turnpike, throwing forward the One hundredth Ohio Volunteers to the bank of Bigby Creek (a small stream crossing the road at that place, and at the time not easily fordable), to support a strong line of skirmishers and check the enemy's advance during the formation of the division. Henderson's brigade was put in position on the left of the turnpike, in two lines — the first, an advanced line, at Mrs. Wilson's house, on the first plateau above Bigby Creek, and the second on the continuation of a considerable ridge farther in rear and connected with Reilly's line on the right of the road. Casement's brigade, coming up a little later, was placed on the left of Henderson's, on the ridge, an excellent position, stretching nearly to the Pulaski pike (see topographical sketch accompanying).¹ The batteries of the command, under Capt. G. J. Cockerill, acting chief of artillery, were posted as follows: Cockerill's battery (Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery on the right of the Mount Pleasant pike and at the left of Reilly's brigade, Wilber's battery (Twenty-third Indiana Battery) on a knoll between Henderson's and Casement's brigades, and Harvey's battery (the Fifteenth Indiana Battery) at the left of Casement's line. The enemy pushed in vigorously, and a lively skirmish ensued, which continued most of the forenoon, but they did not succeed in crossing Bigby Creek. Capron's cavalry, by my order, rallied at the rear and then took position upon Reilly's right, covering that flank of the whole line. About 10 a.m. the head of column of the Fourth Corps reached Columbia, and they began to go into position upon the left of this division, Whitaker's brigade of that corps relieving Casement's, which was brought down to the right till its right flank rested on the Mount Pleasant pike, relieving in its turn the second line of Henderson's, which was advanced to the support of the first line of that brigade, thus giving stronger reserves upon the turnpike, which seemed to be the principal line of the enemy's operations. Harvey's battery (Fifteenth Indiana) was brought over to the right and placed, one section near the center and the other at the right of Reilly's brigade. The One hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was relieved from its position in support of the skirmish line at Bigby Creek by the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, of Casement's brigade. Toward evening portions of the Second Division of this corps came into position on the right of Reilly's brigade, and the cavalry was withdrawn.

On the following morning (the 25th) no force of the enemy was visible in our front, but a reconnaissance sent forward on the Mount Pleasant pike at about four miles from the town met their cavalry again advancing, and supported by heavy columns of infantry, which proved to be the main body of Hood's army. Our whole line was strengthened by a good breast-work of timber and earth, with abatis and other impediments to an attack. The bridges over the Bigby Creek were taken up, but that stream was rapidly falling and was already fordable nearly everywhere. The enemy advanced cautiously, but with considerable determination. An advanced line of our skirmishers beyond the creek were driven back at the pike, though they were still kept out on the right, where the creek approaches nearer to our line of breast-works. Several batteries were put in position opposite us, and under cover of the artillery fire an attempt was made to advance along the turnpike, which, however, was easily repulsed. The Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, in support of the skirmish line, had erected a barricade of rails near the creek, but upon the enemy turning the fire of his artillery upon them the regiment was withdrawn into a slight hollow in rear of their left, leaving a heavy skirmish line in their barricade. The enemy's cannonade was returned from our batteries, which at an early hour in the afternoon silenced those of the rebels and caused them to withdraw both their artillery and the infantry supports out of range. The skirmish fire along the creek was continued until dark. Our losses were trifling, amounting to casualties in all, for the particulars of which reference is made to the lists forwarded herewith. At evening I received orders from the major-general commanding to remove two brigades and the artillery of my command during the night to the north bank of the Duck River, and to take position covering the ford (where the pontoon then was), one brigade, with the whole skirmish line, to remain in the present position, whilst the remainder of the army should take up an inner and shorter line within the town. This movement to be made after the Fourth Corps should have gotten into position on the new line. I accordingly ordered Henderson's brigade to remain in support of the skirmish line and the remainder of the command to be in readiness for the proposed movement during the night. At 12.30, notice being received that the Fourth Corps was in position and the road clear, the brigades of General Reilly and Colonel Casement, with the batteries and baggage train, were put in motion and passed over the river by the pontoon bridge, which was then removed to a point two miles farther down the stream and in rear of the new line occupied in and at the right of the town. The weather, which had been clear since leaving Pulaski, now changed to rain.

At daybreak of the 26th I rapidly reconnoitered the ground on the north of the river, and found that the ford is situated at the extreme southern point of a bend of the river, inclosing a long narrow tongue of land, which is almost everywhere commanded by the hills and bluffs on the southern bank, one of the most commanding of which is crowned by a stone fort, at that time within the line occupied by our troops. The southern point of the tongue of land is entirely bare of trees or other cover, and is from fifteen to twenty feet lower than the banks immediately opposite, the river being here not quite 200 feet wide. A little farther north the ground rises slightly, till, at a distance of from 600 to 800 yards from the ford, a ridge traverses the bend, crossing it in a curved line, which is about as high as the hills on the opposite side, except a range of two or three, including that upon which the fort is situated. Upon this ridge is situated the house of Mrs. Brown (see topographical sketch).¹ In rear of the ridge the ground is again depressed, and the whole distance across the tongue is in plain view of and commanded by the ground on the opposite banks of the river. Still farther to the rear, and about a mile distant from the ridge last described, is another ridge or chain of hills nearly at right angles to the Franklin pike and affording a good defensible position. The house of Mrs. Porter is upon this ridge (see sketch)¹ Rutherford's Creek, a deep, difficult stream, crosses the Franklin pike two miles from Mrs. Porter's, and by a circuitous course runs into the Duck River about a mile below the ford. The examination of the ground showing that the only tenable position in the bend of the river was the ridge on which Mrs. Brown's house is situated, I ordered Reilly's brigade to occupy that ridge from Mrs. Brown's to the turnpike, and Casement's on the left of the turnpike. Wilber's battery was put in position in the center of Reilly's position, and the other two batteries left in reserve at Casement's position, epaulements being constructed to cover them, facing both east and south, on Casement's line as well as upon Reilly's. The troops were ordered to intrench themselves, and rifle-pits for a strong skirmish line were dug along the margin of the river, taking especial pains to make as much cover for sharpshooters as possible opposite the ford. The Eighth Tennessee Volunteers, of Reilly's brigade (a small regiment numbering less than 200 men), was placed as a reserve for the skirmishers in a small depression a little in rear of the ford, where their flanks were covered by the nature of the ground and their front by a breast-work. During the 26th these preparations were continued without interruption, the skirmish lines not being withdrawn from the old positions on the south of the river. An attack was made upon Colonel Henderson's line, upon the Mount Pleasant pike, but was repulsed and the original lines maintained until night of the next day, 27th, when the whole command was moved by the major-general commanding to the north side of the river.

At daybreak of the 28th the enemy occupied the town, and immediately lined the banks of the river with skirmishers and sharpshooters and opened a lively fire. They also placed several batteries in position and opened fire upon our lines. In addition to the earth-works above mentioned I had on the day before caused good cover for a battery to be made on the farm road leading from Mrs. Brown's to the ford, and also immediately in front of Mrs. Brown's house. In the first of these I placed one section of Harvey's battery, and the other section of the same battery was put in the work at Mrs. Brown's. Our skirmishers, having the advantage of rifle-pits previously prepared, found no difficulty during this day in maintaining their ground, though the cross and plunging fire upon them made their position a trying one. In artillery practice the rifled guns of Cockerill's and Harvey's batteries proved more than a match for the rebel guns, which seemed mostly light 12-pounder smooth guns, and none of the enemy's batteries were able to maintain a position, though they shifted their ground and kept up a fire at intervals throughout the day. During the morning the Fourth Corps took position on the ridge at my rear (on which Mrs. Porter's house is). and the two wings of that command reaching the river, right and left, covered the flanks of this division, and prevented the enemy from annoying me by a flank fire. Soon after noon Henderson's brigade reported (Col. I. N. Stiles temporarily in command, on account of sickness of Colonel Henderson), and was placed on the right of Reilly's, beyond Mrs. Brown's house, and somewhat recurred, so that the whole division was now formed in a crescent upon the ridge before described.

Early in the morning of the 29th I was notified by the major-general commanding that the report that the enemy was crossing Duck River in force several miles above, made it necessary to withdraw most of the Fourth Corps from its position, and I received orders to hold the bend of the river and prevent the rebels from crossing or laying a pontoon bridge till evening. The enemy had used the night in making rifle-pits and other shelter for troops along the river-bank, and succeeded in getting a battery in position where it enfiladed the line of rifle-pits for our skirmishers near the ford and old bridge-head, making it impossible for the men to remain in them or in the open ground at the extreme point of the tongue of land in the bend. I thereupon ordered Brigadier-General Reilly, commanding First Brigade, to establish a new line as far forward as it was possible to obtain cover, and give it such supports as to prevent any enemy from forming above the bank of the river, still keeping the men in the old positions on the right and left, where they could command the approaches to the river on the opposite side. He accordingly ordered the Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky Volunteers to occupy the open timber down to the edge of the cleared ground, in irregular open order, using the trees for shelter. These regiments occupied this position through the day, and by a well-directed fire foiled all efforts of the enemy to bring down to the river or launch pontoons until late in the afternoons. A brisk cannonade was kept up on both sides at intervals during the day, the enemy striving to establish batteries sufficiently far up and down the river to take our positions in reverse, but were foiled by the very active use made of his guns by Captain Cockerill, chief of artillery, and the superior practice of our gunners. The enemy in the town (since learned to be Lee's corps, with the whole artillery park of Hood's army) made redoubled efforts to force a crossing as the afternoon advanced, and about 4 o'clock succeeded in getting several pontoon boats down to the water. With these, sheltered by the steep banks of the river and covered by a heavy fire of both artillery and musketry, they ferried over a considerable force, which made an effort to form and charge into the open wood where the two Kentucky regiments were posted. As soon, however, as they showed themselves on the open ground they were met with a severe and galling fire, which soon drove them for shelter under the river-bank. Colonel Stiles promptly moved forward the Sixty-third Indiana and the One hundred and twelfth Illinois, of his brigade, to support the right of those advanced regiments, and the enemy finding it impossible to clear the wood by his fire from the south bank, so as to enable his detachment to reform, withdrew them, and made no further effort to cross whilst we remained in the position.

Owing to the advantage taken of every natural and artificial means of shelter for the men, the casualties in the division did not reach 100, although the command was during the whole day under severe concentric fire from all parts of the enemy's line, which was semicircular and exterior to ours. For details of the casualties reference is made to the lists forwarded herewith. From reports of prisoners I am satisfied the enemy's loss was very much greater than our own.

One of the brass guns of Wilber's battery was struck by a solid shot near the trunnion and disabled. No other accident occurred to the artillery.

At dark I received orders to move the division to Spring Hill, leaving the skirmish line with proper supports out until midnight, when it should follow the command. The Twelfth and Sixteenth Kentucky regiments were accordingly left as they were, supporting the skirmishers. Major Dow, assistant inspector-general on my staff, together with the brigade inspectors, being also left to direct the rallying and bringing off of the detachments, and the remainder of the command marched at 7 o'clock for Spring Hill passing the First and Third Divisions of the Fourth Corps on the road. At Spring Hill I received orders to proceed in advance of the army to Franklin without delay, and marched forward, reaching Franklin an hour before dawn on the 30th, having marched over twenty miles since 7 o'clock of the evening preceding.

I have omitted to mention that one regiment of Casement's brigade, One hundred and twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers, was, on the 28th, detached as an outpost at Rutherford's Creek, on the Franklin pike, and on the 29th was doing picket duty on roads coming into that pike between the creek and Spring Hill. One company, by order of the major-general commanding, reported to Brigadier-General Ruger, commanding Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, for similar duty. The remainder of the regiment reported to the brigade again as we marched to Spring Hill, but the one company has not since been heard from, and is supposed to have been captured from some misunderstanding as to relieving it.

The pickets left at Duck River remained till midnight and were then safely withdrawn, except Lieutenant Sherbondy and ten men of the One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteers, who are missing and are supposed to have lost their way in the wood on the extreme right, where they were posted.

The march from Duck River to Franklin was made in the most perfect order; the men, knowing they were moving near the enemy's positions, kept well closed up, and I cannot learn that any were lost by straggling or falling out on the road. The roll-calls at Franklin next morning showed the whole command accounted for, except those referred to above.

Besides expressing my high sense of the services performed by the commandants of brigades during the very trying day and night of the 29th, I beg leave to make special mention of Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery, my chief of artillery, and of Maj. Tris. T. Dow, One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteers, acting assistant inspector-general of the division--the former for his brilliant handling of the batteries of the command during the day and the latter for his admirable performance of the delicate duty in charge of the skirmish line, left on duty and withdrawn at midnight, several hours after the rest of the command had marched.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. D. COX,     

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Ohio.

_______________

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Columbia, Tenn., December 25, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command in the battle of Nashville on the 15th and 16th instant:

On the evening of the 14th I received orders to withdraw the division before daylight next morning from the line of works crossing the Franklin turnpike in front of Nashville, including Fort Negley and the fortified hill at Block-House Casino, and upon their place being supplied by troops of Major-General Steedman's command, to march to the Hillsborough pike and form as a support to the Fourth Corps, Brigadier-General Wood commanding. My picket-line was ordered to be left in position until relieved by General Steedman. Accordingly, at 5.30 a.m. on the 16th [15th], I withdrew the command from the works, massing them behind the hill slopes in rear from 100 to 200 yards. The picket-line was left under command of Major Baker, Sixty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, division field officer of the day. At 7 a.m. the line was partially occupied by General Cruft's division, of General Steedman's command, and the First Brigade, Col. C. C. Doolittle, Eighteenth Michigan Volunteers, temporarily commanding, with the Third Brigade, Col. I. N. Stiles, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers, temporarily commanding, and Battery D, First Ohio Light Artillery, were marched to the Hillsborough pike. A lively demonstration along the left, leading to a rapid artillery firing from the right of the enemy's line, with some appearance of an advance on their part, led me to order the Second Brigade, Col. J. S. Casement, One hundred and third Ohio Volunteers, commanding, to remain temporarily in support of General Cruft's line, which was very light. This fact was reported to the major-general commanding, who approved the order and farther ordered the Twenty-third Indiana Battery to remain at Casino Block-House, which was done. The two brigades and battery were moved to the Hillsborough pike under cover of a fog, which concealed the movement from the enemy, and were formed one brigade on each side of the road in column of battalions massed, the battery on the road in rear. In this formation the command was gradually advanced as the Fourth Corps advanced, until about 1 p.m., when I received orders from the commanding general to bring up Casement's brigade and move the division, by the rear of General A. J. Smith's command, to the extreme right of the forces engaged with the enemy. The command was moved by the flank, Colonel Doolittle's brigade in advance, by a country road leading diagonally from the Hillsborough toward the Hardin pike, about two miles, thence curving more to the left as the right wing of the army swung forward, about two miles farther, till we reached and crossed the Hillsborough pike again at a point about five miles and a half distant from Nashville, and near where the turnpike enters the high range of hills connected with the Brentwood Heights. During the last mile of the march the brigades moved in parallel lines, the right flanks being equally advanced, and the artillery on the right rear of the division, so that by fronting each brigade a column of brigades would be formed, and that we might be in hand to support the lines engaged close in rear of which we were moving.

After crossing the Hillsborough pike, facing eastwardly, and passing the first range of hills, we came up in rear of General Couch's (Second) division, of this corps, who, with the dismounted cavalry, was engaged with the enemy upon a somewhat low, round-topped hill, one of two overlooking the Granny White pike, and immediately north of a high conical hill held by the left flank of the enemy's forces. I here received orders from the major-general commanding to support General Couch, and accordingly formed the First and Second Brigades (Doolittle's and Casement's) in double line each, Doolittle on the right, and advanced them into the valley in our front. Stiles' brigade (Third) was pushed to the right upon the crest of a very high rocky ridge commanding the ground beyond the right of the brigades advanced, and the battery was halted upon the hill last crossed. At about 4 p.m. General Couch reported a considerable force of the enemy passing toward his right and threatening the flank of Mehringer's brigade of his division, which was detached some 600 yards from the right of the line. I immediately advanced Doolittle's brigade to the right and Casement's to the left of Mehringer's command, swinging the right forward to occupy a subordinate ridge in the angle of high hills (see sketch accompanying) skirting our right flank. A sharp attack was here made by the enemy, which was repulsed, the fighting, however, lasting until dark. Soon after dark General Couch withdrew Mehringer's brigade from the position referred to above, and deeming it very important to hold the line occupied, I ordered the two brigades to be deployed in single line and to throw up breast-works along the ridge they held, which formed a crochet, advanced nearly at right angles to the line of Couch's division, threatening the enemy's flank and facilitating further movements by the right around the connected chain of hills, of which Stiles' brigade occupied the first prominent one. Stiles was also ordered to intrench the hill held by him, and owing to the valley (a very soft cornfield intersected by a brook) being impassable for artillery, the battery was put in position on the continuation to the left of the ridge occupied by Stiles' brigade. The positions were inspected and approved by the major-general commanding, and I received orders to be prepared for offensive movements at daylight.

At about 3 a.m. of the 16th I received notice from General Couch that in closing up his lines to the left a gap of some 300 yards was opened between his position and mine at the base of the hill last carried on the evening previous. At the same time I received a dispatch from the major-general commanding stating that a division from General A. J. Smith's command would report before daylight to support me. I therefore ordered one regiment (Sixty-fifth [Sixty-third?] Indiana) of Stiles brigade to be withdrawn from the position occupied by that brigade and put in on the right of General Couch, connecting with and extending the line of the Second Division, intrenching there, and leaving whatever gap might remain in the low ground at the angle of the two lines. This was done before daylight.

At 6 a.m. Colonel Moore reported with five regiments and a battery of the Seventeenth Corps, numbering in all about 1,600 men. I directed three regiments to relieve Stiles' brigade in the works constructed by them during the night, and the remaining two, with the artillery, to be held in reserve on the ridge farther to the left, where my own battery had been left. I then ordered Colonel Stiles to push his brigade forward and occupy the next of the series of hills beyond our right and intrench the commanding ground upon it, from which he could, in some measure, protect the right of Colonel Doolittle's brigade (which was refused) from assault on that flank. The enemy had been heard chopping during the whole night along the high conical hill in the re-entrant of our line and upon the ridges farther toward our right. At daylight the line of their works was apparent upon ground very considerably higher than that of Casement's and Doolittle's brigades, and early in the morning General Couch notified me that a heavy column of the enemy was passing partially in view across his front toward our right. The major-general commanding, who was on the ground when the information arrived, ordered that part of my line to be held tenaciously, whilst Stiles' brigade should be prepared to second the movement of dismounted cavalry toward the enemy's position from the Hillsborough pike, beyond my right flank. Lively artillery and skirmish fire was kept up during the day, and numerous efforts made by the enemy to dislodge Casement and Doolittle by pushing past their right along the high ridge leading to the Hillsborough pike.

The nature of the ground enabled us to baffle these attempts by throwing forward strong supports for the skirmish lines until about 4 p.m., when the cavalry on the extreme right having pushed past the enemy's left flank a general advance was ordered. I directed accordingly that Stiles' brigade should advance vigorously past the line of Doolittle's right upon the high wooded ridge, keeping pace with the dismounted cavalry beyond him and with Doolittle's brigade on his left. The latter was ordered to assault the salient on his front as soon as the conical hill in front of Major-General Smith's left should be carried, and Casement was ordered to move to the right and occupy Doo-little's works, supporting him and Stiles when they advanced. About 4.30 General Smith's line was seen to reach the summit of the conical hill, and Doolittle was ordered to charge. This he did in the most gallant manner, the Twelfth Kentucky Volunteers having the lead and charging the salient and battery in their front. The enemy was manifestly disconcerted. Their fire was too high, and did no injury to our troops as they scaled the rocky hill. Stiles was promptly up, and as the whole line went forward the enemy broke in confusion, making the best of their way across the hills toward the Franklin pike. Four guns (light 12's) were captured in the salient; four others were taken a little to the left in the depression of the hills. These last were subsequently claimed by McArthur's division, of Smith's command, but the evidence appended to the report of Colonel Doolittle leaves no doubt that they were fairly captured by his brigade. Between 200 and 300 prisoners were also taken. The line of our advance being perpendicular to the Granny White pike, and Major-General Smith's being along and parallel to it, we met his troops at the pike, and to avoid confusion I ordered the division to halt. The major-general commanding coming up immediately directed us to bivouac for the night, as the roads were occupied by other columns moving in pursuit. Doolittle's brigade remained on the ridge it had carried, overlooking the Granny White pike; Stiles was in bivouac on the next slope to the right, and Casement in reserve in the works erected by Doolittle's brigade on the preceding right.

Reports of brigades and lists of casualties are forwarded herewith.²

J. D. COX,     

Brigadier.General, Commanding.

Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Ohio.

_______________

Sketch To Accompany Report Of 3d Division 23d Army Corps, of

The Battle Of Nashville,

Showing Operations Of The Evening Of The 15th And Of The 16th December, 1864.

  

EXPLANATION.

Double lines show position of Rebel Forces.

Single lines those of the U.S. Forces.

No. 1.—Position of Casement's and Doolittle's Brigades, first deployed evening of 15th.

No. 2.—Is first position taken up by Stiles' Brigade.

No. 3.—Position of Casement and Doolittle intrenched on night of 15th.

No. 4.—Is second position taken up by Stiles on morning of 16th.

No. 5.—Is position taken by Col. Moore with detachment of 17th Corps, besides occupying Stiles' first line, and also of Cockerill's Battery "D," 1st Ohio.

No. 6.—Is position of Couch's Division, 23d Corps, and of one regiment of Stiles' Brigade.

No. 7.—Position of Cavalry advancing dismounted on 16th.

Nos. 8 and 9.—Position of Doolittle's and Stiles' Brigades on night of 16th.

The dotted line shows the line of advance on the afternoon of the 15th.

_______________

ADDENDA.

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Nashville, Tenn., December 2, 1864.

MAJOR : I have the honor to forward the following approximate statement of casualties in this command during the battle of the 30th ultimo:

Report of casualties in Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps,

at Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864.

Command.	Officers.				Men.				Aggregate.
	K	W	M	T	K	W	M	T
Headquarters	1			1					1
First Brigade.	7	8	1	16	27	113	72	212	228
Second Brigade.		1		1	3	16	3	22	23
Third Brigade	3	5	1	9	7	42	20	69	78
Total	11	14	2	27	37	171	95	303	330

[K = Killed, W = Wounded, M = Missing & T =Total]

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

J. D. COX,                 

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Ohio.

_______________

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1864.

Major-General THOMAS,

Commanding Army of the Cumberland:

GENERAL: I have the honor of calling to your notice the conspicuous gallantry and meritorious conduct of Col. Emerson Opdycke, commanding a brigade in General Wagner's division, Fourth Corps, in the battle of the 30th ultimo.

In the early part of the engagement a portion of the Second Division, Twenty-third Corps, was somewhat disordered by misunderstanding the purpose of retiring through the lines of the two brigades of Wagner's division, which had been engaged in advance. It was at this time that Opdycke's brigade was lying in reserve on the Columbia pike, and being called upon, he led them forward in the most brilliant manner, charging the advancing rebels and restoring the continuity of our lines, which were not again disordered in the slightest degree. Colonel Opdycke's promptness and courage deserve official notice, and as I was commanding the line at that time I deem it my duty to bring the facts to your attention, the more especially as he does not belong to my division.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. D. COX,                 

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

_______________

HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,                      

Nashville, December 3, 1864.

 Maj. J. A. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Ohio:

MAJOR: I have reports of twenty battle-flags and standards captured from the rebels by my division during the fight of the 30th, and am confident, after investigation, that the number is accurately stated. I have only eleven, however, to send to headquarters. These are now in General Reilly's possession, and will be forwarded this morning. The men have a passion for tearing them into bits to send home as relics, and in spite of orders have thus destroyed nine. I cannot give any satisfactory approximation as to the prisoners taken; all that I saw came in on the left of the Columbia pike, where my division was posted; but I am unwilling to make any claim to definite numbers, nor do I think it important that I should do so. I ordered all prisoners turned over to the provost-guards of either corps indiscriminately, and those officers can best report how many they have.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 J. D. COX,                

 Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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¹ See Plate CV, Map 4 of the Atlas.

² Casualties embodied in table, p. 100.

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. 399-410