SERIES I--VOLUME XII/3 [S# 18]
Correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially to operations
in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland from March 17 to September
2, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#32
HEADQUARTERS,
Alexandria, Va., September 1, 1862 10 p.m.
General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN:
Brig. Gen. E. B. Tyler's
command consists of the Ninety-first, One hundred and twenty-sixth, and
One hundred and twenty-ninth Pennsylvania; for duty, 2,158. He also has
a section of Barnes' battery (c), First New York Artillery. Brigadier-General
Slough, military governor of Alexandria, has the Thirty-third Massachusetts
for duty, 1,150 men; Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, 850, and the Sixty-eighth
Illinois, 400 strong the latter a three-months' regiment, whose term expires
on the 28th instant. I have sent the composition and strength of Allabach's
brigade in a previous dispatch. Woodbury's Engineer Brigade, Fifteenth
and Fiftieth New York, with one squadron Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
is near Fort Lyon, 946 strong. There are also detached commands, as follows:
Second New York Artillery, 429 strong; two regiments of Devens' brigade,
1,200 strong; Twenty-fourth Michigan, just going into Fort Lyon, a full
and new regiment; part of Duane's battalion; three companies of Thirty-second
Massachusetts, of Porter's corps; about 2,500 recruits and stragglers,
under Colonel Warner, now being armed and sent to Fort Whipple; about 5,000
recruits and stragglers, under Colonel Belknap, of whom nearly 1,000, mostly
from Peck, would be efficient, if armed; five companies of the Forty-sixth
New York, wagon guard of Stevens' division, 270; 60 pioneers, of Banks'
corps, with tools only; two companies, a wagon <ar18_791> guard
from Porter's corps, 98; two companies of Third Virginia Cavalry, Sigel's
baggage guard, 84; also Third Maine Battery, with pontoons, but no guns,
80 men. Part of Abercrombie's brigade is still here, but I have no report
from him as yet. I expect one shortly. There are also the following batteries:
A, B, C, and D, First Battalion New York; Brainhall's Sixth New York Battery;
First New Jersey; Webber's (H) First U.S.; Fourth New York, Smith's (incomplete);
Lock's section Hazzard's old battery; Taft's Fifth New York, and Huntington's
(H) First Ohio. General Pleasonton makes a report in regard to the five
companies of his command which have arrived. I send you the following extract:
They were disembarked
this evening and ordered out to camp. I have heard nothing from them since.
I have sent out to find them, but without success. They must have taken
the other road, by the Seminary, and gone out to the front. I shall send
for them the first thing in the morning. There were three Eighth Illinois
and two Eighth Pennsylvania companies. No other transports of my command
have yet arrived.
A. PLEASONTON.
S. WILLIAMS,
Brigadier-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern
Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From September 3 To
November 14, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
LEXANDRIA, VA., September 12, 1862.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,
General Halleck's Headquarters:
I have received no order from any source to retain any portion of the troops outside of Alexandria, lately under my command. General Grover consents that I may use the Thirty-third Massachusetts for a short time, and until I can have assigned me other troops. Will you please send me a regiment, for, without one, Alexandria will soon' be in the control of drunken stragglers, as I have not force enough without to prevent.
JNO. P. SLOUGH,
Brigadier-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern
Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From September 3 To
November 14, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#7
LEXANDRIA, VA., September 18, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The Nineteenth Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers has just reported, under orders from General Casey, to relieve the Thirty-third Massachusetts, <ar28_326> just installed for duty here. The colonel of the Nineteenth informs me that he has but 850 men--raw and undisciplined troops. As it requires over 800 men for daily duty, the Nineteenth will be insufficient. I am compelled, therefore, to ask, in addition to the Nineteenth, another regiment, or that the Thirty-third be allowed to remain. The withdrawal of troops before caused disorder, and, unless I have at least 1,200 men, Alexandria will be overrun again. I would appeal to General Banks, but I am there unheard, and must, therefore, to you.
JNO. P. SLOUGH,
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.(*)--#12
HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., 11TH ARMY CORPS,
Stevenson, Ala., October 11, 1863.
Col. T. A. MEYSENBURG,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Bridgeport, Ala.:
The present disposition
of railroad guards is as follows: Three companies at Tantalon, under Major
Arnold, of One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers; four companies
at Anderson, under Colonel Wood, who has also two companies between Anderson
and Stevenson; one company each from the Fifty-fifth and Seventy-third
Ohio, and one from the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers are posted
west of this point; one company of Thirty-third Massachusetts is posted
at Widow's Creek, making thirteen companies on the line.
I suggest the propriety
of permitting Colonel Wood to take his remaining company to Anderson, whence
he can communicate easily by telegraph. He is instructed to make the same
dispositions for the <ar53_295> present as have heretofore existed.
He will be duly notified of the dividing line, as advised in your written
order of this date. Will report further by letter.
Very respectfully,
ORLAND SMITH,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 15. --Report of Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr, U.S. Army,
commanding Second Division.
[ar54_101 con't]
CHURCH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST,
October 30, 1863.
COLONEL: On the 27th instant, this division broke camp and left Bridgeport
at 6 a.m., the First Brigade leading. At about 5 p.m. we arrived at Whiteside's
and camped for the night. On the 28th, we marched at daybreak toward Brown's
Ferry in the same order. At the Trenton road the first indications of the
enemy were seen. At about 2 p.m. the advance guard of the First Brigade
was fired upon. The Seventy-third Pennsylvania was deployed as skirmishers
and advanced. The Second Brigade advanced, the Seventy-third Ohio in a
deployed line to the right of the Seventy-third Pennsylvania, and the Thirty-third
Massachusetts followed as a reserve, together with the artillery. When
the advanced regiments reached the foot of the hill a skirmish ensued.
After firing a few rounds, we charged upon the enemy, who fell back across
the Lookout Creek. The command was then assembled upon the Chattanooga
road and moved forward. Late in the afternoon we went into camp in Lookout
Valley, about 4 miles from Chattanooga.
At about 12 midnight
a firing was heard in our front and shortly afterward I received orders
to advance with my division. I advanced with the Second Brigade, the First
following. When we had advanced about one-quarter of a mile beyond the
junction of the roads, I was ordered to take and hold a hill upon our left
flank, which was occupied by the enemy. I ordered Col. O. Smith to advance
<ar54_102>
upon the hill with the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts
in line of battle, and directed the One hundred and Thirty-sixth New York
to ascend the hill on the left of the other two regiments. The troops were
ordered not to fire, but to use the bayonet. They made a gallant charge
and took the crest. The enemy fled, leaving some arms and intrenching tools
in their rifle-pits. The tools were immediately made use of to strengthen
their position by the men. We captured about 50 prisoners. The hill was
occupied by Law's brigade, of Jenkins' division, Longstreet's corps, numbering
five regiments, about 2,000 men. Our attacking force was not quite 700
muskets. The First Brigade was held as reserve immediately behind the Second
Brigade, and advanced into the gaps right and left of the hill, to prevent
a flanking movement of the enemy.
Respectfully,
A. VON STEINWEHR,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Second Division.
Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 18. --Report of Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third
Massachusetts Infantry.
[ar54_103 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. MASS. VOLUNTEERS,
Near Lookout Mountain, Tenn., November 1, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the share
taken by the Thirty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers in the operations
of the 28th and 29th ultimo:
On the afternoon of the
28th, this command was formed in line of battle behind the Seventy-third
Ohio Volunteers, and advanced steadily, skirmishing through the woods and
brush on the right of the railroad. Upon reaching an open space, where
the line was ordered to halt, a brisk fire of solid shot and shell was
opened upon it from a battery of heavy guns upon the top of Lookout Mountain.
The men were ordered to lie down, and remained in this position about half
an hour, when this command was ordered to follow the Seventy-third Ohio
Volunteers which marched by the right flank back through the woods, recrossed
the railroad, and took the main road on the other side. This movement was
executed in good order and without hurry, the men marching steadily, regardless
of the shot and shell which the enemy continued to shower upon the column,
until it was beyond the reach of his guns. About sundown the regiment encamped
with the brigade within our own lines. Our loss in this action was 1 man
killed.
At half past 12 o'clock
on the morning of the 29th, orders were received to march. This command
immediately fell into line, and after a march of a little over a mile reached
a steep hill covered with trees and underbrush, upon the crest of which
the enemy were posted, behind breastworks and rifle-pits, with skirmishers
thrown out in front. This regiment formed in line of battle upon the hill-side,
its right resting upon the road, and with one company (H) deployed as skirmishers
on the left, reaching almost to the crest of the hill, and was ordered
to advance in line and connect with the Seventy-third Ohio in front. <ar54_104>
The line advanced in
good order, under fire of the enemy's skirmishers, until it reached a crooked
ravine some 20 feet deep running parallel with the hill-side, the sides
of which were almost perpendicular, slippery with leaves and clay, and
covered with brush, and its appearance rendered still more formidable by
the deceptive moonlight. At this point it was impossible to preserve a
perfect line, but the regiment gallantly plunged into it--the dead and
living rolling down together-- climbed the opposite side, and halted in
some disorder. Here the enemy opened a deadly fire from the whole length
of their line upon our front flank and rear. Colonel Underwood fell dangerously
wounded, and many other officers and file closers were either killed or
wounded. Unfortunately, the exact position of the enemy was unknown, and
the Seventy-third Ohio, with which we were ordered to connect, could not
be found for that purpose, they having advanced farther on our right, while
we supposed them to be in a position actually occupied by the enemy. In
this emergency, the regiment believing itself without support, and fired
into by its friends, some confusion naturally ensued, and the line fell
back slowly into the road. Here it was quickly reformed and again advanced
in line, with fixed bayonets and without firing, directly up the face of
the hill until, within a few yards of the breastworks, it drew the enemy's
fire, when, with a cheer, it turned by the right flank, gained the crest,
crossed the rifle-pits, and charged upon the enemy's flank with the bayonet,
at the same time pouring a volley into his retreating ranks. The enemy,
without waiting to reply, retreated precipitately over the hill, abandoning
his killed and wounded, and leaving us in full possession of the hill.
Here the regiment formed in line of battle, posted pickets, and commenced
throwing up breastworks in case of an attack.
This command captured
2 commissioned officers (1 wounded) and 39 privates, together with a large
number of muskets and all the enemy's intrenching tools. Three companies
of this command were absent, having been sent on an expedition toward Kelley's
Ford. The regiment, therefore, went into action with only seven companies,
numbering about 230 men. Out of this small force the command lost: Killed,
3 commissioned officers and 22 enlisted men; wounded, 5 commissioned officers
and 56 enlisted men; total, 8 commissioned officers and 78 enlisted men,
one-third of the whole number engaged.
I have the honor to be,
colonel, your obedient servant,
G. RIDER, JR.,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-third Massachusetts Vols.
Col. ORLAND SMITH,
Comdg. Second Brig., Second Div., Eleventh Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/2 [S# 55]
NOVEMBER 23-27, 1863.--The Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign.
No. 102.--Report of Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third
Massachusetts Infantry, including march to the relief of Knoxville.
[ar55_376 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLS..
Lookout Valley, December 19, 1863.
SIR: I herewith report to you the doings of this regiment from November
22 to December 17 instant.
November 22, left camp
and marched to Chattanooga, and encamped for the night.
November 23, at noon,
formed in column and marched in line of battle to the enemy, threw out
our pickets, made rifle-pits, and held the position in front of the enemy.
November 25, advanced
in front to the railroad, made strong breastworks, and skirmished some
with the enemy. At or near noon marched down to the left of the line of
battle to join General Sherman; formed line of battle, left wing on the
railroad and the right wing perpendicular to it, joining the One hundred
and thirty-sixth New York; threw up strong breastworks, and posted pickets
in front of our lines.
November 26, took up
our line of march and proceeded beyond Chickamauga and halted for the night,
having formed numerous lines of battle during the day.
November 27, marched
in column, with flankers on our right, to Red Clay Station, where we formed
in line of battle between the Fifty-fifth Ohio on our left and One hundred
and thirty-sixth New York on our right; threw out pickets on our flanks
and beyond the right of the brigade; tore up several hundred yards of the
railroad, and destroyed the sleepers and rails by large fires. Hence we
marched back some 6 miles, more or less, and halted for the night.
November 29, took up
our line of march and reached Cleveland at dark.
November 30, marched
to Charleston.
December 1, marched to
Athens.
December 2, marched through
Sweet Water to Philadelphia.
December 3, marched to
Loudon.
December 5, marched to
Louisville.
December 7, left Louisville
for Chattanooga, and arrived in our old camp December 17, near dark; our
men badly off for shoes, clothing, blankets, and tent-flies.
Killed, none; wounded
slightly, 4; missing, 3.
All of which is most
respectfully submitted.
GODFREY RIDER, JR.,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Thirty-third Massachusetts.
Capt. B. F. STONE,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 252.--Reports of Col. Benjamin Harrison, Seventieth Indiana
Infantry, commanding First Brigade, of operations July 20-September 5.
HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 20TH ARMY CORPS,
Chattahoochee River, September 5, 1864.
COLONEL: I disposed of my troops at daylight yesterday morning, according
to the directions contained in your letter of the night before. The Thirty-third
Massachusetts was placed on the south side of the river, covering the bridges,
as I thought it could be best spared from my line on this side. This morning
I have ordered that regiment forward to Atlanta, in obedience to a telegram
received from you last evening, and have put the One hundred and fifth
Illinois in the place occupied by it on the south side of the river. Moving
these two regiments from my line on the north side will compel me to-day
to take up a new and shorter line. This I shall do by occupying the shortest
line outside of the depot of supplies stored here until these supplies
are removed, when I propose still further to contract my lines, and occupy
the line of rebel defenses in which our artillery has been. I hope these
supplies may lye removed as soon as possible, as while they remain my lines
are necessarily so extended as to be weak and unsafe. If I am expected
to remain here for any length of time I will construct some block-houses
on the south side of the river for the better defense of the bridge. I
think about four good block-houses would cover all of the approaches on
the south side. I would like, if possible, to have some artillery left
here, as in case an attack should be made with artillery the bridge might
be battered down from some of the many hills about which command it. If
the major-general commanding has any commands as to line he wants me to
occupy, or the character of the defenses he desires constructed here, I
should be glad to receive them. I hope within a <ar73_351> few
days to see him in the city and explain more fully my views as to the best
defense of this point, but for the present my time is too much occupied
to admit of my leaving.
Very respectfully, yours,
BENJA. HARRISON,
Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. H. W. PERKINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Twentieth Army Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 271.--Report of Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third
Massachusetts Infantry, of operations May 2-21.
[ar73_457 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS,
Near Cassville, Ga., May 21, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers left their camp in Lookout Valley on the 2d day of May, 1864, proceeding, in connection with the Third Brigade, to a position near Buzzard Roost, Ga., the march occupying seven days. On the 8th, Sunday, the regiment advanced with the brigade to a gap near Buzzard Roost, forming a junction with the right of the Fourteenth Corps, the brigade returning at night to the remainder of the Third Division, Twentieth Corps. Monday, 9th, the brigade again advanced to the gap, where it was formed in line of battle on the right of the Fourteenth Corps, a portion of the Thirty-third being thrown forward as skirmishers; but at 2 p.m. of that day the <ar73_458> brigade was again withdrawn and returned to the division. Wednesday, 11th, the line of march being again taken up and passing through Snake Creek Gap, the regiment was stationed with the brigade on a range of hills in close proximity to the enemy, a portion of the regiment being again advanced on the skirmish line and sustaining a loss of 1 killed and 2 wounded. At the battle of Resaca, during a number of bayonet charges the regiment lost 15 killed and 65 wounded; among these were First Lieutenants Parker and Bumpus killed and First Lieut. J. H. Williams wounded. During the skirmish of May 19, near Cassville, Ga., the regiment had 2 men wounded.
GODFREY RIDER, JR.,
Lieut. Col., Comdg. Thirty-third Massachusetts.
Capt. JOHN SPEED,
Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Div., Twentieth Corps.
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/2 [S# 73]
MAY 1-SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.--The Atlanta (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 272.--Report of Maj. Elisha Doane, Thirty-third Massachusetts
Infantry.
[ar73_458 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. MASSACHUSETTS VOLS.,
Atlanta, Ga., September 10, 1864.
At the commencement of
the spring campaign, which opened May 2, 1864, the Thirty-third Massachusetts,
in connection with the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps,
left their pleasant camp in Lookout Valley, Tenn., and after a series of
marches arrived at a position near Buzzard Roost, near which the enemy
was found to occupy a strong position on Rocky Face Ridge, forming a portion
of the defenses of Dalton. On the 9th of May the Third Brigade was detached
from the corps and proceeded to Mill Creek Gap, a distance of four miles,
where line of battle was formed, and two companies from the Thirty-third
were deployed as skirmishers; after a short skirmish the brigade was withdrawn
and returned to its former position. May 11, reveille sounded at 2 a.m.,
and the column having passed through Snake Creek Gap, arrived at a position
near Resaca and formed line of battle. On the skirmish line, May 14, Company
C had 1 man killed and 2 wounded. May 15, the Third Division having been
relieved it proceeded to join the First and Second Divisions, which had
previously been sent to re-enforce the Fourth Corps on the left, and upon
arriving at the latter position the Third Division was immediately engaged
with the enemy. During this battle the Thirty-third charged three successive
hills, sustaining a loss of 82 in killed, wounded, and missing. Among the
casualties were First Lieuts. H. J. Parker and Edgar L. Bumpus killed and
First Lieut. J. H. Williams wounded. Remaining in camp near Cassville three
days, the line of march was again taken up, and, crossing the Etowah River,
arrived at a position near Dallas on the 25th of May, where the Second
Division of the Twentieth Army Corps was already engaged with the enemy.
The Third Division was immediately ordered up and the conflict became general.
After remaining in the front line of battle more than eight hours the Third
Brigade was withdrawn and fell back about 500 yards. In this engagement
the Thirty-third lost 59 in killed, wounded, and missing; among these,
Captain Turner, of Company C, was wounded in the hand. <ar73_459>
On the 1st of June, having
been relieved by the Fifteenth Corps, General Hooker's command proceeded
to a position about five miles from Acworth and upon the right flank of
the enemy. It having been ascertained that the enemy had retreated, the
troops were put in motion, and, after driving the enemy from several lines
of rifle-pits, arrived at a position near Kenesaw Mountain. During a series
of skirmishes the Thirty-third lost 4 wounded; among these First Lieut.
H. P. Marston, wounded June 16. June 22, the Thirty-third Massachusetts
was deployed as skirmishers, covering the front of the Third Brigade, and,
charging the enemy's works, took possession of a hill on the left of the
Second Division, the regiment losing 25 in killed, wounded, and missing.
Capt. C. E. Graves, of Company K, was wounded in the foot. The enemy having
again abandoned their lines of intrenchments, pursuit was resumed on the
3d day of July; moved a few lines daily until the 6th of July, when we
encamped about three miles back from the Chattahoochee River. Remained
in this position until July 17, when the Thirty-third was detailed as division
train guard. August 27, was relieved from duty as division train guard
and ordered to report to Colonel Harrison, post commandant, near the bridges
over the Chattahoochee. September 5, the Thirty-third was relieved from
this duty and ordered to report to General Slocum, in Atlanta. The regiment
is at present on duty in Atlanta guarding prisoners of war.
Respectfully submitted.
ELISHA DOANE,
Major, Commanding Thirty-third Massachusetts.
Capt. C. H. YOUNG,
A. A. A. G., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 20th Army Corps.
WM. COGSWELL, 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. <ar77_692>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 XLIV [S# 92]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, FROM NOVEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 31,
1864.--#1
HEADQUARTERS TWENTIETH CORPS,
Atlanta, Ga., November 14, 1864.
This corps will march
to-morrow (under the orders already published) as follows: The First Division
at 7 a.m.; the Second Division at 8 a.m.; the Third Division at 9 a.m.
All detachments and guards in or about the city, except those from the
Second Massachusetts Volunteers, the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers,
or the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, will be called
in at daylight in the morning and rejoin their respective commands. These
three regiments will remain on duty in the city until its complete evacuation,
when they (under the command of Colonel Cogswell) will join the Fourteenth
Corps, marching with it until such time as they can rejoin their proper
commands. The ammunition train of the Artillery Brigade will march in rear
of the center division.
By command of Brigadier-General
Williams:
H. W. PERKINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLIV [S# 92]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS
IN SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, FROM NOVEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 31,
1864.--#13
«49 R R--VOL XLIV» <ar92_770>
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOL. INFANTRY,
Near Savannah, Ga., December 20, 1864.
Capt. C. H. YOUNG,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:
I have the honor to submit the following, which is a correct statement of two scouts sent out last night for the purpose of reconnoitering in front of the enemy's works:
STATEMENT OF CORPORAL BLACK.
After arriving at the picket-line he started to about forty paces to the left of the Savannah and Charleston Railroad; advanced some seventy paces on clear ground without discovering any obstructions and no impediments, after which encountered large pine trees felled, ground uneven and no water; with some difficulty climbed over the felled trees and came to swampy ground, and still further on came to a pond varying from six to twelve feet in width, tried the depth of the pond by means of a pole and judged it to be some five feet deep with soft spongy ground, after which moved further to the left by creeping under and climbing over the fallen trees and found tolerable good ground, no water, but fallen timber, and as far as he could see it was all fallen timber--not trimmed. To his judgment advanced to within some 200 yards of the enemy's main works, could distinctly hear the enemy talk and see them gathered around their camp-fires; owing to the reflection of their fires it was difficult to see very distinctly. On returning he kept still further to our left, thinking by avoiding the trees he could return much easier than going over the same ground he advanced over, encountering less obstructions.
STATEMENT BY PRIVATE M'GOWAN.
Started from picket-line
about forty paces to the left of the point where Corporal Black started
from, advanced nearly 100 paces without encountering any obstructions,
then encountered small trees apparently carefully fallen to obstruct the
advance of troops; here he was unable to advance any further, upon which
he went further to the left encountering the same obstruction; ground uneven
and sloping down to swampy ground, which appearance indicated there must
be a stream of water running through and trees fallen clean to the enemy's
works; could plainly hear the enemy talk and see them around their camp-fires;
returned nearly on the same ground with about the same obstructions.
Very respectfully, yours,
ELISHA DOANE,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLIV [S# 92]
NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 21, 1864.--The Savannah (Georgia) Campaign.
No. 133.--Report of Lieut. Col. Elisha Doane, Thirty-third Massachusetts
Infantry, of operations September 5-December 21.
[ar92_349 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS,
Savannah, Ga., December 24, 1864.
SIR: In accordance with circular received at these headquarters,
I have the honor to submit the following report:
This regiment entered
Atlanta Monday, September 5, and was immediately assigned to duty as guard
at the military prison upon Peach Tree <ar92_350> street. Monday,
September 12, it was relieved from this duty and ordered to report to Col.
W. Cogswell, Second Massachusetts Volunteers, post commandant, for duty
as provost guard. The regiment was continued upon this duty during the
occupation of the city by our forces. During this period no foraging parties
were sent out, but a small detail accompanied two general foraging expeditions
and brought in each time a wagon load of corn fodder.
November 16, the regiment
broke camp and started upon the march with the other regiments of the provost
guard in the rear of the Fourteenth Corps. It moved on the line of the
Augusta railroad as far as Covington; thence south, through Eatonton to
Milledgeville, reaching the latter place November 23. At this point the
regiment joined the brigade and has since remained with it.
Daily foraging expeditious
were sent out from November 18 to December 10, inclusive. During the march
the regiment was supplied almost entirely from the country. The following
is as accurate a statement as I am able to give of the supplies so obtained:
330 bushels potatoes, 2,800 pounds fresh pork, 10 bushels corn meal, 5
barrels sorghum, 3 barrels beans, 375 chickens and other poultry, 8,250
pounds corn; also 3,200 pounds fresh beef received from brigade commissary.
The number of horses,
&c., captured was as follows: 3 horses, 3 mules, 19 head of cattle.
I have no destruction
of railroad to report, not having been detailed for that purpose during
the march.
The report of the regiment
since leaving Milledgeville is simply that of the brigade.
I have to report no casualties
or skirmishes during the march or since arriving before this place.
Respectfully, yours,
ELISHA DOANE,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. P. E. WATSON,
Aide-de-Camp.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVII/1 [S# 98]
JANUARY 1-APRIL 26, 1865.--The Campaign of the Carolinas.
No. 199.--Report of Lieut. Col. Elisha Doane, Thirty-third Massachusetts
Infantry, of operations January 16-March 24.
[ar98_837 con't]
HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOL. INFANTRY,
Goldsborough, N. C., March 27, 1865.
January 16, 1865, the
Thirty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry being in camp at
Cheves' farm, Beaufort District, S.C., received orders to break camp and
march the ensuing morning. In accordance with these orders the tents were
struck and the regiment took up the line of march at 8 a.m., January 17.
Reached Hardeeville at 1 p.m. and encamped. Further supplies of clothing
being necessary for the men and the weather proving exceedingly unfavorable,
the regiment remained here until January 29. At 7 a.m., January 29, resumed
our march and proceeded to the vicinity of Sister's Ferry, where we remained
in camp one day (February 1) awaiting further supplies.
February 2, marched at
7 a.m. and arrived near Lawtonville about the middle of the afternoon.
The enemy having attacked our advance, we were halted at this point and
formed in line of battle, the First Division forming the first line, and
the third closed en masse acting as supports. After remaining in position
a short time, no enemy appearing, we were withdrawn and went into camp.
February 8, having reached the Augusta railroad the night before, we commenced
destroying the road. Continued on the road until February 11, when we marched
from White Pond in an east-northeasterly direction. February 16, arrived
within two miles of Columbia; crossed the Saluda February 18; passed through
Winnsborough February 21. February 22, reached Rocky Mount about 3 p.m.
and encamped. At 12 that night crossed the Wateree. February 27, remained
all day at Hanging Rock, which point we reached the afternoon of February
26.
March 3, encamped near
Sneedsborough, N. C.,: and remained until 10 a.m. March 5, when we resumed
our march. There being no bridge at this point, we were compelled to retrace
our steps to Cheraw in order to cross the river. March 7, crossed the Great
Pedee at 3 a.m. Encamped at sundown, near the Wilmington and Laurel Hill
Railroad. March 12, in camp all day near Fayetteville. March 13, passed
through Fayetteville and crossed the Cape Fear River. Went into camp about
3. <ar98_838> Just after dark this regiment and the Fifty-fifth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry struck tents and advanced about four miles and
encamped for the night. The next morning the remainder of the regiments
composing the brigade came up, and the whole advanced about six miles upon
a reconnaissance in force. The enemy was found strongly intrenched in front.
Some skirmishing occurred in which, however, the Thirty-third, being in
the rear, took no part. The regiment returned to its camp of the morning
at dark, and, after a short halt, returned to the camp of the day before
and rejoined the brigade. March 16, marched at 6 a.m. Shortly after heavy
firing commenced in front. Advanced about two miles and formed line of
battle, the Thirty-third taking position on the extreme right of the brigade.
Two companies were immediately deployed as skirmishers and the conflict
became general. After remaining in this position several hours our line
advanced about a mile, the enemy having fallen back to a fortified position.
Heavy skirmishing continued throughout the day until dark, when the firing
ceased.
In this engagement the
Thirty-third lost 1 officer and 11 men wounded (1 mortally).
The enemy having withdrawn
during the night the march was resumed the next morning, the Third Division
marching to Averasborough, about three miles distant, where it remained
until the morning of the 18th. March 18, marched at 7 a.m.; overtook the
train about midday, and continued marching with it until 4 o'clock the
next morning. March 19, marched at 9 a.m., guarding the train. About 1
p.m. heavy firing being heard in front, we left the trains and pushed rapidly
forward. After marching about three miles, the Third Division, together
with the First, arrived on the ground where the Fourteenth Corps was hotly
engaged with the enemy. This brigade immediately formed line of battle
by battalion en masse in rear of the First Division, which was then supporting
the Fourteenth Corps, the Thirty-third taking position on the right. Soon
after our brigade was detached from the division and ordered to a position
in the front line, for the purpose of occupying a gap between two divisions
of the Fourteenth Corps. The Thirty-third was placed in the second line
for the purpose of protecting the right flank; the enemy in the meantime
making several unsuccessful attempts to break our lines. Two companies
were immediately deployed as skirmishers to cover our right flank. The
musketry continued with great rapidity until after dark, when it gradually
ceased. The men were then ordered to construct works, as the enemy was
reported to be in heavy force in our front. The pickets were quiet through
the night, no firing taking place. In this engagement we lost five men
wounded. At 10 a.m. the following day the brigade was relieved by the Fourteenth
Corps, and marched to join its division on the left. Here we remained until
3 p.m., when we removed still farther to the left and fortified. We immediately
established pickets and remained quiet through the night. On the morning
of the 22d, the Thirty-third, with the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin, made a reconnaissance
of the extreme right of the enemy; some shots were exchanged, after which
we returned to our works, with the loss of one enlisted man wounded. In
the afternoon we returned to our position of the previous day. March 23,
broke camp at 5 a.m. and resumed our march; crossed the Neuse River and
encamped a short distance beyond. Broke camp the next morning at 4 a.m.
Passed through Goldsborough, where we were reviewed by General Sherman,
and reached our present camp a little past noon. <ar98_839>
The amount of forage
obtained by the regiment during the campaign is, as near as can be ascertained,
as follows:
Bacon cwt 150
Pork pounds 7,230
Potatoes bushels 500
Flour barrels 25
Meal bushels 231
Lard pounds 925
Beans do 1,200
Fowl head 970
Sorghum barrels 6
Dried apples pounds 150
Sugar do 33
Corn bushels 406
Cotton destroyed bales 109
Casualties.(*)
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELISHA DOANE,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME LII/1 [S# 109]
Union Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations
In Southwestern Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West
Florida, And Northern Georgia, From January 1, 1861, To June 30, 1865.--#14
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS,
Bridgeport, Ala., October 12, 1863.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: In obedience to orders received I have the honor to report
the following disposition made to guard the railroad from Tantalon to Bridgeport.
Three companies of the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers,
under the command of Major Arnold, are stationed at Tantalon; four companies
of the same regiment, commanded by Colonel Wood, at Anderson; two companies
of the same regiment between Anderson and Stevenson, commanded respectively
by Captains Bushwalter [sic.] and Farron [sic.]; two regiments and nine
companies, under the command of Colonel Smith, are stationed at Stevenson.
Of this detachment, three companies of the Thirty-third Massachusetts,
Seventy-third Ohio, and Fifty-fifth Ohio, one of each, are posted to the
west of Stevenson. One company, Thirty-third Massachusetts, is stationed
at Widow's Creek. The remainder of the corps, First Brigade, Second Division,
and the Third Division at Bridgeport, with one regiment on Long Island
and one on the other side of the Tennessee River. I beg leave to state
that the above disposition was made prior to the receipt of the order changing
the dividing line between the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, which will necessarily
cause some alteration.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
O. O. HOWARD,
[30.] Major-General, Commanding.
<ar109_473>
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS,
October 14, 1863.
O.R.--SERIES III--VOLUME II [S# 123]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE UNION AUTHORITIES
FROM APRIL 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1862.(*)--#16
BOSTON, August 15, 1862--4.45 p.m.
(Received 5 p.m.)
Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON:
The Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment, Col. Alberto C. Maggi, left for Washington yesterday afternoon. The Thirty-fourth, Col. George D. Wells, will leave to-day. In the material of their men these regiments are excelled by no others Massachusetts has sent. If it shall be necessary to send them immediately into the field, it is the desire of Maggi to be assigned to Sigel's, and of Wells to Banks', and I should like to have their wishes gratified. Both these regiments would have gone a week ago but for the delay in giving them their bounty and advance pay.
JOHN A. ANDREW.
-----
BOSTON, August 15, 1862--4.45 p.m.
(Received 5.15 p.m.)