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OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS

1863-2

SAINT NICHOLAS HOTEL,

Springfield, Ill., August 24, 1863.

GENERAL: In answer to your inquiry of this date, I have to say that I was detached from my

regiment by order of Major-General Grant, with orders to report to you for duty upon your staff.

I was with you in the siege of Vicksburg up to the evening of May 22, when I was wounded and

caught by you in your arms as I fell. On May 22 I was repeatedly sent by you to different parts of

the field, and had good opportunities of knowing what was done by your corps (Thirteenth) on

that occasion.

At 10 o'clock your columns of attack moved forward to the assault. In less than one hour,

Joseph E. Griffith, a sergeant of the Twenty-second Iowa, with a part of the storming party,

entered one of the works of the enemy, drove the enemy out, and held the place for some hours

He captured 13 men with a lieutenant in this work, and reported them to you about 2 o'clock.

Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, of the Twenty-second Iowa, with a small detachment, entered

another fort and drove the enemy out, maintaining himself there until after nightfall, when the

enemy massed their forces upon us and drove us back from our line, which was up to the works

of the enemy, capturing Lieutenant-Colonel Graham and his men. The American flag floated

from on top of two of the enemy's works, and our men kept them there until after nightfall, as I

am informed. They were there when I was wounded, which was after 5 o'clock. All this time

many of our men were in the ditches of the enemy, and sent back for spades and shovels with

which to dig down the enemy's works.

About 5.30 o'clock a part, if not the whole, of Quinby's division arrived. McArthur did not

arrive until next day (May 23). I believed then if the two divisions had arrived in reasonable time

that we would have been able to have pushed through the lines of the enemy. It was so believed

by every officer I saw.

Your position during the assault was to the left and a little to the rear of our battery of 30-

pounder Parrotts, which was about 600-yards from the enemy's works. We could plainly see the

line of works in our front and to the extreme left of our corps, but a part of the right was

obstructed by the foliage of a grove of trees. This was the best point for observation along our

entire line, and from the top of the battery, where you often went for observation, you could see

perfectly everything in our front from right to left

In my opinion, it was about 1 miles from the elevated point in General McPherson's line

from which he and General Grant made observations. The position occupied by them was

perhaps higher ground, but I do not believe they could observe our movements with the accuracy

we could from the position occupied by you.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

H. C. WARMOTH,

Late Lieutenant-Colonel Aide-de-Camp.

8.--Letter of F. H. Mason, late captain and aide-de-camp.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL., August 24, 1863.

Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND:

SIR: Your note of this morning is received, and in reply I beg leave to submit the following

report:

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1. I was acting throughout the attack on Vicksburg in the capacity of aide-de-camp on your

staff, and being sent at various times to your division and brigade commanders with orders,

inquiries, &c., and being all the remainder of the time, when not thus Occupied in your

immediate presence, taking notes of the various incidents and hearing the various messages and

reports brought by staff and general officers to you, I enjoyed as good advantages for hearing

and seeing the assault and the part you took as could he possible for any one in my capacity.

2. At about 10.10 a.m. on the 22d, I saw the advance of General Lawler's brigade, of Carr's

division, rush up the slope leading to the large work of the enemy immediately to the left of the

railroad. Though met by a fierce fire, they continued to advance, leaped into the ditch, and began

to climb the enemy's parapet A moment afterward a flag was planted on the crest of the parapet

and held there by two men, while a party of fifteen or twenty (as I should judge) sprang over into

the fort, immediately after which those of the enemy who had been firing over the part of the fort

opposite to where the entrance was made disappeared, leading me to the belief that they had all

been driven by our men from the works. At this time you observed that the assaulting column

was weak, and ordered it to be vigorously supported, and also sent an aide to General Carr, with

orders to push Benton forward to create a diversion in favor of General Lawler, or, if necessary,

to his immediate support. Immediately afterward information was brought to you that the

advance of General Smith's division had effected a lodgment and forced the enemy to abandon a

portion of his rifle-pits; but whether the interior of the works had been reached, or merely the

ditch, I did not understand. A part, of the language of the officer bringing the report was that "our

flag is planted on the enemy's works." At 11.46 an officer arrived and said that the fort first

referred to was ours, and asked you to order that it should not be further fired upon. You seemed

incredulous, and sent me to Colonel Landram, who was in a very advanced position, to ascertain

as far as possible the exact state of the case. I found that officer, and, upon delivering my

message, received from him, in addition to his confident opinion that the fort was ours, a note

from Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, of the Twenty-second Iowa, with the remark that the "note

was written inside the fort." This note, the contents of which I do not remember with sufficient

accuracy to repeat, I delivered to you, believing fully that the fort was in our entire possession.

3. Although from the great length of the line occupied by the Thirteenth Corps, and the

number of forts on the enemy's line, the attack seemed desperate, yet it was my belief that with

the aid of re-enforcements the position might be fully carried. On this point General Landram

said at 1.50 p.m.," If General Osterhaus, on my left, will press forward, I think the works can

soon be elected."

4. The position occupied by you during the day was a commanding knoll, about 600 yards

from the enemy's works, and upon which a battery of 30-pounder Parrotts had been planted.

From this point all your line could be seen, except a part of General Smith's command, which

formed your extreme right, and which, though near, was partially hidden by the foliage of trees

and the extreme unevenness of the ground. Your post of observation owed its entire safety to the

slight parapet in front, as many of the enemy's bullets went far beyond us into the woods, and

men were continually being wounded all about you. The distance from the above point to

General McPherson's headquarters, where General Grant was located, was, in my judgment, 1

miles; and although General Grant's position enjoyed some advantages in point of altitude, yet I

cannot believe that this or any other place afforded nearly so good a view of the Thirteenth Corps

as the one you occupied.

5. Boomer's brigade arrived at 5 o'clock, and was sent to the front. Twenty minutes afterward

a regiment arrived, and was held for some time in reserve near headquarters. This regiment may

have been part of the Second Brigade, of Quinby's division. The division of General McArthur

arrived at 10 a.m. the day following.

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6. The dispatches sent from time to time during the day to General Grant were less sanguine

of success and lees positive in regard to what had been already accomplished than my own

opinion, and, as I believed, the opinion of the majority of your officers.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. H. MASON,

Late Captain and Aide-de-Cam

9.--Letter of A. A. Blount, late captain Seventh Ohio Volunteer Artillery.

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, September 5, 1863.

Maj. Gen. J. A. McCLERNAND:

GENERAL: Your favor of August 23 is received, requesting me to state what l know about

any of the colors of the Thirteenth Army Corps having been planted upon the enemy's forts

during the assault on May 22 upon the defenses of Vicksburg. In reply, I would state that I saw

the colors of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Regiment planted upon the parapet of one of the enemy

forts, as also were the colors of the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment, and that the men of the latter

regiment occupied one side of the fort, which was divided by a traverse. I heard General Carr

give orders to his artillery not to fire upon that fort, as it was in our possession. The regimental

flag of the Seventy-seventh Illinois remained upon the parapet of the fort from eight to ten hours,

when it was brought away. The national flag of the same regiment could not be brought away,

and was covered with earth in the ditch. I saw upon another fort directly in front of my battery

the colors of the Eighty-third Ohio Regiment, and I think those of the Sixteenth Iowa. There

were colors of other regiments planted upon the extreme slope of the parapet and upon the crest

of the glacis of other forts, where our men remained from eight to ten hours. It was the universal

opinion of officers and men that had we sufficient force the fort occupied by our men could have

been held.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. BLOUNT,

Late Captain Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Artillery

Other letters in my possession might be added, but they would extend this communication

too much. Those already given will abundantly suffice for the purpose in hand. They not only

prove all I have denied or affirmed, but they prove more. They prove the promptness of my

assault; that Lawler's and Landram's commands, forming the column of attack on my left center,

planted their colors on the enemy's works; moreover, that they were carried inside of one of the

main forts; that officers and men of the commands of one or both of them forced their way into

the same fort; that observing that the assaulting column was weak, I ordered it to be supported;

that immediately afterward information was brought to me that the advance of Smith's division,

together with Benton's brigade, of Carr's division, forming another column of attack, had

effected another lodgment in the enemy's works, and had also planted our flag on them; that

prisoners had been captured and brought out of the fort assaulted by Lawler and Landram; that

afterward an officer brought word to me that the same fort was ours, and a request that it should

not be further fired upon; that, doubting, I sent a staff officer to verify the fact; that he brought

word from Colonel Landram not only that the fort was ours, but a note from Lieutenant-Colonel

Graham, of the Twenty second Iowa, with the remark that "the note was written inside of the

fort," and that he was fully persuaded of the truth of the information; that the Twenty-second

Iowa advanced against one fort, and the Eleventh Wisconsin against another, and that Colonel

Stone and Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap (killed) saw the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa

Regiments advance upon two different forts, and the enemy retire from both, and the rifle pits

connecting them, down a hill and toward the city, and talked about it while it was going on. They

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prove that I could have used more men in making my assault, and with timely re-enforcements of

two divisions would have crowned it with success; that my position was much more favorable

than General Grant's for seeing what was going on in front of my corps; that my position was

near the center of my line, and only 500 or 600 yards from the enemy's works, while General

Grant's was about 1 miles to the right of my position; that my dispatches to General Grant were

a qualification rather than an exaggeration of my success, and that the re-enforcements finally

ordered by General Grant did not arrive in time, Quinby's division only arriving about 5 o'clock,

and too late to be properly formed and successfully applied, and McArthur's not until next day.

As I have already shown, General Grant says that--

The works entered by him (Sergeant Griffith) from its position could give us no practical

advantage, unless others to the right and left of it were carried and held at the same time.

Is not this declaration too broad? Is it not as much as to say that no practical advantage could

have been derived from taking any part less than the whole of the enemy's works at once; that the

possession of any part, however extended, flanked by other parts held by the enemy, would have

been worthless? Is it not as much as to say that' the only condition of our success was the

impossibility of carrying the whole of the enemy's line, which was much longer than our own, at

once, and consequently that our attack must have been by our forces in line, instead of in

column, as he directed? And yet, strange enough, he censures me for asking for the co-operation

of a simultaneous attack by Sherman and McPherson, according to the terms of his original plan,

and without which, by his own admission, "no practical advantage" could have resulted from

Sergeant Griffith's partial success. By his own showing, I only asked for what his original plan

promised, and what, by his own admission, was necessary to our success.

This of itself is a sufficient refutation of the charge that what I asked for makes me

responsible for the "increase of our mortality list fully 50 per cent.;" but, apart from it, there is

another essential fact which goes to the root of this whole matter, which makes General Grant

responsible not only for the alleged increase of our mortality list, but for our whole loss, and

which truth and justice require should be laid bare. I allude to General Grant's order of May 21

for the assault. That order was issued by him with knowledge of the diminished numbers and

exhausted condition of our forces, with knowledge of the roughness of the ground over which

they had to pass, and with at least partial knowledge of the great strength of the enemy's position

and works, and was deemed not only by me, but by all my general officers who spoke to me

upon the subject, as unfortunate and likely to bring disaster upon us rather than the enemy. My

answer to these officers was that it was an order, and, if possible, must be executed. They

answered, "if we fail it shall not be our fault," and their partial success while others failed, and

the carnage of hundreds of their number who fell killed or wounded in gaining that success,

conclusively testify that their final failure was not their fault; indeed, General Grant himself

testifies to it, as I have already shown, by his admission in another part of his report that the

assault was gallant in the extreme but the enemy's position was too strong, both naturally and

artificially, to be taken in that way "--by assault.

Comparing General Grant's report with his dispatches, another discrepancy will appear. He

says in his report that the asked-for "diversion was promptly and vigorously made without

advancing our position or giving us other advantages," leaving it to be inferred that unmitigated

evil was the consequence of the diversion ; yet in one of his dispatches he says that "Sherman

has gained some successes," and in another, dated 2.30 (two hours and a half after my dispatch

stating that I had part possession of two forts), he says, "Sherman is getting on well," proving

that the diversion was justifying itself and inspiring him with hope of success.

General Grant speaks of Sherman ordering "a renewal of the assault on his front," and of a

"diversion" in my favor both by Sherman and McPherson, leaving the inference that there had

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been a cessation of the assault by both of them. This cessation was either by General Grant's

order or with his consent, or without both; and this brings me to a most grave and important

point. If it was by General Grant's order or with his consent, he failed to notify me of the fact,

leaving me under the operation of his original order, discriminating against my corps and

dooming it to stand in the breach and press the assault alone and unsupported, and, as a forlorn

hope, to be destroyed in a desperate effort to accomplish an object that he had abandoned; and, if

so, does not the blood of the hundreds of brave men who were thus sacrificed cry aloud against

him? If it was without either his order or consent, it was a case of deplorable disobedience, and

the same responsibility attaches to him for not advising me of it.

General Grant's account of the battle of Champion's Hill also does me and portions of my

command injustice. Emphasizing what himself and others did, and assuming that the field of

action was limited by the Operations of McPherson's corps and of Hovey's division, of my corps,

he indirectly arraigns me for want of zeal, promptitude, and energy. He says he was at Clinton on

May 15, and Sherman at Jackson, and that the latter, responsively to his order, promptly moved

forward toward Bolton on the morning of the battle; that he (General Grant) ordered McPherson

forward at 5.45 a.m., and sent Lieutenant-Colonel [James H.] Wilson, of his staff, "with verbal

instructions to" me "as to the disposition of my forces," and followed himself at an early hour

from Clinton; that he found "Hovey's division disposed for the attack," but would "not permit it

to be commenced until he could hear from" me," who was advancing with four divisions;" that"

Logan rode up" and told him that if "Hovey could make another dash at the enemy, he could

come up from where he then was and capture the greater part of their three," and that, after all

this, he saw me with Carr's division to his left, and that "Osterhaus' division soon afterward

appeared, with his skirmishers well in advance."

General Grant says all this, but he accidentally or otherwise omits to state what is essential to

a proper understanding of the incidents and agencies of that battle. He omits to state that while he

was yet behind at Clinton, I selected the lines of advance of the Thirteenth Army Corps,

including Blair's division, and moved all the forces forward to the attack except McPherson's;

that revoking an order changing my disposition of Blair's forces, he afterward sent a dispatch to

me, saying, "Your disposition of Blair's forces is satisfactory; place him to the best advantage,"

&c.; that on the day before the battle I urged him in a dispatch to move McPherson's corps upon

the right of Hovey, to cut off the enemy if I should beat him; that on the morning of the battle,

after putting my columns in motion, I hastened to General McPherson's headquarters, in my rear,

before he had risen, and urged him to do the same for the same purpose, and to support Hovey;

that the subsequent execution of this movement secured to us many prisoners and a number of

cannon.

He omits to state that the enemy's skirmishers and artillery were first encountered on my left

by General Smith's division, supported by General Blair's; next by General Osterhaus' division,

supported by General Carr's, and next by General Hovey, forming my right, and that l informed

him that I had received a dispatch from the latter, dated 9.30 a.m., notifying me that he had found

the enemy strongly posted, and believed that his right flank would encounter severe resistance;

and that I asked him whether McPherson should not support Hovey, and whether I should bring

on a general engagement; that afterward, sending several dispatches, he failed to answer any

more directly than by the following dispatch, dated 12.35 p.m.: "As soon as your command is all

in hand, throw forward skirmishers and feel the enemy, and attack him in force if an opportunity

occurs, and I will see that Hovey and McPherson fully co-operate," as though Hovey had not

been hotly and desperately engaged since 11 a.m.

He also fails to state that upon the receipt of this dispatch I immediately ordered my center

and left to "attack the enemy vigorously and press for victory;" that he allowed Hovey's division

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to be forced back twice or thrice with great loss from the ground gained, although, as was

credibly reported, there was a brigade or division of McPherson's corps unengaged and within

easy supporting distance. Moreover, that he sent me several dispatches leading me to the belief

that the enemy was in greatest force in front of my center and left, and warning me to guard

against letting him gain the rear of that part of my line; and that after or about the time the enemy

gave way on the right, Garrard's brigade, leading my right center, was so formidably opposed as

to need the sup port of Benton's and Lindsey's, leaving my left center to be supported by Lawler's

brigade, forming a reserve.

He omits all these things, and, in fine, to notice the fact that an early official dispatch sent by

him to Washington giving an account of the battle was so unjust even to Hovey's division as to

cause Hovey to make it the subject of a communication to me complaining of it, and me to

concur in it and send it to General Grant.

My position during the battle was with my center, composed of Osterhaus' and Carr's

divisions, and during its progress, when I ordered Osterhaus to push forward and make a

diversion in favor of Hovey, he sent me word that his column was as much advanced as Hovey's,

was contending with great difficulties, and was doing all it could do. General Grant coming up

and finding Hovey's division forming for the attack, remained on the right.

In noticing the battle of Black River Bridge, General Grant also omits the fact that he did not

come up until after I had disposed my forces and brought them into action. In noticing the battle

of Port Gibson, he says, "Early on the morning of May 1, I went out and found McClernand and

his corps engaging the enemy about 4 miles from Port Gibson." It might be inferred from this

statement that General Grant early arrived on the field, yet the truth is I neither saw nor heard of

his being on the field until after I had made the dispositions for the battle, and had driven the

enemy from his first position on my right, and captured several pieces of cannon and a number of

prisoners, and had disabled two of the enemy's guns on my left. General Grant came up after

this, and, riding together to Hovey's position, we were greeted by the hurrahs of his men.

Again he says:

McClernand, who was with the right in person, sent repeated messages to me before the

arrival of Logan to send Logan's and Quinby's divisions, of McPherson's corps, to him. I had

been on that as well as other parts of the field, and could not see how they could be used there to

advantage. However, as soon as the advance of McPherson's corps (Logan's division) arrived, I

sent one brigade to McClernand, on the right, and sent one brigade, Brig. Gen. J. E. Smith

commanding, to the left, to the assistance of Osterhaus. By the judicious disposition of this

brigade, under the immediate supervision of McPherson and Logan, a position was soon

obtained giving us an advantage which soon drove the enemy from that part of the field, to make

no further stand south of Bayou Pierre.

If I sent repeated messages to General Grant to send forward re-enforcements, it was because

my early and intimate knowledge of what was going on justified it, and General Grant,

notwithstanding his opinion to the contrary, sent re-enforcements, and Stevenson's brigade, of

Logan's division, was accordingly applied to strengthen my center, and did good service. If

General Grant thought it was unnecessary, why did he send it? In doing so, he impeaches his

own firmness and self-reliance. By his own admission, Smith's brigade, of the same division,

was profitably applied on my left. Indeed, of what avail are troops unless they are used to

forestall the chances of battle; to insure success against all vicissitudes; to cast the balance

decisively and finally at a critical moment? All the great masters inculcate this as a fundamental

principle, as a condition of success, as the characteristic of a safe commander. My purpose was

to make short, sure, and conclusive work of a contest that was to open or close the door to the

passage of the Bayou Pierre and the road to Vicksburg. Unless General Grant held contrary

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views, and was unwilling that others should share with my troops the losses and sufferings of

battle, he could not have consistently objected. That Smith's brigade did good service I doubt

not. I have already borne testimony to that fact in my official report; but how soon he drove the

enemy from my left front may be uncertain, as quite late in the evening General Grant sent an

order detaching Benton's brigade from my right wing to go to the left--an order, it is true, that

was revoked before the brigade reached its destination.

Further, whether it was alone "by the judicious disposition made of this brigade under the

immediate supervision of McPherson and Logan," which by consequence "drove the enemy from

that part of the field," is a controverted question; for General Osterhaus' report claims that his

suggestions and forces had something, nay, much to do with it, and T presume Colonel [James]

Keigwin, Forty ninth Indiana, who is reported to have borne himself gallantry in that part of the

field, also claims to have had something to do with it. The truth is, in all these battles and their

preliminaries I acted, and was left to act, more or less upon my own responsibility. I moved by a

forced night march from the vicinity of Bruinsburg to the battle-field of Port Gibson without

orders and upon my own responsibility, and fought the battle in considerable part before General

Grant came up. My object was to seize the crossings of Bayou Pierre before the enemy could

gain intelligence of our approach. I thought the result justified the risk, although I was convinced

that if disaster or defeat followed I would be ruined.

The victory of Port Gibson ostensibly indemnified me, although it did not avert from me the

censure and injurious implications of General Grant's report, no more than the victory of

Arkansas Post averted the written disapprobation of the expedition that led to it; neither did the

part borne by me throughout the Mississippi campaign prevent him from removing me from the

command of the Thirteenth Army Corps at the moment when the Mississippi River expedition,

which I had recommended to the President and Secretary of War near a year before, was about to

be crowned with success in the fall of Vicksburg.

With all these facts laid bare, and with a public life of nearly thirty years' duration in civil

and military station before the public, I leave my public actions and my character, which is worth

more to me than my life, for the impartial judgment of my military superiors and of the country

and history.

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,

Major-General.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS CAVALRY,

La Grange, Tenn., February 6, 1863.

SIR: In obedience to orders of Colonel Hatch, commanding brigade, on the 2d instant,

Captain Herring, of this regiment, in command of four companies, proceeded to Saulsbury, and

reported to Major Coon, Second Iowa Cavalry, by whose orders Captain Herring moved with his

command 4 miles south, on the Ripley road, and encamped near the plantation of Mrs. Hines,

scouting the country south and east for a distance of 5 miles, until the morning of the 5th, when

he was ordered by Major Coon to return to camp.

Nothing worthy of note transpired during the expedition, except that on the 4th instant, about

noon, Sergts. Daniel H. Dunbar and Edward M. Gibbs, and Privates Charles E. Smythe,

Company I, and Samuel Buckingham, Company F, straggled from camp, and were surrounded

by a band of men, under the guerrilla [S. G.] Street, 12 in number, to whom they surrendered

without offering any resistance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant

EDWARD PRINCE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.

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Lieut. SAMUEL L. WOODWARD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Cavalry Brigade.

HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS,

Moscow, Tenn., February 22, 1863.

SIR: On the morning of the 18th instant, I was detailed to take command of 160 men,

comprised of details from the Third Iowa, Forty-first and Fifty-third Illinois, and Thirty-third

Wisconsin, to escort a forage train that was going out after forage.

I reported at division headquarters at 8 a.m., and took command of the aforesaid guards, who

had reported there. We started out in a northwest direction. After going 5 or 6 miles, we stopped

at the plantation of Colonel Nuckles and loaded our train.

While we were loading the train, I received information that 150 of [R. V.] Richardson's

rebel cavalry had made their appearance about a mile west of us, and that they were moving in a

southeast direction. I immediately ordered the guards in line, ready for action.

When our train was loaded, I placed half the guards in front and the remainder in the rear of

the train. I took all necessary precautions to have the train move in good order, and we started for

camp, moving unmolested until within 2 or 3 miles of camp, when I discovered a body of rebel

cavalry south of the road, about 150 strong, preparing to make a dash upon the train. I sent orders

to the front guards to return with all possible speed, at the same time hurrying forward with the

rear guards. In consequence of the bad condition of the roads, the train was somewhat scattered,

and both the front and rear guards were from a half to three-fourths of a mile from the center of

the train.

In the mean time the rebels had made their dash and attacked the train in the center; the front

and rear guards coming up, engaged the enemy at the same time. The engagement lasted about

five minutes, when the enemy were repulsed and in full retreat.

Our loss was 1 man wounded and 16 missing. We also lost 42 mules and 2 horses. Loss of

the enemy unknown.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

F. M. LONG,

Major Forty-First Regiment Illinois Volunteers.

Lieut. WILLIAM WARNER,

Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Brigade, Fourth Division.

HELENA, ARK., February 24, 1863.

SIR: I have to report, for the information of the major-general commanding, that Yazoo Pass

is now open for navigation.

The levee at the entrance was cut on the 3d instant, with comparatively little difficulty, and

by the 7th the rush of water through the crevasse had so subsided that the U.S. gunboat Forest

Rose, Capt. George W. Brown, entered as far as the exit of the Pass from Moon Lake. About this

time it was fully ascertained that the rebels had obstructed the stream by felling heavy trees into

and across it.

On the 8th, fresh troops, under the command of General Washburn, arrived at Moon Lake,

and began the removal of the blockades. By the evening of the 21st, the work was accomplished,

and at 5 p.m. of the 22d the steamers Henderson and Mattie Cook, with one regiment of troops

on board, entered the Coldwater River and descended it 2 miles, to Cole's plantation. On the

23d, they went down from 10 to 12 miles farther, through some of the shortest bends, and

returned the same day to Hunt's Mill, on the Pass.

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I am confirmed in the opinions expressed in my previous reports concerning the

practicability of this route, during proper stages of water, as a line of military Operations. In

navigating Yazoo Pass some difficulty will be experienced from limbs of overhanging trees, not

removed because of the impossibility of cutting them down without letting the whole tree fall

into the channel. Should the water fall 4 or 5 feet, this could be easily obviated by cutting and

pulling inland the trees now partly in the way.

The Coldwater is a considerable stream after its junction with the Pass--from 120 to 150 feet

in width inside of its banks; is now quite full, rising slowly, and is easily navigable for any boat

that can work its way through the Pass. Like the latter, it might be improved by cutting off more

of the overhanging trees, though it is not essential in either ease. It would simply facilitate the

navigation.

In the present condition of affairs, I think boats 180 feet in length, and of any proportional

beam and draught-of water, can be sent from the Mississippi to the Tallahatchee by this route in

four days, possibly in less time, with good management. The period for which this route can be

used will depend entirely upon the stage of water in the Mississippi, the shallowest part being on

the bar, over which boats are compelled to pass in order to reach the entrance.

In submitting this report of the work assigned me, it would be unjust not to call attention to

the difficulties encountered and the arduous labor performed by the troops in overcoming them.

With the exception of the secondary ridges, some distance from the stream, and occasional strips

of land, from 20 to 50 feet wide, close to it, the entire country was overflowed, so that

communication was nearly impossible, and the work could only be done by small parties,

beginning at the upper end and working toward the Coldwater. In no case were more than 500

men employed, and frequently not half that number. The obstructions were found at intervals, all

along the Pass, from a point 4 miles from Moon Lake to a point near the Coldwater, the principal

one being a mile long, and composed of the heaviest trees, cut from both sides of the stream, so

as to lie across and upon each other. Various plans were tried for removing them, all attended

with the breakage of cables and boat machinery, but finally, by cutting, sawing, and pulling out

upon the banks entire trees, the way was opened. The labor was so severe, and the exposure so

great, that it was found necessary to relieve the troops several times by fresh regiments from

Helena.

Brigadier-General Washburn, who was in actual command of the forces employed, after

leaving Moon Lake will doubtless report concerning them; but I take the liberty of commending

the zeal and intelligence of Lieut. George [G.] Murdock, of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery; Captain

Whipple, of the Thirty-third Iowa, and Colonel Cameron, of the Thirty-fourth Indiana. They

rendered valuable assistance (Lieutenant Murdock from the lake to the Coldwater) in directing

and prosecuting the work.

The steamer Henderson, under the efficient command of Capt. A. Lamont, rendered

invaluable service. Her cordage and light upper work were considerably broken; it would,

therefore, be no more than justice to put her in repair at the public expense.

Inclosed herewith I hand a sketch of the Pass and adjacent country. I am, sir, very

respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. H. WILSON,

Lieut. Col., U.S. Army, and Chief Topographical Engineer.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.

ON THE TALLAHATCHEE,

Fifteen miles below mouth of Coldwater, March 7, 1863.

10

GENERAL: We got into the Tallahatchee last night, and have made but 10 miles today, in

consequence of the delay for coaling the gunboats. We have arranged to leave the coal-barges in

charge of the gunboat (Marmora) and the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and with the balance of

our forces to push on to Greenwood. We expect to arrive at the mouth of the Yalabusha on

Monday evening, go forward to Greenwood in the morning (10th), and by 12 m. to have

possession of it. Here we shall await our coal-barges, and in the mean time possibly make a

move toward Grenada. Greenwood is represented as being fortified, and we have been very

kindly informed that there were from 20,000 to 30,000 troops awaiting our arrival.

In regard to rations, I have enough only to supply me to the 13th. I ordered 30,000 more

rations forward; if received, will have enough to last to the 22d. I learn that many of the gunboats

are about out, and are expecting to get from me; in fact, I have already issued to some of them. If

I remain to do the work that seems to be before me, I shall want more rations, say 50,000 more.

They can be safely sent forward; if they do not find me at Greenwood, there will be a gunboat

there or at the mouth of the Yalabusha, to receive them. I shall also have one regiment of infantry

with the gunboat, to guard our provisions, coal, &c.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEONARD F. ROSS,

Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS.

LA GRANGE, TENN., March 24, 1863.

COLONEL: This evening I was informed that the Second Iowa pickets, standing on the road

running southeast from this place, had been attacked by a party of guerrillas, and two of them

were captured. I instantly took about 50 men and went in pursuit of them. We traveled about 15

miles double-quick, came upon them, killed 3, recaptured our men, and took 3 prisoners. We

stopped at a house where there were 4 or 5 men who called themselves citizens, but I am under

the impression they are part of the above-named party.

Herewith I send you 3 prisoners, as follows, viz: W. L. Barrett, W. T. Bowlend, and L. W.

Mills, whom you can dispose of as you think best.

Hoping that this may prove satisfactory, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. LOOMIS,

Lieutenant-Colonel.

Col. B. H. GRIERSON,

Commanding First Cavalry

GERMANTOWN, TENN., April 6, 1863.

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with the order of General

Hurlbut, I left camp at daylight on the morning of the 2d instant, with the effective force of the

Seventh Kansas Cavalry, to move against Richardson's force, then supposed to be in the swamps

of Beaver Creek. On arriving at Hickory Wythe, I learned that the Second Iowa Cavalry had

passed through that place an hour before, on their way down from a scout through the country I

was ordered to visit. After crossing Loosahatchee, I learned that immediately after the surprise

and slaughter of our men near Belmont, on Sunday night, March 29, Richardson had disbanded

his men, fearing so large a Federal force would be sent into the country that his command would

be destroyed if he attempted to keep it together. I therefore saw that it would be impossible for

me to accomplish what was evidently expected from the expedition, for where men are scattered

through the swamps it is only by chance that they can be caught. However, I spent two days in

the swamps on Beaver, thoroughly scouring the whole country, from the head of East Beaver, 5

11

miles above Mason's Station, around to Portersville, on the west. Probably one-third of

Richardson's active force was scattered through this stretch of country, but our movements were

so vigilantly watched and so faithfully reported by the "peaceable citizens," that the entire

population anticipated our approach.

Knowing that I would meet no hostile force, I deployed the men by squadrons, and made a

hunt instead of a march, sending them in lines of skirmishers through swamps and fields over the

whole country. I had some hope that by this means I might find Richardson himself, who has

been wounded, and is said to be concealed somewhere in that country. I then moved down

Beaver to its junction with the Loosahatchee, which I recrossed early yesterday morning.

On Cypress I captured a few prisoners, and found that many more of Richardson's men were

in that neighborhood than north of the Loosahatchee. I was anxious to spend a couple of days on

Cypress, believing I could capture a considerable number of prisoners, but our subsistence was

exhausted, and I had no permission to subsist on the country. I therefore returned to camp, where

I arrived last night.

I met with no loss except that about 20 of our poorest horses died or had to be abandoned on

the march. I captured enough animals belonging to Richardson's men to make up the deficiency.

I made every effort to communicate with Colonel Lawler, but could neither find nor hear of

him.

About 2 miles southeast of Portersville, in Beaver Swamp, I found 500 bushels of corn in

gunny-sacks, which had been captured by Richardson near Randolph. He had pressed teams in

the vicinity of Portersville about a month since, and hauled the corn to this hiding-place for

further use. I burned it.

On Thursday night, after we had crossed Loosahatchee, going northward, the bridge below

Quinn's Mills was burned, either by citizens or guerrillas. On my return, I found a report

circulating among the people that the bridge had been burned by my men. The story will

doubtless find its way to headquarters, but it is so palpably absurd that I trust it will not need

contradiction. General Hurlbut's orders were strictly observed in every respect.

The conduct of officers and men was praiseworthy, and I am confident that there was no

single instance of improper conduct on the part of any man in the expedition. I send herewith

triplicate descriptive-rolls of 9 prisoners, who will be turned over to you. A lieutenant named R.

F. Graham was killed.

Your obedient servant,

T. P. HERRICK,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Seventh Kansas Cavalry.

Lieut. W. M. EMERY,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

LA GRANGE, TENN., April 7, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders received at 4.30 p.m. on the

5th instant, from headquarters First Brigade, Cavalry Division, "for one battalion to proceed

immediately southward to Early Grove, thence westerly toward Mount Pleasant, and return by

way of Moscow," I started with the Third Battalion at 5.30 p.m., and moved southward on the

main Holly Springs road to the point where the Early Grove road leaves it, and thence on the

Early Grove road. I encamped for the night on the plantation of ---, about 9 miles southwest of

La Grange, and 6 miles northeast from Early Grove. No information could be gained from any

citizen in the neighborhood as to the position or movements of the enemy.

At 4 a.m. on the 6th, started, and roached Early Grove about daylight; thence moved

southward toward the Lamar and Mount Pleasant road, and on arriving near the plantation and

12

residence of Mr. James Pool, 2 miles from Early Grove, my advance saw some men about Pool's

house. Three men were sent to see who they were, when the men started to run, but were, after

some firing on both sides, captured. Two men were found in the house of Pool. The women of

the house refused to let the sergeant in command of the advance enter the house, denying that

any one was in there. The sergeant, though, had seen them through the window, and insisted on

searching the house, when the women placed themselves before the door and resisted all

entrance, until the sergeant threatened to burn the house unless they allowed the search, when

they stepped aside and allowed him to go in, where he found 2 of Mitchell's men, armed--one of

them with a Colt's carbine. The party proved to be 2 of Waul's Legion--one sergeant and one

private---and 3 of Mitchell's men, all armed and equipped as cavalry.

Fed, got breakfast, and at 9 a.m. started for Mount Pleasant, where we arrived at 12 m. At

12.30 p.m. started for Moscow; arrived at 3 p.m., seeing or learning nothing more of the enemy.

Rested one hour at Moscow, and returned to camp, arriving about retreat last night. The captures

were as follows, viz: Five horses, which were turned over to the regimental quartermaster; two

Colt's revolvers, navy size; one Colt's carbine, and two shotguns. The guns were destroyed by the

men, and the balance turned over to the regimental adjutant.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM W. EATON,

Captain Company L, Second Iowa Cav., Comdg. Third Battalion.

Lieut. S. L. WOODWARD,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

April 29, 1863.

SIR: I have just received the inclosed telegram:

Anticipating a gathering to oppose Grierson's return, I had mounted the Sixth Iowa infantry,

and sent them, with the Second Iowa Cavalry and Fourth Illinois, this morning toward Okolona

to relieve Grierson, I think he will come in above Okolona and toward Corinth. I have full faith

that he can cut through any force they can raise.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS.

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., May 5, 1863.

COLONEL: I consider it proper to report directly to the General-in-Chief the transactions in

this army corps during the latter part of April, because the recent change of headquarters

Department of the Tennessee isolates me from my immediate commander.

As the spring opened, I was daily more and more impressed with the feasibility of a plan,

long entertained, of pushing a flying column of cavalry through the length of Mississippi, cutting

the Southern Railroad. By consent and approval of General Grant, I prepared a system of

movements along my entire line from Memphis to Corinth for the purpose of covering this

cavalry dash. At the same time General Rosecrans proposed to me to cover a movement of 1,800

cavalry from Tuscumbia down into Alabama and Georgia. This did not interfere with my plan,

but simply required extra force to be developed from Corinth. Delays incident to combined

movements, especially from separate commands, kept his expeditionary column back for six

days.

I commenced the movement from Corinth on the 15th; force as stated in report

accompanying.

13

On the 17th, Col. B. H. Grierson, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, with his own regiment, the Seventh

Illinois, and Second Iowa, moved from La Grange, by way of Pontotoc, with orders, after

passing Pontotoc, to proceed straight down, throwing one regiment to the left toward Okolona,

and to push for and destroy the Chunkey River Bridge and any others they could reach, and

either return, or proceed to Baton Rouge, as might be found advisable.

On the same day, April 17, a column of infantry 1,500 strong, and one battery, moved by

railroad from La Grange to Coldwater, with orders to push rapidly between Coldwater and the

Tallahatchee, and take Chalmers in flank and rear while attacked in front by three regiments, a

battery, and 200 cavalry from Memphis, which left here on the 18th. I considered that the effect

of these movements would be to puzzle the enemy and withdraw his force from the central line,

which has proven to be correct.

Chalmers was attacked at Coldwater; the stream found to be unfordable, but was held there

until Smith's column from his rear approached from La Grange, when he broke into squads and

disappeared. After holding the ground for three days, gathering 400 homes and mules and large

supplies of bacon and forage, this force returned with small loss.

Grierson, on the 19th, detached the Second Iowa below Pontotoc, which fought its way

gallantly back to La Grange and came home well mounted. The main cavalry column (Sixth and

Seventh Illinois) proceeded, without loss or engagement, to Newton, on the Southern Mississippi

Railroad, and there destroyed bridges, &c. They then swept around to Hazlehurst, on the New

Orleans and Jackson road, and destroyed heavy trestle. I inclose copies of Southern reports of

their progress. I have no doubt they are before this at Baton Rouge, or have joined General Grant

at or below Grand Gulf.

I desire especially to call the attention of the General-in-Chief to this gallant exploit of

Colonel Grierson, one, I think, unequaled in the war, and to ask such testimonial of approbation

from the Government as his services deserve. Streight's expedition has been attacked, but the

attack was heavily repulsed, and they are now on their way, with good prospects of success.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-General.

Col. J. C. KELTON,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington, D. C

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY BRIGADE,

Baton Rouge, La., May 5, 1863.

COLONEL: In accordance with instructions from Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut, received through

Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, at La Grange, Tenn., I left that place at daylight on the morning of April

17, with the effective force of my command, 1,700 strong. We moved southward without

material interruption, crossing the Tallahatchee River on the afternoon of the 18th at three

different points. One battalion of the Seventh Illinois, under Major Graham, crossing at New

Albany, found the bridge partially torn up, and an attempt was made to fire it. As they

approached the bridge they were fired upon, but drove the enemy from their position, repaired

the bridge, and crossed. The balance of the Seventh Illinois and the whole of the Sixth crossed at

a ford 2 miles above, and the Second Iowa crossed about 4 miles still farther up. After crossing,

the Sixth and Seventh Illinois moved south on the Pontotoc road, and encamped for the night on

the plantation of Mr. Sloan. The Second Iowa also moved south from their point of crossing, and

encamped about 4 miles south of the river. The rain fell in torrents all night.

The next morning, April 19, I sent a detachment eastward to communicate with Colonel

Hatch and make a demonstration toward Chesterville, where a regiment of cavalry was

14

organizing. I also sent an expedition to New Albany, and another northwest toward King's

Bridge, to attack and destroy a portion of a regiment of cavalry organizing there under Major [A.

H.] Chalmers. I thus sought to create the impression that the object of our advance was to break

up these parties.

The expedition eastward communicated with Colonel Hatch, who was still moving south

parallel to us. The one to New Albany came upon 200 rebels near the town, and engaged them,

killing and wounding several. The one northwest found that Major Chalmers' command, hearing

of our close proximity, had suddenly left in the night, going west.

After the return of these expeditions, I moved with the whole force to Pontotoc. Colonel

Hatch joined us about noon, reporting having skirmished with about 200 rebels the afternoon

before and that morning, killing, wounding, and capturing a number.

We reached Pontotoc about 5 p.m. The advance dashed into the town, came upon some

guerrillas, killed 1, and wounded and captured several more. Here we also captured a large mill,

about 400 bushels of salt, and camp equipage, books, papers, &c., of Captain Weatherall's

command, all of which were destroyed. After slight delay, we moved out, and encamped for the

night on the plantation of Mr. Daggett, 5 miles south of Pontotoc, on the road toward Houston.

At 3 o'clock the next morning, April 20, I detached 175 of the least effective portion of the

command, with one gun of the battery and all the prisoners, led horses, and captured property,

under the command of Major Love, of the Second Iowa, to proceed back to La Grange, marching

in column of fours, before daylight, through Pontotoc, and thus leaving the impression that the

whole command had returned. Major Love had orders also to send off a single scout to cut the

telegraph wires south of Oxford.

At 5 a.m. I proceeded southward with the main force on the Houston road, passing around

Houston about 4 p.m., and halting at dark on the plantation of Benjamin Kilgore, 11 miles

southeast of the latter place, on the road toward Starkville.

The following morning at 6 o'clock I resumed the march southward, and about 8 o'clock

came to the road leading southeast to Columbus, Miss. Here I detached Colonel Hatch, with the

Second Iowa Cavalry and one gun of the battery, with orders to proceed to the Mobile and Ohio

Railroad in the vicinity of West Point, and destroy the road and wires; thence move south,

destroying the railroad and all public property as far south, if possible, as Macon; thence across

the railroad, making a circuit northward; if practicable, take Columbus and destroy all

Government works in that place, and again strike the railroad south of Okolona, and, destroying

it, return to La Grange by the most practicable route.

Of this expedition, and the one previously sent back, I have since heard nothing, except

vague and uncertain rumors through secession sources.

These detachments were intended as diversions, and even should the commanders not have

been able to carry out their instructions, yet, by attracting the attention of the enemy in other

directions, they assisted us much in the accomplishment of the main object of the expedition.

After having started Colonel Hatch on his way, with the remaining portion of the command,

consisting of the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry, about 950 strong, I continued on my journey

southward, still keeping the Starkville road. Arriving at Starkville about 4 p.m., we captured a

mail and a quantity of Government property, which we destroyed. From this point we took the

direct road to Louisville. We moved out on this road about 4 miles, through a dismal swamp

nearly belly-deep in mud, and sometimes swimming our horses to cross streams, when we

encamped for the night in the midst of a violent rain. From this point I detached a battalion of the

Seventh Illinois Cavalry under - -, to proceed about 4 miles, and destroy a large tannery and shoe

manufactory in the service of the rebels. They returned safely, having accomplished the work

most effectually. They destroyed a large number of boots and shoes and a large quantity of

15

leather and machinery; in all amounting, probably, to $50,000, and captured a rebel

quartermaster from Port Hudson, who was there laying in a supply for his command. We now

immediately resumed the march toward Louisville, distant 28 miles, mostly through a dense

swamp, the Noxubee River bottom. This was for miles belly-deep in water, so that no road was

discernible. The inhabitants through this part of the country generally did not know of our

coming, and would not believe us to be anything but Confederates. We arrived at Louisville soon

after dark. I sent a battalion of the Sixth Illinois, under Major Starr, in advance, to picket the

town and remain until the column had passed, when they were relieved by a battalion of the

Seventh Illinois, under Major Graham, who was ordered to remain until we should have been

gone an hour, to prevent persons leaving with information of the course we were taking, to drive

out stragglers, preserve order, and quiet the fears of the people. They had heard of our coming a

short time before we arrived, and many had left, taking only what they could hurriedly move.

The column moved quietly through the town without halting, and not a thing was disturbed.

Those who remained at home acknowledged that they were surprised. They had expected to be

robbed, outraged, and have their houses burned. On the contrary, they were protected in their

persons and property.

After leaving the town, we struck another swamp, in which, crossing it, as we were obliged

to, in the dark, we lost several animals drowned, and the men narrowly escaped the same fate.

Marching until midnight, we halted until daylight at the plantation of Mr. Estes, about 10 miles

south of Louisville.

The next morning, April 23, at daylight we took the road for Philadelphia, crossing Pearl

River on a bridge about 6 miles north of the town. This bridge we were fearful would be

destroyed by the citizens to prevent our crossing, and upon arriving at Philadelphia we found that

they had met and organized for that purpose; but hearing of our near approach, their hearts failed,

and they fled to the woods. We moved through Philadelphia about 3 p.m. without interruption,

and halted to feed about 5 miles southeast, on the Enterprise road. Here we rested until 10

o'clock at night, when I sent two battalions of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Lieutenant-

Colonel Blackburn, to proceed immediately to Decatur, thence to the railroad at Newton Station.

With the main force I followed about an hour later. The advance passed through Decatur about

daylight, and struck the railroad about 6 a.m. I arrived about an hour afterward with the column.

Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn dashed into the town, took possession of the railroad and

telegraph, and succeeded in capturing two trains in less than half an hour after his arrival. One of

these, 25 cars, was loaded with ties and machinery, and the other 13 cars were loaded with

commissary stores and ammunition, among the latter several thousand loaded shells. These,

together with a large quantity of commissary and quartermaster's stores and about five hundred

stand of arms stored in the town, were destroyed. Seventy-five prisoners captured at this point

were paroled. The locomotives were exploded and otherwise rendered completely unserviceable.

Here the track was torn up, and a bridge half a mile west of the station destroyed. I detached a

battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, under Major Starr, to proceed eastward and destroy such

bridges, &c., as he might find over Chunkey River. Having damaged as much as possible the

railroad and telegraph, and destroyed all Government property in the vicinity of Newton, I

moved about 4 miles south of the road and fed men and horses. The forced marches which I was

compelled to make, in order to reach this point successfully, necessarily very much fatigued and

exhausted my command, and rest and food were absolutely necessary for its safety.

From captured mails and information obtained by my scouts, I knew that large forces had

been sent out to intercept our return, and having instructions from Major-General Hurlbut and

Brigadier-General Smith to move in any direction from this point which, in my judgment, would

be best for the safety of my command and the success of the expedition, I at once decided to

16

move south, in order to secure the necessary rest and food for men and horses, and then return to

La Grange through Alabama, or make for Baton Rouge, as I might hereafter deem best. Major

Starr in the mean time rejoined us, having destroyed most effectually three bridges and several

hundred feet of trestle-work, and the telegraph from 8 to 10 miles east of Newton Station.

After resting about three hours, we moved south to Garlandville. At this point we found the

citizens, many of them venerable with age, armed with shot-guns and organized to resist our

approach. As the advance entered the town, these citizens fired upon them and wounded one of

our men. We charged upon them and captured several. After disarming them, we showed them

the folly of their actions, and, released them. Without an exception they acknowledged their

mistake, and declared that they had been grossly deceived as to our real character. One

volunteered his services as guide, and upon leaving us declared that hereafter his prayers should

be for the Union Army. I mention this as a sample of the feeling which exists, and the good

effect which our presence produced among the people in the country through which we passed.

Hundreds who are skulking and hiding out to avoid conscription, only await the presence of our

arms to sustain them, when they will rise up and declare their principles; and thousands who

have been deceived, upon the vindication of our cause would immediately return to loyalty.

After slight delay at Garlandville, we moved southwest about 10 miles, and camped at night

on the plantation of Mr. Bender, 2 miles west of Montrose. Our men and horses having become

gradually exhausted, I determined on making a very easy march the next day, looking more to

the recruiting of my weary little command than to the accomplishment of any important object;

consequently I marched at 8 o'clock the next morning, taking a west, and varying slightly to a

northwest, course. We marched about 5 miles, and halted to feed on the plantation of Elias

Nichols.

After resting until about 2 p.m., during which time I sent detachments north to threaten the

line of railroad at Lake Station and other points, we moved southwest toward Raleigh, making

about 12 miles during the afternoon, and halting at dark on the plantation of Dr. Mackadora.

From this point I sent a single scout, disguised as a citizen, to proceed northward to the line

of the Southern Railroad, cut the telegraph, and, if possible, fire a bridge or trestle-work. He

started on his journey about midnight, and when within 7 miles of the railroad he came upon a

regiment of Southern cavalry from Brandon, Miss., in search of us. He succeeded in misdirecting

them as to the place where he had last seen us, and, having seen them well on the wrong road, he

immediately retraced his steps to camp with the news. When he first met them they were on the

direct road to our camp, and had they not been turned from their course would have come up

with us before daylight.

From information received through my scouts and other sources, I found that Jackson and the

stations east as far as Lake Station had been re-enforced by infantry and artillery; and hearing

that a fight was momentarily expected at Grand Gulf, I decided to make a rapid march: cross

Pearl River, and strike the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad at Hazlehurst,

and, after destroying as much of the road as possible, endeavor to get upon the flank of the

enemy and cooperate with our forces, should they be successful in the attack upon Grand Gulf

and Port Gibson.

Having obtained during this day plenty of forage and provisions, and having had one good

night's rest, we now again felt ready for any emergency. Accordingly, at 6 o'clock on the

morning of the 26th, we crossed Leaf River, burning the bridge behind us to prevent any enemy

who might be in pursuit from following; thence through Raleigh, capturing the sheriff of that

county, with about $3,000 in Government funds; thence to Westville, reaching this place soon

after dark. Passing on about 2 miles, we halted to feed, in the midst of a heavy rain, on the

plantation of Mr. Williams.

17

After feeding, Colonel Prince, of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, with two battalions, was sent

immediately forward to Pearl River to secure the ferry and landing. He arrived in time to capture

a courier who had come to bring intelligence of the approach of the Yankees and orders for the

destruction of the ferry. With the main column, I followed in about two hours. We ferried and

swam our horses, and succeeded in crossing the whole command by 2 p.m.

As soon as Colonel Prince had crossed his two battalions, he was ordered to proceed

immediately to the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad, striking it at Hazlehurst.

Here he found a number of cars containing about 500 loaded shells and a large quantity of

commissary and quartermaster's stores, intended for Grand Gulf and Port Gibson. These were

destroyed, and as much of the railroad and telegraph as possible. Here, again, we found the

citizens armed to resist us, but they fled precipitately upon our approach.

From this point we took a northwest course to Gallatin, 4 miles; thence southwest 3 miles to

the plantation of Mr. Thompson, where we halted until the next morning.

Directly after leaving Gallatin we captured a 64-pounder gun, a heavy wagon load of

ammunition, and machinery for mounting the gun, on the road to Port Gibson. The gun was

spiked and the carriages and ammunition destroyed. During the afternoon it rained in torrents,

and the men were completely drenched.

At 6 o'clock the next morning, April 28, we moved westward. After proceeding a short

distance, I detached a battalion of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Captain Trafton, to proceed

back to the railroad at Bahala and destroy the road, telegraph, and all Government property he

might find. With the rest of the command, I moved southwest toward Union Church. We halted

to feed at 2 p.m. on the plantation of Mr. Snyder, about 2 miles northeast of the church. While

feeding, our pickets were fired upon by a considerable force. I immediately moved out upon

them, skirmished with and drove them through the town, wounding and capturing a number. It

proved to be a part of Wirt Adams' (Mississippi) cavalry. After driving them off, we held the

town and bivouacked for the night. After accomplishing the object of his expedition, Captain

Trafton returned to us about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 29th, having come upon the rear of

the main body of Adams' command. The enemy having a battery of artillery, it was his intention

to attack us in front and rear at Union Church about daylight in the morning, but the appearance

of Captain Trafton with a force in his rear changed his purpose, and, turning to the right, he took

the direct road to Port Gibson. From this point I made a strong demonstration toward Fayette,

with a view of creating the impression that we were going toward Port Gibson or Natchez, while

I quietly took the opposite direction, taking the road leading southeast to Brookhaven, on the

railroad.

Before arriving at this place, we ascertained that about 500 citizens and conscripts were

organized to resist us. We charged into the town, when they fled, making but little resistance. We

captured over 200 prisoners, a large and beautiful camp of instruction, comprising several

hundred tents, and a large quantity of quartermaster's and commissary stores, arms, ammunition,

&c. After paroling the prisoners and destroying the railroad, telegraph, and all Government

property, about dark we moved southward, and encamped at Mr. Gill's plantation, about 8 miles

south of Brookhaven.

On the following morning we moved directly south, along the railroad, destroying all bridges

and trestle-work to Bogue Chitto Station, where we burned the depot and fifteen freight cars, and

captured a very large secession flag. From thence we still moved along the railroad, destroying

every bridge, water-tank, &c., as we passed, to Summit, which place we reached soon after noon.

Here we destroyed twenty-five freight cars and a large quantity of Government sugar. We found

much Union sentiment in this town, and were kindly welcomed and fed by many of the citizens.

18

Hearing nothing more of our forces at Grand Gulf, I concluded to make for Baton Rouge to

recruit my command, after which I could return to La Grange, through Southern Mississippi and

Western Alabama; or, crossing the Mississippi River, move through Louisiana and Arkansas.

Accordingly, after resting about two hours, we started southwest, on the Liberty road, marched

about 15 miles, and halted until daylight on the plantation of Dr. Spurlark.

The next morning we left the road and threatened Magnolia and Osyka, where large forces

were concentrated to meet us; but, instead of attacking those points, took a course due south,

marching through woods, lanes, and by-roads, and striking the road leading from Clinton to

Osyka. Scarcely had we touched this road when we came upon the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry

[Battalion], posted in a strong defile, guarding the bridges over Tickfaw River. We captured their

pickets, and, attacking them, drove them before us, killing, wounding, and capturing a number.

Our loss in this engagement was 1 man killed, and Lieut. Col. William D. Blackburn and 4 men

wounded.

I cannot speak too highly of the bravery of the men upon this occasion, and particularly of

Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn, who, at the head of his men, charged upon the bridge, dashed

over, and, by undaunted courage, dislodged the enemy from his strong position. After disposing

of the dead and wounded, we immediately moved south, on the Greensburg road, recrossing the

Tickfaw River at Edwards' Bridge. At this point we met [W. H.] Garland's rebel cavalry, and,

with one battalion of the Sixth Illinois and two guns of the battery, engaged and drove them off

without halting the column.

The enemy were now on our track in earnest. We were in the vicinity of their stronghold,

and, from couriers and dispatches which we captured, it was evident they were sending forces in

all directions to intercept us. The Amite River, a wide and rapid stream, was to be crossed, and

there was but one bridge by which it could be crossed, and this was in exceedingly close

proximity to Port Hudson. This I determined upon securing before I halted. We crossed it at

midnight, about two hours in advance of a heavy column of infantry and artillery, which had

been sent there to intercept us. I moved on to Sandy Creek, where Hughes' cavalry [battalion],

under Lieutenant-Colonel [C. C.] Wilbourn, were encamped, and where there was another main

road leading to Port Hudson.

We reached this point at first dawn of day; completely surprised and captured the camp, with

a number of prisoners. Having destroyed the camp, consisting of about one hundred and fifty

tents, a large quantity of ammunition, guns, public and private stores, books, papers, and public

documents, I immediately took the road to Baton Rouge. Arriving at the Comite River, we

utterly surprised Stuart's cavalry [Miles' Legion], who were picketing at this point, capturing 40

of them, with their horses, arms, and entire camp. Fording the river, we halted to feed within 4

miles of the town. Major-General Augur, in command at Baton Rouge, having now, for the first,

heard of our approach, sent two companies of cavalry, under Captain [J. Franklin] Godfrey, to

meet us. We marched into the town about 3 p.m., and we were most heartily welcomed by the

United States forces at this point.

Before our arrival in Louisville. Company B, of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Captain

Forbes, was detached to proceed to Macon, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad; if possible take the

town, destroy the railroad and telegraph, and rejoin us. Upon approaching the place, he found it

had been re-enforced, and the bridge over the Okanoxubee River destroyed, so that the railroad

and telegraph could not be reached.

He came back to our trail, crossed the Southern Railroad at Newton, took a southeast course

to Enterprise, where, although his force numbered only 35 men, he entered with a flag of truce

and demanded the surrender of the place. The commanding officer at that point asked an hour to

consider the matter, which Captain Forbes (having ascertained that a large force occupied the

19

place) granted, and improved in getting away. He immediately followed us, and succeeded in

joining the column while it was crossing Pearl River at Georgetown. In order to catch us, he was

obliged to march 60 miles per day for several consecutive days. Much honor is due Captain

Forbes for the manner in which he conducted this expedition.

At Louisville I sent Captain Lynch, of Company E, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, and one man of his

company, disguised as citizens, who had gallantly volunteered to proceed to the Mobile and Ohio

Railroad and cut the wires, which it was necessary should be done to prevent information of our

presence from flying along the railroad to Jackson and other points. Captain Lynch and his

comrade proceeded toward Macon, but, meeting with the same barrier which had stopped

Captain Forbes, could not reach the road. He went to the pickets at the edge of the town,

ascertained the whole disposition of their forces and much other valuable information, and,

returning, joined us above Decatur, having ridden without interruption for two days and nights

without a moment's rest. All honor to the gallant captain, whose intrepid coolness and daring

characterizes him on every occasion.

During the expedition we killed and wounded about 100 of the enemy, captured and paroled

over 500 prisoners, many of them officers, destroyed between 50 and 60 miles of railroad and

telegraph, captured and destroyed over 3,000 stand of arms, and other army stores and

Government property to an immense amount; we also captured 1,000 horses and mules.

Our loss during the entire journey was 3 killed, 7 wounded, 5 left on the route sick; the

sergeant-major and surgeon of the Seventh Illinois left with Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn, and 9

men missing, supposed to have straggled. We marched over 600 miles in less than sixteen days.

The last twenty-eight hours we marched 76 miles, had four engagements with the enemy, and

forded the Comite River, which was deep enough to swim many of the horses. During this time

the men and horses were without food or rest.

Much of the country through which we passed was almost entirely destitute of forage and

provisions, and it was but seldom that we obtained over one meal per day. Many of the

inhabitants must undoubtedly suffer for want of the necessaries of life, which have reached most

fabulous prices.

Two thousand cavalry and mounted infantry were sent from the vicinity of Greenwood and

Grenada northeast to intercept us; 1,300 cavalry and several regiments of infantry with artillery

were sent from Mobile to Macon, Meridian, and other points on the Mobile and Ohio road; a

force was sent from Canton northeast to prevent our crossing Pearl, River, and another force of

infantry and cavalry was sent from Brookhaven to Monticello, thinking we would cross Pearl

River at that point instead of Georgetown. Expeditions were also sent from Vicksburg, Port

Gibson, and Port Hudson to intercept us. Many detachments were sent out from my command

and at various places to mislead the enemy, all of which rejoined us in safety. Colton's pocket

map of Mississippi, which, though small, is very correct, was all I had to guide me; but by the

capture of their couriers, dispatches, and mails, and the invaluable aid of my scouts, we were

always able by rapid marches to evade the enemy when they were too strong and whip them

when not too large.

Colonel Prince, commanding the Seventh Illinois, and Lieutenant-Colonel Loomis,

commanding the Sixth Illinois, were untiring in their efforts to further the success of the

expedition, and I cannot speak too highly of the coolness, bravery, and, above all, of the untiring

perseverance of the officers and men of the command during the entire journey. Without their

hearty co-operation, which was freely given under the most trying circumstances, we could not

have accomplished so much with such signal success.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. H. GRIERSON,

20

Colonel, Commanding Brigade.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LA GRANGE, TENN., April 27, 1863.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, complying with orders from Colonel Grierson,

commanding First Cavalry Brigade, I left camp with my regiment, at La Grange, Tenn., April 17,

and marched with brigade to the neighborhood of Ripley, Miss., and camped.

On the morning of the 18th of April, by order of Colonel Grierson, marched my regiment

east of Ripley 3 miles, thence southeast through Moline, and camped 5 miles south, of that place,

skirmishing during the day with Smith's regiment of Partisan Rangers, organized near there at a

place known as Chesterville. On the 19th, marched southwest, forming a junction with Colonel

Grierson 5 miles south of Pontotoc. There Major Love, of my regiment, was detached, with a

portion of my regiment, to return to La Grange, reducing me to about 500 men.

On the morning of the 20th, marched with Colonel Grierson 13 miles southeast of Houston,

and camped.

On the morning of the 21st of April, complying with Colonel Grierson's order, was ordered

to move in the rear of his column at 3 a.m., leaving Grierson at the junction of the roads leading

to Louisville and West Point and Columbus, thence to proceed to the railroad at West Point,

destroying the railroad bridge over the Oktibbeha River; thence move rapidly southward to

Macon, destroying the railroad and Government stores; then to find my way north to La Grange

by the most practicable route.

For some reason unknown to me, the column did not move until 7 a.m. This delay in time in

the following report will show it was fatal to carrying out Colonel Grierson's order. At the point

Colonel Grierson turned south from the direction I was to travel, a detachment of my regiment

moved with him 4 miles, then marched back to this point to obliterate the tracks of Colonel

Grierson, going south with the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry. In this way I was delayed

three hours, thus enabling the enemy's cavalry, which had been concentrating for some days in

anticipation of a movement on Columbus, to fall upon me. About 12 o'clock, on reaching the

town of Palo Alto, I was attacked in rear and on each flank by a force under General [S. J.]

Gholson, consisting of Smith's partisan regiment, [C. R.] Barteau's regiment, and [W. M.] Inge's

battalion. In my front, between me and West Point, was an Alabama regiment, recently from

Pensacola, with artillery, my front being well protected by the Houlka River.

In the attack made by the enemy, a company in the rear was cut off and nearly all taken. The

enemy then closed in on my flanks, and advanced in two lines on my rear, with two flags of truce

flying, enabling him to approach very close, my command being at that time in a lane, with high

fences and hedges upon either side, my men dismounted and well covered. Changing my front to

the rear, I waited until the enemy were close upon me, and opened with my rifles and one 2-

pounder from the front and with carbines on the flanks, breaking his lines and driving him back,

pushing the enemy about 3 miles, capturing arms and horses, and retaking the company lost in

the first attack. From that time until dark it was a constant skirmish, the enemy having taken me

for the main column. Believing it was important to divert the enemy's cavalry from Colonel

Grierson, I moved slowly northward, fighting by the rear, crossing the Houlka River, and

drawing their forces immediately in my rear.

On the 22d, marched north near the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, the enemy continuing to

follow, their forces augmented by all the citizens in the country, armed with shot-guns and

hunting rifles, firing constantly on our flanks. At 4 p.m. attacked Okolona, driving out the

21

enemy's cavalry and State forces, burning the barracks for 5,000 men, and destroying stores and

ammunition. I then marched northwest 5 miles and camped.

On the 23d, marched north, and hearing that Chalmers' forces intended cutting me off, I

destroyed the bridges over the Chiwapa Creek, to check the forces following me in the rear.

Camped that night near Tupelo.

On the 24th, marched north through Birmingham, where I was attacked in the rear by what I

believe to be Chalmers' forces, at l0 a.m. My ammunition giving out, I retreated slowly toward

Molino, stopping occasionally to repel their charges, concealing my men at all favorable points

with the 2-pounder, which did excellent service. I waited until the enemy were nearly on me,

when I opened a fire at short range, the enemy suffering terribly, with small loss to me. In this

way the attack was kept up for 6 miles, when the enemy were evidently tired, and, with the

exception of annoyance from guerrilla parties, we were not troubled by the enemy from that

point to La Grange, where I arrived on the 26th.

We captured about three hundred shot-guns and rifles, mostly Enfield, which, for want of

transportation, were destroyed, and have had but 10 men killed, wounded, and missing. I left

camp with 70 rounds of ammunition, and had 10 on reaching it. I had decided on reaching

Okolona to go south, but upon examining my ammunition I had but 21 rounds left, which did not

warrant the movement.

The fight at Palo Alto gave the enemy time to guard the railroad at West Point and prepare

for an attack on Columbus, with some 2,000 State troops, under General Ruggles.

I left camp with 250 horses, worn out, which broke down at the end of the second day, and

mounted my men upon the mules from my train and borrowed mules. I have nearly mounted my

regiment, returned the mules borrowed, and filled up my train, captured 50 prisoners, and killed

and wounded not less than 100 of the enemy.

The fight at Palo Alto, and diverting the enemy from Colonel Grierson, has undoubtedly

given him thirty-six hours' start.

Inclosed I send list of prisoners captured; also duplicates of paroles given. The prisoners

taken near Pontotoc were turned over to Major Love, of my regiment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD HATCH,

Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry.

Capt. W. H. HARLAND,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps.

OLIVE BRANCH, LA., May 4, 1863.

SIR: Upon the receipt of Lieutenant-General Pemberton's dispatch announcing the

possibility that the raid of the enemy was designed to join Banks' army, and to send out all the

available spare cavalry in the direction of Tangipahoa, I immediately sent off Colonel [C. C.]

Wilbourn's battalion and Captains [T. R.] Stockdale's and [V. L.] Terrell's companies to

Tangipahoa, with instructions to intercept the enemy and keep us advised of all information.

Upon getting dispatch from you, stating that Hazlehurst Station had been captured by the enemy,

I ordered a company at once to Clinton, La., with instructions to send out scouting parties on all

the approaches to the northeast. Soon afterward I received your dispatch, directing me to send a

company to Clinton and one to Woodville, and move with all the balance of the cavalry not

needed on the front north of Clinton in the direction of Woodville. The company was sent at

once to Woodville, and it and the company at Clinton were instructed to get the earliest and most

accurate information by means of scouts, and keep the major-general and myself advised. With

the balance of the spare cavalry (158 men of the Ninth Battalion Tennessee Cavalry) I moved up

22

to Clinton, and from there to the northward on the Liberty road. At about 14 miles from Clinton I

received a dispatch from Colonel Wilbourn, stating that he was at Osyka, the enemy at

Hazlehurst, and that he would move up in the direction of the enemy. I stopped at a point

between Liberty and Woodville, so that I could take either direction as circumstances might

require. Being informed that the enemy were moving in the direction of Natchez, I was preparing

to go to Centreville, 15 miles east of Woodville, with the view of being in the near direction of

the enemy, and keeping up communication with Colonel Wilbourn and the forces at Woodville;

but before the movement was made I got information that the enemy was at Brookhaven. I at

once moved to Liberty. There the dispatch of Lieutenant [W. S.] Wren announcing the capture of

Brookhaven was conclusively shown to be unfounded at the time the dispatch was sent, by a

later dispatch from him stating that the enemy had gone in the direction of Natchez. Colonel

Wilbourn got both of these dispatches, and they caused him to do much traveling for nothing,

and to keep him so perplexed as greatly retarded his movements. Not being able to determine

from the contradictory statements what was the enemy's direction, I dispatched scouts, who

returned on Thursday night between midnight and day, and brought certain information that the

enemy had not only taken Brookhaven, but moved off as if going in the direction of Natchez, and

suddenly reversed his course and captured Bogue Chitto and Summit. I prepared at once to move

to Summit, but soon after starting learned from my scouts that the enemy was only a few miles

off, having moved 12 miles in the direction of Liberty. I suspended the movement, believing that

the enemy was making his way to Woodville.

About the same time I received Major-General [Franklin] Gardner's dispatch, advising me

that the enemy had landed a force below Grand Gulf, and directing me to gather all the cavalry

and attack the enemy in the direction of Brookhaven, and by all means not to allow the enemy to

make a junction with the force landed below Grand Gulf. In view of this and the demonstration

in the direction of Liberty, I took up the best position to hold the enemy in check with a small

force, and sent couriers to Colonel Wilbourn, urging him to move speedily in the direction of the

enemy, and advising him exactly where the enemy was. At this time it was undoubtedly the

enemy's purpose to go to the force below Grand Gulf. Colonel Wilbourn, receiving my dispatch,

moved down as promptly as he could, keeping between the enemy's cavalry and the force at

Grand Gulf. He had got up communication also with Colonel [Wirt] Adams. As soon as I heard

from him, and through him from Colonel Adams, and knew that they were advised of enemy's

true position, I moved out in the direction of Osyka, encamping in a favorable position to resist if

the enemy should attempt to pass out in the direction of Liberty or Clinton.

My information from Colonels Adams and Wilbourn was that early Saturday morning they

would be in close proximity to the enemy. I had also what I regarded as most undoubted

evidence that on Saturday the enemy would attempt to take Osyka, and, while Colonels Adams

and Wilbourn attacked them from the direction they were approaching, [I] intended to attack

them on the Osyka and Liberty road. Receiving intelligence that he would probably be attacked

as indicated, the enemy suddenly abandoned the idea of taking Osyka and reaching the

Mississippi above Port Hudson, and resolved to make his way out in the direction of Baton

Rouge. He managed so as to completely deceive citizens and our scouts as to his purpose, and by

a march of almost unprecedented rapidity moved off by the Greensburg road the Baton Rouge.

Before starting, he traveled for some distance in the direction of Osyka, announcing that he was

going to capture that place.

In his march to Baton Rouge, he encountered the cavalry of Colonel [J. H.] Wingfield and

one of my companies that had been ordered from Woodville to Osyka at Walls Bridge.

Our men behaved with great spirit, twice repulsing the enemy, and forcing him to bring up

his artillery to dislodge them.

23

In this affair he lost a major, killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel [William D.] Blackburn,

severely, if not mortally, wounded, besides about 12 privates wounded.

The enemy's force started from La Grange, Tenn., and consisted of three regiments--Sixth

and Seventh Illinois and Second Iowa--the latter of which left them east of Jackson. It was their

wish to return to the point from which they started. It not able to do that, then to go to the

Mississippi above Port Hudson, and, if they could do no better, to pass out to Baton Rouge.

Colonels Adams and Wilbourn and myself came together early on Saturday, and, finding that

the enemy had passed beyond our reach, gave up the pursuit.

I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. GANTT,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.

Major [T. F.] WILSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Memphis, Tenn., April 25, 1863.

The expedition against Chalmers suffered the misfortune of most combined movements.

General Smith did not get into the rear in time, and from high water in Coldwater River, and the

slowness and extreme caution of Colonel Bryant, of the Twelfth Wisconsin, who led the force

from here, that part of the expedition did not force the passage of the river. As Smith came up on

Wednesday. Chalmers broke into small squads and ran off to Panola, burning all bridges.

I have had nothing from Dodge for three days, but his base is firm at Eastport, on the line of

Bear Creek.

I sent you copy of letter from Grierson, near Pontotoc. I have not heard from his main

column since.

The Second Iowa Cavalry has burned Okolona, destroyed the road and barracks; also large

amounts of provisions, &c., at Tupelo, either by themselves, or by the enemy, in fear of them.

This is reported by two of that regiment, who were cut off and came into Corinth. The country

cavalry is hanging around them, but I think they will work their way in.

There is nothing else here of news. As soon as I get news from any of these expeditions, I

will forward it.

Your obedient servant,

S. A. HURLBUT,

Major-general,.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Assistant Adjutant-General

LA GRANGE, TENN., May 5, 1863.

CAPTAIN: Complying with Brigadier-General Smith's orders, left La Grange on the

morning of April 29, 1863, with the Second Iowa Cavalry, Sixth Iowa Infantry (mounted),

Fourth Illinois Cavalry, four 10-pounder guns, and 80 men of the West Tennessee Cavalry--in

all, an effective force of 1,300 men--to attack the forces of the enemy concentrating at New

Albany and Pontotoc, to intercept the supposed return of Colonel Grierson. Marched 38 miles,

and camped south of Ripley.

Learning that General Chalmers (Confederate), with a force of 1,500 men and one piece of

artillery, had encamped at New Albany, and would dispute the passage of the Tallahatchee,

passed at this point by two bridges, each about 200 feet in length, on the morning of the 30th,

threw forward a detachment toward the bridges, moving with the main body to the crossing at

24

Lee's Mills, 8 miles above, on the Tallahatchee. Coming upon their pickets at this point, captured

a lieutenant and 1 private, and immediately pushed for the rear and flank of the enemy. Coming

upon the trail of the enemy, I supposed it was the main body moving toward Okolona, but

afterward learned that a regiment of the enemy had been sent to Okolona to mislead me, while

the main body crossed the bridges, going north, burning them and King's Bridge, 6 miles below,

on the stream.

On May 1, pushed rapidly toward Okolona, through Chesterville, coming occasionally upon

the enemy, and, capturing a few prisoners, camped south of Tupelo that night.

May 2, moved toward Okolona, the enemy burning bridges in our advance, until we reached

the Chiwapa, 6 miles from Okolona, which was so impassable, being swollen, and the bridge, an

important one, destroyed, that I was obliged to move up the stream in a northwestern direction 12

miles, to effect a crossing, where I camped, throwing out detachments to examine the crossings.

There I learned that General Chalmers, the day before, had moved north to my rear, and then

recrossed the Tallahatchee at Rocky Ford, going south, and was moving on Pontotoc. I

immediately took up line of march at dark toward Pontotoc, marching nearly all night in a rainstorm,

hoping to come upon him at this point. When within 6 miles of Pontotoc, my scouts

informed me that Chalmers had again taken flight hurriedly for Grenada.

Learning there could be no doubt of Colonel Grierson having moved rapidly to Baton Rouge,

on May 3 took up my line of march toward La Grange, arriving here on the 5th of May, bringing

in about 400 captured stock and 20 prisoners.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD HATCH,

Colonel, Commanding.

Capt. WILLIAM H. MORGAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

LA GRANGE, TENN., May 16, 1863.

CAPTAIN: Complying with Brigadier-General Smith's order to proceed with my command

to the neighborhood of Panola, Miss., attack General Chalmers' (Confederate)forces if found,

and procure all the mules and horses in my way, and not to be absent, if possible, more than four

days, moved from camp at La Grange, May 11, with 500 of the Second Iowa Cavalry, 350 of the

Sixth Iowa Infantry, and three 2-pounders of the First Illinois Artillery, southwest toward

Tallaloosa, at the same time sending 150 men of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry south of Ripley, to

cover any flank movement from Okolona. Near the crossing of Coldwater came upon Major [A.

H.] Chalmers' (Confederate) battalion, which my advance routed, capturing 3 prisoners. Camped

that night 5 miles west of Holly Springs.

Marched the following day south, and camped near Chulahoma. Learning that night that

General Chalmers was expected at Senatobia, marched rapidly on the morning of the 13th to that

place. Found there only a company of the enemy, of whom we captured 6 prisoners and the

telegraph operator at that point. Pushing my advance to the neighborhood of Sardis, and not

finding the enemy in force, dispatched parties in all directions to accumulate animals. By 3

o'clock in the afternoon, having brought in about 600 animals, resumed my march toward La

Grange, camping about 7 miles from Senatobia, on Jim Wolf Creek.

About 2 o'clock of the morning of the 14th, the enemy made an attack upon my pickets,

evidently intending to surprise the camp, and were handsomely repulsed by the pickets. At

daylight they again made a more spirited attack, but our pickets having been strongly reenforced,

drove the enemy back; and supposing this was the last attack, took up my line of march

north, drawing in the pickets, which the enemy followed up quickly with his artillery, shelling

25

the swamp my command was passing through, giving me considerable annoyance. Moving the

Second Iowa to the rear to fight, I learned the enemy was moving north on a parallel road to the

one I was on, with the evident intention of getting upon my left flank; I moved steadily forward.

The enemy again attacked me at Walnut Hill, striking the left flank of my rear guard, charging

spiritedly upon two companies of rifles of the Second Iowa Cavalry, who repulsed the enemy,

driving them out of the town. When near the crossing of the Hecula, 5 miles north of Walnut

Hill, the enemy again attacked, having pushed up three pieces of artillery on the hills

commanding the swamp, at about a mile distance, and began shelling the command, creating a

stampede among the led animals and negroes. Leaving one-half of the command to take care of

the led animals, I moved rapidly to the rear to fight, deploying on the first high ground toward

the enemy, opening with two of the 2. pounders on their guns, and pushing my skirmishers and

line forward to a good position, and having but 450 men to fight (it required one-halt' of my

command to take care of the animals) against from what I could ascertain from prisoners was

from 1,000 to 2,000 men. One of the enemy's guns getting into position in a point of woods on

my right, gave me considerable trouble until we drove it from its position with the 2-pounders

and skirmishers. I here awaited the enemy's attack, who continued shelling the road and woods in

the swamp.

An hour having passed, and my led animals having crossed the stream, and safe from the

enemy's shells, and the enemy declining to attack, I crossed the bridge and did not destroy it,

meaning to allow Chalmers to cross one-half of his command and then attack him. Waiting some

time, and finding that the enemy did not follow, I pushed rapidly to the Coldwater, which point, I

had every reason to believe, the enemy had sent a force to hold, but I hoped to crush it before

Chalmers could come up. On reaching this crossing, there was evidence that the force we had

expected to contest the passage had decamped hurriedly, moving west. Camped that night near

Coldwater. During the night many of the negroes, for some reason, either from the fear that the

camp would be shelled or from hunger--it being impossible for us to furnish food--escaped with

animals, some returning south, others pushing for our lines. I marched to La Grange on the 15th.

We captured about 600 mules and horses. The weather being very warm, and the marches long

and rapid, nearly 100 of our old horses were abandoned. The casualties are 2 men missing, one

of them probably killed; 2 seriously wounded, and 5 horses killed. My skirmishers punished the

enemy severely. The command marched about 160 miles.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

EDWARD HATCH,

Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Brigade

Capt. WILLIAM H. MORGAN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. TWELFTH DIV., THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

In the Field, May 8, 1863.

COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report, commencing with the landing of

the Twelfth Division at Milliken's Bend on the 14th of April, and terminating with the battle of

Port Gibson, on the 1st day of May:

Marching over heavy roads from the Bend on the 16th, under orders to leave our camp and

garrison equipage behind, we arrived at Dawson's farm, on the Roundaway Bayou, on the second

day.

On the 18th, marched to the mouth of Gilbert's Bayou, with directions to make a

reconnaissance in the direction of the Mississippi River, and ascertain whether a practicable

route could be found. Descending the bayou, I met General Osterhaus coming up from the river

26

on the same business, and on comparing notes the route was deemed practicable, and so reported

to Major-General McClernand.

In four days from that date my division, with the aid of Captain Patterson's pioneers, built

four bridges over about 1,000 feet of water and cut 2 miles of road through the woods, thus

opening up the great military route through the overflowed lands from Milliken's Bend to the

Mississippi River below Vicksburg. During this severe task many of my men worked for hours

up to their necks in water, and I take this occasion to thank them for the devotion and energy

there displayed. To Capt. George W. Jackson, Thirty-fourth Indiana, and his pioneer corps,

praise is particularly due for the performance of this herculean task.

On the 28th, we embarked on steamers for the purpose of aiding in the attack on Grand Gulf,

and on the 29th witnessed the brilliant assault by the gunboats upon that place.

As it was supposed at the time that a battle would take place at Grand Gulf, the horses of all

officers, except those commanding divisions, and all kinds of transportation, were left behind.

Subsequent events made this very onerous upon the officers and upon the command.

On the 30th, we again disembarked at Bruinsburg Landing, Miss., below Grand Gulf, and at

3 p.m. took up our line of march for Port Gibson, the order of march by divisions being Carr's

(Fourteenth), Osterhaus' (Ninth), Hovey's (Twelfth), Smith's (Tenth).

The organization of the Twelfth Division at that time was--

First Brigade, General George F. McGinnis commanding.--The Twenty-fourth Indiana,

commanded by Col. W. T. Spicely; Forty-sixth Indiana, commanded by Col. T. H. Bringhurst;

Eleventh Indiana, commanded by Col. Daniel Macauley; Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, commanded

by Col. Charles R. Gill; Thirty-fourth Indiana, commanded by Col. R. A. Cameron; Sixteenth

Ohio Battery, commanded by Capt. J. A. Mitchell; Second Ohio Battery, commanded by First

Lieut. Aug. Beach.

Second Brigade, Col. James R. Slack commanding.--The Twenty-fourth Iowa, commanded

by Col. E. C. Byam; Twenty-eighth Iowa, commanded by Col. John Connell; Fifty-sixth Ohio,

commanded by Lieut. Col. W. H. Raynor; Forty-seventh Indiana, commanded by Lieut. Col. J.

A. McLaughlin, First Missouri Battery, commanded by Captain Schofield; Peoria Light

Artillery, commanded by Second Lieutenant Fenton.

We continued our march through the night. Near 2 o'clock in the morning of May 1,

cannonading was heard in our front, which continued for several minutes. The column pressed

forward, and at daylight reached Center Creek, about 3 miles west of Port Gibson.

At this point, at 5.30 a.m., my division was ordered to take position a few hundred yards in

advance, upon the right of the road, on the crest of two hills nearly opposite the Shafer farmhouse,

at that time the headquarters of Major-General McClernand. The First Brigade occupied

the position in front nearest the enemy's line and at right angles to the road, and the Second

Brigade on a similar ridge in the rear of the First Brigade.

The lines of each brigade were formed under fire from the enemy, who were being engaged

by Brigadier-General Benton, to my left and near the center of the line of battle.

At this juncture I received orders from Major-General McClernand to hold my division as a

reserve until the arrival of the Tenth Division, commanded by Brigadier-General Smith, at which

time my whole command was to be in readiness to take part in the action.

On receiving this command, I ordered my division to lie down under the cover of the brows

of the hills. In less than thirty minutes afterward, General Smith arrived, and the fact was

announced to the major-general commanding. In the mean time the brigade under General

Benton was engaged in a severe conflict with the enemy upon our left, and gallantly resisting

almost overwhelming numbers.

27

About 7 a.m. an aide from Major-General McClernand came rapidly forward, with orders

directing me without the least delay to support General Benton's line. I immediately ordered

Brigadier-General McGinnis to march the infantry of the First Brigade in line of battle across a

deep and rugged ravine to his support. All concur in describing this ravine as being about 40 rods

wide, and filled with vines, cane, deep gulches, and exceedingly difficult of passage. The enemy,

no doubt, regarded it as impassable.

As soon as the First Brigade had commenced moving, 1 ordered the Second Brigade, Colonel

Slack commanding, to march by the right flank around the head of the ravine, in support of the

forces engaged in the center. They reached their proper position, in line of the division, beyond

the ravine, about the same time the left of the First Brigade arrived, the right of the First Brigade

being still engaged in working through the tangled vines and underbrush of the ravine. As I rode

down the road toward the front and middle of my line, 1 met Captain Klauss, First Indiana

Battery, who had been gallantly fighting the rebel batteries; the field around him and one

disabled gun testified to the nature of the conflict. He at once pointed out the position of the rebel

battery, the guns of which, with a line of rebel heads in their rear, were plainly visible. I

immediately rode down, under cover of the brow of the ravine, to the head of the Second

Brigade, where Colonel Slack and Colonel Cameron, of the Thirty-fourth Indiana, were standing.

Lieutenant-Colonel Raynor, of the Fifty-sixth Ohio, who had been supporting Captain Klauss'

battery, here joined us. Here I attempted to communicate with General McGinnis, who was in the

rear of his brigade, but the ground was impassable for my aides on horseback, and my voice

could not be heard on account of the noise around him.

I pointed out the battery first to Colonel Cameron, and told him it must be taken. Colonel

Slack claimed the honor for his command, but I settled the matter by directing Colonel Cameron,

Thirty fourth Indiana Regiment, to make the charge, and Lieutenant-Colonel Raynor, Fifty-sixth

Ohio, to support it. I also directed Colonel Slack to hold his brigade ready to move forward at

any instant. The distance of the rebel battery from the point of my attack could not have

exceeded 150 yards.

Upon receiving the order to charge, Colonel Cameron commanded his battalion to leap the

fence, which, with the Fifty-sixth Ohio, rushed, with loud shouts and fixed bayonets, toward the

battery. Their advance was met with grape from the rebel battery and a shower of ball from the

rebel lines. The fire became intense and concentrated, and both regiments, to shield themselves,

fell to the ground, while the fire continued for two or three minutes longer on both sides. At this

juncture I gave the command "forward" as loud as I could, and had the gratification of seeing the

Thirty-fourth and Fifty-sixth spring to their feet, and, with two companies of the Eleventh

Indiana? which I knew by their dress, and several other companies from my division, which I

could not then distinguish, rush forward to the charge.

Again the bright bayonets of the Twelfth Division were glittering in the sun; again a wild

shout, a shout of triumph, reverberated through the hills. The enemy were beaten back, between

200 and 300 taken prisoners, and 1 stand of colors, 2 12-pounder howitzers, 3 caissons, and 3

six-mule teams, loaded with ammunition, was the reward of this chivalric action.

The particular men or companies who seized the colors, took the guns and turned them upon

the enemy, surrounded and took the prisoners, I cannot tell, as in the hot contest of the moment

nothing but momentary daguerrean sketches could have fixed the facts. One thing is certain, the

honor of the charge belongs to the Twelfth Division. I gave the command, my men obeyed, and

made the charge, manned the guns, discharged them at the enemy, took the prisoners, and have

the battle-flag of the battery now in possession of the gallant Colonel Raynor. That other gallant

men were there, after the inception of the charge, and sustained it, may be so, as officers and men

of this corps are not only ready but more than willing to do their duty; but that any organized

28

body of troops from any other division participated in the capture is, I think, contrary to the

position of the corps at the time and the truth of history.

Immediately after the charge was made, several regiments formed on the same ridge in line

of battle, and the wildest enthusiasm, prevailed as Major-Generals Grant and McClernand rode

down our lines. Generals Grant and McClernand commanded me to press the whole line forward

immediately and drive the enemy from the field before they could be re-enforced. I gave the

command to the brigades of my own division and to the gallant Col. William J. Landram,

commanding the Second Brigade, Tenth Division, who, with my division, immediately marched

across a ravine in the direction the enemy had taken. On reaching the plateau or ridge beyond,

our line again received the enemy's fire from a long woody ravine which lay at the base of the

ridge. Skirmishers at different points opened a fire upon the enemy for several minutes. Passing

through a slight opening in this ravine, Colonel Slack formed the Forty-seventh Indiana and

Fifty-sixth Ohio in line of battle and opened fire on the enemy. Being severely pressed, he was

subsequently re-enforced by the Twenty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Col. W. T. Spicely

commanding, and Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, Colonel Gill, and, after a hot and spirited contest of

one hour and a half with about equal numbers, they forced the enemy to retire before them. Here

these gallant regiments met with severe loss.

During this contest, and when passing down our lines to the right, I met General McGinnis,

who informed me that the enemy were moving on our right, with the probable intention of

flanking us. He had previously sent to the right three companies of skirmishers from the Eleventh

and Twenty-fourth Indiana and Colonel Cameron with the Thirty-fourth. A's we passed down the

line, my aide, Lieut. J. P. Pope, discovered a rebel battery moving in the same direction,

supported by a large force of infantry) matching partly hidden by the woody ravine. I plainly

saw their heavy column advancing. In a few minutes the rebel battery opened on our lines, firing

shell and shot from "4 and 12 pounder howitzers. The shell and shot picked up on the field

demonstrated their caliber. As my infantry were already in close supporting distance, I massed

my four batteries on the brow of the ridge, and concentrated their fire into the ravine in the

direction of the rebel lines and battery.

The position of my guns and infantry at this time is shown by a sketch accompanying this

report. I am indebted to W. R. McComas, first lieutenant and aide on Major-General

McClernand's staff, for the sketch and other similar favors.

The fire from my batteries was well directed and continued for over one hour, and drove the

rebel battery and infantry from that part of the field. The honor of repulsing the enemy at this

point unquestionably belongs to the batteries of the Twelfth Division, which have my sincere

thanks for their efficient service during the day.

When the fire from the enemy ceased on the right, General McClernand sent orders to have

two regiments move in line of battle from our right through the ravine in which the enemy had

been concealed. Colonel Cameron, being on the extreme right at this time, was ordered, in

conjunction with one regiment from General Smith's First Brigade, to perform this duty. The

length of the ravine was nearly 1 mile, with its width ranging from a few yards to over 100.

About equidistant from its ends is a narrow neck, through which the hills and ground beyond are

plainly visible. To this neck the regiments last named marched in line of battle through the

ravine, capturing several prisoners. Skirmishers from the Second Brigade continued firing for

some time in the upper end of the ravine, above the neck, when the enemy abandoned this part of

the field and fled. The firing continued at irregular intervals along the line for some time

afterward, but the indications plainly proved that they were only covering a rapid retreat. Thus

ended the battle of Port Gibson, and we slept upon the field 2 miles in advance of the morning's

contest.

29

It will be impossible for me to particularize each movement of the respective regiments.

Their special actions are clearly described in the reports of their commanders. I have no fault to

find with any officer or private in my command. If any faltered I know it not. Each brigade was

handled in a masterly manner, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on the veteran General

McGinnis and the gallant Colonel Slack, who commanded them. Faithfully, nobly, and

unfalteringly, they, with their officers and men, performed their full duty of thorough soldiers.

Their country must thank and reward them.

Throughout the day, in the hottest of the hail, and on almost every part of the field where

man or horse could go, Capt. John E. Phillips, assist ant adjutant-general, and my aides, First

Lieuts. John T. McQuiddy and Joseph P. Pope, were carrying orders and making observations.

Their assistance was invaluable to me, and their services deserve the highest praise. George W.

Bownell, private of Company C, First Indiana Cavalry, who acted as my mounted orderly,

proved himself worthy of promotion for his fearless bearing and services throughout the day.

To Surg. Robert B. Jessup, medical director, and the medical corps who co operated with

him, the command is under great obligations for their services under the very trying difficulties

which surrounded them. The sick and wounded have been thoroughly cared for, although no

ambulance or medical wagon accompanied my division. The surgeons carried all their medical

stores on foot, and not only performed their whole duty by attending to the noble men who were

wounded in my command, but, like the good Samaritan of other days, gave balm and bound up

the wounds of suffering rebels by the wayside.

The prisoners taken by my command on the field of battle cannot fall short of 400.

My casualties, as shown by accompanying reports, are: Killed, 42; wounded, 263, and

missing, 3. Total, 308.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant.

ALVIN P HOVEY,

Brig. Gen., Comdg. Twelfth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps.

Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. 2D BRIGADE, 12TH DIVISION, 13TH ARMY CORPS,

Willow Springs, Miss., May 5, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the forces under my

command in the severely contested battle of Port Gibson on the 1st instant:

My command consisted of the Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, under command of Lieut. Col.

John A. McLaughlin; Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, under command of Lieut. Col. William H.

Raynor; Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, commanded by Col. Eber C. Byam; Twenty-eighth Iowa

Infantry, commanded by Col. John Connell; First Missouri Battery, Capt. George W. Schofield

commanding, and the Peoria Battery, commanded by Lieut. Frank B. Fenton. I formed the

infantry on the crest of Thompson's Hill, to the right of the Port Gibson road, at 6 o'clock in the

morning, and Schofield's battery to the left of the same road, and in advance of the first line. The

Peoria Battery, for want of transportation across the Mississippi, did not reach the field until

about 10 a.m. During the formation of our lines, the battle opened a short distance to our left and

front, and continued with great stubbornness for an hour, when General Hovey directed me to

put my column in motion and support General Benton, whose forces were being hard pressed by

overwhelming numbers. The whole column was immediately formed, and moved most gallantly

to the point indicated, with the Forty-seventh Indiana and the Fifty-sixth Ohio on the extreme left

and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth Iowa on the right.

30

These positions were respectively taken under a severe fire of the enemy's infantry, and shell

and canister from a whole battery at a distance of about 200 yards, yet the several commands

took their position in line without flinching, and advanced to within 80 yards of the enemy's

battery, immediately after which General Hovey ordered Colonel Cameron, of the Thirty-fourth

Indiana, to charge and take the battery, and ordered me to support the charge with the Fifty-sixth

Ohio, which was immediately to the left of the Thirty-fourth Indiana. I at once gave the

command, and the order was promptly responded to, and the brave Fifty-sixth, with its gallant

commander, rushed up to the very muzzle of the rebel guns, in company with the daring Thirtyfourth,

drove them from their battery, killed a number of the cannoneers and troops supporting

the battery, and captured the stand of rebel colors, which Colonel Raynor now has in his

possession, a worthy custodian of that rebel trophy. Immediately after the guns were silenced,

Colonel Raynor, with his command, passed on beyond the battery, and captured 220 prisoners. In

the charge upon the battery, three companies of the Twenty-eighth Iowa also supported the

Thirty-fourth Indiana. During the whole time, the Forty-seventh Indiana, under command of

Lieutenant-Colonel McLaughlin, was hotly engaged with a heavy force of rebel infantry on the

extreme left, which was trying to reach the left flank, but was repulsed at every effort, and driven

back with terrible slaughter.

During this engagement, Schofield's battery, under the personal command of Captain

Schofield and Lieut. Thomas Mitchell, dealt most terrible and damaging blows, which materially

contributed to our success. Thus terminated the contest in the forenoon. In the afternoon the

Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth Iowa were ordered to the rear and extreme left of the line, to

support Major-General Logan's division, which was hotly engaged, and there continued fighting

like veterans, as men of that gallant State always have done, until the enemy was driven from the

field and utterly routed at every point, and the curtain of night closed the scene.

About 1 p.m. the Forty-seventh Indiana and the Fifty-sixth Ohio changed front, and occupied

position about 1 mile to the left and rear of their position in the forenoon. I then moved the

column forward, with Company D, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, under command of Capt. James

R. Brewer, and Company B, of the Fifty-sixth Ohio, under command of Lieut. John Jochem,

thrown forward as skirmishers.

After moving about half a mile over very broken ground, and across a ridge covered with

timber, the skirmishers encountered the rebel column, with their sharpshooters in advance, under

cover of thick brush and a ravine. After a sharp skirmish they were driven out, the column in the

mean time advancing over a hill to the support of the skirmishers. Immediately upon their rising

the hill, the action became general, but we were soon compelled to retire from our position, by

re-enforcements of the enemy in large numbers approaching over the crest of a hill to our right

and rear, and form our line on the slope of the hill, which was quickly executed and in good

order.

During the time of forming this line with the two regiments of my own brigade, the Twentyfourth

Indiana Infantry, of the First Brigade, under command of Col. William T. Spicely, came

down the hill and formed to the right of the Fifty-sixth Ohio, taking their position in the bed of n

creek, at right angles with the line of the Second Brigade. These lines had not more than been

formed when three rebel regiments--two Missouri and one Louisiana---came down at a charge,

with terrific yells, and could not be seen, because of the very thick growth of cane, until they

reached a point within 30 yards of my line.

The Fifty-sixth Ohio and Forty-seventh Indiana opened upon their line in front, and the

Twenty-fourth Indiana on their flank, a most terrific and jarring fire, which arrested their charge

and threw them into some confusion, but they soon recovered, and returned our fire with great

31

spirit and pertinacity for about two hours, when the rebel survivors fled in utter confusion,

leaving their dead and wounded upon the ground.

During this engagement the two batteries in my command located on the hill to our right and

rear threw shell and shrapnel into the enemy's ranks, which created great havoc. In this

engagement the Fifth Missouri (rebel) Regiment was almost totally annihilated, there being but

19 of them left, who were taken prisoners. With this contest closed the battle on the right, and it

was a fair, square fight of regiment against regiment, of about equal numbers and equally armed,

resulting in the complete triumph of the troops of Indiana and Ohio over the chivalric braggarts

and flower of the Southern Army.

During the several engagements of my command many prisoners were taken, but they were

sent to the rear, and placed in charge of the provost-marshal, without any account of the number

being taken thereof.

The reports of the various commanders of my brigade are herewith inclosed, and make a part

of this.

To the cool and gallant conduct of all the field and line officers, and the persevering

determination of each and every one in my command, I cannot express too much gratitude and

admiration. To them belongs the glory of the triumph, every officer and every man having done

his whole duty.

My acting assistant adjutant-general, Lieut. H. G. P. Jennings, of Company C, Forty-seventh

Indiana, and my aide, Lieutenant [Theodore] Schaeffer, of Company F, Twenty-eighth Iowa,

rendered me most admirable service, carrying and executing orders during the whole day.

I would call special attention to Private George Phillips, Company K, Fifty-sixth Ohio

Infantry, who, acting in the capacity of messenger for me during the whole day, was constantly

with me when not absent temporarily upon some duty, never flinching from danger in the

thickest of the battle, collected and calm; he is well worthy of promotion.

The whole number of casualties are: Killed, 16; wounded, 62; missing, 11--in all, 89.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES R. SLACK,

Col., Comdg. Second Brig., Twelfth Div., Thirteenth Army Corps.

Capt. JOHN E. PHILLIPS,

Assistant Adjutant-General

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 28, 1863.

DEAR SIR: It affords me great pleasure to be able to report to you the part taken by the

Twenty-eighth Iowa in the battle of Port Gibson, May 1, 1863.

On the evening of April 30, we were landed on the bank of the Mississippi, and started for

Port Gibson. At 1 a.m. of May 1 we could hear the boom of artillery in our advance. We

quickened our pace, and arrived at the foot of Thompson's Hill at sunrise. General Hovey, our

division commander, rode up and said, "Boys, prepare your breakfasts soon, for we go into battle

in half an hour." After breakfast we formed in line of battle on the crest of Thompson's Hill,

where we remained one hour under fire. Three companies at this time (B, G, and K)supported the

Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry in a charge on a rebel battery, which was taken, together with

about 300 prisoners. After this contest the regiment was reformed and ordered to the extreme left

(by order of General McClernand), which was at this time vigorously attacked by the enemy. On

arriving at this point, we found that the enemy had massed a large force to turn our left, among

which force were two rebel (Missouri) regiments (the Second and Fifth)which were placed

directly in front of us. On arriving near to the point, we immediately formed the regiment in a

position to meet them. After a hotly contested engagement of about two hours, the enemy fell

32

back, and we succeeded in planting the Eighth Michigan Battery on the knoll we had held

against their charge, which battery immediately commenced playing upon the enemy.

At about 4 p.m. they again appeared in force, still attempting to turn our left, but after a brisk

engagement of about an hour they retired in confusion.

A company of skirmishers having been sent out to the left and front of our line, discovered a

rebel battery which had command of the Port Gibson road for about three-quarters of a mile. Our

artillery soon got in position and commenced shelling them. We lay in support of the batteries

until they had silenced the enemy's guns. By this time it was nearly dark, and General Stevenson

coming up, relieved us from our position on the left and we rejoined our brigade, which was

encamped for the night on the bloody field. Here we lay on our arms in support of the Peoria

Battery during the night. I give an extract of Colonel Connell's report in regard to the conduct of

the regiment:

With regard to the conduct of officers and men during the action, I can only speak in terms of

highest commendation. Although having marched all the day and night previous to the

engagement, carrying three days' rations and 100 rounds of cartridges to the man, and having

never before been under fire of the enemy, they yet fought with that fearless spirit and

determination which has always characterized the American soldier.

I append a list of the killed and wounded.

Our regiment is now on duty in the rifle-pits before Vicksburg, so you will see that I have but

little time to make reports. However, I will send you a report of the part the Twenty-eighth took

in the battle of Champion's Hill before long. I will only state that we lost in the battle of the l6th

over 100 men. I will send you reports, &c., as soon as my field desk comes up. It is at Grand

Gulf, where it has been for nearly a month. One thing, the Twenty-eighth has added dew laurels

to the noble young State of Iowa, and will continue to do so.

I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH G. STRONG,

Adjutant Twenty eighth Iowa.

N. B. BAKER,

Adjutant-General State of Iowa.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH DIVISION,

May 31, 1863.

COLONEL: In obedience to a letter dated Headquarters Thirteenth Army Corps, camp near

Vicksburg, Miss., May 24, 1863, I have the honor to submit the following report:

My division left Milliken's Bend April 12, and proceeded to Perkins' plantation, on the

Mississippi, below Vicksburg, where it arrived on the 23d, having been engaged in making and

repairing roads, repairing levees, making, getting together, and navigating boats of different

kinds. Distance from Milliken's Bend to Perkins' plantation, 30 miles.

On the night of April 27, we embarked on steamboats and barges, and the next day moved

down the river and disembarked at Hard Times. That evening we marched 2 miles across to a

point on the Louisiana side, below Grand Gulf.

The next morning (April 30) we re-embarked and moved down the river to Bruinsburg, on

the Mississippi side, where we landed, and, after drawing three days' rations, which were to last

for five, we moved out on the road to Port Gibson.

At 1 o'clock on the morning of May 1, my Second Brigade, being in advance, came upon the

enemy, strongly posted with artillery, at Magnolia Church, about 12 miles from Bruinsburg and

4 miles from Port Gibson. The enemy opened on the head of the column with artillery,

whereupon I formed the brigade in line, brought up the batteries, the First Iowa (Griffiths') and

33

First Indiana (Klauss'), and after firing about two hours drove away and silenced the enemy's

guns. In the morning the enemy opened on a road coming in from our left front, when four

companies of the Thirty-third Illinois, under Major Potter, were sent out to check them and hold

them at bay till the arrival of General Osterhans' division, which was assigned to contend with

them on that road.

The enemy had returned to his position near Magnolia Church, and at 6.30 in the morning we

again attacked him, supported by Hovey's division. I kept the enemy employed with my Second

Brigade and the two batteries on the left of and in the road, while I sent the First Brigade, Brig.

Gen. William P. Benton commanding, through ravines, canebrake, and timber to the right of the

road, to press on his left flank. Some of the regiments of General Hovey's division came up, and,

with their assistance, the First Brigade charged and routed the enemy, capturing two guns, a

stand of colors, some prisoners, and small-arms. The enemy retreated about 2 miles, and took up

a new position. In conjunction with the other troops, we pursued and continued fighting him

until night, when he retreated across Bayou Pierre, destroying the bridges.

My loss in that action, of which I have already furnished a more minute report, was 42 killed

and 222 wounded; total, 264.

The next day we marched into Port Gibson.

The next day, May 3, we were sent to the railroad crossing of Bayou Pierre, 3 miles, and

subsequently were ordered forward on the road to Willow Springs, 11 miles distant.

On the 7th, at 3 a.m., we marched on the road to Cayuga, halting at Big Sandy, 14 miles

distant.

On the 12th, we marched by way of Cayuga to Fourteen-Mile Creek, 12 miles.

The next day we marched to near Raymond, 11 miles.

The next day we marched past Raymond and Mississippi Springs to Forest Hill Church, 6

miles from Jackson. This was our hardest march. It rained all day, the roads were very bad, and

part of the division failed in getting into camp. The distance was about 12 miles.

The next day we moved back through Raymond, and encamped across a road leading to

Edwards Station; distance, 10 miles.

The next day, May 16, was the day of the battle of Champion's Hill. My division was in

reserve. The Thirty third Illinois was moved forward to support one of General Osterhaus'

brigades, and lost 1 killed and 2 wounded. The Second Brigade was moved forward on the left,

and did good execution. After the battle was over, we moved forward in pursuit of the enemy,

and pushed on as far as Edwards Station, which we reached about 8 o'clock.

During the pursuit many prisoners were taken, who were simply ordered back to the rear. I

made it a rule, whenever I was in front, to dispose of prisoners in that way, thus saving my own

men for more important duties, and being satisfied that some one in the rear would pick up and

secure the prisoners.

At Edwards Station my men exposed themselves freely in saving some car-loads of

provisions and ammunition attached to a train which the enemy had set on fire.

On the morning of the 17th, we moved forward at 5 o'clock on the road to Black River

Bridge, 12 miles distant, the First Brigade leading, with a part of the Thirty-third Illinois as

skirmishers and advance guard. We drove in the enemy's pickets from time to time, and captured

some prisoners, which were disposed of as before.

Upon nearing Black River Bridge, where we found the enemy in force, the First Brigade was

formed in line across the road, with skirmishers in front and the battery in the center,

subsequently re-enforced by the Chicago Mercantile Battery.

34

The Second Brigade was moved up on the right, with directions to press close on the enemy

and charge him if there was a good opportunity. It was supported by two regiments and two 20-

pounder Parrotts from Osterhaus' division.

The enemy's position was found to consist of a line of breastworks over a mile in length,

resting on the Black River at each extremity, and with a natural ditch or slough in front 5 or 6

feet deep and miry at the bottom. Most of the artillery was posted on the right, where the ground

was open for a considerable distance in his front.

Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler, after pressing well up on his left, and firing a few shots with the

Peoria Battery and the 20-pounders, formed his brigade into column of attack and charged on the

enemy, the Thirty-third and Ninety-ninth Illinois Regiments, of the First Brigade, also charging

as soon as they saw the Second Brigade start.

The enemy were completely routed, and fled in confusion across Black River with a few

pieces of artillery, leaving, however, 18 guns, 5 stand of colors, 1,421 small-arms, and 1,751

prisoners in our possession.

In this action I lost: Killed, 19; wounded, 223; missing, 1. Total, 243.

The next day we moved on 8 miles, to within 4 miles of Vicksburg. The next day we moved

up near the enemy's works. My division was in reserve, but got near enough to suffer some

casualties.

On the 20th, my division relieved that of General Smith, on the advance.

On the evening of the 21st, we were ordered to attack the enemy at 10 o'clock next morning,

at which time there was to be a general charge along the whole line.

My division was to be supported by that of General Smith; Benton's brigade by Burbridge's,

and Lawler's by Landram's. General Smith's division behaved admirably, and did all that men

could do to achieve success. The One hundred and thirtieth Illinois was assigned to Lawler's

brigade in place of the Twenty-third Iowa, detached with prisoners. My two brigades moved

forward promptly at the appointed time, and planted their colors on the outer slopes of the

bastions, which they attacked, but were unable to make a lodgment inside the enemy's works.

They, however, with the two brigades of Smith's division, parts of which were also on the

enemy's works, held their position under a wasting fire for nine hours, until after dark, when they

were ordered to retire.

About 5 o'clock in the afternoon, two brigades of General Quinby's division were placed at

my disposal. I sent one to support the right, under General Burbridge, who was sorely pressed,

but it retreated in confusion as soon as it got under the enemy's fire. The other, under Colonel

Boomer, was sent forward with the hope of driving the enemy from the curtain between the

salients attacked by my two brigades, and thereby gaining a permanent lodgment, but it was too

late; the enemy had been enabled to withdraw forces from other points, had seen Quinby's

division moving in this direction, and was so strongly re-enforced that he had three lines behind

his works. The gallant Boomer was killed, and his brigade found it impossible to go beyond the

first ravine.

In this action I lost 109 killed, 559 wounded, and 57 missing; total, 725.

I would respectfully state that it is impossible to give exactly the figures required in the letter

above referred to. The distances marched on different days, together with the time of marching,

are given as nearly as possible in the body of the report.

The numbers of killed and wounded follow the account of each battle. The total number of

killed is 171; wounded, 1,006; missing, 58; the latter being mostly wounded and taken prisoners,

or killed and not found during the last contest.

We captured a good many prisoners, who were immediately passed to the rear, not counted.

We captured ammunition, which was immediately used; arms, which were taken by the men in

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exchange for their own; cartridge-boxes and other equipments, provisions, and various articles of

which there was no time to take an account. Account was taken of 1,751 prisoners, 6 colors, 20

pieces of artillery, 1,421 small-arms, and 5 car-loads of provisions and ammunition.

In conclusion, while all have done their duty, and many are entitled to special mention of

whose names and deeds I am not yet informed, I would respectfully submit the following list of

officers and soldiers, who, from personal observation and official reports, I know to be entitled to

favorable notice:

Brig. Gen. William P. Benton, commanding First Brigade.

Capt. George S. Marshall, assistant adjutant-general, First Brigade, First Lieut. J. P. Wiggins,

aide-de-camp to General Benton.

Col. David Shunk, Eighth Indiana, distinguished in all three of the battles; hit in the leg at

Vicksburg.

Lieut. Col. C. S. Parrish, Eighth Indiana, distinguished at Port Gibson, though so ill he could

hardly stand.

Maj. T. J. Brady, Eighth Indiana, acting ordnance officer, distinguished in all the battles,

commanded skirmishers in advance at Port Gibson and Black River Bridge.

Col. H. D. Washburn, Eighteenth Indiana, distinguished in all the battles, and well worthy of

promotion.

Maj. J. C. Jenks, Eighteenth Indiana, inspector-general and chief of staff, First Brigade,

distinguished in all the battles, mortally wounded at Vicksburg while in the discharge of his

duties.

Col. C. E. Lippincott, Thirty-third Illinois, distinguished in all the battles, had his horse shot

under him while in advance in pursuit to Edwards Station, and was wounded in the foot at

Vicksburg.

Lieut. Col. E. R. Roe, Thirty-third Illinois, wounded at Vicksburg. Maj. L. H. Potter, Thirtythird

Illinois, distinguished in all the battles.

Col. G. W. K. Bailey, Ninety-ninth Illinois, distinguished in all the battles and wounded in

the leg at Vicksburg.

Lieut. Col. Lemuel Park, Ninety-ninth Illinois, distinguished in the battles of Port Gibson and

Black River Bridge.

Captain Klauss, First Indiana Battery, distinguished in all the battles; has exploded a great

deal of ammunition for the enemy during the siege of Vicksburg.

Orderly Sergt. J. W. Gerhardt, First Indiana Battery, distinguished in all the battles, and well

worthy of promotion.

Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler, commanding Second Brigade, particularly for his gallant charge at

Black River Bridge.

Capt. B. Wilson, assistant adjutant-general, Second Brigade, distinguished in the last two

battles.

Col. C. L. Harris, Eleventh Wisconsin, commanded the Second Brigade most of the time

before the arrival of General Lawler, and is entitled to credit for its organization and discipline.

Although too ill to command his brigade at the battle of Port Gibson, he was on the field and

exposed to danger. He distinguished himself at Black River Bridge and Vicksburg, and is well

worthy of promotion.

Lieut. Col. C. A. Wood, Eleventh Wisconsin, now acting inspector-general, provost-marshal,

and chief of staff for the division, commanded the regiment at Port Gibson and distinguished

himself in all the battles.

Maj. Arthur Piatt, Eleventh Wisconsin, showed great bravery in all the battles.

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Capt. L. H. Whittlesey, Eleventh Wisconsin, now acting division quartermaster, was acting

assistant adjutant-general of the Second Brigade at the battle of Port Gibson; has distinguished

himself in all the battles and during the whole campaign by bravery, energy, intelligence, and

untiring industry. He is well worthy of promotion.

Col. W. M. Stone, Twenty-second Iowa, commanded the Second Brigade at the battle of Port

Gibson, and distinguished himself in all the battles; was wounded in the arm at Vicksburg, and is

well worthy of promotion.

Lieut. Col. Harvey Graham, Twenty-second Iowa, distinguished himself in the last two

battles, and was taken prisoner at Vicksburg.

Col. Samuel Merrill, Twenty-first Iowa, received a contusion from a shell at Port Gibson, and

was shot through both legs while leading his regiment in the charge at Black River Bridge.

Lieut. Col. C. W. Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, was wounded in the foot at Port Gibson, and

was killed in command of his regiment at Vicksburg.

Maj. S. G. Van Anda, Twenty-first Iowa, distinguished himself in all the battles, and

commanded his regiment at Vicksburg after Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap was killed.

Col. W. H. Kinsman, Twenty-third Iowa, was killed at the head of his regiment while leading

the charge at Black River Bridge.

Lieut. Col. S. L. Glasgow, Twenty-third Iowa, commanded his regiment at Port Gibson, and

distinguished himself both there and at Black River Bridge.

Capt. H. H. Griffiths, First Iowa Battery, was with us at Port Gibson, where he behaved very

handsomely.

Sergeant Leibert, First Iowa Battery, behaved very handsomely, and was wounded on the

same occasion.

Sergt. Joseph E. Griffith, Twenty-second Iowa Infantry, distinguished himself by going into

the fort attacked by the Second Brigade, with 11 men, and came out with 12 prisoners, though all

his companions had been killed.

My staff officers were Lieut. Col. C. A. Wood, Eleventh Wisconsin, assistant inspectorgeneral,

provost-marshal, and chief of staff. He commanded his regiment at Port Gibson, and

distinguished himself in all the battles.

Maj. T. J. Brady, Eighth Indiana, acting ordnance officer, has been very active and successful

in keeping us supplied with ammunition. He distinguished himself in all the battles, commanding

the skirmishers in advance at Port Gibson and Black River Bridge.

Capt. C. H. Dyer, assistant adjutant-general, is a faithful, intelligent officer, and has been of

great use to the command. He distinguished himself in all the battles, and is well worthy of

promotion.

Capt. L. H. Whittlesey, Eleventh Wisconsin, acting assistant quartermaster, has been most

untiring and successful in furnishing us with supplies; was acting assistant adjutant-general of

the Second Brigade at the battle of Port Gibson; has distinguished himself in all the battles and

during the whole campaign by bravery, energy, intelligence, and untiring industry. He is well

worthy of promotion.

Lieut. John E. Phelps, Third U.S. Cavalry, aide-de-camp, showed his usual bravery and

intelligence in all the battles. He was the first man on horseback, and the first man at the guns in

the fortifications at Black River Bridge. He is well worthy of promotion.

Lieut. A. Bowman, Ninth Iowa Infantry, acting aide-de-camp, exposed himself freely, as

usual, in the transmission of orders in all the battles. His bravery, energy, and intelligence entitle

him to promotion.

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Lieut. Charles Meinhold, Third U. S. Cavalry, mustering officer and acting aide-de-camp,

showed great bravery and intelligence in all the battles. He had his horse killed under him at

Vicksburg, and is entitled to great credit, and well worthy of promotion.

The medical department performed their onerous duties with great assiduity and skill, and are

entitled to the greatest credit for relieving the sufferings of the wounded. Their names are: Surgs.

H. P. Strong, acting medical director; George P. Rex, Thirty-third Illinois; W. H. White, Twentysecond

Iowa, and J. H. Ledlie, operating board; Asst. Surgs. O. Peabody, Twenty-second Iowa;

E. Everitt, Eleventh Wisconsin; A. E. McNeal, Ninety-ninth Illinois, and J. K. Bigelow, Eighth

Indiana, assistant operating board; Surgs. A. P. Daughters and G. W. Gordon, Eighteenth

Indiana, assistant in charge of primary depots.

Sergt. J. H. Russell, Twenty-first Iowa, clerk in assistant adjutant-general's office, went

voluntarily into the battle at Black River Bridge, and was wounded.

Private E. P. Hatch, Thirty-third Illinois, clerk in assistant adjutant-general's office, went out

as a sharpshooter and did good service.

I consider it a duty to bring to the attention of the major-general commanding and the

Government the inferior quality of the ammunition, both artillery and infantry, furnished for the

use of the troops. It is impossible to fire shells over our own troops without the greatest danger. I

have lost quite a number of men on this account, and there is one deplorable instance--Sergeant

[Charles U.] Besse, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, both of whose arms were blown off by a shell

from one of our own guns. Persons who fabricate the ammunition ought to be made pecuniarily

responsible to the sufferers, and in pains and penalties to the United States, for this most careless

and criminal recklessness. Complaint is also made of the quality and quantity of the powder in

musket and rifle cartridges. The rebel cartridges are filled with the best of English rifle powder,

and carry their balls much farther than ours.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

ADDENDA.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 32.

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH DIVISION,

May 6, 1863.

I desire to congratulate the officers and soldiers of this division on the brilliant and successful

manner in which they performed their duty in the different conflicts of the late battle near Port

Gibson.

At the end of a tiresome night's march, the Second Brigade, under Colonel Stone, being in

the lead, came upon the enemy at 1 o'clock in the morning, posted in a strong position, with

artillery; immediately formed into line, and Captain Griffiths, First Iowa Battery, with the

assistance of three pieces of Klauss' First Indiana Battery, fought him for over an hour, and

finally, at 3 o'clock, drove him away. We lay down to take our first rest since 3 o'clock the

preceding morning.

At 6.30 o'clock we renewed the conflict. The two batteries made terrible havoc with the

enemy. The First Brigade, under Brigadier-General Benton, was deployed in the ravine and

underbrush on the right, and advanced gallantly to flank the enemy and take his guns.

When they engaged him on the right, the Second Brigade engaged him on the left; the

Twelfth Division was advanced to support, and with a rush the enemy was routed from his

position.

The Eighteenth Indiana, Col. H. D. Washburn, has the distinguished honor of capturing a

regimental flag, on which are inscribed the names of four battle-fields, and, with the Ninety ninth

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Illinois, Col. G. W. K. Bailey, and some of the Thirty-fourth and Forty-sixth Indiana, of

capturing two of the enemy's guns. This success was the result of the splendid fighting of the

whole division, which provided the opportunity.

After the enemy took up his new position, the Second Brigade was very severely engaged on

the left of our line for a long time, and be-hayed with distinguished gallantry. It subsequently

took up a position across the valley in the timber, very near the enemy, where two regiments (the

Twenty-first and Twenty-third Iowa remained until after dark.

The First Brigade went to the relief of General McGinnis' brigade, and the Eighth Indiana

distinguished itself by driving the enemy from a strong position and taking it for themselves.

Coming from Missouri, where you had endured great hardships during the last winter, you

were honored by being placed at the head of the grand Army of the Mississippi, and you have

proved yourselves well worthy of that honor. You have encountered and defeated the same men

against whom we have so long contended in Missouri and Arkansas, and you have added another

wreath to those you won at Blackwater, Blackwell's Station, Fredericktown, Pea Ridge, Round

Hill, Hartville, Haynes' Bluff, and Post of Arkansas, and I am sure you will go on with your

glorious achievements till the demon of rebellion shall be destroyed, and our land shall once

more rejoice in the blessings of peace and prosperity.

While we mourn our fallen comrades, we cannot forget that they have offered up their lives

for the noblest of purposes--that of preserving to their country a Government at once free and

stable, which shall give, in conjunction with the largest liberty to the citizen, the greatest security

for his life and property. To their friends and to our wounded comrades we tender our

sympathies, and hope that time and the thought of what they suffer for will soothe their pain and

sorrow.

The loss of the First Brigade was, killed, 26; wounded, 143; that of the Second Brigade,

killed, 15; wounded, 79; total, 263. This comprises only men put hors du combat. Scratches not

reported.

Where all have done their duty it is invidious to make distinctions, but the conduct of some

individuals seems to merit special mention, even at the risk of leaving out deserving men whose

names have not been reported to me. These shall receive their due credit as soon as I am

informed of their merits.

Brig. Gen. William P. Benton distinguished himself for daring gallantry and good

management during the whole battle. Indiana continues to be glorified by her sons. Col. C. L.

Harris, Eleventh Wisconsin, though be had been obliged to give up the command of his brigade

on account of illness, was on the field and shared the dangers. Col. William M. Stone, Twentysecond

Iowa, who succeeded to the command of the Second Brigade, took his place with the

extreme advance guard at night, during the advance on the enemy; exposed himself freely, and

exerted himself so much that he became completely exhausted in the afternoon, and was obliged

to relinquish the command to Col. Samuel Merrill, Twenty-first Iowa, for about an hour. By his

bravery and admirable management of his brigade, he reflects more honor on his noble State.

Capt. George S. Marshall, assistant adjutant- general, First Brigade, and Capt. L. H. Whittlesey,

acting assistant adjutant-general, Second Brigade, distinguished themselves through the whole

battle, and exposed themselves freely.

The regiments and batteries all showed great gallantry, and their commanders good

management.

The list is as follows: Eighth Indiana, Col. David Shunk; Eighteenth Indiana, Col. H. D.

Washburn; Thirty-third Illinois, Col. C. E. Lippincott; Ninety-ninth Illinois, Col. G. W. K.

Bailey; First Indiana Battery, Captain Klauss; Eleventh Wisconsin, Lieut. Col. C. A. Wood;

Twenty-first Iowa, Col. Samuel Merrill, first in battle and one of the last to leave the field

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(Colonel Merrill received a contusion from a shell); Twenty-second Iowa, Maj. J. B. Atherton;

Twenty-third Iowa, Lieut Col. S. L. Glasgow, with its gallant young commander, behaved

admirably; First Iowa Battery, Capt. H. H. Griffiths.

Maj. Thomas J. Brady commanded the skirmishers of the First Brigade.

Private Noah C. Haynes, Company K, Eighth Indiana, made a reconnaissance within the

enemy's lines in the night.

Maj L. H. Potter, with four companies of the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, engaged the

enemy on the left in the morning, holding him in check till the arrival of General Osterhaus'

division.

Capt. W. S. Charles, Company H, Eighteenth Indiana, was the first man to jump on the

enemy's guns.

Lieut. D. E. Adams, adjutant Eighteenth Indiana, passed twice through the hottest of the

enemy's fire to conduct re-enforcements.

Private Amos Nagle, Company K, Eighth Indiana, captured color bearer with flag bearing

inscription of four battles.

Capt. J. C. Dinsmore, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry, seized one of the enemy's 12 pounder

howitzers, turned it, and fired at him his own charge.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, commanded the skirmishers, and Major Van

Anda, of the same regiment, commanded the support of the howitzer in advance of the Second

Brigade.

Company B, Twenty-first Iowa, Captain Crooke, received the first fire of the rebel pickets,

and returned it with great coolness.

Sergt. B. Kirst, Company E, Twenty-first Iowa, captured a rebel orderly, carrying dispatches.

Sergt. William R. Liebert, First Iowa Battery, who was mentioned for gallantry and good

conduct at Pea Ridge, was (with his piece) on advance guard during the night's march, behaved

with the greatest coolness and spirit, and was seriously wounded.

To the following-named medical staff we are under the deepest obligation. Rarely have

troops in battle the good fortune to be provided with such an abundance of professional skill,

administrative ability, patient care, and industry: Surg. H. P. Strong, Eleventh Wisconsin,

medical director; Surg. William H. White, Twenty-second Iowa, chief of operating corps; Surg.

W. L. Orr, Twenty-first Iowa, principal of field hospital; Surg. A. P. Daughters, Eighteenth

Indiana, principal of primary hospital, First Brigade, and Assistant Surgeon Gordon, Eighteenth

Indiana, principal of primary hospital, Second Brigade.

The following named officers were wounded: Capt. Judson B. Tyler, Company A, Eighteenth

Indiana, severely; First Lieut. Joseph Hutchinson, Company D, Eighteenth Indiana, slightly; First

Lieut. Daniel S. Place, Company G, Eighteenth Indiana, severely; First Lieut. J. W. Way,

Company G, Eighth Indiana, slightly; Second Lieut. Allen O. Neff, Company G, Eighth Indiana,

slightly; Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa, in the foot; Lieut. D. P. Ballard,

Company A, Twenty-third Iowa; Capt. W. R. Henry, Company E, Twenty-third Iowa; Lieut. D.

J. Davis, adjutant Twenty second Iowa, slightly; Lieut. D. Webb Henderson. Twenty-second

Iowa, severely; Lieut. John Francisco, Twenty second Iowa, severely, and Lieut. W. M. De

Camp, Twenty-second Iowa, severely.

To my staff too much praise cannot be given. They exposed themselves freely, going into the

thickest of the fight whenever it was necessary and displayed the greatest coolness and good

judgment. Their names are: Maj. Thomas J. Brady, acting ordnance officer and commanding

officer of skirmishers of the First Brigade (bad his horse shot under him); Capt. C. H. Dyer,

assistant adjutant general; First Lieut. L. Shields, Fourth Iowa Infantry, aide-de-camp; Second

Lieut. A. Bowman, Ninth Iowa Infantry, aide-de-camp; Second Lieut. John E. Phelps, Third U.S.

40

Cavalry, acting aide-de-camp, and Second Lieut. Charles Meinhold, Third U.S. Cavalry, acting

aide-de-camp, assistant commissary of musters.

Capt. E. McPhail, Third Illinois Cavalry, was not allowed to bring his company on account

of lack of transportation, but volunteered to act as my orderly during the battle, and displayed

great activity and fearlessness.

In conclusion, I would say you have done valuable service to your country; your friends at

home will be proud of your achievements, and I expect that when you again meet traitors in arms

you will give as good an account then as you did on the field near Port Gibson, Miss.

E. A. CARR,

Brigadier-General, Commanding

[MAY --,] 1863.

COLONEL: I have the honor to report that, in the late battle of Port Gibson, April 30 and

May 1, we lost in wounded 16 men, including 5 non-commissioned officers. The officers and

men, with two or three exceptions, behaved with singular courage and bravery.

It is known to you that we had the honor of being the leading column of this great army, and

of drawing the first fire at Port Gibson. At the widow Daniels' plantation, some 9 miles from Port

Gibson, we were ordered by General Carr to take the advance. I ordered Company A,

commanded by Capt. A. R. Jones, and Company B, commanded by Capt. William D. Crooke, as

advance skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, supported by Companies D

and F, commanded by Major Van Anda; next was a 12-pounder field piece from that excellent

battery, the First Iowa; all supported by the balance of my command. I am happy to report that,

in the skirmishing of those companies, singular fortitude and bravery were exhibited during that

long and tedious night's march, and especially are Company B and Captain Crooke deserving of

mention as having received the first fire of the pickets and returning it-with great coolness. Our

advance was fired upon by the rebel picket about 1 mile from the town of Port Gibson. Our

column was rapidly advanced, and soon received the raking fire of the enemy's batteries, which

were seven in number. As soon as the battery of the First Iowa could be brought to bear,

Company E, commanded by Captain Swivel, was ordered to its support. They have received the

commendation of all for their faithfulness. Sergt. B. Kirst, of this company, captured a rebel

orderly while carrying dispatches. General Carr next ordered a company to stand as picket guard.

Company G, commanded by Captain Benton, performed this duty till morning. Next came an

order for two skirmishing companies to deploy in front of the enemy, and, in fact, between the

enemy and our own artillery firing. I called for volunteers from my four remaining companies.

Capt. J. M. Harrison, of Company C, being the only commissioned officer of his company,

although advanced in years and in feeble health, at once volunteered to take the advance, and,

with his company and Company K, commanded by Captain Voorhees, performed this dangerous

duty faithfully.

During the severe and continued firing of May 1, so generally and heartily were my orders

obeyed by officers and men that I am at a loss to give particulars. Captains Boardman and

Watson have my warmest thanks. They are cool and brave officers. I can say the same of all the

other officers whose names have been mentioned. Many incidents of courage and bravery could

be spoken of, but it would render this report entirely too long.

It is but just to say that the Twenty-first remained for two hours in the rear of the Eighty-first

Ohio, to support that regiment in making a charge on the enemy's batteries, but, for some reason,

I regret to say, abandoned.

My regiment remained on the field after all had retired, and it was nearly 8 o'clock before we

camped for the night, thus showing that we were first in battle and last to leave the field.

41

I am under many obligations to my field officers and staff for their faithfulness and aid.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap received a wound in the foot. My own horse was shot in several

places, and a portion of my saddle shot off.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

SAMUEL MERRILL,

Colonel Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Infantry.

Col. W. M. STONE,

Twenty-second Iowa, Commanding Brigade.

CAMP NEAR ROCKY SPRINGS, MISS.,

May 7, 1863.

SIR: I herewith report to you the action of the Twenty-second Iowa in the battle before Port

Gibson on the 1st instant.

You having been called upon to command the Second Brigade, to which we are attached, the

command of the regiment devolved upon me.

On the evening of the 30th ultimo, on our march toward Port Gibson, after our advance guard

became engaged with the enemy, I received an order from you to hurry my regiment forward and

form it in line on the left, our artillery then hotly engaged with the rebel batteries. This order was

promptly obeyed, and the men came up quickly and in good order, forming at the point

designated. We were then under the enemy's fire, yet my men manifested great coolness and selfpossession.

We remained in line for two hours, in support of the batteries, until the battle ceased

for the night, and we laid down upon our arms, but not to sleep, as we were in momentary

expectation of a renewal of the combat.

Soon after sunrise we were again in line, and under the enemy's fire in support of our

batteries until near 10 o'clock, when we were led forward to charge on the rebel lines. This

movement was executed with alacrity by my regiment; not a man faltered or fell back. Our fire

was delivered upon the enemy with great deliberation and accuracy, and when their lines were

broken and they driven in rout from the field we were the first to occupy the ground.

In the long and hotly-contested fight of the afternoon my regiment was all the time in face of

the enemy and under his severest fire. Three several times we were ordered against the rebel

infantry and under the range of his batteries. Each time we drove them from the field. Late in the

afternoon, by your order, we charged up the hill, in conjunction with the Twenty-first Iowa and

on the left of General Burbridge's brigade, against the enemy's lines, there strongly posted in

almost impenetrable timber and underbrush. Though unable, from the character of the ground

and the raking fire of the enemy's batteries, to reach the extreme summit of the hill, we reached

the point to which I was ordered and remained there, receiving and returning the enemy's fire,

until about sundown, when, by your order, we returned to our former position, and remained

upon the field until the firing had entirely ceased and quiet reigned along our whole line.

Throughout these series of engagements the officers and men of my regiment behaved with

great coolness and gallantry. I found them always ready and eager to obey the order to move on

the enemy.

So well did the entire command acquit themselves that I cannot, without seeming invidious,

enter into particulars. It is sufficient to say that they acted nobly, and well sustained the honors

already so well earned by Iowa soldiers.

Great care was taken to shelter our men from the enemy's fire, which the unevenness of the

ground enabled us to do with comparative success; yet the loss in this regiment being greater,

with but one exception, than any other regiment in the brigade, shows clearly where we were in

this long and hotly contested engagement, and that my men did not shrink from their duty.

42

Too much praise cannot be awarded to our surgeons, White and Peabody. Their department

was conducted with skill and ability; their attention to the wounded was truly commendable, and

will doubtless be long remembered by these unfortunates.

Very respectfully,

J. B. ATHERTON,

Major, Commanding Regiment.

Capt. L. H. WHITTLESEY.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

In rear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 26, 1863.

COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of Operations of the

Seventeenth Army Corps from the time of leaving Milliken's Bend, La., until our arrival before

the land defenses of Vicksburg:

On my arrival at Milliken's Bend from Lake Providence with a portion of my command (the

Seventh Division), the Thirteenth Army Corps, Major-General McClernand commanding, had

moved toward New Carthage, via Richmond and Smith's plantation. I was ordered to move

forward and take the place of General McClernand's troops as fast as they advanced. In

pursuance of this object, the Second Brigade, Seventh Division, was moved to Richmond on

April 18, and the First on the 23d.

On April 24, orders were received from department headquarters to march my command to

New Carthage.

Colonel Boomer's brigade, Seventh Division, was ordered to march at 5 a.m. on the 25th, to

be followed by the Third Division, Major-General Logan commanding, at 6 a.m. same day, and

by the Sixth Division, Brigadier-General McArthur commanding, at 6 a.m. the day following.

Orders were at the same time sent to the First and Second Brigades at Richmond to move

toward Smith's plantation, 3 miles from New Carthage, on the morning of the 25th.

These orders were promptly executed by officers and men, and the whole command was in

motion at the appointed times.

The Third Division bivouacked on the road near Smith's plantation, and the Seventh Division

at a plantation a short distance in the rear, on the evening of the 26th.

At Smith's plantation (headquarters of the department), orders were received for the Third

and Seventh Divisions to march to Perkins' plantation, on the Mississippi River, some 8 miles

below New Carthage, and distant from Smith's plantation, by the route we were compelled to

take, some 15 miles. The Sixth Division was left to guard the lines of communication from

Milliken's Bend to Perkins' plantation, 43 miles.

Heavy rains had rendered the roads across the rich alluvial bottoms on the Louisiana side

almost impassable, and it was only by the most strenuous exertions on the part of the men, and

by doubling teams, that the artillery and trains could be got along. This was, however, success

fully accomplished, and the Third Division reached Perkins' plantation at 9 p.m. on the 28th

instant.

At this point orders were received to march to Hard Times Landing, nearly opposite and a

short distance above Grand Gulf. At 12 o'clock the same night the division started on the march,

via Lake Saint Joseph, and reached Hard Times Landing at 4 p.m. of the 29th, bivouacked for the

night, and at 5 a.m. of the 30th started for the point of embarkation below Grand Gulf, and

crossed over to Bruinsburg, just below the mouth of Bayou Pierre, the First and Third Brigades,

Third Division, Brig. Gens. John E. Smith and John D. Stevenson commanding, and the Eighth

Michigan Battery, Captain De Golyer commanding, immediately after General McClernand's

command, followed as rapidly as river transportation would admit, by the Second Brigade,

43

Brigadier-General Dennis commanding, the remainder of the artillery, ammunition train, and the

Seventh Division.

A most unfortunate collision between the steamboats Horizon and Moderator, about 3 a.m.

May 1, between the place of embarkation and Bruinsburg, by which the former boat was lost,

together with Captain Sparrestrom's battery, a few horses, and 3 men, delayed very materially the

embarkation of the Second Brigade and the remainder of the artillery of the Third Division.

Immediately after disembarking, the First and Third Brigades, with De Golyer's battery, were

pushed out toward Port Gibson to the support of Major-General McClernand, who had already

engaged the enemy near Port Gibson, under command of Major-General Bowen. Heavy and

rapid firing had been heard for several hours, indicating clearly that a battle was in progress, and

the men moved forward with promptness and alacrity, notwithstanding the intense heat, anxious

to take part in the contest. On reaching the ground, Major-General Grant directed me to send

one brigade to the support of General McClernand's left and one to the support of his right. As I

had but two brigades of my command on the field--the First and Third--the First Brigade,

General John E. Smith, was sent to the left, and the Third Brigade, General John D. Stevenson,

to the right. Major-General Logan, commanding division, was directed to go with the brigade to

the right and I went with the brigade to the left.

As soon as the position of the enemy could be definitely ascertained, and the ground

reconnoitered, the brigade was thrown in on the left of Brigadier-General Osterhaus' division,

with directions to advance the left, and, if possible, outflank the enemy. This movement was

perfectly successful, though the impracticable nature of the country (full of deep ravines and

canebrakes) retarded the movement more than I could have wished, and prevented us from

reaping the full fruits of the victory. As it was, however, a gallant charge by the First Brigade on

the flank and Brigadier-General Osterhaus' division in front soon drove the enemy from their

strong position on the left, and sent them back in a precipitate retreat toward Port Gibson.

The Third Brigade, under Brigadier-General Stevenson, on the right, was equally fortunate,

and shortly before sunset the rebels were routed on all parts of the field. A pursuit was

immediately ordered on the left-hand road, and kept up by Brig. Gen. John E. Smith's brigade

and one regiment of Osterhaus' division until after dark, when the command was halted within 2

miles of Port Gibson.

At an early hour the next morning the command was put in motion, the First and Second

Brigades, Third Division, entering Port Gibson about 9 o'clock, preceded by the divisions of

Generals Carr and A. J. Smith, of McClernand's corps. The town had been evacuated by the

enemy during the night, and the fine suspension bridge across the south fork of Bayou Pierre, on

the Grand Gulf road, destroyed.

Measures were immediately taken by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, of Major-General Grant's

staff, and Captain Tresilian, engineer of the Third Division, assisted by the pioneer corps of the

division and troops from General McClernand's corps, to construct a bridge across the south fork

of Bayou Pierre.

While waiting the construction of a bridge, General Stevenson's brigade was moved down

near the crossing of Bayou Pierre, on the Grand Gulf road, to engage the attention of the enemy,

who were strongly posted on the hills on the northern side. In the mean time, Brig. Gen. John E.

Smith's brigade and that of Brigadier-General Dennis were marched up on the west side of the

south fork of Bayou Pierre about 4 miles to a ford, and crossed over, moving down on the east

side in a northeast direction until they reached the main Jackson road.

At 4 p.m. the bridge was completed, and the Seventh Division, under the command of Brig.

Gen. M. M. Crocker, took the advance, followed by the Third Brigade of Logan's division, and,

after coming up with them, by the First and Second Brigades. Marched 8 miles to north fork of

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Bayou Pierre, and found the suspension bridge, a fine structure, partially destroyed, the fire still

burning. The fire was put out and the bridge repaired during the night.

At day light the next morning Logan's division, in the advance, crossed the bridge, followed

by Crocker's. Shortly after crossing the bridge, and near Willow Springs Post-Office, the enemy

was met advantageously posted on a commanding ridge, and opened on our advancing column

with artillery. The column was immediately deployed, a heavy line of skirmishers thrown

forward, and Crocker's division hastened across the river as a support. These dispositions having

been made, all advance was ordered, when the enemy, after a slight resistance, fell back on the

road to Hankinson's Ferry, and the cross-roads at the post-office were gained. At this point

Logan's division was directed to take the road to Grand Gulf, and General Crocker's division to

pursue the retreating enemy. The latter division had proceeded but a short distance before it

became engaged with the enemy's skirmishers, who seemed disposed to contest the ground with

great pertinacity. The face of the country was very much broken, with almost impassable ravines

filled with trees and a dense undergrowth, and narrow, tortuous roads, offering great facilities to

the enemy to cover his retreat, and of which he availed himself to the best advantage.

The skirmishing was kept up with more or less activity until 4 p.m., when the appearance of

Logan's division on the enemy's right flank caused him to move precipitately toward the ferry,

followed closely by the Second Brigade, General Dennis, who reached it just as the last of them

were crossing, and in time to capture some of their pioneer tools and prevent the destruction of

the bridge. It being now nearly dark, and the enemy driven across the Big Black, the pursuit was

discontinued and the troops disposed in the best defensive position for the night. The command

remained in camp at Hankinson's Ferry three days, from the 4th to the 6th inclusive, the time

being employed in getting up supplies of provisions and ammunition and in reconnoitering the

country. The result of the reconnaissances demonstrated that the main portion of the enemy

retreated across the river at this point, and were concentrating at Bovina Station, near the Big

Black, on the Jackson and Vicksburg Railroad.

At 10 a.m. on the 7th, marched to Rocky Springs, Logan's division in the advance, followed

by Crocker's, and remained in camp at Rocky Springs on the 8th.

On the 9th, marched toward Raymond, via Utica, and encamped at Utica Cross-Roads, 7

miles from the latter place, Crocker's division in the advance. The Sixth Missouri Cavalry, Col.

Clark Wright, having reported to me at Hankinson's Ferry, was directed to push forward in

advance toward Utica, and especially to scour the country in my front and on my right flank, and

ascertain, if possible, if there was any movement of troops from Port Hudson. Shortly after

arriving in camp, a report was received from Colonel Wright that he was occupying the town of

Utica, and had been skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry, but would hold his position.

On the 10th, marched to Utica, Crocker's division in the advance, and reached the town about

12 m. Found Colonel Wright's cavalry there; but nothing indicating any material force of the

enemy in the immediate vicinity, the command was halted one hour to rest, and then moved on

to Weeks' plantation, where we encamped for the night. Colonel Wright was ordered to proceed

with his cavalry in a southeasterly direction across Tallahala Creek, make a detour, and, if

possible, capture 150 rebel cavalry who were reported to be at the bridge across this creek, on the

Gallatin road, and, having accomplished this, or, at least, driven them away, with the main

portion of his command to make a bold push and cut the telegraph and railroad near Crystal

Springs, on the New Orleans and Jackson road, both of which were successfully accomplished,

the cavalry returning safely to camp the next night, having marched over 50 miles in sixteen

hours and performed its work.

On the 11th, the command marched to Roach's plantation, at the crossing of the Gallatin

road, Logan's division in the advance. At this point, my escort company, Fourth Ohio

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Independent Cavalry, Captain Foster; Logan's escort, Company A, Second Regiment Illinois

Cavalry, and Crocker's escort, Company E, Second Regiment Illinois Cavalry, Captain Tipton,

and Company C, Fifth Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Mueller, were organized into a

battalion of cavalry, under Captain Foster, and performed most efficient services as advance

guard and flankers.

On the 12th, at 3.30 a.m., Logan's division moved toward Raymond, followed by Crocker's at

4 a.m. Soon after starting, the enemy's vedettes showed themselves frequently, making increased

vigilance on our part necessary, and, after marching some 3 miles, two regiments of Dennis'

brigade were deployed, one on the right and the other on the left of the road, and moved forward

in line of battle, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers, and followed by the remainder of the

columns, the cavalry in front being called in and placed on the extreme flanks, with instructions

to explore all lateral roads, and detect any movement of the enemy.

About 11 a.m., and when within 2 miles of Raymond, we came upon the enemy, under the

command of General Gregg, and 4,000 or 5,000 strong, judiciously posted with two batteries of

artillery so placed as to sweep the road and a bridge over which it was necessary to pass. The

major portion of the infantry were posted on a range of hills to the right of the road and in some

timber and ravines in their front. I was soon satisfied that the fight for Raymond was to take

place at this point. Orders were immediately sent back to move all our trains out of the road, for

the remainder of Logan's division to advance as rapidly as possible, followed by Crocker's,

which was to form the reserve.

As soon as Smith's brigade came up, it was formed on the right of Dennis', who occupied

both sides of the road, and three regiments of Stevenson's were thrown in on the right of Smith's,

with directions to advance his right as much as possible. De Golyer's battery was placed in

position in the rood near the bridge, and the whole line ordered to advance into a piece of timber.

Scarcely had the advance commenced, when the battle opened with great fury on the center and

left center, where, under cover of the woods and ravines, the rebels seemed to have massed a

large portion of their force. The Eighty first Regiment Illinois Infantry, of Stevenson's brigade,

was ordered to the support of the center, and a portion of Sanborn's brigade, Crocker's division,

but before the latter reached the ground, the enemy were handsomely repulsed and in full retreat.

De Golyer's battery, which at first was in position on the road, having been moved into an

open field on their left, played on their flanks during the retreat with terrible effect.

One attempt of the enemy to charge and capture the battery was met by such a terrific fire of

grape and canister that they broke and fled from the field.

Pursuit was immediately commenced, and the town of Raymond was entered by our troops at

5 p.m., the enemy having passed through without stopping, toward Jackson, via Mississippi

Springs. In this short but spirited engagement our loss in killed was 69, and among them Colonel

Richards, of the Twentieth Illinois, a most gallant and able officer, who was struck down at the

head of his men while nobly cheering them on to victory. Our loss in wounded was 341;

missing, 30. The enemy's loss was, in killed, 103; wounded and prisoners, 720; two pieces of

cannon disabled, besides a quantity of small-arms.

Marched on the 13th, at 6 a.m., for Jackson, via Clinton, Crocker in the advance. Major-

General Sherman's command arriving before mine had left the town, was ordered to take the

direct road to Jackson. Moved on cautiously toward Clinton, my cavalry being ordered to keep

well out on my left flank, and entered the town at 2 p.m. without opposition. A regiment of

infantry, under the immediate supervision of Capt. A. Hickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, chief

engineer of the corps, was set to work to destroy the railroad as far west of Clinton as possible

that night, and to proceed along the line of it the next day during our march toward Jackson,

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tearing it up wherever practicable, burning the ties, bending the iron, destroying bridges,

culverts, &c.

On the 14th, Crocker in the advance, marched toward Jackson at 5 a.m., Major-General

Sherman moving on his route at about the same time. Engaged the enemy's pickets about 5 miles

from Jackson, and drove them in about 9 a.m., and pushed on until within 2 miles from the city,

where the enemy was found posted in strong force, under the command of General W. H. T.

Walker. Some of the troops consisted of South Carolina and Georgia regiments, which had only

arrived the evening before, and had been immediately marched out and placed in position at the

point where the battle took place.

The position of the enemy was carefully reconnoitered, and Lieut. J. W. MacMurray's battery

(M), First Missouri, of Parrott guns, brought up to reply to their artillery, which had already

opened on our lines. While the dispositions for the attack were being made, a very heavy shower

set in, which delayed the attack for an hour and a half, the rain coming down in such torrents that

there was great danger of the ammunition being spoiled if the men opened their cartridge-boxes.

The time, however, was well employed in putting the troops in position and bringing up

Logan's division as a reserve. The enemy occupied a semicircular ridge stretching across the

main road, his right holding a piece of woods, and his center and left commanding rolling ground

in his front, over which it would be necessary to pass to attack him. Two batteries were in

position, one covering the road and the other near his left, having a good range across the open

field.

The disposition of my troops was as follows: Boomer's brigade on the left of the road, in the

timber; Holmes' brigade on his right, in the open fields; Sanborn's brigade on the right of

Holmes', with skirmishers well out on his flank; John E. Smith's brigade, Logan's division, in the

woods in rear of Boomer about 400 yards, in column of regiments, as a reserve; Stevenson's

brigade was thrown across a ravine on Boomer's left, with directions to advance and gain a road

which entered the city from the northwest; Dennis' brigade remained a short distance in rear, to

guard the trains.

The rain having partially ceased, at 11 o'clock the advance was ordered, preceded by a heavy

line of skirmishers. In a short time they were warmly engaged; drove back the enemy's

skirmishers toward their main line and into a ravine filled with willows. Here the skirmishers

halted for a few moments, and the enemy's fire becoming so heavy they could not advance any

farther, they were recalled to their regiments and a charge ordered. It was responded to with

cheers and determination. Not a man faltered. The whole line swept forward in most perfect

order, drove the enemy out of the ravine at the point of the bayonet, and charged gallantly up the

hill. The enemy did not wait to receive the full force of the charge, but broke and fled

precipitately, followed by our troops for 1 miles, until we were within range of the artillery from

the defenses at Jackson. MacMurray's and Dillon's batteries, following close after our infantry,

were wheeled into the first advantageous position, and opened a well-directed and effective fire

upon the retreating enemy. Having reached this point, the troops were halted and lines reformed,

as they had become somewhat broken marching over the rough ground.

Skirmishers were immediately thrown out to the front, and officers sent to reconnoiter the

enemy's position and defenses, who in a short time returned, reporting the works evacuated. The

troops were immediately moved forward into the defenses, and orders sent to General Stevenson

to push his brigade across to the Canton road, if possible, and cut off the enemy's retreat. This

was about 3 p.m. Colonel Sanborn was directed to send the flag of one of his regiments which

had borne itself most gallantly in the battle and place it on the capitol of the State of Mississippi,

and shortly before 4 o'clock the flag of the Fifty-ninth Indiana was proudly waving from the

dome. Sherman's command entered about the same time from the west and southwest.

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The results of this victory were the capture of Jackson with seventeen pieces of artillery, the

destruction of the railroads, manufacturing establishments, army stores, &c., and a loss to the

enemy, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, of 845 men. Our loss in killed was 37; in wounded and

missing, 228.

Crocker's division encamped within the enemy's intrenchments on the night of the 14th, and

Logan's division between the battle-field and the city.

On the 15th, at 5 a.m., Logan's division started for Bolton, followed by Crocker's at 7 a.m.,

with instructions to march as far as he could by 4 p.m., when he would select a good place and

go into camp.

Shortly before 4 o'clock, the advance came up with Hovey's division, of McClernand's corps,

and went into camp on Baker's Creek, two brigades on the west side and one on the east.

Holmes' brigade, of Crocker's division, was left at Clinton for the night, and the remaining

two brigades marched on and went into camp 2 miles east of Logan's division, on the main road.

At 6 a.m. on the 16th, Major-General McClernand notified me that the enemy, under

Lieutenant-General Pemberton, had moved out in strong force from Vicksburg to attack us, and

that his (McClernand's) columns were already in motion to meet him.

Orders were immediately given to General Logan to follow Hovey, and Crocker was directed

to come forward as rapidly as possible with his whole division. After proceeding about 5 miles,

and when near Champion's Hill, General Hovey sent back word that he had met the enemy in

force, strongly posted on the Edwards Depot road.

The road at this point bears to the south, passing over a high commanding hill, and then

makes a short turn to the west. This hill was bald, giving the enemy a commanding point for his

artillery, and was really the key of the position.

The enemy's right was on and in the vicinity of this hill, his center and left bearing off in the

direction of Edwards Depot through a piece of woods and behind a rail fence on the crest of a

ridge, with woods in his rear and open fields in front. General Hovey's division was immediately

deployed in line of battle to move against the hill, supported on the right by Leggett's (late

Dennis') and Smith's brigades.

De Golyer's battery in the mean time opened a well-directed fire against the enemy posted

behind the fence, and Rogers' battery of 24 pounder howitzers, supported by Smith's brigade,

took a position to the right and well in advance, and poured in a most destructive enfilading fire,

under cover of which the line advanced and the crest was gained. A desperate attempt was made

to charge and capture Rogers' battery, which was promptly repelled by Smith's brigade, which

drove back the enemy with great slaughter, and captured a large number of prisoners.

Stevenson's brigade, with the right refused, was advanced at double-quick into a piece of woods

on the right of Smith, upon gaining which he was ordered to throw forward his right, so as to

make his line of battle nearly parallel with the general line, and to move forward and drive the

enemy from a hill in his front, where batteries were being placed. This movement was most

brilliantly executed.

The brigade charged across the ravines, up the hill, and through an open field, captured seven

guns, portions of two batteries, several hundred prisoners, and swept across the road, thus cutting

the enemy off from his direct line of retreat to Edwards Depot. In the mean time Hovey, Leggett,

and Smith were hotly engaged. Two regiments of Sanborn's brigade were ordered to the support

of Hovey, one to the support of Smith, and one to Leggett. The enemy, discovering that their left

was turned, now made a most desperate attempt to turn ours, precipitating all their available

force on Hovey, whose division, having been fighting for three and a half hours, was very much

fatigued and partially out of ammunition.

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The tide of battle was turning against us, when Boomer's brigade came up, and with its able

and heroic commander at the head went gallantly into the contest, checked the advance of the

enemy, and held him at bay until Holmes' brigade came up, when a dashing charge was made,

the enemy rolled back, and the battle won. In the charge the Seventeenth Iowa captured the

colors of the Thirty-first Alabama and Waddells Alabama battery (four pieces).

As soon as the cartridge-boxes could be filled with ammunition, the pursuit was ordered and

kept up until dark; Stevenson's brigade and De Golyer's battery in advance, followed by Carr's

and Osterhaus' divisions, of McClernand's corps, then by Smith's and Leggett's brigades, and

Crocker's division, except Holmes' brigade, which was left to guard the wounded, assist in

burying the dead, securing the spoils taken from the enemy, &c., the troops bivouacking for the

night from 2 to 5 miles in advance of the battle-field.

This, by far the hardest fought battle of all since crossing at Bruinsburg, and the most decided

victory for us, was not won without the loss of many brave men, who heroically periled their

lives for their country's honor. Their determined spirit still animates their living comrades, who

feel that the blood poured out on Champion's Hill was not spilt in vain. Every man of Logan's

and Crocker's divisions was engaged in the battle.

Our loss was: Killed, 166; wounded and missing, 894. That of the enemy: Killed,----;

wounded and prisoners,; - pieces of cannon, two stand of colors, besides quantities of small-arms

and ammunition.

At 6 a.m. on the 17th, started for Black River, Logan in the advance, followed by Quinby,

who had arrived and assumed command of his division, and reached a point on the river about 3

miles to the north and east of the railroad bridge. Ransom's brigade, of McArthur's division, now

came up, and was ordered to construct a bridge across the Big Black for the passage of his

brigade and Logan's division, and Quinby was ordered to construct one for the passage of his

division. Ransom's was a solid raft bridge of timber, and Quinby's was built of timber and cotton

bales. Both were completed at an early hour on the 18th, and the command crossed over, with the

exception of Sanborn's brigade, which was directed to remain and guard the bridges and

prisoners until Holmes came up.

After crossing the river, the command moved in a northwest direction on a plantation road

until the Bridgeport and Vicksburg road was reached, when that became our line of march,

following Sherman's corps. Ransom's brigade arrived before Vicksburg just after dark, and took

a position on Sherman's left, Logan's and Quinby's bivouacking on the road, where there was

water.

The next morning (the 19th) they came up. Logan was placed on the left of Ransom,

Leggett's brigade in reserve, and Quinby on the left of Logan, Holmes' brigade in reserve, and

the siege of Vicksburg commenced.

In bringing this report to a close, I cannot express in words my admiration of the officers and

men of my command who were engaged in this short but active and brilliant campaign. Their

unswerving patriotism, patient endurance, and heroic determination have carried them through

without a murmur, and won for them imperishable renown. Marching for a distance of over 200

miles through an enemy's country in the short space of eighteen days, without tents, and barely

transportation enough to carry ammunition, the major part of the time without rations except

such as could be procured from the country, fighting or taking part in five distinct battles, besides

almost daily skirmishing, they have shown what soldiers can do when firmly resolved never to

see their country's flag dishonored. Where all did so well, it is impossible for me to discriminate.

To Maj. Gen. John A. Logan and Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding divisions; Brig.

Gens. John E. Smith, John D. Stevenson, M. D. Leggett, Elias S. Dennis, and Cols. John B.

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Sanborn, George B. Boomer, and Samuel A. Holmes, commanding brigades, I am especially

indebted for the able and spirited manner in which they performed their duties.

The members of my personal staff--Lieut. Col. William T. Clark, assistant adjutant-general

and chief of staff; Lieut. Col. William E. Strong, assistant inspector-general; Maj. L. S. Willard,

Capts. G. R. Steele and D. H. Gile, aides-de-camp; Lieut. Col. James Wilson, Thirteenth Iowa

Infantry, provost-marshal; Lieut. Col. A.M. Powell, chief of artillery; Maj. Daniel Chase,

Thirteenth U.S. Infantry; Surg. J. H. Boucher, medical director; Surg. F. Lloyd, Sixteenth Iowa

Infantry; Capt A. Hickenlooper, chief of engineers; Lieut. J. W. Mong, Third Ohio Battery,

ordnance officer; Lieut. K. Knox, Thirteenth U.S. Infantry, commissary of musters; Lieut. J. D.

Vernay, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, acting aide-de-camp--all distinguished themselves, and

deserve the thanks of a grateful people. Zealous and earnest, they were ever in the work when

duty required, and ready to share the post of danger.

Signal officers--Capt. L. M. Rose (chief signal officer), Eleventh Illinois Infantry; Captain

[H. W. B.] Hoyt, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Infantry; First Lieut. G. H. McNary, Tenth

Pennsylvania Reserve Corps; First Lieut. T. C. Morris, Company H, Forty-fifth Regiment Illinois

Infantry; Second Lieut. T. C. Withers, Company H, Twenty-fourth Regiment Indiana Infantry--

rendered most important services on the various battle-fields, watching and reporting the

movements of the enemy, and freely exposed themselves to danger when necessity required.

Capt. A. Hickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, and chief engineer of the corps, deserves special

mention for his ability, untiring energy, and skill in making reconnaissances, maps of the routes

passed over, superintending the repairs and construction of bridges, &c., exposing himself

constantly night and day, and merits some substantial recognition of his services.

Appended please find tabular statement of losses in the various engagements. For details,

reference will be had to the accompanying division and brigade reports.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. MCPHERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Tennessee.

HDQRS. 3D BRIGADE, 7TH DIVISION, 17TH ARMY CORPS,

Camp on Big Black River, Miss., May 4, 1863.

GENERAL: In obedience to orders received this date from army headquarters, I submit the

following report:

Under orders from Major-General McPherson, I left camp at Milliken's Bend with my

command, consisting of four regiments and two batteries, at 6 a.m., April 25.

I joined my division near Smith's plantation the evening of the 26th; remained in camp the

following day, in obedience to orders, and arrived at Hard Times Landing on the evening of the

30th.

On the following day, crossed the Mississippi River with the division; landed at Bruinsburg;

moved out on the road to Port Gibson, and at night took up position in line, covering the road

leading to Grand Gulf by Mr. Smith's plantation.

The following day moved at 3 a.m. in advance of the division; arrived at Port Gibson at 11

a.m., and halted till 5 p.m., waiting the construction of a bridge over the south fork of Bayou

Pierre, and moved in advance of the army 9 miles, to the bridge over the north fork of the same

stream. This structure we found fired by the enemy, and the position apparently just abandoned.

The advance guard extinguished the fire, and I threw a picket across the stream and halted for the

night, my command having been nineteen hours on the road.

50

The following day, pursuant to your order, I moved forward at 7 a.m. in rear of the division,

and was only brought forward at 3 p.m., when I deployed the Fifth and Tenth Iowa Infantry, of

my command, on the right of the skirmishers of the First Brigade, with a view of flanking the

enemy's battery and line, then checking our advance. I had advanced my line of skirmishers

about 400 yards, when I received notice from you that the enemy had retired from his position. I

then resumed my position in the line, and moved forward to this encampment.

I have moved 110 miles with my brigade in nine days, over very bad roads a portion of the

distance, crossed the Mississippi River, and advanced three days of the time in the presence of

the enemy. I started with five teams to a regiment; have crossed this transportation over the

Mississippi River, brought forward with it 140 rounds of ammunition per man, and kept my

command supplied with rations, and have now three days' on hand.

I have this day, by your instruction, ordered Col. H. Putnam, with five companies of the

Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, and Maj. C. F. Brown, with the Twenty-sixth Missouri Regiment,

to reconnoiter the river 4 miles above and below this point, and herewith submit their reports.

I am, very respectfully,

GEORGE B. BOOMER,

Colonel Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry, Commanding Brigade.

Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER,

Commanding Seventh Division.

OKOLONA, May 14, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to forward the following report for the information of the lieutenantgeneral

commanding the department:

On the morning of the 5th instant, reports reached me at this place, where I had necessarily

been detained, of another advance of the enemy from the direction of Burnsville with a force of

about 5,000 mounted men and six pieces of artillery. Toward evening I received information

from Colonel Barteau, then at Verona, that Major [W. M.] Inge's battalion was skirmi