Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Sunday, December 6, 1863

This morning we move early; we are now in the enemy's country, far from support; all keep closely together, moving briskly, for to-day we are ordered to be at Eastport. At Pin Hook some of the loyal citizens informed us that the noted guerilla Moore was now at home, and as we were to pass his house, they urged us to capture him, as he was a terror to that whole country. When within a short distance of the house, the Lieutenant divides the command, directing one portion to file off and come up in the rear of the house. Arriving in sight we make the charge, but his little boy who was standing picket, soon gives the alarm, and Captain Moore seizes his gun and is soon in the brush. We jump the fence in front of the house, and on the charge we are met by the Captain's wife and daughter, who endeavor to scare our horses, but no scare; on we go in close pursuit of the Captain, with whom we exchange several shots—but no capture. He succeeded in evading us, in the brush, and as it was taking us too far from our route, we abandoned the pursuit. Taking his horse we move Near Waterloo we capture two conscripting officers from Bragg's army. Soon after we arrive at the landing opposite Eastport; we find the river swarming with transports loaded with troops; we feel more safe now. Lieutenant Roberts giving the signal, a skiff is brought over. The Lieutenant and two of the men take the prisoners over, deliver the dispatches, draw some rations and return, after which we go into camp for the night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 212-3

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, December 8, 1863

This morning it still rains; we move on and arrive at Waynesboro at nine A. M., and find the Fifth Loyal Tennessee Cavalry garrisoning the town, and we conclude to remain here until the following day to rest ourselves and horses.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 214

Dr. Seth Rogers to his daughter Dolly, February 20, 1863—Evening

February 20, Evening.

Yesterday I visited Miss Murray's school on St. Helena Island. Miss Murray is assisted by Miss Towne and Miss Foster. Since the season for tilling the land has begun, the school has lessened in numbers from 200 to 125: both sexes and from three to fifteen years of age. Many of them have been under tuition several months and compare very favorably with Irish children after the same length of instruction, as I have seen them in N. E. From what I have seen in camp, I think the mode of receiving instruction is very different in the two races. Imitation and musical concert are the avenues to the minds of these children. Of course the habit of such dependence will be changed by education, but such is the beginning. After centuries of slavery, which utterly shut the avenues of thought, we should hardly expect rapid development of activity in the superior regions of thought. Only now and then, some genius, like Robert Sutton, can be left to prove the God-like relation. The simple fact is that use is less distructive than disuse.

I dined at Friend Hunn's and was accompanied by Miss Forten on a visit to Mr. Thorpe, who has charge of the Tripp plantation. “Edisto” [is] a meagre little confiscated creature from Edisto Island, with a saddle that must have been afloat since the flood; a bridle that left him comparatively unbridled and erratic in his ways, and a girth that could never gird his loins up to the scriptural injunction without breaking. He had neither sandals nor shoes to his feet nor speed to his body. You can imagine that our ride of four miles through the pine barrens was not so rapid as John Gilpin's. But the afternoon was like the last of June and full of sunshine and jasmine blossoms and the ground was covered with brown pine needles. I have seen none but the pitch pine here. The needles are often a foot long and now that they are enlivened by steady warmth, they sport graceful plumes against the sky.

But I have made my last visit to St. Helena Island. The fortunes of war uproot too suddenly, for my fancy, all the little fibres of local attachment just as they begin to take kindly to the soil. I have just got everything in good attitude towards my new hospital when all is to be abandoned and we are to pitch our tents (if the rebels permit) in another state. Being exactly what I want, I do not grumble at the fact.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June, 1910: February 1910. p. 366

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: September 19, 1864

Clear and pleasant.

We have nothing yet explanatory of the shelling yesterday.

To-day we have news of an expedition of the enemy crossing Rapidan Bridge on the way toward Gordonsville, Charlottesville, etc. Gen. Anderson's division, from Early's army, is said to be marching after them. We shall learn more of this business very soon.

Mrs. D. E. Mendenhall, Quaker, Jamestown, N. C., has written a "strictly confidential” letter to Mr. J. B. Crenshaw, of this city (which has gone on the files of the department), begging him to use his influence with Mr. Secretary Seddon (which is great) to get permission for her to send fourteen negroes, emancipated by her late husband's will, to Ohio. She says there is but one able to bear arms, and he is crazy; that since the enemy uses negro soldiers, she will withhold the able-bodied ones; that she has fed our soldiers, absolutely starving some of her stock to death, that she might have food for our poor men and their families, etc. etc.

No news from our flour.

I saw Nat Tyler to-day, and told him to call upon the farmers, in the Enquirer, to send their provisions to the city immediately, or they may lose their crops, and their horses too. He said he would.

The only news of interest is contained in the following official dispatch from Gen. Lee:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,    

September 17th, 1864.

Hon. J. A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.

 

At daylight yesterday the enemy's skirmish line west of the Jerusalem Plank Road was driven back upon his intrenchments along their whole extent. Ninety prisoners were taken by us in the operation.

 

At the same hour Gen. Hampton attacked the enemy's position north of the Norfolk Railroad, near Sycamore Church, and captured about three hundred prisoners, some arms and wagons, a large number of horses, and twenty-five hundred cattle.

 

Gen. Gregg attacked Gen. Hampton, on his return in the afternoon, at Belchess' mill, on the Jerusalem Plank Road, but was repulsed and driven back. Everything was brought off safely.

 

Our entire loss does not exceed fifty men.

R. E. LEE.

Gen. Preston, Superintendent Bureau of Conscription, has made a labored defense (written by Colonels Lay and August) of the bureau against the allegations of Gen. Bragg. This was sent to the President by the Secretary of War, "for his information." The President sent it back, to-day, indorsed, "the subject is under general consideration."

The “Bureau,” by advertisement, to-day, calls upon everybody between the ages of sixteen and fifty to report at certain places named, and be registered, and state the reasons why they are not now in the army and in the field. What nonsense! How many do they expect to come forward, voluntarily, candidates for gunpowder and exposure in the trenches?

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 286-7

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Wednesday, October 23, 1861

Zollicoffer moved on to, and camped for the night at, Barboursville.

Two companies, A and E, of McNairy's Battalion, were sent out about ten miles from Barboursville on the Manchester road. They returned to Barboursville, a little after midnight, without learning any thing worthy of note.*

_______________

* I shall here relate an amusing incident that occurred while out on the above named scout. It occurred thus: We called on an old gentleman to know if he could furnish us some forage for our horses. He replied, rather emphatically: “No, I have no forage for your horses. My neighbors know I have none; I don't see why they sent you here." As soon, however, as the old gentleman was informed that we were “UNION” men, he cried out in a still higher key, addressing his wife, “O Betsey, these are good Union boys! I have plenty of corn and fodder!” We then fed our horses, and “ Betsey" furnished supper for several of the “good Union boys.”

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 65-6

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Thursday, October 24, 1861

The infantry and artillery moved on in the direction of Camp Buckner. A part of Brazelton's Battalion was left on the London road a short distance north-west of Barboursville.

Colonel McNairy ordered Captain Allison to take his company and picket the road leading east from Barboursville in the direction of Mount Pleasant. Going about one mile and a half from town, Allison ordered his company to halt, except five men who were ordered to take post about half a mile in advance of the picket base. About the time the company had dismounted and tied up their horses, our pickets commenced firing, only about four hundred yards from us. In less than three minutes we were in the saddle again, and going in a dash to see what the trouble was.

We soon learned that our pickets had seen only one man, who, on being ordered to halt, took to the bushes. They fired about four shots at him, but he made good his escape. We then returned to where we had first dismounted, but did not unsaddle that night.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 65-6

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Hastings, May 20, 1865

New CREEK, WEST VIRGINIA, May 20, 1865.

DEAR COLONEL:— My wife came here last evening. I have sent in my resignation and asked to be relieved. I hope to get to Washington to the great doings to come off next week.

I take "Old Whitey” home (to Fremont, Ohio,) and hope you will be able to ride him again.

It is not yet known when troops of the class of Twenty-third, Thirty-sixth, and First West Virginia Veterans will be mustered out. They are all now at Staunton and appear to enjoy it much.

I have had the Cincinnati papers withdraw my name from the candidate list. I am of course much obliged to the brigade, but it would not be the thing for me to allow it.

My wife says she is glad you have sound views on the treatment of Rebels. She doubts her husband.

If Sherman did it with an eye to political advancement, as some say, of course it is bad, but if he thought to follow the policy of Lincoln as indicated by Weitzell's programme (and this I believe), he surely ought not to be abused for it.

My wife sends regards to your sister and yourself. Excuse haste.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RUSSELL HASTINGS.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 584

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, June 22, 1865

FREMONT, June 22, 1865.

DEAREST:— I came here Monday, and am enjoying life as well as could be expected without my darling. Uncle has enlarged on Old Whitey's* merits until he is the most remarkable horse since the Bucephalus of Alexander.

I shall go over to Willoughby to see Hastings before I come home. You need not look for me until the middle of next week. I am talking over the future with Uncle. I suspect we shall final[ly] leave "events to shape themselves," as McClellan used to do.

Affectionately, ever,

R.  

MRS. HAYES.

_______________

* "Old Whitey" was Hayes's war horse. He lived a pensioner at Spiegel Grove for fifteen years. His grave in the grove is marked by a great boulder.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 1-2

Diary of Private Richard R. Hancock: Sunday, September 29, 1861

Col. Rains had learned that Col. Brown, who was in command of the Home Guards that had fled to Wildcat the evening before, lived some two or three miles beyond London, and, thinking that perhaps Brown might have some supplies for his men stored away at his home, he (Rains) ordered Col. McNairy to take his battalion, go to Brown's and search for the supposed supplies. Swinging ourselves into the saddle, before I o'clock A. M., we went by the way of London, and searched Brown's dwelling and premises, but found only a box of shoes.¹ As soon as he was satisfied that there was nothing more to be found in the way of army supplies, our Col. called out, “Mount your horses!” and we were soon on our way back to London. Arriving at that place about daylight, we halted until McNairy treated the whole battalion on brandy, after which we returned to camp and took another breakfast.

Besides the three prisoners and the shoes (twenty-five pairs) already mentioned, Col. Rains captured 8,000 cartridges, 25,000 caps, three kegs of powder, several guns, six barrels of salt, two wagons and teams, loaded with the last of their camp equipage, and three other horses.

Soon after breakfast, our picket came dashing into camp and reported that they had been fired on just beyond London. Major Malcomb was immediately sent out in the direction of London with two companies of McNairy's Battalion to meet the enemy and bring on the engagement, while Col. Rains deployed his men into battle line ready to receive the enemy should Malcomb be forced back. The Major returned, however, and reported no enemy found, so we concluded that it was only a scout, or “bush-whackers,” that had fired on our picket.

Having accomplished the object for which he had been sent out, Col. Rains now set out on his return. Going about eight miles back in the direction of Barboursville, his regiment and Allison's Company bivouacked, while McNairy with the rest of his battalion went on to Barboursville.

_______________

¹ It would seem that the panic struck Col. Brown's family just as they were ready to take supper last eve, for we found their supper still on the table when we entered the house this morning before day, but I did not say that it was on the table when we left.

SOURCE: Richard R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee Confederate Cavalry, p. 49-50

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 16, 1864

Warm and cloudy.

There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.

The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river, and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.

Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75 wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 265

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, July 28, 1863

This morning Colonel Hatch, with his cavalry brigade, arrives in Lexington. At eight o'clock A. M., the bugles are blown, and the commands move from Lexington, Colonel Hatch moving on the road towards Huntington, Colonel Rowett on the road by the way of Spring Creek, Companies H and A, under the command of Captain Ring, are detailed to guard the train, which is to follow Colonel Hatch's command. Companies and squads of soldiers are now scouring the country for horses and mules. The citizens plead their cases well, but war and the warriors are stern; they will not relent. Rowett and Hatch are now sweeping the country; innocence pleads for the avenging hand to be stayed; its tears fall at the warriors' feet, but the stern and legitimate work goes on. We know that

"The South has fallen from her former glory,

Bowed in slavery, crime and shame;

And that God from his storehouse is sending

This tempest of steel and flame."

The command goes into camp to-night near Huntington, on a large plantation, i. e. that part that is with Colonel Hatch. Mules and soldiers live high to-night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 182-3

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Friday, July 31, 1863

After traveling briskly all morning we arrive at Trenton on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. We notice that here too war's scourge has been felt. We press on through and take the road leading to Jackson; about three miles from Jackson we pass Hatch's command. We halt at Gibson, feed, and eat our dinner; we will remain here all day. Hatch is now moving on towards Humboldt. To-day the regiment forages extensively; horses and mules are eagerly sought after by the Seventh, and the consequence is that the regiment is becoming well mounted. Companies and squads are being sent out all day. It is impossible for us to narrate the experience of all these scouting parties, as we could only accompany one. We follow a detail of ten men this evening, traveling about six miles, and succeed in capturing two fine mules; one from a negro who was, by the direction of his master, making his way to the brush. Cuffee, “smiling approvingly," says “De massa Yankee who ride dat mule will be well fixed.” It is now near sun-down and we are six miles from camp; but some forage, chickens, &c., we must have. Stopping at a plantation, we make a draw and get a sack full of pullets, a few hams, &c. It is now dark and we must hasten; but going a short distance a sable friend informs us where we can get another mule. Two men are sent to obtain the mule, and the remainder push on towards camp. We are now on a strange road; the night is dark, but on we go, and after traveling about four miles through the dense woods, we strike the Jackson road at Gibson. “Halt! who comes ere?” breaks upon our ears. “Who challenges?” we reply. "Be it known that we are the invincibles, representatives from the Kansas Jayhawkers. Give us your character?” “We are raiders from Rowett's command.” “Roddy's command!” Click, click in quick succession the triggers go. “D--n you, not Roddy's, but Rowett's command," cried one of our men. “All right, brother crampers, pass on.” We soon arrive in camp. The boys now make preparations to skin some chickens; all anticipate a good supper, but when we come to look for the pullets they are not to be found. The truth soon flashes upon us that R. J. ——became frightened in the dense woods and threw them away. Dear reader, imagine our disappointment. It is useless to say that R. J. —— didn't rest much that night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 184-6

William T. Sherman to George Mason Graham, April 26, 1860

LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, Alexandria, April 26,1860.

DEAR GENERAL: I will send as usual for the mail to-day and I suppose you will expect to hear from me. There is nothing new. All things move along. We have a new cadet, No. 61, Cadet Bogan, nephew of Bogan of Alexandria. I expect the Board on Saturday. I have made plans and elevations of a very good house that Mills will undertake to erect by October 15, at $5,000. As this matter is of much importance and interest maybe, if you have room it would be well to pick him up and bring him out. There are one or two slight modifications in his plan that I would make and his assent should be obtained. It will be cutting close to finish well at our figures. We at one time thought of a plan that would admit of additions and alterations as we became better able, but on reflection I concluded it would be wisest to adhere to the idea of finishing absolutely for the money appropriated, as new wants will arise faster than our means.

As for the treasurership, until you intend to employ assistants to mathematics and English to whom could be assigned the duties of treasurer and librarian, I would prefer to wag along as now, getting Dr. Clarke and the drummer to help me in posting. I don't think you can waste a cent on any sinecure office. You know in large bills, there is no trouble in paying — it is in the small items which [are] necessarily innumerable.

Some days ago some cadets handed me a subscription-list for a "May party.” I returned it to them because the sums were unequal and too large – from one dollar to five dollars. I explained to a few of the oldest cadets that I would not oppose a moderate May party on a Saturday or maybe of a Friday night after the week's study was over, but all concerned must be equal, and share alike, and the expense should not exceed a dollar or dollar and half each, but that no further steps should be taken till Saturday that I might submit the financial question to the Board.

Last night Gus Jarreau brought me out a printed copy of the invitation for Friday next two weeks. They are crazy to show their uniforms to the girls and as they have really made good progress in study and drill, and cannot have a party at examination — midsummer — I think we had better permit it. I can control the invitations and expense, and see they are proper and moderate. My opinion is that the studies and military exercises being regular and thorough, relaxation and amusement outside thereof will be salutary. I hope the Board will take this view of it, as it is very important that these cadets when they go forth should be content and enthusiastic in favor of our system. Some may think this wrong but too much study made Jack a dull boy.

Every Friday evening "all hands” attend in the large section room to declaim. After they are through I generally speak half an hour or so on some interesting piece of history. They take great interest in it; next Friday I must in connection with my last, approach and maybe recount the leading events of the Conquest of California. Although not liking a critical audience, if you happen to be here on Friday night, you may be admitted, but if a critical audience ever comes, I'll produce St. Ange, the orator of our institution.

The elegant Black of St. Ange is a "sell.” After his drive to Judge Boyce's and back he struck dead lame. St. Ange is bound to have a lawsuit because he bought under warrantee from one Levy of Alexandria and gave his note, negotiable of course, at six months for two hundred fifty dollars. His letter to Levy is a masterpiece – but I doubt much if it produce any other effect than to give him time to transfer his negotiable paper. I would give one hundred dollars to be free to take Levy's case – put St. Ange on the stand and make him describe his drive to Judge Boyce's and back – he first described the journey as enough to kill any horse, but now that his horse is lame he insists it was a sweet ride and not enough to hurt a colt. There is plenty of fun in the cause. Tell the lawyers the case is worth five hundred dollars cash.

SOURCE: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 209-11

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 29, 1864

Clear and warm.

The local troops did not march until this morning, and no one supposes Richmond is seriously menaced by Grant. I believe the object of the demonstration on the part of the enemy is to draw our forces away from the vicinity of Washington.

The Chief of the Signal Corps reports, on information supposed by him to be reliable, that Gen. Early's captures in Maryland were worth $12,000,000—consisting of some 10,000 horses, 10,000 cattle, 7000 hogs, 4000 sheep, 20,000 barrels of flour, and a large amount of bacon, etc. Also, that he got between 2000 and 3000 recruits. All this doubtful.

Mr. G. W. Lamar, Augusta, Ga., writes the Secretary of War that he knows, personally, over one hundred men who have bought exemptions, and that they are bought and sold every day at a certain price. Now will the Secretary order an investigation? Mr. L. has, or had, nine sons in the army, and he says he could have bought exemptions for all, as he is rich. And yet a poor ensigncy is refused one of his sons.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 256-7

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General James B. McPherson, July 5, 1863

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,        

Near Vicksburg, July 5, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON,
        Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:

GENERAL: No enlistment of the negroes captured in Vicksburg will be allowed for the present. All the male negroes we want collected and organized into working parties for the purpose of policing the grounds around the city, unloading steamers, and fitting up the fortifications for our use.

In regard to rebel officers taking their servants with them is one of the conditions, I expressly refused them. After the city was surrendered, however, one of the officers on General Pemberton's staff asked me what I was going to do about servants who were anxious to accompany their masters, remarking that many of them had been raised with their servants, and it was like severing families to part them. I remarked that no compulsory measure would be used to hold negroes. I want the negroes all to understand that they are free men. If they are then anxious to go with their masters, I do not see the necessity of preventing it. Some going might benefit our cause by spreading dissatisfaction among the negroes at a distance by telling that the Yankees set them all free. It is not necessary that you should give yourself any trouble about negroes being enticed away from officers. Every one that loses a negro will insist that he has been enticed off, because otherwise his negro would not leave. As I said before, it was positively refused that the privilege of carrying off private servants should be granted, because I said afterward coercion would not be used to retain servants. It is no reason that the strength of the garrison should be used in preserving a neutrality between our men and the negroes that would enable the Confederate officers [to carry] away their negroes by force.

Forage cannot be issued, at least not more than for one day, to Pemberton’s forces when they leave. A thousand horses, too, looks much more than they could reasonably take under the terms of capitulation.

Very respectfully,

U.S. GRANT.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 479

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 216. — Report of Lieut. Col. John O'Dowd, One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Infantry, of operations December 7, 1864.

No. 216.

Report of Lieut. Col. John O'Dowd, One hundred and eighty-first Ohio Infantry,

of operations December 7, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS 181ST OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        

Fortress Rosecrans, Tenn., December 8, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in the engagement of the 7th.

My regiment was formed west of the Wilkinson pike, with the Eighth Minnesota on my right and the One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio on my left. I advanced my command on the double-quick about 300 yards, driving the enemy's skirmishers in confusion, and capturing three prisoners. I halted my command for a few moments to form and send forward my skirmishers, encountering the enemy in heavy force in my front. I reported the same to General Milroy. I was immediately ordered to advance through the cornfield. I drove the enemy from the edge of the woods. I halted to form, and found the enemy in my front: occupying a hastily constructed rifle-pit. I charged these works and captured them, killing Colonel Weaver and capturing 2 commissioned officers and 33 men. I formed my command immediately, executing in a northwesterly direction with the intention of capturing a section of artillery that was to my right and rear. The enemy, seeing this movement, commenced falling back as I advanced. My men shot the artillery horses and captured two guns. The enemy's loss in my front will not exceed 25 or 30 killed and wounded.

The following are the number of killed, wounded, and missing in my command: I commissioned officer wounded, 1 enlisted man killed and 33 wounded; aggregate, 35; number of men engaged, 540.

JOHN O'DOWD,        

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 181st Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

[Col. M. T. THOMAS.]

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. 627

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 221. — Report of Capt. Henry Bundy, Thirteenth Battery New York Light Artillery, of operations December 7, 1864.

No. 221.

Report of Capt. Henry Bundy, Thirteenth Battery New York Light Artillery,

HDQRS. THIRTEENTH NEW YORK INDEPENDENT BATTERY,        

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 8, 1864.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that there were fifty-four men of my command engaged with the enemy in the battle on Wilkinson's pike, near Stone's River, on yesterday, the 7th instant. The casualties in men in my command were as follows: Conrad Feisel, private, wounded severely; Christopher Miley, private, wounded severely; Henry Griesel, private, wounded slightly; Joseph Claven, private, wounded slightly. My command took no prisoners from the enemy, and I don't know what casualties my command inflicted upon them. I had four horses disabled.

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

HENRY BUNDY,        

Captain, Commanding Thirteenth New York Battery.

Colonel THOMAS,
        Commanding Brigade.

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. 629

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 17, 1864

Dry—the sky bright and brassy—the gardens almost ruined.

Last evening definite news came in the Washington Chronicle of the 14th. Gen. Early was recrossing the Potomac with an immense amount of stores levied in the enemy's country, including thousands of horses, etc. This, the Chronicle thinks, will be beneficial to the United States, as recruiting will be stimulated, to punish us for making prize of provisions, etc. in the enemy's country, after the enemy had despoiled us of everything in their power!

Troops are still going up toward Washington from our army, as well as from the enemy's before Petersburg; and Early, after bestowing his prizes in a place of safety, may return to Maryland and Pennsylvania for another supply. That may be the best policy to get the enemy off our soil. His cutting off communications with the South will not signify much, if we can derive supplies from the North.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 250

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 215. — Reports of Col. John S. Jones, One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 4 and 7, 1864.

No. 215.

Reports of Col. John S. Jones, One hundred and seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry,

of operations December 4 and 7, 1864.

HDQRS. 174TH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        

Fortress Rosecrans, Tenn., December 5, 1864.

MAJOR: In compliance with orders received from headquarters Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command at the engagement of Overall's Creek, December 4, 1864:

In obedience to orders from the general commanding, my command formed in line of battle to the right of the Nashville pike, throwing out skirmishers to the front, in the direction of Overall's Creek. I was ordered to remain in this position in support of the artillery on our right. My command thus remained until the advance was ordered across Overall's Creek. I then moved my command forward in line of battle to the creek. The skirmishers were immediately thrown across, and the right and left wings were directed to remain in line until the center crossed the bridge and formed on the opposite side. The color company crossed and formed, and the companies from the right and left wings alternately crossed and formed in their respective places in line of battle. This was done under a severe fire from the enemy. The bridge was torn up, and somewhat impeded our progress, but the movement was executed promptly and in good order. The command was then ordered to move by the left flank until the right would rest on the pike, and then move forward by the right flank, which was done as directed. We advanced directly against the enemy, driving him steadily before us until we advanced from one-half to three-quarters of a mile, when we were ordered to withdraw. On receipt of this order we marched back in line “faced to the rear.” On reaching the creek we moved by the left flank by file right, recrossed the bridge, and formed line of battle a little in advance of the position we were in when in the support of the artillery at the commencement of the engagement. I left one company at the bridge, one deployed to the left of the bridge, and one at the right of the same, under charge of the major, to protect the recrossing of the cavalry. Remained in this position until ordered to return to Murfreesborough.

Any allusion to the conduct of the officers of my command may seem unnecessary, as they fought under the eye of the general commanding. It is due them, however, from me to say their conduct was unexceptionable. My lieutenant-colonel, A. J. Sterling, and major, B.C. G. Reed, also my adjutant, Harry M. Dean, performed their respective duties in the most prompt and gallant manner, and my line officers all behaved so well that it would be invidious to make distinction. It affords me pleasure to be able to say their conduct deserves special commendation. The horses of my lieutenant-colonel, major, and adjutant were wounded, and I had my own horse killed during the engagement.

The following is a list of casualties in my command.*

Number of prisoners captured and sent to the rear, 20. The prisoners were from the Second and Seventh Florida Regiments. From the number of the enemy dead and left on the field over which my command passed, their loss must have been severe. Among those left by them was one commissioned officer. All the killed and wounded of my command were brought from the field.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN S. JONES,        

Colonel, Commanding 174th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

[Maj. JOHN O. CRAVENS.]

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HEADQUARTERS 174TH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,        

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 8, 1864.

COLONEL: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the engagement with the enemy on Wilkinson's pike, on December 7, 1864:

In obedience to orders, my command moved out on the Salem pike, crossed Stone's River bridge, and, by direction, formed in double column, at half distance, "in the field to the left of the line of battle." Remained in this position until the receipt of orders to move by the right flank. On reaching the woods I deployed my command into line, it being difficult to move through the woods in double column. On reaching the hill, where we were opened upon by the enemy's guns, my command was formed in line of battle in the edge of the woods to the left of our artillery. I threw skirmishers well to the front in the corn-field and in a skirt of timber to my left, with a view of picking off the enemy's cannoneers. Remained in this position until received orders to move to the right. In the execution of this movement I was directed by the general commanding to move in line "faced to the rear," and then by the left flank, in order that the rising ground in our front might conceal the movement to the right from the enemy. In the formation of the line of battle near the pike my command formed the left center of the brigade. One company (Company E, Capt. George Campbell) was thrown out as skirmishers, and we advanced directly against the enemy across an open field, driving his skirmish-line from their defenses back into the breast-works in the woods. On discovering their main line of works we moved immediately forward and carried them by storm, capturing at this point 1 stand of colors, 8 commissioned officers, and 52 enlisted men. My command moved forward, capturing a large number of prisoners and the two pieces of artillery on the pike in the rear of the enemy's works. We advanced our line beyond the white house, driving back the battery that was shelling our line from the opposite side of the field.

It being reported to me that the enemy were making an attempt to turn our left flank by advancing through the woods to our left, I immediately moved my command to the left, forming the line in the edge of the timber, with the view of checking any movement of the enemy that might be made from that direction. By the direction of the general commanding we remained in this position until he could advance the line on our right. By his order I took command of the three regiments to the left of the white house, and was directed to hold the position until further orders. When the right was brought forward to the line I received orders from the general commanding to move my command by the right flank until my right reached the left of the right wing, and then sweep down by the left flank across the open field in my front. I was in the execution of this movement when the order to return to Murfreesborough was received[.]

My command behaved in the most gallant manner. My major, B.C. G. Reed, was shot dead from his horse while charging the enemy's works. He was an excellent officer, possessing most chivalrous and daring courage, and fell gloriously while waving his sword beckoning the line forward. My lieutenant-colonel, A. J. Sterling, and my adjutant, Harry M. Dean, rode gallantly through the action, and did everything that men could do In cheering forward the line.

I cannot say too much in praise of my line officers. Captain Robb, Company C, and Lieutenants Rigby and White, Company A, were severely, and Lieutenant Swartz, Company C, slightly, wounded in the charge on the enemy's works. One of my color-bearers, Sergt. Joseph E. Crow, Company I, was severely wounded in the same charge. To Captain Beatty, Company A, to whose company is due the honor of capturing the stand of colors; Captain Cole, Company B; Captain Robb, Company C; Captain Combs, Company D; Capt. George Campbell, Company E, whose company led the advance as skirmishers; Lieutenant Price, commanding Company F; Captain Evans, Company G; Captain Basiger, Company H; Captain Garrett, Company I, and Captain McPeek. Company K, special thanks are due for the admirable manner in which they handled their companies during the action. These officers and also their subordinates were conspicuous for their gallantry throughout the entire engagement. I desire to make special mention of First Sergt. William F. Wallace, Company A, to whom the officer commanding the rebel color company delivered up his sword, and who also secured the colors.

On receiving orders to return to Murfreesborough we brought from the field all our dead and wounded, also the wounded of the enemy who were left on the field.

The following is a list of casualties in my command.^† Recapitulation: Commissioned officers--killed, 1; wounded, 5. Enlisted men--killed, 5; wounded, 33. Total killed and wounded, 44. Two horses were wounded in my command (Major Reed's and my own) so severely as to be worthless.

The loss of the enemy was heavy; he left in our immediate front not less than 30 dead and many wounded; among the number mortally wounded was one lieutenant-colonel.

The following is the list of captures: 1 stand of colors; 2 cannon; 60 prisoners, 8 of whom were commissioned officers. A large number of prisoners not included in the above were captured, disarmed, and sent to the rear, there being neither time nor men to spare to collect them in a body and guard them to the fortress.

The number of my command engaged was: Commissioned officers, 20; enlisted men, 555. Number of the enemy not known, but, judging from their lines and reports of prisoners captured, their number must have been much greater than our own.

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

JOHN S. JONES, Colonel,        

Commanding 174th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

[Col. M. T. THOMAS.]

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* Nominal list (omitted) shows 3 men killed and 1 officer and 49 men wounded.

^† Nominal list omitted.

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. 624-6

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Julia Dent Grant, June 9 1863

June 9th 1863.

DEAR JULIA,

I wrote to you by every courier I was sending back up to the Capture of Jackson. Having written to you to start for Vicksburg as soon as you heard the place was taken, and thinking that would be before another letter would reach you, I wrote no more. You may start down as soon as you receive this letter. If Vicksburg is not in our hands then you can remain on board the steamer at the landing with the prospect of my calling to gee you occationally. I have enjoyed most excellent health during the campaign, so has Fred. Fred, has enjoyed his campaign very much. He has kept a journal which I have never read but suppose he will read to you. The Pony, "Little Rebel," which I have got for Miss & Jess, is the smallest horse I ever saw. I want you to get saddles for both the children. The saddle I had for Jess was a very old one and being rode by persons too large for it it broke to pieces and had to be thrown away. I can tell you but little about matters here. We are up close to the enemy's forts and so far as the present force is concerned we must capture them. The enemy however may make a desperate effort to get a force outside of me to relieve the present garrison. If they do I occupy one of the strongest imaginable positions. I have ordered all the troops from West Tennessee that can possibly be spared from there. In addition to this other troops are coming from Kentucky and Mo. With the whole of them there is but little doubt but that I can hold out against anything likely to be brought against me. I want to see you very much dear Julia and also our dear little children.

Good bye

Ulys.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 332