No. 98.
Abstract from journal of Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S.
Army, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps (temporarily) and Third Division,
Twenty-third Army Corps.
Monday, November 14. — Leave Strickland's brigade at
Columbia, and march to Lynnville, eighteen miles. It was formerly a village of
about thirty houses, most of which were buried a week ago by the Tenth
Tennessee Cavalry in revenge for being fired upon by some rebel guerrillas in
the neighborhood. The open, cultivated country ends about ten miles below
Columbia, and a rough, hilly country covered with forest begins; the narrow
valleys of small streams are tilled and appear to be rich and productive.
Tuesday, November 15. — Heavy rain comes on in
the night and continues through the day. March to Pigeon Creek, two miles from
Pulaski; meet General Schofield and ride with him about three miles west from
the turnpike to examine the position; put the division in camp at crossing of
the creek by the pike; headquarters established in dooryard of Mrs. Allen.
Wednesday November 16. — Heavy rain continues; camp
very muddy and uncomfortable. When we were ordered from Columbia Hood was
supposed to be moving northward, and an attack was anticipated. Later news
shows that he has not changed his position, the alarm being caused by some
reconnaissances made by him. Not more than one corps of his army is believed to
be north of the Tennessee at Florence, and his golden opportunity to take us at
disadvantage is past.
Thursday, November 17. — Clear, but weather
manifestly unsettled. Colonel Opdycke comes over and dines with me, and we chat
about home, &c.; the only old friend from Warren I have met in a long time.
Rain begins again in the evening. * * *
Friday, November 18. — Steady rain again preventing
our moving camp as intended.
Saturday, November 19. — Still rains; not pouring,
but drizzling and misting. Our tents, which we still live in, are far from
comfortable, but we are not camped where house-room can be got, and in that
respect have not the advantages of the division commanders of the Fourth Corps,
who are all nicely quartered in town.
Sunday, November 20. — Still rain, unceasing. News
that Forrest is moving northward with heavy force of cavalry; ordered to be
ready for immediate movement; roads horrible, and our wagon transportation has
not overtaken us yet since we left it at Dalton, Ga.; ride into town in the
rain to consult General Schofield.
Monday, November 21. — No movement yet.
Forrest has not yet fairly started, and this weather ought to prevent him.
Flurry of driving snow all the morning, partly melting as it falls, and sharp
wind all day with mixture of snow squalls; the camp in most uncomfortable
position and condition. * * *
Tuesday, November 22. — A very sharp, cold
morning. Moved my command to Lynnville; reports showing the enemy at
Lawrenceburg; reached Lynnville by noon, walking most of the way on foot to
keep warm; put Reilly across Lawrenceburg road and Henderson and Casement
covering Columbia pike; Wagner's division, Fourth Corps, follows and covers
roads south.
Wednesday, November 23. — General Schofield comes up
at noon and orders my command up to crossing of Mount Pleasant and Shelbyville
road, ten miles. Start at 3 and make the distance by and go into camp, covering
the crossing. Rebs apparently pushing for Columbia by Mount Pleasant; our
cavalry driven back nearly half way from Mount Pleasant to Columbia.
Thursday, November 24. — Ordered to move at 4 for
Columbia; started at once; dark and cold; reached Columbia at 7.30 o'clock,
cutting across to the Mount Pleasant pike, two miles from town, just in time to
interpose between our retreating cavalry and the pursuing enemy; go into
position — Reilly on right, Henderson center, and Casement left; lively
skirmish, but we checked the rebs, without loss on our side; Fourth Corps comes
up three hours later, and we take up line of works covering whole front of
town; headquarters at Mrs. Martin's.
Friday, November 25. — Rebs under Forrest withdrew at
night, but drive in again this morning. They make a vigorous reconnaissance of
our line in my front, commencing about noon, but were repulsed easily. My loss
only about fifteen. New interior line of works made. Fourth Corps, except
Wood's division, go into [them], and my command, except Henderson's brigade,
ordered north of river, those troops being left to support the picket-line,
which remains where it was. Enemy's infantry rumored moving east.
Saturday, November 26. — My movement last night
ordered to be made after that of Fourth Corps, and did not begin till nearly I
this morning. Crossing the pontoon bridge was slow work in the night, and it
was past 3 before troops were bivouacked and trains parked a mile from the
bridge. Enemy make pretty vigorous reconnaissance at daylight, but our troops
hold the old line as an advanced line. Rain set in just as we moved.
Sunday, November 27. — Rainy and unpleasant.
Evacuation of Columbia begun last night, but the difficulty of passing trains,
&c., over the pontoon bridge at the new place near the railroad bridge
prevented its completion till to-night, when it begins at 7 o'clock. Rebels are
evidently well aware of what is going on, and charge the lines as the pickets
are withdrawn, but are easily repulsed, and do not attempt further
interruption. One span of railroad bridge and the pontoons destroyed.
Monday, November 28. — Rebels push into the town at
daybreak, and attempt to get command of the ford in my front, causing a lively
combat across the river with artillery and musketry. My position within the
long bend of the river is an unsafe one, as the commanding ground is on the
south side and gives a cross-fire upon the tongue of land I occupy. As yet,
however, I have made my fire the hottest, and command the ford. The Fourth
Corps comes into position on good ground in rear, and Henderson's brigade
reports to me again.
Tuesday, November 29. — Rebels reported crossing two
corps at Huey's Ford, five miles above, having driven away our cavalry and laid
a pontoon. Wagner's division, Fourth Corps, move to Spring Hill, where they
have a lively engagement with advance of enemy. Kimball's and Wood's divisions,
of Fourth Corps, and Ruger's division, of ours, arranged in echelon, connecting
with Wagner's. I hold the ford till night, having a sharp affair, losing about
75 men, but holding the enemy from crossing the remaining corps, which, with
all their artillery, is in town. March at 7, leaving out pickets till midnight.
Wednesday, November 30. — Battle of Franklin. Reached
Franklin before day, having marched twenty miles during the night, passing the
rest of the army on the way. No means for crossing Harpeth River, and I am
ordered to take both divisions Twenty-third Corps and hold a line above the
town till the trains and the rest of the army are over. Enemy follows close,
and two divisions of Fourth Corps — Kimball's and Wagner's — are ordered to
report to me. Enemy assault at 3.30 p.m. Gain some temporary advantage in the
center at first, but are soon repulsed, with terrible slaughter. We held the
lines till midnight. My aide, Lieutenant Coughlan, killed.
Thursday, December 1. — Moved at midnight without
interruption from the enemy, and take the advance to Brentwood. A little
cannonade in our rear, but the rebels do not follow in force. We remain at
Brentwood two hours, till all but Wood's division, Fourth Corps, have passed;
then march to Nashville, and go into camp between Forts Negley and Morton. My
division captured 22 battle-flags yesterday. Our loss in my division, 303
killed, wounded, and missing. Whole loss of the army, about 2,000, of which
most was in Wagner's division, which was driven in from the front in confusion.
Friday, December 2. — No change. Enemy's cavalry move
up, but their infantry do not appear. The battle of the 30th universally
regarded as one of the severest of the war. Enemy's loss not less than 6,000,
and probably more. My personal loss in the death of Lieutenant Coughlan is very
great. He was one of the noblest young soldiers I have ever known. The only
comforting thought is that he wished to die so, having a constitutional disease
which gave him little hope for long continued life or vigor of mind.
Saturday, December 3. — Rebels move up and take
position across Franklin and Granny White pikes. We have been re-enforced by
Sixteenth Corps, under A. J. Smith, and a body of troops under Steedman, making
us so strong that we are confident the rebels will not venture to assault. Our
troops are put at work making lines of trenches, covered by abatis, &c.
Fort Negley, the Casino, and Fort Morton are within my lines. My headquarters
established at Mrs. Bilbo's, just in rear of Fort Morton.
Sunday, December 4. — No change, except that the
rebels have extended their lines and advanced their pickets somewhat.
Monday, December 5. — Rebels make demonstration and
advance their lines on the Franklin pike much nearer to the Fourth Corps front
than before. Some of their infantry extend across to the Nolensville pike,
nearly two miles in my front, where they intrench. Some cannonading and
skirmishing, but no serious fighting. * * *
Tuesday, December 6. — Ordered to be ready at noon
for a demonstration in anticipation of our forces attacking on our right. After
reconnaissance General Thomas postpones the movement. Rebels evidently shifting
to their right, so that their heaviest masses appear to be in my front, across
the Nolensville pike, extending to the Franklin pike. Skirmishers keep up a
lively fire and occasional cannonade. * * *
Wednesday, December 7. — No apparent change.
General Couch assigned to Second Division. As he is a major-general, I am no
longer the second in rank in the corps. Weather changes; threatens rain in the
morning, then blows off cold and clear.
Thursday, December 8. — Freezing sleet and snow,
covering the ground with ice and making movements impracticable. No change in
position.
Friday, December 9. — Weather severely cold. Position
as before.
Saturday, December 10. — No change, either in weather or
position. We hear that Sherman has passed Millen, Ga., without serious
resistance, and look for him to make the coast soon.
Sunday, December 11. — Weather the same. A deserter
reports two divisions of the rebels gone to try to take Murfreesborough, and
that they are expecting to evacuate their present lines. Movement of our forces
prepared for first opportunity. Ground too slippery to move trains or
artillery.
Monday, December 12. — Weather the same — very sharp
and severe. Deserter reports a new line prepared a mile or two in rear of their
present one, which the enemy are about to occupy. Some movement visible toward
our left, and their pickets are partially retired. Their main force apparently
not much changed, though part of it has probably occupied the line spoken of by
the deserter. No movement on our part.
Tuesday, December 13. — Weather begins to moderate.
Some appearance of rain, but the ice has not yet thawed off the roads and the
surface of the ground. No change in the military situation.
Wednesday, December 14. — Orders to be ready for
movement to-morrow. Steady thawing to-day, changing everything to a sea of mud.
Call on General Schofield in the evening and get instructions. Steedman will
relieve us at daylight; Couch's division will support Smith on the Hardin pike
mine will support Fourth Corps on the Hillsborough pike, Wilson's cavalry will
push beyond Smith's right, and a strong effort will be made to turn the enemy's
left flank.
Thursday, December 15. — Battle of Nashville.
Movement began as ordered. The preliminary movements go slowly, and it is
almost noon before Smith and Wilson are ready for any serious advance.
Meanwhile Steedman makes demonstration on our left, which draws a brisk
cannonade from the enemy's right. Afternoon, Smith and Wilson push in; we move
by their rear to their extreme right near the Hardin pike, then swing in beyond
the enemy's flank. The whole line advances with sharp fighting. Several
earth-works and 17 cannon captured.
Friday, December 16. — Battle of Nashville. The
success of yesterday followed up. The enemy are steadily pressed during the day
till 4 p.m., when McArthur's division, of Smith's command, my division, and
part of Wilson's dismounted cavalry charge the enemy's line, which is broken,
and their left (Cheatham's corps) routed, with loss of 20 cannon and about
5,000 prisoners. My division captured 8 guns in the works charged and carried
by them. The enemy retreat in disorder, but night covers them.
Saturday, December 17. — The chase followed up. Our
movement last night brought us to the Granny White pike; we moved south on it,
following Smith's corps; Fourth Corps moves on Franklin pike, cavalry in
advance. About 1,000 more prisoners captured and a number of guns, making about
50 in all taken. We camp between the two turnpikes, near Brentwood. Enemy
retreat beyond Franklin, which is occupied by our cavalry.
Sunday, December 18. — Marched from camp to Franklin,
and camp on north side of river. Severe rain storm ever since the battle, and
our movement having taken us away from our wagons, we have passed two nights in
the storm without any shelter whatever, the most uncomfortable bivouacs I have
yet experienced. The chase is very slow, as the army and all the trains are
confined to one road, the Franklin pike being the only practicable one, others
are impassable from the mud.
Monday, December 19. — Enemy reported crossing Duck
River. We wait in a hard storm all day for our turn to cross the Harpeth. Visit
the battle-field of the 30th ultimo and the family of Mr. Carter, with whom I
made headquarters that day. Get many incidents of the day after the battle and
evidence of the severe punishment inflicted on the rebels. Camp my division
just in front of our old lines near the Lewisburg pike. Second Division has
been in advance three days.
Tuesday, December 20. — March at 8 a.m., taking
advance of our corps and reaching Spring Hill at 2 p.m., where we encamp.
Enemy's rear guard still at Duck River, on Columbia side. Our troops waiting
for pontoon train, which passes this evening. The cold rain storm still continues,
changing to sleet this evening. Reilly and Henderson went home on leave on
15th; Colonel Doolittle took First Brigade, Colonel Stiles Third, on that day.
Wednesday, December 21. — Still at Spring Hill.
Fourth Corps getting down pontoons and preparing to cross Duck River. Very cold
and snowy. Have comfortable quarters at Mr. John Cheons', a rebel
"sympathizer," who, however, is quite willing to get all the
protection possible for his property. Send detachment of 1,000 men to build
bridge over Rutherford's Creek and a regiment to repair the road between here
and there.
Thursday, December 22. — Spring Hill. No change and
no special news from the front. Bridges progressing, but the horrible weather
makes everything move slowly. Fourth Corps crosses into Columbia to-day.
Friday, December 23. — March to the Duck
River, opposite Columbia, and make headquarters at Mrs. Porter's, where we were
on 28th and 29th of November. Troops very nearly in the positions they occupied
on those days. Cavalry crossing all day. Sixteenth Corps encamped just in front
of us.
Saturday, December 24. — Quite unwell all day with
nausea and diarrhea; keep quiet, having nothing to do. Cavalry and their trains
with those of Fourth Corps crossing. Weather clear but sharp. Skirmishing
between our advance and the enemy's rear guard near Lynnville. Three pieces of
artillery found in the river abandoned by the rebels. Over sixty pieces have
now been taken since we left Nashville.
Sunday, December 25. — Christmas. Not very well, but
feeling better. Sixteenth Corps over the river and their trains crossing.
Casement's brigade sent over to garrison the town and keep order, some
disturbance and pillage by our troops having been reported. * * *
Monday, December 26. — Quite sick all night,
and to-day put myself under Surgeon Frink's care. * * * Move the command across
the river and encamp on Pulaski pike about a mile beyond town. Move over myself
in the afternoon and make headquarters at Mr. Vaught's.
Tuesday, December 27. — Keep my room, but
convalescing rapidly. Prospect of our command remaining here some days, as our trains
are needed to help supply the troops already at the front. Hood is making for
Lamb's Ferry, near Mussel Shoals. All reports show his army hi terribly
demoralized condition. News received that Sherman has Savannah--" The
beginning of the end."
Wednesday, December 28. — No change in situation.
Meet Generals Couch and Ruger at General Schofield's in regard to organizing
new division of the corps. It is finally concluded not to disturb the old ones
but make the new division of new troops. * * *
Thursday, December 29. — Still in camp. Make
application for leave of absence. * * * Hood supposed to be over the Tennessee.
Friday, December 30. — Orders for Twenty-third Corps
to march to Dalton, Ga., to go into winter quarters there. A beautiful march of
150 miles in prospect. My leave granted, and I am waiting only for report of
Second Division of battle of Franklin, in order that I may make up that of the
corps. Quite unwell.
Saturday, December 31. — Order to go to Dalton
countermanded and all uncertain as to our course now. Weather rainy, changing
to snow. Report not in yet, and I am still delayed.
Sunday, January 1, 1865. — Columbia,
Tenn. Orders received for command to move to-morrow to Mount Pleasant, and
thence to the Tennessee River to take part in the further operations against
Hood. Under the circumstances, I conclude that it is my duty to go with the
command and not take advantage of the leave of absence which I have in my
pocket. I had intended to start in the morning, but shall now turn southward.
It is very doubtful whether it will be possible for us to do much, but so long
as the Government thinks it necessary to continue active operations, I will
stay with the army and see what can be done.
Monday, January 2. — March from Columbia to Mount
Pleasant. We pass farms and country residences of several of the Polk family,
as well as General Pillow's. The country is one of the finest for farming
purposes I have ever seen. * * *
Tuesday, January 3. — Continue march from Mount
Pleasant. We go five miles on the turnpike, then turn to the right by what is
called the Gordon road climb a high hill, after which we find the road
following the ridge; we follow this for five miles to the Beaver Dam road, into
which it runs; we keep this for five miles more, till we come to the Ashland
road, turning to the left. We encamp at the forks of the roads, having made
about fifteen miles to-day. The roads would be good in good weather, but as
they are now covered with water, and as it rained all the morning, it proved to
be hard traveling. Halted at 3 p.m., but the trains do not succeed in getting
up. During the p.m. the weather cleared, and has since been bright. Couch's
division takes the pike, which, however, is reported to be worse than the road
we have come. Ruger's division has not yet left Mount Pleasant. At the
Tennessee River we expect to get our supplies by water. * * *
Wednesday, January 4. — The trains were delayed so
that they did not come up till near noon to-day. I then ordered rations to be
issued, so as to lighten the wagons, and we start again, having a citizen for
guide. Our headquarters last night were at the house of a man named Whiteside,
now a captain in the rebel army. The place was deserted, not a living thing
being about. We continue on the Perryville road, about seven miles, to the
headwaters of Grinder's Creek, then take the Ashland mid Waynesborough road
leading directly down the creek, which we cross a number of times. After
traveling about three miles on the creek, we turn to the right, over the ridge,
and come down into the waters of Rock-house Creek, then down this creek,
crossing it over a dozen times, to Buffalo River, which- we ford, getting into
camp about 9 o'clock in the evening. After reaching Rockhouse Creek it became
evident that we could not stop to bridge the stream where we crossed it, and
the men marched through the creek, which was about fifteen yards wide and
knee-deep. Buffalo River was about seventy-five yards wide and deeper. This was
very severe on the men, especially the new regiments, but all stood it
admirably. The latter part of the time it was freezing, and the water very
cold; but on getting into camp we had large fires of rails built, and made the
men dry their clothes. They did not suffer from the exposure as much as we had
reason to expect. We camped on the farm of an old man named Churchill, who took
the loss of his rails terribly to heart. The old woman, his wife, seemed to
think that the end of the World was at hand. Nearly the whole distance from
Mount Pleasant we have been on top of a high ridge called the
"Barrens," or, as the people here pronounce it, the
"Barns." We saw but one inhabited house for fifteen miles.
Thursday, January 5. — Start at 8 o'clock on the
march again, passing through Ashland, thence up Creek 48, crossing it three
times with the artillery and wagons, but the infantry avoid two of the
crossings by following the ridge alongside of the stream. After traveling seven
miles we ascend a hill again, and follow a ridge road to the Mount Pleasant and
Waynesborough turnpike, which we strike about two miles from the latter place,
thence into town, making about fourteen miles to day. We came up to the
Waynesborough pike at exactly the same time as General Couch's division reached
the place, that division having followed the pike all the way. We took the lead
into town and encamped just beyond it. The weather, which has been good till
this evening, now turns to rain. General Ruger's division not heard from. It
turned off from the road I took, upon one leading to the Laurel Hill Factory,
said to be the best road between Mount Pleasant and Waynesborough.
Friday, January 6. — March at daybreak on the Clifton
turnpike. Hard rain all day, turning to sleet and snow in the p.m. The wind
rose about noon, and it became very cold, making this one of the most
disagreeable marches we have ever had. My headquarters last night in
Waynesborough were at the house of a Mrs. Anderson. The poor woman had just
heard that her husband had been murdered on his way home from Nashville. The
report seemed to me to lack evidence, and I tried to console her with the
belief that it was probably a false rumor. We find two divisions of the
Sixteenth Corps (A. J. Smith's) at Clifton waiting for steam-boats to take them
up the river, so I put my troops in camp about one mile and a half from the
Tennessee. Pitch tents in a snow-storm, there being no houses in the
neighborhood which can accommodate us. The village of Clifton is said to have
been a flourishing one formerly, but was burned last summer in the guerrilla
warfare between the loyal citizens and the rebels. Two or three houses are all
that now remain of the town. Couch's division stops at Waynesborough; Ruger's
had not yet got up when I left. General Schofield is also at that place, but
expects to come up to-morrow. There is a report that we shall go to Eastport,
in Mississippi, on the Tennessee River, and there go into winter quarters; if
so, I may get the advantage of my leave of absence yet.
Saturday, January 7. — In camp near Clifton.
No news from either up or down the river. General Schofield comes up shortly
after noon, and also goes into tents, instead of finding a house, as he has
been accustomed to do. The plan of our campaign is not yet developed as to
direction or objective aim. If we concentrate near Eastport, as we now have
orders to do, it would appear probable that we shall advance along the Mobile
railroad to Meridian and then to Selma. We hear nothing of Hood, who is
sometimes reported at Corinth and sometimes farther south. The snow which fell
last night has nearly all melted off to-day under a clear sky and bright
sunshine.
Sunday, January 8. — Steam-boats come to-day to take
the remaining Sixteenth Corps to Eastport. Three gun-boats come with them. Rear
Admiral Lee called upon me with General Schofield. * * * We shall probably be
detained here until these boats can go up the river and return. The weather has
been cold and clear for the past two days. The Second Division of the corps
(Major-General Couch) came up to-day and encamped in our rear; the First
Division (Brigadier-General Ruger) not yet up.
Tuesday, January 10. — No change since Sunday.
A severe storm set in last night, raining heavily, with thunder and lightning:
this morning it turns to snow; a most disagreeable day. General Couch moves his
division down to the river in expectation of transports, but they do not come
yet. The troops would have been much better off in their old camps till the
boats had actually come. No news whatever from Hood as to his whereabouts. * *
* The First Division came up last night and encamped on the old ground left by
Couch's division.
Friday, January 13. — The past two days have been
fair and fine; Wednesday was very unpleasant. We are still waiting for
transports to take us up the Tennessee. Not even Couch's division, which was to
precede us, is off yet, and it is doubtful when the boats may be expected. * *
* We have had no communication with the lower river yet, and no mails since
leaving Columbia. As we now think it likely we shall stay some time at
Eastport, we are not sorry to spend it here, where we have a tolerably good
camp for the troops. It is reported that East-port is a far worse place than
this.
Sunday, January 15. — Orders received to move our
troops to Annapolis, Md., with expectation that we shall go to Sherman, in
Georgia. I start this evening in advance, and shall get a few days at home
before the troops catch up with me. We go by steamer down the Tennessee and
Ohio to Cairo, and thence by rail home. Notice of promotion to major-general
received.
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. 356-64
