|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:02:22 GMT -5
310 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
the expeditionary force under my command in the month of July last. In fact, in the communication made to me by Father Andre, he distinctly states, as one of the happy results of the expedition, that, " judging from the anxiety displayed by these men ( the deputies ), the greater portion of the Sioux are desirous of an opportunity to offer their submission, and the murderers, once abandoned by the other Indians, can be easily reduced."
The combination of Indians defeated by my column in the late engagements may be thus classified: Minnesota river bands, remnants, 250 warriors; Sisseton Sioux, 450 warriors ; Ey-yank-tonnais, 1,200 warriors; other straggling bands, includ ing Teton Sioux, from the west side of the Missouri river, probably 400 warriors; making an aggregate force of from 2,300 to 2,500 warriors. These constitute the full strength of the Dakota or Sioux Indians inhabiting the prairies on the east side of the Missouri river, with few and insignificant exceptions. The small number of those who succeeded in effecting their escape after the decisive conflict of "Wood Lake, and whose crimes against humanity preclude any hope of pardon "on the part of the government, when deserted by the great bands they hoped to compli cate inextricably in their hostilities against the whites will be rendered powerless for evil, as justly remarked by Father Andre.
That gentleman, in the communication referred to, gives the substance of the appeal of Standing Buffalo for peace:
He wished me to assure you that neither he nor his men had taken any part in the war against the whites: that he was prepared now, as he always had been, to submit to such disposition as would be satisfactory to the government, and he regretted very much that he could not meet you. in your camp to give you this assurance.
He further stated his desire to deliver himself up to the government with his band at such time and place as I might designate, only receiving the assurance that they would not be held as prisoners or removed to a greater distance, refer ring to the reservation on the Missouri to which the families of Sioux captives have been transferred.
Since the news of General Sully having fallen upon a Sioux camp and de stroyed it reached me, I feel sanguine that these bands will be even more than ever disposed to submit, and, with the view of opening communication with them, I respectfully ask that I may be instructed to employ Father Andre", and such other competent persons as may be deemed necessary, to visit the Indians, and proffer such conditions of peace as you may deem proper to accord under the circum stances.
I would also respectfully suggest that these conditions should embrace the ex pulsion or delivery of the murderers, and the confining of these bands to the limits at such a safe distance from the settlements in Minnesota as would effectu ally dissipate all apprehensions of renewed raids on the frontier.
If properly managed, I have every reason to believe that the Indian war will soon be terminated and the quiet of the border entirely restored. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 311
Report of Col. Samuel McPhail, First Minnesota Mounted Eangers.
IN CAMP ON THE PLAINS, Aug. 5, 1863.
GENEHAL: On the 24th of July, 1863, pursuant to your order to recover the body of Dr. J. S. Weiser, surgeon First Minnesota Mounted Eangers, murdered by the Indians, I proceeded to the hills in rear of Camp Sibley with Companies A and D, of my regiment. When some 500 yards from camp, we were fired upon by the Indians occupying the summit of the hill. I immediately ordered Com pany A, under Capt. E. M. "Wilson, to advance and fire upon the enemy, which was done in good style. The ground being rocky and broken, Companies A, D, and E were ordered to dismount and skirmish the hills, Companies B and F, under Major [O. T.] Hayes, and Company L, under Captain [P. B.] Davy, to support them. The First Battalion, under Major [J. H.] Parker, cleared the hills and drove the Indians some 2 miles, followed by Companies B and F, mounted. Here I met Lieut. Col. W. E. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Volun teers, and requested him to protect my right flank, which he did in gallant style. Major Parker was then ordered to rally the companies of his battalion and pre pare to engage the enemy, mounted. I then moved forward of the skirmishers with Companies B and F, and ordered a charge upon the enemy posted on the highest peak of the range known as the "Big Hills." This order was promptly obeyed, and the Indians dislodged from their position and driven toward the plains west of the hills. While descending the hills, I ordered another charge by Company B, under Capt. Horace Austin. While in the act of carrying out this order, one man was instantly killed by lightning and another seriously injured. This occasioned a momentary confusion 5 order, however, was soon restored, and we pushed the enemy from their positions on the hills and in the ravines in our front to the plains below. I then ordered a rally. Companies A, B, F and L assembled, and we pushed forward upon the Indians, who had taken refuge be hind a few rude and hastily constructed intrenchments in their encampments, from which they were quickly dislodged, and a running fight commenced. At this juncture, Lieut. J. [C.] Whipple, Third Minnesota Battery, reached us with one 6-pounder, his horses entirely given out, in consequence of which he could only give the fleeing enemy two shots, which apparently threw them in still greater confusion. I then again ordered the charge, which was kept up until we had reached at least 15 miles from the first point of attack, and during which we drove them from their concealment in the rushes and wild rice of Dead Buffalo lake by a well-directed volley from the deadly carbines, ran into their lines five times, continuing the fight till nearly dark, when Companies H, D, and G arrived, and I received your order to return to Camp Sibley, at the Big Hills; and some time having been consumed in collecting our wounded and providing transporta tion for them, we attempted to return, and only succeeded in reaching camp at 5 A. M. on the morning of the 25th, having in the darkness been unable to pre serve our course, and having been in the saddle twenty-four hours without guide, provisions, or water. The number of Indians engaged could not have been less than 1,000, and would doubtless reach 1,500 warriors. The losses of my regiment, including a skirmish on Sunday evening, the 26th, at Dead Buffalo lake, are as follows:
Dr. J. S. Weiser, surgeon and Lieut. A. Freeman, Company D, were murdered by the Indians.
312 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The number of Indians known to have been killed by the Mounted Bangers is 31, all found with the peculiar mark of cavalry upon them. Doubtless many more were killed by the Bangers, as the wounded concealed themselves in the marshes, where it was impossible to follow them with cavalry.
In this report I esteem it a duty, and it affords me great pleasure, to say of the officers and men under my command who were engaged in this series of fights and hand-to-hand encounters, that, without exception, the utmost coolness and bravery was displayed, the only difficulty I encountered being that of restraining the wild enthusiasm of the troops during the succession of cavalry charges, and I can only say of them further that they have won for themselves a reputation of which veteran troops might well be proud.
It is also a duty and gratification to mention favorably the name of First Lieut. E. A. Goodell, acting adjutant, whose aid in the hottest of the fight ren dered me great service; also the name of John Martin, of Company F, who bore dispatches with certainty, celerity, and security.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAM. MCPHAIL,
Colonel, Commanding Mounted Ranges. Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY,
Commanding Expeditionary Force.
Report of Col. William Crooks, Sixth Minnesota Infantry.
CAMP WILLISTON, DAK., Aug. 5, 1863.
SIR: Pursuant to order of Brig. Gen. H. H. Sibley, this regiment reported at Camp Pope, Minn., for service in the expedition directed against the Sioux Indians. The march was taken up early on the morning of the 16th, and on the 26th day of June the forces encamped at the foot of Lake Traverse, a distance of 119 miles from Camp Pope. From this point a train was dispatched to Fort Abercrombie for supplies, the guard consisting of three companies of infantry, including Company H, of the Sixth Begiment, Captain [W. K.] Tattersall, one battalion of cavalry, Major [ J. H.] Parker commanding, and one section of ar tillery, the whole under command of Lieutenant Colonel [ J. T.] Averill, of this regiment. The brigade left Lake Traverse on the 30th of June, and reached the first crossing of the Cheyenne river on the evening of the 4th of July, distant from the foot of Lake Traverse 74 miles. At this point, called Camp Hayes, the command laid over six days, awaiting the arrival of the supply train from Fort Abercrombie. The train arrived on the 9th of July, and the expedition resumed the line of march on the morning of the llth. From this point to the second crossing of the Cheyenne, where we arrived on the 17th, the distance was 83 miles.
On the morning of the 18th, we resumed the march, and made Camp Atchison, on Lake Emily, the day s march being 12 miles. At this point I was directed to lay out an intrenched camp, and a force was selected from the several regiments to hold the same, with a view to disembarrassing the active force of all men unable to march, and of all supplies not actually necessary in a more rapid pur suit of the enemy. Companies G and C, of my regiment, were designated by me as part of the garrison, together with invalids from all other companies.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 313
Having put the command in light marching order, on the morning of the 20th of July, with twenty-five days rations, the command again commenced, with re newed energy, the pursuit of the Sioux; and at noon on the 24th, at a distance of 78 miles from Camp Atchison, a shout from the advance told that our pursuit had not been in vain. The savages lined the crests of the surrounding hills, covering their camp some 5 miles to the southwest. By direction of the general, the Sixth Eegiment, together with Company M, of the Mounted Eangers, under command of Lieutenant [D. B.] Johnson, and a section of artillery, under command of Lieu tenant [H. H.] Western, occupied the east front, and threw up earthworks, sup porting the guns. About this time Surgeon Weiser, of the Mounted Eangers, in company with others, rode up the heights and engaged in conversation with the Indians, who, true to their proverbial treachery, pierced his manly heart at the moment he offered them bread. Observing this act, I at once deployed Com panies E, I, and K well to the front, and with Company E, under command of Captain [Eudolph] Schoeneman, together with Captain [Jonathan] Chase s com pany (A), of the Ninth Eegiment, on Schoeneman s left, supported by Captains [T. S.] Slaughter and [W. W.] Braden, drove the savages for 3 miles, and pre vented their turning our left.
Lieutenant Colonel Averill was directed by me to advance three companies to support the extreme left, where a strong demonstration was being made, Major McLaren remaining in command of the reserve and camp.
The movements were well and regularly made, the officers and men displaying those traits of most consequence to soldiers. My advance was checked by an order to draw in my lines to the lines of the skirmishers of the other regiments to my right, and to report in person to the brigadier general commanding. Hav ing turned the command over to Lieutenant Colonel Averill, with instructions to draw in his men, I reported to General Sibley, and, in conformity with his orders, I dispatched a messenger to Major McLaren to come forward, with all haste, with five companies, to the support of the Mounted Eangers, who were driving the Indians on toward their camp, at the moment supported by the Seventh Infantry and Capt. A. J. Edgerton s company of the Tenth. The major came forward at a double-quick with Companies A, B, D, I, and K, and reported to me some four miles in the advance, where General Sibley was awaiting the advance of re-enforcements. I immediately reported to the general the arrival of my men, and soon thereafter was ordered to return to camp.
The next day the camp was moved some four miles, in order to recruit the animals, and the command rested until Sunday morning, the 26th of July, when the march was resumed, and, having marched 14 miles, the Sixth Eegiment lead ing, the Indians again assembled for battle. The regiment at once deployed skirmishers, and advanced steadily, driving the Indians, Lieutenant Colonel Averill, with marked coolness and judgment, commanding the extended line of skirmishers, while the reserve, under McLaren, was but too eager to engage. At 2 p. M., General Sibley coming to the extreme front, and observing the state of affairs, pushed cavalry to our right, with a view to massing the Indians in front; also ordering Captain [John] Jones forward with the field-pieces. Major McLaren was now ordered to take the reserve to camp, 1J miles to the rear, the front being held by three companies of the Sixth and Company A, of the Ninth, the whole supporting Lieutenant [J. C.] Whipple with his section of the battery.
314 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The Indians observing McLaren s movement, having made a feint to the left, made a desperate attack upon the north front, with a view to destroying our transportation; but the major had his men well in hand, and, throwing them rap idly on the enemy, completely foiled this their last move, and the savages, giving a parting volley, typical of their rage and disappointment, left a field where heavy loss and defeat but retold their doom.
Too much praise cannot be awarded Capt. Oscar Taylor, of the Mounted Ban gers, who chafed for an order to advance, and who bore his part nobly when that order was finally given. His horses being exhausted, this officer dismounted his men, and, as skirmishers, added their strength to that of Company A, Sixth Begi- ment, where, under the immediate eye of Colonel Aver ill, they did splendid ser vice. Lieutenant Whipple, in direct charge of the guns, was, as usual, cool and efficient; and Captain Jones had but another opportunity of congratulating him self upon the efficiency of his battery.
The march was resumed on the morning of the 27th, and in the afternoon we camped on Stony lake, having marched 18 miles. No demonstrations were made by the Indians during the night; but as the column was forming on the morning of the 28th, and the transportation was somewhat scattered, the wily foe saw his opportunity, and, to the number of 2,000 mounted men, at least, made a most daring charge upon us. The Sixth Begiinent, holding the centre of the column, and being upon the north side of the lake, Lieutenant Colonel Averill commenced deploying the right wing, and having deployed strongly from my left, so as to hold the lake, the advance was ordered. The men went boldly forward and worked splendidly, Lieutenant Colonel Averill displaying much judgment in an oblique formation to cover a threatened movement on my right by the Indians in great force, who, whooping and yelling, charged our lines. The consequences must have proven destructive in the extreme had the lake and flanks not been stiffly held. The savages were driven back, reeling under their repulse, and the general commanding coolly and determinedly formed his column of march in face of the attack, the object of which was manifold: First, to destroy our transportation, and, second, to delay our advance, allowing their families more time to escape.
No time was lost; the column moved on, and by 9 A. M. our advance saw the masses of the retreating foe. The pursuit was continued until late, when we camped on Apple river. Men and horses were not in a condition to pursue that night, but early on the morning of the 29th, with the regiment in the advance, pursuit was commenced, and, after marching 6 miles and overcoming a rise of ground, our eyes first beheld the timber on the Missouri river, distant 9 miles.
General Sibley had, with much forethought, early that morning dispatched Colonel McPhail and his regiment, with Captain Jones and his field-pieces, to the front, with the view of intercepting the savages ere they crossed the river. Bap- idly McPhail pushed forward, but the Indians rear was covered by a dense forest and a tangle of prickly ash and thorn bushes, almost impenetrable. Our advance was soon up, and by order of the general, the Sixth Begiment was ordered to scour the woods to the river, and ascertain the exact position of the enemy. I deployed Companies D, I, and K, commanded by Captains [J. C.] Whitney, Slaughter, and Braden, as skirmishers, under the command of Major McLaren, while the five other companies, under Colonel Averill, were held as a reserve. Captain Jones accompanied me, with Whipple s and Western s sections of his
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:03:13 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 315
battery. We advanced slowly but surely, shelling the woods in my advance, and we reached the river to find the enemy just crossed, after abandoning all their transportation, and losing many of their women and children, drowned in their hasty flight. Lieutenant Colonel Averill, with the reserve, received the fire of the enemy in large numbers, concealed in the tall rushes across the river, and re turned it with spirit; but an order having reached me to return, a retrograde movement was made.
Just prior to the fire of Colonel AverilPs reserve, Lieut. F. J. H. Beaver, an English gentleman, of qualities worthy of the best, a fellow of Oxford University, and a volunteer aide to the general, rode up alone and delivered the order to re turn. I wrote a short dispatch, and directed him to return at once, as my com munication might prove of much value to the general. All being accomplished that was desired, the regiment returned, and joined the camp near the mouth of Apple river, with the loss of N". Miller, of Company K. On my return to camp, I learned that Beaver had never reported, and we had just grounds to believe him lost. Guns were fired and rockets sent up, but our friend did not return.
At noon on the 30th of July, a detachment, consisting of Companies A, I, and K, of the Sixth Regiment, commanded by Captains [Hiram P.] Grant, Slaughter, and Braden; A, B, and H, of the Seventh, commanded by Captains [J. K.] Arnold, [James] Gilfillan, and [A. H.] Stevens, and B, F, and K, of the Tenth Infantry, commanded by Captains [A. J.] Edgerton, [G. T.] White, and [M. J.] O Connor, and Companies L and M of the cavalry, commanded by Cap tain [P. B.] Davy and Lieutenant [D. B.] Johnson, Lieutenants Whipple s and Dwelle s sections of the battery, together with a detachment of Company A, Ninth Eegiment of Infantry, as pioneers, under Lieutenant [Harrison] Jones, the whole under my command, was ordered to proceed to the place where I had been the day before, with directions to destroy the transportation left by the Indians, and to find the body of Lieutenant Beaver, and that of Private Miller, if dead, and engage the savages, if the opportunity presented. Lieutenant Colonel [S. P.] Jennison, of the Tenth Infantry, Major [E. N.] McLaren, of the Sixth, and Major [George] Bradley, of the Seventh, commanded the detachments of the respective regiments. All the objects contemplated were fully accomplished.
It was apparent that Lieutenant Beaver, on his way back with my dispatch, became embarrassed by the many trails left by an alarmed and conquered enemy, lost his way, and, after bravely confronting a large party of savages and dealing death into their ranks, had fallen, pierced with arrows and bullets, his favorite horse lying dead near him. He was buried in the trenches with the honor due his rank, and every heart beat in sympathy with the family of this brave stranger, as we retraced our steps toward the boundary of our own state.
I take pleasure in mentioning the services of Surgeon and Acting Medical Director [Alfred] Wharton, and of Assistant Surgeons Daniels and Potter, for duties performed whenever they were needed in and out of the regiment; also to Lieutenants Carver and [F. E.] Snow for assistance fearlessly rendered in the field. Lieutenant Colonel Averill and Major McLaren have proven themselves worthy of the regiment.
For the officers of the line and men, I proudly say that they did all that they were ordered to do with an alacrity and a spirit which promises well for the future.
316 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
I make the distance from Fort Snelling to the Missouri, by our line of march, 585 miles.
I have the honor to remain, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. CROOKS,
Colonel, Commanding Sixth Minnesota Infantry. Capt. E, C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Reports of Lieut. Col. William E. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP SIBLEY, ON MISSOURI COTEAU, July 25, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh Eegiment (eight companies) in the engagement with the Indians yesterday:
Immediately after news was received of the presence of Indians, the regiment was formed in order of battle on the line designated by you for the protection of the corral subsequently the camp then being formed. A detail of 1 men from each company was set to digging trenches in front of our line, which fronted a little south of east, the Big Mound being directly east. The men remained upon the color line until the firing commenced on the foot-hill directly in front, where Dr. Weiser was killed. I was then ordered to deploy Captain [Eolla] Banks company, armed with Colt s rifles, along the foot-hill to the left of the ravine that opened toward the Big Mound. This done, Major Bradley was ordered with two companies, Captains Gilfillan and Stevens, to the support of the first battalion of cavalry, then out on the right of the ravine, where Dr. Weiser was shot. Major Bradley s detachment became engaged along with the cavalry. As soon as he reached the top of the first range of hills, I asked to advance to their support with the other five companies, and received your order to do so. With Captains Kennedy s, Williston s, Hall s, Carter s, and Arnold s companies, leaving Cap tain Carter in charge of the detail to finish the trenches and protect camp, I advanced at double-quick up the ravine toward the Big Mound. When opposite the 6-pounder on the left of the ravine, where the general then was, I deployed the five companies at 3 paces intervals, without any reserve. The line extended from hill to hill, across the ravine, which was here irregular or closed. Advanc ing as rapidly as possible, the line first came under fire when it reached the crest of the first range of hills, below the summit peaks. The Indians then occupied the summit range, giving way from the highest peak or Big Mound, driven by the fire of the 6-pounder, but in great numbers along the ridge southward. Capt. Eugene Wilson s company of cavalry, dismounted, passed to my left, and occu pied the Big Mound, while I charged across the little valley, and up to the sum mit south of the mound. We advanced, firing, the Indians giving way as we ad vanced. I crossed the ridge and pursued the Indians out on the comparatively open ground east of the peaks. Their main body, however, was to our right, ready to dispute possession of the rocky ridges and ravines into which the sum mit range is broken in its continuation southward. I had flanked them, turning their right, and now gradually wheeled my line to the right until it was perpen-
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 317
dicular to the range, my left being well out on the open ground, over which the enemy s extreme right was retreating. I thus swept southward, and, as the open ground was cleared the Indians in that direction making to the hills 2 miles southeast, just beyond which was their camp, as we afterward discovered I wheeled still more to the right, directing my attention to the summit range again, where the Indians were the thickest. Advancing rapidly and firing, they soon broke, and as I reached and recrossed the ridge they were flying precipitately and in great numbers from the ravines, which partly covered them, down toward the great plain, at the southern termination of the range of hills.
Colonel McPhail, who, with a part of the cavalry, had crossed to the east side of the range, and kept in line in my rear, ready to charge upon the Indians when they should be dislodged from the broken ground, now passed my line and pursued the enemy out on the open plain. After I recrossed the range, I met Major Bradley, and united the seven companies. He, in conjunction with Cap tains Taylor s and Anderson s companies of the cavalry, dismounted, had per formed much the same service on the west slope of the range of hills that I had done on the east and summit, driving the enemy from hill to hill southward, a distance of 4 or 5 miles from camp to the termination of the range.
Happily no casualties happened in my command. Indeed, the Indians from the first encounter gave way, seeming to realize the superior range of our guns, yielding ridge after ridge and ravine after ravine, as we occupied successive ridges from which our fire reached them. The hat of one soldier and the musket stock of another gave proof of shots received, and other like evidences, and their balls occasionally kicking the dust up about us, and more rarely whistling past us, were the most sensible evidences of our being under fire.
The Indians were in far greater numbers than I had seen them before, certainly three times the number encountered at the relief of Birch Coolie, afterward ascer tained to be 350, and more than double the number seen at Wood lake. I judged there were from 1, 000 to 1, 500. Their numbers were more apparent after we had combed them out of the hills into the plain below.
After uniting the battalion at the southern termination of the great hills, I received orders to follow on, in support of the cavalry and artillery. The men were suffering greatly for water, and I marched them to a lake on the right, which proved to be salty. I then followed on after the cavalry. We passed one or more lakes that were alkaline. It was the experience of the ancient mariner:
Water, water everywhere, Nor any drop to drink.
We continued the march until 9 o clock at night, reaching a point 12 or 15 miles from camp. The men had been on their feet since 4 o clock in the morning, had double-quicked five miles during the engagement; had been without food since morning, and without water since noon. They were completely exhausted, and I ordered a bivouac.
The trail was strewed with buffalo skins, dried meat, and other effects aban doned by the Indians in their wild flight. The men gathered meat and ate it for supper, and used the skins for beds and covering. At this point, Captain Edger- toif s company, of the Tenth Begiment, joined us, and shared the night s hard ships. We had posted guard and lain an hour, when Colonel McPhail returned from pursuing the Indians. He urged that I should return with him to camp.
318 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The men were somewhat rested, and their thirst stimulated them to the effort. We joined him, and started to return to camp. About midnight we got a little dirty water from the marshy lake where the Indians had been encamped. "We reached camp at daylight, having marched nearly twenty-four hours, and over a distance estimated at from 40 to 45 miles.
My thanks are due to Major Bradley and the line officers for steady coolness and the faithful discharge of every duty, and to every man of the rank and file for good conduct throughout. The patient endurance of the long deprivation of water, and the fatigue of the weary night march, in returning to camp, after such a day, abundantly prove them to be such stuff as true soldiers are made of. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. E. MARSHALL,
Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Seventh Regiment Minnesota Vols. Capt. E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP WILLISTON, ON MISSOURI COTEAU, Aug. 5, 186S.
CAPTAIN: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the Seventh Eegiment in the pursuit of, and engagements with, the Indians subse quent to the battle of the Big Mound, on the 24th ultimo:
In my report of the 25th of July, I detailed the movements of thisj regiment in that engagement. On Sunday, the 26th of July, when the column was halted at the Dead Buffalo lake, and the Indians made a demonstration in front, I was with the right wing of my regiment, on the right flank of the train ; Major [George] Bradley was with the left wing, on the left, the regiment being in the middle of the column in the order of march. Leaving Major Bradley to protect the left flank, I deployed Company B, Captain [A. H.] Stevens, obliquely for ward to the right. He advanced farther than I intended, and did not halt until on the right of, and even with, the line of skirmishers of the Sixth Eegiment, then in the extreme advance. Thinking it better not to recall him, I advanced the three other companies of the right wing (Captains [James] Gilfillan s, [John] Ken nedy s, and [T. G.] Carter s) near enough to support Company B, and at the same time protect the right of the train, which was then well closed up on the site of our camp. I remained in this position, without the Indians approaching within range, until orders were given to go into camp. I had but just dismissed the bat talion from the color line to pitch tents, when the bold attack of the mounted Indians was made on the teams and animals, in the meadow on the north side of the camp. My line was on the south side of the camp. I assembled and re-formed the line, awaiting an attack from the south; but the Indians that appeared on that side quickly withdrew, after they saw the repulse on the north side, not coming within gun-shot range.
I cannot withhold an expression of my admiration of the gallant style in which the companies of cavalry (I believe Captains Wilson s and Davy s, the latter un der Lieutenant [L. S.] Kidder) dashed out to meet the audacious devils, that were very nearly successful in gobbling up the teams and loose animals, that be-
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 319
ing their object. The Bangers, putting their horses upon the run, were but a few seconds in reaching the Indians, whose quick right-about did not save them from the carbine and pistol shots and saber strokes, that told so well. I also saw and admired the promptitude with which Major McLaren, with a part of the Sixth Eegiment, moved from his color line on that side of camp to the support of the cavalry.
On the morning of the 28th of July, at Stony lake, the Seventh Eegiment, in the order of march, was in the rear. The rear of the wagon train was just filing out of camp, going around the south end of the lake, a part still within the camp ground, which extended almost to the end of the lake, my regiment being in line, waiting for the train to get out, when the alarm was given. Quickly the Indians appeared south of the lake, and circled around to the rear. I promptly advanced the right wing on the flank of the train, south of the lake, deploying Captains Gilfillan s and Stevens companies as skirmishers. With these, and Captains Kennedy s and Carter s companies in reserve, I immediately occupied the broken, rocky ground south of the lake; but not any too soon, for the Indians had entered it at the outer edge, not over 500 yards from the train. Lieutenant [H. H.] Western, of the battery, was in the rear, and promptly reported to me. I placed his section of the battery (two mountain howitzers) on the first elevation of the broken ground, outside the train. The fire of my line of skirmishers, then somewhat advanced on the right of the howitzers, and a few well-directed shots from Lieutenant Western s guns, discouraged the Indians from attempting to avail themselves of the cover of the small hills near us, dislodged the few that had got in, and drove the whole of them in that quarter to a very respectful dis tance, quite out of range. One shot from the Indians struck the ground near my feet, while I was locating the howitzers.
While I was thus occupied, Major Bradley, with the left wing (Captains Banks , Williston s, Hall s, and Arnold s companies), advanced out upon my left so as to cover the portion of the train still in camp from the threatened attack from the rear. There was a battalion of cavalry also protecting the rear to the left of Major Bradley. We thus formed a line from the left flank of the train around to the rear that effectually protected it. The Indians galloped back and forth just outside the range of the howitzers and our rifles of almost equal range, until the order came to close up the train and continue the march. As the rear of the train passed the lake, I took the right wing to the right flank of the train, near the rear, marched left in front, and so deployed as to well cover that portion of the train. Major Bradley, with the left wing, did similarly on the left flank. As the column moved forward the Indians withdrew out of sight.
On the 29th instant, when the column arrived at the Missouri river, the Sev enth Eegiment was the second in order of march, and was held on the flanks of the train, while the Sixth Eegiment, which was in the advance, penetrated the woods to the river. By order of the general, Companies B and H were advanced as skirmishers, obliquely to the right of the head of train, to explore for water. They had entered the woods but a little way when recalled by an aide of the general.
On the 30th instant, Companies A, B, and H, Captains Arnold, Stevens, and Gilfillan, were detailed, under Major Bradley, to form part of the force under Colonel Crooks to again penetrate to the river, to destroy the wagons and other
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:04:48 GMT -5
320 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
property of the Indians on the bank, and to search for the bodies of Lieutenant Beaver and Private Miller, of the Sixth Eegiment. (I prepared to accompany the detachments, but the general objected to both the field officers of the regiment leaving camp at. the same time.) Major Bradley, with the companies named, participated in the successful execution of the duty assigned Colonel Crooks.
On the night of the 31st of July, at our camp on the Missouri, I was at ex pedition headquarters, when the general was advised of hostile Indians having been heard signaling to one another around the camp. I returned to my regiment, and had two companies placed in the trenches. Subsequently, while I was lying down, Major Bradley received instructions to place the entire regiment along the front and flank of our part of the camp. This was done. Major Bradley re mained up the entire night. I slept a part of the night; I was up, however, about 2 o clock, when the Indians fired the volley into the north side of the camp that occupied by the Tenth Eegiment. The volley was evidently aimed too high for effect in the tents or on the men in the trenches. That side of the corral was open for passing the animals in and out, and some of the shots must have struck the cattle, in addition to the horses and inule killed. The cattle dashed out of the corral utterly wild with fright, and making the ground tremble. They were turned back and to the right by part of the line of the Tenth Eegiment. They then came plunging toward the left companies of my regiment. These rose up and succeeded in turning them back into the corral. It was providential that the camp was so encircled by the lines of the several regiments. But for the living wall that confronted them, the animals would have escaped or stampeded the mules and horses, with great destruction of life in the camp. I think it was the only time I have felt alarmed or startled. The prompt return of the fire of the Indians by the companies of the Tenth, on my left, discouraged any further attempt on the camp.
The next morning we resumed the march homeward. Since then no Indians have appeared, and nothing relating to this regiment occurred to add to the above.
In concluding this report, supplementary to that made on the 25th ultimo, I beg to add a few things of a more general nature, relating to the regiment I have the honor to command.
The health of the regiment during the long march from Camp Pope has been remarkably good. There have been but two cases of severe illness, both conva lescent. Surgeon [L. B.] Smith and Assistant Surgeon [A. A.] Ames have been assiduous and skillful in their attention to the medical wants and the general sanitary condition of the regiment. My highest acknowledgments are due and tendered to them. Adjutant [E. A.] Trader and Quartermaster [Amiui] Cutter have been laborious and efficient. During the first three weeks of the march, Lieut. F. H. Pratt was acting quartermaster, and gave the highest satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. Chaplain [O. P.] Light, who remained at Camp Atchison, has been faithful in his ministrations. The non-commissioned staff has been every way efficient. The good order and discipline of the regiment have been perfect; but two or three arrests have been made, and those for trivial offenses.
I feel it due to Major Bradley to again refer to him in acknowledgment of the assistance he has constantly rendered me. Soon after the march began, I became so afflicted with irritation of the throat from dust that the surgeon forbade my
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 321
giving commands to the battalion. Major Bradley has relieved me almost entirely in this respect, and has otherwise shared with me fully the responsibilities of the command.
Grateful to the Divine Providence that has guided and protected us, I am ?
captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. E. MARSHALL,
Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Seventh Regt. Minnesota Infantry. Capt E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Report of Col. James H. Baker, Tenth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY,
CAMP WILLISTON, Aug. 5, 1868.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to submit a report of such part as was borne by my regiment, or any portion of it, in the several actions from July 24, at Big Mound, to the Missouri river.
About 3:30 o clock on Friday, the 24th of July, while on the march, doing escort duty in the centre, I received information from the general command ing that a large force of Indians was immediately in our front, accompanied by an order communicated by Lieutenant Beaver to prepare my regiment for action, which order was immediately executed. Meantime the train was being corralled on the side of the lake; after which I received orders to form my regiment on the color line indicated for it, immediately in front of the corral, and fronting out ward from the lake, and to throw up iritrenchments along the line, which was speedily done. The action of this day began on my right, more immediately in front of the Seventh (which regiment, being in advance during the day s march, was entitled to the forward position ), by the artillery under Captain Jones, when, at 4:30 P. M., I received an order by Captain Olin to deploy a company to sup port this battery. I immediately deployed Company B, Captain Edgerton, and that company, though fatigued already with an ordinary day s march, continued with the battery ( marching for many miles on the double-quick ) during the en tire pursuit of the enemy, for 15 miles, and throughout the night till sunrise next morning, when they returned from the pursuit to camp, having made during the day and night the almost unparalleled march of quite 50 miles.
At about 5 o clock I received an order by Captain Pope to send Lieutenant Colonel Jennison with four companies, to be deployed and to follow in the direc tion of the retreating enemy, as a support for the cavalry and artillery. Colonel Jennison moved forward, with Companies A, F, C, and K, 5 miles, more than half of it on the double-quick, and reported his command to the general com manding, at that time in the front. After resting about one hour, by the order of the general commanding, Colonel Jennison was directed to return to camp with his force, and arrived at a little after 9 P. M. At the same time that the first order above alluded to was given, I was directed to assume command of the camp, and make the proper dispositions for its defense, which I did by completing all the intrenchments and organizing and posting such forces as were yet left in camp, not anticipating the return of our forces that night. 21
322 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The action of the 26th of July took place on the side of the camp opposite from my regiment, and, consequently, we did not participate in it. We were, however, constantly under arms, ready at any moment for orders or an opportu nity.
On Tuesday, the 28th of July, my regiment being in the advance for the day s march, we started out of Camp Ambler at 5 o clock in the morning. The general commanding, some of the scouts, and a few of the headquarters wagons had pre ceded my regiment out of camp, and were ascending the long sloping hill which gradually rose from Stony lake. I had just received, directly from the general commanding, orders for the disposition of my regiment during the days march, when the scouts came from over the hill on the full run, shouting, "They are coming ! they are coming ! " Immediately a very large body of mounted Indians began to make their appearance over the brow of the hill, and directly in front of my advancing column. I instantly gave the necessary orders for the deployment of the regiment to the right and left, which, with the assistance of Lieutenant Colonel Jennison and the great alacrity of commandants of companies, were exe cuted with the utmost rapidity, though a portion of my line was thrown into momentary confusion by the hasty passage through it of the returning scouts and advance wagons. At this moment an Indian on the brow of the hill shouted, l i We are too late; they are ready for us." Another one replied, "But remember our children and families; we must not let them get them." Immediately the In dians, all well mounted, filed off right and left along the hill in my front with the utmost rapidity. My whole regiment was deployed, but the Indians covered my entire front, and soon far outflanked on both sides, appearing in numbers that seemed almost incredible, and most seriously threatening the train to right and left of my widely extended line. The position of the train was at this moment imminently critical. It had begun to pass out of the corral around both ends of the small lake, to mass itself in the rear of my regiment, in the usual order of march. The other regiments were not yet in position, as the time to take their respective places in the order of march had not arrived. Fortunately, however, Captain Jones had early moved out of camp with one section of artillery, and was in the centre of my left wing, and Lieutenant Whipple, with another, near to the centre of my right, which was acting under Colonel Jennison.
Simultaneously with the deployment of the regiment, we began a steady ad vance of the whole line up the hill upon the foe, trusting to the speedy deploy ment of the other infantry regiments and the cavalry for the protection of the train, so threatened on either flank at the ends of the lake. My whole line was advancing splendidly up the hill, directly upon the enemy, the artillery doing fine work, and the musketry beginning to do execution, when I received a per emptory order to halt the entire line, as a farther advance would imperil the train. So ardent were both officers and men for the advance, that it was with some considerable difficulty that I could effect a halt. Believing fully that the great engagement of the expedition was now begun, and seeing in my front and reach ing far beyond either flank more than double the number of Indians that had hitherto made their appearance, I took advantage of the halt to make every preparation for a prolonged and determined action. Meantime long-range firing continued throughout the entire line, and frequently the balls of the enemy would reach to, and even pass over, my men, though it was evident that the range of
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 323
the Indian guns bore no comparison to ours. About this time I twice received the order to cause the firing to cease, which order I found very difficult to execute, owing to the wide extent of my line and intense eagerness of the men. I then received orders that, as the train was closed up, I should form my regiment in order of battle, deploy as skirmishers, holding two companies in reserve, and that, thus advancing, our order of march would be resumed in the face of the enemy. In a few minutes, the dispositions being made, all was ready, and, in the order of battle indicated, we passed the hill, and found that the enemy had fled. We saw them but once again for a moment, on a distant hill, in great numbers, when they entirely disappeared. My regiment marched in deployed order of battle en echelon at the head of the column for 18 miles, expecting and ready to meet the enemy at any moment.
The number of Indians so suddenly charging upon us was estimated at not less than from 1, 500 to 2, 000. They were well mounted, and moved about with the utmost rapidity and with their characteristic hideous yells. The artillery, under Captain Jones and Lieutenant Whipple, did great execution, as I could well observe, and the fire of my men did effective service, and enabled us to hold the enemy at bay till the train was closed up and the regular dispositions for its defense made. At least 3 of the enemy were seen to fall by the fire from my line, their bodies being thrown on ponies and rapidly carried away. The artillery must have killed and wounded a considerable number. Nothing could exceed the eagerness, firmness, and gallant bearing of all the officers and men of my com mand during this unexpected and by far, numerically, the greatest effort the In dians had yet made upon the forces of the expedition. In their courage and, earnest desire to clear the enemy from the hill by a double-quick charge, my officers and men were a unit. Nothing but the immediate peril of the train could induce them to cease the advance they had so gallantly begun.
On the 30th of July, while at Camp Slaughter, on the Missouri, I received an order to send three companies of my regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Jenni- son, to join an expedition under Colonel Crooks, the object of which was to skir mish through the timber and heavy underbrush to the river, and destroy the property of the Indians known to be upon its banks. This most laborious task was assigned to Companies B, F and K and a portion of Company C. A report of their operations will, of course, be given you by the officer commanding the expedition. I desire, captain, to avail myself of this opportunity to express my sincere gratification at the good order, faithful devotion to every duty, most de termined perseverance in the long and weary marches, severe guard and trench ing labors, and unmurmuring submission to every fatigue which has characterized the officers and men of my regiment during the tedious and arduous inarches we have made to the distant shores of the Missouri river. It is with justifiable pride that I here note how nobly they have performed all that has been required at their hands.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. BAKER, Colonel of the Tenth Regiment Minnesota Infantry.
Capt. E. C. OLIN,
A. A. General, District Minnesota.
324 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Feb. 19, 1863.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. <?.,
SIR: On behalf of the First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers, the oldest vol unteer regiment in the service, and in accordance with a very generally expressed wish of the people of the state, I respectfully ask that said regiment, now nearly two years in active service in the Army of the Potomac, honorably distinguished in most of the hard-fought battles of that army, and reduced, as I am informed, to 250 effective men, may be returned to this state, where, I have every confi dence, in a few months, by their personal presence they might recruit their num bers to a minimum regiment, and possibly to a maximum, so much are they es teemed for their patriotism, their endurance, and their valor.
It were advisable to send them home to recruit, if but for three or four months, and if you insist upon it, any one of our new regiments now in the state could be sent on in lieu of them, though I should prefer seeing the purpose of the Indians before diminishing the force here.
I could send you a great number of petitions presented me by the people of the state making this request, but do not deem it necessary or proper to impose the labor of considering them upon you.
In six weeks from this time navigation on the upper Mississippi will be re sumed, when they might be sent here very conveniently, and their presence, should there be, as there probably will be, an Indian war of some importance, will have a fine effect upon our more newly recruited troops.
Trusting that you may give the request a favorable consideration, and signify it at an early day, I remain,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., Feb. 21, 186S.
To Governor RAMSEY,
St. Paul, Minn.:
I think it due to those who suffer in the field, as well as those who foot the bills at home, and run the risk of being called out to defend home and national life, that all deserters be returned to duty. All citizens are interested in this. Those who oppose it favor perjury and rascality, because a man who agrees to serve his country, takes wages and even bounty money and violates his oath of service by deserting, is a perjurer and rascal and probably a coward.
"Why should not the legislature pass a law disfranchising and disqualifying from every office all deserters as for other infamous crimes!
W. S. EOSECRANS, Major General, Commanding.
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:05:41 GMT -5
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 325
WASHINGTON, April 8, 1868.
SIR: I beg leave to recur to the subject matter of several conversations which. I have had the honor to hold with you relative to the return of the First Minnesota Eegiment to the State of Minnesota to recruit their numbers and health. This regiment, by the casualties of war, is reduced to about 250 effective men, and such is its reputation at home that I feel well assured could it return to the state for a very limited period, even its ranks would very soon be filled to the maximum standard.
There are five full regiments now in Minnesota, either one of which might be ordered to the Army of the Potomac to take the place of this regiment.
The Legislature of Minnesota, by joint resolution, unanimously adopted, has asked this favor for the gallant regiment, which originally enlisted for three months, has now, without any relaxation, faithfully performed constant service for nearly two years.
I had the honor some time in February last to address the War Department a letter upon this subject, and beg leave again to solicit your favorable consider ation of the request. Satisfied that by so doing the interests both of the regiment and of the country will be greatly subserved,
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY. Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, April 22, 1863.
SIR: The Secretary of War instructs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, referring to several joint resolutions unanimously adopted by the Legislature of your state, requesting that the First Eegiment of Minnesota Volunteers may be allowed to return home for a brief period, for the purpose of recruiting its numbers.
In reply I am directed to inform you that your letter, having been referred to the adjutant general for consideration and report, the Secretary of War invites attention to the inclosed copy of the decision of the general-in-chief in regard to the application involved the reasonableness and necessity of which it would seem difficult to question.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretarg of War. Hon. ALEXANDER EAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, April, 1868.
SIR: In reply to yours of the 12th instant inclosing joint resolutions of the Legislature of Minnesota in relation to securing a temporary withdrawal of the
326 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers from active service, I am directed to com municate the views of the general-in-chief, contained in the following indorse ment:
Similar applications have been made for the same reasons from other states in regard to regi ments similarly situated. It would be unjust and invidious to allow one to go home and refuse the same privilege to others. To withdraw all such regiments from General Hooker s command would destroy the efficiency of his army. It cannot be without great injury to the service.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant General.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, July 22, 1863.
DEAR Sin: A delegation of prominent and reliable citizens of this city have desired me to request that you instruct Colonel Miller to provide a sufficient and proper force for the protection of the property and lives of the citizens at the time of the draft. They assure me that there are plain indications of the arrange ment of plans and the collection of arms to resist the enforcement of the law.
I have no personal knowledge of the matter myself, but have confidence in the opinions of the gentlemen comprising the delegation.
I hope you will see fit to give Colonel Miller the desired authority, and in that case as little publicity as possible had better be given to the matter. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
HENRY A. SWIFT,
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Governor.
Commanding Department of the Northwest.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
MILWAUKEE, July 26, 1863.
COLONEL: I have received a letter from the Governor of Minnesota express ing apprehensions of a riot in St. Paul in the event of a draft being made under the conscription law, and requesting that a military force be at hand to prevent or suppress it.
You will accordingly take measures quickly to assemble such a force as will be sufficient at Fort Snelling or elsewhere, at your discretion, and in case of a demand upon you by the Governor you will use it vigorously in quelling any riot and in protecting the U. S. officers in the discharge of their duty. In using the military for this purpose you will be careful to do so as far as possible in accord ance with the civil law in such cases, being guarded to a great degree, and except when Federal officers require immediate protection, by the advice and wish of the Governor. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major General, Commanding. Col. S. MILLER,
Commanding Department Minnesota, St. Paul.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 327
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Nov. 24, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War,
SIR: I am constantly receiving letters from invalids and wounded soldiers of our regiments now in the Southern States, urging me to ask that they may be sent to this state that they may have the benefit of this climate in recuperating their health and strength.
They tell me that the favor is granted to soldiers of other states on application to the governors.
On my late visit to Washington I requested that you would direct the estab lishment of a government hospital at Winona, or some other point easily accessible by the Mississippi river, for the reception of these invalids, who, I have no doubt, would recover and be able to return to the service in half the time, if brought here, that is required where they are now under treatment.
I should be glad to know and to be able to communicate to our soldiers whether there is a prospect that my application will be granted.
If this can be done it will save to the national service much time and money and to our people many lives.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY A. SWIFT.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. 12, 1863.
SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th ultimo suggesting the propriety of establishing a general hospital at Winona for the reception of sick and wounded soldiers of Minnesota regiments.
The question having been referred to the surgeon general, he reports that " Winona as a site for U. S. general hospital is too difficult of access in winter, river navigation being closed for five months in the year, and the terminus of the Milwaukee road, La Crosse, being 40 miles distant."
It will, therefore, be apparent to you, that, however favorably inclined the department may be to meet your wishes, the selection of Winona presents too serious objections to make it judicious to carry the proposed plan into effect.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. E. S. CANBY, Brigadier General, A. A. General. His Excellency, HENRY A. SWIFT,
Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.
328 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
BATTLE OF STONE S RIVER, OR MURFREESBOROITGH, TENN. Dec. 31, 1862 -Jan. 3, 1863.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. JAMES BARNETT, FIRST OHIO LIGHT ARTIL LERY, CHIEF OF ARTILLERY.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., Feb. 8, 1863.
# # * The artillery of the First Division is composed of the following batteries and had the following guns: Fifth Wisconsin, Captain Pinney, at tached to Colonel Post s brigade; Second Minnesota, Captain Hotchkiss, at tached to Colonel Carlin s brigade; Eighth Wisconsin, Captain Carpenter, attached to Colonel Woodruff s brigade. Four 10-pounder Parrotts, eight 6- pounder smooth-bore, four 12-pounder howitzers. * * *
The Second Minnesota Battery, Captain Hotchkiss, moved on the 30th with its brigade to the right of the Wilkinson pike until the withdrawal of skirmish ers, when the battery opened with canister and spherical -case with effect. When the first line of the brigade had arrived at the point about 180 yards from the house of Mrs. William Smith, two batteries, one about 100 yards west of the house and another on the east of the house, 250 yards distant, opened fire on the Twenty -first Illinois and Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers. These batteries were soon silenced, but another to the right, about 500 yards, enfilading the brigade, was driven off by a well-directed fire from this battery.
Before daylight on the morning of the 31st, the battery was retired 200 yards, soon after which the brigade was vigorously attacked and obliged to fall back across the open fields, and entered a wood about 200 yards east of Griscom s house, when several rounds were fired with destructive effect.
The command was again retired about one mile, and .went into position in the edge of a cedar grove, from whence it again retired to the railroad. The next position was near the Nashville pike, four miles from Murfreesborough.
On January 2, under order of Major General Eosecrans, the brigade and bat tery were sent to the left, crossing Stone s river at the ford, relieving Colonel Hazen, where they remained until January 4. * * *
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. WILLIAM P. CARLIN, THIRTY-EIGHTH ILLI NOIS INFANTRY, COMMANDING SECOND BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
EIGHT WING, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Jan. 6 y 1863. # # # The brigade took up the line of march on the morning of the 27th, in a heavy rain, in the direction of Triune, bivouacking within one mile of that place, were it remained during the 28th, moving on the morning of the 29th in the direction of Murfreesborough. That night we bivouacked on Blackman s farm, 4 miles west of that town. Early on the morning of the 30th we crossed Overall s creek, on the right of the Wilkinson pike, and took up position in a heavy wood south of Asa Griscom s house.
BATTLE OF STONE S RIVER. 329
At 2 P. M. I was ordered to advance; passed through a corn-field, entering another heavy wood, where my skirmishers first met those of the enemy. Before making this advance, Brigadier General Davis, commanding division, informed me that my brigade was to direct the movements of the division, and that Colonels Post and Woodruff, commanding, respectively, the First and Third brigades, were ordered to keep on a line with me. My skirmishers, under Lieutenant Colonel McKee, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, continued to drive those of the enemy through the wood for about one-fourth of a mile, when I halted and sent a request to Colonels Post and Woodruff to keep pace with my advance.
At this point my skirmishers, having suffered severely, were withdrawn, and my battery (Second Minnesota, Capt. W. A. Hotchkiss) opened on the enemy with canister and spherical-case, inflicting serious damage. I then threw forward another line of skirmishers, under Lieutenant Colonel McMackin, Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, which advanced so slowly that my front line of battle soon closed upon it, driving in, however, the skirmishers of the enemy. My first line of battle was now within 180 yards of the enemy s line, at the house of Mrs. William Smith.
At this point a battery, about 100 yards west of the house, opened with canis ter upon the Twenty -first Illinois Volunteers, and another, on the east of the house, 250 yards distant, on the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, killing and wounding a number of my men. Here it was my intention to halt until the First and Third brigades should come up, on my right and left, respectively; but Col. J. W. S. Alexander, commanding Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, without in structions from me, ordered his regiment to charge on the battery in his front. His command was moving, with a shout, at double-quick step, within 80 yards of the battery, already abandoned by its cannoneers, when a very heavy fire was opened upon it by infantry, which lay concealed behind fences and outhouses, on the right and left of the battery. This fire killed and wounded a large number of the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, and threw the left companies into some dis order, when the regiment was halted and formed on the right of the Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers.
The fight was now fairly opened, and continued vigorously until night by the front line of my infantry and the battery which had been placed between the two regiments. The batteries in our front were soon silenced, but another was then opened on my right flank, distant about 500 yards, which completely enfiladed my lines and considerably injured us; but this, too, was driven out of sight by Captain Hotchkiss, after a vigorous and well-directed fire.
Again I sent a request to Colonels Post and Woodruff to come up, but they continued to remain in rear of my lines. I maintained my position during the night, having at dark relieved my front line by the Thirty-eighth Illinois and One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteers.
My loss during this day, in killed, wounded, and missing, was about 175 offi cers and men. Before daylight on the morning of December 31st, perceiving in dications of an advance by the enemy, I retired my battery about 200 yards. At daylight the enemy advanced. Seeing that the troops on the right and left of my line would not come up, I fell back, with my infantry on a line with my battery, and made a stand; the Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers about 200 yards to the rear, and on the right of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteers; the Fifteenth
330 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Wisconsin Volunteers were posted on the rocks in front of my battery, and the Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers on the left of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteers.
My men were falling rapidly on the front line, and, wishing to increase the fire on the enemy, I sent an order to Colonel Alexander to advance and form on the right of the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteers, and to Colonel Heg, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers, to form on the left of the Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, and to my battery to retire. To my surprise, I received a reply from Colonel Alexander that he was already so hotly engaged that he could not come forward. The startling intelligence was also at this moment communicated to me, by one of my orderlies, that all our forces on our right had left the ground. Immediately afterward a heavy fire of musketry and artillery from the enemy, from my right flank and rear, unmistakably announced that I was also attacked from that direction. * * *
Capt. W. A. Hotchkiss, commanding Second Minnesota Battery, and all his officers and men, deserve credit for their gallantry in the fight, and energy in preventing the loss of the battery. * * *
EXTRACT FROM KEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JEFFERSON C. DAVIS, COMMANDING
FIRST DIVISION.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, EIGHT WING, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Jan...., 1863.
* # * The Second Brigade, consisting of the Twenty-first and Thirty-eighth Illinois, Fifteenth Wisconsin and One Hundred and First Ohio regiments, and the Second Minnesota Battery, commanded by Colonel Carlin, had by this time formed a line of battle on Post s right, and, moving rapidly forward, soon en gaged the enemy s dismounted cavalry in a sharp skirmish. * * *
On the morning of the 30th the division moved forward and took position on General Sheridan s right, about 300 yards south of and parallel to the Wilkinson pike, in which position it remained until 2 p. M. A few companies of skirmish ers thrown to the front in a skirt of timbered land soon found those of the enemy, and for several hours a brisk skirmish was kept up with varying results. About 2 P. M. the general commanding ordered a general advance of the whole line. This the enemy seemed at first disposed to resist only with his skirmishers; grad ually, however, as both parties strengthened their lines of skirmishers, the con test became more animated. Our main lines steadily advanced, occupying and holding the ground gained by the skirmishers until about half an hour before sunset, when the enemy s position was plainly discerned, running diagonally across the old Murfreesborough and Franklin road.
The enemy s batteries now announced our close proximity to their lines. Car penter s and Hotchkiss batteries were soon brought into position and opened fire. Woodruff s and Carlin s brigades by this time felt the fire of the enemy s main lines, and responded in the most gallant manner. Post s brigade, moving steadily forward on the right, after a most obstinate resistance on the part of the enemy,
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:06:42 GMT -5
BATTLE OF STONE S RIVER. 331
succeeded in driving his skirmishers from a strong position in our front, forcing them to retire upon his main lines. Night soon brought a close to the con test. * * *
The night passed off quietly until about daylight, when the enemy s forces were observed by our pickets to be in motion. Their object could not, however, with certainty, be determined until near sunrise, when a vigorous attack was made upon Willich s and Kirk s brigades. These troops seem not to have been fully prepared for the assault, and, with little or no resistance, retreated from their position, leaving their artillery in the hands of the enemy. This left my right brigade exposed to a flank movement, which the enemy was now rapidly execut ing, and compelled me to order Post s brigade to fall back and partially change its front. Simultaneous with this movement the enemy commenced a heavy and very determined attack on both Carlin s and Woodruff s brigades. These bri gades were fully prepared for the attack, and received it with veteran courage. The conflict was fierce in the extreme on both sides. Our loss was heavy and that of the enemy no less. It was, according to my observations, the best con tested point of the day, and would have been held, but for the overwhelming force moving so persistently against my right. Carlin, finding his right flank being so severely pressed, and threatened with being turned, ordered his troops to retire.
Woodruff s brigade succeeded in repulsing the enemy and holding its position until the withdrawal of the troops on both its flanks compelled it to retire. Pinney s battery, which I had posted in an open field upon my extreme right, and ordered to be supported by a part of Post s brigade, now opened a destruc tive fire upon the enemy s advancing lines. This gallant and distinguished bat tery, supported by the Twenty -second Indiana and Fifty-ninth Illinois regiments, together with a brigade of General Johnson s division, commanded by Colonel Baldwin, Sixth Indiana Volunteers, for a short time brought the enemy to a check on our right. Hotchkiss battery had also by this time taken an excellent position near the Wilkinson pike, so as to command the enemy s approach across a large cotton-field in his front, over which he was now advancing. The infantry, how ever, contrary to expectations, failed to support this battery, and, after firing a few rounds, was forced to retire. * * *
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
CUNNINGHAM S FORD, Dec. 11, 1862. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
Gallatin, Tenn.,
GENERAL: Last night, in pursuance to your instructions, I sent out 8 men from my command for the purpose of ascertaining the situation of the enemy in and around Lebanon and picking up whatever information they could. Two of the party have just returned Sergeant Day, of the Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and Private Primrose, of the Eighteenth TJ. S. Infantry. They state that after crossing the Cumberland at this ford they traveled southwest until they struck the main road or pike leading from Cairo to Lebanon; that they followed this- until within about 2 miles of the latter place, where they stopped at a house oc-
332 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
cupied by an intelligent woman, whom they aronsed and asked for information as to where they might find the Southern army. They represented to her that they were deserters from the Northern army, and were seeking some officers who had authority to take them as prisoners and then parole them. This story the woman believed, and, after speaking of their desertion in complimentary terms, and her desire to assist them, [told them] that there were no officers or forces in the neighborhood of Lebanon, but they would have to go to Black Shop, which she told them was 18 miles from Lebanon; that there had been some troops at Baird s Mills, 7 miles south, but they had now all gone to the former place. She further said that the troops at Black Shop were commanded by Kirby Smith and Morgan, and numbered about 22,000 men; that it was apart of this force that had so nicely trapped the Yankees at Hartsville. After receiving instructions to pro ceed to Lebanon, where she said they would find no Union men, but plenty of friends to help them, they left. Passing on a short distance farther, they concluded to return to camp, and had come 5 or 6 miles on the way, when, about 4 A. M., they stopped at a house and asked for information. Here Sergeant Day reports that 3 of his men, belonging to the Eighteenth Infantry, refused to come further, and would not move on until they could get some breakfast, and was thus com pelled to wait at that place. After stopping there about fifteen minutes, they found the house surrounded by 15 or 20 men, and they were compelled to sur render, they, however, insisting that they had deserted, and were only hunting some one to parole them. They were about to be started on the road toward Lebanon, and were informed by the officer or leader of the party that he would have to take them 18 miles south of Lebanon to get to an officer who could parole them; that this place was Black Shop; that Morgan was in command, some other general being there with him. The name of this general Sergeant Day has for gotten, but knows it was not Kirby Smith. They were treated kindly, and, tak ing advantage of it, Day and Primrose, first making an excuse to step aside, took to the bushes and made their escape. They further learned that the enemy were in the habit of sending scouting parties along the south bank of the Cumberland every few days. This, I believe, is the amount of information obtained. The men who started on the expedition were 4 from the Eighteenth Infantry, 2 from the Second Minnesota, and 2 from the Thirty-fifth Ohio, Sergeant Day and Pri vate Primrose alone escaping. They were all armed with revolvers, having left their muskets in camp. Day and Primrose both lost their pistols. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FERDINAND VAN DERVEER, Colonelj Commanding Detachment, Third Brigade.
RECONNAISSANCE FROM MURFREESBOROUGH. 333
ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON, TENN.-Feb. 3, 1863.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
FORT DONELSON, TENN., Feb. 6, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the engagement of the forces under my command with the enemy under Generals Wheeler, Forest, and Wharton at this place on the 3d instant:
You will remember that on the 2d instant I forwarded to you a report that the enemy, 900 strong, with several pieces of artillery, under command of Forest, had taken a position on the river at Palmyra, for the purpose of obstructing the navi gation of the Cumberland, and that I made a proposition to take a transport then lying at this landing, arm it with artillery and infantry, and make a reconnais sance toward that point, which proposition you approved.
Accordingly, on the morning of the 3d, I ordered Major [E. C.] Brott, of my regiment, to take the steamer Wild Cat and place upon it one company of the Eighty -third and two guns of Flood s battery, protected by bales of hay, and pro ceed up the river in the direction of Palmyra. This order had been so far exe cuted as that the expedition was ready to move by 11 A. M. Early in the forenoon of that day reports were brought in that the enemy were advancing upon Donel- son by the road leading down the river. I had started Capt. Henning von Min- den, of Company G [originally First Company Minnesota Cavalry and afterwards Company A of Brackett s Battalion], Fifth Iowa Cavalry, with 30 men, by way of the rolling mill road, to make a reconnaissance overland in conjunction with the river expedition. He had moved before the first report of the approach of the enemy came in. * * *
Our loss in the whole command was 13 killed, 51 wounded, and some 20 pris oners. This is exclusive of Captain von Minden and his 26 men, who were cap tured the same day on a scout. The prisoners have all been paroled except Captain von Minden. # * #
A. C. HARDING,
Colonel, Commanding. Col. W. W. LOWE,
Comdg. 77. 8. Forces at Forts Henry , Heiman and Donelson.
RECONNAISSANCE FROM MURFREESBOROUGH.- March 6-7, 1863.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION,
TWENTIETH ARMY CORPS, March 7, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report the following movements and transactions of this brigade during the 6th and 7th instant:
Agreeably to instructions from headquarters Twentieth Army Corps, I pro ceeded toward Shelbyville, on the pike, at 7 A. M. on the 6th, with two days rations and without baggage. Arriving at the Methodist church about 8} miles from Murfreesborough, I met the enemy s cavalry in considerable force, which were soon routed by skirmishers from the Twenty-first Illinois and Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteers.
334 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
At the house of Captain Newman, near the brick church, the enemy s cavalry dismounted and endeavored to hold us in check, but the steady advance of our skirmishers drove them from their hiding-places. Falling back upon their reserve, they again made a stand along the crest of a high rocky bluff, well covered with timber, at a point where the pike runs through a gap of this bluff. It was evident the enemy were trying to post their artillery, it being for them a very strong position. I doubled the strength of the skirmish line by details from the Fifteenth Wisconsin and Twenty-first Illinois Volunteers, and gave orders to take and occupy the bluff. In the meantime Lieutenant [A.] Woodbury, com manding Second Minnesota Battery, brought up a section of his Parrott guns, aud got them in position on the crest of the hill. The enemy, failing to obtain for his artillery the position he sought, planted two guns three-quarters of a mile farther back on the pike, and opened a lively fire on our lines. Woodbury replied with his Parrotts, and soon forced the enemy s artillery to retire. * * *
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HANS C. HEG, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. T. W. MORRISON,
Assistant Adjutant General.
THE CHAffCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN.- April 27-May 6, 1863.
Report of Lieut. Col. William Colvill, Jr. , First Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
May 8, 186S.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to forward the following report of the part taken by this command in the late action at Fredericksburg, commencing on the 3d instant:
At 2 A. M. of that day, in obedience to orders, I marched the regiment from its old camp to the Lacy house, opposite Fredericksburg, where it remained under arms until the completion of the bridge at that point shortly after daylight, and then marched with the rest of the brigade across the river and occupied the town. A heavy action at that time being in progress between the corps of General Sedg- wick and the enemy, on our left, we were moved, with three other regiments of the brigade, along the base of the hills in the rear of the town to the river, where the enemy s left was posted, marching the whole distance (over 1 mile) under a heavy artillery fire at short range, from which we were entirely unprotected, and were wholly unable to return. Upon arriving at the river bank we were halted, and, seeing the enemy placing a battery in position to enfilade my whole com mand, as well as the regiment in the rear, with the permission of the colonel commanding the brigade, I placed it under cover of the intrenchments abandoned by the enemy, running along and parallel with the river, upon which they then opened a heavy fire, which, proving wholly ineffective, was soon discontinued. Here we remained until the object of the movement was accomplished, viz., the
THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN. 335
withdrawal of a large force of the enemy from General Sedgwick s front and the subsequent capture of the heights by him, when we marched down the river, by the left flank, and joined his command in the rear of the town, and then marched with it about 3 miles out on the plank road, when, after remaining about one hour and no enemy being reported in front, we marched back into the town, where we arrived at 3 p. M., and, after resting, recrossed the river and took posi tion, covering the lower bridge, supporting Captain Adams battery ( G, First Ehode Island Artillery). There we remained that night and the next day, strongly intrenching ourselves on the river bank, when, the bridge being then removed, we were ordered back to the Lacy house, to cover the upper bridge, where we arrived at 11 P. M., occupying the rifle-pits at the bridge and the hill immediately in the rear until the next evening, when, that bridge having been removed and the town completely evacuated by our forces, we rejoined the bri gade at this place.
Although not placed in such a prominent position as has usually been its for tune in the engagements, my command officers and men, all of them displayed the same steadiness and alacrity in the performance of its duties as has distin guished it under its former commanders, and, from the time the march com menced until the present moment, every member of it, except the wounded, has been constantly present for duty.
Aside from the heavy picket and fatigue duty performed by this regiment dur ing the time above mentioned, three companies of it, viz., Companies B, C, and E, at the time detached, were instrumental in saving and conveying to this side of the river two pieces of artillery, with limbers and caissons complete, captured from the enemy, and which they removed under fire; also 400 stand of small arms.
I cannot pass over the gallant conduct of 25 privates of the regiment, under command of Lieutenant Bruce, of Company F, who volunteered, upon the call of the general, to clear the way across the river at the point of the bayonet in case opposition, as was expected, should be offered to our passage, and who, being then detached from the regiment, were deployed in front of General Sedgwick s command as skirmishers, and were among the first to enter the enemy s works, and continued the whole day in the advance, killing, wounding, and taking num bers of the enemy, fortunately without the loss of a man on their part.
The total loss of the regiment during the engagement was but 9 men wounded none fatally while marching from the town to the enemy s left, at the river. The names of the wounded, 4 of whom are now present for duty in the ranks, are as follows: Corp. E. P. Phillips, and Privates [Albert] Johnson and Eeed, Com pany G; N. Guntzer, Company A; B. Fenton, Company E; A. Davis, Company F; E. Hess, Company H; C. B. Boardman and A Shaw, Company K.
No public property has been lost or abandoned by this command since the march commenced.
I have the honor to subscribe myself, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. COLVILL, JK.,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding First Minnesota Volunteers. Lieut. ANDREW LEVERING,
Act. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., Second Div., Second Army Corps.
336 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Extract from Report of Col. Byron Laflin, Thirty-fourth New York Infantry, Com
manding First Brigade.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA., May 3, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to respectfully forward to division headquarters the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the recent action near Fredericksburg, Va. :
For some days previous to the 3d instant, the brigade had been kept in com plete readiness for moving at the shortest notice, with eight days rations and 140 rounds of ammunition to each man. On the night of the 2d, about 12 o clock, orders were received for the brigade, excepting the Nineteenth Maine Volunteers, ordered on the night of the 1st instant to protect telegraph line, etc. (Col. H. W. Hudson, Eighty-second New York Volunteers, commanding brigade), to report to the general commanding division, near the Lacy house. Immediately the command was put in motion, and reported, as ordered, about 1 :30 A. M. of the 3d instant. Shortly after arriving a call was made for 100 volunteers to cross the river as a storming party, to dislodge the enemy in the town. The call was immediately and cheer fully responded to by 25 men from each of the four regiments of the brigade pres ent, viz., Fifteenth Massachusetts, Eighty-second New York, First Minnesota, and Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, officered as follows: Capt. George W. Eyerson, Eighty -second New York Volunteers, commanding; Lieutenant Hug- gins, Eighty-second New York Volunteers; Lieut. James McCormick, Thirty- fourth New York Volunteers; Lieut. H. Bruce, First Minnesota. Captain Eyer- son reported, as ordered, to the general commanding division, in person, from whom he received his instructions. * * *
I take pleasure in mentioning in this connection my staff Lieutenant Lever ing, aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant general, Lieutenant [Josias B.] King, aide-de-camp, and Captain Hale, acting assistant inspector general; also Lieut. I. Harris Hooper, adjutant Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, whose ser vices on the 3d instant I highly appreciate and commend.
SCOUT FROM FORT HEIMAN, KY -May 26- June 2, 1863.
Report of Maj. Hans Mattson, Third Minnesota Infantry.
FORT HEIMAN, KY., June 2, 1863.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of special orders from post headquarters, I started, on the 26th of May last, on a scouting ex pedition, with Companies B, D, G, and H, Third Minnesota Infantry, also two detachments of Companies A and D, Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry.
After marching 5 miles, I deployed the infantry as skirmishers, covering the west side of the Tennessee and both sides of Big Sandy rivers. We thus scoured the country thoroughly through Henry, Benton, Carroll, Weakley, and part of Decatur counties, Tennessee. We found Confederate soldiers and guerrillas in
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:08:05 GMT -5
SCOUT FROM FORT HEIMAN. 337
small parties scattered along the Tennessee and Sandy rivers, and ascertained that there is a large recruiting station near the east side of the Tennessee river, below Duck river, with a rebel camp of 400 to 600 men, and that this force constantly sends small parties across the Tennessee river, who gather up recruits and steal horses, and otherwise annoy the loyal citizens on this side. These parties mostly swim their horses across the river, the men crossing in skiffs or canoes.
We destroyed along the bank of the river, mostly in the vicinity of the mouth of Duck river, 2 large flat boats, 7 large skiffs, and 6 canoes.
We had several little skirmishes with small squads of the enemy, the largest party any of my men found numbering only 15. In these skirmishes we killed 1 and wounded 5, either guerrillas or soldiers. We captured 4 officers: Lieuten ant Colonel Dawson, First Tennessee Cavalry; Captain Howard, First Tennessee Cavalry; Major Algee, noted guerrilla chief; Captain Grizzel, noted guerrilla chief, and 11 privates, some guerrillas and some soldiers; also 16 horses and 11 mules, with saddles, etc. We also captured a large private rebel mail.
I lost 2 men missing, one a soldier in the Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry, name unknown to me; the other, John C. Hanthingy, Company G, Third Minnesota In fantry, was wounded, and is supposed to be a prisoner. F. M. Joy, Company G, Third Minnesota Infantry, was slightly wounded in the shoulder.
The conduct of Corp. Jesse Barrick, Company H, Third Minnesota Infantry, is particularly worthy of mention. He captured, single-handed, the two desper ate guerrilla officers, Major Algee and Captain Grizzel, both of whom were to gether and well armed at the time.
Captain Yanstrum, commanding Company D, Third Minnesota Infantry, not having yet returned with his command, I cannot give a correct report of his do ings in Weakley county, but have been informed by a messenger that he has cap tured a number of guerrillas and horses. He will make a full report to the district provost marshal at Columbus, on his arrival there.
Eespectfully submitted,
H. MATTSON,
Major , Third Minnesota Infantry Volunteers. Lieut. C. H. BLAKELY,
. Post Adjutant.
Report of Copt. Edward L. Baker, Third Minnesota Infantry.
FOKT HEIMAN, KY., May 28, 1863. Lieut. C. H. BLAKELY,
Post Adjutant ,
SIR: My expedition consisted of 40 of the Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry and 15 mounted infantry from each of the two regiments stationed, Third Minnesota and One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois, Lieutenant Williams, Fifteenth Ken tucky Cavalry, Lieutenant Greenleaf and Sergeant Major Hale of the Third Minnesota. We took no provisions or forage, designing, as is customary in these expeditions, to live on the country, which is quite well settled and fairly supplied with provisions. We started at sundown on the 18th instant, rode 17 miles, and called on a wealthy secesh farmer for forage for our horses. I felt
22
338 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
somewhat backward in forcing an entertainment for 70 men and horses, but Lieu tenant "Williams of the cavalry, who has scouted for a year steadily, had, in abundance, the assurance that I lacked, and soon fiad the household astir and the negroes after corn. The horses were soon cared for, the pickets stationed and the men asleep under the shade trees in the front yard. We had orders to search the house for a lieutenant colonel of the rebel army, reported to be secreted there, and in doing so were necessarily obliged to disturb the entire family, consisting in great part of women. That they were incensed at the appearance of the Yan kees and at being disturbed from their sleep was very apparent. We breakfasted with them and rode into Paris in the forenoon. It is a very nice, cosy little place of 1,000 or 2,000 inhabitants; has a fair court-house, a number of good sized brick stores, but with little or nothing in them. Three or four have about sufficient to stock a millinery shop. The streets have every appearance of a continuous Sunday; 15 or 20 loafers lounging in the shade did not disturb the tranquility of the scene.
From there we went through Marlborough to Huntington, bivouacked one night on the road, during which I had a little sport by myself. I slept rather uneasily, as the night was chilly and I had no blankets. About 2 o clock in the morning the corporal of the guard had some difficulty in finding one of the men of the relief coming on, and as I wished to be sure of an early start and did not wish him to disturb all the men to find his guard, I volunteered to stand the turn myself, and went down the road and relieved the man on duty. A negro whom I had pressed as a guide sat by a little smouldering fire near the post and I sat down and questioned him about the roads. In a short time I heard the patter of horses feet of a party which I judged to consist of three or four, and heard some men chatting quite glibly one of them boasting of some charge he had made. I started back a few steps with the design of waking some of my men to send along the side of the road and get in their rear, but saw that they would be up too soon and stepped back. They rode within twenty yards before they discovered me, when they immediately pulled up to a halt and I challenged; they answered " Friends," wheeled their horses and charged in the opposite direction at their best gait. I was balked in catching them, so I let after them four shots. The night was too dark to distinguish any object and the result of my shooting very uncertain. I heard their horses break into the brush and woods and knew that to follow in the dark was useless. At daylight, as we moved down the road, we found, where they started to run, a home-made riding dress and a piece of calico. I learned that day that a citizen who had had three horses stolen the same night found them abandoned in the woods near there. These guerrillas in fest West Tennessee. They go in small parties, dressed in citizens clothes, steal horses, forage on the country, keep in the thickets and river bottoms, run their horses across the Tennessee river and sell them to the rebels. They never show fight, but will not let slip an opportunity to come unawares upon a straggling soldier and shoot him down, and when taken always profess to belong to the Confederate army, Grear s regiment or Williams company.
I divided my force into a number of squads and scoured the counties of Henry, Carroll and Benton thoroughly, then sent back to the fort by the nearest route, about one-half my force, with the provisions which I had taken and some refugee families, and started myself with the design of returning with the rest by way of
SCOUT FROM FORT KEIMAN. 339
Paris. On Sunday morning, about 10 miles south of that place, we came to a country church in a pretty grove. It was near time for the services to commence and the people were assembling for miles around; nearly all came on horseback. The ladies, many quite handsome, and all very nicely dressed, were sitting in groups in the shade in front, and the negroes, all i i fixed to kill, in the rear of the little log church. It was the most picturesque and peaceful Sabbath scene I ever beheld, and when I rode up with my dusty armed men I felt a slight twinge of conscience in disturbing their quiet. But that was soon displaced by the old bitter hatred of those who simply on an unjust suspicion had forced a nation into the horrors of civil war, and I turned back with a will to follow a squad of 15 or 20 of Grear s thieves, who I learned here had crossed our road a few hours be fore, going in the direction of the Tennessee river. It was a hot, dusty day for a pursuit, but the tediousness of the ride to me was much relieved by hearing Perry Martin, of Company G, Third Minnesota, relate his week s experience. He had volunteered as a scout and was sent two days in advance, on a mule, in citizen s clothes, to take items. We had arrested him at Marlborough, after a short chase and a few shots, and had him along as a prisoner. His linen coat had a tear in the back, and the butt of his pistol, which he carried in a waist belt, would work out and show itself. A "good Union man," who had been quite forward in giv ing me " valuable information" after his arrest, noticed the pistol (after I had made a pretended search for arms, feeling above where I knew it was), and after several trials caught Perry s eye, gave him a wink and pointed slyly to the pistol. Perry took the hint and hid it from sight, much to the satisfaction of the i Union man." Others had volunteered to help him escape when we came into the town, and afterward said to me that they knew he was a desperate fellow and notori ous guerrilla, and wanted me to keep strict guard on him or he would escape. All these had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States.
Near sundown we struck the Sandy, where I pressed a man indirectly con nected with the guerrillas and who had piloted them the night before across the ford, and forced him to lead us after them. The path led through the tangled bottom of the Sandy and across to and down the Cypress creek, at the mouth of which I had learned they had a ferry across the Tennessee river. We rode with the utmost caution and silence. About 12 o clock at night we took two Confed erates, who were leisurely riding along and suddenly found themselves in the midst of some Yankees. They were over the river with orders to recruit and re port at pleasure. We searched every house for eight miles before we came to the river and looked in every direction, seeing but one guerrilla until we came within half a mile of the river, where we learned that our party had crossed a few hours before. This one escaped after a brisk run and one shot from Lieutenant Wil liams. The boys and their horses were thoroughly tired out. We had ridden six days steadily, much of the time during the night, and the last twenty-four hours but few of the men had been out of the saddle, except during one rest of two hours, and all were jaded out. One fell asleep and dropped out of his seat, another laid down a moment while we were searching a house and was not missed until we were two miles further on, when his horse came up without a rider and I sent back to wake him up.
Day began to break as we neared the Tennessee, and I dismounted a small party to finish the ferry and ordered the others to rest. I rigged up one of the
340 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Kentucky boys who had the native tongue and sent him, with two citizens whom I had pressed, to the landing to call for the ferry-boat. One-half of the men I sent down stream to surround a house frequented by the guerrillas and with the other hid at the landing to watch proceedings. Kentuck had good lungs and soon got a response from the opposite side of the river. After assuring him that he was Mitchell (a noted guerrilla), they started for their boat. They have been managing sharp since the gunboats were up and destroyed their ferries. With a canoe they pulled over to an island and soon had out of its hiding-place a flat that would hold a dozen horses. My decoy had worked nicely and I was feeling jubilant, when two women appeared on the bank near (my guerrillas) and called out to the men in the boat, "Go back, go back! The Yankees are here! 7 Ken- tuck threatened to shoot them if they did not hold their tongues. They were not to be intimidated and raised a note higher, so that the ferrymen understood and commenced pulling lively for the other shore. We admired the grit of the women, but couldn t think of letting the game escape; therefore opened fire upon those in the boat, which soon convinced them that ours was the safest landing. We got for an evening s work 6 Confederate soldiers (those on the ferry-boat had been detailed for that duty), 2 mail carriers from Arkansas, 7 horses and saddles, some pistols and a shotgun. While we were destroying the boat we re ceived an assurance from the opposite side of the river that if we would stay twenty -four hours they would come over and see us. Knowing that their promises are not altogether reliable, after waiting five or six hours for a rest, we started back for Paris. Very respectfully,
E. L. BAKER, Captain Company E, Third Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAIRO, ILL., Jan. 29, 1863.
His Excellency, ALEX. EAMSEY,
Governor of the State of Minnesota,
SIR: My command reached this place on the night of the 26th instant in good condition and are now quartered in poor barracks, doing guard and police duty. Have been furnished with 100 second-hand Austrian rifles, by order of General Tuttle, for guard purposes, as no arms have been sent to this point for us, although the ordnance officer has some 1,500 first-class arms on hand subject to General Grant s chief of ordnance orders.
The general commanding department does not know where we are going when armed and equipped.
I have telegraphed Hon. H. M. Eice to learn if we were to have first-class arms, also asking him to use his influence to have us sent to Eosecrans depart ment, if we were not destined for Vicksburg, and have not received an answer. I am sorry to trouble you any more on our account, but it is necessary for the interests of the regiment that we should be immediately armed and sent where we can have active service. If we remain here long (in this Godforsaken hole) undoubtedly one-half of our men would be in the hospital and a large portion
SCOUT FROM FORT HEIMAN. 341
of the balance would desert. The example set by the One Hundred and Twenty- eighth Illinois, which has been stationed here since enlisted, was as follows on 26th, to- wit: 24 for duty and nearly 400 absent without leave. Now, Governor, under these circumstances we need more of your assistance, and if you will telegraph to the congressional delegation to use their influence in our behalf and also to the Secretary of War, that we be furnished with first-class arms and be sent where we can have an opportunity to use them, I have no doubt but both would be complied with. Our strength at present, 523 men and 34 officers for duty. Lieutenant Taylor will bring at least 50 more.
Hoping that you will intercede and that justice will be done us, I remain, Governor, Your most obedient servant,
0. W. GRIGGS, Colonel, Third Regiment Minnesota Volunteers.
CAIRO, ILL., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1868. His Excellency, ALEX. RAMSEY,
Governor,
SIR: The regiment arrived here at 11 last night and remained in the cars until this morning. We left Chicago Sunday evening at 8 o clock. The Central Company ought to have got us in here before dark yesterday, as they promised when we left Chicago. Considering bad crossing of Mississippi at La Crosse, our trip from Winona, which we left Friday morning, has been safe and expeditious.
We find no special orders for us. General Tuttle, in command here, only has power to send us as far as Memphis. Even this he does not propose to do imme diately, but, as I understand him, until some other troops come to relieve us. The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Illinois and two companies of Thirty-fifth Iowa have been here some time. The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Illinois moves to Mound City. It is reduced to nothing scarcely by sickness, deaths and desertions, though one of the new regiments, and goes to Mound City to recuper ate. It has been doing post guard service here, and considering what a miserable filthy hole this is I do not wonder the regiment is demoralized, and as things now look we are to relieve this regiment. It looks as if we were to be kept here an indefinite length of time to guard, among other things, saloons in this mud-hole. We have to-day gone into the disease-breeding quarters which the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Illinois vacate; and to-morrow are to receive 100 stand of arms to commence guard service with. Just think of the demoralizing effect of this if it should be permitted to continue; when we are needed in the field and are extremely anxious to get there, to be kept back in such a place as this doing guard service. I should suppose the two companies of Thirty-fifth Iowa were enough for that duty. The protection of the town of course depends on the gunboats; and from the number of naval officers about I should think that force here was sufficient.
There are some Enfield rifles here, and more are consigned to the ordnance officer here; but he cannot supply us without authority from the ordnance officer with General Grant. There are no accouterments here and they must be sent for from St. Louis. Considering that our friends (?) in Washington have been in-
342 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
formed of our wants and interests, and that they have been entreated to have us supplied with first-class arms and sent under General Eosecrans, and weeks ago too, it is strange nothing has been done for us, and that we are permitted to be stopped here to wait for accouterments, and to do unimportant guard duty, at a time, too, when eventful battles are expected. We feel great indignation at this state of things. It is monstrous to keep such a regiment as ours back a day. You know we have done a good deal of work to get the regiment together; and now, to see it disgraced and demoralized by detention here is beyond our patience.
I hope you will immediately stir up the authorities in Washington. Have us immediately supplied with the best arms and sent under General Eosecrans or to Vicksburg. Then if at such a time as this the country can afford to retain a regi ment like ours in unimportant service in Cairo let the responsibility fall where it belongs. I feel sure, however, the Secretary of War or General Halleck either will order us on on knowing the facts. Very respectfully, yours,
C. C. ANDREWS, Lieutenant Colonel Third Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT THIRD EEGIMENT
MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, WINONA, Jan. 17, 1863. His Excellency, ALEX R RAMSEY,
Governor,
SIR: I am happy to inform you that the men composing the five companies of this detachment reported promptly. Upwards of 250 are present, and enough more are to be here shortly to make the number nearly, if not quite, 300. Our regi ment will therefore be larger than I had dared to expect. The men are very comfortably quartered and have been so since their first arrival. They have also been remarkably orderly, and if their conduct continues as it has been, they will leave a very favorable impression on this community.
Very respectfully, yours,
C. C. ANDREWS, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding.
COLUMBUS, Feb. 9, 1863. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Tennessee :
General Hamilton directed me, on the 3d instant, to send the Third Minnesota, to Memphis, as soon as the regiment should get arms. There are arms at Cairo, but without equipments, and it may take some time till the regiment can be properly armed. The present excitement and political intrigues in the State of Illinois make it advisable to have the Illinois regiments, especially the new ones, as distant from their homes as possible, to prevent desertion. From the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Illinois, stationed at Cairo, more than 700 men de serted. I would, therefore, ask permission to send, in place of the Third Min nesota, which is without arms, one of the armed Illinois regiments.
ASBOTH, Brigadier General.
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 343
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. January -July, 1863.
Report of Lieut. Col. C. C. Andrews, Third Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BEGIMENT MINNESOTA INFANTRY,
U. S. VOLUNTEERS, SNYDER S BLUFF, NEAR YICKSBURG,
July 24, 1863. To OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General of Minnesota,
SIR: This regiment, having been designated as part of the re-enforcements for General Grant s array operating against Yicksburg, left Fort Heirnan, Ky., by steamer, June 3d, under command of Colonel Griggs, stopped at Colnmbns to re ceive pay, resumed the voyage down the Mississippi June 5th, and landed at Haines Bluff on Monday, June 8th. It there bivouacked the first night, occupy ing a position on the extreme right of the army, and about seven miles in a direct line from the city of Yicksburg.
I would here state that during the previous three months I had been on de tached service at Columbus, Ky., occupied as president of a military commission for the trial of persons charged with a violation of the laws of war. I found the military prison at Columbus in a shocking condition, crowded with prisoners, Union and Confederate mixed together, awaiting trial, and it was a matter of humanity to proceed with the trials with as great dispatch as possible. Our ses sions were sometimes continued till late in the night, and many cases were dis posed of. It was only through persistent efforts (for I felt that three months of such service was all that ought to be imposed on me), and getting General Asboth, the district commander, to telegraph repeatedly to corps headquarters at Mem phis, that I got relieved so as to accompany the regiment to the front.
The regiment was assigned to Montgomery s brigade of Kimball s provisional division of the detachment of the Sixteenth Corps and went into camp on Haines 7 Bluff the next day after its arrival. It will be remembered that General Grant s army closed around and assaulted the Confederate works at Yicksburg the 22d day of May. Siege operations had been continued since then, and were progress ing when we arrived. The reason why General Grant needed re-enforcements was that Joseph E. Johnston, one of the very ablest of the Confederate generals, was known to be organizing an army of veteran troops on the east side of Big Black river, with a view of attacking the Union forces at Yicksburg in the rear and relieving the garrison under General Pembertou. We soon found that while the besieging army, the thunders of whose artillery we constantly heard, was fac ing to the west, we were to face to the east and look after Johnston.
Haines Bluff, which we reached by way of the Yazoo river, connects with Snyder s Bluff. At the point where they connect they commence their rise at the river, and a mile back from it attain their highest elevation, which is about 400 feet. The soil is clay mixed with some sand and of a light brown color. Ee- enforcements began to arrive in the vicinity rapidly. General William Sooy Smith s division began to arrive and go into camp at Snyder s Bluff, June llth, which with Kimball s division made a force of 12,000. On the 9th or 10th Gen. C. C. Washburn arrived at Haines Bluff and took command of all the forces
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:09:10 GMT -5
344 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
there, ID obedience to General Grant s orders. By June 19th, two divisions from the Ninth Corps, under Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, had arrived and taken position at Milldale, near Snyder s Bluff.
We soon found that a part of our work would be to assist in felling trees and digging trenches and rifle-pits on the sides of the above-named bluffs and their spurs toward the direction whence we were expecting General Johnston. On the 9th of June I was detailed as field officer of the day, and it being my duty in that capacity to visit the whole line of pickets at least once in the day and once at night, it afforded me an early opportunity to become acquainted with the topog raphy of the country. On the 12th I had charge of a fatigue party of over 100 men felling trees and making an obstruction with them on a ridge of Haines Bluff half a mile from our camp. The regiment was out all of the same night on the advance line. On the 13th, from early in the morning till 5 P. M., I had charge of another fatigue party, engaged in felling trees, mostly oak, on the slope of the ridge near our camp. Generals Washburn and Kimball rode out to observe the progress of the work.
Having been permanently detailed by General Washburn to command the fatigue parties from Kimball s division, I had charge of 500 men on Sunday, June 14th, and of a still larger number on the 15th, digging rifle-pits on Snyder s Bluff and the spurs in the rear. Some of the Third Eegiment men were in each detail. A large party from General Smith s division were working with us. All worked, of course, with cheerful alacrity. The labor of chopping down trees of primeval growth and of digging rifle-pits in this hot, malarious climate has been very trying.
On the 15th our line was shortened by Kimball s division moving down three miles to Snyder s Bluff. The new camp of the Third Eegiment was, and is (for we lately returned to it), on rather low ground at the foot of the bluff, and about three miles from Chickasaw Bayou Landing. We are within half a mile of the Yazoo river, a deep, sluggish stream, navigable for gunboats some fifty miles fur ther up. A small stream runs by our camp to the Yazoo, threading its way along the bottom of a deep ravine of naked clay, and which is kept constantly roily by use in bathing and in watering animals. The men are under shelter tents, with arbors of tree branches built over them.
On the 17th I was again on duty as field officer of the day, having 600 men under my charge. Starting at 3 o clock on the morning of the 18th, I was four hours, walking fast, in visiting the whole picket line. Some of General Parke s troops from General Burnside s army composed part of the picket chain, and I experienced peculiar feelings on meeting there, in the gray dawn, for the first time, sentinels from my distant native state.
At Columbus, Ky., I had procured from Major Eowley, district provost mar shal on General Grant s staff, and a Galena friend of his, a letter of introduction to the general. Having, therefore, obtained leave from General Washburn to do so, I went on the 19th of June and called upon General Grant at his headquarters, which were found, after traversing roads mealy with dust, a little in the rear of the centre of our line, in a shady grove. At my invitation Major Mattson ac companied me. I presented my letter to General Grant s chief of staff, General Eawlius, who at once gave me a note that admitted us immediately to the gen eral s presence. General Grant, dressed in a plain but neat summer suit of dark, army -blue flannel, was sitting in a camp chair in a shaded court or inclosure, on
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 345
which his own and the tents of his officers fronted, smoking a cigar and convers ing with a citizen. He received us in a courteous manner. In a few minutes the citizen left, and then he conversed with us for five or ten minutes, when we withdrew, much pleased with our interview. His appearance in every respect tended to inspire confidence. He spoke without reserve of the operations in progress and seemed to expect an attack by Johnston. One expression he used was, "I can spare 15,000 men from here to resist Johnston, and still hold Vicks- burg as tight as wax." General Grant is of medium size, a little inclined to be florid or sandy in complexion, has dark-gray eyes, a fair-sized nose, somewhat aquiline, beard over his face, neatly trimmed.
We dined with Col. John B. Sanborn at his brigade headquarters, who also accompanied us to the headquarters of Generals McPherson and Logan and intro duced us to those and other generals. We found the best point to observe all the works on an eminence in front of General McPherson s corps. In course of the day I was within 300 yards of the Confederate sharpshooters. In front of the enemy s works were numerous steep hills and ravines, over and through which our army had to operate. The slopes and bottoms of these for a mile in front of the rebel batteries were covered with fallen trees, their limbs interlaced and forming a strong barricade. These trees appeared to have been cut about a year. It was up these almost impassable hillsides, exposed to all kinds of artillery fire from the front and flanks, as well as from the enemy s muskets in his rifle-pits, that our brave lines attempted an assault, May 22d. That assault was ordered under the belief that the courage of the enemy had become so diminished by his reverses of the previous days, that he would no longer stand against our vic torious columns.
June 22d it was believed that Johnston was about to cross the Big Black river, and on that day Gen. W. T. Sherman was placed in command of the troops that were to operate against him, including all of those in this locality, and proceeded to Bear creek in the vicinity of the Birdsong Ferry of the Big Black. General Parke s two divisions and Gen. W. E. Smith s division started in that direction the same evening. Kimball s division was thus left to hold Haines and Snyder s bluffs. We fully expected some hard fighting in a very short time and were on the alert, but it appeared that General Johnston ascertained that it would not be prudent to attack us in this vicinity. Before he was ready to attack at any point Vicksburg fell.
This decisive victory, accompanied as you know, by the capture of Pember- ton s army, occurred on the 4th instant. On the 5th, General Sherman, with Ord s, Steele s and Parke s corps, marched against Johnston, and by the 20th had driven him in disorder beyond Jackson. The same day this movement com menced, namely, Sunday, the 5th, the Third Eegiment, Colonel Griggs command ing, and with two field guns, marched at 9:30 A. M., with five days rations, and took position at Oak Ridge, more than half way to the Big Black, and situated at the fork of the road leading to the Birdsong Ferry and the road leading north to Benton. Artillery firing in the direction of the Big Black was plainly heard by us the next day. The surface of the ground at Oak Eidge consisting of only or dinary soil, is still half covered with large oaks. Although a poor farming coun try, it is occupied by a respectable and what were once well-to-do class of people. On our march to that point, under the hot sun and through the thick dust, we
346 OFFICIAL EEPOKTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
found all of the rainwater cisterns at houses dry; but every two miles or so we found good springs a short distance from the road. On this march we saw the ruins of two or three houses which had been destroyed by fire. Except the vege tables in a few gardens, nothing appeared to have been planted but corn, and even this had been so poorly cared for as to promise little or no crop. Then again, we pass a house shining with a recent coat of paint, with green blinds, with hand some shade trees and shrubbery around, with ladies and children sitting in confi dent security on the piazza, and a peach orchard, loaded with peaches not yet quite ripe, close at hand.
Colonel Griggs having resigned on account of his health and private business affairs, and his resignation having been accepted, he left the regiment, sincerely regretted, the 16th instant. He had proved himself to be an officer of excellent judgment and attentive to every duty.
General Sherman s command, having accomplished its purpose, began its return to Yicksburg the 20th. At 3 o clock p. M. the next day, I received orders to move the regiment at once to Snyder s Bluff. We started at 6 o clock, and reached our present camp at 10 o clock in the evening, having made a very good march, considering the extremely warm weather.
On the 22d the men signed the pay rolls, and yesterday forenoon received their pay from Paymaster Bailey. I am happy to say that only about 14 of the regiment are sick in bed. We expect very soon to strike tents and embark for Helena, Arkansas. Very respectfully,
C. C. ANDREWS, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Third Regiment Minnesota Infantry.
MEMPHIS, May 29, 1863 8:30 a. m. Brigadier General ASBOTH:
Send, with all possible dispatch, the Third Minnesota, Fortieth Iowa, Twenty- fifth and Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, by steamer to Yicksburg, reporting here for orders. Let them take five days rations, 6 wagons to a regiment, and 100 rounds per man. No tents except shelter tents. Eeduce baggage to the minimum.
Abandon Fort Heiman. Send the One Hundred and Eleventh Illinois to Paducah or Columbus. Bring away all government property or stores worth moving. Send all companies of Second, Fourth, and Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry by land through Covington. Let them rendezvous at Fort Pillow. Heavy bag gage and stores to follow by steamer, under light guard. You must use the Fourth Missouri and Fifteenth Kentucky for cavalry duty. Send the remainder of Thirty-fourth Wisconsin to Memphis. Let all this be done promptly.
S. A. HURLBUT.
Reports of Lieut. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, First Brigade, Including Operations April 23 -May 22.
IN CAMP, NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., May 23, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on April 23 last, my regiment, together with other parts of the army, started from Milliken s Bend, La., on an expedition to the rear of Yicksburg, Miss., where we are now lying. To reach this place we
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 347
marched via Bichmond, Hard Times Landing, La. (where we crossed and went down the stream of the Mississippi river 10 miles, lauding on the Mississippi side at Bruinsburg), Port Gibson, Miss., Hankinson s Ferry, on the Black river, Bocky Springs, Utica, Bayrnond, Clinton, Jackson, Champion s Hill, near Bol- ton, Edwards Station, crossing the Black river near plantation, and arriv ing in front of the enemy s works in rear of Vicksburg, on May 21. To accom plish this we have marched a distance of more than 200 miles. At Smith s plan tation, some 25 miles from Milliken s Bend, all of my regimental teams, six in number, excepting one, were ordered back to Milliken s Bend, from which place they were used in carrying ammunition for the use of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and were so employed for several days. When relieved from such duty they were for some days unable to cross the Mississippi river, so that during the entire march from Smith s plantation, La., April 26, to - plantation, on the Black river, May 17, the only government transportation of any kind with the regiment was 2 ambulances, 1 medicine wagon, and 1 six- mule team. The men carried their knapsacks, blankets, rations, and 60 rounds of ammunition. The six-mule team carried a few boxes of ammunition, the blankets and provi sions of officers, and such supplies for the men as the regimental quartermaster was able to secure along our route. On said march we have drawn rations from government as follows: We took with us five days rations from Milliken s Bend. On or about May 1 we drew four days rations of hard bread alone. May 4 we drew three-fifth rations of hard bread, sugar and tea for five days, beyond which time, up to May 17, all rations used by the regiment, and all forage used by regimental horses and mules, were secured by the regimental quartermaster in the country through which we passed. The rations procured by the quartermaster for the regiment consisted chiefly of sugar, molasses, salt, cornmeal, and bacon.
On May 17, the five regimental teams left behind overtook us, bringing five days part rations of hard bread, flour, sugar, and coffee.
May 2,3, we drew full rations for the first time since leaving Milliken s Bend.
We met the enemy, for the first time on this expedition, on the 3d instant, about 10 miles from Port Gibson, on the road to Hankinson s Ferry. Here the regiment was formed in line of battle on the right of the road, and advanced in this manner for some distance under a brisk fire of the enemy s artillery. The regiment received no injury. The enemy hastily retiring, we advanced by the flank to Hankinson s Ferry, on the Black river, remaining at that place for several days.
May 12, we heard heavy firing in front, and on arriving near the town of Baymond, the regiment formed in line of battle on the left of General Logan s division, which was already in line. In this position we remained an hour, as support for a battery of artillery, under a rapid and well-directed fire of a rebel battery. That evening we passed through and encamped near the town.
May 14, on the road from Clinton to Jackson, and when about 2 miles from the latter place, we met the enemy in strong force, and immediately formed line on the right of the road. Soon, however, the regiment was ordered to take posi tion on the left of the road, with its right resting thereon, and to support the Seventeenth Iowa in charging the rebel lines. The enemy fled before the charge, and the regiment, with the others of General Quinby s division, entered the town. Loss of the regiment was 2 wounded.
348 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
May 16, at Champion s Hill, near Bolton, Miss., we came up to the line formed by Generals Hovey s and Logan s divisions, who were already engaging the enemy. My regiment was placed on the right of a battery as a support there for. Almost immediately, however, by order of General McPherson, my regi ment was ordered to hasten forward and assist the right of General Logan s divi sion, which was reported to be hard-pressed. The men threw their knapsacks and blankets from their shoulders and dashed forward in the direction indicated at the double-quick step up the hill, into the woods, and upon a body of the enemy, of whom my regiment captured and sent to the rear 118.
Directly, finding niyself some distance in front of, and unsupported on either side by, the line formed by the remainder of the troops, and finding that the ene my was massing a heavy force in front, I sent my adjutant to General McPherson to report our situation and ask for instructions. Almost at the same time the enemy opened upon us with artillery. I caused the men to lie down, where they remained, sheltered by the crest of the hill, until I received orders to draw the regiment back, so as to connect with the right of such troops as I found first in my rear. This was executed, and the regiment formed on the right of Colonel Leggett s brigade, of General Logan s division. Here we remained about an hour, when the line of march to the front was again resumed, when I joined my regiment to the balance of Colonel Sanborn s brigade.
My loss in the regiment was Captain Thompson and Private [Michael] Dolan, of Company E, both wounded, the captain severely.
May 21, we formed line in front of the enemy s works in rear of Yicksburg.
On the morning of the 22d, at 10 o clock, by order from General Grant, an assault was ordered upon the fortifications around Vicksburg. My regiment, with the Forty-eighth Indiana for reserve and support, was ordered to charge upon one of the enemy s forts just in front as soon as I should see a charge made upon the fort next on my right. All preparations were made, and we were waiting for the signal to advance, when I was directed not to advance until further orders.
While awaiting such orders, our brigade was directed to proceed to the sup port of General Burbridge s brigade, of General McClernand s army corps, on our left. The Forty-eighth Indiana and Fourth Minnesota Infantry were moved into position in front of the rebel works, where General Burbridge was already engaged. No sooner had we taken such position than General Burbridge with drew his brigade from the action.
Under a direct fire from the fort in front, and a heavy cross-fire from a fort on our right, the regiment pressed forward up to and even on the enemy s works. In this position, contending for the possession of the rebel earthworks before us, the regiment remained for two hours, when it became dark, and I was ordered by Colonel Sanborn to withdraw the regiment.
Noticing a field-piece, which had been lifted up the hill by main strength, and had apparently been used by General Burbridge in attempting to batter down the walls of the fort, but which he had left behind when he withdrew his brigade, I sent Company C to draw the piece from the ground and down the hill. This being safely executed, I moved the regiment by the left flank from their position and down the hill. We bivouacked about 80 rods from the place of action.
In this action the regiment suffered severely, losing some of its best officers and men 12 were killed and 42 were wounded. A list of their names is hereto attached.
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:09:59 GMT -5
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 349
The next morning we were formed in line to support the right of General Bur- bridge. No engagement coming on, we moved in the afternoon to the position occupied 011 the 21st.
During the whole of this expedition, through many embarrassments, drench ing rains, muddy roads, without rations, without shelter, carrying heavy loads, and several times under heavy fire from the enemy, the regiment have deported themselves to my entire satisfaction. I hope and believe that their conduct has been satisfactory to yourself and to others still higher in authority. I might men tion worthy names, but that would be clearly wrong when all, or nearly all, have attempted to do their whole duty.
It shall be a matter of pride with us that not only were we present, but assisted in accomplishing this expedition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. TOURTELLOTTE,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. L. B. MARTIN,
A. A. A. 6r., First Brig., Seventh Div., Seventeenth Army Corps.
List of Casualties in the Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry at the Battles of Jackson and Champion Hills, and at the Assault on Vicksburg.
AT JACKSON, MISS., MAY 14, 1863.
COMPANY F. Wounded: Private Phinneas R. Taylor. COMPANY K. Wounded: Jacob H. Epler.
AT CHAMPION HILLS, MISS., MAY 16, 1863.
COMPANY E. Wounded: Capt. J. M. Thompson, severely; Private Michael Dolan, in arm.
AT VICKSBUKG, MAY 21, 1863.
FIELD AND STAFF. Wounded: Maj. A. E. Welch, slightly; Adjutant W. F. Kittredge, slightly.
COMPANY A. Wounded: Sergt. Chas. A. Sherwin; Private Thomas Ringrose, Swan Ander son, Thomas Craig.
COMPANY B. Killed: First Sergt. Rufus Applin.
Wounded: Sergeants James Johnson and Jno. P. Hunter; Privates Abraham "Williams, Mar tin Luther and Peter Graghan.
COMPANY C. Killed : Private Elisha Lackey.
Wounded : Privates Christian Funk, Patrick Moran and Russell Wetherell.
COMPANY D. Kitted: Corp. J. E. Kenney; Privates W. S. Gates and Daniel F. Perkins.
Wounded: First Lieut. S. F. Brown, Corp. R. R. Miller, and Private Andrew Dowds.
COMPANY E. Killed: Sergt. J. M. H. Flin.
Wounded : Sergt. Thomas Rees.
COMPANY F. Killed : None.
Wounded: Color Sergt. Henry Loomis; Sergt. E. Croey.
COMPANY G. Killed: Sergt. Wm. Schelaefoo.
Wounded: First Lieut. A. St. Cyr, Sergt. George Hausen; Privates J. Blair, J. Ray and Wm. Hutchinson.
COMPANY H. Killed : Private Bellfield Hoffman.
350 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Wounded: Sergt. E. Knowles; Color Corp. Adolf Metzler; Privates J. H. Arnold, C. L. Dusen, Fred. Elling, John Magnes.
COMPANY I. Killed: Private Peter Gothier.
Wounded: Capt. Henry Platt; First Lieut. Clark Turner (since died); Second Lieut. Jno. D. Hunt; Corps. James C. Hames, Henry L. Gish; Private Aaron S. Bragg.
COMPANY K. Killed: Second Lieut. G. G. Sherbrook; Privates Israel Baker and Robert Tiffb.
Wounded: Corps. R. S. Perkins and Wm. H. Bogert; Privates Wm. Munson, Wm. C. Somers (died on 25th), and Samuel Shutz.
EECAPITULATION.
KILLED Commissioned officers 1
Enlisted men 11
Total killed 12
WOUNDED Commissioned officers 7
Enlisted men 35
Total wounded 42
Wounded at Jackson 1 2
Wounded at Champion Hills 2
Loss Grand total 58
J. E. TOURTELLOTTE,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP IN VICKSBURG, Miss., Aug. 1, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report, in obedience to Special Orders !N"o. 31, of date July 27, 1863, from your headquarters, that on May 26 we moved from our position in front of the enemy s works around Vicksburg, and proceeded on the road to Mechanicsburg, which place we reached May 29. Thence we marched down the valley of the Yazoo river, passing near Satartia, via Haines Bluff, to Snyder s Bluff, when we bivouacked and remained three days.
June 4, we marched into a ravine near our first position in front of the ene my s fortifications around Vicksburg.
Here we remained until after the surrender of Vicksburg, when, on July 6, my regiment moved inside of the rebel breastworks.
On July 25, my regiment was ordered to report to Gen. John E. Smith for post duty, on which duty w^e still remain.
After our return from the expedition to Mechanicsburg, the following named persons were wounded while on duty in front of the rebel works, viz. : Lieut. L N. Morrill, Company K, slightly; Private [Orlando] Lindersmith, Company E, slightly; Private B. V. Eobinson, Company C, slightly; and Private E. A. Wheeler, Company D, slightly. Summary: 1 officer and 3 enlisted men wounded; total, 4. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. TOURTELLOTTE,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN E. SIMPSON,
A. A. A. G., First Brig., Seventh Div., Seventeenth A. C.
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 351
Report of Col. John B. Sariborn, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding First Bri gade, Including Operations April 21-May 23.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, SEVENTH DIVISION,
SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, CAMP, IN FIELD BEFORE VICKSBURG, Miss., May 25, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report the inarches made by my command and the part taken "by it in the battles fought during the campaign from Milliken s Bend, La., to this camp.
On April 21, I received your order to send forward one brigade to Eichmond, La., immediately, and relieve the command stationed there. At this time the general commanding this division was absent, and my command consisted of the Seventh Division, comprising: First Brigade Fifty-ninth and Forty-eighth In diana, Seventy-second Illinois, and Fourth Minnesota regiments; Second Brigade Tenth Missouri, Seventeenth Iowa, Eightieth Ohio, and Fifty-sixth Illinois regiments; Third Brigade Fifth Iowa, Twenty-sixth Missouri, Ninety- third Illinois, and Tenth Iowa regiments; and Battery M, First Missouri Light Artil lery, Sixth and Twelfth Wisconsin batteries, Eleventh Ohio Battery, two co*m- panies of cavalry, and pioneer corps of 137 effective men. The pioneer corps was already detached to work on Walnut and Eoundaway bayous, and did not come up during the time I remained in command of the division. This order was im mediately complied with, and the Fifty-sixth Illinois and Seventeenth Iowa regi ments moved forward to Eichmond the same day, distance twelve miles, and the remaining portion of the Second Brigade moved forward to Eichmond the follow ing day.
On April 23, I marched with the First Brigade and First Missouri and Elev enth Ohio batteries to Eichmond, and moved the Third Brigade and remaining batteries forward to that point on the 25th instant, and on the same day moved the Second Brigade on to Holmes plantation, distance nine miles; and during that night marched the First Brigade, with the exception of the Seventy-second Illinois, which, pursuant to your order, I left in command of Eichmond, and two batteries, up to the same point.
On the 26th, the First and Second brigades and two batteries marched forward to Smith s plantation, distance nine miles, and bivouacked, and the Third Brigade and remaining batteries moved forward to within about four miles of that point. All camp and garrison equipage had been left behind, and the teams sent back to Milliken s Bend to bring forward rations to keep the supply up to ten days on hand, in accordance with Special Orders, No. , from department headquarters; but this train was seized and turned over to an ordnance officer to bring forward ammunition, and some of the regiments of the division were out of rations when we arrived at this point, and were supplied with bread by the post commissary.
On the 27th, the division did not move, for the reason that General Logan s division did not get past during the day, the roads being next to impassable.
On the 28th, the whole division moved together at 6 o clock, and marched only about four miles during the day. I marched in the rear of General Logan s division, and the teams and batteries nearly all had to double the teams and go over the road twice.
On the 29th, the division was marched to Perkins plantation, distance eleven miles, and bivouacked, and a few rations were obtained.
352 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
On the 30th, the march was continued to Hard Times Landing, opposite Grand Gulf, distance about sixteen miles. At this point officers and men were a little disheartened upon learning that the navy had found it impossible to reduce the Grand Gulf batteries, and that we must still continue our march down the river past this point before we could cross over.
Early on the morning of the 1st instant, I marched my command down the river to the point of embarkation for the east side. About the time of reaching this point, the rapid reports of artillery from the east side of the river announced that the advance of the army had come upon the enemy, and the soldiers were eager for the fray, and the infantry of the whole division (with the exception of the Fifty-sixth Illinois, which was detailed to remain in command of Hard Times temporarily), consisting of about 5,000 men, embarked on board transports, sailed ten miles down the river to Bruinsburg, and disembarked in about one hour and a half, and moved forward toward the front line of the army before the brigade and division commanders could get their horses across the river.
After marching about ten miles from the river toward the field of battle, and to a point within about three miles of the field, and before the division com mander and staff had got up, an order was received from the major general com manding the corps, by Colonel Holmes, commanding the leading brigade, to fall back to the junction of the Grand Gulf road with the Bruinsburg and Port Gibson road, and form, so as to resist any advance of the enemy from Grand Gulf by that road.
Colonel Holmes had disposed of the Second and Third brigades and one bat tery of artillery in order of battle when I arrived upon the ground. The First Brigade and remaining batteries, with the exception of one held in reserve, were disposed in order of battle as fast as they came up, and in such manner as to resist any attack from the direction of Grand Gulf.
These batteries did not arrive so that the disposition could be completed till 11 o clock at night.
During this day the division marched eleven miles, and embarked on transports and sailed ten miles and disembarked, and was carefully drawn out in order of battle at night at 1 o clock.
On the morning of the 2d instant, I received the order of the major general commanding the corps to move forward my whole command at 3 A. M. to the field of battle. I marched accordingly, and at sunrise reported with my whole command on the field, having marched six miles.
At about 8 o clock I was informed that the enemy had retired from the field, and I was ordered forward to Port Gibson, at which place I arrived with my command about 11 A. M., distance from the battle-field about four miles.
At this place the division remained about five hours, during which time the pontoon bridge was constructed across the south branch of Bayou Pierre, and during this time Brigadier General Crocker reported to take command of the di vision, which marched about eight miles to the north branch of Bayou Pierre before halting for night, making nineteen miles that the division marched on this day.
Upon Brigadier General Crocker assuming command of the division, I as sumed command of the First Brigade. One regiment (the Fourth Minnesota) was detailed on fatigue duty during the night, to repair the suspension bridge crossing the north branch of Bayou Pierre that the rebel army had fired and par tially burned.
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 353
During the time that I commanded the division, I received great assistance from Captain Eochester, assistant adjutant general; Capt. L. B. Martin, tem porary aide-de-camp; Lieu tenant [Thomas S.] Campbell, aide-de-camp; Lieutenant [Ogden] Lovell, ordnance officer; Captain [Albert] Stoddard, judge advocate and acting aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant [Charles L.] White, provost marshal, all most gallant, efficient, and capable officers, and to all of whom I shall feel under lasting obligations.
On the morning of May 3, I crossed the north branch of Bayou Pierre with my brigade, following General Logan s division and leading the Seventh Division. The enemy opened with artillery in our front early in the morning, but retired rapidly until General Logan s division led off to the left, toward the Grand Gulf road, and the Seventh Division was marching in advance on the road leading from the Port Gibson and Jackson road to Hankinson s Ferry. When about five miles south of the ferry, the enemy deployed a long line of skirmishers, and formed a few regiments of infantry and put in position a battery of artillery.
Immediately, in obedience to your orders, I deployed one regiment, Fifty-ninth Indiana, as skirmishers, with the centre resting on the road leading to the Big Black river, and crossing said road at right angles. The Fourth Minnesota wa& ordered forward as a support on the right, and the Forty-eighth Indiana as a sup port on the left of the road, with instructions to keep within supporting distance of the skirmishers.
When the skirmishers had advanced about one mile from the head of the main column, they came to the enemy s line, with two pieces of artillery in such position as to command all the open ground in front, through which my com mand was obliged to pass. This open ground was passed in the order above men tioned, under a heavy fire from the enemy s guns. The Fifty-ninth Indiana was the most exposed, but did their duty most manfully, obeying every order with alacrity. The Fourth Minnesota and Forty-eighth Indiana, as supports, moved up promptly and without hesitation. The conduct of all the officers and men was- commendable and satisfactory. The enemy was driven from his first, second, and third positions, when, in obedience to your orders, I called in the skirmishers and moved on with my command to the crossing of the Big Black river, where we bivouacked, near Hankinson s Ferry.
In this skirmish I have to report the following casualties: Killed, Private Eli Faucette, and, mortally wounded, James W. Yan Slyke, Company E, Fifty- ninth Indiana. Several of the officers and men of all the regiments sustained slight injuries, which scarcely can be called wounds.
While my command remained at Hankinson s Ferry, the greatest effort was made to procure rations; but there being no transportation, the command was compelled to leave with only two days rations on hand.
On the 9th, the brigade moved with the balance of the division to Utica Cross- Eoads, a distance of 12 miles, without opposition, and on the 10th marched 10 miles, through Utica and along the Eaymond road, and on the following day moved forward 1 miles, and formed in order of battle on a ridge, in a favorable position for defense. My command was entirely out of rations at this time, ex cept what could be gathered from the country, and so remained until the evening of the 17th, at which time the regimental teams came up from Grand Gulf.
On the morning of the 12th, my command marched at 9 A. M., leading the Seventh Division and following General Logan s division. Shortly after noon
23
354 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
heavy cannonading in front announced that the advance had fallen upon the enemy. My command was kept closed up as closely as possible to the rear of the Third Division, and after the lapse of an hour or two, I received an order from General Crocker, commanding the division, to move forward immediately and form on the left of General Logan s division. To arrive at the position indicated it was necessary to pass through a dense thicket of trees, brush and vines, and then cross a clearing about 100 yards. It would seem that the enemy had formed the design of turning the left of our line, and had massed his infantry accord ingly, and had planted his batteries so as completely to command this thicket and clearing, in order to prevent the left from being supported. As soon as my command commenced moving forward to form on the left, the enemy opened as heavy a fire as possible with his artillery upon me, but the formation was made in double-quick time, and my whole line moved up to within about thirty yards of our front line. Not more than a few moments elapsed after my command had reached this position before he advanced his lines of infantry upon the left, but was met with such firmness and so destructive a fire from the front line that he almost immediately gave way and fled from this part of the field. Immediately upon this having transpired, I received the order from General McPherson to move two regiments to my right in support of the centre of our lines. The Fifty-ninth and Forty-eighth Indiana regiments were immediately moved forward to the position indicated, and, at the suggestion of General Crocker, I offered to relieve the front line, which had been engaged at this time three or four hours, but these officers, among whom was the lamented Colonel Dollins, declined the offer, and said he felt certain that he could hold his position without aid.
The enemy by this time appeared in broken squads in front of the centre, and in half an hour all firing had ceased and the enemy had fled in confusion from the field.
The only casualty in my command in this action was, Forty-eighth Indiana, one enlisted man wounded.
After the action ceased, the command marched through Raymond and bi vouacked about one mile north of the town. The Eighteenth Wisconsin Volun teers joined my brigade at this place.
On the morning of the 13th, I marched in rear of the Third Brigade on the road leading to Clinton, and passed through the town and bivouacked one mile east of it, on the Jackson road, my line of battle this night running across the railroad and the common road; distance marched this day, nine miles.
My command marched from Clinton at 4 A. M. on the 14th, along the Jackson road toward Jackson, the Second Brigade leading the division and my brigade following the Second.
The enemy was found drawn up in line of battle in a strong position about two miles west of Jackson, his line of battle crossing the road at nearly right angles.
I received orders to form my brigade on the right of the road, the two left regiments, the Fourth Minnesota and Eighteenth Wisconsin, in reserve for the Second Brigade, already formed across the road, the other regiments, the Forty- eighth and Fifty-ninth Indiana, to the right of the Second Brigade, all to be cov ered from the fire of the enemy s artillery as much as possible. This disposition was immediately made. The troops were more exposed to the enemy s artillery fire than was at first apprehended, and the Fourth Minnesota was immediately
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:10:45 GMT -5
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 355
ordered to form on the left of the road, and as a reserve to the Seventeenth Iowa, of the Second Brigade. The other three regiments were moved close up under cover of the ridge occupied by the First Missouri Battery. This ridge was swept by the enemy s fire, but as soon as the skirmishers deployed from the Fifty-ninth Indiana had advanced far enough to ascertain that there was no enemy on the right flank, I ordered the brigade forward across the first ridge, with instructions to halt when the line should reach the ravine beyond, which was about 400 yards distant. This order was executed in the most satisfactory manner. The regiments crossed the ridge in perfect line at a run, and reached the second ravine with the loss of not more than ten men. Shortly after reaching this position, the enemy s main line of infantry was ascertained by the skirmishers in front of my brigade to be in the next ravine, in front of his batteries, and soon commenced driving back our line of skirmishers. I received the order from General Crocker to fix bayonets and charge through the ravine and all the way to the enemy s batteries, if possible. This order was immediately communicated, and the whole line com menced advancing, and moved forward irresistibly, until the whole line of the enemy s infantry was in full retreat and his batteries taken to the rear. This charge was one of the most splendid battle scenes that could ever be witnessed.
The whole line, with banners unfurled, went forward at double-quick and with more regularity than at an ordinary battalion drill. The fleeing lines of the rebels in front; the sharpshooters, who had been concealed behind cotton bales and in an old cotton-gin in front of the Fifty-ninth Indiana, throwing out white handkerchiefs at every window and over every cotton bale, taken in connection with the novel spectacle presented by Captain Dillon s battery charging forward close upon the line of infantry, made up a scene that can never be effaced from the mind of any who witnessed it, and can never be properly represented on paper.
No language can do justice to the conduct of the officers and men of my com mand during this engagement. All seemed to seek positions of peril instead of safety, and where the enemy was strongest and most secure from danger, there did they charge the fiercest and with the greatest determination. After this charge the enemy immediately retreated through Jackson, and my command moved into the city, over the enemy s works and artillery, unmolested by a shot.
Capt. L. B. Martin, acting assistant adjutant general on my staff, seized the flag of the Fifty-ninth Indiana, my leading regiment, and, going far in advance of the skirmishers to the capitol, raised it over the dome, where it remained until the regiment moved from the town; and, Lieutenant Donaldson, aide-de-camp on my staff, riding also far in advance of the skirmishers to the vicinity of the prison, seized there a Confederate flag, made of double silk, that a cavalry company had apparently abandoned in its flight. On one side is the inscription, "Claiborne Rangers;" on the other, " Our rights."
The prisoners, eight in number, taken by the Fifty-ninth Indiana at the cotton- gin, who were sharpshooters just arrived from South Carolina, were immediately sent to the rear.
My loss in the engagement was as follows:
Forty -eighth Indiana, enlisted men killed, 2; enlisted men wounded, 9. Fifty- ninth Indiana, officers wounded, 1; enlisted men wounded, 3. Fourth Minnesota, enlisted men wounded, 2. Eighteenth Wisconsin, enlisted men killed, 2; enlisted men wounded, 18. Total, 37.
356 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
During the night of the 14th, I supplied my command with three days rations of sugar, bacon, and meal, and some other articles, most of which my quarter master obtained from the penitentiary, and on the morning of the 15th my com mand marched back on the road toward Clinton, and passed through that place and bivouacked four miles west of it that night, having marched about fourteen miles.
On the morning of the 16th, I moved my command at an early hour along the road toward Bolton and Edwards Depot, following the Third Brigade and Logan s division. I had marched but an hour and a half when rapid firing of artillery in front again announced the presence of the enemy.
My command moved forward rapidly, and arrived upon the field about the time the engagement became general.
I formed, as ordered, under cover of the woods, at the right of De Golyer s battery, and about 400 yards distant. During this formation I was under a light fire of artillery and musketry, from which I lost a few officers and men.
As soon as my command was re-formed, I received an order from General McPherson, commanding the corps, to send two regiments immediately to the support of De Golyer s battery. I ordered forward the Fifty-ninth Indiana, with instructions to form on the left of the battery, and the Fourth Minnesota, with instructions to form on its right.
This order was complied with in double-quick time, and about the same time the regiments were so formed the enemy commenced falling back at this point (the enemy s left), and the regiments advanced, the Fourth Minnesota across the ravine, capturing 118 prisoners, and the Fifty-ninth Indiana into the ravine, bearing farther to the left, and the enemy s line crossing the ravine diagonally at this point, capturing here the colors of the Forty-sixth Alabama Eegiment (Sergt. John Ford, Company C, Fifty-ninth Indiana, captured them) and many prison ers. These regiments retained their positions on the right of our lines till the close of the engagement, about three hours.
By the time these two regiments had got into position on the right and left of the battery, I was ordered to take the other two of my command, the Forty- eighth Indiana and Eighteenth Wisconsin, about 100 rods to the east of the bat tery, and form there in the edge of the woods, in support of what seemed to be General Hovey s right.
The Forty -eighth Indiana Eegiment immediately went into position under a most galling fire of musketry, and retained it for at least three hours, and long after the regiments on its right and left had given way, and then fell back by my order a short distance, to replenish ammunition, only after it was exhausted, but stood like a wall of adamant wherever it was placed till the close of the engage ment.
The Eighteenth Wisconsin was moved from right to left and back two or three times, by order of the general commanding, as the attack was made more fiercely on either hand. The regiment moved with great promptness, and held every position firmly until removed by orders.
After this engagement ceased, I moved forward on the Vicksburg road about three miles, and bivouacked for the night.
My loss in the action of Champion s Hill is as follows:
Forty -eighth Indiana, enlisted men killed, 3; enlisted men wounded, 33. Fifty-ninth Indiana, enlisted men killed, 1; enlisted men wounded, 9. Fourth
f CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 357
Minnesota, officers wounded, 1; enlisted men wounded, 1. Eighteenth Wiscon sin, enlisted men killed, 1; officers wounded, 2; enlisted men wounded, 3. Total, 54.
On the morning of the 17th, I moved my command along the road toward the Big Black river, and halted at the river about noon, and soon after commenced the construction of a pontoon bridge with cotton bales and boards, which was completed the following morning, my brigade having been on fatigue duty all night constructing it.
On the morning of the 18th, my command, with the Third Brigade, crossed the river and moved forward toward Yicksburg. When about three miles west of the river, I was ordered to return to the east side of the Big Black and remain there, guarding all trains coming up, and the bridge, until Colonel Holmes should come up from the battle-field with his brigade. I immediately returned and bivouacked my command on the same ground left in the morning, and remained there till the evening of the 19th, when Colonel Holmes and his command came up, and I again crossed the river and bivouacked about two miles west of it that night, and on the 20th came forward to the rear of Vicksburg, marching a dis tance of seventeen miles with a most intense heat and suffocating dust all day.
On the 21st, I moved my command into line of battle in front of the enemy s works and deployed a line of skirmishers in front, and remained in this position till the morning of the 22d. A general assault having been ordered upon the enemy s works at 10 A. M. this day, I spent the night of the 21st, in connection with the lamented Colonel Boomer, commanding the Third Brigade, reconnoiter- ing for the best approaches for infantry to the enemy s works in our front.
It was ascertained that we could approach to within about eighty yards under over of the hills and form without great exposure to the men, and early on the morning of the 22d I moved my command into this position, and formed in line of battle on the left of the Third Brigade. Colonel Boomer had some doubts as to his ability to carry the works in his front, and as the works left in my front could not be held, if carried, while those on my right were in possession of the enemy,, I transferred to him, for the purpose of this assault, the Fifty-ninth Indi ana Regiment, and deployed the Eighteenth Wisconsin along our whole front as skirmishers.
These dispositions being made, the commanders of regiments were ordered to advance upon the works immediately upon the movement commencing on our right. For some reason the troops on our right did not move, and I retained the same position with some loss till about 3 o clock, when I received an order from General McPherson, through General Quinby, commanding division, to move at once and vigorously upon the works. A staff officer was dispatched im mediately to the regimental commanders to communicate this order, but before lie had succeeded in doing so it was countermanded, and I was ordered to move with all my command, not deployed as skirmishers, to the left, to support Major General McClernand. I immediately moved my command (with the exception of the Eighteenth Wisconsin, deployed as skirmishers) from its position, some two miles to the left, and was there ordered by General Quinby to support Burbridge s brigade, then engaged in front of the enemy s works. I immediately moved forward for that purpose, under the direction of a staff officer, and was led up through a ravine that was raked to a considerable extent by musketry and
358 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE,
artillery to a point a few yards in rear of the line of this brigade. I was informed by General Burbridge that the position close to the enemy s works was not so ex posed as the ravine, and he desired me to form nearer or in front of his line. I formed my brigade Fifty-ninth Indiana on the right, Forty-eighth Indiana to its left, and the Fourth Minnesota to the left of the Forty-eighth. This position seemed very much exposed, and I lost several men during the formation.
My command was exceedingly exhausted, having had no rest the night of the 19th, marching nearly twenty miles the 20th, moving into camp the 21st, and having been under fire or marching all this day to the time I moved to this posi tion, and one or two of the regiments having already lost thirty men during the day. As soon as my line was formed, General Burbridge s line gave way and his troops left the ground, with the exception of one regiment, which remained in support of the Fifty-ninth Indiana.
The enemy was largely re-enforced, and fired rapid and destructive volleys into my command, which were promptly returned, but the enemy, having so high and strong works in front, it cannot be expected with much effect. Once or twice the enemy came over his works in large numbers and formed on my right, with the evident design of turning my right flank, but was promptly driven back by my command with much slaughter.
I held this position for about two hours and until dark, and having no sup port, and seeing no reason why a position should be held at such sacrifice which, if lost, could be recovered at any time by a line of skirmishers, unless the enemy should choose to fight us outside of his works, which could hardly be expected, however much desired, and there being no general officer upon the ground, I or dered the position abandoned and my command to inarch back to the hill on the right of the railroad bridge, and there form and rest for the night. In falling back, Colonel Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota, took from the ground a piece of ar tillery that was in position within a few yards of the enemy s works when my command went upon the ground and left there by the brigade then in position.
The casualties in my command during this engagement, as the official lists will show, are greater than in all the balance of the campaign, and it seems to me all for no good. Success was no better than defeat, unless an assault was to be ordered, and I have not learned that such a thing was thought of, and, if thought of, would have been preposterous unless made by both brigades and in a most vigorous manner, and I can but feel that there was official misrepresentation or misconduct that led to this matter which requires investigation.
I am impelled to say this much in my report of this engagement by eloquent voices coming from the tombs of many of the most brave of my command, fallen in that fruitless struggle under the enemy s works.
The following are the losses in this engagement:
Forty -eighth Indiana, enlisted men killed, 8; enlisted men wounded, 24; en listed men missing, 1. Fifty-ninth Indiana, officers killed, 1; enlisted men killed, 10; officers wounded, 7; enlisted men wounded, 95; enlisted men missing, 1. Fourth Minnesota, officers killed, 1; enlisted men killed, 11; officers wounded, 7; enlisted men wounded, 35. Eighteenth Wisconsin, enlisted men killed, 5; offi cers wounded, 2; enlisted men wounded, 9.
On the morning of the 23d I moved my command forward about 400 yards, and formed, with one regiment on my left in rear of the right of General Bur-
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 359
bridge s brigade, and two regiments in prolongation of his right, which position was occupied but a few hours, when my command moved back to the ground it left on the morning of the 22d, where it now remains.
Accompanying this report are full lists of the casualties of my command in the several and respective engagements of this campaign.
The conduct of all the officers and men of my command during the entire cam paign has been more than satisfactory it has been most gallant and praise worthy. There has been no shirking and no desire to shirk on the part of either officers or men, and I have not found or even heard of a man out of his position in battle or on the march. I know not how soldiers could do more.
Capt. L. B. Martin, assistant adjutant general, and Lieutenants [John S.] Akin and [James H.] Donaldson, aides-de-camp, have conducted themselves in the most gallant and faithful manner and deserve special mention.
The living are rewarded by the consciousness of having done all that human nature is capable of to suppress a most wicked rebellion and to preserve order and good government for themselves and posterity. But, alas! for the patriotic and gallant dead; no language of mine can do justice to their virtues. May some Macauley or Bancroft recite in interesting narration their hardships, endurance, patriotism, valor, and achievements, and some modern Homer or Virgil live to
sing them in heroic verse.
JOHN B. SANBORN, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK,
Assistant Adjutant General, Seventeenth Army Corps.
BEAR OF VICKSBURG, Miss., June 26, 1863. Col. JOHN B. SANBORN,
Commanding First Brigade,
COLONEL: You will have your command in line under arms at 3:30 to-morrow morning, and remain so until 6 A. M., unless otherwise directed. In case of an attack to-night, the battle-cry will be " Logan," which you will have communi cated to your command.
By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith.
M. BOCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant General.
Report of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, Second Brigade, In cluding Operations May 2-22.
WALNUT HILLS,
NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., May 25, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit, for the information of your department, the following details of the part sustained by the Fifth Minnesota Infantry in the movements of the late campaign in this department, which have culminated in the thorough investment of the rebel Gibraltar and its garrison at Vicksburg:
360 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
On the 2d instant, the Third Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, of which the Fifth Minnesota forms a part, left cainp at Duckport, near Young s Point, La., and marched, via Richmond, to Hard Times Landing, crossing the river at the latter place to Grand Gulf, Miss., on the 7th instant. From thence we took the road toward Jackson, arriving at Raymond, twelve miles from the state capi tal, at about noon of the 13th instant. Here the Fifth Minnesota was ordered to the front, with instructions to skirmish along the road and through the timber upon either flank, to feel for the enemy s outposts, and clear the way for the col umn to pass. We advanced about four miles before meeting obstructions, when a considerable body of rebel cavalry was encountered advantageously posted in a piece of woods in our front, from whence we received a sharp volley of musketry. I here deployed the entire regiment as skirmishers upon the right and left of the road, Lieutenant Colonel Gere commanding the left wing. The enemy retired rapidly as we advanced, offering little resistance to our progress. I moved the line of skirmishers forward to Mississippi Springs, one and a half miles, a point where several important pikes form a junction, and where I was ordered to halt, picket the roads, and bivouac for the night. The main column had halted and bivouacked where the enemy had been first encountered.
At daylight on the morning of the 14th, I was ordered to continue in the ad vance, and push forward on the Jackson road. A considerable body of the enemy had bivouacked the preceding night within one-half mile of my line of pickets, which retired as we moved forward. Owing to the broken and wooded nature of the country, and the known- proximity of the enemy, we were required to move slowly and with extreme caution. For a distance of more than five miles I was required to keep in front of the column a strong line of skirmishers, con sisting of three companies, which frequently encountered and exchanged volleys with the skirmishers of the enemy. When within perhaps two miles of Jackson, a determined stand was made, and a hot fire opened upon us from, a full battery of artillery, supported by a strong line of infantry. At this juncture I was or dered by Major General Sherman to deploy the balance of the regiment as skir mishers, covering the column while it should form in line, and penetrate forward as far as possible into a piece of timber in which the enemy was posted. As soon as the column had deployed, the skirmishers were recalled, and the regiment took its position with the Second Brigade in the front line of battle. We then advanced and charged through the timber at double-quick, the enemy rapidly retiring within his intrenchments, near the precincts of the town. Here he made another stand and obstinately disputed our farther progress. The fight continued for more than an hour, but was confined principally to artillery, the infantry oc cupying a position of shelter. At about 5 p. M. the order " Forward!" was given; all supposing we were about to assault the enemy s works in our front. With bayonets fixed and with exultant shouts the line moved forward at a run. It was soon discovered, however, that the enemy had evacuated, and that the charge would be a bloodless one. The enemy had made a precipitate exit from the town, leaving all his artillery to fall an easy capture into our hands.
It had rained furiously all day. The men were very weary and thoroughly wet, having been not only exposed to the storm but required to wade streams and penetrate dense thickets through almost impassable swamps while skirmishing the country through which the column passed. They had also been almost en-
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:11:01 GMT -5
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 361
tirely without rations for twenty-four hours; yet not a man straggled to the rear, nor did a syllable of complaint pass their lips. Their heroic endurance of priva tion and exposure and unexceptionable good conduct in action elicited from the general commanding, under whose immediate eye they had acted, encomiums of a most flattering character.
The Fifth Minnesota, with the balance of the Second Brigade, was assigned to duty as provost guard of the city of Jackson, and quarters assigned them in the Capitol Square. Each individual man seemed to feel it to be the proudest day of his life as the old flag of our regiment was unfurled to the breeze in the capital city of the rebel president s own state. Even the tattered and faded emblem it self seemed to feel inspired by the occasion, and shook its folds more grandly than ever as a response to the scornful glances of the conquered traitors of this rebellious capital.
On the afternoon of the 16th, Jackson was evacuated and the column marched toward Yicksburg, arriving in front of the rebel works on the 19th instant.
We here lay quietly in bivouac until the morning of the 22d, when a general assault was ordered upon the fortifications of the place. The regiment was ex posed to a musketry fire for several hours during the fore part of the day, but for tunately escaped casualty. At about 4 P. M. the Second Brigade was ordered to make a charge upon a strong point in the defenses, where a similar attempt had met with repulse in the morning.
The broken nature of the country and inaccessible character of the position made it necessary that the storming column should move by the flank. The position of the Fifth Minnesota was upon the left of the brigade, hence was the fourth regiment in the column. This circumstance saved the regiment from a fearful slaughter, for as the head of the column emerged from the cover of the timber and passed an open space leading to the work, it was met and literally melted down by a terrific fire of musketry and artillery, the latter double-shotted with canister and grape. From every position within range, along the whole line of defenses, a fire was concentrated upon this point, where the column must pass. Within probably the space of a minute the brigade lost upward of 200 men, principally sustained by the leading regiment. The Fifth Minnesota lost but two. The general [Joseph A. Mower] commanding the brigade at once declared it futile to attempt to move the column on. The road had been blocked up with the dead and wounded. The right of the column had become shattered and was in disorder. The parts of regiments left were ordered into a ravine, where they rallied under cover, while the Fifth Minnesota, in good order and with but two men missing, filed down the ravine, where the nature of the ground afforded complete shelter.
Nothing could exceed the coolness and steady courage of the regiment as it marched up to the assault. None faltered or seemed weak with fear, but each man s countenance bespoke a determination to do or die, and had it not been ordered otherwise I believe every man would have passed the fearful place or lain his body on the way.
Great credit is due to Lieutenant Colonel Gere and to the officers of the regi ment generally, both at Jackson and Vicksburg, for their efforts in preserving order among the men and for their examples of personal daring and gallantry in action.
362 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The following is the list of casualties the regiment sustained:
Killed : Private John B. Dennehy, Company K.
Wounded: Private Bernard Brennan, in forehead; not dangerous.
Missing: Charles Truman, Henry M. Gregg, and Henry S. Reed, of Company A; Joseph Charrette and Lewis F. Hendrickson, of Company F; John Dorgan, Company K; Timothy Leon ard, Company G (collar-bone broken).
All the missing are supposed to have fallen into the hands of the enemy at or near Jackson, Miss. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Colonel, Commanding. Colonel MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY ARMY,
BEFORE JACKSON, July 15, 1863. Col. L. F. HUBBARD,
Comdg. Mower s Brig., Black River Bridge,
COLONEL: A heavy force of the enemy s cavalry has crossed Pearl river from the east to west, north of us. Be sure to see that the large train up is escorted by the brigade left for that purpose at Champion s Hill, and that they are cautioned against this cavalry. I will send infantry to the north to cut off this cavalry.
W. T. SHERMAN.
VICKSBURG, Miss., July 17, 1863. Col. L. F. HUBBARD,
Comdg. Big Black River Bridge,
COLONEL: General [T. H.] Taylor cannot be permitted to come within our lines. Any communication he may have or desire to send General [M. L.] Smith you will forward under cover to these headquarters, either by telegraph or courier, as he may indicate, and the answer will be determined in same manner. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:
JNO. A. BAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant General.
JACKSON, July 17, 1863 8 p. m. Colonel HUBBARD,
Black River Bridge :
We are in possession of Jackson, and Johnston is in full retreat eastward. There is no necessity of your keeping any force east of Black river, unless Gen eral Grant wishes me to push on to Meridian. Keep things as they are till I con sult further by telegraph with General Grant. The cavalry force that cut our lines has swung round to the south, but will get east as fast as they can. My cavalry is up at Canton and beyond.
W. T. SHERMAN.
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 36B
July 19, 1863. Colonel HUBBARD,
Big Black Bridge:
Call in your brigade to the railroad bridge. When General McArthur arrives day after to-morrow, move your brigade to Messinger s, and collect there all the provisions you can for the Fifteenth Army Corps. We have driven the enemy far beyond Brandon, where the heat and drought are doing more execution than bullets. We have destroyed the railroad forty miles north and sixty south, and have devastated the land for a wide circuit. Ord s corps will return to Vicks- burg, Parke s to Haines Bluff, and mine to Messinger s and Bear creek. Study the ground well, so that division camps may be selected near good water. I pro pose to put one division at Fox s, one at Messinger s, one near mouth of Bear creek, and one at Young s. We will probably march in slowly, starting to-mor row or day after.
W. T. SHERMAN.
Report of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, of Action at Richmond.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOL. INFANTRY,
YOUNG S POINT, LA., June 20, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part sus tained by the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the action at Richmond, La., on the 15th instant:
On the 9th of the month, the brigade to which the Fifth Minnesota is attached was ordered to move from Haines Bluff to Young s Point, with a view of strengthening the garrison at the latter place, which was being threatened by a body of the enemy operating from the interior, and that had already made an at tack at Milliken s Bend. The re-enforcements thus sent induced the enemy to fall back to Richmond, twenty miles west, from which place it was ordered that he be dislodged and driven out.
The force sent out for this purpose, consisting of two brigades, left Young s Point on the morning of the 14th, and bivouacked that night within five miles of Richmond.
At daylight on the morning of the 15th, the column moved forward, the Fifth Minnesota being in advance. The first picket of the enemy was encountered within two miles of the town, but a reconnaissance disclosed the fact that there was a considerable force in line of battle near the edge of a body of timber less than a mile to the rear of this outpost.
As soon as the probable location of the enemy was determined, I was ordered by General Mower to deploy six companies of my regiment as skirmishers, using the remaining four as a reserve, and move forward to ascertain more definitely the position the enemy occupied and his probable strength. The approach to the locality in which the enemy was posted led across a smooth, open field, which afforded no cover for the skirmishers whatever; hence the men were greatly ex posed and their movements fully apparent to the enemy. Through this open field, about half a mile in front of the main body of the enemy, and running parallel
364 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
with my line of skirmishers, was a deep ditch, skirted by a thick growth of bushes and small timber, under cover of which the rebel skirmishers, supported by a regiment of infantry, were posted.
When within thirty yards of this cover, and in point-blank range of the enemy s guns, we received a heavy volley from his skirmishers and the regiment in reserve. The men at once fell flat upon the ground, the weeds and tall grass affording them partial protection. A sharp skirmish fight ensued of perhaps twenty minutes duration, during which a charge of the enemy, made with a design of capturing the skirmishers, was repulsed.
By this time our main column had formed line of battle and advanced to with in supporting distance of the position we occupied. The rebel skirmishers now retired upon their main body, which had also fallen back and taken a position on the opposite bank of a bayou that separated us from the town. I again advanced, moving in the face of a fire of grape and canister from a battery the enemy had in position on the bank of the bayou, and, when within easy range of his sharp shooters, halted. Two batteries of artillery were now brought forward and opened upon the guns of the enemy. A sharp artillery fight followed, lasting more than an hour, during which the enemy effected an evacuation of the place, retreating on the road to Delhi. He had burned the bridge across the bayou and obstructed the road, rendering an immediate pursuit impracticable.
The village of Eichmond was destroyed by order, and the following day the column countermarched to Young s Point.
The regiment bore itself with its usual gallantry and much to the satisfaction of the general commanding.
The following is a list of the casualties the regiment sustained in the action:
COMPANY A. Wounded: Private Knut Otterson, in foot with grape shot.
COMPANY B. Wounded: Corp. Eli Wait, in head, dangerously; losing one eye and ball lodg ing in back part of head.
COMPANY C. Wounded: Private Z. Chute, in thigh with musket ball.
COMPANY D. Wounded: Corp. Christian Wolf, in left side, Privates Conrad Nill, in right side, and Joseph Tournville, in foot; neither considered dangerous.
COMPANY H. Wounded: Privates Francis M. Elletson, in shoulder, and Cyrus B. Chase, in eye; neither dangerous.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Colonel, Commanding. Col. OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JOSEPH A. MOWER, SECOND BRI GADE, THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, OF ACTION NEAR EICHMOND.
YOUNG S POINT, LA., June 17, 1863.
Moving on, when within about two miles of Eichmond, the enemy were found to be in position on the plain in rear of a hedge of willows and a wide ditch, with their skirmishers in their advance. The advance regiment of my brigade, the Fifth Minnesota, was immediately deployed as skirmishers, and the other regi ments formed in line of battle behind them, with the artillery placed in intervals
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 365
in the lines, and a section on the left flank. These dispositions being made, the whole force advanced in the same order, and the skirmishers opened the engage ment. The enemy s skirmishers were driven in, and their line of battle poured a volley or two upon our skirmishers. My artillery then opened, and in a short time the enemy was driven back across the plain and the bayou to the turn, where their second position was taken. I then advanced my line to the willow hedge and ditch. The battery of the enemy, consisting of four guns, then opened upon us, but without serious effect. My battery, in conjunction with that of the Marine Brigade, replied, and a lively artillery engagement was kept up between the forces for about one hour. This not accomplishing the object desired, I left the battery in position, with orders to fire at intervals, to keep the enemy engaged, and left as their support one regiment; the other regiments I moved by the right flank into the woods that bound the plain on the west, and, throwing forward skirmishers, advanced by the flank along the edge of the woods, so that I might, if possible, dislodge the enemy by turning their left flank. We proceeded with no opposition, except a few shells from the enemy s battery, and my skirmishers reached the bayou, about three-quarters of a mile west of the town, and found no enemy within view. Moving by the east, by the side of the bayou, we came to town, and found the enemy had fired the bridge across the bayou and left. The destruction of the bridge had progressed too far to admit of crossing the artillery. The cavalry forded the stream and pursued the enemy about six miles on the road toward Delhi, and brought in twenty -five prisoners; a small quantity of stores was found, and a few arms.
ST. PAUL, MINN., Sept. 29, 1863. His Excellency, GOVERNOR SWIFT,
GOVERNOR: In response to your suggestion of to-day I would respectfully submit the following exhibit of the condition of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry, to gether with such considerations as suggest the proposition of a temporary trans fer of the regiment to the state.
The service required of the regiment during the campaign of the past summer has been of the severest character, which, in connection with the unfavorable lo calities it has occupied, has had a fearful effect upon the health of the men, re ducing its effective strength from near 500, which it mustered for duty in April last, to less than 200 efficient men at the present time.
The aggregate upon the rolls of the regiment is a little in excess of 450 men. Of this number less than 300 are present, the balance being mostly absent, sick in hospitals, or on furlough. Some 60 of the absent are on detached service, though a large proportion of them are known to be sick in hospitals and in the camps of the commands with which they have been on duty.
Of the 300 present about 125 are reported for duty, about 50 on extra and daily duty, the balance being sick in the regimental hospital and the quarters of the different companies. Most of those at present sick are prostrated with fevers and chronic diarrhea, and will, under the most favorable circumstances, be unable to resume their military duties for several months.
In the event of the regiment s embarking on another campaign, most of these cases would of necessity be sent to the general hospital.
366 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The cause of this state of things may be attributed to the fact that after the campaign which culminated in the investment of Yicksburg, the regiment was detached from its proper command, and located at Young s Point, La., where it remained during six weeks of the hot weather in the months of June and July, occupying low, swampy ground, covered with the debris of the camps of the Army of Tennessee, which had occupied the locality during the winter and spring. While there, the entire regiment, with scarcely an exception, contracted the seeds of disease, those not sick at the time the regiment was removed having since been taken down with some species of fever. Most of those reported for duty have been sick, and recovered or nearly so.
Upwards of fifty have been buried who died of disease while with the regi ment since the 1st of June. How many of those sent to hospitals have died I am unable to state, but it is fair to presume that the number is large.
By a transfer of the regiment to the state for a few months, doubtless the lives of a large number would be saved, who would otherwise die, and most of the men of the regiment again become able for military duty. Those in hospitals, with few exceptions, could be collected and returned to their companies.
The good effect of such a change apparent in the case of those men who have been given a brief furlough, induces the opinion that a few months in Minnesota would restore to health and to the service of the government quite 200 men of the regiment, who, if retained in the field, or in hospitals as at present, will probably never again do duty as soldiers, if, indeed, they do not die. If the regiment could take the place of one of those retained in the state, and the latter sent into the field, it would seem that the service could not suffer by the ex change.
I would respectfully request, in behalf of the regiment, that an application be made by your Excellency to the War Department, for an order effecting this transfer.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD, Colonel, Fifth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,
OPPOSITE YAZOO PASS, ARK., March 24, 1863.
COLONEL: I herewith transmit to you a list of deserters from the Fifth Min nesota Volunteer Infantry from the time of the organization of the regiment to the present date, and would earnestly request that all practicable measures be taken to apprehend these delinquents and return them to duty. I believe it is among the duties of district provost marshals to be appointed under the con scription act to trace up cases of this character. The extreme leniency which has heretofore been practiced in cases of desertion is having a demoralizing in fluence upon the army and threatens to seriously prejudice its discipline and efficiency. A large proportion of the desertions in the accompanying list occurred before the regiment left Minnesota, and though they have before been reported, I am not aware that any effort has been made to secure the services due from these delinquent soldiers.
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 367
Since my last report to your department the regiment has moved but little. On the 1st of February it left Jackson, Term., for White s Station, nine miles east of Memphis. On the 3d it marched two miles east of Germantown, where it lay doing duty along the line of the Memphis & Charleston railroad until the 13th of March, when it moved into Memphis and embarked aboard transports bound on an expedition through the Yazoo Pass. We are now lying opposite the en trance to the pass, a few miles below Helena, waiting for boats of the proper size to navigate its circuitous and contracted channel. The effective force of the regiment has recently been somewhat reduced by sickness, but at present the health of the men is reasonably good. Four deaths have occurred since my last report, whose names and copies of their inventories of effects have been for warded to your office. Eespectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. To OSCAR MALMROS^
Adjutant General, Minnesota.
Report of Second lAeid. Henry Hurter, First Minnesota Battery.
HDQRS. FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY, SECOND BRIGADE, Me ARTHUR S Div. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
CAMP, NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., June 4, 1863. To OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General of Minnesota,
SIR : Inclosed please find the monthly return of our battery for the past month.
Since I had the honor of sending you the returns of April, our army had, and improved the opportunity, to add new laurels to those won on former fields, and being convinced of your interest in everything concerning the troops of our be loved Minnesota, I take the liberty of giving you here a short sketch of our move ments within the past month.
After we left Milliken s Bend, La., our division consisted of only two bri gades: The Second, commanded by Brigadier General Eansom, and consisting of the Eleventh, Seventy-second and Ninety-fifth Illinois and the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Wisconsin regiments, and one Illinois battery besides ours. The Third Brigade was commanded by Colonel Hall, Eleventh Iowa Eegiment, and consisted of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa regiments, and two batteries.
On the 29th of April we reached, after a very tiresome march through the low and marshy bottom lands that border the western shore of the Mississippi, but constitute the richest part of Louisiana, the so-called Smith s plantation where we went into camp for the double purpose of protecting the road we came on and
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:12:37 GMT -5
opening a new route to Carthage, a little town on the Mississippi, opposite War- renton. Most every day during our stay troops were passing by southward bound and soon we heard, too, the booming of the guns when they attacked and took Grand Gulf, Miss. On the 9th of May we received orders to be ready to march and on the 10th we started down the river via Carthage and from there down through a splendid farming country, showing everywhere the opulence of its former proprietors, but now also the marks of the iron heels of war, till we
368 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
reached a point called Hard Times Landing, opposite Grand Gulf, to which place we were taken across on a transport. On the morning of the 13th, after we had left all of our baggage stored up and in charge of a few of our men who were not strong enough to stand the fatigues of a long and tiresome march, we started out, each man only with two blankets and one spare shirt and spare pants rolled up in them. Very remarkable to all of us Avas the great contrast of the formation of land in the two shores of the Father of Waters Louisiana, with its low, level and marshy bottoms, only protected from inundation by the immense levees built all along at the expense of millions, and here in Mississippi these high bluffs, this hilly, broken and sandy country, where there is hardly one acre in a piece for cultivation to be seen. The roads, of course, were hard and good, but, being lately so much traveled, very dusty; the heat became intense, water scarce and consequently men and horses suffered greatly. We passed through the so-called towns of Rocky Springs, Utica and Eaymond. About two miles this side of the latter place our forces had a lively brush with the rebels, and we found in a house on the roadside quite a number of wounded secesh yet. Our wounded, about 200 in number, were already removed to Eaymond, which place was in fact noth ing but a large hospital; here we also received the news of Jackson being in our possession. After we had left Eaymond again, the cannonading that we heard occasionally in the front became more lively, and soon we could distinguish some volleys of musketry, but notwithstanding our quickened steps, we were too late to participate in the glorious fight at Champion Hill. The rebels were completely defeated and making for Yicksburg, our forces close at their heels. We met the Fourth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers they had been to Jackson and were all in high spirits. Colonel Sanborn, their brave commander, told me that it was dangerous now to order them forward, as they could not be stopped any more. When they passed by our battery the next morning some of the boys asked us what we now thought of the "Home Guards," as we used to call them at Fort Snelling. That day the army advanced up to the Big Black river; we were right to the north of the famous railroad bridge, which was then in flames. The rebels had earthworks thrown up and armed with numerous artillery to defend our crossing, but when General Osterhaus ordered his men to charge they carried everything before them. The rebels lost all their artillery and about 3, 000 prison ers. In the forenoon of the 18th three bridges on different points were con structed and the army continued crossing and pushed on so rapidly that the same night we camped literally under the very guns of the Southern Sebastopol, a com parison that reminds me of the backwoodsman, speaking of his log shanty as of his " house." Nature has done more for the defense of that place than rebels or anybody else. It is certain that if the rebels are as determined to hold the place as we are to get it, many a man will never see his home again. On the 19th I planted my two rifled cannons in an open field from where we could not see, but, from time to time, a little white cloud would rise above the tops of the trees, and then we would soon hear the report of a gun. This was a rebel and my or ders were to silence him, if possible. We pointed our guns as well as we could and succeeded after awhile in our object. Next morning about 2 o clock I changed position but without getting a chance to do much. Our rifle gun ammu nition was nearly all gone and no new supply on hand, and our howitzer shells so poor that we did not dare to shoot them over our men for fear of killing them instead of rebels. The complaint is all over the battery that a great portion of
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 369
our ammunition is very poor, and by that operation the expense for manufactur ing it is thrown away, our own men are exposed to danger from their own guns, and the cannoneers to the blame of the soldiers that see such work done and do not know enough to not blame us for it. Many of the shells explode too soon; by far the largest portion don t explode at all. Also a great defect working against shooting accurately with guns lies in the difference of the powder charge in re gard to quality as well as quantity of the same. We find different charges in nearly every box of ammunition that we open. On the next night we moved our guns again more to the right and in the centre and rear of our brigade. In the night, from the 21st to the 22d, with the help of the pioneer corps, we erected a little earthwork on a prominent point, where we had a fair range of a long line of rebel works. I placed the two howitzers in here and one of the rifled guns a, little more to the right.
A general attack was ordered on the 22d. About 10 o clock the artillery opened a tremendous fire on the works, under cover of which our troops ap proached steadily the rebel lines. Only here and there we could discover a rebel firing his gun over the parapet, but when finally our infantry advanced to the final charge the breastwork became alive with men and a destructive fire was. opened on our lines. It was dreadful to see the effects of the enemy s bullets fired into the ranks of the infantry at such close interval. Many a brave, daring and noble-hearted man that had risen this morning as well as ever, lies stretched lifeless within a few yards of the rebel works; many more were carried off by their comrades torn to pieces and terribly maimed. Our little brigade lost in this affair 484 men killed, wounded and missing. The Fourteenth Wisconsin carried the crown of the day, but lost the heaviest, and among the killed, the brave colonel. The same evening Captain Clayton returned to us and resumed command of the battery again. Everything indicates that we will have some hard work to do yet, but our troops are in good spirits and confident of final success. Our men are doing first-rate; our communications are such that we can draw our regular rations; but the heat becomes intense and the dust raised every where by the great amount of teaming is very nearly insupportable. The sharp shooters and the artillery keep up the conversation with the rebels, and I hope not without convincing a large number of them of the positive strength of our arguments. The mortar and gunboats serenade the town most every night, our artillery forming the chorus, whether to the satisfaction of the city and its in habitants we could not yet learn.
Our position is about 700 yards from the rebel works; they did not bring any artillery to bear on us yet, but their sharpshooters try to annoy us as much as. possible; every one of our shots is responded to by a regular volley of rifles, but with one exception, has done no harm yet. Charles W. Southwick was wounded by a rifle ball on the evening of the 21st while eating his supper. The ball passed through his upper arm, entered his right breast, followed on the ribs and lodged about the middle of his breast right under the skin. The wound is considered slight; he was taken somewhere up river.
In hopes that soon we will be able to send you the particulars of the taking of Yicksburg, a feat that we are about as anxious to see as you will be up North, I tender you in the meanwhile the best respects of, Your obedient servant,
H. HURTER,
Second Lieutenant.
370 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Report of Capt. Wm. Z. Clayton, First Minnesota Battery, Third Brigade, Sixth
Division, Seventeenth Corps.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY,
VICKSBURG, Miss., July 16, 1863. To OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General of Minnesota,
DEAR SIR: lu compliance with request, I transmit the following report of the part taken by the First Minnesota Battery in the siege of Yicksburg.
As the proceedings of the battery have been previously reported up to the 22d of May, and that being the day that I returned to the command of the battery from my trip to Minnesota, I will not mention any previous movements.
The battery has been attached to General T. E. G. Kansorn s brigade since the 26th day of April, and supported it during the fearful charge upon the rebel works on the 22d of May, and has participated in all the important movements of the brigade since.
In the gradual approaches upon the rebel works, we have taken an active part, and many of the members of the battery have distinguished themselves for never-tiring patience and a resolute determination to overcome all opposition that has been thrown in our way both by nature and our common enemy. The men have been called upon to perform hard fatigue duty by night, to form works for their protection while serving the pieces from the constant hail of bullets poured upon them by the rebel sharpshooters, also to change our position fre quently to some more favorable point, to obtain a more direct range, or to enfi lade the enemy s works, which positions had to be gained many times by taking our pieces by hand up almost perpendicular heights.
Nothing but true patriotism and a firm determination to plant the old flag again where it belongs, could enable the men to endure so nobly the trials of the siege of Yicksburg without murmur.
We have by caution and prudence been fortunate during the siege. Our loss has been light only one man was wounded. Charles W. South wick, an artificer of the battery, was wounded on the 21st of May. He was sent to Memphis, and since to his home in Minnesota.
Two of our guns were temporarily disabled by recoil, but a day or two was sufficient to repair the damage. The artillery practice we have had during the siege is of inestimable value to us. We have expended from our two rifles and two howitzers about 4,000 rounds of shot, shell and spherical -case. A large portion of howitzer ammunition was very defective and unreliable, the shells bursting prematurely. This defective ammunition was mostly manufactured at St. Louis arsenal.
We have had an excellent opportunity to put our battery in good order from the captured rebel batteries. The battery is in good condition, and ready for anything we may be called upon to perform, although our number is small, so that we are compelled to have a detail of infantry to make the necessary number of men for serving the pieces.
Negotiations for the surrender began on the afternoon of the 3d of July. The proposed conditions were refused by General Grant. We received orders to open
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:14:00 GMT -5
CAMPAIGN OF VICKSBURG. 371
on the morning of the 4th of July at 5 o clock, and fire a national salute with shot and shell from each gun, but before the time came negotiations were re newed, and resulted in an unconditional surrender of one more of the enemy s strongholds, with above 30,000 prisoners and 50,000 stand of arms, besides over 100 pieces of light and heavy artillery.
The artillery was kept in position after the surrender until the 5th of July. But the infantry of Eansom s brigade and General Logan s division entered the town at 10 o clock on the 4th of July, and raised the stars and stripes on the court-house. Our flag (as it gracefully floated to the breeze) was greeted with a deafening shout of triumph, which seemed to speak the sentiments of those who had toiled for forty-eight wearisome days to see the flag of the Union where it now floats, and show the world that the old flag must again float from whence it had been ruthlessly torn by traitor hands.
The battery marched into town on the evening of the 5th of July, and went into camp about one mile from the court-house, where we are still remaining. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. Z. CLAYTON, Captain, Commanding First Minnesota Battery.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY,
VICKSBURG, Miss., Oct. 25, 1868. To OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General of Minnesota,
SIR : In compliance with your request of Oct. 1st, 1863, regarding the pres ent position of the First Battery, I have the honor to give you the following information and address:
First Minnesota Battery Light Artillery, First Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Army of West Tennessee.
The battery was on the 7th of October commanded by the undersigned, the division by Brig. Gen. J. Me Arthur, the army corps by Maj. Gen. J. B. McPher- son and the department by Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. HURTER,
First Lieutenant, Commanding Battery.
372 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG- July 2 and 3, 1863,
Reports of Capt. Henry C. Coates, First Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, BATTLE-FIELD, NEAR GETTYSBURG, PA., July 5, 1863.
YOUR EXCELLENCY: I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a brief statement of the movements of this regiment since leaving Falmouth, Ya.
On Sunday evening, June 14, we struck tents and moved about five miles towards Stafford Court- House, when we were ordered back on picket at Sedg- wick s Crossing, below Falmouth. At 3 o clock of the morning of the 15th we were withdrawn and moved again to wards Stafford s Court-House, our corps form ing the rearguard of the army. "We reached Acquia creek, near Dumfries, that night, twenty-eight miles, and on the next day marched to Occoquan, sixteen miles further. On the 17th we marched to Fairfax Station, and on the 19th to Centerville. Up to this the weather had been very hot, and the men suffered severely from the hard marching. On the 20th we were detailed to guard the train, and marched in a severe rain to Gainesville, reaching that place after mid night. On the next day we went to Thoroughfare Gap, where we were kept upon picket duty until the 25th, when we took up the line of march for the Potomac. The regiment was shelled by the enemy at Hay market; one man was wounded, and Colonel Colvill s horse killed under him. We reached Gum Spring on that night, twenty -two miles, and at noon of the next day arrived at Edwards Ferry, on the Potomac, which we crossed in the night, and bivouacked near our old camp.
On the 27th we marched to Sugar Loaf Mountain, and on the next day reached the Monocacy, near Frederick City, Maryland. On the 29th we made a march of thirty-one miles, to Uniontown, near the Pennsylvania line, where we found the pickets of the enemy, and laid over one day for stated muster. On the 1st of July we marched within two miles of this place, where we found portions of the army, who had been in the battle of that day. About 3 o clock on the morning of the 2d inst. we were ordered into position in the front and about the centre of our line, just to the left of the town. The battle commenced at daylight and raged with fury the entire day. We were under a severe artillery fire, but not actively engaged until about 5 o clock p. M., when we were moved to support Bat tery C, Fourth U. S. Artillery. Company F had been detached from the regiment as skirmishers, and Company L as sharpshooters. Our infantry, who had advanced upon the enemy in our front and pushed him for awhile, were in turn driven back in some confusion, the enemy following them in heavy force.
To check them, we were ordered to advance, which we did, moving at double- quick down the slope of the hill, right upon the rebel line. The fire we encoun tered here was terrible, and although we inflicted severe punishment upon the enemy and checked his advance, it was with the loss in killed and wounded of more than two-thirds of our men who were engaged. Here Captain Muller of Company E, and Lieutenant Farrar of Company I, were killed; Captain Periani of Company K, mortally wounded; Colonel Colvill, Lieutenant Colonel Adams, Major Downie, Adjutant Peller, and Lieutenants Sinclair, Company B, Demarest, Company E, De Gray, Company G, and Boyd, Company I, were severely wounded. Colonel Colvill is shot through the shoulder and foot, Lieutenant
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 373
Colonel Adams is shot through the chest, and twice through the leg, and his re covery is doubtful. Fully two-thirds of the enlisted men engaged were either killed or wounded. Companies F, C, and L, not being engaged here, did not suffer severely on this day s fight. The command of the regiment now devolved upon Capt. Nathan S. Messick.
At daybreak the next morning the enemy renewed the battle with vigor, on the right and left of our line, with infantry, and about 10 o clock A. M., opened upon the centre, where we were posted, a most terrible fire of artillery, which continued without intermission until 3 o clock p. M., when heavy columns of the enemy 7 s infantry were thrown suddenly forward against our position. They marched resolutely in the face of a withering fire up to our line, and succeeded in planting their colors on one of our batteries. They held it but a moment, as our regiment with others of our division rushed upon them the colors of our regi ment in advance and retook the battery, capturing nearly the entire rebel force who remained alive. Our regiment took about 500 prisoners. Several stands of rebel colors were here taken. Private Marshall Sherman, of Company C, cap tured the colors of the Twenty-eighth Virginia Eegiment.
Our entire regiment, except Company L, were in this fight, and our loss was again very severe. Captain Messick, while gallantly leading the regiment, was killed early. Capt. W. B. Farrell, Company C, was mortally wounded and died last night. Lieutenant Mason, Company D, received three severe wounds, and Lieutenants Harmon, Company C, Heffelfinger, Company D, and May, Company B, were also wounded. The enemy suffered terribly here, and is now retreating.
Our loss of so many brave men is heartrending, and will carry mourning into all parts of the state. But they have fallen in a holy cause, and their memory will not soon perish. Our loss is 4 commissioned officers and 47 men killed; 13 officers and 162 men wounded, and 6 men missing total 232 out of less than 330 men and officers engaged. I send herewith a list of killed and wounded.
Several acts of heroic daring occurred in this battle; I cannot now attempt to enumerate them. The bearing of Colonel Colvill and Lieutenant Colonel Adams in the fight of Thursday was conspicuously gallant. Heroically urging on the attack they fell nearly at the same moment (their wounds completely disabling them), so far in the advance that some time elapsed before they were got off the field. Major Downie received two bullets through the arm before he turned over the command to Captain Messick. Color Sergt. E. P. Perkins, and two of the color guard successively bearing the flag, were wounded in Thursday s fight. On Friday Corporal Dehn, of Company A (the last of the color guard), when close upon the enemy, was shot through the hand, and the flag-staff cut in two; Corp. Henry D. O Brien, of Company E, instantly seized the flag by the remnant of the staff and waving it over his head rushed right up to the muzzles of the enemy s muskets. Nearly at the moment of victory he too was wounded in the hand, but the flag was instantly grasped by Corp. W. N. Irvine, of Company D, who still carries its tattered remnants. Company L, Captain Berger, supported Kirby s battery throughout the battle, and did very effective service. Every man in the regiment did his whole duty. "With great respect, I am, your obedient servant,
H. C. COATES,
Captain, Commanding First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers. His Excellency, ALEXANDER RAMSEY,
Governor of the State of Minnesota.
374 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
NEAR ELLIS FORD, YA., Aug. 3, 1863.
SIR: Pursuant to circular of this date, I respectfully submit the following* statement of the part taken by this regiment in the late battle near Gettys burg, Pa. :
About 3 o clock on the morning of July 2, we were ordered into position near the centre of our line of battle, to the left of the town. The battle commenced at daylight, and raged with fury the entire day. We remained under a severe artil lery fire, but were not actively engaged until about 5 p. M., when we were moved to support Battery C, Fourth IT. S. Artillery. Company F was about this time detached from the regiment as skirmishers, and Company L as sharpshooters. Our infantry in front of us had advanced upon the enemy and pushed him for awhile, but were in turn driven back in some confusion, the enemy following in heavy force. To check the enemy, we were ordered to advance, which we did, moving at double-quick down the slope of the hill right upon the rebel line. The fire we encountered here w r as terrible, and, although we inflicted severe punish ment upon the enemy, and stopped his advance, we there lost in killed and wounded more than two-thirds of our men and officers who were engaged.
Here Captain Muller, of Company E, and Lieutenant Farrar, of Company I, were killed; Captain Periam, of Company K, mortally wounded. Colonel Colvill, Lieutenant Colonel Adams, Major Downie, Adjutant Peller, and Lieutenants Sin clair, Company B; Demarest, Company E; De Gray, Company G; and Boyd, Company I, were severely wounded.
The command of the regiment now devolved upon Captain Nathan S. Messick, and we were moved again to the right, near the position first occupied by us, where we slept on our arms during the night.
At daybreak the next morning the enemy renewed the battle with vigor on the right and left of our line with infantry, and about 10 A. M. opened upon the centre, where we were posted, a most severe fire of artillery, which continued without intermission until 3 P. M., when heavy columns of the enemy s infantry were thrown suddenly forward against our position. They marched resolutely in the face of a withering fire up to our lines, and succeeded in planting their colors on one of our batteries. The point of attack was to the right of our position, and held by the Second Brigade of our division (Second Division, Second Army Corps). As the enemy approached, we were moved by the right flank to oppose them, fir ing upon them as we approached, and sustaining their fire, together with the fire of batteries which they had brought up to within short range. The fighting here was desperate for a time. At length the regiment and others closed in upon the enemy, and nearly the whole of the rebel force which remained alive were taken prisoners. About 500 were captured by this regiment; also the colors of the Twenty-eighth Virginia Eegiment, taken by Private Marshall Sherman, of Com pany C. 1
The regiment here again lost severely. Capt. Nathan S. Messick, while gal lantly leading the regiment, fell early in the action. Capt. W. B. Farrell, Com pany C, was mortally wounded, and died on the day following. Lieutenants Mason and Heffelfinger, Company D, Harmon, Company C, and May, Company B, were wounded.
1 A medal of honor awarded to Sherman for this service.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 375
The enemy did not recover from this repulse, and the battle was now won. The entire regiment, excepting Company L, was in this last fight. This company had been detached as sharpshooters, to support Kirby s Battery, where it did very effective service. Every man in the regiment did his whole duty.
The accompanying list of killed and wounded shows the severity of our loss.
Your obedient servant,
H. C. COATES,
Captain, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. F. TV. HASKELL,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
Return of Killed, Wounded and Missing of the First Minnesota Regiment Volunteers at the Battles near Gettysburg, Pa., July 2d and 3d, 1863.
OFFICERS KILLED AND SINCE DEAD OF WOUNDS.
COMPANY G Capt. N. S. Messick, died July 3d. COMPANY C Capt. Wilson B. Farrell, died July 3d. COMPANY E Capt. Louis Muller, killed July 2d. COMPANY K Capt. Joseph Periam, died July 7th. COMPANY I Second Lieutenant Farrar, killed July 2d. Commissioned officers killed, five.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS WOUNDED.
Col. William Colvill, Lieut. Col. Charles P. Adams, Maj. Mark W. Downie, Captains William Harmon and Thomas Sinclair; Lieutenants John Peller (adjutant), C. B. Heffelfinger, Charles H. Mason (died Aug. 18, 1863), David B. Demarest (died July 30, 1863) and James De Gray.
ENLISTED MEN KILLED AND SINCE DEAD OF WOUNDS.
COMPANY A Corporals Julius Edler, died July 2d; James Keyes, died July 2d; Joseph Schmucker, died July 2d; Peter Marx, died July 29th; Timothy Crawley, died July 20th; Sergt. Henry C. Wright, died July 6th; Privates John G. Wilson, died July2d; Warren Wagner, died July 6th; John F. Miller, died July 2d; John Hauser, died July 2d; Clark Brandt, died July 21st.
COMPANY B Sergt. Samuel B. Nickerson, killed July 2d, Privates William F. Bates, killed July 2d; August Koenig, killed July 2d.
COMPANY C First Sergt. H. H. Howard, died July 3d; Sergt. Wade Lufkin, died July 3d; Corp. Aaron Greenwald, died July 3d; Private John Ellsworth, died July 3d.
COMPANY D Privates Charles E. Baker, died July 2d; Joseph H. Prime, died July 2d; Alonzo C. Hayden, died July 3d; George Grandy, died July 5th; Marcus A. Past, Irving Law rence, died July 7th; William R. Allen, died July 18th.
COMPANY E First Sergt. Joseph G. Trevor, died July 2d; Privates John W. Davis, died July 2d; Norman Fowler, died July 2d; Israel Jackins, died July 2d; Isaac L. Taylor, died July 2d.
COMPANY F Sergt. Philip E. Hamlin, died July 3d; Corp. Leonard Squire, died July 3d.
COMPANY G Corporals George P. Sawyer, died July 2d; John Strothman, died July 2d; Phineas Dunham, died July 17th; Privates Joseph Sisler, died July 2d; Jerome B. Farnsworth, died July 28th.
COMPANY H First Sergt. James Ackers, died JulySd; Sergt. W. H. Wykoff, died July2d; Corp. John H. Essencey, died July 2d; Privates John Clauser, died July 2d; Kellian Drondt, died July 2d; Reinhald Hess, died July 2d.
COMPANY I Sergt. Oscar Woodard, died July 2d; Private Philander C. Ellis, died July 2d; Joseph Frey, died July 2d; Byron Welch, died July 2d; Edwin Paul, died July 14th; Corp. William N. Peck, died July 21st.
376 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
COMPANY K Privates Randolph Wright, died July 3d; Leslie P. Gore, died July 2d; Jacob Geisreiter, died July 2d; Augustus H. Smith, died July 2d; David Taylor, died July 2d; Henry C. Winters, died July 2d; Israel Durr, died July 4th; Peter Vosz, died July 3d.
COMPANY L Private Sylvester Brown, died July 3d.
Total enlisted men killed or who died from wounds, fifty-eight.
ENLISTED MEN WOUNDED.
COMPANY A Sergeants Charles Steen, wounded July 2d; C. F. Hausdorf, wounded July 2d; William H. H. Dooley, wounded July 3d; Corporals Stephen Lyons, wounded July 2d; John Dehn, wounded July 3d; Privates Benjamin Sanders, wounded July 2d; Lucius A. Adams, wounded July 2d; Charles S. Drake, wounded July 3d; Michael Devlin, wounded July 3d; Daniel W. Farquhar, wounded July 2d; Frederick Giser, wounded July 2d; Frederick Glave, wounded July2d; Charles Muller, wounded July 2d; Rascellas S. Mowry, wounded July 2d; Henry Nickel, wounded July 2d; Hans Simonson, wounded July 2d; Joseph Thiem, wounded July 2d.
COMPANY B First Sergt. David Lord, wounded July 2d; Sergeants John D. Densmore, wounded July 2d; Frederick Crome, wounded July 2d; George A. Oliver, wounded July 2d; Corporals John B. Stevens, wounded July 2d; Edwin Wells, wounded July 2d; Privates George Arnold, wounded July 2d; William H. Aucker, wounded July 2d; Rufus G. Blanchard, wounded July 3d; Bartholomew Carriegiet, wounded July 2d; Albert Caplazi, wounded July 2d; Morritz W. Erhardt, wounded July 2d; Peter Everson, wounded July 2d; Charles H. Gove, wounded July 2d; Charles Hamann, wounded July 2d; Martin J. Henry, wounded July 2d; David Johnson, wounded July 2d; Adam Marty, wounded July 2d; Fridolin Marty, wounded July 2d; Erick Nystedt, wounded July2d; Andrew P. Quist, wounded July 2d; John P. Schoenbeck, wounded July 2d; Albert Sebers, wounded July 2d; Ole Thompson, wounded July 2d; Joseph A. Tanner, wounded July 3d.
COMPANY C Sergt. Andrew F. Kreuger, wounded July 3d; Corp. Gideon L. Squires, wounded July 3d; Privates Miner Atherton, wounded July 3d; Daniel Clancy, wounded July 3d; James B. Gilman, wounded July 3d; Faxon Hayford, wounded July 3d; Maurice F. Leonard, wounded July 3d.
COMPANY D Sergt. (color) Ed. P. Perkins, wounded July 2d; Sergt. Calvin D. Robinson, wounded July 2d; Corporals Thomas B. Nason, wounded July2d; James Bryant, wounded July 2d; Jacob W. Kouts, wounded July 2d; Joseph Smithyman, wounded July 2d; Privates August A. Goeppinger, wounded July2d; Lewis B. Geer, wounded July 2d; Charles W. Geer, wounded July 2d; Archibald E. Howe, wounded July 2d; Benjamin F. Noel, wounded July 2d; Charles H. Rines, wounded July 2d; Franklin Rollins, wounded July 2d; Daniel Sullivan, wounded July 2d; William C. Smith, wounded July 2d; George W. Bartlett, wounded July 2d; James W. Walsh, wounded July 2d.
COMPANY E Sergt. Samuel B. Stites, wounded July 2d; Corporals Henry C. Bradley, wounded July 2d; Benjamin F. Staples, wounded July 2d; Mathew F. Taylor, wounded July 2d; John McKenzie, wounded July 2d; Privates George M. Adams, wounded July 2d; Amos O. Berry, wounded July2d; Charles A. Berry, wounded July 2d; John Currie, wounded July 2d; Hiram Drake, wounded July 2d; Henry Fisher, wounded July 2d; Jonas R. Hill, wounded July 2d; William W. Holden, wounded July 2d; Ernest Jefferson, wounded July 2d; William H. Lossee, wounded July 2d; Vincent Middlestadt, wounded July2d; Elijah Weaver, wounded July 2d; Peter Welin, wounded July 2d; Daniel H. Wait, wounded July 2d; Adam C. Stites, wounded July 3d; Corp. H. D. O Brien, wounded July 3d.
COMPANY F Corporal Marion Abbott, wounded July 2d; Privates Levi King, wounded July 2d; Romulus E. Jacobs, wounded July 3d; J. F. Batchelder, wounded July 2d; Horatio N. Bar ber, wounded July 3d; Artemus L. M. Decker, wounded July 3d, attached to Battalion A, Fourth U S. Artillery; Charles E. Hubbs, wounded July 3d, attached to Battalion A, Fourth U. S. Artil lery; Henry Burgetorf, wounded July 3d, attached to Battalion A, Fourth U. S. Artillery.
COMPANY G Privates Adam Areman, wounded July 2d; Cyrus S. Bondurant, wounded July 2d; William W. Brown, wounded July2d; Dana S. Barton, wounded July 2d; William G. Coen, wounded July 2d; James H. Carney, wounded July 2d; John Gatzke, wounded July 2d; Jonathan Goodrich, wounded July 2d; George J. Hopkins, wounded July 2d; Samuel Lilly,
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:15:04 GMT -5
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 377
wounded July 2d; George Magee, wounded July 2d; Ludwell J. Mosher, wounded July 2d; John M. Rhorer, wounded July 2d; Walter S. Reed, wounded July 2d; Corp. Anthony Jones, wounded July 3d; Private Anthony Ernst.
COMPANY H Sergt. Frederick Deher, wounded July 3d; Privates John Dockin, wounded July 3d; Thomas Galvin, wounded July 3d; I. B. Smith, wounded July 3d; Samuel S. Cronkhite, wounded July 3d; George W. Bradbury, wounded July 3d.
COMPANY I First Sergt. Oliver M. Knight, wounded July 2d; Sergeants Wm. K. Richards, wounded July 3d; Wm. J. Roe, wounded July 3d; Corporals Ernst L. Miller, wounded July 2d: George A. Milliken, wounded July2d; Wm. F. Wellman, wounded July 2d; Herman Lawson, wounded July 3d; Privates Henry Abbott, wounded July 2d; Jeremiah Donovan, wounded July 2d; Jacob F. Freeze, wounded July 2d; William D. Ho well, wounded July 2d; Daniel Hutchins, wounded July 2d; Edward P. Hale, wounded July 2d; Benjamin Jackson, wounded July2d; Charles Mason, wounded July 2d; Edwin Paul, died July 14th; William B. Philbrook, wounded July 2d; Herman Rabaca, wounded July 2d; Henry Widger, wounded July 2d; Daniel S. Weaver, wounded July 2d.
COMPANY K Sergt. Mathew Marvin, wounded July2d; Sergt. Alfred P. Carpenter, wounded July 2d; Corporals Charles North, wounded July 2d; John Einfeldt, wounded July 2d; Timothy Keiley, wounded July 2d; Privates Charles Behr, wounded July 2d; Chester H. Durfee, wounded July 3d; Charles E. Ely, wounded July 2d; Joseph S. Eaton, wounded July 2d; Charles E. God- dard, wounded July 2d; William H. Kinyon, wounded July 2d; James To wner, wounded July 2d; Samuel S. Tenney, wounded July 2d; Lewis Hanson, wounded July 2d.
COMPANY L Privates Ozias B. Baker, wounded July 2d; William M. Coleman, wounded July 2d.
Total enlisted men wounded, 153.
EXTRACT FEOM BEPOETS OF LIEUT. COL. GEOEGE C. JOSLIN, FIFTEENTH
MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
IN THE FIELD, July 11, 1863.
SiE: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Fifteenth Eegiment Massachusetts Volunteers in the action of July 2 and 3, at Gettysburg, Pa.:
Early on the morning of the 2d, we moved from our place of bivouac, immedi ately in the rear of the First Minnesota, and took our position in close column by regiments near the battle-field, stacked arms, and remained until about 4 o clock in the afternoon, when the enemy opened fire from their batteries. Colonel Ward, who had been in command of the brigade, was here relieved, and took command of the regiment, and moved by order of General Harrow to the front of our batteries, and took position on the right of the Eighty-second New York, their left resting near a brick house about 200 yards to the front, nothing connect ing on our right. Here we built a small breastwork of rails behind the fence, during which time the enemy were being engaged on our left and a rapid picket firing in our front. We remained in this position about half an hour, when the pickets were driven in, and the Eighty-second New York became engaged. Up on the approach of the enemy, their batteries in our rear opened fire with grape and canister, by which we lost a large number killed and wounded.
At this time the Eighty-second New York fell back, exposing our left and rear to a deadly fire from the rebel infantry. Here Colonel Ward received wounds from which he has since died. We now opened a rapid fire, but being left alone could hold the position but a short time, when we retired in some disorder, being
378 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
pressed so closely that we lost quite a number of prisoners, captured by the ene my. We re-formed our line in rear of the batteries, and rejoined the brigade, which was moved after dark to the front line, and took position on the left of the First Minnesota, which was the extreme left of the brigade, where we remained until about 2:30 P. M. of the following day.
About 1 P. M. the enemy opened a heavy fire of artillery upon our lines, dur ing which we lost one man killed and two wounded. Soon after, an attack of in fantry was made by the enemy on the right of our lines, and we moved by the right flank a short distance and became hotly engaged. After about an hour s fighting, the enemy were repulsed, during which engagement the regiment sus tained a heavy loss. After about an hour, we were ordered to our former posi tion, and from there deployed to the front as skirmishers, where we remained un til relieved, about 8 A. M. the next day, our ammunition being expended. Dur ing the skirmish we lost two men wounded.
We went into action with 18 officers and 221 men. During the three days, our loss in killed was 3 officers, 19 enlisted men; wounded, 8 officers and 85 en listed menj missing, 28 enlisted men, supposed to be captured. * * *
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. WILLIAM HARROW, COMMANDING SECOND DIVISION, SECOND CORPS, DATED JULY 16, 1863.
Minnesota Volunteers, Colonel Colvill commanding, by the direction of General Gibbon, were moved from their original position in the rear, to the left of a battery commanded by Lieutenant Thomas, and stationed on the high ground a short distance to the left of the division line of battle. The Nineteenth Maine Volunteers, Colonel Heath commanding, were moved to the left and front of the division line, and placed in position to the right of a battery commanded by Lieutenant Brown. These dispositions being made, the division waited the approach of the enemy. It soon becoming evident that a general en gagement would follow the attack upon Major General Sickles, he retired toward the general line, the enemy pushing forward with great impetuosity. As the enemy advanced, the first of the division to engage them were the Eighty-second New York and Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, from their position on the Gettysburg and Ernmitsburg road. These two regiments, in the aggregate not more than 700 strong, and without support on their line, but partially protected by the rails of a fence which they had hastily taken down and piled in their front, gallantly sustained an unequal contest against greatly superior numbers until the enemy s advance had reached their left flank, when they retired, but not before suffering heavy losses and inflicting more than a corresponding punishment upon their assailants. It was in this advanced line that Colonels Ward and Huston both fell, mortally wounded (each since dead), and here also many line officers were killed and wounded. The enemy continued to advance until they attacked with great fury the commands of Colonels Colvill and Heath, endeavoring to take the batteries under their protection. In this assault, Colonel Colvill, Lieutenant Colonel Adams, and Major Downie were shot down, the two former severely, and I fear mortally, wounded, but the command maintained its position until sup ported by the arrival of other troops. * * *
CAMPAIGN OF ARKANSAS. 379
In conclusion, I hope it is not too much to say that this division contributed very largely to the success of the 3d instant, if, indeed, they did not save the day, as the chief attack of the enemy was directed against the position they occupied. * * *
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF MAJ. GEN. WINFIELD S. HANthingy, COMMANDING SECOND CORPS, DATED , 1863.
Proceeding along the line, I met a regiment of the enemy, the head of whose column was about passing through an unprotected interval in our line. A fringe of undergrowth in front of the line offered facilities for it to approach very close to our lines without being observed. It was advancing, firing, and had already twice wounded my aide, Captain Miller. The First Minnesota Regiment coming up at this moment, charged the rebel regiment in handsome style, capturing its colors, and driving it back in disorder.
I cannot speak too highly of this regiment and its commander in its attack, as well as in its subsequent advance against the enemy, in which it lost three-fourths of the officers and men engaged.
ST. PAUL, MINN. , June 16, 1863 7 p. m. (Received June 17, 2:48 a. m. ) Hon, E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
Minnesota can raise one regiment of six-months 7 men within about four weeks.
OSCAR MALMROS, Adjutant General.
CAMPAIGN OF ARKANSAS Aug. 13-Sept. 10, 1863.
Reports of Col. Christopher C. Andrews, Third Minnesota Infantry, Second Brigade,
of Engagement at Bayou Fourche.
CAPITOL, LITTLE EOCK, ARK., Sept. 11, 1863.
GENERAL: I embrace the first opportunity to report, for your information, the part taken by the Third Eegiment in the operations of yesterday, resulting in the complete rout of the rebel army and the capture of Little Eock.
During the 8th and 9th instant, our forces were in camp nine miles below Little Eock, and two and one-half miles from the Arkansas river.
At 8 o clock on the evening of the 9th, I was notified that a general movement against the enemy would be made the next day; that the Second Division, com manded by Col. A. Engelmann, of the Forty-third Illinois, would be in the
380 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
advance, and that my regiment would be the advance of the division. I was or dered to be ready to march at 3 o clock in the morning. Accordingly, at 3 o clock yesterday morning, we moved out from camp, followed immediately by the Elev enth Ohio Battery, and proceeded to a point on the Arkansas river about seven miles below Little Bock, which had been selected for a pontoon bridge. It was beginning to be daylight when we arrived. We found the grading of the high bank of the river nearly finished, preparatory to laying the bridge, and could just discern mounted scouts of the enemy on the opposite shore, in the edge of the woods, 800 yards distant. In obedience to orders, we moved up a short distance above the proposed crossing, taking position in the edge of a corn-field, on the right of the road and behind a low levee, which answered the purpose of a breast work. Immediately caused some of the best sharpshooters from each company to get position in front under cover, and well secluded from the enemy. This ar rangement met the cordial approval of the division commander. The Elev enth Ohio Battery of six pieces took position on our immediate left, and extended to where the pontoon was about to be laid. We did not then know the force of the enemy on the opposite bank, as he had the advantage of woods, but have since learned that he had two batteries of artillery, supported by infantry. We had orders not to fire until he commenced. Supposing it to be his purpose to obstruct the laying of the bridge, we had every reason to apprehend his opening fire almost any minute, and we remained watching his movements. The place selected for the bridge was where the river is unusually narrow. It there winds close to the bank on which we were posted, forming an extensive bend, and leav ing at its present low stage a sand-bar about 600 yards in width between the chan nel and the opposite bank, on which the enemy was concealed. The line of battle for our forces was, therefore, much in the form of a crescent. About half an hour after the Third Eegiment had taken position, the rest of our forces continued to move up. Two batteries were also posted, one about half a mile on the left and the other half a mile on the right of the Eleventh Ohio, which was in the centre.
I have described our line of battle with some particularity, that it may ap pear more plainly how effective was the cross-fire of our artillery.
Where the pontoon was being constructed the river was between 100 and 200 yards wide, and when the bridge was little more than half done the enemy opened on us with his artillery. Our batteries responded, and, soon getting good range, made it quite too uncomfortable for the enemy. There was but little firing of small arms on either side, and none by the Third Eegiment, except the sharp shooters in advance.
The enemy s fire was chiefly directed at the bridge and the Eleventh Ohio Battery, and we being close to the latter, many of his shells and solid shots came in sufficiently close proximity to us. It appeared, however, to be only too wel come sport for our boys to dodge them.
The artillery firing continued with few intermissions for about an hour, during which time the Third was under the enemy s fire, but fortunately suffered no casualties whatever. The behavior of officers and men alike was all that could be desired. The bridge was completed and the crossing commenced at about 10 o clock. Two infantry regiments, the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin and the For tieth Iowa, first crossed in excellent order, and were followed by General David son s cavalry division on the bridge, a part also fording.
CAMPAIGN OF ARKANSAS. 381
It would be digressing from the object of this report to relate matters as to the crossing, and I will only say that, after the cavalry division had crossed, the in fantry regiments returned. This successful feint, devised by Major General Steele, of crossing all our forces at that point, surprised the enemy, who hastily abandoned his fortifications on the opposite bank of the river from Little Bock, and retreated through the city and toward the southwest. His rear guard op posed some resistance to our columns, which pushed forward at noon on each bank of the river, and there were frequent halts and skirmishes during the after noon march. It was not until about 8 o clock in the evening that the Third Begi- ment, having been upon the alert nineteen successive hours in the heat and dust, was allowed to halt and bivouac, one and a half miles below the town.
The next morning, at 7 o clock, our division commander in person notified me to march into Little Eock, and report to General Davidson. We therefore im mediately proceeded into town, crossing on the pontoon bridge erected by the enemy, and which he had unsucessfully attempted to burn.
Immediately on entering the town, the major general commanding informed me that he had selected the Third Minnesota Keginient as one of two infantry regiments to come into the city on duty, because of its efficiency and good disci pline. We then proceeded in column by company to the capitol, where we are comfortably quartered, thankful that, after a summer of hardship, and, we may hope, honorable toils, fortune does not desert us.
I should here state that a brigade consisting, besides the Third Minnesota, of the Forty-third Illinois Infantry and the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, has been placed under my command for guard and patrol duty in the city. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. C. ANDREWS,
, Colonel, Commanding Third Minnesota Volunteers.
Gen. OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, SECOND BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION,
DEVALL S BLUFF, ARK., Aug. 31, 1863. Gen. OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General Minnesota,
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of this regiment for the month of August, and with it to transmit the usual monthly return of alterations:
The beginning of the month found us at Helena comfortably camped in a grove, three miles below town, on the immediate bank of the Mississippi. Our duties being comparatively light, some time was spent each day while there, in military exercises.
The regiment having been designated as a part of the force for the "Arkansas
expedition," I was able to report early in the month our effective force to be 400.
On the 12th instant the regiment was inspected and reviewed by Major General
Steele commanding the expedition. It marched in review in column by com-
382 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
panies, and was highly complimented by General Steele for its fine military appearance. By his order, in the absence of its field officers, I led the Fortieth Iowa in its march in review.
On the afternoon of Thursday, the 13th instant, we moved out from Helena on the expedition. The effective force of the regiment was (380) three hundred and eighty, which made us one of the largest if not the largest regiment in the expedition. The weather was excessively close and hot.
The first afternoon we marched 8 miles. The next day we marched 12 miles to Big creek, arriving at noon. The next day (15th), marched 12 miles to Cyprus swamp, arriving at 4 p. M. The next day, Sunday (16th), marched 12 miles to Cyprus creek, arriving at 9:30 A. M., and had usual Sunday inspection. Monday (17th), marched to Clarendon, arriving at 1 P. M. and camped one and a half miles from town. Distance from Helena to Clarendon said to be 55 miles.
"We remained at Clarendon one week, during which time there was consider able increase of sickness.
The troops, having all crossed White river by Sunday afternoon (23d), re sumed the march and reached Devall s Bluff, Monday noon, 24th instant, where we still remain.
Devall s Bluff is on the west bank of the White river, about fifty miles from Little Rock. The ground is rolling, about sixty feet above the river, and shaded with oaks. There is considerable underbrush. The only water is from the river, but White river is a clear and beautiful stream. Our present camp is nearly half a mile from the river.
We are in the Second Brigade (Col. Oliver Wood, of the Twenty-second Ohio, commanding), composed of the following regiments besides the Third, viz. : Twen ty-seventh Wisconsin, Twenty-second Ohio, Fortieth Iowa, and One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois.
I lament to report that four men of this regiment have died the present month from sickness, viz. : Corp. Isaac Barrick and Henry Libby, Company H, Henry L. Dean, Company I, and John Melander, Company D.
Our total effective force present is 361
There are absent on detached service 51
Absent on furlough or leave 18
Absent without leave 38
Present, sick ... 52
Absent, sick 142
Aggregate (six hundred and sixty-one) 661
During the summer, which is now at a close, we have been constantly on duty of some kind in the South, and most of the time in a very noxious and unhealthy region. The men are now suffering the effects of the Yazoo miasma. Yet it seems almost providential that we have not lost more men. We owe much of our good fortune in this respect to the constant and painstaking efforts of First Assistant Surgeon Dr. Wedge, on whom the burden of the medical labor for the regiment has fallen for several weeks past.
I have the pleasure to report the discipline and morale of the regiment to be excellent. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. C. ANDREWS, Colonel, Commanding Third Minnesota.
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:17:04 GMT -5
BATTLE OF CHICK AM AUGA. 383
HEADQUARTERS THIRD MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
MONTGOMERY S BRIGADE, PROVISIONAL DIVISION,
HELENA, ARK., Aug. 5, 1863. Capt. W. E. WHITRIDGE,
Acting Asst. Adjt. Gen Z Provisional Div., Selena, ArJc.,
CAPTAIN: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 1, from headquarters Pro visional Division, dated Aug. 5, 1863, I have the honor to report the effective strength of my regiment to be as follows:
Commissioned officers, 20; enlisted men, 400.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully,
C. C. ANDREWS, Lieut. Col., Commanding Third Minnesota Volunteers.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, LITTLE BOCK, ARK., Jan. 23, 1864. Col. C. C. ANDREWS,
Commanding Post,
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the convention of delegates from the loyal people of Arkansas, which assembled in this city on the 4th instant and terminated its sessions on to-day, unanimously resolved that the thanks of the members of that body, not only as citizens, but as representatives of the people of Arkansas, were especially due to you for the many acts of courtesy and attention they received at your hands throughout the progress of their deliberations. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. J. T. WHITE, Secretary of Convention.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAITGA.-Sept. 19 and 20, 1863.
Report of Col. James George, Second Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., Sept. 25, 1863.
GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by the Second Regiment Minnesota Volunteers in the battle of the 19th and 20th instant, near Crawfish Spring, Ga. :
The regiment was placed in position at 10 A. M. on the 19th, on the extreme left of the brigade and next to Battery I, Fourth U. S. Artillery, facing the south.
A few minutes later the enemy approached inline in front to within about,300 yards and opened a heavy fire of musketry, which was returned with such effect as to repulse the attack in about ten minutes. Another similar attack was soon after made and met with a like repulse, the enemy falling back in disorder en tirely out of sight. About half-past 10 o clock sharp firing of musketry was suddenly opened at some distance on our left and front, which soon began to ap proach us. The cartridge boxes had been replenished, and the regiment was laid
384 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
down in line to await its time, the men having been admonished to withhold their fire until the enemy should be within close range. There soon appeared, ap proaching in disorder from the left front, a line of our troops in full retreat and closely pursued by the enemy, who was cheering and firing furiously in their rear. It proved to be the regular brigade, the men of which passed over our line and were afterwards partially rallied in our rear and on our left.
As soon as these troops had passed us the further advance of the enemy was checked by a volley from our line. A sharp contest with musketry followed, which resulted in a few minutes in the complete repulse of the late exultant ene my, who fled from our front in confusion.
About 11 o clock a large force was discovered advancing on us from the east and simultaneously from the north. Our front was immediately changed to the left to meet this attack, and after a few minutes fighting, the enemy seeming to be moving around to the northward, our front was again changed to the left un der a hot fire, so that the regiment faced the northeast, and again finally to face the north as the enemy massed his troops for an assault from that direction. The enemy charged desperately, and were finally and completely repulsed and routed after a brief but bloody contest. The fighting ended with us at about 11:30 A. M. Our loss was 8 killed and 41 wounded, including 2 commissioned officers; none missing. The regiment commenced the battle with 384 officers and enlisted men.
On the 20th the regiment took place in the brigade with 295 officers and men, 40 men having been detached for picket duty the previous evening and not re lieved when the regiment marched. At 10 A. M. the regiment on the right of the brigade was advanced into an open field to the support of a battery which was in action immediately on our right, the line facing the north [east]. 1 Scarcely had the line been halted in its assigned place when a furious fire of musketry and ar tillery was opened on it from the edge of woods bordering the field on the west [north] 2 and 300 to 400 yards distant. The brigade front was instantly changed to the left, the movement being made in good order, though under fire; and our line at once opened on the enemy. After a few minutes firing a charge was or dered, and we advanced at the double-quick across the field and into the woods, driving the enemy back upon their supports. Here the engagement was contin ued for fifteen or twenty minutes, when the enemy moved off by their right flank, clearing our front and getting out of our range, even when firing to the left ob lique. The regiment was then withdrawn and the brigade re-formed, facing the south [north]. 3 Presently an artillery fire was opened on us from the north [east] 4 and our front was changed to face it. After remaining here in position for about half an hour we were moved off a distance of a mile or more to a hill on the right of our general line of battle, where, at 2:30 p. M., we again became hotly engaged with musketry. The enemy charged repeatedly and desperately on our position here, but were always repulsed by the cool and deadly fire of our rifles. The firing here continued without any intermission until 4:45 P. M., when the enemy temporarily withdrew from the contest. Two other attacks were after ward made on us here, but both were repulsed, and darkness ended the fight at about 6:30 P. M.
Our loss on this day was 27 killed and 72 wounded, being more than one-third of our entire number; none missing. Some eight or ten men of other commands,
* 2>3>4 The words in brackets are corrections made on revisiting the field (Kelly s) after the engagement, and after the report had been forwarded. J. W. BISHOP.
BATTLE OF CHICK AM AUGA. 385
who joined us temporarily, were killed while bravely fighting in our ranks. I regret that I cannot give their names and regiments. The conduct of the offi cers and men of my regiment was, on both days, uniformly gallant and soldier like beyond praise. If any one of them failed in doing his whole duty I do not know it.
Asst. Surg. Otis Ayer and Hospital Steward Frederick A. Buckingham were captured from the field hospital September 20, and are prisoners in the hands of the enemy. A good portion of our wounded were left lying on the field and are now prisoners in hands of the enemy.
I am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JAMES GEORGE,
Commanding Second Minnesota Volunteers* Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS,
Adjutant General, U. 8. Army, Washington, D. C.
List of the Killed and Wounded in the Second Minnesota Infantry, during the Battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 19th and 20th, 1863.
WOUNDED.
FIELD AND STAFF Major John B. Davis, flesh wound, temple; Sergt. Maj. Peter G. Wheeler, flesh wound, chin.
COMPANY A Sergt. Abram Kalder, slight, in arm ; Corp. Thos. Fitch, severely, in nose and arm; Privates M. D. E. Runals, severely, in left lung; Ozias M. Work, severely, in body and leg; Eben E. Corliss, slight, in head; Chas. A. Edwards, slight, in hand; Manley S. Harris, slight, in hand; D. M. Morse, severely, in face and arm; Chas. A. Rouse, severely, in head; Fred. H. Russell, severely, in arm; Robt. Smalley, severely, in body.
COMPANY B Capt. Abram Harkins, compound fracture right arm; Corp. M. V. Dietre, severely, in leg; Privates A. V. Doty, fracture, left leg; John L. Kenney, severely, in leg; Gran- ville Farrier, severely, in leg; Wm. Swan, severely, in arm; Manning Bailey, slight, in hand; E. V. Comstock, slight, in hand; F. Kelsey, slight, in shoulder; Chas. Lane, slight, in shoulder; C. J. Lange, slight, in head; J. C. Kitchell, slight, in arm; David Bush, slight, in shoulder; H. G. Smith, slight, in head.
COMPANY C Second Lieut. M. Thoeny, slight, in wrist; First Lieut. Wm. Mills, slight, in arm; Sergt. M. L. Devereaux, slight, in shoulder; Corporals J. J. Casseday, slight, in hip; A. Hochstetter, slight, in head; P. Grunenwald, slight, in left side; C. Matti, severely, in leg; M. Rowhan, slight, in foot; T. D. Orcutt, slight, in leg; Privates G. H. Ames, slight, in leg; J. B. Gere, mortal, in both knees; John Fern, slight, in arm; C. Alden, slight, in leg; D. C. Morgan, slight, in leg.
COMPANY D Sergeants A. R. Hall, severely, in the breast; S. B. Holship, slight, in head; Corp. E. B. Nettleton, slight, in arm; Privates G. M. Gilchrist, severely, in body; W. H. Wiley, severely, in head; G. W. Fowler, severely, in hand; John Spring, severely, in hip; Felix Carri- veau, severely, in hands; Henry Vessey, severely, in leg; Chas. Clewett, severely, in arm.
COMPANY E First Sergt. Ben Sylvester, severely, in left arm; Sergt. A. A. Stone, severely, in leg and hip; Corporals Solon Cheadle, slightly, in foot; Nicholas Sons, slightly, in leg; Eli Hug- gins, severely, in wrist; Privates I. W. French, severely, in shoulder; James Flora, severely, in side; James Spencer, severely, in both legs; Lewis Swenson, slightly, in shoulder; James Smith, slightly, in arm; Joseph Smith, slightly, in side; Peter M. Freteuff, severely, in hand; Samuel Bowler, severely, in leg; W. L. Jones, severely, in shoulder; Edwin Knudson, slightly, in head; Benj. Warrant, severely in hips.
25
|
|
|
Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:17:33 GMT -5
386 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
COMPANY F First Sergt. G. W. Wallace, severely, in right shoulder; Sergt. Paul Caviezell, slightly, in thigh; Privates Henry Oaks, severely, in head; Thos. A. Tiernan, severely, in foot; Jas. M. Thornton, severely, in foot; Joseph Bird, slightly, in thigh; Michael McCarthy, slightly, in leg.
COMPANY G First Sergt. H. V. Rumohr, severely, in nose; Corporals J. A. Smith, severely,
in arm; Henry Bush, slightly, in ; Privates Peter Douthiel, severely, in shoulder; Peter Frey-
man, severely, in head; Chas. Janke, severely, in hands and leg; Geo. Reed, slightly, in thigh; Bateus Weber, severely, in side.
COMPANY H Second Lieut. Thomas G. Quayle, slightly, in left hip; Sergt. Josiah Keene, severely, in left arm; Corporals Milton Hanna, severely, in leg; John S. Hilliard, severely, in leg; A. B. Rose, mortally, in hip; Nicholas Weis; Privates Sam l Loudon, slightly, in leg; S. A. Mitchell, severely, in leg; Chas. Krause, mortally, in body; Byron E. Pay, severely, in shoulder; Cyrus W. Smith, severely, in arm and foot; Lewis Londrosh, slightly, in hand; E. T. Cressey, slightly, in shoulder; Albert Gesel, slightly, in foot.
COMPANY I Corporals Albert Parker, severely, in thigh; Adam Wickert, slightly, in side; Pri vates H. T. Whipple, severely, in foot; W. S. Wells, severely, in thigh; C. C. Handy, slightly, in finger; Isaac Layman, severely, in arm.
COMPANY K Second Lieut. D. S. Coverdale, slightly, in left hip; Corp. John R. Barber, slightly, in finger; Privates Robt. McClellan, mortally, in body; Edwin Baird, severely, inarm; V. R. Barton, severely, in hand and leg; Lyman S. Martin, severely, in arm; John McAlpin, se verely, in body and leg; Henry Roberts, severely, in side; John Shouts, severely, in side; Wm. Hamilton, severely, in wrist; John C. Smith, severely, in shoulder; Samuel Fleming, slightly, in knee.
KILLED.
COMPANY A First Sergt. Chas. Fewster; Corp. Norman E. Case.
COMPANY B Corp. C. S. Cutting; Privates, S. D. Calvert, A. H. Palmer, S. Taylor, F. I. Crabb.
COMPANY C Sergt. J. McAuliff; Privates Jacob Martig, C. Schilt, S. B. Neros.
COMPANY D Sergt. Wm. Dudley; Corp. John Sherburne; Private Alfonso Bogan.
COMPANY F First Sergt. Geo. H. Fry; Corp. D. B. Griffin; Privates Cornelius Holland.
COMPANY G Herman Raduentz, Charles Schuele, Jacob Seibert, Francis T. Sutorius.
COMPANY H Sergt. John M. Foster; Privates John B. Hopewell, Alfred W. Bigelow, Wm. H. Weagunt.
COMPANY I Corp. Arnold Cochrane; Privates Wardwell Mathers, Wm. McCurdy, Joseph Shonmaker, Freeman Schneider.
COMPANY K Sergt I. B. Pomeroy; Corp. Alex. Metzger; Privates John A. Cutting, Jas. A. Bigelow.
Total commissioned officers wounded 6
Total enlisted men wounded 107
Total enlisted men killed 34
Total loss 147
Assistant Surgeon Otis Ayer and Hospital Steward F. Buckingham captured at field hospital 2
The above is as complete a list of the casualties of the Second Minnesota Begi- ment as can be obtained at the present time; many of those wounded in the sec ond day s fight were left in the enemy s hands. The regiment behaved most gallantly, not a man left the ranks but that was known to be either killed or wounded. The wounded at this place are doing well, and are as comfortable as could be expected.
Lieut. Albert Woodbury, Second Minnesota Battery, is here, severely wound ed in the left arm above the elbow joint.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 387
These men were detailed to care for our wounded men and were captured in performing that duty:
COMPANY B Privates George A. Baker, Jediah Furman, Hiram A. Stewart, Ashley W. Wood.
COMPANY C Privates John Stuekey, Charles Sweeney, Peter Walrick.
Also, Washington Maguire, Company D; Henry Oaks, Company F; Uriah S. Karmany, Com pany H; John S. Bertrand, Company I; William B. Haskin, Company K. Twelve captured. Total loss, 162, 42 2-10 per cent of 384 men engaged.
I remain, yours truly,
M. C. TOLMAN,
Surgeon Second Minnesota Volunteers., Medical Director Third Div., Fourteenth A. C., D. C.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA EEGIMENT VOLUNTEERS,
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., Sept. 30, 1863.
GENERAL: For the purpose of placing on record the names of those officers and men, who for gallant and meritorious conduct on the battle-field of the Chicka- mauga are entitled to special mention, I respectfully submit the following list as supplementary to the general report of the operations of my regiment, a copy of which has already been transmitted to your office.
I am under special obligations to my staff and field officers. More praise worthy exhibitions of coolness and courage under fire were never made upon any field of battle. They each deserve much of their country, not only for their gal lant conduct in these battles, but for their uniform industry and ability in the faithful discharge of every duty. Such officers are a credit to the state and to the service.
Lieut. Col. J. W. Bishop had his horse shot under him in the second day s battle, but kept his place on foot, it being impossible at the time to get a re mount.
Maj. John B. Davis also had his horse shot under him, and was soon after wounded in the forehead with a fragment of shell, but kept his post during the battle, which lasted several hours afterwards.
Adjt. James W. Wood had his horse shot under him, but continued in the active discharge of his duty on foot.
Asst. Surg. William Brown was engaged in dressing the wounded on the field, and frequently under fire both days.
Asst. Surg. Otis Ayer remained at his post attending to our wounded, and while thus in the discharge of his duty became a prisoner. He was afterwards exchanged and has rejoined his regiment.
Of the company officers, there were present with their respective companies, and each in the energetic, faithful and fearless discharge of his duty, the follow ing:
Capt. Abraham Harkins, Company B, severely wounded second day; Capt. John Moulton, Company D; Capt. J. C. Donahower, Company E; Capt. D. B. Loomis, Company F; Capt. C. F. Meyer, Company G; Capt. C. S. Uline, Company I; Capt. W. W. Woodbury, Company K; First Lieut. LeviOber, Company A, commanding his company; First Lieut. W. W. Wilson, Company
388 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
B; First Lieut. H. K. Conse, Company C, commanding his company; First Lieut. S. G. Trimble, Company D; First Lieut. J. S. Livingston, Company F; First Lieut. H. V. Rumohr, Company G; wounded in face second day; First Lieut. L. N. Holmes, Company H, commanding his company; First Lieut. Tenbroek Stout, Company I; Second Lieut. E. L. Kenny, Company A; Second Lieut. M. Thoeny, Company C, wounded in hand first day; Second Lieut. H. Lobdell, Company D; Sec ond Lieut. T. G. Scott, Company E; Second Lieut. T. G. Quay le, Company H, wounded in hip sec ond day; Second Lieut. D. S. Coverdale, Company K, wounded in thigh first day.
Sergt. Maj. P. C. Wheeler was slightly wounded in the chin the first day.
Orderly M. D. E. Eunals and Bugler Albert Gsell are entitled to special men tion for their gallant and prompt discharge of their duties, under fire. Both were severely wounded.
The following named men are also reported to me by their company com manders, as having specially distinguished themselves in the line of duty, on the battle-field, while, without exception, all present are credited with gallant and soldier-like conduct:
Sergt. Alonzo Worden, Corp. A. McCorkle and Private James "W. Stewart, of Company A.
Sergts. John McAuliff and Robert S. Hutchinson and Private James B. Gere, of Company C.
Sergts. Albert E. Hall and Eollin A. Lampher and Private Gideon M. Gil- christ, of Company D.
Sergt. Benjamin Sylvester, Corp. O. P. Eenne and Private Michael Horrigan, of Company E.
Corp. John A. Smith and Privates Janke and Weber, of Company G.
Private William S. Wells, of Company I.
Sergts. A. H. Eeed and John D. Burr and Private William B. C. Evans, of Company K. Very respectfully, yours, etc.,
J. GEORGE,
Colonel, Commanding Second Minnesota Volunteers. OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General State of Minnesota.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN., Oct. 2, 1863. Hon. HENRY A. SWIFT,
DEAR SIR: Your letter, containing also one addressed to Colonel George, reached ine about the 5th of last month. I neglected to acknowledge its receipt earlier, only in consequence of our being on the march, or on some duty that pre vented it.
The regiment was in the unequal contest at Chickarnauga, Ga. I will say of its conduct in the two days fight, that it never once faltered, never broke or ran away, and that it had no scattered legions, other than its dead and wounded, and that all but those who were hit were in ranks when we marched from Mission Eidge on the night of September 20th. Would that the same could be said of all the regiments that were taken into action.
I sent you a telegraphic dispatch, stating that there were sixteen of Company E wounded, and none killed, to quiet the apprehensions of the friends of the com pany at St. Peter.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 389
Lieutenants Sylvester and Stone are getting along finely. Private "William L. Jones had his arm amputated above the shoulder by Dr. Ayres. One man was wounded on the 26th Peter Peterson, of Company E. A report has just reached us that the enemy captured our supply train to-day. Hope tis not true. We are looking for a fight at any hour.
With many thanks, I remain, yours truly,
J. C. DONAHOWER, Captain.
Report of Col. Ferdinand Van Derveer, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, Commanding
Third Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,
FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS, CHATTANOOGA, TENN., Sept. 25, 1863.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Third Brigade in the action of the 19th and 20th instant, near the Chickamauga.
My command consisted of the Second Minnesota, Colonel George; the Ninth Ohio, Colonel Kammerling; the Thirty-fifth Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Boynton; the Eighty -seventh Indiana, Colonel Gleason; and Battery I, Fourth Artillery, First Lieut. F. G. Smith. Our effective strength on the morning of the 19th instant was 1, 788 officers and men.
After a fatiguing march during the night of the 18th, and without any sleep or rest, while halting near Kelly s house, on the Eossville and Lafayette road, I received an order from Brigadier General Brannan, commanding Third Division, to move with haste along the road to Eeed s bridge over the Chickamauga, take possession of a ford near that point, and hold it. I immediately moved north ward to McDonald s house, and thence at right angles eastward toward the bridge. A short distance from. McDonald s I formed the brigade in two lines, sent skir mishers to the front, and advanced cautiously, though without losing time, one and a half miles. In the meantime brisk firing was progressing upon niy right, understood to be maintained by the First and Second brigades of this division.
Being without a guide and entirely unacquainted with the country, I am un able to state how near I went to Eeed s bridge, but perceiving from the firing upon my right that I was passing the enemy s flank, I wheeled the line in that direction and began feeling his position w T ith my skirmishers.
About this time I received an order stating that the Second Brigade was gradu ally giving back, and that it was necessary I should at once make an attack. This we did with a will, the first line, composed of the Thirty-fifth Ohio on the right and the Second Minnesota on the left, moving down a gentle slope, leaving the Eighty -seventh Indiana in reserve on the crest of the hill. At this time the Ninth Ohio, which had charge of the ammunition train of the division, had not arrived. Smith s battery, composed of four 12-pounder Napoleons, was placed in position in the centre and on the right of the line. The enemy having discovered our location, opened a furious fire of artillery and musketry, which was replied to promptly and apparently with considerable effect; for in half an hour the enemy slackened his fire, and his advance line was compelled to fall back. I
390 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
took advantage of this moment to bring forward the Eighty-seventh Indiana, and by a passage of lines to the front carried them to the relief of the Thirty-fifth Ohio, which had already suffered severely in the engagement. This movement was ^executed with as much coolness and accuracy as if on drill. Scarcely was the Eighty-seventh Indiana in line before fresh forces of the enemy were brought up in time to receive a terrible volley, which made his ranks stagger and held him for some time at bay. The Ninth Ohio, which I had previously sent for, arriving at this moment, I placed it on the right of my line. Still farther to the right a section of Church s battery and the Seventeenth Ohio, which had been ordered to report to me, were in position.
As the enemy slackened his fire, Colonel Kammerling, chafing like a wounded tiger that he had been behind at the opening, ordered his men to charge. Away they went, closely followed by the Eighty-seventh Indiana and the Seventeenth Ohio, the enemy falling back precipitately. The Ninth in this charge recaptured the guns of Guenther s battery, Fifth Artillery, and held them.
In the meantime the enemy, massing his forces, suddenly appeared upon my left and rear. He came forward, several lines deep, at a double-quick, and opened a brisk fire, but not before I had changed my front to receive him. My new line consisted of the Second Minnesota on the right, next one section of Smith s battery, commanded by Lieutenant Eodney, then the Eighty-seventh Indiana, flanked by Church s and the other section of Smith s battery, and on the extreme left the Thirty-fifth Ohio. The two extremities of the line formed an obtuse angle, the vertex on the left of the Eighty-seventh Indiana, and the opening toward the enemy. The second Minnesota and the Eighty- seventh Indiana lay on the ground, and were apparently unobserved by the enemy, who moved upon the left of my lines, delivering and receiving a direct fire, Church opening with all his guns and Smith with one section. He advanced rapidly, my left giving way slowly until his flank was brought opposite my right wing, when a murderous and enfilading fire was poured into his ranks by the in fantry, and by Rodney s section shotted with canister. Notwithstanding this he steadily moved up his second and third lines. Having observed his great force as well as the persistency of his attack, I had sent messenger after messenger to bring up the Ninth Ohio, which had not yet returned from its charge, made from my original right. At last, however, and when it seemed impossible for my brave men longer to withstand the impetuous advance of the enemy, the Ninth came gallantly up in time to take part in the final struggle, which resulted in his sullen withdrawal. In this last attack his loss must have been very severe. In addition to the heavy fire of the infantry, our guns were pouring double charges of canister in front and on his flank, at one time delivered at a distance not ex ceeding forty yards. During the latter part of the contest re-enforcements had arrived, and were by General Brannan, then present, formed in line for the pur pose of supporting my brigade, but they were not actively engaged at this time.
Our dead and wounded were gathered up, and a new line, under the super vision of General Brannan, was formed. The enemy, however, made no further demonstration, and quietly withdrew. A small number of prisoners were taken, who reported that the force opposed to us was two divisions of Longstreetfs corps, one commanded by General Hood. They fought with great obstinacy and deter mination, only retreating when fairly swept away by our overwhelming fire.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 391
After the second withdrawal of the enemy our empty cartridge boxes were re plenished from wagons sent on the field by the general commanding division. After resting my command for an hour or more, I was ordered to report to Major General Eeynolds. Immediately moving toward his position, we arrived near Kelly s house just before sundown, and there, by direction of General Brannan, went into bivouac.
At 8 o clock the next morning, Sunday, the 20th September, 1863, my brigade was posted as a reserve in rear of the First and Second brigades of the division, formed in two lines of columns closed en masse, where we remained for about an hour, slowly moving over toward the left for the purpose of occupying the space between the Third and Eeynolds divisions. Here I received an order to move quickly over to the left and support General Baird, who, it was said, was being hard-pressed by the enemy.
I wheeled my battalions to the left, deployed both lines, and moved through the woods parallel to the Chattanooga road, gradually swinging round my left until when, in rear of Eeynolds position, I struck the road perpendicularly at a point just north of Kelly s house, near and back of his lines.
On approaching the road, riding in advance of the brigade, my attention was called to a large force of the enemy moving southward in four lines, just then emerging from the woods at a run, evidently intending to attack Eeynolds and Baird, who were both hotly engaged, in the rear, and apparently unseen by these officers. I immediately wheeled my lines to the left, facing the approaching force, and ordered them to lie down. This movement was not executed until we received a galling fire delivered from a distance of 200 yards. At the same time a rebel battery, placed in the road about 500 or 600 yards in our front, opened upon us with two guns. My command continued to lie down until the enemy approached within seventy-five yards, when the whole arose to their feet, and the front line, composed of the Second Minnesota and the Eighty-seventh Indiana, delivered a murderous fire almost in their faces, and the Thirty-fifth and Ninth Ohio, passing lines quickly to the front, the whole brigade charged and drove the enemy at full run over the open ground for over a quarter of a mile, and several hundred yards into the woods, my men keeping in good order and delivering their fire as they advanced. The rebels fled hastily to cover, leaving the ground strewn with their dead and wounded. We took position in the woods, and main tained a determined combat for more than an hour. At this time I greatly needed my battery, which had been taken from the brigade early in the day by command of Major General Negley.
Finding a force moving on my right to support us, and the enemy being almost silenced, I ordered a return to the open ground south of the woods; this move ment was executed by passing lines to the rear, each line firing as it retired.
I learned from prisoners that the force we fought and put to flight this day was the division of the rebel General Breckinridge. That we punished them severely was proven by their many dead and wounded, among the former of which were several field officers, and among the latter one general officer of high rank.
I thence moved to a position on the road by the house near General Eeynolds centre, and there remained resting my men and caring for my wounded for an
392 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
hour or more. Although I had not reported to either General Eeynolds or Baird, as ordered in the morning, I believe I rendered them very substantial assistance, and at a time when it was greatly needed.
About 2 o clock, hearing heavy firing on the right of the line, and learning that the high ground in that direction was being held by General Brannan with a part of our division, I moved cautiously through the woods, and at 2:30 P. M. reported my brigade to him for duty. We were immediately placed in the front, relieving his troops, then almost exhausted. The position was well selected and one capable of being defended against a heavy force, the line being the crest of a hill, for the possession of which the enemy made desperate and renewed efforts.
From this time until dark we were hotly engaged. The ammunition failing, and no supply at hand, except a small quantity furnished by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, our men gathered their cartridges from the boxes of the dead, wounded, and prisoners, and finally fixed bayonets, determined to hold the position.
Here again the Ninth Ohio made a gallant charge down the hill into the midst of the enemy, scattering them like chaff, and then returned to their position on the hill.
For an hour and a half before dark the attack was one of unexampled fury, line after line of fresh troops being hurled against our position with a heroism and persistency which almost dignified their cause. At length night ended the struggle, and the enemy, having suffered a terrible loss, retired from our imme diate front. During the latter part of the day the position directly on our right had been held by the division of Brigadier General Steedman, but which early in the evening had been withdrawn without our knowledge, thus leaving our flank exposed. From the silence at that point Brigadier General Brannan suspected all might not be right, and ordered me to place the Thirty-fifth Ohio across that flank to prevent a surprise. This had scarcely been done before a rebel force appeared in the gloom directly in their front. A mounted officer rode to within a few paces of the Thirty-fifth Ohio and asked, " What regiment is that? 7 To this some one replied, "The Thirty-fifth Ohio." The officer turned suddenly and attempted to run away, but our regiment delivered a volley that brought horse and rider to the ground and put the force to flight. Prisoners said this officer was the rebel General Gregg.
At 7 P. M. an order came from Major General Thomas that the forces under General Brannan should move quietly to Eossville. This was carried into exe cution under the direction of Captain Cilley, of my staff, in excellent order.
|
|