No. 194.
Reports of Bvt. Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, U.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps,
Military Division of the Mississippi, of operations October 24, 1864-February 1, 1865.
HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Near Columbia, Tenn., December 21, 1864.
GENERAL: In compliance with your request of to-day, I have
the honor to submit for the information of the major-general commanding the
following summary of the operations of the Cavalry Corps during the recent
campaign:
On the retreat of our army from Pulaski the cavalry was
concentrated at Columbia, November the 24th, comprising Hatch's division, about
2,000 men, Croxton's brigade, of the First Division, 1,300, and Capron's
brigade, of the Sixth Division, of 1,500 men. The corps was immediately
stationed on the north side of Duck River, between Columbia and the Lewisburg
pike, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. On the 28th of
November, about noon, the pickets gave notice of the enemy's advance at various
fords and in such force as to leave no doubt of his intention. Major-General
Schofield was at once notified and orders issued for the concentration of the
cavalry at Hurt's Cross-Roads, on the Lewisburg pike. Capron's brigade,
stationed on that road at the crossing of the river, was surrounded and
attacked on all sides, but, owing to the good management, bravery, and coolness
of Major Young, commanding the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, it was extricated with but
slight loss. On the 29th, closely pressed by the rebel cavalry, my command fell
back slowly to Mount Carmel, when the rear was assigned to Coon's brigade, of
Hatch's division. The enemy attacked boldly, but were handsomely repulsed; as
was afterward learned, he turned thence toward Spring Hill, molesting us no
more that day. At night, joined by Hammond's brigade, of the Seventh Division,
the Cavalry Corps occupied a position on the north bank of Big Harpeth River,
connecting with the infantry at Franklin and watching the river as far as
Triune. On the morning of the 30th, Hammond's brigade was at Triune, Hatch's
division at Matthews' house, and Croxton's brigade on the Lewisburg pike, at
Douglass Church; Harrison's brigade (formerly Capron's), of the Sixth Division,
was held in reserve. About 2 p.m. the rebel cavalry were reported crossing directly
in our front, having pressed Croxton back to within two miles and a half of
Franklin. He was ordered to withdraw his force entirely to the north side of
the stream, and to attack the enemy in flank; Hatch was directed to attack in
front; the orders were promptly executed, and by night the rebels were driven
across the river at every point. The conduct of the troops, and particularly of
Generals Hatch and Croxton, was most admirable. The force of the enemy
consisted of Jackson's and Buford's divisions of cavalry. On the 30th the
Cavalry Corps withdrew from its position, by the various country roads between
the Franklin and Nolensville pikes, to Thompson's Chapel, near Nashville. When
near Brentwood, General Hammond's brigade, in the rear, had a sharp skirmish
with the enemy's advance, but succeeded in reaching its position in the line at
the chapel without material difficulty.
Early in the morning of December the 1st [2d] the cavalry
withdrew from its exposed position on the Nolensville pike and marched through
Nashville to camp, at Edgefield, on the north bank of the Cumberland River.
During the ensuing ten days every effort was made to put it in an efficient
condition for active service. Horses were seized, arms, clothing, and
equipments were issued, and the dismounted men organized into brigades. In
obedience to orders from the major-general commanding, on the 12th of December,
the corps marched to the south side of the river, crossing on the railroad and
pontoon bridges, and massed between the Hardin and Charlotte pikes. The
effective force was 12,500 men, 9,000 horses, 2,000 of which were scarcely fit
for service. At 6 a.m. of the 15th of December, as had been previously ordered
by Major-General Thomas, the corps was ready to move, but owing to the foggy
weather and the delay of Smith's corps could not advance until about 10 a.m.
The Sixth Division, Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson commanding, formed and moved on
the Charlotte pike, clearing it of the enemy as far as Davidson's house,
driving a battery of artillery and a part of Chalmers' division of cavalry from
their position on Richland Creek. It is reported that the navy got possession
of a battery which this movement caused the enemy to abandon. Brig. Gen. E. M.
McCook having been sent with two brigades of his division against the rebels
under Lyon in Kentucky, the balance of the division, Brigadier-General
Croxton's brigade, debouched from the fortifications near the Northwestern
Railroad, and, forming on the left of the Sixth Division, between the Hardin
and Charlotte pikes, advanced, as soon as its front was uncovered by McArthur's
division of infantry, and crossing Richland Creek turned the enemy's position
in front of Johnson's division, on the Charlotte pike. As soon as the enemy had
withdrawn General Croxton moved to the left, crossed the Hardin pike, where,
after night-fall, he came in contact again with the rebels, moving in a
parallel direction, and, after some sharp skirmishing, drove them off. He
encamped that night on the Hillsborough pike, five miles and a half from
Nashville. The Fifth Division, Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch commanding, formed on
the Hardin pike, its left connecting with the infantry, its right with General
Croxton, advanced simultaneously with the infantry, encountered a strong force
of the enemy's cavalry—Chalmers' division—well intrenched on both sides of
Richland Creek. After a sharp fight the enemy was driven from his works and
pushed rapidly beyond Hardin's house, near which place a part of Hatch's
command, the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Spalding commanding, captured
the headquarters train of General Chalmers, consisting of fourteen wagons with
records, clothing, forage, and safe. In accordance with his instructions
General Hatch then crossed the country from Williams' house toward the
Hillsborough pike, re-established his connection with the infantry, and
advancing his right flank struck the enemy's line on the flank and rear,
completely enveloping it, drove it rapidly back upon the fortifications
constructed upon the Brentwood Hills for its protection. Hastily forming his
Second Brigade, dismounted, Col. D. E. Coon commanding, he pushed boldly
forward and carried the enemy's works, capturing in the first redoubt 4 guns
and 65 prisoners, and in the second, a closed work, 6 guns and 175 prisoners.
The First Brigade, Col. R. R. Stewart, was thrown well round to the left and
rear of the enemy, and handsomely supported the movement of the Second Brigade.
This operation is one of the handsomest of the war, and although participated
in by the infantry of McArthur's division, they yield the credit to the
cavalry. As soon as his command could be formed General Hatch was ordered to
push forward. His First Brigade and part of the Second on the right of the
infantry, crossed the Hillsborough pike, and, in conjunction with a part of the
Twenty-third Corps, carried the hills beyond. They claim, also, to have
captured the three guns which fell into our hands at that point. Darkness
having intervened by this time, he was ordered into camp near the Hillsborough
pike, on the extreme right of the infantry. The Seventh Division, Brig. Gen.
Joseph F. Knipe commanding, formed on the Hardin pike inside of the works, and,
as soon as the general movement had developed itself, moved out in the pike and
held itself in readiness to support the infantry or Hatch's division. When the
pikes in my front were cleared of the enemy, Knipe's division moved by the rear
to the right of Hatch's division, reaching the Hillsborough pike just after the
works on it were carried, near the six-mile post, crossed and turned short to
the left, and pushed by a country road to the Granny White pike. Hammond's
brigade, mounted, was in advance, followed by the dismounted brigade. The
latter proceeded no farther than the Hillsborough pike, occupied a strong
position on it, and covered the other troops from a movement of the enemy in
that direction. General Hammond's pickets were all night on or near the Granny
White pike, and early on the morning of the 16th began skirmishing with the
enemy. The country was very unfavorable for cavalry operations. General Hammond
was ordered to support his pickets by the balance of his brigade. General Hatch
was ordered to move also, take position on the right of the infantry, connect
with Hammond, and, in conjunction with Hammond's brigade, drive the enemy from
the hills and push them as vigorously as possible in flank and rear. This order
was given about 9.30 a.m. The movement began at once, and was sustained with
great steadiness throughout the balance of the day. Hatch's division and
Hammond's brigade, of Knipe's division, soon succeeded in establishing
themselves firmly in the enemy's rear, on a line perpendicular to the Granny
White pike and extending from the right of the Twenty-third Corps, a few
hundred yards from the Hillsborough pike, across the Granny White pike toward
the Franklin pike. The enemy was driven steadily back from hill to hill all
along the line, but particularly in front of General Hatch's left. The positions
occupied were heavily wooded and very difficult of ascent, but Hatch, with
great labor, carried his battery into a position enfilading and taking in
reverse the enemy's line. Coon's brigade charged a large hill in the enemy's
rear as McArthur's division assaulted it in front. About 4.30 p.m. the enemy,
pressed in front, flank, and rear, broke in disorder. Croxton's brigade, which
had been held in reserve on the Hillsborough pike, as soon as the success of
these dispositions had become apparent, was ordered to march rapidly across the
country to the Granny White pike and beyond the right flank of Hammond's
brigade, but owing to the lateness of the hour and heaviness of the road over
which he was compelled to move he secured but few prisoners. Hatch was ordered
to mount his division and press rapidly down the Granny White pike for the
purpose of striking the enemy again at or beyond Brentwood. He had not
proceeded far before he encountered Chalmers' division of cavalry, and,
although it was then almost dark, attacked it with the greatest promptitude and
vigor, driving it from a strong position behind rail breast-works.
Brigadier-General Rucker, commanding a brigade, a number of prisoners, and the
division battle-flag were captured. The night was so dark and wet, and the men
and horses so jaded, that it was not deemed practicable to push the pursuit
farther.
On the 17th, at 5 a.m., General Knipe, with Hammond's
brigade, followed by General Croxton's brigade, moved by a county road up
Richland Creek to the Franklin Pike, Croxton taking the Wilson pike at
Brentwood. Hammond, pushing on in vigorous pursuit, came up with the enemy just
beyond Brentwood, drove him back to Hollow Tree Gap, four miles north of
Franklin, where he made a stand. General Knipe attacked With the main part of
the brigade, while General Hammond, with the balance, turned the position and
attacked the rebels in flank. About 250 prisoners and 5 battle-flags were
taken, and the enemy driven rapidly beyond the Harpeth River, at Franklin.
General Knipe's command captured one gun near the river. He crossed the Harpeth
near the railroad bridge. Johnson's division, with Harrison's brigade, having
pushed out at 4 a.m. on the Hillsborough road and crossed, came up the south
bank of the Harpeth and entered Franklin about the same time. Hatch, having
struck the Franklin pike two miles south of Brentwood, pushed to the left and
crossed at the ford on the Murfreesborough road. Croxton crossed at his old
crossing two miles above the town. The rebels, finding Johnson on their flank,
fell back to a strong position on the Columbia pike two miles south of
Franklin, leaving his hospitals, about 2,000 wounded, and 10,000 rations in our
hands. Hatch moved out between the Lewisburg and Columbia pikes; Knipe on the
Columbia pike; and Johnson on the Carter's Creek pike. General Knipe attacked
by the front, while Hatch and Johnson moved upon the enemy's flanks, and,
although the rebel rear guard was composed of Stevenson's division of infantry
[and] Buford's division of cavalry, it was pressed rapidly back, with heavy
skirmishing, to a position just north of the West Harpeth River. At this place
it had become so dark, and our troops so close upon the enemy, that it was with
difficulty our troops could be distinguished from the rebels. Hammond's brigade
was deployed on the extreme right, Hatch's division across the pike and through
the fields to the left. The Fourth U.S. Cavalry, my escort, Lieutenant Hedges
commanding, formed in column of fours on the pike. Generals Hatch and Hammond
advanced rapidly and the Fourth Cavalry at the charge. The enemy's line, broken
and driven back, fled in great confusion; the flanks of our lines pressed on
rapidly. General Hammond's brigade, crossing West Harpeth, struck the enemy on
the pike again in flank, while Coon's brigade, on the right of the road, the
Fourth Cavalry on the pike, pressed close upon their rear. The enemy abandoned
three 12-pounders and the carriage of a fourth. These guns can scarcely be
called the capture of any particular division or regiment, though they were
actually withdrawn from the field by the Fourth Cavalry, my staff, and General
Hatch in person. One of them has been credited to the Fourth Cavalry and the
other two to Hatch's division, though the charge of General Hammond, with the
Tenth Indiana, upon the enemy's flank, a quarter of a mile beyond, had probably
a greater influence in causing their abandonment than the operations of General
Hatch's command.
The conduct of the troops in this affair was most admirable,
particularly that of the Fourth U.S. Cavalry, the Second Iowa, and Tenth
Indiana. Brigadier-General Hammond, Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham, Tenth Indiana,
and Lieutenant Hedges, Fourth U.S. Cavalry, were particularly conspicuous. The
good management and bravery of General Hatch, the skill, untiring energy with
which he commanded his division, are worthy of the highest commendation. Night
saved the enemy's rear guard from complete destruction.
The 18th the pursuit was renewed at dawn, in the same order,
Johnson on the Carter's Creek pike, Hatch and Knipe on the Columbia pike, and
Croxton on the Lewisburg pike. The enemy's rear guard was soon encountered by
the advanced skirmishers, but, in spite of the most strenuous efforts on the
part of our troops, could not be again brought to a stand, though they had
prepared for it at Spring Hill. The pursuit was pushed to within three miles of
Rutherford's Creek, but the rain, need of rations and ammunition, compelled a
halt for the trains to come forward. 19th, the pursuit was pushed to
Rutherford's Creek, but it was found too high to ford—the enemy between that
and Duck River; Hatch got two regiments across on the ruins of the railroad
bridge, and after some skirmishing night came on, he withdrew to north side.
Weather very inclement. 20th, Hammond, Croxton, and Harrison remained in camp
drawing supplies; Johnson and Knipe went back with dismounted brigades to
refit; Hatch crossed on lower railroad bridge; enemy gone. Hammond, Harrison,
and Croxton moved to camp on Rutherford's Creek.
Summary: Captured by Hatch's division--2 redoubts, 17 guns,
2 battle-flags, 2 droves of beef-cattle, 35 wagons (including the headquarters
train of Chalmers' division), I brigadier-general, 701 prisoners; Knipe's
division---5 battle-flags, 350 prisoners, 1 piece artillery, 2 caissons;
Johnson's division---56 prisoners; Croxton's brigade--184 prisoners; Fourth
U.S. Cavalry--1 gun, 25 prisoners. In addition to this Johnson's and Knipe's
divisions should be credited with the wounded taken in hospitals at Franklin.
In concluding this report permit me to say that, if the
operations just described have been of any avail in the recent campaign, it is
due entirely to the concentration of the cavalry and its reorganization as a
separate corps. I have, therefore, to request that the credit awarded it may be
used to secure from the War Department the recognition of its separate
existence as a corps, and an official approval of the measures already
inaugurated for its efficiency. With an opportunity to complete its
organization, a full supply of Spencer carbines for the entire command, and we
can take the field next spring with a force of cavalry fully competent to
perform any work that may be assigned it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. WILSON,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding.
[Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Cumberland.]
_______________
HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Gravelly Springs, Ala., February 1, 1865.
I have the honor to submit the following report of
operations of the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, from the
date of its organization, October 24, 1864, to the present time:
Having been relieved from the command of the Third Division,
Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, on the 1st day of October, 1864, for the
purpose of taking command of the cavalry forces in the armies operating under
the command of Major-General Sherman, I proceeded, without delay, to join him
in the field. I arrived at Gaylesville, Ala., where the army was resting after
its pursuit of General Hood, on the 23d of October. On the 24th of October I
was assigned, by order of General Sherman, to duty as chief of cavalry and
commanding officer of all the cavalry in the Military Division of the
Mississippi. By the same order the mounted forces of the Armies of the Ohio,
the Cumberland, and the Tennessee were detached from these armies, constituted
one command, and designated the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the
Mississippi. Upon investigation I found that the cavalry serving with the Army
of the Ohio consisted of one organized division, Stoneman's, nearly all
dismounted, one brigade under Colonel Capron, sent to Louisville, Ky., for
remount, the other under Col. Israel Garrard, at Atlanta, Ga. Besides this
division there were five or six regiments of good cavalry and one division of
one-year mounted infantry serving in Kentucky and East Tennessee. This force
being for local defense, however, was not detached, and therefore forms no part
of the Cavalry Corps. I found the cavalry of the Army of the Cumberland
organized into four divisions, three of which were composed of fine regiments
from the northwestern States, well organized, and efficiently commanded by Brigadier-Generals
McCook, Garrard, and Kilpatrick, and having done very hard service during the
Atlanta campaign. The Fourth Division consisted entirely of Tennessee regiments
serving in Tennessee. The cavalry of the Army of the Tennessee had been organized
into two divisions, by order of Major-General Howard, commanded, respectively,
by Brigadier-General Hatch, U.S. Volunteers, and Colonel Wins-low, Fourth Iowa
Cavalry. Both were at that time serving in West Tennessee. The divisions
contained from six to ten regiments, organized into three brigades each. In the
new organization the four divisions of the Army of the Cumberland were
numbered, respectively, First, Second, Third, and Seventh, the two divisions of
the Army of the Tennessee were designated, respectively, Fifth and Fourth, and
the division of the Army of the Ohio the Sixth Division. The Tennessee troops
were divided among the other divisions, so as to intermix them with troops from
other States. From the lack of general and staff officers to simplify
organization and to counteract a tendency to use the third brigades as
reserves, each division was organized into two brigades, except the Sixth,
which, for special reasons, was allowed three. The chiefs of cavalry of the
different departments were relieved from duty and directed to report to their
commanding generals for other assignment. In pursuance of General Sherman's
instructions measures were at once taken to collect, reorganize, remount, and
bring into the field the largest possible force of cavalry, in order that he
might have such a preponderance in that arm as would enable him to throw the
enemy on the defensive, while with his infantry he could march to the seacoast
unmolested. It was thought that if Hood followed him, instead of crossing the Tennessee
River into Tennessee, that in a short time my entire cavalry force could be put
upon a footing to harass and annoy him beyond endurance. With this in view
General Hatch was ordered to march with the Fifth Division from Clifton, Tenn.,
by the most direct route, to Rome, Ga.; General Grierson was designated as the
commander of the Fourth Division, and directed to assemble as much of it as
possible, put it in a thorough condition, and be ready to march, when orders
should be sent him, through Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and join the
army under General Sheridan. It soon, however, became apparent that Hood would
march north instead of following General Sherman, and that operations would be
forced upon us before the cavalry forces could be organized.
A reconnaissance by General Garrard, with the Second
Division, toward Gadsden, on the Coosa River, on the 25th of October, and on
the 27th and 28th to the south of the Coosa toward Jacksonville, revealed the
fact that the rebel army under Hood had left Gadsden on the 22d of October,
marching in the direction of Warrenton, on the Tennessee River. As soon as
General Sherman became thoroughly convinced of this he issued orders for the
concentration of his army at Atlanta, and hurried his preparations for the
campaign. Finding that he could wait no longer all the serviceable horses of
McCook's and Garrard's divisions, and Colonel Garrard's brigade, were turned
over to the Third Division, and every effort was made to put it upon a
thoroughly efficient footing, while the dismounted men of the First and Second
Divisions were ordered, by rail, to Louisville, Ky., for remount and
re-equipment. Having made these dispositions I was ordered by General Sherman
to Nashville for the purpose of completing the cavalry reorganization and
assisting in the operations of General Thomas against the rebels under Hood. I
arrived at Nashville on the 6th day of November and reported to Major-General
Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland and the Military Division of
the Mississippi.
General Croxton's brigade, of the First Division, having
been recently remounted at Louisville, Colonel Capron's (now Harrison's)
brigade, of the Sixth Division, and the Fifth Division, while on the march to
join General Sherman, were halted by General Thomas and directed to act in
conjunction with the infantry forces assembling at Pulaski, under General
Stanley, to resist the march of Hood. On the 24th of October Croxton's brigade,
about 1,000 strong, was stationed on the Huntsville and Florence road, at
Center Star, with outposts and pickets, watching the Tennessee River from the
mouth of Elk River to Florence, and a detachment of the Tenth and Twelfth
Tennessee, of General Hatch's division, were stationed on Cypress Creek, at
Martin's Mills, three miles from Florence, watching Pride's, Garner's, and
Cheatham's Ferries, on the Tennessee River. On the 29th of October General
Croxton sent a dispatch to General Thomas informing him of General Hood's
proximity to the river and of his intention to cross it at Bainbridge that
night. About 3 p.m. on the 30th two brigades of Lee's corps landed on the north
side about three miles below Bainbridge. General Croxton concentrated his
command and attempted to repel them, but was driven back. He retired to the
east bank of Shoal Creek and took position near Shoal Creek bridge, where he
remained reconnoitering until November 5, when he was forced to retire by the
advance of Johnson's division, of Lee's corps. He reported to General Hatch at
Lexington on November 6.
On the 4th of November General Hatch, in compliance with the
instructions of General Stanley, moved from Pulaski toward Florence, with
orders to assume command of all the cavalry in that neighborhood and watch
closely the enemy's movements. In executing these orders General Hatch, the
next day, opened communication with General Croxton, and, in conjunction with
him, drove the enemy's cavalry pickets across Shoal Creek, and established
pickets of observation along the line of that creek and the Tennessee from the
mouth of Elk River. While engaged in observing the movements of the enemy
frequent skirmishes were had with his cavalry. On the 9th of November a general
attack was made by the small force under General Hatch. The rebel cavalry was
driven back upon the infantry at Florence, a part of the unfinished works at
that place captured by Colonel Coon's brigade of the Fifth Division, and the
information in regard to Hood's position previously obtained verified. By great
activity, watchfulness, and good judgment on the part of General Hatch, every
movement of the enemy and indication of his intention were promptly reported to
Generals Stanley, Schofield, and Thomas. On the 13th and 14th of November
General Hatch, having become convinced that General Hood would march north at
an early day, used his command in cutting trees into the roads crossing Shoal
Creek, for the purpose of retarding the rebels in their movement. On the
morning of November 19 the enemy was reported marching north on the west side
of the creek. Colonel Coon's brigade made a forced reconnaissance in that
direction, captured the headquarters trains of Buford's and Chalmers'
divisions, met the enemy's cavalry in force, and, after a severe engagement,
discovering the march of the rebel infantry, was compelled to rejoin the main
force, on the east side of the creek. General Hatch concentrated his forces,
without delay, at Lexington, and on the 21st retired to Lawrenceburg, where he
was attacked early the next morning by the enemy's cavalry. A severe fight
ensued, in which the enemy, with twelve pieces of artillery and a large force
of cavalry, fighting dismounted, made several efforts to drive the forces of
General Hatch from their position, but the latter held on with great tenacity
till night and then withdrew one mile toward Pulaski.
On the 23d General Hatch withdrew by that road, turning
toward Campbellsville. When within nine miles of Pulaski Croxton's brigade had
the rear and were attacked by the rebel cavalry at the junction of the roads
leading to the two places just mentioned. It, however, resisted every attack
till after dark, holding its position and retreating at leisure by night to the
neighborhood of Campbellsville. On the 24th the cavalry again resumed its
march, and at the latter place was again attacked by the entire rebel cavalry,
supported by infantry. At first the enemy were severely repulsed by the First
Brigade, Colonel Wells, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, commanding, but in turn the
enemy drove back Colonel Wells and compelled General Hatch to retire by the
road to Lynnville. This road leading through a very hilly country, a small rear
guard was sufficient to hold the enemy in check. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry,
Captain Harper commanding, was directed to occupy a strong gorge near the
turnpike and to delay the rebels as long as possible. He performed the duty
assigned him with great gallantry, giving the main body of the command an
opportunity to take position at Lynnville. Sharp fighting was continued at that
place until after dark, when, in accordance with my order, General Hatch
withdrew to Columbia. Colonel Capron's brigade, of the Sixth Division, had been
sent by General Schofield toward Waynesborough to observe the movements of the
enemy in that direction, while Hatch and Croxton were on Shoal Creek. Upon the
advance of the rebel cavalry, Colonel Capron retired, skirmishing with the
enemy, directing his march toward Mount Pleasant and Columbia. On the morning
of November 25 the entire force, including the infantry, was concentrated at
Columbia.
Having made all possible arrangements at Nashville for
expediting the reorganization of the cavalry, in pursuance of General Thomas'
instructions, I started to the front to take command of the force in the field,
and on the 23d of November met General Schofield between Lynnville and Pulaski.
The Fifth Division contained at this time but 2,500 men, Croxton's brigade,
about 1,000, and Capron's, 800, in all about 4,300 men, to contend with three
divisions estimated at not less than 10,000 men, and commanded by General
Forrest, hitherto the most successful of rebel cavalry leaders. After the
concentration of the forces at Columbia, and while General Schofield was making
arrangements to withdraw from that place to the north side of Duck River, the
cavalry crossed and was disposed of so as to watch every movement of the enemy,
either to the right or left. Hatch's division and Croxton's brigade were
stationed about six miles east of Columbia on the road to Shelbyville; Capron's
brigade, to which had been added the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, Col. J. M. Young
commanding, took position at Rally Hill, on the Lewisburg turnpike; it was
further strengthened after taking position by the arrival of the Seventh Ohio
Cavalry, from Louisville. This brigade and Croxton's were temporarily formed
into a division, under the command of Brig. Gen. R. W. Johnson. Three regiments
of the First Brigade of Hatch's division, Col. R. R. Stewart, Eleventh Indiana
Cavalry, commanding, were ordered to take post to the west of Columbia, for the
purpose of watching the fords and crossings of the river between that place and
Williamsport. General Hatch sent the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, via Chapel Hill,
to Shelbyville, with directions to feel well out from that place toward
Lewisburg and Cornersville, if possible, returning by the south side of the
river to the crossing of the Lewisburg pike.
At noon of November 27 [28] the pickets of Croxton's and
Capron's brigades gave notice of the appearance of the rebel cavalry at the
various fords between Columbia and the Lewisburg pike, particularly at Huey's
Mill, eight miles above Columbia, in such force as to leave no doubt as to
their intentions. The pickets in the vicinity of Huey's Mill were soon driven
in and the rebels immediately began crossing. At 2 p.m. I sent a dispatch to
Major-General Schofield, notifying him of the enemy's movement, informing him
that I should endeavor to concentrate my force at Hurt's Cross-Roads, on the
Lewisburg pike, and requesting him to send Stewart's brigade to me by the way
of Spring Hill. Col. T. J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana Cavalry, had already been
sent by General Johnson to the brigade at the Lewisburg crossing, with orders
to hold the enemy as long as possible at the river. By 7 p.m. the entire force
was concentrated at Hurt's Cross-Roads. Colonel Harrison, however, had not
reached his brigade, but having been posted by Colonel Capron, it held on as
long as possible. Colonel Capron himself, with a small portion of his command
fell back in disorder toward Franklin. The detachments at the various fords
held on bravely until night, when they were collected by Maj. J. Morris Young,
Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and withdrew by the pike. The enemy, having crossed lower
down, marched by the Murfreesborough road and arrived at Rally Hill before the
detachments under Major Young. The latter, finding his retreat cut off, formed
his own regiment with sabers drawn, dismounted others to cover the flanks,
boldly charged, broke through the rebels, and brought off his command with only
trifling loss. By this' time it had become evident that the entire rebel
cavalry force, three divisions, had crossed and were directing their march
toward the Lewisburg pike, an excellent macadamized road leading to Franklin,
and at 8 p.m. I sent a dispatch by courier to General Schofield, informing him
of this fact and that no part of Forrest's force up to dark had moved toward
the Franklin pike. During the night several prisoners were brought in, from
whom I received valuable information. At 1 a.m. [29th] I sent a dispatch to
General Schofield informing him that the force which had crossed at Huey's Mill
was Forrest's corps of cavalry, consisting of Chalmers', Jackson's, and
Buford's divisions, and Biffle's regiment; that the rebel infantry were to have
begun crossing two hours before by three pontoon bridges under construction at
the same place. Believing this information to be perfectly correct, I therefore
suggested that our infantry should reach Spring Hill by 10 a.m. of that day [29th].
I regarded my force too small, with Hammond's and Stewart's brigades absent, to
cover the Lewisburg pike and at the same time the dirt roads leading to Spring
Hill, and believing that General Schofield, with the infantry, would have
plenty of time, marching by the Franklin pike, to reach Franklin or any
intermediate point before the enemy, marching by bad dirt roads, made worse by
the heavy rains which had recently fallen, I determined to keep my entire force
on the Lewisburg pike and hold the enemy as long as possible, hoping by good
management to get no farther back that day than to the Ridge Meeting. House. I
had previously sent orders for Colonel Stewart to join me on the Lewisburg
pike, marching by the way of Spring Hill, and all night, if necessary. Similar
orders were sent at the same time to Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. H. Hammond, then
momentarily expected with two regiments of the Seventh Division freshly
remounted. On the presumption that no general engagement would be risked till
our forces were strengthened, and that the enemy's movement had become
sufficiently developed, I directed General Hatch to retire slowly by the pike,
following Capron's brigade, and General Croxton to cover the rear, fighting the
enemy, and to fall back only when compelled to do so by movements upon his
flanks. Soon after daylight [29th] the enemy attacked Croxton's pickets, but
finding them strongly posted moved off the road and struck well around his
flanks, causing him to withdraw. Heavy skirmishing ensued, the enemy pressing
forward with the greatest celerity endeavoring to push around and strike our
column in flank, as was anticipated.
At Mount Carmel Meeting-House, five miles from Hurt's
Cross-Roads, a strong barricade erected by Capron's brigade was occupied by
Coon's brigade, of Hatch's division, Croxton's brigade passing through it. The
enemy made two determined charges upon it, but were repulsed with severe loss.
From this point the enemy ceased to press upon the rear of the column. No news
having come from Hammond or Stewart, it was hoped that they had arrived at
Spring Hill in time enough to form a junction with the infantry and to resist
any movement of the rebels in that direction. I continued to march slowly, and
by the middle of the afternoon arrived at Douglass Church, four miles from
Franklin. Near this place I found General Hammond, and was joined by a
detachment of Stewart's brigade, from whom I learned that the latter and some
of our infantry had been skirmishing with the rebel cavalry during the day near
Spring Hill. I remained with Hammond's brigade to hold the road near Douglass
Church and cover Franklin, while Hatch's division and Johnson's crossed to the
north side of the Harpeth, at Hughes' Ford, and went into camp on the road from
Franklin to Triune, at Matthews' farm, two miles and a half east of Franklin.
After it was dark, a reconnaissance out the Lewisburg pike to the meeting-house
revealing no enemy on that road, I withdrew General Hammond's brigade to the
north side of the Harpeth, and directed him to march, via Petersburg, to the
Nolensville pike at Triune, and from the latter place to watch the movements of
the enemy in that direction.
Early on the morning of the 30th,
by my direction, Brigadier-General Johnson sent Croxton's brigade to the south
side of the river, with orders to take position at Douglass Church, cover
Franklin as long as possible, and if compelled to fall back to recross the
Harpeth at a ford a mile and a half above the town. General Hammond, having
reported by daylight no enemy in the direction of Triune, was ordered to retire
by Petersburg to Wilson's Mill, on the Wilson or Brentwood pike. At 10 a.m. the
enemy's advance attacked General Croxton's position, but was handsomely
repulsed. At 2 p.m. he was again attacked by infantry, but, after repulsing the
enemy, the rebel cavalry moved to his left as if to cross at Hughes' Ford. This
movement caused him to retire to the north side of the river by McGavock's
Ford. He had scarcely reached the north bank when the pickets higher up the
river reported the enemy's cavalry crossing at various places. The command was
immediately got under arms and dispositions made to attack and drive them back.
General Croxton's brigade on the right, General Hatch's division in the center,
moved promptly out and engaged the enemy, charging him with a strong line of
dismounted skirmishers, while Capron's brigade, under Colonel Harrison, looked
well out to the left and rear. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was sent to the
Hillsborough pike. The action had already begun when General Croxton was
informed that the rebel infantry were crossing the river between his right and
the town of Franklin. Leaving two regiments, the First Tennessee and Second
Michigan, to assist in the attack against the rebel cavalry, he proceeded at
once with the balance of his brigade to drive back the force reported to be
crossing below. He soon discovered, however, that the report was false, and
moved promptly against the rebel cavalry. Hatch had already attacked with vigor
and begun driving them rapidly back. The men seemed inspired with the greatest
courage and determination, and in a very short time had repulsed the enemy at
every point. By night the whole force was driven beyond the Harpeth. The
accompanying sketch1 will show the importance of this success on the
part of the cavalry over Forrest's forces, while the hard-pressed infantry were
nobly repelling Hood's furious assaults against the defenses of Franklin.
General Schofield, having withdrawn the infantry to the
north bank of the river during the night and determined to continue his march
toward Nashville, directed me to remain with the Cavalry Corps in the position
it then held till daylight on the morning of December 1, and then to retire,
covering the rear and flanks of the infantry. This order was complied with, the
enemy having been so severely handled the day previous as to be unable to
follow until he found the road clear. Hammond's brigade, followed by Hatch,
moved by a country road to the Wilson pike, near Edmonson's house; Croxton
marched parallel to the Franklin pike. At Wilson's Mill Hammond was found
encamped and left to bring up the rear. Stewart's brigade, of the Fifth
Division, having halted to feed, Hammond was delayed longer than was intended
and in withdrawing was attacked by the rebel cavalry, but succeeded, with
slight loss, in repelling the enemy. From the neighborhood of Brentwood, after
the infantry had halted, the whole command marched by various country roads to
Thompson's Chapel, on the Nolensville pike, where it took up a strong defensive
position for the night. Before daylight the next morning it marched to
Nashville, and late in the evening crossed to the north side of the Cumberland
River and encamped in Edgefield.
During the ensuing ten days every effort was made to put the
corps in an efficient condition. Clothes were drawn for the men; the horses
were shod; extra shoes were fitted; and every horse that could be drawn from
the corrals of broken-down stock, or reached in Tennessee or Southern Kentucky,
was taken. By these means the Cavalry Corps, exclusive of La Grange's and
Watkins' brigades, of the First Division, was increased by nearly 9,000 mounted
men. Besides this, two brigades of 1,500 men each were organized out of the
dismounted men previously assembled at the cavalry depot near Nashville. While
in camp the river was carefully watched by the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, from
Nashville to the vicinity of Clarksville.
On the 2d of December Brevet Brigadier-General Hammond was
ordered with his brigade to Gallatin for the purpose of watching the river as
far up as Carthage. Having heard from his scouts that a rebel force had taken
post at Lebanon, by the assistance of gun-boats sent for that purpose, on the
night of the -- he crossed the river with a strong force, well mounted, and
made a reconnaissance to and beyond that place, but found no enemy.
On the 11th of December, in pursuance of instructions from
Major-General Thomas, I ordered Brig. Gen. E. M. McCook to take his battery and
Watkins' brigade toward Bowling Green, till he met La Grange's brigade, and
with the united force go in pursuit of General Lyon, who crossed the Cumberland
River below Clarksville on the 9th of December, and was supposed to be marching
via Hopkinsville to destroy Green River bridge, on the Louisville and Nashville
Railroad. General McCook came up with the rebels on the morning of the 16th at
Hopkinsville, and after a sharp fight captured two pieces of artillery and
drove them from the place. They retreated rapidly toward Green River, pursued
by La Grange's brigade. So closely was Lyon followed by La Grange's brigade
that he was compelled to disband his conscripts and leave many of his men. With
the balance he pushed on through Madisonville, Ashbysburg, and Elizabethtown,
crossing Tradewater, Green River, and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in
his route. La Grange was greatly delayed by the muddy roads, swollen streams,
and the destruction of the bridges and boats. The pursuit was relinquished at
Hodgensville, Lyon's command having become reduced[to] 400 or 500 men, more
bent on escaping from Kentucky than to inflict injury upon the forces sent
against him. For a detailed account of the operations of General McCook's
command I respectfully refer you to his report submitted herewith.2
On the 9th of November [December] I received orders from
Major-General Thomas to move my command to the south side of the Cumberland, to
take position between the Hillsborough and Hardin pikes, and to be in readiness
to join in the attack against General Hood the next day. But a heavy rain
setting in General Thomas delayed his operations. Snow, sleet, and intense cold
followed, covering the ground so thickly with ice as to render it impossible to
move cavalry not specially shod for such an occasion. In fact, neither infantry
nor cavalry could have marched over a country so undulating and broken as that
separating our lines from those of the enemy. On the evening of the 11th the
weather changed and the ice began to melt. The Cavalry Corps, all detachments
having been drawn in in the morning, began crossing, and by night was in the
position assigned it, ready to move against the enemy as soon as the condition
of the ground would allow it. By the night of the 14th everything seemed
favorable; officers and men confident of the result that would follow a well
directed attack. In the order of battle made by General Thomas the cavalry was
directed to attack upon the right of the infantry, conform to its movements,
drive the enemy's forces from the Charlotte and Hardin turnpikes and the banks
of the Cumberland at Bell's Landing, turn and envelop the enemy's left flank
and, if possible, strike them in the rear. In making arrangements to comply
with these instructions 1 conferred the night before the battle with General A.
J. Smith, commanding the Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee. His troops
having been engaged in holding that part of the defenses from the Hillsborough
pike westward to the river, it was necessary for them to assemble in such a way
as not to encumber the ground upon which the cavalry was to operate. To
accomplish this the general assured me he would march the division on my right
to the left by roads to the rear of my command, inside of the intrenchments.
The commanding officers of brigades and divisions, having personally examined
the ground upon which they were to operate, were assembled at my headquarters
and received their instructions verbally. To prevent any misunderstanding they
were furnished with written orders to the following effect, on the night of the
14th of November [December]: The Fifth Division, Brigadier-General Hatch
commanding, was directed to debouch from the fortifications at or near the
Hardin pike, and move with its right flank on or near the pike, its left flank
connected with the infantry of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith to clear its own front,
and as soon as Smith should carry the rebel advanced position to swing to the
left, envelop and take in reverse the enemy's left flank. Croxton's brigade, of
the First Division, was ordered to debouch near the Hardin pike by a dirt road
between that and the Charlotte pike, to move with its left flank connecting
with Hatch's division and its right following the line of the ridge between the
Charlotte and Hardin pikes; after clearing Hardin pike of the enemy and
crossing Richland Creek, General Croxton was directed to conform to the
movements on his left. The Sixth Division, one brigade mounted, the other
having no horses, Brig. Gen. R.W. Johnson commanding, was ordered to move by
the Charlotte pike, clear that road of the enemy, keeping connection with
Croxton by skirmishers or patrols, and to push as far as Davidson's house, eight
miles from the city, so as to cover the movement of the balance of the corps
from the enemy's cavalry; General Johnson was specially charged with looking
out for the guns at Bell's landing and the force with them. Brig. Gen. Joseph
F. Knipe, commanding the Seventh Division, one brigade mounted, the other
dismounted, was directed to debouch on the Hardin pike after the movement had
begun and hold himself in readiness to move in any direction. Brigade and
division commanders were informed that the operations of the Cavalry Corps were
designed to clear the enemy from its immediate front, cover the right of the
infantry, envelop the enemy's left flank, attack him in the rear, and, if
possible, force its way to the Franklin pike at or near Brentwood. The country
being plowed fields or heavily timbered hills, very abrupt and difficult, they
were directed to leave all wheels except those of the artillery behind.
The whole command was under arms ready to move by 6 a.m.
December 15, but owing to a dense fog the attack was delayed. By 8.30 a.m. it
had cleared away: but McArthur's division, not having been directed to march,
as General Smith had promised, moved across the front of my command, thereby
delaying the general advance till about 10 a.m. Had the enemy been specially
alert this delay might have been very detrimental to the plan of attack. As
soon, however, as the infantry on Hatch's left began moving he advanced, with
his left touching the Hardin pike and his right extending toward the Charlotte
pike. The position which the infantry held being farther to the right than was
originally intended compelled a corresponding change on the part of the
cavalry. Simultaneously with the advance of the infantry the cavalry forces
moved as directed. Hatch's division was still further delayed after beginning
in advance by McArthur's infantry, but finally, having a clear road, advanced
rapidly with a strong line of skirmishers. The enemy, Ector's brigade of
infantry, were found posted beyond Richland Creek, on commanding ground, well
intrenched, but by a gallant charge by Stewart's brigade were driven rapidly
beyond Hardin's house, with the loss of some prisoners and intrenching tools.
When near the latter place the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Spalding
commanding, charged the enemy, captured 43 prisoners, the headquarters train of
General Chalmers, 14 wagons, containing baggage, papers, and records. Having
cleared his front General Hatch marched rapidly by the left flank with his
First Brigade to join the Second Brigade, which, wheeling with the infantry,
found itself on the flank of a four-gun battery posted in a redoubt covering
the enemy's left. Having posted his battery (I, First Illinois Light Artillery)
so as to enfilade the enemy, General Hatch pushed forward Colonel Coon's
brigade, dismounted, charged the rebel infantry supports, broke them, and
captured the redoubt, with its guns. Lieutenant Budd, of the Second Iowa
Cavalry, was the first man in the redoubt, closely followed by Lieutenant
Colvin, acting assistant adjutant-general of the division. In this attack a
portion of the infantry skirmish line gave assistance. The captured guns were
turned upon the enemy, occupying a higher hill, strongly intrenched, still
farther on. Hastily forming, the Second Brigade pushed boldly forward, the
First Brigade following the movement still farther to the right. The enemy's
new position was very strong. The left of their line occupied a hill still
higher than the one already carried, and with steep sides. On the top of it
they had constructed an irregular inclosed work of rails and earth, in which a
four-gun field battery was placed. To men less brave and determined than the
dismounted horsemen of Hatch's division it would have seemed like madness to
attack such a position. I have seen columns of infantry hesitate to attack
positions not half so strong, but Coon's brigade, armed with the Spencer
carbine and in a strong line of skirmishers, at the command of General Hatch,
advanced at the charge. In spite of the steep acclivity and withering fire of
artillery and musketry from the rebel parapet, the redoubt was carried, with
the battery of 4 guns and 250 prisoners. While the Second Brigade was
collecting and forming its scattered ranks General Hatch, with the First Brigade,
crossed the Hillsborough pike and again attacked the enemy on another range of
hills, drove them from it, and took possession of a battery of four guns in the
valley beyond. It was now almost dark; the cavalrymen having been fighting all
day on foot, owing to the roughness of the country, were very much fatigued.
General Hatch was ordered to bring up his horses, collect his men, and bivouac
on the Hillsborough pike. The Twenty-third Corps, Major-General Schofield
commanding, had moved to the right of Smith's corps and carried the hills in
its front just before dark. General Hatch was directed to connect with
Schofield's right and cover it from the enemy. As soon as Hatch had broken
through the enemy on the Hardin pike Knipe was directed to move out and pass to
Hatch's right, conform to his movements and push in upon the enemy's rear. The
First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Hammond commanding, advanced to the
Hillsborough pike, striking it near the six-mile post, and three-quarters of a
mile farther on turned up a branch of Richland Creek, and reached the Granny
White pike just at dark. The dismounted brigade took position on the
Hillsborough pike, covering Hatch and Hammond from an advance of the rebel
cavalry on that road. Croxton's brigade and Johnson's division, having been
delayed, like Hatch, by McArthur's infantry, moved promptly forward at the word
and found the enemy posted beyond Richland Creek. The rebel cavalry, with four
guns well posted, seemed determined to hold their ground, but strongly attacked
by Harrison's brigade, of Johnson's division, in front, while Croxton pressed
on their right, they were forced to give way. Croxton, after following for
several miles, turned to the left and crossed the Hardin pike, and marched
through the country, skirmishing with Chalmers, moving in the same direction,
and finally, after dark, bivouacked near the six-mile post, on the Hillsborough
pike. Johnson continued his advance along the Charlotte pike, and came up with
the rebels, strongly posted, beyond a small creek emptying into the Cumberland
near Bell's Landing; after some sharp skirmishing General Johnson made
dispositions to attack the rebel right in conjunction with Croxton, hoping
thereby to drive them from the road and separate them from the main rebel army.
The gun-boats dropped down and opened on their flank, while Lieutenant Smith,
with Battery I, Fourth U.S. Artillery, opened upon them in front. General
Croxton having, by my order, turned toward the left, General Johnson did not
think himself strong enough to risk an attack upon the rebel position. Night
coming on he bivouacked in their front, intending to attack before daylight the
next morning. This plan was frustrated by the withdrawal of the rebels after
night. The first day's operations having resulted in driving back the enemy's
entire left wing four miles, with our cavalry on the left flank and rear of the
enemy, orders were issued for the continuance of operations the next day.
Early on the morning of the 16th Hammond's pickets on the
Granny White pike were attacked and driven in, but ordering him to strengthen
them with his entire brigade, if necessary, he in turn drove the enemy back. At
the same time I directed General Hatch to move on the enemy's rear, passing to
Hammond's left. The country, very hilly and densely covered with timber, was
entirely impracticable for mounted men; the whole force was therefore
dismounted and pushed forward. Croxton moved to the front, ready to support
either Hammond or Hatch, and orders were sent to Johnson to march across the
country to the Hillsborough pike. By noon the skirmishers of Hatch and Hammond
had formed a continuous line, stretching from the right of Schofield's corps
across the Granny White pike. This line was parallel to that of the enemy and
facing in the direction of Nashville. The men of the Fifth and Seventh
Divisions, urged forward by their gallant officers, steadily pressed the enemy
back at every point, skirmishing heavily. Having informed Generals Thomas and
Schofield of the position occupied by my command and what it was doing, the
infantry was ordered forward on the right, and, as they charged the front of
the rebel works, Coon's brigade, of Hatch's division, attacked them in the
rear. Pressed in front, flank, and, rear, about 4 p.m. the enemy broke and fled
in confusion from the field. Croxton was hurried from the Hillsborough pike
toward Brentwood, but could not reach the flying army before dark. Hatch and
Knipe were ordered to mount their commands and pursue with all possible
rapidity. As on the day before, from the difficult character of the ground and
the distance traveled dismounted, considerable time was unavoidably lost before
the horses could be led to the men. Hatch was directed to push down the Granny
White pike, and, if possible, reach the Franklin pike that night. He had not,
however, gone more than a mile when his advance encountered the enemy's
cavalry, Chalmers' division, strongly posted across the road behind a barricade
of rails. A portion of the command were hastily dismounted and deployed on both
sides of the road. While the skirmishers were advancing the Twelfth Tennessee
Cavalry, led by Colonel Spalding, charged the enemy, broke his lines, scattered
them in all directions, and captured Brigadier-General Rucker, then in command
of the division. Night having closed in the enemy was enabled to make his
escape. The pursuit was necessarily discontinued, men and horses being worn out
and hungry. The corps bivouacked for the night--Knipe, Croxton, and Hatch on
the Granny White pike, and Johnson on the Hillsborough pike near the Harpeth
River. Before daylight they were in motion again--Knipe, in the advance,
marched through the country to the Franklin pike; Croxton crossed and marched
through the fields to its left; Hatch marched by the Granny White pike and a
country road to the Franklin pike, and then followed Knipe; while Johnson
pushed to the Harpeth River, forded it, and moved rapidly toward Franklin.
General Knipe, with Hammond's brigade, came up with the enemy at Hollow Tree
Gap, four or five miles north of Franklin. After a sharp fight, in which
General Hammond with a part of his command passed around the enemy's right and
struck them in flank, the position was handsomely carried. Three colors and 413
prisoners, including 2 colonels and 2 lieutenant-colonels, were captured. The
rebel rear guard then fell back rapidly to Franklin, crossed the Harpeth, and
prepared to defend its crossing but General Johnson, with Harrison's brigade,
having marched at 4 o'clock and crossed the river on the Hillsborough pike,
moved rapidly to Franklin, struck them in flank, and compelled them to retreat
to a new position, south of the town. Knipe crossed by the ford and entered the
town almost simultaneously with Harrison's advance; Hatch and Croxton crossed
soon after at the fords above the town. At Franklin the enemy's hospital with
about 2,000 wounded fell into our hands; 200 of our own wounded, left there on
the retreat to Nashville, were also recovered, together with 17,000 rations.
The pursuit was immediately continued, Knipe and Hatch moving in parallel
columns along the Columbia pike, Johnson down the Carter's Creek pike, and
Croxton on the Lewisburg pike. The flanking columns were directed to push
rapidly forward and endeavor to pass round the flanks of the enemy's rear
guard, composed almost entirely of infantry, while a strong force of
skirmishers across the pike should press it continually and compel it to form
line as frequently as possible. By these means I hoped to break up their last
organized force and disperse the disorganized and flying mass they were
covering. My orders were obeyed with great alacrity, but the enemy, finding his
flanks so much endangered, retired as rapidly, but skirmishing heavily with Hatch
and Knipe. Late in the evening, apparently exhausted with rapid marching, the
rebels took a strong position in open fields about a mile north of the West
Harpeth. It was then almost dark from fog and approaching night.
The men of General Hatch's advance, by their rapid
movements, had become so intermingled with the sullen and disheartened enemy,
he began to doubt that the force in his front were really those of the rebel
rear guard. The momentary hesitation caused by this uncertainty gave the rebels
an opportunity to put their battery in position and reform their line. I
immediately gave orders for Hatch and Knipe to collect their men and charge
both flanks of the enemy, and directed my escort, the Fourth U.S. Cavalry,
about 200 strong, Lieut. Joseph Hedges commanding, to charge their center, on
the pike. These orders had scarcely been given before the enemy opened a rapid
fire from their battery, not over 300 yards from us. Hatch's battery promptly
replied. Lieutenant Hedges, thinking that I simply wished him to ascertain the
character of the force in our front, hastily moved his regiment about and to
the side of the road and out of the range of the rebel guns, but, at my orders
as promptly resumed his original formation, in
column of fours," in the road, and dashed forward at a gallop with
sabers drawn, broke through the enemy's battery; Hatch's division and Hammond's
brigade, dismounted, rushed forward at the same moment. The enemy, broken in
the center and pressed back on both flanks, fled rapidly from the field,
withdrawing his guns at a gallop. Lieutenant Hedges, outstripping his men, was
captured three different times, but throwing his hat away and raising the cry
"The Yankees are coming, run for your lives," succeeded in getting away.
The rout was complete, and although it was then very dark everybody pressed
rapidly forward, the Fourth U.S. Cavalry and General Hatch, with a handful of
men, in advance on the pike, and the Fifth Division on right and left. General
Hammond, with the Tenth Indiana Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham commanding,
fording the West Harpeth a few hundred yards to the right, again struck the
rebels in the flank. Pressed in all directions the artillerymen left their guns
and saved themselves as best they could; the infantry scattered in all
directions; darkness alone enabled the entire command to escape. The rebel
force was found to be Stevenson's division, of Lee's corps, under command of
General Forrest, who had just returned from Murfreesborough.3
Early the next morning the Cavalry Corps, although out of
rations, again renewed the pursuit--Croxton and Johnson endeavoring to strike
the enemy at Spring Hill; Hatch and Knipe moving as the day before. The enemy,
having encamped at Spring Hill, marched rapidly toward Columbia, but could not
be again brought to a stand. The densely wooded country, muddy roads, and
plowed fields, rendered almost impassable by the constant rain, made it very
difficult for troops traveling on the right and left of the pike to get forward
fast enough to overtake the enemy marching on the pike. Late in the afternoon
the command halted seven miles north of Columbia for rations, having had
nothing to eat since the day before and nothing in the country for them to
take. Supplies arrived during the night, and early in the morning the pursuit
was resumed, notwithstanding a heavy storm of rain and snow then prevailing.
General Hatch arrived at Rutherford's Creek at an early hour, followed closely
by the Fourth Corps. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, by order of
General Thomas, the balance of the Cavalry Corps remained in bivouac.
Rutherford's Creek, swollen by the rains and having steep and abrupt banks,
could not be forded. The pontoon train was behind, and did not arrive till the
next day. The enemy occupied a strong position commanding the site of the old
bridge. General Hatch succeeded in crossing a few skirmishers on the ruins of
the upper railroad bridge, about a mile from the pike, but, after some
skirmishing, withdrew them to the north bank after dark.
The morning of the 20th General Hatch constructed a floating
bridge out of the debris of the lower railroad bridge and crossed his
entire command, but the enemy had succeeded in getting everything across Duck
River the night before. This stream, being also much swollen, could not be
crossed until the pontoon bridge was laid. Brigadier-Generals Johnson and Knipe
were sent to Nashville to remount their dismounted brigades on the 20th.
On the 24th of December the whole corps, having crossed Duck
River, resumed the pursuit, but General Hood had improved his opportunity and
reformed his rear guard by selecting all of the well-armed infantry in his
command; they were organized into eight brigades, of about 500 men each; the
available cavalry that could be controlled were also used; all under command of
Lieutenant-General Forrest. The trains and body of the army were hurried toward
the Tennessee River, marching to Pulaski, and thence by the dirt roads to
Bainbridge. The rear guard had thus a clear road and when pressed could fall
back rapidly. The country on the right and left of the pike, very broken and
densely timbered, was almost impassable; the pike itself, passing through the
gorges of the hills, was advantageous for the enemy; with a few men he could
compel the pursuing force to develop a front almost anywhere. In the vicinity
of Lynnville, the country being open, the enemy was driven rapidly back, and at
Buford Station, near Richland Creek, while Hatch was-pressing them on the pike
Croxton struck them in flank and drove them in confusion beyond Richland Creek.
In this affair one flag and a number of prisoners were captured and the rebel
General Buford wounded through the leg. The rebels retreated that night to the
vicinity of Pulaski, but the next day were driven through that place, closely
pressed by Harrison's brigade. The bridges across Richland Creek were saved by
the celerity and good management with which Colonel Harrison handled his
command, so that, without delaying, he continued the pursuit, and by 2 p.m.
came up with the enemy strongly intrenched at the head of a heavily wooded and
deep ravine, through which ran the road. The country was so difficult and
broken that the men of Harrison's brigade were necessarily in weak order, but
nothing daunted, they pursued the enemy's skirmishers back to their fortified
position. Here they were compelled to halt, and while the troops of Hatch's,
Croxton's, and Hammond's commands were marching through the woods to their
support, a few hundred of the enemy's infantry, for the first time since the
battles about Nashville, sallied from their breast-works and drove back
Harrison's attenuated skirmish line and captured one gun of Smith's battery (I,
Fourth U.S. Artillery). They were promptly driven back, but had succeeded in
getting the captured gun off. Hammond, Croxton, and Hatch moving on the flanks
of their position they abandoned it hastily just before night, leaving about
fifty prisoners in our hands.
On the 26th the pursuit was continued to the Sugar Creek,
the enemy falling back and making but slight resistance. At the latter place
they took up a strong position and held it until General Hammond had developed
his forces and got ready to attack. Hastily withdrawing, they continued their
march throughout the night. It had now become evident that no effort on the
part of my command could bring again Forrest to risk another engagement. Having
neither rations nor forage, and learning that the main body of the rebels had
already reached the south side of the Tennessee, I directed the corps to halt,
and the next morning I sent Colonel Spalding, of the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry,
with 500 picked men, after the enemy, with directions to continue the pursuit
until he had reached the Tennessee River. He reached the river, at Bainbridge,
early on the morning of the 28th, the last of the enemy having crossed and
taken up the bridge during the night.
The road from Pulaski to Bainbridge was as bad as it could
possibly be the country through which it runs almost entirely denuded of forage
and army supplies. Both men and horses suffered greatly. Hood having effected
his escape, the corps was ordered to Eastport for the purpose of refitting and
resting. Before this order was received, however, Hatch, Hammond, and Harrison
had marched to Athens, on the road to Huntsville, in pursuance of previous
instructions from General Thomas.
The reports of the provost-marshal show that during these
operations the cavalry captured from enemy 32 guns, 11 caissons, 12 colors,
3,232 prisoners (including 1 general officer), and compelled them to abandon or
destroy over 100 wagons, 8 ambulances, and 1,348 mules.
Detachments of the Sixth and Seventh Divisions accompanied
the movements of Major-General Steedman south of the Tennessee, and burned the
rebel pontoon and a large supply train; in all, 80 pontoons, 125 wagons.
Our losses were: I gun; 122 officers and men killed, 521
wounded, and 259 missing.
For the details of these operations and acts of special
gallantry I respectfully refer to the reports of Generals McCook, Hatch,
Hammond, Johnson, and Croxton, which I submit herewith. Reports of other
commanders will be sent forward as soon as obtained. The operations of the
Third Division, extending from Atlanta to Savannah, are fully detailed in the
reports of General Kilpatrick and his subordinate officers, transmitted
herewith.4
General Kilpatrick and his gallant command are specially
worthy of praise for the admirable manner in which they co-operated with the
movements of the infantry in their long and tiresome march, as well as for the
confidence and bravery with which they attacked and defeated at various times
the superior numbers of the rebel cavalry under General Wheeler.
The officers of my staff have performed their duties most
efficiently throughout the entire campaign, but I am particularly indebted to
Lieut. Col. A. J. Alexander, assistant adjutant-general, Seventeenth Corps,
chief of staff; Maj. E. B. Beaumont, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. E. B.
Carling, chief quartermaster; and Capt. J. C. Read, chief commissary. These
officers have fully earned the promotion for which they have already been
recommended to the War Department.
It is with great pleasure I mention the services of Maj.
William P. Chambliss and Capt. John Green, U.S. Army, special inspectors of
cavalry. In furnishing remounts, arms, and preparing troops for the field, they
have done more than all other persons toward promoting the efficiency of the
cavalry service in this military division.
Before closing this report it may not be improper to say
that throughout the entire campaign the bravery and steadiness of the cavalry
troops, new and old, were most conspicuous. Nothing could have been more
admirable than their conduct on the Harpeth, in the two days' battle at
Nashville, in the affair on the West Harpeth, or in the pursuit which followed.
-I know of no battles in the war where the influence of cavalry was more
potent, nor of any pursuit sustained so long and well.
The results of campaign, added to those following the same
policy in the Army of the Potomac, clearly demonstrate the wisdom of massing
the cavalry of an army, and it is to be hoped will obtain from the War
Department a recognition of the corps already organized.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. WILSON,
Brevet Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland.
_______________
ADDENDA.
GENERAL FIELD ORDERS No. 1.}
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Granny White Pike, December 17, 1864.
The brevet major-general commanding takes great pleasure in
communicating to the cavalry the generous commendations and thanks of
Major-General Thomas for their success, good conduct, and dashing gallantry
displayed throughout the recent engagements near Nashville. Guns, prisoners,
and battle-flags are the sure evidences of victory. It is with great pleasure
that the brevet major-general commanding states no corps in the army can show
more of them than the cavalry.
By order of Brevet Major-General Wilson:
E. B. BEAUMONT,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________ SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 16.}
BLUE WATER,
December 30, 1864.
It gives the brevet major-general great pleasure to transmit
the following complimentary notice of the operations of the Cavalry Corps, and
to assure the officers and soldiers of his command that he fully indorses the
declaration of Major-General Thomas:
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Pulaski,
Tenn., December 29, 1864.
Maj. Gen. J. H. WILSON,
Commanding Cavalry Corps, Military
Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding
tenders his thanks to yourself, officers and men for the vigor, skill, bravery,
and endurance displayed by your corps in this long and toilsome pursuit of the
retreating rebel army.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Brigadier-General
and Chief of Staff.
By order of Brevet Major-General Wilson:
E. B. BEAUMONT,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________
GENERAL ORDERS No. 18.}
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
MILITARY DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Gravelly Springs, February 24, 1865.
The brevet major-general commanding takes great pleasure in
commending the gallant and meritorious conduct of the following-named officers
and enlisted men of the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi,
during the recent campaign: Col. George Spalding, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry,
for gallantry in charging the enemy's works in front of Nashville on the 15th
and 16th of December, 1864; Col. Thomas J. Harrison, commanding brigade, Sixth
Division, for gallantry and energetic discharge of his duties;
Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, for gallantry in the night
fight on the West Harpeth; Capt. Joseph C. Boyer, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry,
for gallantry in hand-to-hand fight on the night of the 16th of December, 1864,
resulting in the capture of his opponent, Brigadier-General Rucker, of the
Confederate army; Captain Davis, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, for behaving with
great gallantry; Capt. Norman M. Smith, Nineteenth Pennsylvania, for attention
to duty at all times, bravery at Hollow-Tree Gap (December 17), Anthony's Hill
(December 25), Sugar Creek (December 26, 1864); Capt. George R. Mitchell,
Company K, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, for gallantry in leading a charge against the
enemy at Indian Creek, December 22, 1864; Capt. William Mead and Lieut. George
S. Snook, Tenth Indiana Cavalry, with eighty men of Companies D and K, of the
same regiment, charged through the rebels, 300 strong, killing and wounding many
and capturing twenty-five prisoners; First Lieut. Thomas Claiborn, Tenth
Indiana Cavalry, for attention to duty at all times and bravery at Hollow-Tree
Gap, December 17, 1864; Lieut. Hervey A. Colvin, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, and
Lieutenant Budd, Second Iowa Cavalry, for gallantry during the charge on first
redoubt, stormed by the Second Brigade, Fifth Division, in front of Nashville;
First Lieut. Joseph Hedges, Fourth U.S. Cavalry, for gallantry in fight on the
Little Harpeth River, December 18 [17], 1864, charging a strong line of rebel
infantry with his regiment mounted, charge resulting in the capture of three
guns from the enemy; Sergt. George G. Chism, Company A, Ninth Indiana Cavalry,
for charging with fifteen men and capturing twenty rebels at Franklin December
17,1864; Sergt. Martin G. Rossmalier, Company H Fourth U.S. Cavalry for bravery
during the action at Little Harpeth River; Corpl. Harrison Collins,5
Company A, First Tennessee Cavalry, for capturing a rebel battle-flag from
Chalmers' division December 24, 1864; Private Simpson B. Gaston, for gallantry
in leading the charge on Reynolds' Hill, December 25, 1864.
The gallantry of the troops of the Cavalry Corps has
receives the commendation of the major-general commanding the department. It is
regretted that the brevet major-general commanding cannot mention more from the
host of meritorious soldiers who were distinguished for their gallantry. The
division and brigade commanders having been mentioned in the report of
operations, on that account are not mentioned in general orders.
By command of Brevet Major-General Wilson:
E. B. BEAUMONT,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________
Consolidated
report of prisoners of war captured and Confederate deserters taken by Cavalry
Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, commanded by Breret Major-General
Wilson, during the campaign from November 30, 1864, to December 31, 1864.
|
|
Officers.
|
Men.
|
|
Troops.
|
Prisoners of War.
|
Rebel Deserters.
|
Prisoners of War.
|
Rebel Deserters.
|
|
First Division
|
7
|
|
357
|
3
|
|
Second Division
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Division
|
13
|
|
229
|
|
|
Fourth Division
|
2
|
|
43
|
|
|
Fifth Division
|
17
|
|
1,669
|
|
|
Sixth Division
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seventh Division.
|
47
|
|
848
|
|
|
Total
|
86
|
|
3,146
|
3
|
Disposition of prisoners of war and
deserters.
Prisoners of war, including officers and deserters,
transferred--
|
To Colonel Parkhurst, provost-marshal-general Department
of the Cumberland
|
517
|
|
To provost-marshal Army of the Tennessee, Eastport, Miss
|
36
|
|
To Captain Sparks, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers
|
10
|
|
To General Granger, Huntsville, Ala
|
95
|
|
To Fourth Army Corps, Department of the Cumberland
|
296
|
|
To Captain Dugger, One hundred and twenty-second Illinois
Infantry
|
7
|
|
To General Kimball
|
8
|
|
At Franklin, Tenn
|
12
|
Remainder transferred to infantry officers during the
fighting; no receipts taken for the same.
I certify that the above report is correct.
G. H. KNEELAND,
Captain and Acting Provost-Marshal.
_______________
Consolidated
report of property captured by Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the
Mississippi, commanded Brevet Major-General Wilson, during the campaign from
November 30, 1864, to December 31, 1864.
[Column Lables.]
|
A
|
Division.
|
E
|
6-pounder James
rifles.
|
I
|
Small-arms.
|
M
|
Wagons.
|
|
B
|
Brigade.
|
F
|
6-pounder
Napoleons.
|
J
|
Sabers.
|
N
|
Ambulances.
|
|
C
|
Regimental.
|
G
|
|
K
|
Locomotives.
|
O
|
Pontoon wagons.
|
|
D
|
12-pounder howitzers.
|
H
|
Caissons.
|
L
|
Hand cars.
|
P
|
Mules.
|
|
Troops.
|
Standards
|
Artillery.
|
|
|
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
D
|
E
|
F
|
G
|
H
|
I
|
J
|
K
|
L
|
M
|
N
|
O
|
P
|
|
First Division
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
1
|
1
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
|
Second Division
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
|
Third Division
|
1
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
2
|
3
|
365
|
....
|
1
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
|
Fourth Division
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
|
Fifth Division a
|
1
|
4
|
....
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
14
|
7
|
2,021
|
4
|
2
|
2
|
26
|
8
|
....
|
....
|
|
Sixth Division
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
|
Seventh Division b
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
....
|
158
|
....
|
125
|
1,348
|
|
Total
|
4
|
7
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
17
|
11
|
2,386
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
184
|
8
|
125
|
1,348
|
a
First Brigade, Fifth Division, claims tho capture of 400 stand of small-arms,
left on the field for want of transportation. Two pieces of artillery captured
were saved by Lieut. R. B. Avery. The ammunition wagons, horses, and drivers
were captured by Capt. H. Lindsey. The brigade does not claim these guns
outright. The skirmishers of the Third Illinois Cavalry entered the rebel
breastworks on a line with the skirmishers of the Second Brigade, Fifth
Division. The brigade forced the enemy to abandon three pieces of artillery,
which the rebels threw into Duck River. The Third Illinois Cavalry, of this
brigade, captured 2 locomotives, 2 hand-cars, and saved 200 cords of wood (Government)
fired by the enemy. The small-arms captured were all left on the field or
destroyed. Total capture of field pieces by this brigade, 14.
b First Brigade,
Seventh Division, Cavalry Corps : This brigade captured six colors; one of the
num. ber was captured by Lieutenant Allen, aide-de-camp to General Hammond, and
by him turned over to General Knipe; the remaining fire were transferred to
Captain Huston, provost-marshal Seventh Cavalry Division. Forty-eight mules and
8 wagons captured were turned over to Captain Huston, provost-marshal, also
Colonel Russell's and Roddey's headquarters wagons, numbering 25, with Roddey's
papers; 125 pontoon wagons, with contents, burned; 125 wagons, General Hood's
supply train, also burned, with contents. Total capture of mules, 1,348; out of
that number 200 were turned over to Gen. eral Granger; broken-down horses were
replaced with a number of them, and the remainder killed.
I certify that the above report is correct.
G. H. KNEELAND,
Captain and Acting Provost-Marshal.
HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Gravelly Springs, February 6, 1865. _______________
1 See Plate CV, Map 9 of the Atlas.
2 See p. 791.
3 For sketch of the action at West Harpeth,
accompanying this report, see Plate CV, Map 6 of the Atlas.
4 See Vol. XLIV.
5 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. 550-71
