A. A. G. George E. Flynt, to Surgeon D. B. Cliff, January 24, 1862

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,        

Somerset, Ky., January 24, 1862.

Surg. D. B. CLIFF:

The general commanding the division grants you permission to accompany the remains of General Zollicoffer and Lieut. Bailie Peyton to Louisville, Ky. Transportation for this purpose will be furnished you from the quartermaster's department. An escort of 1 sergeant and 6 men will be detailed to accompany you as far as Lebanon, Ky., and a transportation pass over the railroad to Louisville.

Upon your arrival at Louisville you will at once report in person to General D. C. Buell, commanding the Department of the Ohio, and, with his consent, can proceed to Nashville with the remains.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,.

GEO. E. FLYNT,        

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 565

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 238. — Report of Lieut. Col. Llewellyn Hoxton, C. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery, of operations December l0-17, 1864.

No. 238.

Report of Lieut. Col. Llewellyn Hoxton, C. S. Artillery,

Chief of Artillery, of operations December l0-17, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY, LEE'S CORPS,        

Columbus, February 1, 1865.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command from the 10th of December (the day on which I assumed command), until the 17th of December, on which day you were wounded:

I found all of the guns of the corps in position on the line at Nashville except Marshall's battery, of Johnston's battalion, left in garrison at Columbia, and Fenner's battery, of Eldridge's battalion, which was at Murfreesborough with Palmers brigade, reporting to Major-General Forrest. I had, therefore, twenty-eight guns in position on the corps line on the 15th of December, none of which were engaged until evening, when a few rounds were fired by Courtney's battalion from the temporary line to which we had retired. During the night all of my guns were removed to the new line and placed in position early in the morning—Courtney's battalion of twelve guns were massed about the center of General Ed. Johnson's line; Eldridge's battalion of eight guns occupied position on the hill to the right of the Franklin pike on General Clayton's line; and six guns of Johnston's battalion were in position on General Stevenson's line; two guns of his battalion were held in reserve in accordance with your orders. Courtney's battalion opened upon the enemy's skirmishers as soon as they came in view, and in return received a terrific fire from the enemy's batteries, which killed and crippled many of their horses. Orders were received by me and given to my battalions not to fire except on lines of battle or well-defined bodies of men, and consequently my batteries did little firing after 9 o'clock, except when the enemy charged the lines of Generals Stevenson and Clayton, when Johnston's battalion and Eldridge's battalion (the latter commanded by Captain Fenner) did most splendid execution upon them with canister, killing and wounding large numbers. During the whole day the batteries were subjected to a terrible artillery fire, which destroyed a large number of horses in the best cover I could obtain, and exploded two limber chests. When the lines were abandoned every effort was made by my officers and men to save their guns, and although left without infantry support, with the enemy almost upon them, they succeeded in almost every instance in limbering up, and then had so many horses shot down as to be unable to haul their guns through the heavy soil to the pike. I lost in the lines the following guns, 16 in all:

Courtney's battalion:
Dent's battery	4
Douglas' battery	1
Garrity's battery	2
Johnston's battalion:
Rowan's battery	4
Corput's battery	1
Eldridge's battalion:
Stanford's battery	4

I also lost some caissons. The horses which were unhurt were mostly saved. The twelve guns saved from the lines were immediately placed in position and used with good effect in protecting the retreat of the army.

On the morning of the 17th I was ordered to leave the five guns of Courtney's battalion with General Stevenson, who was conducting the rear guard. During the day the enemy's cavalry dashed into our lines on the pike, between the divisions of Generals Stevenson and Clayton, and captured the three guns of Douglas' battery. They destroyed the harness and had to cut down the guns, and when we recaptured them we could not carry them off and were compelled to abandon them. Three of the guns of Fenner's battery were subsequently abandoned by order of General Forrest, he finding it impossible to save them; and two guns of McKenzie's battery, which had been ordered to report to Lieutenant-General Stewart, were left by him on the other side of Duck River and abandoned, as the pontoon bridge was taken up, the commanding officer having been previously refused permission to cross; this, however, was after you had relinquished command.

I regret that it is out of my power to furnish a list of casualties, none having been previously called for, and two of my battalions having been ordered away. My loss was small, however, except in Stanford's battery, which lost 12 men killed and wounded.

Captain Rowan, a good and gallant officer, was killed by a shell on the morning of the 16th.

In conclusion, I would say that the officers and men of my command exhibited the greatest coolness and gallantry during the fight and subsequent retreat; that they did all in their power to save their guns; and that they feel most keenly the misfortune which has disarmed them at a moment so perilous for their country, and ask your earnest intercession to place them again in the field at an early day.

Very respectfully,

L. HOXTON,        

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

Lieut. Gen. S. D. LEE.

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. 691-2

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, September 14, 1863

To-day companies are sent in every direction, scouring the country for rebels. Company H to-day capture the noted rebel Ross, once a member of the State Legislature. Some one charges him as being one of the motley crew who made such an ignoble retreat when Nelson made his appearance in the vicinity of Nashville, but as it is to his credit, he denies the accusation. In the evening the different companies and scouting parties form a junction at Henderson Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 190

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 223. — Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 2-5, 1864.

No. 223.

Report of Col. Thomas C. Boone, One hundred and fifteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations December 2-5, 1864.

HDQRS. 115TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 27, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of the operations of my regiment during Hood's late advance into Tennessee.

On the 25th of November, as per instructions from headquarters post of Murfreesborough, I started to Duck River Bridge, at the same time sent the adjutant northward toward Nashville on an inspection tour. I found the troops from here to Duck River supplied with the requisite amount of ammunition and subsistence to December 10, 1864. The adjutant returned November 27, making a similar report. I immediately forwarded twenty days' rations to all the detachments of the regiment from Nashville to Duck River, supplying the troops to the 1st of January, 1865.

Block-house No. 2, five miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. George D. Harter, was the first attacked by the enemy. About 8 a.m. December 2, 1864, a force was seen approaching the block-house, a large majority of whom were dressed in Federal uniform. The force began gradually to surround the block-house. About this time a railroad train was heard approaching from the south. When it came in sight it was discovered to be loaded with colored troops. The train came up very slowly, and when on the bridge at the block-house was fired into by the enemy's artillery, disabling the engine and wrecking the train immediately. This began the fight, and seven pieces of artillery opened fire on the block-house. The colored troops, which consisted of parts of the Fourteenth and Forty-fourth U. S. Colored Infantry, and numbering in all about 350 men, under command of Colonel Johnson, of the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Troops, sought protection at the block-house. They were scarce of ammunition, and Lieutenant Harter gave to Colonel Johnson for the use of his command 2,000 rounds, without which they could have rendered but little or no assistance to the block-house garrison. The garrison kept up constant firing on the enemy, forcing them to change the position of their artillery frequently. One piece, however, which did them the most damage, was stationed on a hill about 500 yards north of the block-house. It was loaded under cover of the hill, pushed to the crest, sighted and fired, and then drawn back to reload. The garrison was unable to force this gun from its position. Firing was kept up continually from 10 a.m. until dark. Near 500 rounds solid shot and shell, from 10 and 20 pounder guns, were fired at the block-house. The rebels told our wounded (who were left in their hands) that they fired upward of 460 rounds. Night found the block-house in a ruinous condition, the north wing being completely destroyed, outside casing of west wing was badly damaged, the lookout gone, two large breaches made in the roof, and one of the posts—the main support of the roof—knocked out, while the other center posts were badly splintered. Lieutenant Harter, taking into consideration the condition of the block-house and that his ammunition was nearly all expended, regarded it as certain capture to remain until daylight. Consequently, at 3 a.m. December 3, 1864, the garrison evacuated the block-house, and, accompanied by the colored troops, arrived safely in Nashville at daylight. Upon reporting to Major-General Thomas, Lieutenant Harter was informed that an order had been issued two days previously directing the abandonment of all block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough. The courier failed to get through the rebel lines, consequently the order was not received. Casualties of the garrison at this block-house (No. 2) were 1 enlisted man killed and 3 enlisted men wounded.

No. 1 block-house, four miles from Nashville, commanded by Lieut. Jacob N. Shaffer, was attacked and the entire garrison captured December 3, 1864. The amount of firing upon and damage done to block-house and garrison before its surrender has not been ascertained. It is reported, however, that firing was kept up throughout the day and that a flag of truce was sent in five times during the day.

Block-house No. 3, near Antioch, commanded by Capt. D. N. Lowrey, was attacked on the 3d of December by artillery. The rebel guns here were placed in such positions as to prevent the block-house garrison from doing them much injury other than occasionally picking off a gunner. After holding out for thirty-six hours and receiving ninety shots, from 12 and 20 pounder guns, the garrison was compelled to surrender.

Capt. Lewis F. Hake, commanding at La Vergne, received an order December 4, 1864, from Major-General Thomas (which had been issued three days previously), to abandon all the block-houses from Nashville to Murfreesborough and withdraw the forces to the latter place. Couriers were started each way along the railroad on the morning of the 5th to notify the commanders of the block-houses. Sergt. William McKinney, commanding Block-house No. 4, having received this order, was in the act of evacuating his block-house, when he was attacked and compelled to surrender.

On the morning of the 5th of December, 1864, as the command at La Vergne was completing its preparations to march to Murfreesborough (two wagons having already been loaded), the rebels suddenly made their appearance in considerable force on all sides, and a flag of truce was discovered approaching. It was halted at a proper distance and Lieutenant Eadie sent out to meet it. Whilst a consultation was being had under the flag the rebels took advantage of the same and planted four pieces of artillery bearing directly on the command. Under the circumstances, being surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, with their artillery in position commanding the whole ground ready for firing, Captain Hake was compelled to surrender his command, consisting of 73 men (regimental martial band included), 25 horses and equipments, 2 pieces of artillery (one 6 and one 12 pounder), and small-arms.

Commanders of block-houses Nos. 5 and 6, Capt. William M. McClure and Lieut. John S. Orr, received Captain Hake's order the night of the 4th. They evacuated their block-houses on the morning of the 5th instant. Rebels in small squads had already made their appearance on all sides. The garrisons were compelled to make a circuitous route around through Jefferson, marching over twenty miles, had several skirmishes with the enemy on the way, and arrived safely in camp at Murfreesborough about 2 p.m. of the same day.

Block-house No. 7, four miles from Murfreesborough, commanded by Lieut. H. H. Glosser, was attacked on the 4th instant by rebel artillery and musketry. Seventy-six artillery shots were fired at the blockhouse, thirty-two of which struck it. The railroad bridge at this point was saved, and but little damage was done to the block-house other than knocking off the lookout. This house was not again attacked with artillery. Sharpshooters remained keeping the garrison hemmed in, as the following communication, being the first that was heard from Lieutenant Glosser, will explain.

BLOCK-HOUSE No. 7, December 18, 1864.

Major-General MILROY:

 

SIR: I am informed by your scout (Mr. Lee) that the rebels have retreated. He tells me that if there is anything I want to send a note to you and say what it is. General, I want nothing but liberty. I have been hemmed in for thirteen days, not daring to put my head outside the block-house. The rebel sharpshooters have left, and I feel better. The health of myself and men is good; am ready for any emergency. General Forrest sent in a flag of truce four times, demanding the surrender of this house, promising to treat me well, and threatening to burn me with Greek fire if I refused. I resolved to believe nothing but such things as I could see; and as I could not see the Greek fire, I thought I would wait until I did.

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

 

H. H. GLOSSER,       

First Lieut. Company E, 115th Regt. Ohio Vol. Infty., Comdg. Block-House No. 7.

No casualties were sustained at this block-house. The garrison kept up firing at all times when the rebels appeared in sight, expending during the whole time nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition.

The detachments at block-houses between Murfreesborough and Tullahoma, with but one exception, were not attacked by the enemy.

Block-House No. 9, near Bell Buckle Station, Lieut. M. S. Hurd commanding, was approached by flag of truce and its surrender demanded. Lieutenant Hurd promptly refused, telling them "if they wanted the block-house, they must come and take it." The rebels did not open fire with their artillery, and after a few volleys of musketry withdrew from sight. Straggling rebels were now seen all along the road to Tullahoma, quite a number of whom were picked up and forwarded to Murfreesborough.

You are already cognizant of the part taken by the detachment in and near Murfreesborough, which renders it unnecessary for me to mention the particulars. So far as I am able to learn I have good reason to believe that every detachment of the regiment throughout has done its duty as became soldiers.

I feel it my duty here to make special mention of the manner in which Lieuts. George D. Hatter and Henry H. Glosser, with the little bands of veterans under their command, so nobly acquitted themselves under such trying circumstances. Too much credit cannot be given them for so gallantly defending their block-houses against the prolonged attack of the enemy, so much their superior in numbers and furnished with 10 and 20 pounder guns.

Captured, 170; killed, 1; wounded, 4; escaped since capture, 4.

Accompanying this report is a list of casualties in the regiment, as nearly correct as I am at this time able to give.

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

THOMAS C. BOONE,        

Colonel 115th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Commanding.

Lieut. H. H. SHEETS,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 631-4

Diary of Richard R. Hancock: Thursday, June 27, 1861

On arriving at Nashville, after a ride of about twenty-two miles, we took quarters at the fair grounds.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 17

Diary of Richard R. Hancock: Friday, June 28, 1861

As Tennesseans were then offering their services faster than the state was prepared to arm and equip them, it was after hard begging that Governor Isham G. Harris gave his consent to have our company mustered into service; and as he would not receive more than seventy-six men, including the officers, eight of our company had to return home.

About eleven o'clock A. M., the Auburn Company (known afterward as the "Sangs") was sworn into service by J. G. Picket.

The following roll will be found to contain the names of the seventy-six men who were mustered into the service of the State of Tennessee for twelve months, with the present (1886) address opposite the name of each one living, so far as known. I have not been able to learn whether those whose names are followed by an asterisk (*) are dead or living; therefore, in our calculations hereafter, we will call this class the unaccounted for.

COMPANY ROLL.

Allison, T. M., Captain. Killed at home in 1862.
Summar, N. W., First Lieutenant, Auburn, Tennessee.
Alexander, George, Second Lieutenant, Cedar Creek, Texas.
Wilson, M. V., Third Lieutenant.*
ODOM, J. J.,1 First Sergeant. Died in West Tennessee in 1885.
WIDLARD, D. B., Second Sergeant, Auburn, Tennessee.
McLin, J. D., Third Sergeant, Nashville, Tenn.
Odom, John H., Fourth Sergeant, Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Harrisburg.
Summar, J. N., First Corporal, Auburn, Tennessee.
Davenport, George, Second Corporal, Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Bear Creek Bridge.
WALKER, SAM, Third Corporal, Smithville, Tennessee.
Lanear, Dick, Fourth Corporal.*
Adamson, Presley, Smallman, Tennessee.
Adamson, W. A., Smallman, Tennessee.
Ashford, Cahal. Died at home in June, 1862.
Barrett, Eli, Auburn, Tennessee. Captured in September, 1863, and taken to Camp Morton, Indiana.
BOGLE, J. M., Avoca, Benton County, Arkansas.
Cooper, A. D., Auburn, Tennessee.
Cooper, J. M. Died in 1883.
Cooper, Jim, Gallatin, Tenn.
DAVENPORT, R. Died in West Tennessee, April 7, 1885. Wounded October 26, 1863.
DOUGHERTY, J. R., Auburn, Tennessee.
Dennis, Sam,* Arkansas. Made Second Lieutenant in 1862, and wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
Dougherty, C., Columbia, Texas.
Ewing, A. G. Committed suicide since the war.
Ewing, B. D., Lane, Hunt County, Texas.
Ewing, E. L., Lane, Hunt County. Texas. Wounded at Columbia, Tenn.
Francis, A. H., Calf Creek, Searcy County, Arkansas.
Gan, Jim. Killed by the Federals in Wilson County, Tennessee.
Hale, Josiah.* Captured at Booneville, Mississippi, May 30, 1862.
Hancock, B. A.,2 Auburn, Tennessee. Discharged in 1862.
Hancock, C. E. Died in Franklin County, Alabama, June 4, 1864.
Hancock, R. R., Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded October 30, 1864.
Hancock, W.C.2 Killed at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
Hannaphin, Tim.*
HARRISON, DR. J. S., McMinnville, Tennessee. Elected Third Lieutenant in 1862, and wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
Harrison, W. W. Killed at Memphis, August 21, 1864.
Hawkins, J. E. J. Killed near Auburn, in 1864, by Federals.
Hawkins, W. W. Died since the war. Wounded at Okalona, and again at Fort Pillow, which was, perhaps, the cause of his death.
Hays, J. T. Died at home in 1861.
Hearmon, John. Died at Mill Springs, Kentucky,Jan. 6, 1862.
JETTON, Josh. Died in 1885.
Jones, Jesse, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Keaton, Coon. Died in prison, on Rock Island.
Keaton, G. C., Smallman, Tennessee.
KENNEDY, J. W. Died in Auburn, July 26, 1873.
Kennedy, L. V. Died in Texas, April 23, 1885.
Kennedy, W. C., Auburn, Tennessee.
Knight, Monroe, Huntsville, Arkanas. Discharged in 1861.
Markham, A., Smallman, Tennessee.
McAdoo, J. C., Auburn, Tennessee.
McKnight, A. B., Porterfield, Tennessee. Lost one leg in 1865.
McKnight, D. C. Drowned since the war.
McKnight, L. W. Mortally wounded at Paducah, Kentucky, March 25, 1864.
McKnight, M. W., Waxahachie, Texas.3
MILLIGAN, W. H., Auburn, Tennessee.
Mullinax, J. B., Smallman, DeKalb County, Tennessee. Discharged in November, 1861.
Nelson, P.,* Arkansas.
O'Conner, Tom, * Corinth, Mississippi.
Odom, B. F. Killed at Paducah, March 25, 1864.
ODOM, B. F. S., Hall's Hill, Tennessee.
Purnell, L. T. Died since the war.
Rich, W. E., Round Top, Wilson County, Tennessee. Wounded two miles west of Harrisburg, Mississippi, July 13, 1864.
Richardson, M. Died at home in 1861 or '62.
Smith, Bob, Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. Discharged in November, 1861.
Stanly, John. Captured near home, and died in prison at Fort Delaware.
Stevens, J. W., Temperance Hall, DeKalb County, Tennessee. Captured and paroled at Okalona, Mississippi, and wounded at Paducah.
STEVENS, W. C., West Tennessee.
Summar, T. D. Died in 1871.
Talley, Dick. Died since the war.
THOMAS, C. F., Farrier, Cleburne, Texas. Wounded at Fort Pillow in 1864.
Thomas, Jim L., Greenvale, Wilson County, Tennessee
Turney, H, L. W.3 Wounded at Fort Pillow and at Memphis, August 21, 1864, and died in West Tennessee, February 16, 1880.
Willard, F. M., Milton, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Willard, W. B., Waxahachie, Texas.
Womack, D., * Missouri.

To recapitulate, seven were killed, twenty have died, forty-one are living, and eight unaccounted for— total, seventy-six.

The following is as complete a list of the names of those who joined the Auburn Company from time to time during the war as I can now make out, after diligent inquiry among my comrades:

RECRUITS.

ALEXANDER, G. B., Oak Point, Wilson County, Tennessee.
Armstrong, Tom.*
BAXTER, H. A. Died since the war.
Baxter, J. H. Died since the war.
BLACK, W. A., Milton, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
BLACK, J. F. Died since the war.
BARRETT, A., Auburn, Cannon County, Tennessee.
Barlow, Jack, Lascassas, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
BARKER, S. (“ BABE"), Milton, Tennessee.
BRADBERRY, J. Died since the war.
BARKLEY, T. C.,* Texas.
Barkley, John T., Yorkville, Gibson County, Tennessee.
Bryson, R. Captured near home, and died in prison at Fort Delaware.
Bryson, E. D., Auburn, Tennessee.
CRANOR, Mose, Milton, Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Cavender, J. H., Dixon, Webster County, Kentucky. Lost one leg at “Tory Fight,” October 26, 1863.
Cummings, Tip, Woodbury, Cannon County, Tennessee.
Champion, J. H., Auburn, Tennessee.
Cooper, M. D. L., * Missouri.
DAVENPORT, William, Auburn, Tennessee.
DOUGHERTY, J. M., Statesville, Wilson County, Tennessee.
Duggin, P. L. Died August 29, 1867.
EWING, R. B. Died in Texas in 1876.
Elkins, T. D. (“Coon”), Woodbury, Tennessee. Wounded at Paducah, Kentucky, March 25, 1864.
Ellidge, J. B., Woodbury, Tennessee.
Francis, M. H., Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
Francis, J. J., Wounded at Tupelo, Mississippi, May 5, 1863, and at Harrisburg.
Flowers, A. W., Ray, Texas.
Francis, M. C., Milton, Tennessee.
Francis, C. C., Auburn, Tennessee. Captured on Hood's raid.
Francis, J. D., Auburn, Tennessee.
Garrison, C., Milton, Tennessee.
GOARD, J. W. Died in 1884.
Grisham, O. N. Killed at Harrisburg, Mississippi, July 14, 1864.
GRISHAM, Ben, Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama.
Greer, John J.. Auburn, Cannon County, Tennessee. Hars, John W., Auburn, Cannon County, Tennessee.
HERNDON, JOE W.* Wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
HERNDON, John L., Mississippi.
Hurt, T. M.*
HANCOCK, R. M. Died since the war.
Jetton, A. J., Auburn, Tennessee.
Jetton, E., Smallman, DeKalb County, Tennessee.
Knox, B. F., Milton, Tennessee.
Knight, Horace, Smallman, Tennessee.
Keaton, H., Smallman, Tennessee.
Keaton, William, Smallman, Tennessee.
LORANCE, MIKE, Porterfield, Rutherford County, Tennessee. Wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
McKNIGHT, Jim NUTE, Milton, Tennessee.
McKnight, A. G., Porterfield, Tennessee.
McAdoo, J. N. Died January 16, 1882.
McKnight, John N., Porterfield, Tennessee. Wounded at Paducah, Kentucky.
McWhirter, Dr. W. H., Webber's Falls, Indian Territory.
McWhirter, S. A., Milton, Tennessee.
Milligan, J. A. Died since the war.
MATHES, J. R., Cainsville, Wilson County, Tennessee.
Newman, *
ODOM, JAMES H., Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Harrisburg: July 14, 1864.
ODOM, J. W., Auburn, Tennessee.
Opom, W. F., Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Odom, H. C. (Red), Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Memphis, August 21, 1864.
Odom, J. M. A., Auburn, Tennessee.
Owen, J. D., Auburn, Tennessee.
Owen, Nelse, Osage, Caryell County, Texas.
Odom, S. C., Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded at Mud Creek, and again at Paducah, Kentucky.
Odom, F. B., Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas.
Parris, Joe, McMinnville, Tennessee.
Parris, J. (Sweet), Missouri.
STEVENS, H. G., Bear Branch, DeKalb County, Tennessee. Wounded near Cherokee. Alabama, October 21, 1863
SNEED, J. H., Auburn, Tennessee. Captured and paroled at Okalona, Mississippi, in December, 1862.
Stone, J. R. Died in August, 1885.
Stone, J., Woodbury, Tenn.
Stone, William. Died since the war.
Stone, J. G. Died since the war.
Summar, J. D., Auburn, Tennessee.
Spurlock, J. M., Smallman, Tennessee.
Spicer, Sol.* Captured September, 1863, and sent to Camp Morton, Indiana.
Summar, M. P., Honey Grove, Fannin County, Texas.
Thomas, J. H. Died since the war.
THOMAS, A. J., Honey Grove, Texas. Wounded at Harrisburg, July 14, 1864.
Thomas, E. D., Auburn, Tennessee. Wounded near Cherokee, Alabama, October 21, 1863.
THOMPSON, J. B., * Texas.
Tittle, Sam, Woodbury, Tennessee. Captured in September, 1863, and sent to Camp Morton, Indiana.
Tittle, Adam, McMinnville, Tennessee.
Tedder. Frank. Died since the war.
WARREN, O. J., * Mississippi.
Webb, W. J., Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Willard, N., Fairfield, Texas. Wounded at Corinth, October 5, 1862.
Walker, Tom.*
Wamack, Anderson. Captured near home, and died in prison at Fort Delaware.
Wamack, W. L.,* Missouri. Wounded at Fort Pillow.
Willard, J. A., Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas.

Of the Recruits, one was killed, seventeen have died, sixty-two living, and twelve unaccounted for—total, ninety-two.

Add the recruits to the original company, and the result will be as follows: Eight killed, thirty-seven died, one hundred and three living, and twenty unaccounted for—total, one hundred and sixty-eight.

As several were wounded more than once, some thirty-two of the company received between thirty-five and forty wounds.

The above list speaks well for the industry and perseverance of Captain M. W. McKnight in keeping his company well recruited, as well as for the popularity of the company

The “Sangs”⁴ generally outnumbered any other company in the regiment, and yet they were never consolidated with any other company.

I learn from an old muster-roll, which has been preserved by Lieutenant J. S. Harrison, that sixteen⁵ of the original company and thirty-five⁵ of the recruits—total, fifty-one-were present at the surrender of Forrest's Cavalry, May 10, 1865. The muster-roll referred to above is dated thus: "Near Sumterville, Alabama, May 1, 1865." And upon said roll I find the names of nineteen others, who are accounted for as follows: Three (J. W. Webb, W. E. Rich,⁶ and T. D. Summer⁶) are reported “Detached by order of Lieutenant-General Forrest;" two (A. G. McKnight and B. D. Ewing⁶) are reported “Absent, waiting on wounded ;” three (A. B. McKnight,⁶ W.W. Hawkins,⁶ and R. R. Hancock^*) are reported “Absent, wounded;” six (Captain M. W. McKnight,⁶ Lieutenant H. L. W. Turney,⁶ Privates E. L. Ewing,⁶ J. H. Cavender, Mat Francis and H. C. Odam) are reported “Retired by order of Medical Board;" three (A. G. Ewing,⁶ J. H. Baxter, and John N. McKnight) are reported “Absent, sick," and two (E. D. Thomas and J. H. Thomas) are reported “Absent on parole."

Though I do not find upon said roll the names of any of the Auburn Company (J. D. McLin,⁶ C. C. Francis, Eli Barrett,⁶ and perhaps some others) who were in prison when this muster-roll was made out, I suppose they were omitted from the fact that our officers did not expect to get paroles for those in prison. But, omitting those in prison and the two already on parole, there were sixty-eight of the Auburn Company paroled at Gainesville, Sumter County, Alabama, May 10, 1865. (Gainesville is situated in the center of the western border of Alabama, on the west bank of the Tombigbee River, about forty-five miles southeast of Columbus, Mississippi.) Besides the eight killed, only about nine company died during the war. Alfred Hancock, Dr. G. C. Flowers, William A. Groom, John Overall, George Owen, George Turney, and Captain Sam Y. Barkley were with the Auburn Company from time to time during the war, and did more or less service, though they were not really members of the company. S. Y. Barkley, the last named above, was Captain of a company in Colonel E. S. Smith's regiment; and after that regiment disbanded Captain Barkley, though remaining independent, did service with the Auburn Company a good portion of the time from the fall of 1862 to the close of the war.

We remained at Nashville about five or six days. As they wanted our boots made by the penitentiary hands, we went there and had our measures taken. We moved from Nashville to Thorn Hill, near Goodlettsville, some ten or twelve miles north-east of Nashville, where we found the four following cavalry companies encamped:

The following is the muster-roll of Captain Frank N. McNairy's Company (A):

McNairy, F. N., Captain, d.
Harris, W. H., First Lieutenant, 1.
Brown, C. W., Second Lieutenant, 1.
Hicks, E. D., Third Lieutenant, 1.
Morton, G. H., First Sergeant, 1.
Roberts, William, Second Sergeant, 1.
Maxey, William O., Third Sergeant, d.
Britton, William, Fourth Sergeant, 1.
Drane, J. R , First Corporal, d.
Miliron, A. A., Second Corporal, killed at Milton.
Shute, J. M., Third Corporal, 1.
Craighead, W. J., Fourth Corporal, d.
Bender, John, Bugler, 1.
Winfrey, Andrew, Bugler, 1.
Drane, Tom, 1.
Abbay, R. H., d.
Abbay, R. H., d.
Adams, R. H., d.
Aiken, George, d.
Anderson, J. S., d.
Anderson, J. S., d.
Atkinson, T. C., d.
Bennington, Thomas, 1.
Blackman, Hays, 1.
Bolton, Alex., 1.
Brien, W. A., 1.
Buchanan, J. R., d.
Bush, G. W., d.
Campbell, Joe, d.
Clark, Charles, 1.
Crawford, Scott, 1.
Curran, J. M., d.
Curran, Pat, d.
Dashiells, G. W., d.
Dodd, B. P., 1.
Edmondson, Henry, 1.
Edmondson, W. A., d.
Ferguson, Tom, d.
French, A. H., 1.
Graves, W. H., I.
Griffin, Blank.
Grisham, W. J., 1.
Guinn, W. J.
Guthrie, W.*
Haile, G. E.*
Hallowell, B. F., 1.
Hamill, A. C.; d,
Hamill, M.*
Hancock, G. D.*
Hendricks, A. P., 1.
Hope, R. K., d.
Jackson, Andrew.*
Joplin, Thomas, 1.
Kimbro, Thomas, 1.
Marchbank, Chase, 1.
Marshall, E. S., 1.
Martin, C. C.7
Mathews, S. G., 1.
Morris, R. E. K.8
Natcher, W. K., k.
Nolan, M. D. A., d.
Paul, J. A., 1.
Payne, A. B., d.
Porch, W. A., 1.
Puckett, James.
Ridley, G. C., 1.
Ridley, J. L., 1.
Safforans, T. M., d.
Shields, John, 1.
Shilcut, T. H., 1.
Smith, E. M., d.
Smith, J. M.
Smith, Nat., 1.
Smith, P. A., 1.
Smithwick, George, d.
Steele, J. W., 1.
Steele, William.
Sykes, J. W., d.
Tate, Zack, d.
Thomas, George, 1.
Treanor, J. D.
Tucker. *
Vaughn, J. H., 1.
Vaughn, J. T., 1.
Williams, N. B.*

The following is the muster-roll of the company (B) commanded by Captain W. L. Horn:

Horn, W. L., Captain, I.
Gasby, L. L., First Lieutenant, d.
Calvert, W. W., Second Lieutenant, d.
Craft, W. H., Third Lieutenant, d.
Horn, F. W., First Sergeant, 1.
Oswell, Nick, Second Sergeant.
Pickett, J. C., Third Sergeant, d.
Horn, E. H.,* Fourth Sergeant, 1.
Frankland, J., First Corporal, p.
Rhodes, William, Second Corporal, 1.
Singleton, H. E., Third Corporal, d.
Polk, Richard, Fourth Corporal, 1.
Tate, James, Ensign, k.
Johnson, E. C., Bugler, 1.
Atilla, Frank, Drill Master, 1.
Figg, R. M., 1.
Brooks, E., d.
Armstrong, Eli, d.
Bowles, Thomas, 1.
Bowles, W. E., d.
Bowman, James, 1.
Breedlove, Stanford, 1.
Cantrell, W. H., d.
Carpenter, William, d.
Cash, Jeff, d.
Cooke, J. E., d.
Franklin, J., d.
Graves, John, 1.
Green, J.*
Hager, B. D., 1.
Hays, Mike P,, 1.
Henry, J. P.*
Hook, I. N., d.
Hunley, Ben, d.
Jackson, J. P., 1.
Johnson, Lafayette, d.
Johnson, W. D.. 1.
Kelly, Pat.*
Kenner, John, k.
Kittle, Richard, 1.
Little, David. *
Mahan, Mike. *
Mahoney, John.*
Mann, G. W., l.
McKnight, W. G., d.
Mehrenstein, M., 1.
Meyer, John, 1.
Miller, Aug., d.
Morton, S. W.*
Nellan, M.* Ford, T.*
Newbern, Thomas, 1.
Nicholson, M. R., 1.
O'Brien, John, 1.
O'Donnell, John.*
O'Hara, Roderick, d.
Overbee, Coleman,*
Overstreet, J. L., 1.
Patton, F., 1.
Powers, Pat. *
Rhodes, D. C., 1.
Rhodes, M., d.
Runnells, Sam.*
Searls, Charles, 1.
Singleton, A. J., d.
Spillers, L., 1.
Squares, Charles, d.
Stevenson, J. F., 1.
Stull, J., l.
Sullivan, Pat.*
Sutton, J. J., 1.
Tarpley, Robert, k.
Thompson, S., d.
Webb, J. B., k.
Wilson, Wallace, 1.
Wittey, Horatio, d.
Woodruff, John, 1.
Wright, H.*
Wyatt, Thomas, d.
Yates, Thomas, d.
Zachary, Wash, 1.

The following is the roll⁹ of Company C,¹⁰ & First  Battalion Tennessee Cavalry:

Ewing, William, Captain, d.¹¹
Bond, Burk, First Lieutenant, d.
House, Isaac, Second Lieutenant, d.
Wyatt, Joe, Third Lieutenant, d.
Parrish, William, First Sergeant, d.
Allen, John, Jr.
Allen, John, Sr.
Andrews, William.
Bailey, Pat.
Beech, David.
Blythe, James.
Bostick, Jonn, 1.
Boyd, D. J.
Boyd, Thad.
Brown, John.
Cathrenn, H.
Childress, George.
Childress, William.
Clouston, W. G.
Core, J. G.
Cowles, James.
Crite, J. M.
Crow, J. M.
Crump, G. R.
Crump, Marcus.
Davis, James, d.
Denton, James.
Dodson, Andrew.
Dodson, Byrd.
Dodson, Tim.
Duff, William, d.
Elliott, Joe.
Ellis, John.
Fleming, Lem.
Franklin, James.
House, Mann, d.
Hughes, Brice.
Hughes, Henry.
Hughes, James.
Hughes, Lee.
Hunt, Turner.
Jordan, G. M.
Mallory, Clem.
Mallory, John.
Malone, Hiram.
Maney, H. J., d.
Marshall, William.
McCallister, Joe.
McCrea, ——
McDowell, Sam.
McGan, J- L., 1.
McLane, Ben.
Mebane, Alex.
Merrett, David.
Merrett, J. H.
Mosley, Robert
Mosley, Sam.
Mullins, Doge.
North, J. A., 1.
Oden, Thomas.
Orum, James.
Pollard, N. N.
Reid, W. W.
Smithson, G. W.
Smithson, James.
Sounders, Mark;
Spivy, R.
Tichnenar, G. W.
Tull, Dudle.
Tullan, James.
Underwood, T. B., 1.
Williams, N. C.
Williams, Wm.
Weli, Sam.
Wray, J.

I have failed to get a full report of the living and dead of Ewing's Company.

The following is the muster-roll of Captain E. D. Payne's Company (D):

Payne, E. D., Captain, d.
Petway, R. G., First Lieutenant, l.
Ryan, J. B., Second Lieutenant, l.
Birdwell, J. W., Third Lieutenant.*
Dawson, W. R., First Sergeant.*
Smith, W. H., Second Sergeant, d.
Bevill, J. M., Third Sergeant.*
Hickman, J. A., Fourth Sergeant.*
Knote, T. L., Fifth Sergeant, d.
Walker, E. R., First Corporal.*
Petty, S. H., Second Corporal.*
Sales, W. J., Third Corporal.*
Buckner, J. H., Fourth Corporal.*
Adams, G. W.*
Alexander, J. D.*
Anderson, Alex.*
Armstrong, H. C., 1.
Blackwell, J. W.*
Blair, S. S., 1.
Bledsoe, C. P., d.
Bradley, H. C.*
Bradley, William, d.
Brien, W. A., I.
Caldwell, J. R.*
Camperry, R. J.*
Carler, William.*
Carlisle, W. G., d.
Cavender, J. C., l.
Cayee, F. J.*
Cozatt, G. W., Bugler, d.
Dobbs, J. R., I.
Drane, Thomas. *
Duncan, J. H., d.12
Forehand, Thomas. *
Fox, Thomas.
Glasco, C. L., d.
Good, G. H.*
Handy, D. S.*
Handy, G. M.*
Harbring, J.*
Haynes, J. C.*
Hays, E. C.*
Head, Robert.*
Heiss, Henry, d.
Hester, J. W., d.
Hickle, G. R. H.*
Hill, J. B.*
Houston, J. D., 1.
Hunter, William, I.
Hutchinson, W. B., 1.
Johnson, C., Farrier, 1.
Jones, J. M.*
Jones, Joseph, d.
Kirkpatrick, J. W.
Knott, R. S., 1.
Maratta, S., Bugler, d.
Marks, W. P., k.
Mayfield, W.*
McCartney, L. W., d.
Nelson, N. R., d.
Pendergras, James. *
Petty, J. M.*
Polk, J. A., 1.
Rhodes, J. B., d.
Richardson, J. R.*
Ring, A. N.*
Robertson, J. A.*
Skeggs, C. H., 1.
Smith, W. B.*
Steele, E. F.*
Underwood, F. J.*
Washburn, J. M., d.
West, E. M.*
White, Edward. *
Whittey, D. J.*
Williams, A. J.*
Woods, N.*

At Thorn Hill, during the first week of July, the five companies previously mentioned were organized into a battallion, known as the,

FIRST BATTALION OF TENNESSEE CAVALRY,

by electing the following field and staff officers :

Frank N. McNairy, Lieutenant-Colonel.
William Malcomb, Major.
E. D. Hicks, Lieutenant and Adjutant.
M. W. McKnight, Sergeant-Major.
Dr. Isaac House, Surgeon.
G. M. Fogg, Acting Quartermaster.
William Britton, Assistant Quartermaster.
Ramsey, Commissary
John Bender, Bugler.

As the Captain of Company A was elected Lieutenant-Colonel, and the Third Lieutenant of the same company was made Adjutant, therefore, by election, W. Hooper Harris became Captain, and Hays Blackman First Lieutenant, and George H. Morton was made Third Lieutenant of Company A in December, 1861.

A few days after the First Battalion had been organized at Thorn Hill, it moved from there to Camp Jackson, near Hendersonville, some five or six miles east of the former camp.

News having reached Auburn, Cannon County, that the First Battalion would start to East Tennessee in a few days, quite a number of the friends and relatives of our company (Allison's) paid us a visit, about the 24th of July, at Camp Jackson. They brought trunks and boxes filled with “good things” to eat. How, for the next three or four days, we did enjoy the company of our friends and relatives, as well as eating the good things they brought for us! Had I an eloquent pen I would here use it in describing those few but bright days. They were, in comparison with the rest of our soldier life, like an oasis in a great desert.

On the morning of the 28th most of our friends set out on their return home, and the three companies enlisted at Nashville (Harris's, Horn's, and Payne's) had previously gone to that place to visit relatives and friends before starting eastward. Allison's and Ewing's Companies were still at Camp Jackson.

_______________

¹ Those whose names are in small capitals [in this listing all capitals] were present at the surrender.

² B. A. and W. C. are brothers of the writer.

³ See Appendix A.

⁴ The above name (or rather as at first, “Sang Diggers”) was given to the Auburn Company rather as a term of derision; though, in the language of an ancient general (Epaminondas), “they did not derive any honor from the name, but they made the name honorable.”

⁵ By reference to the preceding rolls their names will be found printed in small [all] capitals.

⁶ These twelve were members of the original company.

⁷ Killed at Milton, Tennessee.

⁸ Killed at Winchester, Kentucky.

⁹ I am under obligations to J. L. McGann for this roll.

¹⁰ This company was from Williamson County, the other three from Nashville, except a few Kentuckians in Company D.

¹¹ Resigned at Cumberland Ford.

¹² Made Captain at Cumberland Ford.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 18-35

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, Tuesday, December 6, 1864

Good weather. The battle at Franklin, Tennessee, was a fortunate escape from a disastrous defeat.

It was probably also a damaging blow, perhaps severely so. Nashville can probably hold out. The situation there is interesting with a favorable look for us.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 543