Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to William H. Smith, August 24, 1864

CAMP OF SHERIDAN'S ARMY, August 24, 1864.

FRIEND SMITH: Your favor of the 7th came to hand on Monday. It was the first I had heard of the doings of the Second District Convention. My thanks for your attention and assistance in the premises. I cared very little about being a candidate, but having consented to the use of my name I preferred to succeed. Your suggestion about getting a furlough to take the stump was certainly made without reflection.

An officer fit for duty who at this crisis would abandon his post to electioneer for a seat in Congress ought to be scalped. You may feel perfectly sure I shall do no such thing.

We are, and for two weeks have been in the immediate presence of a large Rebel army. We have skirmishing and small affairs constantly. I am not posted in the policy deemed wise at headquarters, and I can't guess as to the prospects of a general engagement. The condition and spirit of this army are good and improving I suspect the enemy is sliding around us towards the Potomac. If they cross we shall pretty certainly have a meeting.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.* 

WM. H. SMITH, Esq.,
Cincinnati, Ohio.

_______________ 

* This letter was lithographed and widely used as an effective campaign document during the Presidential canvass of 1876. 

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 497

Captain Charles Wright Wills: December 10, 1864

Before Savannah, 

December 10, 1864. 

Crossed the Ogeechee near the mouth of the Canoochie, then a canal, and then up the tow path toward the city. All the other divisions of our corps are ahead of us. An awful country to get through, all lakes and swamps. We are now five miles from Savannah. Have just got our works up and got our suppers. Hear some skirmishing on our right, should think a mile from us. Commenced raining at dark and continued. Made 20 miles to-day. 

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 334

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, August 16, 1864

CEDAR CREEK, NEAR STRASBURG, August 16, 1864.

DARLING: – We are still here observing the enemy and skirmishing with him daily. Yesterday with [the] Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth had a very brisk skirmish; lost two killed, twelve wounded. One of [the] color corporals in Twenty-third (Corporal Hughes) killed. We are gaining in strength and spirits daily. Numbers supposed to have been killed at Winchester turn out to be only wounded. . . . Love to all.

Affectionately, ever, 

R. 

MRS. HAYES. 

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 494

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: July 21—25, 1864

Thursday (21st), marched to near Snickers Ford. Camped near Colonel Ware's. Fifteen miles. The next day, marched to Winchester. A fine town before the war. Eleven and onehalf miles. Saturday (23d), enemy reported in force approaching Winchester. Skirmished all day. Small force of Rebel cavalry fool ours. Seven miles. Sunday (24th), defeated badly at Winchester near Kernstown by Early with a superior force. My brigade suffered severely. Rebels came in on my left. Poor cavalry allowed the general to be surprised. Seven miles. All [that] night marching, twenty-two miles, to Martinsburg. My brigade covered the retreat. Retreated from Martinsburg; turned on Rebels and drove them out. Monday night to Potomac at Williamsport, [Maryland], twelve miles, a severe, sleepy job. Camped on Antietam near battle-ground.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 484-5

Captain Charles Wright Wills: October 26, 1864

At Little River again, October 26, 1864.

Got back on the 25th, and have been laying quiet. Our foragers have been skirmishing a good deal with the enemies' scouts, but few casualties however.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 316

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Friday, June 17, 1864

Colonel White's brigade cleaned out Rebels handsomely to [within] three miles of Lynchburg. The next day [the] Rebels [inside the] works [were] re-inforced. [There was] skirmishing and fighting but no general attack. [At] 8:30 P. M., we back out via Liberty Road, [Hunter's attempt to capture Lynchburg having proved a failure].

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 475

Captain Charles Wright Wills: October 19, 1864

Near Summerville, October 19, 1864.

Reached this place yesterday. The cavalry advance had some sharp skirmishing, and brought back some two or three prisoners. We are drawing full rations, besides preying off the country, all kinds of meat, apples, potatoes, and I believe the men find a little of everything known to be eatable. Entering houses is prohibited under penalty of death, but some scoundrels manage to pillage many houses. Foraging is also half prohibited, but I am satisfied that our general officers do not object to our taking meat, etc., if houses are not entered. Ten p. m.—Have stopped here to draw rations. The 23d and 4th Corps have already moved forward on the old Alabama road. That looks as though we were intending to follow the Rebels. We “liners” have no idea where they are. One rumor is that they are moving northwest, intending to cross the Tennessee river, south or southwest of Huntsville. Another that they are moving to their new base at or near Blue Mountain, on the road from here to Talladega, Ala. If we are going to follow them, I look for a long campaign. But for one thing, we would rather go into a campaign immediately than into camp. That is, the men have not been paid off for ten months, and many families are undoubtedly suffering in consequence. Our money is waiting for us, and we will get it whenever the Johnnies will let us stop long enough for the paymasters to catch up. Don't you people ever think of us as being without rations. We sometimes wish the Rebels would cut our communications entirely, so that we could live wholly off the country. The Rebels only take corn and meat, and we fatten on what they are not allowed to touch.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 313

Captain Charles Wright Wills: October 15, 1864 — 10 a.m.

We are waiting here for rations. The 4th and 14th Corps are ahead, and for the last half hour we have heard very heavy skirmishing toward “Snake Creek Gap,” just about where we heard the first fighting of the campaign, a little over five months ago. There is enough to interest me in the prospect for the next three days. Snake Creek Gap, 10 p. m. We have the whole gap.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 311

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 1, 1863

This morning the ground is frozen hard. There was no battle yesterday, only heavy skirmishing. Both armies were drawn up in line of battle, and the front lines slept on their arms. Some froze to death. This morning the enemy opened with artillery—but no battle ensued that we are aware of.

At the last accounts from Bragg he was still retiring, near Dalton. His army must be nearly broken up.

Bragg, it is rumored to-day, has been relieved.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 110

Diary of 5th Sergeant Osborn H. Oldroyd: May 1, 1863

Logan's Division, to which we belonged, embarked on transports, that had passed the batteries at Vicksburg and Grand Gulf, last night, about two miles below the latter place, where we had marched down the Louisiana levee to meet the boats. Crossing the Mississippi river, we landed at Bruinsburg, and left that place this forenoon at 10 o'clock, marching twelve miles over dusty roads and through a hilly and broken country.

Although the boys were tired, their minds were diverted with the scenery of a new State. After crossing the great Mississippi, we bade farewell to Louisiana and its alligators, and are now inhaling the fragrance and delightful odors of Mississippi flowers. Arriving near Port Gibson about dark, found that the advance of McClernand’s corps had defeated the enemy, who had marched out from Vicksburg to check our army. The fight was quite spirited, and the rebels hotly and bravely contested every foot of ground, but they were overpowered, as they will be in every engagement they have with us. Having only two days’ rations in our haversacks, guess we will have to eat rather sparingly of them, for our wagon train is not on the road. Should rations run short, we will have to forage off the country; but even the supplies from that source will not feed Grant's large army. We were well satisfied, however, that the stars and stripes were victorious, in this battle, without our assistance. We did not smell the battle afar off, but heard cannonading through the day, and fully expected to take a hand in it. When we stopped, as we supposed, for the night, our Colonel drew the regiment into line, and said Gen. McPherson had asked him if his regiment was too wearied to follow the retreating enemy. When the question was put to the men, every one wanted to go, and started on the trail with the swiftness of fresh troops, marching as rapidly as possible until 10 o'clock, then camped in a ravine for the night. During this rapid movement, we did some skirmishing. The Confederate army had retreated, and we made the tail of it fly over the road pretty lively.

“The battle wa? fought, and the victory won;

Three cheers for the Union! the work was well done.”

Porter's Gun-boats in front of Grand Gulf.

SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 3-4

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: November 14, 1863

Some skirmishing between Chattanooga and Knoxville. From prisoners we learn that the enemy at both those places are on half rations, and that Grant intends to attack Bragg soon at Lookout Mountain. Either Grant or Bragg must retire, as the present relative positions cannot long be held.

Mr. A. Moseley, formerly editor of the Whig, writes, in response to a letter from the Secretary of War, that he deems our affairs in a rather critical condition. He is perfectly willing to resume his labor, but can see no good to be effected by him. He thinks, how ever, that the best solution for the financial question would be to cancel the indebtedness of the government to all except foreigners, and call it ($800,000,000) a contribution to the wars — and the sacrifices would be pretty equally distributed. He suggests the formation of an army, quietly, this winter, to invade Pennsylvania next spring, leaving Lee still with his army on this side of the Potomac. Nevertheless, he advises that no time should be lost in securing foreign aid, while we are still able to offer some equivalents, and before the enemy gets us more in his power. Rather submit to terms with France and England, or with either, than submission to the United States. Such are the opinions of a sagacious and experienced editor.

Another letter from Brig.-Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe, was received to-day, with a report of an agent on the condition of the prisoners at Fort Delaware. By this report it appears our men get meat three times a day — coffee, tea, molasses, chicken soup, fried mush, etc. But it is not stated how much they get. The agent says they confess themselves satisfied. Clothing, it would appear, is also issued them, and they have comfortable sleeping beds, etc. He says several of our surgeons propose taking the oath of allegiance, first resigning, provided they are permitted to visit their families. Gen. M. asks for a similar report of the rations, etc. served the Federal prisoners here, with an avowed purpose of retaliation, provided the accounts of their condition be true. I know not what response will be made; but our surgeon-general recommends an inspection and report. They are getting sweet potatoes now, and generally they get bread and beef daily, when our Commissary-General Northrop has them. But sometimes they have little or no meat for a day or so at a time—and occasionally they have bread only once a day. It is difficult to feed them, and I hope they will be exchanged soon. But Northrop says our own soldiers must soon learn to do without meat; and but few of us have little prospect of getting enough to eat this winter. My family had a fine dinner to-day — the only one for months. As for clothes, we are as shabby as Italian lazzaronis — with no prospect whatever of replenished wardrobe, unless some European power will come and take us, as the French have done Mexico.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 97-8

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, October 27, 1862

(Private)

New Orleans, October 27th, 1862.

Dear Sir: Gen. Weitzel left here three days ago, with five Regiments Infantry, four companies cavalry, and two batteries. Their destination was Donaldsonville, about seventy miles up the River, where the Rebels were posted in force. I have just learned from a Captain of a transport, who has returned from there, that the landing was effected successfully. Considerable skirmishing took place, when the Rebels retreated, leaving a few killed and wounded, and also leaving two hundred prisoners in our hands, who were paroled and released. The rebels retreated to Napoleonville — (South of Donaldsonville), where it is supposed they will make a stand. The 1st. (colored) Regiment and 8th. Vermont, left here yesterday, marching in a direction nearly due west. Two days ago, Gunboats started for Berwick's Bay, to take possession there. All these movements are parts of one and the same plan. I informed you many days ago, of the departure of a portion of the Fleet, to attack and capture Galveston. They accomplished the object without loss. Gen. Butler will soon send a Regiment to occupy the town and Island.

Seventy-three refugees from Texas have just arrived here from Matamoras, about one-third of whom are Germans — the remainder Americans. At my request Gen. Butler is organizing them into a company for Gov't military service. Judge Davis, from Texas, is now here, and will receive authority to enlist and organize a full Texas Regiment. There will be no difficulty about this, as besides the company here — three or four companies can be raised in Galveston. There are hundreds of refugees in the vicinity of Matamoras, anxious to join the army, for whom Gen. Butler will send a steamer. You saw Judge Davis in Washington. He is well and favorably known in Texas.

Everything appears to be going on well here.

Your regulations of Aug. 28th. throw upon me great labor and responsibility. I have informed you of my action and opinions, in the matter, and would like to know if I have made any mistake.

I know of but one fault to be found with Gen. Butler. He has (in my opinion) been altogether too willing to permit his friends to make fortunes.

I hope you have completely recovered from your illness, of which mention was made in the New York papers.

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 327-8

Captain Charles Wright Wills: June 7, 1864

Same place, June 7, 1864.

Our brigade has to-day been on a reconnoisance, supporting Girard's (formerly Kilpatrick's) Cavalry Division.

We started the Johnnies not more than a mile from here, and skirmished with them, driving them to the Kenesaw range of mountains, about five miles. Our brigade lost nothing. Wilder's mounted infantry did the skirmishing and had some eight to ten wounded. Four dead Rebels fell into our hands. Cousin James called on me yesterday. I am much pleased with him. He is a No. 1 soldier, I know. He has run some pretty close risks this campaign, but who would not for the sake of taking part in it? I shall always think it abundantly worth risking one's life for. To-morrow night we can tell whether the enemy intends fighting us at this place or not. They left on the field to-day a dozen or twenty real lances. They are the first I ever saw in the service. The staff is eight or nine feet long with a pointed head of ten inches in length. They were a right plucky set of Johnnies.

Our battery burst a shell over the edge of a piece of woods and I saw some 20 Rebels scatter like a lot of scared rats.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 257

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 114. Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 114.

Report of Maj. Edgar Sowers, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 118TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

I have the honor to submit the following report respecting the operations of the One hundred and eighteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry from November 23 to December 1, inclusive:

On Wednesday, November 23, the regiment left Johnsonville, Tenn., and proceeded by rail to Columbia, forty miles south of Nashville, at which point it arrived early on the morning of the 24th. As the enemy were advancing on Columbia a position was at once taken and preparations made for a vigorous defense. Our position was changed on the night of the 24th, and the 25th and part of the 26th was employed in guarding the banks of the Big Bigby Creek. The 27th, 28th, and 29th the regiment was in position at the Duck River railroad bridge, where we had considerable skirmishing with the enemy across the river. We lost 1 killed and 1 severely wounded. On the 29th we withdrew from our position near the bridge and marched toward Franklin, at which place we arrived early on the morning of the 30th, having had a slight skirmish the previous evening near Spring Hill. At Franklin a line of works was constructed, and the regiment, with the brigade, went into position on the right of the Columbia pike, the Twenty-third Michigan being on the left, and Eightieth Indiana on the right. Skirmishing began about 2 p.m. and became quite sharp an hour later, when it became evident that the enemy intended to attack us in force. About 3 o'clock their columns could be seen forming for the attack, and about 4 p.m. the enemy advanced in columns of three in depth. As the right of our line was somewhat refused, and as the attack was heaviest on the left, the line of the enemy's advance was diagonally across our regimental front. This movement gave us a good enfilading fire on the whole mass in our front, an advantage which was promptly seized and used to good effect. The conflict continued with unabated fury until 9 p.m., at intervals until 12 o'clock.

I should be doing injustice to the officers and men of the regiment were I not to bear testimony to their determined bravery and unfaltering valor in the battle at Franklin.

We lost four men only — slightly wounded.

On the 1st of December we fell back to Nashville and took position.

Our campaign has been short but severe, as much of the marching and labor was done in the night.

The losses are 1 killed and 5 wounded.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

E. SOWERS,             

Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt.

HENRY A. HALE,

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. 388

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 18, 1863

No authentic information of a battle near Manassas has been received at the War Department, although it is certain there has been some heavy skirmishing on the Rappahannock. We have several brigadier-generals wounded, and lost five guns; but, being reinforced, continued the pursuit of the enemy, picking up many prisoners — they say 1500. The pursuit was retarded by the swelling of the streams.

A letter from Major-Gen. Jones, at Dublin Depot, Va., Oct. 14th, leads me to think danger is apprehended in that quarter, the objective point being the Salt Works; and it may be inferred, from the fact that Burnside is still there, that Rosecrans is considered safe, by reason of the heavy reinforcements sent from other quarters.

While I write, the government is having the tocsin sounded for volunteers from the militia to go to the rescue of the Salt Works, which is absurd, as the enemy will either have them before aid can be received from Richmond, or else he will have been driven off by the local troops near that vicinity.

Captain Warner took me in his buggy this morning to the military prisons. He did not lead me into the crowded rooms above, where he said I would be in danger of vermin, but exhibited his cooking apparatus, etc. — which was ample and cleanly. Everywhere I saw the captives peeping through the bars; they occupy quite a number of large buildings — warehouses — and some exhibited vengeful countenances. They have half a pound of beef per day, and plenty of good bread and water — besides vegetables and other matters furnished by themselves. Several new furnaces are in process of erection, and most of the laborers are Federal prisoners, who agree to work (for their own convenience) and are paid for it the usual wages. There are baths to the prisons; and the conduits for venting, etc. have cost some $10,000. To-day the weather is as warm as summer, and no doubt the prisoners sigh for the open air (although all the buildings are well ventilated), and their distant homes in the West — most of them being from the field of Chickamauga.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 73

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 113. Report of Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, of operations November 21-December 5, 1864.

No. 113.

Report of Lieut. Col. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry,

of operations November 21-December 5, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 111TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,  

Nashville, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

SIR: In accordance with orders I have the honor to submit the following report of my command from the 21st of November to date:

On the 21st of November my command left Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River: and came on cars about forty miles on the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. At this point we found a train of cars burning upon the track. By order of General Ruger I unloaded my command from the cars and set them clearing wreck. Remained here until 10 p.m. 22d, when, after clearing track and relaying a portions, we proceeded to Nashville, from thence by railroad to Columbia, where we arrived at 3 a.m. of the 23d. Remained in the vicinity of Columbia until the night of the 27th, frequently changing position and building some seven lines of breast-works. On the night of the 27th we crossed to north bank of Duck River, and went into position at daylight on the 28th on the right of the railroad. Went with right wing of my regiment down Duck River two miles to guard a ford. Skirmished some with cavalry, losing one man mortally wounded. On the 29th I received orders to remain with my regiment until dark guarding the railroad bridge across Duck River and the fords, the balance of the command having moved out on Franklin pike. Skirmished considerably during the day, losing two men, one mortally wounded, the other severely. On the evening of the 29th I concentrated my command, One hundred and eleventh Ohio and seventy-five men of the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, and started out without a guide to find the Franklin pike. Struck the pike at 10 p.m. and reached Franklin at noon on the 30th, making a march from the ford on Duck River of twenty-four miles. On the morning of the 30th the rebel cavalry attacked our wagon train, drove off our cavalry, and were making for the train. My regiment drove them off, losing one man severely wounded in the neck. Upon arriving at Franklin I was assigned a position on the left of the brigade. We threw up temporary breast-works, which were not completed when our skirmishers were driven in and the rebels in three lines came up on our front. They were repulsed in my front and on the right, but the regiment on my immediate left gave back, and for a moment I feared the line was lost. I ordered my regiment to “fix bayonets and stand by the works,” which they did. At this juncture Capt. P. H. Dowling came up, and by great exertion succeeded in rallying a portion of the broken line, brought them forward, and retook a portion of the works on my immediate left. The fighting was incessant on my left and in front until midnight, and most of my guns became so hot that they could scarcely be handled. At midnight, in accordance with orders, I brought my regiment off the field with the balance of the brigade. Marched the balance of the night, and the next day, December 1, reached Nashville at 2 p.m., where we have since been in position.

In the engagement at Franklin all my officers and men behaved to my entire satisfaction. A list of casualties, in accordance with orders, has been placed in the hands of Doctor Brewer, brigade surgeon.

Losses — killed, 12; wounded, 40; missing, 2; total, 54.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

ISAAC R. SHERWOOD,     

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. HENRY A. HALE,

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. 387-8

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 109. Report of Capt. Leander S. McGraw, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

No. 109.

Report of Capt. Leander S. McGraw, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry, of operations November 23-December 1, 1864.

HDQRS. 107TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS.,    

Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864.

CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following as an official report of the One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers, from the 23d day of November, 1864, to the 1st day of December, 1864:

On the 23d day of November we left Johnsonville, Tenn., on the cars, and arrived at Columbia, Tenn., the day following. In the evening the regiment was ordered into line of battle and threw up works. On the 26th marched across Duck River and erected barricades, and recrossed said river on the evening of the 27th. On the morning of the 28th was ordered to move in the direction of Spring Hill, where we arrived about 10 p.m. of the same day; but not halting, moved on toward Franklin, some four miles, and took position a quarter of a mile east of the pike road, with brigade. About 1 o'clock next p.m. was ordered to hold our position, while the rest of brigade moved onward toward Franklin. At 2.30 o'clock skirmished briskly with the enemy, and at 5.30 took up the line of march for Franklin, where we arrived at 12 m. Threw up works during the afternoon were attacked by the enemy about 5 o'clock in heavy force. He charged the works time and again, but was successfully met at all times. At one time (about dusk) four stand of colors were planted upon our breast-works, across which the enemy charged furiously, but was met by our brave boys and hurled back in utter confusion. In this charge the heroic Lieutenant-Colonel Lowry fell while gallantly cheering his men on to victory, when Leander S. McGraw, captain, took command of the regiment. On the morning of December I was ordered to move in the direction of Nashville, where we arrived at 12 m.

The following is a list of the killed, wounded, and missing.*

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEANDER S. McGRAW,   

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. HENRY A. HALE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 1 officer and 3 men killed, 1 officer and 14 men wounded, and 1 man missing.

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. 382-3

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: December 22, 1864

Up at 4. Rain froze as it fell. Awfully cold. At 5:30 “To horse” sounded. Soon a yell went up near the 2nd Brig., then a few shots. We were ordered to mount immediately — did it. A line could be seen on a distant hill. A few men came up within a few rods of camp. We moved to the flank, came front into line, my Batt. 1st in advance. Threw out skirmishers. Firing commenced immediately and we advanced, firing. Rebs run. Captured two and killed two. The command proved to be Rosser's Div. which came in from the back road and from the flank. Charged the 2nd Brig. and drove it. Passed to the rear and captured several ambulance horses. Result was 30 men killed, wounded and missing on our side. 22 men captured from rebs and 10 killed. One of H Co. sabre cut, and one horse killed. Moved back and camped at Woodstock. 2nd on picket. Small force of the enemy followed. Skirmished till dark.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 138

Captain Charles Wright Wills: May 6, 1864

Camp at "Gordon's Mills," Ga., May 6, 1864.

We lay in camp on Chattanooga creek, two and one-fourth miles this side of Chattanooga, until 11 this morning, waiting for the division train to be loaded and turning the bulk of our camp and garrison equipage over to the corps quartermaster to store for us until we return from this campaign.

We have cut our baggage for the regiment to what can be put in three wagons. Of course, we do not expect to find any of our things again that we leave. The 6th Iowa Veterans rejoined us last night. I notice that all these veterans come back dressed in officer's clothing. They have, I expect, been putting on a great many airs up North, but I don't know who has any better right. The last four miles of our march today has been through the west edge of the Chickamauga battlefield. I believe the battle commenced near these mills on our right.

It is supposed that we are moving to get in rear of Dalton. No more drumming allowed, so I suppose we are getting in the vicinity of Rebels, and that skirmishing will commence in about two days. The Big Crawfish springs near the mill is only second to the one that supplies Huntsville with water, neither one as large as the Tuscambia spring, but much more Beautiful. General Harrow had a fuss with our Company A last night. He struck one or two of the men with a club and put the lieutenant (Willison) under arrest. * * * It is impossible to get along with him. We heard last night that Grant had crossed the Rapidan in four places, but don't know where. We know nothing about what is going on here, but feel certain that the Rebels will get a tremendous thrashing if they don't move promptly. Marched 11 miles to-day.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 234-5

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Luman Harris Tenney: September 22, 1864

Rebs at Milford, fortified. Whole Cav. corps up. Skirmishing all day. At night fell back. Great victory by infantry.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 131