v V ajor ED. M. Main, Third U. S. C. C. THE STORY Marches, Battles and Incidents THIRD UNITED STATES COLORED CAVALRY ' A Fighting Regiment in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-5. == With official orders and reports relating thereto, compiled from the Rebellion Records. ED. M. MAIN, Late Major, NEW ORLEANS, - - - - LOUISIANA. The Globe Printing Company, Louisville, Ky, 1908 • CONGRESS Two Copies Received OCT 31 1908 CopyrijfM tl try aASS q^ ' XXc, No. intered according to Act of Congress in the year 1908, by ED. M. MAIN, In the office of the librarian at Washington, D. C. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page Organization 3 PREFACE The Story of the Black Regiment is the History of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry 21 The Black Regiment 25 Major E. M. Main 26 Chapter I. The Causes Leading to the War 29 Personal Sketches of Officers 46 Chapter II. The Organization of the Regiment 58 Chapter III, The Black Troopers in Battle 6| Chapter IV. The Regiment goes into Winter Quarters 72 Major Cook Ordered to Roebuck Lake and Honey Island 75 Lieutenant Colonel William T. Clark 75 Captain Andrew Ernbry 80 Chapter V. A Raid across the River in Louisiana and Arkansas. 81 Colonel Osband's Report 89 Lieutenant Colonel William T. Clark 91 Captain Richard Taylor 91 Chapter VI. The Yazoo Expedition, Jan. 31 to Mar. 10, 1864 92 Colonel Coates sends Dispatches to Vicksburg 97 Running the Blockade 100 A Reconnaissance 106 Chapter VII. . , The Expedition Returns to Yazoo City 108 - - '• ' Yazoo City and its Invironments Ill A Running Fight on the Benton Road 112 Captain Howard Cook 117 Chapter VIII. The Storm Breaks 118 Homeward Bound 125 First Lieutenant Edwin Farley 124 Chapter IX. Correspondence between Brigadier General L. S. Ross, Commanding Texas Brigade and Major George C. McGee, Commanding Redoubt on Ben- ton Road, Yazoo City, March 5, 1864 125 Chapter X. Roster of Commissioned and Non- Commissioned Officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, show- ing Rank and Service in Former Regiment 148 First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Francis E. Lovejoy . 15(i TABLE OF COX TENTS. Page Chapter XL The First Battalion at Goodrich's Landing 157 A Raid that left Death and Destruction in its Wake . 158 Lieutenant Shotzell brings down his man at 800 yards 102 A Raid across the River in Deer Creek Country 165 First Lieutenant F. W. Calais 166 Chapter XII. I'.xpedition to Benton and Black River April and May, 1884 167 First Lieutenant Frederick Fernald 174 Chapter XIII. The Expedition to Jackson and Pearl River 175 Report of Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, U. S. Army, Commanding District of Vicksburg 177 First Lieutenant D. E. Potter 178 Chapter XIV. Grand Gulf Expedition July 11 to 20, 1861 179 The Grand Gulf Expedition 181 Chapter XV. Expedition from Vicksburg to Natchez, Fort Adams and Woodville, September 21 to October 11, 1864.183 The Fight near Woodville, Miss 1»5 A Summary of the Twelve Days Scout 192 Chapter XVI. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry thrown in the Breach 199 Chapter XVII 205 Report of Col. E. D. Osband Commanding Expe- dition 206 • Addenda 215-216 Chapter XVIII. The Grierson Raid, Dec. 21, 1861 to Jan. 13, 1865 .217 The Start 258 The Fight at Egypt Station 223 A Terrible Slaughter 227 Suffering Among the Prisoners 228 The Fight at Franklin 229 Headed for Vicksburg 234 Chapter XIX. A Report of the Grierson Raid from the Rebellion Records 235 A Report of Capt. Anthony T. Search, Fourth Illinois Cavalry 240 Chapter XX. Expedition in Southeastern Arkansas and North- eastern Louisiana Jan. 26 to February 10, 1865. . . .243 Second Lieutenant David P. Shirfy 247 Chapter XXI. Report of Col. E. D. Osband, Commanding Cavalry Expedition in Southeast Arkansas and Northeast Louisiana, January 26 to February 10, 1805 249 Chapter XXII. Expedition Down the River from Memphis, Tenn. to Fort Adams, Miss., April, May and June, 1865. 255 The Expedition starts Down the River 257 A Naval Officer's Experience on Horseback 261 TABLE OF CONTENTS. iii Page. Chapter XXIII. Reminiscences of the War by First Lieutenant Frank W. Calais 269 Scouting Through the Cane Brakes of Mississippi. Betrayed by his dog ... 272 Ordered back to Vicksburg 278 A Plundered Plantation 275 In the Character of a Scout 277 Capture of a Rebel Quartermaster — He had Money to burn 280 A Drumhead Court Martial, Swift Justice and a short Shrift 281 Soldier Stabbed by a Cotton Buyer 282 Chapter XXIV. Reminiscences by Lieutenant Edwin Farley 283 Chapter XXV. Reminiscences by First Lieutenant A. H. Carson. . .287 A Scout to Carrollton and Blackhawk 287 Expedition to Jackson and Pearl River July, 1864 . .291 A Raid in the Deer£reek Country 296 The Expedition to Port Gibson, Natchez and Wood- ville, September and October 299 Chapter XXVI. The Confederate Lieutenant's Dream .302 Chapter XXVII. Old Alf, the Wizard of the Black Regiment 304 Old Alf as a Scout— A Dash for Life 308 Old Alf Runs Amuck 313 A Perilous Undertaking 317 Chapter XXVIII. Little Bob, the Waif 320 THIRD UNITED STATES COLORED CAVALRY ORGANIZATION. Pursuant to the call, of date May 5, 1893, the following sur- viving officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, met in club room "A," Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago; Lieut. Col. J. B. Cook, Majors Charles' H. Ghapm and Ed. M. Main; Captains Andrew Emery, C. C. Spaids, Randolph Grimes, Benjamin S. Wing and Howard Cook ; Lieutenants Frank W. Calais, Edwin Farley and Fred Fernalld, and proceeded to organize as the "Third U. S. Colored Cavalry Organization," electing the following officers to serve one year : President, Lieut. Col. J. B. Cook; Vice President, Major Charles H. Chapin ; Treasurer, Lieut. Edwin Farley ; Secretary, Lieut. F. W. Calais ; Historian, Major Ed. M. Main. BOARD OF REFERENCE. Lieut. Col. J. B. Cook, Capt. Andrew Emery, F. W. Calais. The following address, by Major Ed. M. Main, was then ordered to be made part of the record and published in connec- tion with the by-laws, which were adopted for the guidance and control of this organization. ADDRESS. Mr. President and Comrades: That the colored troops acquitted themselves with credit, has been fully demonstrated, and that the success they achieved was due to the patriotism and unflinching bravery of their white officers, must also be admitted. Tt is needless to say that without efficient white officers the experiment with negro troops would have been a total failure. The officers of negro troops have not received the credit tc* which they are so deservedly entitled, and for which the great service they rendered to the country in its darkest hour of peril 4 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. demands. Rising above the storm of prejudice then prevailing against the negro troops, they came to the rescue at a time when the Union was tottering on the brink of dissolution. Voluntary enlistments had ceased in the loyal States, and the Union army was wasting away before the invincible legions of Uee and Johnston. Scattered, as it was, over a vast territory, the Union army was unable to face their opponents and, at the same time, hold the already subjugated territory. At this period of the war, the fact first dawned on the Northern mind that one of the greatest elements of strength the South possessed consisted in her slave population numbering four million souls, who tilled the soil producing the sugar, rice, cotton and corn that fed and clothed the confederate armies, and who also looked after the home in- terests while the entire white male population flocked to the support of the Southern standard. But the usefulness of the negroes did not end here. In the capacity of pioneers and teamsters, in fact, performing all the various duties pertaining to an army, they formed a valuable auxiliary to the Southern cause. Then the negroes were 1 made the instruments for the destruc- tion of the Union and for perpetuating their own enslavement. It became apparent, therefore, that to save the Union, slavery must be destroyed. The people of the North failed to comprehend the true con- dition of affairs, until they saw their own farms and workshops deserted in consequence of the heavy drafts made for men to fill up the depleted ranks of the Union army. When the ^question of giving the negroes a chance to fight for their own freedom was at last determined upon by the Federal Government, a great howl of rage and indignation went up from the South, which, being echoed by their Northern allies, "Copper- heads," aroused a bitter prejudice against the measure, which, spreading through our own army, created widespread dissatisfac- tion. The idea of commanding negro troops was at first severely ridiculed, and the prejudice was so great that but few men could be found who possessed the moral courage to face the obliquy, which threatened to overwhelm all who accepted posi- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 5 tions in colored regiments. There were, however, a few com- missioned and non-commissioned officers in some of the white regiments, whose patriotism and courage could stand the test. These men, stepping into the breach, formed the nucleus of what ultimately became an army of nearly 200,000 well organ- ized, finely drilled and highly disciplined troops. These troops, as fast as organized and equipped, took the field and, by their conduct under fire, soon won the respect of the whole army. The prejudice against them disappeared, at least in the army, and thereafter, white and colored soldiers fought side by side, mingling their blood in a common pool on many hard fought fields. As this branch of the service grew in favor, positions in colored regiments were eagerly sought after. But as the stand- ard of admission was high, many applicants suffered disap- pointment. The officers of colored troops were selected from the best men in the white regiments, being chosen for their bravery and soldierly qualities. These qualifications being established by previous faithful and meritorious service in their old regi- ments, a rigid examination before a board of army officers, expert in military tactics, was required to test their fitness to command. Without these qualifications, influence had no weight in securing these positions, and it is not too much to say that in no other branch of the service did the officers reach a higher standard of excellence, and in patriotism and bravery, the officers of colored troops had no peers. In the early days of the war, the South discussed the ques- tion of using the negroes as soldiers. But the proposi- tion did not, seemingly, meet with general favor, through fear, probably, of trusting arms in their hands, and for the further reason that their services could be utilized in other ways with almost equal effect. The Southerner, true to the instincts of his chivalric nature, would shoulder his gun and fight valiantly, but he scorned the menial duty of driving teams and building breast works. So all that sort of work was performed by the negroes, leaving all the white men free for duty in the ranks. 6 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. It is on record, however, that in New Orleans during the first days of the war, negroes were enlisted in the Confederate service, being organized into companies and regiments, armed and drilled. In a letter to the Confederate Congress, under date of Feb- ruary, 1865, urging the enrollment of negro troops, General Lee said . In answer to your second question, I can only say that, in my opinion under proper circumstances the negroes will make efficient soldiers. I think we could at least do as well with them as the enemy, and be attaches great importance to their assistance. Under good officers and good instructions, I do not see why they should not become soldiers. They possess all the physical qualifications, and their habits of obedience constitutes a good formulation for discipline. They furnish a more promising material than many armies of which we read in history, which owed their efficiency to discipline alone." In the "Rebellion Records," Series 1, Vol. XLVI, p. 1315, we find the following: Camp Forty-ninth Georgia Regiment, Near Petersburg, March 15, 1865. Col. W. B. Taylor, Assistant Adjutant-General : Sir — The undersigned, commissioned officers of this regiment, having maturely considered the following plan for recruiting this regiment, and having freely consulted with the enlisted men, who almost unanimously agree to it, respectfully submit it, through you, to the commanding general for his consideration : First : That our companies be permitted to fill up their ranks with negroes to the maximum number under the recent law of Congress. Second : That the negroes in the counties of Georgia which our companies hail from be conscribed in such numbers and un- der such regulations as the War Department may deem proper. Third : That after the negroes have been so conscribed, an officer or enlisted man from each company be sent home to select from the negro conscripts such Who may have own- ers or may belong to families of whom representatives are in .Major CHAS. H. CHAPIN, Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 7 the company, or who from former acquaintance with the men may be deemed suitable to be incorporated in these companies. For the purpose of carrying out more effectually and promptly the plan as indicated under the third head, it is respectfully suggested that each man in the regiment be required to furnish a list of relatives, friends or acquaintances in his county of whom it is likely that negroes may be conscribed, so as to facilitate the labors of the officer or man who may be detailed to bring the negroes to the regiment. When in former years for pecuniary purposes, we did not consider it disgraceful to labor with negroes in the field or at the same work bench, we certainly will not look upon it in any other light at this time, when an end so glorious as our independence is to be achieved. We sincerely believe that the adoption throughout our army of the course indicated in the above plan, or something similar to it, will insure a speedy availability of the negro element in our midst for military purposes and create, or rather cement, a reciprocal attachment between the men now an service and the negroes highly beneficial to the service and which would probably not be otherwise obtained. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants, J. T. Jordon, Colonel. J. B. Duggan, Major. M. Newman, Adjutant. L. E. Veal, First Lieutenant Company A, L. L. Williams, Captain Companies B and G. C. R. Walden, Lieutenant Company B. A. G. Brooks, Lieutenant Company F. S. J. Jordon, Lieutenant Company H. Wm. T. Mullally, Captain Company I. R. S. Anderson, Captain Company G. ( First indorsement) Headquarters Thomas' Brigade March, 18. 1865. Respectfully forward, Approved. Edward L. Thomas. Brigadier-General. 8 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. (Second indorsement) Headquarters Wilcox Light Division, March 21, 1865 Respectfully forwarded, believing that the method proposed within is the best that can be adopted. C. M. Wilcox, Major-General. (Third indorsement) Headquarters Third Corps, Army Northern Virginia. March 22, 1865. Respectfully forwarded. The plan proposed is commended as worthy of attention and consideration. H. Heath, Major-General, Commanding. (Fourth indorsement) March, 27, 1865. Respectfully returned. The commanding general commends the spirit displayed by this regiment. The plan of organization which has been regarded most favorably proposed a consolidation of the reg- iments of ten companies, as they now exist, into six companies, and that the regimental organization be maintained by attaching to the six thus formed' four companies of colored troops. Each regiment would then preserve its identity. Perhaps this plan would be equally acceptable to ,the forty-ninth Georgia Regiment. By command of General Lee. W. H. Taylor, Assistant Adjutant-General War Department, C. S. Army, Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, Richmond, Va., March 15, 1865. Majors J. W. Pegram and Thomas P. Turner: (Through General Bwell.) Sirs : — You are hereby authorized to raise a company or Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 9 companies of negro soldiers under the provision of the act of Congress approved March 13, 1865. When the requisite number shall have been recruited they will be mustered into the service for the war, and muster-rolls forwarded to this office. The companies when organized will be subject to the rules and regulations governing the Pro- visional Army of the Confederate States. By command of the Secretary of War ; John W. Riely, Assistant Adjutant-General. Under the above mentioned law the organization of colored troops was commenced. But it was too late, the cordon was tightening around the doomed Confederacy. The closing scene at Appomattox was drawing near. We ihave .never heard any disparaging remarks about negroes serving in the Con- federate army. Had the South succeeded in putting her proposed 200,000 negro troops in the fiell'd, their praisie would now be linked with that of the Confederate soldiers. From a Southern standpoint, it was all right for the negroes to fight for the Southern Confederacy, but for them to fight for the Union and freedom, was held as a great outrage and an infringement on the divine rights of the South. The fact is, negroes have fought in every war this country has been engaged in, except, perhaps, the war with Mexico. In the revolution, the negroes fought valiantly in the ranks with white soldiers, and in the war of 1812, at the battle of New Orleans, they fought shoulder to shoulder with the men from Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana, under that great Democratic soldier and statesman, Andrew Jackson. The limit of Southern arrogance was reached when Jeff Davis issued his decree declaring negro troops and their white officers outlaws, placing them outside the pale of civilized warfare. This inhuman act, followed by the Fort Pillow massacre, shocked the civilized world, and evoked a spirit that drove its author forth, shorn of his brief authority, a fugitive from justice. The proverb, "Truth is mighty and will prevail", was never 10 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. more fully exemplified than was shown in the happy termination of the war. That Divine Providence which shapes the destinies of men and of nations, through her chosen instruments, worked the slaves' redemption from bondage. Speaking through the loyal hearts of the North, it was the inspired hand of Lincoln that penned the emancipation proc- lamation, striking the chains from four million human beings. The black man's day of jubilee had come. John Brown's soul was marching on. The recruiting offices were thrown open for the enlistment of colored soldiers. Did they improve the opportunity thus offered to strike a blow in their own behalf? Yea, the 186,097 enlistments that followed testify that they did. The justice of emancipation was made manifest in the light of a new inspiration, crowning the Union arms with a succession of brilliant victories, which covered the slave oligarchy with confusion and irretrievable defeat. Thanks to the spartan band of heroes who could not be swayed by fear, favor or prejudice, the work of enrolling col- ored troops went on apace ; companies, regiments and brigades were quickly organized and equipped. With but little instruction in the way of drill, these troops took the field, and while the country was debating the question, "will the black troops fight," the problem was solved ait Fort Wagner, Port Hudson and Milliken's Bend, where they were pitted against the serried ranks of the Confederacy. From these battle fields the report went forth, even from unwilling critics that "the colored troops fought nobly." Being outlawed by the enemy, the knowledge that, if cau- tured no quarter would be given, nerved your arm to strike for victory. Knowing what fate awaited you if overcome in battle no vision of prison-pens haunted your dreams. Often far out in the enemies' country, surrounded by over- powering numbers, cut off from any possible chance of support, thrown upon your own resources, left to fight the battle single handed and unaided, knowing that you had a cruel and merciless foe before and around you. Yet undaunted you faced death Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 11 and, like brave men and patriots, conscious of the justice of your cause, trusted the issue to the God of battles. When time shall have obliterated sectional prejudices, future historians, rewriting the story of the great struggle for national existence, will carefully adjust the scales of justice. In one side will be justice, forbearance, and a due regard for the rights of mankind. In the other side will be injustice, arrogance and oppression, intolerance and cruelty, chains and slavery, and misery unspeakable mingled with the groans of captives in chains, the agonized cry of Union soldiers sick and dying in foul prison-pens, at whose sufferings pitying angels weep, and devils dance with glee. Which side think you, will re- ceive the approving sentence, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant?" Nearly all the white regiments have had written and published a history of the part they took in the great struggle. The ser- vices rendered by the colored troops have also been eloquently set forth by different writers. In these latter publications, the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry has received but a passing notice, while some of the colored regiments are given a prominence which places them in the front ranks of that veteran army. Without detracting from the well-earned' fame of any, we can confidently enter the lists and compete for honors with any regiment, white or black, that served in the Western army. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry enjoyed the proud dis- tinction of being ranked among the finest cavalry regiments in the army of the Tennessee. Many of its brilliant achievements are mentioned in general orders of the war department. The history of the regiment will show* a long list of brilliant victories and no defeats. Its record is blameless, no stain dims the glory of its conquests. Though aggressive, the regiment never violated the laws of honorable warfare. It gave and took blow for blow. In a fail and open field the regiment acknowledged no superior. Before the whirlwind of its charge no equal number of troops could stay its course. If an important point was to be held, requiring the highest standard of discipline and courage, the regiment was invariably 12 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. singled out for the duty. The reputation of the regiment was such that its presence at a critical time inspired almost un- bounded confidence. If the regiment was sent to perform a certain duty, or to hold a position, on the successful defense of which depended important results, no one doubted their ability to fulfill the trust if in the power of that number of troops to do so. No enemy could surprise and raid a camp over which the regiment stood guard. No sudden onslaught of the enemy could break and stampede their lines; they might be driven back by overpowering numbers, but only after a stubborn resistance, retiring in good order. The unflinching bravery of the officers and the high standard of discipline maintained, precluded the possibility of 'breaking their organization. On the retreat, the regiment was as formidable as when advancing. In point of discipline and ready control under all circumstances, no regiment approached a higher stand- ard of excellence. Whether leading the advance, standing in the deadly breach, or covering the retreat of a defeated and disheartened army, the regiment, with unbroken front, never wavered. The black troops inspired by the dash and daring of their offieers, seemed to rise equal to any emergency. The name of the "Black Regiment" was potent, in the Mississippi valley. Its battle cry on a closely contested field, like the blast of Roderic's bugle horn, was worth a thousand men. The enlisted men were far above the average of those in colored regiments. Having thousands of likely young colored men to choose from, none but the finest specimens of physical manhood were accepted, care being taken to enlist none but young, active men, of medium weight, regard also being had to a fair amount of natural intelligence. Physically, therefore, the enlisted men of the regiment approached as near to that standard of ideal cavalrymen as has probably ever been realized. The majority of the men were mulattoes and in many of them the Caucasian blood predominated. They were superb horsemen, and yielding ready obedience to the requirements of military discipline, they soon become proficient in all the duties of a soldier. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 13 When the story of the "Black Regiment" is written, \\\z reader will have to stand with them and face the "Black Flag" and choose between victory and death. He will be called upon to accompany them in many midnight forays, where hand to hand encounters test the courage of the bravest. He will be taken over the battlefields where the price of victory was half their number slain. He will stand with them in the deadly breach, where the fate of an army hung on the issue. He will see the flash of their sabres on the hills of Woodville, and see them disappear in the smoke and crash of battle, and hear the shout of victory as they emerge with the enemy's guns. He will go with them over the field of Franklin, where they met Wirt Adams' bold riders in numbers five to one. There the dead lay thick and some of their bravest souls took flight. He must stand with them in the little earthwork at Yazoo City, where the ground was slippery with the blood of their fallen comrades, and listen to the ultimatum of the rebel com- mander, who speaking through a flag of truce, conveyed this message; "I have ordered a charge and no quarter will be given you." How you answered that threat, the dead that strewed the ground in front of the works attested. Your valiant maintenance of that position was as heroic as the English defense of Lucknow. In that engagement you were outnumbered ten to one, opposed to you and completely sur- rounding your position, were eight rebel regiments, viz. : The 14th, 15 th, and 17th Tennessee, the 3d, 6th, 7th, and 9th Texas and 8th Louisiana, with batteries on every hill-top trained upon your position, as shown by the official records of the rebellion. If the reader's nerves can stand it, let him come with us down into the Cypress Swamp, on the banks of Boeuf River, and witness the night attack, when, under the silent stars of early morning, took place one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war. Let him behold, in that one terrible hour of death and carnage, a scene which no pen can describe, no tongue portray, no brush transfer to canvas. Let him witness the lightning-like transition from quiet repose to the wildest con- fusion of deadly strife. 14 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Grouped around their smouldering camp fines, unwarned of a lurking foe, waiting for the coming dawn, the black troopers were startled by the flash and report of five hundred guns, coming like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. The death-dealing missiles tore through their scattered ranks, as out from the dark shadows of the swamp their murderous assailants sprang upon them. If the gates of hell should open before him, he would seek shelter within from the sulphurous storm raging without, where blazing shotguns, pistols and carbines light up the darkness with deadly flash, scorching the hair and burning the clothing. Obedient to the command of their officers, whose intrepid daring and coolness have never been surpassed, if equalled, the black troopers, rallying around their standard bearer, met the rebel onslaught, forcing them back at the pistol's muzzle. Stumbling over the prostrate bodies of friend and foe, guided only by the flash of the enemy's guns, the black troopers fought as men only can, who see death staring them in the face, with victory their only alternative. Hand to hand, breast to breast, fighting with the desperation of despair, friend and foe went down together, mingling their life blood in a common pool. Loud above the din and clash of arms arose the rebel yell, as again and again they pressed forward, determined not to yield the fight to their hated black adversaries. From the deeper depths of the swamp came back the echo of the battle, mingled with the wild cry of the frightened night-birds, as from their lofty perch they flew, screeching, from the awful scene. There the battle raged until, with the gray of the coming dawn, as though devil's work like this 1 was for darkness only, the carnage ceased, the rebels disappearing in the dark recesses of the swamp, going as precipitately and mysteriously as they came, leaving their dead and wounded where they fell. After the battle, the lifeless bodies of friend and foe lay scattered promiscuously over the field, rebel and colored soldiers lying side by side, showing that it had been man for man. Around the lifeless body of a brave colored sergeant lay two dead rebels. The fact that nearly every commissioned officer in the command was wounded, proves the desperate character of the fighting and speaks volumes for the bravery of the officers. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 15 Passing over many equally stirring events which mark the brilliant career of the regiment, let us review for a moment the assault on Black River Bridge, which for heroic gallantry, stands unparalled in the history of the war. Major-General Canby in General Orders No. 81, dated December 9, 1864, said of this engagement : "The Major-General commanding the District of West Tennessee and Vicksburg, styles this affair as one of the most daring and heroic of the war." Two previous and wiell organized attempts by some of the best troops in the department, had failed to dislodge the enemy and destroy this bridge. That these assaults had been desperately maintained and that the bridge had been heroically defended, its blackened and bullet-torn timbers attested. It was at a time when the rebel general Hood was concen- trating his army for an attack on the forces of General Thomas, at Nashville. His means of obtaining supplies and reinforce- ments must be cut off, to effect which, the railroad bridge over the Big Black must be destroyed at any cost. From the previous vain attempts to dislodge the enemy from their strongly in- trenched position at the bridge, it was well known to the District Commander that the bridge could only be taken by the most de- termined bravery and the sacrifice of many lives. It was not so much a question of numbers to be brought into action as it was of the dash and mettle of those engaged. It may, therefore, be considered as a high compliment to the officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, that they were selected to lead the assault. This bridge was situated in an almost inpenetrable swamp, inaccessible, except over the narrow railroad bed, broken at intervals by trestle-work. From the nature of the ground, the use of artillery was im- practicable, leaving no alternative but a direct charge over the railroad ties. f The bridge was guarded by a force of rebel infantry, which was posted in an almost impregnable position, being protected by a strong stockade on the opposite side of the river, from which they could concentrate a deadly fire on the bridge without exposing themselves to danger. Into the fiery jaws of this volcano the regiment was sent. 16 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. On that day, November 27, 1864, the regiment won imper- ishable fame. From the Department Commander and from the war office in Washington, the regiment was complimented in the highest terms. You who passed through that crucial test can never forget the experience. It is so indelibly impressed on our minds that, looking back even from this distance, we shudder at the picture memory retains. Down there in that Mississippi swamp, we seem to see the black troopers as they appeared on that ever memorable occasion, crouched for the final spring. In the hard-set faces and stern commands of the officers we read a determination that fore- shadowed victory. It was understood by all that, when the bugle sounded the charge, there must be no faltering, no matter what might betide. For the Third Cavalry this was the supreme moment — the crucial test. Great results were at stake. Much depended on the success or failure of the charge. Much was expected of the Third Cavalry. Would they sustain, under this trying ordeal, their high reputation for gallantry. Let us follow them and see. With every nerve strung to the utmost tension, the black troopers, when the bugle 'sounded the charge, sprang forward as one man. Into the flaming crucible they plunged. The swamp resounds with the rattle of musketry and, as they meet volley upon volley, their lines tremble and sway like a young forest swept by a cyclone. Do they waver? Is there confusion in their ranks? No, the gaps close up, their organization is intact. None falter but those who fall to rise no more. Surely none but the best of disciplined troops could face undismayed that storm of leaden hail. Facing this deadly storm of buck and ball, with ranks thinned, they reach the bridge and, though swept by a murderous fire, they scale its dizzy height. With no footing but the railroad ties, they press forward. Catching the inspiration of their officers, the black troopers Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 17 swept on with irresistible force. Pierced with bullets, men reel on the dizzy height and fall with a splash into the murky waters below. The 1 survivors reach the opposite bank. The battle cry of the Third Cavalry rose above the din of the conflict. They close in on the enemy. Through the sally ports of the stockade they fight their way. A mighty shout rends the air. The enemy in terror flee to the shelter of the swamp. The victory is complete. The Third Cavalry has written its name high up on the roll of fame. It had passed through the crucial test, emerging as tempered 'steel. The enemy had been routed from his stronghold. The bridge was destroyed. Nashville was saved. Hood's army was in re- treat. Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga" has turned back an invading army. Another cherished scheme of the Confederacy had been crushed. The North 'had been saved from the rav- ages of an invading army. Thus the Third Q. S. Colored Cav- alry played a humble part in that great strategic movement on the checker-board of war, by which Sherman and his army marched through to the sea, severing the Southern Confederacy in twain. This, gentlemen, is but a faint glimpse at the record of the regiment ; When the wihole is spread upon the pages of history, it will challenge comparison. The record of the regiment rests on well established and undisputed facts. Many of its deeds are chronicled in the official records of the war department. The light of criticism cannot fade it. Alongside the record of the famous regiments, whose deeds embellish the pages of history, the record of the regiment will lose none of its lustre. This, comrades, is the common heritage of the surviving members of the regiment. It is yours to keep, defend and cherish and to transmit to your children. All helped to make this record and all should share alike in its glory. Though there were many deeds of individual heroism, yet they are infinitesimal in the light of the glorious whole. The proudest distinction one' can have is the enrollment of his name on the roster of its gallant leaders, whose intrepid daring inspired even the humblest private in the ranks to deeds of valor. 18 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Gentlemen, we owe a solemn duty to the memory of our gallant comrades who fell in the strife. They were the bravest of the brave, the noblest and truest types of the American vol- unteer soldier. Midst the roar and smoke of battle they sealed their devotion to country with their lives. Their heroic deeds form a part of the record of the regiment. In preserving this record, we honor their memory. The names of Stewart, Walter, Sedgwick. Starr and Pattengill are rendered immortal. You will find them inscribed on the roll of honor with this inscription; "Killed in Action." Monuments of marble and granite decay and pass from the memory of men. But they have a monument more enduring than stone, their names are written in never fading letters on the tablets of time. There are others, whose memory it is also our duty as well as our pleasure to commemorate; we see their names on the roster. But they are here only in the spirit, their lips are silent. Osband, Haynes, Hyland, Cook, Webber, Moon, Randall, Whit- ing, Lovejoy, Jennings, Freeborn, Beadles and Keith. These are names that were once potent in council and in the field. How often have we depended on the courage and fidelity of these men? Were our positions reversed, were they assembled here in- stead of us, were they intrusted with the duty of keeping our memory green, think you they would hesitate in the work? Think you they would allow the memory of your heroic dee- Is to go out in f orgetfulness ? — No. "The bravest are the tender est, The loving are the daring." Then let us erect an enduring monument to their memory. Let us leave a record of their heroic deeds. Let us tell the story of their sacrifices. Let us honor ourselves by honoring their memory. How often have we stood at the open grave of a beloved Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 19 comrade and, as the clods covered the lifeless form, renewed our unspoken pledges of loyalty to country and to each other? Time cannot have made us insensible to the emotions which then filled our hearts. With the passing years, have their names and companionship faded from memory? — No. "Nor shall their glory be forgot, While fame her record keeps." PREFACE THE STORY OF THE BLACK REGIMENT IS THE HISTORY OE THE THIRD U. S. COLORED CAVALRY. A Fighting Regiment. This regiment sprang into existence at a time when the war spirit was at its height. It was born and cradled midst scenes of war. Its ranks were recruited and drilled under fire of ths enemies' guns. Reared midst scenes of blood and carnage, war had no ter- rors for the black regiment. This regiment was recruited from the camp-followers of the Union army — the colored servants, cooks, hostlers, teamsters and pioneers. Years of association with t?he army had familiarized these men with and inured them to the hardships and dangers of war, and though they had never actually borne arms, they were really old campaigners, being thoroughly conversant with all the duties of a soldier. Rendering in their humble capacity as servants such aid as they could to the cause of the Union and their own freedom, these men patiently bided their time, waiting for the opportunity to strike a blow in their own behalf. At last the long looked for day of deliverance came. Light came out of darkness', through the: smoke of battle and an almost dismembered union, the star of deliverance arose, light- ing the way out of bondage. A new nation was born, reaffirming the principles of free government, "that all men are created free and equal," making it so in fact as well as in theory. The emancipation proclamation was written ; at the stroke of the pen four million slaves were made free. The light of 22 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. christian civilization struck the chains from their limbs, and the armies of the Union enforced the decree. Clothed with the right of citizenship, the ex-slave took his place in the ranks of the Union army. How well he per- formed his part the readers of these pages may judge. It must, however, be borne in mind that these men had just been emancipated from the bonds of slavery, that their backs were yet smarting from the strokes of the lash, that the degrading influences of a century of slavery had left its impress upon them, that the sin of amalgamation had rendered their condition more and more unbearable. Justice and humanity cried aloud for a stay of the curse of slavery and decency and virtue prayed for its extinction until at last the light of a better civilization burst upon the land. To the slave the north star was as a beacon light of liberty, and when the tocsin of war sounded and the inevitable clash came 'they rallied around the flag of the Union. For their soldierly behavioi and heroic deeds, I will speak in terms of the highest praise. Their shortcomings, the result of previous conditions, I will cover with the -mantle of charity. Commencing with the organization of the regiment — 'Start- ing at the little recruiting camp in Vicksburg, in October, 1863, and noting step by istep the rapid rise and development of the reg- iment in the face of obstacles the most discouraging, we trace their progress from a mere squad of undisciplined recruits to a magnificent (regiment of war worn and battle scared veterans. We go with them from place to place — from camp to camp, and we bivouac with them on a hundred battle fields. We are with them on all their weary marches. We pass nights in the saddle with them, reconnoitering the enemy's po- sition, and striking blows that made the name of the black regiment famous in the Mississippi valley. We join in the great cavalry raids', penetrating far into the enemy's country, following the retreating columns of the rebel cavalrv, or falling back, sorely pressed, before overwhelming numbers. We see them fall, bleeding, in the road, trampled in the dust as the enemy press forward. We are faint from hunger and thirst when they too are famishing. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 28 We keep viirgil with them away out in the front, where the enemy's camp fires gleam on the adjacent hills, and we share their hopes and fears for the morrow's strife. We lose sight of them in the 'battle's smoke, and note their torn and bleeding ranks as they emerge from the conflict. We stand with bowed head as the death list is told of! and their names recorded with the slain. Their warfare is over- The soldier's requiem is said. "No vision of the morrow's strife The warrior's dreams alarms; No -braying horn nor screaming hfe At dawn shall call to arms."' We dug their graves 'by the road-side, in every valley and on every hill from Memphis, Tennessee to Grand Gulf, Miss- issippi. Their blood has stained the soil of Tennessee', Arkansas, Miss- issippi and Louisiana.. Their battle cry has been heard on a hundred battle-fields. They were always foremost in the van and the last to leave the field. The blast of their bugles, the clang of their sabres and the gallop of their steeds have carried cheer and relief to many besieged garrisons and outposts. Under the aegis of their flag the weak and defenseless never failed to find protection. Before the fury of their charge the enemies of human rights quailed. The regiment was not always victorious, it had its full share of triumphs and defeats, but it never became demoralized under fire; when compelled to retreat it invariably did so in good order. After four years of fratricidal strife, drenching the land in blood, the Union was 'restored, coming forth from the 1 baptism of blood cleansed and purified. The flag of the Union was 'restored to every rebellious state. The opposing armies, in submission to the eternal decree of right and justice, laid down their arms. The armies of the 24 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Union dissolved, each individual member returning to the pursuits of civil life. The white robed goddess of peace again resumed her sway. The republic was rejuvenated, she had shaken off the incubus that degraded her civilization. From that day the American republic took an honored place among the great nations of the earth, moving forward on a higher plane in fulfillment of the great destiny lying before her. In the heart of every American there is an abiding faith in the justice, stability and perpetuity of this republic, and they wear its shield on their breasts. Whenever danger threatens, whether within or without our borders, Americans delight to rally around the old flag, and, standing like a living wall, shield it with their lives. In 1861-2, as fast as the regiments were organized and equipped, how the men clamored to be led to the front, and with what devotion they rallied around the flag when in the wild storm of battle it was menaced, and how often midst the battle's smoke its staff has been wrested from the palsied ^fingers of the brave standard bearer, whose life blood stained its folds, and by another borne aloft through the thickest of the fight. Oh, what a flag it is. The flower arid pride of the nation rallied around it A halo of glory encircled it. The spirit that brought it into being hovered near it, and well did the sons of our patriot Sires keep the trust confided to them. "You'll carry the flag — the old torn rag — You'll carry the flag to the fore, Through the press and the strain, and the deadly rain. Where your fathers passed before. And you'll stand by the flag, when the faint hearts fly. And the best 'that you have you'll give, For the men who have learned for a cause to die Are the men who have learned to live." Ed- M. Main, Major 3d U. S. C. Cavalry. Third I '. S. Colored Cavalry, THE BLACK REGIMENT. "How the dusky legions, newly clothed with God's eternal right, From out an hundred years of bondage, with its dark and cheerless night; How upon the fields of cotton and upon the fields of cane, Through the swamps, upon the woodland, on the green and grassy plain, On the field of bitter serfdom, when the master's iron heel Crushed itheir lives in shapeless masses with bonds of woven steel, Here tlbey met their old-time masters, not as serf or bonded slave, But full clothed in freedom's garments, all the storms of war to brave, Here they met midst cannons thunder and contending armies crash, And repaid with dripping sabre every stroke of cruel lash. Here they rode midst smoke of battle, where the carnage greatest grew, And their war cry grew the louder, though itheir ranks were growing few, And they crushed the Southern legions as tlhe whirlwind crushes grain, For they rode on wings of vengeance — vengeance for their years of pain, And they broke his ranks asunder as the sickle cuts the corn, For beyond the smoke of battle, where swift lightnings cut the gloom, Broke the sun of freedom, shining brightly o'er black slavery's doom, For the wheels of God's just vengeance, rolling o'er the earth beneath, Ground to dust the haughty Southern — crowned the slave with laurel wreath." By W. B. M. 26 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Major E. M. Main. Major Main was bora at East Newport, Penobscot County, State of Maine, January 1, 1837. His parents moved west when he was a small boy, settling in Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up, attending the public schools. Major Main sprang from puritan stock, being a lineal de- scendant of Governor William Bradford of Plymouth colony. His great -grandfather, Captain William Bradford, served in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather on his mother's side Putnam Wilson, was a captain in the war of 1812. His people, both on the paternal and maternal side, have fought in every war this country has been engaged in. He enlist- ed under the first call for troops, April 19, 1861, in Barker's Chicago Dragoons, for three months, being the first company to leave Chicago for the seat of war. This company served as General McCkllan's escort during that general's West Virginia campaign. At the battle of Rich Mountain, young Main was detailed as special orderly to General McClellan, and carried written and verbal dispatches to brigade and regimental commanders, being frequently exposed on the firing line. At the expiration of his three months' term of sendee, he re- enlisted in Company "A." Fourth Illinois Cavalry, but was almost immediately transferred to company "B," same regi- ment, to fill the position as First Sergeant. For gallantry at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, he was commissioned a First Lieutenant, March 12, 1862. He was several times wounded, the most serious being a gun-shot wound in right shoulder, and a compound fracture of right wrist, the latter received in a charge, his horse being shot and falling on him. He carries the bullet still in his shoulder, it being impracticable to extract it. As a member of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, he shared in all the battles and campaigns of that regiment up to October '863, when he resigned to accept a position as Major in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 27 His career in this regiment is closely interwoven with the history of the organization. The command of the regiment frequently devolved upon him, notably on the great Grierson raid, December 1864, and January 1865, particularized by the bat- tles of Egypt Station and Franklin, Miss., and the raid in north- east Louisiana and southeast Arkansas, February and March, 1865. This sketch would seem incomplete without mention of the Major 's steamboat episode. Standing, revolvers in hand, at the entrance to the cabin, screaming women and frightened passengers behind him, be disputed the passage of a bajnd of ruffianly guerillas, putting them to flight, and saving the boat and passengers from being plundered. Himself simply a pass- enger on the boat, which had stopped at a remote landing place to take on a supply of fuel-wood, on the Tennessee side of the Mississippi river, in March, 1864. The Major was badly wounded in this encounter, in con- sequence of which, lie was carried from the steamer on a stretch- er, on reaching Memphis, and taken to the officers' hospital, where he passed 'several uncomfortable months. CHAPTER I. THE CAUSES LEADING TO THE WAR. The war of the rebellion had raged with increasing fury for two years, gathering force at every stage. Its dread alarms had filled the land with grief and lamentations, had cast its blighting shadow upon every hearthstone, left a wail of agony at every fireside, darkened every threshold and robbed every family circle of a father, husband, brother, or some dear relative. Oh, the king of terrors was riding on the crest of a mighty wave of popular passion. The forces of a mighty revolution was at work. The stability of the great xAmerican Republic was being tested. The Union was tottering on the brink of dissolution. The people had been too long off guard. The watch fires of liberty had been allowed to smoulder. The sovereign rulers had been recreant to the trust bequeathed to them by the fathers of the republic. Yea, they had forgotten the watch word, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," and they were 'being punished for the sins of omission as well as for the sins of commission. The Ship of State was sailing under false colors, she flew the pennant of freedom at her masthead, while millions groaned in chains. She engaged in a piracy of -human rights, convoying her slave ships from the African coast, freighted with human chattels. The people sang odes of freedom to the flag while it waved over the slave ship, consigning untold thousands to captivity. Thus the mockery of free government went on under the shadow of the slave-pen, the auction block and the whipping post, the civilized world looking on in disgust at such hypocrisy. But there came a day when the public conscience revolted at the enormity of slavery and its baneful influences, threatening as it did, to subvert the tendencies of free government. The people of the free or non-slaveholding States, rising in their might, entered a solemn protest against the further ex- tension of the evil— slavery. But the slave oligarchy having grown rich and powerful in the tiaffic of human flesh, would brook no interference with their cherished institution. So they 30 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. raised the banner of revolt, seceded from the Union, renounced their allegiance to the federal compact, threw down the gauge of battle, and declared an independent government, naming it the "Confederate States of America." The civilized nations of the world, witnessing the gradual decadence of slavery everywhere, looked on, amazed, at the attempt to establish in free America, a government dedicated to human slavery. But the Southern leaders, in their blind greed for power, coerced the Southern States out of the Union and pre- pared for war. They seized all the United States forts and arsenals located within the boundaries of the Southern States, laid siege to and reduced Fort Sumpter. The people of the non-slaveholding States rallied to the call of President Lincoln for troops to put down the rebellion and save the Union. Armies were hastily organized and placed in the field. The first great battle was won by the seceders. The South was con- verted into one vast battle-field. The tramp of armed battalions resounded everywhere. Mighty armies confronted each other, advanced, fought and retreated as each gained or lost the vantage ground. It was a gladiatorial contest — a trial of giants, and the world looked on, amazed at the valor displayed on both sides. At the end of two years, the South, though severely punished and her resources taxed to the utmost limit, remained defiant, when simultaneously two great events occurred which marked a turn- ing point in the struggle. The defeat of the insurgent army under General Lee at Gettysburg, and the victory achieved bv the Union army under General Grant at Vicksburg, gave hope to the supporters of the Union cause, and correspondingly dampened the spirits of the adherents of secession. Yet these reverses seemed to spur the Southern leaders on to more desperate measures. Failing to carry the war into the North by way of Pennsylvania, they sought a route through Tennessee, looking with longing eyes toward the fertile fields of Indiana and Illinois, where they hoped to feed and clothe their hungry and tattered soldiers from the rich storehouses of these States. But General Thomas, "the Rock of Chickamauga," barred the Third U. S. Colored Car airy. 31 way at Nashville. During the lull in military operations that fol- lowed the defeat of the rebel armies at Gettysburg and Vicks- burg, the Southern leaders bent all their energies to the work of reorganizing their forces and preparing for an aggressive cam- paign. Conscript officers, backed by armed force, drag-netted the Southern States for recruits to fill up their depleted ranks. The Confederate States Congress took action looking to the enrollment of the slaves as soldiers, it being proposed to put 200,000 negro troops in the field. These new levies were to be used for home defense, leaving the entire rebel army (white) to take the field, invade the North and strike a staggering blow to the Union. A great army was placed under the command of the South's most daring general. Hood, who was expected to break through the defenses of General Thomas, at Nashville, and in- vade the North, while the Confederate armies under Lee and Johnston were to hold Grant and Sherman at bay, but they reck- oned without the cost. At this stage of the war the emancipation proclamation hav- ing gone into effect, the recruiting offices were thrown open for the enlistment of colored soldiers, and the emancipated slaves rallied around the flag of the Union. At last the long looked for opportunity had come to strike a blow in their own behalf. Com- panies, regiments and brigades, like magic, sprang into existence. These troops, led by brave and experienced white officers, took the field, often forming the van-guard of the army. The tran- sition from slave to citizen and citizen to soldier was most sud- den and without preparation, and the country looked on, doubt- ing the wisdom of such action, and standing ready to render a verdict of condemnation at the first symptoms of failure, while the declared opponents of the measure raised a great hue and cry against it, which engendered a bitter prejudice against the col- ored troops. But the men who had drawn their swords in de- fense of the Union were not to be turned aside by the clamor of a lot of sentimental weaklings. The life of the republic was at stake. The lines on which the Union could only be saved, and permanent peace assured, was clearly defined, and on these lines and these only, the war must be 32 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. fought to a finish, or all would be iost in the general ruin that must follow the defeat of the Union cause. So the organization of colored troops was pushed with the utmost celerity, and while the country was debating the question "will the colored troops fight?" the problem was solved at Fort Wagner, Port Hudson, Milliken's Bend and other places from which the report went forth, even from unwilling critics, "that the colored troops fought nobly." In these engagements the colored troops led the attack, storm- ing the enemy's works at the point of the bayonet, fighting hand to hand and falling where they fought. "God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform, He plants 'his footsteps on the sea and rides upon the storm." At the very beginning of our government, the question of slavery was a troublesome one. The slave trade was then a source of great profit. Negroes were captured in Africa by slave traders and brought to this country in large numbers and sold into slavery. Many of these slave traders were men from New England. Owing to climatic and industrial conditions, slave labor was not profitable in the New England States, and they sold their slaves to their Southern brothers, and then commenced the crusade against slavery. Section 9, Article 1, of the constitution of the United States, sheds some light on the question of what the framers of that im- mortal document thought of slavery. It is as follows: "The immigration or importation of such persons as any of the States, now existing, may think proper, shall not be pro- hibited by Congress, prior to 1808, but a tax or duty may be im- posed on such importations, not exceeding $10, for such person." The foreign slave trade was then recognized as an iniquity to be tolerated only for a short time, is a political necessity. In 1818 Congress prohibited the foreign slave trade, and in 1820 it was made piracy, punishable by death. Domestic slavery, however, continued and was in the fullness of time destined to be the cause of the greatest war of the centuries. One of the greatest, if not the greatest, statesman of the South, said: "If I could be instrumental in eradicating from the con- Capt. B. S. WING, Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 33 stitution and laws of my country that greatest stain and blot, slavery, I would feel that I was entitled to greater honor than that ever bestowed upon any conquering hero or potentate." There undoubtedly were those who honestly believed that slavery was a divine institution. The interstate traffic in slaves was viewed with abhorence by many leading Southern men. John Randolph, while upholding slavery, denounced the traffic. In 1818, free labor in the North and slave labor in the South were brought squarely face io face. Slave labor was fast rising in value. The new lands of the lower Mississippi opened a vast field for slave labor in the production of cotton and sugar. I: was believed, says one historian, that "the extension of slavery into the territory would save it from gradual extinction." In the course of time Missouri sought admission to the Union as a State. It was tacitly understood that slavery might be carried into the territory west of the Mississippi River. What was then known as Louisiana, belonged to the whole Union rather than to any one of the several States. The question now arose whether Congress should establish slavery anew in territory of the United States. The alternative was presented by the South to the people of the North, whether to submit to these demands or consent to a dissolution of the Union. In 1819, there were eleven free and eleven slave States. Mis- souri was pressing her claims for admission. Should she be ad- mitted with or without slavery was the great question claiming the attention of the whole country. James Talmadge, of New York, proposed that there should be no personal servitude in the States, except those already held as slaves, and that those should be manumitted within a certain time. Various plans and conditions were proposed, but Missouri was finally admitted as a slave State, with a proviso, however, known as the "Missouri compromise," providing that slavery should not exist in what was known as the "Louisiana Pur- chase," north of 36° -30 (the south line of Missouri) except in Missouri. Henry Clay declared that this settled the slave question for- ever. Constant agitation was sfoin.T on in the North. In 1831 34: Third U. S. Colored Calvary. Garrison's "Liberator" appeared in Boston. He advocated the immediate and unconditional emancipation of the slaves. The passage of a new tariff law by Congress in 1833, came near precipitating a rebellion in South Carolina, but it was stamped out by the prompt and vigorous action of President Jackson. In that year the legislatures of Northern States were called upon to pass laws to suppress anti-slavery societies by penal en- actments. In many cities of the North and East, pubn. meetings were broken up, newspapers destroyed and houses burned. Northern citizens traveling in the South were arrested, impris- oned and flogged for flimsy reasons. Wm. Lloyd Garrison was dragged through the streets of Boston with a rope around his neck. Marius .Robinson, an anti- slavery lecturer, in Mahoning county, Ohio, was tarred and feathered in a cruel manner ; Amos Dressier, a theological student, while selling Bilbles in Nashville, Tenn., was flogged in the public square because, without his knowledge, some of his Bibles were wrapped in cast off anti slavery papers. Elijah P. Lovejoy, at Alton, Illinois, was foully murdered while defending his press. It was such demonstrations as these that aroused Wendell Phillips and caused him to give io the cause of emancipation thirty years of his great and moving eloquence. Our war with Mexico grew out of the slavery question. Texas had been fighting for her independence, she desired the inter- vention of the United States in her behalf. Failing in this for a time, she sought the aid of England, stipulating in consideration of such aid, that she would remain independent and never become annexed to any other country. England signified her willingness to aid Texas in securing her independence, but intimated a desire if such aid were given, that the proposed new republic (Texas) should abolish slavery within her territory. The knowledge of this fact made the Southern statesmen even more anxious to secure the annexation of Texas to the United States as a field for the further extension of slavery. The Mexican Government learning of the movement to annex Texas to the United States, notified our Government that such an- nexation would be considered as cause for war. The annexation Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 35 finally came, however, followed by war in which our soldiers won renown at Buena Vista and Monterey, and made General Taylor President of the United States. The poet Hoffman says : "We were not many we who stood Before the iron steel that day; Yet many a gallant spirit would Give half his years, if he could Have been with us at Monterey. Our banners on those turrets wave And there our evening bugles play, Where orange boughs above their graves, Keep green the memory of the brave Who fought and feh at Monterey." The annexation of Texas was a great triumph for Southern statesmen and the cause of slavery. In 1847, the right of Congress ;o legislate on the question )f slavery came up in connection with a bill for the establishment of a territorial government for Oregon. John C. Calhoun introduced his new slavery resolution declaring that the territories were common property and denying the right of Congress to prohibit slavery in the territories ; and then began the agitation and debate which resulted in the repeal of the Missouri compromise. Calhoun declared that the exclusion of slavery from any ter- ritory was a subversion of the Unioi, and proclaimed the separa- tion of the Northern and Southern States as complete. Again in 1850, when California sought admission to the Union as a State, the same bitter fight between the North and the South arose. The "fugitive slave law" was passed about this time by Con- gress. Fugitives were to be surrendered on demand without the benefit of a trial by jury. Any person assisting or harboring a slave was subject to a heavy fine and imprisonment for six months. Jeff. Davis resigned his seat in the United States Senate to run for Governor of Mississippi, on a States Rights platform. He was defeated by his Unionist opponent, Foote. The sentiment was not unanimous either North yc South. 3t5 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. Garrison was mobbed for preaching against slavery in Boston and Davis was defeated by Unionists in his own State. Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" appeared about this time and did much to intensify the feeling between the two sections. A million copies of this book were sold in this country and Europe. New men were now coming upon the stage of action. John C. Calhoun, the great apostle of States Rights and advocate of slavery, died in March 1850, and Daniel Webster and Henry Clay died in 1852. In 1853, Stephen A. Douglass, of Illinois, reported his cele- brated bill to organize the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, which formed the issues upon which the Democratic and Repub- lican parties became arrayed against each other. The passage of this bill caused intense excitement in the non- slaveholding States, and Mr. Douglass, as its author, was bitterly denounced. He said that he traveled from Washington to Chicago by the light of his own burning effigies. The controversy turned upon the following provision repeal- ing the Missouri compromise : "which, being inconsistent with the principle of non-intervention by Congress with slavery in the states and territories, as recognized by the legislation of 1850 (commonly called the compromise measure) is hereby declared in- operative and void ; it being the true intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery into any territory or State, nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the constitution of the United States." In the congressional session of 1857-8, Senator Douglass de- nounced and opposed the Lecompton constitution on the ground that it was not the act of the people of Kansas, and did not em- body their will. At the East, the line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, known as "Mason and Dixon's Line," and at the west, the line known as 36° -30 was considered the dividing line between free- dom and slavery. To cross this line and remove all obstacles Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 37 against the extension of slavery was the object of Southern statesmen. Douglass declared that the compromise of 1850, left the ques- tion of slavery to the people within the territory. His bill passed both Houses of Congress and was signed by President Pierce. It provided for the organization of two territories, Kansas and Ne- braka, the slave question to be settled by the people of the terri- tories. The repeal of the Missouri compromise resulted in the disruption of old party ties and many joined the "New American Party," sometimes called the "Know Nothing Party," which was organized in 1855, to check the influence of the Pope, purify the ballot and maintain the Bible in the public schools. That year, 1855, the American party nominated Fillmore for President and adopted Southern resolutions, which the Northern delegates repudiated. On the same day of the American party convention, a conven- tion met in Pittsburg to effect a National organization of the Re- publican party, and called a National convention for June 17th. At this convention John C. Freemont was nominated for Pres- ident and William L. Dayton for Vice President. James Buchanan was nominated by the Democratic party, and elected. Buchanan stood for the Southern States, Freemont for the non-extension of slavery, and Fillmore for the Union. The repeal of the Missouri comoromise and the opening up of Kansas to settlement resulted in a great rush of homeseekers to the new territory. The town of Lawrence was organized and 8,000 people flocked in from the East, North and West. Meetings were held in Missouri in the slave interest, which pledged the State to send men to Kansas and remove all free State settlers. At an election held in 1855, to elect members of the Terri- torial Legislature, armed bodies of men from Missouri took pos- session of the polls and the pro-slavery candidates were, on the face of the returns, elected. Of 6,218 votes polled only 1,310 were legally cast, and the Governor set aside the election, and a new one was held, resulting in the success of the Free State candidates. The pro-slavery Legislature, however, met at Pawnee and ex- pelled nine Free State members. The Free State Legislature met 38 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. at Lawrence and repudiated the pro-slavery Legislature, and called a State convention to meet at Topeka to form a State constitution. The pro-slavery party elected one Whitfield as a territorial delegate to Congress by more votes than there were names on the census list. Rival territorial governments contended against each other, and discord, violence and crime prevailed. "Bleeding Kansas" became a National issue. A committee of the lower House of Congress was sent to Kan- sas to investigate, and reported that every election had been car- ried by Missourians, and that the citizens of the territory had been prevented from exercising their rights, and that Whitfield had been elected to Congress by fraud. About this time Horace Greely, editor of the New York Tri- bune, and one of the leaders against slavery, was brutally as- saulted in New York. In 1856 a free State Legislature and Governor was elected under the new Free State Constitution. President Pierce, how- ever, recognized the pro-slavery Legislature and issued a proc- lamation commanding all armed invaders to disperse. The Free State Legislature met at Topeka and inaugurated Robinson, Governor. In the spring of 1856, a thousand young men from South Carolina and Georgia, led by Colonel Buford, of Alabama, went to Kansas in military array and surrounded the town of Lawrence, capturing it and destroying the hotels, print- ing offices and the Governor's residence. The acting Governor proclaimed the territory in a state of rebellion. Large pro- slavery forces were gathered at Lecompton and Santa Fe. Seven men were killed at Osawatama, one of them a son of John Brown. The Free State Legislature was dispersed by Federal troops. The town of Osawatoma was destroyed by Missourians. The Federal administration was in sympathy with the pro- slavery party, but Kansas, according to Horace Greely 's ex- pressive phrase, was steadily hardening into the bone and sinew of a Free State. The actual settlers were largely Free Staters and were doing nearly all the clearing, plowing and planting. In 1857, James Buchanan, in his first message to Congress, re- peated the assurance that the discussion of slavery had come to Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 39 an end. He declared in favor of the admission of Kansas under such constitution as its citizens should adopt. He also referred to the forthcoming decision of the United States' supreme court, with which he had been made acquainted in advance, in the Dred Scott case. An action had been begun in Missouri by Scott, a negro, for the freedom of himself and children. He claimed that he had been removed in 1834 by his master to Illinois, a Free State, and afterward taken into 1 territory north of the Missouri compromise line. Sanford, his master, replied that Scott was not a citizen of Missouri and could not bring action, and that he (Scott) and his children were Sanford's slaves. The lower court differed, and upon an appeal to the supreme court, Chief Justice Taney in rendering the opinion of the court said : "The question is whether that class of persons (slaves) compose a portion of the people, and are constituent members of this sovereignty. We think they are not included under the word citizen in the constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges of that instrument." They were at that time considered as a subordinate and in- ferior class, who had been subjugated by the dominant race, and had no rights or privileges but such as those who held power and the government might choose to grant them. That the act of Congress which prohibited a citizen from holding property of this kind north of the line mentioned is not warranted by the constitution and is therefore void." This decision made slavery the organic law of the land. No restriction of it could consti- tutionally be made by Congress in any of the territories. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, became a candidate for the United States Senate, against Stephen A. Douglass, in 1858, on a platform against the further extension of slavery, and in his opening speech at Springfield, Illinois, declared, "that this gov- ernment cannot permanently endure half slave and half free." Governor Seward, of New York, four months later, voiced the same sentiment when he said: "These antagonistic systems are continually coming into close contact. It is an irrepressible conflict between opposing and enduring forces, and it means that the United States must and will, sooner or later, become either an entire slave holding or entirely a free nation." 40 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. In 1859, Kansas adopted an anti-slavery constitution by a large majority, and in 1861, was admitted into the Union as a Free State. In October 1859, John Brown, of Osawatoma fame, made his celebrated but abortive attempt at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, to free the slaves, by inciting an insurrection. Not a single negro, however, rose at his summons. Colonel Robert E. Lee was sent by the Washington authori- ties to suppress the insurrection, and Brown and his men were captured and turned over to the Virginia State authorities and tried for attempting to incite an insurrection of the slaves, and Brown together with six of his men were convicted and hung. The manner of Brown's death served to greatly intensify the feeling between the North and South, and caused him to be con- sidered as a martyr by many. The failure of the South to make Kansas a slave state inten- sified the feeling in that section. It was apparent that the South could not maintain her equality representation with the North unless the existing condition of things could be changed. Reso- lutions having this end in view were proposed and passed in the Senate, but the House refused to concur. At the National Democratic convention to nominate a candi- date for President, held at Charleston, South Carolina, April 23, 1860, an anti-slavery plank was adopted by a small majority, and the Alabama delegation bolted the convention, followed by most of the Southern States. The convention adjourned to meet at Baltimore, where, on July 18th, Douglass was nominated for President. The seceders met at Richmond and thence adjourned to Bal- timore, where they nominated John C. Breckinridge for President. On May 19th, a third faction, calling itself the "Consti- tutional Union Party," nominated John Bell, of Tennessee, for President, and Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, as Vice Pres- ident. The Republican convention, held in Chicago, nominated Abraham Lincoln for President and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, as Vice President. Mr. Hamlin was against the extension of slavery rather than its abolition. In a speech in the United States Senate, June 12, 1856, he thus referred to the Democratic convention then recently Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 41 held in Cincinnati. "The convention has actually incorporated into the platform of the Democratic party that doctrine which, only a few years ago, met with nothing but ridicule and con- tempt here and elsewhere, namely, that the flag of the Federal Union, under the constitution of the United States, carries slavery wherever it floats. If this baleful principle be true, then that national ode, which inspires us alwavs as on a battle field, should be re-written by Drake, and should read : "Forever float that standard sheet, Where breathes the foe but falls before us, With slavery's soil beneath our feet, And slavery's banner streaming o'er us." The campaign that ensued was a memorable one. Douglass canvassed the entire country, his finished and impetuous oratory stirring the people profoundly. Jeff. Davis and other Democratic speakers canvassed the North. Mr. Lincoln made numerous speeches, maintaining the right of each State to control its domestic affairs according to their own judgment, and condemning the attempt to enforce the extreme pretentions of a purely local interest (meaning the slave interest) through the intervention of Congress and the courts, by the democratic administration. He denied the new doctrine that the constitution of its own force carried slavery into the territo- ries ; and denied the authority of Congress or of any Territorial Legislature to give leave of existence to slavery in any territory of the United States." In the South, the question was also discussed as to what course should be pursued in case Lincoln was elected. South Carolina had been ready to secede from the Union for ten years, and in 1860, the Alabama Legislature was instructed by Governor Moore to call a convention in case, as he put it, a "Black Republican" was elected President in November. Great excitement prevailed in the South upon the announce- ment of Lincoln's election. South Carolina took immediate steps to call a constitutional convention and on December 26, 1860, passed an ordinance of secession, and at the same time invited 42 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. other States to meet its representatives in convention at Mont- gomery, Alabama. Throughout the South there was some difference of opinion. One faction favoring immediate secession without waiting for the action of any other State ; another faction advocated co-operation, and a third faction was opposed to secession altogether. The South was terribly in earnest, while there was a strong feeling of compromise in the North. Mr. Lincoln, while con- ceding nothing in reference to the policy of secession, stated in a letter to Alexander H. Stephens that he had no intention to in- terfere with slavery where it already existed. President Buchanan, in his last message to Congress, depre- ciated the alarming condition of the country. He denied the right of any State to secede, but claimed that he could find no authority in the constitution to ''coerce into submission a State which is at- tempting to withdraw from the Union." Committees of both the House and Senate were appointed to confer with representatives of the Southern States, and if possible agree upon some plan of compromise. The committee of the House declared that, "any reasonable, proper and constitutional guarantee of their political rights should be promptly given." The committee, 'however, were obliged to report back that they were unable to come to any agreement upon any general plan of compromise. While President Buchanan hesitated, the South made prep- arations for war. Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, made formal request of President Buchanan that Fort Sumter be turned over to the State, which request was refused. On December 31, 1860, the flag of the United States was hauled down from the Federal Arsenal at Charleston and the flag of South Carolina hoisted in its place. Forts Pickens and Moultrie had already been seized. It was at this time that Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote Bro- ther. Jonathan's Lament." Addressed to South Carolina. "She has gone — she has left uj in passion and pride. Our stormy browed sister so long at our side, She has torn her own star from our firmament's glow And turned on her brother the face of a foe.'' Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 48 The secession of South Carolina was soon followed by other Southern States, and at a convention held in Montgomery, Ala., a constitution was prepared and submitted to the people of the seceding states and adopted. In the meantime the State of Louisiana had seized Forts Jack- son and St. Phillips below New Orleans. President Buchanan allowed the Federal arsenal public build- ings and public property in the South to fall into the hands of the seceders. On the 4th of March. 1861, a new man took the helm of the ship of state, against which was beating the waves of civil war. In his inaugural address, President Lincoln said, "I declare that I have no intention, directly or indirectly, to interfere with slavery where it now exists. The Union of these States is per- petual. The power conveyed to me will be used to hold, oc- cupy and possess the property and places belonging to the Gov- ernment, and to collect the duties and imports." In closing he said : "In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, rests the momentous issue of civil war. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriotic home and grave and friends, will yet swell the chords of the Union when touched as they shall be touched by the better angels of our natures." Commissioners were sent to President Lincoln from the Con- federate States, seeking recognition. They were told that they could not be received except as private citizens of the Republic. Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, under instructions from the President of the Confederacy, demanded the surrender of Fort Sumter. Major Anderson, the commander, refused, and on April 10, 1861, the bombardment of the Fort commenced. The flag was shot down and Major Anderson was compelled to surrender. The die was cast — the war was on. 44 Third U. S. Colored Calvary. Then it was that, "The deathless spirit of Democracy Confronting all emergencies, arose To teach the lesson of the century. Illumined by the bravery of those Who still were brothers, though unyielding foes, On both sides, courage holding death in scorn; On both sides honor that to battle goes, Not seeking gain, nor all to glory sworn, But fighting for a flag in prou 1 defiance borne." "Mine eyes have seen," the Northern soldier sang, "The glory of the coming of the Lord," "My Maryland," from Gulf to Richmond rang, And wakened Southern hearts with every word. Men left the plowshare and unsheathed the sword; Converging armies covered hill and plain; Long gathered gold was lavishly outpoured, And proud and patriotic souls were fain To think that chivalry had sprung to life again! "Lincoln arose, the masterful great man, Girt with rude grandeur, quailing doubt and fear, A more than King, yet in whose veins there ran The red blood of the people, warm, sincere. Blending of Puritan and Cavalier. A will whose force stern warriors came to ask, A heart that melted at a mother's tear, These brought he to his superhuman task; Over a tragic soul he wore a comic mask. "He was the South's child more than the North; His soul was not compact of rock and snow, But such as old Kentucky's soil brings forth, The splendid race of giants that we know, Firm unto friends and generous unto foe. Such birthrights all environments forestall. Resistlessly their tide of impulse flow. These men answering to his country's call, Was full of human faults an i nobler for them all." "He is a life and not a legend yet; For thousands live who shook him by the hand, Millions, whose sympathies with his were set, Whose hopes and griefs alike with his were grand, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 45 Who deeply mourned his passing, they command Our homage to the greatest man they saw — They his familiars, and throughout our land The years confirm them, every race ana land, Even of rancor now the voice is hushed in awe! "The blessings of a new enfranchised race, A nation's tribute to its counselor, The love of all his kind, unite to grace His fame, who stood in Freedom's darkest hour, Raised by the hand of God to wield a power Benignant, wise and gentle, yet to be The ruling spirit of a mighty war, Bathed in its blood, and after victory Crowned with a martyr's crown to all humanity." When clamoring for war, how little did the people, both North and South, realize the magnitude and consequences of the strug- gle they were entering upon. In a message to Congress, President Lincoln said: "Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that this scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled up by the bondman for centuries of un- requited toil shia'll be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be repaid by another drawn by the sword, it must be said, the judgments of God are true and righteous altogether." The emancipation of the slaves was not contemplated by Pres- ident Lincoln at the beginning of the war. The preservation of the Union was his only purpose. The emancipation proclamation was not issued until September 1862, and then only as a war measure, to take effect on January 1, 1863, in case the seceding States did not lay down their arms and renew their allegiance to the Union. President Lincoln often declared that he would save the Union with slavery if he could, but without it if necessary. The total number of Union troops enlisted during the war, as reported by the War Department, was 2,772,448. By reduc- tion a three yeare basis the number was 1,556,678. The num- ber serving in the Confederate army was 1,234,000. The losses in the Union army, killed and wounded, were 385,245. It is estimated that 94,000 were killed on the Confederate side. The total number of colored troops enlisted was 186,097. 4f> Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. PERSONAL SKETCHES OF OFFICERS. BREVET BRIGADIKK-i.KMvRAL EMBURY D. OSBAND. Brigadier-General Embury D. Osband was born in Ontario county, State of New York, June 6, 1832. When he was a child, his family removed io Macedon, Wayne county, where his youth and young manhood was spent in an atmosphere favorable to the best mental development. Here he received an excellent academic education in what was then one of the best educational institutions in Western New York. The son of a clergyman, he inherited a fondness for books, but relinquishing his desire for college training for want of means, he turned bravely, when a mere lad, to take a man's part in life's actions. He had acquired nothing so valuable as a belief that "nothing is impossible to him who wills." At fifteen, he was a successful teacher in the common schools, at eighteen, principal of a "graded school," with assistant teachers. At nineteen, he began business life as an agent for school books, in which business he continued for five years following, most of the time as General Western Agent for the publishing house of D. Appleton & Co. Few young men have developed greater business ability. With vigorous health, a perennial hopefulness, an indomnitable will that could not brook defeat, he combined an intuitive knowledge of human nature and a ready tact in dealing with men, which was invaluable. In the course of these years, he traveled over the Middle West, acquiring wide acquaintance with educational and business men, and making many lasting friendships. The year 1857, found him established in the book business in Chicago, then a city of less than one hundred thou- sand inhabitants. Later he embarked in an extensive news business, with news rooms in three localities in the city. Many will recall bis headquarters on Dearborn street under the Tremont House, then a noted land mark. In the years immediately preceding the war, much attention was paid to military tactics for which he had a strong liking. The Ellsworth Zouaves were exciting much interest by their striking uniforms and marvelous perfection in drill. E. D. OSBANI), Col. & Brig. Gen. Third IT. s. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 47 A superb horseman, hie was most naturally inclined to cavalry, and joined Barker's Dragoons, of which organization he was made First Lieutenant. April, 1861 came. The country was awakened to find the national sky black with the tempest of war. The first gun at Sumter thundered in every city and hamlet in the land. It fell upon the ears of the people like a knell. There was consternation everywhere, everywhere blanched faces and quivering lips as men talked of the nation's calamity. And then came the call "To Arms," echoing from sea to sea. What a response was that? When, from city and prairie, from mountain and valley, men gathered in companies and battalions for the defense of the nation's liberties. Nowhere did the tide of patriotism rise higher than in Chicago. Business interests, friends, homes were forgotten in one great absorbing passion to strike down those whose parricidal hands had been raised against the nation's life. On Sunday night following the fall of Sumter, amid the din from a hundred brazen throats on river and harbor, which sounded like the trumpet of doom, the first company of infantry, the Zouaves, left for the front. It was Chicago's first gift to the nation. On Monday evening following, amid the darkness and rain, emblematic of the gloom and mist of tears that pervaded many homes, which in giving had given their all, the first company of cavalry. Barker, 's Dragoons, followed, and with them, Lieutenant Osband. A young man of twenty-eight, he brought to the service of his country a splendid physique with wonderful powers of en- durance, an unquenchable energy, a superb power of command, a genius for military operations, a brave and loyal heart. Nor was this all. His unformulated creed, "Nothing is impossible to him who wills," included in his provisions, not only or chiefly, but every one with whom he was associated. This absolute belief in the unlimited possibilities of success be- fore every one in whom he was interested gave him strength and courage as a commander, and the consciousness of his faith in them inspired those under him with like faith in themselves and with his own fine enthusiasm. It was a characteristic jest, and more than a jest, when, years afterwards, in command 48 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. of the Third U. S. Colored Calvary, he wrote: "They are a superb body of men, I am very proud of them. I almost believe sometimes they could whip the whole Southern Confederacy." As First Lieutenant in Barker's Dragoons, enlisted for three months, serving as General McClellan's escort, Lieutenant Osband came into notice as a brilliant and promising cavalry officer. Returning to Chicago at the expiration of the company's term of enlistment, he raised a company (A) for the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, of which he was made Captain. Many of the men who served under him in Barker's Dragoons, reenlisted in his company. On joining the army at Cairo in the winter of 1861, Captain Osband, with his company, was detached from the regiment and assigned to duty as General Grant's escort, serving in that capacity until after the surrender of Vieksburg, when, at the instigation of General Grant, he was authorized to raise a regiment of colored cavalry, the Third U. S. of which he was commissioned Colonel. In this work his genius as an organizer was brought into action, and, from the roughest material, he moulded one of the best disciplined and most effective cavalry regiments in the en- tire army. His ability as a disciplinarian and organizer attracted the attention of the District commanders, and he was given the command of the cavalry forces of the District, which, from a depleted and disorganized mass, he brought to a state of great proficiency. With this cavalry force he made some of the most successful and sweeping raids of the war. He was made a brigadier-general by brevet, October 5, 1864. On June 24, 1865, the war being virtually over, he resigned his commission and returned to the pursuits of civil life, en- gaging in planting cotton on an extensive scale, in Mississippi, where on the 4th of October, 1866, he died of a malignant fever. The following letter from General Canby, and comments of the press show in what estimation General Osband was held. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 49 HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI New Orleans, La., February 18, 1865. Major-General N. J. T. Dana, Commanding Department of Mississippi, Memphis, Tenn. General: I am instructed by the Major- General Commanding to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of Colonel E. D. Osband's report of his recent expedition, transmitted by you on the 12th instant, and to inform you that it has been forwarded to the headquarters of the Army, with the following endorsement." Headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La., February 18, 1865. This expedition was ordered sometime since for the pur- pose of destroying or breaking up the regiments of McNeil and Harrison, and the smaller bands in the Washita Country, who have been engaged in raiding the plantations on the West bank of the Mississippi between the mouths of the Arkansas and Red Rivers. The command was unable, in consequence of the ternible condition of the roads, to reach its ultimate destination, but appears to have done its work very thoroughly, as far as it was able to go. The officers and men of this command are entitled to com- mendation, and I recommend that Colonel Osband, for his services in this and in other previous operations (already re- ported) east of the river, be brevetted a Brigadier-General." E. R. S. Canby, Major-General Commanding. Very respectfully your obedient servant, C. T. Christensen, Lieut., Col. and Asst. Adjutant-General. 50 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Headquarters Department oe Mississippi, Memphis, 'font., February 25, 1865. "Official copy respectfully furnished Col. E. D. Osband. F. W. Fox, Capt. & Asst. Adjutant-General. (From a Rochester, New York paper.) ''Among recent promotions made by the President and con- firmed by the Senate, we; notice the name of Col. E. D. Osband Third U. S. Cavalry, Colored, promoted to Brigadier-General. This promotion will be gratifying to a 'large number of per- sonal friends in this city and Wayne county. Colonel Osband has been with General Gri arson in his raids in the southwest, and his promotion is a deserved testimonial to his gallant and and dashing qualities as a cavalry leader." (From the Vicksbitrg Herald.) "General Osband — This gallant cavalry officer was in our city yesterday looking aisi if there was material in him for many a campaign in the future. He is one of the most distinguished cavalry officers in the ser- vice and has made some famous raids through Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana during the last few months." (From the Cairo Times.) June 26, 1865. "We w>are made glad today by a grip from the honest and warworn palm of our old friend General Osband, who called upon us in one of his happiest moods. General Ed, entered the service at the first breaking out of the rebellion as First Lieu- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 51 tenant under Chas. Barker of the Chicago Dragoons, who came to Cairo in company with the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Illinois Infantry together with Capt. Jim Smith's Chicago Battery, "A." Lieutenant Osband next entered the famous old Fourth Illinois Cavalry as Captain of Company "A," and was detailed as General Grant's body guard. In July, 1863, he was promoted to the Majorship of the reg- iment, and lin October he was commissioned Colonel of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry lost at Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Fayette and Woodville, 325 men and 18 officers in killed and wounded. In March, 1864, the regiment was brigaded with the Third Brigade U. S. Cavalry. In October, 1864, Osband was brevetted Brigadier in com- mand of the brigade, and in December, was ordered to Memphis and relieved General Grierson. In May, last, the command chased General Hood's command into Tunica Bend, where was captured all the rebel commander's baggage, the airmy only escaping by the skin of its teeth. The General has quit the walks of war, lias resigned and become a peaceful citizen, is going to "squat" in the country he helped to conquer. We wish for him the fullest success. We know that if he is as successful as a planter as he has been as an officer in the service, he will raise a thousand bales the first year." {From a Chicago paper.) "Brigadier-General E. D. Osband is now on a brief visit to this city, where he left many friends on entering the service, who will rejoice at his successful and highly honorable military career. He joined the first cavalry organization tendered the Government from Chicago, and at the expiration of the first term of service, raised a company of his own. Always active, clashing and clear headed, promotion was sure. He has tilled the Colonelcy of one of the finest colored cavalry rcpiments in the.' service, from which he rose to com- 52 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. mand the Third Brigade of the Cavalry Division of the arnw of the Tennessee. General Osband has been honorably and prominently connected with some of the most dashing achievements of the cavalry army in the southwest. He has always struck strong blows for the Union and straight home. Holding him in such regard we can but regret that be has tendered bis resignation." {From the Vicksburg Herald.) "Brigadier-General E. D. Osband — We have heard with regret of this gallant officer's resignation. It is the interest of the country to keep such valuable soldiers in the army, to pay them well and give them rank. General Osband's distinguished services as a cavalry leader in Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee, during a long series of months have not won for bim the full reputation to which' their brilliancy entitled bim. When e enlisted, September, 20th, as a private in company H, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. Going to the front with this regiment, he took an active part in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Don- elson, Shiloh and all the subsequent battles and campaigns that regiment was engaged in up to October 1863, being successively promoted to the rank of corporal, sergeant and Second Lieute- nant. At the assault of Fort Henry, February 6, 1862, being sent in advance with a detachment of twelve men, he drove in the enemies cavalry pickets, dashing into the outer works and, with his own hands, pulled down a confederate flag, which was waving over the works. This was the first rebel flag captured by the army of the Tennessee. This flag is still in the possession of Col. Cook. In recognition of his gallantry in action he was, August 1, 1863, promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, and assigned to Company F, which company he thereafter commanded during his service in that regiment, the captain being in poor health, and the First Lieutenant on detached service. On the 28th of December, 1863, having the advance of Gen- eral Winslow's brigade with only fourteen men, be charged Company 13, of the Third Texas Cavalry, 30 strong, capturing 8 of them and 20 stand of arms. He was commissioned a Major in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, October 15, 1863, and assisted' in the organization of that regiment, but did not take rank until a full organization was effected. March 1, 1864. He was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the regi- ment, November 27, 1864, for gallantry in action, as shown by the following order : : WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFEICE. Washington, December 22, 1864. General Orders, No. 303. The following General Orders, No. 81, from the headquar- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 63 ters. Military Division of West Mississippi, is approved by the President of the United States: HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI. New Orleans, La., December 9. 1864. General Orders, No. 81. Subject to the approval of the President of the United States, Major J. B. Oook, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, is hereby pro- moted to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of that regiment, to date from the 27th of November, 1864, in consideration of gallantry dis- played by hirn on that day, when, with his men dismounted and having nothing but railroad ties for a path, he charged over Big Black River Bridge, near Canton, Miss, in the face of a heavy fire, driving off the rebel force stationed on the opposite shore behind a strong stockade, and destroyed the bridge, by which the main line of the rebel General Hood's communication with his troops in South Mississippi and Alabama were effectually cut off. The Major General commanding the District of West Tennessee and Yieksburg styles 1 this affair as one of the most daring and heroic acts of the war. By order of Ma jar-General E. R. S. Canby. C. T. Christenson, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General. By order of Secretary of W^ar. E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant-General (R. R. Vol. XLV, Part 1, />. 778.) Lieutenant-Colonel Cook's career in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was marked throughout by a series of brilliant achieve- ments. Colonel Osband having command of the cavalry brigade, the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Cook a great part of the time, and to whose dash and daring many of its brilliant victories are due. Brave and daring to recklessness, of splendid physique, standing six feet two in 64 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. height, with powers of endurance seemingly limitless, he rode through the storms of battle unscratched, impervious alike to hardships and dangers. His early experiences and contact with the .rough side of life admirably fitted him for the rougher school of the soldier. Always vigilant and aggressive, the first to attack, he gave an enemy no time to prepare for action. Stopping not to count the numbers of his adversary, he impetuously led his men to the charge, sweeping aside all opposition. Possessing the confidence of his superiors and the admiration of his men, the most hazardous duty was undertaken with as- surance of success. Under more favorable circumstances, the way being open to a broader field, he would have achieved greater distinction. The subject of this sketch furnishes a striking example of the volunteer soldier of the civil war, who, jumping to arms at his country'is call, moved by patriotism alone, entered the ranks to fight her battles, and without friends or influence, by sheer force of merit, won a place among the heroes of the war, and who, when the strife was ended, 'divesting themselves of war's habiliments, returned to the pursuits of civil life, taking up the work where they laid it down, and with the same energy that characterized their conduct during the war, set to work to repair the havoc wrought by four years of bloody strife, still winning, in civil life, high encomiums from their fellow citizens. At the close of the war, immediately after the regiment was mustered out of the service, January 26, 1866, Colonel Cook en- gaged in planting cotton in Arkansas, planting one thousand acres, but disposing of his crop (before it reached maturity, he returned to his farm in Illinois, devoting himself to its improvement. He was appointed, in 1868, to a government posi- tion in the revenue service, serving two years with credit. In 1870, he was nominated for representative in the state legislature, by the republicans of Tazewell County, but failed of election, the entire county ticket being defeated. Disposing of his farm, he moved to Kansas in 1871, settling on a half section of unimproved land in Labette County, near Ohetopa, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. In 1873, he removed to Chetopa and engaged in the real estate (4 -*s£!3Sk V ■ .$p^ ■ WIIJJAM T. BEADLES, Major and Surgeon Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 65 and loan business, in which he was associated with J. M. Cavaness, editor and proprietor of the Ohetopa Advance, in connection with which they established the Settlers' Guide, a paper devoted to the interests of immigration, through the agency of which, hundreds of worthy settlers sought homes on the fertile lands of Kansas, adding to its population, wealth and prosperity. He was one of the incorporators of the Neosho Valley Im- provement Company, also one of the projectors of the Denver, Memphis and Atlanta Railroad, being president of the first named company. In 1881, he was elected Mayor of Chetopa, re-elected, and served three consecutive terms. He represented his home county in the Kansas Legislature in the sessions 1885-6. He introduced and secured the passage of a number of important measures, among them the following: A bill to establish a Soldiers Orphan Home. A bill to maintain destitute Union soldiers in their homes, by county aid. A bill providing, at county expense, for the burial of destitute Union soldiers, and to erect suitable headstones to mark their graves. CHAPTER III. the; black troopers in battle. On the 9th of October 1863, the first company (A) was mus- into the service, with the following named officers : W. W. Web- ber, Captain, formerly Second Lieutenant. Company C, Fourth) Illinois Cavalry, Frank W. Calais, First Lieutenant, formerly bugler Company D, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, James S. Matthews, Second Lieutenant, formerly Corporal Company C, Fourth Illi- nois Cavalry. Soon after this company was mustered into the service it joined the First Battalion, Fourth Illinois Cavalry in an ex- pedition in the rear of Yicksburg. This expedition covered a wide scope of country east of the Yazoo river. This raiding force consisted of a hundred and thirty men and C6 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. offieers'of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and forty enlisted men of Company A, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, the 'latter commanded by Captain Webber and Lieutenant Matthews, all under the command of Colonel Osband. The object of this raid was to gather up stock, beef cattle, horses and mules for the use of the army in Vicksbu-rg, and inci- dently secure recruits for the new regiment. Ordinarily so small a force would not have been sent into the enemy's country, swarming as it was with rebel cavalry, but a large Union force of infantry and artillery having left Yicks- burg a day or two previous, going in the direction of Jackson and Meridian, the time was thought to be favorable for such a move, as it was believed that the rebel cavalry would be kept busy by the force above mentioned. But subsequent events proved how deceptive appearances are sometimes. Cavalry move rapidly, especially under great provocation, the provocation in this instance being an earnest appeal from the citizens of that vicinity to be saved from the ravages of a Yankee foraging party, which brought a force of five hundred rebel cavalry to the rescue. Leaving Vicksfburg, the command moved in a northeasterly direction, keeping well back in the hill country. The plan was to make a wide circuit, and return by the valley road, which ran along the Yazoo River. At the expiration of two days, the command had gathered up a large number of beef cattle, horses and mules, which as the number increased, greatly hindered and embarrassed the move- ments of the command, and, of course greatly exasperated the people fiom whom the stock was taken, and no wonder they appealed to the rebel general for relief. Moving at daylight on the morning of the third day, the command headed westward toward Satartia. Captain Charles H. Chapin, commanding Company D, Fourth Illinois cavalry, was sent to visit a neighboring plantation, with orders to join the command at a point where the ridge road intersected the valley road. Up to this time no indications of the enemy had been seen. The command moved leisurely along in order to give Captain Chapin time to make the circuit of the plantation he was to visit. When near the village of Satartia, the advace guard under Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 67 Lieutenant Dickey, Fourth Illinois, were furiously attacked by a large force of rebel cavalry. Though 1 Lieutenant Dickey and his men met the charge of the enemy with great gallantry, they were forced back onto the head of the main column. The rebels had taken a well chosen position where, under cov- er of a deep ravine and the wooded hills that flanked the road, they had every advantage in their favor. When the firing commenced. Lieutenant Main, Fourth Illinois Cavalry Com- manding Company A, of that regiment was in the rear of the column, but flanking the road, he brought his company on the gal- lop to the front, when, with his own and companies B, and C, of the Fourth Illinois, and company A, of the Third U. S. he led fhiem in a charge that threw the enemy into great confusion, dislodging them from their position and drawing them into the open, thus completely turning the tables as regarded position. In this charge, Captain Webber and Lieutenant Matthews led their company into the thickest of the fray, where they fought hand to hand, using revolvers and sabres, and when Captain Webber fell, wounded, his men ^seemed frenzied, and with a yell swept everything before them. Immediately on meeting the enemy, Colonel Osband dis- patched a swift courier to bring Captain Chapin to the scene, but that officer hearing the firing and divining its cause, headed his company for the scene of action, putting his horses to their best speed, arriving on the ground with a yell that further dis- concerted the enemy, they believing that large re-inforcements had arrived. The command, when attacked was marching toward the valley road, which.' ran along the east bank of the Yazoo river. Satartia is situated a little back from the river, among the hills, the intervening country being open, level ground. It was now the object of the command to cross this open ground and reach the shelter of the heavy timber along the river. The enemy, after their first repulse, fell back and took up a position on an adjacent hill, where they still command to some extent, the approach to the valley road. Though they were pretty badly shaken up, and had suffered considerable loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners falling into our hands, they still showed a disposition to further contest the right of way. 68 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Acting with his characteristic promptness and foresight, Colonel Osband, after a hurried consultation with Captain Chapin and Lieutenant Main, suggested a line of action by which Lieutenant Main was to take one hundred men of the Fourth Illinois cavalry and make a demonstration against the enemy, while Captain Chapin, with the rest of the command, should conduct the wagons and captured stock across the open ground to the shelter of the woods along the river. Our men 'being partially under cover of a scrubby growth of trees and bushes growing along the creek, the enemy were unable to correctly estimate our numbers, and probably thought we had a much larger force than we really had. One of the prisoners remarked, "By the way youens fit, weans through youens had a thousand men." Lieutenant Main, carrying out his orders, moved his men under cover of a deep ravine, dismounted, taking a position between the enemy and the valley road, where at long range, he opened a galling fire on them without exposing his mien. The inferior arms of the rebels failed to reach the Union line, and Lieutenant Main, slow- ly advancing his line, the enemy were forced still further back. From this position a galling fire was kept up on the enemy while the movement across the open ground was successfully accom- plished. In the meantime, however, the rebels, seeing the turn things were taking redoubled their efforts to break through Lieutenant Main's line, but the troopers of the Fourth Illinois were veterans of many hard fought battles, and stood their ground, pouring in a fire from their long-range carbines that the rebels could not face. As the long column under Captain Chapin disappeared in the woods along the Yazoo, Lieutenant Main abandoned his position and, mounting his men, retreated across the open ground, closely followed by the enemy, who, as they approached the timber, received the compliments of Captain Chapin's men, who had taken position in the edge of the timber, thus covering the retieat of Lieutenant Main and his men, one of whom, however, poorly mounted, his horse lagging behind, only escaped the up- lifted sabre of a rebel soldier by a shot from the woods, which stretched his horse upon the ground. At this point Lieutenant Main took the rear with companies Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 09 A and B, Fourth Illinois, and the command moved down the valley road toward Yicksburg. After entering the' woods the enemy became bolder and more agressive, but a few lessons in 'bushwhacking and nicely arranged ambuscades soon caused them to be more cautious. However, they kept up a spirited pursuit until dark. An incident occurred during this retreat which came well nigh bringing on another general engagement. One of our wag'Ons broke down, and as it contained our rations, the load had to be transferred to another wagon, which caused some delay. The enemy were pressing us hard, and Colonel Osband sent back word, asking if the enemy could be held until the load could be shifted from the broken wagon. Of course we could only do ouir best. We were in the open, having just left the timber, which was immediately occupied by the advance guard of the enemy, we could not stand out there in the open and be shot down. A bold dash must be made. Soldiers will fight for their rations, so we charged back, regaining possession of the timber before the main body of the enemy came up, where we made a successful stand, holding the enemy at bay temporarily, but our position became well nigh untenable by the time the column was in condition to move on again. In this charge, two men of company B, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, were shot off their horses, fortunately, however, they were not dangerously hurt, but they had to be put in the wagon. When night fell, the enemy ceased the pursuit, and later on the command Bivouacked for the night, a heavy rain following. The command took shelter behind some old breast works about fif- teen miles from Yicksburg. The men were completely worn out, having been in the saddle 'since four o'clock that morning. That night the men slept on then- arms, an attack being expected, but the night passed quietly though sleeplessly in a drenching rain. Through the trying scenes of that day, fighting from ten a.m. till dark, the black troopers acquitted themselves with great credit winning the confidence and good will of the white soldiers. Indeed there was no wavering in the ranks of the colored soldiers. Captain Webber and Lieutenant Matthews held them under the most galling fire as steadily as veteran troops. Quite a number 70 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. of them were wounded, some seriously, but they made light of it. An amusing incident occurred during the fight at Satartia ; jn the first charge the rebels became scattered through the brush- grown ravine, and during a lull in the fighting, a Fourth Illi- nois cavalryman was sent out on the flank to watch the movements of the enemy. This trooper, in urging his horse through the brush and high weeds, indulged in numerous expletives such as, "Get out of here you d , I'll fill you full of lead," when to his great amazement, a rebel soldier, biding in the brush and supposing these remarks were intended for him, rose up exclaim- ing, "Don't shoot, I'll surrender," whereupon our trooper was so completely dazed that he threw down his gum and implored the rebel not to shoot, declaring himself a willing prisoner. How this affair might have terminated had these two valiant foes been left to themselves, can only be surmised, as their embarrassing position was relieved by the timely appearance of a third party, another Fourth Illinois cavalryman, who, appreciating the sit- uation, made them both prisoners. This incident furnishes additional proof of the fact that a really brave soldier may, under certain circumstances, lose his presence of mind and become "rattled." This victory was won over great odds, one hundred and seventy five against five hundred, and the advantage of position with the stronger party. Tiie writer owes his life and everlasting gratitude to Ser- geant Wing, Company A, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, subsequently Captain Company C, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, who struck down a rebel officer as his sabre was descending on the writer's head. It was during the first charge, when the fighting was fast and furious. The two bodies of cavalry came together with a crash that shook the earth, mien and horses going down in a promiscuous scramble. MAJOR CHARLES H. CHAPIN. Major Chapin was born September 27, 1833, in Onedia Coun- ty, State of New York. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 71 He enlisted, April 19, 1861, in Barker's Chicago Dragoons for three months, the company serving as General McClellen's escort during his West Virginia Campaign. This company being the only cavalry force in that command did all the scouting and picket duty. At the battle of Rich Mountain, the company took an active part, leading the advance of the army. The subject of this sketch was frequently engaged as an independent scout, winning praise for his daring and useful services in that capacity. Returning to Chicago at the expiration of his term of enlistment, he re-enlisted in company A, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, then being organized at Ottawa, Illinois by Colonel T. Lyle Dickey. A born leader of men, brave, self reliant and agressive, promotion came fast. These qualities being recognized he was, from the start, made a Sergeant in his company, and subsequently Sergeant- major of the regiment, Second Lieutenant October 5, 1861, and assigned to company H, First Lieutenant March 1, 1862, Captain August, 1863, and assigned to company D, Major Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, October 15, 1863. Following the fortunes of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry through the brilliant campaigns of this regiment, which crowned the Union army with the splendid victories of Fort Donelson. Shiloh and Vicksburg, his record is closely interwoven with the history of that famous regiment on whose banners are in- scribed a long list of brilliant victories, in all of which he played a conspicuous part. Brave, cool-headed and tireless in the per- formance of every duty, Major Chapin won the love and admi- ration of his men and the confidence and high esteem of his superiors. If a bold leader was wanted for some arduous and dangerous duty, requiring dash, nerve and tact, he was invar- iably singled out for the task. Riding foremost in the thickest of the fight, he inspired his men with a courage and confidence that met and overcame all obstacles, In the broader field— as Major in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, commanding a battalion and frequently the regiment he came to the front as one of the most dashing cavalry officers in the Western army. As commander of the First Battalion, stationed at Goodrich's Landing, Louisiana, in the spring and summer of 1864, acting 72 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. independently, bis dash and genius as a successful cavalry leader was recognized by General Canby, who trusted him with the duty of freeing that section of the irregular bands of Confederate cavalry who were interrupting navigation on the Mississippi River. It was with such officers as Major Chapin that the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was able to win victories and win a name second to no regiment in the Western Army. With officers less brave, resourceful and patriotic these victories could not have been won. CHAPTER IV The Regiment goes into winter quarters at Skipwith's Land- ing. In obedience to the following order, the regiment proceeded to Skipwith's Landing, Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss. November 9, 1863, Major E. D. Osband, Commanding Battalion Fourth Illionois Cavalry. Major — You will proceed to-morrow morning with your com- mand, including the colored men whom you have enlisted, to fiaynes Bluff by land, where a steamboat will be in readiness to feny you across the Yazoo river. From that point you will make a scout up through the country west of the Yazoo and through the Deer Creek country, to break up and destroy any bands of the enemy you may hear of, and finally cross to Skipwith's Landing, where you will establish your camp and recruit your colored regiment. During the expedition you will, of course, gather up what colored men you can, who are fit for service, to fill up your regiment. You will refrain as far as possible from molesting or interfer- ing with citizens who are well disposed toward the U. S. govern- ment, and who are remaining quitely at their homes. Especially in the vicinity of Skipwith's Landing are many loyal people who are not to be disturbed and whose families and property you will protect. S. V. W. WHITING, 3t Lieut, and Quartermaster Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 73 The 'steamboat Chenango will be at Haynes Bluff shortly after your arrival to fe r ry you across the river. You will leave your quartermaster and a detail of men to load your stores, camp and garrison equipage, and transportation on board steamboat here to be sent- to Skipwith's Landing. You will make the required returns and reports to these headquarters, and keep me advised of everything important which may come to your knowledge. Very respectfully, yor.t obedient servant, Jas. B. MoPherson, Major-General. As directed, Colonel Osband proceeded with his command to Skipwith's Landing. The march covering several days, was through the enemy's country, but was made without serious op- position. Small bands of rebel calvary were encountered here and there, who were easily brushed aside. The command reached its destination on the 13th. Skipwith's Landing is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi river, about one hundred miles above Vicksburg, Mississippi, which place, then as now, is tributary to one of the richest cotton producing sections of the South, known as the Yazoo delta. Cotton plantations of vast extent abounded in this section, one of the largest being that of General Wade Hampton. Thousands of slaves were formerly owned and kept on these plantations, which, with their large gin-houses, outbuildings and negro quarters, all whitewashed, presented a picturesque appear- ance. Skipwith's Lauding was simply a landing place for steam- boats plying their trade on the Mississippi river. Here they discharged their freight — plantation supplies — and took on cotton for the New Orleans market. A camp ground was selected close to the landing place, just over the levee, whe/e, on a grassy plat, tents weie pitched. Here the command remained until the following spring, doing scouting duty. The camp was kept in a state of constant alarm by reason of threatened attacks by the enemy. In the frequent scouts into the interior the command frequently met the enemy in considerable force. 74 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. (Report of Colonel B. D. Osband, Third U. S. Colored- Cavalry, Commanding Post.) HEADQUARTERS POST, Skipwittis Landing, Miss. . November 15, 1863, Colonel: — I ha v.? the honor to report that my command, con- sisting of the First Battalion, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and three companies of the First Mississippi Cavajry (African Descent) 300 strong, in pursuance of instructions from the Major-General commanding, left Vicksburg at 1 1 a. m. the 10th instant, arriving at and crossing the Yazoo rive at Anthony's Fei ry in the after- noon, camping for the night at the ferry, on the north side of the river. Marched ai daylight on the 11th 1 , crossing Deer Creek at Black Fork, and moving up on die east side of it to within seven miles of Rolling Fork, and camped for the night on Clark's plan- tation, a march of 37 miles. Learning that Barksdale's (Mississippi) Cavalry and the Seventh Texas Cavalry, about 700 strong, had been at Rolling Fork four days previously an I had disabled the; bridges across that stream and Deer Creek, at daylight on the 12th, I re-crossed Deer creek, and arrived at the Mississippi river near Tallulah Court House, and camped at the landing opposite Lake Provi- dence. Marched at 6 a. m., 13th instant, and arrived at this place at 12m. I met no enemy and obtained no recruits, the route of march being through a deserted and abandoned country, and am now satisfied, from information which I regard as reliable, that the two regiments of confederate cavalry came from Yazoo City to intercept my march here. Failing to find us, they returned in the same direction with what conscripts, horses, mules, hogs and negroes they could obtain. About fifty men of the same class remained across Deer Creek, engaged in the same business. I leave to-morrow morning with 170 men of my command, accompanied by Lieutenant Lee, Thirty-second Ohio Volunteers, PHILIP WOI.FERSBERGER, 1st Lieut, and Commissary Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 75 and shall proceed beyond the Sunflower, if practicable, to assist Lieutenant Lee anil to recruit. I am, Colonel, vtry respectfully your obedient servant, E. D. C'SBAND, Colonel Commanding. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. MAJOR COOK ORDERED TO ROEBUCK LAKE AND KONEY ISLAND. At an early hour on the morning of November 19, 1863, Major Cook left camp with a force of 150 men and officers, made up of detachments from companies A., B. and C, of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, with orders to proceed to Roebuck Lake and thence t'J Honey Island on the Yazoo river, a distance of a hun- dred miles or more. Aside from the opportunity afforded to secure recruits and the moral effect ic might have, the object of this raid does not appear. The .mpractibihty of reaching Honey Island should have been known befoie the start was made. Even had the command suc- ceeded in effecting a crossing of Deer creek, Bayou Philiar and other streams, there was no possible means of reaching Honey Island lying out in the Yazoo river. On leaving camp, Major Cook proceeded up the Mississippi river about fifteen miles, following the levee, when he made a short halt to feed his horses at a large plantation, posting a picket of a corporal and three men at a point where th'ey had a view of the road for some distance without being seen themselves, a curve in the levee hiding them from view. This picket had been posted but a short time when they saw a horseman approaching from the north, coming down the levee toward them ; as he came within hailing distance, the picket covered him with their guns and commanded him to dismount. Thus caught, the man had to choose between unconditional surrender and being is'hbt; wisely he chose the former. He was taken to Major Cook, and proved to be a Confederate officer, Captain Johnson, of the 28th Arkansas infantry. He was sent back to camp under guard of the men who captured him. 76 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Moving on up the river, the command camped that night on the Worthington plantation, about thirty miles from Skipwith's Landing. This plantation was situated in one of the richest cotton grow- ing sections of the south, and was typical of the old regime when cotton was King. It embraced many acres of rich cotton land, extending as far as the eye could reach, to till which required. a large number of slaves, who in ante bellum days, contributed so much to the material development and prosperity of the South. At the time of which 1 we write, the blighting effects of the war was everywhere visible, the fields no longer bloomed with the fleecy staple, nor resounded with the happy songs of the planta- tion darkies. No rich harvest was in prospect, weeds and brambles grew where once the cotton bloomed, verily its grandure had departed — gone out in the blaze of secession. Its glory had vanished with the hrst blast of war that beat upon it. Built on a foundation of sand, its corner stone human slavery, it toppled over at the first blast proclaiming emancipation. The slaves heard the thunder of the Union guns, speaking in the voice of freedom, and they deserted the plantations and flocked to the Union camp-, leaving the plow in the furrow and, in many instances, taking the mules with them. There was something pathetic in the contemplation of the rise and fall of this recked and abandoned plantation. A few old, dcrepit darkies, relics of by-gone days, sit crooning in their cabin doors, waiting for the promised day of jubilee, while the pickaninnies gamboled on the green, neglected and depreciated propertv. The white male portion of the place were conspicuous by their absence, presumably away fighting the battles of the confederacy. The ladies of the old manor house held themselves rigidly aloof, and seemed disinclined to allow the colored people to com- municate with the soldiers, and withal, there seemed to be an air of mystery pervading the whole cdmosphere around this planta- tion, and the officers were not long in discovering that they were unwelcome visitors. No amount of fine diplomacy could elicit a grain of informa- tion regarding the country, the people, roads, &c, to all inquiries the reply was "don't know." The polite and kindly proffer of a guard being placed around their house if they felt in the least insecure, they scornfully rejected. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 77 They also seen. eel to look upon the command as the victim of some avenging nemesis. Though treated with marked kindness and consideration, ihey remained sullen and uncommunicative. This grave-like silence had a depressing influence- on the com- mand, hushing the song and laughter that usually enlivens the camp and bivouac. As a cause of the gloomy silence, some of the officers suggested that pe.-haps some one lay dead in the house. Soldiers are quick to "catch on," their training and experience sharpens their faculties and makes them distrustful and self-reliant in ;imes of danger. Like the barometer indi- cating the coming storm, so with the experienced soldier, who by intuition feels the subtle influence warning him to be on his guard. On this occasion all felt that some secret plotting was going on that boded ill to the command, but none voiced their thoughts. Was there a lurking foe within striking distance? Was there meaning in the furtive glances exchanged between the inmates of the house? Were they watching for an opportunity to send a message to some one? These and kindred questions are what a mind-reader would have discovered in the thoughts of the officers. Yet not a word was spoken. But as the shades of night settled down over the scene, and a chain guard of trusty sentinels were placed around the plantation houses, with strict orders to permit no one to approach or leave the premises under any circumstances, and every approach to the camp closely guarded, then all felt relieved. Those in authority had read the signs, which to an experienced cavalry officer was as plain as an open book. Arms and ammunition were carefully looked to, pickets double. 1 and the troops disposed of for the night in a manner best suited to meet an attack. No "Taps" was 'sounded— no bugle blast broke the evening quiet to guide an enemy to the camping place. Quietly the soldiers lay down to sleep, their arms within ready reach, and the officers keeping one ear to the ground. Happily, however, the night passed quietly, due in all prob- ability to the precautions taken, it being subsequently ascertained that a force of rebel cavalry were in the immediate vicinity \ and had the people on the plantation been allowed an opportunity to send a message to them an attack would most certainly have been made that night. i$ Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. The command was in the saddle at an early hour on the fol- lowing- morning and ready for any emergency. Continuing up the river, Greenville was reached about noon, where a short halt was made during a drenching rain storm. The town was as silent as a graveyard ; in fact seemed almost deserted, the only signs of life visible being here and there a scared face peering through half closed blinds. No information regarding the whereabouts of the enemy could be gained from any one. Leaving Greenville, the column turned east, reaching Deer Creek about 4 p. m., at a point fifteen miles inland from the Mississippi river, where the command camped for the night. A CLOSE CALL FOR A REBEL MAJOR-GENERAL. Soon after going into camp on the night last mentioned, a negro boy informed Major Cook that "massa captain done got hum frum de army, 'spec he be mighty skeered if he know de Yankees dat clus." A few questions put to the boy, made it plain that the said captain was a person of some importance, and the place being but a few miles further up Deer Creek, Captain Webber was ordered to take a detachment of his com- pany and proceed to the place designated and capture and bring in the rebel officer, taking the boy with him as a guide. Captain Webber arrived at the place 1 some time after dark and quietly surrounded the house and applied for admittance. He was graciously received and on making known the object of his unseasonable call, was informed that the General was not at home, he having taken his departure a short time befone. Quite a number of gentlemen were present, they having called, they said, to bid the general bon voyage. Further in- vestigation, however, developed the fact that, in the first flurry of excitement incident to the appearance of the Union troop- ers, the General jumped through a window and favored by the dense shrubbery growing around the house, made his way to the stable, where mounting one of the visitor's horses ready saddled, he made his escape. In^read of a captain, as the boy had stated, the officer proved to be Major-General French, of the Confederate army. General French was, it seemed, taking the benefit of a short leave of absence — spending a few days with his family at his Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 79 plantation home on Deer Creek, which being remote from the active scenes of war, was deemed quite safe. Fifteen fine horses were taken from the general's plantation, some of them the property of his visitors — the gentlemen who had cal'ed to pay their respects to the distinguished general. These animals were retained for the use of the regiment. The command resumed the march on the following morning, following the east bank of Deer Creek, for some distance, and failing to effect a crossing, the creek being bank full, Major Cook found it impossible to carry out his instructions, and there- fore abandoned the attempt to reach Roebuck Lake and Honey Island, and the command turned west toward Skipwith's Land- ing, where it arrived late that night. The result of this raid was, one prisoner capture.!, twenty recruits secured and forty head of horses and mules cap : :ored. The following is Colonel Osband's report : HEADQUARTERS POST. Skipzvith's Landing, Miss., November 23, 1863. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM T. CLARK. Assistant Adjutant-General, Seventeenth Army Corps. Colonel : — I have the honor to report that the expedition to Roebuck Lake returned yesterday without accomplishing the object; the bad state of the roads together with the distance deterred the officer in command from going to the extent of his instructions. It was found that no enemy was in this country this side of the Yazoo River. Another scout returning the 21st, brings sixty cattle, so that we can subsist some time so far as beef is concerned. I have given the gun-boats some of the captured beef, they have no means of -supply. I find almost all the people eminently loyal and do not upon any scout or march take any property from them. There are however, in this country some bitter confederates; among the list is Parson Harris, who married Miss Helen Tohnson. 80 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Han is was expelled from Nashville and came here and mar- ried Miss Johnson. He now resides at Canton, Miss. I have taken the cattle from his place and purpose to take the sweet-potatoes or such of them as are not needed by the negroes for their support, and the furniture in the house for- merly used as General Furguson's headquarters. Should I not take it, the negroes will destroy it. Shall I send the furniture to Vicksburg or Memphis? Something like a week must elapse before I can move, as my horses are very tired. I purpose then, after destroying the ferries, moving up the Yazoo and Clear Creek to Roebuck Lake, thence back to Deer Creek, Rolling Fork, and home. I have expelled the cotton buyers from my lines as they had no authority from any one to purchase cotton. Can a man ship cotton to Memphis, going with it himself, with- out a permit from the Treasury Department? I am Colonel, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. D. OSBAND, Col. First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. Commanding Post. Captain Andrew Emery Was born in Hancock County, State of Maine, January 5, 1833. Going west at the age of 22, he settled in Lockport, Illinois, in 1855. He enlisted under the first call for troops, April, 1861, for three months, in a company of Lockport Light Artillery. At the expiration of his three imonthis' term of service he re-enlisted in Company D, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, in which regiment he took an active part in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh and in all the subsequent battles, skirmishes and campaigns of that regiment up to the time of the fall of Vicksburg, winning the golden opinions of his superior officers, notably at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, being promoted to the rank of First duty Sergeant for meritorious conduct. Capt. ANDREW EMERY Third l". S C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 81 In a skirmish in 1862, he, being cut off from his company, charged through the enemy's lines midst a shower of bullets, the rebels shouting " shoot that Yank," for which he received the sobriquet of "Yank," and which h'as clung to him to this day. He was discharged from the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, October 15, 1863, for promotion as captain of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, in which regiment he served with marked distinction until the close of the war, being mustered out with the regiment, January 26, 1866. The familiar figure of Captain "Yank," as he was called by his brother officers, leading his troopers on scout and in battle will always linger in the memory of the survivors of the regiment. On a closely contested field, conspicuous by his height, six feet, he was a tower of strength, inspiring confidence by the example of his matchless daring and unconquerable determination. With such officers the regiment was able to win victories. CHAPTER V. A RAID ACROSS THE RIVER IN LOUISIANA AND ARKANSAS. The Bocuf River Fight, December 13, 1863. The command had been inactive for some time, and the dull routine of camp duty had become irksome to both officers and men, when dame rumor spread the report that a scout across the river was in contemplation. A little inquiry developed the fact that Colonel Osband had received orders from Yicksburg to make a demonstration on the west side of the Mississippi River and to press into service the first steamer sighted, to be used in transferring the command to the west side of the river. There was no need to set a watch, all were on the lookout for a boat ; they had not long to wait, however, for the next day, December 10, 1863, a large steamer was sighted coming up the river. The boat was signaled to land, but not heeding the signal, the request was emphasized by a shot from a six pounder, sent hurtling across her bows which brought her to the bank. 82 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. The steamer was immediately taken possession of by art officer acting under orders from Colonel Osband, and the em- barkation of the troops commenced at once, and by 2 p. m. that day the command was landed on the west bank of the river, in Louisiana, about twenty miles below the Arkansas state line. The troops comprising this expedition were as follows ; One 'hundred and twenty five men exclusive of officers, detailed from companies A, B, and C, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, under command of Major J. B. Cook, and seventy- five enlisted men of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, under command of First Lieutenant Ed. M. Main, making a total force of two hundred enlisted men, the whole under command of Major Chas. H. Chapin. Included in this force wiene a number of officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, commissioned but not assigned, who accompanied the expedition as recruit- ing officers. On disembarking on the west side of the river, the command marched inland about eight miles and camped for the night. The march was resumed at an early 'hour on the following morning, moving in a westerly direction, crossing Bayou Macon, and continuing still westerly to Boeuf River, thence north along the east side of the last named stream, passing through a French settlement. The march up to this time was without incident worthy of note, but from this point on, well mounted scouts appeared in our front, who were hotly pursued, but being mounted on swift horses, they evaded capture. Several sus- picious characters were, however, run down and captured, some of them proving to be rebel soldiers. The command con- tinued its march along the east side of Boeuf River until the Arkansas state line was reached, where it camped on the night of the 12th being then in Chicot County, Arkansas. The com- mand camped this night on the plantation of Mr. Merri weather. This plantation was situated on a slight ridge running along the edge of a dense, boggy swamp lying between the plantation and Boeuf River, perhaps half a mile in extent at this point. The road ran along the edge of the swamp. The plantation buildings, standing a little back, faced the road, and were inclosed bv a rail fence. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 83 These buildings were all built of logs, the main residence having two large rooms, a hall and front porch. The smoke- house stood a little to the rear of the main dwelling, and a little further back and to the right were several negro cabins. The gin-house stood about two hundred yards north of the other buildings. Jt being late in the evening and quite dark when the com- mand camped, but a very limited knowledge of the place and its surrounding ooukl be gained. The usual precautions, however, were taken to guard the camp, pickets being posted on all the known roads, also a camp guard posted. The troops were disposed of for the night as follows : The Fourth Illinois Cavalry detachment was camped at the gin-'house, and the colored soldiers in and about the negro cabins. Majors Chapin and Cook, and Lieutenant Main oc- cupied one of the large rooms in the main dwelling, where the prisoners, fifteen in all, were also kept, a guard being placed over them. Nothing occurred during the night to disturb the camp. Eariy the next morning, some time before daylight, the men were awakened, horses fed and saddled and coffee made, that and hardtack being the breakfast. The morning was dark, cold and chilly, and the soldiers were sipping their coffee around the camp-fires, which were burning brightly, when, without a moments warning, the stillness was broken by the 1 blinding flash and report of five hundred shot-guns followed by the rebel yell, which we had all learned to know so well. The officers, veterans of many hard fought battles, realized at once what it meant — a fight to the death. The quick, sharp commands of the officers, "Fall in," rang out above the din of the tumult. Some one shouted, "Kick out the fires," which was promptly done. Majors Chapin and Cook, pistols in hand, rushed out of the house midst a storm of bullets and, by their example and utter disregard of danger, encouraged the men to stand their ground. In a trice the black troopers were facing the enemy, return- ing shot for shot and yell for yell. The officers of the black troopers had their men under complete 1 control, absolute obedience 84 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. was a part of their training, and the officers were able to handle them with consummate effectiveness. The enemy had every advantage, were vastly superior in numbers, better armed for close quartens, haveing double 1 bar- reled shot-guns, chose their own position and mode of attack, and 'had a complete knowledge of the country. It was therefore only the cool daring and skill of the Union officers, the fine discipline and complete 1 control they had over their men that enabled them to beat back their assailants and snatch victory from what seemed certain destruction to the 1 black troopers. Captain Emery, commanding Company B, was the first to get his company into position, forming it in front of the house, where the force of the attack seemed to be directed. A rail fence separated the house from the road, and it was along this fence, on the inside, that the companies took position. Company A, led by Lieutenant Frank Calais, formed on Captain Emery's left, with Company C, led by Lieutenant Richard Taylor, on the left of Company A, all facing the road and inside the enclosure. The companies took position in much less time than it takes to tell it, and in the face of a withering fire from the enemy, who, in the darkness, could only be seen by the flash of their guns as they advanced to the attack. ' Many of the hiorsies having been tied to the fence, were directly in the line of fine, consequently quite a number of them were killed and wounded, and those wounded, breaking loose, plunged around among the men, threatening to do about as much damage as the enemy, when, by order of Major Chapin, t'hey were shot down, the men using them as breast works. The enemy pressed forward and weire only checked on reach- ing the fence. The rebel officers could be heard above the din and clash of arms, shouting, "Charge the fence," but there was a wall of fire along that fence that they could not breast. One big fellow did, however, mount the fence only to fall over on the inside among our men, shot through the breast. An incident occurred in this connection that will serve to illustrate the desperate character of the fighting and the utter disregard of danger displayed by all engaged in it. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 85 One of the colored soldiers firing through the fence became aware that some one on the other side was pulling at his gun while he was reloading it; the gun was a breech-loading ci'-b-ne, and quickly loaded. Discharging it, the fellow on the other side of the fence got, not the gun, but its contents full in the breast. In speaking of the affair afterward, the black soldier said, "Dat was all right, de neb done koch ole de wrong end uv die gun." This colored soldier, Henry Wilson by name, was a member of Company B. He went North after the war, acquired an education, studied law, and is now a member of the Chicago bar. For a time it seemed that the black troopers and their white officers must be overwhelmed by sheer force of numbers. They were fighting against fearful odds — five to one, and their ranks were growing fearfully thinner ever minute, forty or more having already ibeen put out of the fight, killed and wounded, but knowing what fate awaited them if defeated, they fought on, determined rather to die fighting with arms in their tends. At this critical period Lieutenant Calais moved his company to the left, crossed the road into the woods, and fell on the enemies' flank with such dash and spirit, firing and yelling, that the enemy broke in disorder, at which the other companies charged across the road in pursuit, literally setting the woods ablaze with the flash of their carbines and the vehemence of their yells. The old maxim that "It's darkest just before day," was never more happily illustrated than in this instance. The darkest period in the history of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was on the morning of that eventful 13th of Decem- ber, 1863. Had they suffered defeat on that occasion the morale of the regiment would have been destroyed and its subsequent history not worth writing. And the darkest moment of that desperate struggle was just before the eastern horizon flashed her welcome light over the scene, revealing the enemy in disordered retreat. In the stirring scenes just narrated we have lost sight for a moment of the brave Fourth Illinois Calvary-men. Alas, they were put out of the fight almost in the first round, that is, many 86 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. •of them were, but later on they struck the enemy a crushing blow. As previously stated, the Fourth Illinois Cavalry detach- ment was camped at the gin-house, some 200 yards from where the colored soldiers camped. It was this detachment that re- ceived the first shock of the attack, giving the black troopers a few seconds' warning, otherwise the history of this affair would perhaps, record different results. There was no better cavalry than the Fourth Illinois in the whole Union army. They were veterans of two years' cam- paigning, and had been tested on many hard fought fields. They led the advance of General Grant's army from Cairo to Fort Donelson, from Fort Donelson to Shiloh, from Shiloh to Corinth, from Corinth to Memphis, and from Memphis to Vicksburg. They had fought and won victories over the South's best cavalry. They had crossed sabres with the cavalrymen of Forrest, of Chalmers, of Wirt Adams, and of Cholson. Their ranks had been thinned by death on the firing line until the remnant of the heroic souls left seemed to bear a charmed life. But in the Boeuf River affair, assailed by a stealthy foe creeping upon them in the dark, they were taken at a great disadvantage and shot down betore they could make resistance. Standing in the full glare of their camp fires, secure in the confidence that their com- rades on the picket post, ever watchful, would give timely warning of the approach of an enemy, they presented a good mark for an ambushed foe, and were utterly at the mercy of the attacking party, who spared them not. This detachment suffered severely, quite a number being wounded, and thirteen taken prisoners. As the enemy retreated hack into the woods from whence they came, it being sufficiently light to distinguish objects, Lieu- tenant Main, rallying his detachment of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, mounted them and started in pursuit with a view of heading the enemy off. Galloping up the road about a mile, where finding 'a road leading through' the woods toward the river, he followed it until it brought him out at the ferry, where alas ! the enemy had effected a crossing, being in the act of landing on the other side of the river. They were within easy carbine range, but our men dare not fire on them, as the prisoners — thirteen of their comrades, were kept in the foreground as a Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 87 shield to the enemy, but the brave fellows waved adieus and gave a cheer for the Fourth Cavalry and the hag. These men were taken to Shreveport, La., where they were confined in the rebel prison for some time, and from which some of them were paroled and others made their escape, all finally making thleir way back to Vicksburg on foot, swimming rivers and undergoing many hardships and privations. Thus was fought and won the first severe engagement the regiment took part in, and, too, under the most adverse cir- cumstances. The success achieved in this engagement gave the black troopers a confidence in themselves that made them almost in- vincible. In this as in all subsequent engagements they faced the alternative of victory or death. In this engagement every officer and man did his full duty. Where all displayed the qualities of a hero there is no room for individual mention. The victory in itself proves the spirit and courage of the command, and in it is glory and praise far above empty words to express. The casualties in this engagement were five commissioned officers wounded, viz. : Capt. Jesse Brainard, Lieutenant Richard Taylor, Marshall Moon, Oscar Randall, and Leland Hall, all of them seriously. Seven enlisted men killed, 28 enlisted men wounded, and 13 enlisted men taken prisoners, the latter being all members of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry detachment. Total loss in killed, wounded and prisoners 53, or one-fourth' of the entire command. Lieutenants Moon and Randall never fully recovered from the effects of their wounds, and subse- quently resigned their commissions and returned to their homes in Illinois, where they died. Having no surgeon with the command, and none being pro- curable in that neighborhood, it was highly necessary to move the wounded men back to camp with as little delay as possible, therefore Mr. Merri weather's ox team and wagon was pressed into service for this purpose. Two large feather beds were taken from Mr. Merriweather's bouse and placed in the wagon, on which Lieutenants Moon and Randall were made as comfortable as possible, they being the most seriously wounded. The other wounded officers and men were able, with some as- sistance, to ride their horses, though suffering intensely. 88 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. While these preparations were going on, the dead were buried, except those of the enemy, who were left where they fell, to be cared for by their friends. Everything being in readiness, the command left the scene of its late sanguinary conflict. The ownier of the plantation, Mr. Merriweather, was a typical Arkansas "Moss Back." He was the only white person on the place, living there alone with his niggers. That he was of the ultra pro-slavery class and a rabid secessionist goes without saying. Whether be had any previous knowledge of the attack, or abetted in it, we had no knowledge at that time, but in after years the truth came out that he found means of apprising the rebel commander of our presence on his plantation. As the command marched away from the scene of the fight, Mr. Merriweather was left standing on the porch) of his house, looking the picture of distress. His houses were nearly demolished, riddled with bullets, fences torn down and the yard strewn with dead men and horses. Truly here was General Sherman's definition of war, "War is Hell.'' From a peaceful, quiet country home, this place was trans- formed in a twinkling into a scene of blood and carnage. After proceeding about ten miles, Lieutenant Moon suffered so much from the jolt of the wagon, that he begged to be left at some farm-ihouse,saying that he had rather take his chances in the enemy's country among strangers (than suffer such torture. It was therefore with regnet and many misgivings that finally be was left at a wayside house, the people seeming kindly dis- posed and promising to take good care of him. They were promised adequate reward if, on the officer being sent for, it was found that they bad been faithful to the trust. It was also intimated that retribution would be swift and sure should harm come to the wounded officer through any lack of care on their part. One of the colored servants was left with Lieutenant Moon to take care of him, and to insure their safety, four citizens were taken and held as hostages. Lieutenant Moon was as brave a soldier as ever drew a sabre, and was highly esteemed and loved by all who knew him. Hie was formerly a Sergeant in Company B, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. This was the second time Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 89 be had been left, wounded, in the enemies' country, having' been shot in the breast both times, first in the right, and this time in the left breast. In this instance he was well cared for, the people with whom he was left, did everything in their power for his comfort and protection, even procuring a doctor to dress his wounds. He recovered sufficiently in a few days to be re- moved, when an escort was sent to bring him into camp. On reaching Bayou Mason, some difficulty was encountered in effecting a crossing, and it was found necessary to take some of the wounded men across in pirogue, or dug-outs, as the ford presented too many dangers to safely trust the wounded men in the ox wagon or on their 'horses. The crossing was, how- ever, effected without mishap. On account of the wounded men, the command camped early in the evening, a few miles from the west bank of the Mississippi river. On the morning of the 14th, the command resumed the march. Colonel Osband h'aving been notified by courier, met the com- mand on the west side of the river, bringing surgeons and rations. Here the troops were embarked on a steamer, and were soon back in their camp at Skipwith's Landing. COLONEL OSBAND S REPORT. The following is Colonel Osband's official report of the fight at Boeuf River, Arkansas, December 13, 1863. HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST. Skipwith's Landing, Miss., December 14, 1863. Colonel — I have the honor to report that on the 10th instant, I sent seventy-five men of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry and 12? men of the First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. under the command of Miajor Chapin, First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. across the Mississippi river to make a scout toward Lake Village and en- deavor to capture some forty rebel cavalry who were hanging negroes and driving off stock. The scout proceeded to Merriweather's Ferry on Boeuf 90 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. river, and camped half a mile from the ferry, the First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. at the house and the Fourth Illinois Cavalry at the cotton-gin, 150 yards distant, both house and gin being surrounded with swampy land covered with water. Although no force was known to be in the vicinity, each road was picketed with ten men, and also a camp guard of ten men. At 3 a. m. the picket was ordered to mount by Major Chapin and camp called. At 5 a. m. in the midst of most intense darkness (the men having breakfasted, saddled, and only waiting for daylight to march) the rebels, 140 strong, under Captain Adams, of Caper's battalion, on foot having during the night stolen into our lines between picket stations in the swamp and formed all about the cotton-gin, gave the Fourth Illinois Cavalry volley after volley, stampeding the horses and causing great con- fusion among the men, who rapidly retreated upon the house, where the First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. were stationed. The rebels then charged the house, but could not dislodge the colored soldiers. The contest here for a long time was fiercely fought, and ended in the entire discomfiture of the rebels. Intense darkness prevented pursuit, and when daylight came it was found the rebels, after regaining their horses, had dis- persed through the woods, each man running on his own account. Ten dead of the enemy were found, and numbers were seen helped upon horses, and thus carried away. The enemy having dispersed, no pursuit could be made, and the number of wounded necessitated the return to camp, which was reached at 10 a. m. to-day. Two men too severely hurt to travel were left a few miles from here with surgeon until sufficiently recovered to permit their removal. Horses and mules were captured, enough to cover our loss of stock, although the quality is not as good as our own. Too much credit cannot be given the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, who did all that men could do under the circumstances. Sur- prised, they fought hand to hand, and those who were taken prisoners were bodily carried away. The conduct of the First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. could *capt. richardj;tayl,or, Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 91 not have been excelled by veterans, wounded men refusing to go to the rear. It was the first fight for most of them, but, in the language of Major Cook, their commanding officer, "I could have held them till the last man was shot." I inclose a rough sketch of the country, also list of our losses, which, owing to our men being by the side of camp- fires, were necessarily severe. I am, Colonel, respectfully, Your obedient servant, E. D. OSBAND, Col. First Mississippi Cavalry, A. D. Command ins: Post. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM T. CLARK, ASST. ADJUTANT-GENERAL, 17th ARMY CORPS. While Colonel Osband's report is correct in the main, he errs in some of the details, viz. : He places the strength of the enemy at 140, when it should be 500, this fact being subsequently ascertained. Speaking of the enemy's loss the report says, "Numbers were seen helped or thrown upon horses, and thus carried away," when the fact is the rebels had no horses with them, and the report itself says, "the rebels, 140 strong, under Captain Adams, of Caper's battalion, stole into our lines on foot." CAPTAIN RICHARD TAYLOR. Captain Taylor was born in Connington, County of Somer- setshire, England, September 19, 1837, coming to this country when quite young. He enlisted in Company "I", Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, October 7, 1861. He was with his regiment in the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, reoeiving a painful wound during the first day's fighting, but refused to go to the 92 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. rear. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant for meritorious conduct in action. He was with his regiment during the siege of Corinth, participated in the battle: of Russel House, and was with the army under General S'hienman in its advance and oc- cupation of Memphis, and with the army under General Grant in the campaign in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, in November and December, 1862. He was with his regiment in General Sherman's disastrous assault on Chickasaw Bluffs, and in the expedition under General McClernard up the Arkansas river, taking part in the assault on Arkansas Post, in which he received a severe gun-shot wound in the hand. He was detailed during the siege of Vicksburg for duty in the ordnance department under Lieutenant John C. Neely, being charged with the duty of distributing ammunition to the troops investing the city. After the surrender of Vicksburg he was placed in charge of the work of collecting, assorting and storing the captured arms, ammunition, &c. He was discharged from the Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, December 1863, to accept promotion as First Lieutenant in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, and assigned to Company C, was promoted to Captain, May 29, 1864, and assigned to Company D. In the engagement of Bouef River, December 1863, he was conspicuous in the thickest of the fight, and was severely wounded. Captain Taylor came to the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry with the highest testimonials from the officers under whom he had previously served, and his career in the regiment was a complete fulfillment of their promises. CHAPTER VI. THE YAZOO EXPEDITION, JANUARY 31, TO MARCH 10, 1864. The history of the war of the rebellion furnishes no more heroic example of pluck and indomitable perseverance than that displayed by the officers and men of this expedition, which pene- trated hundreds of miles into the enemy's country, meeting and overcoming dangers and obstacles before which most men Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 93 would quail. Assailed in front and rear, and encompassed by unknown perils, they boldly pushed on, the enemy being con- fused and astounded by the very audacity of their movements. History furnishes few if any such tests of courage and bulldog tenacity as that displayed by the officers and men of this ex- pedition, as shown by their heroic defense of Yazoo City on the 5t'h of March, 1864, as shown by the Rebellion Records, Vol. XXXII, Part I, Page 331, see map on following page. Here the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, dismounted, held the fort against fearful odds — eight rebel regiments and two flaming batteries, all hurling shot and shell upon them, the ground slippery with the blood of their fallen comrades, and still un- daunted, they met with scorn and 1 derision, the rebel general's insolent demand to surrender. Such men were invincible, and the rebel general, at the close of the day's fighting, chagrined and dismayed, the hill-side strewn with his dead and wounded, withdrew from the conflict, leaving his dead and wounded where they fell. This was a fight with some of the best troops in the con- federate army, the' famed Texas brigade, commanded by General L. S. Ross, of whom the South boasted no more gallant cavalry leader, and General Richardson's Tennessee brigade, the equals of any troops that ever faced a foe. THE ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL OE THE YAZOO EXPEDITION. This expedition was composed of the following troops, viz. : The 11th Illinois Infantry, 21 commissioned officers and 339 enlisted men, commanded by Major George C. McKee; the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, (colored), 17 commissioned officers and 370 enlisted men, commanded by Colonel F. E. Peebles; the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, 20 commissioned officers and 300 enlisted men, commanded by Col. E. D. Osband, making a total force of 58 commissioned officers and 1,159 en- listed men. The expedition was conveyed up the Yazoo river by five gun-boats, commanded by Captain E. K. Owen, ! . S. Xavy, all under command of Colonel James H. Coates, Col. Eleventh Illinois Infantry. The expedition left Vicksburg on the 31st of January, 1864, on transports provided for the purpose, and proceeded up the Yazoo river, arriving at Haynes Bluff on the evening of Feb- 94 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. ruary 1st. Haynes Bluff was then garrisoned in part by the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, not then fully organized. On the following morning, February 2d, a detachment of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry under Major J. B. Cook, embarked with the expedition This detachment consisted of 25 men of Com- pany B, under Captain Andrew Emery, and 10 commissioned officers, detailed as recruiting officers, and to perform such other duty as they might be called upon to do. At this time the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was not fully organized, the Second and Third Battalions being mere skeletons in form. The officers, however, had been commissioned and placed on recruiting ser- vice, but they could not be mustered in until the requisite num- ber of men had been enlisted. As this expedition seemed to offer a good opportunity to secure recruits to fill up the regiment, Major Cook asked and obtained permission to accompany it with a small detachment for that purpose. The ten officers detailed to accompany the expedition as re- cruiting officers, were young men who had seen two years of active service in their old regiments, as non-commissioned offi- cers, and who, in recognition of gallant services, were 1 commis- sioned to positions in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. On the morning of February 2d, the expedition proceeded on its way up the Yazoo /river, this gun-boats taking the lead. On the west side of this river the land is low and swampy, covered with a heavy growth of timber, and uninhabited. On the east side the ground is 'high, with occasional bluffs of con- siderable height, and covered with a stunted growth of trees and bushes. The east bank therefore offered great advantages for the enemy to harass the expedition. The men on the trans- ports were screened behind temporary barricades, as it would be courting death for one to expose himisel/f to the aim of the rebel sharp shooters who skulked in the bushes along the eastern bank. As the transports neared the village of Satartia, they were greeted b}- a fusillade of bullets fired from the bushes on the east 'bank. Colonel Coates' orders were to land and fight the enemy wherever found, and he did not purpose to allow this the first summons to battle to pass unnoticed, 'so he ordered the boats to run in at the landing place, where a detachment of the Eleventh Illinois, under Major McKee, and the Third U. S. detachment, under Major Cook, were disembarked. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 95 The Third U. S. detachment having disembarked their horses, mounted and moved out to reconnoitre. In the mean- time the rebels had left the cover of the bushes, mounted their horses and assumed the defensive. Major Cook charged with his detachment, when the irebeis retreated, being hotly pursued through and beyond the village, one of them being killed and several wounded. The force here encountered numbered about sixty. As it was now nearly sun-down, the troops were recalled and em- barked. The whole fleet remained there that night. On the following morning, February 3d, the fleet proceeded on up the river, nothing worthy of note occurring until Liver- pool Heights was reached, where the enemy was found in large force, consisting of artillery and cavalry, posted in a strong position on the bluffs. The gun-boats were permitted to pass the enemies' position unmolested, but as the transports rounded the curve, bringing them within range of the enemies' guns, a terrific fire was opened upon them, which threatened to demol- ish the boats, but the engines were quickly reversed, and the boats backed down out of range. The gun-boats could do nothing in this fight, as their guns could not be elevated sufficiently to reach the rebel battery on the bluff. Colonel Coates now determined to disembark his troops, make a land attack and dislodge the enemy from his position if possible. The troops having been disembarked, formed in two columns, the Eleventh Illinois infantry, Major McKee commanding, formed the left wing, and the Eighth Louisiana infantry, colored, Colonel Peebles commanding, formed the right wing, the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry detachment, Major Cook commanding, took the advance. Major Cook soon encountered the enemy's outpost, a force of 75 or 100 men, (cavalry) with whom he had a spirited skirmish, driving them back into the main force, which' was found to be strongly posted in the hills. As Major Cook drove the enemy's outpost back into the hills, Major McKee brought up the Eleventh Illinois Infantry on the double quick, followed by the Eighth Louisiana, colored, led 96 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. by Colonel Peebles. These regiments, availing themselves of such protection as the nature of the ground afforded, deployed and advanced on the enemy's position. Major Cook dismounted his men, sent his horses to the rear, and led his men into the hills, fighting as infantry. The rebels were also dismounted, having left their horses in a place of safety, they had also strengthened their position, naturally strong, by hastily constructing barricades of logs, large rocks, etc. In addition they had several cannon, light field pieces, which they were able to use with deadly effect. As our two infantry regiments approached the enemy's position, they met a terrific fire, against wnich t)hey were unable to make headway, when Major McKee, leading a portion of his regiment, made a gallant dash to flank the rebel position, but in the face of greatly superior numbers, the artillery fire and the. broken condition of the ground, he was compelled to fall back, sustaining some loss in killed and wounded. The enemy fougtit on the defensive, refusing to come out in the open, but at times our men pressed them so closely that their position was rendered extremely uncomfortable. The fight was thus kept up until the sun dropped below the tree-tops, neither side gaining any decided advantage, when a summons to retire was received from Colonel Coates, and the command returned to the boats. It being evident that our small force, unaided by artillery, could not dislodge the enemy from his strong position, the troops were embarked and the' transports crossed to the west side of the river, where they tied up for the night. From prisoners captured in the fight that day it was ascer- tained that the force we had engaged was the Sixth and Ninth Texas regiments, commanded respectively by Colonels Wharton and Berry, and belonging to General Ross' brigade, and that the remainder of this brigade, the First and Third Texas regiments, commanded respectively by Colonels Whitfield and Mabry, were then in that vicinity, with General Ross at their head. It was safe therefore to conclude that General Ross would be on the scene the next morning with the balance of his brigade to oppose the advance of the expedition, which proved only too true. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 97 COLONEL COATES SENDS DISPATCHES TO VICKSBURG. Sergeants Vincent and Trendall, Company B, 3d U. S. Colored Cavalry, slip through the eniemys lines in the night and carry a message to General McArthtnr, at Vicksburg, a ride of 60 miles. About 10 o'clock, that night, February 3d, while the fleet was tied up on the west side of the river, Colonel Coates sent for Major Cook and requested him to select two of his most trusty men, who would be willing to undertake the dangerous mission of carrying dispatches back to Vicksburg. This mission was a very hazardous one, and would require men of tact, discretion and nerve, also possessing a thorough knowledge of the country. Travel was impracticable on the west side of the river, on account of intersecting rivers and impassable swamps, therefore the messengers would have to make their way to Vicksburg on the east side, which swarmed with rebel cavalry, and whose pickets and patrols guarded every avenue of communication. For this duty, Major Cook, after consulting Captain Emery, selected Washington Vincent and Isaac Trendall, both of whom were sergeants in Captain Emery's company. The nature of the duty and the dangers attending it, being fully explained to them, they readily accepted it. Both of these men were mulattoes, young, brave and quick witted, and were raised on plantations in that vicinity ; they knew the country well over which they would travel to reach Vicksburg. Everything being in readiness for their departure, one of the Steamer's small boats was lowered, in which the two men were quietly rowed across the river, where they were landed in the shadow of some over-hanging trees, from which point they disappeared in the darkness, left to act for themselves — thrown on their own resources. It must not be supposed, however, that these men undertook this dangerous mission in the Uniform of Union soldiers. No, they wore the garb of plantation darkies, and sewed under one of the numerous patches on the baggy trousers of each were duplicate copies of the message to General McArtbur. They remained quiet where the boat left them until satisfied that the movement had not been noticed by the rebel pickets, 98 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. then they crept cautiously up the bank, reaching a position behind some bushes near the road, which ran parallel with the river. They could hear the rebel pickets as they rode back and forth. The road was closely guarded by a chain of mounted pickets. They would have to cross this road to gain the open country beyond, and here they encountered their greatest difficulty in evading the rebel guards. Finding that their present position presented no chance to run the guard, they left it, going farther down the river, where they hoped the guards would be farther apart and less vigilant. Moving stealthily along in the dark, keeping in the deep shadow of the trees, they stumbled into a deep ditch or ravine, which they followed, crawling on their hands and knees, until it brought them to a culvert passing under the road ; creeping through this culvert with some diffi- culty, they emerged on the other side of the road, where the tall grass and weeds completely screened them from view. From this safe retreat they could make out the dim outlines of the mounted picket, standing within twenty feet of the place where they had passed through the culvert. From this point they made their way into the open country, crossing ditches and fences, where horsemen could not follow. Feeling now comparatively safe from immediate detection, they boldly struck out for the nearest plantation, their object being to procure mounts — horses or mules, on which to continue the journey. A glimmering light in the distance seemed to beckon them on, following it, they soon found themselves in close proximity to the plantation buildings. Carefully reconnoirering the premises, they discovered four fine horses, bridled and saddled, tied to the fence in front of the house. On closer inspection, the owners of these horses — four rebel soldiers — as revealed through the window, were being entertained by the inmates of the house. After making this discovery, Vincent and Trendall quietly approached the horses, untied and led them some distance from the house out of hearing, then mounted, rode away each leading one horse, thus leaving the rebel soldiers no means of pursuit. Some faint idea may be formed of the surprise and wrath Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 99 of the rebel troopers at the rnysterous disappearance of their horses, but augmented by the exasperating thought of being left afoot amies from camp, the most vivid imagination will fail to comprehend the situation. It may be presumed, however, •that the next time they left their horses "to go in and see the girls," they exercised more caution. But what was their loss was Uncle -Sam's gain, for the horses were turned over to the regimental quartermaster and branded with the letters U. S. thus transferring their services to the cause of the Union. In recognition of the great service these horses rendered on the night they changed owners, they were assigned to special duty at headquarters, and two of them, surviving the war, were honorably mustered out with the regiment, and returned to the pursuits of civil life. It is hoped that their later days were passed in peace and contentment, browsing the herbage of their native heath. Finding themselves well .mounted, the captured horses proving fine animals, the two. couriers made good progress, and by changing their saddles occasionally to the led horses, they main- tained a high rate of speed, and by avoiding the main traveled roads, taking byways, and making short cuts through planta- tions, they evaded the rebel pickets and patrols, and reached Vicksburg in safety. They delivered the message to General McArthur, receiving a receipt therefor. The 'receipt showed that the message was delivered at 8:35 a. m., February 4, 1864. The record shows that they traveled sixty miles in 10 hours including the distance traveled on foot and the delays in getting through the enemies' lines. After a short rest and refreshments, they proceeded' to Haynes Bluff, headquarters of the regiment, and reported 1 to Colonel Osband. Subsequently, February 10th, they rejoined their company at Yazoo City, going up the river with Colonel Osband and the balance of the regiment. t 100 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. Pandemonium on the Yaaoo. Returning to the fleet, which we left tied up for the night on the west side of the river, a short distance below Liverpool Heights, waiting for what the morrow might bring forth, as every one expected hard fighting on that day. The morning of February 4th, dawned calm and clear, in striking contrast to the storm that was soon to break. The soldiers on the transports, in obedience to an early call, were preparing their morning meal and looking to their guns and ammunition long before the sun gilded the tree -tops. Colonel Coates had decided to run the blockade — pass the rebel position on Liverpool Heights, and preparations were being made for the dash. Temporary barricades were formed on the transports, using for that purpose such material, wood, boxes of hardtack, knapsack, etc., as were at hand on the boats. When everything was ready, the boats; under full pressure of 'steam, the fleet swung out into the stream, the gun-boats taking the lead. When abreast of the bluffs, where the fight of the previous day took place, the enemy, after permitting the gun-boats to pass unmolested, opened a terrific fire with artillery and small arms, concentrating their fire on the transports, demolishing the wood-work on the upper decks, and scattering .death and destruction on every side. The fire 1 was promptly returned by the troops on the transports, but they were placed at a great disadvantage. The rebels on the bluffs could not be seen, they fined from behind trees, rocks, and from wherever they could find cover, but the storm of bullets from the transports found every nook and cranny along the face of the bluffs, many of them finding lodgment in the anatomy of an enemy. When the battle opened, the gun-boats returned and added the roar of their guns to the conflict. The battle was now on in earnest. It was like pandemonium turned loose. The scene was ex- citing and awe-inspiring to the highest degree. The booming of cannon and the crash of small arms, the defiant yells of the combatants, echoed back from the silent depths of the uninhab- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 101 ited swamp on the west side of the river, the shrill whistles and labored breathing of the steamers as their huge paddle-wlnedls lashed the murky waters of the Yazoo into a foaming torrent, the flaming bluffs, volcanic-like, vomiting forth sheets of fire, •enveloped the whole scene in a pall of black smoke, shutting out the light of day as though to screen from the christian world the sight -of such wiild orgies, wherein it seemed that all the devils in his Satanic majesty's kingdom wene holding high carnival. The place itself was in keeping with the scene be- ing remote from the habitation of man ; the silent swamp and the uninhabited bills, between which flowed the dark waters of the Yazoo, were the only witnessess to this drama of war. The brave pilots, upon whose skill and nerve so much de- pended, stood unflinchingly at their posts, though bullets and splinters flew thickly around them. As anticipated, General Ross had, during the previous night, concentrated his entire force on the bluffs, in expectation of another iand attack ; he had also prepared to oppose with all his might the further advance of the expedition, both by land and water. The transports were probably eight or ten minutes under fire, but the men on the boats thought it an age. When be- yond range of the enemy's guns the boats slackened speed, and an examination made of their condition. It was found, how- ever, that the boats had sustained no serious damage to their machinery or running gear. Two men were killed and quite a number wounded. The dead men were buried at Yazoo City on the arrival of the fleet at that place. In thus leaving the enemy in their rear and pushing on into new and unknown dangers, seemed a reckless proceeding, but the fearless spirit that dominated the command quailed at no danger When within five or six miles of Yazoo City, a halt was called, and Captain Owen, with two of bis gun-boats, proceeded on up the river to a point opposite Yazoo City, where hie drew the fire of a land battery, two of the shots taking effect on one of the gun-boats hut inflicted slight damage. The gun-boats returned the fire, but with what effect was not known. 102 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. On re-joining- the fleet, Captain Owen reported that Yazoo City was occupied by a large force of the enemy, whereupon, the fleet moved back down the river to a point nearly opposite Liverpool, where it remained until the following day. On the 5th, 6th, and 7th, the fleet occupied different positions 'between Liverpool and Yazoo City, watching the movements of the enemy, nothing worthy of interest transpiring. On the 8th, Major Cook and his cavalry detachment were landed on the west side of the river, with orders to scout the country along that bank to a point opposite Yazoo City. This force was landed about six miles below Yazoo City. Major Cook had proceeded but a short distance when he learned that a small force of rebeil cavalry had been scouting on that side of the river, and that they were then at the ferry, on their return to Yazoo City, that this force was commanded by Major Whitfield, of the Texas Legion. With the hope of intercepting them before a crossing could be effected, Major Cook put his troops to the gallop, and was soon upon the scene, too late, however, to prevent the enemy from crossing, the last boat load being them just in the act of disembarking on the other side. Four of the rebel cavalry- men, though, were captured, together with their horses, they having been left until the boat could return for them. The debark- ation of those on the east side was greatly accelerated by the long range carbines of Major Cooks' troopers, which sent them scurrying in every direction for shelter. The enemy having thus escaped him, Major Cook decided to cross tbe> river and continue the chase, and he called for volunteers to swim the river and bring back the boat, to which many men responded, but only two were accepted, that number being deemed sufficient. It is to be regrettied that the names of these men cannot now be recalled. Divesting themselves of their outside garments, the men plunged into the water, which was ice-cold, it being in February. As the enemy were lurking on the other side of the river, a rapid fire was> kept up to cover the move mien t. The men reached the boat in safety, but the rebels had de- stroyed the means of propelling it, they had cut the ropei, which had floated away. y.aih'iti .o D i't/.'j Capt. C. C. SPAIDj- Third U. S: C. C Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 103 It must be explained that this ferry was simply a small scow or flat boat, on which not more than ten horses could be carried at a time, and was propelled by means of a rope stretched from bank to bank. There being no oars, the men procured some pieces of plank with which they attempted to paddle the boat across the river, but in midstream they lost control of the boat in the swift current and were carried down the river, only being res- cued on reaching the fleet, six miles below, where they were taken off by a rescuing party sent out by one of the gun-boats. When rescued, the men were terribly chilled from ex- posure to the cold in their soaked and almost naked condition. Failing to effect a crossing, Major Cook returned to the transport with his command, taking the four prisoners and their horses with him. The horses captured on this scout were fine animals, one of them being a thorough-bred stallion. This reconnaissance developed the fact that the rebels had evacuated Yazoo City, and that the force encountered at the ferry, being an outpost, were the last to leave the city. It was evident that General Ross and his forces had been called away to operate elserhere. The next morning, February 9th, the fleet moved up the river and occupied Yazoo City without opposition. Colonel Osband arrived on the 10th, with the balance of the regiment, coming up the river by boat, and meeting no opposition, the enemy having withdrawn. This increased the cavalry force to about three hundred men and officers. Colonel Coates was so well pleased with the con- duct of the small detachment under Major Cook, that he asked that the balance of the regiment be sent to him. Under such leaders as Colonel Osband and Major Cook, ably seconded by the junior officers, all noted for their dash and daring, it did not take this regiment long to come to the front, and it was soon recognized as one of the most efficient cavalry regiments in the western army. Leaving Yazoo City on the 11th, the fleet started up the river, the cavalry marching over land, covering both sides of the river, the force being about equally divided, Colonel Osband commanding the force on the east side, and Major Cook that . 104 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. . on the west side of the river. The boats regulated their speed to that of the cavalry, which kept a little in advance. The cavalry had orders not to go beyond supporting distance of the boats. In one instance, however, Major Cook, in taking a short cut where the river almost doubled in its course, got some distance ahead of the boats, and being in an exposed position, the advance gun-boat, mistaking them for the enemy, opened fire with four long range guns, the shot, though, went wide of the mark. The cavalry moved steadily on, not knowing they were the ob- ject fired at, but the firing continuing, the shot coming closer as the gunners got the range, the cavalry halted and raised a white flag, when the firing ceased. At this point a halt was called, whten the commanding of- ficers all met on the flag ship, and arranged a code of signals, whereby future mistakes of this kind would be avoided. When Major Cook boarded the flag ship, Captain Owen apologized to him for firing on his command, to which Major Cook replied, "O, it's all right, I knew you couldn't hit us." The captain taking this as a reflection on the markmanship of his gunners, responded with some caustic remarks more forceable than po- lite. But the matter was finally amicably settled over a glass of the ship's grog. After this somewhat exciting and interesting episode, the expedition resumed its onward march, nothing worthy of note occurring the remainder of that day and the next, but in the afternoon of the 13th, indications of a considerable force of the enemy was discovered on the east side of the river when Major Cook and his detachment were transferred to the east side to join Colonel Osband. Thus united, the regiment moved forward and soon en- countered a regiment of rebel cavalry, five hundred strong, commanded by Colonel A. H. Forrest, a brother of the no- torious rebel general of that name. Here a sharp fight took place. It was a fight between colored troops and a portion of the command that gave no quarter at Fort Pillow. The officers who led the squadrons of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, had, while in their former regiments, fought Forrest's cavalry on many hotly contested fields, and they knew I L S. Coloi ■■' i , ; .:. ■.. 105 his tactics. The fight was fast and furious from start to finish. Though the black troopers were greatly outnumbered, but their superior discipline and skill of their officers, overmatched their opponents, who soon found themselves ouitmaneuvened, flanked, and their formation broken. Quick to take advantage of the openings left by their less skilled opponents, the officers of the black troopers hurled their squadrons upon them with a force that could not be resisted. Several spirited charges were made on 'both sides, the most gallant, perhaps, was that led by Lieutenant James S. Matthews, of company A, 3rd U. S. When he shook out his blankets that night, which he carried in a roll on his saddle, he found that several bullets had passed through them, one bullet having lodged therein, which he keeps as a souvenir of the war. In this engagement the regiment suffered a loss of five en- listed men killed and ten wounded, also quite a number of horses killed and wounded. The enemy's loss must have been heavy, both in killed and wounded, besides a loss of fifteen taken prisoners, and with- al they were badly shaken up. The cavalry embarked at this point, and the fleet continued on up the river, arriving at Greenwood the 14th, where the whole command disembarked and went into camp. This was the objective point of the expedition. Greenwood it situated near the headwater of the Yazoo, two hundred miles from its mouth. The Yazoo is formed by the union of the Tallahatchie and Yallabusha rivers, and it traverses one of the most fertile re- gions of Mississippi, devoted almost exclusively to the raising of cotton. On disembarking, at Greenwood, the command was wel- comed hy Colonel Greenwood LeFlore, the old chief of the Choctaw's, who owned an extensive plantation near the town, also a large number of slaves. The town was named in honor of the old chief, who, when his tribe was moved to the Indian Territory, elected to remain in his old home, which was en- deared to him by so many associations, so he resigned the chief- tancy of his tribe. The old chief had remained true to the Union. 106 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. He had fought with General Jackson, "Old Hickory," in the Florida war, and had imbibed a great love for the Union and the flag. He had preserved a small American flag, keeping it concealed in his house, and when the toops landed, he met them, waving the flag, and raising his hands, exclaimed, "Thank God, I have lived to see the old flag again carried by United States soldiers. Take of my supplies what you will. I give freely. My negroes, too, shall fight for the Union." x\nd so they did. After that the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry had many men on its rolls, who bore the old chief's name. Colonel LeFlore, for such the old chief was called by the people far and near, entertained the officers of the command at his palatial residence, setting before them the best of everything his house afforded. He told the officers that he had promised General Jackson that he would always remain loyal to the government of the United States, and that he had kept his promise, nowihsanding the threats and persecutions of the ultra secessionists. A RECONNAISSANCE. An attempt to open communication with the forces under General Smith. At daylight on the morning of the 16th, Colonel Osband, with the effective force of the regiment, 250 men and officers, by di- rection of Colonel Coates, left camp to make a reconnaissance in the direction of Grenada, in fact to proceed to that place if found practicable to do so ; the Object 'being to open communica- tion with the cavalry forces of General William Sooy Smith, who was to have left Memphis on February 1st, and whose line of march, it was thought, would be through' or near Grenada, which place was about 35 miles northeast of Greenwood. It was necessary to move with great caution, as it was known that the rebel cavalry under General Forrest, were concentrating to give battle to General Smith. Therefore Major Cook, with two companies, was assigned to the advance. Nothing occurred to interrupt the march until some time in Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 107 the afternoon, when, as Major Cook's advance struck the main road leading into Grenada, and some five or six miles from that place, a regiment of rebel cavalry was encountered. It being in the woods, the two commands came face to face before either knew of the other's presence, neither could they judge of their relative strength. The rebels were marching in a loose, careless manner, evidently not suspecting the presence of an enemy, con- sequently they were not prepared for the reception they re- ceived, while on the contrary, Major Cook had his men under ready control, and was able to commence hostilities on the in- stant, by well directed volleys. When saddles are being emptied, men throwing up their arms and falling, the best of disciplined troops will waver. Colonel Osband coming to the front with the balance of the regiment, the squadrons deploring to the right and left, firing as they ad- vanced, the enemy was thrown into hopeless confusion, and retired from the field, going in the direction of Grenada. They wiere pursued about a mile, when, it being ascertained that Gen- eral Forrest was then in Grenada with his entire command, 6,000 or 7,000 strong it was deemed unadvisable to proceed further. So making a rightabout face, the command returned to Green- wood, reaching that place at 2 :30 o'clock the next morning. It transpired that the force encountered was one of the reg- iments of General Forrest's command, and were then on their way to join the main command then at Grenada; that General Forrest was concentrating his cavalry at that place, preparatory to inter- cepting the force under General Smith, whom he met a few days later some forty miles from Grenada, where an engagement took place, and that General Smith, after making a feeble resis- tance, retreated back to Memphis. So what worked the ruin of General Smith, saved the Yazoo expedition, for had General Forrest turned from his course one day's march whan near Greenwood, utter annihilation would in all probability have been the fate of the Yazoo expedition. But that wily general had bigger game in view. And had General Smith left Memphis at the appointed time, the way then being open, a staggering blow would have been dealt the confederacy, the moral and military effect of which would have been far- reach in 2f in its results'. 108 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. CAPTAIN C. C. SPAIDS. Captain Spaids was born in Oswego County, State of New York. He removed with his parents to Chicago in 1847, where he was educated, graduating from the first High School estab- lished in that city. On completing his education he traveled over the West, locating in the Rocky Mountain country, where the echo of the guns of Fort Sumter, vibrating from peak to peak, warmed him that the flag was in danger, and returning to Chicago, he enlisted in Company A, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, which company was subsequently (attached to General Grant's headquarters as that general's body guard, and served as such until after the fall of Vicksburg. In this company, noted for its soldierly appearance and perfection in drill, be rose to the rank of Lieutenant. This promotion came to him by merit alone. He resigned his commission in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, in the fall of 1863, to accept a captaincy in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, commanding company F, of that regiment until March 1865, when failing health compelled him to quit the service, and resigning his commission, he returned to the pursuits of civil life, leaving an army record bright with brilliant deeds. For soldierly bearing, bravery, dash and duty well performed few officers equaled and none excelled the subject of this sketch. CHAPTER VII. The Expedition Returns to Yazoo City. During the 17 and 18th, the regiment remained in camp, it being the first season of rest enjoyed since leaving Haynes Bluff. In the meantime the transports wiere being loaded with cotton and forage, the latter for the horses while en transit. The cotton was taken from disloyal citizens ; much of it, however, was the property of the Confederate States Government. On the morn- ing of the 19th, the infantry and a part of the cavalry embarked and the expedition started down the river, emroute to Yazoo City. Major Cook, however, with 200 roan and officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, was ordered to proceed overland to Carroll- ton and thence to Blackhawk, and to rejoin the fleet at Sidon, a Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 109 river town some 30 or 40 miles below Greenwood. Carrollton and Blackhawk were interior towns, the former about fifteen and the latter about 25 miles from Greenwood. Major Cook made an early start, leaving Greenwood before it was fairly daylight on the morning of the 19th, the fleet not getting under way until later in the day. Moving with his customary caution and dispatch, Major Cook dashed into Carroll- ton early in the forenoon, surprising and capturing 20 prisoners and as many horses. The 'men captured at this place, were strag- glers from Forrest's cavalry, also several officers, who were re- cruiting for the confederate army. Leaving Garrollton, the command moved 'briskly on toward Blackhawk. It was learned that there were a large number of rebel soldiers in and around Blackhawk, nearly all of whom were stragglers and deserters from different rebel regiments, and that they were well armed and mounted, and that they had organ- ized themselves into a sort of home guard, which also included many citizens. It was quite likely therefore that they would give battle, or what was more probable, that they would ambush the command at some favorable point along the road, as it seemed they had received notice of the approach of the scouting party. Lieutenant Fernald was given the advance with 25 men of company B, and ordered to move rapidly but cautiously, lest he run into an ambuscade. Much of the way was through woods, the ground rough and hilly, offering many advantages for an am- bushed foe. About 2 p. m. Lieutenant Fernald surprised a rebel picket of a few men, who, after firing a few shots, mounted their horses and fled, going towards Blackhawk. Moving forward to the crest of a hill, which afforded a view of the village of Blackhawk. Lieutenant Fernald could see that the streets were thronged with men and horses. Returning he reported what he had seen to Major Cook, at the same time requesting permission to charge into the town with his company, which request was granted, Major Cook following with the balance of the command. As Lieutenant Fernald and his men dashed over the crest of the hill, coming into view of those in the town, there was a great commotion among them. Some would-be leaders were making- frantic efforts to rally their disorganized forces, but before any sort of a formation could be effected, the black troopers were 110 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. upon them, firing and yelling, and before the balance of the com- mand got within striking distance, Lieutenant Fernald and his men had them on the run. The result of this skirmish was six of the enemy killed, a number wounded, and 23 taken prisoners, also 30 horses and mules 'captured. Leaving Blackhawk, it'hie command, now pretty well encum- bered with prisoners and captured 'Stock, 'horses and mules, took up line of march toward Sidon, 15 miles distant, but night coming on, the command went into camp five miles from Blackhawk, having marched forty miles that day, engaged in it wo spirited skirmishes, and captured forty-three prisoners and seventy head of horses and mules. Resuming the march on the following morning, February 20th, the command reached Sidon about 10 a. m., where the transports were waiting to take them on board. The embark- ation of the men and horses was isoon effected, when the fleet started down the river. The run down the river to Yazoo City was uneventful, but rendered slow and tedious on account of the many short curves in the river and overhanging trees. The same difficulties were experienced going up the river. On the way down, 'small scouting parties of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry were frequently landed to scout the country on the east bank. These scouting parties captured quite a number of horses and mules, also a few beef cattle, the latter being killed for the use of the troops. The expedition reached Yazoo City on Sunday, February 28th, about 10 a. m. The Third U. S. Gol- oired Cavalry, however, was landed several miles above the city, on the east bank, with orders to move down the valley, reconnoitre, and picket all the road's leading into- the city. In the meantime the fleet moved down to a point in front of the city, where the gun-boats anchored out in the stream, and the transports tied up at the landing place, and the infantry were disembarked and went into camp on the river front. Colonel Osband, after reconnoitiering and posting pickets as directed, re- turned to the city and camped his command on the river front a little north of the city. Capt. JESSK BRAINAKD, Third V. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. ill YAZOO CITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENTS. At the time «o£ which we write, Yazoo City was a town of perhaps 1,500 or 2,000 inhabitants. Situated in the beautiful val- ley of the Yazoo, pleasing to the eye and highly picturesque, this place presented many features of natural beauty. At its very door flowed the Yazoo, its highway of commerce. Before grim war disrupted the country, negular packets plied between Yazoo City and Vicksburg, touching at all intermediate points, the distance being about one hundred miles. The only other channel of communication with the outside world was by wagon road. At this point the valley narrowed to about a mile in width, gradually sloping back, on the east, to a range of high, rugged hills from whose summit a view of the city and valley, miles in extent, could be had, and overlooking, further to the east, north and south, a wide expanse of table land, broken here and there by alternate ridges and 'ravines. From this point the beholder could not fail to be impressed with the grandeur of the scene. On the nearest promontory, jutting out into the valley as though nature had placed it there for some special purpose, was a fortified position, fort or redoubt, which had been constructed by the confederates. This fort occupied a commanding position, and could be used to defend the city from a land or river attack. Mention is made of this fort because it was soon to become the scene of one of the niosi stubbornly fought battles of the war ; plan of fort, troops engaged, etc. is shown, on another page. This part of Mississippi, known as the Yazoo delta, unsur- passed in fertility of soil, and only equalled by the 1 famed valley of the Nile, was the richest cotton producing section of the South. This region abounded in plantations of vast area, their owners counting their acres by the thousands, to cultivate which required the labor of thousands of slaves. The owners of these planta- tions rarely lived on them, except perhaps for a short time dur- ing the hunting season, their sole care and management being left to overseers. It was here that slavery -was found in its most revolting form. The poor whites lived in the hill country, where they eked out a scanty and most miserable existence. They were, however, all 112 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. ultra secessionists, and knew no law but that laid down by the slave owners, to whom they cringed and crawled with all the servility of serfs. In Yazoo City was found a motley crowd of old "mossbacks," types of poor white trash, too old or deorepid for service in the rebel army. These dilapidated specimens of humanity, poor peo- ple of a slave-cursed country, were lounging about or sitting on goods boxes in front of tavern or store, whittling, frescoing the sidewalk with tobacco juice and discussing "de wah." They were yet even loth to believe that Vicksburg had surrendered, which place many of them had never visited, and they had unbounded confidence in the invincibility of the rebel army and of the ulti- mate success of secession. The ignorance, stupidity and super- stition of these people was deplorable, and furnished the most convincing proof of the blighting effects of slavery. Yazoo City was rightly termed the "hot bed of secession." The rabid sentiment of the poor people Who had everything to gain and nothing to lose by the downfall of slavery, was pro- vokingly manifested on every hand. This was the first Union force to visit the city, which up to this time, being isolated from the track of the Union army, had escaped the ravages of war, but these people were yet to feel the heavy hand of the Federal gov- ernment, and to pay the penalty of their disloyalty. Subsequently Yazoo City 'became the scene of many cavalry raids, teaching the people thie bitter consequences of rebellion and war. A RUNNING FIGHT ON THE BENTON ROAD. Major Cook, with Forty Men, Stampedes a Texas Brigade. As previously stated, the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, after picketing the roads leading into the city, went into camp north of the city, where the man were congratulating themselves on having a little rest, when Major Cook received orders to take a detachment of forty men and make a reconnaissance on the Benton road. Major Cook selected for this duty 'Captain Frank Cook of Company E, and twenty of his men, and Lieutenant S.H. Pettengill of Company D, and twenty of his men, making a total force of forty enlisted men and two commissioned officers. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 118 Major Cook having no knowledge of the country, Colonel Coates furnished him with a guide, a man named Hildreth report- ing to him for this duty. j This Mr. Hildreth claimed to be a citizen of Yazoo city, and an ex-sheriff of that county. Hildreth told Major Cook, as they rode along, that he was; of northern birth, in consequence of which, he was looked upon with suspicion by his seciession neigh- bors, though he had lived there many years and had married a southern woman. He also stated that a number of rebel soldiers had stolen into the city the night before and carried off his brother whom they mistook for him, and that he had accepted the position as guide with the hope of finding and rescuing his brother, all of which may or may not have been true, at any rate there was no evidence to show he purposely led the scouting party into danger. Leaving Yazoo City, Major Cook took the road known as the Benton plank road, which led in an easterly direction and past the fort on the hill previously mentioned. All went well until they reached a point some five or six miles from the city, when, on turning a sharp bend in the road, they came unexpectedly upon the enemy, numbering fifty or sixty men, who 'had halted in the road and dismounted. The surprise seemed to be mutual. The officers of the black regiment, however, were never much surprised at anything, and were the first to act, getting in the first volley while the enemy were mounting, following it up by a charge that sent them to the right about on the double-quick, But a still greater surprise was in store for Major Cook and his men, who following up the fleeing enemy, soon found themselves confronted by a whole brigade of cavalry, consisting of the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 9th Texas iregiments, fully 2,000 strong, commanded by General L. S. Ross in person. General Ross was a cavalry leader of wide experience, undoubted courage and recognized ability. This brigade was the pride and boast of the confederate army. It transpired that Major Cook bad first struck the ad- vance guard of this brigade, which was moving to occupy Yazoo city, not knowing that the Union forces were already there, but, on the contrary, believing that they were far away up the Yazoo river, henoe their lax manner of marching, resulting in the sur- prise and confusion into which they ted been thrown by the charge of the black troopers. 114 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. As the black troopers rushed 'the rebel advance back, cloud of dust raised by the clatter of so many horses, prever -2 the main force of the enemy from forming any kind of an mate of the numbers of their assailants, and they were undeci" whether to fight or run away. It was said that, at the time the collision occurred, General Ross was seated on the ground by the road-side, examining a map showing the topography of the country, and that his com- mand had come to a temporary halt, bis men being dismounted. At any rate, the momentary confusion into which the enemy had been thrown, gave Major Cook an opportunity, which he quickly seized, to put his men on the defensive. From the position he occupied, Major Cook could seie beyond the cloud of dust, show- ing the roads and woods full of rebel cavalry, and he instantly realized the dangler of his position as well as the danger that menaneed the command 'back in the city, unless, indeed, they oould be warned in time to prepare to meet it. The guide, Mr. Hildreth, being mounted on a fine horse, Major Cook dispatched him with a message to Colonel Coates, inform- ing that officer of the situation, and advising him to get his men into the fort on the hill as quickly as possible, and that he (Cook) would fall back, fighting, until he reached the fort, where he would make a stand. On receiving his instructions, the guide dashed away, his thoroughbred literally flying over the road. He was evidently only too glad of the 'Opportunity to get out of the fracas, and his speed was further accelerated by a twelve-pound shot from one of the enemy's guns, which tore the top out of a large oak tree under which he and Major Cook were standing when he re- ceived his instructions. The rebels were quick to get a battery into position on a hill to the right of the road, from Which they commenced to throw solid slhot and shell, getting the range on Major Cook's position almost from the start, and it was one of the first shots that struck the tree under which Major Cook and the guide were standing. At isuch times, events occur with lightning-like rapidity, and the officer with quick perception, cool head, and prompt to act, rises equal to the occasion. The rebels soon recovered from their temporary confusion, and presented a battle front that showed Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 115 the skill and experience of their commander. Flanking parties and skirmish lines quickly moved out, and soon the rattle of musketry and the boom of cannon awoke the echoes of the sur- . rounding hills. In the meantime Major Cook withdrew his men to a point out of range of the enemy's battery, where he divided his force into two squads of twenty men each, under Captain Cook and Lieutenant Pettengill, respectively, with instructions to make a stand at every available point, deliver their fine and fall back alternatively. Thus a firing line was constantly facing the enemy, who receiving a volley every few minutes from some un- erpected quarter, were held in check. The country was favorable for this sort of warfare, being hilly, broken by deep ravines, and covered by a scrubby growth of trees. After making several reckless charges, exposing themselves to the well directed fire of the black troopers, they exercised more caution. Had General Ross known that his famous brigade was being held at bay by a mere squad of "nigger" cavalry, he would un- doubtedly have felt cheap. A spirited dash at any time, well supported, would have utterly crushed the little squad opposing him. But such are the chances of war. Few commanders nave the hardihood to rush their men into unknown dangers. To the black troopers and their white officers, capture meant death, and as the Texans were known to take no "nigger" prisoners, the black soldiers had to face the alternative, victory or death, for had it come to a rout they would have been run down and killed without mercy. As it was, however, five of the black troopers, having their horses shot under them, fell into the hands of the enemy and were murdered. , At almost every stand they made, one or more of the black toopers went down before the fire of the enemy, but before their deadly aim many of their opponents also fell. Saddles were emptied and the riderless horses, foam-flecked and frenzied, dashed hither and thither between the contending forces. The enemy pressed on, coming closer and closer, when the black troopers, with their ranks thinned, their carbine ammunition er- nausted, had recourse to their big army revolvers, which, in point of range, were about equal to the rebel shot-guns. At this crit- ical juncture Captain Cook was shot, receiving a charge of buck- shot in his hip, at close range, which soon filled his boot with 116 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. blood, and though faint from loss of blood, he kept his saddle and said nothing. Fortunately, however, Major Cook discov- ered his condition and ordered him to the near, fearing he might faint from loss of blood and fall into the hands of the enemy. Thus the retreat was conducted, contesting every foot of the ground until the fort was reached, where they dismounted and took position therein, sending their ihorsies back to the camp near the city. This fort was simply an earth embankment thrown up on the hill, with a deep ditch extending around on the outside. Almost immediately after reaching the fort, Major Cook was joined by Colonels Coates and Osband, the former with) the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and the 'latter with the balance of the Third U. S.' Colored Calvary, dismounted. They came up the hill on the double quick, starting immediately on receipt of Major Cook's message sent by the guide. As these troops entered the fort and manned the works, they yelled defiance to the foe, who came to a halt about eight hundred 1 yards from the fort. The Eleventh Illinois Infantry was the crack regiment of the "Sucker State," and had won fame on the bloody fields of Fort Doneldson, Shiloh', Vicksburg, and numerous other less impor- tant battles and skirmishes, in every one of which they reflected credit on the army and the great State from which they hailed. The rebels, seeing now that they were up against something, com- menced to maneuver for position. They took position on the ad- jacent hills east of the fort, keeping well under cover. One part of their force, however, taking position on a hill north of the Benton road and nearest to the fort, about 1,000 yards, be- coming aggressive, Lieutenant Frank Calais, with his Company A, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, dismounted, was ordered to move out and make a demonstration, with a view to develop their position and strength. Lieutenant Calais moved his company under cover of a deep ravine until nearly opposite the enemy's position, when, deploy- ing his men, he commenced the ascent of the hill, being yet partially screened by 'the scrubby growth of underbrush growing on the side of the hill. But the rebels, lying concealed in the brush along the crest of the hill, were alert, and soon the sharp crack of the union carbines denoted that the battle was on. As Lieutenant Calais and his men advanced, they found them- Capt. HOWARD COOK, Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 117 selves opposed by a heavy line of skirmishers, with whom they had a ^siharp engagement, but night coming on, the firing ceased. The enemy disappeared from the hill, faded away in the gather- ing gloom, to go into camp for the night. Leaving a sufficient force to garrison the fort, the command returned to their camp on the river front, the men sleeping on their arms that night. Colonel Coates held a consultation with the regimental commanders, Captain Owen, commanding gun-boats, and Major Cook were also present. The situation was dis- cussed at this meeting, and from all indications it seemed evident that the enemy were gathering in force for an attaok, and hot work was looked forward to. But the morrow dawned bright and peaceful, and the day passed, bringing no demonstration from the enemy. The troops were disposed in a manner to best meet an attack and to defend the city and its approaches. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was assigned the important duty of 'holding the Benton road and the fort. The infantry was assigned the duty of guarding the Lexington road on the north and the Vicksburg road on the south, and mounted pickets were detailed from the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry for out- posts on all the iroads. Major Cook, with 200 men and officers of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, was charged with the duty of holding the Benton road and the fort. Day after day the same round went on, the enemy making no move, but the vigilance of the union officers never relaxed. The silence was ominous. CAPTAIN HOWARD COOK. The subject of this sketch was born May 23, 1844, at Pleas- ant Grove, Lancaster County, Penn. He enlisted in Company "H," Fourth Illinois Cavalry, September, 1861, in which reg- iment he served until April 30, 1864, being successively promoted to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant for meritorious conduct in action. Always on the active list, lie participated in all the battles and campaigns of this regiment, beginning at Fort Don- elson and Shiloh, and ending with the capture of Vicksburg. 118 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. March 1, 1864, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Third U. S. .Colored Cavalry, and assigned to Company "I"; First Lieutenant, January 23, 1865, and assigned to Com- pany "E," promoted to Captain of that Company, August 5, 1865. He led ihlis company in the charge at Black River Bridge, November 27, 1864, where lie was conspicuous at the point of greatest danger. His soldierly bearing, splendid horsemanship and pleasing personality marked him as an ideal cavalry officer. His whole military career was typical of the young officers Who led the charging squadrons of this regiment. After the war 'he studied medicine, graduating at the University of Pennsylvania. Going wiest, he located at Edna, Kansas, where, country prac- tice not being congenial to him, hie moved to Trinidad, Col- arado, and thence to Omaha, Nebraska, where he, after years' of successful practice, died October 22, 1896. CHAPTER VIII. the; storm breaks. The Bloody Fight of March 5, 1864. After the fight on the Benton road, February 28, the enemy maintained an ominous silence, not even a picket shot broke the monotony. But at daylight on the morning of March 5thl, the storm broke in all its fury. During the lull from March 1st, to the morning of the 5th, the enemy werie largely reemforced by the arrival of General Richardson, with his brigade, consisting of the 14th, 15th, and 17th. Tennessee regiments, and the 8th Louisiana, over 2,000 strong. Thus reinforced the combined forces of Ross and Richardson, numbering between 4,000 and 5,000 men, formed a cordon around the city during the night of March 4th, and at daylight on the morning of March 5th, they were hurled against the Union 1 troops, numbering but 1,217 men and officers all told. The rebel lines extended from a point above the city, on the Lexington road on the north, thence east, around to the Vicks- burg road on the south.. Out on the Lexington road, 1,500 yards northeast of the fort on the Benton road, was a redoubt occupy- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 119 ing a corramandiing position, which was occupied by the enemy •under General Richardson, where they planted a battery; on a hill just north of the Benton road 1 , about 1,000 yards from the last named fort, the enemy planted several guns, and on a hill south' of the Benton road 900 yards' from the fort, the enemy planted another battery, and still further around to the south were two more redoubts within easy range of the Union position. Within the area embraced by these commanding positions, scattered through the gullies and ravines, safe from the shot and s'hell of their own artillery, were eight rebel regiments. The gun-boats could render no assistance in this fight, as the city and the Union troops were -between them and the enemy. The rebels opened the fight by first advancing on the Benton road, driving in the pickets of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. This picket consisted of one company, "B", commanded by Cap- tain Emlery, and was posted one mile from the fort, on the Ben- ton road. The report of their carbines, volley after volley, as they met the attack, was the first sound to break the stillness of the early morning, denoting to the practiced ear that an attack in foroe was being made. Major Cook was at the fort, and hastened with a detachment of the regiment to support the picket, but the enemy came on with a rush that he could not check, and he was compelled to fall back and seek cover in the fort, first, however, making a stand in some rifle ipits outside the fort, but the enemy's artillery making that position untenable, he with- drew his men to the inside. Major Cook had strengthened the fort a few days previous by placing isome hieavy plank on the parapet to serve as head barricades. These planks were taken from the Benton roiad, and placed one upon another, leaving a space beneath to fire through. This barricade proved a great protection to the men, shielding them from the rebel sharp- shooters. Without this barricade Major Cook thinks the fort could not have held out. While making the change from the rifle pits toj the fort, Lieutenant Eugene Walker, Company C, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, was struck and instantly killed by a piece of shell, which exploded just outside the sally port, and which also killed and wounded several of the men. At this critical moment, the enemy 120 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. being about to storm the works, two companies of the Eleventh Illinois infantry, sent by Colonel Coates, lentered the fort, com- ing up the hill on the double quick These companies numbered in the aggregate about 80 men, and were commanded by their respective captains. This in- creased Major Cook's force to about 300 enlisted men, with which to contend against 2,500. The enemies batteries, from their commanding positions on the adjacent hills, rained shot and shell into and around the be- sieged fort, some of the shot bursting in the air over the fort, the pieces falling among the men, killing and wounding many, and others finding lodgment in the earth-works, or ploughing deep furrows in the 'earth, covering the men with dirt and debris, while the rebel sharpshooters, crouching in gully and ravine, closed in around the besieged fort, in readiness for the final rush, which was to carry the fort by assault. Surely the little fort and its brave defenders seemed doomed. It was well known that the Texans took no "nigger" prisoners, therefore no quarter could be expected. Midst such scenes the stoutest heart might well quail. Thus the battle raged for several hours, the enemy all the time taking more advanced ground, when the firing ceased, and a flag of truce was seen approaching the fort. Major Cook sprang upon the parapet, where he was hailed by Colonel Mabry of the Third Texas Cavalry, bearing a message from General Ross, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of the forces holding the fort, to which demand Major Cook made this reply, "My compliments to General Ross, and say to him that if hie wants this fort to come and take it." Colonel Mabry, bowing, returned to his command, and the firing was soon re- sumed. It may be stated here that General Ross ac- companied his demand for the surrender of the fort with threats of dire consequences in case he was com- pelled to take the fort by assault. The men and officers were witnesses to the interview between Maj. Cook and the officer bear- ing the white flag and they were highly delighted at the con- clusion. After the flag of truce incident, the attack was renewed with even more fury than before ; they pushed their lines closer and redoubled their fire, both with artillery and small arms. Lieu- Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 121 tenant Archibald Steward, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, fell mortally wounded, dying in a few minutes, and the men were falling on every side, killed or wounded. At this trying moment, Major McKee, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, reached the fort, having been sent by Colonel Coates, who was much concerned for the safety of those in it. Major McKee reached the fort through a deep ravine, flanking the Ninth Texas Cav- alry, which regiment 'had gained a position west of the fort' and between it and the city, and only about 100 yards from the fort. In reaching the fort Major McKee was often exposed to the fire of the enemy and that he was not shot was truly providential. Maj. McKee ranked Maj. Cook by seniority of commission, and he at once assumed command. It being feared that the 9th Texas, which had secured a strong position west of the fort, and quite close to it, might attempt a charge across the intervening space, Major McKee ordered com- panies A, and B, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, to take position outside the fort, in a deep 'ditch on the west side, bringing them face to face with the 9th Texas. These companies were com- manded 'by Captain Emery and Lieutenant Calais, respectively. Major McKee accompanied these companies and remained with them, -directing their movements. The enemy now farmed a com- plete circle around the fort, ranging from 100 to 200 yards dis- tant. They made repeated charges to carry the works by assault, but were as often beaten back, leaving the hill-side strewn with their dead and wounded. At intervals the enemy would cease firing and send out a flag of truce, demanding the surrender of the fort ; see correspondence between Major McKee and General Ross. The troops in the city, under Colonels Coates and Peebles, were savagely attacked by the forces of General Richardson, who entered the city from the north, on the Lexington road, and availing themselves of the protection of the buildings, fought their way from house to house until they reached a point near the river, where Colonel Coates had caused to be constructed a 'hast- ily improvised barricade of cotton bales, and where he had planted a howitzer he procured from one of the gun-boats. Here the enemy were brought to a stand, but they made repeated assaults, and the fighting became so fierce that the men in charge of the howitzer abandoned it and fled to the ship, but the officer of the 122 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. deck refused to let them come aboard. Another gun-squad, how- ever, wasi quickly secured, who had pluck enough to stand by their gun. This second squad handled the gun with consummate skill and effectiveness throughout the remainder of the fight. For a long time the issue trembled in the balance, it seeming that the Union soldiers must be overcome by sheer force of num- bers, and it was only by their heroic bravery and bulldog tenacity that they maintained their ground. Communication between the Union forces in the city and those in the fort was now cut off, the fort being completely surrounded. The defeat of one meant the certain downfall of the other. Those in the city watched with bated breath the flag on the fort, for as long as it waved there was hope, and the officers commanding these respective positions, real- izing the fact that defeat to one meant the utter destruction of the whole, fought on with a sublime courage that challenges compar- ison. And so the fight raged, the yells of the combatants, the groans of the wounded and the prayers of the dying being drowned in the general tumult. At a moment when it seemed that the Union troops must yield to the great preponderance of numbers, one of those lucky incidents occurred that sometimes turn the tide of battle. It was brought about by a bold dash made by Lieutenants Farley and Carson of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Lieutenants Farley and Carson had been sent back to camp early that morning by Major Cook, to gather up all the men left in camp, and bring them to the fort, but on their return, they were cut off by the forces of General Richardson then enter- ing the city. With the men they had gathered up, some 20 or 30, they fought their way back to the city, losing two men, killed by the enemy. Reaching the city, they put themselves at the com- mand of Colonel Coates, doing gallant service. These officers, as before stated, leading .such men as> they could rally, made a bold dash that turned the enemy's left flank, which threw them into confusion. Sometimes it required but a trifle to start a panic, which once set in motion is as uncontrollable as a drove of Texas steers when stampeded. When the rebel line in the city broke, the 9th Texas, rebel, occupying a position Aviest of the fort, see- ing the stampede oi their friends, and fearing that they too would be cut off, also broke in disorder. This being the regiment con- fronting Major McKee and the two companies of the Third U. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 128 S. Colored Cavalry, that officer sallied forth with these compan- ies, dashed down the hill, firing and yelling, which completed the rout of the 9th Texas, which degenerated into a mad scramble to seek shelter in gully and ravine. By these lucky and timely moves by the officers named, the combined forces of Ross and Richardson were defeated and put to flight. Thus the battle of Yazoo City was fought and won. The enemy was in retreat, leaving their dead and wounded where they fell. The sun was disappearing below the western horizon when the firing ceased. The fight had raged with unceasing fury since daylight that morning, and the men, powder burnt, begrimed, and worn out, threw themselves on the ground and slept. The enemy went into camp a few miles from the city, from which point General Richardson, carried on a correspondence with Colonel Coates respecting the disposition of the rebel dead and wounded, which together with Colonel Coates' official reports of the fight, are herewith attached. The losses of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry in the fight of March 5th and the skirmishes leading up to it were as follows : Two commissioned officers killed, and three wounded; fifteen enlisted men killed, and twenty wounded; total casualties, 40. HOMEWARD BOUND. On March 8th, in compliance with orders from the command- ing general, the troops were embarked, and proceeded down the river. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was disembarked at Haynes Bluff, where they went into their old camp, the balance of the command continuing on to Vicksburg. During this expedition, the regiment secured many recruits, nearly enough to complete its organization, and captured stock enough, horses and mules, to mount all the men. The conduct of the regiment on this expedition placed it on an equal footing with the best cavalry in the department. The remains of Lieutenants Walter and Steward were brought back to Haynes Bluff, where they were placed in metallic cases and shipped to their friends in the north. In the death of these promising young officers, the regiment suffered an irreparable loss. 124 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. Unfortunately General Ross' first demand for the surrender of the fort on the Benton road, made 'early in the day of March 5th, was not made in writing, being delivered verbally by Colonel Mabry, of the Third Texas, and which is not mentioned in Col- onel Coates' official report. This demand was made to Major Cook and before Major McKee assumed command. FIRST UEUTENANT EDWIN FARLEY. Lieutenant Farley was born in Walworth County, State of . Wisconsin, August 28, 1842. He enlisted in Company K., Eighth Wisconsin Infantry, known as the "Eagle Regiment," August 26, 1861, being soon promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was with his regiment in the battle of Fredericktown, Mo., October 1861, in the battle of Island No. 10, the battle of Farmington, Miss., May 8, 1862, the siege of Corinth and the battle of Iuka, Miss. He was taken prisoner at the last named battle and sent to Vicksburg, where he was held until paroled and sent to St. Louis, Mo., to await exchange June 1st, following, when he re- joined his regiment at Union City, Tenn. He was with his reg- iment in all its battles and campaigns, including the battle of Richmond, La., Jackson and Raymond, Miss., and the charge on the works of Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. He was detailed October 1863 as recruiting officer for the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry then being organized at Vicksburg. He was discharged from the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry De- cember 12, 1863 to accept promotion as Second Lieutenant in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, and assigned to Company C, promoted to First Lieutenant January 23, 1865 for meritorious conduct in action, and assigned to Company B, assigned to Com- pany I, August 8, 1865. At the battle of Woodville, Miss., October 6 ; 1864, Lieuten- ant Farley led his company in a sabre charge, capturing Holmes' Louisiana Battery, three pieces. He was severely wounded while leading his company in a charge at the battle of Franklin, Miss., January 2, 1865. He was mustered out with the regiment Jan- uary 26, 1866. Resuming his place in the ranks of civil life, he continued to ED. FARLEY, 1st Lieut. Third V. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 126 maintain that sturdy devotion to the principles of truth and good citizenship that always finds its reward in success and the good will of men. Embarking in business in Paducah, Kentucky, soon after the war, he won a place among the substantial business men of that city, and where he has reared an interesting family. At the Ken- tucky State election, recently held, Lieutenant Farley wa9 hon- ored with the position of State Treasurer. In the long list of volunteer soldiers who emerged from the ranks by sheer force of merit alone, winning a place in that splen- did galaxy of the brightest types of the American volunteer sol- dier, the subject of this sketch furnishes a conspicuous example. CHAPTER IX. Correspondence between Brigadier General L. S. Ross, Com- manding Texas Brigade, and Major George C. McKee, com- manding Redoubt on Benton road, Yazoo City, March 5, 1864. (First Demand Received by Major McKee.) "The first demand was for the unconditional surrender of my intrenchments and the forces under my command. "The officer who brought the flag of truce (Lieutenant Rogers, of General Ross' staff) stated that he was also instructed to say to the commander of the redoubt, " that in case of having to storm the works, General Ross said he would be unable to restrain his men." I answered, "that means General Ross will murder the prisoners if he is successful." Lieutenant Rogers said, "No, not exactly tihat, but you know how it will be." I then refused to receive the communication and told Lieutenant Rogers to say to General Ross to put all of his communications into writing, for if he attacked me with the present understanding and was re- pulsed, I would kill every man that fell into my .hands." The above is appended to Colonel Coates' official report of the Yazoo expedition. (Rebellion Records, Vol. XXXVII, part 1, pp. 327-8.) 126 Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. (Second Demand.) Headquarters Attacking Forces, Yazoo City, March 5, 1864. Major Commanding Redoubt, Benton Road: Major: — "An unconditional surrender of the forces holding the redoubt on Benton road, of Yazoo City, is demanded. I have no terms to offer other than you shall receive the treat- ment due prisoners of war. A suspension of the firing on your position for ten minutes will be allowed in order that your answer may be received." Respectfully, etc., L. S. Ross, (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 328.) Brigadier-General. (Answer.) Yazoo City, March 5,1864. Brigadier-Generae Ross : General: — "Your demand for the surrender of my forces is received. In answer, I can only say that I have no idea of sur- rendering. I am sorry that your threat in regard to the treatment of prisoners was not reduced to writing, as it certainly should have been." Respectfully, Geo. C. McKee, Major Eleventh Illinois Infantry, (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 328.) Commanding Redoubt (Third Demand.) Headquarters Forces Attacking Yazoo City. Yasoo City, March 5,1864. Major McKee: — "Your reply just received. I regret for the sake of humanity that you do not find it consistent with your Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 127 feeling's of duty to your Government to surrender the redoubt, which I can certainly storm and take. As to the treatment of your men and yourself, I will try and have them protected if they surrender during the charge ; but you must expect much bloodshed. If you have no reply to make, we will resume operations when the white flag is down from both your line and mine." Respectfully, etc., L. S. Ross, (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 328.) Brigadier-General. (Anszver.) "To this demand no written reply was made. The verbal statement sent to General Ross by Colonel Jones, Third (Ninth) Texas (bearer of flag) "That General Ross was a greater phil- anthropist than myself, and for him to take down his flag as soon as he reached his lines." Geo. C. McKEE, Major Eleventh Illinois Infantry. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 329.) (Inclosure No. 4.) Headquarters Cavalry Brigade, Near Yazoo City, March 6, 1864. Colonel Coates, Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo City, Miss. Colonel:— "Major James G. Thurman and Lieutenant Rainey and probably other officers and men of my command were killed yesterday in Yazoo City and not brought off the field. I send ambulance for the purpose of bringing to these headquarters their remains, which I request you to permit. When I captured your wounded yesterday, in all about thirty in one house I did not allow them to be molested, although I 128 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. could have brought some of them away with me. I hope you will treat my wounded that may have fallen into your hands with like humanity. I have about twenty of your men as prisoners, I would like to exchange for any of my men you may have, and suggest that a commission from each side could meet between our picket lines for the purpose. If the proposition meets your approbation, you will indicate the time and place in reply to my officer bearing flag of truce. I ask that one of my surgeons be allowed to visit my wounded men and officers in your possession to day and dress their wounds if necessary. Captain W. E. Reneau, assistant inspector-general of my staff, with escort of men and ambulance train, will bear this communi- cation under flag of truce." I have the honor to be, very respectfully, R. V. Richardson, Brigadier-General Commanding Brigade. (Rebellion Records, Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 329.) (Inclosure No. 5.) Headquarters U. S. Forces, Yazoo City, Miss., March 6, 1864. Brigadier-Gen. R. V. Richardson, Commanding Cavalry Division, Near Yazoo City, Colonel: — "Your communication this a. m. per flag of truce, just received and I hasten to reply. I would respectfully state that your dead have been decently interred and your wounded properly cared for, and as there can be no necessity for your surgeon and ambulance corps, I decline receiving them. As to the proposition of exchange, if I mistake not, a cartel has been agreed upon in which certain parties and places have been named for such exchange, and as neither General Richardson, Third U S. Colored. Cavalry. 129 C. S. Army, nor Colonel Coates, U. S. Volunteers, have been named as the parties, nor Yazoo City the place for such 'exchange, I must respectfully decline your proposition. I am, General, Recpectfully, Jas. H. Coates, Colonel Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo City, Miss. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 329.) Correspondence between General L. S. Ross, C S. Army, commanding Texas Brigade and Colonel Jas. H. Coates, U. S. A., commanding Yazoo River Expedition. Headquarters Texas Brigade, Jackson's Cavalry Division, March 4, 1864. Colonel Coates, Commanding U . S. Forces, Yazoo City, Sir: — Some few weeks ago two men belonging to the Sixth Regiment Texas Cavalry were captured by one Colonel Wood, of the U. S. Army, near Mechanicsburg, Miss., and executed, without trial and in cold blood. From threats made by officers and men of your command during their recent raids through this country, I am led to infer that yourself and command indorse the cold-bloodied and inhuman proceedings of Colonel Wood. My object in addressing you now is 'to know whether or not such is the case. What kind of treatment shall members of this brigade expect, should the fortunes of war make them prisoners, in your hands? W r ill they receive the treatment due prisoners of war, or be murdered as were the two unfortunate men above referred to ? Regard for the feelings of humanity and a strong desire to see the struggle in which we are engaged conducted as becometh 130 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. a civilized people are the motives which have prompted the above inquiries. Up to the time of the death of the two men who were murdered by Colonel Wood, prisoners captured by this command were in- variably treated kindly and with the consideration due them as prisoners of war ; indeed, it is the boast of the Texans, that while they have always damaged the enemies of their country to the utmost of their ability on the battle-field and in open, fair fight, they have never yet injured nor in any way maltreated prisoners. If, however, the sad fate that ibefell the two men captured at Mechanicsburg awaits all who may 'hereafter be taken we are prepared to accept the terms, and will know what course hence- forth to pursue. I trust your answer may be satisfactory to my command, and that there may be no necessity for any change in the treatment heretofore given to prisoners. I am, Colonel, Respectfully, L. S. Ross, Brigadier-General C. S. Army. (R. R. VOL. XXXIII, PART 1, P. 326.) Headquarters U. S. Forces, Yazoo City, Miss., March 4, 1864 Brigadier-General L. S. Ross, Commanding Texas Brigade, Jackson's Cavalry Division: Sir:— Your communication of date this a. m., per flag of truce, just received and contents noted. I would respectfully reply that your information relative to outrages said to have been committed by Colonel Wood, U. S. Volunteers, is the first intimation that I have received of such transaction, and beg further to assure you that this mode of warfare and treatment of prisoners is as sin- cerely deprecated 'by me as by yourself. Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 131 I desire, however, to call your attention (while speaking on this subject) to a fact which in all probability you have yet not been advised, viz, that in a skirmish with a portion of your com- mand on the 28th ultimo, 19 of my command (colored) were miss- ing; since then 6 of the number have been found, presenting every appearance of having been brutally used, and compelling me to arrive at the conclusion that they had been murdered after hav- ing been taken prisoners. I beg leave to assure you that while I am desirous of perform- ing all that is in my dine of duty I will not deviate from those prin- ciples dictated by humanity, and it will only be in extreme cases of premeditated provocation that I will tolerate it in any por- tion of my command. I am General, Respectfully, etc., Jas. H. Coates, Colonel Commanding U. S. Forces, Yazoo City. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 327.) Reports of Colonel James H. Coates, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, commanding Yazoo Expedition. Headquarters U. S. Forces, Yazoo River, On Board Steamer Des Moines, February 3, 1864. Colonel : — I have the honor to -report that my command en- countered the enemy to-day in considerablie force, variously es- timated at from 2,300 to 2,500, under command of Brigadier- General Ross, and his troops were composed of Arkansas and Texas men and veterans in the Confederate service. We h'ave been following them closely and carefully for the past two days and this morning they opened fire upon one of our gun-boats with two pieces of field artillery without, however, do- ing any damage to the boats. " I at once disembarked about 250 of the Eleventh Illinois In- fantry, under command of Maj. George C. McKee, Eleventh 132 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. Illinois Infantry. He was not long in coming upon the enemy, and at once engaged him with his line of skirmishers. The hills in this vicinity (between Satartia and Liverpool) are almost moun- tainous and difficult of assault, yet our skirmishers steadily ad- vanced and drove 'them from their first position. They rallied, however, but not until I had thrown out to the right of his (MeKee's) line one wing of the Eighth Louisiana Infant'-y, Afri- can descent, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent. I now, finding 'both detachments closely pressed, ordered the balance of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, consisting of about 300 men, under command of Capt. H. C. Vore, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, to their support, throwing the latter as a reserve and in the rear of about the center of the line of skirmishers. The enemy now opened briskly with two pieces of artillery (apparently 12 pounders) aiso infantry fire. He. at this time attempted to flank us on our right, but I met his movements by ordering out the balance of my force, the remaining battalion of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, under command of Captain Wil- son, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent. Major McKee at this time gallantly charged their line and was repulsed with a loss of two killed and 5 wounded. The enemy then charged on that part of the line com- manded by Capt. H. C. Vore, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, but was nobly repulsed without any loss to our side, and were fairly driven beyond the hill, the possession of which we were contending for. Both detachments of the Eighth Louisiana, African descent, nobly performed their part of the duty assigned them and acquitted themselves most handsomely, displaying the courage, coolness and discipline of the most experienced troops. I would respectfully state that I was materially assisted in the day's operation by a detachment of 35 men of the First Mississippi Cavalry, under command of Major Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, who I took on board at Haynes Bluff to accompany me on the expedition for recruiting purposes for the benefit of that regiment, and who have proved of incalculable benefit to me as scouts, etc. As night approached I gave the signal for the detachment to fall back to the boats, the gun-boats covering this movement with well-directed shell. I am now dropping down the river, where I shall go for Third U S. Colored. Cavalry. 133 about one mile, and will make another attack on the enemy at daylight to-morrow morning. I have the honor to report my available strength as follows : Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 560. Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, 387. First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, 35. I have the honor also to report the casualties of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry killed 4, wounded 12, missing 8. Eighth Louis- iana Infantry, African descent, killed 2, Second Lieutenant Welch and 7 privates wounded (some mortally), First Mississippi Cav- alry, African descent, wounded, one (slightly). Respectfully Jas. H. Coates, Colonel llth III. Inf. and Commanding Land Forces, Yazoo Expedition. Lieutenant-Col. W. T. Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 315-317. Headquarters U. S. Forces, On Board Steamer Des Moines. Yazoo River, Near Satartia, February 6, 1864. Colonel: — I have the honor to respectfully continue my re- port of the movements of this expedition to this date. On the morning of the 4th instant at 4 :30 o'clock, I left our landing near Satartia and proceeded without interruption up the Yazoo until, when opposite the bluffs where we had engaged the enemy the day before, the enemy opened a heavy fire upon the transports (having permitted the advance* gun-boats to pass un- molested) which was returned briskly and I think effectually by my men from behind hastily constructed barricades composed of knapsacks, boxes of hard bread, etc. The loss to our side from the fire is as follows, viz. : Steamer Des Moines, right wing, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 1 man wounded .severely in ankle ; Sioux City, left wing, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, 3 men wounded severely; Steamer J. H. Lacey, 134 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. right wing, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, 1 man mortally wounded. The rear gun-boat opened with well directed shell against the enemy, which dispersed them before the transports could be landed. We then passed on up the river, arriving in the afternoon at Goosey's Mill, about 4 miles below Yazoo City, having in the transit stopped at several plantations and seoured about 200 bales of cotton, which, as received on boats, were constructed into bar- ricades and used for protection to boilers. We also secured at a deserted plantation 9 head of beef-cattle and 12 head of mules. At 9:30 p. m. the steamer Hastings made her appearance with clearances, passes, etc. from the Treasury Department, and is now consequently attached to our fleet. She had also been fired into at the same point our transports were (near Liverpool) and the watchman of the boat seriously wounded. I remained at Goosey's Mill during the day of February 5th, and about 1 1 a. m. the steamer Emma Boyd arrived, and re- ported as dispatch-boat, for the gun-boat fleet. The gun-boats having been ordered to approach Yazoo City for the purpose of reconnoitering, found the enemy at that point in force ; discov- ered also five guns in position and one other in course of erection. The guns in position opened fire, two of the shots taking effect on one of the gun-boats. After dropping back and making more careful observations, they returned to their anchorage at Goosey's Mill. Taking as a basis the above expressed observations of the gun-boats and information gathered from other sources, I was satisfied that a much larger force was in position there than was anticipated and fearing they might plant a battery in my rear at Liverpool (the best point on the river for the erection of a battery) I ordered a return of the fleet to our present position, which we reached at an early hour this morning, not, however, without being fired on with musketry at Liverpool, without in any manner damaging us. I would further respectfully state that the Emma Boyd was oidered by the naval officer to report to Vicksburg, Miss., with 1 dispatches, and having a messenger on board destined for General Sherman, I took the liberty of making to him a full report of the operations and prospects of the expedition. I have ordered that at daylight to-morrow morning (7th Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 135 instant) two gun-boats shall proceed up the river as far as they can possibly reach, and in the meantime I propose sending a force of infantry, with such cavalry as I have, to engage the enemy at Liverpool, it being represented that the force there consists of the Sixth Texas Rangers and half of some other Texas regiment. Respectfully, Jas. H. Coates, Colonel Eleventh Illinois Infantry Commanding Land Forces, Yazoo River Expedition. LiRut. Col. W. T. Clark, Assistant Adjutant-General. The steamer Hastings leaves here to-morrow on business con- nected with the Treasury Department, and on her I send my wounded to Vioksburg. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 317-18.) Headquarters U. S. Forces, On Steamer Des Moines. One Mile Below Yazoo City, February 8, 1864. Colonel: — I have the honor to respectfully forward report of proceedings of Yazoo River expedition from last report to present date. When last reporting I occupied the position at Goosey's Mill until the morning of the 7th instant. We dropped down the river to a short distance below Satartia. As the enemy were observed on the bluffs near the town, I disembarked my whole force and deployed the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, as skirmishers. The Eleventh Illinois Infantry formed in division as reserve, and gradually engaged the enemy, he rallying and moving by the left flank and toward their main body near Liver- pool. At 5 :30 o'clock I signaled my force to fall back to the trans- ports, and after securing myself against surprise and stationing a strong picket remained for the night. The following morning (February 8) at the suggestion of Captain Owen, commanding 236 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. gun-boat fleet, I awaited the appearance of the gun-boat Louis- ville, which was hourly expected, and not making her appearance at my hour fixed for starting, about noon I left Satartia and pro- ceeded up the river, and was fully prepared and expected to meet with an engagement at Liverpool, but was surprised not to find any of the enemy at that point. Arriving at Goosey's Mill, 4 miles below Yazoo City, I signaled the boats to proceed up the river, preceeded by two of the gun-boats, the two gun-boats passing the city and the transports landing within a mile of the city. In the meantime, when at Goosey's Mill, I dispatched a small but effective force of the Kirst Mississippi Cavalry, African descent. Major Cook commanding, and ordered them to proceed up the west bank of the river until opposite the city. Arriving at a point opposite the city, he encountered a small force of the enemy, and after a slight .skirmish succeeded in capturing two men and four horses. The enemy have moved south on the Bol- ton road and toward the Vicksburg and Jackson road. Respectfully, Jas. H. Coates, Commanding Yazoo River Expedition. LlEUTENANT-CoL. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 318-19.) Headquarters U. S. Forces, Yazoo City, Miss., March 2, 1864. General: — I have the honor of communicating with you 28th ultimo, since which time I have been in occupation of this city ; not, however, without some little difficulties, as I am almost con- stantly engaged in skirmishing with the enemy. He comes up and drives my pickets in. I then run him off completely. This occures two or three times per day. It keeps us watchful, but I am under no apprehension at all, for I can hold this place, with- out doubt, against five times my numbers. The defenses are strong, and the approaches to them difficult. I was pleased to-day at receiving a communication from Colonel Crandal, dated at Satartia, and saying he was moving for Liverpool. This is just Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 137 what is wanted if we are to hold this point. I have information that a portion of the force (rebel) here has gone to Liverpool, as I supposed they would. The force opposing me is Ross' brigade of about 1,400 men, and are encamped at 2 miles beyond Benton, 12 miles from here. They will be re-enforced, I am reliably informed, by Jackson's command, some 5,000 men, but whether for an attack upon me or not I am not prepared to say. I have this intelligence from an employe of mine, who has been with them for two days and returned today. Since hearing from Colonel Crandal I have concluded to send the fleet forward all except the Sir William Wallace, which T desire to keep here for foraging and other purposes for the bene- fit of the Government. The cotton I wrote you as being claimed by Forsyth I have given permission to ship to you and have you decide the legality of the purchase. I have my tents pitched, camps established, and everything looks cheering, with enough fighting to create a healthy circula- tion of the blood. Colonel Osband goes forward for his camp 'equipage, arms, etc., and will return in a few days. He has been eminently suc- cessful in recruiting, having his regiment nearly full and a mule or a horse for every recruit. Accompanying please find manifest of cargoes of boats and a statement of that which is on the gun-boats, but the latter of which I am not personally accountable for, as they claim to be a separate institution, and though it was difficult to convince me of the fact, yet, as advised toy General Sherman, I did not dispute the point of rank. Respectfully, Jas. H. Coates, Colonel Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Expedition. Brigadier-General McArthur, Commanding Post and Defenses, Vicksburg. Miss. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 320.) 138 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. Headquarters Eleventh Illinois Infantry. Vicksburg, 2Iiss. } March 11, 1864. Sir : I have the honor herewith to present you the following- report of Yazoo River expedition, of which I had the honor of commanding: Pursuant to orders from Seventeenth Army Corps headquar- ters, and special instructions from Major-General Sherman, I embarked my command on the 31st of January last, consisting of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Maj. George C. McKee com- manding (numbering 21 commissioned officers and 539 enlisted men), and Eigth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, Lieutenant- Colonel F. E. Peebles commanding (numbering 17 commissioned officers and 370 enlisted men), on board the transports assigned for the purpose, and disposing of them to the best advantage, and convoyed by five gun-boats, under command of Captain Owen, moved up the river, arriving the same night at the mouth of the Yazoo river, where we remained during the night, taking on sufficient fuel to last two weeks. On the morning of the 1st of February, I moved up the Yazoo river, arriving at Haynes Bluff the same evening, taking on a small detachment of the First Mississippi Cavalry, African des- cent, under command of Major Cook. On the following morning I moved up the river without in- terruption until within a mile of Satartia, where the enemy were reported to he, when I disembarked Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and Major Cook with his small detachment of cavalry, with orders to move through the town and toward the bluffs. But few of the enemy's pickets were seen, who fled at our approach. I embarked my men again at Satartia, and on the following morning (February 3), moved up the river to within 2 miles of Liverpool Heights, when the enemy opened on my advance with two pieces of artillery. I immediately moved my trans- ports down out of range and disembarked the troops and made preparations to engage him, having ascertained the force to be Brigadier-General Ross' Texas brigade and numbering about 1,400 men. I ordered Major McKee with the left wing of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry to move upon the extreme left with Third U S. Colored .Cavalry. 139 skirmishers advanced, the right wing of the Eleventh in the center moving in the same manner, and the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, on the right and left center, to move forward with the Eleventh. We were soon warmly en- gaged, the enemy falling back to a hastily constructed breast- work of logs, etc., where they made a desperate stand. At this juncture Major McKee ordered a charge with the right wing only of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry (the left wing being engaged with the enemy's skirmishers), but the enemy be- ing in far superior numbers and having advantage of position, he was obliged to fall back to his former position under cover of a hill; not, however, without punishing the enemy severely, as could be seen by the removal of their wounded. The Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, in the mean time had moved to the right and had engaged the enemy on the flank, but were compelled by superior numbers to fall back to their original position, being still at close range. Heavy skirmishing now be- gan between my force and the enemy, which continued until nearly sunset, when I gave the signal, and the entire command moved back to their respective boats in good order, removing our wounded with them. From observations I had made I was led to believe that the enemy expected me to renew the attack the following morning, and was more fully and better prepared to meet me, and knowing their superiority of numbers and large advantage of position, and with two pieces of artillery, and as they were out of range of the gun^boats, I concluded it to be a better policy to move up the river, in order to keep them near me, as was designed by Major-General Sherman. On the morning of the 4th, I again moved up the river, and, when nearly opposite the point where we had the engagement the day before, the enemy opened a brisk fire of musketry on the transports, permitting the advance gun-boats to pass unmolested. My men immediately formed temporary breast-works of boxes of hard bread, knapsacks, etc., and returned the fire with good effect. Five of my men were wounded in this affair, the names, etc., of which please find inclosed. From this point I proceeded up the river without interrup- 140 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. tion within 6 miles of Yazoo City, where I remained during the following day, when I suggested to Captain Owen, com- manding gun-boat squadron, to move two of his boats to Yazoo City to reconnoitre, which was accordingly done. They re- turned in a few hours, reporting the enemy in heavy force in that place, and were fired upon with 1 artillery, two shots taking effect in one of the boats ; also reporting five guns in position and one in course of erection. I have since learned that but two pieces of artillery were there, and but a small force of infantry. Fearing a night attack, I moved down the river again nearly to Liverpool, where I remained until the following morning, when I learned from good authority that the main body of the enemy had left for Benton. I then moved a short distance up the river, when I observed men moving on the bluffs in the vicinity. I immediately disembarked a sufficient force, moving for- ward a line of skirmishers (with reserves at a proper distance), until we had full possession of the heights, exchanging but few shots, the enemy retreating on their horses back toward the interior. Fearing the small force I had disembarked would move too far from the boats, I ordered the proper signal to be given to return to the transports. The following morning I moved up the river without inter- ruption, and on the morning of the 9th of February took pos- session of Yazoo City. I had disembarked my small force of cavalry on the west side of the river with orders to move up to a point immediately opposite the city. They succeeded in capturing a small body of pickets, which had been left by the enemy, and which were duly forwarded to General McArthur by the next boat. The following day (February 10), Col. E. D. Osband ar- rived from Haynes Bluff with the balance of 'his regiment of cavalry, making a very effective force of about 250 men. At daylight of the morning of the 11th of February, I moved up the river, arriving without interruption from the enemy until on the 13th of February, when near the head of Honey Island, about 60 confederate soldiers were observed ahead and on the right bank of the river. I immediately ordered Colonel Osband Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 141 to disembark with his command and engage them, moving my transports at the same time at supporting distance and my men ready to disembark immediately. The enemy fled back from the river, closely followed by Colonel Osband, who skirmished with them as long as he con- sidered it prudent to do so, when he returned to the boats, having had 3 men wounded and losing a few horses killed, but had used the enemy severely and succeeded in capturing 3 prisoners. I moved from this point and arrived at Greenwood, Miss., at 9 p. m. on the 14th of February, having moved with great caution as far as Fort Pemberton, but found it evacuated. On the morning of the 16th of February, I ordered Colonel Osband with his regiment of cavalry to proceed to Grenada, un- less he found the enemy in too strong force. He returned the following day and reported having been within 5 miles of Grenada, and had learned that it was occupied by General Forest with ibis command, but who was reported as moving out from that place. I remained at Greenwood until the morning of February 19th, securing as much cotton, etc., as possible during the time. when I received orders from Brigadier-General McArtbur, com- manding at Vicksburg, to return to Yazoo City and hold that position until further orders, (please find a copy of order in- closed). I immediately moved down the river, taking cotton, corn, etc., when found on plantations of disloyal parties, making my descent necessarily slow, (report of cotton, stock, etc., please find inclosed), I arrived, however, without interruption further than the tearing off the upper works of the transports by over- hanging trees to within 6 miles of Yazoo City, Sunday, February 28th, where I disembarked my whole force of cavalry, with in- structions to move in rear of Yazoo City and take possession of all the roads leading therefrom. I then moved down leisurely with the gun-boats and transports (giving the cavalry ample time to secure all the outlets from the city) and commenced dis- embarking my infantry. Before, however, I had my force moved from the boats, I received information that the enemy had at- tacked my cavalry picket force. I immediately ordered Major 142 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, with a detacfr- mient of bis command to move out on the Benton road and re- connoiter. I then disembarked my infantry and formed in line, moving the Eleventh Regiment double-quick to the works com- manding the Benton road and the Eighth Louisiana, African descent, to the ridge road on the right and commanding the bluff and stationed two companies of cavalry on the extreme left. About 3 p. m. Major Cook returned, followed closely by a much superior force of the enemy until within irange of my line of skirmishers, who drove them back and skirmished with them nearly 3 miles. Major Cook reported having run in General Ross' entire command about 6 miles out from the city, and w'too were evidently endeavoring to gain possession of the works on the heights be- fore our arrival. The loss in this affair to the cavalry was rather heavy, con- sidering the numbers engaged. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold the positions they then oc- cupied, the men of their command to lie on their arms and ready for any emergency. The enemy, however, made no attack in force, but annoyed our pioket line continuously- About noon on the 29th of February, ray camp and garrison equipage ar- rived, and I ordered the commandants of each regiment to select a suitable camp-ground as near their positions as possible, which was accordingly done, and on the 1st instant we were in very comfortable quarters. The enemy would every day make a dash on my advance picket-posts and vedetts, but would retire upon any demonstra- tion being made by the .reserves, and being well mounted, could not be overtaken. LTpon the night of 4th instant, I ascertained that General Ross had been reenforced by the 1 command of Brigadier-General Richardson (reported to have 800 Tennessee troops.) I gave orders to have my picket .reserves strengthened by two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry and two companies of the Eighth Louisiana African descent. Upon the morning of Saturday, 5th instant, a heavy attack was made on my center picket (Benton road) but they stood their ground manfully, and not until the enemy had opened a heavy Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 143 artillery fire upon the picket and reserves did they fall back to the main body of the regiment. The engagement had now become extended throughout my entire line. I had instructed Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles and Major McKee to hold their positions at all hazards, as their redoubts commanded the entire city, and as long as they were held we had the town in our possession. About 10 o'clock a. m. I discovered a movement on the part of the enemy to flank me on the left, where I posted a small detachment of the First Mississippi Cavalry. I at once ordered four companies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African des- cent, stationed over a mile distant, to their support. They came gallantly forward double-quick, but before they arrived within supporting distance General Richardson's entire command had entered the city proper, two regiments being between my head- quarters and Fort McKee. At this time Major McKee 'had sent out a portion of com- pany K, Eleventh Regiment, to open communication to my head- quarters, but finding the enemy in too strong force they endeav- ored to move back to the works, and in doing so the enemy succeeded in capturing 10 of them prisoners. Three of them, however, escaped into the city, informing me that my only piece of artillery (a small howitzer borrowed from the gun-boat Ex- change, and which was posted in the redoubt occupied by Major McKee) had become disabled. I immediately sent for another of the same kind, but before I could get it in the redoubt the enemy had gained full possession of the street, and I posted it upon the corners of the principal streets of the city and behind a hastily constructed breast-work of cotton, and I regret to say at the first fire of the enemy the officer in charge of the gun (En- sign Holmes, U. S. Navy) and his men shamefully deserted it and fled to the boat, but were met by captain McEl-roy, command- ing gun-boat, who refused them permission to come on board the boat. 1 succeeded, however, in moving the gun from its position, and procured another squad to man it. and who performed their duty faithfully and with great bravery. The enemy at this time beg-an to crowd my small force, and I ordered two more com- 144 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. panies from the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, who responded with alacrity. I now distributed my small force, con- sisting of Company A, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and six com- panies of the Eighth Louisiana Infantry, through the streets, in doorways, houses, etc., and commenced a vigorous and telling fire upon the enemy, the howitzer discharging shell with telling effect into the houses the enemy had taken possession of. During this time the enemy were pouring a heavy discharge of shot and shell from six pieces of i-rtillery, doing little damage, however, except to the buildings. In the meantime Major McKee in 'his redoubt, with nine companies of the Eleventh and Major Cook with his small de- tachment of 80 men in thei rifle-pits (the rifle-pits having been constructed the day before), and Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles, with his four companies on the right, were doing nobly. Major McKee was for four hourse surrounded on three sides by the enemy with six regiments, and three times was he ordered to surrender (orders to surrender and reply of major please 1 find inclosed). During the whole time the enemy had gained his position so as to strike the fort. He had kept up a continuous fire of artillery and small arms, in which our loss was very severe. About 2 p. m. my force made a desperate charge through the streets, completely routing the enemy and pursuing them entirely through the town and beyond the breast-works in the left, my single piece of artillery doing fine execution. The force around and engaged with Major McKee, perceiving their right falling iback in disorder, fell into confusion and began to retreat in great disorder, and the major, with only six men, sallied from the fort and with loud cheers actually turned the flank of one entire regiment. , > The enemy now fell back out of range, and his losses must have been very severe, they admitting the loss of over 40 killed, and their ambulances could be seen constantly employed. My casualties of this and previous engagements during the expedition please find inclosed.* Before the engagement of the 5th instant, I had received a communication from General Ross, of which please find "copies with answer inclosed ; also copy of communication from General CAPT. GEO. C. STARK, Third U. S. C. C. Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 145 Richardson, received immediately after tire engagement, and answer inclosed. ♦Nominal list (omitted) shows 31 killed, 121 wounded, and 31 missing". I cannot close this report without expressing my heartfelt thanks and unbounded admiration for the very able support afforded me by the brave !Maj. George C. McKee and the officers and men of his command; to Maj. J. B. Cook, First Mississippi Cavalry, African descent, and the officers and men of his com- mand ; to Lieut. Col. F. E. Peebles, Eighth Louisiana Infantry, African descent, and officers and men composing his command, and would respectfully call your attention to the bravery, cool- ness and ability of these officers. To Capt. N. C. Kenyon, Company K; Adjt. H. H. Deane, Lieut. J. VV. Brewster, acting regimental quartermaster ; Lieut. Charles A. Pieronniet, Company E, all of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, I am under particular obligations. They formed my staff, and acted with all the energy, bravery, coolness, and deter- mined perseverence in the discharge of their arduous duties as they ever have been noted for. To Lieut. Orton Ingersoll, Company A, Eleventh Regiment, and the brave men of his command (who were detailed for pro- vost guard, and for a long time during the engagement were the only company in the streets of the city), I desire to bespeak your most considerate attention. During the advance of the enemy into the city, this company held greatly superior numbers in check and disputed every inch of ground. I neglected to report in the proper place, that at about 11a. in. on the 5th instant, when I found my position somewhat closely pressed, I dispatched the transport Sir William Wallace to Liver- pool (24 miles) to bring the command (or as much as could be spared) of Colonel Crandal, Tenth Louisiana, African descent, stationed at that point, but for some cause they did not arrive at Yazoo City until the fight was over. Upon Sunday evening, 6th instant, the transports South Western, Mars, and Emerald arrived, bringing orders from head- quarters Seventeenth Army Corps to embark all the force, stores, etc., and again disembark the force at Liverpool. Marching from thence, and leaving tine troops belonging at Haynes Bluff at that point, and bringing those belonging to Yicksburg to that station, 146 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. all of which, I have the honor to report, was accomplished with- out opposition from the enemy. I have the honor herewith to inclose a rough sketch of *Yazoo City and its surrounding, with the position of troops, etc. I have the honor, colonel, to remain, respectfully, Jas. H. Coates, Col. llth Illinois Inf. Vols., Commanding Yazoo River Expedition. Lieut. Col. W. T. Clark, A ssistan t A dju tan t- G en eral. (Indorsements.) Headquarters Department Oe The Tennessee. Huntsville, April 2, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to headquarters Millitary Division, and special attention called to the gallantry and bravery of Colonel Coates, Major McKee, and the officers and soldiers under them. Jas. B. McPherson, Major-GcneraX Commanding. Headquarters Military Div. oe the Mississippi. Nashville, Tenn., April 16, 1864. Recorded and respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Department. W. T. Sherman, Major-General, Commanding. (R. R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 320 to 326.) EIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES S. MATTHEWS. The subject of this sketch was born in Morris county, State of New Jersey, November 18, 1845. At the breaking out of the war he was living in Joliet, 111., where he enlisted, October 9, 1861. in Company C, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, being then scarcely sixteen years of age. Going to the front with his regiment, he was active in the battle of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, doing JAS. S. MATTHEWS, 1st Lieut. Third U S. C. C. Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 147 duty as orderly for General John A. McClernard. At the battle of Shiloh, he was orderly for General W. H. L. Wallace, and was later orderly at General John A. Logan's headquarters dur- ing- that general's occupation of Jackson, Tenn., in 1862. He was with his company in the forward movement of the army under General Grant, in the fall and wintei of 1862, par- ticipating in all the battles and skirmishes of that eventful cam- paign, which closed with the defeat of the Union Cavalry at Coffeville, Miss. In the last named engagement his horse was shot and killed under him, and he narrowly escaped capture. On January 27, 1863, while on a scout with his company, under Lieutenant J. E. Hitt, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, a few miles from Colliersville, Tenn., the command was attacked by an over- powering force of rebel cavalry, and in the fight that ensued, two men of his company were killed and seven wounded, and all taken prisoners except young Mathews and another man, who made their escape by dashing through the enemy's ranks, being hotly pursued for a long distance. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal, July 1, 1863, for meritorious conduct in action. He was mustered out of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, October 9, 1863, to accept promotion as Second Lieutenant in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, and assigned to Company A. On receipt of his commission, Lieu- tenant Matthews was detailed as recruiting officer and instructor for the new recruits of the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. He was promoted to First Lieutenant, August 26, 1865, which posi- tion he held until the regiment was mustered out of the service, January 26, 1866. To follow this officer in detail through all the battles, cam- paigns and skirmishes he took part in would fill a volume and read like a romance. One of the first officers commissioned in the regiment, as- sisting in recruiting and drilling the first company, with them in every battle and campaign, conspicuous in every engagement, standing with them in the deadly breach, keeping vigil with them on the lonely picket post, bivouacing with them in sunshine and in rain, and one of the last to see the regiment disbanded at the close of the war, the record of Lieutenant Matthews connection with the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry is closely interwoven with the history of the regiment. 148 tf W O o „ fc P4 (J « tn r/i U5 g Q S <1 O U M o < Pi - 03 « h-r s o u o Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 8|o < Cd J2 U .0 c o oo M5h rt U IS J 5 U «fU u *. u = O u oo O K /3 m !- o vo oO p -a o rt U 1.1 - Sf O c o '§> 1-5 I * u O O ! 3 in W 3| 32 1= rs o g CAPT. \v. \v. wkbbrr. Third L\ S. C. C. u Third U S. Colored Cavalry, | £ s SS 5 w W 5 u ^ on .« O u 149 sll o s ^ s § 'So S -5 U I" J o -t; IP ■a W I* £ e/i as i w 2 Pi § W a to .8 O C/3 w ,-r Q I w |m <^ . ^£ •o < i !3 ■S Pi £ P-. 3^ •a ^ 150 Third U S. Colored Cavalry l * S> m pq I— I CD Td 3 m 3 u - O £ 5 s < > rt s 2 w" O en r£ ^h 3 5 O CO Q >> 5 il ti ° & a K 01 8 IS, 3 W u 5 g pq j! 4J ^ 5 >> O o o .3 -3 C3 cu -a -a •3 •a .be bp p u "O c X T3 <*> cu o _o '5b CD _3 '3) _5 '5: (U 3 § .2 fe 00 II OJ [*> Ih jg < - 1 lo i- en jj~ tn _■ JS en £ u S .3 g JS s J3 '3 .2 S c u I g 3 o "S o '? £ o '5 O rt s rt S §Q ^ u U U u u Third U S. Colored Cavalry. 151 us .3 cj 1-1 o o 2 w 22 u a, 1— < C/l ,— | o « .S «3 H o § 2 pq oo (jw O ,3 1-4 2 f o < 2 3 S3 a -9 S .- .5 S3 £ O 3 o a U S ° 3$2 3 K . - o be S3 tc t O S h •a o 8 U is IS "S-O H Q Eh od < M £ £ > .8 m — ■ U o °< S o E C ^ 171 -3 ^ •O ^> 0> 00 C *"*' o ^ U bfl < c s S J2 '3d O M O io o 6 ~ 1 1 U bo c« C CO 4) -a s Janua regime 865. IS rr> § 3 rt -5 CM 8 ° u 8 ~ ~ * & CO VO .!! 3 s j-T rt *" H ^ § s U „ o *5£ in w m < i J < § 2 > 5 ^ 02 s W CO ■s £ w -J< X & <; £fe $ Third U S. Colored Cavalr 153 u O z o tfl >> to ~ •V) c a pq <§ c .22 1-1 n u U |-P £ s £^ 8£ o to be 3 n^ a *j .5 to ^0 "^ bo — > 57 Wt Q a — a a £ H 6 ?; V +j 3 » to o to £ •o T3 £ PO o OJ <5 — CO 23 CO -d Q - c oted 1865. easec y •a vo o "" bo bo » it bO +j 2 ^j < (U H^ I no Hi qj n i-i 2 Ih "g o o -a (J K co i to to - -a o § "2 CO £ l^ ^3 HJ to to & ° O £ i T CO to O < y. Q < to to a to to to to c_ co CO O < to, to. < to. < 154 S ° s ° o *" TTwrd E7 .5. Colored Cavalry. < S 3 3 £2 a i-, o 1 56 z ° s O 3 ™ S.s ■£ H P eg c be +J bfl "So 10 w "O u W £ 9J ^ 5 "S S 'So £ o J u t± C/2 M <*- ,H O e morning of the 3d, the command took up line of march toward Clinton, camping that night on the old battle ground of Champion Hills. Resuming the march on the morning of the 4th, the command reached Clinton about noon, near which place the enemy was encountered in small force, with whom there was some skirmish- ing with the advance guard. Leaving Clinton on the morning of the 5th, the command moved towards Jackson, the cavalry by one road and the infantry by another and a shorter route, the two roads forming a junction further on. At the junction of these roads, the Second Wiscon- sin Cavalry, having the advance, encountered the enemy in con- siderable force, with whom they had a sharp fight, suffering- some loss in killed and wounded. Here the infantry formed a junction with the cavalry, the whole command moving for- ward in one column, the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry in advance. When within 3 or 4 miles of Jackson, the enemy contested the ground stubbornly, when the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, Major Cook commanding, was ordered to the front. Major Cook deployed a line of skirmishers supporting it with a company on each flank, with orders to swing to the center in case the skir- mishers were pressed too hard, and following with the balance of the regiment, moving in platoon front, keeping the road. In this formation, he passed the advance line of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, and moved rapidly forward, meeting and re- pulsing a charge by the enemy's rear guard, about 200 strong, 176 Third U >S. Colored Cavalry. and in turn charged them, rushing them back onto their main line, on account of the dust, Major Cook was only appraised of the close proximy of the main .body of the enemy when they opened fire on him with a six-gun battery at close range, not more than 400 yards, from which he was compelled to seek shelter with his men in the dry bed of a creek, where, dismounted, they fought the enemy for nearly an hour while the shot and slbell from Bolton's battery, on a hill in the rear, hissed through the air over the heads of himself and men, who were mid-way be- tween the lines. With the thunder of Bolton's guns, the rattle of musketry chimed in as the Forth-sixth Illinois Infantry came into action. The enemy had taken a strong position on a Mil, where they were partially screened by timber, and only yielded the ground after a stubborn fight of two hours duration, when they fell back, taking the Canton road, thus leaving the way open to Jack- son. After this encounter, the command marched into Jackson, unopposed, and camped for the night. On the afternoon of the 6th, thte command moved out about four miles, and camped for the night near the scene of the fight of the previous day. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry was thrown forward to picket the camp. Company B, Captain Emery commanding, occupied the most advanced position, where he was soon attacked, the 'enemy being in strong force. Major Cook hastened to the support of Captain Emery, whom be found gallantly holding his ground. Here the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry withstood the first shock of the battle that followed. The Fifth and Eleventh Illinois Cavalry and the Second Wis- consin Cavalry coming to the rescue, were soon engaged, when a desperate cavalry fight ensued. Bolton's Illinois Battery and the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry participating. The enemy formed along the crest of the hill, which was par- tially encircled by a hedge-roe, behind which their movements were covered to some extent. Through the gap in the hedge- row, the enemy 'made repeated charges, showing great bravery and dash, the leader of the last charge they made, a gallant officer, fell little short of our line of battle. The isun sank below the western horizon, her last flickering rays casting ghostly shadows over the bloody field ; twilight faded, JOSEPH SEDGWICK, Quartermaster Sergt. Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 177 deepening into the gloom of night, before the firing wholly ceased, when the combatants, exhausted, threw themselves on the ground, sleeping on their arms. On the morning of the 7th, with.! the first indication of day, the battle was renewed with increased fury, charge followed charge with a boldness and determination on 'both sides that showed the discipline of trained troops. The thunder of artillery, answering shot for ishot from commanding positions, mingled with the con- tinuous rattle of small arms was unceasing for three hours, the tide of battle alternating as position after position was lost or won, when at last the enemy, in a desperate charge to regain a lost position, being repulsed with great loss, contented themselves with assuming the defensive, and the Union forces, being much exhausted and short of ammunition, slowly retired, moving to- ward Vicksburg, the enemy making but a feeble attempt to follow. It was during the fight of the 5th, near Jackson, that Orderly Sergeant Joseph Sedgwick, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, was killed, a fragment of one of the enemy's shells striking him on the head, killing him instantly. He was a very promising young officer, and had been recommended for promotion as Second Lieu- tenant. He had served two years in the 124th Illinois Infantry, and had been transferred to the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry for promotion. He was hastly 'buried where he fell. During this expedition, tih)e regiment suffered a loss of one officer and 7 enlisted men killed, and 10 enlisted men wounded. report of maj. gen. henry w. slocum, u. s. army, command- ing district oe vicksburg. Headquarters District of Vicksburg, Vicksburg, Miss., July 10, 1864. Colonel: — I have the honor to report that on the 2nd of July I left here with 2,200 infantrv, 600 cavalry, and six pieces of ar- tillery, for the purpose of destroying the bridge over Pearl river. We had slight skirmishing on our advance, but reached Jackson with the loss of but 2 officers and 8 men. I destroyed the bridge which I think was designed mierteily for temporary use, probably for the purpose of transferring the rolling-stojk from the Miss- 178 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. issippi Central Railroad to their eastern roads. While I was in Jackson the enemy took position on the road leading to Clinton, about three miles from Jackson. I attacked them at 4 a. m. on the 7th instant, and after an engagement of two hours' duration foroed him back, and moved on toward Clinton. I could not fol- low thlem, having only sufficient supplies to last my command till it could reach Big Black River. My losses are about 230 in killed and wounded and 20 missing. No property of any kind was lost or abandoned. The forces of tine enemy consisted of a 'brigade under Ghol- son, a force from Louisiana under Colonel Scott, and a few men under General Wirt Adams. I was informed that a regiment under Colonel (or General) Richardson was also present and took part in the engagement. The officers and men of my command, without exception, be- haved in a manner entitling them to the highest praise. I shall leave here to-morrow with a force nearly the same, and attempt to reach! Canton, hoping thereby to prevent their detach- ments from being sent to Forrest. I will send a report more in detail at a very early day. I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. Slocum, Major-General, Commanding. Lieutenant-Col. W. T. Clark, A ssistan t A dju tant-General, Department of the Tennessee.. (R R. Vol. XXXII, Part 1, p. 242.) FIRST LIEUTENANT D. E. POTTER. The subject of this sketch was born in Fort Ann, Washington County, State of New York, November 20, 1836. He enlisted in Company A, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, August 24. 1861. The reg- iment was ordered to Cairo in November following, when the company was assigned to duty as General Grant's escort; acting as such until after the fall of Vicksburg. General Grant having been assigned to a higher command in the East, left his escort at Vicksburg. As a member of the escort, always near General Grant, he D. E. POTTER, 1st Ueut. Third U. S. C. C. Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 179 carried dispatches to corps and Division commanders on every battle field from Fort Do nelson to Vicksburg. Early in the war he was promoted to Corporal. He was discharged from Company A, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, July 11, 1863, for promotion as Cap- tain in the Fiftieth U. S. Colored Infantry, which position he re- signed August 9, 1864, to accept a position as Second Lieutenant in the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, and was promoted to First Lieutenant July 22, 1865. He commanded his company, D, on the Grierson raid from Memphis to Vicksburg, December and Jan- uary 1864-5, taking part in the battle of Egypt Station and Frank- lin, Miss., December 28th and January 2. He was successively detailed as regimental Adjutant and as Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, Dis- trict of West Tennessee, and was later detailed September 13, 1865, as Superintendent of President's Island, by special order of Major-General Smith. He was mustered out with the regiment at Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1866. Evidently General Grant had in his mind such men of his escort as Lieutenant Potter, when writing his report to the War Department July 6, 1863, he said: "It would not be overstating the merits of this company to say that many of them would fill with credit any position in a Cavalry regiment." CHAPTER XIV. GRAND GULF EXPEDITION, JULY llTH TO 20TH, 1864. THE FIGHT AT GRAND GULF, JULY 16TH, 1864. Relative to the fight at Grand Gulf, Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Cook, commanding Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, says: "This expedition composed of cavalry and infantry, Major- General Slocum commanding, left Vicksburg July 11th, 1864, marched via Black river, Edwards Station, Rocky Springs and Port Gibson, with almost continuous skirmishing. On the 16th, the command camped for the night at Grand Gulf. My regiment the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, was thrown forward to picket the roads. I posted one company on the Grand Gulf and Port Gibson road, on a hill about half a mile from my camp, and about two miles from the main command. 180 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. At early daybreak the next morning niy picket on the Grand Gulf and Port Gibson road was attacked. At the call "to arms," my men were quickly in line, and we moved out, dismounted, dou- ble quick, to support tlite picket, as we had to go up a steep hill my men were nearly out of breath when we reached the scene of action. My reserve picket was making a determined stand. I left one company to re-in force them, and moved to the left with the balance of the regiment, going through a ravine, which brought me out on the enemy's flank and within a few yards of their line of battle, when bringing my men front into line, we gave them a volley with our carbines, and dashed forward, fir- ing with revolvers, at which the enemy broke in confusion, scat- tering through the brush and gullies. We pushed on for some dis- tance, tout meeting no opposition, returned to our camp. On our way back, I came upon two men of my regiment, who had a pris- oner in their charge, who told me he was t)h!a officer in command of the forces that had attacked us, and introduced himself as Major E. A. Peyton. r " of the men bad his sabre and belt, which I took possess- ion of. It was a common cavalry sabre. I have it yet. Major Peyton was captured by Lieutenant Farley and his men, who charged from the picket post, while I enlarged on their flank. I conducted Major Peyton to General S locum 's headquarters, and introduced him to the general, who, extending his hand, said, "Major Peyton, I am very glad to meet you," to which greeting Major Peyton replied," I regret very much General that I cannot say the same to you." Two days prior to the capture of Major Peyton, the enemy captured one of our officers, Major ShJorey, of the First Mississ- ippi Mounted Rifles. Subsequently Major Peyton was exchanged for Major S'horey, the exchange being conducted by Major Mc- Kee, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, on the picket lines at Vicksburg. Major McKee being then Provost Marshall of that post. Major Peyton was a veteran of the Mexican war, serving under Colonel Jefferson Davis. After the war Major Peyton re- sided at Satartia, Miss., where he became prominent as a repub- lican, and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of that State. Major McKee, who conducted the exchange of prisoners, set- Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 181 tied in Mississippi after the war, locating at Jackson, which dis- trict h'e represented in the U. S. Congress. In the fight at Grand Gulf, the enemy lost, in prisoners, their commanding officer, Major Peyton, and eight enlisted men, and in killed, five enlisted men. THE GRAND GULF EXPEDITION. Of this expedition and the fight at Grand Gulf, Lieutenant E. Farley, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, says: This expedition was composed of the following troops : First brigade, Second New Jersey Cavalry, Nineteenth Pennsylvania cavalry and First Mississippi Mounted Rifles, commanded by Col- onel Joseph Karge, Colonel Second New Jersey Cavalry, Third Brigade, Fifth Illinois Cavalry, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, and Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, commanded by Major H. P. Mum- ford, Major Fifth Illinois Cavalry, all under command of Brig- adier-General A. W. Ellet, Mississippi Marine brigade. In ad- dition, Major-General Slocum, with an infantry force of 2,000 men, moved down the river by boat, flanking the cavalry force. The cavalry force left Vicksburg on the morning of July 11th, 1864, crossed Black River, and proceeded in the direction of Ed- wards Station, which place was reached on the 12th. Froni Ed- wards Station the command took a more southerly course, meet- ing with considerable resistance during the day, and camped near Utica on the night of the 13th. When near Utica, the First Mississippi Mounted Rifles, Major Shorey commanding, being temporarily separated from the main command, was attacked by a superior force of the enemy, and after making a gallant fight against overwhelming odds, Major Shorey and quite a number of Ms men were captured by the enemy, and several of them killed. On the 14th the command marched to Port Gibson, where it camped that night. Befone going into camp, two companies of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, were sent out to procure forage for the horses, when they were attacked, and in the fight that en- sued, 25 or 30 of them were taken prisoners, and several wound- ed. Leaving Port Gibson on the 15th, the command marched to 182 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. Grand Gulf, where Generals S locum and Ellet were waiting with the boats. The command went into camp along the Grand Gulf and Port Gibson road. This road ran along the crest of a ridge, which curved inland as it left the river, nearly forming a semi-circle for two miles or more. Other and smaller ridges intersected it at irregular intervals on both sides of the road. The Third U. S. Colored Cavalry having marched in the rear of the command that day, occupied a position, when camped,, farfiherest out on the road, and was assigned the duty of picket- ing that road, one company being detailed for this duty. This company was posted half a mile from our camp, in a strong position, with vedetts well thrown out. Nothing occurred to break the stillness that pervaded thle camp until about daylight, when our picket on the road above mentioned was savagely at- tacked, the firing at the reserve post being by volley and con- tinuous, indicated that the attack was being made in force. The regiment was soon under arms and moving out, double quick, toward the scene of action. My company was camped on the right of the regiment and fartherest from the scene of action, the regiment being stretched out along the road. I heard Colonel Cook give the older to turn out dismounted, double-quick, and though I got my men into line very quickly, the balance of the regiment, led by Colonel Cook, preceded me. Colonel Cook, with several companies, all, I think, except mine, went to the left of the road, going through a ravine which ran parallel with the road. I kept the road to near where the reserve picket was stationed, when I filed to the right, following one of the small ridges that intersected the one the picket was posted on. The enemy, who proved to be therSeventh Mississippi Mounted Infantry, commanded by Major E. A. Peyton, evidently saw the flank movement of Colonel Cook, and wisely avoided him by moving to the southwest side of the road, some retiring in seem- ing confusion, but a small force led by Major Peyton in person, and on foot, appeared on another ridge directly in my front and about 200 yards distant, coming towards us with a yell. Seeing Colonel Cook approadh'ing on the flank with the balance of the regiment, I dashed forward to meet the charge of Peyton, be- lieving that he would not be able to hold his men, menaced as he Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 2£5 was in front and flank. As anticipated Major Peyton's men brd before we came to close quarters, though the Major was gallant- ly urging them on, and finding himself entirely deserted he came forward and surrendered. All of this occurred in a few minutes and under considerable: excitement. I placed Major Peyton in drarge of a Sergeant and one man while I pursued the retreating and scattered enemy. Wihen Major Peyton came toward me to surrender, one of my men, misconstruing the movement, leveled his carbine and would have killed him had I not noticed it and interposed. I have never met Major Peyton since placing him in charge of the two men. I received a kind letter from him years ago, writ- ten from Satartia, Miss., in which he says he has not forgotten the incident, and expresses profound gratitude. Hie informed me that General Adams ordered him to make a night ride, find our camp, attack us in the morning and ascertain our strength and report same to him. He says he carried out instructions to the letter, except that he did not report. We embarked on the boats of the Marine Brigade on the 7th, and returned to Vicksburg, reaching there the next day. CHAPTER XV Expedition from vicksburg to natchez, fort adams and wood- VILLE — SEPTEMBER 21 ST TO OCTOBER llTH, 1864. — THE CAPTURE OF HOLMES' LOUISIANA BATTERY BY SABRE CHARGE. Relative to the capture of Holmes' Battery, Lieutenant-Col- onel J. B. Cook says: "On the night of October 5th, 1864, my regiment, the Third U. S. Colored Calvary, camped about a half mile south of Woodville, Miss. About daybreak the next morning, my regiment being in read- iness to move, Colonel Osband stated to me that he had received information that a force of the enemy were on the plantation of Judge McGehee, distant about a mile and a half where they had taken position during the night, with the intention of attack- ing us at daylight; that the force consisted of Colonel Gober's Mississippi Cavalry, and Holmes' Louisiana Battery, three guns, 182 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. Gd in addition, they were expecting to be re-in forced by two regiments of Louisiana Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Scott. With this information in his possession, Colonel Osband pro- posed to be the attacking party himself, and made the following disposition of his forces for the attack : I was to move to the left with my regiment, make a flank or rear attack on the enemy, the Fifth Illinois Cavalry and one section of the Second Illinois Light Artillery co-operating with me, while Colonel Gslband, with the balance of the command, would move to the right. Colonel Os- band furnished me with a guide, a colored man, who seemed to be well posted as to the position of the enemy and the roads. I moved out on the Liberty road, but left it about half a mile east of Woodville, turning .south, and going through a large planta- tion, parallel with the Bayou Sara road and about half a mile east of it. We were galloping over an open stretch* of ground, when, com- ing in view of a cluster of trees, the guide, pointing to it ,said, "the battery is there," and almost simultaneously the battery opened fire on us, the shot, however, going over us. At the same time the battery opened fire a line of mounted skirmishers ad- vanced from the edge of the timber, which I took to indicate the position of Gober's Cavalry, who were evidently supporting the battery. At this time the Section of the Second Illinois Light Ar- tillery, Lieutenant Piatt commanding, came into position in my rear, and opened fire on the enemy, the Fifth Illinois Cavalry supporting the battery. I diverged slightly to the left to get out of range of our bat- tery, and moved forward at a gallop, when the line of mounted skirmishers fell back into the timlber. At this point my progress was checked by a deep ravine, to cross which it was necessary to pass over a rickety 'bridge in column of twos ; this bridge was made of loose poles, and the slow process of crossing over it, offered the enemy an opportunity which they failed to take ad- vantage of. Effecting the crossing without loss other than the time consumed, we charged over the intervening ground, and as we entered the timber, the enemy, after delivering a volley, fell back. It was here that several horses were shot down in the front rank of Captain Edland's company, which checked the company temporarily. From this point I moved on with the balance of the command, taking a road that diverged more to my left. As we Third U. S. Colored Cavalry. 185 advanced at a steady gallop, Gober's cavalry scattered, some on one side of the road and some on the other. I made no effort to take prisoners, my object now being to reach the battery. My guide led me past Judge McGehee's place, thence north until we came to the guns, which Ifoad already surrendered. I found Captain Edland and Lieutenant Chapin engaged in getting the prisoners otu of a ravine, when I reached the guns. After leaving Captain Edland and Lieutenant Chapin at the point where the horses were shot, I did not see them again until I found them where they were getting the prisoners out of the ravine. THE FIGHT NEAR WOODVILLE, MISS. Capture of Holmes' Louisiana Battery, October 6, 1864. In reference to the capture of the above named battery. Lieu- tenant Farley, Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, makes the following statement : "Our brigade, composed of detachments from the Second Wis- consin Cavalry, 4th, 5th, and 11th Illinois Cavalry, and Third U. S. Colored Cavalry, one Section of the 26th Ohio Battery, and one Section of the Second Illinois Lightt Artillery, in all about 1,250 men, Colonel E. D. Osband commanding, took boats at Natchez, Miss., on October 4, 1864, and proceeded down the river to Tunica Bend, where we were to disembark and proceed inland in the direction of Woodville, Miss. We were to co- operate with other troops sent out at the same time, one column overland from Natchez, and another from Morganza, further down the river, the object being to harass the enemy, break up their recruiting camps and capture stock and supplies. We disembarked at the point designated, on the morning of the 5th, and took up line of march toward Woodville, which is 18 miles east from Fort Adams, the Fifth Illinois Cavalry in ad- vance, but hearing firing to our right and thinking the expe- dition from down the river was attacked we veered to the right, going about ten miles in the direction of Sligo, when the firing ceased. We then resumed the direct march to Woodville, reach- ing that place late in the evening. The Fifth' Illinois Cavalry dashed into the town, procuring the mail, seizing the telegraph 180 Third U S. Colored Cavalry. office, and taking a few prisoners. We went into camp for the night a short distance south of the town, on the Woodville and Sligo road, the Third U. S. Colored Cavalry on the extreme left of the brigade. During the night a negro cam