1
Official Army Records
1865-1
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Goldsborough, N. C., April 4, 1865.
GENERAL: I must now endeavor to group the events of the past three months connected
with the armies under my command, in order that you may have as clear an understanding of the
late campaign as the case admits of. The reports of the subordinate commanders will enable you
to fill up the picture.
I have heretofore explained how, in the progress of our arms, I was enabled to leave in the
West an army under Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, of sufficient strength to meet emergencies in
that quarter, while in person I conducted another army, composed of the Fourteenth, Fifteenth,
Seventeenth, and Twentieth Corps, and Kilpatrick's division of cavalry, to the Atlantic slope,
aiming to approach the grand theater of war in Virginia by the time the season would admit of
military operations in that latitude. The first lodgment on the coast was made at Savannah,
strongly fortified and armed, and valuable to us as a good sea-port with its navigable stream
inland. Near a month was consumed there in refitting the army, and in making the proper
disposition of captured property, and other local matters; but by the 15th of January I was all
ready to resume the march. Preliminary to this, General Howard, commanding the Right Wing,
was ordered to embark his command at Thunderbolt, transport it to Beaufort, S. C., and thence
by the 15th of January make a lodgment on the Charleston railroad, at or near Pocotaligo. This
was accomplished punctually, at little cost, by the Seventeenth Corps, Major-General Blair, and
a depot for supplies was established near the mouth of Pocotaligo Creek, with easy water
communication back to Hilton Head.
The Left Wing, Major-General Slocum, and the cavalry, Major-General Kilpatrick, were
ordered to rendezvous about the same time near Robertsville and Coosawhatchie, S. C., with a
depot of supplies at Purysburg, or Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River. General Slocum had a
good pontoon bridge constructed opposite the city, and the "Union Causeway" leading through
the low rice-fields opposite Savannah was repaired and corduroyed, but before the time
appointed to start the heavy rains of January had swelled the river, broken the pontoon bridge,
and overflowed the whole bottom, so that the causeway was four feet under water, and General
Slocum was compelled to look higher up for a passage over the Savannah River. He moved up to
Sister's Ferry, but even there the river with its overflowed bottoms was near three miles wide,
and he did not succeed in getting his whole wing across until during the first week of February.
In the meantime General Grant had sent me Grover's division, of the Nineteenth Corps, to
garrison Savannah, and had drawn the Twenty-third Corps, Major-General Schofield, from
Tennessee, and sent it to re-enforce the commands of Major-Generals Terry and Palmer,
operating on the coast of North Carolina, to prepare the way for my coming.
On the 18th of January I transferred the forts and city of Savannah to Major-General Foster,
commanding the Department of the South, imparted to him my plans of operation, and instructed
him how to follow my movements inland by occupying in succession the city of Charleston and
such other points along the sea-coast as would be of any military value to us. The combined
naval and land forces under Admiral Porter and General Terry had on the 15th of January
captured Fort Fisher and the rebel forts at the mouth of Cape Fear River, giving me an additional
point of security on the sea-coast. But I had already resolved in my own mind, and had so
advised General Grant, that I would undertake at one stride to make Goldsborough, and open
communication with the sea by the New Berne railroad, and had ordered Col. W. W. Wright,
2
superintendent of military railroads, to proceed in advance to New Berne, and to be prepared to
extend the railroad out from New Berne to Goldsborough by the 15th of March.
On the 19th of January all preparations were complete and the orders of march given. My
chief quartermaster and commissary, Generals Easton and Beckwith, were ordered to complete
the supplies at Sister's Ferry and Pocotaligo, and then to follow our movement coastwise,
looking for my arrival at Goldsborough, N. C., about March 15, and opening communication
with me from Morehead City.
On the 22d of January I embarked at Savannah for Hilton Head, where I held a conference
with Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. Navy, and Major-General Foster, commanding the Department of
the South, and next day proceeded to Beaufort, riding out thence on the 24th to Pocotaligo,
where the Seventeenth Corps, Major-General Blair, was encamped. The Fifteenth Corps was
somewhat scattered--Woods' and Hazen's divisions at Beaufort, John E. Smith marching from
Savannah by the coast road, and Corse still at Savannah, cut off by the storms and freshet in the
river. On the 25th a demonstration was made against the Combahee Ferry and railroad bridge
across the Salkehatchie, merely to amuse the enemy, who had evidently adopted that river as his
defensive line against our supposed objective, the city of Charleston. I reconnoitered the line in
person, and saw that the heavy rains had swollen the river so that water stood in the swamps for a
breadth of more than a mile, at a depth of from one to twenty feet. Not having the remotest
intention of approaching Charleston, a comparatively small force was able, by seeming
preparations to cross over, to keep in their front a considerable force of the enemy disposed to
contest our advance on Charleston. On the 27th I rode to the camp of General Hatch's division,
of Foster's command, on the Tullifinny and Coosawhatchie Rivers, and directed those places to
be evacuated, as no longer of any use to us. That division was then moved to Pocotaligo to keep
up the feints already begun, until we should with the Right Wing move higher up and cross the
Salkehatchie about Rivers' or Broxton's Bridge.
On the 29th I learned that the roads back of Savannah had at last become sufficiently free of
the flood to admit of General Slocum putting his wing in motion, and that he was already
approaching Sister's Ferry, whither a gun-boat, the Pontiac, Captain Luce, kindly furnished by
Admiral Dahlgrens, had preceded him to cover the crossing. In the meantime three divisions of
the Fifteenth Corps had closed up at Pocotaligo, and the Right Wing had loaded its wagons and
was ready to start. I therefore directed General Howard to move one corps, the Seventeenth,
along the Salkehatchie, as high up as Rivers' Bridge, and the other, the Fifteenth by Hickory Hill,
Loper's Cross-Roads, Angley's Post-Office, and Buford's Bridge. Hatch's division was ordered to
remain at Pocotaligo, feigning at the Salkehatchie railroad bridge and ferry, until our movement
turned the enemy's position and forced him to fall behind the Edisto.
The Seventeenth and Fifteenth Corps drew out of camp on the 31st of January, but the real
march began on the 1st of February. All the roads northward had for weeks been held by
Wheeler's cavalry, who had, by details of negro laborers, felled trees, burned bridges, and made
obstructions to impede our march. But so well organized were our pioneer battalions, and so
strong and intelligent our men, that obstructions seemed only to quicken their progress. Felled
trees were removed and bridges rebuilt by the heads of columns before the rear could close up.
On the 2d of February the Fifteenth Corps reached Loper's Cross-Roads, and the Seventeenth
was at Rivers' Bridge. From Loper's Cross-Roads I communicated with General Slocum, still
struggling with the floods of the Savannah River at Sister's Ferry. He had two divisions of the
Twentieth Corps, General Williams, on the east bank, and was enabled to cross over on his
pontoons the cavalry of Kilpatrick. General Williams was ordered to Buford's Bridge by way of
Lawtonville and Allendale; Kilpatrick to Blackville via Barnwell, and General Slocum to hurry
the crossing at Sister's Ferry as much as possible, and overtake the Right Wing on the South
3
Carolina Railroad. General Howard, with the Right Wing, was directed to cross the Salkehatchie
and push rapidly for the South Carolina Railroad at or near Midway. The enemy held the line of
the Salkehatchie in force, having infantry and artillery intrenched at Rivers' and Buford's
Bridges. The Seventeenth Corps was ordered to carry Rivers' Bridge and the Fifteenth Corps
Buford's Bridge. The former position was carried promptly and skillfully by Mower's and Giles
A. Smith's divisions, of the Seventeenth Corps, on the 3d of February, by crossing the swamp,
nearly three miles wide, with water varying from knee to shoulder deep. The weather was bitter
cold, and Generals Mower and Smith led their divisions in person, on foot, waded the swamp,
made a lodgment below the bridge, and turned on the rebel brigade which guarded it, driving it
in confusion and disorder toward Branchville. Our casualties were 1 officer and 17 men killed,
and 70 men wounded, who were sent to Pocotaligo. The line of the Salkehatchie being thus
broken, the enemy retreated at once behind the Edisto at Branchville, and the whole army was
pushed rapidly to the South Carolina Railroad at Midway, Bamberg (or Lowry's Station), and
Graham's Station. The Seventeenth Corps, by threatening Branchville, forced the enemy to burn
the railroad bridge and Walker's Bridge below, across the Edisto. All hands were at once set to
work to destroy the railroad track. From the 7th to the 10th of February this work was thoroughly
prosecuted by the Seventeenth Corps, from the Edisto up to Bamberg, and by the Fifteenth Corps
from Bamberg up to Blackville. In the meantime General Kilpatrick had brought his cavalry
rapidly by Barnwell to Blackville, and had turned toward Aiken, with orders to threaten Augusta,
but not to be drawn needlessly into a serious battle. This he skillfully accomplished, skirmishing
heavily with Wheeler's cavalry, first at Blackville and afterward at Williston and Aiken. General
Williams, with two divisions of the Twentieth Corps, marched to the South Carolina Railroad at
Graham's Station on the 8th, and General Slocum reached Blackville on the 10th. The
destruction of the railroad was continued by the Left Wing from Blackville up to Windsor. By
the 11th of February all the army was on the railroad from Midway to Johnson's Station, thereby
dividing the enemy's forces, which still remained at Branchville and Charleston on the one hand
Aiken and Augusta on the other.
We then began the movement on Orangeburg. The Seventeenth Corps crossed the South Fork
of Edisto River at Binnaker's Bridge, and moved straight for Orangeburg, while the Fifteenth
Corps crossed at Holman's Bridge and moved to Poplar Springs in support. The Left Wing and
cavalry were still at work on the railroad, with orders to cross the South Edisto at New and
Guignard's Bridges, move to the Orange-burg and Edgefield road, and there await the result of
the attack on Orangeburg. On the 12th the Seventeenth Corps found the enemy intrenched in
front of the Orangeburg bridge, but swept him away by a dash, and followed him, forcing him
across the bridge, which was partially burned. Behind the bridge was a battery in position,
covered by a cotton and earth parapet, with wings as far as could be seen. General Blair held one
division (Giles A. Smith's) close up to the Edisto, and moved the other two to a point about two
miles below, where he crossed Force's division by a pontoon bridge, holding Mower's in support.
As soon as Force emerged from the swamp the enemy gave ground, and Giles Smith's division
gained the bridge, crossed over, and occupied the enemy's parapet. He soon repaired the bridge,
and by 4 p.m. the whole corps was in Orangeburg and had begun the work of destruction on the
railroad. Blair was ordered to destroy this railroad effectually up to Lewisville, and to push the
enemy across the Congaree and force him to burn the bridges, which he did on the 14th; and
without wasting time or labor on Branchville or Charleston, which I knew the enemy could no
longer hold, I turned all the columns straight on Columbia.
The Seventeenth Corps followed the State road, and the Fifteenth crossed the North Edisto
from Poplar Springs at Shilling's Bridge, above the mouth of "Caw Caw Swamp" creek, and took
a country road which came into the State road at Zeigler's. On the 15th the Fifteenth Corps found
4
the enemy in a strong position at Little Congaree bridge (across Congaree Creek) with a tete-depont
on the south side, and a well-constructed fort on the north side, commanding the bridge with
artillery. The ground in front was very bad, level, and clear, with a fresh deposit of mud from a
recent overflow. General Charles R. Woods, who commanded the leading division, succeeded,
however, in turning the flank of the tete-de-pont by sending Stone's brigade through a cypress
swamp to the left, and following up the retreating enemy promptly he got possession of the
bridge and the fort beyond. The bridge had been partially damaged by fire, and had to be
repaired for the passage of artillery, so that night closed in before the head of the column could
reach the bridge across Congaree River in front of Columbia. That night the enemy shelled our
camps from a battery on the east side of the Congaree, above Granby. Early next morning
(February 16) the head of column reached the bank of the Congaree, opposite Columbia, but too
late to save the fine bridge which spanned the river at that point. It was burned by the enemy.
While waiting for the pontoons to come to the front we could see people running about the
streets of Columbia, and occasionally small bodies of cavalry, but no masses. A single gun of
Captain De Gress' battery was firing at their cavalry squads, but I checked his firing, limiting
him to a few shots at the unfinished State-house walls, and a few shells at the railroad depot to
scatter the people who were seen carrying away sacks of corn and meal that we needed. There
was no white flag or manifestation of surrender. I directed General Howard not to cross directly
in front of Columbia, but to cross the Saluda at the factory, three miles above, and afterward
Broad River, so as to approach Columbia from the north. Within an hour of the arrival of
General Howard's head of column at the river opposite Columbia, the head of column of the Left
Wing also appeared, and I directed General Slocum to cross the Saluda at Zion Church, and
thence to take roads direct to Winnsborough, breaking up, en route, the railroads and bridges
about Alston.
General Howard effected a crossing of the Saluda, near the factory, on the 16th, skirmishing
with cavalry, and the same night made a flying bridge across Broad River, about three miles
above Columbia, by which he crossed over Stone's brigade, of Woods' division, Fifteenth Corps.
Under cover of this brigade a pontoon bridge was laid on the morning of the 17th. I was in
person at this bridge, and at 11 a.m. learned that the mayor of Columbia had come out in a
carriage and made a formal surrender of the city to Colonel Stone, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry,
commanding Third Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Corps. About the same time a small party
of the Seventeenth Corps had crossed the Congaree in a skiff, and entered Columbia from a point
immediately west. In anticipation of the occupation of the city I had made written orders to
General Howard touching the conduct of the troops. These were to destroy absolutely all arsenals
and public property not needed for our own use, as well as all railroads, depots, and machinery
useful in war to an enemy, but to spare all dwellings, colleges, schools, asylums, and harmless
private property. I was the first to cross the pontoon bridge, and in company with General
Howard rode into the city. The day was clear, but a perfect tempest of wind was raging. The
brigade of Colonel Stone was already in the city, and was properly posted. Citizens and soldiers
were on the streets, and general good order prevailed. General Wade Hampton, who commanded
the Confederate rear guard of cavalry, had, in anticipation of our capture of Columbia, ordered
that all cotton, public and private, should be moved into the streets and fired, to prevent our
making use of it. Bales were piled everywhere, the rope and bagging cut, and tufts of cotton were
blown about in the wind, lodged in the trees and against houses, so as to resemble a snow-storm.
Some of these piles of cotton were burning, especially one in the very heart of the city, near the
court-house, but the fire was partially subdued by the labor of our soldiers. During the day the
Fifteenth Corps passed through Columbia and out on the Camden road. The Seventeenth did not
5
enter the town at all; and, as I have before stated, the Left Wing and cavalry did not come within
two miles of the town.
Before one single public building had been fired by order, the smouldering fires, set by
Hampton's order, were rekindled by the wind, and communicated to the buildings around. About
dark they began to spread, and got beyond the control of the brigade on duty within the city. The
whole of Woods' division was brought in, but it was found impossible to check the flames which,
by midnight, had become unmanageable, and raged until about 4 a.m., when the wind subsiding
they were got under control. I was up nearly all night, and saw Generals Howard, Logan, Woods,
and others, laboring to save houses and protect families thus suddenly deprived of shelter, and
even of bedding and wearing apparel. I disclaim on the part of my army any agency in this fire,
but, on the contrary, claim that we saved what of Columbia remains unconsumed. And without
hesitation I charge General Wade Hampton with having burned his own city of Columbia, not
with a malicious intent, or as the manifestation of a silly "Roman stoicism," but from folly and
want of sense, in filling it with lint, cotton, and tinder. Our officers and men on duty worked well
to extinguish the flames; but others not on duty, including the officers who had long been
imprisoned there, rescued by us, may have assisted in spreading the fire after it had once begun,
and may have indulged in unconcealed joy to see the ruin of the capital of South Carolina.
During the 18th and 19th the arsenal, railroad depots, machine shops, foundries, and other
buildings were properly destroyed by detailed working parties, and the railroad track torn up and
destroyed down to Kingsville and the Wateree bridge, and up in the direction of Winnsborough.
At the same time the Left Wing and cavalry had crossed the Saluda and Broad Rivers,
breaking up railroad about Alston, and as high up as the bridge across Broad River on the
Spartanburg road, the main body moving straight for Winnsborough, which General Slocum
reached on the 21st of February. He caused the railroad to be destroyed up to Black Stocks
Depot, and then turned to Rocky Mount, on the Catawba River. The Twentieth Corps reached
Rocky Mount on the 22d: laid a pontoon bridge, and crossed over during the 23d. Kilpatrick's
cavalry followed, and crossed over in a terrible rain during the night of the 23d, and moved up
to. Lancaster, with orders to keep up the delusion of a general movement on Charlotte, N. C, to
which General Beauregard and all the cavalry of the enemy had retreated from Columbia. I was
also aware that Cheatham's corps, of Hood's old army, was aiming to make a junction with
Beauregard at Charlotte, having been cut off by our rapid movements on Columbia and
Winnsborough. From the 23d to the 26th we had heavy rains, swelling the rivers and making the
roads almost impassable. The Twentieth Corps reached Hanging Rock on the 26th, and waited
there for the Fourteenth Corps to get across the Catawba. The heavy rains had so swollen the
river that the pontoon bridge broke, and General Davis had very hard work to restore it and get
his command across. At last he succeeded, and the Left Wing was all put in motion for Cheraw.
In the meantime the Right Wing had broken up the railroad to Winnsborough, and thence
turned for Peay's Ferry, where it was crossed over the Catawba before the heavy rains set in, the
Seventeenth Corps moving straight on Cheraw via Young's Bridge, and the Fifteenth Corps by
Tiller's and Kelly's Bridges. From this latter corps detachments were sent into Camden to burn
the bridge over the Wateree, with the railroad depot, stores, &c. A small force of mounted men
under Captain Duncan was also dispatched to make a dash and interrupt the railroad from
Charleston to Florence, but it met Butler's division of cavalry, and after a sharp night skirmish on
Mount Elon was compelled to return unsuccessful. Much bad road was encountered at Lynch's
Creek, which delayed the Right Wing about the same length of time as the Left Wing had been at
the Catawba.
On the 2d of March the leading division of the Twentieth Corps entered Chesterfield,
skirmishing with Butler's division of cavalry, and the next day about noon the Seventeenth Corps
6
entered Cheraw, the enemy retreating across the Pedee, and burning the bridge at that point. At
Cheraw we found much ammunition and many guns which had been brought from Charleston on
the evacuation of that city. These were destroyed, as also the railroad trestles and bridges down
as far as Darlington. An expedition of mounted infantry was also sent down to Florence, but it
encountered both cavalry and infantry, and returned, having only broken up in part the branch
road from Florence to Cheraw.
Without unnecessary delay the columns were again put in motion, directed on Fayetteville,
N. C., the Right Wing crossing the Pedee at Cheraw, and the Left Wing and cavalry at
Sneedsborough. General Kilpatrick was ordered to keep well on the left flank, and the Fourteenth
Corps, moving by Love's Bridge, was given the right to enter and occupy Fayetteville first. The
weather continued unfavorable and roads bad, but the Fourteenth and Seventeenth Corps reached
Fayetteville on the 11th of March, skirmishing with Wade Hampton's cavalry, that covered the
rear of Hardee's retreating army, which, as usual, had crossed Cape Fear River, burning the
bridge. During the march from the Pedee General Kilpatrick had kept his cavalry well on the left
and exposed flank. During the night of the 9th of March his three brigades were divided to picket
the roads. General Hampton detecting this dashed in at daylight and gained possession of the
camp of Colonel Spencer's brigade, and the house in which General Kilpatrick and Colonel
Spencer had their quarters. The surprise was complete, but General Kilpatrick quickly succeeded
in rallying his men, on foot, in a swamp near by, and by a prompt attack, well followed up,
regained his artillery, horses, camp, and everything save some prisoners whom the enemy carried
off, leaving their dead on the ground.
The 12th, 13th, and 14th were passed at Fayetteville, destroying absolutely the U. S. Arsenal
and the vast amount of machinery which had formerly belonged to the old Harper's Ferry U.S.
Arsenal. Every building was knocked down and burned, and every piece of machinery utterly
broken up and ruined by the First Regiment Michigan Engineers, under the immediate
supervision of Col. O. M. Poe, chief engineer. Much valuable property of great use to an enemy
was here destroyed or cast into the river.
Up to this period I had perfectly succeeded in interposing my superior army between the
scattered parts of my enemy. But I was then aware that the fragments that had left Columbia
under Beauregard had been re-enforced by Cheatham's corps from the West and the garrison of
Augusta, and that ample time had been given to move them to my front and flank about Raleigh.
Hardee had also succeeded in getting across Cape Fear River ahead of me, and could therefore
complete the junction with the other armies of Johnston and Hoke, in North Carolina And the
whole, under the command of the skillful and experienced Joe Johnston, made up an army
superior to me in cavalry, and formidable enough in artillery and infantry to justify me in
extreme caution in making the last step necessary to complete the march I had undertaken.
Previous to reaching Fayetteville I had dispatched to Wilmington from Laurel Hill Church two of
our best scouts with intelligence of our position and my general plans. Both of these messengers
reached Wilmington, and, on the morning of the 12th of March, the army tug Davidson, Captain
Ainsworth, reached Fayetteville from Wilmington, bringing me full intelligence of events from
the outer world. On the same day this tug carried back to General Terry, at Wilmington, and
General Schofield, at New Berne, my dispatches to the effect that, on Wednesday, the 15th, we
would move for Goldsborough, feigning on Raleigh, and ordering them to march straight for
Goldsborough, which I expected to reach about the 20th. The same day the gun-boat Eolus,
Captain Young, U.S. Navy, also reached Fayetteville, and through her I continued to have
communication with Wilmington until the day of our actual departure. While the work of
destruction was going on at Fayetteville, two pontoon bridges were lead across Cape Fear River,
one opposite the town, the other three miles below.
7
General Kilpatrick was ordered to move up the plank road to and beyond Averasborough. He
was to be followed by four divisions of the Left Wing, with as few wagons as possible; the rest
of the train, under escort of the two remaining divisions of that wing, to take a shorter and more
direct road to Goldsborough. In like manner General Howard was ordered to send his trains,
under good escort, well to the right, toward Faison's Depot and Goldsborough, and to hold four
divisions, light, ready to go to the aid of the Left Wing if attacked while in motion. The weather
continued very bad, and the roads had become mere quagmire. Almost every foot of it had to be
corduroyed to admit the passage of wheels. Still, time was so important that punctually,
according to order, the columns moved out from Cape Fear River on Wednesday, the 15th of
March. I accompanied General Slocum, who, preceded by Kilpatrick's cavalry, moved up the
river or plank road that day to Kyle's Landing, Kilpatrick skirmishing heavily with the enemy's
rear guard about three miles beyond, near Taylor's Hole Creek. At General Kilpatrick's request
General Slocum sent forward a brigade of infantry to hold a line of barricades. Next morning the
column advanced in the same order, and developed the enemy, with artillery, infantry, and
cavalry, in an intrenched position in front of the point where the road branches off toward
Goldsborough through Bentonville. On an inspection of the map it was manifest that Hardee, in
retreating from Fayetteville, had halted in the narrow, swampy neck between Cape Fear and
South Rivers, in hopes to hold me to save time for the concentration of Johnston's armies at some
point to his rear, namely, Raleigh, Smithfield, or Goldsborough. Hardee's force was estimated at
20,000 men. It was necessary to dislodge him that we might have the use of the Goldsborough
road, as also to keep up the feint on Raleigh as long as possible. General Slocum was, therefore,
ordered to press and carry the position, only difficult by reason of the nature of the ground,
which was so soft that horses would sink everywhere, and even men could hardly make their
way over the common pine barren.
The Twentieth Corps, General Williams, had the lead, and Ward's division the advance. This
was deployed, and the skirmish line developed the position of a brigade of Charleston heavy
artillery armed as infantry (Rhett's) posted across the road behind a light parapet, with a battery
of guns enfilading the approach across a cleared field. General Williams sent a brigade (Case's)
by a circuit to his left that turned this line, and by a quick charge broke the brigade, which
rapidly retreated back to a second line better built and more strongly held. A battery of artillery
(Winegar's) well posted, under the immediate direction of Major Reynolds, chief of artillery of
Twentieth Corps, did good execution on the retreating brigade, and on advancing Ward's division
over this ground General Williams captured 3 guns and 217 prisoners, of which 68 were
wounded and left in a house near by with a rebel officer, four men, and five days' rations. One
hundred and eight rebel dead were buried by us. As Ward's division advanced he developed a
second and stronger line, when Jackson's division was deployed forward on the right of Ward,
and the two divisions of Jeff. C. Davis' (Fourteenth) corps on the left, well toward the Cape Fear.
At the same time Kilpatrick, who was acting in concert with General Williams, was ordered to
draw back his cavalry and mass it on the extreme right, and, in concert with Jackson's right, to
feel forward for the Goldsborough road. He got a brigade on the road, but it was attacked by
McLaws' rebel division furiously, and though it fought well and hard the brigade drew back to
the flank of the infantry. The whole line advanced late in the afternoon, drove the enemy well
within his intrenched line, and pressed him so hard that next morning he was gone, having
retreated in a miserable stormy night over the worst of roads. Ward's division of infantry
followed to and through Averasborough, developing the fact that Hardee had retreated, not on
Raleigh but on Smithfield. I had the night before directed Kilpatrick to cross South River at a
mill-dam to our right rear and move up on the east side toward Elevation. General Slocum
reports his aggregate loss in this affair, known as that of Averasborough, at 12 officers and 65
8
men killed and 477 wounded. We lost no prisoners. The enemy's loss can be inferred from his
dead (108) left for us to bury. Leaving Ward's division to keep up a show of pursuit, Slocum's
column was turned to the right, built a bridge across the swollen South River, and took the
Goldsborough road, Kilpatrick crossing to the north in the direction of Elevation, with orders to
move eastward, watching that flank. In the meantime the wagon trains and guards, as also
Howard's column, were wallowing along the miry roads toward Bentonville and Goldsborough.
The enemy's infantry, as before stated, had retreated on Smithfield, and his cavalry retreated
across our front in the same direction, burning the bridges across Mill Creek. I continued with
the head of Slocum's column and camped the night of the 18th with him on the Goldsborough
road, twenty-seven miles from Goldsborough, about five miles from Bentonville, and where the
road from Clinton to Smithfield crosses the Goldsborough road. Howard was at Lee's Store, only
two miles south, and both columns had pickets three miles forward to where the two roads came
together and became common to Goldsborough.
All the signs induced me to believe that the enemy would make no further opposition to our
progress, and would not attempt to strike us in flank while in motion. I therefore directed
Howard to move his Right Wing by the new Goldsborough road, which goes by way of Falling
Creek Church. I also left Slocum and joined Howard's column with a view to open
communication with General Schofield, coming up from New Berne, and Terry from
Wilmington. I found General Howard's column well strung out, owing to the very bad roads, and
did not overtake him in person until he had reached Falling Creek Church, with one regiment
forward to the cross-roads near Cox's Bridge across the Neuse. I had gone from General Slocum
about six miles when I heard artillery in his direction, but was soon made easy by one of his staff
officers overtaking me, explaining that his leading division (Carlin's) had encountered a division
of rebel cavalry (Dibrell's), which he was driving easily. But soon other staff officers came up,
reporting that he had developed near Bentonville the whole of the rebel army under General
Johnston himself. I sent him orders to call up the two divisions guarding his wagon trains, and
Hazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps, still back near Lee's Store, to fight defensively until I
could draw up Blair's corps, then near Mount Olive Station, and with the remaining three
divisions of the Fifteenth Corps come up on Johnston's left rear from the direction of Cox's
Bridge. In the meantime, while on the road, I received couriers from both Generals Schofield and
Terry. The former reported himself in possession of Kinston, delayed somewhat by want of
provisions, but able to march so as to make Goldsborough on the 21st; and Terry was at or near
Faison's Depot. Orders were at once dispatched to Schofield to push for Goldsborough and to
make dispositions to cross Little River in the direction of Smithfield, as far as Millard; to
General Terry to move to Cox's Bridge, lay a pontoon bridge, and establish a crossing; and to
Blair to make a night march to Falling Creek Church; and at daylight the Right Wing, General
Howard, less the necessary wagon guards, was put in rapid motion on Bentonville. By
subsequent reports I learned that General Slocum's head of column had advanced from its camp
of March 18, and first encountered Dibrell's cavalry, but soon found his progress impeded by
infantry and artillery. The enemy attacked his head of column, gaining a temporary advantage,
and took three guns and caissons of General Carlin's division, driving the two leading brigades
back on the main body. As soon as General Slocum realized that he had in his front the whole
Confederate army he promptly deployed the two divisions of the Fourteenth Corps, General
Davis, and rapidly brought up on their left the two divisions of the Twentieth Corps, General
Williams. These he arranged on the defensive, and hastily prepared a line of barricades. General
Kilpatrick also came up at the sound of artillery and massed on the left. In this position the Left
Wing received six distinct assaults by the combined forces of Hoke, Hardee, and Cheatham,
under the immediate command of General Johnston himself, without giving an inch of ground,
9
and doing good execution on the enemy's ranks, especially with our artillery, the enemy having
little or none.
Johnston had moved by night from Smithfield with great rapidity, and without unnecessary
wheels, intending to overwhelm my left flank before it could be relieved by its co-operating
columns. But he "reckoned without his host." I had expected just such a movement all the way
from Fayetteville, and was prepared for it. During the night of the 19th General Slocum got up
his wagon train with its guard of two divisions, and Hazen's division of the Fifteenth Corps,
which re-enforcement enabled him to make his position impregnable. The Right Wing found
rebel cavalry watching its approach, but unable to offer any serious opposition until our head of
column encountered a considerable body behind a barricade at the forks of the road near
Bentonville, about three miles east of the battle-field of the day before. This body of cavalry was,
however, quickly dislodged, and the intersection of the roads secured. On moving forward the
Fifteenth Corps, General Logan found that the enemy had thrown back his left flank, and had
constructed a line of parapet connecting with that toward General Slocum, in the form of a
bastion, its salient on the main Goldsborough road interposing between General Slocum on the
west and General Howard on the east, while the flanks rested on Mill Creek, covering the road
back to Smithfield. General Howard was instructed to proceed with due caution until he had
made strong connection on his left with General Slocum. This he soon accomplished, and by 4
p.m. of the 20th a complete and strong line of battle confronted the enemy in his intrenched
position, and General Johnston, instead of catching us in detail, was on the defensive, with Mill
Creek and a single bridge to his rear. Nevertheless, we had no object to accomplish by a battle,
unless at an advantage, and therefore my general instructions were to press steadily with
skirmishers alone, to use artillery pretty freely on the wooded space held by the enemy, and to
feel pretty strongly the flanks of his position, which were, as usual, covered by the endless
swamps of this region of country. I also ordered all empty wagons to be sent at once to Kinston
for supplies, and other impediments to be grouped near the Neuse, south of Goldsborough,
holding the real army in close contact with the enemy, ready to fight him if he ventured outside
his parapets and swampy obstructions.
Thus matters stood about Bentonville on the 21st of March. On the same day General
Schofield entered Goldsborough with little or no opposition, and General Terry had got
possession of the Neuse River at Cox's Bridge, ten miles above, with a pontoon bridge laid and a
brigade across, so that the three armies were in actual connection, and the great object of the
campaign was accomplished.
On the 21st a steady rain prevailed, during which General Mower's division, of the
Seventeenth Corps, on the extreme right, had worked well to the right around the enemy's flank,
and had nearly reached the bridge across Mill Creek, the only line of retreat open to the enemy.
Of course there was extreme danger that the enemy would turn on him all his reserves, and, it
might be, let go his parapets to overwhelm Mower. Accordingly I ordered at once a general
attack by our skirmish line from left to right. Quite a noisy battle ensued, during which General
Mower was enabled to regain his connection with his own corps by moving to his left rear. Still
he had developed a weakness in the enemy's position of which advantage might have been taken;
but that night the enemy retreated on Smithfield, leaving his pickets to fall into our hands, with
many dead unburied, and wounded in his field hospitals. At daybreak of the 22d pursuit was
made two miles beyond Mill Creek, but checked by my order. General Johnston had utterly
failed in his attempt, and we remained in full possession of the field of battle.
General Slocum reports the losses of the Left Wing about Bentonville at 9 officers and 145
men killed, 51 officers and 816 men wounded, and 3 officers and 223 men missing, taken
10
prisoners by the enemy; total, 1,196. He buried on the field 167 rebel dead, and took 338
prisoners.
General Howard reports the losses of the Right Wing at 2 officers and 35 men killed, 12
officers and 289 men wounded, and 1 officer and 60 men missing; total, 399. He also buried 100
rebel dead and took 1,287 prisoners.
The cavalry of Kilpatrick was held in reserve, and lost but few, if any, of which I have no
report as yet. Our aggregate loss at Bentonville was 1,595.
I am well satisfied that the enemy lost heavily, especially during his assaults on the Left
Wing during the afternoon of the 19th; but as I have no data save his dead and wounded left in
our hands I prefer to make no comparisons.
Thus, as I have endeavored to explain, we had completed our march on the 21st, and had full
possession of Goldsborough, the real objective, with its two railroads back to the sea-ports of
Wilmington and Beaufort, N. C. These were being rapidly repaired by strong working parties
directed by Col. W. W. Wright, of the railroad department. A large amount of supplies had
already been brought forward to Kinston, to which place our wagons had been sent to receive
them. I therefore directed General Howard and the cavalry to remain at Bentonville during the
22d, to bury the dead and remove the wounded, and on the following day all the armies to move
to the camps assigned them about Goldsborough, there to rest and receive the clothing and
supplies of which they stood in need. In person I went on the 22d to Cox's Bridge to meet
General Terry, whom I met for the first time, and on the following day rode into Goldsborough,
where I found General Schofield and his army. The Left Wing came in during the same day and
next morning, and the Right Wing followed on the 24th, on which day the cavalry moved to
Mount Olive Station and General Terry back to Faison's. On the 25th the New Berne railroad
was finished and the first train of cars came in, thus giving us the means of bringing from the
depot at Morehead City full supplies to the army.
It was all-important that I should have an interview with the general-in-chief, and presuming
that he could not at this time leave City Point, I left General Schofield in chief command and
proceeded with all expedition by rail to Morehead City, and thence by steamer to City Point,
reaching General Grant's headquarters on the evening of the 27th of March. I had the good
fortune to meet General Grant, the President, Generals Meade, Ord, and others of the Army of
the Potomac, and soon learned the general state of the military world, from which I had been in a
great measure cut off since January. Having completed all necessary business, I re-embarked on
the navy steamer Bat, Captain Barnes, which Admiral Porter placed at my command, and
returned via Hatteras Inlet and New Berne, reaching my own headquarters in Goldsborough
during the night of the 30th. During my absence full supplies of clothing and food had been
brought to camp, and all things were working well.
I have thus rapidly sketched the progress of our columns from Savannah to Goldsborough,
but for more minute details must refer to the reports of subordinate commanders and of staff
officers, which are not yet ready, but will in due season be forwarded and filed with this report. I
cannot even with any degree of precision recapitulate the vast amount of injury done the enemy,
or the quantity of guns and materials of war captured and destroyed. In general terms, we have
traversed the country from Savannah to Goldsborough, with an average breadth of forty miles,
consuming all the forage, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, cured meats, corn meal, &c. The public
enemy, instead of drawing supplies from that region to feed his armies, will be compelled to send
provisions from other quarters to feed the inhabitants. A map herewith, prepared by my chief
engineer, Colonel Poe, with the routes of the four corps and cavalry, will show at a glance the
country traversed. Of course the abandonment to us by the enemy of the whole sea-coast from
Savannah to New Berne, N. C., with its forts, dock-yards, gun-boats, &c., was a necessary
11
incident to our occupation and destruction of the inland routes of travel and supply. But the real
object of this march was to place this army in a position easy of supply, whence it could take an
appropriate part in the spring and summer campaign of 1865. This was completely accomplished
on the 21st of March by the junction of the three armies and occupation of Goldsborough.
In conclusion, I beg to express, in the most emphatic manner, my entire satisfaction with the
tone and temper of the whole army. Nothing seems to dampen their energy, zeal, or cheerfulness.
It is impossible to conceive a march involving more labor and exposure, yet I cannot recall an
instance of bad temper by the way, or hearing an expression of doubt as to our perfect success in
the end. I believe that this cheerfulness and harmony of action reflects upon all concerned quite
as much real honor and fame as "battles gained" or "cities won," and I therefore commend all--
generals, staff, officers, and men--for these high qualities, in addition to the more soldierly ones
of obedience to orders and the alacrity they have always manifested when danger summoned
them "to the front."
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff, Washington City, D. C.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, City Point, Va., May 9, 1865.
GENERAL: My last official report brought the history of events, as connected with the
armies in the field subject to my immediate command, down to the 1st of April, when the Army
of the Ohio, Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield commanding, lay at Goldsborough with detachments
distributed so as to secure and cover our routes of communication and supply back to the sea at
Wilmington and Morehead City; Maj. Gen. A. H. Terry, with the Tenth Corps, being at Faison's
Depot; the Army of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard commanding, was encamped to the
right and front of Goldsborough, and the Army of Georgia, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum
commanding, to its left and front; the cavalry, Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. Kilpatrick commanding, at
Mount Olive. All were busy in repairing the wear and tear of our then recent and hard march
from Savannah, and in replenishing clothing and stores necessary for a further progress.
I had previously, by letter and in person, notified the lieutenant-general commanding the
Armies of the United States that the 10th of April would be the earliest possible moment at
which I could hope to have all things in readiness, and we were compelled to use our railroads to
the very highest possible limit in order to fulfill that promise. Owing to a mistake in the railroad
department in sending locomotives and cars of the five-foot gauge we were limited to the use of
the few locomotives and cars of the four-foot-eight-and-a-half-inch gauge already in North
Carolina, with such of the old stock as was captured by Major-General Terry at Wilmington and
on his way up to Goldsborough. Yet such judicious use was made of these, and such industry
displayed in the railroad management by Generals Easton and Beckwith and Colonel Wright and
Mr. Van Dyne, that by the 10th of April our men were all reclad, the wagons reloaded, and a fair
amount of forage accumulated ahead.
In the meantime Maj. Gen. George Stoneman, in command of a division of cavalry operating
from East Tennessee in connection with Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, in pursuance of my
orders of January 21, 1865, had reached the railroad about Greensborough, N. C., and had made
sad havoc with it, and had pushed along it to Salisbury, destroying en route bridges, culverts,
depots, and all kinds of rebel supplies, and had extended the break in the railroad down to the
Catawba bridge.
12
This was fatal to the hostile armies of Lee and Johnston, who depended on that road for
supplies and as their ultimate line of retreat. Maj. Gen. J. H. Wilson, also in command of the
Cavalry Corps, organized by himself under Special Field Orders, No. [103], of October 24,
1864, at Gaylesville, Ala., had started from the neighborhood of Decatur and Florence, Ala., and
moved straight into the heart of Alabama, on a route prescribed for General Thomas after he had
defeated General Hood at Nashville, Tenn.; but the roads being too heavy for infantry General
Thomas had devolved that duty on that most energetic young cavalry officer, General Wilson,
who, imbued with the proper spirit, has struck one of the best blows of the war at the waning
strength of the Confederacy. His route was one never before touched by our troops, and afforded
him abundance of supplies as long as he was in motion, namely, by Tuscaloosa, Selma,
Montgomery, Columbus, and Macon. Though in communication with him, I have not been able
to receive as yet his full and detailed reports, which will in due time be published and
appreciated. Lieutenant-General Grant, also in immediate command of the armies about
Richmond, had taken the initiative in that magnificent campaign which, in less than ten days,
compelled the evacuation of Richmond, and resulted in the destruction and surrender of the
entire rebel army of Virginia under command of General Lee.
The news of the battles about Petersburg reached me at Goldsborough on the 6th of April. Up
to that time my purpose was to move rapidly northward, feigning on Raleigh and striking straight
for Burkeville, thereby interposing between Johnston and Lee. But the auspicious events in
Virginia had changed the whole military problem, and in the expressive language of Lieutenant-
General Grant, "the Confederate armies of Lee and Johnston" became the "strategic points."
General Grant was fully able to take care of the former, and my task was to capture or destroy
the latter. Johnston at that time, April 6, had his army well in hand about Smithfield, interposing
between me and Raleigh. I estimated his infantry and artillery at 35,000, and his cavalry from
6,000 to 10,000. He was superior to me in cavalry, so that I held General Kilpatrick in reserve at
Mount Olive, with orders to recruit his horses and be ready to make a sudden and rapid march on
the 10th of April.
At daybreak of the day appointed all the heads of columns were in motion straight against the
enemy, Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum taking the two direct roads for Smithfield; Maj. Gen. O. O.
Howard making a circuit by the right and feigning up the Weldon road to disconcert the enemy's
cavalry; Generals Terry and Kilpatrick moving on the west side of the Neuse River and aiming to
reach the rear of the enemy between Smithfield and Raleigh; General Schofield followed
General Slocum in support.
All the columns met, within six miles of Goldsborough, more or less cavalry, with the usual
rail barricades, which were swept before us as chaff, and by 10 a.m. of the 11th the Fourteenth
Corps entered Smithfield, the Twentieth Corps close at hand. Johnston had rapidly retreated
across the Neuse River, and, having his railroad to lighten up his trains, could retreat faster than
we could pursue. The rains had also set in, making the resort to corduroy absolutely necessary to
pass even ambulances. The enemy had burned the bridge at Smithfield, and as soon as possible
Major-General Slocum got up his pontoons and crossed over a division of the Fourteenth Corps.
We there heard of the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court-House, Va., which was
announced to the armies in orders, and created universal joy. Not an officer or soldier of my
armies but expressed a pride and satisfaction that it fell to the lot of the Armies of the Potomac
and James so gloriously to overwhelm and capture the entire army that had held them so long in
cheek, and their success gave new impulse to finish up our task. Without a moment's hesitation
we dropped our trains and marched rapidly in pursuit to and through Raleigh, reaching that place
at 7.30 a.m. of the 13th, in a heavy rain. The next day the cavalry pushed on through the rain to
Durham Station, the Fifteenth Corps following as far as Morrisville Station, and the Seventeenth
13
Corps to Jones' Station. On the supposition that Johnston was tied to his railroad as a line of
retreat, by Hillsborough, Greensborough, Salisbury, Charlotte, &c., I had turned the other
columns across the bend of that road toward Ashborough. (See Special Field Orders, No. 55. The
cavalry, Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. Kilpatrick commanding, was ordered to keep up a show of pursuit
toward the Company's Shops, in Alamance County; Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard to turn to the left
by Hackney's Cross-Roads, Pittsborough, Saint Lawrence, and Ashborough; Maj. Gen. H. W.
Slocum to cross Cape Fear River at Aven's Ferry, and move rapidly by Carthage, Caledonia, and
Cox's Mills; Maj. Gen. J. M. Schofield was to hold Raleigh and the road back, and with his spare
force to follow an intermediate route.
By the 15th, though the rains were incessant and the roads almost impracticable, Major-
General Slocum had the Fourteenth Corps, Brevet Major-General Davis commanding, near
Martha's Vineyard, with a pontoon bridge laid across Cape Fear River at Aven's Ferry, with the
Twentieth Corps, Major-General Mower commanding, in support, and Major-General Howard
had the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps stretched out on the roads toward Pittsborough, whilst
General Kilpatrick held Durham Station and Chapel Hill University.
Johnston's army was retreating rapidly on the roads from Hillsborough to Greensborough, he
himself at Greensborough. Although out of place as to time, I here invite all military critics who
study the problems of war to take their maps and compare the position of my army on the 15th
and 16th of April, with that of General Halleck about Burkeville and Petersburg, Va., on the 26th
of April, when, according to his telegram to Secretary Stanton, he offered to relieve me of the
task of "cutting off Johnston's retreat." Major-General Stoneman at the time was at Statesville,
and Johnston's only line of retreat was by Salisbury and Charlotte. It may be that General
Halleck's troops can outmarch mine, but there is nothing in their past history to show it, or it may
be that General Halleck can inspire his troops with more energy of action. I doubt that also, save
and except in this single instance, when he knew the enemy was ready to surrender or disperse,
as advised by my letter of April 18, addressed to him when chief of staff at Washington City, and
delivered into his hands on the 21st instant by Major Hitchcock, of my staff.
Thus matters stood at the time I received General Johnston's first letter and made my answer
of April 14, copies of which were sent with all expedition to Lieutenant-General Grant and the
Secretary of War, with my letter of April 15. I agreed to meet General Johnston in person at a
point intermediate between our pickets on the 17th at noon, provided the position of the troops
remained statu quo. I was both willing and anxious thus to consume a few days, as it would
enable Colonel Wright to finish our railroad to Raleigh.
Two bridges had to be built and twelve miles of new road made. We had no iron except by
taking up that on the branch from Goldsborough to Weldon. Instead of losing by time I gained in
every way, for every hour of delay possible was required to reconstruct the railroad to our rear
and improve the condition of our wagon roads to the front, so desirable in case the negotiations
failed and we be forced to make the race of near 200 miles to head off or catch Johnston's army,
then retreating toward Charlotte.
At noon of the day appointed I met General Johnston for the first time in my life, although
we had been interchanging shots constantly since May, 1863.
Our interview was frank and soldier-like, and he gave me to understand that further war on
the part of the Confederate troops was folly, that the cause was lost, and that every life sacrificed
after the surrender of Lee's army was the "highest possible crime." He admitted that the terms
conceded to General Lee were magnanimous and all he could ask, but he did want some general
concessions that would enable him to allay the natural fears and anxiety of his followers, and
enable him to maintain his control over them until they could be got back to the neighborhood of
14
their homes, thereby saving the State of North Carolina the devastations inevitably to result from
turning his men loose and unprovided on the spot, and our pursuit across the State.
He also wanted to embrace in the same general proposition the fate of all the Confederate
armies that remained in existence. I never made any concession as to his own army, or assumed
to deal finally and authoritatively in regard to any other, but it did seem to me that there was
presented a chance for peace that might be deemed valuable to the Government of the United
States, and was at least worth the few days that would be consumed in reference.
To push an army whose commander had so frankly and honestly confessed his inability to
cope with me were cowardly and unworthy the brave men I led.
Inasmuch as General Johnston did not feel authorized to pledge his power over the armies in
Texas, we adjourned to meet the next day at noon. I returned to Raleigh and conferred freely
with all my general officers, every one of whom urged me to conclude terms that might
accomplish so complete and desirable an end. All dreaded the weary and laborious march after a
fugitive and dissolving army back toward Georgia, almost over the very country where we had
tolled so long. There was but one opinion expressed, and if contrary ones were entertained they
were withheld, or indulged in only by that class who shun the fight and the march, but are
loudest, bravest, and fiercest when danger is past. I again met General Johnston on the 18th, and
we renewed the conversation. He satisfied me then of his power to disband the rebel armies in
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as those in his immediate command,
namely, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
The points on which he expressed especial solicitude were, lest their States were to be
dismembered and denied representation in Congress, or any separate political existence
whatever, and that the absolute disarming his men would leave the South powerless and exposed
to depredations by wicked bands of assassins and robbers.
President Lincoln's message of l864; his amnesty proclamation; General Grant's terms to
General Lee, substantially extending the benefits of that proclamation to all officers above the
rank of colonel; the invitation to the Virginia legislature to reassemble in Richmond by General
Weitzel, with the approval of Mr. Lincoln and General Grant, then on the spot; a firm belief that
I had been fighting to re-establish the Constitution of the United States; and last, and not least,
the general and universal desire to close a war any longer without organized resistance, were the
leading facts that induced me to pen the "memorandum" of April 18, signed by myself and
General Johnston.
It was designed to be, and so expressed on its face, as a mere "basis" for reference to the
President of the United States and constitutional commander-in-chief, to enable him, if he chose,
at one blow to dissipate the military power of the Confederacy which had threatened the national
safety for years. It admitted of modification, alteration, and change. It had no appearance of an
ultimatum; and by no false reasoning can it be construed into an usurpation of power on my part.
I have my opinions on the questions involved, and I will stand by the memorandum; but this
forms no part of a military report. Immediately on my return to Raleigh I dispatched one of my
staff, Major Hitchcock, to Washington, enjoining him to be most prudent and careful to avoid the
spies and informers that would be sure to infest him by the way, and to say nothing to anybody
until the President could make known to me his wishes and policy in the matter.
The news of President Lincoln's assassination on the 14th of April (wrongly reported to me
by telegraph as having occurred on the 11th) reached me on the 17th, and was announced to my
command on the same day in Special Field Orders, No. 56. I was duly impressed with its horrible
atrocity and probable effect upon the country; but when the property and interests of millions
still living were involved I saw no good reason to change my course, but thought rather to
15
manifest real respect for his memory by following after his death that policy which, if living, I
feel certain he would have approved, or at least not rejected with disdain.
Up to that hour I had never received one word of instruction, advice, or counsel as to the
"plan or policy" of Government looking to a restoration of peace on the part of the rebel States of
the South. Whenever asked for an opinion on the points involved I had always evaded the
subject. My letter to the mayor of Atlanta has been published to the world, and I was not rebuked
by the War Department for it.
My letter to Mr. N ---- W ----, at Savannah, was shown by me to Mr. Stanton before its
publication, and all that my memory retains of his answer is that he said, like my letters
generally, it was sufficiently "emphatic, and could not be misunderstood."
Both these letters asserted my belief that, according to Mr. Lincoln's proclamations and
messages, when the people of the South had laid down their arms and submitted to the lawful
power of the United States, ipso facto the war was over as to them; and furthermore, that if any
State in rebellion would conform to the Constitution of the United States, "cease war," elect
Senators and Representatives to Congress, if admitted (of which each House of Congress alone is
the judge), that State became instanter as much in the Union as New York or Ohio. Nor was I
rebuked for this expression, though it was universally known and commented on at the time. And
again, Mr. Stanton, in person, at Savannah, speaking of the terrific expenses of the war and
difficulty of realizing the money necessary for the daily wants of the Government, impressed me
most forcibly with the necessity of bringing the war to a close as soon as possible for financial
reasons.
On the evening of April 23 Major Hitchcock reported his return to Morehead City with
dispatches, of which fact General Johnston, at Hillsborough, was notified, so as to be ready in the
morning for an answer. At 6 a.m. on the 24th Major Hitchcock arrived, accompanied by General
Grant and members of his staff, who had not telegraphed the fact of his coming over our exposed
road for prudential reasons.
I soon learned that the memorandum was disapproved, without reasons assigned, and I was
ordered to give the forty-eight hours' notice, and resume hostilities at the close of that time,
governing myself by the substance of a dispatch, then inclosed, dated March 3, 12 noon, at
Washington, D. C., from Secretary Stanton to General Grant, at City Point, but not accompanied
by any part of the voluminous matter so liberally lavished on the public in the New York
journals of the 24th of April. That was the first and only time I ever saw that telegram, or had
one word of instruction on the important matter involved in it; and it does seem strange to me
that every bar-room loafer in New York can read in the morning journals "official" matter that is
withheld from a general whose command extends from Kentucky to North Carolina.
Within an hour a courier was riding from Durham Station toward Hillsborough with notice to
General Johnston of the suspension of the truce and renewing my demand for the surrender of
the armies under his immediate command (see two letters, April 24, 6 a.m.), and at 12 noon I had
the receipt of his picket officer.
I therefore published my Orders, No. 62, to the troops, terminating the truce at 12 m. on the
26th, and ordered all to be in readiness to march at that hour on the routes prescribed in Special
Field Orders, No. 55, April 14, from the positions held April 18.
General Grant had orders from the President, through the Secretary of War, to direct military
movements, and I explained to him the exact position of the troops, and he approved of it most
emphatically; but he did not relieve me or express a wish to assume command. All things were in
readiness, when, on the evening of the 25th, I received another letter from General Johnston
asking another interview to renew negotiations.
16
General Grant not only approved, but urged me to accept, and I appointed a meeting at our
former place at noon of the 26th, the very hour fixed for the renewal of hostilities. General
Johnston was delayed by an accident to his train, but at 2 p.m. arrived. We then con-suited,
concluded, and signed the final terms of capitulation. These were taken by me back to Raleigh,
submitted to General Grant, and met his immediate approval and signature. General Johnston
was not even aware of the presence of General Grant in Raleigh at the time.
Thus was surrendered to us the second great army of the so-called Confederacy, and though
undue importance has been given to the so-called negotiations which preceded it, and a rebuke
and public disfavor cast on me wholly unwarranted by the facts, I rejoice in saying it was
accomplished without further ruin and devastation to the country, without the loss of a single life
to those gallant men who had followed me from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, and without
subjecting brave men to the ungracious task of pursuing a fleeing foe that did not want to fight.
As for myself, I know my motives, and challenge the instance during the past four years where
an armed and defiant foe stood before me that I did not go in for a fight, and I would blush for
shame if I had ever insulted or struck a fallen foe. The instant the terms of surrender were
approved by General Grant, I made my Orders, No. 65, assigning to each of my subordinate
commanders his share of the work, and, with General Grant's approval, made Special Field
Orders, No. 66, putting in motion my old army (no longer required in Carolina) northward for
Richmond. General Grant left Raleigh at 9 a.m. of the 27th, and I glory in the fact that during his
three days' stay with me I did not detect in his language or manner one particle of abatement in
the confidence, respect, and affection that have existed between us throughout all the varied
events of the past war, and though we have honestly differed in opinion in other cases, as well as
this, still we respected each other's honest convictions.
I still adhere to my then opinions, that by a few general concessions, "glittering generalities,"
all of which in the end must and will be conceded to the organized States of the South, that this
day there would not be an armed battalion opposed to us within the broad area of the dominions
of the United States. Robbers and assassins must in any event result from the disbandment of
large armies, but even these should be and could be taken care of by the local civil authorities
without being made a charge on the national treasury. On the evening of the 28th, having
concluded all business requiring my personal attention at Raleigh, and having conferred with
every army commander and delegated to him the authority necessary for his future action, I
dispatched my headquarters wagons by land along with the Seventeenth Corps, the office in
charge of General Webster from New Berne to Alexandria, Va., by sea, and in person,
accompanied only by my personal staff, hastened to Savannah, to direct matters in the interior of
South Carolina and Georgia. I had received across the rebel telegraph wires cipher dispatches
from General Wilson, at Macon, to the effect that he was in receipt of my Orders, No. 65, and
would send General Upton's division to Augusts, and General McCook's division to Tallahassee,
to receive the surrender of those garrisons, take charge of the public property, and execute the
paroles required by the terms of surrender. He reported a sufficiency of forage for his horses in
Southwest Georgia, but asked me to send him a supply of clothing, sugar, coffee, &c., by way of
Augusta, Ga., whence he could get it by rail.
I therefore went rapidly to Goldsborough and Wilmington, reaching the latter city at 10 a.m.
of the 29th, and the same day embarked for Hilton Head in the blockade-runner Russia, Capt. A.
M. Smith. I found General Q. A. Gillmore, commanding Department of the South, at Hilton
Head, on the evening of April 30, and ordered him to send to Augusta at once what clothing and
small-stores he could spare for General Wilson, and to open up a line of certain communication
and supply with him at Macon. Within an hour the captured steam-boats Jeff. Davis and
Amazon, both adapted to the shallow and crooked navigation of the Savannah River, were being
17
loaded, the one at Savannah and the other at Hilton Head. The former started up the river on the
1st of May, in charge of a very intelligent officer (whose name I cannot recall) and forty-eight
men, all the boat could carry, with orders to occupy temporarily the U.S. Arsenal at Augusta,
and to open up communication with General Wilson at Macon in the event that General
McCook's division of cavalry was not already there. The Amazon followed next day, and
General Gillmore had made the necessary orders for a brigade of infantry, to be commanded by
General Molineux, to follow by a land march to Augusta as its permanent garrison. Another
brigade of infantry was ordered to occupy Orangeburg, S. C., the point farthest in the interior that
can at present be reached by rail from the sea-coast (Charleston).
On the 1st of May I went on to Savannah, where General Gillmore also joined me, and the
arrangements ordered for the occupation of Augusta were consummated.
At Savannah I found the city in the most admirable police, under direction of Brevet Major-
General Grover, and the citizens manifested the most unqualified joy to hear that, so far as they
were concerned, the war was over. All classes, Union men as well as former rebels, did not
conceal, however, the apprehensions naturally arising from a total ignorance of the political
conditions to be attached to their future state. Anything at all would be preferable to this dread
uncertainty.
On the evening of the 2d of May I returned to Hilton Head, and there, for the first time,
received the New York papers of April 28, containing Secretary Stanton's dispatch of 9 a.m. of
the 27th of April to General Dix, including General Halleck's, from Richmond, of 9 p.m. of the
night before, which seems to have been rushed with extreme haste before an excited public,
namely, morning of the 28th. You will observe from the dates that these dispatches were running
back and forth from Richmond and Washington to New York, and there published, while
General Grant and I were together in Raleigh, N. C., adjusting, to the best of our ability, the
terms of surrender of the only remaining formidable rebel army in existence at the time east of
the Mississippi River. Not one word of intimation had been sent to me of the displeasure of the
Government with my official conduct, but only the naked disapproval of a skeleton
memorandum sent properly for the action of the President of the United States.
The most objectionable features of my memorandum had already (April 24) been published
to the world in violation of official usage, and the contents of my accompanying letters to
General Halleck, General Grant, and Mr. Stanton, of even date, though at hand, were suppressed.
In all these letters I had stated clearly and distinctly that Johnston's army would not fight, but,
if pushed, would "disband" and "scatter" into small and dangerous guerrilla parties as injurious to
the interests of the United States as to the rebels themselves; that all parties admitted that the
rebel cause of the South was abandoned; that the negro was free; and that the temper of all was
most favorable to a lasting peace. I say all these opinions of mine were withheld from the public
with a seeming purpose; and I do contend that my official experience and former services, as
well as my past life and familiarity with the people and geography of the South, entitled my
opinions to at least a decent respect.
Although this dispatch (Mr. Stanton's of April 27) was printed "official," it had come to me
only in the questionable newspaper paragraph, headed "Sherman's truce disregarded."
I had already done what General Wilson wanted me to do, namely, had sent him supplies of
clothing and food, with clear and distinct orders and instructions how to carry out in Western
Georgia the terms for the surrender of arms and paroling of prisoners made by General
Johnston's capitulation of April 26, and had properly and most opportunely ordered General
Gillmore to occupy Orangeburg and Augusta, strategic points of great value at all times, in peace
or war; but as the Secretary had taken upon himself to order my subordinate generals to disobey
my "orders," I explained to General Gillmore that I would no longer confuse him or General
18
Wilson with "orders" that might conflict with those of the Secretary, which, as reported, were
sent, not through me, but in open disregard of me and of my lawful authority.
It now becomes my duty to paint, in justly severe character, the still more offensive and
dangerous matter of General Halleck's dispatch of April 26 to the Secretary of War, embodied in
his to General Dix of April 27.
General Halleck had been chief of staff of the Army at Washington, in which capacity he
received my official letter of April 18, wherein I wrote clearly that if Johnston's army about
Greensborough were "pushed" it would "disperse," an event I wished to prevent. About that time
he seems to have been sent from Washington to Richmond to command the new Military
Division of the James, in assuming charge of which, on the 22d, he defines the limits of his
authority to be the "Department of Virginia, the Army of the Potomac, and such part of North
Carolina as may not be occupied by the command of Major-General Sherman." (See his General
Orders, No. 1.) Four days later, April 26, he reports to the Secretary that he has ordered Generals
Meade, Sheridan, and Wright to invade that part of North Carolina which was occupied by my
command, and pay "no regard to any truce or orders of" mine. They were ordered to "push
forward, regardless of any orders save those of Lieutenant-General Grant, and cut off Johnston's
retreat." He knew at the time he penned that dispatch and made those orders that Johnston was
not retreating, but was halted under a forty-eight hours' truce with me, and was laboring to
surrender his command and prevent its dispersion into guerrilla bands, and that I had on the spot
a magnificent army at my command, amply sufficient for all purposes required by the occasion.
The plan of cutting off a retreat from the direction of Burkeville and Danville is hardly
worthy one of his military education and genius. When he contemplated an act so questionable as
the violation of a "truce" made by competent authority within his sphere of command, he should
have gone himself and not have sent subordinates, for he knew I was bound in honor to defend
and maintain my own truce and pledge of faith, even at the cost of many lives.
When an officer pledges the faith of his Government he is bound to defend it, and he is no
soldier who would violate it knowingly.
As to Davis and his stolen treasure, did General Halleck, as chief of staff or commanding
officer of the neighboring military division, notify me of the facts contained in his dispatch to the
Secretary? No, he did not. If the Secretary of War wanted Davis caught, why not order it, instead
of, by publishing in the newspapers, putting him on his guard to hide away and escape? No
orders or instructions to catch Davis or his stolen treasure ever came to me; but, on the contrary,
I was led to believe that the Secretary of War rather preferred he should effect an escape from the
country if made "unknown" to him. But even on this point I inclose a copy of my letter to
Admiral Dahlgren, at Charleston, sent him by a fleet steamer from Wilmington on the 25th of
April, two days before the bankers of Richmond had imparted to General Halleck the important
secret as to Davis' movements, designed doubtless to stimulate his troops to march their legs off
to catch their treasure for their own use.
I know now that Admiral Dahlgren did receive my letter on the 26th, and had acted on it
before General Halleck had even thought of the matter; but I don't believe a word of the treasure
story; it is absurd on its face, and General Halleck, or anybody, has my full permission to chase
Jeff. Davis and Cabinet, with their stolen treasure, through any part of the country occupied by
my command.
The last and most obnoxious feature of General Halleck's dispatch is wherein he goes out of
his way and advises that my subordinates, Generals Thomas, Stoneman, and Wilson, should be
instructed not to obey "Sherman's" commands.
This is too much, and I turn from the subject with feelings too strong for words, and merely
record my belief that so much mischief was never before embraced in so small a space as in the
19
newspaper paragraph headed "Sherman's truce disregarded," authenticated as "official" by Mr.
Secretary Stanton, and published in the New York papers of April 28.
During the night of May 2, at Hilton Head, having concluded my business in the Department
of the South, I began my return to meet my troops, then marching toward Richmond from
Raleigh. On the morning of the 3d we ran into Charleston Harbor, where I had the pleasure to
meet Admiral Dahlgren, who had, in all my previous operations from Savannah northward, aided
me with a courtesy and manliness that commanded my entire respect and deep affection; also,
General Hatch, who, from our first interview at his Tullifinny camp, had caught the spirit of the
move from Pocotaligo northward, and had largely contributed to our joint success in taking
Charleston and the Carolina coast. Any one who is not satisfied with war should go and see
Charleston, and he will pray louder and deeper than ever that the country may in the long future
be spared any more war. Charleston and secession being synonymous terms, the city should be
left as a sample, so that centuries may pass away before that false doctrine is again preached in
our Union.
We left Charleston on the evening of the 3d of May, and hastened with all possible speed
back to Morehead City, which we reached at night of the 4th. I immediately communicated by
telegraph with General Schofield, at Raleigh, and learned from him the pleasing fact that the
lieutenant-general commanding the Armies of the United States had reached the Chesapeake in
time to countermand General Halleck's orders, and prevent his violating my truce, invading the
area of my command, and driving Johnston's surrendering army into fragments. General
Johnston had fulfilled his agreement to the very best of his ability; and the officers charged with
issuing the paroles at Greensborough reported about 30,000 already made, and that the greater
part of the North Carolina troops had gone home without waiting for their papers, but that all of
them would doubtless come into some one of the military posts, the commanders of which are
authorized to grant them. About 800 of the rebel cavalry had gone south, refusing to abide the
terms of the surrender, and it was supposed they would make for Mexico. I would sincerely
advise that they be encouraged to go and stay; they would be a nuisance to any civilized
Government, whether loose or in prison.
With the exception of some plundering on the part of Lee's and Johnston's disbanded men, all
else in North Carolina was "quiet." When to the number of men surrendered at Greensborough
are added those at Tallahassee, Augusta, and Macon, with the scattered squads who will come in
at other military posts, I have no doubt 50,000 armed men will be disarmed and restored to civil
pursuits by the capitulation made near Durham Station, N. C., on the 26th of April, and that, too,
without the loss of a single life to us.
On the 5th of May I received and here subjoin a further dispatch from General Schofield,
which contains inquiries I have been unable to satisfy, similar to those made by nearly every
officer in my command whose duty brings him in contact with citizens. I leave you to do what
you think expedient to provide the military remedy.
RALEIGH, N. C., May 5, 1865.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Morehead City:
When General Grant was here, as you doubtless recollect, he said the lines had been
extended to embrace this and other States south. The order, it seems, has been modified so as to
include only Virginia and Tennessee. I think it would be an act of wisdom to open this State to
trade at once. I hope the Government will make known its policy as to organization of State
governments without delay. Affairs must necessarily be in a very unsettled state until that is
done; the people are now in a mood to accept almost anything which promises a definite
settlement.
20
What is to be done with the freedmen is the question of all, and it is the all-important
question. It requires prompt and wise action to prevent the negro from becoming a huge elephant
on our hands. If I am to govern this State it is important for me to know it at once. If another is to
be sent here it cannot be done too soon, for he will probably undo the most of what I shall have
done. I shall be most glad to hear from you fully when you have time to write.
I will send your message to Wilson at once.
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-general.
I give this dispatch entire, to demonstrate how intermingled have become civil matters with
the military, and how almost impossible it has become for an officer in authority to act a pure
military part.
There are no longer armed enemies in North Carolina, and a soldier can deal with no other
sort. The marshals and sheriffs with their posses (of which the military may become a part) are
the only proper officers to deal with civil criminals and marauders. But I will not be drawn out in
a discussion of this subject, but instance the case to show how difficult is the task become to
military officers, when men of the rank, education, experience, nerve, and good sense of General
Schofield feel embarrassed by them.
General Schofield, at Raleigh, has a well-appointed and well-disciplined command, is in
telegraphic communication with the controlling parts of his department, and remote ones in the
direction of Georgia, as well as with Washington, and has military possession of all strategic
points.
In like manner General Gillmore is well situated in all respects except as to rapid
communication with the seat of the General Government. I leave him also with every man he
ever asked for, and in full and quiet possession of every strategic point in his department; and
General Wilson has in the very heart of Georgia the strongest, best appointed, and best equipped
cavalry corps that ever fell under my command; and he has now, by my recent action, opened to
him a source and route of supply by way of Savannah River that simplifies his military problem,
so that I think I may with a clear conscience leave them and turn my attention once more to my
special command, the army with which I have been associated through some of the most eventful
scenes of this or any war.
I hope and believe none of these commanders will ever have reason to reproach me for any
"orders" they may have received from me, and the President of the United States may be assured
that all of them are in position, ready and willing to execute to the letter and in spirit any orders
he may give. I shall henceforth cease to give them any orders at all, for the occasion that made
them subordinate to me is past, and I shall confine my attention to the army composed of the
Fifteenth and Seventeenth, the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps, unless the commanding general
of the Armies of the United States orders otherwise.
At 4 p.m. of May 9 I reached Manchester, on the James River, opposite Richmond, and
found that all the four corps had arrived from Raleigh, and were engaged in replenishing their
wagons for the resumption of the march toward Alexandria.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
General JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Chief of Staff Washington, D. C.
21
March 19.--Tenth Iowa drove the enemy from Cox's Cross-Roads.
March 20.--In obedience to orders from superior headquarters the command moved out at 5
a.m. to drive the enemy from Cox's Bridge, and compel them, if possible, to destroy it. After
some sharp skirmishing, and in the face of a heavy artillery fire, the enemy were driven across
the bridge, firing it as they passed over. The whole was accomplished with a loss of only three
men wounded. After driving the enemy from the bridge the command marched as guard to the
entire corps train to near Mill Creek, where our forces had engaged the enemy, arriving there
about 9 p.m., when we bivouacked in reserve.
March 22.--Remained in camp on battle-field.
March 24.--Crossed Neuse River and went into camp near Goldsborough, where we still
[March 31] remain.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Longtown, S. C., February 21, 1865.
MAJOR: In obedience to your communication of the 20th instant, calling for a report, of the
operations of my command from the crossing of Sandy Run until the Federal evacuation of
Columbia, S. C., I respectfully submit the following:
Leaving my camp at Rucker's plantation the morning of February 14, I marched by a
plantation road as far as Sandy Run. I here struck the State road, and, crossing the stream about 2
p.m., I continued for some four miles farther in the direction of Columbia, reaching with my
head of column the camp-ground assigned me at Wolf's plantation at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I
met with the rebel cavalry outpost at this point, but soon drove them back with my skirmishers,
four companies being deployed across the road for that purpose. Encamping my division on a
range of hills well adapted to defense, I threw up good earth-works on my front line, extending
the embankment across the road to protect my battery that had there been put in position. During
the night the rebel cavalry made a dash on my picket vedettes, capturing three of them, as well as
First Lieut. David Rorick, G Company, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, picket officer of the Third
Brigade, who was at that time out superintending his line.
The next morning at daylight I was out of camp and on the road toward Columbia. [ met with
stubborn opposition throughout the entire day, and, being obliged to march with a heavy
skirmish line constantly covering my advance, it was not until the afternoon that I reached the
neighborhood of the Little Congaree Creek, but five miles distant. The enemy was here
developed on the river bank in considerable force, with three pieces of artillery protecting his
position. I ordered Col. R. F. Catterson, commanding the Second Brigade, to deploy his
command to the right of the road, with instructions to feel toward the left flank of the enemy's
line and, if possible, to cross the river below him. At the same time the Third Brigade, Col.
George A. Stone commanding, was moved off to the left of the road with the same object in view
respecting the right flank of the enemy, both brigades moving under cover of a strong connected
line of skirmishers. The First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, was held
in reserve. Colonel Stone's skirmishers getting fairly on the flank of the rebel line, handsomely
turned it, driving the skirmishers back beyond the river. The Fourth Iowa Infantry, moving still
farther to the right and rear of the enemy, managed to effect a crossing over the stream above
him, and at the same time Colonel Catterson having obtained a foothold below and my
skirmishers pressing them very hard in front, the enemy was obliged to fall back from his works
along the river bank to an inner line nearer the main Congaree River. The works thus gained
were strongly constructed and most admirably adapted to the defense of the crossing. As soon as
it was seen that the rebels were leaving their position I at once pushed the Second Brigade and
one section of artillery (Twelfth Wisconsin Battery) across the river, moving over to the bridge
22
that had been but partially burned by the enemy, moving forward for nearly a mile beyond the
river in pursuit of the retreating columns of the enemy. I was here obliged to halt and wait the
remainder of my division, which was delayed some time at the river crossing. This not coming
up until late in the afternoon, darkness prevented my farther advance, and, selecting a ridge of
ground well adapted for the purpose desired, I encamped my division with my left resting on the
river bank and my right connecting with the Second Division that had in the meantime crossed
the river. My position was made secure by the erection of substantial earth-works along my front
line. The next morning, the 16th instant, it being ascertained that the enemy had withdrawn from
his works in my front, my division was promptly moved forward to a point on the State road
nearly opposite the center of the city. Temporarily halting here, toward night I again moved
forward, crossing the pontoon over the Saluda River, near the factory. I encamped in position on
the bank of Broad River, near the bridge.
During the night, in accordance with instructions received from the major-general
commanding the army corps, a crossing was effected over the river at this place, which, owing to
the great width of the stream and the extreme rapidity of the current, was a very difficult task,
and between 7 and 8 o'clock the following morning the Third Brigade had crossed to the
opposite shore, moving over by means of three pontoon-boats, that were with great difficulty
towed from one side of the stream to the other, and obtained possession of a good range of hills
crossing the main Columbia road, from which it had gallantly driven the rebel skirmishers,
capturing twenty of their number. The enemy very soon withdrew in the direction of Columbia.,
when the mayor of the place came out under a flag and signified to Colonel Stone that the rebels
had evacuated the town. He at once moved his brigade in and took possession, the balance of the
division following as soon as the pontoon-boats were laid across Broad River. I encamped my
command just beyond the city, on the east side of the Columbia and South Carolina Railroad,
throwing up light works in my front.
It may be proper to state that the troops first entering the city were freely supplied by the
citizens with great quantities of intoxicating liquors, so that the confusion inevitable on the entry
into a captured city was very materially increased, and at night, in obedience to the orders of the
major-general commanding, the brigade on provost duty in the city was relieved by the First
Brigade of this division, Bvt. Brig. Gen. William B. Woods commanding. During the evening a
fire broke out in the western part of the city, which rapidly spread over that portion of the town,
owing to the high winds that swept the flames rapidly from one street to another. At the same
time the town was fired in several different places by the villains that had that day been
improperly freed front their confinement in the town prison. The town itself was full of drunken
negroes and the vilest vagabond soldiers, the veriest scum of the entire army being collected in
the streets. Every measure practicable was adopted to prevent the spreading of the fire; but owing
to the gale that was sweeping over the place, the absence of any proper water power, and the fact
that the city was filled with both citizens and soldiers who were in no ways disposed to have the
scene closed, it was an almost impossibility to arrest the flames. About one-third of the city was
destroyed, including the principal part of the business portion of the place.
During the 18th and 19th instant my command remained at and near Columbia. On the 19th a
detailed party from my division destroyed 550 bales of cotton that were stored in the town. In
addition to this there were 820 bales found piled up in the streets that were also destroyed.
I append a statement of the amount of property belonging to the Confederate Government
that was destroyed.
The casualties in this command were: At the crossing of the Little Congaree, 5 enlisted men
killed and 10 wounded; total, 15. At the crossing of Broad River, 1 commissioned officer and 4
23
enlisted men wounded; total, 5. Please see list of casualties annexed. I shall forward reports of
brigade commanders as soon as they are received.
I have the honor, major, to be very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. WOODS,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to respectfully transmit the following report of the operations of
my division from the time of leaving Savannah, Ga., in January last, until reaching this point the
24th instant:
In obedience to orders received from Major-General Logan, I left my camp near Savannah on
the 10th of January, marching that day to Thunderbolt, the point of embarkation, some eight
miles distant. The Seventeenth Army Corps was found to be making use of all the shipping, and
it was several days before I obtained control of any of the vessels. In the meantime I constructed
two very substantial landings that enabled me to expedite my loading very considerably. It was
not until the 17th of January that my entire division was transferred from Thunderbolt to
Beaufort, S. C., and its vicinity (one brigade being out at Garden's Corners). While here all
possible preparation was rapidly made for the approaching campaign, and on the 27th of January
I left Beaufort, marching my two remaining brigades out as far as Garden's Corners, where I
remained until the morning of January 30, when I moved forward to McPhersonville. I halted
here one day, sending back to Pocotaligo for additional supplies. Leaving my camp the next
morning, February l, I marched forward in the direction of Hickory Hill Post-Office, skirmishing
light with the enemy's cavalry at this point. I had one man wounded in the skirmish at Hickory
Hill. Continuing my march now uninterrupted, I reached Buford's Bridge over the Salkehatchie
River on the 4th of February. The road here had been much obstructed by the rebels, and before
my column reached the river they had evacuated their well-constructed works covering the
bridge and river crossing. Moving over the river on the 5th I advanced some four miles, crossing
the Little Salkehatchie the next day. On the 7th of February I reached Bamberg, a station on the
Charleston and Augusta Railroad, and I immediately, in compliance with instructions received
from the major-general commanding, directed one of my brigades, the First, Brevet Brigadier-
General Woods commanding, at work tearing up the track and destroying the iron and ties, while
the remaining two brigades of my division proceeded about one mile north of the village, where I
took up an intrenched position, covering the approaches to town from that direction. On the 8th I
remained in the position taken near Bamberg, the First Brigade still continuing its work of
destroying the railroad. On the morning of February 9 I moved in the direction of Graham's,
camping north of the railroad near that place. The Third Brigade, Col. George A. Stone
commanding, was here sent forward to Blackville for the purpose of destroying the railroad in
that vicinity. February 10 I remained in camp again, the Second Brigade, Col. R. F. Carterson
commanding, as well as parts of the balance of my command, being engaged in tearing up the
railroad all day. Leaving my camp here on the morning of February 12 I continued my march
without interruption.
For the movements of my division for the ensuing ten days I respectfully call your attention
to the official report rendered by me on the 21st of February when encamped in the vicinity of
Longtown, copy herewith inclosed.
24
Leaving my camp at the place last mentioned on the morning of February 22, I marched to
Peay's Ferry over the Wateree River. Crossing the river on the 23d, I moved forward by way of
West's Cross-Roads to Tiller's Ferry over Big Lynch's Creek, reaching and encamping in the
vicinity of the creek the evening of February 26.
I did not get the crossing until March 1, and I was then obliged to build a heavy bridge of
over 100 yards in length before I could move my command over. This was begun and completed
the night of March 1, and at 7 o'clock the next morning my entire division had crossed the creek.
Moving out of camp from the east side of the creek at 9 a.m. the 2d of March, I marched via New
Market, encamping my division one mile north of Cheraw on the evening of March 4. Breaking
camp again on the morning of March 6 I crossed the pontoon bridge over the Pedee River and
continued my advance without any interruption from the enemy, crossing Lumber River the 10th
instant, and encamped March 12 within three miles of Fayetteville on the main Fayetteville road.
Leaving my camp near Fayetteville on the evening of March 14, I crossed Cape Fear River the
same night, encamping about one mile beyond the pontoon bridge. At this point the First
Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, was detached from my command and
assigned to duty, by order of Major-General Logan, as escort for the trains of the army corps that
were to march by a different route. Moving forward on the morning of March 16, I continued on
the road as taken by the remaining divisions of the corps, reaching the neighborhood of Cox's
Bridge over the Neuse River on the evening of March 19. I encamped my division in position
about half a mile from the point of intersection as made by the Bentonville road with that on
which I had been marching and intrenched my position the same night.
The next morning, the 20th instant, in compliance with the orders given me by Major-
General Logan, with Colonel Catterson in the advance, I moved out on the road toward the
bridge until reaching the point of intersection above referred to, when I took the road leading to
the left toward Bentonville. I marched about four miles before I struck the outposts of the enemy,
but from that time forward my advance had to be made under cover of a good line of
skirmishers, and about 11 a.m., or when I had advanced some eight miles on this road, the Fortysixth
Ohio Infantry, then deployed as skirmishers, became so actively engaged with the enemy
that I immediately deployed the two brigades of my division on either side of the road, selecting
the most advantageous ground and throwing up light rail-works in front of my line. The Fortysixth
Ohio Infantry having dislodged the rebels, and by a most gallant charge driven them from a
strong and extensive line of rail pits that they had established covering the road at the fork
leading toward Smithfield, in obedience to the directions received from Major-General Logan I
immediately moved my lines up to this point and at once took position, extending my lines so as
to include both roads beyond the forks. The Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry, still deployed as
skirmishers, was moved down the road leading toward Smithfield, supported by the One
hundredth Indiana Infantry. The Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry was promptly deployed forward,
covering the road upon which I had been marching. The Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry soon struck
the main line of the enemy, discovering him admirably posted behind well-constructed works.
The right of the Twenty-fifth Iowa also had not gone far before meeting the rebels behind their
works. The left of this regiment, that had by this time connected itself with the right of the
Second Division skirmish line, moved forward with it and gradually swung around to the right,
leaving the road entirely in the rear, so that the enemy's line was now developed as running
almost parallel to the road on which my column had been marching and extending across the
Smithfield fork about one-fourth of a mile from where the main road branched. That night my
lines were reformed and I built works anew, conforming them to the lines of the enemy as
developed by my skirmishers, my right connecting with Brevet Major-General Corse, of the
Fourth Division, and my left with Major-General Hazen, of the Second Division. The next
25
morning, the 21st instant, a heavy skirmish line was advanced along my entire front, discovering
the enemy still strongly posted in his works.
Brevet Brigadier-General Woods rejoined me to-day with his brigade, and I at once placed
him in position in the center of the line, the Second Brigade, Col. R. F. Catterson commanding,
being on the right, and the Third Brigade, Col. George A. Stone commanding, having the left.
My lines were advanced again during the afternoon, the skirmishers moving forward in
handsome style, driving the rebel skirmishers out of their intrenched skirmish pits and forcing
them back upon their main works, my skirmishers holding all the ground gained, and that, too,
under volley firing from the main works of the enemy. I posted a section of the Twelfth
Wisconsin Battery on my line in Colonel Catterson's front, and I cannot but speak of the
admirable execution and service rendered. The firing enfiladed the enemy's line, and, as was
afterward shown, the shots were all directed with great precision, the works giving every
evidence of the battery's presence. At dark the new position I had gained was strongly
intrenched. At daylight the next morning, the 22d instant, my skirmishers were again advanced
and the rebel works discovered to be evacuated.
Colonel Catterson, having received instructions direct from Major-General Logan, moved out
on the Smithfield road, passing beyond Bentonville as far as Hannah's Creek, where he
skirmished considerably with the rear guard of the enemy. I followed up with the balance of my
division, halting at Bentonville, where Colonel Catterson was ordered to return. Remaining here
with my division during the entire day I withdrew to my position of the previous night at 6 p.m.,
leaving Colonel Catterson with his brigade at Bentonville to destroy the bridge over Mill Creek,
with orders to rejoin the division at 4 a.m. the next day. Moving out at about 10 o'clock the
morning of the 23d, I crossed the pontoon over the Neuse River the afternoon of the 24th, and
encamped in the position as assigned me around Goldsborough on the New Berne road.
I respectfully inclose a list of the casualties in my command during the skirmishing of the
20th, 21st, and 22d of March. I also respectfully invite the attention of the major-general
commanding to the amount of corduroying and bridge building as done by the pioneer corps and
the several brigades of my division during the campaign recently closed, and also to the inclosed
statement showing the amount of railroad and other property destroyed, and statistics showing
the estimated amount of grain and forage captured from the country.
I respectfully refer to the inclosed official report of Capt. George A. Henry, provost-marshal
of the division, showing the number of prisoners captured by my command, and to the inclosed
tabular list of the men lost from the division by capture.
I destroyed, including the cotton burned at Columbia, 1,850 bales of cotton, burning 1,370
bales at Columbia alone. I inclose the official report of my brigade commanders.
I would earnestly but respectfully recommend for promotion on account of his efficiency as
an officer and his able management of his brigade during the campaign Bvt. Brig. Gen. William
B. Woods to the rank of full brigadier-general and I also recommend with pleasure the promotion
of Col. R. F. Catterson (Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry), commanding Second Brigade, to the
rank of brigadier-general. Colonel Catterson has long commanded the Second Brigade of this
division, and he has shown himself ever to be a brave, gallant, and competent officer, and one
well meriting promotion.
The officers and men throughout my division have all borne a noble, manly part in the
campaign, enduring hardships and labor without murmuring, and bearing themselves well when
before the enemy. I mention the names as conspicuous for gallantry amongst many: Captain
Allen, of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, who lost a leg in the fighting of the 20th; Captain Teale, of the
Fourth Iowa, mentioned especially by his brigade commander, who was severely wounded on
the 21st; Captain Burch, of the Consolidated Battalion Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri,
26
badly hurt on the 21st, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Lermond, One hundred and third Illinois,
also wounded on the 21st. Had I space I would gladly mention many more brave men that came
under my notice.
To the various members of my staff--Doctor French, surgeon-in-chief; Major Perkins, chief
of staff; Captain Alexander, assistant commissary of musters; Captain Smith, acting assistant
inspector-general; Captain Henry, provost-marshal; Captain Wilson, acting assistant adjutantgeneral,
and my two aides-de-camp, Lieutenants Critz and Marriott---I tender my thanks for the
willing and able service they have rendered hie, whether in camp, on the march, or on the field of
battle.
I have the honor to be, major, with respect, your obedient servant,
CHAS. R. WOODS,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade
during the campaign just closed:
Pursuant to General Orders, No. 5, from headquarters First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps,
dated Beaufort, S. C., January 21, 1865, I assumed command of the brigade at Garden's Corners,
S. C, on the 23d day of January. On the 30th day of January the brigade, at that time comprising
an aggregate of 1,408 officers and men present for duty, moved with the other brigades of the
First Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, camping that night at McPhersonville, where it
remained until the morning of February 1, when it resumed the march, arriving at Hickory Hill,
on the left bank of the Coosawhatchie River, about 3 p.m. A force of rebel cavalry, supposed to
be at least a regiment, were found on the opposite bank of the river, with outposts strongly
posted on the causeway and bridge crossing the stream. By direction of Brevet Major-General
Woods, commanding First Division, I deployed three regiments, namely, the Twenty-seventh
Missouri Infantry, Colonel Curly; Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, consolidated,
Major (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Seay, and the Twenty-sixth Iowa, Major Lubbers, and,
throwing forward a strong line of skirmishers, advanced to the bank of the river, intending to
cross in line of battle and drive off the enemy. It was found, however, that the passage of the
stream was impracticable for so large a body of troops, as the river flowed through a dense
cypress swamp nearly a mile wide, in which in many places the water was waist deep. I therefore
pushed forward the skirmishers only, who with great difficulty advanced through the swamp, and
under the fire of the enemy carried the bridge and causeway and drove him from the opposite
bank of the river. In this affair I lost none in either killed or wounded. The next day the march
was resumed, and continued from day to day until the 6th day of February, when the brigade
reached Bamberg, a station on the Augusta and Charleston Railroad, and immediately
commenced the destruction of the road. On this day and the following the brigade utterly
destroyed the track for a distance of four miles, burning the ties and twisting by the use of hooks
and levers, the iron rails. On the 11th of February I also completed the destruction of one mile of
the track of the same road, near Lee's Turnout, reheating the iron, which had only been bent, and
twisting the same.
Nothing deserving special mention occurred after the 11th instant until the 15th of February,
when the First Division approached the Little Congaree River, where it struck the enemy's
cavalry in force. This brigade, being the rear of the division, took no part in the heavy skirmish
27
of that day until after the enemy had been forced across the stream and driven from his works
upon its bank. After passing the river a line of battle was formed in the open fields of a large
plantation, this brigade occupying the extreme left. To the left and front of the brigade was a
high ridge, affording the enemy a commanding position, and this was occupied by a considerable
force of the enemy's cavalry. I ordered the Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Major Lubbers
commanding, to deploy as skirmishers, and keeping a large reserve to carry the ridge. The order
was executed handsomely, the enemy was driven off, and the ridge held. On the 17th day of
February this brigade marched into and through Columbia, and encamped about a mile and a half
outside the town. About 9 o'clock at night I received an order from Brevet Major-General
Woods, commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to march into the city and relieve the
Third Brigade of the same division, which was on provost guard duty there. On entering the city
I found a large part of the place in flames. I am satisfied by statements made to me by
respectable citizens of the town that the fire was first set by the negro inhabitants. A gale was
blowing, and the city being chiefly built of wood, the fire was exceedingly hard to control, but by
the strenuous exertions of the officers and men of the brigade at least two-fifths of the city was
saved from destruction.
On the next day, by order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, commanding Department and Army
of the Tennessee, I was appointed post commander of all that part of Columbia lying south of
Taylor street. The One hundred and third Illinois, Fortieth Illinois, and Ninety-seventh Indiana
had in the meantime been ordered to report to me for duty. I at once appointed Col. Reuben
Williams, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, provost-marshal of the post, and by means of his efficiency
and energy, and that of the officers and men under my command, was enabled to preserve
comparative quiet and good order in the city while occupied by our army. This brigade acted as
the rear guard of the army when the city of Columbia was evacuated by our troops on the 20th of
February, and entered the town of Cheraw with the other brigades of the division on the 4th of
March. As the brigade was moving out of this place, to cross the pontoon bridge over the Great
Pedee River, a large quantity of rebel ammunition, which had been thrown into a ravine near the
road, was accidentally exploded, killing one man and wounding five of the brigade. On the 15th
day of March, after the passage of the Fifteenth Army Corps across the Cape Fear River at
Fayetteville, I received orders from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps to take charge of and
guard all the transportation of the several divisions of the corps, with the exception of
headquarters and regimental teams, twelve ammunition wagons to each division, and the
ambulances. The same was to be organized into one train. The train when thus organized
numbered 550 wagons, and when drawn out on the road extended a distance of four miles and a
half. To assist in this escort duty the Ninetieth Illinois and Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry and the
Twenty-ninth Missouri Mounted Infantry were ordered to report to me. I left Cape Fear River
opposite Fayetteville with the train and escort on March 16, at 11 a.m., and on the 20th instant, at
5 p.m., parked the train, pursuant to orders from headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, with the
train of Major-General Mower's division, of the Seventeenth Corps, on Buck Creek, about eight
miles from Dudley's Station, on the Goldsborough and Wilmington Railroad. From the 16th to
the 20th of March, inclusive, the train, with its escort, made an average march of ten miles per
day, including twenty-four hours spent in crossing the South River. During this time the train and
troops crossed the South River, Little Cohera and Great Cohera Rivers, and Buck Creek. All of
these streams were difficult to pass, and the three first named I was compelled to bridge.
Generally the roads were as bad as a treacherous soil and rainy weather could make them.
Leaving the train at Buck Creek in charge of a brigade of Major-General Mower's division, I
started with the escort at 12 o'clock at night to rejoin the division. I marched until 3 a.m., halted
28
until 6.30 a.m., when I resumed the march and rejoined the division about 11 a.m., about three
miles from Bentonville. The enemy was here in force and intrenched.
Pursuant to orders I placed the brigade in the front line between the Second and Third
Brigades, of the First Division, leaving the Twelfth Indiana Infantry in reserve. Under a sharp
skirmish fire and within 350 yards of the enemy's main line a strong line of earth-works was
built. Pursuant to orders I made preparations to advance a line of skirmishers and drive the
enemy from their skirmish pits. I detailed 100 men as skirmishers, with Capt. William Burch, of
the Thirty-first and Thirty-second Missouri Consolidated Battalion, as officer in charge, and
directed Capt. Edward S. Lenfesty, picket officer on my staff, to take the general supervision of
the movement. The skirmishers moving at the same time with those of the Second and Third
Brigades advanced briskly, and after a hot skirmish, almost amounting to a battle, drove the
enemy's skirmishers from their intrenched position and immediately commenced to reverse the
pits. Before this was completed the enemy came out in strong force from their main line and
retook a part of the pits. They were again driven out and again retook them. I then sent out a reenforcement
of forty men, and with their assistance the pits were again taken and held, and the
enemy driven to his main line. The line thus taken and held was within eighty-eight paces of the
enemy's main line. The loss of the brigade in this affair was 1 killed and 21 wounded. Among the
latter was Captain Burch, commander of the skirmish line, who received a severe and dangerous
wound. The enemy having retired during the night, the brigade, after going on a reconnaissance
with the rest of the division as far as Bentonville, marched to Goldsborough and went into camp
on Rouse's plantation near that place, where it now is, strongly intrenched.
During the campaign the brigade drew its subsistence mainly from the country. No complaint
was made at any time of short supplies, except on one occasion after a day's march of twentyfive
miles through a barren pine forest. The wants of the men were at the time supplied by the
issue of a quarter ration of hard bread. The men have been supplied with an abundance of the
best bacon and poultry foraged from the country. Not a pound of either fresh or salt meat has
been drawn from the commissary. All the mills upon the line of march were used to grind corn,
and the men have been furnished with a plentiful supply of meal.
I cannot speak too highly of the patient endurance of the officers and men of the brigade. All
labors were borne and hardships endured with commendable fortitude and cheerfulness.
Justice requires that I make special mention of the members of my staff--Capt. Edward
Lenfesty, aide-de-camp and picket officer; Capt. R. C. Strong, assistant inspector-general; Capt.
J. A. Jury, acting assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. J. H. Flint, brigade quartermaster; and Lieut.
M. H. Parks, aide-de-camp, all of whom throughout the campaign have discharged their duties
with great energy and ability.
I herewith submit a list of killed and wounded and captured.
I have the honor to be, captain, with great respect, your obedient servant,
W. B. WOODS,
Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. F. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
CAPTAIN: A report of the operations of my brigade during the campaign just closed has
been furnished to include the occupation of Columbia, S. C., a copy of which please find
inclosed.
29
On the morning of the 20th of February this brigade left Columbia and continued its march
northward, nothing worthy of special note transpiring until the morning of the 20th of March.
My brigade being in advance of the column met the enemy on the road leading from Cox's
Bridge to Bentonville. Six companies of the Ninety-seventh Indiana were thrown forward as
skirmishers, rapidly driving the enemy about three miles, when it was relieved by the Sixth Iowa,
which drove the enemy briskly to within about three miles of Bentonville, where he made a
determined stand. The ammunition of the Sixth Iowa having become exhausted it was relieved
by the Forty-sixth Ohio. During its deployment the enemy was discovered turning the left of my
skirmishers, having already gained their rear. The One hundredth Indiana was hurried forward to
check this move, and they accomplished their work with dispatch and marked gallantry. During
this time the Forty-sixth Ohio moved forward on double-quick, driving the enemy from his
strong barricade of rails in splendid style. I immediately moved the brigade forward to the
position thus gained, and fortified it, at the same time advancing my skirmishers half a mile,
when it was halted, and in this position I awaited further orders. Late in the afternoon we moved
forward several hundred paces to a strong position, which was also fortified. In this position we
camped for the night. On the morning of the 21st my skirmishers--One hundred and third
Illinois--drove the enemy from a line of strong rifle-pits, which at some portions of the line were
within forty paces of his main works. This move was made in a very satisfactory manner, and
fully developed the enemy's position. During this advance Adjt. Frank Lermond, One hundred
and third Illinois, was severely wounded while gallantly urging his men forward. My brigade
was again advanced and its position fortified. The Twenty-sixth Illinois was sent forward to
relieve the One hundred and third Illinois, and in taking position suffered some from a flank fire
caused by the falling back of a portion of the line on my left. On the morning of the 22d my
skirmishers again moved forward at daylight and found the enemy's works evacuated. Two
companies of the Twenty-sixth Illinois, supported by the remainder of the regiment, were moved
forward as skirmishers on the road leading to Bentonville, and reached the bridge across Mill
Creek, near that place, in time to extinguish the flames (the enemy having fired it), and in a very
few moments after the enemy's rear guard had crossed. I immediately crossed with my brigade,
and skirmishing again commenced, we driving our opponents in wild confusion beyond
Hannah's Creek. The bridge over this stream was also on fire, and was saved only by the fearless
daring of my men, who rushed forward and extinguished the flames. At this point I received
orders to recross Mill Creek and take a position covering the bridge. This I immediately did and
bivouacked for the night. At Bentonville the enemy was so closely pressed that he left 40 of our
wounded and 12 rebel wounded in our possession. The brigade also captured 91 prisoners and 82
stand of arms and accouterments.
During the three days' skirmishing mentioned all, both officers and men, deserve great credit
for their gallant conduct.
The casualties during the campaign were as follows: Killed, 5; wounded, 30; prisoners, 8;
total, 43. Total number of prisoners captured from enemy, 166.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
ROBT. F. CATTERSON,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
CAPT. FRED. H. WILSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
30
HDQRS. FORTY-SIXTH OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions received from your headquarters, I have the
honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the past campaign:
Friday, January 27, we broke camp at Beaufort, S. C., and took our position in the brigade
line and marched to Garden's Corners, where the brigade halted until the morning of the 30th.
From that date until February 14 we marched each day with the brigade, not anything worthy of
note occurring.
Wednesday, February 15, after the brigade had marched two miles from where it camped the
night before, skirmishing commenced, and the enemy was pushed back to his works on Congaree
Creek. Here a line of battle was formed and the colonel commanding the brigade ordered me to
take my command and move out to the right of the skirmish line and protect that flank. I
immediately faced the regiment to the right and moved over to the left bank of the creek, then
filed left, and moved up to the line, using the bank of the creek so as not to be observed by the
enemy. On reaching the point designated by Colonel Catterson I halted and went into line,
throwing three companies, commanded by Capt. John B. Foster, forward as skirmishers. I
awaited orders until about 2 o'clock, when I discovered that the enemy was trying to fall back
across the creek, when I ordered three more companies forward, under command of Capt. John
B. Neil, with orders to push rapidly forward and save the road bridge that was already partially
on fire. He started immediately on the double-quick for the bridge, his men firing as they went,
which confused the enemy's movements so much that he did not fire his artillery until after the
men had reached the bridge and a few had run on to it. He then opened his artillery, firing
canister at the bridge. I now ordered the three companies under Captain Foster to move farther
up the creek. After some slight firing I saw that the enemy was retiring from his line of works
and immediately pushed these three companies across the creek on a foot log, and entered the
enemy's works, he still being in gunshot range but retiring slowly. Only a few shots were
exchanged after crossing the creek. I was now ordered to assemble the regiment on the road and
take my proper place in the brigade. Soon after we formed a line of battle and moved forward
(the enemy still retiring) and bivouacked for the night. After dark 100 men were sent out on
picket, under command of Lieutenants Wright and Schock. At an early hour the next morning
they pushed their line forward and found that the enemy had left another line of intrenchments,
crossed Congaree River, and burned the bridge after him. When the regiment moved forward
they joined it with their men.
From February 16 until the morning of March 20 was the usual marching with the brigade.
On that morning a short time after leaving camp the advance commenced skirmishing. About 10
a.m. the colonel commanding ordered me to deploy the regiment as skirmishers with the center
on the road, to move forward and relieve the Sixth Iowa Infantry, who were then on the skirmish
line and out of ammunition. On arriving on their lines I found that the enemy was posted across
the road behind high and heavy rail-works. This position was where the Smithfield road enters
the Goldsborough and Fayetteville road, about three miles southeast of Bentonville. Believing
that it could be carried by a rapid and spirited assault, I gave the command, "double-quick," and
the men took the step bravely and with cheers, reserving their fire until a nearer approach. When
about 400 yards they took the "run" and, with renewed cheers, opened fire on the enemy, who
had been firing briskly all the time. My men did not halt or check until they reached the works
from which the enemy were flying in disorder and confusion. From the amount of shots fired by
the enemy at our approach, I am led to believe that their force numbered between 400 and 500
infantry and cavalry, outnumbering my command two to one. I found two of his dead, left on the
field. If he had any wounded they succeeded in getting away. There were seven or eight dead
31
horses and mules just behind the works. My loss was 4 killed and 7 wounded. The enemy having
retired on the Smithfield road, I changed direction to the right and followed him until I found he
had a position on a hill, with a small creek and swamp between us. Here I halted and skirmished
with him until dark, when we were relieved by the One hundred and third Illinois Infantry.
While in this position Lieut. John Ackerman succeeded in crawling out to the front about 100
yards, where he found a man belonging to the Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, Fourteenth Army
Corps, who had been shot the day before through both legs, and carried him into our lines on his
back. I mention this because it was a brave and humane act on the part of Lieutenant Ackerman.
About noon on the following day the brigade was moved forward and we threw up a line of
strong earthworks. The next morning, the enemy having evacuated, we moved forward to
Bentonville with the brigade, returning to our line of works the following morning at 4 o'clock.
On the evening of the 24th we reached our present position.
Before concluding this report I cannot refrain from mentioning the exemplary conduct of
both officers and men while on the campaign under trying circumstances, viz: night marching,
bad roads and rainy weather. Each and all performed the duties assigned them with cheerfulness
and alacrity. There is no need of making particular mention of any individual act; all have done
bravely and nobly.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD N. UPTON,
Lieut. Col. Forty-sixth Ohio Vet. Vol. Infty., Comdg. Regt.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Columbia, S. C., February 19, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I respectfully report the action taken by my command in capturing the city of
Columbia:
On the evening of the 16th instant I received orders from Brevet Major-General Woods to
have my command in readiness to cross Broad River in the boats of the pontoon train at a point
to be designated by Colonel Tweeddale, of the First Missouri Engineers, and so soon as crossed
to move at once on the city. The point of crossing designated was about half a mile above the
wreck of the bridge and about two miles above the city of Columbia. We expected to have
effected a crossing and to have moved on the city by daylight, but the current of the river was so
strong the engineers did not succeed in getting a line across until 3 o'clock of the morning of the
17th instant. At 3.50 o'clock I sent over two loads of sharpshooters, under Captain Bowman, of
my staff, with instructions to put them out as pickets or skirmishers, the center of his line to be
opposite the crossing and at least seventy-five yards distant, with the flanks resting on the river.
He had particular instructions to keep his men quiet and not to reply to any firing of the enemy
unless satisfied they meant an attack on him. I went over with the advance of the first regiment,
Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins, and made a personal reconnaissance of the
ground. I found I had landed on a small island about 200 yards in length, 25 yards in width, and
in the shape of a crescent. I at once put up a line of works and by this time four regiments had
crossed. The enemy was now discovered to be very active, their skirmishers annoying us
considerably. From a movement of troops toward his right, I was satisfied the enemy was
endeavoring to re-enforce his line, and that to insure success I should at once attack without
waiting for the remainder of the brigade. Accordingly I made the following disposition of my
troops for the attack: The Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins commanding, was
moved across the island toward the north, nearly parallel with the river, until I found his left
about opposite the enemy's right. I next ordered up Major Abernethy, commanding Ninth Iowa,
with his regiment, his right resting on Colonel Jenkins' left, and his (Major Abernethy's) left
32
toward the river, with directions that when the assault was ordered he should change direction to
the right on the double-quick in order to turn the enemy's right and also strike him in the rear.
These dispositions being made to my satisfaction, I returned to the island and ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts to assault directly in front of it, the Twenty-fifth Iowa, Lieutenant-
Colonel Palmer commanding, to follow as a reserve, and sent word to Lieutenant-Colonel
Nichols, commanding Fourth Iowa, to join Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer as fast as his men had
crossed. Everything now in readiness, the signal was given and the assault made by all the
regiments at the same time. The result proved no mistake, either in the planning or the execution.
Before the enemy was hardly aware of it we were right into his skirmish line. The Thirtieth Iowa
here captured thirty prisoners. I accompanied this regiment, and can by personal observation
testify to the gallant manner in which they made the assault. In front of the island were a number
of small bayous running parallel with the river, about twenty feet wide and some of them waist
deep. Few stopped to find logs on which to cross, but plunged in, holding guns and cartridgeboxes
above the water. I found Colonel Palmer's brigade of infantry, of General Stevenson's
division, and apparently a regiment of cavalry, were the troops disputing the crossing. Having
driven the enemy in our front, and noticing a demonstration on his right to turn my left, I ordered
a halt and commenced throwing up a line of works while waiting for the advance of Brevet
Brigadier-General Woods' brigade to get over. So soon as I discovered this brigade had
commenced crossing, I moved for the city, easily driving the regiment of cavalry that disputed
our advance.
We had arrived within about a mile of the city, when a carriage displaying a flag of truce
approached containing Mr. Goodwin, mayor of Columbia, and the city aldermen, who came to
offer terms of capitulation. I refused anything but an unconditional surrender, which, after few
words, he consented to and unconditionally surrendered the city of Columbia. I joined the party
in the carriage, accompanied by Major Anderson, of the Fourth Iowa, and Captain Pratt, of
General Logan's staff, and left the brigade under the temporary charge of Lieutenant-Colonel
Jenkins, Thirty-first Iowa, and preceded the column about half a mile. When near the suburbs of
the city I noticed some of the advanced skirmishers, say fifteen in number, being driven back by
apparently a battalion of rebel cavalry. I at once called a corporal and three men, who happened
to be near me, and put the mayor and aldermen in the corporal's charge, and with Major
Anderson took about forty of my flankers and advanced on the cavalry. The corporal was
instructed that in case one man was killed or wounded he should at once shoot the mayor and his
party. Joining the retreating skirmishers with the forty flankers we speedily dispersed the rebel
cavalry, having no more trouble in gaining the city. I proceeded to the state-house with Captain
Pratt and planted the first U.S. flag on that building.
During the engagement the regimental commanders did their duty well, Major Abernethy and
Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins on the left and center, and Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts on the right.
Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, with the Twenty-fifth Iowa, followed by Lieutenant-Colonel
Nichols, of the Fourth Iowa, supported the assault in a handsome manner. Lieutenant-Colonel
Roberts and his adjutant, First Lieut. James M. Smith, deserve notice for the gallant manner in
which they pushed their lines forward. Capt. A. B. Smith, of General Woods' staff, accompanied
me in the assault and also deserves notice for his gallant conduct. My thanks are due all my staff
officers--Captain Bell, Captain Bowman, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Snow, and
Lieutenant Crane, for doing their duty well.
I was absent from the brigade about an hour in placing the flag on the state-house, and when
I rejoined my command found a great number of the men drunk. It was discovered that this was
caused by hundreds of negroes who swarmed the streets on the approach of the troops and gave
them all kinds of liquors from buckets, bottles, demijohns, &c. The men had slept none the night
33
before, and but lit-tie the night before that, and many of them had no supper the night before, and
none of them breakfast that morning, hence the speedy effect of the liquor. I forthwith ordered all
the liquor destroyed, and saw fifteen barrels destroyed within five minutes after the order had
been given.
Brevet Major-General Woods now sent me word to guard the private property of the citizens
and take possession of all the public buildings. I did so immediately upon receipt of the order,
distributing my five regiments throughout the city and appointing Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins,
Thirty-first Iowa, provost-marshal. A number of buildings were fired during the early part of the
evening, but the fire was promptly put out before it had gained much headway. A great many
drunken men were now showing themselves in the streets from, I should think, every regiment of
our corps, the Seventeenth Corps, and some even from General Kilpatrick's cavalry. My
command was so scattered throughout the city I found it necessary to have a stronger guard, and
therefore applied through my acting assistant adjutant-general to Brevet Major-General Woods
twice, once in writing, for one or two more regiments for patrolling the city, but received no reenforcements.
About 8 o'clock the city was fired in a number of places by some of our escaped
prisoners and citizens (I am satisfied I can prove this), and as some of the fire originated in
basements stored full of cotton it was impossible to extinguish it. The fire engines were ordered
out, but the flames could not be stopped; the buildings were old, nearly all wooden ones, and the
wind blowing almost a gale. At 8 p.m. I received orders that I was relieved by Brevet Brigadier-
General Woods and I sent the brigade to camp about one mile out of town, but remained in the
city myself, working all night to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Very respectfully, captain, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. STONE,
Colonel, Commanding.
Capt. FRED. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders I respectfully report a summary of the part taken by
this command in the campaign just ended: The campaign commenced on the 10th day of
January, and ended with my command on the 26th day of March, making the duration two
months and sixteen days. On the 10th day of January last I had orders to march from our camp,
near Savannah, Ga., to Fort Thunderbolt. On the 12th of January I took shipping at Fort
Thunderbolt for Beaufort, S. C., with all the regiments of my command save one, the Twentyfifth
Iowa, which was left behind to assist in fetching up the transportation of the division. This
regiment reported to me in camp, near Beaufort, S. C., on the 14th day of January, 1865. On the
27th day of January we broke up camp and resumed the march. During this campaign this
brigade has had four engagements with the enemy. First at Little Congaree Creek, near
Columbia, S. C., on the 15th day of February last. The Second Brigade of this division had the
advance on that day and commenced skirmishing with the enemy within two miles of the camp
we had left that morning. They drove the enemy without further assistance until near Little
Congaree Creek, when from the nature of the ground the enemy was enabled to make a stubborn
resistance. Here my brigade was ordered up and went into position on the left of the Second
Brigade, Colonel Catterson commanding. I was ordered to form in two lines of battle, two
regiments front and the other regiment, the Fourth Iowa, to cover the front as skirmishers and to
move forward to effect a crossing of the Little Congaree Creek if possible. Immediately in front
of the Fourth Iowa was a swamp about waist deep and about 200 yards wide. The regiment did
34
not falter at this obstacle, but gallantly plunged in, led by its commanding officer, Lieutenant-
Colonel Nichols. We were now about 500 yards above the position held by the rebels on Little
Congaree Creek, and a branch of the same stream intervening between us and the creek itself. It
was discovered our present position flanked an outpost of the enemy on the same side of the
stream we were now on, and three companies of the Fourth Iowa and four companies of the
Ninth Iowa were ordered to attack this outpost. Major Anderson, Fourth Iowa, commanded the
skirmishers making the attack, and Captain Bowman, Ninth Iowa, commanded the reserve. The
attack was made with great vigor and was entirely successful. The enemy could not withstand the
impetuosity of the skirmishers and broke after a few minutes' fighting to the opposite side of the
creek. I now moved my command forward to the branch of the Little Congaree, separating us
from the main creek, and with the Fourth Iowa went about three-quarters of a mile up the creek
to a point beyond the enemy's right flank and in their rear. I ordered the Fourth Iowa to cross
here on a log as quietly as possible, intending so soon as that regiment had crossed to support it
with two other regiments and attack the enemy from the rear. Had I succeeded in this
arrangement I have no doubt I should have captured the enemy's artillery and many prisoners,
but the men first over discovered themselves to the enemy and he immediately commenced
preparations to leave. The skirmishers drove him off before the column could get over, and this
opened the crossing to Little Congaree Creek. Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols and Major Anderson,
of the Fourth Iowa, and Captain Bowman, of the Ninth Iowa, deserve notice for the gallant
manner in which they did their duty.
The whole division now crossed and formed a line of battle on a plateau about a mile from
the creek. I again went into position on the left. Some rebel cavalry skirmishers threatening my
front, I moved on them with four companies of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, and we soon drove them
back to their main line. The list of casualties has been already furnished you. My next
engagement with the enemy was at the city of Columbia, captured by my command on the 17th
day of February, an official account of which, with the casualties and the number of prisoners,
was made to you under date of the 19th day of February.
I did not meet the enemy again in any force till the 20th instant on our march that day from
our camp near Cox's Bridge on the Neuse River toward Bentonville. The Second Brigade,
Colonel Catterson, had the advance that day and skirmished freely with the enemy, driving him
easily until we had arrived within three miles of Bentonville. The enemy here became stubborn,
and, threatening an attack on the Second Brigade, I was ordered up and went into position on
Colonel Catterson's left. We now advanced our line of battle of two brigades about half a mile
and put up works. About 3 p.m. I was directed by Brevet Major-General Woods, commanding
division, and also by Major-General Logan, commanding the corps, to take three regiments, and
if possible clear the road in our front and open communication with the Fourteenth Corps, now
fighting apparently about a mile from us on our left front. I placed the Twenty-fifth Iowa,
Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer commanding (which regiment I had ordered out about an hour before
as skirmishers), to take the advance, and directed the Thirtieth Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts
commanding, and the Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins commanding, to follow as a
reserve. The Twenty-fifth Iowa was deployed as skirmishers with their colors in the road I was
going to clear, and my first movement with the regiment was to change direction to the right.
This movement was made steadily until three-fourths of the regiment had crossed the road, when
our proximity to the rebels on my left and in the road caused very severe skirmishing. Two
regiments of the Second Division now came up on my left rear (I think the Sixth Missouri and
the Thirtieth Ohio), one of them, the Sixth Missouri, deployed as skirmishers. I made
arrangements with the officer commanding the last-mentioned regiment to join the two regiments
with mine, and at a given signal the Twenty-fifth Iowa and the Sixth Missouri should make a
35
charge. The charge proved entirely successful, although at a severe loss in the Twenty-fifth Iowa.
We drove the enemy's skirmishers, composed of Hoke's division, from the Virginia army, back
to their works across the swamp, clearing the road and thus opened communication with the
Fourteenth Corps. The officers and men of the Twenty-fifth Iowa behaved handsomely and
fought desperately. Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, commanding the regiment, and Captain Allen,
acting major, who lost his right leg in the engagement, deserve notice for exposing themselves
freely and for the gallant manner in which they cheered their men forward.
At night I retired to a new line and my place was occupied by other troops. I have already
sent you a list of the casualties and the number of prisoners captured.
On the 21st instant I had orders to erect a line of works on the skirmish line, and at 1 p.m. I
moved three regiments to the front line, the Fourth Iowa on the right, connecting with the left of
the First Brigade, Brevet Brigadier-General Woods commanding, the Thirtieth Iowa in the
center and the Ninth Iowa on the left. The Twenty-fifth Iowa and the Thirty-first Iowa were in
the rear, held in reserve. We put up a temporary line of works under fire of the enemy, and at 2
o'clock I received orders to charge the enemy's skirmish line, 150 yards in my front in good
skirmish pits. We captured the pits with but slight loss, but the enemy evinced so much
determination to regain them that the fighting became very sharp. The enemy's main line of
battle, behind good works, was by actual measurement but 100 yards from these skirmish pits,
and he fired from the works by volley. At three different times they followed up the fire by
volley by an assault on my skirmishers. Their men swarmed over the works and charged
gallantly, but I had re-enforced the line till I had nearly a line of battle, and our incessant firing
prevented them from charging as a perfect organization and every charge was repulsed. The
orders came to me so positive to hold the ground I had already gained, even from Generals
Howard and Logan, that I should have done so or ruined the brigade.
At night I relieved the skirmish line with the Thirty-first Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins
commanding. Colonel Jenkins managed the new line admirably. It rained a great deal during the
night, but his men worked faithfully, and he put up quite a strong line of works so near the
enemy that the conversation had to be carried on in whispers. Captain Teale, of the Fourth Iowa,
deserves especial notice for his gallantry in holding the most exposed and dangerous part of the
line. I regret to announce this gallant young officer was very severely wounded in the leg.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols and Major Anderson, of the Fourth Iowa, deserve mention for
voluntarily going on the skirmish line at a time when there was some wavering manifested.
Captain Bowman, of my staff, also exposed himself freely and deserves notice. I mention these
officers from personal observation, as twice during the day I deemed it my duty to go on the
skirmish line myself. The other officers on the skirmish line--Captain Inman, Ninth Iowa;
Lieutenant Shields, Fourth Iowa; Lieutenant Sharp, Ninth Iowa; Lieutenant Rifley, Thirtieth
Iowa, are all reported to me to have behaved well and set a good example to their men. The loss
on the skirmish line was quite severe. I sent you an official list of the casualties the same night
and the prisoners captured.
On the morning of the 22d, half an hour before day, I rode out to the advanced post and
ordered a patrol forward to feel of the enemy, but it was soon discovered he had left during the
night. I at once sent word to the general commanding the division, and with a detachment of the
Thirty-first followed him up. Everything indicated a precipitate retreat. A few stragglers were
picked up. Some of their dead and wounded were found near the roadside uncared for, and quite
a number of small-arms, haversacks, and clothing were found scattered in their deserted camp.
Just at sunrise I ran onto their rear guard, composed of cavalry, and my detachment being too
small to fight it I covered the road with a few men to make an effect and ordered some ten or
fifteen men as skirmishers to annoy the enemy until a regiment which I had just ordered up (the
36
Thirty-first Iowa) should arrive. Very soon after this our entire division moved to Bentonville,
where we remained during the day, and at sundown we returned to the camp we had left in the
morning. The graves of seventeen rebel officers in my front indicates that the enemy suffered
severely in killed and wounded. On our march toward Goldsborough on the 23d instant I had the
good fortune to have the post of honor, rear guard for the Army of the Tennessee. The rear guard
of my command fell upon the Twenty-fifth Iowa.
On the 24th instant I was ordered to remain at the pontoon bridge over the Neuse River, near
Goldsborough, to cover the crossing of our corps train, and on the 26th instant I rejoined the
division in camp near Goldsborough.
During the campaign just closed this brigade has been in four engagements, with the
following loss: Killed, 7; wounded, 64; missing, 12. We have captured and turned over to the
provost-marshal 145 prisoners of war. In taking the city of Columbia, S. C., we captured 43
pieces of artillery, about 5,000 stand of arms, immense quantities of ammunition and ordnance
stores, and released 40 officers confined there. We have marched 485 miles, made 15,037 yards
of corduroy roads, and have destroyed 3 miles of railroad. The brigade is in excellent health and
spirits, but very ragged.
My thanks are due all my staff officers---Capt. John N. Bell, Twenty-fifth Iowa; Capt. A.
Bowman, Ninth Iowa; Lieuts. Samuel W. Snow and Baron H. Crane, Twenty-fifth Iowa (now in
the hands of the enemy), and Lieut. John W. Gilman, Thirty-first Iowa--for the zeal manifested
by them during the entire campaign to do their whole duty.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. A. STONE,
Colonel Twenty-fifth Iowa Vols., Commanding Brigade.
Capt. FRED. H. WILSON,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
PETTIGREW HOSPITAL,
Raleigh, April 25, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: Since my report of the 15th, which I inclose, I have seen some of the men with
me at the time of the attack, and am happy to learn that all escaped in the woods excepting four,
who were captured but made their escape the first night; all of whom returned to Goldsborough
and have just rejoined their several commands.
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. C. ROGERS,
Assistant Surgeon, Thirtieth Iowa.
THIRTIETH IOWA INFANTRY, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT,
In the Field, near Raleigh, N. C., April 15, 1865.
GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report, after having complied with orders
from Surg. John Moore, medical director, Army of the Tennessee, and provided for those who
were unable to proceed with their commands:
The army moved from Goldsborough on Monday, April 10, I following on the next day with
twenty-three hospital attendants and convalescents About nine miles from Goldsborough, at the
plantation of Jack Coley, I was informed by negroes that there were bushwhackers near, and had
been at this place but a short time before. I at once had all those who had guns (being only nine)
to load them and proceed cautiously forward. But we had advanced less than one mile when we
37
were attacked by a mounted force, compelling us to take to the woods for shelter. Myself, with
one of the drivers, returned on the road to Coley's place and were directed by the blacks to take a
by-road around the plantation, which would enable us to reach the railroad. In this we succeeded,
crossing the railroad half a mile below Pikeville. We then overtook the rear guard of the main
train, and I then returned to the point of attack with Lieutenant Harvey and nine men of the
Thirty-first Iowa. We found our train had been plundered of everything. I lost all my personal
effects and all my papers, both private and official. None of the men could be found, and after
cheering and receiving no response, we gathered up the remnants of our train and joined the
main train about midnight. I have since seen one of the party attacked, William Michael, Eightythird
Indiana, Company G, who says that he was the only one of the twenty-two who took to the
woods who escaped, he having secreted himself till after dark and then came in. I have been
informed by a soldier who was in the vicinity at the time of the attack (which was about 4 p.m.)
that just before dark he heard a volley of fifteen or twenty guns. I fear they have all been shot. I
also was told by the negroes that the son of Jack Coley, and also the son of Bill Lewis, were with
the bushwhackers. This was also confirmed by a family of whites near by; who had seen a party
of nine or ten just before dark.
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. C. ROGERS,
Assistant Surgeon, Thirtieth Iowa.
Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Raleigh, N. C., April 22, 1865.
Respectfully returned to Assistant Surgeon Rogers, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, who will please
indorse any additional information or confirmation that he may have concerning the affair
referred to within. He will also give the name and regiment of the soldier who gave him the
information that at dark on the evening of the attack some fifteen or twenty shots were heard.
Was it near the place, or where the prisoners were supposed to have been carried? Did
Lieutenant Harvey make any search through the timber and country after evidence of the missing
men? This paper merely speaks of him and his men cheering without receiving any response.
Was there any evidence further than the fact that some soldier heard fifteen or twenty shots fired
that led Surgeon Rogers to believe the prisoners were foully dealt with?
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. R. Woods:
F. H: WILSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
OFFICE ACTING ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,
Neuse River, N. C., April 30, 1865.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this
command from the 15th instant:
April 15, remained in camp on Crab Tree Creek. Orders for march were countermanded.
Received one deserter from enemy. April 16 and 17, remained in same position. April 18, moved
back to city and camped one mile east on Mordecai's plantation, having marched three miles and
a half. April 19 to 22, were devoted to drills, cleaning camp, parades, reviews, &c. April 23, the
Second and Third Brigades were reviewed by the division commander. April 24, the First
Brigade was reviewed by the division commander. Saber drill at division headquarters by
38
General Hazen. April 25, division was reviewed by General Grant. April 26 and 27, spent in
drilling and making preparations for marching. April 28, in compliance with General Orders, No.
28, dated headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, Raleigh, N. C., April 26, 1865, the Fifty-sixth
Illinois Infantry, Tenth Iowa Infantry, Eightieth Ohio Infantry, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, and
First Battalion Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry were assigned to this command for duty. April 29,
marched at 9 a.m., reaching the Neuse River at Rogers' Bridge at 4 p.m., and camped two miles
beyond at 5 p.m., having marched eleven miles. April 30, remained in same position and made
periodical muster.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. A. EARNEST. Capt.,
30th Ohio Vols., Actg. Asst. Insp. Gen., 2d Div., 15th A. C.
Lieut. Col. S. D. NICHOLS,
Acting Assistant Inspector-General, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command
during the recent campaign from Savannah, Ga., to this place:
In compliance with orders I broke camp at Savannah, Ga., at 6 a.m. January 19, 1865, and
moved with the Second Brigade of my division in advance, crossing the Savannah River on
pontoons to Hutchinson's Island. Here I found the roads badly cut up, almost impassable, and
consequently the movements were slow, thence crossing on pontoons to Pennyworth's Island.
Arriving at the last pontoon I found it unsafe to cross; several of the boats were loose, and the
officer in charge making no efforts, or very faint ones, for its safety. I at once detailed fifty men
to report to him, and by a little urging succeeded in getting it in position and made fast, having
been delayed one hour. Having crossed over to Cheves' rice plantation, I moved over one of the
causeways running through the plantation, which for some distance was high but quite narrow,
barely admitting the passage of wagons. About this time (9.30 a.m.) it commenced raining
slightly, and it was evident that unless we could cross before it rained much it would be
impossible to get through, as our heavy wagons would soon cut down the slight embankment. I
therefore made every effort to reach the Union Causeway as soon as possible. Upon reaching the
latter point, finding that the train was moving without difficulty, and as I thought it had not
rained sufficiently to soften the roads, I pushed forward as rapidly as possible to New River
bridge, to clear the road for the Fourth Division, following me, and at the same time, if
necessary, cover the working party (from the Fourth Division) constructing a bridge across New
River. I arrived at 1 p.m. with head of column, and about 2 p.m. Battery B, First Michigan
Artillery, wagon train of Second Brigade, ammunition, and nearly all of the supply train came
into camp well closed up, having marched a distance of twelve miles. At about 11 a.m. it
commenced raining very hard, and continued to do so during the day. At about 3 p.m. it was
reported to me that the water about the plantation referred to had swollen so that the corduroy on
the low portions of the causeway, or dike, had floated off, and that in consequence a few wagons
of the supply train were stalled, and that the First Brigade, in the rear, could not come forward. I
at once sent one of my staff officers (Captain Wellman) to direct Col. J. B. McCown,
commanding First Brigade, to have the contents of the wagons carried by the men of his
command, and to have the wagons dragged through to this side. I also directed Captain Wellman
to communicate with Brig. Gen. J. M. Corse and report to him the condition of the roads as he
(Wellman) might find them. Captain Wellman found that owing to the sudden and unlooked-for
rise in the Savannah River the whole of the country over which we had passed was submerged,
39
and only succeeded in reaching Colonel McCown by leaving his horse and wading in places up
to his armpits.
I was not aware of the extent of the flood until the next morning (20th) when I rode down
intending to report our condition in person, thinking I could make my way to Savannah via
Scribner's [Screven's?] Ferry; but this was impossible; the whole country to the extent of three
miles back from the river was submerged. In the meantime I directed Colonel McCown to return
to Savannah with his command and all of his wagons, abandoning such wagons as he could not
get off. This was done with a loss of nine wagons of the supply train, together with their
contents. Captain Wellman joined me on the Union Causeway at about 4 p.m., having just
succeeded in getting back. Finding that the troops and nearly all of the wagons would be saved I
ordered the pioneer corps of my own and of the Fourth Division, which had been sent to assist
the trains, to return to camp near New River bridge, where I arrived at about 9 p.m., and found
the camps covered with water to the depth of from six inches to two feet. There had been no
cessation of rain since noon of the 19th instant. Our advent upon sacred soil was not calculated to
produce a very good impression, and I fear that some of our officers and men lost their usual
equanimity of temper. Our camps were on the site of one formerly occupied by the chivalry, who
had dug, I suppose in a dry season, a number of wells from twelve to fifteen feet deep. These
being now full could not be seen, and a number of men contributed to the merriment of their
comrades by suddenly disappearing from view. I was a victim to some extent. Upon my return to
camp, tired and hungry, I called upon the major dome of our mess for something to eat. He
presented himself with a pig's foot in one hand and some hard-tack in the other. This unusual
proceeding I resented, when he informed me that "dere was no plate, knife and fork, left; dey
was all clean done gone." Upon inquiry I ascertained that he had taken a plunge and deposited
the whole of our scanty mess kit in one of these wells. January 21, broke camp at 8.30 a.m.;
detained by pioneers not having closed up with the command on the 20th, as ordered. Crossed
New River and marched eleven miles, going into camp at 3.30 p.m., three miles south of
Hazzard's Bridge. Seven small bridges were built and 380 yards of road corduroyed. It rained all
day and three miles of the road was covered with water to the depth of from one to two feet.
January 22, broke camp near Hazzard's Bridge at 7 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at
4 p.m. on J. J. Huguenin's plantation, near Bee's Creek; rained hard all day; built five small
bridges, in the aggregate seventy feet. About four miles of the road was through swamps,
covered with water and very bad. January 23, broke camp near Bee's Creek at 8.30 a.m.;
marched ten miles and encamped near Pocotaligo at 3 p.m.; rained all day; corduroyed 480
yards of the road. January 24 to 29, inclusive, in camp, getting supplies for next movement;
weather clear with cold winds. January 30, command broke camp (the First Brigade, Brig. Gen.
W. T. Clark commanding, having reported at 9 a.m.), near Pocotaligo at 12 m., and marched six
miles, encamping one mile west of McPhersonville. Weather clear and pleasant. January 31,
remained in camp.
February 1, broke camp near McPhersonville, S. C., at 7 a.m., under orders to follow the First
Division. Did not get the road until 11 a m.; marched fifteen miles and encamped at Hickory
Hill, head of column arriving at 5.30, and rear guard at 10 p.m.; roads cut badly. February 2,
broke camp at 9 a.m., to follow Second Division; 12 m. before rear of Second Division passed;
marched ten miles and encamped at Anderson's Cross-Roads, advance arriving at 5, and rear
guard at 8 p.m.; weather clear and pleasant; roads bad; crossed several small streams. February 3,
broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched to Duck Creek; distance, five miles; weather cloudy with rain;
foragers had a sharp skirmish with the enemy's pickets on Duck Creek for possession of a mill
which they captured, together with a quantity of corn meal, without loss. The Fourth Regiment
Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was ordered to cross Duck Creek and encamp, which was done
40
without opposition from the enemy. Division encamped at 2 p.m. February 4, broke camp at 6
a.m.; weather cloudy with rain; roads in places very heavy; marched ten miles and encamped at
Harrison's Cross-Roads, near Wills Creek. February 5, broke camp at 7 a.m.; weather cloudy;
crossed Big Salkehatchie River at Buford's Bridge, passing through one mile of swamp on
causeways bridged at twenty-six places; marched four miles and encamped at Moye's plantation
at 10 a.m. February 6, broke camp at 6 a.m.; weather cloudy. About two miles from Lane's
Bridge over the Little Salkehatchie, the enemy's pickets were discovered. Two companies of the
Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry were deployed and thrown forward in advance of the column.
The enemy retiring rapidly, we advanced in this manner to the river, and upon reconnoitering
found that there was a narrow causeway leading to the bridge which had been obstructed by
felling trees. It was supposed also that the enemy had works on the other side, which proved true.
I at once made preparation to force the crossing and directed Col. C. R. Wever, commanding the
Second Brigade, and in the advance, to send one regiment (the Tenth Iowa) about three-quarters
of a mile to our left, at a mill, and one regiment (the Eightieth Ohio) about the same distance to
the right, to protect our flanks, and also, if possible, to effect a crossing, and attack the enemy in
flank. The Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry was ordered to make a direct attack from both
sides of the road. These dispositions having been made, the skirmishers from the center plunged
into the swamp, the water up to their knees, and the thickets so dense that it required such
energetic action as none but our brave soldiers possess to penetrate them at all. After contending
with these difficulties a short time a lively skirmish fire was opened. A section of artillery was
now brought up and a few shots fired to develop the enemy's guns, if he had any. Not receiving
any reply the order was given to the center to force their way through, which they did, gallantly
wading the main stream, waist deep, the enemy retiring precipitately, and halting on a ridge half
a mile distant, where they showed themselves in full force to the number of from 1,200 to 1,500
cavalry. The regiment in advance hastily threw up a slight work of rails, until support should got
across, when skirmishers were again deployed and advanced upon the enemy; but as usual they
proved themselves very discreet, and fled faster than we could follow. Our casualties were five
men slightly wounded. The command encamped on Doctor Fishburn's plantation on the road to
Bamberg. Distance marched, ten miles.
February 7, broke camp at 8 a.m.; rained all night and continues to do so to-day; in charge of
trains of First and Second Divisions; roads bad, requiring a great deal of work; marched five
miles and encamped near Bamberg Station, on the South Carolina Railroad. February 8,
remained in camp; weather clear and cool. First Brigade was detailed to destroy three miles of
South Carolina Railroad, which was thoroughly done. February 9, broke camp at 6.30 a.m.;
weather clear and cool; marched seven miles and encamped two miles northwest of Graham's
Turnout. February 10, remained in camp during the a.m.; weather clear and cool. The First
Brigade destroyed two miles and a half of South Carolina Railroad. The Second Brigade
completed the destruction of about one mile and a half of same road, which had been imperfectly
done by the Twentieth Army Corps. Broke camp at 3 p.m.; marched three miles and a half and
encamped at cross-roads near Holman's Bridge. February 11, broke camp at 6.30 a.m., crossed
the South Edisto River on pontoons, passed through Willow Swamp, the water for one mile
about two feet deep, and marched sixteen miles, encamping at Poplar Springs at 4.30 p.m.; roads
good; weather cool. February 12, broke camp at 8.30 a.m. The Second Division, in advance, had
a skirmish with the enemy at Shilling's Bridge, over North Edisto River. Was ordered to hold my
command in readiness to support the Second Division, but it was not required. The division
commenced crossing the North Edisto River on pontoons at dark and encamped near the
Orangeburg road. The rear guard did not arrive in camp until 1 a.m. 13th instant; distance
marched, five miles; weather warm and sultry. February 13, broke camp at 6.30 a.m.; marched
41
seventeen miles and encamped near Big Crotchpen Creek; weather clear and cool; roads good.
February 14, broke camp at 9 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at 3 p.m. near Sandy
Run Post-Office; roads good. Wagons moved in double column, the troops on either flank.
Weather cloudy and cool. February 15, broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched to Bates' Ferry, on the
Congaree River, where, in compliance with orders, a demonstration to cross was made. We
discovered upon the opposite side a picket guard of from twenty-five to thirty men. Our
skirmishers opened fire upon them, which they returned, seemingly disposed to contest the
ground. In the meantime I ordered one section of Battery B, First Michigan Artillery, in position,
and made such disposition of my command as would create the impression that I had a much
larger force. A few well directed shells dispersed the enemy's pickets, and they did not again
make their appearance. The crossing at this point was practicable, had it been desirable. At dark,
in compliance with instructions, I withdrew my command, leaving one regiment on picket, with
instructions to keep fires burning for a distance of one mile and a half along the river, thereby
giving the appearance of a large camp. The command encamped near Tom's Creek. Distance
marched, six miles. February 16, broke camp at 7 a.m. The supply trains of the divisions were
massed. The command during a portion of the day were near Congaree Creek awaiting orders. In
the p.m. moved up, crossing the Saluda River, near Saluda Factory, on pontoons at 11.30 p.m.
and encamped at 1.30 a.m. on the 17th on Columbia road near Broad River bridge. Distance
marched, five miles. February 17, remained in camp until 3 p.m. and then following the Second
and Fourth Divisions crossed Broad River on pontoons, and marched through Columbia to camp
one mile east of the city. Observing that soldiers were obtaining liquor freely, I gave orders that
no one should leave camp, and remained with my command. February 18, command in camp. A
detail of 500 men each, from the First and Second Brigades, properly officered for fatigue duty,
together with the pioneer corps and fifty wagons, reported to Captain Buel, chief ordnance
officer, to destroy public works, machinery, ordnance, ordnance stores, and ammunition, of
which there were large quantities. February 19, the work of demolishing stores of all kinds
continued. During the day an explosion took place near the river, where a detail of the Sixty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry were unloading ammunition and throwing it into the river, caused by
the reckless habits our soldiers get into by their familiarity with danger. By this explosion Capt.
W. M. Davis, Jesse Johnson, and James Kilpatrick, of Company F, Sixty-third Illinois Volunteer
Infantry; and Coleman P. Wright, of the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, were instantly killed.
Twenty-one men of the Sixty-third Illinois were severely burnt and wounded. (Sergeant Dalbey
is dead.) One wagon and six mules were burned up and a number of animals more or less
injured. I am unable to report the amount of machinery, ordnance, ordnance stores, and
ammunition destroyed by the detail from my command, but some idea may be formed from the
fact that it occupied 1,200 men (including pioneer corps) and 50 wagons from 1 p.m. on the 18th
until 6 p.m. on the 19th. February 20, broke camp at 7 a.m. and marched out on Camden road
twenty-two miles, encamping at 4 p.m. near Rice Creek; weather clear and roads good. February
21, broke camp at 12 m. and marched seventeen miles, encamping at Harrison's Cross-Roads at
11 p.m., rear guard arriving at camp at 12.30 a.m. 22d. February 22, broke camp at 7 a.m. and
marched to Peay's Ferry, on the Wateree River, arriving at noon. At this point all surplus animals
were turned over to Col. G. L. Fort, chief quartermaster. Command commenced crossing on
pontoons at dark and encamped near the river between the hours of 8.30 and 11.30 p.m.; distance
marched, eleven miles. February 23, broke camp at 6.30 a.m. and marched eighteen miles,
encamping at 3.30 p.m. on J. R. Dye's plantation, near Flat Rock; weather cloudy; country very
broken; roads good. February 24, broke camp at 6.30 a.m. and marched sixteen miles, encamping
at 5 p.m. at West's CrossRoads. Quite a large force of Butler's cavalry was seen during the day
upon our left flank, but they kept at a respectful distance. Weather was rainy and road in bad
42
condition. February 25, at about 10 a.m. Young's command, of Butler's division, cavalry, 600 or
700 strong, captured 7 wagons, 7 enlisted men, and 4 contrabands while after corn at a plantation
two miles in rear of the camp. Some of the enemy came up to within fifty yards of our picketposts,
when one of their horses was shot. This being reported to me I ordered one regiment to
move out to drive them off and if possible recover our wagons. The Forty-eighth Regiment
Indiana Volunteer. Infantry was selected, and deploying skirmishers moved out, driving the
enemy back, off the Camden road. Our wagons, however, had been driven rapidly over the
bridge across Little Lynch's Creek, and having no mounted force I could not pursue them. In this
skirmish we lost 2 enlisted men killed and 1 wounded. Two of our men were brutally murdered,
in plain view of our skirmishers, after having surrendered, in retaliation for which I ordered two
of their men, who were taken in our uniform, to be shot, which was done on the spot. All
necessary dispositions were made to guard the camp against surprise in the event that there was a
large force, but we were not molested any further. February 26, broke camp at 9 a.m. and
marched twelve miles, encamping at 4.30 p.m. at Kelly's Bridge, on Lynch's Creek. February 27,
28, and March 1, the command remained in camp at Kelly's Bridge waiting for a bridge to be
built across Lynch's Creek, the water being too high to ford. My pioneer corps was ordered to
assist that of General Hazen's in constructing the bridge. On the 28th the trains were inspected,
and about 3,000 pounds of tobacco and sundries, which had gathered since a similar inspection
was made at West's Cross-Roads, was thrown out.
March 2, broke camp at 2 p.m. and following the Second Division crossed Lynch's Creek
over a bridge about 580 yards long, which had been constructed by the pioneer corps, and
marched seven miles, encamping at 8 p.m. at Kellytown. March 3, broke camp at 6 a.m. and
crossed Black Creek, on Camden and Cheraw road. Just before arriving at this point I rode about
half a mile in advance of the column to examine the crossing at the creek, which I found in bad
condition, and requiring considerable work to make it passable. While waiting the arrival of the
command I heard five distinct and successive reports of a pistol, and ten minutes after five more,
not fired rapidly, but rather deliberately. I thought it some thoughtless person at the head of the
column discharging his pistols. I was vexed, as these things, if done in my command, are in
violation of positive orders. I soon learned, however, that Lieut. Col. James Isaminger, of the
Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, had been captured by a squad of twenty rebels
clothed in the uniform of our soldiers. Colonel Isaminger had been detached from his regiment
for a few days, and was in charge of the pioneer corps. He had ridden 200 or 300 yards ahead of
the column, and discovering the road obstructed by a tree that had fallen he sent back to the
pioneer corps for a few axmen to come forward and clear the road. He was thus engaged when
these men, whom from their dress he supposed to be our men, approached him, without
suspicion on his part. This occurred within 200 yards of the advancing column, but owing to a
hill between them could not be seen. The pioneers returning to the head of the column gave the
alarm, when the advanced guard immediately deployed. (As soon as I learned what had taken
place I sent my mounted men in pursuit.) It would seem that after capturing Colonel Isaminger
they rode off a short distance, say 200 or 300 yards, and halted, and so completely deceived were
our men as to their appearance that two mounted men from the train rode up to them, seeing
Colonel Isaminger with the group, inquiring where the "rebs" were. One of the men was taken
prisoner, the other, refusing to surrender, was killed. Had our men known they were enemies
they would not have escaped so easily.
I regret the loss of Colonel Isaminger, as he has proven himself one of the most reliable and
energetic officers in the command.
Division marched twenty-nine miles, two of which was cut through the woods on the side of
the main road, and encamped at 6.30 p.m. on the Widow Campbell's plantation, on Juniper
43
Creek. Weather during the a.m. cloudy and rainy. March 4, broke camp at 7 a.m. and following
the remainder of the corps marched eight miles, passing over Thompson's Creek, through
Cheraw, and encamping one mile northwest of town on Chesterfield road. March 5, broke camp
at 6.30 a.m.; crossed Big Pedee River. About two miles from the river our foragers ran into what
was supposed to be a picket-post, but what proved to be a portion of the rear guard of the enemy
moving out on the Rocking-ham road. The advance guards were deployed and were soon
engaged in a skirmish with them. They retired precipitately, abandoning 2 caissons, 2 forges, and
1 battery wagon, at the edge of Harrington's farm. Two miles farther on the road they cut three
horses from and abandoned two more caissons. All the ammunition chests were filled with light
12-pounder ammunition. They were all destroyed. Command marched four miles, encamping on
Grant's plantation, near Phill's Creek. March 6, command remained in camp, running four gristmills;
weather clear and cool. March 7, broke camp at 9 a.m.; marched twelve miles and
encamped at 2.30 p.m., one mile from the State line, on Oldham's plantation. March 8, broke
camp at 9 a.m.; marched thirteen miles and encamped at Laurel Hill. Rained hard all day, and the
roads were heavy. The trains and rear guard arrived at camp at 3 a.m. on the 9th. March 9, broke
camp at 7 a.m. The roads continued good and the trains moved along well until 2 p.m., when it
commenced raining very hard. The roads, as soon as they got wet, seemed to melt away, and for
four miles, before reaching Gilchrist's Bridge, it was impossible to find enough solid ground for
a mule to stand upon. I cannot find language to describe the condition of our trains; it must have
been seen to be appreciated. By the indomitable energy of the First Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. T.
Clark commanding, amid torrents of rain, they succeeded in reaching our camp at Colonel
McCann's residence, near Randallsville, at 6.30 the next morning. The Second Brigade had been
sent forward from Gilchrist's Bridge, and encamped at 8 p.m. near Randallsville; distance
marched, twelve miles. March 10, broke camp at 9 a.m.; crossed Raft Swamp and encamped at 6
p.m.; distance marched, five miles. March 11, broke camp at 10.30 a.m. Just as the rear of the
division was moving out of camp a small party of the rebel cavalry, dressed in our uniform,
dashed up, cut out two horses from an ambulance, and succeeded in getting off with them.
Marched six miles and encamped at 11 p.m. at Nelson's Post-Office. It is nearly a continuous
swamp from Gilchrist's Bridge to Rockfish Creek. Weather clear. March 12, broke camp at 9
a.m.; marched seven miles and encamped at 6 p.m. two miles from Fayetteville on the left of the
plank road. Weather clear. March 13, command remained in camp. Weather clear and warm.
March 14, broke camp at 11 a.m.; crossed Cape Fear River on pontoons at 4 p.m. and encamped
one mile from crossing. Rear of command reached camp at 11 p.m.; distance marched, three
miles and a half; weather warm and cloudy. March 15, during the a.m. the non-veterans of the
division, principally from the Fifty-ninth Indiana and Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, were
ordered to proceed as guard to refugees, white and black, to Wilmington, N. C., and upon their
arrival there to be mustered out of service. Broke camp at 2.30 p.m. and marched twelve miles,
encamping two miles from South River at 6.30 p.m. Weather was rainy and roads very bad.
March 16, broke camp at 9 a.m. The crossing at South River was in very bad condition. My
command was delayed at this point by Fourth and Second Divisions until 3 p.m. Had great
difficulty in getting my wagons across. Marched seven miles over very bad roads and encamped
at forks of road near the head of Jones' Swamp. March 17, broke camp at 8 a.m.; marched eight
miles and encamped at 3 p.m. at Jackson's Cross-Roads; weather clear; roads bad. March 18,
broke camp at 7 a.m.; marched twelve miles and encamped at Newton's Cross-Roads at 4 p.m. A
rebel cavalry picket having been reported be one mile out on our front, I sent the Sixty-third
Illinois Volunteer Infantry to reconnoiter. The regiment went out three miles without meeting an
enemy, but saw quite a large force of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps bummers. Weather
cloudy; roads good. March 19, broke camp at 6 a.m., with the expectation of marching to
44
Goldsborough. The officers and men were very much elated at the prospect. The crossing at
Falling Creek was very bad, the water being deep, and the corduroy on the bottom being full of
holes. From this point I moved on with the advance of the division (Second Brigade), and a
portion of the train (including department and corps headquarters), to Falling Creek School-
House. Being ordered to halt, I sent one regiment (the Eightieth Ohio) to cover the Goldsborough
road; one (the Tenth Iowa) was sent out in charge of Lieut. Col. William E. Strong, of General
Howard's staff, to reconnoiter toward Cox's Bridge, and one (the Fifty-sixth Illinois) was left as
guard with the trains. At 4 p.m. the First Brigade, with the remainder of the trains, arrived. At 5
p.m. that portion of the Second Brigade in camp and on Goldsborough road (Fifty-sixth Illinois
and Eightieth Ohio) was ordered forward to Cox's CrossRoads to the support of the Tenth Iowa,
it being reported that the enemy were moving toward us in considerable force. The First Brigade
encamped at 6 p.m. on the left of the Cox's Bridge road, one mile from the school-house, where a
line of works was thrown up. Heavy firing on the left was heard during the day, occasioned, it
was reported, by an attack upon the Fourteenth Corps. Distance marched, fifteen miles; roads
very bad in places; weather clear and cool. March 20, in compliance with orders received, the
Second Brigade, Col. C. R. Wever commanding, with one section of Battery B, First Michigan
Artillery, moved down toward Cox's Bridge. After a sharp skirmish for one hour our men
penetrated the swamps and thickets, and, obtaining a good position, succeeded in driving the
enemy to the other side of the river. The enemy used artillery freely, having four guns in
position, completely covering the bridge and narrow road leading to it. Our guns could not be
used with effect, as we could not get a position in range for them. At 7.45 a.m. we had
possession of the bridge and completed its destruction, which had already been commenced by
the enemy, who fired it as they retired to the opposite side. At 8.30 a.m. I moved forward,
following the Fourth Division, with the First Brigade and artillery, to Bentonville Cross-Roads,
and placed my command in line, as reserve, in rear of the First Division. The Second Brigade,
which had been left at Cox's Cross-Roads as guard for the trains of the corps, came up with the
same at 5 p.m. Our loss in the skirmish at Cox's Bridge was three wounded. One of the men has
since died. March 21, position of command unchanged. March 22, the enemy having retreated
during last night, the division remained in camp. March 23, broke camp at 7.30 a.m.; marched
via Falling Creek School-House and encamped at 3.30 p.m. near Falling Creek, on Everettsville
road; distance marched, twelve miles; roads good. March 24, broke camp at 7 a.m.; crossed
Neuse River, near railroad bridge, on pontoons, marched through Goldsborough, and encamped
at 4 p.m. in line one mile east of town, the left of the command resting on the New Berne
railroad; distance marched, nine miles; weather clear and windy.
In concluding my report, I beg to return my sincere thanks to Brig. Gen. W. T. Clark,
commanding First Brigade, and Col. C. R. Wever, commanding Second Brigade, as well as
regimental commanders, for their active and cheerful co-operation during the most laborious
campaign of ancient or modern history, taking into consideration the character of the country,
with its innumerable rivers and swamps, hitherto considered impassable by all military men, save
our indomitable leader. The cheerful conduct of our men on their toilsome marches, making
roads, wading streams and swamps, often up to their waists, almost daily, and during the last
twenty days many of them without shoes, merits the highest consideration that can be given
them. There can be no better soldiers.
To my staff--Capt. S. M. Budlong, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. H. Skinner, assistant
quartermaster; Capt. Jasper Johnson, commissary of subsistence; Capt. J. W. Roberts, acting
assistant inspector-general; Capt. J. E. Simpson, aide-de-camp; Lieut. Col. S. M. Archer, division
officer of the day, and Capt. D. L. Wellman, provost-marshal--I am much indebted for the
efficient manner in which they have discharged their duties.
45
I would respectfully recommend for promotion Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota
Volunteer Infantry, for his soldierly qualities. His gallantry upon all occasions, particularly
during the assault, October 5, 1864, upon Allatoona, Ga., when he was severely wounded, but
remained at his post, which he commanded during the Atlanta campaign, merits consideration.
I would also respectfully recommend that Capt. Syria M. Budlong, assistant adjutant-general,
be promoted to the rank of major and assistant adjutant-general, for the able and efficient manner
in which he has discharged his duties. Captain Budlong has been in all the battles of the West,
from Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh (where he was severely wounded), Siege of Corinth,
Mississippi campaign, all of the battles in rear of Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Georgia and
Carolina campaigns, and in all he has proven himself a worthy officer for the consideration of
the War Department.
The distance marched from Savannah Ga., is 485 miles, number of marching days 46,
making an average of 10 25/46 miles per day. I also submit herewith reports of casualties, as
received from brigade commanders, and tabular statements of amount of forage and supplies,
and number of horses, mules, and vehicles of all sorts taken from the country, amount of
property destroyed, including railroads, gin-houses, resin and turpentine factories, &c.; also
number of rivers and swamps crossed, amount of work done by pioneer corps and command,
number of prisoners captured, Federal officers and enlisted men, and white and colored refugees
joined the command.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. E. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General.
Maj. MAX WOODHULL,
Asst. Adjt. Gen.,Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 30, 1865.
COLONEL: In compliance with instructions I have the honor to submit the following report
of the movements and operations of my command during the campaign just closed, beginning on
the 28th of January and ending on the 24th of March, 1865:
In order to connect and complete the military history of the operations of this division from
its occupation of Savannah, Ga., on the 21st day of December, 1864, to the present time, I would
briefly state that from the day my command entered Savannah up to the 20th day of January it
was engaged by heavy details, furnished daily, for fatigue duty in the city, besides one entire
regiment for special duty, reporting to the chief quartermaster of the army. On the 20th of
January, pursuant to orders from corps headquarters, I broke camp at an early hour, and moving
through the city commenced crossing my troops on pontoons to an island in the Savannah River,
preparatory to a movement across the main channel, and thence into South Carolina in the
direction of Pocotaligo, but had succeeded in crossing only a portion of my command when the
head of column came upon the rear of General Smith's division of this corps, whose trains and
one brigade of infantry were still upon the island and unable to make the pontoons over the left
channel of the river on account of the condition of the roads. At 5 p.m. General Smith's troops,
still being unable to make the crossing, and a violent rain-storm having set in about midday and
continued up to this hour without abatement, in compliance with instructions from the majorgeneral
commanding, I countermarched my division through the city and reoccupied the camps
vacated in the morning, where I remained until the 27th instant, the heavy rains making the roads
almost impracticable for the movement of army trains. During this interval I received
instructions from you, in substance as follows: To move my command as soon as possible to
46
Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah River, uniting there temporarily with the Left Wing of the army;
to cross the river and join my corps (which had left Savannah by water) at or near Hickory Hill,
S. C. In compliance with these instructions, on the 27th of January I pushed one brigade out in
the direction of Sister's Ferry to repair the road, and on the day following broke camp at 7 a.m.,
and with the remainder of my command moved upon the Sister's Ferry road to Keller's
plantation, a distance of twenty miles, uniting my command en route. Taking up my line of
march front this point I moved directly for Sister's Ferry, near which place I arrived on the 30th
instant, and reported to Major-General Slocum, from whom I ascertained that it would be utterly
impossible to move farther for several days, owing to the swamps on the opposite side of the
river being buried by water for several miles out, and in many places not fordable. Here I
remained until the 4th of February, furnishing in the meantime heavy details to be sent across the
river to corduroy the roads as fast as the water receded sufficiently to enable the men to work.
On the 31st of January I received instructions from corps headquarters to hasten forward with
my command as rapidly as possible to Hickory Hill, where corps headquarters would be
established on the 1st of February, the army being then in motion from Pocotaligo. On the
evening of the 4th instant I moved my command across the Savannah River, following General
Geary's division, of the Twentieth Corps, and bivouacked during the night on its opposite bank.
At daybreak on the 5th instant I threw forward three regiments to repair the road through Black
Swamp, and at 3 p.m., with twenty-two days' rations of hard bread and eighteen of sugar and
coffee, and carrying four days' rations on the person, I again took up my line of march, and
pushing across the dense swamp just referred to (being three miles wide), moved via Robertsville
to the right, crossing the Lawtonville and Lawtonville and Gillisonville roads and Coosawhatchie
Swamp, making Hickory Hill at dark on the evening of the 7th of February. At this point I
ascertained that the corps had passed but a few days before, and at once dispatched a staff officer
to you to report my progress and the roads which I should probably traverse in continuing my
march. I would here add that I left the line of march of the Left Wing at the junction of the
Sister's Ferry and Lawtonville roads, leaving that column to the left and continuing directly
forward on what the citizens designated as the Rock Spring road, bearing well to the left after
leaving Johnes' Pen Branch. Before leaving Hickory Hill I was joined by the Ninth Illinois
Mounted Infantry and its train of forty wagons on their way back from Pocotaligo, where they
had been with wounded men of their corps. At daybreak on the 8th I continued my march to the
right, upon the Sister's Ferry road, crossing Whippy Swamp and Great Salkehatchie at Rivers'
Bridge, thence across the Little Salkehatchie River and to the left upon the Holman's Bridge road
to Lee's plantation, near Graham's Turnout, on the South Carolina Railroad, where I arrived on
the evening of the 10th of February, having made a rapid march during that instant of twenty-two
miles, and placed my command in bivouac, being only four miles from headquarters of the corps,
with which I had opened communication during the day. Up to this time my command had been
compelled to contend with the most inclement weather and roads, which under other
circumstances would have been looked upon as almost impassable. The entire division was, as I
may say, organized into a temporary pioneer corps (my pioneer organization being absent with
the Seventeenth Army Corps), the men marching for miles with fence rails upon their shoulders
with which to corduroy the swamps and quicksand roads before a wagon could pass over them,
and in many instances performing the severest labor in water to their waists, remaining thus
exposed until in many cases they were brought from the water in a cramped and spasmodic
condition. Especially was this the case at Whippy Swamp.
Breaking camp at Lee's plantation at 6 a.m. the 11th of February, I moved rapidly forward,
crossing the Branchville and Augusta Railroad to Binnaker's Bridge, over the Little or South
Branch of the Edisto River, where, striking the rear of the Seventeenth Army Corps, I made a
47
temporary halt, massing my command until I could get possession of the pontoons. At 1 p.m. I
crossed my command, and leaving to my right the road pursued by the Seventeenth Army Corps
moved to Hooper's plantation, where I was compelled to place my command in bivouac for the
night to wait for the Third and First Divisions to pass my head of column. Continuing my march
at daybreak on the 12th, I moved forward to the right, and following the road pursued by the
remainder of the corps arrived near the North Branch of the Edisto River at 11 a.m. and took up a
position on the left of the First Division, and in support of General Hazen, whose troops at that
time were skirmishing with the enemy on the opposite bank. At 6 a.m. on the 13th instant, the
enemy having been expelled from the river, I crossed the Edisto and moved forward, bearing
well to the left; crossed Little Beaver Creek and from thence to Sandy Run Post-Office, striking
at this latter point the Orangeburg and Columbia road, which I pursued to the left a distance of
four miles, and placed my command in bivouac at 10.30 a.m. on the 14th. The entire corps
concentrated at this point. At 8 a.m. on the 15th I moved out on the road above referred to in the
direction of Columbia, following in rear of the Second Division of this corps to Congaree Creek,
and from thence, on the 16th, to a position in front, in open view, and nearly in musket range of
the city of Columbia. It was here, and while throwing my troops into position, that Battery H,
First Missouri Light Artillery, of this division, silenced a rebel battery which was directing its
fire against the right of my infantry and trains of the corps, which were passing in easy range.
The firing of Callahan's battery was well executed and rapid, and no doubt saved our trains from
being stampeded by the enemy's fire. During the night of this day, pursuant to orders from corps
headquarters, I withdrew my command from its position and crossed the Saluda River to Dutch
Fork, and from thence, at 8 a.m. on the 17th, crossed Broad River (leaving my trains under a
sufficient guard) and moved through the city of Columbia to a position nearly east thereof and in
close proximity to the junction of the Charlotte and Charleston railroads. During the 18th and
19th of February my command was engaged in the destruction of the Charleston railroad, nine
miles of which was rendered completely useless, and a number of cars, a depot, bridges, tanks,
&c., burned, a tabular list of which you will find appended.
On the 20th, pursuant to orders from the major-general commanding corps, I moved my
command, via Hopkins' plantation, Traveler's Rest, and Muddy Springs, joining the corps near
Cane Creek, after an arduous march of twenty miles. At this point I was joined by my trains
which were left at Dutch Fork on the 17th of February. Breaking camp at 5.30 a.m. the 21st, I
moved past Round Top, across Twenty-five Mile Creek to the Camden road, at a point three
miles from Ridgeway; thence to the right, along the Camden road to its intersection with the
Rocky Mount road, down which I moved to Dutchman's Creek, having marched a distance of
twenty-one miles. Crossing this creek on the 22d instant, I continued my march, via Poplar
Springs and the intersection of the Carlyle Court-House and Winnsborough and Rocky Mount
roads, to Peay's Ferry, on the Wateree River. Crossing this river on pontoons on the 23d, I moved
in rear of the Second Division to Liberty Hill; thence to the right on the Camden road, to White
Oak Creek. Continuing my march from this point, I moved in advance of the Second Division in
the direction of Camden, crossing Saunders' Creek, at which point I detached a small force under
the command of Colonel Adams, with instructions to move through Camden, driving out any
force of the enemy he might encounter, and destroying all Government property, stores, and
cotton in the city, after which to join me during the night either en route or in bivouac. With the
remainder of my division I pursued a road to the left, and passing within two miles of Camden
struck the Cheraw and Camden road, upon which I moved my command to the left, crossing Big
Pine Tree Creek and going into bivouac on its right bank. Here I was joined by the detachment
sent through Camden, the commanding officer of which had carried out my instructions with a
celerity and promptness highly commendable, having driven the enemy's cavalry from the place,
48
capturing a number of prisoners, and releasing a number of our own men picked up by the
enemy; also destroying Government buildings, subsistence stores, mills, &c., a condensed
statement of which you will also find appended to this report.
Breaking camp at 10.30 a.m. on the 25th of February, I continued forward on the Cheraw and
Camden road, moving via Pine Tree Meeting-House to Lynch's Creek, where I arrived on the
26th at 10.30 a.m., and found the low land contingent to the stream completely submerged, the
water being in some places four feet deep and extending over a flat of half a mile in breadth. The
bridge (Tiller's) across the main stream I found to be intact, although the road on either side was
impracticable for passing trains. In order to secure the bridges and occupy the position
designated by orders from corps headquarters, I succeeded in crossing my infantry and artillery,
although the men were compelled to wade in water to their waists, making a lodgment on the
opposite bank at 12.30 p.m. Before the troops had fairly made this lodgment, and while in the act
of returning their clothing, which had been stripped before fording the swamp and creek, the
foraging details from my own command and others of the corps had encountered the enemy's
cavalry and been driven in toward Tiller's Bridge, but were checked by the appearance of my
infantry and the addition of a few mounted men of the Seventh Illinois Volunteers. In the
promiscuous skirmishing which took place, nine of the enemy are known to have been killed,
besides a number of wounded and prisoners captured. It was here that Corpl. Elijah G. Davis,
Company I, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteers, distinguished himself, receiving seven wounds. The
services which he rendered are more particularly mentioned in my special report of that date. The
enemy's strength was variously estimated at from 500 to 2,000 men.
During the 27th and 28th of February, and until 1.30 p.m. March 1, my command was
engaged in building bridges and corduroy for the passage of my trains over Lynch's Creek.
Breaking camp at the hour above mentioned (1.30 p.m. March 1), I moved on the Cheraw and
Camden road, crossing Black, Juniper, and Thompson's Creeks to Cheraw, S. C., and from
thence to the left upon the Chesterfield road to Powe's plantation, two miles from the city, where
I placed my command in bivouac and position on the left of the First Division, Fifteenth Army
Corps, which position I retained until the 6th instant, with the exception of one brigade assigned
to provost duty in Cheraw, relieving a brigade of the Seventeenth Army Corps. Breaking camp
on the 6th instant at 7 a.m., I moved through Cheraw in rear of the First Division, and crossing
the Pedee River pursued the Fayetteville road, via Harrington's plantation and Grant's Mill, to
Irby's plantation, from thence to Goodwin's Mills, on Crooked Creek, via Irby's and Easterling's
Mills and the junction of the Bentonville [Bennettsville] and Cheraw roads, to Springfield, N. C.,
where I arrived on the 8th instant, a portion of my march being over the old Stage road. It was
during this instant that the Third Brigade of my division joined me, it having been detached as
escort to the pontoon trains from Cheraw.
Moving forward from this point at an early hour on the 9th instant, I made Laurel Hill via the
telegraph road at 10 a.m., and thence to Johnson's plantation, where I was compelled to halt at
midnight on account of the men and animals being completely exhausted, having marched over
flooded and almost impassable roads during a violent rain-storm, which had continued nearly the
entire day. At daybreak on the 10th instant I placed heavy details, in addition to my pioneer
corps, at work on the road, and succeeded in moving my entire command across Lumber River to
Parson McNeill's plantation, on the old Stage road, where I was compelled to make a halt to
enable the trains of the Second Division to cross Raft Swamp. As soon as I could get possession
of the road I sent three regiments and my pioneer corps into the swamp to repair bridges and
roads, and during the night moved my ordnance and supply trains across to Bethel Church and
started one brigade of infantry for the same point, but owing to the amount of labor to be
performed it did not reach its destination until daylight. Breaking camp at 6 a.m. the 11th
49
instant., crossed Raft Swamp, and uniting my command at Bethel Church moved in rear of the
Second Division on the old Stage road, crossing Davis' and Big Rockfish Creeks, thence to the
right over fair roads, via Rockfish Factory, on Little Rockfish Creek, to the vicinity of
Fayetteville, N. C., arriving abreast of the Second Division, which had pursued a road parallel
and to my left. Here my command was placed in position and remained until the 14th instant,
when, crossing Cape Fear River, I took up a position two miles therefrom and in rear of the
Seventeenth Army Corps. It was during this halt that the refugees (white and colored), some
1,100 in number, and who had marched with my column from the Wateree River and subsisted
from my supplies, were dropped from my command and started to Wilmington. In compliance
with orders from corps headquarters I turned over for the use of these refugees such
transportation as I could spare, cast off all surplus baggage, and supplied my command with five
days' half rations preparatory to a movement in the direction of Goldsborough, N. C. Having
assigned my supply and the greater portion of my ordnance trains to the corps train, with a
sufficient guard, I moved forward upon the Goldsborough road to South River, where the enemy
was developed on its opposite bank, made up of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery posted in a
strong position, and the bridge over the main channel rendered impassable by the removal of the
planking. Throwing forward a line of skirmishers to engage the enemy, I succeeded in moving a
force to the left and commenced crossing, the men being compelled to ford the swamps, a
distance of 200 yards, but passing the channel of the river on boats floated down and made fast
for that purpose. Before this movement could be completed and the enemy assaulted, as was my
intention, night had set in, the intense darkness of which, accompanied by torrents of rain,
compelling the men to grope their way with great caution through the boggy swamp (covered
with three feet of water), and making it nearly midnight before a lodgment was made on the
opposite bank, when it was ascertained that the enemy had not waited to receive us, but had
taken advantage of the darkness to fall back in the direction of the Little Cohera Creek.
My thanks are due to the officers and men of the Seventh Iowa Volunteers for the energy
they displayed in crossing this river and overcoming the serious obstacles with which they had to
contend.
Upon receipt of the information of the flight of the enemy details were at once made to repair
the bridge, which labor was complete at 7.30 a.m. on the 16th instant, at which hour I crossed my
division, and continuing on the same road a distance of six miles, thence to the left to the
Fayetteville and Bentonville road, which I pursued to the right, crossing both Little and Big
Cohera Creeks, and arriving at Newton Grove on the 18th instant, taking up a position covering
the several roads which form a junction at this place. From this point I moved my command, in
rear of the First Division of this corps, on the direct Goldsborough road, crossing Falling Creek
to its intersection with the Bentonville road, which road I pursued to the vicinity of Mill Creek,
where I arrived on the 20th instant, taking up a position on the right of General Woods with two
brigades in line and one in reserve, with a strong line of skirmishers thrown forward to occupy
the right bank of the creek and swamp, confronting those of the enemy on the opposite bank.
This position was intrenched during the day and made secure against assault. During the 21st
instant new and advanced works were constructed and occupied, with the right thrown forward at
an angle of 35 degrees. With the exception of desultory firing by skirmishers no very active
operations had taken place along my front up to 2.30 p.m. of this instant, at which hour, reenforcing
my skirmishers, ordered an advance upon the rifle pits of the enemy, held by a strong
line of skirmishers, driving them from and taking possession of their works, but failed to hold
them owing to a flank fire received from the left, the brigade holding General Woods' right
failing to support the movement, and the close proximity of the enemy's pits to their main works
on the right of my line, which exposed the men to a murderous fire. I, however, maintained an
50
advanced position, within easy musket-range of their main works, and successfully repelled
every attempt the enemy made to dislodge this line. Callahan's battery, on the right of my line,
was subjected to a warm fire whenever the enemy advanced, but both officers and men behaved
with great coolness, and used their guns against the enemy with fine execution. A brisk skirmish
fire was continued until long after dark. The loss to my division during the day was something
over forty killed and wounded. The reported loss of the enemy on my division front and that of
General Woods was 500 men, including prisoners. During the night of this instant the enemy
evacuated his works, falling back across Hannah's Creek, and at 3 a.m. on the 22d instant my
skirmishers took possession of the deserted works, pushing forward to the bridge over Hannah's
Creek, four miles distant, at which point the pursuit was stopped by orders from headquarters of
the corps and the men withdrawn to the rebel works. One brigade and the pioneer corps of this
division were during the day placed at work upon the roads, repairing them for the movement of
the corps, which labor was thoroughly performed.
Pursuant to orders received from corps headquarters I broke camp at 6.30 a.m. the 23d
instant, and, commencing a retrograde movement, marched to the right to the Goldsborough and
Smithfield road, thence to the left upon this road, crossing Falling Creek, where the command
was placed in bivouac. On the 24th instant the movement was continued across Neuse River,
through the city of Goldsborough, N. C., two miles to the east thereof, taking up a position on the
Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, which position is at this date thoroughly fortified.
Before closing this report I desire to bear witness to the universal good conduct of the
officers and soldiers of this division during the campaign just closed. During a long and arduous
march of about 500 miles, occupying fifty-five days, a portion of this time on one-third and onefourth
rations, marching over heavy roads, building bridges, and laying corduroy, and laboring in
water during the most inclement and coldest season of the year, without a murmur or complaint
from any.
To the several members of my staff I extend my warmest thanks for their cordial aid
throughout the campaign. It matters little whether in the swamp or on the battlefield, contending
with the elements or an enemy, they manifested such zeal, energy, and willingness of spirit in
each capacity, by night or by day, that I am happy to commend them to the especial notice of the
general commanding as worthy of his highest praise. Capt. L. H. Everts, assistant adjutantgeneral,
in addition to the arduous duties of his office, rendered services so valuable as to induce
me to recommend him to your favorable consideration for promotion in his department.
Permit me to respectfully call your attention to the tabular list or statement hereto appended,
and which embraces as fair an estimate as can possibly be procured.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. CORSE,
Brevet Major-General.
Lieut. Col. MAX WOODHULL,
A. A. G., Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, near Goldsborough, N. C., March 31, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and operations
of my brigade during the campaign from Savannah to this place:
In compliance with orders I moved my command from Savannah, in connection with the
division, on the 28th of January, on the Louisville pike toward Sister's Ferry, passing through
Springfield and reaching the ferry on the 30th. In consequence of the country being inundated
and it being necessary to construct new roads, the command remained in camp until February 4,
51
when, the roads being completed, we crossed the Savannah River and passed through
Robertsville; crossed Big Salkehatchie River at Rivers' Bridge, Little Salkehatchie at Oatman's
Bridge, South Edisto at Binnaker's Bridge, and North Edisto River on the 13th. On the 16th
crossed Big Congaree Creek and reached the vicinity of Columbia, S. C. In compliance with
instructions I formed my brigade 100 yards from the bank of Congaree River, directly opposite
and in full view of the city. The enemy opened a section of artillery on my line, which was
promptly silenced by Battery H, First Missouri Light Artillery. A line of skirmishers which I
threw forward to the bank of the river prevented any further demonstration being made by the
enemy. Moved across Saluda River at Saluda Factory on the night of February 16, crossed Broad
River on the 17th, and passed through the city of Columbia and encamped about one mile
southeast of it. On the 18th and 19th destroyed three miles of track on the Columbia Branch of
the South Carolina Railroad. Moved with the division toward Poplar Springs, crossed Wateree
River at Peay's Ferry, passed through Kirkwood, and moved in the direction of Lynch's Creek at
Tiller's Bridge. The crossing of Lynch's Creek was effected with much difficulty, the water being
from knee to waist deep, and covering the road for three-quarters of a mile. After having crossed
I encountered the enemy (Wade Hampton's cavalry), who appeared in force and made two
charges on my line, but a strong skirmish line was sufficient to check and repel the charges and
capture a number of prisoners and horses.
It being necessary to construct a wagon bridge over the creek before the train could cross we
remained in camp until March 1. Moved on the Cheraw road; crossed Black and Thompson's
Creeks and entered Cheraw on the 4th. Crossed Great Pedee River at Cheraw on the 6th, and
moved in the direction of Fayetteville. Passed through Brightsville, Springfield, and Laurel Hill,
and crossed Shoe Heel Creek, Raft Swamp, and Lumber River, and reached the vicinity of
Fayetteville March 12. Crossed Cape Fear River on the 14th and moved toward Goldsborough.
Reached Black or South River on the 15th. The enemy (Butler's cavalry) having possession of
the opposite side of the river, I ordered the Seventh Iowa Infantry, Lieut. Col. J. C. Parrott
commanding, to proceed three-quarters of a mile above and effect a crossing if possible. At the
same time I sent three companies from Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry half a mile down the river
and deployed skirmishers in front for the purpose of making a demonstration. At about 7 o'clock
in the evening Colonel Parrott succeeded in effecting a crossing, being forced to wade a swamp
600 yards wide, where the water was from waist to shoulder deep, and ascertained that the
enemy had retired. Moved forward on the 16th, crossing Little and Big Cohera Swamps. Crossed
Falling Creek on the night of the 19th. Moved via Cox's Cross-Roads on the 20th to Mill Creek,
where the enemy was intrenched. I occupied a position assigned me in support of the Second and
Third Brigades. On the 21st the enemy's skirmishers were driven in and our line pushed farther
to the front. The enemy kept up a sharp fire on the skirmish line during the night and left our
front in the morning. Resumed our march to Goldsborough on the 23d; passed through the town
on the 24th, and went into camp about one mile east of it, near the railroad.
The following casualties have occurred during the campaign: 1 man killed, 3 men wounded,
20 men captured by the enemy, 3 men died from disease.
It is estimated that my command has marched 470 miles since leaving Savannah, and has
passed over thirty-eight miles of corduroy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. W. RICE,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Capt. L. H. EVERTS,
A. A. G., Fourth Div., Fifteenth Army Corps.
52
HDQRS. FIFTY-SECOND ILLINOIS VETERAN INFTY. VOLS.,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and
operations of this regiment during the campaign from Savannah to this place, in obedience to
General Orders, No. 8, dated headquarters First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps,
Goldsborough,N. C., March 27, 1865:
The regiment left camp at Savannah, Ga., on the morning of January 28, and marched
eighteen miles on the Louisville pike and encamped for the night. January 29, the regiment
marched nine miles nearly parallel with the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, and encamped
for the night. January 30, the regiment marched fourteen miles and encamped near Sister's Ferry.
January 31, the regiment rested in camp.
February 1, the regiment was exercised two hours in the movements of the battalion by its
commanding officer. February 2, the regiment, in connection with the other regiments of the
brigade, was reviewed at 2 p.m. by Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. M. Corse, after which the regiment, with
the other regiments of the brigade, was exercised in the evolutions of the brigade by the same
officer. February 3, the regiment remained in camp. February 4, the regiment left camp at 4 p.m.;
moved across the Savannah River and encamped for the night two miles from the ferry. February
5: Company B, of this regiment, Capt. D. C. Smith commanding, was detailed for forage duty.
The regiment marched at 7 a.m., slowly, four miles, repairing the road through a swamp, and
encamped for the night near Robertsville, S. C. February 6, the regiment marched twelve miles
and encamped for the night. February 7, the regiment marched seven miles, slowly repairing the
road, and encamped for the night at Hickory Hill. February 8, the regiment marched twelve miles
and encamped for the night. February 9, the regiment marched six miles, crossed the
Salkehatchie River, and encamped for the night. February 10, the regiment marched twenty-two
miles in a northeast direction and encamped for the night. February 11, the regiment marched
seventeen miles in a northeast direction and encamped for the night. February 12, the regiment
marched six miles and encamped for the night. February 13, the regiment marched eighteen
miles and encamped for the night. February 14, the regiment marched six miles and encamped
on the Baker plantation. February 15, the regiment marched five miles and encamped near
Congaree Creek. February 16, the regiment marched at 12 m., crossed Congaree Creek,
marching in sight of the city of Columbia, S. C., by a circuitous route four miles, and about 1
p.m. it took a position in line of battle in the left center of the brigade, a few hundred yards from
the right bank of the Congaree. About 2.30 p.m. the regiment was moved to the rear 100 yards,
and rested until 5 p.m., when it moved to the pontoon bridge across Broad River about two miles
above the city, which, after some necessary delay by the train, was passed, and the regiment
bivouacked for the night two miles distant at 10 p.m. February 17, the regiment marched at 1
p.m. through Columbia and encamped for the night two miles southeast of the city. February 18,
the regiment marched parallel with the South Carolina Railroad seven miles toward Kingsville,
burned and destroyed half a mile of railroad, marched back three miles toward Columbia and
encamped for the night. February 19, the regiment marched eight miles toward Kingsville,
burned one-quarter of a mile of railroad, marched two miles north and encamped for the night.
February 20, the regiment marched twenty miles, reaching the Columbia and Camden road and
encamped. February 21, the regiment marched eighteen miles nearly north and encamped for the
night. February 22, the regiment marched eight miles and was assigned an advanced position to
guard a bridge and crossing over Wateree Creek, two miles to the left of the Peay's Ferry road
and four miles distant from said ferry. It having been reported to me by scouts that two soldiers
were lying dead across the creek, and about two miles distant, I sent out a detail of men who
found and buried them, and a description of said two men and a paper found upon the person of
53
one are herewith inclosed, with the hope that it may lead to their identification. February 23, the
regiment rejoined the brigade at Peay's Ferry, crossed the river and encamped about ten miles
north of the ferry. First Lieut. M. Canon, with a portion of Captain Smith's company (B) having
been relieved from forage duty, rejoined the regiment during the day. February 24, the regiment
marched eighteen miles and encamped near Camden, S. C. February 25, the regiment marched
eight miles nearly east and encamped at 2 p.m. At 7 p.m. the regiment was ordered to report to
Lieut. Col. H. Van Sellar, Twelfth Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and together with the
Seventh and Twelfth Regiments Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry moved to cross-roads about
three miles to the left and rear of the former camp, where it encamped for the night. February 26,
the regiment marched eight miles, waded Lynch's Creek, took a position on the left of the
brigade upon the bluff near the creek, and built breast-works in its front.
The regiment now remained in camp until the morning of March 2, when it marched nearly
northeast eight miles and encamped for the night. March 3, the regiment moved in the same
direction fourteen miles and encamped for the night four miles from Cheraw, S. C. March 4, the
regiment marched through Cheraw and encamped two miles north of the city. March 5, the
regiment remained in camp. March 6, the regiment marched back through Cheraw, crossed the
great Pedee River and encamped for the night about six miles east of the bridge. March 7, the
regiment marched ten miles and encamped three miles south of the State line. March 8, the
regiment marched eight miles and encamped in North Carolina. March 9, the regiment marched
ten miles northeast and encamped for the night. March 10, the regiment marched six miles and
encamped at 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., when it marched slowly in rear of the train three miles and
bivouacked at 3 a.m. March 11, the regiment marched at sunrise seventeen miles and encamped
for the night. March 12, the regiment marched nineteen miles and encamped two miles from
Fayetteville, N. C. March 13, the regiment rested in camp. Capt. D. C. Smith with the
detachment of Company B, which was on forage duty, reported to the regiment for duty, having
been relieved. March 14, the regiment moved across Cape Fear River and encamped two miles
from the bridge, after which it repaired the road back to the river. March 15, the regiment
marched twelve miles and encamped near the South Fork of Black River at 3 p.m. At 7 p.m. the
regiment moved down to the river and followed the Sixty-sixth Illinois Veteran Volunteer
Infantry, which waded the river to support the Seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers. While the
regiment was crossing the movement was arrested and the regiment ordered back to camp for
the night. March 16, the regiment marched ten miles and encamped for the night. March 17, the
regiment marched five miles and encamped for the night. March 18, the regiment marched
twelve miles and encamped for the night. March 19 the regiment marched very slowly eight
miles, crossed Mill Creek and was assigned an advance position half a mile to the left on a road
leading to Bentonville, where it arrived at 10 p.m. Relieved the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry and
built a protection of earth-works. March 20, the regiment marched at 7 a.m. fifteen miles and
took a position at 12 m. in the right center of the brigade and constructed works. The regiment in
conjunction with the rest of the brigade moved forward about 200 yards at sunset into the next
line of works, which were strengthened during the night. March 21, the regiment with the rest of
the brigade moved into the next line of works, distant about 300 yards, at 2 p.m. and encamped
for the night. March 22, the regiment rested in camp. March 23, the regiment marched twelve
miles toward Goldsborough and encamped for the night. March 24, the regiment marched ten
miles, crossed the Neuse River, passed through Goldsborough and encamped two miles east of
town.
The following is the list of the casualties which occurred in the regiment during the
campaign: Privates John W. Ramsdell, Company G, and George Goode, Company A, deserted
January 28, 1865; supposed to have gone back to Savannah. Private Andrew S. Abbott,
54
Company G, deserted February 1, 1865; supposed to have gone back to Savannah. Sergt. Henry
Harman, Company A, wounded in left thigh before Columbia, S. C., February 16, 1865. Private
James Coffee, Company B, captured by the enemy near Florence, S. C., during the retreat of our
cavalry from that place March 6, 1865. Privates Charles M. Stanley, Company C, and John Igow
and C. A. Stoughton, Company B, missing since March 16, 1865; supposed to have been
captured.
Three miles of corduroy road is ventured as an estimate of the amount built by this regiment
during the campaign.
Four hundred and fifty miles is ventured as an estimate of the distance marched by the
regiment during this campaign.
I have the honor to be, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. D. DAVIS,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Fifty-second Illinois Infantry Vols.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. SIXTY-SIXTH INDIANA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with General Orders, No. 8, headquarters First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, dated Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865, I have the
honor to submit the following report of the movements and operations of this regiment during
the campaign from Savannah, Ga., to this place:
January 28, this regiment (Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and K) marched with the
brigade and division from Savannah, Ga., at 7 a.m. on the Louisville pike and encamped twenty
miles north of the city. January 29, moved at 7 a.m., this regiment being the rear guard; marched
about ten miles through a barren, swampy country, and encamped after nightfall three miles from
Springfield. January 30, this day the regiment was in advance of this division and reached
Sister's Ferry about 5 p.m.
January 31, February 1, 2, and 3, remained in camp, nothing of interest occurring. February
4, crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina and encamped ten miles beyond. February 5,
at 1 p.m. marched through a large swamp, the entire distance (about five miles) being
corduroyed. Encamped near Robertsville. February 6, moved at 7 a.m., passing through
Robertsville. Rain fell during the day. February 7, moved at 7 a.m.; roads very bad by reason of
the rain which fell in great quantities during the night. Crossed the head-waters of the Combahee
River. February 8 and 9, marched each day, nothing occurring worthy of notice. February 10,
this regiment, in advance of the division, passed through Buford's Bridge and encamped, having
marched about twenty miles the day. February 11, crossed the Charleston and Augusta Railroad
near Grahamville, also the South Edisto River and camped three miles beyond, marching
fourteen miles. February 12, marched at 6 a.m. and encamped near the North Edisto River.
February 13, crossed North Edisto River at 5 a.m., and continued the march on the Columbia
road, encamping for the night twenty-three miles from the city. February 14 and 15, moved in
the direction of Columbia, passing Sandy Run Post-Office. February 16, crossed the Saluda
River and encamped for the night on the peninsula formed by the Saluda and Broad Rivers.
February 17, moved at noon and crossed Broad River three miles above Columbia; marched
through it and encamped near and east of the city. February 18 and 19, the regiment was engaged
in destroying the track on the road leading to Charleston. February 20, marched at 7 a.m.,
passing through a sandy, barren plain. This was a very severe march on account of the scarcity of
water. February 21, marched early, passing Round Top, and encamped on Harrison's plantation.
55
February 22, marched at 10 a.m.; roads good; country very hilly; encamped near the Wateree
River. February 23, crossed the Wateree River; passed through the village of Liberty Hill and
camped on the Camden road, having marched thirteen miles. February 24, moved at 9 a.m.;
rained very hard during the day; roads bad. Crossed Flat Rock Creek; passed through Kirkwood,
near Camden, and encamped three miles beyond. February 25, marched at 10 a.m. and encamped
six miles from Lynch's Creek. February 26, marched at 7 a.m.; crossed Lynch's Creek about
noon, the men wading; some skirmishing in front. Companies A and K, of this regiment, were
ordered on the skirmish line, but were not engaged. Having been assigned position, the men of
the regiment built a line of works equal to the front of the regiment. February 27 and 28,
remained in camp in the earth-works, during this time awaiting the crossing of the trains across
the creek.
March 1, marched at 3 p.m. on the Cheraw road, this regiment in rear of the division;
encamped on Black Creek. March 2 and 3, marched on the Cheraw road; crossed Black Creek
and encamped at Thompson's Creek. March 4, crossed Thompson's Creek and entered Cheraw
and encamped two miles north of town. The regiment remained in camp the following day.
March 6, this regiment, in rear of the division this day, crossed the Great Pedee River at 1.30
p.m. and camped for the night five miles beyond. March 7, marched in advance of the division
at 7 a.m.; roads were in excellent condition and the country much more productive than any
through which we have marched. Bivouacked for the night at Goodwin's Mills. March 8,
marched on the Fayetteville road; entered the State of North Carolina at 2.45 p.m.; encamped at
Springfield Post-Office for the night. March 9, left camp at 6 a.m.; passed through Laurel Hill.
The march this day was undoubtedly the most disagreeable of the campaign, the roads being
almost impassable on account of the rain, which fell in torrents for hours. March 10, crossed
Lumber River; marched three miles beyond, where this regiment was ordered to build corduroy
and a bridge across a stream in a swamp. March 11, moved at 9 a.m., this regiment in advance of
the division. The roads were in bad condition a great portion of the distance traveled. March 12,
marched on the Fayetteville road; passed through Rockfish village and encamped near
Fayetteville. Remained in camp the following day. March 14, moved at daylight ; crossed Cape
Fear River and encamped on the Wilmington road. March 15, marched on the Goldsborough
road and reached Black River late in the afternoon and encamped for the night. The enemy threw
one shell into our camp. March 16, at daylight this regiment waded the river and relieved the
Seventh Iowa Infantry, which was picketing the road on the opposite bank, having crossed the
night before. March 17, continued the march in the direction of Goldsborough, nothing of
interest occurring. March 20, 21, and 22, this regiment was not engaged in the fighting that
occurred during this time, being in reserve and occupying works built by the Eighty.-first Ohio
Infantry. March 23, the enemy having retreated, this regiment with the army took up the line of
march for Goldsborough, and on the 24th arrived at its present camp without the loss of an
officer or enlisted man killed, wounded, or captured by the enemy.
This regiment built probably one mile of corduroy road at different times and places.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROGER MARTIN,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
56
HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
SIR: In compliance with orders I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of my command during the campaign just closed:
The regiment left Savannah with the brigade to which it belongs on the 28th day of January,
1865. During the march to Columbia, S. C., nothing worthy of note occurred. Daily marches,
interspersed with making corduroy roads and passing difficult swamps, occupied the time till the
16th of February. On this day, while the army was passing up the river in front of Columbia, the
regiment, as a part of the brigade went into position on the banks of the river below the city. The
enemy soon advanced a line of skirmishers from the opposite side, to gain the river-bank.
Company G, First Lieut. J. A. De Muth commanding, was deployed in double-quick time and
succeeded in reaching the river before the enemy's skirmishers could do so; and, together with a
company from each of the other regiments in the brigade and the battery, succeeded in
preventing the enemy's line from gaining the river at all until our line was withdrawn. From this
time, in passing through Columbia, destroying the railroad below that town, and until the 26th of
February, nothing of interest occurred with which the regiment was specially connected.
On the 26th the regiment was the advance regiment of the division, and reached Lynch's
Creek at about 10 a.m. The creek was swollen and it was necessary to wade it. This was done by
the men, many of them stripping for the occasion, and the creek passed, the water being waistdeep
for about three-quarters of a mile. Company G was the advance guard of the division, and
crossed a short time before the regiment. Just as the advance of the regiment had reached the
other side, the enemy's cavalry made a dash upon the mounted men who had preceded. Company
G deployed as skirmishers, the men not having time to put on their clothing, and the enemy was
checked. The first few men who had reached the bank, twelve or fifteen in number, were sent
forward, under Captain Heaton, of Company E, to the assistance of Company G, and the
regiment was reformed as soon as the circumstances would admit, and advanced in line up the
road, Company H being sent forward on a road leading to the left, to meet a flank movement
should it be attempted. The remaining regiments of the brigade and a section of Battery H soon
came over, and the enemy after some more skirmishing retired.
From this time until the 20th of March nothing but the usual incidents of the march occurred.
On that day and the subsequent one, in the operations against the enemy near Bentonville, the
regiment did not become engaged, being in reserve.
During the campaign the regiment constructed about one mile and a quarter of corduroy road.
The distance traveled from Savannah to this place is about 470 miles.
The following is the list of casualties: Enlisted men--killed, Company A, 1; died of disease,
3; wounded, 1; captured, 16.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully,
N. B. HOWARD,
Colonel Second Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
57
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH IOWA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with General Orders, No. 8, headquarters First Brigade,
Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, March 27, 1865, I respectfully submit the following
report of the movements and operations of the Seventh Iowa Veteran Volunteers during the
campaign from Savannah, Ga., to Goldsborough, N. C.:
The regiment left Savannah on the 28th day of January, 1865, at 7 a.m., moved on the
Louisville pike, and camped near Station No. 2, Georgia Central Railroad; distance marched,
eighteen miles. January 29, moved from camp at 6 a.m.; moved slowly on account of bad roads,
which were almost impassable; marched ten miles and went into camp on east side of Little
Ebenezer Creek, near Springfield. January 30, moved from camp at 6 a.m., the regiment being
detailed for duty as pioneers; did considerable work; crossed the Big and Little Ebenezer Creeks
and camped near Sister's Ferry at 3 p.m.; distance, eleven miles. Remained in camp till February
4, 1865, when the regiment crossed the Savannah River on pontoons and camped about two
miles from the crossing; distance marched, four miles. February 5, remained in camp until
sundown, then crossed the Black Swamp, and camped at 10 p.m. near Robertsville, S. C.;
distance marched, four miles. February 6, moved from camp at 7 a.m., passing through
Robertsville; camped at dark, making fourteen miles; rained all day. February 7, the regiment
was ordered and moved before daylight to Coosawhatchie Swamp, and were all day engaged in
building bridges and corduroying roads. The men were in the water most of the day in collecting
the plank, &c., thrown from the bridges by the rebels; rained hard all day; went into camp at 4
p.m. at Hickory Hill; distance marched, seven miles. February 8, moved from camp at 10.30;
marched slowly over bad roads; camped near Whippy Swamp at 8 p.m.; distance marched, eight
miles. February 9, moved from camp at 6 a.m., crossed the Whippy Swamp, men having to
wade; weather very cold and inclement and snowed during the day; crossed the Big
Salkehatchie; camped at dark, having marched seven miles. February 10, left camp at 5.30 a.m.,
passed Buford's Bridge, and crossed the Little Salkehatchie at 12 m.; camped at Lee's Cross-
Roads at 4 p.m.; distance, twenty-two miles. February 11, left camp at 8 a.m., crossed the
Charleston and Augusta Railroad, and crossed the South Edisto River at 2 p.m.; camped at 4
p.m.; distance marched, fifteen miles. February 12, left camp at 6 a.m., marched ten miles, and
camped at 1 p.m. February 13, left camp at 5 a.m., crossed the North Edisto, passed through
extensive turpentine orchards, and camped at 3.30 p.m. on Beaver Creek Hills; distance marched,
twenty miles. February 14, left camp at 7.30 a.m., crossing Little and Big Beaver Creeks, passed
through Lundy's Lane, crossed Sandy Run, and camped at 1 p.m.; distance marched, seven miles.
February 15, left camp 7.30 a.m., crossed the Little Congaree, and camped on the Big Congaree;
marched ten miles. February 16, left camp at 9 a.m., crossed the Big Congaree, and advanced
toward Columbia. My regiment being in advance, was ordered into line facing the enemy; were
then ordered to move to the right and rear and stack arms to give room for Battery H, First
Missouri Artillery, to get into position. Company B (Captain Folsom) was detailed, with
instructions to gain position on the Congaree River, which it did, and skirmished with the enemy
for some time. Moved from this position at 5 p.m., crossed the Saluda River on pontoons, and
camped at 10 p.m.; distance marched, seven miles. February 17, left camp at 12 m.: crossed
Broad River on pontoons, marched through the city of Columbia, and camped at Charlotte
Junction at dark; distance marched, five miles. February 18, left camp at 8 a.m.; proceeded down
South Carolina Railroad and commenced its destruction, our brigade tearing up and totally
destroying two miles of said road same day; camped in vicinity of Hampton's Bridge for the
night, having marched twelve miles. February 19, left camp at 7 a.m., the brigade destroying one
mile more of the South Carolina Railroad; camped for the night on General Hopkins' plantation;
58
distance marched, eleven miles. February 20, left camp at 7 a.m., passing through a very poor
country; marched sixteen miles and camped for the night. February 21, left camp at 7.30 a.m.,
marched twenty-two miles, and camped near Poplar Springs. February 22, left camp at 9 a.m.,
passed through Poplar Springs, and camped at 3.30 p.m. near the Wateree River; distance, six
miles. February 23, left camp at 7 a.m., crossed the Wateree River at Peay's Ferry, passed
through Liberty Hill at 1 p.m., and camped at 8 p.m.; marched twelve miles; the night very rainy
and disagreeable. February 24, left camp at 7.30 a.m., marching on the Camden road; passed
through Kirkwood about one mile and a half from Camden and camped at 8 p.m., having
marched twenty-one miles. Our men skirmished over the old battle-ground of General Gates,
near Camden. February 25, left camp at 9 a.m. The Second Division having the road, General
Corse took a side track and opened a road for his division, and got into camp before the Second
Division. Marched ten miles and went into camp at 2 p.m. February 26, left camp at 6 a.m.;
marched to Lynch's Creek. The bottoms were covered with water for a space of three-quarters of
a mile, in many places over waist-deep. The regiment was ordered to cross and did so by wading,
and did it cheerfully and without a murmur. On reaching the opposite shore the enemy was found
in considerable force. My regiment was thrown to the front, where for several hours it had sharp
skirmishing. In the afternoon the regiment was ordered into position on a ridge commanding the
Cheraw and Darlington roads, where it threw up rail barricades and remained in same position
for three days, being in advance of the balance of the brigade about half a mile. During the
skirmish this day my regiment came out unscathed; the enemy suffered considerably. Two of
their wounded picked up in front of my line were brought in; both being mortally wounded, died
same night. I ordered my drum corps to the front to hunt for dead and wounded, but none were
found; but from indications several had been killed in front of my line.
March 1, left camp at 3.30 p.m., marched over heavy roads eight miles, and camped at 11
p.m. at Black Creek bridge. March 2, left camp 4 p.m.; crossed Black Creek bridge; about one
mile from there halted and stacked arms, waiting for the rear of the train to pass; arrived at camp
at 10 p.m.; distance, six miles. March 3, left camp at 7 a.m., marched eleven miles, and camped
at the abandoned rebel works on Thompson's Creek. March 4, left camp at 10 a.m., marched
through Cheraw, and camped at Blue's plantation. Remained in camp until Monday, March 6.
March 6, left camp at 8 a.m., marched through Cheraw, crossed the Great Pedee on pontoons,
and camped at 3 p.m. on Phill's Creek. March 7, left camp at 7 a.m., marched twelve miles, and
camped at 12 m. at Brightsville. March 8, left camp at 8 a.m., crossed Gum Swamp and camped
at Springfield, N. C., at 7 p.m.; this day crossed the last ditch in South Carolina. March 9, left
camp at 7 a.m.; crossing Shoe Heel Creek the bridge broke down; the Seventh Iowa, with the
assistance of a company of pioneers, rebuilt the bridge; the train then crossed and camped 12
midnight. March 10, left camp at 5 a.m.; crossed Lumber River at 10 a.m.; went into camp at 1
p.m.; ordered out of camp at 8 p.m. to proceed to Bethel Church. Did not proceed far before we
came in contact with train in swamp. At 3 a.m. March 11 bivouacked in an open field till 6 a.m.
without shelter or blankets; moved at 6 and succeeded in crossing swamp and finding Bethel
Church; marched over heavy roads and camped at 8 p.m. March 12, left camp at 7 a.m.; crossed
Big and Little Rockfish Creeks; camped at 2 p.m. near Fayetteville; distance, eleven miles;
remaining in camp until March 14. March 14, left camp at 7 a.m.; crossed Cape Fear River half a
mile below Fayetteville on pontoons; went into camp about 2 p.m. March 15, left camp at 7 a.m.;
regiment ordered to the front with pioneers; camped near Black River at 2 p.m.; at 4 p.m. was
ordered to cross the river and swamp about three-quarters of a mile above the bridge for the
purpose of attacking and driving away the enemy. The regiment moved promptly at sundown;
pontoons were thrown across the main channel, on which I crossed the regiment, and waded the
swamp, which was about 500 or 600 yards wide, without road or landmark, being a dense forest,
59
and the water from waist to shoulder deep. I effected a crossing is about half an hour, and after
gaining dry land allowed my men a breathing spell; then moved parallel with the river; at 9.30
p.m. struck the main road and the rebel works, but the enemy had retired. I bivouacked my men
without blankets, shelter, or rations, and remained the balance of the night. And I am proud to
say in connection with the above, although my men were drenching wet, hungry, and cold, I
heard no word of complaint; and during the night I often thought that such men were never made
to be whipped or conquered. March 16, left camp at 10 a.m., marched over bad roads ten miles,
and camped at Cave Church. March 17, left camp at 7 a.m., marched about five miles, camped,
and threw up earth-works; had an inspection and found arms in good order and a full amount of
ammunition. March 18, left camp at 9 a.m., crossed the Great and Little Cohera Creeks, camped
at 4.30 p.m.; distance ten miles. March 19, marched at 7 a.m.; were detained at ----- Creek on
account of bridge being gone; bivouacked in vicinity of bridge until 3.30 a.m., March 20, when
we crossed the bridge, making about ten miles. On the morning of the 20th joined our corps, and
in the afternoon went into camp about three miles from Bentonville. March 21, remained in
camp until 2 p.m., when the regiment was moved forward to the second line of works, a portion
of the division being in front skirmishing, where it lay until the 23d, when we moved on the road
to Goldsborough and camped on the afternoon of the 23d on Falling Water Creek. March 24, left
camp at 8 a.m. for Goldsborough, crossed the Neuse River at railroad bridge on pontoons, and
passed through Goldsborough in the afternoon and camped same day on the New Berne and
Raleigh Railroad, where the regiment now lies encamped, enjoying rest and repose.
My men suffered considerably for want of shoes on the campaign, some seventy-five being
barefoot, but they all did their duty like true soldiers, and I am proud to say for my gallant
regiment that both officers and men did their duty nobly, and there was scarcely a murmur on the
whole march.
My casualties during the march were 1 man captured, H. Warner, of Company I, who was
detached from the regiment as orderly to Fourth Division headquarters, and 2 men wounded,
Private John C. Palmer, Company B, accidentally shot at the crossing of Black River, and Chief
Musician John T. McConehey, wounded in the thigh on the 21st March, near Bentonville. Both
of the wounded men are doing well. The regiment captured 7 prisoners of war.
The regiment since leaving Savannah, Ga., has marched 480 miles, and has passed over
thirty-eight and five-eighths miles corduroy road by actual measurement.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. PARROTT,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. C. H. TROTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 1st Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. TWELFTH REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLS.,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
In compliance with circular from headquarters Second Brigade, I have the honor to submit
the following report of the campaign history of the Twelfth Regiment Illinois Infantry
Volunteers during the last campaign, commencing January 28, 1865, and ending March 25.
The regiment, having been as thoroughly refitted as possible at Savannah, broke camp on the
morning of 28th of January and marched to Sister's Ferry, a distance of forty-one miles, in three
days, making 100 rods of corduroy the 29th, and going into camp on the 30th.
Remained in camp the 31st and 1st and 2d of February, and were reviewed on the 3d by
General Corse. On the 4th crossed Savannah River and went into camp, marching about three
miles. 5th, at dusk crossed a very long corduroy and went into camp at the end of it; distance,
60
three miles. 6th, passed through Robertsville, marching about sixteen miles. 7th, having been
detailed for pioneer purposes in company with the Seventh Iowa Infantry Volunteers, marched to
Coosawhatchie River and repaired the causeway and bridges over the river, the amount of bridge
repaired being sixty rods, the stream having six different channels. The work was completed by 4
p.m. and went into camp near Hickory Hill, having marched eight miles. On the 8th marched
twelve miles, corduroying 200 rods of road, camping at Whippy Swamp. 9th, marched seven
miles; crossed Salkehatchie River and camped near Rivers' Bridge. 10th, marched twenty-one
miles, camping near Beaufort River bridge. Crossed South Branch of the Edisto on the 11th,
marching thirteen miles and making forty rods of corduroy. On the 12th marched seven miles,
crossing Memphis and Charleston Railroad and North Branch Edisto River. 13th, marched
nineteen miles. 14th, marched eight miles, passing through Sandy Run Post-Office. 15th,
marched six miles, and on the 16th marched over a plain in front of Columbia, and went into
camp opposite during an artillery skirmish with a rebel battery. At 8 p.m. crossed the Saluda
River, a branch of the Congaree River, and camped near Broad River, a branch of the Congaree,
having marched eight miles. 17th, crossed Broad River and entered Columbia, camping near the
city; distance marched, five miles. On the 18th marched down the Charleston and Columbia
Railroad twelve miles and tore up 320 rods of track, marching back six miles to camp, making
eighteen miles distance marched. On the 19th again marched down the railroad, tore up eighty
rods of track, and then went into camp, marching ten miles. 20th, marched to Muddy Springs,
twenty-three miles. 21st, camped near Longtown, having marched twenty-two miles. On the 22d
camped near Peay's Ferry, Wateree River, marching nine miles. 23d, camped near Flat Rock
Cross-Roads, crossing the Wateree about 12 o'clock, making fourteen miles march. On the 24th
marched ten miles, when, with four companies of the Sixty-sixth Illinois, the regiment was
detached to make a reconnaissance through Camden. Some foragers had encountered a force and
several were captured. On arriving at Camden some mounted men were seen and fired at, but no
wounded men fell into our hands. Six foragers of the Second Division were recaptured. Camped
near Young's Point road, having marched about eighteen miles. 25th, camped near Pine Grove
Church, and at 8 o'clock, with a command of the Seventh and Fifty-second Illinois and my own
regiment, marched to Pine Tree Cross-Roads to guard the flank and a courier post, marching that
day eleven miles. 26th, marched eight miles and camped after wading Lynch's Creek. The
foragers had met rebel cavalry and had a fight with them, having two or three men badly
wounded, the regiment having one man, Ellis, Company A, captured. 27th and 28th, remained in
camp waiting for the crossing of the teams, the creek being very high.
March 1, at noon broke camp and marched to Black Creek, ten miles. Remained in camp on
the 2d with the brigade near headquarters Department and Army of the Tennessee. 3d, marched
twenty miles, camping on Julian Creek. 4th, marched through Cheraw and camped; distance, five
miles. In camp on the 5th, and on the 6th crossed Great Pedee River; marched five miles. 7th,
marched eleven miles. 8th, marched nine miles, corduroying 500 rods of road. 9th, marched ten
miles, passing through Laurel Hill, N. C., over very bad roads and the rain falling heavily. 10th,
marched nine miles, crossing Lumber River and making sixty rods of corduroy in the night. 11th,
marched about seventeen miles, crossing Big and Little Shoe Heel Creeks, camping on Rock-fish
Creek. 12th, marched twelve miles, passing through Rockfish and camping near Fayetteville.
13th, remained in camp, and on the 14th crossed Cape Fear River, marching five miles. 15th,
having drawn five days' rations, moved with none but brigade teams and marched ten miles.
16th, marched ten miles. About noon the foragers met rebel cavalry, and the Eighty-first Ohio
was sent forward, the Twelfth being ready to support. The enemy held their position behind a
swamp until a section of artillery came up and shelled them, when they left. 17th, marched five
miles, corduroying twenty rods of road, after which the regiment was sent to hold Mingo bridge,
61
but after going five miles found it had been destroyed, and returned to camp, having made fifteen
miles' march. 18th, marched ten miles and corduroyed fifty rods of road. 19th, marched eighteen
miles and camped near Neuse River in line of battle, and threw up fifteen rods of parapet. On the
20th marched nine miles, following the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, skirmishing with
the enemy, and threw up fifteen rods of parapet on the right of the Third Brigade. On the 21st
sent out skirmishers and tried to advance the skirmish line, but the rebel skirmish pits were so
near their main works that nothing could be done without much loss of life. The main line was
advanced and the regiment threw up fifteen rods of parapet. At night two men were wounded on
the skirmish line--Corporal Gaston, Company D, and Private Schuneman, Company I. On the
morning of the 22d found the rebels had left, and we moved into their works; marched three
miles and camped, making thirty rods of corduroy. 23d, marched about eleven miles, making
twenty rods of corduroy, and camped on Falling Water Creek. On the 24th marched about ten
miles, passing through Goldsborough in review before General Sherman, and went into camp on
the railroad two miles from town.
Thus ended our journey, after having marched a total of 495 miles, made 1,020 rods of
corduroy, repaired 60 rods of bridge, tore up 400 rods of railroad track, and built 45 rods of
parapet.
Casualties: Wounded, 2; captured, 1; deserted, 1; total, 4.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
HENRY VAN SELLAR,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. C. C. PLATTER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. SIXTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: In compliance with instructions contained in circular of this date from
headquarters Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit
the following report of the active military operations of this regiment in the late campaign:
In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters the regiment moved with the other troops
composing the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, from Savannah, Ga., on the 28th of
January, and marching up the west bank of the Savannah River reached Sister's Ferry on the
30th, and on the 4th of March [February] crossed the river to the South Carolina side at that
point, and moving across the country in a northwesterly direction passed through Beaufort,
Barnwell, Orange, and Lexington Counties or Districts, repairing the roads with corduroy a good
part of the way, arrived on the west bank of the Congaree River, opposite Columbia, on the 16th,
and moving up the river passed its junction with the Saluda and Broad Rivers, and camped
between the two rivers, having crossed the former. On the morning of the 17th crossed Broad
River, and, the enemy having evacuated Columbia, passed through the city and camped southeast
on the Charleston railroad. On the 18th moved out the railroad toward Charleston a distance of
six miles, and tore up the track on that and the succeeding day, this regiment tearing up and
burning about one mile and a half, the last of which was sixteen miles from Columbia. On the
20th resumed our march across the country northwest; through Richland and Fairfield Districts,
and crossed the Wateree River at Peay's Ferry on the 23d. On the 24th, moving southwest,
passed the town of Camden, four companies, in command of Captain Boyd, being sent to the
town in company with the Twelfth Illinois Infantry, the whole under the immediate command of
Colonel Adams, to destroy certain public property. On the 26th crossed Lynch's Creek, the
troops wading, and moving northeast passed through Kershaw, Chesterfield, and Marlborough
62
Districts, and the town of Cheraw, S. C.; and Richmond, Robeson, and Cumberland Counties, N.
C.; reached Fayetteville on the 12th of March, nothing of note having occurred on the route.
Crossed Cape Fear River on the 14th, and on the evening of the 15th, soon alter making
camp on South River, was ordered to report my regiment to Colonel Parrott, of the Seventh Iowa
Infantry Volunteers, on the east bank of the river. Crossed the main stream on pontoons and
waded through the swamp with my regiment some 300 yards toward the east side, when I was
ordered back, the enemy, who had appeared in our front, having fled. On the 16th, after moving
about five miles from South River, the enemy again appeared in our front, and I was ordered
forward to support the Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, which had been engaged in a sharp skirmish.
Moved forward, and taking up position on the left of the road, threw out three companies is
skirmishers, but no enemy appearing in front fell back two miles to the cross-roads, where the
brigade threw up a barricade of rails, which was occupied to protect our flank while the wagon
train passed, when we were relieved by a brigade from the Second Division, Fifteenth Army
Corps. On the 19th moved to within three miles of Neuse River, and, the enemy being still close
in our front, threw up a light breastwork, which was occupied during that night. On the 20th
advanced on the main Fayetteville wagon road, and about noon, the enemy being in force
immediately in our front, took position in line of battle with the brigade, threw up a light line of
works in an open field facing a pine timber, and in the evening advanced into the wood and
threw up a heavier line of works, keeping out a strong skirmish line in front. On the 21st
advanced to within short rifle-range of the enemy's skirmish line and threw [up] a new line of
works. At about 3.30 o'clock I was ordered to charge the enemy in my front, and moving my
regiment steadily forward in line of battle drove him from his skirmish line and rifle-pits back
into his main works, from which he attacked me vigorously and sent out two regiments on my
right flank, and not having any support on either flank or directly in my rear I was compelled to
fall back to my works, which was accomplished in good order.
My loss in the action was 1 man killed and 6 wounded, one of the latter falling into the hands
of the enemy.
Officers and men with scarcely an exception acquitted themselves with the utmost gallantry
and only fell back when ordered to do so, and then in good order.
Early on the morning of the 22d, the enemy having left our front, I was ordered forward, and
advancing in line of battle moved over both lines of the enemy's works and threw out a line of
skirmishers, which advanced still farther without discovering any enemy, the whole rebel army
having crossed the river and fled. On the 23d and 24th marched to Goldsborough, and passing
through the town encamped near its suburbs. During our march through South and North
Carolina a great deal of the road was found swampy and in an impassable condition, and had to
be repaired by laying corduroy generally of fence rails, of which it is my opinion my regiment
laid five miles in all.
I am, lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. K. CAMPBELL,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. C. C. PLATTER,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., April 7, 1865.
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to submit the following report of the
late campaign from Savannah, Ga., to this place:
63
In accordance with orders received from Bvt. Maj. Gen. John M. Corse the evening of the
26th of January, at 8 a.m. the 27th I broke camp, moved through Savannah, and took the road
leading to Edenton, which for the first ten miles out ran parallel with the Georgia Central
Railroad. My orders were to repair the road so that it would be suitable for the passage of the
division train that was to follow the next day, together with the other brigades. Repaired the dirt
road where it was practicable, but for the most of the way made a new road by clearing the
railroad of burnt ties and iron and making a road thereon. Went into camp at dark, having
marched nine miles. On the 28th began work on the road again at 8 a.m. on the same route; at
noon left the railroad, moving more toward the north; went into camp at 3 p.m. under orders
from the general commanding, the rest of the division having come up; distance marched this
day, ten miles. On the 29th moved out at 6.30 a.m., taking the road leading toward Sister's Ferry;
roads swampy and bad; made but ten miles, and encamped at 4 p.m. Moved out in advance of
the division on the 30th to repair the road, and reached Springfield, a small shire town, at 10 a.m.
(Said to have been the headquarters of General Wheeler latterly.) Remained here until the
division came up, and then moved on the flank of the train; roads still bad, requiring constant
repair; camped within three miles of Sister's Ferry, having marched ten miles. Received an
informal notice that the command would remain here three days.
January 31 and February 1, remained in camp, furnishing fatigue parties to repair the road to
the ferry, and on the opposite side of the river across a bad swamp two miles in extent. February
2, the brigade was reviewed by the general commanding, and after review was drilled for an hour
or two by the same officer. February 3, remained in camp. February 4, received orders to be
ready to move at a moment's notice. At 4 p.m. broke camp and moved to the ferry; crossed the
river a little after dark, and went into camp on the first rise of ground beyond the swamp.
February 5, moved one regiment forward at 9 a.m. to repair the road (the balance of the
command did not move until 4 p.m.); found the road miserable, and although we marched but
five miles did not get into camp until 9 p.m. February 6, moved out at 6.30 a.m., the Third
Brigade in advance. At 8 a.m. passed a small village by the name of Robertsville, mostly
destroyed by fire; at 10 o'clock came up with a portion of the Twentieth Army Corps in camp.
From this point took another road, said to lead to Hickory Hill; found the road some better,
though requiring labor every now and then. Marched this day about fifteen miles. In the
afternoon it rained most of the time, and when we went into camp at dark and through the night it
rained hard. February 7, still raining; roads almost impassable; had to corduroy over a mile
before the rear of the train fairly left camp; the command was engaged in repairing the roads
most of the time during the day; at dark reached the Coosawhatchie, crossed, and went into camp
at Hickory Hill; distance traveled, eight miles. February 8, formed the center of the division and
marched on the flank of the train; corduroyed the road as usual over swampy ground; reached
Whippy Swamp, or river, at dark. The rear of the command crossed over at 9 p.m. and
encamped. Brigade train came up at midnight; distance marched, ten miles.
February 9, moved at 7 a.m. in advance, throwing one regiment forward to Cowpen Branch,
to repair the crossing. Reached the Little Salkehatchie at 12 m., and then went into camp on the
ground formerly occupied by the rebel general, McDow [McLaws], who disputed the passage of
the train and swamp with the Fourth Division, of the Seventeenth Army Corps. February 10,
marched in rear of division, taking the road leading to Lane's plantation; found the road better
than usual and marched eighteen miles. February 11, marched at 7 a.m.; passed through a fine
section of country; crossed the South Edisto at 3 p.m. and went into camp at 5 p.m., having
marched fifteen miles. February 12, moved at 6 a.m., taking the advance. At 10 a.m. heard
skirmish firing in front, and at 11 a.m., by order of the general commanding, formed in line of
battle on the left of the road. The First Division came up and formed on the right of the road, the
64
First Division being in the advance and endeavoring to effect a crossing of the North Edisto. At 3
p.m. received orders to go into camp. On the 13th left camp at 8 a.m. in rear of division. After
crossing the river passed some rebel earth-works, which were reported to have been occupied by
2,000 of the enemy the day before. Marched eighteen miles this day through a fine country. On
the 14th broke camp at 7 a.m. Found the road comparatively good, the country thickly settled
and wealthy. Reached Sandy Run Post-Office at 9 a.m., and on moving a few miles farther on
were ordered to form in line of battle on right-hand side of the road, and throw up breastworks.
Soon after the order to throw up breast-works was countermanded, and we were ordered to make
camp for the night. During the afternoon it rained most of the time. Cannonading heard on our
right; supposed to be the Seventeenth Corps; distance made this day, eight miles. February 15,
broke camp at 8 a.m., being the advance of the division, and soon came up with the First
Division and there halted two hours, and then again moved on. At 10 a.m. artillery firing was
heard in our front, and from time to time musketry. During the afternoon it was reported that the
Second Division had a spirited skirmish with the enemy in our front, in which they drove the
enemy back over a creek and out of a strong line of works on the opposite side, and pursued
them one mile and a half beyond. This command moved up, and at dark crossed the creek and
went into camp on the right-hand side of the road along the line of the enemy's earth-works. The
ground was an open field of bottom land, and had been recently overflowed by a freshet, and
hence was the worst camping ground it had been our fortune to occupy on the campaign. In our
front, across this same open, muddy field, were the First and Second Divisions in line of battle,
and beyond them, in the edge of some timber, was posted the enemy; distance marched to-day,
six miles.
February 16. The morning of the 16th the air being clear the spires and some of the larger
buildings of the city of Columbia, S. C., were distinctly visible. At 10 a.m. this brigade, being the
advance of the division, moved forward to the left of the road, across fields to a commanding
position on a rise of ground or hill, to cover a road running in that direction from the city. Here
we were ordered to stack arms and wait further orders. During this movement toward the left a
brisk engagement took place between the advance divisions of our corps and the enemy. At 1
p.m. we were ordered forward. Passed a line of rebel fortifications not wholly complete; also
several camps of the enemy. Again struck the main road, along which we moved some distance
and then formed in line of battle on right of the First Division, in front of the city, on the west
side, nothing apparently between us and the city but the Congaree River. On our right and left
both up and down the river artillery firing was heard. At 4 p.m. moved forward up the road in a
westerly direction, and at 7 p.m. crossed the Saluda River, and at 10 p.m. went into camp about
midway between the Saluda and Broad Rivers; distance marched, five miles. February 17, in the
morning skirmishing and occasionally artillery firing was heard between us and the city,
evidently made by our forces in their efforts to effect a crossing. At 1 p.m. received orders to
move out with my command, having the same well supplied with ammunition and two days'
rations to last four, and accompanied by no train except one ambulance to each regiment; moved
forward immediately thereafter, crossed Broad River on pontoon bridge, and moving down two
miles passed through the city of Columbia. We went into camp about one mile east of the same;
distance marched, four miles. In the early part of the evening fires broke out in the city, and at 12
m. the entire city seemed wrapped in flames. February 18, moved out at 7 a.m. in the center of
the division. Marched four miles east on the South Carolina Railroad; halted, stacked arms, and
commenced destroying the railroad, tearing up the rails and ties, piling them up and burning
them. Destroyed one mile of road, and then moved five miles forward between the First and
Second Brigades and destroyed another mile of railroad. It being nearly dark we started back to
our last night's camp; but after marching four miles toward Columbia were ordered into camp by
65
the general commanding. February 19, at 7 a.m. broke camp and again marched south down the
railroad. Marched six miles and tore up and destroyed one mile of railroad. At 3 p.m. resumed
the march, moved in a northeasterly direction some two miles, and went into camp at 5 p.m.;
distance marched, nine miles.
February 20, left camp at 7 a.m. in rear of the division. Passed over a barren, sandy tract of
country, almost destitute of water, the troops suffering much for the want thereof. At 2 p.m.
struck the Third Division, which had moved out from Columbia on the direct road from
Columbia to Camden, and from thence on took a road cut by the pioneer corps of our division
parallel with the Camden road, and went into camp as early as the remainder of the corps,
notwithstanding our detour and work upon the railroad; distance marched, twenty miles.
February 21, resumed march at 6.30 a.m. in the center of the division, on flank of the train,
pursuing a northeasterly course. Passed over a hilly section of country, thickly settled and well
cultivated. At 5 p.m. went into camp on Dutchman's Creek; distance marched, fifteen miles.
February 22, at 10 a.m. this command moved out in advance of the division and in rear of
Second and Third Divisions, taking the Rocky Mount road; moved over a rough, rocky country;.
got into camp at 2 p.m. near Wateree River; distance marched, nine miles. February 23, at 9 a.m.
moved forward, being the rear of the division, and crossed the Wateree River at 1 p.m. At 4 p.m.
passed through Liberty Hill, a small but pleasantly situated village. After sundown, the evening
being dark and rainy, the train moved with difficulty, and it was past midnight when the
command went into camp: distance marched, fifteen miles. February 24, weather still raining;
resumed our march at 7.30 a.m., still pursuing the Camden road. At noon left the Camden road
on our right; passed by Camden; went into camp at dusk, having marched a distance of twenty
miles. February 25, left camp at 7.30 a.m., taking the Florence road and being in advance of the
division, Second Division coming up and having the advance of the corps; marched on a road cut
by the pioneers on the right of the Second Division; marched thus for a distance of eight miles.
Went into camp at Pine Tree Church at 12 m. February 26, moved forward at 7.30 a.m. in the
center and on flank of train. Marched eight miles; reached Lynch's Creek and halted. Rains had
swollen the creek so that it had overflowed its banks and the bottom lands adjacent a quarter of a
mile in extent on each side, water in many places being waist deep. As soon as the First Brigade
had crossed, my command moved forward, the most of the men having taken off their clothes
preparatory to wading, and though the water reached their arm-pits at times the command
crossed without loss, and went into camp a mile beyond on the right of the road, in line of battle,
throwing up earthworks in front, the enemy being in our immediate vicinity. The brigade train
did not effect a crossing until the next day. February 27, remained in camp. Foragers reported the
enemy five miles in our front. The creek has fallen, and pioneers are building a bridge for the
crossing of the train. February 28, still in camp. It commenced raining during the night, and
continued at intervals during the day. The bridge is not yet completed.
March 1, at 2 p.m. the train had crossed, and orders were received to move at once.
Encountered bad roads, which required corduroying. Marched eight miles and encamped at 7
p.m. near Dubose's Bridge, on Black Creek. March 2, broke camp at 8 a.m. Foot bridge having
been constructed over the creek a passage was effected without difficulty. Found the roads
impassable for the train. Corduroyed the same, and a mile and a half out formed in line of battle
on the right and left of the road. In accordance with orders threw up a line of works. Remained
here until 4 p.m., when we were ordered forward four miles to New Market Cross-Roads.
Arrived there at 7 p.m. and went into camp; distance marched, six miles. March 3, moved from
camp at 7 a.m., flanking the greater part of the train, First Brigade being in advance, the Second
was left behind as a guard for the department train. Second Brigade came up; marched to within
five miles of Cheraw and camped near Thompson's Creek in front of a line of rebel works
66
abandoned by the enemy in the morning; distance marched, eleven miles. March 4, broke camp
at 7 a.m., taking the advance. Passed through the rebel breast-works; crossed Thompson's Creek;
found the roads impassable for the train over the bottom land; halted and had the whole
command engaged in corduroying the road until near 10 a.m., then moved forward, repairing the
road from time to time until the head of the column reached the city of Cheraw; passed through
the city, marched two miles to the west thereof, and went into camp at 3 p.m., having traveled a
distance of seven miles. March 5, at 8 a.m. received orders from the general commanding to
move my command into the city immediately and relieve the brigade of the Seventeenth Army
Corps, then on provost duty there. Accordingly moved into town and relieved the brigade on
duty there. Soon after received orders to remain in the city, guarding the same until after the
entire corps had crossed Pedee River, and then to cross over and move as a guard to the pontoon
train as far as Springfield, N. C. Soon after entering the town a large fire broke out on Main
street, which threatened in its progress to reach the rebel hospitals, four in number, filled with
some 500 patients. To prevent this I ordered Major Johnson's command to tear down and remove
such buildings as were necessary between the fire and hospitals, thereby saving them, although
the greater portion of Main street was burned to the ground. Guards were placed over nearly all
the houses in the city and the streets were kept constantly patrolled. Several small fires broke out
during the night, but by prompt and energetic efforts, both of officers and men, they were
suppressed without material injury. At 2 p.m. Colonel Gillette, of General Howard's staff, called
for a detail of two commissioned officers and fifty men and three teams to remove a quantity of
gunpowder, cartridges, and shells from a ravine in the northeast part of town, where they had
been thrown by the enemy on their evacuation. The detail was furnished, and under the orders of
Colonel Gillette cleared the ravine of powder, shells, &c., and were dismissed by Colonel
Gillette.
March 6, at 7 a.m. a tremendous explosion took place in the ravine above referred to, which
totally destroyed several houses, stampeded a train near by, and killed and wounded a number of
soldiers belonging to a command that happened to be passing. On investigation it was
ascertained that kegs of powder and shell had been buried by the enemy in the ravine and trains
of powder laid therefrom, reaching to the streets in several places, and scattered loose powder
around. Just before the explosion a regiment halted in the street and the soldiers, observing the
loose powder, began igniting matches and applying them to the powder for amusement. At last
one of the trains of powder caught fire and communicated with the buried kegs and shells. It was
rumored that the number of casualties among the soldiers amounted to eight. Several ladies were
severely injured by the falling houses. Just at dark the Twentieth Army Corps entered town, and
the Fifteenth Army Corps not having entirely crossed the river, halted in town, and during their
stay a number of unimportant buildings were fired and consumed, although the entire brigade
was kept on duty constantly. March 7, during the latter part of the night, after the Twentieth
Army Corps had passed to the bank of the river, the city was quiet. At 8 a.m. commenced
crossing, leaving the detachment of the Seventh Illinois, under Major Johnson, to bring up all
stragglers of the different commands and to act as a rear guard. Some considerable delay was
occasioned by foragers coming from up the river, belonging to the Twentieth Army Corps,
begging that the pontoons might not be taken up until their train had arrived and crossed. As the
rear guard left the city a number of large store-houses filled with cotton were set on fire, the
precaution having been previously taken to prevent the fire from spreading. At 9 a.m. completed
the crossing, leaving one company of the Seventh Illinois behind as a guard, while the pioneers
were taking up the pontoons. At 1 p.m., the bridge having been taken up, moved forward on the
road to Fayetteville, N. C.; marched twelve miles and encamped at 6 p.m. on Crooked Creek, the
division being reported on our right but three miles distant. March 8, broke camp at 7 a.m., and
67
at 9 a.m. rejoined the division. Commenced raining in the morning and rained almost incessantly
during the entire day, making the road very bad and requiring much labor in the way of
corduroying. Passed through a rich and fertile country, abounding in forage. About 12 m. crossed
the boundary line between North and South Carolina; marched ten miles and encamped at
Springfield.
March 9, started at 7 a.m., being in advance, and moving on Laurel Hill road, overtook the
First Division, and waited several hours for that division to cross a stream and corduroy a swamp
in front. At 3 p.m. moved forward; during the remainder of the afternoon and until 9 p.m. it
rained constantly, making the road almost impassable, and rendering it necessary to corduroy
almost every rod of the way. At dark was ordered into camp on Black Creek. Three regiments
encamped, but before the fourth reached the camping ground was ordered forward to Lumber
River. At this time the rain fell in perfect torrents. The road itself became a creek almost kneedeep,
and for two miles the command encountered the hardest marching it had ever experienced.
At 9 p.m. were again ordered into camp, having marched a distance of twelve miles and the train
being far in the rear. March 10, at 8 a.m. the brigade was ordered forward again in advance; two
miles out crossed Lumber River; marched two miles farther and halted for the train to come up.
At 4 p.m. received orders to go into camp. March 11, moved camp at 8 a.m., moving in the rear
of the division. During the day passed through a succession of pine swamps which had been
corduroyed by the advance divisions. At dark we had made only ten miles, then struck a good
road and marched six miles, crossed Rock-fish Creek and went into camp at 10 p.m., having
marched fifteen miles. March 12, moved forward at 8 a.m., forming the center of the division.
Passed Rockfish village, a factory town, and Rockfish River at 12 m. A few miles farther struck
a plank road leading to Fayetteville. Camped two miles west of the city at 3 p.m.; distance
marched, thirteen miles. Transports had already reached the city by way of Cape Fear River,
thereby once more placing us in communication with the civilized world. March 13, remained in
camp. March 14, resumed march at 6 a.m.; moved to Cape Fear River, two miles, and then halted
until the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, had passed over. Then crossed and encamped
two miles out at 3 p.m., leaving two regiments a mile in the rear to corduroy the road. March 15,
moved out at 9 a.m. in rear of the division, received orders from the general commanding to have
the Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry report to Brigadier-General Woods for duty to guard the division
trains that were to be left in the rear. From here on only brigade trains and small trains of
ammunition were to attend the column. All unemployed negroes were also sent to the rear.
Accordingly moved on what was called Beaman's Cross-Roads; halted frequently to repair the
roads. In the afternoon it rained considerably, and at 3 p.m. cannonading was heard in our front,
which was occasioned by a small force of the enemy disputing the passage of the South River. At
4 p.m. encamped near the river in the midst of a severe rain; skirmishing going on in front on the
part of the First Brigade; distance marched, ten miles.
March 16, broke camp at 7 a.m. and immediately crossed the river, the command being
obliged to wade through water knee-deep. Six miles out the advance struck the enemy, and the
command formed in line of battle, but a few shots from the First Missouri Light Artillery
induced them to retire. The Second Brigade, however, was left to cover the main road, while the
other brigades moved forward on another road to the left. Three miles farther on struck the
Twentieth Army Corps and went into camp, having marched nine miles. March 17, moved at 7
a.m., having sent forward the Fifty-seventh Illinois to repair the road at 6 a.m. Moved out six
miles, where it was reported by the citizens that a regiment of rebel cavalry had been stationed
the day before. Encamped at 11 a.m. and threw up earth-works in our front. March 18, left camp
at 9 a.m. in rear of division, taking the Goldsborough road. Crossed a bad swamp, corduroyed by
the preceding troops. Found the road better than usual. Marched eleven miles and encamped at
68
dark. March 19, moved forward at 7.30 a.m. in center of division. Marched but five miles in the
forenoon, being delayed by bad road over swamp. At 3 p.m., the road being better, the command
moved forward rapidly. During the middle of the day cannonading was heard on our left, and in
the latter part of the day seemed more to our rear and right. At dark reached Falling Creek and
found some difficulty in crossing. Went into camp at 11 p.m., having marched twelve miles. No
train came up, being unable to effect a crossing over Falling Creek. The camp-fires of the enemy
were visible, and a large force was reported in the vicinity. March 20, broke camp at 7 a.m.,
having received orders that the command would move on Bentonville prepared for battle, and
that no train would accompany the command except the ammunition wagons and the
ambulances. Took the advance of the division, marching in the rear of the First Division, and
soon striking the Bentonville road turned square to the left. Soon after the First Division began
skirmishing with the enemy, which continued for several miles, the column occasionally halting
to give time for the skirmishers to drive the enemy from a swamp or a dense thicket. At 12 m. the
advance division seemed to encounter a large force and meet with a more stubborn resistance.
The First Division formed in line of battle, and I was ordered forward as a support with my
command in column by regiment, with the exception of the Seventh Illinois, which moved on the
left flank of the others. As the enemy's position was developed, the command deployed and
went into line on the right of the First Division in an open field. Soon after moved forward into
the timber, then halted and stacked arms. At 3 p.m. received orders to throw up earth-works on
my front, having previously sent forward on my front a company from the Fifty-seventh Illinois
to form a skirmish line connecting with that of the First Division on my left and with that of the
Second Brigade on my right. During the night a spirited skirmish fire was kept up along the line.
March 21, the command [had] laid on their arms during the night, behind their works, and the
works were somewhat strengthened by details. The company on the skirmish line from the Fiftyseventh
Illinois was relieved by one from the Fiftieth Illinois. At 10 a.m. received orders to erect
new works 200 yards in front of those first erected; had the same completed by 3 p.m., and then
moved forward and occupied the new line. The firing on the skirmish line had been kept up at
slight intervals through the day, but on moving forward the firing at once became much more
severe. It being reported that the company from the Fiftieth Illinois were out of ammunition, two
more companies from that regiment were ordered out and went forward, but before they reached
the line the former company (Company C) had charged across the line and drove the enemy from
his rifle-pits; but being unsupported either on their right or left were ordered back by Captain
Barbour, chief of outposts. Learning that Company C held the enemy's rifle-pits, ordered forward
another company from the Fiftieth Illinois, and Company A was sent with orders to hold the
rifle-pits at all hazards; but as before stated, the enemy's rifle-pits had been abandoned by
Company C before support reached them, and afterward, though repeated efforts were made, it
was impossible to retake them, the enemy having concentrated his fire at that point. At dark
ordered Major Johnson to relieve the skirmishers of the Fiftieth Illinois with his command,
numbering seventy men, mainly armed with Henry rifles, and, if possible, retake the enemy's
rifle-pits, and as a support to him ordered forward two companies from the Fifty-seventh Illinois
with instructions to strongly intrench themselves and hold the line. At this time the whole line on
my left and right was engaged firing as rapidly as possible. The Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry
reported for duty a short time prior to this and took the ground in line formerly occupied by
Major Johnson's command and a portion of the Second Brigade, the Second Brigade moving
more to the right. Major Johnson soon after dark succeeded in crossing the swamp with the left
of his line, but was obliged to withdraw the same to allow the artillery of the First Division to
play upon the enemy. The skirmish line was strongly intrenched under Major Johnson's efforts,
69
and though the enemy during the forepart of the night attempted several times to advance his line
he was promptly driven back.
An exceedingly sharp fire was maintained all night on both sides, until at 3.30 a.m. the 21st
[22d] the fire of the enemy began to cease. At daylight Major Johnson advanced a small party to
reconnoiter the rifle-pits in his front; found them deserted, and immediately advanced his entire
line, occupying a second and third line of works, and finding the enemy had disappeared. On
receiving notice from Major Johnson that the enemy's fire had ceased, I received orders from the
general commanding to move forward and occupy the enemy's works. I did so and sent forward a
skirmish line as far as Bentonville, under the charge of Lieut. Col. William Hanna, who, finding
no enemy, and other forces coming up, returned to the command. The casualties in my command
during the two days were 2 men killed and 20 wounded. Four prisoners were taken as my
command entered the enemy's works. In accordance with orders, at 5 p.m. moved back onto the
ground I occupied in the morning and encamped. March 23, moved forward and struck the road
to Goldsborough, over which the command marched on the 19th. Marched twelve miles and
encamped. March 24, moved from camp at 7 a.m.; crossed the Neuse River on pontoon bridge,
just below the crossing of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. Entered and marched through
Goldsborough at 1 p.m., passing in review before Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, and went into camp
two miles from the city on the New Berne railroad. Whole distance marched, 500 miles.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. HURLBUT,
Lieutenant-Colonel Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding.
Capt. L. H. EVERTS,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865.
SIR: In compliance with circular No. 12, headquarters Third Brigade, Fourth Division,
Fifteenth Army Corps, calling for an official report of movements and operations of my
command during the campaign from Savannah to this point, I have the honor to make the
following report:
On the 27th of January, 1865, this detachment of the regiment (Companies A, B, H, and K),
then under command of Lieut. Col. II. Perrin, in pursuance to orders from the colonel
commanding the brigade, moved from its camp on the Thunderbolt road, near Savannah, Ga., in
company with the rest of the brigade, at 8 a.m., and continued in advance of the division,
repairing roads, until the third day, when the brigade, being rejoined by the remainder of the
division, the detachment moved in its place in the brigade and division, doing the ordinary duties
of the campaign. February 18, entered Columbia, S. C., and on the 19th, the division having gone
to destroy the ----- railroad, the detachment moved to rejoin it, in charge of the ordnance and
ambulance trains, reaching the division on the same day at Hopkins' Turnout, distant fourteen
miles from Columbia. February 23, Lieutenant-Colonel Perrin, by order of Brevet Major-General
Corse, commanding division, assumed command of the mounted detachment of the regiment
detached from the brigade, since which time I have commanded the portion of the regiment
remaining. On February 25, after going into camp at Pine Tree Church, the detachment was
ordered to break camp at 7 p.m. and report to Lieutenant-Colonel Van Sellar, commanding
Twelfth Illinois Infantry, and moved in company with the Twelfth and Fifty-second Illinois
Infantry to cover a bridge and cross-roads from the approach of the enemy's cavalry. Went into
camp about three miles from the point of starting, and rejoined the brigade at 7 a.m. on the
following day. February 26, the detachment forded Lynch's Creek, and was ordered on the
70
skirmish line at 3 p.m., two miles in advance of the division, remaining there without incident or
casualty until 5.30 p.m., when it returned and went into camp.
On March 4 passed through the town of Cheraw and encamped three miles north of the town,
and on the following day, March 5, was ordered into the town, where the detachment, together
with the rest of the brigade, were placed on duty as provost guards, and assisted in extinguishing
fires which had broken out in the buildings neighboring the rebel hospital occupying the City
Hall. March 7, in compliance with orders from colonel commanding the brigade, picketed the
Florence and Camden roads with two companies, and acted as rear guard, covering the crossing
of the brigade over Great Pedee River, and were the last troops in the town, burning several
buildings containing cotton, and deployed fifteen men, under Captain Gillson, Seventh Illinois
Infantry, on the west bluff of the river, to cover the taking up of the pontoon bridge, which was
accomplished at 12 m. March 12, command encamped within two miles of Fayetteville, N. C.,
and remained two days, and on the 14th crossed Cape Fear River at 12 m., and continued without
incident to move with the column till about 12 m. on the 20th instant. The brigade being in
column of regiments in support of the First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, which was engaging
the enemy on the road leading to the town of Bentonville from the east, about four miles from
that place the detachment, under orders from the colonel commanding the brigade, moved by the
flank on the left flank of the brigade. As the enemy's position was developed the brigade was
deployed and my command was moved to the opposite flank and deployed as skirmishers,
extending in line to the right and front of the brigade to a swamp which separated me from the
skirmishers of the enemy. The detachment remained in this position for three hours, when it was
recalled and posted in line, its left resting on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, where, in
compliance with orders from the colonel commanding the brigade, I threw up intrenchments and
went into camp for the night at 5 p.m.
On the following day (21st instant), about 10 a.m., the line was ordered to advance, and at a
distance of two hundred yards threw up a new line of works, my right being thrown forward so
that my line extended relatively farther to the front than in my former position. At 3 p.m. I
received orders from the brigade commander to relieve the skirmishers of the Fiftieth Illinois
Infantry, then occupying the outer works of the enemy, and to hold those rifle-pits at all hazards.
I accordingly moved with my whole command, seventy men in all (principally armed with the
Henry repeating rifle), to the swamp on the farther side of which those pits were located, and
found that our skirmishers had withdrawn from them, and that they were reoccupied by the
enemy in force. The enemy immediately opened a galling fire upon me, under which I, however,
deployed my men as skirmishers, and returned his fire. The left of my line succeeded in getting
over the swamp, but was afterward somewhat withdrawn to allow artillery uninterrupted play
upon the enemy's position. Two companies of the Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry were ordered to
my support, and intrenched themselves 150 paces in my rear. My men also threw up detached
rifle-pits for their own protection. The enemy attempted several times to advance his lines, but
was driven back with little trouble. An exceedingly sharp fire was kept up, however, by both
sides during the entire night, until 3.30 o'clock on the morning of the 22d, when the enemy's fire
entirely ceased. At daylight I ordered a party over the swamp to reconnoiter the rifle-pits in my
front, which were found deserted; and I immediately advanced my whole line, occupying a
second and third line of works, and finding the enemy had disappeared. I picked up only two
prisoners and a few small-arms in my front. My command was then relieved by the Thirty-ninth
Iowa Infantry, and I was ordered into camp just outside the enemy's second line of
intrenchments, where I remained until the detachment took up the line of march for this point,
where it arrived at 3 p.m. on the 24th instant, and has since remained, throwing up intrenchments
and building quarters.
71
During the engagement and throughout the entire campaign the officers and men of my
command have invariably displayed a cheerful patience and intelligent courage above all praise.
Since leaving Savannah the detachment has built probably three miles of corduroy road.
Following is a list of casualties in the detachment during the campaign.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ED. S. JOHNSON,
Major Seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Detachment.
Lieut. FRED. MOTT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. THIRTY-NINTH IOWA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,
Near Goldsborough, N. C., March 26, 1865.
Pursuant to requirement of Circular, No. 12, from headquarters Third Brigade, Fourth
Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, of date March 26, 1865, I have the honor to report that on the
27th day of January, 1865, my regiment, composing a part of the above-named brigade, broke
camp and marched out of Savannah, Ga., on the road-bed of the Ogeechee railroad. When we
had marched about four miles from the city we commenced building causeway. From this point
we continued to build causeway from day to day until arriving at this point, on the 24th day of
March, 1865. The regiment marched during this campaign 500 miles.
The casualties of the regiment during the above campaign are as follows: 2 enlisted men died
of disease, 1 enlisted man wounded; no other casualties or losses of any kind.
The regiment constructed during the entire march about four miles of causeway, from one to
one mile and a half of which was made during the time the regiment was detached, reporting to
Brevet-Brigadier General Woods, as train guard from Fayetteville to Falling Waters.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
I. D. MARSH,
Captain, Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. FRED. MOTT,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 4th Div., 15th Army Corps.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FIRST DIV., 17TH ARMY CORPS,
Rivers' Bridge, February 4, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report that the brigade under my command moved from
camp in the field, twenty-one miles north of Pocotaligo, on the Barnwell road, at 7 a.m. on the 2d
instant in the advance of the division, the Twenty-fifth Indiana being on the skirmish line, having
four companies deployed. When about a mile from camp the enemy's pickets were struck, and a
cavalry force of at least one large regiment was driven steadily for about three miles. At one time
they formed in line of battle, and at another point strove to turn out right by a sudden charge, but
were promptly repulsed with loss, three falling at a single discharge. The Twenty-fifth followed
the retreating enemy down the road to Broxton's Bridge, holding position there until relieved at
sunset by a regiment of the Fourth Division. When the Twenty-fifth moved down the Broxton's
Bridge road the Thirty-second Wisconsin was brought to the front and held the road forward
during the demonstration on the right. On advancing the enemy were found in force, barricaded
and stubborn. They were driven rapidly, however, the regiment in echelon by division, on the
double-quick, in connection with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, driving them forward, affording no
time for rally or resistance. At the point where the Rivers' Bridge road turns to the right I was
ordered to clear the road forward for half a mile and hold position there. This was done and the
72
brigade went into camp, covering the junction of the roads. The Fifteenth Iowa reported to me in
the evening from General Smith's division and was placed on the left of my line.
On the morning of the 4th I was ordered into the swamp of the Salkehatchie, two regiments,
the Thirty-second Wisconsin and Twenty-fifth Indiana, taking the left of the Rivers' Bridge road
and the Tenth Illinois the right. The enemy were strongly posted on the opposite bank, heavy
earth-works of four guns completely raking the road for nearly half a mile. After a wearisome
file through the swamp of about half a mile I established the brigade on the banks of the first
branch of the river, which appears to run in three channels, all unfordable. Here I deployed three
companies of the Thirty-second Wisconsin as skirmishers, also placing a picked force of fifteen
men, under Lieutenant Johnston, in a rifle-pit in the road, within 200 yards of the rebel battery,
with instructions to keep down the enemy's gunners. This last duty was handsomely executed by
the trusty officer in command. Shortly after this, by your order, I sent three more companies to
the skirmish line, doubling its strength. Their progress was exceedingly difficult, through water
sometimes waist-deep, and exposed to a close and accurate fire. They crossed the two branches
of the river on logs without severe loss, and about 12 o'clock Lieutenant-Colonel Carleton
reported that he had made a crossing of the third and last channel, about 800 yards above, and
asked for additional men. The remaining three companies of the regiment were sent to him by
the adjutant in my temporary absence, and on learning the importance of this movement I moved
up with the Twenty-fifth Indiana. The progress was very slow, the troops being compelled to
move singly and at intervals, crossing two streams on a single log and picking their way through
the tangled undergrowth. The Twenty-fifth Indiana formed in line of battle, with a part of the
Thirty-second, withdrawn from the skirmish line on the left. I had made two advances with the
main line of about 100 yards each when General Fuller came up with the First Brigade and
directed my command to halt while he formed the First Brigade on the left. The ammunition of
the skirmishers getting low I was compelled to add a company of the Twenty-fifth. The enemy
was being all this time steadily pressed back, but with severe loss to us. Hearing that dry ground
was in sight ahead, and at the same time receiving an order from you to advance, I did so at once,
sending word to General Fuller that I had been ordered to move and was in motion, and, clearing
the skirts of the swamp, drove the enemy over a large open field, securing our lodgment and the
vacating of the works on the right. Pressing up as directed to the abandoned fort I found there
two companies, being the advance of the Tenth Illinois, which had crossed early in the afternoon,
and though unable to move farther had gallantly sustained their position on the northern bank
and entered the fort when our advance on the left had forced its abandonment by the enemy. The
directions given by you to that regiment to move in connection with the advance of the left of the
brigade were fully, and I trust satisfactorily, carried out by its efficient commander.
I mention with pleasure the conduct of officers and men, marked as it was by courage,
enterprise, and endurance under singularly trying and difficult circumstances. The action of my
brigade staff was all that I could wish, and to regimental commanders, Lieutenant-Colonels
Carleton and Wright and Captain Gillespie; also to the officers in charge of the skirmishers,
Majors Burrows and Crenshaw and Captain Race, high praise is due. Colonel Carleton's
dispositions were excellent. Permit me also to mention our obligation to Lieutenant Christensen,
whose conduct and suggestion contributed so much to our early crossing and successful
lodgment.
Our loss has been 1 commissioned officer killed and 2 wounded, 8 enlisted men killed and 74
wounded (several of whom have since died), and 1 man captured. Many of the enemy were left
dead on the field; 14 prisoners were taken. I append a tabular statement of casualties.
JOHN TILLSON,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
73
Lieut. CHARLES CHRISTENSEN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., Seventeenth Army Corps.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
I have the honor to report the following operations of the troops under my command during
the campaign through South and North Carolina just closed by the occupation of Goldsborough:
On Friday, January 6, my division embarked on transports at Thunderbolt Landing, six miles
below Savannah, and arrived at Beaufort the next day. January 13, by order of Maj. Gen. F. P.
Blair, it moved with the Seventeenth Army Corps toward Pocotaligo, crossed the river at Port
Royal Ferry, next day advanced to Garden's Corners, where the enemy were intrenched. After
skirmishing for some time they were driven back and followed closely to Pocotaligo, where we
arrived about dark and went into position, and at daylight next morning found the enemy's works
were evacuated. Remained at this point getting supplies and awaiting the arrival of the remainder
of the army until January 29, when we moved in a northwesterly direction.
On Thursday, the 2d of February, the Seventeenth Army Corps arrived at Rivers' Bridge
across the Salkehatchie River. The First Division in the advance skirmished heavily with the
enemy all day, driving them across the river; they were strongly intrenched on the opposite side,
and also at Broxton's Bridge, five miles below. The river was bordered on each side by a wide
and almost impenetrable swamp, crossed by a long causeway and a succession of bridges, the
former of which, being burned, rendered the crossing in front of the enemy impossible. In
accordance with orders received from Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 3, I
proceeded with my division to cross the Salkehatchie River and Swamp between Broxton's and
Rivers Bridges. Two regiments of my command, the Fifty-third Indiana and Thirteenth Iowa,
were, by General Blair's order, left at Broxton's Bridge to keep up an appearance of crossing at
that point. The apparently impassable swamp had been reconnoitered by fifty men from the
Thirty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Captains Sinclair and
Johnson, sent out by Brig. Gen. B. F. Potts, commanding First Brigade, early in the morning. A
point was found where the river by spreading out into several channels, making a swamp about
one mile and a half wide, could be forded, the water being from three to four feet deep. The head
of the division entered this swamp at 2 o'clock, and reached the opposite side about 3.30, but
owing to the difficulties to be surmounted in its passage the command was not all over until
about 5 o'clock. The enemy's skirmishers had been driven back and a line of battle formed in an
open field beyond. Brisk skirmishing from the direction of Broxton's Bridge was then opened on
the right of my line and kept up with more or less spirit until dark. This, with the lateness of the
hour, prevented my moving to Rivers' Bridge to co-operate with General Mower, as directed by
General Blair. The movement compelled the evacuation of Broxton's Bridge, and General
Mower had in the meantime effected a crossing above Rivers' Bridge and driven the enemy from
that point. Early next morning, by General Blair's order, the division marched up to that place,
taking up and intrenching a position on the right of General Mower. On the 6th instant we moved
to the Little Salkehatchie, and on Tuesday, February 7, advanced to Midway, cutting the South
Carolina Railroad at that point. The enemy were very active in burning bridges and blockading
the roads along our entire route, skirmishing at every creek, swamp, or river. Thursday, February
9, crossed the South Fork of the Edisto, and on the 11th reached the North Fork. The enemy were
again intrenched on the opposite side and the bridge burned. Next morning the Third Division
effected a crossing a few miles below, when the enemy fell back. I pushed over my skirmishers
through the swamps up to the waist, and advanced them into Orange-burg, the Third Division
arriving immediately after. I caused the bridge to be repaired, and crossed my command during
74
the afternoon. Monday, February 13, marched fourteen miles, destroying the Columbia Branch
Railroad as we advanced. By General Blair's order I detached Brig. Gen. B. F. Potts' brigade to
the Congaree River to destroy the railroad bridge. The Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry were
dispatched by General Blair on the same errand. The enemy were driven across the bridge, which
they burned to evade pursuit.
Before noon of Thursday, February 16, moved up to the Congaree River, opposite Columbia,
the enemy having crossed the night previous, burning all the bridges behind them. The next
morning, February 17, while the remainder of the army were laying pontoons across Saluda and
Broad Rivers, three miles above town, Brig. Gen. W. W. Belknap, commanding Third Brigade,
crossed over the Thirteenth Iowa, Lieut. Col. J. C. Kennedy, in a small flat-boat that he had fitted
up for the purpose, and driving the rear-guard of the enemy from the town, entered and planted
their colors upon both the old and new capitols in advance of all other troops; a portion of the
Thirty-second Illinois, Capt. J. J. Rider, was also crossed. Remained near Columbia, destroying
railroads, until the 20th, when the march was continued to Winnsborough and the railroad
destroyed to that place; then turned in an easterly direction toward Cheraw, where the corps
arrived on Friday, March 3. The advance division, General Mower's, drove the enemy out of
their works at Thompson's Creek and across Great Pedee, they again burning the bridge behind
them. As soon as pontoons were laid we crossed the Great Pedee, and continued our march, the
roads being very muddy on account of the heavy rains; crossed Beaver Dam Creek, Gum
Swamp, and Little Pedee River into North Carolina, thence toward Fayetteville, crossing
Lumber River, Raft Swamp, the Great and Little Rockfish Creek, nearly all the bridges being
destroyed.
On Saturday, March 11, after building the bridge and crossing Little Rockfish Creek, Lieut.
Col. J. J. Hibbets, Thirty-second Ohio Infantry, with 200 mounted men, being detachments
belonging to nearly all the regiments in the division, including Lieut. A. J. Gillespie's mounted
detachment, was ordered forward to Fayetteville, seven miles distant. After skirmishing and
driving the enemy three miles, they, aided by the escort of General Howard, who were also
ordered forward, cleared the town of General Wheeler's cavalry, driving them across the Cape
Fear River. They were within 200 yards of the bridge when it was fired by the enemy, but it was
so prepared for burning by covering it with resin that it was impossible to save it. By this time I
had reached the city building with the head of my column, the authorities having just surrendered
the town to Lieutenant-Colonel Strong, of General Howard's staff. I was ordered by General
Howard to send a regiment to aid in saving the bridge, but it arrived too late to effect that object.
General Slocum's troops having now entered the town from the west, I was ordered to move my
command to a good position outside of town and go into camp. On Monday, March 13, crossed
Cape Fear River on pontoon bridges and South River on the 16th. The heavy rains overflowed
the swamps and the muddy condition of the roads considerably retarded our movements. The
whole command was frequently required to build roads for the movement of the trains. Monday,
the 20th, we moved to Bentonville, eighteen miles to our left, and took up a position on the right
of the Fifteenth Corps, confronting the combined armies of Generals Johnston, Beauregard,
Hardee, and Hampton. The next day considerable fighting took place, some of the enemy's works
being carried, and they were so closely pressed at all points that they evacuated during the night.
This successful movement closed the campaign. Orders were received to move to
Goldsborough, where we arrived on the 24th of March and where we are now encamped.
My division left Pocotaligo, S. C., on the 29th day of January with eighteen days' rations of
bread and ten days' of fresh and salt meat. The campaign lasted fifty-five days; sufficient bread
for one day was procured at Fayetteville. On arriving at Goldsborough I had more meat than I
75
started with and three days' bread on hand, having gathered sufficient stores from the country to
subsist my troops for thirty-nine days. A large number of horses and mules were also captured.
My thanks are due to my brigade commanders, Brig. Gens. W. W. Belknap and B. F. Potts,
for their energy and cordial co-operation throughout, and the officers and men, though greatly in
need of shoes and clothing during the latter part of the march, have borne with great patience
and cheerfulness all the trials and hardships incident to such a campaign.
A list of casualties is herewith transmitted.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GILES A. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding.
Capt. C. CADLE, Jr.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 17TH ARMY CORPS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 25, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following brief report relative to the movement of
this brigade on the late campaign:
Leaving Savannah on the 6th of January, it moved from Pocotaligo on the 29th of the same
month, and entered Orangeburg on February 12, and Columbia, the capital of the State of South
Carolina, on the 17th of February. Camped near Cheraw, S. C., on March 3, near Fayetteville, N.
C., on March 11, and entered Goldsborough, N. C., on March 24, having been transported sixty
miles, and marched 484 miles, corduroying the road, rebuilding bridges, and traveling much of
the distance through swamps, which had to be waded by the men.
On February 7 the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, under Lieut. Col. Ben. Beach, marched from
Midway to the bridge over the Edisto River, which was defended by the rebels, and compelled
them to evacuate their position and destroy the bridge.
On February 16 [17] a detachment of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, under the command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy, accompanied by Lieuts. William H. Goodrell and H. C. McArthur,
of the Fifteenth Iowa, of my staff, crossed the Congaree River to Columbia, while a portion of
the enemy were in the city, marched through town and planted, in advance of all others, the
colors of that regiment on both the old and new capitol buildings. Colonel Kennedy and his men
deserve great credit for the successful accomplishment of this movement.
On March 20, near Bentonville, N. C., the brigade went into position, and on the 21st, a new
line being established, the skirmish line was ordered to advance, which it did, driving rebel
skirmishers from their pits, and actually charging a heavy line of battle of the enemy, only
retiring when opposed by an overwhelming force. Our loss on the skirmish line was twenty-five.
Few fields show more traces of severe fighting than the ground occupied by this gallant line.
My thanks are especially due Lieut. W. H. Goodrell, brigade picket officer, for the manner in
which he handled his men on that day.
On the campaign, the following amount of railroad has been destroyed: February 8, 3 miles
of South Carolina Railroad, between Midway and the Edisto River; February 13, 2 miles of
Columbia Branch South Carolina Railroad, near Orangeburg; February 18, 1 miles Charlotte
Railroad, between Columbia and Winnsborough; February 19, 1 mile Charlotte Railroad;
February 20, 1 mile same road; February 22, 2 miles same road. Total, 11 miles.
The duties of the campaign have been performed and the trials of the march endured
cheerfully by both officers and men, for which they all have my thanks.
A list of casualties on the campaign is inclosed herewith.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
76
WM. W. BELKNAP,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Brigade.
Capt. ADDISON WARE, Jr.,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Fourth Division, 17th Army Corps.
ADDENDA.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Columbia, S. C., February 17, 1865.
Brig. Gen. W. W. BELKNAP,
Commanding Third Brigade:
SIR: Allow me to congratulate you and, through you, Lieut. Col. J. C. Kennedy, Thirteenth
Iowa Veteran Volunteers, and the men under his command, for first entering the city of
Columbia on the morning of Friday, February 17, and being the first to plant his colors on the
capitol of South Carolina. While the army was laying pontoon bridges across the Saluda and
Broad Rivers, three miles above the city, Lieutenant-Colonel Kennedy, under your direction,
fitted up an old worn-out flat-boat capable of carrying about twenty men, and, accompanied by
Lieuts. H. C. McArthur and William H. Goodrell, of your staff, crossed the river in front of the
city and boldly advanced through its streets, sending back the boat, with another procured on the
opposite shore, for more troops; and on their arrival, with seventy-five men in all, drove a
portion of Wheeler's cavalry from the town, and at 11.30 a.m. planted his two stand of colors-one
upon the old and the other upon the new capitol. The swift current of the Congaree River and its
rocky channel rendered his crossing both difficult and dangerous, and the presence of the enemy,
but in what force unknown, rendered the undertaking still more hazardous. Lieutenant-Colonel
Kennedy and his regiment are entitled to great credit for its successful accomplishment.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GILES A. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., DIST. OF BEAUFORT,
In the Field, Wise's Forks, N. C., March 12, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the brigade
under my command during the operations of the 7th, 8th, and 9th, and battle of the 10th instant:
On the afternoon of the 7th the brigade was ordered into position, the left resting on the
Dover road and the right crossing and resting about 200 yards to the right of the Trent road.
During the evening works were erected by the command.
About 4 p.m. of the 8th instant I received orders from Brigadier-General Carter, commanding
the division, to advance my skirmishers and line of battle in connection with the brigade of
General Ruger's division on my right and to be governed by the movements of that command.
After advancing about 400 yards the command on my right halted and commenced erecting
works. I immediately followed the example and soon had a formidable earthwork completed. On
the morning of the 9th I received orders from the general commanding to erect works on the
Trent road.
Captain Howard, of the Third Battalion, and 150 men of the brigade were detailed for that
purpose. About 5.30 p.m. of the same day the enemy advanced a heavy line and attacked the
skirmishers of this brigade, who received them with a well-directed volley, driving them back in
confusion. In a few minutes they again attacked and drove in the skirmishers of the brigades on
my right and left. The captain commanding the skirmishers of this brigade, discovering that the
enemy had flanked his right, ordered his men to retire to the pits dug the night previous. This fact
77
having been reported to the general commanding, I was ordered to regain the advance rifle-pits,
which was done about 9 o'clock in the evening.
About 1.30 o'clock of the 10th the enemy attacked and again drove in the skirmishers of the
brigades on my right and left, compelling my skirmishers to fall back to the inner line of riflepits
to avoid being outflanked. On discovering this I ordered the artillery to sweep the front of
the command with shell, which checked the enemy's advance. About 2.30 o'clock the enemy
again charged and finally succeeded in driving in the skirmishers of the brigade, who fell back to
the main works. I at once ordered the gun commanding the Dover road to open with shell and
two companies to the right and left of it to open with musketry, which completely repulsed the
enemy, who did not again attempt an attack. The detail of 150 men with Captain Howard from
this brigade was held in reserve by the general commanding. On the attack being made on the
extreme left by the enemy, Captain Howard with his command was ordered to the left of the
division, arriving there in time to assist in the repulse of the enemy on that flank.
During the engagement I was sparing of my ammunition, having but thirty-five rounds to the
man and not knowing when more might be received.
I take pleasure in mentioning the following-named officers who behaved with distinguished
gallantry on all occasions: First Lieut. W. P. L. Muir, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, acting
assistant adjutant general of the brigade; Capt. Charles H. Haskin, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, acting assistant inspector-general of the brigade; Maj. Carlos C. Cox, Fourteenth
Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Capt. William Howard, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and
Lieut. Col. D. D. Scott, Seventeenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
Very respectfully,
A. G. MALLOY,
Col. 17th Wisconsin Veteran Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Capt. H. H. THOMAS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Division.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 16.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Beaufort, S. C., January 18, 1865.
III. So much of Special Field Orders, No. 11, of date January 13, 1865, from these
headquarters, as relieves Col. M. C. Garber as chief quartermaster, Department of the Tennessee,
being inconsistent with orders from the War Department, is hereby revoked and made void.
IV. The necessities of the service require that the negroes employed in the engineer,
commissary, and quartermaster's departments of this army should not be molested by recruiting
parties for colored organizations. Recruiting parties are, therefore, expressly prohibited from
recruiting any such employe in this army. If taken in violation of these orders he will be
reclaimed, and the person recruiting him arrested and dealt with accordingly. To prevent
mistakes officers employing negroes will furnish them with certificates showing by whom and
how employed.
V. The Seventieth Regiment Ohio Infantry Volunteers will for the present remain in town for
the purpose of furnishing details for guard and fatigue duty, relieving the Thirty-first Iowa and
Twenty-sixth Illinois infantry therefrom, which regiments, on being relieved, will report to their
respective brigade commanders. The commanding officers Seventieth Ohio will at once ascertain
from Captain Bogert, provost-marshal of the district, the detail required for provost duty and
furnish the same, holding the balance of his command subject to detail from these headquarters,
or Captain Woodward, acting assistant quartermaster, for fatigue duty.
78
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard:
SAML. L. TAGGART,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 3.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT AND
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE,
Beaufort, S. C., January 20, 1865.
Col. James Wilson, Thirteenth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers, is announced as provostmarshal-
general of this department and army. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By order of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard:
SAML. L. TAGGART,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 9.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIV., 17TH ARMY CORPS,
Pocotaligo, S. C., January 28, 1865.
I. The movement contemplated for Monday, the 30th instant, will commence to-morrow.
This division will move at 1 p.m. Sunday, the 29th instant, about five miles on the road running
parallel to and west of the Salkehatchie River.
II. Brig. Gen. W. W. Belknap, commanding Third Brigade, will have the advance. He will
move up the Eleventh and Thirteenth [Iowa] Regiments in the forenoon. The Sixteenth [Iowa]
has already been ordered to report in the morning.
III. Until further orders regimental and headquarters trains will follow their respective
brigades, ambulances their regiments, and division headquarters train the headquarters train of
the leading brigade; the pioneer train between the brigades; the supply train in the rear of the
division; the First Minnesota Battery in advance of the rear regiment of the leading brigade.
By order of Brig. Gen. Giles A. Smith:
AD. WARE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Hickory Hill Post-Office, S. C., February 1, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that during the skirmishing at Hickory Hill Post-Office
to-day, one man of the Ninth Iowa Veteran Infantry (Third Brigade), Sergt. Marshall House,
Company F, was severely wounded in the thigh; leg since amputated. No other casualties in this
division.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRED. H. WILSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Midway, S. C., February 7, 1865.
Capt. C. CADLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
79
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of orders from Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, the
Eleventh Iowa Infantry was ordered to the railroad bridge, and Lieutenant-Colonel Beach
commanding reports as follows:
He moved his regiment to the bridge, exchanged a few shots with the enemy, who
immediately fired the bridge. He then returned to camp.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GILES A. SMITH,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FOURTH DIV., I7TH ARMY CORPS,
February 7, 1865.
In pursuance of the within order, this command will move at 7 a.m. to-morrow. The pickets
of the Sixteenth Iowa will remain where they are until further orders.
By order of Brigadier-General Belknap:
O. D. KINSMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Midway, S. C., February 8, 1865.
Brig. Gen. W. W. BELKNAP,
Commanding Third Brigade:
In compliance with the within order you will bring the Eleventh Iowa and the Thirty-second
Illinois up and place them in the position assigned last night.
By order of Brig. Gen. G. A. Smith:
AD. WARE, JR.,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Orangeburg and Barnwell Cross. Roads, S. C.,
February 10, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that my command has effectually destroyed the following
amount of the Charleston and Augusta Railroad: First Brigade, Bvt. Brig. Gen. William B.
Woods commanding, four miles at and near Barnberg on the 7th and 8th instant; one mile, near
our present location, to-day, the 10th. This was road that had already been torn up, and I was
obliged to get the fuel. Second Brigade, Col. R. F. Cutterson, Ninety-seventh Indiana,
commanding, two miles near our present camp to-day, the 10th instant. Third Brigade, Co].
George A. Stone, Twenty-fifth Iowa, commanding, one mile and three-quarters near our present
camp to-day and yesterday; part of this had already been torn up. This brigade marched to
Blackville yesterday, the 9th, after having made the march from Barnberg to the present camp,
and destroyed one mile of the track as above reported. Total amount of track torn up, eight miles
and three quarters. The work was all thoroughly done, the ties being burned and the rails so
twisted they can be made of no service, and are worthless.
I am, major, very respectfully,
C. R. WOODS,
Brevet Major-General.
80
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 14.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, Cooper's Plantation, N. C.,
February 11, 1865.
I. In compliance with orders from corps headquarters the following-named officers are
hereby detailed to take charge of permanent details for the purpose of collecting forage and
subsistence from the country for the use of this command during the present campaign or until
further orders: For the First Brigade--Maj. Samuel Mahon, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry;
Capt. D. C. Smith, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. For the Second Brigade--Capt. David
S. Van Pelt, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; First Lieut. Perry F. Miller, Twelfth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry. For the Third Brigade--Capt. Henry Ahern, Seventh Illinois Volunteer
Infantry; First Lieut. F. R. Thurber, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Brigade commanders
will make details of enlisted men as follows, selecting the best disciplined non-commissioned
officers and privates for the duty, to report to the senior officer detailed for their respective
commands, viz: Brig. Gen. E. W. Rice (First Brigade), 4 sergeants, 8 corporals, and 88 privates;
Col. R. N. Adams (Second Brigade), 3 sergeants, 6 corporals, and 51 privates; Col. F. J. Hurlbut
(Third Brigade), 3 sergeants, 7 corporals, and 70 privates. The officers detailed for this duty will
be held strictly accountable for the acts of their men. They will be furnished with copies of all
orders issued from these and superior headquarters in regard to foraging, discharge of firearms,
&c., by their respective brigade commanders. The object of this order is to organize a system of
foraging by which our men can be supplied with what they actually need without the destruction
of private property or the unauthorized burning of houses, fences, &c. The numerous orders on
this subject will be sufficient to guide officers in all cases.
II. The troops composing this division will march at 6 a.m. sharp to-morrow, the 12th instant,
to Poplar Spring, in the following order, viz:
1. Third Brigade Infantry, Colonel Hurlbut commanding, with the battery and his own train,
one regiment being thrown in rear of same.
2. Trains in same order as to-day, the 11th instant, with above exception.
3. First Brigade Infantry, Brig. Gen. E. W. Rice commanding, who will move his troops by
the side of the supply and ordnance trains, instructing his regimental commanders to render
every assistance to officers in charge of trains repairing roads as they may require, &c.
4. Second Brigade Infantry, Col. R. N. Adams commanding, who will carry out instructions
in regard to stragglers.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. John M. Corse:
L. H. EVERTS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Columbia, S. C., February 17, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR,
Commanding Seventeenth Army Corps:
The colors of the Thirteenth Iowa were suspended over the capitol at 11 o'clock this
forenoon. National salute is now being fired by Captain Clayton, First Minnesota Battery, to
commemorate this event.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GILES A. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General.
81
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington City, February 21, 1865--2 p.m.
Major-General DIX,
New York:
This Department has received the official report of Major-General Gillmore, announcing the
surrender of the city of Charleston, S. C., to the U. S. forces under his command, at 9 o'clock on
Saturday morning, the 18th instant. Among the captured property are 200 pieces of good artillery
and a supply of fine ammunition. The enemy burned their cotton warehouses, arsenals,
quartermaster stores, railroad bridges, two iron-clads, and some vessels in the ship-yard.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
(Same to Governor Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa.; Governor Bradford, Annapolis, Md.; Governor
Fenton, Albany, N. Y.; Governor Andrew, Boston, Mass.; Governor Smith, Providence, R. I.;
Governor Buckingham, New Haven, Conn.; Governor Smith, Saint Albans, Vt.; Governor
Gilmore, Concord, N. H.; Governor Cony, Augusta, Me.; Governor Brough, Columbus, Ohio;
Governor Morton, Indianapolis, Ind.; Governor Oglesby, Springfield, Ill; Governor Stone,
Davenport, Iowa; Governor Lewis, Madison, Wis.; Governor of Michigan, Detroit; Governor
Fletcher, Saint Louis, Mo.; Governor Carney, Kansas City, Kans.)
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Fayetteville, N. C.,
March 12, 1865.
I. The general commanding takes pleasure in announcing to the army that he is now in
communication with Wilmington, a steam-tug having arrived. He will dispatch her with mail at 6
p.m. to-day, and have some essential supplies brought up, but we have another march to make
before reaching our true destination.
II. Lieut. S. H. M. Byers, Fifth Iowa Infantry, escaped prisoner, is detailed as bearer of
dispatches, and will proceed in the tug-boat now at the bridge to Wilmington and deliver his
dispatches, thence to General Grant, at City Point, and thence to Washington City, to report to
the Commissary-General of Prisoners for instructions.
By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman:
L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 43.
HDQRS. 4TH DIV., 15TH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, on Cape Fear River, N. C.,
March 14, 1865.
II. The troops of this division will march at 9 a.m. to-morrow, the 15th instant, in the
direction of Beaman's Cross-Roads, the First Brigade in advance, followed by the Second
Brigade, the Third Brigade in rear and closing the column. Trains as follows: Twelve wagons of
ordnance, followed by ambulances and hospital train, with brigade trains in rear of hospital train,
in same order as brigades. Headquarters teams of the division will enter the column of trains
wherever they may strike it; pioneer wagons in rear of all trains. The supply train and surplus
ordnance will remain in park in charge of Captain Benjamin, acting assistant quartermaster,
under guard of the Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, already detailed for that purpose, ready to join the
column to move in rear of the Seventeenth Corps. The officer in command of guard will report to
82
Colonel Fort, chief quartermaster of the corps, the position of the park early in the morning.
Troops will march by the side of the trains, as heretofore, with two regiments as an advance and
two as a rear guard.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. John M. Corse:
L. H. EVERTS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, near Little Cohera Creek, N. C., March 16, 1865.
Maj. MAX. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements and operations of
my command the 15th instant: Pursuant to orders from corps headquarters I broke camp at 9 a.m.
sharp and moved upon the Goldsborough road to the vicinity of South River, where the enemy
was developed upon the opposite bank, and immediately opened with artillery and small-arms,
the latter being from a pretty strong skirmish line holding a position in front of a wooded swamp
covered with water from two to four feet in depth. The enemy had rendered the bridge over the
main channel (which was about ten feet deep) impassable by removing the covering of the
bridge. Upon the arrival of the pontoon train, at 6 p.m., I placed two boats across the main
channel of the stream, and at 8 p.m. commenced crossing my infantry, who were compelled to
wade a distance of 200
yards through the swamp with water to the waist after leaving the boats. At 9.30 the Seventh
Iowa Infantry Volunteers succeeded in making a lodgment on high ground on the opposite bank,
and found the enemy had left his position, which this regiment immediately occupied. Upon
receiving intelligence of the flight of the enemy, I at once placed a detail at work on the bridge,
in order to have it in readiness for crossing my trains in the morning. My command has made a
march of ten miles.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. M. CORSE,
Brevet Major-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 18.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH DIVISION,
SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, N. C., March 18, 1865.
The general commanding wishes to convey to the officers and men under his command his
high appreciation of their zeal and industry during the present campaign. The labor required in
moving our trains during the wet weather and the bridges destroyed by the enemy, which it was
necessary to rebuild, has been very arduous, but performed with the utmost cheerfulness. He is
proportionately displeased with the conduct of the commanding officers of the two regiments,
Eleventh and Thirteenth Iowa, assigned to the train yesterday. Instead of using their force to
repair the roads and having the train in at 8 o'clock, as it should have been, they left it stuck in
the mud and moved their commands into camp. This culpable neglect not only delayed our own
train until near midnight, but was a great annoyance to the division moving in our rear. This
order will be read to the command as soon as practicable after its receipt.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Gen. Giles A. Smith:
[AD. WARE, JR.,]
Assistant Adjutant-General.
83
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
New Berne, N. C., March 18, 1865.
Maj. WILLIAM M. WHERRY, Senior Aide-de-Camp:
For the information of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to inform you that I
have made the following arrangements in regard to the troops from the south: The four
regiments of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, now at Morehead
City, I have thought best to leave there for General Easton, and in addition have offered to send
him a fraction of the Twenty-eighth Iowa, now here, if he needs them. This regiment belongs to
the Second Brigade of same division, but is less than half here; balance not yet arrived at
Morehead. The two regiments now en route to the front, repairing wagon roads (viz, One
hundred and twenty-eighth and One hundred and seventy-fifth New York), belong to the Third
Brigade, but I presume it will not be thought expedient to return them for the purpose of again
getting the brigade together. In addition to these two regiments of the Third Brigade I propose to
send two regiments of the Second Brigade, viz, Twenty-second Iowa and One hundred and
thirty-first New York, forward at once. The four regiments will then be under command of
Colonel Graham, Twenty second Iowa, now commanding Second Brigade, who, I am told, is a
good officer. The four regiments will amount to about 1,170 officers and men. The regiment now
on transports going forward to Kinston belongs to the Second Brigade. I think that with the few
troops doing post duty, the quartermaster's employees, and the negroes that could be commanded
in case of necessity, all the necessary work can be done here with sufficient rapidity. As soon as
the other regiments of the Second Brigade arrive (if they arrive at all), I will send them forward
unless otherwise ordered.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. W. SCHOFIELD,
Brevet Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Near Falling Creek Post. Office, N. C., March 19, 1865.
Maj. M. WOODHULL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifteenth Army Corps:
MAJOR: I have the honor to report the following as the operations of this division for the
day: Broke camp near Newton's Grove CrossRoads at 6 a.m. and moved in advance on
Goldsborough road, the advance of the command arriving at Falling Creek Post-Office at 11.30
a.m., at which point a halt was ordered to enable the First Brigade and a portion of the train
which had become mired at and beyond Falling Creek to close up on the advance. It being
reported that parties of the enemy were on our front, I sent one regiment of the Second Brigade
out about a quarter of a mile on the Cox's Bridge road, and one about three-quarters of a mile out
on the Goldsborough road as advance guards. Pickets were also thrown out on the left flank. At
about 2 p.m. I was ordered by Major-General Howard to cause one regiment to report to Lieut.
Col. William E. Strong, of his staff, to go out to near Cox's Bridge for the purpose of driving off
the enemy's picket post established at that point. I sent the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
am informed by one of my staff, who accompanied the regiment, they succeeded in developing
about 250 rebel cavalry, and in driving them back to within a quarter of a mile of Cox's Bridge.
At 3 p.m. I was ordered to encamp the division, and while attending to the same, orders were
received to send the remainder of the Second Brigade to the support of the Tenth Iowa, which,
learning it was in a dangerous position, I had ordered to fall back. This order, I was afterward
informed, was countermanded by Major-General Logan. The entire brigade is now encamped
84
near the First Division, at the Cox's Bridge and Everettsville cross-roads. At about the same time
that I was ordered to send the Second Brigade forward I was also ordered to change the position
of the First Brigade, and accordingly moved it forward about 500 yards and placed it in position
on the west side of and its right resting on the Cox's Bridge road, fronting north; artillery
immediately in rear of the center of the brigade. At 6.30 p.m. I was ordered to send one regiment
as an advance post out on the Goldsborough road, from which the regiment from the Second
Brigade had been taken during the p.m., and to place one regiment in rear of the left of the
remainder of the brigade covering approaches from the west, and at 8.45 p.m. to send two
companies out to Falling Creek bridge, one mile and a half from the picket post on the
Goldsborough road, all of which was complied with. Distance marched, fifteen miles.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. E. SMITH,
Brevet Major-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 32.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA,
ARMY OF THE OHIO,
New Berne, N. C., March 19, 1865.
I. Brig. Gen. H. W. Birge will send to Morehead City by rail the Twenty-second Iowa
Infantry and One hundred and thirty-first New York Infantry, to report for orders to Bvt. Brig.
Gen. L. C. Easton, chief quartermaster, Military Division of the Mississippi. The quartermaster's
department will furnish transportation.
By command of Major-General Schofield:
J. A. CAMPBELL,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
NEW BERNE, March 20, 1865.
Major-General SCHOFIELD,
Headquarters:
General Easton has called for troops and I have sent him the Twenty-second Iowa and One
hundred and thirty-first New York Regiments that I wrote you would go to the front. There is
only one regiment left here of the Nineteenth Corps.
G. W. SCHOFIELD,
Brigadier-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 11.
HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
In accordance with paragraph III, General Orders, No. 59, series of 1863, headquarters
Department and Army of the Tennessee, the following assignment of officers in the inspectorgeneral's
department of this army corps is hereby made:
Lieut. Col. S. D. Nichols, Fourth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, as acting assistant inspectorgeneral
of the corps, to report to the commanding general.
First Lieut. John S. Hardin, Fifty-ninth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, as acting assistant
inspector-general First Brigade, Third Division, to report to Brig. Gen. William T. Clark,
commanding brigade.
By command of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan:
MAX. WOODHULL,
85
Assistant Adjutant-General
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, Goldsborough, N. C., April 5, 1865.
General HALLECK:
DEAR GENERAL: I send by Sergeant Rose my report. I could not wait for subordinate
reports, but expect to get all in this week. We start on Monday or Tuesday for the Roanoke.
Johnston is between me and Raleigh, near Smithfield. My supplies have come up finely. I hope
you will read my report in connection with the map, and the orders sent to General Grant and
Adjutant-General, all of which I presume reached you. I think the march was made skillfully and
well. The bearer has some things for Mrs. Sherman, but I don't know if she is in Chicago or
South Bend. If John Sherman or Mr. Ewing are in Washington they will know. If you cannot put
him in possession of the means of finding out, please telegraph to Mrs. Sherman so that the
sergeant may go straight. We are all dead broke here; no paymaster, and none expected. The
sergeant has a furlough to go to Iowa. If you can give him an order of transportation, say to
Burlington, Iowa, or give him $41 and charge to me; I expect to turn up somewhere, and having
pay due since January 1, think my credit good for that amount. I like to hear from you.
Truly, your friend,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
MOREHEAD CITY, April 8, 1865--.4 p.m.
Brevet Major-General BIRGE,
New Berne:
One hundred and fifty-sixth New York Volunteers and Thirty-eighth Massachusetts
Volunteers have left by train for Goldsborough. Will follow with Twenty-fourth Iowa and One
hundred and thirty-first New York at daylight to-morrow.
N. W. DAY,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade
MOREHEAD, April 13, 1865.
Brig. Gen. I. N. PALMER,
New Berne:
The troops at this place are commanded by Col. Harvey Graham, Twenty-second Iowa
Volunteers, Second Brigade, First Division, Tenth Corps. The troops consist of the Fifty-fourth,
One hundred and fifty-ninth, and One hundred and seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, Twentysecond
and Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteers, Thirteenth Connecticut, and First North Carolina
Volunteers, and Fourteenth U.S. Colored Artillery, and number in effective strength 57
commissioned officers, 1,994 enlisted men.
L. C. EASTON,
Chief Quartermaster.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 34.
HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Washington, D. C., May 28, 1865.
At his own request Lieut. Col. S. D. Nichols, Fourth Iowa Volunteers, is hereby relieved
from duty as acting assistant inspector-general, Fifteenth Army Corps, and will assume
command of his regiment.
86
By order of Maj. Gen. William B. Hazen:
H. N. WHEELER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 37.
HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Washington City, May 31, 1865.
In order to comply with General Orders, No. 264, dated War Department, Adjutant-General's
Office, May 29, 1865, Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. S. Martin will take command of all regiments and
detachments belonging to this corps, which will be mustered out under the provisions of
telegraphic order dated War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, May 18, 1865, and will see
that all regiments, as fast as mustered, in compliance with circular of May 29, from headquarters
Military Division of the Mississippi, are placed en route for their respective rendezvous.
Detachments of men so mustered and belonging to regiments that remain in the field will be
placed in charge of an officer belonging to the first regiment from the same State that leaves
camp for the rendezvous. Commanding officers of the following regiments will report to Bvt.
Brig. Gen. J. S. Martin for orders: Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-sixth Iowa
Infantry Volunteers, Thirtieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry
Volunteers, One hundredth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry
Volunteers, Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry Volunteers, Twelfth Indiana Infantry Volunteers,
Sixty-sixth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, One hundred and
sixteenth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, One hundred and eleventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers,
One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Eighty-third Indiana Infantry
Volunteers, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Ninetieth Illinois Infantry Volunteers.
By order of Maj. Gen. William B. Hazen:
H. N. WHEELER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTHERN GEORGIA,
Augusta, Ga., June 26, 1865.
Maj. W. L. M. BURGER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the South:
I have acknowledged by telegram the instructions relative to General Orders, No. 177, War
Department, 1864. As I have no copy of said order I have the honor to request you will forward
one to me for my guidance. The number of troops which I have now at my disposal will be
sufficient if strict military discipline is kept up, but we certainly need all the officers and men
who are detailed from their commands. The Thirty-third U.S. Colored Troops needs its officers
to maintain good order and discipline. In stating this I do so on my own observation and the
request of its commanding officer. I inclose for the information of the major-general
commanding copy of provost-marshal's instructions respecting vagrants (white or black) and of
soldiers and colored persons being on the streets after 9 p.m. Since my arrival at this post I have
been scrupulously particular to protect the freed-men in every way. They have been recognized
by me and my officers to every right, and white citizens or soldiers who have abused them have
been severely punished. In every way the superintendent of freedmen, Mr. J. E. Bryant, has been
assisted and left without interference. In this I am now satisfied that I have not been particular
enough, and from my desire not to interfere have left the discipline of colored citizens in the
hands of irresponsible parties. The colored citizens wander around at all hours of the night, and
many in consequence have been robbed and abused by scoundrels dressed as U.S. soldiers.
87
Burglaries and robberies of houses and stores have been on the increase, and most of them traced
to idle negroes. I compel my soldiers to be in quarters at 9 o'clock, and shall compel colored
persons also who have not proper passes. The fatal stabbing of a white soldier of Thirteenth
Connecticut Volunteers by a negro has brought matters to a climax. This and my instructions
respecting vagrants (white and black) has been called oppressive. I can only state that it is
necessary, and if it is wrong or ill advised I can only request to be relieved, for unless it is
enforced I cannot do justice to myself nor the service in remaining in command of the post. A
check is needed or the place will be run over by a multitude of vagrant, idle persons who are
rapidly becoming thieves. I have to acknowledge the authority of the major-general commanding
to impose the tax for the necessary expenses of the post. Upon careful examination I think onehalf
of one per cent. will be sufficient, and that I trust may be reduced shortly, as all expenses are
kept at the minimum. A monthly statement of civil fund shall be forwarded to headquarters.
While I have carefully followed out General Sherman's order to assist the inhabitants to cultivate
their crops by leaving to them the poorest of the mules and gocarts which formerly belonged to
the C. S. quartermaster's department, I have still succeeded in collecting for the use of the troops
an ample train. Every post has wagons and mules, so that no expense is incurred by hire for
transportation of rations, &c., and having a good park on hand and at present not much for them
to do, I have telegraphed for instructions whether I shall from time to time hire them out at high
rates to private parties to haul cotton to the boats and flats. It would certainly bring a revenue in
to the Government and assist the movement of staples. I have not hired any out as yet, except in
one single instance of fifteen teams for one day on a lot of cotton in a dangerous position, when
the owner (T. T. Wright) could not obtain wagons elsewhere. In departing from my rule in this
instance I was guided solely by the exigencies of the case and the high character and stout Union
principles of Mr. Wright, who had been recommended highly to me by responsible persons from
headquarters as worthy of assistance for the persecution he had met with on account of his Union
sentiments. I state the case thus plainly because I have in all other cases refused to have captured
or Government teams used for private goods until my instructions would permit. I inclose papers
respecting the Confederate Government and cotton-press at this post, Copy of contract, &c.
Before leasing I wrote to the commanding officer of the District of Savannah whether I should
lease it for the benefit of the Government. He authorized me to do so. You will notice that the
lease (paper A)is made subject to be canceled by the commanding officer of District of
Savannah, his successor, or by higher authority. It is, therefore, so that the major-general can
take action on it at any time. Since that time a claimant appeared. I inclose copy of claim (B),
with indorsement. I referred him to the department headquarters, as in my opinion it had not been
thoroughly investigated in behalf of the Government. I inclose copies of papers (C, D, and E)
which tend to prove it to have been Confederate property, and that Mr. Baldwin's claim is not a
just one; and I would further state that additional proofs can be advanced showing that the
Confederate Government paid for the press, &c. Feeling myself justified in my course I shall
retain possession until it is otherwise decided by the major-general commanding. I have used the
press for Government cotton, and it is being properly worked on the lease. I regret that the
conduct of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry in passing through this district was such as reflects disgrace
on both officers and men; discharging their firearms, &c. While passing the camp of the Thirtythird
U.S. Colored Troops they fired on the officers and men; and on another occasion firing so
as to cause a colored woman to lose her arm; likewise committing robberies, &c. I did not
succeed in arresting the guilty parties.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD L. MOLINEUX,
Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
88
HEADQUARTERS POST LEWISBURG,
Lewisburg, Ark., January 27, 1865.
About the 1st day of January scouts reported a force of the enemy at Dardanelle and Beatty's
Mill, near Petit Jean Creek. Scouting parties were sent to Galla Rock and Norristown to prevent
the enemy from crossing to north side of river. On the 10th instant the enemy were reported as
moving on Perryville, evidently for the purpose of crossing the Fourche la Fare at that place, en
route south, or to move onto the river bank at some point between Lewisburg and Little Rock,
for the purpose of capturing transports with supplies on the way to Fort Smith. To prevent either
movement being successful, I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, Eleventh U.S. Colored, with
150 men of his regiment, and detachment of Third Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Gibbons
commanding, to Perryville. The cavalry arrived at that place on the morning of the 11th, and
ascertained that the enemy were encamped within a few miles of that place, and that they could
not reach Perryville on account of high water, Fourche la Fare bottom being overflowed.
Lieutenant-Colonel Steele's command returned to Lewisburg on the evening of the 11th. On the
night of the 12th instant I ordered Lieutenant Wylie, Third Arkansas Cavalry, to proceed with
fifty dismounted men of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, and fifty infantry of the Eleventh U.S.
Colored, on steamer Alamo, to land on west side of Petit Jean Creek; if the landing be effected
safely, to send steamer, with flat-boats, to north side of river, to cross detachment of Third
Arkansas Cavalry. The landing was effected safely, and cavalry crossed on morning of 13th.
Same evening Major Jenks, First Iowa Cavalry, commanding detachment of dismounted men of
Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, namely, 276 men, reported for duty. They arrived on
steamers Ad. Hines and Lotus. I ordered the major to proceed with steamers and his command up
river till arriving at the Alamo, where he would learn from Lieutenant Wylie if it was safe for the
steamers to proceed; if so, to disembark his command at Norristown, the steamers to push on to
Fort Smith. At 10 p.m. the steamers Annie Jacobs and Chippewa arrived, with one section of the
Second Kansas Battery, Lieutenant Phillips commanding. I sent them forward immediately, with
orders to report to Major Jenks, near Galla Rock. I had calculated that Lieutenant-Colonel
Steele's movement toward Perryville would keep the enemy in that vicinity for a short time, and
that before they would learn of his withdrawal and of the subsequent move up the river sufficient
time would be gained to enable the boats to pass Dardanelle in safety. At the same time I felt
assured the enemy would move onto the river at or above Dardanelle as soon as they learned of
the boats passing Lewisburg, and unless checked at or near Dardanelle would overtake the boats
before they could reach Spadra. The arrival of the section of artillery decided me in ordering
Major Jenks to occupy Dardanelle with his command. He did so, landing his forces at 10 o'clock
the morning of the 14th instant, the last of the fleet passing there at 12 m. At 2 o'clock same date
the enemy, 1,500 strong, and one piece of artillery, under the command of Colonels Brooks,
Stirman, and Newton, attacked the place. Major Jenks placed his men in the stockade, and after
four hours' hard fighting the enemy withdrew, completely whipped. Our loss during the
engagement was 1 killed, 15 wounded, and 2 missing. Enemy's loss, 1 commissioned officer
killed, and about 80 men killed and wounded. Major Jenks speaks in the highest terms of the
officers and men under his command, all doing gallant service. The artillery, under the direction
of Lieutenant Phillips and Lieutenant Campbell, Third U.S. Cavalry (acting adjutant), being
skillfully handled, firing 164 rounds. Expecting the attack to be renewed next morning, Major
Jenks called for re-enforcements and supply of ammunition. I immediately ordered Major
Mason, with sixty men, Third Arkansas Cavalry, with supply of ammunition, to report to Major
Jenks as soon as practicable; also Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, with 100 men, of the Eleventh U.S.
Colored Infantry, in wagons, to follow as rapidly as possible; and, placing everything at
89
Lewisburg in proper position, proceeded to Dardanelle, arriving there the same day. The enemy
did not renew the attack, but proceeded up the south side of the river after the boats; but they
were too late, the boats being beyond their reach. On the morning of the 15th instant Lieutenant-
Colonel Cooper, with Fortieth Iowa Infantry and one section of Fifth Ohio Battery, arrived on
steamer from Little Rock and reported for duty, and were immediately set to work throwing up
intrenchments. On the 15th scouts reported the enemy as re-enforced and approaching in four
directions to attack on the morning of the 16th instant. Every preparation was made for their
reception. On their arriving within twelve miles of our lines they retraced their steps, crossing the
Petit Jean near Danville, moving in a southerly direction. On the 19th dispatches received from
Colonel Judson, commanding U.S. forces at Clarksville, reporting the attack by the enemy on
steamers near Ivey's Ford, and capture and destruction of the steamer Chippewa, and remainder
of fleet in perilous position, on the morning of the 20th instant, at 4 o'clock, sent Captain
Hamilton, with sixty men of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, to go through to the boats, render what
assistance he could, and, if possible, bring any or all of them down. To cover this move I ordered
Lieutenant-Colonel Cooper, with Fortieth Iowa Infantry and one piece of artillery, to Chickalah;
at same time sent force of fifty infantry to follow Captain Hamilton twelve miles and return. The
movement was entirely successful, Colonel Cooper breaking up their rendezvous near Chickalah
and destroying 1,200 bushels of wheat stored there for the use of the enemy. Captain Hamilton
returned on the evening of the 21st instant, having met near the boats Colonel Williams' brigade
of colored troops on way from Fort Smith to Little Rock. On the night of the 24th Newton's
regiment returned to Boggs' Mills (twelve miles from Dardanelle) to grind flour and leave before
sunrise. At midnight sent Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, with Eleventh U.S. Colored Infantry and
detachment Third Arkansas Cavalry, who succeeded in surprising the command, capturing the
flour, his papers, 18 horses, and 20 stand of arms. I remained at Dardanelle to cover the passage
of Colonel Williams' brigade and train, and evacuated the place on the morning of the 27th
instant.
Major Jenks, commanding forces during the engagement of the 14th instant, is entitled to
every praise for gallant conduct and the admirable manner in which he handled his troops on that
occasion, and for prompt and faithful discharge of duty on all occasions. Captain Giesler, Third
Wisconsin Cavalry, Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Wylie, Third Arkansas Cavalry, and
Lieutenant Campbell, Third U.S. Cavalry, are entitled to special mention as brave and efficient
officers.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. H. RYAN,
Colonel Third Arkansas Cavalry, Commanding.
Maj. JOHN LEVERING,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Arkansas and Seventh Army Corps.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., January 24, 1865.
MAJOR: On the 17th instant steamers Lotus, Chippewa, Ad. Hines, and Annie Jacobs left
Van Buren, Ark., each having on board a small scout under the command of a line officer. On
board of each steamer were a large number of refugees, also quite a number of officers. On the
Annie Jacobs, particularly, passengers and soldiers numbered about 500, en route for different
localities via this place. The Chippewa had the advance, the Annie Jacobs was next, the Lotus
followed, and the Ad. Hines brought up the rear. At about 4 p.m. on the 17th instant (Ivey's Ford,
eighteen miles above Clarksville) the Chippewa was discovered about one mile in advance, lying
at the south shore of the Arkansas, and a few moments later I was requested to examine her
through a field glass, when I immediately discovered that she was on fire in her center on the
90
main deck. I became at once satisfied of the presence of the enemy. Being the ranking officer on
board, I at once assumed the direction of affairs, giving the pilot orders to put on all steam and
go on, but the order had scarcely been given before the enemy opened on us with artillery. I
ordered the pilot to round to and proceed up the river. By the time the direction of the boat had
been changed we were opposite the first rebel gun. There being but little steam up,. and it being
impossible to get the boat out of the range of the guns in any reasonable time I directed the boat
to be landed on the north shore, which was accomplished under the most galling fire of the
enemy, having received fifteen shot and shell, which destroyed the heaters before we landed and
three after we reached the shore. In addition to the fire from the artillery a continuous fire from
small-arms was poured into us from the commencement of the action. One shell burst in the front
cabin, one immediately under the boiler, one at the right front of the pilot house, and two in the
hold. The most indescribable confusion prevailed on board among the passengers, especially the
female portion, and I ordered the landing of the boat, because it was impossible to get her out of
range of the artillery, and had we been any considerable distance from the shore we would have
floated into the hands of the enemy owing to the damage done to the machinery by the artillery,
and for the further reason that I hoped to save the two boats which were behind. The Lotus,
however, was so near that before we could warn her of the danger she was within range of the
artillery, and she also landed on the north side of the river; when, fearing an attack from that side
of the river, I proceeded up the beach with two men, and collected the disembarked soldiers of
the Lotus, and marched them to the line formed on the bank by those who had disembarked from
the Jacobs. Having restored order and made every possible preparation for the protection of the
boats, I at once started a messenger up the river-bank with a dispatch to General Thayer and
orders for the Ad. Hines not to approach, telling briefly of the danger, and sent to Clarksville for
re-enforcements. I also ordered a forage train, which happened to be within a few miles, with an
escort of over 100 men, to move to us at once; which order was promptly obeyed by Capt.
Thomas Stevenson, of the Fourteenth Kansas Cavalry, commanding.
The arrival of the train after dark was mistaken by the enemy for a battery from Clarksville,
and no doubt had something to do with their withdrawal before daylight on the morning of the
18th instant. In addition to the shells already mentioned, the Jacobs received two solid shots
through her pilot house, one back of the ladies' cabin, and several through her hold The Lotus
received two through her pilot house. Early on the morning of the 18th instant, a re-enforcement
of 350 men and two howitzers arrived from Col. William R. Judson's command at Clarksville,
and the steamer Ad. Hines, having failed to receive my dispatch, also arrived. The dispatch,
however, was received by General Thayer. From the released crew of the Chippewa I learned
that the enemy was 1,500 strong, with from two to four pieces of artillery, whereupon I sent the
steamers Ad. Hines and Lotus back to Fort Smith, with a request to General Thayer that he
would send the colored brigade, with which, in addition to our own forces, I proposed to cross
the river and rout the enemy before attempting to move the boats down, on the receipt of which
he promptly started the brigade down the south side of the river, under command of Colonel
Williams, Seventy-ninth U.S. Colored [Infantry], on the morning of the 19th instant, and the
brigade arrived opposite us on the afternoon of the 20th. On the morning of the 21st Colonel
Williams moved his command down the river to Patterson's Bluff, and on the afternoon of the
same day the steamers Hines and Lotus arrived from Fort Smith, upon which we embarked, and
proceeded down to Spadra or Clarksville Landing, leaving the steamer Annie Jacobs with her
bow on dry land, having failed in all our efforts to get her afloat, notwithstanding the continued
exertions of Captain Gear, assisted by a detail of all the soldiers he could use during the whole
time we remained. A guard was left with the Jacobs of 200 men and one howitzer of Colonel
Judson's command, with orders to have the machinery repaired and everything put in order for
91
moving, which I was informed by the engineer could be done in a very few days. On the 22d
Colonel Williams moved farther down the river, and we moved with the boats to Dardanelle
without receiving a shot from the enemy. At Dardanelle we learned from Colonel Ryan, Third
Arkansas Cavalry, that there was no enemy between that place and this. We therefore left
Dardanelle at daylight on the morning of the 23d and arrived here on the morning of the 24th
without further trouble. I recommend an investigation of the facts in relation to the surrender of
the steamer Chippewa, as I failed to ascertain any good reason why she could not have been
saved, and I am told she was surrendered before a shot struck her. About the time the fire of the
enemy was turned from the Jacobs to the Lotus the baggage of the passengers of the former was
ransacked and a great deal of money and other property stolen. The matter is being investigated,
under direction of Colonel Judson, by Lieutenant-Colonel Waugh, provost-marshal at
Clarksville. I cannot in justice close this report without mentioning the gallant conduct
throughout of Col. Charles W. Adams, of the Twelfth Regiment Kansas Volunteers, and Lieut.
Col. Owen A. Bassett, Second Regiment Kansas Volunteers, commanding, both of whom gave
me their full and faithful co-operation in all my efforts to save the boats, and displayed in an
eminent degree the qualifications of coolness and courage so essential to success.
The same can be justly said of every subordinate officer present, and I regret that I have not
their names. Prominent among the latter was Capt. C. O. Judson, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, who was
not deterred from doing his duty by either danger or fatigue. A more faithful and gallant officer
does not wear a sword in the department. Lieut. J. S. Lane, Sixth Kansas Cavalry, fearlessly
exposed his life on the shore to prevent a barge laden with Government property from falling
into the hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Ross, of the Fortieth Iowa Infantry [?], in charge of the
guards on the Jacobs, won the respect of all by his gallant bearing. Sergt. A. E. Lovell, Company
H, Second Kansas Cavalry, and Citizen Troutman accompanied me up the river-bank, under a
severe fire from the enemy, to aid me in getting the soldiers who were leaving the Lotus to join
the command from the Jacobs. The chaplain of the First Arkansas Infantry, Rev. Francis
Springer, and Chaplain Randall, of the Fifty-fourth U.S. Colored, gave their full attention to the
wounded, and Citizen O. S. Dillon acted the part of fireman at the imminent peril of his life. I
have received no reports to enable me to state our loss, but have directed each detachment to
report direct. Quite a number were killed. Especial attention is called to Capt. William E. Gear
and Pilot Gibson Morrison, both of the steamer Annie Jacobs. These officers remained at the
wheel in the pilot house until the vessel was safely landed and promptly executed every order I
gave. A less tenacious determination Would surely have resulted in the loss of the boats and the
capture of all on board. Captain Jaques, of the Lotus, in person attended to the rudder of his boat,
and landed her in safety above the Jacobs. Private Vincent B. Osborn, of the Second Kansas
Cavalry, had his thigh bone shattered whilst making the' cable of the Jacobs fast on shore. His
leg was subsequently amputated and his life is lost. And last, but not least, Maj. S. B. Hunt,
surgeon-in-chief of the District of the Frontier, was wherever he was needed, in danger and out
of danger, attending to the wounded. Nothing that I can say can add to his well-acquired
reputation.
I am, major, very respectfully, &c.,
THOS. M. BOWEN,
Colonel Thirteenth Infantry Kansas Volunteers.
Maj. JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Arkansas.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, CAVALRY DIVISION,
Little Rock, January 1, 1865.
92
Brig. Gen. J. R. WEST,
Commanding Cavalry Division:
GENERAL: The detail for 400 men to be held in readiness to march on the 3d instant, with
rations to the 10th instant, inclusive, has been mad ---three hundred men from the First Iowa
Cavalry and 100 men from the Third Missouri Cavalry, Maj. J. D. Jenks, First Iowa Cavalry, to
command.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CYRUS BUSSEY,
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
MILITARY DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Morganza, La., January 2, 1865.
The Thirty-fourth Iowa and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Infantry will immediately
embark with all their camp and garrison equipage. The Thirty-fourth Iowa will embark in the
Chouteau and the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio in the Thomas. Each regiment will
immediately draw three days' additional marching rations. To avoid sickness and promote the
health and safety of the troops, the commanding officers will observe the regulations for troops
in transports, paragraphs 851 to 879, inclusive, of the Revised Army Regulations.
By order of Brig. Gen. C. C. Andrews:
GEORGE MONROE,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Memphis, Tenn., January 2, 1865.
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters Military
Division of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La..
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the major-general
commanding division, a telegram from Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, commanding Department
of the Cumberland and temporarily commanding the Military Division of the Mississippi. I
presume General Thomas refers particularly to Colonel Karge's cavalry brigade, which I found
under orders when I arrived at Memphis, from his chief of cavalry, to proceed to Nashville, and
which I detained, together with the detachments of the Third and Fourth Iowa and Tenth
Missouri Cavalry, to enable me to comply with the orders of Major-General Halleck, chief of
staff, to cut the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. I request that the two infantry divisions under
command of Maj. Gen. A. J. Smith, formerly the First and Second Divisions (Right Wing),
Sixteenth Army Corps, now at or near Nashville, may be returned to this command, to give me a
small movable force. These troops were under your orders to join me from Missouri, when they
were temporarily diverted to re-enforce the Army of the Cumberland.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. T. DANA,
HEADQUARTERS EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., January 2, 1865.
Maj. C. S. CHARLOT,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
(Through headquarters District of Nebraska.)
93
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of military operations in this sub-district
for the month of December, 1864.
The inclemency of the weather and the serious deficiency in clothing have to a great extent
prevented the troops of this command from making as extended reconnaissances as I desired. It
is to be regretted that a full supply of clothing for the men could not be obtained in due season.
You will observe that the detachments sent out agree in discovering trails and signs of Indians as
they approach the Solomon River; and although no camp of hostile Indians has been found, I am
convinced that a large encampment of Cheyennes is on or near the South Branch of that river.
The following is a resume of scouts had during the month of December: 8th, 1864, Capt. Thomas
J. Majors, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, commanding post Plum Creek, Nebr.
Ter., reports that a train of three wagons, eighteen men, was attacked at sundown by about 100
Indians six miles east of that post. Men took refuge in a deserted ranch and repulsed the Indians.
Sent Capt. S. M. Curran, Company E, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, with the
squadron to the scene of the affair. Indians fled south and command returned. December 13,
1864, Capt. S. M. Curran, Company E, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, Plum Creek,
Nebr. Ter., reports that scout of seven men returned last evening. Reports having seen about
forty Indians forty miles south of that post. December 19, 1864, Capt. T. J. Majors, commanding
post Plum Creek, Nebr. Ter., reports that in obedience to telegraphic order from headquarters
Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska, he moved from that post on the morning of the 13th with thirty
men and one howitzer from post Plum Creek, and fifty men, under command First Lieut. John P.
Murphy, Company F, First Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, from post Fort Kearny, Nebr.
Ter. Detachment from Plum Creek with the howitzer moved due south to headwaters of Spring
Creek. With the detachment under Lieutenant Murphy, moved east eight miles, then southwest to
headwaters Spring Creek, there meeting the detachment from Plum Creek; thence down Spring
Creek fifteen miles and camped. Marched at daylight on the 14th; crossed the Republican River;
scouted up and down this stream, finding no Indian signs. Then moved south to Beaver Creek,
crossing Little Beaver; followed up Beaver Creek thirty-five miles and camped. Here found an
Indian trail leading due south, about two days old. On the 15th continued the march up this
stream ten miles and struck the Curtis trail, which was followed north to the Republican, where
the command camped. On the 16th returned to post Plum Creek without making any discoveries
of any importance. Whole distance traveled 160 miles. December 21, 1864, Capt. John Wilcox,
Company B, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding post O'Fallon's Bluffs,. Nebr. Ter., reports that
scout started from that post on the 15th, moving south forty miles to Willow Creek; thence down
that stream to its junction with the Republican sixty miles; thence up the Republican ten miles;
saw no recent signs but of small hunting or scouting parties of Indians. Heavy snow-storm came
on and scout returned to post O'Fallon's Bluffs. December 21, 1864, Capt. E. B. Murphy,
Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding post Alkali, Nebr. Ter., reports that scout,
consisting of one sergeant and seventeen men of his company, started from that post on the 16th,
south to head of Spring Branch, forty-five miles, and camped. On the 17th moved down to White
Man's Fork and down that stream; thence across to main branch of White Man's Fork; from
thence to Stinking Water, and from its mouth to its source and from there returned to post Alkali.
Saw no Indians, but plenty fresh signs. Absent four days; two nights without fuel. January 2,
1865, Col. S. W. Summers, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, commanding post Fort Cottonwood, reports
that scout sent out from that post came across fifty Indian warriors on the divide between the
Beaver and Solomon Rivers, 125 miles southwest of that post. War party was traveling northeast
toward Plum Creek.
In addition to the above numerous small parties acting as secret patrols have been sent out
from the various posts, with a view to discovering encampments of hostile Indians, under
94
instructions to travel at night and conceal themselves in canons during the day. The reports from
these, with the exception of the one which returned to Cottonwood on the 1st instant, are
uninteresting. The severely cold weather and the promptness with which every Indian raiding
party has been met by our troops seem to have discouraged the Indians in their attempts to
murder and plunder travelers on this road during the past month. I have no doubt, however, that
they will return as soon as the weather is propitious. No losses to us or the travelers on the road
and no stoppage of the mail have occurred in the time reported for. All work on the fortifications
at the posts of this sub-district has been suspended by the severity of the weather, the
thermometer on one occasion indicating as low as 23o below zero, rendering it impossible to
work outside. I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that credible reports have reached
these headquarters to the effect that the remnants of those bands of Indians lately defeated by
Col. J. M. Chivington, First Cavalry Colorado Volunteers, on the Big Sandy, have sent runners
to the northern and western Indians, and these latter have entered into a coalition with them
against the whites. The Blackfeet tribe, which has the reputation of being a very war-like people,
has joined in this offensive treaty against us, and next spring will undoubtedly see a more
vigorous warfare on the part of Indians than we experienced last summer, or is generally
anticipated. On December 6,1864, I ordered the garrison of Junction Station to abandon that post
and report for duty at Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. This post was of no military importance, and the
troops composing the garrison being militia whose terms of service expired on the 9th instant, I
withdrew them as a matter of economy and convenience.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry Vet. Vols.,
Comdg. Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. 3D BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Morganza, La., January 3, 1865.
In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 305, paragraph 6, dated headquarters Military Division
of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La., December 4, 1864, the undersigned hereby assumes
command of the Third Brigade, Reserve Corps. The following officers are announced on the
staff of the brigadier-general commanding: Capt. George Monroe, assistant adjutant-general;
Lieut. E. T. Champlin, Third Minnesota Veteran Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Lieut. H. D.
Pettibone, Third Minnesota Veteran Volunteers, aide-de-camp; Lieut. John McAndrew, Thirtyfourth
Iowa Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster.
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., January 4, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
New Orleans, La.:
SIR: I have the honor, by direction of the major-general commanding, to forward herewith
inclosed report of troops belonging to the Reserve Corps, and their effective and aggregate
strength. The main portion of the Seventy-sixth Illinois arrived this morning, numbering 370; the
balance of that regiment, the Eighth Illinois, detachment of the Forty-sixth Illinois, and the
Fourth Massachusetts Battery passed Morganza at 2 o'clock this morning, numbering 1,336; the
95
Twenty-ninth Wisconsin passed Morganza at 12.40 this afternoon, numbering 369; the Twentyninth
Illinois passed Morganza at 3.15 this afternoon, numbering 750; the Forty-seventh Indiana,
the Twenty-first Iowa, detachment Twenty-eighth Illinois, and the Fifteenth Massachusetts
Battery passed Morganza at 3.40 this afternoon, numbering 1,437, making a total of 4,262. A
telegraph office will be established at Kennerville about noon to-morrow, and the commanding
general at Morganza is instructed to send reports of troops arriving at his post on their way down
the river in duplicate to you at Kennerville.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 3.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 4, 1865.
3. Col. Thomas H. Benton, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, will proceed to Pine Bluff' and
assume command of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Seventh Army Corps, during the
absence of Colonel True.
5. The chief engineer of the department will cause to be seized all ferry-boats on the
Arkansas River. No private ferries will be operated without permission from these headquarters.
By order of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. 4TH BRIG, RESERVE CORPS,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Devall's Bluff, Ark., January 5, 1865.
The troops of this command about to move are assigned as follows for transportation, viz:
Headquarters of the brigade, the Thirty-seventh Illinois, and six companies of the Twentieth
Iowa to the steamer Mepham; the Twenty-third Iowa and four companies of the Twentieth Iowa
to the steamer Kate Hart. The troops will move on board with ten days' rations as soon as the
boats are ready to receive them. The commanding officer on each boat will make the necessary
arrangements for cooking, having the boat frequently cleaned, and for keeping a vigilant guard
night and day to prevent accidents. Regimental commanders will be held strictly responsible that
upon leaving camp the quarters are not disturbed, damaged, or interfered with in any manner
whatever. The steamer Mepham will move out first, and will be followed by the Kate Hart as
soon as loaded. Attention is also called to Circular No. 7 from these headquarters. Signals as
arranged will be announced hereafter. The commanding officer on the steamer Kate Hart will,
upon his arrival at Morganza, La., report by telegraph to headquarters Military Division of West
Mississippi the probable hour of his arrival in New Orleans and the number of men on board.
By order of Col. Charles Black:
C. S. LAKE,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., January 5, 1865.
Capt. GUY S. ALEXANDER,
Sixty-second Illinois, Pine Bluff, Ark.:
96
I am assigned to the command of the brigade and will leave for Pine Bluff by first
opportunity.
THOMAS H. BENTON, JR.,
Colonel Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 5.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF VICKSBURG,
Vicksburg, Miss., January 5, 1865.
V. Capt. W. F. Kerns, assistant quartermaster, will furnish transportation to Memphis for the
cavalry command of Brigadier-General Grierson, composed as follows: First Brigade, Colonel
Kargé commanding--Second New Jersey Cavalry, Seventh Indiana, Fourth Missouri, First
Mississippi Mounted Rifles. Second Brigade, Colonel Winslow commanding--Fourth Iowa
Cavalry, Third Iowa Cavalry, Tenth Missouri Cavalry. Third Brigade, Colonel Osband
commanding--Third U.S. Colored Cavalry, Second Wisconsin Cavalry, Eleventh Illinois
Cavalry, Fourth Illinois Cavalry. Also prisoners brought in by the command and pack train.
By command of Maj. Gen. C. C.-Washburn:
W. H. MORGAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NATCHEZ,
DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Natchez, Miss., January 6, 1865.
1. The following order is published for the information of all concerned :
2. In obedience thereto I assume command of the district. The following staff officers are
announced: Capt. B. F. Morey, assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. A. S. Montgomery,
Seventh Missouri Cavalry, and First Lieut. E. D. Meier, First Louisiana Cavalry, aides-de-camp;
Capt. C. H. Thompson, subsistence department; Capt. W. R. McComas, Eighty-third Ohio
Infantry, ordnance officer and engineer; First Lieut. T. Johnson, Third Iowa Cavalry, acting
assistant quartermaster: First Lieut. E. A. Denicke, Signal Corps, U.S. Army. Chiefs of other
staff departments will be announced when selected.
3. Office hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Business of importance stated to the staff officer
on duty daily at headquarters at any other hours will receive attention.
J. W. DAVIDSON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, January 6, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest :
SIR: This evening's mail brought several communications from the Upper Missouri country
in regard to Indians and Indian affairs, the substance of which letters I hereby transcribe for the
information of the general commanding the department: Capt. J. H. Pell, assistant adjutantgeneral,
writing from the post near Fort Pierre on the 25th of December, 1864, states that all
reports from the Indians show that they are in a very destitute condition, some of them almost
starving; that in addition to the utter destruction of their property by my troops last summer, the
presence of troops in their section of country west of the Missouri has driven away all the
buffalo; and it appears also a great many more were killed and wounded in my fights with them
97
than I reported in my official report, for I only reported the killed seen on the field. They are very
anxious to come in and make peace, but are unable to do so, and on that account he would
suggest Fort Rice as a suitable point to meet them and talk with them. These Indians are the
Minneconjou and Sans-Arc Sioux. Colonel Dimon, First U.S. Volunteers, commanding officer at
Fort Rice, in a letter dated November 26, states that Two Bears and about eighty-five lodges,
which is equivalent to near 300 warriors, is living near the fort. This is the chief I mentioned to
the general as coming in after the campaign and giving himself up--a brave and I believe him to
be a true Indian. Two Bears brought into the fort on the 24th Black Catfish and three of his
warriors. This is a Yanktonnais chief, and heretofore has been one of our most bitter enemies.
Catfish says he and most of his people are anxious for peace, but that Medicine Bear, another
Yanktonnais chief, is using his influence among the Yanktonnais against peace, but that he will
do all he can to bring his people in. He also states that the Santees, or Minnesota Indians, and the
half-breeds of the north are trying to keep the rest of the Indians from making peace. The colonel
also reports on the 1st of December that a small party of his garrison were returning from the
Cannon Ball River when they were approached by a small body of Indians, who treated them as
friends, but fired on a party of three soldiers who were following them, consisting of Lieutenant
Noyes, Sergeant Thompson, and Private Townsend. The two first were slightly wounded with
arrows, but Private Townsend is missing. The party were thought to be Santees. Two Bears and a
party of Indians had gone in pursuit of them. Captain Moreland, commanding officer at Fort
Berthold, writes on the 15th of November that Red Moccasin, a Minneconjou chief, with forty of
his warriors, came to his post anxious to make peace. He stated that his party was encamped near
the head waters of the Cannon Ball River, and also that Medicine Bear, the Yanktonnais chief,
with 100 warriors, had also been in, anxious for peace, stating that there was no use of Indians
trying to fight the whites, &c. These Indians were camped near the butte of the Maison du Chien.
I place very little confidence in this Indian, for I believe he is one of the biggest scoundrels in the
Sioux Nation. I also inclose you a copy of a letter from Captain Moreland in regard to the actions
of the half-breeds of the north. They are a great nuisance, and I don't see how we are to manage
them without our troops are allowed to follow them into the British Possessions. I fear they will
always be a great obstacle to any permanent settlement of difficulties in this section of country. I
have always been of the opinion that Indians could be used to subjugate Indians, and the letters I
have lately received confirm me in that opinion.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
FORT BERTHOLD, DAK. TER., November 16, 1864.
Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY:
SIR: I have the honor to call your attention to the fact that the half-breeds and whites
(English and Scotch) from the Red River country northeast of this place are constantly traversing
the country adjacent to this post (coming within forty to sixty miles of here), visiting and trading
with the various bands of Sioux Indians inhabiting this region, supplying them with arms and
munitions of war and inciting them to hostilities; counseling them to drove the whites from the
country or exterminate them. There was a small party of these Red River traders visited this
place not long since, who had been upon one of these trading excursions with the Sioux. I am not
advised whether they reside on this side of the line or in the British Possessions. They are
undoubtedly prompted in these proceedings by mercenary motives, but their operations and their
counsels are evidently detrimental to the interests of the whites and the Government, and unless
they are restricted in some manner will result in much mischief. By being deprived of the means
98
of obtaining necessary supplies through the ordinary channels, the Indians are driven by
necessity to sue for peace, and many of the hostile bands already exhibit a desire for peace. But
so long as they are allowed to be tampered with by these itinerant vagabonds, so long will all the
efforts of the Government to subdue them be futile.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. MORELAND,
Captain, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, Commanding Post.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 6.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., January 7, 1865.
II. The following extract from an order received from headquarters Department of
Mississippi is published for the information and guidance of the commanding general of the Post
and Defenses of Memphis, and the organization of the troops composing his command will be as
therein designated until further orders:
The One hundred and eighth and One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry will
constitute the First Brigade, Col. George B. Hoge commanding, and the Forty-sixth, Fifty-fifth,
Fifty-ninth, and Sixty-first U.S. Colored Infantry will constitute the Second Brigade, Col. Frank
A. Kendrick commanding, of the Post and Defenses of Memphis. The light batteries are under
the direct orders of the chief of artillery District of West Tennessee, who will receive instructions
from the district commander.
The Third and Seventh U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery and the Sixty-eighth U.S. Colored
Infantry will constitute the garrison of Fort Pickering, Col. I. G. Kappner commanding. The
Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry will remain on duty as provost-guard regiment of the city of
Memphis, and will exclusively perform the police and provost-guard duty of the city. The
commanding officer of the regiment will report to the commanding general Post and Defenses of
Memphis, in compliance with Special Orders, No. 12, paragraph 4, current series, headquarters
Department of Mississippi. A suitable site for the erection of barracks will be selected by the
chief engineer in the central portion of the city for this regiment. Three principal guardhouses
will be erected--one in the center east of the bayou, one on the right, one on the left on the west
side of the Gayoso Bayou--from the lumber now in the several barracks occupied by that
regiment. The One hundred and twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry will furnish all guards for
depots, hospitals, &c. The commanding officer will report to the general commanding the Post
and Defenses of Memphis for orders. A suitable ground will be selected by the chief engineer for
the erection of barracks for this regiment. Both regiments, as soon as their quarters are erected,
will relieve all guards daily. Permanent guards will be altogether discontinued. All guards for
depots, &c., which cannot be furnished by those two regiments will be furnished by the
dismounted cavalry. All guards of other regiments but the two above named will be relieved as
soon as practicable.
By order of Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch:
R. G. CURTIS,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
OMAHA, January 8, 1865.
COMMANDING OFFICER, Columbus, Nebr. Ter.:
You will move immediately with fifty men of Company E, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and report
to Colonel Livingston at Fort Kearny. Make no delay in starting and move as rapidly as possible,
not to injure your animals.
99
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General.
MORGANZA, January 10, 1865.
(Received 5.15 p.m.)
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans:
Will reach the city about 10 a.m. to-morrow. I have with me the Thirty-seventh Illinois and
Twentieth Iowa. Total present, 797.
CHAS. BLACK,
Colonel Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Brigade.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 1.
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., FIRST DIV.,
SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 10, 1865.
The following-named officers are announced as the staff of the colonel commanding brigade:
Surg. Robert Mitchell, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, senior surgeon; Capt. P.
Mulholland, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, acting aide-de-camp; First Lieut.
and Adjt. L. A. Duncan, Fortieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general;
Second Lieut. Michael A. Maguire, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, acting
assistant quartermaster.
By order of John A. Garrett, colonel Fortieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, commanding:
L. A. DUNCAN,
Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, RESERVE CORPS,
MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
[January 12 or 13, 1865.]
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans:
COLONEL: In the event of some of the troops of the Seventh Corps now in Arkansas being
attached to the Reserve Corps for active service, I beg leave to request the selection may include
the Third Minnesota Veteran Volunteers and Twelfth Michigan Infantry now at Devall's Bluff,
Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry now at Little Rock, and One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois
Infantry now at Pine Bluff. These regiments were in the division (Second) which I had the honor
to command. I have long been acquainted with their discipline, valor, and efficiency. It would be
a peculiar satisfaction to have these troops in my command.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., January 12, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding, &c., Dubuque, Iowa:
GENERAL: Your letter of the 10th instant, concerning apprehended difficulties about the
draft in Iowa, and suggesting that certain companies of cavalry be brought down from Sioux City
100
in that view, has been received. The whole arrangements concerning the draft are under the
exclusive jurisdiction of the provost-marshal's department, the military only being auxiliary, and
to be used when the necessity arises, on requisitions of the acting assistant provost-marshalgenera
or the governor of the State. No trouble has occurred in Iowa about drafts heretofore
made, nor is there, in my opinion, any sufficient ground for apprehension now. However that
may be, your proper course is to communicate with the acting assistant provost-marshal-general,
Major Duncan, and the governor of the State, and, if reasonable grounds are found to exist for
alarm, to ascertain from them precisely the means at their command to enforce the draft; and, if
these means be not sufficient, to designate precisely the force needed and the point where it will
be required. It will then be time enough to act, bearing in mind always that you are only
furnishing military aid on requisition of proper officials, and by no means originating measures
of security yourself for the protection of these officers in their duties. My belief is, from my own
knowledge of the governor of Iowa, that you will find him prepared for any such emergency as
you suggest, and that his militia is so well organized as to [be] efficient and sufficient. At all
events, before moving in the matter, I desire written statements of the necessity for calling troops
from the frontier at this time for such a purpose, and a requisition therefor from Major Duncan,
acting assistant provost-marshal-general for Iowa.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, January 12, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding, &c., Dubuque, Iowa:
GENERAL: Your dispatch and letter to Col. F. Myers, chief quartermaster of this
department, in relation to seizing trains of the Illinois Central Railroad, and asking that
locomotives be seized on the roads in this State and sent down to be used on the Illinois Central
road, have been laid before me. No railroads, even within the limits of your own command and
for troops within your jurisdiction, should ever be seized except under the gravest necessity. Still
less is it justifiable for you to seize cars and railroads lying within the limits of another
department and for transporting forage for troops far removed from your jurisdiction. If the
necessity really exists, proper representations to that effect should be made by the proper officer
sending or ordering forward this forage to these headquarters for any railroad property lying
within the department limits. Railroads in Illinois are neither within your jurisdiction nor mine,
and I would never think of seizing them or any of their stock without orders from the War
Department or some superior authority. I know nothing of the necessities of the quartermaster in
Saint Louis nor of the troops to whom he is sending forage. If all absolute necessity exists for
seizing railroad trains in Illinois it can be done through proper application of the quartermaster in
Saint Louis to Major-General Hooker, commanding Northern Department, or the district
commander in Illinois. I do not quite understand what connection there can be between yourself
and the quartermaster in Saint Louis in relation to sending forage to Cairo, nor does it seem to
me that seizing trains is either the quickest or easiest method of transporting supplies. There is no
doubt that a railroad company can, under its proper officers, get forward supplies more safely
and faster than can be done by military officers seizing cars and roads and undertaking to do it
themselves. You will please, therefore, seize neither railroads nor cars beyond the limits of your
command nor for the supply of troops outside of this department without authority from these
headquarters. Any requisitions made upon you for such purposes by quartermasters or other
101
officers not under your own immediate command you will please refer to these headquarters for
action. If orders are sent you to seize trains, &c., by authority superior to that of this department,
you will notify these headquarters by telegraph.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, January 14, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE,
Milwaukee:
GENERAL: From your letter of the 12th in regard to my seizing cars and railroads I judge
you are under the impression I have been disposed to meddle in what is not my business. Such, I
can assure you, has not been my intention. I beg leave to make a few statements of facts to
justify my conduct. Large amounts of oats were being purchased here and west, shipped by the
Sioux City Railroad to this point, crossed over the river by teams, and shipped at Dunleith,
opposite here, to Cairo. Colonel Myers, quartermaster at Saint Louis, communicated here and
requested that Lieutenant Williams, acting quartermaster, would give his attention to it and see
that this grain was hurried on, as it was needed immediately. This Lieutenant W[illiams] did by
seeing that the grain was rapidly crossed over the river, and by visiting the depot and agent of the
road to urge him to hurry up the supplies. Still Colonel Myers complained repeatedly that the
grain was not coming forward. This he did by telegraph, and sent one of his agents here with a
letter requesting we would give him every assistance. Matters went on in this way for two or
three weeks. The railroad, full of promises, but doing little, until all the warehouses here and on
the other side were crowded with grain and large piles of it out doors, the agents here
complaining they had not cars enough or locomotives enough. Mr. Forsyth, the general
superintendent of freight in Chicago, telegraphed to Lieutenant Williams that they wanted
locomotives and they could soon clear out the grain. This is the reason why I communicated with
Col. Fred. Myers, chief quartermaster. A few days ago I was informed that in spite of all the
promises made, and the report that they had no cars or locomotives, large trains were going out
every day loaded with hogs and other private freight. I therefore sent orders over to stop running
any more private freight till the surplus grain on hand was cleared out. The consequence is that
to-morrow would have seen all the grain on hand shipped and the road in condition to ship
Government freight and private freight as wanted. You were mistaken in the idea that I seized
the road, or attempted to control the road. I merely gave them an order to ship Government
freight first, as it was wanted. Had they refused to obey the order I would have reported the
matter officially. I knew that the road, being in a State not in my district, did not properly come
under my care; but being on the spot and knowing the facts, I thought I would be justified in
giving the order I did. I have informed Col. William Myers, quartermaster, that you disapprove
of my interference in the matter, and I have also informed the road that my order stopping the
shipment of private freight until further orders is revoked.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 3.
HDQRS. 4TH BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
102
Camp, Kennerville, La., January 15, 1865.
I. O. S. Lake, first lieutenant and adjutant Twentieth Iowa Volunteers, and acting assistant
adjutant-general, Fourth Brigade, Reserve Corps, Military Division of West Mississippi, is
relieved from duty at these headquarters and will report for duty to his regiment.
II. Samuel A. Walling, captain Company I, One hundred and sixty-first New York
Volunteers, is relieved from duty with his company and regiment and is assigned to duty at these
headquarters as acting assistant adjutant-general.
CHARLES BLACK,
Colonel Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, Commanding Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS,
Fort Sumner, N. Mex., January 17, 1865.
Brig. Gen. JAMES H. CARLETON,
Commanding Department of New Mexico:
GENERAL: Inclosed you will find a copy of private letter written by me to Hon. James
Harlan, U.S. Senator from Iowa and a leading member of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. I
did not write the letter because I supposed I could make these matters clearer than you have
made them in your statement, but because Mr. Harlan and myself are from the same State, are
personally acquainted, and a private letter from me will probably engage and direct his attention
as soon as anything. Inclosed you will also find my answers to certain questions, in writing,
propounded by Judge Woolson, special commissioner, &c. I found some difficulty in answering
that portion of the second question touching the sum necessary to be appropriated for the year
ending July 1, 1866, as I had never heard your views upon the subject. I hope, however, that my
answer, as far as it goes, will be satisfactory to you.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. M. CROCKER,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 19, 1865--9 a.m.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Chief of Staff:
Three steamers left here on the 12th instant for Fort Smith with supplies for that command
for about sixty days. A force was sent to occupy Dardanelle and protect the passage of the boats.
They passed Dardanelle safely on the 14th instant, and have since been heard from in safety at
Mulberry Creek, about in miles this side of Fort Smith. It is believed they arrived at Fort Smith
safely. Our force at Dardanelle under Major Jenks, First Iowa Cavalry, was attacked on the 14th
after boats had passed up. Enemy was handsomely repulsed. Our loss, 1 killed, 15 wounded.
Fifteen dead rebels were left on the field; also 15 wounded. Another regiment and section of
battery sent from this place are at Dardanelle, Colonel Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry, in
command. Colonel Ryan reports yesterday 9 p.m. that enemy is assembling to renew the attack
on Dardanelle, and from floating pieces of charred [wood] he supposes that one of the boats had
been destroyed in returning from Fort Smith. River has fallen too much to warrant sending more
boats up at present.
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General.
Nothing new up to this hour from Dardanelle, 12 noon.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
103
Little Rock, January 19, 1865---4.40 p.m.
Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans:
Order to send about 1,000 cavalry to Memphis received. The First Iowa Cavalry and Second
Missouri Cavalry are ordered and will be put en route at once. Full report by mail.
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-genera
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 18.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 19, 1865.
5. The Sixty-sixth Regiment U.S. Colored Infantry now at Saint Charles will proceed to
Devall's Bluff, Ark., and report for temporary duty to Brigadier-General Shaler, commanding.
The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
12. The First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers will proceed without delay to Memphis, Tenn., and
report to Major-General Dana, commanding Department of Mississippi, for temporary duty. The
quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
13. The detachment of Second Missouri Cavalry serving in this department will proceed
without delay to Memphis, Tenn., and report to Major-General Dana, commanding Department
of Mississippi, for temporary duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT INSPECTOR-GENERAL,
New Orleans, La., January 21, 1865.
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the major-general commanding the
condition of the Department of Arkansas as reported by the assistant inspector-general. In the
vicinity of Little Rock Major Nelson states the camps to be in an excellent state of police and the
men looking well, the troops nearly all hutted, and the building of the huts of a superior
character. The prisons are reported as under good management, clean, and convenient. The
hospitals are in tolerable condition. At Devall's Bluff affairs are generally in good order, the
infantry regiments doing well, drilling, studying, &c. The batteries are also improving, except
Battery D, Second Missouri, a special report in reference to which I have made. The duties of the
quartermaster, commissary, and provost-marshal are reported as well done. The Second
Division, Seventh Army Corps, are garrisoning this post and Pine Bluff, and have been working
hard repairing roads, building fortifications, &c. The average sick in the division is 9 3/5 per
cent. The Cavalry Division is divided into four brigades. Of the First Brigade the inspector writes
as follows: This brigade is under a cloud, and requires the immediate attention of a firm,
vigorous, and vigilant commander to bring it out of the difficulties which envelop it, and save the
available portion from becoming a positive injury to the service. The affairs of the Thirteenth
Illinois Cavalry are in the utmost confusion. Serious charges have been made against every field
officer in the regiment whose official conduct has been under investigation. The quartermaster
has been found guilty of selling Government property and appropriating the proceeds; the
104
company kitchens of several squadrons were filthy, the rations squandered; the men complained
of the smallness of the ration, while officers were found messing with them; arms and
equipments were in a dirty and disorderly condition; discipline bad; personal cleanliness, dirty.
The following-named officers mess with enlisted men, in defiance of orders from brigade
headquarters to the contrary: Capt. E. Brown, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry; Lieut. N. E. Orton,
Lieut. W. E. Sparrow, Lieut. W. B. Barton, Lieut. T. L. Bailey. The Seventh Missouri Cavalry is
in bad condition on account of lack of officers; with 296 enlisted men there were but three
officers for duty. The detachments of the Fifth Kansas are in a neglected, inefficient state. The
detachment of the First Indiana Cavalry was in very poor condition. The commanding officer,
Capt. James A. Pine, reports that the men receive only one-quarter rations of rice, beans, or
hominy, and that the hard bread is wormy. Captain Pine is reported as inefficient and
incompetent, and the irregularities in the command are mainly to be charged to his neglect of
duty. This brigade numbers 1,000 men present for duty, 173 of whom are on extra duty. There
are only 396 serviceable horses. The Second Cavalry Brigade, commanded by General Bussey, is
composed of consolidated and broken regiments. The First Missouri is without a field officer. It
needs a thorough efficient officer in command; its affairs run too loosely entirely. The Fourth
Arkansas Cavalry is steadily improving. The First Iowa Cavalry is without its complement of
officers. One company has been commanded by a private, there not being even a noncommissioned
officer present. The duties of Captain Jenks, commanding, are very laborious. The
stables are poorly policed. The arms of the Third Missouri are not in as good condition as they
should be, and the men are dirty. The Third U.S. Cavalry is in good condition.
The Third Cavalry Brigade is under the command of Colonel Geiger, at Brownsville. The
Eighth Missouri and Tenth Illinois are reported in fine condition. The Ninth Iowa is reported in
tolerable condition, but the men look dirty, and the officers allow too much familiarity with the
enlisted men. In enforcing discipline the smaller offenses are tried by a field officers' court, but
heavier crimes have gone unpunished from the difficulty in getting the offenders before a courtmartial.
In this regiment offenders have escaped punishment who were charged with desertion,
sleeping on post, theft, and mutinous conduct. Courts are now being organized. The Eleventh
Missouri Cavalry is reported in tolerable condition. They complain bitterly of their arms (the
Merrill carbine), and state Merrill's cartridge-box to be a nuisance that the service should be rid
of. They are now being armed with the Sharps carbines. The Fourth Brigade is much scattered.
The Third Michigan, at Brownsville Station, stands very well in everything pertaining to its
general police, but its discipline and steadiness in the field hardly stand as high as it does in
other respects. The Ninth Kansas, from the want of thorough discipline, is in the field more like a
band of independent rangers than a compact body of soldiers. In regard to military bearing,
instruction, drill, care of horses, police, and personal cleanliness it is far below the standard of
good soldiers. The Third Wisconsin Cavalry is reported generally in good condition. The Third
Arkansas Cavalry is on outpost duty at Lewisburg. Since it has been there, in different
skirmishes, the regiment has killed about 500 of the enemy. They have suffered much from the
want of forage. The records of my office will afford particulars in reference to any regiment or
supply department, works of defense, &c., in the Department of Arkansas except the District of
the Frontier, which is now being evacuated.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN M. WILSON,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Inspector-General.
HEADQUARTERS POST OF LITTLE ROCK,
Little Rock, Ark., January 22, 1865.
105
Brig. Gen. J. R. WEST,
Commanding Cavalry Division:
GENERAL: I have been informed that a portion of the cavalry picket on the Benton road,
some five miles out, has been captured. The Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry is camped some four
miles out on that road, and is in readiness to do what it can. I have communicated these facts to
Major-General Reynolds, and at his suggestion I have the honor to request that you will send a
squadron of cavalry to report to Major Hamilton, commanding the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, to
enable him to advise us if anything occurs through the night. Please advise us of your action in
the premises.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. SALOMON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, January 22, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest:
SIR: An official communication has been received from Colonel Dimon, First U.S.
Volunteers, commanding at Fort Rice, dated December 19. About 300 lodges of the North
Yanktonnais heretofore hostile, but now friendly, under Two Bears, Black Catfish, and Black
Eye, are still encamped near the fort at the mouth of Beaver Creek. The colonel ordered them
across the river from his post that he might distinguish the friendly from the unfriendly Indians.
This was done after the killing and wounding of three of his men, which I reported. The soldier I
reported missing has been found dead. A party of Uncpapas were guilty of the attack, and not
Santees, as I reported. They are encamped on the headwaters of the Heart River and refuse to
give up the murderers. A party of miners from Idaho reached Sioux City a few days ago. They
came by the way of Fort Berthold, where Big Head's brother, a Yanktonnais, escorted them to
Fort Rice. Near the Painted Woods they came on a camp of Santees who treated them well for
Minnesota Indians. They stole their rations and one gun, but did not kill them, which is a
remarkable instance of forbearance on their part. I hope the authorities at Washington will take
some action in regard to these Indians, for I think there will be no trouble in making a permanent
peace with them. But do what they will, there will always be some little trouble in that country so
long as there is an Indian and a white man in it and the line of the British Possessions is so near
to it. However, a few military posts judiciously situated will put an end to that.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., January 23, 1865.
Brig. Gen. C. C. ANDREWS,
Comdg. Third Brigade, Reserve Corps, Kennerville, La.:
SIR: The major-general commanding directs that you proceed with the Thirty-fourth Iowa
and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Volunteers to Lakeport (selecting such route as will not
necessitate their passing through the city) and embark at that place on the transportation which is
now held in readiness. You will then proceed to East Pascagoula, and without disembarking the
troops report for orders to Major-General Granger, commanding District of West Florida and
South Alabama. The Sixty-ninth Indiana and Ninety-seventh Illinois, now in that district, will
106
join you as soon as practicable. The Eighty-third Ohio has been ordered down from Natchez and
will be sent to you without delay. The Twenty-fourth Indiana has been ordered to Pensacola, Fla.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
(Copy to Generals Hurlbut, Granger, and Steele.)
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, RESERVE CORPS,
MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Kenner, La., January 24, 1865.
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, New Orleans:
COLONEL: I got here this morning at 7 o'clock in the Kate Dale. Sent her after the Adriatic
and Cowles. She afterward had to haul the Corinthian from aground. The Thirty-fourth Iowa is
now embarking on the Kate Dale. Am sorry that the Cowles has been sent up river after wood
and will not return till night. This may delay me, for it is doubtful if the Kate Dale and Adriatic
can take both regiments. The Twenty-fourth Indiana is ready to embark in the Corinthian, but has
as yet no orders to do so.
Very respectfully,
C. C. ANDREWS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 24, 1865.
Exhibit of the cavalry force, Department of Arkansas (exclusive of the cavalry regiments
appertaining to the command at Fort Smith, which are nearly all dismounted, and it is not
proposed to remount them)
From this exhibit and the accompanying order, Special Orders, No. 22, it appears that the
minimum cavalry force required for the defense of this department absorbs all the cavalry horses
now in the department. If horses can be furnished a field division of about 5,000 cavalry will be
held ready for orders. The Second Missouri (Merrill's) has been reorganized and ordered to
Tennessee. Presuming this department will lose that regiment the detachment has been sent to
Memphis. The First Iowa is understood to be temporarily detached, and will proceed to
Memphis, Tenn., in obedience to orders from headquarters Military Division of West
Mississippi, on the return to Pine Bluff of the expedition now progressing toward Camden.
Very respectfully,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 22.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 24, 1865.
7. The present organization of the Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, will be
discontinued after the 31st instant. The following assignments of cavalry to posts are hereby
made to take effect on the 1st proximo: Post of Little :Rock, Third U.S. Cavalry and Third
Wisconsin Cavalry Volunteers, to constitute a brigade; Post of Devall's Bluff, Ninth Kansas
Cavalry Volunteers; cavalry depot, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry; Post of Pine Bluff, Thirteenth
Illinois Cavalry; Post of Lewisburg, Third Arkansas Cavalry; Post of Brownsville Station, Ninth
107
Iowa Cavalry; Post of Saint Charles, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, detachment; Post of White River,
First Indiana Cavalry, detachment; Post of Helena, Eighty-seventh Illinois Mounted Infantry.
These regiments will constitute the cavalry force of the respective posts and will be borne on the
post returns. Enough serviceable horses will be transferred from other commands to the above
named to completely mount them. All unserviceable horses will be sent to the cavalry depot. The
division commander is charged with the execution of this order.
8. The Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, will be reorganized for the field on the 1st
day of February next, as follows, viz: First Brigade--First Iowa Cavalry, Third Michigan
Cavalry, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry. Second Brigade--First Missouri
Cavalry, Third Missouri Cavalry, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, Eleventh
Missouri Cavalry. The headquarters of the Cavalry Division, Brig. Gen. J. R. West commanding,
will be established at Little Rock.
9. Brig. Gen. C. Bussey is hereby assigned to command of the cavalry brigade at Post of
Little Rock.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., January 24, 1865.
Lieut. Col. EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Iowa:
COLONEL: I have the honor to state that I arrived at this post from Fort Sully on the 21st
instant, and found everything quiet. Received same date a communication from Captain
Moreland, commanding at Fort Berthold, a copy of which I inclose. Of the fact of the
concentrating of hostile Indians in the vicinity of Fort Berthold, under Medicine Bear and the
Man Who Strikes the Ree, rejecting all overtures of peace and being incited to unlawful acts and
encouraged by presents and munitions of war by certain parties, said to be from the Red River of
the North, I have already informed your headquarters some three weeks since. Captain Moreland
does not ask for assistance; in fact, I do not know the number or strength of his garrison. I shall
send to-morrow by two trusty Indians and open communication with him, and if he needs
assistance shall send it. I held a conference today with Two Bear and The Shield and some
representatives sent from the Gros Ventres on the Little Missouri River. They came in to hear
what the whites had to say. They had heard much before, but would not believe it. I told them
what was contained in the general's letter of instruction to me. On the evening of the 19th instant
some thirty warriors from the hostile camp below Berthold came down opposite the fort and
stole sixty horses from Two Bear's camp. Sixteen of Two Bear's young men came down from the
camp above, intercepted them, and recovered most of their horses. These young men report the
following, the truth of which is vouched for by Two Bear: Half-breed traders from the British
lines came into the hostile camp below Berthold with ten sleigh loads of goods. They rode into
camp with the English flag at their head and said: "This flag will not be put down for anybody,
only for God Almighty. Those who join us will not get hurt. Those who join the Americans will
get hurt. We will return the last of the month with more powder, ball, and arms, and some
Santees, and will take Fort Berthold and then Fort Rice." They then gave a feast and presented
the Indians with five kegs of powder and some sacks of bullets and traded more. At the feast the
Man That Strikes the Ree said: "As long as I live I never shall shake hands with the whites."
Medicine Bear said: "I am the man to make war with the Americans; kill all you can, I shall say
nothing against you." There are over 1,500 lodges of Santees at Devil's Lake and Mouse River.
108
Of the hostile camp seventy lodges have quarreled and are starting down here for peace. Five
hundred lodges of half-breeds have started for Fort Abercrombie to join the whites.
Mr. F. T. Pease, trader, whom, after I had seized his powder and ball, I perhaps unwisely
allowed to proceed to Fort Berthold, was stopped by the Indians at the hostile camps above
mentioned. All his horses, some oxen, and about $4,000 worth of goods were stolen. His life was
only saved by the intervention of some of his relations. I still believe that the war spirit among
the Indians is broken, and that the peace party is yet predominant, but would again urgently
request of the general commanding permission to break up these trading parties from the British
possessions and execute summary justice on the principals engaged this winter. I have no doubt
but what there is a Confederate element at work. And again I repeat I fear the consequence in the
spring if their influence is allowed to have full sway with the Indians this winter. I would very
respectfully urge upon the general commanding the evident necessity of some more stringent
rules and regulations governing traders at different posts on this river. There are now at Fort
Sully and the camps immediately adjoining some ten unauthorized petty traders who are
governed by no law whatever; also here at Fort Berthold there are four that are allowed to visit
Indian camps and trade promiscuously. Feeling the necessity of the case at my own post, I
published General Orders, No. 10, series of 1864, which I trust will meet with the general's
approval. The health of this command is poor--disease principally scurvy. My supply antiscorbutics
is limited, but I trust will be sufficient to soon check its progress.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel First U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Davenport, February 22, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded.
I concur in everything said in regard to the evil effect of these half-breeds of the North. I
have already reported this matter. I also agree in the matter concerning traders. Orders have been
sent regulating this, which I suppose Colonel Dimon did not receive when he wrote this.
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., March 1, 1865.
Respectfully referred to Major-General Pope, commanding division, for his information.
As soon as the river opens I design going up to Saint Paul to make personal observations.
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
[Third indorsement.]
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., March 4, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded through Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck, chief of staff, U.S. Army.
It seems impossible to restore quiet among the Northwestern Indians until some steps are
taken to prevent interference of English subjects.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
109
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 24.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 26, 1865.
5. The commanding officer in charge of detachment of First Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, now at
this post, will proceed with the detachment and horses, stores, and equipage of the regiment to
Memphis, Tenn., reporting on arrival to Major-General Dana, commanding Department of
Mississippi. All officers and men of this regiment in this department will accompany this
detachment. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
LEWISBURG, January 27, 1865--5.30 p.m.
Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS,
Little Rock:
Last of the troops left Dardanelle at 10.30 this a.m. Steamer Alamo and flat with dismounted
cavalry arrived here safe and will leave in the morning for Little Rock. Fortieth Iowa Infantry
will camp to-night near Galla Rock. Colonel Williams' colored brigade is encamped here. This
morning the ice was running quite heavily at Dardanelle, causing great difficulty in crossing the
infantry. Will push everything forward to Little Rock rapidly as possible, retaining the section of
Second Kansas Battery here till further orders. When the rebels were last heard from they were
in vicinity of Caddo Gap, moving south. Troops all well and in good spirits.
Respectfully,
A. H. RYAN,
Colonel.
LEWISBURG, January 28, 1865.
Lieut. Col. R. F. PATTERSON,
Provost-Marshal-General, Little Rock:
I left Dardanelle Thursday morning last. At that time what was left of Newton's regiment was
going for Caddo Gap as fast as horseflesh could carry them. After his stampede at Boggs' Mill I
do not think he had 150 men left. He has had no artillery with him. Brooks had one piece. Send
for Major Jenks, First Iowa Cavalry, who arrived in Little Rock last evening. He can post you
fully as to affairs above.
Respectfully,
A. H. RYAN,
Colonel.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 25.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., January 28, 1865.
III. Lieut. Col. W. R. Lackland, One hundred and eighth Illinois Infantry, is assigned to duty
as provost-marshal of the Post and Defenses of Memphis. The following assistants are assigned
him: Capt. John L. Wilson, One hundred and fourteenth Illinois Infantry, in charge of Irving
Block Prison and records pertaining to prisoners; Capt. J. E. McDermot, One hundred and eighth
Illinois Infantry, in charge of the pass department; Capt. John W. Plummer, One hundred and
eighth Illinois Infantry, inspector of permits for goods; Capt. D. R. McCutchen, One hundred and
eighth Illinois Infantry, acting quartermaster of provost-marshal's department, in charge of
110
property; Capt. S. E. Rankin, Eighth Iowa Infantry, evidence department. Maj. J. M. Raum, One
hundred and twentieth Illinois Infantry, is relieved from the charge of the Irving Block Prison
and will report for duty to these headquarters. The above assignments to duty are temporary until
approved at department headquarters.
By order of Brig. Gen. J. C. Veatch:
R. G. CURTIS,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 31, 1865.
Lieutenant-Colonel CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: Your communication of 21st instant, per Captain Melville, also two of 17th by
mail, received yesterday. The instructions in reference to Fort Smith will be carried out without
delay. The order for troops to proceed to Department of the Gulf and report to military division
headquarters will be executed as promptly as possible. The troops now in the field toward
Camden will, by their absence, cause some little delay, but troops to fill the call will be placed en
route by regiments as fast as they can be disengaged, anticipating, wherever it can be done, the
arrival of others to relieve those ordered out of the department. Orders issued yesterday for the
immediate movement of the Thirty-fifth Wisconsin and Ninety-sixth Ohio. The following
regiments will compose the detachment from Seventh Army Corps, viz: Twenty-ninth Iowa,
present for duty, 600; Thirty-third Iowa, present for duty, 590; Twenty-seventh Wisconsin,
present for duty, 600; Twenty-eighth Wisconsin, present for duty, 565; Fiftieth Indiana, present
for duty, 400; Seventy-seventh Ohio, present for duty, 270; total, 3,025.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
J. J. REYNOLDS,
Major-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 28.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 31, 1865.
II. The following regiments will proceed without delay to Little Rock, Ark., and be reported
on arrival to the commanding officer of the post for duty: Eleventh U.S. Colored Infantry, Fiftyseventh
U.S. Colored Infantry. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation.
III. The One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, now at Pine Bluff, will
proceed without delay to mouth of White River, Ark., and be reported on arrival to Brigadier-
General McGinnis, commanding, for duty. All officers and men now detached from the regiment
at Pine Bluff will accompany it. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary
transportation.
IV. The Second Brigade of the Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps, as organized in
Special Orders, No. 22, paragraph 8, current series, from these headquarters, will be assembled
without delay at Little Rock and reported to Brig. Gen. J. R. West, commanding division. The
quartermaster's department will furnish transportation if necessary.
V. The following regiments of the Seventh Army Corps will proceed without delay to New
Orleans, La., and be reported on arrival to headquarters Military Division of West Mississippi,
viz: Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Twentyseventh
Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, Fiftieth
111
Indiana Infantry Volunteers, Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry Volunteers. The quartermaster's
department will furnish transportation. All means of transportation in regiments will be turned
over to the acting quartermaster of the corps.
VI. Second Lieut. William A. Deuel, Company B, Twelfth Michigan Infantry Volunteers, is
hereby detailed as ambulance officer of the First Brigade of Second Division, Seventh Army
Corps, and will report to brigade headquarters without delay.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
PINE BLUFF, January 31, 1865--11.45 a.m.
Maj. JOHN LEVERING,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark.:
The head of my column is just in. My whole command will be in to-day. Shall I detach the
First Iowa Cavalry? There is a dispatch here addressed to General Clayton ordering the First
Missouri Cavalry to turn over their horses to the Thirteenth Illinois. Is not that a mistake? Unless
otherwise ordered, I propose to draw four days' rations and move on toward Little Rock tomorrow.
Respectfully,
E. A. CARR,
Brigadier-General.
FORT BERTHOLD, DAK. TER., January 31, 1865.
Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY:
GENERAL: As we send a mail below to-day, I have the honor to report further upon the
situation of affairs at this post. Medicine Bear's band of Yanktonnais are still encamped on the
river below this post. Strike the Ree's [band] are at Painted Woods. There are 600 lodges of
Santees also on the river between this place and Fort Rice. There are also some bands of
Uncpapas, Blackfeet, and Minneconjous on the river below here. I have also heard that there
were 200 lodges of Cheyennes encamped near Medicine Bear's camp and that other bands of the
Platte River Indians are coming in there. About the 1st of this month ten sleigh loads of goods
(mostly ammunition) were brought into the Sioux camps below here by agents from the Selkirk
settlement, bearing the English flag. These agents gave the Sioux five kegs of powder and a
quantity of balls, and traded them a large quantity of ammunition and other supplies, at the same
time advising and urging them to fight the whites, and to commence by attacking this place, as it
was the weakest and more easily taken. They also promised them to be back again the last of
January, when they would bring them another large supply of ammunition and 1,500 lodges of
Santees to assist them in their attack upon this post. It is evident that the Indians are collecting in
large force upon the river between this post and Fort Rice, and that, instigated, encouraged, and
supplied by these British subjects (whites, half-breeds, and mongrels from Red River), they
meditate an attack at an early day upon this post. The sons of Two Bears were in the Sioux camp
when these Red River envoys were there, and they report that at the least given to the traders,
and at their instigation, Medicine Bear and Strike the Ree proclaimed open hostility to the
whites, and their determination to fight, commencing with the attack upon this place. Is there no
way, general, to stop these marauding bands from coming to the Indian camps from the British
possessions and supplying them with munitions of war and inciting them to hostilities? The
Government certainly will not permit these outrages to be perpetrated upon American soil under
color of the British flag without promptly demanding redress. If the Indians attack this place they
112
will probably be assisted by a large number of Red River half-breeds, as they and the Sioux have
agreed to unite to fight the whites, and they have promised to help the Sioux in their attack upon
us. You will see by the above statement that the situation of affairs is rather alarming. Our
garrison is small (forty-nine men), with a frail, inflammable, ill-constructed stockade, easily
fired, hard to defend, cut off from water (in case of an attack), isolated from the rest of the world
without the means of communication with any other point, and in the heart of the hostile Sioux
country. Their hosts gathering like birds of ill-omen around us and their threats reaching us daily,
our situation is one of extreme peril. There seems to be no longer any doubt but what we shall be
attacked soon, but there is only one thing that we can do, that is to be in readiness at all times and
await their coming, and that we do calmly and with the conviction that when the time for action
comes every man will be at his post and do his duty. We find it extremely difficult to get mails
through between this and Fort Rice, as the Sioux are determined to allow no communication
between this place and points below if they can prevent it. The last mail I sent, containing all our
returns, reports, and other official papers, I presume was lost. Colonel Dimon, commanding Fort
Rice, sent us a mail by two Yanktonnais belonging to Two Bears' band, and by them I send this.
We are all in good health and spirits, and everything is at present quiet at this post.
I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. MORELAND,
Captain, Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Commanding Post.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., February 1, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding Department of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa :
GENERAL: As your reports set forth that large bodies of hostile Indians are coming to the
military posts established last summer on the frontier to surrender themselves to the military
authorities of the United States for the purpose of securing peace, you are instructed to confer
with the Indians thus surrendering themselves and to inform them that the United States will
maintain peace with them simply on the basis of their good behavior and assist them in
protecting themselves against hostile Indians. They will be notified that they must remain outside
of an outer line of posts and in no event to come within this line even in the smallest parties. Any
intrusion into the settlements even by single Indians will be regarded and treated as an act of
hostility on the part of the tribe to which such Indian or Indians belong. The Indians thus giving
themselves up will be permitted and encouraged at all times to establish their camps in the
vicinity of any of the outer posts and to trade at the posts with persons duly authorized to trade
with them. No other treaty stipulations will be made with Indians. As the Indians thus coming in
and surrendering are regarded as prisoners of the United States, no white man whatever will be
allowed to visit them except by special permit in each case from the district commander, and no
treaties other than above specified will be suffered to be made by any person whatever. The
hostile attitude occupied by all the Sioux bands for the last two years has suspended former
treaties with the United States, and the payment of annuities or distribution of goods under any
former treaties will not be permitted by the military commanders of districts or posts on the
frontier, unless contrary orders are received from the War Department. Any claims of Indians for
lands from which they are excluded by this order will be carefully considered by the commander
of this military department, and by him be submitted for the action of the proper authorities at
Washington. The line beyond which Indians are required to remain will be a line from Fort
Abercrombie through Fort Wadsworth to Fort Pierre, on the Missouri River, and from Fort
Abercrombie along the line of the Cheyenne River; east and south of this line all Indians are
113
prohibited from coming on any pretext, under the penalty of immediate hostilities with the tribes
to which they belong.
Copies of this order will be furnished by district commanders to the commanding officers of
all frontier posts under their jurisdiction, and its provisions will be carefully explained to all
Indians who come into any of the posts to surrender themselves. District and post commanders
are instructed to aid all such Indians in protecting themselves against other hostile tribes, and to
direct the movements and operations of the friendly Indians with this view, but under the clear
understanding that such service for their own protection will furnish no ground for any claim for
services against the United States. In conferences with Indians and when the circumstances
imperatively demand it, certain articles of provisions in limited quantities may be issued to the
Indians in an order of the post commander, setting forth in detail the necessity, a copy of which
order will be immediately forwarded to department headquarters. It is believed, however, that all
the Indians referred to can easily subsist themselves by hunting and trading at the military posts.
No Indian trader will be permitted to locate himself in the camps of these Indians, but will be
assigned a place for his store at or in the immediate vicinity of the military post by the post
commander. All officers and soldiers are positively prohibited from trading with Indians or
receiving presents of any kind from Indians or Indian traders, and any officer or soldier detected
in such practices, directly or indirectly, will be placed in arrest and brought before a general
court-martial. It is very desirable that all Indians on the frontier be induced to establish their
camps in the vicinity and under the supervision of the military posts, and all military
commanders on the frontier will offer every proper inducement to Indians, by kind treatment, by
protection from other Indians and Indian traders, to secure this result.
I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
(Same to Brig. Gen. H. H. Sibley, commanding District of Minnesota, Saint Paul.)
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 3, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Commanding U.S. Forces, Kenner, La.:
SIR: The complete reorganization of the forces under your command will be announced in a
few days. In the meantime I am directed to state that the following will be the organization of the
First and Second Brigades of the First Division, viz: First Brigade, Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler
commanding--Forty-seventh Indiana, Twenty-first Iowa, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, and Ninetyninth
Illinois. Second Brigade, Brig. Gen. E. S. Dennis commanding--Eighth, Eleventh, and
Forty-sixth Illinois. These troops will immediately be prepared for embarkation to Mobile Point,
Ala., one brigade to go by sea, the other via Lake-port and Lake Pontchartrain.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 3, 1865.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Kenner, La.:
The ocean steamer which is to take one of your brigades to Fort Morgan has capacity for
some 700 more troops, and the commanding general directs that the Twenty-third Iowa and the
114
Seventy-sixth Illinois, which are to be assigned to brigades now at Mobile, be forwarded by the
same opportunity. As a rule, every foot of transportation must be made available. The Third
Brigade under the new organization will consist of the Twenty-ninth Illinois, Thirtieth Missouri,
One hundred and sixty-first New York, and Twenty-third Wisconsin; the latter not yet arrived
from Arkansas. The first three regiments number about 1,600, and Colonel Sawtelle thinks he
can have sea-going transportation ready for them by Sunday or Monday. Be pleased to hold them
in readiness to embark the moment the steamers are ready.
By order:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General
GENERAL ORDERS No. 3.
HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Kenner, La., February 3, 1865.
The following has been officially announced as the organization of the First Brigade, First
Division: First Brigade, Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler commanding--Forty-seventh Indiana, Twentyfirst
Iowa, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, Ninety-ninth Illinois. These regiments will be immediately
prepared for embarkation.
By command of Brigadier-General Lawler:
B. WILSON,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Kenner, La., February 3, 1865.
Col. SAMUEL L. GLASGOW,
Commanding Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers:
(Through Col. Charles Black, commanding Fourth Brigade.)
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will hold your
command in readiness to embark at a moment's notice for Mobile Point, Ala. Your regiment is to
be assigned to a brigade now serving there. You will embark on the same steamers that carry the
First Brigade, and you will be subject to General Lawler's orders until you receive notice of your
permanent assignment.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN F. LACEY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., February 3, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa:
GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit copy of instructions of the major-general
commanding to Brigadier-General Sibley, commanding District of Minnesota, relative to
establishment of a line of military posts on the Minnesota frontier. I am directed by the majorgeneral
commanding to furnish this copy for your information, and to instruct you that he wishes
you to take the necessary steps for the establishment in the spring of a chain of posts within your
military district, to complete the line in Minnesota, stretching from Lake Shetek or from Spirit
Lake to such points on the Missouri River as you may think advisable.
115
I am, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. MELINE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. 1ST BRIG., RESERVE CORPS,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
Kenner, La., February 4, 1865.
III. The troops of this command will commence to embark at 3 o'clock to-morrow morning
promptly, and are assigned as follows, viz: Brigade headquarters, Forty-seventh Indiana
Volunteers, and Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, on the George Peabody; Ninety-ninth Illinois
Volunteers, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteers, and ambulance corps, on the Belvidere.
By command of Lieut. Col. John A. McLaughlin:
B. WILSON,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., February 4, 1865.
Brig. Gen. C. BUSSEY,
Commanding Cavalry Brigade:
(Through Brigadier-General Salomon, Comdg. Post, Little Rock.)
GENERAL: By special order issued on yesterday the Ninth Iowa Cavalry Regiment is
attached to your brigade. It is the design of the major-general commanding that they remain on
duty at Brownsville Station. Their returns will be embraced in your current brigade reports, and
correspondence conducted through your headquarters.
I am, general, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Kenner, La., February 6, 1865.
Col. LOREN KENT,
Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Commanding Third Brigade:
COLONEL: I am directed by the commanding general to say that two sea-going vessels will
be up from New Orleans this afternoon to take the Third Brigade to Mobile Point, Ala. You will
embark your command as compactly as possible, taking all your transportation and the
transportation left by General Lawler's brigade. Another sea-going vessel will come up tomorrow.
If there should be any surplus room on these three steamers the Twenty-third Iowa and
Seventy-sixth Illinois will accompany you. Should they prove insufficient to carry the Third
Brigade, Lawler's transportation, and the two latter-named regiments, the troops selected to
remain will be those not belonging to your own command. Orders have been transmitted direct to
the commanding officers of the Thirtieth Missouri and One hundred and sixty-first New York.
These officers will report to you for such additional instructions as may be necessary.
I am, colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant,
JOHN F. LACEY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
PINE BLUFF, February 7, 1865.
116
Brigadier-General WEST:
The First Iowa is still here awaiting orders.
POWELL CLAYTON,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, February 7, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest :
SIR: Your communication of February 3, inclosing a copy of a letter of instructions to
General Sibley in regard to the establishing of a line of posts in his district, and directing me to
establish a line from Spirit Lake or Shetek Lake to the Missouri, has been received. It was my
intention to have made a suggestion very similar to this, as far as regards my district, before I
received the general's communication. I propose to post one company at the Big Sioux Falls,
which is on the Big Sioux River, due west from the southwest corner of Minnesota, and another
post on the James River, south of the Fire Steel Creek. By patrolling from Crow Creek, where I
have already a post, to the Big Sioux Falls, a distance of 130 miles, the settlements in the
Territory of Dakota would be protected from any incursions of the Indians from the north. There
are no settlements of whites in the Territory except close to the Missouri River, a few scattering
settlers about thirty miles up the Big Sioux, and none up the Missouri much higher than Fort
Randall. In fact, taking the forty-third parallel of latitude as a boundary, there are not over three
or four white settlers north of it. Such also is about the case in Northwestern Iowa, with the
exception of Spirit Lake and the head of the Little Sioux River, at both of which places I have
troops now stationed. I was going to suggest to the general the propriety of my giving up these
posts next spring. Troops at the Big Sioux Falls, communicating with Lake Shetek, ought to be
protection enough to all settlers. The country between the Big Sioux Falls and Spirit Lake is a
high, rolling prairie, devoid of timber, and almost 100 miles across. There is no point on this line
where you could establish a post. I have been at Lake Shetek and also at Lake Benton. If I
recollect rightly, Benton is a much more eligible point for a post than Lake Shetek, on account of
timber. If the positions of the two posts at Big Sioux Falls and Fire Steel Creek meet with the
approval of the major-general commanding the department, I should be glad to know it as soon
as possible, that I may make the necessary arrangements to locate them early in spring. I would
again request permission to alter the shape of Fort Randall. The buildings, store-houses, stables,
&c., are so scattered it takes a guard of about forty-five men to post the necessary sentinels. It is
more like a village than a military post.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
PINE BLUFF, ARK., February 8, 1865.
Captain NOBLE,
Chief Quartermaster, Little Rock:
Two squadrons of the First Iowa Cavalry left this place on the Rose Hambleton at 5 p.m. en
route for Memphis.
WM. THOMPSON,
Colonel First Iowa Cavalry
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
117
Saint Louis, Mo., February 8, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa:
GENERAL: You will please proceed immediately to Rock Island, Ill., and organize and
inspect the two regiments of rebel deserters lately selected from the military prison at that place.
Authority has been sent me (copy inclosed) to appoint the officers for these regiments, and you
will please send me without delay a list of officers of regiments under your command of two or
three years' service. I send you a list, furnished me by General Dodge, of Iowa officers
discharged from service whom he knows to be first-rate officers. Send for them and see what
they are and how they will answer. I have two officers, one of whom I wish appointed a major
and one lieutenant-colonel. I will designate them in the proper time. Please attend to this as soon
as possible, as I wish to send these regiments at once to the plains.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding
HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., February 8, 1865.
Lieut. Col. EDWARD P. TEN BROECK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Iowa:
COLONEL: For the information of the general commanding I have the honor to state that
affairs at this post continue the same as in my last letter of the 2d instant. I received on the 4th
instant by some Indian scouts I employed two communications from Captain Moreland,
commanding Fort Berthold. He is of the opinion that he will soon be attacked by the bands of
Santees, Yanktonnais, Blackfeet, Uncpapas, and Minneconjous, now collected below his post to
the number of several thousand. He states he has fifty-five men, no ammunition for his artillery,
and requests that I send him 100 men and ammunition (without sending me the caliber of his
guns). I have written him in return (see inclosed copy of letter to him). By Two Bear's young
men I am in communication very often with the camp above. Yesterday, from two Indians whom
I sent as spies to Medicine Bear camp, I learn that there is now a war element and a peace
element in the camp. The latter is in the majority, and no overt act has been committed at Fort
Berthold. Some Indians came into camp while they were there, reporting they had left a train of
forty sleigh loads, which would be in to trade in four days, owned by the same agents which had
been there before. As I have said before, we have more to fear from the influence of these traders
than any natural disposition of the Indians. Another report of a scheme one of these traders had
tried to induce the Indians to join in, viz, to seize the garrison of Fort Berthold by treachery,
drawing the garrison outside for peace purposes unarmed, and surprising them; but the fact of
Captain Moreland being the general's selection is sufficient guarantee to insure the post against
capture by this means. I do not really think the post in danger at present, or I should re-enforce it,
and wish to obey strictly the general's orders of acting on the defensive, unless a necessity
obliges me to act upon my own judgment and the interests of the service. An Indian just in from
above reports the camp below Berthold breaking up and a great portion of them coming down
this way, thus strengthening me in my first opinion. I am anxiously expecting an answer from the
general commanding in regard to my request to break up these Red River trading agents.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel First U. S. Volunteer Infantry. Commanding Post
118
PINE BLUFF, February 9, 1865--11 a.m.
Maj. JOHN LEVERING, Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor to submit the following report from Col. William Thompson, First Iowa
Cavalry: He reports that several negroes just arrived from Camden say that at the time our
advance reached Chambersville there were 2,000 men in Camden; that they took up the pontoon
bridge on the Ouachita, fell back, and formed a line of battle five miles below Camden, and were
to retreat as soon as we began to cross the river.
POWELL CLAYTON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, February 9, 1865.
Brigadier-General CLAYTON,
Pine Bluff :
The First Iowa Cavalry should move first. The One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois as soon
thereafter as possible.
By command of Major-General Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, February 9, 1865.
(Received 2 p.m.)
Major-General POPE, Saint Louis, Mo.:
The following dispatch has just been received from Colonel Livingston:
FORT RANKIN, NEAR JULESBURG.
Maj. Gen. G. M. DODGE:
In reply to your inquiries I would respectfully state as follows: In the early part of January
last indications of large parties of Indians moving westward on Republican [River] were
reported by the scouts sent to gain information of their movements. On January 7 they had
crossed South Fork of Platte River twenty-three miles west of this post; camped with their
families, forming a camp of about, as near as learned, 400 lodges, containing eight warriors each,
many lodges being thirty robes in size. They at once commenced the work of destruction along
the road west as far as Junction Station, 100 miles from here, and attacked this post. A desperate
fight there repulsed them. Their forces in this fight were not less than 2,000 men, armed with
breech-loading carbines and rifles. A desperate attempt on their part to burn the Overland stage
station near this post was made at this time, but was frustrated by the gallantry of Capt. N. J.
O'Brien, Company F, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Every ranch and stage station from Junction Station
to this place, including the station one mile east of this post, is burned, and the charred remains
of every inmate who failed to escape tell of the brutality they were subjected to. I telegraphed
Hon. Samuel H. Elbert, acting governor of Colorado, early in January of the state of things. The
troops of Colorado have been withdrawn from Valley fifty miles west of here, I surmise, to
concentrate around Denver. The telegraph line to Salt Lake and the Denver branch line are
destroyed for a distance of nearly ten miles on the northern route, and in different points
throughout 100 miles along the Denver road. I am hauling poles and repairing the Salt Lake line
with all the expedition I can. I have secured 450 poles at Cottonwood, which I expect here Friday
morning. They are marching night and day on this duty. Meantime my troops are digging holes
for poles and repairing such portions of line as admit of that course. I have but 360 troops, but so
long as human endurance holds out we will work night and day to get communication perfect
119
with the west. My opinion is that the Indians engaged in this war are the Cheyennes, Ogallalla
Sioux, and Brulé Sioux. They have gone northward toward Horse Creek, beyond Fort Laramie.
This trail leads in that direction, but they are slow in marching, feeling audacious and indifferent
to every effort from the small body of troops in this district. I saw their signals to-day, probably
those of small war parties, on the North Platte. Feel assured, general, that this is no trifling Indian
war. You will hear of continued murders and robberies as long as the road is so poorly protected
by troops. No stages run farther west than Cottonwood. I have prevailed on agents of the stage
company to move their stations close to our forts for protection. General Mitchell, commanding
district, pursued these same Indians last month through fearfully cold and stormy weather, but
they reached and crossed the Platte before we struck their trail and escaped us. My district
extends only this far west, but I am working in Colorado and Western Sub-District of Nebraska.
No spies can be used now, owing to numerous small war parties being met everywhere in this
country. I predict that if more troops are not sent into this district immediately this road will be
stripped of every ranch and white man on it, the military posts alone excepted. Should these
Indians swing around by L'canquicourt River and strike the Omaha road below Kearny, where
settlements are numerous, infinite mischief will result to the settlers. What we need is troops,
supplies for them, and a vigorous campaign against these hostile Indians. They must be put on
the defensive instead of us. No difficulty can arise in finding them. Over 2,000 stolen cattle
accompany them. I will keep the lines open for communication for Leavenworth for any further
information.
Respectfully,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Nebraska Cavalry, Commanding Eastern Sub-District.
I have ordered one regiment to Julesburg. They will start on Monday.
G. M. DODGE,
Major-General
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 10, 1865--3.15 p.m.
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE,
Kenner, La.:
Your report of the troops that have left your post has not yet been received. There is now
transportation at Hickox Landing, on Lake Pontchartrain, for about 2,200 men, and the
commanding general directs that such of the following-named regiments as have not already
been sent, or for which steamers are ready at Kenner, be sent to Mobile Bay, via the lake, viz:
Twenty-third Iowa, Seventy-sixth Illinois, Twenty-ninth Illinois, Thirtieth Missouri, and One
hundred and sixty-first New York. More sea transportation with capacity for 1,200 infantry will
be sent in two or three days.
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
KENNERVILLE, February 10, 1865.
(Received 6.40 p.m.)
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The following regiments and batteries have left, viz: One hundred and
fourteenth Ohio, Twenty-fourth Indiana, and Thirty-fourth Iowa, of General Andrews' brigade;
Forty-seventh Indiana, Twenty-first Iowa, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, and Ninety-ninth Illinois, of
120
General Lawler's brigade; Eighth Illinois, Eleventh Illinois and Forty-sixth Illinois, of General
Dennis' brigade, and the Fourth and Seventh Massachusetts Batteries. Transportation is required
for the following-named regiments: Thirty-seventh Illinois, Twentieth Iowa, and Ninety-sixth
Ohio, of Colonel Black's brigade; Twenty-ninth Illinois, Thirtieth Missouri, and One hundred
and sixty-first New York, of the Third Brigade, First Division, Col. L. Kent commanding, and
Twenty-third Iowa, Twenty-eighth Illinois, and Seventy-sixth Illinois, unassigned. The First
Indiana and Seventeenth Ohio Batteries are awaiting orders in the city. The Second Connecticut
and part of the Second Massachusetts are at Greenville. The Twenty-first New York and one
section of the Second Massachusetts are at Morganza, under orders for Greenville. The Twentysixth
New York and Fifteenth Massachusetts are here.
Very respectfully,
JOHN F. LACEY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS U.S. FORCES,
Kenner, La., February 10, 1865.
Col. LOREN KENT,
Commanding Third Brigade, First Division:
COLONEL: The commanding general directs that you hold your command in readiness to
move to-morrow morning at daylight to Hickox Landing, on Lake Pontchartrain, where you will
find vessels to carry you to Mobile Point, Ala. You will go by rail to the Shell road, and march
thence to the lake. Major McEntee, chief quartermaster, has gone to the city to make the
necessary arrangements for railroad transportation. The Twenty-third Iowa will accompany you,
and if there should be sufficient water transportation the Seventy-sixth Illinois will go also. Your
wagons will be sent by the river road without any load, and should be got off as early as possible.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN F. LACEY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
KENNERVILLE, February 11, 1865.
(Received 10 a.m.)
Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: The Third Brigade, Colonel Kent commanding, and the Twenty-third Iowa, are
now en route to Hicko Landing. They number, combined, 2,100 men. Shall I send the Seventysixth
Illinois also? That regiment will move with 550 men. If transportation can be furnished
from the lake I can get them started about 12 o'clock.
JOHN F. LACEY,
GENERAL ORDERS No. 9.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
Memphis, Tenn., February 11, 1865.
In consequence of recent changes in the staff of this district, the following officers are
announced as at present on duty at these headquarters: Capt. B. K. Roberts, assistant adjutantgeneral,
U.S. Volunteers; First Lieut. H. C. Seymour, aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutantgeneral;
Maj. R. G. Rombauer, First Illinois Light Artillery, chief of artillery; Maj. L. W. Clark,
One hundred and eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, acting assistant inspector-general; Maj. J. J.
Paterson, surgeon Forty-sixth U.S. Colored Infantry, medical director; Capt. H. S. Lee, Seventh
121
Wisconsin Battery, judge-advocate; Capt. J. C. Brooks, commissary of subsistence, U.S.
Volunteers; First Lieut. J. W. Wright, Second Iowa Cavalry, acting chief quartermaster; First
Lieut. A. C. Boals, One hundred and eighth Illinois Infantry Volunteers, acting ordnance officer;
First Lieut. Marion Campbell, Eighth Iowa Veteran Volunteers, assistant commissary of musters;
Second Lieut. A. G. Oatman, One hundred and eighth Illinois Infantry, acting assistant inspectorgeneral;
First Lieut. De Witt Stearnes, Eighth Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, aide-de-camp;
Second Lieut. H. Arden, Eighteenth New York Cavalry, aide-de-camp. They will be obeyed and
respected accordingly.
B. S. ROBERTS,
Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding.
PINE BLUFF, ARK., February 11, 1865.
Maj. JOHN LEVERING,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Seventh Army Corps, Little Rock:
The One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and all of the First Iowa
Cavalry Volunteers, with the exception of four squadrons, have left this post for their respective
destinations.
POWELL CLAYTON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Fort Leavenworth, February 11, 1865--11 a.m.
Major-General POPE:
Following dispatch received:
FORT RANKIN.
Major-General DODGE:
My scouts from west report that Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, with 200 men Eleventh Ohio
and Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, fought Indians from 4th to 9th instant at Mud Springs.
Indians at one time charged our forces in face of artillery, and were very nearly successful; 2,000
warriors engaged in fight. Our loss 2 killed and 11 wounded; supposed 40 Indians were killed.
Beauvais' and Creighton's herds driven off. Indians crossed at Rush Creek, going north.
Following from Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa, is received from Pole Creek Crossing:
"Telegraph poles all gone for fifteen miles, and one-third wire either gone or so inextricably
tangled as to be useless. Seven hundred lodges crossed Pole Creek six miles below Pole Creek
Crossing. I go on to repair lines and open circuit. Harris killed and Sergeant Clark, Company D,
Seventh Iowa, wounded in Mud Creek battle. I have directed that poles be cut in two and split, so
as to continue repairs and replace missing poles."
Colonel Collins urges necessity of sending more troops west, claiming the posts there are in
danger. He says Indians are on L'can-qui-court River, sixty miles north.
Respectfully,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel, Commanding.
I have sent orders through to Colonel Moonlight at Denver to push out and meet Colonel
Livingston, using militia temporarily if necessary.
G. M. DODGE,
Major-general.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 43.
122
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 12, 1865.
1. The following named regiments are hereby relieved from duty in the city of New Orleans
and will be sent to Dauphin Island, Ala., to report on arrival to Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, U. S.
Volunteers, viz: Seventh Vermont Infantry, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, Ninety-first
Illinois Infantry. The commanding general Department of the Gulf will issue the necessary
orders.
2. The troops composing the District of West Florida and South Alabama, and the additional
forces now being collected within the limits of that command, are hereby designated for service
in the field and will, in accordance with General Orders, No. 7, series of 1864, from these
headquarters, "report direct to the major-general commanding the division in all that relates to
their organization, discipline, equipment, and movements. These reports will be in addition to the
customary reports to the headquarters of the command from which these troops are or may be
drawn, which will be continued while they are serving within the limits of those commands."
3. The following organization of the Reserve Corps of the Military Division of West
Mississippi is hereby announced:
First Division: First Brigade--Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin
Infantry, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry; Second Brigade--Eighth
Illinois Infantry, Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Eleventh Illinois Infantry; Third Brigade--Twentyninth
Illinois Infantry, One hundred and sixty-first New York Infantry, Thirtieth Missouri
Infantry, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry; light artillery--Fourth Massachusetts Battery, Seventh
Massachusetts Battery.
Second Division: First Brigade---Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry,
Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, Sixtieth Indiana Infantry; Second
Brigade--Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, Sixty-ninth Indiana
Infantry, Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry; Third Brigade--One hundred and fourteenth Ohio
Infantry, Twentieth Iowa Infantry, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, Eighty-third Ohio Infantry,
Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry; light artillery--Fifteenth Massachusetts Battery, Second
Connecticut Battery.
Third Division: First Brigade--Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin
Infantry, Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry; Second Brigade--Seventh
Vermont Infantry, Twenty-ninth Iowa. Infantry, Ninety-first Illinois Infantry, Fiftieth Indiana
Infantry; Third Brigade--Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, Twentyseventh
Wisconsin Infantry, Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry; light artillery--Twenty-first New
York Battery, Twenty-sixth New York Battery.
4. Lieut. Col. L. H. Whittlesey, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, is hereby relieved from duty
as assistant provost-marshal-general of the division, and will report to Maj. Gen. F. Steele, U.S.
Volunteers, for assignment to duty as assistant inspector-general of the forces under his
command.
5. Capt. Henry M. Lazelle, Eighth U.S. Infantry, is hereby relieved from duty as acting
assistant inspector-general of U.S. forces at Kenner, La., and is appointed assistant provostmarshal-
general of this division. He will report accordingly to the provost-marshal-general
without delay.
By order of Maj.. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
KENNERVILLE, LA., February 12, 1865.
123
(Received 8.20 p.m.)
Maj. Gen. F. STEELE, or
Colonel CHRISTENSEN:
The Belvidere and Peabody will take the Twenty-ninth Illinois, Thirty-seventh Illinois, and
Twentieth Iowa, together with the remaining six companies of the Seventy-sixth Illinois and the
transportation of Lawler's brigade, which the Nathaniel P. Banks could not carry. This will leave
at this post the Fifteenth Massachusetts and Twenty-sixth New York Batteries and the Ninetysixth
Ohio Infantry.
J. F. LACEY,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER,
New Orleans, La., February 13, 1865.
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of West Mississippi:
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the following report of
information received at this office this 13th day of February, 1865: A communication from Lieut.
L. E. Granger, Morganza, February 6, 1865, states that during a recent expedition under Colonel
Chrysler, of the Second New York Cavalry, five prisoners were captured, from whom he gathers
that Colonel Scott is in command of three regiments of Louisiana cavalry, well mounted, well
armed, and well clothed. One of the prisoners states that plenty of supplies are obtained from
Baton Rouge. Men belonging to Scott's command have been in Baton Rouge with cotton, which
they sold. Another prisoner states that in conversation with Collins, commanding a guerrilla
party, after his attack upon the pickets at Morganza, Collins said he had taken no negro
prisoners, but had captured two white prisoners, whom he had sent to Alexandria. A
communication from Lieut. J. M. Reeds, Hannibal, Mo., February 2, 1865, states that there are
strong indications of trouble in Missouri during the coming season. Thinks that bushwhackers
are gathering in Illinois and Iowa to invade the State. Recommends that detectives be sent to
those States, particularly to cities in Illinois on the Mississippi River. A communication from
Maj. George Webster, Pass Manchac, La., February 12, mentions a rumor to the effect that a
regiment of Arkansas troops is at Liberty, Miss.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. M. EATON,
Captain and Chief Signal Officer, Mil. Div. of West Mississippi.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 47.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 16, 1865.
7. Lieut. Col. R. F. Patterson, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, is hereby relieved from
duty as provost-marshal-general, Department of Arkansas, and will proceed without delay to this
city en route to join his regiment in the Reserve Corps.
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 44.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
124
Little Rock, Ark., February 18, 1865.
1. The Fortieth Iowa Infantry Volunteers is transferred from the First Brigade, First Division,
Seventh Army Corps, to the First Brigade, Third Division, and will proceed without delay to Fort
Smith, Ark., and report to Brig. Gen. C. Bussey, commanding. The quartermaster's department
will furnish the necessary transportation.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 29.
HDQRS. FIRST DIV., 7TH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark, February 18, 1865.
I. Col. John A. Garrett, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in pursuance of Special Orders, No.
44, Department of Arkansas, series 1865, is hereby relieved from the command of the First
Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, and will turn over to Lieut. Col. Adolph Dengler,
Forty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the records pertaining to the First Brigade.
II. Lieut. Col. Adolph Dengler, Forty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, is hereby assigned to
the command of the First Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps.
By order of Brig. Gen. F. Salomon:
A. S. KENDRICK,
Acting Assistant Adjutant
GENERAL ORDERS No. 3.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV.,
SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., February 19, 1865.
In accordance with paragraph 2, Special Orders, No. 29, headquarters First Division, Seventh
Army Corps, dated February 18, 1865, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the First
Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps. The following-named officers are announced as
the staff of the brigade commander: First Lieut. Gustav Wagenfuehr, adjutant Forty-third Illinois
Infantry Volunteers, acting assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. Charles Storck, Forty-third
Illinois Infantry Volunteers, acting assistant quartermaster; Asst. Surg. Colin G. Strong, Thirtysixth
Iowa Infantry Volunteers, senior surgeon.
ADOLPH DENGLER,
Lieut. Col. Forty-third Illinois Infantry Volunteers, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, Wis., February 20, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: Yours of the 5th instant concerning resident Indians inside of the line prescribed
by General Pope for Indian limitations has been referred to him for explanations, and he directs
me to say "that it was never contemplated to interfere in any manner with friendly Indians, and
particularly with Indians living on reservations," and that you will "be authorized to follow the
line generally suggested in my letter of instructions, and to except such Indians as he thinks best
from its operation." These directions seem to devolve on you the determination of two things--
first, a new line, and second, a class of excepted Indians that may come within the new line. My
125
judgment as to the whole matter will be of no use to you till I get your views and a better
knowledge of the facts concerning the settlements and the Indians in that vicinity.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-general.
NEW ORLEANS, LA., February 21, 1865.
COMMANDING GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Memphis:
Send the Eighth Iowa and One hundred and eighth Illinois to this city with all possible
dispatch. These are in addition to the troops ordered from Memphis on the 28th ultimo, and of
which only the Sixty-eighth Colored has arrived, for reasons unexplained.
E. R. S. CANBY,
Major-General, Commanding
DAVENPORT, IOWA, February 24, 1865---4 p.m.
Major-General POPE,
Commanding Military Division of the Missouri:
All the troops of both regiments will have left here by to-morrow. I will be in Saint Louis
Sunday. I cannot fill up all the offices here, but I think I can in Saint Louis.
SULLY,
General
HUNTSVILLE, MO., February 25, 1865.
Lieut. W. T. CLARKE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Macon:
It is thought that Jackson is making his way into Iowa by way of the east side of the Chariton,
and I think if you can possibly send some cavalry to Callao you could intercept him at that point.
C. F. MAYO,
Captain, Commanding Cavalry.
DAVENPORT, IOWA, February 25, 1865.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Northwest:
GENERAL: Your letter to me of the 20th February has just been forwarded to me here from
Dubuque. I am still here on duty organizing the two rebel regiments. You wish me to give you
some facts as regards the settlements and Indians in Dakota. Commencing at Fort Union, the
farthest post I occupy, I have stationed one company of the Thirtieth Wisconsin which I had to
leave there to guard the stores sent up the river to establish a four-company post up the
Yellowstone; there being no water in the Yellowstone that season prevented the establishing of
the post. This command I found would have a very good effect in preventing the Crows and
Assinaboines from joining the hostile Sioux, giving them a point to rally on, for their more
numerous neighbors, the Sioux, had by threats and aggressions almost succeeded in getting them
to join them. Such was also the case with the Rees, Gros Ventres, and Mandans, small tribes
friendly to the whites who have their villages near Fort Berthold, and for that reason I left one
company of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry at that post. I would have left two companies, but there was
no accommodation for them, and the season was too far advanced to build. From Berthold north
to the British line, east to Devil's Lake, and south to a stream called Painted Woods, nearly
126
opposite old Fort Clark and on the east side of the Missouri, this section of country is occupied
by bands of the Santee or Minnesota Sioux and other bands of hostile Sioux, say about 600 or
800 lodges, Indians who have not made peace with me or have been induced to break the peace.
All this section is visited by large bands of half-breeds from the British possessions. They come
with carts and wagons loaded with goods, powder, and arms to trade with these Indians and urge
them to commit depredations against our people, so that they may have all the fur trade. I am told
they frequently plant the English flag on the banks of the Missouri in a defiant manner. Large
bands of these Indians cross the Missouri and follow up the Little Missouri and Gros Ventre
Rivers on hunting parties, a country so terribly broken up it is almost an impossibility of finding
any small band that may take refuge there. This section on the Little Missouri is also frequented
by other bands, small in number and scattered, who have sent in word to me they wish to make
peace, but have not come in as yet. Owing to the nature of the country they infest they can give
great trouble to any small party of troops. Out of the sections of this country above mentioned
and within my district I do not apprehend there will be any very serious difficulty with Indians.
War parties will no doubt from time to time visit the lower country for the purpose of stealing
horses, and if any small body of whites have the misfortune to meet them they will fare badly.
The next post that I have is at Fort Rice, garrisoned by six companies of the First U.S.
Volunteers. This post by land is about eighty miles south of Berthold. Near here, on the east bank
of the Missouri, near Beaver Creek, is a large camp of Yanktonnais, of which Two Bear is the
chief. These Indians were at war with me last year, but made peace and have since shown every
disposition to keep it.
Following down the Missouri River, encamped on different streams emptying into it and on
both sides of the Missouri, are different bands of Sioux, who have also made peace. Small parties
of whites have been frequently, during the winter, passing up and down the banks of the river
between Fort Rice and Fort Sully, and have not been in the least molested. The section of
country between the Missouri and James Rivers, and south of the latitude of Fort Rice down to
the latitude of Crow Creek Agency, is a barren waste, little or, you may say, no timber, and not a
great deal of water, and that of the very poorest kind. It is, however, the great buffalo hunting
ground of the friendly Sioux. No doubt it is also visited by bands of hostile Indians from the
north. Leaving the garrison of Fort Sully, which consists of three companies of cavalry, you
come to the Crow Creek Agency, about eighty miles. I have established a small block-house on
the banks of the Missouri, about half way between these two posts, occupied by about ten men as
a place of shelter for soldiers carrying the mail. The Crow Creek Agency has been lately
established as a reservation for the Winnebagoes and Minnesota Sioux, but there are very few of
them there. They have nearly all left, having been starved out. I keep one company of cavalry
here to protect these Indians and the white men employed at the agency. The next post down the
river is Fort Randall, badly located on the south side of the river. It would have been better
located on the other side of the river, a few miles down and near to the Yankton Agency. Randall
is about ninety miles from Crow Creek. I have a block-house with fifteen men about half way
between these places for the convenience of travelers and the mail carriers. Randall has a
garrison of five companies of cavalry. It is not built like a post. The buildings are very much
scattered. It takes a very great number of sentinels to guard it. At Randall commences the
settlements of Dakota. About four or five miles above it, on the edge of the Yankton
Reservation, are about two white men, married to squaws, and about half a dozen half-breed
families. The section of country marked as the Yankton Agency and Reservation is occupied by
the Yankton Sioux, a fine body of Indians, who have always been peaceable and deserve the care
and protection of the Government. I have part of a company of cavalry stationed at this agency.
With the exception of the places I will hereafter mention there are no settlers or settlements in
127
this vast Territory of Dakota, nor do I judge there is much likelihood of there being any for many
years to come: One family living sixteen miles northeast of the agency at the mail station, where
I have a small body of troops. Bon Homme Island, about twenty miles from this station, is a
settlement of about twelve or fifteen families. Yankton, the capitol of Dakota, is the next
settlement, about twenty-five miles from Bon Homme, about fifty houses, is on the Missouri
River also. James River is about six miles below Yankton. There are about a dozen, maybe
fifteen, farms on the banks. I have stationed a company of cavalry on this river and above the
farms. The road from Yankton to Vermillion crosses the James about three miles above its
mouth, is pretty well settled, is about twenty-two miles long, and has about twenty houses on it
or in sight of it. The town of Vermillion is a small village of about twenty families, at the mouth
of the Vermillion River. I have part of a company stationed here, the rest of the company
occupying a point on the Big Sioux River, due east of them.
The part of Dakota south of a line running from Vermillion due east to the Big Sioux is pretty
thickly settled, being about the only really good land I have seen in the Territory. I have now
mentioned the only settlements in this Territory. There is not a single citizen or civilized being
living outside of the places mentioned. There used to be a settlement at the Big Sioux Falls, near
the southwest corner of Minnesota, but the Indians drove them all out in 1861. I therefore
propose, for the purpose of guarding the settlers, to establish a post of one company at Big Sioux
Falls, one at the James near Fire Steel Creek, and a third at Crow Creek Agency, of one company
each, the line between these three posts to be constantly patrolled. One of infantry and two
companies of cavalry at Randall, pulling down part of the post and making it a fort instead of a
village, and one company of cavalry on the road between Yankton Agency and Vermillion
would be all the troops required in the Territory, provided the posts established in the Indian
country are still kept up. I would also propose that the line that the Indians would be required not
to cross should be a line from Fort Wadsworth south to the Big Sioux Falls, and from there west
to Crow Creek.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 26.
HDQRS. SECOND DIV., 16TH ARMY CORPS,
Near New Orleans, La., February 26, 1865.
I. In obedience to General Orders, No. 22, headquarters Military Division of West
Mississippi, dated February 22, 1865, the following is fixed as the amount of transportation
allowed to the regiments of this division, based upon the aggregate present in each regiment: One
hundred and nineteenth Illinois, 439 aggregate, 2 wagons; One hundred and twenty-second
Illinois, 425 aggregate, 2 wagons; Eighty-ninth Indiana, 447 aggregate, 2 wagons; Twenty-first
Missouri, 488 aggregate, 2 wagons; Twenty-seventh Iowa, 489 aggregate, 2 wagons; Thirtysecond
Iowa, 409 aggregate, 2 wagons; Fifty-eighth Illinois, 228 aggregate, 1 wagon; Tenth
Kansas, 214 aggregate, 1 wagon; One hundred and seventeenth Illinois, 481 aggregate, 2
wagons; One hundred and seventy-eighth New York, 253 aggregate, 2 wagons; Fifty-second
Indiana, 309 aggregate, 2 wagons; Thirty-fourth New Jersey, 628 aggregate, 3 wagons.
II. The camp equipage will be reduced in obedience to the order referred to above. All
surplus Government property should be transferred to the depot and finally disposed of at this
place rather than stored, as most of the regiments go out of service before next fall. It is essential
to the interests of the men that the records of the regiments and companies should be at all times
with their commands, and as it will be impossible to carry the large desks in use, these records
128
should be retained in some convenient form for transportation though the desks are left. The
surplus wagons and mules will be transferred to the division quartermaster after our arrival near
Mobile.
By order of Brig. Gen. K. Garrard:
J. B. SAMPLE,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
NOTE.--Until further orders no change will be made in the allowance of orderlies as
regulated from these headquarters. Besides the wagons allowed at brigade headquarters one more
will be retained for the proportion of enlisted men on duty at each brigade.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 86.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Memphis, Tenn., February 26, 1865.
III. The commanding general District of West Tennessee will with all possible dispatch cause
the Eighth Iowa Infantry and the One hundred and eighth Illinois Infantry to be prepared for
active service in the field, and to be embarked as rapidly as possible on board steamers to be
designated by the quartermaster, and to proceed without delay to New Orleans, La., reporting to
the major-general commanding Military Division of West Mississippi. The regiments above
mentioned will each take with them, in addition to the amount of transportation required by
existing orders, a supply train for a march of twenty days. The chief quartermaster of the
department will give personal attention to the speedy procurement and transfer of this
transportation. All officers and enlisted men of the regiments named absent on detached duty are
hereby relieved and ordered to rejoin and move with their commands. The Eighth Iowa Infantry
will be relieved from provost duty by the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois Infantry.
By order of Maj. Gen. N. J. T. Dana:
F. W. FOX,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 27, 1865.
Maj. Gen. N. J. T. DANA,
Comdg. Department of Mississippi, Memphis, Tenn.:
SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of the 20th instant. Orders will be issued from these headquarters in conformity
with War Department General Orders, No. 21, and the cavalry now at Memphis, which originally
belonged to this division, will, as a matter of course, remain in the Department of Mississippi.
We are still without any advices of the balance of the 2,500 infantry ordered from Memphis on
the 28th ultimo, and of which only the Sixty-eighth U.S. Colored Infantry has arrived. I have the
honor to request that they may be forwarded with all possible dispatch, as well as the Eighth
Iowa and One hundred and eighth Illinois, ordered on the 21st instant.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., February 27, 1865.
Maj. Gen. N. J. T. DANA,
Comdg. Department of Mississippi, Memphis, Tenn.:
129
SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication of the 20th instant. Orders will be issued from these headquarters in conformity
with War Department General Orders, No. 21, and the cavalry now at Memphis, which originally
belonged to this division, will, as a matter of course, remain in the Department of Mississippi.
We are still without any advices of the balance of the 2,500 infantry ordered from Memphis on
the 28th ultimo, and of which only the Sixty-eighth U.S. Colored Infantry has arrived. I have the
honor to request that they may be forwarded with all possible dispatch, as well as the Eighth
Iowa and One hundred and eighth Illinois, ordered on the 21st instant.
Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UPPER ARKANSAS,
In the Field, Fort Larned, Kans., February 28, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Missouri:
SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the major-general commanding
Department of the Missouri my arrival at this post; was delayed by heavy storms of snow and
rain, bad roads, and high waters, or should have been here some days ago. I inclose you
herewith report of H. D. Janes, chief of scouts of this district, who has thoroughly scouted or
caused to be scouted the country north, northwest, and northeast of this post. They report no
recent Indian signs whatever north of the Arkansas. Sergeant Nettleton with fifteen men made a
scout south of the Arkansas. Saw plenty of fresh Indian signs, and ascertained without a doubt
that all the depredations that have been committed on this route since I have been in command
were perpetrated by Indians south of this. They are the same tribes that Colonel Leavenworth
held his interview with, and who are now suing for peace. I telegraphed you Colonel
Leavenworth's report, but as yet have received no answer. My opinion is that these Indians
should be chastised before making peace with them or giving them any presents whatever.
Sergeant Nettleton describes the country through which he followed the trails as very rough and
broken. It would be impossible to take a train of wagons through. Pack-mules would be much
better. It is now spring; their ponies are poor. With a pack train they could be followed, caught,
and severely punished, as they richly deserve. From the best information I can get there are no
Indians at the present time in the district between the Arkansas and the Platte, except roving
bands of warriors. They have no doubt moved their families north, in the neighborhood of the
Black Hills. At Fort Zarah I find that the field-works and fortifications as planned by the
engineers are altogether too large and extensive. I have not the troops to either build or properly
defend them after they are finished. I ordered Captain Greene, Second Colorado Cavalry,
commanding post, to immediately have built a blockhouse, or earth-works, where a few men
could hold the post against any number of Indians. He is now building an octagonal fortification
of stone, where fifty men can defend the post against 3,000 Indians. Captain Moses, Second
Colorado Cavalry, commanding this post (Fort Larned), is building a similar one for this post,
draughts of which will be forwarded by next mail. It is impossible for our quartermaster to hire
laborers here, and nearly all our quartermaster work is done by soldiers, which very materially
reduces our force for effective duty in the field. We now have on duty and extra duty in the
quartermaster's department a very large force. Our men are on duty every day, either guard,
fatigue, or escorting coach or Government trains, &c. I now have the troops of my command
stationed as follows: One company Twelfth Kansas Infantry at Fort Riley, Kans., Major
Pritchard, Second Colorado Cavalry, commanding; one company Seventh Iowa Cavalry at
130
Salina, Kans., Captain Hammer commanding; two companies at Fort Ellsworth, one Second
Colorado Cavalry, and one Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Captain Clark, Seventh Iowa Cavalry,
commanding post; at Fort Zarah, four companies Second Colorado Cavalry, Captain Greene
commanding; Fort Larned, four companies Second Colorado Cavalry, two companies Eleventh
Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, Captain Moses commanding; one company Second Colorado Cavalry
on escort, provost, scouting, and other duty. I have little faith in the promises of the Indians south
of the Arkansas, and am looking for a raid on this end of my district during the light of the
present moon. Mr. Janes and Sergeant Nettleton are both deserving of much credit for the able
and efficient scouting and elaborate reports made to me at the end of each scout. Colonel
Leavenworth has probably reported to you by letter his interview with the Kiowas, Comanches,
and Apaches. He seems to have every confidence in them and believes they will do as they
promised.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. H. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
Organization of troops in the Military Division of the Missouri, Maj. Gen. John Pope, U.S.
Army, commanding, February 28, 1865.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST.
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL R. CURTIS.
DISTRICT OF IOWA.
Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY.
FORT BERTHOLD, DAK. TER.
6th Iowa Cavalry (one company), Capt. Abraham B. Moreland.
CROW CREEK, DAK. TER.
6th Iowa Cavalry (one company), Capt. Scott Shattuck.
DAVENPORT, IOWA.
4th U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps, Company K, Capt. George E. Judd.
172d Company, 2d Battalion, U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut. Victor Chandone.
KEOKUK, IOWA,
169th Company, 2d Battalion, U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps, Lieut. Sherman Cleminshaw.
FORT RANDALL, DAK. TER.
6th Iowa Cavalry (five companies), Col. Samuel M. Pollock.
FORT RICE, DAK. TER.
1st U.S. Volunteers (six companies), Col. Charles A. R. Dimon.
FORT SULLY, DAK. TER.
6th Iowa Cavalry (three companies), Maj. Albert E. House.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA.
6th Iowa Cavalry (one company), }
7th Iowa Cavalry (two companies), Lieut. Col. John Pattee.
SPIRIT LAKE, IOWA.
7th Iowa Cavalry (one company), Capt. Francis H. Cooper.
FORT UNION, DAK. TER.
30th Wisconsin, Company I, Capt. Napoleon B. Greet.
VERMILLION, DAK. TER.
Dakota Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Nelson Miner.
YANKTON AGENCY, DAK. TER.
Dakota Cavalry, Company B, Capt. William Tripp.
131
YANKTON, DAK. TER.
6th Iowa Cavalry (one company), Capt. Lewis R. Wolfe.
DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA.
Brig. Gen. ROBERT B. MITCHELL.
EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT.
Col. ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Alkali Station, Nebr. Ter.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Edward B. Murphy.
Beauvais Station, Nebr. Ter.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company C, Capt. Harrison W. Cremer.
Columbus, Nebr. Ter.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company E, Capt. James B. David.
Cottonwood Springs, Nebr. Ter.
Maj. GEORGE M. O'BRIEN.
7th Iowa Cavalry (recruits), Lieut. George P. Belden.
1st Battalion Nebraska Cavalry, Company C, Capt. Henry Kuhl.
Gilman's Station, Nebr. Ter.
1st Battalion Nebraska Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Charles F. Porter.
Julesburg, Colo. Ter.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company F, Capt. Nicholas J. O'Brien
O'Fallon's Bluff, Nebr. Ter.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company B, Capt. John Wilcox.
Fort Laramie, Idaho Ter.
Maj. THOMAS L. MACKEY.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company D, Capt. William D. Fouts.
11th Ohio Cavalry (detachment), Maj. Thomas L. Mackey
DISTRICT OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS.
Bvt. Brig. Gen. JAMES H. FORD.
Fort Ellsworth, Kans.
2d Colorado Cavalry, Company H, Lieut. Henry W. Garfield.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company H, Capt. Curtis Clark.
Saline, Kans.
7th Iowa Cavalry, Company G, Capt. Elisha Hammer.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 54.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., March 2, 1865.
7. The Thirty-sixth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers is transferred from the First Brigade,
First Division, Seventh Army Corps, to the First Brigade, Second Division, and will proceed
without delay to Saint Charles, Ark., for duty at that post. The quartermaster's department will
furnish transportation.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF MORGANZA,
Morganza, La., March 3, 1865.
In compliance with orders from the major-general commanding Northern Division of
Louisiana, the undersigned hereby assumes command of this district, relieving Brig. Gen. E. J.
132
Davis of his temporary command. In addition to the officers already attached to the district staff
the following are announced: First Lieut. G. G. Bennett, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteers, aide-decamp
and acting assistant adjutant-general; First Lieut. M. Randall McDonnell, Eighty-second
U.S. Colored Infantry, aide-de-camp.
THOS. J. McKEAN,
Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., March 3, 1865.
Maj. DE WITT C. CRAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Iowa:
MAJOR: Since my last communication of the 15th ultimo nothing of interest has transpired
at this post, except the mortally wounding of one of my men on the 20th ultimo at the Cannon
Ball River, engaged in guarding Government cattle. He left camp alone unarmed, in direct
violation of orders, was set upon by three Santees, and wounded by four arrows. Two Bear is
very energetic in his endeavors to bring all Indians disposed to make peace toward Fort Rice, and
has sent out some of his people to all the camps, and from those that have already come back
from the Heart River and Little Missouri [and] Gros Ventre I have received assurances of their
desire to make peace and their intention to come to Fort Rice and hear what we have got to say. I
would respectfully suggest that an opportunity for all Indians to make peace be offered until the
first or middle of May, after that time treat those not accepting as enemies, and I think with the
assistance of those Indians who are friendly a small body of troops could govern this portion of
the country. I would very respectfully request of the general commanding that I may be furnished
with two companies of cavalry for the better protection of the post and to guard against these
small war parties of Santees. The weather since the 22d ultimo has been quite severe.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel First U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, March 28, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded. It perhaps would be well if I could visit Fort Rice before starting on
my expedition. I might be able to do this, if, as I suggested, a light steamer should be chartered to
carry stores. As regards the cavalry force to be stationed at Rice, I have no cavalry for that
service, but I would suggest the propriety of purchasing ponies to mount the infantry as a more
convenient mode of keeping a cavalry force in the country.
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., March 4, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. B. H. GRIERSON,
Comdg. Cavalry Forces, Mil. Div. of West Mississippi:
GENERAL: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the
following-named regiments have been ordered to be relieved from their present duties and
directed to report to you, with a view of being equipped for service in the field: Third Michigan
Cavalry, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, now in Department of Arkansas; Fourth Illinois Cavalry,
Eleventh Illinois Cavalry, Twelfth Illinois Cavalry, First Iowa Cavalry, Second Wisconsin
133
Cavalry, Eleventh New York Cavalry, Second New Jersey Cavalry, now in Department of
Mississippi; Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry and First Texas Cavalry, now in Department of the Gulf.
These regiments number in all about 7,000 effective men. All officers and enlisted men on
detached service have been ordered to join their respective commands, and their present
department commanders have been ordered, so far as practicable, to mount every effective man
by drawing horses from the cavalry left behind and replacing the animals so taken from the
supplies expected from Saint Louis. The commanding officers of these regiments will stop at
Morganza on their way down the river and telegraph to you, care of these headquarters, for
instructions. The Fourth Wisconsin and First Texas Regiments will remain at Baton Rouge,
subject to your orders, until a good camping-ground has been selected in the vicinity of this city.
With these regiments, General Lucas' brigade, and the best portion of General Knipe's command,
you will have fully 12,000 effective men for service in the field.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., March 4, 1865.
Maj. Gen. N. J. T. DANA,
Commanding Department of Mississippi:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that the Fourth and Eleventh Illinois, the
First Iowa and Second Wisconsin Regiments of Volunteer Cavalry be sent, as early as
practicable, to this city, and ordered to report to Brevet Major-General Grierson, commanding
cavalry forces of this division. The order for the Eleventh New York and Twelfth Illinois
Cavalry, dated the 2d instant, is hereby so far modified as to require them to report to General
Grierson instead of to General Hurlbut. All officers and enlisted men belonging to those
regiments and now on detached service should at once be returned to their commands, and, so far
as practicable, every effective man should be mounted by drawing horses from regiments to
remain in your department, to be replaced from supplies now on their way from Saint Louis. It is
desired that no effort be spared to expedite the movement of these troops as much as possible.
Commanding officers should be instructed to stop at Morganza on their way down the river for
the purpose of telegraphing to General Grierson (care of these headquarters) for instructions. The
Second New Jersey Cavalry has been ordered from Natchez direct and should be replaced by
some other regiment from Memphis. A portion of Knipe's cavalry will probably remain in your
department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.
DAVENPORT, IOWA, March 6, 1865--7.50 p.m.
Capt. Jos. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
General Sully left here Thursday evening for Saint Louis.
THOS. DUNCAN,
Major, U.S. Army
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Vicksburg, Miss., March 12, 1865.
134
Maj. Gen. C. C. WASHBURN,
Commanding District of West Tennessee, Memphis:
Herewith I inclose copy of a letter to me, dated March 4, from the headquarters Military
Division of West Mississippi, by which you will see that the following cavalry regiments were
ordered with all possible dispatch to New Orleans to report to Major-General Grierson, to wit:
Fourth Illinois, Eleventh Illinois, First Iowa, Second Wisconsin, Eleventh New York, and
Twelfth Illinois. This order has been to Memphis and back here again, and owing to that
unavoidable delay I have to request that you will spare no effort to expedite the movement of
those troops, in obedience to the orders of the major-general commanding the Military Division
of West Mississippi. You will also see that I was ordered to send a regiment to replace the
Second New Jersey Cavalry, which has been also ordered to the Gulf. I beg that you will
accordingly order the Third United States, with Colonel Osband, to report to me at this place.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully,
N. J. T. DANA,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, March 15, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest:
SIR: Major-General Pope, commanding Military Division of the Missouri, has directed me to
prepare an expedition, to consist of twelve companies of cavalry and a battery, to march early
this year across the Black Hills to Powder River. I shall require 180 mules, or 36 mule teams,
more than I have got in my district, most of my transportation being oxen. It will not do to use
oxen with mules in making a rapid march without grain. I shall take all the mules and horses I
have at each post and replace them by oxen, but will still require then thirty teams. I therefore
request to know if these teams could not be lent me from the District of Minnesota. They could
accompany Brackett's Battalion from Minnesota and carry forage for his horses. The grazing will
be bad when he starts on his march to Sioux City. I am making out requisitions for what may be
required on the march, and will have to include these mules should I not be able to procure them
in the department.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, March 15, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE,
Commanding Military Division of the Missouri:
GENERAL: When you informed me you intended to establish a post in the Black Hills, I
wrote to an officer stationed in the upper country to quietly obtain all the information he could
about that country. Although you have abandoned the idea of a post there, I inclose you a copy of
his report, thinking it may interest you.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brevet Major-General.
FORT SULLY, DAK. TER., February 20, 1865.
135
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa:
SIR: In obedience to instructions received from you under date of 31st ultimo, I have the
honor to submit the following report: The country from old Fort Pierre to the Cheyenne River in
the direction of the Black Rills is very good for a wagon road, I am told by all of whom I have
inquired (eight or nine in number), half-breeds and French and old residents of this section of
country, and all of whom have been from Fort Pierre either to the Black Hills or within a few
miles of them at several different times, and most of them have wintered at or within a short
distance of them. These men tell me that the route traced in red (thus: --x--x--x--x) on the map
you send me is impassable for wagons, besides being longer than the one called the Platte or Fort
Laramie road, as I have marked in green pencil (thus: -- -- -- -- -- --) on the map. The road strikes
as directly as possible for the forks of the Cheyenne, not coming in sight of that river till within
twenty or thirty miles of the junction of the North and South Forks, passing down on the river
bottom about twenty miles below the junction, passing up the bottom about ten miles, when it
crosses; then it leads up on the north side and crosses back on south side of the North Fork a mile
or two above the junction. From here it is three or four days' march to Bear Butte. Eight miles
farther up is White Wood Creek (where I have marked in red pencil thus: o), a point for the
location of a post, which neighborhood all agree is much the most desirable, being also a place of
great resort by the Indians in winter. There is a great abundance of good oak, pine, and ash
timber on the creek and plenty of grass on the creek and river bottoms. This creek furnishes a
good abundance of never-failing water of the purest and most delicious quality, and the amount
of timber on it and the adjacent hills is said to be inexhaustible. About thirty miles farther up is
Red Water Creek, where is also a fine location, though not so highly spoken of as the other. This
stream flows through the valley, intersecting the Black Hills, which valley is ten to fifteen miles
wide and furnishes an easy wagon route for fifty miles or more up their interior. Running Water
Creek empties into Red Water from the north side, about twelve miles from the mouth of the
valley. This latter creek is a bold, perpetual, and pretty stream. The soil in the vicinity of the
Black Hills is said to be very good; seasons regular, though shorter than they are here, and rains
are frequent. Game of all kinds and far animals abound in the greatest profusion.
From Fort Pierre to crossing of the Cheyenne is a very good wagon route, moderately rolling
and easy camping places, well supplied with wood and water. From here to Bear Butte (by road
on south side of North Fork, my informants say) "it is as level and smooth as a floor." There is a
road crossing the Cheyenne in the vicinity of Cherry Creek, and striking the North Fork near the
mouth of Crow Creek. This route is about one day's march shorter, but a much more hilly and
difficult road than the other. The crossing of the Cheyenne is very good, the water being shallow
and the bottom rocky. All of the other streams are easily crossed also. It is about four miles from
foot of Black Hills to Bear Butte, and eight or ten miles farther to the river, and a pretty level
country between, with a natural slope toward the river. There are several errors as to the relative
position of different points and streams on the map you send me. One is the location of Plum
Creek, which in reality empties into the Cheyenne only a mile or two below the mouth of Cherry
Creek. Another is the position of Fort Pierre, which is represented as being half way between
Little Missouri or Bad River and the mouth of the Big Cheyenne, when in fact Fort Pierre is only
five miles above the former and is fifty miles below the latter.
Earnestly hoping that you may realize from this report all you expected of me, I am, general,
with much respect, your obedient servant,
CARTER BERKELEY,
Lieutenant, Sixth Iowa Cavalry.
136
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, March 15, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest:
SIR: Major-General Pope, commanding Military Division of the Missouri, has directed me to
prepare an expedition, to consist of twelve companies of cavalry and a battery, to march early
this year across the Black Hills to Powder River. I shall require 180 mules, or 36 mule teams,
more than I have got in my district, most of my transportation being oxen. It will not do to use
oxen with mules in making a rapid march without grain. I shall take all the mules and horses I
have at each post and replace them by oxen, but will still require then thirty teams. I therefore
request to know if these teams could not be lent me from the District of Minnesota. They could
accompany Brackett's Battalion from Minnesota and carry forage for his horses. The grazing will
be bad when he starts on his march to Sioux City. I am making out requisitions for what may be
required on the march, and will have to include these mules should I not be able to procure them
in the department.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, March 15, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE,
Commanding Military Division of the Missouri:
GENERAL: When you informed me you intended to establish a post in the Black Hills, I
wrote to an officer stationed in the upper country to quietly obtain all the information he could
about that country. Although you have abandoned the idea of a post there, I inclose you a copy of
his report, thinking it may interest you.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brevet Major-General.
FORT SULLY, DAK. TER., February 20, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa:
SIR: In obedience to instructions received from you under date of 31st ultimo, I have the
honor to submit the following report: The country from old Fort Pierre to the Cheyenne River in
the direction of the Black Rills is very good for a wagon road, I am told by all of whom I have
inquired (eight or nine in number), half-breeds and French and old residents of this section of
country, and all of whom have been from Fort Pierre either to the Black Hills or within a few
miles of them at several different times, and most of them have wintered at or within a short
distance of them. These men tell me that the route traced in red (thus: --x--x--x--x) on the map
you send me is impassable for wagons, besides being longer than the one called the Platte or Fort
Laramie road, as I have marked in green pencil (thus: -- -- -- -- -- --) on the map. The road strikes
as directly as possible for the forks of the Cheyenne, not coming in sight of that river till within
twenty or thirty miles of the junction of the North and South Forks, passing down on the river
bottom about twenty miles below the junction, passing up the bottom about ten miles, when it
crosses; then it leads up on the north side and crosses back on south side of the North Fork a mile
or two above the junction. From here it is three or four days' march to Bear Butte. Eight miles
137
farther up is White Wood Creek (where I have marked in red pencil thus: o), a point for the
location of a post, which neighborhood all agree is much the most desirable, being also a place of
great resort by the Indians in winter. There is a great abundance of good oak, pine, and ash
timber on the creek and plenty of grass on the creek and river bottoms. This creek furnishes a
good abundance of never-failing water of the purest and most delicious quality, and the amount
of timber on it and the adjacent hills is said to be inexhaustible. About thirty miles farther up is
Red Water Creek, where is also a fine location, though not so highly spoken of as the other. This
stream flows through the valley, intersecting the Black Hills, which valley is ten to fifteen miles
wide and furnishes an easy wagon route for fifty miles or more up their interior. Running Water
Creek empties into Red Water from the north side, about twelve miles from the mouth of the
valley. This latter creek is a bold, perpetual, and pretty stream. The soil in the vicinity of the
Black Hills is said to be very good; seasons regular, though shorter than they are here, and rains
are frequent. Game of all kinds and far animals abound in the greatest profusion.
From Fort Pierre to crossing of the Cheyenne is a very good wagon route, moderately rolling
and easy camping places, well supplied with wood and water. From here to Bear Butte (by road
on south side of North Fork, my informants say) "it is as level and smooth as a floor." There is a
road crossing the Cheyenne in the vicinity of Cherry Creek, and striking the North Fork near the
mouth of Crow Creek. This route is about one day's march shorter, but a much more hilly and
difficult road than the other. The crossing of the Cheyenne is very good, the water being shallow
and the bottom rocky. All of the other streams are easily crossed also. It is about four miles from
foot of Black Hills to Bear Butte, and eight or ten miles farther to the river, and a pretty level
country between, with a natural slope toward the river. There are several errors as to the relative
position of different points and streams on the map you send me. One is the location of Plum
Creek, which in reality empties into the Cheyenne only a mile or two below the mouth of Cherry
Creek. Another is the position of Fort Pierre, which is represented as being half way between
Little Missouri or Bad River and the mouth of the Big Cheyenne, when in fact Fort Pierre is only
five miles above the former and is fifty miles below the latter.
Earnestly hoping that you may realize from this report all you expected of me, I am, general,
with much respect, your obedient servant,
CARTER BERKELEY,
Lieutenant, Sixth Iowa Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, March 17, 1865.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Department of the Northwest :
SIR: I beg leave to inform the major-general that I intend to make the following changes in
the stations of some of the companies in my command, if the change is approved by him: The
company now stationed at Fort Union is a company of the Thirtieth Wisconsin Volunteers. I
received the order directing this regiment to be sent down the river too late in the season to
relieve this company, and I propose to order it down the river to Saint Louis, there to join its
regiment in the field. I will relieve it by a company of the First U.S. Volunteers now at Fort
Rice. Arrangements to be made in Saint Louis with some one of the boats going up the Missouri
to transport these troops. The company of cavalry, Company G, Sixth Iowa (they have but
twenty horses), now stationed at Fort Berthold will be relieved by another company of the First
U.S. Volunteers now stationed at Fort Rice. Arrangements to be made in Saint Louis with some
boat going up the river to make this transfer. The company of the Sixth Iowa it is necessary to
relieve during navigation, as its term of service expires next winter. The garrison at Fort Rice
138
will be small (four companies), it being necessary for them next summer to procure hay for the
winter, which cannot be procured in any large quantity short of eight miles from the post. It will
require guards to protect the hay parties from hostile bands of Indians. I would urgently request,
if it is possible to do so, [that] I have the other four companies of the First U.S. Volunteers now
in Minnesota District sent to this district. In order to get together troops and teamsters enough for
the expedition across the Black Hills to operate against the Platte Valley Indians I will have to
take nearly every effective cavalryman in the district. As I understand Major-General Pope, it is
his intention to garrison the post I am directed to establish on Powder River, or, I should say, will
be directed to establish, by the battalion of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry now in this district. I will
then have only the Sixth Iowa and the two companies of the Dakota cavalry, besides the six
companies of the First U.S. Volunteers, stationed far up the river beyond my reach. One
company of the Dakota cavalry go out of service in April and the Sixth Iowa Cavalry's term of
service expires next winter.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. CAV. FORCES, MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., March 22, 1865.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General :
CAPTAIN: I respectfully request that Captain Harrison, special inspector of cavalry, Military
Division of West Mississippi, be ordered to Memphis, with full authority to bring to this point all
the cavalry which has heretofore been ordered here; also 500 Spencer carbines for the Second
New Jersey Cavalry which are there. The following are the regiments which have been ordered
here from Memphis: Eleventh New York, Fourth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Illinois, Second
Wisconsin, First Iowa.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. H. GRIERSON,
Brevet Major-General.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., March 26, 1865.
Maj. Gen. C. C. WASHBURN,
Commanding District of West Tennessee:
GENERAL: In a letter from these headquarters of March 4 Major General Dana was
requested to send several cavalry regiments to this place. Among that number was the First
Wisconsin Cavalry. This was a mistake; it should have been the First Iowa Cavalry. In the
absence of the major-general commanding, I have the honor to request that you now send the
First Iowa Cavalry to report to Major-General Grierson at this place.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. DYER,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, March 28, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE,
Saint Louis:
139
GENERAL: In conversation with you some time ago I understood you to say that you
intended the four companies of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry to form part of the garrison of the new
post to be established. This battalion has been under orders to hold themselves in readiness to
march to Nebraska. I hope their services may not be needed there, as I intend them to form a part
of the expedition, and if you still intend they shall form part of a garrison to a post they can be
left there. Should they be sent out of my district I will have trouble to get together twelve
companies of cavalry, for I will only have that number in my command that I can order, one
company being out of my reach.
With respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
KEOKUK, IOWA, March 29, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Dubuque, Iowa:
GENERAL: I cannot judge so well as yourself in regard to proposed changes of the troops in
your district and see no doubt of the propriety of the shifting companies as you suggest. Indeed,
it is for you to judge of their best use. As soon as the upper portion of the Mississippi is clear of
ice so boats can get up to Saint Paul and roads are passable I propose to go up perhaps as far as
to the Red River of the North, and I shall hope to see you and General Sibley both for the
purpose of fully understanding matters and exercising my own judgment in conjunction with
yours. I have directed an order designed to carry out the object of the President's message, which
will be sent you as soon as published. I thought the proclamation was plain enough, but at the
suggestion of General Pope I have imposed some further restraints on Indian trade, which district
commanders will have to attend to. I hope you will try to avoid any trouble with officers acting
under instructions from the Interior Department. Of course, you will also respect the rights of
neutrals who are within the British lines. The cupidity as well as the knavish jealousy of a few
frontier traders must not draw us into acts of resentment that would involve complications
between great national powers. If British traders come on our side to flourish their flag and trade
with our enemies, civil or savage, our right to take and dispose of them summarily cannot be
doubted, if we can catch them on our side. But it is better to bear with many indifferent or
doubtful offenses when such traders would be surrounded with willing witnesses who would
seek to make any retaliatory act appear as faulty and formidable as possible. I am here spending
a few days at my own home, but expect to go again to Milwaukee before going to the upper
country, and keep myself well posted as to business which goes to headquarters.
Hoping to see you soon, I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE,
CAVALRY DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Brownsville, Ark., January 29, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding, that, in
obedience to orders received from Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr, U.S. Volunteers, at the time of their
issue commanding the District of Little Rock, dated December 29, 1864, I started from
Brownsville on Wednesday, the 4th instant, with a force composed of detachments of the Eighth
and Eleventh Missouri and Ninth Iowa Cavalry; in all 1,050 effective men. The command
commenced moving at 8 a.m. on the Brownsville and Austin road; reached Austin at 1.30 p.m.,
140
when a short halt was made. The day's march was continued on the Searcy road to a point about
four miles from the former place, where I camped for the night, halting at 4 p.m. The whole
distance traveled was fourteen miles and a half. The roads were generally in good condition, no
difficulty being had in crossing wagons, except in the wood near the outer edge of the prairie
near Brownsville. The weather was pleasant. The next morning I commenced moving at 7.30
o'clock, at which time it commenced raining, and continued to rain without cessation all day. The
route traveled was rough and toward the latter part of the day's march exceedingly bad, the roads
being entirely covered with water to the depth of from six to eighteen inches, with bogs and miry
ground. Owing to the fact that the bridge over Bull Bayou on the main road was destroyed I was
obliged to make a detour to the right of about three miles and to cross the bayou at a point by
Davis' house, which was reached at 12 m. Much difficulty was experienced in crossing on
account of the steep bank, muddy in high stage of water, and roughness of the bridge. The
command reached Quarles' Bridge at 3 p.m., near which point the Searcy road was left, and a
road leading in an east-southeasterly direction was taken and followed till 5 p.m., when the
command encamped for the night on Gooderidge's plantation. Owing to the unprecedented state
of the roads the train could not be brought through to camp: but was forced to remain at
Watkins', four miles from Gooderidge's. It rained and snowed incessantly all day and night, and
the roads were in an almost impassable condition--entirely so, in fact, for the train. The distance
traveled was seventeen miles. On the 6th of January, the third day out, the train, owing to the
almost impassable state of the roads, was sent back to Searcy, and thence to West Point, at which
point I arrived safely on the morning of the 7th instant. My advance left camp for West Point at 8
a.m., where it arrived at 10 a.m., at which hour also the steamer Ella, which had been sent to
ferry the command across the Red River, arrived. The main column reached West Point at 3.30
p.m., having left Gooderidge's at 12 m. The distance from this point to West Point is six miles
and a half. The road was entirely submerged and the ground low, boggy, and swampy.
Immediately on my arrival I made arrangements to cross the command the next day, which was
successfully accomplished by 2 p.m. of the 8th instant. I then moved up the river road to
Hitcher's place, two miles and a half from West Point, where I encamped for the night. The road
was in good order and the weather excellent. On the 9th instant the march was resumed at 7.30
a.m. I moved north to a point seven miles from West Point, and northeast, and to the right of
Prospect Bluff, by Prince's house, where the road was in an easterly direction, leading to a point
on White River three miles from and north of Hatcher's Ferry.
Following the road, we marched six miles and a half and camped in the woods. The entire
route from Prince's to camp was an almost impassable swamp, the water in three or four places
being so deep as to force the command to swim their horses. After a vast deal of trouble the
camping place was reached at 3 p.m. It rained constantly all day and during the night, rendering
the march exceedingly difficult and fatiguing. Resuming the march the next day, the 10th instant,
we reached a point two miles from Hatcher's Ferry, on the west bank of White River, at 3 p.m.,
when we encamped for the night, marching nearly the entire distance, nine miles, in water from
six inches to four feet deep, at times swimming our horses, and through a low, miry, swampy
country, in a very severe snow-storm, accompanied by a cold north wind, and enduring and
surmounting hardships and difficulties caused by the inclemency of the weather and the almost
impassable condition of the surrounding country and its roads rarely experienced by troops in
any country. The next day, the 11th instant, the steamers Ella and Belle Peoria being in
readiness, I crossed the command to the east side of White River, landing at a point two miles
north of Augusta. The town was occupied at 12 m., the command encamping in the grove
adjoining the town, on Hough's place. The order to "consume forage" and "gather beeves" we
carried out to the letter during the entire time the command remained at Augusta. Small bodies of
141
troops were daily sent out in every direction, and succeeded in capturing a large number of
beeves and bringing in or consuming great quantities of forage. We remained at Augusta from
the 11th to the 24th instant, on which day, at 8.30 a.m., in obedience to orders received at
Brownsville [from] the general commanding on the evening of the 22d instant, I commenced
moving south to a point opposite Nigger Hill, nineteen miles south of Augusta, where I intended
to cross the column in order to avoid the trouble and delay of crossing both the White and Red
Rivers. I sent the train from Augusta to Nigger Hill by boat, knowing that it would be well-nigh
impossible to cross it over Bayou Cache, eight miles from Augusta, on account of the high stage
of water, which was so deep that it could only be crossed by swimming horses. Having seen the
column safely across this bayou, the march was resumed, most of the way on the levee, until the
point opposite Nigger Hill was reached at 6 p.m. Failing to communicate with the steamer Ella,
which left Augusta in the morning, I camped on the river-bank, and commenced crossing the
command the next morning, the 25th instant, which was successfully finished at 9 a.m. on the
26th instant. Leaving Nigger Hill at that time, I moved the command in a northwesterly direction
till the south bank of Red River was reached, where the levee road was followed for seven miles
to West Point, which place was reached at 1.30 p.m. Moving on, I camped for the night on
Burrows' plantation, five miles and a half from West Point and four from Searcy. The next day
the march was resumed at 8 a.m., and the command, with the exception of the train and its guard,
safely reached Brownsville, via Searcy, Stony Point, and Austin, at 11.45 p.m., having marched
forty-seven miles in one day. The train and its guard encamped near Cypress Bayou, and the next
day came into Brownsville at 1 p.m. No form of the enemy was seen or heard of except two or
three small bodies on Crowley's Ridge and below Clarendon. We captured 7 prisoners, one of
them a lieutenant, all of whom we sent to Devall's Bluff by boat. We also captured 407 head of
cattle, 330 of which number were sent by boat to Devall's Bluff, and the balance consumed or
brought into Brownsville. We also captured and brought in horses and mules. The conduct of the
officers and men of the command was, with some exceptions, generally good.
To the officers of my staff, Capt. F. F. Burlock, Fourth Arkansas Cavalry, acting assistant
adjutant-general; Lieut. J. J. See, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, acting aide-de-camp; Lieut. M.
Santee, Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, acting assistant quartermaster, and Lieut. T. B. Horn, Eighth
Missouri Cavalry, acting commissary of subsistence, I am greatly indebted for the zeal and
ability with which they discharged their respective duties at all times during the scout, which in
every respect was the most fatiguing and harassing one I ever made.
I have the honor, lieutenant, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. F. GEIGER,
Colonel Eighth Missouri Cavalry,
Comdg. Third Brigade, Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps.
Lieut. W. A. MARTIN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Cavalry Division, Seventh Army Corps.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK., February 5, 1865.
SIR: In obedience to your orders I reported to Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr, commanding expedition
to Mount Elba, on the 22d of January, 1865, and was assigned as surgeon-in-chief. The
command was composed of the First Iowa Cavalry, First Missouri Cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois
Cavalry, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin
Infantry, Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, One hundred
and sixth Illinois Infantry, Twenty-fifth Ohio Battery, one section First Arkansas Battery
(colored), and pontoon corps. We left Little Rock January 22 at 11 a.m. and arrived at Mount
Elba January--, at 1 p.m. Infantry halted here; pontoon was put down; cavalry crossed over the
142
Saline River at 5 p.m.; advanced on the Camden road twenty-five miles and back to Mount Elba
on the next day. On the 29th we commenced our march for Little Rock, where we arrived at 3
p.m. February 4, 1865. The health of the troops was remarkably good during the march; but very
few were in the ambulances at any time. One man was killed in a skirmish at Saline River, the
only casualty that occurred during the time we were out. (See accompanying report.) The
medical officers all did their duty faithfully and efficiently. I heard of no complaints whatever. I
wish to call your attention particularly to Lieutenant Cory, commanding ambulance corps, First
Division. He is a good officer, and managed his department very efficiently, so much so that not
a single complaint was made about transportation. I forward herewith reports of the commands
while absent, with the exception of those that went from Pine Bluff, who were ordered to make
them to the senior surgeon at that post.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. R. WEEKS,
Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, in Charge of Expedition.
Surg. J. R. SMITH, U. S. Army,
Medical Director, Department of Arkansas.
HDQRS. EASTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., February 18, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to verbal instructions received from the
general commanding district, I moved from this post to Fort Rankin, Colo. Ter., on the 30th
ultimo, arriving at the latter post on the night of the 3d instant, about 4 a.m., hurriedly taking
with me such troops as were available for the march from the various posts of this sub-district,
amounting in all to 300 men, all of whom had but lately returned from the expedition under Brig.
Gen. R.. B. Mitchell toward the Republican River. I marched the whole distance, 210 miles, in
four days. On my arrival at the post of Alkali, on the afternoon of the 2d instant, I ascertained
that Capt. N. J. O'Brien and Lieutenant Ware, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, had left there the morning
of the 1st instant for Julesburg, Colo. Ter.; that Indians had been reported in force about the post
of Fort Rankin, and that Lieutenant Brewer, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, fearing Captain O'Brien
might be attacked, had sent thirty men and one mountain howitzer to Beauvais Station to meet
and escort the captain to his post. Captain O'Brien had been detained behind his command at
O'Fallon's and Alkali by business connected with transferring one mountain howitzer to each of
these posts, by order of General Mitchell. While the troops sent to escort Captain O'Brien to his
post were absent therefrom, leaving the garrison at Fort Rankin only fifteen strong, I discovered
a large column of smoke in the direction of Julesburg from Alkali and immediately thereafter
received telegram from Fort Rankin stating Indians had attacked and were burning the Julesburg
stage station. I immediately ordered the troops to prepare for an early start, and marched day and
night until I arrived at Julesburg, where I learned that three bodies of Indians, none of which
were less than 600 strong, had appeared around the fort the morning of the 2d instant. Their
attack on the stage station was evidently a ruse to obtain possession of the fort. Just out of
howitzer range on the west and north were stationed bodies of Indians, while the third body
destroyed the stage station; their intention evidently being to induce the weakened garrison of
Fort Rankin to attempt a defense of the station, thereby leaving the fort an easy prey. Lieutenant
Brewer wisely determined to hold his post and could give no protection to the station, which was
consumed in a most tantalizing manner, each building being consumed separately, the Indians
firing one and then waiting to see the effect; then another, and so on till all were consumed.
Captain O'Brien and the escort sent to meet him came in sight too late to do anything toward
saving the buildings. Upon his approach the Indians slowly withdrew and allowed him to enter
143
the fort. As soon as daylight broke, after my arrival at Fort Rankin, I dispatched scouts to the
west, where the Indians were reported to be encamped. The scouts returned, reporting that they
found all encampment of about 300 war-riots apparently evacuated the previous day. I then sent
detachment out toward Valley Station and Pole Creek Crossing to repair telegraph lines and
scout the country. They returned next day, stating that twelve miles of line on the Denver road
and thirty-three miles on the Laramie road were utterly destroyed. The command on the Laramie
road also reported an extraordinarily large Indian trail one mile in width to have crossed that road
about twenty-five miles west of Fort Rankin about two days since; while the command on the
Denver road reported that they had found an encampment on the north side of the South Platte,
twenty-three miles west of Fort Rankin, which had apparently been abandoned two or three days
only, and estimated to contain 800 lodges, some of which were of the largest size known to be
used by Indians. Anticipating that these Indians might swing around to the east after crossing
North Platte, I advised you by telegraph that I considered it unadvisable to follow them with my
small force, fearing that the road east of Fort Rankin might be infested by them during the
advance of my command should I pursue them. On reflection, deemed it not impracticable to
obtain additional forces from Laramie and increase my command to a numerical strength
sufficient to punish the Indians if met; and learning from the scouts out that the enemy was
evidently passing round to the north of Laramie, I applied to district headquarters for permission
to send an express to Fort Laramie with orders to have the troops of that post co-operate with me
in a combined movement against these Indians, intending to extend the pursuit as far as Horse
Creek if necessary, where it was supposed by those best informed in Indian habits that the enemy
would move to. In answer to my request, the general commanding district informed me his
instructions were such as prevented him from granting my request, and directing me to repair the
telegraph line. After some further correspondence by telegraph on the subject of repairing
telegraph lines I set to work with my whole energy to replace the broken portions of the lines,
which were found to be most effectually destroyed; the poles being cut close to the ground and
carried off, while the wire was twisted and entangled in the most inextricable manner, a large
portion of it being carried away. I sent to Cottonwood for poles, whence I obtained 315 on the
10th instant at 4 a.m., Captain Kuhl, First Nebraska Cavalry, having by superhuman exertion
procured poles and wagons, and forwarded them under orders to march day and night. At 8 a.m.,
10th instant, I started out the poles on both lines, the repairing party on the Denver line
consisting of 100 men and two pieces of artillery, under command of Capt. E. B. Murphy,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, the artillery being commanded by Lieut. Eugene F. Ware, Seventh Iowa
Cavalry. The command on the Laramie line consisted of Capt. John Wilcox, Seventh Iowa
Cavalry, and 100 men and one piece of artillery, whom I had sent out twenty-four hours
previously to dig holes for poles on that line, and Captain Weatherwax, First Nebraska Cavalry,
and 100 men with one piece of artillery accompanying poles.
All the wire I had obtained up to this time was insufficient to fill the gap on the Laramie line,
and I directed a party to proceed to Mud Springs, seventy miles west of Fort Rankin, on Laramie
road, to telegraph for the necessary wire to be sent from there, with instructions to march it day
and night to the broken line. On the 11th instant I was informed by my troops on Laramie road
that Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, commanding Western Sub-District of
Nebraska, had fought the Indians on 4th instant at Mud Springs; had skirmished with them until
the 9th instant, when he left them at mouth of Rush or Willow Creek. The families and plunder
had evidently crossed the North Platte at mouth of Rush Creek, where the ice was carefully
sanded to enable cattle to cross, and the warriors or fighting parties of Indian force were loitering
behind to defend them and check pursuit. I confess that I then regretted deeply that I had not
moved my whole force in that direction, as I had at first desired, for I felt that, in connection with
144
Colonel Collins' troops, we could have punished these Indians severely and probably retaken a
good portion of the stock and property they had carried off. I, however, confined myself to the
task assigned me, and, by dividing each repairing party into a day and night corps, succeeded in
completing the circuit on the Denver line on the 12th instant, and on Laramie line on 17th
instant. The heavy wind-storm of the 16th instant injured the line at the crossing of South Platte,
which was repaired and communication opened with California on 18th instant. I cannot speak
in too high terms of praise of the conduct of the officers and men of my command. To Captain
Murphy, Seventh Iowa; Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa; and Captain Weather-wax, First
Nebraska Cavalry, I am greatly indebted for their ceaseless efforts to carry out my instructions,
instilling every officer and man of their commands with zeal to repair the injuries done to the
telegraph with utmost dispatch. Having accomplished the work assigned me, I directed the troops
to return to their respective posts and put themselves in readiness for the field immediately.
I beg respectfully to call the attention of the general commanding district to my monthly
report of military operations in this sub-district, and the fact that every prediction therein
contained has been verified. My frequent requests for additional troops, I am aware, have been
seconded strongly by him but for some reason unknown to me a perfect silence is the only
response I have received in reply to urgent demands for more troops.
I see but one method of protecting this road through my sub-district, which is applicable to
all other portions of the road, and unless adopted I fear that additional trouble with the Indians
will follow. I would establish posts every twenty-five miles along the road, with garrisons of 100
men each. At each post the Overland Stage Company should have a stage station. Halfway
between these posts that company should have stage stations and permanent guards of twentyfive
men, and one commissioned officer should be stationed at these for protection of property
and furnishing relays of mounted escorts to the coaches, which escorts should accompany the
stages from post to post each way. By this means the transit of the mails and passengers would
be insured; but I feel satisfied that no assurance of safety can be given otherwise.
I would also earnestly beg that steps be taken at once to establish a telegraph office at every
military post. The importance of this is too apparent to need comment, for where a large force of
the enemy threatens any one post under present distribution of telegraph offices no reenforcements
can be obtained except from those posts where telegraph offices are already
established, numbering now only five in a distance of 210 miles, and separated from fifty to sixty
miles apart. The attention of the general commanding is earnestly entreated to this improvement
in the defense of this road.
This Indian war has been steadily increasing in magnitude since its commencement, and I
have no doubt a concentration of hostile Indians will take place next spring on some of the
branches of Big Cheyenne River, having a system of raiding operations in view along the full
extent of the line from Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains. Last spring, though superior in
extent to the anticipated operations of the coming season, the Indians succeeded in distracting
plans of pursuit by simultaneous attacks hundreds of miles apart, and I look for a repetition of
that plan for the reason that it was then successful I think it altogether probable that the road east
of Fort Kearny will be attacked in the spring, and we should make timely provisions for defense
at once, by establishing new posts and giving that portion of the line protection. To this end I
would recommend pests at Wood River, Center, Grand Island, and another halfway from Grand
Island to Columbus; one at Columbus, for the protection of the road to Omaha; and on the road
to Atchison I would recommend posts at Sand Hill Station, Mud Creek, Pawnee Ranch, Little
Blue Station, and Big Sandy Station. These additional posts would call for an additional force--
at least 500 men to the present aggregate of this sub district. This would give us a defensive
system of protection to transit of material over the great Platte route; but, to make the route more
145
secure, offensive operations on a large scale should be vigorously carried on against these hostile
Indians, and the war should be so conducted as to compel every warrior to defend his own
wigwam instead of leaving it in security while engaged in plundering and murdering our citizens
on these Indian raids. Various conjectures have been made as to the present locality of these
hostile Indians. My scouts and Colonel Collins', who were on the trail, believe them to have gone
toward L'Eau-qui-court, or Niobrara River, ultimately to reach the Mauvaise Terre country; but
that is only conjecture, and I am of the opinion that the way to find them, encumbered as they are
with plunder and cattle, they cannot travel with rapidity, and I have no doubt, unless their
proverbial cunning misleads us, they will be easily found, inasmuch as they seem defiant and
made no exertions to keep out of Colonel Collins' way, but, on the other hand, confidently
charged his command at Rush Creek.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Cavalry Veteran Volunteers,
Commanding Eastern Sub-District of Nebraska.
Capt. JOHN PRATT,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebr. Ter.
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN SUB-DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA,
Fort Laramie, Nebr. Ter., February 15, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that about 4 o'clock on the evening of Saturday, the 4th
instant, I was informed by telegraph that Mud Springs, a telegraph station 105 miles east of Fort
Laramie, was attacked by Indians. There were at Mud Springs Station at that time nine soldiers
and five citizens, one of the latter connected with the telegraph company and the others herding
stock in the vicinity for Messrs. Creighton and Hoel. I immediately ordered Lieutenant
Ellsworth, commanding Company H, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, then at Camp Mitchell,
a post fifty miles east of Fort Laramie and fifty-five miles west of Mud Springs, to proceed
without delay, with all the men he could spare, to the relief of Mud Springs Station; to travel all
night, and if possible reach there by morning. He obeyed the order promptly, and was at Mud
Springs by daylight the morning of the 5th, with thirty-six men, making the distance in twelve
hours without stopping. In the meantime I left Fort Laramie about 7 p.m. on the 4th instant, with
about 120 men, consisting of detachments of different companies of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry and part of Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, being all that could be
mounted and spared from Fort Laramie. My command traveled all night and reached Camp
Mitchell during the forenoon of the 5th instant. The night was severely cold and several men
were so much frozen as to be unable to proceed any farther. After a short rest I took twenty-five
men and went rapidly forward, reaching Mud Springs about 2 o'clock the morning of the 6th
instant. The balance of the command followed under Captain Fouts, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and
reached Mud Springs about 8 o'clock the same morning, having made 105 miles in thirty-six
hours, including stoppages. The small party with me made the same distance in seventeen hours,
actual travel, and thirty hours, including the delay at Camp Mitchell. I found that the Indians had
been in great numbers on Pole Creek on the 3d instant; that on the 4th they began to appear about
Mud Springs, attacked the station, stole the stock there, consisting of about 15 ponies and horses
belonging to citizens, 1 mule and 3 horses belonging to the Government; also the cattle herd of
Messrs. Creighton and Hoel, which was on Rankin's Creek about four miles distant; that on the
morning of the 5th, soon after the arrival of Lieutenant Ellsworth, they had appeared around Mud
Springs in large numbers, seemed surprised at the increase of men at the station, and after a little
firing their attack ceased, but many continued in sight on the hills all day. At daylight on the
146
morning of the 6th instant they began to come over the bluffs from all directions, and about the
time of the arrival of the main body they commented a desultory firing and made efforts to cut
off some of the party coming in. It was evident that they had come to take the post and expected
to do so. The men and stock were fatigued by night travel, all chilled and many frost-bitten. The
station is also utterly indefensible, being surrounded by hills and knolls full of gullies, enabling
the Indians to ambush and creep upon us at points where they could not be reached by a cavalry
charge. Shortly after our main body got in they attacked us in force and with great boldness. The
suddenness of the attack, the condition of the men, and the character of the ground interfered
with proper discipline and system on our part, and the fighting at first was rather miscellaneous.
We found it necessary to imitate the Indians, get under banks and creep up to favorable positions,
watch for an Italian's head, shoot the moment it was shown, and pop down at the flash of his gun.
The men got quite handy at this game and soon made any ground occupied by the Indians too hot
for them. It was common to see a soldier and an Indian playing bo-peep in this manner for half
an hour at a time. At one time there were some 200 Indians behind a hill and in its ravines, where
they could come within seventy-five yards of the buildings at the station. From this point arrows
came in showers, the Indians shooting them keeping entirely out of sight. The arrows were
apparently discharged at an angle of about forty-five degrees, making a curve and descending
upon us at about the same angle. Many horses and mules and some men were wounded in this
manner. It became evident that this point must be cleared, and arrangements were made for two
parties to charge, one on foot to drive them out, the other on horseback to head them off, when
the Indians, finding half a dozen rifles leveled at each head that was shown, abandoned this
position. We immediately took possession of it, dug a rifle-pit on the highest point, and had no
more trouble from that quarter. After about four hours' fighting, we began to press them back in
all directions and soon drove them off.
About 2 o'clock their fire slackened and they withdrew into the hills, but many continued in
sight on the bluffs until dark. In this day's fight we had seven wounded, three of them seriously,
and some horses and mules killed. The loss of the Indians must have been at least thirty in this
engagement. Most of the officers and men estimate it to be much greater. It is impossible,
however, to be certain, as their dead and wounded are immediately carried off; indeed, it is
common for the warrior to be fastened to his horse so that his body will be brought off in case of
accident. The number of warriors engaged was from 500 to 1,000, the latter probably nearer the
mark. They were armed with rifles, revolvers, bows and arrows. Many were mounted on
American horses and there were white men or Mexicans among them. They had plenty of
ammunition. Minie-balls were common, and they were bold and brave. They generally shot too
high, else we should have suffered much more. Early in the engagement I telegraphed to Maj.
Thomas L. Mackey, commanding at Fort Laramie, to send down a field piece, it appearing
difficult to dislodge the Indians from their sheltered positions without one. Directly afterward the
line was cut. About 3 o'clock I sent a strong party to repair it. The break was found about a mile
west and mended. Soon afterward it was cut again. At dark another party was sent out and found
two poles cut down and the wire gone for four poles at or near the same place. By taking wire
from the line east it was repaired, so that we were able to keep up communication with Fort
Laramie. During the night we fortified and prepared to take the offensive. In the morning no
Indians were in sight. Leaving Captain Fouts in command of the station, we reconnoitered in
force ready to meet them and found the whole country covered with trails. They seemed to
concentrate and tend generally toward the springs on Rush Greek about ten miles distant, and we
satisfied ourselves that their main camp was there. Before daylight of the morning of the 8th,
Lieut. W. H. Brown, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, arrived with a howitzer, having come
from Fort Laramie in thirty-four hours including stoppages. On the morning of the 8th an
147
expedition was organized for pursuit, Captain Fouts being left in command of the station. The
country is very broken and in Indian fighting an attempt to surprise is always probable. The
camp was found where we expected, at Rush Greek Springs. It was deserted, but there were
evidences that it had been recently and hastily left; that they had been there about three days and
were in great numbers. The camp covered several miles. Over 100 beef-cattle had been
slaughtered in it. Empty oyster, meat, and fruit cans were plenty. Flour sacks, a quantity of
codfish, and indications of the spoils of ranches and trains were scattered everywhere. Quantities
of meat cut up for use and skins pegged down for drying and tanning were left upon the ground.
Pressing forward on the now fresh trails, in four or five miles we reached the valley of the Platte,
near the mouth of Rush Creek. When within a mile of the river we came in sight of the Indians
on the other side scattered over the plains between the bluffs and the river, grazing their horses.
There were no tepees or lodges, no travois or lodge poles, no women, children, or dogs in sight.
They had all gone forward into the bluffs which at this point are about five miles north of the
river, leaving the warriors only behind. The lodge trails were very broad and fresh, apparently
made that morning and the evening before.
It was now clear we had underestimated the numbers against us. With a field-glass they could
be distinctly seen and examined. There were at least 2,000 warriors in sight. It was evident that
all the hostile Indians that had been committing depredations and holding the country along the
South Platte were concentrated here. The river was about half a mile wide and frozen over.
While we were looking for a crossing they saved us the trouble by commencing to swarm down
to the river-banks and come over on the ice, not opposite, but one or two miles above and below
us. We had barely time to corral our train before they were upon us on every side. The position
chosen was the best we could get, but there were many little sand ridges and hollows under cover
of which they could approach us. A very great change had come over the men since the morning
of the fight at Mud Springs. They were rested and free from excitement, had confidence in their
officers, obeyed orders, and went to work with a will. Sharpshooters were pushed out, and the
hillocks commanding the camp occupied, and rifle-pits dug upon them. The Indians of the plains
are the best skirmishers in the world. In rapidity of movement, sudden wheeling and hanging
over steep and difficult ground, no trained cavalry can equal them. Hunting the buffalo is the best
possible school. We were not strong enough to charge or scatter. It was necessary to be prudent,
and at first take the defensive. They dashed up very boldly, but soon fell back from our bullets,
and resorted to their old game of skulking and sharpshooting. At this game they were well met
by our men. At one point we were greatly annoyed by a party of ten or fifteen behind a little
knoll about 400 yards distant, and it became evident they must be dislodged. A detail was made
of sixteen mounted men, part from the detachment of Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and
part from a detachment of the First Battalion, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The party was
placed in command of Lieutenant Patton, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and he was ordered
to charge at full speed, revolvers in hand, to clear out the Indians behind the hillock, and, having
done so, wheel and return immediately. It was admirably done; the skulkers were routed and
fled. In the meantime there were from 150 to 200 Indians on the rising ground beyond the
contested hillock, which was about midway between us and them. When they saw the charge
they swarmed down to save their men, and our party had a short hand-to-hand fight with their
advance and then wheeled and returned as ordered. In this charge we lost two men, Private John
A. Harris, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, who fell in the fight, and Private William H.
Hartshorn, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, a veteran, who was on a very spirited
horse, and either his own ardor or inability to control his horse, or both, led him forward into the
thickest of the Indians, and we saw him no more alive. Many Indians were killed and wounded in
this charge. They fell immediately back before our fire as the charging party returned. A small
148
party immediately went out and brought in the body of Harris. The Indians had no time to scalp
him or take his arms or clothing, and they were brought in with him. The body of Hartshorn was
found next morning about one mile from our camp, horribly mutilated, with ninety-seven arrows
sticking in it. It is not unlikely that some chief of note was killed by him, or some one else in the
charge, and that each one of his relations and friends put an arrow in him and left it, as it is
sometimes their custom. Both bodies were brought to Fort Laramie for burial. I desire especially
to call attention to the conduct of Lieutenant Patton and his little body of men. The charge was a
very gallant one, and the desired objects were fully accomplished. Toward night we could not
bring the Indians in reach of our fire. They retired behind the hills and were returning across the
Platte until dark, when very few seemed to be on the south side of the river.
About sundown an incident worthy of notice occurred. Private Miller, Company C, Eleventh
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, had shot an Indian, and he lay on the ice in plain sight about half a mile
distant. Our enemies retreating and night coming on, horses and mules were ordered to be
watered a few at a time, not in the river, but at the creek, which was the nearer. A party going by
mistake toward the Platte, where the dead Indian lay, a cry was raised and the Indians on both
sides came flocking to the point, evidently supposing that we were after the body. Recall was
sounded, our men came back, and the Indians retired, but in the morning the body was gone. The
Indians never permit their killed to fall into the hands of their enemies if it is possible to prevent
it. We camped on the battleground and continued to prepare and occupy favorable positions
during the night and morning. About sunrise on the 9th they began to come over above and
below, until some 400 mounted warriors were counted, without any apparent diminution of the
number left on the north side of the river. They found us ready, skirmished about for awhile,
exchanged a few shots, and then began to recross and put off rapidly for the bluffs. At noon very
few were to be seen. They were evidently hurrying away into the sand hills to overtake their
families that had gone on the day before. A few scouts could be seen on the other side of the
river, left to watch us, and when we moved up the river we saw them, eight in number, crossing
to our deserted camp like wolves, to pick up something as a trophy or to dig up or scalp any dead
they might find. Farther pursuit would have been injudicious and useless. With their numbers
they could at any time compel our small party to corral and fight. We could drive them off and
follow again with the same result, but could not afford to give them the least advantage. In
following them to L'Eau-qui-court we should be in the sand hills, when they would have had
greatly the advantage in ground and where our stock could not subsist. In each engagement the
Indians fired everything around them that would burn. We continued to see the smoke of their
fires as they went north for at least fifty miles. We broke camp about 2 o'clock, moved up the
Platte about fifteen miles, where the command was divided, part under Lieutenant Brown,
Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, going on to Camp Mitchell and Fort Laramie, which had been
left with insufficient garrisons, and the remainder returning to Mud Springs with me. On the
morning of the 10th I took about seventy-five men and proceeded to Pole Creek, to open
communication with Julesburg.
At Pole Creek we met Captain Wilcox, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, with his command, repairing
the line. On the 11th we started to return to Fort Laramie. Made Pumpkin Creek, ten miles west
of Mud Springs, that night. On the 12th made Camp Mitchell, forty-five miles, and on the 14th
reached Fort Laramie, fifty miles. We found the Pole Creek Station burned, and between that
point and Mud Springs the poles were gone for ten miles and a half, consecutively. East of Pole
Creek Station they were reported gone for a still greater distance. The Indians had evidently good
teachers and did their work well. They have got over their superstitious idea that it is bad
medicine to touch the telegraph. Of the conduct of the officers and men connected with the
expedition I cannot speak too highly. In extreme cold weather, in the dead of winter, the main
149
body marched nearly 400 miles in ten days, much of the time by night, without tents or shelter,
camped on the ground, often without fire, on short rations and forage, and met and repulsed in
every engagement a brave and cunning foe, numbering at least ten, probably fifteen, to one.
Their patience and endurance, their cheerfulness and courage, their readiness to obey, and
promptness and skill to execute could not be surpassed. The expedition was organized into four
squadrons, the first composed of a detachment from Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry,
officered by Captain Fouts and Lieutenant Haywood; the second, of a detachment from
Company I, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, officered by Captain Apt, Lieutenants Harlan and
Moloney; the third, of a detachment from Company H, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry,
commanded by Lieutenant Ellsworth; the fourth, of a detachment composed of men from
Companies A, B, C, and D, of the First Battalion, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, officered by
Lieutenants Patton and Herriman; and the howitzer in charge of Lieutenant Brown, commanding
a squad of men, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, sufficient to man the piece. Assistant Surgeon
Zeigler, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, accompanied the expedition. Captains Glenn,
regimental commissary, and Reeves, assistant district inspector, both of the Eleventh Ohio
Volunteer Cavalry, were also with it as volunteers without command, being anxious to take part
in an Indian fight, in which they were fully gratified. Lieutenant Harlan acted as quartermaster
and commissary, and Lieutenants Herriman and Moloney as adjutants, the first at the
commencement of the expedition and the last at its close. All did their duty well and I do not feel
at liberty to particularize, except in the case of Lieutenant Patton and his party. Their charge was
a very brilliant affair; challenged and received universal praise. Mr. Martin Hogan, telegraph
operator, was employed as guide and did valuable service. The howitzer, under command of
Lieutenant Brown, was admirably served, but did not prove as useful as was expected owing to
the defective character of the ammunition, many of the shells failing to burst at all and some
bursting at the muzzle of the gun. I append the report of Lieutenant Brown upon the subject, and
ask that proper steps be taken to condemn such of our ammunition as is worthless or doubtful
and that better be furnished to the troops stationed in the mountains. Much of the howitzer
ammunition at Fort Laramie has been in the magazine for eight or ten years. All supplies for this
service should be of the best quality, as they are forwarded but once in the year and mistakes
cannot be seasonably corrected. The casualties attending the expedition were much fewer than
could have been anticipated. It arises from the fact that the Indians, when near us, fired too high,
not understanding their new arms and ammunition, and that our men obeyed orders, fought
systematically, and manifested great prudence and adroitness in imitating the Indian cunning.
Moving and fighting in the Indian country is a distinct branch of the service that few understand
and that can only be learned by actual service.
In the engagement at Mud Springs 3 men were wounded seriously and 4 slightly. In the battle
at the mouth of Rush Creek 2 men were killed, 9 wounded. In addition to this, 10 men were
seriously frostbitten in our night marches, making a total of 28 killed and disabled. The total loss
of the Indians in all the engagements is variously estimated from 100 to 150. I append the report
of Asst. Surg. A. F. Zeigler, and as to casualties also his supplemental report, detailing the
brutalities inflicted upon the body of Private W. H. Hartshorn, Company C. It is well to know the
character of the enemy we have to deal with. This party of Indians has rarely been equaled in
size. It is usually difficult for large numbers to remain long together for lack of subsistence, but
in this case their stolen stock and plundered stores furnished them abundant supplies. The party
was made up of all the Cheyennes, Ogalallas, and Brulé Sioux south of the Platte, together with
probably a few Kiowas, Arapahoes, and perhaps some straggling Apaches and Comanches. It
numbered from 800 to 1,000 lodges and from 2,000 to 3,000 warriors. The last-named bands are
most likely on and south of the Arkansas River for the winter, but many come up to depredate on
150
the main and South Platte when grass comes. The party we met has no doubt gone north to the
Powder River country, to join the hostile Indians there, and may be expected to continue their
depredations along the North Platte till severely punished. Their probable route from where we
left them will be through the sand hills to L'Eau-qui-court, then across the heads of White River
and the South Fork of Cheyenne to Powder River. Small parties may remain, but the main body
will go there to secure their families and recruit their stock until spring. They are well armed and
mounted; have many rifled muskets and plenty of ammunition, including minie cartridges with
ounce balls; are full of venom and bent on revenge for the loss of their people south. So soon as
they reach the Indians north they will excite and perhaps compel them to become hostile. The
posts on the Platte, especially Deer Creek and Platte Bridge, which are within 100 miles of
Powder River, will be in immediate danger. More troops should be sent out here immediately to
hold the posts in the sub-district, and when spring opens important expeditions should be
organized to penetrate the center of their country.
Having been nearly three years in this service and being about to leave it, I venture to add a
word as to the policy to be pursued. I beg to repeat the suggestions which I have heretofore
made, that the permanent cure for the hostilities of the northern Indians is to go into the heart of
their buffalo country and build and hold forts till the trouble is over. A hasty expedition, however
successful, is only a temporary lesson, whereas the presence of troops in force in the country
where the Indians are compelled to live and subsist would soon oblige them to sue for peace and
accept such terms as the Government may think proper to impose. The Black Hills, Big Horn
Mountain, Yellowstone country, are all rich in minerals, but this wealth cannot be made
available while hostile bands of Indians are roaming over the country. If these Indians could be
induced to remove north toward the main Missouri and remain there, it would open up an
immense region for mining and agriculture which cannot be now reached. They would be in a
fine buffalo country, and out of the way of collisions with the whites, which are always liable to
occur if they are near together. It would also separate them from the southern Indians, and
prevent the plotting and combining which now exists between them. There are two points I
would respectfully indicate as suitable locations for the posts spoken of, one about the head of
the Little Missouri of the Mandans near the Three Buttes, and the other at some proper place on
Powder River. An expedition starting from the Missouri near Fort Pierre and following the old
traders' trail west of the forks of the Cheyenne, thence to the head of the Little Missouri of the
Mandans, thence to Powder River, would be joined at some proper post by another from Fort
Laramie, and if in sufficient force it could hardly fail to accomplish its object.
I am, captain, your very obedient servant,
WM. O. COLLINS,
Lieut. Col. Eleventh Ohio Vol. Cav., Comdg. Western Sub-District.
Capt. JOHN PRATT,
Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Nebraska.
HEADQUARTERS POST DAKOTA,
Dakota City, Nebr. Ter., April 17, 1865.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, hearing of depredations being committed up on the
South Fork of Iowa Creek, I started with a detachment of twenty men from headquarters this post
on the 12th instant to scout for the Indians committing the depredations. Proceeded west up Elk
Creek; thence across the hills to the West Fork of Badger Creek; thence up that stream to its
head, and thence taking a westerly direction across the hills to the South Fork of Iowa Creek;
thence up to the Chalk Branch; thence up that stream about ten miles, where we came on the
Indians. I sent a detachment a circuitous route above the encampment to cut off the escape of the
151
depredators in that direction, and then, by moving simultaneously on them from both front and
rear, succeeded in making them prisoners. Moved them to a place where they could be easily
guarded. Placed guards to prevent their escape and crossed over to the South Fork. Proceeded
farther up that stream and its branches in search of another party, whom I learned from the
captives were in that vicinity seven or eight days before. After searching for two days, and not
being able to find the Indians, although finding two places where they had been in camp, I
returned to Chalk Branch, took my captives, and brought them to headquarters of this post,
where I have them prisoners. I dispatched a messenger to the agency to which the Indians
belong, notifying the agent of the arrest, and said to him that, as they were not hostile Indians,
upon his promise to see that proper restitution and reparation was made to the parties aggrieved I
would deliver the Indians to him. I have just received his answer that he would do so, and tomorrow
morning I shall send them to him under guard as prisoners. It may be proper to add that
this post comprises the district of country that is settled along the Missouri River and between
the Omaha Indian Reserve and the Running Water River, and that the Omaha Agency is twentyeight
miles south from headquarters this post. The captured Indians were Omahas, and the agent
informs me that the other party of ten lodges, of which I was in pursuit, has not yet returned to
the agency. I shall to-morrow take a supply of rations and start again in search of them. Our
rations being exhausted was the cause of our return from the trip of the 16th.
All of which is respectfully submitted through headquarters Eastern Sub-District of
Nebraska.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. JACKSON,
Capt., First Batt. Nebraska Vet. Cav., Comdg. Post of Dakota.
ASST. ADJT. GEN. OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL CONNOR,
Commanding District of the Plains, Denver, Colo.
HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., April 29, 1865.
Since my last communcations of April 18, 1865, I have learned that the Indians who made
the attack and killed two of my men were Cheyennes or Platte River Indians. On the 26th instant
a party of some 300 Indians attacked our mounted infantry, who were herding their horses about
a mile from the post. The herders numbered some seven men, all told. Immediately on seeing the
Indians they picketed their horses on a hill and stood ready for the attack. The Indians made
several impetuous charges, but were each time repulsed, our men using their rifles at long range
and pistols when at close quarters. Their loss was eight killed and wounded, while on our side
the casualties were but one man wounded, Private Watson, Company E, First U.S. Volunteer
Infantry, severely, in breast. Two horses and two mules captured. Simultaneously with the above
a party of Indians attacked our loggers in the woods, but were repulsed with a loss of three of
their number. Toward night a party appeared on the hills in sight of the fort. A few shells thrown
among them soon made them disappear. As soon as darkness set in I dispatched two companies
of infantry in different directions, to act as scouts, in order to try and ambuscade them, and after
staying out all night they returned to the post unsuccessful. As soon as Captain Moreland's
company of cavalry arrives from above I hope to be able to assume the offensive. I cannot speak
too highly in praise of that small band of soldiers who so signally repulsed such a large body of
Indians. They were within sight of the post while the several charges were made, and directly
under my own eye. They appeared cool, calm, and collected, determined not to give an inch of
ground. They carried out implicitly my orders and instructions to them in regard to Indian
fighting. Judging from their boldness I am led to believe that a large body of Indians are
152
encamped near this post. I think they have learned a lesson, for since the 26th instant only a few
Indians have been seen, at long distances and away from reach of my guns. Capt. N. B. Greer,
commanding Post Fort Union, arrived at this post on the 23d instant on leave of absence, based
on surgeon's certificate of scurvy. He reports all quiet above.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel First U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Maj. DE WITT C. CRAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Iowa.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA,
Saint Paul, Minn., May 4, 1865.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that a party of hostile Sioux Indians massacred a
family of whites, consisting of four or five grown persons, and wounded a child, at a point near
the Blue Earth River, in the county of that name in this State, on the 2d instant. They were being
hotly pursued at the last accounts, and as they were within, the line of outposts it is to be hoped
the party will not be permitted to escape, my orders to sub-commanders prohibiting the taking of
any prisoners. A half-breed deserter from Brackett's Battalion, known to have accompanied the
war party from the neighborhood of the British line, has been apprehended by the citizens. I have
demanded his delivery to the military authorities, and if his identity is established I shall try him
by military commission for a violation of the laws of war rather than by court-martial for
desertion. I have reliable intelligence of several bands being upon the war path to the Minnesota
and Iowa frontier, and I am making every possible arrangement to give them a warm reception.
One party of forty, under the lead of "Black Legs," a notorious ruffian, is among the number. I
applied for information to department headquarters some time since whether or not the line of
small posts in the District of Iowa, south from Spirit Lake, would be established this year as
formerly. It is of great importance that the line should be maintained, both for the security of the
Iowa frontier as a continuation of the defenses of the Minnesota border, which otherwise can be
turned on the south by raiding parties.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier-General.
Maj. Gen. S. R. CURTIS,
Commanding Department of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.
HDQRS, NORTHERN SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS,
Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter., June 6, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the general commanding, the
following as my report of an expedition lately made as far west as Wind River:
I left here on the 3d of May with about seventy-five men of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry and Seventh Iowa Cavalry, under command of Captain Wilcox, of the latter regiment,
for Platte Bridge. At the same time I sent Captain Krumme, of the First Nebraska Veteran
Cavalry, with about sixty men of that regiment by way of Laramie Peak, to scout the country
thoroughly and meet me at Platte Bridge, which he did, seeing no signs of Indians. Receiving
what was considered reliable information that there were about 300 Cheyenne lodges over near
Wind River, I concentrated about 500 cavalry--400 of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Plumb, and the balance under Captain Wilcox. We marched at sundown on
the 8th with seven days rations on horse and three on pack-mules, taken out of teams for that
153
purpose, each officer and soldier having only one wool blanket, one gum blanket, and all
overcoat. It snowed for two days and nights, covering up the grass so that the horses were nearly
famished. The command suffered terribly with cold, as there was no wood, having to rely upon a
scanty supply of sagebrush. My marches were all made during the night, as the moon was
favorable, and the better to beguile the Indians. The Cheyenne trail was struck on the morning of
the 12th, but had every sign of being old. This was on Lake Fork, tributary of Wind River.
Scouts were immediately scattered all over the country and brought back positive information
that the Indians, after making a circuit toward Sweetwater Mountains, turned due north and
crossed Beaver Creek Pass road toward Powder River. One scout went as far as Wind River and
reported that the Indians had merely passed by with their lodges in the direction we were then
encamped, but without halting. The village had evidently come down from Powder River
Mountains with the intention of finding a suitable encampment somewhere in our vicinity, but
finding the grass and game scarce were compelled to go back again. I had not rations to carry me
any farther away from the bridge, as I had marched four days at the rate of thirty-five miles each
day. Nearly one-half of my horses were given out, for the grass was not sufficient to keep them
la heart. I have never traveled a country where there was less for the animals to subsist on, and
old Mr. Bridger, of mountain fame, who accompanied me as a guide, assured me that although
the country in that section was usually barren, yet in all his experience he had never seen it as it
was then.
On the evening of the 12th I started Captain Wilcox back to Platte Bridge with his command
and broken-down horses of the Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, keeping close to the north side of the
Sweetwater Mountains, for the purpose of picking up any straggling war party, and with the
balance of the command I made for Sweetwater bridge, by the south side of the mountains,
sending a large scout by the head of Popoagie River toward Three Crossings. No Indians were
seen or even other than old trails. I arrived at Platte Bridge on the 17th and returned here on the
21st, having traveled a distance of 450 miles. The Indian scouts must have kept watch of us, for
no sooner had we returned to the line than their war parties were harassing the stations at all
points. It is no manner of use to attempt doing anything unless an expedition is started, striking
Powder River about 100 miles north of where I was; that is, north of here and west, where a large
and strong fort should be built and a supply of rations kept on hand to replenish the pack-saddles
from time to time. A campaign must be made with pack-mules to transport supplies. From
Powder River the villages could be struck. The war parties now harassing us would draw in to
defend villages, and thus a fight of some magnitude might be gotten, as they are keen for a
tussle, believing they can clean us out, and there is some semblance of excuse for this belief from
their recent successes. I prefer they should feel that way, at least until they concentrate for action.
The Cheyennes, and Sioux who are with them, will number about 4,000 fighting men. No time is
to be lost in making campaign, but horses are in a woeful condition, having had no corn for a
month.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. MOONLIGHT,
Colonel Eleventh Kansas Cavalry, Commanding.
Capt. GEORGE F. PRICE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of the Plains, Julesburg.
POST COTTONWOOD, NEBR. TER., May 18, 1865.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to make the following report:
I was sent with twenty-three mounted [men] (eighteen of my company and five of Company
C, Third U.S. Volunteer Infantry) east as far as Smith's Ranch as escort to Surgeon Willey,
154
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, to attend wounded soldiers at Smith's Ranch and to render what
assistance I could to Capt. C. F. Porter. Left Cottonwood at 3 p.m. May 12, 1865, expecting to
return same evening or following morning. When arriving at Gilman's Station, fifteen miles east
of this post, I found that Capt. C. F. Porter was after Indians who had shot two men at Smith's
Ranch, and also had driven off some of Smith's stock, and that he was crossing Platte River two
miles above Smith's Ranch in pursuit of said Indians. I borrowed two pounds of bacon each for
my men, going with the ambulance to within about two miles of Smith's Ranch. The surgeon
thinking he would not need the escort for that short distance, and as he could have an escort on
return trip to post Cottonwood, I started to join Captain Porter, who was at the time going out of
the river on the north side. Finding the place he had gone into the river, I halted about ten
minutes, had the men secure their arms and ammunition, and started to cross the river about 6.30
p.m. At place of crossing the river is about one mile wide and from two to six feet deep, without
any islands till within a short distance of the north bank of the river. Succeeded in getting
nineteen men and eighteen horses over the river by dark (including Lieutenant Sheffield, Seventh
Iowa Cavalry, who went as a volunteer, and myself). Lost one horse in river and sent back three
horses after finding that they could not make the crossing. Some of the horses were not able to
carry their riders but a short distance, the men having to swim or wade by the side of their horses
a good share of the way, thereby losing their ammunition. One of the horses that did get over had
given out. Left him and rider and the man who lost his horse in the river, with orders to return to
Smith's Ranch in the morning.
On examination I found nearly all the ammunition destroyed by water, having left only
fifteen rounds to the man, and only eighteen men, including Lieutenant Sheffield and myself,
able to go on. Captain Porter had been gone about two hours in a north direction, as I learned
from one of his men left on the bank of the river to inform me of his course. I left the river just
after dark, marching in a northerly direction for the distance of about four miles to the bluffs
where Captain Porter was last seen, but could not follow his trail in the night. Thinking that
Captain Porter would travel ten or twelve miles, being two hours in advance, and wishing to be
in his vicinity in the morning, I marched my command about fifteen miles, camping about 11
o'clock. At daylight in the morning I scattered the men in all directions to find the trail. Found it
at 7 a.m., May 13, about five miles west of camp. I followed the trail as fast as possible for about
four hours, having marched about twenty or twenty-five miles, most of the time in a cation
running from northwest to southeast, leaving it three times, going up on the bluffs for a mile or
so and then returning. Arriving on the high prairie at the head of this canon the trail could no
longer be seen, they having scattered out without leaving any sign to follow them by. I then
separated the men at intervals of 100 yards and continued on for about five miles. Could not
discover the trail. When about twenty miles from the Platte River one of the men of Company C,
Third U.S. Volunteers, was taken sick. I was forced to send a man back with him to the river,
thereby reducing our number to sixteen men. Concluding that Captain Porter had lost the trail at
the same place and had returned by some other route, and knowing that I was about forty miles
from Platte River, the men being without water since the night and also short of ammunition, I
could not take the advance, and if Captain Porter had returned and not knowing the distance to
Wood River, as we had been going in a northwest direction, I thought best to return, which I did.
Arrived at Platte River in the night. Crossed next morning. Found Captain Weatherwax with fifty
men on south side, near Smith's Ranch. Said he would cross that day. I arrived at Gilman's Ranch
at noon and at post Cottonwood at 6 p.m. May 14, 1865. Same evening heard that Captain Porter
had returned.
I am, lieutenant, yours, very respectfully,
MARTIN B. CUTLER,
155
First Lieut. Company C, First Battalion Nebraska Vet. Cav.
Lieut. EUGENE S. SHEFFIELD,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Post Adjutant.
HEADQUARTERS POST COMMANDANT,
Fort Rice, Dak. Ter., June 2, 1865.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I communicated with you last on the 26th of May,
1865. I regret to announce that First Lieut. B. S. Wilson, superintendent of buildings, died this
day at 12 m., from the effects of arrow wounds received on the 26th ultimo. Hostile Indians
made their appearance this a.m. at 7 o'clock at five different points, encircling the fort. I
advanced my infantry and occupied the bluffs in rear and right and left of fort, the Indians falling
back as I advanced. I sent out all my mounted infantry with about sixty mounted warriors of Two
Bear's and Bear Rib's bands, with a mountain howitzer, and pursued them nearly to what is
called Crystal Palace Bluff. They made but one stand--out of musket range. A few shells thrown
among them scattered them, they leaving robes and throwing clothing off in all directions. At
one time a volley from an ambuscade they had formed came very near proving disastrous to our
party; their aim being too high they did not do any damage. They shouted to the friendly Indians
with us that they were from Young Man's Butte, and in a few days a large party would arrive to
attack the fort; that they did not want to fight them (the friendly Indians) and advised them to
join them (the hostile Indians). As every ravine and knoll for two miles contained squads of
hostile Indians, I am unable to judge of their exact number. Fortunately we have good grazing
and feeding near the post, and I shall keep everything compact and guard against surprise. Major
Wilkinson, the Indian agent, passed up on the steamer Lilly Martin with annuity goods for the
Blackfeet and Assinaboines. He coincides with my opinion that the military authorities are the
best judges as to whom and at what time it is best to distribute annuity goods; that all agents
should be under the control of the military authorities. My stock has become very much reduced
this winter and I was unable to send either wagons or ammunition to Fort Sully by land at the
time it was requested, therefore I sent it on boats. The ammunition I have now started by land
(eight wagons), my stock having picked up. It takes all of my cattle and mules at post. Captain
Fisk's brother has turned me over a 12-pounder mountain howitzer. By your direction Captain
Pope ordered me to send him all of the ammunition for that caliber gun. I have kept some four
boxes and would respectfully request that I may receive some shell and canister by next boat. I
trust, general, that Two Bear and band may receive some of the annuity goods that I hear of
being distributed at Fort Sully. He has been a true and faithful Indian and been of much service
to me this winter. I have employed his and Bear Rib's band as soldiers and issued them one
ration per day, which I trust will meet with your approval.
Asking pardon for addressing you direct, but trusting that the explanation in my last letter
will be received, I remain, yours, truly and respectfully,
C. A. R. DIMON,
Colonel First U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Post.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa.
HEADQUARTERS STATION,
Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 1865.
SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 31, dated June 11, 1865, headquarters station,
Cow Creek, Kans., I started in company with coach for Fort Zarah, Kans. Almost four miles
from this station, while traveling in a coach furnished for the use of the escort, I was attacked by
156
a party of Indians, numbering more than 100, rushing in all sides. I had but six available men, but
they made a bold stand, and in almost ten minutes we succeeded in driving them farther from us.
I then retreated back toward a train which stood almost one mile from where the attack
commenced. We killed 1 Indian, 1 pony, and wounded 3 more ponies severely. I do not think
that such an act of heroism has ever been displayed by six soldiers, who were surrounded by
about 100 savages, charging, arrows and lances darting from every side, and only two men
slightly wounded in their heads by lances.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. W. JENKINS,
First Lieutenant Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry.
Capt. ELISHA HAMMER,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Company G, Commanding Station.
HEADQUARTERS STATION,
Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 1865.
I have the honor to report that Lieut. R. W. Jenkins, Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry,
left this station as escort for the U.S. mail coach to Fort Zarah, Kans, at 11 a.m. with six men,
three of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, and three of Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry.
Three or four miles from this station they were attacked by at least 100 Indians. The lieutenant
and the men stood their ground and fought the Indians nobly. The Indians charged up within ten
feet. They wounded with lances two men in the head slightly (Privates Cutting and Platt, of
Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry). They are doing well. They killed 1 Indian, 1 pony, and
wounded 3 more ponies on the ground. I saw the coach returning with all the speed that the
mules seemed to possess. I being satisfied that they were attacked (I went on top of the house at
this place and saw that there was a large body of Indians moving in a circle) I took fifty-five
men, twenty-six of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, and twenty-nine men of Company G,
Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and went to their relief immediately. Lieutenant Jenkins took command
of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry. The Indians moved in a southwest direction; they had
some two miles the advance; we pursued them to the Arkansas River, the last two miles at full
speed to the bank of said river, and came close enough to empty eight saddles, a portion of the
Indians floating down the river, killing and wounding at least fifteen Indians. We killed or
wounded three Indians on the south bank with carbines from the north side. Drove them from the
river and stationed twenty men on the bank of the river with carbines to protect my men in
crossing. Lieutenant Jenkins led the way across the river, followed by thirty-five men. After they
had crossed over I joined them, leaving twenty men at the crossing in charge of Sergeant Bown,
of Company I, Second Colorado Cavalry, to await our return. We crossed without much
difficulty by swimming a portion of the way; went south some three miles; found that we could
not overtake them in any reasonable distance; returned to this station with my command.
Lieutenant Jenkins and men under my command did nobly, and were ready and willing to do
everything that was possible for them to do. Inclosed you will find copy of Lieutenant Jenkins'
report.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELISHA HAMMER,
Captain Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Comdg. Station.
Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dist. of Upper Arkansas, Fort Riley, Kans.
HEADQUARTERS STATION,
157
Cow Creek, Kans., June 12, 1865--7 p.m.
Sergt. M. P. Doud, Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, with twenty men, just returned from
escorting train to Fort Zarah, Kans., reports that he met Sergeant Cronk, Company I, Second
Colorado Cavalry, and nineteen men escorting trains to Fort Zarah, at the Plum Buttes; he says
that his train has been attacked by at least 100 Indians, and Sergeant Cronk drove them from the
train. One of his men (Patrick Sullivan) was separated and supposed to have been killed. No loss
of stock or men, except the above mentioned. Sergeant Doud saw some thirty Indians and drove
them across the Arkansas River without loss. The above transpired about the same time that
Lieutenant Jenkins was attacked.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELISHA HAMMER,
Captain Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Comdg. Station.
Lieut. J. E. TAPPAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Riley, Kans.
HEADQUARTERS EAST SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS,
Port Kearny, Nebr. Ter., July 5, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of my proceedings at the Pawnee
Indian Village and the expedition from that point toward the Niobrara River:
Circumstantial evidence tending to fasten suspicion upon the Pawnee Indians as the
perpetrators of the attack on a party of unarmed soldiers of the Third Regiment U.S. Volunteers,
en route from Fort Leavenworth to this post on the 18th of May last, the general commanding
district directed me to proceed to their village, and if satisfied of their guilt demand the guilty
parties, and in event of a refusal to render them up I was instructed to arrest five of the principal
chiefs and bring them safely to Fort Kearny. Believing that the troops accompanying me to
Pawnee Village could be used to advantage in scouting the country between the Platte and
Niobrara Rivers, I applied to your headquarters for permission to conduct an expedition through
that country, which was promptly acceded to, and in consequence I directed the commanding
officer at Fort Kearny to send 150 mounted men due north from his post, to meet me on the north
bank of the North Fork of Loup River, while with 100 more men I moved up the North Fork of
Loup River from Pawnee Village to join them. In obedience to this programme I sent a force of
seventy-five mounted men, under command of Lieut. John P. Murphy, First Nebraska Veteran
Volunteer Cavalry, from post Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter., on the 12th ultimo, to meet me at
Columbus, to which place I proceeded by stage, arriving there the 17th ultimo. On my arrival
there I found that Lieutenant Murphy could not cross the Platte River, owing to its swollen
condition and the danger of any attempt to swim it in its then rapid and turbulent state.
Determined to proceed, I directed on the 19th ultimo that the best swimmers should ride their
horses, and that those who could not swim should seize the tails of their animals and, driving
them in, permit the horses to tow them across the deepest channels. The ammunition was crossed
in a little skiff hauled by hand from Columbus. In this manner I succeeded in crossing the
command without accident. One man was drowned in the early part of the day by attempting to
ride over the river at a point nearly one mile distant from that selected for the crossing. On the
20th I proceeded to Pawnee Indian Agency, distant from Columbus twenty-two miles in a
northwesterly course, up the north bank of the Loup River, where I arrived on the 20th of June,
and proceeded at once to investigate the alleged complicity of the Pawnee Indians in the
massacre on Little Blue River, which occurred on the 18th of May last. I had brought with me
the survivors of the party attacked, together with the teamster who drove their wagon, in the
158
expectation that they would be able to identify any guilty parties or any of the mules stolen from
the wagon.
Mr. B. F. Lushbaugh, U.S. agent of the Pawnee Indians, afforded me every facility in the
prosecution of this duty. The chiefs and principal men of the tribe met me in council and were
loud in their protestations of innocence. They offered to adopt any course I might suggest to
them, and gave every assurance of most friendly feelings toward their white friends. I caused the
whole tribe to be paraded, and, in company with the men who had been attacked in the affair on
the Little Blue on the 18th of May last, proceeded to leisurely examine every man of the Pawnee
Nation. The party I depended on to identify the guilty Indians were specially cautioned to make a
patient and careful examination of every Indian, and the result was that after every one of them
had been thoroughly examined no one of them was recognized, although many of the soldiers
who were in the affair of the 18th of May on Little Blue River repeatedly asserted they would
recognize some of the Indians who attacked them under any circumstances. The stock of the tribe
having been examined, no portion of it was recognized as belonging to the wagon accompanying
the detachment of troops from Fort Leavenworth who were attacked. I am satisfied from the
frank, open manner in which the chiefs met me and their cheerful alacrity to carry out any
suggestions of mine tending to discover the culprits I was in search of that the Pawnees are
guiltless of any participation in the murder of the men on Little Blue River 18th of May last.
Having convinced myself of this I ordered Capt. Z. Jackson to detail Lieutenant Nosier and
thirty-six mounted men to report to Lieutenant Murphy, First Nebraska Veteran Cavalry, and
proceed with me toward the Niobrara. Leaving Pawnee Village at 9 a.m. the 21st of June I
marched up the Loup River, intending to join Captain David, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and his
command at a point due north of Fort Kearny. Following the valley of the North Fork of Loup
River I joined Captain David on the evening of the 23d of June, about 7 p.m., at a point indicated
on the accompanying map, a little west of a line passing through Fort Kearny. The following day
I organized the combined force into two battalions of 120 men each, placing the first under
command of Capt. Lee P. Gillette, First Nebraska Cavalry, and the second under command of
Capt. James B. David, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and at once proceeded in a northerly direction,
intending to strike Cedar or Calamus River that night. In this, however, I was disappointed,
finding the country for twelve miles north one interminable mass of intricate hills and deep,
waterworn gullies or cañons, many of them being 200 feet deep, and compelling me to vary my
course from due north to every point of the compass to effect a passage over them.
On arriving at the northern edge of those cañons, which I named Elk Cañons, from the great
numbers of that animal seen in them, I was deterred from proceeding farther by seeing before me
an interminable stretch of high sand-hill peaks to the north, separated from the Elk Cañons by a
small valley about three miles in width. Carefully examining the distant sand hills with a
powerful field glass, and being satisfied from the lateness of the hour that I could not possibly
reach water that day if I continued on, I countermarched the column back about eight miles to a
slough we had passed, arriving there at 7 p.m., when we camped for the night. Early next
morning we started forward toward Cedar River, reaching the southern line of the sand hills seen
the evening before about 9 a.m., and traversing through them with great difficulty we came out
upon another valley to the north of them at 12 m., reaching Cedar River at 1 p.m., which we
found to be a mere creek at this point and utterly destitute of timber, save now and then a little
isolated clump of willow switches. Turning up the south bank of the stream and marching
westward we were repeatedly compelled to enter the sand hills to pass around elbows of Cedar
River running bluff against the precipitous hills. At 3 p.m. we struck an Indian trail running
south, about one month old, which is indicated on the map. Following this trail until 4.30 p.m.
we came to a point where the Indians had camped on the north bank of the river, and ascertained
159
their number to have been about sixty or less. Here we camped, our stock being much exhausted
in marching through soft sand in the hills during the forepart of the day. Early next morning we
moved up the north bank of the river on the trail, intending to follow it to the village from which
it started. The road along this side of Cedar River was very good and level. We reached the head
of the stream at 12 m., having marched twenty-eight miles that morning. There we found the trail
coming in from the north, and smoke was thought to be seen to the northwest, but so indistinctly
as to leave the matter doubtful. To the north and west the sand hills appeared to be less frequent,
apparently jutting out of the level plain as isolated peaks, presenting no formidable obstacle to
progress. Thinking it possible to reach the Niobrara River that night, I pushed to the northward at
once, and reached the headwaters of one of the tributaries of the Niobrara about 7 p.m., having
had a very fair road. While arranging camp smoke was observed a little north of west and distant
about eighteen or twenty miles, as nearly as could be judged. Almost immediately after the
appearance of this smoke other columns to the number of three were observed beyond it and to
the northward. We all felt sanguine that we were now in the vicinity of hostile Indians. Sending a
party out to examine the direction of the trail we had followed, they returned about dark
reporting that no further trace of the trail could be found, the ground being so hard as to prevent
any impression. A terrific hail and thunder storm raged during part of this night, rendering the
presence of every man with his horse necessary to prevent a stampede. At 3.30 a.m. the
following morning I pushed straight for the point where the smoke had been seen the previous
evening, and having made all necessary preparation for encountering a large force of Indians, felt
sure of an engagement. At 1 p.m. the smoke was reached and proved to be burning prairie. My
scouts had already circled completely around the fire in hopes of finding some trail leading in or
out of it, but in vain.
The country was thoroughly searched for several miles around, but no late traces of any
Indians could be seen, although the scouts employed on this duty were Indians and half-breeds of
my command, thoroughly conversant with Indian warfare and their signs. In coming to this fire
we had reached Long Pine Creek of Niobrara River, and finding no evidences of Indians having
been on it very lately I concluded to strike south among the waters of the Loup, being at this time
fully 80 miles west and 130 miles north of Fort Kearny, Nebr. Ter. Moving in a southerly
direction the following day, we camped near the prongs at the head of the North Fork of Loup
River, where a little to the west of us there had been a large village of about 300 fires not longer
than one month ago. From this camp I sent scouts up and down the river on either side and to the
southeast between the North and Middle Forks of the Loup. All of these scouts reported Indian
signs one month and more old, that to the northwest reporting a village 200 or 300 lodges about
one month ago, trail of villages going north; in fact all the scouts agreed as to age of trails and
the general direction being north and northwest. The smaller number of lodges and signs found
in different localities were evidently made by detached parties from the main village near the
head of North Fork of Loup. Two days having been occupied in scouting the cañons, creeks, and
rivers about this neighborhood, and every sign indicating that a general exodus of Indians from
the country I was in had occurred about a month since, I started south, reaching the Middle Fork
of Loup on the 30th of June. There I again divided my force, sending Captain David's command
across the country to the South Fork with instructions to send one squadron of his command
under Lieut. John Talbot across to Wood River and direct him to scout down that stream, while
he followed the South Fork from the point where he struck it to his camp, while I with Captain
Gillette's command moved down the Middle Fork, scouting both sides of that stream, and
following up every cation opening into the valley of the river. All those commands found old
signs and none freshet than one month since. Occasionally camping-grounds were found where
Indians had ensconsed themselves in small parties, in no case stronger than fifteen lodges; but all
160
those signs were old, and throughout the entire march no flesh indications of the presence of
Indians were found.
The entire command, except that portion belonging to Captain David's garrison on South
Loup, reached Fort Kearny on the 4th instant, having marched 530 miles over a country
traversed in all directions by deep cañons. The topography of the country can be easily seen on
the accompanying map. The hills and valleys run in a southeasterly course; all the hills are cut by
deep cañons. The minor streams are sluggish, with very high, deep banks and miry bottoms. The
sand hills are very intricate, and wagon wheels bury in them up to the hub. The river valleys are
generally good for road purposes, especially the Middle Fork, but swamps frequently extend
clear back groin the river banks to the adjacent bluffs, by which all these rivers are bounded in a
lateral direction. The rivers themselves are fordable, but there are frequently portions of the
bottom so intricated with quicksand as to render the crossing very precarious, causing stock to
flounder and sink, throwing off men and damaging ammunition. So thoroughly has that portion
of the country between the 98th and 100th meridians lying between Platte and Niobrara Rivers
been examined that I am satisfied no Indians are now in it, and in fact they could not exist, for
game is too scarce, only one stray buffalo bull being found on the march. The similarity of
movement north on the part of the occupants of the late Indian camps, both as to time and
direction, are indicative of some grand movement, ordered by authority recognized among the
hostile tribes, and I give it as my opinion that the Indians who were lately on the forks of the
Loup, Cedar, and Niobrara Rivers are now on that section of country between White and Big
Cheyenne Rivers not very distant from the 103d meridian. One thing is certain, there is not
sufficient game in the country I traversed to support any large parties of Indians, and their
migration northwestwardly may have been compelled by this fact, but the simultaneous character
of the movement points to a concerted and ordered march in a certain direction. Summer is the
only season in which troops can traverse the country marched through, except on the forks of the
Loup, where timber is sufficiently abundant to supply large bodies of troops. North of North
Fork, and until the Niobrara is reached, there is absolutely no timber, and no water except that of
the Cedar, willow switches and buffalo chips being the only fuel obtainable for cooking
purposes.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. R. LIVINGSTON,
Colonel First Regiment Nebraska Vet. Cav., Comdg. Expedition.
Capt. GEORGE F. PRICE,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., District of the Plains, Fort Laramie.
HDQRS. DETACHMENT SEVENTH IOWA CAVALRY,
In Field, near Julesburg, Colo. Ter., June 21, 1865.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that in compliance with special orders from Major
Mackey, commanding post Fort Laramie, Capt. W. D. Fouts, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, in command
of his company (D) and small detachments of Companies A and B of the same regiment, in all 4
commissioned officers and 135 enlisted men, left Fort Laramie on the 11th day of June, 1865, en
route to Julesburg, in charge of 185 lodges of Sioux Indians, numbering in aggregate from 1,500
to 2,000 persons. Among them was an organized company, uniformed by Government, and
under command of Charles Elston, who had for some time been intrusted with the supervision of
the entire Indian encampments near Fort Laramie, and to whom was intrusted ten days' rations of
subsistence for 700 of the Indians in charge of Captain Fouts on the march to Julesburg. The
Indians were all well armed with bows and arrows, and most of them with firearms also. They
were ostensibly friendly, and expressed themselves as being pleased with their removal. Nothing
161
of interest transpired during the first three days of the march, except signal smokes by Indians
north of the Platte by day and reputed conferences by night between them and the Indians in
charge of Captain Fouts. On the afternoon of the 13th Captain Fouts and command encamped for
the night on the east bank of Horse Creek, and the Indians pitched their tepees on the west. Late
in the evening they had a dog feast, and 382 warriors sat in secret council. On the morning of the
14th reveille was sounded at 3 a.m. and the order of march announced to be at 5. At sunrise I was
ordered by Captain Fouts to proceed with the advance guard (Companies A and B, detachments)
two miles on the route of march, then halt and wait till the wagon train closed up and the Indians
closed up on rear of the wagons, then to move forward in column of march. Just as the wagons
were closing up I heard the rapid report of fire-arms to the rear. Believing it to be a revolt and
attack by the Indians, and knowing the great disparity in numbers against us, as well as the fact
that the family of Captain Fouts, the family of Lieutenant Triggs, and Mrs. Eubanks and child
(late rescued Indian captives), being with us, I determined to prepare for defensive warfare, and
had the wagons corralled in the best possible shape, the teams unhitched and put inside the corral
and securely fastened, and the men in line outside ready for action (it would not do to leave the
train unprotected). In this condition I awaited orders from Captain Fouts. A messenger coming
up shortly after reported that Captain Fouts had gone across the creek to hurry up the Indians,
and was shot and killed by them, and that the Indians were then fighting among themselves. I
immediately dispatched a messenger on the fleetest horse to communicate with Fort Mitchell and
the telegraph office, eighteen miles distant. The messenger was closely pursued by Indians.
The rear guard (Company D) coming up, I demanded of Lieutenant Haywood why he did not
stand and fight the Indians instead of retreat. He replied that his men had no ammunition, and
that the captain (Fouts) had refused to have cartridges issued to the men of his company; that he
(Lieutenant Haywood) had urged the issuing of cartridges the night before and that the captain
said they would not be needed, I ordered the filling of the cartridge-boxes immediately, and
ordered Lieutenant Smith, in command of Lieutenant Triggs and sixty-five men, to keep in line
outside the corral, dig rifle-pits defensible against all approaches, and to hold the corral, while I
with Lieutenant Haywood and seventy men mounted on the best horses (the horses were all very
poor from hard service without forage; but few were really serviceable, and many men were
altogether dismounted) repaired with all possible dispatch to the scene of action. Passing the late
Indian encampment we saw the body of Captain Fouts, dead, stripped, and mutilated. The
Indians had fled two or three miles to the Platte. The squaws and papooses were swimming the
river on ponies, while the warriors were mounted, circling and maneuvering in hostile array.
Supposing that a part of them were really friendly, and would join us in subduing the rest, I
charged on in pursuit of the criminal fugitives. Passing a few squaws and papooses I ordered my
men not to kill or harm them; they returned. When within 600 yards of the enemy I halted my
command in line and sent the interpreter (Elston) to the front to signal and tell all who were our
friends to return, and they should not be harmed, but protected. But all were hostile, and with
hideous yells charged upon us. I dismounted my men and deployed a line of skirmishers to the
front with long-ranged arms (Galleger carbines, meanest arm in service) to receive them. When
within 300 yards the Indians opened the fire upon us. My men answered them promptly with a
volley that repulsed them temporarily in front, but more than 100 were dashing by each flank and
closing in the rear, while from the hills to our left they were rapidly bearing down upon us by
scores and hundreds. Seeing that we were assailed by more than 500 warriors equally armed and
better mounted than my little squad, and fearing that to stand, be surrounded, and cut off from
our ammunition and defenses would involve the entire command in indiscriminate slaughter and
massacre as well as the burning of the train and capture of the animals, I determined to act upon
the principle that "prudence is the better part of valor." Remounting my men I fell back to our
162
defenses by desperate skirmishing to rear and flanks, the enemy's flankers being all the while in
our advance endeavoring to close in front till within gunshot of our rifle-pits, when a volley sent
them howling to the rear. In falling back a few only (I cannot give their names) of my command
acted badly. Most of them behaved nobly, and a few with unsurpassed bravery. In the action
nearly all the ammunition in the cartridge-boxes was used up; some entirely so.
After replenishing the cartridge-boxes with a new supply of ammunition and finding that the
Indians were not disposed to attack the entire command behind defenses, I went out with
Lieutenant Smith and fifty men (all I could mount on serviceable horses) to feel the enemy and if
possible detain him till we could be re-enforced. After going three miles we saw the Indians in
vastly superior numbers forming in front and coming over the hills to the left, evidently
intending to entrap and overwhelm us away from the corral and rifle-pits. Not being strong
enough to whip them in open field, we again retired, taking with us our killed and mutilated on
the battle-field.
Captain Shuman, Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, arriving promptly with re-enforcements from Fort
Mitchell, at about 9 o'clock, I mounted every available horse and mule in my command and went
for them again with sanguine hopes, but unfortunately the re-enforcements were a little too late.
Their families having got across the Platte, we had the mortification of seeing the warriors follow
and from the opposite hills tauntingly beckon us to follow--an impossibility in the face of a
superior enemy at the swimming stage of the river. In their flight they dropped and abandoned all
their lodges and loose plunder, which I ordered burned and destroyed. From discoveries on the
timbered islands the Indians had evidently been strongly re-enforced by warriors from the
opposite side of the river. Their loss in killed was not less than 20 or 30, most of whom they
threw into the river, as dead bodies were seen floating in the river below where they crossed.
After repairing the telegraph line, broken by the Indians during the action, and interring our dead,
(except Captain Fouts, whom we afterward interred at Fort Mitchell) we took up our line of
march and arrived at Fort Mitchell a little after night-fall.
Our loss in action was 4 killed and 4 wounded, viz: Capt. W. D. Fouts, Privates Edward
McMahon, Richard Groger, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, and Private Philip Alder,
Company B, killed; Privates Samuel Kersey and Lewis Tuttle, Company B, Privates James H.
May and John W. Trout, Company D, wounded.
Throughout the action all the officers under my command behaved with credit to themselves
and to the service.
Receiving a dispatch from Colonel Moonlight to cross the river and join him in pursuit of the
Indians, I attempted the crossing on the 15th, but the river being wide and coursed with alternate
channels that swam and bars of quicksand that mired, I abandoned the crossing as impracticable,
by unanimous consent of all the officers in consultation, we having lost two horses and one mule
by miring and drowning, and two men hurt by the floundering of animals and dragged to shore
nearly drowned, in attempting to cross. Indian ponies are trained and accustomed to cross in
every stage. All Indians, great or small, can swim; one-third of white men cannot.
Receiving General Connor's dispatch on the 16th to report with my command at Julesburg
immediately, I have the honor to report his order obeyed.
Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN WILCOX,
Capt. Company B, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, Comdg. Detach.
Capt. GEORGE F. PRICE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, District of the Plains.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, August 7, 1865.
163
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE, Saint Louis, Mo.:
General Connor sent following in answer to your dispatch about troops, supplies &c.:
HORSE SHOE, July 31, 1865.
I fear they do not understand in Washington what the necessities of the service are here. I
require a great many more supplies than I have troops, as the nature of the service keeps troops
moving from posts far distant from each other, and it is difficult to move stores in the winter.
Unless I can end this war this fall the present force will have to be kept up or the white people
leave the country.
P. E. CONNOR,
Brigadier-General.
There has been a terrible rise in the Platte within a day or two; bridges gone, &c. Has General
Sanborn been stopped? He expected to come to some understanding with the chiefs in tomorrow's
meeting, and was to have his troops there that they might see and appreciate his power.
G. M. DODGE,
Major-general.
HEADQUARTERS,
Powder River, August 19, 1865.
Maj. Gen. G. M. DODGE:
A detachment of my Pawnee scouts on the 16th instant discovered and pursued a party of
twenty-four Cheyennes returning from the mail road with scalps and plunder. They overtook
them about sixty miles northeast of here on Powder River, and after a short engagement killed
the whole party. Loss on our side, 4 horses killed. We captured 29 animals, among which are 4
Government mules, 6 Government and 1 Overland Stage Line horses, besides 2 Government
saddles and a quantity of white women's and children's clothing and 2 of the infantry coats issued
by Colonel Moonlight last spring to the Indians who subsequently killed Captain Fouts and 4
soldiers of Seventh Iowa.
P. E. CONNOR,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES,
MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., April 8, 1865.
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Chief of Staff, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:
GENERAL: Before leaving for the field permit me to state for your information the condition
of the cavalry of this command. The eight regiments sent from Tennessee, under General Knipe,
consisted of four new Indiana regiments, three Tennessee regiments, and the Nineteenth
Pennsylvania, and arrived here about half mounted and very poorly armed. Four of the poorest of
those regiments are now at points on the Mississippi River above this, dismounted, having been
sent to take the place of cavalry now at the front and that which was temporarily sent to
Memphis and which is being detained by General Washburn, and in regard to which I
telegraphed you on the 28th of March. The want of transportation has very much delayed the
shipment of the cavalry to Mobile Bay. I have organized it as effectually as possible with the
material at hand, but we are very much in need of arms, and I hope the Spencer carbines and
accouterments for which I applied on arrival here have been forwarded. Very few horses have
been received since my arrival, and nearly all the cavalry left in the Departments of the
Mississippi and Gulf is entirely dismounted. There are now at Memphis eleven regiments of
164
cavalry, mostly veteran troops. If it is deemed best to keep a force of cavalry there and if all the
cavalry applied for by General Canby cannot be spared, I hope the following regiments at least
may be ordered to join us in the field: The First Iowa, Twelfth Illinois, and Eleventh New York,
and, if consistent with your views, I would request that the Eighth Missouri be ordered here also
from the Department of Arkansas.
Relying upon your assistance and necessary orders for the material to fully equip and render
effective the cavalry of this military division, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
B. H. GRIERSON,
Brevet Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., April 10, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: The line of posts along the northern border of Iowa and Dakota settlements I
wish you to establish at the earliest practicable moment. I suggest as the points to be thus
occupied, first, Sioux Falls; second, Forks of Vermillion River; third, Month of Flint or Firesteel
Creek on James River; fourth, Crow Creek; fifth, on the Niobrara River at the Keya Paha. One
company of cavalry at each of these posts will be sufficient. Report to me on the subject
immediately.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF NORTH KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth,
April 11, 1865. In pursuance of General Orders, No. 80, current series, headquarters
Department of the Missouri, I hereby assume command of the District of North Kansas,
headquarters at Fort Leavenworth. All officers on staff duty in this district except those serving
on the staff of Major-General Dodge, commanding Department of the Missouri, will report
immediately to these headquarters with a copy of the order detailing them on such duty. The
following staff officers are announced: Capt. John Pratt, assistant adjutant-general; Lieut. Ira C.
Schenck, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, aide-de-camp; Lieut. E. F. Ware, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, aidede-
camp.
ROBT. B. MITCHELL,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, April 15, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Comdg. Military Division of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:
GENERAL: In answer to your communication of the 10th I have the honor to reply: I have
made arrangements for the establishing of one company posts at Sioux Falls and Fire Steel Creek
by making requisitions for necessary stores, and only await their arrival to commence operations.
I have also made arrangements for a company to be stationed at Crow Creek Agency, which is
near the mouth of Crow Creek. Should it be deemed advisable the post could be established
farther up the creek. I have a company of cavalry stationed at the different posts from Spirit Lake
165
to Sioux City. I propose to abandon these posts. They will not be needed with the new
arrangement of garrisons. In regard to the posts at forks of Vermillion, I do not exactly
understand the locality you mean by the forks. There is a branch near the mouth of the
Vermillion. I have already a post there of one company. A small detachment there would be
amply sufficient. A company stationed on the road from Yankton Agency to Vermillion would
guard sufficiently all that road. The post on the Niobrara at the Keya Paha would be about twenty
miles from Randall. It could be built without much extra expense, as a part of Fort Randall could
be used in the construction. I have already suggested to you the propriety of reducing the size of
Fort Randall. It is unnecessarily large, the buildings very much scattered, requiring a very large
guard to protect the stores from theft and fire. I will have in my district by the 1st of May the
following cavalry: Twelve companies of the Sixth Iowa, three companies of the Seventh Iowa,
and one company of Dakota cavalry, and four companies from Minnesota, twenty companies in
all. Twelve of these companies are intended for the expedition to the Black Hills. Five
companies required for the new posts will leave me only three companies to garrison Fort
Randall and the posts near Fort Pierre. This latter post I consider the most important post in the
district on account of its position in regard to the Indians. It has always been for years a great
point for the Sioux Indians to congregate at. I would, therefore, like to have some infantry to
garrison these posts. If it could possibly be arranged, I would prefer the four companies of the
First U.S. Volunteers, now stationed in Minnesota, on account of keeping regiments together as
much as possible.
I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, April 18, 1865.
Maj. Gen. JOHN POPE,
Commanding Military Division of the Missouri:
GENERAL: As my attention has been called to the following editorial of the Missouri
Democrat of the 17th instant--
We learn from the Kansas City papers, and from our correspondence from that city, that a
gang of guerrillas have lately been roaming at will along the line of the Pacific Railroad east of
Independence, driving the hands from their work and threatening to kill them if they return to it.
It is stated that if more efficient measures are not taken for the protection of this road its
completion must be indefinitely postponed. We think this is a matter for General Pope's
supervision. The people in that section intimate that General Dodge is too closely interested in
the railroads of Iowa (his own State) to pay due attention to the Missouri lines now extending to
Kansas--
for your information I submit the following telegram, of same date, from Brig. Gen. J.
McNeil, commanding that district:
WARRENSBURG, MO., April 17, 1865.
Major-General DODGE:
The hands on the road were driven off by one drunken guerrilla. There are five companies of
infantry on the railroad and stage lines. I have moved more cavalry for the protection of the
railroad. There is no reason why the work should not go on.
J. McNEIL,
Brigadier-General.
166
In the country through which the railroad is being built I have placed one full regiment of
infantry and a large force of cavalry, and although not justified by any instructions or orders in
using U.S. troops for the protection of private enterprise, I have assumed the responsibility of
giving protection to this work on account of its importance to the State. The railroad company
will admit that I at all times furnished them all the assistance in the way of troops they have
asked. After going over the line myself and finding no organization of the citizens I literally
stripped North Missouri of troops to send into that sub-district, which now has more troops in it
than any other sub-district in the State, and double the number asked for by the railroad
company; but I submit that if citizens or railroad employés allow one guerrilla to drive them
from their work without making any effort themselves to stop it, that all the troops I could place
on the work would be futile in stopping these scares. The Governor has given to the citizens of
this county an opportunity to organize and arm for their own defense, but so far very little
progress has been made. The officers in that district have done all in their power to protect that
country, have had all the force that the railroad company considered necessary for their
protection, but have not received the aid and encouragement from the citizens they should. They
have now succeeded in raising one company under Order No. 28, from these headquarters, in
each county, and will in a few days have them all armed and equipped. That will place at least
3,000 troops in that district. The railroad company should organize and arm the hands, and not
allow small bands of robbers to drive off ten times their number of able-bodied men. This has
been suggested to them, but up to this time I believe they have not deemed best to do it. It is
evident that we cannot furnish troops to protect every workman on the road, strung along as they
are for eighty miles, from strolling gangs of one or more robbers. I am confident that no other
officer, under the circumstances, would have placed the large force in that part of the State that I
have, when the calls upon me for troops are so urgent from other equally important points.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. M. DODGE,
Major-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., April 20, 1865--10.30 a.m.
Brevet Major-General SULLY,
Dubuque, Iowa:
Send those companies of the Fifth U.S. Volunteers that are mustered in without delay to Fort
Leavenworth. Inform me what companies are mustered. Colonel Maynadier is organizing
companies for the regiment at Columbus, Ohio. Communicate with him, that you may know if
there be any necessity for further recruiting at Chicago.
JOS. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., April 20, 1865.
Brig. Gen. ALFRED SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to acknowledge the receipt of
your communication of 15th instant and to reply as follows: The locality for the post at Forks of
Vermillion is at the junction of Turkey Ridge Creek with Vermillion River. (Map of Dakota
Territory, M. B. Smith and A. J. Hill, 1861.) The four companies First U. S. Volunteers cannot
167
be withdrawn from Minnesota, but an equal amount of infantry will be sent you for the purpose
named, if necessary.
With great respect, general, your obedient servant,
T. C. H. SMITH,
Brigadier-General and Inspector-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, April 22, 1865.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI:
SIR: I hereby report that the troops of my district will be ready to move by the 10th of May,
but from all I learn they may be detained a few days longer, owing to the backwardness of the
season--the want of grass. Teams are moving ordnance stores across the State of Iowa and meet
with great difficulties, owing to the wretched state of the road and high water in the streams. In
fact, the road is reported to me as almost impassable. The indications are that the Missouri will
be unusually high this year, and I am told that boats that have already ascended the river above
Sioux City are dropping down to some safe position in anticipation of the heavy rush of ice when
the river breaks loose. This may cause a slight detention in the movements of the troops from
Fort Pierre, owing to the difficulty of crossing the river. It will be a great assistance if the
services of a steam-boat can be procured to cross the command. Flat-boats on the Missouri in its
highest stage of water is a very unsafe mode of crossing; sometimes altogether impracticable. As
I understood the general in conversation, he intended the troops to march north of the Black Hills
to the Powder River, at the point where the new post is to be established. This point will be about
150 miles from Fort Laramie. It would be of great importance if the command could procure
rations at Laramie when the supplies they take with them should give out, and I think it would be
well to make some such provision. The command then would return by a road south of the Black
Hills. I make this suggestion, for if the reports received from the Indians are true the command
on its march north of the Black Hills will fall in with the hostile Indians driven from the Platte
country and will have to pursue them. I would also take the liberty to state that the furnishing of
transportation to the escorts of road parties will interfere very much with my arrangements. I did
not contemplate anything of this sort when I was providing my transportation and I shall be
obliged to hire wagons for these escorts. I have only wagons and teams enough to fit out the
expedition and supply the post.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
OFFICE CHIEF OF ARTILLERY,
New Orleans, April 25, 1865.
Lieutenant-Colonel CROSBY,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf:
SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit to you a statement of the condition of the light and
heavy artillery of the Department of the Gulf as it exists at the present date.
The batteries are generally well equipped with men. The only ones that are short are the
Thirteenth Wisconsin and the Fourth Iowa Batteries. The former has now eight guns, six of them
being the battery proper and two are mountain howitzers, which were issued to it for a special
expedition, and they yet retain them. There are only three commissioned officers mustered into
service, as the general commanding the department considered they had not men enough to
168
entitle them to any more officers. There are, however, two enlisted men of the battery holding
commissions from the Governor of Wisconsin, who desire to muster into service. I would
respectfully recommend that the men be mustered as commissioned officers, or else that the
commanding officer be directed to turn in to the ordnance department all guns and harness, with
implements and equipments, which he may have over and above four guns, &c.; or, in other
words, it be reduced to a four-gun battery. If they are required to retain the six guns they should
have the officers. All other batteries have men enough to man and equip all the guns they have,
and they are usually well equipped. The only thing they require to make them all fit for service is
horses. It will be seen by the statement accompanying this that there are now required 540 horses
to fully equip the twelve batteries of light artillery; also, that there is but one battery in the
department that has a sufficient number of horses to enable it to take the field at once, and that is
the Sixteenth Ohio Battery, located at Greenville, La. The Second Ohio Battery, at Ship Island,
owns no horses at all. They have the guns, the harness, and the men, but no horses. Battery A,
Second Illinois, was dismounted in January last for incompetency of officers and negligence of
the men in care of horses and public property, and the horses were taken to fit up General
Steele's army. There is an acting assistant quartermaster attached to the artillery corps of the
department, and his duties include supplying horses for the artillery. In February last he received
upward of 300 horses, but General Canby ordered, in Circular No. 5, from headquarters Military
Division of West Mississippi, February 26, 1865, that "no artillery animals will be issued except
upon requisition approved by the chief of artillery and ordnance, Military Division of West
Mississippi, and this officer will always supply first those batteries already engaged in active
field service. Artillery animals will only be furnished inactive batteries when the number of
horses on hand for issue is more than sufficient for active service." Then, again, in reply to
communication inclosing requisition for horses for Thirteenth Wisconsin Battery, Twelfth
Massachusetts, and Second Vermont Batteries, General Totten says:
Carefully select the batteries which you wish horses issued to, forward your requisitions here,
and I will approve the issue, provided the number on hand for issue to batteries actively engaged
in the army is not reduced below 300. This number must be kept on hand for supplying
deficiencies in this army, by direction of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. TOTTEN,
Brig. Gen. and Chief of Artillery and Ordnance, Mil. Div. of West Mississippi.
The above letter of General Totten was written on April 7, 1865. Colonel Holabird, chief
quartermaster, Department of the Gulf, received information from Brigadier-General Ekin,
Washington, D. C., dated March 16, 1865, that the assistant quartermaster at Saint Louis had
been directed to invoice and forward to Lieut. I. N. Mitchell, acting assistant quartermaster,
artillery corps, Department of the Gulf, 600 horses for the use of the artillery of this department,
but as yet nothing has been heard from or of the horses. There are now fifty horses in the artillery
stables in this department fit for issue, but under the existing orders from military division
headquarters none can be issued to this department. The Second Vermont and Twelfth
Massachusetts Batteries, at Port Hudson; the Thirteenth Wisconsin Battery, at Baton Rouge; the
Sixth Massachusetts Battery, at New Orleans; the Twenty-fifth New York Battery, at Brashear,
have so few horses that it is impossible for them to drill with any satisfactory results in battery
maneuvers, and they have too many to ignore such drill altogether. Of the heavy artillery serving
in the Department of the Gulf I will respectfully state that there are but five companies, viz,
Battery G, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, at Morganza; Batteries D, E, and F, First Indiana Heavy
Artillery, at Baton Rouge, La., and Battery D, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, at Brashear City,
169
which report at this office. The various regiments, batteries, and detachments of U.S. colored
heavy artillery in this department have never reported to this office since I have been connected
with it, and they have not been required to do so. It will be observed by the statement of heavy
artillery accompanying this that none of the heavy artillery is supplied with horses except one
battery (E), First Indiana, which has but four, and only one battery (G), First Indiana, with mules
for transportation. The latter has the necessary artillery harness, but no animals to work in it. The
twelve mules reported are used in the wagons.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER,
Capt. First Wisconsin Batty., Actg. Chief of Arty., Dept. of the Gulf.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 193.
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, April 28, 1865.
50. Capt. E. S. Richards, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, will report in person
without delay to Brevet Major-General Sully, U.S. Volunteers, commanding District of Iowa,
Dubuque, Iowa, for duty.
By order of the Secretary of War:
W. A. NICHOLS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NATCHEZ,
May 3, 1865.
Capt. J. WARREN MILLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
CAPTAIN: I have to report to the general that every precaution has been taken in this district
that my means will allow to prevent the rebel leader from escaping across the Mississippi.
Captain McCauley, commanding the naval district, has been fully posted with regard to the
subject-matter of the general's letter to me of the 1st instant, and in addition has been requested
to have all skiffs heretofore allowed upon the river to collect drift, &c., brought to Natchez and
held. General Osband reported here yesterday, coaled, and left under orders for Fort Adams and
vicinity. I have some six companies on the west bank, useless there from high water now, and I
shall send these temporarily to Quitman's Landing. These small posts I will keep a careful eye
over, that they are not jumped by larger forces of the enemy. I must again repeat to the general
my deficiency in cavalry to patrol and guard a river line 120 miles long. General Grierson sent
me a dismounted regiment here, the Tenth Tennessee, having about 100 unserviceable horses.
This is the whole cavalry force of the district. If possible I would like to have the First Iowa
Cavalry sent here from the eleven regiments now in the District of West Tennessee.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. W. DAVIDSON,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. DIST. OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS,
Fort Riley, Kans., May 3, 1865.
4. Company G, Seventh Iowa Cavalry, is hereby relieved from duty at Fort Zarah, Kans., and
will immediately proceed to Cow Creek, Kans., relieving troops at that station. The troops thus
relieved will proceed to Fort Zarah, Kans., reporting immediately to the commanding officer of
that post for duty.
170
By order of Brevet Brigadier General Ford:
J. E. TAPPAN,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, May 4, 1865.
Major-General POPE, Saint Louis, Mo.:
GENERAL: An officer just arrived from the upper country tells me that a lieutenant and a
few men on their way down from Fort Berthold to Fort Rice were met by a party of Santees,
who took from them their horses, arms, and rations, and compelled them to foot it to Rice. I do
not believe anything can be done with these Minnesota scamps except to exterminate them. He
also reports no grass in the country, the cold rains and snows keeping it back. I have also heard
from Major Brackett's battalion. On the 22d of April they were at Fairmont, Minn. In a terrible
snowstorm some few of their animals had died. They must be in Sioux City by this time, and if
their loss is not very heavy it can be remedied. I write you this to show you that we cannot move
by several days as early as you expected, but I am most anxious to get up into the country before
the Cheyennes can get their horses in order to get out of my way.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., May 5, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa:
GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that all the supplies designed for the post to be
established by you on Powder River have gone forward to Fort Laramie, from which post you
can also draw supplies for your command.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOS. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Vicksburg, May 8, 1865.
Lieut. Col. C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of West Mississippi:
I have the honor to urge the immediate necessity for cavalry in this department to patrol the
interior, to suppress the marauders and guerrilla parties certain to be formed from disbanded
Texans and other troops, who are in a state of destitution, returning from the rebel armies.
Outrages from these parties have already commenced. It is necessary also that I should have
some white infantry regiments with which to garrison interior towns and districts when I am
ordered to do so. I believe there are still eleven cavalry regiments at Memphis, and I cannot see
the utility of their detention there. I would suggest that the First Iowa, Second Wisconsin, and
Eleventh and Twelfth Illinois be sent here to report to me.
Very respectfully,
N. J. T. DANA,
Major-General.
171
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, May 8, 1865.
Capt. Jos. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Saint Louis, Mo.:
CAPTAIN: The points suggested by General Pope, for a line of forts along the northern
border of Iowa and Dakota, April 10, 1865, does not connect with the Minnesota line, and I shall
direct General Sully to modify his positions accordingly, reporting for the general's approval. We
must have a line from the settlement on Niobrara to Spirit Lake. The massacre in Blue Earth
County, Minn., and the news of other hostile Sioux movements induce me to make a hasty visit
to Saint Paul to confer with General Sibley. General Sully is here urging his proposed
expedition to the Black Hills, but I desire that his attention may be given first to these
movements of the Sioux, which extend to his district on the frontiers of Iowa and Minnesota. I
transmit a letter from General Sibley relating to the affair at Blue Earth River for the general's
information. Vigorous efforts will be made to avoid the Indian forays which are named.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-general.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
May 10, 1865.
Major-General CURTIS,
Milwaukee, Wis.:
The line of posts along the frontier settlements of Dakota and Iowa were located by my
order, and I do not wish their location changed. If another or two is needed to connect them with
the Minnesota line of posts please have them established, but without changing those already
ordered to be established by General Sully. Sully ought not to be detained a moment longer than
is necessary.
JNO. POPE,
Major-General.
DUBUQUE, IOWA, May 13, 1865.
(Received 2 p.m.)
Major-General POPE:
The commanding officer at Fort Rice informs me April 18 that a party of Cheyennes attacked
his outpost, and that runners have come in to inform him that 3,000 lodges are coming to Fort
Rice to see me and hear what their father, the President, has to say to them. In case it is necessary
when I arrive at Fort Pierre shall I go north instead of going west to Powder River.
SULLY,
General.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF IOWA,
Dubuque, Iowa, May 13, 1865.
ASST. ADJT. GEN., MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: I have received several very important communications from the commanding officer at
Fort Rice, which I herewith transcribe for your information: On the 3d of April he writes that the
mail communication down the river has been very much interrupted by bands of hostile Indians.
A band of Santees (Minnesota Indians) and some others attacked the mail carriers, and the horses
172
and mails were taken, but recovered and returned by friendly Indians. On the 30th of March a
war party of twenty passed in sight of the fort on the opposite side of the river. He sent ten
mounted men after them. They scattered. Two of them fled to Two Bear's (Yanktonnais) camp,
and were by this chief delivered to the soldiers. They proved to be Santees from the Upper
James; said they came down to hear the news. They were armed with English guns. On the 18th
he writes that a party of about 200 mounted [Indians], composed of Santees and others, headed
by the Yanktonnais chief (The Man who Strikes the Rees), descended the hills in rear of the fort;
attacked the herding party guarding public and private animals, consisting of soldiers of the
garrison and citizens hired by Mr. Galpin, the sutler, and some men of Captain Fisk's party.
Galpin's and Fisk's men ran away; the soldiers stood their ground. Two of their number were
killed. The soldiers lost none of their stock, but Galpin's and Fisk's party lost 13 horses, 19
mules, 35 cows, and 1 ox The Indians afterward attacked a party of soldiers in the woods
cutting timber, but were repulsed with loss. The commanding officer had no cavalry to pursue
the Indians. Colonel Dimon, the commanding officer, in retaliation ordered the two Minnesota
Indian prisoners shot. One was a chief called Big Thunder. The commanding officer also reports
that there has been some firing on his pickets, and he has learned that the Cheyennes from the
Platte compose a part of these war parties. He also states that 3,000 lodges, composed of various
tribes, are now on the Upper Heart River, and have sent in word that they will be in soon to see
me and hear the decision of their Great Father. I would also state that he reports the sickness in
his command is fearful--scurvy and diarrhea. There are now 207 on the sick list and 11 per cent.
of his command have died this winter. From this it appears that the Cheyennes, who were driven
from the Platte River last fall, have moved north of the Black Hills and are trying to unite
themselves with those Sioux who still remain hostile, the Santees, or Minnesota Indians, and
Northern Yanktonnais, who have an asylum in the English Possessions, and other small roving
bands.
The Indians who have made peace with me still show their disposition to keep it and in every
way to assist the soldiers. I would recommend that some small tokens of regard be presented the
chiefs of these friendly bands, and with very little inducement they could be made to turn against
these hostile bands, and either rid the country of them or force them to become peaceable. I feel
confident if I had the authority and the means I could soon regulate them. I would get the
friendly Indians to fighting the hostile party, assisting them with all my troops, and by presents
of provisions, blankets, and ammunition, with the promise they should have the exclusive right
to hunt over the lands they now live in. The great amount of sickness and death at Fort Rice is
terrible. The soldiers of that garrison are composed of rebel prisoners; men who had been a long
time confined as prisoners of war, and of course they are now predisposed to such sickness as
scurvy and diarrhea. As soon as possible I will have a more thorough investigation of the causes.
I have been obliged to order two of the companies to garrison Forts Union and Berthold. This
with the great amount of sickness will weaken that garrison too much. I shall, however, be up in
that neighborhood before long, and will better be able to judge I highly commend the conduct of
the commanding officer and men of the garrison at Fort Rice. I send this direct to headquarters
Military Division of the Missouri, as I consider it important, and as I know that the commander
of the department is absent from Milwaukee.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brevet Major-General.
DUBUQUE, IOWA, May 14, 1865.
Major-General POPE,
173
Saint Louis, Mo.:
GENERAL: The late order from the War Department directing the mustering out of all
cavalry soldiers who have only to serve until the 1st of October I fear will deprive me of a very
large number of my troops and may defeat the object of the expedition. I do not know this
positively but I am told so by gentlemen at my headquarters. Major-General Curtis, who is here
just from Saint Paul, has telegraphed to Washington to have the order as far as regards his
department suspended. I would request under the circumstances you will do what you can to
have this order suspended as regards my command. I leave to-night for Chicago, then take the
Clinton road to Nevada and Sioux City.
With much respect, your obedient servant,
ALF. SULLY,
Brevet Major-General.
HDQRS. DIST. OF MINNESOTA, DEPT. OF THE NORTHWEST,
Saint Paul, Minn., May 17, 1865.
Maj. C. S. CHARLOT,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Northwest, Milwaukee, Wis.:
MAJOR: I respectfully inclose for the perusal of Major-General Curtis copy of a dispatch
just received from the lieutenant in command of a detachment of troops stationed at
Chengwatona, not far distant from the line of Wisconsin, on the waters of the Upper Saint Croix.
It contains a confirmation of the reports I have heretofore made to department headquarters of
the unfriendly attitude and intentions of the Chippewas and confirms my belief that they are
holding communication with the hostile Sioux bands and secretly preparing for an onslaught
upon the border settlements. I venture to repeat the opinion I have so often expressed heretofore
that there is by no means a sufficient force of troops in this extensive district to guard the frontier
menaced west by the Sioux and north by the Chippewas, far less to form an expeditionary force
to operate against distant camps. I hope Major-General Curtis will indicate that, in his judgment,
it is absolutely indispensable for the safety of the border settlers of Iowa and Minnesota that
General Sully's columns should be dispatched as promptly as possible to attack the Sioux camps
in the vicinity of Devil's Lake, and thus compel the recall of the raiding parties to assist in the
defense of their own families. The offensive is the only true policy for checking the forays of the
savages into our settlements, for a mere defensive attitude, by however formidable a force, can
never entirely prevent the passage of small parties of the sneaking, stealthy horse-thieves and
murderers who infest the sparsely settled counties of the States named. There is a vast amount of
denunciation expended upon the military authorities of this district for not performing the
impossible task of detecting and destroying all of these vermin who crawl through the woods and
prairies on their nefarious mission of death.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 134.
HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF WEST MISSISSIPPI,
New Orleans, La., May 18, 1865.
4. Col. William McE. Dye, Twentieth Iowa Infantry, is hereby appointed agent for exchange
of prisoners of war for this military division. Capt. W. H. Sterling, First U.S. Infantry, is relieved
from duty as agent of exchange, and will turn over to Colonel Dye all books and papers of his
office, after which he will report to the commanding officer of his regiment for duty.
174
By order of Maj. Gen. E. R. S. Canby:
C. H. DYER,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., May 22, 1865.
Brig. Gen. ALEX. SHALER,
Commanding, Devall's Bluff:
GENERAL: The major-general commanding recognizes the importance of placing a small
force of one or two companies at Searcy and submits to you the selection of the same from the
Third Minnesota Volunteers or Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteers. If a field officer of the regiment
from which troops are selected can be spared, it is advisable that he should serve with the
detachment. Please instruct the commanding officer of the regiment sent to Batesville that no
separate headquarters of post will be established by him. He will retain command of his
regiment.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
AND U.S. FORCES AT DEVALL'S BLUFF, ARK.,
May 22, 1865.
Col. JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Arkansas:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, with
instructions to send a detachment of troops to Searcy, and leaving it discretionary with me to
send them from the Third Minnesota Volunteers or Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteers. Since the
surrender of Thompson and all the regular Confederate troops in the northern part of the State is
certain, I am of the opinion that small detachments at the most important points on water
communication is better than a concentration at one point, as the detachments will afford more
general protection to the people against bushwhackers, jayhawkers, and guerrillas, who
constitute all the armed force in the country. I see no reason why Colonel Mattson's force could
not be distributed so as to afford ample protection to the whole country in the vicinity of White
River. Their presence at important points would encourage the organization of militia companies,
and their withdrawal, if found necessary at any time, would not be felt as would that of a large
body. If the major-general commanding takes the same view of the case, I have to suggest that
Colonel Mattson's headquarters, with four companies of infantry and one of cavalry, be removed
from Batesville to Jackson-port, which is much the larger place of the two; that two companies
be left at Batesville, two sent to Augusta, and two to Searcy. His cavalry can keep the
intermediate country free of jayhawkers by patrolling from one point to another. I advise
Jacksonport as the headquarters because of the difficulty of navigation above the mouth of Black
River, a difficulty I was ignorant of until now. The water is falling rapidly in that vicinity, and
some difficulty is apprehended in getting the post boat above Jacksonport after a few days. The
two companies for Searcy will be taken from the Third Minnesota Volunteers, and as I shall not
be able to start the boat until Friday of this week, the changes I have proposed can be made on
the same trip if the general approves.
I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully,
ALEX. SHALER,
175
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., May 22, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Commanding District of Iowa, Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: This letter will be handed to you by Major Von Minden, who is ordered to
report to you as topographical engineer. Upon your arrival at Fort Randall or Fort Pierre, if you
find it more desirable to go against Indians at Devil's Lake than to go west to Powder River, you
are at liberty to go up to Fort Rice with your cavalry force and march from there against Indians
at Devil's Lake. From your report that 3,000 lodges are coming in to Fort Rice to make peace, it
is probable that there will be little need to go west this summer. Of that you can judge better than
L Of course they are getting up a stampede in Minnesota, as usual. A raiding party of a few
Indians from Devil's Lake got into the settlements and committed some murders. Sibley has
eighteen companies of cavalry and four of infantry. There were, according to the largest
estimate, sixteen Indians. Yet Sibley calls for more troops. If this nest of hostile Indians at
Devil's Lake can be broken up this summer it will be best for you to do so. Let me know what
you decide upon as soon as you can, and go to work and do what you think most judicious
without waiting for further orders from me. If it is absolutely necessary I will send up another
regiment of cavalry, though I do not wish to send more troops if I can help it. I send you a bundle
of papers relating to claims of Yankton Indians, or rather of Indian Agent Burleigh, for damages
done them by soldiers. You can do nothing with them that I know of except turn them over to the
Congressional committee examining into Indian affairs, with such statement concerning the
troops in relation to the matter as may be necessary. Judge Hubbard, of Iowa, is, I think,
chairman for Dakota and I believe him to be a just and honorable man. If you can make a treaty
with the Indians at Fort Rice such as I have suggested, it will be well to do so and I trust you will
not leave anything undone to effect this. Communicate to me immediately the course you intend
to pursue this summer.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, May 22, 1865.
(Received 5.15 p.m. 24th.)
Col. FRED. MYERS, Quartermaster:
The contractor for corn has failed in his contract; no corn here yet. The steamer Julia, with
8,000 bushels, sunk yesterday ten miles below here; also steamers Stonerd and Cora, with stores
for me, have sunk; loss not yet known. I will send below and purchase corn; must have it
immediately. Ordnance stores lost on Cora. Please report this, so that a duplicate of these stores
be sent me immediately; I can't do without them.
ALF. SULLY,
Brevet Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
May 23, 1865--10.30 a.m.
Brevet Major-General SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
176
Suspend your movement to Black Hills. You will receive orders from General Curtis for a
movement from Fort Rice on Devil's Lake. Get ready to make it without delay. Answer.
JNO. POPE,
Major-general.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., May 23, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to inform you that the orders
for the expedition under your command to the Black Hills are hereby suspended, and that in
consequence of recent Indian troubles in Minnesota you will make a campaign under the
direction of Maj. Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, commanding Department of the Northwest, to Devil's
Lake. A boat with 200,000 rations for your command has been ordered to Fort Rice.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOS. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, May 26, 1865.
Major-General POPE:
My troops will be ready to march for Devil's Lake, or anywhere else, as soon as boats arrive
here with commissary stores, wagons, &c. I telegraphed Ford. The Sioux report the Cheyennes,
Arapahoes, Brules, and Blackfeet in very large force at Bear Butte, on the Black Hills, waiting
for me. Can you get permission for me to cross the British line?
SULLY,
General.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, May 26, 1865.
Maj. Gen. J. POPE,
Saint Louis, Mo.:
SIR: Information which is deemed reliable shows that the Indians of Western Nebraska and
Western Dakota have concentrated at or near Bear Butte, on the north side of the Black Hills,
nearly upon the route which General Sully will take from the Missouri to Powder River, for the
purpose of fighting him. This seems to indicate that the future safety of our emigrant routes, and
especially the one which Superintendent Sawyer will open this season, will depend upon General
Sully's carrying out his campaign as originally agreed upon between yourself and him. If he does
not meet and disperse these hostile Indians, they will attribute the failure to do so to cowardice or
weakness on his part, and will doubtless be emboldened to engage in depredations upon a scale
much more extensive than ever heretofore. The general has intimated to me confidentially that an
expedition in another direction is contemplated, and that the one heretofore planned may for the
present be abandoned. I hope the expedition to the Black Hills and the establishment of the post
on Powder River may not be abandoned; for though it may be very desirable to punish the hostile
Indians of Northeast Dakota, after the preparations which have been made for the Black Hill
expedition and the expectations thereby created, It would be very injurious to abandon it, and I
fear lead to serious results. I doubt whether anything effective can be done toward subduing the
Indians of Northeast Dakota until the force engaged in the work can pursue them into Canada.
They will undoubtedly seek shelter there when hard pressed. I hope and believe you will be able
to punish those Indians and still not abandon the Black Hill expedition.
177
Very respectfully,
A. W. HUBBARD.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Milwaukee, May 26, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: I sent you a dispatch directing you to demonstrate toward Devil's Lake, and
have two dispatches from you--one concerning pay to mustered-out troops and the other
concerning the sinking of boats--which will detain but not prevent your movement. I hope you
will succeed in having plenty of supplies located at Fort Rice, for I suppose that must be a
wintering place for troops and a permanent, established post to guard the river and settlements. It
is so related to Wadsworth and Abercrombie as to admit of some future connection of a line
which may serve to secure the settlements against the hostile tribes that seem to have a
permanent position near the British line. If you agree with me as to Fort Rice being the best point
for a main depot, you will concur in the propriety of securing ample stores for any occasion at
that place. A large garden and perhaps a considerable corn-field could be cultivated, mowing
machines should be provided, and a large supply of hay must be carefully provided at all your
posts, especially at our principal depots. Our stock cannot be brought down to the settlements
every winter, and they must be provided with double rations of hay, well protected against fire.
Order your quartermasters, and see to this also yourself Indians on the Upper Missouri will
always be begging, stealing, and sometimes murdering, so long as they occupy that region of
country; and from present appearances that will be for centuries, for, as I suppose, very little of
the country is cultivable. We may therefore regard our military arrangements in that quarter as
more likely to remain fixtures than elsewhere on our national frontier, and I therefore desire to
have constructions made with a due regard to permanency. Dispatches come over the wires very
quickly from Council Bluffs, but when you move forward, as I suppose you will soon, I hope
some other mode of communication will be arranged. I get letters from Wadsworth via Saint
Paul in ten days. When you get to Fort Rice I hope you will find it expedient to send dispatches
that way, but you may have more convenient means while the river is open, and you can best
judge of the swiftest route. You will notice my order does not determine your objective point. It
may be found when you get to Fort Rice or before your movable force may best turn in some
more eastern direction. At present Devil's Lake seems to be the region of hostile lodges. Recent
dispatches, which I send, speak of other points nearer the British lines, and all seem to apprehend
a southern movement of the Indian efforts. Nothing certain can be known, but I shall try to get
intelligence through the posts of Wadsworth and Abercrombie and will try to keep you informed
as far as I can. I have directed matters to be kept quiet as to your movements, and hope the
supposition that you are going to the Black Hills may deceive the savages. You will have to be
your own judge as to what troops you can take with you. I hope your force may be pretty strong
so you can, if occasion requires, separate for scouting purposes. For this purpose I hope you will
also have all the mountain howitzers and other very light artillery with you which you can find
available. Be sure and have plenty of horses attached to artillery, so there may be no delay, even
if horses break down or are killed. I suppose all your heavy baggage can go by water, so your
cavalry can move very light. As there is no danger, you might start your advance and go by
steamer after your rear is well under way; but you will be the best judge as to the movement,
which I hope will be pressed forward as early and fast as possible. I have just received a dispatch
from General Sibley informing me that four more of the Indians that came down on the
Minnesota settlements have been intercepted and killed near Fort Wadsworth. I shall attend
178
promptly to your dispatches, although I may not always answer to avoid needless expense.
Colonel Brown will send a paymaster as soon as possible to pay the discharged men. General
Pope telegraphs in response to my request that he has sent a boat load of stores to Fort Rice, but
when the June rise occurs you must yourself determine what you may need, and order your
quartermasters and commissary officers to take advantage of the usual boating season to secure
ample provisions. Your troops may have to winter at Fort Rice, and you may have starving
Indians also to feed. I will probably again visit Minnesota after you are fairly under way, so as
to be nearer to your movement and also to direct movements by General Sibley to co-operate if
occasion offers, but of this I will try to keep you informed.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
May 30, 1865--1.57 p.m.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
Are the Indians congregated at Black Hills there for peace or fight?
JOS. McC. BELL,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, May 31, 1865.
95. So much of Special Orders, No.. 193, April 28, 1865, from this office, as directed Capt.
E. S. Richards, assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, to report in person without delay to
Brevet Major-General Sully, U.S. Volunteers, commanding District of Iowa, Dubuque, Iowa, for
duty, is hereby revoked.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS CAMP RANKIN, COLO. TER.
May 31, 1865.
ASST. ADJT. GEN., NORTH SUB-DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS
Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter.:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Circular No. 2, headquarters North Sub-
District of the Plains, May 26, 1865, by telegraph. I would respectfully state that I have no means
of information concerning scouts, action or movements of troops belonging to this station prior
to April 24, 1865, at which time the garrison here (consisting of a detachment of forty-five men
of Company C, Seventh Iowa Cavalry) was reenforced by two companies of my regiment. On
the 26th of April Lieut. Col. Samuel W. Smith, Third U.S. Volunteer Infantry, took command of
the troops here by command of Brigadier-General Connor, who on the 5th of May directed that
the two companies above mentioned should be divided up and stationed at eight designated
points along the Overland Stage line; one non-commissioned officer and ten men each at four
stations east of this camp and four stations west, these men to be reported in the strength of this
garrison. These stations are about ten miles apart, the farthest one east (Sand Hill) being forty
miles from here and the farthest one west (Dennison's Ranch) distant forty-five miles. These
troops are stationed as previously indicated "for the protection of the property of the Overland
179
Stage Company, the telegraph line, and emigrants." On the 12th of May I assumed command of
the garrison, at the same time assumed command of my regiment by virtue of orders from Major-
General Dodge, commanding Department of the Missouri. On the 15th instant the garrison was
again re-enforced by Company G, of the Sixteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. On the 26th
instant, by order of Brigadier-General Connor, the detachment of Company C, Seventh Iowa
Cavalry, was ordered away from the garrison with instructions to report to the headquarters of
the company at Beauvais Station, twenty-five miles east of here. It took up the line of march the
next morn for station. During the time in which I have been in command no scouting parties as
such have been sent out. I have sent out several parties to discover if possible a supply of wood
for the use of this camp, more acceptable than Mud Springs. My efforts in that direction have
been somewhat successful, but not entirely satisfactory. Future search may and will I hope prove
more successful and the interest of the public service be better subserved in this respect than
heretofore. As nothing of importance occurred during the time these expeditions were out, I
refrain from mentioning the lesser details of their movements. I now have a party of 50 men, 51
horses, 20 wagons, and 122 mules out under charge of Lieut. Charles A. Small, Company A,
Pawnee Scouts, for the purpose above mentioned. As soon as he shall have made a report to me
of his trip I will forward you a copy and will take pains to comply strictly with the requirements
of Circular No. 2.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. McNALLY,
Colonel Third U.S. Volunteer Infantry, Commanding Camp.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., June 2, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: I received this morning your letter of the 26th ultimo. A boat was sent up a week
since with abundant supplies for you. Two hundred thousand rations and a duplicate of ordnance
and other things lost by sinking of boats. General Curtis has sent you orders what to do. I have
only to say execute them. You know the conditions on which you are to make peace with
Indians, very full instructions on that subject having been given you long since. It is, of course,
desirable that peace be made on those terms, if possible, this summer. If any publications have
been made in the papers at Sioux City or elsewhere, abusive of any army officers and making
public the contents of any official communications which can be directly traced to any officer of
the Indian Department, please send me copies, with a list of witnesses, to substantiate their
publication by these parties. I will at once lay the matter before the new Secretary of the Interior,
who I am satisfied will not permit differences of views and policy between officers serving under
the War and Interior Departments to be made the subject of controversy and abuse in the
newspapers. At all events I will test the matter fully. Acknowledge always the receipt of my
letters and dispatches. I cannot know that you have received and are acting upon them otherwise.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, June 2, 1865.
Major-General POPE:
180
It is the Cheyenne Indians that are in the Black Hills, and they want to fight. We are suffering
greatly for want of paymaster. Some of the men have not been paid for over a year. All are
without pay for six months.
SULLY,
General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 131.
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., June 3, 1865.
3. Capt. Horace D. B.. Cutler, assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Volunteers, having reported to
these headquarters in obedience to special orders from the War Department, will proceed to Fort
Smith, Ark., and report to Brig. Gen. Cyrus Bussey, commanding, without delay for duty.
4. The Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry will proceed to Pine Bluff; Ark., and be reported
to the commanding officer at that place for orders. The quartermaster's department will furnish
transportation.
5. The Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry will be assembled with the least possible delay
at Huntsville, and proceed to Pine Bluff, Ark., and report to the commanding officer of that post
for orders.
6. The Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry will proceed to Devall's Bluff and be reported to
Brigadier-General Shaler, commanding, for duty. The quartermaster's department will furnish
transportation.
12. Pursuant to instructions from Headquarters of the Army, the following-named officers,
whose services are no longer required, are relieved from duty in this department, and will
without delay proceed to their respective places of residence, and report from thence by letter to
the Adjutant-General of the Army: Maj. Gen. J. G. Blunt, U.S. Volunteers.
By command of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS Department OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., June 3, 1865.
Brigadier-General SHALER,
Devall's Bluff:
Orders will issue to-day for Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteers to go to Devall's Bluff. In carrying
out this order it is expected that you will place one company of the regiment at the mouth of the
river and one at Saint Charles. To meet an emergency the Twelfth Michigan and Fifty-fourth
Illinois will have to go at once to Pine Bluff. Other troops will replace them soon.
By command of Major-General Reynolds:
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., June 3, 1865.
Maj. Gen. G. M. DODGE, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.:
GENERAL: I transmit inclosed copy of a letter just received from Judge Hubbard, of Iowa.
Sully's cavalry, in consequence of stampede in Minnesota, is obliged to go to Devil's Lake. You
must deal with these Indians in the Black Hills and establish the post at Powder River. I have
sent up Michigan brigade, and will send one and perhaps two more cavalry regiments to you. It
181
is absolutely essential, for reasons that will suggest themselves to you, that this Indian force in
Black Hills be routed as soon as possible. The wagon road parties along the Niobrara and Little
Cheyenne Rivers will not otherwise be able to carry on their work. You know how important
these roads are and how deep the interest in Iowa in their completion. I have assured Judge
Hubbard that you will clear out those Indians. Do not, therefore, fail to do it.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANS., June 3, 1865.
(Received 5.10 p.m.)
Capt. J. McC. BELL:
Am to be ordered to Denver. Please have General Pope order up the three companies of the
Seventh now in Dakota to that point.
H. H. HEATH,
Colonel Seventh [Iowa] Cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION O17 THE MISSOURI,
Saint Louis, Mo., June 3, 1865.
Hon. A. W. HUBBARD,
Sioux City, Iowa:
MY DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 26th ultimo is just received. I have sent troops to General
Dodge to act in conjunction with another large force under General Connor against those Indians
in the Black Hills and locate the post on Powder River. General Dodge will attend to the whole
business. I think you need have no concern about it. I will use all means at my command to
secure safety to your wagon road parties and to keep peace on the plains. The stampede in
Minnesota, gotten up and kept up for purposes unnecessary to explain to you, makes it necessary
to send Sully's cavalry force in the direction of Devil's Lake. I don't anticipate any satisfactory
results from such an expedition so long as the Indians can retire into the British Possessions and
we are prohibited by the English Government from following them, but to quiet the alarm in
Minnesota really felt by the people of that State it is necessary to make the attempt. Sully's
change of movement will not at all interfere with operations against hostile Indians in the Black
Hills and west of them, nor with the establishment of the post on Powder River. General Dodge
will send a heavy cavalry force from the south and Connor a strong cavalry force from the west
against the Indians. I trust, my dear judge, that you will make a thorough investigation of our
Indian policy. The moment any one in any manner attempts to correct the abuses and frauds of
Indian agents and others they set up a small paper at some frontier town and commence to abuse
and vilify him. Aside from the disgrace brought upon the Department of the Interior by such
conduct on the part of its officers, these publications do a vast injury to the public service and
almost render it impossible to make even the necessary changes in Indian management, by
deterring all honest officers from reporting the abuses which come under their own eyes, and for
the evil consequences of which they are held responsible. Differences of opinion on the subject
of Indian affairs between officers of the War and Interior Departments conveyed in official
communications or acts should be discussed, and if necessary referred for the decision of the
Government in a gentlemanlike manner, and not made the subject of personal abuse and
detraction in the public journals. Officers of the army are prohibited from doing such things, and
I think none of them have the desire to engage in such questionable transactions. The officers of
the Indian Department are not so scrupulous and bring the Government into disrepute by
182
parading in the papers, accompanied by gross personal abuse, the official acts and letters of
army officers. It is impossible under such a system even to arrive at any co-operation or
harmonious understanding between military commanders and officers of the Indian Department
on any matters of public business. When there is a difference of opinion on any matter pertaining
to Indian affairs between military commanders and Indian agents, the former refers the question
to the War Department for a decision. The Indian agent should be compelled to do the same and
to keep such official differences, either of act or of opinion, out of the public papers. As I said
before, unless the Interior Department enforces the same rules in this respect in reference to its
officers that are enforced by the War Department, the Government is brought into disrepute and
the public service into confusion and inefficiency.
I trust that this matter will engage your attention. I think we are now reaping the harvest of
bad policy and bad management of our Indian affairs. The Indians seem to be hostile and active
all over the plains, and keep up these hostilities from day to day in the constant expectation of
having a treaty made with them which will exempt them from punishment for what they have
already done, and at the same time furnish them with blankets, powder and ball, and such other
supplies as they need. This has hitherto been the practice of our Indian Department, and the
Indians naturally expect from day to day that the same thing will happen now. It has long been a
saying of the Sioux Indians along the Platte, that whenever they are poor they have only to go
down to the Overland Route and kill a few white men, and there will be a treaty of peace, which
will supply all they need. Under such a system we cannot expect peace on the frontier except for
short periods. At this time, especially, and doubtless for the future, the pursuance of such a
policy is most unfortunate. The opening of the mining regions in the Territories has attracted
such crowds of emigrants that the Indian country is penetrated in every direction ;highways are
made through it and the game driven off or destroyed. The Indians of the plains are thus being
rapidly forced into narrower and narrower limits, where they will be less and less able every day
to subsist themselves by hunting. Of course they lose no opportunity to rid themselves and their
country of these swarms of white people, and as the habitual carelessness and ignorance of
danger, or of the proper precautions against it, of emigrants crossing the plains is every day
exhibited, the opportunities for attacking and murdering small parties are not wanting to the alert
and watchful Indians. Some different system is needed for the future or we are likely to have an
Indian war to the end of time, or at least until the Indian is exterminated. I wrote fully to the
Government on this subject more than a year since and the War Department published my letter
in the Official Army and Navy Gazette. As I proposed to do away with the present system of
making treaties presenting the Indians with goods and money, and paying them annuities of both,
and thus to a great extent do away with the complicated machinery of the Indian Bureau, I was of
course attacked by all the officers and hangers on of that Bureau in all the public papers of the
frontier. You understand all these matters well and are fully acquainted with the frauds and the
abuses of the present system. I only hope you will fully represent the matter to Congress for the
good of the Indian and for the sake of humanity, as well as for the best interests of the
Government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. POPE,
Major-General, Commanding.
SAINT PAUL, June 3, 1865.
General A. SULLY,
Sioux City, Iowa:
183
Will have provisions at Fort Abercrombie if you should go to Red River, but think you may
better return to Fort Rice. The hostile lodges are near Devil's Lake, Mouse River, and Turtle
Mountain, about 3,000 aggregate, but not united in councils or localities. Small war parties are
coming down and troubling settlers, but troops are killing most of them. Look well for such
parties near Spirit Lake. When can you move forward?
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 104.
HDQRS. NORTHERN DIV. OF LOUISIANA,
Alexandria, La., June 4, 1865.
1. Brigadier-General Dennis, commanding First Division, Thirteenth Corps, will establish the
following garrisons: At Alexandria, the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, Col. James H. Coates
commanding the post; at Natchitoches, the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Van
Anda commanding the post. Supplies for thirty days will be left at each of the places above
named, and officers designated to take charge of the commissary and ordnance departments.
By command of Major-General Herron:
WM. H. CLAPP,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DIVISION OF LOUISIANA,
Alexandria, La., June 4, 1865.
Lieutenant-Colonel VAN ANDA,
Commanding Twenty-first Iowa Infantry Volunteers:
COLONEL: Major-General Herron directs me to inform you that he has selected you to
command the post of Natchitoches, where your own regiment will be stationed. In your
intercourse with the people there the major-general commanding desires that you will do all in
your power to restore confidence and promote good feeling. You will have no system of passes
for the people, and will interfere in no way with trade and the transportation of products. All
questions pertaining to these matters are in the hands of the Treasury agents, and they are fully
instructed as to the liberal policy to be carried out. I inclose herewith copies of late orders having
reference to the conduct of the troops and the condition of the freedmen. You will endeavor to
explain fully the questions arising out of the latter, and will carry out the spirit of General
Orders, No. 20, from these headquarters, relating thereto.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. H. CLAPP,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., June 5, 1865.
Brig. Gen. A. SHALER,
Devall's Bluff:
The major-general commanding directs that the detachment of First Indiana Cavalry be
placed at Saint Charles. One company of Thirty-sixth Iowa can relieve the company of One
hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois under Captain Knox at mouth of the river. Captain Knox
should rejoin his regiment at Pine Bluff soon as practicable, at least so soon as his services as
provost-marshal can be dispensed with.
Respectfully,
184
JOHN LEVERING,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIOUX CITY, IOWA, June 5, 1865.
Major-General POPE:
It is the Cheyennes and other tribes that are in the Black Hills and want to fight me. The
Sioux have not come into Fort Rice, but large numbers of them are coming into Fort Pierre to
talk with me. My troops will start Wednesday; I will start Friday.
SULLY,
General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST,
Saint Paul, June 5, 1865.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. A. SULLY,
In the Field, near Sioux City, Iowa:
GENERAL: I telegraphed you about the 23d ultimo to demonstrate in the direction of Devil's
Lake with all your available force, as General Pope had suspended the order for your movement
west of the Missouri. I wrote you a few days after giving more full details of my wishes, urging
your early movement, and expressing a wish that you would scout eastward and try and give me
notice of your progress, especially of your arrival at Fort Rice, which I suppose may be the
uniting place of your moving column. I have received in response your telegram informing me of
probable delay because of the loss of two steam-boats, and another dispatch asking as to
provisions if your movement should reach Red River of the North. I telegraphed you on the 23d
instant that "we will have provisions at Fort Abercrombie on the Red River, but think you may
better return to Fort Rice." Fearing some of these dispatches may not reach you, I have
concluded to write this, and send it through from here, so there can be no doubt as to your
knowing my wishes and expectations. The information brought here by intelligent and, I think,
reliable traders locate the hostile tribes nearly as follows: The remnant of Minnesota hostile
Indians have 500 lodges on Turtle Mountain and about 200 lodges near Devil's Lake. The
surrounding tribes are not very friendly to these Minnesota Indians, and they are, therefore,
surrounded with danger. Poor and perishing, some of them straggle down to the settlements to
steal and commit murder on their old reservation in this State. Near these hostile Minnesota
Indians and on the south side of the Mouse River are the hostile Yanktonnais and tribes, said to
be about 2,500 lodges. These lodges are also scattered in various bands, extending over a wide
country 200 or 300 miles in diameter. They are also divided in council. It is my desire that your
force may strike these hostile bands, so as to destroy or drive them still farther from our
settlements. As they are in a very remote and cold locality, you will not have much time to
operate there before winter, and not being prepared to remain, you will have to fall back to Fort
Rice or Abercrombie, with a view of safety from the rigors of the season. Most likely we will
next year establish a post at Devil's Lake, and I would desire to do so this year, but it is probably
too late in the season to do so. If you reach Devil's Lake I desire that you will examine the
country and locations with a view to such an establishment, and give me your best judgment as
to its best position. Only small bands of hostile Indians have come down on this State, but they
create great trepidation, and I am obliged to present all possible resistance and remedy to prevent
a great stampede on the part of the frontier settlements. I hope you will leave ample force to
guard the frontier settlements of Iowa [and] Dakota, and take most of the remaining forces to
Fort Rice, and try to have large preparations made there for their comfort during the winter. If
possible large crops of turnips and potatoes should be raised as a protection against scurvy and a
185
convenience for food. I wrote you on this subject, and also directed that ample provisions of hay
should be secured for wintering stock. I expect that Forts Rice, Wadsworth, and Abercrombie
will be one great stronghold in the time of all great Indian nations that extend around the
northwest from Lake Superior to the Black Hills. You will please acknowledge the receipt of this
through this point, and send a copy of your letter through by mail to my headquarters at
Milwaukee. In the same communication give me information as to your approximate force, your
time of starting, and your probable arrival at Fort Rice and Devil's Lake, if you should get that
far.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
S. R. CURTIS,
Major-general.