' p . . . "w ' ' • • ;
OFFICIAL
REPORTS OF RATTLES.
*
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS.
I
1
BICHMOND:
B. M. SMITH, PUBLIC PRINTER,
la 64.
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT.
Richmond, Va., March 11, 1863
To the Senate and Mouse of Representatives :
I herewith transmit, for your information, a communication from
the Secretary of1 War, covering several reports of engagements with
the enemy.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
COMMUNICATION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
Confederate States of America, War Department, )
Richmond, Va., March 10, 1863. >
Mis Excellency The President :
Sir : I have the honor to enclose for transmission to Congress the
following reports :
1. Report of the attack by the enemy's fleet on Fort McAllister,
Feb. 1, 1863.
2. Report of the engagements at Fayette Court House, Cotton
Hill, Gauley, Charleston, and pursuit of the enemy to the Ohio.
3. Report of the operations of Brig Gen. Rhodes' brigade at Seven
Pines.
; 4. Report of the capture of the gunboat J. P. Smith in Stono
River.
Very respectfully, your obedibnt servant,
JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War.
ENO-AO-EMEN T
at
FOET M'ALLISTER.
REPORT OF COL. R. H. ANDERSON.
Headquartarters C. S. Forces, Ogeechee R ver, )
Fort McAllister, J?eh, 2d, 1883. )
Capt. G. A. Mercer,
A. A. £?., Dis. of Georgia, Savannah :
Captain : I have the honor, very respectfully, to submit to the Briga¬
dier General commanding the following renoit of the engagement of
this battery with the " abolition fleet," which took place yesterday,
the 1st instant. At a quarter to eight o'clock A. M , the battery was
attacked by one iron-clad of the Monitor order, whose armament was
one 15-inch, and one 11-inch gun ; three gunboats (wooden.) and one
mortar boat. Before the enemy's boats came within range, I ordered
Captain Archer Shaaff, commanding the first battalion Georgia Sharp¬
shooters, to line the river bank with his riflemen. His right rested
about a quarter of a mile in rear of and west of the battery. As
soon as I was satisfied that there was no intention on the part of the
enemy to land at Kilkenny, on my right and flank, and that his inten¬
tion was restricted to passing the obstructions, I ordered him to de¬
ploy his battallion on his right file, at ten paces interval, which
enabled him to cover the bank of the river for over a mile with his
sharpshooters, who had excellent cover, and would have annoyed the
enemy terribly had he succeeded in passing the obstructions. Mar¬
tin's Light Battery I held in reserve at Hardwick, which is about
a mile and a half in rear of the battery. Captain McAllister's troop
I aho held in readiness about a mile in rear of the battery. The two
rifle guns of the Chatham Artillery, under Lieut. Whitehead, I had
placed in pits on a commanding bluff on the river, about a mile in rear
of the battery; the two guns of Confederate States steamer Rattle¬
snake, under the command of Captain Biker, I also ordered to bo
placed on Richmond Bluff, about seven miles in rear of the battery.
6
The steamer Rattlesnake, according to your direction, was moored at
a suitable point in the river, and in readiness to be sunk, had necessi¬
ty required it. At a quarter to eight A. M., the bombardment com¬
menced. Our battery opened fire first, but not until the iron-clad
had approached and taken a position north of, and within 800 or 1,000
yards of the battery. Their wooden boats lay about two miles from
and to the east of the fort The enemy fired steadily and with re-
mai'kable precision ; at times their fire was terrible. Their mortar
firing was unusually fine ; a large number of their shells bursting di¬
rectly over the battery. The iron-clad's fire was principally directed
at the 8-inch columbiad, and at about a quarter past eight, the para¬
pet, in front of this gun, was so badly breached as to leave the gun
entirely exposed. The detachment did not leave their gun, or evince
the slightest fear, but, in a most gallant and determined manner,
fought their gun to the close of the action, refusing to be relieved.
The name of the brave officer who commanded this gun is first Lieut.
W. D. Dixon, of the Republican Blues, Co. C, 1st Volunteer regi¬
ment of Georgia. At half past eight o'clock, A. M., one of the 82-
pounders was disabled, one of the trunnions being knocked off. The
same shot also killed Major Gallie, the gallant commander of the
battery. Prior to this, he had been wounded in the face by a frag¬
ment of shell, but refused to be relieved, and continued/notwith¬
standing his suffering, inspiring the men with his own gallant and
unconquerable spirit, up to the time he was killed. Thus perished
nobly a brave, good and gallant soldier. Captain G. W. Anderson,
Jr., upon Major Gallie's death, succeeded to the command of the
battery, and displayed, during the-whole action, the utmost coolness-
and gallantry ; as did Capt. Martin, and commanding the 10-inch mor¬
tar, Captain G. A. Nichol, each and every officer of the battery. The
whole fire of our battery was concentrated upon the iron-clad, which we
struck at least eighteen times, and I think, damaged. At a quarter
past 12 o'clock, M., she ceased firing, and dropped down the stream,
out of reach of our guns. I think she was damaged, for the reason
that just before backing down stream we could hear them hammering
on the turret, which ceased to revolve; neither did she return our fire,
which at this juncture was very severe. I have entered into particu¬
lars, for the reason that this attack was one of no ordinary character,
as will be readily admitted when the class of the enemy's vessels and
their superior armament is taken into consideration, as well as the
close proximity of the iron-clad to the battery. I think that the
brave and heroic garrison of Fort McAllister have, after a most se¬
vere and trying fight, demonstrated to the world that victory does not,
as a matter of course, always perch itself on the flag of an iron-clad,
when opposed even to an ordinary earth work, manned by stout and
gallant hearts. In comemoration of this gallant action, I respect¬
fully recommend that the garrison be allowed to have 44 Fort McAllis¬
ter," inscribed on their standard. I beg leave to call the attention of
Brigadier General commanding particularly to my Adj't., First Lieut.
Robert Wayn^, who, in the most gallant and heroic manner, bore all
of my orders in the battery during the whole action. He was as much,
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if siot more, exposed than any one during'the action, and his conduct,
won the admiration of all. I would also express my indebtedness tc
Captain McAllister, who, by his gallantry, energy and soldier-11 ho
appreciation of what J required of him, did much to facilitate my ar¬
rangements for the defence of the river. Our total list of casualties
is eight, Major Gallie killed, and seven privates wounded, none of
them severely. The damage to the work has been already repaired.
All that remains to be done is to mount another gun in the place < f
the 32-pounder disabled. This we will do as soon as the one you
have ordered to be brought here from Savannah arrives. Enclosed
you will please find the report of Captain G. W. Anderson, the imme¬
diate commander of the battery, as well as that of Captain Ruber I
Martin, commanding the ID-inch mortar.
I am sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. II. ANDERSON,
Colonel Commanding.
Official copy :
W W. Gordon,
Captain and A. A. G.
8
REPORT OF CAPT. GEO. W. ANDERSON.
Fort M'Allister, Feb. 2d, 1863.
Lieut. Robt. Wayne, A. A. A. General:
Lieut. : Through you I have the honor of reporting to Col. R. H.
Anderson, commanding forces Ogeechee river, the result of yester¬
day's engagement. At a quarter to eight A. M., the battery was
attacked by an iron-clad, which anchored about one thousand yards
abreast of the battery , and immediately opposite the chamber of our
eight-inch columbiad, three gunboats and a mortar boat. The enemy
fired steadily and with great precision. At times it was exceedingly
severe. They fired unusually well with their mortar, a number of
shells bursting directly over the battery The iron-clad's chief aim
was at the columbiad. They fired eleven and fifteen-inch shells. The
parapet in front of the eight-inch was breached, and the gun was
left almost entirely exposed. Notwithstanding their critical position,
not a man composing the squad evinced the slightest fear, but con¬
tinued to work the gun with as much energy and as much composure
as could be desired, it would be invidious to institute a comparison
when all alike exhibited the utmost gallantry, but I would respect¬
fully beg leave to call the colonel's attention to the eight-inch and to the
forty-two-pounder squads. The damage to the work can be repaired
in forty-eight hours. Early in the day, half-past eight, the iron-clad
disabled one of my thirty-two-pounders, knocking one of the trun¬
nions off. It was this shot that killed the heroic Major Gallic. Prior
to this, he was badly cut in the face while standing by the eight-inch
gun, inspiring the men with his own indomitable spirit. He refused
to be relieved, saying, he would be able to attend to duty in a few
minutes. Shortly afterwards he fell, whilst discharging his duties
under the most trying circumstances, pierced through the head. At
half-past twelve o'clock, the enemy slowly backed out of range ol
our guns. The tower of the iron-cl td was struck several times. We
could hear them hammering distinctly, evidently mending something
which had been broken by our shot. The turret finally ceased to
revolve. Whether designedly or not, is left to conjecture. We were
unable to reach the wooden, vessels. Our rifle projectiles are misera¬
ble. As soon as they leave the muzzle of the gun they commence to
revolve over and over.
list of casualties.
Major John B. Gallie, killed.
Private James Barbour, Republican Blues, wounded in face.
Private John Mahan, Republican Blues, wounded in leg.
Private — Robider, Republican Blues, shocked by shell.
Private Grey, Republican Blues, injured in chest.
9
Pr ivates Brady and Dillon, Emmet Rifles, bruised by. piece of shell
in back.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully,
GEO. W. ANDERSON, JR.,
Captain ComiVg Fort M'Alluier.
Official copy.
W. W. Gordon,
Ctant rind. A A Clcnrov/>l
10
REPORT OF CAPT. MARTIN.
Headquarters, Light Battery, )
Camp Arnold, Feb. 1st, 1863. £
Lieut. Wayne,
A. A. A. General, Fort McAllister :
Lieutenant : Through you, I have the honor to make the following
report to Col. R. H. Anderson, commanding forces at and around
Genesis Point. According to an order from Brig. General Mercer
placing me in command of the ten-inch mortar at Fort M'Allister, I
promptly repaired to my post, having first given orders to Lieut. W;
G. Robson, senior lieutenant present, to move my light battery in
supporting distance of the fort. 1 arrived at my mortar battery a
few minutes after seven A. M., and immediately opened fire on the
"abolition fieet." About ten and three-quarters A. M., my platform
gave way, and I was compelled to remove the planking and fire from
the second tier of boards, which stood the firing very well I have
but one casualty to report, i. e., one of my detachment, from a frag¬
ment of shell, in the head, wounded slightly. The firing from the
fleet was good.'" My men were frequently covered with sand and shell,
and fragments of shell frequently fell around us. My practice was
at first bad, owing to the mist, but towards midday it improved, the
shells bursting over or falling near the vessels. My men stood to their
work well.
I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. MARTIN,
Copt. ComdCg Mortar and Light Battery, ]». A. C. S„
Official copy :
W. W. Gordon,
Captain end A, A. General,
EEPORT OF ENGAGEMENTS
FAYETTE COURT-HOUSE,
COTTON HILL, GAULEY, CHARLESTON, AND PURSUIT
OF THE ENEMY TO THE OHIO.
REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. LORING.
Headquarters Department of Western Virginia, }
Charleston, Va., Sept. 20, 1882. f
Gen.. S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General:
General: I have the honor to inform you that about the 22d ult,,
I formed the plan of invading Trans-Alleghany Virginia, and prelim¬
inary to my own movement, sent Gen. Jenkins, with my disposable
cavalry, about five hundred and fifty in number, with directions to
sweep around to the Northwest, destroying the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad in his course, if possible, and to make his appearance abuot
the 8th inst , on the rear of the enemy in the Kanawha Valley. This
plan, with the exception of the destruction of the railroad, for achiev¬
ing which the time proposed was too brief, that brilliant and enter¬
prising general executed with such success, that in his march of five
hundred miles, accomplished, in the time required, and mostly within
the lines of the enemy, he captured and paroled near three hundred
prisoners of war, killed, wounded and dispersed about one thousand of
the enemy; reclaimed to the Government about forty thousand square
miles, then in the possession of the enemy; destroying many garri¬
sons of home guards, and the records of the Wheeling and Federal
Governments in many counties. And after arming his command com¬
pletely with captured arms, destroyed at least five thousand stand of
small arms, one piece of cannon, and immense stores,.which he was
unable to bring away. Crossing the Ohio river twice, and prosecuting
at least twenty miles of his march through the State of Ohio, he ex¬
hibited, as he did elsewhere in his march, a policy of such clemency
as won us many friends, and tended greatly to mitigate the ferocity
12
which had characterized the war in this section. His timely arrival
in the enemy's rear effectually weakened the obstinacy of his stand,
and facilitated my march with the main column into the country.
The whole of Gen. Jenkins' march was too full of incident and adven¬
ture, and of successes repeated daily, to be made the subject of more
special remark; but his conduct, and that of his officers and men,
has received my unqualified approbation, and deserves the notice and
thanks of the Government. On the 6th inst , I marched from near
Giles Court-House for the Kanawha, with my command, about five
thousand strong. The enemy, at Raleigh, fled at our approach, and
concentrated his force, at Fayetteville, where I arrived on the filth
inst., with the advance of my column, consisting of Gen. Williams
and Col. Wharton's brigades. After an obstinate resistance, com¬
menced two miles from the town, the enemy was driven before us into
his fortified positions at the town, consisting cf formidable and iegu-
larly constructed and connected works, armed with nine pieces of ar¬
tillery, and sheltering from fifteen hundred to two thousanl men,
under command of Col. Sibert. I directed Col. Wharton's brigade, to
which was added Col. Pallou's 22d Virginia regiment, to turn the
enemy's positions, and cut his connections, while Gen. Williams at¬
tacked him in front and on his right. Upon reaching his position,
Col. Wharton was attacked by nearly the whole force of the enemy,
which he repulsed in gallant style, inflicting great loss, and advanced
cur p< sitions nearer to him. At this juncture, I ordered Gen. Wil¬
liams to move to a nearer and mor3 commanding position, which he
promptly did, driving the enemy's skirmishers within their fortifica¬
tions. Here a violent firing of cannon and small arms was kept up
until after dark, when the enemy effected his escape towards the Gau-
by, by means of one of the many roads in his rear, in his flight ex¬
posing a portion of his force to the fire of Col. Wharton, by whom
great loss was inflicted upon him, and much of his train and stores
captured. Gen. Williams and Col. Wharton pursued, rapidly fol¬
lowed by Gen. Echols, who had now come up by a march longer than
that of the other brigades, and accomplished in unexpectedly short
time, and early enough to execute a movement to the enemy's left,
planned for him on the next day, if the enemy had not fled on the ar-
lival of our reinforcements. At ten o'clock the next day, the Mth,
•the enemy made a stand at a strong natural position on Cotton Hill,
hut this being turned, by Col. Wharton and Gen. Echols, while Gen.
Williams engaged.him in a sharp conflict in his front, he agiin fled,
after suffering much logs lis efforts to cross his troops over the
Kanawha into the ford fled positions at Gauley were prevented by the
swiftness of pursuit, which drove the larger portion of his column
down the south bank of the Kanawha, while the remainder, on the op¬
posite side of the river, was quickly overpowered and followed, but
not before hjs magizens were blown up, and his immense stores accu¬
mulated at that pjint were mostly destroyed. It is proper that the
gallantry of Dr. James Watkins, surgeon of the 36th Virginia regi¬
ment, and several other soldiers of the command, should be noticed
°nd commended, who swam the river, in the face of some danger from
13
the retreating enemy, and extinguished the fire which was rapidly
■consuming the enemy's ferry-boats. I immediately caused General
Echols' brigide, together with the 22d and 36th Virginia regiments,
to be thrown across the river, and with his and the brigade of General
Williams and Col. Wharton on the other side, I continued the pursuit
of the enemy, with occasional skirmishing, to the vicinity of Charles¬
ton, which I reached on the afternoon of the 13th if St., the route of
the retreat being rnaiked with burned and abandoned property. At
Charleston the enemy again offered a most determined resistance, until
the brigades of Gen. Williams and Col. Wharton, rcaehing a com¬
manding position on the opposite bank of the river, poured a destruc¬
tive artillery fire into his right, while Col. McCausland, then in com¬
mand of the 1st brigade, on account of the sickness of Gen. Echols,
covered and assisted by Chapman's battery, placed on a commanding
hill on the right, and which kept up a destructive fire on the enemy,
pushed into the burning town, and drove the enemy below the Elk
river. The enemy destroyed the suspension bridge across the Elk
behind him, and planting batteries upon the opposite shore, held the
position until nightfall, when he again resumed his flight, which he
has since rapidly continued, by the way of Jackson Court-House and
Ravenswood, into the State of Ohio, followed, however, by enough of
my disposable cavalry to harrass his retreat, and capture much val¬
uable property. The march, of near one hundred and fifty miles, and
the detailing of forces to guard captured stores in the rear, caused
such abatement and exhaustion of my command as compelled me to
halt at Charleston. This place, too, being the point of departure of
many lateral roads, in any event, is necesjyjry to he held. In the
various engagements and skirmishes with the enemy, up to this time-,
my loss in killed and wounded is about eighty men; while that of the
enemy, from reliable information, cannot be less than one thousand
men in killed, wounded and prisoners. At kast one million of dollars
worth of stores were captured, including many Federal flags, two
pieces of artillery, besides several millions of dollars worth of stores
which were destroyed by the enemy in his flight. To Gens. Williams
and Eehol3, and to Cols. Wharton and McCausland, commanding brig¬
ades, I take pleasure in according the praise which they deserve for
their efficient services and cordial execution of my commands. To
each of the several officers commanding regiments, battalions and bat¬
teries, great credit is due for their' gallantry and promptness. Major
King, chief of artillery, Capt. Mane, of the ordnance, Capts. Poo;
and Robinson, of the engineers, for services in their respective^
spheres; and Capt. Laidley, of the 22d Virginia regiment, wounded
while gallantly fighting at Fayetteville ; and Lieut. Jarrall, of the
36th Virginia regiment, for coolness and courage evinced at. Gauley ;
Capt. Staunton, Adjutant General of Gen. Williams, for entering the
town of Charleston and taking down the garrison flag, and Capt. Cat-
lett and Mr. McFarland, of Gen. Echols'staff; and Lieut. Henry .
Robinson, of artillery ; and Dr. Hunter, chief medical direct^ of my
command, for his care of the sick and his energy in securing captured
medical stores. Capts. Stamps, Otey, Lowry and Chapman, and
14
Lieut. Walker, of the artillery, all deserve especial mention. Col.
Fifczhugh, chief of staff; Capt. My res, of the Adjutant General's De¬
partment, and Col. Thorburn, inspector general and chief of ordnance,
and Capts. Myrick and Mathews, my aid-de-camps, merit the warmest
approbation for their"activity and services on the march and in the
field. And to the soldiers of the army too much praise cannot be
given for their uncomplaining endurance of the fatigues of the march,
and their gallant bearing in the dangers of the fight., It will be a
source of great pleasure to me to mention hereafter acts of individual
gallantry and usefulness of officers and men, many of which occurred
m they are brought to my notice. I have the honor-to enclose herein
the reports of commanders of brigades and others, in which the mer¬
itorious conduct of commanders of regiments, battalions and others is
mentioned. The precise number of my killed and wounded will appear
from the valuable report of Dr. Hunter, my chief medical director.
The rapidity of the pursuit of the enemy preserved the salt works,
and most of the town of Charleston, from the flames, and rescued
many worthy citizens from confinement, among the number Mr. Price,
■uf Greenbrier county.
I am, general, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. W. LORING,
Major General Commanding,
15
REPORT OF GENERAL JENKINS.
Head Quarters, Cavalry Brigade, )
Camp on Kanawha, Sept. 19, 1862. £
Lieut. Colonel H. Fitzhugh,
A. A. General:
Colonel : This command, consisting at that time of seven companies
of the 8th Ya. Cavalry, under Col. Corus, and five other mounted com¬
panies, under Captain Preston, left the Salt Sulphur Springs, in
Monroe county, Ya., on the 22nd ult., for an expedition into the
north 'western part of the State, and thence to fall in rear of the
enemy, who held the mouth of Gauley and Fayetteville, by striking
the Kanawha valley. Learning, on the first day's march, of the con¬
dition of things which made it desirable to send a small force by the
opposite route to come in on the southside of the Kanawha river, I
sent Capt. Herndon, with his company, for that purpose. I was also
compelled to leave Capt. Boulding and his company, for want of proper
amunition for his arms. My whole force amounted, at this time, to
something over five hundred men. In the course of the next few
days, we passed by easy marches, through the great Sewel settlement
of Greenbrier county, the little Sewel settlement of Pocahontas coun¬
ty, thence by the Big Spring, and over the valley mountain, down
the head waters of Tiggart's valley river. I was at this time under
the impression that the enemy had but four hundred and fifty men at
Beverly, and intended to attacked him at that point, but hearing a
rumor on the evening before the day I expected to make the attack,
that Gen. Kelly had reached there with fifteen hundred men, I deter¬
mined it possible, to ascertain its correctness. For this purpose, we
used every effort to capture some of the enemy's scouts, as we ap¬
proached Huttonsville, and when within five or six miles of the latter
place," we succeeded in doing so. 'I regret to say, that in the capture
of these scouts, Mr. Charles Tompkins, acfing as aid, received a
wound in the arm. He is, however, rapidly recovering from its effects.
Of the enemy's scouting party of six, we eaptured two and killed one,
the latter being one of the two brothers named Gibson, and notorious,
through all that section, for the persecution of their loyal neighbors,
guiding the yankees through the country, and inciting them to deeds
of violence. We endeavored to take him alive, but he refused to sur¬
render, and resisted to the last. From the two prisoners, whom I
examined apart, I learned that Gen Kelly was certainly at Beverly,
and with some fifteen hundred men. Another prisoner, whom we took
during the day, confirmed their statement, and other evidence also
reached me which placed the matter beyond doubt. In the mean time,
I had been communicating with Col. Imboden, who was at Cheat
Mountain with a small force, and with whom I had contemplated a
co-operation; but the enemy's force being nearly twice as large as both
16
our own combined, and occupying a strongly fortified position, made
even a combined attaca .mpracticable. I now determined, if possible, to
throw my command in Gen. Kelly's rear, and learning that an im¬
mense amount of supplies and several thorsand stand of arms had
been collected at Buchanan, the county seat of Upsur, I concluded
to strike at that point. To effect this, we had to cross the Rich.
Mountain by a bridle path, or rather trail, which was undiscoverable,
and which for thirty miles passed through the most perfect wilderness
I ever beheld. It were indeed an ardurous task for men and horses.
Some of the latter were completely broken down and left behind, and
a few of the men were also physically unable to make the march, and
returned to the main road to make their way back to Gen. Loring's
camp. At length, however, after twenty-four hours continuous
marching, with the exception of short intervals for rest,, the last of
the command was extricated fiotn the wilderness, and we suddenly
entered upon the fertile country, watered by the tributaries of Buch¬
anan river. Here we halted, and after a few hours for rest and food,
we proceeded down French creek towards the town of Buchanan. The
population, along this creek is among the most disloyal in all western
Virginia. We had emerged so suddenly from the mountains, and by
a route hardly known to exist at all, and if known, deemed utterly
impassable for any considerable number of men, that the inhabitants
could scarcely comprehend that we were southern troops, but when
once known, the alarm spread rapidly, and the "Lincolnite bush¬
whackers" or home guards, as they style themselves, kept up a scat¬
tering fire upon us all day. It was often necessary to dismount a
portion of my command to clear the enemy from the woods or houses.
I am pained to say that in one of these skirmishes Capt. Ferguson
was wounded in the knee by a musket bali. The missle passed en¬
tirely through the knee joint, and the wound is a serious one. Under
the advice of the surgeon^ we left him, after taking him with us a few
hours. We killed and wounded several, and captured a great many
of the so-called home guards. The latter I released, upon their taking
an oath not to bear arms against the State or the Confederate Govern¬
ment. At three o'clock, we approached Buchanan. So rapidly had
we traveled, that the news of our coming hardly preceded us an hour.
I could observe no signs of the enemy; but knowing he had troops at
that point, I suspected they were placed in ambuscade—an opinion
which was confirmed; my own disposition of troops was soon.mado.
Dismounting all but two companies, I placed four companies of the
■dismounted men under Capt, Spotts, with orders to proceed through
a skirt of woods on our left, where I suspected an ambuscade, and
after driving him from that position, to flank the town on the Lft. I
ordered two other companies of dismounted men to deploy through a
cornfield on our right, while I moved on with the ether dismounted
men, under Col. Corus, along the main turnpike, leading to the town;
leaving Capt. Preston in command of the two mounted companies to
await further orders. The forces on my left soon felt the enemy, and
drove him in confusion before them. Our main body received a fire
from the enemy, who was partially serened by some haystacks and
17
fences. This fire was-returned so briskly that the enemy was soon,
routed; ho made no further stand, but fled in every direction. As
soon as the obstructions could be removed, which had been .placed in
the road, I ordered Oapt. Preston to charge, which he did, capturing
several fugitives beyond the town I regret to have to state, that
in the brief engagement, Lt. Col. Cook, of the 8th Va cavalry, was
eeriou-ly, though not raortallv wounded, the ball passing through the
inside of the thigh, but not touching the bone. We lost none kilted,
and only three others wounded. Tee enemy's loss was twelve or
fifteen killed and wounded, and Jtbout twenty prisoners, including
Capt. Marsh, the commanding olfider. I could not ascertain precisely
his whole force engaged, but it w£fc stated, by Capt. Mai>h, to havo
been two hundred. The citizens of the place, however, estimated • it
at a much higher figure. On taking possession of the town, I found
an immense supply of commissary arid other stores, besides five
thousand stand of arms, and, vast supplies of ordnance stores and
clothing, &c. Many of my command were poorly armed,and all were
at once supplied with Enfield and Harper's Ferry rifles,except a single
company, which I permitted to keep its shot-guns, for the purpose of
heading a charge. We then commenced the work of destruction at
which the whole command labored assiduously until mid night, when,
having destroyed every thing of value, we took up our line of march
for Weston, the county seat of Lewis county.
I forget to say that;before leaving we disabled a beautiful brass six-
pounder,-which we had captured and could not conveniently take with
us. We reached Wesftm at daylight the next morning, a ad surrounded
"the place," but a densei fog suddenly rising, the enemy (of whom
there were six companies,)- mostly escaped. We captured about a
dozen prisoners, and remained there during the rest of the day, rest¬
ing the men and horses. In the evening, after destroying all United
States property, telegraph office, &e., &c., we took up our line of
march for Glenville, in Gilmer county. We encamped about midnight,
and, resuming our march early next morning, approached within
sight of Glenville about eleven o'clock next day. Here the enemy.,
consisting of two companies, fled, after a single fire. Resting for the
remainder of the day at Glenville, we started at sunset for Spencer,
the county-seat of Roane. After encamping and resting for a few-
hours. after midnight we again resumed our march, and about 4 o'clock,
P M., reached Spencer, surprising and capturing Col. Rathbone and
his entire command, consisting of five companies of infantry. - Here.,
also, we got some fine arms, which v>e wi>re compelled- to destroy.
We remained at this point until the next morning, when, having pa¬
roled all our prisoners as we had previously done, we moved on to Rip¬
ley, in Jackson county, a point only twelve mile3 from the Ohio river.
We reached Ripley that evening, but found no enemy save a solitary-
paymaster, whom we relieved of United States funds to the amount'
of five thousand five hundred and twenty-five dollars, ($5,525 00.)
Next morning, we-moved to Ravens wood, on" the Ohio river. The
enemy, comprising near two hundred, fled across the Ohio on our ap¬
proach.- We rested most of the day at Ravenswopd, and abouf/aa-
" - h
18
hour before sunset I crossed the Ohio with the larger portion, into the
State of Ohio, losing one man by being drowned. The ford was deep,
and the bar, upon which we were compelled to cross, narrow, and a
number of the horses got into swimming water, but no other loss oc¬
curred, except the one referred to. Mr. Burdett, of Ravenswood, and
formerly a steamboat pilot, who joined my command that day, was
very serviceable in aiding us to find the shoal water on the bar ; in¬
deed, without him I should perhaps, have had to abandon the enter¬
prise. The excitement of the command, as we approached the Ohio
shore, was intense, and, in their anxiety to be the first of their re¬
spective companies to reach the soil of those who had invaded us, all
order was lost, and it became almost a universal race as we came into
shoal water. In a short time all were over, and in a few minutes the
command was formed on the crest of a gentle eminence, and the ban¬
ner of the Southern Confederacy floated proudly over the soil of our
invaders. As our flag was unfurled in the splendors of an evening
sun, cheers upon cheers arose from the men, and their enthusiasm
was excited to the highest pitch. After dismounting a small body of
men, and putting to flight some of the relugee Yankee soldiers from
Ravepswood, who, as said before, fled to the Ohio side for safety, I pro¬
ceeded with my command into the State of Ohio, having already given
the necessary directions to the part-of the command left on the Vir¬
ginia side to effect a junction near Point Pleasant. It was a subject
of the very greatest interest with me, to observe the state of feeling
in Ohio, and the impression our presence would produce. I may say,
in brief, that the latter was characterized by lhe wildest terror; so
much so that, but for the pity for the subjects of it, one could only
view it as an absurdity. Women inquired for officers, wherever our
troops appeared, and having found them, begged them not to permit
them to murder them. Others came out of their dwellings, and urged
as a reason for our not burning them that they contained invalids too
*much afflicted to be removed. To these requests we replied, that
though that mode of warfare had been practised on ourselves, though
many of the soldiers of our comn and were homeless, and their fami¬
lies exiles on account of the ruthless warfare that had been waged
against us, that we were not barbarians, but a civilized people, strug¬
gling for their liberties, and that we would afford them that exemption
from the horrors of a savage warfare which had not been extended to
us. It was manifest that they had net expected such immunity, and
could scarcely credit their senses when they saw that we did not light
our pathway with the torch. On more than one occasion, however,
our presence produced a different effect, and the waving of handker¬
chiefs showed that the love of liberty and the right of self-govern¬
ment had still some advocates in a land of despotism. It was a curious
and unexpected thing to hear upon the soil of Ohio shouts go up for
41 Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy." This was usually,
however, in isolated spots, where there were no near neighbors to play
the spy and informant.
In the course of our inarch in Ohio we captured several Federal
soldiers, who had escaped from Ravenswood, and upon returning to
19
the Ohio river and taking posession of Racine, we put to flight some--
" Home Guards," who had assembled for its defence. Here I proposed,
to recross the Ohio river, but a citizen, familiar with the ford, de¬
clared it impossible. Entertaining a differrent opinion, based upon
Mr. Burdett's knowledge of the channel, I insisted upon the citizen's
mountaining a horse, and leading the column over, promising him a
proper remuneration. After getting more than two two-thirds of the
distance across, I saw that, if we followed him, the whole command
would have to swimm their horses, a dangerous experiment for those
who could not swim a stroke if accidentally displaced from their'
horses. Observing this, I halted the colmun, and with Mr. Burdett,.
of whom I have spoken as having been formerly a steamboat pilot,
sought and soon found the course of the sand bar, and keeping upon
its crest, passed over, followed by the whole command, in safety. I
entertained at the time, as I do now, the suspicion that it was the de¬
liberate intention of the Yankee citizen to drown as many of the-
command as possible. Proceeding a few miles, we encamped for the
night, and, on the afternoon of the next day, made a junction with the
rest of our forces, six miles from Point Pleasant. The enemy was,
in force, superior to my own, but his troops were green, and I felt
confident I could drive him from the field ; but I knew that, seek¬
ing shelter as he would, in the lar.-e courthouse, and solid edifices in
which the country abounds, I could not dislodge him from these with¬
out artillery Unfortunately, I had none, having found the brass six-
pounder too heavy for transportation over the roads', and having sent
back the small mountain piece, with which I started, from the point
where I started across Rich Mountain, I made a demonstration upon,
Point Pleasant by sending a small body to drive in his pickets, and;
then proceeded, with my main body, towards Buffalo, a email town
situated on the Kanawha, twenty miles above its mouth. On arriv¬
ing near it we encamped for the night, and occupied it next moaning:
and remaining there until 1 o'clock that night, crossed the Kanawha*
river by fording, and the .next day struck the Ohio river twtnty-five-
miles below Point Pleasant. Here we remained a day and night, r;st-
ing the men and horses, On the succeeding day we returned inland!
to Barboursville, in Cabell county, and remain*ed in the vicinity two*
days, always being within one day's march of the Kanawha river,,
intending, if I should hear of Gen. Loring's advent into the upper
end of the Kanawha Valley, to fall again immediately in the ene¬
my's rear. But it not having been entirely certain, when we left
General Loring's camp in Monroe county, that he would advance to the
Kanawha Valley, and being able at this time to hear of no foward
movement on his part, and having some three hundred unarmed re¬
cruits whom it was exceedingly desirable to convey within our lines,
I determined to proceed to Logan court house for that purpose. On
arriving there, and still hearing nothing of General Loring's advance,
I moved the command to Wyoming court house. On arriving there
in the evening, and hearing a rumor that General Loring had crossed
Pack's Ferry for an advance upon the Kanawha, I lefD my command
and pressed on the same evening, with an escort, to Raleigh court
20
house, a distance of thirty-five miles, where I learned that Genera,!
Loring had certainly passed, and attacked the enemy at Fayetteville,
a point distant eight miles from the mouth of Qauley. After resting
briefly, I returned and met my command at the marshes of Goal, and
then proceeded, by forced marches, down Coal river, intending to fail
into the rear of the enemy about the mouth of Coal river. But the
vigor with which he was pressed by General Loring so accelerated the
enemy's flight that it was impracticable : and, on learning that the en¬
emy had turned off at a point two miles below Charleston, and taken
the road to Ravenswood, I abandoned the attempt to get in his rear.,
and proceed by the Lens Creek road to the point where this report is
written.
I am, Colonel, very respectfully, yours, &c., he.,
A. G. JENKINS,.
Brig. Gen. Cavalry
'True copy :
W. B. Mvers,
A. A, General,
21
REPORT OF GEN". WILLIAMS.
Headquarters Second Brigade, >
September 18, 1862. j
Capt. Wm. B. Mveks, A. A. General, fyc. :
"Captain: On the morning of the 1 Oth instant, agreeably to Major
Gen. Bering's order, I detached the 22d Virginia regiment, (Colonel
P'atton,) and directed him to report to Col. Wharton, commanding 3d
brigade. Wharton left the turnpike and took a mountain path to the
left, about six miles from Fayette Court-House, for the purpose of
attacking the enemy in the real*. It was agreed between him and
myself that the march of my brigade should be retarded one hour, so
that he might t'urn the enemy's position, and the attack be made
simultaneously front and rear. My brigade proceeded by the turnpike
road, and when within three miles of the court-hbuse, my front
guard, under Capt. Reed, was attacked by three companies of infan¬
try. Capt. Reed engaged them with spirit. It was now discovered
that the enemy held possession of the thickly set woodland on both
sides of the road. I ordered Major Davis, with Edgar's battalion, to
skirmish on the right, and companies of the 45th Virginia to the left,
'Lieut. Col. Harm an commanding. After a short and sharp resistance,
the enemy was driven from the woods towards a square redoubt in
the open field, which commanded the road. By this time the crash
. of Wharton's rifles was .distinctly heard. Two hills, running at right
angles to the road, lay between us and the enemy's position. A dense
forest extended from my position to that of Col. Warton, passing
within two hundred yards of the- enemy's redoubt. I moved two
twelve-pounder howitzers and two rifled pieces to the top of the first
hill, and the 45th and 36th Virginia, under cover of the woodland,
along the right flank of the enemy's position. . Edgars battery-was
placed in rear of the batteries. Our batteries opened upon the enemy,
and were replied to bj7 a storm of shell, and grape, and Minnie balls
from sbarpsh >oters, who "held the ravine and the opposite hill. The
artillery was parts of Otey's, Stamp s, and Chapman's batteries.
Our loss here was considerable in men and horses-—the heaviest in
Otey's battery. The fortification was revelled with sod, and did not
crumble much, although one shell'did terrible work within. The dis¬
tance here was five or six hundred yards, too great for very effective'
firing, and I determined to move to the next hill. Edgar's battal¬
ion, under Major Davis, cleared the front of sharpshooters and drove
them in gallant style, and the whole of the artillery—Otey's, Stamp's,
and Chapman's, Bryant's, and Dowry's batteries—dashed in magnifi¬
cent style over the ridge, down the slope and up to the top of the next
hill, where they unlimbered within three hundred yards of the enemy's
fort, and opened a terrible cannonade upon it. Col. Brown led the
45th along the woodland, driving the enemy before him, and McCaus-
l&nd, with the-36th, in gallant style, occupied a house and some
stumps of trees, from which the enemy had greatly annoyed us. We
22
lost several gallant officers and a number of brave men in these move¬
ments. Here I discovered that the eneny's position was much
stronger than was at first supposed. Besides the square redoubt in
front, there was one to the left and rear of the court-house, which
was at that moment engaged by Col. Wharton, and to the right and
rear another strong fortress upon a high hill, which commanded both
the other forts. These facts I communicated to you by Capt. Marye,
with the opinion that my force could take the first redoubt by assault,
but the sacrifice of life would be great, and that it could not be held
unless the fort on the hill was first taken. Night fell upon us, and
the wearied men slept upon their arms, within a stone's throw of the
enemy. Just before daybreak, on the 11th, a noise, like the march¬
ing of men, was heard in the direction of the enemy's works, which
indicated that they were evacuating. This was confirmed by the
opinion of Colonel Wharton, who communicated with me in person,
whereupon I sent Capt. Fife, 36th Virginia, with his company to
approach the position of the enemy, and ascertain whether the noise
proceeded from their retirement from the front, or from the arrival of
reinforcements, which we had reason to apprehend they were expect¬
ing. The captain replied by a shout from the walls that the enemy
had gone. In twenty minutes the whole brigade was in hot pursuit.
The road was strewn with guns, knapsacks, blankets, overcoats,
wagons, hospital and sutler stores, horses, and men. They made a
fruitless effort to burn the town, but the flames were extinguished and
a. sufficient guard placed over the stores and property by Capt. Stan¬
ton. At the foot of Cotton Hill we came upon the enemy's rear, and
our march was greatly obstructed by trees, which he had felled across
the road. I here directed Col. Wharton, with his brigade and Pat-
ton's regiment, to take a mountain path to the left and endeavor again
to reach the enemy's rear. Men were brought forward, and two com¬
panies from the 22d and one from the 45th regiment, as skirmishers,
under Major Bailey, who drove the enemy before them, while the
pioneers, under Lieut. Hart, cleared the -road of obstructions. The
column moved almost without halting until near the top of the hill,
where Major Bailey was met by a fresh regfment, on its march to
reinforce Fayette. I ordered Col. Brown, with the 45th, to sustain
Major Bailey, and brought McCausland to the front. The enemy
placed two howitzers in position on the hill, and opened upon us with
grape and canister; but our loss was not great. Here he made a
' stout resistance, but, by the determined courage of Brown and Bai¬
ley, was driven from his position, and retreated, double-quick, down to
Montgomery's Ferry. McCausland, with the 36th regiment, kept close
-upon him. Capt. Jarrett, at the head of the skirmishers, displayed
great courage and energy. The entire brigade went down the hill
with a shout and at double-quick time. I had previously ordered a
twelve-pounder howitzer to the front for the purpose of destroying
the enemy as he crossed the river. Lieut. Norvell brought down the
•piece at a full gallop, and planted it on the river bank. The enemy
set fire to his magazines, and attempted to destroy all his commissary
stores. By this time half his force had crossed the river, under cover
23
of four guns, planted on the opposite bank. The rest retreated down
the south bank. Lieut. Norvell, by a dozen well-directed shots,
silenced or drove away the enemy's four pieces. The ferry flats had
been carried by the enemy to the opposite side, and set on fire. I
called out for half a dozen bold swimmers to swim the river with their
hats on, extinguish the flames, and bring over the ferry boats. Dr,
Watkins, of the 36th Virginia; Lieut. Samuels, of my staff; W. H.
Harman, 45th Virginia ; Allen Thompson, 45th Virginia, and six or
eight others, sprang into the river and boldly swam, under a shower
of grape and canister. These brave men seized the burning boat, and
making fire buckets of their hats, extinguisned the flames as they
rowed it over. A Yankee lieutenant and ten men here surrendered
to Lieut. Samuels. I ordered Col. MeCausland, with his own and
Col. Patton's regiment, and two pieces of artillery, across the river,
and with the remainder of my brigade, and Col. Wharton's command,
which was next to my own, moved after the enemy's column on the
left bank.
Several sharp skirmishes occurred during the day, and at nightfall
we came upon them as thfy were preparing to encamp, drove them
before us, and slept upon their ground at Buster's. Lieut. Col. Clark,
of Col. Wharton's brigade, in command of advanced skirmishers,
drove the enemy from the corn-fields. The pursuit had been so rapid
that our supply wagons did not come up in time, and we procured
supplies from the country people, and renewed the pursuit early in
the morning. During the day, the enemy on the opposite side of
the- rk er, attempted to burn all the salt furnaces, but were prevented,
by the rapidity of the pursuit, and the well-directed shot of Otey's,
Stamp's, and Bryant's batteries, which I kept next to the skirmishers,
from destroying more than one. A large number of trees were
felled across the road, and the bridges broken, but these impediments
were rapidly removed by the energetic pioneers of Edgar's battalion,
under Lieut. Hart, of the. engineer corps, Wharton's brigade. At
night we came up with the enemy, captured his picket guard, drove
him from his camp and slept again upon the ground wh.ch he had
selected for himself. At daybreak we resumed the pursuit, and found
that his force had crossed the river' before day, at Camp Piatt. I
brought all the artillery to the front, and kept up a galling fire upon-
his rear as he moved down the narrow plain on the opposite b^ank.
As we approached Charleston, I discovered masses of infantry cross¬
ing the river tp the south side for the purpose of checking our
advance. I immediately sent Lieut. Col. Clark, with his battalion of
sharpshooters, supported by the 45th Virginia regiment, who gallantly
drove the enemy back, some fleeing down the river, others crossing
it. The enemy, by this time, had nearly completed the evacuation of
Charleston, and were preparing to give us battle on the opposite bank
of Elk river, behind their wagons and hastily thrown up breast¬
works. A height on the south bank of the Kanawha, just below the
mouth of Elk river, overlooked and commanded the enemy's entire
position, but his artillery commanded the road to this height, and his
sharpshooters lined the opposite bank of the Kanawha. I sent Clark's
-24
battalion, with some Companies of the 45th, to engage these sharp¬
shooters, while the artillery, under Major King, dashed by at full
gallop, and with but small loss, ohtaiued the desired height, and from
six piece?, opened upon the enemy's right flank a most destructive
fire. A few effective rounds drove the enemy from his position, and
his regiments and wagons began a disorderly retreat, and nothing was
left but his artillery to contest the ground. At this moment the sus¬
pension bridge across Elk river fell-. I now sent Captain Marye,
with the information which my position enabled me to gain, suggest¬
ing that the bridge had been destroyed, but that Elk river could be
crossed on flat boats, and the enemy's cannon taken. You at once
put me in command of four regiments, on the north bank of the Kana¬
wha, with instructions to cross Elk river and take the enemy's bat¬
teries. This was rendered unnecessary by the enemy's withdrawing
his pieces, and following his retreating column with the whole of his\
artillery.
Col.. Wharton, whilst associated with es&, behaved with his accus¬
tomed coolness and courage. . _
Major King managed his artillery with great ability, and displayed
that calm courage so neces'sarv to an artillery officer. Captain Stan¬
ton, my adjutant general, rendered important service and accomplished
a feat of gallantry, which should be remembered. While the enemy
still occupied one half of Charleston, accompanied by Lieut. Backler,
of the 45th, and three men of the same regiment, he crossed the
river in a skiff, under a heavy fire, hauled down the garrisiom flag of
the enemy, and returned unhurt with the trophy. At Fayette Court-
House he took command of" a piece of artillery, the gunners of which
had been killed and three drivers wounded, and managed the piece
under a terrible fire, with great effectiveness. Private Harper and
t' e remaining members of this piece behaved nobly.
Capt. Peyton, my aid-de-camp, deserves mention for his conspicu¬
ous gallantry and fearless horsemanship, through all the heat of bat¬
tle. * Col. John Morris, volonteer aid, rendered important service.
Capts. Myer and Buckuer were prompt in carrying orders. Dr. Duke
displayed the qualities of both surgeon and soldi ;r. Major Peter
Otey, of Clark's battalion, was conspicuous on the two last days of
the pursuit, in. leading the skirmishers. Captain Marye of. the ord¬
nance department, was : ctive, brave, and intelligent. I found his
perception quick, his judgment good, and his courage of the highest
order. Bis suggestion■; were useful to me. Captains Robinson and
Poor, engineer officers, aided me efficiently at Fayette 'Court-House.
The artillery officers and men all behaved with coolness and courage.
Capt. Stamp and Lieut. Walker were particularly dististinguished.
This hurriei account embraces all that now occurs to me worth
mentioning of the four days' march and fighting from Fayette Court-
House to Chariest:m.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier General fyc.
True copy: W. B. Myers, A. A. General,
25
REPORT OF COLONEL WHARTON. ,
Headquarters Third Brigade, A^my S. W„ Va., )
Camp near 'Charleston, September 17, 186A. 5 .
Oapt.W. B. Mveks, A. A. Central:
Captain : I have the honor to submit the following report of the
participation of the third brigade in the action at FayeUeviile, on the
10th instant, and the skirmishes between that village and Charleston.
On the morning of the 10th, within four and a half miles of Fay-
ettovilfe, I was ordered by Major General Loring to proceed, with the
22(1 regiment, Col. Patton, the 51st regiment, Lieut. rol, Forsburg,
and Clarke*s battalion of sharpshooters, Lieut. Col Clarke, by a road
to the left, in order to attack the enemy in rear, while the main body
should proceed directly along the turnpike, and attack him in front.
At il 1-4 o'clock we left the turnpike, under the direction of a guide,
who was said to be thoroughly acquainted with. the country. The
anxiety of our guide to take us to the rear of the enemy, to make the
surprise complete, caused him to take the column by a more circuit¬
ous route, one much longer and much more difficult to. march over,
than had been represented, which delayed our making the enemy's
rear until about 2 1-4 o'clock. When we reached the rear, the enem y's
batteries were not in the position which had been described. We
found in front two batteries, well constructed, and so arranged as to
command, by a cross fire, the cleared space, : bout a thousand yards,
between these batteries and the wood on the ridge where we took po¬
sition. Through this cleared space ran the turnpike from Fayette-
. ville to Gauley bridge. Between the ridge on which we were, posted
and the batteries, the ground was very rough, being broken by steep
hill slopes, ravines, thick under-brush, and fallen timber, miking a
very good abattis. A hasty reconnoisance demonstrated the butteries
could-not be successfully attacked from our position, unless the fire
of the battery could be diverted to the column attacking in front, and
in addition, by the excessive heat of the day, and the long, fatiguing
march by the circuitous route along which we had been led by-our
guide, (we having crossed over five mountains, or high hills, two miles
of which were so rough, and the brush and undergrowth so dense, that
we could only march in single file.) our force was scattered and very
much exhausted. Under these circumstances, upon consultation with
some -of the officers, we determined to take and hold such a position
us commanded the turnpike leading from Fayettevillo to Montgomery's
Ferry, to prevent'the passing of hi3 trains, and if possible cut off his
retreat. To effect this, Major Dickey, with three companies of the
51st regiment, was directed to take position on a spur extending out
and commanding the turnpike on our extreme left, and about one-half
a mile in rear of the batteries. Immediately on his right, Lieut. Col.
Clarke, with a portion of his sharpshooters, was placed to prevent
Major Dickey's being flanked. Col. Patton, with a portion of the
22d regiment, was thrown further to the right to occupy another spur,.
commanding, with long range guns, another part of the turnpike ;
and Maj< r Bailey, of the 22d, was sent with a detachmeut on our ex¬
treme right, and nearer the batteries. The remainder of the force,
. as they came up, was held in reserve to support any part of our line
that might be attacked, and also to be ready to charge the batteries if
an opportunity should arrive. Whilst our forces were getting into
position, the entire line was vigorously attacked by the enemy's in¬
fantry and sharpshooters ; at the same time the batteries poured in a
well directed fire of shell and grape. Our officers behaved with great
energy and gallantry, in hurrying the men_ to the positions respec¬
tively assigned, and in repelling the attacks of the enemy. Three
different attempts were made by the enemy to dislodge us and drive
us from our positions, each time with defeat and heavy loss to them.
Late in the evening, as our ammunition was nearly exhausted, the
men were ordered only to fire should the enemy advance. Maj. Bai¬
ley made three attempts to drive the enemy from the battery on our
r:ght, and succeeded, but could not hold the position, as both the bat¬
tery, and the space between our position and the battery, were strong¬
ly commanded by the battery opposite our centre. About dusk our
scouts reported that reinforcements were approaching from the direc¬
tion of Gauley Bridge, and soon after information was brought from
our left that both infantry and cavalry were seen on the turnpike, in
the same direction. As soon as ammunition was brought up, our
forces were thrown further to the front, and nearer the road, when
the firing wra3 renewed, the enemy making two very vigorous efforts
to drive us back. During these attacks they succeeded in running
by with a small body of cavalry and two or three pieces of artillery,
and some waggons. Their infantry having been driven back, retired
beyond the range of our gnns, and made their escape under cover of
the woodland and hills on the opposite side of the turnpike.
For the details of this engagement, I respectfully refer you to the
reports of Col. Patton, Lieut. Cols. Forsburg and Clarke. It was
equally my duty and pleasure to bear testimony to the gallantry, cool
bravery, and soldierly bearing of the above-named officers during the
day and night. I also, with equal pleasure, call the attention of the
General commanding to the chivalrous bearing and efficiency of Ma¬
jors Bailey, Dickey, and Otey. All the officers and men behaved with
commendable coolness and bravery.
On the morning of the 11 th, the third brigade joined in. the pur¬
suit of the retreating enemy, crossed Cotton Hill by the old road, and
linked with the second brigade at Mu..,0...cery's Ferry, with which
brigade it co operated until the enemy were driven from Charleston.
I respectfully refer you to the surgeon's report of the list of casu¬
alties.' In the hurry of pursuit it was impossible to ascertain, with
accuracy, the loss of the enemy. Prisoners taken represent that one
of the regiments which engaged this brigade at Fayetteville, lost in
killed, wounded, and prisoners, one hundred and fifty. Many more
were killed and captured in the pursuit.
I desire particularly to acknowledge my indebtedness to Lieutenant
Hart, of the engineers, and Mr. C. A. De Russy, A. A. Gea'l., for
the energy and promptitude with which the duties assigned them were
discharged."
All of which is respectfully submitted.
G. C. WHARTON,
Colonel, commanding third brigade.
True copy: W. B. Myers, A. A. G.
COL. THORBTJRN'S. REPORT.
IIh.i)quasters department, western, v-a., )
Charleston, Va , Sept. !7th, 1862, )
3:1 aj. Gen. TV.' W. Loiung, Commanding, 4fc.
General : In compliance with your order, the following report is
respectfully submitted. Cannon ammunition expended in the battles
of Fayette, Cotton Mountain, Charleston, and in pursuing the enemy :
Six-pounder shell, ; six-pounder shot, ; Twelve-pound-
shell, ; three-inch rifle shell, ; musket, ; Rifle, .
On the evening of the Pith, in obedience to your order, the ene¬
my's position was reconnoitred to the west and north. A good point
was selected 500 yards from the commanding fort, where a "battery
would have soon silenced his fire ; whilst' to the north, the work was
approached within 200 yards, and the ground over which our storming
party was to pass in attacking, was carefully noted. These positions
were described to Brigadier General Echols, who was ordered to oc¬
cupy the ground, hut the enemy flying during the night, gave us
possession of his works, which were found to he quite formidable.
The arms and ammunition left were collected; but I am unable to
give you a report of the number and quantity, the agent left to col¬
lect them has not yet reported. Retreating from Fayette, the ene¬
my made a stand on Cotton Hill, holding the column of General
Williams in check, The brigades of Colonel Wharton and General
Echols being ordered to flank him to the left, he discovered the move¬
ment, and again retreated, blocking up the joad. The next stand
was made at Montgomery's Ferry, from which position he was driven
by our artillery and sharpshooters, burning a large quantity of his
stores, and leaving many quartermaster and commississary stores in
our possession. At Camp Pyatte, the enemy left one 6-pounder and
several boxes of rifle-cannon ammunition. On the 13th, we again
*came up with the enemy; and, abdut a mile from Charleston, com¬
menced skirmishing with him on the right bank. The brigade of
General Williams having taken position on the left bank, his artillery
opened, when oar advance, under Col. Dei rick, pushed the enemy into
the town. The enemy had expressed his determination to burn (the
town) Charleston, and finding himself beaten, set fire to the town in
several places, but so hotly was he pushed, that his attempt failed,
though several store-houses and dwellings, contiguous thereto, were
destroyed. Several of the store-houses were saved. • The bridge
being destroyed, arid having no boa's to cross Elk river, it became
impossible to bring the retreating foe to close quarters. Our cannon,
planted on south side of river, could only annoy him while retreat¬
ing- #
I desire to call your attention particularly to the-efficiency dis¬
played by Captain Chapman, artillery. -A 3-inch rifle gun of his bat-
29
tery, though breaking an axle, was most admirably worked, and did
most efficient service.
Very resv>ectfu tiy,
c. e. tiiorbuen;
Col and Ink Chief of Ordnance.
True copy :
W. Ik Mtilrs, A. A. G.
30
RETORT OF MAJOlt DAVIS.
He adquarters Edoars Battalion, Camp Williams, >
September 18th, 1862. )
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following statement of the
part taken by the battalion in the recent series of engagements com¬
mencing at Fayetteville on the 10th inst., and ending at Charleston
on the 13th On the arrival of our forces within about four miles of
Fayetteville the command of Col. Wharton, with the 22d Virginia
regiment attached, having left the turnpike, taking a road upon our
left, leading to the enemy's -rear, the battallion was thereby thrown
in .front. By your order I threw forward a company under the com¬
mand of Captain Read, as an advance guard, with instructions to drive
in the enemy's pickets and await reinforcements.
When within about three miles of the enemy's position, Captain
Read encountered a scouting party of three companies. He engaged
them in gallant style, drove them back into an open field, where he*
discovered their superiority of numbers, and withdrew his men to a
shelter of woodland, and there remained until the arrival of rein¬
forcements. By your order, the battalion was then deployed as skir¬
mishers upon the right, and advanced as such until recalled by order.
I then formed the battalion in the road, and advanced by the right
flank in the direction of Fayetteville, until again deployed as skir¬
mishers on the right, by your orders. I then advanced, skirmishing
until I came within about three hundred yards of the enemy's works.
Here I stationed my men under cover of t e woods, until I received
your order, communicated by Captain Peyton, of your staff, requiring
me to withdraw the battalion to my former position in the road, reform
and report to you on the second ridge in front of the enemy's position.
This order I obeyed, immediately upon its reception. You then or¬
dered me to place the battallion in position and prepare to charge, to
take possession of the first hill in front of the enemy's first redoubt,
and there remain as a suppport for the artillery. This order was
obeyed and the charge made in open ground, under your immediate
observation, and you are the best judge of the manner in which it
was executed.
The conduct of Captain E S Read, in this charge, and his gallantry
throughout the day deserves special mention and commendation. Our
last position placed us within convenient range of the enemy's guns,
both large and small, and there remained until nightfall exposed to a
galling fire of shell, shot and minnie balls. I then witdrhew by your
order, to the foot of the hill in our rear, and ordered my men to rest
upon their arms until morning. In this engagement I lost two brave
soldiers, Wm. T. Level and Robert Pexton, of Co. B, killed on the
field, and eight wounded, one mortally. This loss I sustained in our
charge, and subsequently on the hill.
About an hour before day we were aroused by the firing of our
skirmishers, who had discovered the evacuation of the fort by the
SI
enemy, and their retreat. When the firing commenced, 1 formed the
battalion and moved, by your order, in immediate pursuit, and were
in supporting distance of the 45th Virginia regiment during their en¬
gagement upon Cotton Hill, though not actively engaged. That
night we camped upon the banks of the great Kanawha. The pursuit
was resumed early on the morning of the twelfth, and, by your order,
my command took the lead. I then forwarded ail the long-range guns
of the battalion as an advance, and these were afterwards strengthened
by a company of sharpshooters from the 51st regiment, under com¬
mand of Captain Graham. During, this day's pursuit my command
performed the arduous task of removing the blockade of the enemy.
About six o'clock in the evening, our advance captured two of the
enemy's pickets, and I encamped the battalion on the ground they had
occupied. In the next day's march the 45th Virginia regiment was
in advance, and the battalion next in pursuit. During the engage¬
ment at Charleston, the battalion was held as a support to the artillery
on the south bank of the Kanawha, but was not actively engaged.
The battalion acted well its part upon the march, and in the field,
but to you, General I accord the praise, for your undaunted courae,
and untiring energy inspired not only the battalion but the whole
command with an enthusiasm irresistable.
I have the honor to be, your obedient,
A. M. DAVIS,
Major Commanding Battalion,
32
REPORT OF COLONEL W. II. BROWN.
Headquarters Forty-Fifth Virginia R '.giment, )
Camp Blair, near Charleston, 17, 18G2. )
Gen. J ohm S. Williams :
Sir : You requested that J should give you a statement of the part
which the forty-fifth regiment played in the three days' marching and
fighting, commencing on the <0th and ending on the 12th of Septem¬
ber, 1862.
In making the attack upon Fuyettevil! e, the forty-fifth regiment occu¬
pied the second place in the column of attack—Edgar's battalion,
commanded by M jor Davis, being at the head of the column. Ad¬
vancing in this order to within, perhaps, two miles of Flyettevillr,
the advance guard of the battalion was fired upon by a picket of the
enemy. By your order, the battalion was deployed as skirmishe s on
the right of the road, three companies of the forty-fifth, under Lieu¬
tenant Colonel Barman, on the left, and ordered to advance. The
column was then ordered forward, under protection of the skirmishers,
who drove the enemy's skirmishers before them. Within half a mile
of the enemy's fortifications, his skirmishers made a stand in a dense
laurel thicket. You then ordered up the pieces pf Otey's battery.
After a few rounds, the skirmishers advanced again, driving the enemy
before them. There were yet three small hills between us and the
enemy's Avoiks, upon which the enemy was posted, and which were to
be tnk<n successively. 1 then moved, by your order, the forty-fifth
regiment up the side of the first hill, which was in range of the ene¬
my's guns., particularly the artillery. 1 here placed the right wing
to hob! and to divert the attention of the enemy, and w hilst I moved the
left wing ny a flank movement through the woods, to the next hill, I
posted my left (then concealed) in sight of the enemy, with orders not
to fire till I returned. I then brought the right wing and posted them
on the left, and in advance of the right, under coter of the wcod>,
when we opened upon the enemy and drove them from the house in
front of the enemy's fortifications. Here the enemy threw grape and
Minnie balls as thick as hail around us. After some brisk fighting in
this position, and when the enemy had been driven to the stronghold,
I advanced my right obliquely to the left, to a position in the woods,
to within about one hundred yards of the enemy's fortifications. Night
comii g on, Ave lay down to get a little rest. I Avas awakened by cheer¬
ily at daylight in the morning, some of my advanced pickets having
discovered that the enemy had fled during the night.
In taking the first hill, a gallant young officer, Columbus Beavers,
second lieutenant company A, forty- fifth Virginia regiment, was
killed, and several men wounded, not dangerously. The second hill
was taken with a greater loss in wounded, and another gallant officer,
Lieutenant Cox, company C, forty-fifth Virginia regiment, killed.
My every movement was made by your orders, given me in person.
We pursued the retreating enenfy to Cotton Hill, at which place
33
you ordered one of my companies forward, under command of Major
Bailey, who took with him also a company from the twenty-second
regiment as skirmisher?—the forty-fifth you ordered to follow them.
Our skirmishers drove them back to the top of the mountain, and dis¬
covered that thAenemy were blockading the road, and h.ad sent a regi¬
ment back, down the mountain, to engage us. I flanked my regiment
to the top of a ridge running perpendicular to the road, an 1 waited
till they came in sight, when we opened upon them and drove them
over the mountain, losing two of my brave boys. I engaged my
regiment no more till I got to Charleston, then I occupied the hills oa
the south bank of the river, and had some sharp fun dislodging the
enemy's sharpshooters from the streets and the opposite bank of the
river.
The officers and men of my regiment deserve praise; thoy marched
without a murmur, and fought gallantly. And to you, general, whe
led us to the conflict, we feel that we hive done our duty. Your owa
noble daring had its influence in prompting us.
Mcst respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM.H. BROWN,
Colonel Forty-Fifth Virginia Regiment.
Official copy.
• II. F. Stanton,
Assistant Adjutant General.
3
34
REPORT OP COL. McCAUSLAND.
Hb, Qrs. 4th Brigade, Akmy We?tern|Tirginia, X
Charleston, September 18th, 1862. $
Col. H. Fitzhugh, A. A. General:
Colonel : In obedience to instructions, I have the honor to submit
the following report of the action of the troops, under my command,
at the battle of Charleston, Virginia. Whilst the troops were en¬
camped at Dickerson's farm, I was directed, by Gen. Loring, to take
command of Gen. Echol's brigade, he being sick, the 36th and 22nd
regiments, Otey's and Loury's batteries, and the cavalry under Major
Tayler. I at once ordered Major Tayler to pursue the enemy, and I
found him near Charleston, when I arrived. We passed Camp Pyatt,
the Salines, Maulden and other places, but found no enemy. Upon
my arrival at a point near Charleston", I discovered the enemy's skir¬
mishers posted behind fencesL and behind a barricade they had erected
near the river. I at once deployed Lieut. Col. Derrick s battalion as
skirmishers, and advanced them so that the left would sweep through
the town, and the right rest upon the hills beyond. I supported the
right with Col McMahon's right; the centre with Col. Roager's right;
and the left with Col. Patton's. The reserve consisted of the 36th
regiment, Loury's battery, a section of Otey's, and the cavalry. It
was stationed in the road near the river. The whole line advanced,
with occasional skirmishing, to the banks of the Elk river, and there
found the enemy posted upon the opposite bank, with all communica¬
tion with the opposite bank cut off; they had destroyed the bridge..
I at once determined to concentrate the troops on the extreme right
flank, and attempt to cross at a ford about two miles above town. We
moved in that directed, under cover of our artillery, which was posted
on a hill commanding the enemy's position, and also other parts of the
field. Upon the arrival at the ford, it was found impossible to cross
with infantry an.d artillery; I ordered the cavalry to cross and move
down the opposite shore, and then moved towards our extreme left,
where we collected boats, and were ready, when night-fall put an end
to the conflict. Strong pickets and support for the batteries .were
left, and the troops sent back to the wagons to get rations, &c., and
sleep. The next day we crossed and came to their camp. Gen. EchcU
was kind enough to send me his staff; Capt. Catlett rendered mo
great aid. Capts. Poor, StOlair and Roach assisted me, and were
prompt in communicating my orders. The officers and men acted
well.
I a«n sir, your obident serv't,
JOHN McCAUSLAND, Colonel
True copy.
W. B. Myers,
Assistant Adjutant General
35
REPORT OF MAJOR KING*
JIeadq'rs Artillery Corps, Army Western Va., y
September 18, 1863. • 5
Capt. Stanton, A. A. General:
Captain: In obedience to orders, I have thehopor to submit to the
brigidier general commanding the following report of the part the
artillery enacted i,n the battle of Fayetteville, and on the march to
and at the battle of Charleston, commencing on the I Oth and ending
on the 13th instant:
On nearing Fayetteville, a section of Captain Otey's battery was
thrown to the front, with G.n. Williams' brigade. The body of the
artillery brought up the rear of the infantry. A brisk skirmish ensued;
the enemy falling back. Arriving in sight of the enemy's works, it
was decided to bombard them. Our infantry having driven the
enemy's skirmisher's in, the artillery was conducted to an eminence
within five hundred yards of his first fort. Here Captains Otey anp
Stamp's batteries were engaged. It was soon determined to advance
our artillery to an eminence nearer the enemy's works. It could not
be done without crossing a hill under a heavy fire from the enemy of
canister, grape, and musketry. Under the direction of B. ig. Gen.
Williams, the enemy was driven from the houses and ravine situated
between us and the fort.. G«ki. Williams, at the head of a battalion of
infantry, and Captains Otey and Stamps' batteries, charged over the
hill, across the ravine, and occupied the desired position, within a
short distance ©f the enemy's works. Here the fire became fierce.
Capt. Chapman's twenty-four-pounder, commanded by the captain in
person, and Captain Lowry's battery were broug t up. The action
continued with constancy and energy until night, it having opened
at two o'clock, P. M.
The courage and gallantry displayed by the officers and men on
this occasion renders it unjust a!mo-t to make any distinction, but the
commanding courage of Cap:.. Walker, of the Otey battery, and the
bravery and efficiency displayed by Captain Stamps in the action was
most cheering. To Captains Lowry, Otey, and Chapman, the com¬
mand is indebted for great encouragement. To Captain Sranton,
chief of Gen. Williams' st;;ff, the thanks of this corps are due, f<>r
his volunteer services in the command of one of Captain Otey's pieces,
which had almost all of its cannonie:s killed or wounded, and from a
deficiency in the number of commissioned officers present, was left
without a commander. Captain Stanton served the piece during
several hours of severe firing. The presence a: d efficient services of
Surgeon Duke on the field attracted much attention. Notwithstand¬
ing the remonstrances of officers, he persistently remained, attending
to the wounded, though a ball through his coat and a wounded soldier
killed in his arms, admonished him of his exposed situation. To
Captains Myrick and Marye, of the general oommanding's staff, the
artillery is also indebted for.gallant serviees.
36
On the morning of the t lth instant, the enemy having abandoned
his works, retreated during the night, Brig. (jkii. Williams, at the
head of his brigade, led in pursuit of bim. A section of Captain
Ot,ey 's battery and Lieut. Norvell was kept to the front and under
'Gen. Williams' personal supervision.-"was afterwards, with our skir¬
mishers, engaged with the enemy's rear guard. Across Cotton Hill
-and Gaulv, and down the left har k of the Kanawlm, Gen. Williams
tpressed, keeping up an almost continual artillery duel with the enemy
and resttd at nighl on the ground, fiom which, a few moments before,
his pickets had been driven. At Gauley, from a misapprehension of
which si !e of ihe river, the major general commanding intended to
move down in peison, the chief of-artillery followed the left bank,
with Captain Bryan's company, a part cf Captain Stamps', and a sec¬
tion of Captain Otey's battery, supported by General Williams' and
(?ol.. Wharton® brigades. A six-pounder of Stamps' and a twelve-
poui.dcr howitzer of Otey's batteiies were left at Gauley by order of
;the piajor general commanding, to report to the commander of the
post. Captains Chapman's and Howry's, and a rectum of Captain
"Otey's battery, followed Brig. Gen. Echol's brigade 011 the right bank
•of ti e river. -
K orbing of importance transpired on the march of the 12th. On
the 13th the pursuit was resumed, and at Charleston the enemy was
overtaken lie occupied the left bank of the Kanawha with a strong
force of sharpshooters and artillery, which commanded either sitfeof
the river. To ihe rear of the town, across Elk river, his lines were
-'.drawn up behind his wagons, his light resting near the Kanawha,
.and his aitillery in front of his wagons. fJhe chief of artillery
Slaving been sent across the left bank of the Kanawha by the major
geneia! commanding, with orders to Brig. Gen. Williams, can make
fro rep- rt of the ]ait enacted on the right bank of the river. On
joining Gen. Williams, the avillery was ordered to he front, the
general accompanying in person. The enemy's sharpshooters were
"drivf n across the river, and his artillery from the town. From the
bill 011 the left batik of the Kanawha, below the mouth of Elk river,
Captains Otet, Bryan, and Stan ps'batteiies commanded the entire
-right .'flank of the enemy's 1 nes A bombardment at once ensued,
which, with the assistance of the force on the right bank of "the
Kanawha, earned the enemy to abandon his situation in haste, driving
off tire most of his wagons, but leaving many and quantities of camp
and garrison equippage ; several of his regiments having left their
blankets and knapsacks on ti e line thev were drawn up to fight on.
Vhe destruction of an artillery carriage, and also the destruction of
the apparatus of a mounted howitzer of the enemy's, besides thekil'-
it g many of his horses, attests the precision with which our artil¬
lerists managed their guns. At the battle of Charleston there were
four artillerists wounded on the left bank of the Kanawha. At night
the firing ceased, the enemy ha\ing retreated. The conduct of the
officeis and men of the artillery rn this occasion confirmed the confi¬
dence their commanders had already felt could be reposed in them.
Throughout the march, the spirited and energetic manner in which
si
Brig. General Williams directed the artillery, inspired it with the
highest confidence and cmlrage.
To the surgeon's report I refer you for the the casualties in the
artillery corps. , In addition to men, it lost upwards of twenty horses
killed. To the general commanding the army, the artillery corps is
grateful for the skill of his general directions, and the trust he reposed'
in it.
Very respectfully,
J. FLOYD KING,
Major and Chief of At tiller}/.
Official copy :
N. N. Samuels, A. A. General.
38
REPORT OF CAPTAIN R. L. POOR.
Headquarters Department Western Virginia, )
Charleston, Va., Sept. 17, 1862. )
Major'General W. W. Loring,
Commanding Army of Western Virginia :
General: In compliance with order No. , issued from these
headquarters of this date, I have the honor to report as follows the
operations of th» Engineer Corps during the several conflicts therein
mentioned: During the engagement at Fayetteville, Genertl Williams
requiring an increase of staff, Captain Robinson and myself were de¬
tached from yours, and ordered to report to him. At the same mo¬
ment, Captain Myers, Assistant Adjutant General, communicated
your desire to have the enemy's position reconnoitred. Aecoidingly,
after having reported to General Williams, left Captain Robinson to
act as aide-de-camp, and I pushed forward to reconnoitre. Upon
reaching the advanced corj^s, (forty-fifth regiment,) found it impractica¬
ble to advance further—the enemy's sharpshooters being in sight. I bore
off to the left, where, upon debouching from th« woods, caught sight of
the enemy's works, distant about one hundred yards. The irregular
trace of the woik (not being able to penetrate to the rear of it) de¬
luded me into reporting it a square redoubt. Upon inspection next
day, I found the works to consist, first, of an irregular work of three
faces, each of forty yards development, eight feet in command and
seven in relief; barbettes in each salient, covering well the ground in
front, located on admirably-selected position, enfilading the approach
from Raleigh, and commanding the suirounding rpen plains. 8'econd,
a similar work constructed as a musketry defence, flanked by felled
timber and rifle pits. Third, a formidable, well constructed, and located
enclosed lunette, connected by covert-way with flanking redan, on
commanding ground, barbettes in each salient, commanding each of the
advai ce works, with development sufficient for a regiment. Being
directed at night, after the first day's engagement, to erect a breaching
battery, I made reconnoissance for same, and selected what 1 con¬
ceived an advantageous position, commanding the work, and being in
the prolongation of the capital line to the right salient, and only one
hundred and thirty yards distant. At ten, P. M., broke ground, and
by two, A. M., had the battery sufficiently complete in its parts to oc¬
cupy with two siege guns, namely: a twenty-four pounder h -witzer
and twelve-pounder rifle gun ready, at a moment's notice, to open
upon the epemy's work. When the force covering my working party
was advanced, with a yell and volley they scaled the parapet, to find
the enemy gone. With General Williams' command, I started in
active pursuit; hence cannot present you with a detailed plan of the
enemy's position and works. At Cotton Hill and Gauley had the
honor of acting on Brigadier General Williams' staff, and this place
on Colonel McCausland's ; hence, pertaining to my department, have
nothing further to report than the erection of a pontoon bridge over
S9
the Elk river. The officers associated with me will need no further
mention than to say that Captain Robinson ably assisted and seconded
cie. Being urider your personal supervision, his merits are known.
Lieutenant Hart displayed general intelligence, efficiency and mer-
i:orious,conduct. Taking great pleasure-in testifying to his merit, I
respectfully request for him a favorable mention in your report.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. L. POOR,
Captain, and Chief Engineer Department,
True copy.
W. B« Myers.
40
REPORT OP DR. JOHN A. HUNTER.
conffderate ptati s hospital, )
Charleston, Fa., Sept. 15, 1862. >
Major General Loring,
Charleston, Va.:
Sir : It is with great pleasure that I report to you the sanitary
condition of your army. Afier a most toilsome march over mountain
range and valley, a distance of one hundred and sixty-nine miles, we
have no case of essential fever developed, either in eamp or hospital,
and but one or two cases of rubiola and parotidid, occurring spatodi-
Cally. During the march we fought the Federal forces first at Fay¬
ette Court-House, with the following casualties: Sixteen men killed
upon the field—one lieutenant and one corporal in the number—and
thirty-two wounded—one of the number mortally. No one hurt at
Montgomery, except fr m accidental discharge of a gun in crossing
the river, wounding one man. Six killed at Charleston, and eight
slightly wounded. Making in all twenty-three killed and fortv-tive
wounded. The enemy's killed at Fayetteville was sixty-five, that we
know of. Their wounded could not be correctly ascertained, but it is
known that three large loads were shipped from Montgomery's ferry,
and passed Charleston, en route for Ohio, and that four wagons, filled
with wounded or dead, were burnt along the road from Fayetteville to
this place, leaving exposed, in the most inhuman manner, portions of
partially consumed bodies in the road. Judging from the most cor¬
rect information, they could have not less than one hundred and eighty
wounded in the action. Four were left dead in Charleston and five
wounded. Their loss west of Elk river could not be ascertained, as
the bridge across the stream was destroyed, to prevent our crossing,
thereby enabling them to carry off their dead and wounded. The ca pture
of hospital and medical stores cannot fall short of twenty thousand dol¬
lars. I Permit me, in conclusion, to congratulate you upon the success
of your arms, and the health and working condition of your army.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN A. HUNTER,
Medical Director Southwestern Virginia.
True copy.
W. B. Myers, Assistant Adjutant General.
BATTLE
OP
SEVEIST PILES'.
REPORT OF GEN. RHODES OF THE OPERATIONS OF
I11S BRIGADE.
Richmond, Va , June 7, 18G2..
Maj. J. W. Ratchford, A. A. General, Third Division:
Major : I have the honor to make the following report of the ope¬
rations of the third brigade, Maj. Gen. Hill,8 division, on the 31 st ult.,
up to the time at which the command of the brigade was turned over
to Col. Gordon of the sixth Alabama regiment. On the morning of
the 31st, the brigade was stationed on the Charles city road, three
and a half miles from the point on the i- Williamsburg" road from
which it had been determined to start the columns of attack. Between
ten and eleven o'clock, a. m., I received an order, through an officer
of Maj. Gen. Hill's staff,'to put my brigade in motion under an officer
of my staff, and to proceed in person by the shortest route to Gen. Hill's
quarters, then on the field, from which the attacking columns were to
start. I obeyed this order promptly, and upon reporting to Maj Gen.
Hill, ascertained that the order, sent through the officer alluded to,
had been erroneously delivered, not.misunderstood, for all the officers
of my staff, including my volunteer aid, Lieut. Green Peyton, heard
and understood it as I did. Finding that the movement of mv brig¬
ade, under this order, was premature, with Maj. Gen. Hill's approval,
I sent a staff officer to remand it to its original position. A short
time after this, 1 received ai verbal order from Gen. Hill, to conduct
my command, at once, to the point at which Jhe attack was to be made.
Hastening to execute this order, I found the brigade on the road, llnd
after carefully giving the " instructions for battle," which had just
been given me by Maj. Gen. Hill, to the commanding officers of regi¬
ments, conducted it by the route, designated in orders, towards the
Williamsburg road. The progress of the brigade was considerably
delayed, by the washing away of a bridge, near the head of "white oak
swamp," by reason of which the men had to wade in water waist deep, and
42
a large number were entirely submerged. At this point the charac¬
ter of the crossing was such that it was absolutely necessary to pro¬
ceed with great caution, to prevent the loss of both ammunition and
life. In consequence of this delay, and notwithstanding the men
were carried at double quick time, over very heavy ground, a conside¬
rable distance to make up for it, when the signal for attack was given,
only my line oF skirmishers, the 6th Alabama, and another regiment,
the 12th Mississippi, were in position. Having received, while on
the march, several messages from Gen. Hill, urging me to move for¬
ward, I warned him before the signal was given, through Capt.
Taylor of his staff, and also through an orderly, whom he had sent to
ascertain-ray position, that 1 could not possibly reach the point, from
which we were to start, within less than half an hour. Wbe,n the
signal was given, my line of skirmishers and the 12th Mississippi
regiment moved to the attack, and immediately thereafter the action
began. Under these circumstances, as each of the remaining regi¬
ments came up, I caused it to move forward to the attack, so that my
brigade moved to the field of battle in echelon, and in the following
order: 1st. Sixth Alabama regiment, Col. Gordon commanding, de¬
ployed as skirmishers, covering the whole front of the brigade. 2nd.
Twelfth Mississippi regiment, Col. W. II. Taylor, moving with its
left on the Williamsburg road. 3rd. Heavy artillery battalion, Capt.
C. C. Otey commanding. 4th. Fifth Alabama regiment, Col. C. C.
Pegues commanding. 5th. Twelfth Alabama regiment. Col. R. T.
Jones commanding- . The King William artillery, Capt. Thos. H Car¬
ter commanding, I ordered to proceed, by the shortest route, to the
Williamsburg road, and to follow the left of the brigade along that
road, after the whole of the brigade had advanced. Ascertaining the
position of the right of the 12th Mississippi regiment, I endeavored
to move the remaining regiments rapidly into line of battle with it;
but finding that this regiment was pressed, I moved the 5th Alabama
directly to its support.
The ground over which we were to move, being covered with very
thick undergrowth, and the soil being very marshy, so marshy' that
it was with great difficulty either horses or men could get over it, and
being guided only by the fire in front, I emerged from the woods upon
the Williamsburg road under a heavy fire of both artillery and
musketry, with only five companies of the 5th Alabama, the remain¬
ing companies having become separated, had moved into the abattis
in their front, and on the right of the 12th Mississippi. Finding that
the 12th Mississippi had moved forward into the abattis, and was gal¬
lantly holding its own along its front, and my battle instructions re¬
quiring me to operate upon the right of the Williamsburg road, I
ordered the left wing of the 5th to move through the abattis and join
the right; and moving towards the right myself, found the battalion
cf heavy artillery opposite their position in line, but halted and lying
down in the wood behind the abattis, which Capt. Bagby, temporarily
in command, informed me was in obedience to an order from Major
Gen. Hill. Ordering them forward, I proceeded further to the right
and found that the 12th Alabama, which had moved over less difficult
43
ground than the other regiments, was considerably in advance of th^
brigade, and rhat together with the 6th, still deployed a? skirmishers,
it was engaging the enemy, having driven him steadily up to his en¬
trenchments. Concentrating the 6th, 1 moved both it and the 12th
Alabam », about sixty yards to the rear, in order to form the whole bri¬
gade in a continuous line preparatory* to an advance upon the enemy's
earthworks Whilst arranging the line of battle, the left wing of the
5th Alabama regiment, under Major Hobson, Lieut. Col. llall having
been wounded, m his eagerness to engage the enemy at close quarters,
and having misun 'erstood my order to move to the right, moved for¬
ward witho* t orders into the field in front of the abattis, and directly
under the guns of the redoubt. After holding its position there a few
minutes, and finding that its movement was premature, it moved back
in perfect order, under a heavy fire of artillery and muski t y, in the
front of the ab ttis. My line of battle was thus completed. It was
formed under a heavy fire throughout its entire extent, and seemed
about equal in extent to that of the enemy, which was then in front
of his camps, and was protected by a redoubt and entren* hments.
My "instructions for battle" required me. under these circum¬
stances, to move my column the length of a brigade, to the right, to
give place to the supporting brigade ; but having discovered, soon
after tny ariival upon the field .in front of the' enemy's works, some
of the troops of the supporting brigade, on the right of my brigade,
I sent to communicate with its commanding officer, and found the
whole of his brigade on the right of my own. I, therefore, deter¬
mined to attack from the position my brigade then held, and requested
General Itaines, who commanded th^ supporting brigade, through an
officer of my staff, and soon after in person, to move forward hi* bri¬
gade through the woods so as to protect my right flank, while I
attacked the enemy in front. He stated to me that he apprehended an
attack on his own right flank, and declined, therefore, to move. Ilis
brigade had, a few moments before, occupied a line extending from my
right obliquely to the front, and at the moment of our conversation,
was being thrown back on a liu* parallel to, and a little in rear of,
that occupied by mine. By this time the enemy began to show signs
of wavering under the effects of a heavy fire from a Confederate bat¬
tery on my left, which proved to be .the King William artillery, under
Capt. Carter. Their battery of seven guns was, in a moment after,
silenced, and tl.e occupants of the redoubt driven out by Captain Car¬
ter's five pieces. Captain Carter, s far as the enemy's *first line
of entren* heats was concerned, had achieved a victory; for
upon moving forward with the whole brigade to attack, the enemy,
having already abandoned his guns and redoubt, fled from his
entreuchments and came, to occupy a line of abattis and woods, about
one hundred and fifty yards in rear of the redoubt, leaving behind
him seven pieces of artillery, several horses, and a large quantity of
quartermaster's, commissary's and medical Stores, including a large
quart .ity of cannon, one four-horse wagon and team, with a large
amount of baggage of both officers and men. From this new* position
they opened tire upon my right regiment, the sixth Alabama, across an
44
0>en field. Finding thnt they out flanked smartly my right, and that
my left was exposed, as I saw no Confederate troops on that fl-mk,
and that the brigade woull be well protected on the outside of the
enemy's works, and by a fence extending in front of a thin skirt of
.woods, occupied by my right regiment, I gave orders that it should
occupy and hold that line, while I waited for Gen. Raines to come up
on my rigl t, and until I could examine the ground to the left of the
Williamsburg road, my left, flank being approached closely by woods.
At the moment of our taking possession of the works, I discovered a
brigade of Federal infantry approaching my brigade from 'he woods
just mentioned, on the left of the Williamsburg road. The head of
this column halted within three hundred ani fify yards of the
redoubt. I immediately caused the fifth Alabama regiment to occupy
the redoubt, and 'he twelf'h Mississippi to occcupy the rifle pits
between t e redoubt arid the Williamsburg road, and called for a com¬
pany of the heavy artillery to turn upon the enemy's columns some
of his abandoned guns; an order which Captain B igby's company
promptly obeyed. But before he succeeded in opening fire, Captain
Carter arrived with his buttery, and immediately opened fire with the
first of his pieces, and in a moment afterwards, with a second. In a
few moments, Captain Bugby, having succeeded in get'ing two of the
enemy's pieces in posirion, opened fire* upon Kim, and then, under the
combined fire of those four pieces, he gave way and retired. An
attack being threatened in front, as soon as the force on the left was
dispersed, one of Captain Carter's pieces was, under the direction of
Major General Hill, who had just arrived, placed iu : uch position as
to enfilade the road. At this moment, from a point six or seven hun¬
dred yards down the road, and directly in front of our rosi'ion, the
enemy's battery opened fire upon us with considerable effect, sweep¬
ing off almost every man from Captain Carter's last-mentioned piece.
This fire was at once replied to by Captain Carter's four remaining
pieces and'by one or tw.o pieces of the Latham battery, which just
then arrived under Captain Dearing It was at this juncture that
Capt. Carter and his men gave a second illustration of their extraor¬
dinary coolness and courage; the first having been given in unlim-
bering his pieces in an open field, and attacking with success the
enemy's redoubt, defended by heavier pieces than his, at the distance
of four hundred yards. Finding that Confederate troops were arriv¬
ing on my right and left, I ordered my brigade to move forward again,
which it bravely did, though encountering a heavy fire of musketry
and artillery from the enemy, cencealed behind a second row of abat-
tis, woods, and fence My two right regiments, the sixth and twelfth
Alabama, upon moving across the field, in the edge of which they
had first halted, and entering the woods on the opposite side, driving the
ei.emy before 'hem, eucouutered a heavy fire of musketry upon its
right and front, and finally upon the rear of its right wing. Under
these circumstances, aiid finding that my right was not supported by
the brigade of General Raines, which was.but a short distance behind,
and which having advanced somewhat, extended now from a point
opposite the centre of the sixth Alabama regiment towards the right,
45
and was in sight of the sixth Alabama regiment, T ordered this regi¬
ment to fall hack to the position it had last occupied on the edge of
the field, where it Was about in line with the enetnv's entrenchments,
and where, though still under fire, it was somewhat protected. 1 feel
decidedly confident that if we had been properly supported in the last
charge, the brigade would have marched on with uninterrupted pro¬
gress, because the enemy invariably yielded to a direct advance, and
the men and officers of this brigade everywhere exhibited great cour¬
age and an earnest desire to close with him. When the sixth Ala¬
bama moved back, the right wing of the twelfth Alabama, under
the command of its lieutenant colonel, (Colonel ii T. Jones having
been killed a few minutes b-fore, whil. leading forward his men.)
retired with it, and took position on its left, behind^the entrench¬
ment. The left wing also started to retire, but at the command, of
its major, (Pickens,) promptly resumed its position, but afterwards
fell back to a position in front of the entrenchments
At this time a portion of the heavy artillery battalion retired; and,
I regret to say, headed by their officers, took refuge in the ditches in
front of the enemy's redoubt—a position from which I had much
difficu'ty in dislodging them, when they were called upon to man the
redoubt. 1 did not attempt to re-establish either this portion of the-
battalion or the twelfth Alabama regiment, in the posi'ion from which
they had withdrawn, because it was evident tliat nothing could be
effected towards an advance, while the right wing of the brigade was
* o o o
so e^po-ed. A part of the battalion, the fifth Alabama and the
twelfth Mississippi regiments, continued to hold their ground steadily,
though subjected to a constant fire from the enemy's musketry, which
inflicted a severe loss upon them. . The enemy's batteries, in the
meantime, had been silenced; but while the contest between them and
our own was going on, the twelfth Mississippi, and a portion or the
fifth Alabami, whic \ were direotl.* between these batteries, maintained
their posts without flinching. Just after the twelfth Alabama had
fallen back, and about an hour after the brigade had assumed its most
advanced position, during which time it had been under.constant fire
of musketry, reinforcements commenced to arrive ; and, in assisting
General Kemper to place his brigade so that it could move forward to
relieve my advance regiments, which, by this time, had been under
fir# fully three hours, I received a wound in the arm, which, in a
short time, became so painful ai to compel me to turn over the com¬
mand of the brigade to Colonel Gordon, of the sixth Alabama*, • I did
not leave the field, though, until suu set. The loss in the brigade, and
especially iu the sixth Alabama and twelfth Mississippi regiments, had
already been serious, but in this second forward movement, and whilst
holding the advanced position, the loss inflicted upon it was far heavier—
the sixth Alabama having lost more than half its force. Among the
other casualties incident to the, second advance, I regret to say thac
some of the best officers of the brigade were killed. Colonel R. T,
Jones, of the twelfth Alabama, the most accomplished officer in the brig¬
ade ; Lieutenant Colonel Willingham and Major Nesmith, of the sixth
Alabama, and Captain C. C. Otey, of, the heavy artillery battalion, who
46
had been conspicuous fof their gallantry and efficiency,fell,while pushing
forward with their men into the thickest of the fight. As a matter of
duty, and with pride and pleasure, I bear testimony to the gallantry and
steadiness of the whole brigade. Nowhere duriug the war, has their
conduct been excelled 111 any particular whereof a soldier might
be proud to boast. The conduct of the King William artillery has
nowhere, in the history of the war, been equalled for daring, coolness
or efficiency. It is, of course, impossible for me to have noticed all
those individuals who, among so many brave men, especially distin¬
guished themselves; but it is my duty to mention the names of some
Ti ho attracted my attention, and recommend those of thdm who are
still living as worthy to leceive the badge of honor alluded to in gen¬
eral orders *umber eleven, Longstreet's division, May 23, 18G2,
Among the living whose gallantry and coolness entitle them to dis¬
tinction, I beg to mention Cdlonel J. B. Gordon, sixth Alabama ;
Colonel C. C. Pegucs, fifth Alabama; Colonel W. II. Taylor, twellth
Missississippi; Major It. L. Hobson, fifth Alabama; Major S. B.
Pickens, twelfth Alabama; Captain T. H. Carter, King William ar¬
tillery; Captains Bagby and White, and Lieutenant Yeatman, of the
heavy artillery battalion; Captain A M. Gordon, sixth Alabama;
Captain Exton Tucker, twelfth Alabama; private Johnton, King
William artillery, and Sergeant Robert Hall, twelfth Mississippi regi¬
ment. For those that are dead, I beg that the testimonial to their
distinguished merit may be transmitted to their nearest relatives.
Among those to whose memory it is eminently due are Colonel R T.
Jones, Lieutenant Colonel Willingham, Major Nesmith and Captain
C. C. Otey; Captains Fox and Bell, of the sixth Alabama; Captain
Hastings of the twelfth Mississippi; Captains Keeling and Darwin,
of the twelfth Alabama, and Lieutenant Newman, of the King William
artillery, though n-ot coming under my own observation, are reported
to me, by those c »mpetent to ju'dge, as having behaved with such
coolness and gallantry as to entitle them also to the testimonial.
Many others are d mbtless equally deserving of honorable mention,
but none of them have been formally reported to me. My staff officers,
Major D. T. Webster, A. C. S.; Captain H. A. Whiting, A. A Gen¬
eral ; Lieutenants P. T. Sutton and Green Peyton, aids de-camp,
conducted themselves in such a gallant manner, and were so efficient,
that it is my duty to recommend them as worthy to receive the badge
of distinction. Lieutenant Sutton was wounded so severely in the
arm, V the close of the day, as to render amputation necessary. Cap.
tain Whiting had his horse killed under him. Major Webster's horse
was killed also. The brigade was under a constant fire of musketry
and artillery during five and-a-half hours ; and hence its loss was
heavy. The following statement exhibits the casualties in the differ¬
ent regiments and the battery :
47
LTST OF CASUALTIES.
Killed.
Brigade ptaff
Twelfth Alabamaregiment
Twetfih Mississippi regiment
B'Xth Alabama regiment
Fifth Alabama regiment
H( avy artillery battalion
Carter's battery
Tot* i a
c S
EI
54
36
8 i
28
13
14
817
Wounded.
Missing.
0?
a
Enlisted
i men.
t
•
1
o
l
Enlisted 1
men.
<2
C3 .
SB 1!
® 2
u 0
so
<1
. 2
6
8
22*
10
3
1
143
144
255
171
64
24
5
2
208
103
3 "3
210
83
30
58
801
5
The total number of men carried into action was about two thousand
two hundred. The aggregate number present at camp was, however,
two thousand five hundred and eighty-seven.
The sixth Alabama lost near sixty per cent, of its aggregate force.
Some of its men were drowned after having been wounded, as they
fought, at times, in a swamp, in which the water was from six inches to
two feet in depth. The right company of '.he sixth Alabama was
thrown back at right angles to the line of battle by Colonel Gordon,
to protect his rear, and engaged the enemy at such close quarters that
its brave commander, Captain Bell, after having fallen, wounded mor¬
tally, was able to use his revolver, with effect, upon the enemy. This
company fought with great heroism. Its loss, twenty-one killed and
twenty-three wounded, out of a total of fifty-five.
Respectfully submitted, by
R. E. RHODES, Brigalier General.
REPORT
OF
CAPTURE OF GUNBOAT I. P.
IN STONO RXYER.
REPORT OF GEN. RIPLEY.
Headquarters First Military District, v
Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, >
Charleston, S. C., Feb. 4th, 1 x63. J
General: I have the honor to enclose copies of special orders Nos.
30 and 38 from these headquarters, and the reports of Lieutenant
Colonels Yates} and Brown, and Captain Gary, showing how they were
executed.
The successful capture of the steamer reflects the highest credit
upon the officers and men engaged, and I heartily concur with the
commendations of their respective commanders. A list of prisoners
taken is also enclosed.
The only casualty on our side was the mortal wound of private
McQuain, of Alston's Battalion of Artillery.
The Isaac Smith is but slightly damaged, and I hope soon to have
her and her full armament ready for service. . ' ,
The sword of the commanding officer and the flags of the captured
steamer are also transmitted herewith.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
R. S. RIPLEY,
Brig. 'Gen. Commanding.
To Brig. Gen. Thomas Jordan,
Chief of Staff.
4
50
REPORT OF LXUET. COL. YATES.
Headquarters Special Expedition.
Charleston, Feb. 1, 1863.
1863.
Captain W. F. Nance, A. A. G.:
Captain : X have the honor to report that, in obedience to instruc¬
tions from district headquarters, a secret expedition was organized
for the purpose of attacking the enemy's gunboats in Stono river,
Consisting of the following troops: The seige train, (composed of
Captain B. C. Webb's company A, and Lieutenant L. W. Wilson,
Commanding company B,) commanded by Major Charles Alston, Jr.;
Captain F. C. Shultz, company F, Palmetto Battery, Light Artillery;
Light Battery, manned by Captain F. H. Ilarleston's company D,
first South Carolina Artillery, (regulars;) one Parrot gun in
charge of Lieutenant T. E. Gregg, Third Howitzer siege train ; Capt.
J. C. Mitchell's company I, First South Carolina Artillery (regulars ;)
Company H, Captain S. M. Roof, and company I, Lieut. M. Gunter,
commanding twentieth regiment, South Carolina volunteers acted as
sharpshooters.
|)n the afternoon of the 30th Jan. at four and-a-half o'clock, the en¬
emy's gunboat" X. P. Smith," mounting one thirty two pounder Parrot
gun and eight eight-inch heavy columbiads, came up the Stono river,
^passing our batteries, (which were masked at Legare's Point Place,
and at Grim-ball's on John's Island,) and came to anchor a little above
them. She was immediately fired upon from our guns posted at
Grimball's on John's Island, when she attempted to make good her es¬
cape, fighting our batteries, (which had then opened,) on John's Island
as- she passed.
<8he succeeded in getting as far as Legare's Point Place, at which
-point she was disabled by three shots, striking her machinery, when
^ie dropped anchor and unconditionally surrendered.
We took prisoners her entire crew, consisting of eleven officers, one
hundred and five men and three negroes. The enemy's loss was twen-
T filled and wounded. On our side one man wounded; since
Major Alston commanded the batteries at GrimbaTls, on John's
Island ; Capt. Harleston, those at Point Place ; Capt. Mitchell com¬
manded the sharpshooters; Lieut. Charles Inlesby, First South Artille¬
ry, acted as adjutant.
The officer^ and men under my command behaved with great
coolness and bravery, fighting their guns without breastworks,
entirely exposed to the enemy's fire within two or three hundred
yards.
The " Smith " has been towed up the Stono, and put under the
guns of Fort Pemberton.
In closing my report I will not omit to mention the very signal
service rendered me by the Stono scouts, and also Captain John
51
Walpole. The members of the signal corps, detailed to accompany-
the expedition, discharged their duties with great efficiency.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPH N. YATES,
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.
52
REPORT OF MAJOR BROWN.
Headquarters, Secessionville, S. C., )
February 1, 1863. )
Captain : I have the honor to make the following report: Pur¬
suant to special orders No. 6, headquarters, East James Island, on the
afternoon of Tuesday, the 2?th, ult., I detailed twenty-five men from
company B, second South Carolina artillery volunteers, and the same
number from company K, under the immediate command of Lieuts.
Bellinger aud Lake, and also fifty men from the eighth battalion Geor¬
gia volunteers, under charge of Lieutenants Hays and Johnson, to
act as sharpshooters, and moved two rifled twecty-four-pounders, to
Legare's place on Stono river. We reached the position indicated,
about seven o'clock, P. M., and concealed the guns in the woods.
The night was exceedingly cold and wet, and this circumstance, to¬
gether with the fact that the command was exhausted by the labor of
hauling the guns by hand, over a very bad road, prevented my placing
the pieces in position that night. The next morning, Wednesday,
three of the enemy's gun boats were discovered below, near Cole's
Island, and so situated as to be in full view of our operations, should
we have attempted to erect our platforms during daylight. I there¬
fore kept guns and men under cover until after dark. After a hard
night's work the platforms were finished, and every arrangement made
to comply with my instructions, which were, in effect, to allow the
'enemy's vessels to pass my position unmolested, on their way up the
river, and not to open fire until they re urned or began the attack
■upon me.
Nothing occurred until Friday afternoon about four o'clock, when
the approach of a three masted gun boat was announced. I allowed
'her to pass my battery, which she fortunately did without suspicion,
and immediately moved my guns from their concealment to the plat¬
form, shifted them from the travelling turnnion-beds, and awaited the
return of the boat.
In a short time a furious cannonade began up the river ; but with
what effect, I could not see, as the trees obscured the veiw. Soon,
however, the boat rounded the point into sight, evidently crippled, but
•keeping up a running fight with the shore batteries, above my position
on each side of the river. I was about to order my guns to open
•upon her, when I perceived that she had a white flag flying in token
of her surrender. Just at the moment another gun boat was observed
approaching, which steamed up within one and one-eighth of a mile of
my position, and fired a shot at the battery on John's Island. Find¬
ing that she did not. intend going higher up, or that if she did so, she
might rescue or destroy the prize, as she now began to throw shot and
shell at the latter, I opened my guns upen her with good effect; she
replied, but without damage to us, and retreated down, and across the
river. I kept up fire until she . got beyond range, striking her re-
53
She continued to throw an occasional shot or shell towards the op¬
posite side of the river, until dark, and during the night disappeared.
On Saturday morning, at haf past eight o'clock, another gun boat
approached, and shelled the village of Legaresville ; also throwing sev¬
eral projectiles within our vicinity, but she did not come near enough
to warrant my attacking her. In the afternoon she again steamed up
and opened on the prize captured the night before and upon my bat¬
teries. I returned the fire, striking her several times, and she with¬
drew. The next morning, Sunday, 3rd inst., I brought my guns back
to this point, in cbedience to orders.
- Both officers and men, under my command, behaved as well as pos¬
sible. They were not only cool and prompt under fire, but proved
themselves model soldiers, i.y bearing without a murmer, the hardships
necessarily entailed by our position, for the weather, particularly
during the night, was extremely severe, and the ; secrecy to be ob¬
served, debarred the comforts of fire or shelter. I have no casualties
to report.
I am, Captain, yours respectfully,
J. WELSHMAN BROWN,
Major 2nd S. C. Artillery Vol.
Capt. W. E. Nance, A. A. General.
54
REPORT OF CAPT. GARY.
Battery Means, )
James' Island, Feb. 1, 1863. y
Capt. W. F. Nance, A. A. G
Captain : I have the honor to make the following report, pursuant
to orders No. 38, District Headquarters: I was detailed by Major
Lucas, commanding Western Division, James' Island, to take charge
of the batteries stationed at Mr. Thomas Grimball's, James' Island,
consisting of three three-pounder rifled guns, manned by detachments
from companies A, B and C, Lucas' battalion of artillery, Confederate
States Provisional Army, commanded by Lieutenant W. G. Ogier, E.
B. Calhoun, and Captain T. B. Hayne, respectively. Between the
hours of three and four o'clock, in the afternoon of the 30th ultimo,
the gunboat Isaac P. Smith made her appearance, and anchored off
Mr. Thomas Grimball's, some five hundred yards distant from my bat¬
teries. After waiting twenty minutes, and the abolitionists showing
no disposition to land, I ordered my batteries to open fire, which they
did in handsome style, and, apparently, with great precision. The
enemy immediately returned the fire v.ith grape, canister, shell and
Parrott shot, at the same time slipping her cable, and retreating down
the river. While retreating, the firing was kept up, on both sides,
briskly. A grape shot from the enemy struck the gun commanded by
Captain Hayne, but without damage. The firing was continued by
Ply batteries until the Smith struck her flag. I have no casualties to
report. I cannot, however, close this report without calling atten¬
tion to the gallantry and spirit displayed by both officers and men,
whom I had the honor to command. I would also mention Messrs.
H. W. Rice and Pettigrew Millard, of the signal corps, as having ren¬
dered efficient service.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. GARY,
Captain commanding Battalion, at Thomas GrimbaWs.,
55
LIST OF PRISONERS FROM ABOLITION STEAMER ISAAC
P. SMITH, IN STONO RIVER, JANUARY SO, 1-863 :
S. Conover, acting lieutenant commanding; John W. Dicks, acting
master; Robert Tarr, acting master; Whitman Chase, acting ensign;
Francis Brenton, acting ensign; Henry L. Borden, acting engineer;,
Jacob Tucker, acting first assistant engineer ; Erastus Barry, acting
third assistant engineer ; J. 0. Hill, acting assistant paymaster ; Chas.
Estacken, paymaster's clerk; Samuel E. Miller, petty officer ; Jeffer¬
son W. Steele, petty officer; John Green, petty officer; Jas. McCor-
mick, quartermaster ; Charles Dunnavant, petty officer; Wm. Briggs^,
carpenter's mate; Samuel Allen, boatswain's mate; Henry F. Dar<-
ton, petty officer; Henry C. Moore, petty officer; Michael Walshy
petty office^; John Mitchell, petty officer; Henry G. Boffenn, ship;
cook; Lewis DeSilva, captain's steward; Joseph Marques, ward¬
room cook; Thomas W. Denham, ward-room steward; William
Wilson, (colored,) ward-room steward ; 0. H Brown, (colored,) ward¬
room steward; W. H. Johnson, (colored,) ward-room steward; Jas.
Atkins, seaman ; Henry Graves, seaman; Charles Blumenthal, sea¬
man ; John Sperd, seaman ; Wm. McAllister, seaman ; Antonio Ooj>-
perwick, seaman; Alex. Bush, seaman; John Harris, seaman; Wm.
Harris, seaman; John Tannar, seaman; John W. Ryves, seaman;
Stephen Carey, seaman ; B mjamin F. French, seaman ; Henry Reed,,
ordinary seaman; Bernard C. Divine, ordinary seaman; Thomas
Mulligan, ordinary seaman ; John Hurley, ordinary seaman ; Francis
Noel, ordinary; Lewis Fitzgerald, ordinary seaman; Antonio Wattch-
coat, ordinary seaman ; Edward Wilson, yeoman ; Michael McDon¬
ald, landsman; Chapin C. Cook, landsman; Martin Van Buskirk,
landsman ; William P. Loder, landsman ; Stephen B. Clapp, lands¬
man ; Eugene McKinney, landsman; Thoma3 Freeman, landsman ;
James Duffie, landsman ; Scott W. Hall, landsman ; Moses 0. Smith,
landsman; Theodore Barnes, landsman; Wm. F. Trask, landsman;
Charles A. Cannon, landsman ; Henry L. Bissell, landsman ; W. H.
Higgins, landsman ; George G. Lydstone, landsman ; Wm. H. Park,
landsman; Philip A. Dexter, landsman; Daniel M. Nickols, lands¬
man; Frederick Chester, landsman; Michael Camnon, landsman;
Edward P. Stesson, landsman ; James H. Donally, landsman; John
Williams, landsman; Dennis H. Galavin, landsman; John Dunna¬
vant, landsman ; Edmund P. Case, landsman ; W. J. Mackeral, lands¬
man ; Hugh C. Lynch, landsman ; Timothy O'Brien, landsman ; Ben¬
jamin T. McDougal, boy; John Barrett, boy; James Devener, boy;
Thomas F. Needham, boy ; vAndrewF. Carey, boy; Patrick Murphy,
fireman; Frank 0. Abeel, fireman; Wm. Carnell, fireman; W. B.
Dunham, fireman ; John Hartley, fireman; Michael Quann, fireman;
John T. Hall, coal-heaver; Levi Anson, coal-heaver; James Owens,
coal-heaver; James Egan, coal-heaver; Richard Mason, coal-heaver;
Wm. Stevens, coal-heaver; G. H. Marvin, surgeon ; T. E. Peck, hos¬
pital steward; H. Holmes, feam'l Hoffman, A. McKeel, Jas. De Alton,
Rich'd Mason, R. Stout, J. Nickolls, (seamen,) wounded; James Given,
66
eaman. Jas. L. Turner, second assistant engineer, died on the way
s the city. One hundred and five lodged in jail, January 31, 1863.
LIST OF KLILED AND WOUNDED ON BOARD THE ISAAC
P. SMITH:
The Isaac P. Smith had eight men killed and fifteen wounded. Act¬
ing Assistant Second Engineer James L. Turner, badly wohnded in
the leg and breast, and Acting Assistant Paymaster F. C. Hill, very
slightly on the head, were the only officers injured.
Killed.-—Wm. F. Grew, boatswain's mate; Joseph Mayo, negro;
Richard Walten, coxswain ; Wm. L. Dickey, James Lewis, William
Rhul, Lewis Fremblas, John Peters.
Wounded.—Richard Stout, arm taken off; Orvin H. Brown, Wm.
Johnston, John Dalten, Wm. P. Loader, Wm. Harris, Jas. L. Turner,
second assistant engineer, F. C. Hill, paymaster, very slightly;
Samuel Hoffman, John Nichols, Alex. Mackeral, John Rives, Lewis
Leeber, Joseph Marques, Thomas W. Dunham.
The above is in the hand-writing of Lieutenant Conover.
Second Assistant Engineer James L. Turner died before the pris¬
oners reached the city.
Respectfully,
P. C. GAILLARD,
Lieutenant Colonel and Provost Marshal.
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT.
Richmond, Va., April 10, 1863,,
To the Senate and House of Representatives :
I herewith transmit for your information, a communication from
the Secretary of War covering copies of General Bri xton Bragg's re¬
ports of several battles.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
Confederate States of America, 1
War Department, >
Richmond, Va., April 8, 1863. )
His Excellency the President :
Sir : I have the honor to enclose, for transmission to Congress,
duplicate copies of the following reports, viz :
1. General Bragg's report of the battle of Richmond, Kentucky,
with reports of Major Gen. E. Kirby Smith, Brig. General P. R.
Cleburne, Brig. Gen. T. J. Churchill, acting Brig. General Preston
Smith and their subordinate officers.
2. General Bragg's report of the capture of Munfordsville.
3. General Bragg's report of the battle of Perryville.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War,
BATTLE
of
EICHMO ND, KENTUCKY.
GENERAL BRAGG'S REPORT.
Headquarters Department No. 2, \
Med Sulphur Springs, Tennessee, V
September 12, 1862. )
Sir : My advance will be in Glasgow to-day, and I shall be with them
to-morrow ; my whole force will be there on 14th. We shall then be
between Buell and Kirby Smith, for which I have been struggling.
The troops are in good tone and condition, somewhat footsore and
tired, but cheerful. They have submitted most heroically to priva¬
tions and hardships, and have maintained their reputation for discip¬
line. Our greatest want has been hreadstuffs, but we shall be in a
plentiful country at Glasgow and beyond.
A dispatch (copy enclosed) from Major General E. K. Smith gives
most gratifying accounts from his command and the country. With
arms we can, not only clear Tennessee and Kentucky, but I confidently
trust hold them both.
Gen. Bueil, with the larger portion of his army, is concentrating at
Bowling Green. From Glasgow we can examine him and decide on
the future.
I had hoped Gen. Breckenridge would be with me soon; but he is
far behind my calculations, and I fear will lose the opportunity so
long desired by himself and his Kentucky regiments.
Send arms to Knoxville, to be forwarded by Gen. Smith's route to
Kentucky, unless you hear of the evacuation of Nashville, when tha$
would be the best route via Chattanooga.
I am sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General Commanding.
Gen. S. Cooper, Adjutant General.
Richmond, Virginia.
60
REPORT OF GENERAL E. KIRBY SMITH.
Headquarters Army of Kentucky, )
Lexington, Ky, Sept. 3, 1862. )
General: On the 30th ult., our forces met and repulsed the enemy
in three seperate engagements.
General Cleburne's division, which was in advance, came upon the
enemy's advance about six miles from Richmond, early in the day,
and drove it from the field, before the remainder of my column was
brought into action.
Falling back about three miles and a half, and receiving reinforce¬
ments, the enemy again made a st.ind, and were again driven from
the field in confusion, my cavalry having been sent to the enemy's
rear, I could not pursue rapidly, and he formed his line of battle in
the outskirts of Richmond, his force having swelled to the number of
ten thousand men, General Nelson commanding.
Within an hour after our column was deployed for the attack, the
enemy were utterly routed and retreated in terrible confusion.
The cavalry came in upon their flank and scattered them in all
directions, capturing all their artillery and trains. Not a regiment
escaped in order.
The enemy's loss during the day is about one thousand four hundred
killed and wounded, and four hundred prisoners. Our loss is about
five hundred killed and wounded Gen. Miller was killed, Gen. Nelson
wounded and Gen Manson taken prisoner; the remnant of the Federal
force in Kentucky, is making its way, utterly demoralized and scat¬
ters, to the Ohio.
General Marshall is in communication with me; our column is mov¬
ing upon Cincinatti. The country is rising in arms, and all that is
needed to accomplish the objects of the campaign, is to have our left
in communication with your right. If I am supported, and can be
supplied with arms, twenty-five thousand Kentucky troops in a few
days, would be added to my command. Breckenridge and Buckner
should be here.
I am, General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH,
Major General.
61
REPORT OF GEN. E. KIRBY SMITH.
Headquarters Army of Kentucky, )
Lexington, Ky., Sept. 16th, 1863. )
To General S. Cooper,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. :
General : In my short letter, of the 3d ultimo, I gave you the
results of my action of that day, of which I have the honor to make
a more detailed report.
Before leaving Barboursville for this part of Kentucky, I wrote to
you, fully explaining the reasons that prompted me to take that step.
Until my advance descended the Big Hill it met with no opposition
from the enemy. Here, on the morning of the 29th, the enemy was
discovered to be in force in our front, and a bold reconnois-
sance by the cavalry, under Colonel Scott, in the afternoon,
indicated a determination to give us battle. Although Churchill's
division did not get up until late in the afternoon, and then in appa¬
rently an exhausted state, I determined to march to Richmond the
next day, even at the cost of a battle with the whole force of the
enemy.
The leading division, under General Cleburne, was moved early the
next evening, and after advancing two or three miles, they»found the
enemy drawn up in line of battle in a fine position near Mount Zion
Church, about six miles from Richmond. Without waiting for
Churchill's division, Cleburne at once commenced the action, and
when I arrived on the field at seven and a half o'clock, the fire of
artillery was brisk on both sides. As my force was almost too small
to storm the position without a disastrous loss, I sent Gen. Churchill,
with one of his brigades, to turn the enemy's right. Whilst this
move was being executed, a bold and well conducted attempt on the
part of the enemy to turn Cleburne's right, was admirably foiled by
the firmness of Col. Preston Smith's brigade, who repulsed the enemy
with great slaughter. It was about ihis time, and whilst he was
riding from his left to his right, that Gen. Cleburne was badly
wounded in the face, and thus at a critical moment, I was deprived of
the services of one of the most gallant, zealous, and intelligent
officers of my whole army. The command of this division then
devolved upon Col. Preston Smith. In the meantime, Gen. Churchill
had been completely successful in his movement upon the enemy's
right flank, where, by a bold charge, his men completed a victory
already partially gained by the gallantry of our troops on the right.
In this action our loss was quite heavy on the right, but in com¬
parison with that of the enemy was small.
It being reported that the enemy had taken up a new position on
White's farm, two miles in front, I ordered Churchill, with one brig¬
ade, to again turn his right, intending to bring up Preston Smith on
the other flank. But a desperate effort on the part of the enemy to
62
crush Churchill caused the action to commence before the arrival of
Smith's division, and so this gallant brigade (Colonel McCray's) of
Texans and Arkansans, had to fight the battle alone Although
the odds opposed to them were fearful, yet by reserving their own
fire, under the deafening roars of the enemy's guns, and by a well-
timed and dashing charge upon the advancing line, they completely
routed and put to flight the hosts of the enemy just as the cheers of
Smith's division announced their arrival on the field.
The loss of the enemy here was very great, including one piece of
artillery; ours almost nothing, Scott's cavalry having been sent
around to our left, by another road, to get in the rear of Richmond.
I felt, during the whole day, much need of cavalry to follow up our
different successes. It was then, that in thb second repulse of the
enemy, I ordered Captain Nelson, commanding a company of partisan
rangers, to charge the retreating masses of the enemy. This was
promptly and admirably obeyed, the results being the capture of
numerous prisoners. In passing a deserted camp of the enemy, I
found from some of the wounded, that Gen Nelson, with reinforce¬
ments, had arrived, after the second battle.
A march of two miles brought us within sight of the town, in front
of which and on a commanding ridge, with both flanks resting upon
woods, Nelson had determined to make a final stand. For the third
time Churchill, with a brigade, (McNair's,) was sent off to the left,
when a deafening roar of musketry soon announced the raging of a
furious contest. In the meanwhile, Preston Smith, bringing up his
division at a double quick, formed with wonderful precision and rap¬
idity in front of the enemy's centre and left. Almost without waiting
for the commands of the officers, this division coolly advanced under
the murderous fire of a force twice their number, and drove them
from the held in the greatest confusion, and with immense slaughter.
Owing to the open character of the country, our loss in the last fight
was quite heavy, including some valuable regimental officers. The
exhausted condition of my men, together with the ck sing in of night,
prevented the pursuit of the enemy more than a mile beyond Rich¬
mond. But the timely arrival of Col. Scott, with his cavalry upon
their two lines of retreat, enabled him to greatly increase the fruits
of the hard labors of the day, by capturing large numbers of pris¬
oners, including General Manson and staff, as also eight pieces of
artillery, and a number of wagons, &c. Whilst my whole force was
not more than five thousand, that of the enemy wa3 more than ten
thousand. In the last engagement we took prisoners from thirteen
regiments. Our loss, killed and wounded, is about four hundred;
that of the enemy over one thousand, and his prisoners about five
thousand. The immediate fruits of the victory were nine pieces
of artillery, some ten thousand small arms, and large quantities of
supplies. These latter were greatly increased by our capture of this
place and Frankfort: the whole number of cannon taken being about
twenty.
I regret that I am unable to forward with this the reports of all the
different commands of the forces engaged. Those enclosed (General
63
Churchill's and Colonel Scott's,) will show you how much cause the
Confederacy has to'be proud of her sons. I almost fear to particu¬
larize, lest I do not full justice to all. But I cannot close without
expressing my admiration at the promptness and intelligence with
which Generals Churchill and Cleburne, and Col. Preston Smith
executed the orders given them. My thanks are due to the follow¬
ing members of my staff, who were with me on the field, for their
active assistance to me during the day, viz : Colonels Pegram and
Boggs, Lieut. Colonel Brent, Majors J. A. Brown, McElrath, and
Thomas, Captain Meem, Lieutenants Cunningham and Pratt, and
Captains Walworth and Hammond, and Mr. Trerett, (volunteer
aids.)
Too much praise cannot be given to the medical director, Surgeon
S. A. Smith, and to his assistants, for their untiring devotion in
the arduous labors that devolved upon them. As regards the
intrepid behavior of the true patriots, the men in the ranks, I can
only say, that as long as the destinies of the South remain in such
hands, we need never fear Northern subjugation. But even more
than their noble courage before the enemy, are we called upon to
admire that higher courage which enabled them to undergo, without
murmur, the fatigues and privaticns of one of the most difficult
marches of this war. For several days and parts of the nights
through a country almost entirely without water, over stony roads,
with their almost bare feet, and with green corn and beef without
salt as their only food, did these gallant men trudge along,
inspired only with the desire of being led against the invaders of
their homes and the oppressors of their liberties.
I refer you to the reports of the division and brigade commanders,
only a part of which I am now able to forward, for notices of special
cases of good behavior.
I remain, General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
E. KIRBY SMITH,
Major General,
64
REPORT OF GEN. T. J. CHURCHILL.
Headquarters Third Division Army Kentucky, )
Cynthiana, Ky., September 8, 1862. )
To Maj. Gen. E. Kirby Smith:
. General : I have the honor to report that on the morning of the
30th ultimo, according to instruction, I moved my division, com¬
posed of the first and second brigades, commanded by Colonels
McCray and McNair, respectively, up the road in the direction of
Richmond. When I arrived in the neighborhood of Kingston, I heard
the artillery open on our right, showing that Gen. Cleburne had met
the enemy. It was now about eight o'clock, A. M. It was at this
time that you arrived on the field, and ordered me to hold nay brigades
in reserve, while, with the other, I was to make a flank movement on
the enemy's right. In accordance with these instructions, I left Col.
McNair with his brigade as a reserve force, and proceeded with Col.
McCray's brigade, composed of Arkansas and Texas troops, to exe¬
cute the movement on the enemy's flank ; and, by proceeding cautiously
through a corn-field and a ravine, had almost perfected the move,
when the enemy, pressed by our forces on our right, commenced to
give way, but, after falling back some distance, they formed in a
skirt of timber, when my forces fired and charged upon them. Then,
for the first time, discovering my position, they commenced a precipi¬
tate retreat, but not before we had killed a great many, and taken a
large number of prisoners. I was again ordered to move up
on the left with the same brigade, while General Cleburne was
to move on the right. After proceeding some two miles in
the direction of Richmond, I found the entire force of the enemy,
numbering eight or ten thousand, in a strong position on the left of
the road, concealed by a corn-field and a skirt of timber. I then sent
word to General Cleburne to move up, that I was ready to engage
the enemy. I then placed one section of Captain Humphrey's battery,
under command of Lieutenant , on my right, within two hundred
yards of the enemy, to more effectually rake his lines. Before Gene¬
ral Cleburne's division came up, the fight had commenced in earnest.
The fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry was most terrific',
' while we replied only with artillery. I then ordered my command
'to lie down, protected by a fence and ditch, and, for full five minutes,
we did not fire a gun in response to their terrible fire. The en¬
emy were, at this time, advancing in heavy force, and when they had
arrived within less than fifty yards of my lines, the order was given
to rise, fire and charge, which order was promptly and gallantly
obeyed.
The enemy could net withstand the desperate courage of my men ;
but still for a while they contested every inch of ground, as they were
driven from it, until finally finding it impossible to check this gallant
charge, they gave way in every direction.
65
The victory wa«5 complete. The fiel 1 was covered with the dea$
and wounded of the enemy, and some (though comparatively few.)'
•of the gallant souF of Arkansas and Texas fell martyrs to the cuise
of liherry. Here we captured a large number of prisoners, gun- atuk
equipments of ell kinds. In this charge one splendid rifle c.inno4
was taken. Tins was, perhaps, the most severely contested fight of
the day.
Finding this brigade now worn down by incessant fighting, I or¬
dered tip Colonel McNair to follow in pursuit of the flying enemy.
After put suing them some two miles we found them again drawn »p
in line r.ear the outskirts of Richmond, having collected their whole
force fur a last and final struggle. Here I look a position tn the
right of the enemy's lines. Soon my skirmi hers engaged those of
the enemy, which was soon followed by a ge: eral engagement of my
forces. 1 was driving back the enemy's light wing, when I heard
firing on my right, sh'-wing that General Cleburne had engaged the
enemy on their left. The engagement then became general along tho
entire line.
For a time the contest was sharp, and the rattle of musketry al¬
most deafening, but again, and for the third and last time, the enemy
fled, in gre »t confusion, through' the streets of Richmond as night
closed upon our victorious arms. I captured,-in this engagement, a
large amount of ordnance and ordnance stores, together with four or
five hundred prisoners.
I cannot sp -:>k too highly of the gallantry and coolness displayed
by Colonels McNair and McCray throughout the 'entire day, ami I
have to thank them for the promptness ani skill with which they exe¬
cute'! all < rders.
Of rhe two batteries in my division, the one commanded by Captain
Dougl ass wis orderel, the evening previous, to report to General
Cleburne for orders. The other, cammauded by Captam Hum*
phrie-i, wis with my division during the wnole day, and it gives mo
great pleasure to say that his pieces were handled wit i sur-
pn-ing skill and ability, and did great execution in the ranks of tho
enemy.
My loss, during the entire day, in killed, wounded and missing,
was two hundred and twenty five.
Before closing I must particularly mention, for their daring bravery
and gallant bearing on the battle-field, tae following members oi my
staff: '
Captain B. S. Johnson, adjutant genual; Captain John R n-
nick, volunteer aid; Captain Jones, sig >al corps, and Leutemufc
J. M. Rose, odnance oilicer. These officer,- were seen bearing orders
through the thickest of the fight, and, at times, in the front of baaio
cheering on my men to victory.
My division surgeon. Dr. C. H. Smith, in addition to his profes¬
sional services upon the field, to the wounded, rendered me most val-
manie services. The officers and men of my entiie division always
m t the enemy with unflinching gallantry, and were%the proud victors
of every battle-field; and, for the privations, hardships and almost ua*
66
equalled marches, all of which they have borne without a murmur,
they deserve the thanks of their country.
I have the honor to be, General,
Very respectfully,
Your most ob't serv't,
T. J. CHURCHILL,
Brig. Gen. Com. Third Div. Army of Kentucky
67
REPORT OF GENERAL CLEBURNE.
Richmond, Ky, September 1, 1862.
General E. Kirby Smith :
General: On the night of the 29th, ult , I was informed by Col.
Boggs of your fstaff, that j ou desired me to move forward with my
division and the two batteries attabhed. at day-light, and attack the
enemy, supposed to be immediately in my'front. At day-light I com¬
menced the movement. The second brigade and the battery of Capt.
Douglass, commanded by Col. J. B Hill, was in front. The first
brigade under acting Brig. Get?. Preston Smith, with the battery of
Captain Martin, followed at the distance of a quarter of a mile. I
sent the Buckner Guards, a company of Scott's cavalry, in front to
find the enemy. Half a mile north of the village of Kingston, the
cavalry encountered the advance guard of the enemy, and soon, after,
discovered their line of battle, about five or six hundred yards in rear
of their advance guard. Going forward to reconnoitre, I could dis¬
tinctly see their first line, facing us at right angles to the Richmond
road, with one regiment to the right of the road—the others in the
timber, to the left.
They had a battery masked near the Richmond road. I immediately
placed Col. Hill's brigade in line behind the crest of a low hill, which'
ran parrellel to, and abort five hundred yards from, the enemy's line,
I placed Douglass' battery on the crest and near my centre.
I ordered Smith's brigade to be formed in line within supporting
distance. He accordingly formed his brigade in line, behind the crest
of a second hill in my rear. While making these dispositions, the
enemy showing only one regiment, kept up a ridiculous fire on us
from a little mountain howitzer, which they had captured the day be¬
fore from Col. Scott. I now ordered the battery of Captain Douglass
to open upon what appeared to |?e a squad of cavalry, on the Rich¬
mond road. In a moment this squad disappeared, unmasking a bat¬
tery, which opened a rapid fire; I sent out skirmishers along our
front, and towards our right flank, and extended my line to the left,
across the Richmond turnpike, with a strong company if skirmishers..
This company held the regiment of the enemy's infantry, on the
same side of the road, in check, luring the whole of the first fight,
and effectually protected my left flank. Finding a good position for
a second battery, I sent orders to acting Brig. Gen. Preston Smith, to
send Martin's battery to the front; I placed it on the hill near the
right of my brigade, and opened on the enemy. At th s juncture, I
received an order from you, directing me to avoid a general battle,
until General Churchill's division could get up. I now directed the
artillery to fire very slowly and not waste a round.
The battle continued a mere fight of artillery and skirmishers, for
over two hours, when the enemy commenced moving towards my right
flank, driving hack my skirmishers on that flank ; I ordered a regi¬
ment of Smith's brigade of the one hundred and fifty-fourth Tennessee,
to be sent forward and placed it in line on the right of my brigade.
68
A close fire soon commenced on the right, and became so heavy, I
found it necessary to sustain the right with a further reinforcement;
I detached Col. Polk, commanding the thirteenth and fifteenth Ar¬
kansas regiments, to the support of the one hundred and fifty-fourth
Tennessee. A very heavy musketry fight ensued, and learning that
the enemy were still concentrating against my right, and believing
that General Churchill must now he within supporting distance, I or¬
dered acting Brig. Gen. Preston Smith, to immediately move forward
the remaining three regiments of his brigade, to place them" on the
fight of the line already engaged, and if his line over-lapped that of
the enemy's, to lap round their left flank. At this time it was evident
the enemy had staked every thing on driving back or turning our
fight flank, and that they had weakened their centre to effect this
object. I therefore determined, the moment I could bear Smith's
musketry on the enemy's left flank, to move Hill's battery rapidly on
the centre. With this view. I galloped to the right, to satisfy myself
that Smith's brigade was getting into position; I found them moving
into the position rapidly, and in admirable order. I then moved back
to give my personal attention to the advance of Hill's brigade, includ¬
ing the two batteries Before I got far, however, I was addressed by
Col. Polk, who was being eairied (wounded) to the rear. I stopped ah
anstant to reply, and while doing so, received a very painful wound in
the moufh, which in a few minutes, deprived me of the power of
speech, and rendered my further presence on the field, worse than
useless. I sent aids to inform Gen. Preston Smith of my mishap,
and to direct him to take command of the division ; also to inform
Col. Hill and yourself of the situation of affairs. Including the bat-
Series, I had less than three thousand men in my division.
I have the honor t«> be, sir,
- Your obedient servant,
P. R. CLEBURNE,
•Commanding Atji Division, Army of Kentucky.
69
PEPORT OF ACTING BRIG. GEN. PRESTON SMITH.
Headquarters Fouth Division, Army of Kentucky, )
September 16, 1862 \
Col. John Pegram, Chief of Stnff
Coio^fl: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
part taken by my command in tlie series of battle.- before the town of
Richmond, Kentucky, on the duth ultimo. Early on that morning,
(four, A. M.) this division, Brigadier General Cleburne commanding,
was moved forward in the line of battle, from the place of bivouac, five
miles south of Bogersville-, and in the direction of that place. The
second bngad ■. Colonel Hill commanding,being in advance; the first
brigade about five hundred yards in rear thereof At seven and a half,
A. M., the'second brigade having passed the-town of Rogersvslle, and
the first, emerging therefrom, the enemy, some half mile north of the
town, opened fire upon us with his field battery.
The division was speedily thrown in position for action, having
been changed from line of battle to moving by the flank, a short dis¬
tance south of the town. The battery of the second brigade was soon
in position, and replied to the fire of the enemy, which was Continued
for more than an hour, skirmishing being kept up the while between the
advanced forces of the two armies. About this time, 1 received an
order from Brig Gen. Cleburne, to send my battery forward, and to the
right of the position occupied by the battery of the second brigade,
which was done, and the guns were soon heard from this position.
I also received an order from Brigadier General Cleburne, to send
a regiment forward, and to the right of the line of the second brigade,
to be posted in woods, and near a corn-fiel 1, on the right of this line.
The front line being thus extended, by an additional regiment and
the bat.ery. 1 found it necessary to change the position of my brigade,
in order that I might be in more easy supporting distance.* My line
was, therefore, advanced to the front, and to the right of my old posi¬
tion. The increasing fire of our right indicating that the regiment
sent forward by me wa< already engaging the enemy. This regiment,
the one hundred and fifty-fourth senior Tennessee, was. in fact,
already engaged, when this new position was taken. Very s on
after this, it was reported to me that the enemy was moving forward,
with the apparent design of flanking the front line on its right, I
therefore moved forward my command, and to the right, until the front
line was unmasked, at which time I was advised that the enemy, with
three regiments, had certainly succeeded in entering the woods, arid
corn-fields, on the right of the one hundred aud fifty-fourth senior
Tennessee regiment, and would -oon be in the rear of this regiment,
now considerably advanced. Having assured myself of this, I caused
a change of front, forward on the lett regiment, to he executed, thia
throwing the two right regiments entirely in the rear of the enemy, from
which position my brigades advanced ou hfm, taking by surprise, and,.
70
after a few well-directed volleys, compelling him to abandon his cover,
and fly in great contusion towards his reserve.
At this time, the one hundred and fifty -fourth senio" Tennessee
regiment advanced, and formed on the lefc of the line ; and the enemy
having rallied, the whole brigade was again soon engaged ; but under
their steady advance, and g-allicg fire from Minnie and Enfield rifles,
the enemy soon hioke and fled for his rear, leaving the ground strewn
thickly with his killed and wounded. Some five hundred prisoners
were taken at and near this place by my command, and turned over to
Lieutenant Seay, detailed for .the purpose of taking charge of the
prisoners by the major general commanding. The troops being almost
exhausted from previous hard marching, loss of sleep and scarcity of
food, were compelled to desist from the pursuit, and rest; during which
their cartridge-boxes were replenished with ammunition, preparatory
to again advancing on the enemy.
At this time, I ws advised that Brigadier General Cieburne had
been wounded, and had retired from the field. I then assumed
command of the division, an I the major general commanding having
arrived, by his direction, I moved the division forward, on the right
hand side of the road, towards Richmond—Brigadier General
Churchill's division having been previously advanced on the left of
the road, arid engaging the enemy soon after my division was put ra
motion.* This engagement was spirited; the enemy contesting the
ground stubbornly, with their force on the left of the road, and >hell-
i.-.g my command as we advanced towards them through the open
fields. But being h tly pressed by Brigadier General Churchill's
command, he again fled, and, by his superior speed, secured for him¬
self another ground on which to rally. The troops under my com¬
mand were, by this time, almost famished for water,'having had about
one canteen of muddy water to the man, during the entire day. A
scant supply of water having been obtained by the troops, we again
pressed on, and soon came iif sight of him, posted in the south edge of
the town of Richmond, and in the country near that place. In this
position, he attacked the tbird division, on the left of the road, and
the second brigade, of the fourth division, on the right of the road.
The twelfth and forty-seventh Tennessee regiments, held as a reserve,
and the one hundred and fifty-fourth senior Tennessee regiment
and the twelfth Tennessee regiment, on the rightof the second brigade;
whence, after a stubborn resistance for half an hour, he was driven, his
ranks so thinned, broken and scattered, that it was again impossible
for him to rally; and, seeking safety in flight, the town, with his
stores, was abandoned to us; and afcer an ineffectual pursuit, three
miles beyond the town, we went into camp, after twelve hours' hard
fighting and marching.
A list of the prisoners taken by the command is already in your
office.
It is with deep sorrow that I mention the fall of Colonel Edward
Eitzgeralri, of the one hundred and fifty-fourth senior Tennessee regi¬
ment. who fell early in the morning, at the head of his regiment. As
a man, he was kind and gentle in his bearing; as a soldier, he was
71
equal to the discharge of his duty ; as an officer, diligent in exe¬
cuting the orders of his superiors ; and as a leader in battle, was ever
-■to be found in the foremost ranks.
I would also mention Lieutenant Colonel Butler, of the second Ten¬
nessee regiment, who fell while leading his regiment in the last charge
before Richmond. His life was given to his country while driving
the vandal hordes from the sacred precincts of the last resting place
of the dead, which their commander had not scrupled to profane with
his iniquitous clan/ He sleeps there, with the gallant dead of his
command around him.
The gallant conduet of Colonel R J. Hill is worthy of conspicuous
mention. Two horses were shot under him, and three bullets struck
his person. In spite of this, he led his brigade without an apparent"
intermission, each casualty to him being so speedily succeeded by a
quick remedy, as to appear, without interruption, in the various con¬
tests through which he so rapidly passed
Colonel A. J. Vaughan, Jr., who commanded the second brigade
after I assumed command of the division, repeated the exhibition of
judgment and coolness which he had displayed in leading his regiment
in the first engagement of the day. . .
I cannot close this report without hearing testimony to the gallant
conduct of the officers and privates of the command generally, and to
say that I refrain from particularizing, because of the great length to
which this report would be extended. I fe 3I it due to a gallant for¬
eigner, to call your attention to his bearing, throughout the several'
bloody conflicts, Lieutenant Colonel Polignac; though not born oa
our soil, a stranger to nearly the entire ommand, and prompted by
the many incentives which impel us to battle for our rights, but led'1
on to see th? right prevail, and the sordid meanness of our foe pun¬
ished. He has freely exposed himself to all the dangers of warfare,
leading the gallant little band, of which he was temporarily in com¬
mand, through the thickest of the fight, and cheering them on to vic¬
tory. He deserves the thanks of this country.
I here take great pleasure in speaking of the material service ren¬
dered me during the several engagements by Captain W. W. dusky,
Assistant Adjutant General: Captain J. H. Edmondson, brigade in¬
spector; Major A. M. Lowry, volunteer aid-de-camp; Mr. T. B„
Rodgers, my aid-de-camp, who, in his personal engagement of the
troops, when in the most desperate moments of the first engagement,
attracted my attention, as well as that.of his brother members of my
staff, and won the admiration of the entire command; to Lieutenants
Hanly, Mayo and Jilton, of Brigadier General Cleburne's staff, who
reported to me for duty after their general was wounded.
Herewith enclosed, I submit the reports of Colonels Hill and
Vaughan, commanding the brigades of the division, to which reference
is made as to the bearing of the officers and men of the several com¬
mands. Also, marked A and B, the lists of -the killed and wounded
of tlm brigades.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
PRESTON SMITH.
rz
REPORT OF COLONEL McCRAY.
Camp near Cvnthana, Kentucky, }
September 6, 1862. )
Brig. Gen. S. J. Churchii.l,
Commanding Third Division.Army of Kentucky:
General : I have the honor to report that the troops of this brigade,
Consisting of the tenth Texas regiment dismounted cavalry, c ra-
tnand «d by Col. C. R. Earp, the eleventh Texas regiment dismounted
Cavalry.commanded by Col. J. C. Burks, the fourteenth Texas regiment
dismounted cavalry, commanded by Col M. D. Ector, the fifteenth
Texas regiment dismounted cavalry, commanded by Lieut. Colonel
James Weaver, and Mc<'ray's Arkansas regiment of sharpshooters,
Commanded by Maj J. W Clark, were twice engaged with the enemy
On the 5 nh ultimo, before Richmond, Kentucky, after a forced march
Of thirteen miles. At about nine o'clock, A. M., I was ordered to
tnar<-h my brigade left in front to a skirt of woods about one mile to
the left of the turnpike road leading to Richmond, for the pu«*p-.se of
flanking the ememv, who was already briskly engaged with Brigadier
General Cleburne's division. At the place designated, the brigades
were moved in line of battle disectly on the right wing of the enemy's
line, which was immediately turned, and they, fled in confusion, leav¬
ing wounded and prisoners. The enemy retreated about two miles,
and again formed m line of battle, covered by a skirt of woods and a
field of very heavy corn. I was ordered to attack h m with my bri¬
gade, numbering at that time not exceeding fifteen hundred effective
men.
The line of battle was immediately formed, and marched directly
in front of the enemy's1 lines, who numbered not less than six thous¬
and infantry, supported by a full battery of six pieces, and one regi¬
ment of cavalry. When within about four hundred yards of the
enemy, he opened his battery upon us. which was rapidly followed by
volleys of musketry ; but my gallant troops pressed forward, under
a galling fire of bombs, rifle-shot, and raiuie balls, to a fence within
not exceeding two hundred yards of hi? line, where, finding the air
literally filled with bomb-shells and minnie balls. I. ordered the troops
to ! ie down under cover of the fence, to prevent the little command
from being crushed out by overwhelming numbers I remained in
this position for full twenty minutes, during all ot which time the most
incessant firing of cannon and musketry was kept up by the enemy I
have ever heard, without being replied to, except by one section of
Captain Humphrey's Arkansas battery, commanded by Lieut. ,
who did very efficient service. The two pieces of artillerv were posted
on my extreme right. The enemy, misconstruing my silence, and
thinking lie could crush me b n.re reinforcements could arrive, ordered
a charge—and on o§me his solid columns. 1 immediately ordered my
command to lie still, and not fire a gun until ordered to do so and
when his lines had advanced to within less than fifty yards, the order
73
" fire !" was given, and promptly responded to by the entire command.
The effect was terrific. The advancing columns of'the enemy faltered
and staggered, from one end of his lines to the other.
My commands were ordered to load rapidly, mount the fence, and
charge, which was admirably and gallantly executed. The enemy
tsoon commenced falling back, but obstinately contested every inch of
ground, taking shelter and firing at us from behind trees, some hay¬
stacks, cow-pens, and a fence, that happened to be on the line of his
retreat, for about half a mile, when, being so cksely pursued and
pressed, they fled in ail directions, leaving on the field five hundred
in killed, wounded, and prisoners, one piece of rifled cannon, six
hundred minnie rifles, three hundred thousand Enfield rifle cartii'ges,
waggons, teams, ambulances, etc., etc.
It is impossible for me to speak in terms of too high praise of the
gallantly and intrepid valor of the officers and privates of this com¬
mand. Each one, it seemed, tried to excel his'comrade in deeds of
daring. I will mention a few names of the officers who were under
my immediate observation : Col. M. D Ector. Col. J C. Burks Lieut.
Col. James Weaver. Major R. Redwine, Major J. W. Clarke, particu¬
larly distinguished themselves, being in the fr rrt of the battle, and
cheering on their men, during the entire engagement; and my staff
officers, Captain Kilgore, A. A. (jr., Captain Ford, brigade- quarter¬
master, Doctor Graham, brigade surgeon, Captain Spencer, brigade
commissary, Captain Fitzpatriek, Inspector General, Lieutenant Lane,
aid-de-camp, were each at their proper posts, and rendered rue very
efficient service. Captain Kilgore, Captain Spence, Captain Fitz¬
patriek, and Lieutenant Lane, were on the field, and, 1 will add, on
every part of the field, and unflinchingly did their duty in all re 'pecjs.
Captain Ford was in command of the tra.n, and Doctor Graham was
at the hospital, rendering his surgical aid to the dying and wounded
soldiers. Lieutenant Nichols, Assistant Provost Marshal, acted with
great gallantry, and justly merits praise. In this connection it would
be an act of. injustice in mo not to mention the names of Ca.pt. John¬
son and Capt Rennick, of your staff. I have never seen cooler and
more determined bravery displayed by any one. Th -y were, a great
part of the time, in front of my skirmishers, inspiring my men to
press forward. I must also return my most grateful thanks to Doctor
Smith, division surgeon, for his efficient surgical aid to the.wounded
en the field. The loss in killed, wounded, and missing, is one hun¬
dred and forty-nine, as fo lows : killed, twenty; wounded, one hun¬
dred. and twenty ; missing, nine. The battery belonging to this bri¬
gade, commanded by Captain Douglass, was with General Cleburne's
division. Enclosed hcreio I send you the Captain's report of the en¬
gagement, as also the reports of the different regimental commanders
of this brigade. All of which is respectfully referred.
I am. General, respectfully, etc.,
D. H. McCRAY,
Col. commidg, first brigade, third divisonygirmy of Kentucky.
'74
REPORT OF COL. B. J. IIILL.
Camp near Florfnce, Kentucky, )
Sept. 15, 1863. $
Brig. Gen. Preston Smith,
CorruTg Fourth Division Army of Ky. :
The second brigade, of which I am in command, having been placed
in the advance, on the 29th of August, for the attack on the enemy's
forces before Richmond, Ky., I beg leave to submit the following
report of its action :
. Hailing in line of battle on either side of the Richmond and Big
Hill turnpike, in the afternoon of Friday, August 29th, some ten
miles south of the former place, we awaited the result of the move¬
ment of the cavalry, under Col. Scott, of Louiiana, which had been
sent forward to ascertain the force and position of the euemy. About
five o'clock quick and heavy artillery discovered to us a skirmish,
some five miles in our front^ going on between the. cavalry and Fede¬
rals. and a few minutes after dark Col. Scott's forces came into our
lines in a brisk trot, reporting an advance of both infantry and cav¬
alry troops from the Lincolnites. The brigade was then moved up
some fifty yards, in line of battle, upon a range of small hills, which
commanded «the pike and fields on both sides lor more than half a
mile. The battery under Capt. Douglas was thrown into position on
an eminence to the left of the road, supported by the sharpshooters,
the second and fourth Tennessee regiments. The regimental skir¬
mishers were placed two hundred yaids in front of their respective
commands. Almost instantly with their completion of these pr« pa-
rations. a regiment of Federal cavalry, commanded by the victorious
Metcalfe, came thundering down the road, crying, "Charge and shoot
down the rebels." They were allowed to approach sufficiently near
to ascertain by. the sounds of the road, something of their exact
whereabouts, wlien the skirmishers of the forty-eighth Tennes¬
see, whose right rested near the pike, and who were commanded by
Captain Plummer, of company A,^vere ordered to fire, throwing the
cavalry inro utter confusion, causing a pell mell r«.treat.
One of the enemy was here kilhd, and several wounded, and three •
captured. Thirty breech loadi^ Sharp's cavalry carbines were
picked up by my men, and the place strewn with blankets and accou¬
trements. The brigade here lay upon its arms until early light Sat¬
urday morning, the 3ilth, when tho order was given to advance in
line of battle, which was done for a distance of a mile and a half.
The cavalry scouts here reported the position of the enemy, in iarge
force, three'-quarters of a mile north of the little village, Kingston.
The brigade was marched, in column along the road, a half mile
beyond the latter place, and formed into line of battle on the right of
the pike at seven o'clock. The enemv thon commenced a heavy artil¬
lery fire upon our line, and also on the village, from which direction
75
the other brigade of this division, then under command of yourself
and General Churchill were approaching. Our artillery was here
ordered to advance to a nearer position, and our line of battle fol¬
lowed immediately on under a rapid fire from the field pieces of the
enemy. The guns of our battery were thrown into position upon an
uncovered field, about six hundred yards from the enemy's line of
battle, which was formed some fifty yards in rear of their batteries.
Our line of battle rested its centre immedi tely in the rear of our bat-
to-y in the following order: The second Tennessee, under Lieut. Col.
Butler, on the left and towards the pike; the fifteenth and thirteenth
Arkansas, temporarily consolidated, under command of Colonel Polk
and Lieut. Col Brown ; on the right, the forty-eighth Tennessee,
under Colonel Nixon, and the fifth Tennessee, under Lieut. Colonel
Smith, in the centre.
An artillery duel, continuing an hour and a quarter, now com¬
menced, which resulted in a loss to our side of seven wounded of the
foity eighih Tennessee, and two killed and one wounded of the second
Ten nessec. The dead and wounded of the enemy by grape, canister,
and shell, which their ground afterwards exhibited, showed that our
artillery had been marked with great skill. In pursuance of our
order, from General Cleburne, I here detailed a company from the
second Tennessee, under command of Gapt. J. J. Newsam, as sharp¬
shooters, to occupy a position near the barn, situated upon a hill to
the left of the pike, for the purpose of picking off the horses and
gunners from the enemy's battery. A similar detail was also made
from the loth Arkansas, under Captains Palmer and Dixon, to occupy
a position upon the right of our line, in a skirt of woods, and ascer¬
tain the extreme left of the enemy's line This company was under
the eye of General Cleburne, who was preparing for a flank move¬
ment upon the enemy, with Col Vaughn's brigade, then under your
persona! command, and which you had formed in line of battle upon
the right of my brigade. Sharp work soon took p ace between the
enemy and the companies of Captain Newsom, on the left, and Cap¬
tains Palmer and Dixon, on the right. The position of my brigade
remained unchanged until the forward movement was commanded to
the entire division.
Tim enemy commenced a confused retreat. Their scattered forces
extended f.'n m the right ot the road, through the corn-fields on the
left, for half a mile. In this charge the forty-eigh'h Tennessee,
under Colonel Dixon, captured one hundred and sixty-five prisoners,
including several commissioned officers of high rank. Our successes,
I am sorry here to say, in the capture of a greater number of prison¬
ers, was interfered with in the detachment of two of my regiments, by
a staff officer of another division, who. it seems, was or- ered to have a
section of a battery, and mistaking his own line of battle. This unfor¬
tunately detached two regiments of my own people. The error was
remedb-d as soon as possible, but unfortunately, not early enougn to
carry our, what my brigade would otherwise have accomplished. The*
loss of the brigade in this engagement, was small in the number of
killed.
76
Captain Douglass and Lieutenant TLirdin, of the battery, were
slightly wounded ; Colonel Polk, fifteenth Arkansas, badly wounded
in the head; and Captain J. J. Newson, cjmparty sharpshooters,
8?cond Tennessee, severely, if not mortally. The brigade was or¬
dered to rest for one hour, about a mile and a half in'advance of the
scene of the first action in a wood-land to the right of the road, near
a building called " Zion's Church," after, which it was again formed
in line of battle. ' _
This was near the hour of one o'clock, the sun beating down with
oppressive heat, and the canteens of my men scarce of water. The
enemy had rallied and again thrown their batteries into position, when
we advanced through the open fields, under a hot fire of shell, which,
however, proved fruitless upon our unbroken lines. In this stand
tire enemy had ihrown his heavy line of infantry in the skir of wood
on the left of the road, which were soon engaged by a brigade of
General Churchill's troops, and, after a short engagement, began to
waver. The order then reached us.to move across to that portion of
the field, in double quick, which we did for over a half a mile ; but
their hordes gave way before our gallant companions in arms, ere we
had time to give them a vdley. Another halt was given along the
line about three o'clock, at a point some two miles south of
Richmond, and the scattered men gathered to their proper com¬
mands. -
When rested for the space of an hour, the line was again formed,
and Captain Yancey, of the Tennessee regiment, was placed in com¬
mand of all the skirmishers of the brigade, which again resumed its
position to the right of the road, marching steadily toward the town
without an indicai ion ofi stand from the Federals, until we t ame in half
a "mile of its spires. Our skirmishes were then thrown some four hun¬
dred yards'in advance, to feel the euemy's strongest position, and the
repeated shots along your entire front soon told of their whereabouts,
arid showed them to number a large force. The men under Captain
Yancey maintained their advanced ground firmly, and were driving
back the eneiin's sharpshooters, when our line advanced at a quick
pace, opening a warm fire, and discerning the enemy densely massed
along the fences, in the corn fields and behind the hay stacks, bor¬
dering a turn of the pike, into the environs of Richmond. Here the
loss was slight to several reg ments of the brigade, hut. the men'
moved on most, gallantly, although g'ape and canister were ploughing
the earth all around them in every dire tion. When we reached the
Pike, the order was given to charge across an enclosed field lying be¬
tween the road and the cemetery, the enemy being posted behind the.
fences and tombstones, and in the corn-fields and woods, stretching
off to the left.
As we cleared a rise in the ground, the deadliest fire was poured
into us that occurred duiing the day, and, although the bullets haihd,
our brave troops did not lalter, but, with volley after volley, and
shout after shout, routed them from *heir stronghold, and pursued
them through the streets of Richmond ; and, when night closed, we
were, as we started in the morning, still in advance line.
77
In tliis last engagement our loss in killed and wounded, was
severe. Thirteenth Arkansas, three killed and nineteen wounded ;
Fifth Tennespe. two killed and twelve wounded; Fort*-eighth .Ten¬
nessee. five killed and fifty-four woumkd ; Second Tennessee, five
killed and ninety-four wounded.
The gallant Lieutenant Colonel Butler, of the Second Tennessee,
was here killed ; and Colonel Dixon, of th ; Forty-eighth Tennessee,
received a severe contusion from a canister shot, while bravely lead¬
ing his regiment.
The killed and wounded of .the enemy at this point, outnumbered
our loss very seriously. We captured squad after squad of prisoners,
continuously through and past the town.
The second brigade, when formed into line, on the morning of the
3l)th, showed the following strength: Fifteenth and Thirteenth Ar¬
kansas, three hundred and ninety; Fifth Tennessee, two hundrel
and ninety five ; Forty-eighth, three hundred an 1 twelve; Second
Tennessee, three hundred.
In concluding this report I roust speak in the highest term* of the
gallant conduct of the officers arid men of my command. '1 hey stood
unflinchingly before the galling fire of a superior force, and no troops,
battling tor the defence of our noblest cause, could have acquitted
themselves more nobly. While I make no invidious distinction be¬
tween the actions of officers and men under my command, I feel it
obligatory to mention the ga lantry of Lieut. Col Polignack, who, in
the last fight bi.fore Richnn nd, seized the colors of the Fifth Tennessee,
bearing them triumphantly through the thickest of the fight, and en¬
couraged the men to stand a terrible fire. My thanks are due Cap*.
James F. Sanford, A. A G , for the assistance rendered me on the
field, by his unwaiveriug coolness and courage.
Respectfully,
B. J HILL,
Col. Com. Second Brig. Fourth Div Army <>f Ky.
P. S.—The conduct of Lieut. Col. Murray, who commanded the
sharpshooters on Friday night, and assisted at the guns of the bat¬
tery on Saturday, was highly creditable to him as a braive and gal¬
lant officer.
B J. HILL,
C.Amel Commanding.
I herewith append a list of the killed and wounded of the brigade
during the series of fights on Saturday.
78
REPORT t)P'COL. J. L. SCOTT.
Headquarters Kirby Smith's Brigade, )
Lebanon, Ky., Sept 11, 1862. 5
Major General E. Kirby Smith,
Cornd'g Army of Ky., Lexington, Ky. :
The evening of the ! 3th of August. I left Kingston, Tennessee,
with the first Louisiana cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Dixon, command¬
ing; first Georgia cavalry. Col. Morrison, and the Buckner Guards,
Captain Garnett, numbering in the aggregate, ei^ht hundred and
nine'ty-six; and passing through Montgomery and Jamestown, Ten¬
nessee ; Monticello and Somerset, Kentucky, reached Loudon on
the 17th.
During the night of the 18th, when twenty-five miles from London,
I learned that five companies of the third Tennessee volunteers, U.
S. A., were stationed there. I selected five hundred men from the
command, and made a forced march, reaching the town about seven
o'clock the next morning, when I attacked the place, and after a brief
resistance of the enemy, I captured it, killing thirteen, wounding
seventeen, and taking one hundred and eleven prisoners. My loss
was one officer and one private killed, none wounded.
I took a large number of wagons* 1; den with quartermaster's and
commissary stores, and a number of horses and mules, and several
hundred stand of arms, all of which I have forwarded to you.
After leaving London, 1 employed my command gathering mules,
horses, and wagofis, that had been left along the road by the affrighted
Federals, from London to Mount Vernon and Richmond The even¬
ing of the 22d, learning that a train was coming, (intended for the
Gap,) guarded by infantry and cavalry, I moved my command to meet
them. My advance came upon them at Big Hill, seventeen miles
from Richmond, when the fight commenced and resulted as stated in
my fotmer report.
After driving in their pickets within two miles of Richmond, the
morning of the 2 ith, and gathering up all the trains, horses, and
mules, I fell back slowly to the junction of the Wild Cat and J.ich-
mond roads, which I reached the evening of the 25th. On the 27th,
the third Tennessee cavalry, Colonel Starnes, was added to my com¬
mand, and I moved on in the direction of Richmond. On the 29th,
I made a reconnoissance of the enemy with my whole command, and
finding them in position about three miles from Richmond, I fell back
four miles to the infantry, and reported to Gen. Cleburne, who was in
command of the advance division.
On the morning of the 3(ith, in obedience to yoar orders, I passed
around the west of Richmond, and took possession of the roads lead¬
ing to Lexington. The rnnjority of my forces were posted on the
Lexington road, the remainder between the two roads.
About four o'clock, stragglers from the battle-field commenced
79
passing into mj lines and gradually increased in numbers, until six
.o'clock, when the main body of the enemy, apparently about five
thousand strong, with nine pieces of artillery, came upon us.
My forces being well ambuscaded, poured a destructive fire into
their ranks, killing about sixty and wounding a large number.
The firing commenced in obedience to my orders, on the extreme
left, extending to the right, which was nearest Richmond, after which
almost the entire force immediately surrendered.
Owinir to the smallness of my force, (about eight hundred and
fifty.) I was unable to still guard the roads, and remove the prisoners
to the, rear, and consequently a large number escaped, wandering
through the corn-fields and woodlands, it being now too dark to dis¬
tinguish them when a few paces distant. I am unable to si ate posi¬
tively the number of prisoners taken by my command, owing to the
fact that they were captured principally after dark, and during the
same night were turned over to Gen. Preston Smith in obedience to
y\ ur orders; but I am confident they could not fall short of three
thousand five hundred.
I captured also nine pieces of artillery and a large number of small
arms and wagons, loaded with army supplies. Among the prisoners
captured was Brig. Gen. Manson and a large number ot field and
staff officers.
On the morning of the 31st, I moved to the Kentucky river and
drove the rear guard of the enemy from the opposite bank. The
1st of September, I moved on and camped near Lexington, and on tl:e
2d I moved around Lexington and camped near Georgetown ; on the
3d we moved on to Frankfort, and hoisted the battle flag of the 1st
Louisiana cavalry (in default of a Confederate flag) on the capital of
the State, while the rear guard of the enemy, (now about eight thou¬
sand strong,) were quiet spectators from the opposite hills. The same
evening I detailed all my command, with horses in condition to travel,
(four hundred and fifty in number,) to pursue the enemy and harrass
his rear. The next morning, September 4th, about sunrise, they
came upon the enemy near Shelbyville, and drove them into and
through the town, and then crossed over to the railroad and destroyed
the bridges in obedience to your orders, and returned to.camp near
Frankfort. The evening of the 8th, left Frankfort and reached this
place at nine o'clock this morning.
My loss since leaving Kingston is one officer and six privates killed,
twenty-one wounded, and nine taken prisoners.
Since reaching London, I have captured near four thousand pris¬
oners, (including those turned over to Gen. Smith and Jhose paroled
by me,) about three hundred and seventy-five wagons, mostly laden
with provisions and army stores, near one thousand five hundred
mules, and a large number of horses. It has been impossible to keep
an account of the wagons, etc., captured by my command, owing to
the rapidity of my movements.
I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the soldierly
conduct of my command. They have endured unusual privations and
fatigues without murmur. I cannot compliment the commanders of
80
the regirnents composing the brigade too highly for the assistance ren¬
dered me.
I wouid mention that the first one hundred and six miles of our
march, over, a rough and barren country, was made in forty-two hours,
havi-'g been d liyed one day on account of getting my horses shod.
The statement of the property optured at Frankfort was handed in
at your headquarters by me, in person, on Saturday last.
My forces have been materially reduced by the numerous details
which I found it neceessary to make in order to remove my wagons
and stock to the fear, and I shall use my utmost endeavor to concen¬
trate my comm iud at as early a day as possible
Hoping that the results achieved by the " Kir by Smith brigade"
may prove satisfactory to you, general,
I remain, very respectfully,
Yoar obedient servant,
J. L. SCOTT,
Colonel coma'ng Brigade.
81
REPORT OF OOL. E. McNAIR.
Headquarters Second Brigade, Sept. 6, 1862.
To Brig. Gen. Churchill :
General : I have the honor to report the following loss and casual¬
ties in the second brigade, third division, army of Kentucky, in the
action near Richmond, on the 31st August, viz:
First Arkansas Mounted Riflemen, killed, 8
11 " " " wounded, - - . - 16
Fourth Arkansas regiment, killed, - _ . - - . 8
" " " wounded, - - - - 17
— regiment, killed, ------- 1
" " wounded, ------ JO
Thirtieth Arkansas regiment, killed, ----- l
" " " wounded, - 9
Fourth Arkansas battalion, wounded, ----- 6
Total, - - - - - - - - 76
? In regard to the part my brigade took in the late battle near Rich¬
mond, Ky., I will only say that both officers and men did their whok
duty. I will not particularize, lest I do some one injustice, but will
leave you and the country to judge of us.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
E. McNAIR,
Col. comd'g Second Brig., Third Dwn, Army of Ky.
6
82
LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED in the series of Battles before.
Richmond, Kentucky, in the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Army of
Kentucky :
Brig. General Cleburne, wounded in face.
Fifteenth Arkansas Regiment.
Col. S. E. Polk, wounded in head.
Company A.—S. V. M. Black, wounded in leg; Private J. A. Je¬
ter, wounded in hand; M. A. IJrsery, wounded in thigh.
Company B—Private John Hitchock, wounded in thigh; private
Win. Barnhill, wounded in thigh ; Lieutenant Baker, wounded in hip.
Company D.—Private Thomas Lea, wounded in thigh.
Company E -—Private Cartwright, killed ; private W. McElrath,
killed ; private W. Mathews, leg amputated; private F. Williams,
wounded in face; private John Pedigo, wounded in head.
Company F.—Private B. Kendrick. wounded in head; private J.
Ward, wounded in arm ; private G. W. Seahron, wounded in head.
Company G.—Private G. Sidwell, wounded in chest.
Company H.—Private G. H. Crockett, vounded in hand; private
A. R. Butler, wounded in leg ; private H. J. Junes, wounded in leg ;
private Wm. Fitzpatrick, arm amputated.
Thirteenth Arkansas Regiment
Company A.—Private Thomas Conners, killed ; private M. J. Niel,
wounded in head ; private Thomas J. Nary, wounded in shoulder;
private Barney Finnegan, wounded in thigh ; private James Kelly,
wounded in chest; private S. A. Hern, wounded in thigh
Company B.—Ensign John Sillotson. killed; private W. II. Camp¬
bell, wounded in hand ; private S. G. West, wounded in leg; private
James Guest, arm ; Private Sam Baker, hand and chest.
Company C.—Private Harvy Kimball, killed ; Orderly Sergeant
John Hitchcock, wounded in thigh; private James Brady, wounded
in head.
Company D.—Corporal Crady, killed ; Corporal Pur man killed ; pri¬
vate J. J. Flapper, wounded in body ; private A. J Burns, wounded
in chest.
Gmpany E.—Private James Steller, wounded in chest and arm.
Company F—Private S J. McCaswell, wounded in ar,m; private
B. Bowlen, wounded in wrist and face; private Charles Stevenson,
wounded in arm; private Samuel McEwen, wounded in wrist.
Company G.—Private Isham Evans, wounded in throat; private S.
J. Howard, wounded ip arm.
Comp ny H.—Orderly Sergeant Ilogm, killed.
Company I—Private J. B. Rowe, wounded in arm; private W. L.
Crooke, wounded in chest; private John Busby, wounded in eye and
leg.
83
Fifth Tennessee Regimen^t.
Company A.—Corporal W. G. Casse, killed ; Sergeant J. Hardcas-
tle, wounded in neck.
Company C.—Second Lieutenant W. T. Grisham, wounded in leg;
Sergeant N M. Lays, wounded in hand; private J. P. Denning,
wounded in kip.
Company D.—Private A. G. Webb, wounded in ankle ; private J, H.
Watson, wounded in lung and thigh, mortal.
Company E.—Sergeant W. E. Terrel, wounded in leg.
Company F.—Lieutenant M. M. Carr, wounded slightly ; private
B. W. Town, killed; private D. C. Hatfield, wounded in ihigh.
Company I.—Captain J. M. Yancleave, wounded in shoulder, thigh
and leg, severely ; Corporal J. M. Fitzpatrick, wounded in head; pri¬
vate J. M. Garrett, wounded in arm ; private J. J. Jones, woundedi
in shoulder; private G. M. Moore, arm amputated; private R. A.
?oyd. wounded in leg; private J. M Duncan, wounded in arm; pri¬
vate C. H. Beasley, wounded in thigh; private W. P. Gift, wounded
in thigh ; private N. P. Glenn, wounded in heel; private J. Childs,
wounded in hand; private S. W. Williams, wounded in foot.
Company K —r-Sergeant J. L. Bledsoe, two fingers amputated; pri¬
vate J. C. Anderson.
Forty-eighth Tennessee Regiment.
Colonel J. II. Dixon, wounded in chest.
Sergeant Majtr M. G. Underwood, wounded in head.
Company <1.—Sergeant M. Bench, wounded in leg; private W. G.
Nutt, wounded in face and hand ; private W. C. Auglin, wounded in
leg ; private E. Campbell, wounded in abdomen, mortal, since dead.
'Company B—Second Lieutenant John Hardison. killed; private
James V Scald, arm amputated; private R. Thomas, wounded in
head; private Jesse Cheek, wounded in thigh.
Company C.—Private D. Bird, killed ; private Jesse W. Smith,
wounded in elbow ; private E. D. Smith, wounded in hand ; private
David Smith, wrounded in cheek; private John Smith, wounded in
thigh; private'Granville Lee, wounded in hip; private J. II. Hall,
wounded iu leg ; private J. Dobbii s, wounded in head.
Company D.—Corporal Levi Simmons, wounded in shoulded ; pri¬
vate D. L. I'inkton, wounded in leg; orivate II. P. Porter, woended
in face; private J. S. Easley, wounded in chest; private Jackson
Wright, wounded in leg.
Company E.—Captain McDooley, wounded in leg.
Company F.—Sergeant W. H. Wh teacre, killed ; private J. V.
Benhaui, killed : private W. P. Haggard, wounded in leg; private J.
Huccaby, wounded in arm.
Company G.— Second Lieutenant 3. W. Weaver, wounded in hip;
private Will Oglesby, wounded in knee.
84
Company H.—Second Lieutenant IV. S. Hanna, wounded in chest;
private G. B. Curry, wounded in arm.
Company I.—Sergeant S. Grisham wounded in arm and chest; pri-
vate W. H. Cunningham, wounded in shoulder ; private W. B. Gil¬
bert, hand and two fingers amputated ; private S. J. Burk3,~ wounded
in leg ; private Peyton Hays, u ounded in abdomen, mortal, since dead;
private S. B. Choat, wounded in elbow; private J. M. Phillips,
wounded in both legs.
Company K.—Private J. D. Harrison, wounlded in hand ; private.
W. A. Grimes, wounded in leg; private G. W. Beavers, wounded in
leg; private W. Hays, wounded in shoulder; private A. D. Tracy,
wounded in foot; private C. C. Hearn, wounded in arm ; private W.
L. Kingcase, wounded in arm.
Second Tennessee Regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel John A. Butler, killed.
Company A.—Private R. Carnes, killed; private W. R. Wendall,
3cilied ; private J. B. Warren, killed; private W. P. Horton, killed;,
private Wm. Earwood, killed; Captain J. S. C. McKnight, wounded
in knee ; Corporal B. B. Crosby, wounded; private J. M. Adams,
wounded ; private J. B. T. Brown, wounded ; private M. McDowell,
wounded ; private George McDaniel, wounded; private E. B. Maley,
wounded; private William Pursill, wounded; private John Jones,
wounded; private J. 0. Sheron, wounded.
Company B.—Private John W. Gee, arm amputated; private F. M.
Leonard, wounded.
Company C.—Private W. White, killbd; Capt. J. S. Neuson, wound¬
ed, since dead; Lieut. G. S. Settan, wounded slightly in arm ; sergeant
S. Kauntz, wounded slightly; Sergeant T. C. Shaw, wounded severe¬
ly ; private W. W. Allen, wounded slightly ; private John Morrow,
wounded slightly ; private R. S. Payne, wounded severely. »
Company D.—Capt. Jas. Demston, wounded severely; Lieut. R. Far¬
row, wounded severely; Sergeant Wm. Robinson, wounded severely;
private G. T. News, wounded severely; private Thomas Hale, thigh
amputated; private H. Pasey, wounded seriously; private W. T.
Rankin, wounded slightly; private D. G. Rankin, wounded serious¬
ly ; private J. S. Scruggs, wounded mortally, since dead ; private G.
A. Snidle, wounded severely.
Company E.—Capt. D. R. Winn, killed; John Brady, killed; B. Dil-
lard, killed ; T. Malley, killed ; orderly sergeant Wm. Horn, wounded
mortally, since dead ; color sergeant PI. S. Bowden, wounded mortally,
since dead; private S. Bonner, wounded severely; private Jas. San-
driggon, killed ; private Pat. Comisky, wounded severely; private
Wm. Dwyer, wounded severely; private Pat. Flannegan, wounded
severely; private Ben. Franks, wounded dangerously ; private Thos.
Phillips, wounded dangerously; private Pat. Whalen, wounded slightly.
Company F.—Private James Drake, killed, private Thos. Wooten,
lilled: Lieut. J. Miller, wounded severely; sergeant J. H. Miller,
■wounded slightly ; private J. T. Bowman, wounded severely; private
85
J. M. Hover, wounded slightly; private Henry Hover, wounded se¬
verely, since dead; private W. J Knox, wounded slightly; private
A. McMahan wounded seriously ; private J. A. Mankin, wounded
seriously; private B. R. Miiler. wounded slightly; private J. W.
Fulks, wounded slightly; private Joe Parker, wounded slightly ; pri¬
vate William Stephenson, wounded severely; private R. D. Smith,
wounds! slightly ; private R. W Summers, wounded severely; private
Robert Walker, wounded severely.
Company G—Private W A. Hunter, killed; private H. C. Wag¬
ner, killed; Li ut. J. S. B. Morgan, wounded slightly; private J.
Copelr.nd, left leg amputated; private H C. Hunter, wounded se¬
riously ; private John A. Merriman, wounded slightly.
Company H.—Private G. Grass, killed; First Lieut. A G. Birks-
dale, mortally, since diet! ; seeon 1 Lieut. N. R. Sutherland, right leg
amputated; sergeant J. S. Lifford, slightly; sergeant J. A. Ball, wound¬
ed severely ; sergeant E. H. Carman, wounded slightly ; sergeant Z.
Jones, wounded severely; ^corporal M. W. Morris, wounded slightly;
corporal J. R. Cuer, wounded slighdy . private R. F. Brown, wound¬
ed severely; R. W. Bugg. wounded slightly; private J. F. Carr,
wounded slightly ; private Thomas F. Carr, wounded mortally, since
died; private W A. Duncan, Jr., wounded slightly; private V. B.
Grass, wounded slightly; private J. II. Lesure, wounded severely;
private J. D. Wray, wounded slightly ; private J. L. White, wounded
severely.
Company /--Lieut. R. H Snidle, wounded severely; orderly ser¬
geant J. II. Tompkins, wounded severely; sergeant J. N. Turner,
wounded slightly; private G. B. Allen, wounded slightly; private
Thomas K. Buck, wounded dangerously; private D. Cartwright,
wounded slightly; private J. M Dobbins, wounded seriously ; pri¬
vate J. B MoNeal, wounded slightly ; Charles W. Owen, wounded
mortally, since died ; private W. F.Parker, wounded slightly ; pri¬
vate R. M. Rase, wounded severely ; private F. Wilson, linger am¬
putated.
Co"'pany K—Private J. W. Dickerson, wounded mortally, since
died; private J Hamilton, wounded seriously ; private W. Littleton,
wounded seriously; private W. R.Martin, thigh amputated; private
John II. Ferry, wounded slightly ; corporal J. S. Wilks, wounded
slightly ; pr vate James Saunders, wounded slightly.
Texas BMery, commanded by Captain Douglass.—First Lieut J W.
Brovn, kil ed ; private R. W. Waters, killed; second Lieut. Benj.
Hardin, wounded in hip, severely; J. C. McCoy, wounded in chest,
seven ly ; first sergeant M Gray, wounded in the leg, dangerously ;
E.#Hill, wounded in the head, slightly.
Company Sharpshooters, commanded by Lieut. Col. G. M Murray.—
Private Terry, wounded dangerously private Gholson, wounded
slightly; pi i vate Grass, wounded slightly.
Rt&pectfully,
B. J. HILL;
c61 comrrCdg. second brigade, fourth divisidn, army of Kentucky.-.
-- J. F. Sankord, A. A. Ginsrol.
86
LIST OF nASUAST±Ey in the Stand Brigade, Fourth Division,
Army of Kentucky, in tHe buttles belo to Richmond, K-nluky, August,
3 (ilk lbG2.
One Hundred and Fifty Fouth Senior Tennessee.
Fdward Fitz Gerald, Colonel, killed.
Fornpany B.—-Privates J. M. Williams, killed ; Boyd W. Oventon,
Pru-ittehett, wounded.
• Corn; any C—Private John Diggin, killed ; Capt. J. W. Mouriarty,
privates E. Brcnnon, J. Buckley, David Gleason, Thomas Hardiman,
James MeCaw, wounded.1
Company D—Captain Sterling FowLks, killed; first sergeantE. K.
Bawley, private James Lowe, wounded.
Ct.mpany E —First Lieut. Albert Butt, wounded.
Com/any F.—Private E. D Dunlop, wounded.
Company I—Privates E F. Gill, T. A. Baker, \vounded.
Company L.—Corporal W. L. Goodlett, private R. J. Barber,
wounded.
Twelfth Tennessee Volunteers.
Ompany A.—Corporal Ben Williams, private D. H. Echols,
wounded.
Company B.—Privates W. A. Farrer, P. J. Cunningham, J. W.
Banks, killed; Captain J. L Mathis, corporal W- C. Dickinson,
privates J. F. Ilendricks, Charles Hatfield, A. C. Hopper, wound¬
ed. '
Company C.—0. H. Rathanco, wounded.
Company D—Privates W. W. Hicks, J. 0. Williams, D. Brewer,
wounded.
Ompany F.—Privates J. N. Spear, Wm. Morrall, wounded.
Company G—Privates J. IT. Rosser. J W. Forbrush, II. M. Re-
day, Robert Matthews, John Wilson, John McCrary, Wm. Bane, Geo.
Netherland, wounded.
Company H.—Privates H. P. Turner, E. G. Murdaugh, wounded.
Company I—Privates N. E. Jorden, wounded.
Company K—Private Thos. Langford, killed ; privates John Led-
ford, James Applewhite, Wm. Caldwell, wounded.
Thirteenth Tennessee Volunteers.
Lieut. Col. P. M. McMurray, wounded.
Company A.—Privates W. A. Minton, R. A. Donelson, G. G.Law¬
rence, R. K. Harrison, W. A. Gillam, wounded.
Company B.—Captain R. F. Lightle, sergeant J. A. Williamson,
privates K. F. Gaither, F. E. Hair, J(. F. Terrence, J. G. Bailey,
wounded.
Privates W. A. Rhodes, killed ; privates J. W. Zelmer, Sam Hicks,
H. L. Wirmigham, —— Robersson, wounded.
First Lieutenant W. E. Lanmier, corporal Ed. Dix, killed; Pri-
,87
vates Z. W. Heath, W. S. Thornton, W. II. Lacy, K. Simmons,
wounded.
Sergeant J. J. Stephenson, privates W. R. Claiborne, J. T. Swell,
killed; privates R. A. Crouch, Jos. Eehlin, wounded.
Color-sergeant John Ried, private Robert Stone, killed; private R.
F. Haltown, J. K. Bray, wounded.
Color-sergeant J. Ivey, killed ; privates Thomas Hart, James Hart,
wounded.
Company K.—-Private W. A. Rielraft, wounded.
Company L.—Color-sergeant J. L. Jenkins, privates Wm. R. Win-
field, A. J. Gray, killed; privates W. A. Willikin, J. W. Smith, 1^.
W. Wilkinson, G H M ason, Wm. Frinks, second Lieutenant John
Gates, first sergeant H. F. Scott, sergeant R. G. Sim ins, corporal A.
W. Fox, wounded.
Company H.—Private Robertson, missing.
Company A.—First Lieut. John McDonald, sergeant H. McDonald,
private E. G. Exon, C. Wide, F. M. Stacy, A. J. Nelmes, J. W.
Garrett, William McCree, John Roberts, J. P. Morris, J. P. Pride,
wounded.
Compai y B.—Private J. Echols, wounded.
Company D.—Private J. B. Craig, killed; seargeant E. J. Stal¬
ling, wounded.
Forty seventh Tennessee V olunteers.
Company D—Privates C. Chitwood, S. B. Shand, wounded.
Company E.—Color sergeant John Barnetts, killed ; Private Frank¬
lin Ha we,, wounded.
Company F.— First Lieut. George Penn, sergeant W. K. Johnson,
killed; private W. M Wiight, .vounded.
Company G.—Privates C. D. Simmons, killed ; Jerry Desmond,
S. G. Cooper, wounded.
Company H.—Privates D. T. Griffin, W A. Porter, wounded.
Company /.-—Sergeant 11. T. Martin, private W. F. Oliver, killed;
sergeant J. W Bryen, wounded.
Compatiy K.—Privates J. R. Jitton, killed ; W. D. Tall, J. N.
Nichols, wounded.
Recapitulation:
Missing. Agg'te.
— 20
—- 32
1 48
— 32
1 132
Respectfully submitted to Brigadier General Preston Smith, com¬
manding Fourth Division army of Keiftucky.
N. J. VAUGHAN, Jr.,
Senior Colo;, el commanding Brigade.
Killed
Wounded.
154th Sr. Regiment,
4
16
12 th "
5
27
13th "
12
35
47th
8
24
Total,
29
102
88
LIST OF OFFICERS TAKEN AND PAROLED by Major Gene¬
ral E. Kirby Smith, at Richmond, Kentucky, August 30, 1862 :
Brigadier General Manton, U. S. Volunteers.-
Colonels II J. Korff, 69th Indiana; W. A. Warner,- 18th Kentuc¬
ky ; W. H. Link, 12th Indiana; W. L. McMillen, 95th Ohio.
Lieutenant Colonels Armstrong, 95th Ohia; J. J. Landrum, 18th
Kentucky^; R. II. Williams, 12th Indiana; J. C. Childs, 3rd Tenn.;
Job Stout, 69th Indiana.
Majors S. D. Kempton, 12th Indiana; T. G. Morrison, 66th In¬
diana.
Captains E. S. Taylor, company D, 95th Ohio; J. M. Stuart, 95th
Ohio; H. J. Wylie, company H, 95th Ohio; Samuel Boughten,com¬
pany F, 12th Indiana; C. Moore, company D, 16th Indiana; J.
Smith, company I, 16th Indiana; Edward Hill, 16th Indiana; D. E.
Pughily, company E, 18th Kentucky ; James Goodnow, 12th Indiana;
■ Sands, 71st Indiana; W. A. Brown, 7lst Indiana; J. H. Fin-
ley, company A, 69th Indiana; J. D. McPeters, company H, 66th
Indiana; H. Hadges, company G, 3rd Tennessee; G. M. Wooten,
company II, 12th Indiana; A. II. Clark, company D, 3rd Kentucky;
P. A. Ccghill, company E, 95th Ohio ; C. M Emory, company E,
55th Indiana ; J. S. Stevens, company K, 71st Indiana; W. Allis,
company C, 95th Ohio; R. M. Hanson, company B, 95th Ohio; W.
R. Warrock, company G, 95th Ohio; James B. Tate, company I,
95rh Ohio ; J. F. Baird, company A, 66th Indiana ; E. D. Baldwin,
company B, 12th Indiana; Robert Collier, con pany H, 7th Kentucky;
W. W. McArin, company G, 71st Indiana ; David Nation, company B,
69th Indiana; Alfred Dyer, 71st Indiana; S. M. Rooker, company
E, 12th Indiana; A. J. Dowdy, 71st Indiana; George Bowman, 12th
Indiana; J. C.Jones, 16th Indiana; J. M. Hildreth, company II,
16th Indiana ; T P. Cutterly, company C, 12th Indiana ; S. Bur-
rough, 12th Indiana; S. W. Wells, company F, 12th Indiana; J. H.
McNeill, cotapany C, 3rd Kentucky ; P. H. Beechbard, company C,
16th Indiana; J. II. Redfield, company B. 16 th Indiana; G. W. Do-
rity, company K, 95th Ohio; Louis R Harris, company F, 69th In¬
diana ; W. Cooper, A. A. G. to General Nelson ; J. M. Kendrick, A.
A. G. to General Nelson ; J. W. Payne, company K, 66th Indiana;
G. M. Trotter, !2th Indiana; W R. Fisk, 18th Kentucky; William
Kerr, 69th Indiana; W R. Warrock, company G, 95th Ohio; D. M.
Jordan, company C, 66th Indiana; John M Payne, company D, 66th
Indiana ; Brown, post quartermaster, Lexington, Kentucky.
First Lieutenants J. R. S. Cox, adjutant 16th Indiana; W. L.
Stanbury, company E. 95th Ohio ; J. L. Chittenden, company C,
95th Ohio; II. C. Roderbaugh, 9th Kentucky; J. C. Richards, 18th
Kentucky ; F. M. Iloskins, $r I Tennessee ; A. Cross, 3rd Tennessee;
J. B Polls, 95th Ohio ; C C. Lamphere, Lamphere's Battery ; second
lieutenants G. W. Daniel, 3rd Kentucky ; J. N. Thompson, company
D, 16th Indiana; first lieutenant II. C. Brennan, adjutant 3rd Ken-
89
tucky ; second lieutenants J. M. Links, 71st Indiana; E. 0. Doxey,
16th Indiana; first lieutenants J. Monk, company G, 69th Indiana;
Smith, 71st Indiana; S. J. Miller, G9th Indiana; Jackson,
69th Indiana; S D, Strager, company G, 95th Ohio; Joseph Pratt,
company F, 95th Ohio ; L. B. Gamble, company G, 3rd Tennessee ;
J. W. Gross, company H, 18th Kentucky; H. Brown, company C,
12th Indiana; second lieutenant D. Simpson, company H, G6th In¬
diana; first lieutenants W. N Bringle, company N, 66th Indiana;
David Yout, company A, 69th Indiana; second lieutenants W. H.
Meters, company B, 66th Indiana; J. M. Davis, company I, 71st In¬
diana; first lieutenant J. M. Pe\ten, company I, 6 th Indiana; second
lieutenant G. W Thompson, company F, 19th Indiana; first lieu¬
tenants J, G. Bull, company 11, 95th Ohio ; II. J. Tultney, adjutant,
95th Ohio; second lieutenants P. R. Chrisman, company B, 95th
Ohio ; A. F. Loons, company G, 55?h Ohio ; first lieu tenants B. A.
Broune, company E, 55th Ohio; M. M. Lacy, company A, 69th In¬
diana; J. N. Davidson, company B, 95th Ohio; sec -nd lieutenants
G. L. Garrison, company A, 69th Indiana ; J. W. Eldridge, company
A, 95th Ohio ; E. W. Peek, company E, 71st Indiana; fi st lieuten¬
ant D. M. Pate, company I, 95th Ohio ; second lieutenants F. French,
company E, 69th Indiana; W. II. Jordan, company E, 16th Indiana;
Y. Allen, company K, 95th Ohio; first lieutenant J. II. Tiffee. com¬
pany G, 66th Indiana; second lieutenants Robert Alfont. company
F, 12th Indians,; H. F. Brattin, company II, 69th Indiana; R. E.
Robinson, compahy I, 69th Indiana ; first lieutenant J. W. Sharp,
company K, 7 1st Indiana ; second lieutenant It Chancey, company
G, 7th Kentucky cavalry ; first lieutenants E II. Helm, company G,
12th Indiana; J. B. Conner, company A, 12th Indiana; F. H. Ave-
lin, company B, 12th Indiana; second lieutenants N. H. Harrison,
company B, 12th Indiana; John Hansel, company C, 71st Indiana ;
first lieutenants C. Longfellow, company E, 69th Indiana; D. K.
Williams, company B, 69th Indiana; A. J. Rockall, company B. 71st
Indiana; J. B, Potts, company B, 95th Ohio; second lieutenant J. B.
Sterns, 3rd Kentucky; first lieutenants A.J. Welsh, 71st Indiana;
A. B. Peters, 95th Ohio; second lieutenants J. R. McArthur, 71st
Indiana ; L. B. Gennel company G, 3rd Tennessee; A. II. Hubbard,
company F, 12th Indiana; lieut. Owen Perry, adjutant, 69 th" Indiana;
second lieutenant G. W. Wright, company A, 12th Indiana; first
lieutenant Timothy Dorrity company A, 16th Indiana; second lieut.
G. R. Davis, company F, 66th Indiana ; first lieut. Cyrus Bayhill,
company B, 16th Indiana; second lieutenants T. IS. Peeble, company
E, 12th Indiana; 0. J. Smith, company B, 71 st Indiana ; T. Anson,
company I, 12th Indiana; 0. Caldwell, 95th Ohio; A. G. Biggs,
company G, loth Kentucky ; Thomas Wilson, company D, 3rd Ken¬
tucky ; first lieutenants F. A. Rose, adjutant, 55th Indiana; Alonzo
Foster, company I, 16th do ; E. A. Thompson, company D,*7lstdo;
J C. Gilford, company B, 71st do. ; D. H. Williams, company B,
69th do.; second lieut. H S. Watts, company B, 71st do.; first lieut.
J Steel, company G. 16th do. ; second lieut. Aaron McFeely, com¬
pany C, 16th do ; first lieutenants J. A. Biackwell, company D, 12th
90
do,; J. T. Owen, company H, 71 st do.; second lieut Milton N. Moore,
company D. !6th do. ; first lieut. W. Mannington, company D, 16th
do. ; second lieutenants J. A. Shrap, company F, 95th Ohio; J. H.
Foster, company I, 16th Indiana; first lieut. J. D. Glover, company
I, !6thdo; second lieut. John Morse, company 1, 18 th Kentucky;
first lieut. J B. Stives, 3rd do ; lieut. James Peyton, Co npany I, 66th
Indiana; second lieutenants John H. Sims, company C, 7th Kentucky
cavalry; B. T. Riggs, company G, 18th Kentucky ; first lieutenants
James W. Brewer, company G, 7th Kentucky cavalry ; B. J. Bing¬
ham, company A, 3rd Erst Tennessee volunteers ; second lieut. R. II,
Dunn, company A, 3rd do ; captain E. D. Willis, company I, 3rd do;
first lieut. M. H. Peck, 3rd do ;. adjutant J. W. Kelso, 3rd do; cap¬
tains Perry Stuart, company A, 94th Ohio*; J. B. Donelson, company
F, 62nd do; J. T. Holms company G, 52nd do ; Benjamin B. Smith,
7th Kentucky cavalry ; first lieut. Alfred L Trader company H, 94th
Ohio ; second lieutenants P. L. Paulus, company G. 93rd do; George
II. Philips, company A, 93rd do; lieutenant W. W. Weaver, company
C, 2nd East Tennessee ; major A. A. Philips, 93rd Ohio; David C.
Winchell,ca tain, 9th Kentucky cavalry; Thomas A. Nichols,, first
lieutenant, 9th do; John 0. Grady, second lieutenant 9th do.
91
LIST OF PRISONERS capiured by the troops under the command
of Major General E. Kirby Smith, at the battle near Richmond,
JKy., Aug. 30, 1862, and since paroled.
Eighteenth Kentucky Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers, 23
Privates, - - - - - -175
197
Sixty-ninth Indiana Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers, - - - - - 49
Privates, - - - - - - 427
476
Seventy-first Indiana Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers, - - - - 48
Privates, - - - - - 522
570
Twelfth Indiana Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers, - - • 63
Privates, - - - - - ~ 447
509
Sixteenth Indiana Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers and privates, - - 492
Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment.
Non-commissioned officers and privates, - - 399
92
LIST OF PRISONERS cap'urcd .by the forces under Major Gemral
E. Kirby Smith, during the month of August, 1862.
Non-commissioned officers, * - - - 11
Privates, - - - - - - 265
Teamsters, - 5
Citizens, ------ %
283
LIST OF PRISONERS captured by the forces under Major General
E. Kirby Smith, at Lexington, Ky., Sept., 1862.
Non-commissioned officers, - - - - 9
Privates, - - - - - - - ... 664
673
MISCELLANEOUS.
LIST OF PRISONERS captured from different commands by the
troops under Major General E. Kirby Smith, at the battle near
Richmond, Ky., August 30, 1862.
Non-commissioned officers, 25
Privates, ------ 400
425
capture of munfordsville,
REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG.
Headquarters Department No. 2, >
Munfordsville, Ky., Sept. 17, 1862. \
S. Cooper, Adjutant General, C. S. A.:
S}.r : Since my last dispatch this army has moved on steadily in the
accomplishment of its secondary object—a junction -with Major Gen.
E. K. Smith. Waiting two days in Glasgow to collect a supply of
breadstuffs, an advance brigade, thrown in this direction to cue the
railroad and observe the enemy, was indiscreetly advanced by its
commander to the attack of a superior force here strongly fortified.
After a most desperate fight, they were repulsed with a loss of about
three hundred killed and wounded. As soon as I heard of this mis¬
fortune my whole command was put in motion, and in less than
twenty-four hours we had the place—some twenty-five or thirty-five
miles distant by the routes taken—completely surrounded, and in a
few hours, an unconditional surrender of the whole garrison was
made without our firing a gun. We received some four thousand
prisoners, an equal number of small arms, pieces of artillery,
and munitions. The prisoners will be paroled and sent to General
Buell at Bowling Green, the nearest point of the enemy's lines.
My position must be exceedingly embarrassing to Buell and his
army. They dare not attack me, and yet no other escape seems to be
open to them.
My admiration of and love for my army cannot be expressed. To
its patient toil and admirable discipline am I indebted for all the suc¬
cess which has attended this perilous undertaking. The men are*,
much jaded and somewhat destitute, but cheerful and confident, with¬
out a murmur.
We move soon on a combined expedition with Gen. Smith.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BMAGG,
General commanding.
BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE.
REPORT OF GENERAL BRAGG.
Headquarters Depirtment No 2, )
Bryantsville, Ky , Oct. 12, 1862. )
S., Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General,
Richmond, Va.:
Sir : By a great pressure of active engagements, I have been un¬
able to communicate, since my last dispatch, until now. My rapid
tour of inspection was suddenly terminated at Frankfort, just at the
close of the ceremony of installing the provisional governor into
office. A heavy advance of the enemy on that point rendering it
necessary for me to concentrate my forces. General Polk was, about
the same time, heavily pressed at Bardstown, and he, in accordance
with previous orders, fell back towards XIarrodsburg.
Not having succeeded in getting my supplies from Lexington to
my new depot near Bryantsville, it was necessary to hold a large
portion of General Smith's forces in that direction. Finding the
enem\ pressing heavily in his rear, near Perryville, Major General
Hardee, of Polk's command, was obliged to halt and check him at that
point. Having arrived at Harrodsburg, from Franaf ;rt, I determined
to give him battle there, and, accordingly, concentrated three (3) di¬
visions of my old command—the army of the Mississippi, now under
Major General Polk—Cheatham's Buekner's and Anderson's, and di¬
rected General Polk to take command on the 7th. and. attack the
enemy next morning. Wither's division had gone the day before to
support Smith. Hearing, on the night of the 7th, that the force in
front of Smith had rapihly retreated, I moved early next morning, to
be present at the operations of Polk's forces. Two armies were found
confronting each other, eft opposite sides of the town of Perryville.
After consulting with the general, and reconnoitcring the ground,
and examining his dispositions, I declined to assume the command,
but suggested some changes and modifications of his arrangements,
which ho promptly adopted. The action opened at half-past twelve,
96
P. M , between the skirmishers and artillery on both sides. Finding
the enemy indisposed to advance upon us, and knowing he was re¬
serving heavy reinforcements, I deemed it best tj assail him vigor¬
ously, and so directed. The engagement became general soon there¬
after, and continued vigorously, from that time until dark, our troops
never failing and never faltering in their efforts. From the time en¬
gaged, it was the severest and most desperately contested engagement
within my knowledge. Fearfully out numbered, our troops did not
hesitate to engage, at any odds; and, though checked at times, they
eventually carried every position, and drove the enemy about two
miles. But for the intervention of night, we should have completed
the work. We had captured fifteen pieces of artillery, by the most
daring charges, killed and wounded two brigadier generals, and a
very large number of inferior officers and men, es'imated at not less
than four thousand, and captured four hundred prisoners, including
three staff officers, with servants, carriage and baggage, of Major
General McCook. The ground was literally covered with his dead
and wounded. In such a conflict our own loss was necessarily severe,
probably not less, than two thousand five hundred killed, wounded
and missing. Included in the wounded are Brigadier Generals Cle¬
burne, Wood and Brown, gallant and noble soldiers, who-e loss will be
severely felt by their commands. To Major General Polk, command¬
ing the forces, to Major General Hardee, commanding the left wing,
(two divisions,) and Major Generals Cheatham, Buckner and Ander¬
son, commanding divisions, is mainly due the brilliant achievements
on this memorable field. Nobler troops were never more gallantly
led. The country owes them a debt of gratitude, which, I am sure,
will be acknowledged. Ascertaining that the enemy was hsavily re¬
inforced during the night, I withdrew my forces early the next morn¬
ing, to Harrodsburg, and thence to this point. Major General Smith
arrived at Harrodsburg with most of his forces, and Withers' division,
the next day, (10th,) and yesterday I withdrew the whole to this
point, the enemy following slowly, but not pressing us. My future
movenmnts cannot be indicated, as they will depend, in a great measure,
on those of the enemy. The campaign here was predicated on a belief,
and the most positive assurances, that the people of this country would
rise, in mass, to assert their independence. No people ever had so favora¬
ble an opportunity ; but, I am distressed to add, there is little or no dis¬
position to avail themselves of it. Willing, perhaps, to assert their
independence, they are neither disposed nor willing to risk their lives
or their property in its achievement. With ample means to arm
twenty thousand men, and a force with that to fully redeem the State,
we have not yet issued half the arms left us by casualties incident to
the campaign.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General commanding.
R E R G R T
of
AN AFFAIR WITH THE ENEMY
BETWEEN BIG HILL AND RICHMOND,
On the 29th August, 1862.
REPORT OF GENERAL CLEBURN K.
Hd'qrs Second Brigade Fourth Division, A.rmv of Kentucky, )
Richmond, Ky., Sept em bar 1, 1862. )
■To Major General E. Kirby Smith,
Commanding Army of Kentucky:
General : On the morning of the 29t-h ult., I was ordered bj you to
advance on the Richmond road to a point where the road emerged from
a gap in the hills, about five miles from tho foot of Big Hill, and to act
as advance guard for the army. About five o eiook, P. M., I heard
cannonading in my front, and learned that Colonel Scott's cavalry
were being driven'in, and they had already lost one of the mountain
howitzers° Subsequently the cannonading ceased, and Colonel Seott
con in^ into camp informed me that he was encamped on the road in
my front, that our whole front was well picketed, that the enemy were
not advancing. .
Still feeling uneasy about our situation, with an unknown force of
the enemy in our front, I determined, as a matter of precaution, to
form line of battle, facing the supposed direction of the enemy. This
•was not accomplished until some time after dark. I then warned
commanders of regiments at the first alarm to bring their regiments
to their prescribed positions in this line, and then dismissed them,
retaining, however, my battery and company of sharpshooters on the
line. I had scarcely dismissed them, however, before firing and yel¬
ling' was heard in front, and almost simultaneously a multitude of
stragglers, consisting of part of Colonel Scott's cavalry brigade, sick
men,'baggage wagons, servants leading horses, came flying in, in the
98
utmost consternation, closely pursued by the whole of Colonel Met-
calf's command of United States cavalry, vho were firing on them
and yelling as though they were all excited with liquor. I reformed
my line rapidly, leaving the road clear. When within twenty-five
steps, two companies of the forty-eighth Tennessee fired on the advance
and checked it.
The enemy then dismounted one regiment of cavalry and again
advanced. It was very dark, and they could not see my line of battle,
but they kept up a continuous fire on our camp fires which were
blazing brightly in our rear.
A few sharpshooters were new pushed forward, the enemy showing
great reluctance to advance, and in spite of curses and threats which
we could plainly hear, the whole force of the enemy precipitately
retreated. In this affair we had but one man wounded. The enemy
had several dangerously wounded. We captured thirty (30) prisoners,
one hundred stand of arms, and several horses.
The enemy retreated in such haste they cut the reins of their
horses, which, as before stated, they had hitched for the purpose of
advancing on foot, fearing it would take too much time to unhitch
them. My men slept in line of battle without any supper, and at
daylight again advanced in search of the enemy.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
P. J. CLEBURNE,
Brigadier General commanding Second Brigade.
proceedings
QE THE
FOURTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT,
RELATIVE TO TITS
EXISTING WAR,
EEPOET
OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTEENTH VIRGINIA REGIMENT, STEIIART'S
BRIGADE, PICKETT'S DIVISION.
At a meeting of the 14th Virginia regiment, Steuart's brigade, Pickett's division,
held at their camp near Bermuda Hundreds, January 24th, 1865, the following pre¬
amble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, the successes which have recently attended the arms of our enemies in
their mad determination to subjugate an enlightened christian and independent people,
have cast a gloom over.our land; and whereas the disposition of many weak-hearted
counsellors to magnify defeat into hopeless disaster, and to give current publicity to
rumors questioning the unabated fervor of the veterans of our armies, in support of
the sacred cause for which we have sacrificed every comfort during four years of con¬
tinuous warfare, and which we still live to defend, has generated a degree of despon¬
dency in the brerftts of some of whom we might have expected better things, and deem¬
ing an unqualified expression of our opinion as a regiment, and a similar one on the
part of our brothers-in-arms, sufficient to dispel this gloom, and to check and extin¬
guish forever the wild rumors which have found too rich a repast in credulous minds
for the public good: therefore,
1. Resolved, That a southern citizen or soldier, who, for any other consideration
than that of absolute freedom and separation from that enemy who have spared no
species of injury or insult that malice could devise, would lay down his arms and now
submit, is unworthy to breathe the air of freedom, and should, with his posterity, be
the serf of serfs to the remotest generation.
2. Resolved, That we hereby pledge to the living, and to those who shall come after
us, in support of our liberty and their ransom from worse than Egyptian bondage, as
our fathers have done before us, "our lives, our fortunes and out sacred honor," assuring
them that it is better to die freemen than to live slaves.
3. Resolved, That we have unbounded confidence in our ability, under the guidance
of a ju§t Providence, to achieve a glorious triumph in our present struggle, directed by
that great, good and gallant spirit that has so often led us to victory.
4. Resolved, That the thanks of the army are due and are hereby tendered to the
congress of the Confederate States for the energy and vigor displayed in its recent
legislations, and its evident determination to sustain our soldiery through every trial
to the rich reward of peace and happiness.
5. Resolved, That we have watched with grateful pleasure the proceedings of the
Virginia legislature, and are proud to be represented by so patriotic a body.
G. Resolved, That we earnestly appeal to the citizens and soldiers to rededicate their
lives and fortunes upon the altar of their country, and resolve that the graves of our
fathers, our homes and firesides, shall still be ours to transmit as heirlooms to free arid
happy generations yet unborn, who shall mark with envious pride "our footprints in
the sands of time.-
•?. Resolved, That a. copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the Virginia legis¬
lature, the congress of the Confederate States, and to the papers of the city of Rich¬
mond for publication.