No. 147.
Reports of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, commanding
Second Brigade,
of operations December 15-16, 1864.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND
BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Pulaski, Tenn.,
December 27, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit for the information of
the general commanding the following details of the operations of the Second
Brigade, First Division, Detachment of the Army of the Tennessee, in the battle
of the 15th and 16th instant, near Nashville, Tenn.:
On the evening of the 14th instant I was directed by the
general commanding to hold my brigade in readiness to move promptly at 6 o'clock
on the following morning. In compliance therewith I moved at the hour
designated from the line of works occupied by the brigade, and formed in column
of regiments near and to the left of the Charlotte pike. At 8 a.m. I moved out
on the pike in column, by the flank, and about a mile from the point of
starting was directed by General McArthur to move to the left across the
country to the vicinity of the Hardin pike, or until I should be able to
connect with the line of the Third Brigade. In executing this movement I
encountered a skirmish line of the enemy, which I was required to engage and
push back. This, however, involved but little delay; the connection was readily
formed and my line established upon the right of the Third Brigade. The
regiments were formed in the following order from right to left, viz: Ninth
Minnesota Infantry, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, and
Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, with the Second Iowa Battery in reserve. I advanced
in order of echelon by battalion, the formation being made on the left, and
with a line of skirmishers, consisting of four companies, one from each
regiment, deployed in my front. A steady advance was maintained until about the
hour of 12 m., no force of the enemy being encountered that the skirmishers
were not enabled to press back. The line swung gradually to the left as the advance
progressed, crossing the Hardin pike at an angle and in a southerly direction.
About a mile from the point where the line crossed the Hardin pike the enemy
began to develop himself in considerable force and to dispute our advance more
stubbornly. An intrenched battery of four guns, posted on a commanding eminence
to the right of the Hillsborough pike, and a section in position on a hill some
400 yards to the rear, opened upon our advancing line, to which the Second Iowa
Battery, in conjunction with the other artillery of the division, returned a
spirited fire. A position for the artillery at close range was obtained, and
some very effective practice upon the part of our batteries witnessed, which,
in conjunction with the operations of the skirmishers, effectually silenced the
enemy's guns. Company E, Eleventh Missouri Infantry, Captain Notestine, engaged
as skirmishers, advanced to within a dozen yards of the more advanced work of
the enemy, from whence they drove the gunners from their pieces. By direction
of the general commanding I gained a position as near the enemy's battery as
practicable, formed the brigade in two lines, the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota
constituting the first and the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin the
second line, and prepared to assault the work.
Simultaneously with the line upon my right I advanced at a
double-quick, and crossing a deep ravine, moved in a manner to turn the right
flank of the position. The enemy made but a feeble effort to check the assault;
his infantry gave way in disorder, and his artillery fell into our possession.
Captain Notestine's skirmishers, of the Eleventh Missouri, were the first to
enter the work, and assisted in turning the captured guns upon the retreating
enemy. I pursued as far as the Hillsborough pike, steadily driving everything
in my front, and capturing many prisoners, my skirmishers the while pressing up
the hill to the rear of the captured position, and entering the work of the
enemy simultaneously with the troops upon my right. The enemy now made a strong
effort to rally, and showed himself in some force upon my left, which at this
time was wholly unsupported. His line of battle was being formed, running
across my left, toward the rear, and his skirmishers showed a bold front, and
were advancing. I had already deployed a line of skirmishers covering my left
flank, which I now re-enforced and
ordered forward; at the same time changed front upon the center, right wing
forward, thus facing southeasterly, and crossing the Hillsborough pike at
nearly a right angle. The Second Iowa Battery in the meantime had taken
position to my left and rear, and was throwing shell with marked effect at a
body of the enemy maneuvering in my front. The fire of the artillery, and the
rapid advance of my skirmishers, two companies of which — Company D, Eighth
Wisconsin, Captain Williams, and Company D, Eleventh Missouri, Captain Erwin — charged
along the Hillsborough pike at a run, had a very demoralizing effect upon the
enemy, who surrendered in large numbers, or retreated in utter disorder. The
two companies mentioned captured about 450 prisoners, among whom were several
field officers. The prisoners were turned over to Lieutenant Kelly, of General
Thomas' staff. I was now directed by the general commanding to remain where I
had established my line across the Hillsborough pike until support could be
brought up for my left, unless an advance movement was made upon the right; in
which case I should also move forward. At about 4 p.m. the troops of the Twenty-third
Army Corps, that had formed line upon the right but somewhat to the rear of my
position, commenced an advance, which I took up, and swinging to the right,
moved across the pike and through the timber up the hill. I had advanced but
about sixty rods, when I encountered the enemy in force. His line of battle was
formed along the crest of the hill, in a position of some natural advantage,
very favorable for defense, and from which I received, for a moment, a sharp
and somewhat effective fire; but a very brief encounter with the veterans of
the Second Brigade sufficed to break the enemy's line, which recoiled under our
withering fire and fell back in disorder before the steady advance I
maintained. In the pursuit the retreat of the enemy was rendered a rout; the
killed and wounded were strewn thickly along the field, and straggling
detachments surrendered at almost every step. Upward of 400 prisoners were sent
to the rear. Captain McGrew, of my staff, turned over to Lieutenant Kelly 218
in one body, and numerous squads of from 10 to 20 and upward were sent under
guard to the general corral. The pursuit was continued to the Granny White
pike, where two pieces of artillery were captured, the enemy being so hotly
pressed that he abandoned them in the road.
Finding myself far in advance of the troops on my right, and
being wholly without support upon the left, I deemed it prudent to order a
halt, particularly as the enemy was moving up re-enforcements toward my left,
and maneuvering as if to turn my flank. I retired my line a few yards, and
formed along the crest of a ridge, at the same time ordered up the Second Iowa
Battery, whose effective practice checked the movements of the re-enforcing
column of the enemy and served to increase the confusion of the retreat. A
brigade of the Twenty-third Corps soon formed upon the right in continuation of
my line, and the Third Brigade of this division closed up upon my left. It had
now become quite dark, and the general commanding directed that I maintain my
present position for the night. The men were directed to lay on their arms,
each regiment supplied with tools and instructed to intrench its front. I deem
it necessary, to complete the record of the Second Brigade in this day's work,
to state that in breaking the enemy's line in the final charge of the day, I
completely turned the right flank of the position in front of the Twenty-third
Corps, which undoubtedly contributed in some measure to the success of its
capture and the repulse of its support. At about sunrise on the morning of the
16th instant the general commanding directed me to advance my brigade and feel
for the enemy's position. I moved out in line, maintaining the formation of the
previous day, my left resting on the Granny White pike. An advance of perhaps a
hundred rods developed the enemy's position, and drew from his line a very
galling fire. I found him posted behind a line of works running parallel to my
front and crossing the Granny White pike at a right angle. I continued to
advance under a severe fire until I had reached a point within 300 yards of the
works, where the men could cover themselves in a measure, halted, formed the
brigade in two lines as on the preceding day, preparatory to an assault, and
reported progress to the general commanding, who instructed me to maintain my
position until further dispositions could be made. The Second Iowa Battery,
with other artillery of the command, was brought forward and placed in
favorable positions for an effective fire against the enemy's line. The Second
Iowa occupied a point on elevated ground to the right and rear of the brigade,
where it performed most efficient service for several hours during the day,
effectually silencing one of the enemy's batteries, exploding a limber, and
damaging the defenses with the precision of its shots. Company H, Fifth
Minnesota, Captain Morehouse, and Company F, Ninth Minnesota, Lieutenant
McMillan, deployed as skirmishers, advanced to within 100 yards of the enemy's
works, and, though suffering severely, stubbornly maintained their position
until the final assault. For the purpose of securing for my men a better cover
from sharpshooters, who kept up an annoying fire, as well as to provide for
possible contingencies, I directed my first line to intrench its front.
At about 4 p.m. I received the order to assault the works in
my front. The order was no sooner communicated to the command than each
regiment moved forward with a determination that bespoke success. Every officer
and man was at once in his place, and fully comprehending the duty of the hour,
resolved upon its fearless discharge. My line of advance lay across a
corn-field, through every foot of which the men were exposed to a direct fire
from the line of works in front and a cross-fire on either flank. My line was
no sooner in motion than it was met by a most withering volley, and as the
regiments struggled on through the muddy field, softened by the recent rain,
their ranks were sadly decimated by the continuous fire they encountered. A
battery on my left enfiladed my line, and with fearful accuracy poured its
discharges of grape through the ranks. But seemingly unmindful of the storm of
missiles they were breasting, the veterans of the Second Brigade did not
falter, but, pressing steadily on, gained the works and carried them, in
literal execution of the order they had received. Almost simultaneously the
colors of the Fifth and Ninth Minnesota Infantry were pushed over the parapet,
closely followed by the flags of the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth Wisconsin. Large
bodies of the enemy surrendered in the works; some, however, attempted to
escape by retreating to the hills in the rear. Directing the Ninth Minnesota
and Eighth Wisconsin to pursue up the hills, I swung the Fifth Minnesota and
Eleventh Missouri to the left, and sweeping along the flank of the enemy,
inside the works, captured many prisoners, and driving the support that was
attempting to rally in protection of the battery, from whose fire I had
suffered so fearfully, captured it entire. Three pieces of artillery were also
taken by the Eighth Wisconsin and Ninth Minnesota, which they compelled the
enemy to abandon in his hasty flight. The enemy kept up a desultory fight as he
retreated in straggling bodies up the hills, but the pursuit did not cease until
the heights were gained and darkness had put a period to the operations of the
day.
The material results of this day's work were to be seen in
the 1,200 prisoners sent to the rear — among whom was Brigadier-General
Jackson, who surrendered to Lieut. J. F. Bishop, Fifth Minnesota Infantry — 7
pieces of artillery, with caissons, captured, and the colors of seven rebel
regiments, in possession of the brigade, making an aggregate of captures made
by the brigade in the two days' operations of 1 brigadier-general, over 2,000
prisoners, 9 pieces of artillery, and 7 stand of colors. The brigade went into
action with a total of 1,421 muskets, and expended 61,000 rounds of musket and
1,500 of artillery ammunition.
As the brigade acted for the greater part of the time during
both days under the eye of the general commanding, it is unnecessary for me to
speak particularly with reference to the conduct of the command during the
trying ordeals of the 15th and 16th instant. I cannot, however, in justice to
the gallant officers and men of the Second Brigade, conclude this report
without recording my high appreciation of their conduct on every occasion
during the two days' fighting, and returning to every officer and soldier of
the brigade my thanks for the heroism they displayed, and for the promptitude
with which they responded to every order given them. To regimental and battery
commanders I am much indebted for efficient co-operation, especially manifested
in their successful execution of the various movements incident to the
operations of the command. Col. J. F. Marsh, commanding Ninth Minnesota; Lieut.
Col. William B. Gere, commanding Fifth Minnesota; Lieut. Col. William B.
Britton, commanding Eighth Wisconsin, and Lieut. Col. Eli Bowyer, commanding
Eleventh Missouri, each handled their regiments in an admirable manner, and by
examples of personal gallantry encouraged their men to deeds of glorious
daring. Lieut. Col. William Markham and Maj. H. B. Strait, Ninth Minnesota;
Maj. J. C. Becht, Fifth Minnesota, and Major Green, Eleventh Missouri, were
prompt and efficient in the discharge of their respective duties. Capt. J. R.
Reed, commanding Second Iowa Battery, performed highly important service in
both days' operations.
I cannot cite in evidence of the character of the work the
Second Brigade performed in the battle of Nashville anything more suggestive
than the list of casualties it suffered. Three hundred and fifteen officers and
men were killed and wounded in the two days' fighting. Lieutenant-Colonel
Bowyer, Eleventh Missouri, received a very severe wound in the arm, and with
great reluctance was taken from the field. Major Green, while subsequently
commanding the regiment, had his horse killed under him, and was himself
painfully wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Gere and Major Becht, Fifth Minnesota,
had each a horse killed under them in the thickest of the fight. The colors of
the Fifth Minnesota were four times shot down in the final assault, and the
flag of the Eleventh Missouri fell the third time, but both were still borne
onward.
To my staff the thanks of myself and the command are due for
very valuable service in all the operations on the field. Lieut. William H.
Sargent, Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and acting assistant in-spector-general of
the brigade, was killed in the last day's fight. He had distinguished himself
by great personal gallantry during the assault, and was urging forward in the
pursuit, after the enemy's works had been carried, when he fell. Endowed in an
eminent degree with those qualities that endear man to his fellow, and a bright
ornament to his profession, the fall of Lieutenant Sargent adds another to the
list of her brave defenders, for whose memory the country will drop a tear when
the records of this war are made up. Lieut. T. P. Gere, acting assistant
adjutant-general, received a painful wound while in the very front of the line
when the conflict was fiercest. Capts. J. G. McGrew and William W. Cleland,
acting aides, each distinguished himself for efficiency, and were conspicuous
for acts of personal daring. Lieut. J. P. Owens, acting assistant
quartermaster, discharged all the duties pertaining to his department with
promptness and ability.
Subjoined is a summary of the casualties suffered by the
brigade in the two days' fighting:
|
Officers.
|
Men.
|
|
K
|
W
|
M
|
K
|
W
|
M
|
5th Minnesota Veteran Infantry
|
1
|
5
|
|
13
|
87
|
1
|
9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
|
2
|
3
|
|
7
|
46
|
|
11th Missouri Veteran Infantry
|
|
8
|
|
4
|
75
|
|
8th Wisconsin Veteran Infantry
|
1
|
5
|
|
6
|
50
|
|
2d Iowa Battery
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total
|
4
|
21
|
|
30
|
259
|
1
|
Total casualties
|
315
|
[K = Killed.
W = Wounded. M = Missing.]
I have the honor to
be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Colonel Fifth Minnesota
Veteran Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Capt. W. H. F. RANDALL,
Assistant Adjutant-General,
First Division.
ADDENDA.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND
BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
DETACHMENT ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Eastport, Miss.,
January 17, 1865.
Maj. J. HOUGH
Assistant Adjutant-General, Detach. Army of the Tenn.:
MAJOR: I have the honor to herewith transmit the colors of
the Fourth Mississippi Regiment, C. S. Army, captured in the battle before
Nashville, on the 16th of December, 1864.
This flag was taken in the works of the enemy in the
position carried by this command, and was captured by and surrendered to the
hands of First Lieut. and Adjt. Thomas P. Gere,* Fifth Minnesota Veteran
Infantry, and acting assistant adjutant-general of this brigade.
Respectfully, your
obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Colonel, Commanding.
_______________
*Awarded a Medal of Honor.
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. 444-9
