The deepest snow of
the season was on the ground that morning—about half an inch deep.
General Crittenden
was now ordered by General Johnston to move without delay on Nashville, halting
within ten miles of the city and reporting.1
_______________
1 Rebellion
Records, Vol. VII., p. 882.
SOURCE: Richard R.
Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee
Confederate Cavalry, p. 132
By daylight all of
Colonel Statham's Brigade had crossed Caney Fork except a few wagons. Before
night General Carroll's Brigade, except two regiments (Stanton's1
and Murray's, that were yet behind), had crossed. Four companies of McNairy's
Battalion were still on the east side of Caney Fork waiting for those other two
regiments.
Seven regiments of
Crittenden's Division had crossed and moved out in the direction of Nashville
by the way of Lebanon. Allison's company was still boarding among the citizens
near Trousdale's Ferry.
The following
explains itself:
HEADQUARTERS Western DEPARTMENT,
Edgefield, February 17th, 1862.
Major-General
Crittenden, Commanding Chestnut Mound:
General
Johnston directs you to move your command to Murfreesboro (instead of
Nashville) without delay. Press all the wagons you need. Fort Donelson has
fallen, and General Floyd's army is captured after a gallant defense.
Respectfully,
W. W. MACKALL.2
_______________
1 Stanton belonged to Statham's Brigade.
2 Rebellion
Records, Vol. VII., p. 889.
SOURCE: Richard R.
Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee
Confederate Cavalry, p. 132-3
GENERAL: General
Johnston orders you to move without delay on Nashville, halting within 10 miles
of the city and reporting. Leave a rear guard of cavalry to protect the stores
that you cannot move with your command. Let them get information of the enemy.
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. 882
General Johnston
directs you to move your command to Murfreesborough (instead of Nashville)
without delay. Press all the wagons you need. Fort Donelson has fallen, and General
Floyd's army is captured after a gallant defense.
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. 889
This morning we learn that Rome is in danger of an attack from Hood's northward bound column. We are early ordered into line, and soon we move out from our camp near the Etawah river. We do not march far until our advance is checked, when a brisk skirmish commences. All day we keep up a running fire with a considerable force of rebels with artillery, supposed to be a brigade sent out by Hood to reconnoiter. In the evening we return to camp with the loss of one man from Company F—private Hugh H. Porter, mortally wounded. And so another good soldier has fallen; another name to be added to the Union's roll of honor; a name with the prefix of private, but none the less worthy. As we look over the Seventh's mortality list, we see the name of none who was truer and more valiant than Hugh H. Porter, of gallant old Company F.
Since our return from the Allatoona Pass, one of the Seventh's drummer boys has died; little Willie White, of Company H. His brother John fell a victim at Allatoona. Willie was left at Rome; he did not accompany the regiment, but when he heard of his brother's death, it weighed so heavily upon him as to prostrate him upon a bed of sickness, and soon he passed away—dies from grief, uttering as his last words: "Oh! what will mother do now?" We buried him in the soldiers' cemetery near the Etawah River, and a little white board marks the lonely spot where the Seventh's drummer boy sleeps. General Hood, with his half starved army, has crossed the Coosa River, moving northward, making but a slight feint on Rome. Sherman's army is now swarming in and around Rome. Hood is far to the northward, and all is quiet on the Etawah and Coosa Rivers. It is evident that Sherman is contemplating a movement that will shake the Confederacy and startle the world. The military are all active. Last night we chanced to be in Rome at the midnight hour. Who is that stately personage pacing to and fro in front of yonder tent? The guard tells us that it is Major General Sherman. He is in his night dress. Hood was then crossing the Tennessee. We know that some gigantic scheme is revolving in that master mind; a scheme the grandest and the boldest that ever flashed upon the world's greatest military minds, as the sequel will show when the future's sealed scroll shall have been unfolded a little way.
The wounded have all been sent northward. Noble company! May they soon recover and return to us again, for the regiment seems crippled without them. Ere we leave Rome we learn of the death of First Lieutenant and Adjutant J. S. Robinson and Sergeant Edward C. Nichols, of Company H—died from wounds received in the battle at Allatoona. Thus two more gallant soldiers have passed away. Long and patiently they endured their suffering, but at last the brittle thread of life broke, and these soldiers are now at rest. The indications as present are that we will soon leave Rome; how soon, we know not. The soldiers are conjecturing, but all is wrapped in mystery since Sherman has left Hood free to operate against Nashville. But for the present we are compelled to let the curtain hang; by and by it will be swung back; until that time we will wait.
Bright and
beautiful.
Anne Samuels and
many other ladies, Harrisonburg, Virginia, have petitioned the government for
authority to organize themselves into a regiment for local defense.
Great excitement was
produced in the House of Representatives (Congress) this morning by the
entrance of a lady who proceeded vigorously to cowhide the Hon. Mr. V—, from
Missouri.
Congress has passed
a resolution declaring that it was not meant, in calling for the ages of the
clerks in the departments, to include the ladies.
Vice-President
Stephens has arrived in the city.
Our people think, in
the Federal accounts of a victory over Gen. Hood, at Franklin, Tenn., they perceive
a Confederate victory. It is understood that the enemy fell back upon Nashville
after the battle, pursued by Hood.
We are also hopeful
of the defeat of Sherman—a little delay on his part will render it pretty
certain. If it should occur, will it give us peace?
The Tribune says
President Lincoln is more determined than ever to restore the Union. But
disaster will surely dishearten either side-that is, the people.
The following
dispatch has been received from Gen. Bragg:
AUGUSTA,
December 4th, 1864.—The column is moving on what is known as Eastern Road, to
Savannah. There are several ferries from the mouth of Creek to Charleston and
Savannah Railroad bridge—none below that. Gen. Hardee reports he is patrolling
the river with a gun-boat. I have had all ferry boats destroyed, and ordered
all roads to and from the river to be to broken up and blockaded by felling
heavy timber. The roads are all passed by causeways to the river on both sides
over dense swamps. None of enemy's forces remain near Macon; and from best
information I can obtain, it is thought all of ours have left there for
Savannah. The Georgia militia, who were on Central Railroad, moved back toward
Savannah, and at last accounts were at Station 4½; our cavalry, however, far in
advance of them.—B. B.
At night—mended
broken china and glassware again with white lead, very successfully. Such ware
can hardly be bought at all—except by the rich.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 347-8
Washington 16th Feb: 1850
MY DEAR SIR, It affords me much pleasure to state, that my health is entirely restored and my strength in a great measure. I intend to resume my seat in the Senate tomorrow, and hope to take part in the debate on the great question of the day now pending in the Senate by the end of the week. The discussion before it closes will cover the whole issue between North and South; and, I trust, it will be of a character to satisfy the South, that it cannot with safety remain in the Union, as things now stand and that there is little or no prospect of any change for the better. The tone of the Southern Senators, with the exception of Clay, Benton, Houston and a few others is high. There is an increasing disposition to resist all compromises and concessions and to agree to nothing, that will not settle the entire issue between the two sections on the ground for which we contend. There is, I think, little prospect, that the North will come to our terms or that any settlement of the questions at issue will be agreed on. That I think is the general impression. The impression is now very general, and is on the increase, that disunion is the only alternative, that is left us.
I regret greatly to learn, that you cannot take Washington on your way to Nashville. I regard it of great importance you should, even if your stay should be short. A few days would put you in full possession of the state of things here, which I regard as very desirable. Without flattery, I know no one better informed, than you are, on the great subject that now agitates the country, or more capable of deciding what should be done, with the knowledge you would acquire of the state of things here, or of preparing whatever papers the Convention may think proper to put out. It is, indeed, highly desirable, that at least two members from each of the delegations, should visit Washington on their way to Nashville, in order to consult freely with the members from the South who are true to her.
I trust you may be induced to reconsider your conclusion. The
reasons you assigned for it, are, indeed, strong; but they cannot be stronger
than those in favour of the opposite conclusion. Never before has the South
been placed in so trying a situation, nor can it ever be placed in one more so.
Her all is at stake.
* Original lent by Mr. E. S. Hammond.
Corraling our horses
and mules and leaving them in charge of the non-veterans, the regiment on the
8th of January, with drums beating, colors flying, and hopes beating high,
march from Pulaski, Tennessee. Arriving at Columbia we take the cars for
Nashville, where we remain in the Soldier's Home until transportation is
furnished. Transportation being furnished we proceed by rail to Louisville,
Kentucky, where we remain until we receive our pay and bounty-after which we
cross the Ohio and take the cars for Springfield, Illinois.
After mingling for a
while so pleasantly with the good people of Illinois, enjoying their
hospitality and receiving from them many words of cheer, we rendezvous at
Camp Butler, February 18th. While here we add to our rolls a large number of
recruits. Noble men they are who have been waiting patiently to arrive at the
necessary age for a soldier. That period having arrived, they now seem to feel
proud in their uniforms of blue. Colonel Rowett having been by special order,
(contrary to his wishes,) assigned to the command of Camp Butler, on the
twenty-second of February the regiment, under the command of Major Estabrook, takes
the cars for Dixie. Arriving at Louisville, Kentucky, we receive transportation
for Nashville. On arriving there, we are furnished lodgings in the Zollicoffer
House. The regiment will long remember the accommodations received there at the
hands of the government contractors. How the bristling bayonets clashed
together at the entrance, and how they practiced their expert chicanery to work
their egress therefrom.
Remaining here until
transportation is furnished, on the twenty-eighth we proceed on our way to
Pulaski, Tennessee. The trains running all the way through, we arrive in our
old camp at five P. M.; all seem glad to get back; the non-veterans are glad to
see us, and hear from their friends at home; and even the mules send forth
their welcome.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade on the north side of the Tennessee River:
Uninterruptedly I marched from Florence, Ala., to Columbia, Tenn., and remained encamped in its vicinity until the morning of the 30th of November. The enemy having evacuated the place the night before, early on that morning I crossed Duck River and commenced the line of march for Franklin, Tenn. Owing to the length of the march on the eventful day of the battle of Franklin, the division to which my brigade was attached did not arrive in time to enter the conflict. Thrown forward, however, in advance of the other two brigades of the division to relieve some of the troops which had been engaged, I occupied the enemy's first line of works. While in this position I lost 1 officer killed and 2 or 3 men wounded. I remained here until about 9 o'clock the next morning, when I was ordered into the town of Franklin to guard it. Subsequently I was removed into camp, where I remained for a short time, when I resumed the line of march toward Nashville on the Franklin and Nashville pike.
On the 2d of December I went into line of battle on Overton's Hill, in front of Nashville, when, after moving twice, I finally located on the one which I occupied until the army was retired on the night of the 15th of December. About 12 p.m. I took position near the same line from which I moved forward on the 2d instant. Notwithstanding my men had been up all night, they were placed in that position of the line previously occupied, upon which no work had been done, consequently they had no time for rest, and, in fact, were engaged upon the fortifications when the action commenced.
About 9 a.m. on the 16th the enemy planted a battery which completely enfiladed my entire front. During the whole day I was therefore subjected to a fire of artillery, both direct and on my left, quite as severe as any to which I have ever been exposed. Between 2 and 3 o'clock my line was assaulted by the enemy, and notwithstanding the works, but frail at best, had been demolished in several places, the men stood true to their colors, and with a persistency and gallantry that could not have been excelled, poured a deadly fire into the enemy's ranks, which resulted in their successful repulse. Between 3 and 4 o'clock I was informed the entire left had given way, and was ordered to remain in position and await instructions. After waiting some little time, and not receiving any orders, seeing the imminent danger of capture to which my command was subjected, it being on the extreme right of the army, I took the responsibility of moving off. This was not done, however, I should, perhaps, state, until the whole army had given way and I left alone and unsupported, with the entire force of the enemy closing in upon me It is with peculiar pleasure that I am enabled to chronicle the fact that not a man of my brigade, so far as I could see, left the works without orders, and that I was able to march them out in good order and save the battery which I supported. Not until the men saw fleeing before them the whole army did my brigade exhibit any evidences of panic; and though something of the kind was manifested for a short while, they collected promptly and were of the number that covered for two days the retreat consequent upon this great disaster.
During the day following I was engaged frequently with the enemy's cavalry, and on every occasion successfully repulsed them. In one charge my command captured between 75 and 100 prisoners, 1 stand of colors, with many horses, saddles, bridles, and such other things as constituted the outfit of a Federal cavalryman.
While my loss was comparatively slight, it is with painful regret that I am obliged to record the death of Lieut. H. M. Wylie, adjutant of the Forty-second Georgia Regiment, and at the time acting on my staff. Conspicuous for gallantry as a soldier, efficiency as an officer, urbanity as a gentleman, the loss is no less to the service than to the friends who survive him. He fell, where the brave always fall, at his post, in the manful discharge of his duty.
No. 235.
Itinerary of the Army of Tennessee.1
November 14 to 20.—Army at Florence, Ala.
November 21.—Left Florence. Encamped to-night at Rawhide.
November 22.—Encamped to-night at the junction of the Waynesborough road with the old Nashville road.
November 23.—Encamped to-night at the iron-works, four miles from Waynesborough.
November 24.—Encamped to-night near Henryville.
November 25.—Moved to Mount Pleasant.
November 26.—Encamped to-night at Andrew Polk's.
November 27.—Crossed over to the Pulaski and Columbia pike and encamped.
November 28.—Part of the army entered Columbia this morning, which was evacuated last night.
November 29.—Army pursuing the enemy.
November 30.—Franklin was attacked at about 3 o'clock this evening. Fighting continued until about 9 o'clock at night. Thirteen general officers killed, wounded, or captured.
December 1.—Army entered Franklin, which was evacuated last night. Troops engaged to-day in burying the dead.
December 2.—Moved within four miles of Nashville and established our lines. Army headquarters at Colonel Overton's, on the Franklin pike.
December 3 to 14.—Army around Nashville. No fighting of importance. Forrest's cavalry and some infantry sent around to Murfreesborough. Some fighting around Murfreesborough, but no results. Two transports with some 300 mules captured on the Cumberland by Chalmers, but the boats were afterward recaptured.
December 15.—Enemy attacked and drove our left in some confusion. Johnson's division, of Lee's corps, and Stewart's corps gave way. Some guns captured by the enemy.
December 16.—Yankees charged our lines and were repulsed. About 3 o'clock the whole line gave way in confusion, losing guns and property, retreating in great disorder to Franklin.
December17.—Army falling back. Headquarters to-night near Spring Hill.
December 18.—Headquarters to-night at Columbia.
December 19.—Headquarters still at Columbia.
December 20.—Moved to Pulaski.
December 23.—Left Pulaski for Bainbridge.
December 24.—Some of the army reached Bainbridge to-day; the rest on the route.
December 25.—Army at and around Bainbridge.
December 26.—Pontoon bridge was completed today and the army commenced crossing. Headquarters at Bainbridge.
December 27.—Headquarters moved to Tuscumbia to-day.
December 28.—Headquarters at Tuscumbia.
December 29.—Moving on toward Corinth.
December 30.—Headquarters at Burnsville, Miss.
December 31.—Headquarters at Burnsville.
January 1, 1865.—Still at Burnsville.
1 Kept by Col. Edwin J. Harvie, assistant inspector-general, C. S. Army.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, that my command left Nashville on the afternoon of December 15, 1864, and encamped near the Granny White pike. On the 16th retired to Hillsborough pike, where the Ninth Indiana was sent to support of the Fourteenth Ohio Battery in an attack on the front and right. About noon moved to the Granny White pike, and crossing it occupied a hill on our extreme right, and well on the left flank of the enemy. In this the Tenth Indiana did some fighting and lost killed and wounded. Our position was maintained with considerable fighting, in which the whole brigade participated, until about 5 p.m., when, under orders from General Knipe, a line was formed and a charge made on our right, not finding any enemy. On the 17th, at daybreak, the brigade moved to the Franklin pike, the Nineteenth Pennsylvania in advance, and engaged the enemy, driving him in confusion, and taking prisoners, to Hollow Tree Gap, six miles from Franklin. Seeing the strength of the position and finding our men falling back in some confusion, I moved with what men I could collect to the left, by a pass leading to the enemy's rear, and sent several messengers to General Knipe, informing him of this and asking him to make a show in front and send me what force he could spare. I reached a strong position in the enemy's rear, but no re-enforcement arriving was compelled to return. Part of the Tenth Indiana Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Gresham, captured in this movement 2 flags, 2 colonels, 2 lieutenant-colonels, 1 major, a number of line officers, and 110 enlisted men, mostly Louisiana troops. On returning I found that General Knipe had been repulsed in an attack on the gap, losing 22 killed and wounded and 63 captured from the Tenth Indiana and Nineteenth Pennsylvania. The enemy having retreated we followed rapidly, the Ninth Indiana in advance, to near Franklin, and drove the enemy across the river into the town, capturing, it is reported, 2 stand of colors and near 200 prisoners. In this charge we lost three fine officers, among whom was Captain Hobson, Ninth Indiana Cavalry, a man remarkable for the prompt discharge of his duties and his bravery. He is a great loss to the service. The Ninth Indiana was supported by the Tenth Indiana and Fourth Tennessee, but the first regiment deserves the principal credit of the charge and success. General Hatch's command arriving soon after, the Fourth Tennessee was pushed over the river and through the town, gaining a position in the enemy's rear. Being joined by the remainder of the brigade we moved first to the Lewisburg and then to the Franklin pike, and about 4 p.m. engaged the enemy on the right of General Hatch's division. Soon after, under orders from General Wilson, the command moved on the enemy's left, and just after dark attacked in the rear on the pike. At first successful, we inflicted heavy loss and took many prisoners, but in the darkness part of the command mistook the road, and the enemy, abandoning his artillery, brought his infantry up, and we were compelled to retire. In this attack the Tenth Indiana led and was supported by the Ninth Indiana. Both suffered, but are repaid in the knowledge that this attack caused the abandonment of four cannon by the enemy.
On the 18th the command moved through fields to near Spring Hill; on the 19th, to Rutherford's Creek; on the 23d crossed Duck River; 24th marched through fields on the right of General Croxton; 25th, moved on the right, and was ordered to support Colonel Harrison in an attack on Anthony's Hill. The Seventh Ohio Cavalry breaking to the rear, cut my column in two just as the Fourth Tennessee, my regiment in advance, had successfully gone into action, driving the enemy into his works; and the enemy was for a time between my led horses and the remainder of the command. I was obliged to withdraw the Fourth Tennessee to save the horses. When remounted, being joined by part of the Second Tennessee, we attacked the enemy in flank and drove him into his works again, holding the position until ordered away. The remainder of the brigade went into action by order of General Wilson and attacked along with General Hatch's division. The Fourth Tennessee reached the enemy's [works] in time to see him in retreat. The next morning, moving in pursuit at a rapid pace, the Second Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Cook commanding, in advance, we drove the enemy out of his position five miles from Anthony's Hill, and pushed the rear guard back on the main body, posted in a strong position on the south bank of Sugar Creek. A spirited action followed, in which the Second Tennessee, supported by the Fourth, drove the enemy into his works. A charge was made in turn by two columns of infantry, with cavalry in the center, driving us back about 300 yards across the creek, where we rallied and drove them back to their works, holding the position until the afternoon, when the Fourteenth Ohio Battery shelled their rear guard out of log-works commanding the road, and pursuit was continued to this place.
During this campaign I have had continual occasion to admire the bravery of both officers and men, and to lament want of discipline. The brigade is composed of detachments of regiments unacquainted with each other, but has exhibited evidence of material for a fine command. The personal bravery of Captain Smith, Nineteenth Pennsylvania; Lieutenant Claiborn, Tenth Indiana, and Lieutenant Owings, Ninth Indiana, I have had opportunities of noticing, and, although many are no doubt as deserving as they, I can call attention to them from personal observation.
The regiments claim as follows: Ninth Indiana, 4 commissioned officers, 263 enlisted men prisoners, and 2 colors; Tenth Indiana, 15 officers and 185 enlisted men, 2 colors; Second Tennessee, 2 officers and 18 enlisted men; Fourth Tennessee, 30 enlisted men prisoners; Nineteenth Pennsylvania, 242 enlisted men prisoners and 1 color. Captain Huston, division provost-marshal, having received everything captured until December 18, can judge as to the strength of these claims.
For casualties, see the report of Doctor Culbertson, brigade surgeon, already forwarded, on which I prefer to rely, as his report embraces only those disabled; regimental reports show all hurt.
Prisoners captured since December 18, 25, turned over by Captain Huyett, provost-marshal, to Major Young, provost-marshal of the corps.
My acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieutenant Payne, Ninth Indiana, and Lieutenant Branham, Tenth Indiana, and Lieutenant Allen, Nineteenth Pennsylvania, showed great energy and bravery. Payne and Branham have been very bold in action, and Lieutenant Allen captured a color, received from him by General Knipe.
SIR: In accordance with directions from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Second Brigade in the recent campaign in Middle Tennessee:
The brigade broke camp at 3 a.m. on the 15th, and at 6 a.m. moved out on the Charlotte pike, as previously directed. After passing the outer lines of our works the command was formed in column of battalion to await further orders. At 8 a.m. orders having been received the brigade moved forward on the Charlotte, parallel with Colonel Harrison's (First) brigade. Four miles from the city we were met by the enemy in force, with artillery posted on the west side of —— Creek. Here the brigade was deployed, covering the road and closely supporting Colonel Harrison's (First) brigade. The battery attached to the division took position on the east side of the creek; the Second Brigade was brought up to support the battery. The enemy being dislodged from his position, the brigade moved forward some four miles, where the enemy again made a stand. Here the Sixth Indiana Cavalry supported the artillery, the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry filling a gap between the mounted portion of the Sixth Division and the First Division, General Croxton. This gap was afterward closed by General Croxton moving to the right, when the Fourteenth Illinois were withdrawn, and shortly afterward I ordered them to report to Colonel Harrison to fill a gap in his line. On the 16th the brigade moved from the Charlotte pike to the Hardin pike, taking charge of the division trains, and holding the bridge across Harpeth River. On the 17th the brigade moved across the country to the crossing of the Harpeth River by the Hillsborough pike, holding the fords at that place to prevent any flank movement of the enemy in that direction. While there we captured a captain and 12 men. On the 18th we moved in the direction of Franklin, on the east side of the river—not being able to cross owing to high water—and camped there. On the 19th moved to Franklin, where orders were received to move to Nashville, via Nashville and Franklin pike, where the command arrived December 21, 1864.
The men suffered severely owing to constant rains and the bad condition of the roads, they being unaccustomed to marching, from which cause I was not able to reach the enemy after the first day.
Snow still on the ground; very cold. Sleigh-ride with Captain McKinley to Winchester Depot. Run against hay team. Hastings improving decidedly. News from Sherman encouraging but meagre. Hood as he was, before Nashville. Early gone.
A plan of invasion. Gen. Longstreet telegraphs that he has no corn, and cannot stay where he is, unless supplied by the Quartermaster-General. This, the President says, is impossible, for want of transportation. The railroads can do no more than supply grain for the horses of Lee's army—all being brought from Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, etc. But the President says Longstreet might extricate himself from the exigency by marching into Middle Tennessee or Kentucky, or both.
Soon after this document came in, another followed from the Tennessee and Kentucky members of Congress, inclosing an elaborate plan from Col. Dibrell, of the Army of Tennessee, of taking Nashville, and getting forage, etc. in certain counties not yet devastated, in Tennessee and Kentucky. Only 10,000 additional men will be requisite. They are to set out with eight days' rations; and if Grant leaves Chattanooga to interfere with the plan, Gen. Johnston is to follow and fall upon his rear, etc. Gen. Longstreet approves the plan—is eager for it, I infer from his dispatch about corn; and the members of Congress are in favor of it. If practicable, it ought to be begun immediately; and I think it will be.
A bright windy day—snow gone.
The Federal General Sherman, with 30,000 men, was, at the last dates, still marching southeast of Jackson, Miss. It is predicted that he is rushing on his destruction. Gen. Polk is retreating before him, while our cavalry is in his rear. He cannot keep open his communications.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 150-1
SIR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to report the operations of the Thirteenth U.S. Colored Infantry during the recent campaign, commencing with the evacuation of the road and ending with its reoccupancy.
At daylight on the morning of the 16th the regiment was under arms ready to move, and about sunrise I received orders from the colonel commanding to move across the Nolensville pike and feel the enemy in our front. I advanced my skirmishers to a piece of woods in our front, but the enemy had retired. I then received orders to move over to the Nolensville pike, where the remainder of the brigade then was, and to form my regiment as a reserve, in rear of the other two regiments of the brigade, and to regulate my movements by them. The brigade then moved to the right and front, and after considerable maneuvering joined the right to the left of the Third Division, Fourth Corps, where the men were ordered to lie down. In this position we were shelled considerably by the enemy without any material damage. At about 2.30 I received notice that we would assault the works in our front, and in a few minutes afterward the order to advance was given. The regiment advanced with the brigade in good order, but before we arrived near the rebel works the troops in our front began to lie down and skulk to the rear, which, of course, was not calculated to give much courage to men who never before had undergone an ordeal by fire. The fire of the enemy was terrific, but nevertheless the men, led by their officers, continued to advance to the very muzzles of the enemy’s guns, but its numbers were too small, and after a protracted struggle they had to fall back, not for the want of courage or discipline, but because it was impossible to drive the enemy from his works by a direct assault. Before falling back all the troops on our right had given way, and it was useless to continue the struggle any longer. The regiment reformed on the ground occupied just previous to the assault by the One hundredth U.S. Colored Infantry, and was ready to again advance, when a staff officer of the colonel commanding ordered me to take my regiment over to the left, where the remainder of the brigade was formed. I moved to the left, as ordered, and joined the brigade, which moved about three miles to the front and encamped for the night, in the meantime the enemy retiring toward Franklin. The regiment went into action on the morning of the 16th, 556 men and 20 commissioned officers, and lost 4 commissioned officers and 55 enlisted men killed, and 4 commissioned officers and 165 enlisted men wounded; total loss, 220.
On the morning of the 17th we marched in pursuit of the enemy and reached Franklin in the evening. The next day the regiment moved with the brigade toward Murfreesborough and arrived there on the 20th; thence to Stevenson and Decatur, where we arrived on the 25th, and drove the enemy out of the place, Companies I and K being the first troops to enter, they being under the immediate command of Captain Park, of Company K. The regiment moved with the brigade down the river in the direction of Courtland and arrived there on the 30th of December, and from thence to La Grange, Ala., on January 1, 1865. January 2 moved back toward Decatur and arrived there on the 5th. On the 7th we embarked on the cars for Nashville. Arriving at Scottsborough we were ordered in pursuit of the rebel General Lyon, who had been on a raiding tour through Kentucky and Tennessee. The regiment marched in pursuit to ——— Landing, and returned thence to Larkinsville, Ala. Nothing of note occurred on this march, except the suffering of the men for the want of shoes and other clothing, which from the length of the campaign were worn out. Many of the officers and men were barefoot, and never did men display more soldierly qualities than on this march; without shoes and a great time without rations, they performed their duty cheerfully and without murmur. The regiment arrived at Nashville on the 15th of January and lay there until the 29th, when I received orders to move and reoccupy our former stations on the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. The regiment moved by easy marches to its former stations on the road, arriving at this place on the 2d of February, and on the 4th all of the different companies had arrived at the posts assigned them.
Where all did well, it is impossible to particularize, but I cannot close this report without mentioning some of the officers of this regiment. Captains Bensinger, Park, Duncan, Chamberlin, Dougall, and Wallace led their companies up in the most gallant manner. Lieutenants Dickerson, Marble, Ricketts, and Snell behaved with marked gallantry, but all did well, and I do not believe any regiment ever could boast of braver officers. Among the enlisted men there were many that showed great bravery. Sergeants Wilson and Rankin both displayed the greatest gallantry possible in carrying the colors, and sealed their devotion to them with their lives.
Inclosed please find a complete list of killed and wounded.*
All of which is respectfully submitted.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. HOTTENSTEIN,
Colonel, Commanding.
_______________
* Embodied in table, p. 103.
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. 548-9
