Diary of Corporal David L. Day: December 10, 1861

A WALK INTO THE COUNTRY.

The weather holds warm and springlike. We have no need of overcoats, unless doing guard duty nights. The people here tell us it is an unusually mild fall, but that we shall get right smart lots of cold and snow before many days. I took a walk of a few miles into the country yesterday, on a tour of observation. I noticed what appeared to me a great extent of good land, but very badly improved. Occasionally I saw a farm where things seemed to be kept up snug and showed some evidences of thrift, but more of them looked as though the owners studied to see how shiftless they could be and still manage to live. Buildings and fences are going to decay; fields of corn are yet unharvested, the cattle and hogs running through and destroying them. I asked one man why he didn't harvest his corn. “Oh,” he said, “there is no hurry about that, I have got all winter to do it in, and the corn is just as well off in the field as anywhere.” I came to the conclusion that his plan of harvesting was about as fast as he wanted it to eat. I said to another man I met, “You have good land about here, sir; easy of cultivation and close to a market. I suppose you make a pile of money?” “Oh, no,” he said, “you are mistaken; right poor land about yere, one can hardly make a living on it, but you go over yere a few miles to some creek [the name of which I have forgotten], and you will find right good land; make as much again corn on it as you can on this.” I asked, “What do you value this land at?” “Well,” he replied, “we reckon the land around yere worth about $10 an acre; reckon some of it mought be bought for a little less, but the land around Annapolis is worth from $25 to $50 an acre.” I made up my mind that a man with an ordinary degree of enterprise, with our improved implements for farming and with hired labor, might take this land and make money on it. I am unable to see any profits from slave labor in Maryland; it is poor help at the best; besides they have to be clothed and fed several months in a year during which time they are net earning much, and there is always on a farm employing a dozen or more field hands, a lot of old men and women and small children who are not earning anything, but still have to be supported.

SOURCE: David L. Day, My Diary of Rambles with the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, p. 14-5

Captain Charles Wright Wills: July 25, 1864

July 25, 1864

We moved up to the rear of the corps on the 21, and had just got comfortably fixed for the night when orders came that we should report back to the brigade on the front line.  Just as we started a heavy rain set in, and continued while we marched one and one-half miles to the left, where we stacked arms in rear of a line of work occupied by the 6th Iowa. The Rebel line lay in plain sight, just across an open field, and the bullets made us keep pretty close.

At sunset we were ordered to extend, or rather build a line of works to hold our regiment, between the 6th Iowa and 40th Illinois. We had fairly commenced, and the boys were scattered everywhere, bringing rails, logs, etc., when the Johnnie's bugle sounded “forward,” and the Rebels raised a yell and fired a couple of volleys into us. There was a lively rush for our guns, but we saw through it in a minute, and in three minutes were at work again. Only two men were hurt in the regiment, one from Company C, and Wm. Nicholson of my company had the small bone of his leg broken just above the ankle. We got our works in shape about daylight, and about 8 a. m. I heard a cheer from our skirmishers, and saw the Rebel skirmishers run right over their works like deer. Our line followed them and took possession of their works, and no Rebel or works being in sight, and our boys knowing they were only two miles from Atlanta, thought sure they had the town, and all started on the “double quick” for it, yelling, “potatoes” or “tobacco,” or what he particularly hankered for. They got along swimmingly until within about three-quarters of a mile from town, when they ran against a strong line of works and were brought up standing, by a volley therefrom. They deployed immediately, and by the time their officers got up had a good line established, and were whacking away at the fort apparently as well satisfied as if they had got their tobaco.

McPherson had an idea that all was not right, for our line was allowed to advance no further than the one the Rebels had left, and we were set to work changing its front. At dinner when we were about leaving “the table,” Captain Smith mentioned hearing some heavy skirmishing in our rear as we came to our meal. That was the first any of us knew of the battle. In a few minutes we all heard it plainly, and from our works could see exactly in our rear a body of grey coats, advance from a wood and the battle opened, although we did not know what troops of ours were engaged. Have since heard it was a portion of the 16th Corps who were moving out to extend the line. Their being just in that position was a piece of luck, as it saved the trains of the Army of the Tennessee, and, perhaps, the whole army. I should think they fought an hour before the battle swung around toward us. During the battle, our regiment changed position three times, facing east, west and south. We helped repulse four charges, took 115 prisoners, and helped take 400 more. Also ran the enemy out of a line of works they had taken from our 3d brigade, and the best of it is, we lost only ten men. I cannot for my life see how we escaped so well. General Blair is reported to have said that the Army of the Tennessee is eternally disgraced for going outside of all precedent, in refusing to be whipped when attacked in flank and rear, as well as in front. Hood confines his strategy to maneuvering troops for battle, and pretends to be emphatically a “fighting cock.” He attacked Thomas on the 20th and 21st, away on the right, and on the 22d walked into us. He got his comb badly cut, and if I am any prophet at all, will not attempt another fight soon. Sherman estimates the enemy's loss in the three days' fighting at 12,000. Our loss in the same time is less than 3,500. I am surprised that we have not attacked them in return before this, but am far from anxious to charge their works. Although I do know that if we charge with two lines as good as our brigade, and don't go too fast, we can take any ordinary works. The prisoners we got the other day were run down. When our regiment drove the Rebels out of the works of the 3d brigade, a man shot through the thigh, asked me for water as I passed him. I asked him if the Rebels robbed him, he said, no, but they killed a man in the ditch with a spade right in front of him. I looked where he pointed and found a 97th Indiana boy with his thigh broken by a pistol shot, and three cuts in his face by a spade. He was not dead, he knew me, and reached out his hand smiling. He said an officer rode up with some footmen and told him to surrender, when he shot the officer and ran his bayonet through one of the men. Another shot him, and the man he bayoneted used the spade on him. McPherson was killed early in the fight. The Rebels had his body a few minutes, but the 16th Corps charged and retook it. Altogether, it was the prettiest fight I ever saw.

The Rebel plan of attack was excellent, and if their assaulting columns had charged simultaneously, there is no telling what might have been the upshot. As it was, part of 17th Corps changed position in their breastworks three times, that is, repulsed an assault from one side, and being attacked from the rear, jumped over and fought them the other way. I was up to where the 20th and 31st Illinois fought. The dead Rebels lay about as thick on one side of the works as the other, and right up to them. Two more fights like this, and there will be no more Rebel army here. We lost about 600 prisoners, and took 2,000.

Garrard's cavalry division went out to Covington on the Augusta road. Am just going on picket.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 283-6

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 23, 1865

Stayed at Lindell last night. This morning called at Dept. Haqrs. but got no satisfaction from Barnes. Regt. marched at 1:30 P. M. Some drunk and noisy. Some left. Went to city with Bosworth. Attended theatre. The Deans in “Stranger” and “Wonder.”

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 167

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 24, 1865

Didn't wake up till ten o’clock. Quite a joke. Lost our breakfast. Went to camp in time for dinner. Very hot day. June and other 2nd Ohio boys over to see me. Rained in the night. Thundershower.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 25, 1865

Did not go out to church in A. M. Wrote home and to George. Read in “Capt. Bonneville,” by Irving. Several of the boys called. In evening attended service. Mr. Ives preached. Interesting meeting.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 26, 1865

A very cool, pleasant morning. Went to the city to see Ren Bosworth off on leave. Expect to be homesick now living alone. Got back to camp before supper. Got me some pants, vest, shirts and other necessaries for comfort.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 27, 1865

Passed the day in camp. Drew “Stumbling Blocks” and read. In evening went to prayer meeting at chapel. Mustering officer examined our returns. Boys moved down to Marine hospital.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 28, 1865

Saw Adams up from the regiment. They had an awful time going down to Rolla. Attended prayer meeting P. M. and evening. Also party at boarding place. Played chess with Miss Tripp from Wis., a Soldier's Aid lady.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: June 29, 1865

Ren back last night. Cloudy but hot. Wrote home and to Headly. Bosworth and I called on Miss Tripp and Mrs. Searle. Had a very sociable time. Saw Miss Lizzie Daily a few minutes, too. Read “Country Living and Country Thinking” and “Miles O'Reilly.”

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: Friday, June 30, 1865

Bosworth left for home. I read paper and books. Drew Longfellow's Poems and Carleton's “Days and Nights on the Battlefield.” Enjoyed reading it. How near Gen. Grant came to losing everything at Fort Donaldson and Shiloh. Played five games of chess with Mrs. Forbes.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 168

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 185. Reports of Col. Adam G. Malloy, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee), of operations November 30--December 27, 1864, and January 8-12, 1865.

No. 185.

Reports of Col. Adam G. Malloy, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, commanding Second Brigade (Army of the Tennessee), of operations November 30-December 27, 1864, and January 8-12, 1865.

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                 

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,       

Courtland, Ala., January 3, 1865.

In compliance with your circular of this date, I have the honor to submit the following report:

On the 30th of November, 1864, my brigade was temporarily bivouacking near Chattanooga, Tenn., when I received orders from General Cruft, commanding division, to proceed to the railroad and embark at once.

On the evening of December 1, 1864, the command arrived safely at Nashville, Tenn. On the afternoon of December 2 my brigade was ordered to the front by the general commanding, and occupied a position about one mile east of Nashville, its right resting on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and threw up works. These works were occupied until the morning of the 3d, when I was ordered back to within the limits of the city, where my command occupied a position between the Lebanon and Murfreesborough pikes, my right resting about twenty rods to the left of the latter, while my left reached about the same distance to the right of the former, the line running at about right angles with the pike, when I was ordered to throw up works. On the 13th of December my brigade was ordered out on a reconnaissance to the east of the city. I marched out the Murfreesborough pike about one mile, formed line of battle at right angles with the pike, my left resting upon the same. I immediately sent out a heavy skirmish line, which soon became engaged and drove the enemy to his works. The object of the reconnaissance having been attained, I received orders from General Cruft to return to camp with my command. The casualties during the reconnaissance were as follows: Killed, 1; wounded, 8; missing, 1.

On the morning of December 15, 1864, in compliance with orders received the previous evening from the general commanding, my command marched at 5 a.m. and occupied the works to the right of Fort Negley. From this date until the morning of December 19, 1864, the command occupied various positions in the line of works surrounding Nashville. On the morning of December 19, 1864, in compliance with orders from the commanding general the evening previous, my brigade marched at 5 a.m., on the Murfreesborough pike. On the afternoon of December 20, 1864, the command arrived at and went into camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn. On the morning of December 21, 1864, I received orders from General Cruft to march my command to the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and embark as soon as cars could be procured, which occupied nearly the whole day. On the morning of December 26, 1864, having arrived at a point on the Huntsville and Decatur Railroad about ten miles east of the latter place, I received orders to disembark and march at once. On December 27 I arrived with my brigade at the Tennessee River about three miles above Decatur, Ala., and immediately embarked on transports and crossed my command to the south side, when I received orders from General Cruft to form line of battle and act as reserve to the brigades of Colonels Harrison and Mitchell in the advance on Decatur, Ala. From that date until the present time nothing of interest has transpired in the command.

Yours, with respect,

A. G. MALLOY,       

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Provisional Division.

_______________

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                 

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,       

Larkinsville, Ala., January 12, 1865.

I have the honor to submit to you the following report of recent operations of my command:

On the evening of the 8th instant, pursuant to orders from the general commanding, with a portion of my command, numbering 950 men, I proceeded by rail from Larkinsville, Ala., to Scottsborough, Ala. When within one mile of Scottsborough the trains were halted by the officer in charge of the Scottsborough garrison, who reported that he had been attacked and driven from the town by an overwhelming force of the enemy, estimated at 1,500 strong, with three pieces of artillery. I immediately disembarked my command and formed in line of battle. Having thrown forward a skirmish line, I advanced and moved into the town, which I found evacuated by the enemy. Before his retreat the enemy set fire to the depot buildings at Scottsborough; my skirmishers succeeded in extinguishing the flames and saving the building. I occupied the town of Scottsborough at 2.30 o'clock on the morning of the 9th instant. At 4 a.m. of the same day I had my command in readiness to move in pursuit of the enemy, but my guides having failed to report, I was detained three hours, at the expiration of which time Lieutenant ———, commanding Independent Scouts, reported to me, as ordered by General Cruft, with ten men as guides. At 7 a.m. my brigade moved out from Scottsborough. I had marched but a short distance when I ascertained that the enemy was moving down on the Guntersville road. This fact I reported to the general commanding. I pushed my command forward as rapidly as the weather and bad roads would permit. It rained incessantly, and the roads were almost impassable. At Scott's Creek I was detained three hours in constructing a bridge over that stream. The pursuit was kept up until dark, when the command went into camp near the residence of one Gross. At 5 a.m. on the 10th instant the march was resumed, my command moving on toward Guntersville. About 4 p.m. of the same day I arrived at Claysville, where, in obedience to orders, I encamped my command. By the afternoon of the 10th instant my command had accomplished a march of thirty miles in sixteen hours, over roads rendered almost impassable by the heavy rains which fell during the march.

As my command had no rations it was compelled to subsist on the country. Foraging parties succeeded in finding very little in the way of provisions.

On the morning of the 11th instant I received orders from General Cruft to march my command back to Larkinsville. At 11 a.m. of that day the command was in motion, and reached Larkinsville the evening of the 12th instant.

The casualties in my brigade were 2 men killed and 1 mortally wounded.

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

A. G. MALLOY,       

Colonel, Commanding.

 Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

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. 532-4

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 184. Report of Capt. Milton A. Osborne, Twentieth Battery Indiana Light Artillery, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 184.

Report of Capt. Milton A. Osborne, Twentieth Battery Indiana Light Artillery,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH INDIANA BATTERY,                       

Murfreesborough, Tenn., December 20, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Twentieth Indiana Battery in the engagement near Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864:

The battery was engaged from 8 a.m. of the 15th instant throughout the day, both sections having taken position early in the day within 500 yards of the enemy's main line of works, the right section operating with Colonel Morgan's U.S. Colored Brigade, and the left section with Colonel Thompson's U.S. Colored Brigade. The right section changed its position at 10 a.m., and took a position in the open field within 300 yards of the enemy's works, and held the position until the infantry—Colonel Morgan's and Colonel Grosvenor's brigades—had passed to the rear and reformed, in the meantime keeping up a continual fire, which enabled the infantry the more successfully to be withdrawn. This section then retired and took a position northeast of the Rains house, immediately behind the skirmish line of Colonel Morgan's brigade, where the section remained, keeping up a continual fire until night.

Early on the morning of the 16th the two sections of the battery were brought together and moved, with Colonel Morgan's brigade, across the Nolensville pike, to a position on the left of Colonel Thompson's brigade, which was then on the left of the Fourth Corps, shelling the woods as the column advanced, where the battery participated in the general engagement which then took place, and from this position, on the extreme left of the line, kept a constant and terribly effective fire on the enemy's artillery, in position on the Overton Hill, during the charges which were made by the infantry. The enemy's artillery being silenced and captured, and our infantry having possession of the work, at about 5 p.m., I moved the battery in the general pursuit with Colonel Morgan's brigade.

The casualties on the 15th instant were as follows.*

Five horses were killed—3 by musketry, 2 by shell; 9 horses were wounded—2 by shell, 7 by musketry.

The following ammunition was expended:

	Shot.	Shell.	Spherical case.	Total.
First day	272	176	176	624
Second day	160	230	290	580
Total	432	406	466	1,204

No casualties on the 16th instant.

I take pleasure in reporting the good conduct of officers and men of the command throughout the engagement.

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

MILTON A. OSBORNE,     

Captain Twentieth Indiana Battery, Commanding.

Maj. S. B. MOE,

Assistant Adjutant-General, District of the Etowah.

_______________

* Nominal list (omitted) shows 2 officers and 6 men wounded.

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. 531-2

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 183. Report of Capt. John M. Benedict, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, of operations December 15-16, 1864.

No. 183.

Report of Capt. John M. Benedict, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

of operations December 15-16, 1864.

HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH OHIO INFANTRY, 

Chattanooga, Tenn., January 20, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the two days’ battle before Nashville, Tenn., on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864:

In obedience to orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor, commanding Third Brigade, First Provisional Division, Army of the Cumberland, the regiment, commanded by Capt. E. Grosvenor, moved out at daylight and took position on the Murfreesborough turnpike near the picket-line. Soon after the fighting commenced the regiment was moved forward in the second line, over an open field, until within a short distance of the enemy's works. There we halted for a short time, and remained under cover until ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor, commanding brigade, to charge and take the rebel works in our front. The regiment charged gallantly under a galling fire up to the works, and succeeded in reaching the interior of the works with near a hundred men, but finally had to fall back on account of not being properly supported on the left. The Second Battalion, Fourteenth Army Corps, started on the charge at the same time, and on the left of my regiment, but at the first volley from the enemy it broke and run from the field in confusion, leaving the enemy to concentrate his whole fire on my regiment. The regiment remained at the works ten or fifteen minutes, when it was ordered by Lieutenant Grant to fall back, which it did, fighting stubbornly as it went. Captain Grosvenor fell dead, pierced by three balls, soon after reaching the works. Lieut. Samuel W. Thomas was also killed at about the same time. When within about forty yards of the works I was struck by a spent ball on the knee, paralyzing my leg and rendering me quite helpless; Captain Grosvenor being killed and myself wounded, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieut. Charles Grant, next in rank, who deserves great praise for the promptness displayed in bringing the regiment off and reforming it. After the regiment was reformed I was assisted to mount a horse, and commanded the regiment during the rest of the fight. Soon after reforming, the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was moved to the right, and took position directly in front of Rains’ house. I received orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Grosvenor to push forward a heavy line of skirmishers to annoy and silence, if possible, a rebel battery, situated in the rear of Rains' house, on the west side of the railroad, that was shelling our troops on the right; the skirmish line moved forward, under Lieutenants Grant and Collings, who pushed it rapidly up to Rains’ house; the battery was silenced, and only fired two or three more shots during the afternoon. The regiment remained on the skirmish line until dark, when it was relieved by the colored troops, when we moved back a short distance and bivouacked for the night.

December 16, the enemy fell back during the night. We marched at 7 a.m. over the battle-field of the day before; our dead that had been left on the field had been stripped of their clothing by the enemy and left exposed on the open field. We moved across the Nolensville pike and found the enemy strongly posted on Overton Hill, near the Franklin pike. My regiment took position in the second line, west of the railroad and near the foot of Overton Hill. At about 4 p.m. the order was given to assault the enemy, strongly posted on the hill. We moved forward at double-quick, through a small piece of woods with thick underbrush, and across an open corn-field, under a very heavy fire of grape and canister. When within about 100 yards of the enemy's works the line was halted, and remained under cover in a small ravine until ordered to fall back. Just as the command was halted I received a very painful wound in the mouth, which made it necessary for me to leave the field. I turned over the command of the regiment to Lieut. Charles Grant, who commanded during the rest of the campaign.

The regiment, composed of different detachments hastily thrown together but a short time before the battle, fought nobly. The officers and soldiers, without an exception, deserve great praise for their soldierly endurance throughout the two days' fight. I wish to speak briefly of the gallantry and soldierly qualities of Captain Grosvenor and Lieutenant Thomas, who died so nobly at the head of their commands; they were both brave and efficient officers.

Lieut. J. B. Emery was severely wounded on the first day while bravely leading his command against the enemy's works. Lieutenants Grant, Collings, and Lynch deserve special mention for the promptness in which they obeyed all my orders. Lieut. D. M. Bates, acting adjutant, rendered me invaluable service during the campaign; he is a good and worthy officer, and deserves promotion. Lieut. R. B. Chappell, acting regimental quartermaster, although not in the fight, rendered me very valuable assistance; by his untiring energy the command was well supplied with rations and ammunition at all times during the fight.

Owing to the scarcity of officers several companies were necessarily commanded by sergeants. Those who distinguished themselves as such are Sergts. B. F. Davis, Company A; Jerome F. Fry, Company C; James G. Irwin, Second Ohio; and Henry Carr, Twenty-fourth Ohio. They are all good soldiers and deserve promotion.

To Sergt. William H. Emrick, Thirty-fifth Ohio, I owe especial thanks for his assistance in helping me off the field when wounded in the first day's fight.

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

J. M. BENEDICT,     

Captain, Commanding Regiment.

Lieut. E. P. JOHNSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 529-31

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 182. Report of Lieut. Col. Charles H. Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15-20, 1864.

No. 182.

Report of Lieut. Col. Charles H. Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry,

commanding Third Brigade, of operations December 15-20, 1864.

HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                     

ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, 

Stevenson, Ala., December 23, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my brigade during the recent campaign in front of Nashville:

On the evening of December 14 I received your orders to report with my command “in trim for fighting” to Col. Thomas J. Morgan, on the Murfreesborough turnpike, the next morning at daylight. I at once communicated in writing with that officer, and by his direction met him at his headquarters and was advised of plans, and received definite orders at 5 a.m. December 15. My command was as follows: Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, Lieut. Col. H. J. Espy commanding; Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, Capt. Ebenezer Grosvenor commanding, and the Second Battalion, Fourteenth Army Corps, Capt. D, H, Henderson, One hundred and twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, commanding. I moved on the left of Colonel Morgan's brigade, and formed in rear of, and in support of, his line of battle, on the Murfreesborough road, left in front, resting at the picket-line. Shortly afterward I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Espy with the Sixty-eighth Indiana to protect the left flank and guard against a sudden movement of the enemy to turn Colonel Morgan's left, should any be attempted, and I pushed that regiment well out to the left of Rains' house to such a distance as to insure the safety of the skirmishers of the Fourteenth U.S. Colored Troops, then pressing rapidly forward. By order of Colonel Morgan I followed the movements of his line of battle, pushing my two remaining regiments well up to the enemy's works near Rains' house, and protected them under the slope of the hill. The skirmish line of Colonel Morgan's command now met with strong resistance, and his first line of battle being checked in its movements by the fire of the enemy posted behind his line of intrenchments, Colonel Morgan ordered me to assault with the Eighteenth Ohio and the Second Battalion the works in my front. He at the same time indicated, by pointing to certain trees in the woods, the earth-work I was to strike and carry if possible. I communicated the order to my command and went forward myself to assist in the execution. Before arriving at the works we had to pass over a corn-field completely covered and enfiladed by the enemy's work. Two picket fences also stood right in our path, and these we had to remove. This accomplished, Captain Grosvenor moved rapidly with his command, by the right flank, at double-quick across the field, striking the salient of the enemy's work. The regiment charged gallantly over the palisade defense in front of the angle of the work, and succeeded in gaining with near 100 men the interior of the work. The testimony of all the men and officers in sight shows that Captain Grosvenor led the head of his regiment full upon the enemy's work, discharged his pistol in the very face of the enemy, and while springing over the embankment he fell forward dead, shot by two balls. Lieut. Samuel W. Thomas fell instantly killed while removing the palisades so as to admit his men. His body lay within ten feet of the works. In the meantime I led the Second Battalion in person to the assault of the right and southern angle of the work. In this I was ably assisted by Captains Henderson, Brown, and other officers of the battalion, and all that could be was done to bring the line to an assault of the work. But the troops were mostly new conscripts, convalescents, and bounty jumpers, and on this occasion, with but few honorable exceptions, behaved in the most cowardly and disgraceful manner. The enemy, seeing the men hesitating and wavering, fired a heavy volley and stampeded the whole line. In vain the officers tried to rally the men; in vain the old soldiers rushed forward themselves; the line broke, and nearly all the men fled from the field. This great misfortune left the enemy free to converge his whole fire upon the Eighteenth Ohio, which he did, and finally drove it, stubbornly fighting its way, off the ground. Captain Benedict, second in rank in the Eighteenth, was wounded soon after the death of Captain Grosvenor, and, being temporarily disabled, was succeeded in command by Lieut. Charles Grant. Capt. D. H. Henderson, One hundred and twenty-first Ohio Volunteers, Second Battalion, while heroically endeavoring to rally his disordered men, was severely wounded, and after the retreat left the field.

I withdrew my command by order of Colonel Morgan and reformed my lines, my right resting at the orphan asylum, and again advanced, throwing forward a strong line of skirmishers. Later, the enemy opened heavily with a battery against Colonel Thompson, on the west of the railroad, and I deployed the Sixty-eighth Indiana, supported by the Eighteenth Ohio, and pressed back the enemy's skirmishers on the flank of his battery. My skirmishers of the Sixty-eighth Indiana advanced skillfully and rapidly, opened so effective a fire upon the enemy's flank as to totally silence the fire of his battery for the balance of the day.

Friday, December 16, I moved at 7 a.m., the Eighteenth U.S. Colored Troops, Major Joy commanding, being added to my command. We moved over the battle-field of the day before and found our dead all stripped of their clothing and left exposed upon the open field. After crossing the Nolensville road we came in sight of the enemy, strongly posted on the Overton Hill, near the Franklin road, and at about noon joined the left of the Fourth Army Corps, in line facing south in front of the position. Here we remained until about 4 p.m., the enemy annoying our position by a constant fire upon us. We then formed to assault Overton Hill. I formed my brigade on the left of that of Colonel Thompson, as follows: Eighteenth U.S. Colored Troops and Second Battalion, Captain Brown commanding, in the first line; Eighteenth Ohio and Sixty-eighth Indiana in the second line. We advanced through a small thicket and crossed rapidly over a wide, open cornfield under a sharp fire of grape and canister. While crossing this field the brigade of Colonel Thompson (or several regiments of it) moved by left oblique so rapidly as to throw a portion of my command into confusion, and finally crossed my front and came out on my left. The inexperience of the men of the Second Battalion, the wounding of the brave Captain Brown, commanding, as also the absence of the next officer in rank, Captain Riggs, Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, threw that organization in such confusion that it could not be rallied, and I saw it no more during the campaign until I arrived at Murfreesborough. The remainder of the brigade pushed promptly forward, crossed the field, and pushed their skirmishers up to the base of the hill under the enemy's works. But the first assault of the Fourth Corps had failed, my line had become too weak to accomplish much without support, and none was at hand. I halted my line in the timber, and held my ground until ordered to retire. I reformed at nearly right angles and easterly from my original position, and on the right of Colonel Thompson. Here we threw up barricades. But we again moved forward, my right closing on the left of the Fourth Corps, and the enemy fled in great confusion from the hill, and the whole line pressed forward in pursuit and encamped for the night near Brentwood.

Saturday, 17th, we moved forward, generally deployed in line of battle, on the east of the Franklin road, reaching Franklin at dark. We did no fighting. Sunday, 18th, after marching three miles south of Franklin, the command was ordered to Murfreesborough, where it arrived Tuesday, the 20th instant.

I have the honor to forward lists of killed, wounded, and missing herewith.*

We captured about 60 prisoners, a portion of whom were turned over and receipted for, and others were informally transferred to the Fourth Corps and other commands.

Permit me to speak briefly of the great gallantry and high qualities of Captain Grosvenor, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who died so gallantly at the head of his command. He was a true, efficient, and chivalrous soldier. Always prompt in the discharge of duty, courteous, truthful, and honest in his official associations, pure in heart, simple and unostentatious in life, brave and dashing in action, the service and the country have sustained an irreparable loss.

Lieutenant Thomas, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, also killed, was a brave, gallant, and faithful soldier, and gave promise for the future.

The Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers behaved with great gallantry and true soldierly endurance throughout. Its men are well drilled, its officers brave and efficient. Lieutenant-Colonel Espy rendered me most invaluable services, both as regimental commander, staff officer, and brigade commander during my illness from the 19th till the 23d of December. I recommend Lieutenant-Colonel Espy as a first-rate soldier and worthy man.

Captain Benedict, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was wounded in each battle, and finally disabled and carried from the field. He is a most thoroughly reliable and efficient officer, and long ago deserved promotion.

Captains Henderson and Brown, of the Second Battalion, behaved well, as did also without exception all the officers of that unfortunate command on the two fields. It was not from want of gallantry on their part that their battalion failed.

The Eighteenth Ohio gives promise to sustain fully the good names of the organizations from which it was formed.

My thanks are due to Lieut. E. P. Johnson, Sixty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general on my staff, for his courage, perseverance, and faithfulness in the discharge of his duty in camp and field, as also Lieut. Joseph E. Chapman, acting commissary of subsistence and aide-de-camp, for his efficient aid on the field.

Lieut. T. A. Beaton, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, reported to me on the field each day, and, although not on duty within this department, volunteered his efficient assistance in many ways.

Surgeon Jenner, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, brigade surgeon, although without proper supplies or facilities, distinguished himself by his devotion to the sick and the wounded during the whole of the arduous campaign. I owe him especial thanks for his care and skillful attention to myself.

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

C. H. GROSVENOR,                       

Lieut. Col. Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.

Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division.

_______________

* Embodied in table, p. 102.

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. 526-9

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864 — January 23, 1865: No. 181. Reports of Col. John G. Mitchell, One hundred and thirteenth Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864-January 13, 1865.

No. 181.

Reports of Col. John G. Mitchell, One hundred and thirteenth Ohio Infantry,

commanding Second Brigade, of operations November 29, 1864-January 13, 1865.

HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,           

Near Nashville, Tenn., [December ––, 1864].

CAPTAIN: In obedience to instructions received from General Cruft, I have the honor to report the result of a reconnaissance toward Rains' house:

The command was in motion in fifteen minutes from the time the order was received. The skirmish line was promptly moved into the woods on this side of the said house; the outhouses were held by a small guard of the enemy, who were promptly driven back upon the main house and into the principal line of their works. The line was advanced to and held Rains' house, but was unable to drive the enemy from their works, which are about 100 yards from the house. My line could not be extended to the left because every man who understood skirmishing was already on the line. I therefore withdrew. My belief is that the line was not held in great force, but was occupied by a greater number of men than would be intended for a mere lookout.

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

JOHN G. MITCHELL,         

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                 

ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, 

Near Courtland, Ala., January 3, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report of the operations of this command during the campaign just ended:

November 29, pursuant to orders, left Chattanooga on railway. November 30, arrived at Cowan, Tenn., bivouacked, and at dark received orders to re-embark on the cars and proceed to Nashville.

December 2, moved down the Nolensville road one mile, and, with my entire command, prepared a line of intrenchments on a commanding eminence between the Nolensville road and the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. December 3, abandoned the position of yesterday and retired to a range of low hills nearer Nashville; threw up a line of works, with my right resting on the Murfreesborough road, extending to the left toward the Lebanon road. December 4 to 10, remained quietly in camp, drilling and performing ordinary camp duties. December 11, received orders at 11 a.m. to make a reconnaissance toward Rains' house, to the right and front of the Murfreesborough road. In fifteen minutes from the reception of the order the command was moving. Notwithstanding the severity of the weather and the almost impassable condition of the roads and fields the reconnaissance was accomplished with entire satisfaction and the object fully attained. December 11 to 15, remained in camp. December 15, at 3 a.m. moved into the works to the right of Franklin road. December 16, moved with command after dark and occupied the line of fortifications erected on the 2d instant. December 19, marched to La Vergne, and bivouacked. December 20, marched to vicinity of Murfreesborough. December 21 to 26, on the cars en route between Murfreesborough and Limestone Creek, Ala. December 26, disembarked and marched through Mooresville toward Tennessee River. December 27, reached river, crossed, formed line of battle at dark, and moved to Decatur. December 28, resumed march toward Courtland. December 30, reached Courtland and moved into camp.

lt would be doing injustice to the officers and men under me to fail to notice the uniform zeal and earnestness displayed in the performance of every duty assigned them in this most severe campaign. The command, composed in large part of disabled officers and men just recruited or drafted into the service, was most difficult to maneuver in the out-start. It affords me great satisfaction to say that I have never known duties more faithfully performed or dangers and hardships more un-complainingly borne than during the present campaign, which has required all the fortitude and endurance heretofore displayed in the history of this struggle.

I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN G. MITCHELL,         

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

_______________

HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,                 

ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, 

Near Chattanooga, Tenn., January 16, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit the supplemental report of the operations of this brigade during the latter part of the campaign just ended:

Pursuant to orders this command left camp at Courtland, Ala., on the 6th of January, and arrived at Decatur on the morning of the 7th instant, where it was embarked on the cars for Huntsville, at which point it arrived at 9 p.m. of the same day. Owing to the destruction of the railroad bridge across Paint Rock River the brigade could not proceed, and was ordered into camp two miles from Huntsville, on the Meridian road. At 2 a.m., two hours after going into camp, I received an order to re-embark my command on the cars and proceed to Larkinsville to the relief of the garrison, which was threatened by the enemy. Arrived at Paint Rock River just at dawn of day of the 8th instant, crossed the whole command on rafts, and reached Larkinsville at 12 m. of that day. Scouting parties were immediately sent to all parts of the surrounding country to gain information, but nothing of importance gathered. On the morning of the 9th instant my command marched, at 4 o'clock, to the intersection of the Scottsborough and Larkinsville roads. Here my scouts brought the information that the enemy had passed down the Bellefonte road eight hours before, taking the direction of Gunter's Landing, on the Tennessee River. I moved the command as speedily as possible, on a country road, in the direction of Guntersville. The advance guard came upon small detachments of the enemy in the act of burning the bridge across Santa. The skirmishers fired on the enemy and rushed upon the bridge, throwing off a large pile of burning timbers. But little injury was done to the bridge, and the command was delayed a few minutes in crossing. But for the prompt action of the skirmishers we must have been delayed some hours in the pursuit. Command bivouacked at Pendergrass' house during the night. On 9th instant moved to Claysville. On the 10th the advance in sight of small parties of enemy during most of the morning. The Third Battalion, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel O'Brien, was moved down to the landing at Guntersville. Lieutenant-Colonel O'Brien captured a small amount of stores and an ambulance, &c., which was turned over to the quartermaster's department. 11th, remained in camp at Claysville. Third Battalion still at Gunter's Landing. 12th, marched at daylight for Woodville, twenty-two miles distant, without rations except for breakfast. Arrived at Woodville at 6 p.m., drew rations for two days, and immediately embarked on the cars for Chattanooga, where we arrived on the evening of the 13th instant.

General Lyon's cavalry was actually broken up through the persistent pursuit to which he was subjected, and although but few of them were captured they were completely disorganized and fled in small squads, escaping as they best could through the mountains.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN G. MITCHELL,         

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. JOHN A. WRIGHT,

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. 524-6

5th Missouri Cavalry

Organized by consolidation of Benton Hussars and 3 Companies of Hollan Horse February 14, 1862. Served unattached, 2nd Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to October, 1862. Army of South- east MiSsouri, Dept. of Missouri, to November, 1862.

SERVICE.—Curtis' Campaign in Missouri and Ark- ansas against Price February-March, 1862. Battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6-8. Duty in District of South- west Missouri till October. Expedition to Blue Moun- tains June 19. Near Knight's Cove June 19. Expedi- tion from Clarendon to Lawrenceville and St. Charles September 11-13. Ordered to Pilot Knob October. Con- solidated with 4th Missouri Cavalry November 15, 1862.

Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 4 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 36 Enlisted men by disease. Total 42.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1306

5th Missouri State Militia Cavalry (Old.)

Organized at St. Joseph, Mo., March and April, 1862. Attached to District of Central Missouri, Dept. of Mis- souri, to February, 1863. SERVICE.--Duty in Central District of Missouri till February, 1863. Operations in Carroll, Ray and Liv- ingston Counties July 27-August 4, 1862. Grand River August 1. Near Barry Section August 14. Iron County September 11. Liberty and Sibley's Landing October 6 (Cos. "A," "B," "D" and "K"). California House October 18. Independence February 3, 1863. (See 5th Regiment State Militia Cavalry (New) for further service.)

Lost 21 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 47 Enlisted men by disease. Total 69.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1306

5th Missouri State Militia Cavalry (New.)

Organized February 2, 1863, from 13th Regiment, State Militia Cavalry. Attached to District of Rolla, Dept. of Missouri, to June, 1863. District of the Bor- der, Dept. of Missouri, to October, 1863. District of Rolla, Dept. of Missouri, to muster out.

SERVICE.—Independence, Mo., February 8, 1863 (Cos. "C," "D," "F"). Blue springs March 22. Independence March 23. Headquarters at Waynesville. Scouts from Waynesville June 20-23 (Co. "H"). Scout from Salem and skirmish July 3 (Co. "D"). Scout from Houston to Spring River Mills and Skirmish August 6-11 (Cos. "B," "C," F" and "G"). Jack's Ford August 14 (Detachment). Warrensville August 25 (Detachment). Texas County September 11-12 (Detachment). Near Houston September 12 (Detachment). Near Salem September 13 (Cos. "C," "M"). Near Man's Creek October 14 (Detachment). King's House, near Waynesville. October 26 (Co. H). Scout from Houston to Jack's Fork November 4-6 (Cos. "B," G," "I"). Scouts from Houston November 23-29 (Detachment), and December 9-19, Scouts from Salem December 26-29 (Cos. "C," "M"). Scout from Houston into Arkansas, with skirmishes February 5-17, 1864 (Detachment). Independence April 23. Scouts from Big Piney July 5-6. Scout in Shannon County July 18-21 (Detachment). Rolla August 1. Scouts in Moniteau and Morgan Counties September 11-18 (Detachment). Scout in Texas County september 14-21 (Detachment). Thomasville September 18. Waynesville September 30 (Co. "B"). Moreau Bottom, Jefferson City, October 7. Booneville October 9. Lexington October 19. Independence October 22. Big Blue and State Line October 22. Westport October 23. Engagement on the Marmiton, or battle of Chariot, October 25. Mine Creek, Little Osage River, Marias des Cygnes, October 25. Near Centreville November 2 (Co. "K"). Operations near Waynesville December 1-3 (Detachment). Big Piney December 2 (Detachment). Scouting and escort duty in District of Rolla till July, 1865. McCartney's Mills January, 1865 (Detachment). Scout in Shannon County January 2-7 (Cos. "C," "D," "M"). Operations about Waynesville January 16-22. Scouts from Salem and Licking to Spring River, Ark., and skirmishes February 23-March 2. Scouts from Waynesville to Hutton Valley, Rolla and Lebanon March 5-12. Near Rolla March 24 (Co. "E"). Mustered out July 8, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 19 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 93 Enlisted men by disease. Total 114.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1306

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 30, 1862

March about 4 miles; pass General Pillow's plantation and encamp on Captain Polk's plantation. The Tenth [Brigade] moves forward to give room to the troops crossing river.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 31, 1862

General Nelson directs me to conduct the march so as to reach Savannah, Tenn., Monday, April 7, as we are not wanted there before that time. Marched 10 miles, passed Mount Pleasant, encamp by a large stream; hear of some provisions about 3 miles off, belonging to the Confederates; send a detachment, and get six wagon loads of salt pork, &c.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330