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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:06:00 GMT -5
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS STATE OF MINNESOTA, ADJUTANT GENERAL S OFFICE, ST. PAUL, Nov. 29, 1861.
To the Commissioned Officers of the Minnesota Volunteers,
GENTLEMEN: It is deemed proper to announce, for the benefit of all con cerned, the principles governing the state authorities in organizing new regiments and in making promotions after regiments have been fully organized.
It is of the utmost importance in a volunteer service like the present to secure and continue the support of all parties and every section of the state, as public feeling and sentiment and the public interests are at a time like the present closely united. Hence the locality of men to be appointed, the service rendered in rais ing volunteers, etc., etc., must be taken into consideration, and will have great weight in all cases, except when parties can be found of military education, ex perience and capacity who are willing to enter the service and take command.
In organizing new regiments, all appointments (whether conferred upon citi zens of the state or upon men in the rank and file of older regiments) are appoint-
70 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
ments de novo, and are not promotions in a military sense, but are made upon the principles above indicated. And it is desired that these appointments should not be looked upon in the light of promotions. It is considered that a promotion is a transfer of an officer of one rank to the office of another rank of higher grade already in existence. But in making appointments for new regiments the ap pointment and commission creates the office.
So when appointments and commissions for a new regiment are conferred upon officers of the older regiments, it is not to be understood or inferred that this is done by promotion or on account of extraordinarily meritorious conduct, but be cause, in view of all the circumstances and considerations that should enter into the determination of the matter, and especially the locality of the appointee, such appointment is deemed to be the best for the service and the country.
The following rule of promotion will be applied in filling all vacancies occur ring in regiments after they are once fully organized and have passed beyond the immediate control of the state government:
Promotions to field offices will be made regimentally to line offices by com panies. Each regiment and each company will for this purpose be considered a separate military organization, and not a part of the Minnesota Army nor a part of corps cVAnnce; and no promotions will be made from one regiment to another nor from one company to another.
The above rule will be adhered to in all cases, unless the commanding officer of the regiment shall represent that the party entitled to be promoted under the rule is incompetent for the position vacated. In adopting this rule we are con scious that it does not conform to the rules of the regular army of the United States. But you will see there is a wide difference between the volunteer and the regular service. In the regular service men are enlisted from various sections of the country, with no acquaintance and with no attachment for each other, and the men enlist as privates with little, if any, hope of promotion, and are usually a different class of men, with aspirations and ambitions far inferior to those who enlist in the volunteer service.
Many of these are among the most respectable of our citizens, and whole companies generally come from the same neighborhood or county, feeling often as if they were members of the same family and claiming, as it now seems to us rightly, that whatever office, honor or emolument falls to anyone company should be conferred upon that alone and not be transferred to others no more meritorious.
The enlisted men of each company qualified for the position of commissioned officers, of whom there are many in our regiments, are, as it seems to us, entitled to chances of promotions the same and to the same extent as the commissioned officers. This opportunity the men of each company could not have if pro motions were by the rule of the regular army.
There would seem to be little justice in a rule that, when a company by extraordinary exposure and valor on the field of battle should lose one, two or three of its officers, would supply their places with men from another company less exposed. The same reasoning would apply with greater force to regiments. For the above reasons, with many others, the rule above stated seems to us at present to be the most equitable and just towards all the officers and men of our volunteer service. But we have no such pride of opinion in regard to this matter as will induce us to adhere to the rule for a single moment after it shall be made
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 71
to appear to work inequitably, or the reason for it cease to exist, or any other or better rule be adopted by other states or the Federal Government and brought to our attention. JOHN B. SANBORN,
Adjutant General.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS STATE OF MINNESOTA, ADJUTANT GENERAL S OFFICE, ST. PAUL, Dec. 5, 1861.
Sis Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Commander-in~ Chief of the Military Forces of the
State,
SIR: Pursuant to the provisions of the sixth section of the act of Congress of May 8, 1792, entitled An Act more effectually to provide for the national defense by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States, as amended by an act in addition thereto, passed March 2, 1803, and other subsequent amend ments, and of the requirements of the statutes of this state, I have the honor to submit the following report, showing both the condition of the militia of this state and the amount of volunteer forces furnished by this state to the United States since the date of my commission.
The present militia organization of this state was established by general orders from this office, dated Oct. 1, A. D. 1858, based upon the statute passed at the session of the legislature immediately preceding the date of the order.
By the general orders above referred to, the state was divided into six divi sions, twelve brigades and twenty -eight regiments, while the whole number of citizens in the state at that time liable to be enrolled for military duty, as appears by the return of the state auditor, made June 4, 1859, was 23,972. No re port since the above date has been made to this office showing the number of citizens liable to be enrolled for military duty, and no enrollment has since been made to my knowledge. It is fair to presume that the number now in the state liable to do military duty is larger by two or three thousand than it was in 1859, and now does not fall short of twenty-six thousand.
The theory of our statute, passed in 1858, above referred to, was simply to allow such of our citizens as were capable of bearing arms the privilege of organizing into companies of volunteer militia, and uniforming themselves, and drill at discretion, all without compensation, and without inducement on the part of the government.
Those who should organize into companies of volunteer militia under the law were to comprise the active military force of the state, and be first liable to do military duty.
At the time the law was passed, and until the present year, there was little or no military spirit among our people. A calm world and long peace had had the effect to bring anything pertaining to military knowledge and discipline into disrepute, and many seemed to be convinced that the nations of the earth need learn war no more. So, when I entered upon the duties of my office, on the twenty- fourth day of April last, I found the militia organization of the state the same as established by General Orders, No. 2, of 1858, and comprising 147 general staff and field officers with about two hundred privates enrolled among the active militia,
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but the number of those who would have responded to their names, if called out for any duty, actually less than the number of field and other commissioned officers. The organization seemed to be mere form, without life or substance or capacity for any thing except the withdrawal of arms and public property from the arsenal and placing it beyond the reach of the state officers.
I early formed the design of recommending to the Commander-in-chief the modification of General Orders, No. 2, of 1858, to such an extent as to reduce the number of regimental districts to ten, the number of brigades to five, and the divisions to two. But upon a further examination into the law under which the order was issued, I became satisfied that the orders were no more absurd than the law, and that it would be impossible to establish a vigorous and healthy military system under such a statute, and concluded it would be preferable to refer the whole matter to the legislature, and let the law and orders live or die together.
Observation alone must have convinced all that no such military organization as was contemplated by the founders of the republic and provided for by the first acts of Congress on the subject, can be established or maintained under such a law.
The early legislators of the country, having learned from history and observa tion that standing armies separated from the mass of the people often had no sympathy with them, and being subject to the caprice and will of a single commander, became the instrument in their hands of oppression and wrong, and too often the means of destroying the liberties of the country. And the the ory adopted by them was to have the military power of the country remain with the people, so that the armies of the country, coming from and being a part of them, would be in sympathy and act in concert with them, and thereby the danger to their liberties resulting from standing armies be forever removed. Hence the people of the United States, in their original grants of powers to the Federal Government did not alone grant to Congress the power "to raise and sup port armies, but also gave to it the power * i to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions, " and to provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserv ing to the states respectively the appointment of the officers and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress. And the amendments of 1789 by the people made it a part of the fundamental law that a well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms should not be infringed.
It appears plainly from these provisions that those who participated in the framing and adoption of the constitution considered a well-regulated militia as one of the main bulwarks of the liberties of the country, and as such deserving the attention of all statesmen and good legislators.
Although it is clearly my individual opinion that Congress alone should pass laws for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, leaving to the officers of the state governments, acting as quasi Federal officers in this behalf, to appoint the officers and supervise the training of the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress, and that all state laws on the subject are not only need less but improper, still the custom of governing and controlling the matter by state legislatures has obtained so universally among the states of the Union
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and for so long a period of time, that a change could now be hardly expected, and I recommend the enacting of some proper law on the subject by our legislature at an early day.
I have therefore examined with care the laws of several of the other states, with a view of determining whether or not the defect of our present laws could be sup plied by them, and after examining these laws I have concluded that they would not reach the wants of the citizens of this state, and that an act similar in its provisions to the one hereto appended and marked " Schedule A ;? would be the best adapted to our condition and wants. The present law provides for appointing and commissioning officers when there are no men to command, and although there may be high precedent for such a law, and the same be in accord ance with laws passed by Congress for raising troops for the regular army, still such laws are believed to be wrong in theory, and, all know, work very badly in practice. A. large number of officers, satisfied with the pay and emoluments of their offices, fail to make any well-directed efforts for the service or system, and the ambitious and energetic, who have not received commissions, cease to make any efforts to recruit men or perfect an organization, there being no hope of such receiving places of distinction, whatever the service may be that they render the state or country.
Hence, in the bill reported it is provided that no officer shall be commissioned until there are men to command.
Under our theory of public defense, it is made the duty of every citizen capable of bearing arms to do so whenever called upon by the proper authority, and it is the duty of every citizen to prepare himself to do so in a creditable manner and advantageously to the country.
Hence it is deemed to be proper for every citizen to give a part of his time to drill, and to perfect himself in military discipline, or, if he should choose other wise, then to contribute his share, to pay for the time and expenses of others in doing what he himself refuses to do; and hence it is provided that every citi zen liable to do military duty shall either connect himself with the active mili tia or pay one dollar towards defraying the expenses and compensating those that do.
There are other provisions relating to the management and care of the public property and other matters which are believed to be a great improvement on the provisions of the existing law. I therefore recommend that you call the attention of the legislature to this matter and that a law, similar in its provisions to the one appended, but modified and improved in such respects and in such manner as it might deem best, be recommended by you to be passed at the ensuing session of the legislature.
The breaking out of the rebellion in the Southern States and the call by the Federal Government for troops greatly aroused the military spirit of our people, and, as a natural consequence, a larger number of militia companies have been formed than at any previous year. * * *
In pursuance of the proclamation of the President of the United States of the fifteenth day of April last, calling for seventy-five thousand of the militia of the several states of the Union to aid in suppressing unlawful combinations then existing and preventing the due execution of the laws, and the order of the War Department calling upon Minnesota to furnish one thousand of that number, gen-
74 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
eral orders were issued from this office on the sixteenth day of April, requiring the formation and organization of ten companies of infantry to compose said regiment.
This order was responded to with the greatest promptness. Within ten days after it was issued, fourteen full companies of infantry reported themselves duly organized and ready for duty. Three out of the five companies of militia reported as organized in the last report to the Governor from this office, came forward with full ranks within the time mentioned, viz. : the Pioneer Guard, Stillwater Guard and St. Anthony Zouaves.
Instructions had been received from the War Department to have the regiment ready for marching orders by the tenth day of May, and the greatest efforts were made on the part of this office to accomplish that result. The order from Wash ington designated St. Paul as the place of rendezvous for the troops of this state; but it was found almost impossible to provide quarters for one thousand men in St. Paul. If quarters could have been provided, it was considered impracticable and detrimental to the service to quarter the troops in this city. I immediately made an effort to secure the old post of Fort Snelling for the purpose, and suc ceeded in securing the same, with the understanding and agreement with the party in possession that the state should have the use of it for military purposes without expense. It was with the greatest difficulty that I could make any arrangements for supplying wood, bed sacks, hay, blankets, pants, or any of the articles that were indispensably necessary for quartering the troops for a single night. These articles had to be procured at once. There was no appropriation for such purpose by the state, and no money to appropriate, and at this time the existence of the Federal Government was threatened. Very few goods suit able for use were found in this market, but such as there were had to be procured. A mercantile house (Culver & Farrington) at length were induced to undertake to furnish the articles required for immediate use by the troops upon the credit of the United States; and the goods purchased were the best, and I think I may say only, goods that this market did afford at that time suitable for such a pur pose. Immediately upon completing arrangements for quartering the troops, and providing blankets, beds, sacks, subsistence, etc., for them, namely, the twenty-seventh day of April, general orders were issued designating the com panies entitled to be accepted, and accepted to compose the regiment, and said companies were ordered to rendezvous at Fort Snelling on the twenty-eighth day of April, and were mustered into the service of the United States for three months, as directed by the order of the Secretary of War, and the regiment was organized on the twenty-ninth day of April, and reported as ready for duty on the first day of May. Orders were immediately received for portions of the regiment to march to the frontier posts. But before the order had been com plied with, the Secretary of War directed that the regiment should be mustered in for three years or during the war. Pursuant to this order three hundred and fifty were mustered out, and the balance signified their assent to serve for three years or during the war, and were so mustered by the mustering officer, and the regiment was then recruited to 1, 023 men.
Immediately upon the regiment being mustered in for three years, I made an effort to procure blouses and overcoats for the men, but found it impossible to do so without paying the cash for the goods before delivery, and this could not be raised without paying the most exorbitant rates of interest.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 75
The quartermaster general was addressed in regard to the matter, and agreed fco furnish these articles to the . regiment on its way East, it being at the time under marching orders to "Washington.
These goods were not furnished as was expected, nor until the regiment had been at Washington some six weeks. The result was, ill feelings were engendered, and many of the privates felt humiliated when placed beside regiments fully clothed and equipped; but from reports made to me by officers of the regiment while at Washington, to see that these articles were furnished without delay, I concluded that there was not much suffering or sickness occasioned by this delay in furnish ing the First Regiment with their clothes, and the delay was the result of cir cumstances beyond the control of any man.
On the twelfth day of June, the War Department, having ordered the First Begirnent to Washington, called for a second regiment of infantry from this state. Orders were issued calling for this regiment on the fourteenth day of June, and, although this was the season of the year when our population is most busily engaged, five companies, enough to garrison the forts and relieve the First Eegi- ment, rendezvoused, and were mustered in or had gone to the forts in seven days after the orders were issued. This regiment was filled to one thousand strong, and was ordered from the state to Louisville, Ky., on the sixteenth day of September. At the same time, the Secretary of War called for two more regi ments of infantry from this state, and accepted, in addition, one company of sharpshooters, one battery of artillery and three companies of cavalry. These two regiments of infantry were filled and organized in forty-seven days after the call was made for them, and in the same time the First Battery of Artillery, the First Company of Sharpshooters, the First, Second and Third companies of Light Cavalry, were filled and organized.
Hence it will be seen that every call for troops from this state has been responded to by the people with the greatest alacrity and promptness. In every section of the state the citizens have manifested a zeal worthy of the cause, and a courage and patriotism worthy of their ancestors and of the country. Kot only have the soldiers that have come out from among them come with the greatest promptness, and oftentimes at the greatest sacrifices, but after their enlistment every order has been obeyed with the same alacrity and promptness. Whether ordered to the seat of war or to the frontier posts, they have obeyed without regard to personal preference or suffering. ~No soldiers of the country have been called upon to endure so great hardships. They have nearly all been called upon to make long marches, from two hundred to four hundred miles, to and from our frontier posts, and have made them cheerfully, in the shortest time, both in the heat of summer and cold of winter. One company marched to Fort Abercronibie, after the snow fell, a distance of three hundred miles, through a country sparsely inhabited, with the thermometer below zero a considerable portion of the time, and at sixteen degrees below some of the time, and camped all the time when not on the march.
The First is the only regiment from this state that has had the fortune to take part in any battle. The same characteristic that has marked all our troops that of strictly obeying all orders under every and all circumstances characterized the conduct of this regiment in battle. And it is cause for just pride to every citizen, and will be a source of pride to the future generations of the state, that the first
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:06:53 GMT -5
76 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
regiment of soldiers that left it to fight for the preservation of good government stood firm in the day of battle and remained upon a lost field after all other vol unteer regiments had fled, and came off in company with veteran troops of the regular army, with but few men taken prisoners, although many were left dead upon the field.
The casualties of the regiment in that battle, as returned by the officers, will be found in Schedule F, to which reference is made. This schedule is very im perfect, but as perfect as the reports to this office will enable us to make.
The organizations and number of troops of each furnished by this state are as follows:
One three months regiment, about nine hundred and thirty officers and men 930
First three years regiment, same as above, mustered for three years May 29th, and recruited
to 1,023 men 1,023
Second Regiment, for three years or during the war 1,020
Third Regiment, for three years or during the war 910
Fourth Regiment, for three years or during the war 830
Recruits furnished to fill up First Regiment after the battle of Bull Run, 84 84
First Company of Minnesota Sharpshooters, for Colonel Berdan s regiment, 92 92
First Company Minnesota Light Cavalry, 95 95
Second Company Minnesota Light Cavalry 95
Third Company Minnesota Light Cavalry 95
Firsti Minnesota Battery of Light Artillery , k 156
Aggregate for three months, 930.
Aggregate for three years or during the war:
Of infantry 3,867
Sharpshooters 92
Cavalry 285
Artillery 156
Aggregate 4,400
In this connection I deem it but proper to remark that the county of Houston, one of the oldest counties in the state, has furnished no military organization and but few men to enter the service under our state government or authority; but from the most reliable information, I am advised that this county has furnished at least two hundred men for the war, who have entered the service in "Wisconsin and Missouri regiments.
There has been no order or prohibition against citizens of other states recruit ing for regiments of their respective states in this state, and Minnesota has fur nished many recruits for such regiments.
A call has now just been made for a fifth regiment of infantry, with every prospect of its being filled to the minimum at an early day.
So it will be seen that while the quota of troops assigned to Minnesota to fur nish of the five hundred thousand authorized to be raised by Congress was four thousand one hundred and eighty men only, she has furnished, under the super vision of the state authorities, four thousand four hundred, besides the three months men and all that she has furnished to other states; and there is every reason to believe that she would furnish her proportion of one million men for the army, if required, within the next six months.
As it may be a matter of convenience for future reference to have the names of the officers and men from this state who have thus voluntarily pledged their
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 77
lives for the preservation of the Union and good government and as every one of those who has thus gone forth and expressed his willingness to lay down his life for the public good is not only worthy of having his name enrolled in the public archives, but upon the memory of mankind, where it can never decay I have deemed it proper to attach to my report copies of all the rolls of companies and regiments filed in my office that have entered the volunteer service from this state.
During the whole period since the call for our first regiment, I have been very much embarrassed, from the fact that a large amount of goods had to be procured for each regiment and company by myself, when there was no appropriation for such purposes by the state, and I had no authority to bind the Federal Govern ment as to the price or quantity of goods purchased. When the second regiment was called the order instructed "the regiment to clothe itself, to be paid for by the general government." As there was no such pressing necessity for clothing and articles to be furnished at once when the regiment was called as when the first was called, it being warm weather, and some goods being left on hand from the first, I advertised for proposals for furnishing the regiment, and spent several days to get the most favorable contract for the government that I could. But under the most favorable contract that I could make, it cost several thousand dollars more for me to furnish the regiment than it would have cost the quartermaster general. Hence communications were addressed to him from this office stating these facts, and recommending that all forces that we should thereafter raise should be furnished directly by the government. Upon a personal interview with the Governor upon the same point, recommending the same course, the quartermaster general acceded to these views, and all the troops raised in this state since the second regiment have been furnished with their uniforms directly by the quartermaster general of the United States.
But I still encountered the same difficulty to a less extent. Blankets, towels, bed sacks, shoes, socks, hats, etc., to relieve the immediate necessities of the troops upon their arrival at Fort Snelling to be mustered in, had to be provided.
And as war goods had all become cash articles, and as there had been some delay in adjusting the accounts for goods furnished the First and Second regi ments, I found it impossible to buy articles indispensably necessary, except for cash, or a guaranty that the state would pay in a definite time if the Federal Government would not. Schedule H exhibits all the goods purchased through my agency, the party from whom the same were purchased, and the price charged for same, except such as have been certified against the state or paid for by draft on the treasury.
Schedule I exhibits the amount of goods furnished each regiment or company by me.
Schedule K exhibits the account for goods and other expenses paid by my draft on the treasury, and accounts for which the state is made primarily liable by contract.
The attention of the legislature should be called to the amount in this last schedule and an appropriation recommended to meet it at an early day. This amount should all be collected of the general government, as it is for expenses incurred in raising and furnishing volunteers, provided for by appropriations made by Congress at its extra session.
In addition to all the claims above enumerated, there are quite a large number of equitable and perhaps legal claims against either the state or general govern-
78 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
merit, such as claims for transporting soldiers after sworn into service, for a horse killed by fast driving, carrying dispatches and other like claims, that perhaps may deserve the consideration of the legislature. So far as such claims have been filed in this office, I have drawn them off, and they are exhibited in Schedule L. These claims are all certified by the quartermaster of the regiment, and approved by the colonel as a general thing.
The accounts for transportation of troops, which were the most numerous and troublesome to this office for the first four months after we commenced raising troops, have, as I am informed, all been adjusted by Captain Nelson, the muster ing officer, and the trouble in regard to this class of accounts has ceased. For this reason I do not append any schedule showing" their amount. There may be a few claims of this character of small amounts, for carrying recruits not mustered for some cause, that will deserve attention.
The increase of business in this office, occasioned by the organizing of so large a number of militia companies and by organizing and furnishing the volunteer forces from this state, has greatly increased the expenses of the office and rendered the appropriations of last year for salary and contingent expenses entirely inadequate. The contingent fund of fifty dollars had been expended before I received my commission, and the only funds I have received to defray the expenses of all the business connected with this, office thus far is one hundred dollars the allowance of salary, as by the appropriation of last year, and $51.20 received as a remittance for freight on arms, advanced by the state in the first instance.
I have been compelled to keep employed one man to act as ordnance sergeant, to receive and issue arms and keep accounts relative to the same, at the agreed price of two hundred and fifty dollars, from the twentieth day of April to the first day of January next. For clerks hire in the quartermaster s department there should be appropriated, to compensate reasonably those whom I have em ployed there, six hundred dollars; and the same amount for clerk hire in the adjutant general s office. Schedule M exhibits the contingent expenses of this office for the period which I have served, and the amount advanced and paid in cash by myself, for which I desire to be reimbursed at an early day. Almost every day the duties of the office have called me away, and the consequence has been large contingent expenses for livery hire and other simi lar items. In addition to the contingent expenses enumerated in this schedule, there is a large item of expense for telegraphing that has been adjusted at the executive office, and I have no data from which to get the amount; also, the items paid for flags for the regiments and the item paid for freight on the accouterments of the First Eegiment, sent back from Washington. All these have been adjusted and paid for at the executive office. The aggregate amount of all liabilities incurred in raising and furnishing volunteers
by this office, not including items of transportation and the other items above
referred to, is $108,621.91
Amount paid or adjusted 74,982.21
Balance unadjusted $33,639.70
Amount of claims for goods purchased upon credit of the general government that
have not yet been presented or passed upon at Washington 23,733.89
Amount to be adjusted and settled by state, including all claims of an equitable na ture, so far as known to this office $9,875.89
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 79
The appropriations for military expenses for the ensuing year, in addition to the amount appropriated for salary of the adjutant general and acting quarter master general, should be:
For rent of arsenal $300.00
For pay of ordnance sergeant 300.00
For cleaning and repairing arms 100.00
For transportation of arms and munitions of war 400.00
For contingent expenses for clerk hire, stationery, books, blanks, postage, telegraphing
for adjutant general s office 1,000.00
For the purpose of defraying expense of raising and equipping volunteers called into the
service of the United States , $
It has seemed to me that it would be proper to call the attention of the legis lature to the fact that many of the soldiers from, this state have entered the ser vice of the United States, leaving their property and property interests in an unsettled and insecure condition, and that it would be well to provide by law for staying all proceedings against these persons or their property during their time of enlistment or while they remain in the service. Such a law has been passed in other states, and it seems to be in accordance with sound public policy.
In conclusion, I have to state that the duties, labor, cares and perplexities of this office since I have been acting have demanded and received constant atten tion, and I have the satisfaction of feeling conscious that I have discharged its du ties to the best of my ability; and although it is not expected or desired by me that the state, in its present condition, should compensate liberally for such services, yet I may be allowed to express my confidence that she will compensate fairly and justly. Having accepted the position of colonel of the Fourth Eegiment of In fantry, I tender my resignation of my commission as adjutant general and acting quartermaster general of the state, to take effect on the first day of January, or such other time as may be ordered.
All which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Adjutant General and Acting Quartermaster General.
ORDNANCE OFFICE, WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 1862.
Gen. J. B. Sanborn, Adjutant General, St. Paul, Minn.,
SIR: In reply to your letter concerning the character of the Belgian muskets issued to the Minnesota troops, I have to say that they were issued because the government had none better to issue. I regret exceedingly that such was the case. So soon as good arms can be procured (and War Department is making every exertion to this end), I shall take great pleasure in issuing them to all regiments that have inferior arms.
Your obedient servant,
JAS. W. EIPLEY, Brigadier General.
80 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
ST. Louis, Jan. 8, 1862.
His Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul,
GOVERNOR: Yours of the second instant is just received. You say the Gov ernor of Illinois took a body of Minnesotians of the Sixteenth Missouri Regiment and embodied them into an Illinois regiment. The Governor of Missouri com plains that he took four companies of Missourians of the same regiment, and used them in the same way! All this was done before I took command of the depart ment, and I fear that any attempt on my part to remedy the matter would only make greater confusion and create more dissatisfaction.
I have had several captains arrested for trial by court martial for borrowing men from other companies to complete their own, but I do not think I am author ized to interfere with governors of states where they borrow for the purpose of completing regiments.
I therefore respectfully recommen* 1 . Lhat you apply to the "War Department or the President. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK, Major General.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, May 21, 1862. To Governor of Minnesota:
Raise one regiment of infantry immediately. Do everything in your power to encourage enlistment. Orders have been given to supply clothing, arms and equipments before the regiment leaves the state.
By order of Secretary of War. L. THOMAS,
Adjutant General.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:07:47 GMT -5
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, May 27, 1862. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
On twenty-second instant issued call^for a regiment of infantry. Send us arms, clothing, etc. ALEX. RAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 22, 1862. Brigadier General Thomas, Adjutant General, etc.,
GENERAL: Three companies of our Fifth Regiment are retained at home manning Forts Ridgley and Ripley in Minnesota and Abercrombie in Dakota.
It would add much to the force and efficiency of the regiment now near Cor inth if these companies, now pretty well drilled, could be sent South, while their places at home could be well supplied by men whose business avocations or family
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. 81
affairs will not admit of their going beyond the state or adjoining territory. I would then suggest that authority be given the state authorities to call out three companies of infantry, to be placed in charge of the three forts, and not to be ordered beyond the state and the Territory of Dakota. Yours respectfully,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
ADJUTANT GENERAL S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 24, 1862. His Excellency, the Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul,
SIR: You are hereby authorized by the Secretary of War to relieve the com panies of the Fifth Eegiment of Volunteers from your state now on duty at Forts Eidgley, Eipley and Abercrombie, and to send them to join the other companies of the regiment in the field. To replace these troops you will please call out three independent companies of infantry to garrison the said forts and for all other m ilitary service within the state and Territory of Dakota. The aforesaid ser vice will be special, and the troops in question will not be ordered beyond the state or territory named. I have the honor to be, sir,
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. THOMAS, Adjutant General.
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. -Jan 19, 1862.
Report of Col. Horatio P. Van Cleve, Second Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND EEGIMENT, MINNESOTA YOLUNTEERS,
CAMP HAMILTON, KY., Jan 22, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit my report of the part taken by the Second Minnesota Eegiment in the action of the Cumberland, on the nineteenth instant:
About seven o clock on the morning of that day and before breakfast I was informed by Colonel Manson of the Tenth Indiana, commanding the Second Bri gade of our division, that the enemy were advancing in force and that he was holding them in check, and that it was the order of General Thomas that I should form my regiment and march immediately to the scene of action. Within ten minutes we had left our camp and were marching toward the enemy. Arriving at Logan s field, by your order we halted in line of battle, supporting Standart s battery, which was returning the fire of the enemy s guns, whose balls and shell were falling near us. As soon as the Ninth Ohio came up and had taken its position on our right we continued the march and after proceeding about half a mile came upon the enemy, who were posted behind a fence along the road, beyond which was an open field broken by ravines. The enemy, opening upon us a galling fire, fought desperately, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued, which lasted about thirty minutes.
g2 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The enemy having met with so warm a reception in front and afterwards being flanked on their left by the Ninth Ohio and on their right by a portion of our left, who by their well-directed fire drove them from behind their hiding places, gave way, leaving a large number of their dead and wounded on the field. We joined in the pursuit, which continued till near sunset, when we arrived within a mile of their intrenchments, where we rested upon our arms during the night.
The next morning we marched into their works, which we found deserted. The enemy had crossed the Cumberland.
Six hundred of my regiment were in the engagement, 12 of whom were killed and 33 wounded.
I am well satisfied with the conduct of my entire command during the severe and close engagement in which they took part. Where all behaved so well, I have no desire to make individual distinction.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE,
Colonel, Commanding Second Minnesota Volunteers. Col. ROBERT L. McCooK,
Ninth Ohio, Commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Department of the Ohio.
List of Killed and Wounded of the Second Minnesota Infantry in the Battle of Mill
Springs.
COMPANY B Killed: Privates John B. Cooper, Milo Crumb, Andrew Dresco, H. C. Reynolds.
Wounded : Capt. Wm. Markham, Corp. Ed. Cooper, Privates J. B. Chamber, John Etzel, W. C. Smith, Ira G. Walden, Cornelius White.
COMPANY D Killed: Private Wm. H. H. Morrow.
COMPANY E Killed: Private H. R. Thompson.
Wounded: Privates J. R. Brown, John Mabold, O. P. Renne.
COMPANY G Killed: Privates Fred Bohmbach, Gustave Rommel, Fred Stomshorn, Jacob Warner.
Wounded: Sergt. Anton Morgenstern, Privates George Dehnning, Henry H. Hammer, Wm. Kemper, Frank Kiefer, Wm. Pratt, Charles Schultz, Charles Yanke.
COMPANY I Killed: Privates Samuel H. Parker, Frank Schneider.
Wounded : Second Lieut. Tenbroek Stout, Private Henry Clinton.
COMPANY K Wounded : First Sergt. Thomas McDonough, Corporals Alex. Grant, F. V. Hotchkiss, J. B. Pomeroy, Privates P. S. Barnett, John Benson, Henry F. Cook, W. K. Haskins, Thomas Johnson, Alex, Partman, G. Plowman, John Smith, C. F. Westland.
Report of Col. Robert L. McCooJc, Ninth Ohio Infantry, Commanding Third Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, SOMERSET, Jan. 27, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor respectfully to submit the following report of -the part -which my brigade took in the battle of the Cumberland on the 19th instant:
Shortly before 7 A. M. Colonel Manson informed me that the enemy had driven in his pickets and were approaching in force. That portion of my brigade with me, the Ninth Ohio and the Second Minnesota regiments, were formed and marched
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. 83
to a point near the junction of the Mill Springs and Columbia roads and immedi ately in rear of Wetinore s battery, the Ninth Ohio on the right and the Second Minnesota on the left of the Mill Springs road. From this point I ordered a company of the Ninth Ohio to skirmish the woods on the right, to prevent any flank movement of the enemy. Shortly after this Colonel Manson, commanding the Second Brigade, in person informed me that the enemy were in force and in position on the top of the next hill beyond the woods and that they forced him to retire. I ordered my brigade forward through the woods in line of battle, skirt ing the Mill Springs road. The march of the Second Minnesota Eegiment was soon obstructed by the Tenth Indiana, which was scattered through the woods waiting for ammunition. In front of them I saw the Fourth Kentucky engaging the enemy but evidently retiring. At this moment the enemy with shouts advanced on them about one hundred yards, and took position within the field on the hill-top near the second fence from the woods.
At this time I received your order to advance as rapidly as possible to the hill top. I ordered the Second Minnesota Eegiment to move by the flank until it had passed the Tenth Indiana and Fourth Kentucky, and then deploy to the left of the road. I ordered the Ninth Ohio Eegiment to move through the first corn field on the right of the road and take position at the further fence, selecting the best cover possible. The position of the Minnesota regiment covered the ground formerly occupied by the Fourth Kentucky and Tenth Indiana, which brought their right flank within about ten feet of the enemy, where he had advanced upon the Fourth Kentucky. The Ninth Ohio s position checked an attempt on the part of the enemy to flank the position taken by the Second Minnesota and con sequently brought the left wing almost against the enemy where he was stationed behind straw stacks and piles of fence rails. Another regiment was stationed immediately in front of the Ninth Ohio, well covered by a fence and some woods, a small field not more than sixty yards wide intervening between the positions. The enemy also had possession of a small log house, stable and corncrib, about fifty yards in front of the Ninth Ohio.
Along the lines of each of the regiments and from the enemy s front a hot and deadly fire was opened. On the right wing of the Minnesota regiment the contest at first was almost hand- to-hand; the enemy and the Second Minnesota were poking their guns through the same fence. However, before the fight continued long in this way that portion of the enemy contending with the Second Minnesota Eegiment retired in good order to some rail piles, hastily thrown together, the point from which they had advanced upon the Fourth Kentucky. This portion of the enemy obstinately maintaining its position, and the balance remaining as before described, a desperate fire was continued for about thirty minutes, with seemingly doubtful result. The importance of possessing the log house, stable and corncrib became apparent, and Companies A, B, C and D of the Ninth Ohio were ordered to flank the enemy upon the extreme left and obtain possession of the house. This done, still the enemy stood firm to his position and cover.
During this time the artillery of the enemy constantly overshot my brigade. Seeing the superior number of the enemy and their bravery, I concluded the best mode of settling the contest was to order the Ninth Ohio Eegiment to charge the enemy s position with the bayonet and turn his left flank. The order was given the regiment to empty their guns and fix bayonets; this done, it was ordered to
84 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
charge. Every man sprang to it with alacrity and vociferous cheering, the enemy seemingly prepared to resist it; but "before the regiment reached him the lines- commenced to give way. But few of them stood, possibly ten or twelve.
This broke the enemy s flank, and the whole line gave way in great confusion, and the whole turned into a perfect rout. As soon as I could form the regiments of my brigade, I pursued the enemy to the hospital, where you joined the advance. I then moved my command forward under orders, in line of battle, to the foot of Mouldeii s hill, passing on the way one abandoned cannon.
The next morning we marched into the deserted works of the enemy, and on the following day returned to our camp. At the time of the first advance of the Ninth Ohio I was shot through the right leg below the knee. Three other balls- passed through my horse and another through my overcoat. After this I was compelled to go on foot until I got to the hospital of the enemy. About the same time I was shot in the leg my aide-de-camp, Andrew S. Burt, was shot in the side.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the company officers, non-commissioned officers and the soldiers of the two regiments. Notwithstanding they had been called out before breakfast and had not tasted food all day, they conducted them selves throughout like veterans, obeying each command and executing every movement as though they were upon parade.. Although all the officers of the command evinced the greatest courage and deported themselves under fire in a proper soldierly manner, w r ere I to fail to specify some of them it would be great injustice. Lieut. Andrew S. Burt (aide-de-camp) of the Eighteenth United States Infantry; Hunter Brooke, private in the Second Minnesota Eegiment and volun teer aide-de-camp; Maj. Gustave Kammerling, commanding the Ninth Ohio; Capt. Charles Joseph, Company A; Capt. Frederick Schroeder, Company D; George H. Harries, adjutant of the Ninth Ohio Eegiment; Col. H. P. Van Cleve, James George, lieutenant colonel, and Alex. "Wilkin, major of the Second Minne sota Eegiment, each displayed great valor and judgment in the discharge of their respective duties; so much so, in my judgment, as to place this country and every honest friend thereof under obligations to them.
In conclusion, permit me, sir, to congratulate you on the victory achieved, and allow me to express the hope that your future efforts will be crowned with the same success.
Attached you will find the number of the force of my brigade engaged and also a list of the killed and wounded. I am, respectfully yours,
EGBERT L. McCooK, Colonel Ninth Ohio Regiment, Commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Department
of the Ohio. Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS,
Commanding First Division.
Report of Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas, Commanding Division.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
SOMERSET, IVY., Jan 31, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in carrying out the instructions of the general commanding the department, contained in his communication of
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:08:24 GMT -5
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. 85
the 29th of December, I reached Logan s Cross-Eoads, about ten miles north of the intrenched camp of the enemy on the Cumberland river, on the 17th instant, with a portion of the Second and Third brigades, Kenny s battery of artillery, and a battalion of "Wolford s cavalry. The Fourth and Tenth Kentucky, Four teenth Ohio and the Eighteenth TJ. S. Infantry being still in rear, detained by the almost impassable condition of the roads, I determined to halt at this point to await their arrival and to communicate with General Schoepf.
The Tenth Indiana, "Wolford s cavalry and Kenny s battery took position on the road leading to the enemy s camp. The Ninth Ohio and Second Minnesota (part of Colonel McCook s brigade) encamped three-fourths of a mile to the right on the Eoberts post road. Strong pickets were thrown out in the direction of the enemy beyond where the Somerset and Mill Springs road comes into the main road from my camp to Mill Springs, and a picket of cavalry some distance in advance of the infantry.
General Schoepf visited me on the day of my arrival, and, after consultation, I directed him to send to my camp Standart s battery, the Twelfth Kentucky and the First and Second Tennessee regiments, to remain until the arrival of the regiments in rear.
Having received information on the evening of the 17th that a large train of wagons with its escort were encamped on the Eoberts post and Danville road, about six miles from Colonel Steedman s camp, I sent an order to him to send his wagons forward under a strong guard and to march with his regiment (the Fourteenth Ohio) and the Tenth Kentucky (Colonel Harlan), with one day s rations in their haversacks, to the point where the enemy were said to be encamped, and either capture or disperse them.
Nothing of importance occurred from the time of our arrival until the morn ing of the 19th, except a picket skirmish on the night of the 17th. The Fourth Kentucky, the battalion of Michigan Engineers and Wetmore s battery joined on the 18th.
About half-past six o clock on the morning of the 19th the pickets from Wolford s cavalry encountered the enemy advancing on our camp, retired slowly and reported their advance to Col. M. D. Manson, commanding the Second Bri gade. He immediately formed his regiment (the Tenth Indiana) and took a position on the road to await the attack, ordering the Fourth Kentucky (Col. S. S. Fry) to support him, and then informed me in person that the enemy were advancing in force, and what disposition he had made to resist them. I directed him to join his brigade immediately and hold the enemy in check until I could order up the other troops, which were ordered to form immediately and were marching to the field in ten minutes afterwards. The battalion of Michigan Engineers and Company A, Thirty-eighth Ohio (Captain Green wood), were ordered to remain as guard to the camp.
Upon my arrival on the field soon afterwards I found the Tenth Indiana formed in front of their encampment, apparently awaiting orders, and ordered them forward to the support of the Fourth Kentucky, which was the only entire regiment then engaged. I then rode forward myself to see the enemy s position, so that I could determine what disposition to make of my troops as they arrived. On reaching the position held by the Fourth Kentucky, Tenth Indiana and Wol ford s cavalry, at a point where the roads fork leading to Somerset, I found the
gg OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
enemy advancing through a cornfield and evidently endeavoring to gain the left of the Fourth Kentucky Regiment, which was maintaining its position in a most determined manner. I directed one of my aides to ride back and order up a section of artillery and the Tennessee brigade in advance on the enemy s right, and sent orders for Colonel McCook to advance with his two regiments ( the Ninth Ohio and Second Minnesota) to the support of the Fourth Kentucky and Tenth Indiana.
A section of Captain Kenny s battery took a position on the edge of the field to the left of the Fourth Kentucky and opened an effective fire on a regiment of Alabamians, which were advancing on the Fourth Kentucky. Soon afterwards the Second Minnesota (Col. H. P. Van Cleve) arrived, the colonel reporting to me for instructions. I directed him to take the position of the Fourth Kentucky and Tenth Indiana, which regiments were nearly out of ammunition. The Ninth Ohio, under the immediate command of Major Kammerling, came into position on the right of the road at the same time.
Immediately after these regiments had gained their position, the enemy opened a most determined and galling fire, which was returned by our troops in the same spirit, and for nearly half an hour the contest was maintained on both sides in the most obstinate manner. At this time the Twelfth Kentucky (Col. W. A. Hoskius) and the Tennessee brigade reached the field to the left of the Minnesota regiment, and opened fire on the right flank of the enemy, who then began to fall back. The Second Minnesota kept up a most galling fire in front, and the Ninth Ohio charged the enemy on the right with bayonets fixed, turned their flank, and drove them from the field, the whole line giving way and retreating in the utmost disorder and confusion.
As soon as the regiments could be formed and refill their cartridge boxes, I ordered the whole force to advance. A few miles in rear of the battle-field a small force of cavalry was drawn up near the road, but a few shots from our artillery (a section of Standards battery) dispersed them, and none of the enemy were seen again until we arrived in front of their intrenchments. As we approached their intrenchments the division was deployed in line of battle, and steadily ad vanced to the summit of the hill at Moulden s. From this point I directed their intrenchments to be cannonaded, which was done until dark by Stan dart s and Wetmore s batteries. Kenny s battery was placed in position on the extreme left at Russell s house, from which point he was directed to fire on their ferry, to de ter them from attempting to cross. On the following morning Cap tain Wetinore s battery was ordered to Russell s house, and assisted with hisParrott guns in firing upon the ferry. Colonel Manson s brigade took position on the left near Kenny s battery, and every preparation was made to assault their intrenchments on the following morning. The Fourteenth Ohio (Colonel Steedman) and the Tenth Kentucky (Colonel Harlan) having joined from detached service soon after the repulse of the enemy, continued with their brigade in the pursuit, although they could not get up in time to join in the fight. These two regiments were placed in front of my advance on the intrenchments the next morning and entered first. General Schoepf also joined me the evening of the 19th with the Seventeenth, Thirty-first and Thirty-eighth Ohio. His entire brigade entered with the other troops.
On reaching the intrenchments we found the enemy had abandoned everything and retired during the night. Twelve pieces of artillery, with their caissons.
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. 87
packed with ammunition, one battery wagon and two forges, a large amount of ammunition, a large number of small -arms, mostly the old flintlock muskets, 150 or 160 wagons and upwards of 1,000 horses and mules, a large amount of commissary stores, intrenching tools and camp and garrison equipage fell into our hands. A correct list of all the captured property will be forwarded as soon as it can be made up and the property secured.
The steam and ferry boats having been burned by the enemy in their retreat, it was found impossible to cross the river and pursue them; besides, their com mand was completely demoralized and retreated in great haste in all directions, making their capture in any numbers quite doubtful if pursued. There is no doubt but what the moral effect produced by their complete dispersion will have a more decided effect in re-establishing Union sentiments than though they had been captured.
It affords me much pleasure to be able to testify to the uniform steadiness and good conduct of both officers and men during the battle, and I respectfully refer to the accompanying reports of the different commanders for the names of those officers and men whose good conduct was particularly noticed by them.
I regret to have to report that Col. R. L. McCook, commanding the Third Brigade, and his aide, Lieut. A. S. Burt, Eighteenth U. S. Infantry, were both severely wounded in the first advance of the Ninth Ohio Kegiment, but con tinued on duty until the return of the brigade to camp at Logan s Cross- Eoads.
Col. S. S. Fry, Fourth Kentucky, was slightly wounded whilst his regiment was gallantly resisting the advance of the enemy, during which time General Zollicoffer fell from a shot from his (Colonel Fry s) pistol, which no doubt con tributed materially to the discomfiture of the enemy.
Capt. G. E. Flynt, assistant adjutant general; Capt. AlvanC. Gillem, division quartermaster; Lieut. Joseph C. Breckinridge, aide-de-camp; Li^ut. S. E. Jones, acting assistant quartermaster; Mr. J. W. Scully, quartermaster s clerk; Privates Samuel Letcher, Twenty -first Eegiment Kentucky Volunteers; Stitch, Fourth Regiment Kentucky Volunteers, rendered me valuable assistance in carrying orders and conducting the troops to their different positions.
Capt. George S. Roper deserves great credit for his perseverance and en ergy in forwarding commissary stores as far as the hill where our forces bi vouacked.
In addition to the duties of guarding the camp, Lieut. Col. K. A. Hunton, commanding the Michigan Engineers, and Captain Greenwood, Company A, Thirty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, with their commands, performed very efficient service in collecting and burying the dead on both sides and in moving the wounded to the hospitals near the battle-field.
A number of flags were taken on the field of battle and in the intrenchments. They will be forwarded to headquarters as soon as collected together.
The enemy s loss, as far as known, is as follows: Brigadier General Zollicoffer, Lieut. Bailie Peyton and 190 officers, non-commissioned officers and privates killed; Lieut. Col. M. B. Carter, Twentieth Tennessee; Lieut, J. W. Allen, Fif teenth Mississippi; Lieut. Allen Morse, Sixteenth Alabama and 5 officers of the medical staff and 81 non-commissioned officers and privates taken prisoners; Lieut. J. E. Patterson, Twentieth Tennessee, and A. J.Knapp, Fifteenth Missis-
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:08:56 GMT -5
88 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
sippi and G6 uon-commissioned officers and privates wounded 5 making 192 killed,
89 prisoners not wounded and 68 wounded; a total of killed, wounded and prison ers of 349. J-
Our loss was as follows:
Tenth Indiana 10 enlisted men killed, 3 officers and 72 enlisted men wounded. First Kentucky (cavalry) 1 officer and 2 enlisted men killed, 19 enlisted men wounded. Fourth Kentucky 8 enlisted men killed, 4 officers and 48 enlisted men wounded. Second Minnesota 12 enlisted men killed, 2 officers and 33 enlisted men wounded. Ninth Ohio 6 enlisted men killed, 4 officers and 24 enlisted men wounded.
A complete list of the names of our killed and wounded and of the prisoners is herewith attached.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Brigadier General U. 8. Volunteers, Commanding. Capt. J. B. FEY,
A. A. G., Chief of Staff, Hdqrs. Dept. Ohio, Louisville, Ky.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
SOMERSET, KY., Feb. 8, 1862. Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL,
Commanding Dept. of the Ohio, Louisville, Ky.,
GENERAL: I have the honor to forward to you by Captain Davidson, Tenth Kentucky Volunteers, six rebel flags, one captured on the battle-field by the Sec ond Minnesota Eegiment, the others taken in the intrenchments by officers and men of the different regiments. Colonel Kise reports that his regiment captured three stands of colors, but none have been sent to these headquarters. I have or dered him to turn them in, and will forward them as soon as received. In the box with the colors is the regimental order book of the Fifteenth Mississippi Rifles and a book of copies of all General Zollicoffer s orders from the organization of his brigade until a few days before the battle.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Brigadier General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
EXTRACT FROM THE STATEMENT, DATED MAY 5, 1863, OF MAJ. GEN. D. C. BUELL, IN REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE MILITARY COMMISSION (REBELLION RECORDS, VOL. 16, PART 1, pp. 24-25).
For a campaign against Nashville I proposed to march rapidly against that city, passing to the left of Bowling Green through Glasgow and Gal- latin, while a force from Missouri should ascend the Cumberland river un der the protection of gunboats. * * * Other new regiments were ren-
1 Maj. Gen. G. B. Crittenden, commanding the Confederate forces, in his official report, shows that he had actively engaged in this battle each regiment losing killed and wounded 8 infantry regiments, 3 battalions of cavalry and 6 field guns; in all about 4,000 effective men; and that his loss was 125 killed, 309 wounded and 99 missing.
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. 89
dezvousing at Bardstown for organization and preparation for service. As yet the most strenuous efforts had not succeeded in obtaining the necessary means of transportation for an advance.
About the middle of December Humphrey Marshall again invaded the state through Piketon with about 2,500 men, though his force was represented at 6 7 000 or 7,000. On the 17th I sent Colonel Garfield to take charge of a force of five regiments of infantry and about a regiment of cavalry and operate against him. Marshall was defeated in two sharp engagements on the Big Sandy near Preston- burg, and by about the middle of February was driven out of the state.
Simultaneously with the advance of Marshall into Northeastern Kentucky, Gen eral Zollicoffer made his appearance on the Cumberland river near Somerset. His force was represented at 12,000 men, but probably did not exceed 8,000. The force sent for that purpose and to observe his movements failed to prevent him from crossing. I had previously kept a regiment at Somerset and ordered the erection of a small work, both to watch that route into the state and to pre vent the shipment of coal to Nashville. Zollicoffer crossed at Mill Springs and intrenched himself on the north bank of the river. On the 27th of December I ordered General Thomas to march from Lebanon and attack him, in conjunction with the force already at Somerset, and at the same time sent two regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery to Jamestown to blockade the river, a steamer having already passed up with supplies for the enemy at Mill Springs.
Want of transportation delayed General Thomas departure until the 1st of January. The weather had previously been tolerably good, but that very day the rainy season set in, and from that time until near the end of March the earth was thoroughly saturated and every stream was flooded. The season in that respect was remarkable. The difficulties of the march were so great that General Thomas only arrived at a position 12 miles from Mill Springs and about 75 miles from Lebanon on the 18th. The enemy came out and attacked him at daylight on the morning of the 19th. The result was a signal victory to our arms. The enemy was pursued to his intrenchments and during the night crossed the river. He lost a considerable number of men in killed, wounded and prisoners, 14 pieces of artillery, some 1,400 animals and a large amount of other property and stores. General Zollicoffer was among the killed.
The battle of Mill Springs was at that time one of the most important that had occurred during the war, and the victory was, I believe, the first the Union arms had achieved where the forces engaged were so large; but the lack of trans portation and the condition of the roads rendered it impossible to follow it up.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP CUMBERLAND, KY., Jan. 27, 1862. Sis Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to inclose a copy of an order from division head quarters, directing the delivery of the flags taken by the Second Minnesota in the late battle of the Cumberland, to be sent to Washington.
Pursuant thereto Colonel Van Cleve has had delivered all the flags yet remain ing in the regiment and has directed me to request you to cause to be delivered
90 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
to the War Department, Washington, the flags which have been or may be sent by members of the Second Minnesota to the capital of the state.
If they are to go to the national capital, which indeed seems to be the appro priate place, it is desirable to have them all there.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. JENNISON,
Adjutant.
LOUISVILLE, KY., Feb. 17, 1862. To Colonel Van Cleve, Second Minnesota Regiment,
SIR: I transmit to you a flag to be presented, in the name of the Loyal Ladies of the Louisville Soldiers Association, to your regiment, designed to com memorate the battle of Mill Spring, January 19th, and as a testimonial of our appreciation of the participation of yourself and those under your command in the glorious victory of that day.
Each regiment is equally entitled to like honor, but the gallant conduct of those who come from a distant state to unite in subduing our rebel invaders excites the warmest emotions of our hearts.
I offer to you our congratulations and my individual acknowledgments of the important service rendered to our state by your command.
Very respectfully,
NANNETTE B. SMITH, President Loyal Ladies Association.
LOUISVILLE, KY., Feb. 25, 1862. Mrs. Kannette B. Smith, President Loyal Ladies Association,
MADAM: Permit me, through you, to convey to the Loyal Ladies of the Louisville Soldiers Association, the heartfelt thanks of the Second Minnesota Regiment for the beautiful flag presented to them by your association.
It is ever the aim and pride of the true soldier to merit the commendation of the country. In October last we came to Kentucky, through the invitation of her loyal citizens, to assist her own loyal sons in repelling the invasion of a rebel army and to sustain the constitution and laws of the Union. Under the leader ship of the gallant Thomas we met the enemy and he was vanquished.
With a loss comparatively small on our side, the rebel army, under General Crittenden, was totally routed and driven from your borders. For the small share we had in the purchase of this glorious victory you have presented us a testimonial that we shall carry with us and cherish with our lives, ever trusting in the aid of our Heavenly Father, who has been with us thus far, and for whose continued protection we invoke your daily prayers.
I am, madam, with sincere respect, your most obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE, Colonel Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
BATTLE OF SHILOH. 91
LOUISVILLE, KY., Feb. 25, 1862. To His Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
SLR: When the Second Minnesota passed through Louisville the loyal ladies of Louisville presented them with a beautiful flag, inscribed,
SECOND MINNESOTA.
MILL SPRING. PRESENTED BY THE LOYAL LADIES OF LOUISVILLE.
I inclose copies of a letter accompanying the flag, with my answer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE, Colonel Second Minnesota.
BATTLE OF PITTSBURGH LANDING, OR SHILOH April 6-7, 1862.
Reports of Lieut. William Pfaender, First Minnesota Battery.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY, CAMP, NEAR PITTSBURGH, TENN., April 16, 1862.
Son. Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
DEAR SIR: The people of our state are probably anxious to learn the fate of the Minnesota Volunteers who fought at the late battle of Pittsburgh, Tenn., and as the First Minnesota Battery was the only representative of our state in the terrible fight, I deem it my duty to send you a short account of our proceedings on the memorable 6th of April.
At our arrival here on the 18th of March, we were attached to the Fourth Brigade of General Sherman s division, but a very few days before the battle alluded to all the artillery and cavalry forces were attached as independent com mands to the six divisions of General Grant s army. Under this new arrangement we were attached to General Prentiss division, and on Saturday, the 5th, moved to our new camp, immediately on the right of General Prentiss headquarters.
The organization of our division was not completed yet. Several new "Wis consin regiments had just arrived from Milwaukee and took their camps a little to the left and in front of our camp. Still our line was the advance of the left wing, and although it was generally believed after the skirmish on Friday, the 4th of April, that considerable rebel forces were close to our line, no pre cautionary measures seem to have been taken, for outposts were only about a mile beyond our camp.
Sunday morning came, bright as a Minnesota summer morning; the boys were all busy to get the camp in as good order as possible when, at about half- past seven o clock, we suddenly received orders to get ready immediately and to move to the front of our camp. Up to this time we had no idea of the terrible work before us, and all thought that probably a reconnoitering expedition was intended.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:09:13 GMT -5
92 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
In a very short time we were ready and started out, following the Fifth Ohio Battery, whose camp joins ours. Now, we heard a few shots and hurried on as fast as possible; but scarcely had we reached the canip in front when a lively musket fire was opened on our infantry. Immediately after leaving the last row of tents, we formed in battery under most galling fire from the rebel skirmishers, and almost simultaneously with the Fifth Ohio Battery, opened the first artillery fire of the day.
At our arrival at the scene of action, our infantry were already retreating in every direction, and very soon, instead of being covered by our infantry, we were left behind alone covering the retreat of our running protectors. The Fifth Ohio Battery had lost some horses and now fell back, leaving several pieces in the hands of the enemy. One of our men and two horses were already killed before we commenced firing; another, and third one, all belonging to my section, were wounded in quick succession. Now, Captain Hunch s horse was shot in the head and immediately afterwards the captain himself was severely wounded in the leg. My horse was wounded in both fore legs. Several other horses had received severe injuries and our position became extremely critical. The enemy had already outflanked us, and only a retreat could save the battery from being taken; consequently, we left our position, and under a perfect storm of bullets, re-formed close to our camp, where, in connection with the remaining forces of the Fifth Ohio Battery, we again opened with spherical case and canister, and continued firing until all of our infantry had again given way and the enemy was pressing in upon us on all sides.
Our division now fell back behind the line coming to our support, under General Hurlbut, and after a short rest General Prentiss formed the remainder of our division again on the left centre of our line. Two of our rifled pieces had by this time been rendered unserviceable and were ordered to the rear. The remaining four pieces took their position under the direct orders of General Prentiss. The terrible work was now progressing rapidly. The rebels made the fiercest attacks successively on the centre, the right and left wings, ever try ing to find the weakest point and always shifting their forces from one to another. At the point where I was stationed, on the right of one of Cavender s Missouri batteries, the enemy made several ineffectual efforts to break our centre with his artillery, which we silenced three times, and always kept his infantry in respect ful distanee.
Lieutenant Peebles maintained his position on our left nobly, and at a charge of a Louisiana regiment, completely mowed them down with canister. The enemy, however, also took good aim; two of our cannoneers were here killed and Lieutenant Peebles severely wounded in the jaw, Sergeants Clayton and Conner severely wounded and a number of horses killed.
The attacks of the enemy now became desperate along the whole line; our left wing gave way; the rebels were also gaining on our right, and while we kept them continually in check in the centre, the bullets already commenced to come in at our rear, showing that our left wing was thrown entirely and that we would shortly be cut off. At this moment Brigadier General Wallace ordered us to retreat and we commenced to move off in good order. Passing down through a narrow valley, we saw the rebels advancing in large numbers upon our right wing, and, coming up a hill which commanded their line, we commenced throwing
BATTLE OF SHILOH. 93
canister at them, but were soon obliged to fall back, and amid a terrible cross fire which threatened to kill every man and horse, while we all here miraculously escaped unhurt.
Arriving at the bluffs of Pittsburgh Landing, I tried to get the whole battery in the best possible condition again and succeeded, by dismounting and changing pieces, to get five pieces in good shape at least, able to open fire again. Our batteries now took their posts in order to repulse the expected attack of this last position; we located our five pieces, together with Marllgraf s Eighth Ohio Battery, on a hill commanding a long ravine, and subjecting the enemy to a cross fire of eleven pieces, in case of an attack. General BuelFs forces had by this time arrived on the opposite side of the river and commenced crossing over. This caused great rejoicing and inspired the men for the coming struggle.
The rebels knew that this last attack would decide the day, and at about six o clock in the evening opened on us again. I had just come over to the centre to ascertain the position of our forces, in order to render our fire more effective, when the enemy s shells commenced flying over our heads, in the direction of the river, and a few moments afterwards the pieces of the First Minnesota Battery joined in such a cannonade as has never before been witnessed on this continent. It was really majestic, and no army would have been able to take that position.
General Beauregard had found out by this time that he could not water his horse in the Tennessee river that evening, and fell back to our camps just after dark.
A heavy rainstorm had drenched us thoroughly during Sunday night, yet the Minnesota battery was ready for another trial 5 and being without an immediate commander (as General Prentiss had been taken prisoner), I reported to General Grant, who, on learning our position, ordered me to keep the same until further orders; and as Monday s fighting was mostly done by General Buell s forces, who had been crossing all night and steadily poured in, we remained there until we were removed to our old camp again.
Our boys have behaved nobly, and I am satisfied that they have shown them selves worthy of their state and people. In the most critical moments of that bloody day they exhibited an astonishing coolness and bravery. Even with their numbers diminished they served their guns like old soldiers, and while many batteries lost part or all of their pieces, we have the satisfaction that we have brought out every piece that w^as brought into the conflict.
As the attack was so unexpected, our baggage teams had not been got ready to carry away our baggage, and consequently we lost almost everything in our possession, for the whole camp was thoroughly plundered on Sunday night.
The following is a correct list of our killed and wounded:
Private Colby Stinson of Hennepin county, killed.
Private Richard O. Tilson of Winona county, killed.
Private Ole J. Taxdahl of Winona county, killed.
Capt. Emil Munch of Pine county, severely wounded in the leg.
First Lieut. Frederick E. Peebles of Winona county, severely wounded in the jaw.
Sergt. W. Z. Clayton of Winona county, severely wounded.
Sergt. Jesse Conner of Winona county, severely wounded.
Corp. C. S. Davis of Hennepin county, severely wounded.
Private Joseph Johnson of Winona county, severely wounded.
Private George C. Lammers of Pine county, severely wounded.
Private Harrison S. Blood of Pine county, slightly wounded.
Total, 3 killed; 8 wounded.
94 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The newspapers will have so much to say about the battle of Pittsburgh that it is unnecessary for me to add much more. I will only state in regard to the killed and wounded, that from what I have seen, the number of killed and wounded on both sides cannot be less than 10,000.
Yours, most respectfully,
W. PFAENDER, First Lieutenant, Commanding First Minnesota Battery.
EXTRACT FROM MONTHLY BEPORT OF FIRST LIEUT. WILLIAM PFAENDER, FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY, DATED NEAR PITTSBURGH, TENN., APRIL 30, 1862.
By General Order No. 33 the battery was attached to the Sixth Division, Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss commanding, and on Saturday, the 5th of April, removed to its new camp immediately on the right of General Prentiss head quarters. On the following morning, Sunday, April 6th, the battery was ordered to the front and in carrying out this order came in immediate contact with the rebel forces, who had just commenced the attack on our infantry, which at our arrival was in full retreat. The battery took position immediately and opened fire, but was soon forced to fall back, being without any assistance from other troops. One of the pieces was disabled soon after the firing commenced but was brought off safely; the other pieces took position again and mostly participated in the whole of Sunday s fight, without losing a piece, and although twenty-two horses were lost, with the loss of only one limber.
The killed and wounded in the action on the 6th of April were: Killed Privates Colby Stinson, Richard O. Tilson and Ole J. Taxdahl. Wounded Capt. Emil Munch, First Lieut. Fred E. Peebles, Sergt. William Z. Clayton, Sergt. Jesse Conner, Corp. C. S. Davis j Privates Joseph Johnson, George Lam- mers, all severely, and Harrison Blood, slightly.
While in General Sherman s division, one section of the battery, under com mand of Lieutenant Pfaender, was ordered to join an expedition up Tennessee river, for the purpose of taking some batteries which had been erected at East- port, Miss., and Chickasaw, Ala. At our arrival at those places the batteries had already been removed by the enemy and the expedition returned to Pittsburgh Landing on the 2d of April.
EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENT OF SECOND LIEUT. G. F. COOKE ATTACHED TO THE LEFT SECTION OF THE BATTERY, DATED PITTSBURGH LANDING, APRIL 12, 1862.
* We were at last attached to Colonel Buckland s brigade. He was and is acting brigadier general in W. T. Sherman s division. We remained with that brigade about two weeks, when we were attached to General Prentiss division, and from this last we were ushered into a battle so soon that I have not learned whether we were brigaded or simply attached to the division. We left Sherman s division last Saturday morning, and repaired to our new camp, which
BATTLE OF SHILOH. 95
we got into pretty good shape "before retiring that night, little dreaming what was awaiting us on the morrow. Our battery Sunday morning, April 6th, took break fast at an earlier hour than usual and had just finished, when we heard firing occasionally in front. What does that mean ? was asked by hundreds of anxious voices. Who could answer?
Hark! the "long roll" beats the bugle sounds. "To arms!" "To horse!" A mounted orderly rides to our headquarters and the Minnesota battery receives orders to repair to the front and commence firing immediately. In less time than I could give you the details, we were "flying" to the scene of action, which was not five hundred yards distant. Confound the l Secesh ! They were, some of them, within a hundred yards when we got our pieces in position; but, regard less of their proximity, we poured a galling fire into them until they were getting nearly close enough to make a charge, and capture our pieces. "Limber to the front!" and away we went into another position. By the way, our captain and one corporal were wounded as we were executing the above command. We liad one man killed too; but that took place before we had fired a gun. Brave boy! One of the men picked him up, and he remarked: "Don t stop with me stand to your posts like men." He expired soon after. He was from Minneapolis.
The scene here was perfectly awful. Every camp had more or less sick, who, being unable to fight, undertook to save themselves by flight some with blankets wrapped around them; others, with hardly clothes enough to cover them, were running in all directions. Some of them were shot in their attempt to escape, shot dead. Others were wounded badly, and their groans were almost sickening. We brought down the rebel flag three different times, and such applause as that "brought from the troops that supported us can better be imagined than described. Early in the morning everything was confused the rebels had got the advantage "by crawling in upon us and taking us unawares. I should think nearly an hour elapsed before matters were settled sufficiently to enable us to know exactly our position. That gained, the battle raged anew. * * *
Our battery was the only Minnesota troops that participated in this bat tle. I am proud to have the honor of saying I participated in it. Things looked dark at times, but having passed it safely, I look upon it rather as an exploit than a peril. And yet I did not pass it safely. Just about noon or a little after I was struck on the thigh by a six-pound (spent) ball. It hit the ground about twenty or thirty feet from me, then rising, came near taking me off the saddle. It struck me right on the j oint, making me sick at my stomach. I sat down by a tree and almost fainted away, when I was called by Lieutenant Peebles to get some am munition. I could not use my limb at all. I almost entertained fears of the bone Ibeing fractured. Two of the boys assisted me to rise, and by their aid I hobbled to the caisson, and sitting down upon the trail issued the ammunition. All that the ball had effected was to numb my limb completely, but it was soon better. I also had my cap-band shot away, and my blanket, which I had rolled up behind me on my saddle, received a ininie-ball which went nearly through it. Soon after Johnson was wounded by a musket ball pretty severely. A moment or two afterwards Tilson was killed shot through the head. Then Sergeant Clayton was wounded in the thigh and leg. Then Taxdahl was killed. Then Sergeant Conner was wounded in the side; and immediately after Lieutenant Peebles was wounded in the head and ankle. Then we were obliged to fall back to another
96 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
position, which event took place about four o clock in the afternoon. One of our pieces was rendered unserviceable by the trail being broken, but we kept it with us, and brought it in to the rear. Before six o clock we heard that the Minnesota battery had lost all their guns, but that was a great mistake. We have got our pi eces a n. just about six o clock the rebels made another grand splurge, and rallied on our left and came down a ravine, right under the very muzzles of ours- and the Eighth Ohio Battery s guns. "We crossed fire with our batteries on the right, and the way we piled the cavalry and infantry was awful. For half an hour there was the most terrific cannonading kept up that ever was known. The gunboats co-operated with us, and the Secesh gave way. Night closed the con flict, but only to be renewed in the morning.
HEADQUARTERS SHERMAN S DIVISION, CAMP SHILOH, NEAR PITTSBURGH LANDING, TENN., April 2, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to General Grant s instructions of March 31st, I detached one section of Captain Munch s Minnesota battery (two 12-pounder howitzers), a detachment of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry of 150 men, under Major Bicker, and two battalions of infantry from the Fifty-seventh and Seventy-seventh Ohio, under the command of Colonels Hildebrand and Mungen. These were marched to the river and embarked on the steamers Empress and Tecumseh. The gunboat Cairo did not arrive at Pittsburgh until after midnight, and at 6 A. M. Captain Bryant, commanding the gunboats, notified me that he should proceed up the river. I fol lowed, keeping the transports within about 300 yards of the gunboats. About 1 P. M. the Cairo commenced shelling the battery above the mouth of Indian creek, but elicited no reply. She proceeded up the river steadily and cautiously, followed close by the Tyler and Lexington, all throwing shells at the points where on former visits of the gunboats the enemy s batteries were found. In this order all followed till it was demonstrated that all the enemy s batteries, including that at Chickasaw, were abandoned. * * *
After remaining at Chickasaw some hours all the boats dropped back to East- port, not more than a mile below, and landed there. Eastport Landing during the late freshet must have been about 12 feet under water, but at the present stage the landing is the best I have seen on the Tennessee river. The levee is clear of trees or snags, and a hundred boats could land there without confusion. The soil is of sand and gravel and very firm. The road back is hard, and at a distance of about 400 yards from the water the hard gravel hills of the country. * * * I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Capt. JOHN A. EAWLINS, Brigadier General, Commanding Division*
Assistant Adjutant General to General Grant.
FORT HENRY, March 13, 1862. To Maj. Gen. JT. ir. UdOeclc, Saint Louis, Mo.:
Just arrived, and ordered to proceed up the Tennessee river, and there report to Major General Smith, commanding expedition: Thirteenth Ohio, effective
ACTION AT LOCKRIDGE S MILLS. 97
strength 848; Fifth Ohio Battery, effective strength 149, with four 6-pounder rifled and two 6-pounder smooth guns; Minnesota battery, Captain Munch, four 6-pounder rifled guns andtwo!2-pounder howitzers; effective strength, 140. I also have learned, unofficially, that the Twentieth Ohio, sent from Fort Donelson as an escort to prisoners, proceeded up the Tennessee. They did not report to me. I suppose their orders were to report to General Smith.
U. S. GRANT, Major General.
ACTION AT LOCKRIDGE S MILLS, TENN. May 5, 1862.
Report of Capts. William A. Haw and Henning von Minden, Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
SPRING CREEK, TENN. ; May >, 18G2.
The command started under the command of Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] (130 men strong), on May 2d, toward Paris, where we were delayed until late in the afternoon of the 3d by shoeing the horses. Heavy rain was the reason we started on the 4th from. Paris toward Como (13 miles), and passed the night 3 miles far ther at the farm of Mr. Erwin. There a report was made by a citizen coming from Caledonia that a large force of Confederate cavalry had passed, going toward Paris, which induced Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] to go to Dresden, and pos sibly toward Mayfield and Hickman. "We made a night march on a very dark and stormy night, and reached Dresden at about 1 A. M. Pickets were sent out toward Como, which reported (very late) that the enemy had his pickets at our last camping place Erwin s farm.
We left Dresden at 1 P. M., taking the road toward Mayfield, 28 miles. It was about 6 P. M. when we reached a place called Lockridge s Mills, on the Obion river, in Weakley county, Tennessee, where a bridge (the North Fork) crosses the said river. Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] concluded to stop there for the night. I took the picket with my men (45), established three lines of them, because I was fully satisfied that we would be attacked, and knowing that we could not resist the expected force, I intended only to prevent a surprise. The pickets had not been set out more than twenty minutes when the enemy made his appearance. Drew back my first pickets, then the second line, and soon found us in great con fusion, because the main body of us had unsaddled our horses. Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] ordered the command to fall back beyond the bridge in our rear; but it was too late. The enemy followed and occasioned a stampede, in which the speediest horse could only win the prize. I lost 4 killed and 34 prisoners, of whom 5 are wounded. I was wounded at the bridge in trying to make a stand; my horse, like the others, could not be held, because he was wounded too, and ran with me. After a race of about 3 miles I fell from the horse from weakness and was taken. My wounds are not dangerous; one in the arm, two in the back, and one in the head. Captain Minden s horse tumbled down and fell on its rider s
98 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
leg, hurting him badly. He, too, has been taken. He received a slight wound in his head. Lieutenant Vredenburg had the same fate. Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] was shot a few paces behind me and taken. Captain Nott, Lieu tenants Wheeler and Smith, I hope made their escape; the latter, I have heard, was wounded. To-day the rumor was spread out that Major Shaeffer [de Boern stein] died last night.
The commanding officer, Col. Th. Claiborne, allowed me to send this report to you; but I dare not misuse his kindness in stating the force against which we had to work. I only feel myself authorized to say that it was a large one larger than we could and did expect. The commander, his officers, and even his men, treated us like true soldiers and gentlemen, which I take great pleasure to state. "W. A. HAW,
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:13:27 GMT -5
Captain Company F, Curtis Horse.
H. Y. MlNDEN,
Captain Company G, Curtis Horse [originally First Company Minnesota Cavalry, and, afterwards Company A, Bracketfs Battalion. ]
EXTRACT FROM BEPORT OF COL. WILLIAM W. LOWE, FIFTH IOWA CAVALRY, 1 DATED FORTS HENRY AND HEIMAN, MAY 12, 1862.
* * * Having received information that the rebels were being supplied from time to time with various contraband articles, I sent Maj. Carl Shaeffer de Boernstein out with parts of three companies, in order to break up this trade. Failing to obtain any satisfactory information, he pushed on to Paris and Dresden. After passing through Paris Claiborne s command of rebel cavalry succeeded in getting in rear of him and pursued him to a point called Lockridge s Mills, when he was overtaken and a severe skirmish ensued, the rebels numbering 1,280, while the force under Major Shaeffer [de Boernstein] consisted of 125 men. * * *
As soon as the news reached me I at once made preparation to go with the few remaining companies here in pursuit of the enemy, and, the Fourth Minnesota Eegiment passing at this time, I took the responsibility, as indicated in my dispatch, of disembarking them, to aid me in the progress of the expe dition.
I started on the evening of the 6th instant, and on the evening of the 7th encamped near Paris and within a few miles of the enemy. My purpose was to have gone on that night, but soon after going into camp I received a dispatch from the commanding general directing me not to pursue them.
The next morning I commenced my return, but sent several parties into and through Paris, without, however, being able to bring out the enemy in pursuit.
Since my return I learned that Claiborne has received a, re- enforcement of about 1,000 men, and is now occupying the country between Paris and Jackson with a view of entering this neighborhood for the purpose of procuring forage and rations. Under these circumstances I have thought proper to retain the Fourth Minnesota Eegiment, and trust my course will be approved by the general.
BATTLE OF FARMINGTON. 99
BATTLE OF FARMINGTON (SIEGE OF CORINTH)- May 28, 1862,
EXTRACT FROM BEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. DAVID S. STANLEY, COMMANDING SECOND DIVISION, OF OPERATIONS FROM APRIL 22D TO JUNE HTH.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
June 14, 1862.
* # * On the 24th we were joined by [seven companies of] the Fifth Minne sota, Colonel Borgersrode commanding. * * *
On the 28th of May my division moved forward li miles, and halted near the White House on Bridge creek, presenting a diagonal double line to Corinth, the right flank nearest the enemy s main work and the front facing a large earthwork battery erected by the enemy south of the Memphis & Charleston railroad. This battery was silent for several hours until about noon.
I directed Dees 7 and Maurice s batteries to open upon the position, and was soon answered by four guns from the rebel battery. Notwithstanding their fire, which mostly passed over the heads of our men, the work of intrenching was carried on until about 3 P. M., when the enemy, who had previously cut roads through the swamp and across Bridge creek, approached in three columns and attacked our right, their battery at the same time plying us with round shot and shell. Of how this was met and repulsed a full report has been made to the general commanding the army. Suffice to say that the result was satisfactory to the Second Division. We had to deplore the loss of some gallant men, but in turn we buried over 50 of the enemy in a space of 3 acres, and the lesson they received permitted our pickets to remain in peace during the forty-eight hours we remained in that place. My division was the advanced salient point of the line investing Corinth, and the energy and industry of our troops made our position so strong by the morning of the 29th that it would have been a bold enemy that would have disturbed us. * * *
D. S. STANLEY,
Brig. Gen., Comdg. Second Div., Army of the Mississippi. First Lieut. 0. GODDARD,
A. A. A. G-.J Right Wing Army Miss.
List of Killed and Wounded of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry in the Battle of Farm-
ington, May 28, 1862.
FIELD AND STAFF Wounded: Lieut. Col. Lucius F. Hubbard.
COMPANY A Wounded: Corp, Abraham Miller, Musician Ephraim A. Bard, Privates John Bury, Edgar E. Harroun.
COMPANY E Wounded: Private John G. Barnett.
COMPANY F Killed: Second Lieut. David O. Oakes. Wounded: Privates Alfred Jarvais, Eobert Rolfe.
COMPANY G Wounded: Capt. Orlando Eddy, Private George W. Scott.
COMPANY H Wounded : Privates John Frankhauser, Barzil Jerry.
COMPANY I Killed : Private Patrick Glynn.
COMPANY K Killed: Private Wm. Blackburn.
.100 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXTRACT FROM BEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. SCHUYLER HAMILTON, COMMANDING^ LEFT WING ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, OF OPERATIONS FROM APRIL 22D TO MAY 29TH.
HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
June 17, 1862.
# # # May 15. The Fourth Minnesota, Col. John B. Sanborn, joined the division, and was assigned to the First Brigade.
May 17. The whole Army of the Mississippi moved forward to the line in and about Farmington. Strong intrenchnients were thrown up and constant reconnoitering parties thrown forward. * * *
May 24. A strong reconnaissance, composed of the Fifth Iowa, four com panies Fourth Minnesota, with a section of Sands battery, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Matthias, reconnoitered to the Memphis and Charleston road without seeing any large body of the enemy. * *
On the 28th the whole army advanced upon the outworks of Corinth, except the troops left to guard the camp. Intrenchnients were thrown up and batteries put in position. There were several sharp skirmishes. * * *
On the night of May 29 Corinth was evacuated, and the Army of the Mis sissippi moved forward in pursuit of the enemy the next day. All the officers and men were anxious to meet and beat the enemy. * * *
SCHUYLER HAMILTON,
Brig. Gen. Vols., Comdg. Left Wing Army of the Mississippi, To Brigadier General ELLIOTT,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Mississippi.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:15:58 GMT -5
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS, OR SEVEN PINES.- May 31 -June 1, 1862. Report of Col. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
FAIR OAKS, YA., June 3, 1862.
SIR: Agreeably to instructions I have the honor to report the movements of my regiment in the actions of the 31st of May and 1st of June.
We left camp at about 2 p. M. on the 31st ultimo, and marched from Tyler s house, crossed the Chickahorniny, reached the battle-field near the railroad station at Fair Oaks about 4:30 P. M., my regiment leading the column. On reaching the field of action I found General Casey s division had been repulsed and that Gen eral Couch s division were hard pressed by an overwhelming force of the rebels. I here met the latter general, and was informed by him. that the enemy in strong force were marching to outflank him on the right, and as I was ahead of the rest of the division some distance, not waiting for the commander of my troops, I moved rapidly to the right about a quarter of a mile, formed my regiment in line
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 101
of battle, wheeled them to the right, and charging across the field, took my posi tion in an oblique direction, my right resting on a farmhouse, my left on the edge of a woods. The enemy opened on us, but fired too high.
Soon after the First Chasseurs formed on my left and a battery on their left. The enemy left the field in my front, and forming in the woods on my left, opened a severe fire on us, which was returned by my men. The enemy were here slaughtered in great numbers within a very few yards of our line.
Two pieces were sent late in the evening to I disagreeistance, under command of Captain Brady, and did good execution. Other troops were also sent to strengthen our position on the right. This position we have still kept.
I would respectfully state to the brigadier general commanding that the regi ment behaved with great coolness, under as heavy a fire as I have ever seen.
We took several prisoners, among them a colonel, lieutenant colonel, and some officers of subordinate rank.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Colonel, First Minnesota. Captain HEBARD,
Assistant Adjutant General.
List of Killed and Wounded of the First Minnesota Infantry in, the Battle of Fair Oaks.
COMPANY C Killed: Private Henry Arnsdorf.
COMPANY D Wounded: Private Geo. W. Patten.
COMPANY F Killed : Private Nicholas Hammer.
COMPANY H Wounded : Sergt. Chas. M. Tucker.
COMPANY I Wounded : Private James Cannon.
COMPANY K Wounded: Privates Alexander Shaw, Andrew J. Truesdale.
Report of Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman, Commanding First Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS GORMAN S BRIGADE, SEDGWICK S DIVISION, FAIR OAKS, NEAR EICHMOND, VA., June 8, 1862.
On Saturday, the 31st ultimo, I received orders from the general commanding to put my brigade under arms and take up a line of march as rapidly as possible across the Chickahominy in the direction of Fair Oaks Station, on the Eichmond & York Eiver railroad, where heavy firing had been going on for a short time. On arriving at Dr. Trent s farm, and after ascertaining the position of the road lead ing to the point where our forces were engaged, we filed into the road, the First Minnesota Eegiment in the lead, and took up the march in quick and sometimes double-quick time, until we arrived at the point where the enemy had been hotly engaged with Generals Couch s and Casey s divisions, near Fair Oaks Station, the latter having been severely repulsed, while the former was holding his position with great determination with a diminished force. I was ordered to form my brigade by regiments in rear of each other in line of battle, while just previous to this the
102 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
First Minnesota Begiment, having arrived first, was ordered to take up a position on the right, its right resting upon a farm-house and its left upon a wood, in order to prevent the enemy from flanking us on the right, as he appeared there in great force. My other three regiments, the Thirty -fourth New York Volun teers, Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, and Eighty-second New York Volun teers (Second New York State Militia), being formed upon the left of a portion of General Couch s division and Kirby s battery, occupied the road immediately at the angle of the woods, commanding all approaches from the right, left, and centre.
We had not remained longer than ten minutes in position before heavy col umns of the enemy dashed furiously upon us, evidently attempting to take Kirby s battery; whereupon I was ordered to throw three regiments of my bri gade upon the enemy s flank and front, then showing themselves in the outskirts of the woods and moving in the open field.
I immediately ordered the Eighty-second New York Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Hudson commanding, to move forward on the left of Kirby s battery and engage the enemy as quickly as possible, which they did with great promptness and gallantry, they having to march over fences and garden palings, which they tore down before them, and among houses, still preserving their line as well as possible. Upon crossing the last fence they opened a most galling fire upon the enemy at a range of from. 50 to 100 yards, causing fearful havoc among them,
I was then ordered by both Generals Sunmer and Sedgwick to move forward the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, Colonel Suiter commanding, upon the left of the Eighty-second New York, which was promptly executed, and upon coming into position the Thirty-fourth New York, being first on the ground, opened a most deadly fire upon the enemy and received one in return not less so. I immediately ordered up the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Kimball commanding, who had been gallantly supporting Kirby s bat tery, to the support of the left of the Eighty-second New York and the right of the Thirty-fourth New York, when the engagement became general from one end of our line to the other, the enemy pushing forward with the most wonderful determination, while I steadily advanced the brigade from time to time until we came to a distance of 50 yards, when General Sumner (being present with my brigade) directed me to charge the enemy with the bayonet, and gave the order to the Thirty- fourth New York in person, which was quickly repeated by myself and all my staff and by the several field officers. Muskets were promptly brought down to a charge, and the men threw themselves at double-quick headlong upon the enemy, the Thirty-fourth New York somewhat in the advance on the left and in perfect line, the Eighty-second New York on the right, the Fifteenth Massa chusetts supporting the centre. The enemy on the right and centre gave way, but a South Carolina regiment, before the Thirty-fourth New York, brought their bayonets to a charge, and stood until that regiment was within 10 or 15 paces of them. I halted the Eighty-second New York and Fifteenth Massachusetts a little before they entered the woods, but the Thirty-fourth New York plunged into the thicket some 50 paces before I could halt them. A farther advance would have imperiled their left flank.
About this time General Sedgwick received orders to proceed to the right of our line, and I received my orders thereafter from General Sumner direct. This bayonet charge was made with a yell, which must have given the fullest evidence
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 103
to the enemy that our troops were in earnest and fired with a determination to succeed or die. The enemy were driven from the field in the greatest confusion and seeming consternation, leaving it strewn with their dead, and their wounded mingling their groans with those of our own. A considerable number of prison ers were captured, among them several of rank.
From 5 o clock until 7:30 o clock P. M. my brigade was engaged giving and receiving as severe a fire of musketry as ever was witnessed or heard, perhaps, by the oldest officers of the army, the severest and longest continued part of which was met by the Eighty-second and Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers and Fifteenth Massachusetts, as the lists of their killed and wounded indicate. The First Minnesota, being detached and operating on my right, was under a severe fire, which they received and returned with great coolness and gallantry for the particulars of which and the good conduct of its officers and men I refer to Colonel Sully s report, herewith respectfully submitted. The rest of the brigade being continually under my own eye, it affords me great pleasure to speak of the gallant conduct of all the field officers of this brigade, and I am also gratified to learn from them of the unusual coolness and good conduct of all the line officers, with out exception. The obedience of the men and their unbounded ardor to meet the enemy give the highest assurance to the country that they are to be depended upon in every trying emergency.
It gives me equal pleasure to commend to your favorable consideration Cap tain Hebard, I disagreeistant adjutant general; Lieutenant Eaguet, aide-de-camp; Captain Brown, acting assistant commissary of subsistence, and Mr. Sproat, volunteer aide-de-camp, upon my staff. They bore my orders to every part of the line, frequently exposing their lives to the most imminent peril. At the beginning of the engagement Dr. Hand, my brigade surgeon, was on the field, ex posing himself to danger, keeping close to the brigade, ready to give his pro fessional attention to the first that should fall. While engaged in his duties he received a slight wound. The assiduous attention to the wounded of Drs. Hand, Sherman, Morton, Bates, Haven, Lewis, and Eobinson, of the brigade, merits the highest commendation. The conduct of both officers and men of my brigade and the splendid bayonet charge made by them, having been witnessed by the general commanding the corps, and also by the general commanding the division, relieves me from the necessity of making this report more in detail.
After the enemy had been driven from their position the brigade advanced into the woods and occupied during the night the ground previously held by the enemy till daylight, when they pressed farther on and took position, the left rest ing near the railroad and the right reaching toward the Chickahominy. This engagement having ended at dark, left us in complete possession of the field, with quite a number of prisoners and small-arms, while the ground was strewn with their killed, wounded, and dying, showing the fearful havoc our infantry and artillery had made among them. By your orders, my command slept upon their arms until 3 o clock next morning, when they were in line ready to meet or advance upon the enemy.
About 7:30 A. M. Sunday, the 1st day of June, the enemy advanced in greatly increased numbers, having been largely re-enforced during the evening and night, and opened fire upon the line upon the left, composed chiefly of General Eich- ardson s division. I was ordered then to leave the First Minnesota in position
" OF TTre ^^
104 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
upon our right, the Fifteenth Massachusetts upon our right front, and take two other regiments to the assistance of Eichardson s division. I moved the Eighty- second and Thirty-fourth New York to the front, and sent the Eighty-second New York, Lieutenant Colonel Hudson commanding, to engage the enemy and, if possible, to fall upon his flank, while General Meagher s Irish brigade and others engaged his centre.
No sooner had they come within 120 yards of the enemy than they became engaged in a most deadly conflict, while the whole line along the railroad for nearly a mile seemed to have become one continuous blaze of musketry the fighting being frequently at no greater distance than 50 yards, between heavy lines of infantry. This regiment of mine suffered considerably, though protected somewhat by its position in the woods. I sent the Thirty-fourth New York to support them, some 50 yards in the rear.
Never before have I seen more distinguished courage displayed, nor more de termination to conquer or fall on the field, than was shown by all our troops with out distinction. The Eighty-second New York, on this day as on the day previous, withstood the shock of the enemy s repeated charges, sustained by the Thirty-fourth New York, and finally, in conjunction with the Irish brigade and others of Eich ardson s division, had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy abandon the field and precipitately retire upon Eichmond, leaving their dead and wounded upon the ground. And here the battle ended, leaving us in possession of the field and with a large number of wounded and other prisoners in our hands. Had the battles of those two days to be fought over again I cannot see where any improvement could be made either in the courage, firmness, and steadiness of the troops or their determination or the dispositions made on the field.
Just at the close of the action of the 1st instant Captain Eussell s company of Minnesota sharpshooters arrived on the field and I put them, in before the enemy, where they used their weapons with effect and rendered good service. Their loss is one wounded. My loss amounts in killed and wounded to 201 as near as I can now report; missing, none. I trust I may be allowed to bear testimony to the ef ficiency, skill, and cool courage of Lieutenants Kirby, Woodruff, and French, and the men of the artillery, whose battery nay brigade supported throughout the entire action. The commanders of the regiments of my brigade desire me to congratulate the commander of the corps and of the division upon this successful achievement, and officers and men feel the highest pride that they are soldiers of the Army of the Potomac. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN,
Capt. WILLIAM D. SEDGWICK, Brigadier General, Commanding.
Assistant Adjutant General.
EXTRACTS FROM EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK, COMMANDING SEC OND DIVISION.
HEADQUARTERS SEDGWICK s DIVISION, SUMNER S ARMY CORPS,
BIVOUAC, NEAR FAIR OAKS STATION, VA., June 4, 1862.
The First Minnesota, Colonel Sully, the leading regiment, was, by request of General Couch, approved by General Sumner, promptly formed into
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS. 105
line of battle under a very sharp fire, and posted on the right of Abercrombie s brigade. Colonel Sully s disposition of his regiment, which covered two sides of Courtney s house, a point at which there was much danger that the enemy would outflank us before the supports ordered to his assistance could be brought up ? was marked by admirable coolness and judgment. The remainder of Gor man s brigade, led by him in person, and composed of the Thirty-fourth and Eighty-second New York, supported by the Fifteenth Massachusetts, formed on the left of Abercrombie s brigade, where they became almost instantly and hotly engaged 5 and after sustaining, without wavering, repeated and furious charges of the enemy, finally charged him in turn with the bayonet with such impetuosity as to rout and drive him from his position. * * *
Before the result of the contest in the vicinity of Adams house had been de termined, I was directed by the general commanding the corps to proceed to the right and take command of that flank, where I found Colonel Sully s regiment so well posted and so judiciously supported by General Burns that little remained for me to do. As the conduct of Gorman s and Dana s troops was more immediately under the personal observation of the corps commander, it becomes unnecessary for me to enter into further details concerning their operations.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. EDWIN Y. SUMNER, COMMANDING
SECOND CORPS.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND CORPS D ARMEE,
COURTNEY S, June 9, 1862.
* # * i must refer to the reports of the division and brigade commanders, and I fully confirm every word they have said in praise of their officers and men. No troops ever behaved better.
I would respectfully commend to the commanding general and the govern ment Brigadier Generals Couch, Richardson, Abercrombie, Sedgwick, Howard (who unfortunately lost an arm), Gorman, Burns, French, Dana, and Meagher. From all these officers I received the most valuable support. * * *
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. GEORGE B. MCCI.ELLAN, COMMANDING
ARMY OF POTOMAC.
YORK, Aug. 4, 1863.
* * * Meantime General Sumner had arrived with the advance of his corps, General Sedgwick s division, at the point held by General Couch, with four regiments and one battery. The roads leading from the bridge were so miry that it was only by the greatest exertion General Sedgwick had been able to get one of his batteries to the front.
The leading regiment (First Minnesota, Colonel Sully) was immediately de ployed to the right of Couch to protect the flank, and the rest of the division formed in line of battle, Kirby s battery near the centre, in an angle of the woods. One of General Couch s regiments was sent to open communication with General
106 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Heintzelinan. No sooner were these dispositions made than the enemy came in strong force and opened a heavy fire along the line. He made several charges, but was each time repulsed with great loss by the steady fire of the infantry and the splendid practice of the battery. After sustaining the enemy s fire for a con siderable time General Sumner ordered five regiments (the Thirty-fourth New York, Colonel Suiter; Eighty-second New York, Lieutenant Colonel Hudson; Fifteenth Massachusetts, Lieutenant Colonel Kimball; Twentieth Massachusetts, Colonel Lee; Seventh Michigan, Major Richardson the three former of General Gorman s brigade, the two latter of General Dana s brigade) to advance and charge with the bayonet. This charge was executed in the most brilliant manner. Our troops, springing over two fences which were between them and the enemy, rushed upon his lines and drove him in confusion from that part of the field. Darkness now ended the battle for that day.
SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES. June 25 -July 1, 1862. Reports of Lieut. Col. Stephen Miller, First Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST REGIMENT, MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP, NEAR HARRISON S LANDING, YA., July 5, 1862.
Capt. Daniel Hebard, Acting Asst. Adjt. Gen., Gorman s Brigade,
SIR: In compliance with instructions from head quarters, I respectfully report the part taken by this regiment in the battles of Allen s Farm, Savage Station, Nelson s Farm and Malverton.
Colonel Sully having been placed in command of the brigade, owing to the illness of General Gorman, I took command of the regiment.
Early in the morning of the 29th ult. we took up our line of march from Fair Oaks and fell back to Allen s farm, when the enemy attacked us in force. For several hours and until he retired our artillery and infantry were hotly en gaged. Here my regiment supported the Rhode Island battery, and was consid erably exposed to the shells of the enemy, which it sustained with its usual cool ness and gallantry.
From this point we started about noon for Savage Station, distant about two miles, where we rested until about 4:30 or 5 o clock P. M., when the enemy again commenced a fierce and terrible attack with artillery and infantry. General Sedgwick directed me to follow General Burns, who was gallantly advancing across the field to meet the foe, and to hold my regiment about one hundred and fifty yards behind his line of battle as a support. It soon became evident that he was being outflanked upon the left, and under his directions I advanced to that position on his line under a most galling fire of shell and musketry, which was returned with great effect. In a few moments my left too was outflanked, when I threw seven of my companies at nearly right angles with the line of battle, ex tending one to the left and advancing another to the front as skirmishers, and held the ground until the Vermont regiment advanced to our assistance. Here
SEVEN -DAYS BATTLES. 107
we remained, slightly changing our position as circumstances required, until dark, when, the enemy having been driven back, we were ordered to resume our march.
That gallant officer, General Burns, said to me on the next day, "Your regi ment did nobly, sir," and I heartily concur in the sentiment.
On June 30th, at the battle of Nelson s Farm, my regiment was marched and countermarched, sometimes at " double- quick," to different points of attack, and finally, under direction of General Dana, about sunset, the men threw away their knapsacks, blankets, etc., and charged upon the foe at a point in the edge of the wood which had just been abandoned by another Union regiment. "We took the ground and occupied the front of the line, under a heavy and continuous fire. Here we were attacked upon my right about dark, by as we learned from wounded prisoners the Sixteenth North Carolina Eegiment, but a few well- directed rounds from my line in that vicinity caused the enemy to hastily retire, with considerable loss. At midnight, in obedience to instructions, I withdrew.
At Malverton, on July 1st, my regiment was for a considerable time under a heavy fire of shot and shell, after which it was placed in front in line of battle, and occupied the position until the next morning, when we were marched to this vicinity.
I append a list of casualties of the regiment (during the three days named), a detail of which will be forwarded as soon as practicable. "With a few exceptions our entire loss occurred at Savage Station.
Killed, 6; wounded, 47; missing, 37; total, 90.
To my officers and men I feel deeply indebted for the coolness, courage and patience exhibited under the many trying circumstances through which we have just passed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN MILLER, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:18:49 GMT -5
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, HARRISON S LANDING, July 5, 1862.
List of Killed , Wounded and Missing, at the Battles of Allen s Farm, Savage Station, Nelson s Farm and Malverton, June 29- July 1, 1862.
COMPANY A Killed: Private M. Adams.
Wounded: Pioneer Harrison Lyons (missing), Privates Lonis Keifer (missing), Lucien F. Cau- field, Nicholas Mathies, Timothy Crawley, Joseph Thiem, James N. Keys.
Missing Privates Michael Devlin, Louis Battler, John Hawser, Charles Eichler; all missing since the 29th day of June.
COMPANY B Wounded: Private John S. Goff.
Missing Privates Charles Valentine, Henry S. Seaman, William Schroeder.
COMPANY G Wounded: Lieut. Wilbur F. Duffy, Corporals William A. Brack, George L. Smith; Privates Henry J. W. Brown, John E. Ellsworth, August T. Echoldt, Charles M. Haskell, Edward S. Taylor, Benjamin Finical, Nicholas Wren, Charles Blomquist, Rufus M. Eastman, Gus- tave A. Roberts, William M. Reynolds, Thomas H. Pressnel, Faxon Hayford, Joseph McDaniel.
COMPANY ^Wounded: Sergt. Hugh Cassidy, Corporals Henry C. Bradley, Patrick H. Taylor. Privates Murdock Pattison, Calvin G. Sherbrook, Harvey E. Scott.
Missing Privates Henry Churchill, William E. Cundy, Isaac L. Taylor.
COMPANY F Kitted: Corporals Ferris Johnson, Martin Willman; Privates Robert Leeson, Hiram J. Skinner died in hospital.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Wounded Capt. W. Col vill, Lieut. Martin Maginnis, Corporal William H. Bennett; Privates* Calvin E. Clark, Jonas E. Davis, Edward E. Davis, Ole Oscar, Amos Severson, Ransom Mott, Diedriech Metselden, E. F. Grow, Thomas Peterson, Henry Burritt, Hans Peterson.
Missing Privates Randolph C. Barnes, Gardner D. Leighton, Ole Gilbertson.
COMPANY G Wounded: Privates John McKinster, Henry G. Welles.
COMPANY H Killed: Corp. Julian J. Kendall.
Wounded Sergt. Charles M. Hoag; Private JohnC. Gullaman.
Missing Privates George A. Erdman, James Caseday, Edward L. Wood, Henry C. Cady,
William Ratch.
COMPANY I Wounded : Harmon Rebeka.
Hissing Privates Henry H. Abbott, Charles K. Fisher, Theodore A. Bennett.
COMPANY K Killed: Color Sergt. George N. Burgess.
Wounded Corporal L. F. Walden, color guard.
Missing Privates John Selly, William B. Winchell, Joseph J. Reynolds.
COMPANY L (Second Company Sharpshooters.)
Missing First Lieut. Emil A. Burger; Privates Charles B. Baker, Ozias B. Baker, Daniel B. Borden, Percival S. Barnes, Joseph Brown, Sylvester Brown, William B. Chandler, James L. Neath.
Killed, 6; wounded, 47; missing, 37.
Of the above ll missing 77 there have come into camp and rejoined the regi ment since the foregoing list was reported up to this evening (July 6, 1862) the following:
COMPANY A Charles Eichler, Louis Sattler.
COMPANY B William Schroeder.
COMPANY C William A Reynolds, Gustave A. Roberts.
COMPANY H William Ratch, George A. Erdman.
COMPANY K John Selly.
COMPANY L James L. Neath.
In all 9, leaving total loss on evening of July 6th, 81.
STEPHEN MILLER, I/ieutenant Colonel, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA, HARRISON S LANDING, July 7, 1862.
DEAR GOVERNOR: I inclose you a copy of my report of the four battles in which this regiment was recently engaged. Of course, the usual rule, that it is not to be published until after it has been printed by the military authorities, applies in this case.
We have suffered greatly in our recent marches and battles, and all of us were nearly exhausted. Our own regiment, however, not so far gone as many others.
There is no system in the medical department, and with very few exceptions our sick and wounded had to walk the whole distance or remain in the hands of the enemy. The blame in this matter rests, of course, with the higher medical authorities.
The regiment and entire armj needs several weeks of repose. Colonel Sully still commands the brigade. Truly yours,
STEPHEN MILLER. Gov. ALEXANDER EAMSET.
SEVEN -DAYS BATTLES. 109
Report of Col. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Infantry, Commanding First Brigade, of Engagement at Peach Orchard, Battle of Savage Station, Engagement at White Oak Swamp Bridge, and Battles of Glendale (Frazier s Farm) and Malvern Hill.
HEADQUARTERS GORMAN S BRIGADE, CAMP, NEAR HARRISON S LANDING, July G, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the brigade I command in the march from Fair Oaks to this camp:
Owing to the illness of General Gorman, the commanding officer, I was placed in command. Early Sunday, 29th ultimo, we left our intrenchments and fell back to Allen s farm, on the railroad. The Fifteenth Massachusetts the evening before were ordered to Savage Station as a guard, and were employed in destroy ing government stores there. The enemy opening on us at Allen s farm, the brigade was drawn up in line on the edge of the woods as a support, and though exposed to a heavy artillery fire, were not engaged. The enemy being repulsed, we were ordered to move promptly to Savage Station, and took our position there on a hill.
About 4 P. M. the enemy opened on us with artillery. The First Minnesota Eegiment was ordered to follow General Burns brigade, which was advancing across the field to the woods occupied by the enemy. They here did good service in protecting Burns left flank and firmly held their ground against great odds. Their loss here was very heavy. The enemy still pressing Burns heavily, the Eighty-second New York and Fifteenth Massachusetts w^ere ordered to his assist ance and the relief of the One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers. These regiments moved up handsomely in line of battle, and taking their position in the edge of the woods under a heavy fire, held their ground. The Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers was kept on the hill in reserve, as there was some danger of our extreme left.
About 9 P. M. the regiments were withdrawn, and we took up our line of march through the White Oak swamp; continued the march during the night and next day until we reached Nelson s farm. At the time some skirmishing was going on in front by troops of other divisions. Heavy artillery firing taking place in our rear, the brigade was ordered back to support Eichardson s division. Being very unwell I remained behind, sending my staff with orders to send for me in case we got engaged.
Soon after this the battle opened on the field where I was, the enemy driving large bodies of our troops (McCall s division, I believe), who ran to the rear panic- stricken. I did all I could to rally them, but without success. General Sumner told me he had sent for my brigade, ,and wished me to lead it into action, keeping the First Minnesota as a reserve. The brigade soon after arrived, very much exhausted, having marched most of the way at double-quick. It was soon formed and marched to the front, the First Minnesota being placed in advance of our batteries. I rode to the right of our line and found that General Burns had ordered the Fifteenth Massachusetts and Thirty-fourth New York into the woods, to support some regiments hotly pressed by the enemy. The Eighty-second New York was placed in position on their right.
Finding that the right of the line was very much exposed, owing to the fact that some regiments before stationed there had fallen back and the enemy were
110 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
collecting a large force in our front, I sent back word to General Sumner and then went myself, in hopes of bringing up the First Minnesota Begiment, but I found that General Dana had ordered it into the thickest of the fight, to sustain some regiments of his brigade. This, I understand, they did most gallantly. The Fifteenth Massachusetts were ordered farther to the left by General Burns, to sup port part of his brigade. During the rest of the day they held the ground they were ordered to. The Thirty-fourth and Eighty-second New York also main tained their position on the right till 12 at night, when all the regiments were with drawn and we again took up our line of march. By sunrise we reached Malvern Hill, and the rest of the army, almost entirely broken down by fatigue, but not to rest. We were soon again under arms, and marching to the right formed line of battle, to support some batteries and be ready for an attack. After waiting there some time, exposed to a heavy fire of artillery, we moved by the right flank and joined Smith s left, where we remained in position until night, when we were again ordered to march, reaching this place about noon July 2.
Where so many behaved well it is hard to mention names. Colonel Suiter, Thirty-fourth New York; Colonel Hudson, Eighty-second New York; Lieutenant Colonel Miller, First Minnesota; Lieutenant Colonel Kimball, Fifteenth Massa chusetts, commanded their regiments with great coolness and bravery. Colonel Suiter, Thirty- fourth New York, recommends his adjutant, Lieut. George W. Thompson, for his efficiency. I cheerfully concur in this recommendation. My thanks are due to my staff, Captain Hebard, Lieutenants Eaguet and Gorman, and Mr. E. L. Sproat, volunteer aide, acting on the staff, for the services ren dered me in time of action. I beg leave to state to the general commanding that I can say with pride that in all these fights not a regiment of the First Brigade yielded one inch of ground to the enemy.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Colonel First Minnesota, Commanding Brigade. Capt. WILLIAM D. SEDGWICK,
Assistant Adjutant General.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, 10:30 A. M., July 3, 1862. [Private and Confidential.]
MY DEAR SIR: I should not want the half of three hundred thousand new troops, if I could have them now. If I had fifty thousand (50,000) additional troops here now, I believe I could substantially close the war in two weeks, but time is everything, and if I get fifty thousand (50,000) new men in a month, I shall have lost twenty thousand (20,000) old ones during the same month, having gained only thirty thousand (30,000) with the difference betwen new and old troops still against me. The quicker you send, the fewer you will have to send.
EXPEDITION TO PIKEVILLE. Ill
Time is everything. Please act in view of this. The enemy having given up Corinth, it is not wonderful that he is thereby enabled to check us for a time at Bichmond. Yours truly,
To Governor A. BAMSEY, A. LINCOLN.
St. Paul, Minn.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, July 8, 1862. To Governor Ramsey :
You are requested to raise, as soon as practicable, for the United States service, for three (3) years or during the war, one regiment of volunteer infantry, being a part of your quota under the call of the President. By order of Secretary of War.
C. P. BUCKINGHAM, Brigadier General and A. A. G.
EXPEDITION TO PIKEVILLE, TENN. June 11-19, 1862.
Report of Col. II. C. Lester, Third Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-THIRD BRIGADE,
MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., July 3, 1862.
His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota :
During the last month the Third Begiment has been at this point in the per formance of ordinary garrison duty.
An expedition across the Cumberland mountains, of which my regiment was a part, is the only event of importance occurring since my last monthly report.
This expedition was organized by Brigadier General Dumont, from troops sta tioned at different points in Middle Tennessee, for the purpose of routing a band of rebel cavalry stationed beyond McMinnville, as well as to make a reconnais sance towards Chattanooga in connection with a movement made by Brigadier General Negley, in the same direction, by the valley of the Tennessee river.
Our expedition was extended across the Cumberland range to the town of Pikeville in the Sequatchie Valley, a distance of eighty miles, and resulted in the discovery that the enemy had left the valley before our arrival and marched to Kingston.
The expedition was worthy remark only for the rapidity of the march and its fatigues, which were admirably borne by my regiment.
The only casualty occurring was the case of Stewart, of Company H, accident ally shot through the lungs. The man is now nearly recovered.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
v H. C. LESTER,
Colonel, Commanding.
H2 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
NASHVILLE, TENN., June 14, 1862.
Brig. Gen. J. T. BOYLE,
Commanding, Louisville, Ky.:
A dispatch from General Dumont, dated McMinnville yesterday, 9 o clock p. M., informs me that the enemy are in the Sequatchie Valley near Pikeville, and a good chance to overhaul him. The general pursued last night.
STANLEY MATTHEWS, Colonel, Commanding Post.
HHEADQUARTERS, June 11, 1862. General MITCHELL:
Gen. George "W. Morgan is advancing on Cumberland Gap. Endeavor as much as possible to keep your force in an attitude to threaten Chattanooga and occupy the attention of Kirby Smith. * * *
D. C. BUELL, Major General.
HUNTSVILLE, June 10, 1862. Major General BUELL:
* * * I had already determined to occupy McMinnville, and to this end ordered the rebuilding of the bridges more than ten days ago. I have directed Colonel Lester, in case the troops are concentrated under his command, to find a position the holding [of which] will protect Shelbyville, Wartrace, and Murfrees- borough.
From later intelligence I am led to believe that the large force reported does not exist; but, general, I deem it a matter of the utmost moment that a sufficient force shall promptly occupy the two avenues by which Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama may be invaded. Since the fall of Corinth we surely have forces sufficient.
O. M. MlTCHEL,
Major General.
HUNTSVILLE, ALA., June 10, 1862.
* * * General Negley is on the march to McMinnville, at which point the rebels are said to have a camp. An expedition under General Dumont will co operate and will advance from Murfreesborough.
O. M. MITCHEL. Major General HALLECK.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 113
HUNTSVILLE, June 9, 1862.
General BUELL:
Owing to intelligence received from Colonel Lester, I have very reluctantly ordered the return of the forces under General Negley. I deem this a most im portant step, for I am quite certain the enemy will follow. If supplies can be sent to Bainbridge Ferry, 7 miles above Florence, the distance to Florence is less than 40 miles, and the route far superior to any other. * * *
O. M. MITCHEL, Major General.
HUNTSVILLE, June 8, 1862. General BUELL:
Colonel Lester telegraphs me that the enemy, 1,000 strong, have reached a point 8 miles south of McMinnville, and intends to attack Murfreesborough. Two regiments have been ordered to that place.
I do not know that reliance ought to be placed on these reports. One thing is certain, that is the region which ought now to be strongly occupied.
O. M. MITCHEL, Major General.
WAR, DEPARTMENT, April 25, 1862.
Major General HALLECK,
Pittsburgh Landing :
The President desires that the following telegram, received from Governor Johnson, should be communicated to you for such action as you deem proper:
NASHVILLE, April 24, 1862. Hon. HOBACE MAYNAKD:
I have this moment been advised that the Third Minnesota Regiment, stationed here, and forces at Murfreesborough and Lebanon, have been ordered south by Buell. This is substantially surrendering the country to the rebels. My understanding was that I was sent here to accomplish a certain purpose. If the means are withheld it is better to desist from any further efforts. You are well aware of General Buell s course in regard to Tennessee from the beginning to the present moment. These forces ought to be detained where they are. I hope you will see the Secretary of War at once. The effect of removing the troops is visible in the face of every secessionist. Seces sion was calming down and great reaction in favor of the Union was taking place.
ANDKEW JOHNSON.
You will please acknowledge the receipt of this telegram, and state what order, if any, is made by you on the subject.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP MINNESOTA, NASHVILLE, TENN., March 31, 1862.
His Excellency, Governor RAMSEY,
Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: I take advantage of the opportunity to report to your Excellency our situation and condition. "We are a part of the Twenty-third Brigade, composed of the Ninth Michigan, Eighth and Twenty-third Kentucky, Third Minnesota, a battery and company of cavalry. One regiment is stationed at Lebanon, Tenn. (the Twenty-third); our own remains here temporarily, and the remainder of the brigade is at Murfreesborough.
One company of my command is detailed daily for duty in the city, as guard at the headquarters of the department, and certain parts of the city. We are, however, in daily expectation of orders to move on to Murfreesborough to join our brigade.
It gives me pleasure to assure you that my regiment is in a fine state of dis cipline and efficiency, and has a reputation everywhere, both among soldiers and citizens, for orderly and soldierly deportment, which gives great pleasure to its officers and is creditable to the state. I think I may safely say that for real efficiency the Third will compare favorably with either of our state regiments, while all the military men who have seen us give us the credit of being the best regiment in the West.
The quarterly reports required by the adjutant general of the state will be promptly transmitted.
I have the honor to be, governor, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY C. LESTER, Colonel, Commanding Third Minnesota Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP DANA, BELMONT, KY., Feb. 14, 186.
His Excellency, ALEX. RAMSEY,
Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: Upon consultation with Major Thurston, paymaster of our department, I learn that the policy of appointing twenty-two lieutenants is not followed by this department, and that he would not feel authorized to pay more than twenty lieutenants to each regiment.
It seems to me that if you could obtain an order from Washington, directing the
appointment as to this regiment, it would enable me to make the change with safety.
I am exceedingly anxious to have these promotions made, if it can be done, so
as to secure to the appointees all the privileges and emoluments of their rank.
We are receiving our first payment to-day.
I have the honor to be, governor, truly your obedient servant,
H. C. LESTER, Colonel, Commanding Third Minnesota.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 115
BELMONT, KY., Feb. 15, 1862.
To Col. H. C. LESTER, Commanding,
SIR: According to the act of Congress of July, 1861, it becomes my duty to report quarterly to you "the moral and religious condition of the regiment," and to make t i such suggestions as may conduce to the social happiness and moral im provement of the troops, " which report and suggestions for the first quarter, Nov. 15, 1861, to Feb. 15, 1862, I herein submit:
The moral condition of the regiment, as a whole, is highly gratifying and encouraging. A decided majority are men of high-toned moral principles, whose lives and conduct are governed by the acknowledged rules of sound morality.
The decidedly religious portion of the regiment is not large. Those, however, who are thus recognized are manifesting commendable zeal in maintaining a con sistent Christian and religious deportment, so far as I know. A little advancement has been made in this direction during the quarter.
As to such suggestions as may conduce to the social happiness and moral im provement of the troops, but little need be said, as under the circumstances but few things are practicable.
If a few dollars could be placed in the hands of a proper committee, to be used by them in securing for the use of the regiment some ten or more copies each of the leading literary and religious periodicals now being published, much, it is thought, would be done to advance the social happiness of the troops. The subscriptions might commence for one or two months, with the right to renew if occasion required.
My labors in part in the regiment embrace the following items:
Preaching once or twice each Sabbath (save one, which was rainy), excepting those when the regiment was on the march, since we left Minnesota.
Prayer meetings on Sabbath and Thursday or Friday afternoons or evenings, when circumstances would permit.
Prayer at dress parade, up to February 3d, when relieved from that duty, except on Sabbath evenings, forty-three times.
Visited the hospitals some 154 times up to this date.
Held religious service with the sick, consisting of reading the Scriptures and prayer, eighty-one times.
Attended the funerals and burial of the four following named persons:
Joseph Abel, Company E, Ja-n. 8, 1862; C. M. Wood, Company B, Jan. 29, 62; O. C. Shurtleff, Company G, Feb. 3, 62; J. W. Goodwin, Company C, Feb. 8, 62.
Superintended the erecton of proper headboards (two-inch white oak plank) at the graves of the dead.
Purchased and distributed several hundred pages of tracts.
Distributed several thousand pages of books and pamphlets to the sick and others.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
CHAUNCEY HOB ART, Chaplain Third Regiment Minnesota Volunteers.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
FIRST BATTLE OF MTTRFREESBOROUGH. - July 13, 1862. Report of Col. Henry C. Lester, Third Minnesota Infantry.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the share taken by my regiment in the action at Murfreesborough, Tenn., on Sunday, July 13, 1862.
The attack was made about daylight upon the camp of the Mnth Michigan, the pickets having been captured without firing a shot. With the first alarm my regiment was formed in line and marched from camp toward town, for the purpose of effecting a junction with the other troops, the camping ground of the two regi ments having been necessarily separated about 1 J miles in consequence of scarcity of water. We had proceeded nearly half a mile when the enemy appeared in force in the woods in our front, and also upon our left flank. Line of battle was at once formed upon the crest of a hill, and we opened upon the enemy with shell. The firing was principally directed to the woods in front, where they were evi dently forming for a charge. In the meantime a small force had made its way through a cornfield on our left and attacked our camp, which, after a sharp skir mish 1 with the camp guard they took, killing or capturing the guard and firing the tents. Some time was passed in shelling the woods, when a train arrived from Nashville, and was only stopped when it had reached a point opposite our posi tion and distant from it about 100 yards. As soon as the enemy had seen the train pass they commenced to tear up the track between it and Nashville, and were repeatedly driven off by the artillery. A charge was made upon our left from the woods, but was easily repulsed, with some loss to the enemy. At this time a scout returned from the camp of the Ninth Michigan, reporting the enemy in strong force on the Lebanon road between the Michigan regiment and our position; and as the force in front seemed to be still too strong to attempt to push through witk any prospect of success, I determined to maintain my own position for the present. The firing in town having ceased for some time, I sent a scout through the corn field to try and get news from our friends, but the effort was unsuccessful, the enemy being still in strong force on the Lebanon road. Shortly after a soldier of the Ninth Michigan came through and reported his regiment as having surren dered. Thereupon we fell back to a farm-house a short distance in our rear, which being surrounded by a fence I expected to make as strong as possible and to hold until the end.
While taking up our new position a flag of truce appeared, borne by yourself, and sent at the request of Colonel Dufneld, commanding Twenty -third Brigade, for the purpose of procuring an interview with me. I returned to town with the flag and had an interview with the colonel commanding, in which I learned that we, were attacked by the rebel General Forrest with a brigade of cavalry. Learn ing from the colonel that the enemy were in overwhelming force, and that even should the road be uninjured the forces at Nashville were absent upon an expedi-
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:21:31 GMT -5
1 Those killed in the action at the camp were Private Valentine Woodburn of Company C, and Corporal Charles H. Greene of Company I. No complete return was made of the casualties in this action at the camp; but among the wounded were Privates Charles Johnson of Company B, Walter W. Doyle and Joseph Fogelson of Company E, William G. Barnard of Company G, Albert H. Lewis of Company H, David Hooper of Company I and Charles F. Turnley of Company K.
BATTLE OF MURFREESBOROUGH. 117
tion and that there was no hope of re-enforcements, at his suggestion I agreed to refer the matter of surrender to my officers. Accordingly the matter was repre sented to them as derived from Colonel Duffield, and the great majority, looking upon further resistance as involving the certainty of an ultimate defeat with great loss, and with no possibility of an escape or assistance, it was decided to surren der, which was done at 3:30 P. M.
The force surrendered by me consisted of about 450 infantry. The enemy s force consisted of about 2, 600 troops, together with some hundreds of citizens of the country between McMinnville and Murfreesborough, being in all about 3, 000 men.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. C. LESTER,
Colonel, Commanding Third Minnesota. Lieut. H. M. DUFEIELD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Twenty-third Brigade.
Report of Brig. Gen. T. T. Crittenden, Commanding at Murfreesborough.
I submit the following report of the affair of July 13, 1862, at Murfreesbor ough, Tenn. :
While at Athens, Ala., I received the special order of Major General Buell assigning me to the command of the post of Murfreesborough, and went there as speedily as possible. I arrived there on the same train with Colonel Duffield, of the Ninth Michigan, on July 11. The next day I assumed command of the post and Colonel Duffield of the Twenty-third Brigade. Having no instructions, and tnowing nothing of the affairs at the post, I had several interviews with Col. [Henry C.] Lester [Third Minnesota], then in command, and from his statements, made both to myself and Colonel Duffield, it was evident that he apprehended no danger. He stated that the only points from which the enemy could approach were McMinnville and Lebanon; that there was no force between Chattanooga and Murfreesborough, and that Morgan s force was far beyond Lebanon, en route for Kentucky.
Colonel Lester had separated his forces on or about June 23, 1862, leaving five companies of the Ninth Michigan and about 80 men of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry at the old camp, and removing the Third Minnesota Eegiment and Hew- ett s First Kentucky Battery (four guns) about H miles northwest of the former amp. This was the whole force there on July 13, except one company Ninth Michigan posted in the court-house as provost guard, altogether numbering about 950 effective men.
I appointed Lieut. [Henry M.] Duffield, Mnth Michigan, acting assistant ad jutant general, Lieut. C. H. Blakey, who had been previously acting, having left for Minnesota on recruiting service on July 12.
Lieutenant Duffield, under my orders, proceeded at once to prepare a morning report, but did not complete it that day.
I then went with Colonel Duffield to look for a proper camp for the whole force, as I would not permit it to remain separated. I found the water, the
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
scarcity of which Colonel Lester assigned as the reason for such division, abun dant to supply 5,000 men, and a good camp ground within a quarter of a mile of the former camp. I examined other camp sites, but preferred the first, and ordered Colonel Duffield to concentrate his force there.
The same day I rode out with the officer of the day and made an examination of the pickets. Being dissatisfied with its strength and locations, I directed Major Seibert, commanding the cavalry, to double his cavalry force on all the roads to Lebanon and McMinnville, which he did, but withdrew them at night, in accordance with the custom and orders of Colonel Lester under which he had previously acted, of which custom and order I was entirely ignorant. There was. BO such order on the order book, it being merely verbal. I had doubled the cav alry on the points of danger, as a temporary strengthening of the pickets, until next day, when I had ordered a much larger detail for picket duty from the infantry. My temporary headquarters were opposite to and about 75 yards from the court-house.
I have been informed that Colonel Lester had some intelligence of a cavalry force of the eneI disagreeembling near McMinnville, but he did not inform me nor did I have any information of impending danger. I found things negligently and loosely done at the post and attempted to remedy all the negligence I saw there.
At daylight of July 13 General Forrest, with 2, 500 cavalry, consisting of four regiments and one battalion among them the First and Second Georgia and Seventh Texas, having marched 48 miles between noon of the 12th and that time surrounded and captured the pickets on one of the roads to McMinnville with out the firing of a gun, rushed at full speed into the camp of the Seventh Penn sylvania Cavalry and into the court-house square and streets of the town. Passing through the cavalry camp they attacked the Ninth Michigan, which was ready to receive them. Severe fighting at this point resulted in driving the enemy back some 300 yards after .repeated assaults, both sides losing heavily.
Colonel Duffield, commanding Twenty-third Brigade, was severely wounded early in the action and carried from the field. He was paroled at once, and I have had no report from him.
Lieutenant Colonel Parkhurst, commanding the Ninth Michigan, after holding his camp nearly eight hours against superior numbers, finding the enemy were surrounding him with their whole force and having no hope of re- enforcement (not receiving any reply to several messages for assistance sent by him to Colonel Lester), surrendered his force, then reduced to 134 men. This fragment of a regiment, under its gallant lieutenant colonel (Parkhurst), fought splendidly, and deserves honorable mention. Their loss was 11 killed, 86 wounded, and 3(> missing.
Company B, Ninth Michigan, the provost guard, made a resolute defense of the court-house for three hours during repeated assaults, killing 12 and wounding 18 of the enemy. They did not surrender until the court-house was set on fire. During these hours of suspense only an occasional shot was heard from the Third Minnesota and Hewett s battery. Of course their comparative quiet showed that they were not attacked in force. From the reports of Colonel Lester and Captain. Hewett and from other sources I learned that their commands turned out promptly, marched unattacked nearly half a mile, and were there halted by Colonel Lester.
BATTLE OF MURFREESBOROUGH. 119
Except slight changes of position, they remained there from 4:30 A. M. until 2:30 p. M., twice or three times menaced by small squads and once attacked by about 300 cavalry. The latter were repulsed by the fire of the skirmishers and one volley from two companies on the left flank of the regiment. Within three- quarters of a mile of their position they heard the fighting at the court-house for three hours and during seven hours and a half the fight at the Michigan camp.
The Third Minnesota was a splendidly drilled regiment. The officers and men were anxious to fight, but Colonel Lester held them there without seeing any enemy in force. Colonel Lester received two dispatches from Lieutenant Colonel Parkhurst, begging for aid, but would afford none. When all was lost except his own command Colonel Lester went under a flag of truce to see Colonel Duffield, and there saw the enemy, who had not dared to come within range of his artillery, and was so impressed with what he saw that he returned, determined to sur render. This is proved by his calling a council of his company commanders and his lieutenant colonel [Chauncey W. Griggs]. They, by a viva voce vote, de cided to fight. Part of them went from the council. Colonel Lester reopened and reargued the matter. A ballot vote was taken and the force was surrendered. This was done by the statements and influence of Colonel Lester. Lieutenant Colonel Griggs [and Captains Andrews and Hoit] bitterly opposed the surrender and voted against it to the last. Not a man was killed in the line of the Third Minnesota during the day. I state the facts without comment.
With a few men I held my headquarters until after the court-house was taken. I early sent a messenger, in citizen s clothes, with orders to Colonel Duffield, but he could not pass through the enemy s lines. They had my quarters surrounded from the time they entered the square. I submit copies of reports made to me and refer to them. I respectfully demand a court of inquiry into the disaster at Murfreesborough.
T. T. CRITTENDEN,
Brigadier General, Late Commanding Post. Lieut. Col. J. P. GARESCHE,
Assistant Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
[INDORSEMENT.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, NASHVILLE, TENN., Nov. 26, 1862.
Eespectfully forwarded to the adjutant general of the army, with the request that this case may receive prompt attention and that Colonel Lester be igno- miniously dismissed the service. 1
AsCapt. [John A.] Tanner is under my command, I propose to avail myself of the authority delegated to me by the Secretary of War and shall dismiss him. 2 General Crittenden I will order to duty.
W. S. EOSECRANS, Major General U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Department.
1 Dismissed Dec. 1, 1862.
2 [Of Ninth Michigan] dismissed, to date Sept. 22, 1862.
120 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
MURFREESBOROUGH, July 11, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Your dispatch ordering a guard of 40 men for every train sent below Mur- freesborough is received and the guard will be provided.
T. T. CRITTENDEN.
Eeport [Confederate] of Brig. Gen. N. B. Forrest.
, , 1862.
SIR: We left Chattanooga on July 9 with the Texan Bangers, under Colonel Wharton, and the Second Georgia Cavalry, under Colonel Lawton. "We made a forced march of nearly 50 miles, reaching Altamont on the night of the 10th in stant. After resting one night we passed on to McMinnville, where I was joined on the night of the llth by Colonel Morrison with a portion of the First Georgia Cavalry, two companies of Colonel Spiller s battalion, under Major Smith, and two companies of Kentuckians, under Captains Taylor and Waltham. After this junction my whole force was about 1,400 men, and both men and horses were much jaded and worn by their long travel. After feeding and refreshing for a single day and being joined by some few volunteers I left on the 12th at one o clock for Murfreesborough. It was over 50 miles to our destination, but there was no halt except for a short time to feed the men and horses.
We approached Murfreesborough about 4:30 A. M. and fortunately captured the pickets of the enemy without firing a gun. I then learned that there were two regiments in and near Murfreesborough, one the Ninth Michigan and the other the Third Minnesota, 200 Pennsylvania cavalry, 100 of the Eighth Ken tucky, and Captain Hewett s battery of four guns, numbering in all 1,400 or 1,500 men, under the command of General Thomas Crittenden of Indiana. There were said to be two camps, one in Murfreesborough of one infantry regiment and the cavalry, the other with the artillery about a mile distant, and a small force with the officers in the court-house and private houses around the pu blic square. I decided immediately to attack the camp in town and the buildings, while the camp with the artillery should be held in check until the first was stormed and surrendered. Colonel Wharton with his Texan Bangers was ordered to charge the camp in town. He moved forward in gallant style at the head of his men, but owing to the urgent necessity of using a portion of the Bangers for the at tack on the buildings he did not carry with him but two of his companies. This fact, however, did not abate his courage or that of his men. They charged over the tent ropes right into the camp. Colonel Wharton was soon severely wound ed and the command of his Bangers devolved on Colonel Walker.
Colonel Morrison with a portion of the Second Georgia was ordered to storm the court-house while the balance of the Texan Bangers were attacking the private buildings. After two or three hours hard struggle the court-house was fired and surrendered to Colonel Morrison. The private buildings were also cleared by the Bangers and General Crittenden and his staff surrendered.
Lieut. Col. [Arthur] Hood of the Second Georgia, with a portion of his force was ordered to storm the jail, which he did, releasing many prisoners confined for political offenses; he also took the telegraph office, capturing the operator.
BATTLE OF MURFREESBOROUGH. 121
Colonel Lawton, with the First Georgia, the Tennesseeans and Kentuckians, was ordered to attack the second camp with the artillery, which he did with great efficiency for several hours. The Tennesseeans, under Major Smith, and Ken- tuckians, under Captains Taylor and Waltham, stood the fire of shot and shell like veterans. The Georgians, under Captain Dunlop and Major Harper, made a gallant charge almost to the mouths of the cannon. After fighting them in front two or three hours I took immediate command of this force and charged the rear of the enemy into their camps and burned their camps and stores, demoral izing their force and weakening their strength.
The force of Texan Bangers sent to attack the first camp was so small that, although they fought with desperate courage and great skill, they were gradually driven back.
After the court-house and private buildings were surrendered and the fight had lasted five or six hours I prepared my whole force to storm both camps and summoned them to surrender. After some parley Colonel Duffield surrendered the infantry and artillery.
My aide, Colonel Saunders, rendered me efficient aid until he was severely wounded by a ball from the court-house. Major Strange, my adjutant, also per formed his whole duty. Lieutenant Colonel Walker and Major Harrison, of the Bangers, acted with their usual daring and bravery. All the officers and men who acted bravely cannot be particularly mentioned, but they acted their part nobly.
After the action was over I detached Major Smith to burn a railroad bridge below Murfreesborough, which he executed well. I intended to burn a railroad bridge above Murfreesborough and gave orders for the purpose, but by mistake they were not executed. I had the telegraph wire cut and a large portion of the railroad track torn up. I found four carloads of provisions on the railroad track and the depot house full of stores, all of which I burned.
There were between 1,100 and 1,200 privates and non-commissioned officers captured and brought to McMinnville and paroled on condition not to serve until exchanged. The officers have been already sent to Knoxville, in charge of Colonel Wharton (and I trust have safely reached their destination), except one or two who were wounded and left at Murfreesborough, on condition to surrender when restored to health.
I captured four pieces of artillery three brass pieces and one Parrott gun which are still in my possession, with harness and ammunition. There were some 50 or 60 large road wagons with the mule teams, harness, etc., captured. I burnt some of the wagons, which could not be got away, and sent you the bal ance. There were a large number of cavalry horses, saddles, and small-arms, with the ammunition, captured, and such as I have not been compelled to use are also forwarded to you.
In consequence of our being compelled to leave Murfreesborough, and not having received reports of the killed from some of my command, it is impossible to report accurately my loss. My best information is that we had about 25 killed and from 40 to 60 wounded. Among those killed is Lieutenant Green, of the Tennessee Battalion. The reports of the officers under my command when fur nished will show more definitely the loss.
122 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The enemy lost about 75 killed and 125 wounded. The pecuniary loss to the enemy must be near half a million of dollars.
Yours respectfully,
N. B. FORREST,
Brigadier General, Commanding Brigade of Cavalry. Maj. H. L. CLAY,
Adjutant General, Army of East Tennessee.
MOXTVALE, TENN., July 1
His Excellency, JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President Confederate States of America :
Colonel Forrest, with three regiments of cavalry, was sent into Middle Tennessee. He will, I trust, delay Buell s movement till Bragg s columns make their appearance. * * *
E. KIRBY SMITH, [Confederate] Major General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS, HUNTSVILLE, July 15, 1862. General HALLECK:
My information up to the night of the 13th from Murfreesborough was that the Ninth Michigan had been captured, but that Colonel Lester s regiment and Hewett s battery were doing well and felt confident of being able to hold out. Re-enforcements were being started from Nashville. It appears that before they arrived Colonel Lester surrendered at 4 o 7 clock P. M. the same day. I have no particulars, and at present no remarks to make upon what appears now to be a most disgraceful affair; of course it may embarrass me considerably. I have been too busy to counteract it. The worst is the interruption of the Chattanooga road, which was just completed. I had taken the precaution to place some twelve regiments on that route until it should be securely established. We will go to work again. D. C. BUELL.
HUNTSVILLE, ALA., July 19, 1862.
As nearly as I can ascertain, the force captured at Murfreesborough on the 13th consisted of nine companies of the Third Minnesota, under Colonel Lester; six companies of the Ninth Michigan, four companies of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, three companies of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and two sections of Hewett s Kentucky battery. All except Colonel Lester s regiment and the artillery, including Colonel Duffield and Gen. T. T. Crittenden, seem to have been completely surprised in the town and captured without time or opportunity for resistance. The case of the rest of the command was but little better. They
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 123
maintained their position until four o clock and then surrendered. I had con centrated a larger force at that point to occupy McMinnville, but a considerable portion of it had been sent away a day or two before to Kentucky to meet the difficulties there. I regard the whole affair as most disgraceful and demanding prompt and vigorous treatment. It has also caused serious delay in the means of supplying the army so that it can move on the Decatur route. The difficulty has been increased by damages to bridges by swollen streams. Every effort is being made to remove these difficulties, and I hope to have the Murfreesborough road repaired and in working order in a very few days. It is not my habit to plead difficulties or represent them even; but it is important that they should be some what understood, lest impossible expectations should be formed, and the opinion taken up that this army is idle and has nothing to do but march rapidly along the road. Our lines of supply are very long and difficult to protect; for, without ascribing hostility to the mass of the people, there is still enough of hostile and bad element to involve us in all the difficulties of operating in an enemy s country.
D. C. BUELL,
Major General, Commanding. Major General H ALLEGE:, or ADJUTANT GENERAL U. S. ARMY.
NASHVILLE, July 12, 1862.
Colonel FRY,
Chief of Staff , JTuntsville, Ala.:
* * * I do not usually believe startling information, but I am convinced that I am reliably informed that a heavy movement is taking place upon Mur freesborough via McMinnville from Chattanooga. Over 2, 000 cavalry under Gen eral Forrest had already crossed the river at Chattanooga when my informant left to-day week. * * * OLIVER D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant General.
MURFREESBOROUGH, July 9, 1862. Col. J. B. FRY:
I received Special Orders, No. 89, by mail but not by telegraph yesterday, and have notified Eighth Kentucky, Hewett s battery, Ninth Michigan, Third Minnesota. I report the stations of troops under my command as ordered: Third Minnesota stationed at Murfreesborough; Ninth Michigan at Murfreesborough, except four companies at Tullahoma; Twenty -first Kentucky stationed at Tulla homa; Eighth Kentucky stationed at present at Elk river bridge, except one company at "Wartrace; Hewett s battery, four pieces at Murfreesborough and two at Tullahoma; Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, one battalion at Murfrees borough; Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, one squadron at Murfreesborough and four companies at "Wartrace or below there on the bridges. The bridge guards below here are usually one company strong. Colonel Hambright, commanding at Shel-
124 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
by ville, has made some dispositions of his troops lately of which I am not advised. The cavalry at Wartrace (Fourth Kentucky) is not under my command. Eeport to these headquarters.
H. C. LESTER, Colonel, Commanding Twenty-third Brigade.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:23:21 GMT -5
MURFREESBOROUGH, June SO, 1862. Major General MITCHELL:
I report the situation of troops under my command as required by your order: Third Minnesota stationed at Murfreesborough; Twenty-third Kentucky stationed at Pulaski; Eighth Kentucky guarding road between "Wartrace and Elk river bridge; Ninth Michigan, six companies at Murfreesborough and companies sent to-day to Tullahoma pursuant to orders from Captain Greene; Hewett s battery, one section at Shelbyville and the remainder and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, four companies, and two companies of the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry are stationed here. For strength of command I refer to last morning report.
H. C. LESTER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
HUNTSVILLE, June 24, 1862. General BUELL:
* * I have supposed it possible the enemy s cavalry crossing opposite Chattanooga might pass the mountains to McMinnville for a raid on Wartrace and Murfreesborough. I have directed the commanding officer to be ready. * * *
O. M. MITCHEL, Major General.
NASHVILLE, June 24, 1862. Colonel FRY,
Chief of Staff, Florence, Ala.:
The Eleventh Michigan (Stoughton), Seventy -fourth Ohio (Moody), and Sixty- ninth Ohio (Campbell) are in this vicinity; Third Minnesota and Ninth Michigan at Murfreesborough. Either of these last would make a good provost guard. Neither of the others ought to be. Colonel Lester, Colonel Parkhurst, or Colonel Miller I should recommend for provost marshal. * * *
OLIVER D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 125
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. Sept. 17, 1862. Report of Col. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Infantry, of the Battle of Antietam.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP, NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD., Sept. 20, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part the regi ment took in the action of the 17th instant:
We marched out of camp, the regiment on the right of the brigade. After crossing the creek and gaining the high ground on the opposite side, we were formed on the right of the front line of battle, under a very severe artillery fire from the enemy, and advanced under this fire over several fields, the distance of about three-quarters of a mile, into a woods close to the enemy and in front of our line of battle. Here we were posted behind a rail fence. The enemy soon appeared in force on the left of the brigade, opened a very severe fire of musketry on us, while some of their artillery in front of us also opened on us. Our loss here was very heavy, yet the men bravely held their position, and did not leave it until after the two brigades in rear had fallen back and the left regiments were moving, when they received the order to retire.
Eetiring in line of battle, we again halted outside the woods, to hold the ene my in check while the rest were retiring. Here the Eighty-second New York with their colonel and colors reported to me, and formed on my right. The Nine teenth Massachusetts also reported, and formed on my left. We were soon again engaged with the enemy, but, seeing that the enemy were turning my right, I or dered the line to fall back in line of battle. The regiment here also suffered greatly in killed and wounded. We again made a stand near some farm-house for a short time, and there took up a strong position about 100 yards back, behind a stone fence, when a section of artillery was sent to assist us. We kept the enemy in check till they brought a battery of artillery on our flank, which compelled me to order the regiments back to join our line of battle.
The officers and men of the regiment behaved nobly, and it was with some difficulty I got some of them to obey the order to fall back. We marched into the action with 435 men. This includes the sharpshooters (Second Minnesota) company, but not Company I. They were not with us. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing amounts to Capt. G. A. Holzborn, Company K, killed; Captains Smith, Company D; Pomeroy, Company E; Adams, Company H, wounded; enlisted men killed, 15; wounded, 79; missing, 24. Total enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing, 118.
Among the killed the regiment have to mourn the loss of a brave and useful officer, Captain Holzborn. Captain Smith was severely wounded ; Captains Adams and Pomeroy and Lieutenant Shepley, slightly.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY, Colonel First Minnesota. Capt. J. W. GORMAN,
Assistant Adjutant General, Gorman s Brigade.
126 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA, CAMP, ON THE BATTLE-FIELD, Sept. 20, 1862
Hon. ALEX. BAMSEY,
Governor of Minnesota :
The following list of names will show the loss sustained by our regiment in the recent terrible engagement with the enemy.
The fight began at daylight on the morning of the 17th, and lasted until dark. We drove the enemy at all points. Our regiment behaved nobly, as the official reports will show. I have not time to give the particulars of the fight. I send the names of the killed, wounded and missing, from the reports of the different companies of this morning.
Company I, Captain Pell, was not engaged, as he is detailed on provost duty.
Commissioned officers killed: Company K, Capt. G. A. Holzborn.
Commissioned officers wounded: Company D, Capt. D. C. Smith, severely, in thigh; Company H, Capt. Charles P. Adams, slightly, in shoulder; Com pany E, Capt. George Porneroy, slightly, in breast, and Lieut. James H. Shepley, slightly; Acting Sergt. Major E. S. Past, leg, slightly.
Enlisted men killed:
COMPANY A Sergt. John McEwen.
COMPANY B Corp. Oscar L. Gorman, Private John E. Goundry.
COMPANY C Private Robert C. Simpson.
COMPANY E Privates William O. Taylor and William D. Mitchell.
COMPANY F Corp. Edwin Cox, Privates Marcellus B. Milliken and David P. Abbott.
COMPANY H Privates George E. Boyce, John C. Sholl and George F. Panchot.
COMPANY K Corp. William Smith, Private William Martin.
Enlisted men wounded:
COMPANY A Private Timothy Crawley, left eye, slightly; Daniel Farquhar, leg, severely; Nicholas Mathies, hand, slightly; Diedrich Vogalsang, knee, severely; Gustav Alpers, hand, slightly.
COMPANY B Color Sergeant Samuel Bloomer, leg, severely; Andrew P. Quist, John P. Schoendeck.
COMPANY C Privates William Coombs, George W. Buck, Andrew McCausland, Albert Mor ton, Julius Smith and Isaac Staats.
COMPANY D Corp. J. J. Young, Privates John Clater, H. B. Chase, foot; L. B. Carter, groin and arm; J. H. Haner, side; S. M. Hatch, thigh; T. B. Nason, arm; Irvin Lawrence, side; George Lafflin, thigh; E. Lamden, arm; George Patten, hips; L. F. Sampson, leg; James Walch, shoulder.
COMPANY E Corp. B. F. Staples, Privates Charles A. Berry, William R. Johnson (very dan gerously), C. F. Leigh ton, John Fleetham, Henry Churchill, Henry Sherman.
COMPANY F Private Randolph C. Barnes.
COMPANY G Privates B. K. Soule, slightly; G. A. Kenney, slightly.
COMPANY H Privates John H. Essency, neck; William W. Everts, thigh; Greenhalt Hess, thigh; Jeremiah Helmer, thigh; John Nelson, hand; Lawrence Keating, shoulder; Edwin E. Simonds, foot; Peter Peterson, foot; Corp. Earl P. Owen, arm and breast.
COMPANY K Sergt. D. B. Dudley, Corp. A. P. Carpenter, Privates C. Countryman, John Manning, S. W. Burgess, H. C. Winters, W. A. Coy.
COMPANY L (Second Minnesota Sharpshooters, Captain Russell commanding) Sergeants A. J. Underwood, thigh; M. E. Billings, foot; Corporals G. M. Dwelle, thigh; Charles Eldridge, shoulder, slightly; Privates C. W. Bancroft, shoulder; James Benton, hip; Daniel E. Borden, arm; James Chamberlain, arm; John P. Coats, side; Wilber M. Coleman, leg; Fingor Fingalson, arm; Charles Fitzsimmons, shoulder; Andrew J. Lockrem, Norman B. Mosier, hand; Sivor Ouston, arm; Halver H. Quie, arm; Edward Ryan, face; William Scott, neck; Anthony Steffes, side, slightly; James Wilson, arm; Charles Widstrand, thigh.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 127
Enlisted men missing:
COMPANY A Privates George B. Clarke, Charles C. Loomis and Charles Drake, supposed to be prisoners.
COMPANY B Privates William A. Morgan and Adolph C. Hospes.
COMPANY C Privates Theodore A. Irvin, prisoner; Maurice Leonard, Joseph B. F. Navarre and Andrew E. Perkins.
COMPANY E Privates Albert B. Coombs, William E. Candy, Benjamin Fenton, Vincent Middlestadt, Francis Kay and Daniel H. Waite.
COMPANY F Privates William C. Eiddle and Charles E. Hudson.
COMPANY H Private William Coggin.
COMPANY L Privates Elbridge S. Barnes, Isaac J. Cutler and Upton Donley.
Lieut. Charles Zierenberg, Company A, died on the 13th, in hospital at Georgetown, D. C., from a wound received on road to Vienna, September 2d.
Respectfully, etc.,
LIEUT. J. E. KING,
Acting Adjutant.
Report of Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman, Commanding First Brigade, of the Battle
of Antietam.
HEADQUARTERS GORMAN S BRIGADE,
SEDGWICK S DIVISION, SUMNER S CORPS, BATTLE-FIELD, NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD., Sept. 20, 1862.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the battle of the 17th instant:
On the morning of that day I received orders to march, and at about twenty minutes past 7 o clock A. M. of that day we took up the line of march. After crossing the Antietam creek and arriving at an open field about three-quarters of a mile from the enemy s position, three lines of battle were formed, my brigade being in the advance and front. The First Minnesota Regiment, Colonel Sully, occupied the right of the brigade; the Eighty-second New York Volunteers, Col onel Hudson, on their left; the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Kimball, next, and the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, Colonel Suiter, on the extreme left. In my rear about 50 yards was the second line (Gen eral Dana s brigade), and about the same distance in their rear General Howard s, late General Burns brigade.
In this order we began the advance upon the enemy at a rapid pace, the lines being at a distance of 50 yards apart. Before we had advanced 50 yards, the enemy opened a rapid and well-directed fire upon us from one or more batteries, but, moving directly on, they retired rapidly before our advancing columns. Passing through a strip of timber, we entered a large, open field, which was strewn with the enemy s dead and wounded, and passed over it at a rapid charge into an open woods, where the enemy s heavy lines of infantry first came into view, the front of which retired in considerable disorder before our advance. "We pur sued them until we passed the strip of woods and emerged into the edge of a field, where the Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, of my brigade, captured from, the hands of the enemy a battle-flag, wrenching it from the grasp
128 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
of its wounded bearer, which has been duly turned over to the corps commander. Instantly my whole brigade became hotly engaged, giving and receiving the most deadly fire it has ever been my lot to witness. Although the firing was not so rapid, it was most deadly, and at very close range. We also had to stand the most terrific fire of grape and canister, which told fearfully on the three right regiments of the brigade.
After we had expended from 40 to 50 rounds at the enemy, it became evident that he was moving in large force on our left, where his firing became terrific. On our left, in the woods, there was a force that told me they belonged to General Crawford s brigade, that were posted there when we first entered it. They fought handsomely until the heavy force of the enemy turned their left, when they re tired rapidly, and by this movement in five minutes the enemy s fire came pouring hotly on our left flank and rear. Being in front, and without orders of any kind from any one, and finding that the two rear lines were changing position and had already moved from their original place, I gave an order, which reached no one but Colonel Sully, to move quietly by the right flank so as to unmask the second and third lines, to enable them to direct their fire to check the rapid advance of the enemy on my rear, and to enable them, to fire without endangering my left regiment.
Shortly before this, I heard Major General Sumner directing the third line to face about, in order to repel the enemy, which had broken our left, supposing the design to be to take up a better position than the one just previously occu pied, I having informed the general that my left must be supported or I could not hold the position. The attack of the enemy on the flank was so sudden and in such overwhelming force that I had no time to lose, for my command could have been completely enveloped and probably captured, as the enemy was mov ing not only upon my left flank but also forcing a column toward my right, the two rear lines having both moved from their position before either of my three right regiments changed theirs. Perceiving this, after moving a short distance, my command faced about again toward the enemy and gave him another fire, which to some extent checked his advance. After moving a short distance far ther, his forces were perceived moving to our right, when the First Minnesota faced toward him and delivered another fire, which again checked his movement. I then ordered that my force be formed behind a stone wall at a distance of about 200 yards to the right and slightly to the rear of our first position. I was then ordered by General Sumner to hold the woods on the left and east of the turnpike, where I formed the entire brigade at a distance of about 400 yards from the origi nal position. The Thirty-fourth New York, being upon the extreme left in the front line of battle, after having withstood a most terrible fire, and having lost nearly one-half of the entire regiment in killed and wounded, was ordered by Major General Sedgwick, as will be seen by Colonel Suiter s official report, to retire and take up a new position behind a battery to the right and rear. I im mediately ordered them to re-form on the left of the brigade, which they did.
In this terrible conflict three regiments of the brigade, to- wit, the Fifteenth Massachusetts, Thirty-fourth and Eighty-second ISTew York Volunteers, lost nearly one-half of their entire force engaged. The position of the First Minnesota was more favorable, owing to the formation of the ground. The coolness and desper ation with which the brigade fought could not be surpassed, and perhaps never
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 129
was on this continent. Captain Saunders company of sharpshooters, attached to the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, together with the left wing of that regi ment, silenced one of the enemy s batteries and kept it so, driving the cannoneers from it every time they attempted to load, and for ten minutes fought the enemy in large numbers at a range of from 15 to 20 yards, each party sheltering them selves behind fences, large rocks, and straw-stacks. The First Minnesota Eegiment fired with so much coolness and accuracy that they brought down three several times one of the enemy s flags, and finally cut the flag-staff in two. I have great satisfaction in saying that the three right regiments of the brigade kept their front clear and the enemy from advancing during the time they were engaged.
I do not deem it necessary to again commend the gallant conduct of the officers of this brigade, since many of them have now been under fire in nine of the hardest engagements of the war, and upon every occasion have acquitted them selves with honor. My personal staff in this battle bore my orders along the line and from point to point, constantly under fire and in great peril of life, with great promptness and courage.
The list of killed, wounded, and missing in action is herewith forwarded, showing the loss to be 758 out of 2,000 taken into the action. I am, captain, your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier General, Commanding. Captain WHTTTELSEY,
Assistant Adjutant General.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:25:52 GMT -5
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. OLIVER O. HOWARD, COMMANDING SECOND DIVISION, OF THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
HEADQUARTERS SEDGWICK S DIVISION, NEAR SHARPSBURG, MD., Sept 20, 1862.
* * * rpk e p rom ptness in rallying their commands is creditable to the offi cers. I did not see one officer belonging to this division in any way misbehaving during the day. I noticed General Gorman at his post near his command while it was retiring, and he remained with it during the rest of the day, inspiriting his men by his remarks, and calling upon them to sustain the reputation they already had. General Dana was severely wounded in the early part of the action at his perilous post, manfully doing his duty.
By the direction of General Dana, Colonel Hall, Seventh Michigan Eegiment, was placed in command of the brigade. Colonel Baxter, Seventy-second Penn sylvania, with a portion of his regiment, had fallen back considerably to our left, and did not find me till afternoon. As Colonel Owen, Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania, was the ranking colonel in his absence, he commanded my brigade; Colonel Baxter took command on his return. These brigade commanders were prompt and efficient in the execution of my orders. The following officers were especially successful in drawing off their regiments without breaking: Colonel Sully, First Minnesota; Colonel Hinks, and, after he was wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Dev- ereux, Nineteenth Massachusetts, and Colonel Hall, Seventh Michigan.
130 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Eeport of Maj. Gen. Edwin V. Smnner, Commanding Second and Twelfth Army Corps,
of the Battle of Antietam.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND AND TWELFTH CORPS, HARPER S FERRY, Oct. 1, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, on the evening of the 16th ultimo, I re ceived an order at Keedysville to send the Twelfth Corps (Banks ) to support General Hooker, and to hold my own, the Second Corps, in readiness to march for the same purpose an hour before daylight. Banks Corps, under General Mansfield, marched at 11:30 P. M., and my own corps was ready to move at the time ordered, but did not receive from headquarters the order to march till 7:20 A. M. on the 17th. I moved Sedgwick s division immediately in three columns on the receipt of the order, followed by French s division in the same order. Eichardson was ordered to move in the same direction by the commanding gen eral about an hour later. On arriving at the place "where Hooker had been engaged, I found him wounded, and his corps, after a severe contest, had been repulsed. Banks 7 corps, under the immediate command of General Mansfield, had gone into battle on Hooker s left, and was engaged when I came upon the field. General Mansfield, a worthy and gallant veteran, was unfortunately mor tally wounded while leading his corps into action. My Second Division (Sedg- wick s) went into battle in three lines. After his first line had opened fire for some time, the enemy made a most determined rush to turn our left, and so far succeeded as to break through the line between Banks corps and my own until they began to appear in our rear. In order to repel this attack from the rear, I immediately faced Sedgwick s third line about, but the fire at that moment became so sever^roin the left flank that this line moved off in a body to the right, in spite of all the efforts that could be made to stop it. The first and second lines after some time followed this movement, but the whole division was promptly rallied, took a strong position, and maintained it to the close of the battle. Eich ardson s and French s divisions maintained a furious and successful fight from the time they entered the battle till the end of it, highly to the honor of the officers and soldiers.
Major General Sedgwick was severely wounded, but remained on the field for some time afterward, exerting himself to the utmost. Major General Eichardson was also seriously wounded while gallantly leading his division, and was obliged to bs borne from the field. Brigadier Generals Dana and Max Weber were also wounded at the heads of their brigades, and were obliged to leave the field.
I regret to report that the loss in my corps was very heavy, which is to be accounted for by the long and furious contest that my divisions had to maintain in the centre against the most determined efforts of the enemy.
I cannot give too much praise to the regimental officers and soldiers of the Second Corps, and I adopt and indorse all the subordinate reports.
As the circumstances of the battle prevented me from witnessing the conduct of Banks corps, I would refer to the report of General Williams for all that relates to that corps.
I would respectfully commend to the Government the following general officers who were distinguished for their zeal and devotion: Maj. Gen. I. B. Eichardson,
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 131
Maj. Gen. J. Sedgwick, Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams (commanding Banks corps), Brig. Gen. O. O. Howard, Brig. Gen. W. S. Hanthingy, Brig. Gen. W. A. Gorman, Brig. Gen. K J. T. Dana, Brig. Gen. W. H. French, Brig. Gen. K. Kimball, Brig. Gen. Max Weber, Brig. Gen. T. F. Meagher, and Brig. Gen. J. C. Cald- well. * * *
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Brevet Major General, U. S. Army, Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant General, Army of the Potomac.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF COL. WALTER PHELPS, JR., TWENTY-SECOND YORK INFANTRY, COMMANDING BRIGADE.
SHARPSBURG, Sept. 23, 1862.
# * * Having ascertained that the enemy s line was formed with their left advanced, making a crotchet, and that they were in position to partially enfilade our lines, I ordered the Second IT. S. Sharpshooters, Colonel Post [which in cluded the First Company Minnesota Sharpshooters], to move to the right and front, advancing his left, and to engage the enemy at that point. I immediately advised General Doubleday (in command of the division) of the enemy s position in front, on my right, and of the disposition of the Second IT. S. Sharpshooters. General Doubleday approved the movement, and ordered a brigade to their right while the sharpshooters were engaging them. The remainder of this brigade still lield its position in the rear of Gibbon s line.
The effect of the engagement between the sharpshooters and the enemy was to draw a very heavy fire from their advanced line, and I ordered the brigade forward to the support of the line in front. The musketry fire at this point was very heavy, but the two brigades appeared to hold their position easily. The loss of the Second U. S. Sharpshooters at this point was severe. * * *
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JOHN P. HATCH, COMMANDING FIRST DIVISION, OF THE BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
MIDDLETOWN, MD., Sept. 15, 1862.
* * * The error of Colonel Eogers being discovered, the Second U. S. Sharpshooters, Colonel Post [which included the First Company Minnesota Sharp shooters], were detached from the First Brigade, and proceeded up the ravine to the point indicated. I have received no report from this regiment, but have been informed that it came early into action and rendered very important service dur ing the day. The Thirty-fifth New York, supported by two regiments of Pat rick s brigade, moved very slowly up the side of the mountain, followed by the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Phelps, and the Second, General Double- day, in line of battle of battalions in mass. * * *
132 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF MAJ. GEN. ABNER DOUBLEDAY, COMMANDING^
FIRST CORPS.
SHARPSBURG, September, 1862.
* * * In the meantime Phelps brigade had followed that of Gibbon, and when it reached the open space already referred to, beyond the woods where Campbell s battery was posted, it moved by the flank and deployed forward into- a cornfield in rear of Gibbon s command. Phelps position being some 90 paces in front of the battery, as soon as Gibbon s brigade became engaged, Phelps moved his line up, and formed about 25 paces in his rear. Observing that the enemy s line now formed a crotchet, which partially flanked Gibbon s line, Col onel Phelps ordered Colonel Post, who was in command of the Second Eegiment of U. S. Sharpshooters [including First Company Minnesota Sharpshooters], to move to the right and front, advance his left, and engage that portion of the en emy s line that flanked ours. In this engagement the sharpshooters suffered se verely, and Colonel Post was wounded, after capturing two battle flags from the enemy. * * *
Report of Capt. William F. Russell, Second Company Minnesota Sharpshooters.
CAMP, NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., Dec. 10, 1862.
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General State of Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your application for a report of the past history and present condition of " Company L, First Eegiment U. S. Sharpshooters," and respectfully submit the following hastily prepared statement :
With my command numbering 98 enlisted men, all tested marksmen, and two lieutenants, I left St. Paul, Minn., on April 21st, 1862, for the field of active service. At Washington I received orders to report to Major General McClellan. By order of Major General McClellan I joined the First Eegiment U. S. Sharpshoot ers under command of Col. Hiram Berdan, at Yorktown, Ya., May 6th, 1862, and marched up the Peninsula with this regiment, forming part of General Porter s corps. On May 22d an order was issued by Major General McClellan (Special Order No. 153), directing me to report with my command to Brigadier General Sedg- wick, "to be assigned to duty with the First Minnesota Volunteers. " This order I did not receive until the 30th of May, the battle of Hanover Court-House taking place in the meantime, on the 27th, and in which my company took part. On the morning of June 1st, 1862, I reported with my command on the battle-field of Fair Oaks during the heat of the engagement, to Brigadier General Gorman, of whose brigade the First Minnesota Volunteers formed a part, and was immediately given a position in advance of our line of battle, as skirmishers. From that day to the present time my company has continued on duty with the First Minnesota Volunteers, sharing with them all the dangers, trials and privations of the ter-
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 133
rible campaign on the Peninsula against Bichrnond, and the more snccessfu.1 one in Maryland, against an invading army of rebels.
The battles, actions, etc., in which my command has been engaged, are as follows, viz.:
1. Battle of Hanover Court-House, Va., May 27th, 1862.
2. Battle of Fair Oaks, near Richmond, Va., June 1st, 1862.
3. Siege of Richmond, month of June, 1862.
4. Battle of Peach Orchard, near Richmond, Va., June 29th, 1862.
5. Battle of Savage Station, near Richmond, Va., June 29th, 1882.
6. Battle of White Oak Swamp, near Richmond, Va., June 30th, 1862.
7. Battle of Nelson s Farm, near Richmond, Va., June 30th, 1862.
8. Battle of Malvern Hill, near Richmond, Va., July 1st, 1862.
9. Reconnaissance to Malvern Hill, Aug. 4th, 1862.
10. Reconnaissance from Charlestown, Va., Sept. 1st, 1862.
11. Repulse of enemy near Fairfax, Va., on retreat from Centreyille, Sept 2d, 1862.
12. Affair near Vienna, Va., on retreat from Centreville, Va., Sept. 2d, 1862.
13. Battle of South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14th, 1862.
14. Batttle of Antietam, Md., Sept. 17th, 1862.
15. Reconnaissance from Harper s Ferry to Charlestown, Va., Oct, 16th, 1862.
Twenty-Jive men have been wounded in these several battles, as follows: In the battle of Hanover Court-House:
Private Hammond Fallen, badly, in knee, Convalescent Camp, Alexandria, Va. Private Fingor Fingalson, in side, slightly.
In battle of Fair Oaks:
Private Christen J. Lind, right hand. Since discharged.
In affair near Vienna, Va. :
Private Lawrence White, mortally. Since died.
Private Edward D. Rinhart, eye destroyed. Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
In Battle of Antietam:
Sergt. Adoniram J. Underwood, seriously in thigh. Discharged.
Sergt. Myron E. Billings, foot. Home on leave of absence.
Corp. G. Merrill Dwelle, seriously in thigh. Hospital, Frederick, Md.
Corp. Charles R. Eldredge, slightly. Now present on duty.
Private George W. Bancroft, shoulder, seriously. In hospital.
Private James V. H. Benton, seriously in hip. On furlough.
Private Daniel B. Borden, arm, badly. Hospital, Kensington, Pa.
Private James Chamberlin, arm, badly. York, Pa., hospital.
John T. Coates, back, seriously. Hospital, Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
Private Wilber M. Coleman, leg, badly. Ladies Hospital, New York City.
Private Fingor Fingalson, arm, badly. Patent Office Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Private Andrew Lockrem, thigh, badly. Hospital, Chambersburg, Pa.
Private Norman Mosier, hand. Hospital, York, Pa.
Private Siver Ousten, shoulder, severely. Con. Camp, Alexandria, Va.
Private Halvor H. Quie, heel, badly. Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C.
Private Edward Ryan, head, mortally. Since died.
Private William Scott, neck, badly. Hospital, Frederick, Md.
Private Anthony Steifes, side, slightly. Present on duty.
Private Charles T. Widstrand, thigh, badly. Hospital, Harrisburg, Pa.
Private J. Wilson, arm, badly. Home on furlough. * * *
134 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Enlisted men present on duty 29
Enlisted men absent, wounded 18
Enlistedmen absent, sick 13
Enlisted men absent without leave 7
Enlisted men absent, exchanged prisoners 341
Whole number now forming company 70
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM F. BUSSELL, Captain, Com d g Company.
BATTLE OF ITTKA Sept. 19, 1862.
Report of Capt. Ebenezer Le Gro, Fourth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP, Six MILES SOUTH OF IUKA, Miss., Sept. 20, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of the regiment under my command during the battle of yesterday near luka:
At 5 P. M. I moved my command at double-quick to a position on the left of the Forty-eighth Indiana, which regiment was in support of the Eleventh Ohio Battery, commanded by Lieutenant Sears. Shortly after the battle was opened by the battery and raged furiously along the line for half an hour, when the Forty- eighth Indiana, being compelled to give "way, fell back to the edge of the woods, leaving my regiment exposed to an oblique fire in the rear from the advancing enemy. I then ordered the right wing to fall back 10 rods to the timber, which was accomplished in good order, notwithstanding the galling and incessant fire of the enemy. This change of position brought our line in the form of a semicircle, partly facing the battery. Here we remained some twenty minutes, when the fire of the enemy was directed against the troops on the right of the battery. I was then ordered to move by the right flank about 40 rods up the road, at nearly a right angle to my first position ; then by the lefb flank, in order of battle, to a point near where the battery was first placed, which I did immediately. This position I occupied until 8:15 o clock, when, the enemy having fallen back, I was. relieved by the Eightieth Ohio and ordered to the rear for a fresh supply of am munition.
Throughout the whole both officers and men behaved with coolness and cour age, conducting themselves in a manner highly commendable. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Surg. J. H. Murphy and his assistants for their unceas ing attentions to the wounded throughout the action and during the night.
I inclose a list of killed, wounded, and missing.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
E. LE GRO,
Captain, Commanding Fourth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers. Col. JOHN B. SANBORN,
Comdg. First Brig., Third Div., Army of the Mississippi.
BATTLE OF IUKA. 135
List of Killed , Wounded and Missing of the Fourth Minnesota Infantry in the Battle
of luka, Sept. 19, 1862.
COMPANY A Wounded: Private Thomas Olson (died of wounds).
COMPANY B Wounded: First Sergt. James W. Dunn, Sergt. Orlando Graham, Corp. C. G. Mickel, Privates James Neil, Edward Zeibarth.
COMPANY C Killed: Privates Benj. Poole, James Casey (attached to Eleventh Ohio Battery).
Wounded Privates Charles M. Perkins, Thomas H. Reaves.
COMPANY D Wounded: First Sergt. Geo. G. Kimball, Corp. Joel E. Sampson, Privates Geo. A. Clark, Samuel L. Momeney (died of wounds).
COMPANY E Wounded: Second Lieut. James A. Goodwin (died of wounds), Sergt. Aldison Phelps, Corp. Geo. W. Thomas, Privates John Boss, Enos A. Bunker, Orlando Lindersmith, Benj. Siers, Frederick Schranun, Joseph Tatro.
COMPANY F Killed : Private Thomas Smith.
Wounded Corp. J. W. Burdick, Privates Ira O. Russell, Geo. Winchell, Hollis E. Sargent.
COMPANY G Wounded: Capt. Chas. Lueg (injured by wounded horse), Corp. Geo. K. Camp bell (died of wounds), Privates John Eike, John Fobe, Patrick Loftus, Antoine Montreville, Geo. Rieder, Bernard Westman.
COMPANY H Wounded: Privates Charles Olsen (died of wounds), Nathaniel S. Howland, Peter Lent, Andrew Anderson.
COMPANY I Wounded : Sergt. Samuel T. Isaac.
Missing Privates Henry Harper, Moses Norris.
COMPANY K Wounded: Corp. Saul M. Millhollin, Privates Isaac Dezotelle (died of wounds), George S. Hutchinson (died of wounds), Aaron B. Morse, John E. McCann, Martin Kiefer.
Report of Col. John B. Sanborn, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding First
Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Sept. 21, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of your orders of the 17th instant, I moved my command, consisting of the Fifth Iowa Infantry, Twen ty-sixth Missouri Infantry, Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, Fourth Minnesota Infan try, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and Eleventh Ohio Battery, at 4 A. M., in an easterly direction, to a point on theTuscumbia road one mile west of the junction of the Pon- totoc road with the same without meeting any opposition. At this point I disposed of my command in order of battle and posted a strong guard on my front and flanks and awaited further orders. In pursuance of your order of 2 A. M. of the 19th instant I moved my command in an easterly direction on theTuscumbia road, preceded by the Third Michigan Cavalry. When I had advanced about 3 miles I fell upon the enemy s pickets, who fired briskly at the advanced cavalry and retired across a clearing into a thick growth of timber and brush, and continued their fire as the cavalry advanced so rapidly that it was deemed prudent to have a portion of the cavalry dismount and advance as infantry skirmishers. It being desirable at this time to conceal from the enemy all our force except the cavalry, I advanced in this manner to the point where the road leading from luka to Bay Springs crosses the Tuscumbia road and halted, disposing of mv command in the
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:27:54 GMT -5
136 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
best manner possible, in niy judgment, to receive an attack from any quarter, and posted guards south, east, and north. I had hardly accomplished this when I received your further orders to move forward immediately toward luka. I at once drew in my guards and took up niy line of march on the luka road, preceded, as before, by cavalry. "When I had advanced about two miles the firing of the enemy s pickets was so rapid and well sustained that, under your orders, I threw out four companies of the Fifth Iowa Infantry as skirmishers. These companies moved forward to their task with great alacrity, and soon succeeded in driving the enemy s pickets from a strong position they had selected in a house by the road-side and advanced steadily, driving them for three hours, killing two of them and seriously wounding one at least. At this time (about 4 P. M. ) I relieved the companies skirmishing from the Fifth Iowa by four companies of the Twenty- sixth Missouri Infantry, who went forward with the greatest cheerfulness, and continued to drive in the enemy s pickets rapidly till they reached a point a little more than a mile from luka, where they met the enemy drawn up in line of battle, in strong force (about 18, 000 infantry, with cavalry and artillery) and drew the fire from nearly his whole line. The enemy almost instantaneously opened his batteries upon us and commenced advancing his line, and rendered the most rapid movements and formation necessary to prevent him enveloping my whole com mand. I immediately caused the Fifth Iowa to file to the right of the road and form in order of battle, with the right wing slightly refused, to prevent it, as far as possible, from being flanked on that wing before other troops could be brought up. The Eleventh Ohio Battery was brought into position immediately on the left of this regiment, the Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry on its left, with the left wing slightly refused, and the Fourth Minnesota in the prolongation of this line. This line was on the crest of a ridge. These regiments were ordered to hold their positions at all hazards until further orders. The Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry was formed in order of battle below the crest of the ridge, with its left nearly in rear of the centre of the Fifth Iowa and its right retiring from the front line, with orders to Colonel Boomer, commanding, to move immediately to the right of the Fifth Iowa should the enemy make his appearance in that direction, but with discretionary authority to move to the relief of any point the most strongly assailed. The Sixteenth Iowa Infantry was formed in order of battle below the crest of the hill, with its right in rear of the left of the Fifth Iowa and the battery and the three right companies of the Forty-eighth Indiana masking the balance of its front and about 20 yards in advance, this formation being made to support the battery. All these formations and movements were made under a steady fire of canister from the enemy s batteries, and hardly had the disposition of the troops been made when the enemy came forward with his whole force and formed in front of the battery three battalions deep. I immediately ordered the battery to open fire and the infantry to commence firing. The battery fired with great rapidity and with extraordinary accuracy of aim, which, in conjunction with the volleys of musketry from the regiments of the front line, threw the enemy into confusion; and thus in his first attempt to take the battery the enemy was re pulsed with heavy loss. The firing of his musketry during this advance was very rapid and quite destructive, and caused the battalion on the left of the battery to waver and the right to fall back. The enemy soon re-formed, and with renewed vigor and cheers came on to the assault again and was again repulsed by the well-
BATTLE OF IUKA. 137
directed fire of the battery and the volleys and charges made by the Fifth Iowa. The three companies of the Fifth Iowa flanking the battery had by this time become so unmasked by the loss of men that it seemed impossible for the regi ment or the battery to hold out, and Colonel Boomer, of the Twenty-sixth Mis souri, immediately brought up four companies of his command, and formed them in line under the most galling fire on the right of the battery and left of the Fifth Iowa. The firing of the enemy at this time had become so destructive that Colonel Boomer promptly proceeded to bring up the balance of his command with great gallantry and personal bravery, but fell severely wounded before reaching his command and was carried from the field.
I had during this time been making the greatest efforts, in conjunction with the general commanding the division, members of the staff, and the field officers of the regiment, to bring back the regiment placed upon the left of the battery to its first position. During these efforts Colonel Eddy, commanding the regi ment with the greatest valor, fell, severely wounded, and was carried from the field. The fire was so galling it was found impossible to bring this regiment again onto this line. Colonel Chambers, commanding the Sixteenth Iowa In fantry, had already fallen and had been carried from, the field, and it did not at this time seem prudent to move the second line of battle in rear of the battery. I proceeded to the left flank of the whole line, with a view of drawing in that battalion in support of the battery, but the enemy had then appeared in its front and was engaging it with musketry. There was no alternative but for the bat tery, the Fifth Iowa, and the four companies of the Twenty-sixth Missouri to fight the battle out with nearly the whole force of the enemy concentrated on that point, and nobly did they do this. The infantry on the right continued to fire and charge upon the enemy under their gallant leader, Colonel Matthies, until their whole 40 rounds of ammunition were exhausted and until it was too dark to distinguish one object from another and until one-half of all the men that had been taken upon the line upon the right of the battery were killed or wounded. The battery at the same time, under command of the gallant Lieutenant Sears, held out, if possible, with still greater desperation, firing until all the canister- shot was exhausted and more than one-half of his men and nearly all his horses had been killed or wounded. After this the enemy came upon the ground where it was stationed, but did not remove the battery from the field. The position where the remaining companies of the Twenty-sixth Missouri was left had become very much exposed to the enemy s fire, and the lieutenant colonel in his discretion, and without orders, removed them to an open field to the right of the Fifth Iowa, and then formed them in order of battle, where they remained for the night. The enemy making no further appearance on my left, I withdrew the Fourth Minnesota Infantry from that wing and ordered them to move forward and occupy the ground originally occupied by the battery and the left of the Fifth Iowa. They promptly moved forward to within a few yards of this position, when they receive4 a heavy volley of musketry from one of the regiments of the Second Brigade, which caused them to halt and lie down. The regiment occupied this position until 8:15 o clock, when it was relieved by General Sullivan with one of the regiments of the Second Brigade.
I am happy to report that, with the single exception of the battalion on the left of the battery, each regiment obeyed every order with alacrity, and held
138 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
every position assigned them until directed to vacate them; and, in case of the exception above named, I deem it proper to state that the enemy s fire in that position was so severe that veteran troops even could hardly be expected to hold it. The brigade was in order of battle soon after the close of the engagement ready for action on the following morning. Every regiment conducted itself with coolness and deliberation, and in no case fired except when the enemy appeared in full view, and then with deliberate aim; but were subjected to four full volleys from regiments of other brigades of our own troops in the rear.
I forward herewith the reports of the commanders of the respective regiments of my brigade, containing full lists of casualties of the respective commands. The official report of the Eleventh Ohio Battery will be forwarded atf an early day, the only officer able to be on duty since the battle having been constantly engaged in refitting his battery for service.
I regret that, in an action occupying a little more than an hour and a half, there were, out of about 2,100 men of my brigade engaged, 584 killed or wounded and 24 missing. It will be a consolation to the friends of all to know that they died or were injured fighting manfully for their country, and in an engagement where the killed and wounded of the enemy were twice the number of our own.
All the commanding and field officers of regiments and detachments labored with equal zeal and courage to perform their whole duty. Colonels Mathies and Boomer made most extraordinary efforts and with measurably successful results. The former was more fortunate than the latter in being able to continue his efforts to the close of the engagement. They both deserve from the country the reward that a grateful people are always ready to confer upon faithful servants. Lieut. L. B. Martin, acting assistant adjutant general on my staff, conducted him self with great gallantry, and labored incessantly and successfully in rallying the men who had left their commands and bringing them into position to do good execution against the enemy. The line officers deserving especial mention for gallantry in the field during the action are named and referred to in the reports of the commanders of their respective regiments, which reports are by me ap proved and confirmed, and to which attention is directed.
Kespectfully submitted.
JOHN B. SANBORN,
Colonel, Commanding. Capt. E. M. SAWYER,
Afist. Adjt. Gen.j Third Div., Army of the Mississippi.
Report of Lieut. Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP, Sept. 22, 1862.
I have the honor to report that during the action of the 20th instant, near luka, Miss., the Fifth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was detailed, by
BATTLE OF IUKA. 139
order of Brigadier General Stanley, to guard the train of transportation wagons belonging to the division and was not brought into action. The regiment re mained upon the duty assigned it as above until the morning of the 21st instant, when ffc was moved to the breastworks near Barnett s, by order of General Rose- crans.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD, Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Fifth Minnesota Volunteers.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. CHARLES S. HAMILTON, COMMANDING- THIRD DIVISION, DATED SEPT. 23, 18G2 (REBELLION RECORDS, VOL. 17, PART 1, p. 89).
As the remaining regiments of the First Brigade came up the hill I threw them into position to protect the flanks of our little line of battle, the Fourth Minnesota, under Captain Le Gro, and the Sixteenth Iowa, Colonel Chambers, the former on the left and the latter on the right of the line, in rear, en Echelon. The battle at this time had become terrific. The enemy in dense masses bore down in front on the right and left, showing a determined purpose to envelop and crush the little line in front. * * *
Colonel Sanborn, in command of the First Brigade, most gallantly held the left in position until, under a desolating carnage of musketry and canister, the brave Eddy was cut down, and his regiment, borne down by five times their num bers, fell back in some disorder on the Eightieth Ohio, under Lieutenant Colonel Bartilson. The falling back of the Forty-eighth exposed the battery. * * *
An attempt to turn my left flank by a heavy force of the enemy moving up the open field and ravine on my left, was most signally repulsed by Colonel Perczel with the Tenth Iowa and a section of ImrneF s battery. So bravely was this at tempt repulsed that the enemy made no more attempts in that direction. After this repulse the Fourth Minnesota was withdrawn from the left and ordered to the right, where it did good service to the close of the action. This com pleted the movements in the front, and the battle was fought and won in this position. * * *
I am indebted for able and cheerful assistance rendered by Brigadier General Stanley, whose division (with the exception of one regiment, the Eleventh Mis souri), being in rear, could not take an active part. General Stanley had come to the front and tendered his services. To the commanders of brigades, Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan, whose personal exertions and bravery contributed very largely to our success, and to Col. J. B. Sanborn, who, in this his first battle, exhibited a coolness and bravery under fire worthy a veteran, I am greatly indebted. These commanders (Stanley, Sullivan, and Sanborn) I cordially commend to the favor able notice of the Government.
140 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP CLEAR CREEK, Miss., Aug. 4, 1862.
ALEX. RAMSEY,
Governor and Commander -in- Chief of the State of Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a communication which I have this day addressed to General Rosecrans, commanding the Army of the Mississippi, and to request that you will call the attention of the Secretary of War to the matter therein referred to.
I cannot but regard it as a serious abuse, that men in an infantry regiment from one state should be detailed to serve in artillery organizations belonging to other states. It is directly calculated to produce feelings of discontent and dis satisfaction among the men, and to destroy the discipline and efficiency of a regiment, and should, therefore, in my opinion, be discountenanced at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Colonel, Commanding Fourth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH REGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP, CLEAR CREEK, Miss., Aug. 4, 1862. C. F. MARDEN,
A. A. A. Gen 7 1, Army of the Mississippi,
SIR: I have the honor to communicate to the general commanding, that the captains of the batteries, to whom the (eight) men detailed from this regiment were ordered to report, do not consider or treat the men as temporarily detailed, unless a detail, the duration of which is entirely within the caprice of the officer in command of the detail, is considered such.
For this, and the reason following, I respectfully request that Special Orders, "No. 191, Headquarters Army of the Mississippi, dated July 26th, 1862, detailing men temporarily from this regiment to report to Captains "Win. A. Pele, Com pany I, First Missouri, and H. Dillon of the Sixth Wisconsin, be annulled and vacated, and the men so detailed be ordered to report to the commander of this regiment for duty.
My reasons for this request are as follows, viz. :
1st. That the detail is of a permanent character, of men from one branch of the service to another branch, without the consent of their regimental or com pany commanders, who, at great trouble and personal expense, have recruited these men for their own commands, which they have a pride and interest in keep ing respectably full, and drilled in its branch of the service, and because it is far less trouble to recruit volunteers for the artillery or cavalry than for infantry, as far as my observation has extended.
2d. Because it appears to be, and is considered by the state governments, unequal and unjust to detail the men that one state has raised and fitted for the service, with detachments that other states have raised, but fail to keep full, or in condition to do duty in the field, but claim the credit of such organizations when they are filled and supported by men from other states.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 141
3d. Because the artillery officers, who seek and obtain such details, are constantly exciting feelings of discontent and dissatisfaction among the men of the command from which they seek to obtain details, and receive all who, from having been punished for misconduct, or otherwise disciplined, become dis satisfied with their commanders, and thereby destroy, to a great extent, military discipline.
It is expected and desired, by officers and men, that in the emergency of battle, any and all cannoneers in a regiment should be detailed to serve at bat teries, if needed for that occasion, and there is no objection on the part of the officers or men of my command, to the organization of a field battery out of it, but that it should be a Minnesota battery and not a Wisconsin battery. So the men of two reduced batteries might be consolidated and a new battery organized.
I therefore respectfully call the attention of the general commanding to the above considerations, as I also feel obliged to call that of the Governor of my state. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Col., Commanding Fourth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers.
CORINTH, Miss., July 10, 1862. Lieut. Gov. IGNATIUS DONNELLY,
St. Paul,
DEAR, SIR: I have within the last few days issued six commissions to fill vacancies in the Fourth Eegiment, and also two for a like purpose in the Fifth Eegiment.
During the past week I have visited the Fifth Eegiment, which is camped on Clear creek, some eight miles south of this place. At that time some sixty of the regiment were on the sick list, and some eighteen more absent in hospitals. The field officers and surgeons were in good health and spirits.
The Eev. Mr. Chaffee having resigned his position as chaplain, upon con sultation with the field officers, I commissioned Eev. John Ireland as chaplain of the Fifth, and he was mustered in by General Smith.
The order mustering out Lieutenant Eyan, for absence, was revoked, and he is now actively performing the duties of his place. Captains Clark and Curtis are ill; the latter left for home yesterday.
On Monday, the 7th inst., with a number of officers, I rode over to the camp of the Fourth Eegiment, and found the place well chosen, on an elevated ridge, with an abundance of good water, which, here in this hot and dry country, is an article of prime necessity, and generally so scarce as to compel the removal of camps otherwise desirably located. There are in all Northern Mississippi very few running streams, and even those are small and muddy.
Major Baxter was in charge of the camp, where were left with him some three hundred men unfit for duty. Colonel Sanborn, acting brigadier general, and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas, with the effective men of the regiment, had been suddenly marched off some days before, to Eienzi, twelve miles in advance. .
You must not infer from the large number unfit for duty that there is a very large amount of sickness. Of the large number reckoned unfit for duty when I
142 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
was there, but very few were seriously ill j most of those on the sick list were convalescent, and will soon be able to return to duty.
Major Baxter has been sent north to recruit his health, on twenty days leave of absence for that purpose.
Within two miles of the camp of the Fourth Eegiment, I found the invalids of the Second Battery, some forty in number; eleven w^ere at the hospital, and the rest, some seventy, were with Cap tain Hotchkiss and his battery near Jacinto, the county town of Tishomingo county, where I met the captain and Lieutenant Darneley on Wednesday.
The men here are hearty and eager for an opportunity to win laurels. Brig. Gen. Jeff C. Davis, Acting Brigadier General Sanborn and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas accompanied me to the camp.
On Thursday, the Fourth Eegiment, along with the division of General Ham ilton, moved back to the camp at Clear creek, leaving about 3 o clock A. M. They reached the camp at 12 o clock M., where I left them that evening and drove over to our gallant artillery corps, the First Minnesota Battery. In the absence of Captain Munch, who is still at home recovering from the wound he received at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, the company is in charge of Lieutenant Pfaender, a most worthy man, as he is an efficient and capable officer.
This battery is in the division of Brigadier General Todd, acting major gen eral. The general in olden times was in command at Fort Eipley in Minnesota. The general very kindly; after dinner, gave me the opportunity of visiting with him the several regiments of his division, where, among the acquaintances I met, were Col. Benj. Allen, formerly of Hudson, Wis., now a colonel of a Wisconsin regiment, and who was severely wounded at Shiloh, but is recovering.
I have been waiting two days for the train for Tuscumbia, between which place and luka the Second Eegiment is guarding that portion of the Memphis & Charleston railroad. As the railroad connection beyond the Tennessee river to Xashville is interrupted, and as my time will not admit of my going to Nashville by way of Louisville, I am reluctantly compelled to postpone a visit to the Third Eegiment until another occasion. Yery respectfully yours,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
P. S. We in Minnesota may discharge all apprehensions about losing any population by the opening of the South. Every one of our soldiers with whom I have conversed say they would not give a quarter section in Minnesota for all the county of Tishomingo.
It is just rumored the rebels have captured the train on which I was to go out to Tuscumbia, and if it is so I shall have to forego my visit to the Second Eegi ment. A. E.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS.
BENTON BARRACKS, Mo., April 25, 1862. ALEX. EAMSEY,
Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to report that I have moved all the troops specified in General Orders, Nos. 1 and 2, from the adjutant general s office, as directed in
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:29:25 GMT -5
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 143
those orders, and have reported my command at St. Louis, as therein directed. I arrived on the night of the 24th.
The health of the regiment is good. No accident occurred coming down. We are another of the "best" regiments that has been in the service. We are praised and nattered by every tongue, military men included. The men, I find, do not object to this.
We are making every effort to get rifle muskets and all our transportation so that we can move at once. I think we will be prepared to move by to-morrow or next day.
One of Kelton s aides-de-camp told me he thought we would not stay here long. I should be glad to hear from you soon.
Your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Colonelj Commanding Fourth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers.
BATTLE OF CORINTH.- Oct. 3, 4 and 5, 1862.
Report of Col. John B. Sanborn, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, including operations
October 3-12.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, CAMP, NEAR CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 12, 1862.
SIR: I have the honor to report that I moved my command, in connection with the other regiments comprising the First Brigade, from this camp to a posi tion on the north side of Corinth on the morning of the 3d instant at 4 A. M., and there formed in order of battle on the right of the brigade and the Third Division. Company K was deployed as skirmishers, which took them to a point outside of the defenses of the town. At 10 A. M. the skirmishers were drawn in by order, and the regiment was marched about two miles and formed in order of battle behind the rifle-pits constructed by the Confederate Army last spring, still fronting toward the north and still holding the right of the brigade and division, which brought my regiment about one-third of a mile to the right of the Purdy road. This position was held until 4 P. M. without opposition. At that hour I moved my command, as ordered, about one-third of a mile to the west of where its left rested in its last position, and formed them in order of battle at right angles with my former position. There I remained about one-half hour, the Twenty Sixth Missouri at this time having formed on my right and at right angles with my line by your order across the field in my front toward a heavy growth of timber, where our skirmishers had encountered the enemy in some force. Com pany K was again deployed forward as skirmishers, and had advanced but a short distance in a westerly direction before they drew a very heavy musketry fire from the enemy concealed in the timber. In the meantime I had wheeled my battalion to the left, so that I was fronting to the southwest. At this time the fire of the enemy was brisk and enfiladed nearly my whole line. At this moment Captain
144 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Mooers, of Company K, commanding the skirmishers, and about 100 yards in advance on my right, beckoned to nie with his sword, as if he desired to com municate important information, and I started toward him on a gallop, but had rode but a few steps when I saw him fall dead, shot through the head. From the course of the balls and the position which the enemy seemed to occupy I inter preted the information that Captain Mooers desired to give to be that the enemy was passing to rny rear by my right, my command at this time holding the right of the infantry of the whole army. These impressions were immediately com municated to the general commanding the brigade, and I received orders to dis lodge the enemy from the woods on my right. I at once changed the front of my battalion to the rear on the tenth company. This was done under a heavy fire of musketry in double-quick time, but with as much coolness and precision as if on ordinary battalion drill. This movement completed, I ordered the regiment for ward at quick time until within 150 paces of the enemy s line of battle at this point, when his fire was increased to a perfect shower of balls, and I gave the further command, " Forward 150 paces, double-quick!" This was executed in the most gallant and splendid manner. The regiment, in perfect line, with tri umphant shouts, rushed forward against a most murderous fire, and when within 50 yards of the enemy s line he fled to the rear with the greatest precipitancy, receiving two or three full volleys from my regiment as he retired. Immediately after this was accomplished I received your order to fall back and join Colonel Alexander (Fifty-ninth Indiana) on his right, which order was at once obeyed, and skirmishers thrown forward 100 paces to the front and around my right flank. It was now night, the men were exhausted, and, obedient to orders, I moved to the first position held in the morning and bivouacked there at 11 p. M.
During the day my loss was one commissioned officer and one private killed and four men wounded. The heat during the engagement of my command was most intense, said to be 108 in the shade, and more men were carried off the field on litters from the effects of sunstroke than from wounds. Ammunition was distributed to the men, so that each had 75 rounds, between 11 and 1 o clock at night, and at 1:30 1 received your order to move my command to the right, across the Pittsburgh and Hamburg road and about 100 yards to the rear, which was done at once, and the regiment stood to arms, fronting the north, for the remain ing portion of the night.
My command remained in this position until 10:30 o clock the following morning, when I received your order to move by the left flank into position on the ridge at my left, in support of the Eleventh Ohio Battery. This order was at once executed, and my front changed to the west. I formed my regiment about 50 feet in rear of this battery, which masked the six centre companies. These six companies were ordered by me to fix bayonets and charge the enemy when ever he should charge upon the battery. Two companies on the right and two on the left were moved forward to the line of the guns of the battery, with instruc tions to engage the enemy with musketry whenever he might appear and meet him with the bayonet in case of charge. The enemy retired from the ground covered by the battery and from the front of my regiment in about forty minutes after firing was commenced. I maintained the same relative position to the battery in its movements upon the field to get in rear of the enemy until your orders came to occupy again the ground left when I went into action. I at once
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 145
reoccupied that position, where I remained until the morning of the 5th instant at 4 o clock, when the pursuit commenced.
In the engagement of the 4th (second day) I lost one commissioned officer and five privates wounded.
Of the pursuit it is enough to report that it was commenced on Sunday morn ing, the 5th instant, and continued without cessation or delay, except such as was absolutely necessary to rest the men temporarily, until the following Saturday night, the troops having marched during that time about 120 miles.
I cannot speak too highly of the patient endurance and valor of my command. During a period of nine days of the most heated and most uncomfortable weather my regiment marched 130 miles, and for two days and two nights of that time was engaged in one of the most extensive and desperate battles of the war.
The conduct of all officers was satisfactory. Captains Tourtellotte and Edson conducted themselves with most extraordinary coolness and determination.
My commissioned staff, First Lieut. Thomas B. Hunt, regimental quartermas ter, and First Lieut. John M. Thompson, adjutant, behaved with coolness and judgment, and in the absence of other field officers rendered me efficient service in repeating commands and communicating orders.
Quartermaster Sergt. Frank E. Collins, for distinguished valor and service on the field, in aiding me in every movement and bringing prisoners from the field near the close of the engagement, deserves special mention.
Commissary Sergt. Thomas P. Wilson remained under fire all the time, direct ing litter-carriers to the wounded and furnishing water to the famishing soldiers, as well as in repeating my commands when near the line.
Sergt. Maj. William. T. Kittredge was among the coolest men on the field and most efficient until he was overcome by sunstroke.
The surgeon, Dr. J. H. Murphy, and second assistant surgeon, Dr. H. R. We- del, conducted their department with perfect order and method, and every wound was dressed in a few moments after it was received and the wounded cared for in the most tender manner.
I inclose list of killed and wounded.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBOEN,
Colonel, Comdg. Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Capt. J. P. FOLEY,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brig., Third Div.
List of Killed and Wounded of the Fourth Minnesota Infantry in the Battle of Corinth
COMPANY A Wounded: Private Osmand Osmandson. COMPANY D Killed : Private Frank Wilson. COMPANY E Wounded : First Lieut. James W. Crawford. COMPANY F Wounded : Private Michael Riley.
COMPANY G Wounded: Sergt. Wm. Schalefoo, Private August Leisch. COMPANY H Wounded: Corp. Omar D. Clark, Privates Colin Buchanan, John Magnus. COMPANY I Wounded: Private Charles O. Healy. COMPANY K Killed: Capt. Robert P. Mooers. Wounded : Private Augustus F. Hagerman. 10
146 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Report of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
BIPLEY, Miss., Oct. 9, 1862.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part sus tained by the Fifth Begiinent Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the engagements at Corinth, Miss., on the 3d and 4th instant:
On the morning of the 3d instant the regiment moved with the brigade from camp near Kossuth toward Corinth, but by order of Colonel Mower, commanding brigade, was halted at the bridge across the Tuscumbia river, on the Corinth road, with orders to hold the bridge and guard its approaches until further notice. I occupied this position until dark of that day, when I received an order, through Lieutenant McGrorty, acting aide to Colonel Mower, to.move my command into Corinth. I arrived about 8 P. M. ? having seen no enemy during the day. That night the regiment was assigned a position by Brigadier General Stanley near and parallel to the Mobile & Ohio railroad, fronting toward the west, the left resting near the depot. The night was passed in the latter position, the men lying on their arms.
We were aroused before dawn on the morning of the 4th by the discharges of the enemy s guns and the bursting of his shells in the immediate vicinity of where we lay. One man of my regiment was quite severely wounded here by a fragment of a shell. At about 9 A. M. I was ordered by General Stanley to deploy one company as skirmishers into the edge of the timber toward the front and right, in obedience to which Company A was sent forward, under command of Capt. J. B. Dartt. A few moments later the advance of the enemy along our en tire line was made. I soon observed that the part of our lines running from near my right toward the rear was giving way and that the enemy was rapidly gaining ground toward the town. I immediately changed front, moving by the right flank by file right, and took position at right angles to my former one. The movement was but just completed when I was ordered by General Stanley, through Major Column, to support a battery, which had been in position about 400 yards toward the front and right, but which was being driven from the field. I moved by the right flank at double-quick a distance of perhaps 200 yards. By this time the battery mentioned had retired from, the field entirely. Captain Dee s Michigan battery, occupying the crest of a ridge near the Mobile & Ohio railroad toward the left, had been abandoned and had fallen into the hands of the enemy, our line for the distance of several hundred yards had been repulsed, became scattered, and was rapidly retreating. The enemy in considerable num bers had already entered the streets of the town from the north and was pushing vigorously forward. His flank was presented to the line I had formed, which exposed him to a most destructive fire, and which the Fifth Minnesota delivered with deadly effect. After receiving and returning a number of volleys the enemy began to fall back. I then moved forward in line at a run, pressing hard upon the enemy, who was now flying in great confusion. I moved on outside the town and halted on the crest of a ridge to the left of and on a line with the former position of the battery I was ordered to support, regaining, meantime, possession of the abandoned guns of the Michigan battery. The enei iy continued his retreat
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 147
under a galling fire from our guns and the artillery of the forts on the left until lost sight of in the woods in our front, where he re-formed and again advanced in considerable force. I at once opened upon him a hot fire, which, with the fire from along the line upon my right, which had now rallied and was re-forming, arrested his progress and soon drove him back under cover of the timber.
About 40 prisoners fell into our hands and large numbers of killed and wounded marked the line of the enemy s retreat.
The regiment expended near 50 rounds of ammunition, per man.
I feel authorized in referring especially to the coolness and courage of the officers and men of my command and their general good conduct during the action.
Eespectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Colonel, Commanding Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
List of Killed and Wounded of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry in the Battle of Corinth.
COMPANY A Killed: Privates Nathaniel Jorden, Joseph Kuhns, Leander Eoot.
Wounded Privates George A. Aesshier, John J. Bury, Edmund Taylor.
COMPANY E Killed: Private Christian Fink.
Wounded Privates Christian Freitag (died of wounds), Mathias Logley, Charles Meyforth, John Pfieffer, Frederick Wiest.
COMPANY F Killed: Private John Barden.
Wounded: Sergt. Chas. L. A. Demers, Corp. Jacob W. Pierce, Privates Patrick Burns, Samuel Quinn.
COMPANY G Wounded : Private Andrew Benjamin.
COMPANY H Killed : Private Philetus Crandall.
Wounded : Private Edward Maxwell.
COM P AN Y I Kitted : Private Patrick Gly nn.
Wounded : Private William H. Miles.
COMPANY K Wounded : Private Perry McLaughlin.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. NAPOLEON B. BTJFORD, COMMANDING
FIRST BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 13, 1862.
* * * I deployed the Fourth Minnesota on the extreme right, next the Fifty- ninth Indiana, and last the Forty-eighth Indiana, into an open field, but it was closed on the south and west with down brush- wood and timber. The deploy ment was made with Company K, Fourth Minnesota, as skirmishers, which was immediately hotly engaged by a much larger concealed force. In my opinion it became absolutely necessary to dislodge him. It was done by Colonel Sanborn, commanding the Foui th Minnesota, most gallantly, at the double-quick, but not
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:30:58 GMT -5
148 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
without the loss of the life of Captain Mooers, one of the choice officers of the service, and one private; and of Captain Clubb, assistant quartermaster, who was a volunteer aide-de-camp, and four privates of the Fourth Minnesota, wounded. Xight approaching the troops returned and took up the position first occupied in the morning.
At about 9 o clock [of the 4th] the line of battle was formed, the Twenty-sixth Missouri on the right, next the Fourth Minnesota, next the Eleventh Ohio Bat tery, next the Fifth Iowa, and next the Forty-eighth Indiana. The battle raged with great fury. In front of us we saw regiment after regiment give way. Our whole front moved forward with the accuracy, precision, and steadiness of a review. Every man exhibited the resolve that not one foot of ground should be lost. The Forty -eighth Indiana was the first actively engaged, when the gallant Lieutenant Colonel Eugg was first partially disabled by a severe wound in the foot, and soon after totally by his horse being killed. My aide-de-camp, Lieut. J. W. Archer, of the Fifty -ninth Indiana, was at the moment invited by the senior captain, which was unanimously confirmed by the officers, to assume the command. He did not hesitate, and the regiment preserved its steadiness and moved forward to victory. The Eleventh Ohio Battery took up a commanding position and opened an effective fire. The enemy were soon within range of the rifles of the Fourth Minnesota, the Fifth Iowa, and the Forty-eighth Indiana. Two of the regiments that had been thrown into disorder in advance of us rallied under our protection, and were soon proudly advancing.
At about 11 :30 the enemy, with a desperation seldom paralleled, broke into the city. He was met with a valor as steady as his desperation. His slaughter was immense. No success followed the spasmodic efforts. They recoiled and the repulse was complete. The First Brigade was thus saved from a hand-to-hand fight, but their readiness was eager.
The gallant bearing of Colonels Sanborn, Matthies, and Alexander, Lieutenant Colonels Rugg and Holman, and Lieutenant Neil, commanding the battery, fills- me with admiration.
My staff officers, Capt. J. P. Foley, assistant adjutant general; Lieuts. J. W. Archer and L. B. Martin, of the Fourth Minnesota, aides-de-camp, conducted themselves so as to deserve particular mention both days for conduct and courage.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. DAVID S. STANLEY, COMMANDING- SECOND DIVISION.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, CAMP,, NEAR CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 13, 1862.
# * * Th e columns of the enemy pushed on, and the fate of the day hung in the balance until I saw the fine infantry of General Hamilton bearing down in determined front upon the enemy. At this instant I sent the Fifth Minnesota to attack the flank of the second column of the enemy counting from his right, and
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 149
I am happy to bear testimony to the gallant fight of this little regiment, com manded by Colonel Hubbard. Few regiments on the field did more effective killing than they.
EXTRACT FROM A COMMUNICATION OF MAJ. GEN. W. S. EOSECRANS.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 26, 1889. MY DEAR FRIEND AND COMRADE:
* * * Yes, you were with me at the battle of Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3 and 4, 1862. We were of the 17,500 patriots, dying and living, who offered up their best that this nation might live. You wish me to write what I remember of the services in that battle of the Fifth Minnesota, United States Volunteer In fantry.
There were many things to think of at that time, and many things when writ ing my official report of it which excluded observation of numerous details, and of individual and regimental action. The memory of many I then noted, but did not recount, has been laid under twenty-seven years of strivings in the battle of life. The sunshine of young manhood has given place to the grayer lights of autumn, yet when digging down I find the events of the Fifth Minnesota s work on the 4th come vividly before me. Colonel Mower had ordered the Fifth Minne sota to guard the bridge across the Tuscumbia on the 3d, when, with the remain der of the brigade, he went to help Davies. Late in the evening Colonel Hub- bard brought up his regiment and formed facing westward on the Mobile & Ohio railway, with its left near the depot, where they bivouacked for the night. On the next morning, when the enemy from the north assaulted our line and forced it back a few hundred yards into the edge of town, Colonel Hubbard, moving by his right flank, faced the coming storm from that quarter, and, by his prompti tude, anticipated General Stanley s order from me, to use the reserves of his di vision in meeting the enemy s charge. He drove back the fragments of his col umns, overtaking and bringing back some pieces without horses of our reserve artillery, which the enemy had seized, and covering the retiring of a battery which had gone too far to the front. Veterans could hardly have acted more opportunely and effectively than did the gallant Fifth Minnesota on that occa sion. * * *
God bless the members of the gallant Fifth and the land we love !
Yours fraternally,
W. S. EOSECRANS. Most Eev. Archbishop IRELAND,
St. Paul, Minnesota.
150 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXTRACT FROM: EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. CHARLES S. HAMILTON, COMMANDING
THIRD DIVISION.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 19, 1862.
In the afternoon of the 3d Buford s brigade, which had been ordered to sup port Sullivan, by diverging too far to the right got out of supporting distance, and the right of his line came upon a body of the enemy concealed in the woods. General Buford deemed it necessary to dislodge this force, and or dered a charge by the Fourth Minnesota Eegiment, under Col. J. B. Sanborn. The charge was most gallantly executed and the enemy routed from his posi tion, but not until the gallant Captain Mooers and one private of the Fourth Minnesota were killed, and Captain Clubb, assistant quartermaster, and several privates wounded. During the movement of Buford 7 s I twice dispatched aides to him, with instructions to keep to the left and support Sullivan, but without effect, and it was only when I sent a peremptory order to him to fall back to the position assigned him that any change was made in the direction his brigade was moving.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF MAJ. GEN. W. S. EOSECRANS.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, THIRD DIVISION, DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 25, 1862.
* * * When Price s left bore down on our centre in gallant style their force was so overpowering that our wearied and jaded troops yielded and fell back, scattering among the houses. I had the personal mortification of witness ing this untoward and untimely stampede. Eiddled and scattered, the ragged head of Price s right storming columns advanced to near the house, north side of the square, in front of General Halleck s headquarters, when it was greeted by a storm of grape from a section of Immell s battery, soon re-enforced by the Tenth Ohio, which sent them whirling back, pursued by the Fifth Minnesota, which advanced on them from their position near the depot. General Sullivan was ordered and promptly advanced to support General Davies centre. His right rallied and retook Battery Powell, into which a few of the storming column had penetrated, while Hamilton, having played upon the rebels on his right, over the open field, effectively swept by his artillery, advanced on them and they fled. The battle was over on the right.
BATTLE OF CORINTH. 151
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF CAPT. ANDREW HICKENLOOPER, FIFTH OHIO BAT TERY, CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, INCLUDING OPERATIONS OCTOBER 3-11.
HEADQUARTERS ARTILLERY SIXTH DIVISION, Oct. 13, 1862.
* * * October 1 we moved to and occupied all the commanding positions on the western line of the exterior fortifications, from Fort D to F, with the Tenth Ohio Battery (four guns), commanded by Captain White; one section of the Third Ohio Battery; one section (Company F) of the Second Illinois Artillery (four guns), under the command of First Lieutenant Mitchell; the Fifth Ohio Battery, under Lieutenant Matson, and the First Minnesota Battery (four guns), under the command of Second Lieut. G. F. Cooke.
About 3 P. M. , October 2, ordered the First Minnesota Battery to accompany Colonel Oliver (Second Brigade) to dispute the enemy s advance from Chewalla; proceeded up the Chewalla road as far as Alexander s house, when (taking into consideration the nature of the expedition) we sent one section (two 12-pounder howitzers) forward, under charge of Sergeant (Acting Lieutenant) Clayton, and ordered Lieutenant Cooke, with the remaining section, to return to his for mer position at Battery F. Lieutenant Clayton s section proceeded with Col onel Oliver s brigade to Chewalla, encamping about one mile this side of the town. ^ ^ *
The section of the Third Ohio previously under command of Lieutenant Mitchell was placed under charge of Captain Munch, of the First Minnesota Bat tery (who being wounded at Shiloh and absent from the muster of August 18 was not on duty), who cheerfully and anxiously volunteered his services and placed his command in position in Battery F. Observing the enemy passing a cut over the hill on Chewalla road near the railroad, ordered Lieutenant Clayton forward to a position in front and opened upon them with shell. They brought a battery forward and placed it in position on a hill on the Chewalla road west of railroad, and opened with shell. I then opened upon them from Fort F (Cap tain Munch s section) and silenced it in about eight rounds, the division having previously changed front to the north. The batteries on the left, Fifth and Tenth Ohio, were ordered forward and placed upon centre new line, when we were ordered to fall back toward town, which we did, taking several succeeding posi tions. The enemy pressing hard, one section Tenth Ohio, one section Company F, Second Illinois, were ordered again to the front to cover the Third Brigade; but it having charged and routed the enemy we again returned, and very leisurely formed column on the Kossuth road and marched in good order toward Corinth, taking up near positions on interior lines of works near Kossuth and Eipley roads, placing Lieutenant Mitchell s section about 250 yards to right of Fort Phillips; Fifth Ohio (Lieutenant Matson commanding) Battery 75 yards to left of same fort, the disabled piece of the First Minnesota returning. The three remaining pieces of this battery were placed under command of Captain Munch and placed in position upon Klpley road to the left of the seminary building. * * *
I would respectfully and particularly call attention to Acting Lieutenant Clayton, of First Minnesota Battery. He has not yet received his commission. I would most respectfully urge that the Governor be reminded of the vacancy, and request that Lieutenant Clayton be commissioned to fill it.
152 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. JOHN M. OLIVER, FIFTEENTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY, COMMANDING SECOND BRIGADE, INCLUDING OPERATIONS OC TOBER 3-11.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, SIXTH DIVISION, CAMP, NEAR CORINTH, Miss., Oct. 13, 1862.
* * * At Alexander s Cross Eoads Captain Munch s First Minnesota Bat tery reported to me. I retained two 12-pounder howitzers, deeming that was all I could use to effect, and ordered the balance of the battery back. I reached the heights above Chewalla just before dark, and formed junction with the Fif teenth Michigan Volunteers, a regiment of my brigade that was guarding that point, in connection with one company of Independent Illinois Cavalry, Captain Ford commanding, who reported that their pickets had been fired upon and that the enemy were advancing in force. I accordingly placed my men in position, commanding both roads to Tuscurnbia bottom, and at once ordered out Company B, Fourteenth "Wisconsin Volunteers, under Captain Worden, as skirmishers, with orders to feel vigorously for the enemy in the road and woods south of Che- walla, the direction from which they were supposed to be advancing. At the same time I pushed forward a scouting party on the Bolivar road, and found such indications of the enemy from the cavalry reports as to induce me to change front. I therefore formed the Fourteenth and Eighteenth regiments "Wisconsin Volun teers in line of battle, supporting the two guns which commanded the Bolivar road and the open field in front. Six companies of the Fifteenth Begiinent Michigan Volunteers, on the left of the line, were so retired as to command the road running south to Tuscumbia bottom. Four companies of the Fifteenth Regiment Michigan Volunteers and two companies from the Eighteenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers were posted as pickets around our entire line, under the supervision of Major Jackson, of the Eighteenth Eegiment Wisconsin Volunteers, and Capt. John Q. Adams, Fifteenth Eegiment Michigan Volunteers, and all the former lines of pickets were ordered in, * * *
The section of First Minnesota Battery, under command of Second Lieu tenant Clayton, was well served, and did great apparent execution. The manner in which he handled his pieces elicited the commendation of all who saw him.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 1862. Major General POPE, St. Paul, Minn.:
Cannot the three companies of the Fifth Minnesota Eegiment now in your department be sent to join their regiment at Corinth, Miss.? They are much needed there. Please push forward the troops for the Mississippi river. We are hard pushed there for re-enforcements.
H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 153
Report of First Incut. William Smith, Company I, Fifth Iowa Cavalry (originally
Second Company Minnesota Cavalry.}
HEADQUARTERS COMPANY I, FIFTH IOWA CAVALRY, FORT HEIMAN, KY., Nov. 1, 1862.
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota,
SIR: In accordance with your request of October 24th, 1862, 1 have the honor to make the following report in relation to the condition of the company:
Number of enlisted men in the company at the time of leaving Minnesota 82
Number of men transferred to the company since that time 3
Number of men enlisted since that date 1
Total 86
One sergeant, 1 corporal and 13 privates have been discharged for disability; 6 privates have died, and 1 private (a Tennessee recruit) has deserted. One member of the company has been promoted to the commissioned staff and 5 to the non-commissioned staff.
Number of men in company at present date, 58.
The company left the State of Minnesota in December, 1861, and arrived at Benton Barracks, Mo., Dec. 28th, 1861; was attached to a regiment then being formed called Curtis Horse, " on the 1st day of January, 1862; furnished with horses and saddles January 24, 1862, and with an inferior quality of sabers, and second-hand Hall s carbines, Feb. 1st, 1862; arrived at Fort Henry, Tenn., Feb. 12th, 1862, and was engaged in scouting, carrying dispatches, etc., etc., in the vicinity of Forts Henry, Donelson and Heiman, until March 22d, 1862, at which time the company (with two other companies of the regiment) was temporarily detached from the regiment, to act as an escort for the Military Telegraph Corps, then engaged in constructing a telegraph line from Savannah to Nashville. By order of General Halleck the detachment remained on that duty during the time the army was before Corinth, being several times in advance of the whole army; engaged in a skirmish at Farmington, May 9th, 1862, and was with the first troops that entered Corinth; captured 9 engines and 100 prisoners June 2d, 1862, 18 miles west of Corinth; moved to Humboldt, Tenn., June 18th, 1862; took down a secesh flag and hoisted the stars and stripes; engaged in scouting in that vicinity until Aug. 26th, 1862 the men being in the saddle almost every day, taking a large number of prisoners, and considerable secesh property; rejoined the regiment at Fort Heiman, Aug. 29th, 1862, since which time the company has been engaged in scouting in the vicinity of Forts Heiman, Henry and Donelson; name of regiment changed to Fifth Iowa Cavalry, April 17th, 1862, by order of the War Depart ment.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
WM. SMITH, First Lieut, j Commanding Company.
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