Diary of 5th Sergeant Osborn H. Oldroyd: May 17, 1863

Too many Slapjacks cause a soldier to dream of a feast at home.

On the road to Vicksburg, resolved to capture the city or get badly whipped. We have not known defeat since we left Fort Donelson, and we propose to keep our good record up. We have seen hard times on some hotly contested fields, but mean to have nothing but victory, if possible, on our banner.

The advance of our army has made a grand sweep, paaell-mell, over the rebel works at Big Black River, routing the foe and capturing twenty-five hundred prisoners with twenty-nine cannon. Their rifle pits were quite numerous, but they were all on low ground, so that when the word was given the Yankees rushed over them with the greatest ease. The rebs may be drawing us into a trap, but as yet we have not a moments' fear of the result, for when Grant tells us to go over a thing we go, and feel safe in going. Even in time of peace we would not wish the great curtain that hides the future to be rolled away, nor do soldiers now ask to know what lies before them. But every day brings new scenes fraught with dangers, hair-breadth escapes or death, after which the ranks close and move on undaunted. And our love of country still grows as we go.

We camped within a few miles of Black River, perfectly satisfied, though we have had no hand in the slaughter to-day. We rather expected to be halted a few days at the river, where the enemy would surely be strongly fortified, and where, as they could certainly spare the greater part of their forces from Vicksburg if they would but bring them out, they could make a desperate stand.  We are now fighting hard for our grub, since we have nothing left but flour, and slapjacks lie to heavy on a soldier’s stomach. But there is great consolation in reflecting that behind us Uncle Sam keeps piled a bountiful supply all ready to be issued as soon as we can find a proper halting place.

SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 25-6

Captain Charles Wright Wills: September 2, 1864

Six miles south of Jonesboro,

September 2, 1864.

At daylight our skirmish line moved forward and found the Rebels gone. When our boys reached the railroad a train of cars was just loading some wounded; the boys made for it, but it outran them. They left a number of their wounded, and when the 14th broke them on the 1st, we captured several hospitals, in one of which were several officers. I saw in a hole by a hospital two legs and three arms. One can't help pitying these Rebel soldiers. They have been whipped here until they have lost all spirit. They don't fight with any spirit when they are attacked and it's more like a butchery than a battle. Our brigade in advance we started after them. The 100th Indiana and 6th Iowa were deployed as skirmishers, and met the Rebel line almost as soon as they started forward. They drove them finely for four miles, when our skirmishers reported that they had run the Rebel army into fortifications.

The country here is quite open, the fields being from half to a mile or more wide, bordered by a narrow strip of wood. The 46th Ohio and our regiment were now deployed to relieve the skirmishers, and take a close look at the enemy's position. They were shooting at us from some rail fences within range, and a mile away, over the fields, we could see them digging; seemed to be constructing a line of pits. We pushed forward under a heavy skirmish fire, and took from a S. C. Brigade the line of pits we saw them making, and went on a little way until we drew a fire from their main works, when we retired to the pits we had taken and prepared to hold them. Found tools in them. This was 3 p. m. About dark the Rebels made three little sorties, but only in light force. We easily repulsed them. Captain Post was wounded in the right breast. Loss in the regiment is seven wounded, raising the loss in the regiment to 178. The 103d and 46th Ohio captured 19 prisoners and killed and wounded at least 25.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 297-8

Captain Charles Wright Wills: August 5, 1864

August 5, 1864.

After the fight of the 28th July, we advanced on the 30th, 31st and April [sic] 1st, when we came to a strong line of Rebel rifle pits, densely populated, and their main works about 400 yards behind the pits.

On the 2d details from each brigade in the corps were ordered to drive the Rebels out of said pits. It was done, our division capturing 78 prisoners. The Rebels tried to retake them, but failed, of course, leaving with our boys, among other dead, a colonel and a major. Only one company (K), of our regiment was in the fight; it had two men wounded. I was on picket there the next day; 'twas a lively place, but I lost no men. Some of the men fired over 100 rounds. The 23d and 14th Corps have swung around on our right, the object being to throw our line across the Macon railroad. We have heard that Stoneman was captured with 400 men at Macon. Kilpatrick started on a raid yesterday. Stoneman burned a Rebel wagon train of 600 wagons, and sabered the mules. Cruel, but right. The 14th Corps yesterday gobbled 700 prisoners. There are a few Rebel riflemen who keep the bullets whistling around us here; they killed a Company E man 20 yards to the right on the 4th. Health of the regiment never better, and that is the best index of the morale.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 288

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 164. Report of Maj. Robert W. Healy, Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 164.

Report of Maj. Robert W. Healy, Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,    

Near Spring Hill, Tenn., December 21, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report in relation to the part taken by my regiment in the late battle before Nashville, viz:

At 7 o'clock on the morning of the 15th instant, every preparation being made for battle, I moved the regiment out of our works, in pursuance of an order of the colonel commanding brigade, and formed line of battle with our brigade immediately in front of Fort Gilbert, facing the enemy, the Thirty-second Iowa being on my right and the Twenty-seventh Iowa on my left. Our line thus formed laid still in its position till about 11 a.m., when we moved forward, guided by the line on our right, and kept advancing very slowly, being near the pivot around which all the line to our right wheeled, toward the left till about 2 p.m., when, the First Division becoming heavily engaged, we halted immediately in front of and about 300 yards distant from the enemy's first line of works. In this position we laid during the artillery duel which ensued, till about 4 p.m., when the whole line simultaneously advanced, capturing the enemy's first line of fortifications. Darkness ensuing, we camped on the ground lately held by the enemy.

In this day's operations the regiment suffered no casualties, though occasionally exposed to the enemy's shell.

On the following morning, December 16, about 8 a.m., we again pushed forward in line of battle, five companies of my regiment being deployed as skirmishers to cover our brigade, and, after marching probably a mile and a half, approached within 400 yards of the enemy's second and most formidable line of works, and under a severe artillery fire reformed our line of battle, the men lying down behind a ridge on the ground, which protected them from shot and shell. At this time my skirmishers hotly pressed those of the enemy and captured their rifle-pits in front of ours and the Third Brigade on our left, and with the assistance of one company, with which I re-enforced them, by order of Colonel Gilbert, held them all day and gave material aid in silencing the enemy's guns in our front. A fierce cannonading took place all along the line, during which the men lay close, till 3.15 p.m., when the First Division of our corps having carried by assault the fortified hill which covered the enemy's left flank, the order to charge was passed along the line. The men immediately pressed forward at a double-quick on the charge, and, notwithstanding a deadly fire of grape, canister, and musketry, carried the works, driving the enemy in confusion beyond the hills in the rear. This charge was final and decisive, closing the battle along the whole line and yielding to our arms another great victory.

In this day's engagement my regiment lost but two men wounded. Behind that portion of the works over which the regiment passed there stood three pieces of artillery, for the capture of which, I believe, credit is due the Second Brigade, and my officers and men particularly. Many prisoners were captured for the Second Brigade by my men and sent to the rear, probably to be claimed by less fortunate brigades. It may not be out of place to remark here that prisoners and at least one battle-flag of the enemy, which properly belonged to the Second Brigade, were carried away by the Third, which came up after we had halted and uncourteously formed in our front.

In behalf of the officers of the regiment, I must say that each one did his duty bravely and nobly.

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

ROBERT W. HEALY,         

Major, Commanding

 Lieut. W. G. DONNAN,

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. 484-5

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 163. Reports of Col. James L Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations December 15-16, 1864, and January 9, 1865.

No. 163.

Reports of Col. James L Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Second Brigade,

of operations December 15-16, 1864, and January 9, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,                      

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

In the Field, Tenn., December 20, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: In relation to the part taken by my brigade in the late battles with the enemy near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, I have the honor to make the following report:

My command was comprised as follows: The Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 477 effective force, Lieut. Col. Jed Lake commanding; the Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 362 effective force, Lieut. Col. G. A. Eberhart commanding; the Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 331 effective force, Maj. R. W. Healy commanding; the Tenth Kansas Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 187 effective force, Capt. W. C. Jones commanding; the Third Indiana Battery, six guns, 114 effective force, First Lieut. Thomas J. Ginn commanding.

In compliance with orders from General Garrard, commanding Second Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, I had my command in readiness to move at daylight on the morning of the 15th instant. About 7 a.m. I moved the brigade outside the line of intrenchments encircling the city and formed the regiments of infantry in column by division, sending out the Tenth Kansas with one company of the Twenty-seventh Iowa, Company B, as skirmishers, to cover the entire front of the brigade. Soon afterward I received orders to form in line of battle and advance, governing my movement by that of the troops upon my right, guiding, however, to the left. I immediately deployed into line in the following order: The Thirty-second Iowa on the right, the Fifty-eighth Illinois in the center, the Twenty-seventh Iowa on the left, the battery following closely in the rear, my left resting near the right of the Fourth Army Corps We had advanced but a short distance when brisk skirmishing commenced. Our skirmishers were checked only a few minutes, however, and soon drove the enemy from his sheltered skirmish line back upon his reserves, and yet steadily back to within 400 yards of a strongly intrenched position. Here they were checked, but, being re-enforced, again advanced to within 200 yards of the rebel works, driving the enemy inside, and, finding good shelter behind trees and stumps, held this position until the main line was ready to charge, all the while doing excellent service in sharp-shooting the gunners of a rebel battery in their immediate front. The approach of my command toward the rebel works was necessarily very slow, as it was nearest the pivot upon which the whole right wing of the army swung around upon the enemy's left flank. Heavy cannonading from the enemy occurred at times during the advance, but owing to the thick timber in front he tailed to get range so as to do me material damage. About 4 p.m., the main line having arrived close upon the left of the enemy's works, my skirmishers were relieved and reported to the command, when I received orders to move by the right flank to the rear of the First and in support of the Third Brigade, now ready to charge the works. I immediately executed the order in quick time, but had little more than reached the position assigned me when I heard the shouts of victory and saw several hundred prisoners passed to the rear. I was soon afterward ordered to move half a mile to the right and form my command upon the right of the First Brigade, when, as it was now dark, I was ordered to rest for the night.

My casualties on this day did not exceed twenty, nearly all of which were in the Tenth Kansas Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and I cannot close the report of the day without justly complimenting this regiment and Company B, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for excellent performance of skirmish duty.

On the morning of the 16th, just after daylight, I received orders to form my command in line of battle, my right resting near the left of the First Division, my brigade constituting the right of the Second Division. I at once formed as directed, in the following order, sending out five companies of the Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captain Kittel, as skirmishers: The Thirty-second Iowa on the right, the Twenty-seventh Iowa the right center, the Fifty-eighth Illinois left center, and the Tenth Kansas on the left, which last-named regiment was soon afterward posted as a reserve, and so held throughout the day; the Third Indiana Battery again followed the movements of the command. About 7.30 o'clock, conforming to the movement of the line upon my right, I moved the brigade forward nearly the distance of half a mile through an open corn-field, partially wheeling to the right. Having reached the Granny White pike I moved some 500 or 600 yards by the right flank upon the pike, when I again moved forward, still advancing my left faster than my right, over another open corn-field, where the enemy opened upon us a severe fire from a battery within their line of works, some 1,000 yards distant. The command moved in quick time, but with much coolness, until I had passed a little ravine, crossed a brook, and reached the brow of a hill in front, sheltered by trees, where I ordered the command to halt. I had occupied this position but a few minutes when I heard heavy musketry and saw a sudden changing of troops upon my right. Fearing that it might possibly be the line giving way I immediately ordered my command to recross the brook and then halt, whilst I rode up on an adjacent hill in order to discern the precise nature of the movements upon the right. Perceiving that the First Division was contracting in order to double its lines, I hastened back, and, under brisk artillery fire, moved the command by the right flank, breaking considerably to the rear, following a little ravine which, fortunately, ran nearly parallel to the enemy's line of works, until my right again rested near the First Division. I now ordered the command to lie down, where it remained for several hours, almost entirely safe from the missiles of the enemy, although the firing was severe and we lay within 400 or 500 [yards] of his line of works. At some distance to our right the enemy's fortified line ascended a hill. From this point his sharpshooters, having full view of my line, made frequent attempts to reach it. One of their bullets passed very close to two of my staff officers, and killed a horse belonging to Major Hutchison, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. In the meantime my battery, which had failed on the previous day to get into action on account of the impossibility of procuring a suitable position, had followed the movements of the brigade until the infantry advanced from the Granny White pike. It was at this time that the enemy opened a heavy fire from a covered position. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Ginn into position at double-quick, on a rise of ground in the open corn-field, from which position he opened a rapid fire upon the enemy, which was continued until his ammunition (canister excepted) was wholly exhausted. About 1 p.m., having received a fresh supply of ammunition, Lieutenant Ginn was ordered some 400 yards to the left, where he expended some sixty rounds of ammunition. He was then ordered by Captain Lowell, chief of artillery Second Division, some 100 yards to the right, where he expended sixty additional rounds upon a rebel battery immediately in his front. Thence Lieutenant Ginn was ordered by Major-General Smith to the left of my brigade. From this position he continued fire with three guns upon the battery in my front, and the other three upon a battery in front of the Third Brigade, until the final charge was made. Throughout the day the battery did good service, and, although most of the time in an exposed position, its firing was rapid, accurate, and effective, expending 923 rounds of ammunition during the action.

A few minutes before 4 p.m., everything being in readiness, General Garrard's order was received to charge the enemy's works. The order was instantly given to my command and as instantly obeyed. From right to left my entire infantry command sprang to their feet, raised the crest of the little hill in front, gave a wild hurrah, and pressed directly forward. Notwithstanding a severe fire of musketry, grape, and canister, which, but for the fact that it was delivered too high, must have terribly torn my ranks, the whole line pressed eagerly on. As we passed the skirmish line, Captain Kittel, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with admirable skill, collected his skirmishers on the run and joined in the charge. The rebels were seen to leave their rifle-pits and rush back over the works, and when within fifty paces of their line, a last volley of musketry, grape, and canister was poured upon my line, but it also passed almost harmless through the air over our heads. In a few minutes more the whole command had reached and passed the enemy's intrenchments, killing and capturing some of the artillerists at the guns, whilst the main line of the rebels ran in every direction. Five cannon were passed by my brigade, but, by my directions, were left without a guard, and the whole command ordered forward in pursuit of the enemy. Prisoners were taken singly and in squads numbering as high as thirty, most of whom were simply disarmed and ordered to the rear, which seemed very much in accordance with their desire. The command pressed on to the foot of and some distance up the base of the mountain, where I was ordered to halt. From the heights above, Captain Harris, Thirty-sixth Mississippi, hung out the white flag, and, with a few men yet with him, came down and were passed to the rear. Regimental commanders report not less than 150 prisoners taken in the pursuit. William May,¹ a private of Captain Benson's company (H), Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, as we approached the works, dashed forward and captured the battery guidon, which is now in my hands. Several of the official papers of the battery were also captured, showing it to have been A. Bouanchaud's. I am thus explicit in relation to the capture of the five guns, as I have been informed that they were claimed by some other command, which drew off the guns long after my brave men had captured and passed them in pursuit of the enemy.

The Tenth Kansas occupied the crest of the mountain as picket, and my command bivouacked for the night at its base, whence on the morning of the 17th it set out with the division in pursuit of the whipped, demoralized, and routed enemy.

Regimental commanders report excellent conduct on the part of both officers and men of their respective commands, which, as far as my observation extended, I do most heartily indorse and confirm.

Lieutenant-Colonel Eberhart, commanding Thirty-second Iowa, in his official report, compliments Theodore De Tar, captain Company D, severely wounded, and Lieut. W. L. Carpenter, acting regimental adjutant, for brave conduct; also, Color-Sergt. A. J. Ellis and Corporal Bell, both of Company G, for bravery in action.

The greatest gallantry was displayed on the part of my staff officers — Lieutenants Donnan, McLean, and Eisenhart. Fearless of danger, they were in the thickest of the fight, from beginning to end, rendering great assistance throughout the entire two days.

My casualties throughout the battles are comparatively very light, numbering sixty-three, many of which are but slight wounds, as will be seen by a list of the same herewith inclosed.*

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

 JAMES I. GILBERT,                       

 Colonel Twenty-seventh Iowa, Commanding Brigade.

 Lieut. JAMES B. COMSTOCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,                      

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

Eastport, Miss., January 9, 1865.

LIEUTENANT: In relation to the reconnaissance made to-day by my command toward Iuka, I have the honor to report:

In compliance with orders from General Garrard, commanding Second Division, I moved the infantry and one section of the battery of my command at 7 a.m. January 9, 1865, out on the Iuka road. I proceeded some four miles without molestation, when my advance was fired upon by the pickets or scouts of the enemy. After exchanging a few shots they fled, turning off on the Bear Creek road, some mile and a half this side of Iuka. I advanced without further trouble, entering the village about 10 a.m., capturing one prisoner, who claimed to be a commissary sergeant of Roddey's command; that he was on duty at Corinth and came to Iuka on a visit. Some of the citizens report Forrest's command in camp a few miles west from Iuka, and Hood at Corinth, but the greater number claim that Hood has gone south from Corinth. Stewart's infantry was the last to pass through Iuka on last Thursday. The opinion seems to prevail that a part, at least, of Forrest's command is on the opposite or south side of Bear Creek. I think there is no doubt that Hood's command is moving south from Corinth as speedily as possible. After allowing the men time to make coffee, I returned, without the slightest interference, to camp, arriving about 3 p.m.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES I. GILBERT,            

Colonel Twenty-seventh Iowa, Commanding Brigade.

Lieut. JAMES B. COMSTOCK,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

ADDENDA.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,                      

DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,  

In the Field, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

Statement of William May, private Company H, Thirty-second Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, to James I. Gilbert, colonel Twenty-seventh Iowa, commanding Second Brigade, in relation to trophies captured in the battle near Nashville, Tenn.:

On the 16th of December, when the Second Brigade, Second Division, Detachment Army of the Tennessee, was ordered to charge the enemy's works, as my regiment, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which was on the right of the brigade, approached the earth-works, I saw this rebel battery flag with the guns, and ran ahead of the regiment, over the works, and took it out of a rebel's hands. In a valise close by I found some brass buttons, manufactured at Montgomery, Ala., with letter B, German text; also a captain's artillery shoulder-strap, and some papers, invoices of ordnance stores, &c., showing the battery to have been A. Bouanchaud's. The flag is about four feet square, of crimson bunting, with yellow fringe, with a diagonal cross, blue, upon which are thirteen silken white stars.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES I. GILBERT,            

Colonel Twenty-seventh Iowa, Commanding Brigade.

_______________

¹ Awarded a Medal of Honor.

* Embodied in table, p.101

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. 480-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 156. Report of Lieut. Col. George Bradley, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 156.

Report of Lieut. Col. George Bradley, Seventh Minnesota Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. SEVENTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,           

In the Field, December 20, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh Regiment Minnesota Infantry in the engagements of the 15th and 16th instant:

On the morning of the 15th instant the regiment, commanded by Col. William R. Marshall, moved out from camp near Nashville, with the brigade to which it belongs, at 6 a.m. They moved out on the Hardin pike about a mile, when they formed line of battle and halted. During this halt the extreme right of the army appeared to be quite heavily engaged. Company B of my regiment, commanded by Capt. A. H. Stevens, was ordered to advance and deploy as skirmishers in front of the regiment. Soon after the whole line moved forward, crossing the Hardin pike obliquely to the left, until they arrived in front of the enemy's works, about three miles from the camp we had left. Here our line was moved somewhat to the left, which brought my regiment into an open field, where they were ordered to lie down, while the artillery in our line opened upon the enemy. The enemy were posted upon a range of high hills, upon which they had erected strong fortifications, from which it was our business to dislodge them. The regiment lay in the field before referred to until the first of the fortifications on the enemy's left were charged and taken by the brigades of our division upon our right, when our brigade was moved forward to a hill opposite a fortification still occupied by the enemy, conforming our movements to those of the troops upon our right. We were shortly moved forward again to the foot of the hill upon which the fortification last named was situated, from which point we charged the enemy in his works, driving him in confusion. The regiment moved rapidly along the enemy's line to a second fortification, a little distance off, again driving the enemy, and forcing him to abandon three of his guns and caissons. From this point we poured a most galling fire upon the retreating enemy. By the death of the gallant officer commanding our brigade, Colonel Hill, of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, who was killed just as he reached the top of the hill upon which the fortification was situated, Colonel Marshall was called to the command of the brigade, and the command of the regiment devolved upon me. It was now dark, and the regiment bivouacked in its place in brigade for the night.

In this action the regiment lost seventeen men wounded, whose names appear in my report of casualties herewith furnished. Lieut. A. A. Rice, of Company B, was severely wounded while in the skirmish line. He is a gallant officer, and performed his duties up to the time he was wounded with courage and ability.

In this day's action the regiment captured over fifty prisoners, who were turned over to the provost-marshal-general, and shared with the other regiments of the brigade the capture of three guns.

On the morning of the 16th instant we again moved upon the enemy and took a position on the left of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry, in the front line of the brigade, behind a fence directly in front of a strongly fortified position held by the enemy. The right of the Twelfth Iowa rested on the Granny White pike. The enemy was protected by a high and thick wall of stone, which was strengthened by earth thrown up against its front along a portion of the wall and by large rails planted firmly and slanting from the top of the wall to the ground along the remainder of it. Inside the wall cannon were planted, and deep pits dug for the protection of the men against our guns. Outside the walls, and somewhat advanced, were barricades made of rails piled closely together, with rifle pits behind them, from which the enemy's sharpshooters continually fired upon our line. Here my regiment remained the greater part of the day, the left of the line keeping up a fire upon the enemy the most of the time. We had some men wounded while occupying this line, and two killed in advancing to it. A heavy cannonading upon the enemy was kept up the whole day by the batteries upon our right and in our rear. Toward the close of the day a charge was made upon the enemy's works, commencing upon our right, the brigades of the First Division moving rapidly, one after the other, until the whole line was in motion. My regiment moved forward with the line, in the face of a heavy fire of grape and musketry, passed over the works of the enemy, who were completely routed, capturing their guns and many prisoners. The ground over which the regiment passed was soft; a portion of the way was a corn-field, rendering the rapid movement of the line exceedingly difficult and greatly adding to the hazard of the movement. We advanced as far as a high hill beyond the line of works where we charged the enemy, and bivouacked for the night.

In the charge the regiment captured 4 of the enemy's guns and more than 200 prisoners, making with those taken the day before 250 prisoners taken by them. Major Butt, of my regiment, had charge of the brigade skirmish line during the day, and discharged his duties with his usual skill and fidelity. Our losses in this day's fight were 43, 7 killed and 36 wounded, whose names have been furnished in a previous report. The most of the losses occurred in the charge. Captain McKelvy, of Company I, and Lieutenant Potter, of Company E, were both wounded in this charge, the first slightly, the latter somewhat severely.

In conclusion, I ought not to omit to mention Corporals Sylvester, of Company I, and Dowling, of Company B, who bore the colors of the Regiment in both days' fights. Cool and intrepid, they pushed steadily on through the terrific charges made upon the enemy, unswerved by the “leaden rain and iron hail” which fell thickly around them, mindful only of the honorable duty of bearing the colors erect in the van of the fight. Assistant Surgeon Mattock was constantly with us in the field, fearlessly exposing himself wherever his presence could benefit the wounded, and faithful and untiring in the discharge of all his duties. Doctor Ames was on duty at the hospital during the fight, by order of the division surgeon. Chaplain Edwards was active and zealous in his ministrations to the wounded, constantly and efficiently exerting himself in their behalf. Of the officers of the field, staff, and line of the regiment I can only say that the conduct of all was such that any distinction would be invidious. It is enough to say that all were earnest, zealous, and efficient in the discharge of every duty. Lieutenant Potter, though wounded by a shot through the arm, still pressed on with his company, and did not fall back till the works had been carried. The conduct of the men present in the two days' engagement was unexceptional; they were fearless amid the dangers of the battle, and cheerful and uncomplaining in enduring the hardships and exposures of the bivouac and the march.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. BRADLEY,    

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Lieut. HENRY HOOVER,

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. 466-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 148. Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 148.

Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Gere, Fifth Minnesota Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

NASHVILLE, TENN., December 18, 1864.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit for the information of the colonel commanding the brigade the following report of the part taken by the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the battles before Nashville on the 15th and 16th instant:

At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 15th instant, in obedience to orders received the evening previous, my command was in line, supplied with three days' rations in their haversacks and fifty rounds of cartridges per man. Soon after I was directed to move out to the Charlotte pike and await further orders. At about 8.30 or 9 o'clock the brigade marched out on the Charlotte pike nearly a mile, the Fifth following the Ninth Minnesota, when the column struck off into an open field to the left of the pike, where the order of march was reversed, and I was directed by the colonel commanding to move by the left flank in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, with a line of skirmishers deployed on my right to protect my flank. The regiment then moved forward in the place assigned it in the column, passing in range of a masked battery of the enemy on our right, from which several shells were thrown, bursting near our ranks, but doing no damage, my flankers occasionally coming in contact with and firing upon the enemy's skirmishers on my right. After moving by the flank something more than a mile I received orders from the colonel commanding to form my regiment in line on the right and forty paces in rear of the Eleventh Missouri (the formation of the brigade being in echelon by regiments) and to deploy a strong line of skirmishers in my front, all of which was promptly obeyed. Soon the order to move forward was given, and my regiment marched steadily forward in the place assigned it in the line. We had proceeded but a short distance when we encountered the enemy's skirmishers, and driving them back, advanced nearly two miles, when the enemy opened upon our line with a battery posted upon a hill and behind earth-works about a half or three-quarters of a mile in our front. During a heavy cannonading between our own and the enemy's artillery, in obedience to orders, I moved my regiment forward on a line with the regiment on my left, and the entire line was advanced across a hollow and creek to the crest of the hill and to within about 100 rods of the enemy's battery and works, where they were found in strong line of battle. I was here directed by the colonel commanding the brigade to form my regiment on the left of the Ninth Minnesota, in the front line (the brigade here being formed in two lines), and prepare to assault the enemy's works. My regiment threw off their knapsacks, blankets, and overcoats, and fixed bayonets ready for the charge. The order to forward was soon given, and our line moved steadily on through the brush and fallen timber in our front under a heavy fire from the enemy, closely followed by the second line; and as we drew near the rebel line of battle volley after volley was poured into their wavering ranks, which soon gave way, and as they fled our forces pursued them, killing and wounding many, and capturing large numbers of prisoners. The pursuit was continued until we crossed the Hillsborough pike, when our line was halted. The enemy was soon discovered to be moving on our left flank, and I was directed to change my front to the left, which I did under a sharp fire, and moved my regiment, in obedience to orders, by the left flank across the pike, my right resting on or near the same. Our skirmishers soon became hotly engaged, and we were again ordered to advance. The enemy soon opened upon us with musketry from the crest of a hill in our front, where they were formed in strong line, and with artillery on our right; but our troops, flushed with victory, rushed forward, with bayonets fixed, at a double-quick, breaking the enemy's lines, killing and wounding large numbers, and capturing hundreds of prisoners and small-arms. In this charge the loss in my regiment was quite severe, as we were exposed to an enfilading fire of musketry and artillery on our right flank, as well as the direct fire in front. First Lieut. Henry G. Bailly, commanding Company K, was severely and probably mortally wounded, and several non-commissioned officers and privates were killed and wounded. We pursued the enemy nearly or quite a mile, when our line was again halted, and, in obedience to orders, I bivouacked my regiment in rear of the Second Iowa Battery, it being then quite dark. During the night I constructed rifle-pits in front of my regiment and the battery, all being quiet in our front except occasional firing by the pickets.

At 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16th I was directed to form my regiment on the left-of the Ninth Minnesota, outside the works constructed the night previous, and to deploy a line of skirmishers in my front. As soon as the line was formed the order to move forward was given, and our line was advanced, under a heavy fire, nearly a mile, and to within about 100 rods of a strong line of intrenchments, occupied by the enemy in large force. Here the line was halted and the brigade was formed in two lines, the Fifth Minnesota on the left and in the front line, the Third Brigade being on my left. Intrenching tools were sent to the regiment, and I caused temporary breast-works to be constructed to protect the men from the enemy's sharpshooters. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon I received orders from the colonel commanding to be in readiness to charge the enemy's works in our front at a moment's notice; and at 4.15 p.m. the order to forward was given, which being repeated along the line, the Fifth Minnesota, with bayonets fixed, moved over the breast-works in their front into the open field which lay between them and the enemy's works, and at a double-quick rushed forward under the most terrific and withering fire of musketry and artillery it has ever been my fortune to behold or encounter. Yet, forward our line pressed, and soon the colors of the Fifth Minnesota were planted, the first in the brigade, upon the rebel intrenchments, and the enemy were driven from their fortified position. The regiment pursued, capturing hundreds of prisoners, among whom was Brigadier-General Jackson and many other officers. I think I can safely say that the Fifth Minnesota captured more prisoners in this charge than the regiment numbered. The pursuit was continued about one mile, to the foot of the Granny White Hills, where the regiment bivouacked for the night.

The glorious victory we had won had not, however, been a bloodless one. The loss in my regiment in this charge had been nearly 100 killed and wounded, which was about one-fourth my entire command. Capt. Henry Stasson, commanding Company E, a brave and faithful officer, was killed while leading his company in the charge. Capt. A. P. French, commanding Company I, was severely wounded at the head of his company. A list of the killed and wounded in the two days' engagement is herewith respectfully transmitted.*

The officers, without exception, behaved with conspicuous gallantry and performed their duty with coolness and good judgment; and the soldiers fought with that bravery and determination which knows not defeat, and are entitled to the warmest gratitude of their country. Captains Morehouse and French, and Lieutenants Bishop and Hatch, while in command of the skirmish lines in front of the regiment at intervals during the two days' engagement, performed their duty most satisfactorily. Capt. T. J. Sheehan, commanding Company C, the color company, gallantly stood by the colors, and in the last charge on the 16th instant, two color-bearers having been shot, he placed the colors in the hands of a non-commissioned officer of his company, who planted them on the rebel intrenchments. My especial thanks are due to Maj. John C. Becht, who rendered me efficient aid on the field during the two days' engagement. First Lieut. Roscoe Hilton, acting regimental adjutant, a brave and gallant young officer, was always in the right place at the right time, and discharged his duties to my entire satisfaction and with credit to himself. Surgeons Kennedy and Leonard were untiring in their efforts in the care of the wounded, both upon the field and at the hospitals.

On the morning of the 17th instant the regiment was ordered to join in the pursuit of the defeated enemy, and being unable to remain in the field on account of physical disability and injuries received the day previous, I turned over the command to Major Becht, to whom I would respectfully refer the colonel commanding for any information pertaining to the regiment since that time.

Respectfully submitted.

WM. B. GERE,         

Lit. Col., Comdg. Fifth Regt. Minnesota Vet. Vol. Infantry.

 Lieut. T. P. GERE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Embodied in Table, p. 101.

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. 449-52

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 144. Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

144.

Report of Brig. Gen. John McArthur, U. S. Army, commanding First Division,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DETACH. ARMY OF THE TENN.,                       

Near Pulaski, Tenn., December 28, 1864.

MAJOR: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by my division during the battles of the 15th and 16th instant in front of Nashville, Tenn.:

Pursuant to orders from the major-general commanding, I moved on the morning of the 15th, at 7 a.m. the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, consisting of the Seventy-second and Ninety-fifth Ohio, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois, Ninety-third Indiana, and Tenth. Minnesota Infantry Regiments, and Cogswell's Independent Illinois Battery; also the Second Brigade, Col. L. F. Hubbard commanding, composed of the Eleventh Missouri, Eighth Wisconsin, Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry, and Second Iowa Battery, out from the intrenchments around Nashville on the Charlotte road; also the Third Brigade, Col. S. G. Hill commanding, consisting of the Twelfth and Thirty-fifth Iowa, Thirty-third Missouri, and Seventh Minnesota Regiments, and Company I, Second Missouri Artillery, out on the Hardin road; the Third with orders to take position on the right of the Second Division, and the First and Second to swing to the left, and connecting with the Third, so as to complete the line. The two brigades on the Charlotte road waited two hours for the cavalry to take the advance, according to the instructions received the evening previous; but no move taking place on their part, and being informed that the line was awaiting my arrival, I passed through the cavalry line, deploying to the left of the road, right resting on same, until they reached Richland Creek, two miles and a half, encountering the enemy's battery and skirmishers, which were silenced by Cogswell's battery, giving the cavalry an opportunity of advancing. Finding that they were too far advanced, and not connecting with the main line, I moved them by the left flank obliquely to the rear, connecting with the Third Brigade, as designated, the whole line moving forward. My division being on the flank, the whole swinging on our left as a pivot, our march was necessarily long and tiresome.

After crossing the Hardin road the First Brigade encountered the first redoubt of four guns on the enemy's extreme left. Moving up the Second Brigade to its support, they were immediately formed for assault, both batteries taking position about 300 yards distant. After a brisk fire the fort was silenced and the infantry dashed forward. Simultaneous with their advance the cavalry of General Hatch's division charged, and, from their advantageous position, entered the works with my skirmishers and claimed the guns as their capture, which I conceded to them, their gallantry on that occasion being conspicuous, although the fort had been rendered untenable by the fire from my batteries. I then ordered the First Brigade to charge the second hill to the rear of the fort just taken, which they gallantly did, capturing two guns and caissons and a great many prisoners. In this they were supported by the Second Brigade, their skirmishers entering simultaneously with the First Brigade. While this was going on the Third Brigade charged the redoubt commanding the Hillsborough road, and carried it in gallant style; but pressing on in connection with the Second Division, the guns, three in number, were taken into possession by the Fourth Corps, together with a number of prisoners, which might have been properly credited had not Col. S. G. Hill, commanding brigade, been unfortunately killed in the charge. For further evidence of this I refer to Brigadier-General Garrard, commanding Second Division. Immediately following this General Couch's division, which had come into position by moving around my right and rear, charged the fourth position, a strong hill to our left. Simultaneous with the charge I ordered Col. L. F. Hubbard, commanding Second Brigade, to move forward on the left of Couch's division, sweeping around the base of the hill, thereby flanking the enemy's position and rendering the charge of General Couch an easier one. This was a bold and successful movement on the part of Col. L. F. Hubbard's command, and reflects great credit on him in handling his troops so successfully, for he encountered the enemy for a short time in front of him and on his flank, yet did not falter. Our line was then formed for the night and fortified between the Hillsborough and Granny White roads, nearly parallel with the same, thus ending the first day's battle.

On the morning of the 16th, at 8 a.m., I moved the division forward by wheeling to the right on the Twenty-third Corps, forming at right angles to the position held the night previous, with the Granny White road running through between the Second and Third Brigades, and moved up at 9 a.m. to within charging distance of the enemy's main line of works, but finding no dispositions made by the corps on my right to co-operate with me, I ordered the command to construct rifle-pits to protect them from the infantry fire of the enemy's main line, my batteries in the meantime being used with good effect on their works. Continuing in this position until 3 p.m., when, again consulting with Major-General Couch, commanding division on my right, and being informed that he had no orders to advance, and fearing that if delayed until next day the night would be employed by the enemy to our disadvantage, I determined to attack, sending word to this effect to the major-general commanding corps, and no contrary orders being received I prepared for the assault. In order to do so successfully, it was necessary that the hill on the enemy's extreme left and immediately in front of the Twenty-third Corps should be taken first. I ordered the First Brigade, Col. W. L. McMillen commanding, to move by the right flank and take position in front of and to take the hill, Major-General Couch sending forward a brigade to occupy and hold the intrenchments vacated by Col. W. L. McMillen, in case of an emergency, the Second and Third Brigades having orders to charge as soon as the First had advanced half-way up the hill, which was the salient point of the position. The First Brigade, with fixed bayonets, without a cheer or firing a shot, but with firm resolve and without doubting their success, commenced the difficult ascent, and without a halt, although exposed to a murderous fire, which none but the bravest troops could withstand, planted their colors on the very apex of the hill. At the appointed time the Second and Third Brigades — the Third commanded by Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry — moved forward on the enemy's works. Their path lay across a cornfield, traversed by stone walls and ditches, which, together with the softness of the ground, exposed as they were to a direct fire in front, and enfiladed by batteries on the flanks, for a time held with intense interest the most experienced officers who beheld it; but onward was their motto, and their banners were planted on works defended by the choicest troops of the rebel army, calling forth the remark of the rebel officers that powder and lead were inadequate to resist such a charge. Onward still the division pressed, gathering in prisoners by the hundred and guns by batteries (a list of which is appended) until the hills in rear of the enemy's lines were secured, where the line was formed for the night, and attention turned to the many brave officers and men who had so gloriously maintained their country's honor and sealed it with their blood.

In connection with this I wish to mention the services of the agents of the Christian Commission: conspicuous among which were Mr. Carter, of Wisconsin, and others whose names I failed to obtain, who, regardless of personal danger, were everywhere present, ministering to the wounded. A cause sustained by such and similar agencies cannot fail.

Before closing the report I beg to bear testimony to the gallantry and heroic fortitude displayed by every officer and soldier of my command; their conduct throughout was par excellence.

In addition to the report already forwarded of officers recommended for promotion I would call your attention to the reports of brigade commanders, transmitted herewith, for the names of those officers recommended by them for special mention for gallantry and good conduct. My thanks are also due in an especial manner to the officers and men of the artillery of my division, serving their guns in such a manner as to call forth my highest admiration. I am also greatly indebted to the following members of my staff for valuable services throughout: Capt. William H. F. Randall, assistant adjutant-general; Capts. Duncan MacLean and John W. Gregg, aides-de-camp; Dr. S. W. Huff, surgeon-in-chief, whose duties were arduous, but not beyond his capabilities; Capt. S. Carkener, Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, judge-advocate and acting aide; Capt. E. R. Applegate, Eleventh Missouri Volunteers, ordnance officer; Capt. Joseph Mayer, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, temporarily on duty as aide; Lieut. P. Meagher, Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, mustering officer and acting aide; Lieut. Samuel A. L. Law, acting assistant quartermaster; Capt. J. A. Leonard, commissary of subsistence, for efficiency in their respective duties; Capt. J.P. Houston, acting assistant inspector-general, who was unfortunately wounded while charging with the skirmishers the broken ranks of the enemy. He is a valuable officer. I deeply regret his temporary loss. To all of whom my thanks are due.

In addition to the above report I wish to mention the First Brigade, Third Division, Colonel Ward, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding, consisting of the Fourteenth and Thirty-third Wisconsin and Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, for their promptness in moving forward to support my left on the first day's battle and securing many prisoners.

The following is the list of captures, which needs no comment: Prisoners of wary including Brigadier-Generals Smith and Jackson, 4,273; battle-flags, 13; guns with caissons, 24; small-arms, estimated at 4,500; besides several wagons and horses. There were expended during both days' fighting, 4,681 rounds artillery ammunition; 84,000 rounds of musketry ammunition.

My total casualties, as per report forwarded, are as follows: Killed, 68; wounded, 506, and 1 missing; making a total of killed, wounded, and missing, 575.*

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. McARTHUR,         

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

P. S. — I wish particularly to mention in connection with this report the gallant conduct of Col. W. R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, commanding Third Brigade, called to take command during the first day's battle and continuing throughout. His admirable management and example stamp him as an officer of rare merit.

J. McARTHUR,         

Brigadier-General.

Maj. J. HOUGH,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Detachment Army of the Tennessee.

_______________

* But see revised table, p. 101

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. 437-40

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 19, 1864

June 19, 1864.

This is the 50th day of the campaign. Our brigade has been under musketry fire 12 days, artillery about 30. We have as a brigade fought three nice little battles, in as many days, repulsing two charges, and making one which was a perfect success. We have captured all told about 650 prisoners, and I think 1,000 a very low estimate of the number we have killed and wounded. I think Cheatham's and Bates' Rebel divisions will say the same. We have thus cleared ourselves with a loss to us of nearly 300, or fully one-fifth of the command. The other nine days we were on the skirmish line, in the rifle pits or front line.

This morning an order was read to pursue the enemy immediately and in ten minutes the “assembly” was sounded. The enemy had fallen back on his flanks, and maybe was intending to evacuate, for our right had swung around him further than I, if in his place, would consider healthy. But he had not yet left the Twin Mountains. The line now runs from right to left by Corps 23d, 20th, 4th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th. The 14th Corps lost heavily to-day, but drove the Rebels four miles. The 23d Corps was still going at last accounts. The artillery firing to-day was beautiful. Our division advanced about one-half mile only. The Twin Mountains are right in front of us, and I have seen the Rebels shooting from six batteries on the crest and sides. Our batteries on a line 600 yards in front answer them promptly.

Only one shell has burst near us, and that 100 yards to our right.

The 55th had one killed and two wounded just in front of us, by shells. All parts of the line advanced from one to five miles to-day, the right swinging forward farthest, a-la-gate. Osterhaus' headquarters are 30 yards to our right. A solid shot from the mountain went through one of his tents yesterday. It has rained hard all day, but nobody minds it a particle. The general feeling is that the Rebels have fallen back to their main position, although they have abandoned ground that we would have held one against five. I can't hear that any line of battle has been engaged to-day, but the force on the advance skirmish lines was probably doubled at least. You would not smile at the idea of sleeping on the ground allotted to us to-night. Mud from six to eight inches deep.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 263-4

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 15, 1864

June 15, 1864.

This has been a star day, and a better feeling lot of men that compose our brigade will be hard to find, for to-night any way. The morning was occupied in cleaning guns, etc. At 11 o'clock the assembly was sounded, and we moved one and one-half miles, which brought us on the left of the whole army. By 1 p. m. we had our line formed running from right to left, 103d Illinois, 6th Iowa, 46th Ohio, 40th Illinois, with the 97th Indiana deployed as skirmishers. We were in about the center of an open lot of plantations, facing a densely-wooded hill of maybe 300 acres. It was a plumb one-third of a mile to it and already the enemy's sharpshooters were reaching our men from it.

One of Company K’s men was shot here, and one of H’s. At precisely 1 p. m. we started, the men having been notified that they would have to get to that woods as quickly as possible. The Rebels opened pretty lively. Right in front of where I am now writing is a house. On the porch I see 11 children, not over nine years old. All belong to one woman. Haven't seen her, but from what I have seen in this country, wouldn't dispute the man who would tell me she was only 20 years old. This is a great stock country. As we started, the boys raised a cheer that was a cheer, and we went down on them regular storm fashion. A hundred yards before we got to the hill we ran into a strong line of rifle pits swarming with Johnnies. They caved and commenced begging. The pit I came to had about 20 in it. They were scared until some of them were blue, and if you ever heard begging for life it was then. Somebody yelled out “Let's take the hill,” and we left the prisoners and broke. At the foot of the hill we came to a muddy rapid stream, from 10 to 15 feet wide and no crossing, so we plunged in. I got wet to my middle, and many did to their breasts.

The banks were steep and slippery and muddy. Though we all expected a serious fight on the hill, up we went every man for himself, and through to an open field, over which some 200 straggling sandy looking Johnnies were trying to get away, which most of them accomplished, as we were too tired to continue the pursuit fast enough to overtake them. However, the boys shot a lot of them. Well, they call it a gallant thing. We took 542 prisoners, and killed and wounded I suppose 100.

The whole loss in our brigade is not 10 killed and 50 wounded. I only had one man wounded in my company, Corp. E. D. Slater. There were three killed and nine wounded in the regiment.

There were three regiments of Rebels—the 31st, 40th and 54th Alabama. They ought to have killed and wounded at least 500 of us, but we scared them out of it. They shot too high all the time. Osterhaus also had a hard fight to-day, was successful in taking a line of rifle pits. Thomas drove them a mile.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 261-2

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 2, 1864

June 2, 1864.

The 40th Illinois returned to-day, and I was right glad to see them back. We have lost no men to-day. The 17th Army Corps is beginning to come in. We advanced our works last night, commencing a new line in front of our regiment. The Rebels didn't fire at us once, though they might as well killed some one as not. Colonel Wright and ten men picked out the ground and then I took a detail and went to work. By daylight we had enough of rifle pit to cover 50 men and had the men in it. I tell you it waked them up when our boys opened upon them. This is getting on the Vicksburg order. The troops are in splendid spirits and everything is going on as well as could be wished. I think this thing will be brought to a focus in a few days.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 253-4

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 28, 1864

May 28, 1864, 9 a. m.

Still in rifle pits. We have been treated to a terrific storm of shells, spherical case, and solid shot. The batteries are in plain sight of each other, and the gunners call it a thousand yards between them. I don't think either battery does very fine work, but they make it more than interesting for us. A conical shell from a 12 pound gun passed through a log and struck a Company C man on the leg, only bruising him. Two solid shot fell in my company works, but hurt no one.

Seven p. m.—Talk about fighting, etc., we've seen it this p. m. sure, of all the interesting and exciting times on record this must take the palm. At about 3:45 p. m., a heavy column of Rebels rose from a brush with a yell the devil ought to copyright, broke for and took three guns of the 1st Iowa Battery which were in front of the works (they never should have been placed there); the 6th Iowa boys, without orders, charged the Rebels, retook the battery and drove them back. They came down on our whole line, both ours and the 16th A. C, and for two hours attempted to drive us out. We repulsed them at every point without serious loss to us, but I believe they are at least 3,000 men short. In our brigade Colonel Dickerman, Lieutenant Colonel 6th Iowa commanding, and Major Gilsey, commanding 46th Ohio, are wounded. Besides these I don't think our brigade lost over So. It was a grand thing. I did not lose a man and only three companies of our regiment lost any. When the musketry was playing the hottest, Logan came dashing up along our line, waved his hat and told the boys to “give them hell, boys.” You should have heard them cheer him. It is Hardee's Corps fighting us, and he promised his men a “Chickamauga,” but it turned out a “Bull Run” on their part. It is the same corps our regiment fought at Mission Ridge. Our line is very thin along here, but guess we can save it now. I heard a 40th boy get off an oddity this evening, he said: “If they come again, I am going to yell if there's any danger of their taking us.” “Worlds by Nation Right into line Wheel!” and “if that don't scare them, I propose going.”

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 250-1

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 29, 1864 - 4 p.m.

May 29, 1864, 4 p. m.

Have been in the rifle pits all day. We're now expecting a charge from the Rebels, that is, our division commander is. I think they will lose an immense sight of men if they attempt it. News to-day of Davis moving his capital to Columbia, S. C, and of Grant driving Lee across the Savannah River.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 251

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 27, 1864

Near Dallas, Ga., May 27, 1864, 8 a. m.

There has been some very heavy fighting on our left this morning, and everywhere along the line. We have been moving in line since 6 o'clock, supporting skirmishers and the 3d Brigade. Have driven the Rebels about three-quarters of a mile. The 14th Corps must have had a severe fight about 6:30. The bullets have whistled pretty thick this a. m.

Skirmish line, 11 a. m. — Osterhaus and Smith (I think), have just had a big fight on our left. At 8:30 I was ordered to take Companies E, K, B and G, deploy them and relieve the 3d Brigade skirmishers. Deployed and moved forward over one-half mile through the very densest brush—couldn't see six feet, expecting every minute to find the 3d Brigade skirmishers, but they had been drawn in, and we were right into the Rebels before we saw them. Three of my company were wounded in an instant and three of K's taken prisoner, but our boys made the Rebels skedaddle, and all of them got away. Twenty-one Rebels came up in rear of Captain Smith and two of his men. Private Benson shot one of them, and Smith roared out for the rest to surrender, which they did. They (Rebels) said they would not have been taken if the Georgia brigade had not fallen back. I think that is doing pretty well for four companies of our regiment, running a whole brigade. Firing is very heavy all around us.

Twelve thirty m. — A chunk of Rebel shell lit 15 feet from me. Lively artillery firing right over head.

Four p. m.—At 2:15, after firing a few shells, the Rebels set up a yell along our whole front. I knew a charge was coming. At 2:30 another yell was much nearer. My men then commenced firing on them, but they came on yelling pretty well, but not as heartily as I have heard. They came jumping along through the brush more then, making the bullets rain among us. I think they could not fly much thicker. My men did nobly,but they were too many for us, and we had to fall back. I heard their officers halloo to them, “to yell and stand steady,” and they were right amongst us before we left. Our line of battle checked them and made them run. I lost A. Huffard — killed; Seth Williams — died in two hours; Wm. Gustine — severely wounded; E. Suydam — ditto; S. Hudson — ditto; H. Stearns — slight wound; J. H. Craig — ditto; F. Cary — ditto; W. Roberts — ditto; W. G. Dunblazier — captured.

Seven p. m. — I tell you this was exciting. My men all stood like heroes (save one), and some of them did not fall back when I wanted them to. The bush was so thick that we could hardly get through in any kind of line. Gustine and Suydam were about 20 feet on my left when they were shot, but I couldn't see them. The Rebels were not 15 feet from them. I had 31 men on the line, and nine killed and wounded, and one prisoner, is considerable of a loss. They took six more of Company K prisoners, but three of them got off. I don't think anyone can imagine how exciting such a fracas as that is in thick brush. As quick as our line started the Rebels running, I went back on the ground, and found a lot of dead and wounded Rebels. Every prisoner of the 20th Georgia had whiskey in his canteen, and all said they had all issued to them that they wanted. I never say such a dirty, greasy, set of mortals. They have had no rest since they left Dalton. On account of my skirmishers losing so heavily, we have been relieved from the line, and are now in rifle pits, and are supporting those who relieved us.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 248-50

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 15, 1864

May 15, 1864, 1:30 a. m. At 11 p. m. went again on the skirmish line with Captain Post and superintended the construction of rifle pits for our skirmishers. A good deal of fun between our boys and the Rebels talking only 50 yards apart.

Five thirty a. m. — At 3 a. m. moved and are now supporting Osterhaus, who is going to charge the railroad. Will see fighting this morning.

Nine a. m. — The skirmishers are fighting briskly. Osterhaus' artillery is on both sides and behind us. Sherman has just passed us to the front. When we first came here about daylight the Rebels charged our folks on the hill ahead, but were repulsed without our assistance. McPherson is now passing. Osterhaus gained that hill last night by a charge, losing about 200 men in the operation. From a hill 50 yards from our position I can see the Rebel fort at Resaca and Rebels in abundance. It is not a mile distant.

One thirty p. m. — Our artillery is beginning to open on them. One man was killed and two wounded within 40 yards of the regiment by Rebel sharpshooters.

Seven p. m.—No charge yet to-day, but has been heavy fighting on the left. I have seen, this evening, Rebel trains moving in all directions. We have a good view of all their works.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 241-2

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: May 19, 1864

Went down with Thede to Spottsylvania. Visited all the fortifications. Went to the picket line. Could see the rebs very distinctly in rifle pits and works. Our fortifications only 1200 yds. apart. Train captured and recaptured.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 116

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: September 10, 1863

We were notified of the surrender of the Gap and 2500 prisoners and 12 pieces of artillery. Encouraged. Had been talk that we were to storm the works. 32 pounders to be brought by Baptist Gap. Had some chopping before getting to the main road. Saw a good many Ohio boys on the other side. Oh such strong works as those at the Gap — natural fortifications. High bluffs on all sides. Plenty of water. Many rifle pits, and intrenchments. Batteries well planted. Glad we went round. Two N. Carolina regts. One Ga. One Tenn. 5 days' rations on hand. Gen. Frazier afraid boys wouldn't fight. Camped near Mr. Patterson's. Drake ate supper with me. Chose Buell and Barber to go home for conscripts.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 87-8

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 7, 1863

Nothing definite has transpired at Charleston, or if so, we have not received information of it yet.

From the West, we have accounts, from Northern papers, of the failure of the Yankee Yazoo expedition. That must have its effect.

Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, has decided in one instance (page 125, E. B. Conscript Bureau), that a paroled political prisoner, returning to the South, is not subject to conscription. This is in violation of an act of Congress, and general orders. It appears that grave judges are not all inflexibly just, and immaculately legal in their decisions. Col. Lay ordered the commandant of conscripts (Col. Shields) to give the man a protection, without any reason therefor.

It is now said large depots of provisions are being formed on the Rappahannock. This does not look like an indication of a retrograde movement on the part of Gen. Lee. Perhaps he will advance.

This afternoon dispatches were received from Charleston. Notwithstanding all the rumors relative to the hostile fleet being elsewhere, it is now certain that all the monitors, iron-clads, and transports have succeeded in passing the bar, and at the last accounts were in readiness to begin the attack. And Beauregard was prepared to receive it. To-morrow we shall have exciting intelligence. If we are to believe what we hear from South Carolinians, recently from Charleston (I do believe it), Charleston will not be taken. If the ground be taken, it will not be Charleston. If the forts fall, and our two rams be taken or destroyed, the defenders will still resist. Rifle-pits have been dug in the streets; and if driven from these, there are batteries beyond to sweep the streets, thus involving the enemy and the city in one common ruin.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 287-8

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Friday, August 26, 1864

As usual we were ordered to be under arms at 4 o'clock a. m. but the enemy has not yet appeared on our right, nor do I think they will; have had charge of a fatigue party nearly all day policing in front of the rifle pits. Captain L. T. Hunt of Company H returned to the regiment this afternoon looking well; has been absent wounded. Captains C. D. Bogue and A. W. Chilton's commissions came by to-day's mail; no skirmishing all day.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 140

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Lemuel A. Abbott: Sunday, August 21, 1864

Well, a soldier's life is a strange one to lead! I got up about 8 o'clock a. m. received an order for inspection at 9 o'clock a. m. got nearly ready when it commenced raining and inspection was delayed. Then before we had inspection about 10 o'clock a. m. a lively fusilade commenced on the pike in our front with the skirmishers; looks to me like a surprise; everybody acts so, too; have been hustling all day to throw up rifle pits and to-night finds us in line behind a formidable breastwork; skirmishing still continues briskly. The Vermont brigade reestablished the skirmish line. Our brigade has lost two men killed and eleven wounded.

SOURCE: Lemuel Abijah Abbott, Personal Recollections and Civil War Diary, 1864, p. 138