1 OFFICIAL ARMY RECORDS 1864-1 HEADQUARTERS
SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Collierville, January 1, 1864.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the detachments of this brigade which were left in camp when the command was ordered out during the recent advance of the enemy: At 3 p.m. on the 24th of December, 1863, in compliance with orders received from your headquarters by telegraph, I ordered a detachment of 30 men, under Lieutenant Dunham, mounted on the wagon mules, to Macon, Tenn. They swam Wolf River about 7 miles northeast of this place, and proceeded to Macon, reaching there about daylight on the morning of the 25th, found no enemy in the vicinity, and returned to camp, arriving about 3 p.m., 25th December. On the 25th December, received orders from General Hurlbut to destroy all the crossings of Wolf River immediately. Telegraphed the orders to Germantown and La Fayette, and sent details from Collierville to perform the duty. On the 26th and on the morning of the 27th December, repeated the orders, and supposed that they were obeyed, but have since learned that the destruction of the bridge at La Fayette was only partial. About half past 1 p.m., on the 27th December, received information that the enemy in large force was crossing the Wolf River at La Fayette; that they had driven Lieutenant Roberts, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with his command of two companies of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, from the town, and were pushing him west on the State Line road. This information came by mounted courier. I immediately mounted every man that was available in camp, using the transportation mules for the purpose, and sent Captain Foster, Second Iowa Cavalry, in command of the detachment, amounting to about 100 men, on the State Line road toward La Fayette. They met Lieutenant Roberts, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with his command, about 50 men, 2 miles west of La Fayette, and immediately joined with him and engaged the enemy; checked their advance. Drove it back half a mile, but heavy re-enforcements of the rebels coming up they again drove our men slowly but steadily back, pursuing them until within range of our guns in the fort at Collierville, which were opened. Our little detachment fought so stubbornly that it was after dark when our artillery opened. The enemy, 2,000 strong, under General Forrest, formed a line of battle three-fourths of a mile east of the fort, sending 400 west and 600 south of the town. The night was intensely dark, and it was raining. Before daylight on the morning of the 28th December, General Forrest moved his whole command south on the Chulahoma road. Soon after daylight the Ninth Illinois Cavalry came into camp from the east; about 9 a.m. Colonel Morgan's brigade arrived. At 12 m. the Ninth Illinois Cavalry started in pursuit of the enemy, and at 3 a.m. on the 29th, Colonel Morgan's brigade followed. The pursuit was continued a few miles south of the Coldwater, but the enemy having twenty-four hours the start of any considerable portion of our forces, of course the pursuit was fruitless. The command returned to camp on the morning of the 31st December. The conduct of Captain Foster, Second Iowa Cavalry, and of Sergeant Pullman, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and most of the men of their commands, is highly commendable. Our casualties are as follows: Two men wounded and 8 men captured. The losses of the enemy much greater than ours, and as far as known were 1 man killed and 7 men wounded. I am, captain, your most obedient servant, EDWARD HATCH, 2 Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. SAMUEL L. WOODWARD, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cav. Div., 16th A. C., Memphis, Tenn.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., CAV. DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Collierville, Tenn., January 2, 1864.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to submit the following report in regard to the destruction of the bridges at La Fayette: In compliance with orders received by telegraph from your headquarters, December 25, 1863, ordering the destruction of all crossings on Wolf River, I telegraphed to Lieut. S. O. Roberts, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanding at La Fayette, to destroy all crossings on the Wolf, in the vicinity of La Fayette. This order was repeated on the 26th and 27th days of December, 1863, and was received by Lieutenant Roberts (see certificate of telegraph operator at Collierville and La Fayette), but the destruction of the bridge was not complete, a foot-path being left, whereby the enemy crossed on the 27th December, and from thence south. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
W. SCOTT BELDEN, Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, January 15, 1864.
GENERAL:
I have the honor to report the operations of my command from December 1 to 31, 1863, as follows: December 1, General Hooker returned to Chattanooga from Ringgold with Geary's division, of the Twelfth Corps, and Osterhaus' division, of the Fifteenth Corps. Cruft's two brigades, of the First Division, Fourth Corps, were ordered to proceed to Chickamauga battlefield and bury such of our dead as still remained unburied by the rebels. This duty finished, they were to return to their former positions on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, between Whiteside's and Bridgeport. General Hooker, on evacuating Ringgold, destroyed the railroad depot and other buildings, as well as such captured property as could not be removed. General Granger's corps marched to the relief of Knoxville, acting in connection with General Sherman's command, which was also moving toward that place. Third Brigade, First Division of Cavalry, Colonel Watkins, of the Sixth Kentucky, commanding, was stationed at Rossville, with an infantry support of two regiments, to guard our south front. General Elliott, with the First Cavalry Division, was ordered to proceed from his position, in the vicinity of Sparta, to Kingston, East Tennessee. He received later instructions, to the effect that in case he did not reach that place in time to participate in the pursuit of Longstreet, he was to establish his headquarters at Athens, and throw out posts as far as possible to the southeast to observe the movements of the enemy in that direction. Information given by deserters from the enemy places the rebel army in our front as follows: Cleburne's division is at Tunnel Hill, and the balance of the army is stationed between there and Dalton. They state that the troops are very much demoralized, the men being very much scattered from their regiments, and desertions are numerous. Buckner's corps was not in the battles in front of Chattanooga, it having gone to the assistance of Longstreet seven or eight days previous. 3 December 3, Col. George P. Buell, Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, commanding Pioneer Brigade, commenced constructing a double-track wagon road over the nose of Lookout Mountain. December 13, General Gillem reports from Nashville that he had just returned to that place from the Tennessee River. The work on the Northwestern railroad was progressing. Guerrillas between the Cumberland and Duck Rivers broken up. Perkins and Ray were disposed of, the former having been killed and the latter captured. Refugees and conscripts from the south side of the river report that Forrest and Pillow are at Jackson, West Tennessee, with about 4,000 men, 1,000 of whom are well mounted and organized. December 15, a small party of rebels, under Maj. Joe Fontaine, Roddey's adjutant, was captured by General Dodge near Pulaski. They had been on a reconnaissance along the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and the Nashville and Decatur Railroad. Measures were immediately taken to guard against an attack on either railroad. On the 17th, Howard's corps returned to Chattanooga from Knoxville; also Davis' division, of the Fourteenth Corps. The latter was posted along Spring Creek, south of Missionary Ridge, and the former returned to its position in Lookout Valley. Through scouts we learn that the enemy is strengthening his position between Tunnel Hill and Dalton; also at Resaca, near the Coosa River, and at Allatoona Mountains, the last named place being a formidable position. Information from various sources leads to the belief that Hardee is making the Oostenaula River his front, defended by rifle-pits and fortifications; also the Etowah River. All deserters and scouts agree in their statements that the rebels in our front are disheartened and demoralized. President Lincoln's amnesty proclamation was having a good effect in encouraging desertions, and movements have been taken to circulate it quite extensively within the enemy's lines. The cavalry command, under General Elliott, having been detained by General Foster for duty in his department, Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, was stationed at Calhoun, on the Hiwassee River, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy in that vicinity. The balance of the Second Division, under command of General Crook, was ordered by General Grant, on the 20th, to move from Huntsville, where it then was, to Prospect, with a view to operate against Forrest. General W. S. Smith, chief of cavalry of the Military Division of the Mississippi, with the Third, Fifth, and Seventh Kentucky, Second and Fourth Tennessee, and Eighth Iowa Cavalry Regiments, started for Savannah on the 20th, to cross the Tennessee, and operate on the flank and rear of Forrest and drive him from West Tennessee. The operations of the cavalry have been quite brilliant during the month. Col. L. D. Watkins, commanding Third Brigade, First Division, from his position at Rossville: has made several successful raids into the enemy's lines. On the 5th, a reconnaissance sent by him proceeded as far as Ringgold without finding any signs of the enemy, except stragglers and deserters. Again on the 14th, with detachments of the Fourth and Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, numbering about 250 men, he made a reconnaissance toward La Fayette, surprised that town, capturing a colonel of the Georgia Home Guards, 6 officers of the rebel signal corps, and about 38 horses and mules; our loss, none. On the 23d he sent out a scout of 150 men from Fourth and Sixth Kentucky Regiments, under command of Major Welling, of the Fourth Kentucky, which proceeded as far as La Fayette, capturing at that place 1 commissioned officer, 16 non-commissioned and privates. 10 citizens (said to be violent rebels), and 38 horses and mules. On the 22d, a party of Wheeler's cavalry, numbering about 75 men, attacked a small party of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, stationed at Cleveland. Our loss was 1 or 2 captured, some property lost, consisting of overcoats, saddles, &c., but the enemy were finally driven off. 4 On the 23d, Geary's division, of the Twelfth Corps, left their camp at Lookout Valley to take up a position along the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, one brigade to be stationed at Bridgeport and the other at Stevenson. On the 28th, Colonel Bernard Laiboldt, Second Missouri Infantry, in charge of a train and escort, principally of convalescents belonging to the Fourth Corps, proceeding from Chattanooga to Knoxville, was attacked by a force of Wheeler's cavalry, numbering between 1,200 and 1,500, as he was crossing the Hiwassee River at Charleston. He immediately formed his guard in line of battle on the south side of the river, succeeded in crossing all his train in safety, and then charged the astonished rebels and drove them in confusion. He then called upon Col. Eli Long for cavalry co-operation, who sent all the force he then had in camp, numbering 150 men. With this small force Colonel Long charged the enemy with sabers and drove him 5 miles, capturing 130 prisoners, including 5 commissioned officers. Our loss was 2 killed and 15 wounded. The enemy left his dead and wounded, as well as quite a number of small-arms, &c., upon the field. Both Colonels Laiboldt and Long are entitled to great credit for the manner in which they repelled this attack. I earnestly recommend them to favorable consideration for promotion; Colonel Laiboldt, for his executive ability and efficiency as a brigade commander of the Second Division, Twentieth Army Corps; Col. Eli Long, for the valuable service he rendered during the recent battles in front of Chattanooga and for many instances of previous good conduct. Provost-Marshal-General Wiles reports that 1,080 deserters from the enemy have come into the lines of this army between the 19th of October and December 31. Twenty regiments had reorganized as veteran volunteers on the 1st of January, 1864. A great many others were preparing to reorganize as veterans. I have the honor to annex hereto the official report of the operations of the Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, Col. Eli Long, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, commanding; also that of Col. Bernard Laiboldt, Second Missouri, concerning the repulse of Wheeler's cavalry at Charleston, and copies of the official reports of the cavalry force under General Elliott at the engagement at Mossy Creek, E. Tenn. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U.S. Vols.,
Commanding. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U.S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., February 4, 1864.

GENERAL:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in those operations of the army which resulted in driving the rebel forces from their positions in the vicinity of Chattanooga, and of its participation, immediately afterward, in their pursuit. In order that these operations may be distinctly understood--that the troops concerned be known and receive the honor due them--it is necessary to premise by stating that the general attack was ordered to be made on the enemy's extreme right at daylight on the 21st of November, and that preparatory orders were sent, through me, on the 18th, for the Eleventh Corps to cross to the north bank of the Tennessee River on the 20th. At this time the Eleventh, and a part of the Twelfth Corps, were encamped in Lookout Valley opposite to the left of the enemy's line. In consequence of the non-arrival of the force mainly relied on to lead off, the attack was postponed to the following morning, and again postponed until the 24th for the same reason. Meanwhile orders were received for the Eleventh Corps to go to Chattanooga, where it reported 5 on the 22d. This divided my command, and, as the orders contemplated no advance from Lookout Valley, application was made by me to the major-general commanding the department for authority to accompany the Eleventh Corps, assigning as a reason that it was my duty to join that part of my command going into battle. This was acceded to, and, preparatory to leaving, invitation was sent for Brigadier-General Geary, who was the senior officer in my absence, to examine with me the enemy's positions and defenses, and to be informed at what points I desired to have his troops held. This was to enable me to make use of the telegraph in communicating with him advisedly during the progress of the fight, should a favorable opportunity present itself for him to advance. On the 23d, the commander of the department requested me to remain in Lookout Valley, and make a demonstration as early as possible the following morning on the point of Lookout Mountain, my command to consist of the parts of two divisions. Later in the day, the 23d, a copy of a telegram was received from the major-general commanding the Division of the Mississippi to the effect that in the event the pontoon bridge at Brown's Ferry could not be repaired in season for Osterhaus' division, of the Fifteenth Corps, to cross by 8 a.m. on the 24th, the division would report to me. Soon after, another telegram, from the headquarters of the department, instructed me, in the latter case, to take the point of Lookout Mountain if my demonstration should develop its practicability. At 2 a.m. word was received that the bridge could not be put in serviceable condition for twelve hours, but to be certain on the subject, a staff officer was dispatched to ascertain, and at 3.15 a.m., on the 24th, the report was confirmed. As now composed, my command consisted of Osterhaus' division, Fifteenth Corps; Cruft's, of the Fourth; Geary's, of the Twelfth (excepting from the two last-named divisions such regiments as were required to protect our communications with Bridgeport and Kelley's Ferry); Battery K, of the First Ohio, and Battery I, First New York, of the Eleventh Corps (the two having horses for but one); a part of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, and Company K, of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, making an aggregate force of 9,681. We were all strangers, no one division ever having seen either of the others. Geary's division, supported by Whitaker's brigade, of Cruft's division, was ordered to proceed up the valley, cross the creek near Wauhatchie, and march down, sweeping the rebels from it. The other brigade of the Fourth Corps to advance, seize the bridge just below the railroad, and repair it. Osterhaus' division was to march up from Brown's Ferry, under cover of the hills, to the place of crossing; also, to furnish supports for the batteries. The Ohio battery was to take a position on Bald Hill, and the New York battery on the hill directly in rear. The Second Kentucky Cavalry was dispatched to observe the movements of the enemy in the direction of Trenton, and the Illinois company to perform orderly and escort duty. This disposition of the forces was ordered to be made as soon after daylight as practicable. At this time the enemy's pickets formed a continuous line along the right bank of Lookout Creek, with the reserves in the valley, while his main force was encamped in a hollow half way up the slope of the mountain, the summit itself was held by three brigades of Stevenson's division, and these were comparatively safe, as the only means of access from the west, for a distance of 20 miles up the valley, was by two or three trails, admitting of the passage of but 1 man at a time, and even those trails were held at the top by rebel pickets. For this reason no direct attempt was made for the dislodgment of this force. On the Chattanooga side, which is less precipitous, a road of easy grade has been made communicating with the summit by zig-zag lines running diagonally up the mountain side, and it was believed that before our troops should gain possession of this, the enemy on the top would evacuate his position, to avoid being cut off from his main body, to rejoin which would involve a march of 20 or 30 miles. 6 Viewed from whatever point, Lookout Mountain, with its high palisaded crest, and its steep, rugged, rocky, and deeply-furrowed slopes, presented an imposing barrier to our advance, and when to these natural obstacles were added almost interminable, well-planned, and wellconstructed defenses, held by Americans, the assault became an enterprise worthy of the ambition and renown of the troops to whom it was intrusted. On the northern slope, midway between the summit and the Tennessee, a plateau or belt of arable land encircles the crest. There a continuous line of earth-works had been thrown up, while redoubts, redans, and pits appeared lower down the slope, to repel an assault from the direction of the river. On each flank were rifle-pits, epaulements for batteries, walls of stone, and abatis to resist attacks from either the Chattanooga or Lookout Valleys. In the valleys themselves were earth-works of still greater extent. Geary commenced his movement as instructed, crossed the creek at 8 o'clock, captured the entire picket of 42 men posted to defend it, marched directly up the mountain, until his right rested on the palisades, and headed down the valley. At the same time Grose's brigade advanced resolutely, with brisk skirmishing, drove the enemy from the bridge, and at once proceeded to put it in repair. The firing at this point alarmed the rebels, and immediately their columns were seen filing down the mountain from their camps, and moving into their rifle-pits and breastworks; at the same time numbers established themselves behind the embankment of the railroad, which enabled them, without exposure, to sweep, with a fire of musketry, the field over which our troops would be compelled to march for a distance of 300 or 400 yards. These dispositions were distinctly visible, and as facilities for avoiding them were close at hand, Osterhaus was directed to send a brigade, under cover of the hills and trees, about 800 yards higher up the creek, and prepare a crossing at that point. This was Brigadier-General Woods' brigade. Soon after this Cruft was ordered to leave a sufficient force at the bridge to engage the attention of the enemy, and for the balance of Grose's brigade to follow Woods'. Meanwhile a section of howitzers was planted to enfilade the positions the enemy had taken, and Osterhaus established a section of 20-pounder Parrotts to enfilade the route by which the enemy had left his camp. The battery on Bald Hill enfiladed the railroad and highway leading to Chattanooga, and all the batteries and sections of batteries had a direct or enfilading fire within easy range on all the positions taken by the rebels. Besides, the 20-pounder Parrotts could be used with good effect on the rebel camp on the side of the mountain. With this disposition of the artillery it was believed we would be able to prevent the enemy from dispatching relief to oppose Geary, and also keep him from running away. At 11 o'clock Woods had completed his bridge. Geary's lines appeared close by, his skirmishers smartly engaged, and all the guns opened. Woods and Grose then sprang across the river, joined Geary's left, and moved down the valley. A few of the enemy escaped from the artillery fire, and those who did ran upon our infantry and were captured. The balance of the rebel forces were killed or taken prisoners, many of them remaining in the bottom of their pits for safety until forced out by our men. Simultaneous with these operations the troops on the mountain rushed on in their advance, the right passing directly under the muzzles of the enemy's guns on the summit, climbing over ledges and bowlders, up hill and down, furiously driving the enemy from his camp and from position after position. This lasted until 12 o'clock, when Geary's advance heroically rounded the peak of the mountain. Not knowing to what extent the enemy might be re-enforced, and fearing from the rough character of the field of operations that our lines might be disordered, directions had been given 7 for the troops to halt on reaching this high ground, but, fired by success, with a flying, panicstricken enemy before them, they pressed impetuously forward. Cobham's brigade, occupying the high ground on the right, between the enemy's main line of defense on the plateau and the palisades, incessantly plied them with fire from above and behind, while Ireland's brigade was vigorously rolling them up on the flank, and both being closely supported by the brigades of Whitaker and Creighton, our success was uninterrupted and irresistible. Before losing the advantages the ground presented us, the enemy had been re-enforced. Meantime, after having secured the prisoners, two of Osterhaus' regiments had been sent forward on the Chattanooga road, and the balance of his and Cruft's divisions had joined Geary. All the rebel efforts to resist us only resulted in rendering our success more thorough. After two or three short but sharp conflicts, the plateau was cleared. The enemy, with his re-enforcements, driven from the walls and pits around Craven's house (the last point at which he could make a stand in force), all broken and dismayed, were hurled in great numbers over the rocks and precipices into the valley. It was now near 2 o'clock, and our operations were arrested by the darkness. The clouds, which had hovered over and enveloped the summit of the mountain during the morning, and to some extent favored our movements, gradually settled into the valley and completely veiled it from our view. Indeed, from the moment we had rounded the peak of the mountain, it was only from the roar of battle and the occasional glimpse our comrades in the valley could catch of our lines and standards that they knew of the strife or its progress; and when, from these evidences, our true condition was revealed to them, their painful anxiety yielded to transports of joy which only soldiers can feel in the earliest moments of dawning victory. Deeming a descent into the valley imprudent, without more accurate information of its topography, and also of the position and strength of the enemy, our line was established on the east side of the mountain, the right resting on the palisades, and the left near the mouth of Chattanooga Creek, and this we strengthened by all the means at hand, working until 4 o'clock, when the commander of the department was informed that our position was impregnable. During all of these operations the batteries on Moccasin Point, under Captain Naylor, had been busily at work from the north bank of the Tennessee River, and had contributed as much to our assistance as the irregularities of the ground and the state of the atmosphere would admit of. From our position we commanded the enemy's lines of defense, stretching across Chattanooga Valley, by an enfilading fire, and also by a direct fire, many of his camps, some of which were in our immediate vicinity. Also direct communication had been opened with Chattanooga, and at a quarter past 5 o'clock Brigadier-General Carlin, Fourteenth Corps, reported to me with his brigade, and was assigned to duty on the right of the line, to relieve Geary's command, almost exhausted with the fatigue and excitement incident to their unparalleled march. To prevent artillery being brought forward, the enemy had undermined the road and covered it with felled timber. This was repaired and placed in serviceable condition before morning. During the day and until after midnight an irregular fire was kept up along our line, and had the appearance at one time of an effort to break it. This was on the right, and was at once vigorously and handsomely repelled. In this, Carlin's brigade rendered excellent service. His report is herewith forwarded. Before daylight, anticipating the withdrawal of the rebel force from the summit of the mountain, parties from several regiments were dispatched to scale it, but to the Eighth Kentucky must belong the distinction of having been foremost to reach the crest and at sunrise to display our flag from the peak of Lookout, amid the wild and prolonged cheers of the men whose dauntless valor had borne it to that point. 8 During the night the enemy had quietly abandoned the mountain, leaving behind 20,000 rations, the camp and garrison equipage of three brigades, and other matériel. An impenetrable mist still covered the face of the valley. Prisoners reported that the enemy had abandoned it, but, deeming it imprudent to descend, a reconnaissance was ordered, and soon after 9 o'clock report came in that the rebels had retired, but that their pickets still held the right bank of Chattanooga Creek, in the direction of Rossville. Soon after the fog vanished, and nothing was to be seen in the valley but the deserted and burning camps of the enemy. Among the fruits of the preceding operations may be enumerated the concentration of the army, the abandonment of defenses upward of 8 miles in extent, the recovery of all the advantages in position the enemy had gained from our army on the bloody field of Chickamauga, giving to us the undisputed navigation of the river and the control of the railroad, the capture of between 2,000 and 3,000 prisoners, 5 stand of colors, 2 pieces of artillery, upward of 5,000 muskets, &c. Of the troops opposed to us were four brigades of Walker's division, Hardee's corps, a portion of Stewart's division of Breckinridge's corps, and on the top of the mountain were three brigades of Steven-sons division. In conformity with orders, two regiments were dispatched to hold the mountain, Carlin's brigade directed to await orders on the Summertown road, and at 10 o'clock my column, Osterhaus (being nearest the road) leading, marched for Rossville. On arriving at Chattanooga Creek it was discovered that the enemy had destroyed the bridge, and, in consequence, our pursuit was delayed nearly three hours. As soon as the stringers were laid, Osterhaus managed to throw over the Twenty-seventh Missouri Regiment, and soon after all of his infantry. The former deployed, pushed forward as skirmishers to the gorge in Missionary Ridge, and drew the fire of the artillery and infantry holding it, and also discovered that the enemy was attempting to cover a train of wagons loading with stores at the Rossville house. As the position was one presenting many advantages for defense, the skirmishers were directed to keep the enemy engaged in front, while Woods' brigade was taking the ridge on the right, and four regiments of Williamson's on the left. Two other regiments of this brigade were posted on the road leading to Chattanooga to prevent surprise. In executing these duties the troops were necessarily exposed to the enemy's artillery, but as soon as it was discovered that his flanks were being turned and his retreat threatened, he hastily evacuated the gap, leaving behind large quantities of artillery and small-arm ammunition, wagons, ambulances, and a house full of commissary stores. Pursuit was made as far as consistent with my instructions to clear Missionary Ridge. Meanwhile the bridge had been completed and all the troops over or crossing. Osterhaus received instructions to move, with his division, parallel with the ridge on the east, Cruft on the ridge, and Geary in the valley, to the west of it, within easy supporting distance. The batteries accompanied Geary, as it was not known that roads could be found for them with the other divisions without delaying the movements of the column. General Cruft, with his staff, preceded his column in ascending the ridge to supervise the formation of his lines, and was at once met by a line of the enemy's skirmishers advancing. The Ninth and Thirty-sixth Indiana Regiments sprang forward, ran into line under their fire, and instantly charging, drove back the rebels, while the residue of the column formed their lines, Grose's brigade, with the Fifty-first Ohio and Thirty-fifth Indiana, of Whitaker's, in advance, the balance of the latter closely supporting the front line. It was, however, soon found that the ridge on top was too narrow to admit of this formation, and the division was thrown into four lines. By 9 this time the divisions of Geary and Osterhaus were abreast of it, and all advanced at a charging pace. The enemy had selected for his advance line of defense the breastworks thrown up by our army on its return from Chickamauga, but such was the impetuosity of our advance that his front line was routed before an opportunity was afforded him to prepare for a determined resistance. Many of the fugitives, to escape, ran down the east slope to the lines of Osterhaus, a few to the west, and were picked up by Geary. The bulk of them, however, sought refuge behind the second line, and they, in their turn, were soon routed, and the fight became almost a running one. Whenever the accidents of the ground enabled the rebels to make an advantageous stand, Geary and Osterhaus, always in the right place, would pour a withering fire into their flanks, and again the race was renewed. This continued until near sunset, when those of the enemy who had not been killed or captured gave way, and in attempting to escape along the ridge, ran into the arms of Johnson's division, of the Fourteenth Corps, and were captured. Our enemy, the prisoners stated, was Stewart's division. But few escaped. Osterhaus atone captured 2,000 of them. This officer names the Fourth Iowa, Seventy-sixth Ohio, and Twentyseventh Missouri Regiments as having been especially distinguished in this engagement. Landgraeber's battery of howitzers also rendered brilliant service on this field. Here our business for the day ended, and the troops went into bivouac, with cheers and rejoicings, which were caught up by other troops in the vicinity and carried along the ridge until lost in the distance. Soon after daylight every effort was made, by reconnaissance and inquiry, to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy, but to no purpose. The field was as silent as the grave. Knowing the desperate extremities to which he must be reduced by our success, with his retreat seriously threatened by the only line left him with a hope of success, I felt satisfied the enemy must be in full retreat, and accordingly suggested to the commander of the department that my column march to Graysville, if possible, to intercept him. This was approved of, and, re-enforced by Palmer's corps, all moved immediately in that direction, Palmer's corps in advance. On arriving at the west Fork of the Chickamauga River, it was found that the enemy had destroyed the bridge. To provide for this contingency, Major-General Butterfield, my chief of staff, had in the morning prudently requested that three pontoons, with their balks and chesses, might be dispatched for my use, but as they had not come up, after a detention of several hours, a bridge was constructed for the infantry, the officers swimming their horses. It was not until after 3 o'clock the regiments were able to commence crossing, leaving the artillery and ambulances to follow as soon as practicable; also a regiment of infantry as a guard, to complete the bridge, if possible, for the artillery, and also to assist in throwing over the pontoon bridge as soon as it arrived. Partly in consequence of this delay, instructions were given for Palmer's command to continue on to Graysville on reaching the La Fayette road, and for the balance of the command to proceed to Ringgold (Cruft now leading), as this would enable me to strike the railroad 5 or 6 miles to the south of where it was first intended. Palmer was to rejoin me in the morning. Soon after dark word was received from Palmer, through a member of his staff, that he had come up with the enemy, reported to be a battery and 2,000 or 3,000 infantry. Instructions were sent him to attack them at once, and while forming his lines to the left for that purpose, the remaining part of the column was massed as it came up, to the right of the road, and held awaiting the movements of Palmer. His enemy was discovered to be a battery of three pieces, with a small escort, and was the rear of the rebel army on the road from Graysville to Ringgold. Three pieces of artillery were captured, and subsequently an additional piece, with, I believe, a few prisoners. I have received no report from this officer of his operations while belonging to my command, although mine has been delayed six weeks in waiting. 10 We were now fairly up with the enemy. This at 10 o'clock at night. Cruft's division advanced and took possession of the crest of Chickamauga hills, the enemy's abandoned camp fires still burning brightly on the side; and we all went into bivouac. My artillery was not yet up, and in this connection I desire that the especial attention of the commander of the department may be called to that part of the report of General Osterhaus which relates to the conduct of the officers who had the pontoon bridge in charge. I do not know the names of the officers referred to;was not furnished with a copy of their instructions, nor did they report to me. The pontoons were not brought forward to the point of crossing at all, and the balks and chess-planks only reached their destination between 9 and 10 p.m.; distance from Chattanooga 10 miles, and the roads excellent. Then trestles had to be framed, and the bridge was not finished until 6 o'clock the following morning. The report of Lieut. H. C. Wharton, of the Engineers, and temporarily attached to my staff, who was left behind to hasten the completion of the bridge, is herewith transmitted. No better commentary on this culpable negligence is needed than is furnished by the record of our operations in the vicinity of Ringgold. The town was distant 5 miles. At daylight the pursuit was renewed, Osterhaus in advance, Geary following, and Cruft in the rear. Evidences of the precipitate flight of the enemy were everywhere apparent; caissons, wagons, ambulances, arms, and ammunition were abandoned in the hurry and confusion of retreat. After going about 2 miles, we came up with the camp he had occupied during the night, the fires still burning. A large number of prisoners were also taken before reaching the East Fork of the Chickamauga River. We found the ford, and also the bridge to the south of Ringgold, held by a body of rebel cavalry. These discharged their arms and quickly gave way before a handful of our men, and were closely pursued into the town. I rode to the front on hearing the firing, where I found Osterhaus out with his skirmishers, intensely alive to all that was passing, and pushing onward briskly. He informed me that four pieces of artillery had just left the rebel camp, weakly escorted, and ran into the gorge, which he could have captured with a small force of cavalry. The gorge is to the east of Ringgold, and we were approaching it from the west. A little firing occurred between our skirmishers, as they entered the town, and small parties of the rebel cavalry and infantry, the latter retiring in the direction of the gap. This is a break in Taylor's Ridge of sufficient width for the river to flow and on its north bank room for an ordinary road and a railroad, when the ridge rises with abruptness on both sides 400 or 500 feet, and from thence, running nearly north and south, continues unbroken for many miles. Covering the entrance to it is a small patch of young trees and undergrowth. It was represented by citizens friendly to our cause, and confirmed by contrabands, that the enemy had passed through Ringgold, sorely pressed, his animals exhausted, and his army hopelessly demoralized. In a small portion of it only had the officers been able to preserve regimental and company formations, many of the men having thrown away their arms. A still greater number were open and violent in their denunciations of the Confederacy. In order to gain time, it was the intention of the rear guard to make use of the natural advantages the gorge presented to check the pursuit. The troops relied on for this were posted behind the mountain and the trees, and the latter were also used to mask a couple of pieces of artillery. Only a feeble line of skirmishers appeared in sight. The only way to ascertain the enemy's strength was to feel of him, and, as our success, if prompt, would be crowned with a rich harvest of matériel, without waiting for my artillery (not yet up, though after 9 o'clock), the skirmishers advanced. Woods deployed his brigade in rear of 11 them under cover of the embankment of the railroad, and a brisk musketry fire commenced between the skirmishers. At the same time the enemy kept his artillery busily at work. Their skirmishers were driven in, and as we had learned the position of the battery, the Thirteenth Illinois Regiment, from the right of Woods' line was thrown forward to seize some houses, from which their gunners could be picked off by our men. These were heroically taken and held by that brave regiment. Apprehensive that he might lose his artillery, the enemy advanced with a superior force on our skirmishers, and they fell back behind Woods' line, when that excellent officer opened on the rebels and drove them into the gorge, they leaving, as they fled, their dead and wounded on the ground. Our skirmishers at once re-occupied their line, the Thirteenth Illinois all the time maintaining its position with resolution and obstinacy. While this was going on in front of the gorge, Osterhaus detached four regiments, under Colonel Williamson, half a mile to the left, to ascend the ridge and turn the enemy's right. Two of these, the Seventy-sixth Ohio, supported by the Fourth Iowa, were thrown forward, and as the enemy appeared in great force, when they had nearly gained the crest, Geary ordered four of his regiments still farther to the left, under Colonel Creighton, for the same object, where they also found an overwhelming force confronting them. Vigorous attacks were made by both of these columns, in which the troops exhibited extraordinary daring and devotion, but were compelled to yield to numerical superiority. The first took shelter in a depression in the side of the ridge about 50 paces in rear of their most advanced position, and there remained. The other column was ordered to resume its position on the railroad. All the parties sent forward to ascertain the enemy's position and strength were small, but the attacks had been made with so much vigor, and succeeded so well in their object, that I deemed it unwise to call up the commands of Palmer and Cruft, and the remaining brigades of Geary, to deliver a general attack without my artillery. I therefore gave instructions for no advance to be made, and for the firing to be discontinued, except in self-defense. These orders were conveyed and delivered to every officer in command on our advance line. Word was received from General Woods that appearances in his front were indicative of a forward movement on the part of the enemy, when Ireland's brigade, of Geary's division, was sent to strengthen him. Cobham's brigade, of the same division, took a well-sheltered position behind the knoll, midway between the depot and the opening to the gap. These officers were also ordered not to attack or to fire unless it should become necessary. I may here state that the greatest difficulty I experienced with my new command, and the one which caused me the most solicitude, was to check and curb their disposition to engage, regardless of circumstances, and, it appears, almost of consequences. This had also been the case on Lookout Mountain and on Missionary Ridge. Despite my emphatic and repeated instructions to the contrary, a desultory fire was kept up on the right of the line until the artillery arrived, and you will see by the reports of commanders that, under cover of elevated ground between my position and our right, several small parties advanced to capture the enemy's battery and harass his flank at the gap. It is with no displeasure I refer to these circumstances in evidence of the animation of the troops, neither is it with a feeling of resentment, for of that I was disarmed by an abiding sense of their glorious achievements. It has never been my fortune to serve with more zealous and devoted troops. Between 12 and 1 o'clock the artillery came up, not having been able to cross the West Fork of the Chickamauga until 8 o'clock on the morning of the 27th. Under my acting chief of artillery, Major Reynolds, in conjunction with Generals Geary and Osterhaus, one section of 12- pounder howitzers was placed in position to bear on the enemy in front of our right and to enfilade the gap; another section of 10-pounder Parrotts was assigned to silence the enemy's battery, and one section farther to the left, to bear on some troops held in mass in front of Geary's 12 regiments. At the same time a regiment from Cruft's division had been sent around by the bridge to cross the Chickamauga, and, if possible, to gain the heights of the ridge on the south side of the river, the possession of which would give us a plunging fire upon the enemy in the gorge. Two companies had nearly gained the summit when they were recalled. The artillery had opened with marked effect, the enemy's guns were hauled to the rear, his troops seen moving, and before 1 o'clock he was in full retreat. Williamson's brigade followed him over the mountain, while skirmishers from the Sixtieth and One hundred and second New York Regiments pursued him through the gap. Efforts were made to burn the railroad bridges, but the rebels were driven from them and the fires extinguished. During the artillery firing the major-general commanding the Division of the Mississippi arrived, and gave directions for the pursuit to be discontinued. Later in the day, soon after 3 o'clock, I received instructions from him to have a reconnaissance made in the direction of Tunnel Hill, the enemy's line of retreat, for purposes of observation, and to convey to the enemy the impression that we were still after him. Grose's brigade was dispatched on this service. About 2 miles out he ran upon a small force of rebel cavalry and infantry, and pursued them about a mile and a half, when he fell upon what he supposed to be a division of troops, posted on the hills commanding the road. The brigade returned at 8 o'clock, and went into bivouac. Colonel Grose's report in this connection concludes by saying that "we found broken caissons, wagons, ambulances, dead and dying men of the enemy strewn along the way to a horrible extent." As some misapprehension appears to exist with regard to our losses in this battle, it is proper to observe that the reports of my division commanders exhibit a loss of 65 killed and 377 wounded, about one-half of the latter so severely that it was necessary to have them conveyed to the hospital for proper treatment. They also show of the enemy killed and left on the field 130. Of his wounded we had no means of ascertaining, as only those severely hurt remained behind, and they filled every house by the wayside as far as our troops penetrated. A few of our wounded men fell into the enemy's hands, but were soon retaken. We captured 230 prisoners and 2 flags, to make no mention of the vast amount of property and matériel that fell into our hands. Adding to the number of prisoners and killed, as above stated, the lowest estimated proportion of wounded to killed usual in battle would make the losses of the enemy at least three to our one. From this time the operations of the Right Wing, as it was now called, became subordinate to those of the column marching to the relief of the garrison of Knoxville. Instructions reached me from the headquarters of the military division to remain at Ringgold during the 29th and 30th, unless it should be found practicable to advance toward Dalton, without fighting a battle, the object of my remaining, as stated, being to protect Sherman's flank, with authority to attack or move on Dalton should the enemy move up the Dalton and Cleveland road. In retreating, the enemy had halted a portion of his force at Tunnel Hill, midway between Ringgold and Dalton, and as he evinced no disposition to molest Sherman, my command rested at Ringgold. I was kept fully advised of the rebel movements through the activity and daring of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, which had joined me on the 28th. In obedience to verbal directions given me by the commander of the division, the railroad was thoroughly destroyed for 2 miles, including the bridges on each side of Ringgold, by Palmer's and Cruft's commands; also the depot, tannery, all the mills, and all matériel that could be used in the support of an army. We found on our arrival large quantities of forage and flour. What was not required by the wants of the service was either sent to the rear or burned. Our wounded were as promptly and as well cared for as circumstances would permit. Surgeon Moore, the medical director of the Army of the Tennessee, voluntarily left his chief to 13 devote himself to their relief, and under his active, skillful, and humane auspices, and those of the medical directors with the divisions, they were comfortably removed to Chattanooga on the 28th. My sincere thanks are tendered to all the officers of the medical staff for their zealous and careful attentions to the wounded, on this as well as our former fields. Especially are they due to Surgeon Ball, medical director of Geary's division, and to Surgeon Menzies, medical director of Cruft's division. On the 29th, Major-General Palmer returned to Chattanooga with his command, having in charge such prisoners as remained in Ringgold. On the 30th, the enemy being reassured by the cessation of our pursuit, sent a flag of truce to our advanced lines at Catoosa, by Maj. Calhoun Benham, requesting permission to bury his dead and care for his wounded, abandoned on the field of his last disaster at Ringgold. Copies of this correspondence have heretofore been forwarded. Also, on the 30th, under instructions from department headquarters, Grose's brigade, Cruft's division, marched for the old battle-field at Chickamauga, to bury our dead; and on the 1st December, the infantry and cavalry remaining left Ringgold, Geary and Cruft to return to their old camps, Osterhaus to encamp in Chattanooga Valley. The reports of commanders exhibit a loss in the campaign, including all the engagements herein reported, in killed, wounded, and missing, of 960. Inconsiderable, in comparison with my apprehension, or the ends accomplished; nevertheless, there is cause for the deepest regret and sorrow. Among the fallen are some of the brightest names of the army. Creighton and Crane, of the Seventh Ohio; Acton, of the Fortieth Ohio; Bushnell, of the Thirteenth Illinois; Elliott, of the One hundred and second New York, and others, whose names my limits will not allow me to enumerate, will be remembered and lamented as long as courage and patriotism are esteemed as virtues among men. The reports of commanders also show the capture of 6,547 prisoners (not including those taken by Palmer at Graysville, of which no return has been received), also 7 pieces of artillery, 9 battle-flags, not less than 10,000 stand of small-arms, 1 wagon train, and a large amount of ammunition for artillery and infantry, forage, rations, camp and garrison equipage, caissons and limbers, ambulances, and other impedimenta. The reports relating to the capture of the flags are herewith transmitted. In the foregoing, it has been impossible to furnish more than a general outline of our operations, relying upon the reports of subordinate commanders to give particular and discriminating information concerning the services of divisions, brigades, regiments, and batteries. These reports are herewith respectfully transmitted. The attention of the major-general commanding is especially invited to those of the division commanders. As to the distinguished services of those commanders, I cannot speak in terms too high. They served me day and night, present or absent, with all of the well-directed earnestness and devotion they would have served themselves had they been charged with the responsibilities of the commander. The confidence inspired by their active and generous co-operation, early inspired me to feel that complete success was inevitable. My thanks are due to General Carlin and his brigade for their services on Lookout Mountain on the night of the 24th. They were posted in an exposed position, and when attacked repelled it with great spirit and success. I must also express my acknowledgments to Major-General Palmer and his command for services rendered while belonging to my column. Lieutenant Ayers, of the signal corps, with his assistants, rendered me valuable aid in his branch of the service during our operations. Major Reynolds, the chief of artillery of Geary's division, proved himself to be a skillful artillerist, and requires especial mention for his services. His batteries were always posted with 14 judgment and served with marked ability. The precision of his fire at Lookout and Ringgold elicited universal admiration. To my staff more than ever am I indebted for the assistance rendered upon this occasion. Major-General Butterfield, chief of staff, always useful in counsel, was untiring and devoted on the field; Capt. H. W. Perkins, assistant adjutant-general; Col. James D. Fessenden, Maj. William H. Lawrence, Capt. R. H. Hall, Lieuts. P. A. Oliver and Samuel W. Taylor, aides-de-camp, bravely and intelligently performed all their duties. Lieut. H. C. Wharton, a promising young officer of Engineers, reported to me from the staff of the major-general commanding the department, and was unwearied in his assistance, both as an engineer and as an officer of my personal staff. Major-General Howard has furnished me, for transmittal, his able report of the operations and services of the Eleventh Corps, from the time it passed from my command, November 22, to that of its return, December 17. As it relates to events of which I had no personal knowledge, it only remains to comply with his wishes, with the request that the major-general commanding the department will give it his especial attention. I may add, that the zeal and devotedness displayed by this corps and its commander, in performing all the duties assigned them, and in cheerfully encountering its perils and privations, afford me great satisfaction. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, In Field, Culpeper Court- House, Va., March 25, 1864. Respectfully forwarded to Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, Washington, D. C. I know of no objection to the substitution of this for Major-General Hooker's original report of his operations in the battle of Chattanooga. Attention is called to that part of the report giving, from the reports of his subordinate commanders, the number of prisoners and small-arms captured, which is greater than the number really captured by the whole army. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant-General, U. S. Army. First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry. January 1, the brigade was at Pulaski, Tenn., but was soon dispersed by the regiments going home on veteran furloughs, &c. January 5, the Fourth U. S. Cavalry moved, in compliance with orders from Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, from Pulaski, and arrived at Corinth, Miss., January 10. January 11, it left Corinth by railroad and reached La Grange, Tenn., the next day. January 12, the headquarters of the brigade started for Huntsville, Ala., where it arrived on the 14th, and remained for the rest of the month. January 26, the Fourth U.S. Cavalry left La Grange and marched to Collierville, Tenn., where it remained until February 1. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry left Pulaski, Tenn., on the 2d, 15 having re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and proceeded to Nashville, where it remained until the 18th. On the 25th it arrived at Harrisburg, Pa., via Cairo, Ill. On the 27th was furloughed for thirty days. The Fourth Michigan Cavalry, the detachment under Major Robbins, on courier duty between Harrison and Calhoun, Tenn., on the 4th reported to Colonel Long, at Calhoun, and marched with his brigade to Cleveland and Charleston. From the 12th to the 21st it was on picket at Columbus; from the 21st to the 31st on duty at Calhoun. The detachment under Major Gray left Pulaski on the 9th and on the 19th arrived at Rossville, Ga.; 160 miles. During the remainder of the month this detachment was employed in scouting the country in connection with the Twenty-eighth Kentucky Regiment, all being under the command of Colonel Boone, Twenty-eighth Kentucky. It was engaged in one or two slight skirmishes. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry left Pulaski, Tenn., on the 7th, having re-enlisted. Moved to Nashville, where it remained for the balance of the month, being delayed in getting the veteran bounties. The Third Indiana Cavalry was stationed for the most of the month at Maryville, near Knoxville, E. Tenn. It has made no report of its marches or actions. First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Col. Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry. During the month brigade headquarters remained at Huntsville, Ala. The Fourth U.S. Cavalry, being at Collierville, Tenn., with the expedition under the command of Brig. Gen. W. S. Smith, remained until the 11th, then marched to New Albany, where it arrived February 14. February 16, marched and arrived at Okolona, Miss., on the 19th, and West Point on the 20th, where it met and defeated a large force of the enemy under Forrest. Returned to Okolona February 22, where it had another severe engagement with Forrest's forces. The rebels being too powerful, the command retreated that day, and arrived at Memphis on the 26th, where it remained during the rest of the month. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry was on furlough in Pennsylvania, having re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. The Fourth Michigan Cavalry being at Ooltewah, Tenn., was during the month engaged on several scouts, having skirmished at Tunnel Hill, near Buzzard Roost; at Red Clay, near Cleveland; at Cleveland, at Dirt Town, and other places, acting with the Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, under Colonel Boone. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry at home on furlough, having re-enlisted as veterans. The Third Indiana has made no report of events. They have been operating in East Tennessee, near Knoxville. Second Cavalry Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. Kenner Garrard. Division headquarters moved on the 4th instant from Huntsville, Ala., with three regiments Third Brigade and detachments First and Second Brigades, to Columbia, Tenn., for the purpose of concentrating at that point the command preparatory to its reorganization and refitting for the summer campaign. Upon the reorganization of the cavalry, the Fifth Iowa and Third Indiana Cavalry (First Brigade), Second Kentucky and Tenth Ohio Cavalry (Second Brigade), and Ninety-second Illinois Volunteers (Third Brigade) were transferred from this division to the Third Division. Colonels Minty, Long, and Wilder reported with complete commands (with the exception of the First Ohio, Second Brigade, at Nashville, Tenn.) on the 25th instant at Columbia, Tenn. From the 25th to the 30th the division was active in completing arrangements for operations in the field. Under orders the command, with First and Third Brigades, complete in arms, horses, and equipments, moved for Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 30th. The Second Brigade remained at Columbia, Tenn., awaiting arms and horses. 16 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, Miss., March 7, 1864. GENERAL: I now have the honor to submit a report of the recent operations in the State of Mississippi: You will remember that when in July last Vicksburg surrendered and a detachment from the Army of the Tennessee under my command had pushed the rebel army of General Johnston into and beyond Jackson, it was the purpose to go on eastward and destroy the remaining railroads of the State in and near Meridian. The period of the year, the intense heat and drought, and the condition of our men after the long siege of Vicksburg rendered the accomplishment of the plan then impracticable, and it had to be deferred to a later period. Events subsequently occurred during September in East Tennessee which called General Grant and my command to that quarter, but as soon as Chattanooga and Knoxville became secure and a respite was needed to repair the railroads to the rear, time and an opportunity were offered to accomplish what had before been designed. I offered, if permitted, to break up the useless line of railroad from Memphis to Corinth, to attempt the destruction of Meridian without calling for a single man from the army in the field. Accordingly, disposing of my then command so as to cover and assist in repairing the railroads from Nashville to Decatur and Stevenson, with General Grant's approval I returned in person to the Mississippi River, reaching Memphis January 10. I immediately ordered General Hurlbut to abandon Corinth and all minor points, draw in all public property, and forthwith prepare for field service two good divisions of 5,000 men each, ready to embark by the 25th. I found General William Sooy Smith, chief of cavalry on General Grant's staff, at Memphis. He had come from Middle Tennessee with about 2,500 cavalry in pursuit of Forrest, who had in the meantime left West Tennessee and fallen back of the Tallahatchie. I ordered all the effective cavalry at once also to be assembled and got ready for the field. I found on General Hurlbut's tri-monthly return of January 10,1864, for duty, an aggregate of cavalry of 9,231, with 7,638 serviceable horses. This, with the 2,500 brought with General Smith, gave us over 10,000 effective cavalrymen and horses. Having made these preliminary orders, I then hastened to Vicksburg and gave General McPherson similar orders for two divisions of infantry and artillery; then back again to Memphis, where I remained until the 27th. In the meantime I learned the strength and distribution of the enemy I had to encounter, which was about as follows: On the 1st of February Lieutenant-General Polk, chief in command at Meridian, scattered companies of cavalry and infantry all over the State, collecting taxes and forcing conscripts--at Canton, Loring's division of infantry, 18 guns, and about 7,000 men; at Brandon, French's broken division of 10 guns and 3.000 men: two brigades subsequently joined French from Mobile, making his force about 5,000. Major-General Forrest commanded the cavalry district of North Mississippi, headquarters at Como; estimated force, 4,000. Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Lee commanded the southern district of Mississippi, headquarters at Jackson. He had General Jackson's division of three brigades, Ross', Starke's, and Wirt Adams' posted in a semicircle behind Vicksburg, and Ferguson's brigade was at this time coming to Jackson from Okolona. Lee's cavalry was about 4,000 strong. My object was to break up the enemy's railroads at and about Meridian, and to do the enemy as much damage as possible in the month of February, and to be prepared by the 1st of March to assist General Banks in a similar dash at the Red River country, especially Shreveport, the whole to result in widening our domain along the Mississippi River, and thereby set the troops hitherto necessary to guard the river free for other military purposes. 17 My plan of action was as follows: General William Sooy Smith to move from Memphis by or before the 1st of February with an effective force of 7,000 cavalry lightly equipped, to march straight on Pontotoc, Okolona, Columbus Junction (Artesia), and Meridian, to arrive there about February 10, distance 250 miles; to disregard all minor objects, to destroy railroads, bridges, corn not wanted, and strike quick and well every enemy that should offer opposition, while I with four good divisions of infantry and artillery would at the same time move from Vicksburg on the same objective points, 150 miles distant. When met at Meridian, being present in person, I could then order anew according to the then circumstances, condition of roads and time left at my disposal. I knew full well what would be the effect of this move, and in all my orders and instructions I dwelt particularly on the point of making no detachments, but to go straight to the one sole object, leaving the minor matters to the future. I inclose herewith my instructions to General Smith with a copy of his report, and must say it is unsatisfactory. The delay in his start to the 11th of February, when his orders contemplated his being at Meridian on the 10th, and when he knew I was marching from Vicksburg, is unpardonable, and the mode and manner of his return to Memphis was not what I expected from an intended bold cavalry movement. I know that from February 1st to the 17th all of Lees cavalry was to my front. We took daily prisoners from each brigade, so that General Smith had nothing to deal with except Forrest and the militia. I hope General Smith will make these points more clear to the general-in-chief, to whom he has returned at Nashville, as noted in his report. My own movement was successful in an eminent degree. We left Vicksburg February 3 in two columns, General Hurlbut's by Messinger's and General McPherson's by the railroad bridge. We met no opposition till General Hurlbut's head of column reached Joe Davis' plantation, and General McPherson's the Champion Hills. The 5th was one continued skirmish for 18 miles, but we did not allow the enemy's cavalry to impede our march, but got into Jackson that night on his heels, whipping him handsomely and utterly disconcerting his plans. Loring and French were marching at the time to concentrate with the cavalry at Jackson, but were too late. We got into Jackson first, secured their pontoon bridge, repaired it, and commenced crossing Pearl River on the 6th, and on the 7th marched into Brandon. Next day, the 8th, the head of column reached Line Creek, 5 miles from Morton, and on the 9th we entered Morton, General McPherson leading. I halted him there for the balance of the day to break railroads, and gave General Hurlbut the lead, and he kept it all the way into Meridian. Our march was steady and easy by Hillsborough and Decatur. Though cavalry moved on our flanks they gave us little concern, save in scaring in our stragglers and foraging parties. At the Tallahatta. 20 miles from Meridian, we found the road obstructed with fallen timber, and, satisfied the enemy was trying to save time to cover the removal of railroad property from Meridian, I dropped our trains with good escorts and pushed on over all obstructions straight for the Oktibbeha, where we found the bridge burning. A large cotton gin, however, close by gave us good material, and a couple of hours sufficed for a new bridge, and we entered Meridian at 3.30 p.m. of the 14th with little opposition, and that was soon overcome by a battalion of Colonel Winslow's cavalry fighting on foot. French's division had gone the night before and Loring's before day that morning, Lee's cavalry covering their retreat. General Polk had left for Demopolis at 10.30 that morning in the cars. One locomotive and a train were burning as we reached the depot, but all other rollingstock had been removed to Mobile or toward Selma, 107 miles distant. I knew we could not overtake the enemy before he would cross the Tombigbee, and in fact I was willing to gain our 18 point without battle, at so great a distance from the river, where the care of wounded men would have so taxed our ability to provide for them. So I rested the army on the 15th, and on the 16th began a systematic and thorough destruction of the railroads centering at Meridian. The immense depots, warehouses, and length of sidetrack demonstrated the importance to the enemy of that place. Through it he has heretofore transported his armies and vast supplies, and by means of the railroads large amounts of corn, bacon, meal, and produce have been distributed to his armies. For five days 10,000 men worked hard and with a will in that work of destruction, with axes, crowbars, sledges, clawbars, and with fire, and I have no hesitation in pronouncing the work as well done. Meridian, with its depots, store-houses, arsenal, hospitals, offices, hotels, and cantonments no longer exists. To General Hurlbut I intrusted the destruction north and east of the town, and to General McPherson south and west. The former reports to me officially the destruction of 60 miles of road, with ties burned and iron bent, one locomotive destroyed, and 8 bridges burned. The latter reports officially 55 miles of road destroyed, with 53 bridges and culverts burned, and 6,075 feet of trestle-work below Enterprise across a swamp burned, 19 locomotives, 28 cars, and 3 steam sawmills destroyed and burned. The railroad is destroyed all the way from Jackson to Meridian, 100 miles; from Meridian to and including the large bridge over the Chickasawha below Quitman; north to and including a bridge at Lauderdale Springs, and east about 20 miles. The enemy cannot use these roads to our prejudice in the coming campaign. Having learned positively that the enemy's infantry had crossed the Tombigbee eastward on the 17th, and there being nothing between me and the Pearl River but cavalry, which I could not strike with infantry, I remained at Meridian until the 20th of February, leaving me ten days to reach Vicksburg and keep my appointment with General Banks, and hearing nothing whatever of General Smith, I ordered General McPherson to move back slowly on the main road, taking four days to Hillsborough, while I, with General Hurlbut's command and Colonel Winslow's cavalry, moved to the north to feel for General Smith. On the 20th, I moved from Marion Station toward Muckalusha Old Town, thence to Union, where I dispatched Colonel Winslow with three regiments of cavalry to Philadelphia and Louisville, some 50 miles in the direction of Columbus, over the very road by which General Grierson moved during his celebrated raid, and by which road I supposed he would feel for us. If no tidings could be had of the cavalry, Colonel Winslow was to send a couple of scouts to find General Smith and order him to come to me at Canton, after which Colonel Winslow was to swing across to Kosciusko and come to Canton. The two infantry columns came together as appointed on the 23d at Hillsborough. Next day we marched for Pearl River on separate roads, making for Ratliff's Ferry. Securing the ferry-boats there and at Edwards' above, a good floating bridge was constructed by Captain Hickenlooper, of General McPherson's staff, and the army passed Pearl River, 25th and 26th. Leaving a division to cover the bridge in case our cavalry should make its appearance, the army was bivouacked near Canton, where Colonel Winslow had arrived, having executed his orders to the very letter, but with no tidings of General Smith. No enemy having troubled us during our march from Meridian to Canton, and anxious to afford our Memphis cavalry an opportunity to reach us, I left the army at Canton, rode into Vicksburg on the 28th, received my dispatches from General Banks, as expected, and sent orders back to General Hurlbut to remain there until the 3d of March, and then come into Vicksburg, while I hastened to New Orleans to confer with General Banks and Admiral Porter, and adjust the details of the next combined movement. I returned to Vicksburg on the 6th instant, found all my army in, and learned that General Smith had not started from Memphis at all till the 11th of February; had only reached West 19 Point, and turned back on the 22d, the march back to Memphis being too rapid for a good effect. Nevertheless, on the whole, we accomplished all I undertook. Our march out and in from Vicksburg was well accomplished; we beat the enemy wherever he opposed or offered resistance. We drove him out of Mississippi, destroyed the only remaining railroads in the State, the only roads by which he could maintain an army in Mississippi threatening to our forces or the main river. We subsisted our army and animals chiefly on his stores, brought away about 400 prisoners and full 5,000 negroes, about 1,000 white refugees, about 3,000 animals (horses, mules, and oxen), and any quantity of wagons and vehicles. Beyond Pearl River we destroyed all C. S. A. cotton and all that was used in the enemy's work at Meridian; also many cotton-gins and piles of cotton were burned by our soldiers and by negroes, without orders and without detection. I attach little importance to these matters, but the great result attained is the hardwood and confidence imparted to the command, which is now better fitted for war. Animals and men returned to Vicksburg after marching from 360 to 450 miles in the space of the shortest month in the year, in better health and condition than when we started. Our losses may be summed up as follows: Command Killed. Wounded. Missing. Total General Hurlbut's 5 21 26 52 General McPherson's 7 21 46 74 Cavalry 9 26 9 44 Aggregate loss of men 21 68 81 170 We lost some mules and wagons that were out foraging, but the mules were soon replaced by captured animals, so that no delay re-suited. I know of no wagons lost save nine, reported verbally by General Hurlbut as having occurred after I came in from Canton. Contemporaneous with these events was a diversion made on Mobile. I had requested it of General Banks before starting from Vicksburg, and he devolved it on Admiral Farragut. Occurring at the same time as my movement, it completely deceived our enemy, and resulted in an order for the removal of all its non-combatant population and caused great alarm, which seems to have spread through all Alabama. Their time is not yet, but will come in the due order of events. I also sent at the same time, February 3, up the Yazoo a combined expedition of gun-boats and transports. Knowing that our movement inland would draw off force from the Yazoo, I asked Admiral Porter to send up the Yazoo a fleet of his light-clad boats to explore the Yazoo, Sunflower, and all tributaries where a sufficient draught of water could be found, which he did, viz: Five gun-boats, under command of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, U.S. Navy, and I sent along five transports, with two regiments, one of white, Eleventh Illinois, Colonel Coates, and one of black troops. My instructions for this expedition are submitted herewith. I suppose it fulfilled its objects, although Colonel Coates has not yet returned and reported, but for some reason, which he will explain, after going up as far as Fort Pemberton, he returned and disembarked at Yazoo City, sending his boats to Vicksburg with cotton and forage. He reports officially having sent in 1,521 bales of cotton, and that the gun-boats had secured 207. I have ordered 1,000 bales to be delivered to the Treasury agent, and I ask that its proceeds be applied to indemnify boats that have sustained damage while engaged in a licensed and lawful commerce, such as the Allen Collier, burned by the guerillas at Bolivar Landing, and the Von Phul, fired on at Morganza Bend. The balance of this cotton I have placed with the post quartermaster at Vicksburg, with orders to General McPherson to appoint a board to pay back in kind such loyal persons as Mrs. Grose and Dr. Duncan for cotton used by our hospitals or burned by guerrillas. It is folly for us to attempt to indemnify all, but in this way we can give a support 20 to the smaller claimants and encourage them to cultivate their plantations. The sooner all the cotton in the Southern States is burned or got away the better, for it is the cause of filling our boats and towns with a class of heartless speculators that would corrupt our officers and men and sell their lives by foolish exposure that they might get out stolen cotton and buy it cheap. The full official reports of Generals Hurlbut and McPherson are not yet in, but as soon as received they will be forwarded, with a map showing our routes of march, &c. The country is indebted to Generals Hurlbut and McPherson, the actual commanders of the troops in this expedition, whose experience and skill left me an easy task, partaking more of the character of a pleasant excursion than of hard military service. Colonel Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanded the advance guard, and handled his cavalry brigade with skill and success. His flank attack on the heavy cavalry force of the enemy before Jackson, and his rapid pursuit into Jackson, securing to us the use of the enemy's pontoons, entitles him to promotion as brigadier of cavalry. I must also give him the credit due for his march from Union on Louisville and Kosciusko, and for making his junction with the main body of the army at Canton at the time appointed. I have thanked in orders the officers and soldiers of the command for their cheerfulness and for their eagerness to fight, to march, or to work day or night as required, but I must leave to corps commanders the duty of recording their individual acts of merit. In organizing and conducting this expedition I have been admirably seconded by my personal staff, viz, Major McCoy and Captains Dayton and Audenried. I hardly know how to reward them substantially, further than to commend them to the favorable notice of our Government. To Lieutenant-Colonel Bingham, my chief quartermaster, the only member of my general staff that I took from department headquarters, I am greatly indebted. Through him were obtained the steamboats and means by which these troops were so rapidly assembled and concentrated at great distances promptly on time. When Colonel Coates makes me the official report of his operations up the Yazoo, I will indorse it according to my judgment at the time. Accompanying this I send a complete file of orders and letters of instruction issued during the expedition. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Chief of Staff. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, No. 22. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, February 28, 1864. I. The army in the field, now at Canton, will remain there till about March 3 to hear from and assist, if necessary, the cavalry expedition under command of Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, which should have left Memphis February 2 at furthest, but did not until about the 11th. If heard from, General McPherson with his corps will await his arrival, or till he can communicate with him, and order General Smith to the vicinity of Big Black bridge to await further orders, or to act offensively should a cavalry force of the enemy appear this side of Pearl River. II. General Hurlbut will, about March 3, move his command across Big Black at or near Moore's Bluff, and come to Vicksburg prepared to embark for Red River about March 7 next. III. Should General McPherson hear of the safety of the cavalry command referred to, or hear no tidings at all of it on or before the 3d next, he also will move down the peninsula between 21 Pearl River and Big Black to the bridge at Messingers, or at the railroad bridge, and resume his former command at Vicksburg and district. IV. The chief quartermaster of the department will collect a number of steam-boats suitable for the Red River of a capacity to transport 10,000 men, with artillery, ordnance, and subsistence stores for thirty days' operations, to be ready at Vicksburg by March 7. V. The commissary of subsistence at Vicksburg will place at Haynes' Bluff three days' rations for General Hurlbut's command of 10,000 men, to be drawn by him on his way down, and the same for General McPherson's command at the Big Black bridge. VI. The ordnance officer will be prepared to ship on board steamboats, at the date before named, the mortars and 30-pounder Parrotts with all their ammunition on hand, and also a supply of musket ammunition equal to 200 rounds per man for 10,000 men. VII. Lieutenant Vernay, aide-de-camp to General McPherson, will collect all the mail matter and newspapers he can obtain for the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, and convey the same to the army at Canton, and Colonel Winslow, chief of cavalry, will furnish him an escort of 200 men, all to start on March 1. VIII. Col. E. F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, will proceed with the re-enlisted veterans of that regiment to Iowa, and grant furloughs for thirty days after their arrival at Keokuk. At the expiration of the furloughs he will meet them at some rendezvous on the Mississippi River, and reconduct them back to the regiment at or near Vicksburg, Miss. IX. The quartermaster's department will provide the necessary transportation to and back. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, Aide-de-Camp. Itinerary of the Seventeenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, commanding, February 3-March 18. February 3, the Third Brigade, First Division, Brig. Gen. Alexander Chambers commanding; the Third Division (with the exception of the Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, suffering from smallpox, and the Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, stationed at Natchez, Miss.), in command of General Leggett; the Fourth Division, commanded by General M. M. Crocker, and the cavalry forces, in command of Col. E. F. Winslow, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, left Vicksburg for expedition toward Meridian. Distance marched, 19 miles. February 4, encountered the enemy at Champion's Hill and skirmished with him the entire day, advancing cautiously. February 14, reached Meridian with some skirmishing and proceeded to destroy railroad, cars, &c. February 15, the Fourth Division went to Enterprise. February 16, the Third Brigade, Fourth Division, went to Quitman. February 19, started on return march. February 28, reached Canton. February 29, encamped at Canton. March 1, the Third and Fourth Divisions and Third Brigade, First Division, at Canton, Miss. March 5, returned to Vicksburg. The Eleventh Illinois Infantry, with a portion of the colored troops, is at Yazoo City. March 7, Brig. Gen. T. Kilby Smith, with a portion of the Third Iowa Infantry, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, Thirty-third Wisconsin, Ninety-fifth Illinois, and Eighty-first Illinois, and Battery M, First Missouri Light Artillery, ordered up Red River. 22 March 18, Brigadier-General McArthur assigned to command of post and defenses of Vicksburg and Natchez during absence of Major-General McPherson. General Leggett ordered to Ohio to superintend recruiting for veteran regiments of his command. HDQRS. ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, March 6, 1864. SIR: In reply to circular of this date I have the honor to reply: First. Number of miles marched, 340. Second. Number of miles of railroad track destroyed, 2. No bridges or trestle-work destroyed. Third. Number of killed, wounded, and missing, none; number of veterans mustered in, 316; number enlisted to be mustered in, 40; total, 356. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HALL, Colonel Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Commanding. Capt. JOHN C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. ELEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with circular of March 5, I have the honor to report that there was destroyed by this command, under orders, during the late expedition, at Morton, Miss., about 1 mile of railroad track, together with railroad buildings at that place, and at Canton, Miss., about 1 mile of railroad track. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HALL, Colonel Eleventh Iowa Infantry Vols., Comdg. Regiment. Capt. JOHN C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY, Near Vicksburg, Miss., March 6, 1864. SIR: In reply to the circular from brigade headquarters, dated March 6, 1864, I have the honor to report that on the late expedition to Meridian this regiment marched about 320 miles. Two miles of railroad track were destroyed; I bridge, I turn-table, 50 feet of trestle-work, and 1 passenger car burned near Brandon, Miss. The loss of the regiment was 1 officer and 3 enlisted men captured near Canton, Miss. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. BELKNAP, Colonel Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, Commanding. Capt. J. C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS, March 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with circular dated headquarters Third Brigade, First Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Vicksburg, March 6, 1864, I have the honor to make the following 23 report of the operations of the Sixteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers during the recent campaign: The regiment marched a distance of about 327 miles, destroyed three-fourths mile of railroad track and 40 feet of trestle-work. The casualties in the regiment were: Accidentally wounded, 1; taken prisoner, 4; left sick at Brandon, 1; total, 6. There are 281 men who have re-enlisted as veteran volunteers in the regiment. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, ADD. H. SANDERS, Lieut. Col., Commanding Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. Capt. J. C. MARVEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Third Brigade. CAMP 53D REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Hebron, Miss., March 6, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report: On the morning of February 27, 1864, while in camp near Pearl River, Miss., I was detailed to take command of the foraging party from the Fifty-third Illinois Infantry and report them to the headquarters of First Brigade. Upon reporting, I was placed in command of the foraging party from the brigade, consisting of 66 privates and 4 sergeants from the different regiments of the brigade. My instructions from the acting assistant adjutant-general were to forage under the directions of Lieutenant Gillespie. Lieutenant Gillespie took the advance, and I followed with the guard. We started on a cross-road running north, and after traveling about three-quarters of a mile we came out on the Canton road. Taking the Canton road we traveled about 1 mile, and then left the Canton road and took a cross-road running northeast. This we followed about 2 miles, when Lieutenant Gillespie ordered a halt. He then directed me to leave a sergeant and 13 men from the Fifty-third Illinois to guard the road until we returned. I left the guard, as directed, giving the sergeant orders to throw out a picket on each flank and in front. Lieutenant Gillespie then directed me to move forward with the remainder of the party. Here we left the road on which we had been traveling and took a road running through a thick wood and in an easterly direction. When about 1 mile from the road where we left the guard, Lieutenant Gillespie again ordered a halt, and directed me to leave a sergeant and 10 men from the Third Regiment Iowa Infantry. The instructions which he directed me to give this guard were as follows: If they saw the enemy approaching they were to fall back to the guard from the Fifty-third Illinois, which had been left to guard the road. If they encountered no enemy they were to remain where they had been stationed until we returned or sent them orders to follow. We then moved forward until we came to a large swamp. Here Lieutenant Gillespie ordered another halt. He then took 10 men as a guard and went in search of meat, which was supposed to be concealed somewhere in the swamp. He returned in about an hour, and directed me to send a sergeant and 4 men back to the squads which we had left as guards, with orders for the men of the Third Iowa to join those of the Fifty-third Illinois, the whole to return in a body to the Canton road and there await our return. After having sent the sergeant and 4 men back, Lieutenant Gillespie directed me to follow him. I did so, and after traveling about two hours we came out on the Canton road at a point about 7 miles northeast of our camps. Soon after striking the Canton road we discovered a squad of mounted men following in our rear. I paid but little attention to them at first, thinking their squad too small to trouble us. We had gone but a short distance farther when one of the men came up from the rear, and reported a strong force of the enemy pursuing us. Our position at this time not being a good one, I pushed on until I gained the top of a large hill. Here I halted, 24 dismounted my men, and formed a line across the road. I had barely time to accomplish this when the enemy came in sight, about 50 in number. They were coming at a gallop and in bad order, the leader being some distance in advance of his men. I ordered my men not to fire until I gave them orders to do so. The rebel leader came up to within about 40 yards of me, when I ordered him to halt. He did so. He having on a blue shirt or jacket under his great coat, I asked him who he was, as I was in some doubt upon that subject. He replied by shouting, "Who are you?" By this time several of his men came up with him, and I could see that they wore the Confederate uniform. I then ordered my men to fire. Our first volley turned and confused them, and our second emptied two saddles and sent them flying back in the direction from which they came. We kept up our fire as long as they were in sight. As soon as they were out of sight I gave the order to mount, and pushed on until I came near the road where the squads from the Fiftythird Illinois and Third Iowa had been ordered to meet us. About this time a man who was some distance in the rear came up and reported to me that the enemy were coming on again with a force larger than before. We were by this time at the road where the Third Iowa sergeant and his squad were ordered to report. Here we found Lieutenant Gillespie, who had been missing since the first attack. He reported that the sergeant and squad had not yet come up. Thinking it best to wait as long as possible for them, I ordered the men to dismount and form line, leaving every fourth man to hold horses. We then went back a short distance and formed on the brow of a small hill to wait for the enemy to approach. We waited but a short time before they came, this time about 150 strong. They came up in good order, formed line, and attempted to charge us. Our first fire broke and confused them. They retreated a short distance, formed line, and again came up at a charge, but with no better success than before. Our first volley turned and scattered them and emptied several saddles. Their leader soon formed them, and again they came up at full gallop. Again were they repulsed. This time their leader tumbled from his saddle, and was not seen to rise again. About this time a man from the Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry was severely wounded. I ordered 2 men to take him to the rear, put him on a horse, and start with him for camp. When this was done I ordered the men to fall back and mount; then we started for camp, traveling as fast as our worn-out horses and mules could go without leaving men behind. The wounded man must have been captured, as his horse was too badly used up to keep up with the squad. I arrived in camp with all the men I took out except those who, by direction of Lieutenant Gillespie, had been left to guard roads. Nearly all of these men must have been captured, as but 4 of them have ever returned to their commands. I cannot close this report without first mentioning the bravery and gallant conduct of Quartermaster Nichols, of the Thirty-third Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, who rendered me valuable and efficient service throughout the different skirmishes of the day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN POTTER, Captain Company F, 53d Regt. Ill. Inf. Vols. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA INFANTRY, Hebron, Miss., March 6, 1864. SIR: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to make the following report of the loss of this regiment during the recent expedition. As the regiment was almost constantly under the immediate notice and direction of the general commanding the brigade, and as the only detached duty we were called upon to perform was the destruction of railroad at Meridian and Enterprise, I 25 presume it is only necessary for me to make a detailed report of the loss of the regiment in the affair of the 28th of February. On the morning of the 28th of February, 23 men of this regiment, under charge of Sergt. Daniel Buckley, Company A, were ordered to report to brigade headquarters to go out with the brigade foraging party. During the day the party was attacked by the enemy's cavalry, and Sergeant Buckley and 12 men of the detail from this regiment were taken prisoners. The following is a list of the names of the men captured. Private Francis M. Coverston is known to be wounded severely, perhaps mortally. Corpl. William H. Symms was seen to fall from his horse, and is supposed to be killed. Nothing is known of the fate of the rest of the party. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. G. W. CROSLEY, Major, Commanding Third Iowa Infantry. Capt. WILLIAM WARNER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Near Vicksburg, Miss., February 29, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to orders from Major-General McPherson, my command moved over Big Black at the railroad bridge about noon, 3d instant, and bivouacked at Baker's Creek bridge. Marched at 6.30 next morning toward Raymond, meeting enemy's cavalry in some force soon after leaving the Jackson road. A charge upon our left flank was repulsed and the enemy followed to the main road, from whence a detour was made and the enemy again encountered at Mr. Walton's, near Bolton. The Tenth Missouri (Major Benteen commanding) being in front, were dismounted, and the enemy driven immediately from his position with some loss, among others 1 major, 1 captain, and 1 second-lieutenant being killed. On morning of 5th, taking a right-hand road at Woodman's, we entered Clinton by the Raymond road just after the enemy left the town, and found them strongly posted 2 miles east, when we moved to the right and approached Jackson by the Mississippi Springs upper road, and when arrived within 1 miles of the city discovered the enemy's column, 3 miles in length, moving by fours toward and into J[ackson] on the main road half a mile in front, falling back before the advance of Major-General Hurlbut's column, then about 5 miles from the city. Taking advantage of the enemy's surprise at our sudden appearance, I moved quickly forward to the attack, dismounting the Fourth Iowa (Major Parkell commanding), which was in front, that they might gain the hill at intersection of the roads, and directing the Eleventh Illinois (Lieutenant- Colonel Kerr commanding) to deploy to the left, advance over the open ground, ascend the hill, and strike the enemy in his flank and rear. Observing that the enemy advanced one regiment in line to cover his flank and his lateral movement, I caused one rifled gun to throw a few shells into their column in order to aid the attack of Colonel Kerr. One shell killed 3 men. Meantime the Tenth Missouri were pushed forward, immediately following the Fourth Iowa, and advancing at a gallop closely pursued through the line of fortifications and into Jackson that portion of the enemy's column which retreated in that direction. The brigade of Colonel Starke, with a portion of the one in front, being thus cut off from the city, broke in disorder and fled toward the Canton road, the Eleventh Illinois capturing from them 1 Rodman gun and 1 ambulance, with cannoneers and drivers. Leaving directions for the Fifth Illinois (Major Farnan commanding) and the Fourth Iowa to push out south and north, guarding the approaches to the city, and directing the battery to occupy the hill commanding the place, I proceeded, in accordance with instructions, to the rebel pontoon bridge, arriving just in time to prevent, with Tenth Missouri, its 26 destruction. At this time it was quite dark, and the respective regiments bivouacked in their positions. By this success the enemy were prevented from occupying the fortifications, from destroying stores and the bridge, and a large number of men were dispersed through the surrounding country, who failed to rejoin their commands during the time of the expedition. Several rebel general officers escaped capture by hard riding. The next morning, a reconnaissance for 5 miles toward Canton developed no enemy in force, but exhibited many evidences of hasty flight on preceding evening, quite a number of wagons, ambulances, and much other property being abandoned on this road. Bivouacked near the asylum until 9 a.m., 7th instant, when the command crossed Pearl River, and taking a left-hand road 6 miles out entered Brandon, encamping 3 miles east of that place, in advance of the army, after a slight skirmish with some rebel cavalry. At 6 o'clock next day took the advance of the army and encamped on Line Creek, skirmishing the entire distance, 19 miles. Reporting to Major-General Hurlbut morning of 9th instant, we moved past Morton, near which place the enemy were found in line of battle on the preceding evening, and encamped east of Shockalo Creek. Marched on 10th instant 16 miles, passing through Hillsborough, where we had a short skirmish, encamping 5 miles in advance of the army, on Ontagoloo Creek. On the evening of the 11th, encamped east of Coonahatta Creek, marching 15 miles; Captain Parsons, with two companies, proceeding to Lake Station and aiding in the destruction of property. Encamped east of Chunky Creek at 5 p.m., 12th instant, after considerable heavy skirmishing. Marching at daylight on 13th, encamped 10 miles west of Meridian, fighting some hours after dark (Fourth Iowa in advance), over a rough, mountainous country, driving the enemy 5 miles and punishing him severely. Above one hundred stand of arms were abandoned by him during this fighting. The obstruction of these rough roads by felling of timber was prevented. Moved early on morning of 14th instant, meeting command of Brigadier-General Ferguson 2 miles west of Meridian, driving the enemy speedily through the town. Bivouacked at 3 p.m. on plantation of Mr. McLamore, remaining there until morning of the 16th, the enemy having retreated beyond Marion. During the march the command had been in the saddle twelve days; were engaged with the enemy much of that time, always successfully; had expended above 50,000 rounds small ammunition. The enemy had left on the different fields 50 men dead, and must of course have lost others and had men wounded in due proportion. Thirty of these wounded were found in one hospital at Lauderdale Springs. The men had burned but one building, had worked hard at making roads and building bridges, and had conducted themselves as true patriot soldiers. The prisoners captured to this date numbered 72, many of them of rank, and 37 deserters had been received, all transferred to infantry commands. Notwithstanding a march of above 175 miles, the horses were in better condition than when we left Big Black River. The Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, being directed to report to Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Fourth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, did not rejoin me until after my arrival at Canton, and I cannot now give any account of the operations of that regiment during this temporary detachment. While the army remained in and around Meridian my command scouted to the east and north, destroying property, bridges, &c., and traveling many miles. 27 During the first two days of the return march we had the rear of the Sixteenth Army Corps marching to Union. At this point, acting under special instructions from Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding Department of the Tennessee, I proceeded north, through Philadelphia and over the Pearl River, to a point about 10 miles south of Louisville, thence across over to the main road from that place to Kosciusko, passing through the latter place, Thomastown, and Sharon, to Canton, where we arrived at 2 p.m., 25th instant, one day in advance of the army, having met no enemy north of the Pearl. The command of Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith could not be definitely heard from. I sent two messengers eastward, with instructions to join him if possible. Remained in bivouac on Three Mile Creek, east of Canton, during the 26th instant. Acting under orders from the major-general commanding, with Fourth Iowa Cavalry, I had the honor of escorting him to Big Black, arriving at Messinger's at daylight, morning of the 28th. The three regiments remaining at Canton were placed in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Kerr, senior officer. Not having received the reports of regimental commanders, I cannot give exact account of our casualties, but am confident they will not exceed following exhibit, viz: Officers, no casualties; enlisted men: killed. 10: wounded, 12; missing, 15; total, 37. Our capture of horses largely exceeds the number of those killed and abandoned. Just previous to our arrival at Canton the command gathered up a large number of negroes and mules. The negroes and several prisoners of war, captured on return march, were transferred to the infantry at Canton. Several mills, two fine bridges over the Pearl, and some other property was burned by order, and I regret to say that some other buildings were wantonly destroyed. The case of one officer caught firing a building has been reported through proper channels. I cannot praise too highly the conduct of the entire command, when under fire, and respectfully mention following officers as deserving especial credit: Maj. F. W. Benteen and Captain Neet, Tenth Missouri Cavalry; Captains Dee and Parsons and First Lieut. Alonzo Clark, Fourth Iowa Cavalry; also Capt. M. H. Williams, acting assistant inspector-general, and First Lieut. A. B. Fitch, acting assistant quartermaster (acting aides), both of whom rendered me valuable assistance. The command traveled, previous to my leaving Canton, an average of 425 miles to the regiment. The number of men on the expedition was 1,400, of whom 1,300 were subject to my orders. I respectfully call your attention to the great want of horses and arms. Hoping this brief report of the operations of the command will be satisfactory, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, E. F. WINSLOW, Colonel and Chief of Cavalry. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General, Seventeenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF CAVALRY, MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., March 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of recent cavalry operations made by the direction of Major-General Grant, commanding the Military Division of the Mississippi, and in accordance with the [orders and ] written instructions of Major-General Sherman, commanding the Department of the Tennessee, copies of which are herewith inclosed. 28 On the 28th day of December, 1863, I started from this city with the Second, Third, and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry Regiments, Third and Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, and Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry. On the 30th, I reached Columbia, from which point I sent the Third Kentucky Cavalry down the north bank of Duck River to scour the country bordering that river on the north to the Tennessee River, and to watch that stream from the mouth of Duck River to a point opposite Fort Henry. The Fifth Kentucky Cavalry was ordered down the south bank of Duck River to clear the country to the Tennessee, and to watch that stream from the mouth of Duck River to Savannah, where this regiment was to communicate with me and receive further orders. The object of these movements was to clear the country of the bands of guerrillas that infested it, and to watch any attempt that Forrest, who was then at Jackson, Tenn., might make to throw his force, or any portion of it, over into Middle Tennessee or Kentucky. These regiments captured some 50 guerrillas, and among them the notorious Colonel Hawkins. The Third Kentucky Cavalry reported back at Nashville, according to its instructions, and the Fifth Kentucky met my command at Waynesborough and accompanied it from that point. The Twenty-eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry was ordered from Columbia to Pulaski, Tenn., where it reported to General Crook, and was assigned to duty with the Second Cavalry Division under his command, agreeably to my instructions. General Crook sent the Fourth U.S. Cavalry as escort to a supply train, which I ordered him to send through with rations for my command, from Pulaski to Savannah. He also sent the Seventy-second Indiana Mounted Infantry through from Pulaski to Savannah to open communication with that point, and hold the ferry-boats there until the arrival of the command. Upon reaching the Tennessee River, the whole command, consisting of the Second, Third, and Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, Fourth U.S. Cavalry, and Seventysecond Indiana Mounted Infantry, was thrown across the river and moved toward Corinth, which point we reached on the 8th day of January. Forrest had moved southward into Mississippi before my command reached the Tennessee River, urged to this step by the movement of the troops of the Sixteenth Army Corps upon him. Orders had been issued to abandon the railroad from Memphis to Corinth, and I moved my command to Collierville, where I awaited the arrival of Waring's brigade from Columbus, from which point it was ordered to move to join our other [cavalry] forces. Owing to bad roads and the freshets, which made the crossing of the streams extremely difficult, especially that of the Obion River, this brigade was delayed, and only reached Collierville on Monday, the 8th day of February. For full particulars of this march, I beg leave to refer to Colonel Waring's report. Much of its ammunition had been sent by boats from Columbus, and it was encumbered by a train which had to be got rid of. By great effort the whole command was prepared for the movement and put in motion on the 11th day of February. Forrest had taken position with all his forces behind the Tallahatchie River, determined to resist our crossing. I threw McMillen's brigade of infantry, temporarily assigned to my command, rapidly toward Panola, from Memphis, moving this brigade on the 8th day of February, and on the 11th ordered it to move toward Wyatt, toward which point I directed the march of my whole cavalry force, until the impression was made that I intended forcing a crossing at that point, which I attacked with the brigade of infantry and attracted the attention and forces of the enemy there while I threw my whole cavalry force around by way of New Albany, where I crossed the Tallahatchie without firing a shot, although we were delayed a 29 whole day at the crossing of Tippah Creek, that was swollen by a freshet. We then moved rapidly on Pontotoc and Houston. When within 10 miles of Houston we encountered an outpost of the enemy, consisting of State troops, under General Gholson. These stampeded and ran away, leaving a portion of their arms behind them. We continued to advance until we encountered the enemy in strong force guarding the crossing of a swamp, which could only be passed by a corduroy road, that was narrow and about 1 mile in length. This we carried after some sharp fighting, and our advance pressed on to the crossing of the Houlka Swamp, 3 miles north of Houston [this swamp extends front a point 10 miles west of Houston to the], at the junction of the Houlka with the Oktibbeha, near West Point, and can only be crossed at a few points over narrow roads. These roads were held by the enemy in force, and while our advance was directed to make a determined attack on the force holding the direct road to Houston, the main body was moved rapidly to the eastward on Okolona, where it arrived so unexpectedly as to capture a number of rebel officers and men on furlough. From this point a regiment was thrown forward by a forced march to Aberdeen to endeavor to seize ferry-boats to effect a crossing of the Tombigbee if this should prove desirable, but no ferry-boats were found. The following morning one brigade was moved to the support of this regiment and to threaten Columbus, while two brigades moved down the railroad toward West Point, throwing out strong detachments to make feints and watch the crossings of the Sakatonchee, on our right, and destroy the road as they went, together with vast amounts of corn that was collected in cribs near the railroad. They also destroyed all the Confederate cotton that was found. The brigade that went to Aberdeen did the same, and also destroyed a very extensive tannery, together with about 2,000 hides. Hearing that the enemy was concentrating in heavy force at West Point, I concentrated my command at Prairie Station, 15 miles north of West Point, and moved on that place on the 20th day of February. About 1 mile north of the town we encountered a rebel brigade, which we drove after a short, sharp fight. The whole command arrived near West Point at about 3 p.m., and careful reconnaissances were made of the Sakatonchee Swamp on our right, the Oktibbeha on our front, and the Tombigbee on our left. They were all found strongly held by the enemy, present in four brigades and to the number of about 6,000 or 7,000, according to the best information that could be obtained. Exaggerated reports of Forrest's strength reached me constantly, and it was reported that Lee was about to re-enforce him with a portion or the whole of his command. Columbus had been evacuated, and all the State troops that could be assembled from every quarter were drawn together at my front to hold the Oktibbeha against me, while a heavy force was seen moving to my rear. About 3,000 able-bodied negroes had taken refuge with us, mounted on as many horses and mules that they had brought in with them. We had' in addition to this about 700 pack-mules, and all these incumbrances had to be strongly guarded against the flank attacks that were constantly threatened. This absorbed about 2,000 of my available force. There remained a little less than 5,000 men who could be thrown into action. The enemy was in a position in my front and on my flanks which afforded him every advantage. The ground was so obstructed as to make it absolutely necessary that we should fight dismounted, and for this kind of fighting the enemy, armed with Enfield and Austrian rifles, was better prepared than our force, armed mainly with carbines. There was but one of my brigades that I could rely upon with full confidence. The conduct of the other two on the march had been such as to indicate such a lack of discipline as to create in my mind the most serious 30 apprehensions as to what would be their conduct in action. Any reverse to my command, situated as it was, would have been fatal. I was ten days late with my movement owing to the delay of Waring's brigade in arriving from Columbus, and had every reason to believe that General Sherman, having accomplished the purposes of his expedition, had returned to Vicksburg. Under the circumstances I determined not to move my encumbered command into the trap set for me by the rebels. We had destroyed 2,000,000 bushels of corn, 2,000 bales of Confederate cotton, and 30 miles of railroad. We had captured about 200 prisoners, and 3,000 horses and mules, and rescued as many negroes, well fitted for our service. I therefore determined to move back and draw the enemy after me, that I might select my own positions and fight with the advantages in our favor. In this I succeeded perfectly, disposing my forces behind every crest of a hill and in every skirt of timber that furnished us cover, and receiving the enemy by well-directed volleys at short range we inflicted heavy losses upon him at every attack, while our own casualties were uniformly light, until we reached Okolona, where, after the Fourth Regulars had driven one entire rebel brigade out of the town three times, a portion of McCrillis' brigade, sent to the support of the Fourth, stampeded at the yells of our own men charging, and galloped back through and over everything, spreading confusion wherever they went and driving Perkins' battery of six small mountain howitzers off the road into a ditch, where the imperfect carriages they were mounted upon were all so broken that we could not get the battery along and had to abandon it after spiking the guns, chopping the carriages to pieces, and destroying the ammunition. Organized forces were immediately thrown to the rear and the enemy handsomely repulsed. Skirmishing continued about 10 miles, when we reached a fine position at Ivey's farm. Here the ridge spread out into a wide, open field, along the northern margin of which I deployed a line of dismounted men consisting of four regiments. A battery was placed in position near the road, from which it could enfilade the column as it advanced. Just to the right of the battery the Fourth Missouri Cavalry [and six companies of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry] were formed, and mounted for a saber charge, and the Third Tennessee Cavalry (mounted) was sent to the extreme right with orders to charge in flank when the troops made the direct charge in front. While these dispositions were being made the enemy pressed our rear guard, that was well posted, very heavily, and were sorely handled. The rear guard was at last called off rapidly, and the rebel column let into the space prepared for them, when the battery opened upon them in very handsome style, and the dismounted troops poured volley after volley into them. They pressed their attack with great determination, but at last fell Back. Just as they began to retire they were charged very handsomely by the Fourth Missouri and Seventh Indiana in front and by the Third Tennessee in flank. This completely routed them, and they were driven from the field with heavy loss. It was reported that Colonel Forrest, Brother to the general, commander of a brigade, and Colonel Barksdale fell, and McCulloch, another commander of a brigade, and Colonel Barteau were severely wounded in this affair. Strong detachments were thrown out upon our flanks at every vulnerable point, and every attempt to cut our column by a flank attack was met and thwarted. Our march was so rapid that the enemy could not outstrip and intercept us, which he constantly endeavored to do. No heavy fighting occurred after we passed the Ivey farm, though skirmishing continued as far as Pontotoc. I then moved back to Memphis with everything that we had captured, content with the very great injury we had inflicted upon them, and feeling that everything had been achieved that was at all practicable under the circumstances. 31 My orders from General Sherman were so comprehensive as to embrace everything that it would be possible for me to do, and I could not regard them as imperative that I should make a junction with his forces at all hazards, but on the contrary, he expressly stated that he could get along without me if I found it impossible to get through. Returning, I drew the enemy after me and inflicted heavy losses upon him, and saved my command, with all our captured stock and prisoners and rescued negroes, with very trifling losses except in stragglers captured. Attempting to cut through to Sherman I would have lost my entire command, and of course could have rendered him no assistance. The conduct of the entire Second Brigade, under Colonel Hepburn, was worthy of all praise. This brigade consists of the Second Iowa Cavalry, Major Coon commanding; Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Starr commanding; Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton commanding, [and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh commanding]. All these officers acquitted themselves most creditably. The Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Major Heinrichs commanding; the Third Tennessee Cavalry, Major Minnis commanding, and the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, Colonel Shanks commanding, also made brilliant charges, while the Fourth Regulars, under Captain Bowman, charged a whole rebel brigade three times, and routed it at every charge. Captain Bowman and Lieutenant Davis were particularly distinguished for their gallantry. Lieut. W. H. Ingerton, who acted as my assistant adjutant-general, led the charge of the Third Tennessee most brilliantly, and was uniformly distinguished by his skill and dashing bravery. [All the officers here referred to deserve promotion, and the interests of the service would be promoted by their advancement to higher rank. They are brave, skillful, and valuable cavalry officers.] General Grierson's conduct was worthy of all praise. [Whenever there was anything to be done he was sure to be found. His skill in managing cavalry movements and in handling commands in action was obvious and admirable.] Information since obtained fully justifies the decision to retire before Forrest's force from West Point. General Sherman's expeditionary force had withdrawn from Meridian before my arrival at West Point, on a line that could not have been known to me, cut off as I was from any communication with him. Forrest's force is ascertained to have been rather above than below my estimate. Chalmers was moving with two brigades by way of Houston to my rear, while Lee, with from 3,000 to 4,000 men, was ordered up to join Forrest in my front. The country south of West Point and Houston abounds in swamps and streams, extremely difficult to cross when the defiles leading to and over them were held by an enemy. The incumbrances which already overburdened me would [have] increased and it was impossible to shake them off, and, involved in an exceedingly intricate and obstructed country, I would have been compelled to contend thus encumbered with a force numerically largely superior to my own; and, looking back upon the movement, I would in no way have been justifiable in moving at the time appointed without the whole force which I was ordered to take. [By an unexpected contingency the requirements of my orders became incompatible, and I was compelled to adopt the wiser alternative.] Had I moved with the Second and Third Brigades only, I would have had less than 5,000 men instead of full 7,000, and would have had the odds largely against me from the moment I dropped the infantry brigade and crossed the Tallahatchie River, and, meeting with disaster, would have been subjected to deserved censure. The brigade moved from Columbus under orders not my own, and for its delay I am in nowise responsible. 32 This much I feel constrained to write in the nature of a defense for the sake of my command, as it must participate in the mortification of a supposed failure, when we bear with us the consciousness of success and duty well performed. I have the honor to inclose herewith the report of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson, second in command, as also those of the brigade and regimental commanders, to which I beg leave to refer for lists of casualties from which the following recapitulation is prepared: Killed, 47; wounded, 152; missing, 120; total casualties, 319. A full list of the prisoners captured, about 200, is in course of preparation, and will be forwarded as soon as it can be completed. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH, Brig. Gen., Chief of Cavalry, Mil. Div. of the Mississippi. Lieut. Col. R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. Itinerary of the Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, for February and March. During the month the First Division marched from Union City to Collierville, Tenn., from which point it operated with the whole division, under the immediate control of Brig. Gen. W. Sooy Smith. February 20, the advance of the division engaged the enemy near West Point, and drove him with heavy loss across the Sakatonchee River. February 21, we started upon our return to Memphis, the enemy under Generals Lee and Forrest following. We engaged them on the 21st, 22d, and 23d, each day choosing our positions and allowing them to come upon us. In each attack the enemy was repulsed with fearful loss. February 26, the division arrived safely back to the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, having destroyed 30 miles of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, all immense amount of Confederate corn, cotton, and other property, and having brought in about 200 prisoners, and about 1,500 negroes and the same number of mules. The troops of this division have been engaged during the month of March in scouting and patrolling from the post of Memphis; no important engagement has occurred. Owing to the reenlistment as veterans of three-fourths of all regiments in this division which were eligible, the effective force has been much reduced. During the month the Second Iowa, Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Illinois, and the Fourth Missouri Cavalry have re-enlisted for the new term of three years. The Third Michigan and Seventh Kansas Cavalry, which were re-enlisted and sent home in the early part of February, have not yet returned. Owing to the scarcity in the supply of horses to this division, the effective strength of the command is reduced to less than 2,000. Only 1,500 horses have been furnished during the last ten months. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Germantown, Tenn., March 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as a brief report of the action of the Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in the late expedition into Mississippi: In accordance to orders from the general commanding the Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I marched the Second Brigade, composed of the Second Iowa Cavalry, Major Coon 33 commanding; Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Starr, commanding; Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton, commanding; Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh commanding; Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, Lieutenant Curtis commanding, and two companies of the pioneer corps, in all 2,900 strong, at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 11th of February, and effected a crossing of the Coldwater at Miller's Ford and Doty's Mill by 3 o'clock of the afternoon. The whole command bivouacked that night 8 miles southeasterly from Byhalia. At an early hour the next day the march was resumed, and continued without incident until a point 2 miles east of Waterford was reached, when, at 8 p.m., the brigade went into camp. Four companies of the Second Iowa Cavalry, under command of Captain Horton, were sent in the direction of Wyatt to communicate with Colonel McMillen. On the morning of the 13th the march was resumed. One battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Major Bishop, was sent to the railroad crossing, in the direction of Abbeville, to make a feint of crossing the Tallahatchie, and one battalion of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain Webster, was sent to form a junction with Captain Horton. At 3 p.m. the brigade crossed the Tippah, at Callahan's Mills, on a bridge built by the pioneer corps, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Starr, and encamped in the vicinity of Potts' house. The march was resumed at daylight, and the Tallahatchie crossed about 2 p.m. The brigade encamped for the night and during the next day 5 miles south of New Albany. On the 16th, the command marched 4 miles, encamping at Johnson's plantation, 9 miles south of New Albany. On the night of the 17th, encamped 9 miles south of Pontotoc. On the 18th, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, by order of Brigadier-General Grierson, moved upon Aberdeen, 45 miles distant. Colonel Burgh, commanding, was opposed by a few companies of Confederate cavalry, which he quickly, dispersed, and reached Aberdeen, from which he drove the enemy's cavalry at sundown. He captured several prisoners of war, large quantities of stores, and many horses and mules. On the night of the 18th, the brigade encamped 4 miles east of Okolona. On the 19th, passed through Aberdeen and to a point 2 miles east of Prairie Station. On the morning of the 20th, the entire command moved in the direction of West Point, the Second Brigade in the front. The Second Iowa Cavalry was in the advance of the brigade, and the Sixth Illinois Cavalry upon the left flank on the railroad, which they effectually destroyed. Immense quantities of corn belonging to the Confederacy was burned. Near Loohattan Station Colonel Starr reported the enemy in force at a point about 6 miles north of West Point. The advance, consisting of 17 men of Company K, Second Iowa Cavalry, under command of Lieutenant Bandy, ran upon a vastly superior force of the enemy. Lieutenant Bandy immediately charged them, putting them to flight, capturing several prisoners. His conduct was gallant in the extreme, and entitles him to the hearty commendation of his commanding officers. One and one-half miles north of West Point the enemy, reported to be Colonel Forrest's brigade, advantageously posted in timber and behind fences, vigorously attacked and checked the advance of the Second Iowa. The regiment was soon in position and so supported by other parts of the brigade that the enemy was routed, but not without the loss of Lieutenant Dwire, Second Iowa Cavalry, and 4 men wounded. Lieutenant Dwire was a brave, earnest and faithful soldier, but the many comrades who mourn his loss have the comforting reflection that he died at his post and in the full discharge of his duty. An hour later West Point was occupied by our forces, and the brigade encamped for the night in its vicinity. 34 On the morning of the 21st, one battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Major Whitsit, was ordered out to reconnoiter the West Point and Houston road. He soon found a superior force, and was re-enforced by the Second Iowa Cavalry. After an engagement of two hours the enemy were driven across the Sakatonchee. In this engagement we lost several men wounded. While the Second Iowa and Major Whitsit's battalion were engaged, the enemy, about 400 strong, made a demonstration on the West Point and Columbus road. They were driven rapidly back by Captain Webster, Seventh Illinois, and Captain Blackburn, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with their respective companies. After driving the enemy across the Sakatonchee and routing them on the Columbus road, the First and Third Brigades having been well advanced in the retrograde movement, the Second Brigade was ordered to retrace their steps of the day before and cover the rear of the command, the Second Iowa in the rear. I directed Major Coon, commanding the Second Iowa, at any time when he might be severely pressed to sound the signal "halt." I also directed the other commanding officers to have the signal repeated from rear to the front of the brigade. Major Coon replied that he could take care of anything that was in the rear. For a distance of 5 or 6 miles our rear guard was scarcely molested. Afterward, for 2 or 3 miles, the skirmishing was heavy. Eight miles from West Point General Grierson, with the Sixth and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, started to the relief of the brigade train, reported to be in imminent danger, about 4 miles to the front. Two companies of the Seventh Illinois were with the train. In passing a swamp, about. 9 miles from West Point, the Second Iowa was heavily pressed by the enemy. When a short distance north of it I received word from Major Coon that the brigade was moving faster than it was possible for him to march, and immediately afterward that a line must be formed in order to give him relief. The remaining companies of the Seventh Illinois were at once posted upon eligible ground, supporting Company K, First Illinois Artillery. Lieutenant Curtis opened upon the enemy, and by a well-directed fire checked temporarily their advance, and the Second Iowa fell back behind the line. It is proper here to remark that no signals, as directed, were sounded from the rear, and no calls for assistance or re-enforcements were made that were not at once responded to. The Seventh and Ninth Illinois Cavalry alternately relieved the Second Iowa as rear guard, and, in compliance with orders to fall back as rapidly as possible and fight only when absolutely necessary, we resumed our march. During the night the enemy was successfully ambuscaded by the Seventh and Ninth Illinois, and suffered a heavy loss. The brigade encamped 2 miles south of Okolona, at which place Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery, was detached and attached to the Third Brigade. At sunrise we resumed the march, the Second Brigade taking the advance. Ten miles from Okolona I was ordered by General Smith to form the brigade in line of battle, making such dispositions that the First and Third Brigades, then heavily pressed by the enemy, might pass through. The Sixth Illinois was detained by General Smith in the rear. The Seventh Illinois I was directed to send forward with the train. The Second Iowa and Ninth Illinois were promptly formed in fine positions, but were soon ordered farther to the rear, where they met and checked the advance of the enemy. Some three hours the troops were used in forming successive lines, and fighting their way slowly back to Ivey's Hill, where lines were formed and a general engagement tendered the 35 enemy. Dark put an end to the engagement, leaving our cavalry in possession of the field, having repulsed and beaten the enemy at every point where he made an attack. Prior to this the Seventh Illinois Cavalry had been relieved from duty with the train, and had borne a distinguished part in the various engagements of the day. We bivouacked that night 2 miles south of Pontotoc, and the next day at noon recrossed the Tallahatchie at New Albany. The last seen of the enemy he was 9 miles southeast of New Albany. By slow marches we regained our camp at Germantown on Friday, the 26th ultimo, at 12 m., after a march of 400 miles in eleven marching days. In a report like this I cannot properly express my appreciation of the heroic conduct of the regimental commanders and all officers and men of the Second Brigade. All bravely fought, patiently endured, and in all respects exhibited the highest degree of soldierly qualities. To Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton and Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh, for their earnest and hearty cooperation, I am personally and greatly indebted and express my grateful thanks. The members of my staff were untiring in their efforts to effect the success of the expedition, brave and zealous. I made no calls upon their courage, patience, or endurance to which they did not respond to my full satisfaction. At least 1,000 horses and mules were captured, but our marching the first three days from West Point was so severe that all were required to remount the men. Several hundred negroes were brought in. Captain Schnitzer, acting provost-marshal, has not yet furnished a report of the number of prisoners captured, but I am safe in estimating them at 75 or 100. For more particular information I transmit herewith the reports of the regimental and detachment commanders. W. P. HEPBURN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Capt. SAMUEL L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General, Memphis, Tenn. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., March 1, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the following part taken by the Sixth Illinois Cavalry in the recent expedition under Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith, from Germantown, Tenn., to West Point, Miss.: On the morning of February 11, I received orders from Brigadier-General Grierson to remain at Germantown until the arrival of the train from Memphis. At 9 a.m.. on the same day, I moved toward Olive Branch, Miss., arriving there at 11.40 a.m., thence moving south, crossing Coldwater at Doty's Mill, thence south through Byhalia, joining and bivouacking with the brigade at a point 11 miles southwest of Holly Springs. Moved at 8 a.m., February 12, in the direction of Waterford, passing that place at dark; encamped 1 miles southeast. At daylight moved one battalion, with pioneer corps, to prepare a crossing at Callahan's Mills on the Tippah River. At 9 a.m. received orders to proceed with the two remaining battalions to the river, and assist in constructing a bridge for the crossing of the command. Arrived at the river at 12 m.; completed the bridge at 3.20 p.m.; marched with the brigade to Okolona, Miss., encamping on the night of the 18th 5 miles east, where I received orders at 8 p.m. to move with the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and the battery of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry to a point 9 miles north of Aberdeen, Miss., communicating with Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, at 36 Aberdeen, and taking possession of Cotton Gin Ferry, over the Tombigbee River, 10 miles above Aberdeen. At daylight I moved slowly toward Aberdeen, halting 6 miles north of that place to feed. At 12 o'clock I fell in rear of the brigade, marching to a point 2 miles east of Prairie Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, where the regiment encamped with the brigade. On the morning of the 20th of February, I received orders from Brigadier-General Grierson to proceed with the regiment along the railroad to Loohattan Station to destroy all bridges, culverts, railroad buildings, and C. S. property of whatever kind. During the day the amount of property destroyed was estimated at 500,000 bushels corn and 200 bales fodder. I also burned 11 bridges and culverts. Arriving at Loohattan Station, I found the enemy in force 1 miles east of the station. I took position at the railroad and communicated with General Grierson, who instructed me to remain until further orders, not, however, to advance. Soon after General Grierson arrived in person, with two battalions of Seventh Illinois Cavalry. The enemy, consisting of the brigades of Colonels Forrest and McCulloch, having discovered the column moving on the main Okolona and West Point road, moved rapidly in that direction. At 1 a.m. General Grierson ordered the regiment to rejoin the column. On the morning of February 20, I sent one battalion, under Maj. C. W. Whitsit, to reconnoiter on the Houston road. The enemy were found in small force about 2 miles out. Being superior in numbers to the battalion under Major Whitsit, the Second Iowa Cavalry moved on the Houston road, relieving him. Almost immediately after this, I was ordered to move in the direction of West Point, 1 mile distant, to ascertain the cause of an alarm in that direction. I posted my dismounted men on the railroad, and sent forward Captain Blackburn, Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and Capt. M. L. Webster, with one company Seventh Illinois Cavalry, moving on the Columbus road. They encountered a considerable force of the enemy's cavalry; a vigorous attack made by the companies of Captains Webster and Blackburn dispersed them completely. Receiving orders to take my place in the column, a line of march to the rear having been taken up, I marched out of West Point at 11 a.m., February 21. During the day so many details of companies and battalions were made to assist the Second Iowa Cavalry, then covering the retreat, that it is impossible to enumerate them. At 10 a.m., February 22, I received orders from Brig. Gen. William Sooy Smith to proceed to the rear of the column with the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, there reporting to Brigadier-General Grierson. The rear of the column being somewhat confused, General Grierson ordered my regiment into position in advance of the First Brigade, two regiments of the Third Brigade being still in advance, skirmishing with the enemy. One of the three regiments being pressed, Broke and retreated through my line in disorder, scattering one battalion of my regiment. The Third Battalion, under Major Whitsit, on the left, and the Second Battalion, under Capt. John Lynch, on the right, held the enemy in check for some time, until they were attacked on the flanks, when they were withdrawn, Lieutenant-Colonel Thornburgh, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, having formed one battalion of his regiment for their relief. During the day the regiment was in action five different times. The limited number of cartridge-boxes and belts precluded the carrying of more than 40 rounds of ammunition. This amount having been expended before 5 p.m., the regiment was not engaged until dark, when General Grierson requested its assistance with or without ammunition. The men responded cheerfully to his call, and remained in position about half an hour, until relieved by the Fourth Missouri Cavalry of the First Brigade. At about 11 a.m., February 23, I was ordered to relieve the Fifth Kentucky and Third Illinois Cavalry, then covering the retreat. The regiment marched in the rear a distance of 9 miles to New 37 Albany without exchanging a shot. On the night of the 23d February, at 8 p.m., in obedience to orders, I sent one battalion, under Major Whitsit, to encamp at Potts' plantation, with instructions to scout well the Hollow Ford and King's Bridge road; also the road to Tippah River. This was accomplished by daylight in the morning, the battalion halting at the Tippah until the column had passed. The regiment marched with the brigade from that point to Germantown, Tenn., where it is now stationed. The loss of the regiment is 7 wounded and 5 missing. Respectfully submitted. M. H. STARR, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Lieut. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 28, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report in regard to the part taken by the Second Iowa Cavalry on the recent raid in the State of Mississippi: On the 1st day of this month I turned over my camp and garrison equipage at Memphis, and remained with my command and in bivouac on my camping-ground, exposed to the cold weather until the morning of the 5th instant, when I was ordered to Germantown, Tenn. At this place my command was in bivouac until the morning of the 11th. In accordance with orders from brigade headquarters, my command, consisting of the Second Iowa Cavalry, 860 strong, and 4 pieces of artillery, 12-pounder mountain howitzers, left this place at 3 a.m., moving on the Mount Pleasant road; at 10 a.m. reached the Cold-water at Miller's Mills, and after some trifling repairs on the road passed the swamp and took the Byhalia road, arriving at that place at 3.30 p.m. At this place found Capt. Charles C. Horton, commanding First Battalion, Second Iowa Cavalry, armed with Colt revolving rifles, who had been sent to make necessary repairs at the crossing of the Coldwater, in advance of the command. From Byhalia we took the Chulahoma road for 5 miles and turned east some 4 miles, where we camped for the night. At 8 a.m. of the 12th, Capt. C. C. Horton, commanding First Battalion, was sent to Chulahoma and to Wyatt Ferry, on the Tallahatchie, if necessary, to communicate with Colonel McMillen, commanding a brigade of infantry. At 8 a.m. the brigade was in motion, the Second Iowa Cavalry having the advance. During the forepart of the day there was very little skirmishing with a party of scouts, who were placed in the vicinity of Tallaloosa, 8 miles southwest of Holly Springs, to watch the movements of our cavalry. Passing to the right of Tallaloosa, we took the road to Cox's plantation, thence turned east, taking the Waterford road. Parties were sent in all directions to ascertain the whereabouts and probable force of the enemy, but no information could be gained of a large force at any point on the Tallahatchie River; but that night pickets were placed at all available crossings on that river, with small scouts or patrols on all roads running north to the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. During the afternoon it was pretty well understood that General Forrest's main force had left Oxford, Miss., his late headquarters, and gone south, some supposed to Grenada. At sunset we reached Old Waterford; at dark the depot and new town of Waterford. A citizen of the place informed us that the telegraph had been in operation up to one hour previous, and of course the enemy had been well posted as to our numbers and all movements made during the 11th and 12th. The Second Brigade camped 3 miles southeast of Waterford, on Brooks' plantation, finding plenty of forage for animals and provision for men. 38 At 11.30 o'clock of the 13th, the command moved on the road to the Tippah River, crossing at Callahan's Mills and taking the road to Potts' plantation on the Holly Springs road. Bivouacked for the night on Parson Cooper's plantation. The command was again in motion at daylight of the 14th on the New Albany road, passing Hickory Flats, and reached New Albany at 2 p.m. At sunset bivouacked 4 miles from this place, on the road toward Pontotoc. Owing to the failure of Colonel Waring's brigade to close up, the whole command remained in bivouac during the whole of the 15th at this place. On the 16th only 10 miles were made, when we halted at Cherry Creek for Colonel Waring's brigade to close up with the main column. On the 17th, the whole command being together, was put in motion at 8 a.m., and passed Pontotoc at 11 a.m., and took the Houston road running south. Halted for the night some 10 miles south of Pontotoc. At daylight of the 18th, the column was again in motion, and, after a march of some 4 miles, took the Okolona road running east. At 4 p.m. we reached that place, and camped 4 miles beyond on the Aberdeen road. At daylight on the 19th, were again moving on the road to Aberdeen, at which place we arrived at 11 a.m. After a short halt orders were received for us to move on the Prairie Station road, which was obeyed. From Prairie Station the whole command took, on the morning of the 20th, the West Point road, the Second Iowa Cavalry having the advance. Not over 5 miles had been gained when we came up with a light picket of the enemy, and continued to have light skirmishing for some 5 miles more, when we suddenly ran into a column consisting of about 250, which were quickly scattered by the three saber companies under Capt. George C. Graves. After a halt of two hours for the column to close up, the march was resumed. Light skirmishing continued for some 3 miles, when the advance encountered a force' of about 250. Two companies of rifles were immediately dismounted, and in five minutes the whole party was dispersed. This was not done, however, without the loss of Lieutenant Dwire, Company F, killed, and 4 men wounded. The enemy had, during this day's skirmish, 1 major seriously wounded in the head, 2 men killed, and 3 wounded. On reaching West Point it was ascertained that the three Forrests (general, colonel, and captain) had just left and passed west across the Sakatonchee River, some 3 miles distant. Up to the time of reaching West Point the largest force encountered was reported to be 250 or 300. In no case had they made demonstration of a formidable resistance. Having had the advance during the entire day of the 20th, I had good opportunities for gathering information of the location and numbers of Forrest's command, and had at no time placed the force at the Sakatonchee bridge above 2,000 men, and this force without artillery. When the command was ordered to fall back to Okolona, on the morning of the 21st, I was ordered to take the Second Iowa Cavalry and make a demonstration at the bridge, which I did in the following manner: After dismounting four rifle companies, I advanced them as skirmishers under cover of a fence and in close proximity with the enemy's sharpshooters; I then brought forward two of my 12-pounder howitzers and drove them easily from their fences and houses near the bridge. After some two hours' time used in skirmishing with the rifle, and now and then a shell with howitzers, I withdrew, in compliance with orders, thoroughly convinced of two facts, viz, first, that the enemy had no artillery at that place, and, second, that the Federal force was at least 4 to the enemy's 1. In obedience to orders I was in rear. The Second Iowa Cavalry formed the rear guard. 39 After leaving the bridge some 5 miles, firing commenced in the rear, and increased for an hour, when I was called upon by Capt. George C. Graves, in command of the rear guard, for assistance, as the enemy's force was pressing him and threatening his flanks. One battalion of rifles, under Capt. C. C. Horton, was immediately dismounted and placed behind a fence, and the saber companies brought in. The enemy, thinking the road clear, came up with great boldness. At this time two or three shells and three or four rounds from the rifles checked the movement, when my men retired in good order. From the demonstration of the enemy I deemed it necessary to dismount another battalion rifles, under Capt. Paul A. Queal, and having eight companies dismounted and the saber companies mounted to guard the flanks, I felt that the rear of the column was quite safe. It having been reported to me that the enemy were moving on my left flank, I found, on examination, that a column was moving, and saw three stand of colors displayed; but the command to which they belonged could not have been over a battalion each. By the assistance of one battalion of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry I was enabled to withdraw my command across a swamp difficult of passage, and after mounting my men fell back some 3 miles, when I found myself again attacked more furiously than before. At this place the saber companies (mounted), under command of Capt. George C. Graves, did great havoc with their carbines. At one time 8 horses came into his lines with empty saddles. Here again I was compelled to dismount all my rifles, and it was with the greatest difficulty that I got my led horses and howitzers out of the timber in time to save them. My men on foot had become so completely exhausted that I felt sure at one time that one-half of them must be captured. Lieut. P. L. Reed, who commands the battery, saved one piece in a heroic manner. The two lead horses having been killed in a narrow lane, he was compelled to dismount men and bring off one piece for some distance. Having seen the enemy on both flanks, I sent to Captains Queal and Horton to fall back with their dismounted men as fast as possible, but they had traveled so far that they were nearly exhausted. Although I had given notice that my command was hard pressed and that I was in great need of re-enforcements, I had been unable to get assistance. Notwithstanding the exhausted condition of the men, they were brought off in the most heroic manner by Capts. C. C. Horton and Paul A. Queal, who pressed in the rear and on both flanks, repulsed the enemy in-the rear, and drove back their flanks until they had made good their escape. On no occasion have I witnessed more determined coolness than on this. There are many officers and soldiers who deserve personal compliment for gallant conduct in the action, but the short space I am allowed here forbids that I should say more than that all, both officers and men, were never more gallant than on this occasion. After the regiment had reached a point of safety we were relieved by the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, who acted as rear guard for the balance of the day. At night camped near Okolona. Passed Okolona early on the morning of the 22d, taking the road to Pontotoc. When we had marched some 10 miles on this road, orders were given that a line should be formed by the Second Brigade that the other two brigades might pass by. By instructions from Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson, my command was formed upon a high ridge, the riflemen lying close to the ground and the saber companies formed on the right and left flanks to guard against being outflanked. Until this time the enemy had apparently had their own way until they formed themselves within half circles, where bullets from the five-shooting rifles fell like hail. They were easily checked, but pursued continuously for some time afterward. Capt. Chas. P. Moore, Company K, who guarded the right flank, and Lieutenant Hamilton, Company M, on the left flank, are deserving of great praise for the part performed by them on this occasion. 40 About 3 p.m. I was ordered by General Grierson to use my regiment as flankers, and guard the left flank, as a column could then be seen threatening the command in that direction. By some misunderstanding one battalion was left flanking late at night, while the balance had flanked along until it reached the head of the column. The result was that one battalion was in rear and the balance in front, and all in compliance with orders. On reaching the front was ordered by General Grierson to move on until a suitable place could be found on which to halt the command. At 4 a.m. of 23d, the command was again in motion on the Pontotoc [road]. During the forepart of the day a small force followed the rear guard to New Albany, where the pursuit by the enemy appears to have ceased. Nothing of material interest took place until we arrived at Germantown, Tenn., on the afternoon of the 26th. The casualties during the entire scout were as follows: First day (20th February), 1 killed, 5 wounded; second day (21st February), 6 killed, 18 wounded, 8 missing; third day (22d February), 1 killed, 4 wounded, 3 missing. Total, 8 killed, 27 wounded, 11 missing. Total, 46. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DATUS E. COON, Major, Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Regiment. First Lieut. W. SCOTT BELDEN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. GERMANTOWN, TENN., March 1, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to order received from you, I proceed to give a report of our march on this raid, commencing the 11th of February: There was nothing of importance transpired more than forming in battery some several times until the 21st, when we formed and fired some 40 rounds in the prairie to cover the retreat of the Second Iowa Regiment, which had kept them (the rebels)in check until they had expended nearly all of their ammunition. We were then ordered to fall back to the rear, and on the morning of the 22d we were detached from the Second Brigade and attached to the Third Brigade for the day, as they were in the rear and had no artillery with them. We marched on until about 10 o'clock, when we arrived at Okolona and formed ready for a fight, but were soon ordered to march on. We had not proceeded very far when we were unexpectedly surprised by the presence of fleeing cavalry on both sides of us. They were in perfect confusion; some hallooing, "Go ahead, or we will be killed :" while some few showed a willingness to fight. After some several unsuccessful attempts to form by battery I gave it up, and marched as best I could until I received an order, purporting to come from headquarters, for me to try and save the artillery by marching through the field to the right. I proceeded to comply with orders, and after crossing some two or three almost impassable ditches, and my horses being nearly entirely exhausted, I came to another ditch some 6 feet deep. I managed to get one gun over safe by the men dismounting and taking it over by hand, and one other, which by the time we got it over was broken so we had to leave it. I ordered them to cut the horses loose and cut the gearing up, and go ahead with the gun and lead horses. I kept the orderly sergeant, 1 corporal, and 2 privates back to help me destroy the ammunition and spike the guns, and when we left them we left them effectually disabled, for the present at any rate. I then proceeded to gather up my company with my single gun, and marched with the Ninth Illinois battery during the rest of our march. 41 I lost 30 horses during the march. Some of them I lost in the stampede, but most of them were worn out on march. I still have 80 horses, part serviceable and part unserviceable. I lost my 5 packsaddles. The men and negroes, they say, were ordered to leave them in the stampede, and I couldn't find them any more. Nothing more worth note transpired. Yours, respectfully, I. W. CURTIS, Lieutenant, Company K, First Illinois Light Artillery. Col. WILLIAM P. HEPBURN. HEADQUARTERS THIRD ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., February 27, 1864. SIR: On the evening of the 13th February, I was ordered by Colonel McCrillis, commanding brigade, to proceed to Collins' Mill with my command, 7 miles out on Salem road from where brigade was camped at Widow Collins'. Proceeded there immediately, and arrived at the mill at sundown. Ordered Company B to charge down on the mill and catch any of the enemy who might be there. Lieutenant Shellenberger did so. The enemy, to the number of 20, being on the alert, made their escape in the woods. Found no meal or flour. Got forage for my command, and returned to camp at 9 p.m. On 17th, my command being in advance of brigade and division, charged into Pontotoc at 11 a.m. No enemy there. Proceeded through town on Houston road, 2 miles out; found enemy's picket, who by hard running made their escape. Kept the road and flanks completely clear of all enemy. Camped within 2 miles of Red Land. Ordered out by colonel commanding brigade on Houston road to proceed 3 or 4 miles and learn of any enemy to be found in our front. Two miles out found Gholson's command. Lieutenant Lucas, in charge of Companies H and C, charged the rebels and drove them in a swamp immediately in our front. On examining the position of the enemy, I found that if I advanced with my whole force I would have been completely flanked. Ordered Company M to flank on Red Land road, and Company B on road leading to the right. Dismounted Companies F and H to skirmish in swamp, and Company C to support them mounted. Advanced my skirmishers, under fire from the enemy, 200 yards in the swamp, and found that the enemy were in force superior to mine. Being in danger of being flanked, I reported the fact by an orderly to Colonel McCrillis, who ordered me to retire, the object of the reconnaissance being accomplished. Learnt from Colonel Thornburgh, who advanced through the swamp next morning, that we killed 7 of the enemy. My loss 1 man, prisoner. On 18th, ordered by colonel commanding brigade to march at 3.30 o'clock, with my command and Captain Kilborn's company of scouts, to go back to Pontotoc and learn if any enemy was there, and thence proceed direct to Okolona; did so, met but few of the enemy, and drove them. Arrived at Okolona at 2 p.m.; ordered out on Red Land road to join the brigade, and camp 3 miles out; did so, joining the brigade at sundown. On 22d, Colonel McCrillis commanding, when line of battle was formed I was ordered to form my command to the left of the Pontotoc road, in the edge of first timber out of Okolona; did so. As column was passing out of town, I was ordered to move my command on left flank in column. Found, on account of thick brush and rapid movement of main column, rather difficult, but did so. Ordered to form line of battle on first ground that I could do so on the left of road. Moved out to form and was forming, when a mass of troops, moving very rapidly, passed through my line, who carried my men away by main force. Collected part of Company H and a few men of other companies under Lieutenant Lucas. Fought the enemy every foot of the way back, Lieutenant Davis, of the Fourth Regulars, and Lieutenant Sullivan, adjutant of same 42 regiment, doing the same, and in conjunction with them we endeavored to stay the progress of the enemy, that our dismounted and wounded men might get away. A mile or two back found Lieutenant Shellenberger with a mixed command, mostly Third men, formed in line, who had been rallied by himself and Captain Perkins, acting assistant inspector-general of brigade. Took command and fell back in rear of Seventh Indiana in a very orderly manner, where we formed. Reported the fact to you and received permission to fall back in rear of column and reorganize my command. On my way back reported to General Grierson, who ordered me on right flank. Went there, and, the column being in rapid retreat, was forced after an hour or two to fall into road. Ordered by General Smith to dismount and fight on foot; did so, forming my men in line with Second Iowa. Enemy being reported to have flanked us, I rode out to see. While in my momentary absence some officer unknown ordered the troops to rally on their horses and move to the rear. On learning the fact I sent Lieutenant Lucas to bring them back, but it growing dark, the enemy fell back and the fight was over. I may state that during the absence of my command I did all I could to encourage and rally other commands. On 23d, the column being in line of march from Pontotoc to New Albany, I was dropped out of brigade in center of column to act as rear guard for division, with Fifth Kentucky for support. Ordered not to fight the enemy, only sufficient to keep him from molesting column and staying the march. The column having passed, my command was attacked by about 300 of the enemy, with a column moving on right flank. Kept up a running fight for two hours, and at a creek 9 miles from New Albany put an effectual stop to the enemy with the assistance of three companies of Fifth Kentucky under Major Cheek; relieved as rear guard by Sixth Illinois, my horses being played out. My total loss so far as I can learn is 3 killed, 1 wounded mortally, 1 dangerously, and 8 missing. I would just add that my force in any fighting did not exceed 150 men, and on the 23d not more than 60. As our movements had to be rapid, I was compelled to keep my worst mounted men with the main column. I must also report the fact that Captain Lay disgraced the good name of the regiment by retiring with a portion of his company (F) at first fire on both days. Lieutenants Lucas, Company M, and Shellenberger, Company B, behaved very gallantly. Sergeants Graham, Company B; Onion, Galliher, Kingery, Company H, and Tricket, Company F, were conspicuous for bravery. Respectfully submitted. A. B. KIRKBRIDE, Captain, Commanding Third Illinois Cavalry. Colonel MCCRILLIS. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-FIRST IOWA VOLUNTEERS, Woodville, Ala., March 16, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the 14th instant, in obedience to orders, I left camp about 11 a.m. with my command, and proceeded toward Claysville, Ala. I reached Reed's plantation, 5 miles from Claysville, about 5 p.m., where a train of eighteen wagons of the Second Brigade were awaiting our arrival, guarded by 20 men from the Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry. I placed 108 of my men in the wagons, and proceeded that night with them to Claysville, leaving the remainder of the regiment at Reed's plantation under the command of Major Stimming. I found Captain House at Claysville with 30 men from the Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry, and between 20 and 30 men from the Fourth and Ninth Iowa regiments. 43 On the morning of the 15th, the teams were loaded with forage near the town, and at 10 a.m. I started to return to camp with my command and the men commanded by Captain House, leaving no guard whatever at Claysville. About 3 p.m., when about 3 miles this side of Reed's plantation, I received an order to "remain at Cottonville, if not already past that place." I knew of no such place as Cottonville, but learned on inquiry that it was near Deposit, 10 miles from where we then were. I then continued the march to camp, and arrived here at 8 p.m. While at Claysville I visited the bank of the river, from which I could distinctly see Guntersville and a few of the enemy moving about, but discovered nothing unusual. I also investigated the numerous reports about citizens having conducted the party who made the attack, on the morning of the 14th, but I found nothing sufficiently reliable to justify making any arrests. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. JENKINS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Thirty-first Iowa. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Assistant Adjutant-General, 1st Div., 15th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SIXTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS, Fort Osterhaus, Vienna, Ala., April 21, 1864. SIR: I regret to report that this morning about 8.30 a.m. a detail of 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, and 6 men, who were returning from duty as patrols on Tennessee, were captured by a force of the enemy at Harrison's Gap. The men were marching leisurely, and the enemy having concealed themselves fired into the leading 4, mortally wounding 1 and another seriously. They numbered about 30 men. This detail was the only one on the river at the time, the remaining ones having been ordered to camp early in the day. I mounted men immediately and started in pursuit, but information did not reach me till too late, and I was only able to see the prisoners on the other side. Efforts were made to get the wounded back, but without avail. The enemy did not cross on my front, but evidently had the aid and counsel of citizens. I would respectfully suggest that, with the general's permission, I can cross the Tennessee and retaliate by capturing and destroying whatever there may be on the other side. All my officers and men are anxious to have a trial with the guerrillas. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN LUBBERS, Major, Commanding Twenty-sixth Iowa. P. S.--Inclosed I send a communication which was left on this bank of the river where the enemy crossed with the prisoners. JOHN LUBBERS, Major, Commanding. Capt. W. A. GORDON, A. A. G. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., May 8, 1864. GENERAL: I send you a copy of my last dispatch from General Sturgis. You will see that he is obliged to give over the chase after Forrest. I regret very much that we could not intercept and hold him or cut him up. I have done all that it was possible for any man to do since I came here. Could I have had a co-operating force from the Tennessee River, I should have had him fast. 44 On the night of the 2d instant he was at Purdy, with 4,000 or 5,000 men, retreating south. Could that point have been occupied before that we should have had him fast, for the swollen condition of the Hatchie would have prevented him from crossing to any point south of that stream. As it is, he is now no doubt proceeding with all his force to harass you. Of this I have advised you by telegraph. He would concentrate at Tupelo and move from there. The cars are running from Tupelo to Mobile. They are also running to Panola, with a break at Grenada. They are obtaining all the supplies they can from the lines of these roads, and General Polk, at Demopolis, has been drawing most of his supplies from these sources. My cavalry will be in in three or four days. I have with Sturgis 3,500, and about 800 have arrived here since he left. I could rally now nearly 5,000 cavalry here, but 1,400 of that belongs to Vicksburg, viz, the Fourth Iowa, a part of which was stopped on its way down, and the balance, together with 300 men of Tenth Missouri, were brought up from there. These troops I must send back to Vicksburg. In the course of ten days I shall hope to receive an accession to my cavalry from the returning veteran regiments, and by that time my cavalry now with Sturgis will be recruited. Forrest will then be hovering around you. I shall be glad to then send the Vicksburg cavalry to that point overland, with a force of cavalry from here to see them safely through. I would send them out to the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, with instructions to follow the line from Tupelo well down to Meridian and effectually destroy the road so that it cannot again be repaired. I would then have them strike across to Yazoo City, destroying the railroad on the way between Canton and Grenada and capture Yazoo City if in possession of the enemy. If Yazoo City is occupied by the enemy, a force with gunboats could be sent up from Vicksburg to co-operate. After waiting at Yazoo City long enough to recruit the cavalry belonging here they could return, finishing destruction of Mississippi Central and Memphis and Mississippi Railroads, north of Grenada. When they got ready to return from Yazoo City I would send out an infantry force from here to meet them at Panola, and see them safely back. If such a move as this should meet with approval I should like to be authorized to make it, when in my judgment it can be made successfully. I have just received your telegram of the 6th, informing me that 5,000 militia from the northwest had been ordered to report to me. I don't want them unless the troops I now have are to be taken away, and had rather not have them. I have got all the troops I need for defense, and with my returning cavalry I can carry the war into Mississippi and Alabama, if you desire it. At Saint Louis is the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, fully armed, equipped, and mounted, 1,000 strong. They have been doing nothing for six months but guarding Benton Barracks. Why cannot we have them here? The main object of Forrest's visit to West Tennessee, as avowed by himself, was to draw troops from General Sherman, to protect exposed points. In that he has signally failed. West Tennessee and Kentucky are now clear of any organized rebel force, and no place in this district is in any danger or in any way threatened. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. C. WASHBURN, Major-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Commanding Department of the Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES IN THE FIELD, Memphis, Tenn., May 12, 1864. 45 MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this command, consisting of Col. George E. Waring's cavalry division, 3,000 strong, with six pieces of artillery and four mountain howitzers; Col. W. L. McMillen's infantry brigade, 2,000 strong, with six pieces of artillery; and Colonel Harris' infantry brigade, 1,400 strong, with four pieces of artillery. In compliance with Special Orders, No. 7, headquarters District of West Tennessee, issued April 29, the Cavalry Division (excepting the Fourth Regiment Iowa Cavalry) and the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Infantry moved early on the morning of the 30th ultimo in the direction of Somerville, while Colonel McMillen's brigade, provided with a pontoon bridge, were transported by railroad to Grissom's Station, where it would be joined by the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, with instructions to cross the Wolf River there and join the cavalry at Somerville. Owing to the heavy rains the roads were in very bad condition, and the delays occasioned in constructing and repairing bridges rendered it impossible for the cavalry column to move beyond Raleigh, 15 miles from Memphis. Early the next morning (May 1) the march was resumed, and the wagons used for the transportation of the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Infantry ordered to report at Memphis, under a cavalry escort from the halt made during the day, 15 miles east of Raleigh. This column encamped for the night 23 miles east of Raleigh, and entered Somerville Monday morning, the 2d instant, at 11 a.m., when I halted the cavalry to await the approach of Colonel McMilen's brigade, who informed me by courier that he had succeeded in crossing the Wolf River with one regiment of infantry and three companies of cavalry. The regiment of infantry he immediately sent forward to bridge the north fork of the same stream. I subsequently received word from him that in attempting to cross his train the bridge, which he reported as being a very imperfect and bad one, was rendered completely useless by a wagon breaking through and sinking one of the boats. This made it necessary to construct a new bridge, and the remainder of his command could not be moved over until 3 o'clock Tuesday morning (May 3). Having received information that Forrest was concentrating his force at Jackson with the intention of moving south, and also intelligence from the major-general commanding the district that it had been unofficially reported to him that a division of our infantry had moved up the Tennessee River with the intention of occupying Purdy, and thus to cut off Forrest's line of retreat in that direction, I did not deem it safe to move forward the entire cavalry force until the infantry had arrived to within supporting distance, or had at least effected the crossing of the Wolf River and its fork, as it would have enabled the enemy to pass over the Hatchie River at the Estenaula crossing, on the direct road from Somerville to Jackson, by means of the pontoon he had with him, and to move between the cavalry and Colonel McMillen's infantry brigade, thus giving him an opportunity to destroy both in detail. Under these circumstances I ordered Colonel Waring, at 1 p.m., May 2, to send Colonel Kargé forward to Bolivar with the Second New Jersey and Tenth Missouri Cavalry, with two pieces of artillery (in all, 700 strong), for the purpose of gaining more definite information of the enemy's movements, and, if possible, to secure the bridge he had thrown across the Hatchie River at that point. The remainder of Colonel Waring's division I halted 5 miles from Somerville, on the Bolivar road, to support Colonel Kargé should he meet with any considerable force, or to oppose an advance from the Estenaula crossing should that be attempted, until I could gain satisfactory tidings from Colonel McMillen, to whom I had sent word to move up with all dispatch. During the night I received information from Colonel Kargé that his advance had encountered the enemy's vedettes, 7 miles from Bolivar, to which place he pursued them, and then met the enemy with a force equal if not larger than his own, commanded by Forrest in person. After a sharp engagement of nearly an hour's duration he had succeeded in dislodging the 46 enemy from the earth-works and rifle-pits, which had been thrown up there before, and finally drove him through the swampy bottoms in the direction of Pocahontas and Middleton, not, however, until the bridge over the Hatchie River had been destroyed. Our loss in this engagement was 2 killed and 10 wounded. The enemy's loss was much heavier, owing to the determination of our troops and the superiority of our arms and artillery, which the enemy was not at all provided with. Among his wounded were several officers, including Forrest's adjutantgeneral, whose arm was shattered by a carbine ball. I immediately ordered the entire cavalry force to move to Bolivar at daylight in the morning (May 3), and ordered Colonel McMillen to join there as rapidly as possible with his own brigade, as well as the additional infantry force commanded by Colonel Harris, and which had overtaken him while bridging the Wolf River. The cavalry arrived at Bolivar on the afternoon of the 3d instant, so as to push forward toward Purdy and to co-operate with the force from the Tennessee River, which I judged, from the information received, had arrived from Cairo and was moving in that direction also. In the mean time I had sent 200 of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, commanded by Captains Woods and ------- , of the same regiment, to the Brownsville and Estenaula crossings, with instructions to press laborers and tools, and to lay out timber for bridges, thus to occupy the attention of the enemy and prevent his crossing there until a new bridge could be built at Bolivar, so as to move on to Purdy. The infantry and the supply train arrived at Bolivar on the 4th instant, at noon, where the remainder of the day was consumed in issuing rations and affording the infantry a short and necessary rest. The bridge was nearly completed when I felt convinced from information brought in by scouts that the rear of Forrest's command had reached Purdy on Monday night, the 2d instant, and that his entire force was pushing on to Tupelo, Miss.; also that there was no co-operating force moving up from the Tennessee River. The enemy, having all cavalry, was enabled to move much more rapidly, and could keep our pursuing force, the greater portion being infantry, at any distance he might desire. Though he had already a two days' march the advantage, and a rapid and unfordable stream as a safe barrier against any flank movement, I ordered Colonel Waring to pursue with his cavalry division at daylight on the morning of the 5th and to move as far in the direction of Ripley as possible, thinking that the enemy would make a stand there to enable him to move off the immense train of supplies he was reported as sending down by way of Corinth. On the 6th instant I directed Colonel Waring to send reconnoitering parties to Ripley, to Hatchietown, and to Salem, and with his command at Mud Creek (8 miles north of Ripley) I directed him to await the arrival of the infantry, which came up in the afternoon of the same day. Information brought in by the reconnoitering forces as well as that derived from prisoners captured at Ripley, from citizens of that place, and a deserter, proved beyond a doubt that Forrest's forces had again united at Tupelo, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and were moving toward Okolona. The immense trains he was reported as having brought with him was an entire exaggeration, and consisted only of pressed wagons for the transportation of sufficient forage to give two brigades a two days' supply at Corinth and five days' rations to his men, and were released and returned to their owners. Knowing that a further pursuit in a country entirely destitute of forage would compel me to abandon much of my artillery in another day, from the fact that many horses had already given out and been abandoned along the road, and it being represented to me that the condition of the horses of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry in particular was such that it would necessitate the abandoning of one-half of them unless they could have ample rest and forage, I therefore held a consultation 47 with commanding officers of divisions and brigades, who unanimously agreed with me to move back to the railroad terminus, and were of the opinion that to continue the pursuit to Tupelo or Okolona would be certain disaster to ourselves unless amply provided with rations and forage necessary for such a campaign. On the morning of the 7th the infantry, followed by the cavalry, therefore marched to 4 miles beyond Salem, and the whole command encamped on the Lamar road. The troops being exhausted from long and fatiguing marches, and the horses much jaded and broken down, I did not move on Sunday, the 8th instant, but allowed both men and animals to rest. Receiving the dispatch of the major-general commanding the same afternoon to return to Moscow, and informing me that trains would be there to receive the infantry, I moved the command to Grissom's Station the next day (9th instant), where the greater portion of the infantry was embarked on the cars and arrived at Memphis in the night. The remainder of the infantry arrived at Memphis on Monday, the 10th instant, while instructions were given Colonel Waring, commanding the cavalry, to return to Memphis with his division and to escort the wagon train and artillery. Though it is desirable to have chronicled a defeat and rout of the enemy, the results of the expedition are the same; his forces were divided and compelled to abandon a section of country he had so long occupied. His thorough knowledge of the country, and the advantage in having good [horses], together with the sympathies of the people in giving him information of our movements, enabled him to beat a rapid retreat to Mississippi, into which State he was pursued for 30 miles, and the chase only then given up when the poverty and barrenness of the country to subsist an army unprovided for a regular campaign made it necessary. The plan of campaign suggested by Major-General Washburn was based in a measure upon the idea of a co-operating force at Purdy, and had that force been in position it would have closed the only door by which Forrest's command could possibly have escaped, and I believe would have resulted in its capture or destruction. I avail myself of this opportunity to thank the general commanding the district for the promptness with which everything in his power was furnished me to render the expedition successful. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition. Maj. WILLIAM H. MORGAN, A. A. G. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., January 2, 1864. General GRIERSON: Patrol, just in by way of Quinn and Jackson's Mill, Olive Branch, Centre Hill, and Forest Hill, reports that nothing could be heard of the enemy except that it was the report that Forrest had crossed the Tallahatchie River and was still going south. D. E. COON, Major Second Iowa Cavalry, Commanding MEMPHIS, TENN., January 2, 1864. Major COON, Collierville: 48 Send a good battalion of the Second Iowa Cavalry with camp equipage in wagons, to start early in the morning for this place. Send the rest of the regiment as soon after as possible by road; the camp equipage to be sent by rail. You had best come in by rail today and select a camp. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, 15TH ARMY CORPS, January 6, 1864. Col. J. BANBURY, Comdg. Third Brigade: COLONEL: As one regiment of General Morgan L. Smith's division will arrive here this p.m., the Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry can move with the rest of the command to-morrow morning. You will detail from your command 25 men, under a commissioned officer, for guard duty, to remain with the stores on the cars and guard them to their destination. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS No. 2. HEADQUARTERS GILBERT'S BRIGADE, Memphis, Tenn., January 6, 1864. I. Capt. Otis Whitney. Company H, Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteers; Capt. James W. Cheney. Company D, Forty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers; Second Lieut. Herman C. Hemenway, Company C, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteers, are appointed a board to investigate the matter pertaining to the taking of certain goods from the house of Mrs. Julia Baker by men of this brigade. They will ascertain as near as possible the kind, quantity, and quality of the goods taken, with their value, by whom taken, and how disposed of, identifying, if possible, the men. If not able to identify the men, ascertain the company or companies. If the companies cannot be ascertained, ascertain the regiment, reporting the facts as early as practicable to these headquarters. By order of Col. James I. Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanding brigade. C. T. GRANGER, Capt. Co. K, 27th Iowa, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Pulaski, Tenn., January 8, 1864. Colonel BOONE, Twenty-eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry : The general commanding directs that you prepare your regiment immediately for the march. You will march to-morrow morning at 7 o'clock, and will move to Rossville, before Chattanooga, by the nearest and best routes, and there take post and announce your arrival at that place to Brigadier-General Whipple, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff, Department of the Cumberland, at Chattanooga, Tenn. The commanding officer Fifth Iowa Cavalry will report to you and accompany your command. The quartermaster of this division will turn over to your regimental quartermaster eight wagons and teams. You will send drivers to these headquarters for the teams. Any quartermaster's stores needed by your command will be furnished by the division quartermaster. 49 By command of Brigadier-General Crook: [ROBERT P. KENNEDY], Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Woodville, Ala., January 9, 1864. Lieut. Col. A. ROBERTS, Thirtieth Iowa, Commanding Detail at Claysville: COLONEL: Before returning to camp you will make a reconnaissance in the vicinity of Guntersville, crossing to ascertain the force of the enemy there, what they are doing, &c.; in a word, get all the information possible. It is reported here that there is a large force on the other side of the river, and they are fortifying strongly at Guntersville, and also at Roe's Island. Make as thorough a reconnaissance on this side of the river as possible, and then return. Seventy-five mounted are ordered to Claysville and will remain in the vicinity until further order. Keep the two men of the mounted infantry until you finish your reconnaissance and then send them in advance with your report. By order of Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods: C. H. KIBLER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 11, 1864. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH, Comdg. District of Columbus, Columbus, Ky.: GENERAL: Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding department, orders that two divisions, of at least 5,000 each, of infantry, and a division of cavalry of the same number, be forwarded at once from this corps for a special expedition. You will receive herewith your orders. I need not say to you that rapidity of execution is necessary. Both General Sherman and myself rely upon promptness on your part. I desire that you will procure and bring with you as much of the Spencer rifle ammunition as practicable, as we have another regiment just coming in armed with that weapon. There is at Saint Louis a battery of Napoleon guns in hands of the quartermaster for transportation. They are for the Second Iowa Battery, with General Tuttle, and will be much needed. You will oblige me by telegraphing in my name for that battery to be sent at once by rail to Cairo, and thence hurry it forward as soon as practicable. General Sherman desires that you will send the regiments forward that have been longest in garrison, and that you will come down yourself, either with the infantry or cavalry force, as you prefer. Three wagons will be allowed to a regiment. All baggage to be reduced to a minimum and superfluities thrown away without remorse. Send forward all spare transportation for brigade and division trains. Twelve boats are ordered down. If you have at Cairo or Columbus any quantity of stockings and army shoes, bring them down; also, all the horse and mule shoes and nails you can lay your hands on, as we are almost out. Require strict inspection and report of the state of your command as to clothing, especially drawers, shirts, stockings, and shoes. We have a heavy march before us, and the command must be fully prepared. It is the intention of General Sherman to move with the artillery and infantry and such troops as he can get from Vicksburg direct on Demopolis and Selma, the cavalry moving down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to meet us near Meridian, thus forcing the enemy to let go of their hold on Dalton or endangering the loss of Selma, and perhaps Mobile. Close attention is therefore necessary to the fitting out of the individual soldier and will be impressed upon field and line officers. You will notify the citizens of Paducah and Columbus 50 of the necessity of their standing upon their own defense, and give such instructions as will bring about this result. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-Genera HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 12, 1864. Maj. D. E. COON, Commanding Second Iowa Cavalry: MAJOR: In obedience to orders from headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, you will detail a full company of your command, with five commissioned officers (about 75 men, a captain, and 4 lieutenants), well mounted, armed, and equipped, with four days' rations and forage in wagon, to report to headquarters Major-General Hurlbut promptly at 8.30 o'clock to-morrow morning. January 13. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 14, 1864. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR: Permit me most respectfully and earnestly to recommend to your consideration Col. Edward Hatch, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, for promotion to brigadier-general. He has been under my command for the past twelve months, and for the last eight months has commanded a brigade of cavalry. He has proved himself to be an efficient and skillful officer, and has rendered invaluable services to the country. I consider his promotion not only due to himself but to the best interests of the service. He is now slowly recovering from a wound through his lungs received in a recent engagement at Moscow, Tenn. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, B. H. GRIERSON, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Cav. Div., Sixteenth Army Corp. POCAHONTAS, January 17, 1864. General TUTTLE, La Grange: Two hundred men of Newsom's regiment crossed the road last night 1 mile east of Middleton. A citizen who was pressed as a guide reports that about 800 more will cross to-night at the same point. Captain Burmeister, Thirty-fifth Iowa, who commands at Middleton, reports the above in person. I should like to intercept them. Can I get a train from Corinth to take a regiment from Pocahontas? JAS. L. GEDDES, Colonel, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1864. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE, 51 Commanding Department of Arkansas, Little Rock: DEAR GENERAL: I have been down to Vicksburg and back and find things along the river more satisfactory than I expected. Since the firing on the Swan near Morganza, in General Banks' department, I hear of little molestation to the boats, which seem to navigate the river to the extent of the demand of Government and commerce. I have watched your progress with interest and pleasure. You seem to be laying the foundation deep for reconstruction of government in Arkansas, and I esteem your success of infinite importance. Since I went to Chattanooga and Knoxville the troops in this department have been comparatively stationary, but I am on the point of putting a considerable force in motion toward an objective point that will, in my judgment, result in permanent good. I was in hopes by this time Red River would be up and admit of operations against Shreveport, but this must be deferred for a time. I should like to meet you there. I observe that the troops detached from this department to Arkansas are still reported as a part of the Army of the Tennessee. I will make an order to drop them from our returns, so as to leave them exclusively to you. I suppose Helena will also fall to your command. According to the returns you have four companies of the Thirty-second Iowa, and the other six are in this department, namely, Island No. 10 and Columbus. I have ordered these down and think the regiment, which has long been cut up, should be reunited. I would respectfully request that you send the four companies to Memphis, or, if you need the regiment more than I do, I will let you have the six. The regiment should be united, and the lesser detachment, as a rule, should go to the larger. You will be pained to hear that Duke is dead. I rode him on our march to Bridgeport, when, learning that forage was very scarce up at Chattanooga, I left him in charge of Lieutenant- Colonel Le Duc, quartermaster at Bridgeport, with special instructions as to feed and care. I took other inferior horses with me to Chattanooga and Knoxville; these did well, but on my return to Bridgeport I found Duke dead. Doubtless he was kept on shelled corn exclusively. They have no hay in that army, and animals have died by the thousand. I never had a horse that suited me so well as Duke, and I was indebted to you for him, and it gives me real pain to tell you of his death from this cause. I should like to hear from you. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. SPECIAL ORDERS No. 20. HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, Tenn., January 25, 1864. 1. Brig. Gen. William Vandever, U.S. Volunteers, will proceed without delay to Des Moines, Iowa, and there report to His Excellency the Governor of that State for duty in assisting to organize the new regiments being there recruited, and especially in the superintending of the reorganization and returning to their respective commands in this military division the re-enlisted or veteran regiments of said State as are or may be on furlough immediately on the expiration of their respective furloughs. It is desired that he particularly impress upon His Excellency the Governor of the State of Iowa the absolute necessity and importance of the immediate and prompt return to the field of the veteran regiments of that State as soon and as fast as their furloughs expire, for our weakness from the great numbers of the old regiments that have veteranized and gone home is seriously felt and little is expected to be accomplished until they returns. He is authorized in the name of the general commanding to detail such staff officers from Iowa regiments belonging to this command, now on furlough, as he may require to facilitate him in the discharge of the duties hereby assigned to him. 52 The quartermaster's department will furnish him any transportation he may require necessary for the full and complete execution of this order. He will report in writing from time to time his progress in the execution of this order, and upon the full execution of the same will report in person to these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: SPECIAL ORDERS No. 30. HDQRS. CAV. DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1864. I. Col. J. K. Mizner will immediately cause the Third Michigan Cavalry to be mustered as veteran volunteers and move with them to Memphis, turning over those of the Third Michigan and Seventh Kansas who have not re-enlisted to the Second Iowa Cavalry at Memphis. The dismounted men of the First Alabama Cavalry will be sent by rail, with their camp and garrison equipage, to Memphis; the mounted men will move by common road to the same point. II. Col. Edward Prince, commanding Seventh Illinois Cavalry, will, as soon as the infantry shall have left La Grange, send his train with camp and garrison equipage and sufficient escort by wagon road to Germantown, Tenn., and such surplus stores as cannot be carried in wagons will be sent by rail. Colonel Prince will then remain with the effective force of his command, except guard for train, at La Grange until further orders. By order of Brig. Gen. B. H. Grierson: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-Genera HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Huntsville, January 28, 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel BUSWELL, Comdg. Tenth Iowa and Ninety-third Illinois Vols.: COLONEL: You will move forward rapidly with your command to Mooresville, Ala., carrying two days' rations in haversacks and three in wagons, and sixty rounds of ammunition in cartridge-boxes. You will relieve Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs' command at Mooresville, which moves to another point. You will advise with Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs about the proper precaution to be taken at Mooresville to insure your maintaining your position at that point. You will keep guards upon the railroad from Mooresville to the junction of the railroads, and will learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Biggs the locality of a crossing at the Tennessee River near Mooresville, which will also require to be guarded. By order of Brig. Gen. John E. Smith: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NASHVILLE, Nashville, Tenn., January 30, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. D. WHIPPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Cumberland: GENERAL: I think it proper I should report to you touching affairs in this district generally, and I do so. 53 The troops are generally under good discipline and very well drilled; far better than I expected to find. They are well equipped and in good condition, excepting of course the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Stokes, and a few others who are neither well drilled, disciplined, or equipped. It is proper for me to remark here that two battalions of that regiment will never be of service together, and I shall press upon Governor Johnson the suggestion of the general commanding the department to separate them. Generally matters go on pretty well between the military and the people in the district, but with some exceptions. They have not gone so well at and about Gallatin. At other posts in the district there has been no real cause for complaint, the post commanders having been vigilant in suppressing the rebellion and just in their treatment of the people. I call especial attention to the admirable administration of affairs in his command by Col. Henry R. Mizner, Fourteenth Michigan Volunteers, at Columbia. His troops, generally led by Maj. Thomas C. Fitz Gibbon, a very efficient and gallant officer, have captured, I believe, more armed rebels than he has men in his regiment. The disposition of the people to return to their allegiance is general and apparent. I think that eight-tenths of the people of this district desire the restoration of civil authority and the old Government, and will say so when the proper occasion is offered. I have conversed with most of the leading and influential men of the district, and think I am not deceived. The change is very marked and decided, and the general commanding himself would be surprised to see it. The disorders and confusion incident to the war have caused great suffering, of which they are heartily tired, and are desirous of peace on almost any terms. The negro population is giving much trouble to the military, as well as to the people. Slavery is virtually dead in Tennessee, although the State is excepted from the emancipation proclamation. Negroes leave their homes and stroll over the country uncontrolled. Hundreds of them are supported by the Government who neither work nor are able to work. Many straggling negroes have arms obtained from soldiers, and by their insolence and threats greatly alarm and intimidate white families, who are not allowed to keep arms, or who would generally be afraid to use if they had them. The military cannot look after these things through the country, and there are no civil authorities to do it. In many cases negroes leave their homes to work for themselves, boarding and lodging with their masters, defiantly asserting their right to do it. It is now and has been for some time the practice of soldiers to go to the country and bring in wagon-loads of negro women and children to this city, and I suppose to other posts. Protections are granted to some slaves to remain with their owners, exempt from labor, as in case of Mrs. Buchanan, relative to Secretary. E. H. East, whose letter on that subject is forwarded with this. General Paine has adopted the policy of hiring slaves to their owners by printed contracts, made in blank and filled up for the occasion, which, though a flagrant usurpation, I have not interfered with his action on that and many other subjects, preferring to submit such matters to the consideration of the general commanding the department, which I shall do in a separate communication forwarded at the same time this goes. Inclosed I send you blank contract used by Brigadier-General Paine. Officers in command of colored troops are in constant habit of pressing all able-bodied slaves into the military service of the United States. One communication from citizens near McMinnville on that subject I have already forwarded you. Many similar complaints have been made. This State being excepted from the emancipation proclamation, I supposed all [these] things are against good faith and the policy of the Government. Forced enlistments I have endeavored 54 to stop, but find it difficult if not impracticable to do so. In fact, as district commander, I am satisfied I am unable to correct the evils complained of connected with the black population, and, besides, I am not willing to take upon myself the fixing of any rules in these matters without orders or advice from department headquarters. At best, the remedy would be difficult to find, and I suppose can only be furnished by the restoration of civil authority. By proclamation Governor Johnson has ordered elections in March of civil officers. I desire to call attention to another matter. From impressments, legal and illegal, and from thefts, there are very few horses, mules, or oxen left on the farms, and the few that are left are almost worthless. At present there are many large farms without one serviceable work beast on the place. The farmers are afraid to purchase because of repeated impressments. Every mounted regiment that goes through the country takes what it pleases of stock, &c., and pays what price, or none at all, it likes. Between the loyal and disloyal no discrimination is made. Unless an order be made preventing future impressments and protecting the farmers, little or no crops will be produced. When the civil authority shall be restored, assurances of protection from department headquarters to all persons who would take the oath of amnesty prescribed in the President's proclamation, in my opinion, would induce the community almost in a body to voluntarily take that oath and seek the protection of Government. At present that proclamation is of little practical utility amongst the people, as there is no person appointed by whom the oath should be administered, no place or time fixed for that purpose. It would seem that some importance should be attached to the administration of that oath to produce the effect designed, and should not be (as oaths heretofore) lightly administered. The policy of seizing houses in Nashville in which to place commissary and quartermaster stores is bad for the Government and unjust to the people; it is done at an enormous expense, as rents average high here and the Government cannot afford to take a loyal man's store-house without paying him a fair compensation. A very small portion of the rents thus paid would be sufficient to erect temporary buildings, which would furnish ample room for all such stores. Several quite extensive buildings of the character indicated' have been erected and others are nearly completed, but it would certainly be better if all Government stores were kept in Government buildings, as it would save expense of labor in handling the stores and placing them in and taking them out of upper stories of houses, as well as of money in rents. The building of the Northwestern Railroad is progressing pretty well. The following is a report of the present condition of the road: From Nashville: Road in running order, 34 miles; ready for grading and iron, 20 miles. From Tennessee River in this direction: Ready for iron, 18 miles; grading yet to be done, 6 miles. Colonel Innes, First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, reports that he requires two more negro regiments, [with] which, in addition to some 300 of McCallum's men (he understands is ordered to report to him, and that if the quartermaster will send forward the iron he can get one or two more engines to send to the Tennessee River), he can finish the road ready for business in sixty days. Fifteen hundred tons of iron for that road left Pittsburg for this place three days ago. I shall endeavor to supply Colonel Innes with the forces he desires as soon as it may be done. The Fourteenth Michigan (Colonel Mizner) is re-enlisting, and will soon probably go on furlough as veterans. Other troops will have to fill their place. The road to Columbia, including bridges built, was repaired by men principally under my command. Some time since, as you were informed at the time, I sent a regiment of colored troops to guard at small bridges and to erect stockades. This I thought necessary, as squads of the 55 enemy were going through the country and might interrupt transportation by the destruction of those bridges. When General Wards brigade, now ordered to the front, shall leave here, there will not be enough troops to guard the railroad between this and Murfreesborough and the supplies at this point. There will then be but four regiments left here--the Thirteenth Wisconsin, Seventy-third Ohio, Eighteenth Michigan, and One hundred and second Ohio; one of them must be sent on the railroad toward Murfreesborough. The Thirteenth Wisconsin has re-enlisted and will soon go home, thus leaving two regiments of infantry and Colonel Galbraith's battalion of cavalry to guard this place. It seems to me that now one of the two regiments at McMinnville could be spared from that point--Twenty-third Missouri Volunteers--to this place, thus leaving Colonel Gilbert, the more efficient of the two, in command of the post. It is hoped that the bridge now being built by him will be finished by the time the Twenty-third Missouri starts for this place, if you think it should be so ordered; but even the addition of that regiment will not afford a sufficient guard for the supplies here. I have telegraphed on this subject to-day. The Eighth Iowa Cavalry is on the line of the Northwestern Railroad, and General Gillem thinks it is needed there. Respectfully submitted. LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, Major-Genera MEMPHIS, TENN., February 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. S. SMITH, Collierville : Scout of Second Iowa returned from Hernando reports all quiet in that direction. No force of the enemy this side of Coldwater Station. Balance of detachment of Seventh Illinois in from La Grange; brought 4 prisoners captured near La Grange. McGuirk's command gone south from that point. B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 4, 1864. Brig. Gen. W. SOOY SMITH, Collierville, Tenn.: Scouts sent out late this afternoon not yet returned. First Alabama ordered south at daylight in the morning, also 200 men from Germantown. Shall I hold the Second Iowa to move when the infantry starts? B. H. GRIERSON, Brigadier-General. SPECIAL ORDERS No. 42. HDQRS. LEFT WING, 16TH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., February 15, 1864. VIII. It having been ascertained that the following-named citizens were engaged in breaking up and driving out of this country Mr. J. W. Waldron, a staunch Union man, and that they purchased a portion of his goods when publicly sold by a band of guerrillas under the lead of one Captain Emerson, it is hereby ordered that they pay to Col. J. B. Weaver, Second Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, commanding post of Pulaski, the sums set opposite their names, 56 respectively, and that Colonel Weaver turn over to the said J. W. Waldron or his family the amount so collected, and make report of the same in compliance with General Orders, No. 4, 1864. headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi: Clay Stinmitt, $1,000; John Marks, $800; Quarles Mayfield, $300. By order of Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge: J. W. BARNES, Assistant Adjutant-General. GERMANTOWN, February 27, 1864--10.15 p.m. General GRIERSON: Colonel Waring was past a point opposite and 4 miles north of this place at noon to-day. He expected to encamp 6 miles from Memphis to-night. Very many stragglers were following his column. I learned unofficially of two orders that have been received by officers of this brigade this afternoon, signed by your adjutant-general, that did not pass this brigade headquarters. I respectfully request that if such irregularities are to continue you will at least require him to notify me of his action. Your obedient servant, W. P. HEPBURN, Lieut. Col. Second Iowa Cavalry, Comdg. Second Brigade. HEADQUARTERS, Vicksburg, February 28, 1864--3 p.m. Generals HURLBUT and MCPHERSON, Canton: DEAR GENERALS: Igor here at 10 a.m. I find an immense mail, but nothing clear and distinct as to the Red River trip, except that Banks has made preparations to embark on the 5th, and expects Steele to march via Monroe and he across the country or up the river. Grant's orders are silent, but I infer that if Banks makes the expedition we are to be auxiliary, in which event I propose to send General Hurlbut's corps, viz, the divisions of A. J. Smith, Tuttle, and Veatch; but to make matters clear I will take a fleet steamer and run down to Red River to see Admiral Porter and thence to New Orleans, and be back to meet you at Vicksburg by the 6th. I send by Vernay orders for you to leave March 3, unless in the mean time you hear of General Sooy Smith, when General McPherson must support him if he needs it and escort him into the Big Black to await my return. I met your trains going out, and will have three days' supply for each of you at Haynes' Bluff and bridge. I send back with Vernay the dismounted men of the Fourth Iowa remounted. There are at Big Black 500 recruits for Hurlbut, and Tuttle has received his share. You can on arrival at Vicksburg furlough, say, one-half the men entitled to furloughs, provided it does not exceed one regiment to a brigade. Appeal to the others on the ground of patriotism. I may be troubled to find boats enough for Hurlbut's command, as the quartermaster at Saint Louis telegraphs that Banks has taken forty boats, and we must get some down here by stopping those in transition. Bingham will remain here to attend to this. The Yazoo expedition is up at Yazoo City, and it might be well for General Hurlbut to communicate with it, as he passes near. I make the order for Hurlbut to come down that way, because I think he will find more forage than on the road I came. Everything is quiet here and everywhere. This whole country has been alarmed by reports of us, but I hope they will soon be relieved. Sooy Smith did not leave Memphis until the 11th--- one day after he should have been at Meridian. If he meets with trouble he must take it to himself; but should he come within reach of Canton I want McPherson to feel out for him 57 and bring him in, but I suppose he will strike Winslow's trail and follow it in. Captain Vernay will bring out all newspapers and mail. I will be back by the time you reach Vicksburg. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 50. HDQRS. 2D DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., March 4, 1864. I. The Seventh Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry will proceed at once with camp and garrison equipage to Prospect, Tenn.. and relieve the Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry Veteran Volunteers. This regiment (Seventh Iowa) will report through its proper brigade at this place. II. One section of artillery, to be designated by Capt. Fred. Welker, Chief of Artillery, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, will accompany the Seventh Iowa Veteran Volunteers to Prospect, Tenn., and be stationed there until further orders. If possible, the artillery will be moved on the same train with the infantry, but if not, as soon thereafter as practicable. III. Col. E. W. Rice, Seventh Iowa Infantry Veteran Volunteers, having returned with his regiment, will at once assume command of the First Brigade, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, he being the senior officer present therewith. By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sweeny, commanding: L. H. EVERTS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, No. 15. HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 7, 1864. II. The following batteries, with their entire equipage and transportation, will as soon as transportation can be obtained proceed to Memphis, Tenn., there reporting for orders to these headquarters: Ninth Indiana Battery, Fourteenth Indiana Battery, Company E, First Illinois Light Artillery; Sixth Indiana Battery. The quartermaster's department will furnish necessary transportation. III. The Ninth Indiana Battery will report to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding Red River expedition, for duty and orders. IV. The Second Iowa Battery is relieved from duty with the Red River expedition, and will proceed to Memphis, Tenn., with entire equipage and transportation. The quartermaster's department will furnish necessary transportation. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 55. HDQRS. DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Pulaski, Tenn., March 11, 1864. I. The commanding officer Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry will proceed without delay with that portion of his regiment now at this place to Lynnville, Tenn., to relieve the troops of the Third Brigade guarding railroad. One company will be dropped at railroad bridge above Reynolds' Station, relieving Captain Dykeman's company of the Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry 58 Volunteers. The headquarters of the regiment will be established at Lynnville or the station, but the largest force will be stationed at Culleoka, where there is an important trestle, and a competent officer will be sent in the command of the troops to be stationed at that place. Upon relieving the troops at the different bridges, &c., the officers so relieving will be careful to procure all written orders and instructions and such other information possible in reference to his duties. If stockades have not already been constructed they will be put up without delay, and so located as to best protect the bridges, &c. By order of Brig. Gen. T. W. Sweeny, commanding: L. H. EVERTS, Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General MEMPHIS, March 12, 1864. General HURLBUT: Push the Twelfth Iowa along as fast as possible. I must have two divisions of veterans back from furlough by April 15. My orders from Grant are imperative; not an hours delay should be made. This applies to all regiments going home. Let Colonel Woods go along; the matter of overstaying his leave can as well be inquired into when he returns. It is time now that we must look to [sic]. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., March 13, 1864. His Excellency WILLIAM M. STONE, Governor of Iowa: SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that three-fourths of the men from Iowa in my command have re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and that the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Iowa Infantry have already been ordered on furloughs, to report through you to the superintendent of recruiting service for furlough and reorganization. While the veteran regiments from other armies have many of them been sent to your State, thus having the first opportunity to secure recruits, the exigency of the service required the men of the Seventeenth Corps in active campaign in the heart of the enemy's country, from which they have just successfully returned. In behalf of these men of Iowa, who went without a murmur on the expedition, actuated by the same spirit of self-denial and patriotism which has ever characterized them, and with that gallantry which has won for them on many a bloody battle-field a reputation of which their State and country may be proud, I respectfully bespeak Your Excellency's peculiar interest, unusual exertion being required to preserve the organization of the regiments and to fill their commands up to the maximum. I trust, sir, that every effort will be made in behalf of these regiments, and that I may be permitted to welcome them back to the Seventeenth Army Corps at the expiration of their furloughs with full ranks, prepared to win fresh laurels on new fields. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General. WOODVILLE, March 14, 1864. General MORGAN L. SMITH: 59 Learning that your mounted infantry is in pursuit of the rebel cavalry, I will say that I sent this morning one regiment of infantry, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, toward Claysville. P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Woodville, Ala., March 28, 1864. Major LUBBERS, Commanding Twenty-sixth Iowa: MAJOR: It has been ascertained that Mead's company of guerrillas and bushwhackers are in a cave on the mountain where Clear Creek empties into Paint Rock River. Is Clear Creek near your neighborhood; and, if so, can you make a descent on these rascals? The horses of the gang are said to be kept in the mountain. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. A. GORDON, Assistant Adjutant-General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, April 2, 1864---8.30 p.m. Major-General SHERMAN, Nashville: In the absence of Lieutenant-General Grant, now at Fort Monroe, your telegram of 11 a.m. of this date has been submitted to me. Under the provisions of the act of Congress, you are authorized by the President to take military possession of railroads within your command, to the exclusion of all other business, when in your opinion the service requires such exclusive use. Colonel McCallum has made provision for a large increase of motive power and rolling-stock. General Grant's return is expected to-morrow. Colonel Hatch, of Iowa, and Colonel Edward M. McCook, are nominated for brigadiers. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 91. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., April 4, 1864. The following is the organization of the Post and Defenses of Vicksburg, Brig. Gen. J. McArthur commanding: Garrison proper, to be borne on post returns: First. The Seventh Missouri Infantry, Seventeenth Illinois Infantry, Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, Eighth Ohio Battery, Twenty-sixth Ohio Battery, will form a brigade, under command of Brig. Gen. J. A. Maltby. Second. The First Division, U.S. Colored Troops, Brig. Gen. J. P. Hawkins commanding; the Second Brigade of the division, Colonel Scofield commanding, will be reported as on detached service at Haynes' Bluff. Third. The Fourth Regiment U.S. Heavy Artillery (colored), Col. H. Lieb commanding. Defenses: First. The First Division, Brig. Gen. E. S. Dennis commanding, composed of the First Brigade, commanded by Col. F. A. Starring, comprising the following regiments, viz: First Kansas Mounted Infantry, Seventy-second Illinois Infantry, Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry, Thirtieth 60 Missouri Infantry. The Second and Third Brigades, comprising the Fourteenth Wisconsin, Eleventh Illinois, Ninety-fifth Illinois, and regiments to be assigned from the Fourth Division. Artillery: Seventh Ohio Battery; Battery L, Second Illinois Light Artillery; Battery M, First Missouri Light Artillery. Cavalry: Second Regiment Wisconsin Cavalry. Second. The cavalry forces commanded by Lieut. Col. J. H. Peters will report direct to post headquarters. VII. Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Fourth Division, will direct the followingnamed regiments and battalions of his command to proceed forthwith, with their entire camp and garrison equipage, to Big Black River bridge, and report to Brig. Gen. E. S, Dennis, commanding First Division, for orders, viz: Third Iowa Infantry, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry, Seventh Ohio Battery. Brigadier-General Crocker will then repair to Vicksburg and there proceed to carry out the instructions of the major-general commanding the department. VIII. Col. R. K. Scott, Sixty-eighth Regiment Ohio Infantry Volunteers, will forthwith proceed with the battalions formed from the veteran regiments of First and Third Divisions, except the Iowa battalion, Major Pomutz commanding, to Cairo, Ill., there to await further orders. XII. The following-named batteries, with their entire camp and garrison equipage, will forthwith report to Capt. J. T. Conklin, acting chief quartermaster Seventeenth Army Corps, for transportation to Cairo, Ill., at which point they will report to Captain Spear, Fifteenth Ohio Battery, for assignment to camp, and await further orders: First Minnesota Battery; Battery C, First Missouri Light Artillery; Battery H, First Michigan Light Artillery; Battery D, First Illinois Light Artillery; Third Ohio Battery, Tenth Ohio Battery. Maj. T. D. Maurice, chief of artillery, Third Division, will in person superintend the shipment of the batteries of the Third Division. By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. HUNTSVILLE, April 6, 1864. Major-General SHERMAN: I have not received your memorandum of movements which General Corse carried down the Mississippi. In addition to notifying the governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa about directing the return of veteran regiments, batteries, &c., you want to notify the governors of Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Minnesota. JAS. B. McPHERSON, Major-General. SAINT LOUIS, Mo., April 17, 1864-5.30 p.m. (Received 9.30 p.m.) Lieut. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Culpeper, Va.: The Ninth Iowa will be sent as ordered. The Twelfth Missouri and Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry can follow, but they are not mounted, nor have we any other mounted troops within 120 miles of Saint Louis. Judging from the last news of the rebels going south from Fort Pillow, and the tenor of your dispatches, I shall await your orders before sending forward foot troops. W. S. ROSECRANS, 61 Major-General LEXINGTON, April 18, 1864. General SHERMAN: I have about 3,000 men now mounted. General Schofield has called for 1,000 of them. Can I not get the Third Iowa, now in Saint Louis, to in part replace those taken by General Schofield? I am trying in every direction to get horses. The whole force I now have, 6,000 strong, will be armed and equipped by the 1st of May. Please have the Third Iowa Cavalry sent to me. GEORGE STONEMAN, Major-General. WOODVILLE, ALA., April 20, 1864. Maj. R. R. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant-General, Huntsville, Ala.: Effective strength of infantry at Woodville and Paint Rock is 209 commissioned officers and 3,704 enlisted men. Effective strength of infantry at Vienna, 17 commissioned officers and 274 enlisted men. Effective strength of infantry at Cottonville is 14 commissioned officers and 262 enlisted men. Effective strength of artillery is 7 commissioned officers and 192 enlisted men. Aggregate present, all arms, including sick, is 5,155. Aggregate present and absent is 7,621. The First Iowa Battery, aggregate 152, has been transferred to the Fourth Division since last report. P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier-General, Commanding Division. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 26, 1864--3 p.m. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville, Tenn.: The Third Iowa Cavalry can be mounted at Saint Louis. Its last orders were for Vicksburg. Where shall it go? H. HALLECK, Major-General, Chief of Staff NASHVILLE, TENN., April 26, 1864. (Received 9.36 p.m.) Major-General HALLECK: The Third Iowa should stop at Memphis. I will be at Chattanooga May 1, but will leave General Webster and other staff officers at Nashville. All well here. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS POST AND DEFENSES, Vicksburg, Miss., April 26, 1864. Maj. Gen. C. C. WASHBURN, Commanding District of West Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch by the hand of Major Morgan is received and being acted on as far as practicable. I send you 575 men, mounted and equipped, leaving me about 400 for this post, and these rather poorly mounted. I send also the dismounted men of the Fourth Iowa, 62 numbering about 230 more. I am sorry your information was such as to lead you to expect so many men from here, but such is the condition of affairs. The last raid of General Sherman to Meridian has told severely on the horses of this command. I do not deem it safe, with my extended line, to reduce my cavalry force any more, as I will now be scarcely able to do more than picket the several roads leading to the city. I require about 2,500 horses and carbines to equip this command. I would be obliged to you if you can assist in procuring them. Your old regiment has only 125 serviceable horses. I am extremely desirous to assist Colonel Stephens in his efforts in refitting his regiment. I inclose to you the nearest information I have as to the strength and condition of the enemy's cavalry, together with some other information that I consider reliable, which may be of some service to you. Accept my congratulations in having you so near a neighbor. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. McARTHUR, Brigadier-General HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cairo, Ill., April 27, 1864. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department and Army of the Tennessee: SIR: I beg leave to report to the major-general commanding that I have received copies of instructions to Major-General Washburn, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum, and Brigadier-General Prince, for which I am indebted. As there is visible contradiction between these orders and Special Orders, No. 150, Adjutant- General's Office, which latter order is, to say the least, ill-advised, I propose to state for the information of the major-general my views of my rights and duties. There is no such district as West Tennessee, nor has there been for more than a year. It was abolished when General Grant took command of the department and has never been reinstated. I never commanded any such district, and therefore cannot be relieved from it. I do command the Sixteenth Army Corps, and intend to until properly removed. The troops within the old District of West Tennessee are part of that corps and subject to my command. The order of Major-General McPherson is correct as I understand it, and places Major- General Washburn in command of the District of Memphis, including therein all of the District of Columbus except Cairo, with orders to report to me. Personally, it is a matter of indifference to me what disposition the authorities make of me, but I intend that that disposition shall be made openly, fairly, and distinctly, and that neither the rights of the Sixteenth Army Corps nor my own shall be evaded by any such orders as Special Orders, No. 150. Lieutenant-General Grant, acting under mistaken information, has done me an injustice which can only be rectified by a court of inquiry, which has already been demanded. You will no doubt have heard from Memphis that General Washburn has stopped the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, en route for Vicksburg, and has sent Major Morgan to Vicksburg with orders to stop and turn back all boats he meets, and to bring up from Vicksburg all the cavalry there. This, of course, General Slocum, under your orders, is not likely to permit, nor is it desirable that an officer of such large experience in the field and success as General Washburn, sent to Memphis expressly to punish Forrest, with a force that I considered inadequate, should be re-enforced to the extent contemplated. He was sent there to do that which "marked timidity" on my part prevented from being done, and should use only the material which I left there. He also, as I understand, wants more infantry, which I presume he will find somewhere. 63 The truth is that the enemy are running the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to Tupelo, and are working a heavy force toward Corinth so as to complete that part. Until that is done, Corinth will be headquarters for Forrest, who is now withdrawing his forage and supplies from Jackson. Detached bands may be held in West Tennessee, but I think the main force will concentrate around Corinth. If they do, and Washburn moves out on Saturday, he will have his hands full. The cavalry of Grierson, now at Memphis, is of little value. Horses are run down, what there are of them. All the dash and energy they ever had was taken out by Sooy Smith's misfortune. The Fourth Missouri, Second New Jersey, Nineteenth Pennsylvania, Sixth Tennessee, and Seventh Indiana are the only organized regiments remaining, of which the Fourth Missouri is the only one reliable for serious action. The rest of the command is of detachments of non-veterans, and not near enough horses to mount these. I have sent heretofore statements of the infantry. If General Washburn attempts the movement he contemplates with the force I left in Memphis, and conducts it as he has conducted his previous commands, he will probably lose Memphis. If he is sufficiently re-enforced and the command led by an officer of experience and knowledge, it may do something that will be creditable. It is my plain duty to notify you, from my knowledge of that country, that any serious disaster to the covering force at Memphis will result in the loss of the city, and that a movement of infantry from the garrison 60 or 70 miles into the country will expose them to the danger of a move by the enemy's mounted men, under cover of the Wolf, or Hatchie, or Coldwater, upon the reduced garrison. I may overestimate the danger, but my personal record leads me to feel sure that I shall not be charged with personal timidity. I therefore affirm as my deliberate opinion that no movement should be made to bring Forrest to action with less than 5,000 good men, and that it is infinitely better and safer to wait the return of the veteran cavalry, now past due. I do not believe that Banks can or will permit A. J. Smith's command to return without imperiling his expedition, for they are the life of his force. I shall remain here and wait events with philosophic resignation, and in order to carry on the business of the corps have ordered my headquarters here, "possessing my soul" with patience until the Government make up their minds whether they want my services or not. I am, colonel, your obedient servant. S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. CAVALRY DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., April 28, 1864. Capt. M. M. LAWTTIMER, Commanding Provisional Cavalry Regiment: CAPTAIN: In pursuance of the inclosed order of General Washburn, you will send out a party of a commissioned officer and 25 men on each of the following roads: Horn Lake, Hernando, and Holly Ford. They will start at precisely 3 o'clock to-morrow morning. Those on the Horn Lake and Hernando roads will go about 10 miles. The party on the Holly Ford road will go to the crossing of the Nonconnah. These parties will all remain out until 3 o'clock in the afternoon. They will allow all persons coming in to pass without interruption; but will arrest and detain all persons going out, keeping them out of sight of the road, so that parties coming in will not see them, and their operations will not be reported in Memphis. At 3 o'clock p.m. they will return, and will bring with them to the city all parties whom they have arrested. The First Brigade is instructed to send out similar parties on each of the other roads running from Memphis. 64 At 3 o'clock to-morrow you will send other parties of 20 men each on the following roads: The Randolph, New and Old Raleigh, Germantown, New State Line, Pigeon Roost, Holly Ford, Hernando, and Horn Lake. They will go out a distance of 5 or 6 miles on each road, and keep themselves well concealed, allowing every one to pass in, but detaining all who attempt to pass out. These last parties will remain out until relieved. These last scouts must be made up of the detachments of the Third, Seventh, and Ninth Illinois, Seventh Kansas, and Third Michigan. The detachments of the Second Iowa and Sixth Illinois will await orders in camp. Be very explicit in the instructions of your officers, and be sure that they understand their instructions. By order of Col. G. E. Waring, jr., Fourth Missouri Cavalry, commanding division: S. L. WOODWARD, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAIRO, April 28, 1864---noon. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Nashville: The First Illinois Cavalry en route for Vicksburg; the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, for Memphis, are here without horses, and go to-day; the Eighth Iowa Infantry, of Mower's division, is here for-Memphis, and the Twelfth will be here to-morrow. Five thousand Springfield muskets with accouterments should be sent to arm returning troops. S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General ATHENS, ALA., April 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. T. W. SWEENY, Commanding Second Division: From the dispatch you received last night you will perceive that our line of march has been changed, and we will not for the present be troubled with any enemy. You can therefore march your brigades separately, with parts of train accompanying each, &c. I want to make as quick a march as the roads will admit of; therefore take every advantage in camping, starting column, &c. Lieutenant-Colonel Bingham, chief quartermaster of Department and Army of the Tennessee, will have forage for you at Huntsville; take enough to last you to Stevenson, where I will have more ready to take us to our destination. We can get rations also at either place should we need them. The pioneer corps will join you at Huntsville; Colonel Bane's brigade also, and I shall want a report of the force you have in the field at that point. Should I not overtake you there, leave it with General McPherson and push right on, taking the best and most feasible road you can find. General Veatch will move May 1, and this will keep him one or two days behind you. The Seventh Illinois, for the present, will be kept guarding the river, and I believe the Seventh Iowa have some 15 or 20 mounted men that you can use for your inspectors, in accordance with General Orders, No. 44. I have given such instructions as will cause our mail to follow us. I fear you will have trouble to-day at Tunnel Hill, but hope not. Communicate with me by messenger or telegraph, if possible, of your daily progress. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. SAINT LOUIS, April 29, 1864. Major-General SHERMAN: 65 I have mounted the Third Iowa, 800 strong, and sent it to Memphis by General Halleck's order. General Rosecrans has taken possession of the Third Michigan Cavalry here at Saint Louis. J. W. DAVIDSON, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cairo, Ill., April 30, 1864. Maj. Gen. C. C. WASHBURN, Commanding District of Memphis- GENERAL: I expected before this to have received reports from you, but I am informed by Colonel Harris that you had not received General McPherson's orders. I am instructed by Major- General McPherson to exercise general supervision of all movements against Forrest. Hence it was of prime necessity that I should hear from you. I am in the dark as to your movements and plans, except as I hear of them through third persons. In stopping the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, en route for Vicksburg, you have exceeded your authority and probably crippled General Slocum. Nothing but the most extreme necessity will justify this course. So I am informed you have sent for the cavalry from Vicksburg. This, unless you have private orders authorizing such jurisdiction, is an usurpation, and that, too, upon an officer very much your senior. Every effort is being made to send down to you the troops of your command and the returning veterans of Mower's division. I shall continue to urge the horses and material forward as fast as can be done, so that the cavalry now disorganized may be fitted up for the campaign. I would advise you not to put too much confidence in the cavalry at present about Memphis. From the breaking up of regimental organizations, the Smith retreat, and the carelessness of officers, they are far from being in good condition for an active campaign. As soon as the veterans return I wish the best regiments supplied with the Spencer carbine, which has been promised and I suppose will be there. You will send me as soon as you possibly can a detailed statement of your acts since taking command, and your plans for action; also your present effective force of all arms. Advise me constantly day by day of movements and of what you learn from scouts, and here-alter send no telegrams direct to any superior officers. Send your information here and I will have it telegraphed if advisable to be done. I shall be pleased to give you at all times every assistance practicable, and I will sustain you frankly in all energetic measures for the public good. Do not move against Forrest at any distance from Memphis without sufficient force to beat him if you bring him to action. Of the amount of that force I will not assume to determine, as my opinion on that question has been called in question. If you do go or have gone when this reaches Memphis, the officer whom you leave in charge must look with special care to the south approaches to Fort Pickering. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General, Commanding HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cairo, Ill., April 30, 1864. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army and Department of the Tennessee: 66 SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt this day of personal letter of instructions to me from Maj. Gen. J. B. McPherson, of date of April 19. Where it has been delayed I do not know. I forwarded to Major-General Washburn official copy of instructions from Major-General McPherson to him, which he states never before reached him. I have ordered him to report to me, but have not yet received any reply. If Major-General Washburn reports so that I can exercise supervision over movements against Forrest I will do so, but I rather imagine that he considers himself just now in a sort of independent command. I learn indirectly that he proposes to move today from Memphis. What force he takes or in what direction I am not advised. I have placed the Fifty-second Indiana and Twenty-first Missouri, returned veterans of A. J. Smith's division, at Columbus. General Prince in a day or two will be strong enough for offensive operations as far as it can be done by infantry. The Eighth and Twelfth Iowa, returned veterans of Mower's division, go to Memphis to-day, and I have, in pursuance of orders from General Sherman, directed all my cavalry at Saint Louis to be forwarded to Memphis, horses to follow. I am, colonel, very respectfully, S. A. HURLBUT, Major-general. HDQRS. LOCAL DEFENSE COMPANY OF REFUGIO Co., Lamar, February 13, 1864. SIR: In my communication of the 11th instant, by special courier, I informed you of the landing of the enemy at this place in considerable force. Early on the morning of the 11th the enemy landed 75 men under 3 officers--a captain and 2 lieutenants (Iowa troops). They took down the large warehouse here, and removed all they could carry of it on board the large scow they brought with them. The men were then turned loose, as it seems, for indiscriminate plunder. They entered almost all the houses and took whatever they desired, defenseless families suffering the most. Just before dark the enemy hauled out into the bay and anchored. Early in the morning of the 12th, they returned toward the shore in their barges and boarded the schooner Lizzie Bacon, which lies sunk near the beach. They pumped her out, and after an ineffectual attempt to get her out they abandoned her, proceeded to their large scow, set sail, and at sundown of the 12th were out of sight. They stood toward the pass of Aransas. By design I directed J. B. Wells, esq., a member of my company and resident of Lamar, to enact the quiet citizen and meet the enemy upon their landing. He derived from the 3 officers before mentioned the following: They told him that all of Corpus Christi had come over to them; that they had upon Mustang Island a Texas regiment enlisted in Corpus Christi and elsewhere on the coast, and that Banks had 25,000 troops with which he intended taking Galveston, but said that "our heaviest force, and the one upon which we mainly depend, is coming by way of Red River--a force so large that Texas will be overrun in less than three months hence." During the invasion of the enemy on the 11th, a small boat was seen coming from Saint Mary's. To my astonishment she stood on and landed on the beach just above the enemy, when the 2 men in her leaped ashore and started to run across the prairie. They were pursued, fired at several times, and captured without injury. Mr. Wells informed me they were a lieutenant of Captain Hobby's company, Colonel Hobby's regiment, and one T. Beran, whom the lieutenant had employed at Saint Mary's to bring him to Lamar. The lieutenant is from Bee County; name unknown. My scouts front Saint Joseph's inform me as follows: Every building of any size on Saint Joseph's has been removed to Mustang, where a city seems to be rising. The fortifications are all on Mustang. The enemy only occasionally cross to Saint Joseph's in large parties to hunt 67 cattle, &c., which have become very wild from constant shooting among them and want of water. Their communication with Saluria is now by water. On Mustang is now a large force of cavalry, &c. From Black Jack Reef, Saint Mary's, Carlos Head, and Nine-Mile Point (Live Oak) all is quiet. Among the recent invaders were several citizens of Corpus Christi; one Anderson (captain) and his son were the most conspicuous. Certain it is that every movement here was well known to the enemy. I have determined in consequence to stop all communication with Corpus until ordered otherwise, as well as the islands. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. P. UPTON, Captain, Comdg. Local Defense Co., Refugio County. Col. JAMES DUFF, Comdg. Second Brig., First Div., Victoria, Tex. CAMP OF DETACHMENT THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Grand Ecore, La., April 16, 1864. MAJOR: In pursuance of orders, I herewith report the part taken by the Third Division in the campaign from Natchitoches, La., to Sabine Cross-Roads, and of the detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps, consisting of the Third and Fourth Divisions, after the battle of Mansfield and the wounding of Brigadier-General Ransom up to their arrival at this place. The Third Division left Natchitoches on the 6th instant, and encamped at Mayon Bayou, 16 miles, at evening. On the 7th instant marched to Pleasant Hill, a distance of 19 miles. On the 8th, moved to Saint Patrick's Bayou, a distance of 10 miles, and went into camp a little after 12 o'clock. I had placed out my pickets, about 3 p.m., when I received orders through Major-General Franklin to move some 5 miles and support the Fourth Division, who were then reported to be engaged with the enemy. I moved, leaving my wagon train, which had not yet arrived, and five companies of the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry with five companies of the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, making a whole regiment which had been detailed in the morning to guard the trains of the Third and Fourth Divisions. The pickets fell in on the march, and I arrived with my command at the scene of the conflict about 4.15 p.m., with the following men: First Brigade, Lieutenant-Colonel Flory commanding--Forty-sixth Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 13 officers and 252 men; Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (five companies), 5 officers and 183 men; total, 18 officers and 435 men. Second Brigade, Colonel Raynor commanding--Fifty-sixth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 9 officers and 224 men; Twentyfourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry (five companies), 6 officers and 182 men; Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 13 officers and 406 men; total, 28 officers and 812 men. Total in division, 46 officers and 1,247 men. When I arrived near the ground I found the road so full of teams and stragglers on foot and on horseback as to make it impossible to move any farther, and I commenced forming a line of battle, throwing the First Brigade on the right of the road and the Second on the left. I had only commenced the movement when I received orders from Major-General Banks, commanding department, to do as I had commenced and advance on "double-quick" and occupy the edge of the woods in front. I pushed the command forward as rapidly as possible until I reached the edge of the woods, when I ordered the command to halt and open fire on the masses of the enemy moving down in front. The entire force of the enemy was checked and held for nearly an hour, when they commenced moving in masses on our left flank. I sent the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which I held in reserve, to check the movements of the enemy on our left flank. The enemy now moved in masses on our right flank. The Forty-sixth Indiana Veteran 68 Volunteers, being on our extreme right, were, by order of Lieutenant-Colonel Flory, ordered to change front to meet the charge, but in a few minutes they were crushed by overwhelming numbers and obliged to give way. The left flank was at about the same time turned and gave way. A heavy body of the enemy, moving down the road on our center in two lines and supported by a line of cavalry, completed our discomfiture, and we were soon in confusion. I received from time to time verbal orders from Major-General Banks, commanding department, from Major-General Franklin, commanding U.S. forces in Western Louisiana, who were with me in the front, and from Brigadier-General Stone, chief of Major-General Banks' staff. I endeavored to rally the men in vain, for having entirely expended their ammunition not enough could be collected together in any one place in the dense forest to offer any hope in a bayonet charge against the largely superior force of the enemy. The jam of the cavalry train, which caused the loss of the artillery of the Fourth Division and the loss of nearly all of my ambulances, filled as they were with wounded, increased the confusion. We rallied about onehalf mile behind the Nineteenth Army Corps, and General Ransom being wounded, I took command of both divisions and collected about 800 men. I had just supplied my men with ammunition when I was ordered to fall back to Pleasant Hill in charge of the train, where I arrived at 8 o'clock next morning. The loss in my division was 314 killed, wounded, and missing. Among those reported killed is Lieutenant-Colonel Flory, commanding First Brigade. Among the wounded are Colonel Connell, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, left arm amputated; and Captain Dimmitt, acting assistant inspector-general, of my staff, who had his left thigh broken. Both are in the hands of the enemy. One of my orderlies bearing the division flag was wounded in the shoulder by the discharge of a spherical case, and another had a horse shot under him. So far as I know, every officer did his whole duty, and I am every way satisfied with the conduct of the men. They did all that could be expected of them, crushed and overwhelmed as they were by vastly superior numbers. My staff--Captain Mohr, acting assistant adjutant-general; Captain Dimmitt, acting assistant inspector-general; Lieut. H. H. Hyatt, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Dougherty, First Infantry, assistant commissary of musters--bravely and fearlessly supported me, carrying orders, under a terrific fire, to every point indicated. On the morning of the 9th, at 11 o'clock, I received verbal instructions from Major-General Franklin, commanding, to move the detachment of the Thirteenth Army Corps on a circuitous route and to protect a large train which should proceed in advance of me to Crump's Hill and toward Grand Ecore. I started about 12 m., and at 2 p.m. I received orders from some person to me now unknown, purporting to come from General Stone or Major-General Banks, I have forgotten which, that I must watch and protect our left flank and carefully guard the train, and for that purpose halt until it had advanced out of the way of danger. At 5 o'clock I was about 4 miles from Pleasant Hill, and could distinctly hear the musketry firing of the engagement of Saturday. I received no other orders, those sent me having miscarried. Had I received the orders sent I think I could have carried at least 2,000 armed men into the fight and added very much to the enemy's rout that day, and greatly gratified the feelings of the men of my command, suffering as they were from the mortification of their previous discomfiture. I arrived at Crump's Hill about 2.30 a.m. of the 10th, and rested for three hours, when I moved on to Mayon Bayou, 7 miles. On the 11th I left Mayon Bayou at 4 a.m., and arrived at this place at 10 a.m. I am, truly, your obedient servant, R. A. CAMERON, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Maj. WICKHAM HOFFMAN, 69 ASST. Adjt. Gen., Nineteenth Army Corps. The Second Brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Lawler, shipped from Matagorda Island to New Orleans April 18; arrived in that city on the 21st, left for Alexandria on the 24th, and arrived there the 26th. The brigade remained in the vicinity of Alexandria, skirmishing more or less every day with the enemy until May 13, when it marched with the army for the Mississippi. May 22.--Arrived safely at Morganza, La., where it has since remained. The Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteers was transferred to the Fourth Division, May 11, by order of General Lawler, commanding detachment of Thirteenth Corps, in the field. April 25.--The Twenty-third Iowa and one wing of Twenty-second Iowa, belonging to First Brigade, shipped from Matagorda Island. Headquarters of the division and the remaining wing of the Twenty-second Iowa embarked for New Orleans April 29; arrived May 1. On May 4, left New Orleans with Twenty-third Iowa and left wing of Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers for Alexandria; arrived at Fort De Russy and found the river blockaded by heavy batteries. Returned to the mouth of Red River, and remained until the army arrived at Simsport, when the troops joined it. The remainder of the First Brigade had not yet left Texas at last report. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 13TH ARMY CORPS, Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to respectfully report the part taken by this brigade on the march from Natchitoches to and during the action near Mansfield, on the 8th instant: The brigade (composed as follows, Twenty-eighth Iowa, Col. John Connell commanding, aggregate, 493; Twenty-fourth Iowa, Maj. Ed. Wright commanding, aggregate, 388; Fifty-sixth Ohio, Capt. M. Manring commanding, aggregate, 224; total, 1,105) left Natchitoches on the morning of the 6th instant, and after a march of 35 miles arrived at Pleasant Hill, La., about 1.30 p.m. on the 7th. Soon after having been assigned a camp-ground the brigade was ordered forward to support a portion of the cavalry command, which was heavily skirmishing with the enemy about 2 miles in our front. We were led forward by General Cameron (commanding division) in person. After marching about 1 mile we were informed that the enemy had fallen back, and the men were allowed to return to camp. On the morning of the 8th instant the march was resumed. Soon after starting upon the road, the occasional sound of cannon and the continued dropping fire of musketry told us that the advance were sharply skirmishing. This brigade was soon detached from the division and ordered to the front. The enemy, though stubbornly, fell back before our cavalry and a portion of the Fourth Division, Thirteenth Corps d'Armée, and we had not reached the extreme front when we arrived at the first branch of Bayou Saint Patrick, where the brigade was ordered to encamp in line of battle. This was about 11 a.m. Mean time, the large train belonging to General Lee's cavalry passed to our front, and our own arrived with the remainder of the division. About 3 p.m. the firing at the front became brisk, and we were soon after ordered forward, five companies of the Twenty-fourth Iowa being left with our wagon train. The division hurried forward, marching 6 miles, mostly at the double-quick. Upon nearing the Moss plantation the brigade was directed to form in the thick woods on the left side of the Mansfield road, in the following order: The right of the Fifty-sixth Ohio resting on the road, and the Twenty-eighth Iowa on their left, while the Twenty-fourth Iowa formed a second line in the rear of the two other regiments. In this order we moved steadily forward until the open fields of the plantation were reached. Here we found two guns of the First Indiana Battery and a few men of the Fourth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, on the right of the road, hotly engaged with a heavy force of the enemy, who occupied a rising piece of ground in the center of the field, and another 70 heavy mass with artillery posted on the extreme farther side. B direction of General Cameron the line pressed on into the open field, taking advantage of a slight elevation, and at once opened fire upon the enemy, whose force more than quadrupled our own. I soon after moved the Twentyfourth Iowa from their position in the rear to the front, on the left of the Twenty-eighth Iowa. Under a heavy fire the men lay for over an hour, not daring to advance against an enemy who numbered thousands to our hundreds, and until their ammunition was almost entirely expended, while the enemy, plainly in sight, was adding to his force and extending his line, which from the first greatly outflanked us. A heavy column, composed both of cavalry and infantry, were seen to detach themselves from the enemy's right and advance far on our left, where they formed in line perpendicular to our front and charged forward on our left. A force of cavalry which had been sent to our left to protect it fired one volley and fled, leaving our men exposed to a most telling enfilading fire, and from which fire nearly all our loss occurred. Mean time, the First Brigade of the division had been similarly outflanked on the right and driven from the field, which left us as badly exposed on the right. At the same time the heavy masses which had been gathering in our front came forward in an irresistible column. The division had, with little or no support, and numbering less than 1,200, kept in check an army of 10,000 or 12,000 for at least an hour and a half. Our men, attacked on either flank, without support from any quarter and without ammunition, fell back at first in some order, but becoming broken, run down, and mixed with our own cavalry, soon became much disorganized. After collecting the greater portion of the brigade in rear of the line formed by the Nineteenth Corps d'Armée, I received orders to retire to Pleasant Bill, distant about 18 miles, from which we had marched in the morning. This distance the exhausted men accomplished by daylight on the morning of the 9th instant. The conduct of both officers and men was all that could be desired. Where all performed their duty special mention is not essential. Col. John Connell, of the Twenty-eighth Iowa, is among the missing, and is supposed to have been mortally wounded. Brave even to a fault, he remained on the field till too late, and was seen to fall before the last heavy volley poured upon the devoted division. His loss will be severely felt, not only by his regiment, where it is irreparable, but by his brother officers and comrades in arms, to whom his many noble and generous qualities had endeared him. Lieut. Thomas Hughes, acting brigade quartermaster, was upon the field rendering every assistance in his power; he is also among the missing, and is supposed to be a prisoner, we hope unhurt. Dr. Witherwax and Assistant Surgeon Lyons, of the Twenty-fourth Iowa, with Asst. Surg. P.M. McFarland, remained upon the field caring for our wounded, and are now in the hands of the enemy. The brigade entered the action as follows: Twenty-eighth Iowa, 406 men and 13 officers; five companies of Twenty-fourth Iowa, 182 men and 6 officers; Fifty-sixth Ohio, 224 men and 9 officers; total, 812 men and 28 officers. During the action the loss was as follows: Known to be killed, 11; wounded, 69; missing, 65; total, 145. Many of the missing are either killed or wounded. Appended herewith, and made a part of this report, is the report of the several regimental commanders, with a detailed list of their casualties. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. RAYNOR, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. OSCAR MOHR, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., 13th Army Corps. 71 HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the expedition from Natchitoches, La., to Sabine CrossRoads: The regiment, numbering 388, rank and file, marched with the brigade from Natchitoches on the 6th instant, arriving at Pleasant Hill on the evening of the 7th, without anything particular having occurred. On the morning of the 8th, five companies, viz, A, D, I, C, and H, were detailed as train guard and marched in rear of the Third Division train. The other four companies under my command marched to a point 7 miles distant from Sabine Cross-Roads, and went into camp with the brigade on a branch of Saint Patrick's Bayou. About 2 p.m. the command was ordered to the front, where the Fourth Division was engaged with the enemy. We arrived on the battle-field about 4 p.m., and were joined by Company F, provost guard at division headquarters. The command then numbered 159 rank and file. I was ordered to move in rear of the Twenty-eighth Iowa and Fifty-sixth Ohio, on the left of the road as reserve, and move forward, preserving a distance of 200 yards in the rear. The command remained in this position for about half an hour, when I was ordered to move forward and engage the enemy at once, which I did by obliquing to the left and coming in on the left of the Twenty-eighth Iowa. We held this position for near one hour, when the balance of the brigade having exhausted their ammunition, we were compelled to retire before a much superior force both on our left flank and in our front. Then, in obedience to orders, we fell back with the remainder of the brigade to Pleasant Hill, and went into camp on the morning of the 9th instant at 7 o'clock. Our loss was 1 surgeon and 29 enlisted men, a part of whom were wounded. My command on the morning of the 9th numbered 362 enlisted men, 296 of whom are armed and equipped, 23 sick, 13 on extra duty, 30 without arms. This does not include Company F, which is still on duty at division headquarters. I am, very respectfully, ED. WRIGHT, Major, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. C. B. BRADSHAW, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY, Grand Ecore, La., April 13, 1864. MAJOR: In compliance with circular issued from headquarters U.S. Forces Western Louisiana, bearing date April 11, 1864, I herewith send you an official report of the part taken by the Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the expedition from Natchitoches to Sabine Cross-Roads. The regiment left Natchitoches on the morning of the 6th of April as a part of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, and after a rapid march of 35 miles reached Pleasant Hill on the following day at 2 p.m. After a few minutes' pause the regiment was ordered out to support General Lee's cavalry, then engaging the enemy. It went out promptly, near 500 strong, not leaving camp guards. After advancing 1 mile and waiting one hour we were ordered to return to camp. At 5.30 a.m. the following morning we moved with the division forward to support General Lee's cavalry and one brigade of the Fourth Division, then driving the enemy. On reaching ---- Creek, a distance of 10 miles, we were ordered to halt in line of battle, our regiment resting on the right of the division. At 2.30 p.m. we were ordered forward with the division to join Lee's cavalry and the 72 Fourth Division, then engaging the enemy. At 3.30 p.m. reached the field of action and formed on the extreme left of the division, supported by the Twenty-fourth Iowa, and were the first to open fire on the enemy and were soon exposed to the fire of the enemy's battery, which poured shrapnel and shell upon us. It soon became evident that the enemy were flanking us on the left, and the Twenty-fourth Iowa was sent to protect it. This not being sufficient, a small force of cavalry was sent also. Here the regiment advanced 100 yards into the open field, and it soon became evident that this position was untenable and the regiment fell back again. We held our position for two hours, received the constant fire of the enemy's infantry, and being exposed to his artillery, which played with telling effect upon our ranks, our ammunition being exhausted and the enemy already having gained our rear, and having no support whatever, we were compelled to retreat, which we did in the best possible manner with the rest of the division. We went into the engagement 500 strong and in the best of order. I cannot personate in praises, for all most nobly did their duty. Not one officer flinched, not a man gave back. Col. John Connell had his horse shot under him early in the action, but remained on the field cheering and urging his men to the last, and it was supposed fell mortally wounded while retreating from the field. A truer patriot and braver man fell not on that bloody field. Loved most by those who knew him best, his loss to the regiment is irreparable. He possessed not only the respect but the affection of his men. Adjt. J. G. Strong, while heroically and fearlessly doing his duty, was knocked from his horse by a minie-ball, inflicting a severe wound in the right shoulder, and was taken from the field. Having his wound dressed, returned to the field, and continued rallying the men in the thickest of the fire. First Lieut. H. H. Weaver was wounded in the right cheek while leading his company and compelled to leave the field. Second Lieut. O. F. Dorrance, while cheering his men in action, was severely wounded in the right hip and had to be borne from the field. I regret that space will not permit me to speak of all the officers standing up like men and facing the rain of death, and of the privates and non-commissioned officers especially that fell in the conflict, yielding up their lives upon their country's altar. Better soldiers live not in any army nor rest on any battle-field. Appended I send you a list of the casualties of the regiment. THOMAS DILLON, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Maj. EDWARD WRIGHT, Comdg. Second Brig., Third Div., 13th Army Corps. SAINT Louis, Mo., September 26, 1865. GENERAL: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to report in full, as follows, the operations of the detachments of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, under my command, forming a part of the Red River expedition in 1864. Partial reports were made and forwarded to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks from time to time, including lists of casualties and captures. The troops under my command, consisting of five regiments of infantry of the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, under the immediate command of Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Mower, ten regiments of infantry and two batteries of light artillery of the Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps (my own division), and six regiments of infantry and one battery of light artillery from the Seventeenth Army Corps, under the command of Brig. Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith, left Vicksburg at 6 p.m. on the 10th day of March, 1864, on transports, pursuant to orders from you, which were in effect as follows: 73 To proceed with the command to the mouth of the Red River, where I would find Admiral Porter with a portion of the Mississippi Squadron to convoy my fleet up Red River, and after conference with him to proceed to Alexandria, La., and report to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, commanding Department of the Gulf, reaching Alexandria, if possible, on the 17th of March, from which point Major-General Banks would assume the command and direction of the expedition in person. On arriving at the mouth of the Red River, at about 12 m., March 11, 1864, a dispatch was received from Major-General Banks, stating that the heavy rains had so delayed his column that he would not be able to reach Alexandria before March 21, 1864. On conferring with Admiral Porter, I learned that Fort De Russy, a strong fort on the right bank of Red River, equidistant from the mouth of Red River and Alexandria, and mounting ten guns, had been garrisoned by the enemy and which it would be necessary to take before we could proceed to Alexandria. It was therefore deemed best to act against it in conjunction, the army in the rear by land and the navy by river. Leaving the mouth of Red River at about 12 m., March 12, 1864, we proceeded up Red River to the mouth of the Atchafalaya Bayou; thence with the transports down the Atchafalaya Bayou to Simsport, a point on its right bank near the mouth of Bayou De Glaize and 30 miles by land from Fort De Russy, reaching Simsport at about 5 p.m. of the same day. On the morning of the 13th, I sent out the two divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps, under command of Brig. Gen. J. A. Mower, with directions to move out about 5 miles on the Fort De Russy road, capture or disperse any parties of the enemy in that vicinity, and gain all the information possible of the state of the roads and position of the enemy. The division of the Seventeenth Army Corps was ordered under arms to be in readiness to support him if necessary. About 3 miles from the landing, in the fork of the Yellow Bayou and Bayou De Glaize, General Mower came upon a brigade of the enemy, under command of General William R. Scurry, occupying a fort, then in process of construction, but who abandoned their work and fled at his approach. He pursued them about 2 miles, capturing 6 of their wagons and about 20 prisoners, when, having gained the necessary information and having no cavalry with which to make an effectual pursuit, I ordered him to return with his command to the landing. I immediately disembarked my land transportation, and, directing the transports to join the Mississippi Squadron under command of Admiral Porter and proceed with it to Fort De Russy, moved forward my whole command on the road to Fort De Russy. Leaving the landing at about 9 p.m., we bivouacked for the night 4 miles from Simsport. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 14th, I again moved forward toward Fort De Russy. Two bridges which we had to cross were set on fire by the retreating brigade of the enemy, but were extinguished by our advance before they were seriously damaged. On reaching Mansura I learned that the bridges across the Bayou De Glaize had been destroyed, and that the rebel General Walker, commanding a division, had marched out from Fort De Russy with his command to the point where he supposed we would cross the bayou, about 5 miles west from Mansura, had formed a junction with Scurry's brigade, and intended to oppose our crossing. I immediately ordered the bayou to be bridged at Mansura, taking the material from an old cotton-gin, and by crossing companies at the same time on a ferry-boat had my whole command across before General Walker was aware that the advance had halted. Directing General Thomas Kilby Smith, who was at the rear of my column, to keep well closed up and watch carefully the left flank and rear, I at once moved forward toward Fort De Russy, leaving General Walker and his command on the left. On arriving near the fort I found that it was occupied by a garrison of about 350 men. I therefore halted my column 1 miles from the fort, and, after covering my left flank and rear from any attack that Walker could possibly make, directed General Mower to advance with the First and Second Brigades of the Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in line of battle, with 74 skirmishers thrown well to the front, followed by the Third Brigade within supporting distance. As soon as the line came within sight of the fort the enemy opened upon it with five pieces of artillery from the fort, doing, however, but little execution. Their guns on the land side all being en barbette, the skirmishers of the Second Brigade soon silenced them. At about 6.30 p.m. the order to charge was given, and the First and Second Brigades advanced under a scattering fire from the enemy, whose infantry were kept down by my skirmishers, and scaled the parapet within twenty minutes from the time the order to charge was given. The enemy then surrendered. Our loss was 3 killed and 35 wounded; total, 38. Full lists of casualties and captures accompany this report. We captured 319 prisoners, 10 pieces of artillery, and a large quantity of ordnance and ordnance stores, marching during the day 26 miles, bridging a bayou, and capturing the fort before sunset. Among the pieces of artillery taken were two 9-inch Dahlgren guns, which were captured by the enemy, one from the steamer Indianola and one from the Harriet Lane. Owing to obstructions in the river the gun-boat fleet did not arrive until after the fort was captured. Of the artillery captured, four pieces were in the fort and six in a water battery on the bank of the river, about 400 yards from the fort, connected with it by a covered way. Two of the guns in the water battery were casemated, and the casemate plated with a double thickness of railroad iron. The fleet arrived during the night, and the gun-boats passed up the river. The artillery captured, with the exception of two 6-pounder iron guns, was taken on board the several boats of the fleet. All ordnance and ordnance stores captured have been taken up and accounted for by Lieut. J. B. Pannes, Seventeenth New York Infantry, acting ordnance officer. On the evening of the 15th instant I sent Brigadier-General Mower, with the First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, on transports to occupy Alexandria, retaining at Fort De Russy General Thomas Kilby Smith's command, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, for the purpose of dismantling the fort and destroying effectually the magazines and casemates. This was accomplished on the 15th, 16th, and 17th, by tearing down the revetments on the inside of the parapet and digging ditches across the parapet, so that, from the nature of the soil of which it was constructed, the first rain-storm would nearly level it. The magazines, which were bomb-proof and four in number, were totally destroyed by blowing them up with a portion of the powder captured. The casemates were destroyed by piling wood under them and burning them down, the iron bending with the heat. Before they were burned the gun-boat Essex tested their strength with a 100-pounder Parrott at a distance of about 300 yards, firing three shots. The projectile in each case cut through the iron plating, but was stopped by the oak backing. The two 6-pounder iron guns were also destroyed by bursting. On the morning of the 18th, I left with the remainder of my command for Alexandria, at which place we arrived about 5 p.m. same day. General Mower, upon his arrival on the 16th, found the place had been evacuated but a few hours before, the enemy retreating toward Natchitoches. He took possession of three pieces of artillery and some ordnance stores, which the enemy had not time to remove. My instructions being to report to Major-General Banks at this place I disembarked my command and went into camp, he not having arrived. On the morning of the 19th 100 cavalry, sent forward with dispatches from the advance of the land column of General Banks' command, arrived. On the 20th, the Cavalry Division of his command, under command of Brig. Gen. A. L. Lee, arrived and went into camp, and the same day Brigadier-General Stone, chief of staff, with a portion of the staff of Major-General Banks, came by river. Learning that a portion of General Dick Taylor's command were in the vicinity of Henderson's Hill, on Bayou Rapides, about 22 miles from Alexandria, on the direct road to Natchitoches, I directed Brigadier-General Mower to take the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, one regiment of infantry and one battery of light artillery from the Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, and the First Brigade, Cavalry Division, of General Lee's command, and proceed to Henderson's Hill, dislodge the enemy from that position, 75 and send forward his cavalry to Red River, clearing all the country between Bayou Rapides and Red River. Leaving Alexandria on the morning of the 21st, General Mower reached the vicinity of Henderson's Hill the same night and found it occupied by the enemy with both cavalry and artillery. Leaving three regiments of infantry, one section of the battery, and the cavalry to occupy the attention of the enemy in front, he took two regiments of infantry, one section of the battery, and the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry and made a detour to the left under cover of the darkness and came in on their rear. Here, capturing a courier who had been sent from the hill with dispatches for General Dick Taylor, he succeeded in obtaining the countersign, and learning from the dispatches that there was only one regiment of cavalry and one battery of artillery on the hill he moved forward and completely surprised the whole force, capturing them in detail at their camp-fires without a shot being fired. The regiment was the Second Louisiana (rebel) Cavalry, with horses and equipments, and Edgar's battery of light artillery, of four pieces, all complete, the prisoners numbering 262. The detachment making the capture had marched that day over 30 miles through rain and mud. On the morning of the 22d, General Mower returned with his command to Alexandria. On the 26th, General Banks having arrived, I was directed by him to march my command to Cotile Landing and await the arrival of our transports, it being considered dangerous to attempt to take them over the falls with the troops on them. I arrived with the command at Cotile Landing on the 28th; embarked the troops as the transports arrived, and on the 2d of April proceeded up the river, with orders to report to Major-General Banks at Grand Ecore. Arrived at Grand Ecore on the 3d, and was ordered by Major-General Banks to be in readiness to leave for Shreveport by land on the 7th instant, and to send the transports with all surplus subsistence stores, baggage, &c., with sufficient guard, by water to the mouth of Loggy Bayou; at that point to await further orders. I accordingly detached Brig. Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith with his Seventeenth Corps for duty with the boats, and directed him to consult with Admiral Porter as to the time and manner of starting. I left with the two divisions of the Sixteenth Corps on the 7th instant, bringing up the rear of the land column. General T. Kilby Smith also left on the same day with the transports, and his report of this part of the expedition is herewith submitted. Moving toward Pleasant Hill in the rear of the land column, the trains of the cavalry, Thirteenth, and Sixteenth Corps, all being in front of me, and the roads very bad, my progress was consequently slow. We kept well closed up, however, on the train, and encamped on the night of the 7th about 8 miles from Grand Ecore. Moving forward at daylight on the morning of the 8th, we encamped at night about 2 miles from Pleasant Hill, having marched about 21 miles. Heard heavy cannonading in front during the afternoon, and sent forward word to General Banks my exact position, and also stated that if he desired I could pass the train with a portion or all of my command. Soon after I learned that the cause of the cannonading was an attack by the enemy upon the cavalry and the Thirteenth Army Corps, which were in the advance about 8 miles beyond Pleasant Hill, and whom the enemy had repulsed and totally routed, capturing their artillery and wagons, and with a loss of nearly one-half the Thirteenth Corps, and that the enemy were only checked by night and the Nineteenth Corps. Ordering my men to bivouac upon their arms, and throwing out pickets to their flanks and rear, we rested until morning, when, by permission of General Banks, I moved forward to, Pleasant Hill and formed line of battle across the Mansfield road. During the night and morning the remaining and disorganized parties of the cavalry and Thirteenth Army Corps arriving, passed through the lines and halted. Early in the morning they, with the trains, were ordered to proceed immediately to Grand Ecore, leaving on the field part of the Nineteenth and two divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Line of battle was formed as follows: First Brigade of General Emory's command of the Nineteenth Corps on the extreme right and right flank, the Third and First Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, on the 76 right and left center, and the remaining troops of the Thirteenth Corps on the extreme left and left flank, my right lapping a brigade on Emory's left and about 400 yards in its rear. The Second Brigade, Third Division, Col. William T. Shaw commanding, was ordered early in the morning to report to Brigadier-General Emory, and was stationed in front of the center of his command. The enemy's skirmishers appeared on Colonel Shaw's front about noon, and there was desultory skirmishing at different parts of the line until about 4.30 p.m., when the enemy made his attack on the right center, driving in the outposts and the brigade of the Nineteenth Corps in my front through my line, they reforming in my rear. Advancing my line slightly to be able to close with and support Shaw's brigade, the battle immediately became general. The enemy had been re-enforced during the afternoon with two divisions of infantry from Price's command, and their troops, flushed with their success of the previous day, seemed determined to break through our line, charging it with desperate energy. Fearing that Shaw's brigade might be totally enveloped, I directed him to fall back and connect with my right. In the mean time the enemy's right had advanced beyond my extreme left and were taken in flank and rolled up by the First Brigade, Third Division, Col. William F. Lynch commanding. Seizing the opportunity I ordered a charge by the whole line, and we drove them back, desperately fighting, step by step across the field, through the wood, and into the open field beyond, fully a mile from the battle-field, when they took advantage of the darkness and fell back toward Mansfield thoroughly whipped and demoralized. In the charge we captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, five pieces of artillery, and six caissons. The artillery was brought off, but the caissons were left until morning. The casualties in my command were as follows: Killed, 98; wounded, 529; missing, 124; total, 751. A large proportion of the missing were of the Thirty-second Iowa, which was on the left of Shaw's brigade, and were nearly surrounded in the early part of the battle during the enemy's first charge. The loss of the enemy in killed was unusually severe. A brigade of cavalry which charged Shaw's brigade in the early part of the action were almost annihilated, he allowing them to approach within 50 yards before opening fire. The prisoners captured were many of them from Missouri regiments, belonging to the divisions that had re-enforced the enemy during the engagement. The darkness compelled us to cease pursuit. Anticipating the order to follow up our success by a vigorous pursuit, the next morning I sent the Third Brigade, Third Division, Col. R. M. Moore commanding, about 2 miles out on the road taken by the retreating enemy, with orders to watch their movements and gain all the information possible, and fell back with the remainder of my command and bivouacked in line on the field of battle. The opinion of Major-General Banks as to the action of the command and its results may be gathered from his own words to me on the field just after the final charge, when, riding up to me, he remarked, shaking me by the hand, "God bless you, general; you have saved the army." About 12 o'clock on the night of the 9th, I received orders from General Banks to have my command in readiness to move at 2 o'clock in the morning, and at that hour to withdraw them silently from the field and follow the Nineteenth Army Corps back to Grand Ecore, making such disposition of my troops and trains as would enable me to repel an attack on the rear of the column. I represented to him that the dead of my command were not buried, and that I had not the means of transporting my wounded; that many of the wounded had not yet been gathered in from the field, and asked of him permission to remain until noon the next day to give me an opportunity to bury my dead and leave the wounded as well provided for as the circumstances would permit. I also urged the fact that General Thomas Kilby Smith's command, then 30 miles above us on transports in the river, would undoubtedly be captured and the transports lost if left to themselves. The permission to remain was, however, refused and the order to move made peremptory. I therefore provided as well as possible for the wounded, left medical officers to 77 attend to them, and moved at the designated hour, following the Nineteenth Corps. We reached Grand Ecore on the evening of the 11th, no attack on the rear having been made by the enemy, and went into camp. On the evening of the 13th, nothing having been heard from a portion of our transports save that they had been attacked with infantry and artillery upon both sides of the river, I marched up with two brigades of my command on the north bank of the river to help them through, if possible, crossing the river at Grand Ecore at about 4 p.m. We reached Campti, 12 miles above, the same night and met a portion of the fleet there, they having by energy, good judgment, and rare good fortune succeeded in running the batteries and land forces of the enemy without the loss of a boat, though some were completely riddled with shot. The report of Brig. Gen. T. Kilby Smith accompanies this, and you are also respectfully referred to the report of Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, already on file. On the 14th, I returned to Grand Ecore with the rear of the fleet. Pursuant to orders from Major-General Banks, after placing a proper guard on each of my transports, with directions for them to proceed down the river to Alexandria, I moved with the remainder of my command on the 20th to Natchitoches. Occupying this place as a point de resistance with my troops, the remainder of General Banks' forces passed between us and the river, continuing the retreat to Alexandria. On the morning of the 21st, I left Natchitoches and fell in the rear of the land column, which position I occupied with my command, alternating the divisions day by day until we reached Alexandria. From the day of our leaving Natchitoches, the enemy pushed the pursuit vigorously; the rear was skirmishing every day and nearly all day. Twice during the march we were obliged to form line and teach them a lesson. At Cloutierville, on the 23d, they charged the rear division, General T. Kilby Smith's, but he repulsed them neatly and thoroughly after about an hour's fighting. During this engagement in the rear, the advance, having reached Cane River, found the bluffs on the other side occupied by a small force of the enemy, who disputed the crossing. Although the cavalry, Thirteenth, and Nineteenth Corps, were in advance of me, and notwithstanding the engagement with the enemy's cavalry in the rear, General Banks sent back an order for me to send General Mower with a strong brigade to force the passage of Cane River. Fearing to weaken my line during the engagement, I answered him in substance that it would be impracticable for me to comply with the order. Later in the day the passage was easily forced by detachments of the Thirteenth and Nineteenth Corps. On the afternoon of the 26th, we reached Alexandria and went into camp in line of battle, the Nineteenth Corps on the right, the Thirteenth Corps in advance of the center, and my command on the left. We remained in the vicinity of Alexandria in the same relative position until the 13th of May, the interim being occupied in getting the gun-boats over the falls and daily skirmishing with the enemy. On the 28th of April, the enemy having driven in the skirmishers of the Thirteenth Corps, the corps fell back reluctantly, in compliance, it was said, with orders from Major-General Banks, three times repeated, abandoning and setting on fire their camp and garrison equipage, stores, and forage. Not knowing that it was done by order, I took the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, Col. William T. Shaw commanding, and put out the fire, rescued the stores, and saved much of the camp and garrison equipage. This brigade remained on the ground until the next morning, when it returned to its camp. On the 13th of May, the boats having passed the falls, the retreat was again resumed, my command falling into its old place in the rear. Continuing down the river as far as Fort De Russy, in order to be at hand to protect the boats if necessary, we reached the fort on the night of the 14th. From this point the guards on the boats were considered sufficient to protect them, and they were therefore ordered around to Simsport, on the Atchafalaya Bayou, toward which the land column was turned. On the 15th instant, while crossing Avoyelles Prairie, a brigade of the 78 enemy's cavalry, with about twelve pieces of artillery, appeared in front and attempted to delay and annoy the column. My command was ordered forward into line on the right of the Nineteenth Corps, the Thirteenth Corps being on the extreme left. Line being formed, I sent Capt. William S. Burns, acting assistant inspector-general of my staff, to report the fact and ask for instructions, which were given him by Brig. Gen. William Dwight, chief of staff of Major- General Banks, in the following words: "Say to General Smith that the Thirteenth Corps will press their (the enemy's) right. He with his command will attack their left, while with the Nineteenth Corps we pierce their center." As the several commands moved forward in line to execute these instructions, the brigade of cavalry galloped away, taking their artillery with them. We reached the vicinity of Simsport on the 16th, skirmishing with the pursuing cavalry. Our boats being there, a bridge was made of them across the Atchafalaya, and on the 17th, 18th, and 19th, the Thirteenth and Nineteenth Corps and the cavalry crossed the bayou. On the 18th of May, while lying in line protecting the crossing of the other corps, the enemy made a severe attack on the lines, driving in the skirmishers. I was at the time at the landing, but had left orders with General Mower, in case the enemy attacked, to use whatever force was necessary to drive them back. He therefore ordered the line forward, driving them easily for about 2 miles across an open field and through a briar thicket, thickly interspersed with dead trees on the other side, beyond which he found them drawn up in force far outnumbering his, with about twenty pieces of artillery posted to support them. Withdrawing to the edge of the first field General Mower formed line, concealed by the thicket, and bringing his artillery up to close range awaited their advance. They soon came, when, after giving them a few rounds of canister and case-shot, he ordered a charge with the bayonet, repulsing them with terrible slaughter and driving them again through the thicket into the field beyond under protection of their artillery. Withdrawing to his old position near the thicket they charged him again, and were a second time driven back with severe loss. The firing during the second charge set the thicket on fire, so that it formed a barrier impassable for either party. Withdrawing his troops to the open field, General Mower sent those that had been the heaviest engaged to their camps and formed a new line with the remainder, who bivouacked in line during the night. We captured 156 prisoners in the charge. Our loss was: Killed, 38; wounded, 226; missing, 3; total, 267. Lists of casualties and captures are herewith inclosed, with reports of brigade and division commanders. No further attack was made, and pursuit by the enemy stopped from this day. I crossed the bridge on the 20th, bringing up the rear, and marched to Red River Landing, on the Mississippi River, whither our boats had been sent, and reported, by order of Major-General Banks, to Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby for further orders, and was by him directed to proceed to Vicksburg with my command, which I did, reaching that place on the 23d of May, having been gone seventy-four days. The results of the expedition may be summed up as follows: I captured with my command 22 pieces of artillery, 1,757 prisoners, and Fort De Russy, with a strong casemated battery, which the gunboats would not have been able to pass. My loss was 153 killed, 849 wounded, and 133 missing; total, 1,135; also 1 6-mule wagon. My entire command numbered originally 9,200. Of the general officers attached to my command I cannot speak too highly. Brig. Gen. (now Maj. Gen.) J. A. Mower, by his perception and prompt action at Fort De Russy, Henderson's Hill, and Pleasant Hill, and by his gallantry and skill at Yellow Bayou, near Simsport, May 18, has won the right to a high estimate and position in the annals of the war. Quick perception, ready courage, an abundant vitality, added to skill and education, give him the power to sway men as if by magnetism. Brig. Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith, with excellent judgment and skill, brought the boats safely through the intricacies and shoals of Red River back to Grand Ecore, although 79 continually under fire. His repulse of the cavalry charge upon his division at Cloutierville was well and neatly done. I commend him as a gallant officer and gentleman. I had hearty and energetic co-operation on the part of my brigade commanders, two of whom, Col. S. G. Hill, Thirty-fifth Iowa, and Col. William F. Lynch, Fifty-eighth Illinois, were severely wounded. Col. William T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa, commanding brigade, proved himself an excellent officer and rendered invaluable service at Fort De Russy, Pleasant Hill, and Yellow Bayou. He is a brave, energetic, and intelligent officer. To all the officers and men of the command praise is due for their cheerful, enduring, and ready obedience. Each and all the officers of my staff were untiring and active in their respective duties. I am much indebted to their intelligent action and ready appreciation of the situation. Arms, eyes, and heads seemed their main attributes during the whole campaign. I add their names as a matter of record, as their well-deserved promotion has overtaken all who are now in service: Capt. John Hough, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. William S. Burns, Fourth Missouri Cavalry, acting assistant inspector-general; Capt. J. J. Lyon, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, judge-advocate; Surg. N. R. Derby, medical director, wounded May 18; Maj. E. A. Warner, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, provost-marshal; Capt. Ross Wilkinson, aide-de-camp; Capt. Samuel Caldwell, Eighth Illinois Infantry, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. George W. Fetterman, Fifteenth U. S. Infantry, assistant commissary of musters; Lieut. John B. Pannes, Seventeenth New York Infantry, ordnance officer. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, A. J. SMITH, Major-General. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN. HDQRS. FIRST AND THIRD DIVS., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with orders received from General A. J. Smith, I moved out from Alexandria on the morning of the 21st instant for the purpose of driving the enemy from Henderson's Hill, where they were reported to have an outpost. The expedition consisted of the Second Brigade, First Division, Colonel Hubbard commanding; the Third Brigade, First Division, Colonel Hill commanding; the Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry Volunteers, and the Ninth Indiana Battery; also a brigade of cavalry under Colonel Lucas, of the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, that regiment forming a portion of his command. A small party of the enemy's cavalry was met about 13 miles out from Alexandria, and rapidly driven by Colonel Lucas for 10 miles, when our advance came within range of the enemy's battery, consisting of four field guns, in position on Henderson's Hill. I directed the cavalry to annoy the enemy in front while I crossed a bayou with Colonel Hubbard's brigade and the Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry, of Colonel Lucas' command, together with a section of artillery, for the purpose of getting in the enemy's rear and capturing him. My guide, in endeavoring to take me by a near route to the rear of the hill, led me into a swamp which was impassable. I then found a road, which I followed, and from which I made my way to the enemy's camp, where I captured about 250 prisoners, 200 horses, and 4 guns, together with their caissons. The enemy were picked up in detail. The Sixteenth Indiana Mounted Infantry were in advance until we came near the hill; they then moved off the road on which the infantry advanced. Captain Sample, my assistant adjutant-general, was the first man that arrived at the first section of the enemy's guns; their horses were harnessed and hitched. The Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry were in advance of the infantry, and came up with the guns immediately after Captain Sample, who himself captured several small parties of the rebels. The Sixteenth Indiana Mounted 80 Infantry claim to have captured the next section, which was posted up the road; none of them were there, however, when the Thirty-fifth Iowa arrived at the guns; the men of the Sixteenth Indiana may have been first at the guns and left them for the purpose of capturing prisoners. After capturing the battery and men, I recrossed the bayou and went into camp, having marched 30 miles that day. On the morning of the 22d, I returned to Alexandria. I would respectfully call attention to the conduct of Captain Sample, my assistant adjutantgeneral, who, by his coolness and prudence, captured many squads of the enemy at their campfires without allowing them to fire a gun. Also to the gallantry of one of my orderlies, Private Deacon J. Whittaker, Second Iowa Battery, who, while carrying a dispatch, captured a rebel major and two privates and brought them in. I recommend him for promotion. No casualties to report. I send herewith an inventory of ordnance and ordnance stores captured. A list of prisoners has already been forwarded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. A. MOWER, Brig. Gen., Comdg. First and Third Divs., 16th A. C. Capt. J. HOUGH, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIRST AND THIRD DIVS., 16TH ARMY CORPS, On Steamer Des Moines, Vicksburg, Miss., May 23, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the detachment of Red River expedition, that, in obedience to the orders received from him to the effect that if the enemy should pursue me I should attack and drive them back, I moved across Yellow Bayou at about 11 o'clock of the 18th instant, with Colonel Hill's brigade, consisting only of two regiments, the Thirty-third Missouri and the Thirty-fifth Iowa, and Colonel Lynch's brigade, and Colonel Shaw's brigade of the Third Division. I skirmished with the enemy about 2 miles, when I came to a dense thicket, which I penetrated and found the enemy in large force on the opposite side of a field. They opened on my line with twelve pieces of rifled artillery. I had with me Lieutenant Tiemeyer's battery of rifled guns, with the Third Indiana Battery and four smooth-bore guns of the Ninth Indiana Battery. I put Lieutenant Tiemeyer's battery in position on the right of the line and the Ninth Indiana Battery near the left, having two regiments on the left of it for support. I had just got my line formed after passing through the thicket when the enemy moved upon us, coming in columns in mass on our left and in line of battle in our front. I immediately sent for two regiments of Colonel Shaw's brigade, which had been held in reserve, but before they arrived the cavalry on my left flank were driven back, the enemy following them and getting in rear of my left flank. I immediately ordered the Third Indiana Battery and the two regiments on the left of it to move in such a direction as brought them nearly at right angles with the balance of my line and facing the enemy, who were moving down on our flank. I also ordered the other portion of the line, which had driven the enemy in their front, to fall back so as to connect with the right of the troops, whose position I had changed. The troops on the left were now formed facing the woods. Just as they had got into position the two regiments of Colonel Shaw's brigade, which were held in reserve and which I had previously sent for, came up, and I put them into position on the left. I then ordered the battery to be doubled-shotted with canister. The enemy on our flank were soon driven back, and with great slaughter. I then (after resting the men a few minutes and giving them an opportunity to replenish their ammunition) ordered another advance. I found that the enemy had made an advance and had entered the thicket, through which the main portion of my line had to pass. We encountered them in the thicket, and a short but desperate struggle ensued, in which they were driven into and part way across the 81 open field beyond, with great loss in killed and wounded and about 160 prisoners. My left being exposed, the cavalry having been again driven back, I ordered my troops back to reoccupy their original position, the enemy first being driven from our left. I left a line of skirmishers in front of the thicket. The enemy did not attempt to make another attack. I have been since informed by the chaplain of the Fifty-eighth Illinois, who was captured a few days previous and afterward released, that the enemy acknowledged a loss in that engagement of about 600 killed and wounded. This, together with the prisoners captured by us, would make their loss nearly three times as great as our own. Too much praise cannot be given either to officers or men in meeting and repelling two distinct charges of the enemy, in both of which their force was greatly superior to our own. The conduct of Colonel Hill deserves special mention. He was in the thickest of the fire; was himself wounded, and had his horse shot. Colonel Lynch, who had had permission to visit the boats at the Atchafalaya, some 4 miles distant, on hearing the artillery immediately repaired to the field of battle, and rushing in with his usual impetuosity, was almost immediately wounded. The command of his brigade then devolved upon Colonel Kinney, of the One hundred and nineteenth Illinois, who fought his brigade gallantly until his horse was wounded and fell upon him, injuring him so that he had to retire temporarily from the field. The command then devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Craven, Eighty-ninth Indiana, who sustained the well-earned reputation of the brigade. Colonel Shaw handled his men with skill and coolness and aided in repelling the charge of the enemy on the flank and in driving them back. I will also mention Lieutenant Tiemeyer, Company M, First Missouri Light Artillery, who did good execution, notwithstanding his battery was exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's batteries, who at times concentrated their whole artillery fire upon him. He deserves great praise for the manner in which he handled his guns. Captain Brown, of the Ninth Indiana Battery, although his guns were not able to reach the rifled guns of the enemy, poured a deadly fire into the masses of the enemy as they charged on the left. To the officers of my staff, Captain Sample and Lieutenants Christensen, Meagher, and O'Reilly, who rendered efficient aid in conveying orders along the line, under the heaviest of the fire, my sincere thanks are due. The last two had their horses shot under them. A list of the prisoners captured, also a list of the casualties, have already been forwarded. I herewith inclose the reports of the brigade commanders. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOS. A. MOWER, Brig. Gen., Comdg. 1st and 3d Divs., 16th Army Corps. Capt. J. HOUGH, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Detach. 16th and 17th Army Corps. HDQRS. FIFTH MINNESOTA VET. VOL. INFANTRY, Vicksburg, Miss., May 25, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report, as briefly as possible, the part taken by the Fifth Minnesota Veterans in the recent Red River expedition. This expedition has been the most severe one in which the regiment has ever been engaged. The fact that it failed in the accomplishment of its professed object and, in fact, suffered unaccountable disaster, made our exodus from the State of Louisiana, consuming forty days, all the more irksome. On the 10th of March we left Vicksburg on board of transports and landed at Simsport, on the Atchafalaya Bayou, on the 12th. Our brigade immediately initiated operations on the Red River by putting to rout General Scurry's command, which was encamped near our landing. The enemy withdrew to Fort Scurry, 3 miles distant, and not fancying the aspect of affairs as we approached in line of battle with 82 fixed bayonets, he forsook his works and beat a hasty retreat. We pursued him for 4 miles and succeeded in capturing his rear guard and 4 loaded wagons, and were then recalled to our boats. At 9 o'clock the same evening General Smith's whole command took up the line of march for Fort De Russy, arriving there at 4 p.m. the next day, and by dusk had the fort and garrison in our possession. This fort was built with the best of engineering skill, and was well calculated for a small force to successfully resist a much superior besieging one. Our brigade during the day was the rear guard of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and came up only in time to form in the second line of battle and witness the glorious sight of our boys scaling the parapets, which were fully 20 feet high from the bottom of the ditch. On the 15th, we re-embarked on the transports, which had followed us up the river, and took peaceable possession of Alexandria on the 16th. On the 21st, our division, accompanied by a small force of General Banks' cavalry, which had just arrived, made a reconnaissance to Henderson's Hill, 22 miles from Alexandria on the Shreveport road. We made a forced march and found the enemy in a strong position. After a short demonstration in front we commenced a flank movement, crossed a bayou, and entered a pine forest. Amid the darkness and in a drenching rain-storm, we waded through mud and water, over ridges and across low bottoms, till we reached the enemy's rear. We relieved his pickets, substituted our own, and took the camp by surprise. The enemy were looking for their own re-enforcements, which they were hourly expecting. We captured 1 four-gun battery with caissons and homes, including 80 prisoners, the darkness covering the escape of the others. On the 26th and 27th, we marched to Cotile Landing, which is above the Red River rapids, and 28 miles from Alexandria, and on the 2d of April again embarked and arrived at Grand Ecore on the 3d. In the mean time, General Banks had arrived at Alexandria and moved on in advance of us to Natchitoches. We remained in Grand Ecore four or five days, during which time we made several reconnaissances on the east side of the river, and encountered the enemy in several skirmishes. On the 4th, the regiment, with the Thirty-fifth Iowa, Colonel Hubbard commanding, was sent out on the double-quick to Campti, 5 miles distant, to the relief of our cavalry, which was being roughly handled. We found the enemy across a small bayou, sheltered in the large timber, and successfully resisting the persistent efforts of the cavalry to dislodge him. I immediately deployed my regiment on the right and left of the road, and moved rapidly forward toward and across the bayou. The boys advanced with cheers and well-directed fire, which the rebels were not able or disposed to withstand. They withdrew, leaving behind their killed and wounded, who fell into our hands. On the 7th, with cheerful spirits, we took up the line of march for Shreveport, never once considering the possibility of a failure to accomplish our purpose. General Banks, with the cavalry under General Lee, the Nineteenth, and detachment of Thirteenth Army Corps, preceded us one day. On the 8th, late in the evening, we reached Pleasant Hill, and from stragglers first heard of that day's disaster and rout to our advance, which reports were afterward too fully confirmed. On the 9th, the enemy advanced to the attack, flushed with victory and strengthened with re-enforcements, and fought with reckless desperation. On that day it devolved upon the detachments of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, forming General Smith's command of veteran troops, to arrest and turn back the tide of battle and disaster. The position of the Fifth during the engagement was on the extreme right of the Sixteenth Army Corps. During the night a new line of battle was formed, 1 miles in advance of our first position, the Fifth being placed near the center and in the first line. As we rested on our arms, listening to the cries and groans of the wounded, who were lying thickly around and among us, each one felt that morning would witness the opening of, if possible, a still fiercer struggle than that of the previous day. To our great surprise, at 3 o'clock in the morning, 83 we were quietly withdrawn from the battle-field and marched back to Grand Ecore without molestation. On the 20th, the retrograde movement was resumed, General Smith being assigned to the rear, and to the general protection of General Banks' 12 miles of wagons. We were warmly attacked on leaving there, and on each of the three days consumed in reaching Alexandria, the regiment participating on the 22d and 23d. On the 2d of May the Sixteenth Army Corps, under command of General Mower, was sent out 8 miles toward Cloutierville to hold the enemy back, and to get and retain possession of the large amount of forage in that section. Here we remained eight days, engaged in a continual skirmish, culminating at times in a general engagement. During the eight days, as well as during the whole expedition, the Fifth was frequently selected by Colonel Hubbard, at the request of the commanding general of the division, and sent forward to act as skirmishers and sharpshooters. General Mower formerly commanded our brigade, and he accredits to the Fifth Minnesota great efficiency in this kind of duty. On the 14th, we again fell in rear of General Banks and his wagon train, followed the windings of the Red River, and camped near Fort De Russy on the night of the 15th. On the 16th occurred the battle of Marksville, or Belle Prairie. The field was a splendid one for a fair and equal contest, a smooth, clear prairie, slightly descending to the south, 3 or 4 miles in extent, and surrounded by heavy timber. We were turned out before daybreak and taken into the fight without our usual coffee and hard-tack. As we marched through Marksville about sunrise we discovered the Nineteenth Army Corps already initiating operations, which it afterward devolved upon us to finish. The Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps were formed in column of regiments, and moved across the prairie to the right, and some distance from the Nineteenth Army Corps, the Fifth Minnesota in advance. It was a splendid sight; our whole force and every movement could be clearly and distinctly seen. On the left was the Nineteenth Army Corps, advancing in line of battle with a line of skirmishers in front, engaging and slowly forcing back those of the enemy. To the rear of the Nineteenth was the Thirteenth, also advancing in line of battle. In the rear of and following us was a long column of regiments, the numerous banners glistening in the clear morning sunlight, and seeming to wave defiance to the foe. Our movements were soon changed from that in column to that en echelon and then into line of battle, all the regiments forming on the right of brigade. The enemy in front of us held a position in the edge of the timber, and only a portion of his line could at first be seen. He very soon disclosed the positions of four excellent batteries of heavy guns, which were particularly devoted to us. In the mean time the Nineteenth Army Corps had halted, and the remainder of the work was left for General Smith's command. The fight lasted about four hours, and during the closing scene it required the extra exertions of the enemy to save his batteries from our grasp. The long wagon train heretofore referred to, and especial instructions on this occasion as on many others, prevented pursuit. The enemy followed us closely the next day, and on the 18th, on Bayou De Glaize, ensued the last battle of the series conducted by General Mower, and participated in by the troops of the Sixteenth Army Corps alone. The Fifth Minnesota was here used as skirmishers. The fight commenced about 10 a.m., and continued for six hours. We drove the enemy back on this as on every other occasion, with a loss to him of upward of 500 men, and we would gladly have pursued and punished him for his insolence. On the 20th, we once more looked upon the waters of the noble Mississippi. We hailed the sight with cheers. The waters of the Mississippi appeared as clear as crystal and [were] relished like the fountain waters of Minnesota, so great was the contrast with the muddy waters of the dried up Red River and its bayous. We arrived at Vicksburg on transports on the 24th. Great credit is due to Surgeon Kennedy, one of the leading operating surgeons of the command, and his assistant, Dr. Leonard, for their exertions in behalf of the wounded. I can also 84 heartily commend the action of every officer and private of the regiment in the several battles and skirmishes of this expedition. I think I am safe in assuring you that the Fifth lost none of its prestige and none of its reputation as a fighting regiment. Colonel Hubbard has been in command of the brigade since leaving Vicksburg. I cheerfully acknowledge that any credit which the regiment or the brigade has gained in the expedition is in a great measure due to the coolness, the courage, the watchful attention to duty, and the personal example of daring of himself and staff. Colonel Hubbard possesses the entire confidence of his command. Every officer and soldier knows and feels that his inspiration in battle is not due to whisky, and they follow him without fear or mistrust. I am happy to be able to inform you that the regiment has been providentially spared from serious loss; 15 men wounded, and most of them not seriously, and 3 men prisoners, embraces the entire list of casualties. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN C. BECHT, Major, Commanding Regiment. Col. OSCAR MALMROS, Adjutant-General of Minnesota, Saint Paul. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., March 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this command for March 21 and 22, 1864: In obedience to orders from headquarters First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, this brigade, consisting of Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry and the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiments, moved from their camp in Alexandria, La., at 6.30 a.m., March 21, and marched in the advance of the division in the following order: First, the Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry; second, the Ninth Indiana Battery; third, the Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry. The brigade was halted at I p.m. about 22 miles from this place, where the enemy had opened fire with artillery on the cavalry in our advance with some effect. It being apparent that the enemy had chosen a very strong position in our front, across Bayou Rapides, on a high hill, this brigade was ordered to the front to support the battery then in position. Shortly after the brigade was ordered across Bayou Rapides to the right of the enemy's position, and after a tedious march of about 8 miles, through marshes and a dense pine forest, in a hard rain and cold wind, we halted. The men were much fatigued and thoroughly wet, suffering from cold and a severe hail-storm; some were compelled from exhaustion to leave the ranks. The enemy being seen in the advance, the Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteers was ordered to support a section of Battery G, Fifth U.S. Artillery, and Company C, Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Volunteers, was deployed and sent forward as skirmishers. After a halt of about 2 hours we discovered that the camp of the enemy was some distance to our right. It being now dark the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, followed by the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, was ordered forward toward the position of the enemy, and at about 10.30 p.m. arrived at the enemy's outer pickets. Eight picket-posts were now in succession relieved of their guards, and three couriers, one guidon colors, and an ambulance, with horses, &c., captured, and the prisoners sent to the rear of the first regiment, without the firing of a gun or causing any alarm whatever. At about midnight we arrived at the main camp of the rebels. The Thirty-fifth Iowa quickly surrounded a number of the enemy in a house, and mounted their men on the horses hitched to a section of the enemy's battery and caissons, before our presence was at all discovered by them; it was a complete surprise. There was every indication that the camp was in 85 readiness for an attack; horses were hitched, guns were in position, two of them were charged with canister, but so silent was our approach and so rapid our movements in their camp, that they did not use their artillery, and fired but a few rifle shots before the capture was complete. After the capture of the first section of artillery and a lot of officers and men in a large house, as also a large lot of cavalry horses equipped, both regiments were ordered with bayonets fixed to charge through the camp, and succeeded in capturing another section of artillery, with caissons and horses complete, and also a number of rebels mounted. Passing out of the enemy's main camp to the bayou, we found the bridge over Bayou Rapides destroyed by fire. We then moved to our left, along the bayou, the Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteers in the advance, with two companies out as skirmishers. Passing through an open field and into an old cavalry camp, about 40 more prisoners and horses were taken. Finding here the frame-work of a partially destroyed bridge, we in half an hour repaired it and crossed over, and marched 2 miles, through deep mud and water, to near the place where we crossed the bayou at 1 p.m., and bivouacked for the few remaining hours of the night at 3 a.m., having marched about 35 miles in 22 hours. On the morning of the 22d, the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers was ordered forward to support the Ninth Indiana Battery, while the captured property was secured, and the enemy's camp at Henderson's Hill entirely destroyed. At 12 m. we took up our line of march toward Alexandria, the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers having in charge the prisoners of war and the captured battery. Arrived within 8 miles of Alexandria and camped for the night. Next morning (23d) marched at 6 a.m., and arrived in Alexandria at 1 p.m. Much of the credit of this successful exploit is due to Lieut. Col. W. B. Keeler, commanding the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, and to Lieut. Col. W. H. Heath, commanding Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, for their promptness in obeying orders, and their activity in bringing up their regiments promptly and in good order, notwithstanding the men were very much fatigued; also to Lieut. H. Hoover, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. O. O. England, acting assistant inspector-general of this brigade, for their efficiency and promptness in dispatching orders and capturing prisoners. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. G. HILL, Colonel Thirty-fifth Iowa Vols., Comdg. Brig. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Grand Ecore, La., April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in the action at Pleasant Hill, La., on the 9th instant: At 3 p.m. this brigade, consisting of the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers and the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers (less three companies from each regiment detailed on picket duty in the rear), was ordered forward to take position in line of battle, the enemy in force at that time menacing our front lines, and ordered to take position on the left center, as reserves, between the Third Indiana Battery and the First Vermont Battery, and in the rear of the Eighty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, then formed in line of battle on Pleasant Hill, in front of the woods, remaining in this position until 4.30 p.m. I received orders to form one regiment on the right of the Third Indiana Battery, to support the battery. The Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers was at once placed in this position, while the brigade was under a severe fire from the enemy, who had succeeded in breaking the first line of battle in front and were rapidly advancing. The firing becoming still more severe, the men were ordered to lie down to prevent unnecessary loss of life. The enemy 86 continued to press the retreating brigades of the first line so closely as to prevent their reforming their lines. At this juncture the brigade was ordered to rise up and advance on the enemy, who had by this time broken our second line of battle. Here Lieut. Col. William H. Heath, commanding the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, was severely wounded in the head while gallantly leading his command, and was compelled to leave the field, leaving Maj. George W. Van Beek in command. The brigade continued to advance, firing incessant and destructive volleys into the ranks of the enemy, who could no longer withstand the strong fire poured into them from our troops, began to waver, and were immediately charged very determinedly and compelled to fall back in great disorder, then followed closely by our troops. The Thirty-fifth Iowa soon encountered a large force of the enemy in a ravine thickly covered with bushes, and suffered severely from their fire, but they at once gallantly charged the enemy, killing and wounding many and capturing about 60 prisoners. The Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers were exposed to the fire of a four-gun battery placed in the edge of the woods, the shots, however, mostly passing over them. They promptly charged on the battery, receiving a volley from those supporting the battery, who broke and fled in confusion after discharging their pieces, leaving the battery in our possession. The regiments now entered the woods, following the retreating enemy, who under cover closely contested our advance. The regiments, in pursuing the scattered forces of the enemy, became separated, but were soon brought together again and continued to follow the fleeing, scattered forces of the defeated rebels through the thick woods until dark; night prevented further operations. At 7 p.m. the brigade was moved back on the open part of the battle-field and bivouacked for the night. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officers and men of the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, and the officers and men of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, for their coolness under a severe fire, their prompt obedience of orders, and good, soldier-like conduct during this severe contest; their bravery deserved victory. The following is a recapitulation of casualties, a list of which has already been furnished to you: Killed, 8; wounded, 68; missing, 2; total, 78. Special favorable mention is also due to Lieut. Henry Hoover, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. O. O. England, acting assistant inspector-general, and Lieut. R. M. Reed, aide-de-camp, of this command, for their gallant conduct when exposed to the combined fires of the enemy's musketry and artillery, their prompt obedience of all orders; they have performed their part well. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. G. HILL, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST Div., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., May 28, 1864. Official report of the part taken by the Third Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in the battle of Bayou De Glaize, La., May 18, 1864: This brigade, consisting of the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteers, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, and detachments of the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth and Twelfth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, was ordered by Brigadier-General Mower to move across Bayou Avoyelles, near Bayou De Glaize, at 11 a.m., where the enemy was engaging our skirmishers. At our approach they fell back before our skirmishers, who were exposed to a severe fire on their right flank from across Bayou De Glaize. Here one of the bravest and most efficient officers, Capt. George C. Burmeister, Thirty-fifth Iowa, was severely wounded (shot through the breast) while commanding his company as skirmishers. After marching about 2 miles, we found the enemy in force with quite a number of pieces of artillery. I 87 sent two companies to the front as skirmishers. After a heavy artillery fire from both sides, lasting about one hour, we were ordered forward. With much difficulty we moved by right of companies to the front, through a dense briar thicket, about one-half mile wide, all the time exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's artillery. In the edge of this thicket we encountered the forces of the enemy. They could not long stand the fire from our ranks, and fell back under cover of their batteries. By order of Brigadier-General Mower, we now moved back to prevent a threatened flank movement on our left, carrying with us our dead and wounded. About threefourths of a mile back we formed a new line and advanced our skirmishers, and at 4 p.m. were again ordered to move forward, which was promptly done amidst cheers along our entire line. We again found the enemy posted near the edge of the thicket, this time greatly outnumbering us. We charged them promptly, pouring volley after volley, deliberately aimed, into their works as we advanced. They fled before us, leaving many of their number dead and wounded on the field. We captured in both charges about 160 prisoners. In this last charge I was wounded in the ankle, and horse shot; and my son, Fred. Hill, acting orderly, was shot through the head and killed, and his horse also shot. We were now exposed, in plain sight and at short range, to the enemy's artillery. We soon fell back under cover of the thicket, carrying with us our dead and wounded. At 6 p.m. we were ordered to the rear as reserves, Lieut. Col. William B. Keeler, Thirty-fifth Iowa, now commanding the brigade. At 7 p.m. we were moved to a position in the front line, on the left, in the woods, and at 9 p.m. we were ordered back on account of the fatigue of our men across Bayou Avoyelles. Our loss was —, a list of which has already been furnished. The wounds were generally very severe, being at very close range. Many of the wounded have since died. I must again express my admiration of the bravery and noble conduct of the officers and men whom I had the honor to command in this engagement. More could not be expected of any. S. G. HILL, Colonel Thirty-fifth Iowa, Commanding Brigade. [Capt. JAMES B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. ] HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGT. IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders I have the honor to herewith transmit the operations and list of casualties incident to the Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers from the 21st to the 23d of March, 1864, inclusive. In obedience to orders, on the 21st the regiment was ready to move at 5.30 a.m., left in front, and in advance of the division, with two days' rations; soon after we took up our line of march and arrived within 3 miles of Henderson's Hill, the enemy shelling the advance. After a few moments' rest the brigade was ordered forward, crossed Bayou Rapides, took a by-road, and after a long, tedious march in the rain and hail, through swamp and a dense pine forest, we arrived in the rear of Henderson's Hill, where the enemy was camped, capturing the outposts and pickets, and arriving in the main camp about 12 m., surprising the enemy and capturing 4 pieces of artillery (2 were loaded with canister), 4 caissons filled with fixed ammunition, 32 horses attached to the artillery, ready for immediate action; also 222 prisoners, including 16 officers, 126 horses equipped, 1 guidon, an ambulance with some surgical instruments and medicines, which the division surgeon took charge of, 92 stand of small-arms, many of which, through the darkness of the night and for the want of transportation, were either broken up or thrown into the bayou, and in consequence thereof was enabled to bring off only 12 stand of small-arms. 88 Casualties, 1 man slightly wounded in the mouth by a pistol-shot; he was carrying the colors at the time. At about 2 a.m. on the 22d marched 3 miles from Henderson's Hill, recrossed the bayou, and camped till morning. On the 22d, marched within 8 miles of Alexandria, camped till morning, and on the 23d marched to Alexandria, La., our present camp. Most respectfully, yours, WM. B. KEELER, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Thirty-fifth Regt. Iowa Infantry Vols. Lieut. HENRY HOOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT IOWA VOL. INFY., Grand Ecore, La., April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations and movements of the Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry at Pleasant Hill, La., on the 9th day of April, 1864: In obedience to your orders the regiment was formed in line of battle in rear of Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry at about 5 p.m. of the 9th instant, which position we occupied until ordered forward at about 5.15 o'clock; advanced a short distance in line of battle, when I received orders to form the regiment on the right of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, which movement was almost immediately countermanded by a staff officer from Major-General Banks, who directed me to change my course by the left oblique, which I did, passing to the left of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry into a deserted camp in good order, where we were met by a terrific volley from the advance column of the enemy, who were strongly posted in a ravine, filled with an undergrowth of cane, which killed and wounded many of my men and checked our advance for a moment, but for a moment only; the men instantly rallied, and with one prolonged cheer that arose above the din of battle they charged forward in the most gallant style, driving the enemy before them in confusion from the field into the timber, killing, wounding, and capturing many of them. After driving them about 200 yards, we halted, reformed, and moved forward again nearly one-fourth of a mile through the timber, passing on our way two cannon that the enemy had abandoned. We then halted in the road, when I was ordered by General Mower to advance the left of the regiment to a position oblique with the road, and then to move forward, which I did. Advancing a few paces I received the fire of an advancing column of the enemy; my brave men stood it with unflinching courage, and with cheers they poured into them a tremendous volley, scattering and driving them in all directions. This ended the battle for the day, and we were victorious. It was now dark, and in obedience to your orders I moved the regiment out of the timber by the right flank and formed on the left of Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, when, after issuing ammunition, we bivouacked for the night. Too much praise cannot be given to both officers and men for their brave, courageous, and noble conduct in the execution of all orders, and the coolness and discipline displayed by them on the field of battle. All did well, and I thank them. Our loss was as follows: Commissioned officers wounded, 3; killed, 1; enlisted men wounded, 54; killed, 5; missing, 1; total loss in regiment, 64 officers and men. Hoping, colonel, in your report my regiment will be favorably mentioned for their gallantry and courage, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. KEELER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-fifth Iowa Infy. Regt. Col. S. G. HILL, 89 Commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGT. IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders I have the honor to herewith transmit the operations and list of casualties incident to the Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers from the 21st to the 23d of March, 1864, inclusive. In obedience to orders, on the 21st the regiment was ready to move at 5.30 a.m., left in front, and in advance of the division, with two days' rations; soon after we took up our line of march and arrived within 3 miles of Henderson's Hill, the enemy shelling the advance. After a few moments' rest the brigade was ordered forward, crossed Bayou Rapides, took a by-road, and after a long, tedious march in the rain and hail, through swamp and a dense pine forest, we arrived in the rear of Henderson's Hill, where the enemy was camped, capturing the outposts and pickets, and arriving in the main camp about 12 m., surprising the enemy and capturing 4 pieces of artillery (2 were loaded with canister), 4 caissons filled with fixed ammunition, 32 horses attached to the artillery, ready for immediate action; also 222 prisoners, including 16 officers, 126 horses equipped, 1 guidon, an ambulance with some surgical instruments and medicines, which the division surgeon took charge of, 92 stand of small-arms, many of which, through the darkness of the night and for the want of transportation, were either broken up or thrown into the bayou, and in consequence thereof was enabled to bring off only 12 stand of small-arms. Casualties, 1 man slightly wounded in the mouth by a pistol-shot; he was carrying the colors at the time. At about 2 a.m. on the 22d marched 3 miles from Henderson's Hill, recrossed the bayou, and camped till morning. On the 22d, marched within 8 miles of Alexandria, camped till morning, and on the 23d marched to Alexandria, La., our present camp. Most respectfully, yours, WM. B. KEELER, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Thirty-fifth Regt. Iowa Infantry Vols. Lieut. HENRY HOOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT IOWA VOL. INFY., Grand Ecore, La., April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations and movements of the Thirty-fifth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry at Pleasant Hill, La., on the 9th day of April, 1864: In obedience to your orders the regiment was formed in line of battle in rear of Thirty-third Regiment Missouri Volunteer Infantry at about 5 p.m. of the 9th instant, which position we occupied until ordered forward at about 5.15 o'clock; advanced a short distance in line of battle, when I received orders to form the regiment on the right of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry, which movement was almost immediately countermanded by a staff officer from Major-General Banks, who directed me to change my course by the left oblique, which I did, passing to the left of the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry into a deserted camp in good order, where we were met by a terrific volley from the advance column of the enemy, who were strongly posted in a ravine, filled with an undergrowth of cane, which killed and wounded many of my men and checked our advance for a moment, but for a moment only; the men instantly rallied, and with one prolonged cheer that arose above the din of battle they charged forward in the most gallant style, driving the enemy before them in confusion from the field into the timber, killing, wounding, and capturing 90 many of them. After driving them about 200 yards, we halted, reformed, and moved forward again nearly one-fourth of a mile through the timber, passing on our way two cannon that the enemy had abandoned. We then halted in the road, when I was ordered by General Mower to advance the left of the regiment to a position oblique with the road, and then to move forward, which I did. Advancing a few paces I received the fire of an advancing column of the enemy; my brave men stood it with unflinching courage, and with cheers they poured into them a tremendous volley, scattering and driving them in all directions. This ended the battle for the day, and we were victorious. It was now dark, and in obedience to your orders I moved the regiment out of the timber by the right flank and formed on the left of Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, when, after issuing ammunition, we bivouacked for the night. Too much praise cannot be given to both officers and men for their brave, courageous, and noble conduct in the execution of all orders, and the coolness and discipline displayed by them on the field of battle. All did well, and I thank them. Our loss was as follows: Commissioned officers wounded, 3; killed, 1; enlisted men wounded, 54; killed, 5; missing, 1; total loss in regiment, 64 officers and men. Hoping, colonel, in your report my regiment will be favorably mentioned for their gallantry and courage, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. KEELER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-fifth Iowa Infy. Regt. Col. S. G. HILL, Commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI VOLUNTEERS, Alexandria, La., March 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, this regiment moved with other troops of the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, from Alexandria, La., at 6.30 a.m., on Monday, March 21, 1864, arriving in front of the enemy's position at Henderson's Hill, La., at about 12 m. of the same day. After a short rest we crossed, with other troops of the command, to the lower side of Bayou Rapides, and after a march of about 5 miles through marshy lands and pine forests, were halted and ordered to support a section of Battery G, Fifth U.S. Artillery. We moved in rear of that section for about 1 mile, when a halt was ordered for rest. The men had suffered very severely from hard marching and bad roads. The rain had fallen from 1 to 6 p.m., making the ground very soft and slippery, and compelling some of them from sheer exhaustion to leave the ranks. In addition to this, it had hailed severely, and was very cold. After quite a long halt, it being ascertained that we were in the rear of the enemy's camp at Henderson's Hill, and between him and the camp of the rebel General Walker, arrangements were made for an immediate attack. The Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, being in advance, was ordered to move on the former camp, and the Second Brigade having come up I was ordered to leave the artillery with them, and move immediately forward to support the Thirty-fifth Iowa, which I did at once, moving rapidly up. The enemy's pickets were relieved by the advance and placed under guard, a section of his battery, with caissons and horses, captured, and the center of his camp gained without raising any alarm or meeting any opposition, the enemy mistaking us for re-enforcements which had been requested from General Walker. Moving rapidly now, with fixed bayonets, through his camp, we succeeded, without resistance, except a few pistol-shots, in capturing a gun and limber and two caissons, all with homes complete, besides a number of prisoners, cavalry horses and equipments, and a few small-arms. The Thirty-fifth Iowa being already burdened with prisoners, we were ordered to turn over all our captures to them, and move to the front, which was done at once, and we passed out of the enemy's main camp to the 91 Bayou Rapides. Finding the bridge over this bayou in our front destroyed by fire, we moved to our left along the bayou, under orders of the brigade commander, throwing out Companies D and H as skirmishers. Passing through an open field, our skirmishers picked up a few prisoners, and crossing a ravine came upon a deserted camp of the enemy's cavalry, a few stragglers of whom we captured, with a number of horses and equipments. Finding the frame-work of a partially destroyed bridge at this point, we in half an hour repaired it, and the enemy's camp being broken up, we were ordered to cross, and moved back toward Alexandria in a driving rain, 2 miles, where we bivouacked for the night at 2 a.m., March 22. At daylight we moved back once more toward Jones' Point to support the Ninth Indiana Battery, which was ordered to cover our forces while the captured property was being removed from the enemy's camp. At 12 m. the same day we moved with the main column back toward Alexandria, where we arrived at 11 a.m. this day. No casualties occurred in this regiment during the affair. I am, sir, yours, very truly, WM. H. HEATH, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-third Missouri Vols. Lieut. H. HOOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI INFANTRY VOLS., Vicksburg, Miss., May 29, 1864. SIR: In pursuance of orders received, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Thirty-third Missouri Infantry Volunteers in the battle of the 18th instant at Bayou De Glaize: At about 9 a.m. I received orders to move from the position I then occupied, viz, in rear of the levee on Avoyelles Bayou, and take a position in the center of the field, in front of Fort Carroll and on the left of Battery M, First Missouri Light Artillery. I remained in this position about half an hour, when it was ascertained that the enemy were advancing in force with a number of pieces of artillery, and I was again ordered to move forward and take position on the right of the Third Brigade and in the edge of the woods. At this juncture I was ordered to send forward four companies as skirmishers. I accordingly sent Companies C, D, E, and G, with orders for E and G to advance and ascertain the position of the enemy and C and D to deploy to the right along the bayou, to prevent the enemy's sharpshooters from getting a flank fire upon us. The enemy on meeting our skirmishers in front of our line threw a heavy force against them, compelling them to fall back. At this time I received orders to charge the enemy, who were now pouring a heavy and destructive fire of musketry and artillery upon us, which I did successfully, driving the enemy entirely out of the timber and compelling them to fall back upon their reserves, which were stationed midway of an open field and in rear of a sugar-mill and buildings of the plantation. Upon arriving at the field I received orders to fall back, under cover of the timber, and reform. This being accomplished, I was ordered to fall back to my first position in rear and on the edge of the above-mentioned timber. All this was accomplished under a heavy fire of the enemy's artillery. In the charge my regiment lost quite a number wounded. The enemy seeing us fall back again advanced upon our lines, assisted by fresh troops, and a second time caused our skirmishers to fall back. At this juncture I was again ordered to charge the enemy and if possible dislodge them, although the fire was very severe. I again charged with the brigade, again compelling the enemy to retire, which they did in a confused and disorganized mass, leaving behind them their dead and wounded and many prisoners in our possession. Owing to a misunderstanding of orders received I continued charging across the open field, and had advanced about 150 yards into the field, when I received orders to fall back and reform under cover of the woods. My loss in this charge was more severe than in the first, owing to our being 92 in plain view and the enemy opening upon us with his artillery for the purpose of covering the retreat of his troops. As soon as I could collect the prisoners and my dead and wounded together I was ordered to fall back to my first position. In the charge I succeeded in capturing about 40 prisoners, which I ordered to be placed with a number the Thirty-fifth Iowa had taken in the same charge. By this time re-enforcements came forward, and I was ordered to fall back some 600 yards and form in a ditch in the field in the rear of the timber, for the purpose of resting, as my men were very much fatigued from the effects of the two charges we had made. Soon after I was ordered to move and take position with my brigade upon the extreme left, in which position I remained until 8 p.m., when I was ordered to move back to Avoyelles Bayou and bivouac for the night. The following is a list of casualties of the regiment: A number of others are slightly wounded, but not sufficiently to warrant their being reported. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the officers and men of my regiment for the coolness and bravery displayed while under the enemy's fire. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, GEO. W. VAN BEEK, Major, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. HENRY HOOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Mouth Red River, La., May 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this brigade in the battle of Bayou De Glaize, fought on the 18th instant near Simsport, La.: Col. W. F. Lynch, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteers, being absent at the time, the command of the brigade devolved on me. At 9 a.m. skirmishing with our cavalry in front caused General Mower to move Colonel Hill's brigade to the front, and at 11 o'clock I received orders to move the First Brigade forward, and in a few moments was in motion, arriving at or near the scene of action at 12 m., having moved out by the flank, the One hundred and nineteenth Illinois Volunteers in advance, Lieut. Col. S. E. Taylor commanding, followed by the Ninth Indiana Battery, Capt. G. R. Brown commanding; next the Fifty-eighth Illinois, Capt. R. W. Healy commanding, with the Eightyninth Indiana, Lieut. Col. H. Craven commanding, bringing up the rear. I then filed to the left, and moved across the field, forming with my left resting on the woods. From thence I moved forward to a ditch, where I halted to await orders. I soon received orders for the Fifty-eighth Illinois to move forward and join on the left of Colonel Hill's brigade, and for the other two regiments to remain in their position until Colonel Shaw's brigade came up on the right, then to move forward on a line with him. I then sent for the Ninth Indiana Battery, which had been left near the road. In a short time Colonel Shaw's brigade and the battery came up and we moved forward into the timber. Here Colonel Shaw's brigade was halted, while I moved forward and formed on the left of the Fifty-eighth Illinois, when the whole line was halted. Skirmishers were thrown out in front and on the left to protect the flank, and the Ninth Indiana Battery was brought into position between the One hundred and nineteenth Illinois and the Eighty-ninth Indiana, and opened a heavy fire upon the enemy. But it was not long before the enemy got fine range on our battery, and put in several very close shots, which compelled us to change the position of the battery farther to the left, which was soon done and firing renewed from the guns. We soon ascertained that the shots fell short, doing no great damage to the enemy. During this time, however, the enemy was steadily advancing, the skirmishing becoming heavier. The enemy was 93 gradually driving our skirmish line in, and advancing in overwhelming numbers. The order was passed to fix bayonets and charge the enemy. In a moment the whole line was in motion, soon meeting the advancing foe, and pouring into his ranks a deadly fire as the men advanced on double-quick. With cheer upon cheer we advanced. The enemy faltered, stopped, turned, and fled before the glittering line of bayonets and galling fire of our men, who nobly pressed forward through the woods to the open field beyond. Here we halted, being too weak to press the charge farther. I then discovered that an effort was being made to turn my left flank. I immediately changed the front of the One hundred and nineteenth Illinois obliquely to the rear on first company in order to protect the line. I then received the order to fall back, and, facing the brigade by the rear rank, moved back in line of battle to the open field originally occupied by us. In checking the attempt made by the enemy to turn my left, the Ninth Indiana Battery rendered great service, double-shotting the guns with canister. The Twenty-seventh Iowa was ordered to its support, and one section of the Third Indiana Battery also came to its assistance, and all poured such a murderous fire into the ranks of the enemy that he was compelled to fall back in great disorder. I then reformed the brigade, moving farther to the right, and then advancing again to the fence in rear of the timber. Here I halted until the Second Brigade, Colonel Shaw, was placed in position on my left. At this time I learned that Colonel Lynch had arrived on the field during the charge, and that he had been severely wounded and carried off the field in a moment after he arrived. The enemy, having rallied as we fell back, made another attack upon our skirmish lines, and with greatly superior numbers thought to overwhelm our little band; but the men, nothing daunted or disheartened at the loss of their comrades, charged the enemy the second time with such daring bravery that he again fell back, pursued by our men through the woods into the open field. Again we were ordered to fall back to the original position, and again the enemy attempted to turn our left flank, but with no better success than at first. After falling back to the open field the second time, reenforcements came up, but the enemy had already received such punishment as induced him not to try another attack. Darkness soon came on, and the brigade was ordered back to the camp across Yellow Bayou, while the fresh troops took position behind a hedge in the open ground near the battle-field. This, perhaps, was one of the most severe battles of the war, considering the numbers engaged on our side, having but three brigades, of less than 1,000 men each, to contend against at least three times their number, as it is asserted by prisoners taken that the enemy had 21,000 men, 10,000 of whom were in reserve. The day was excessively warm, and many of our men fell from sunstroke and exhaustion. There being no water in our reach, the men suffered exceedingly for want of it. The position occupied by this brigade was the most exposed, as will be seen from the loss, which is 13 commissioned officers and 146 enlisted men killed and wounded. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men who participated in this engagement. Each one seemed to think that success depended upon his own individual exertions and governed himself accordingly. To their extraordinary coolness and bravery is attributed the success of the engagement against such vastly superior numbers. It is proper here to state that the last charge of the brigade was conducted by Lieut. Col. Hervey Craven, of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteers. My horse having been killed in the first charge and fallen upon my left leg, I was compelled, after reforming the brigade and moving it forward, to transfer the command temporarily to him. Of acts of personal bravery I am unable to speak, as all did so well it is almost impossible to particularize. The killed and wounded of the brigade were with two exceptions carried from the field. We took several prisoners in each charge, but I am not able to give the exact number. To Lieut. Col. Hervey Craven and Maj. Samuel Henry, of the Eightyninth Indiana Volunteers; Capt. R. W. Healy, commanding Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteers; 94 Lieut. Col. Samuel E. Taylor and Maj. W. H. Watson, of the One hundred and nineteenth Illinois Volunteers; Lieut. George Sawin, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. William Wallis, acting assistant inspector-general, First Brigade, and to Capt. George R. Brown, Ninth Indiana Battery, I tender my thanks, and to all the officers and men under my command for their coolness and bravery in this engagement. My only cause of regret is that so many brave and good men fell at the hands of the enemy. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS J. KINNEY, Colonel 119th Illinois Infantry, Comdg. Brigade. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 14th of March, 1864, my command, consisting of the Fourteenth, Twenty-seventh, and Thirty-second Iowa and Twentyfourth Missouri Regiments, and Third Indiana Battery, was ordered to take the advance in line of march toward Fort De Russy, 28 miles distant. We started at 6 o'clock, with the enemy's forces close in front. They fell back as we advanced, attempting to burn bridges and retard our progress. We pressed them closely, and although several bridges were fired, little damage was done to affect our progress till we reached the Bayou De Glaize, where they had burned the bridge and made a stand on the opposite bank with a force of about 600 or 800 men. I immediately ordered forward the Third Indiana Battery, with a regiment of infantry, and opened fire on them, clearing the banks so as to enable me to cross my infantry unmolested in a scow which they had left uninjured, and also enable the pioneer corps to construct a bridge on which to cross the artillery and teams. I was here delayed about two hours. As soon as my artillery had crossed, I pushed rapidly forward till I arrived at the town of Marksville, 2 miles distant from the fort. Here, by order of Brigadier-General Smith, the Twenty-seventh Iowa was left to close up the rear of the army. With the rest of my command I pushed on rapidly toward the fort. At about 4 p.m. I came within range of the guns on the enemy's work. I ordered the Third Indiana Battery to take position on or near the main road leading to and within 800 yards of the fort and open fire immediately. I then deployed the Fourteenth Iowa on the right and the Twentyfourth Missouri on the left of the battery for its support. Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold, commanding Fourteenth Iowa, sent forward two companies of his regiment as skirmishers and took possession of a line of rifle-pits, about 300 yards from the main fort, which enabled me to greatly annoy the enemy's gunners. At this time the fire was exceedingly brisk from both artillery and musketry, which was replied to with equal energy and rapidity from the fort. Colonel Scott, commanding the Thirty-second Iowa, had now arrived with his regiment. I ordered him to the right of an open space on the Marksville road to watch the water battery and support the skirmishers of the Fourteenth Iowa, that by this time extended some distance to the right. This movement was promptly executed, and the position gained with but slight loss. A general assault was now determined on, and I was ordered to advance my brigade, when I heard heavy firing on the left. Colonel Gilbert, commanding Twenty-seventh Iowa, had now arrived, and as my skirmishers from the Fourteenth Iowa had exhausted their ammunition, I ordered him to advance with his regiment to the ground occupied by them. The heavy firing at this time commenced on the left, and the command forward was given to all the regiments except the Twenty-fourth Missouri, to which I had already dispatched my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Berg, with the order, but just before his arrival the regiment was ordered forward, and led in person by Brigadier- 95 General Mower, commanding division. The advance was, however, nearly simultaneous with the whole brigade, the different regiments arriving at nearly the same time at the works of the enemy. The Twenty-fourth Missouri, led by General Mower in person, has the honor of being the first of my brigade to plant their colors on the walls of the fort, and as far as my observation went the first that were raised on the works of the enemy. At 6 p.m. the enemy had surrendered. My command had in twelve hours marched 28 miles, been delayed two hours in building a bridge, fought two hours, stormed and assisted in capturing Fort De Russy--a good day's work. My special thanks are due to Captain Cockefair, Lieutenant Ginn, and the other officers and men of the Third Indiana Battery, for their promptness in bringing on the action and the steady bravery with which they maintained their fire for nearly two hours under the heavy fire of the enemy's batteries; also to Colonel Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa; Colonel Scott, Thirty-second Iowa; Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold, Fourteenth Iowa, and Major Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri, and all their officers and men, for the promptness and enthusiasm with which they executed all orders, and the good order with which they came into action, after so long and fatiguing a march. I am proud to say that not a single instance came under my observation of any officer or soldier attempting to shun danger or duty during the engagement, and my opportunity was good for observing each regiment as it came under fire. To my staff officers, Captain Granger, Twentyseventh Iowa; Lieutenant Buell, Fourteenth Iowa; Lieutenant Rapp, Thirty-third Missouri, and Lieutenant Berg, Third Indiana Battery, I am under great obligations for their valuable assistance rendered during the action; also for the prompt and efficient manner in which they fulfilled the duties of their positions. A list of casualties has already been forwarded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. T. SHAW, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First and Third Divs., 16th Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Grand Ecore, La., April 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at 10 a.m., April 9, 1864, I was ordered to report with my brigade, consisting of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, and Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, to Major-General Banks. By him I was ordered to proceed with my command to the front, and report to Brigadier-General Emory, which I did at about 10.30 a.m. Brigadier-General Emory ordered me to relieve Brigadier-General McMillan, who was posted on the left of the Mansfield road and at right angles to it, in a dense thicket, with an old field in front dotted over with small pines. About 100 yards to his front and on his right were four guns of the Twenty-fifth New York Battery. Brigadier-General Dwight's command was posted on McMillan's right, and diagonally to his rear. On the right of the New York battery was a ridge, which completely commanded McMillan's whole line and the town, and which also covered the approach of the enemy. I therefore deemed it proper to occupy this ridge with the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, and relieve General McMillan with the balance of my brigade. This was accordingly done and General McMillan retired. This left a gap on my left and also threw my right beyond General Dwight's support, but with this disadvantage I considered the position better than the one occupied by the troops I had relieved. At this time General Smith came up, to whom I pointed out the position of my forces, which was approved, except that he ordered me to move my main line farther to the right, which brought three companies of the Fourteenth Iowa in and on the 96 right of the Mansfield road; this, consequently, left a greater gap on my left. General Emory was aware of the changes by my brigade, but I cannot learn that he gave any orders for a corresponding change of Dwight's brigade. General Emory at this time left the front, and I saw no more of him till after dark that night, these dispositions having brought Dwight's brigade in the rear of my second regiment, and nearly perpendicular to my line of battle. At this time my skirmishers were heavily engaged, and an attack appeared imminent. I deemed it prudent to consult with General Dwight, as General Emory had left that part of the field, and I could neither find him or any of his staff. I accordingly went along the line of his brigade to the place where he had his brigade flag, but could neither find him nor any of his staff, when I was informed by some officers that they had seen an officer near a house in the rear, trying to get a tent pitched, whom they understood to be General Dwight. I accordingly rode to the place, and after much difficulty, I aroused an officer who was pointed out as his assistant adjutant-general. From him I learned that General Dwight was away, but said he would send me word as soon as he returned. After waiting some time, I again went to his headquarters, but was unable to learn where he could be found. The enemy's skirmishers had now (3 p.m.) passed my right, and my skirmishers were pressed so closely that it had become necessary to support them with another company. I again went in search of General Dwight, and this time found him after a great deal of difficulty. He appeared to understand my position, and promised to send the necessary support; this he not only failed to do, but withdrew farther to the rear. At about 4 p.m. General Stone rode to the front. I rode with him along my line, showing him the change that had been made from Emory's original line and the necessity of a corresponding change in Dwight's line. After examining this part of the field his remark was, "Your position is well chosen; it is admirable; it could not be better. I will see that your flanks are properly supported, for this position must be held at all hazards," and immediately passed to my rear, as supposed, to give the necessary orders, but no orders came. A few moments before 5 o'clock the enemy opened heavily on me with artillery, which was replied to feebly, for a few moments, by the Twentyfifth New York Battery, when they limbered up and disgracefully left the field, leaving one caisson and one gun in the road, which were drawn off by Lieutenant Buell, of my staff. At the same time General Dwight fell entirely out of my sight to the rear. While my battery was leaving a dash was made by the enemy's cavalry to capture it, but they were so well received by the Fourteenth Iowa and Twenty-fourth Missouri that not a single man escaped, their leader, Colonel Bagley [Buchel], falling dead in the ranks of the Fourteenth Iowa. This attack was followed by their infantry, which advanced in two lines, extending beyond both my right and left. They advanced steadily and in good order across the open field in my front, until they got within easy range; then my whole line opened upon them, stopping their advance but not preventing them from replying vigorously to my fire, causing heavy loss. My men held their ground, keeping up a steady and well-directed fire, which soon compelled their first line to fall back in disorder. In the mean time fighting had commenced on my left, and our line to my left had fallen back, so as to enable the enemy to pass in rear of my left. They had also passed around my right and were firing on my flank, when their second line advanced, and I was again engaged along my whole front. At this time I received an order from General Smith to fall back, as the enemy was getting in my rear. My staff officers having all been dispatched to different officers for support, and being myself on the right of my brigade, I had to ride to the left in rear of my brigade to give the order to withdraw. The brush and timber was so thick I could scarcely see 10 paces as I passed down the line. I sent the order to Colonel Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa, to fall back as soon as the regiment on his right should commence retreating. I then pushed on to give the necessary orders to Colonel Scott, Thirty-second Iowa, when I met the enemy's forces entirely in his rear, 97 preventing me from communicating with him. I was therefore compelled to leave him to act without orders. Hurrying back to the right, I found the Twenty-fourth Missouri had been compelled to change its front to receive the attack from the right; also that the enemy was pressing my front with overwhelming numbers, the ammunition of the Fourteenth Iowa and Twenty-fourth Missouri nearly exhausted, Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold, commanding Fourteenth Iowa, shot dead, his adjutant mortally wounded. I therefore considered it necessary to give the orders to fall back to the three regiments with which I could communicate, leaving Colonel Scott, Thirty-second Iowa, to extricate himself as best he could. Owing to the heavy firing and great loss of officers in the Fourteenth Iowa and Twenty-fourth Missouri, I was compelled to give the orders to the men in person to fall back, which, together with the thick brush, caused a temporary confusion in their ranks, but they rapidly reformed and were ready again to meet the enemy, but night had set in and the fighting ceased. My men fought well, holding their ground till ordered to retire, and although my loss was three times that of any other brigade on the field, they were still in such condition that the commanding general saw fit to give them the responsible post of covering the retreat of the army, which commenced at 1 o'clock the next morning, and was accomplished in safety. I have to report the loss of many valuable officers and men. Among them I will mention Lieutenant-Colonel Mix, Thirty-second Iowa, in whom the State has lost a valuable citizen and the army a good soldier; and Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold, commanding Fourteenth Iowa, a Christian gentleman, and a brave, industrious, and conscientious officer, whose loss to his regiment is irreparable. I cannot speak too highly of my regimental commanders. Of Col. John Scott, Thirty-second Iowa, it is sufficient praise to say that he is worthy to command the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry- -a regiment which, after having been entirely surrounded and cut off from the rest of the command, with nearly one-half of its number either killed or wounded, among them many of their best and most prominent officers, successfully forced its way through the enemy's lines, and was in line ready and anxious to meet the enemy in less than thirty minutes. Of Colonel Gilbert, Twenty-seventh Iowa, and his regiment I can say that they did their whole duty. Although they had never been under fire before, they gave their fire with coolness and precision of veterans, and fully sustained the reputation of Iowa soldiers. Colonel Gilbert, although wounded early in the action, remained in command of his men until the fighting ceased. Of Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold, commanding Fourteenth Iowa, and his regiment, upon whose banners were inscribed Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, and Corinth, they fully maintained the credit of a name already glorious in the annals of their country. To Major Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri, with his command and a detachment of Twenty-first Missouri (those heroes who had learned to fight under old Dave Moore), I cannot give too great praise for the successful manner in which they defended so long the important position that was assigned them--a position the most important in our whole line, and which, had it been defended less obstinately, might have endangered our whole army. The long list of killed and wounded, amounting to nearly 500, shows the desperate valor with which my men fought. My men were the first In the fight, the longest in the fight, and in the hardest of the fight, and were the last to leave the battle-field, and were ready and willing to remain and reap the fruits of a victory which they had so dearly purchased; but they were soldiers and must obey the orders of their superiors. To Captain Granger, Lieutenant Berg, and Lieutenant Buell, of staff, I return my warmest thanks for their able assistance during the action. My warmest gratitude is due to my orderly, Frederick Nolan, Company K, Fourteenth Iowa, for his constant presence whenever needed during the hottest of the action, and in the most exposed position. 98 In closing this report I have to state that, although under General Emory's orders, and the farthest advanced of any troops in the field, and skirmishing with the enemy for six hours before the attack commenced, I neither saw General Emory or any of his staff until after the fighting had ceased, nor was I able to find him, although I dispatched several messengers to him to report the situation of affairs. Inclosed herewith please find plan of that part of the battlefield occupied by my brigade. WM. T. SHAW, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Vicksburg, Miss., May 26, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by my brigade in the action of Bayou De Glaize, May 18, 1864. My brigade was placed in reserve at the commencement of the action. I was ordered to send forward a regiment to support a battery on the right. I sent forward Major Fyan, Twenty-fourth Missouri I next sent to the left my two Napoleon guns, under Lieutenant Burns, Third Indiana Battery, my two James rifles having already been engaged under Lieutenant Ginn. I was next ordered to send another regiment up to support the batteries on the left. I sent forward the Fourteenth Iowa, commanded by Capt. L. A. Crane. This left but two regiments in reserve, viz, Thirty-second Iowa, Major Eberhart commanding, and Twenty-seventh Iowa, Colonel Gilbert commanding. I soon perceived that the enemy was pressing closely our left, and without waiting orders I ordered the two regiments in reserve to move slowly to the left while I rode to the front to see how the battle went. I soon saw that the cavalry on the left had given way, and that the enemy was turning our left flank. I immediately ordered the reserve into line at double-quick, fronting to the left, when the enemy made their appearance through the timber in their front, but a well-directed fire from the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-second Iowa, the Ninth Indiana Battery, and the two 12-pounder Napoleons of the Third Indiana Battery, also the Fourteenth Iowa, which had changed its front, soon sent them back with heavy loss. The enemy, having been heavily reenforced, again advanced, when I was ordered to move forward and meet him. I moved forward, meeting him in the edge of the timber, driving him out of the timber, across an open field, under the protection of their artillery, inflicting upon him heavy loss. I then halted and withdrew with the balance of the line out of range of canister, and remained till dark, when we fell back to the ground occupied the night before. My list of casualties I have already forwarded. My loss, though heavy, is comparatively light when it is considered that I was twice engaged at short range with nearly four times my number of infantry, and that I was for two hours under a heavy fire of artillery. WM. T. SHAW, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. B. SAMPLE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st and 3d Divs., 16th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY, On the Steamer Ewing, March 15, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with instructions from your headquarters I hasten to send you a list of the killed and wounded, and also a report of the part taken by the Fourteenth Iowa in the capture of Fort De Russy, March 14, 1864. On nearing the enemy, posted within his 99 fortifications, two companies of my command, D and I, under Capt. W. C. Jones, Company I, were ordered to deploy as skirmishers to the right of the road, where the enemy's fortifications were supposed to be situated. Much of the ground passed over was wet and swampy, yet the advance was in good order and without a halt, until they reached the outer works of the enemy, within 350 yards of the main fort. The enemy seeing this opened fire on them from the fort, which was returned with telling effect. This was the opening of the battle. I sent out another company, under Lieutenant King, Company K, which took position in the swamp on the left of the other skirmishers, and did good execution. These three companies, aided by one company of the Thirty-second Iowa, which had been ordered to report to Captain Jones, kept up such a destructive fire that it became impossible for the enemy to use his guns, consequently the artillery firing in that direction entirely ceased. I advanced the regiment, which had been posted a short distance in rear of the skirmishers, as you directed, when the firing became brisk on the extreme left of the line. The nature of the ground for a short distance was such as to break the line very much, but as soon as the open field was reached and the command forward was given by the officers, the regiment, joined by the skirmishers, dashed through the field into the ditch and clambered over the parapet into the fort with a shout that drowned the rattle of the enemy's musketry. Officers and men acted nobly. None were killed. Below is a list of the wounded, which I am happy to know is very small. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH H. NEWBOLD, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fourteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW, Commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Grand Ecore, La., April 12, 1864. COLONEL: In compliance with instructions from your headquarters I herewith submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers in the battle of Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864: The regiment moved out to the front with the brigade to which it was attached at a few minutes of 11 a.m., taking position upon a line parallel with an open field, the right resting upon a road immediately in rear of the Twenty-fifth New York Battery. Company I, under command of Second Lieut. G. H. Logan; Company K, under command of Capt. William J. Campbell, were deployed as skirmishers across the center of the field, their left resting upon the skirmish line of the Twenty-seventh Iowa. Skirmishing occurred at intervals until 4.30 p.m., when the enemy advanced, by a terrible cavalry charge, our skirmishers rallying in their appropriate places. The Twenty-fifth New York Battery fell back in rear of us. We reserved our fire until the enemy were in easy pistol range, when we opened fire upon them, which almost annihilated them, horses and riders rolling almost within our lines. This charge was followed by an advance of infantry in two lines, when the conflict became general. The enemy was repulsed in front with a heavy slaughter. The second line advanced upon our front and a line at right angles upon right flank, opening a terrible cross-fire. Our right was changed in the new direction to meet the new line. In this deadly cross-fire our lamented lieutenant-colonel, J. H. Newbold, fell from his horse mortally wounded, the ball passing through his body from the right breast, disabling his left arm. Here also fell Lieutenant Logan, Lieutenant McMillen, Lieutenant Shanklin, and Lieutenant Hazlett, officers beloved by all, nobly laying their bodies a bloody sacrifice upon their country's altar. The long list of casualties below clearly indicates the irreproachable bravery and indomitable will of the regiment. 100 Upon the fall of Lieutenant-Colonel Newbold I assumed command of the regiment, and I tender my most hearty thanks to the officers, commissioned, non-commissioned, and privates, for the gallant manner in which they sustained their reputation, gained upon the bloody fields of Donelson. Shiloh, Corinth, De Russy, and Pleasant Hill. I withdrew the regiment with the rest of the brigade, by your order, at 6 p.m. WARREN C. JONES, Captain, Comdg. Fourteenth Regiment Iowa Infy. Vols. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW, Commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, In the Field, May 22, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Bayou De, Glaize, La., on the 18th day of May, 1864: After forming my command in line of battle under your direction, and being marched nearly to a belt of timber known as Old Oaks, I marched the regiment by the left flank, as you directed, into the timber to support the Ninth Indiana Battery. The enemy being repulsed I reformed on the main line on the right of a section of the Third Indiana Battery, and again advanced, under a heavy fire from the front and left, and drove the enemy out of the timber and across an open field, a distance of nearly a mile, when I was ordered to halt my command. No further advance was made during the day. The conduct of both officers and men during the engagement, with very few exceptions, was good. The following is a list of killed and wounded, as shown by reports of company commanders. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. A. CRANE, Captain, Comdg. Fourteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry. Col. W. T. Shaw, Comdg. Second Brig., Third Div., 16th Army Corps. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY., On Board Steamer Diadem, Alexandria, La., March 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders from headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to report that while on the march near the town of Marksville, La., on the 14th day of March, 1864, the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry was ordered to halt in the town as provost guards until the army had passed through, after which we were to resume our march. When the column had moved by I assembled the guards and moved rapidly forward, keeping well closed up on the train just in my advance. When cannonading commenced the remainder of the brigade to which my regiment was attached were in the advance, having moved forward while we were on duty as provost guards in the town of Marksville. I immediately sent forward Lieutenant Peck, acting adjutant, to Colonel Shaw, commanding brigade, requesting him that I might be permitted to take my place in the brigade. Lieutenant Peck returned and reported to me that he had failed to find Colonel Shaw. I sent him a second time. The request was granted, and we were directed to move forward. We were ordered to relieve the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, and moved up to do so, but at that moment a simultaneous charge was ordered. It was a long way to the fort (De Russy). The ground over which we must charge was well cleared of trees. Many logs lay on the ground, and several ditches were to be crossed. At the command, "Forward, double-quick, march!" the entire 101 regiment sprang forward with a will, moving too rapidly at times for a long charge, but- all the time under apparent good control. We sprang into the ditch on the east and south sides of the fort, and mounted the parapet in all haste. When the fort was surrendered a part of my regiment, with- others of other regiments, joined in a fire of musketry, and with them united in a wild, ringing, vociferous yell of joy. It was the first time we had ever charged upon an enemy's works, and it has not been reported to me that any officer or soldier failed to do his duty and to do it well. Our list of casualties is as follows: Robert Beck, private, Company G, dangerously wounded in the left breast by accidental discharge of gun. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. I. GILBERT, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. C. T. GRANGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY., Grand Ecore, La., April 11, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties in the Twenty-seventh Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers at the battle of Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864, together with remarks: About 10 a.m. we were ordered into line. Moved 1 miles on the road to Shreveport and took position on the left center of the brigade, in the advance line, relieving the Fifteenth Maine Volunteer Infantry. Our line was established in the edge of a thick wood. Our men were ordered to lie down. An open field lay to our front. Company B was immediately thrown out as skirmishers. Firing was quite brisk among the skirmishers until 3.30 p.m., the enemy's skirmishers appearing at times and falling back. At 3.30 p.m. the enemy advanced in force. Our skirmishers fought well until overpowered and driven in. Immediately they resumed their place in the regiment, when the enemy steadily approached in strong columns. At this point a bold cavalry charge was made by the enemy along the Shreveport road. Our men remained quiet until they had approached to within short range, when a full volley was fired into the rebel ranks. The effect was telling. Riders reeled and fell senseless. Horses were struck as dead as if a bolt of heaven had riven the very air. The scene was an appalling one. Scarcely a man who made that charge but met death on the spot. The enemy had moved up on the left of the advance line in strong force. The line had already broken away to the left, and news came from my left that the enemy was flanking us. Already they were firing in our rear. Several shots had taken effect in the ranks of Companies B and G. The enemy advanced in our front in solid columns. We met them with a determined fire. Volley after volley was fired into their ranks. For two hours the rattle of musketry was incessant and deafening. Several shot and a number of shell struck immediately by us, bursting and wounding a number of men. About 5.30 p.m. the order was given to retire, but was not received by me until other regiments had retired, leaving both flanks of my regiment greatly exposed. We fell back in good order and in line until the enemy was discovered to be flanking us, when the line was broken, and we escaped through a narrow passage, the enemy pouring a sharp fire upon both flanks, and closing in rapidly on our rear. At this point a large part of those reported in the following list were killed or wounded. We immediately formed line in the rear of supporting column and awaited orders. I am well pleased with the conduct of the men on that occasion. I would like to mention the names of some of the officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves, but all conducted themselves so bravely and so well that I refrain from mentioning any save Capt. J. M. Holbrook, Company F, who, after having received a severe wound, led his company with distinguished 102 gallantry until a second severe wound was received, and the regiment had reformed in the rear of the supporting column. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, JAS. I. GILBERT, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. C. T. GRANGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY., Steamer Diadem, May 26, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Old Oaks, La., on the 18th May, 1864: At about 11 a.m. the brigade to which my regiment was attached, commanded by Col. William T. Shaw, was ordered to move out by the right flank on the Marksville road, which lies parallel with Bayou De Glaize. The brigade moved about 1 mile up Bayou De Glaize, when they were ordered to form line of battle at right angles with the bayou. My post formed the right center of the brigade. We were ordered to advance in line, and moved forward about half a mile, when we were ordered to lie down. We were now about 500 yards in the rear of the advance line of battle. We staid in this position for the space of two hours, subjected meanwhile to the artillery fire of the enemy, which was very heavy. At 3 p.m. we were ordered to move by the left flank at a double-quick about 500 yards, when we formed a line perpendicularly to the rear of our former line, and at this point we were subjected to a very heavy fire from the small-arms of the enemy, but in about fifteen minutes succeeded in repulsing him. We then changed front again by moving by the right flank and filing right, and remained in this position nearly a half hour, when we were ordered to advance. We moved forward about 1,000 yards through a heavy piece of timber, driving the enemy before us, but as we came out on the open ground the enemy opened on us with grape and canister, forcing us to retire. We fell back to our former position in good order, considering the roughness of the ground and the thickness of the underbrush. We staid in this position about one-half hour, when we were ordered to fall back by the flank nearly a half mile, where we lay until sunset. We were then ordered back to the position occupied by the regiment the night before, where we lay all night. The loss of the regiment was 3 killed and 14 wounded. Officers and men of my command behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery. Where all did so well it is useless to particularize. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. I. GILBERT, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. W. G. DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutants-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND IOWA INFANTRY, Steamer Southwester, near Fort De Russy, La., Mar. 15, 1864. CAPTAIN: In relation to the part sustained by my command in the capture of Fort De Russy, on yesterday, I have the honor to report that when the attack commenced my regiment, preceded by the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, Third Indiana Battery, and Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, was approaching on the Marksville road, moving by the right flank and about 2 miles distant. I advanced in this manner as rapidly as was consistent with efficiency until within supporting distance of the battery, and formed line of battle, my left resting on the road. I was here met by Brigadier-General Mower, and ordered into position on the extreme right. To obtain a position 103 partially covered from the fort by uneven ground intervening, also some unfinished and unoccupied works, but exposed to the fire of the water battery, it was necessary to cross an open field. This was done under a heavy fire of shell and musketry, which fortunately was too high to be very destructive. One shell exploded in the ranks, killing 1 man and for a moment disabling others by the shock. Presently I ordered forward 12 men to act as sharpshooters, and soon after advanced three companies from my right for the same purpose. While in this position I was ordered, on hearing heavy firing on my left, to advance the command, open fire, and take such cover as I could find within short range of the works, but not to storm them. In obeying this order I soon discovered that the works were to be entered at once. Officers and men dashed forward with shouts into the ditch, over the parapet, and into the fort. In this advance 2 men were wounded, I very dangerously, 1 severely. While all behaved well, many acted with conspicuous gallantry. Their highest compliment is in the words of the prisoners: "The men on the right took the fort." With devout thankfulness that the list is so short I append statement of casualties. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient, JOHN SCOTT, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. C. T. GRANGER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Grand Ecore, La., April 12, 1864. SIR: In relation to the engagement at Pleasant Hill, La., on the 9th instant, and the matters intimately connected therewith, I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 7th instant, moving from Grand Ecore, according to the order of the march for that day my regiment was in the rear of the brigade. Everything progressed satisfactorily until about 2 p.m., when we encountered the headquarters train of Major-General Banks, entirely blocking the way and hindering our progress. The wagons were overloaded, and were said to contain articles ranging in weight from paper collars to iron bedsteads. In this manner two brigades, including artillery and trains, were delayed more than four hours in the midst of heavy rain-storms. Finally the troops passed by in an effort to reach the assigned camping-ground before dark, but failed, and camped 2 miles short of the proper position, subsistence and camp equipage not coming up until the night was far advanced. On the 8th, we moved forward 20 miles, and camped near Pleasant Hill at sunset. For several hours had heard heavy artillery some miles in advance. During the night our camp was overrun with stragglers from the front, who circulated the wildest stories of disaster and loss of men, artillery, and trains. On the morning of the 9th, these were repeated and exaggerated. The road was seen to be filled with teams crowding to the rear. Evidences of past defeat and prospective retreat were everywhere visible. These were the moral surroundings as my command was moved to the extreme front, and took position in line of battle at 10 a.m., relieving a portion of the Nineteenth Corps. My position in line, being on the extreme left of the brigade, was supported on the right by the other regiments of the brigade, and more immediately by the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. My left, for some reason still unknown to me, was without support, though threatened, and might be considered a key to the whole position. I rested in the edge of a woods in the rear of an old field, which extended for a mile to my front, and across which my skirmishers occasionally exchanged shots with the enemy's pickets throughout the day, but without casualty to my command. Our line was at right angles to the Mansfield road, and about 1 mile from the 104 village of Pleasant Hill. About 4 p.m. the activity of the enemy's skirmishers increased, and in a short time he advanced across the open space in our front in heavy force, moving in column by battalion, deploying as he advanced. My skirmishers were recalled, and my left company, which had been thrown forward and to the left to cover my exposed flank, was forced back with some loss, and took its proper position in the line. The fire of my command was reserved until the enemy was within easy range, and when opened was so destructive that he faltered, passed to my left and through the open space to my rear, losing heavily by the fire of my left wing as he passed, but threatening to cut off my command from our main forces. I at once sent information to my superior and to the commander of the troops on my immediate right of this peril to the whole line, but without orders to abandon my position, though very critical, I could do nothing but change the front of my extreme left to face the new danger, and protect my flank and rear, if possible. This was done, and a well-directed fire kept up to the front and left, which kept the enemy at bay. Mean time he was steadily pouring his columns past- my left, and working across the rear of my position, so that in a short time the battle was in full force far in my rear. In this state of affairs I discovered that all the troops on my right had been withdrawn, taking with them a portion of my right wing. Lieutenant-Colonel Mix, in charge of the right wing, and Captain Miller, commanding Company B, on my extreme right, fell fatally wounded. My attention had been chiefly directed to the front and left, as the exposed directions, and I only came to a knowledge of the retrograde of the right when the first three companies were already gone. The timber and undergrowth were such that I could not observe my whole line from any one point. The movement was promptly checked, but the ground thus left vacant was promptly occupied by the enemy, and a destructive fire opened upon us from a new direction, rendering it necessary that it should be met by a new line, which was done. My lines now faced in three directions. I was completely enveloped, without orders, and virtually in the hands of the enemy, had he dared to close in and overwhelm us with his masses now around us. This was my position until after sunset, by which time the enemy had left my front, passing now by my right to the rear, where the fight was still raging, and observing by the fire and the cheers of our men that he had been forced back on the left, and that our forces in that direction could not be distant, I moved by the left flank about 200 yards to the left and rear, where I met and joined our most advanced troops. My brave men were nearly out of ammunition, which for the past hour had been well husbanded. They were exhausted, but not dismayed, and felt that the battle-field was ours. I inclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing, a total of 210, which I desire may be considered a part of this report. Owing to all parties from my command being unable to pass the picket-lines during the night to visit the wounded still upon the field, and then compelled to abandon them very unexpectedly in the morning, there is a degree of uncertainty in relation to the casualties that is extremely embarrassing and painful. I fear the number of fatal casualties will exceed the number stated, and that of those marked "missing" many are killed or wounded. From an early period of the action our position was such that disabled men seeking the hospital would necessarily fall into the hands of the enemy in our rear. Lieut. Col. Edward H. Mix fell at his post, cheering and encouraging the command by his example. The same was the glorious fate of Capt. Amos B. Miller. In them, as also in Capt. Hubert F. Peebles, Capt. Michael Ackerman, First Lieut. John Devine, all dangerously wounded, and First Lieut. Thomas O. Howard, fatally wounded, I mourn the loss of good men as well as gallant soldiers. The record of others is found in casualty list, and in the body of this report. To Captain Jonathan Hutchison my especial thanks are due, not only for his gallant conduct, but also for repressing reckless exposure among the men of the 105 command, and thus saving valuable lives. His son, a youth of much promise, was killed by his side early in the action. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOHN SCOTT, Colonel Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, Comdg. Regt. Col. WILLIAM T. SHAW, Commanding Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRTY-SECOND IOWA INFANTRY, Steamer Southwester, May 23, 1864. SIR: In relation to the part taken by my command in the action on Bayou De Glaize, on the 18th instant, I have the honor to report that at 10 a.m. my regiment was ordered forward with the brigade to engage the enemy. In the brigade we occupied the position of Third Battalion; on the right, Twenty-seventh Iowa and Twenty-fourth Missouri, on the left, Fourteenth Iowa. During the first part of the action, being in the second line, we were under a heavy fire from artillery. Some guns from Third and Ninth Indiana Batteries being thrown forward on the left, the Fourteenth Iowa was detached as support. A few minutes after, the cavalry on the left, being pressed very heavily, gave way, permitting the enemy to bring a heavy force against the left. At this time I received orders to move by the left flank into the woods; but the enemy having advanced so rapidly as the batteries came out, Brigadier-General Mower in person gave me orders to change front by filing the battalion to the left, which was done in time to meet the attack. Being at the left of the battalion I found the right to have been detached from the Twentyseventh Iowa and moved back to a ditch, forming an oblique line toward the enemy. This, I have since understood, was done by orders given by an officer belonging to Brigadier-General Mower's staff, but without my knowledge. The enemy was repulsed after a brisk action of ten or fifteen minutes. We were afterward thrown forward into the woods, but were not again under fire. Owing to the intense heat and necessary rapidity of our movements, many of the men were entirely exhausted and had to be carried from the field. Officers and men conducted themselves in a creditable manner during the engagement. I send herewith a list of casualties. G. A. EBERHART, Major, Commanding Thirty-second Iowa Infantry. Lieut. W. G. DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Pass Cavallo, Tex., March 24, 1864. COLONEL: Major Thomson, commanding Twentieth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, stationed at Aransas Pass, reports, 22d instant, that a wood party from his command, in boats, having put in at Corpus Christi during a severe norther, was attacked there by a band of partisan rangers under Major Nolan. The rebels were repulsed with the loss of 1 killed and 3 wounded. No loss on our side. Your obedient servant, JNO. A. McCLERNAND, Major-General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the Gulf. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, &c., 106 Camden, Ark., April 22, 1864. GENERAL: We arrived here on the 15th instant, having been delayed about ten days by bad roads and the failure of the command from Fort Smith to join us according to agreement. We have been bushwhacked, attacked in front and rear and flank, and have driven Price out of two defensive works, each about 1 3/4 miles in extent. The rebels gained no success until since we arrived here they captured a forage train. There seems to be no doubt that Banks has fallen back to Alexandria. If he gives up the expedition Smith will send a large force against me, and endeavor to recapture this place, which virtually gives us command of the Ouachita. Price is in front of us at present. He commanded in person at Prairie D'Ane. Kirby Smith has promised to send him re-enforcements, and it is reported that they will soon be here. Several of my regiments have enlisted as veterans, and must be furloughed or go out of service on account of breach of contract. To prevent this I have just ordered the veterans of the First Iowa Cavalry home. Two of my veteran regiments have been seized and ordered elsewhere. I hope that due consideration will be given to this department. It appears to me bad policy to give the rebels an opportunity of reestablishing themselves firmly in their Trans-Mississippi Department after they have been nearly beaten out of it. I cannot understand why Banks fell back, if he started from Alexandria prepared to go to Shreveport. If one of my emissaries had not returned I should have known nothing of his movements except from report. Although I believe we can beat Price, I do not expect to meet successfully the whole force which Kirby Smith could send against me, if Banks should let him go. This is a strong place. The rebels have fortified it for us, but until we can get the assistance of the gun-boats on the Ouachita the Arkansas must be our base of supplies. The rebels have a large cavalry force, and it is not safe to send a train without a large escort. One was captured the other day escorted by 1,300 men, two James guns, and two mountain howitzers. It is useless to talk of obtaining supplies in this country for my command. The country is well-nigh exhausted, and the people are threatened with starvation. A bearer of dispatches from General Banks has just arrived. I suppose dispatches of a similar import have been sent you. It is reported that 8,000 infantry joined Price yesterday from Shreveport. Price was undoubtedly re-enforced, to what extent I do not know. They are just opening with artillery upon my outposts. I will write you soon. Very truly yours, F. STEELE, Major-General. P. S.--Banks was at Grand Ecore when the bearer of dispatches left him, having fallen back 30 miles from Pleasant Hill, where the battle was fought. F. S. LITTLE ROCK, May 4, 1864. P. S.--This letter was sent by a bearer of dispatches who did not get through. Another dispatch was sent to you, and one addressed to General Halleck, which failed also. Very respectfully, F. STEELE, Major-General. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS, Little Rock, May 4, 1864. 107 GENERAL: On my arrival at this place night before last I learned that my dispatches from Camden up to the 18th ultimo had been forwarded to you, and also dispatches from Colonel Clayton and General Andrews giving imperfect accounts of subsequent events. I shall defer my detailed report of the campaign until reports and returns of casualties can be obtained from subordinate commanders, giving in this only a synopsis of the operations since the 18th ultimo. The command had been on short rations during the whole campaign, except when occasionally supplies could be obtained in the country. On the 20th ultimo we received a supply from Pine Bluff, with ten days' half rations for the command. Some meat was obtained on the east side of the Ouachita, and one small grist-mill and ten hand-mills were constantly kept at work grinding corn, for which the country for a great distance from Camden on both sides of the river was scoured. Four thousand or 5,000 bushels were captured on the steamer Homer. The rebels destroyed all the good mills and all the corn in the neighborhood of Camden. On the 22d ultimo the supply train was sent back under escort of a brigade of infantry (about 1,600 men), 400 cavalry, and four pieces of artillery. Captain Dunham, bearer of dispatches from General Banks, arrived, confirming the report which I had previously received that Banks had fallen back behind intrenchments at Grand Ecore. I also received information that Price had been re-enforced by 8,000 infantry from Shreveport. In the evening of this day he opened with artillery upon my outposts. Captain Dunham returned with dispatches to General Banks, informing him of my inability to advance on account of a want of supplies and the superior rebel force in front of me. He had sent me a request to move forward at once and join him on Red River. On the night of the 25th, we learned that the train, the artillery, and most of the infantry of the escort had been captured by a force under Fagan, said to be 5,000 or 6,000 strong. This force must have crossed the Ouachita 50 or 60 miles below Camden, as my cavalry scouting parties and spies reported the country all clear between the Moro and Washita, and that no crossing of the river by rebels could be heard of. The rebels came up between the Moro and Saline and attacked the train about 8 miles from the crossing on the latter in the Moro Swamp. Our troops fought gallantly, but were overwhelmed by a dash of the rebels. Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, their gallant commander, was severely wounded and taken prisoner. About 500 veterans of the First Iowa Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell, going on furlough, were a few miles in rear of the train when it was attacked. On hearing the firing they pressed forward, but were met by a superior force and fighting fell back. I sent all of my available cavalry to their support. They returned to Camden, having lost 1 lieutenant captured and a few men wounded. They captured a rebel captain and killed a colonel, who led the attack upon them. We received information through prisoners, deserters, and spies that Kirby Smith had come up with re-enforcements from Shreveport, and was present at the cannonading on our outposts on the 22d. If we had been supplied at Camden I could have held the place against Kirby Smith's entire force, but on learning that my communications were effectually interrupted, and that the line of the Arkansas was threatened by so large a force of the enemy, I decided to fall back at once. The ammunition and baggage trains were put across the river on the pontoon bridge, and at-nightfall on the 26th the troops commenced to cross, the pickets being kept in position until everything was over, when they were quietly withdrawn and the pontoon bridge taken up without any suspicion on the part of the enemy that the movement had commenced. To avoid the bad roads through the Moro Swamp on the Mount Elba road, the march was directed toward Jenkins' Ferry, via Princeton. Fagan, with a considerable force, crossed our road a few hours in advance of us, moving toward Benton, where it was said he was going to cross the Saline for the purpose of threatening Little Rock. Our advance reached the Saline at Jenkins' Ferry at 2 p.m. 29th. It rained very heavily. The pontoon was laid, and the cavalry commenced crossing immediately. The stream was high and 108 was continually rising from the rain which continued to fall. From the same cause the bottom, being cut up by our artillery and baggage trains, was becoming almost impassable and required corduroying. Before the rear of the column got into the bottom it was attacked -by infantry and artillery. No damage was done us; the rebels were kept off by our skirmishers. The infantry bivouacked in the bottom, while the trains and artillery were being crossed all night. At daylight on the morning of the 30th, the enemy commenced skirmishing with our pickets. I suppose it was Fagan's command, which had returned on our rear. The firing did not become very heavy for several hours. I directed General Carr, with nearly all the effective cavalry force, to move as rapidly as possible by the shortest route to Little Rock to intercept any rebel force that might be moving in that direction. The Saline bottom is 2 miles wide on each side of the river along the Jenkins' Ferry road. The rain continued and many of the wagons became irretrievably stuck in the mud on the east side of the river. Some of the animals, from exhaustion and want of forage, were unable to make their way through the miry places without the harness, consequently a good deal of baggage and some of the wagons had to be destroyed and teams doubled on the ammunition train. The trains and artillery were parked on the high grounds, 2 miles from the bridge, as they arrived. They were guarded at first only by about 1,500 dismounted and ineffective cavalry. As we did not know where the enemy might strike us, it was thought prudent to order forward two regiments of infantry to their support. While the crossing was going on General Salomon was left with his division, consisting of the brigades of General Rice and Colonel Engelmann, supported by General Thayer's division of the Army of the Frontier, except two regiments that had been sent to the front to cover our rear and prevent the enemy from interrupting the crossing. The fire of the enemy became heavy, and Salomon formed his line of battle in a good position for defense, the right resting perpendicularly on an impassable bayou, and the left, which was protected by a wooded swamp against anything except, perhaps, skirmishers, was thrown back. The reserve was so posted that any part of the line which might be pressed could be promptly re-enforced. About 9 a.m. the enemy made a desperate assault in heavy force upon our line, but were handsomely repulsed, our troops having the advantage in cover as well as position. General Salomon asked for more troops, and expressed some doubts of being able to hold his position without them. I ordered up two regiments of infantry that had been sent to the front, and instructed him to hold his position at all hazards. This effort was renewed with redoubled energy, but they were again repulsed and driven back with great slaughter. At 10.30 a.m. another assault was made along the whole line and the rebels repulsed and driven off the field, our troops charging them as they fell back. The Second Kansas (colored) took 2 guns and the Twenty-ninth Iowa 1, under the immediate direction of General Rice. A number of prisoners were captured, officers and privates, all of whom concurred in saying that Kirby Smith and Price were both present, and that they had nine brigades of infantry. Smith did not know that we had evacuated Camden until noon next day, when he immediately gave orders for the pursuit. His troops were crossed on a raft constructed of logs with planks nailed across them, at the very spot where our pontoon bridge lay. The artillery was crossed in a flat-boat. They marched without baggage, with five days' rations in haversacks, and expected to capture our entire command. They did not capture a man except those whom I thought it necessary should be left on the battle-field. This necessity I regretted, but thought it of more vital importance to secure the safe passage of my command across the Saline than to attempt to bring off wounded men for whom I did not have proper transportation. More were brought off than we could have carried away had they been as severely wounded as those who were left behind. Some of our troops pursued the retreating rebels a mile, and even over the whole field. They say the enemy's loss was five to one compared with ours. I cannot now give a correct estimate of the 109 loss on either side, but will endeavor to do so in my detailed report. The number of our troops engaged did not exceed 4,000. I have no means of estimating that of the enemy, but it was at least three times this number, with artillery. All our artillery had been sent across the river early in the day except one section, and even that was withdrawn to get it out of the mud. At the time the enemy was routed, all of our trains and artillery had just completed the passage of the river. The enemy having disappeared from the field our troops were withdrawn and passed over the bridge without interruption from the enemy. The bridge was kept two hours to pass over our wounded men and stragglers. It was nearly worn out (India-rubber floats), having been in use over two years; some parts of it were 2 feet under water and I ordered it to be destroyed. We had no transportation for it, the mules were exhausted, the wagons were destroyed. It had done good service; without it my whole command would in all probability have been lost. General Halleck sent it to me two years ago last March, to operate on Current and Black Rivers. One surgeon and two assistant surgeons, with sufficient number of hospital attendants, were left to attend the wounded. Hospital supplies were also left. The rebels did not attempt to follow us. The rain continued until late in the evening and the road toward Little Rock had become almost impassable for trains and artillery. I ordered the worst of the wagons and the least valuable baggage to be destroyed, and the best teams to be put to the artillery and the remaining wagons. The ambulances and wagons carrying the sick and wounded and all the refugees were started toward Pine Bluff, that being the nearest route to the Arkansas and the one least liable to interruption from the enemy. The command and the trains were started toward Little Rock, in order to frustrate the designs which the enemy was supposed to have on that place. Owing to the state of the roads, for the first 5 miles progress was very slow, and it became necessary to destroy a few more wagons which could not be got along. We moved on as rapidly as possible and reached this place on the 2d instant, without having seen the enemy after they retired from the battle-field near Jenkins' Ferry. It was reported, however, that Fagan crossed some artillery and part of his troops at Benton for the purpose of threatening Little Rock. If this were true they retired on learning that we were marching on the same point. Our troops behaved in all the engagements of this campaign in the most gallant manner. I have never seen troops in whom I had more confidence on the battle-field, and I regret exceedingly the necessities which have caused me to lose so many brave men in detail, while I firmly believe that while together they could not have been routed on a fair field by the superior force which Kirby Smith could have brought against them. The conduct of the colored troops of my command proves that the African can be made as formidable in battle as a soldier of any other color. I wish to recommend to the favorable consideration of the Government, for gallant and meritorious conduct on the field, Brig. Gen. F. Salomon, commanding division; Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice, commanding brigade. These are both officers of superior merit. General Rice has been twice wounded during recent campaign. At Jenkins' Ferry he received a wound which will cause the loss of his right foot. His self-possession, good judgment, energy, and faculty for managing men in the camp as well as in the field entitles him to distinguished honor. He was wounded in a charge upon the enemy's battery, after which his brigade fell to the command of Col. C. E. Salomon, Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, who managed it with skill. Brig. Gen. J. M. Thayer, although commanding the reserve, was frequently under fire and deserves special mention. Colonel Engelmann, Forty-third Illinois, commanded a brigade of Salomon's division. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant. F. STEELE, Major-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff. 110 LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 5, 1864. MAJOR: In compliance with paragraph 490, Revised Regulations (1863), and by request of Major-General Steele, commanding the Department of Arkansas, I have the honor to submit the following report: In obedience to orders of Maj. Gen. F. Steele, the troops commenced to move from this place on the 23d day of March, 1864, on what is known as the military road leading to Benton and Rockport. The bridge train, consisting of thirty-four wagons, with two companies of the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. S. P. Barris; the senior officer present, acting as pontoniers, moved out on that day at the head of the general supply train. The battalion being small in numbers, at my request General Steele re-enforced them by a detail of 100 men from what was then known as the Fourth Arkansas, African descent. These men were recruits for one of the colored regiments, and were unarmed. Spades, shovels, picks, and axes were distributed among them, and they were usefully employed on the march in repairing the road, helping the bridge train through bad places, and useful as pontoniers whenever the bridge was laid. The advance of the column encamped on the Saline River, 26 miles from Little Rock, on the 24th. It had rained on the 24th, and we found the road soft in the Saline bottom, which became badly cut up before the train was all over on the 25th. It became necessary to corduroy a portion of it in order to get the whole train over. Upon leaving the bottom we met with long and steep hills of a sticky red clay, which clung to the wheels with great tenacity, and to overcome it the animals had to exert their utmost strength. So exhausted were the mules that they were unable to make but a short march. The whole command encamped in and around the town of Rockport on the 26th. This town lies on the east side of the Washita (Ouachita) River, on quite high but gently rolling ground. It was almost entirely deserted. The river here was a beautiful and clear stream, flowing over a fine gravelly bed. It was fordable opposite the town for single horsemen, and was fordable 1 miles below the town for the whole army. I examined this ford very minutely and found its greatest depth, for a distance of 150 feet in width, to be not more than 30 inches at that time. This river rising very quickly, and affected by showers even, it was decided to lay the bridge across the stream above the ford, so as to be certain and at the same time to pass the infantry over. At daylight the bridge was in position and its construction commenced. The cavalry and train forded the river and took up the march for Arkadelphia. The mountain howitzers and infantry crossed on the bridge. It was thrown to an island, making its length 217 feet. From the island to the west bank it was bridged by a temporary one made by the pioneer company of the Third Division. The bridge was dismantled, loaded on the wagons, and continued the day's march in the rear of the train. Our march proceeded without delay to Arkadelphia. We found Bayou Roche well named, for the ford was quite deep and filled with bowlders of considerable size. Caddo Creek was a beautiful, flowing stream of about 150 feet, where we forded it. The pioneer company, by taking an old ferry-boat and anchoring it below the ford where it was more narrow, extemporized a bridge of about 75 feet in length, over which the infantry passed. The whole command encamped in and around Arkadelphia on the 29th of March, where the general expected to make a junction with General Thayer by the 1st of April. Excepting continual skirmishing with the enemy by our advance from the time we reached Benton until we arrived at Arkadelphia, we had nothing to disturb us or our progress, save the natural obstacles incident to bad roads and crossing of streams. Scouts and spies had been sent in the direction that General Thayer was expected, but we could hear nothing from him. This was explained afterward by the fact that want of forage and bad roads had caused him to follow another line of march, and in consequence a much longer one. 111 General Steele proposed to move his command on the 1st, on the road to Washington as far as Spoonville, a distance of 12 miles. His instructions were to go by the way of Camden and Arkadelphia. From Arkadelphia to go to Camden were three traveled routes by citizens--one to cross the Washita at that point and follow down the east bank of the river and recross it in the vicinity of Camden; another down the west bank of the river and cross the Little Missouri near its mouth; and another, well known and most traveled, which crosses the Little Missouri River at Tate's Ferry. Upon a careful examination all were rejected--the first from plain military motives; the second because the first 30 miles lay entirely in the alluvial bottom of the river, and its utter impracticability for a wagon train like ours; and the third because of the crossing of the Terre Noir Creek, the long bottom on the north side of the river at the ferry with the high bluff on the south side, and the enemy expected us to cross there and had made preparations at that point to dispute our crossing. The general decided to move on the Washington road for 20 miles, and while he threw forward a small force, to make it appear he was still upon that road, to turn off due south, passing through Okolona, seize Elkin's Ferry, a good crossing, and used often by citizens going from a little town called Rome to Washington. On the 1st, the command encamped at Spoonville. At this point the enemy were still in doubt as to our course; for we were near the road to Tate's Ferry, on the road to Washington, and if General Thayer followed his original route proposed, or the one we had come from Rockport to Caddo Creek, he would save a march of 12 miles. Feeling certain that no enemy north of the Little Missouri River could impede General Thayer's progress, and not being able to hear from him, the general commanding thought it best to proceed and hold the crossing of the Little Missouri River. I regarded the Little Missouri River at that time to be a more serious obstacle than the enemy. It was between us and Camden. It manifestly takes its name from its resemblance to the Missouri River. Very much smaller, but after a heavy rain the color of its water, rapid current, sudden turns and bends and drift wood and snags make it a copy of its namesake, only differing in size. The main stream has a good gravelly bed where we crossed it, but low banks. On each side for at least 2 miles the country is a low, level flat of alluvial formation, generally of a very dark color, in many places resting on a mushy, sticky, yellow clay, which would squeeze out of crevices and holes whenever any pressure was brought to bear near it. This bottom, passable for the ordinary travel of such a community as this in dry weather, was only passable with great labor by an army train, but after a few hours of rain becomes one quagmire and morass, and the passage of an army train soon converts it into a sea of mud. On moving from Spoonville on the 2d, the rear was attacked by Shelby, who made several vigorous charges, but was handsomely repulsed by our troops under command of Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice, who had the fortune to command in rear on that day. Our advance of cavalry developed the forces of Marmaduke and Cabell, who were determined to dispute our advance on the Washington road, but in accordance with the plans before determined upon, General Steele threw forward cavalry and seized Elkin's Ferry, re-enforcing them with a brigade of infantry. While the command encamped at and near the ferry and still waited for General Thayer, a brigade of infantry, under Colonel Engelmann, and one of cavalry, under Colonel Ritter, all under command of the former officer, were sent back as far as Spoonville to communicate with General Thayer, if possible, and drive Shelby away from the rear. Near Okolona Colonel Engelmann met Shelby and whipped him. He moved to Spoonville and returned. On the afternoon of the 3d, the enemy discovered our pickets near Elkin's Ferry. Marmaduke and Cabell hurried around to our front, and on the morning of the 4th made a fierce attack, but were repulsed with ease by our forces. It was reported on the evening of the 5th that the enemy were felling trees and fortifying in our front. General Steele determined to wait no longer but to move against them. On the 6th, the column moved, and after some skirmishing the enemy fled, 112 leaving over a mile of breast-works of timber and earth crowning the hills which overlook the bottom and perfectly commanding the road along which we had to march. A messenger through from Little Rock joined us to-day and reported General Thayer at Rockport when he passed. It was decided by General Steele to wait for him at this place, known as the Widow Cornelius', and 3 miles to the ferry. On the 7th, working parties were sent back to repair the roads so as to pass General Thayer's train. At nightfall it commenced to rain, and lasted for several hours. Daylight the next morning showed that all the work of the day before was undone; corduroying and bridges were all afloat, the whole bottom nearly was under water, and the Little Missouri was no longer fordable, having risen 3 feet. The bridge train was ordered to the ferry, and working details placed on the road to repair the worst places. It was after dark before the bridge train reached the river. The head of General Thayer's column was on the high ground on the other side, and had nearly 3 miles of bottom to cross. At daylight, under my personal supervision, the bridge was laid. The stream was very rapid, but with a strong cable stretched across and fastened to two large trees and the pontoons doubled, a firm bridge of 140 feet in length was finished. It was ready before the head of his column reached the bank, and passed his whole command and train without any delay or hinderance. His whole train was across, but all of it did not get out of the bottom that night. The whole command moved on the 10th for Prairie D'Ane. You will perceive by the map that We were on the direct road to Spring Hill, which was on the road and the nearest way to Shreveport--a road traveled by the rebels more than the one by Washington and Fulton. The road leading from Camden to Washington intersects this road nearly at right angles on the prairie. The enemy occupied the ground in front of the junction of these roads, under command of General Price, who had here concentrated all his forces that were available. Their position was a good one and well chosen, on a gentle swelling ridge, with their flanks resting in the timbered land. We had to advance our front over the open-ground in easy range, while our skirmishers drove in their flankers. The skirmish was brisk, and the enemy used their artillery freely, but we easily drove them from their position and held it. After nightfall they gallantly charged one of our batteries, but were repulsed. They fell back on the right-hand road, which leads to Washington. General Steele moved against them the next day as soon as he got his troops in line of battle, but night came on before we had crossed the prairie. The men laid under arms and resumed the movement at daylight of the 12th, turning the left of the enemy's position, causing him to evacuate nearly a mile of rifle-pits, with positions for artillery, and nearly a mile of felled timber thrown up as breast-works. Cavalry-were thrown forward on this road as if it was the intention to follow on, while the main column with train took the road to Camden. The head of the column encamped on the Terre Rouge Creek that night. The bottom for 1 mile was so bad that the command was delayed very much the next day in crossing. All that I have said about the Little Missouri bottom applies even more forcibly to this stream. The next obstacle was Cypress Bayou, as it is on the maps, but called by the country people Caney. Here two bridges had to be repaired, and some corduroying to be done. From this point until we reached Camden the road was good. While the advance was crossing the Terre Rouge Creek the rear was attacked by the enemy. General Thayer had command of the rear and drove them back, scattering them with ease. On the evening of the 14th, our scouting parties from the front discovered the enemy in force. They had evidently made a forced march from Washington by what is called the middle road, to get in our front to detain us, while Price, moving by the lower or main stage road, hoped to reach Camden before us. General Steele ordered the start at 4 a.m. the next day, and although the enemy made a gallant resistance, at a point 14 miles from Camden, he was quickly driven from his position and followed up so closely that no line was formed between that point and Camden, 113 the advance marching in and taking possession of the city and works before dark, having marched 21 miles and fought quite a battle on that day, the 15th. Under orders from General Steele, I laid the pontoon bridge across the Washita River at a point opposite the town connecting with the road to Pine Bluff. At this place the length of the bridge was 265 feet. The rest of the time that I was in Camden was devoted to a careful reconnaissance of our whole front. A tracing of the map of the town of Camden, with the position of the forts, made under my direction by Lieut. F. Sommer, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, who acted as assistant engineer on this campaign, accompanies this report. We had received rumors that General Banks had met with a severe repulse on Red River. This was confirmed by the arrival of an aide-de-camp of that general, who acknowledged the defeat and brought a request that General Steele would move immediately forward and join him on Red River. To suppose that a force of about 12,000 men, without supplies, ammunition scant, could move over a country nearly barren of forage and exhausted of supplies, in the face of an active and exultant enemy, under the command of one of the most energetic and skillful of the rebel generals, and then to cross a river like the Red to make a junction with General Banks' forces, leaving all this country open, was so absurd that General Steele did not entertain it for one moment. The results of the past few days prove the accuracy of General Steele's judgment. The command had marched the whole distance on half rations of hard bread, quarter rations of bacon, and full rations of coffee and salt, relying on the country for the filling out of the ration, and of this short allowance we had very little left. The country was foraged around for corn to supply the place of bread and forage for our suffering animals. It was on one of these foraging expeditions for corn that we lost the train captured by the enemy on the 18th. On the 20th, we received a supply train of ten days' rations, in the same proportion as before mentioned. This train was immediately sent back for a fresh supply, leaving Camden on the 23d, protected by an entire brigade of infantry, four pieces of artillery, and a proper proportion of cavalry. On the evening of the 25th, we heard of its capture. Scouting parties had gone up and down the east bank of the Washita for 30 miles before it started, and no evidence of the enemy was seen. We have since learned that they made a forced march of 48 miles on the 24th and 8 miles on the morning of the 25th, having crossed the Washita nearly 50 miles below Camden. This event showed the precarious nature of our supplies. Our scouting parties in the front had succeeded in capturing prisoners who claimed to belong to infantry divisions of the enemy. Our spies, deserters coming into our lines, and stories told us by the residents of the country, all coincide that General Kirby Smith in person, with reenforcements of infantry, had joined Price. Our position was by no means a safe one. With an army superior in numbers in our front, and a mounted force of not less than 6,000 to act upon our line of communications, and with the meager supply of rations on hand, it was evident that a crisis was at hand. General Steele immediately gave orders to evacuate the town, to move over the river such wagons and artillery during the day that would not attract the attention of the residents of the place. At nightfall pickets were doubled, vigilance exercised, tattoo beaten and sounded at the usual time and in the same places, and the whole army commenced to move across the river. At daylight the whole army was safe and the bridge taken up and all on the road to Princeton. This was the 27th. The army encamped at Princeton on the 28th. The 29th saw us at Jenkins' Ferry on the Saline River, where the direct road leads to Little Rock, and also a fair road to Pine Bluff. The river was too deep to ford, and the pontoon train was hurried up, thrown across under my direction and personal supervision, and ready for troops to pass at 4.15 p.m. All the cavalry and many wagons were passed over before dark. There was slight skirmishing in the rear in the afternoon. Rain commenced to fall about 12 m., and poured incessantly all day and night. I never saw it rain harder than it did during the night. The bottom, which extends at least 2 114 miles on each side, possesses all the characteristics of the Little Missouri, being, if anything, much worse. It soon became a sea of mud, in which wagons settled to the axles and mules floundered about without a resting place for their feet. Fires were made along the road, pioneers and working details set to work, and every exertion made to push the impedimenta across before daylight, it being evident that the enemy were in force in our rear. But we failed. The rain came down in torrents, putting out many of the fires, the men became exhausted, and both they and the animals sank down in the mud and mire, wherever they were, to seek a few hours' repose. At daylight we resumed our labors, and by 11 a.m. everything was across the river except the infantry and one section of artillery. During this time a severe engagement was going on and lasted until 12.30 p.m., at which hour, the enemy having been badly beaten, our troops were withdrawn to the east side of the river. The last of the infantry had crossed before 2.05 p.m. Our troops, with artillery, were drawn up on the bank protecting the bridge until it was decided to take it up. The bridge was kept intact for three-quarters of an hour longer to allow such stragglers or wounded who may have loitered behind to pass over. One of the hospital attendants from the hospital on the battle-field having arrived with a message from the surgeon in charge to his brigade commander, having stated that there were no men on the road, I, acting under the orders of Major-General Steele, gave the command for destroying the bridge. The reason for this order was our inability to carry it with us. It had in the natural course of the train become the rear. The mules could scarcely pull the wagons, much less when loaded, and over such a road it was impossible to get it along. The pontoons were very much the worse for wear, and several were worn out, so as no longer to be reliable. It was destroyed by cutting each compartment with an ax and piercing them with the bayonet. Many of the chesses were split with axes and then thrown in the stream, and some of the balks were thrown in after cutting them in two parts. The bridge was dismantled by successive rafts and destroyed by detail. When the last pontoon was destroyed, I ordered the commanding officer to move his command to the high ground and select a camp. I then left the river bank and rode to the front and reported to Major-General Steele. Excepting a very bad piece of road which extended for about 2 miles after leaving the 2 miles of bottom of the Saline River, there was no other obstacle or hinderance to our march, but those 2 miles surpass any that I have ever seen, and from the absence of small timber and brushwood it was difficult to repair it; but by sacrificing a great deal, destroying many wagons, and by the men taking hold of them we finally pushed through this place. On the 3d, the command marched into Little Rock. I would respectfully call the general's attention to the want of engineer troops in this army corps. The pioneer company worked well; the ordinary details badly. The failure to receive extra pay for fatigue duty is very defective. Men will not work as they are required to, unless receiving something more, under our present organizations. The same remark applies to those pontoniers, or men acting as such. If they only receive the same pay while on that service that they do while on ordinary duty it is impossible to get them to take that pride in their business and work with zeal when the service requires it. A requisition for a new bridge has already been forwarded to Colonel Simpson at Cincinnati, asking for one of the same kind as the old one. Although having serious defects, the reduction in number of wagons is so important a matter in this country that it overcomes the other faults. Allow me to call the attention of the general commanding to the ever prompt and cordial cooperation of Lieut. F. Sommer, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in all my duties while on the march. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. WHEELER, Captain of Engineers, Chief Engineer. 115 Maj. W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Elkin's Ford, On Little Missouri River, Ark., April 7, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command since leaving Little Rock: This division, consisting of three brigades of infantry (ten regiments in all) and three batteries of artillery (sixteen guns), marched from Little Rock, Ark., on the 23d ultimo, as part of the forces under command of Maj. Gen. F. Steele. Nothing of particular interest occurred until the 2d instant. On that day the march was continued from Hollywood (Witherspoonville), on the Washington road. The Second Brigade, commanded by Col. William E. McLean, of Forty-third Indiana Infantry, was in the advance, and the Third, Col. A. Engelmann, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, commanding, in the center. The First Brigade, consisting of the Ninth Wisconsin, Fiftieth Indiana, Thirty-third Iowa, and Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, with Voegele's battery of four guns, all under command of Brig. Gen. Samuel A. Rice, was placed in the rear with orders to guard the general supply and pontoon trains, and to camp at or near Okolona and in the vicinity of the other portion of the command. An attack upon the rear from the enemy was considered probable, and General Rice was instructed to make such dispositions as should insure the safety of our trains. The nature of the country and the condition of the roads made this task difficult, as the trains extended to considerable length, and General Rice had no cavalry to protect his flanks or to give notice of the enemy's movement. At noon the rear guard, consisting of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, under command of Col. Thomas H. Benton, jr., and one section of Voegele's battery, was attacked near Gentry's Creek by the enemy under General Shelby, numbering about 1,500, with three pieces of artillery. General Rice ordered the Fiftieth Indiana from the front to the rear, to re-enforce the rear guard. After a sharp engagement the enemy was repulsed, and General Rice moved on his command toward Okolona. About half a mile this side of the junction of the Washington and Camden roads the enemy, having been reenforced, made another attack and were again driven back after hard fighting. General Rice's command reached Okolona at 10 p.m. During this engagement it became necessary for General Rice to withdraw from the front all his forces except the Thirty-third Iowa, which was disposed at intervals along the train. I therefore ordered the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, of Colonel Engelmann's brigade, to cover and protect the train, which arrived in camp without the loss of a wagon. On the arrival of the Third Brigade at Okolona one regiment had been sent to support the cavalry forces, which were retreating from the Washington road. The remaining forces of Colonel Engelmann's brigade I disposed to protect the trains as they came in. The battery (Captain Vaughn's) was fired on by a party of the enemy who approached on the Arkadelphia road. Our loss this day was as follows: Killed, 8; wounded, 32; wounded and missing, 5; missing, 18; total, 63. Four of the missing have since returned to their respective regiments, reducing the number of casualties to 59. The loss of the enemy cannot be accurately stated, but from information deemed reliable, I have good reason to believe that his loss is greatly in excess of our own. On the evening of the 2d, Col. William E. McLean's brigade, excepting the Seventyseventh Ohio and two pieces of Stange's battery, was sent forward to cross the Little Missouri River at Elkin's Ford, 4 miles beyond Okolona, with a view of holding the ford. This duty was promptly performed, and Colonel McLean took possession of the position at 9 p.m. without opposition. 116 On the morning of the 3d, Colonel Engelmann's brigade, re-en-forced by the Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, of Colonel McLean's brigade, and consisting in all of four regiments of infantry and Vaughn's battery of six guns, was left at Okolona with orders to proceed with Colonel Ritter's cavalry brigade as far back as Hollywood, and endeavor to communicate with General Thayer. The First Brigade moved on to Elkin's Ford and encamped on the left bank of the Little Missouri. Colonel Engelmann's command was attacked by the enemy at Okolona before the arrival of the cavalry forces under Colonel Ritter. The enemy was driven back and pursued by the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, Colonel Krez commanding, for 2 miles. Our losses were as follows: Killed, 3; wounded, 7; total, 10. On the arrival of Colonel Ritter's cavalry command at Okolona, Colonel Engelmann marched toward Hollywood, which place he reached on the 4th. He returned with his command and rejoined the division in camp near Elkin's Ford on the evening of the 5th, reporting that he had not heard from General Thayer. On the 3d instant the enemy made some demonstrations in front of Colonel McLean's position. Three companies of the Forty-third Indiana were sent forward as skirmishers, and soon ascertained the enemy's position. Sixteen enlisted men of the enemy being cut off came into our lines and surrendered. Early on the morning of the 4th, the enemy attacked Colonel McLean's command, consisting of the Thirty-sixth Iowa and Forty-third Indiana Infantry and four pieces of Battery E, Second Missouri Light Artillery, in force, under command of Marmaduke in person. The action lasted until 11 a.m., at which time the enemy's forces retired, having been repulsed at all points. During the progress of this engagement, Colonel McLean being pressed by the enemy, I ordered the Twenty-ninth Iowa and Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, of General Rice's brigade (under command of General Rice), to his support. The enemy retired soon after the arrival of these re-enforcements, the Twenty-ninth Iowa rendering efficient service at the close of the action. General Rice was slightly wounded in the head during the engagement. The enemy's force, as nearly as could be ascertained, consisted of Cabell's and Greene's brigades, with five pieces of artillery, only four of which were brought into action. In the early part of the action Lieutenant Fackler, aide-de-camp to General Marmaduke, was captured by our skirmishers under Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. Our casualties were as follows: Wounded, commissioned officer (Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice), 1; enlisted men, 25. From all appearances the enemy's loss must have reached 50 killed and wounded. Detailed reports from brigade and regimental commanders are herewith inclosed, to which I beg leave to refer. I embrace this opportunity to commend the conduct of all the officers and men of my command who took part in the operations above referred to. I desire especially to notice the promptness and ability displayed by commanders of brigades, regiments, and batteries. Recapitulation of casualties up to date: Killed: Enlisted men, 11. Wounded: Commissioned officers, 4; enlisted men, 60. Missing: enlisted men, 23. Total: Commissioned officers, 4; enlisted men, 94. Respectfully submitting the above report, I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. SALOMON, Brig. Gen., Comdg. Third Division, Seventh Army Corps. Lieut. GEORGE O. SOKALSKI, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Seventh Army Corps. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 10, 1864. MAJOR: I have heretofore submitted detailed reports of the operations of this division up to and including the 15th of April, and have now the honor to forward a report of further 117 operations, as follows: During the occupation of Camden, April 15 to 26, inclusive, the troops of my command were very constantly on duty as pickets, provost guards, escorts for forage trains, fatigue parties, and other like duties. On the 22d of April, pursuant to instructions from department headquarters, Col. William E. McLean's brigade, and four pieces of Stange's battery, under charge of Lieut. Charles Peetz, were ordered to escort a train going to Pine Bluff, the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, reporting in person to Major-General Steele for special instructions. On the morning of the 25th, about 40 miles from Camden, the train was attacked by 6,000 of the enemy, under Generals Fagan and Shelby, and after a desperate resistance, lasting three hours, wherein 600 or more of the enemy were killed and wounded, the entire train and most of the escort were captured. Our loss in killed and wounded is said to have been 250. The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Drake is herewith inclosed. On the 26th of April my division was ready to take up its march at the hour appointed, but the crossing of the trains occupied more time than was anticipated, and I could not commence to move until 12 p.m. Mean time, the Second and Sixth Kansas Cavalry having reported to me for duty, I caused two squadrons, under command of Captain Gunther, to patrol the town and prevent all irregularities, and I take pleasure in adding that this duty was successfully performed. The army was withdrawn to its last soldier without confusion or accident. From the crossing of the Washita until reaching the Saline bottom, on the evening of the 29th of April, nothing unusual occurred. During the afternoon of that day my rear guard was occasionally fired upon, but the march was not seriously molested. This firing, however, was sufficient to inform us that the enemy were following, and deeming it important to preserve for our own use the entire bottom, I directed Colonel Engelmann to leave on the crest of the hill one regiment from his brigade, which, with two squadrons Sixth Kansas Cavalry, Captain Rogers commanding, and one section of Vaughn's battery, was instructed to hold the bottom. Very shortly thereafter skirmishing began and was kept up until dark, the enemy appearing in such considerable force that I directed one regiment to be sent from Rice's brigade to assist in holding the hills. These demonstrations in our rear convinced me that with returning daylight we might expect an attack, and I made my dispositions accordingly, withdrawing my troops at 3 a.m. beyond effective artillery range from the hill. By this I not only contracted my lines, but covered my right flank with a small bayou, rendering any movements of the enemy from that direction impracticable, while on the left the bottom was more swampy and difficult of passage, if possible, than that on which my troops were posted, and over which our trains and artillery were being sent forward to the river. At daylight my advance was 2 miles from the river. The intervening country, naturally low and swampy, was now more than half covered with water, in consequence of heavy rains the day and night immediately preceding. There were yet 2 miles in length of train and artillery between me and the river, which must all cross before I could begin to withdraw. I had therefore to hold the position. At 5 a.m. skirmishing began in front, the Thirty-third Iowa being first engaged, afterward supported by the Fiftieth Indiana. Deeming this line too -far advanced, I ordered General Rice to form a new line about half a mile in the rear nearer the river and in the timber. Scarcely had the first line been withdrawn before the enemy attacked the second with skirmishers, mounted and partly dressed in our uniform. The better to conceal their purposes they drove in their advance a flock of sheep, leading our men to suppose that they were a forage party from our own army. This ruse did not deceive us. The first attack seemed principally directed against our right, which the enemy endeavored to turn, but the detachment of the Second Brigade and two companies of the Twenty-ninth Iowa had been sent across the bayou, otherwise called Toxie Creek, and foiled the enemy's plan. The attention of the enemy was then directed to our left, held by the Fiftieth Indiana. The Thirty-third 118 Iowa was sent thither by General Rice, but the assault of the enemy was so heavy and persistent that our troops fell }lack some 250 yards. At this juncture the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin (Engelmann's brigade) was sent to the left. The Second Kansas Colored Infantry, of General Thayer's command, having reported to me, I sent it to report to General Rice on the right, and there it soon became engaged, and throughout the action bore itself with conspicuous gallantry. Soon thereafter a portion of the First Arkansas reported, and was sent to the left, and following them came the Twelfth Kansas Infantry, which was also sent to the left. This latter regiment went in with a cheer, driving the enemy before them, when General Rice advanced his whole line nearly 300 yards. The balance of Engelmann's brigade was sent to the right. The enemy now brought up artillery on our right, but so carefully did our sharpshooters watch his movements that he was permitted to fire only 3 rounds. I had one section of Vaughn's battery in position, and permitted the lieutenant (Thomas) in command to fire 1 round to assure our own troops that in case of need we too had artillery that could be used. The second attack from the enemy was soon at its height, but our brave men, notwithstanding the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, obstinately stood their ground, and at a favorable moment the Second Kansas (colored) and Twenty-ninth Iowa charged upon and captured the enemy's guns, three in number. The enemy, driven at every point, now opportunely gave us a few moments' time in which to replenish our supply of ammunition. This was brought up from the rear by mounted troopers, my own escort assisting. I had determined now to withdraw my forces still nearer the river, as opportunity might offer, but before I was able to effect the movement brisk firing in the front assured me that the enemy was again advancing. At first the firing seemed to be heaviest on the right, but soon it extended along the whole line and for three-quarters of an hour the roar of musketry was incessant. Early in this assault Brigadier-General Rice, ever in the front, was wounded in the ankle, and compelled to leave the field, the command of the brigade devolving upon Col. C. E. Salomon, of the Ninth Wisconsin, who hereafter led the brigade, and by his presence and personal disregard of danger gave great encouragement to his men. Bravely did our troops maintain their ground, never once wavering, never once yielding. I confess that I had not a little anxiety as to the result. Every man was engaged, and regiments were sent from one portion of the line to another, wherever their services seemed to be most needed. I sent to the rear to hasten forward General Thayer's troops, but these with the exception of those already engaged were across the river, and could not be brought forward in time to be of assistance. Our men, however, forgot that they were tired, forgot that they were hungry, forgot that [they] were outnumbered, only remembering that they were ordered to hold their ground. This they held, repulsing the enemy at every point, inflicting fearful damage, capturing three guns, as before stated, several prisoners, and three colors; two of these were taken by the Fiftieth Indiana and one by the Ninth Wisconsin. The Forty-third Illinois pursued the enemy through the bottom quite to the base of the ridge. At 12 o'clock firing ceased. Learning from prisoners that the enemy was continually receiving reenforcements, I determined to withdraw nearer the river, where my lines would be shorter and my flanks still better protected. At this juncture the major-general commanding arrived in person on the field and approved my plan. I therefore proceeded to withdraw my forces, slowly and in good order, collecting my dead and wounded, bringing away as many as possible, and leaving the others, in charge of a surgeon and attendants, at the house which had been used as field hospital. The crossing of the river was effected without further molestation. For further details of the parts taken by different regiments in this battle, reference is made to the full and able reports of my brigade commanders, which are herewith forwarded. Our losses were severe. Brigadier- General Rice, as before stated, was severely wounded in the foot. Colonel Mackey, Thirty-third Iowa, was shot through the arm, breaking the bone above the elbow. Colonel Adams, 119 commanding the brigade from General Thayer's division, was wounded in the arm, and Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, Twelfth Kansas, in the thigh. I have no report of the loss in the regiments from General Thayer's command. The enemy's loss greatly exceeded our own and is estimated to be at least three to our one. They lost 2 brigadier-generals killed on the field, besides many field and line officers. The enemy was commanded by General E. Kirby Smith in person, and from the best information I can obtain numbered 20,000 men. The fact that after we had retired the enemy sent a flag of truce to the battle-field is conclusive evidence that they acknowledge us victorious. Our forces engaged did not exceed 4,000 men, and I cannot too much commend their bravery and heroic endurance. Officers and men alike did their whole duty. I take pleasure in adding my approval to the commendations made by brigade commanders. Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice merits special mention, not only for conspicuous gallantry, cool and correct judgment in action, but also for his continual personal attention to his command. During the entire expedition his services have been invaluable, and it is not without reluctance that I am obliged to part with him, even temporarily. My thanks are due, and I commend to you the members of my staff for their untiring energy, their bravery and devotion to our cause. Accompanying this I hand you a list of their names. They have served me well and faithfully, and I shall ever retain a lively personal interest in their welfare. The first part of the march from Saline River to Little Rock was through a quicksand bottom; men and animals were completely worn out, and it was impossible to bring through the entire train. Much property was necessarily destroyed; otherwise there were no incidents of importance. My division entered Little Rock May 3, at noon, having been absent just five weeks. During this time we marched nearly or quite 300 miles, much of the way through a country quite destitute of any improved roads. The labors devolving upon the pioneer corps of my division have been incessant. They have worked night and day, and I know not of any body of men connected with the army entitled to greater credit than they. I have the honor to inclose herewith tabular statements of the effective strength with which I left Little Rock, and the losses sustained by regiments in the different skirmishes and actions. From these it will be seen that my division left Little Rock numbering 5,226 officers and men, and that its aggregate loss in killed, wounded, and missing has been 1,775. I have the honor to remain, your most obedient servant, F. SALOMON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department of Arkansas. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camp on Little Missouri River, Ark., April 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 2d of April my command left the camp at Witherspoonville at 8 o'clock, in charge of the supply, pontoon, and brigade trains. The Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, Col. C. E. Salomon commanding, and Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, Lieut. Col. S. T. Wells commanding, with a section of Captain Voegele's battery, were placed in front. The Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, under Major Gibson, was placed at intervals along the train, each company being kept intact under its officers. The Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, under Col. Thomas H. Benton, jr., with a section of Captain Voegele's battery, was placed in the rear. About 12 o'clock the rear guard was attacked at Gentry's Creek by General Shelby's command, some 1,500 strong, with three pieces of artillery. I proceeded at once to the field of action and ordered the Fiftieth Indiana to the rear to re-enforce the Twenty-ninth Iowa. 120 Colonel Benton, on being attacked, immediately deployed his men, and with the artillery engaged the enemy, and after repulsing them fell back about half a mile to the summit of the ridge near Terre Noir Creek. Here the artillery was placed in position and line of battle formed in time to meet the enemy. While the firing was going on the Fiftieth Indiana came up to the support of the Twenty-ninth [Iowa]. The enemy on the left of my line took the summit of the hill. I immediately ordered a charge and they were driven back at all points in great confusion and with heavy loss. We then fell back as rapidly as possible in hopes of regaining the train, which in the interval had moved rapidly to the front, and which was menaced by another column reported to be under General Cabell, and which was moving from another direction on the road from Washington. The Fiftieth Indiana during this part of the march took the rear, and were relieved on reaching the road to Camden, by the way of Okolona, by a portion of the Ninth Wisconsin, with the second section of Captain Voegele's battery. About half a mile from this side of the junction of the road the enemy, having been re-enforced, formed line of battle, opened with their artillery, and engaged us again. We rapidly formed line of battle on a ridge, throwing the Ninth Wisconsin on the left, the Fiftieth Indiana on the right, with the Twenty-ninth Iowa in reserve, and a section of artillery in the center commanding the road. The engagement only lasted some thirty minutes, when the enemy were again driven back with a heavy loss and made no further attempts to reach our trains. This was about 6 o'clock in the evening. I proceeded with my command without any further engagement, and rejoined the residue of your command at Okolona at 9.30 p.m. From 12 m. to 6 p.m. there was more or less skirmishing most of the time, and owing to the length of the train, which was some 3 miles, it made its protection a matter of serious difficulty. The officers and soldiers of my command behaved with great coolness and bravery. The Thirtythird Iowa, under Major Gibson, though not engaged, had an important and dangerous duty to perform, and did it well. The officers and soldiers of all the regiments of my command met my highest expectations. Captain Voegele with his battery did good execution. My loss was 8 killed, 32 wounded, 23 missing; total, 63. I inclose you regimental and battery reports, which will give you the full details of the part taken by each in the series of engagements. I also inclose a complete list of casualties. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. A. RICE, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Div., 7th Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camden, Ark., April 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my command in the various series of engagements since the action on the Little Missouri at Elkin's Ferry on the 4th instant. On the 10th instant my command met the enemy on the edge of Prairie D'Ane, where, under your order, I formed line of battle on the left of Engelmann's brigade and advanced, flanking the enemy's right, at the same time pouring in a heavy fire of artillery from Voegele's battery. The well-directed fire of the battery, together with the advance of the troops, soon drove the enemy from the field. I camped during the night on the edge of the prairie under cover of the rising ground. The enemy during the night attempted to shell our camps and draw the fire of our artillery. I ordered Captain Voegele not to reply. On the 11th, in compliance with your orders, I moved my command across the prairie to engage the enemy. We were on the left of the line, and 121 my troops moved in double column at deploying intervals, with a regiment in reserve. After coming within range of the enemy's artillery, we were halted under your orders, as the day was too far advanced to make the assault that evening. Under cover of night our troops were again withdrawn to a more secure and better position. At 5 o'clock the ensuing morning my troops, under your order, formed the right and Engelmann's brigade your left. Preceded by a heavy body of skirmishers, who engaged small parties of the enemy, we proceeded across Prairie D'Ane, and soon were beyond the enemy's works, which they had been compelled to evacuate in consequence of the able manner in which the attack was planned and executed by your division and the other divisions of the army. On the 14th, my brigade was ordered to move to White Oak Creek, and, in conjunction with a brigade of cavalry, proceed as soon as possible to Camden. We reached White Oak Creek about 8 p.m., reported to General Carr, and encamped for the night. Early the next morning, in conjunction with his cavalry, we proceeded on the road to Camden; our skirmishers and those of the cavalry were in front. Near the junction of the middle Washington and Camden road we came upon the enemy's skirmishers. Our skirmishers, with those of the cavalry, with occasional firing from the mountain howitzers, drove the enemy some 2 miles, when they opened upon us with five pieces of artillery. Captain Stange immediately brought his battery into position. I formed the Thirty-third Iowa on the right, Twenty-ninth Iowa on the left, the other portions of my command in reserve, and sent out sharpshooters to pick off their cannoneers, together with heavy bodies of skirmishers, on the right and left of our line, to feel the enemy's position and draw their fire, if possible. General Carr had ordered the cavalry on becoming engaged to immediately form on the flanks and engage the enemy. About an hour after the cannonading opened, having learned that the cavalry, owing to the character of the ground, had been unable to form on the flanks, I ordered the Ninth Wisconsin, under Colonel Salomon, to turn the left flank of the enemy, and General Carr ordered the cavalry to co-operate in the movement. The enemy soon retreated. We proceeded then to Camden, skirmishing nearly all the way, and subject occasionally-to a short fire of artillery. I append a complete list of casualties in the various actions. The officers and soldiers of my command have done their duty faithfully and well. To individualize some would be doing injustice to others. I take pleasure in referring to the invaluable aid' afforded by all the officers of my staff during the entire campaign. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. A. RICE, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. LITTLE ROCK, ARK., May 8, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of my command during the recent campaign in the southwestern part of Arkansas: We left Little Rock on the 23d of March and arrived by easy marches with the army at Arkadelphia on the 29th. On the 2d of April my command was assigned to the duty of guarding the supply train of the army. As my rear guard was passing a ravine near Terre Noir Creek, on the Arkadelphia and Washington road, Shelby's brigade attacked it, with the intention of overpowering it and cutting off our train. I had but one regiment in the rear, the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, numbering about 540 men, with one section of Voegele's battery. Colonel Benton, commanding this regiment, held the enemy's entire force in check until I arrived in the rear, when, seeing the condition of affairs, I immediately sent for the Fiftieth Indiana, which was at the head of the train, about 4 miles farther on. The train, with the Thirty-third Iowa divided up among it, moved on, and was soon in a 122 position to be safe from any attacks. After the arrival of the Fiftieth Indiana I formed my line and received the attack of the enemy, and repulsed him, with severe loss. I then moved toward the train, stopping wherever I was pressed too hard, and forming my line repeatedly repulsed their onsets. After falling back in this way about 4 miles I found a detachment of four companies of the Ninth Wisconsin Infantry and a section of artillery guarding the Washington road until I should come up. This detachment of the Ninth Wisconsin was placed in the rear, and we moved on the Elkin's Ferry road. After we had turned down this road the enemy made a most determined and vigorous assault, but were repulsed by the Ninth Wisconsin and Fiftieth Indiana, and troubled us no more. I have already made full report of this action. On the 4th of April Marmaduke, with a large force of cavalry, attacked McLean's brigade on the south side of the Little Missouri River. Under your orders two regiments of my brigade moved across to McLean's assistance. Having been directed by you to support McLean, I conferred with him in order to ascertain his exact position, so that my troops could be properly disposed. I formed my command with two companies of the Twenty-ninth Iowa in the rear of the Thirty-sixth Iowa, the other eight companies on the right. The Ninth Wisconsin was held in reserve on the north side of Howard's Creek. At this time I saw that Stange's battery, of McLean's brigade, was in direct range of the enemy's sharpshooters, and I took the responsibility to order it to move beyond Howard's Creek, where its fire would be equally effective, and at the same time the battery would be safe. The forces under my command continued in this position until the close of the engagement. On the 10th of April my brigade again met the enemy on Prairie D'Ane, where a severe skirmish ensued, in which the rebel forces were driven from their position. On the 11th of April we moved out with the rest of your command on Prairie D'Ane and offered battle, but the enemy retired to his fortifications across the prairie, and the attack was not made, owing to the lateness of the hour. On the next day we moved out to attack the enemy's works, but after a skirmish we found that they were evacuated. April 15, my brigade was ordered to take the advance to move into Camden, information having been received that the enemy was trying to reach and reoccupy that place. I came up to the rebel rear 15 miles from Camden, and, assisted by a detachment of 250 skirmishers from General Carr's cavalry, fought them to within 3 miles of Camden, where they turned off the road. The rest of the march was without interruption. On the 26th of April the army set out on its return to Little Rock. My entire brigade, with the artillery, crossed the pontoon bridge in forty minutes. I arrived at Jenkins' Ferry, on the Saline, on the evening of the 29th. During the evening the enemy skirmished with your rear, under Colonel Engelmann. You directed me at dark to send one regiment to report to Colonel Engelmann. The Thirty-third Iowa was accordingly sent, and was placed by him half a mile beyond his camp, on the Princeton road. During the night the trains were constantly engaged in crossing the Saline River. The terrible condition of the roads, and a heavy, continuous rain made this operation necessarily a slow one, and morning found a large part of the train still on the south side of the river. At daylight I went to the rear to see the Thirty-third Iowa, and finding them too far from support, I ordered Colonel Mackey to bring in his skirmishers, preparatory to falling back, and sent to you for permission to bring the regiment back to the remainder of my brigade. As soon as Colonel Mackey's skirmishers commenced to move, the enemy commenced the attack. I then immediately ordered the Fiftieth Indiana up to their support, forming that regiment on the left. Receiving orders from you to fall back still farther, I formed a new line with the Ninth Wisconsin and Twenty-ninth Iowa about half a mile in the rear of my first line and withdrew my first line behind it. The Thirty-third Iowa, which had been without fires all night, was now permitted to go to the rear to get breakfast. I then formed the Fiftieth en echelon on the left and crossed the detachment of the Second Brigade over the creek on my right with two companies of the 123 Twenty-ninth Iowa. My line had barely been formed and skirmishers deployed when the enemy renewed the attack. Their efforts seemed at first principally directed to my right flank. They were repulsed in this attack, but immediately made a determined assault on my left. I now sent the Thirty-third Iowa to the left of the Fiftieth Indiana. The assault of the enemy was heavy and determined, and they succeeded in turning the left flank of the Thirty-third, driving them some 250 yards. At this juncture the Twelfth Kansas Infantry came forward and I moved them up to the left of the Thirty-third. They came up with a cheer and drove the enemy before them. The Thirty-third then advanced, and at the same time my whole line was moved up nearly 300 yards beyond its former position. The enemy now again began to turn his attention to my right and threw a force across Toxie Creek, which covered my right, and moved down through the dense woods and got a raking fire on my right. The Second Kansas (colored) came up at this time, and I threw them forward in advance of the Ninth Wisconsin and Twenty-ninth Iowa to relieve those regiments, as their ammunition was nearly all expended. The Forty-third Illinois had moved up; under your orders, to support the troops on the right of the creek. The Twenty-seventh Wisconsin had also moved up to support my left. The enemy now brought up a section of artillery and furiously renewed the attack from the open field in front of my right. After a long, desperate struggle he was repulsed and the Second Kansas Colored Infantry and Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry moved forward and took his guns. These two guns, with their caissons, were brought off. With the exception of brisk skirmishing, the firing lulled for a while, during which time my troops replenished their cartridge-boxes and prepared for another' attack, which was expected to follow. The enemy now made a feint on my right and immediately followed it by an assault on the left. The Fiftieth Indiana and Thirty-third Iowa, flanked and supported by the Twelfth Kansas, four companies of the Fortieth Iowa, and the detachment of the Second Brigade (which had some time before been moved from the right to that point), vigorously poured their fire into the advancing columns of the enemy. As this fight was going on while I was moving to the left of my line I was struck by a ball in the foot and compelled to leave the field, and from this time I know nothing of the engagement from personal observation. After I left the field the fight continued nearly three-quarters of an hour, at the end of which time the rebel forces received their last repulse and drew off at 12 o'clock, leaving us masters of the field. Owing to the rain and spongy nature of the ground I did not bring my artillery into action, and to the infantry alone is due all the glory of this well-fought battle. Three colors were taken from the enemy by my command--2 were taken by the Fiftieth Indiana, and 1 by the Ninth Wisconsin. I take the highest pleasure in referring to the gallant conduct of the officers and men of my entire command, from the time of our first action on the Terre Noir down to the close of the bloody battle of Jenkins' Ferry. Colonel Salomon, commanding Ninth Wisconsin; Colonel Benton, commanding Twenty-ninth Iowa; Colonel Mackey, commanding Thirty-third Iowa; Lieutenant-Colonel Wells, commanding Fiftieth Indiana, and Captain Voegele, commanding my battery, all did their duty nobly and were always at their posts. Colonel Mackey received a severe wound in the arm while leading his men in the battle of Jenkins' Ferry, and Colonel Benton and Lieutenant-Colonel Wells had their horses killed under them. I feel it my duty to make honorable mention of Colonel Adams, commanding a brigade of General Thayer's division, who reported to me for orders with the Twelfth Kansas Infantry and Second Kansas Colored Infantry. He did his duty well and was wounded in the arm while near the line of the Second Kansas. Colonel Crawford, of the Second Kansas, behaved with the most marked gallantry. Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, of the Twelfth Kansas, distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery, and received a dangerous wound in the thigh. Captain Darnall, of the Forty-third Indiana, commanding detachment of Second Brigade, behaved well and was severely wounded while cheering his men. A squadron of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, under command of Captain Campbell, rendered 124 very efficient service in protecting my left flank. Colonel Salomon took command of the brigade after I was taken from the field. I take special pleasure in this connection in referring to the officers of my staff, Captain Townsend, acting assistant inspector-general; Lieutenant Lacey, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenants Duncan and Baylies, my aides, all displayed the highest soldierly qualities. Captain Townsend was killed on the march while accompanying the train escorted by the Second Brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Drake. Lieutenant Duncan had his horse killed under him on the Terre Noir, and Lieutenant Lacey's horse was wounded by a shell from the enemy on Prairie D'Ane. It is with pleasure that I refer to Lieutenant Wilson, acting assistant quartermaster, whose conduct on the entire expedition showed that he is eminently qualified for the position he fills. I transmit herewith the reports of regimental commanders and a complete list of casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. A. RICE, Brigadier-General. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FIFTIETH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, In the Field, April 3, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have to report that on yesterday, my regiment being ordered to the support of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, which was engaging the enemy at the rear of the wagon train, I hastened to the scene of action with all possible speed and there reported to General Rice, who ordered me to place my regiment in position immediately in the rear of the Twenty-ninth, which was at once done and the flanks well covered with skirmishers. The formation was scarcely completed when a fierce charge by cavalry was made against the left wing, with the evident intention of capturing our artillery, which was posted in the center. The Twenty-ninth Iowa gradually retiring over the crest of the hill as a decoy, the charge was received at short range, and repulsed with fearful loss to the enemy, when he immediately retired from our front. Our forces being ordered to fall back on the wagon train, I was ordered to cover the rear, which was effectually done for 2 miles, though with constant skirmishing, when I was relieved by the Ninth Wisconsin. Shortly after the enemy made another attack, when my regiment was ordered to the rear where a sharp engagement was going on with the Ninth. I immediately changed front to the rear and charged upon the enemy on our right and drove them from the field. I was then ordered to resume the march. The regiment had scarcely got into the road when a charge was made by the enemy on our left in direction of our artillery. Our front was again changed to the rear and the enemy again handsomely repulsed, when he shortly left off the pursuit. The first charge of the enemy on our left was repulsed by Companies A, under Captain McCoy, B, under Captain Peck, and G, under Captain Carothers, all under Major Attkisson. At each subsequent attack the whole regiment was engaged. Both officers and men, without exception, displayed the utmost coolness and courage. The casualties of the day were 4 killed, 11 wounded, and 7 missing. Very respectfully, S. T. WELLS, Lieut. Col. Fiftieth Indiana Vols., Comdg. Regt. Lieut. JOHN F. LACEY, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 3d Div., 7th Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-NINTH Iowa INFANTRY, Camp on Little Missouri River, April 5, 1864. 125 SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 2d instant I was assigned to the duty of guarding the rear of our supply train. My command, consisting of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry and one section of Captain Voegele's battery, was formed in the following order: One company immediately in rear of the train as an advance guard, followed by the battery; the main body of the regiment, consisting of seven companies, two companies as a rear guard, and a sergeant and 8 men in the extreme rear. While passing a narrow, muddy defile, caused by a small stream 1 mile east of Terre Noir Creek, a body of Shelby's cavalry, supposed to be 1,200 strong, made a sudden dash upon our rear guards. The guards, supported by our left wing, rallied promptly, opened a brisk fire, and momentarily checked the advance of the enemy, which enabled us to pass the defile and deploy our forces on either side of the road. I ordered the battery into position and opened fire on the enemy, which was instantly replied to with vigor and accuracy. After a brief and spirited contest, the enemy fell back. I then advanced to Terre Noir Creek, and after crossing it again opened fire with the battery and a volley from the rear guard. Believing that the enemy was endeavoring to flank us. I withdrew my forces rapidly to the high ground 1 mile in advance. Just before my advance reached the highest elevation the enemy again attacked our rear, but was held in check by our skirmishers until I succeeded in getting the battery into position and deploying the main body of my forces on the crown of the hill. At this point the enemy made a desperate charge, but after a hotly contested action of an hours' duration he was driven back in confusion, and evidently with considerable loss. During the engagement Brig. Gen. S. A. Rice, with the Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Wells commanding (whose conduct on the occasion deserves the highest commendation), arrived and assumed command. My command was now ordered to the front, and was subsequently halted and deployed twice as a reserve, but was not again engaged with the enemy. I am under special obligations to Maj. C. B. Shoemaker and Adjutant Joseph Lyman, of my command (Lieutenant- Colonel Patterson was absent on sick leave), for their prompt and efficient co-operation from the commencement to the close of the series of engagements in which we took part. Great credit is also due to my line officers and men for the readiness with which they conformed to the embarrassing circumstances by which we were surrounded, and the unfaltering determination with which they resisted the approach of the enemy. Captain Voegele, with his battery, rendered us valuable services whenever opportunity offered. The total loss to my command was 4 enlisted-men killed, 4 enlisted men missing, 3 officers and 16 enlisted men wounded; aggregate, 27. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS H. BENTON, JR., Colonel Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, Commanding. Lieut. JOHN F. LACEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., Camden, Ark., April 20, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with general orders from headquarters First Brigade, I herewith transmit you the following report pertaining to the Thirty-third Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, during the recent campaign, including list of casualties, &c.: Prior to the arrival of our forces at Prairie D'Ane, the part taken in any engagement by my regiment was entirely unimportant. On arriving at Prairie D'Ane I was ordered to form line of battle and move to the left of the Fiftieth Indiana, which was done. I was then ordered to form column by division, and in that order I moved forward onto the prairie. While crossing a slough in the timber joining the prairie, a shell from the enemy's gun exploded near the regiment, killing 1 man and breaking 126 several guns. On reaching the open ground I again deployed, sending forward two companies as skirmishers, with instructions to move steadily forward, which they did, driving the enemy before them, the regiment moving to their support. In this order I moved forward till the regiment rested where the enemy's artillery first opened fire. It then being dark, the skirmishers were ordered to rest in place, and the regiment retired 200 yards to unexposed ground, and bivouacked. At 11 p.m. the enemy dashed upon the skirmish line, but was repulsed without injury to us. The transactions of the following day are unimportant. On the morning of the 13th of April we moved, in connection with the entire forces, through and to the west of Prairie D'Ane, our skirmishers steadily driving the enemy before them. On approaching their works on the Camden and Washington road the enemy hastily withdrew. From this time till the morning of the 15th nothing worthy of note transpired. On the 15th day of April my regiment was the advance infantry. Two companies were deployed as skirmishers on either side of the road, and having moved forward 2 miles, were fired upon by the enemy. The skirmishers moved forward, driving them, assisted by a howitzer, until they came in range of the enemy's artillery, which was opened upon us, wounding 4 men. My regiment supported the Second Missouri Battery on the right. Having taken this position, I sent forward three sharpshooters from each company to assist the skirmishers and annoy the enemy's gunners. After an engagement of two hours the enemy withdrew from his position, after which the march was resumed. At about 2 miles distance we were again fired on. While awaiting orders a shell from the enemy's gun burst near my regiment, dangerously wounding 1 man. A sharp skirmish was kept up for 2 miles, when the enemy withdrew from our front. Our entire loss in killed and wounded when we reached Camden amounted to 1 killed and 4 wounded. I was relieved of my command on the 19th of April, while in camp at Camden, Colonel Mackey having arrived at the regiment. H. D. GIBSON, Major, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. JOHN F. LACEY, Acting. Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., Little Rock, Ark., May 6, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor herewith to transmit you the following report of the engagement in which the Thirty-third Regiment Iowa Infantry took part from the time of my taking command at Camden, Ark., until its arrival at Little Rock, including a list of casualties, &c.: I arrived at Camden on the 19th day of April, and immediately took command of my regiment, at this time 600 strong. Nothing of particular interest took place from the time of the evacuation of Camden until my arrival at Saline River. On the evening of the 29th, at 6.30 p.m., I was ordered to the rear on the Camden road to support Colonel Engelmann's brigade, an attack being anticipated during the night. I stood at arms during the entire night, the enemy making no particular demonstration, although in speaking distance. Night very dark and raining most of the time. About 4 a.m. on the 30th, I received orders that as soon as the Forty-third Illinois Infantry, on my left, was withdrawn I should retire about three-quarters of a mile toward the river and take position covering the passage of the troops while crossing. This movement I executed without being discovered by the enemy. This position I occupied half an hour, when the enemy made his appearance. The skirmishers immediately engaged them, holding them in check for half an hour, when I was relieved by the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry. I marched my command to a new position, 1 mile in the direction of the crossing. In twenty minutes the engagement became 127 general, and I was ordered to the support of the Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, on the left. From this time until the close of the battle the regiment was almost continually engaged. As to the conduct of both officers and men of my command I cannot speak in terms too high. To attempt distinction would be injustice to my command, as all did their duty nobly. A short time before the close of the action I received a wound in my right arm, which compelled me to quit the field, the command of the regiment devolving upon Captain Boydston, Company A, who at the close of the engagement marched the regiment off in good order. The regiment arrived in camp at Little Rock, Ark., on the 3d day of May, 1864. Nothing of importance transpired during the remainder of our march. It would be doing great injustice to the enlisted men of my command to fail to notice the manner in which they endured the fatigue and privations of the march, the rations being exhausted on the 29th of April. For the operations of the regiment prior to my command, reference is made to the report of Maj. H. D. Gibson, herewith transmitted. With the highest respect, your obedient servant, C. H. MACKEY, Colonel, Commanding. Lieut. JOHN F. LACEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Extent of casualties: Killed, enlisted men, 8. Wounded, commissioned officers, 6; enlisted men, 96. Missing, enlisted men, 13. Total loss, 123. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, Camp No. 11, near Elkin's Ford, Ark., April 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith the following report of the operations of the brigade under my command from the time of its arrival at Elkin's Ford on the Little Missouri River to this date, embracing the engagements of the 3d and 4th instant at that place with two brigades from Marmaduke's division, under command of Generals Cabell and Greene. Having been notified by Brigadier-General Salomon on the afternoon of the 2d instant, while upon the march from Spoonville, of the importance of taking and holding Elkin's Ford, I made a forced march with my command, crossing the river after dark, preceded by a squadron of cavalry sent forward as advance pickets. One regiment of my brigade (the Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, Col. William B. Mason commanding), and one section of artillery from my battery, were detached after leaving Okolona by order of Major-General Steele to support the cavalry, supposed at that time to be engaging the enemy at Antoine. The remainder of my forces, consisting of the Thirtysixth Iowa Infantry, Col. C. W. Kittredge commanding; Forty-third Indiana Infantry, Maj. W. W. Norris commanding, and Battery E, Second Missouri Light Artillery, Lieutenant Peetz commanding, encamped near the bank of the river. The day after my arrival occasional firing along our picket-lines and skirmishing in front convinced me that the enemy were on the alert, either for the purpose of watching the movements of the army, of which my brigade constituted the advance, or if possible, by a direct attack upon me in overpowering numbers, to cut me off before re-enforcements could be obtained from across the river. Early on the morning of the 3d instant I ordered Major Norris, Forty-third Indiana, to proceed with four companies of that regiment to the front to reconnoiter the position of the enemy, deploy the men as skirmishers, and support the cavalry pickets. He soon succeeded in discovering the position of the advanced pickets and skirmishers of the enemy, drove them back for some distance, pressing them so closely that, the retreat of a number of them being cut off, 16 came into our lines and surrendered. On the same evening, being satisfied that the enemy were in our front in force and designed attacking us during the night or early in the morning, I ordered 128 Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, Thirty-sixth Iowa, to proceed with three companies from that regiment and three from the Forty-third Indiana to a position on the main road leading from the ford immediately in our front, to deploy his men on the right and left of the road, watch the movements of the enemy, and resist their approach as long as was prudent, and retire to the reserves when they approached in force. One section of artillery, under Lieutenant Peetz, was planted so as to fully command the road and the leading approaches on our right and left. At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 4th, the enemy approached in force and commenced an attack on the advanced companies of Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, who resisted them gallantly for near two hours, being well supported by the artillery of Lieutenant Peetz. The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, giving a detailed statement of the disposition of his forces and skirmishes with the enemy, is submitted herewith. The capture by his force early in the morning of a rebel lieutenant, an aide-de-camp upon the staff of General Marmaduke, confirmed me in the belief that that general was near us in person with a large portion of his division. After a very lively skirmish of near two hours, the enemy having discovered the position of our battery and replying to it vigorously with four pieces of artillery, our pickets and advanced companies were driven back upon their infantry reserves. The enemy (since ascertained to be General Cabell's brigade, 1,600 strong) charged with a yell upon our left for the purpose of flanking us and capturing our battery. Their approach from the cover of the timber was met gallantly by two or three well-directed volleys from the Thirty-sixth Iowa. Colonel Kittredge's report of the part taken by his regiment in resisting this charge of the enemy is herewith forwarded, together with the report of Major Norris. Immediately after the charge and repulse of the enemy the re-enforcement sent for by me arrived, consisting of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry and Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, of Brigadier-General Rice's brigade, but before they were put in position by him the enemy withdrew, not, however, until a grape-shot from their battery had inflicted a slight wound upon the general's head, from the effects of which I am gratified to say he has recovered. In looking upon the results of this engagement and the great disparity of numbers of the forces engaged, I cannot but regard this encounter as one reflecting the highest praise upon the coolness and unflinching courage of the men of my command, all of whom acquitted themselves well. My entire list of casualties (most of which are slight wounds) will not exceed 30, while the new-made graves of 18 of the enemy are in sight of our present encampment, and they confess to a loss of more than 50 in wounded. My especial thanks are due Col. C. W. Kittredge, Lieutenant- Colonel Drake, Maj. W. W. Norris, and Lieutenant Peetz, for their prompt co-operation and gallant disposition of their forces; and also to my personal staff, Capt. W. S. Magill, Capt. W. E. Whitridge, Lieut. E. P. Pearce, and Lieut. Charles J. Eagler, for the assistance they rendered me in carrying orders under the fire of the enemy. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. E. McLEAN, Colonel Forty-third Indiana Infy., Comdg. Second Brigade. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camden, Ark., April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the participation of the brigade under my command in the events of the present expedition since my last report of the 6th instant, which embraced operations to that date: On the 7th instant, three days after the battle of Elkin's Ford, this brigade moved on the road and encamped with the residue of the forces composing 129 this army upon the Cornelius plantation (awaiting the co-operation of the division under command of Brigadier-General Thayer), where the enemy had erected fortifications upon the hills extending over a circuit of near 3 miles, and which had been evacuated by them on the evening previous to our arrival. On the 10th instant, General Thayer's division having arrived, our forces proceeded to Prairie D'Ane, a distance of 6 miles, at the edge of which the enemy's skirmishers awaited us, supported by artillery, and commenced a vigorous attack upon the advance. A lively skirmish here ensuing the rebel skirmishers fell back, withdrawing their artillery, and our forces advanced until our line of skirmishers was established on the prairie, a mile from the timber. It being now dark and our forces having a good position we halted for the night; until 11 o'clock heavy cannonading and brisk skirmishing continued with slight intervals. Upon the day of this march this brigade was charged with guarding the general supply and pontoon trains, but at the beginning of the skirmishing the Seventy-seventh Ohio was ordered by me to advance and occupy a position in line on the right of the road, and the Thirty-sixth Iowa, which was posted along the train in detachments by my order, advanced on double-quick a distance of over 2 miles, and was soon posted in position on the left of the road on the prairie. These two regiments remained in line under arms all night. The Forty-third Indiana, which was in rear of the whole train, did not arrive in camp near the prairie until about midnight. My artillery, Company E, Second Missouri Light Artillery, by the order of General Salomon, was rapidly hurried to the front and took position on the extreme right of our line of defense, where it did most excellent service. On the afternoon of the 11th, it being evident that the enemy were in large force upon our right, I was ordered to take a position in line on the right, and co-operate with the cavalry brigade of Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell. Here my brigade bivouacked the remainder of the day and the following night, sleeping upon their arms. The next day, the army advancing upon the rebel fortifications, this brigade, with one section of artillery (Vaughn's battery), marched in close column in the center between the First and Third Brigades, with orders to support either, as the necessity should require. The enemy's pickets gave way before our line of skirmishers when the general advance took place, and the small remnant of the forces left by them to keep up appearance of resistance soon fled through the woods, leaving their long line of fortifications. The conduct of the men of the brigade upon the occasion of this advance, with the probability of battle before them, was most admirable. Upon the day of the successful entry of our troops into Camden, my brigade being again charged with the guarding of the general supply and pontoon trains, did not participate in the fight occurring upon that occasion. I take pleasure in reporting that during the whole expedition the conduct and discipline of the men of the brigade has been without exception most excellent, and their willingness to do any duty assigned them, attended with whatever danger, most marked and gratifying. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. E. McLEAN, Colonel Forty-third Indiana Infy., Comdg. Second Brigade. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-SIXTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFANTRY, Camp at Elkin's Ford, Ark., April 5, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the evening of the 2d instant this regiment crossed the Little Missouri River at the lord known as Elkin's Ford and went into camp upon the south bank of the river and just to the right of the ford, the Forty-third Indiana Infantry occupying the ground to our left across the road, these regiments being the only part of the army 130 that crossed the river, excepting small cavalry outposts who picketed the grounds to our front, the rest of the army having gone into camp on the north bank of the river and in our rear. On the evening of the 3d instant I received your order to send three companies to the front, with orders to support the cavalry outposts and, if necessary, skirmish with the enemy, holding him in check until a larger force could be sent forward. I ordered Lieut. Col. F. M. Drake to take command of Companies D, G, and A and carry out your instructions, which he immediately did, you strengthening his command soon after with three companies of the Forty-third Indiana Infantry. A copy of his report I have the honor to inclose herewith, from which you will see that he with his small command held the large force of the enemy in check for several hours. About 6 o'clock on the morning of the 4th instant the skirmishers were briskly engaged, and you ordered me to move forward with the seven remaining companies of the regiment. I moved up to the rear of the skirmishers and a little in advance of two pieces of Battery E, Second Missouri Artillery, which I found had been put in position during the night. I rode forward to speak with Lieutenant-Colonel Drake, who was gallantly holding his ground against such immense odds, when a rebel officer was brought in and promptly sent to your headquarters, and who proved to be a member of General Marmaduke's staff. You now came up in person and ordered me to move a little to the rear, which I did, immediately observing that the whole line of skirmishers to the left of the road were giving way and rapidly retreating across an open field in their rear. I now formed in line on the left of the road a little to the rear of the battery, ordering the men to lie down. I received no further orders until the battle was over. The firing now being brisk and the battery fully occupied, handsomely replying to a battery of the enemy which seemed to have secured a very accurate range, I advanced my line of battle a few steps, my right resting directly upon the left of the battery, the men lying down as before, being slightly protected by a rise in the ground directly in front. The enemy were now firing rapidly with artillery and musketry, and I became satisfied they were charging upon the battery, and as they made their appearance in the open ground, I ordered my command to stand up and fire. Our battery now limbered up and retreated across the creek in our rear. I, however, poured in a few well-directed volleys, which sent the enemy back as rapidly as they had advanced a few moments before. The firing now nearly ceased on both sides. I found that Lieutenant-Colonel Drake had gradually and in good order fallen back on the right of the road, nearly parallel with the regiment and just to the front of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, who were now in line on the right of the road in my rear across the creek, and I ordered him to form his companies in their proper order upon the left of the regiment. The regiment remained upon the field all night, but the enemy had evidently retreated. The officers and men of the regiment behaved gallantly, as they must needs have done to have held in check and finally driven from the field, with the aid of two pieces of artillery a small command of the First Iowa Cavalry and three companies of the Forty-third Indiana Infantry, an enemy 3,000 strong. Lieutenant-Colonel Drake especially deserves honorable mention for the gallant manner in which he performed his duties. My casualties were 17 wounded, many severely and some mortally, a list of whom I have already had the honor to transmit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. KITTREDGE, Colonel Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. Col. WILLIAM E. MCLEAN, Commanding Second Brigade. CAMP THIRTY-SIXTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Elkin's Ford, Ark., April 6, 1864. 131 SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the detachment under my command in the battle of Elkin's Ford, on the Little Missouri River, Ark., on the 3d and 4th instant: By order of Col. William E. McLean, commanding Second Brigade, about 5 p.m. on the 3d instant, in command of three companies of the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry and three companies of the Forty-third Indiana Infantry, I proceeded along the road running perpendicular from the ford through the woods to the front, and took a position about 100 paces in rear of the picket-post on the road, behind a deserted orchard. The picket-post, composed of about 100 men of the First Iowa Cavalry, commanded by Captain Mcintyre, I found on my arrival was engaged skirmishing with the advance pickets of the enemy. I immediately went forward among the line of skirmishers until I could observe the enemy's movements, and from close observation soon became satisfied that they were in considerable force, and were covering preparations to attack us next morning. I at once apprised Colonel McLean concerning my apprehensions, who immediately sent to my support Lieutenant Peetz, with a section of light artillery, and ordered me to assume command of all the forces to the front, deploy my men on the right and left of the road, and if attacked, to hold my position as long as I thought prudent, and fall back on the reserves. The cavalry post, now composed of Companies C and D, First Iowa Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenants Ronaldson and Walker (who had at this time relieved Captain McIntyre), covered about 200 paces of our front with cavalry vedettes, and I deployed Companies D, G, and A, Thirty-sixth Iowa, on the right of the road at intervals of 100 paces between companies, making I) my center, placed at the road. I deployed Companies E, H, and C, Forty-third Indiana, at same company intervals on the left of the road, the battery taking position about 200 paces in rear of my center, and threw well forward and to my flanks a strong infantry picket. I ordered each company to keep up a few watchers, the Balance to sleep on their arms until 4 o'clock next morning, when all should get up and breakfast before daylight. I ordered the cavalry, as soon as attacked, to dismount and send all their horses to the rear. Soon after daylight on the morning of the 4th instant the enemy engaged the cavalry pickets, and almost simultaneously made a determined effort to turn my left flank. I met them on the left with Companies H and C, deployed as skirmishers, and ordered Company D, Captain Hale, to move forward and deploy to support the cavalry. I immediately discovered the enemy entering the orchard in heavy force in line of battle, and moved forward Companies G and E on a line with D. The engagement was now becoming very warm, and my men were falling wounded on my right and left, but by a very determined effort we finally succeeded in driving back the rebel column into the woods in front of the orchard. I immediately dispatched an orderly to Colonel McLean, informing him we were engaged with about 2,000 of the enemy and calling for re-enforcements. A strong effort was now made by the enemy to turn my right flank, when I moved forward Company A, Captain Porter, deployed to protect it. My whole force was now deployed, covering the enemy's front, and the engagement was general along my entire line. I now called upon Lieutenant Peetz to open upon them with his battery, which he had barely commenced doing when the enemy opened upon us with four field pieces, and for near one hour from this time the engagement on both sides was very severe. With a force of about 300 men we were contending against Generals Cabell and Greene's brigades, commanded by General Marmaduke in person. My officers and men without exception fought with desperation, and we succeeded in checking the enemy, and holding a position about 50 paces in rear of our old line. A lull then ensued of some minutes, taking advantage of which I ordered my line to advance to our old position and take the men's knapsacks, which had been left on the ground where we encamped, now in possession of the enemy. The men went forward, retook their knapsacks, and Company D, Captain Hale, captured while doing so Lieutenant Fackler, an aide-de-camp of General Marmaduke. We were now again in possession of the ground held by us at the commencement of 132 the engagement, and were fully assured from appearances that so far the enemy had received more than he had bargained for. Fearing the enemy were posting artillery on my flanks to enfilade us or in position to give us a raking cross-fire, I ordered Captain Porter, on my right, and Lieutenant Holman, on my left, to advance a few skirmishers to their front and flank and feel for the enemy. They had not advanced far until they were both engaged. The enemy had posted a piece of artillery in front of each of my flanks, and with a cross-fire and a direct fire from his four pieces of artillery commenced raking the wood with solid shot, grape, and shell, while his combined forces in one continuous line rushed upon us, firing volleys of musketry and yelling like demons. For some time we held a perfect line, falling back slowly, and contesting every inch of ground, expecting support, until my line on the left of the road, being forced into an open field, gave way entirely, and fell back on their reserves. I now determined to hold my position on the right of the road at all hazards until re-enforced. I succeeded in doing so, and after several hours' severe fighting finally repulsed the enemy, but not without considerable loss. About the time my left gave way, Colonel Kittredge took a position with the balance of the Thirty-sixth Iowa in rear of the field, and repulsed the enemy's charge on my left. During the engagement, which lasted until near noon with my detachment, the cavalry was commanded by Lieutenants Walker, Ronaldson, McCormick, and Dow, First Iowa Cavalry; the artillery by Lieutenant Peetz, [Battery E,] Second Missouri Light Artillery; Companies A, G, and D, Thirty-sixth Iowa, by Captains Porter, Fee, and Hale, and Lieutenants Baird, Pearson, and Birnbaum; Companies E, H, and C, Forty-third Indiana, by Lieutenants Thompson, Cooper, and Holman; and I cannot but express the highest commendation for the coolness and bravery they exhibited during this terrible and unequal contest, and the men proved themselves all heroes. Privates George Barr and Harvey J. Clingenpeel, Company C, First Iowa Cavalry, acted as my orderlies during the engagement, and were of great service; they are good and brave soldiers. The casualties of my detachment are 1 officer, Lieutenant Dow, slightly wounded in head, and 30 men wounded, 11 of them supposed mortally, several of whom have since died. The proportion is 12 from the Thirty-sixth Iowa, 11 from the First Iowa Cavalry, 4 from the Fortythird Indiana, and 3 from the [Battery El Second Missouri Light Artillery, a list of which will be reported by regimental commanders. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. DRAKE, Lieut. Col. 36th Iowa Infy., Comdg. Detach. 2d Brig. Capt. W. E. WHITRIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Marks' Mills, April 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 22d day of April, by order of Brigadier-General Salomon, the Second Brigade Was detailed to escort a supply train, consisting of 240 Government wagons and a number of sutler and other private wagons, from Camden to Pine Bluff. Col. William E. McLean, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, the brigade commander, being sick, was unable to go personally in command. Col. C. W. Kittredge, Thirty-sixth Iowa, Col. W. B. Mason, Seventy-seventh Ohio, being also sick, the command devolved upon me as the ranking officer. At the request of Colonel McLean I reported to Major-General Steele for instructions, who ordered me to move with the train early next morning to Pine Bluff, and when the same was loaded to return with it to Camden. In obedience to his instructions I crossed the Ouachita that evening and encamped on the opposite bank, where the train was parked. My forces consisted of 133 the Forty-third Indiana Infantry, Maj. W. W. Norris commanding, about 300 strong; Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Maj. A. H. Hamilton commanding, about 500 strong: Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, about 400 strong, Captain McCormick commanding, and two sections of Battery E, Second Missouri Light Artillery, Lieutenant Peetz commanding. Next morning at daylight' Major McCauley, First Indiana Cavalry, reported to me for duty with a detachment of 240 men from that regiment and the Seventh Missouri Cavalry. I would further report that in addition to the above-named forces there accompanied the train Lieutenant Schrom, of General Salomon's staff, Captain Sprague, of General Carr's staff, and Captain Townsend, of General Rice's staff, together with a large number of citizens, cotton speculators, Arkansas refugees, sutlers, and other army followers, and also some 300 negroes. At 5 a.m. on the 23d instant I moved and encamped about 18 miles from Camden. The advance under Major McCauley, during the afternoon, encountered a few squads of rebel cavalry along the road, but we did not discover the enemy in any force. Finding the roads much worn by the loaded supply trains to Camden and greatly damaged by recent rains, I organized a pioneer corps, consisting of about 75 colored recruits. By much exertion I succeeded in reaching the edge of the Moro Bottom on the evening of the 24th, where I encamped, keeping my pioneer corps at work during the night, bridging the slough and corduroying the bottom. On the 24th, Major McCauley had been diligently scouting all parts of the country, but was unable to discover any enemy. During the night I placed a cavalry picket of 1 officer and 25 men about 2 miles in my rear, at the junction of the Chambersville and Camden roads, with instructions to patrol at daylight on each road to the rear for 5 miles. I also placed a cavalry picket of 10 men at the junction of the Princeton road, about 2 miles in my advance, with orders to patrol on that road at daylight, 5 miles, and ordered Major McCauley to send an officer and 75 men forward at daylight to the junction of the Warren road, about 6 miles in advance, and take position, to send patrols on that road for 4 or 5 miles, and to go himself with the balance of his command at daylight to the picket-post in our rear, and remain until patrols returned. On the 25th, I moved my pioneer corps at daylight and started the train, the Forty-third Indiana, Major Norris, with one section of artillery, taking the advance, with instructions to proceed on the march and take a position at the junction of the Warren and Pine Bluff roads,' and, if the patrol on these roads should report any enemy advancing, to cover their front with a strong line of skirmishers. I remained at camp with the Thirty-sixth Iowa and Seventy-seventh Ohio and one section of artillery until I received information from the rear, and the train was in motion on the road, when I ordered Major Hamilton, Thirty-sixth Iowa, to move forward on the flank of the train until further orders or until he should reach the junction of the Warren road. The Seventy-seventh Ohio, with the remaining section of artillery, was left in the rear with instructions how to proceed in case of an attack. Captain Whitridge, acting assistant adjutantgeneral, and Lieutenant Eagler, of Colonel McLean's staff, remained in the rear with this portion of the command. I had arrived within about 2 miles of my advance, when I met a courier, who informed me that there was skirmishing in front. I ordered the Thirty-sixth Iowa quickly forward. I also dispatched an orderly at rapid speed to the head of the train with orders to Lieutenant Schrom, whom I had intrusted with the advance that morning, to park the train in a field to the left of the road as fast as it came up. Arriving at the advance I found Major Norris, Forty-third Indiana, with Major Spellman, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, who had arrived from Pine Bluff with a force of 150 cavalry from his regiment and the Fifth Kansas, skirmishing with the enemy at the junction of the Warren and Camden roads, on the ridge known as Red Lands. I soon ascertained that a large force of the enemy, commanded by General Fagan, was in our front. I immediately extended the line of skirmishers by deploying two additional companies of the Forty-third Indiana, and ordered the remainder of my forces to move up on double-quick. The Thirty-sixth 134 Iowa was soon up and in position for action. Two brigades, ascertained to be Cabell's and Dockery's, were now engaging us, and the skirmishing was very brisk. Major Norris, with the remaining companies of the Forty-third Indiana, moved forward and supported the skirmish line. The enemy then, in overwhelming numbers, charged upon our line, and were gallantly met by the Forty-third Indiana, who went forward with a deafening shout and drove back the brigade of Dockery. I then ordered Major Hamilton to take the left wing of the Thirty-sixth Iowa, and move to the support of our advance. He had just placed his men in position when the enemy again charged upon our center. I ordered Major Norris to deploy to the right and left to give an opening for our artillery, ordering Lieutenant Peetz to hold his fire until they were in close range, and to give them grape. They came charging up in column, and when within 75 yards the battery opened upon them as ordered, Major Hamilton ordering his men, who [were] lying down, to rise up and fire. They poured a deadly volley of musketry into the enemy, whose ranks were again broken, and they staggered and fell back, but only to rally again. The contest raged with unabated fury, the Forty-third Indiana and five companies of the Thirty-sixth Iowa, with Lieutenant Peetz's artillery, sustaining the full charge of the enemy. The brigades of Shelby and Fagan were in sight and advancing rapidly upon my left and rear. The Seventy-seventh Ohio was hurrying forward, but was not yet up. I moved the remaining five companies of the Thirty-sixth Iowa forward, posting them for a charge on the right of Fagan's brigade, and while so doing I received a wound from a minie-ball through the thigh and hip, completely disabling me. Subsequently I ordered Major McCauley, with about 60 cavalrymen, to make a charge upon the left of Fagan's brigade, while the right wing of the Thirty-sixth Iowa charged his right flank for the purpose of forming a junction with the Seventy-seventh Ohio. I then told Captain Magill to turn the command over to the next ranking officer present. For some cause this was not done. I understand that, owing to the overwhelming numbers of the enemy and in spite of the gallant efforts of the Seventy-seventh Ohio, this junction could not be formed. Seeing that we were overwhelmed in front, the combined forces of the enemy moved upon the Seventy-seventh Ohio, who gallantly withstood them for more than an hour, but finally yielded to superior numbers. The attacking forces of the enemy could not have been less than 6,000 men. Overwhelmed, as each command was, by greatly superior numbers, they still continued to fight each upon its own responsibility, until the conflict became a hand-to-hand fight. At last, however, our ammunition being exhausted and a large proportion of our men killed or wounded, they at length yielded to the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and being completely surrounded, they were captured as prisoners of war. Less than 150 of the brigade escaped from the conflict, the balance, including the wounded, being made prisoners. I cannot give the exact number of killed and wounded of my command. Dr. Cochran, surgeon of the First Iowa Cavalry, and medical director of Major-General Steele's forces, informed me that it would be about 250. I have requested him to furnish you a list. An official list of casualties will also be furnished from the several regiments belonging to the brigade. It was estimated that after the battle from 800 to 900 men lay dead and wounded on the battle-field, about half of whom were rebels, and a large number were negroes and Arkansas refugees, who, I am informed, were inhumanly butchered by the enemy, and among them my own negro servant. In conclusion, I take this opportunity of returning my especial thanks to Majors Norris, Hamilton, and McCauley, and Captain McCormick, and Lieutenant Peetz for their gallant and distinguished services in the management of their respective commands; and to Capts. W. S. Magill and W. E. Whitridge, and Lieuts. Charles J. Eaglet and D. Putnam, of McLean's, and Lieut. James B. Schrom, of General Salemen's staff, for their valuable services. I would also extend my thanks to Brig. Gen. Samuel A. Rice for the valuable services of Capt. M. G. 135 Townsend, who, I am informed, is among the killed. Captain Townsend was a brave and gallant officer. Peace to the ashes of the brave who fell! To Drs. M. B. Cochran, I. Casselberry, C. G. Strong, Patrick A. Smyth, and all the surgeons with me, too much credit cannot be awarded for the energy and industry they are exhibiting in taking care of the wounded. All of the officers and men of my command behaved well, and fought as only patriots fighting to save a bleeding country can fight. They deserve well of their country. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. DRAKE, Lieut. Col. Thirty-sixth Iowa Infy., Comdg. Second Brig. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. CENTERVILLE, IOWA, July 5, 1864. DEAR SIR: Inclosed I send you copies of my official reports of the battles of Elkin's Ford, Ark., April 4, 1864, and of Marks' Mills, Ark., April 25, 1864. At the date of my report of the battle of Marks' Mills I was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, and supposed to be mortally wounded. I was suffering very much from my wounds when I dictated the report and omitted detailed particulars which, under more favorable circumstances, I should have given. The portion of my forces engaged with the enemy numbered about 1,000. The rebel forces, commanded by Major-General Fagan, consisted of seven brigades, commanded by Brigadier-Generals Shelby, Dockery, Cabell, Cooper, and Crawford, and Colonels Greene and Wright, and numbered, as I have learned correctly since date of my report, 8,000 strong. The battle lasted about five hours. We had been fighting about two and a half hours when I was wounded. Up to that time we had succeeded in repulsing every charge of the enemy, and except from the great disparity in numbers the prospect of victory was in our favor. I am clearly of opinion that had my order (given after I was disabled) to turn over the command to the next ranking officer been promptly executed a junction might have been formed with the Seventy-seventh Ohio, and our forces might have been at least withdrawn and retreated to Camden, avoiding the capture of any except the wounded. I remained in the hands of the enemy eight days, under treatment of Dr. C. G. Strong, assistant surgeon Thirty-sixth Iowa, and myself and all the wounded were well attended and well cared for. With the exception of a few able to travel on foot with the prisoners taken south, the wounded were paroled and afterward, under flag of truce, brought to Pine Bluff by our forces. The Thirty-sixth Iowa went into the action with less than 500 men, and you will find, by reference to their list of killed and wounded, which I have ordered to be forwarded to you, that more than one-fourth of their number were killed or wounded. I arrived home on the 28th of May, and am rapidly recovering from my wounds, and hope to be able to join my command soon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. DRAKE, Lieutenant-Colonel Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. General N. B. BAKER, Adjutant-General of Iowa. HDQRS. SEVENTY-SEVENTH REGT. OHIO VET. VOL. INFY., In Camp, Arkansas, April 6, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions received on the evening of April 2, I marched my command, accompanied with two pieces of Company E, Second Missouri Artillery, from Okolona, Ark., out about 2 miles on a road running in a 136 northwestern direction, and intersecting with the Washington road, to support the First Iowa Cavalry, which was reported engaged with the enemy on the Washington road, and falling back. Having selected a good position, I directed the pieces to be planted and held my regiment in line about an hour, when I received orders from General Salomon to return to Okolona, where I encamped for the night, the remainder of the brigade having gone on to the Little Missouri River. On the morning of the 3d, I received verbal orders from General Salomon to report with my command to Col. Adolph Engelmann, commanding the Third Brigade, who had orders to march his brigade back to Spoonville, Ark. I reported accordingly and accompanied his brigade to Spoonville and returned last evening, when I was relieved from duty with the Third Brigade and ordered to report back to you in the morning. Respectfully submitted. WM. B. MASON, Colonel, Comdg. Seventy-seventh Ohio Vet. Vol. Infy. Capt. W. E. WHITRIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. SIR: On the 22d day of April, 1864, the first and third sections left Camden, under command of First Lieut. Charles Peetz, as escort to a supply train from Camden to Pine Bluff; Ark. At 5 a.m. camp was broke and the march commenced, the escort being under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Drake, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, the escort consisting of the Forty-third Indiana Infantry, Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, and Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and also four pieces of Light Battery E, Second Missouri Artillery, under command of First Lieut. Charles Peetz, and several detachments of cavalry. On the 23d of April some of our officers and men had been captured, but no regular fight ensued. During the 24th of April nothing happened, but during the night of the 24th of April General Fagan tried to attack us in the rear, with which movement he succeeded only too well next day. On the 25th of April, at 8 a.m., at Marks' Mills, Ark., Major- General Fagan attacked us in our front, the Forty-third Indiana Infantry and the third section of our battery being in the advance, the Thirty-sixth Iowa as flankers, and the Seventy-seventh Ohio and the first section of our battery being in the rear of the train, the train consisting of 240 Government wagons and a considerable number of ambulances. Our advance had very heavy skirmishing for about one hour with the enemy, and at 9 o'clock I opened fire with the third section, changing direction of firing three times. Being in action four or five hours, the Seventyseventh Ohio Infantry and the first section of the battery were ordered to the front, but unfortunately before they could join the advance they were either captured or killed and wounded. As we were also overpowered by unequal numbers and no re-enforcements coming to our relief, after five and a half hours of hard fighting we were either taken prisoners or killed, but indeed the loss of life was dreadful on both sides. As for our battery I cannot ascertain how many were lost. I was wounded myself, but to my greatest enjoyment when I was exchanged on the 4th of May, 1864, and having arrived at Little Rock, Ark., I found 7 of my boys, who had made their escape and had joined the battery again at Little Rock. We lost our four pieces, horses, harness, &c.; also the whole train. As for our horses, they did not get many, as they were pretty near all killed or wounded. I lost two horses myself, private property, which were shot from under me. Since my return to Little Rock 6 men of our battery have returned under parole, 3 being now exchanged. During all the engagements the men of the battery, without any exception, behaved most nobly, which deserves the greatest praise during the whole campaign. Without any exception, the battle of Marks' Mills, Ark., was one of the hardest battles I have ever been in. I remain, yours, truly, CHARLES PEETZ, 137 First Lieut. Battery E, Second Missouri Artillery. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camp in the Field, near Elkin's Ferry, April 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 3d instant, being in camp at Okolona, I received orders to march to Hollywood with my brigade, the Seventy-seventh Ohio, and a brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Ritter, numbering 1,000 men, with two mountain howitzers. The cavalry being then stationed on' the Little Missouri, it was only expected to arrive at Okolona at noon. At 9 a.m., while a large portion of the supply train still remained and my men were drawing rations for the march, the pickets stationed on the Washington road were attacked. Two companies of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin were ordered forward to re-enforce them. The firing becoming brisk both to the right and left, additional companies of the Twentyseventh were sent forward with orders to deploy in the woods, to the left of the road. One company of the Fortieth Iowa was deployed to the right, and two companies of the Forty-third Illinois, joining the right of the skirmishers of the Fortieth, were deployed across the Arkadelphia road running eastward from Okolona. The enemy now opened on my main position with two light pieces of artillery. A single shot from one of the guns of Vaughn's battery made them quit their position. The enemy's artillery subsequently fired a few more rounds from concealed positions at my skirmishers, with but little effect. Immediately after the commencement of the artillery firing, Colonel Krez, commanding Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, was ordered forward with the remaining companies of his regiment, with instructions to join his companies already deployed and to dislodge the enemy. Two companies of the Seventy-seventh Ohio were ordered to follow the movements of Colonel Krez as a reserve, while two further companies of that regiment were deployed to the left to cover ground vacated by the advance of the Twentyseventh. The train and its rear guard having left Okolona, one company of the Seventy-seventh was ordered to cover the road leading to the river. Some of the enemy appearing beyond the open fields to the southwest, a platoon of the Seventy-seventh was sent to re-enforce the pickets stationed in that direction, with instructions to occupy a belt of timber projecting into those fields. The skirmishing from the Arkadelphia road to the extreme left of Colonel Krez's line now became heavy, particularly in front of the Twenty-seventh, enlivened by an occasional discharge of canister or shell from the enemy's battery, when a drenching shower set in, which for a while arrested the conflict. The rain having ceased the enemy were speedily driven from our right, concentrating their forces against Colonel Krez, who, however, with his own regiment and two companies of the Fortieth Iowa, which had been the picket on that line, now drove the enemy for some distance, when he precipitately retreated, Colonel Krez pursuing for 2 miles. Unfortunately the cavalry had not yet come up, and could not be made available in the pursuit. I beg leave to submit herewith a detailed report of the casualties in my command and copies of the reports of regimental commanders. I also submit reports of the number of rounds of ammunition expended. When in the early part of the engagement the enemy opened on my main position, all the guns of Vaughn's battery had been charged with percussion shell. Before resuming the march these had to be discharged. All information that I have been able to gather proves that the loss of the enemy was by far more severe than our own. The cavalry brigade, coming in at about 2 o'clock, was detained for some time in issuing rations to its men. It was 4 p.m. when, having drawn in the skirmishers and pickets, I commenced the march toward Hollywood. The roads, badly cut up by the passage of our army, had become very difficult in consequence of the heavy rain in the morning. Night set in before I reached the Washington and Arkadelphia road, when, running upon pickets of the enemy, I formed the Third Brigade in line and bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 4th no enemy was found, his pickets having 138 been withdrawn during the night. A cavalry patrol was sent out on the Washington road for some miles, driving small parties of the enemy who were here engaged in burning cotton. Another patrol was sent to a steam mill, three-quarters of a mile from the cross-roads, with instructions to make the mill unserviceable, and take the proprietor, who, according to information received, had guided Shelby in his attacks on our forces on the 2d and 3d of April. Some portions of the machinery were taken out of the mill and destroyed, rendering it unfit for use. The proprietor was not found. Colonel Ritter had the advance to Hollywood. On his arrival he sent some of his forces out toward Arkadelphia to ascertain whether anything could be heard of General Thayer. They returned without having been able to get any intelligence. On the morning of the 5th, two squadrons were sent out on the Fort Smith road for the same object. I left Hollywood at 10 a.m. Colonel Ritter remained until the return of the squadrons that had taken the Fort Smith road, he having been requested in case he should obtain any information of General Thayer to send it to me immediately. At the cross-roads I again sent small patrols of cavalry both toward Washington and to the mill. At the latter the man who had been guiding Shelby was apprehended and taken into camp by Colonel Ritter. I arrived in camp on the Little Missouri after dark, and immediately reported at division headquarters in person. It becomes my duty here to report an atrocity committed by an officer of Shelby's command. The Widow Coles, living at Hollywood, has a son in the Third Missouri Cavalry. When Shelby's forces entered that place on the morning of the 2d instant an officer rode up to her house, and asking her whether a negro man then present was her property, on her answering in the affirmative, shot the negro twice, one shot taking effect in the neck, the other in the head, and left him for dead. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, ADOLPH ENGELMANN, Col. 43d Regt. Ill. Vols., Comdg. 3d Brig., 3d Div., 7th A. C. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camp in the Field, near Moscow, Ark., April 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, the 10th instant, on the march from Elkin's Ferry to Prairie D'Ane, having the advance of the Third Division, at 4 p.m. I came upon the cavalry division, which was halted in edge of the woods bordering the prairie. Large numbers of the enemy's cavalry and some artillery were deployed on the central ridge of the prairie running east and west, while the ridge in front commanding the point where the road enters the prairie was held by the enemy's skirmishers, concealed in the dense undergrowth covering the same. Battery A, Third Illinois Artillery, was brought in position, commanding the first ridge. The Fortieth Iowa Volunteers being deployed to the right and the Forty-third Illinois to the left, as supports to the battery, the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin being held in reserve, companies of the Fortieth and Forty-third were sent forward as skirmishers to develop the enemy. The enemy not appearing in force on the first ridge, the general commanding division having in the mean time come up, by his orders these two regiments were deployed as skirmishers and sent forward, while the Twenty-seventh was brought up to support the battery. The Forty-third, gallantly led by Lieutenant-Colonel Dengler, was the first to gain the high ground heretofore occupied by the enemy's skirmishers. They were closely followed by the Fortieth. The battery and the Twentyseventh were now also brought forward, and while they were being placed in position the enemy opened on them with his artillery. The fire was effectively replied to by Captain Vaughn. The rebel artillery having been driven from its position, the Fortieth and Forty-third were, by order of 139 the general commanding division, again advanced. These two regiments, driving the enemy steadily before them, soon gained the commanding position previously occupied by him. The battery and Twenty-seventh were now speedily brought up, and with the other regiments formed in line, the Fortieth on the right, resting against Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell's brigade of cavalry, the battery in the center, supported to the right and left by the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, the Forty-third on the left, resting on Brigadier-General Rice's command. Night had set in before this line was completed. Having orders to make connection with the troops, both to my right and left, I was compelled to occupy and cover with skirmishers a greater extent of front than the limited number of troops under my command could well afford. During all this time a brisk fire was maintained from both sides by the skirmishers in my front. At about 8 p.m. the enemy again opened upon my position from a battery to the southwest, at 1,000 yards distance. It was reluctantly, but with good effect, replied to by my battery. Artillery and skirmish firing was kept up with some intermissions till 10 o'clock, when the enemy charged upon my battery from the direction of my right front, but were repulsed by the fire of the Fortieth and Twenty-seventh and several volleys of canister in quick succession by the battery. From that time on I was no longer molested, and the men were enabled to take such rest as lying in ranks on an open prairie of a frosty night, without fire, would grant them. I beg leave herewith to submit the reports of regimental and battery commanders. I would also refer to a report of the casualties already sent in, the total amount of casualties being in the brigade 1 man killed, 1 seriously wounded, and 11 slightly wounded. None missing. The loss of the enemy has not been ascertained. The loss of the enemy in horses killed was ten to one of our own. I have the honor to be, with high regard, your most obedient servant, ADOLPH ENGELMANN, Col. Forty-third Regt. Illinois Vols., Comdg. Third Brig. Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General. ----- HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Little Rock, Ark., May 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th day of April, at Camden, I was instructed by the general commanding division to dig rifle-pits for the protection of my command, then in position on the Prairie D'Ane road, between the two principal redoubts of the series of works erected around that place. The pits were traced and the work commenced the same day, details of the Fortieth Iowa working all night. At 1 p.m. on the 26th, I received orders to have the teams of my command loaded and ready to cross the Washita at 3 o'clock, the troops to remain in their respective positions and to constitute the rear of the army. The working on the rifle-pits was now discontinued. It was 1 a.m. on the 27th when the body of the army had crossed the Washita, and my brigade left its position and marched for the pontoon bridge. Arriving on the east side of the river, the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Volunteers was deployed above the bridge, the Forty-third Illinois Volunteers below the same, the Fortieth Iowa being placed in reserve to cover the taking up of the pontoon. It was daylight when the last pontoon was loaded, and the brigade enabled to commence the march. The men, having been under arms all night and marching in the rear of the army, were unable to get any rest or to do any foraging on that day, although the distance marched was inconsiderable. The sun was down when they reached the encampment assigned them for the night. On the morning of the 28th, at 4 o'clock, my brigade resumed the march, and having the advance of the infantry division arrived at Princeton at 1 p.m., where we were able to 140 forage a sufficient quantity of fresh meat to supply the men for the day. On the morning of the 29th, my orders were to again constitute the rear of the army, and to resume the march at 4 a.m. It was, however, 8 o'clock before the troops in advance of me had all left town, so that I could move off. After turning from the Tulip road I was notified by the rear guard, consisting of two companies of the Sixth Kansas, that some of the enemy were in sight, and information was received of large bodies of the enemy in our immediate vicinity, pushing rapidly after us. At noon it commenced to rain, and at the same time the enemy engaged the rear guard, and soon brought up artillery with which he attempted to rake the road. I, however, steadily continued the march until 1.30 p.m., the road forward, leading through a bottom one-half mile wide, being crowded with our troops at a halt, and the enemy pressing my rear I was compelled to form line to check his farther advance until the road forward should become disencumbered. The Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Companies F and B of the Forty-third Illinois, and one section of Vaughn's battery, under Lieutenant Thomas, were placed in line, and soon engaged by the enemy with small-arms and four pieces of artillery. The response by our skirmishers and artillery was deliberate and effective. The Forty-third Illinois, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, and four pieces of Vaughn's battery were formed into a second line. Subsequently the Fortieth Iowa and Twentyseventh Wisconsin and one section of the battery formed a third line. The road now having become clear of our troops, and the enemy having received a decided check by the engagement with the first line, showed no disposition to molest us at that time. I resumed the march in the road, covering the rear with a line of skirmishers consisting of two companies of the Fortieth Iowa, that regiment forming the rear of the brigade. Arriving on the bluff above the Saline Bottom I was ordered t)y the general commanding division to leave one regiment and one section of artillery as a picket at that point. The Forty-third Illinois and the section under charge of Lieutenant Thomas, all under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Dengler, were assigned to this duty. I had not proceeded beyond the field at the foot of the bluff, when the picket was attacked and I was compelled to form the Fortieth Iowa in rear of the field as a support to the Forty-third Illinois. Colonel Garrett, commanding the Fortieth, was instructed to throw out skirmishers on both his right and left flanks so as to connect with the Forty-third Illinois and guard his regiment against surprise. The enemy again brought artillery into action, but a few rounds from our own compelled him to speedily withdraw his pieces. During the remaining hours of daylight the engagement (extending from the right of the Fortieth along the front of the Forty-third and down again to the skirmishers on the left of the Fortieth) was maintained exclusively with small-arms, the enemy making frequent use of percussion rifleballs. At sunset our artillery was withdrawn from the picket. At nightfall, the skirmishing having ceased, the Thirty-third Iowa, a regiment of General Rice's brigade, having been ordered to report to me, took the position of the Forty-third Illinois, the latter regiment, however, withdrawing under the brow of the bluff, where it was formed as a reserve to the Thirty-third. During the afternoon and night it rained with but little intermission, causing the regiments winch were lying out in line, without any shelter and without fires, to suffer severely. The Fortieth Iowa and Forty-third Illinois endured the most, as they had been skirmishing with the enemy during the rain since noon and now had to lie in it over night. At 2 a.m. I was ordered to withdraw all the regiments from picket but-one, which was to be deployed in rear of the field at the foot of the bluff. The Thirty-third Iowa was by me assigned to this position, it being one of the regiments of the First Brigade, which, according to the regular changes in the order of march heretofore observed in the division, would have the rear that day. Soon after daybreak on the 30th, this regiment was engaged by the enemy. General Rice coming up requested me to send a regiment to the support of the Thirty-third. The Twenty-seventh Wisconsin was sent back for that purpose. A staff officer now informed me that my brigade was again to take the rear that day, and that the 141 troops should move toward the Saline River as fast as the train should clear the road. The Twenty-seventh Wisconsin accordingly relieved the Thirty-third, but the engagement having by this time become heavy General Rice offered to form a second line with some of his troops, to hold the enemy in check while the Forty-third Illinois and Fortieth Iowa Regiments of my brigade and Thirty-third Iowa of his own should prepare themselves some coffee and rest from the fatigue and exposure of the night. The Twenty-seventh Wisconsin was to be withdrawn on the completion of the second line. This line having been formed the Twenty-seventh was moved off, and my brigade was placed in position in the edge of the timber bordering the last field on the road toward the bridge. The Thirty-third also came into the same field, and the men of the different regiments built fires to prepare their coffee. But long ere this was cooked the engagement had assumed such proportions that the regiments had to be successively sent to those points where their presence was most needed. Of the troops assembled in the field General Rice first withdrew his own regiment, the Thirty-third Iowa. He making application for a regiment of my brigade to cover his left flank, the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin was ordered out and placed in position by Lieutenant Duncan, of his staff. The general commanding division coming up, the two remaining regiments of my brigade were by him ordered toward the enemy, leaving two companies of the Fortieth Iowa deployed to cover the left of the position heretofore held by the brigade. The enemy at this time making a demonstration in force on our right beyond the creek, and there being danger of his gaining a position enfilading our own lines, the general ordered the Forty-third across to force him back. The men, with some hesitancy, plunged into the narrow but swollen stream, the water being from 3 to 4 feet deep, filling the cartridge-boxes of many. Deploying on the opposite side, the Forty-third was soon briskly engaged, and in conjunction with two companies of the Second Kansas, African descent, steadily and speedily drove the enemy from that side of the creek. The section of Vaughn's battery, under Lieutenant Thomas, having returned to the battlefield, the Fortieth Iowa was formed for its support, several of its companies, however, being also thrown across the creek to deploy as skirmishers on the extreme right of our lines. Information being now received that the enemy were making a powerful demonstration on our left and threatening to turn it, Colonel Garrett, with four companies of his regiment, which had been stationed to the left of the guns, was ordered to form on the extreme left of our lines. The enemy having been completely repulsed on the right concentrated his efforts on the center and left of our lines, testing the bravery of the troops to the utmost. General Rice requested that the Forty-third Illinois, now lying on its arms and not engaged by the enemy, be ordered to the left center of our position. This re-quest was complied with as expeditiously as the distance occupied by that regiment beyond the creek would admit, the skirmishers of the Fortieth Iowa, heretofore deployed still farther to the right, being moved toward the left as the Forty-third withdrew. This movement took place at a decisive moment. The four companies of the Fortieth Iowa holding the extreme left of our lines were hard pressed by the enemy, but maintained their position with the most commendable bravery, suffering, however, in proportion to the number of men composing those companies, the most severe loss of any of our troops engaged at Jenkins' Ferry. The general commanding division being informed of the desperate nature of the conflict on our extreme left ordered the First Arkansas, a regiment of General Thayer's division, which came up as re-enforcement, to support them. The appearance of this regiment on our extreme left immediately relieved the pressure on the Fortieth, without the First Arkansas sustaining any material loss. In the mean time the Forty-third Illinois had come up with the center of our lines just as the Thirty-third Iowa had for the second time completely exhausted its ammunition, and passing through that regiment took up the engagement, driving the enemy for one-half a mile to the foot of the bluff. The enemy having now been completely repulsed on all sides, the general 142 commanding division ordered the troops to be recalled, and the march to be resumed, which was done in good order. Thus terminated one of the most sanguinary engagements of the war, fought exclusively by infantry, the section of artillery brought into position by us firing but a single shot, while the enemy's battery of four pieces only went into position to be taken by a combined attack of the Twenty-ninth Iowa and Second Kansas, African descent. The ground over which the battle was fought, with the exception of the two open fields near the road, was a majestic forest, growing out of the swamp, which it was very difficult to pass through on horseback, the infantry being most of the time in the water up to their knees. The advanced position occupied by the Forty-third Illinois when the march was resumed enabled me to form an opinion as to the relative loss of our own and the enemy's forces. I do not hesitate to give the enemy's loss as three to one of our own. His loss in field officers was particularly heavy. I must here express the high obligations under which I am to Colonel Garrett and Lieutenant-Colonel Dengler for the gallantry with which they led their commands, being conscious, however, that nothing I can say can afford them the satisfaction they must have experienced in witnessing the bravery of their men. To the officers of my staff I am under obligations for faithful and valuable services during the campaign. To Captain Fay, acting assistant adjutant-general, for services on the field, Okolona, Prairie D'Ane, and during the skirmish on the 29th. Early in the engagement on the 30th, he was intrusted by the general commanding division with the execution of an order from army headquarters, directing the lightening and destruction of trains still on the west side of the river. Lieut. M. H. White, aidede- camp and inspecting officer, whether in health or sickness, both on the march and the battlefield, ever performed his whole duty as a brave and accomplished officer. Lieut. Damon Greenleaf, aide-de-camp, as a brave and patriotic officer, rendered, under all circumstances, most valuable services, most particularly at Okolona, and during the engagement of the 29th. I have the honor to exhibit herewith the reports of regimental commanders; also detailed reports of the casualties, the number killed being 14; wounded, 73; total, 87. Shortly after midnight on the morning of the 1st of May orders were received limiting the amount of transportation allowed to each brigade to one team, and directing the destruction of all surplus wagons and baggage. Heavy details were made on my command to carry out this order. Our route on this day for some miles led through a bottomless swamp, my brigade marching this day in rear of the division, and the ordnance and other trains having been ordered in advance. General Thayer also, although holding the rear of the army, having sent his artillery forward, the artillery assigned to my command was the last to pass the swamp. The corduroy road, which had been prepared by the troops in advance, had, by the time my artillery was to pass, to a great extent disappeared in the mud. The homes were continually falling, while limbers, guns, and caissons almost sank in the swamp. I constituted the whole of my command into three working parties--one cutting out new roads wherever this was feasible, another party making corduroys, and by far the largest party being engaged in raising fallen horses and in drawing guns and caissons from which the horses had been taken off, frequently for a hundred yards at a time. By these means I was enabled to keep my command compact and closed upon the rear of those forward of me. On the morning of the 2d of May some more bad roads were encountered, and owing to the starved condition of the horses, the same having been without feed since leaving Princeton, they were unable to draw the guns and caissons, requiring much assistance from the infantry. Since leaving Princeton the men had been without bread, while the amount of meat drawn or foraged was inconsiderable. On the 30th of April and the 1st, and until the night of the 2d of May, the men had to subsist almost exclusively on coffee, yet they fought and defeated the enemy, worked the roads, and drew the artillery, not only without a murmur, but even cheerfully. The march on the 2d of May, owing to the exhausted and starved condition of the men, was 143 entered upon by me with the apprehension that many would drop down by the roadside. Information having been received and communicated to the men that rations were to be brought from Little Rock into the encampment to be occupied that night, even the most feeble pushed on, all arriving in camp on the Benton road at sunset. The bravery and fortitude of the men, maintained under the most trying circumstances, not only in meeting and defeating an enemy by far more numerous than themselves, in suffering exposure to drenching rains, and being compelled for nights in succession to lie in the swamps, but above all, in bearing the attacks of gaunt hunger and yet obeying every order of their officers with cheerfulness and alacrity, entitles them to the highest consideration and gratitude of their country. [A. ENGELMANN, Col. Forty-third Illinois Vols., Comdg. Brigade.] [Capt. A. BLOCKI, Assistant Adjutant-General.] ADDENDA. Itinerary of the Third Brigade, Third Division, April 1-30. April 1.--The brigade left Arkadelphia and arrived same day at Hollywood; distance about 14 miles. Marched from there to Okolona, near the Little Missouri River, about 18 miles, where the brigade was engaged by the enemy. Here the Fortieth Iowa had 2 men wounded, the Twentyseventh Wisconsin 4 men killed, and the Forty-third Illinois 1 man wounded. April 3.--In the evening the brigade marched back to Hollywood. Arrived there April 4 at 3 p.m. April 5.--At 10 a.m. the brigade left Hollywood to join the main army. Arrived on the Little Missouri. Crossed the river on the 6th instant, and joined the main army near Elkin's Ferry. April 10.--The brigade left camp near Elkin's Ferry to Prairie D'Ane, where it participated in the skirmish that resulted in the retreat of the enemy. Here the Fortieth Iowa had 1 man killed, 4 men wounded; the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin 1 man killed; the Forty-third Illinois 1 man wounded. Left at noon the opening of the prairie, marched across it, and arrived at 6 p.m. in camp near Moscow, on the Camden road; after one night and two days' march arrived at Camden. April 27.--At 10 a.m. started for Little Rock. April 30.--The brigade took part in the battle of Jenkins' Ferry. Here the Fortieth Iowa had 6 men killed, 1 officer and 33 men wounded, 4 men prisoners, and 1 missing; the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, 5 men killed. 1 officer and 13 men wounded, 14 men missing; the Forty-third Illinois, 3 men killed, 1 officer and 8 men wounded, 1 man missing. Crossed the Saline and encamped for the night on this side. Arrived at Little Rock May 3. Total loss during the expedition was, killed, 20; wounded, 68; missing, 16. HDQRS. FORTY-THIRD REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFY., Little Rock, Ark., May 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit herewith the report of the operations of the Forty-third Illinois from April 26 to April 30: At midnight of the 26th-27th, the regiment left Camden and crossed the pontoon over the Ouachita. Some companies were here deployed and covered the withdrawal of the rear and the removal of the pontoon bridge. Nothing occurred during this day on the march. On the 28th, Princeton was reached. The next day we marched toward the Saline. When about 8 miles from Princeton the rear was attacked, and the regiment formed in line. Company F was deployed as skirmishers, and Company B was left as a support to a section of Vaughn's battery, while I moved on with the rest of the regiment. We marched then till within about 3 miles of the Saline, where I was ordered to occupy with the regiment and one section of 144 Vaughn's battery a ridge, the last part of high ground before the road enters Saline bottom. Soon the enemy's skirmishers made their appearance; the regiment was formed behind the crest of the ridge, the First Battalion to the right, the Second to the left of the section of artillery. From each company a few men as skirmishers were sent forward, and soon a brisk fire commenced and continued until dark, when I was relieved by the Thirty-third Iowa. I withdrew the regiment from its position, and rested in the rear of the Thirty-third Iowa. About 3 a.m. I received orders to report with the regiment at brigade headquarters, then 1 mile on the road to the Saline. The men had marched the previous day without any rations, having been lying during the night in an exposed position, without sleeping an hour, and although a general engagement could every moment be expected to commence, it was necessary to allow the men to cook whatever they might have. Thus in the rear of the line of General Rice's brigade preparations for cooking were made, while the rattling of musketry at some distance made it doubtless that the enemy had commenced the attack. The Forty-third was ordered to form and to cross a deep creek with high steep banks, which runs in the [direction] of the position occupied by the right wing of First Brigade. When this movement was executed the engagement had become general over the whole line; the enemy, massing his forces, tried in succession every part of the line of our division. Owing to the nature of the ground movements in force on the north side of the creek were impossible. The regiment was ordered to recross the creek, then after forming on the open field we marched forward to take our position in the second line of battle between the Fiftieth Indiana and Fortieth Iowa. Halting there for some time, it appears that the right wing First Brigade was hard pressed, and Captain Blocki, assistant adjutant-general, brought me orders from General Rice to relieve in that position the Ninth Wisconsin; but before I had marched many steps in the direction of the right wing the enemy appeared in great force on the left and in front of us, and I was ordered to remain. Right in front of the Forty-third Illinois stood the Thirty-third Iowa in the first line of battle, pouring volley after volley in the thick masses of the enemy, when an officer of this regiment informed me that their ammunition was near expended. I moved forward to relieve them. After firing had, without intervals, lasted for half an hour the smoke became so dense, waving like a thick mass between the dark trees over the swampy ground, that it was impossible to see anything else at a distance of 20 yards, and although not authorized to change the position of the regiment, followed under these circumstances the demand to move forward, loudly expressed by officers and men, and with a hearty cheer the Forty-third rushed forward through the smoke over the ground yet lately occupied by the enemy's solid column, now covered in many places by his dead and wounded. We advanced several hundred yards, sometimes halting and firing. Soon we found that the enemy had entirely withdrawn. We marched back to reoccupy our former position in the main line of battle, when Colonel Engelmann ordered me to move farther on in the direction of the river. Soon after we crossed the Saline and encamped on the high ground north of the river. On the march as well as during the fight all officers and men of the regiment conducted themselves in an exemplary manner, and proved themselves worthy the reputation earned on other fields and worthy to be part of the infantry division, Seventh Army Corps. I owe my thanks, therefore, to all, but especially to Captain Shimminger, for the energetic manner in which he assisted me as second field officer, and to Adjt. Gustav Wagenfuehr, for gallantry and promptness with which he performed all duties of his position. I have the honor to be, captain, your most obedient servant, ADOLPH DENGLER, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Forty-third Regiment Illinois Vols. Capt. W. E. FAY, 145 Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FORTY-THIRD ILLINOIS VOL. INFANTRY, Little Rock, Ark., June --, 1864. COLONEL: The regiment, Lieut. Col. Adolph Dengler commanding, was assigned March 13 to Third Brigade, Third Division, Red River expedition, Colonel Engelmann, Forty-third Illinois, commanding brigade, Brig. Gen. F. Salomon the division, and Maj. Gen. F. Steele the expedition in person. The expedition left Little Rock March 23. The country through which we passed was well watered, but of the most rugged character. The farms, few and far between, were either deserted or totally neglected. The many streams which we had to cross impeded the progress of the expedition considerably. The pontoon bridge had to be laid for the crossing of the Ouachita at Rockport, which place is very appropriately named, for here are rocks in piles, in crags, in all shapes and of all sizes, and the Ouachita, crystal clear, rolls bouncing in his rocky bed. We arrived at Arkadelphia on the 29th, having marched since the 23d but 75 miles. So far but very little resistance had been made by the enemy. Even Arkadelphia had been evacuated without offering any resistance. Here had been their principal army depots; here was a powder mill, different machine-shops, and the valuable saltpeter and salt works, from which a great part of Arkansas was drawing this indispensable article. Arkadelphia is situated high on a bluff on the Ouachita River. Everything in and around this place indicated its former prosperity, the fine residences a little dilapidated and neglected, perhaps, but still bearing signs of better times; its extensive trade, both by river and land, for the steamboats run on the Ouachita up to this place during two-thirds of the year, and it was also the great thoroughfare to Texas. The sterile lands and deserted farms which we had met thus far on our march gave way to a fertile country and cultivated lands; the marks of war, although visible, were not so legibly written on this portion of the country as on that through which we had passed. After a few days rest and waiting to effect a junction with General Thayer, who ought to have joined the expedition here with his frontier division from Fort Smith, we left Arkadelphia April 1, camping that night at Spoonville, 12 miles distant. The main road leads from Arkadelphia direct to Washington, but one branches off at a point about 9 miles from Spoonville. The enemy, not doubting but that the expedition would, with its large trains, have to keep the main road, had occupied the crossing of the Little Missouri in great force. General Steele, having arrived at the forks of the road on the 2d, sent part of the cavalry forward on the main road as if he intended to keep on this with his whole army, which, however, turned in at the by-road, part of the forces pushing rapidly forward so as to secure the crossing of the Little Missouri at Elkin's Ferry, in which they succeeded completely. The enemy found out his mistake too late, and although he tried to dispute our crossing at this point he was, after a short engagement, dislodged. General Rice's brigade, having the rear and the large train in its charge, had (since we left Spoonville, the 2d) an almost continuous skirmish with Shelby's brigade, inflicting a severe loss on the enemy.' We had but just arrived, at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, at Okolona, a small village of only few houses, when we were attacked by the enemy. Companies E, F, H, and K were deployed as skirmishers, but the enemy quickly retired, Company K alone coming up with his skirmishers, exchanging several hundred shots with him without any casualties on our side. General Steele had determined to send Colonel Engelmann's brigade, to which the Forty-third Illinois belongs, the next day back to Spoonville to gather, if possible, some information about General Thayer, while the main army was to move forward for the purpose of crossing the Little Missouri. The enemy hovered around our lines, skirmishing commencing on the morning of the 3d. Company D had been sent forward as skirmishers. Company B was sent next, and these had soon 146 a brisk skirmish with the enemy. Here Corpl. John Rauth, Company B, was slightly wounded. At about 3 o'clock in the afternoon we had got in march toward Spoonville again, where we arrived the next day. We remained till the 5th, when no intelligence whatever having been gathered respecting General Thayer, the brigade moved back to rejoin the main army, which it reached the same evening after a fatiguing march of 22 miles. The enemy had been severely punished in the several skirmishes, for we found all along the road to Spoonville new-made graves, and in the houses his wounded and dying. Another noticeable feature was that when we had first come over the road but rarely a man had been seen in any of the houses, while when going back to Spoonville any number of young men were seen loitering about. This was noticed and commented upon by all. The day after rejoining the army, the 6th, we crossed the Little Missouri, and after having passed through a bottomless bottom for about 3 miles, and this only with great difficulty, we camped on the rising highland, where the enemy had felled trees and where some resistance had been made. On the 9th, General Thayer came up, and on the 10th, the regiment, the brigade having the advance, left for Prairie D'Ane. Marching 4 miles in a due southern direction through a pine forest we approached the northern edge of Prairie D'Ane at 3 p.m. Like an oasis lies this beautiful prairie in midst of dense forests and almost impassable swamps, a relief for the eye of the traveler, who has for many days hardly seen anything but rocks crowned by dark pines or the gloomy cypress swamp. The prairie, elevated above the surrounding country, rises gradually toward its center. A ridge running along the northern edge, slightly covered with brush, was occupied by a strong force of the enemy's sharpshooters, who kept up an annoying fire on our lines, they being well protected by the crest of the eminence and the low bushes, while we were standing low and without cover. Company B was deployed as skirmishers and soon were engaged, when I received orders to advance with the Forty-third and to drive the enemy from his position. The hearty cheer with which the men received the order to charge demonstrated how well the order corresponded with their heart's desire. In double-quick the regiment rushed forward, not stopping till the height was won, from which the rebels in haste fell back upon their main force. This we saw now half a mile farther south drawn up in a long line along the crest of another and somewhat higher ridge. I was ordered to halt, and soon the other regiments moved up and formed on our right and left. Now the enemy's battery opened and our artillery, especially Captain Vaughn's battery, replied promptly and with telling effect. For half an hour the artillery kept up a brisk fire, then a general advance was ordered, but as soon as our forces commenced ascending the slope of the hitherto contested ridge the enemy's lines began to waver. The Federal regiments vied with each other to reach the height, and again the Forty-third had the honor to pass first over the position just now deserted by the enemy, who, under cover of the twilight, hastily retreated in a southwestern direction toward that part of the prairie where the main road to Washington and Fulton on the Red River enters the wood. Night had already come when our line was formed in the new position, and there we rested on our arms. At 8.30 the enemy planted two pieces of artillery behind the brow of the nearest ridge, half a mile distant and running parallel with the one occupied by us, and for about an hour a lively exchange of shells took place between the enemy and Vaughn's battery. Although our opponent's shells were thrown with great precision and exploded over and around us, I am happy to say that we had no wounded in the regiment. Gallant Lieutenant Thomas, of Vaughn's battery, was stunned for some time by a concussion from fragments of a shell exploding over his head. Toward midnight rebel cavalry, who had formed behind a grove of cottonwood trees, dashed suddenly with great gallantry over the prairie toward Vaughn's battery, attempting to capture the pieces, but they met with a hot reception and a bloody repulse. With the early daylight skirmishing commenced again. In the evening a reconnaissance with the whole army took place. 147 The artillery exchanged few shots with the enemy, who was found strongly intrenched at the southwestern edge of the prairie, near Folk's plantation. During the night to the 12th of April we lay in the same position as the previous night. On the morning of the 12th, anxious to meet the rebels in their works, our army moved forward, keeping more in the direction toward the left of the line of fortifications. Now and then skirmishers became engaged, but when we came in sight of their rifle-pits, which extended for over 1 miles along the highest ridge, just on the skirt of the forest, the enemy's skirmishers disappeared. Now our army ascended near the extreme left of the works, the slope in front of them. Our advance entered the intrenchments; the enemy was gone. It transpired that, judging from the route our army had marched, General Price had been entirely deceived as to the intention of our commander. The southwestern direction in which our army up to that time had been conducted almost convinced the rebel general that General Steele intended to approach the crossing of the Red River at Fulton by way of Washington. Some cavalry sent to harass his rear added to confirm Price in this belief; so for Washington, then, the rebels made in all haste, while we changed the direction of our march to the left, passing along the southern border. We left Prairie D'Ane on the road to Camden. Of three roads leading from Washington to Camden the one we took is the most northerly, via Moscow. On the evening of the 12th, we camped near Terre Rouge Creek. Terre Rouge Creek bottom, which extends where we had to pass it about 7 miles, was considered almost impracticable for wagons. On the 13th, we entered this bottom. Our regiment had to escort the train. With no other but sometimes a very involuntary halt, when a team broke down and obstructed the narrow passage, or while part of the men built a corduroy road, which usually disappeared in the bottomless swamp before fifty wagons had passed over, we toiled and struggled on until noon the 14th, when we had behind us the last of these 7 miles of mire and swamp. Now the enemy had found out our changed route of march, and while he sent a part of his force to annoy our rear he hurried his main force on the road running south of our road and almost parallel with it in the same direction to reach the fortifications of Camden. Near the junction, about 12 miles west of Camden, the enemy appeared in force, stubbornly contesting the onward march of our advance, under General Rice, attempting to keep us at bay till the main part of his army, now moving on the road that leads via Woodlawn to Camden, would have reached that latter place. The nature of the ground did not admit the deployment of a large force, but General Rice succeeded finally to overthrow all obstacles, to force the enemy to retreat in confusion, and on the evening of the same day we reached the temporary place of our destination. Camden, high on the banks of the Ouachita, is a strongly fortified town. It had been, up to our occupation, the headquarters of General Price. What has been said of Arkadelphia might be repeated here. It is, next to Little Rock, the largest and most prosperous town in the State. But our occupation of this beautiful place proved of short duration. Already on the 16th, our rations gave almost entirely out; the men had received but half rations of crackers ever since we left Little Rock; forage for the horses was all along very scarce, and on the 17th [18th] a large forage train of 180 wagons, which had been sent out some 12 miles west from Camden, was captured by the enemy near Junction. First Kansas, African descent, who were acting as escort to the train, fought bravely and heroically. On the 19th, the Forty-third Illinois, the Fiftieth and Twenty-ninth Iowa, all under command of Col. Thomas H. Benton, jr., were sent out to meet a provision train, which had been sent from Pine Bluff for the army at Camden. That same evening, having marched about 17 miles, we met the train, with which we reached Camden on the 20th. On the 23d, an empty train of 200 wagons, escorted by the Forty-third Indiana, Thirty-sixth Iowa, and Seventy-seventh Ohio, left Camden for Pine Bluff to get supplies. The train was attacked by the enemy in overwhelming numbers. The greater part of these regiments, after a 148 stubborn fight, were captured, as also the whole train. About this time intelligence reached us that General Banks' expedition against Shreveport was a failure; that he had been indeed driven back with loss, and that Kirby Smith himself was at the head of several divisions on his way to Camden to crush General Steele. It now became apparent that the army could not draw its supplies for any length of time from its base, which was so far distant as Pine Bluff, for the enemy could now throw with impunity a very large force in our rear, which he had done already so successfully, even before the re-enforcements from General Smith reached him. The evacuation of Camden, therefore, became an imperative necessity. The trains were taken across in the afternoon of the 26th; the same night the troops crossed, this regiment having the honor to cover the rear, and at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 27th, the pontoon was taken up and the army took up its line of march toward Little Rock. After an undisturbed march of 17 miles we camped for the night. Reached Princeton the next day, the 28th, leaving there on the 29th, the brigade having the rear. When about 8 miles from Princeton the rear was attacked. Some companies were deployed and left as a support to a section of Vaughn's battery, while the others moved on. Having arrived to within 3 miles of the Saline the regiment, with a section of Vaughn's battery, was left on a ridge, the last piece of high ground before entering the bottom. The regiment was formed behind a crest of the ridge, the first battalion to the right, the second to the left of the section of artillery. From each company a few men were sent forward as skirmishers; they were soon engaged in a brisk fire with those of the enemy, who had in the meanwhile made their appearance. The skirmishing continued until dark, when the regiment was relieved by the Thirty-third Iowa, in the rear of which regiment we rested for the night. At 3 o'clock the next morning, the 30th, the regiment was ordered about 1 mile to the rear. The men had marched the previous day without any rations, had lain during the night in an exposed position, and although a general engagement could at any moment be expected, it was necessary to allow the men to cook whatever little they did have. Thus in the rear of the line of General Rice's brigade preparations for cooking were made, while the rattling of musketry at some distance made it doubtless that the enemy had commenced the attack. The Forty-third Illinois was ordered to cross a deep creek, with high steep banks, which runs in the direction of the position occupied by the right wing of General Rice's brigade. While executing this movement the engagement had become general over the whole line. The enemy massing his forces, far outnumbering ours, tried in succession every part of the line of our division. Owing to the nature of the ground movements in force on the north side of the creek were impossible, and the regiment was ordered to recross it. After having then formed on an open field the regiment moved forward to take its position in the second line of battle, between the Fiftieth Indiana and Fortieth Iowa. Halting in this position for some time it appears that the right wing of the first brigade was hard pressed, and Capt. A. Blocki, assistant adjutant-general, brought orders from General Rice to relieve in that position the Ninth Wisconsin, but before the regiment had moved many steps in direction of the right wing the enemy appeared in great force on the left and in front of us, and we were ordered to remain in this position. Right in front of the Fortythird Illinois stood the Thirty-third Iowa in the first line of battle, pouring volley after volley into the thick masses of the enemy, when an officer of this regiment informed me that their ammunition was nearly expended. I moved forward to relieve them. After firing had lasted some half an hour the smoke became so dense, waving like a thick mass between the dark trees over the swampy ground, that it was impossible to see anything at a distance of 20 yards; and although not authorized to change the position of the regiment in the line of battle, I followed, under these circumstances, the demand to move forward, loudly expressed by officers and men, and with a hearty cheer the Forty-third Illinois rushed forward through the smoke over the 149 ground but lately occupied by the enemy's solid columns, now covered everywhere with his dead and wounded. We advanced several hundred yards, sometimes halting and firing and advancing again. We soon found that the enemy had entirely withdrawn, and then returned again to our former position in the main line of battle, when Colonel Engelmann ordered the regiment to move on in the direction of the river. We soon crossed the Saline and camped on the high ground north of the river, and the battle of Jenkins' Ferry was over. But to show against what odds this battle was fought it is necessary to state here that the enemy, having driven General Banks back, had hurried part of his exultant force, flushed with victory, in forced marches from the banks of the Red River to the Ouachita, and following General Steele's army from there came up with it on the 30th of April, while the greater part of our forces had already crossed the Saline River, and only General Salomon's division and a few regiments of General Thayer's remaining still on the south side of it. Owing to the incessant rain during part of the 29th and the morning of the 30th, the roads in the Saline bottom had become almost impassable; our trains and artillery stuck in the mud and swamps along the road from the rear of General Salomon's division to the river for about 2 miles, and then if they did move it was but for a few paces, when they stuck again. General Kirby Smith commanded in person, hurling his solid columns on General Salomon's division and attacked furiously, but desperate as was the assault the enemy was repulsed with severe loss at every point. Every soldier (and this equally applies to the black as well as the white) did his duty fully and nobly, not an inch of ground being yielded. When at length the enemy had been completely repulsed and the trains had moved across the Saline, then the troops, who till then held the battle-field, also crossed the river. Our loss in this battle was 700, while that of the enemy was frightful, amounting to over 2,000. We had in this battle not more than 4,000 men, while the enemy had, according to their statement, over 20,000 at and near the battle-field. Walker's division, which had been in the battles fought against Banks, and which had there borne a conspicuous and, for them, a glorious part, had been hurried from that victorious battle-field to one of still greater promise, for the total annihilation of General Steele's army was their object, which would at once have put them again in possession of all of Arkansas, but they were defeated under the very eye of General Smith. Besides some prisoners we also captured 3 cannons, 2 of which were captured by the Second Kansas, African descent. Not a cannon shot was fired from our side during the battle. On the 1st, many wagons not absolutely necessary were destroyed, as the roads continued still impassable. The cannons had often to be pulled through the mire by the men, but not one was lost on the retreat, and on the 3rd of May the infantry reached Little Rock again. The men had gone through privations and hardships of the severest kind, but had borne them cheerfully and with a never-wavering courage. I will here give but one item. The Forty-third Illinois had present at Camden on the 26th April 428 enlisted men, for whom on that day the following provisions were drawn: For April 27, 28, 29, and 30, coffee, three-fourths rations; salt, full rations; sugar, full rations; bacon, one-fourth rations; pilot bread, 129 pounds, and 5 bushels corn meal. And for May 1 and 2, the following: One hundred pounds of coffee and 65 pounds of bacon. On the march as well as during the fight all officers and men of the regiment have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner, and proved themselves worthy of the reputation earned on other fields and worthy to be part of the Infantry Division, Seventh Army Corps. I owe my thanks, therefore, to all, but especially to Capt. Samuel Shimminger, for the energetic manner in which he assisted me as second field officer, and to Adjt. Gustav Wagenfuehr, for gallantry and promptness with which he performed all duties of his position. I would here beg leave to respectfully remark that the majorship is made vacant by the resignation of Charles Stephani, and would earnestly recommend to you Capt. Samuel 150 Shimminger for this position; for this gentleman not only is senior line officer and therefore the first claimant by seniority, but his other qualities are such as to merit for him this position as a slight acknowledgment and reward for past services. I have the honor to transmit you herewith a list of the casualties of the Forty-third Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers during the expedition; as also a map showing the route pursued by our army, under the command of Maj. Gen. F. Steele, from March 23 till May 3, 1864. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ADOLPH DENGLER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Forty-third Illinois. Col. ALLEN C. FULLER, Adjutant-General of Illinois. HDQRS. FORTIETH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Near Elkin's Ferry, Little Missouri River, April 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the skirmish with the enemy at Okolona on the 3d instant: At 9 a.m., as the brigade was about ready to start back to Spoonville, a sharp fire was opened on our picket-line. My regiment was ordered into line by direction of Colonel Engelmann, commanding brigade. I sent out a company of skirmishers. Capt. F. T. Campbell, of Company B, immediately moved with his company, and deployed them in the woods to the right. Advancing a short distance they met the enemy in the brush and behind logs, and by a few well-directed shots drove them back, following cautiously and firing as opportunity offered. About noon the enemy made a strong effort to advance and compelled Captain Campbell to fall back a little toward the foot of the hill in a rather unfavorable position. The enemy poured upon our lines a heavy fire at this time, and Private Samuel S. Roberts, Company B, was wounded--shot in the left side, ball passing through and lodging in his knapsack. Captain Campbell now took up his reserve, strengthened his line, and formed a new reserve from Company I, on picket duty. He now advanced, and drove the enemy back again. The firing continued until after 2 p.m., when the enemy retired. Companies A, F, D, and I of my regiment were on picket, and took part more or less in the engagement during the day. Company B, and the companies on picket, of my regiment, fired some 250 rounds, with what result is not known, but the enemy was driven back, it is thought with the loss of several men and horses. Roberts' wound, though severe, I think is not dangerous. He was brought in and attended to at once by Surg. N. R. Cornell, of this regiment. Officers and men did credit to themselves by their coolness and determination. On the night of the same day Sergt. David A. Tanner, of Company C, in the extreme advance of the brigade on the march to Spoonville, was fired at and wounded in the calf of the leg by a rifle or musket shot. Several shots were fired at him. The wound, though painful, is not dangerous, and is an honorable mark of his daring, his coolness, and his devotion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. GARRETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM E. FAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. ----- HDQRS. FORTIETH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Camden, Ark., April 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fortieth Iowa in the engagement of Prairie D'Ane, on Sunday, the 10th instant: About 3 p.m. the Third Brigade, Colonel Engelmann commanding, came in full view of the enemy's skirmishers, deployed in the 151 undergrowth and among the scattering trees in the edge of the prairie. By direction of Colonel Engelmann, I immediately formed line on the right of Captain Vaughn's (Third Illinois) battery, and threw out companies A and F to the front and right as skirmishers, under command of First Lieutenants Anderson, of A, and Kennedy, of F. Company A was deployed. They at once passed through and beyond, relieving a line of dismounted cavalry which had been previously deployed, and were soon engaged with the enemy. I now received an order from Colonel Engelmann to advance my line, a part deployed. By direction, Major Smith moved forward the left wing as skirmishers, each company having its own reserve, Captain Campbell commanding Company B; Captain Sennet, Company E; First Lieutenant Amos, Company H; First Lieutenant Christie, Company K, and First Sergeant Baird, Company G. The major was directed to connect with Companies A and F if practicable. He moved at once, effected the junction, and continued to advance, joining the skirmishers of the Forty-third Illinois on the left. I moved forward the other companies in line to act as a reserve, or to be thrown forward, as the case might demand. Having advanced a short distance, I received an order to push forward and take the high ground, which the enemy's skirmishers now held. I now moved rapidly down a gentle slope through the timber, pushing up the company reserve of the advance, closely followed by the companies in line, and, having crossed a little branch, came to more open and ascending ground. At this time Major Smith ordered the skirmishers on the double-quick, and up they went with a rush and a shout, and took the enemy's position. The firing was so warm and so close that the enemy gave way and fled to their line of battle, about three-quarters of a mile in rear of their skirmish line, which my regiment now occupied in one line, having advanced about half a mile. The high ground gained, a halt was made, and in a few moments the enemy opened a sharp fire of shot and shell with a fine range on my regiment and directly on our flag. Captain Vaughn's battery moved up through my line and opened fire on the enemy. The firing on both sides was now lively, the enemy's bearing directly on my regiment. After a few shots the range was changed, and after an hour's fight the enemy fell back. A second advance was now ordered. I directed Major Smith to throw forward Companies A, H, and D as skirmishers, D under First Lieutenant Edmundson, which he did at once, connecting with a company of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin on the left. On the right of the Twenty-seventh I advanced my regiment in line over the prairie down a gentle slope, crossed a little stream skirted with timber, and again struck rising ground, when the enemy opened fire again, which our skirmishers returned, continuing to advance. At dusk the brigade, having gained the crest of the rise on which the enemy was in line during the artillery fight, was halted for the night. My skirmishers were withdrawn, pickets thrown out, and Company I sent out on the right to connect with the cavalry force. We lay on our arms, the enemy keeping up the fire with musketry, shot, and shell at intervals. At one time, near midnight, they pressed us so closely that a part of my pickets were driven in, when a few shots from my regiment and the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, and a volley from Captain Vaughn's battery, sent them off for the night. The casualties (all wounded) were as follows: In the line of skirmishers, first advance, Private Anthonus J. Butin, Company E, flesh wound, severe, during the night; First. Lieut. Caleb J. Amos, Company H, in the calf of the leg, slight; Private Joseph S. Stone, Company F, in thigh, severe; Corpl. John J. Wade, Company I, in the right arm, amputated, and since dead; Private Jesse L. Anderson, Company I, in thigh, severe. In addition, Second Lieut. James W. Ward, Company I, and Private John Klinker, Company B, were struck with spent balls and bruised, though not injured. The following persons were missing: John H. Lappella, Company E, in action 12 miles west of Camden on the 18th of April, with forage train; Charles Johnson, Company H, in action 12 miles west of Camden, on the l8th of April, with forage train; Second Lieut. James W. Ward, Company I, in action at Moro Creek, with train on detail to Little Rock, April 25. The regiment, officers and men, behaved well--I might say splendidly. 152 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. GARRETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM E. FAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. ----- HDQRS. FORTIETH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, Little Rock, Ark., May 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment in the battle of Jenkins' Ferry on Saturday, the 30th of April, 1864: On the march on the 29th, my regiment was in the rear and was exposed to the fire of the enemy for miles before reaching camp; after which time, besides the usual picket detail, four of my companies were deployed as skirmishers and were engaged at intervals with the enemy till dark, and during the entire night the most vigilant watch was kept by every officer and man of these companies. At daylight we were relieved by the Thirty-third Iowa, Colonel Mackey, when I moved my regiment forward a mile and halted in the edge of an open field, facing our late rear, my right resting on the road. About 7 o'clock firing commenced, and steadily grew warmer and came closer, till it became evident the enemy was advancing in force, determined to give battle. At 8 o'clock, by direction of Colonel Engelmann, commanding brigade, I threw out Companies B and F, under Captain Campbell, to the left and front as skirmishers. They moved into the woods some distance to watch, and, if necessary, engage the enemy. By direction I. now moved my regiment forward to within a short distance of the advance line, now engaged with the enemy, my right resting on the road. In a few minutes, as directed, Major Smith with the four right companies crossed the road, leaving Companies A and D, under Lieutenant Anderson, to support a section of Captain Vaughn's battery occupying the road. The major moved Companies C and I across a narrow, deep stream, passed over an open field and deployed them in the woods, to observe and, if opportunity offered, engage the left flank of the enemy. Colonel Engelmann now directed me to move to the left and front with my four companies, H, E, K, and G, and form on the left of our forces now engaged, as they were hard pressed. As the most expeditious, I moved by the left flank. At this time so great a number from our engaged line were retreating in disorder and haste it looked almost like a panic. On nearing the left of the line, a force as large or larger than my own was retreating in line. Arriving near where the left of this retiring force had rested I filed to the left, then moved to the front till a little in advance of the line on the right, halted and opened fire. While getting in position the fire of the enemy was pouring on my little command, and now we were not only on the extreme left, but some distance from the left of the line on the right. In a short time I moved my companies forward and to the right, joining some companies of the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin, which also advanced, and of which the officers and men were doing their whole duty. The line now advanced, making short halts, then moving forward. After advancing a short distance we began to pass over the enemy's dead, and my men moved right on with a shout, pouring in a well-directed fire on the retreating enemy. The line having advanced a half mile or more, the fire of the enemy ceased and a halt was called. About this time the Twelfth Kansas came up on my left. My men, out of cartridges, now resupplied themselves from boxes brought on horseback, which they opened with their bayonets. The colonel of the Twelfth Kansas having been wounded, the captain commanding, fearing a flank movement on his left, fell back some 200 yards. After half an hour's lull, the enemy, with heavy re-enforcements, moved up in close range and opened fire again. Our whole line now became engaged, and the firing on both sides was heavy; some say terrific. My little command was under crossfire, receiving, I think, the concentrated fire of two regiments which, having 153 moved up by the flanks, met and formed directly in my front. My men were falling fast, but held their ground, not yielding an inch. I sent for the Twelfth Kansas to come up on my left; it moved, but halted 50 yards short of the line and opened fire. I went back and moved it up in line, when it poured a splendid volley right into the ranks of the enemy, and thus relieving in part my command from the terrible fire which was wasting it so fast. Thin last engagement lasted about an hour, till 12.30 o'clock, when the enemy fell back, then withdrew, leaving our little army the field--the victors. I lost, out of less than 100 men, 6 killed, 34 wounded (some mortally, many severely), 4 captured, and 1 missing, a full list of which has been reported. In common with officers and men I regretted that all my companies could not go into the engagement together. I may here state that my men had drawn no bread for five days; that they had a coffee supper on the night of the 29th; a coffee breakfast, a part getting a little meat, on the morning of the battle; that it rained almost a flood during the night of the 29th and morning of the 30th; that the battle was fought in Saline Bottom, covered by a heavy forest; and that mud and mire and sheets of water were everywhere. My men fired from 60 to 100 rounds each. N. R. Cornell, my surgeon, did all in his power to care for the wounded. Lieutenant Baird was wounded, while fearlessly doing his duty in the hottest of the fight. My color-bearer, Mortimer W. Nelson, as brave a man as ever bore a flag, was shot in the shoulder and fell. Out of four, two color guards, Corporals Davis and Bare, fell severely wounded, and I regret to say Davis was left on the field. Lieutenant Amos commanded Company H; Captain Sennet, Company E, Lieutenant Christie, Company K, and Captain Jordan, Company G. Officers and men fought with' the cool determination of veterans, and with the desperate valor of men appreciating that all was at stake on the result. One noble sergeant, Simmons, of Company H, shot in the breast, when his lieutenant told him the enemy was beaten, waved his hand and died with a smile. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. GARRETT, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. WILLIAM E. FAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY, Camp near Elkin's Ferry, Ark., April 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report, when, on the 3d of April, 1864, in camp at Okolona, the picket-line was attacked by the enemy, two of my companies were on picket, and seven were detached and stationed at different points to support the line, by the order of the colonel commanding brigade, leaving one company in camp. At about 11 a.m. I was ordered to collect the companies and to clear the woods for about 2 miles, if possible. When I had collected three, besides the company in reserve in camp, I marched them deployed in line along the foot of the hill on which we were encamped, where I discovered the enemy to the left, where I supposed the rest of my companies stationed between me and them, and commanding part of the road. The pickets here had fallen back for cover to the other side of the road. I ordered a forward movement. We cleared the rise of the ground, which was covered with an almost impenetrable thicket of hawthorn. The enemy fell back to the other side of a clearing on high ground, and the ravine dividing that clearing from another hill running parallel with the road, where they maintained a heavy fire immediately in front of the three companies deployed by me, and at that time opened with artillery and threw grape and canister to the right of Company G. The enemy was well covered by large timber at the edge of the open fields on the right and left, which we could not cross without heavy loss of life. On the right we had the support of a squad of the 154 Fortieth Iowa Volunteers, of 15 men and 2 sergeants, who fought with the companies on the right. Company G, leaving 2 dead on the field, was compelled to fall back, and in order to prevent the other two companies from being outflanked I ordered them to retreat far enough to re-establish the line on the rise of the ground, where we first met the enemy's fire. A comparatively strong force of the enemy was at the same time observed moving to the extreme left of my line. On sending word to the colonel commanding, two companies of the Seventyseventh Ohio Volunteers came to the support of my left. A heavy thunder-storm broke out and interrupted further operations. After that I was enabled to ascertain the position of my companies to the right, and I gave directions to the right and to the left of the line so to move as to outflank them, and as soon as the general movement of my whole line began, the enemy withdrew, firing four or five stray shots from the bottom of the ravine. Between 2 and 3 o'clock in the afternoon the woods were cleared of the enemy, according to order. I lost 3 killed--Private Safra Vilett, of Company A; William Anding and Patrick Knox, of Company G on the field, whom we buried at Okolona, and 3 wounded, 1 private, Cassander Knowles, of Company K, who has since died; 1 private, Christian Gunderson, of Company H, severely, and 1 private, Thron Olsen, slightly. Respectfully, yours, CONRAD KREZ, Colonel Twenty-seventh Regt. Wisconsin Vol. Infy Capt. WILLIAM E. FAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. April 13.--The brigade was engaged in action against the forces of the enemy under command of Generals Maxey and Dockery, at Moscow, Ark. The action commenced at 1 p.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. The Second Indiana Battery fired 210 shots (solid and shell) and used grape and canister with good effect. The enemy were repulsed and driven 4 miles, when the brigade, under cover of night, withdrew and resumed the advance. Marched all night through a swamp. The loss on our side was 7 killed and 24 wounded. April 18.--One section of the Second Indiana Battery and Eighteenth Iowa Infantry were ordered out in support of a forage train to Poison Spring, Ark., and was overwhelmed by the enemy; the section of battery was captured. The loss in killed, wounded, and missing was 83. April 30.--The First and Second Arkansas Infantry were engaged in the action at Jenkins' Ferry, on Saline River. CAMDEN, ARK., April 24, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of foraging expedition under my command: In obedience to verbal orders received from Brigadier-General Thayer, I left Camden, Ark., on the 17th instant with the following force, viz: 500 of the First Kansas Colored Volunteers, commanded by Major Ward; 50 of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Henderson; 75 of the Second Kansas Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Mitchell; 70 of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Utt; one section of the Second Indiana Battery, commanded by Lieutenant Haines; in all, 695 men and two guns, with a forage train of 198 wagons. I proceeded westerly on the Washington road a distance of 18 miles, where I halted the train and dispatched parts of it in different directions to load, 100 wagons, with a large part of the command under Major Ward, being sent 6 miles beyond the camp. These wagons returned to camp at midnight, nearly all loaded with corn. At sunrise on the 18th, the command started on the return, loading the balance of the train as it proceeded. There being but few wagon loads of corn to be found at any one place, I was obliged to detach portions of the command in different 155 directions to load the wagons, until nearly my whole available force was so employed. At a point known as Cross-Roads, 4 miles east from my camping-ground, I met a re-enforcement of the following force, viz: Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, 375 men, Captain Duncan; Sixth Kansas Cavalry, 25 men, Lieutenant Phillips; Second Kansas Cavalry, 45 men, Lieutenant Ross; Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, 20 men, Lieutenant Smith, and two mountain howitzers from the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, Lieutenant Walker; in all, 465 men and two howitzers, which, added to my former force, made my whole command consist of 875 infantry, 285 cavalry, and four guns. But the excessive fatigue of the preceding day, coming as it did at the close of a toilsome march of twenty-four days without halting, had so worn upon the infantry that fully 100 of the First Kansas (colored) were rendered unfit for duty. Many of the cavalry had, in violation of orders, straggled from their commands, so that at this time my effective force did not exceed 1,000 men. At a point 1 mile east of this my advance came upon a picket of the enemy, which was driven back for 1 mile, when a line of the enemy's skirmishers presented itself. Here I halted the train, formed a line of the small force I then had in advance, and ordered that portion of the First Kansas Colored Volunteers which had previously been guarding the rear of the train to the front, and gave orders for the train to be parked as closely as the nature of the ground would permit. I also opened a fire upon the enemy's line from the section of Second Indiana Battery, for the double purpose of ascertaining, if possible, if the enemy had any artillery in position in front, and also to draw in some foraging parties which had previously been dispatched upon either flank of the train. No response was elicited save a brisk fire from the enemy's skirmishers. Meanwhile the remainder of the First Kansas Colored Volunteers had come to the front, as also those detachments of cavalry which formed part of the original escort, which I formed in line, facing to the front, with detachment Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry on my left, and detachments Second and Sixth Kansas Cavalry on the right flank. I also sent orders to Captain Duncan, commanding Eighteenth Iowa Volunteers, to so dispose of his regiment and the cavalry and howitzers which came out with him as to protect the rear of the train, and to keep a sharp lookout for a movement upon his rear and right flank. Meanwhile a movement of the enemy's infantry toward my right flank had been observed through the thick brush, which covered the surface of the country in that direction. Seeing this, I ordered forward the cavalry on my right, under Lieutenants Mitchell and Henderson, with orders to press the enemy's line, force it if possible, and at all events to ascertain his position and strength, fearing, as I did, that the silence of the enemy in front was but for the purpose of drawing me on into the open ground which lay in my front. At this juncture a rebel soldier rode into my lines and inquired for Colonel De Morse. From him I learned that General Price was in command of the rebel force, and that Colonel De Morse was in command of a force on my right. The cavalry had advanced but 400 yards, when a brisk fire of musketry was opened upon them from the brush, which they returned with true gallantry, but were forced to fall back. In this skirmish many of the cavalry were unhorsed, and Lieutenant Henderson fell, wounded in the abdomen, while gallantly urging his men forward. In the mean time I formed five companies of the First Kansas Colored Volunteers with one piece of artillery on my right flank, and ordered up to their assistance four companies of the Eighteenth Iowa. Soon my orderly returned from the rear with a message from Captain Duncan, stating that he was so closely pressed in the rear by the enemy's infantry and artillery that the men could not be spared. At this moment the enemy opened upon me with two batteries, one of six pieces in front, and one of three pieces on my right flank, pouring in an incessant and well-directed cross-fire of shot and shell. At the same time he advanced his infantry both in front and on my right flank. From the force of the enemy, now for the first time made visible, I saw that I could not hope to defeat him; but still I resolved to defend the train to the last, hoping that re-enforcements would come up from Camden. I suffered them to approach within 100 yards of my lines, when I opened upon 156 them with musketry charged with buck and ball, and after a contest of fifteen minutes' duration compelled them to fall back. Two fresh regiments, however, coming up, they again rallied and advanced against my lines, this time with colors flying and continuous cheering, so loud as to drown even the roar of the musketry. Again I suffered them to approach even nearer than before, and opened upon them with buck and ball, their artillery still pouring in a cross-fire of shot and shell over the heads of their infantry, and mine replying with vigor and effect; and for another quarter of an hour the fight raged with desperate fury, and the noise and din of battle of this almost hand-to-hand conflict was the loudest and most terrific it has ever been my lot to listen to. Again were they forced to fall back, and twice during this contest were their colors brought to the ground, but as often raised. During these contests fully one-half of my infantry engaged were either killed or wounded. Three companies were left without an officer, and seeing the enemy again re-enforced with fresh troops it became evident that I could hold my line but little longer. I directed Major Ward to hold that line until I could ride back and form the Eighteenth Iowa in proper form to support the retreat of this advanced line. Meanwhile, so many of the gunners having been shot from around their pieces as to leave too few men to serve the guns, I ordered them to retire to the rear of the train and report to the commanding officer there. Just as I was starting for the line of the Eighteenth Iowa my horse was shot, and caused a delay long enough to obtain and mount another one, which done, I rode to the rear and formed a line of battle facing the direction in which the enemy was advancing. Again did the enemy hurl his columns against the remnant of men which formed my front and right flank, and again were they met as gallantly as before. But my decimated ranks were unable to resist the overpowering force hurled against my line, and after a check had been given their advance, seeing that our line was completely flanked on both sides, Major Ward gave the order to retire, which was done in good order, forming and checking the enemy twice before reaching the rear of the train. With the assistance of Major Ward and other officers I succeeded in forming a portion of First Colored Regiment in rear of the Eighteenth Iowa, and when the enemy approached this line they gallantly advanced to the line of the Eighteenth Iowa, and with them poured in their fire. The Eighteenth Iowa maintained their line manfully, and stoutly contested the ground until nearly surrounded, when they retired, and, forming again, checked the advancing foe, and still held their ground until again nearly surrounded, when they again retired across a ravine which was impassable for artillery, and I gave orders for the pieces to be spiked and abandoned. After crossing this ravine I succeeded in forming a portion of the cavalry, which I kept in line in order to give the infantry time to reach the swamp which lay in our front, which they succeeded in doing, and by this means nearly all except the badly wounded were enabled to reach camp. Many wounded men belonging to the First Kansas Colored Volunteers fell into the hands of the enemy, and I have the most positive assurances from eye-witnesses that they were murdered on the spot. The action was commenced at 10 a.m. and terminated at 2 p.m. I was forced to abandon everything to the enemy, and they thereby became possessed of this large train, two 6-pounder guns, and two 12-pounder mountain howitzers. With what force could be collected I made my way to this post, where I arrived at 11 p.m. of the same day. At no time during the engagement, such was the nature of the ground and the size of the train, was I able to employ more than 500 men and two guns to repel the assaults of the enemy, whose force I estimate at 10,000 men and twelve guns, from the statements of prisoners. The columns of assault which were thrown against my front and right flank consisted of five regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, supported by a strong force which moved upon my left flank and rear. I have named this engagement the action of Poison Spring, from a spring of that name in the vicinity. 157 My loss during the engagement is as follows: Killed, 92; wounded, 97: missing, 106. Many of those reported missing are supposed to be killed. Others are supposed to be wounded and prisoners. The loss of the enemy is not known, but in my opinion it will much exceed our own. The conduct of all the troops under my command, officers and men, was characterized by true soldierly bearing, and in no case was a line broken except when assaulted by an overwhelming force, and then falling back only when so ordered. The gallant dead, officers and men, all evinced the most heroic spirit, and died the death of true soldiers. Very respectfully, J. M. WILLIAMS, Col. First Kansas Colored Vols., Comdg. Escort. Capt. WILLIAM S. WHITTEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. CAMP OF SIXTH KANSAS, April 20, 1864. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the 17th of April, 1864, I was detailed, with 25 men belonging to different companies of the Sixth Regiment Kansas Cavalry, for the purpose of re-enforcing Colonel Williams. My men were in the advance of the force sent out and were continually skirmishing with the enemy after leaving our pickets until going into camp for the night. We saw at no time more than 50 of the enemy. We went into camp about 10 miles from Camden. Sent to Colonel Williams to know if we should advance. He said for us to remain. During the night our camp was not disturbed. The following morning moved 2 miles farther and remained until the train had passed, when Colonel Williams detailed 20 of my men to go 2 miles on the Washington road as escort to ten wagons for the purpose of getting corn. While on this duty the fight commenced. I then had the rest of my men go into the timber at the right of the road as skirmishers in rear of the train. They soon came back and reported a regiment of infantry and two pieces of artillery immediately in front of them. Our cavalry then formed on the right of the Eighteenth Iowa Regiment and remained until the colored regiment and section of Rabb's battery had been routed and had fallen back to the rear of the train. I then was ordered by Colonel Williams to form what men I had and assist his men that were wounded to get away, if possible, during which time my men acted as well as men could act under the circumstances; for the enemy were following the negroes and pouring a heavy fire into their ranks until sheltered by the timber. I remained with Colonel Williams and his men until we arrived at Camden. I am satisfied that the train was surrounded on three sides before the fighting commenced. The two pieces of artillery on the right of the road at the rear of the train were not used by the enemy during the engagement. I lost no men from my command. Respectfully, yours, R. L. PHILLIPS, Second Lieut. Company C, Sixth Kansas Vol. Cav. Col. J. M. WILLIAMS, Commanding Escort to Train. CAMP NEAR CAMDEN, April 20, 1864. COLONEL: I would respectfully report the part taken by a section of howitzers attached to the Sixth Regiment Kansas Volunteer Cavalry in an engagement with the enemy on the 18th instant: First. Number of commissioned officers present, 1; number of enlisted men, 24. Second. Private Christopher C. Goodman, Company D, Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and attached to and doing duty with a section of howitzers attached to the Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, was killed in the early part of the engagement. Private Henry Gable, Company K, Sixth Kansas 158 Volunteer Cavalry, and attached to and doing duty with a section of howitzers attached to the Sixth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, is missing, supposed to be a prisoner. Third. I was ordered with my command, in conjunction with the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry and detachments of the Second, Sixth, and Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, all under command of Captain Duncan, of Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, to re-enforce the escort to the forage train under command of Colonel Williams, First Kansas Colored Infantry, and proceeded with them to camp, about 12 miles from Camden. I brought the section into battery three times on the march, our cavalry skirmishing nearly all the way to camp. I did not fire a shot, it not being necessary. On the morning of the 18th, I moved on with the command until we met the train, distant about 3 miles. I then, after the train had passed, took my position in the rear with the rear guard, and moved on a short distance when firing commenced in front. I took my position three times on the right of road, facing to the front, but was each time ordered farther to the right. I was then ordered to fall back to the left of the road, facing to left. I remained there until our forces commenced falling back in disorder, when I was ordered to fall back to the hill in our rear, where I remained until ordered to retreat, the enemy pouring in a heavy fire from our right. I did so, and fell back about one-quarter of a mile, when we came to a creek where it was impossible to get the guns over, and I was obliged to abandon the guns, spiking while under a severe fire from the enemy. The men under my command behaved well. I remain, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. WALKER, First Lieut., Comdg. Howitzer Detach. Sixth Kans. Vol. Cav. Col. J. M. WILLIAMS, Commanding First Kansas Colored Infantry. HEADQUARTERS EIGHTEENTH IOWA INFANTRY, Camden, Ark., April 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to furnish you herewith a list as far as known of the killed, wounded, and missing of the Eighteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry; also a statement of our position and movements during the engagement. I had in the engagement 12 commissioned officers and 371 enlisted men. We first formed a line in the road with the howitzer on our left. Soon after a heavy column of infantry was discovered moving on our right flank. We then changed front and formed in the orchard on the south side of the road, throwing out two companies as skirmishers--one in our front and one on our right. We here were attacked in front and on the right flank. We held this position until the Second Indiana Battery came back in retreat, when I was ordered to form on the north side of the road to protect the battery. Here we held our position, under a heavy fire from the front and left flank, until a portion of the battery had passed into the woods in our rear, when we were ordered to fallback through an open field to the woods. I formed here and held the position for about twenty minutes, under galling fire from the front and right and left flanks from both infantry and cavalry. I should estimate their number at from 5,000 to 6,000. From this position we moved slowly back, forming seven different times in the space of one and one-half hours. We succeeded in checking the enemy in our front, but being attacked on both flanks and in our rear we retreated in good order toward town. I am unable to give the number of killed or wounded, as I have not yet been able to get any account from the battle-field. There are a large number on the field known to be killed and wounded, but I cannot yet ascertain the names. Those that I report as wounded are wounded men who have arrived in camp since the engagement. The others are reported missing. The regiment arrived in camp at Camden about 8 o'clock on the evening of engagement. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 159 WM. M. DUNCAN, Captain, Commanding Eighteenth Iowa Infantry. Colonel WILLIAMS. P. S.--Our total number of killed, wounded, and missing is 1 commissioned officer and 79 enlisted men. W. M. D. HEADQUARTERS FIRST KANSAS COLORED VOLUNTEERS, Camden, Ark., April 20, 1864. COLONEL: In conformity with the requirements of the circular issued by you, April 19, 1864, I submit the following report of the conduct of that portion of the escort which I had the honor to command, and of the part taken by them in the action of the 18th instant: I marched from the camp on White Oak Creek, with the six companies left with me as rear guard, about 7 a.m. When I arrived at the junction of the Washington road I found the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry and a detachment of cavalry waiting to relieve me as rear guard. At this moment I received your order to press forward to the front, as your advance was skirmishing with the enemy. Upon arriving, agreeably to your order, I placed one wing of this regiment on each side of the section of Rabb's battery to support it and awaited further developments. After your cavalry had ascertained the position of the enemy's force on our right flank, and Lieutenant Haines had planted one of his pieces in a favorable position, I placed Companies A, B, E, and H in position to support it We had hardly got into position here before our cavalry were forced back upon our line by an overwhelming force of the enemy. Lieutenant Henderson, commanding detachment Sixth Kansas (than whom a braver officer never existed), was severely wounded, and I ordered Corporal Wallahan, Company M, Sixth Kansas, to form his men on my right. He had scarcely formed them ere Lieutenant Mitchell, commanding detachment Second Kansas Cavalry, was also driven in, when he was placed upon the extreme right, under your personal supervision. The line of battle was now nearly in the form of the segment of a circle, the convex side being outward or toward the enemy, Companies C and I being on the north side of the road facing toward the east, companies D and F on the south side of the road facing in the same direction, whilst on my extreme right the men were drawn up in line facing due south. It was now about 11.30 a.m. These dispositions were scarcely made ere the enemy opened a severe and well-directed fire from a six-gun battery, at the distance of about 1,000 yards. This battery was near the road due east of our line. At the same time a howitzer battery, reported to me as having four guns, opened on the south opposite my right, at a distance of 600 or 700 yards. Although this was much the severest artillery fire that any of the men had ever before been subjected to, and many of the men were thus under fire for the first time, they were as cool as veterans and patiently awaited the onset of the enemy's infantry. Just after 12 o'clock the enemy's battery slackened their fire, and their infantry advanced to the attack. From the position of the ground it was useless to deliver a fire until the enemy were within 100 yards. I therefore reserved my fire until their first line was within that distance, when I gave the order to fire. For about a quarter of an hour it seemed as though the enemy were determined to break my lines and capture the guns, but their attempts were fruitless and they were compelled to fall precipitately back, not, however, before they had disabled more than half of the gunners belonging to the gun on the right. Again they opened their infernal cross-fires with their batteries, and through the smoke I could see them massing their infantry for another attack. I immediately applied to you for more men. Companies G and K were sent me. I placed Company K upon the extreme right (where the cavalry had rested, but which had now retired), and Company G upon the left of Company B. Shortly after these dispositions were made the enemy again advanced, this time in two columns, yelling like 160 fiends. Lieutenant Macy, of Company C, whom you had sent out with skirmishers from the left, was driven in, and I placed him with his small command between Companies G and B. At this moment yourself and Lieutenant Haines arrived on the right, and I reported to you the condition of the gun, only 2 men being left to man it, when you ordered it to the rear. Just as the boys were preparing to limber, a large body of the enemy was observed making for the gun in close column, whereupon Private Alonzo Hinshaw of the Second Indiana Battery, himself doubleloaded the piece with canister, and poured into the advancing column a parting salute at the distance of about 300 yards, and then limbered. The effect was terrific. Our infantry redoubled their fire, and again the massed columns sullenly retired. Three different times the enemy was thus repulsed, and as they were massing for the fourth charge, I informed you that I believed it would be impossible to hold my position without more men on my right and center. You replied that I should have them if they could be spared from other points. I held my position until you returned, when seeing your horse fall I gave you mine for the purpose of going to the Eighteenth Iowa to form them in a favorable position for my line to fall back upon, Agreeably to your order to hold the ground at any and all events until this could be done, I encouraged the men to renew their exertions and repel the coming charge, intending, if I succeeded, to take that opportunity of falling back instead of being compelled to do so under fire. My right succeeded in checking the advance, but my left being outflanked at the same time that my left center was sustaining the attack of ten times their number, I ordered to fall back slowly toward the train, changing front toward the left to prevent the enemy from coming up in my rear. We here made a stand of about ten minutes, when I perceived that the enemy had succeeded in flanking my extreme right, and that I was placed in a position to receive a cross-fire from their two lines. I was then compelled, in order to save even a fragment of the gallant regiment which for nearly two hours had, unaided, sustained itself against Price's whole army, to order a retreat. Although a portion retired precipitately, the greater portion of them kept up a continual fire the whole length of the train. I ordered the men to retire behind the line of the Eighteenth Iowa and form, but, alas! four companies had lost their gallant commanders and were without an officer. By your aid, and the assistance of a few unharmed officers, I succeeded in collecting a few of the command and placing them on the left of the Eighteenth Iowa. As they were slowly forced backward others took position in the line, and' did all that could be done to check the advance of the overwhelming forces of the enemy. I sent a small force to assist Lieutenant Haines in his gallant and manly efforts to save his guns, and had it not been for the worn condition of the horses I believe he would have succeeded. Accompanying this I send the reports of company commanders of the losses sustained by their respective companies. It will be noticed that the heaviest punishment was inflicted upon Company G, from the fact that it was worse exposed to the galling cross-fires of the enemy. You will see that I went into action with about 450 enlisted men and 13 officers of the line. Seven out of that gallant 13 were killed or wounded. Five are reported dead on the field: Capt. A. J. Armstrong, Company D; Lieut. B. Hitchcock, Company G; Lieut. Charles J. Coleman and Joseph B. Samuels, Company H, and Lieut. John Topping, Company B. The cheerful offering of the lives of such noble men needs not the assistance of any studied panegyric to bespeak for it that spirit of lasting admiration with which their memories will ever be enshrined. Four companies fought their way to the rear without a commissioned officer. One hundred and seventeen men are killed and 67 wounded, some of them mortally. I cannot refrain from mentioning the names of Capt. B. W. Welch, Company K, and Lieut. E. Q. Macy, Company C, both of whom were wounded, as among the number of sufferers who have earned the thanks and merit the sympathy of the loyal and generous everywhere. Any attempt to mention the name of any soldier in particular would be unjust unless I mentioned all, for every one, as far as I could 161 see, did his duty coolly, nobly, and bravely. On the right, where the enemy made so many repeated attempts to break my line, I saw officers and men engaged in taking the cartridges from the bodies of the dead, and, upon inquiring, found that their ammunition was nearly expended. The brave and soldier-like Topping was killed in the first charge; and the gallant young Coleman, commanding Company H, was shot down in the second charge. At what particular period of the engagement the other officers fell I am unable to state. To Capt. John R. Graton, Company C; Capt. William H. Smallwood, Company G; Lieut. R. L. Harris, Company I;Lieut. B. G. Jones, Company A; Lieut. John Overdear, Company E; Lieut. S. S. Creps, Company F, and Adjt. William C. Gibbons, I would tender my heartfelt thanks for the faithful, efficient, and manly performance of the most arduous duties while subjected to the hottest fire. The loss in arms and clothing is quite serious, but from the exhausted state of the men it is strange that as many of them brought in their arms and accouterments as did. Out of seventy-eight hours preceding the action, sixty-three hours were spent by the entire command on duty, besides a heavy picket guard having been furnished for the remaining fifteen hours. You are also reminded that the rations were of necessity exceedingly short for more than a week previous to the battle. We were obliged to bring our wounded away the best we could, as the rebels were seen shooting those that fell into their hands. The men who brought in the wounded were obliged to throw away their arms, but the most who did so waited till they reached the swamps, and then sunk them in the bayous. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. G. WARD, Major First Kansas Colored Volunteers. Col. J. M. WILLIAMS, Commanding Escort to Forage Train. CAMDEN, ARK., April 21, 1864. COLONEL: In obedience to your order I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by Companies C and I, First Kansas Colored Volunteers, during an engagement with the enemy 14 miles west of this place, on the 18th instant: In obedience to your orders I assumed the responsibility of the movements of Companies C and I, which composed the extreme left of our advance line, posted on the left-hand side of the road and supporting No. 1 piece of Rabb's battery, and awaited the development of the enemy. Owing to the continued fire kept up by this piece, the gunners had used up their supply of ammunition except solid shot, and the piece was limbered to the rear about 100 yards in the rear of its former position. At this juncture I knew by the heavy musketry discharges on my right that the eight companies under Major Ward were heavily engaged, but I could see nothing in that quarter owing to the density of the smoke. Accordingly I kept a sharp lookout to the front to prevent a flank movement by the enemy, which I anticipated. While the right was engaging the enemy with musketry, the six-gun battery of the enemy planted in our immediate front continued to throw shell on our left, and the piece above referred to limbered still farther to the rear in order to adjust ammunition. I then ordered the two companies to fall back opposite the advance wagon of the train, which they did. Just then both horse and footmen to the number of about 100 crossed my front dressed in blue. Captain Graton and myself supposed them to be our own men, the Second or Sixth Kansas Cavalry, and the infantry I supposed to be a few Eighteenth Iowa men, who were acting the part of sharpshooters in the former part of the engagement, but I was soon undeceived by the appearance of a large body of infantry dressed in gray, following directly after, and the appearance of 400 or 500 rebel cavalry crossing the road farther off on the right of their infantry. I immediately ordered the men to fire, which was kept up for a few minutes only, but with such effect as to check the enemy's 162 advance. Being sorely pressed by an overwhelming number, and seeing the cavalry about to flank me on the left, I ordered a retreat and formed again about 60 yards to the rear. Again our men poured a deadly volley among the enemy, but it was impossible to hold the ground. However, I would not suffer the men to fall back farther, until I saw that the left of the right wing was broken and making their way across the road between the mules and wagons, then I ordered the men to fall back in as good order as possible. During this maneuver I was on foot leading my horse, and in the attempt to mount my saber tripped me, my horse became scared and dragged me about 5 yards. During this, the infantry had all passed me and the enemy were bearing down on us with a yell. I need not say I mounted quick and rode away quicker. At the distance of about 100 or 150 yards, I came to the southwest corner of a fence surrounding an open field. Here I found nearly all of Companies C and I, who had escaped the fire of the enemy, with a few men of other companies, and with the assistance of Captain Graton, Lieutenant Harris, and Captain Armstrong, whom I found there, I succeeded in forming a line of about 100 men to check the advance of the rebel cavalry, who had by this time formed a line extending across the field. I ordered the men to fire and the effect was as I anticipated, but this line could not stand longer than to deliver one volley. I saw that the right was entirely broken and the men pouring past me, and the cavalry had but to charge across the field, leap the fence, and our retreat was cut off. Then, seeing the train was lost, my first idea was to save the men. So I ordered them to scatter and bear to the left, with the hope of being able to form on the left of the Eighteenth Iowa, in order to protect the guns which I saw were being driven through the timber a little in advance of me. I rode square off to the left and came up near the Eighteenth Iowa just as they were leaping a fence. Supposing that to be their final repulse, I bore to the right and came up with No. 1 gun, which had run against a tree. I rallied a few men to the assistance of the gunners and the gun was freed, but it proceeded but little farther when it again ran against a tree, and the rear wheel-horse fell. Lieutenant Haines, commanding the section, then commanded the men to cut the horses loose and mount them, while 1 man, I think the lieutenant himself, spiked the piece. This was done in a ravine. Mounting the hill in front I could distinctly see the rebels shooting down our brave but fatigued boys. In a few minutes you overtook me. I still rode slowly on (knowing my horse could easily take me out of danger), giving such directions to all of our men I met as I thought would insure their safety. When about 4 miles from the battle-field, in company with the adjutant of the Eighteenth Iowa, I rode as fast as the nature of the country would allow for Camden, where I arrived about 8 p.m. Great credit is due both officers and men under my observation for the coolness, bravery, and promptness with which they obeyed and executed orders. I would especially mention First Sergeant Berry, Company I (supposed to be dead), whose efforts to keep his men in their place, urging them by all the endearments of freedom to keep their ground, were unceasing. He was a brave soldier and a noble man. I remain, colonel, your obedient servant, WM. C. GIBBONS, Adjutant First Regt. Kansas Colored Volunteers. Col. J. M. WILLIAMS, Comdg. First Regiment Kansas Colored Vols. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., CAV. DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS, Camp No. 8, in Field, April 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the Third Brigade during the march from camp near Spoonville yesterday, the 2d instant, to this place: At 6 a.m. the Third Brigade left camp near Spoonville and marched in rear of the First Brigade, on the 163 Washington road, a distance of about 6 miles. At this place the Camden road intersects the Washington road, which was taken, leaving the Washington road to the right. Here, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, I sent forward 200 mounted men of the First Iowa Cavalry, under Captain Mcintyre, on the Washington road at 9 a.m., with instructions to proceed 6 miles, and there remain as a picket until 1 p.m. With the brigade proper I marched on the Camden road in rear of First Brigade. The detachment of 200 men sent forward on Washington road had not proceeded a mile when the enemy appeared in front, and brisk skirmishing ensued. Though few in number, compared to the number of the enemy, the captain drove him to Antoine and beyond it a distance of about 4 miles. Upon my arrival at Okolona, a distance of 5 miles from the junction of the Washington and Camden roads, an orderly from Captain McIntyre's detachment reported that he had been fighting the enemy, who had largely superior numbers, since the brigade had left the main Washington road. I reported at once to the brigadier-general commanding, and by his order I sent the effective force mounted of the First Iowa Cavalry to Captain McIntyre's assistance, under Captain Crosby, and moved forward with the remainder of my brigade to the present camp, on the Little Missouri River. Captain Crosby arrived at Antoine about 1 p.m., and, combining the forces of the First Iowa Cavalry, attacked the enemy and drove him steadily back to Wolf Creek, a distance of 3 miles. Here the enemy took a strong position on an elevation beyond Wolf Creek, leaving an open field in front and right, and bringing forward his artillery opened with grape and canister, and afterward with shot and shell, maintained it. The First Iowa having no artillery it was impossible to dislodge him. The captain then retired in good order, and joined the brigade at 7 p.m. near Okolona, having fought a force of 2,500 strong, under Generals Cabell and Marmaduke, and marched a distance of 41 miles. The following is a list of casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. CALDWELL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Third Brig., Cav. Div. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. ----- HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION, Camp No. 8, April 5, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, in the engagement yesterday across Little Missouri River: On the morning of the 3d instant, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, I sent 525 mounted men, comprising 425 of the Third Missouri Cavalry and 100 of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, to report to Colonel Ritter, commanding First Brigade. With the remaining effective force I established outposts on all roads in rear, and camped the dismounted battalion in close proximity as reserve. Across the Little Missouri, at a distance of 1 miles on the main road from the ferry, I posted two squadrons (C and D) of the First Iowa Cavalry to guard well against the enemy in front. At sunrise on the morning of the 4th instant the enemy opened a vigorous fire with artillery and small-arms on the advance outposts across Little Missouri. The attack was gallantly met by these two squadrons, who repulsed the enemy, driving him at least a quarter of a mile through the timber. As soon as this attack was made, by order of the brigadier-general commanding, I sent forward two squadrons (E and F) of the First Iowa Cavalry as re-enforcements, but before they arrived these squadrons on outpost duty were compelled to retire, the enemy having vastly superior numbers. The enemy advanced to the position occupied by the outposts, planted his artillery, and with a long line of skirmishers on both flanks opened a galling fire on our advance line. The squadrons sent forward as re-enforcements were at once dismounted and deployed to 164 the right as skirmishers. Squadron G of the First Iowa Cavalry was sent to the extreme right, and Squadron H of the First Iowa to the extreme left to guard against flank movement by the enemy. Meanwhile the fire on the center increased. But a short time ensued when Captain Whisenand, First Iowa Cavalry, commanding the extreme right line of skirmishers, reported that a flank movement was being made by the enemy on the right. I immediately sent to the right Squadrons I, K, and L of the First Iowa Cavalry, and deployed them as skirmishers, the extreme right of this line resting on the river, 1 mile above the ferry. The entire mounted force of my brigade was now across the river in line, making the advance line of skirmishers on the right and center. This line held the ground firmly, and fell back only when relieved by a regiment of infantry, which was deployed in the rear, in supporting distance. It will be Seen from this report that I mention no other regiment than the First Iowa Cavalry. It will be understood when I say that the Third Missouri and Tenth Illinois were all on duty in another field and separate from my command. They cannot fail to render signal service. Every officer and man of the Third Brigade did his whole duty. I have outposts at this time on the right, center, and left at least 1 mile from the ferry. I herewith submit a report of the casualties of the day. I have taken during the expedition 26 prisoners with arms. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. CALDWELL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Third Brigade. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. MAY 22, 1864---1 p.m. About 20 rebels surprised and captured 3 men and between 100 and 200 horses and mules on the prairie, foraging, belonging to the Remount Camp. I have sent 75 cavalry from the Ninth Iowa in pursuit. They went toward Des Arc. E. M. BEARDSLEY, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Post. General E. A. CARR, Commanding District. HDQRS. FIRST DIV. AND DETACH. 13TH ARMY CORPS, Morganza, La., June 3, 1864. CAPTAIN: In obedience to the orders of Brig. Gen. W. H. Emory, commanding Nineteenth Corps and U.S. Forces, I marched from Morganza on the morning of the 30th ultimo, having under my command the detachment of the Thirteenth Corps at this point, Sharpe's brigade and a battery from the Nineteenth Corps, and about 1,700 cavalry, under Col. E. J. Davis. The enemy were reported to have crossed the Atchafalaya at Morgan's Ferry on the day previous with a force from 3,000 to 7,000 men and two pieces of artillery. My instructions were to move out to the junction of the Fordoche and Morgan's Ferry roads and to attack and beat the enemy should they be found there. The cavalry advance, under Colonel Chrysler, occupied the junction of the roads at 7 a.m., and it was definitely ascertained that there was no enemy in force in that vicinity, and that only some 300 or 400 of them had been there, and those on the approach of our troops retreated down the road toward Livonia. My infantry arrived at the junction at 9 a.m., and placing them in position along Bayou Fordoche, I directed Colonel Davis to send forward a brigade of his cavalry to reconnoiter on the Morgan's Ferry road. Chrysler's brigade was dispatched and returned at 4 p.m. No enemy were found this side the river. The colonel reported a saw-mill in active operation on the opposite side from where the road first strikes the river, and 165 discovered 3 miles farther up at the ferry five flats, each capable of carrying from 8 to 10 men and horses, moored to the west bank. No difficulty was experienced by the colonel in going to the ferry, but in returning a small force of the enemy opened upon him from behind the levee on the opposite shore. As it was a running fire, however, no damage was done our men. Satisfied that there was no considerable hostile force this side of the Atchafalaya, I determined to return to Morganza by way of Livonia and the False River road, clearing the country thoroughly before me. Accordingly, my command moved from the junction at 4 p.m., Crebs' brigade of cavalry having the advance and Chrysler's the rear. At Fordoche bridge the enemy were found apparently in position, and threw three or four shells at our cavalry skirmishers. A section of Norris' battery opened and soon silenced their gun. An advance of the cavalry immediately afterward put them to flight, and pushed them rapidly down the road toward Livonia. They left behind on the field, dead, Lieutenant Leavy, of Madison's (Texas) regiment, and 3 enlisted men, besides several wounded. No further resistance was made to our advance, and we arrived and went into camp near Livonia at 9 p.m. While on the march a small squad of the enemy, taking advantage of the darkness of the night, concealed themselves in the brush across Bayou Fordoche and fired into General McGinnis' command, killing Captain Paul, Twenty-fourth Iowa, and slightly wounding 8 others. A single fire from our men dispersed them. Learning positively at Livonia that the road to False River was impracticable in consequence of high water and want of bridges, there was nothing to do but retrace my steps. Directing Colonel Davis to move forward 4 or 5 miles on the Rosedale road, on the 31st ultimo, at 5 a.m., the troops marched for the junction. Arrived there at 10 o'clock and went into camp for the night. Colonel Davis did not get in until the afternoon. A report of his operations beyond Livonia has already been sent you. The next morning I sent Colonel Sharpe, with his brigade and four pieces of artillery and 500 cavalry, under Colonel Davis, to the Atchafalaya to destroy the saw-mill and, if possible, the boats at the ferry. The mill was effectually destroyed, as were also two important bridges on the road leading to the river, but in consequence of the great risk troops would run in passing along the river bank, exposed to the enemy's sharpshooters on the west shore, it was not deemed prudent to attempt to reach the ferry, and the expedition by my order returned. If thought important and desirable the boats can yet be destroyed by a force with a section of artillery moving out on the Texas road. In the mean time orders had been received directing that the cavalry should visit Rosedale and the False River country, returning to Morganza by the river road. Colonel Davis marched at 9 a.m. June 2, and at 4 p.m. my command broke camp and returned to Morganza. Save the men already mentioned as killed or wounded by the guerrillas in the night attack on McGinnis' division, there was not a man lost in the whole command during the expedition, either killed or wounded, and not a straggler lost. M. K. LAWLER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. FREDERIC SPEED, Assistant Adjutant-General. HUNTERSVILLE, ARK., June 17, 1864. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the scout under my command: In obedience to written instructions from Brigadier-General West, commanding Second Division, dated June 3, 1864, I took 7 commissioned officers and 273 enlisted men of my command and started the morning of the 4th instant on a scout to Clinton, Ark., and vicinity. I arrived at that point on the morning of the 7th instant; from thence I sent one scout on the Kinderhook and Batesville road and another to Richwoods, on the Clinton and Batesville road, while with the balance of my command I proceeded to scout the south fork of Little Red River, 166 which is very much infested with guerrilla bands. I returned to Clinton on the 8th and waited for the return of the other scouts. Upon their arrival, finding my information regarding Shelby's movements not quite satisfactory, I concluded to move my whole command to Kinderhook, it being a convenient point to send out scouts on either of the roads leading toward Batesville, at which point Shelby was reported to be; it is likewise an important point, from the fact that the Batesville, Richwoods, Searcy, Little Rock, and Clinton roads all come together at this point. From there I sent one scout to Oil Trough Bottom, and another within 5 miles of Batesville, on the Richwoods road; the latter went up near Heath's Ferry. By these scouts I ascertained the fact that Shelby had called together all his command and proceeded down the north side of White River on the morning of the 9th instant, with the intention of attacking Devall's Bluff if practicable; if not, to act along White River, capture boats, and, at the same time, collect McRae's scattered forces, which had been disbanded prior to Shelby's arrival. I would likewise report that he has conscripted every man from the ages of sixteen to fifty along his route, and he has sent Coffee and Schnabel up through Searcy, Newton, Carroll, Marion, and Izard Counties conscripting. I likewise sent a lieutenant and 25 men down toward Searcy to communicate with the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, but found the command had left that vicinity two days previous. This scout captured Lieutenant Johnston and 2 men of the Second Arkansas Cavalry (rebel). I likewise ascertained without a doubt that Shelby only had 1,200 men and four pieces of artillery with him, and that his forces were purposely very much exaggerated by his own command. The country through which my command passed is very mountainous and rocky, consequently hard on horses. Forage and supplies of all kinds were very scarce, having been used by Shelby's command in their passage through and while at Batesville. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES STUART, Lieutenant-Colonel Tenth Illinois Cav., Comdg. Scout. Captain FILLEBROWN, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS THIRD INDIANA BATTERY, On board Steamer White Cloud, Mississippi River, June 9, 1864. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with your request, I beg leave to make the following report in relation to the movements of the Third Indiana Battery on the 6th and 7th instant, viz: At 3.30 p.m. on the evening of the 5th instant the fleet arrived at Sunnyside Landing, Ark., Mississippi River; the battery disembarked and prepared two days' rations. Monday, June 6, the column moved at 7 a.m., the battery in the rear of the Fourteenth Iowa Regiment, Second Brigade, Colonel Shaw commanding. After we had marched about 2 miles I was ordered to move the battery forward in the rear of the First Regiment of the First Brigade, First Division, General Mower commanding. It now commenced raining very fast, and the roads became heavy. We moved on a few miles, when the two rifled guns of the battery were ordered by General Mower to take position in a field on the left of the road. We took the position accordingly and fired a few shells at the enemy. The nature of the ground being such, and very thick brush in front of us, we could not see the enemy or ascertain his position. I reported the fact to General Mower, who ordered me to move up the road bordering Old River Lake. In a short time after we got on the road, the enemy opened his fire on us. General Mower ordered me to open with my two rifled guns. It was impossible to do so in consequence of the narrowness of the road, the lake on my right, and a thick-made growth of bush on my left. The battery was in column of pieces, along the bank of the lake, and in my opinion in great danger of being severely handled by the enemy's 167 fire. I fired some eight or ten rounds of shell, and discovering we were accomplishing nothing, I requested General Mower to let me return by the road we came, about one-quarter of a mile, and deploy in an open field on our left. He refused to grant my request, and we remained on the road, as above stated, under the enemy's fire for about one hour. We were then ordered forward and crossed a bayou, and again opened with the two rifled guns at the retreating enemy. We fired some fourteen shells and were again ordered forward. We saw no more of the enemy, and arrived at Lake Village about 6 p.m. and went into camp with Colonel Hubbard's brigade. Tuesday, June 7, left camp 7 a.m., marched about 10 miles, and arrived at Columbia, Mississippi River, 1 p.m., and immediately embarked on respective boats. I lost 2 artillery horses in the engagement; they were so badly crippled I ordered them to be shot, which was done. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES M. COCKEFAIR, Captain, Comdg. Third Indiana Battery. Lieutenant DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Steamer Idaho, Mississippi River, June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Third Brigade of the First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, in the battle of Old River Lake, Ark., on the 6th day of June, 1864: This brigade (consisting of the Thirty-third Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and detachments of the Eleventh Missouri and Eighth and Twelfth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiments) moved from the place where it had bivouacked during the night on the river bank near Sunnyside Landing, Ark. At 6 a.m. on the 6th instant, by order of Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Mower, Lieut. Col. William B. Keeler, on account of illness, remained on the boat, and I, being the senior officer present, assumed command of the brigade. After marching about 2 miles, and when near the west bank of Old River Lake, the enemy began skirmishing with the troops in our advance; they used artillery and musketry, but were steadily driven by our skirmishers and occasional shots from our artillery about 2 miles along the bank of the lake. At about 11 a.m. they made a determined stand in the edge of a woods, with their artillery advantageously posted, and their left flank protected by the lake. This brigade, by order of Brigadier-General Mower, formed into line of battle on the left of the Second Brigade of this division, and proceeded at once to move on the enemy's position, and, if possible, to capture his artillery. We soon found ourselves much exposed to a severe fire of shell and schrapnel, as we were moving forward through a field grown with weeds and briars. One shot at this time struck in Company E (color company) of the Thirty-fifth Regiment, tearing the bodies of 5 men in a frightful manner, killing 2 and wounding 3. From the incessant and heavy rain that had been falling for several hours the ground was wet and soft, making it very difficult for troops to move with rapidity. We pressed forward under the firing without halting a moment. When we were within 150 yards of the enemy they opened a terrific musketry(added to their artillery) fire upon our: advancing line. At the word a shout was raised along our entire line, as they rushed toward the enemy on double-quick, firing as they ran. When within' 75 paces of the enemy we encountered a fence; the troops were ordered over at once, and to rush upon the enemy, but about 6 paces on the other side of the fence we came to an impassable bayou, about 40 yards wide, and deep water. The men were ordered to protect themselves by lying down, and as best they could, from the severe fire from the enemy posted on the opposite side of the bayou, and continued to fire upon them. At this time Maj. Abraham John, commanding the Thirty-fifth Regiment, fell 168 from his horse mortally wounded by a rifle-ball passing through his body. He fell while gallantly encouraging his men to deeds of valor by his words and actions. Thus fell one of our best and bravest men, a good officer and true patriot. We continued an incessant fire of musketry for about one hour, when the firing (except an occasional shot) from the enemy ceased, and they had apparently left their position. Our supply of ammunition being nearly exhausted, we were relieved by the Second Brigade of the Third Division. We fell back about 100 yards, gathered our killed for burial, and had our wounded cared for, replenished our cartridge-boxes, and were again ordered to pursue the enemy. At 3 p.m. we moved forward, and at 6 p.m. went in to camp at Lake Village. The following is a list of the casualties : I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, GEO. W. VAN BEEK, Major Thirty-third Missouri Infy Vols., Comdg. Brigade. Lieut. CHARLES CHRISTENSEN, .Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLS., On board Steamer Idaho, Mississippi River, June 9, 1864. MAJOR: I have the honor to herewith transmit to you a report of the part taken by the Thirtyfifth Iowa Infantry Volunteers in the battle at Old River Lake, Chicot County, Ark., on the 6th instant: On the evening of the 5th, the regiment disembarked about 2 miles below Greenville, on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River, in obedience to orders from Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Mower, and bivouacked for the night a few rods from the river bank. About 7 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, the Thirty-fifth, commanded by Maj. Abraham John, received orders to march. We had not proceeded over a mile from the river when we were notified, by repeated discharges of musketry, that our cavalry had met the enemy. The regiment closed up and Major John gave the order to lead at will, which, being done, we again moved forward, though with much difficulty, as the falling rain had rendered the roads very bad. After proceeding about a mile from the bayou we heard the first firing. We came in view of Old River Lake, along the left shore of which we marched for about 2 miles, when we halted while one of our batteries moved into position on our left and threw a few shot forward, which elicited a corresponding number by way of reply from the enemy. Being satisfied that there was something heavy ahead we again passed forward, and continued marching until we found by unmistakable signs that the enemy had made a stand in front. We then filed off to the left into a large field covered with a growth of dead leaves and briars. Here we formed line of battle on the left of the Thirty-third Missouri, and moved forward under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy, who was posted advantageously in a dense forest in front. Although weighed down by wet clothes, muddy boots, &c., the men advanced in good style through the tall tangle weeds and briars. When about midway between where we had formed line of battle and the enemy's position a shell from one of his guns exploded in the ranks of Company E, killing 2 men instantly and wounding 3 more. After closing the ranks we again pushed forward, and when within about 100 yards of the enemy's position we opened our fire upon him, but here an unexpected obstacle presented itself immediately in front, in the shape of a deep bayou. This unlooked-for bayou at such a time and such a place was calculated to dampen the ardor of any man or body of men advancing, as we supposed, to charge a battery, but it had but little effect on the "Thirty-fives," for they commenced jumping and climbing over a high fence 3 or 4 rods from and running parallel with the bayou. In crossing this fence several of our men were wounded. Finding it impossible to ford the bayou and that they could go no farther, the command posted itself along the bayou and opened a heavy musketry 169 fire on the enemy. This continued from a half to three-fourths of an hour, when an order came from the right to cease firing. I obeyed, and we ceased firing. In a few moments after I heard some one calling me by name; I turned and saw Major Van Beek, of the Thirty-third Missouri, commanding our brigade, who said," Captain, keep on firing; those are not our men; I can see a hundred of them." I gave orders to fire, which commenced along the whole of our line. We continued firing until Lieutenant Hoover, acting assistant adjutant-general, came to notify me that we would soon be relieved by another brigade. This was the first intimation I had that our brave little major was wounded, and that Captain Dill, of Company D, had met the same fate. The brigade soon came up and I immediately took command of the regiment and marched it to an open space, where we formed in line and stacked arms. I next had ammunition sent for and distributed among the command. This done, I ordered a detail of men from each company to look after the killed and wounded. Those killed (7 in number) were decently interred, and the wounded (10) carefully conveyed to the ambulances. After paying the last sad rites to the remains of our brave comrades we again moved forward in pursuit of the enemy, whom we had driven from their almost impregnable position, but we failed to overtake him. We arrived near nightfall at Lake Village, 6 miles from the field of battle, and camped for the night. The next morning we resumed our march and arrived about noon at Columbia, on the Mississippi River, where we found our transports awaiting our arrival. In closing this report it would be invidious, perhaps unjust, to mention the names of any one in particular as being brave, &c. They all acted like men who were fighting for a principle, not exactly for glory or for fame; but both fame and glory, bright as sunbeams, will cluster round the name of each of our honored dead. Major, I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully, W. DORAN, Captain, Comdg Thirty-fifth Iowa Infy. Vols. Maj. GEORGE W. VAN BEEK, Commanding Third Brigade, HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS, Columbia, Ark., June 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Second Brigade in the engagement with the enemy on the 6th instant at Fish Bayou, Ark.: At 7 a.m., pursuant to your orders, the command, consisting of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, Capt. W. C. Jones commanding; Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, Maj. George W. Howard commanding; Thirtysecond Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. G. A. Eberhart commanding; Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, Maj. R. W. Fyan commanding, and the Third Indiana Battery, Capt. J. M. Cockefair commanding, left Sunnyside Landing, where it had disembarked and camped the previous night, and moved out on the road leading to the rear of Old River Lake. A heavy rain set in soon after starting, which thoroughly drenched the men and made the marching very difficult. The command had reached the lower end of the lake, when the enemy appeared in front and skirmishing with him commenced. At this time an order was received to send forward the Third Indiana Battery, which was promptly executed, when the two rifled guns of the battery were ordered into position in a field upon the left of the road, which was accordingly done and a few shells thrown at the enemy, who gradually fell back to the farther side of Fish Bayou, where he formed line nearly perpendicular to the road along the side of the lake upon which our column advanced, and there made a determined stand. The Third Indiana Battery here again engaged the enemy's artillery, but owing to the narrowness of the road, the lake upon one side and thick underbrush upon the other, an advantageous position could not be obtained and consequently but 170 comparatively little damage effected upon the enemy. At this time the two brigades of the First Division, having moved up close to the bayou, were engaged in a sharp musketry fight with the enemy, when about 1 p.m. an order was received to move forward the Second Brigade and form line of battle some 300 paces in their rear. I immediately advanced in an old field, thickly covered with underbrush and tall weeds and briars, and deployed into line at the point designated. My right resting upon the road, was held by the Thirty-second Iowa, the right and left center by the Fourteenth Iowa and Twenty-fourth Missouri, respectively, and the left by the Twenty-seventh Iowa. While forming line, the enemy caught sight of us, and threw two or three shells with unusual precision, which struck just in front and must have materially damaged us had they not failed to explode. I at once sent Lieutenant Donnan of my staff to report my arrival to General Mower (as it was impossible for him to see our approach through the brush), who ordered me to move up to the bayou and relieve the brigade upon the left. I immediately moved to the left and forward to the position assigned, and in so doing was under a heavy musketry fire from the enemy, who were strongly posted in the thick timber upon the opposite side of the bayou. Orders were now given to fire, which the men executed with great rapidity and with telling effect. A few volleys were poured in when the enemy retreated from the field. The command was about threequarters of an hour under the fire of the enemy. It gives me great pleasure to express my admiration for the good conduct displayed by both officers and men throughout the action. I also wish to express my thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Eberhart, of the Thirty-second Iowa, and his command, who were under the hottest of the fire, and bore themselves gallantly. I cannot fail also to favorably mention W. G. Donnan, lieutenant, Twenty-seventh Iowa, and acting assistant adjutant-general, and R. Rees, lieutenant, Twenty-first Missouri, and acting assistant inspector-general, who with coolness, promptness, and energy, in the performance of staff duties, rendered me valuable assistance on the field. Appended you will find a list of the casualties. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES I. GILBERT, Colonel Twenty-seventh Iowa, Comdg. Brigade. Lieut. JAMES B. COMSTOCK, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Steamer W, L. Ewing, June 7, 1864. COLONEL: Agreeably to instructions from your headquarters I submit the following official report of the part taken by the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Old River Lake, Ark., June 6, 1864: At 12 m. the regiment took position on the left of the Lake Village road, the right resting upon the left of the Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry and fronting Fish Bayou, upon the opposite bank of which the rebels were posted, their batteries upon our front and right. The enemy opened upon us with solid shot, doing no damage. Our line then advanced steadily through a dead briar thicket until within 20 feet of the bayou, when we opened our fire in volley by battalions. The enemy replied, their balls passing over our heads. We continued our fire until the enemy broke and fled, leaving us masters of the field. The depth of the water in the bayou prevented our charging their batteries. No casualties. Your most obedient servant, WARREN C. JONES, Capt., Comdg. Fourteenth Iowa Vol. Infantry. Col. JAMES I. GILBERT, 171 Commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. TWENTY-SEVENTH REGT. IOWA VOL. INFY., Steamer Diadem, June 7, 1864. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part my command took at the battle of Ditch Bayou, June 6, 1864: About 2 miles in the rear of Ditch Bayou, Colonel Gilbert was ordered by Colonel Shaw to take command of the brigade, of which my regiment formed a part, and I assumed command of the regiment. After advancing about a mile my regiment was ordered into line of battle. Our position was at the left of our brigade, which was at the left of and at right angles with the Lake Village road. We were then ordered to advance in line of battle. When within about 20 rods of the bayou we were ordered to march by the left flank into a field some 40 rods to our left. General Mower then directed me to deploy two companies of my regiment as skirmishers to find, if possible, a ford across the bayou. I ordered Companies A and B to comply with the order. My regiment was soon ordered to the bayou. In a short time I was ordered to march by the right flank and joined our brigade at the bridge crossing the bayou. Companies A and B joined us here. They were unsuccessful finding a ford. The fire of the enemy was very light on the left of our position, and I have no casualties to report. Very respectfully, GEO. W. HOWARD, Major, Commanding Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. Lieut. W. G. DONSAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. THIRTY-SECOND REGT. IOWA INFANTRY, Steamer White Cloud, June 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that while the First and Third Divisions were on the march on the 6th instant, the advance of the column having met and engaged the enemy, orders were received to move the Second Brigade forward to support the advance brigades. Moving up within 300 yards of the first line, we were ordered to form in line of battle. This was done, the right of my regiment forming across the road and resting on the lake. As soon as formed we moved forward with the brigade until we came upon the line we were to have supported. We were then ordered to move by the left flank. While executing this movement we lost 1 man killed and 1 wounded from the fire of the enemy. When clear from the other brigade we moved forward in line to the bayou and opened on the enemy and drove him after an action of fifteen minutes. While engaged, the regiment lost 3 killed and 3 wounded, making our total loss 4 killed and 4 wounded, 1 missing. Officers and men conducted themselves in a creditable manner, they supposing that our forward movement was to charge the enemy's battery, not knowing that the bayou was in our front until we came on it. The march was continued from this point without again seeing the enemy. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, G. A. EBERHART, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lieut. W. G. DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH MISSOURI VOL. INFANTRY, On board Shenango, June 7, 1864. 172 In obedience to orders received from brigade headquarters, this date, I make the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteers in the recent engagement at Grand Lake, Ark., on the 6th instant: On the evening of the 5th, the regiment disembarked as ordered, and commenced march with the brigade and division on the morning of the 6th. Some 8 miles from the river and at Grand Lake we received orders from Colonel Gilbert, commanding brigade, to advance and take position in line of battle on the left of the Fourteenth Iowa, which order was obeyed, one or two cannon-shot falling in the ranks of the regiment as it moved into position--the left center of the brigade. Brigade being formed in line of battle, we moved on the enemy, who were posted across a bayou, and in so doing were under a heavy musketry fire from the enemy. Reaching the fence on the edge of the bayou we poured one volley into the enemy, who fell back, except a few who were posted behind fallen timber. Between these sharpshooters and the regiment a desultory fire was kept up for some minutes, until the former withdrew. We remained in our position on the bayou until we received orders from brigade commander to move by the right flank with brigade and take up line of march. I am happy to state that no casualties occurred in the regiment, owing, I think, to our getting the first fire on the enemy. All the officers and men bore themselves gallantly. I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. W. FYAN, Major, Comdg. Twenty-fourth Missouri Vol. Infantry. Lieutenant DONNAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.