O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/1 [S# 39]
APRIL 27-MAY 6, 1863.--The Chancellorsville Campaign.
No. 267.--Report of Col. Samuel Ross, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry,
commanding Second Brigade.
[ar39_696 con't]
IN PRIVATE HOSPITAL, Washington, D.C., May 8, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of my (Second) brigade, General Williams' (First) division, General Slocum's
(Twelfth) cops, at Chancellorsville up to the time I was
wounded by the fragment of a shell on Sunday, May 3, about 8 a.m., and
carried from the field:
My brigade--composed
of the Third Maryland Volunteers, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, and
the One hundred and twenty-third and One hundred and forty-fifth New York
Volunteers--was posted in line of battle on the evening of April 30 in
the following order: My left commencing on the right of General Geary's
division, with my right extending to General Ruger's brigade. The One hundred
and twenty-third New York Volunteers on the right, next the One hundred
and forty-fifth New York Volunteers, and the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers
on the left. The Third Maryland Volunteers was held in reserve. The two
left regiments occupied wooded ground, and extended to the open ground,
which, being commanded by our artillery, was without infantry, the first-named
regiment occupying the wooded ground from this open space to General Ruger's
brigade.
The regiments in line
immediately built temporary breastworks by felling trees, &c., which
were subsequently improved so as to afford very good protection.
In the movement of Friday
morning, May 1, on the enemy, my brigade was the reserve of the division
and was not engaged, although under the fire of the enemy's artillery.
The brigade performed the exact duty assigned to it by the orders of General
Williams.
On returning to my former
position, in pursuance of orders from General Williams, the One hundred
and twenty-third Regiment New York Volunteers was advanced in front of
our lines to feel the enemy, to send out scouts and pickets, and to hold
the position on the high ground near a small house until compelled to fall
back.
In the meantime the Third
Maryland Volunteers was detached to support an artillery battery.
Very soon the One hundred
and twenty-third New York Volunteers became hotly engaged with the enemy,
who appeared in force, driving in the scouts and pickets. Overwhelmed by
superior numbers, and nearly surrounded, this regiment gallantly maintained
its ground until ordered to fall back, when it retired at about sundown
in good order.
Lieutenant-Colonel Norton
fell, severely wounded, while bravely discharging his duty. The loss of
the day, as verbally reported, was 2 killed and 8 wounded.
The Third Maryland Volunteers,
having been relieved from duty with the artillery battery, returned and
occupied the breastworks on the right, formerly manned by the One hundred
and twenty-third New York Volunteers. The One hundred and twenty-third
New York Volunteers occupied the open ground between the woods, and erected
during the night temporary breastworks thereon by bringing trees from the
woods. The other regiments were posted the same as on the night before.
In the movement of the
division with other troops on Saturday afternoon, in our front, to drive
the enemy from the woods and to the Plank road, my brigade took position
between General Ruger's brigade on my left and General Knipe's brigade
on my right, advancing on the enemy, as ordered by General Williams in
person, "by the right of companies to the front," in double lines, the
One hundred and twenty-third and One hundred and forty-fifth New York Volunteers
forming one line and the Twentieth Connecticut and the Third Maryland Volunteers
making another line. When well into the woods, under a heavy fire of round
shot and shell from the enemy's artillery, advancing under the immediate
direction of General Williams in person, Maj. Julius Hayden, U.S. Army
(serving on the staff of General Whipple, I believe), came to me with information
of the exact position of the enemy, which was to our right and front (which
information I sent by an aide-de-camp to General Williams, who was near
at hand); whereupon I immediately faced the brigade to the right, and moved
to opposite where the enemy was, and commenced the formation of line of
battle, intending to briskly charge the enemy, as General Williams had
directed me to do, in double-quick, "if the least opportunity offered,"
it being late in the day, and the importance of driving the enemy to the
Plank road before dark being particularly impressed upon me by General
Williams in person.
Just as my line of battle
for a charge was being completed, the sad disaster to the Eleventh Corps
became known. I immediately received orders from General Williams to return
in good order to my former position, which order I executed without the
loss of an officer or man.
About 1 a.m. on Sunday,
May 3, my line of battle was changed, by the order of General Williams,
so as to establish two regiments on the right of General Ruger's new line
of battle--whose brigade had changed front at right angles with its former
position, his left resting near where the left of the Third Maryland had
been, and his right extending toward the Plank road--my two regiments being
intended to relieve General Knipe (whose brigade was held in reserve) and
to occupy the ground between Generals Ruger's and Birney's troops, with
my right resting at the Plank road. The Third Maryland Volunteers and One
hundred and twenty-third New York Volunteers were the two regiments so
posted on the right. The One hundred and forty-fifth New York Volunteers
and Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers remained on the left Of General Ruger's
brigade, forming a line nearly at right angles with the new front, and
were moved from their former position, so as to connect with the left of
General Ruger's brigade, General Geary's troops taking possession of the
defenses made vacant by these changes. The One hundred and twenty-third
New York Volunteers and Third Maryland Volunteers worked unceasingly through
the night in erecting breastworks of logs, and were so engaged when the
enemy opened fire.
By the personal order
of General Williams, who visited the line just as the battle was beginning,
I took post with the two regiments on the right.
Immediately after daylight
our scouts reported the enemy advancing. About 5:30 a.m. our pickets were
driven in, and the enemy, with artillery and infantry, vigorously attacked
our lines. In a few minutes the battle raged with great fury.
In the early part of
the day (I think it was about 8 a.m.) I was wounded by a fragment of shell
just above the ankle joint, totally disabling me from standing alone, and
carried from the field. I reported to Lieut. Col. H. C. Rodgers, assistant
adjutant-general Twelfth Corps, and then expected to return to the field
as soon as my wound could be dressed, but my foot, ankle, and leg began
to swell so that I was obliged to have my boot cut off, and from that moment
to the present my right leg has been totally disabled. I shall, therefore,
be obliged to refer you to regimental reports and my successor in command
for what transpired after I was wounded, and for a list of killed, wounded,
and missing.
The coolness, bravery,
fortitude, and cheerful promptness in the performance of every duty, of
the officers and men under my command, merit especial mention.
The following regimental
commanders I desire to mention for coolness and bravery throughout these
incidents: Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers;
Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson, Third Maryland Volunteers, and Colonel McDougall,
One hundred and twenty-third New York Volunteers.
The staff officers of
the brigade, one and all, rendered me every assistance and promptly performed
their duties without regard to dangers. I desire to mention them, viz:
Captain Shannon, assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant Beardsley, Twentieth
Connecticut Volunteers, acting assistant inspector general; Lieutenant
Burbank, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant
Robinson, One hundred and twenty-third New York Volunteers, aide-de-camp.
I have the honor to be,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAML. ROSS,
Colonel 20th Conn. Vols., Comdg. 2d Brig., 1st Div., 12th A. C.
Capt. S. E. PITTMAN,
A. A. A. G., Gen. Williams' Div., Gen. Slocum's Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/1 [S# 39]
APRIL 27-MAY 6, 1863.--The Chancellorsville Campaign.
No. 268.--Report of Maj. Philo B. Buckingham, Twentieth Connecticut
Infantry.
[ar39_700 con't]
NEAR STAFFORD COURT-HOUSE, VA.,
May 7, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor respectfully to submit the following report
of the operations of this regiment since the 27th ultimo, together with
a detailed account of casualties:
By orders received from
brigade headquarters, the regiment formed under the command of Lieut. Col.
William B. Wooster (Col. Samuel Ross being absent from the regiment and
in command of the Second Brigade as acting brigadier), with the other regiments
comprising the Second Brigade, at 6 a.m. on the 27th ultimo, in front of
the division headquarters, and soon after took up its line of march for
Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock, and encamped for the night near Hartwood
Church.
Two commissioned officers,
4 non-commissioned officers, and 42 men were sent out on picket, and at
6 a.m. resumed the line of march, and at 4 p.m. of Tuesday again encamped
some 2½ miles from Kelly's Ford.
At 5 a.m. again took
up the line of march, and crossed Kelly's Ford, and, after short delay,
took the road toward Germanna Ford, on the Rapidan River, which was crossed,
and the regiment encamped near the river for the night.
At 8 a.m. of Thursday,
the regiment resumed the march, and arrived at Chancellorsville at about
3 p.m., when the regiment was placed in position, occupying an eminence
in the woods on the right of the Second Division of the Twelfth Corps,
commanded by General Geary, and forming a line with his division and the
One hundred and forty-fifth New York Volunteers, which was in position
on our immediate right.
On Friday, May 1, the
regiment, with other forces, was ordered on a reconnaissance the road leading
to Fredericksburg, when it was formed, with the other regiments composing
the Second Brigade, as a reserve in the rear of the First and Third Brigades
of the First Division, Twelfth (Corps, and in this position advanced under
the fire of shell from the batteries of the enemy,
behaving with coolness and steadiness, though for the first time under
fire, until ordered to retire with the other troops to the position occupied
before the advance.
On Saturday, at about
5 p.m., the regiment advanced under orders, with other troops, through
the woods in our immediate front, as a part of the second line, and was
again under fire of shell from the enemy's batteries. At about sunset orders
were received from the general commanding the division to retire slowly
through the woods, and again occupy our original position behind a breastwork
which had been erected by this regiment as a protection and to strengthen
our position in case of attack. The breastworks were reoccupied, and Company
G was thrown out in our immediate front as a picket, and during the night
exchanged a few shots with the skirmishers of the enemy, but without loss
on our part. Both officers and men manifested a determination to hold the
position should an attack be made upon this portion of the general line,
which was momentarily expected, as the enemy had driven in the extreme
right of our line held by the Eleventh Corps and were making a murderous
attack upon the center of our position, which was but a short distance
to the right of the portion of the line held by this regiment.
On Sunday morning, the
3d instant, the enemy appeared in force near the point of attack on the
evening previous. The action soon became general, and extended along the
left of the line until it reached the point occupied by the Twentieth Connecticut.
The officers and men waited with great coolness the approach of the enemy,
who came up yelling like fiends until they arrived in a ravine about 20
rods from the front of the regiment, when the men rose and discharged their
pieces in a well-aimed volley, which covered the ground with the killed
and wounded of the enemy and caused them to fall back in disorder. They
again rallied, and advanced under cover of a battery of artillery--the
fire from which enfiladed the breastwork occupied by this regiment--up
to, and some few rushed over, the works, and were either shot down or taken
prisoners by our men.
After maintaining its
position for nearly five hours, and finding that the enemy had already
driven our forces back both on the right and on the left, and that the
entire regiment was in danger of being surrounded and captured, Lieutenant-Colonel
Wooster reluctantly gave the order to retire, which order was executed
in some disorder, but the men rallied and reformed under the direction
of the remaining officers some half a mile in the rear of the first position.
It was behind the barricade and during the time the regiment was falling
back through the woods that our entire loss occurred. The men, after leaving
the barricades, were subjected not only to the fire of shot and shell from
the enemy's artillery, but to a crossfire of infantry. It was then that
Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster, who had through the whole action manifested
the utmost coolness and bravery, was seen to fall, as was supposed, wounded,
and was, without doubt, taken prisoner by the enemy.
Second Lieut. David P.
Griffiths, of Company F, was killed in the intrenchments by a musket-ball
in the forehead, and fell with his sword in his hand, a pattern of determined
courage and bravery.
Capt. Charles J. Arms
was also slightly wounded in the head and had a narrow escape from death,
and also received another bullet through the sleeve of his coat. His conduct
both during the action and retreat is deserving of especial mention.
Capt. Ezra D. Dickerman
was also wounded, in the intrenchments, and was supported off the field
in the early part of the engagement.
Second Lieut. George
W. Sherman, of Company C, received a wound in his hand in the early part
of the action, and was compelled to retire.
Capt. Wilbur W. Smith,
of Company C, is supposed to have been wounded and taken prisoner, although
it is not certain he was wounded. He was last seen in the woods when the
regiment was retiring.
Capt. Henry C. Pardee,
of Company F, is supposed to have been taken prisoner. He was last seen
at the barricades.
First Lieut. Andrew Upson,
of Company E, was last seen at the barricades, and is supposed to be a
prisoner.
The officers who were
wounded or taken prisoners behaved with great gallantry, and deserve commendation;
and, in fact, there was not an officer of the regiment but might be mentioned
as deserving credit for good conduct.
Sergt. Maj. John S. Root
was killed by a shell at the barricades in the early part of the action,
and was noted for his coolness and courage. Asst. Surg. Daniel Lee Jewett
was taken prisoner.
During the action the
regiment took a captain and some 30 to 40 prisoners, but was compelled
to relinquish them on retiring from the contest. The regiment lost 11 killed,
59 wounded, and 98 missing.
During the succeeding
days it can be said that the officers and men performed their full share
of all duties assigned them both with alacrity and cheerfulness, whether
the duty consisted in building barricades or standing night and day behind
them watching and waiting for the attack of the enemy.
After the engagement
of Sunday, the 3d instant, Capt. Sanford E. Chaffee was in command of the
regiment, being senior officer present, Maj. P. B. Buckingham having received
some time prior to this the appointment of acting assistant inspector-general
of the First Division, Twelfth Corps, and been transferred to the staff
of the general coin-minding the same, until Tuesday, the 5th instant, when
Major Buckingham was temporarily relieved from duty as staff officer and
ordered to take command of the same.
On Wednesday morning
the regiment, with all the command, re-crossed the Rappahannock at the
United States Ford, and returned to its former encampment near Stafford
Court-House.
A detailed statement
of the killed, wounded, and missing is subjoined hereto.(*)
I have the honor to be,
your obedient servant,
PHILO B. BUCKINGHAM,
Major, Commanding Regiment.
Capt. A. B. JUDD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXVII/1 [S# 43] -- Gettysburg Campaign
No. 276. -- Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Wooster,
Twentieth Connecticut Infantry.
CAMP NEAR WARRENTON JUNCTION, VA.,
July 26, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit that, under your orders, the
Twentieth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, on the morning of July 1, moved
from Littlestown, Pa., to Two Taverns.
At 1 p.m. we moved forward
to a point near Gettysburg, Pa., and were placed in line of battle, being
supported by other forces of the First Brigade, the First Division of the
Twelfth Army Corps holding the right of the battle line.
At evening we were withdrawn
from our position, and with the division rested near the Gettysburg road
for the night.
At daybreak on the morning
of the 2d instant, we were moved to a position in line of battle on the
right, holding the front line, supported by other forces of the brigade.
Company B was deployed as skirmishers, and well advanced from the main
line.
Between 10 and 11 a.m.
we were withdrawn, and with the division moved to the Gettysburg road,
and thence advanced near to Cemetery Hill, and were placed in position
as a support to the Second Division of the Twelfth Army Corps, thus remaining
until about 4 p.m., when the attack of the enemy became so determined on
our left center that we were moved to the support of our forces (the Second
and Third Corps) there engaged. Here we were placed in position, but before
becoming engaged the enemy were repulsed, and we endeavored to return to
the position on the right that we had last occupied, but it was found that
during our absence the enemy had advanced on the right, and gained the
breastworks in front and the stone wall, where we had previously been placed
as a reserve, and the hills and woods on each side of the wall. Owing to
the darkness of the night and the strength of the enemy in position, the
First Division was unable to regain its original position.
This night my regiment
lay on its arms in a corn-field, near the woods in line of battle, ready
to move at an instant's notice. Company G was advanced as skirmishers to
a line near the woods, and so remained during the night, at intervals engaging
the enemy's skirmishers. At daylight our artillery commenced shelling the
woods, breast-works, and locality of the wall formerly held by us, then
occupied by the rebels.
A little after 5 a.m.
my regiment advanced under orders into the edge of the woods. From this
position a heavy force of skirmishers proceeded but a few rods to the brow
of the hill before they engaged the enemy. From this time for over five
hours parts of my regiment were unceasingly engaged with the enemy, the
advanced line being frequently relieved from my main line. The enemy were
endeavoring to advance through the woods, so as to turn the right flank
of the Second Division, and were met and successfully resisted by my regiment.
In this position I was enabled to repeatedly communicate to the colonel
commanding the brigade and the general commanding the division the movements
of the enemy in our immediate front, thereby enabling our artillery to
more accurately obtain the range of the enemy and to greatly increase the
effectiveness of our shells. At times it became necessary to advance my
left wing to successfully repulse the advancing column of the enemy, and
again to retire my whole command to save it from being
destroyed by our own artillery.
We continued thus advancing
and fighting until about 10.30 a.m., when, the rebels having been driven
by our fire and shells from the stone wall and breastworks in our front,
my regiment steadily advanced in line, and occupied both the wall and breastworks
under a continuous fire from sharpshooters in tree-tops, whom we had been
unable thus far to silence. Immediately on gaming the breastworks, my regiment
was relieved by the One hundred and twenty-third Regiment New York Volunteers.
We proceeded forthwith to the ammunition train, replenished, and, under
orders, returned to the support of the One hundred and twenty-third Regiment
New York Volunteers, then in the breastworks, where we remained under a
most terrific shelling from rebel batteries until nearly 5 p.m. The regiment
with the remainder of the First Brigade was then moved across the Gettysburg
road to support the center in an attack then being made with great determination
on the part of the enemy. Before we were placed in position the enemy were
repulsed, and my regiment once more returned to our breastworks, and remained
in line during the night of the 3d and all day and night of the 4th instant.
On the 4th, a detail
was furnished as a burial party, and also another detail to collect arms
and accouterments left by the enemy on the field between the breastworks
and the wall and in our immediate front.
On the 5th, the burial
party still continued its services, commanded by Capt. W. W. Smith, of
my regiment, until 1 p.m., when all the dead in the immediate front of
the First Division were buried.
On the afternoon of the
5th instant, we moved from the battleground and marched to Littlestown,
Pa. I lost of enlisted men 5 killed and 23 wounded.
Our position on that
day was one calculated to put to the severest test the courage of both
officers and men. For nearly six hours in the morning my regiment was constantly
engaged with the enemy, and did most effective service in driving them
from the position they then held, thereby regaining our breastworks.
With the exception of
one officer--no longer belonging to my regiment--and some half dozen men,
whom I have reason to believe became more seriously indisposed the nearer
they approached danger, all in my command conducted themselves with true
courage and devotion to duty; and while some of my officers, from the position
in which they were placed, fought more valiantly than others, yet, where
all did so well their duty, it might give rise to unjust inferences to
particularize. Each officer and man then with me seemed intent only on
doing his whole duty, cheerfully and promptly executing every order.
With the movements of
the Twelfth Corps in its many weary marches and advances upon the enemy,
the laborious construction of breastworks at Williamsport, and the unceasing
vigilance necessarily imposed, from the battle-field at Gettysburg until
our arrival at this camp, my regiment bore its part well, rendering no
special services worthy of note here.(*)
I have the honor to be,
your very obedient servant,
WM. B. WOOSTER,
Lieut. Col. 20th Regt. Connecticut Vols., Comdg. Regt.
A. L. McDOUGALL,
Col. 123d Regt. N. Y. Vols., Comdg. 1st Brig., 1st Div.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA,
FROM AUGUST 11, 1863, TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#3
STEVENSON, October 3, 1863.
Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Captain Powell returned at midnight from Jasper. Rebels are followed so closely, from all he could learn, that they were not able to commit much damage. Cavalry and infantry force left Jasper early yesterday morning for Therman. Trains are running regularly to Bridgeport. Large force of rebels reported on Chattanooga and Altamont road on their way to Decherd. Commanding officers along the road have been notified to be careful and vigilant. The following additional regiments have arrived: One hundred and twenty-third New York, Forty-sixth Pennsylvania, Twentieth Connecticut, and Third Maryland.
J. D. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA,
FROM AUGUST 11, 1863, TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#6
TULLAHOMA, October 6, 1863.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD:
The Twentieth Connecticut
is here on top of the box-cars and among the artillery in the platform-cars.
What are the orders now?
SAMUEL ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut.
[Indorsement.]
DUCK RIVER, October 6, 1863--7.25 p.m.
Colonel Ross,
Tullahoma:
Come on to Normandy, and disembark with the artillery and march with it.
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA,
FROM AUGUST 11, 1863, TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#11
OCTOBER 10, 1863.
Major-General SLOCUM,
Murfreesborough :
Arrived here at 10 o'clock this morning with Fifth and Twentieth Connecticut, and One hundred and twenty-third New York Volunteers. The Fifth has gone to tunnel at Cowan, which has been obstructed. Nothing new of rebels since last night. The late movements of troops has been arduous and not eminently fruitful.
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General.
DECHERD, October 10, 1863.
Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Muger marches from Christiana today; will be near Tullahoma, and take post from that south, including Elk River bridge. Three rear regiments will be this side of Tullahoma to-night and occupy the rest of my line; all will be in position to-morrow, I think. Which corps should guard Tantalon? It is embraced in orders to both; properly belongs to Eleventh Corps.
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXX/4 [S# 53]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY,
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA,
FROM AUGUST 11, 1863, TO OCTOBER 19, 1863.--UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.(*)--#14
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS,
Decherd, Tenn., October 13, 1863.
Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Twelfth Army Corps:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your dispatch
of 12th instant at 11 o'clock this morning, which I immediately answered
by telegraph as follows:
I have Twentieth Connecticut
at Cowan and Third Maryland at tunnel, 2 miles beyond. Colonel Ross commanding
at Cowan and vicinity. Tantalon is held by Eleventh Corps, ordered by General
Hooker. Ruger has One hundred and seventh New York, Second Massachusetts,
and Third Wisconsin at Elk River and intermediate points. Colonel Hawley
is senior officer. General Ruger has with him the other three regiments
of his brigade at Tullahoma. General Knipe has his four other regiments
here and vicinity. Woodbury's battery is here. Best's has not reported
to me. I shall probably send two guns to Cowan. Do you require daily reports
of strength or occurrences and changes only? I reported disposition of
troops on the 10th. We have no transportation and are out of rations and
forage. Some forage could be got if we had teams.
I send this communication
by first train as the telegraph could not be depended upon. I hope to be
able to-day to forward to you the reports of the brigade commanders with
full particulars. I ordered them (see copy of Special Orders, No. 104,
sent you by Captain Beman) on the 11th.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.
P. S.--There are at Cowan nearly 1,200 convalescents of the Army of the Cumberland. Most of them, I am informed, fit for duty; but 150 armed. I shall order Colonel Ross to make a special report in the case. These men should be sent to their regiments. They are of no use at Cowan, and I imagine are suffering for discipline and drill.
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
APPENDIX.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
STEVENSON, October 25, 1863.
Brig. Gen. A. S. WILLIAMS:
GENERAL: I am directed by Major-General Hooker to send the Third Maryland and One hundred and twenty-fifth New York to Bridgeport. Have done so. Also to relieve one of Geary's regiments by the Twentieth Connecticut, which I am about doing. The advance of the Twentieth is just arrived. Any orders for me will find me at the Alabama House.
J. F. KNIPE,
Brigadier-General, First Brigade.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/3 [S# 56]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA,
AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM OCTOBER 20, 1863, TO DECEMBER 31, 1863.--#4
STEVENSON, November 9, 1863.
Major-General SLOCUM:
A mounted reconnaissance, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster, along the river at Caperton's Ferry just heard from. Discovered no signs of enemy or any artillery. I believe the story to be exaggerated; still, from the reports of citizens, more than the usual signs of the enemy have appeared at the ferry 6 miles below, yesterday, last night, and this morning, but now all appears as before, cavalry only being in sight. The river is not fordable at any point.
SAMUEL ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/1 [S# 57]
JANUARY 20, 1864.--Skirmish at Tracy City, Tenn.
No. 1. --Report of Lieut. Col. William B. Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut
Infantry.
[ar57_97 con't]
HDQRS. TWENTIETH CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEERS,
Cowan Station, Tenn., January 22, 1864.
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on Wednesday, the 20th instant, the post at Tracy City, commanded by Capt. Andrew Upson, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, and garrisoned by Company B of said regiment, commanded by Second Lieut. Theodore Jepson and a company of Tennessee cavalry, almost entirely unarmed and not mounted, and known as Captain Tipton's company, was attacked by rebel cavalry numbering from 100 to 150 men, a portion of which force is known as Capt. Joe Carter's cavalry. «7 R R--VOL XXXII, PT I» This force came through Altamont about 10 a.m. of that day, and mounted men dressed in Union uniforms rode rapidly up to the house of Capt. S. P. Tipton, then absent from his command and at his home in Altamont, and cried out, "Captain, the rebels are coming." As soon as he emerged from his house he was shot and instantly killed by the men that called to him. This force also killed at Altamont a private in Captain Tipton's company by the name of David Franklin. They arrived at Tracy City about 1 p.m. The picket on the road over which they passed was from Captain Tipton's men. The sentinel discharged his piece, but so rapid was the movement of the force that no alarm reached the camp until the whole force rode in. The point of entry was from the rear of Howard and Benham's store, and immediately, as the head of the column passed to the front of the store, they fired on the sentinel then on duty, mortally wounding David B. Powell, of Company B, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, who was sitting near the sentinel. Many shots were fired by the sentinel and those in and about the store. Repulsed here, the force rapidly moved to the railroad depot, some 40 rods distant, where Captain Upson then was with a guard of three men. This placed the whole rebel force between Captain Upson and his command. He at first attempted to join his command, but seeing his position, he threw down his pistol and surrendered, and as he did so was several times shot at, two balls taking effect and seriously wounding him, one having passed through his left lung. While this movement was being enacted, Lieutenant Jepson formed his command in the stockade near the store. The rebels formed in line of battle, under cover of an elevation of ground on the right of the stockade, and also under like cover in rear of the railroad depot, and still another portion farther to the left and in rear of the engine-house. In these positions they were completely sheltered, so as to render our fire from the stockade quite ineffectual, while they, from their concealed positions and behind trees, continued to fire at our forces in the stockade without damage. Lieutenant Jepson deemed it inexpedient to advance any portion of his force from the stockade, as by so doing he would be exposed to a cross-fire from the rebels and endanger the capture of his whole force. In this position the officer in command of the rebel forces dispatched a flag of truce by a citizen with the following proposition for surrender:
TRACY CITY, TENN.,
January 20, 1864.
Lieutenant JEPSON:
SIR: Captain Upson, with 10 of your men, are now in my possession.
If the remainder of your command will surrender at once, without further
bloodshed, the entire command shall be at once paroled and permitted to
retain all their personal effects.
By order of General Wharton:
W. S. BLEDSOE,
Major, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry.
This proposition was promptly
declined by Lieutenant Jepson. Soon another proposition was sent in like
manner of the first, offering to- leave the command unmolested provided
they could be permitted to take the goods from the store near the stockade.
This too, was rejected. Two other propositions for surrender, having in
view the possession of the store (the evident object of their raid),
were sent in and declined. Under cover of the depot, the engine-house,
and the buildings covering the coal-chutes men were advanced, and each
was fired and totally consumed.
The stockade, erected
long since, was built with reference to a defense of the store and buildings
in the immediate vicinity of the store, and is so located as to afford
no protection to the buildings that were burned.
Six men were captured
with Captain Upson, all of whom were stripped of overcoats, blankets, and
money, and forced to take a parole administered to them under threats of
death as the penalty of refusal.
The rebels remained in
position until dark, when, fearing reenforcements from Cowan, by the cars
which had been stopped and sent back during the afternoon, they left, resting
that night about? miles from Tracy City, near the house of David Nunley.
They then passed in the direction from which they came (near Altamont)
toward White County, where I have reasons to believe a rebel force exceeding
500 can be assembled. During this assault but 3 of Captain Tipton's men
could be found. All had fled to places of supposed safety, and are again
slowly returning to Tracy City.
Three of the rebel cavalry
are known to have been wounded.
The officers and men
of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers there engaged exhibited great coolness
and determination to do their whole duty.
I have the honor to be,
colonel, your obedient servant,
WM. B. WOOSTER,
Lieut. Col., Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
Col. SAMUEL ROSS,
Commanding First Brigade.
Addenda.--At the time
of the attack on Tracy City on the 20th instant the force consisted of
2 commissioned officers and 72 enlisted men from the Twentieth Connecticut
Volunteers and Captain Tipton's cavalry (I officer, 73 enlisted men) none
of which are armed--except some half-dozen with squirrel rifles--none mounted,
and none of the slightest service.
At the time of the attack
I was at Anderson, and Colonel Suds-burg sent Captain George with a detail
of 100 men, who proceeded by railroad to a point near Tracy City, where
he threw out a line of skirmishers and advanced to the place, arriving
about 3 a.m. on the 21st instant. Finding matters there quiet, he at once
returned with his command to Cowan. Colonel Sudsburg then detailed Second
Lieutenant Gould and 43 men from the Third Maryland Volunteers to proceed
at once to Tracy City to remain until further orders. With this force I
proceeded to Tracy City, and disposed of the same in such manner to add
materially to the strength of the position. I placed 1 sergeant, 2 corporals,
and 12 men at an important bridge on the railroad about 1 mile from the
place. I placed William W. Morse, captain Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers,
in command of the post in place of Captain Upson, wounded. This addenda
is made pursuant to instructions from division headquarters.
WM. B. WOOSTER,
Lieut. Col. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Regt,
[Indorsement.]
HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, 12TH CORPS,
Decherd, Tenn. January 23, 1864.
Respectfully forwarded, with recommendation that the troops be withdrawn from Tracy City, as I cannot see the public necessity of guarding a private trading establishment and coal mine.
SAML. ROSS,
Col. Twentieth Connecticut Vol. Infantry, Comdg. First Brig.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/1 [S# 57]
JANUARY 20, 1864.--Skirmish at Tracy City, Tenn.
No. 2. --Reports of Col. Joseph M. Sudsburg, Third Maryland Infantry.
HDQRS. THIRD REGIMENT MARYLAND VOLUNTEERS,
Cowan, Tenn., January 21, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you report of Capt. J. F. George,
Company E, Second Massachusetts Infantry. I have sent to-day 1 commissioned
officer and 50 men of my regiment for re-enforcement to Tracy City.
General Knipe, with whom
I had an interview some days ago, informed me that Tracy City was not under
my command, but under Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wooster not being able to support the post at Tracy
City from his regiment, of which the headquarters are in Tantalon, I considered
it my duty under existing circumstances to act from here.
I would respectfully
request further instruction.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JOSEPH M. SUDSBURG,
Colonel Third Maryland Regiment, Commanding Post.
Capt. S. E. PITTMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/2 [S# 58]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH
GEORGIA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1864.--#1
STEVENSON, January 1, 1864--2.30 p.m.
Lieut. Col. C. F. MORSE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:
Your dispatch received at 2 p.m. Under orders from brigade headquarters I started five companies this morning. I have not been relieved by any forces, and have a very inadequate force for the duties here. Those five companies can be turned back by a telegram to that effect sent to Anderson forthwith if you desire.
WM. B. WOOSTER,
Lieutenant-Colonel Twentieth Connecticut.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/2 [S# 58]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH
GEORGIA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1864.--#2
STEVENSON, January 5, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H. W. SLOCUM:
Your dispatch received. I will move as directed.
WM. B. WOOSTER,
Lieut. Col. Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Comdg. Post.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/2 [S# 58]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH
GEORGIA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 29, 1864.--#15
HEADQUARTERS TWELFTH CORPS,
Tullahoma, February 10, 1864.
Col. CHARLES CANDY,
Commanding Second Division:
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs that you relieve four
companies of the Third Brigade, now on duty between Bridgeport and Stevenson,
by troops from the First Brigade, and send the four companies so relieved
to relieve the troops of the First Division now on duty at and near Anderson.
You will then send this detachment of the First Division to report to Lieutenant-Colonel
Wooster, Twentieth Connecticut, commanding at Cowan.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
H. C. RODGERS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 261.--Reports of Col. John Coburn, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry,
commanding Second Brigade.
[ar73_378 con't]
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS,
Camp near Cassville, Ga., May 22, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following operations of the
Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, from
the 8th day of May to the 21st day of May, 1864:
On the 9th day of May
the brigade was encamped near Trickum, Ga., in Dogwood Valley, and on the
right of the army at Buzzard Roost. Two regiments, the Nineteenth Michigan
and Twentieth Connecticut, were ordered to march and occupy Boyd's Trail,
over Rocky Face, or John's Mountain, south of Buzzard Roost. This was done
after a slight skirmish, With the loss of 1 sergeant of the Nineteenth
Michigan mortally wounded. These regiments remained there on the 10th,
the remainder of the brigade still in their former camp. On the 11th the
brigade moved with the division to Snake Creek Gap, some seventeen miles,
and went into camp near the southern end, and at once began work on the
road, making a double track for wagons and a by-way for troops. On the
12th the brigade continued at work on the road. At noon three regiments
marched three miles in advance and encamped in the rear of a part of General
McPherson's command. The Twentieth Connecticut and Thirty-third Indiana
remained at work on the road during the day, and at night rejoined the
brigade. May 13, the whole brigade marched at daylight, and at about 2
p.m. went into position on the left of the division, in rear of the Fifteenth
Corps, in the neighborhood of Resaca, having been deployed in two lines.
In the evening the brigade marched to the left and front about a mile and
a half, and encamped for the night in the rear of a part of the Fourteenth
Corps. May 14, the brigade was moved forward about 400 yards and relieved
a part of the Fourteenth Corps, Carlin s brigade, in front and to the left.
The formation was in two lines deployed. The brigade encamped here for
the night, on the left of the division. The position of the enemy was in
our front and beyond a narrow cleared valley upon a low wooded ridge covered
by fortifications. The Fourteenth Corps was severely engaged with the enemy
here during the day. May 15, the brigade moved in
the morning with the division to the left some two miles, passing the Fourteenth,
Fourth, and Twenty-third Corps, and here, having halted, received an order
to advance in rear of the right of the First Brigade, in echelon in two
lines, and in their support as an assaulting column on the works of the
enemy. On coming to the position where this formation was to be made, it
was found to be impracticable on account of the location of a part of the
Fourth Corps on our right. The brigade was then formed in close column
of battalions immediately in rear of the First Brigade. Soon after this
order was changed and the brigade directed to be formed in two lines in
the rear of the First Brigade, which was being done, but before the completion
of the deployment orders were given to advance at once and as rapidly as
possible to support the First Brigade, which was making an advance upon
the enemy's works. The brigade was moved forward at once in the following
order: First line, Eighty-fifth Indiana, Colonel Baird, on the right; Nineteenth
Michigan, Colonel Gilbert, on the left. Second line, Twentieth Connecticut,
Colonel Ross, on the right; Twenty-second Wisconsin, Colonel Utley, on
the left. Third line, Thirty-third Indiana, Major Miller, in rear of the
Twenty-second Wisconsin. The brigade was thus formed in a narrow ravine,
very thickly wooded with low and bushy trees, with steep hill-sides, and
out of view of the enemy and their works. The advance was difficult up
this steep ascent. At the time of receiving this order to advance, and
throughout the movement up the hill, the Second Division of the Twentieth
Corps was moving by the left flank in from six to eight lines from right
to left through my brigade, breaking and intercepting the lines, and preventing
any regimental commander from seeing his own troops, or the possibility,
for the time, of managing them. The brigade, notwithstanding, moved forward
over the hill and onward, carrying some men of the Second Division with
them, and losing others of its own men, who were swept with the heavier
current to the left. The summit of the hill is covered with woods, but
the slope beyond and the valley are cleared in front of a portion of the
rebel works, which were situated on the hills beyond, and which here presented
opposite our right a salient angle receding with a long sweep sharply to
our left. The brigade advanced, a portion across the field to the works
and the left along the woods to its left. This was done under a tremendous
fire of artillery and musketry, which killed and wounded many of our men,
but they bravely advanced and planted the colors of the Nineteenth Michigan
and Twenty-second Wisconsin in a small fort of the enemy occupied by four
of their field pieces. Such was the fury of the enemy's fire that the men
could not advance farther, and here a portion of the First and Second Brigades
remained during the day, holding this position under the very brow of the
rebel earth-works. A portion retired to the left and rear. Soon after my
arrival at the immediate vicinity of the rebel works General Ward was wounded
and left the field. I took command of the forces there and made three efforts
to charge and take the enemy's works, but such was the disorganized condition
of the men of both brigades and the terrific force of their fire that each
charge failed and nothing more could be done than hold the place up to
the line of their breast-works. In one of these charges late in the day
the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, Colonel Cobham, gallantly participated.
Remaining here till near sunset, I received an order
to come to the rear with the men of my command then with me. I returned,
leaving the men where I placed them, near the rebel works. This was approved.
A portion of the brigade having been formed in the rear and to the left
after the first charge, I took them, by order of General Butterfield, to
the left still farther to meet and assist in repelling a charge then being
made by the enemy upon the left of our position. The Thirty-third Indiana
at once changed front forward and promptly met the attack. After a severe
fight, in which the rebels suffered much, they were repulsed and retired.
General Butterfield then directed me to send 200 men to re-enforce the
men of my own brigade and relieve the men of the First Brigade still near
the rebel earth-works. This was done under command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Buckingham, of the Twentieth Connecticut. His force assisted in digging
the side of the fort away and in dragging out four pieces of artillery
at night. The losses of the brigade in this action are as follows: 1 officer
killed and 7 wounded, 26 men killed and 191 wounded, and 1 man missing.
I refer to the reports of the regimental commanders for the names of officers
and men killed and wounded, and for acts of distinguished merit. Early
in the action Col. Henry C. Gilbert, Nineteenth Michigan, was mortally
wounded while leading his men up to the rebel works. His life has been
gloriously sacrificed to his country in the front rank of her soldiers.
Captain Calmer, of the same regiment, was killed on the top of their ramparts,
and Captain Patton and Lieutenant Flint, of the Twenty-second Wisconsin,
mortally wounded close beside him. The conduct of the brigade under the
peculiarly trying circumstances was excellent. Their determined and gallant
charge secured the position so boldly won by the First Brigade, and together
they held it, under the very muzzles of the enemy's guns, five hours in
daylight, and their prompt and vigorous action on the left late in the
day contributed powerfully to repel the fierce assault of the enemy there.
The brigade encamped on the battle-field, a detail making breast-works
during the night. On the morning of the 16th of May the brigade marched
with the division, passing the railroad near Resaca and crossing the Connesauga
on a temporary bridge left standing by the enemy. At 11 o'clock at night
the brigade arrived at the Coosawattee River at Field's Mill and began
crossing soon after on a ferry-boat. This was accomplished at 2.30 on the
morning of the 17th; here the command bivouacked till daylight. At 2 p.m.
on the 17th the brigade marched, leaving a detail of 150 men to complete
a bridge over the Coosawattee and 250 men as a train guard; marched till
10 p.m. and encamped with the division. On the morning of the 18th the
brigade marched toward Cassville, and the division finding the enemy in
front, the Twenty-second Wisconsin was left with the train as a guard.
The brigade moved on, having made a march of some twenty-one miles; encamped
on Gravelly Plateau, some four miles north of Cassville. Two regiments,
the Thirty-third and Eighty-fifth Indiana, were sent back two miles and
stationed as a guard upon a road intersecting the one to Cassville on the
right. On the 19th a portion of the brigade was ordered to advance with
the division to the right of the road to Cassville; the Nineteenth Michigan,
Major Griffin, and Twentieth Connecticut, under Colonel Ross, were sent.
The Thirty-third and Eighty-fifth Indiana having come up, were ordered
to hold the Cassville road and fortify it. This they did until 2 p.m. The
regiments of the brigade in advance occupied the right of the division
and supported the artillery, driving the enemy before
them with great promptness and bravery. At 2 p.m. the Thirty-third and
Eighty-fifth Indiana were ordered forward from their position on the road,
and at 4 p.m. joined the division, already formed and advancing upon the
enemy; they were hurried up and placed in position to the right and rear
of the division, which had then arrived to a point half a mile west of
Cassville. Just at this time the Nineteenth Michigan and Twentieth Connecticut
were ordered up to support Company C, First Michigan Artillery,(*) which
took a position on an eminence to command the enemy's line on the opposite
side of Cassville and to the east. The Thirty-third and Eighty-fifth Indiana
were moved up and formed the second line in their immediate rear. At dusk
the Nineteenth Michigan and Twentieth Connecticut, supported by the Thirty-third
and Eighty-fifth Indiana, were advanced into the town, which, after a skirmish,
they held and occupied during the night. The streets were then strongly
barricaded and every preparation made for a strenuous resistance of any
attempt to dislodge our force. The heights beyond the town were covered
by the enemy in large numbers, who made extensive fortifications during
the night but evacuated them at daylight. The brigade occupied the town
until 10 a.m. of the 20th of May, when it moved to the west about a mile
and a half and encamped with the division, the First Division, Twentieth
Corps, relieving us in Cassville. The loss in the advance on and occupation
of Cassville was 1 man killed and 5 wounded. I here take occasion to return
thanks to all of my staff for their activity and ardor in obeying and executing
all orders and meeting all emergencies. To Capt. A. G. Kellam, provost-marshal,
Lieut. F. C. Crawford, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieutenants
Booth and Reynolds, my aides, I accord the highest praise for bravery and
coolness. The commanders of regiments did, I believe, their whole duty
as soldiers and brave men.
I am, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JOHN COBURN,
Colonel Thirty-third Indiana, Commanding Brigade.
Capt. JOHN SPEED,
Asst. Adjt. (Gen., Third Div., Twentieth Army Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 269.--Reports of Col. Samuel Ross, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry,
of operations May 10-19.
[ar73_447 con't]
HDQRS. TWENTIETH CONNECTICUT VOL. INFANTRY,
Near Cassville, Ga., May 22, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of the troops under my command to take possession of and hold
the trail known as Boyd's Trail, between Buzzard Roost and Dug Gap, on
the morning of the 10th instant, in pursuance to instructions from Major-General
Hooker to Major-General Butterfield, dated May 9, 1864, 11.30 p.m., and
through Colonel Coburn, communicated to me at 1.15 a.m., May 10, 1864,
"the commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi being under
the impression that the enemy will try to break into the valley :"
My command was composed
of the Twentieth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham
commanding, and the Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, Colonel Gilbert commanding;
in all about 950 men. Marching silently and cautiously in the dark about
four miles, the command reached Boyd's Trail about 4 a.m. I immediately
organized a double line of skirmishers, under the command of Major Griffin,
of the Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, composed of details from both regiments
and advanced upon the enemy's picket-line and reserve. From citizens I
learned that the trail was held by two rebel Virginia regiments, without
artillery. Capt. Ezra D. Dickerman had charge of the skirmishers of the
Twentieth Connecticut Infantry and Lieut. Charles W. Fonda, those from
the Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. The advance was so rapid and vigorous
that the enemy's picket reserve barely escaped capture. By 8 a.m. the enemy
were driven from the trail to the top of the mountain, and we held full
control of the trail. I then established a picket-line in a circular form,
from the rocky face of the mountain on one side of the trail, around and
across it to the same on the other side. I next established the main body
on a hog-back hill, commanding the main road where the trail connects with
it and much of the trail, and fortified my position so as to hold it against
large numbers. I remained in this position undisturbed by the enemy, save
occasional shots from sharpshooters from the top of Rocky Face, until noon
on the 11th instant, when I was relieved by the Thirty-third New Jersey
Infantry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Fourat,
from General Geary's division. From thence my command marched to Snake
Creek Gap, where it joined the brigade. Only one serious casualty occurred,
Sergt. John E. Bunbury, Company F, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry, who was
severely wounded while gallantly advancing on the enemy. Much credit is
due to Major Griffin, commanding the skirmish line in its advance, and
to Captain Dickerman and Lieutenant Fonda, commanding the right and left
wings of the same. I desire to thank and commend the officers and men under
my command for their uniform promptness and bravery. Not an officer or
man faltered.
I have the honor to be,
lieutenant, very respectfully,
SAMUEL ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut, Commanding Forces.
Lieut. F. C. CRAWFORD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----
HDQRS. TWENTIETH CONNECTICUT VOL. INFANTRY,
Camp near Cassville, Ga., May 22, 1864.
LIEUTENANT: Pursuant to instructions, I have the honor to submit
the following report of the operations of this regiment from the 13th to
the 19th instant, inclusive, embracing the battle at Resaca, Ga., on the
15th instant, and the assault and capture of Cassville, Ga., on the 19th
instant:
On the morning of the
13th the regiment, with the brigade and division, moved from its camp in
rear of General McPherson's command, near the easterly entrance to Snake
Creek Gap, toward the enemy, then in and around Resaca, and arriving in
a thick wood formed line of battle and awaited developments of the enemy's
position. Moved on in four hours and again formed in line of battle at
King's house at 2 p.m. Remained in line about four hours, then advanced
to the enemy's left. Finding that the Fourteenth Corps had driven the enemy
from one of its positions, soon after dark moved with the brigade to the
position occupied by General Johnson's division, Fourteenth Corps, and
bivouacked in line of battle for the night. On the 14th advanced on the
enemy's left, formed line of battle near our artillery, built breast-works,
and remained during the day and night without being engaged. On the morning
of the 15th moved with the division from the enemy's left to his right
and participated in the attack upon and the turning of his right. This
regiment occupied the following position in the brigade in the attack:
FRONT.
Nineteenth Michigan. Eighty-fifth Indiana.
Twenty-second Wisconsin. Twentieth Connecticut.
------------------Thirty-third Indiana.----------------------
The brigade advanced between 1 and 2 p.m. in the above order, the
order to advance being given by Captain Kellam, provost-marshal of the
brigade. My regiment, occupying the second line in rear of the Eighty-fifth
Indiana, was governed by the latter regiment in its movements. It was said
that our Second Brigade was preceded by the First Brigade, but of this
I personally knew nothing, further than what was said, and which I believed,
but its direction after crossing the first hill I
knew nothing of, nor was I informed in what direction our brigade was expected
to go after reaching the top of said first hill, so that I only had the
movements of the Eighty-fifth Indiana in my front to guide me, and moved
when and where it moved, and when it halted my regiment halted, as a matter
of course. My regiment acted with the brigade during the battle of that
day, officers and men obeying every order. Where all acted so well, allusions
to personal courage are uncalled for, and I will only refer to the most
noteworthy. In passing the open ground, after crossing the first hill,
under a heavy fire of musketry, grape, and canister, the color bearer was
hit and fell out of line; thereupon Adjt. C. Jay Du Bois, seized the colors
and gallantly carried them forward, holding them until our line was reformed
on a new front, when he surrendered them to the sergeant designated to
carry them. Soon after dark Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham, with Company
B, Capt. John H. Doolittle, and Company D, Capt. Oliver R. Post, with parties
of other regiments of the brigade, was detailed to hold possession and
remove during the night, if possible, four 12-pounder brass pieces captured
from the enemy that day, but so near the rebel breast-works as to be within
easy musket-range, and thus making it impossible to remove them by daylight.
This duty he accomplished with perfect success, and by 2 a.m. the guns
were brought within our lines. Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham acknowledges
valuable assistance from Colonel Cobham, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania,
and his men. The regiment remained in line under arms. The list of casualties
is hereto attached. Monday, the 16th, marched in pursuit of the retreating
enemy to Field's Mill, crossing Connesauga and Coosawattee Rivers, and
bivouacked for the night. May 17, marched to a place about two miles southeast
of Calhoun and bivouacked, May 18, marched to a point on the Cassville
road about two miles south of Doctor McDowell's house, on a high hill about
four miles north of Cassville, and bivouacked in line of battle. May 19,
about 11 a.m. this regiment was detailed with the Nineteenth Michigan Infantry,
under my command, to report to Major-General Butterfield, then about two
miles distant toward Kingston, with the First and Third Brigades; the other
three regiments of the brigade remained behind with brigade headquarters.
About 2 p.m. the division made a demonstration on the enemy with infantry
and artillery. In this movement the Nineteenth Michigan and Twentieth Connecticut
Volunteers, under my command, covered the right flank and supported our
artillery. The division advanced about half a mile and swung around on
Cassville, the enemy retiring, when these regiments, under my command,
were posted on the right of the division, my left connecting with the right
of the Third Brigade. The formation for a general advance of the division
being completed, these two regiments under my command, thus posted on the
right, advanced with the division in good order to the road near the seminary.
Officers and men acted promptly and bravely. Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham
commanded the Twentieth Connecticut and Major Griffin the Nineteenth Michigan,
both discharging their duties with ability and zeal. At this time Colonel
Coburn arrived upon the ground and assumed command of these two regiments
after that part of the day's operations were over, without the other three
regiments; two of the three others were on the march and arrived about
or a little after dark. The Twentieth Connecticut was «29 R R--VOL
XXXVIII, PT II» then advanced a few rods to support
our artillery batteries, sending skirmishers to the front to drive back
the enemy's sharpshooters. About 8 p.m. these two regiments, the Twentieth
Connecticut and Nineteenth Michigan, assisted by no other troops, in line
of battle with fixed bayonets, assaulted and captured Cassville and occupied
it until the morning of the 20th instant, when we marched to the present
camp.
The Twentieth Connecticut
with Nineteenth Michigan, under my command, on the 10th instant took possession
of Boyd's Trail, between Buzzard Roost and Dug Gap, driving out the enemy,
and held possession thereof until relieved by the Thirty-third New Jersey
on the 11th instant.
I desire to mention the
following company commanders for promptness and good conduct throughout
these operations: Captains Dickerman,Company I ;Woodruff, Company E; Smith,
Company C; Post, Company D; Doolittle, Company B; Sprague, Company K; Tart,
Company F; and First Lieutenant Royce, Company G.(*)
I have the honor to be,
lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL ROSS,
Colonel, Comdg. Twentieth Connecticut Vol. Infantry.
Lieut. F. C. CRAWFORD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/4 [S# 75]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM MAY 1, 1864, TO JUNE 30, 1864.(*)--#23
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, June 22, 1864--11.15 p.m.
Major-General THOMAS,
Commanding Army of the Cumberland:
GENERAL: I have just received telegram from Colonel Ross, Twentieth
Connecticut, at Acworth, that 500 enemy's cavalry are on Sand-town road,
three miles from there. Colonel Ross being of your command, in the absence
of the general commanding I refer the matter to you.
I am, general, with much
respect,
L. M. DAYTON,
Aide-de-Camp.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#2
ACWORTH, July 2, 1864.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI:
A company, undoubtedly fifty strong, of rebel guerrilla cavalry, approached this post from northwest, two roads, to within two miles of this place, and three-quarters of a mile of the first railroad bridge northerly, capturing about 5 stragglers from the dismounted cavalry, left here by Colonel Dorr's brigade, and, as is said, a major of Tennessee cavalry. One of Mr. Rossell's construction corps was captured and robbed. He afterward escaped when our men approached and drove off the rebels. I sent three companies in pursuit, but being dismounted accomplished only the driving them off and examining the road and bridge. I have sent one company to the bridge to remain until further orders. The railroad is undisturbed. I have frequently before heard of rebel cavalry having been seen and heard of from three to eight miles northwest from here.
SAMUEL ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut Vol. Infantry, Comdg. Post.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#14
MARIETTA, August 2, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
Nothing here in regard to Kilpatrick's command. From McCook's command the First Wisconsin Cavalry came here and have gone to near Campbellton under orders of General Elliott; strength not reported. There are here 230 men of McCook's command, with four pieces of artillery, about to move, under General Elliott's orders, to railroad bridge at Chattahoochee River. Captain McCormick, of General Elliott's staff, is here looking after and reorganizing them.
SAML. ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut, Commanding Post.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#15
MARIETTA, August 4, 1864.
Major-General SHERMAN:
Colonel Adams, commanding brigade of Stoneman's cavalry, is here with the First and Eleventh Kentucky, about 900 strong. He thinks that the balance of the command are prisoners, including General Stone-man. He cut the railroad south of Macon. The command was overwhelmed by the rebels between Monticello and Clinton.
SAML. ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
In the Field, July 2, 1864.
Col. SAMUEL ROSS,
Acworth:
Your dispatch to assistant adjutant-general, headquarters military division, received and referred here where it should have been sent. Occurrences like that you report are to be expected. You must guard your post and see that they do not destroy the railroad in your vicinity. If those guerrillas ever fall into your hands take no prisoners.
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Chief of Staff.
-----
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 4, 1864.
Colonel Ross,
Marietta:
Let Colonel Adams collect all of General Stoneman's cavalry, make his depot at Marietta, and picket Roswell in connection with the regiment of infantry there. I will trust that General Stoneman will fight his way out like General McCook. Tell Colonel Adams to make a minute report of the facts and let me draw conclusions.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIX/1 [S# 77]
SEPTEMBER 29-NOVEMBER 13, 1864.--Operations in North Georgia and
North Alabama.
No. 52.--Report of Col. Samuel Ross, Twentieth Connecticut Infantry,
commanding Third Brigade.
[ar77_691 con't]
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS,
Savannah, Ga., December 27, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of this brigade since the last report, which embraced the occupation of
Atlanta, September 2, 1864.
The brigade was then
encamped southeast of the city of Atlanta, Ga., and furnished daily large
details for working parties on the fortifications.
The Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers formed part of the provost guard
of the city, and rejoined the brigade at Milledgeville on the 23d of November.
On the 8th of October the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers was detached
from the brigade to Col. F. C. Smith, One hundred and second Illinois Volunteers,
commanding First Brigade, at the railroad bridge across the Chattahoochee
River, and rejoined the brigade at Atlanta on the 14th of November. On
the 21st of October the brigade formed part of a foraging expedition under
command of Col. Daniel Dustin, One hundred and fifth Illinois Volunteers,
commanding Third Division, which penetrated the country southeast fifteen
miles to near Lithonia. Nine hundred wagon loads of corn were captured
by the troops, and a quantity of provisions sufficient to subsist the men
during the four days they were absent from Atlanta.
On the 5th of November,
1864, this brigade moved with the balance of the corps two miles on the
McDonough road, where it remained until noon of the next day, and returned
to its former encampment. On the morning of the 9th of November the enemy
advanced toward our lines with cavalry and artillery, evidently supposing
that the army had left Atlanta. A field battery opened fire; some small-arms
were used. The affair was simply a demonstration on the part of the enemy,
and no casualties were reported in this command. In the afternoon of the
same day Colonel Ross, Twentieth Connecticut Volunteers, rejoined the brigade
and assumed command, relieving Lieutenant-Colonel Buckingham, Twentieth
Connecticut Volunteers, who had been in command since the departure of
Colonel Wood, One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, on leave
of absence September 23, 1864.(*)
I have the honor to be,
captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAML. ROSS,
Colonel Twentieth Connecticut Infantry, Comdg. Brigade.
Capt. JOHN SPEED,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIX/1 [S# 77]
SEPTEMBER 29-NOVEMBER 13, 1864.--Operations in North Georgia and
North Alabama.
No. 53.--Report of Lieut. Col. Philo B. Buckingham, Twentieth Connecticut
Infantry.
[ar77_692 con't]
HDQRS. TWENTIETH REGT. CONNECTICUT VOL. INFANTRY,
Savannah, Ga., December 24, 1864.
In obedience to requirements
of circular from brigade headquarters, of date the 23d instant, l have
the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this regiment
since the date of my last report, made soon after the occupation of Atlanta,
on the 6th of September:
From this date to the
5th of November the regiment remained in camp south of Atlanta, near the
line of rebel works, and from the 3d of October to the last-named date
furnished nearly one-half of the effective force of the regiment for fatigue
and picket duty, the fatigue party having been engaged in building a new
line of works about the city. On the 14th of September 250 men with a proper
proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers, all under the charge
of Capt. Ezra Sprague, were sent to accompany Colonel
Le Due, chief quartermaster of the corps, on a foraging expedition, and
succeeded in loading 125 wagons, having been absent two days. From the
24th of September to the 10th of November 1 was absent from the regiment,
in command of the Third Brigade of this division, during which time the
regiment accompanied a foraging expedition which went out under command
of Colonel Dustin, then in command of this division. A detailed report
of that expedition will be made by Major Pardee, who was in command of
the regiment at that time and during the time of my absence. On the 5th
of November the regiment moved with the division out of camp about two
miles on the McDonough road and encamped for the night, and on the following
day was ordered back with the division and occupied its old camp. On the
10th of November 1 returned and assumed command of the regiment, which
remained in camp until the 15th.(*)
I am, sir, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
PHILO B. BUCKINGHAM,
&