No. 213.
Report of Col. Minor
T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 4, 1864.
MAJOR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers in the engagement at Overall's Creek on the evening of the 4th instant:
The first position was to the right, with the left resting near the brick house on the right of the pike road. I was then ordered to move by the right flank in the direction of the block-house on the railroad, following and supporting a line of skirmishers from the Sixty-first Illinois. When within fifty yards of the block-house halted and formed line of battle. The enemy in front were sharpshooters, posted in a wood and behind a rail fence, between the enemy's battery and a blockhouse. After remaining in this position for a short time, and being annoyed by the sharpshooters and shell from the enemy, I first moved down two companies to the right of the block-house, and, by opening fire, drove the sharpshooters from cover, and was in the act of opening on the battery when I discovered our cavalry charging through the intervening space, which compelled me to cease and move down the whole force. When in this position we were subjected to the fire of the battery for a few minutes, which was sharp and well directed. My orders permitting me to go no farther, I remained in this position until Ordered to retire, which was done, first to the first position on the field, and at 9 p.m. marched to the fortress.
The only casualties were Private Dominick Barney, Company H, wounded in the head severely (left at block-house); Private John Payne, slightly, Company A.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,Assistant Adjutant-General.
