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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:42:04 GMT -5
478 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Eucker s brigade, and my escort were placed on the left of Newsom s, and formed
the extreme left of my line of battle. Before leaving General Buford I ordered
him the moment the attack began on the left to move the centre and right rapidly
forward. Owing to the density of the undergrowth Colonel Bell was compelled
to advance within thirty yards of the enemy before assaulting him. In a few
seconds the engagement became general, and on the left raged with great fury. The
enemy having three lines of battle, the left was being heavily pressed, I sent a staff
officer to General Buford to move Lyon 7 sand Johnson s brigades forward and press
the enemy on the right. Newsom s regiment was suffering severely and had given
way. Colonel Duff and my escort, dismounted, were ordered to charge the enemy s
position in front of Newsom s regiment, and succeeded in driving the enemy to
his second line, enabling the regiment to rally, re-form, and move forward to a
less exposed position. Fearing my order to General Buford had miscarried, I
moved forward rapidly along the lines, encouraging my men, until I reached
General Buford on the Blackland road, and finding but two pieces of artillery in
position and engaged, I directed my aide-de-camp, Captain Anderson, to bring
up all the artillery, and ordered General Buford to place it in action at once, which
was promptly done. The battle was fierce and the enemy obstinate; but after
two hours hard fighting the enemy gave way, being forced back on his third and
last line. Colonel Barteau, in command of the regiment sent from Old Carroll-
ville, had gained the rear of the enemy, and by his presence and attack in that
quarter had withdrawn the cavalry from the enemy s flank and created confusion
and dismay to the enemy s wagon train and the guard attending it. The cavalry was
sent back for its protection, and the enemy now in front made a last attempt to hold
the cross-roads; but the steady advance of my men and the concentrated, well-
directed, and rapid fire from my batteries upon that point threw them back, and
the retreat or rout began. He endeavored, after abandoning the cross-roads, one
piece of artillery, several caissons, and a quantity of ammunition, to protect his rear
and check pursuit, taking advantage of every favorable position along his line of
march, but he was speedily driven from them. Pressing forward he was forced
to abandon many of his wagons and ambulances. Before reaching Tishomingo
creek the road was so blockaded with abandoned vehicles of every description
that it was difficult to move the artillery forward. Ordering up my horses, they
were mounted and the pursuit was then continued and the enemy were driven until
dark. He attempted the destruction of his wagons, loaded with ammunition and
bacon, but so closely was he pursued that many of them were saved without
injury, although the road was lighted up for some distance. It be^ng dark, and
my men and horses requiring rest, I threw out an advance to follow slowly and
cautiously after the enemy, and ordered the command to halt, feed and rest.
Atl A. M. on the llth the pursuit was resumed. About 3 o clock we came
again upon the enemy s rearguard of cavalry; but moving forward he gave way
and did not attempt to check our advance. In the bottom on the south prong of
the Hatchie they had abandoned the balance of their wagon train, all their
wounded, and fourteen pieces of artillery. "We came upon them again about four
miles east of Eipley, where they had prepared to dispute our advance, but made
only a feeble and ineffectual resistance, the Seventh Tennessee and my escort
driving him from his position. He made another stand two miles east of Eipley,
but it was followed by another characteristic retreat. On reaching the town of
BATTLE OF GUNTOWN. 479 ^
Ripley, about 8 A. M., the enemy was found in line of battle and seemingly pre
pared for determined resistance, occupying all favorable positions for that pur
pose. I had but few troops present. My escort was sent to the left and engaged
the enemy, and Colonel "Wilson s regiment was thrown forward, dismounted, as
skirmishers, expecting they would be driven until the balance of my forces came
up. The advance of Colonel Wilson and the escort was spirited and determined,
and at the first appearance of additional force he again retreated, leaving 21
killed and 70 wounded, among whom was Colonel McKeaig; also leaving another
piece of artillery, 2 caissons, and 2 ambulances; and from this place to the end of
our pursuit the enemy offered no organized resistance, but retreated in the most
complete disorder, throwing away guns, clothing, and everything calculated to
impede his flight. Faulkner s (Kentucky) regiment, commanded by Major Tate,
and the Seventh Tennessee, Colonel Duckworth, made repeated charges, mounted,
and captured many prisoners. I ordered General Buford to continue the pur
suit, and taking with me my escort and Colonel Bell, with his brigade, en
deavored by taking another road to cut them off at Salem, but reached there an
liour after their rear had passed. General Buford had pursued them rapidly and
their infantry saved themselves by scattering on all by-roads leading toward the
Memphis & Charleston railroad, retreating through the woods in squads and
avoiding capture in that way. Eegarding all further pursuit of the enemy s
cavalry useless, I ordered General Buford to move in the direction of Mount
Pleasant and La Grange, and to scour the country on his return and to gather up
prisoners, arms, etc., that could be found. All the troops were ordered back,
and details made to gather up prisoners and spoils. Before reaching the battle
field on the return march several hundred prisoners were taken from their hiding
places in the woods. My entire command moved to Guntown and thence to this
place.
My available force in the engagement was 3,500. From the reports of the
prisoners captured, corroborated by official documents captured on the field, the
enemy had in the engagement, 10, 252.
The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is not less than 2, 000, 250 wagons
and ambulances, 18 pieces of artillery, 5,000 stand of small-arms, 500,000 rounds
of ammunition, and all his baggage and supplies. I regret to say that during
our pursuit the abandoned wagons, etc., of the enemy were pillaged and plun
dered by citizens and stragglers of the command. * * *
Respectfully submitted,
N. B. FORREST,
Maj. P. ELLIS, Major General
Asst. Adjutant General, Meridian.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, June 21, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER NINTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
Memphis, Tenn.,
MY DEAR SIR: We have only received rumors and unofficial reports as to
the late disaster to your gallant regiment, but I hasten to beg that you will
480 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
promptly communicate to the survivors, and especially to the suffering, the
hearty thanks of the state administration for their gallantry in battle, as well as
during the tedious and dangerous retreat of the corps to which you were attached,
and the unbounded confidence in and sympathy for the heroic Ninth by both the
government and people of Minnesota.
I would at once dispatch a state agent to minister to the wants of any who may
need special attention, were it not that, according to our present information, the
wounded of your command have unfortunately fallen into the hands of the enemy
and are for the present beyond the reach of state assistance.
I have also directed Dr. L. Miller, a state commissioner, now in the Southwest,
to fly promptly to the aid of any Minnesota regiment which may be seriously
crippled by battle or disease during his stay in the army, and to render to the
needy all the consolation that money or medical skill can furnish.
In addition to these precautions, I now appoint you, or such discreet person
as you may designate, a temporary local agent on behalf of the state, for the pur
pose of supplying any sick or wounded Minnesota soldiers within your reach
with such necessary articles as cannot be obtained promptly from the hospital or
sanitary supplies.
Please see that this trust is faithfully executed and forward receipts for the
expenses of the commission, and the amount will be promptly transmitted to
your address.
Very truly, your friend,
STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
LA GRANGE, TENN. , June 30, 1864.
His Excellency, STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota,
GOVERNOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi
cation of the 21st instant, having reference to the conduct of the Ninth Minnesota
Volunteers during the bloody engagement of the 10th instant, at Brice s Cross-
Eoads, near Guntown, Miss., and assure you that your kind and encouraging
expressions in behalf of the government and people of our beloved state, of their
confidence in, and sympathy for, our brave boys, in their severest trial and great
est suffering, are duly appreciated.
Your promptness, too, in providing ample means for the relief of all Minne
sota troops who may be suffering from sickness, or wounds, calls forth our
warmest thanks, and cheers us on to renewed action, and, if possible, a more
determined effort.
Although my regiment was badly cut up, it stood up manfully to the work,
and was the only regiment on the ground that drove the rebels. My officers and
men behaved nobly, and were twice complimented on the field, once by Brigadier
General Sturgis and again by Colonel W. L. McMillen, who commanded the in
fantry division.
We were five hours engaged, and only left the field after all the rest of our
troops had retired. As a consequence, we only succeeded in bringing nine of our
BATTLE OF GUNTOWN. 481
wounded back to Memphis. Twenty-four others are in the hands of the rebels.
Assistant Surgeon Dixon was left in charge of them, and at last accounts was at
Eipley, Miss. For further particulars of that unfortunate contest, I would re
spectfully invite your attention to a copy of my official report, which has already
been sent to Adjutant General Malmros.
Permit me also to hand you herewith a copy of an extract 1 from the official
report of Colonel W. L. McMillen, which I have just received, and which may
afford you a more correct idea of the part performed by the Ninth in the terrible
struggle of the 10th instant.
Those of our wounded who were brought to Memphis are in the general
hospital, and well cared for.
I most cheerfully accept your appointment as temporary agent on the part of
the state, and will embrace every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of our sick
and wounded soldiers. Those in the hands of the rebels are beyond our reach
for the present, but as soon as it is possible to communicate with them, ample
provision shall be made for their wants, and you advised of my doings in the
premises. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MARSH,
Lieutenant Colonel, Ninth Minnesota Volunteers.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, July 13, 1864.
Lieut. Col. J. F. MARSH,
Commanding Ninth Regiment Minn. Yols.
COLONEL: Your communication of June 30th, inclosing extract from the
report of your division commander, at the battle of Brice s Cross-Eoads, and
during the subsequent retreat, is just received.
The compliment which Colonel McMillen pays to yourself and your command
is but a confirmation of the high estimate placed upon the gallantry and efficiency
of the glorious Ninth by the people and state government of Minnesota, and I
am gratified to learn that the reputation of the regiment is so firmly established
in the army of the Union.
With kindest regards to every officer and man of your command,
I am, colonel, very truly, your friend,
STEPHEN MILLER.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
WARRENSBURG, Mo., Feb. 19, 1864.
Maj. O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant General, Dept. of the Missouri :
MAJOR: I have the honor to request to be advised if there is any intention to
take the four companies of the Ninth Minnesota from this district, and, if so, that
some other infantry be ordered here in their place, though there would be urgent
reasons in favor of the present command being retained. Their soldierly bearing
and well-merited reputation for good conduct would make them very desirable
1 See page 474.
31
482 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
troops for the service on the border, where, in consequence of the scarcity of for
age and for use in the hill and brush country, near the headwaters of the Snibar,
Big and Little Blue rivers, would require dismounted troops in connection with
the cavalry for scouting operations, while the other qualifications would have a
great influence in counteracting the bitter sectional strife that now exists.
I am, very truly, your obedient servant,
E. B. BROWN,
Brigadier General of Volunteers, Commanding.
BATTLE OF TUPELO.- July 14, 1864.
Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
HDQRS. SEVENTH EEGT. MINNESOTA INFANTRY VOLS.,
LA GRANGE, TENN., July 22, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part
performed by the Seventh Eegiment Minnesota Infantry Volunteers in late a,c-
tions near Tupelo, Miss. :
About 3 P. M. on the 13th the enemy attacked the right flank of our column on
the Pontotoc and Tupelo road. The Seventh Minnesota was engaged successfully
in repelling this attack. We were marching by the left flank on the right of the
road, covering the supply train. The left two companies, Captains Kennedy
and Stevens, opposite head of supply train, kept on with the train as it was hur
ried forward. The remaining eight companies were formed in line near the
road, taking cover momentarily behind a fence, and opened fire on the enemy.
Captain O Donnell, of General Mower s staff, rode up and ordered the regiment
to advance and drive the enemy back. This was promptly done, the line charg
ing at double-quick across an old field. The ground was in part covered by
bushes that marked the course of a dry brook. We dislodged the enemy on the
left from cover of this copse and on the right from a hill that commanded the
road, and drove him out of range of the road into the woods beyond the field.
Captain O Donnell at one time ordered the right of the line to fall back, but sub
sequently advanced it again. We held our advanced position until the train passed
and we were ordered to return and move on to Tupelo. The enemy had entirely
withdrawn from our front before we returned to road. The regiment and the ser
vice sustained a heavy loss in the death of Surg. Lucius B. Smith, who was in
stantly killed by the first volley from the enemy. We lost fourteen men wounded
in this affair.
On the morning of the 14th, when the battle opened at Harrisburg, my regi
ment, except two companies, was placed in the second line, in the edge of the
woods on the west front of our camp or army position. My right two companies
(Captain Banks and Lieutenant Hoag) were placed in the first line, on the left of
Twelfth Iowa, the left of both lines resting on the Pontotoc and Tupelo road, the
right joining the Thirty-third Missouri and Thirty-fifth Iowa (which lay at right
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 483
angles fronting north-northwest). With the Twelfth Iowa, Captain Banks and
Lieutenant Hoag s companies were advanced to the fence, on rise of ground a few
rods in front of original position, and engaged the enemy, who in heavy force and
with terrible fire was advancing upon us. These companies fought throughout
the day with the gallant Twelfth Iowa. When the ammunition of the first line
was exhausted my eight companies (the second line) advanced and relieved them.
Many of the noble boys of the Twelfth Iowa remained on the line, whose fire,
added to my full line, swelled the volume of musketry on our side. Within fif
teen minutes after my line opened fire that of the enemy perceptibly slackened, but
did not for a moment intermit during the full hour that we fought them. My
men went in with forty rounds of ammunition. When this began to fail I got up
a fresh supply. The miserable quality of the powder caused the guns to foul, so
that many became unserviceable, the balls sticking half-way down. We had
fired fifty to sixty rounds when the Twelfth Iowa and my two right companies in
turn relieved us. We retired not over five rods. Soon after we charged forward
across the field with the Twelfth Iowa, the latter obliquing to the left, my line to
the right. The enemy s dead were strewn thick on the field before us. His line
had fallen back, and after we had advanced a third of a mile, and remained per
haps an hour, we returned. We built a better breastwork, which did us good
service the next day, out of the old fence behind which we had fought. Two
companies, B and F, were sent out in our front half a mile as a picket. These
were relieved at night Jby Companies D, A, and C. The remaining companies
occupied the line of breastworks the remainder of the day and night of the 14th
and during the attack of the 15th, constituting the first line of our brigade. When
the enemy drove in our cavalry the morning of 15th and advanced upon us
we were ordered to fix bayonets and reserve fire until the enemy should get with
in fifty yards, then to rise up, fire, and charge upon him. The enemy came to
the crest of the ridge, 200 yards in front of us, from under cover of which and the
woods on our right and the trees bordering the road on our left, for about three-
quarters of an hour, he poured a heavy fire upon us. The men lay close to the
ground behind our low breastworks and were protected. It became evident that
the enemy would not advance farther, and we were ordered, with the entire bri
gade, to charge out on him. This was done with a shout, but the enemy got out
of the way faster than we could pursue. The line halted half a mile out, and
Companies E and I of my regiment advanced as skirmishers. Lieutenant Hardy,
commanding Company E, a most gallant fellow, was killed in this skirmish line.
The enemy had withdrawn, and we were ordered to join the column that had then
taken up the line of march on the return. The regiment was not again under
fire. The fire of my right companies, E and I, cut down a flag of the enemy that
was picked up by the Thirty -third Missouri, the latter first passing over the
ground to my right where the flag lay.
I gladly testify to the firmness and courage of every officer and man of the
regiment. My acknowledgments are specially due Lieutenant Colonel Bradley,
Major Burt, and Adjutant Trader (the latter disabled by sunstroke in the charge
on 14th) for gallant and efficient service on the field. Surgeons Ames and Mat
tock were active and faithful in performance of their appropriate duties. Regi
mental Quartermaster Bolcom brought forward ammunition, rendering every
necessary service in his line. Chaplain Edwards was diligent in caring for the
wounded.
484 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
A report 1 of casualties lias heretofore been furnished you, viz., 2 officers and 7
men killed, 52 enlisted men wounded (1 since died), and 1 missing in action.
On outward march, July 11, 1 man was missing, and on return march, July 20,
1 man severely wounded by accidental discharge of gun, making total casual
ties on expedition 64.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. E. MARSHALL,
Colonel, Commanding Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
Lieut. H. HOOTER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brig., First Div., Sixteenth Army Corps.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT 6*F COL. JOSEPH J. WOODS, TWELFTH IOWA INFANTRY,
COMMANDING THIRD BRIGADE.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 23, 1864.
# # # On the afternoon of the 13th of July we were on the march from
Pontotoc to Tupelo in the following order: The Thirty -fifth Iowa in advance,
and immediately behind the brigade train of the Second Brigade ; the Thirty-
third Missouri in front of the supply train, the Seventh Minnesota and Twelfth
Iowa on the flanks of the train. At 3 P. M. a volley was fired into the brigade
train of the Second Brigade and immediately in front of the Thirty -fifth Iowa.
That regiment was immediately formed in line of battle and skirmishers thrown
forward, but the force which fired from this point, and which seems to have been
a small one, fled. Soon after this first volley the enemy opened in heavy force on
the right flank of the Seventh Minnesota and Twelfth Iowa, who soon became
hotly engaged with the enemy. After a sharp fight we not only repulsed the
enemy, but drove him from the field. During this action Surg. L. B. Smith, of
the Seventh Minnesota, an excellent officer, was killed. The Seventh Minnesota
had 1 officer killed and 14 men wounded. In the Twelfth Iowa Capt. C. L. Sum-
bardo, a good officer, was wounded, and that regiment had also 1 man killed, and
11 men wounded, and 1 man missing. * * *
On the morning of the 14th of July this army had taken a position near
Tupelo, Miss. The brigade was disposed in the following order: On the right
the Thirty-fifth Iowa, then the Thirty-third Missouri, then Twelfthjowa, the left
of the Twelfth Iowa resting on ,the Pontotoc road. The Seventh Minnesota was
placed in reserve in rear of the line. At 9 o clock the enemy in heavy force
advanced upon our line, and attacked us warmly with artillery and musketry.
Our men without once wavering returned the fire. A fierce engagement was
kept up for three hours, when our whole brigade charged the enemy, driving him
from the field and getting possession of his killed and wounded, who lay thick
upon the field. We also captured at this time several prisoners, and one stand
of colors, which fell into the hands of the Thirty-third Missouri. We remained
in our advanced position until it became evident the enemy was not likely to
attack soon again, when we returned to our original position. During this attack
the Twelfth Iowa exhausted their ammunition. The Seventh Minnesota relieved
1 Not found.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:42:54 GMT -5
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 485
them until in turn the ammunition of the Seventh Minnesota became exhausted.
During this action the Twelfth Iowa had an excellent officer, Lieut. A. A. Bur-
dick, killed. The Twelfth Iowa lost during the day 6 men killed and 39 men
wounded. The Seventh Minnesota lost 7 men killed, 1 officer wounded, and 33
men wounded. The Thirty-third Missouri lost 1 officer wounded, 1 man killed, and
17 men wounded. The Thirty-fifth Iowa lost 3 men killed and 33 men wounded.
On the morning of the 15th of July the Thirty-third Missouri and Seventh
Minnesota were in line on the right of the Pontotoc road, the Twelfth Iowa and
Thirty-fifth Iowa on the left of said road, all behind temporary breastworks. In
this position the brigade was ordered to remain concealed and to reserve their fire
until the enemy arrived to within fifty yards of our lines. The enemy advancing
opened a warm fire on us, but at length it becoming evident that he would not
charge our lines or advance to the prescribed distance, a charge was ordered by
the general commanding the division. The men charged with a will, when the
enemy fled precipitately. During the action we lost from the Twelfth Iowa, 1
man killed and 2 men wounded; in Seventh Minnesota, 1 officer killed and 4 men
wounded; in the Thirty-third Missouri, 1 man killed and 14 men wounded; in the
Thirty-fifth Iowa, 1 man killed. The heat was intense and there were some cases
of sunstroke.
During these various actions the regimental commanders, Colonel Hill, Thirty-
fifth Iowa; Colonel Marshall, Seventh Minnesota; Lieutenant Colonel Heath,
Thirty-third Missouri; and Lieutenant Colonel Stibbs, Twelfth Iowa Volunteers,
displayed the utmost coolness and bravery, and discharged all their duties with
alacrity. In this they were well sustained by the field and line officers of their
command, whilst the men proved themselves worthy of the highest praise for their
heroic conduct. * * *
Eespectfully submitted. J. J. WOODS,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. J. B. SAMPLE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
Report of Lieut. Col. Josiah F. Marsh, Ninth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 29, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my
regiment in the late battles of the 13th, 14th, and 15th instant, near Tupelo, Miss. :
On the 13th instant, while on the march from Pontotoc toward Tupelo, late in
the afternoon, the enemy in strong force attacked our right flank, with the evi
dent intention of capturing the trains. The first attack in force fell principally
upon the First Division, which immediately preceded the Second Brigade, to
which my regiment was attached. Upon arriving at the point of attack I was or
dered by Col. Alexander Wilkin, who was then commanding the brigade, to take
a position about fifty rods to the right of the road to support a battery that was
then shelling the enemy. A small force of the enemy, thirty or forty in number,
soon appeared in my front, not more than eight or ten rods distant. We at first
took them to be our skirmishers falling back, and they evidently took us to be a
portion of their own force. Consequently, our fire was reserved until they were
486 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
seen to aim toward the battery, when my men were ordered to fire. It is believed
that few, if any, of this party escaped. I was immediately ordered to advance,
and in passing hurriedly over the ground one officer of my regiment counted
seventeen dead and wounded. I advanced a half or three-quarters of a mile,
when orders came to return to the road and again take up the line of march.
On the 14th instant the enemy again attacked us in our position in large force
near Tupelo. After a sanguinary conflict of three hours, the enemy was repulsed
with great slaughter, leaving his dead and wounded in our possession. During
the engagement my regiment was held in reserve, forming a part of the fourth
line, but so hot was the enemy s fire at this point, that, although my men were
lying flat on the ground, I had one man killed and five wounded. In this en
gagement Col. Alexander Wilkin was killed. At 10 A. M., as the enemy retired,
an advance was ordered. My regiment was placed on the extreme right of the
line. We advanced a half or three-quarters of a mile, but as the enemy only
threw a few shells, and then left the field altogether, the troops were ordered
back to their old position, where they bivouacked for the night.
On the 15th instant the enemy attacked the First Division. After driving in
the cavalry that had been sent out to cover our movements, the Third Division
and train having already moved out, my regiment was ordered into position on
the left of the line, and Company K, Lieutenant Capon commanding, thrown out
as skirmishers. After a sharp engagement by a portion of the troops, the entire
line was ordered to advance. We advanced about one mile in line of battle, a
part of the way through a dense thicket, the enemy taking good care to keep out
of range of our musketry. This advanced position was held for an hour or two,
our batteries during the time shelling the enemy, when orders were received to
fall back and take up the line of march, following the Third Brigade and train.
The conduct of the officers and men of my command was commendable during
all of these engagements, especially on the 14th, when we were held so long in re
serve under the enemy s fire. The leaden hail fell thick and fast in and about my
ranks for over two hours, yet not a man moved from his place without orders.
Where all behaved so well it would be unjust to particularize.
Casualties, 1 officer and 1 enlisted man killed and 5 enlisted men wounded.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MARSH,
Lieutenant Colonel, Ninth Minnesota Volunteers.
Col. J. D. McCLURE,
Comdg. Second Brig., First Div., Sixteenth Army Corps.
Report of Col. John D. McClure, Forty -seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Second
Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 22, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of operations of
this brigade during the late expedition:
The brigade left La Grange, Tenn., on the 5th instant, then being under com
mand of Col. Alexander Wilkin, Ninth Minnesota Infantry Volunteers, and con
tinued on during the very hot weather.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 487
On the 13th instant, while on the march from Pontotoc to Tupelo, word was
brought forward to Colonel "Wilkin that the rear had been attacked, and that the
enemy were passing by our brigade and occasionally firing upon it and the bri
gade teams from a cross-road. He immediately deployed the Eleventh Missouri
Volunteers a-nd Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, and with them held the road
until the train had passed. Meantime, the remainder of the brigade had been
formed in line of battle, on an open field to the left of the road and facing to the
rear. This done under orders from General Mower, and shortly after moved back
on the road some distance, and remained until the train had all passed, when we
were ordered to proceed on the march. After going about a mile and a half or
two miles we heard heavy firing in the front, and soon learned that the first brigade
had been attacked. We pushed ahead, passing the ambulances containing wounded
brought up from the rear. The Second Iowa Battery had been in the advance,
and were now playing upon the rebels as rapidly as their guns could be loaded,
and, as afterward ascertained, did good execution. Orders soon came for one regi
ment of the Second Brigade to enter the wood on the right of the First Brigade.
The Ninth Minnesota formed line and entered the wood through a cornfield, but
before they had taken their position a force was seen coming around between us
and the First Brigade, and so much dressed like our own men our fire was re
served some time, as it was impossible to distinguish them. Satisfied that they
were rebels, Colonel Wilkin directed the Ninth to fire, and so completely surprised
were the enemy that they fled in the utmost confusion, leaving many killed and
wounded on the field. The Forty-seventh Illinois was now brought up, formed
on the right of the Ninth Minnesota, and together advanced until the halt was
ordered and they returned. The detachment of the Fifth Minnesota and Eighth
Wisconsin had been ordered to support the Second Iowa Battery, and did so until
word was brought from the First Brigade that they needed assistance, when they
were sent ahead, and rejoined us on the march. They were not placed forward,
as the enemy had retreated when they were brought up. The Eleventh Missouri
Infantry were held back as a reserve until General Mower ordered them into the
woods in rear of the Ninth Minnesota and Forty-seventh Illinois, but by the time
they had taken their position these regiments were retiring, and the Eleventh
was ordered to join them.
Nothing further occurred until the next day, when the battle of Harrisburg
was fought. The Second Brigade was held as a reserve, and formed in two lines
immediately in rear of the Fourth Brigade and in a valley. We were, while there,
under a heavy fire from the guns of the enemy, their shell, canister, etc., passing
over the advanced forces and exploding around us. The Forty-seventh Illinois and
Eleventh Missouri were ordered out on the right of the train to protect it from an
attack on that side, and remained in that position until the following day. It
was after placing these two regiments in position that Colonel Wilkin went for
ward to attend to the half of the brigade, and was killed upon reaching the right
of his line, a minie-ball passing through his body from the left side to the right.
Upon hearing of his death, I assumed command of the brigade, and after throw
ing out skirmishers in front of the corral, and my line on the right of the teams,
I rode forward in time to take out the Ninth Minnesota and detachments of Fifth
Minnesota and Eighth Wisconsin, when the rebels were driven back. We
remained in our position that night, a night attack being expected. The Second
488 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Iowa Battery, Lieutenant Eeed commanding, had been placed in an exposed posi
tion during the entire battle, but had kept up their fire and held their position
during the hottest of the firing in a manner most praiseworthy and highly com
mendable.
The morning of the 15th, while making preparations to march, the enemy
were seen to be advancing, and, by order of General Mower, the Fifth Minnesota
and Eighth Wisconsin and Ninth Minnesota were thrown out to the earthworks on
the left of the Third Brigade, the detachments occupying the works, while the
Ninth was thrown to the left and rear of them, protecting the left flank. Our
skirmishers on the extreme left were not driven in, but were under very heavy
fire. Those immediately in front were driven in and some sharp firing was kept
up until the charge was ordered, when the rebels fled and only an occasional shot
was fired. Meantime, the remainder of the brigade had been ordered forward
and placed in position with the brigade. One section of the Second Iowa Battery
was brought forward also, and shelled the rebels in their retreat. After remain
ing here some time, we were ordered to take up the line of march; nothing fur
ther occurred during our march to La Grange.
The behavior of both officers and men of this brigade was soldierly, and all
orders were obeyed cheerfully and promptly. Much praise is due to them, and
especially to the Second Iowa Battery, Lieutenant Eeed commanding, for the
manner in which his battery was handled and with good effect during the entire
engagement.
Killed, wounded, and missing, thirty-five.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN D. McCLURE,
Colonel, Comdg. Second Brig., First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
Capt. J. B. SAMPLE,
Asst. Adjt. Gen. , First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
Report of Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Jennison, Tenth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 23, 1864.
I have the honor to report the operations of my command during the late ex
pedition under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith to Tupelo, Miss.:
The regiment, which had been detained upon provost duty, left La Grange on
the afternoon of the 5th instant to join the rest of the brigade.
On the 13th instant the regiment was formed to resist the flank attack of the
enemy made near the creek, about miles from Tupelo, on the road thither
from Pontotoc. One company (Company F, Capt. George T. White command
ing) was thrown forward as skirmishers, who became engaged on the left of the
advanced line, and to whose support Company K, Captain O Connor, was after
ward dispatched, but the rest of the regiment took no other part than to change
position as support several times, and to endure the harmless shelling of the ene
my s artillery.
During the engagement of two hours and a half, on the 14th instant, we were
on the left of the First Brigade, which formed the right of our semicircular line.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 489
Two companies, A and E, were throughout absent upon picket duty. Company
C, Captain Hopson, was deployed to cover our front, and was often engaged with
the skirmishers of the enemy. The regiment, although much exposed, was held
in reserve until the last advance of the enemy, when Colonel McMillen directed
me to swing my regiment around upon its left, temporarily disconnecting its right
from the rest of the line, so as to extend the line that was hitherto engaged by the
length of niy battalion. Their new position was concealed from the enemy by the
crest of a ridge, upon which Mueller s battery of Rodman guns had been doing
excellent service. I awaited the enemy until I was satisfied I could reach them
with the fire of my riflemen, when the regiment rose as one man, developing a
line of greater extent to their left than the enemy had yet seen, and gave them a
volley, which was the last they waited to receive that day. They turned in utter
rout and our victorious line was ordered forward. Presently my regiment was
recalled by order of General Mower. The evening and night following I was
ordered directly by Major General Smith to guard the rear of the train, the hos
pitals, and the road to Tupelo, along which it was expected the enemy would
make an attempt.
On the 15th the Tenth Minnesota was again sent in as a reserve, taking posi
tion by the direct order of General Mower. Upon the afternoon of that day, when
the enemy attacked us just as we were arriving in camp, my regiment had been
the leading one on the march, and was therefore the last to receive the order to
return to attack the enemy. The regiment returned immediately, under the
guidance of a staff officer of the brigade commander, but only to be ordered to
return to camp, the other regiments of the brigade having gallantly driven the
enemy for about two miles.
I have no other circumstances to mention wherein my regiment bore any
special part. Although commonly held in reserve in the engagement, it was often
in very trying positions.
I can only say of the behavior of my officers and men that it is all I could desire.
They promptly moved whenever and wherever ordered, and they remained until
ordered away. I had about 400 men in line on the 14th and over 500 on the 15th.
My loss was one killed and twenty-one wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. JENNISON,
Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Tenth Minnesota Infantry.
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY YOLS.,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 25, 1864.
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties in my command,
during the expedition under Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, to Tupelo, Miss.:
FIELD AND STAFF Wounded: Maj. M. Cook, in arm, slightly.
COMPANY A Wounded: Privates Dexter Carlton, in shoulder, slightly; Alpheus Eastman,
in arm, slightly; Elias G. Pike, accidentally shot in thumb and thigh; Marcus Ward, in foot, slightly.
490 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
COMPANY B Wounded: Sergt. C. T. Brace, in eye, slightly; Privates John Kuthl^edge, in
forehead, slightly; Seth Scranton, in shoulder, severely; Clinton Hurlbert, in shoulder, severely;
Henry Keller, in head, slightly.
COMPANY C Wounded: Privates Solomon Young, in arm, severely; James Lockey, in
shoulder, slightly.
COMPANY D Wounded.: Private John Banke, in arm, slightly.
COMPANY E Wounded: Privates Fritz Maxner, in knee, slightly; James Smith, in thigh,
severely.
COMPANY F Wounded: Privates Joseph D. Cox, in breast, dangerously; Henry C. Ballow,
in face and neck, slightly.
COMPANY G Killed: Private Thomas King.
Wounded: Privates Matthew Tobias, in arm, severely; Atwood Crosby, in leg, slightly.
COMPANY I Wounded : Private James L. Williams, in spine, severely.
COMPANY K Wounded: Corp. George Stuart, in cheek, slightly.
Total, 1 killed, 21 wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. JENNISON,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Tenth Minn. Infantry.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. WILLIAM L. MCMILLEN, NINETY-FIFTH OHIO
INFANTRY, COMMANDING FIRST BRIGADE.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 24, 1864.
CAPTAIN: * * * I am also indebted to Colonel Wilkin, then commanding
the Second Brigade, for prompt assistance in sending to my relief the Ninth Min
nesota Infantry, who did effective service. The officers and men of that portion
of my command engaged deserve commendation for the gallantry with which
they met the enemy and the handsome manner in which he was repulsed and
driven. My loss in this affair was about thirty-five officers and men killed and
wounded. The brigade then moved to Harrisonburg, near Tupelo, and camped
for the night.
The next morning, the 14th instant, the troops were under arms at 3 A. M. ,
my brigade in reserve on the extreme right and rear of our position, and, with
the exception of the Tenth Minnesota Infantry, it was not engaged in the battle
on that day.
On the morning of the 15th the regiments composing the brigade were moved
about the field into various positions, and although at times subjected to a heavy
artillery fire from the enemy, were not brought into immediate contact with him.
In the movement northward from Tupelo, on the 15th instant, my brigade had
the rear of the entire infantry column, and was the last to leave the battle-field.
We marched some five miles without molestation to Town Creek, where we found,
the train parked and the column halted. The rear regiment of my brigade had
just crossed the creek, when a sharp attack was made upon the cavalry rearguard,
which was driven hastily and in confusion from the field and through my ranks,
the enemy advancing rapidly in large force, planting a battery, the shell from
which reached the train. I at once formed the Seventy-second Ohio, Ninety-fifth
Ohio, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois, and Ninety-third Indiana Infantry
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BATTLE OF TUPELO. 491
in line, put Battery E into position, and by direction of Brig. Gen. J. A. Mower,
commanding division, charged the enemy, who was then within close range, driv
ing the cavalry in great confusion before him. The Tenth Minnesota Infantry,
being in advance, did not reach the point of formation in time to charge with
us, but afterward joined us on the field. * * *
My casualties are as follows: 1 commissioned officer killed, 6 wounded; 15
enlisted men killed, 71 wounded, and 5 missing in action, a detailed report of
which has already been forwarded.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. L. McMlLLEN,
Colonel, Ninety fifth Ohio Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. J. B. SAMPLE,
Asst. Adjutant General.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. JOSEPH A. MOWER, COMMANDING
FIRST DIVISION.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., July 27, 1864.
CAPTAIN: * * * As soon as the enemy was repulsed I again started the
column on, keeping the wagons ahead of the main column, when, finding that the
enemy were moving rapidly at some distance on my right flank toward my front,
I proceeded toward the head of the column for the purpose of making arrange
ments to protect the wagon train. I had just arrived at the head of the Ninth
Minnesota, which had been sent forward to protect the train, when a furious
attack was made on the column a short distance to the rear. I immediately
halted that regiment and faced it toward the enemy, and directed skirmishers to
be deployed. At the same time the balance of the brigade was halted by Colonel
McMillen and faced toward the enemy, and the order given to charge. The
enemy was driven in confusion. * * *
The next morning the general commanding the expedition indicated to me the
position he wished my division to occupy, and I placed the troops of my com
mand as follows: Colonel Woods brigade on the left, its left resting on the Pon-
totoc road and connecting with the right of the Third Division; Colonel Ward s
brigade on the right of Colonel Woods ; Colonel McMillen s brigade on the right
of Ward s, and Colonel Wilkin s brigade in reserve. The Second Iowa Battery
was placed on the left of Colonel Ward s brigade, and commanded the Pontotoc
road and the open field on the right of that road. Captain Mueller s battery was
placed on the right of Colonel Ward s brigade and the section of Company E,
First Illinois Battery, on the right of Colonel McMillen s brigade. The enemy
commenced the attack at about 7:30 o clock in the morning, coming down in line
of battle along our front and opposite our left, moving in an irregular mass. I
directed the fire to be retained until they approached quite near, and then opened
on them with shell, canister, and musketry. The fight continued for about two
hours and a half, when, finding that they would not approach any nearer our lines,
I ordered the Third Brigade to charge on them. This was very gallantly done,
and the enemy driven from the field with heavy loss. I had two field officers and
several men sunstruck during the charge, and the enemy, having fallen back to
492 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
their led-horses, disappeared from our front. I did not attempt to pursue them
any farther, as my command was well nigh exhausted with the march of nineteen
miles and the fighting of the day before; in fact, it would have been useless to
pursue mounted infantry with troops on foot under any circumstances.
On the morning of the 15th the enemy again appeared in our front. I awaited
their attack, but finding that they were not disposed to approach within musket
shot, with the exception of their skirmishers, I moved upon them and drove them
about two miles, when they again took to their horses and fled. * * *
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men in the several
engagements.
I regret to have to report the loss of Colonel Wilkin, of the Ninth Minnesota,
commanding Second Brigade, who, although he had been with the command but
a short time had already endeared himself to both officers and men by his high-
toned bearing and gentlemanly conduct. * * *
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Jos. A. MOWER,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
Capt. J. HOUGH,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. ANDREW J.. SMITH, COMMANDING
EIGHT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS.
HEADQUARTERS EIGHT WING, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., Aug. 5, 1864.
* * * It is with pain that I have to announce the death of Col. Alexander
Wilkin, Ninth Minnesota Volunteers, who was killed early in the engagement of
the 14th. He died as a soldier may, at his post on the field of battle. Although
but a short time with the command, yet his many noble traits had endeared him
to all. Death s peace rest o er him.
Major General WASHBURN: HOLLY SPRINGS, Aug. 26, 1864.
I received your orders this morning at Waterford, and marched to this place
with the Eight Wing (First and Third divisions), Sixteenth Army Corps, leav
ing the Seventh and Ninth Minnesota Infantry and Artillery at Waterford. * * *
A. J. SMITH,
Major General.
Governor MILLER, MEMPHIS, TENN., Aug. 1, 1864.
St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR SIR: I arrived here on the evening of the 27th ultimo, and learning
the Seventh, Ninth and Tenth regiments and a detachment of the Fifth were
quartered near the city, proceeded next morning to visit their encampments,
I spent two days with the different commands.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 493
They returned to this place on the 22d, after their various engagements with,
and victories over the rebels on the 13th, 14th, and 15th in the vicinity of Tupelo,
of which I will not attempt a detailed account, as you have received Colonel
Marshall s full report.
The long and fatiguing march through dust and under a hot sun on half and
quarter rations, for several days, has had a telling effect on both officers and men,
many of whom are temporarily indisposed, while the number seriously sick is
much below what we would have reason to expect, and evidently owing in a
great degree to kind and considerate attention of their officers while on the march.
The wounded unable to be moved from Tupelo, after being properly cared for,
were left in charge of two of our surgeons. I am sorry to say I cannot visit
them, there being no communication at present.
I have visited all of our Minnesota sick in general hospital here, and en
deavored to converse with them personally, that I might learn as far as possible
their condition and treatment. I find little complaint. Many are anxious to go
North as soon as practicable, being convinced they would get well much sooner in
a northern latitude.
I called on Dr. Irwin, surgeon in charge of all the general hospitals here, and
learn he has been ordered to send 500 sick from the hospitals here to Mound City
and St. Louis 300 to the former and 200 to the latter point. He says he cannot
make any distribution here, but on their arrival at the places above mentioned, a
distribution will be made, and as far as possible the provisions of Assistant
Surgeon General "Wood s order will probably be carried out. He is daily ex
pecting a hospital boat to make the shipment, and I think we have reason to hope
all our soldiers who are likely to be benefited by removal North will leave here in
a few days.
I shall leave for Helena on the next downward boat, but fear the low water
and recent trade regulations have so far affected steamboating that it will be diffi
cult for me to make the trip to Little Eock and Pine Bluff without suffering un
reasonable delay. If I become satisfied on reaching Helena it is not expedient
to proceed further, I will return to Columbus, Ky., and take the hospitals in the
course you suggested on my upward trip.
I will not omit to state the Seventh and Tenth regiments have moved to La
Grange, and our other regiments are under orders to be ready to move on short
notice.
Hope you will excuse this brief letter, as I have just finished my work, and
have not time to write at length before the boat will arrive for down river.
Believe me, sir, very truly, your obedient servant,
LEVI BUTLER,
[Ex- Surgeon, Third Minnesota Infantry. ,]
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Col. WILLIAM E. MARSHALL, ST. PAUL, June 24, 1864.
Commanding Seventh Minn. Vols., Memphis, Tenn. }
COLONEL: It has been reported here that your own and one or two other of
the Minnesota regiments have been ordered to Memphis. If this be so, it is more
494 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
than possible that the sick and wounded of our state will so accumulate at some
point in that vicinity as to require some special attention on behalf of the state
authorities. Should any such contingency arise, I beg that you will promptly
give me information of the fact, and I will either forward a state agent to their
relief who shall be a good physician, or will appoint a local agent, if such suita
ble one reside at such point, on your recommendation. While it is desirable
and necessary that no dollar of our limited state funds should be expended so
long as the national government and the various commissions shall properly sup
ply all these wants, yet in the event of suffering on behalf of our soldiers, the
sympathy and treasury of Minnesota will ever be found open to our gallant repre
sentatives in the hospital and in the field.
Very truly, your friend,
S. MILLER.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Aug. 6, 1864.
To the COMMANDING- OFFICER,
Ninth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers,
MY DEAR SIR: Be pleased to convey to your command the high apprecia
tion with which their conduct and gallant deportment at Tupelo and vicinity has
inspired the government and people of Minnesota. We sorrow for the dead,
sympathize with the bereaved, and confide in the living; we know that in the
future, as in the past, the honor of Minnesota and the interests of the Union will
be safe in the hands of our Ninth Eegiment. I deeply sympathize with you in the
loss of Colonel Wilkin. He was my fast friend, and by his side I fought my first
battle for the preservation of the government of our fathers. A braver soldier
never drew a blade in defense of his country s rights, and he died with his face
to the foe. Honor to his memory.
Yery truly, your friend,
S. MILLER.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Aug. 6, 1864.
Lieut. CoL SAMUEL P. JENNISON,
Commanding Tenth Minnesota Volunteers,
COLONEL: Please convey to your officers and men assurance of the high ap
preciation and earnest sympathy of the government and people of Minnesota.
Their conduct at the battles in the vicinity of Tupelo, and the cheerfulness with
which they have submitted to privations and toil, have inspired their fellow citi
zens with a just pride and gratification; and we all indulge the utmost confidence
that in any conflict in which your command may participate Minnesota will be
gallantly and honorably represented, and the flag of the old Union be borne with
valor and success.
I am, colonel, very truly, your friend,
S. MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 495
PADUCAH, KY., May 14, 1864.
Governor S. MILLER,
St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR SIR: Your kind favor last written was received at a time when I was
unable by sickness to reply, and since then I have been on leave to my father s in
Illinois. Having but recently joined the regiment I have at my earliest oppor
tunity as I desired first to acquaint myself somewhat with the condition of the
command seated myself to address you a reply.
My own health is improving slowly, yet, as my disease has rendered it a rather
precarious matter for me to remain in the field, I have, upon advice of the sur
geons, sent forward my resignation as chaplain of the Seventh Minnesota, and
will in a few days be a citizen again. I regret very much to be compelled to this
course, as I had become very much attached to the men of the regiment and de
sired to remain with them to the end of our enlistment, but an overruling Provi
dence has directed otherwise. I shall return again to Minnesota immediately.
My warmest regards will ever remain with the regiment and I shall always deem
it an honor to have been associated with so fine a body of men. As soldiers the
gallant Seventh has no superiors and, as far as I have seen, but few equals, both
as regards soldierly bearing and gentlemanly conduct. Both here and in St. Louis
it has earned for itself a very enviable reputation for good morals and orderly
conduct, and the inhabitants and military commanders of the two cities vie with
each other as to which shall have the benefit of its services. I do not intend or
desire to use flattery in speaking of the regiment which, by your kindly offices,
I have had the honor to serve for the last twelve months, but you will allow me
to add that Minnesota may well feel proud of the Seventh Eegiment.
Eeligiously the regiment is doing about as well as at any previous time, I be
lieve, but its social privileges and opportunities for mental improvement are not as
good as they were in St. Louis. This may be called emphatically a reading regi
ment, and hence to be placed where they cannot obtain books and papers is to them
a deprivation deeply felt, and the necessity of having another chaplain, one who
will feel, appreciate and labor to meet the necessities of the regiment, is pressingly
demanded at once. The regiment has already been too long deprived of chaplain s
services by my protracted illness and I hope that the authorities will at once see to
it that the place is supplied with a good man, one full of faith and zealous of good
works. As far as possible, will you please encourage them to this end?
The general health of the regiment is good, but few reported in hospital
three with varioloid.
I have the honor, Governor, to subscribe myself,
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
O. P. LIGHT,
Chaplain, Seventh Regiment Minnesota Infantry.
ST. Louis, Mo., Feb. 27, 1864.
Brig. Gen. CLINTON B. FISK,
Commanding St. Louis District, Mo.,
GENERAL: In obedience to Special Orders, No. 38, issued from headquarters
post of St. Louis, Mo., dated Feb. 24, 1864, I proceeded to Cuba, Crawford county,
496 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Missouri, to investigate the present state of affairs there, and to discover if,
in the present condition of things and the coming draft, any troops should be
sent in that section. The said order was based upon a letter from Mr. Evans,
provost marshal of that county, to Captain Manwaring, which said letter I here
with annex to this my report. I would respectfully submit, general, that I found
the facts set out in said letter true. The murders therein spoken of were com
mitted near Eolla, Mo., and the murderers were pursued and one at least of them
killed by troops from Eolla, Mo. There have been no depredations committed in
Crawford county by guerrillas. Their cruelties have for a long time been con
fined to the region about Eolla.
Cuba is distant but thirty miles from Eolla, at which latter place there are,
I am informed, six companies of troops a force, I think, amply sufficient for the
protection of that vicinity. There are copperheads and a number of rebels lately
returned from General Price s rebel army in Crawford county. These generally
congregate in the whisky shops of the neighborhood, and there do considerable
disloyal talking, I have no doubt, but I do not think this is more usual in that
county than any other western county, and not so much so as in some. There
may be difficulty in the execution of the draft, but I doubt it. Mr. Evans him
self could not say that he really apprehended it, and further said that he thought
twenty soldiers would do to assist him. in arresting deserters, etc. In conclusion,
general, I could not recommend the establishment of a force at the point named,
unless there are forces at other points where they are not needed. The force at
Eolla can give assistance to Crawford county whenever necessary.
I have the honor, general, to be, your obedient servant,
JAMES M. MCKELVY,
Captain, Company I, Seventh Regt. Minnesota Vols.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
BENTON BARRACKS, Mo., Nov. 21, 1864.
Col. OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General, Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to transmit a morning report of my regiment, accord
ing to your request, for Nov. 1, 1864.
From the 1st of November, 1863, to about the 15th of May, 1864, the regiment
was doing garrison duty in Missouri, being broken in detachments and stationed
at the following named places, to- wit: St. Louis, Jefferson City, Eolla, Franklin,
Lamine Bridge, Warrensburg, Independence and Kansas City. On the 28th of
May, 1864, the regiment concentrated at Camp Gamble, near St. Louis, prepara
tory to marching South. This was the first time the regiment had ever been to
gether, although in the service nearly two years. At this time the regiment
numbered over 750 men for duty. We left Camp Gamble May 29th and arrived
at Memphis on the 31st, and on the 1st of June joined the expedition under Gen
eral Sturgis which was defeated at Guntown, June 10, 1864. In this disaster we
lost in killed, wounded and missing, 8 officers and 355 enlisted men. The severe
march incident to this defeat so disabled many of the officers and men as to ren
der them unfit for duty since.
BATTLE OF TUPELO. 49T
From the 1st of June last to the present time ; -the regiment has been doing
heavy duty in the field ; and as men became unfit for field duty they were sent to
hospitals or convalescent camps, and but few have been able to join us on account
of our rapid marches in pursuit of the enemy. This accounts for so great a num
ber being now reported absent sick, although it is known that many of them are
now fit for duty.
During the past year the regiment has traveled about 4,000 miles, over 1,500
miles of which has been marched, the balance by boat and rail. The regiment
has been engaged in three severe battles, including the one at Tupelo, Miss., in
which Colonel Wilkin was killed. We have also had several skirmishes with the
enemy in which, however, we have suffered but little. In the pursuit of Price in
September and October the regiment, with the command to which it belongs,
made some remarkable marches, having marched eighteen successive days, seldom
making less than twenty and in some cases twenty-eight miles per day, and yet,
notwithstanding this excessive labor, there was no increase in the sick list. We
form a part of the Second Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MARSH,
Colonel, Commanding*
EXPEDITION PROM LA GRANGE, TENN., TO OXFORD, MISS- Aug. 1-30, 1864,
Eeport of Col. Lucius F. Hubbard, Fifth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding Second
Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., Aug. 30, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report as follows regarding the operations of
the Second Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, during the late expe
dition:
For details of the movements of the brigade from the starting of the expedi
tion until the 17th instant, the date upon which I assumed command, I would
respectfully refer to the accompanying report 1 of Col. J. D. McClure, Forty-
seventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers. At the time I was assigned to its com
mand the brigade was encamped near Abbeville, Miss., where it remained until
the morning of the 21st instant. On that day the command moved to Hurri
cane creek, and on the following to Oxford, countermarching in the evening to
the bivouac of the night of the 21st. During these two days no enemy was
encountered or incident transpired worthy of special mention. On the 22d the
retrograde march was resumed, and at 12 M. the brigade encamped in its former
location near Abbeville. Immediately upon the arrival of the command in
camp I ordered a picket to be posted to the rear upon the Oxford road. As
the detail was moving to the point designated for its post it was met a few
rods from camp by the advance guard of the enemy, who had followed the
1 Not found.
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498 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
rear of the column during the*day s march. The officer in command, Lieut. D.
C. Boss, Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, at once deployed his men as skir
mishers and soon became hotly engaged. Hearing the skirmishing I immedi
ately ordered the command under arms, deployed a line of skirmishers, covering
the front and flanks of the camp, and ordered it forward, supported by the Fifth
Minnesota Veterans. The skirmishing soon became general along the line, and
the enemy, though being driven, developed himself in considerable force. The
skirmishers were re-enforced by four companies of the Fifth Minnesota, the Eighth
Wisconsin Veterans, Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, and section of the Second
Iowa Battery ordered up, and line of battle formed. As soon as these dispositions
were made an advance was ordered, which was made at double-quick. The enemy
essayed to make a stand, but though in superior force succeeded only for a moment.
A charge was made upon his line, which gave way in confusion, and was driven
for more than a mile in disorder, when the pursuit was abandoned, though the
enemy continued to retreat, moving rapidly off to the music of the guns of the
Second Iowa Battery. At sundown the command returned to camp. The enemy
suffered much punishment in this encounter, losing twelve killed, that fell into
our hands, many wounded, and some prisoners. The casualties of my command
were fifteen wounded, a list of which has heretofore been furnished. On the 25th
instant the brigade marched northward, arriving at Holly Springs on the 26th and
at La Grange on the 29th instant.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. F. HUBBARD,
Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Colonel, Commanding.
Assistant Adjutant General, First Division.
Report of Col. William R. Marshall, Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
HDQRS. SEVENTH EEGT. MINNESOTA INFANTRY VOLS.,
Col. O. MALMROS, NEAR ABBEVILLE, Miss., Aug. 10, 1864.
Adjutant General Minnesota,
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken
by the Seventh Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers at the crossing of the Tallahatchie
river, August 7th, 8th and 9th.
At 2 o clock of the 7th instant I received orders at Waterford to march to the
railroad crossing of the Tallahatchie. The detachment sent forward consisted of
the Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, Twelfth Missouri Cavalry and Seventh Minnesota,
Colonel Hill, of the Thirty-fifth Iowa, commanding. We reached the Talla
hatchie at the wagon road crossing, a fourth of a mile below the said road, about
6 o clock. The enemy s skirmishers occupied the opposite bank of the river and
opened fire on the cavalry, which was in the advance. A lively skirmish ensued.
Companies A and D of the Seventh, with two companies of the Thirty-fifth Iowa,
were sent forward as supports to the cavalry, and subsequently Company A, with
Lieutenant Hoag commanding, with a company of the Thirty-fifth Iowa, crossed
the river in a small ferry-boat, and under cover of the river bank held position
until ordered back about 3 o clock on the morning of the 8th.
EXPEDITION FROM LA GRANGE. 499
The cavalry was relieved and it was decided not to undertake to cross the
river that evening. Captain Gilfillan s company of the Seventh, together with
one company of the Thirty-fifth Iowa, were posted on the north bank of the river
for the night, the main detachment bivouacking in the woods back from the
river. About 11 o clock at night the enemy unexpectedly opened on us with
two pieces of artillery. We had no artillery with which to reply. Our teams
were sent to the rear out of range and a courier sent to Waterford. Colonel Hill
resolved to maintain our position and hold the crossing if possible. The artillery
ceased after shelling the position of our force at the ferry. Much credit is due
Lieutenant Hoag (whose company was on the enemy s side of the river) and
Captain Gilfillan and the men of their companies for the firmness with which
they held their ground under the artillery fire. Happily they suffered no
casualties.
Re-enforcements arrived the morning of the 8th and two pieces of our artillery
shelled the ground on the south side, eliciting only a musketry fire from the
enemy s skirmishers. Major Burt of the Seventh, with five companies, was
ordered to the south side of the river. His line was advanced as skirmishers
to cover the working party on the wagon-road bridge. Subsequently the remain
ing companies of the Seventh, under my immediate command, were ordered over
and deployed forward, the left resting on the railroad. The Seventh thus main
tained a skirmish line during the remainder of the day and had four companies
on picket during the following night. The enemy s fire was only from skirmish
ers, and quite irregular. On the morning of the 9th the regiment was in line of
battle a short time.
The following casualties occurred in my command, viz. :
August 8th Company A: Orderly Sergt. Daniel Goodhue, wounded in left
ankle, slightly Company D: Private Theodore Hysell, wounded in left shoulder,
slightly.
August 9th Company K: Private Thomas Haley, wounded in the head,
severely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. B. MARSHALL,
Colonel, Commanding Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
Report of Col. Joseph J. Woods, Twelfth Iowa Infantry, Commanding Third Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
MEMPHIS, TENN., Aug. 31, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations during the
late expedition into Mississippi, ending on the 26th day of August, 1864, viz. :
On the morning of July 31, 1864, the Twelfth Iowa, Seventh Minnesota, Thirty-
third Missouri, and Thirty-fifth Iowa, of this brigade, embarked on the cars, by
order of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, and moved to Davis Mills, Miss. August 5 [1],
marched, by order of Brig. Gen. Edward Hatch, via Lamar, to Coldwater river,
and on the morning of August 2 marched to Holly Springs, where the Twelfth
Iowa were detailed as provost guards. On the morning of August 5 the remain-
500 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
ing three regiments moved by railroad, by order Brig. Gen. J. A. Mower, to
Waterford. August 7th the Seventh Minnesota and Thirty-fifth Iowa moved to
the Tallahatchie river to protect the pioneer corps in constructing a bridge. They
found the enemy s pickets on the north side of the river, whom they attacked and
drove across the river, capturing the flat-boat used as a ferry, and established
pickets on the south side of the river. Their position was shelled for a short
time during that night. Next morning the two regiments crossed over and work
began on the bridge. On the 7th the Sixth Indiana Battery reported, and on the
8th the Thirty-third Missouri and battery moved to the Tallahatchie. On the
9th the brigade moved into camp on the south side of the Tallahatchie. During
the skirmishing on the 7th, 8th, and 9th the Seventh Minnesota had three men
wounded, one severely. * * *
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. J. WOODS,
Colonel, Commanding the Brigade.
Capt. J. B. SAMPLE,
Assistant Adjutant General.
EXTRACT FROM BEPORT OF COL. BE WITT C. THOMAS, NINETY-THIRD INDIANA
INFANTRY, FIRST BRIGADE.
[August, 1864.]
LIEUTENANT: * * * About 6 A. M. of the 9th, the brigade was put in
motion and moved by the flank about one-third of a mile, when it was formed
into column by regiments, my regiment being placed in rear of the One Hundred
and Fourteenth Illinois, with the Tenth Minnesota Infantry in my rear deployed
in column by wing. From this brigade column a line was formed and the troops
again deployed into column. Heavy skirmishing was kept up by our cavalry,
which had crossed earlier in the morning and deployed on our flanks. The enemy
continued his artillery firing, begun with the advance of cavalry, and was replied
to by a few shots from our own guns. My regiment, formed in the column as
above stated, maneuvered and advanced with the brigade, the enemy retiring
from his strong position as we advanced after gaining the hill occupied by the
enemy. The night of the 8th the brigade was bivouacked, my regiment on the
right of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois, and the Tenth Minnesota In
fantry on my right. We remained in this position until the morning of the 21st.
Nothing of importance transpired while we remained in this bivouac. I would
only mention the fact that heavy rains fell every day, making the roads impassa
ble and uncomfortable for the men. A great part of the time my men were
furnished with but a half ration of salt meat, and for a few days they were with
out meat of any description, it being impossible to procure any from the country
and none being furnished by the commissary of subsistence. On the 21st instant
the troops were again put in motion, my regiment moving in order with the other
troops of the brigade, taking the Oxford road. In the afternoon of the 22d we
were halted near Oxford and moved back toward the Tallahatchie river. We
reached our old camp near the Tallahatchie river about 1 P. M. of the 23d and
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARKANSAS. 501.
went into bivouac. At about 3 o clock of the same afternoon heavy skirmishing
was heard near our camp on the Oxford road. The brigade was formed, and I was
ordered to advance directly forward in line. My line being parallel with the
Oxford road I advanced directly to the right of that road, regulating my move
ments by those of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry on my left.
Seeing this regiment move by the flank I at once made a flank movement, and by
the right flank followed the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois about one-
fourth of a mile, when a line was again formed. From this line the brigade
moved by the left flank to the Oxford road, where I was directed to form a, line
with my regiment and the Tenth Minnesota Infantry for the protection of a cross
road. This line was hardly formed until I was again ordered to move forward.
The brigade was halted about half a mile beyond Abbeville, where it remained
in the road until near sundown, when we returned to camp, the enemy being
driven off by the troops in our advance. On the 25th I moved my command, in
its proper place in the brigade, on the Holly Springs road; bivouacked near
Waterford for the night. Morning 26th, 8 A. M., moved to this place, arriving
at noon.
[DE W. C. THOMAS,
Colonel , Commanding."]
Lieut. O. H. ABEL,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, First Div., Sixteenth Army Corps.
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARK July -August, 1864.
Eeport of Capt. Rudolph Schoenemann, Sixth Minnesota Infantry.
CAMP BUFORD, NEAR HELENA, ARK., July 16, 1864.
GENERAL: Having received verbal orders from, you to procure all the in
formation practicable concerning certain Confederate forces alleged to have crossed
the Mississippi river at or near Buck Island, I left this town on the evening of
the 13th instant, on the steamer Dove, accompanying a force composed of Com
panies E and F, of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and - of the
Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry. Of the proceedings of the expedition whilst under
my command I have herewith the honor to make the following report:
Early in the morning of the 14th the cavalry disembarked at Doctor Peterson s
place on this side of the river and I assumed command of the remaining force and
continued up the river as far as Buck Island. The island was examined and also
both banks of the river in its neighborhood and immediately below. I was in
formed by residents on the Tennessee shore that twelve wagon loads of arms and
ammunition were ferried across the river to the opposite shore, from "Wednesday
morning to Saturday night of the preceding week, and that said train was pro
tected by about seventy cavalry, under command of Captain Graham. On the
west bank additional information was received that there was a force on that side
amounting to 500 to 1,000 men, as variously estimated by the inhabitants spoken
502 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
with by me, under command of Colonel McGill, to supply which force the ammu
nition was taken over. They said that the stores were ferried over in small boats,
subsequently destroyed by a gunboat from Memphis, and that, in order to keep
the crossing as secret as possible, the rebels had strict orders not to fire upon any
of the steamboats passing up and down the river. I found on the Arkansas side
some empty ammunition boxes (of IT. S. manufacture), which from the marks
had contained No. .58 elongated and No. .69 round ball cartridges. Also, below
Buck Island, on the eastern shore, in searching for arms I found an old rifle and
ammunition bag with C. S. belt, and a butcher knife, in possession of a man
named Bennett, all of which articles were delivered to your office.
I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. SCHOENEMANN,
Company E, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
Brig. Gen. K B. BUFORD,
Comdg. District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena, Ark.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
HELENA, ARK., Aug. 1, 1864.
SIR: This morning at 5 A. M. the enemy under Colonel Dobbin were at Allen
J. Folk s place; about 800 mounted men. At 8 they attacked the lessees at the
Lamb place, capturing all the stock and negroes, old and young, and the white
employes. From there they went to J. B. Pillow s place, doing the same; cross
ing at Sandy Ford and following down all the leased plantations a distance of ten
miles, capturing, burning, destroying, and robbing of money and effects. They
passed out at Mrs. Higgins place, going west. I had a cavalry force of 100 men,
who left here at 8 A. M. in pursuit of a party of the plunderers as far as Allen J.
Folk s, where they met a larger reserve of the enemy than my force, which closed
in behind the plundering party and moved west. My force returned to watch
the movements of the other parties going into the plantations. I moved out with
my two infantry regiments, the Sixth Minnesota and the Thirty-fifth Missouri,
which on account of sickness only mustered 400 men fit for marching, and with
my colored (light) battery of four pieces and with the balance of the cavalry.
The marauders, all mounted, were four times as numerous as my cavalry force
and could not be overtaken. I have reason to think the whole force of the enemy
mounted was three regiments, Dobbin s and two of Shelby s, commanded by
Colonel Gordon and Colonel . They did not attack either of my two forts
on the plantations, but have taken off the people and movables from two-thirds
of the places. Colonel Bacon reports an aggregate for duty to-day of only 255
cavalry. I have distinctly seen that we should have a raid, and that I could not
prevent it with so small a mounted force. * * *
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
N. B. BUFORD,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. \V. D. GREEN,
Asst. Adjutant General, Dept. of Arkansas.
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARKANSAS. 503
MILWAUKEE, Wis., May 26, 1864.
Brigadier General SIBLEY,
St. Paul, Minn.:
The disasters in Arkansas and Louisiana make it absolutely necessary thai
the Sixth Eegiment go South. You will please put it in motion for Cairo by rat
without delay. It is to report at Helena, Ark. You can retain 400 men o:
Thomas force. Full instructions by mail to-day. Don t leave St. Paul unti
you receive them. JNO. POPE,
Major General.
HDQRS. DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., June 15, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL: Sixth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers left last evening for Hel
ena, Ark., according to orders.
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Aug. 6, 1864.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington D. C.,
SIR: The Sixth Minnesota Eegiment Volunteers, Col. William Crooks, was
ordered to Helena, Ark., some two months since, where it has since remained,
The sudden change from this climate to that peculiarly unhealthy locality,
has already placed some 360 of the regiment in the hospital, and many of the men
are dying. If at all compatible with the interests of the service, I would respect
fully ask that this regiment, which has seen two years service, may be placed in
more active duty, and that troops better acclimated be suffered to relieve them.
Three or four of our regiments in the Sixteenth Army Corps, under General Smith,
which have participated in the campaigns and battles of Tupelo, appear to resist
disease as well as those of other states.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. MILLER,
Governor Minnesota.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Aug. 6, 1864.
Col. WILLIAM CROOKS,
Commanding Sixth Minn. Vols.,
MY DEAR COLONEL: Your favor of the 28th ult. to Adjutant General
Malmros received, and I deeply regret to hear of the continued affliction of your
504 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
noble regiment. Though their wants have not until very recently reached us in
an official shape, we have not forgotten these deserving men. Dr. Butler, who
I sometime since dispatched on behalf of the state to visit and assist your sick
and suffering, is doubtless with you at Helena ere this. I furnished him with
funds to provide for the immediate necessities of the men; and the State Sanitary
Commission have forwarded $300 worth of bed-ticks, pillows, fans, etc., to your
address by Adams Express from Chicago, which I hope have reached you.
The Ladies Sanitary Commission of this city are forwarding fruits, jellies,
etc., for your hospitals to-day. Be pleased, therefore, to assure your officers and
men of the abiding sympathy of the people and the state government, and do not
fail to keep us advised of your prospects and your wants. In any matter of im
portance, you will please to dispense with ceremony and write direct to myself.
I have commissioned the Eeverend Mr. Cobb, and will get him to report as soon
as possible, though I think the mustering officer will require him to be elected
according to regulations.
Chaplain Cobb has just dropped in and says that he will join you in less than
thirty days.
Very truly, your friend,
STEPHEN MILLER.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
HELENA, ARK., Aug. 18, 1864.
Hon. STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota,
MY DEAR SIR: Your very welcome letter of the 6th instant came to hand
this morning. Dr. Butler was here and spent a day visiting the sick, and has,
ere this, reported to you in person.
The number of sick is increasing, although I believe that the form of disease
is not so severe. The last forty-eight hours, however, has brought rain enough to
flood the country, and the cypress swamps are again full, and the evaporation
will only breed another sickly spell. The men have not complained, but stand it
manfully. The dead now number about thirty. General Dana left here yester
day, and has recommended to General Canby, who entirely controls the matter,
that the regiment be taken away from here. It will be done most surely, hence
I would not press the matter with the War Department. I thank you for myself
and for my regiment for your watchfulness in its interests, and shall communi
cate to the officers and men the expressions of sympathy borne in your very
esteemed letter.
Major Grant is commanding the regiment, while I am commanding this Dis
trict of Eastern Arkansas; General Steele, commanding Department of Arkansas,
and Seventh Corps; General Dana, commanding District of Vicksburg.
I have been down with fever, but am able to be around.
With many good wishes, Governor, I am, yours sincerely,
WILLIAM CROOKS,
Colonel, Commanding.
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARKANSAS. 505
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH BEGIMENT MINNESOTA YOLS.,
DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS,
Governor MILLER, HELENA, ARK., Aug. 18, 186 4.
St. Paul, Minn.,
GOVERNOR: I have just called upon Colonel Crooks and consulted with him
in regard to our suffering regiment. Governor, something must be done at once,
or this regiment is lost for service to the United States. The climate here is so
debilitating that sick men do not recover; they don t gain any strength. Sickness
is fast increasing in the regiment, and the prospect is that in ten days more we
shall not have well men enough to take care of the sick.
Now there is but one course to be pursued to save the regiment for any future
service, and that is, to have the regiment moved North until the men get up
again. By this course I think we can save some 600 or 700 men for future ser
vice. If anything is done it should be done at once.
Trusting that every effort will be made that can be, with honor,
I am. Governor, truly yours,
H. P. GRANT,
Major, Sixth Regiment Minn. Vols., Commanding Regiment.
SURGEON GENERAL S OFFICE.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 1864.
Hon. S. MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.,
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the llth
instant, requesting the transfer of the officers and soldiers of Minnesota regiments
sick in hospital at Memphis, Helena and Little Rock, to Madison, Wis., or some
other healthy locality; and in reply I am instructed by the acting surgeon general
to inform you that, as far as practicable, the transfer asked for will be made.
By order of the acting surgeon general.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. CRANE,
Surgeon United States Army.
HEADQUARTERS SIXTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
HELENA, ARK., Sept IS, 1864.
Hon. STEPHEN MILLER,
St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR GOVERNOR: Knowing the deep interest you always feel in the sons of
Minnesota, who have left their quiet homes and offered their lives a sacrifice for
their bleeding country, I take the liberty to inform you how the Sixth is getting
along.
i First We have sent 60 of our sick men to Memphis hospitals and about 200
to Jefferson Barracks hospital. From the former 3 have been reported who
have died. I have not heard from the latter place since our sick arrived there.
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506 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
The balance of the regiment is here and nearly all sick. I have not over 100 men
that are fit for duty. Then, perhaps, there are 50 more that can do a little light
duty before the sun gets hot, and after sundown. Our force is so reduced that
the duty is very hard. Every man that is able to get out on the line has to do
picket duty every other day, and the exposure to the miasma here gets the men
down as fast or faster than others are returned to duty. For instance, day before
yesterday I reported 150 men for duty. Yesterday 40 were taken sick and only
2 returned for duty, so that I cannot really say that the health of the regiment is
improving. In fact, I feel satisfied that it is not, for when men once get down
they do not seem to gain any strength here. The number of deaths has not been
large for the past week, only five have died, unless we have lost men at St. Louis.
Among the deaths of the past week, it is my painful duty to announce that of Dr.
A. O. Potter, which has cast a gloom over the whole regiment. He has worked
with an untiring energy since we have been here, and won the affections of the
whole regiment by his attention to the sick. He had not been well for the past
three weeks, but kept up and visited the regiment hospitals once every day, and
oftener when he was able. He thought he was getting better, and Tuesday after
noon, after prescribing for the hospital patients, he went down to headquarters at
7 P. M., and remained there until 10 o clock, when he began to feel badly, and
walked up to the hospital and fixed himself some medicine, took it and laid down
in the dispensary. He grew worse from that time until he died, at 6:30 A. M.
He was sick only about eight and one-half hours. His death was caused by con
gestion of the spleen and liver.
Now the death of the doctor has left the regiment in a terrible condition.
We have heard nothing from Dr. Belden, excepting your letter, apprising me of
his appointment, and we now have nearly 400 men here, sick, without any medical
attendance but Dr. McMasters, who will do everything he can, but who is
only an inexperienced boy, and life is too precious to be sacrificed for want of
proper medical attendance.
We really need at least three good physicians here at this time, and they
would have all they could do. I hardly know what to advise or ask for, but as
our surgeons in Minnesota who have a reputation have refused the appointment
in this regiment, it is probable that only third-rate men would accept the ap
pointment of assistant surgeon in this regiment.
This, Governor, is not what is wanted at present. We want the services of
the best talent and skill that Minnesota can produce, for two or three months.
Now, cannot the State of Minnesota hire a competent physician to come here for
that length of time, and in the meantime you can make the appointment of the
best man you can get to accept it. We need medical attendance now, and we
need the best we can get. I have felt strong hopes that the regiment would be
ordered away from here. I have, however, almost given up all hope, but still
pray, for the benefit of the government, that this regiment may yet be moved
from here where they can regain their health, and again take the field and be
worth something to their country.
Knowing that you will do all in your power for this regiment,
I am, Governor, very respectfully yours,
H. P. GRANT,
Major, Commanding Regiment.
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARKANSAS. 507
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Sept. 23, 1864.
COMMANDING OFFICER,
Sixth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, Helena, Ark.,
DEAR SIR: The letters of Colonel Crooks and Major Grant are just received,
and I deeply deplore the untimely death of Dr. Potter, your faithful assistant
surgeon, and desire through you to express my earnest sympathy to his friends
and to the regiment.
I will find and forward an assisant surgeon as soon as possible. I am glad
to learn that your new surgeon, Dr. Belden, is at his post, and when Dr. F. B.
Etheridge of Hastings, who is now at Little Bock, returns to your place, please
ask him in my name to remain with you as long as you actually require his ser
vices. He started one week ago as commissioner to the soldiers in your depart
ment.
I deeply regret the continued illness of so many of your men and earnestly
hope for an early and radical improvement.
I have assurances from the department that the sick shall be rapidly transfer
red to St. Louis, and still more northern hospitals, but I can get no response to
my repeated application for the transfer of the regiment to a more favorable
locality.
With sympathy and kind regards to all, I am, very truly, your friend,
S. MILLER.
HASTINGS, MINN., Oct. 31, 1864.
SIR: The condition of the Sixth Begiment at Helena, as I found it on the 18th
instant, was nearly the following:
June 23, 1864, regiment arrived at Helena, 950 strong. Sickness commenced
in about three weeks. The mortality commenced August 12th and ended about
September 18th. Number of deaths about 70, being about 2 a day. From the
1st of September to the 19th, 317 men were sent to Northern hospitals. This left
573 to be accounted for. Of these, on the morning of the 18th of October, 43
were in regimental, 6 in general hospital, and 220 attended sick call, making
269 sick men of 573, a little less than one-half.
The causes of this great sickness and severe mortality are to be found in the
season of the year at which these troops arrived in a warm climate, and the location
of their camp. May, June, July and August are unfavorable months to send men
South. Of these, August is probably the worst. And then, too, the plan of keep
ing a regiment in an unhealthy locality through the whole summer, and that with
out change of camp, I think a very hazardous practice indeed. It will always
be attended with great loss of life. * * *
The spot chosen for the camp of the Sixth was the shore of the river, which
was liable to be overflown in high water, the soil of course saturated with the
debris of the river, and more or less moisture. The vegetable deposit in the soil
would necessarily be in a state of decomposition during the hot weather, one of
the most efficient causes of fever. And the fogs arising from the river, and cov
ering their camp every morning, would be a most effectual source of ague. That
508 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
the men should be sick after a stay of three weeks in such a place as this, would
be almost as certain as that the sun would rise. And that their diseases would
partake of all the malignity that miasmatic diseases are liable to, under aggra
vated circumstances, might reasonably be expected. I think they escaped with
quite as little loss as we could anticipate.
By the 18th of October they were much better off than they had been. There
had not been a death among the men left at Helena for about a month; and now
many of the men were up and able to do light duty. They were building their
quarters for the winter. The men in hospital were only one or two of them very
sick; I believe I thought that only two or three would not recover. The
probability is that in the course of two or three months these men would be in
pretty good condition, and quite a proportion of them fit for duty. The practice
of sending men North at this season of the year to recover from malarial diseases
is one of at least doubtful utility. It is in my estimation attended with more or
less danger; and then it is quite questionable whether men will not recover as
readily and safely at the South as at the North, after the occurrence of autumnal
frosts. And should they recover and return South, they would run nearly the
same risks as at first. * * *
Very respectfully,
F. B. ETHERIDGE.
To His Excellency, STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.- May 1- Sept. 8, 1864.
Reports of Lieut. Col. Judson W. Bishop, Second Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., Aug. 26, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor, in accordance with instructions from brigade
headquarters, to submit the following summary of the part taken by the Second
Regiment Minnesota Volunteers in the operations of the campaign during the
three months ending the 6th day of August, 1864:
On Saturday, the 7th day of May, the regiment broke camp at 4 A. M., marched
at 9 A. M., and arriving at Tunnel Hill (seven miles), bivouacked at noon. Sun
day, 8th, marched at 9 A. M. one mile to position on right flank of Fourteenth
Army Corps. Monday, 9th, marched at 10 A. M. one-half mile to position on a
ridge facing Buzzard Roost Gap, and one mile distant; marched again at 5 P. M.
one-half mile in advance, and bivouacked in position. Tuesday, 10th, and Wed
nesday, llth, remained in bivouac. Thursday, 12th, marched at 4 A. M. about
fifteen miles to the right and through Snake [Creek] Gap. Friday, 13th, learned
that the enemy had evacuated Dal ton last night; marched at 10 A. M. four miles
toward Resaca, and took position in the general line of battle, facing east. Sat
urday, 14th, advanced with heavy skirmishing about a mile, and took position on
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 509
a ridge facing the enemy s works, at a distance of about 400 yards. Sunday,
15th, moved about three-quarters of a mile to the right of Fourteenth Array
Corps; moved out at 9 p. M. and took position between it and McPherson s left,
and intrenched; enemy evacuated Resaca during the night. Monday, 16th,
marched at noon one mile to Eesaca and bivouacked near the railroad depot.
Tuesday, 17th, marched at 4 A. M. six miles to Calhoun; thence two miles and
encamped on Peters plantation; marched again at 5 p. M. four miles and bivou
acked for the night. Wednesday, 18th, marched at 8 A. M. three miles to Adairs-
ville; thence at 4 p. M. six miles and bivouacked beside the railroad. Thursday,
19th, marched at 10 A. M. four miles to Kingston; went into line of battle to repel
an expected attack; thence marched at 4 p. M. four miles and bivouacked beside
the railroad near Cassville. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, remained in posi
tion. Monday, 23d, marched at 11 A. M. four miles to the Etowah river, forded,
and marched six miles to Euharlee creek. Tuesday and Wednesday, remained
in position. Thursday, 26th, marched at 6 A. M., escorting trains, fourteen miles
to Burnt Hickory. Friday, 27th, marched one mile to front with trains. Satur
day, 28th, marched three miles to front with trains. Sunday, 29th, marched at
11 A. M. five miles to Burnt Hickory with trains. Monday and Tuesday, re
mained in position.
Wednesday, June 1, marched at 3 p. M. with trains about eight miles easterly
to our left and front. Thursday, 2d, marched at 11 A. M. three miles to right and
front and halted; thence at 6 p. M. one mile to the front and, meeting the enemy s
line, intrenched, covering our front with skirmishers, who were warmly engaged
during most of the night. Friday and Saturday remained in position. Sunday,
5th, enemy evacuated our front this morning. Monday, 6th, marched at 7 A. M.
about six miles northeasterly, toward Ack worth, and bivouacked at 9 P. M. Tues
day, Wednesday, and Thursday, remained in position. Friday, 10th, marched
at 8 A. M. southwesterly about five miles and found the enemy at Pine Mountain.
Saturday, llth, moved to a ridge one-half mile to the front and intrenched;
marched again at 7 P. M. one-half mile and halted at 11 p. M. and bivouacked in
the woods. Sunday and Monday, remained in position. Tuesday, 14th, moved
at noon to the front, with heavy skirmishing; into position at 7 P. M. and in
trenched. Wednesday, 15th, moved again to the front at 2 p. M. about a mile;
into position at 7 P. M. and intrenched. Thursday, 16th, remained in position.
Friday, 17th, moved one-fourth mile to the front and again intrenched. Saturday,
18th, moved at 9 A. M. one-half mile to the front and intrenched under fire of
musketry and artillery from the enemy s works, 350 yards distant; loss, Lieu
tenant Jones killed and 11 men wounded; enemy evacuated his line in our front
during the night. Sunday, 19th, moved at 9 A. M. one mile to the front, finding
the enemy in position at Kenesaw Mountain; bivouacked and intrenched in the
woods facing the mountain and one-half mile distant. Monday and Tuesday,
remained in position, the enemy shelling our camp from the mountain. Wednes
day, 22d, moved at 11 P. M. half mile to the right; worked until daylight on the
intrenchments; 2 men killed and 5 wounded by shells from the mountain. Thurs
day, 23d, Col. James George and about 100 men from the division, 73 of whom
were on duty with the regiment, were ordered to Chattanooga for discharge by
reason of expiration of term of service. Friday and Saturday, regiment remained
in position. Sunday, 26th, regiment marched at 11 P. M. about two miles to the
510 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
right; bivouacked. Monday, 27th, moved to the front and took position with
the division as support to Davis division in the assault on the enemy s works;
bivouacked at 3 p. M. Tuesday and Wednesday, remained in position. Thurs
day, 30th, moved half mile to the right, our division relieving Geary s.
Friday, July 1st, remained in position. Saturday, 2d, a detachment of seven
ty-eight men (drafted from Second District of Minnesota) joined the regiment
and were assigned to companies. The enemy evacuated his line in our front dur
ing the night. Sunday, 3d, marched at 7 A. M. about seven miles, finding the ene
my in line about five miles south of Marietta. Monday, 4th, the Second Brigade
being ordered to garrison duty at Marietta, the regiment marched with it to that
place, where it remained on such duty until the 13th. Wednesday, 13th,
marched with the brigade nine miles, rejoining the division near Yining Station.
Thursday, 14th, a detachment of ninety-eight drafted men from the First District
of Minnesota joined the regiment and were assigned to companies. Friday, 15th,
the regiment being ordered to relieve the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers on
provost duty at Marietta, marched for that place at 5 A. M., arriving at 10 A. M.,
and immediately entered upon duty as provost and depot guards. During the
remainder of the period embraced in this report the regiment was on guard duty
at Marietta, em ploying all available time in the instruct! on of recruits.
During the operations herein briefly referred to, the regiment was frequently
under fire, always acquitting itself to my satisfaction. As, owing to the absence
of the regiment at Marietta, the brigade commander s report has been completed
and forwarded before mine is called for, I have not deemed it necessary to give as
detailed and circumstantial an account of movements as otherwise might have
been useful and proper. The regiment commenced the campaign with 24 officers
and 372 enlisted men present for duty. Loss from that number by casualties, 31;
by sickness, 91; by discharge, 73. Gained by recruits from depot, 176; by re
turn from hospital or detached service, 19. Present for duty August 6th, 18 offi
cers, 422 enlisted men. * Ammunition expended, 29, 000 rounds, an average of
about 110 rounds per man. A casualty list is hereto appended, covering the
period embraced in the report.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. W. BISHOP,
Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Second Minnesota Vols.
Capt. C. A. CILLEY,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., Third Div., Fourteenth Army Corps.
List of Casualties in the Second Minnesota Infantry During the Three Months Ending
Aug. 6, 1864.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF Killed: Sergt. Maj. Peter G. Wheeler, June22d.
COMPANY A Wounded: Privates David J. Bnmgarner, June 14th; John E. Collam, June 22d.
COMPANY B Killed: Second Lieut. John C. Jones, June 18th.
Wounded: Privates Francis Waldron, James Whiting, June 18th.
COMPANY C Wounded: Corp. Joseph Orcutt (also captured), June 5th; Private William
Bingham, June 18th.
1 Of the sick and wounded 44 men were kept with the regiment until recovery and returned
to duty.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 511
COMPANY D Wounded : Sergt. Thomas Maguire, June 20th ; Private Samuel A. Field, June 1st.
COMPANY E Wounded: Corp. Nicholas Sons; Private Lewis Horst, June 26th.
COMPANY F Killed : Private Spencer Lavicount, June 22d.
Wounded: Sergt. George Rutherford, June 19th; Sergt. George Ainsworth, Corp. William
Madden, Privates Frank Harris, Charles F. Hey wood, James Thornton, June 22d; Private Thadeus
O. Kilburn, May 20th; Private Squire Hoff, June 18th.
COMPANY G Killed: Corp. Nicholas Roppert, June 18th.
Wounded : Capt. Charles F. Meyer, May 14th.
COMPANY H Wounded : Privates Joseph Burger, July 9th ; George Hetherington, Isaac Sher
man, Nelson Shelafoo, June 18th.
COMPANY I Wounded: Privates Henry Clinton, Ira Holliday, June 18th.
COMPANY K Wounded: Private Ros well Ingalls, June 18th; Martin V. Barber, June 19th.
J. W. BISHOP,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Second Minnesota Volunteers.
ATLANTA, GA.,
Aug. 26, 1864.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND EEGT. MINNESOTA VOL. INFANTRY,
NEAR ATLANTA, GA., Sept. 9, 1864.
CAPTAIN: In response to circular instructions from brigade headquarters, I
liave the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment
in the operations of the campaign against the enemy at Atlanta, from the 7th day
of August to the 8th day of September, inclusive:
On the 7th day of August my regiment was on duty as provost and depot
guard at the post of Marietta, having been assigned and ordered to that duty by
the general commanding the Department of the Cumberland. The regiment was
relieved from duty at that post by the Tenth Indiana Volunteers on the 18th day
of August, and on the 19th marched twelve miles to the Chattahoochee river
bridge and encamped for the night. On the 20th the march was continued a dis
tance of about ten miles, and the regiment joined the brigade in the intrench-
ments in the immediate front of the enemy. From the 21st to the 26th, inclusive,
we remained in the same position, subjected at intervals to furious shelling from
the enemy s batteries in our front. On the 27th, at 2 A. M., we marched with
the brigade some three or four miles to the right and were formed in line on the
left flank of the Twenty-third Army Corps, where we remained during the day,
the army trains meanwhile passing to the right through our lines. On the 28th
we marched at daybreak, and, after making a distance of six or seven miles in a
southeasterly direction, crossed the Atlanta & Montgomery railroad at Eed
Oak and encamped. On the 29th, remained in position. On the 30th, marched
about five miles easterly and intrenched. On the 31st, marched about three miles
easterly and intrenched within one mile of the Atlanta & Macon railroad, our
skirmish line, supported by two or three regiments, having gained possession of
the road during the afternoon.
On the 1st day of September we marched at 11 A. M. about three miles south
easterly on the road to Jonesborough; then turning from the road to the left,
crossed the fields about a mile to the railroad, where, in the formation of the
brigade, the regiment took place, as directed, in the rear line and facing the
south. Heavy skirmishing, with occasional bursts of file firing were heard in our
front, and after a halt of a few minutes we advanced with the brigade a distance
512 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
of about three- fourths of a mile and re-formed in support to a brigade of Carlin s
division, then actually engaged with the enemy just in our front. After a sharp
contest of about half an hour the enemy was driven from his intrenchments in our
front by a charge with the bayonet, and night soon after afforded the enemy an
opportunity to retire from the contest altogether, and the firing ceased. During
the engagement we were somewhat exposed to musketry and to artillery fire at
short range from the enemy s batteries. The troops were kept covered by the
ground as much as the circumstances of the movement would admit, and but three
men were wounded in the regiment. On the 2d we marched at 8 A. M. about a
mile southeasterly, and re-formed, facing -the north. At 2 p. M. the regiment was
ordered to the railroad for the purpose of destroying the track. At 6 p. M. re
joined the brigade and marched one or two miles to a position about a mile north
east of Jonesborough, where line was formed and the troops encamped. On the
3d, 4th, and 5th, remained in position. On the 6th, marched at noon one mile
along the railroad toward Atlanta, and went into position facing south. On the
7th, marched at 7 A. M. about eight miles to Bough and Eeady Station and en
camped. On the 8th, marched about eight miles to a position near White Hall,
two miles south of Atlanta, near the Macon railroad, where the regiment is en
camped at the date of this report.
On the 7th day of May the regiment left Einggold with 451 officers and men
present, which number has been increased by recruits from depot, 176; returned
from hospital or detached service, 65; from desertion, 2. Has been decreased,
killed, 4; sent to hospital by reason of wounds, 16; for sickness, 113. Discharged
on account of expiration of term of service, 83; detail on detached service, 20;
deserted, 3; transferred, 2; dismissed, 7. Present strength, 446 officers and men.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. BISHOP,
Lieutenant Colonel, Comdg. Second Minnesota Vols.
Capt. C. A. CILLEY,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., Third Div., Fourteenth Army Corps.
EXTRACT FROM BEPORT OF COL. NEWELL GLEASON, EIGHTY-SEVENTH INDIANA
INFANTRY, COMMANDING SECOND BRIGADE.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
NEAR ATLANTA, GA., Aug. 16, 1864.
* * * June 11, moved forward and to the left about one and a half miles;
formed in line of battle and camped, the skirmishers being engaged with the
enemy. June 14, moved one mile south, skirmishing quite sharply with the
enemy; lost several men; formed in line of battle and intrenched. June 15, the
enemy having left our immediate front, the brigade moved forward about one
mile and a quarter and intrenched, the skirmishers being engaged as the advance
was made. June 17, the enemy slowly withdrawing, the brigade advanced and
took position on a ridge held by the skirmishers, and again intrenched. Enemy s
skirmishers made an attack about midnight, causing the brigade to stand to arms.
June 18, advanced line by left wheel about a mile and intrenched under heavy
fire of artillery and musketry. The Second Minnesota and Thirty-fifth Ohio
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 513
advanced into an open field under a heavy fire from the enemy s main line of
works, and thoroughly intrenched themselves, the lines then being so near that
the musketry from our lines silenced, to a great extent, the enemy s artillery.
The brigade lost quite severely in this movement. Enemy evacuated during the
night. June 19, moved about one mile and took a position in front of Kenesaw
Mountain, and intrenched, where the brigade lay under a heavy fire of artillery
and sharp skirmishing, which continued daily. On the night of the 22d moved
about one-fourth of a mile to the right and occupied a similar position, but nearer
the enemy and more exposed to his fire. In making this movement the Second
Minnesota Volunteers lost several men by shells. While occupying this position
the men of the brigade were closely confined to thej,r intreuchments on account
of the severe shelling of the enemy. * * * July 16, the Second Minnesota
Veteran Volunteers detached and ordered to Marietta. * * *
During the whole of this laborious and eventful campaign the officers and
enlisted men of this brigade have at all times manifested that patience and cheer
ful attention to duty for which they have heretofore been so signally distinguished.
Where all have done so well it would seem unjust to discriminate. I cannot,
however, fail to commend the faithful conduct of * * * Lieut. Col. J. W.
Bishop, Second Minnesota Veteran Volunteers. * * *
The casualties of the Second Minnesota and Thirty-fifth Ohio regiments will
bear a proportional average with the above regiments, including one officer in
each regiment killed. * * *
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:46:40 GMT -5
On the morning of the 26th, we drew partial rations for four days, and at noon
marched in pursuit of the retiring enemy, a distance of about eight miles, to the
crossing of Chickamauga creek by the Eossville and Graysville road, where we
bivouacked for the night.
On the 27th, at 4 A. M., we marched again, passing through Graysville and ar
riving at Einggold about 11 A. M. , a distance of about eleven miles. Here an en
gagement with the rearguard of the enemy was in progress, and we were formed
in line of battle in readiness to act as occasion might require. At noon the ene
my retired, and at night we bivouacked, remaining in the same position until
noon on the 29th, when we marched for Chattanooga, arriving at 6 p. M., a dis
tance of eighteen miles.
Of the conduct of the officers and men of the regiment under the hardships
and privations of the week s campaign in severe and inclement weather, and with
insufficient clothing and scanty rations, and especially of their gallant bearing
under fire in the operations of Wednesday, I am incompetent to speak in terms
that would do them justice.
The regiment being brought into action deployed as skirmishers, there was
better scope for individual acts of heroism or of cowardice than would otherwise
have been afforded. While I witnessed many of the former, I am proud to say
that none of the latter have come to my knowledge.
A list of casualties is herewith transmitted.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
J. W. BISHOP,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Second Regiment Minnesota Vols.
Capt. JOHN E. BEATTY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
BATTLE OF MISSION RIDGE. 403
HEADQUAETEES SECOND BEIG., THIED Div., FOUETEENTH AEMY COEPS,
VININGS STATION, GA., July 14, 1864.
Brig. Gen. OSCAE MALMEOS,
Adjutant General State of Minnesota,
GENEEAL: I have the honor to recommend the following promotions in the
Second Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers now under my command and forming
part of the brigade:
I. Lieut. Col. J. W. Bishop to be colonel.
II. Major Calvin S. Uline to be lieutenant colonel.
III. Capt. Clinton A. Cilley to be major.
The regiment now having received two detachments of recruits, numbers six
hundred and ninety-five (695) men aggregate, which, with 200 recruits, which I
am informed are now on the way to join it, will entitle the officers so promoted
to be mustered accordingly.
I take this opportunity to state that the Second Minnesota Veteran Volunteer
Infantry is regarded as one of the very best organization^ in the service, and that
the above named officers are especially deserving of promotion for their efficiency
and strict attention to duty. The good of the service and justice to these officers
require that the regiment be filled to the minimum, in order that a full quota of
field officers may be mustered.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
1ST. GLEASON,
Colonel, Comdg. Second Brig., Third Div., Fourteenth Army Corps.
14 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
[Indorsement 1.]
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
July l^, 1864.
The within recommendations for promotion in the Second Minnesota Volun
teers are fully concurred in, and speedy action in the several cases urged. For
nearly a year these officers have served in my commands, and I know them to be
competent and in every way worthy of promotion.
Eespectfully forwarded,
A. BAIRD,
Brigadier General, Commanding Division.
[Indorsement 2.1
HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
July 14, 1864.
Eespectfully forwarded. The propriety of these promotions is unquestion
able, and they are earnestly recommended.
JOHN M. PALMER,
Major General, Commanding Fourteenth Army Corps.
[Indorsement 3.]
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
July 15, 1864.
Eespectfully forwarded to his Excellency the Governor of Minnesota, recom
mending that the promotion be made as requested of Lieutenant Colonel Bishop,
Major Uline and Captain Cilley.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major General, Commanding Department of the Cumberland.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLS.,
ATLANTA, GA., Sept. 23, 1864.
Hon. S. MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota,
DEAR SIR: I have just received orders from department headquarters di
recting me with Sergeants McCorkle of Company A, Kelsey of Company B, and
Lambrecht of Company G to proceed to Fort Snelling to take charge of and bring
to the regiment all recruits (volunteers or drafted men) who may have been as
signed to my regiment, and to return in twenty days.
I shall try to get the time extended to thirty days, as it is impossible to execute
the order in twenty, and shall probably leave here on the 25th, hoping to reach
St. Paul by the 5th of October.
This ought to reach you two or three days before we arrive and I write to re
quest that, as far as may be, assignment of my men may be made and rolls pre
pared that we may not be delayed beyond the limits prescribed by our orders.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 515
It has been impossible for me to get a recruiting party or even a single suita
ble officer detailed to represent us in Minnesota during the recent harvest of vol
unteers, and we have therefore been compelled to rely entirely upon what our
friends should be able to do for us at home in the matter of filling the regiment.
I could not injustice to the deserving non-commissioned officers now and for
three years in service, recommend that recruiting commissions be given to out
siders who could raise men enough to fill the several companies, and I have
been still more unwilling to adopt that plan, as it would practically secure my
own promotion by depriving those non-commissioned officers of theirs.
Had it been possible I would have obtained the detail of a deserving non-com
missioned officer from each company to go home and by filling his company se
cure a commission, but as I before remarked, no such details could be procured
during the active campaign.
Our aggregate to-day is 626, and it will be reduced somewhat by discharges
and deaths in hospital before my return. To fill the regiment to the minimum
will require at least 250 men. I have hoped we should get more than that num
ber, but I suppose the volunteers will as a rule prefer the new regiments.
We have in camp to-day 446 men. Our average sick report for the last ten
days has been 18, a very small per cent when you consider that one-half are
new men and that we have just finished the severest campaign of the war.
But three applications for furloughs have been made, though under the rule in
operation here the regiment is entitled to 31 (five per cent of the aggregate).
I am glad to say that I believe there is no regiment in this army in better con
dition, all things considered, than my own. This is private of course.
I am, very respectfully and truly yours, j\ \y. BISHOP
Lieut. CoL, Comdg. Second Minnesota Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
Col. OSCAR MALMROS, EOME, GA., Nov. 1, 1864.
Adjutant General Minnesota,
COLONEL: In reply to the communication from your office dated Sept. 24,
1864, I have the honor to submit the following report, together with the monthly
return for October, 1864, which return will give you a correct morning report of
the regiment for Xov. 1, 1864.
On the 31st of December, 1863, our aggregate stood 530, and on Nov. 1, 1864,
590, showing an aggregate gain of 60 men.
The gains and losses being accounted for as follows:
GAIN.
Recruits from depot (including drafted men), 347; enlisted in regiment, 1; from missing in
action, 5; from desertion, 10. Total, 363.
LOSS.
Commissioned officers resigned, 4; commissioned officers discharged, 6; commissioned officers
mustered out by expiration of service, 2; commissioned officers killed in battle, 1; enlisted men
discharged by expiration of service, 205; enlisted men discharged for disability, 10, enlisted men
discharged by order, 4; enlisted men transferred (to other corps), 13; enlisted men killed in battle
or wounds received, 6; enlisted men, disease, 29; enlisted men missing, 2; enlisted men deserted,
12. Total, 294.
KECAPITULATION.
Aggregate gain, 363; aggregate loss, 294. Total gain, 69.
516 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
I have also the honor to transmit herewith inclosed the official reports of the
part taken by the regiment during the campaign from the 7th day of May to the
8th day of September, inclusive.
During the remainder of the month of September we remained at Atlanta in
active with the exception of our regular routine of camp and picket duty, and also
perfecting our recruits in company and battalion drills.
On the 3d of October we received orders to pack up all surplus baggage, store
the same in the city, and be ready to move immediately in light marching order,
which orders were promptly obeyed, our division marching that morning to the
Chattahoochee river, near Vining s Station. October 4th, moved at an early hour,
crossing the river and moving northward, on the west side of the railroad and
parallel to it, bivouacking that night near the intrenchments thrown up by our
forces on the 3d day of July last. October 5th, marched this day to the foot of
Kenesaw Mountain near Marietta, and bivouacked for the night. October 6th,
marched to near Pine Mountain. October 7th, our division was ordered out on a
reconnaissance towards Dallas, our brigade moving in advance, and the regiment
in advance of the brigade, moving on the Lost Mountain and Dallas road. Noth
ing was seen of an enemy until reaching the old rebel works at the base of the
mountain, when our skirmishers were fired on by a small body of the enemy s
cavalry. They were soon driven from the works, and we continued our advance
to within a few miles of Dallas, without meeting with any other obstructions,
when we returned to our former camp and again bivouacked for the night. Octo
ber 8th, remained in camp until 4 p. M., when we were again on the march, mov
ing in the direction of Acworth, and at 11 P. M. went into camp within a mile or
two of that place. October 9th, remained in camp this day, and on the 10th
marched at 5 p. M., passing through Allatoona during the night and encamping on
the north bank of the Etowa river at 2 A. M. October llth, marched at sunrise,
reaching Kingston about dark, and encamping for the night. October 12th,
marched again at daylight, and at 9 p. M. went into camp near Eome. October
13th, remained in camp until 8 p. M., when moving out on the route to Calhoun,
marched about six miles and bivouacked by the roadside until morning. Octo
ber 14th, marched at early daylight, passed through Calhoun in the afternoon and
encamped near Eesaca. October 15th, crossed the Ostanoola river at sunrise,
moved north along the railroad three miles, when taking a westerly course we
reached the foot of John s Mountain, near Snake Creek Gap, which the Fourth
and Fourteenth Army Corps were ordered to ascend and move down the ridge
for the purpose of flanking the rearguard of the enemy, who were fortified in the
gap. While the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps were menacing them in front,
we reached the summit of the mountain about 8 o clock p. M., and bivouacked
for the night. The enemy anticipating our movement, had retired in the even
ing. October 16th, moved down the mountain at daylight, passing through the gap
and continuing the march across the valley, encamped in the evening near Ship s
Gap, in Taylor s Eidge. October 17th, remained in camp. October 18th, marched
at 9 o clock, passing through Ship s Gap into the other valley, and taking the
Summerville road moved in a southwesterly direction until 8 p. M., when we biv
ouacked for the night. October 19th, marched again at daylight and reaching
Summerville about 4 p. M., where we remained until the 20th. At 8 A. M. marched,
passing through the town on the road to Gaylesville, Ala., and went into camp
at 9 p. M. within three miles of that place. October 21st, our brigade marched
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 517
into Gaylesville and encamped on the bank of the Chattooga river, having been
ordered here to build a bridge, and also to run a large gristmill. We remained
here until the 29th, constructing the bridge, sending out large foraging parties
for all the grain they could find in the country, and running the mill night and
day converting the same into flour and meal for the use of the army. October
29th, moved across the river, destroying the mill and bridge in our rear, marched
to within five miles of Eome and encamped. October 30th, marched into Eome,
our campaign, so far as pursuing the rebel army, being ended. During the lat
ter part of the campaign, since crossing Taylor s Eidge, we have subsisted almost
entirely from off the country, the government issuing nothing but salt and
rations of fresh beef when other could not be obtained.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
CAL. S. ULINE,
Major, Comdg. Second Minn. Vols.
Report of First Lieutenant Henry S. Hurter, First Minnesota Battery.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY,
IN THE FIELD, GEORGIA, Nov. 11. 1864-
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjutant General of the State of Minnesota,
GENERAL: In accordance with your request of September 24th, 1864, I here
with send to you a morning report of this battery from the 1st day of November,
1864, also a report of the casualties, etc., during the year, and within a short
history of the company.
On the 1st of November, 1863, the battery laid in camp one mile south of
Vicksburg; Captain Clayton, then commanding, received orders to go to Minnesota
on recruiting service, and started on the 9th, the command then coming in my
hands. The months of November and December were, whenever the weather
allowed, improved in drilling the battery, also January and part of February, in
which latter month, on the llth, Captain Clayton returned with 73 recruits; on the
24th of February 52 veterans of the battery, in charge of Lieutenant Hurter, left
for Minnesota. On the 5th of March Captain Clayton exchanged the old guns, two
12-pound howitzers, and two 6-pound rifled guns, caliber 3.67, for four new rifled
3-inch Eodman s guns. On the 25th the battery went out to Black river, twelve
miles from Vicksburg, with the First Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps,
under Brig. Gen. E. S. Dennis. On the 4th of April we were transferred to the
Third Division, under Brigadier General Legett, and marched back to Yicksburg,
were put on board the transport Z. C. Swan, left at dusk and proceeded up river
and landed at Cairo, 111. On the 17th disembarked and came into camp; there
the veterans joined the battery again on the 21st. On the 27th embarked on
transport Colossus, and moved up the Tennessee river, landed at Clifton, Tenn.
On the 1st of May landed there, and after camping four days marched with the
so-called Tennessee Eiver Expedition, under Brigadier General Gresham, via
Pulaski, Tenn., to Athens, Ala., camped there eight days and left on the 19th for
Hantsville, Ala., arriving there on the 20th. On the 22d Captain Clayton left on
leave of absence for Minnesota.
518 OFFICIAL REPOETS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
At the reorganization of the Seventeenth Army Corps, commanded by Maj.
Gen. F. P. Blair, the battery was attached to the Fourth Division, Brigadier
General Crocker commanding. The corps left Huntsville for Decatur, Tenn.,
on the 25th of May, and from there marched via Summerville, Warrenton and
Heudricksville, Tenn., and Cedar Bluff to Borne, Ga., 5th of June; from there to
Kingston, Cartersville, Allatoona and Acworth, Ga. , where we arrived on the 8th
of June, joining there Sherman s army, and especially the Army of the Tennessee,
under the gallant McPherson, consisting then of three army corps; the Fifteenth,
under Major General Logan, Sixteenth, under Major General Dodge, and the Sev
enteenth, under Blair. On the 12th of June our guns opened for the first time on
the enemy, who had works north of the Kenesaw Mountains, on the top of which
we could observe large crowds of people looking at the doings of the two armies.
More or less firing until the 20th, when the rebels evacuated their lines, and the
army advanced about two miles and took position on the foot of the Kenesaw
Mountain. Heavy fighting was done there, but the enemy s position being very
strong, Sherman moved the Army of the Tennessee, then forming the left wing, on
the night of the 2d of July, in rear of our lines of the other troops on the extreme
right, thus forcing the enemy to give up his position on the mountain and in
Marietta, in order to oppose our crossing the Chattahoochee river. On the 4th
of July the right section with two regiments of infantry, Fifteenth and Sixteenth,
regiments of Iowa Volunteers, advanced towards Nickajack creek, but soon found
the enemy in force; the whole corps was engaged before night, and on the morn
ing of the 5th, after shelling the rebel works for about half an hour, the infantry
stormed and took them, pushing the rebels slowly back in their main works on
the river. The battery was in position on a high hill, in full view, about two
miles from the rebel works, and although for some time fired on very lively, had
nobody hurt. On the llth the rebels evacuated during the night and fell back
on the opposite shore. On the 16th the Army of the Tennessee made another
flank movement to the extreme left again, passing through Marietta, Bosswell,
crossing the Chattahoochee river near that place, and after passing Decatur
turned westward, meeting the enemy about two miles from Atlanta on the
20th. The battery took position and opened with good effect, but so did the
rebels, killing five of our horses, their shells falling thick around us, one shell
striking under the trail of one of our guns and setting the piece straight on
its muzzle. Fired some on the 21st. Changed position twice that day, and
occupied that night and part of the 22d a fort in rear of the Third Division,
Seventeenth Army Corps, near the place where Major General McPherson fell.
The bloody battle of the 22d was fought under our eyes, we not being able to
fire one round, as our trains were moving between us and our lines, un
til in the evening, when we silenced a rebel battery, who opened a flank
fire on the Sixteenth Army Corps. On the 26th we made another flank move
to the right again; arrived on the morning of the 28th near Ezra Church,
when about noon the rebels made an assault on the Fifteenth Corps, but
were badly repulsed, leaving the front literally covered with dead and wounded.
The left section had taken position and fired a few rounds, but could not do much,
the position being too much exposed. On the 30th July, when we had just
moved into park, a 64-pound shell from the rebels struck the right caisson, ex
ploded the powder in two limber chests and some of the shells, but did not harm
a man with one exception, although we were at close intervals, and men promis-
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THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 519
cuously among the carriages. On the 2d of August the centre and left sections,
and on the 6th the right section, moved into positions fixed for them in the linesj
we were then about two miles from Atlanta, but fired our shells with ease into
town. More or less firing was done, according to the enemy s annoyance, we
advancing our works every few days. On the 14th Lieutenant Koethe was
killed inside of our works by a stray rebel bullet passing through his heart, kill
ing him instantly. On the 26th we moved from our position and with the army
to the right, striking the Montgomery railroad on the 28th, destroying it effectu
ally, and then moving towards the Macon railroad, meeting the enemy on the 31st
near Jonesboro, and driving him steadily, following to near Lovejoy Station,
when we returned to Eastpoint, going into camp there to rest, refit and recruit
up. We laid there from, the 10th of September to the 3d of October, when march
ing order came suddenly; as our horses were not all in condition for a long, te
dious march, only two sections turned out, the centre section remaining in charge
of Second Lieut. John D. Eoss at Atlanta, Ga. The other two sections were un
der command of First Lieut. H. Hurter, Captain Clayton being chief of artillery,
Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. We left camp at 6 o clock on the
4th of October, marching over very bad roads till night, and next morning to a
place three miles southwest from Marietta. From there we went through Ac-
worth and Allatoona, where a few days before the rebels were nobly repulsed by
the small garrison, of which the Fourth Minnesota Eegiment of Infantry formed a
part Cartersville, Kingston, Adairsville, Calhoun, Eesaca, through Snake Gap,
to near Yillanow, Ga., where we remained two days, and from where we sent all
surplus baggage, etc., to Chattanooga, Tenn., leaving but one team with the bat
tery. Marched on the 18th from here to Summerville, Alpine, Ga., to Gayles-
ville, Ala., where we camped from the 21st to the 29th. During this time the
artillery of the Seventeenth Army Corps was organized into an independent bri
gade under Major Powell, Second Eegiment Illinois Light Artillery, Captain Clay
ton being assistant chief of artillery. Out of ten batteries belonging to the
corps, only three were selected to remain with the army, viz. : the Fifteenth Ohio
Battery, First Lieutenant Burdick commanding; Company C, First Michigan
Light Artillery, First Lieutenant Shier commanding, and First Minnesota, Lieu
tenant Hurter commanding. All the others were sent back to Nashville, Tenn.,
into the reserve artillery park. Left camp on the 29th at 6 o clock A. M., marched
through Cedar Bluff, and arrived on the 30th near Cave Spring, Ga., where we
remained in camp on the 31st in order to have the troops mustered for pay.
This, general, is a short sketch of the military history of this battery. Any
particulars you wish to add, you will be enabled to get from our non- veterans,
who will soon be discharged and return to the state.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. HURTER,
Senior First Lieut., Comdg. Battery.
EXTRACT FROM MONTHLY EEPORT OF CAPT. WILLIAM Z. CLAYTON, FIRST
MINNESOTA BATTERY, DATED IN THE FIELD, GEORGIA, JULY 31, 1864.
On the 2d day of July the battery moved from its former position at the foot
of Kenesaw Mountain to the right. On the 4th it was ordered, section at a
520 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
time, to the front and went forward with the skirmishers. During the day it
fired about 80 rounds of ammunition; during the night constructed a work and
on the morning of the 6th went into it. On the 8th the enemy opened from a
post in front of us, with 18 pieces of artillery. We, with other batteries of our
division, returned the fire. We fired 123 rounds with good effect. On the 16th
moved to the left and crossed the Chattahoochee river at Boswell; went into
position on the 20th and fired 130 rounds. While in this position we had 1
private and 4 public horses killed with one shell from the enemy s gun. On the
26th moved to the right. On the 27th the battery was engaged while the enemy
was stubbornly endeavoring to turn the extreme right flank of our army, and
fired 22 rounds from one section. On the 30th the battery was relieved and
moved into park at 5 o clock p. M. At 6 p. M. we had 1 caisson blown up by
the explosion of a 64-pound shell thrown from the enemy s gun.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY,
OSCAR MALMROS, BEFORE ATLANTA, GA., Aug. 18, 1864.
Adjutant General Minnesota,
SIR: I have to report the death of First Lieut. William C. F. Koethe of the
First Minnesota Battery, who was killed on the 15th of August, while tempo
rarily in command of four pieces of this battery, which were in position to operate
against the city of Atlanta.
The enemy had a complete enfilading fire upon the position which Lieutenant
Koethe occupied, and a rebel sharpshooter shot a ball through his left arm, which
passed through his heart and came out on his right side. He died without a
struggle.
Lieutenant Koethe was from Germany, where his father still resides. He
entered the battery, at its original organization, as a private; served as such until
the 1st of September, 1863, when he was promoted to second lieutenant for his
noble worth in the service of his adopted country. He was again promoted to
junior first lieutenant, July 19, 1864. He rendered noble service on the 20th,
21st, 22d and 28th of July, in command of his section of the battery, during the
fearful struggle in front of Atlanta.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM Z. CLAYTON,
Captain, First Minnesota Battery.
EXTRACT FROM MONTHLY EEPORT OF FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY, DATED
AUG. 31, 1864.
On the 1st of August the battery laid in park near Ezra Church, Ga., in rear
of our lines. Centre and left section moved into position on the 2d and the right
on the 6th; they fired more or less every day until the 25th, when the whole army
of the Tennessee moved to the right, striking the Montgomery & Atlanta railroad
on the 28th. After destroying the same effectually we moved on towards Jones-
boro, on the Macon road; we came into position on the 31st, but did not fire any
that day.
THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 521
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY,
OSCAR MALMROS, NEAR ATLANTA, GA., Sept. 15, 1864.
Adjutant General Minnesota,
GENERAL: Inclosed please find the return of this company for the month of
August, 1864, it having been utterly impossible to forward the same at an earlier
period.
The battery is now in camp, resting from the fatigues and troubles of the late
campaign, but preparing vigorously for a fall and (who knows), if necessary, win
ter campaign. May only the North make one more effort, send forth the scores
of young men lounging around in the great cities, wasting their money and their
health, and fill up our decimated ranks once more, I am sure that the next sum
mer would not see anything more of this rebellion.
But, alas! how many homes will be desolate, how many hearts of loving wives,
endearing children will wait in vain for their returning husbands and fathers?
Many a place will be vacant, that before the war was blooming in health, beauty
and love, its occupant lying silent and cold in strange soil! We too have to
lament the death of two of our men, two of our best soldiers, who have died, not
on the battle-field, but victims to disease and the treatment that our soldiers re
ceive from those so-called surgeons in the hospitals. William Yincens, sergeant,
and Gustavus Andre, private, both from New TJlm, died, the latter on the 4th
inst., at Vining s Station, Ga., the former at Atlanta on the 7th inst. Their
friends will be much surprised at the news, as the time of the enlistment of the
two was almost expired.
Tendering you my best respects, I am, yours very respectfully,
H. HURTER,
First Lieutenant, Commanding Battery.
EXTRACT PROM THE MONTHLY EEPORT OF FIRST LIEUTENANT H. HURTER,
FIRST MINNESOTA BATTERY, DATED NEAR ATLANTA, GA., SEPT. 30, 1864.
The battery marched on the 2d instant from the position it held on the 1st
near Jonesboro, Ga., to the right, and when near Lovejoy s Station, came in sight
of the rebels, firing about thirty shots at them. On the 5th instant it left this
position again, marching back to Jonesboro and Eastpoint and reaching the
present camp grounds on the evening of the 9th, whence we tried to fix ourselves
as comfortably as possible.
On the 4th instant Private William Winges was wounded in camp by a rebel
rifle ball passing through his left cheek.
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF LIEUT. SAMUEL EDGE, SIXTEENTH OHIO INFANTRY,
ACTING SIGNAL OFFICER, DATED HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL DETACHMENT,
FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, EAST POINT, GA., SEPT. 12, 1864.
* # * June 14, moved to the front of Kenesaw Mountain, and established
two stations of observation. Lieutenants Edge, Worley, and Allen occupying
522 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
one, and Lieutenants ^Yeirick and Fish the other, received several contraband
messages of considerable importance, which were transmitted with promptness
to Major Generals McPherson and Logan. June 15, occupied the same stations;
received several contraband messages, all of which were transmitted to the gen
erals. Lieutenant Weirick directed the firing of the First Minnesota Battery,
Captain Clayton, by the aid of his glass, which resulted in blowing up a caisson
and knocking off one wheel of a gun. * * *
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. WILLIAM HALL, ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY,
COMMANDING- THIRD BRIGADE, OF OPERATIONS JUNE 27 AND JULY 5 AND
22, DATED HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FOURTH DIVISION, SEV
ENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, IN THE FIELD, GEORGIA, JUNE 28, 1864.
* * * My line of battle extended from the left of the First Brigade and
behind a line of rifle-pits thrown up by me on the crest of the hill on the 24th
instant. My regiments were posted in the following order: The Fifteenth Iowa
Volunteers on the right in support of the First Minnesota Battery, and having
on its left the Tenth Ohio Battery. * * *
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF BRIG. GEN. WILLIAM W. BELKNAP, COMMANDING
THIRD BRIGADE, DATED HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, FOURTH DI
VISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, NEAR ATLANTA, GA., SEPT. 11, 1864.
* * * September 9, moved at 9 A. M. and reached present position at 12 M.,
where the command is in line with the Fifteenth, Thirteenth, and Sixteenth Iowa
on the left of the First Minnesota Battery, the Eleventh Iowa being in re
serve. * * *
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS 1864.
Eeport of Brig. Gen. Henry H. Sibley, Commanding District of Minnesota.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA,
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Oct. 10, 1864.
GENERAL: In compliance with directions contained in dispatch of 5th in
stant, from department headquarters, I have the honor to make the following
report of military operations for the year ending 1st instant:
Upon the return from the expedition under my command against the hostile
Sioux Indians in September, 1863, I was instructed to dispatch to the South all
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 523
the force that could be spared from this district. Orders were accordingly issued
to the Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Minnesota Volunteers to proceed without un
necessary delay to St. Louis, and report for duty to the commanding officer of
the Department of the Missouri, and these regiments left this district accordingly
on the 7th. and 8th of October following.
The Sixth and Eighth regiments were retained for the protection of the fron
tier, the former being for the most part posted at Forts Snelling and Eidgley, and
at the out stations north of the Minnesota river, to Paynesville, and south to the
Iowa line, while the companies of the Eighth garrisoned Forts Abercrombie, Eip-
ley, and the intervening stations, and performed escort duty to the trains of pub
lic supplies. The Independent Battalion of Minnesota Volunteers, raised and
commanded by Maj. E. A. C. Hatch, having been ordered to report to me for as
signment to duty, was dispatched on 10th of October to Pembina, to hold in
check the hostile Sioux who had retreated for safety into her Majesty s cotermi
nous possessions, where they could not be followed by our troops, as I had re
ceived stringent orders from General Halleck, through department headquarters,
in no case to cross the boundary line with a military force. About ninety Sioux,
men, women, and children, came across the boundary and surrendered to Major
Hatch, commanding at Pembina. The battalion, with one section of mountain
howitzers of Third Minnesota mixed battery, went into winter quarters at Pem
bina, and remained until about the 1st of May of the present year, when I ordered
Major Hatch with his command to relieve the detachments of the Eighth Eegi-
ment Minnesota Volunteers at Fort Abercrombie, and at the stations of Pomme
de Terre and Alexandria, that regiment having been designated as part of the
expeditionary force to join Brigadier General Sully on the Missouri. The other
three sections of the mixed gun and howitzer battery (Third Minnesota) were
stationed respectively at Forts Eidgley, Snelling, and Eipley.
During the month of September, 1863, Sergeant Edwards, of the First Minne
sota Mounted Eangers, was killed by a party of savages on the road between Lake
George and Paynesville. This was the only outrage committed after the close
of the campaign of 1863. In that year, within this district, I kept employed dur
ing the winter an efficient body of Indians and half-breeds, who had proved their
fidelity to the government since the outbreak of 1862, as scouts, and so disposed
of them as to secure constant and reliable information of the movements of the
hostile bands from time to time, and of their views and intentions. Knowing
there were among the Sisseton Sioux quite a considerable number who were anx
ious to make peace with our government, I employed, with your sanction, Eev.
Father Andr6 and J. E. Brown as special agents on the part of the military
authorities to open a communication with them, and endeavor to detach them,
and also well-disposed Indians, of other bands, from the hostile combinations.
Their efforts were only partially successful. Some of the chiefs and principal
braves appeared at Fort Abercrombie and signed the conditions of peace which
were granted them, but the larger portion of the friendly disposed Sissetons were
prevented from thus surrendering themselves by the menaces of the bands still
determined upon war, and by the representations of the Eed Eiver half-breeds
that if they did give themselves up they would all be executed by hanging. A vigi
lant watch was enforced along the extensive frontier by the forces stationed for
that purpose, but no raids were attempted by the savages during the winter. On
24 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
the 17th of May, 1864, a white boy was killed by a war party on the Watonwan
river, and on the following day a soldier of the Sixth Minnesota Yolnnteers was
wounded not far from the same spot. One of the Indians, probably belonging to
the same gang, was subsequently killed by two soldiers of the Sixth Eegiment
near the Cottonwood river, and the others only escaped by concealing themselves
in the almost impenetrable thickets on the banks of that stream. A foray was
made on the llth of August following, on the settlements on the Blue Earth river,
and two citizens were killed and one badly wounded by the savages, who suc
ceeded in effecting their escape, after a hot chase by a detachment of the Second
Minnesota Cavalry. The pursuit was followed up by a number of my scouts,
until the latter found themselves confronted by a force of fifty warriors, who,
luckily for the pursuers, were for the most part without horses. From conversa
tion with the Indians at a safe distance the scouts learned that they were of
"White Lodge s band of Sisseton Sioux, the actors in the horrible massacres com
mitted at Lake Shetek in 1862. A strong detachment of cavalry was sent to de
stroy this party as soon as information had been given of their proximity to the
settlements, but some days having intervened no traces could be found of the
savages, who seem to have retreated precipitately to the westward after having
been discovered. Three citizen teamsters were murdered by a party of twenty-
one Sioux warriors on the 24th of August, on the Eed Eiver of the North, at a
point equally distant between Georgetown and Fort Abercrombie. The murderers
were pursued by Major Adams with a detachment of forty men of his battalion,
but they had too long a start to be overtaken. Other small parties of Indians
have infested the frontier during the summer, but the slender force under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Pfaender was kept in motion, and with the aid
of a few state minute- men, called into service by Governor Miller, has secured the
settlers from further molestation up to the present time.
In obedience to your summons, I repaired to the headquarters of the depart
ment at Milwaukee in the latter part of February last, to confer with yourself and
Brigadier General Sully relative to the military operations of the ensuing season.
The plan adopted by you was communicated to each of us officially, and in ac
cordance with that part of it which required me to furnish a force from this mili
tary district to join General Sully s command on the Missouri, I issued orders for
the concentration near Fort Eidgley, on the 28th of May following, of the Eighth
Minnesota Volunteers, under Colonel Thomas, of six companies of the Second
Cavalry, under Colonel McLaren, and two sections of the mixed gun and howitzer
battery of the Third Minnesota, under Captain Jones. This force, including
about forty scouts, numbered 1,551 men, all mounted, and Col. M. T. Thomas, of
the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, was placed in command, with orders to march
on the 6th of June to Swan Lake, the locality on the Missouri river indicated for
the junction with Brigadier General Sully. The route was prescribed by me, and
so well timed was the movement that the co-operating force from this district
reached Swan Lake only a few hours after the arrival of the other brigade, having
marched 332 miles from Fort Eidgley.
The operations of General Sully being confined entirely to the limits of his
own district, it is no part of my duty to follow his movements or detail the part
taken by the brigade from this district in the two successive engagements which
resulted in the defeat of the Teton bands of Sioux with a heavy loss in warriors,
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EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 525
and the sacrifice of a very large amount of subsistence, buffalo robes, cooking
utensils, etc. In these conflicts I have good reason for the belief that the Minne
sota troops gallantly performed their part. The Eighth Eegiment Minnesota
Volunteers is now on the way to this city en route for the South, in accordance
with your directions, and the other detachments are being stationed for the
additional defense of the frontier. The Sixth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers
was, by directions of the War Department, communicated through you, dis
patched to Helena, Ark., from this district on the 14th of June last. The chasm
created by the removal of that regiment from the line of posts north and south
of the Minnesota river, including Fort Eidgley, was but partially and insuf
ficiently filled by two companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry, which was all
the disposable force at my command for that purpose, and I felt great anxiety
lest a knowledge on the part of the powerful bands of Sioux on the north of the
Missouri that very few troops were left for the protection of so long a line would
embolden them to make a demonstration in force and renew the atrocities of 1862.
That this was not done can be accounted for in no other way than that they had
not yet recovered from the demoralizing effects of the defeats encountered by them
during the campaigns of 1862 and 1863. Fort Wadsworth, so denominated by
order of the War Department, is a new post in process of construction near the
head of the Coteau des Prairies, about 190 miles from Fort Eidgley and seventy-
five from Fort Abercrombie. Your directions required me to build the fort on the
James river, if timber sufficient could be found, and if not, to select the near
est practicable site to that stream. After a full examination of the valley of the
James river by Captain Burton, a competent and judicious officer, MajorClowney,
of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers, who had been chosen by me to carry out
your instructions, became satisfied, as I had previously been from personal obser
vation, that no wood for a military post could be found on the upper James river.
Following my orders he examined the country near the head of the Coteau des Prai
ries, and fixed upon what is represented by all who have seen it to be a very com
manding and defensible position. The work was energetically commenced and
prosecuted by Major Clowney, and is proceeding as rapidly as possible under the
direction of his successor, Major Eose, Second Minnesota Cavalry, who with four
companies of that regiment has relieved the four companies of the Thirtieth Wis
consin Volunteers at that post. The latter command is on its way to this city,
being ordered by you to the South. Fort Wadsworth is one of the most impor
tant military stations of the Northwest. It is to be hoped that your intention
to construct a similar large fort at Devil s Lake can be successfully carried out
during the coming year, thus completing the cordon of posts in the heart of the
Indian country. When completed and garrisoned by a strong force they will
exercise a powerful effect upon the wild bands of Sioux, who for the past two
years have occasioned so much mourning and alarm among the white border
settlers by their ruthless deeds of massacre and desolation.
In addition to the other duties imposed upon the troops in this district, they
have had to act as escorts to trains of supplies to distant posts, and on one occa
sion last fall three companies of the Sixth Minnesota Volunteers were dispatched,
as guard to a large provision train belonging to the U. S. Indian Department, to
the Indian reservation on the Missouri. These companies with their charge left
on 15th of November, accomplished the march safely, and returned to this district
526 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
about the 1st of January last, having marched nearly 800 miles, without any loss
of men or animals. The extent of the line to be protected from the hostile In
dians may be estimated at upward of 400 miles, and a force is also required at
Fort Eipley to operate as a check on the Chippewas, who are uneasy and discon
tented. Until these Indian difficulties are at an end there should be, in my judg
ment, not less than one entire regiment of men and one battery, in addition to the
force required to hold the posts and stations, in order properly to defend the
frontier and repel attack. There are now in this district the regiment of Second
Minnesota Cavalry, six companies of Independent Battalion, one company Vet
eran Eeserve Corps, Third Minnesota Battery, five companies of United States
Volunteers and Connecticut cavalry, with detachments of other rebel deserters
and refugees which have been dispatched to this district for service. Many of
the latter are desperate characters, requiring an equal number of men to keep them
in subjection and prevent their desertion. A few men have been on duty in the
provost marshal s department, and one company of the Independent Battalion is
now serving as provost guard under the direction of acting assistant provost mar
shal general of the state.
In concluding this report I beg leave to call through you the earnest attention
of the honorable Secretary of War to a subject which I have repeatedly presented
in my official dispatches to department headquarters. I refer to the fact that the
British Government still permits her Majesty s territories to be made the refuge
of the murdering bands who disturb the peace of our frontier, from the pursuit
of the troops under my command, and these savages are in constant and open
communication with British traders, who furnish them with ammunition and
other articles with which to carry on the war with our government without let
or hindrance by the local authorities. Indeed, the half-breed subjects of her
Britannic Majesty traverse our domain in every direction for purposes of trading
and hunting, and are thus directly interested in the continuance of hostilities be
tween us and the upper bands of Sioux Indians, and it is known that they foment
discontent with the Chippewas with whom they come in contact by representa
tions that they are defrauded by the United States Government by payment in
paper instead of coin, of the money due them under treaty stipulations. In fact,
until some arrangement shall be made between the two governments whereby,
these constant violations of international comity on the part of her Majesty s
subjects can be arrested, and a sufficient force of troops to guarantee the neutrality
of British soil stationed in the vicinity of the boundary line, it is almost hopeless
to look for a speedy solution of these Indian difficulties. On the contrary, if it
can possibly be effected by the influence of the Bed Eiver half-breeds, we may
anticipate that the Chippewas will soon be added to the number of our active
enemies. I trust you will agree with me in my views of the importance to be
attached to early action on the part of the United States Government, and press
the subject upon the attention of the honorable Secretary of War.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SlBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Comdg. Department of the Nortiiwest, Milwaukee, Wis.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 527
Reports of Brig. Gen. Alfred Sully, Commanding Northwestern Indian Expedition.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP ON HEART KIVER, DAK. TER., July 31, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of niy operations since
July 25th:
On the 23d of this month I reached this point, having made rapid marches,
considering I had a very large emigrant train under my charge. I had started in
a direction west, but on the road, receiving information that the Indians were on
or near the Knife river, I changed my course in a northerly direction. On my
arrival at this point I corralled all my wagons and the emigrant train, leaving it
under charge of Captain Tripp, Dakota cavalry, with a sufficient force to guard
against danger, intending to start with pack-mules, but on opening the boxes I
found no saddle-blankets. This I replaced with gunny sacks. I then found the
bands that go over the packs and under the belly (called cintuas, I believe) in
stead of being made of webbing or several thicknesses of duck sewed together, and
about six or eight inches wide, were made of hard leather about three inches
wide. The torture to the mules, when these pieces of what ought to be called
sheet-iron were brought tight into their bellies, was such that they were kicking
and jumping in all directions and succeeded in either getting their packs off or break
ing the saddle. I therefore had to give up the pack-mule system, for two days
march with such instruments of torture would completely use up all my animals.
I then pressed into the service all the light private wagons with me, placing in
each four of my best mules and hauling 1, 000 pounds each. By throwing away all
tents, everything but provisions and ammunition, I could move rapidly with a
very few wagons. About 3 P. M. of the 26th I succeeded in getting off, and about
10 A. M. of the 28th succeeded in reaching the enemy s camp, about eighty miles
march. All their camp was standing when I reached there, and they prepared
for a fight, no doubt with full confidence of whipping me, for they had twenty-
four hours notice of my advance, by a party of my scouts falling in with a war
party of theirs not sixteen miles from here. We followed their trail, which led
me to the camp. I found the Indians strongly posted on the side of a mountain
called Tahkahokuty Mountain, which is a small chain of very high hills, filled
with ravines, thickly timbered and well watered, situated on a branch of the Little
Missouri, Gros Yentres, latitude 47 15 , as laid down on the government map.
The prairie in front of the camp is very rolling, and on the left as we ap
proached high hills. On the top and sides of these hills and on my right, at
the base of the mountains, also on the hillocks in front on the prairie, the Indians
were posted; there were over 1,600 lodges, at least 5,000 or 6,000 warriors, com
posed of the Unkpapas, Sans Arcs, Blackfeet, Minneconjous, Yanktonais, and
Santee Sioux. My force consisted as follows: Eleven companies of the Sixth
Iowa Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Pollock commanding; three companies of the
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Pattee commanding; two companies of
Dakota cavalry, Captain Miner commanding; four companies of Brackett s Min
nesota Battalion, Major Brackett commanding; about seventy scouts, and a
prairie battery of two sections, commanded by Capt. N. Pope. This formed the
First Brigade. Ten companies of the Eighth Minnesota Infantry, under com-
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:51:39 GMT -5
528 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. mand of Lieutenant Colonel Bogers; six companies of the Second Minnesota Cav alry, under Colonel McLaren, and two sections of the Third Minnesota Battery, under Captain Jones, formed the Second Brigade, under command of Colonel Thomas. The whole of my force numbering on the field about 2,200 men. Finding it was impossible to charge, owing to the country being intersected by deep ravines filled with timber, I dismounted and deployed six companies of the Sixth Iowa on the right and three companies of the Seventh Iowa, and on the left six companies of the Eighth Minnesota Infantry; placed Pope s battery in the centre, supported by two companies of cavalry; the Second Cavalry, on the left, drawn up by squadrons, Brackett s Minnesota Battalion on the right in the same order, Jones battery and four companies of cavalry as a reserve. The few wagons I had closed up, and the rearguard, composed of three companies, followed. In this order we advanced, driving in the Indians till we reached the plain between the hills and mountains. Here large bodies of Indians flanked me. The Second Cavalry drove them from the left. A very large body of Indians collected on my right for a charge. I directed Brackett to charge them. This he did gallantly, driving them in a circle of about three miles to the base of the mountains and beyond my line of skirmishers, killing many of them. The Indians, seeing his position, collected in large numbers on him, but he repelled them, assisted by some well-directed shots from Jones battery. About this time a large body of Indians, who we ascertained afterward had been out hunting for me, came up on my rear. I brought a piece of Jones battery to the rear, and with the rearguard dispersed them. The Indians, seeing that the day would not be favorable for them, had commenced taking down their lodges and sending back their families. I swung the left of my line round to the right and closed on them, sending Pope with his guns and the Dakota cavalry (two companies) forward. The artillery fire soon drove them out of their strong positions in the ravines, and Jones battery, with Brackett s battalion, moving up on the right, soon put them to flight, the whole of my line advancing at the same time. By sunset no Indians were on the ground. A body, however, appeared on top of the mountain over which they had retreated. I sent Major Camp, Eighth Minnesota, with four companies of the Eighth Minnesota, forward. They ascended to the top of the hill, putting the Indians to flight and killing several. The total number of killed, judging from what we saw, was from 100 to 150. I saw them during the fight carry off a great many dead or wounded. The very strong position they held and the advantages they had to retreat over a broken country prevented me from killing more. We slept on the battle ground that night. The next morning before daylight we started to go round the mountain, as I could not get up it with wagons and artillery in front. After six miles march, I came in sight of the trail on the other side the mountain, but could not get to it. One sight of the country convinced me there was no use trying to follow up the Indians through such a country and find them. I went on top the hill, and as far as I could see with my glass (some thirty miles) the country was cut up in all directions by deep ravines, sometimes near 100 feet deep, filled with timber, the banks almost perpendicular. I therefore thought the next best thing to do was to destroy their camp. This I did, ordering Colonel McLaren, Second Oav- alry, on that duty. I inclose you a report of property destroyed by him. That afternoon I marched six miles from the battle ground and camped. About dark EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 529 a large body of Indians came onto my pickets and killed two. A command was immediately sent after them, but they fled in all directions. They made no further demonstrations on my march to this point, which I reached yesterday, my animals well tired out, having made a march of over 165 miles in six days, one day being occupied in the fight. The officers and men of my command behaved well, and all appeared desirous to carry out my instructions as well as they could. My thanks are due to the officers of my staff for communicating my orders promptly, sometimes being obliged to expose themselves very much in so doing Captain Pell, assistant adjutant general; Major Wood, Fifteenth New York Cavalry, chief of cavalry; Captain Marsh, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, acting assistant inspector general; Captain Von Minden, Brackett s battalion, acting topographi cal engineer; Lieutenant Ellison, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, acting ordnance officer; Lieutenant Bacon, Dakota cavalry, acting assistant quartermaster; and I was also obliged to accept the services of Surgeon Freeman, medical director, to carry orders. I shall march toward the Yellowstone in two days, bearing a little south, and I expect to overtake the enemy again on my way. I would beg leave also to add that the day after the fight, when I returned to the enemy s camp, some In dians came forward and planted a white flag on the hillside; some men, however, fired on them and they retreated. I saw the flag too late. I inclose you the list 1 of killed and wounded, and reports of different com manders. With much respect, your obedient servant, ALF. SULLY, Brigadier General. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL, Department of the Northwest. HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, CAMP ON THE YELLOWSTONE EIVER, DAK. TER., Aug. 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of my operations since I made my last report, on the 31st of July, on my return to Heart river, after my fight: I assembled together all the Indians and half-breed guides I had to consult about my course. I had not quite six days full rations on hand, and I must strike the Yellowstone by the most direct route at the Braseau house, where I had ordered two small steamers to meet me the first part of August. They all told nie it was impossible for wagons to get through the country near the Little Missouri, without they went south, the route I started on before I was turned to the north by the report that the Indians were on Knife river. I would thus strike the Yellowstone, near the Powder river, and it would take me two or three weeks, and then, besides, I could not meet my boats there. One Indian, however, a Yanktonian, told me he had frequently been across that country on war parties, and he thought he could take the wagons through by digging some through the hills. I placed myself under his guidance, and he took me in a west direction for 1 Shows 2 killed and 8 wounded in Brackett s Minnesota Battalion; 1 killed and 1 wounded in Sixth Iowa Cavalry; 2 killed in Second Minnesota Cavalry; and 1 wounded in the First Battalion Dakota cavalry. |
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 14:54:14 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 533
the Yellowstone, which we reached on the 12th of August, over a section of coun
try I never wish to travel again; our animals half dead with hunger; the grass
entirely eaten off. I should judge it was never very good grass in the best of sea
sons. The water we had to drink the worst sort of alkali water; this told on the
animals. Fortunately, we here met the two boats I ordered to get up the Yel
lowstone, if possible, and the first steamer that ever attempted to ascend this
river. These boats were the Chippewa Falls and Alone, small stern-wheel steam
ers, the former drawing only twelve inches light; they each had about fifty
tons of freight; very little of it corn. The steamer Island City, having
aboard nearly all my corn, struck a snag near Fort Union and sunk. The steam
ers attempted to go above this point, but a rapid shoal rendered it impossible.
It was also fortunate for the boats that we arrived when we did, for the water is
falling fast, and it will be impossible for them to go down the stream over rapids
below without the help of our wagons. Having no grain to recuperate my ani
mals I had to again change my plans.
I intended to again strike across the country northeast, in the hopes of reach
ing the Indians again, but without any grass for several days this could not be
-done. I therefore crossed the command over the river, fording it with my wagons
without much difficulty. The building of the post on the Yellowstone this year
I consider not practicable. The loss of one of my boats, the impossibility of get
ting boats this late up the river, and the want of grass preventing me from haul
ing stores several hundred miles up the river will show you the reasons. I shall
follow down the Yellowstone to its mouth, cross the Missouri and down it to Ber-
thold. I will by this means have grass and a good road, though I increase my
distance over 100 miles. I have the honor to inclose you the reports of com
manders in regard to the part they took in the different skirmishes.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
FORT UNION, DAK. TER., Aug. 18 [?], 1864.
SIR: My last report, dated August 13, was written after we had crossed the
Yellowstone. I started on the 14th of August down the river. Grass was quite
scarce and very much scattered. In consequence I had to scatter my command.
This, I am informed by those who ought to know, is not the case generally, but
that this season there were no snows and rain fell too late to be of much service.
The country appeared to be completely burned over by the sun, as if there had
been a fire over the prairie. It was reported to me the boats could not get down
the river over the different rapids. Therefore I had to unload the wagons and
send them to unload the boats, and with the assistance of the men I placed aboard
the boats I succeeded in getting them to this point on the 17th instant. I had
-some difficulty in getting across the Missouri, owing to the quicksands. I could
534 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
not ford it with wagons. They were all unloaded, taken to pieces, and placed on
the boats, and the animals swam across. On the 20th of August I succeeded in
getting everything across, with the loss of 1 man and 3 animals drowned and 2
wagons broken. It is now a month since we started from Fort Eice, and during
that time we have marched about 460 miles over a most difficult country. The first
night after I got across a party of Crows came in, reporting they had been chased
by a very large party of Sioux. I sent out Major Brackett and his battalion, and
two pieces under Captain Pope, with these Indians after the Sioux, but after
hunting all over the country they returned, reporting no signs of Indians, but a
fresh track of a large body of buffalo. * * *
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. ALFRED SULLY, DATED HEAD
QUARTERS NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION, FORT EICE, DAK. TER.,
SEPT. 11, 1864.
* * * I reached Fort Eice on the evening of the 8th instant. * * * I
here learned that Captain Fisk and his emigrant train of 80 or 100 wagons left
here about two weeks ago on my trail to go to the Yellowstone; that he reached
here under an escort of a company of cavalry. He required an escort from the
commanding officer here Colonel Dill, Thirtieth Wisconsin. The colonel fur
nished him with an escort of a lieutenant and fifty men, composed of cavalrymen
that I had left here, not in good health, and poorly mounted. The lieutenant with
fourteen men returned the day before I arrived with a letter from Captain Fisk,
stating that he was about 200 miles west of here (he had left my trail); he was
corralled and fortified, and was surrounded by Indians, and that he must be re-
enforced to enable him to go forward, " for to turn back would be ruinous to him."
# * # When my troops arrived next day I issued an order directing Colonel
Dill, with 300 of the Thirtieth Wisconsin, 200 Eighth Minnesota, 100 Seventh
Iowa Cavalry, all dismounted, and from the Second Minnesota Cavalry, Brack-
ett s battalion, and Sixth Iowa Cavalry, 100 men each, mounted on the best of the
horses, w^ith two howitzers, to go after Captan Fisk and bring back his party. I
would have sent only a cavalry force, but this I could not; my animals were too
weak to stand a rapid march, having marched 1,500 miles in the last three
months, sometimes with little or no grass, and the worst of alkali water. All
day yesterday was consumed in crossing the troops and wagons, drawing rations,
etc. ; this morning early they started. * * *
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier General.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 535
Reports of Maj. Alfred B. Brackett, BrackeWs Minnesota Battalion Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS BRACKETT S MINNESOTA BATTALION,
NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP No. 36, Aug. 1, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part I took
with my command in the action with hostile Indians on Jnly 28, 1864:
I was first ordered to move in column on the right, which I did. Subsequently
I received orders to support the line of skirmishers in advance, which I did by
bringing Companies B and C in line with Companies A and D as support. I
moved in that order some three miles when, finding the enemy massing in con
siderable force and attacking my right, I engaged them with Company B dis
mounted, at the same time asking and receiving permission of you to charge
them with saber. I immediately gave the order to Capt. E. Y. Shelley, of Com
pany C, to charge them with his company, which order he executed and followed
up in a manner highly creditable to himself and those under him. The charge
resulted in the killing of thirteen Indians found on the field and entirely routing
the balance. Finding the enemy forming in large numbers on my left and front
I rallied my whole command and found it necessary to dismount them, as I was
being severely annoyed from ravines and thickets impracticable for horse. After
severe skirmishing, drove the enemy to the base of a high hill, where I met with
a strong opposition, they being in string force on its summit. I finally succeeded
in taking possession of the hill, which I held, driving the enemy far beyond.
The nature of the ground in front rendering it impracticable to pursue farther
at that time, I rejoined your command with my battalion.
In the charge Sergt. George W. Northrup, of Company C, fell, after receiving
eight or ten wounds, one of which pierced him through the heart. Horatio N.
Austin, of Company D, was also killed while skirmishing. My loss during the
day was 2 killed and 8 wounded. I also lost 22 horses, punishing the enemy by
killing 27, found dead on the field afterward, besides quite a number that were
seen to have been carried off by them.
I take pleasure, general, in saying that my officers and men displayed an
amount of courage, coolness, and skill worthy of veterans that they are.
I am, general, with profound respect, yours to command,
A. B, BRACKETT,
Capt. JOHN H. PELL, Major, Commanding Battalion.
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS BRACKETT S MINNESOTA BATTALION,
NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP No. 46, Aug. 13, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of my command on the 8th and 9th of August instant:
On the 8th instant my battalion, in the usual order of march, had the left divi
sion of the First Brigade. Having received orders early in the day to maintain
this position and cover the train, I moved throughout the day with great caution,
536 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
sending out small parties on foot as flankers whenever the nature of the ground
required such precaution. At one time the enemy seemed to be massing for an
attack upon my rear company, but a few volleys from the dismounted flankers
caused them to retreat. No casualties occurred during the day. On the 9th in
stant I received orders to proceed to the front with Company C of my battalion
and one section of the Prairie battery, under command of Captain Pope, which
order I carried into execution at once. Dismounting two platoons and deploying
them as skirmishers, under command of Lieutenant Neely, I ordered Captain
Shelley with the remainder of the company to support the battery. The enemy
could be seen in great numbers on every side, and seemed determined to resist
our progress, but the excellent practice of Captain Pope s howitzers dispersed
them with loss and frustrated every attempt to rally for an attack. A running
fight was kept up until about 2 p. M., when the Indians disappeared. From the
nature of the ground and the distance which the savages maintained, I am unable
to estimate their loss, which must have been heavy. The remaining three com
panies of my battalion marched in the usual order on the left of the First Bri
gade, under command of Captain Barton, of Company D. Early in the day they
were much annoyed by the Indians, and some severe skirmishing ensued. One
man of Company D becoming separated from his command had his horse wounded
by a bullet, but escaped, after killing or severely wounding two Indians. No
other loss was sustained.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. BRACKETT,
Major, Commanding BrackeWs Minnesota Battalion.
Capt. JOHN H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Eeports of Col. Minor T. Thomas, Eighth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding Second
Brigade.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP No. 36, Aug. 1, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report in relation to the
operations of my command during the 28th and 29th of July last:
At 11 A. M. I received notice that the Indian camp was found, and my brigade
was ordered from the rear to the left of the First Brigade, and also to direct
Captain Jones, Third Minnesota Battery, to report to the brigadier general com
manding, which was promptly done, and advance the command in column, Com
pany K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, having the advance as skirmishers. After
advancing about two miles, six companies of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers,
Lieutenant Colonel Eogers commanding, were dismounted and deployed to the
front, on the left of the First Brigade, at three paces intervals. The Second Min
nesota Cavalry were held in reserve, marching in column of squadrons, at half dis
tance, 100 paces in the rear of the line on the left. After advancing about one
mile a light fire was commenced on the enemy, who began to appear in large num
bers in front, and rapidly passed to the left flank and rear. The left of the Eighth
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 15:34:13 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 537
Minnesota was thrown slightly to the rear, and two companies of the Second
Minnesota Cavalry dismounted and deployed still farther to the left in that
direction. At this time large numbers of Indians were passing in that direc
tion, and attacked the rearguard of the main train, which was promptly
repulsed by the guard, which consisted of Companies B and D, Eighth Minne
sota Volunteers, and Company B, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and a shell from
Lieutenant Whipple s 6-pounder. At this time Colonel McLaren, with two
more companies of his regiment, were sent to the front immediately on the
left of the Eighth Eegiment, when they were dismounted and took possession of
a range of sharp hills, which was rapidly done by a sharp skirmish. At this
point the left of the whole line was halted and the right thrown forward. After
a few minutes the whole line advanced in the same direction, the whole brigade
moving as rapidly as possible, much of the time on the run over broken ground,
the firing being kept up briskly and with good effect. After advancing about
two miles the miserable enemy rapidly retired. The Second Cavalry was mounted
and pushed rapidly forward, and the Eighth Eegiment closed to the right by
companies, and the whole line closed on the enemy s abandoned camp, which was
a splendid position for defense. After arriving in the camp four companies of the
Eighth Eegiment were sent forward to escort Captain Jones battery to the front
for the purpose of shelling a ravine containing water. These companies, under
Major Camp, being deployed, advanced through the ravine and ascended the steep
hills rapidly, and, in a lively skirmish, drove the rearguard of the enemy from
the site of camp. At dusk the command was withdrawn a short distance to the
left and bivouacked for the night. At an early hour in the morning of the 29th
the brigade took the advance to the left, searching for a passage after the Indians
over the immense hill. After advancing five or six miles the attempt was aban
doned, as the ground was so broken that it was impossible to proceed. The com
mand then countermarched and returned to the Indian camp, where Colonel
McLaren, with four companies of his regiment, three companies of the Eighth
Minnesota Volunteers, and a large portion of the First Brigade, worked with a
will for six hours, destroying the abandoned property of the Indians, which was
a very large proportion of all the property belonging to the camp of 1, 600 lodges.
Late in the afternoon the return march was resumed, and we again encamped on
the battle ground. At dusk two of the pickets, members of Company D, Second
Minnesota Cavalry, were surprised and killed by a small party of Indians, which
is the only casualty of consequence which occurred in the command during the
engagement.
The complete success of our force was owing to the self-possession and bravery
of both officers and men, the superiority of their arms, their skill in handling
them, and the ready and cheerful obedience to all orders.
It is useless to mention individuals when the whole command did their duty
so well. I take pleasure in recommending them to the brigadier general com
manding the expedition as good and faithful soldiers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. T. THOMAS,
Colonel, Eighth Minnesota Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade.
Capt. J. H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
538 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE,
NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP No. 49, Aug. 13, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken
by the Second Brigade in the battles of the 8th and 9th instant with the Sioux:
The brigade being in advance, the guard, consisting of Company D, Eighth
Minnesota Infantry, and Company H, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and Company
C, Second Minnesota Cavalry, as flankers, were placed under command of Major
Eose, Second Minnesota Cavalry, who was ordered to advance cautiously up
through the dry bed of a creek from the Little Missouri river, where the road
had been constructed the day previous. The Eighth Minnesota Volunteers were
directed to follow the advance guard, placing four companies on each flank, mov
ing by the flank to the front, the remaining four companies of the Second Minne
sota Cavalry to follow the Eighth Eeginient. One-half of the guard and other
troops were dismounted and thrown forward and out on the flanks. The Third
Minnesota Battery, leading the train, advanced up the ravine about 800 yards in
the rear of the advance guard. After advancing about three miles the scouts
were suddenly driven back upon the guard, and the front and flanks were at
tacked by large bodies of Indians charging upon the line. The steadiness of the
troops drove them back, and the section of 6-pounders of the Third Minnesota
Battery being brought to the front soon cleared the ground for another advance.
The section of howitzers was placed on the flanks to protect the train while it
was being parked. The train having all closed up, the advance was again com
menced and the Indians driven rapidly back. After advancing about three
miles the train was again parked, and the command waited for the First Brigade
and Idaho train to close up. Our next advance was unmolested for three or four
miles, when the train was halted and watered at a small pond, which afterward
was used for the whole command to encamp for the night. About 2 p. M. (the
fight having commenced at 7 A. M.) the savages again appeared in front, and
the troops were thrown rapidly forward to meet them, a portion of the Eighth
Eegiment on the right, the 6-pounders in the centre to support the advance
guard, and portions of the Second Cavalry and Eighth Eeginient on the left,
the howitzer section and two or three companies protecting the train.
The troops continued to advance for three or four miles, having many lively
skirmishes, and were withdrawn at dusk, having inflicted a loss to the enemy of
at least 150 warriors and many horses, and of our own troops but 8 soldiers and 1
guide were injured. The courage and steadiness of our men and the range of their
arms were too much for the splendid horsemanship and wily dashes of their
cowardly opposers. The troops were bivouacked on their arms a hundred paces
outside the camp after a thirteen hours 7 fight,
The action on the 9th consisted in repelling an attack on the rear, which lasted
for about three hours, and was done in a handsome and spirited manner, the rear
guard being supported by the section of howitzers, with no damage to our side,
but a considerable loss to the enemy.
During the engagements the officers and men of the whole command behaved
splendidly, their only anxiety being to get nearer the savages, who outnumbered
them at least three to one. Soldiers who have acted so well need no special
praise.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 539
Hoping the general commanding is satisfied with the operations of the com
mand, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. T. THOMAS,
Colonel, Eighth Minnesota Vols., Comdg. Second Brigade.
Capt. J. H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS MINNESOTA BRIGADE,
NORTHWESTERN INDIAN EXPEDITION,
CAMP No. 89, FORT EIDGLEY, MINN., Oct. 9, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations
of the Minnesota or Second Brigade of the Northwestern Indian Expedition, or
dered from this district to join Brigadier General Sully on the Missouri river:
The force, consisting of the Eighth E egiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry,
mounted, six companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry Volunteers, one sec
tion of 6-pounder smooth-bore guns, and one section of 12-pounder mountain
howitzers, all brass pieces, a corps of forty-five scouts, with a train of ninety-
three 6 -mule teams and twelve ambulances, was rendezvoused at this camp
on the 1st day of June, 1864, and took up the line of march on the 6th of June,
with thirty days rations, via the Minnesota and In tpah rivers and Captain Sully s
trail, to Goose Nest lake on the Minnesota Coteau; from thence to the James
river below the mouth of Elm river; from thence to the headwaters of said river,
at the foot of the Missouri Coteau; across it to the Bois Cache creek and down to
Swan Lake creek, which we struck at a point seven miles from the Missouri
river, and joined General Sully s command on the 30th day of June, having
marched 332 miles.
July 4, marched for Long Lake river; arrived on the 8th; ninety-nine miles.
Opposite this point General Sully located Fort Eice. The whole command
crossed the river on steamboats and prepared for a campaign against the Indians,
which consumed eleven days. Leaving Fort Eice on the 19th of July, marching
up the Cannon Ball river for five days, nearly a west course, thence one day s
march north to the Heart river, 110 miles. At this point the main train, with
125 Idaho emigrant wagons that had followed us from Minnesota, were corralled,
and, taking six days rations in light wagons, started north in search of the In
dian camp, reported to be on Knife river. On the third day after crossing Knife
river we arrived in sight of the enemy s camp, located on a plateau, or succes
sion of rough land, with great rugged buttes overhanging it. The position for
defense and safety could not have been better, being protected in front by almost
impassable wooded ravines, and in rear, as soon as the hills were ascended
through narrow chasms, they were safe from pursuit, except from dismounted
men or the equally active Indian ponies belonging to the enemy. For particu
lars of the engagement please refer to my official report to Brigadier General
Sully, of the date of July 28th and 29th. Eeturned to Heart river July 30th,
having marched in six days 172 miles, and fought the battle of Tahkahokuty.
Starting from this point August 3, we reached the Little Missouri river August
7, eighty-three miles and a half. At this point the Indians again made their ap-
540 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
pearance, and made some slight offensive demonstrations, which were easily
quieted. The country for sixteen miles before reaching the river had been of the
most terrible and indescribable character, and continued so for twenty miles be
yond.
On the morning of the 8th of August, in making an egress from the river bot
tom, the battle of the Little Missouri, or "The hills that look at each other,"
commenced and was fought during that and the succeeding day.
From the best information it has been ascertained that the Indians that were
first encountered at Tahkahokuty had been largely re-enforced by other bands
and returned war parties, and certainly felt confident, with the advantages of
position (which could not have been better chosen by an enemy), of an easy vic
tory. It certainly was the largest body of Indians ever assembled on the Ameri
can continent to fight a battle. The Minnesota brigade having the advance in
the battle of the 8th instant, had the honor of encountering this immense horde,
and fighting nearly all of them through the day, whipping and driving them
about twelve miles. Commencing at 7 A. M. the fight was continued until dark
of a long summer day, without water, and the thermometer at 110 degrees in the
shade. Over buttes, through ravines, rocks, and stones, the wild yells and rapid
dashes of the savages, the troop pressed forward with a courage and untiring
energy that rapidly overcame all obstacles, and night closed the wild wake, and
the men laid down on their arms in line of battle, eager for the morning s light,
to again commence the work of death.
Hundreds of the savages lay along the hillside and ravines. Our loss was
but seven wounded, and a few horses. The Indian shotguns and bows and
arrows were no match for the accurate aim and long range of our rifles and car
bines, and when the artillery sent shell into their assemblies on the hills and into
their retreats in ravines, the cowardly rascals soon learned that they were no
match for soldiers that had come 1,000 miles to fight them.
During the 9th instant they entirely disappeared, and our march was contin
ued to the Yellowstone river, over a country almost devoid of water or grass, and
two-thirds rations for the men, a distance of 104 miles.
Two small steamboats met us at this point with rations for the men, and one
ration of corn for the animals, and transported our baggage across the river, the
trains and horses fording through water running very rapid and so deep that many
of them had to swim.
From the 14th to 18th of August was consumed in marching to the Missouri,
thirty-two miles, which was crossed by swimming the animals, and on the 21st
marched for Fort Berthold, where we arrived on the 28th, 140 miles. A large
portion of the distance the grasshoppers had eaten up all vegetation except wil
lows and the very coarsest bottom grass. Marched from Fort Berthold, August
30, to Maison du Chien, hoping to find the Yanktonais that had crossed from the
west side of the Missouri, after their last defeat, and also the Minnesota bands.
Being unable to find them, turned southward and reached Fort Eice, September
9, having marched 163 miles.
On the return of the command to Fort Eice, we learned that Captain Fisk s
Idaho expedition was surrounded and required assistance to save it from destruc
tion. By order of Brigadier General Sully I detailed 200 men of the Eighth
Minnesota Volunteers, dismounted, and 100 of the Second Minnesota Cavalry,
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 541
mounted, with a full complement of officers, as part of the relieving force, and
having been relieved from duty with the Northwestern Indian Expedition started
for Fort Wadsworth, September 15; marched by way of Long Lake, crossing the
James river a few miles below the Bone Hills, and reaching the fort September
26; distance, 206 miles.
Having been directed to relieve the battalion of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Vol
unteer Infantry at this post, Major Eose, with Companies B, C, D, and H, Second
Minnesota Cavalry, was detached for that purpose.
Major Clowney s battalion, on being relieved, joined the command, marching
on the 29th September and reaching this post October 8, four months and three
days after our departure. In that time we have marched 1, 625 miles.
The behavior of both officers and men has been all that could be desired;
their cheerful obedience to all orders, prompt and energetic execution of duty,
their patient endurance on long and trying marches, and their bravery and irre
sistible fighting qualities, have not only endeared them to the hearts of their
superior officers but stamped them as true and disciplined soldiers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. T. THOMAS,
Colonel, Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General, District of Minnesota.
Report of Lieut. Col. Henry C. Rogers, Eighth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH EEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP No. 36, Aug. 1, 1864..
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 28th of July last my regiment
took up the line of march at 4 A. M., and after marching about seventeen miles
arrived in sight of the enemy s camp, some ten miles distant, where the disposi
tion of battle was made, my regiment occupying the following position: Com
pany B, Captain Pettit, forming a part of the rearguard; Company D, Captain
McLarty, with his company deployed as flankers on the right flank of the com
mand, which position was occupied by them until the commencement of the bat
tle, when they assembled and remained in the rear of the train as a support to the
rearguard. Company C occupied a position as support to Captain Jones, of the
Third Minnesota Battery. Company K was advanced to the front and deployed
as skirmishers, covering the front of the Second Brigade. The remaining com
panies of my regiment, consisting of Companies A, E, F, G, H, and I, were
placed in position on the right flank of the Second Brigade and parallel to the
First Brigade. In this position we commenced to advance toward the enemy s
camp. At about 11 A. M., and in obedience to orders from Colonel Thomas, com
manding Second Brigade, I dismounted the six companies above mentioned, leav
ing the horses in charge of every fourth man, and the whole of the troops in
charge of the led horses, under the command of Major Camp. "With the remain
der of the six companies, consisting of about 325 men, I advanced to the front and
542 OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
formed a line of battle on the right of the Second Brigade. I was then ordered to
deploy my regiment to the left as skirmishers, three paces apart, and Advance
upon the enemy, which order was promptly obeyed. After advancing steadily
for about three miles with but little opposition, the enemy falling back as we ad
vanced, he made a threatening movement by turning my left flank near by among
the bluffs, and passed in large numbers to my rear. I then ordered Lieutenant
Tibbetts, Company A, with twenty-five men, to take a position on the bluffs cover
ing our left, which order was promptly obeyed, but he was soon after relieved by
order of Colonel Thomas, and again resumed his place in the order of battle.
From this point my command continued to advance steadily, driving the enemy
before them, until within a short distance of the enemy s camp, which he had
abandoned, when I was ordered to close by company on the right of skirmishers,
and remount my command, after which I advanced to the abandoned camp of the
enemy, where we arrived about 6 P. M. of that day. I was then ordered to dis
mount four companies and take possession of the hill in front, to cover the ad
vance of the Third Minnesota Battery. In obedience to said order I dismounted
Companies E, F, H, and I, and placed them under command of Major Camp, with
orders to advance and take possession of the bluffs in front, which order was
promptly obeyed. The report of Major Camp is herewith submitted. I remained
with the remaining companies of my command in possession of the camp abandoned
by the enemy until the return of Major Camp at dusk, when I marched with my
regiment to the place designated for camp. On the next day my regiment moved
with the command, and, upon the return to camp, I was ordered to detail three
companies to assist in destroying the provisions, stores, and camp equipage
abandoned by the enemy in their hasty flight. In obedience to said order, I
directed Companies B, E, and F, under the command of Captain Pettit, to pro
ceed to the camp abandoned by the enemy and assist in destroying said stores.
After this had been accomplished the command again took up the line of march
and went into camp about 6 p. M., my regiment occupying the left of the Second
Brigade. At about dusk our pickets were fired upon by the enemy, and I was
ordered by Colonel Thomas to throw my regiment in line of battle around the
camp, joining with the Second Cavalry on the right and left, which was done
promptly. We remained in this position for nearly two hours, when we were re
lieved and ordered to return to camp [and] the men instructed to sleep on their
arms.
During the battle of the 28th of July some twenty-five of the enemy were
seen to fall in front of my regiment, but they were carried away by their friends.
The number killed, including those reported by Major Camp, could not have
been less than twenty-five or thirty, and a much larger number wounded. "With
the exception of one horse in Company K wounded, there were no casualties in
my regiment. I take pleasure in bearing testimony to the promptness with
which every order was obeyed by the officers and soldiers of my command.
Where all did their duty it is unnecessary to particularize.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. C. BOGEKS,
Lieutenant Colonel, Eighth Minnesota, Comdg. Regiment.
Lieut. GEORGE W. BUTTERFIELD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
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EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 543
Report of Maj. George A. Camp, Eighth Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS EIGHTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP No. 30, Aug. 1, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 28th of July last, in obedience to
the order of Lieutenant Colonel Bogers, I took command of Companies E, I, F,
and H, of my regiment, at 6 p. M., at the camp abandoned by the enemy, and
advanced to the front, covering Captain Jones Third Minnesota Battery, and
deployed them to the right as skirmishers, and then advanced up the side of the
bluff without opposition until we arrived near its top, where the enemy attempted
to check our advance with a force of from 250 to 300 warriors. But the steady
advance and prompt fire of my men soon drove them from their strong position,
with a loss upon their part of some twelve killed and a large number wounded.
I then occupied the bluff with my command until I received orders from Brigadier
General Sully to return to camp, which order I obeyed, reporting to Lieutenant
Colonel Rogers at my place of advance about dusk.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Gr. A. CAMP,
Major, Eighth Minnesota Volunteers.
Report of Col. Robert N. McLaren, Second Minnesota Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND MINNESOTA CAVALRY,
July 29, 1864.
I have the honor most respectfully to report that, in accordance with Special
Orders, No. 62, Headquarters Northwestern Indian Expedition, Camp No. 34,
July 29, 1864, I proceeded to the Indian camp with four companies of Second
Minnesota Cavalry, Major Eice commanding, and two companies of Dakota cav
alry, Captain Miner commanding; four companies of the Sixth Iowa and three
companies Eighth Minnesota Infantry, under Major Camp. On arriving at the
camp a few straggling Indians were seen lurking about the bluffs. I immediately
dismounted and deployed Company G, Second Minnesota Cavalry, who skirmished
through the timber and remained in a position to protect the working parties. I
commenced by disposing of the various forces so as to destroy with the least delay
the vast quantities of goods left in the timber and ravines adjacent to the camp.
The men gathered into heaps and burned tons of dried buffalo meat packed in
buffalo-skin cases, great quantities of dried berries, buffalo robes, tanned buffalo,
elk, and antelope skins, household utensils, such as brass and copper kettles,
mess pans, etc. , riding saddles, dray poles for ponies and dogs.
Finding that one day was too short a time to make the destruction complete,
I ordered the men to gather only the lodge poles in heaps and burn them, and
then deployed the men and fired the woods in every direction; the destruction
was thus complete, and everywhere was manifest the rapid flight of the Indians,
leaving everything, even their dogs and colts tied to the pickets. In skirmishing
the timber dead Indians were found killed by exploding shells. After a thorough.
544 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
examination of the camping ground, and by judging from the amount of lodge
poles burnt, I should judge the camp to have numbered 1,400 lodges. I would
report that after the work of destruction commenced the Indians carried a white
flag on the bluif close to the camp. As I could not interpret the meaning at this
particular time, I did not feel called upon to report the fact to you until I had
accomplished the object and carried out Order No. 62.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. N. MCLAREN,
Colonel, Second Minnesota Cavalry.
Capt. JOHN H. PELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Report of Maj. C. Powell Adams, Independent Battalion Minnesota Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS FORT ABERCROMBIE, Aug. 26, 1864.
SIR: About 4 o clock in the afternoon of the 23d instant four men on their
way up from Georgetown with two teams were attacked by a party of ambushed
Sioux Indians at Lewiston, 28 miles below here, and 3 of them killed, 2 instantly
and the other mortally wounded, so that he died early next morning. Infor
mation reached me about 7:30 o clock the same evening of these murders. I
immediately ordered out 20 men each from A and B companies, with one day s
rations, under Captain Mix and Lieutenant Miner, and taking command of the
detachment in person I was under way for the scene of the outrage within thirty
minutes from the arrival of the messenger. I proceeded to a point within three
or four miles of Lewiston and halted to await the coming of daylight. As soon
as it was sufficiently light I pushed rapidly forward, and in a few minutes ride
reached the half-breed train one mile this side of the point where the attack was
made, and found one of the murdered men lying in his wagon just as he had
fallen, by the name of M. Lusta, and also the man Dean, who was then in the
agonies of death, and in fact, died before we had finished burying Lusta. Send
ing the teams to the fort with Dean s body under an escort, I moved rapidly
down the road and soon found the body of the other murdered man, named Brisse,
lying immediately by the road side, horribly mutilated. The scalp, whiskers, and
ears, and a part of the under-lip gone, the head cut half off and the left hand
severed at the wrist. The body was perfectly nude. While burying this body I
made a thorough reconnaissance of the immediate vicinity, and my scout, Quinn,
soon discovered the point where the red devils recrossed the river. Preparations
were immediately made to cross the river in pursuit. The crossing was accom
plished after much hard labor. The trail was fresh and distinct, and I pressed the
pursuit with the greatest possible energy. The trail led a little south of west
across the plain to the nearest timber on the Cheyenne, some twelve miles distant,
and then followed the river up a number of miles, when it crossed at a point
where it was impossible for cavalry to cross without a bridge nearer than the old
crossing, some eight miles above. By this time the sun was almost down, the
horses very much jaded, and the men out of provisions, and I was compelled by
the very force of circumstances circumstances against which no preparations
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 545
had been made, for at the time of leaving the fort I placed little credence in the
reputed murders to abandon further pursuit, and to return to the fort, where
the detachment arrived at 12 M. of this day, having in forty hours marched a
distance of eighty miles, and with horses that have had not a mouthful of grain
for a month, and nothing but grass on the march, which they plucked at various
points where we were compelled to halt. With good horses and two more days
provisions I feel satisfied that I could have overtaken the savages and destroyed
the whole of them, twenty-one in number. These Indians were all naked excepting
a breech-clout, as Mr. Dean informed me before his death. The murdered men all
resided in St. Cloud and leave families to mourn their untimely death. I will
give you further details of this bloody outrage by the next mail. This will reach
you by a special messenger who leaves here on furlough to-morrow morning. I
have put the various detachments of this command in the very best possible con
dition of efficiency, and if attacked by the Indians or can get within striking
distance of them will give a good account of themselves. Nothing shall be left
undone that energy and vigilance can accomplish.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. POWELL ADAMS,
Major, Comdg. Independent Battalion Minnesota Vol. Cav.
Capt. E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General, District of Minnesota.
ACTION NEAR ST. JOSEPH.-Dec. 16, 1863.
Report of Maj. E. A. C. Hatch. Commanding Independent Battalion Minnesota
Cavalry.
HDQES. INDEPENDENT BATTALION MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
PEMBINA, D. T., Dec. 21, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, upon hearing that Sioux were
again prowling around the vicinity of St. Joseph, Lieutenant Cross, with twelve
men, was sent up to destroy them. They left this place on Tuesday, December
15th, at 11 P. M.; they returned about 2 p. M., Thursday, December 17th. Lieu
tenant Cross reports that he found three lodges of Sioux, said to belong to Little
Six s band, about five miles out from. St. Joseph. He attacked them just at dark,
killed six Indians and destroyed their lodges. A message has been sent to me
from Devil s lake through Mr. Bottineau. It is in substance the same as that
from Standing Buffalo. They desire to make peace and are willing to deliver up
the murderers. There are near Fort Garry a large party of Indians, under Little
Six, variously estimated at from 700 to 1,500. I inclose a copy of a letter, re
ceived yesterday from Mr. Bannatyne, in regard to them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. A. C. HATCH,
Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY, Major Indt. Battn. Minn. Vols.
Commanding District of Minnesota.
35
546 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
[Inclosure.]
Major HATCH, SATURDAY, Dec. 19, 1863.
Hatches Independent Battalion, Pembina,
DEAR SIR: I have been repeatedly requested by parties here to write you a
few lines about the Sioux Indians here. The Indians themselves say that there
are only nine murderers amongst them, and they are willing to give them up and
will go up to Pembina with them and you can try them and do whatever you
choose with any you prove murderers. These wretches would live for some days
on your dead horses and then if you choose you could give them a little provisions
to take them out to the plains. The Hudson Bay Company have called a meet
ing of council for Tuesday first to see what can be done. The Little Six or Stand
ing Corn, is here; also, his son; they are included in the nine and would be given
up. Excuse my taking the liberty of troubling you with these few lines, but will
foe much obliged if you will write me by return mail.
Believe me, yours very truly,
A. G. B. BANNATYNE.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. or MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 5, 1864.
IMaj. E. A. C. HATCH,
Independent Battalion, Pembina,
MAJOR: Your dispatch of the 21st ultimo has been received at these head
quarters. The success of Lieutenant Cross in killing six Sioux Indians of the
hostile bands is very satisfactory. Your detachments should be instructed to do
no injury to the women and children when it can be avoided. You will, of course,
foe cautious not to confound the men from the Sisseton bands, who may be dis
patched to you with a peaceful errand, with the hostile Indians, as it may well
happen that an attempt may be made to communicate with you upon the promise
made to Standing Buffalo, Sweet Corn, and some of the principal men, that they
would not be molested if bearing a message from those who are desirous to learn
the terms upon which peace will be vouchsafed to the upper bands.
No terms will be made with the murdering remnant of the lower bands now
at or near Fort Garry. The men must surrender at discretion, to be dealt with
for their crimes, in which case the women and children will, of course, be spared.
* # #
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SlBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 3, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL : I have the honor to report that Captain Whitney [Sixth Minne-
vota], commanding the escort to the Indian Department train for the Missouri
Reservation, arrived and reported to me in person last night at 11 o clock. The
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 547
three infantry companies had reached Fairmont without accident, and will
arrive at Mankato to-raorrow. The extraordinary march of 750 miles, performed
by the escort since the 10th of November last, has happily resulted in no loss of
men or animals. There has been a misunderstanding of orders between Captain
Whitney and Captain Pell, assistant adjutant general, at Sioux City, as to the
proper course to be pursued by the former with his command, and I have directed
Captain "Whitney to make an immediate and accurate report of all the facts for
transmission to you. Captain Whitney may have erred in his construction of the
orders given him, but he is an excellent and reliable officer, and I am satisfied
that any mistake made by him has been the result of a want of experience rather
than of intention to disobey the orders of his superiors. He has received no
orders from department headquarters, other than those transmitted through these
headquarters before his departure.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SlBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST.
Col. WILLIAM CROOKS, ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 18, 1864.
Comdg. Second Sub-District, St. Peter,
COLONEL: In view of the possibility that some of the unmounted companies
of the Second Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers may be stationed at points within
your sub-district, General Sibley directs that you cause the requisite inquiries to
be made and information conveyed to these headquarters; first, whether quarters
can be furnished ready prepared for one company each at Traverse des Sioux,
Kasota, Mankato, and New TJlm; second, the actual expense per month for such
quarters at each place. Although it is not absolutely determined to station
troops at any of the points specified, much will depend upon the facilities af
forded and the economy attendant upon such a movement at any or all of them.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, ST. PAUL, MINN., Feb. 5, 1864.
Milivaukee,
GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that on the 22d ultimo 57 Sioux
Indians of the lower refugee bands, to- wit, 14 men, 20 women, and 23 children,
surrendered themselves to Major Hatch at Pembina. They have doubtless been
driven to this step to save themselves from impending starvation. I have or
dered Major Hatch to guard securely all the men who may be taken or give them
selves up and dispatch them to Fort Abercrombie under proper escort as soon as
practicable. Very few of the men of the lower bands are innocent of active par
ticipation in the horrible massacres of 1862.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
548 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Feb. 5, 1864.
Maj. A. D. NELSON,
Mustering and Disbursing Officer, St. Paul,
MAJOR: I have the honor to reply to your communication of this date that of
the companies of the Second Minnesota Cavalry, four (A, B, C, and D) are fully
armed, equipped, and mounted. Companies E, F, G, and H are armed, but not
mounted. Companies I, K, L, and M have been provided with sabers. Of the
first-mentioned companies two are stationed at each of posts at Forts Eidgley and
Eipley. It is the intention of the brigadier general commanding to dispatch the
four companies next in order to different posts in the district, and to retain the
last four for a time at Fort Snelling.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Feb. 6, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of dispatch from
department headquarters of 2d instant, directing me to " relieve those men of
the Ninth Minnesota Volunteers transferred by you (me) to the Third Minnesota
Battery, and forward them to their regiment as soon as practicable. " I shall, of
course, obey the order as soon as possible, but the men in question being divided
among the sections of the battery stationed, respectively, at Forts Snelling, Eip
ley, and Eidgley, and at Pembina, considerable time must elapse before they can
be relieved, and my regard for the interests of the public service in this district
prompts me to make a statement of the facts connected with the transfer, with
the hope that it may lead the military authorities at Washington to change the
order, which, if carried out, must seriously impair the efficiency of the only
battery in the district, at a time when, under your instructions, I am preparing
the force under my command for active operations in the field.
The transfers from the several regiments of infantry to the battery were made
by your order, and with the consent of officers and men. The Ninth Eegiment
furnished twenty-six enlisted men, and other regiments in about the same pro
portion. The battery is now perfectly organized, participated in the campaign
of last summer, and has lately been filled by enlistments to the maximum. If,
after having fully consented to the transfer, the commanding officer of one regi
ment can procure a retransfer of his men, others will claim the same privilege,
and the battery will thus be rendered utterly useless in the important operations
directed by you in this military district. I trust you will deem the subject of
sufficient importance to justify you in appealing to the honorable Secretary of
"War for a change in the order. The battery is now in prime condition, and all
the transfers long since properly made, as the muster-rolls will show.
I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant,
H. H. SlBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 549
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. or THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Feb. 6, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL: i have the honor to return the dispatch of Captain Whitney, re
questing that the men composing the escort to the Missouri Eeservation train
might be allowed by the honorable Secretary of War ten dollars each to reim
burse them for clothing rendered necessary, in addition to the ordinary supply,
to protect them in crossing the prairies at the inclement season when the service
was performed, together with the explanations required. The companies had
formed part of the expeditionary force of last summer against the Indians,
accomplishing a march of 1,200 miles. They were then detailed to act as escort
to the Missouri train, under your orders, in accordance with directions from army
headquarters. They performed the second march of 750 miles to the Missouri
river and back, leaving on the 5th of November, 1863, and returning on the 4th
January, 1864.
The extracts from Captain Whitney s report will show how necessary my or
der was that the command should be furnished with a supply of extra clothing to
enable them to encounter the severe storms and cold weather to which they would
be exposed in crossing the great prairies. The service was cheerfully performed
in the face of all obstacles, the train safely escorted to its destination, and the
command returned without the loss of a man. The extra clothing would have
been unnecessary had the men remained in winter quarters, and it seems but
reasonable under the circumstances that they should not be required to pay for it.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., March 21, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have ordered Major Hatch
to evacuate the post of Pembina as soon as practicable, and with his command to
repair to Fort Abercrombie and relieve the garrison, composed of companies of
the Eighth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers, preparatory to the concentration of
that regiment for other service. I have directed the movement to take place so
that Major Hatch s battalion can reach Abercrombie on or before 20th April.
Two companies of the battalion will be employed during the summer in pa
trolling the country along the Bed river, so as to guard that line of communication
from interruption by the savages. I have telegraphed to you this morning that
the superintendent of recruiting has received instructions to order Brackett s
Minnesota Battalion, now at Fort Snelling, to report to you, and asking you to
telegraph orders with regard to them.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
550 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., March 21, 1864.
Lieutenant Colonel AVERILL,
Superintendent of Recruiting, Present,
COLONEL: The following is copy of telegram just received from Major Gen
eral Pope, in reply to my dispatch informing him that you had been instructed
by the War Department to order Brackett s Minnesota Battalion to report to him,
to-wit:
MILWAUKEE, March 21, 1864.
Brigadier General SIBLEY:
Brackett s battalion will be wanted early for the Indian campaign; meantime dispose of them
as in your judgment seems best.
JNO. POPE,
Major General, Commanding.
In accordance with the foregoing you will please order Major Brackett to re
port at these headquarters, to the brigadier general, commanding, for duty.
By command of Brigadier General Sibley.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
MILWAUKEE, Wis., March 28, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D. C.,
GENERAL: I received yesterday an order from the Adjutant General s Office
assigning the Sixth Minnesota Volunteers, now in this department on duty, to the
Second Corps, in the Army of the Potomac. I do not write to object to the order,
but only to ask a suspension of its execution for a time. My reasons are, that if
this regiment be removed from the Minnesota frontier before the new posts are
fairly established and the expeditions meet the Indians, there will be trouble
and excitement on the frontier amongst the inhabitants which may entirely defeat
our movements. There seems little doubt of a formidable concentration of the
most powerful of the Sioux bands at some point on the upper Missouri. General
Sully can only take into the field at most 1,200 men. I have directed Sibley to
send him 1, GOO men from Minnesota, which will give Sully about 2,800 men, by no
means too many if the Indians make battle. Sibley is left with only 700 men on
the Minnesota border, and they will be necessary for a time to keep the frontier
settlers from abandoning their settlements, precipitating themselves on the river
towns, and spreading dismay and excitement throughout the state.
The result will be that the department in Washington will be overwhelmed
with petitions and remonstrances, and our whole military operations, which now
promise a final solution of the entire Indian question on the northern plains, be
brought to naught. As soon as I possibly can do so (and I am sure, general, the
department will acquit me of any fault hitherto in forwarding troops to the
South) I will send this regiment en route for its corps on the Potomac. Unless I
considered it essential to our success I would not think of keeping the regiment
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 15:36:53 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 551
a day, and I hope still to send it off very shortly. In this connection, I send you
extracts from letters received from General Sibley, from which you will perceive
the difficulties under which I have labored, and, in fact, do still. Unless other
wise directed, I will suspend the execution of the order to the Sixth Minnesota
for the present.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major G-eneral, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. or MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINX., April 15, 1864.
Maj. E. A. C. HATCH,
Independent Battalion, Fort Abercrombie,
MAJOR: Orders have been issued to the commanding officer at Fort Aber
crombie to turn over the command of that post to you immediately upon your
arrival with your battalion from Pembina, and then to take up the line of march
to Sauk Center with the least possible delay. You will retain three companies of
your battalion at Fort Abercrombie, one of which will be detached by you to
perform patrol duty along and down the Eed river, as soon as the season will per
mit, to protect the route to Pembina and keep open communication.
You will dispatch one full company, to be equally divided, to relieve the com
panies of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers at Pomme de Terre and Alexandria,
and garrison those posts until further orders. There is a detachment of upward
of eighty recruits for your battalion now at Fort Snelling, who are detained until
they can be dispatched with the horses for your command now en route from De
troit. As soon as practicable after your arrival at Fort Abercrombie you will
dispatch the two chiefs you have in custody to Fort Snelling, under a strong
guard.
By command of Brigadier General Sibley.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA,
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 6, 186 4-
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City,
GENERAL: Your dispatch of 28th ultimo reached me on 2d instant. Major
Brackett marched with his battalion for Sioux City on 2d instant, with orders to
reach that point by the 15th instant, or as soon as practicable. I have received a
communication from him dated the 4th, from which it appears that the horses
furnished him, not having had time to recruit from the fatigue and want of proper
552 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
care incidental to their transportation in crowded cars and barges from Detroit,
are not in condition to make a rapid march, and that he may not be able to make
Sioux City before 22d instant. He has since received instructions to proceed with
as much expedition as the state of his animals will allow, and I trust he will reach
his destination not later than 20th. The spring is very backward, thus far there
being hardly the appearance of grass.
The detachment designated to join your command will be prepared to leave
by June 1, if the grass shall be sufficient at that time to subsist the horses and
mules. ^ * *
I shall send your old acquaintance, Captain Jones, commanding Third Minne
sota Battery, with the section of 6-pounders and one section of mountain howit
zers, with the column, as he is the most competent man I know of to be placed in
charge of all the artillery. * * *
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTEBS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Hay 10, 1864.
G. S. BENSON, Esq.,
Chairman Idaho Emigrant Meeting, ShaJcopee,
SIB: In reply to your communication of 9th instant, I beg leave to state that
I have no knowledge, official or otherwise, of the arrangements, if any such have
been made, for an escort to emigrants for Idaho on the part of the government.
A column of troops from this district will leave Camp Pope, on the Minnesota
river, twenty-five miles above Fort Eidgley, on or about 28th instant, under the lead
of Colonel Thomas, of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteers, to join Brigadier General
Sully s immediate command at a point designated on the Missouri river, to oper
ate against the hostile Sioux, who are reliably reported to have concentrated in
force below Fort Berthold, for the purpose of resisting the advance of the TJ. S.
forces into their country, and to attack steamers or emigrant parties who are pro
ceeding overland through their country to Idaho.
The column from this side will be of sufficient strength to protect any parties
who desire to avail themselves of the opportunity to reach the Missouri river.
After the Indians shall have been met and routed, General Sully s instructions
from Major General Pope require him to advance as far as the Yellowstone and
clear the country of hostile savages. The point of crossing of the Missouri will
depend upon contingencies connected with the expedition, which cannot be fore
seen, and upon the course taken by the main body of the Indians after they shall
have experienced a defeat. To your last inquiry, whether I would u think it ad
visable for 250 well-armed emigrants, under thorough and strict discipline, under
a competent leader, to attempt the journey without an escort," I answer emphati
cally, no! Such a force would, in my opinion, be utterly insufficient to meet and
repel the assaults which would inevitably be made upon them by a force of sav
age warriors more than ten times its superior in numbers.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 553
The avowed determination of these great prairie bands is, as I have already
stated, to close all the avenues of emigration through their country, and they will
resort to every treacherous and bloody means to effect it, and I would advise no
party less in number than 1,000 of well-equipped and reliable men to attempt a
passage in advance of the expeditionary column of Brigadier General Sully. Af
ter the enemy shall have been routed and severely punished, as they surely will
be should they meet the troops in battle, as is altogether probable, a compara
tively small force will be able to traverse their country without serious danger.
I have no information relative to the movements or intentions of Captain Fisk.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 19, 1864 H P- m*
Lieutenant Colonel PFAENDER,
Commanding Second Sub-District, St. Peter,
COLONEL: Your dispatch of this morning, with inclosures, is received. The
brigadier general commanding directs you to order Captain Davy and Captain
Slaughter, with their commands, immediately to the region of the Cottonwood
and Watonwan rivers, and to employ them, as well as Company A of Second
Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, on such scouting service as you may deem proper.
Fort "Wilkins should be reoccupied, and to that end you will detach at least
twenty men from the garrison at Madelia. The frontier outside of the line of
settlements must be kept well secured, and in the movements of all troops you
will see that they march as light and as rapidly as possible. It is to be hoped
that not one of these red devils will be allowed to escape; that every one of them
will be destroyed; and the brigadier general commanding relies on your energy
and determination to accomplish this object.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 20, 1864.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Milwaukee,
GENERAL: Ten Sioux Indians attacked two men near General Sully s post,
at Spirit Lake, on the 16th instant, and were beaten off, losing three men killed.
A raid has also been made near one of my outposts on Watonwan, and one boy
killed and a man wounded. Extent of mischief not yet known. Proper measures
have been taken to pursue and destroy the party.
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
554 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA,
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 21, 1864.
OSCAR MALMROS,
Adjt. Gen. State of Minn., Capitol, St. Paul,
SIR: In reply to your communication of 18th instant, inclosing extract of a
letter from Capt. Dean Stabler, of the Minnesota State Militia, and inquiring
what measures had been taken for the protection of that portion of the frontier
about Sank Center, I beg leave to state that a small force will be kept at that post
and at Paynesville, and such other points along the line outside of the settlements
to Fort Eidgley, as the limited force under my command after the departure of
the expeditionary column will permit.
I propose, in addition to these guards, to keep at least one company of cav
alry on patrol duty on each side of the Minnesota river during the summer
months, for the protection of the settlers.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 25, 1864.
Col. M. T. THOMAS,
U. S. Volunteers, Fort Eidgley,
COLONEL: You have been selected by the brigadier general commanding, on
account of his belief in your ability, vigilance, and discretion as an officer, to
command the expeditionary column designated to join Brigadier General Sully
on the Missouri river, to operate against the hostile Sioux Indians, and on the
eve of your departure he deems it his duty to give you such instructions and
make such suggestions with regard to the course to be pursued by you as may
tend to facilitate your operations. You will also find herewith certified copy of
the directions of Major General Pope with reference to the general programme
of the campaign by which, so far as applicable to your command, you will of
course be governed.
The first point to be decided is the line of your march from Fort Eidgley.
Crossing the Minnesota river at the post ferry, or at the lower agency, you will
follow the trail of the expedition of 1863, until you reach Inkpa river, when you
will take the old route up the valley of that stream marked in Warren s map as
General Sully s route of 1856. Whether it will be better to follow it until you
cross the Coteau de Prairie, or diverge more to the north in the direction of the
mouth of Maple river, a tributary of the James river, which is nearly east of the
point on Bordache or Bourbeuse creek, near the Missouri, which is specified as
the point of junction with General Sully s command, must be determined by
yourself, after consultation with Major Brown, who has been appointed chief
guide and chief of scouts for the expedition. The understanding with General
Sully is that our respective forces shall meet on Bordache creek (Bourbeuse on
Warren s map) on the 20th June, and you will please bear this in mind in regu
lating your daily marches.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 15:37:42 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 555
Secondly, unless officers and men are fully imbued with a sense of the absolute
necessity of treating their horses kindly and husbanding their strength as much
{is possible, the command will soon be reduced to comparative inefficiency. You
will therefore give and enforce the strictest orders against any cruelty and neglect
of the animals, and against their being ridden faster than a walk, except when
the men are employed on service which jrequires more speedy action. Much can
be done to preserve the condition and strength of the horses by a vigilant super
vision on the part of the officers.
Thirdly, the utmost care should be taken, not only while baiting the horses by
day, but in securing them at night, to guard against a stampede by Indians, who
are exceedingly expert in creating alarm among animals. The same remark
should apply also to the mules and beef cattle. These latter should be corralled
inside of the wagons in the centre of the camp at night.
Fourthly, the site of the camp will always, of course, be selected with a view
to facility of defense. With this view a high commanding ground in the prairie,
remote from ravines and thickets, should be chosen, and the camp formed in a
hollow square, with the artillery posted at the opposite angles, so as to sweep all
approaches to it. So soon as you have reached a point where there is reason to
believe that Indians are in the vicinity, or that there is a probability that at
tempts will be made upon the camp, the line of sentinels should be doubled, and
rifle-pits made every night in which two or more can take refuge in case of an
attack and hold the enemy at bay until full preparations are made to receive him.
Do not spare the pick or the spade where there is cause to think that their use in
the construction of rifle-pits or earthworks may save the life or limb of one of
your men. Labor in that direction is always well bestowed, and will probably
save you from the confusion and danger of a night attack from the savages.
You will be accompanied by an efficient body of scouts, who, under their ex
perienced leader, Major Brown, will be of incalculable service. Divided into two
equal parts, they should be made to do duty on alternate days, far in the advance
and on the flanks of the column while on the march, so as to give timely notice of
the presence of Indians. General Bully s scouts will be on the lookout for your
column soon after the crossing of the James river, and should be communicated
with as soon as possible.
Due precaution should be taken not to permit any violence to be offered to
Indians who approach in small numbers in the daytime with a flag of truce or
other evidence of friendly intentions, as it is possible some of those who have
tendered their submission to the government may be found on James river or
elsewhere on the line of march. Your duty is to report to Brigadier General
Sully on your arrival at Bordache or Bourbeuse creek, and act in accordance with
his orders. When detached by him the course to be pursued by you is sufficiently
indicated in the instructions from department headquarters furnished you here
with. Captain Jones, of the Third Minnesota Battery, has been intrusted with a
Warren s map, properly mounted, for your use. You will be expected to com
municate with these headquarters whenever opportunity offers, and to make the
requisite reports of your command.
By command of Brigadier General Sibley.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
556 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
ST. PAUL, June 8, 1864.
Major General POPE,
GENERAL: I have just arrived from Eidgley. Column moved on morning of
6th, in fine condition. H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 28, 1864.
Lieut. Col. WILLIAM PFAENDER,
Commanding Second Sub-District, St. Peter,
COLONEL: Herewith you will receive an order relieving the companies of the
Sixth Minnesota Volunteers, with Second Battalion, Second Cavalry, detached
from expeditionary force for that purpose, the changes to be made under your
general directions. It is the wish of General Sibley that Companies E and F be
stationed on the line north, and G and H south of the Minnesota river. The
probability is that these arrangements will be but temporary, as the diminution
of force caused by the withdrawal of the Sixth Eegiment from this district may
necessitate the withdrawal of nearly all the troops from the small outposts. With
regard to this you will be early informed, as dispatches are on their way to these
headquarters by mail which will determine the whole question. The order for
the dispatch of the Sixth has not been made public, and to avoid unnecessary ex
citement it may be well to keep matters as quiet as possible.
By command of Brigadier General Sibley.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DIST. OF MINN., DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 30, 1864.
Col. M. T. THOMAS,
Comdg. Expeditionary Forces, Fort Ridgley,
COLONEL: In consequence of the unexpected reduction in the force of this
district by the withdrawal South of the Sixth Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers, a
change becomes necessary in the arrangement of the forces for the expedition.
Two companies of the Eighth Eegiment, including Company C, Captain Folsom,
and such other company as you may designate, will be required to be detached for
the purpose of building and garrisoning the post, in part, on James river. Your
force will thus be diminished by two companies of infantry and two or three com
panies of cavalry from the Second Eegiment. You will consider yourself in
structed accordingly. It is the intention of General Sibley to be at Fort Eidgley
by the day on which the march is ordered (5th proximo), or perhaps before, in
case he is not prevented by the reception of orders from department headquarters.
By command of Brigadier General Sibley.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 557
P. S. If there is any other company of the Eighth Eegiment composed of
lumbermen, you are authorized to substitute it for Company C, if you desire to
do so. By direction of Brigadier General Sibley. B. C. OLIN,
Assistant Adjutant General.
General MALMROS: MANKATO, Aug. 17, 1864.
Colonel Pfaender came down in the night since I wrote you yesterday. His
dispatches to General Sibley you have doubtless seen. We conferred together
and agreed on the programme of operations by which I am to establish certain
out, or rather in, posts, and keep up communications, etc. I shall also hold in
readiness a reserve at Vernon, Winnebago City, Blue Earth City, Garden City,
and at this place. He has assigned me ten men just from Fort Snelling, with
Scout Stevens; they are now on the line. Another squad of ten leaves this morn
ing and I am now ready to start myself.
I cannot say what number of arms will be wanted, but perhaps it will be as
well to send 250 revolvers and about 200 carbines, or if not to be had, that number
of Springfield or Whitney rifles, with a supply of ammunition (cartridges). I
have no time to make requisitions in form nor to complete the organization of the
companies and squads. Am nearly sick, but still able to go. Colonel Pfaender s
forces are altogether too small for duty imposed upon him as matters have turned.
Cannot more troops be sent him from Fort Snelling?
I am, general, yours respectfully,
B. F. SMITH.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Brigadier General H. H. SIBLEY, ST. PAUL, Sept. 26, 1864.
Commanding District of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn. ,
GENERAL: I respectfully inclose copy of the communication of Colonel B. F.
Smith, commanding state troops in the vicinity of Blue Earth City. You will
perceive that he alleges gross negligence on behalf of the United States forces, and
represents the employment of state troops as a necessity if we would prevent a
stampede of the citizens. I respectfully suggest the propriety of an investigation
and beg that you will as early as possible so strengthen the lines of posts as to
warrant me in relieving the state of her present expenses.
I deem it proper to apply for a small number of cavalry so soon as the proper
number are at your disposal, to temporarily take the place of those which Colonel
Smith is now employing inside of your lines, and thus dissipate the apprehension
of the citizens in that vicinity until the commencement of winter shall make
further Indian raids impracticable.
I have no doubt that much of the apprehension and alarm of the citizens is
baseless, but the murders which recently occurred in that vicinity keep the com
munity in a state of excitement and terror, and for the good of the whole people,
I must make special efforts to lull and compose peculiar localities which from
time to time may partake of the excitement which has occasioned so much trouble
to the authorities during the last two years.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN MILLER.
558 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 3, 1864.
Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY,
Commanding District of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.,
GENERAL: I respectfully inclose letters from Colonel Smith dated 20th ultimo,
in which he exculpates Lieutenant Colonel Pfaender from all blame for the lately
reported negligence of a portion of his command in the vicinity of Madelia.
I also inclose three petitions from citizens of the Blue Earth country praying
for further protection against hostile Sioux.
While I know that it is your purpose to use every possible protection in the
premises, I beg that all your posts, especially those south of Minnesota river,
be doubled at the earliest practicable moment. The determination of the savages
to attack the frontier settlements is becoming painfully evident, and only a
numerous body of troops and the most sleepless vigilance will prevent the re-
enactment of the barbarities of 1862.
Please return the inclosed papers.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. MILLER.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, March 25, 1865.
Brig. Gen. H. H. SIBLEY,
Commanding District Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.,
GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of this morning, informing
me that Major General Curtis understands my application for authority to re
cruit two companies of Chippewa Indians to imply a purpose to have them serve
within the state. I did not so intend. My object is to have them mustered into
the service of the United States, to be disposed of as the military authorities may
think proper. In order to the support of their families during their absence, I
requested that they should be permitted to receive local bounties from any of the
sub-districts within the state.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, May 25, 1865.
Hon E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.,
SIR: On my return to the state from "Washington, etc., I find that the Sioux
Indians have again attacked our frontier settlements, and murdered a number of
our citizens spreading terror and desolation along our borders and causing
many of the defenseless women and children, whose protectors are in the army, to
flee from their homes.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 15:38:26 GMT -5
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 559
As the forces under Brigadier General Sibley are not sufficient to protect the
six or seven hundred miles of frontier which is exposed to savage raids, and as a
campaign against these miscreants, in addition to such protection, is very neces
sary, I earnestly ask that such additional troops as will fully meet the emergency
may be promptly forwarded to this military district.
In this connection I respectfully renew my application for the immediate dis
charge of as many of our volunteer regiments as can at all be spared from the
service. Our exposure and necessities are of such a peculiar character that I beg
for their application the most favorable consideration of the department.
I respectfully inclose herewith a list of the military organizations of this state,
together with their present location, etc.
Of course I do not include the cavalry employed against the Indians among
the troops that I deem it desirable to discharge.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Col. B. F. SMITH, ST. PAUL, May 26, 1865.
Marikato, Minn.,
COLONEL: I have just returned from an extensive visit to our sick and dying
in Southern hospitals and deeply regret the savage incursions that have occurred
during the present month, and am mortified at the failure of our citizens to de
stroy the few savages that have invaded your portion of the state. I am gratified
to learn, however, that Campbell [John Campbell, a Sioux half-breed] at Mankato
and some half a dozen others of the miscreants near Fort Wadsworth have met
their fate, and I think that there are now scarcely any savages inside the military
lines, and that such measures have been taken as will prevent further incursions
during the present season.
But while I hope for peace and security, I desire that our frontier citizens be
prepared by timely organization for any emergency that may occur. This must
be done without expense to the state other than arms and ammunition, which
will be furnished upon your requisition.
Only $2,000 of a military appropriation was made by the last legislature, and
while we consult the safety of our frontier we must also exercise great economy.
Let it be known, therefore, that while we want thorough military organization
along the entire frontier, no pay will be allowed any troops except during their
services against Indians actually present. From this rule you can except a few
scouts for a short time, if you deem it necessary. But if there are no savages
present, lei all other troops be relieved from duty on behalf of the state by the
1st day of June, with the request that they be ready to act promptly if further
invasions occur. Please, also, to furnish me as early as practicable with a full
report of all the men employed, and all the expense incurred up to the 31st in
stant.
If your people will indicate what they wish me to do in regard to blood
hounds, I will render them any assistance that I can. While I do not think that
560 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
they would be at all serviceable, I may be mistaken, and am anxious to try any
experiment that gives the least promise of sweeping these miscreants from the
face of the earth. I believe that fifty faithful, resolute and determined pioneers
are worth a thousand blood-hounds, but shall be glad to try both.
I inclose you an application from citizens of Leaven worth for arms, etc. ; I
will refer them to you. Please see that they are supplied on the usual conditions.
Keep me constantly advised of the situation of affairs and of the number of men
on duty. Yery respectfully, yours,
STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
ST. PAUL, June 2, 1865.
Maj. Gen. S. E. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Northwest,
GENERAL: I am very apprehensive that unless an immediate demonstration
be made against the savages now or recently congregated at Turtle Mountain,
Devil s lake, etc., they will attack as raiding parties, if not, more formidably,
our entire western frontier. I need not say that such a demonstration on their
part would result in nearly depopulating many of our border counties, and render
desolate thousands of homes, many of which pertain to gallant citizens now ab
sent in the army of the Union.
Much of the panic which would arise would doubtless be baseless and dis
creditable to the men who ought to stand by and defend their homes, but I must
take matters as they are, and the repeated raids upon our border have so alarmed
our people, that in too many instances whole neighborhoods abandon their homes
upon the first appearance of a raiding detachment of savages.
In view of all the circumstances I respectfully urge the following programme:
First The vigilant continuance of all the defensive measures already adopted.
Second A prompt, vigorous and continuous campaign against the savages at
Devil s lake, Turtle Mountain, or wherever they may be found, by a regiment or
two from Minnesota, in addition to the expedition now moving up the Missouri
under General Sully.
Third The establishment, as early as practicable, of a strong and permanent
post at or near Devil s lake.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, June 16, ISGo.
His Excellency, STEPHEN MILLER,
Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.,
SIR: Your communication of the 25th ultimo, asking that additional
troops be sent to guard the frontier of your state against Indians raids, and re-
BATTLE OF ALLATOONA, GA. 561
newing your application for the discharge of Minnesota troops, was referred to
Lieutenant General Grant, whose report thereon, as follows, has been approved
by this department.
All the troops asked for by General Pooe have been ordered to him. I cannot, at present,
recommend that exceptions be made in favor of the immediate muster-out of Minnesota troops,
but where their stations leave them equally available with other troops for duty on the Minnesota
frontier, they will be ordered there.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN M. ST ANTON,
Secretary of War.
BATTLE OF ALLATOONA, GA.-Oct. 5, 1864.
Reports of I/ieut. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, Commanding
Post of Allatoona, Ga.
HEADQUARTERS POST,
ALLATOONA, Oct. 7, 186k
LIEUTENANT: For some two days previous to the 5th of October instant the
enemy had been operating in this vicinity, especially on the railroad to the south
ward, but not till the evening of October 4 did they make any demonstration
against this point. It then became evident that they proposed to attack the place
in the morning. The garrison here consisted of the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry,
290 guns, Major Fisher commanding; seven companies of the Eighteenth Wis
consin Infantry, 150 guns, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson commanding; the Fourth
Minnesota Infantry, 450 guns, Major J. 0. Edson commanding; the Twelfth
Wisconsin Battery, six guns, Lieutenant Amsden commanding, and fifteen men of
the Fifth Ohio Cavalry. Of the effective force of the Fourth Minnesota Infantry,
185 were recruits just received from the North. My first unpleasant apprehen
sions were that the rebels would make a night attack, and, taking advantage of the
darkness, deprive me of the advantage of position, the fortifications of this place
all being on the high ridge while the stores are collected on the flat land at the hill s
base and on the south side, from which direction the rebels were approaching.
To prevent such approach I strengthened the grand guard, barricaded the roads
to the south, and made preparations to fire a building which should so illuminate
the site of the village and stores that my men could see, even in the night, to a
considerable extent any approach of the enemy. In this way I hoped to hold
the rebels till daylight, when we should have the full advantage of our superior
position. About 12 midnight I was not a little relieved by the arrival of General
Corse with one brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. About 2 A. M.
of October 5 the rebels charged upon my picket lines and drove the outposts
back upon the reserves. I immediately sent for Lieutenant Colonel Jackson,
Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry, to deploy his command and hold the rebels,
approaching on the Acworth and Dallas roads, until further orders. This he
did successfully, remaining on the line until the rebels had wholly outflanked and
rendered his position worthless, when he moved back into the fortifications. I
562 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
placed the Fourth Minnesota Infantry in the fortifications on the east side of the
railroad, five companies of the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry in the fortifica
tions on the west sicie of the railroad, and five companies of the Ninety-third
Illinois I sent out to hold a commanding point on the road leading to Pumpkin
Yine creek. About 6:30 A. M. the rebels opened on us with artillery, with which
they kept up a fierce and continuous fire for more than an hour, when it tempo
rarily and partially ceased. At about 8:30 A. M. the rebel infantry moved upon
us, their line extending from the railroad south of our position around on the west
to a considerable distance over and beyond the railroad on the north. General
Corse ordered two regiments of his division (the Twelfth and Fiftieth Illinois
Infantry) into the works east of the railroad, and with those regiments, together
with the Fourth Minnesota Infantry, he directed me to hold the position. About
half an hour afterward General Corse, to cover a necessary movement, ordered to
the west side of the railroad one of the regiments left with me. By some error
in communicating the order, both the Twelfth and the Fiftieth Illinois regiments
moved to the other side of the railroad, leaving the Fourth Minnesota Infantry
to contend against the troops advancing directly upon us from the north. This,
from our great advantage of position, we were able to do, and also to assist greatly
the troops on west side of railroad against rebels charging on them from the north
and northwest. About 10:30 A. M. Lieutenant Colonel Jackson brought four
companies of his regiment (Eighteenth Wisconsin) to the assistance of the Fourth
Minnesota Infantry; the other three companies of his command, under Cap
tain Bruner, having some time before moved back into the fort on west side of
railroad. The detachment of Ninety-Third Illinois Infantry sent out on the
Pumpkin Vine creek road were moved back into the fortifications about 10 A. M.
There was no further movement of my command. From the commencement of
the attack the contest was never for one moment intermittent. The rebels moved
forward with boldness and perseverance, and at length when they did withdraw,
at about 3 P. M., they had been so broken in the contest they withdrew as indi
viduals and not as organizations. The rebel loss has been heavy. With the
conduct of my command I am satisfied. Officers commanding regiments and bat
teries labored bravely and faithfully. The whole command seemed determined to
hold the place at any cost, and many braA^e deeds I saw that day. I have to thank
the officers and men of my command for the earnestness with which they did
their duty, and especially do we all most heartily express our thanks to General
Corse and his command for their opportune arrival and heroic conduct. My losses
are considerable and are as follows:
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
Ninety-third Illinois Infantry 21 52 10
Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry 19 2
Fourth Minnesota Infantry 11 33
Twelfth Wisconsin Battery 5 15
Detachment Fifth Ohio Cavalry 1
Total loss, 160.
Some 70 or 80 prisoners were brought in by my command, and the Fourth
Minnesota Infantry brought in 2 rebel flags.
J. E. TOURTELLOTTE,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Garrison at Allatoona.
Xdeut. A. VAUGHAN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. G-en.j Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
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