YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
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MAJ.J.F. WEYSS,

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EXPLANATION .

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Explanatory .—Tbe rebel Une of battle and their Une of attaok on the flrst day (aa reprennted in the owp) .
4o not oorrespond. It was Impoeslble fbr the Topographer to represent both. He therefore eboee tbe Une of battle of tbe
rebels natu they moved to the attaok. Tbe divisions of Oleborne and UoCown then obUqoed to the left, until the left of their
Une prttleoted beyond tbe right of Johnson's right, flanking bim. The roader tUI bear In mind that the attaok flrat teU
upon the len of Johnson's division, then his right brigade, then Davia and Sherridan. The position ooonptcd oo the flrst
lay of Janoary, Is not ftilly represented ; the entire Une of the Left Wing not appearing in the map. This vaa omitted tj
the Topographer to avoid oonfoslon Id a reduoed map. Otherwise the diagram it y^rj perftot.

ROSECRANS' CAMPAIGN

Fourteenth Army Corps,

ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND:

A NAREATITB OP PEESONAL OBSEEVATIONS, WITH AN APPENDIX,
CONSISTING OF OFFICIAL EEPORTS OF THE

BATTLE OF STONE RIVER

By "W. D. B.,"
COBKBSPONDBKT OP THB ClNCIHMATI CoilUBBOIAL.

CINCINNATI:
MOORE, WILSTACH, KEYS & CO,
25 WEST FOUBTH STKEET.
1863.

Entered accordiug to Act of CongresB, in the year 1863,
BY MOOKE, WILSTACH, KEYS & CO.,
In the Clerk's Offlce of the District Court of the United Statea for the Southem
District of Ohio.

PREFACE.

This volume presents a narrative of the personal ohserva-
tions of the author during the three months' campaign of
Major General Eosecrans, commanding the original Fourteenth
Army Corps — popularly designated the Army of the Cumber
land. It embraces a period beginning with the SOth day of
October, 1862, when General Eosecrans assumed command
of the Department of the Cumberland, and the Fourteenth
Army Corps, and concludes with the occupation of Murfrees
boro, Tennessee, immediately after the memorable battle of
Stone Eiver. Doubtless it contains some statements which
might have been wisely omitted. Certainly many very inter
esting facts which could have been profitably introduced, were
excluded. But it is purely narrative. It aspires to nothing
but to record the truth candidly and clearly. No ill-natured
flings or ex parte criticisms are indulged. An earnest effort
is made to deal fairly with all the actors in the great drama
which culminated in the victory on Stone Eiver.
The description of the Battle of Stone Eiver, which con
cludes the narrative, was written partially from personal
observation, and partially with the assistance of the oflScial
reports. The successive action of brigades is followed as
nearly as possible. Biographies of regiments, obviously, could
not be included without unduly expanding the proportions
of the volume. The plan adopted by the author, of gen
erally describing the disaster to the Eight Wing, and the
concurrent preparations of the General-in-Chief to retrieve
the misfortunes of Wednesday morning, up to the period of
the first repulse of the enemy, and then returning to follow
(iii)

IV PREFACE.
the tide of battle as it flowed tumultuously from Eight to
Left, until it had involved the entire army, was conceived
to be the best for the development of the whole series of
involved engagements. Time and circumstances were elusive.
Distinct actions were convulsing the field simultaneously,
and to bring out each clearly, required some sacrifice of the
important elements of time and continuity. To write a sum
mary description of the battle, and compensate for omission
of the special engagements of brigades and divisions by the
ultimate introduction of rhetoric, would be comparatively
easy. As the author wrote this volume more particularly for
the Army of the Cumberland and its friends, he preferred,
at the sacrifice of some proprieties of descriptive writing, to
exhibit the action of each division or brigade, as far as pos
sible. If any are slurred it is the misfortune of the author.
It certainly was not his purpose to overlook or unjustly dis
parage any of the worthy soldiers who, by their valor and
conduct, are entitled to a nation's gratitude.
The Appendix embraces the OflScial Eeports of the Com
mander-in-Chief of the Army, of the three Corps Commanders,
of all the Division Commanders, of the Chief of Cavalry and
some of his subordinates. The author desires to express his
obligations to Corporal Thomas Worthington, of the One
Hundred and Sixth Ohio Volunteers — a gentleman who
merits a much higher position in the army than he now
holds— for appreciated services in assisting him to collect the
oflScial documents in the Appendix.
The author is also sincerely obliged to the accomplished
Major J. F. Weyss, of the Topographical Engineers, Depart
ment of the Cumberland, for the beautiful reduced map of
the battle-field of Stone Eiver, which precedes the title page.
WM. D. BICKHAM.
Cincinnati, March 20, 1868.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Preface  3
CHAPTER I.
The Army of the Ohio — Discontent of the Soldiers — Major General
Buell Retires from Command — The Army Countermarches Again
— Assumption of Command by Major General W. S. Rosecrans —
Popular Fallacies — Embarrassments of the New Commander^
His Communications — Condition of the Army — The Cavalry Arm. 9
CHAPTEE II.
General Order No. 1 — The Temporary Staff — Their Qualifications
— Position of the Fourteenth Army Corps — Bragg's Movements
— NashviUe Invested by Rebel Cavalry — Five Millions of Ra
tions — Railroad Ailnoyanoes  15
CHAPTER III.
Introduction of Headquarters to the Female Rebel Element —
Business at Headquarters — Improvement of the Cavalry Arm —
Mounted Infantry — Pack Mules — East Tennessee — Discipline.... 21
CHAPTEE IV.
Working Habits of the General Commanding — His Fancy for Young
Men — His Searching Inspections — His Injunctions to Careless or
Neglected Soldiers — Major General Thomas  28
CHAPTER V.
Regimental Pioneer Corps — McCook moves to Nashville — Attack
upou Nashville — Morgan's Dishonorable Ruse — The Attack
Foiled — Breokinridge^The Fifty-First Hlinois Volunteers  34
CHAPTER VI.
The Right Wiiig at Nashville — Railway Communications Re
sumed — Organization of the Army — Sketches of McCook, Crit
tenden, Rousseau, Negley, and other Division Generals  38
CHAPTER VII.
SABBiTH in the Arriiy — The Situation — The Army Movilig — Out
lines of the Campaign— Its Relations to Other Departments —
Bragg's Advantages — Rosecrans' DifEculties  44
CHAPTER VIII.
Mounted — Rebel Ruins — Picture of Desolation — Fire in the Forest
— Copy of Blue Grass — Bivouac Fires and Tattoo  49

VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
Cunningham House — Nashville in Military Dress — Fort Negley —
Social Tyranny — Female Despotism — Non-Intercourse with Yan
kees — The Pass System — The Ruined Suburbs of Nashville  55
CHAPTER X.
Administration of the Department — The Provost Marshal General
— Persistence of Rebel Women — Female Smugglers — The Chief
of Army Police — His Signal Services  62
CHAPTEB XI.
In Front of Nashville — Changes in Commands — Operations of the
Enemy — General Orders — The Night^cap Order — The Perma^
nent Staff  ,  71
CHAPTER XII.
Governor Johnson — The Contraband Question — The Railroad Re
paired — The Enemy in Front — His Cavalry Enterprises — Colonel
John Kennett Strikes Back — The Night-cap Battalion  84
CHAPTER XIII.
Moral Influence of Success — The Hartsville Disgrace — John
Morgan Captures a Federal Brigade — The Fight — Vain Gal
lantry of the Soldiers — Imbecility of the Commander  92
CHAPTER XIV.
Official Intercourse between Generals Rosecrans and Bragg —
Efforts to Meliorate the Severities of War — Mutual Reproaches —
Violation of a Flag of Truce — Bragg's Apology — Repetition of
the Outrage — Correspondence Ended by General Eosecrans  98
CHAPTER XV.
The Hartsville Affair Retrieved — Brilliant Repulse of the Enemy 
Successful Foraging— Gallantry of the Soldiers— Good Conduct
Approved by the General — Cavalry Exploit — General Stanley
Routs the Rebels — Spirit of the Men  lOg
CHAPTER XVI.
The "Grapevine" Telegraph— Fabrication of False Intelligence-
Southern Ladies' Aid Society — Social Life in Nashville  Slavery
and the Proclamation — Jubilee — Church-Going — Army Chap
lains — Their Fidelity and Devotion  112
CHAPTER XVII.
Pressure upon the Commander — He Resents it  His Views of
War— His Situation— Number of Effectives— Organization— New
Regiments— Spirit of the Army— The Enemy Defiant  120

CONTENTS. vii
CHAPTER XVIII.
Orders to March — Excitement in Nashville — Christmas Night-
Consultation of Generals — "Fight them! " — Plan of Movement —
The Military Household— Headquarters — Nocturnal Scenes —
Lectures to Young Officers — Conversation  132
CHAPTER XIX.
The Army Advances — Its Spirit in Gloomy Weather — Movements
— The Enemy Driven and Two Guns Captured — The Left Wing —
The First Day's Operations — A Night's Adventure  147
CHAPTER XX.
Operations on Saturday  164
CHAPTER XXI
Operations on Sunday and Monday — Rosecrans at the Front —
Picket Skirmishing — Headquarters at Lavergne — Rousseau joins
the Cenfer — McCook's Reconnoissance — Hardee Retires to Mur
freesboro — The Left Wing in front of Murfreesboro — Crittenden
Ordered to Occupy the Tovrn — Monday Night  172
CHAPTER XXII.
Tuesday, December 30 — The First Shot at the General Command
ing — An Orderly Decapitated — Garesche and his Missal — The
Rebel Position — Obstinate Resistance of the Enemy — Ominous
Sounds — Starkweather's Combat — Rebel Cavalry in the Rear —
Eosecrans Orders McCook to Prepare for Battle  181
CHAPTER XXIII.
The Line of Battle — Vigilance of Commanders — Position of the
Enemy — McCook's Information from the Enemy — The Plan of
Battle — Explanations — Address to the Army — The Army on the
Eve of Battle  193
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Slst of December, 18G2— Prayer before Battle— Din of Battle-
Evil Tidings — Panic — Anxiety at Headquarters — Incredible
Eeports — Firmness of General Rosecrans — The Plan of Battle
Defeated — The (Seneral iu Front — The Day going Against us —
New Line Formed — Batteries Massed in the Center — The Gen
eral Commanding Leads a Charge — The Tide of Battle Turns —
St. Clair Morton and the Pioneer Brigade — Night  205
CHAPTER XXV.
Prague upon Austerlitz — The Onset of the Rebels— The Columns
of Attack — Edgarton's Battery — Willich Unhorsed and Cap
tured — Davis' Division — Splendid Resistance of Sherridan —
Death of General Sill — Repulse of the Enemy — Roberts Charges
and Falls — The Missourians at Bay with Empty Muskets  225

viii CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Negley's Division— Gallant Struggle— Staunch Fighting of Miller
and Stanley  "Father" Moody— Turchin's Regiment -The
Pennsylvanians — Charge — Rousseau's Division — The Regulars. 248
CHAPTER XXVII.
Preparations — Readjustment of the Lines — Grand Battle Scene —
A Spectacle of Dreadful Splendor — Destruction of Human Lifc-^
Garesche's Death — The Field 's our own  270
CHAPTER XXVIII.
After the Conflict — Headquarters — Consultation of Generals —
Decision of the Commander-in-Chief — Our ,Losses — Orders for
January 1st — The Heroism of the Soldiers — The Medical Staff... 289
CHAPTER XXIX.
January 1, 1863 — Change of Division and Brigade Commanders —
Position of Divisions — Demonstrations by the Enemy — The
Regulars Double-Quick to Stewart's Creek and back — Brilliant
Affair of Colonel Innis and his Michiganders at Lavergne — ¦
A Trying New Year's Day — Effect of Wednesday's Reverse at
Nashville  297
CHAPTEE XXX.
Friday, January 2 — Heavy Artillery Battle — Movements of the
Troops — Onslaught upon Van Cleve's Division — It is Broken —
The Batteries Massed — The Center and Bight Wing Assisting
the Left — A Banner and a Battery Captured — Awful Effect of
Our Artillery— The Rebels Routed  806
CHAPTEB XXXI.
Saturday's Operations — The Front Harassed — East Tennesseeans
Charge with a Slogan — The Last Hostile Guns in Battle — The
Wounded — Eebel Prisoners Eating Parched Corn — A General
Surprised — The Rebels Retreat — Sunday — Mass — Official Sum
mary of Battle  819
CHAPTER XXXII.
Review of the Field— Self-Reliance of the General Commanding 
Moral Power — Special Mention for Important Services — Consoli
dated Report of Casualties — Bragg's Army — His Grand Tactics. 828
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Incidents and Anecdotes — Ambulance Corps on the Field  The
Generals, how they Appeared in Battle  359
APPENDIX.
Ofi'icial Reports of the Battle of Stone River  37I

EOSECRANS' CAMPAIGN
WITH THE
FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS.

^ ^ ^¦^ >¦¦

CHAPTER I.
The Army of the Ohio — Discontent of the Soldiers — Major General
Buell Retires from Command — The Army Countermarches Again —
Assumption of Command by Major General W. S. Rosecrans — Pop
ular Fallacies — Embarrassments of the New Commander — His Com
munications — Cumberland River Innavigable, the Louisville and
NashviUe Railroad a Wreck — Condition of the Army — Its Partial
Demoralization — The Cavalry Arm.
General Bragg and his army had just escaped from
Kentucky. The federal army was discouraged, and
the nation profoundly€isappointed. A twelve month
had been spent in fruitless campaigning ; millions of
money had been lavished without compensation ; and
the bones of thousands of brave men were moldering
among the hills and valleys of the South, sad monu
ments of unrequited toil, and uncomplaining sacrifice.
It was no fault of the gallant soldiers who carried
muskets and manned our cannon. They still rallied
around the old flag, but sternly and bitterly, while
they clamored for a chieftain to lead them to victory.
The powerful Army of the Ohio, which had been
renowned for discipline and steady valor, was now
(9)

10 THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS.
much wasted by tedious marches and distressing vicis
situdes, and partially demoralized by the dissatisfaction
of the troops and their officers with their commander.
Their discontent, and the popular distrust of Major
General Buell, engendered by his failure to achieve
results adequate to the means within his control, ren
dered his removal imperative. Wheeling his columns
in the direction which they had so eagerly pursued at
the heels of the fugitive battalions of Albert Sidney
Johnson but a few months before, he left them in
charge of Major General Thomas, and repairing to
Louisville, met orders requiring him to relinquish his
command to Major General "William S. Rosecrans,
then freshly crowned with the laurels of briUiant vic
tories in Mississippi.
Prior to the assignment of General Rosecrans to
the command of this army, it had been designated
the "Army of the Ohio." The "War Department,
which had frequently displayed a knack for cutting
up the territory of the "United States into military
departments — more, it seems, for the purpose of pro
viding commands for superfluous chieftains, with
which it had embarrassed itself, than for any other
appreciable reason — now carved out another slice of
military territory, denominated it the Department of
the Cumberland, changed the designation of the
Army to " Fourteenth Army Corps," and nominated
Major General Rosecrans to the command. The
department consisted of all that portion of Tennessee
east of the Tennessee River, and so much of the
States of Alabama and Georgia as General Rosecrans
might occupy. Fort Henry and Fort Donelson were
subsequently included, inasmuch as they were essen-

THB FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. 11
tial to the water line of communication with the
department, and had no intimate relationship with
the contiguous departments of Major General Grant,
and Major General "Wright.
General Rosecrans assumed command under pecu
liarly embarrassing circumstances. His uniform suc
cess as department commander and field officer, had
inspired the nation with confidence in him, and the
popular imagination was inflated with visions of vic
tories which were only probable under the brightest
ausjjices. The people, informed that his army was one
of the largest in the nation, and inaccurately impressed
that it was perhaps the best disciplined and best
appointed, and smarting under recent and trying dis
appointments, were clamorous for achievements which
would swiftly wipe out the stains upon the national
escutcheon, and revive their flagging hopes. They
presumed and assumed that the instruments of suc
cess were already prepared to the hand of the com
mander, and that nothing remained for him to do but
to move upon the enemy and destroy him.
Strange that the costly lessons of experience should
have been so quickly forgotten. Strange that the
disasters of the Peninsula, and the fruitless Siege of
Corinth, should have so soon escaped their memory.
It would seem that a people possessing facilities such
as we enjoy for acquiring information, scarcely needed
a reminder of the tedious delays and serious obstruc
tions which must now protract decisive operations.
To say that General Rosecrans was profoundly
impressed with the gravity of the responsibilities he
assumed is almost a pointless phrase. He encoun
tered formidable discouragements from the moment

12 THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPSi
he assumed command, "We can but glance at some
of the most conspicuous. He had relieved General
Buell at the expiration of a year of almost barren
campaigning. The army had marched through Ken
tucky and Tennessee into the borders of Alabama
and Mississippi, toiled through weary months in the
mountains and swamps of the South without victory,
and had vainly countermarched again in pursuit of
an inferior enemy which had twice eluded their
commander. Its shattered columns were at right
about toiling listlessly and dispirited toward the des
olated and hostile territory which they had twice
traversed within a single year, and whieh, ravaged and
exhausted by war, promised but little forage and no
subsistence. The season was pressing sharply upon
winter — and winter in Tennessee means cold, and
snow, and rain, and boundless mud ; and these mean
hospitals thronged with suffering soldiers, and vaU
leys crowded with the bodies of the dead. The only
water line of communication with the seat of hostil
ities was a thin ribbon which would barely buoy a
shallop, and the capricious season, now provokingly
constant, offered no prospect of navigation before the
dissolution of winter. A single thread of railroad from
Louisville to ]S"ashville, insufficient without hostile
interruption — even if managed by an enterprising and
zealous directory — to properly meet the requisitions
of the service, was wrecked and obstructed from
Green River to If ashville — more than three-fifths of
the length of the line of communication from the
primary to the immediate base of operations at Nash
ville. It was evident that it would require a month of
incessant labor to repair it, and it was liable to contin-

THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS. 13
uous irruptions of hostile cavalry organized to destroy
it, requiring the detail of large detachments of the
effective force of the army for its protection. These,
among other equally serious and protracting embar
rassments were to be overcome, before a decisive
movement could be ventured.
General Rosecrans was unacquainted with his army
— a matter of no trifling moment — ^but happily his
previous career had prepared it to confide in him.
The nation had been taught to consider it a standard
of discipline. History, when she lingers tearfully at
the little green graves of Chaplin Hills, will attest the
valor of its trusty soldiers. But it was no longer the
proud arniy which had swept the frightened foe from
the heart of Kentucky into the far distant cotton fields
of Mississippi. It had not been bruited that the
solidity of those once splendid legions had been well
nigh dissolved by repression of their fiery ardor in
retreat, by the vicissitudes of painful marches, and
confidence destroyed. It had not been told by light
ning tongues that nearly ten thousand of those heroes,
heart-sick with barren efforts and unrequited trials
had deserted when the columns countermarched to
Louisville, nor that it required the highest exercise of
patriotism on the part of those veterans, and the
sternest vigilance of their officers to prevent the regi
ments from melting to skeletons — a result almost to
have been feared had not the spirits of those wearied
and discouraged troops been revived by the substitu
tion of a new commander whom they had learned to
admire, for one, who, by his coldness and apathy had
alienated the confidence they had reposed in him.
General Rosecrans hardly dreamed that almost one-

14 THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS.
third of his army was in hospitals ; or scattered over
the great "West, fugitives from duty to the flag.
Moreover, many of his regiments were raw levies
without drill or discipline, and were often inefficiently
commanded. Ages of experience had attested the
inability of an armed mob to withstand veteran bat
talions like those of the rebel armies in shock of bat
tle. Besides, the army was barely half equipped,
and its cavalry arm was so inadequate in numbers,
and so deficient in equipment and discipline, as to
excite astonishment and alarm. A few weeks later
the General Commanding wrote officially that " the
enormous superiority of the rebel cavalry, kept our
little cavalry force almost within the infantry lines,
and gave the enemy control of the entire country
around us."

THE TEMPORARY STAFF. 15

CHAPTER II.
Popular Expectations — General Order No. 1 — The Temporary Staff —
Their Qualifications — Lieutenant Colonel Ducat — The Chief Com
missary — Position of the Fourteenth Army Corps — Bragg's Move
ments — Nashville Invested by Rebel Cavalry — Five Millions of
Rations — Railway Annoyances — Military Superintendent of Trans
portation. It is well to consider the degree of success, and
the period of its accomplishment that a just and
discriminating people could expect of an officer under
the circumstances which domineered over General
Rosecrans. Had the nation guaged its expectations
by the achievements of commanders of other great
armies during the war, and upon these demanded but
moderate improvement, it had more accurately con
formed to the logic which had been established for
refiection. ""We shall expect much of you," said
authority. The people had been so often disappointed
by results immeasurably inadequate to the instru
mentalities employed in conducting the war, and had
grown so restive and impatient, that they were now
inclined to require too much. Though grateful to
General Rosecrans for his past and invariable success,
they were disposed to be more patient with him than
they would have been with any other commander who
might have been assigned to the department.
N"evertheless General Rosecrans assumed his respon
sibilities cheerfully, and begun his labors with char
acteristic earnestness and vigor. The summons from

16 THE TEMPORARY STAFF.
the "War Department had reached him at the head of
his command in Mississippi, and he promptly repaired
to his new department, tarrying but sixty hours with
his family and friends in Ohio. On the SOth October,
1862, he relieved General BueU, and assumed com
mand by virtue of the following order :
Headquarters 14th Aemt Corps,
Department of the Cumberland,
Louisville, Ky., Oct. 30, 1863.
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 1.
I. By direction of the General-in-Chief, the undersigned
assumes the command of the Department of the Cumberland,
and the troops under General Buell's command, which will
hereafter constitute the Fourteenth Army Corps.
1 1. The following officers afe announced and will act until
a permanent organization of Staff is effected :
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur C. Ducat, Twelfth Infantry,
Illinois Volunteers, Acting Assistant Inspector General and
Chief of Staff
Major C. Goddard, Senior Aiddecamp, Acting Assistant
Adjutant General.
Major W. P. Hepburn, Second Iowa Cavalry, Acting Judge
Advocate. Oaptain Samuel Simmons, A. C. S., Acting Chief Commis
sary. Ca,ptain T. G. Chandler, A. Q. M., Acting Chief Quarter
master. Captain N. Michler, Chief Topographical Engineer.
Captain J. H. Gilman, J!^ineteenth Infantry United States
Army, Inspector of Artillery.
Captain J. T. Peterson, Fifteenth Infantry, United States
Army, Acting Assistant Inspector General.
First Lieutenant T. Edson, Ordnance Corps, Ordnance
Officer.

THB TEMPORARY STAFF. 17
First Lieutenant Chas. R. Thompson, Engineer Eegiment
of the West, Aiddecamp.
Second Lieutenant Byron Kirby, Sixth Infantry United
States Army, Aiddecamp.
Surgeon Robert Murray, U. S. A., Medical Director.
Surgeon A. H. Thurston, United States Volunteers, Medi
cal Inspector.
Reports will be made and business transacted in accordance
with existing orders aud regulations.
Official : W. S. ROSECRANS,
C. GoDDAED, Major General.
Major and A. A. A. G.
The majority of the executive members of this
staff accompanied the General from Mississippi.
They had proved themselves capable and trust
worthy, no meaningless phrase with an officer whose
personal staff are all confidential aids, and who are
speedily instructed to acquaint themselves with all the
duties necessary to qualify them to meet the requisi
tions of a commander who holds that " a staff officer
should know all that his General does."
Lieutenant Colonel Ducat, an Irishman by nativity,
and a soldier by nature and habit, had been detailed
for Acting Inspector General for qualifications pre
eminently fitting him for that office. "I regard him
an extraordinary man," said the General subsequently,
aUuding to the admirable system of inspections which
had been perfected and put into complete working
order by himself and his assistants. Captains Peter
son and Curtis of the regular army. For the present,
he was Chief of Staff, but it was understood that posi
tion was reserved for the brilliant Garesche.
Major Goddard, for zealous and intelligent service
2

18 THE TEMPORARY STAFF.
in the Adjutant General's office of the Army of the
Mississippi, and for gallantry as Aiddecamp at Iuka
and Corinth, had been promoted from a Lieutenancy
in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to a Major
ity, and the Senior Aidship.
Captain Chas. R. Thompson, Aiddecamp, for gal
lantry at Iuka and Corinth, had been promoted from
a Lieutenancy in the Engineer regiment of the West,
to a Captaincy on the Staff, a proud position for a
youth of less than twenty-three years. Lieutenant
Byron Kirby had faithfuUy served on the staff in
Western Virginia, and through the campaign in Ten
nessee and Mississippi. Major Hepburn had exhib
ited marked capacity as Judge Advocate, bnt later in
the campaign, being promoted to the Lieutenant
Colonelcy of his regiment, he was announced Inspec
tor of Cavalry, and was succeeded by Major Ralston
Skinner, appointed Judge Advocate by the President,
and assigned to General Rosecran's Staff, at the per
sonal request of the Commanding GeneraL
Captain Samuel Simmons, Commissary of Subsist-
ence^promoted a few weeks later to Lieutenant Col
onel, had displayed unusual, it may be justly said,
extraordinary foresight, comprehensiveness of judg
ment, and energy, in the administration of the Sub
sistence Department of the Army of the Mississippi.
Such qualifications were peculiarly demanded in the
new field.
Captain Chandler, an Assistant Quartermaster of
large experience, had served General Rosecrans in the
Department of Western Virginia, and had been Chief
Quartermaster in the Department of the Ohio. His
present assignment, however, was but temporary 

THE TEMPORARY STAFF. 19
Lieutenant Colonel J. W. Taylor, by his ability in
Mississippi, having merited the approbation of his
commander, had been previously designated Chief
Quartermaster of the Department. The additional
members of the temporary staff, had been in General
BueU's command, and their merits at this time had
not been demonstrated to the new commander.
General Rosecrans remained but another day at
Louisville. The railroad bridge across Green River
being now reconstructed, he repaired to Bowling
Green, on the 1st of November, and established head
quarters temporarily at that point. His army had
concentrated at Bowling Green and Glasgow, but
the divisions at the latter post were presently ordered
forward. Bragg's army was still painfully toiling
over the rude mountains of East Tennessee, heading
by a wide detour via Chattanooga, toward Murfrees
boro. Information touching his designs was scant.
General Breckinridge was posted at Murfreesboro
with a strong division, and NashviUe was invested by
swarms of active and enterprising rebel cavalry. It
was held by a splendid division of troops, under Gen
eral Negley, and although communication between
the garrison and headquarters of the army was irreg
ular, it was not in jeopardy. The rebels could not
now concentrate to assault it before General Rose
crans could move to its relief, so that it was not a
subject of embarrassment to him.
Bowling Green was the present southern terminus
of the railroad, and the temporary supply depot.
The army could not profitably advance two marches
beyond until the railroad was repaired to Mitchells
viUe, on the northern Une of Tennessee, nearly forty

20 THE TEMPORARY STAFF.
miles from Nashville, but from which point, after
arriving at Nashville, it might, with great labor and
trouble, be subsisted from day to day. The Chief
Commissary at once displayed his grasp by ordering
forward the extraordinary supply of five miUions of
rations, to be renewed as rapidly as the tedious oper
ation of the railroad would permit. Had the energy
of the Commissary met a fair response from the man
agers of the railroad, the General Commanding would
have been relieved of serious vexations. The poUcy
of taking entire military control of the line was care
fully considered, and finally dismissed. In the sense
of occupation, it was monopolized by the government,
but it was managed by the corporation which owned it.
Colonel J. B. Anderson, of Louisville, was announced
Military Superintendent of Railroad Transportation,
but eventually his administration was not warmly
approved.

BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS. 21

CHAPTER III.
Inteoduotion of Headquarters to the Female Rebel Element — Madam
applies Soft Soap — The Result thereof — Business at Headquar
ters — Red-tape Defended — Resignations and Furloughs — Improve
ment of the Cavalry — Colt's Revolving Rifles — Brigadier General
David S. Stanley — Mounted Infantry — Pack Mules — East Tennes
see — Discipline.
The General Commanding had arrived at Bowling
Green in advance of his camp equipage. Although
habitually preferring camp, he was constrained to
appropriate a dwelling for headquarters. It is not
customary in war to quarter upon friends where viru
lent enemies are accessible to instruction in the rights
of arms. Some high caste families in Bowling Green
had endeavored to indoctrinate loyal men and women
with the virtues of rebel rights. The General pro
posed to vindicate his appreciation of the example,
and required accommodations at the mansion of a
prominent officer of the bogus goverment of Ken
tucky. He was enjoying the amenities of a retreat
with Bragg's army, and his wife remained in posses
sion of the homestead. She was not cordial accord
ing to the traditionary style of Kentucky hospitality,
but submitted frigidly to the " exigencies of the
service." She requested privilege to retain part of
the premises for her own occupation, a favor which
was graciously granted. During some eight or nine
days, the General and his military household perse-

22 BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS.
veringly squeezed themselves into the parlor and two
chambers, dining in the hall, for the accommodation
of her ladyship. But madam was ungrateful. She
seized the earliest opportunity to exhibit her temper
and quality by a high-toned act of gentility which
signally demonstrated privileged breeding, and forti
fied her claimfe to federal favor. It was a season of
drought, and such periods in Bowling Green subject
the people to inconvenience. They are obliged to
cart water for family consumption from Barren River.
In any northern town the citizens would make haste
to provide themselves with cisterns, but where labor
is not compensated, the people do not learn to make
themselves comfortable so easily. But this is irrele
vant. Madam's chattels had ayccumulated several
barrels of water, and headquarter servants inconsid
erately began to use it. Madam's rights were invaded,
and she vindicated them by dissolving a quantity of
soft soap in the barrels. Not long afterward she was
fretted by the seeming misuse of her parlor carpet,
and applied to remove it, whereupon the General
gave her a counter-emollient in the amiable form of
a disquisition upon soft soap and water. This was
the introduction of headquarters to the female ele
ment of rebellion. It was afterward more elaborately
developed, though not at Bowling Green. Th« rebel
women of that city were generally recluse, and did
not often come in contact with the " Yankees." Th«
few Union ladies remaining there, sustained the
ancient fame of Kentucky hospitality; but their
social life was stifled by rebellion.
General Rosecrans continued to apply himself to
business unremittingly. No member of the staff

BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS. 23
found an idle hour. The vast machinery of the
department was put in motion. Lines of couriers,
connecting with Nashville and the various camps,
were immediately established, Captain Elmer Otis, an
active, enterprising officer, assuming charge of them.
Military maps were collected from every source ;
friendly people were required to furnish all possible
information concerning the topography and geogra
phy of the country; and business of every character
affecting the campaign, was rapidly systematized and
dispatched. The amount of business which had accu
mulated in the Adjutant General's office was formi
dable, and it required nearly a regiment of clerks to
reduce it. Everything touching the organization of
the army, the hundreds of applications for the accept
ance of resignations, the almost thousands of appeals
for discharges from service; pleas for furloughs, or
relief from duty ; the million and one items of minu
tise which no thorough General can safely overlook
in a volunteer army, formed an almost discouraging
aggregation of business. How feebly do they who
read the results of a campaign, comprehend the pro
digious amount of physical toil that is supported by a
commanding general, not to consider the incalculable
intellectual labor and moral exasperations which har
rass him. Brief observation would invincibly per
suade the most inveterate enemy of much calumniated
red-tape, that no human skill or industry, without
the aid of system, would be equal to the disposition
of the mountains of details which roll up in sucessive
billows at headquarters.
It was found necessary in the beginning to curb
the disposition of officers to apply for leave of absence

24 business at headquarters.
or to resign. An invalid might obtain temporary
respite in the hospitals, or resign. A hale man, unless
recommended by his superior to resign, " for the good
of the service," was summarily notified to return to
duty. The rule was inexorable. But the General
was swift to relieve the army of incompetents. He
declined to listen to personal appeals. " I don't care
for any individual. Everything for the service ; noth
ing to individuals." Although an ardent friend, he
would not permit the claims of friendship to inter
pose against the interests of his country.
"the BYES OF THE ARMY."
The improvement of his cavalry was a primary con
sideration in his system of reorganization. " Cav
alry," he was wont to say, " are the eyes of the army.
They can be made its hands and feet." It was his
object to elevate them to that excellence. Lee's Kan
sas Cavalry in the Army of the Mississippi, under his
encouragement were renowned in all that country for
their efficiency. He wanted whole divisions Uke them.
"WTien he assumed command of the Fourteenth Army
Corps, he supposed he had twelve or fifteen thousand
veteran cavalry troops. He was surprised and cha
grined that he could not muster half that number.
A portion of these were chiefly valuable for their
capacity to evade danger and good service. A troop
of jockeys with riding whips were quite as effective
as some of the squadrons. No fault of theirs, but of
neglect, lack of capable officers, and deficiences of
equipment. He applied for Brigadier General David S. Stan
ley, an officer of great spirit, and superior mUitary

BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS. 25
skill, for Chief of Cavalry, and that Genel-al was
relieved of the command of perhaps the best division
of volunteer infantry in the federal army, to regen
erate the cavalry arm of the Fourteenth Corps. There
was no reserve from which to draw reinforcements,
and the General Commanding applied to the War
Department for five thousand Colt's revolving rifles
as a substitute for men. About three thousand were
received, when the arsenals were exhausted. His
mind was so impressed with the conviction that revolv
ing arms would give best assurance of success, that if
he had been offered the option of raw men or
improved arms, it is probable he would have preferred
the latter. It needs no argument to satisfy the pub
lic that five charges are superior to one, but the War
Department has not yet discovered it. The moral
ascendency, which such arms impart to troopers who
know how to use them, is of more value to the serv
ice than their relative physical strength. They have
a double force, inspiring with confidence the men who
are supplied with them, and terrifying the enemy.
General Rosecrans desired to make the cavalry arm
perfect by combining with it an o~rganization of
mounted light infantry with light batteries for rapid
movement, but the government had no such troops.
The rebels had adopted it with brilliant success.
It finally became so indispensable that infantry bri
gades were mounted and disciplined for the service.
The physical features of his department also re
quired a pack mule train to mutually adjust the parts
of his projected system of warfare. It was almost
impossible to penetrate the mountains of E^st Ten
nessee with ordinary transportation. It was a para-
3

26 BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS.
mount object with him to relieve that Switzerland of
America from oppression. It was crushed with the
most accursed tyranny on the face of the earth. Its
quiet citizens had been murdered for loyalty to their
government. Its helpless women and children had
been driven to the mountain eavesj and their dwel
lings were eaten up by incendiary flames. Thousands
of its patriotic men were fugitives, or were toiling and
fighting to reach their homes once more. Their
hearts were stricken, and they might well exclaim in
agony of hope deferred : " How long, oh Lord, how
long ! " It never will cease to be astonishing that the
deliverance of the mountaineers of Tennessee was so
long delayed. General Rosecrans from sympathy and
for important military reasons determined to accom
plish it. But there was delay here too. A train
of five thousand pack mules, which were indispensa
ble to the enterprise was ordered, and months elapsed
without satisfaction ofthe requisition.
DISCIPLINE.
The discipline of the corps in all its departments
was an object of unremitting effort. There was no
sound reason why the discipUne of veteran volun
teers should not be equal to that of regulars. It was
not the fault of the soldiers, who exhibited a ready
acquiescence to orders when officers showed capacity
and nerve. There were a few regiments in the army
fully equal to those in the regular service. These
had zealous officers of large capacity. There was
one mode especially by which neglect of duty, care
lessness and incompetency, would be eUminated and
the army purified. General Rosecrans solicited

BUSINESS AT HEADQUARTERS. 27
authority to dismiss officers from the service for satis
factory military reasons. The reply of the Secretary of
War expresses the character of the application, to wit :
" Washington, Nov. 3. 1862.
"Major General Rosecrans:
"The authority you ask, promptly ta muster out or dismiss
from the service officers for flagrant misdemeanors and crimes,
such as pillaging, drunkenness and misbehavior before the
enemy, or on guard duty is essential to discipline, and you are
authorized to use it. Report of the facts in each case should
be immediately forwarded to the War Department, in order to
prevent improvident restoration.
"[Signed,] B. M. STANTON,
Secretary of 'War."
A general order (No. 4) embodying the foregoing
was promptly published, directing that officers dis
gracefully dismissed, should be divested of the insig
nia of rank in the presence' of their respective com
mands, and be escorted by soldiers outside of the
camps. It was severe but it had a most salutary
infiuence.

28 MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS.

CHAPTER IV.
WoKKiNQ Habits of the General Commanding — His fancy for Young
Men— His Aidesdecamp — Reviews — His Searching Inspections —
His Injunctions to Careless or Neglected Soldiers — Major General
George H. Thomas — His Person and Characteristics — His Popularity.
Industry was one of the most valuable qualities of
General Rosecrans. Labor was a constitutional neces
sity with him. And he enjoyed a fine faculty for the
disposition of military business — a faculty which rap
idly improved with experience. He neither spared
himself nor his subordinates. He insisted upon being
surrounded by active, rapid workers. He "liked
sandy fellows," because they were so " quick and
sharp." He rarely found staff officers who could
endure with him. Ambition prompted all of them
to remain steadfastly with him until nature would
sustain no more. Often they confessed with some
exhibition of selfish reluctance that he was endowed
with extraordinary vital force, and a persistency which
defied fatigue. Those who served upon his staff in
Western Virginia or Mississippi predicted a severe
future. They were not deceived. He was habitually
prepared for labor in quarters at ten o'clock in the
raorning. On Sundays and Wednesdays he rose early
and attended Mass. He never retired before two
o'clock in the morning, very often uot until four, and
sometimes not until broad daylight. He often mounted
in the afternoons and rode out to inspect or review the

MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS. 29
troops. It was not extraordinary that his Aids some
times dropped asleep in their chairs, whUe he was
writing vehemently or glancing eagerly over his maps,
which he studied almost incessantly. Sometimes he
glanced at his "youngsters" compassionately, and
pinching their ears or rubbing their heads paternally
until he roused them, would send them to bed. Cap
tain Thompson, and Captain Robert S. Thoms — the
latter a Volunteer Aiddecamp of superior merit —
were favorites, deservedly. They were his amanu
enses, had custody of all the ciphers, and necessarily
were confidential Aids. Lieutenant Frank S. Bond
was attached to the staff subsequently in a similar
capacity, and soon won the respect of his commander.
When in the field. General Rosecrans was apt to be
the first officer in camp to spring from his blankets,
and the last to dismount at night.
REVIEWS.
During the few days he remained at Bowling Green,
he reviewed most of the divisions which had reached
that vicinity. Night labor compensated for hours thus
stolen from his maps, reports, and schemes for the
improvement of the army. At the reviews, the satis
faction of the troops with the change of commanders,
was manifested by their enthusiastic reception of him.
The manner of his ins|pections at once engendered a
cordiality toward him which promised happy results.
The soldiers were satisfied that their commander took
an interest in their welfare— :-a moraUzing agency
which no capable General of volunteers can safely
neglect. He examined the equipments of the men
with exacting scrutiny. No trifling minutise escaped

30 MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS.
him. Everything to which the soldier was entitled was
important. A private without his canteen instantly
evoked a volley of searching inquiries. "Where is
your canteen?" "How did you lose it — ^when —
where ? " " Why don't you get another ? " To
others, "you need shoes, and you a knapsack."
Soldiers thus addressed were apt to reply frankly,
sometimes a whole company laughing at the novelty
of such keen inquisition. " Can't get shoes," said
one; "required a canteen and couldn't get it," rejoined
another. " Why ? " quoth the General. " Go to your
Captain and demand what you need! Go to him
every day till you get it. Bore him for it ! Bore
him in his quarters ! Bore him at meal time ! Bore
him in bed ! Bore him ; bore him ; bore him ! Don't
let him rest ! " And to Captains, " You bore your
Colonels ; let Colonels bore their Brigadiers ; Briga
diers bore their Division Generals ; Division Com
manders bore their Corps Commanders, and let them
bore me. I'll see, then, if you don't get what you want.
Bore, bore, bore! until you get everything you are
entitled to ; " and so on through an entire division.
" That's the talk, boys," quoth a brawny fellow.
"He'll do," said another — and the soldiers returned
to their camp-fires and talked about " Rosy," just as
those who knew him best in Mississippi had talked.
The confidence which such deportment inspired
was pregnant with future good. And it was soon
observed that he was careful to acknowledge a pri
vate's salute — a trifling act of good breeding and
military etiquette, costing nothing, but too frequently
neglected by officers who have much rank and little
generous sytiqpathy with soldiers who win them glory.

MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS. 31
This is a wise " regulation," but it reaches far deeper
than mere discipline.
Shortly after headquarters were established at Bowl
ing Green, Major General George H. Thomas reported
himself. The military family of the Commanding
General quickly recognized the real Chief of Stafl:
It had been observed that General Rosecrans did not
" consult " habitually upon the principles and policy
of the campaign with other commanding officers.
The keen,, eyes of those familiar with his customs,
however, discovered an unusual degree of respect and
confidence exhibited toward General Thomas. Con
fidential interviews with him were frequent and pro
tracted. It soon got to be understood in the camps,
that "Pap" Thomas was chief counsellor at head
quarters, and confidence in " Rosy " grew apace.
General Thomas had been with the army a twelve
month or more. The veterans knew him, and revered
him to a man. His old Mill Spring division loved
him. He had the confidence and esteem of the officers.
The old troops filially spoke of him as " Pap " Thomas.
In facetious moods he was " Old Slow Trot." The
former was a soubriquet of affection; the latter a
merry nick-name quickened of one of those trifles
that tickle an idle soldier's fancy. Habitually, a
veteran acquires a habit of boiling a man down into
an expression. General Thomas' steadiness rather
attracted the lads. He was as deliberate on the
march as at quarters. His escort, more impatient than
their commander, sometimes took advantage of a tem
porary aberration and pushed him into unusual speed.
Directly his revery ended, he was apt to order " slow
trot ! " It caught popular fancy, and the General was

32 MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS.
fix:ed in a soubriquet. General Rosecrans himself
expressed an almost reverential respect for him.
Alluding to him, one day, he said, with a glow of
enthusiasm, " George H. Thomas is a man of ex
traordinary character. Years ago, at the Military
Academy, I conceived there were points of strong
resemblance between his character and that of Wash
ington. I was in the habit of calling him General
Washington." His grave aspect, dignified deport
ment, and imposing presence justified this igoneeit.
Most men diminish as you approach them. A
few magnify, and you feel their greatness. General
Thomas grows upon you. Even his physique has
this peculiarity. He has a massive, fuU rounded,
powerful form, whieh seems at first to absorb several
inches of his six feet of stature, but it graduaUy
expands upon you, as a mountain which you approach.
His features are heavy but well carved, with a strong,
thin, combative nose, cleanly cut lips, and great
square jaws and chin, indicating that firmness which
he develops so grandly in battle. If needs but a
glance under his bushy browSj set like a luxuriant
hedge upon the edge of his broad white forehead, to
discover the strength and warmth of his deep, steady,
blue eyes, which seem of fathomless depth. A ruddy,
weather-stippled complexion indicating robust health,
and light brown, curly hair, impart a glow of cheerful
ness to his fine countenance which irresistibly inspires
your confidence. A short, thick-set, sandy beard,
a little silvered since the war began, and closely
trimmed habitually, completes an ensemble of unusual
personal comeliness and vigor in a man struggling
among the unrelenting fifties.

MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS. 33
He looks like a sanguine man, but the sanguineous
is balanced by the lymph in his composition. His
aspect is peculiar, grave but not stern, with a benig
nant expression which warms your heart while it
commands respect. He is a close observer, but a
better thinker, and he matures his opinions deliber
ately — usually reflecting twice before he speaks once,
in carefully measured language. You can not doubt
his firmness. He has an appearance of heaviness,
but it is more corporeal than intellectual. He is alto
gether a soldier, simple in deportment and unaffected,
without a soldier's vanity. Without his uniform you
might easily mistake him for a substantial western
farmer. He was a Brigadier General some months
before he thought of permitting the star to supplant
the eagle which he wore by virtue of his rank in the
regular cavalry ; and for months after he was pro
moted to Major General, he continued to shoulder
the single star. The twin stars were mounted soon
after the battle of Stone River, but it is suspected
they found their way to his broad shoulders surrepti
tiously. No perfect history of the war of the rebel
lion in which Major General George H. Thomas,
of Virginia, does not figure conspicuously, can be
written.

34 ATTACK ON NASHVILLE.

CHAPTER V.
Rebimentax, Pioneer Corps — General Gilbert — General R. S. Granger
and Colonel S. D. Bruce — Major General McCook's Corps moves to
Nashville — Attack upon Nashville — Morgan's Dishonorable Ruse —
Tke Attack Foiled — Breckinridge concludes the Mortgage upon
Nashville can not be Lifted — The Fifty-First Illinois Volunteers.
Adopting Napoleon's dictum, that " to command an
army well a General must think of nothing else," the
General Commanding applied his restless and vigorous
mind in studying and correcting the deficiencies of his
own corps. It needed discipline, and he held the
officers, not the privates, responsible. The new regi
ments were relentlessly driUed. Pioneer corps were
organized in each regiment ofthe army to repair roads
and construct bridges, and contraband negroes were
either organized into gangs of laborers or employed
as teamsters — a service in which they exceUed. The
General was not content with ordinary formal reports ;
he insisted upon statements of minutise, and in
important matters the officers in charge were person
ally examined and instructed.
At this period, the guard for the protection of the
railroad north of Bowling Green was detailed, and
Brigadier General Gilbert was assigned to command,
with headquarters at Munfordville. Colonel Sanders
D. Bruce, of the Twentieth Kentucky Volunteers, who
had recently distinguished himself by zeal and energy,
was relieved from command of the post of Bowling

ATTACK ON NASHVILLE. 35
Green by Brigadier General Robert S. Granger, and
assigned to command a cavalry force to drive the
rebels otit of South-western Kentucky. Besides these
arrangements, there were innumerable matters of
routine necessary to the success of the military
administration of the Department rapidly disposed of,
but the details would swell this narrative into a tedi
ous volume. Allusion is made to them merely to
convey a feeble intimation of the amount of business
which necessarily harrasses the mind of the com
mander of a great department.
Major General McCook's corps had already arrived
at Bowling Green. In consequence of information
that the enemy were menacing Nashville, General
McCook was directed, on the 4th November, to move
his corps to that city, pressing forward briskly so as
to reach there by 10 o'clock a. m., on the 7th. He
marched accordingly at dawn of the 4th. On the
morning of Thursday, officers at Bowling Green
reported that they had heard the mutter of heavy
guns in the direction of Nashville — a distance of per
haps fifty miles, as the crow flies. It was incredible
that the detonation of artillery could be carried so far
overland. But the succeeding day the report was
seemingly verified by the arrival of couriers with
official dispatches, announcing that the enemy had
been baffled in an attempt to destroy the railroad
bridge whieh spans the Cumberland river at Nash
ville. But they had succeeded in unmasking the great
batteries of Fort Negley, Fort Confiscation, and the
Casino, [t is barely possible that the mumbling of
their guns wae heard at Bowling Green.
The attack upon Nashville was a mere dash, but the

36 ATTACK ON NASHVILLE.
design of the enemy was almost accomplished. It wa?
afterward apparent that they had but little confidence
in the enterprise, otherwise their efforts would have
been sustained more persistently. They actually
pushed within easy musket range of the bridge before
they were driven away. They attacked General Negr
ley's pickets simultaneously soon after midnight on
the 6th, while a column of mounted infantry under
John Morgan forded the Cumberland and moved upon
Edgefield. A bickering picket fire was sustained on
the south front of Nashville until daybreak, our pick
ets falling back gradually to their reserves. As soon
as it was light enough, the enemy opened a field bat
tery from the crest of a ridge on the left of the Mur
freesboro pike, the only effect of which was to unmask
our siege batteries in the forts.
Part of the Fifty-First Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
on picket on that road, were sharply attacked by rebel
infantry, but they resisted gallantly until the remainder
of the regiment came up in support, when the enemy
were handsomely repulsed, with severe loss. Our loss
was three severely and four slightly wounded, and
two missing.
Morgan, meantime, was preparing to dash upon the
'bridge. In order to gain time, it was reported that
he had resorted to a dishonorable stratagem. A flag of
truce was seat to our lines, asking an exchange of
prisoners. The ruse was too flimsy to deceive, but it
gave Morgan time to form his line advantageously.
As soon as his flag returned, he swept suddenly
upon our pickets and skirmishers, and drove them in
upon the main body. Taking advantage of hollows
and the railway embankment, he moved swiftly upon

ATTACK ON NASHVILLE. 37
the bridge without exposure, but as the head of his
column raised to a level with the road, it was met by
a biting fire from the weU-poised rifles of the Sixteenth
lUinois Infantry, under Colonel Smith. Discovering
the futiUty of further effort, Morgan quickly with
drew with a loss of a half dozen men, and revenged
himself by destroying an old frame freight house and
a few platform cars. The Sixteenth lUinois had three
slightly and three severely wounded, including Cap
tain Rowe, but the enemy were satisfied to retire.
General Negley, deceived by the maneuvers of the
enemy, supposed the main attack would be made in
the direction of the Franklin pike, because Nashville
was most vulnerable on that side. Proceeding
upon that belief, he pushed out that road with an
escort of forty men from the Seventh Pennsylvania
Cavalry, Stokes' First Tennessee Cavalry, one section
of Battery G, Marshall's Fourth Ohio Artillery, and
one section of Houghtaling's Illinois Battery, sup
ported by the Fourteenth Michigan, Sixty-Ninth
Ohio, and Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry.
Quite a warm artillery fight was sustained for several
hours, and both parties tried to gain advantage by
maneuvering, but the enemy finally withdrew with
considerable loss of men and horses. Our loss was
four wounded. The enemy did not afford our infantry
an opportunity to take a decisive part in this brush.
Prisoners reported that Breckinridge in person com
manded the rebel forces. He fell back that night to
his position in front of Murfreesboro, satisfied that the
" Yankee " mortgage on Nashville could not be lifted
by his command.

38 ORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY.

CHAPTER VI.
The Right Wing at Nashville — Railway Communication with Mitch
ellsviUe Resumed — Organization of the Army — Sketches of McCook,
Crittenden, Rousseau, Negley, and other Division Generals.
Brigadier General Sill's Division, of McCook's
command, was the first to arrive at Nashville. The
General Commanding promptly made acknowledge
ments to General McCook for his activity and energy
in arriving two hours in advance of the time desig
nated. He had opened and secured regular commu
nication between that city and General Headquarters,
and it was now safe beyond peradventure. This was
equally gratifying to its trusty garrison, who had
been so closely beleagured that they were suffering for
ration-al comforts. Tidings from the enemy were
equally reassuring. They were moving around from
Chattanooga, but with difficulty. The railway bridge
across the Tennessee River at Bridgeport had been
destroyed — which involved the necessity of tranship
ment and laborious ferriage of troops and armament
at that crossing. It was clear they were not ready to
advance. On the 6th raUroad communication to Mitchella-
vUle was re-established, and heavy trains of subsist
ence were forwarded to that depot. General McCook
was directed to supply himself by wagons thence, and
the other corps were moved forward. The three
grand divisions of the army were now designated the

ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 39
Right Wing, Center, and Left Wing, although the
general order to that effect was not issued until some
days later. The Right Wing, commanded by Major
General McCook, consisted of three divisions, under
Brigadier General J. W. Sill, Brigadier General Philip
H. Sherridan, and Colonel W. E. Woodruff, who tem
porarily commanded the old division of Brigadier
General R. B. Mitchell. Major General Thomas com
manded the Center, consisting of the divisions of
Major General Lovell H. Rousseau, Brigadier Gener
als Dumont, Fry, Palmer, and Negley. Dumont and
Fry were subsequently relieved, and Palmer was
transferred to the Left Wing. The Left Wing, com
manded by Major General Thomas L. Crittenden,
consisted of the divisions of Brigadier Generals
Thomas Jefferson Wood, H. P. Van Cleve, and W. S.
Smith. The Headquarters Staff was increased by the
announcement of Captain Elmer Otis, commanding
the Fourth regiment of United States Cavalry, as
Chief of Courier Lines, and R. S. Thoms, of Cincin
nati, Volunteer Aiddecamp, with rank of Captain.
MAJOR GENERAL m'cOOK.
Major General McCook was considered a good sol
dier. He was prompt, energetic, and enterprising,
with ambition to excel. His command was always in
fine condition, and, apparently, was attached to him.
He was fortunate in division commanders of military
knowledge, experience, and ability, and his brigade
officers— such as SiU, WiUich, Kirk, Carlin, Roberts,
and Shaeffer, and Gibson, later, were of the elite of
the army. His troops had fought, some of them in
Missouri, a portion at Pea Ridge, others at Shiloh,

40 ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY.
and all at Chaplin Hills. Three-fourths of them
were veterans, and the raw levies were required to
drill incessantly. General McCook himself was in
the prime of youthful vigor — not exceeding thirty-
three years of age, and free from vicious habits which
tend to impair the constitution. He had graduated at
the National Military Academy, in 1851, and entered
service immediately as Brevet Second Lieutenant of the
Third United States Infantry. After promotion to a
First Lieutenancy, he was Professor of Tactics at West
Point, and was First Lieutenant of the line when the
rebeUion declared itself at Sumter. Governor Denni
son at once commissioned him Colonel of the first
three months' regiment organized in his native State,
and the first organized in the West under the Presi
dent's requisition for volunteers. After serving three
months on the Potomac with distinction, as tactician
and disciplinarian, he was recommissioned by Gov
ernor Dennison for three years. While reorganizing
his regiment, the President promoted him to the posi
tion of Brigadier Generalj and he was assigned to the
Department of the Ohio. At Shiloh he commanded
a division, and distinguished himself. The President
promoted him to the grade he now enjoys, and Gen
eral Buell assigned to him a corps of three divisions,
with which he fought the sanguinary but indecisive
battle of Chaplin Hills. General Rosecrans continued
him in the same command.
MAJOR GENERAL CRITTENDEN.
Major General Crittenden was considered, in army
<;ircles, an officer of popular manners, and an earnest,
zealous soldier. In his youth he had served as Aid-

ORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY. 41
decamp in Mexico, on the staff of General Taylor.
Otherwise he had no military experience. He never
vascillated in his devotion to the Union, while his
most intimate friends in Kentucky were proclaiming
themselves traitors. Exercising great influence in
his native State, the President commissioned him a
Brigadier General. He applied himself to his duties,
and the division to which he was assigned as com
mander, soon took rank among the effective forces of
the Army of the Ohio. He had now served a year or
more, and for his good conduct and valor at Shiloh
had been promoted to Major General. Later, three
divisions, which constituted his present corps, were
assigned to him. There was no cooler or more thor
oughly self-possessed soldier in the Fourteenth Army
Corps. He is the second son of Hon. John J. Crit
tenden — his elder brother, George, being in the rebel
army. He is about forty years old, of medium stat
ure, spare flgure, and straight as a ramrod — with
swarthy complexion, long straight black hair, with
strong, prominent features, and a proud, stately bear
ing. He is rather reticent, but "Old Kentucky"
asserts herself in his deportment.
He was fortunate in commanding a corps of vete
rans, some of whom had learned the rudiments of
grim visaged war in Western Virginia. Only nine
regiments of them were unseasoned. Two divisions
had fought at ShUoh, and won laurels with their
commander. Nelsbn's famous " man-of-war " division,
afterward commanded by Palmer, was one of them.
Brigadier Generals Wood and Van Cleve, regular offi
cers, ranked high for skill and enterprise — Wood
especially, who was regarded second to none in expe-
4

42 ORGANIZATION OP THB ARMY.
rience and cultured inteUect, Palmer afterward
made his mark. These were ably sustained by Brig
adier Generals Hascall and Cruft, Colonels Hazen,
Halrker, Stanley Matthews, Wagner, Grose, Samuel
Beatty, and Fyffe, whose testimony is a rubric of rebel
blood. MAJOR GENERAL ROUSSEAU.
Major General Rousseau, commanding the reserve
division of the Center, was molded for a hero. Nature
had infused into him a spirit of fiery enthusiasm,
which blazed in his features, spouted from his beam
ing eyes, and declared itself in a voice which rung in
battle like a clarion. It was impossible to resist his
captivating influence, and no man could so inflame
the ardor of troops in the shock of conflict. His sol
diers roared at his presence, hailing his magnificent
port with joyful acclamations. Soaring above the
heroic stature and swelling out in grand physical pro
portions, with a countenance glowing with frankness,
generosity, and courage, and manners irresistibly
seductive, you perceive in him the representative and
model of true chivalry. Mounted upon his thorough
bred chestnut, and careering before his embattled host,
you recognize your beau ideal of a gaUant soldier.
He is thoroughly a Kentuckian, and thoroughly a
patriot, who loves his country and the government of
the people with unconquerable affection. Lovell H.
Rousseau is one of the true men of Kentucky and of
the nation, and when the scroU of honor is complete,
his name wiU glow with the noblest. He is a volun
teer soldier, promoted from the Colonelcy of the
LouisviUe Legion— the tirst regiment enUsted in Ken-

ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 43
tucky, and by himself— -tirst to a Brigadier General,
and afterward to a Major General, for distinguished
gaUantry and services at Shiloh and Chaplin Hills.
BRIGADIER GENERAL NEGLEY.
Brigadier General James S. Negley, of Pennsylva
nia, commanding the second division of the Center,
was not popular with a certain clique of officers, but
thoroughly enjoyed the confidence of the General
Commanding, of his immediate commander, and of
his splendid division. At this period he was not with
the main army. He had been left by General BueU
in command of the garrison at Nashville, where, by
his energy and activity, and by his patriotic civico-
military administration he had won the respect of the
Government. He was yet in command at Nashville,
and had but recently repulsed an attack of the enemy.
He was destined to win further honor. He was a vol
unteer officer, but ever proved himself a trusty sol
dier. After all the divisions had been reviewed by
the General Commanding, there was no dispute in the
staff that his was among the best divisions of the
Fourteenth Corps. Dumont and Fry soon afterward
disappeared, and Palmer took a division in the Left
Wing. After the Hartsville affair, Dumont's Divi
sion was merged in others, and Brigadier General
James B. Steadman, a soldier and a zealous patriot,
succeeded General Fry. The brigade commanders of
the first and second divisions, Scribner, John Beatty,
Starkweather, " Black Jack " Shepherd, Miller, R. T.
Stanley, and sturdy old Spears, were all distinguished
men. ^ The other brigadiers do not fall within the
scope of this narrative.

44 OUTLINES OP THE CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER VII.
Sabbath in the Army — Review of Ten Days — The Military Sitiiii-
tion — The Army Moving — Outlines of the Campaign — Its Relations
to Other Departments — Bragg's Advantages — Rosecrans' Difficul
ties — His Numerical Force.
On the Sth it was announced that headquarters
would be transferred to Nashville on the morrow.
Subsequently remembering that the succeeding day
was Sunday, the General Commanding suspended
the order twenty-four hours.' This is worthy of
notice simply as an indication of the principle by
which he was governed. He entertained an aversion
to movements upon the Sabbath, unless they were
indispensable. The troops soon understood this, and
they approved it from motives which seemed a curi
ous combination of superstition and conscientious
scruples. But the impression that Sunday military
enterprises could not prosper was fixed in their
miuds, and they commended the example of their
commander. Ten days had now expired since General Rosecrans
had assumed command. We may regard this as the
introductory period of preparation. It wUl clear the
record to glance at the situation. Every available
hour had been devoted to the preparation of his
forces and the maturation of his plans for future
operations. The railroad had been repaired to Mitch-
eUsviUe. Supply trains were rushing over the road

OUTLINES OP THB CAMPAIGN. 45
as rapidly as steam and energy could press them.
Measures had been taken for the perfection of the
cavalry; an immense pack-mule train had been
ordered ; garrisons had been established to protect
communications : pioneer corps had been organized ;
tlie army itself had been reorganized, and was dis
playing its old spirit; horses, arms, equipments,
subsistence, were coming forward, and vast quantities
of uncatalogued but indispensable routine business
had been cleaned out of official pigeon holes.
The army was sweeping like a great torrent toward
Nashville, overfiowing the country with its legions
and innumerable trains. Intense activity was visible
in every quarter of the department, and the campaign
was opening auspiciously. How much labor, how
many harrassing vexations were in the womb of the
future ! The season of drought was not yet at its
zenith. Cumberland River continued a feeble rivulet,
threading its way limpidly through the clefts of the
mountains, and the Military Chief of the nation,
unmindful of the lessons of experience, was disposed
to exact more than he himself had genius to accom
plish under far happier conditions.
The outline of the campaign was part of a
vast system devised — it must be finally confessed
with great sagacity — at Washington. This system
extended from the Potomac to the western borders
of Missouri, and from the Potomac and the Ohio to
the Gulf of Mexico. The part assigned to General
Rosecrans wa,s a carving from the general scheme.
His success depended as much upon that of the com
manders of other departments as upon his own
genius. Either one of them failing, jeopardized

46 OUTLINES OF THE CAMPAIGN.
him, and would necessarily compel him to suspend
aggressive operations, if it -did not throw him upon
the defensive. Major General Grant, commanding
the Department of Western Tennessee, was on his
right, pressing sharply into Mississippi. If he met
with disaster, it would uncover Rosecrans' right flank,
and expose him to superior numbers. If Grant held
llis own, Rosecrans' right was safe against any project
from Pemberton's Army of the Mississippi ; and the
distance from Pemberton to Bragg, and the vital
necessity to hold the Mississippi Valley for the rebel
government, insured him against the sudden concen
tration of any material portion of Pemberton's with
Bragg's forces against him.
Major General Wright, commanding the Depart
ment of the Ohio, which included Kentncky and
Western Virginia, covered the left and rear of Rose
crans. With his formidable army, there was little
danger to be apprehended on that flank unless there
was misfortune elsewhere. If the Army of the Poto
mac met with disaster, it involved each army of the
Republic, but the Fourteenth Army Corps most
directly and seriously. It would enable the rebels
to detach heavy reinforcements for the relief of other
departments, and Bragg was likely to receive assist
ance earliest. Fortunately, the Army of the Potomac
promised to afford employment for all of Lee's forces.
If federal operations on the coast were successful,
they would occupy all the rebel troops in the South-
Eastern States. If otherwise, Bragg would draw
accessions thence. But the signs were aU hopeful,
and it seemed morally certain that Bragg could not
get reinforcements enough to give him a decided

OUTLINES OF THE CAMPAIGN. 47
numerical superiority. Still he enjoyed the formi
dable advantage of operating upon comparatively
short interior lines in a friendly mountainous terri
tory, which afforded him fair supplies of forage and
subsistence, while Rosecrans waged offensive warfare
iu a hostile and desolated country, in which almost
every white inhabitant was a spy and bitter enemy —
a country which had been gleaned of supplies, and
which is remarkable for the defensive military posi
tions it affords. He, therefore, was compelled to trans
port his supplies over two hundred miles before he
could hope to reach the enemy; and his difficulties
would increase as he progressed, according 'to the
length of his line of communication. The feebleness
of his cavalry secured rebel communications, and the
superiority of their's constantly endangered his com
munications, so that each day's march depleted his
already greatly diminished effective force, which, after
deducting the sick, and heavy details for garrison
duty, did not exceed sixty-five thousand men. The
number of absentees on November 15, as exhibited
by the consolidated semi-monthly report on file in
the Adjutant General's Office, exhibits something
of the condition of affairs when General Rosecrans
assumed command, to wit :
Commissioned Officers absent by authority,  1,188
Enlisted Men " " "  25,294
Total absent by authority  26,482
Commissioned Officers absent without authority,  123
Enlisted Men, ' " "  6,361
Total  6,484
Grand total, thirty-two thousand nine hundred and sixty-

48 OUTLINES OP THB CAMPAIGN.
six. Those absent without authority were deserters.
Those absent by authority embraced details and the
sick. But nearly one-fourth of the number of soldiers
belonging to the Department did not muster for duty.
It is worth while to remember this fact, because it is
often inquired. What became of the great Army oi'
the Cumberland?

ON TO NASHVILLE. 49

CHAPTER VIII.
Mounted — A Sharp Trot through Rebel Ruing — Picture of the Abom
ination of Desolation — Fire in the Forest — Copy of Blue Grass —
Bivouac Fires and Tattoo — To Board and to Blankets.
But to return to narrative. At dawn on the
morning of November 10, General Rosecrans and the
staff took passage on a special railway train at Bowl
ing Green, and were whirled swiftly to MitchellsviUe.
Horses were in waiting, and five minutes after the
cars stopped, the General, escorted by a squadron of
the Fourth Regular Cavalry under Captain Otis,
mounted and trotted briskly to the right upon a
country road connecting with the old Louisville and
Nashville turnpike. There was a distance of little
less than forty miles before him. The country was
infested by roving bands of hostile guerrillas, and the
route was rather hazardous, but it was thronged by
long transportation trains strongly guarded, which
was deemed sufficient protection. Nevertheless the
staff were cautioned to remain with the escort.
The route was interesting as the early highway of
rebellion. The first camp of instruction of the insur
gents (Camp Trousdale), was passed a mile or two
after crossing the Kentucky and Tennessee line. It
was from this point that South-Western Kentucky
was impregnated with the virus of active rebellion.
We were then trifling with Kentucky neutrality, and
covert treachery, while Simon Bolivar Buckner was
5

50 ON TO NASHVILLE.
sending the State Guard of Kentucky into this camp,
and amusing General McClellan and the Administra
tion with hypocritical professions of loyalty.
The first acre of Tennessee soil betrayed the ruth
less track of war. FaUow fields were spread out
before the vision, and the voice of the planter was
not needed to prove that the peaceful plowshare had
been transformed into the biting sword. Fences had
been absorbed in camp-fires ; the click of the old
mill wheel had ceased; broken windows and shat
tered frames stared from deserted homesteads; and
charred chimneys begrimed with smoke stains, stood
in stark solitude in the bosom of defiowered gardens
and blistered groves — ^painful monuments of rebellion
and grim pictures of its bitter fruits. Ravage and
desolation everywhere. There were no little children
gamboling on cabin thresholds. Hardly a dog barked
at the rattling cavalcade. Now and then a woe-
stricken woman peered sadly through a shivered
window-pane. Yonder, a rugged and ragged and
wretched man in butternut jeans, clinging vvith the
resolution of desperation to the last rafter of the
dear old homestead, scowled ferociously at the pass
ing strangers in his country's uniform. But, as if
deliberate purpose had not afflicted the land with fell
visitation, carelessness and chance were now aggra
vating havoc. Idle soldiers or heedless teamsters
kindling bivouac fires among the dry leaves of
autumn, had communicated flames to the forests, and
consuming conflagrations were streaming Uke whirl
winds through their brittle branches. Fences far
outside of the beaten war-path, obscure fields of corn
covered by friendly distance, dwellings, once homes

ON TO NASHVILLE. 51
of innocence and rustic joy, but pleasant homes no
more, farm tenements and standing grain, were now
licked up by the scathing fury as the sand of the
desert is swallowed by simoon. A gloomy pall of
smoke, fit emblem of the mournful pestilence which
desolated that sad land, hovered over the scotched
and blistered face of nature in dismal clouds, through
which the Southern sun, like an angry globe of fire,
but dimly scattered its enfeebled blaze — the abomin
ation of desolation, but fitting retribution for parri
cidal war.
The face of the country pretty much all the way to
Nashville is rudely rumpled. About midway it is
intersected with rugged irregular ridges spurring out
from the Cumberland Mountains, until they sink
insensibly into the lowlands of Western Tennessee.
But the surface of the whole territory is diversified
with cross ridges and bluff hills — many of them too
rude for profitable cultivation, though the intervening
valleys and the frequent plateaus are fertile and till
able lands. Compensated labor and a liberal intersper-
sion of schoolhouses would make it an attractive and
desirable country. The sword is carving throngh its
stingy barbarism toward its iildustrial miUenuium.
Ten or more miles north of NashvUle the prospect
opens into a vista of beauty and high cultivation.
You fall upon a wide wavy landscape decorated with
stately and tasteful mansions, seducing sense by pleas
ant prospects of lofty ceiUngs and spacious porches.
They are war-scarred now, but even the wrecks
report their former comeliness. Neat stone fences
which circumvaUate the rich plantations; substantial
stock and chattel tenements— both empty now; noble

52 ON TO NASHVILLE.
groves of oak and maple, casting their friendly misle
toe shadows upon rich carpetings of thick-set turf,
remind you much ofthe sumptuous Blue Grass region
of Central Kentucky ; all, the possessions of traitors
who have rushed to the tumult of war, leaving wives
and little ones behind them to Weather the withering
storm alone.
Night had ensabled the prospect long before the
cavalcade discovered the feeble glimmer of the dis
tant city. The groves and hill-sides were blazing
with cheerful bivouac fires. The merry to-bed tattoo
rataplanned cheerily in the deep valleys of the Cum
berland, and the good-night taps of great drums
rolled up their solemn diapason ere the horse-hoof-
clatter of the coming chief echoed in the dismal
streets of desolate Nashville. It was a wearisome,
dusty march, aud the smothering smoke of smolder
ing forest fires had well nigh suffocated jaded steeds
and their shattered riders. A generous feast at the
hospitable board of General McCook — and the mem
ories of the day, for the nonce, were soon buried in
the oblivion of soldiers' blankets.
The recollection of such marchings usually are
invested with a restricted interest. But the future
historian will not complain when he searches among
the dusty pages of these stirring times to find the
feeblest pictures which may illustrate the character
of his heroes. Occasions like this disenthralled the
mind of the Commanding General, and it sought
recreation in wandering over the field of thought and
speculation — nevertheless pursuing persistently the
great object of his contemplation as the helm which
governed his reflections. But he found relaxation

ON TO NASHVILLE. 53
from the tread-mUl of office. Riding along the
highway, he was careful to observe the configuration
of the country and its military characteristics, requir
ing the inscription upon the note-book of his Topo
graphical Engineer of intersecting roads, as often as
such roads rambled off into the forests along the line
of march. Habitually cheerful, in a remarkable
degree, on sueh expeditions the mercury of his spirits
rises into playfuli^ess, which develops itself in merry
familiar quips and jests with his subordinates, and
none laugh more pleasantly than he. Fine scenery
excites his poetic temperament, and he dwells elo
quently upon the picturesqueness of nature, exhibit
ing at once the keenest appreciation of the "kind
mother of us all," and the niceties of landscape art.
But the grandeur of nature more frequently car
ries his mind into the realms of reUgion, when he
is wont to burst into adoration of his Maker, or
launch into vehement and impatient rebuke of scoff
ers. All of nature to him is admonition of God.
Such is his abhorrence of infidelity, that he would
banish his best loved officers from his miUtary house
hold, should any presume to intrude it upon him. He
is wont to say he has no security for the morality of
any man who refuses to recognize the Supreme
Being. Religion is his favorite theme, and Roman
Catholicism to him is infallible. In his general dis
cussions of religion, he betrays surprising acquaint
ance with the multifarious theologies which have
vexed the world, and condemns them aU as corrup-.
tions of the true doctrines of the Mother Church.
His social conversations of this character are seldom
indulged with his cherished guest. Rev. Father Tna*)',

54 ON TO NASHVILLE.
with whom he is always en rappoH, but he is ever
ready to wage controversy with any other disputant.
But argument with him on his faith, had as well be
ended with the beginning, save for the interest with
which he invests his subject, and the ingenious skill
with which he supports it. Ambling along the high
way in a day's journey, unless some single theme of
business absorbs him, he will range through science,
art, and literature with happy freedom and ability.
You do not listen long before you are persuaded that
you hear one who aspires ambitiously beyond the
mere soldier. The originality and shrewdness of his
criticisms, the comprehensiveness of his generaliza
tions, and his erudition, assures you that you talk
with no ordinary man. Ten hours' trotting with him,
though a sore trial of flesh, is richly repaid by
instruction received, and the happy recoUections
which his companions afterward find stored in their
memories.

THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE. 55

CHAPTER IX.
CuNmNGBAM HorsE — Nashville in Military Dress — Fort Negley —
Unhappiness of the Rich — Misery of the Poor — Heartlessness of
the Master Class — A Picture of Wretchedness — The Male Popula
tion — Social Tyranny — The Unwritten Law of Female Despotism —
Non-Intercourse with Yankees — The Pass System — The Ruined
Suburbs of Nashville.
Headquarters were established in the Cunningham
mansion, a spacious and elegant edifice well adapted
to the patriotic uses to which it was appropriated.
The staff enjoyed it, but the elite of rebellious Nash
ville did not seem to appreciate their comfort. Cun
ningham was a Quartermaster in the rebel service
and a Federal Quartermaster was now occupying
the dwelling of his neighbor. Colonel Stevenson, also
a rebel Quartermaster. A little later the Provost
Marshal General was elbowed out of the Cunning
ham house, and occupied the former residence of
General Zollicoffer. Many other private and public
buUdings were also appropriated to federal uses, and
they were found quit j convenient. This will interest
the rebels hereafter, and it is desirable likewise to
designate objects of historical interest for the future
entertainment of residents of Nashville who are now
involuntarily absent.
Nashville was now a military city. It exhibited
many of the features of a conquered city which had

56 THE RIOH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE.
been recently relieved from a long investment. It was
girdled with a waist of formidable fortifications and
encircled by a zone of warlike camps. Its proud capi
tol, graceful and beautiful, upon the crown of a rocky
hill which commanded a charming prospect of splen
did suburbs, and a rich mosaic of forests and fields lin
ing the shores of the picturesque Cumberland, was a
castle frowning with great guns on its battlements
and bristling with glittering bayonets. The streets
were barricaded with cotton, and earthen parapets.
St. Cloud Hill, once the cynosure of the Rock City,
when it was decorated with stately oaks which might
have excited the pagan fervor of Druid High Priest,
was a menacing fortress grinning at traitors in the
rear and scowling at armed rebels in front. The
Casino and Fort Confiscation beyond, confirmed the
hopelessness of ^ relief to the prisoned malcontents
within their range. The tramp of hated soldiery, and
the ominous rumble of cannon wheels echoed in the
stony streets. THE RICH AND POOR.
A sad mixture of luxury and desolation excited
generous commiseration. The dwellings were fuU of
rich furniture but the markets were bare and money
scant. Once opulent families secretly sought charity
that they might live. Thousands of wretched poor
women and children existed in squalid want. Labor
was scarce and the "poor white trash" were often
too spiritless to work when offered — a fact abundantly
attested. They suffered their children to chatter with
cold, and shivered through the dreary nights of win
ter themselves, rather than cut and carry home the

THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE. 57
wood in the adjacent forest, which the authorities had
condemned for their use. And they awaited in
wretchedness and listless apathy for the tardy collec
tion and distribution of the charity tax which the
Governor levied upon the wealthy classes of traitors
for their relief. The latter were heartless, but sen
sible to the strong arm of power. The appeals of
misery among their own poor was sound to them, and
nothing but a sound. In November, a miserable ten
ement in the edge of town was burned. An emacia
ted woman dying with slow fever, was dragged out of
the fii'e by her almost equally wretched sister, and
laid helpless upon the bed in the commons. Scores
of citizens passed her with scarce a word and no deed
of sympathy. The prostrate sick woman lay there
two days with no canopy but the clouds, and the pen
niless sister stirring a little pile of smoking chips
waited for her to die. Nobody took them in. Three
federal officers dashing across the commons were hor
ror-stricken at the woe-begotten, and woe-begone
spectacle, and the sick woman and poverty-stricken
sister suffered no more. This was one visible picture
of scores like it. There were hundreds invisible to
public eyes. FEMALE DESPOTISM.
Most of the able-bodied male population had gone
to wai-. Very few fought under "the banner of
beauty and glory." Scarcely a score of hale young
men remained in the city. No matter about their
incUnation. They dared not resist rebel power where
it governed them. The women who governed the
master class scorned them if they remained at home,

58 THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE.
after the army was driven out. The social infiuence
of the domineering caste was a more relentless
tyranny than the sword. Some loyal men remained,
but for the most part the men were either very poor or
rich who exceeded the military age. These remained
to plot treason and communicate tidings to their con
federates in arms. Many families had removed far
South, but most of the women and children were left
in Nashville. The former were cold and unsocial, but
generally when necessarily thrown in contact with
federal officers theywere courteous. Often, the excep
tions occupied dubious positions in society. If other
wise, it was fair to infer that their husbands had gone
to war for the sake of peace which they were denied
at home. Occasionally there was pleasant social inter
course between the women and federal officers, but it
required unusual daring to violate the unwritten law
of female despotism. The front window shutters of
dwellings — ^which during balmy peace were wont to
be flung glaringly open habitually — ^were now as
habitually closed as if there were a funeral in every
house. There had been mourning in almost every
leading family, and there was woe in store whicli
they had not drawn. THE PASS SYSTEM.
The rebel blockade of Nashville, and the necessity
of severe military restrictions had kept marketers
fiway from the city. Even the few suppUes which
were ventured in from the country were mostly appro
priated for the military hospitals, so that there was a
sort of necessity for people to go foraging. But aU
were forbidden to pass the military lines without writ-

THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE. 59
ten permit. It was hazardous to pass any persons
because, with an exception now and then, they were
mostly self-avowed rebels. Nothing was clearer than
that a majority of them would avail themselves of all
opportunities to convey information or smuggle arti
cles contraband of war through the lines to the ene
my. Experience had taught the authorities to doubt
the veracity of all, and especially the fair portion of
community — whom men are ever willing enough to
trust. General Negley, commandant of the post, had
tested the question thoroughly and although a gal
lant man himself, he admonished the Provost Marshal
General to beware of the women — a very necessary
admonition. There was more need of it, however, at
the outposts, since soldiers all over the world, ever
susceptible to beauty, insisted that a pretty face is a
valid countersign.
But the unanimous testimony of the various com
mandants of the city, had been cast in the balance
against the women. The burthen of proof touching
their veracity was laid upon them heavily. Whatever
they may have been at the time of the first Yankee
irruption, there was no disputing now that they were
generally very courteous. But whether it was frailty
of memory, or an assurance that they were not in
honor bound to keep faith with Yankees, too many
were accustomed to violate their most sacred pledge,
so that often truthful and excellent women suffered
the consequences of the turpitude of their friends.
Many who resided in the suburbs but outside of our
lines found it necessary to visit the city, and hundreds
who resided within the lines either had good reasons
for desiring to pass outside, or feigned them. Conse-

60 THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE.
quently there was an incessant clamor for passes until
General Negley interdicted them entirely. After the
embargo was raised the demand increased, and the
General Commanding arrived at Nashville in the
midst of the pass epidemic. We have had the diag
nosis of the humor ; we shall hereafter observe the
treatment of the (im)patients.
The exquisite suburbs of Nashville, renowned all over
the Union for their tasteful elegance, were more war-
stricken than the once fair city. Splendid seats, gar
nished with all the appliances of wealth, and lustrous
with the polish of art and graces of munificent
nature, were now bleak, lonely, and ruined — sad
monuments of rebellion. Their graceful porches were
scotched by fiames, their stately columns carved and
hewn with rude inscriptions, their noble groves scat
tered in chips, and broken branches, and ashes, over
the dark green turf. The rich furniture of lordly
dwellings, their treasures of art and Uterature were
mutilated, scattered, or destroyed, and charming gar
dens were trampled in the dust. Ruin glared at you
with baleful visage. Now and then a dwelling was
dismally tenanted, but there were no external signa
of animation. You would say " somebody is dead."
The men were exiles, but lone women remained in
woeful gloom. Those palaces were more dreary than
a monastery. The fronts frowned in loneliness ; the
wide doors were sealed to the frames like the gates
of a dungeon. Scarce a glimmer of light, a furtive
gleam perhaps, sometimes flashed through the latticed
shutters and violated the shrouded sanctity of tibe
somber occupants. Those mournful women not long
ago were gay and graceful queens of briUiant salons,

THE RICH AND POOR OF NASHVILLE. 61
shedding their luster upon society whose equal in the
social art could hardly be found in all the sunny South.
They mope there now in hopeless solitude, brooding
bitterly through the weary months upon the miseries
of war, which was born of their pride, and weeping
unquenchable tears over the fall of those they loved.
So let them cherish their self-created sorrow. It is
the penalty of rebellion.

62 THE CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE.

CHAPTER X.
Administration of the Department — Civioo-Military Policj — The
Provost Marshal General — Female Diplomacy — -Persiatenee of Rebel
Women — Female Smugglers — The Petticoat System finally Adjust
ed — The Chief of Army Police — His Signal Services — Trade Mat
ters — The Non-combatant Policy.
The concentration of the army at Nashville having
been ordered. General Rosecrans directed his atten
tion to the general administration of the department
while he tediously awaited the accumulation of sup
plies. The duties of the department of the Provost
Marshal General were the most vexatious. They
involved questions of both individual and general
policy ; of trade and of political administration. Cap
tain Wm. M. Wiles, of the Twenty-Second Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, a young officer of energy and
capacity, who had discharged similar functions on the
staff of the General Commanding in Mississippi, was
announced Provost Marshal General. He was at once
involved in the meshes of rebel female diplomacy.
He had hardly eaten his first breakfast in Nashville
before he was enveloped by swarms of bewildering
beauties — some of them not so pretty — pleading,
beseeching, coaxing and plying the seductive arts of
their sex to secure permits to pass through the mili
tary lines ; or soliciting guards to protect their prem
ises against pUlagers ; or begging for safe-guards,
which would secure them against the visitation of

THE CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE. 63
foragers. During a little whUe, Wiles found play
ful gossip with sprightly women a very nice thing,
but a dozen, a score, a room full at once, sapped his
philosophy speedily ; he summarily denied all appli
cations. The pouting petitioners clamored for the
General. He was inaccessible. They lingered will
fully in the hall waiting for him to emerge from his
apartment. A cordon of pathetic women blockaded
the staircase, and fired whole volleys of touching
petitions at him. One "had a baby at home, outside
the lines. She must have a pass to return. Itwould
cry its eyes out. K it did'nt, she would." She learned
that she had no business to come inside the lines.
Another was obliged to have a pass to go to the coun
try for provisions. The General excused himself.
" It's not my business," he said, " to give but to refuse
passes." A third had a " poor sick uncle," whom she
" must see." Quoth the General, " I have a sick
uncle. When my Uncle Sam recovers from his severe
indisposition, I may consider the propriety of granting
passes to rebel women." CUNNING LADIES.
This species of vexation did not cease while head
quarters were in Nashville. A rigid rule governing
the issue of passes was established, but necessarily
there were exceptions. Sometimes two hundred
women applied in a day. A certain class of market
ers and poor people were liberally indulged. It was
indiscreet to grant a permit to any of the aspiring
classes without rigidly catechising each, and requiring
a moral guarantee against imposition. The artfulness
of some of the more accomplished women was divert-,

64 THE CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE.
ing. Such were too cunning, if not too well bred, to
offend an officer. If unsuccessful in their application
to the Provost Marshal, they devised schemes to gain
an interview with the General. They rarely failed to
see him, but they often regretted it. Army officers
interceded far them ; influential loyal citizens, whose
petitions it was not politic to refuse, became their
advocates and guarantors. Finally, a number of
women were permitted to pass to the rebel lines
under flags of truce, conditioned to return no more
within federal lines, and solemnly pledged to convey
neither military information or articles contraband of
war to the enemy. THE PETTICOAT SYSTEM.
The perfidy which has so prominently characterized
the rebels from the beginning of the war, was fre
quently exhibited by ladies whose social position
should have elevated them above the crimes of perjury
and larceny. It seemed impossible for them to resist
temptation. They were often detected in smuggling
both contraband goods and information, after having
entered into sacred obligations to respect the conditions
upon M'hich passes Were issued. They were mean
spirited enough afterward to boast that they had per-
fldiously outwitted the " Yankees." A female detec
tive entrapped one honorable dame, enveloped i,n an
enormous grey cassimere pettyskirt, which was
intended for a rebel uniform. An immense pocket,
spacious as a market basket, was crammed with qui
nine. Another was politely denuded by the female
detective, and a quantity of letters directed to rebel
officers was found under her chemise. Another, who

THB CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE 65
had a permit to remove her household goods South,
was arrested at the outposts, and escorted back to the
Army Police Office. A prodigious quantity of quinine,
blue mass, morphine, men's brogans and boots for
army use, with grey uniforms, clothing, needles,
threads, buttons, et cetera, were found concealed inside
of her feather beds. Two pairs of long-legged heavy
cavalry boots, which madam had attached to hor own
skirts, fell from their delicate hiding place, when she
sprung from her vehicle at command of the officer
who arrested her. It was shrewdly suspected that the
" Southern Ladies' Aid Society," which had a flourish
ing branch at NashviUe, was not entirely innocent in
the premises, and its members finally exhibited anx
iety to avoid the keen espionage of the Army Vidocq.
COLONEL WILLIAM TRUESDAIL.
The adjustment of the petticoat system was finally
perfected by Colonel WiUiam TruesdaU, Chief of
Army Police — an officer who has rendered most sig
nal services to the Government, but whose operations
can not be described until there shall be peace in aU
our borders. His department, though intimately
associated with the office of the Provost Marshal,
rapidly developed into the proportions of a great
bureau. He gathered about him an army of spies and
scouts, and for local administration devised a system
of surveillance, whioh pursued declared and secret
enemies into their most secluded haunts. His faculty
for acquiring satisfactory information from the enemy
was wonderful. He was accustomed to make daily
written reports to the General Commanding of the
forces, location and movements ofthe rebel army, and
6

66 THE CHIEF OP ARMY POLICE.
subsequent development established the integrity of
his inforniation. There was no species of evil affect
ing the prosperity of the campaign that escaped his
observation. Mischievous sutlers were watched ; the
trade in counterfeit confederate notes was broken up ;
smugglers were detected; Knights of the Golden
Circle in the army and out of it were circumvented;.
the Southern Ladies' Aid Society — organized to pro
mote the comfort of rebel officers — was embarrassed,;
compelled to operate more secretly, and was often
defeated in its enterprises. In short, the system was
a vast net-work, extending its meshes far and wide,
and enveloping the shrewdest conspiracies of declared
enemies or falsely-professing neutrals.
Colonel TruesdaU is remarkably adapted for this
peculiar service. He is a gentleman by nature and
hnbit, with large experience among men, and a search
ing, penetrating cast of mind, which, united with
untiring vigilance, secures him against the deceptions
which his profession requires him to exercise. He
first entered the service with General Pope, and it is
often said that " TruesdaU made Pope " — the value of
the creation being a subject not under consideration.
But there are not a few military men of sound judg
ment who entertain an opinion that if General Pope
had taken Truesdail with him to the Potomac, his
rear never would have been successfully assailed by
the enemy. In Nashville his first business was to pre
pare a directory of rebels and loyal people, which was
a valuable guide in the issue of passes. The list of
professedly innocuous persons was large. These were
regarded suspicious characters until they had proved
their fidelity. The catalogue of thoroughly loyal

THE CHIEF OP ARMY POLICE. 67
people did not occupy many sheets of foolscap, but
there was a 'surprising number of men and women
who were in favor of the " Union as it was " — the
meanest and most treacherous description of traitors,
since their cowardly energies were secretly directed
against the Government. The conspicuous rebels were
too adroit to thrust themselves upon the attention of
authority. Nevertheless they were dangerous, because
they shrewdly used the professing non-combatant
class. After a few days' experience in NashviUe,^
Truesdail adopted a bitter police maxim, which he
incessantly enjoined upon the Provost Marshal —
"Don't trust women" — a biting commentary upon
the virtue of high-toned chivalry ; the more severe,
since Colonel Truesdail himself was a Missourian, who
comprehended the infiuence of the "institution."
There were some, however, to whom the rule was not
applicable." TRADE MATTERS.
The justification of trade matters was one of the
most perplexing subjects of internal police. The
merchants who remained in business were anxious to
resume trade. Most of them were rebels. It was
ihorally certain that all of them, unless deterred by
sharp restrictions, would sell to all purchasers, regard
less of the requisitions of patriotism. The malcon
tents claimed trade privileges on the score of non-
combatancy, but they were unwilling to enter into
bonds to assure their neutrality. The loyal men
resisted the applications of this class, and resented
the encroachment of numerous speculators from
abroad. Their trade was purely local to the mUitary
occupation. They could not hope to extend it beyond

68 THE CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE.
the outposts. After consultation with Governoi!
Johnson. and prominent loyal citizens. General Ros
ecrans ordered all army sutlers out of NashviUe;
requiring them to rejoin their regiments, closed the
doors against foreign speculative enterprise, and
announced, in orders, to people of all classes, that
the government would afford them protection and
trade privUeges, conditioned that they would enter
into penal bonds, with security, and upon taking an
oath to remain non-combatants until the close of the
war. In its simplest form, it said to secessionists,
who were not disposed to take arms, " If you will
not hurt us in any way, we will not hurt you ; but
we require security for your pledges. We have the
right and the power to prevent you from injuring us,
by exiling you. We will not exercise either, if you
guarantee neutrality, and we will protect you as citi
zens entitled to certain rights." A Board of Trade,
coraposed of several loyal citizens of Nashville, was
also appointed, to whom all applications for the
importation of merchandise was referred; and upon
their written approval, permits were granted by the
Provost Marshal General.
A form of parole bond for non-combatants,
secured by two sureties, in an amount according
to the property ability of each, was issued for the
subscription of all who desired to accept the terms.
The subscriber gave his penal bond, and bound him
self by oath to " keep the peace, and afford neither
aid nor comfort to the enemies of the Government
of the United States; that he wiU be a true and
steadfast citizen of the United States, and that dur
ing the present rebeUion he wiU not go beyond the

THE .CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE. 69
lines of the federal armies, nor into any section of
the country in possession of the enemy, without per
mission of the authorities of the United States."
Whereupon he was entitled to the benefits of the
following GUARANTEES OP PROTECTION.
This is to certify, that the citizen named in the within bond,
having properly executed the same with approved surety, he
is entitled from henceforth, to the full protection and support
of the Government of the United StateSj^and which is hereby
pledged to him. All persons, military as well as civil, are
hereby commanded to respect him as a good and loyal citizen,
in the full enjoyment of his property, both real and personal.
All foraging is hereby forbidden upon his premises, unless actu
ally necessary for the support and well-being of the federal
armies, in which ease all possible care shall be exercised,
and full receipt be given by the officer in charge, which shall
be duly recognized, and the property paid for by the United
States Government. Officers in command of foraging expedi
tions will be held to the strictest accountability for the pro
tection herein guaranteed. ^
W. S. EOSECEANS,
Major General Commanding Departinent of t'he Cumberland.
ANDEEW JOHNSON,
Military Governor of the State of Tennessee.
The execution of these bonds was entrusted to
Provost Judge Fitch, who had been instrumental in
adjusting the system, and whose services in the Police
Department entitle him to honorable recognition.
The new policy embraced all persons within the mili
tary lines. Many accepted it with alacrity, especially
the middle class; but the master class resented it.

70 THE CHIEF OF ARMY POLICE.
During a few day it excited general discussion, and
was so variously misinterpreted that General Rose
crans finaUy issued the foUowing explanatory paper,
viz. : Headquarters Fourteenth Army Corps, ^
Department of the Cumberland, V
Nashville, Nov, 30, 1862. J
Questions have arisen as to the nature of the Parole Oath,
why and how far it is binding. In answering them, I shall
assume that to be true which is not so, viz. : That the South
ern Confederacy is a lawful established government. Whence
it would follow that males of Tennessee capable of bearing
arms, who are within the control of the federal lines, are law
ful subjects of that [the Confederate] Government, and liable
to be put into its army.
According to the laws of war, it is at the option ofthe Fed
eral Government to dispose of them and all their effects as it
sees fit, subject to the laws and usages of civilized nations.
If, by those laws, an invading army may depopulate a coun
try, and take captive its inhabitants, with greater reason, as a
lesser evil, it may take prisoners and confine, whenever and
wherever it may be necessary to prevent mischief, those of
them who are liable and likely to bear arms against it.
When it says to them, " Out of humanity I will not do so;
I will allow you now to follow your peaceful avocations, if you
will pledge me, and keep your promises, that you will do me
no military mischief," it is a great mitigation of its rights in
favor of humanity.
The parole of a soldier not to take up arms until lawfully
exchanged, overrides all his obligations as a citizen and his
oath of enlistment, and as a relaxation of the rigors of war is
held sacred by civilized nations.
The parole of harmless inhabitants is a still greater mitiga
tion of the rights of war, because it does more good, and he is

THB CHIEF OP ARMY POLICE. 71
under but the single obligation of Jvcitizen. For still stronger
reasons, it must therefore be held sacred by all who pretend
to civilization, or even to humanity.
Its justice is obvious. It is humane, and promotes the wel
fare of the country, whieh is for the benefit of the people, as
well as of whoever ultimately holds it.
The motto of our Government is not that of the Confed
erate Revolutionists — " Eule or Euin ; " but " Government is
instituted for the good of the people."
The end to be attained, and the justice of the means being
thus pointed out, I have only to say that the non-combatant's
oath is justly, and will be held, binding during the war ; and
those who take it, unless exchanged, like prisoners of war, will
be absolved from its obligations only when the war is ended.
W. S. EOSECRANS,
Major General Commanding.
Whatever may prove the r6Bult of this policy ulti
mately, it unquestionably had a good effect at that
time. It imparted a healthy and cheerful tone to
trade circles, and palliated the discontent of many
who were sour because they were afflicted, and had
not intelligence to attribute their grievances to the
system of social and political tyranny which forced
Tennessee into the rebeUion.

72 THE PERMANENT STAFF.

CHAPTER XI.
The Army in Front of NashriUe — Changes in Commands — Brigadier
General J. J. Reynolds — Operations of the Enemy — General
Orders — The Night-cap Ortler — The Permanent Staff — Garesche —
"Gay (;1<J Stanley " — St. Clair Morton — Other Staff Characters.
The garrison of NasL ville, constituting General
Negley's command, was reviewed by the General
Commanding on the llth of November, and the other
divisions of the army successively, as they arrived in
front of the city. Major General McCook's corps soon
took up a line on the south-eastern front of Nashville,
covering the Murfreesboro turnpike, and extending
to the right, covering the Nolensville road. Some
days later Major General Crittenden's corps arrived,
when McCook's line withdrew further to the right,
Crittenden's right flank connecting with his left, and
covering the Murfreesboro pike, his left extending
across Stone River, with Millcreek in front, and out
posts about nine miles from the city. Subsequently
the divisions of Major General Rousseau, and Briga
dier General Negley of the Center, moved to the front
and connected with McCook's right, covering the
Franklin turnpike. The other divisions of the Center
remained at Gallatin to protect communications, but
General Thomas repaired to Nashville. Meantime,
Colonel W. E. Woodruff, commanding the first
division of the Right Wing, was relieved by Brigadier

THE PERMANENT STAFF. 73
General Jeff. C. Davis, and Brigadier General R. W.
Johnson, senior officer, relieved Brigadier General J.
W. Sill of the command of the second division.
General SiU was assigned to command the first bri
gade of General Sherridan's division, and Colonel
Woodruff took command of General Davis' third
brigade. Other changes were also made. Brigadier
General Joseph J. Reynolds, who greatly distin
guished himself in Western Virginia, and who was
esteemed one of the ablest officers in the service,
reported for duty, and a division was organized for
him. The changes consequent upon the merger of
Dumont's cUvision threw Reynolds into the Center,
and he was now at Gallatin. Brigadier General J.
M. Palmer relieved Brigadier General William S.
Smith, who was in command of Nelson's famous
division, and Smith was ordered to Bowling Green to
organize a cavalry command. Brigadier General
Manson relieved Brigadier General Robert S. Granger
at Bowling Green, and the latter was ordered to
report at Nashville. Brigadier General Robert B.
Mitchell, an officer of fine ability, who had conspicu
ously distinguished himself in the battles of Wilson
Creek and Chaplin HiUs, relieved General Negley,
commandant of the post of Nashville, and the latter
went to the front.
The Une in front of Nashville described a wide
' expanded arc trending in a south-easterly direction,
girdling the city with a broad zone of fleecy camps,
which wound over the evergreen and russet hills like
a belt of snow. Millcreek, a small and sinuous stream,
with bluffy banks, and skirted with thin canebrakes,
formed a good natural fosse in front. The troops
7

74 THE PERMANENT STAFF.
rested upon a range of commanding cross ridges and
bounding hills, which upheaved the surface in great
round billows, and culminated in crests of oak and
cedar forests, which subserved the triple purposes of
landsca,pe beauty, cover for the army, and powerful
natural fortifications, THE SITUATION.
The situation Wais not yet clearly pronounced. The
enemy masked his operations carefully with a formi
dable shield of cavalry, which were untiringly vigi
lant. It was reported that Bragg was reconstructing
the railroad bridge across the Tennessee River, and
fortifying the banks of that stream, but the principal
energies of the enemy seemed to be directed to the
collection of able-bodied negroes and supplies from
the surtou.nding country, and to the enforcement of
the conscript act. Squads of refugees found their
way into our camps daUy, complaining that they were
compeUed to fly to us for protection or take up arms
against the government. They reported camps of
the enemy all the way from the Tennessee River to
Murfreesboro, and at towns on either side of the
railroad. Federal spies had not been able to ascer
tain satisfactorily whether Bragg intended to stand
north of the Tennessee, or to fall back upon Chatta
nooga. Rebel residents at NashvUle bitterly insisted
that our advance would be resisted in force in Mid
dle Tennessee, and that Nashville itself would be
attacked. But this seemed to be contradicted by the
wives of rebel officers, who betrayed anxiety to see
their friends "before they moved further south."
Altogether the attitude of the enemy was so uncer-

THE PERMANENT STAFF. 75
tain that it was concluded they would not stand north
of the Tennessee River, but would adopt the wiser
course of drawing General Rosecrans as far as possi
ble from his base.
The line which had been taken up by General
Rosecrans was thin and extended, and rather invited
the enemy to attempt the left, but they could not be
induced to try the experiment. It was credibly stated
that Kirby Smith was moving to Lebanon with a
view to striking a blow, but with the strong display
of federal force at Gallatin, it was not a hopeful
enterprise. The enemy had no foothold whatever on
the north side of the Cumberland, the cavalry divi
sion, under Colonel John Kennett, having driven
them south, while Colonel Bruce was giving Wood
ward's gangs, in south-western Kentucky, their coup
ds grace. BUSINESS.
Routine business, correspondence, the adjustment
of a new system of inspections, devised by Lieuten
ant Colonel Ducat and Captain Peterson, the organ
ization of a signal corps, by the same officers, and
innumerable items of official detail now absorbed the
time of the Commanding General and his rapidly-
increasing staff. A flood of general orders, correcting
evils which had fastened themselves upon the army,
were published and enforced. The performance of
guard duty — more difficult than any other to enforce
in volunteer armies — was rigidly required of officers.
The abuses of sutlers were corrected. General Order
No. 4, threatening disgraceful dismissal from the
service, was sharply executed upon dozens of drunken,
incompetent, or deserting officers. Cowardly soldiers

76 THE PERMANENT STAFF.
who had been disaffected, doubtless, by Knights of
the Golden Circle, and who were practically deserting
by willfully surrendering to the enemy in order to be
paroled, were menaced with an order threatening to
garnish their heads with night-caps and march them
through the streets of Northern cities in this humili
ating disguise. THE PERMANENT STAFF.
The following permanent staff was also announced,
viz. :
Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. Garesche, Assistant
Adjutant General and Chief of Staff.
Major W. H. Sidell, Fifteenth United States In
fantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant General and Chief
Mustering and Disbursing Officer.
Major C. Goddard, Senior Aiddecamp, Acting As
sistant Adjutant General.
Captain J. Bates Dickson, Assistant Adjutant
General. First- Lieutenant Henry Stone, First Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant Gen
eral. Major Ralston Skinner, Judge Advocate.
Captain Charles R. Thompson, Aiddecamp.
First Lieutenant Frank S. Bond, Tenth Connecticut
Volunteers, Aiddecamp.
Second Lieutenant Byron Kirby, Sixth United
States Infantry, Aiddecamp.
Captain Robert S. Thoms, Volunteer Aiddecamp.
Captain William D. Bickham, Volunteer Aidde
camp. Lieutenant Colonel A. C. Ducat, of IlUnois, Assist
ant Inspector General.

THE PERMANENT STAFF. 77
Captain J. C. Peterson, Fifteenth United States
Infantry, Acting Assistant Inspector General.
Captain Jambs Curtis, Fifteenth United States
Infantry, Acting Assistant Inspector General.
Lieutenant Colonel J. W. Taylor, Quartermaster's
Department, Chief Quartermaster.
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Simmons, Commissary
of Subsistence, Chief Commissary.
Surgeon Eben Swift, United States Army, Medical
Director. Surgeon  Weeds, Medical Inspector.
Captain Jambs St. Clair Morton, Corps of En
gineers, Chief Engineer.
Second Lieutenant George Burroughs, Corps of
Engineers. Second Lieutenant H. C. Wharton, Corps of En
gineers. Captain N. Michler, of Topographical Engineers,
Chief of Topographical Engineers.
First Lieutenant T. Edson, Ordnance Corps, Ordi
nance Officer.
Brigadier General D. S. Stanley, United States
Volunteers, Chief of Cavalry.
Colonel Jambs Barnett, First Ohio Artillery, Chief
of Artillery.
Captain J. H. Gilman, Nineteenth United States
Infantry, Inspector of Artillery.
Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Hepburn, Second Iowa
Cavalry, Inspector of Cavalry.
Captain W. M. Wiles, Twenty-Second Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, Provost Marshal General.
Captain Elmer Otis, Fourth United States Cavalry,
Chief of Courier Lines.

78 THE PERMANENT STAFF.
Captain J. H. Young, Fifteenth United States In
fantry, Assistant Mustering Officer.
Captain Jesse Merrill, Volunteers, Signal Officer.
The gallant and accomplished Lieutenant Colonel
Garesche reported for duty on the 14th of November,
and at once assumed position as Chief of Staff. He
was a man of remarkable character, distinguished for
the delicacy and strength of his intellect, his moral
purity, his refined and exquisitely cultured manners,
and his systematic business habits and capacity. Such
qualities, with disinterestedness and entire absence of
ostentation endeared him to all with whom he was
associated. He proved a treasure to the Commanding
General, who had long esteemed and admired him.
There was hardly a more polished and universaUy
respected officer in the regular service. He was
devoted to his profession, and his military judgment
carried conviction whenever his advice was sought.
And that which his countrymen admired most in him
was his pure and exalted patriotism. It is now
known that he joined the Fourteenth Army Corps
with the presentiment firmly fijxed in his mind that
he would fall in his first battle.
Garesche was a native of Cuba — born of French
parents. When quite young he removed to Dela
ware. He spent a few months at Georgetown CoUege
in the District of Columbia, where the brilUancy of
his intellect caused him to be regarded the most
promising student in his classes. In 1837 he entered
the MiUtary Academy at West Point, and graduated
June 30th, 1841, weU up in a numerous class, which
embraced Major Generals BueU, Schuyler Hamilton,
Reynolds, and Richardson, Brigadier Generals Lyon,

THE PERMANENT STAFF. 79
Totten, Plummer, Brannan, and others of the federal
army, who have distinguished themselves in this war.
On the 1st of July, of that year, he was commissioned
Second Lieutenant of the Fourth ArtiUery, and was
promoted to a First Lieutenancy, June 18th, 1846.
He served in the war with Mexico, on General Tay
lor's line of operations. After declaration of peace
he remained on the frontiers of Texas, about a year,
when he was recalled to Washington and was assigned
to the Adjutant General's office, with the rank of
Captain. He proved so pecuUariy competent that
he was permanently transferred to that department.
The desertion of officers of this corps to the rebels,
made room for his promotion, first to a Majority,
and later to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The
business of the office was now enormous, but as
Chief Assistant he proved himself fully equal to the
responsibilities which devolved upon him. He car
ried the same system which had characterized his
department in Washington into the Department of
the Cumberland, and he relieved the General Com
manding of vast labor which otherwise would have
oppressed him. The general orders of which he was
the author, were remarkable for their clearness and
precision. As specimens of military literature they
were unsurpassed. Until the instant of his fall upon
the battle field he was the constant and cherished per
sonal friend and adviser of his General.
GENERAL D. S. STANLEY.
The Chief of Cavalry is also a marked man, but of
another stamp. He is an active, enterprising soldier,
familiar alike with the abstract science, and the prae-

80 THE PERMANENT STAFF.
tical art of war. He stood high in the regular army
before the rebeUion, and later, by his skill and cour
age, won distinction in various severe battles. It was
his good fortune to be loved by all whom he com
manded. The soldiers had faith in his zeal and skill,
and his fiery courage inspired them with confident
enthusiam. They compared him not inaptly with
Murat, and airily applied to him the soubriquet of
"^ay old Stanley" — singing merrily at festive board
or cheerful bivouac fire
" Here's to gay old Stanley
Pass him round, pass him round."
His associates in the regular army think there are
no better field officers than Brigadier General (now
Major General) David S. Stanley, and many esteem
him the best cavalry officer in the service. He had
distinguished himself under the eye of General Rose
crans in the brillant battle of Corinth, in command
of the best division in Major General Grant's Depart
ment — a division which he had disciplined — and had
been invited by Rosecrans to his present distinguished
position. He is a native of Ohio, aged about thirty-six years.
He entered the Military Academy, at West Point, in
1848, and graduated with honor 1852 ; entering the
service as Brevet Second Lieutenant of the Second
United States Dragoons, on the 1st of July, 1852, and
at the commencement of the rebellion he ranked as
Captain. At that time his sympathies were erron
eously assumed to be with the rebeUion, because he
had come into the possession of slave property by
marriage, but he soon and decidedly silenced that

THB PERMANENT STAFF. 81
calumny. He first served with distinction in Mis
souri, and was appointed Brigadier General of Volun
teers, in consideration of his services and abilities.
He is a man of sanguine nervous temperament, of
vehement and fiery spirit, with blazing blue eyes and
a lithe figure somewhat above medium stature. Not
withstanding his disappointment he cheerfully as
sumed command of his small cavalry command, and
was not long in promoting it to a state of discipline
which made it formidable to the enemy.
JAMES ST. CLAIR MORTON.
The staff also embraced a military genius. Garesche
was a peculiar man, but St. Clair Morton, Chief of
Engineers, is a most striking character. His fertility
of resource baffies all obstacles. The mastery of his
profession was not singular, but his mastery of all
obstacles which obstruct his designs ; the domineering
confidence with which he assails difficulties in his
path, and the success which invariably crowns his
exertions are remarkable. He never admits that he
can not accompUsh an enterprise intrusted to him, but
he enters upon it, no matter how difficult, with
determined and assuring alacrity. Be sure he never
fails. Fort Negley, a star and bastion work of great
strength and beauty, which frowns upon Nashville
from the oval crown of St. Cloud Hill, will long
remain to illustrate his skiU in the legitimate line of
his profession. The moral infiuence of his cheerful
deportment innoculates aU with whom he comes in
contact. It inspires his subordinates with unconquer
able ardor and infiames a spirit of enterprise which
defies opposition. His commander and he were soon

82 THE PERMANENT STAFF.
enrappon. The former has ever delighted in the
expression of admiration for his Chief of Engineers,
and the latter — though not insensible to the partiality
of his Chief— as modest as he is worthy, betrays his
appreciation of such distinguishing praise by ever
increasing zeal for the service he loves.
Morton's 8j)irit and his person happily accord. As
one aspires so is the other imposing. The former
would assert a proud place in any arena, and his com
manding figure and striking face would win atten
tion among chosen men. In spite of the few years
against him — (he is thirty-six) — his countenance
recalls the image of
"A youth, who bore, 'mid snow and ice
A banner with the strange device."
He is a Saxon, with Norman fir-e gleaming in his strong
steadfast blue eyes, vivifying his fair, boldly chis
eled and expressive features. His long, wavy, almost
flaxen hair brushed back from his broad, compaot
brows, as if to give his faculties unobstructed play,
crowns an ensemble wlaick romance might happily bor
row for a hero. St. Clair Morton, still a Captain of
Engineers, though promised a Brigadier's commission
by the President, entered the Military Academy at
West Point, in September, 1847. On the 1st of July,
1851, he entered the service as Brevet Second Lieu
tenant in the Corps of Engineers — ^having graduated
second in a numerous and talented class.
There were no other brilliant names in the staff
when it was organized, though all subsequently won
honorable distinction. Excepting Garesche andTay-
lor, all were under fifty years of age — ^young and zeal-

THE PERMANENT STAFF. 83
OUS patriots, energetic and brainy. Lieutenant
Colonel Taylor, a native of New Tork, but now a
citizen of the great West, had established his reputa
tion as a Quartermaster in the Army of the Mississippi,
capable to administer a great department. There
was no more gallant man in the field, or a more grace-
fulgentleman in the army. The superior quaUfica
tions of the Chief Commissary have been remarked.
Colonel Barnet, Chief of Artillery, had acquired
deserved professional reputation in an active arduous
career dating from the first operations of the federal
army in Western Virginia, when at Phillippi, he fired
the first field piece which had been heard among those
mountains. He had displayed his coolness and cour
age in various fields and was regarded one of the best
volunteer artillerists in the service. Major Skinner
was a novice in military life, but he entered the
service with distinguished recommendations for large
capacity, incorruptible integrity, and enthusiastic zeal
for his country. Goddard, Wiles, and Thompson,
had each fought under the eye of the General, and
were approved good soldiers. The youthfulness
of the staff was characteristic of the General. He
ever insisted upon being surrounded by young men.
"Young men withoht experience," he said, "are bet
ter than experienced old men. Young men will learn ;
old men fixed in their habits and opinions will not
learn." In short he " liked youngsters. They are
full of snap, think rapidly and execute quickly.
They will do what I require of them."

8'4 THE ENEMY IN FRONT.

CHAPTER XII.
GovERNOB Andrew Johnson — Municipal Affairs of Nashville — The
Contraband Question — The Railroad Repaired — The Enemy Takes
up a Line in Front— His Cavalry Enterprises — Colonel John Ken
nett strikes Back — Reconnoissances and Skirmishes — The Nignt-
Cap Battalion.
Hon. Andrew Johnson, the Military Governor of
Tennessee, appeared, to the eyes of superficial
observers, to be busy enough, but it was difficult to
define his functions. His authority could not extend
beyond the military lines, which were then rather
contracted. The civil and military administration of
Tennessee, on the other hand, were so intimately
blended that it was quite impossible to separate them,
so that the responsibility of civil government really
devolved on General Rosecrans. Rebels who had busi
ness with the government declined generally to hold
intercourse with the Governor, and loyal men sought
the attention of the military chief. Excepting the
issuance of commissions to officers of Tennessee vol
unteers, and to a magistrate now and then ; the col
lection aud distribution of taxes levied upon wealthy
rebels for charitable purposes; and correspondence
with the State Department at Washington, there was
really nothing else for the Governor to do. Hon.
Hugh Smith was Mayor of Nashville, but his office
was almost a sinecure, the municipal government
being reduced to petty poUce business and the
hebdomadal meetings of Aldermen.

THB ENEMY IN FRONT. 85
The customary annoyances of the contraband ques
tion had not involved the Commander of the Depart
ment. Efforts were made to elicit his views upon
slavery in the rebel States, but he declined to embar
rass himself. He had adopted the only wise course
that an officer could safely pursue. The Proclama
tion was then a paper promise of the President.
The General replying to suggestive inquiries upon
this point was wont to say emphatically, "I am
bound to obey the orders of the government, not to
inquire why they are issued. I shall obey." He did
not hesitate to appropriate the services of the slaves
of rebels for public purposes, and he was not at all
squeamish in denouncing slavery as a vital element
of military strength, of which a wise government was
bound to take advantage. Numerous gangs of fugi
tive negroes had been already organized, and were
constructing fortifications around Nashville — and this
was a competition in the labor market against which
free white soldiers raised no objections. Indeed, they
seemed to approve it. The practice of General Rose
crans in this connection is illustrated in the following
extracts from one of his general orders, viz. :
I. Negroes may be employed and paid, in conformity with
the Act of Congress, as follows :
1. As teamsters on Quartermasters' trains, provided a suffi
cient numher of white teamsters and wagon-masters are
retained to preserve order.
2. As laborers in the Quartermaster and Engineer Depart
ments. 3. As cooks, nurses, and attendants in hospital.
i. As company cooks, two to a Company.

86 the enemy IN FRONT.
5. As officers' servants, according to number allowed by law.
Commanders of corps, divisions, brigades, and independent
posts are authorized to procure and employ negroes, as above :
1. From tliose found free and roaming at large.
2. From those belonging to masters serving in the rebel
army, or who have been employed, in any manner, in the
rebel service.
3. From those belonging to persons who, though not now
serving in the rebel cause, are disloyal, or have children or
other near relatives in the rebel army, who are benefited of
maintained by the labor of such slaves.
Lastly, when it becomes an absolute necessity, ftom among
those belonging to loyal men. In this case, a copy of the
order directing their employment, and a descriptive list of
persons so employed, shall be given to the owner, duly authen
ticated by the commanding officer of the troops in whose
service they are employed.
The Commanding General enjoins great caution in the
employment of women, in any case where it might lead to
immorality. 1 1. All persons so employed in each regiment, except those
employed as officers' servants, will be entered on Quartermas
ters' rolls as laborers or teamsters, stating their age, sex, name
of master or claimant, date of employment, and the length of
time employed ; and in the column of " remarks " will he
noted on what duty and by whom employed. Those employed
by the Engineer, Quartermaster, or Medical departments, will
be entered on their appropriate rolls. They will be provided
with clothing, to be deducted from their pay, the balance to
he paid to the person employed, unless he belongs to a loyal
master, in which case payment will be made to the master.
Every negro thus employed will receive a certificate from
his employer, setting forth the fact and nature of his employ
ment, and no male or female negro will remain in camp, or be
subsisted therein, without such certificate.

the enemy in front. 87
A few loyal persons complained of the abduction
of their slaves by the troops. General Rosecrans
promptly ordered the ejection of such from camp,
according to orders from the War Office, but refused
to exercise the power of the government to appre
hend amd deliver the fugitives.
On the 26th of November railroad communication
with Louisville was resumed. Up to this period the
army had been subsisted, and two or three days'
rations had accumulated in the public warehouses.
The railroad managers were urged to push their carry
ing capacity to the utmost. They had agreed to run
through one hundred car-loads a day, but they hardly
averaged one- fourth of that number. There was no
alternative. The drought continued, and Cumberland
River still remained at its lowest ebb.
The enemy had latterly developed strongly in our
immediate front. Bragg had taken up a line in the
rear of Stewart's Creek, nineteen miles from Nash
ville, extending from the Lebanon pike on his right
to the Franklin pike on his left. Strong lines of
cavalry videttes with heavy reserves covered his front
from Lebanon pike to a point on the left of Nolens
ville, intersecting the Murfreesboro pike eleven miles
in front of Nashville, and separated from our outposts
about two miles. Strong bodies of cavalry and
mounted infantry were posted on the flanks, and at
Lavergne and Nolensville — Morgan on the right, For
rest on the left, General Wheeler at Lavergne, Gen
eral Wharton at Nolensville. The right wing of the
enemy was then commanded by Kirby Smith, the left
by Hardee, the center by Polk. Colonel Truesdail
estimated their effective infantry force at not exceeding

88 THE enemy in front.
forty thousand men, and not long afterward reported
the completion of the railroad bridge across the Ten
nessee River. skirmishes.
In the meantime the enemy's cavalry had been
constantly harrassing our outposts. Scarcely a day
elapsed that they did not disturb our pickets with
spiteful musketry, and occasionally they flung a few
shells by way of diversion. Innumerable efforts were
made to punish them, but they uniformly fled from
attack. Our forage trains, usually guarded by a bri
gade of infantry and a section of artillery, industri
ously collected forage from the debatable belt of
territory between the camps, but they hardly gathered
a nubbin of corn without fighting for it. Several
vigorous dashes had been made at our trains from
MitchellsviUe to NashviUe, and in the course of a
fortnight we lost probably one hundred and fifty men
and a few wagons by capture. But our own expedi
tions captured as many from them. On the morning
of the 13th of November, Lieutenant Beals and his
command of twenty men from the Fourth Michigan
Cavalry were sharply picked up on Stone River by a
superior force of Morgan's troopers.
The veteran and enterprising Colonel John Kennett,
acting Chief of Cavalry until General Stanley reported
for duty, gave the enemy sharp counterstrokes in the
vicinity of Hartsville, pouncing suddenly upon large
depots, and capturing large quantities of stores, with
some men. Following up his success energetically,
he soon drove Morgan's gangs to the south side of
the Cumberland, and reported back at NashviUe for

THE ENEMY IN FRONT. 89
further orders. Lieutenant Colonel Stewart of the
Second Indiana Cavalry, also made a spirited dash in
front with five hundred men, riding down some Texas
troopers. On the 27th, Colonel Kennett made a
reconnoissance on our right front and drove a strong
body of the enemy pell mell some fifteen miles down
the Franklin pike. The same day Brigadier General
Kirk, one of the best soldiers in the volunteer army,
with part of his brigade consisting of a squadron
of the Third Indiana Cavalry under Major Kline,
Seventy-Seventh Pennsylvania, Twenty-Ninth and
Thirtieth Indiana, Thirty-Fourth and* Seventy -Ninth
Illinois Infantry, made a successful reconnoissance
against sharp resistance, and drove General Wheeler's
force out of Lavergne, where he destroyed a few
public storehouses which had been occupied by the
rebels. In that brisk little affair we had eleven
wounded, including Lieutenant Colonel Hurd of the
Thirtieth Indiana — none missing or killed. The ene
my's loss was not ascertained, but General Wheeler
was among the wounded. That afternoon Brigadier
General Sherridan also reconnoitered in front of
Nolensville, driving the enemy back to that village
without loss. Colonel Roberts, of the Forty-Second
Illinois Infantry, commanding brigade, moved out the
Charlotte pike the same evening, and surprised Cap
tain Portch and a few men of Morgan's command,
capturing the whole party with their arms, equip
ment and horses.
General Stanley had reported for duty about the
middle of November, and upon assuming command
of the cavalry organized it in two divisions, taking
the first under his own direction, and assigning the

90

THE ENEMY IN FRONT.

second to Colonel John Kennett. The latter organ
ized his command into brigades, the first consisting
of the Fourth Michigan regiment. Colonel Minty,
the Third Kentucky, Colonel Murray, Seventh Penn
sylvania, Major Wynkoop, and First Tennessee,
Colonel W. B. Stokes, which was commanded by
Colonel Minty. The second brigade, under Colonel
Lewis Zahn, consisted of the First Ohio, Colonel
Millikin, Third Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Murray,
and Fourth Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Pugh. The
Fifth Kentucky, Lieutenant Colonel Scott, was posted
in NashviUe ; the Fourth, Colonel Bayless, at Bowl
ing Green; and the First, Colonel Woolford, was
detained on scouting service in Kentucky. The
remaining regiments constituted a reserve under
General Stanley's immediate direction. General
Stanley kept the enemy agitated on the right and in
front, and Kennett was posted on the left, where he
did excellent service.
Among the encouraging little affairs of this period,
a dashing exploit by Major Hill with a squadron of
the Second Indiana met the approbation of the Chief.
The enemy had made a sudden dash across the Cum
berland near Hartsville, capturing a forage train and
some men. Hill pursued vigorously some eighteen
miles, recapturing the train and prisoners, besides
killing seme eighteen or twenty rebels. The General
Commanding promptly complimented him and his
command for their " good conduct and energy." He
regarded " this little affair as very creditable to the
cavalry." The night-cap order of the General Commanding
had been regarded as a humorous menace. On the

THE ENEMY IN FRONT. 91
28th of November, however, all doubts upon the sub
ject were settled. Fifty straggling cowards who had
voluntarily surrendered to the enemy without resist
ance and had been paroled, were crowned with white
cotton night-caps of a ridiculous pattern and deco
rated with fiery red trimmings. In this humiliating
plight they were paraded grotesquely through Nash
viUe with fifes and drums to the tune of Rogue's
March, and were then forwarded to a camp for paroled
prisoners in Indiana. The example was severe but
salutary.

92 THE HARTSVILLE DISASTER.

CHAPTER XIII.
MoKAL Influence of Success — The Hartsville Disgrace — Colonel John
Morgan Surprises and Captures a Federal Brigade — The Fight —
Vain Gallantry of the Soldiers — Imbecility of the Commander —
Casualties. Brisk and successful skirmishes occurring frequently
had a happy effect. The cavalry especially, begun to
exhibit encouraging confidence in themselves. The
enemy, who had professed contempt for "Yankee
cavalry," were exhibiting wholesome dread of it.
General Stanley vainly endeavored to coax an equal
fight out of them. Their unsleeping vigilance foiled
him. But they watched their opportunity to strike
unguarded points. On Sunday morning, the 7th of
December, they found one, and struck successfully at
Hartsville. The blow was squarely in the face of the
army. Brigadier General Dumont's division was posted at
CastiUian Springs, in front of Gallatin. Complying
with orders, he had thrown forward a brigade some
eight or nine miles to Hartsville, to guard a ford at
that point, and to observe the Lebanon road. Under
direction of General Thomas, they took up a strong
position upon high ground, which, by good manage
ment and strong fighting, it was presumed they
could hold against a division. They were at first
comraanded by Colonel J. R. Scott, of the valiant
Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, but he was subsequently

THE HARTSVILLE DISASTER. 96
reUeved by Colonel A. B. Moore, of the One Hundred
and Fourth IlUnois Infantry, an officer without experi
ence, and, itwould seem, without moral determination.
His brigade consisted of raw levies — the One Hundred
and Fourth lUinois, the One Hundred and Sixth and
One Hundred and Eighth Ohio Volunteers, together
with a section of Knicklin's Indiana Battery, and three
hundred men of the Second Indiana Cavalry, under
Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, constituted a force of
nineteen hundred and eighty-four men. The second
brigade, under Colonel Harlan, and the Fortieth,
under Colonel Miller, were at CastiUian Springs,
¦within good supporting distance.
THE WARNING.
Notwithstanding the repeated injunctions of Gen
eral Thomas, to look well to his picket guards, the
rebel Morgan, with a force of about fifteen hundred
mounted infantry, surprised Moore at sunrise on the
7th of December, and captured him with fifteen hund
red and five men, and most of their officers, together
with their two field pieces, a large portion of their
arms, equipment, ammunition, and transportation. It
was a most shameful affair, without palliation. The
skirmishing, combat, rout, and pursuit occupied less
than an hour and a half. The cavalry was not effi
cient, the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio did some good
fighting, and the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois
acquitted itself gallantly. Knicklin's guns were also well
handled. There was no reason, but the incompetency
of the commander, why the rebels were not destroyed
or captured. It was subsequently ascertained that
Colonel Moore had been twice warned that he would

94 THE HARTSVILLE DISASTER.
be attacked on the 7th. A slave who had overheard
his master — who was a member of Morgan's com
mand — confide to his wife that the attack was con
templated, waded the Cumberland River after night,
on the 4th, and notified Captain Lewis and Captain
Bertassy of the contemplated surprise. They
reported it to Colonel Moore, who dismissed the
information with contemptuous indifference. On
the night of the 6th, the same negro again crossed
the river and notified Captain Lewis that the enemy
were encamped within four miles of Hartsville, and
would attack at daybreak next morning. The officer
of the day and the Colonel Commanding, were
promptly notified, but the warning was again un
heeded. SURPRISE OF THE GARRISON AT HARTSVILLE.
At sunrise Sunday morning, notice of the approach
of the enemy in the rear was suddenly given by one
of the camp guards, who discovered the gray jackets
moving down the declivity of an opposite hill. His
shout, "The rebels are coming!" was the ffrst admo
nition the camp received. The posting of pickets on
that side had been neglected. Captain Good, a brave
officer, of the One Hundred and Eighth Ohio, swiftly
moved, upon his own responsibility, to the right front
with a company of skirmishers, and opened a sharp
fire. The enemy, surprised at the hitherto quiet
deportment of the camp, suspected stratagem, and
were cautious in their approach. Time enough to
form his line advantageously was thus afforded
Colonel Moore, but he was too confused to take
advantage of it. At the suggestion of Colonel Tafel

THE HARTSVILLE DISASTER. 95
of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, he occupied the
crown of a bold bald hill to the right of the camps.
The troops flung themselves along the crest and stood
there silently, waiting orders, while the enemy were
raoving deUberately in column of fours down the
declivity of the opposite bill, to form in the ravine
which separated the hostile forces. Nobody seemed
to think of the propriety of sending to CastiUian
Springs for reinforcements, but the enemy having
approached in the rear, and clouds of mounted skir
mishers beginning already to harrass Moore's flanks,
efforts to send for aid probably would have been
defeated. Nevertheless a prudent officer would have
tried the experiment.
After descending into the hollow the rebels dis
mounted, moved forward in compact line, and under
a scattering and ineflective flre from Moore's line,
gained cover behind a fence at the foot of the hill
below our troops. Moore's line was now thoroughly
exposed, while the enemy fought with comparative
security, and so effectively that our men soon begun
to give way. Moore seemed thoroughly disconcerted,
and it was clear that unless his troops fought their own
way through the difficulty they would be hopelessly
defeated. The Illinois troops and the One Hundred
and Sixth Ohio stood up to the work fairly, the former
especially, but the One Hundred and Eighth, indiffer
ently officered, was the first to break and fall back. The
field pieces, meantime, had opened from their park
and were making some noise. Oue of them was soon
brought to the center, and at the first fire exploded a
rebel caisson. Colonel Moore now ordered the whole
line to fall back to the rear of the gun, leaving it

96 THS HARTSVILLE DISASTER.
exposed to the enemy. In a few minutes its horses
and many of its men were picked off by sharp-shoot
ers, and it was dragged to the rear of the camps, tak
ing position on a rocky hill, where the other gun was
playing upon the rebel reserves on the opposite side
of the river.
Moore's liue, already badly confused, was ordered to
fall back to the guns — a movement which was exe
cuted with more haste than skill. Colonel Tafel was
cjirrying his regiment off on the right, on a skirt of
timber, when the enemy made his appearance on his
flank in strong force. Tafel engaged immediately,
,and a sharp flght ensued. The One Hundred and Sixth
fought and fell back gradually, while the other regi
ments reformed on the hiU. The rebels, however,
flnally pushed into the camps of the One Hundred and
Fourth Illinois and One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, which
compelled Tafel to retire to the main body. Before
he reached that point, Colonel Moore surrendered.
Squads of rebels dashed up toward Tafel's regiment
and were fired on, but discovering that he was nearly
surrounded, and that three-fourths of the command
had been surrendered, Tafel at length succumbed.
Captain Good and his skirmishers were still ignorant
of the extent of the misfortune, and sustained a lively
fight in the rear of the right flank, to prevent a
squadron of cavalry from breaking into the camps.
When notifled of the condition of affairs, his gaUant
corapany scattered in the forests, and many saved
themselves. After surrendering his sword. Captain
Good himself managed to elude his captors and
escaped.

THE HARTSVILLE DISASTER. 97
MORGAN RETREATS,
Morgan, fully aware that fugitives would soon
report at CastiUian Springs, discovered necessity for
haste. Gathering the cream of the spoils as rapidly
as possible, he drove the captives across the river and
moved swiftly in retreat. Before his rear guard had
gotten out of the way. Colonel Harlan came up with
his brigade, and enjoyed the melancholy satisfaction
of flinging a few shells into the successful fugitives.
The rebels had a right to be proud of their achieve
ment, but it would have cost them dearly had Scott
been in command of the post.
Our loss iu this disgraceful affair, was fifty-five
killed and one hundred wounded. The casualties of
the enemy were about equal — the Second and Ninth
Kentucky rebel regiments alone being sixty-four.
Colonel Moore and the field officers of the three reg
iments of infantry, and Lieutenant Colonel Stewart,
of the Second Indiana Cavalry, together with most of
the line officers of the brigade, were captured. Major
Hill, of the latter regiment, escaped after receiving a
severe wound. Lieutenant W. Y. Gholson, Acting
Assistant Adjutant General of the brigade, a young
officer of siiperior merit, was killed while gallantly
discharging his duty in the heat of conflict

98 VIOLATING FLAGS OF TRUCE.

CHAPTER XIV.
Official Intercourse between General Rosecrans and General Bragg —
Au Effort to Meliorate the SeTerities of War — Mutual Reproaches —
Violation of a Flag of Truce and Bragg's Apology — A Repetition
of the Outrage under more Exasperating Circumstances — Corre
spondence finally Ended by General Rosecrans.
Prior to the 20th of November, intercourse between
the Commanding Generals of the respective armies.
had been frequent. A high-toned courtesy generaUy
had been observed. Flags of truce were interchanged
almost daily. An effort was made by both General
Rosecrans and General Bragg to moUify the asperi
ties of war, and confine the exercise of martial power
to its legitimate sphere. General Bragg complained
of the ill treatment of certain of his cavalry who
had been captured. After it was understood that he
refused to acknowledge guerrillas as entitled to the
rights of war, and upon his explanation that his
recognized forces had all been mustered into rebel
service as soldiers, the two leaders endeavored to
adjust a system for the relief of non-combatants
from arrest and imprisonment. General Rosecrans
expressed his abhorrence of the practice of "harass
ing and arresting non-combatants, who are strictly
so." He said, " I never authorize or permit the arrest
of such persons unless there is a prima facie case of a
forfeiture of their claims to non-combatants, by acts
bearing the character of military mischief. * * *

VIOLATING FLAGS OF TRUCE. 99
PiUage, wanton destruction of private property, is
strictly prohibited, and rigorously punished whenever
detected. The burning of houses is only justified
when they have been used as little fortifications."
General Bragg concurred, but did not find it conveni
ent to practice accordingly.
ROBBING UNION PRISONERS OF WAR.
The rebels continued to outrage the laws of waj* so
grossly that General Rosecrans protested indignantly,
sometimes provoking harsh replies. But as long as
intercourse was maintained he continued to reproach
the' enemy with military crimes. Among others, their
practice of plundering surgeons and other captives
was most aggravating. A federal surgeon at Harts
ville was robbed while he was dressing a wounded
rebel. The Hartsville prisoners were deprived of part
of their overcoats on the field of battle, and of the
remainder by General Wheeler's order at Lavergne.
The same evening they were marched to our outposts
without previous notice to General Rosecrans, and
oftered in exchange — arriving in our front at night
fall. General Rosecrans indignantly protested against it
as a violation of the cartel for the exchange of prison
ers which had been negotiated by the United States
and rebel authorities. It had been agreed that all
exchanges should take place at Aiken's landing, or
Vicksburg, or some other place " to be previously
agreed upon." Bragg's policy was transparent. He
de~8ired to avoid the expense and trouble of forwarding
the prisoners to either of the foregoing places, aud to
impose corresponding cost and annoyance upon Gen-

100 VIOLATING FLAGS OF TRUCE.
eral Rosecrans. The sentiments of the latter were
sharply expressed in the following note, which was
forwarded immediately to the rebel general by flag of
truce :

Headquarters Department oe the Cumberland,
Nashville, December 11, 1862.

}

General Braxton Bragg:
General — Your letter, enclosing list of prisoners captured
at Hartsville and paroled by you, has been received. It is
reported to me that the flag of truce presented itself about
dark and during a skirmish. As it will be impossible to verify
the roll of prisoners to-night, or say anything of their con
dition, I have directed the prisoners to be receipted for, until
the rolls can be verified, when they will be returned duly
receipted. We take care of your prisoners, feed them, make
them comfortable, and conduct them to the proper place of
exchange. Ours were sufficiently clad, and I think ought to
have been treated in a similar manner. Sending these prison
ers here and imposing them on my humanity without a
previous agreement is a violation of the spirit and letter of the
cartel. I regret to notice this act of injustice and discourtesy,
which is aggravated by their not being sent to us at a proper
hour of the day, when all the business could have been con
ducted without inconvenience to either party. Paroled prison
ers hereafter will only be received in accordance with the terms
of the cartel.
I have the honor to be, General,
Yours, respectfully,
W. S. EOSECEANS,
Major General Commandi'ag,,
General Bragg attempted to wriggle himself out of
thc responsibility by virtuously assuming that he was

VIOLATING FLAGS OP TRUCE. 101
moved by sentiments of enlightened humanity — con
veniently forgetting how inhuman it was to rob the
prisoners of their clothing. General Rosecrans determ
ining to fix the mean record against him, responded
to his paltry excuse in the following strain :
Headquarters Fourteenth Army Corps, "j
Department of the Cumberland, V
NashviUe, December 11, 1862. j
General Braxton Bragg:
General — Your letter, enclosing list of prisoners eaptured
at Hartsville and paroled by you, has been received. It is
reported to me that the flag of truce presented itself about
dark and during a skirmish.
The offieer who conducted them to our lines insisted upon
our receiving them, as I am informed, " upon the ground of
humanity." We take care of your prisoners, feed them, make
them as comfortable as we can, and conduct them to the proper
place of exchange. That is our idea of humanity. Our pris
oners were sufficiently clad when taken, and I think ought to
have been similarly treated. Whether your idea of humanity
consists in robbing them of their blankets and overcoats I
know not, but such, they assure me, was the treatment they
received from your troops.
Without entering further into that question, however, I
must be permitted to observe that to send these prisoners to
my lines without any previous agreement with me to receive
them, is a violation both of the letter and spirit of the cartel.
I regret to notiee that this act of injustice and discourtesy,
which is aggravated by the fact of their not being sent to us
at a proper hour of the day, when all the business could have
been transacted without inconvenience to either party.
Paroled prisoners will hereafter only be received by me in
accordance with the terms of the cartel. Herewith you will

102 violating flags of truce.
please receive receipts for the prisoners taken at Hartsville,
conformed to the lists of them forwarded by you. Although
purporting apparently to be original, these lists are evidently
mere copies — not attested by the signature of any officer of.
either army. As it regards the third list sent by you, inas
much as it contains the names of persons of whom I know
nothing, it is impossible for me to say or do anything.
Very respectfully. Your obedient servant,
W. S. EOSECEANS,
Major General Commanding.
" Upon the ground of humanity " was the identical
expression used by General Bragg in his letter, but he
subsequently said no special grounds for sending them
to our lines was cited.
violation of flags of truce.
Throughout the correspondence Bragg had exhib
ited exasperating insincerity. And the spirit which
animated him was illustrated by the evident care
taken by him to pubUsh his letters to General Rose
crans in the rebel newspapers. He was "firing the
Southern heart," not seeking justice. His communi
cations breathed that spirit of "high toned" assump
tion which will cause the Southern character to blaze
in history with ridiculous glare. The element of
truth was rarely a constituent. Truth itself crept in
by mnemonical oversight. The abuse finally cor
rected itself rather abruptly. A detachment of his
cavalry one day took advantage of a federal flag of
truce, which was being entertained at his lines, to
capture a post of three videttes, on the Murfreesboro
pike. After a sharp correspondence, in which Bragg

violating flags op truce. 103
was evasive, he finally surrendered the prisoners,
together with their horses and equipments — except
ing their overcoats, of which they had been robbed
by rebel troops^-apologizing for the violation of the
flag, but offering no excuse for pillaging the soldiers
so wrongfully captured.
But on the 15th of November the flag of truce
business received a paralytic shock. Bragg sent a
flag to our lines, and while a detachment of some
sixty of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under Captain
Able, was entertaining the rebel flag officer at the
outposts, a detachment of one hundred and fifty rebel
horsemen suddenly charged upon the federal party,
killed a half dozen, captured the remainder, and rode
off with Bragg's flag officer. General Rosecrans
immediately forwarded a formal demand to Bragg for
an apology and the restitution of the prisoners, with
their horses and equipments. He complained to
Bragg that " another outrage of the grossest charac
ter has been perpetrated by your troops, in the pres
ence of your own ' flag,' commanded by a liieutenant
Colonel in your service, who was courteously received.
I can not beUeve you had authorized, or will permit to
go unpunished or without prompt reparation such
-barbarous conduct — conduct hardly paraUeled by
savages. You can not restore life to my men who
have been inhumanly murdered, but I shall leave to
your own head and heart to devise such a reparation
as is demanded by your own honor, and the honor of
our common humanity."
It was a prima facie case, but Bragg evaded and
finally sought to justify the outrage. General Rose
crans at once threatened to suspend further inter-

104 violating flags of truce.
course, writing that "after your (Bragg's) non-con
demnation of the behavior of your men on a preced
ing occasion, under similar circumstances, and the
return of three men thus captured — albeit minus
overcoats and holsters, I will only most respectfully
quote your own phrase. 'Words will not suffice — we
must have deeds.' In short, my dear General, the
sine qua non to our future correspondence or official
intercourse is the prompt return of those men, with
all their clothes, arms, and equipments. When you
speak by such deeds of simple justice, I shall be able
to understand you." Bragg had returned three men
who had been wrongfully captured. Fifty were too
great a temptation for his high toned virtue. He
replied, at length, that having fully investigated the
matter, he concluded not only that the action was
fully warranted, but that General Rosecrans owed
him an apology for the capture and detention of his
flag twenty-four hours — both false pleas. General
Rosecrans flnally closed official intercourse with his
perfldious enemy, in a sharp and comprehensive
resume of the transaction.
He was "utterly amazed" at Bragg's impudent
assertion that his flag had been detained. The rebel
flag officer. Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins, had
expressed his satisfaction with the generous cour
tesy with which he had been entertained. Hawkins
was borne away by the rebel party who had shame
fully violated the flag, " and did not," said General
Rosecrans, "present timself again until next morn
ing. The only detention of your flag that occurred
took place the next day, when, having been dismissed,
Hawkins halted by the way to feed his horse within

violating flags of truce. 105
two miles of our outposts, and that even this deten
tion was but about half an hour, and was apologised
for. It thus appearing that the statements contained
in your letter, as to the occurrences connected with
your flag, and the outrages perpetrated in its presence,
utterly at variance with the actual facts reported to
me by my officers, of the truth of which I have not
the shadow of a doubt, have only to say, with pro
found disappointment and regret, that the sources of
your information, or your own views, are such that
until you shall redress that outrage, by returning my
men, with everything they had when taken, so far as
is possible, I shall not be able to hold any further offi
cial intercourse with you. Indeed, you render it
impracticable, because I can not trust your messen
gers, or the statements made by them of occurrences
patent as the sun. No flag will, therefore, be received
from you, except the one conveying that reparation,
or the statement that circumstances beyond your con
trol render it impossible."
While this controversy was pending, Jeff. Davis,
President of the Confederate States, arrived at Mur
freesboro. It is fair to infer that he approved Bragg's
perfldy. It is proper to observe, in this connection,
that after the visit of President Davis in Tennessee,
Bragg exhibited a more decided determination to
resist the advance of the federal army.

106 brilliant exploits.

CHAPTER XV.
The Hartsville Affair Retrieved — BrilUant Repulse of the Enemy by
Matthews' Brigade — Successful Foraging — Gallantry of the Sol
diers — Good Conduct Publicly Approved by the General — A Bril
liant Cavalry Exploit — General D. S. Stanley Routs the Rebels and
Captures Franklin — Spirit of the Men.
On the 9th of December the Hartsville disgrace was
partiaUy retrieved. A strong force of mounted rebel
infantry and cavalry, with artillery, under Brigadier
General Wheeler, attacked a brigade of infantry
under Acting Brigadier General Stanley Matthews, of
the Fifty-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, after
two sharp combats, were severely repulsed. Colonel
Matthews moved into the debatable strip between the
two lines with a large foraging train. His force con
sisted of the Fifty-First Ohio, Thirty-Fifth Indiana,
the Eighth and Twenty-First Kentucky Infantry, and
a section of Swallow's Seventh Indiana Battery.
Diverging from the Murfreesboro pike, and striking
to the left, he crossed Millcreek at Dobbin's Ferry,
leaving a sergeant and ten men of the Twenty-First
Kentucky to guard the rear. The Kentucky regi
ments, with skirmishers well out, were formed in
front, the other two regiments loading the wagons
and protecting the rear. THE COMBAT.
The train was finally filled, and was about counter
marching, when a smart rattle of musketry at the ford

brilliant EXPLOITS. 107
indicated an attack in the rear. Colonel Matthews
immediately double-quicked the Fifty-First Ohio and
Thirty-Fifth Indiana to the ford, arriving to the
assistance of the gallant Uttle picket guard in time
to save them. The enemy were already charging
through the woods. Matthews' inferior force was
quickly deployed, and opened a sharp flre, which at
once checked the rebels. Following up this success
promptly, the gallant Buckeyes and Hoosiers speedily
drove the enemy to cover, and finally compelled them
to retire out of range.
The train had moved up during the combat. The
situation was critical. Colonel Matthews anticipated
another attack by increased numbers, and it was
doubtful whether the train could be saved ; but he
determined to make the effort. The Kentucky troops
were directed to protect the rear, while the Ohio and
Indiana regiments took the advance, skirmishers
being thrown out well on all sides. The spirited
little force, now flushed by success, pushed home
ward briskly, but anticipating attack. They had
moved but a short distance when the pickets in the
rear gave the alarm. The enemy pressed forward
eagerly, evidently contemplating a charge, Wheeler
himself was urging them by voice and example.
The Kentuckians waited patiently until the enemy
approached within direct range, and then gave them
a volley which caused them to recoil.
They recovered in a moment, and again advanced,
but less eagerly than before. The flght became gen
eral and sharp. Wheeler tried to press Matthews'
flanks, but was driven back. Another strong effort
was made to break the line, but being foiled, the

108 BRILLIANT EXPLOITS.
rebels slacked fire, and in a short time disappeared
altogether, leaving Colonel Matthews master of the
field, though severely bruised by a fall from hia
horse. The brigade marched home triumphantly,
and received the plaudits of the army for its brilliant
conduct. Our loss was Adjutant B. R. Muller, of the
Thirty-Fifth Indiana, and four enlisted men kUled;
two commissioned officers, including Lieutenant Col
onel Balfe, and thirty-three enlisted men wounded,
and four missing. The rebel newspapers announced
that their casualties were one hundred. We captured
but one prisoner. The skillful management and
gallant bearing of Colonel Matthews was generously
applauded by the General Commanding.
SPECIAL HONORABLE MENTION.
The conduct of the troops was scanned with inter
est because it was the beginning of the campaign,
and it was desirable to measure the reliability of the
army. Colonel Matthews reported that every man in
the command behaved himself handsomely, and upon
his official recommendation. General Rosecrans pub
lished a field order, of which the following is a copy,
commending the heroism of the brave sergeant and
ten men who held Dobbin's Ford so stoutly, viz. :
SPECIAL FIELD ORDER.
The General Commanding takes this method of compli
menting the following non-commissioned officers and privates
of the Twenty-First Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, for theif
gallant conduct in the skirmish near Dobbin's Ford, on the
9th inst. :
Sergeant J. F. Morton, Co. F, commanding squad.

BRILLIANT EXPLOITS, 109
Corporal Henry Stahel, Co. A.
" J. P. Hagan, Co. F.
Private Geo. P. Montjoy, Co. A.
" Cassius Kiger, Co. A.
" Edward Welch, Co. A.
" Wm. Murphy, Co. A.
" E. B. Clusin, Co. F.
" W. W. Oliver, Co. F.
" Jno. Morton, Co. F.
« B. S. Jones, Co. F.
By command of
MAJOE GENEEAL EOSECEANS,
J. Bates Dickson, Captain and A. A. General.
Such prompt recognition of good conduct in battle
has vast influence upon the morale of an army. It is
to be regretted that all commanders and the govern
ment have not yet learned to attach sufficient import
ance to the value of rewards to the brave soldiers of
the Republic.
GENERAL Stanley's spirited dash on franklin.
The revolving rifles were received four or five
weeks after they were ordered. General Stanley
distributed them immediately among his most reli
able cavalry troops. The Fourth Ohio Cavalry,
which was one of the best regiments in the fleld, was
now properly armed for the flrst time since it had
entered the army. Other regiments which had been
neglected were also improved by the new arm. The
men evinced anxiety to practice their five-shooters on
the rebels. Stanley, nothing loth, proposed to gratify
them. Massing a considerable force on the llth of
December, he pushed down the Franklin road for the

110 brilliant exploits.
purpose of making a reconnoissance and to surprise
the rebel garrison at Franklin.
Soon after passing the outposts the twang of a car
bine advertised the presence of the enemy. The
advance guard pressed up keenly and evoked a sharp
volley from a line of horsemen in a thicket. Dashing'
furiously forward a regiment of Wharton's Texas
riders were driven out of their nests and scurried
over the hills, our fellows after them at a slashing
pace. It was an exciting hurdle race, over rocks and
ridges, hedges and fences, while a merry ping of rifles
and carbines rang through the woods in every direc
tion. It was now rifle and spur; on, Stanley, on;
run, rebels, run ; until the last gray-back disappeared
in the jungle. The bugles sang truce for the nonce,
and the blue jacket clans gathered in to breathe a
little. Pushing out his scouts right and left, Stanley was
not long in beating up more game. Again it was
rifle and spur, and rattle of small arms, but the enemy
refused to await the shock. The whole day was thus
galloped away, Stanley losing not a man, the rebels
keeping clean out of revolver range. At nightfall
Stanley had chased the enemy beyond Triune,
destroyed two camps, and had captured some pris
oners and horses. The men were jaded, but flushed
with success. THE SURPRISE FOILED.
The command was now about west of, and only seven
miles from Murfreesboro. There was a strong rebel
force at NolensvUle in front of them, the main body
of Bragg's army was at Murfreesboro, and Buckner's

BRILLIANT EXPLOITS. Ill
division was behind them. Nevertheless Stanley
determined to make a dash at Franklin. Accord
ingly the horses were fed, and the men rolled up in
their blankets for a few hours' slumber. Unfor
tunately an hour or two before the time appointed to
move a prowling rebel drew an ineffective shot from
one of Stanley's videttes, a Tennessee sergeant. He
returned the flre with fatal effect. Not long after
ward another picket firing alarmed the rebels at
Franklin so that a surprise was out of the question.
Determined not to be balked, Stanley prepared to
move upon FrankUn at all hazards, but he now waited
until broad daylight. Gathering his force in hand,
he advanced cautiously upon the town, drove in the
rebel pickets, and then shot out the head of his col
umn directly at the main street. The rebels fled to
the houses and opened a brisk flre, but the Seventh
Pennsylvania Cavalry under Major Wynkoop, charged
into them, and drove them pell mell into the country.
Stanley lost not a man. The enemy left a Captain
and four privates dead in Franklin, and ten severely
wounded, besides fifteen or twenty prisoners who
were cut off". General Stanley occupied the town an
hour or two, destroyed a valuable flouring mill, cap
tured a considerable number of horses, and returned
to receive the congratulations of the General Com
manding for his spirit and enterprise. The conduct
of the troops, especially that of the Seventh Penn
sylvania and Fourth Ohio, was spirited and daring.
The reconnoissance was perfectly successful. It had
been reported that the enemy was shifting his forces
to turn our right. General Stanley ascertained that
no demonstrations of the kind were making.

112 SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE.

CHAPTER XVI.
The " Grapevine " Telegraph — A Southern Institution — Fabrication
of False Intelligenoe — Southern Ladies' Aid Society — Its Policy —
Social Life in Nashville — The Slaves and the Proclamation — The
Year of Jubilee — -The Slaveholders — Church-Going — Army Chap
lains — Their Fidelity and Devotion.
The false reports touching rebel movements, which
incessantly circulated in NashviUe, br'igs us to the
consideration of the " grapevine telegraph " — a pecu
liar institution of rebel generation, devised for the
duplex purpose of " firing the Southern heart," and
to annoy the " Yankees." It is worthy of attention,
as one of the signs of the times, expressing the spirit
of lying which war engenders. But it is no more
than just to say that there is often so little difference
between the "grapevine" and the associated press
telegraph, that they might as well be identical. But
the " grapevine " was the favorite institution of
Nashville — a purely Southern invention — furnishing
entertainment, it was said — slanderously, no doubt —
to gossipy females, who preferred the manipulation
of this enchanting instrument to the less dainty
exercise of their sewing machines — no, not sewing
machines; labor-saving inventions are not apt to
cross the Mason and Dixie line.
A PANDORA BOX.
A daily dish of alarming reports was served for
Yankee entertainment by the inventive newsmongers.

SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE. 113
Kirby Smith was moving here to-day; Hardee there
to-morrow ; Bragg had received great reinforcements ;
Grant was defeated, and so on for quantity. Inquiry
for " grapevine " intelligence was as customary as sun
set, and the soUcitor of exciting reports was seldom
disappointed. Any thorough-bred rebel was ever
ready to open his budget on application, and it was
usually a pandora of tidings evil to federal ears. An
effort to devise a counter-irritation signally failed.
The " Yankees," renowned the world over for their
acuteness, were no match for the rebels in this species
of invention. But it was extremely diverting to the
malcontents, whose, resources of enjoyment had been
quite thoroughly excised.
BACK-PARLOR PROCEEDINGS.
The fabrication of false inteUigence and smuggling
goods contraband of war, was almost an absorbing
business with the master-class of the Rock City. For
a considerable period they enjoyed secret facilities of
communication with the rebel camps, which puzzled
even the ingenuity of Truesdail to detect. They
received and forwarded letters constantly, and rebel
newspapers were circulated by them when even our
best spies failed to procure them. Meetings of men
and women were held surreptitiously in dark back-
parlors, where plans were concocted for the relief of
their friends in the army. Women took the lead.
They were best calculated to manage the Yankees.
They were accomplished and beautiful. The Yan
kees were courteous and susceptible to women, but
rough-handed with masculine rebels. This was the
, view the Southern Ladies' Aid Society took of it.
10

114 SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE.
They condemned discourtesy to the federals. It
was not good policy — certainly not lady-like. They
" hated the Yankees," but it was wise to dissemble.
These amiable conspiratrices were very adroit, aud
plied their cunning arts seductively. The leaders did
not demonstrate themselves overtly. Their schemes
were deeply masked under the innocent prattle of
pathetic ladies who were " tired of the war," and
anxious for " peace on any terms." Now and then a
high-spirited dame of the "blue blood," permitted
her temper to betray her ; but such ebullitions were
dangerous under the shadow of Truesdail. And yet
they treated him with distinguished courtesy. He
" was so kind." SOCIAL FEATURES OF NASHVILLE.
Aside from those nocturnal seances, there was but
little social enjoyment in Nashville. There were not
gentlemen enough to make society, and truly there
was a skeleton in every house — in every heart. The
women got together to kiss each other, to cry together,
to devise schemes to ameliorate the condition of their
husbands, brothers, and so forth, but their glee was
more mournful than their sorrow. A patriot could
admire their constancy and courage, while he pitied
their folly and condemned their malign influence.
But God hardened Pharaoh's heart.
Public entertainment there was none. The theater
was open, truly, but the drama was public tragedy —
drums, banners, bayonets, cannon, a hearse rumbling
a dirge over rude streets, at a dead rebel's funeral.
Female forms on the stage were more attractive than
the manager's programme. A lady in the proscenium

SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE. 115
boxes was a better card than a star glimmering at the
foot-lights. Three-fourths of the audience were sol
diers and officers — staff and commanders in stage-
boxes, applauding to the echo, because there was now
and then a spectral similitude of something they had
seen when there was no popular frenzy. Here and
there a garabling den, but few gamblers. They were
mostly flghting under the bars sinister, and the absence
of the paymaster from the federal army caused stag
nation in the " chip " market. A few loyal residents,
and the wives of Union officers, devised trifling schemes
of enjoyraent, . but the baleful shadow of war inter
posed. The next battle might transmute ball costume
iuto bombazine. THE SLAVES AND TUB PROCLAMATION.
The only jocund people were the negroes, and their's
was pathetic joy. There was a cloud of doubt shad
ing their happiness. Would their year of jubilee ever
dawn ? The raodified proclamation was a death-war
rant to them, and hope scarcely promised a reprieve.
The shadow on the hearts of those creatures was
darker tban the skin which God gave them. More
than anywhere else in the land of white and black
bondage, the slaves of Nashville had hugged the
delusive phantom of freedom to their breasts. To
them it was " a thing of joy forever." With the
usual exaggerative disposition of their race, they
anticipated the dawn of January as if it were to be
the Star of the East, to glow with stellar splendor.
Many were prematurely rattling their chains, and
filing deep into the fibres of the shackles which had
eaten into their marrows. Already they were inde-

116 SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE.
pendent of mastery, and foolishly boasted that their
souls were their own. Some had rented shanties,
which, prospectively, were their castles, and they lin
gered about the rattling doors with jealous fascina
tion, waiting with throbbing hearts for the clangor'
of the midnight bell of the old year to proclaim tbeir
Uberty. Never had there been such sounds of revelry
in the house of bondage — balls, little dances, banjo
flings in rickety cabins, concerts in which the touch
ing pathos of the American negro race pealed in wild
passion upon the resonant strings of homely violins^
or sweUed into melody upon the rich, full voices of
the slaves. They sang Io paeans to Uberty. They
talked of the proclamation incessantly; celebrated
their coming freedom in homely but happy refrains;
dreamed of emancipation, and related their dreams
with the eloquence of joy. They had borrowed the
jewelry of the Egyptians prematurely. The word of
promise was held to their ears, but broken to their
hearts. THEIR MISTRESSES.
Their haughty mistresses — for their masters were
mostly self-exiled traitors — were as restive as theii'
negroes. The proclamatiou was to them as a cloud
surcharged with Ughtnings and thunders. Those
whose humor was not so hot as to betray them into
indiscreet bitterness, discussed the subject pitifully,'
but with a reflnement of selfishness that stifled the
sympathy which their sexual pathos had otherwise
inspired. Invariably, " What wUl we do, if deprived
of our servants ? They are indispensable to us. We
can not work. We were never taught to labor. We
can not procure white servants. We will not endure

SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE. 117
to employ our emancipated slaves." Not a plea for
the slave ; no, not one, even from women, who, in all
ages and in all nations, have plead more for liberty,
sacrificed more for it, and contended more for it than
men often dare. Now and then a visionary man, pre
suming on your ignorance, *ii^entured that "the poor
creatures could not take care of themselves," but they
shunned an examination of their logic. Strange that
a negro can support a whole family of white people
by the labor of his hands, and yet be unable to subsist
himself. A dog can do that.
CHURCH-GOING.
There was some church-going, but more at a trait
or's funeral than at worship. A man of God preached
on the corner, reading his petitions to the Throne of
Grace from a prayer-book, arid his flock echoed him as
if mocking him, but they did not pray for their couh
try. The passage was erased in all their missals —
" Forgive them. Father, for they know not what they
do." Opposite, sometimes, there was a generous,
heartful voice of prayer which swelled and Soared
upward in grand volume, appealing to the God of
battles fervently for the brave soldiers of the Repiiblie.
The preacher wielded the "sword ofthe Lord and of
Gideon." He fought as well as prayed for his bleed
ing country, and his name is written Moody, among
those of good men and heroes.
ARMY CHAPLAINS.
And now that we talk of the church militant, let
indignant slander be silent. Who that has watched
the man of God with the spirit of Christianity, dares
libel the noble men who bear the cross of the Almighty

118 SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE.
into the fleld of blood ? WUl the soldiers of the Four
teenth Army Corps despise the office of the Christian
chaplain, wbo was first by his side at the couch of
suffering, and the last to desert him in his sorrow?
Will any sneer at the office or curse the memory of
Black, of- John Poucher, of Layton, of Lozier, of
Wilkins, of Gaddis, of Father O'Higgins, of Father
Cooney, of noble and gallant Father Trecy, of Bracl-
sbaw, of Decker, and of scores of Christian heroes,
who ventured health, happiness, life, in the camp and
on the battle-field, to soothe the agony of the pros
trate and dying soldier ? The hand that wields the
pen of calumny against the devoted chaplains of the
armies of the Republic, should be forever palsied.
Soldiers of the Union, cherish your worthy chaplains.
Not many are unworthy. Citizens of the Republic,
credit not the foul expressions of ffippant and mis
chievous scoffers, who falsely tell you that the
preachers of the army are recreant to their trust.
Here and there is an apostate ; now and then a hyp-
pocrite ; but they stand out Uke blasted trees upon
some rude mountain, conspicuous because they are few
in numbers. They are the by-word and the scorn of
good and of evil men.
There is an unwritten history of the chaplains of
your armies, but it is inscribed upon the scroll of the
blessed. Is exile from the bliss of home nothing? Is
privation, exposure, danger of sickness, of death by
disease, or upon the battle-field, nothing? Aretha
trials, the heart-sickness, the toils, the weary marches,
the night watches in the face of the foe, the hunger,
the rain, the snow, the cold of winter, of trifling
moment in the great record of wretched war? The
preacher of the army writes to friends at home ofthe

SOCIAL LIFE IN NASHVILLE. 119
sorrows and hardships of the soldier. When he enjoys
brief respite from his labors, he harrows your soul,
from the pulpit, with descriptions of a soldier's trials ;
at your fireside your heart aches, and your eyes float
in scalding tears, at his touching pictures of a soldier's
last agony. He tells you of the soldier; glows with
enthusiasm in recounting their deeds of heroism ; the
image of the dear old flag, which the preacher loves,
floats before his vision, and you feel the silent bene
diction which swells in his heart, when his full, elo
quent voice rings in enconium of the valor of your
heroes — but the preacher says not one word of him
self; no, not oue word ! And yet — and yet, the sor
rows of the soldiers are his ; the trials of the soldiers
are his ; the vigils of the soldiers are his — and more,
for he stands by the wounded soldier's side in battle,
as woman watches at the couch of those she loves.
Preachers have wielded the trenchant blade in the
face of the foe. Preachers have spilled their blood
on the battle-fleld under the old flag for which they
fought and prayed. Preachers have died on the bat
tle-fleld doing deeds of mercy and Christiau charity.
Preachers, worn and exhausted by the vicissitudes of
a soldier's life, have eked their last sigh in soldiers'
hospitals. Dozens of them, feeble and emaciated,
the fountains of their life sapped by toil and expo
sure, have finally -crawled home to linger out a few
brief days of suffering, and to die — the victims ofthe
scoffer, who never thinks of God, but to profane his
name. It is their destiny to bear their cross patiently
and bravely. Tbere are hundreds to-day, in your
armies, who labor and wait for the crown which com
pensates for all the bitter injustice of men.

120 REORGANIZATION OP THB ARMY.

CHAPTER XVII.
Exterior Pressure upon the Commander — He resists it — His View
of War — His Situation — Number of Effectives — Organization —
Muster Roll of the Regiments for an Advance — The Pioneer Bri
gade — The Tenth Ohio — States Represented in the Army — New
Regiments — A Glance at Commanding Officers — Spirit of the
Army — The Enemy Defiant.
Not long after the resumption of railroad commu
nication with Nashville, General Rosecrans began to
feel the influence of external pressure urging a for
ward movement. Said a very distinguished Tennes-
sean, with some exhibition of bitter impatience,
"Wby does not Rosecrans move?" Perhaps the
suggestion was insinuated from Nashville to Wash
ington. It was believed such interference was
resented. The General Commanding, concerning
public impatience, said vehemently, " I will not move
until I am ready ! I will not move for popular effect !
War is a business to be conducted systematically. I
believe I understand my business. If my views are
not approved, let me be removed. I wiU not budge
until I am ready. The next battle in this department
is likely to be decisive of the war. There must be no
failure." Why move? Supplies for flve days had
accumidated about the Sth of December. If the
army moved from the immediate front of Nashville,
a halt to await subsistence would be imperatively
necessary at the expiration of three days. General

REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 121
Rosecrans subsequently officially explained that under
such circumstances " the evident difficulties and labors
of an advance into this country, and against such a
force, and at such distance from our base of opera
tions, with which we are connected by a single preca
rious thread, made it manifest that our policy was to
induce the enemy to travel over as much as possible
of the space that separated us ; thus avoiding for us
the wear ancl tear and diminution of our forces, and
subjecting the enemy to all these inconveniences,
besides increasing for him, and diminishing for us, the
dangerous consequences of a retreat,"
But by Christmas rations enough had been col
lected at Nashville to supply the army until the 1st
of February, by which period it was probable that
navigation in the Cumberland River would be
resumed. The army was therefore ready to advance,
and prospects for the future were altogether favor
able. The enemy had been induced to believe that
Rosecrans had gone into winter quarters at Nashville,
and had prepared his own at Murfreesboro, with some
boastings of an intention to make them finally at
NashviUe, without, however, making any alarming
demonstrations looking to that result.
Bragg having sent a large force of cavalry into
West Tennessee to annoy General Grant, and another
large force into Kentucky to break up railroad con
nection between Louisville and Nashville, it was
deemed that the opportune moment for movement
had arrived. Colonel Truesdail had definitely ascer
tained that Polk's and Kirby Smith's forces were at
Murfreesboro, and that Hardee's corps was on the
Shelbyville and Nolensville pike between Triune and
11

122 REORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY.
EaglesViUe. Our own movable effective force was
now collected in front of Nashville, stretching irreg^
ularly some ten miles or more across the country.
Reynolds' and Steadman's divisions were in pur
suit of Morgan, or guarding the railroad. A strong
garrison had been detailed for the protection of
Nashville. Innumerable details and the large num
ber of sick and deserters had reduced the effective
offensive force to forty-six thousand nine hundred and
ten men of all arras. Of these, forty-one thousand
four hundred and twenty-one were infantry, two
thousand two hundred and twenty-three artiUery, and
three thousand two hundred and sixty -six cavalry, and
several regiments of the latter were raw and unreli
able. The corps were organized as follows, viz. :
RIGHT WING— (Numbering 15,933 men.)
Major General Alex. McDowell McCook, Commanding.
FIRST DIVISION,
BRIOADIER GENERAL JEFF 0. DAVIS COMMANDINO.
First Brigade, Colonel P. Sidney Post GommaiiMng.
Twenty-Second Indiana Regiment, Colonel Gooding.
Fifty-Ninth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick.
Seventy-Fourth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Marsh.
Seventy-Fifth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett.
Seeond Brigade, Colonel W. P. Carlin Commanding.
Twenty-First Illinois Regiment, Col. Alexander.
Thirty-Eighth Illinois Regiment, Major Gilmer.
Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment, Colonel H. C. Heg.
One Hundred and First Ohio Regiment, Colonel Stem.
Third Brigade, Colonel TT. K Woodruff Commanding.
Twenty-Fifth Illinois Regiment, Major Norlin.
Thirty -Fifth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Chandler,
Eighty-First Indiana Regiment, Major Woodbury.
Artillery attached io First Division.
Fifth Wisconsin Battery, Gaptain Pinney.

REORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY. 123
Eighth Wisconsin Battery, .Captain Carpenter.
Second Minnesota Battery, Captain Hotchkiss.
SEOOND DIVISION,
BKIOADIER GENERAL R. W. JOHNSON COMMANDING.
Mrst Brigade, Brigadier Q-eneral A. Willich, Com^manding.
Forty-Ninth Ohio Regiment, Colonel W. H. Gibson.
Thirty-Ninth Indiana Regiment, Colonel T. J, Harrison.
Thirty-Second Indiana Regiment, Colonel Von Trcbra.
Fifteenth Ohio Regiment, Colonel W. H. Wallace.
Eighty-Ninth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Hotchkiss.
Second Brigade, Brigadier General Kirk Commandi^ng.
Seventy-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Stambaugh.
Twenty-Ninth Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn.
Thirtieth Indiana Regiment, Colonel J. B. Dodge.
Seventy-Ninth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Reed.
Thirty-Fourth Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Bristol.
Third Brigade, Colonel P. P. Bald-win Commanding.
Sixth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Baldwin.
First Ohio Regiment, Colonel Ed. Parrott.
Ninety-Third Ohio Regiment, Colonel Charles Anderson.
Fifth Kentucky Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel W. W. Berry.
Artillery. First Ohio Battery, Company — , Captain Goodspeed.
First Ohio Battery, Company E, Captain Edgarton.
Fifth Indiana Battery, Ca,ptain Simonson.
Four companies of the Third Indiana Regiment of Cavalry, com
manded by Major Kline, were attached to the Second Division.
THIRD DIVISION,
BRIGADIER GENERAL PHILIP H. SHERRIDAN COMMANDING.
First Brigade, Brigadier General J. W. Sill Commanding.
Thirty-Sixth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Greusel.
Twenty-Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, Colonel Larrabee.
Twenty-First Michigan Regiment, Colonel R. R. Stephens.
Eighty-Eighth Illinois Regiment, Colonel T. T. Sherman.
Second Brigade, Colonel Shaeffer Commanding.
Second Missouri Regiment, Colonel Laiboldt.
Fifteenth Missouri Regiment, Major Webber.
Forty-Fourth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Reed.
Seventy-Third Illinois Regiment, Colonel Jacques.

124 REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY.
Third Brigade, Colonel Roberta Commanding.
Twenty-Second- Illinois Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Swannick.
Twenty-Seventh Illinois Regiment, Colonel F. A. Harrington.
Forty-Second Illinois Regiment, Major N. H. Walworth.
Fifty-First Illinois Regiment, Colonel L. P. Bradley.
Artillery. First Missouri Battery, Captain G. Hesoock.
Fourteenth Illinois Battery, Captain Houghtaling.
Fourth Indiana Battery, Captain Bush.
CENTER— (Numbering 13,395 men).
Major General George H. Thomas Commanding.
FIRST DIVISION,
MAJOR GENERAL LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU COMMANDING.
First Brigade, Colonel B. P. Scrihner Commanding,
Thirty-Eighth Indiana Regimant, Lieutenant Colonel D.F. Griffin.
Thirty-Third Ohio Regiment, Colonel 0. F. Moore.
Second Ohio Regiment, Colonel John Kell.
Ninety-Fourth Ohio Regiment, Colonel John W. Frizell.
Tenth Wisconsin Regiment, Colonel A. R. Chapin.
Second Brigade, Colonel John Beatty Commanding.
Fifteenth Kentucky Regiment, Colonel Forman.
Third Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Lawson.
Tenth Ohio Rigiment, Lieutenant Colonel J. W. Burke, detached.
Forty-Second Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Shanklin.
Eighty-Eighth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Humphreys.
Third Brigade, Colonel Starkweather Commanding.
First Wisconsin Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Bingham.
Twenty-First Wisconsin Regiment, Colonel Hobart.
Twenty-Fourth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Mihalotzy.
Seventy-Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Hambright.
Fourth Brigade {Regulars), Lieutenant Colonel 0. S. Shepard.
Fifteenth United States Infantry, Major J. H. King.
Sixteenth United States Infantry, Major Slemmer.
Eighteenth United States Infantry, First Battalion, Major Cald
well.
Eighteenth United States Infantry, Second Battalion, Major Fred.
Townsend.
Nineteenth United States Infantry, Major Carpenter.

REORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY. 125
Artillery. First Michigan Battery, Lieutenant Van Pelt (Loomis).
Fifth United States Artillery, Battery H, Lieutenant Guenther.
First Kentucky Battery, Captain Stone.
Colonel 0. A Loomis, Chief of Artillery of the Corps.
SECOND DIVISION,
BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES S. NEGLEY COMMANDING.
First Brigade, General J. G. Spears Commanding.
First East Tennessee Regiment, Colonel R. K. Byrd.
Second East Tennessee Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Melton.
Second Brigade, Colonel T. R. Stanley Commanding.
Eighteenth Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Given.
Sixty-Ninth Ohio Regiment, Colonel W. B. Cassilly.
Nineteenth Illinois Regiment, Colonel J. R. Scott.
Eleventh Michigan Regiment, Colonel Stoughton.
Third Brigade, Colonel John F. Miller Commanding.
Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel Sirwell.
Twenty-First Ohio Regiment, Colonel J. H. Neibling.
Seventy-Fourth Ohio Regiment, Colonel Granville Moody.
Thirty-Seventh Indiana Regiment, Colonel Hull.
Artillery. First Ohio Battery G, Marshall's.
First Ohio Battery M, Schultz.
First Kentucky Battery M, Lieutenant Ellsworth.
Captain John Mendenhall, United States Army, Chief of ArtiUery
of the Corps.
Other Tennessee regiments, which^ formed part of
Spears' brigade, do not properly come within the
scope of this narrative. Colonel Walker's brigade,
which foUows, had been temporarily detached from
Steadman's division.
Colonel M. B. Walker's Brigade — (Detached.)
Seventeenth Ohio Regiment, Colonel J. M. Connell.
Thirty-First Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel P. W. Lister.
Thirty-Eighth Ohio Regiment, Colonel Phelps.
Eighty-Second Indiana Regiment, Colonel Hunter.
Ohio Battery, Captain Church.

126 REORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY.
LEFT WING— (Numbering 13,288 men).
Major General Thomas L. Crittenden Commanding.
FIRST DIVISION,
BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS J. WOOD COMMANDING.
First Brigade, Brigadier General Miles S. Hascall Com'manding.
Twenty-Sixth Ohio Regiment, Colonel E. P. Fyffe.
Fifty-Eighth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Geo. P. Buell.
Third Kentucky Regiment, Colonel McKee.
One Hundredth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Bartleson.
Second Brigade, Colonel George D. Wagner (Jommandi^ng.
Fifty-Seventh Indiana Regiment, Colonel C. C. Hines.
Jlortieth Indiana Regiment, Colonel J. W. Blake.
Fifteenth Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Wood.
Ninety-Seventh Ohio Regiment, Colonel Lane.
Third Brigade, Colonel C. G. -Harker Commanding.
Fifty-First Indiana Regiment, Colonel Streight.
Sixty-Fourth Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel MeHvain.
Thirteenth Michigan Regiment, Colonel Shoemaker.
Sixty-Fifth Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Cassil.
Seventy-Third Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Hathaway.
Artillery. Eighth Indiana Battery, Captain Estep.
Tenth Indiana Battery, Captain Cox.
• Sixth Ohio Battery, Captain Bradley.
SECOND DIVISION,
BRIGADIER GENEEAL J. M. PALMER, COMMANDING.
First Brigade, Brigadier General C. Cruft, Commanding^
First Kentucky Regiment, Colonel D. A. Enyart.
Second Kentucky Regiment, Colonel T. D. Sedgwick.
Thirty-First Indiana Regiment, Colonel John Osborne.
Ninetieth Ohio Regiment, Colonel Ross.
Second Brigade, Colonel W. B. Hazen, Commanding.
Forty-First Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Aquila Wiley.
Sixth Kentucky Regiment, Colonel W. C. Whittaker.
Ninth Indiana Regiment, Colonel W. H. Blake.
One Hundred and Tenth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Thos. S. Casey. .
Third Brigade, Colonel W. Grose Commanding.
Thirty-Sixth Indiana Regiment, Major Kinley.
Twenty-Fourth Ohio Regiment, Colonel Fred. Jones.

REORGANIZATION OF THB ARMY. 127
Sixth Ohio Regiment, Colonel N. L. Anderson.
Twenty-Third Kentucky Regiment, Major Hamrick.
Eighty-Fourth Illinois Regiment, Colonel Waters.
Artillery. Fourth United States Artillery, Battery M, Lieutenant Parsons.
First Ohio Artillery, Battery B, Captain Standart.
Indiana Battery, Captain Cockerell
THIRD DIVISION,
BRIGADIER GENERAL H. P. VAN CLEVE COMMANDING.
First Brigade, Colonel Sam^uel Beatty Commanding.
Ninth Kentucky Regiment, Colonel Grider.
Eleventh Kentucky Regiment, Major E. S. Motley.
Nineteenth Ohio Regiment, Major C. F. Manderson.
Seventy-Ninth Indiana Regiment, Colonel Fred. Kneffler.
Second Brigade, Colonel J. P. Fyffe Commanding.
Forty-Fourth Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Reed.
Thirteenth Ohio Regiment, Colonel J. G. Hawkins.
Eighty-Sixth Indiana Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Dick.
Fifty-Ninth Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Howard.
Third Brigade, Colonel Stanley Matthetiis Commanding.
Fifty-First Ohio Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel McLain.
Thirty-Fifth Indiana Regiment, Colonel B. R. Mullen.
Twenty-First Kentucky Regiment, Colonel S. W. Price.
Eighth Kentucky Regiment, Colonel S. M. Barnes.
Ninety-Ninth Ohio Regiment, Colonel P. T. Swaiae.
Ariillery. Seventh Indiana Battery, Captain Swallow.
Third Wisconsin Battery, Lieutenant Livingston.
Twenty-Sixth Pennsylvania Battery, Lieutenant Stevens.
CAVALRY.
BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID S. STANLEY COMMANDING.
First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Minor Millikin.
Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Murray.
Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Pugh.
Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Major Wynkoop.
Fourth Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Minty.'
Third Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, Colonel Murray.
First Middle Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel W. B. Stokes.
Second East Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Cook.
Third Indiana Cavalry (four companies only), Major Kline.

128 REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY.
Fifteenth Pennsylvania (three hundred men). Major Eosengarten.
Fourth United States Cavalry, Captain Elmer Otis.
Colonel JohnKennett, of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry,
commanded the Second Cavalry Division on the left
wing. Colonel Zahn, of the Third Ohio Cavalry,
commanded a cavalry brigade on the right under
General Stanley. Colonel Minty, of the Fourth
Michigan, commanded a brigade under Colonel Ken
nett. PIONEER BRIGADE.
Besides the foregoing, there was a brigade of Pio
neers, which had been selected by Captain James St.
Clair Morton, United States Engineers, from forty
different regiments. It proved invaluable to the serv
ice. It numbered about seventeen hundred men, and
was organized in three battalions, Qommanded respect
ively by Captain Bridges, of the Nineteenth Illinois ;
Captain Hood, of the Eleventh Michigan ; and Cap
tain Clements, of the Sixty-Ninth Ohio Infantry, the
whole being under Captain Morton's command, and
organized and disciplined by him. The Chicago
Board of Trade Battery, Captain Stokes, was attached
to it. But the members of this organization were
included in the foregoing muster. The Michigan
Engineers and Mechanics, Colonel Innis, numbering
about four hundred men, was on detached duty, and
it greatly distinguished itself. The immortal Tenth
Ohio Regiment, Col. J. W. Burke, which had been
proverbial for its splendid soldierly qualities,^ and dis
tinguished for its brilliant gallantry at Carnifex Ferry
and ChapUn HiUs, had been detached from Colonel
John Beatty's brigade, and as a token of honorable

REORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. 129
distinction was assigned to duty by General Rosecrans
as General Headquarters' Guard.
Regiments were numerous enough, but many were
reduced to two hundred and fifty fighting men each.
The six battalions of regulars numbered only fourteen
hundred men, and, as has been shown, there were
only two thousand two hundred and twenty-three
men to handle one hundred and fifty field pieces. Of
the infantry regiments, thirty-two (including the First
and Second Kentucky Infantry, which were enlisted
and generally officered in Cincinnati), were from
Ohio; twenty -five from Indiana; twenty- two from
Illinois ; three from Pennsylvania ; five from Wiscon
sin ; ten from Kentucky ; two from Missouri ; three
from Michigan ; and two from Tennessee. Three of
the cavalry regiments were from Ohio, two from Ten
nessee, one from Kentucky, two from Pennsylvania,
one from Michigan, and a detachment of four small
companies from Indiana. THE GENERALS.
The Right Wing and Center were commanded by
educated soldiers of large experience. Major General
Crittenden had not received a military education. He
was essentiaUy a volunteer, but was a, vigilant and
zealous officer. Brigadier Generals Johnson, Sherri
dan, Van Cleve, and Wood, commanding divisions,
were graduates of the Military Academy at West
Point, and were approved, good soldiers of experience.
Brigadier General Davis was a regular officer of expe
rience and skill. Major General Rousseau, Bngadier
Generals Negley and Palmer, commanding divisions,
were volunteers. General Negley, however, had

130 RBORGANIZAtlON OF THB ARMY.
served in the war with Mexico, and had devoted his
attention to miUtary matters during many years.
Excepting Brigadier Generals SiU, Kirk, WiUieh,
Cruft, Hascall, and Spears, the brigade commanders
were Colonels. Sill and Hascall were graduates of
West Point. Kirk, WiUich, and Cruft were volun
teers, but Willich had been a soldier in Europe.
Lieutenant Colonel Shepherd, commandmg the bri
gade of regular troops. Colonel W. P. Carlin, Colo
nel W. B. Hazen, and Colonel Charles G. Harker,
were also graduates. All the remaining brigade
commanders were volunteers. Excepting Colonel P.
T. Swain e, commanding the Ninety-Ninth Ohio Regi
ment, all the regimental, field and line officers, exceptr
ing those in the brigade of regulars, were purely
volunteers — many of them yet in the " School of the
Soldier," but some were men of fine military capac
ity. Excepting the Chief of Cavalry, and the officers
ofthe Fourth United States Cavalry, all the field, and
staff, and line officers of the cavalry were volunteer
soldiers. Mendenhall, Stokes, Guenther, and Parsons,
were the only artillery officers, excepting several sub
ordinates, who were regularly educated in gunnery;
but few in any service were superior to Loomis, of
Michigan, and Barnet, of Ohio. Hescock, Bradley,-
Standart, Edgarton, Cox, Swallow, Bush, and Simon
son, also ranked high in the art of gunnery,
THE SITUATION.
But the army, on December 25th, was generally
in superb condition — well-appointed, spirited, and
confident. They seemed animated with a conviction
that with a fighting general they could redeem the

REORGANIZATION OE THB ARMY. 131
blank record of the past months of barren toil. The
General Commanding, relying upon Providence and
trusting in the steadfast valor of his gallant legions,
was sanguine and hopeful. The enemy were now
facing us squarely and defiantly — separated from our
Une of outposts by a strip of territory two miles wide
in our direct front, with a Une of videttes posting
upon an irregular front corresponding with our own,
extending on their left from the front of Triune to
Nolensville, thence to Baird's Mills, the line crossing
the Murfreesboro pike four miles in front of Lavergne.
It had been reported that Stevenson's division, of
Kirby Smith's Corps, had been sent to reinforce Pem
berton's Army of the Mississippi, and that Kirby
Smith himself had gone to assume command of a new
department. The remainder of his command, it was
said, had been merged into the corps of Polk and
Hardee. Hitherto, Kirby Smith had commanded the
right, Polk the center, and Hardee the left of the
rebel army. Their disposition of cavalry remained
unchanged, save that Forrest, as already stated, was
cutting up General Grant's communications, and Mor
gan was moving into Kentucky to cut railroad con
nections between Louisville and Nashville — General
Keynolds' and General Steadman'^ forces pursuing
him — Major General Wright, commanding the Depart
ment of the Ohio, endeavoring to head him off. But
Morgan accomplished his enterprise — broke up the
railroad at various points, destroyed much public
property, captured many prisoners, and escaped with
out serious loss. Meantime, matters of great moment
were culminating.

132 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.

CHAPTER XVIII.
Orders to March — Preparation — Excitement in Nashville — Christmas
Night^ — -Consultation of Generals — Rosecrans, Thomas, McCook,
Crittenden, Stanley, Johnson, Negley, Sherridan — "Fight them 1" —
The Plan of Movement — The Commanding General and his Military
Household — Customs of Headquarters — -Nocturnal Scenes — Lectures
to Young Officers — Conversation — Politics, Literature, Science, War
— Good Night.
The opportune moment for aggressive movement
was at hand. Orders for an advance of the Four
teenth Army Corps were issued Wednesday, the 24th
of December. The columns would move at daylight
Christmas morning. Presently the camps blazed with
excitement. The sturdy troops greeted the announce
ment with shrill clamor, which swelled its cheerful
volume far along the ridges and down into the val
leys, as musket volleys roll along a line of battle.
There was glorious assurance in that manful uproar.
The populous hiUs blazed with sparkling fires.
Thousands were cooking rations for the march.
The commissariat labored under manifold requisi
tions. Muskets soon gleamed with fatal luster. Busy
pens swiftly indited fond adieus, perhaps the last, to
loved ones at home, and it was not long before the
mails groaned under the weight of affectionate testi
mony from those brave hearts. The horseman care
fully brushed his equipments, adjusted his last strap,
looked well to his holsters, and patted his faithful

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 133
charger kindly on his shining neck, as if soUciting his
last proof of endurance and fidelity. The cannonier
burnished his trusty piece until it glistened, then
poised it again and again, sighting it at imaginary
foes, so soon to assume stern substantial form. Aids
and orderlies thundered over the highways and
through the bustling camps, swiftly bearing messages.
Here and there were tableaux of soldiers, earnest an,d
animated, standing by the old flag at headquarters,
talking of battle and of victory. Picturesque groups
of officers in eager colloquy, clustered about brigade
and division marquees, now and then one swiftly
mounting and away with orders. And the surgeon,
in his tent, drew from his case the glittering blade at
which the bold heart shrinks in fear which no mortal
enemy can inspire. The young soldier daintily fln
gers the probe, and shuddering, asks its use. The
veteran of battles grimly jests at the knife, and stalks
away soberly to. his comrades. The surgeon, seem
ingly cold and unfeeling, but with warm and sensitive
heart, covered, it seems to the soldiers, with a glare of
ice, carefully wipes the last atom of moisture or dust
from the gleaming steel, and his cruel preparation is
done. EXCITEMENT IN NASHVILLE.
The tidings wafted back to Nashville, and revolved
ipon a thousand busy tongues. Haughty dames of
the capital stood upon their stately porticoes gossip
ing sagely with other dames, or hastily flitted from
house to house wild with excitement which flamed
in their eyes and burned in their flushing cheeks.
Had the eye of suspicion enjoyed power to peer into
the mysteries of secluded apartments, it might have

134 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
discovered nervous preparation for secret enterprise,
that waited for execution only until darkness. Who
can doubt that trusty messengers fled swiftly that
night from ladies' chambers to the camps of the
enemy, bearing great news ? It was never explained,
but before the hours of evening waned into midnight,
other and countermanding orders went out, and the
camps settled moodily to reat. But it was only a sus
pension for twenty-four hours. The General Com
manding devoted Christmas morning to worshiping
God. CONSULTATION AT HEADQUARTERS.
Christmas night there was an assemblage of com
manders at headquarters. There was consultation,
but " council of war " none. The Chief likes them
not. Decidedly, he indorses the martial maxim —
"councils of war don't flght." Major General
Thomas was there, certainly — "true and prudent,
distinguished in council, and on many battle fields for
his courage," could it be otherwise? McCook,
" brave, faithful, and loyal soldier," standing with his
elbow on the mantel, merry and confident, and boast
ful of his gallant corps — then heroes of two sanguin
ary battles ; Crittenden, " whose heart is that of a
true soldier and patriot," stately and reticent, believ
ing in the justice of the "old Master" of us aU, but
assuring that "if the rebels stood at all there would
be d  d hard fighting ; " " gay old Stanley," hero
of five battles, quick and comprehensive in sugges
tion, moving about restlessly, with saber rattling at
his heels; Johnson, grave and saturnine, but earnest
and thoughtful ; Negley, prompt, decisive, and ready
upon requisition, come when it might; and quiet

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 135
Phil. Sherridan, keen observer, but silent now, — so
unlike him in battle, where he shows a heart of oak.
Others may have called between sunset and midnight.
ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
There was swift interchange of thought, and two
drew aside. The bed of the Chief occupied the space
between two doors. The right hand door communi
cated with the military telegraph office. Between
the bed and the front window near it was a narrow
space. The topographical maps were tacked to tho
door and spread upon the bed. The aids' table was
under the window-sill. The Chief sometimes used a
corner of it, and sometimes a corner of Garesche's
table, which was under the other front window, near
the grate. When the Chief consulted the " true and
prudent," the latter sidled and backed into the niche
between the two tables, and his Commander seated
himself directly ih his front, looking into his eyes.
General Thomas backed in there now, you would
have said mechanically — it was a habit of a month's
growth. The Chief was balanced upon the edge of
a chair, leaning over vis-a-vis, almost in the embrace
of Thomas. The conversation was animated, almost
vehement, the consulted listening profoundly, the
consulter talking rapidly and hotly, with blazing eyes,
the former nodding now and then, perhaps dropping
a curt suggestion. All undertone, but there was des
tiny in it. Battle was flashing from the tips of nerv
ous fingers which had base upon the edge of the chair.
Those who know General Rosecrans can see the plan
as he was manipulating it in his nervous way.
The others were chatting a little common-place

136 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
colloquy, or looking into the grate watching the cedar
sticks curl into fiame. How much of the past and of
the future one may see in a blaze or a heap of glow
ing coals. Garesche, his head bowed over the corner
of the table, which seemed part of him, until his
broad, clear brow almost touched the tip of his pen —
for he was near-sighted — was flinging off' sheets of
manuscript in his wonderful way — orders, correspond
ence, instructions — suspending now and then to
respond pleasantly to some interpolated query. Tou
supposed he was always sitting at that corner of his
table — and indeed he was, from ten o'clock of morn
ing till long after midnight, when not racing through
a fresh newspaper, with a sort of impatience which
indicated a jealousy that it was robbing him of pre
cious time. Staff officers were tip-toeing in and out
softly, or lounging about in easy chairs or upon a cot
near the chimney-jam corner of the chamber, over
against the back wall. Father Trecy slipped into the
room in his gentlemanly way — everybody greeting
him kindly — let fly his budget of " grapevines " which
he had a faculty for picking up in the streets — and
then slipped Out again as softly. Ducat, a miUtary
Javert, devoted to duty, which he always discharged
perfectly, stepped in promptly and stepped out
promptly with instructions. The " old boy" — they
addressed him so, and lovingly — looked in modestly,
but when Kirby disappeared none could teU. He had
a cat-like habit of getting away when there was noth
ing for him to do. Thoms and Thompson, at the foot
of the cot, flanking a little deal table, dimly illumined
by the feeble glimmer of a stearine dip, industriously
worried out the pregnant ciphers. Tom fed the

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 137
cheerful fire in the grate; tbe bright blaze was roar
ing pleasantly up the chimney ; the telegraph fingers
were clicking merrily in the little room, and Monsieur
John produced his steaming toddy.
RESULT OF THB CONSULTATION.
Strange that nobody ever seemed jealous ot
Thomas. But he was so modest and unpretentious.
When the command of the great Army of the Ohio
was tendered him, you know he declined that glitter
ing recognition of his worth. Monsieur Vault had
instinctively timed the toddy. When the glasses got
to the corner, there was an eager sentence or two, an
acquiescing nod on either side, and history was made.
The Chief was jocose an instant, but directly a glass
went down upon Garesche's table with a clang.
Garesche looked up, surprised a little, and lounged
back in his chair. Suddenly the Chief — " We move
to-morrow, gentlemen ! We shall begin to skirmish,
probably, as soon as we pass the outposts. Press
them hard! Drive them out of their nests! Make
thera fight or run! Strike hard and fast! Give
them no rest ! Fight thern ! Fight them ! Fight, I
say!" and his glittering blue eyeS flashed like a gleam
of lightning, and the nervous right hand dashed into
the palm of the scarified left, ringing as if cymbals
were clanging. Thomas looked up with a grim smile
of approval ; McCook's sharp eyes twinkled with
internal enjoyment; and Crittenden straightened up
his trim figure with a sort of swell, as if he had
heard the programme exactly, and was prepared to
execute it. It was then accepted as a probabUity that
the enemy would make a stand at Stewart's Creek —
12

138 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
five mUes in the rear of Lavergne, going by the Mur
freesboro turnpike. General Rosecrans therefore
directed the army to move in three columns, accord
ing to the following instructions, to-wit. :
PLAN OP MOVEMENT.
McCook, with three divisions, to advance by the
Nolensville pike to Triune.
Thomas, with two divisions (Negley's and Rous
seau's), to advance on his right, by the Franklin and
Wilson pikes, threatening Hardee's right, and then to
fall in by the cross-roads to Nolensville.
Crittenden, with Wood's, Palmer's, and Van Cleve's
divisions, to advance by the Murfreesboro pike to
Lavergne. With Thomas' two divisions at Nolensville,
McCook was to attack Hardee at Triune, and if the
enemy reinforced Hardee, Thomas was to support
McCook. If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee retreated, and
the enemy met us at Stewart's Creek, five miles south
of Lavergne, Crittenden was to attack him ; Thomas
was to come in on his left flank, and McCook, after
detaching a division to pursue or observe Hardee, if
retreating south, was to move, with the remainder of
his force, on their rear.
Brigadier General Stanley was to cover the move
ment with his cavalry. He divided his corps into
three columns, and directed the flrst brigade, com
manded by Colonel Minty, of the Fourth Michigan
Volunteer Cavalry, to move upon the Murfreesboro
pike, in advance of the Left Wing. The second bri
gade, commanded by Colonel Zahn, of the Third

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 139
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, was ordered to the Frank
lin road to dislodge the enemy's cavalry, and to move
parallel to the Right Wing, protecting its right flank.
The reserve cavalry, consisting of the new regiments —
Anderson Troop, or Fifteenth Pennsylvania, the
First Middle Tennessee, the Second East Tennessee
Cavalry, and four companies of the Third Indiana
Cavalry — General Stanley was himself to command,
and precede General McCook's corps on the Nolens
ville turnpike. Colonel John Kennett, ofthe Fourth
Ohio Cavalry, was to command the cavalry on the
Left Wing. The Fourth United States Cavalry, Cap
tain Elmer Otis, was reserved for escort and courier
duty. General Thomas was the first to say good night. It
was full midnight before all the commanders had dis
persed. As they rose to depart, the Chief took each
by the hand, and to all gave his parting admonition :
" Fight them ! Spread out your skirmishers far and
wide ! Keep pushing ahead ! Expose their nests !
Fight! Keep fighting! They will not stand it. Good
night ! " SOCIAL LIFE AT HEADQUARTERS.
This was the night preceding movement. It was,
therefore, more interesting and exciting than other
nights. Yet it was only an exaggerated copy of
many. Ordinarily, officers of all departments, citi
zens, et id omnia, thronged the General's chamber
during the day, and every hour was absorbed in busi
ness. The nights were busy, too, but there were
pleasant episodes. Commanders were most apt to
caU socially then, and the Chief's military household

140 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
assembled about him. Garesche, always present, wag
wedded to his papers, but never seemed oppressed.
His faculty for disposing of business was marvelous.
He never exhibited impatience or irritability, but was
ever ready to oblige, and to respond to all questions
with charming courtesy. On occasion he took cheer
ful part in conversation, displaying the charms of a
richly cultivated inteUect, and enjoying facetiae with
as keen relish as the most mercurial. Goddard and
Dickson, for the most part, were swallowed up in the
freshet which ever threatened to overflow the Adju
tant General's Bureau. Bond, Thoms, and Thomp
son, were seldom absent. Thoms and Thompson had
custody of the ciphers, but all the aids were thor
oughly inducted into the mysteries and miseries of
late hours and incessant labor. St. Clair Morton
would flash in, state ease, suggest, and flash out
again,' galloping away always as if everything he had
to do was urgent until it was accomplished. The
General usually had a pleasant laugh at Morton after
he was gone, narrating some happy anecdote illus
trating his practical executive faculty. After a brief
facetious episode, the Chief was apt to dictate three
or four letters or dispatches simultaneously, setting
Bond, Thompson and Thoms at work, while he
chatted with somebody aside. Some of his most
nervous letters and public papers were produced in
this way. Bruner and Melarky meantime were inces
santly manipulating the telegraph instrument in the
adjoining chamber. Father Trecy — an exiled priest
from Huntsville, Alabaraa, esteemed alike by the
Coraraander aud Staff' for his worth — and the special
guest of the former — usually dropped in about ten

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 141
o'clock, entertained the circle with collections of
" grapevine," enjoyed merriment with the gayest,
talked eruditely with the learned, and then retired to
his cot. Kirby ever sUpped in and slipped out as he
did Christmas night. The Quartermaster and Com
missary were wont to report at night. Once in a
wliUe the army Vidocq surprised the staff by his mete
oric blaze, but his commander usually went to see him.
WUes, the Provost Marshal, as admirable for his mod
esty as for zeal in the public service, ordinarily got in
at midnight or later ; an hour at which the General
Commanding was ready to lecture him for following
his own example by working too hard. But the Gen
eral had such an affectionate, jovial way of reprimand-
iiig him, that the interview usuaUy ended in general
pleasantry. Ducat was always present when instruc
tions were desirable. He hardly ever retired that his
Chief did not say, " Hike that man — he is a thorough
soldier." "So say we all of us," ran the merry
roundelay. Colonel Ducat had perfected a system of
army inspections, by which the effective strength of
the army, or any portion bf it, could be determined
in an instant, which, together with his high soldierly
character, commended him to his Chiefs regard.
Skinner, high-minded and sympathetic, was keenly
desirous to build up a system of army jurisprudence
that would reflect credit upon the department, and
was apt sometimes, by expressing his notions of equity
rather generously, to run counter to the General's
severer ideas of military justice and propriety, thus
occasionally evoking sharp criticisms, which his sen
sitiveness caused hira to misconstrue into censure — his
staff corapanions rather enjoying his nervousness

142 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
because they better understood the animus of their
sometimes martial Rhadaraanthus. Skinner under
stood it after awhile, and succeeded in so terapering
justice with mercy that he seemed in a fair way to
accomplish the object of his honorable ambition. The
Chief esteemed no officer of his staff more thoroughly,
Michler, of the " Topogs," often had a time of it. His
was the nervous department. It was no bed of roses,
but there were thorns enough. As map maker, he
naturaUy touched sensitive points, and evoked search
ing criticisms from a commander who particularly
insisted in having the exact location, range, direction,
sinuosities, meanderings, elevations, depressions, and
proportions of every river, rivulet, road, ridge, ravine,
hill, hollow, forest, swamp, bridge, cornfield, cotton
plantation, canebreak, or cedar thicket within the
scope of the field of operations. He was very apt to
conclude, after enveloping himself in his blankets at
bed time, that his bureau was a sort of military
Tophet. Edson, of the Ordnance Corps, worried
through a similar experience, since powder and ball
were as essential to war as maps and hard tack. But
it was a matter of pride to all, at last, to meet the
approval of a Chief who pertinaciously insisted upon
knowing for himself that everything necessary to suc
cess had been done, and precisely how it was done.
This course of Lectures to Young Officers interpolated
in the course of a miscellaneous evening conversazi
one, was quite a treat to those who escaped fire, or
had run the gauntlet successfully.

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 143

CONVERSATION.
When lectures were concluded, orders executed,
correspondence all disposed of, soraewhere about mid
night — an hour earlier or an hour later was altogether
immaterial — dull care was disraissed and pleasure
assumed supremacy. Nobody then was more facetious
or happy than the General. The temper of conver
sation, of course, depended altogether upon the direc
tion given it in the beginning. If religious, it was
apt to absorb the hours until they run almost into
daylight. The Chief took the argument and carried
it, often into the realms of Mother Church, where the
vehemence of his intellect and his zealous temper
developed themselves thoroughly. He had the Fathers
of the Church at his tongue's end, and exhibited a
familiarity with controversial theologythat raade hira
a formidable antagonist to the best read, even of the
clerical profession. He would admit no fallibility
whatever in any department of his own church, but
he did not permit his strong reliance in the Church
of Rome to warp his judgraent in material things,
especiaUy in military matters. It has been recklessly
said that he required the attendance of the Roman
Catholics of his staff, escort, and attendants, at mass
every Wedfiesday and Sunday. It is a gross calumny.
He never interferes with the spiritual affairs of any
subordinate, regarding those as sacred personal mat
ters, to be governed by the convictions of each indi
vidual. Moreover, General Stanley and Garesche
were the only Romanists on his staff.
He had no taste for party poUtics, having dismissed
the subject until the rebellion should be crushed — a

144 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
point upon which he expressed no doubts. And,
indeed, he never had been a politician. Upon the
general subject of slavery, he held the faith that had
been proclaimed irameraorially by his church and by
all nations which have pretended to civilization — savfe
the chivalrous portion of these United States. Touch
ing slavery and tbe rebellion he was quite clear that
there had grown up a necessity to emasculate that
element of military power. The Proclamation was
yet a promise. Wheu it became an order he would
obey. Upon belle lettres he opened a mine of rich lore,
and charmed you, as well by the felicity of his Ulus
trations, as by the pungent and comprehensive char
acter of his criticism. It was not a little amusing to
the author to read in a leading Eastern journal, that
in science and literature Rosecrans was probably the
inferior of McClellan and Buell. Their respective
mutual classmates, and later associates, are sure that
either of the latter raight learn from him in eaeh
department. His general knowledge of science is
extensive. Geology and raineralogy are specialities,
and in those sciences he ranks among the most accom
plished in the country.
It was often a subject of curious speculation by
members of the staff" that a raan so full of ideas, and
who expressed himself so readily and forcibly without
hesitating for language, and with such striking foree,
in the presence of his military family, should be an
inferior public speaker. It was nevertheless true that
he hesitated and stammered upon attempting, to
address even a line of soldiers at review. In those
nocturnal seances, and indeed habitually, his deport-

ROSECRANS AND THOMAS. 145
ment toward his staff was extremely affable, often
almost to affectionate familiarity. General McCook
carelessly remarking of him to a friend, said, " The
fact is, Rosecrans is too clever — he is too easy of
access." It was singular that he rarely discussed his
generals to their disparagement. But if anybody knew
anything of any commander, there was no relief for
him until he had detaUed the particulars. He was
incessantly accumulating testimony by which he
might guage his officers, that he might put them in
their proper positions.
In professional matters he was exacting. The end
of the night, and the lengthening hours of morning,
often crept upon him and his coterie of the j unior
officers of staff, discoursing the art of war in all its
practical ramifications, and it was not unfrequently
suggested, that to a young man proposing to adopt
the profession of arms, the Military Academy itself
would hardly be so good a school for practical war,
as an active position upon the staff of General Rose
crans. He considered war an exact science, admitting
no carelessness or slovenliness. He often said — and
when he said it irritably you might see it fly out of
his eyes and off the ends of his flngers — "My staff
should know everything I know;" "I don't allow
any staff officer to forget anything." But if an
unlucky wight knew anything imperfectly and
attempted to report it, the Chief was apt, as the staff'
said, " to make the fur fly," " How do you know
this?" "Who told you?" "How does he know? "
" Why didn't you learn all the particulars ? " " What
are you an officer for ? ". " It's your business to
know," " Tou must know." " War means killing,"
13

146 ROSECRANS AND THOMAS.
and SO on to an end with a sharp sting in it. To one
he would say, " Tou don't observe closely ; " to
another, "Tou don't state case clearly;" to a third,
" Tou are deficient in geography— ^you . must study."
He took a great fancy to Thoms on account of his
skill in mathematics and for his general intelligence.
Thoms mastered the most difficult ciphers in a few
hours, which was unusual. Christmas had been gone
several hours when the General Commanding said
" good night ! "

COLLISION WITH THB ENEMY 147

CHAPTER XIX.
The Army Advances— Its Spirit in Gloomy Weather — Movements of
the Center— Sharp Combats of the Right Wing — The Enemy Driven
and Two Guns Captured — The Cavalry — Gallant Charges — The Left
Wing — The Thirty-First Indiana and First Kentucky Infantry
Charge and Rout the Enemy — Close of the First Day's Opera
tions — The Commanding General Seeks the Bight Wing— A Night's
Adventures. Friday the 26th of December, dawned drearily.
Daylight feebly struggled through an unbroken mass
of black clouds and 'thick volumes of raist, which
puffed up from the valleys. Rain was pouring down
in streams which gathered into volumes in the gullies,
and made foaming yellow torrents of the little brooks
that lately stole so softly around the hills. Tet
reveille rolled merrily along the line and through the
drowsy camps. The stout soldiers sprung up gaily,
and shook off' the shackles of sleep, crowing like
game-cocks, and roaring joyfully like giants refreshed.
Tet a little while, and they were rushing along the
highways in magnificent panoply, horsemen, infantry,
cannon, cannoniers, and mighty trains. It needed
but a blaze of sunshine to burnish their steel. The
steady rain drenched their garraents but did not quench
their ardor. There were but few stragglers that
exciting day. Strange, that when nature frowns so
gloomily, soldiers should be so cheery; nevertheless it
is true, that when the barometer falls the mercury of
their spirits rises until it culminates in hilarity. The

148 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.
veteran campaigner ever bears such testimony. The
colossal columns overflowed the roads, and swept
through the leafless forests like mighty waves. Brave
hearts beat high, for the raarch had begun with glad
augury for the future. There was battle in the breeze
which now began to rise, but our soldiers felt that
there was victory in their trusty steel.
" Gay old Stanley " and gallant John Kennett were
on the right and left and in front, with their cavalry,
to start the game and cover the flanks. General
Thomas moved his column — thirteen thousand three
hundred and ninety-flve effective men — through the
rich, rustic villas of the Franklin pike to Brentwood.
Negley in front, diverging left to the Wilson pike,
closely followed by Rousseau and Walker's brigade,
Zahn's brigade of cavalry on the right. General
McCook, with Stanley's cavalry reserve in front,
pushed the flrst division of his corps, under General
Davis, upon the Edmonson pike, with orders to
move to Prim's blacksmith shop, whence it was to
march direct, by a country road, to Nolensville and
Triune. The Third Division, General Sherridan,
moving upon the direct road to Nolensville, was fol
lowed by the reserve division under General Johnson.
The Left Wing, under General Crittenden, moved in
column upon the direct turnpike to Murfreesboro.
General Palmer's division in front, covered by Minty's
cavalry brigade, and followed by Wood's division,
with Van Cleve's in reserve.
The country over which the army was sweeping,
afforded peculiar advantages to the enemy. A small
force could retard the advance of greatly superior
numbers, and almost with impunity to themselves.

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY, 149
Considerable tracts of cultivated lands occur at inter
vals on either side of the turnpikes, but the interven
ing spaces are heavily wooded and interspersed with
dense cedar ridges, which thoroughly masked the
enemy. The country rolls up in great rude billows,
ranging in successions of parallel cross ridges, now
and then flanked by transverse crests, which served
for- observatories. Cedar brakes, rugged defiles, and
intersecting streams with rocky bluff' banks, formed
formidable natural barriers to the march of an
aggressive army, and the enemy, perfectly familiar
with the topography and geography of the field of
operations, availed themselves skillfully of its defen
sive advantages. To dislodge thera from these forti
fications of nature, required earefulj tedious and bold
skirmishing, but our officers displayed skill and judg
ment, and the results inspired the army with renewed
ardor. THE CENTER.
General Thomas had directed his command to
encamp that night at Owen's store, on the Wilson
pike, but General Negley, hearing the sound of con
flict in the direction of NolensviUe, left his train with
a guard to foUow, and pushed forward across the
country to support General Davis, who had uncovered
the enemy, and was striking hira hard in the face.
Negley's aid was not needed, arid his comraand
bivouacked near Nolensville. Rousseau went into
camp at Owen's store, and Walker's brigade, forming
the rear guard, rested at Brentwood — the Center hav
ing failed that day to find the enemy.

150 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.

THB RIGHT WING.
McCook had barely moved two miles when a sharp
rattle of musketry, in front of both Davis and Sher
ridan warned him of the presence of the enemy.
Moving laboriously out the Edmonson pike, which
had been rendered almost irapassable by the storm,i
General Davis had sent his escort, consisting ¦ of
Company B, Thirty-Sixth Illinois Infantry, Captain
Shirer, mounted for escort duty, to the front, direct
ing them to drive in the enemy's pickets, and attack
them incessantly on the flanks. The country was
rude and broken, and embarrassed by cedar brakes,
but Shiner did his duty so well that the Fifty-Ninth
Illinois Infantrv, thrown out on either flank of his
little force, had hardly a chance to pull a trigger.
The infantry. Post's brigade, in front, and the artU"
lery, moved up, without hostile obstruction, to a point
within a mile of Nolensville. General Davis now
ascertained that the enemy occupied the village with
cavalry and artillery in some force.
Post's brigade, consisting of the Twenty-Second
Indiana, Seventy-Fourth, Seventy-Fifth and Fifty-
Ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with the Fifth
Wisconsin Battery, Captain Pinney, was iraraediately
deployed to advance upon the village, the left resting
upon the pike, the right upon a hUl which commanded
the town, Pinney's battery posted on a knoU on the
left of the pike. The enemy made show of resist
ance, flinging some shells, but Pinney soon made it
too hot for them, and they evacuated the town. A
large force of rebel cavalry was now discovered mov
ing to the left and dismounting, apparently intending

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 151
to attack ouf right and rear. The Twenty-SecOnd
Indiana Infantry moved to the right to repel the
threatened attack. The Second Brigade, commanded
by Colonel W. P. Carlin, and consisting of the
Twenty-First and Thirty-Eighth IlUnois,^ Fifteenth
Wisconsin and One Hundred and First Ohio Regi
ments of Infantry, and the Second Minnesota Battery,
Captain Hotchkiss^ by this time had formed in line of
battle on Post's right. Moving rapidly forward, they
soon engaged the enemy, the men deporting them
selves splendidly. The Third Brigade, consisting of
the Twenty-Fifth and Thirty-Fifth Illinois, aud the
Eighty-First Indiana Infantry, with the Eighth Wis
consin Battery, Captain Carpenter, and commanded
by Colonel W. E. Woodruff, was deployed on the
extreme right to check any flank movement that
might be projected. It was now plain that the
enemy were endeavoring to hold us in check to give
their main body time to prepare for battle^ but their
strong exhibition of force, and the great advantage
of position in their favor, required of General Davis
the exercise of great caution. But the line was well
formed, and Carlin pushed forward steadily, sustain
ing a sharp fire until the enemy were dislodged and
driven from their position.
Day was waning, but the troops, although wea
ried by their heavy march and sharp skirmishing,
exhibited splendid pluck. General Davis, eager as
a game-cock, deeraed it wise to follow up his advan
tage. The enemy retreated about two miles to a
rugged hill, the road passing through a defile known
as Knob's Gap. Deploying on either side of the
road, with one section of their artillery in the defile,

152 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.
and other pieces on the crest of the hill, they waited
another encounter. The line advanced in the order
of battle of the first collision — Post's brigade moving
up the road and to the left of it, Carlin on the right.
The enemy opened upon Carlin with their artillery at
long range. Hotchkiss and Pinney moved up, and
went into action quickly, while Carlin charged up
the hill, carried the crest in handsome style, and cap
tured two bronze field pieces. Post had also carried
the hights on the left, driving the enemy out of
position, but they saved their guns. Woodruff on the
right, had opportunity only to drive in the rebel skirmr
ishers. The conduct of the troops during the entire
day had been superb. The One Hundred and First
Ohio, Colonel Stem, was particularly signalized
because it was a new regiment — the men behaving
like veterans. It had the honor to capture one of
the guns, which was inscribed " Shiloh," and had
belonged to Georgia troops. Our loss in the skirmr
ishing and two combats was less than a dozen killed
and wounded. The day had now closed, and Davis'
gallant division went into bivouac.
Stanley's operations.
At the crossing of Mill Creek, soon after leaving
camp in front of Nashville, General Sherridan's
division encountered the rebel cavalry, but his skirm
ishers routed them briskly, killing several and cap
turing a lieutenant and private. Stanley's cavalry
reserve stirred up the enemy in considerable force a
mile north of Bully Jack Pass, charged upon them
sharply, and drove them at a slashing pace two miles
to the left and rear of Lavergne, forcing them twice

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 153
to hand to hand encounters, in which the individual
as well as organized superiority of our gallant troop
ers was exhibited. The Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cav
alry, commanded by Majors Rosengarten and Ward,
and the four companies of the Third Indiana Cav
alry, under Major Kline, conspicuously distinguished
themselves. The Pennsylvanians were raw troops,
but they displayed a spirit and courage which refiected
great credit upon them. General Stanley, remarking
their conduct that evening, said : " They went into
the fight as if they liked it, and were unwiUing to
stop." Their gallant leader, Rosengarten, in the sec
ond charge, had an amusing single-handed corabat
with a stout rebel whom he overhauled. His pistol
missed fire, and the rebel was equally unlucky. Their
weapons being useless, they brought their fists into
requisition. The rebel quickly put the Major's eye in
mourning, but the latter, with a stout right-hander,
sent his antagonist to grass, and left him a captive
under guard. Stanley's work was done so neatly and
effectually, that Sherridan raoved up to Nolensville
without further obstruction, and supported General
Davis, while the latter was driving the eneray frora
Knob's Gap. General Johnson's division being in
reserve, did not come in contact with the eneray.
Colonel Lewis Zahn, with his cavalry command,
moving down the Franklin pike, drove in the rebel
pickets two miles in front of that town, charged gal
lantly, and drove the enemy two miles beyond town,
kiUing four, capturing ten, including a lieutenant of
General Bragg's escort, and destroyed a camp. Lieu
tenant Colonel E. H. Murray, with the Third Ohio
Cavalry, also dismounted several rebels, and captured

154 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.
ten prisoners. The results of this day's operations
were encouraging, and the impulse was felt all over
the army. Ten men covered our casualties on this
right, while the enemy had fifteen or twenty killed,
many wounded, and lost nearly fifty prisoners. The
Right Wing, numbering fifteen thousand nine hun-
deed and thirty-three effectives, went into camp at
Nolensville and vicinity about dark, wearied, but
hopeful and sanguine. THE LEFT WING.
The Left Wing, Major General Crittenden, number
ing thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty-eight
eff'ectives, moved down the main Nashville and Mur
freesboro turnpike. Brigadier General J. M. Palmer's
division had the advance. Brigadier General Charles
Cruft's brigade of twelve hundred and seven effectives,
comprising the First and Second Kentucky, Thirty^
First Indiana and Ninetieth Ohio Infantry in front,
covered by Colonel Minty's brigade of cavalry,
Minty encountered the rebel videttes in a cedar
thicket, about two miles from our late front, and
drove them back upon their reserves. Pursuing
them sharply under direction of Colonel Kennett,
he found them constantly covered, but by dint of
sharp riding and hard pushing, finally drove them
back upon Lavergne, where they rallied in strong
force with infantry and artillery. The afternoon
was waning when General Cruft was directed to
drive the enemy from the woods on the left, and
take the village, if possible, before dark. The First
Kentucky and Thirty-First Indiana Infantry, under
Colonel D, A. Enyart, and the Third Kentucky Cav-

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 155
airy. Colonel Murray, covering their left, with a sec
tion of Standart's Ohio Battery, under Lieutenant
Newall, were deployed for that purpose, and moved
boldly upon the eneray. The Sixth Kentucky and
Ninth Indiana Infantry, temporarily under the com
mand of Colonel Walter Whittaker, were thrown out
upon the right to cover that fiank. The enemy
opened sharply with artillery and musketry, but Col
onel Enyart advanced steadily, and finally gave the
order to " charge bayonets ! " The gallant lads obeyed
with a roar of enthusiasm, and the enemy fled to the
opposite bank of Stony Creek. They never wait
for bayonets. Colonel Whittaker, meantime, had
suddenly fallen upon a force of the eneray in a
thicket, and had one man of the Ninth Indiana
killed, one wounded, and two of the Sixth Kentucky
wounded. The enemy, however, declined to wait to
give Whittaker revenge, and joined their comrades
on the opposite side of the creek. In Colonel En-
yart's affair, Lieutenant Newall gained credit by the
skillful management of his guns. With one shell he
killed three horses and dismounted seven men. Mur
ray's Kentucky Cavalry kept the left flank clear, and
captured five of the enemy. It was adjudged that
night, however, that it would have been better policy,
in that country, to have driven the enemy out of the
deflles and cedar thickets with infantry-^ Colonel
Kennett satisfactorily showing that it exhausted men
and horses without compensatory advantages.
The division of General Wood foUowed Palmer in
close supporting distance, but the work was so well
done in front that their movements were unob
structed. But the resistance which th^c advance met

156 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.
prevented the left wing from gaining possession ofthe
commanding hights south of Lavergne, and the
aff'air at the village occupied so much time that no
reconnoissance could be made^ The eneray still occu
pied the hights in considerable force, adraonishing
our commanders to exercise vigilance. The mutual
losses that day on the left were about equal. The
troops settled to rest near Lavergne, fatigued but
hopeful. It is now time to look at the movements
of the Commander-in-Chief. MOVEMENTS OF THE COMMANDER.
Mounting soon after eleven o'clock, in a drenching
storm, General Rosecrans and the staff', with the
original Anderson Troop, and a squadron of the
Fourth United States Cavalry, detailed for escort,'
moved toward the Murfreesboro pike. The caval
cade was winding about the suburban highways of
Nashville, when the sullen reverberation of cannon
rolled up from the south-west. "Only shelling
skirmishers," yet the thunder of hostile guns made
the heart beat and the blood mount. Every rider
straightened in his saddle, and struck impulsively
into, brisker speed. Mile upon mile was quickly left
behind. The firing waxed sharper, and the trot of -
the troop stretched into a gallop. The uproar was
on the right. McCook had started the game, and his
pack was opening in full cry. But it was too far
away for eager ears to catch the full swell of the
sonorous music. A little while, and a whole -tone
bellowed from the direct front. Crittenden, too, had
found something. The General spurred "Boney"
gently, and the escort plunged headlong forward, up

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 157
hill and down, on the side of the road or through the
fields, it mattered little. The heavy trains lumbered
onward, and the stalwart columns, thronging the
highway, pushed ahead staunchly. Seven or eight
miles from Nashville, the quick eye of the General
caught glimpse of one of Merrill's signals, and called
a halt. Riders dismounted, and panting steeds rested.
There was silence again, now and then a gun boom
ing far away to the south-west. " McCook must be
near Nolensville now," quoth Garesche. " Tes,"
fiaid the General; "he will find the enemy there in
some force." The signal flag upon the distant ridge
flared again. " What is it, MerriU ? " "AU right,
sir." Somebody suggested, quietly, that the enemy
might take advantage of the divided columns to
strike the left. " That would be profltable to thera,"
said the caustic General, "with the right swinging
into their rear." A brisk breeze from the north
west had began to disperse the mist, and the clouds
broke away. The sun shone out upon the cheerful
landscape, and the General resuraed the raarch.
SEARCHING FOR M'COOK'S QUARTERS.
Beyond Hamilton Church, just a half mile from the
eleven-mile granite post, on the Murfreesboro pike,
a rude country road, tracing the crest of a ridge,
debouches iuto the main pike. The cross road, with
divaricating branches ruder than itself, cuts a rugged
country some ten miles across the waist, and after
vexatious sinuosities, intersects the Nolensville pike
several miles north of the village. There is a spacious
dusty-hued frame house (in happier times it was a
tavern) on the south-west corner of the Murfreesboro

158 COLLISION WITH THB ENESfY.
junction, with a cornfleld and a pleasant maple grove
in the rear. Upon arriving at this point, the General
directed headquarters to be established in the field
and grove, Kirby taking charge, Garesche dismount
ing and entering the house to forward orders to
Crittenden. AU was silent on the left, but Inhere- was
uproar on the right, denoting sharp combat.
Halting but a moraent, the General pushed onward
briskly to reconnoiter and find the commander of the
Right Wing. After crossing the railroad and exam
ining the country until sunset, the cannonading on
the right having now ceased, the Chief retraced his
steps from the summit of a raountain, and drew up in
a narrow lane in front of Smith's house. Smith said
it was about five miles to Nolensville. Garesche, who
had rejoined him, Goddard, Thompson, Barnet,
Michler, Gilraan, and one or two others, were detailed
by the General to accompany him to McCook's
headquarters. Lieutenant Royse commanding tbe
escort. The rest were dismissed. Twilight, then
darkness, and with darkness heavy clouds and rain,
fell upon the cortege as it spurred briskly through
the rugged narrow lanes and gloomy forests, upon
unknown paths, which but an hour ago had rattled
under the hoofs of rebel horsemen.
Later a barrier intercepted the march. A stone
wall interfered; There was a dwelling on the left,
and the tenant, an old woman, did not know the road
to Nolensville. She "had never been three mUes
away from thar anywhar." There was another house
on the right, where there was a man. It was quite
agreeable to hear him announce that he occupied the
premises pf the notorious Dick McCann, a rebel col'

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 159
onel of cavalry, who had halted there but an hour or
so before — perhaps he was then not far distant. But
the fellow knew the way to Nolensville, and a guide
was necessary. There was no alternative for him.
Threading their way back through disraal forests
and rocky roads (it seeraed unnatural to find such
wild country so near NashviUe), the General and his
attendants at last struck the main route. After a
slashing pace of an hour or more over a highway
from which the horses' iron hoofs struck fire at every
leap, the Nolensville pike was gained. " General,"
interposed an officer of escort, "this way of going
like ^1 over rocks will knock up the horses."
"That's true," replied the General, rousing from his
absorbing thought— r" Walk ! " It was dark as Ere
bus, and recognition without a voice was impossible.
Directly the General caUed an orderly. " Go back,"
he said, "and tell that young man that he must not
be profane." THE BIVOUAC.
The General and his companions had now been in
saddle nine hours. The latter were weary and hun
gry. Eager eyes had descried a vista of cheerful
camps but a few moments before. As the column
pvjshed out of a deep wooded vale, and wound labori
ously up the curving ridge of a towering crest, a glare
from innumerable bivouac fires, blazing meteor-like
upon the opposite slope, partially dispelled tha thick
darkness. AU hailed the flush of lights as a welcom
ing beacon, little dreaming that their indefatigable
leader would be crashing back over the same dreary
track Ipiefore the noon of night.

160 COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY.
As they pressed onward, the humid atmosphere
became impregnated with pungent odor of burning
cedar, which shivering soldiers had heaped up in rude
pyramids, and which now exuded grateful warmth
and pleasant fragrance. The forests were glinting
with incessant showers of glittering sparks flitting
from the crackling fuel, and it seemed as if their bar
ren boughs were emitting swarms of flre-flies. Here
and there were cosy bivouacs under dense raasses of
evergreens, whose shadowy outlines, magnified into
phantom forms by darkness, reserabled vast convex
thunder clouds hovering to the valleys and clinging
to the hill sides, and sharp glearas of flarae light
flashing through the interstices of the branches which
vibrated in the wind, rendered the illusion more per
fect. Heaps of fragrant timber were glowing inside,
and volumes of lack-luster smoke flowing up against
the tangled twigs which formed almost impermeable
ceilings — nature's inimitable groining — imparted a
funereal aspect to those arboreal grottoes that might
have enchanted the glooray fancy of the weird's
women — " That look not like inhabitants o' the earth."
A shrill vocal murmuring roar, sounding like falling
waters in the distance, ran through the camps, and
now and then a cheery shout echoed afar off. The
figures of restless soldiers, picturesquely grouped
around the blazing piles, were eye-sketched through
the dim crepusculous haze against the black perspect
ive of darkness behind the fires, and seemed in their
dusky indistinctness like gigantic specters. But
gradually the murmuring voices died away as an echo,

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 161
the army settled softly to the grateful bosora of mother
earth, and happy soldiers dreaming of home thought
not of the morrow.
The escort picked its way carefully through a seem
ingly tangled mass of mules and wag(itis, and the
Chief at last found the commander of the Right
Wing at NolensviUe, in the heart of a gl-ove, just off'
the highway. The flames of a roaring flre were soar
ing high, and groups of officers were lounging about
it, discussing the morrow. General McCook was the
guest of General Johnson — that is to say, partook of
his rations and enjoyed his cheerful brands. No tents
were pitched, but the two Generals had established
their quarters in the grove by the side of a rough
moss-covered rock, which served for lounges and flre-
place. A pair of roadmaster's cars, like ambulatory
daguerreian establishmerits, were drawn up in front,
and quarters for the night were provided within.
THE CHIEF AND GENERAL m'COOK.
It was evident that McCook expected his Com
mander. After brief greeting they drew aside with
Garesche and Goddard into one of the cars, and
entered upon the business of the succeeding day. It
was a curious group ; the two Generals squatted upon
the floor vis-a-vis to Garesche and Goddard, a feeble
candle in the socket of a bayonet probed into the
floor between them furnishing dira twilight. The
Generals talked earnestly, the Chief of Staff and
Senior Aid writing orders upon slips resting upou
their knees. The General Commanding expressed
his gratiflcation with the gallant conduct of the
troops, but was especially pleased with the ardor and
14

162 COLLISION WITH THB ENEMY.
flrmness of the One Hundred and First Ohio, a raw
regiment, under flre on the 26th of Deceraber for the
first time. McCook reported Hardee in his front at
Triune, some seven miles distant, and expected seri
ous resistance next day. It was somewhere between
ten and eleven o'clock when the consultation was
ended. Many of the staff, overcome by fatigue,
were drowsing in blankets upon the rocks around the
flre. McCook was directed to move at daylight, and
push the eneray hard. " We mount now, gentlemen/'
and a blast of the bugle rang through the valley;
McCook foUowed a little way, and extending his
hand, said, " Good night. General ; " and then im
pressively, " with the blessing of God, General, I will
whip my friend Hardee to-morrow ! " " God bless
you," echoed his Chieftain fervently, and a moment
later he was sweeping rapidly down the pike. The
darkness was now so dense that horses and riders in
front would have seemed phantoms but for clattering
hoofs and clanging scabbards. Occasion.aUy horse
men were met on the highway. A curt "halt!"
brought them to a stand. Explanation of business
was required, and the column moved onward. Two
aids of General Thomas were thus accosted, and a
tedious ride was saved. After a trot of au hour or
more, the column was suddenly checked by a fence
beyond the edge of a forest. Lost, assuredly. A Une
of couriers had been stretched across the waist of the
country, but even they were not now accessible. An
hour or more was spent in retracing the route. The
General was evidently provoked at the misadventure!
and charged through the woods impatiently. A
dozen voices hallooing and the twang of a bugle

COLLISION WITH THE ENEMY. 163
increased the confusion, during which the column
was divided, the General and part of the staff press
ing instinctively homeward, leaving Barnet, Gilman,
Michler and the author with the Anderson Troop, to
make their own way through the gloom. The Chief
got back to carap soon after one o'clock in the morn
ing, but the rear rambled obscurely through the for
ests an hour or more, pushing steadily toward the
lines of the enemy until Michler advised a halt and
glanced at his compass. Sure enough it was a haz
ardous adventure, and nothing reraained but retro
grade movement. The courier line was found at last,
and a little after three o'clock in the morning camp
was joyfully descried. The General was in saddle
that day fourteen hours, riding forty-two miles ; the
deserted portion of his staff were raounted sixteen
hours, riding forty-eight miles without partaking of
food. But all that territory now is terra incognita to
them.

164 THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY.

CHAPTER XX.
OPERATIONS ON SATURDAY.
SunriSb of Saturday was more dreary than the pre
vious morhing. Off the high-vvays men and hofses
found deep mud. A glare of slush was dissolving
the hard turnpike. It was very fatigiling to the
infantry. The clouds which had broken at noon of
yesterday had again massed heavUy, and a dense paU
of mist shrouded the horizon. Shaking his head;
with an air of disappointment, the Chief said bmin-
busly, " Not ihuch progress to-day, I fear." It was
not raining then, ahd the maps were spread upon a
table in the g'rove. He ran his finger rapidly over
the lines showing the various routes of march and
the point of junction of the several columns. Sug
gesting that the enemy might stand on the south
bank of Stewart's Creek, he yet expressed strong
doubts of it, and was uncertain whether they would
oppose his advance in force north of Duck River.
The reasoning seemed against it. Why should Bragg
flght him so near Nashville when he might do it
more advantageously nearer his own base. Obviously
it was Bragg's true policy to draw Rosecrans as far
as possible from his base. Every mile traveled dimin
ished the efl'ective force of the latter and opened his
communications to dangerous attack. And e contra
the enemy by contracting his own lines concentrated
his strength and protected his line of retreat in case

THE ADVANOE ON SATURDAY. 165
bf (Usaster. However, the General wafe sanguine and
discoursed cheerfully of the future. At about nine
o'clock the inist began to rise, and the sun shone out
feebly. Meantime the Right Wing had been moving
since daylight, and therie Was ah occasional boorii of
cannon bounding from hill to hill.
THE CENTER.
General Negley's division waited at NolensviUe
until ten o'clock for his ti-ain to ci*osfe frbm the
Wilson pike, where he left it the day before to move
u^ in siipport of Davis. He nbw ihbved to the east
over a rugged ahd difficult by-road with insti*uctiOhs
to connect with Crittenden's right flahk he^i" Stew-
artsbbrO bn the Murfree'sboi-b pike. Ih cbriye4uehce
of the heavy rain of the previous tiight, Roilsseau
found the cross-roads from the Wilson pike nearly
itnpassable, and coiiseqiiently did not rbabh Nolens
viUe with his troops and train until night. Walker's
brigade, by Order of General Thbraa^, retraced its
stbps frora Brentwood arid cfbssBd bVer tb the
Nblehsville pike. Negley's march wak successfully
executed but tJrith great difficulty, though xvithout
obstruction from the enemy.
THE RIGHT WING.
General McCook was pi*eparfed tb ihbvfe at daylight.
The Second Division, Brigadier General Johnson com-^
manding, in advance, supported by the Third Division,
Brigadier General Sherridan commanding ; the First
Division, Brigadier General Davis, ih reserve; the
Fifteenth Pennsylvania and the First and Second
Tennessee Cavalry in front, ilrder General Stanley.

166 THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY.
The fog was so dense that it was impossible to
distinguish objects a hundred and fifty yards distant.
Movement was therefore greatly retarded. About
two miles from camp. General Johnson's vanguard —
Brigadier General Kirk's brigade in advance — encouur
tered the enemy in strong force of cavalry, infantry,
and artillery. A sharp flre was opened upon John
son, but the fog was so dense that it was impossible
to distinguish friend from foe. Our own flank skirm
ishers had flred upon Stanley's cavalry, and General
McCook being unfamiliar with the ground, and
having ascertained that Hardee had been in line of
battle all night waiting for him, deemed it prudent to
delay further operations until the fog lifted.
At one o'clock the mist being partially dissipated
the columns moved forward, the Thirty-Fourth
Illinois and Twenty-Ninth Indiana Infantry in ad
vance as skirmishers, supported by Edgarton's Ohio
Battery and the Thirtieth Indiana. Infantry ; the Sev
enty-Seventh Pennsylvania and Seventy-Ninth Illinois
following in Une of battle in reserve. Baldwin's
brigade deployed on the right of the road. Upon
approaching Triune, General McCook ascertained
that the main body of rebels had retired, leaving, a
force of cavalry with a full battery to contest thCi
crossing of Wilson's Creek on the edge of the vil-
lagCj the bridge having been destroyed by the enemy.
Driving the rebel skirmishers before him, Genera^l'
Johnson, by sharp fighting, finally gained the crest
of an elevation overlooking Triune, and the enemy
were descried in Une of battle, with their center in
the village, Edgarton's Battery was immediately put
in position, and opened with such effect that the

THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY. 167
rebels were quickly thrown into confusion, and re
treated rapidly down the EaglesvUle road, Johnson's
skirmishers following as speedily as possible. It had
now began to rain, and thick fog again obscured the
country. The ground was also very heavy and
moveraent was seriously retarded. General McCook
therefore determined to^ halt. General Johnson
crossed Wilson's Creek with much labor, rebuilt the
bridge, and encamped on the opposite side. Through
out the day the men had displayed the steadiness and
pluck of veteran soldiers, and notwithstanding the
stubborn resistance they met, they did not lose a man,
the enemy losing several. Sherridan's division also
went into carap near the village, and General Davis
took position at the junction of the Bully Jack road
with the NolensvUle pike. Thus far all was well, but
the designs of the enemy were not yet divined,
THE LEFT WING.
The troops of the Left Wing had been ordered to
be roused an hour and a half before dawn of the
27th, to breakfast as speedily as possible, and form
under arms in line of battle before daylight. General
Wood, an officer who enjoys a pecuUar reputation in
the army for his vigor and his vigilance, and his pre
cision in regulating guard duty, having the lead upon
this day, superintended the exact execution of this
order. An occasional shell frora the opposing hights
shortly after morning dawned, showed that these pre
cautions were not lost. The Left Wing being further
advanced than the Right, the former did not raove
forward until eleven o'clock, when Wood's division.
Brigadier General Hascall's brigade in front, took the

168 THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY.
lead. The entire cavalry on the Left Wing had been
directed to report to General Wood, and that officer,
satisfied from the nature of the country that its posi
tion in front would be injudicious, and retard rather
than aid the progress of the infantry, directed it to
take position in the rear of the fianks of the leading
brigade. .,^
General Hascall moved forward in two lines with
skirmishers well out upon the front and flanks.
Harker's and Wagner's brigades advanoed on either
side of the turnpike road prepared to sustain the
advance, and especially to protect its flanks. General
Wood also directed the supporting brigades to pro
tect their outward flanks by flankers, so that the
advance of the column was entirely insured against
any flanking operation the enemy might project.
Possession of Lavergne, a mile from our front, was
the first object to be attained. The approach was
through open fields over fallow grounds. The enemy
was strongly posted in the houses of the vUlage, and
upon the wooded hights in the rear, from whence he
was enabled to oppose our advance by a direct and
cross-fire of musketry. Hascall's brigade advanced
gaUantly across the field under a galling fire, and
with a line of steel quickly routed the enemy from
his positions, the two leading regiraents, Twenty-
Sixth Ohio, Major Squires, and Fifty-Eighth Indiana,
Colonel Buell, losing sorae twenty men, all of whom
were wounded, one of them mortally.
Hascall's brigade, supported by Estep's Eighth
Indiana Battery pressed forward vigorously, encount
ering the enemy constantly in the numerous cedar
brakes which afforded them cover, but the enthusi-

THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY. 169
asm of our troops was irresistible. The rebels found
but little time to rest before they were driven in con
fusion to new positions. General Wood, constantly
on the alert, was watching every movement with
jealous eye, permitting nothing to escape him, and
the troops, confident in their able leader, pressed on
rapidly under a drenching storra toward Stewart's
Creek. It was a matter of cardinal importance to
save the bridge at the crossing of the Murfreesboro
road, and General Wood strained every nerve to
accoraplish that object. The creek is narrow and
deep, flowing between rugged and precipitous banks.
The destruction of the bridge would retard progress,
and involve the necessity of constructing a new one.
The advance pressed so hotly upon the heels of the
enemy that they saw them cross the stream at double-
quick, the artillery horses under whip and spur. It
was afterward ascertained that this rapid maneuver
was executed by Brigadier General Maney's brigade.
The enemy, however, took time to kindle a fire upon
the bridge, expecting frora the opposite side to repel
any effort to extinguish it, but the line of skirmishers
and Colonel McKee's Third Kentucky Infantry, which
had now been sent to the front, dashed gallantly for
ward under a sharp flre of musketry and extinguished
the flames. While the skirmishers were performing
this brilliant exploit, Hascall's left flank was attacked
by cavalry. The line immediately changed front to
the left, repulsed the attack quickly, and a company
of the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry succeeded in
cutting off and capturing twenty-five prisoners with
their arms, and twelve horses with their accouter-
15

170 THE ADVANCE ON SATURDAY.
ments. The enemy now fell back sonie distance
from the creek, leaving strong pickets upon the crest
of the hill near the bridge!' General Wood had
pressed them so sharply that they left tents standing
upon the soutliern side of the creek, and the encanap-
ment was strewn with arms,
A STEEPLE CHASE.
Meantime, after passing Lavergne, the Nineteenth
Brigade, Colonel W, B. Hazen comma,nding, was
directed to proceed via the Jefferson pike to Stewart's
Creek to save the bridge at that crossing if possible.
Ninety cavalry of the Fourth Michigan, under com
mand of Captain Maxey, reported to Colonel Hazen,
and they were placed under charge of his Acting
Assistant Inspector General, Captain James Mc-
Cleery, Forty-First Ohio Infantry, with directions to
clap spurs to the troop as soon as the enemy were
started, and not slack rein until the bridge was
crossed. The distance did not exceed five miles.
Flankers were thrown out, and the infantry and artil
lery were urged forward at a speed that kept them
within supporting distance of the cavalry. The
enemy were less than three miles from the bridge.
McCleery and Maxey, by following Hazen's nervy
directions to the letter, made an exciting steeple
chase of the whole aff'air. The rebels outnumbered
our gallant little detachment fully five to one, but
they went over the bridge at a slashing pace, Maxey 's
troopers charging at their heels. After crossing they
formed upon the opposite side of the creek, but were
soon dispersed by our artillery. In this brilliant affair

THE ADVANOE ON SATURDAY, 171
we lost one trooper killed and two were captured.
We captured ten prisoners, killed one commissioned
officer and several men.
Colonel Kennett had been slashing at the rebel
cavalry all day, and by a gallant dash ; succeeded in
cutting off' and capturing a detachment of thirty-six
men of Colonel John T. Morgan's Alabama regi
raent. The field was now clear to the line of Stew
art's Creek on the left. Negley's division closed up
on General Crittenden's right, aud General McCook
was quietly encaraped in the mud at Triune. The
General Commanding remained at his quarters until
noon receiving reports, and in the evening rode to
the left front to inspect the position. He expressed
great satisfaction with the results of the day's oper
ations, especially coramending the vigor and skill
exhibited by General Wood aud Colonel Hazen.

172 THE ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE.

CHAPTER XXI.
Operations on Sunday and Monday — General Rosecrans at the
Front — Picket Skirmishing — Prospects for Monday — Headquarters
atLavergne— Rousseau joins the Center— McCook's Reconnoissance^-
Willich's Brigade Captures Prisoners — Operations on Monday —
Hardee Retires to Murfreeshoro — ^Battle Indicated — The Left Wing
in front of Murfreesboro — Crittenden Ordered to Occupy the Town —
Exploit of Harker's Brigade — Monday Night.
General Rosecrans had frequently expressed his
opposition to miUtary operations upon the Sabbath,
unless they were indispensible. It was, therefore,
a foregone conclusion that Sunday, December 28th,
would be a day of comparative rest. There was both
principle and policy in halting. The troops needed
rest, Rousseau's division was still at NolensviUe, and
it was desirable that he should join the Center; itwas
essential, also, to ascertain the object of Hardee's raove
ments. If he had retired to Shelbyville, it indicated
a withdrawal of Bragg's army from Murfreesboro. If
he had merely fallen back to Murfreesboro, it justified
conclusion that the enemy had determined to meet us
in a general engagement in that vicinity.
The General Commanding rose early, as usual, on
Sunday morning, and devoted an hour to religious
exercises, Rev. Father Trecy officiating at Mass.
Garesche, and a few soldiers of the Tenth Ohio Vol
unteers, knelt at the same altar. Providence smiled
that morning, too, for the mist was swept away by a
strong western breeze, and the sun broke through the

THB ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE. 173
clouds, shining with genial luster. About noon. Gen
eral Rosecrans, attended by his entire staff", cantered
down the Murfreesboro pike to the extreme front, and
observed the enemy from the north bank of Stewart's
creek. A battery, supported by a considerable force
of mounted rebels, was distinctly visible upon a com
manding elevation of the road a mile south of the
stream. The woods oh the opposite side of the creek
were swarming with pickets of the enemy, and noisy
firing, at long musket range, was going on at various
points above and below the road, but without casual
ties of serious consequence on either side — a v6ry
interesting but an unprofitable exercise. There was
a general concurrence among the numerous officers
upon the ground that the opposite side of the stream
was so admirably adapted for defense that the enemy
would be apt to resist our crossing iu force. Many
supposed that they were then contemplating the great
battle-ground whieh was to decide the fate of Middle
Tennessee. Appropriate dispositions were made to
meet the anticipated engageraent. After a brief visit
to General Crittenden's quarters, in the forest on the
right of the road, a mile from the creek. General
Rosecrans returned to headquarters, which had been
advanced to Lavergne.
Meantime Rousseau's division was laboriously wind
ing through the rude defiles from Nolensville toward
the Murfreesboro pike to take its proper position in
column. Night had fallen before his jaded men, and
weary teams finished their severe march.
The Right Wing, excepting Brigadier General
August WiUich 's brigade, which had been sent iu
pursuit of Hardee's column, remained over Sunday in

174 THE ENEMY IN IJINE '01* BATTLE.
the position in which it halted Saturday night. Gen
eral Willich followed the enemy tb Rigg' s cross-roads,
about seven miles below Triune, capturing forty-one
rebels of his rear guard, and ascertaining that Hardee
had withdrawn his corps' to ' Mutfreesboro. It was
therefore certain that Bragg intended to accept battle.
The troops sunk to rest that night, anticipating a san
guinary conflict on the morrow.
THE RIGHT WING ON MONDAY.
It was expected that sunrise of Monday^ the 29th,
would be saluted by roar of artillery. The trobps
were under arms before daybreak,' and as soon as 'it
was light, the columns marched toward Murfreesboro-^
seven miles from Stewartsboro. General McCook
detached Baldwin's brigade, of Johnson's division,
to remain as a corps of observation at 'Triune, and
raoved toward Murfreesboro on the Bully Jack road.
Gen. Davis' division in advance, Woodruff's brigade
in front, supported by Sherridan's division, the Sec
ond Division,' General Johnson, in reserve, Stanley's
cavalry in the front. 'In consequence bf the mud and
the ' ruggedness of the • road, marching was extremely
difficult. ' Upon arriving at Stewart's- Creek, it was
reported that the enemy had shown in strong force on
the opposite side, but General Stanley soon contra
dicted it, reporting the road clear; and the column
moved with but little obstruction to the WUkinson
pike,' on Overall's Creek, within three and a half miles
of Murfreesboro, at which point the advance division
went into bivouac in line of battle, the left brig
resting on the Wilkinson pike.

THE ENEMY IN LINE OP BATTLE. 175

THE CENTER.
General Negley's division of the Center crossed
Stewart's Creek two miles south-west and above the
bridge on the Murfreesboro pike, supporting the head
and right flank of Crittenden's corps, Tsliich moved
on the turnpike. The cavalry rear guard of the
enemy contested the advance obstinately, but with
only trifling casualties on either side. Rousseau
remained in camp at Stewartsboro, detaching Stark
weather's brigade, with a section of artillery, to the
Jefferson pike crossing of Stone River to observe the
movements of the enemy in that direction. Walker's
brigade moved over from the Nolensville pike, and
encamped at Stewartsboro about dark.
THE LEFT WING.
Grose's brigade, of Palmer's division, with a regi
ment of skirmishers in front, took the advance of the
Left Wing, on the west side of the Murfreesboro pike.
Parson's Fourth United States Artillery shelling ' the
forests in front ; Wagner's brigade, of Wood's division,
in front on the eastern side of the pike, with Harker's
brigade covering his left, Cruft's and Hascall's brigades
in reserve, in column. Van Cleve's (iivision in the
rear. Hazen's brigade was marching to the front from
the bridge over Stewart's Creek, at the Jefferson pike
crossing. The leading brigades moved at ten o'clock
across Stewart's Creek, and advanced in line of battle,
skirmishing with the enemy, who fell back rapidly,
but resisting. The Left Wing continued to advance
steadily in this manner, driving the enemy from cover
constantly, until at about three o'clock in the ' after-

176 THE ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE.
noon, it reached Stone River. The enemy were now
discovered in great force in front of Murfreesboro, in
line of battle, and it was evident that they were pre
pared to resist further progress in general engagement.
THE ENEMY IN FRONT.
General Rosecrans meantime had moved forward to
Stewartsboro, and established fleld quarters at Bridge's
house, where he was joined by Major General Thomas,
who remained with him nearly all day. Generals -
Wood and Palmer had halted for orders, in conse
quence of the formidable front of the enemy, the sup
porting columns being too far in the rear to justify a
continuous advance. General Crittenden approved
the halt, and reported to General Rosecrans.
Wood's division on the left and Palmer's on the
right were immediately disposed in order of battle in
two Unes, the front securely guarded by a continuous
line of skirmishers well out in advance of their
reserves. Wagner's brigade rested on the pike occu
pying a piece of wooded ground with an open fleld
in front. Harker's brigade in the center occupied
the same woods and extended toward the left into an
open fleld, covered in front by a wave in the surface,
and Hascall's brigade was posted on the extrerae left,
its left resting upon Stone River — the latter running
obliquely in front of the position, leaving a triangular
fleld sorae hundreds of yards in breadth in front of
the right, and narrowing almost to a point in front
of the left. Palmer's brigade was formed in a sim
Uar raanner, Cruft's left connecting with Wagner's
right, with a fallow field in front; Grose on the
extrerne right, Negley and Van Cleve raoving up in

THE ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE. 177
support some distance in the rear, their movements
having been retarded by serious natural obstructions.
MARCH ON MURFREESBORO.
A signal message about three o'clock in the after
noon from the front from General Palraer, said that
he was in sight of Murfreesboro, and the enemy were
running. Whereon an order was sent by General
Rosecrans to General Crittenden directing him to send
a division to occupy Murfreesboro. General Wood,
and subsequently General Palmer, deemed such a
movement injudicious under the circumstances, but
prepared with alacrity to obey, though representing
its hazards. Harker's brigade took the advance,
throwing out a strong line of skirmishers in front,
and directing the Fifty-First and Seventy-Third Indi
ana, and Thirteenth Michigan regiments to cross the
river simultaneously, press forward, and seize the
commanding hights beyond ; the Sixty-Fourth and
Sixty-Fifth Ohio Infantry and Bradley's Battery to
follow in support; Hascall's brigade to follow on the
left. The troops gallantly dashed forward, and as
the line of skirmishers debouched from the stream
on the opposite side, they were met by a crash of
musketry from a regiraent in front covered by thick
ets and a fence. Our lads held their fire until within
short range, then let drive, and charged enthusi
astically. The rebels fell back in confusion upon
their main body about five hundred yards distant,
which was subsequently ascertained to be Breckin
ridge's division. The movement of the entire bri
gade was handsomely executed, and Harker gained
his position. But the enemy, though evidently dis-

178 THE ENliMY' IN LINE OF BATTLE.
concerted' by the boldness and spirit of the attack,
were obviously too 'strong for the little force in frbu^.
Harker, therefore, reported for orders.
In the meantime. General Crittenden consenting tp
suspend further raoveraent in consequence of the
obvious strength of the eneiny until he could report
to the General Commanding, Colonel Harker was
recalled in pursuance of orders received by GeneraJ
Crittenden Countermanding the moveraent. To obey
the order to fall back was almost as hazardous as
to advance, but it was skillfully executed, Colonel
Harker losing but two men killed and three wounded
in the whole affair. The order for the occupation of
Murfreesboro having been based upon erroneous
information, the General Commanding approved the
course of General Crittenden in suspending its execu
tion. The Left Wing with Negley's division biv
ouacked in order of battle without fires, seven hundred
yards distant frora the enemy's entrenchments, our
left extending some five hundred yards down the
river. CAVALRY OPERATIONS.
Before dark General McCook had also reported
that his advance was in sight of Murfreesboro. The
enemy were in his front drawn up in line of battle,
and reinforcements were coming up from Shelbyville
by railroad. In this day's operations the cavalry
were signally conspicuous on the right fiank. Col
onel Zahn, with part of his brigade, consisting of the
First Ohio Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Minor
Millikin, and part of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, Lieif-
tenant Colonel Pugh, marched upon Murfreesboro by
the Franklin road, but coming upon the enemy's

THB ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE. 179
ariillery they thought it advisable to retire, after a
sharp encounter, in which they captured six prison
ers. General Stanley raoving on the Bully Jack road
with the reserve cavalry, encountered the eneray at
Wilkinson's cross-rOads, and after a series of charges
and running fights drove them across Overall's Creek,
and to a point within a half mile of the eneray's line
bf battle. The conduct of the Anderson Cavalry
this day elicited the gbnerous approval of their cora
mander, who reported officially that they " behaved
most gallantly, pushing at full charge upon the eneray
for si:^ miles. Unfortunately ' their advance fronted
too recklessly ; having dispersed their cavalry, the
troops fell upon two regiraents of rebel infantry in
arabush, and after a gallant struggle were compelled
to retire, with the loss of Ma.] or Rosengarten and six
men killed, and the brave Major Ward and five raen
desperately wounded." Unhappily the loss of their
two gallant Majors demoralized them, and a spirit of
jealousy aud strife, which was subsequently engen
dered in the regiment, destroyed its usefulness.
On the left fiank. Colonel Minty was skirmishing
lightly with the enemy all day. The Seventh Penn
sylvania, Major Wynkoop, on the extreme left, the
Third Kentucky, Colonel Murray, on the right, the
Fourth Michigan, Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson, in
reserve, the Second Indiana Cavalry on courier duty.
THE GENERAL COMMANDING AT THB FRONT.
The General Commanding remained at Bridge's
house during the entire day receiving reports and
giving orders. His mind was absorbed in his busi
ness to the exclusion of all other themes. He seemed

180 THE ENEMY IN LINE OF BATTLE.
more anxious about the situation on the right, and
was much gratified when General McCook's success
ful progress was reported. The mutually confirm
atory reports frora the commanders of the Right and
Left Wings, reraoved all shadow of doubt concerning
tbe disposition of the enemy. Orders were sent to
the former to form two of his divisions in two lines,
with one division in reserve, sending a reconnoitering
force down toward Salem on his right. Negley would
form in two lines in front in the center, Rousseau
supporting him. Crittenden's corps was to form like
McCook's. Stanley and Kennett were again enjoined
to guard well the fianks with their cavalry. ,
Sorae time after dark, headquarters were established
on the south bank of Stewart's Creek. After sup
per, the General Coramanding, attended by Lieuten
ant Colonel Garesche, Lieutenant Kirby, Lieutenant
Bond, Colonel Barnet, Major Skinner, and Fathe^
Trecy, who never deserted him, proceeded to the
front, and after observing the situation, he took quar
ters in a little wood hard by the Murfreesboro pike.
General Crittenden and the respective staffs of the
two Generals, enveloped in blankets, squeezed them^
selves into a little rickety log-cabin and lay down,
to sleep. The Pioneer Brigade, under Captain St.
Clair Morton, had arrived at Stewart's Creek thai
afternoon, and by four o'clock next morning, when
they were ordered to the front, had constructed two
bridges across the stream. The clangor of their axeS|'
was heard all night echoing in the dreary forests..
The darkness seemed to bear upon its wings strange,
ominous sounds. Thousands thought it the night
before battle, and put up their prayers to God.

FIGHTING FOR POSITION. 181

CHAPTER XXII.
ToESDAT, December 30 — The First Shot at the General Commanding —
An Orderly Decapitated — Skirmishing on the Left — Field Quar
ters Established — Military Groupings — A Growl on the Right —
Music — Garesche and his Missal — An Old Woman's Dream — Stone
River — The Rebel Position — Orders to General McCook — Reports —
Obstinate Resistance of the Enemy — Ominous Sounds on the
Left — Starkweather's Combat — ^Rebel Cavalry in the Rear— The
Tenth Ohio Distinguishing Itself — Rosecrans Orders McCook to
Prepare for Battle — Better Prospects — Operations of the Day.
Tuesday, the 30th of Deceraber, dawned drearily.
It had rained heavily during the night. The surface
of the earth was a heavy muck — such a soil as caused
Napoleon to delay attack from six o'clock until eleven.
The sun was shut out by heavy masses of clouds, and
thick mist was floating in the atmosphere, obscuring
vision and oppressing the senses. The soldiers, who
had lain all night in the mud without fires, stood to
their arms shivering in saturated garments long before
daylight. They had plenty to eat, but that was their
only comfort. But as they fared, so fared their offi
cers, save when they slept their officers were vigilant.
The Leader was among the earUest to start from
his blankets — as he had been among the last who had
slept at all to seek rest. At half-past three o'clock
that morning. Major General McCook reported to him
in person, and was instructed ta rest the left of his
line upon the right of General Negley's line, and to

182 FIGHTING FGRrPOSmON;
throw his right forward until it was parallel, or nearly
so, with Stone River, the extrerae. right to rest on or
near the Franklin road — General McCook describing
the field which furnished the base for this order. Thp,
order ofthe Center and Left Wing were to remain as,
already described — Negley's twp briga-des in the ceii-,
ter. Palmer on his left. Wood on the extreme left.
Van Cleve on the left in reserve.
HEADQUARTERS IN THB FIELD.
About seven o'clock, Crittenden's lines moved up
a little, and the enemy opened a brisk but ineffective
fire. Negley pushed laboriously forward through,
the heavy cedar thickets, the pioneers cutting roads
through the timber for the passage of his trains.
The General Coramanding, not yet mounted, stood in
front of his quarters watching the progress of affairs
when the fire opened upon Crittenden. Presently an
officer who had been wounded was borne to the rear
on a stretcher. Directly the enemy trained a gun at
headquarters. The first corapliraent whizzed over a
little crest and ricochetted in the road. The next,
cannon ball was in better range, striking nearer the
General. The third whizzed almost in a line with;
him, and carried away the head of McDonald, of the
Fourth Regular Cavalry, oue of tbe orderlies. It
was deemed prudent to remove, and the General and,
staff rode up the slope to a less exposed positipn|
halting at a solitary panel of fence under three vigor
ous young trees, perhaps a hundred yards from, the
pike on the left — a point from whence raovements
were observed during the day. It had begun to rain
again, and the prospect was dismal.

FIGHTING FOR POSITION, 183^
A canopy of rails, supported by a rider upon
crotchets, was constructed, and several gutta-percha
blankets spread over them, enabled the staff to write
orders under shelter. Every member of the staff'
proper was now with the Chief. General Crittenden
and his staff swelled the group. Colonel John
Kennett and Ms Adjutant, Chamberlain, had reported
in obedience to orders. Otis was there superintend
ing the transmission of orders by couriers. The
escorts of Rosecrans and Crittenden, with orderlies,
were drawn up in the rear holding horses. The
Fourth Regular Cavalry were in line behind a crest,
perhaps two or three hundred yards in the rear.
After a while a petulant bicker of musketry iu Neg
ley's front, occasionally a growl of cannon away oyer
on the right, indicated that the enemy were finding
cause of quarrel. Thousands of troops, forming the
second line, were visible as far as the eye could reach,
stalking about the mucky fallow grounds, near their
posts, or lounging upon their blankets, their bayonets
fixed and sunk into the soil, with butts of muskets,
uppermost, as if this was a field of fire-arms ripening
for a harvest. As the rauttering in the distance grew
more ominous, the superb band of the Fourth Cavalry
soothed the growing discord with noble harmony;
and as the "Star, Spangled Banner" swelled and
rolled in spirit-stirring volume over the , somber
plains, stout-hearted fellows greeted, the welcome
music with joyful clamor.
A fire had been kindled in front of field quarters,
and a fence was constructed around it for seats.
Officers, enveloped in uncouth rubber ponchos, with
gutta-j)ercha covers on their heads, reminders of chiv*-

184 FIGHTING FOR POSITION.
alrous knights armed cap-a-pie, clustered around the
roaring flames, and while battle waged in the forest
they eked comfort from the blaze and waxed joUy.
Why not? Doubtless they had made their peace
with God. Perhaps to-day or to-morrow they may
die. Men learn to toy with the grim majesty of
death. There is often a gay insousiance in the midst
of horrors that thrills you when reflection seizes you
in solitude. "Who of us will go up to-morrow?"
quoth one. "Not I," "Nor I," say each. When all
enter the iminent deadly breach, who may survive?
Tet who thinks it will be hiraself?
THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST.
There was one in that assemblage who felt not thus.
He was sitting alone, aside, at the foot of one of the
trees, leaning against it. In his hands, partially con
cealed by the flowing folds of his overcoat, there M'as
a little book — a Missal — " De Imitatiojie Christi."
He carried it in his pocket habituall3^ A few had
observed his custom. Tet he was as stealthy as a
woman with a sweet missive frora a lover. Had he
dreamed that he appeared in the least ostentatious, he
would have blushed to his temples. He bowed meekly
over his book; his lips muttered inaudibly; the index
finger of his right hand described the iraaginary cross
with which raen of his religion syrabolize their faith.
He was no more conscious that he was observed by
mortal man than a little child is capable of crime.
He communed upon the battle-field with God. The
witness shuddered with indescribable emotion. Gar
esche felt that he was a doomed raan. On the raorrow
the comrade who shuddered, shuddered the more

FIGHTING FOR POSITION. 185
when the scene premonished under that tree became
a horrible reality. It was very curious. An old
woman at St. Louis — a poor distraught creature, who
fancied she had inspirations superior to mortal gifts —
dreamed that Garesche would be killed in his first
battle. She warned him, and he smiled with amiable
contempt. He was at Washington — she on the Mis
sissippi. A year later, and he was in front of Mur
freesboro. But a presentiment had possessed his
mind. He left Washington to join Rosecrans, fixed
in the somber belief that he would fall in his first
battle. This was confided to a near relative. He
never spoke of it to others. We shall see how cheer
fully he devoted himself,
GROUPINGS IN THE FIELD.
There were various groupings that may yet elicit the
skill of a graceful limner. The Chief, Garesche, God
dard, Thompson, Thoms, Bond, in the center — pen
cil and paper, orders — couriers flying away, couriers
swiftly approaching, aids galloping over the field, offi
cers reporting; the Chief grave, anxious, absorbed.
Crittenden and his staff waiting orders. Officers with
glasses scanning the line, which to-morrow will be a
Une of blood. A troop, a squadron, a regiment of
horse skirring over the plain; columns moving
through the forest; great trains lumbering in the
highway ; cannon rumbling on the stony road. Cold
winds blew from the north-west about noon and swept
the mist and the sraoke from camp-fires in the thick
ets over the enemy, and the cheerful sun gleamed out
strongly but fitful through clefts between clouds,
which looked like gaps separating mountains. The
16

186 FIGHTING FOR POSITION.
enemy were visible in front, anxious, and observant
in groups with glasses, as we were.
FIGHTING FOR POSITION.
According to descriptions of the geography of the
rebel position and of the topography of the eountry
in their front, furnished by General McCook, ordersi
had been given him which consumed the day in exe
cution. His extreme right refused to the enemy was
to rest on or near the Franklin pike, tracing a wooded
ridge along the front of the enemy until his left con^
nected with the Center. Early in the morning, Neg
ley had obliqued to the right in order to bring his line
into position, Stanley's brigade on the right, MiUer's
on the left, joining Cruft's brigade of Palmer's divi
sion, left wing. Rousseau's three brigades had been
ordered farward early, and they got into position in
reserve about four o'clock — Starkweather's being on
the Jefferson pike.
The reports which reached the General Command
ing, were not reassuring. The energies ofthe Center
and Right Wing were engaged in fighting for posi-;
tion. Negley, under Thomas, was meeting resistance
which amounted alraost to battle. Thunder of can
non and rattle of musketry swelling upon the right
was still more ominous. McCook was instructed to
feel his way cautiously but firmly. Before noon artih
lery was heard away off on our left. It was unex
pected, and therefore menacing. Colonel Kennett was
directed to inquire into it, and the facts were subse
quently reported. A train of sixty wagons, proceed
ing toward the bridge on the Jefferson pike, was
attacked while the head of the train was going into

FIGHTING FOR POSITION. 187
park at Starkweather's camp, near the bridge. His
brigade, numbering seventeen hundred men, was
quickly deployed, the Twenty-First Wisconsin, Col
onel Hobart, dividing to the front and rear of the
train, the First Wisconsin, Lieutenant Colonel Bing
hara, on the flanks as skirmishers, the Twenty-Fourth
Illinois, Colonel Mihalotzy, at the bridge crossing
with a section of Stone's First Kentucky Battery, the
Seventy-Ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Hambright,
and two sections of Stone's Battery, going to the front
under Colonel Starkweather. A detachment of fifty
of the Second Kentucky Cavalry, Captain Craddock,
was sent to the front to feel the enemy and were at
once engaged. The enemy, three thousand five hund
red strong, under Brigadier General Wheeler, and
Colonel Allen, advanced on foot supported by two
howitzers. A sharp combat lasting two hours and a
half ensued. Starkweather's gallant brigade, how
ever, finally repulsed the enemy with severe loss, his
own casualties being one killed, eight wounded, one
hnndred and four missing, and nine captured. Eighty-
three of the eneray, including a Lieutenant Colonel,
were killed outright, and eight were captured — two
of whora were raortally wounded. Their wound
ed were nuraerous, but the enemy reraoved them.
Wheeler, however, succeeded in destroying twenty
wagons in the rear of the train. The troops of the
brigade behaved gallantly. EXCITING REPORTS.
At noon. General McCook reported that Colonel
Zahn had discovered a brigade of rebel cavalry with
three pieces of artillery on the Franklin pike, evi-

188 FIGHTING FOR POSITION.
dentiy menacing our coraraunications. T/ater in the
day they made a dash on the Murfreesboro pike,
directly in our rear, cutting off a train of wagons.
Rousseau's division having moved to the front, Col
onel J. W. Burke's Tenth Ohio Infantry, which had
been left to guard Headquarters' camp, at Stewarts-
bore, immediately moved in pursuit under that gal
lant officer and recaptured the train. Harrassing
reports were constantly arriving, indicating a gener^
effort on the part of the enemy to cut off' our trains
in the rear, and sever commuuications with NashvUle,
causing anxiety to the General Commanding. Gen
eral McCook reported strong resistance, with Hardee
in his front. At a quarter before four o'clock, Cap
tain H. N. Fisher, Volunteer Aid to General McCook,
reported to the General Commanding that Kirby
Smith's corps and Breckinridge's division had con
centrated in front of the Left Wing. " Tell General
McCook," said the Chief, that "if he is assured that
such is the fact he may drive Hardee sharply if he is
ready. At all events tell him to prepare for battle
to-morrow morning. Tell him to fight as if the fate
of a great battle depended upon him. While he
holds Hardee, the Left, under Crittenden, will swing
round and take Murfreesboro. Let Hardee attack if
he wants to. ItwiU suit us exactly." " It is looking
better," said the Chief, moving around to the fire.
Soon after it was reported that the enemy had eap
tured Lavergne, with thirty troops and the telegraph
operator, besides interrupting the line of couriers.
Not rauch later General Thomas reported successful
progress in front of the Center, and was directed to
press the enemy at his discretion. General McCook

FIGHTING FOR POSITION. 189
reported Sherridan's division moving steadily into the
position assigned him ; Davis on his right, fighting
vigorously but gaining ground. " Things look bright,
gentlemen— brighter than they did this morning,"
said the Chief cheerfully, and for the first time during
the day he indulged in pleasantry. AU this time
tbere was an angry chatter of musketry in the cen
ter and on the right, while great guns roared inces
santly — ^very much resembling battle. It is now time
to follow the respective moveraents of the columns,
THE LEFT WING
Was already in position in order of battle in two
lines, Cruft's, Grose's, Wagner's, and Harker's bri
gades in front, with Hazen's and Hascall's brigades,
and Van Cleve's division, in reserve. The rebel
sharpshooters kept up a harrassing fire all day, and
at four o'clock in the afternoon General Palmer was
ordered to advance and make a demonstration with,
all his artillery. The enemy retaliated, and there was
a grand fusilade, but nothing serious grew out of it,
THE CENTER.
Negley had obliqued to the right, and with the Sev
enty-Eighth Pennsylvania and Nineteenth Illinois in
front skirmishing, he fought his way into position
over rugged ground, beset with cedar-brakes, and
against obstinate resistance. He was also formed m
two lines, with Rousseau's division in reserve,
THE RIGHT WING.
At half past nine o'clock in the morning. General
McCook moved his column down the Wilkinson pikp

190 FIGHTING POR POSITION.
toward Murfreesboro. Sherridan's division had the
lead, Roberts' brigade in advance, with a regiment of
cavalry in front. Not long after crossing OveraU?8j
Creek, the infantry pickets of the rebels were encoun
tered. Sherridan had thrown a regiment of skirm
ishers to the front, but when they reached a poinj;
within two miles and three-quarters of Murfreesboro,'
the eneray showed so strongly in front that two
regiraents — the Twenty-Second and Forty-Secon4,
Illinois — were required to drive them. They resisted,
obstinately, bringing batteries into play occasionally.
Coraplying with orders from General McCook,
General Sherridan now forraed in line of battle and,
placed his artillery in position — on the right of an^,
obliquely to the pike — four regiments to the front,
four in close support, and Shaeff'er's brigade in re
serve in columns of regiments in rear of the center.
General Davis formed upon his right in similar man
ner, with Carlin's brigade on the right to direct the
movements of the division. In consequence of a
demonstration of the enemy toward Davis' right,
Kirk's brigade, of Johnson's division, was formedj
still further to the right, with his own right refused^
to protect that flank. Edgarton's Battery took posi
tion upon an elevation on the right flank and openedr
his full battery with splendid eft'ect, driving the ene-j
my back in confusion, disabling pieces, killing horsey;
and raen. A second battery in Post's front was alsp
silenced in a few moments.
The enemy, covered by a heavy belt of timber in
Sherridan's and Davis' front, had succeeded in re
tarding their progress, but Davis' division and Sher
ridan's right brigade were now ordered to swing; l?y

FIGHTING FOR POSITION. 191
the right, so as to face nearly east, but in effecting this
movement Davis raet with severe loss. Carlin found
his right withiu one hundred and eighty yards of a
rebel battery at Sraith's house. He had intended to
halt here for Post's and Woodruff's brigades to come
up, but Colonel Alexander, coraraanding the Twenty-
First Illinois, acting upon his own responsibUity,
charged gallantly at the battery, and upon attaining
a point within eighty yards of it, the eneray aban
doned their guns. The regiment continued its career,
but directly it recoiled before a furious fire opened
suddenlyby infantry concealed behind fences and out
houses. The battery which Edgarton silenced soon
after was also harrassing them, and Colonel Alexan
der, seeing no alternative, was constrained to retire.
The conduct ofhis regiment, however, was admirable.
The two divisions, with one of Johnson's brigades,
had now been quite sharply engaged, losing about two
hundred men, and it was verging upon sunset. The
maneuver which had been directed was successfully
executed, and McCook soon saw his coramand in the
position for which it had struggled so infiexibly.
Sherridan's left, resting upon the Wilkinson pike, con
nected with Negley's right, his right resting in the
timber, his reserve brigade in the rear of his center.
Davis' left was closed in upon Sherridan's right, with
his own right defiected so that it formed nearly a right
angle with Sherridan's. Subsequently Brigadier Gen
eral Kirk's left joined Davis' right ; and General Wil
lich's brigade, with his right at the FrankUn road,
refused so as to protect the fiank, was posted upon tbe
extreme right of the entire line of battle. Meantime,
Baldwin's brigade, which had been ordered forward

192 FIGHTING FOR POSITION.
from Triune, had joined General Johnson early in
the afternoon (of the SOth), and went into camp in
reserve, about eight hundred yards in the rear.
The entire cavalry force of the army, excepting
details for courier and escort duty, were engaged
protecting the fianks that day, skirmishing a little.
General Stanley, with a small force, went back to
Lavergne, to watch the rebel operations in the rear.

PLAN OF THB BATTLE, 193

CHAPTER XXIII.
The Line of Battle — Right, Left, and Center — The Field — Picket
Guards — Vigilance of Commanders — Position of tho Enemy — Head
quarters of the General Commanding the Night before Battle —
McCook's Information from the Enemy — Instructions to McCook —
The Plan of Battle— Explanations— The Order of Battle by Bri
gades — Address to the Army — The Army on the Eve of Battle.
There was now a continuous line of battle in two
lines, with reserves, in position, describing an irreg
ular figure about three miles in length, and tracing in
a general direction north-east and south-west. It was
nearly parallel with that of the enemy. The left
rested on Stone River, the right stretching rather
south-westerly, and resting on high wooded ground,
south of and near the Franklin pike. The right bri
gade (Willich's) flanked in a line nearly perpendicular
to the main line, forming a crotchet to the rear to
guard against a flank movement. The Right Wing
generally occupied a wooded ridge, with open ground
in front. A valley, narrowing from right to left, say
from four hundred to two hundred and fifty yards,
separated it from the enemy, who were covered by
dense cedar thickets, oak forests, and, as was subse
quently discovered, rude breastworks of loose stones,
rails, and brush.
The Center was posted on a rolling slope in advance,
but joining Crittenden's right and McCook's left. In
front, a heavy growth of oak timber extended toward
17

194 PLAN OF THB BATTLE.
the river, which was about a mile distant. A narrow
thicket diagonally crossed Negley's left, and skirted
the base of a cultivated slope, expanding to the width
of a mile as it approached the Murfreesboro pike.
The enemy were posted on the crest of this slope,
behind intrenchments, which extended with inter-'
vals from the oak timber in Negley's front to Stone
River, on our left, obliquing to our left front, with a
battery of six guns in position near the woods, about
eight hundred yards from Negley's front. Theene
my's columns were massed behind this timber on the
river bank.
The right brigade of the Left Wing rested upon a
wood, the next stretched across an open cotton field
into a thin grove, and the left brigades were also par
tially covered by timber, with open ground in front.
The enemy occupied a commanding crest in the open
field, perhaps eight hundred yards distant from our
line. The railroad on high ground, to the left of the
pike, the turnpike on low ground, intersected the Left
Wing on Palnaer's left, and crossed each other near
the rebel line in a depression, forming a sharp tri
angle, the base of which, a half mile in the rear, waa
about five hundred yards wide. About half way
between the two lines were the scarified walls of a
brick dwelling, now famous as "Cowan's Burnt
House," occupying a knoll, with a peach orchard on
the north side. The great struggle for mastery finally
took place in this front, behind the apex of the tri
angle. In rear of our line the country was undulating and
rough, excepting on the left. Behind the Right Wing
and Center, there were alternate fallow fields, fences.

PLAN OP THE BATTLE, 195
and dense cedar thickets and ridges. The left moved
into line over an undulating cornfield, which had one
distinct trace ranging south-westerly from Stone River
until it gradually fell off into a shallow bluff on the
right of the pike on the west, and sloped southerly
from a crest which fronted the enemy. On the rump
of this trace there was a small grove of saplings.
Behind it a hundred yards distant, perhaps, and near
the railroad, a family cemetery, shaded by a clump of
stunted cedars. This graveyard is now populous with
dead patriots.
On the right of the pike, going south, there was
an irregular triangular cottonfield swelling to a
crest, a hundred and fifty yards on the right of the
pike, when it fell off into thicket-skirted swamps at
the northern angle, and sloped almost iraperceptibly
in a southerly direction into an open marsh, skirted
on its opposite side behind Cruft's brigade, by dense
cedar-brakes. Its southern base opened clearly in
front of the enemy's right center. Behind this field,
on the north side, was an oak forest, with cedar under-
skirting, verging upon the higliway, the ground swell
ing with a rocky surface in a north-westerly direction.
All this is historical ground, sacred to the memory of
thousands of gaUant soldiers who fought over it and
lavished their blood upon it — a frank offering to their
country. Their moldering bones are raonuraents of
their sacrifice. PRECAUTIONS.
A strong continuous line of pickets stretched from
the extreme right to the extreme left in front of the
entire line of battle, and cavalry was posted on either
flank. General WiUich, ever vigilant and careful.

196 PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
posted his pickets seven hundred yards in his front,
and patroled six hundred yards beyond. In conse
quence of the propinquity of his Une to the rebel
front. General Kirk was not able to post his picket
line so far in advance, but he pushed it to the utmost
limit ; and he complained that he was obliged to
extend his Une unduly to cover a gap between his left
and the right of General Davis. The necessary pre^
cautions were taken by all the other commanders.
General Wood, however, exercising his characteristic
caution and pare, had also caused three days' subsist
ence, and twenty rounds of cartridges additional to be
issued to his men. His artillery horses were kept
attached to their pieees, and extraordinary vigilance
was enjoined upon his commanders and troops, in
order to be prepared for all emergencies. In these
respects, as in the field, the soldierly qualities of Gen
eral Wood shone conspicuously. His vigor and skill
in pushing the enemy from Lavergne to Stewart's
Creek and Stone River had before elicited the earnest
approval of the General Coramanding.
POSITION OF THE ENEMY.
Stone River, a summer stream — a ribbon in dog-
days, but a wild torrent in spring-time, sweeping
bridges and the debris of forests before its volume —
is a cleft between high blufl'y banks, tracing in a gen
eral direction from south to north, with many sinu
osities. It curves abruptly toward Murfreesboro on
the western side of the town, and the enemy availed
themselves of the horse-shoe. Their right intersected
Stone River, nearly parallel with our left front, and
rested upon hights on the east side of the river, their

PLAN OF THE BATTLE. 197
extreme right obliqued to correspoitd with the course
of the river, toward our left. The left of their Right.
Wing and their Center were posted behind intrench
ments on the crest of a cottonfield, which sloped
gradually toward our front, rather abruptly in their
rear. Their left was prolonged upon the trace of a
blufl^, rocky ridge, south of the Franklin road, and
covered the roads going southward toward Shelby
ville. Their Center was an obtuse angle, trending
north-westerly, their right and left somewhat retired.
The slopes toward the river covered their columns.
At this period the river was at its lowest ebb, fordable
at any point where roads could be cut to it, so that the
enemy could retire across it without obstruction, if
necessary, while it formed a natural fosse against us,
difficult to cross in thc face of opposition.
HEADQUARTERS THE NIGHT BEFORE BATTLE.
At sunset the marquee of the General Commanding,
and a few tents for his staff, were pitched on the knoll
hard by the little graveyard, in the most exposed
position on the field. The railroad was the toss of a
penny in the rear. He remained until dark at his
field quarters under the three trees, when he repaired
to camp. General Crittenden's quarters were a stone's
throw to the north ; those of General Thomas and
General Rousseau in a rickety cabin further in the
rear; and General McCook's near Mr, Harding's house,
in the rear of the center of his own line.
Meantime, McCook had sent a captured citizen,
under guard to General Rosecrans, with the informa
tion that the enemy were massing their forces upon

198 PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
his right. The citizen said to McCook, " I was up to
the enemy's line of battle twice yesterday, and once
this morning, to get some stock taken from me. The
enemy's troops are posted in the following manner :
The right of Cheatham's division rests on the Wil
kinson pike. Withers is on Cheatham's left, with his
left resting on the Franklin road. Hardee's corps is-
entirely beyond that road, his right resting on that
road, and his left extending toward the Salem pike."
General McCook also reported that his right rested
directly in front of the rebel Center, which gave him
some anxiety. He therefore posted Kirk's and Wil
lich's brigades on the right of Davis, extending his
line south of the Franklin road. Upon receiving this
inforraation. General Rosecrans directed McCook to
build large and extensive carap fires beyond his right,':
to induce the enemy to believe he was massing troops
there, and the order was executed by Major Nodine,
of McCook's staff'. When General McCook informed
the General Coramanding that his corps was facing
strongly toward the east, the latter told him that
" such a direction to his line did not appear to him a
proper one, but that it ought, with the exception of
his left, to face much more nearly south, with John
son's division in reserve ; but that this matter must
be confided to him, who knew the ground over which
he had fought." INSTRUCTIONS TO M'COOK.
At about six o'clock in the evening. General Ros
ecrans dictated the foUowing instructions to General
McCook for the following day. They were written

PLAN OF THE BATTLE. 199
by Captain R. S. Thoms, Volunteer Aiddecamp, and
by him they were forwarded to McCook, to wit:
" Take strong position. If the enemy attack you, fall baok
slowly, refusing your right, contesting the ground inch by
inch. If the enemy does not attack ypu, you will attack
them, not vigorously, but warmly. The time of attack by you
to be designated by tbe General Commanding.''
At nine o'clock the corps commanders met at head
quarters, and the following plan of battle for the
morrow was presented and explained :
PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
McCook was to occupy the most advantageous
position, refusing his right as much as practicable
and necessary to secure it ; to receive the attack of
the enemy, or, if that did not come, to attack him
self, sufficient to hold all the force on his front.
Thomas and Palmer to open with skirmishing, and
gain the enemy's center and left as far as the river.
Crittenden to cross Van Cleve's division at the
lower ford, covered and supported by the Sappers and
Miners, and to advance on Breckinridge.
Wood's division to follow by brigades, crossing at
the upper ford, and moving on Van Cleve's right, to
carry everything before them into Murfreesboro.
" This," said General Rosecrans subsequently in his
official reports, " would have given us two divisions
against one, and as soon as Breckinridge had beeu
dislodged from his position, the batteries of Wood's
division, taking position on the hights east of Stone
River, in advance, would see the enemy's works
in reverse, would dislodge them, and enable Pal-

200 PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
mer's division to press them back and drive thera
westward across the river, or through the woods,
while Thomas, sustaining the moveraent on the
center, would advance on the right of Palmer, crush
ing their right; and Crittenden's corps, advancing,
would take Murfreesboro, and then moving westward,
on the Franklin road, get on their flanks and rear, and
drive them into the country, toward Salem, with the
prospect of cutting off their retreat, and probably
destroying their army.
" It was explained to them that this combination,
ensuring us a vast superiority on our left, required for
its success that General McCook should be able to
hold his position for three hours; that if necessary
to recede at all, he should recede as he had advanced
on the preceding day, slowly, as steadily, refusing his
right, thereby rendering our success certain."
Having thus explained the plan, the General Com
manding addressed General McCook as follows :
" To-morrow there will be battle. Tou know the
ground ; you have fought over it ; you know its diffi'
culties. Can you hold your present position for thre§
hours ? "
To which General McCook responded : " Tes, I
think I can."
The General Commanding then said : " I don't like
the facing so much to the east, but must confide that to
you, who know the ground. K you don't think your
present the best position, change it ; it is only neces
sary for you to make things sure ; " and the officers
then returned to their commands.
THE ORDER OF BATTLE IN BRIGADE FRONTS.
The order of battle by divisions, as already described,
remained unchanged, but several of the front brigades

PLAN OP THE BATTLE. 201
were relieved, and fell back in reserve. (To designate
the transposition of regiments is impossible.) The
final order of battle, by brigades from right to left,
was as follows :
On the extrerae right. Second Division (Right
Wing), Willich's brigade, and Kirk's in front. Col
onel Baldwin's in reserve. First Division — First
Brigade, Colonel P. Sydney Post; Second Brigade,
Colonel W. P. Cariin ; Third Brigade, Colonel W. E.
Woodruff. Third Division — First Brigade, Brigadier
General Sill ; Second Brigade, Colonel F. Shaefer ;
Third Brigade, Colonel G. W. Roberts.
Center. — Second Division — Second Brigade, . Col
onel T. R. Stanley ; Third Brigade, Colonel J. F.
MiUer. Left Wing. — Second Division — First Brigade, Brig
adier General Cruft; Second Brigade, Colonel W. B.
Hazen ; Third Brigade, Colonel W. Grose (in reserve).
First Division — Second Brigade, Colonel George D.
Wagner ; Third Brigade, Colonel Charles G. Harker ;
Fourth Brigade, Brigadier General Miles 8. Hascall.
The First Division, General Van Cleve, in reserve.
The artillery, generally, was posted upon the brigade
flanks, with a strong reserve in the Center. Rous
seau's division was in reserve ; Walker's brigade
was posted at Stewartsboro to protect coramunica
tions, and Starkweather's brigade remained on the
Jefferson pike. The cavalry were posted on either
flank of the army, with a reserve in the rear of the
Center. The Pioneer Brigade was preparing fords in
Stone River on the left.

202 PLAN OP THK BATTLE.

ADDRESS TO THE ARMY.
Before seeking repose to prepare him for the great
duties of the morrow, General Rosecrans directed the
following address to the soldiers of the Army of tho
Cumberland :
Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 1
In Front of Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862. J
orders.
The General Commanding desires to say to the soldiers of
the Army of the Cumberland, that he was well pleased with
their conduct yesterday. It was all that he could have wished
for. He neither saw nor, heard of any skulking. They
behaved with the coolness and gallantry of veterans. He
now feels perfectly confident, with God's grace and their help,
of striking this day a blow for the country the most crushing,
perhaps, which the rebellion has yet sustained. Soldiers ! the
eyes of the' whole nation are upon you ; the very fate of the
nation may be said to hang on the issues of this day's hattie.
Be true, then, to yourselves, true to your own manly charac
ter and soldierly reputation ; true to the love of your dear
ones at home, whose prayers ascend this day to God for your
success. Be cool. I need not ask you to be brave. Keep
ranks. Do not throw away your fire. Fire slowly, deliber
ately — above all, fire low, and be always sure of your aim.
Close readily in upon the enemy, and when you get within
charging distance, rush upon him with the bayonet, Do this,
and victory will certainly be your's. Eecollect that there are
hardly any troops in the world that will stand a bayonet
charge, and that those who make it, therefore, are sure to
win. By command of
MAJOR GENEEAL EOSECEANS.
J. P. Garesche, A A. G. and Chief of Staff.

PLAN OF THB BATTLE. 203
But few brigades of that splendid host had oppor
tunity to hear it. The shock of battle was felt before
the ink with which it was penned was fairly dry.
THE EVE OF BATTLE.
The eve of battle was dreary. It had rained nearly
all day, and the atmosphere was huraid. A blustering
wind swept coldly from the North, whistling dismally
thTough the forests. Our brave soldiers, saturated to
the skin, lay upon the bleak wet soil enveloped in
damp blankets, unprotected by canopy save the mot
tled sky. They were weary with marching, and
fighting, and standing at arms, and notwithstanding
their comfortless couches, the multitudes who were
no,t on guard fell easily to sleep. But few bivouac
fires blazed through the darkness, and only a solitary
bugle broke night's stillness at tattoo. Alas, too
many slept that night who slumber no more in life.
The sad soil upon which they reposed was made
sadder before the morrow night by the warm blood
which gushed from their bounding hearts. Battle
would thunder upon that field at sunrise of the last
day of the departing year.
The General and staff" were crowded into less than
one-third the usual allowance of tents. All supen-
fluous bedding and baggage had been left behind.
Most of the staff' had blankets, and those not on duty
rolled up in thera early, and sought repose. Garesche
Goddard, Thompson, Thoms, and Bond remained
faithfully with the General most of the night. Gar
esche was always at his elbow, faithful as a shadow,
until death chose him for his own. The General's
mind — active, vigorous, and restless — inquired into

204 PLAN OF THB BATTLE.
every detail. In the absence of exact information
from any quarter, couriers were instantly dispatched
to satisfy inquiry. Each General in command v^as
required to observe closely, and report explicitly, the
most minute information. The deportment of the
General Commanding, all that day and that night,
was an absorbing -study.

THE BATTLE OP STONE RIVER. 205

CHAPTER XXIV.
The Slst of December, 1862— Prayer before Battle— The Left Ordered
to Swing — " It is, it is the Cannon's Opening Roar I " — Din of Bat
tle on the Right — Evil Tidings — Panic — Anxiety at Headquarters —
Incredible Reports — Firmness of General Rosecrans — The Plan of
Battle Defeated — The General Mounts and Gallops to the Front —
Batteries Open upon Him — They are Silenced by Barnet — The
Field — Sherridan Debouches from the Forest — The Day going
against us — New Line Formed — Batteries Massed in the Center —
The General Commanding leads a Charge — The Enemy Repulsed —
The Tide of Battle turns — St. Clair Morton and the Pioneer Bri
gade — Night.
Morning of the last day of the old year dawned
brightly. A thin mist floated along the channel of
Stone River, but otherwise the horizon was clear.
When the outlines of a familiar face were but barely
recognizable in the uncertain haze of early morning,
the General Coramanding, cheerful and refreshed,
appeared at the eye of each tent and roused the still
slumbering members of the staff. But long before,
the soldiers stood at arms and waited the opening of
battle. Every charger was equipped for raounting.
Minutes rolled away and there was yet no uproar.
PRAYER BEFORE BATTLE.
A little later the dauntless leader of that array
knelt at the altar and prayed to the God of battles.
High Mass was celebrated in a little tent opposite his
marquee. Rev. Father Cooney, the zealous Chaplain

206 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
of the Thirty-Fifth regiment of Indiana Volunteers,^
officiated, assisted by Rev. Father Trecy, the constant
spiritual companion of the General, and whose fidel
ity to his Chief was second only to his devotion to
the faith he preached. General Rosecrans knelt
humbly in the corner of his tent, Garesche, no less
devout, by his side ; a trio of humble soldiers meekly
knelt in front of the tent ; groups of officers, booted
and spurred for battle, with heads reverentially
uncovered, stood outside and mutely muttered their
prayers. What grave anxieties, what exquisite emo
tions, what deep thoughts moved the hearts and -
minds of those pious soldiers, into whose keeping
God and their country had delivered, not merely the
lives of thousands of men who must die at last, but
the vitality of a principle — the cause of self-govern
ment and of human liberty !
THE LEFT ORDERED TO SWING.
Breakfast was hurried. General Crittenden re
ported in person. The General Commanding walked
with hira to his quarters where General Wood, suffer
ing from indisposition, was resting briefly before bat
tle. Wood was really unflt for duty, but refused to,
quit the field. General Van Cleve's division, in pur
suance of the plan of battle, was already moving to
cross Stone River to sweep into Murfreesboro, whUe
McCook held the enemy on the left. Part of it had
already crossed. General Rosecrans directed Wood
to cross Stone River in front of his position by bri
gades. Harker was to move in front, Hascall to fol
low, Wagner's brigade last. Wood himself rode to
the front to examine the ground. Before him, on

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 207
the southern and eastern side, there was a long tira-
bered ridge within a few hundred yards of the stream,
and the enemy seemed posted there in force. Some
firing had then been heard on the right, but not
enough to indicate battle.
"IT IS, IT IS THE cannon's OPENING ROAR."
Officers of the staff were grouped about little fires
in the avenue between the tents. They were clad in
overcoats, for it was chUl. The General Coramand
ing, Gareschd, and General. Crittenden stood near the
marquee conversing eagerly. It was nearly seven
o'clock. Suddenly all hearts were thrilled by a sound
sweeping from the right like a strong wind soughing
through a forest. Now a deep reverberation like
thunder rolling in a distant cloud. Directly a pro
longed, fierce, crepitating noise, like a cane-brake on
fire. Ears that once hear that appalling sound never
forget it. Days afterward the rattle and rumble of a
wagon will startle and thrill you.
PANIC.
The din of battle swelled rapidly. Its volume
increased, and it seemed sweeping " nearer, clearer,
deadlier than before." It could not be ! This must
be hallucination ! It can not be disaster! No tidings
yet ! Wiles and a comrade were sent to the right to
observe and report. They galloped across the field
and plunged into the forests. Diregtly a tide of fugi
tives poured out of the thickets — negroes, teamsters,
and some soldiers. Tou have seen cinders from
burning buildings flying when the conflagration
was invisible. Tou could hear the roaring flaraes

208 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
and crackling beams. Seeing the cinders you would
say, "there is a fire." Tou have observed broken
twigs and leaves whirliflg in the air when there was a
roar of mighty winds in the forests. Tou had not
yet felt the blast, but its avant couriers were unmis
takable. Tou said, " a tornado is coming." There
was a conflagration, a tornado, now rushing tbrougb
the forests in front, raging forward with vengeful
fury. These teamsters, negroes, soldiers, flying beforje^
it were cinders, twigs, leaves, fugitives from the flames
and tornado of battle.
" What is the matter? Why do you run?" Many
push on heedless of stern questioning. A cocked
pistol brings a squad to a halt. "We are beaten!
The Right Wing is broken ! The rebel cavalry is
charging the rear! The enemy is sweeping every
thing before them! General Sill is killed! Edgar
ton's Battery and part of Goodspeed's are captured!"
Incredible! But few soldiers, thank God! in that
panic-stricken mob, and most of them cling to their
muskets. The negroes, poor souls, had cause for
fright. The enemy murdered them as if they were
beasts of prey. WUes gallops back to report. His
comrade moves on further, and meets straggling mub
titudes. The awful uproar increases and stretches
swiftly now to the left. Bullets are clipping the
twigs overhead and chipping the bark from trees;
Heavy drops which precede a thunder storm seem to
be faUing on the dead leaves.
ANXIETY AT HEADQUARTERS.
At headquarters the groups have gathered into a
cluster. They are talking in low, eager tones; their

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 209
eyes searchingly peering into the mysteries of the
dreadful forest. The Chief stalks through the ave
nue, disturbed, obviously. It does not seem to him
nor to any that McCook is contesting that ground
" inch by inch." But sound is elusive. Minutes that
seemed hours rolled away. Suspense was horrible.
As yet only reports that the woods are swarming with
fugitives. Who will credit stragglers against the
reliance men have in good soldiers? McCook is an
approved good soldier. The army has no better Gen
erals than his — Johnson, Davis, Sherridan, Willich,
Kirk, Carlin, Sill, Shaeffer, Roberts. The soldiers of
tbe Right Wing are veterans of Shiloh and ChapUn
Hills; some had met the enemy in Western Virginia,
Some at bloody Pea Ridge, and had never turned their
faces from foe.
Gareschd had sent Otis to the right to watch rebel
cavalry, concerning which there had been rumors.
Lieutenant Baker gallops back from Otis with tidings.
"The Right Wing is broken, and the enemy is driving
it back." Incredible! McCook is surely faUing back
with an object. " AU right^-never mind — we will
rectify it," said the General cheerfully. Stragglers
were overflowing the plain and the Murfreesboro
pike like a freshet, within an hour — ob, horrible
hour — frora tbe opening of battle. A staff officer
from McCook confirms evil rumors. McCook needs
assistance. "Tell General McCook," said the Chief
vehemently, " to contest every inch of ground. If
he holds thera we will swing into Murfreesboro Avith
our left, and cut thera off." Then to his staff", "It is
working right." Alas, it was not " working right."
" Every inch of ground " was not contested. He was
18

210 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
not yet advised of the rout of Willich's and Kirk's
br^igades, nor of the rapid withdrawal pf Davis' divi
sion, necessitated thereby. "Moreover," he said,
" having supposed McCook's Wing posted more com
pactly and his right more refused than it really wag;
the direction of the noise of battle did not indicatejto
me the true state of affairs."
The reported death of Sill was confirmed. "We
can not help it; brave men must be killed in battle,''
said the General impatiently. " General Kirk is
wounded and disabled ; WiUich killed or captured."
" Never mind," persisted the inflexible leader, "we
must wiji this battle."
Battle was flowing along the line, communicating
flrst with the Center, then the Left. The frightful
delusion was dissipated. The enemy were pressing
McCook swiftly and in disorder clean back upon the
Center. Negley was already engaged. An aid from
McCook advises that Rousseau had better be held in
hand. What ! Reserves so soon ! " Tell General
McCook I will help him," was the instant reply, and
Rousseau marched at double-quick into the. cedar-
brakes on Negley's right, to brace up Sherridan, and
stand as a break-water before the torrent that was
cngulflng the army. It was full time.
The plan of battle is crippled. The Right Wing
fails to hold Hardee " three hours " — nay, an hour, on
its right. Therefore the Left Wing can not swing
into Murfreesboro and cut them off. A third of the
Left Wing is absolutely necessary to save the Right
from annihilation. Van Cleve is already crossing the
river to swing the left iuto Murfreesboro. Harker is
moving in the s^me direction; Hascall and Wagner

THE BATTLE OE. STONE RJVER. 211
ready to follow- Wood bears an order to halt. . Said
Hascall, " the most terrible state of suspense pervaded
the entire Left as it became more and more evident
that the Right Wing was being driven rapidly back
upon us." Wagner is on the extreme left of the
army. Harker flnds cover on a little crest behind
some shocks of corn in the open field. Hascall waits
developments. Wood directs Wagner to "hold his
position to tbe last." Everything depends upon it.
Wagner is reliable. No danger there. An order
goes to Van Cleve to double-quick a brigade to the
right. Rich Mountain Beatty thunders across the
field and forms west of the turnpike. Fyffe follows
rapidly to form on his right. It is not yet eight
p'clock. The battle is all against us.
GENERAL ROSECRANS TO THB FIELD.
The General Comrnanding coraprehended the dire
extent of the calamity. He gathered about him all his
faculties, and threw his own weighty sword into the
scale of battle. Henceforth he consulted no one,
a,sked no man's opinion, trusted in God, and relied
upon himself. It was now a series of comraands too
often delivered in person to superior or subaltern, it
mattered not, while his staff gaUoped at his heels in
mute anxiety lest he should fall. Dispatching an
order to McCook, he moved suddenly to horse, and
curtly comraanded, "Mount, gentlenien!"
A battery had already opened in range with head
quarters at one of Mendenhall's Batteries, which was
in position in front of the grove on the ceraetery
knoU. The ordnance train endangered was rumbling
from right to left, balking upon the railroad. Has-

212 THE BATTLE OP STONE RIVER.
telling its movement, the General pressed through the
obstruction and leaped across the railroad, halting
briefly for observation. The enemy's shells were
crashing among our own batteries a few feet to the
right, and they were thundering in reply. Wood was
discovered on the left of the railroad near a clumj); of
trees waiting orders. Harker was descried down in
the cornfield.
Just now a flight of buUets pict-pict-pict-pict
sUpped through the staff and escort. A poor orderly
toppled gently from his saddle, reeled over the side,
and plunged headlong to the earth. One convulsive
shudder and he was dead. The General might have
reached the dead soldier with his sword. The fatal
raissile made no premonitory sign. Tou simply heard
"thud," and saw a soldier die. The dead man's bri
dle flngers still clung to the rein. A corarade dis
mounted and loosed his grasp rudely with his foot;
His faithful grey stood quietly waiting for the corpse
to mount. Another bullet stung Benton's beautiful
chestnut. The sjjirited colt, smarting with agony,
struck violently with his feet at his invisible tor
mentor. Benton disraounted to see him die, but soon
remounted and galloped his gay chestnut all through
that fiery day. Hubbard's horse was struck in the
neck, and several others of the escort wounded. A
blue haze of smoke had now spread all over the fieldJ
The valleys were enveloped in battle clouds, and the;
woods seemed consuraing with invisible fire. Indeed,:
"There 's a cloud in the sky,
A cloud in the glen.
But one is of nature,
The other 's of men."

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 213
A shell struck near and spattered the mud in a
shower over a dozen horsemen. The Chief dashed
toward Wood, who rode out eagerly and saluted. He
was to send Harker across the pike to Beatty's right.
Seeing Hascall soon, he ordered him to the right of
Harker to readjust the line of battle. Then he thun
dered down across Harker's left, and wheeled to the
right, to ride up the front line of battle. He gave
Harker orders in person. Harker was already moving
in column by the right flank at double-quick. There
was serious business in hand, but the gallant fellow
really seemed desirous to show the Chief how com
pactly he could move his noble brigade under fire.
Every meraber of the General Staff, a troop of horse,
and a dozen orderlies, followed the Chief — a conspicu
ous target on such a field. Taylor, Simmons, Skinner,
Wiles, Father Trecy — Chief Quartermaster, Chief
Commissary, Judge Advocate, Provost Marshal Gen
eral, and Priest respectively — what should they do
there, galloping madly through the wild revels of a
battle-field ? Did they not seem out of place ? But it
was so all day long. Kniffin, Chief Comraissary to
Crittenden, also made a risky dash with them before he
joined his own Chief. As they ga.Uoped across Hark
er's late front, a terrific tempest of solid shot and shell
danced around their heels, whizzed over their heads,
bounded under their horses, flushed in front of them,
and a few wicked missiles sped through the midst of
them. Every man, save the leader, ducked his head
clean to the saddle bow. One shot gutted a gap
through Harker's column. The hideous rent was
visible an instant ; then itwas healed; but the column
was shorn of four men. It was not even shaken. A

214 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
frantic horse galloped riderless over the fleld, leaving
his master mangled. In the rage of conflict the human
heart expresses little sympathy for human woe. Tour
best friend is lifted from his saddle by the fatal shaft,
and plunges wildly to the earth — a corpse. One con
vulsive leap of your heart, you dash onward over the
stormy field, and the dead is fprgotten until the furious
frenzy of battle is spent. After battle ! 0, readeju!
the mind furnishes uo language befitting the anguish
of the soul when we drag from the bloody mass the
mutilated and disfigured forms of those we love.
Battle is then frightful delirium — a superlative horror I
But the tumult raged fiercely. "Barnet," shouted
the General to his Chief of Artillery, " silence that
battery." " Tes, sir." Barnet, cool and imperturbable^
brought up the first battery he found. The commander
of the pieces was wheeling into an unf3,vorable posi
tion. " On the crest ! on the crest ! " shouted the
General, pointing to the best position in view, and on
the crest went the guns. Then the General dashed
along the front of the left under the fire of musketry,
and artillery, until he halted on the turnpike within
ftiU view of the " Burnt House." A stprm of musket-
balls and shells spattered, a,nd whizzed about the col
umn, but marvelously, not a man was hit. The fiocksj
of spLeMs sounded like the flutter of quails' wings. A
round, shot flew over the staflF, struck a horse a huad-i
red yards beyond, and tore him tp pieces. It must
have knocked him a rod. Strange to say, his rider
escaped. He gathered himself out of the mud and
limped to cover. A little further onward, a shell
struck a soldier aud splashed him out of battle. The
rattle pf musketry and thunder of cannon was deafen-

THB BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 215
ing. But the General charged through the deathly
storra as if it had been no raore than hail. It was
wonderful that he escaped.
P\irsuing his swift career toward the right, and
directly behind the line of battle, while bullets and
artillery charges hurtled in the atraosphere, his eye
gathered the features of the fleld rapidly, and his
mind directed dispositions to stop the torrent which
was well nigh overwhelming. No coraplaint escaped
him. That was no moment for reproach. But it was
obvious that he was profoundly moved. His florid
faee had paled and lost its ruddy luster, but his eyes
blazed with sullen fire. His lips were firmly com
pressed, and his stern raanner disclosed that his heart
was undaunted. One moment's hesitation or vascilla-
tion now, and all were lost. Human tongue nor pen
can describe the yearning anxiety of those who rode
with him in that mad maelstrom of death. Thank
God, he was firm as iron and fixed as fate. Clearly,
he did not deem the battle lost. Now he was on the
verge ofthe forestfiUed with friends and foes — friends
unavailingly fighting, foes rushing onward with fierce
yells of triumph. Gallant aud quiet Sherridan
debouched from the tangled forest at the head of his
compact column, out of amraunition, but unbroken.
Negley was in the thick darkness with the noble
Eighth Division, beating back the relentless tide.
Johnson, appeared, too, with the remnant of his crum
bled command. Rousseau was sent into tbe fiery
cauldron to extricate his struggling division comrade.
The Regulars — ^trusty and heroic, were contending
stoutly, but receding slowly before the infernal tor
rent, until they could brace themselves upon Guen-

216 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
ther's and Loorais' guns. Pointing to his solid col-^
umn sadly, but with true soldier's pride, said faithful
Shprridan, " Here is all that are left. General." The
General Commanding, himself directed Sherridan
where to find ammunition. The Second and Fifteenth
Missouri had already replenished their cartridge-boxes,
and now they plunged to the front again under brave
Shaeft'er, and fought the enemy with unflinching-
firmness. The day was going against us. The enemy were
streaming through the woods a few hundred yards oh
the right front. They were swarming in savage mul
titudes at every point. Our batteries were thunder
ing across the plains with frightful vehemence,
bounding into position and firing at the populous
forests with terrific rapidity. The enemy poured shot
and shell into our receding columns with remorseless
vigor, and there appeared to be clusters of sharp
shooters iu almost every tree. Racing swiftly back
now, the General and staff again became a conspic
uous target. A flight of Minie balls slitted through
the troop. One of them struck Garesche's gay^
black in the nose. The spirited fllly flung her head
scornfully at the sting, scattering blood upon her
rider. "Ah, hit! Garesche?" quoth the General—
his mind for the first instant, and only that instant,
relieved from its painful tension. "My horse,"
was the laconic response, and the gallant rider,
whose proud deportment had excited the admiration
of the army, spurred onward at the side of his Chief
A drop of blood, fiercely fiung away by the wounded
horse, crimsoned the cheek of the General, and an
hour later it gave rise to exquisite apprehensions'^'

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 217
Some who saw it, fancied it was his own blood, and
spread the report that he was wounded. The rumor
reached officers of the staff who were away executing
orders. They ransacked the field and the hospitals to
find him. After an hour's torment, they discovered
him, unscathed and inflexible, in the forefront of bat
tle. Expostulation with him was vain. He sternly
replied, " This battle must be won."
The Right Wing was broken and driven back. It
was almost doubled backward upon the left. John
son's line had crumbled, but his soldiers had fought
desperately. Davis had withdrawn, bearing back his
banners. Sherridan had swung back, contesting his
ground " inch by inch," until relieved by Rousseau,
and until his amraunition was exhausted, then
marched out in close column, with colors flying.
Eleven guns of the Second Division of the right —
all of Edgarton's, three of Goodspeed's, and two of
Simonson's — after the horses were killed, had been
captured, with Houghtaling's six from the Third
Division — eighty horses of which were killed. Hund
reds of men were slain or wounded, and nearly two
thousand were captured. Negley, unprotected on his
right, was flghting an overwhelming enemy on three
sides of him, and he was holding them stubbornly.
Rousseau was receding; and still the great Chieftain
of that battle, with sublirae defiance of disaster, said :
" We shaU beat them yet."
THE BATTERIES ARE MASSED IN THB CENTER.
Now galloping to the crest of tbe hiU (for there
was but one elevation like a hill on the left), the Gen-
oral Commanding, still in the flame of conflict (fpr
19

218 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
on that field there was no security but in God's prov
idence), massed his batteries on its crown, ard swept
the forests with an awful volume of shell and can-
nister. Soldiers of the Right Wing were streaming
back through the forests in disorder. The gleaming
steel of the hotly pursuing foe flashed in the glowing
sunlight through vistas of the woods. Through a
gap of timber opening into a cornfield beyond, masses
of somber-looking foes moving down hill, long lines
of heads and glittering muaket tubes, rising one
above another in terraces, were rolling onward iu
seemingly 'resistless force. But a new line had been
formed to meet them. The right had faced east
wardly. Part of the left had been hurled across the
plain from Stone River. Van Cleve's division and
Harker's brigade, with Rousseau's reserves, had
forraed the new line, which faced westward. It was
almost "about face" from the original position.
"NOW LET THE WHOLE LINE CHARGE."
The new change in the order of battle was executed
by the General Coramanding at incessant personal
hazard. There was not a private soldier in the army
so much exposed. There was hardly a point in tbe
front of battle which he had not inspected — Wood's
line, perhaps, excepted. Some five or six batteries,
posted upon the bluff under his personal direction,
now thundered in direful accord. Solid shot, shell,
grape, cannister, were crashing through the brittle
timber in destructive tumult. A thick canopy of
smoke hovered over the field. Clouds of smoke
enveloped the gunners. They seemed like demons
reveling in infernal orgies. With his staff" gathered

THB BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 219
about him, the Chief halted briefiy upon the cemetery
knoll, watching the play ofthe batteries and the hot
fury of Sam Beatty's infantry. Now, without a word,
he plunged headlong into the tempest, his staff and
orderlies foUowing with wild enthusiasm.. The enemy
had tipped over the crest of the last ridge in front, and
were bearing down fiercely. Spurring up to the very
heels of Beatty's raen, until his steed alraost tram
pled them, he shouted cheerily, "Now let the whole
line charge! Shoot low! Be sure! Then charge
home!" Bitterly whistled the leaden haU. The
chips and twigs flew frora the trees as if thousands
were hacking thera. A soldier falls, with a shudder,
under the feet of the General's horse. The staff' and
orderlies fling themselves along the line, hats in hand
and swords drawn, cheering the men, who respond
with a shrill claraor that leaps like lightning frora
rank to rank, and thrills along the lines until lost in
distance. 0 ! it was a wild, passionate moment.
The troops spring to their feet and push up the slope ;
the forests are riven with the tempest; bayonets
gleam ; lurid flames spout from the long line of mus
kets. Ton savage line of gray and steel, which but a
moment since plunged so madly over the hill, halts !
It wavers ! Another tempest from the blue line in
front — they reel, they stagger—" There tbey go ! "
shouted the gallant leader ; " there they go ! Now
drive them home ! " Away they fly over the hill,
shattered, disordered, broken, struggling to escape.
Great God, what tumult in the brain! Sense reels
with the intoxicating frenzy. Shot and shell pursue
the frightened fugitives, shrieking through the forests,
crashing the flimsy branches, scattering death and

220 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
dismay wherever they strike. There was a line of
dead blue-coats where that charge was so gallantly
made, but the forms of mangled foes were thickly
strewn upon that bloody slope.
THE SPECTACLE.
The glory of the shout that now went up, is a
recoUection to be treasured forever. Hearts that
thrilled with its rapture, wUl ever throb turaultuously
when raemory recalls it. And such a spectacle!
That gallant leader, dauntless, and upright in saddle,
with countenance inspired — such Ught of battle in his
features as fairly blazed — unmoved by the death terror
around him, pursuing, with calm determination, the
one thought of success. The ardor of that gallant
line whicll so splendidly turned the sweeping tide of
battle ; the lurid, malicious blaze and furious stream
of sparkling flre viciously emitting from thousands
of trusty muskets ; the blue haze of smoke eddying in
circling currents, and spreading an azure shade among
the thick branches of those funereal cedars; the
fierce rattle of rifle volleys ; the deafening uproar of
more than flfty cannons working, with awful destruct
iveness, in a canopy of smoke which obscured the
batteries and magnified the gunners into great shad
ows — 0 ! who that was in it can ever forget ?
When the pale faces which came out of that furious
storm fiushed again, and when hearts had ceased their
wild fiutter, it almost seemed as if men had been born
Again. "Oh, wasn't that glorious, old fellow?" quoth
gallant Skinner, laying his palm affectionately upon
the shoulder of his equally youthful friend Kirby — as
brave aud staunch a soldier as ever carried bullet and

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 221
shattered arm from a battle-field. Reader, no human
language can describe the convulsing charms of a
charge in battle. It is a frightful ecstacy.
The fiery valor of Garesche, in that dread carnival,
would have inspired a coward with courage. Gay as
a youth of twenty, with hat jauntily cocked on his
fine head, he seemed, upon his lithe and spirited black
mare, a perfect transforraation. Usually grave and
saturnine, with an habitual calmness almost provoking,
he looked in the fury of the fray as if his soul had
broken into a new streara of existence. When he
dashed into the charge, his sword fiew from the scab
bard and glittered in the sunlight. When the enemy
fled over the hill, he glanced at them with a smile of
triumph, and rammed his blade back into its scabbard
with a force that raade the steel ring again. Tester-
day sorae had felt a thrill of anxiety for hira. lie
deported hiraself like one who had premonition of
sudden death. Always deeply pious, conscientious
in attention to religious duties, prayerful, there was
something peculiarly striking in the absorbing atten
tion with which he poured hiraself into his little
prayer-book, as he sat in a quiet fence corner on
Tuesday, awaiting the culraination of raartial events.
All this day of battle, through a hundred death cur
rents, he had swept gaily over the fleld. But his
General's charge was his cliraax. Alas, an hour or
two more of life, and he was a victim for the little
graveyard upon which he had slept but the night
before. Always by his General's side iu life, death
struck him there at last.
Further upon the right, too, there was a struggle.
The shock of collision thrilled along the whole line.

222 THE BATTLE OP STONE RIVER.
Fyffe, then Harker, were standing up stoutly— now
receding, now charging the foe; but at last, when the
" General Commanding led a charge in person, and '
drove the foe pell-mell into the forest," Fyffe and
Harker, with mighty effort, rolled back the avalanche
frora their front, and joined in the paean of victory.'
ST. CLAIR Morton's pioneers.
But the foe was not yet gone. He was advancing
from the Right to the junction of the Left and Center.
He was yet driven only from the extreme right. There
was a valley to the left of Beatty's line, partly open,
through which one of our broken columns was retir
ing disordered before the enemy. The new Right
was advancing steadily. The batteries were ordered
forward. Stokes' Chicago Board of Trade Battery
was on a knoll nearest the critical point of danger.
At a gesture from the General, it thundered down the
slope and struggled manfully across a heavy field to
another little crest, from whence another battery had
been driven. Three mangled horses struggled there
under a shattered caisson — tangled in harness, with
brokeii lirabs, bleeding, and one of them moaning
with agony piteous as that of a human being. Bul
lets were whistling fiercely, but tbe spirit of that
battle was pulsating for victory, General Rosecrans
again plunged into the breach, urging the battery to
follow, and by his own dauntless example checked
the disorder of the retiring brigade. Garesche and
St. Clair Morton were by his side. Morton com
manded a picked battalion of pioneers. It was nec
essary to bring even them into the fight, as every
soldier on that field was carried in that desperate day.

THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. 223
"Support the battery, Morton." "Aye, aye, sir;"
and the pioneers deployed right and left, and opened
a vicious fire. Morton's fine face glowed with excite
ment. The battery got iuto position, and opened
with teUing effect, but the pioneers had already sent
the rebels howling back up the valley and into the
woods. Morton looked as if he was delighted all
over. " We're doing it about right now, General,
ain't we ? Can't I do soraething more, General ? "
said he, with a charming simplicity. It was a mys
tery that all were not torn to pieces.
During this furious encounter, Colonel Garesche,
accompanied by Lieutenant Byron Kirby, Aid to
General Rosecrans, galloped through a withering
fire to carry an order to General Van Cleve, who,
though wounded, was resisting a renewed attack.
While riding across the field, there occurred one of
those chivalric episodes which are sometimes cele
brated in romance. A ball disabled Garesche's horse.
Kirby dismounted, and insisted that Garesche should
mount his horse. Mutually forgetful of the storm
of battle, they disputed a point of courtesy. Kirby
finally prevailed on the score of duty, and Walked
back over the field until he found the staff. Not
much later a Minie ball struck the brave soldier's
left arm, and shot him clean out of his saddle. The
bone was shattered, and he was compelled to quit the
field. No bolder or more modest soldier ever drew
bright blade. He nobly earned promotion. But
Kirby belongs to the Regular Army — that step-child
of the nation, which, tbough smarting at the injustice
that pursues it, says, with splendid eloquence, -"If
we can't win honors, we'll do more — we'll deserve

224 THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
thera ; " and Kirby remembers that the country some
times forgets its step-children.
Rousseau's division had also moved into the woods
on the left and struggled out. Negley, after Sherri
dan had withdrawn, subjected to murderous cross-fire
of artillery and musketry, had also fallen back, and
was replenishing his ammunition. Grose was fighting
vehemently to protect the rear of Palmer from masses
swarming around his right, while troops in his other
brigades were falling by hundreds in front. Wagner
had repelled an assault upon his position, and Hascall
went to the assistance of devoted Hazen. Crittenden
was in front, watching his steady Left. Thomas
calmly directed the Center, and their oranipresent
Chief, now directing the Right, then glancing at the
Left, was gathering together his legions for the trial,
which would determine victory.
Perhaps it was now eleven o'clock — a little earlier, a
little later, no matter — when the first act of the san
guinary drama was concluded. There was a lull in
the storm. Where would it break next? Certainly
the enemy were preparing for a new assault. Rose
crans could not now take the initiative. The Right
had not yet recovered from its shock. The enemy
were feinting away off on the Right. General Rose
crans divined that the onset would fall upon the
Left, and he was preparing for it.
The reader will now return to the opening of the
battle, and follow the disaster through its unbroken
series, until the rainbow of hope was clearly visible

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 225

CHAPTER XXV.
Pbaotje upon Austerlitz — The Onset of the Rebels — The columns of
Attack — Gallant Kirk Overpowered — Edgarton's Battery Swal
lowed up — Willich Unhorsed and Captured — His Brigade Pulver
ized — Noble Struggle of General Davis' Division — Woodruff Retires,
then Post, and then Carlin — Splendid Resistance of Sherridan —
Death of General Sill — Reported Repulse of the Enemy — Roberts
Charges and Falls — The Missourians at Bay with Empty Muskets
— The Right Wing Reaches Support.
It was never said by hira, but Rosecrans' plan of
battle was the plan of Austerlitz. Bragg hurled
Prague upon Austerlitz and defeated it. Rosecrans
fell upon Prague with his own trusty sword and was
victorious. But Austerlitz was simple, and should
have been crushingly successful. Could not fifteen
thousand veterans resist double their number " three
hours ?" How was it ?
"At six o'clock and twenty-two minutes on the
morning of the 31st," said General Johnson, "the
outposts in front of my division were driven in by an
overwhelming force of infantry." "The enemy,"
said General Rosecrans, " advanced in heavy columns,
regimental front, his left attacking Willich's and
Kirk's brigades, of Johnson's division, which, being
disposed — thin and light, without support — were,
after a sharp but fruitless contest, crumbled to pieces
and driven back, leaving Edgarton's and part of
Goodspeed's battery in the hands of the enemy.

226 BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING.
"The eneray following up, attacked Davis' division,
and speedilj' dislodged Post's brigade. Carlin's bri
gade was compelled to follow, as Woodruft^'s brigade,
from the weight of testimony, had previously left itsi
position on his left. Johnson's brigade, in retiring, ,
inclined too far to the west, and were too much scat
tered to raake a combined resistance, though they
fought bravely at one or two points before reaching
Wilkinsoil's pike. The reserve brigade of Johnson's
division, advancing from its bivouac near Wilkinson's
pike toward the right, took a good position and made
a gallant but ineffectual stand, as the whole rebel Left -
was moving up on the ground abandoned by our
troops. " Within an hour from the time of the opening of
the battle, a staff officer frora General McCook ar
rived, announcing to me that the Right Wing was
heavily pressed, and needed assistance ; but I was not
advised of the rout of Willich's and Kirk's brigades,
nor of the rapid withdrawal of Davis' division, neces
sitated thereby."
The Right Wing was fiung back upon the Lefl
with a violence which shattered it into fragments.
Part of it withdrew into the open ground near the
Murfreesboro pike behind the Center; part escaped
to the pike a half mile further in the rear; another;
fraction had fiared away off to the right, and made a
wide detour to get back into line.
KIRK AND WILLICH.
Kirk first felt the shock. Willich's brigade recoUed
under it almost iraraediately, and Baldwin in reserve
came up under Johnson's own eye to brace the stag-

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 227
gering front. WiUich was on the extreme right,
refused to protect the fiank, and forming a crotchet.
Kirk's brigade joined Willich's on the left, fronting
the enemy's Une of battle, and facing east. Bald
win's reserve brigade was eight hundred yards in
the rear, near the headquarters of McCook and John
son. Edgarton's Battery was posted near the angle
formed by the junction of Kirk's right and Willich's
left, with a narrow cleared field in front.
Kirk's line covered the Franklin road, which runs
due east and west, and there was a lane behind him
tracing north and south, intersecting the road. The
ground behind him was undulating, open, and ob
structed by fences. The enemy's left overlapped the
right division, and was alraost oblique to it. Their
flank was covered by a powerful force of cavalry.
Willich's brigade had rolling, partially open ground,
and fences in its rear.
At three o'clock in the morning, by order of Gen
eral Willich, Colonel Jones, of the Thirty-Ninth Indi
ana, patroled six hundred yards in front of the picket
line, and reported that there were no indications of
movement in fro at. General Kirk inspected his own
picket lines at the same hour, and found all quiet in
front. General Sill, at two o'clock in the raorning,
reported to General Sherridan that there was great
activity iraraediately in his front. This was the nar
rowest part of the valley, and General Sherridan,
fearing an attack at that point, posted two regiraents
of the reserve within short supporting distance of
Sill. But at five o'clock in the morning the whole
Right Wing was under arms, and were prepared for
the enemy. They stood there over an hour and dis-

228 BATTLE OP THE RIGHT WING.
covered no signs of movement in front. Captain
Edgarton, however, imprudently permitted some of
his battery horses to go to water. At dawn the right
brigade received orders to build fires and make coffee.
General Willich soon afterward turned over the com
mand temporarily to Colonel W. H. Gibson, of the
Forty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers, while he repaired to
General Johnson's headquarters, giving directions
respecting the troops in case of an attack during his
temporary absence. He had been gone but a few
moments when firing was heard in front of Kirk's
right, at the angle of the crotchet. Willich's brigade
seized their arms instantly. The eneray appeared in
enormous masses. Colonel Gibson sent for Willich,
who galloped back to his command. His horse was
killed, and he was a captive before he gave an order!
The calamity was swift.
THE ATTACK UPON KIRK.
The enemy were descried in the fields by General
Kirk a half mile frora his front. They advanced in
four colurans, regiraental front, with powerful reserves
in mass. "They moved up steadily," said Kirk, "in
good order, without music or noise of any kind.
They had no artillery in sight." They poured across
the valley in mighty force, swept away the strong
lines of skirmishers as if they had been cobwebs, and
fell upon Kirk's lines like wUd beasts. The Thirty-
Fourth IlUnois, which had been sent forward to check
them, closed with a crash in almost hand to hand
conflict with them, fighting with magnificent fury.
" Alas, in vain, ye gallant few.
From rank to rank your voUied thunder flew.''

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 229
The contest was hopeless ; the gallant regiment
sternly resisting, fell away, and the storm struck the
line and, shook it from center to its flanks. The rebels
recoiled under the first terrific volley, but gathering
head, they rolled onward again with resistless momen
tum. Edgarton's Battery was swallowed up ; he down
under his guns wounded, his men fighting with their
swabs until they were bayoneted or captured. Brave
Edgarton had fired but three rounds, says one report;
eight guns says another.
It matters not which brigade first gave way. Both
were soon broken. Lightning struck the crotchet
they forraed, ran along both fronts, and involved them
in common ruin. Kirk was soon flanked. His four
brave regiments were well nigh cut to pieces. He
had sent to Willich for support. Willich was gone.
His brigade was struggling for self-preservation. The
rebel cavalry was careering and surging upon their
right. Servants and teamsters were flying over the
field. Colonel Baldwin had quickly taken arras, and
General Johnson threw the regiments into line of
battle supporting the struggling front. The First
Ohio, commanded by Major Stafford, Sixth Indiana,
Lieutenant Colonel Tripp, Thirtieth Indiana, Colonel
Dodge and Lieutenant Colonel Hurd, and the Louis
ville Legion, Colonel Berry, made a good, strong,
bracing front. The Ninety-Third Ohio, Colonel
Charles Anderson, was retained in reserve in a wood.
As Kirk and Willich were driven back they flared off
to the right, and left Davis' right exposed. Baldwin's
reserve felt the shock speedily. Goodspeed's remain
ing four guns — for two had been taken — under Lieu
tenant Belding, and Simonson's Battery, fired sharply

230 BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING.
and quickly into the advancing masses. Baldwin
opened a biting fire which eat deeply into the front
rank of the undaunted rebels. But they spread over
the field like a freshet, and gathered in clouds on the
front and fianks. A minute raore and Baldwin's
coramand will be captives. They, too, withdraw,
catching their heels a moment on a crest, turn to
resist. The pursuit is too vigorous, and they again
recede until they brace upon Rousseau, where they
make another stand — all that remains of them.
McCook is cool but distressed. There is no hope
for him now but to save all he can. 0 ! that his line
had been shorter and heavier. With Davis and Sher
ridan in front, and Johnson's heroes of ShUoh to sup
port them, he could have " whipped my friend
Hardee." Davis is now enveloped, but Kirk, wounded
almost at the first fire, and dismounted twice, is yet in
the field. He forms a new line in a skirt of woods at
right angles with his original position. Gallant Reed
races up from the wagon train with his Seventy-Ninth
Illinois, and adds new vigor to Kirk's now almost
nerveless arm. Kirk sinks at last, and is borne from
the field. Colonel Dodge assumes command. Then
Reed nobly falls, cheering his heroes. Houssam, of
the Pennsylvania Seventy-Seventh, charges splendidly,
recaptured Edgarton's guns, then, alas ! he goes down,
too, mortally hurt, and the enemy recovers the battery,
and keep it. Van Tassel, Major of the splendid Illi
nois Thirty-Fourth, is sorely wounded. Captain Rose-
there is no field officer reraaining now — fights the
Pennsylvania Seventy-Seventh most gallantly, but in
vain. Soldiers and officers fighting desperately, fall
by scores. A colonel commands a regiment at one

BATTLE OP THB RIGHT WING. 231
instant, now a captain, at last an adjutant. Sergeants
and corporals lead companies, until corapanies melt
away with passing bullets. The brigadier is gone ;
two colonels are dead ; other field officers are bleeding
and exhausted; Dodge remains to coramand. Ten
guns are gone now, another soon follows. The right
division is routed. Melancholy satisfaction to know
that the rebel General Rains was killed, and that more
than man for man had fallen ou the other side. Kirk
was disabled, Willich a prisoner ; that proud division
is " scattered and peeled." The sting of defeat was
more terrible than wounds and death. When Dodge
retired the remnant to tbe Murfreesboro pike, he had
" in all," he said, " about five hundred men." But the
right brigade ! willich's BRIGADE.
Gibson, twice dismounted, sees disorder on all sides ;
gathers the battalions of captured Willich ; flings
them in pieces at the foe; falls back; careers again
with all the fury of desperate courage, wards off the
blow of circling cavalry striving to swoop upon him
at every instant ; gains brief respite ; retires, and,
Parthian-like, fights as he files. Drake, Lieutenant
Colonel commanding, and Porter, Major ofthe thrice
approved Forty-Ninth Ohio, are prone on the field.
The five regiments are almost orphaned — scarcely
officers enough left to carry them to the rear — the
regiments indeed are all fighting and fiying together,
with hardly a nominal distinction. Belding, by eflbrts
of almost sublime euergy, drags his four guns into
position, with wounded and Umping horses — his own
gallant gunuers placing tbeir shoulders to the wheels.
There is heroism worthy of history even in the midst

232 BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING.
of that dreadful carnival of carnage and defeat. At
last Gibson and his little host reach a Uttle creek in
the rear, and make a final stand. The rebel infantry
are beaten back, but Wheeler's cavalry sweep around
their fianks. Barely three hundred are left. Destruc
tion stares them in the face. The euemy, horse and
foot, are in their midst. Gibson's sword is fiercely
denianded. His rank is not apparent. His uniform
is war-worn and tattered. But lo ! a shout on the
flank. With the shout there is a shock — with the
shock, rescue. Gallant Otis and his cavalry has saved
them. THE RESCUE.
Early in the morning there were reports of cavalry
demonstrations on our right. Garesche had said,
" Otis, there is cavalry on our flank — go and look after
them." Otis needed no second order. He was pant
ing to show the mettle of his superb fellows — the
Fourth Regulars. Gathering six companies in hand,
he was soon thundering through the forest, and
debouched upon a field. From the start he had been
running across the track of straggling fugitives, and
at length sent Lieutenant Baker to headquarters with
the first confirraation of evil rumors from the Right.
Forming his command in column by fours, led by
their corapany coraraanders, the companies on parallel
Unes, company distance apart, himself leading the
center, Otis looked about like a pugnacious Irishman
for a bead to hit. Directly, discovering a cloud of
mounted gray-backs in the distance, he quickly
directed his comraand to charge, pistol in hand. But
said Otis, " Don't you fire a shot until you take each
your man by the scalp. Forward — trot!" Away

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 233
they go gallantly, the ground trembling beneath them.
There is a heavy column of gray before thera, but
no cheek blanches. Each rider gathers his reins
firmly. Their eyes flash lightning. The trot bears
them swiftly; Otis rises in his saddle and thunders,
" Charge ! " Now they gallop — away they fly ! It is
an avalanche. The rebels vainly strive to disperse it
by shot and shell. A storra of grape is scattered
among those wild riders, but in vaiu. Their shock
falls upon the enemy with terrific momentum. " Horse,
rider, and all, in one red burial blent," go down
together. Our gaUant Long and some of his fellows
went down in the tumult, but the glory of the charge
made the noble fellows forget their pain. ' It was a
thunderbolt, which rove the enemy frora center to
flank. A hundred threw up their arras in submission.
Many had beeu killed. Gibson and his three hundred
moved swiftly to the rear to fight another day. The
gallant Fourth Regulars prepared to charge the bat
tery which had fired upon them, but an order from
superior authority called them to another field.
It requires hours to describe battle spasms of a
minute's duration. A scattering clatter of musketry,
a crash, the thunder of artUlery, and it is done. The
assault upon and pulverization of the Second Division
was a paroxysm. It shocked the army and paralyzed
the plan of battle. The tremor thrilled through the
whole system, but thank God, it did not paralyze its
heart. Return now to
GENERAL DAVIS.
The conflagration ran along Kirk's front, commu
nicated with that of Davis, streamed along Sherridan's,
20

234 BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING.
enveloped Negley's, blazed in the face of Rousseau,
rolled ao-ainst Cruft and Hazen, and one of its forked
tongues swooped around Cruft, and bUstered the
broad breast of stubborn Grose. The enemy advanced
with four charging columns in echelon, in close sup
porting distance, Cleburne and McCown falling flrst!
upon Johnson, and theu enveloping Davis' flank,
while Cheatham and Withers made the onset in
front, precipitating their powerful divisions headlong
upon the light commands of Davis, Sherridan, anSi
Negley, Hardee simultaneously turning their flanks
successively, the right of Withers furiously engaging^
Palmer. Their columns moving over the field to
attack, appeared like the diagonal squares of a chess
board, each in succession shouldering upon the,
advance coluran. It was a martial spectacle of terri
ble grandeur. >
The enemy pushed forward utterly contemptur;
ous of Davis' skirmishers, paying no more attentioa
to thera than an elephant would to a swarra of hor-^ .
nets. But his line of battle was a different thing.
Davis, fully expecting an attack, waited in confidence,
and was sanguine that he would hold his ground until
he saw Kirk give way. This exposed his flank imme
diately. The enemy had been severely punished in
front, and bad recoiled; but with victorious hosts on
his right flank, Davis had no alternative. The enemy
saw their advantage, and rushed upon the obstinate
division with savage ferocity. The men stood until
tbe battle had almost become a turault of personal
encounters. Pinney, Hotchkiss, and Carpenter
worked their guns with teUing effect, but the enemy
refused to be balked. Post's right, now in jeopardy,

BATTLE OF THB BIGHT WING. 235
was withdrawn by Davis. Carlin, by a splendid
burst, drove the enemy from his front, but they were
surging back again. Both Pinney and Carpenter fall,
the latter dead. Half the artillery horses are killed.
The whole line retires, part of the guns being dragged
back by the men. Several are abandoned. It is ira
possible to raove all of them through the timber.
The loss of the division is distressing. Stem aud
Wooster, Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel of the One
Hundred and First Ohio, are weltering in their life-
blood. Alexander, of the Twenty-First Illinois, still
commands, with a boot full of blood; Lieutenant
Colonel McKee, of the Fifteenth Wisconsin, is dead ;
Tanner, of the Twenty-Second Indiana, is a bleeding
captive ; Litson, of the same regiment, flghting hero
ically, is hurt, and falls into tfee hands of the eneray.
Companies are without officers; regiments hold to
getber by force of discipline. Davis watches with
jealous eye to keep thera together. Carlin's color
guards are nearly all dead or dying, but when his
noble reranant retires from the struggle, his banners
are still flying. Heroic WUliaras, Colonel of the
Twenty -Fifth Illinois, heart-sick at impending disas
ter, seizes the standard of the regiment from the
nerveless grasp of its dying guardian, and shouting,
" We will plant it here, boys, and rally the old Twen
ty-Fifth around it, and here we will die," the brave
martyr falls under the flag. It was a hard struggle,
but Davis flnally worked through the woods, and
gathered up his remnants to fight another battle.
Carlin had seven hundred men left.

236 BATTLE OP THB RIGHT WING.
sherridan's STRUGGLE.
When Davis was fully engaged, the enemy moved
through an open cottonfield down across the valley,
and spread up the face of the slope in front of SUI
like a conflagration. Bush's Battery had a direct
fire, and Hescock and Houghtaling thundered an
oblique fire upou them, tearing fearful gaps in their
front and flanks, and shaking the mass to the center,
but the disciplined legions of Bragg with mighty
effort shook off' the shock, and struggled forward
with admirable daring.
Sill, firm and patient, waits the onslaught. His
men are covered. The enemy move toward them like
a great gray cloud. Their muskets gleam like tubes
of silver. They appear almost even with the crest.
Now is the moment. Sill's trusty Une seems to spring
out of the ground. A long line of fire blazes in his
front. It strikes full in the face of the foe. There are
great gaps in his ranks. For an instant, they make
manful efforts to close their ragged front. Sill's mus
ketry is remorseless. Flesh and blood can not endure
it. They stagger, recoil, catch a momentary foothold,
slip backward, and at last plunge headlong into flight.
Quick as thought, Sill orders a charge, leads it him
self, and his gallant men shout with triumph. Alas !
brave, noble Sill ! That glorious charge was his last.
The brightest and purest spirit among all the youth
of that splendid array, beloved for his gentle manli
ness, adraired for his lofty intellect, for his skill and
dashing courage, thus to be cut down in victorious
career, was most cruel sacrifice. A bullet struck him
fairly in his handsome face, and he fell lifeless and

BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING. 237
disfigured upon the field. It was hideous that barba
rians should have abused his reraains. His body was
plundered by the foe.
The enemy rallied again, and renewed the attack
with increased vehemence. Unhappily, the brigade
on the right gave way. The enemy discovered it,
and dashed forward impetuously to seize their advan
tage. One of the supporting regiments had also
fallen back iu disorder, it was soon rallied, but Sher
ridan's vigilant eye saw the mishap, and substituted a
reserve regiment. But the retreat of the brigade on
the flank was incorrigible. Hosts from the rebel
divisions on the right, pressing in pursuit of the two
retiring divisions of the Right Wing, flowed upon
the right of Sill's brigade, and was about to envelop
it. Sherridan instantly ordered Colonel Greusel, who
succeeded SiU, to withdraw it. To relieve it of press
ure, Roberts, on the left, fixed bayonets. Taking the
Forty-Second and Fifty-First IlUnois, the Twenty-
Second supporting, he plunged into the woods. The
enemy gave way before his glittering steel, and fled
rapidly to the rear, abandoning one gun, which in
turn was abandoned by Roberts.
This effective charge relieves the right until they
are reformed in rear of the batteries upon a good
position. Roberts retires from the woods and forms
on the left. Sherridan vainly strives to rally retiring
troops on his right, when, upon order from General
McCook, he advances again and forras upon Negley's
right, Roberts' brigade at right angles with Negley's
right, and facing south, Shaeffer's and Greusel's bri
gades in the rear at right angles with Roberts, facing
west, covering Negley's rear. Houghtaling's Battery,

238 BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING.
with a section of Hescock's under Lieutenant Tallia-
ferro, and a section of Bush's Battery take position
at the angle of these lines, the remainder of Hescock's
and Bush's Batteries going to the angle formed by;
Negley's and Roberts' lines.
This maneuver — for it was a complete change of
front under flre — is hardly perfected when the enemy
strikes again with redoubled fury. None of Sherri:*.
dan's regiraents had broken, save one, and it had
rallied under flre, and was now emulating its com--'
panions. Cheatham, enraged, seemed to have con
centrated all his energies in the new attack. He>:
appeared infuriated at his successive repulses. SiUl
had driven him back with cruel slaughter. Shaeffer^
and his Missourians and IlUnoisans, had caused his
battalions to recoil under their galling fire, and gal
lant Roberts had repulsed him with steel. A rebel
writer, whose history of the battle was published all^
over the South, said that " Cheatham stormed about
the field gnashing his teeth at the slaughter of his
braves." He was now reinforced by victorious hordes,
fiush in pursuit of the other broken brigades, and
who gatl^ered in clouds about Sherridan.
It was a final, but a gallant resistance. The enemy
were coming at two hundred yards distant. Not a
sign of faltering. The foe seemed concentrating'
a whole division on Roberts, but his men stood
firmly as a mountain, and the rebels again recoiled;
Again they advanced, and three times in succession
they were compelled to give way under Sherridan's
terrific infantry and artillery. But gallant Roberts
was killed, and Harrington fell desperately wounded.
It was a noble struggle, but the heroic fellows were

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 239
compelled to retire. Shaeffer's ammunition was all
expended. Already he had fired sixty rounds per
man. He only remained of Sherridan's original com
manders of brigade. The cartridge-boxes of Roberts'
brigade were nearly empty, and SilPs staunch fellows
were clamoring loudly for amraunition. Houghtal
ing had exhausted all of his, and there was no more
accessible. The enemy had cut off the train ! At
Sherridan's comraand, Shaeffer's men grimly fixed
bayonets, and waited their fate, holding the enemy in
check with empty guns, while their comrades fell
back. Roberts' brigade, now coraraanded by Colonel
Bradley, and Greusel's, retired fighting. Houghtal
ing's Battery horses were nearly all dead. He strove
manfully to drag away his pieces by hand, but the
thickets were insurmountable, and the brave fellow
reluctantly left them. Poor TalUaferro fell at his
guns, and they were brought off' by his sergeant.
Two of Bush's guns were also left in consequence of
the loss of horses, and the irapossibility of dragging
them by hand through the cedar-brakes.
The last division of the Right Wing, armed with
empty muskets, fought at bay. They still preserved
their compact order, with banners flying. The
enemy, in awe of thera, followed at a more respect
ful distance, but still galling them with heavy fire.
Going through the woods, Shaeffer's Missourians —
Germans — found a wagon with araraunition, and
quickly swarming around it, gobbled up the precious
cartridges and fell into line, manifesting bitter satis
faction. Sherridan instantly sent them to the front
to beat baek the enemy. At length Rousseau's divi
sion, having opportunely formed in his rear, in support

240 BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING.
of the struggling heroes, gallant Sherridan and tbe
reranant of his coramand debouched from the thicket
into the open field near the Murfreesboro pike.
But there was more work for Shaeffer and his
sturdy Germans. Under the direction of General
Rosecrans, Sherridan led them iraraediately to the
front, on the right of Palmer's division, where they
at once engaged, drove the enemy from the cedars
and beyond, four of Hescock's guns going into aetion
at the sarae tirae. These momentous confiicts, whieh
require so much space for cold description, were the
paroxysms of hardly three hours of horrific battle.
The battle was not ended theu, nor that day, nor the
next, nor the next, but Sherridan's division, though
losing elsewhere, did not afterward meet with seri
ous loss. After the battle was over — " My loss. Gen
eral," said Sherridan to his commander, "is seventeen
hundred and ninety-six" — my three brigade com
manders killed, and sixty-nine other officers ; in all,
seventy-two officers killed and wounded." Was it
not lUiad of battle? — seventeen hundred and ninety-
six brave soldiers out of an effective force of six
thousand four hundred and ninety-five. Hearts of
rock would melt in the presence of such touching
tragedy. But these heroes repeat, with glow of hon
est pride, " We came out of the battle icith compact
ranks and empty cartridge-boxes!" That immortal
boast should be inscribed on all their banners.
REMARKS.
For days after the battle, tbere was a wide-spread
irapression that the Right Wing was surprised.
Such was the tenor of information which was con-

BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING. 241
stantly reported on the field. The swift capture of
Edgarton's Battery, the sudden overwhelming of the
Right Wing, the vehemence with which it was driven
Dack to the Murfreesboro pike, where it, together
with the whole army, was saved by the skill of the
General Commanding, directing the valor of his trusty
troops from the Left Wing and Center, seemed to
confirm the erroneous statement. Such was the
belief of the General Commanding, who, in his offi
cial report by telegraph to the General in Chief,
denominated the misfortune a "surprise."
Subsequently upon sifting all the testimony, he
decided that injustice had been done. It was adjudged
that General Willich's picket Unes were properly
adjusted and diligently patrolled ; that. Kirk's were in
front as far as they could be posted, and were inspected
by the ever-vigilant Kirk himself, and that every
regiment was under arms in line of battle before day
light. General Johnson, therefore, stands vindicated.
The only point, it seems, in which there was remis
sion of vigilance, was significantly reproached by
Major General McCook, who, in his official report of
the battle, said that " Captain Edgarton, commanding
battery of Kirk's brigade, certainly was guilty of a
great error^ in taking even a part of his horses to
water at such an hour." Edgarton was imprudent,
but he desired that his horses should be well prepared
for action.
The extent of the Une, and its consequent thin
ness and lightness, together with the fact that it
was attacked by superior numbers, was the chief
cause of disaster. There is, of course, some contro
versy whether the General Commanding or Major
21

242 BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING.
General McCook was responsible. , The respective
official reports afford data for a clear decision. The
official report of General Kirk, by omission, seems to
imply that General Johnson was not on the field. It
is not likely that General Kirk intended to insinuate
that idea. General Johnson was there constantly^
and exposed himself fearlessly — debouching from the
forest with the remains of his reserve brigade, after
his other brigades had been scattered. It has been
said, likewise, that Willich's brigade was unprepared.
The various comraanders of the brigade dispute it
staunchly, and the character of Willich, who is one
of the most restlessly vigilant officers in the service,
would go far to establish the claims of his subor
dinates. The troops certainly fought with great obstinacy,
but they Were carried off their feet by simple mo
mentum, and were kept rolling so rapidly by the
swift-fighting enemy, that there was no opportunity
for them to recover their equilibrium. " They were
not whipped," said General Rosecrans; "they were
routed." That they were not beaten, is attested by
the fact that two-thirds of the survivors rallied, and
subsequently redeemed themselves to the extent of
the opportunities afforded. Had the line of battle on
the Right been rolled up to half its length, McCook
would have held Hardee "tbree hours." The firm
ness and steadiness of the men proves that conclu
sively. No troops ever displayed greater firmness
and valor, and no officers ever devoted themselves
more thoroughly. The conduct of General McCook
was that of a cool, brave soldier. He exposed his
person incessantly, and his horse was killed under

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 243
him. His staff, in every way, showed theraselves
brave, faithful officers. But with his coramand shat
tered to pieces alraost by the first shock, no opportu
nity to do otherwise than save all he could was afforded.
It is not the purpose of this volume to criticise
or to censure any officer. The official reports may
furnish sufficient data to critics. Tet it may be said
of them, as of all official reports, that it is often diffi
cult to sift true testimony from the abundance in
official reports of that which is calculated to mislead.
No officer will censure himself. All strive to tell the
truth, but very few can avoid self-praise. And so
many are apt to disparage or blame other officers, that
it often requires information which the official reports
do not embody, to adjust the truth of history. There
is one point which no soldier can dispute. The Gen
eral Commanding retrieved the fortunes of that day
by his own skill and conduct, as he did the opening
misfortune upon a subsequent day ; and, in short,
with his valiant soldiers, won the victory. It is now
time to glance at the morning operations of
THE CAVALRY.
The rebel cavalry was swarming on the Right, on
the Left, and in the rear. On the Left they attacked
a train and slaughtered some stragglers. On the
Right they charged upon McCook's ordnance train,
but it was twice rescued through the gaUantry and
address of his Ordnance Officer, Captain Gates P.
Thruston, who subsequently, for his good conduct in
that sanguinary battle, was promoted to the consiDicu-
ous position of Chief of Staff of the Twentieth Army
Corps, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Directly

244 BATTLE OP THE RIGHT WING.
in the rear, within two miles of the left front of bat
tle, Wheeler and Wharton charged upon the General
Hospital, and captured a large amount of stores,
besides prisoners. Still further in the rear, they cut oft"
and destroyed several subsistence trains. Once they
impudently charged a battery in the pike, which,
however, was unsupported, but they were quickly
driven from their trophy by Colonel Kennett. The
latter officer had been detained at headquarters by
General Rosecrans, but when the flood-gates of evil
opened that morning, he was directed to collect all
the cavalry at his command, rally the Right Wing,i
and drive the rebel cavalry away. He found Colonel
Murray, of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, with eighty
men. Directing them to move to Wilkinson's cross
roads, he proceeded to collect more of his com
mand. The woods were fllled with stragglers. Mur
ray soon found the enemy in possession of one of our
trains, and two hundred and fifty federal prisoners.
He sounded the "charge." In a moraent the gallant
little squadron were riding the rebels down in every
direction. The prisoners were rescued and the train
recaptured, together with portions of two batteries.
The enemy also had possession of General Palmer's
Division Hospital. Charging them with forty men,
the rebel force fled, but Murray captured so many
prisoners that alraost his whole coraraand was
engaged guarding thera. Twice more his little
squadron overturned the enemy, and once dispersed
Wharton's brigade. Altogether, they captured about
sixty prisoners, resciied about eight hundred of our
own men who had been captured, and saved a large
part of the army train.

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 245
The Third Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel D. Hi Murray,
wben the Right broke, also made a handsome dash,
and drove the enemy from McCook's ammunition
train. Subsequently they charged, saved the train of
the Center, drove off the rebels, recaptured a hospital,
and captured many prisoners under Colonel Kennett's
eye. Two companies of this regiment were rallied
by Colonel Kennett, who carried them into action,
driving the enemy from the pike, recapturing a gun
by a dashing charge, saving a train, and rescuing
many of our men. Lieutenant Murray distinguished
himself in this affair. Colonel Kenuett himself had
a hand to hand encounter with a rebel horseraan.
The result was doubtful. The rebel had poised his
carbine, the Colonel had his pistol leveled, and both
were about to fire, when Farrish, an orderly of Ken
nett, threw his revolving rifle into the scale. The
rebel delivered his arms and himself. In the charge
of the Third Ohio, Farrish killed two rebels, and
Jaggers, another orderly, rode down two gray-
jackets, and released two of the Fourth Ohio Cav
alry who had surrendered.
Colonel Zahn, of the Third Ohio Cavalry, com
manding brigade, had been fighting incessantly from
the beginning of the disaster up to this period. He
was compelled to retire before the rebel infantry, but
a charge of rebel cavalry was handsoraely repulsed
by the First Ohio Cavalry, Colonel Minor Millikin,
and the Third Ohio Cavalry. Major A. B. Moore, of
the former regiment, fell mortally wounded in this
charge. The enemy charged Zahn twice in succes
sion, and were again and again repelled. Zahn now
went to the rescue of McCook's ammunition train.

246 BATTLE OF THB RIGHT WING.
which was again in jeopardy. The eneray appeared
in heavy force. After a gallant stand by the First,
Third, and Fourth Ohio Cavalry, Zahn was corapelled
to retire, the dashing Colonel MiUikin and his Adjur,
tant. Lieutenant Condit, being fatally hurt. Millikin
had been surrounded, but by his courage and hia
prowess with his saber, he cut his way through, ana
was escaping, when a rebel sharpshooter brought
him down. There was no more gallant rider in that
field. His sorrowing soldiers bore him to the rear,
where he soon breathed his last, lamented by hosts
of friends.
Later in the day. General Stanley moved up from
.Lavergne with the First Middle Tennessee, and a de
tachment of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and
assembled the rest of his available comraand to resist'
a movement of a strong force of rebel cavalry, under
Brigadier Generals Wheeler, Wharton, and Buford,
on the extreme right, north of Overall's Creek.
Colonel Minty's brigade of nine hundred and fifty
men, constituted by far the larger part of Stanley's
command. After forming, a line of dismounted cav
alry was thrown forward to skirmish. The enemy
outnumbering our little force nearly three to one, of
raounted and dismounted men and artillery, advanced
rapidly, drove in the skirmishers and attacked the
Seventh Pennsylvania. The Fifteenth Pennsylvania
gave way and retreated rapidly, leaving the dis
mounted skirmishers and the Seventh Pennsylvania
unsupported. They made a gallant resistance, but
were forced to retire. Minty retreated across two
fields, and formed again under cover of the enemy's
artillery. The enemy followed sharply and con-

BATTLE OF THE RIGHT WING. 247
fronted our line with three lines, one opposite the left
flank, with skirmishers threatening the right. Gen
eral Stanley ordered a charge, and in person at the
head of two companies of the Fourth Michigan, and
fifty raen of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, supported
by the Seventh Pennsylvania, he dashed headlong
iuto the rebels, scattered the line threatening his
flank, and captured one stand of colors, which a ser
geant of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania wrenched from
the hands of its color-bearer. At the same time,
Minty charged the first line in front with the remain
ing companies of the Fourth Michigan and the First
Middle Tennessee, and drove the enemy from the
field. The third line was formed on the opposite side
of a lane with a partially-destroyed fence on each
side. Minty now charged upon it, and put it to rout.
The eneray disappeared from that vicinity. This
affair concluded operations on the Right. The reader
will now be carried back tp the Center-

248 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.

CHAPTER XXVI.
Negley's Division in the Cedar-brakes — Gallant Struggle of the
"Old Eighth "—Staunch Fighting of Miller and Stanley— The
"Twenty-Onesters" — "Father" Moody — Turchin's Eegiment — The
Pennsylvanians — Cutting their way out — Van Cleve, Beatty, Fyffe,
Harker— The Charge — "They fly 1 They fly 1" — Rousseau's Divi
sion — The Regulars.
It was hardly ten o'clock when the Right Wing
had been flung with such startling violence from a
right line into an acute angle with the left, and in its
rear. Exactness in the record of time in the tumult
of conflict is impossible. In the midst of a hurricane
when the good ship has sprung a leak, and the waves
are breaking over her bulwarks, when all hands are
piped to the pumps to save the sinking vessel, drown
ing men are not apt to be critical in raarking minutes
as the dial records them. All that has been described
and much raore, occurred iu raarvellous swiftness of
succession — before eleven o'clock. The blood of
thousands of raen had saturated the field of Stone
River. General Rosecrans had hurled part of the Left
across the field to save the Right ; the Unes had been
readjusted, Rousseau had formed on Negley's right in
his rear; St. Clair Morton's Pioneer Brigade had been
fiung into the gap between Rousseau's right and Van
Cleve's left, Harker had fought victoriously on the
extreme Right of the new line, Sherridan, Negley, and
Rousseau had been driven out of the forest, Cruft,
Hazen, and Grose had been fighting tremendously,

BATTLE OE THB CENTER. 249
Wagner had repelled an assault, Mendenhall's and
Loorais' various batteries had been distributed over
the fleld, raassed in the center, distributed again ;
Van Cleve, Harker, and the Pioneers had repulsed the
enemy from the Right by eleven o'clock at latest. By
that hour the enemy were rolling back again upon the
new line of the Right. It seemed late. It was a day
of almost endless extension. Some hours have a dura
tion of years. They seem to embody the aggregate
of a life-time of mortal agony. Every moment was
a death-struggle. Every second was a period to a
brave man's existence. The battle raged ten hours —
thirty-six thousand seconds. Did not fresh blood flow
every second ? But to resume.
THE SECOND DIVISION OF THE CENTER.
While Sherridan was working out to the Murfrees
boro pike, face to face, the storm of battle rushed
across tbe front of Negley's division — the Second Di
vision of the Center, but immortal as " the Eighth."
When Sherridan carried his butchered coluran with
his empty cartridge-boxes to the rear, it left Negley
exposed to the swarms on his right. Sherridan
held the key to the Center until he had nothing to
hold it with but cold steel.
Negley was deep in the forest with two vaUant bri
gades, alraost surrounded by foes — stern old Stan
ley's and inflexible John F. Miller's. The one was
proud to command Turchin's unconquerable Nine
teenth IlUnois, now gallant Scott's, Given's Eigh
teenth Ohio, Stoughton's Eleventh Michigan, and the
Sixty-Ninth Ohio ; the other to lead Sirwell's Seven
ty-Eighth Pennsylvania, Granville Moody's Seventy-

250 BATTLE OP THB CENTER.
Fourth Ohio, NeibUng's Twenty-First Ohio (" Twen
ty-Onesters "), and Hull's Thirtj'-Seventh Indiana —
with Shultz's, Ellsworth's, and Marshall's batteries.
Rough-handed Spear, with his East Tennesseeans,
was then chafing in the rear, guarding trains.
Negley's troops, like ail the rest, had shivered
through the gloomy night without fires, cheerfully
awaiting battle. With the onslaught upon the Right
Wing, the enemy began to feint upon the Center and
Left Wing. But thc wave of battle soon flowed upon
them. Again the rebels advanced, in strong, deep
lines. This was the fourth thunderbolt which had
beeu hurled. The batteries open upon them when
they fall in range. They waver a little, but beat back
the resistance. Stanley's and Miller's men are under
cover waiting. Caustic NeibUng's " Twenty-One
sters" (Twenty-First Ohio) had cuddled under a
friendly fence. "Keep cool, boys! steady now! wait!
When you fight, fight all over. Here they come!
Now, ' Twenty-Onesters,' give 'em hell by the acre!"
So, too, "Father " Moody, who wields " the sword of
the Lord and of Gideon," glancing along his trusty
Seventy-Fourth Ohio, shouted, in voice of thunder,
"Now, my boys, fight for your country and your
God— am low!" So Hull, and Sirwell, and Scott>
and Stoughton, and Given, each with stern encour
agement, poised their regiments, and drove the yelling
foe clean back to their cover. Moody, as enthusiastic
as a lad, sets his line to shouting. They roar lustily
for the Union. The old hero is wounded, and his
clothes riddled with balls, but he wUl not leave his
"boys." A drafted soldier iu NeibUng's regiment
raised a whole battalion in laughter by shouting to a

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 251
few drafted comrades, "Let's give 'em hell, boys —
we 've only nine months to serve anyhow ! "
The enemy gather again. A furious conflict en
sues. Negley keeps them at bay. They are loth to
charge again. Cannon and musketry is doing the
work at square stand-up flghting. The rebels do not
like this. The Tankees will stand longer under it
than they can. Rebels excel in onslaught. Sherridan
now uncovers the right of the Center. The eneray
flow upon it. A cruel cross-fire of musketry and
artillery tears Negley's ranks to pieces. An aid
reports that the enemy are in his rear. Veteran
Thomas, who vigilantly watches and orders the battle
iu the Center, looks up surprised. Negley is alarmed,
and cruelly disappointed. His soldierly pride revolts
at a retrograde movement. There is no help for it.
Thomas bitterly says, " Cut your way out." Negley
desperately directs — " Men, we must cut our way
out!" The men clutch their weapons with fatal
determination. John Miller is wounded painfully,
but be will cut his brigade through the foe. Stern
Stanley gathers his stalwart battalions and prepares
for desperate work. The eneray is advancing again
in front. They are howling on the right and in the
rear. Staunch Stoughton and young Scott dash out
with the bayonets of tbe Eleventh Michigan and
Nineteenth Illinois. The enemy fly from steel. The
division is moving out of the woods. The foe roll
back swiftly again. The " Twenty-Onesters " fix
bayonets, the Nineteenth Illinois joins them on the
right, and together they again clear the rear.
This relieved the whole division of serious embar
rassment. It forced its way out steadily, and carried

252 BATTLE OP THE CENTER.
its batteries, save five guns, safely from the front.
Moody's clothing had been riddled by balls, and his
right leg and breast were bleeding with wounds.
Colonel Miller received a shot in the neck, but, bleed
ing and smarting as he was, he reraained at his post.
Hull was badly hurt. Stanley (T. R.), though in the
thickest of the fight frora the opening until the close,
was unhurt. The division lost heavily. The regi
ments composing it robed themselves with honor.
When Negley came out the enemy followed him
fiercely, but he turned at bay, and, together with
Rousseau, gave them a bitter repulse. This was one
of the most tremendous conflicts of the day, although
where the whole field was so stubbornly and desper
ately contested, it is hard to determine which was the
most appaUing struggle. When the glorious Eighth
retired from the forest, its ammunition was expended,
a third of its original force were hors du combat, and
most of the artillery horses were killed. Every inch
of ground over which it retreated was strewn with
tbe dead and raangled. Like Sherridan's, tbis divi
sion waded through the fire without breaking, and
marched proudly among their corapanions-in-arn;s to
take new position. "My raen," said brave MUer,
" did not run, but marched to tho pike, carrying many
of our wounded." VAN CLEVE  BEATTY  FYFFE  HARKEB,<
When Harker went across frora the left to the right
and formed west of the Murfreesboro pike, and when
staunch Van Cleve double-quickcd'with Sam. Beat-y's
and Fyffe's brigades to succor McCook, Price's brigade
remained on the extrerae left guarding the ford t of

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 253
Stone River, and was not fairly engaged that day.
Rousseau, almost siraultaneously, was sent into the
forest under the eye of Thoraas, on the right of Neg
ley. Leaving Harker on the crest of a hill, Wood,
now guarding the left fiank with his vigUant eye, held
Hascall in hand to support Wagner, who, in the grove
on the left, withstood a vigorous battering from the
hights on the eastern bank of the river.
Beatty, with Fyffe and Harker on his right, was
hardly in position, when the masses of the eneray in
their gray surtouts, reserabling a fog-bank in the dis
tance, appeared,rolling across the fields and through the
timber in front — a throng of fugitives from the Right
Wing flying before them. The lines opened for the
passage of the retiring troops, and upon closing, a
withering fire was opened upon the enemy, whose
advance was suddenly checked. The latter availed
themselves of the tr^s and ridges for cover, and
during some twenty minutes a murderous fire was
sustained. During this confiict, the General Com
manding, having returned from the front, massed his
batteries in the Center upon the cemetery knoll.
While watching the cataract of shells and shot that
was hurled into the forest, his eagle eye descried the
raass of gray tipping over the hill in front of Beatty.
"It was at this juncture," said brave Van Cleve, then
suffering frora his wound, "that the Commanding
General led a charge in person, which drove the
enemy pell-mell to their rear."
The terrific fire of the rebels had been sustained by
tbe Ninth Kentucky and Nineteenth Ohio untU their
ammunition was alraost expended. Beatty, unmoved
by the tumult, effected a passage of lines, the Sev-

254 BATTLE OF THB CENTER.
enty-Ninth Indiana and Eleventh Kentucky going to
the front, tbe former regiments retiring and forming
the second line, in support. It was they who, under
the eye, and at the command of the Chief, had the
honor to make that glorious charge. It was along
their Unes that Garesche flamed like a raeteor. It was
here that Gilman, with drawn sword, Michler in top-
boots, Taylor on his superb bay. Skinner, and truly
brave Thoms, the flrst time in battle, devoted and gal
lant Father Trecy, Goddard, Simmons, Wiles, Kirby,
Bond, Thompson, young Willie Porter, and Reynolds,
Hubbard, Curtis, cool Barnet, and the brave orderUes
of headquarters, first saw the backs of the enemy on
that woeful morning.
As the gray-backs went over the hiU, a streaming
liue of steel, reaching frora Beatty's left to Fyffe and
Harker, gleamed in swift pursuit, aud dead men
marked the progress of slaughter. The chase ended
only when tbe fugitive rebels reached reinforcements,
a mile in their rear.
While Beatty was holding the rebels in check on
the left, Fyffe had taken position on his right on a
ridge, and was making a vigorous fight against the
obstinate eftbrts of the enemy to turn his own right.
Harker already had his hands full, and his gallant
feUows were almost staggering under the swift blows
of the eneray. Fyffe looked anxiously for Harker's
Sixty-Fifth Ohio to help hira on his right, but Harker
bad enough work cut out for thera. Fyffe's Fifty-
Ninth Ohio and Forty-Fourth Indiana, meantime,
were struggUng against heavy odds with batteries in
position plajing upou them eft'ectively, and there was
no opening for a charge. There was no alternative

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 255
but to stand and take the destructive storm. The
enemy finally succeeded in getting upon Fyffe's flank,
and he withdrew a short distance, under cover of
Swallow's Battery. The Thirteenth Ohio, meantirae,
had been subjected to a fearful raking of musketry
and artillery. Its gallant leader. Colonel Hawkins,
had fallen, and it was now only a remnant, but was
still flghting bitterly under Major Jarvis. At an order
from Fyffe to raove forward they responded with rous
ing cheers, and charged in glorious style, driving the
enemy pell-raeU through the woods. The noble fel
lows had flrst smelled powder at Carnifex Ferry.
Their early training under " Old Rosy " was not now
dishonored. They pressed the enemy home, almost
side by side with their gallant Western Virginia com
rades of old Sara. Beatty's Nineteenth Ohio. Fyffe's
entire line dashed gallantly forward with shouts which
soared above the uproar of battle. The enemy fled
up the ridge, down the slope, across the flelds, and
halted only when secure behind their heavy reserves.
Colonel Fyft'e, in his official report comraending the
gaUantry of the soldiers, said: " One ofthe skirmish
ers, WiUiam Brown, of Company B, Fifty- Ninth Ohio
Infantry, met me on the crest of the ridge, marching
back through the liue at the head of twenty-eight
prisoners, besides two lieutenants, he had captured."
This responsibility -taking fellow, like Paddy, had
" surrounded " the knaves.
Harker, like Fyff'e and other gallant Brigadiers on
that terrible morning, sometimes feared he was
neglected. The Fifty-First Indiana, under Colonel
Streight; the Sixty-Fourth Ohio, Harker's own
admirable regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel McIl-

256 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
vaine; theu the Thirteenth Michigan, under brave
Shoemaker ; and Hathaway's Seventy-Third Indiana
regiraent, in sharp succession, with Bradley's Batteiy
covering all of them, withstood the shattering shock
with the flrraness of veterans. Each in turn was at
front, but just before Beatty's charge they were con
strained to fall back with the line on the left to cover
tbeir flank. Bradley's Battery had now lost so many
horses that he was compelled to leave two of his guna
in possession of the enemy. But Shoemaker, seeing
the rebels waver under the hot rausketry of the line,
charged at the head of his Michiganders, and brought
back fifty-eight prisoners and the guns in triumph.
Meantime, Beatty and Fyffe had pursued the enemy
too far. The latter rallied on their reserves behind
some hastily-constructed breastworks, and rolled back
again with increased numbers, but they had been so
thoroughly whipped that they halted presently, and
contented themselves by taking up position on a
ridge, a half mile or more from the Murfreesboro
pike. ROUSSEAU AND THE REGULARS.
Rousseau's division had forraed in the cedar-thick
ets as soon as the extent of the disaster to the Right
Wing was ascertained. He was needed on Negley's
right to protect that officer's flank, and to relieve the
retiring divisions of the Right. The Regular Brigade,
Lieutenant Colonel Shepherd, at the head of the col
uran, moved steadily into the thickets, aud formed
with Colonel John Beatty's brigade on the left, Scrib-
ner's in close support. Directly a dropping flre, like
the big drops which precede a storm, indicated the
proximity of the enemy. Fugitives had embarrassed

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 257
the formation of the Une, and the throng increased.
Johnson's reserve brigade, and the debris of several
reginaeuts, drifted back against his front, and Johnson
forraing in line, fought until his ammunition was
expended. Sherridan, too, was relieved from imme
diate pressure. But the enemy pushed hard. The
gaUant Regulars resisted with the staunchness of their
professional esprit, and refused to yield an inch.
Rousseau had vainly atterapted to get his artillery
into position. Loorais and Guenther, after vehement
effort, found it impossible to plant a battery where it
would be serviceable. The enemy were falling upon
him in swift turault. The hordes who were flooding
the forests in front of St. Clair Morton and Van
Cleve, also swarmed around his right flank. The
Regulars were suffering frightfully. Captain Bell, of
the Fifteenth United States Infantry, as noble a sol
dier as ever wielded blade, was killed ; Captain Tork
and Lieutenant Occleston, of the same regiment, fell
severely wounded while flghting bravely with their
commands, and scores of brave privates were sinking
at every volley.
Rousseau, discovering the unprofitableness of wast
ing life in the thickets, at once gave orders to fall
back to the open ground where the batteries could
operate. The movement was hazardous, but neces
sary. The conflict was raging upon all sides. Neg
ley was falling back. The euemy had flowed in
behind Palmer, and Grose's superb brigade was beat
ing thera back, preventing them from crossing a
swamp, which, from the sanguinary combats that
were fought over it, gave it the title of " Hell's Half-
acre." The Sixth and Twenty-Fourth Ohio, under
22

258 BATTLE OP THB CENTER.
young Anderson aud Jones, here appeared flghting
heroically. The enemy were plunging through the
tiraber, evidently to break off the Center and repeat
the battle of Prague, which they had so well begun.
Rousseau hiraself, sword and hat in baud, blazed Uke
a raeteor along the lines, inspiring his men. Loomis
and Guenther, with young Ludlow, who for his hero
ism was kissed in the heat of battle by gallant
Charles Anderson, had rushed their splendid batteries
to a crest on the open ground commanding " Hell's
Half- Acre," and retained their souls impatiently until
the infantry escaped from the murderous cedar-brakes.
But the Regulars, followed swiftly by the eager and
ferocious enemy, who filled the forests with their
infernal slogan, were compelled to fall back, loading
while retiring, aud turning to fire at their reraorseless
pursuers. There was scarcely tirae to seek an available posi
tion for the entire division, but the Second Ohio, Col
onel Kell, and the Thirty-Third Ohio, commanded by
Captain ElUs, having been in the rear in support, had
taken position in support of the batteries, and afforded
good cover for the retiring troops. Thoraas and
Rousseau, by the exercise of skill, and through the
steadiness of the raen, finally posted them in a depres
sion which comraanded the debouch frora the forest,
and from which, after ferocious fighting, they were
finally enabled to drive back the enemy with a loss
which exceeded even their own horrible casualties.
"In the execution of this last raoveraent," said Gen
eral Thoraas, " the Regular Brigade, under Lieuten
ant Colonel Shepherd, carae under a most murderous
fire, losing twenty-two officers and five hundred and

BATTLE OP THD CENTER. 259
eight men in killed and wounded, but with the co-op
eration of Scribner's and John Beatty's brigades, and
Guenther's and Loomis' batteries, gallantly held its
ground against overwhelming odds." It was here
that chivalrous Rousseau sent word to Rosecrans that
he had taken his stand. " TeU him," he said, " that
I will stay right here. I won't budge an inch ! "
The rebels had spread through the forest and down
the slight slope toward the depression in which Rous
seau was forraed, shouting Uke devils, and dashed
forward as if the key of the position was at last in
their grasp. But the batteries of Loorais and Guen
ther, vomiting double-shotted cannister into their
masses with frightful rapidity, and the infantry aira
ing low and deliberately, literally consuraed their bat
talions. The file firing of the Regulars at this point
was fearfully destructive. The enemy flew back to
the woods in haste. But new legions coUecfed, and
directly the enemy shot a column clean out into the
open space in front. At this instant the battle was
raging along the whole line. The rebels were yelling
hideously in the thickets, our musketry was rolling in
front in terrific volume, and the roar of artillery vied
with the majesty of tropical thunder. It seeraed as if
the very eleraents were convulsed. Now the splendid
charge, led by Rosecrans in person, was made. Our
fellowf raised a shrill claraor, which leaped from rank
to rank, and thrilled along the lines in spirit-stirring
harmony. Word was carried to Rousseau that the
eneray were fiying, and soliciting permission to
charge, be, too, took the head of his valiant column,
and led it, roaring with victorious rage, straight at
the front of the enemy, drivng them wUdly to the

260 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
fastnesses of the cedars. His own gallant staff and
orderUes captured seventeen prisoners, with a captain
and lieutenant at their head, the reranant of the Thir
tieth Arkansas Infantry, which had been blown to
pieces by Loorais, Van Pelt, Guenther, and Ludlow;
The desperadoes were taken within one hundred and
thirty yards of the batteries. Loomis here lost twelve
men killed and wounded, and thirteen horses. Here,
too, the gallant Major Carpenter, of the Nineteenth
Regulars, with six mortal wounds in his body, fell
dead on the field; Major John H. King, of the Fif
teenth, and Slemmer, of the Sixteenth, were disabled.
Captain Dennison, of the Eighteenth, and George F.
White, a heroic sergeant of the Third Battalion, lost
their lives. Gallant Kell, Lieutenant Colonel com
raanding the Second Ohio, was also killed. The
staunch Second Ohio, which at Chaplin Hills had
won honorable farae, here had the good fortune to
capture the colors of the regiraent which the batteries
tore to pieces. Among the heroic efforts of that san
guinary day none surpassed in grandeur the valorous
deeds which immortalized the splendid regiments of
the Center. They came up out of that awful struggle
wrenched and shattered, but even the tattered remains
were an unconquerable host.
THE LEPT WING.
Frora the raoraent of the order from the General
Coramanding to suspend the execution of the plan of
battle, when General Crittenden under his direction,
sent Van Cleve to the Right, General Crittenden had
been constantly in the field, vigilantly watching the
progress of battle on his own front. He exhibited

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 261
perfect sang froid, and displayed just soldierly piide
in the gallantry of his splendid corps. There had
been a constant play of batteries on his wing, and
Palmer's division was soon heavily engaged, Wag
ner and Hascall, of Wood's division, being assailed in
rapid succession. The havoc among men and horses
from small arms and artillery, and among officers
from the murderous fire of sharp-shooters, was har
rowing; palmer's DIVISION.
Palmer's division had retained its original forraa
tion — Cruft's brigade on the right, joining the left of
Negley, braced and covered by a piece of timbered
land, his left stretching to the eastward, toward the
Murfreesboro pike. His front line was composed of
the Second Kentucky and the Thirty-First Indiana
Infantry, under Colonel Thomas D. Sedgwick, sup
ported by the First Kentucky and the Ninetieth Ohio,
under Colonel David A. Enyart, with Standart's Ohio
Battery in half battery on either flank.
Colonel W. B. Hazen, comraanding Palraer's See
ond Brigade, with the Sixth Kentucky Infantry and
Forty-First Ohio in front, and on the right and left
of the road respectively, joined Cruft on the left, the
Ninth Indiana and One Hundred and Tenth Illinois
Infantry in the second line, on the right and left of
the road respectively. Hazen occupied a cottonfleld
in front of Cowan's "Burnt House" — the Stone River
Hugomont — a point of most furious conflict in the
successive struggles of the day. His right rested
against a skirt of woods, the left lying behind the
crest of a wave in the surface, which ofi'ered very
doubtful cover, though the best the plain afforded.

262 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
The enemy fought for the triangle which he defended,
and which he was conscious should be held at aU
hazards. Colonel Grose's brigade was in reserve in rear of
the interval between Cruft and Hazen; the Sixth
Ohio and Thirty-Sixth Indiana in front, the Eighty-
Fourth Illinois, Twenty- Third Kentucky and Twenty-^'
Fourth Ohio forming the second line, with Parsons'
Battery of the Fourth United States Artillery, and
Cockerell's Battery, in support of the lines near the
Center. CRUFT — HAZEN — GROSE.
Soon after eight o'clock General Palmer, receiving
information that Negley was about to advance, ordered
Cruft to move up, and Hazen to seize some command
ing positions in his front, together with the "Burnt
House." Before the order was executed the enemy
had moved upon Negley, after driving back the
Right Wing, and compelled hira to retire his right,
so that it was now oblique to Cruft's front. The
panic on the Right had also cropped out in the tim
ber skirting the Murfreesboro pike, so that the order
for Palmer to advance was quickly countermanded.
Hazen had not advanced over twenty yards, when,
in obedience to orders, he fell back. The enemy
having appeared in the rear of the Left, the necessity
for a retrogade movement was apparent. Hazen
had barely got his two right regiraents into position
in the wood, when he begun to engage the enemy,
who had broken cover over the crest in front in two
lines, and dashed swiftly down to tbe "Burnt Hoilse."
The two left regiments were retired about fifty yards,
to a, thinly -timbered elevation near the railroad. The

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 263
enemy evinced great desperation in their efforts to
cross the cottonfleld and break Hazen's front, but
the splendid flrmness of his regiments repeatedly
foiled thera. The flghting was sharp and decisive,
Hazen firmly holding his post of honor.
General Cruft had hardly advanced a hundred yards
when he was halted, and Palmer, riding toward the
pike, discovered a mass of rebels swarming in the
rear of his right. Grose skillfully changed front to
rear, and was instantly engaged with the enemy in
a bitter contest, and, after great rautual slaughter,
drove them back.
Meanwhile Cruft's skirmishers spread out, engaged
the rebel skirmishers with fine spirit, and drove them,
while his line gained a fence in his front. Directly a
massive charging coluran of the eneray bore down
upon him, and a tremendous combat ensued. The
rebels charged with desperate abandon, but were con
stantly hurled backward. The infantry fire of our
line was awful, while the battery play of Standart
seeraed to swallow up whole ranks of the foe. Flesh
and blood could not endure it. The eneray fell back
rapidly to cover. Before Cruft's Une was fairly
readjusted for an advance, he discovered indications
of another onset. Ordering his men to hold their
fire, he waited until the enemy moved up within
point blank range, and poured a terrific volley into
their masses. The blow was staggering, but the fero
cious rebels were determined to carry their point.
Our own battalions had been burled into other weak
points with such masterly skill that they saw no hope
of victory, unless they could break each liue success
ively. At this hour they were flushed with success

264 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
on the Right, and were driving in the Center. Bragg,
sanguine of victory, had recalled some of his victo
rious legions from his extreme left, and was pre
cipitating them, together with Breckinridge's large
division, and portions of reserve commands, upon
our Left.
After a terrible engagement of nearly a half hour,
the enemy were again rolled back upon tbeir own
position. The two gallant regiments in front, after
a second display of almost unparalleled heroism, were
relieved. General Cruft took advantage of a brief
respite to effect a passage of his lines — the First
Kentucky, Colonel Enyart, and Ninetieth Ohio, Col
onel Ross, going to the front. These two gallant
regiments, under Enyart, advanced to charge, but
the Ninetieth Ohio, was recalled, and the First Ken
tucky charged alone, routing the enemy, and pursu
ing them clean beyond the "Burnt House," and to a
point within fifty yards of their line of intrench
ments. It was the most daring charge of the day,
and but for the general conflict which raged all over
that sanguinary field, would have beeu conspicuously
distinguished. Enyart gathered up his little com
mand, and began to fall back to bis position. But
the enemy, reinforcing from his reserves in the
woods, burst upon the regiment and beat it back,
with severe loss, to its position iu line. The remain
der of the Une, with Standart's, Parsons', and Cock
erell's admirably-worked batteries, and the heavy
infantry fire frora the Une, checked the eneray in their
career. But the capricious changes of battle had left Cruft's
right flank exposed to a cross-flre from the enemy in

BATTLE OF THB CENTER. 265
the woods. To retire was obviously a necessity. Re
treat was impeded by confusion, caused by repulsion of
brigades from other Unes back upon his line of reced-
ence, and artillery carriages retiring from his right
obstructed the field. Standart's aramunition was
decreased to an alarmingly short supply, and he was
compelled to shift position to fight off the enemy.
The men also had almost expended their ammunition.
They had fired au average of fifty rounds each, or
raore. Cruft .needed reinforcements, but did not
receive them. They could not theu be spared from
other points. The enemy's fire seemed to envelop his
whole line. StUl he fought stubbornly, and held his
ground long against fearful odds, but finally withdrew
fighting. Tbe Second Kentucky brought off' three
pieces, and the Thirty-First Indiana, one piece of
artillery, of another division, by hand, which the
gunners had been compelled to abandon, their horses
having been killed. Miller's infantry, although their
ammunition had about failed, had brought off two
pieces of the same battery, so that none of it was sac
rificed to the enemy. Standart saved his battery, with
a loss of three men and seven horses, coming out with
only sixteen rounds of ammunition. Cruft fell back
to the pike, which he reached with about five hund
red raen, the First Kentucky, in falling back, hav
ing been ordered to take a position on the left of the
new line on the Right. After replenishing his cart
ridge-boxes, Cruft took a position in support of a
battery ou the left of the pike.
Meantime, the enemy persisted in his efforts to
advance from the " Burnt House " across the cottonfield
which Hazen had vacated. Wagner had shifted so

266 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
far over to the left to guard the ford, that a gap was
open between the two brigades, and Hazen, until
Hascall filled the interval, was practically on the
extreme left of the army. The fighting here had
been so incessant that the cartridge-boxes of the
Forty-First Ohio had been emptied. Hazen dared
not withdraw a regiment from his front, and had
fruitlessly endeavored to procure ammunition. He
sent for relief. The One Hundred and Tenth lUinois
fixed bayonets, and the Forty-First Ohio defiantly
clubbed their muskets in desperate determination to
hold their ground at all hazards until reinforceraents
should arrive. The Ninth Indiana, comraanded by
gallant W. H. Blake, dashed over from the right with
a shout, to relieve the Forty -First Ohio. " In ad
vancing to this position," said Colonel Hazen, " under
a galling fire, a cannon shot passed through the ranks
of the Ninth Indiana, carrying death with it, and the
ranks were closed without checking a step." Again:
" The Forty-First Ohio now retired with its thinned
ranks in as perfect order as on parade, cheering for
the cause, and crying for ammunition." A few well-
directed volleys from the Ninth Indiana drove the
rebels back to their cover, and the soldiers had a brief
respite. A half hour later the enemy renewed their attack
with increased vigor and bitterness, and succeeded in
pushing a column in front of the " Burnt House" to
the right in front of Cruft, whose brigade was then
withdrawn. In this attack, it was the fortune of the
Sixth Kentucky Union regiment to meet the Sixth
Kentucky rebel regiment, aud demolish them in the
open field. Meantirae, when Grose, in reserve, had

BATTLE OF THB CENTER. 267
changed front to rear to clear Palraer's right fiank,
his front line pushed forward about two hundred and
fifty yards, and met an almost overpowering raass of
the enemy. Both sides had opened fire upon observ
ing each other, and were suff'ering dreadfully. Major
Kinley, commanding Thirty-Sixth Indiana, soon fell
badly wounded, and Captain Shultz, of the same regi
ment, was killed, while dozens of men had fallen
around them. Captain Woodbury immediately as
sumed coramand of the' regiment, and fought it skill
fully thereafter. Colonel Nick Anderson received a
wound iu his thigh, but did not leave his regiment
until after the enemy retreated frora Murfreesboro.
His Adjutant, Lieutenant WilUams, and Lieutenant
Foster, of the same regiraent, were soon stricken to
rise no more, and it seemed that noue of the brave
Sixth would survive to bury its dead. The Thirty-
Sixth Indiana, fighting stubbornly by its side, was
bleeding at every pore. After a resistance of the
most obstinate character, the gallant feUows were
compelled to recede from the cedars. Parsons, Hunt
ington, and Cushing, with their big battery and the
supports, now took a leading part in the tragedy.
After a terrible contest, they broke the eneray's
ranks, and drove him, in confusion, to cover. A half
or three-quarters of an hour later the rebels renewed
tbeir assault, but were driven back with severe pun
ishment. The fighting at this point was frightful. The
enemy were more numerous than the trees of the
dense forest which covered them, and it did not seera
possible to check their fierce advance. But our troops
fought firraly, and were so effectually sustained by

268 BATTLE OF THE CENTER.
Parsons' Battery that the masses of the enemy,
unable to stand such slaughter, resentfully gave
way and retired to cover.
The withdrawal of Cruft intensified the assault
upon Hazen, and in compliance with General Palmer's
orders, Grose's brigade, which had beaten the enemy
in their own front, changed front to rear again, and
moved over to assist Hazen near the railroad. The
Twenty-Fourth Ohio, Colonel Fred. Jones, and the
Thirty-Sixth Indiana, Captain Woodbury, with the
Forty-First Ohio, were posted ou the left of the Ninth
Indiana. The eneray rushed to this point ferociously,
and a sanguinary confiict ensued. The raettle of
Nelson's "man-of-war" division never shone more
conspicuously. The lines refused to budge an inch.
The men aimed low and fired deliberately. Gallant
Fred. Jones soon feU, cheering his men, and was
borne from the field gasping his last sigh. A little
later and his brave successor. Major Terry, received a
fatal wound. Captain Enoch Weller assumed com
mand of the Twenty-Fourth. Parsons' Battery again
settled the fray. The enemy fell back to cover in a
wood, but kept up such a sharp fire that Hazen was
compelled to swing his right behind the railroad
embaukraent. Frora this time onward until the par
tial lull near noon, this stauucb brigade was con
stantly engaged, the eneray fighting fi-ora the wood
in which they had taken refuge.
HASCALL AND WAGNER.
General Hascall's brigade u'as ordered frora the Left
to the Right by General Rosecrans in person, soon
after Harker started, but owing to obstructions caused

BATTLE OF THE CENTER. 269
by the panic on the Right, which overflowed the road
and the carap on the east side of it, he was compelled
to halt. His brigade was raoved frora point to point,
to render assistance, until General Palmer appealed
to hira for aid. Responding proraptiy, he sent down
the Third Kentucky Infantry, and not ten minutes
later, its gaUant coraraander, Colonel McKee, was
kiUed, and the regiment was badly cut up. They,
however, maintained their ground unflinchinglj'.
General Hascall moved at once, and took position
on Hazen's left, on the east side of the Murfreesboro
pike. Wagner had occupied that position early in
the raorning, but when the Left was transferred to
the Right, General Wood caused hira to shift to the
Left, to cover a ford of Stone River. Cox's Tenth
Indiana Battery was posted in half battery on either
flank. The brigade was iu front of Breckinridge's
main position, where it was vigorously assaulted, but
the enemy were promptly repulsed.

270 THE BATTLE ON THB LEFT.

CHAPTER XXVII.
Pkepakations for Decisive Battle — Readjustmoat of the Lines— The-
Grand Battle Scene — "Battle's Magnificently Stern Array" — A
Spectacle of Dreadful Splendor — -Destruction of Human Life— Gar-,
esche's Death — Hazen iu the Trial Battle — Hascall and Wagner —
The Field's our own.
In the middle of the day there was a comparative
cessation of firing. The batteries ceased their thun
der, and the sharp crepitating thrill of rausketry waa
stilled, excepting the harassing bicker of the rebel
sharpshooters, who, posted in trees with tbeir long-
range rifles, maintained a deadly fire. The enemy
made a strong demonstration upon the Right, but it
was a feint. They had developed numbers superior
to our own — " five or six thousand," said plain-spoken
Thomas. It seemed, from the latest developments of
battle, that unless they exceeded us numerically in a
much greater proportion, their next attack would be
directed at the Left. General Rosecrans adjusted his
forces for the shock which was to determine the fate
of the day. We again retrace our steps a little to
discover the situation.
Rousseau and Van Cleve's advance having relieved
Sherridan's division frora the pressure, Negley's divi
sion aud Cruft's brigade from Palmer's division, with
drew from their original position in front of the
cedars, and crossed the open field to the east of the
Murfreesboro pike, about four hundred yards in rear

THB BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 271
of our front Une, where Negley was ordered to replen
ish his aramunition and form in close coluran in
reserve. The Right and Center of our line now' extended
from Hazen to the Murfreesboro pike, in a north
westerly direction, Hascall supporting Hazen, Rous-
.seau filling the interval to the Pioneer Brigade.
Negley in reserve. Van Cleve west of the Pioneer
Brigade ; McCook's corps refused on his right, and
slightly to the rear on the Murfreesboro pike ; the
cavalry being still further to the rear, on the Mur
freesboro pike and beyond Overall's Creek.
Walker's brigade of the Center, consisting of the
Seventeenth, Thirty-First and Thirty-Eighth Ohio,
and Eighty-Second Indiana, which had been protect
ing the rear at Stewartsboro until they were ordered
to the front, carae up about eleven o'clock, and were
teraporarily assigned to General Sherridan, who posted
them on the left of McCook's new line, in the forest
which had been occupied by Van Cleve. Rude bar
ricades were constructed on the right. Excepting
sharp skirmishing, nothing more of iraportance
occurred on that front, although batteries of the
enemy interfered with communication on the pike
south of Overall's Creek. The enemy also contented
himself, during the afternoon, in making his Left
secure by throwing up counter-defenses. Kirk's
brigade, under Colonel Dodge, was raoved down the
river during the afternoon, to check an atterapt of
the eneray's cavalry to cut up our trains.
After these dispositions were raade. General Ros
ecrans was fully prepared for another assault. He
waited not long. Bragg had withdrawn the heaviest

272 THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT.
portion of his Left Wing, and, together with his
reserves, now rolled them with mighty momentum
upon the staunch Left Wing of Crittenden.
THE GRAND BATTLE SCENE.
Several heavy assaults made by the enemy to feel
our lines, were successively repulsed ; but about the
middle of the afternoon a storm of appalling fury
burst upon the Left. The majesty of great battle
was in it. Disciplined hosts rolled upon discipUned
hosts with hideous raoraentura. The crash was like
the collision of two planets — fire and sraoke visible,
and crushing systeras frightfully audible — a spectacle
of dreadful splendor. Each feature was sharply
traced and clearly defined. The day was surpass
ingly beautiful. Occasionally a shallow cloud soared
away softly over the convulsion below, but the blazing
sun glared through the vapory sraoke which expanded
over the shocking field like a thin gauze, wafting
lazily toward the South. The pomp of battaUons
in "battle's magnificently stern array," would have
compelled the severe enthusiasm of Napoleon. Long,
deep lines of soldiers in blue uniforms, ranks piled
upon ranks in dense masses, prostrate upon the undu
lating field and in the woods, intersected and divers
ified the surface in martial mosaic of matchless
pageantry. Frora the funereal cedars ou the Right,
to the swelling brink of Stone River, it seeraed as if
the acres had been ruled out in long blue parallels. .
The " banner of beauty and glory," raarking thc
place of regiments far as vision could stretch, waved
proudly and defiantly above them, not a star dimmed
or a stripe erased. Hardly had it soared so grandly

THE BATTLE OF THB LEFT. 273
before, and every great patriot heart that throbbed
under it was " ever mindful what it cost." At inter
vals bold figures of soUtary horsemen, who now seemed
magnified to heroic proportions, stood grimly and
silent at tactical distance in the rear of their com
mands — faithful guardians of the soldiers— resisting
the shock unmoved. Shining targets, they, for tbe
ruthless marksraen of the foe ! 0 ! vain, sad sacrifice !
It thrills the soul with anguish to scan the record of
that gory day. Garesche, and Sill, and Roberts, and
Shaeffer, Drake, and WiUiaras, Forman, and McKee,
Harrington, Hawkins, Kell, Stera, Wooster, Millikin,
Cotton, the two Carpenters, gallant Fred. Jones,
Terry, Pinney, brave Richmond, and so many name
less heroes — where are they all? The fallow fields
and gloomy thickets of Stone River swallowed, up
their Uves. " There shall weep for those who bled
Many a loving heart and dear;
For every drop of blood that's shed,
There shall fall u, Nation's tear!"
Behind tbis magnificent panoply, our batteries,
grouped in mass iu the Center upon the crest of the
knoll, or distributed over the field in unstudied pic
turesqueness, were enveloped iu wreaths of smoke
and spouting fiames. Here and there striking clus
ters of Generals and their staffs stood steadily uuder
the withering battle blast. For a Uttle while, Ros
ecrans aud his staff", Thomas and his staff, McCook
and his staff, Crittenden and his staff", met in splendid
grouping — the four commanders together, their field
escorts radiating in semi-circle behind them — a pre
cious target for the enemy — upon a wave in the field.

274 THE BATTLE ON THB LEFT.
in easy range of riflemen and shells. McCook discov
ered the iraprudence, and rather sharply ejaculated;-
" This is a nice raark for shells. They will come in
here and kill half of us. Can't you thin out, men?"
Directly a flight of bullets, and a whizzing shell,
chirruping like a gigantic cricket, impressed the'
adraonition upon them all. Thomas glanced upon
either side, and then turning to the front, solUo-
quized, with a sort of fine scorn, "I guess it's about
as safe one place as another." Thomas and his alter
ego, phlegmatic and soldierly Von Schrader, Fhnt,
Mackay, Landrum, and others of his staff; Critten
den, with veteran Lyne Starling, Buford, Knox, Case,
Brown, and Kniffin, took post on the fiow of the
ridge to the right of the pike, obliquely to the rear
of the batteries of Guenther and Loomis. McCook,
with Campbell, Langdon, Nodine, Bates, WiUiams/
Fisher, and Blake, were in the rear of the left flank'
of the Right Wing, behind Thomas and Crittenden —
Palmer and Wood careering over the field in -the
flarae of confiict — the latter sick aud wouuded, but
sternly at his post.
The hostUe array in front imparted awful subliinity
to the pageant. But for its tragedy, that gory field
would have been wonderfully raagnificent. It was a
wild, tumultuous tournament — a spectacle of martial
art, as of carnage, whose lineaments were marvel-"
ously regular and perfect, as if it had beeu a pageant'
prepared for the eye of happy beauty and chivalry.'
But it was a fierce delirium, which swept thousands
of human souls into eternity.
The legions of the enemy poured out upon the
plain in countless multitudes, firm, corapact, and pow-

THB BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 275
erful. They resembled a mass of dense gray clouds
moving along the surface, as you raay see great banks
of raist rolling through the valleys, or upon moun
tain declivities. Their polished rauskets glearaed
like burnished brass, and their parti-colored battle-
flags fluttered haughtily in the breeze. Their bat
teries wheeled swiftly into position, and the gunners
pUed their hellish art. It seemed as if a wall of iron
could hardly resist those somber columns. They
raarched to slaughter with magnificent daring, and
raet a wall of brave hearts that iron, and lead, and
steel could not raove.
A hundred cannon now belched forth their thunder.
The atmosphere was tremulous with the terrific
vibration. The roar of artiUery and the treble rattle
of musketry, thrilling along tbe lines as if innumera
ble keys of sorae harsh instruraent trembled under
the agency of terrible power; crash of solid shot and
shell, whirl of grape and cannister, thick voluraes of
sraoke which enveloped the corabatants, and dispersed
ill a thin canopy of bluish vapor; dying meu and
mangled horses, dismounted cannon and shattered
caissons, disabled in shocking diversity over the field;
the frantic career of riderless steeds; the splendid
sweep of Generals and their staff officers over the
fearful plain, conspired to create a scene of indescriba
ble and horrific sublimity. No human language is
flt to depict it. It was all under the scope of vision —
the marching hosts, the raagnificent tactical display,
the dreadful panoply, the appalling destruction of
huraan beings.
The rattle of musketry tearing along the lines
sounded like the noise of ripping canvas, when the

276 THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT.
black squall suddenly strik'es the unprepared ship.
In our own lines there was no voice but the voice of
coraraand. Men went down with fearful wounds, but
raade no outcry — for men do not shriek on the field
of battle. Dumb brutes neighed in their agony. A
horse with leg torn away moaned with more than
human pathos. Solid shot crashed through the bones
of raen and horses, and it seeraed as if glass was
being shivered. Steeds, riderless, frantic with anguish,
wild with the furious turault, were bounding over the
field with desperate energy, seeking to fly from peril.
Hundreds were torn to shreds. A single shell crushed
through three noble beasts, and piled them in dread
ful confusion under a shattered liraber. A solid shot
rebounded frora a gun with a clang like a brazen bell,
and carried away the head of a charger. Eighty
horses were killed at a single battery.
Excepting in the front line, where the raen stood
up with alraost superhuman flrmness, the troops were
hugging the soil, prone upon their bellies. But even
here the round shot of the enemy plowed through the
ranks, tearing one to shreds here, another there;
yonder a man riven and scattered by six pounds of
iron, so that scarce a bone was left to testify that
there had been a raan — sorae blood, sorae gory strips
of flesh, a few patches of sky-blue cloth ! Twenty
men in a single brigade were thus annihilated. But
scarce a mau stirred from his position. Our heroic
soldiers, steadfast and true, clung to their posts with
almost unequalled fortitude and devotion.
The slaughter of the foe was still more frightful.
Hideous gaps were rent in their massive columns.
Tou could track the course of a shell or round shot

THB BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 277
in the withering ranks. Still they careered to the
front with a deterraination only matched by our own.
A line of lurid flame incessantly leaped frora their
terrible front, and carried destruction before it. On
the skirt of the thicket on the right they swarraed
like legions of flends. Now a column shot to the
edge of the cedars on the right. Volumes of can
nister and musketry were poured into them. Then
plunging back into cover, they rallied and surged
again like great billows, vainly striving to reach our
lines, until it seemed none would be left to charge.
It was as if they were meeting the consuming flames
of hell. In the cause of Uberty aud right, the daring
courage of those desperadoes would have won iraraor
tal farae. The brunt of this horrible assault fell upon
Palraer and Wood. Hazen held the center of this
front, and its key. Thoras, Thorapson, and Bond
were sent down repeatedly by the General to encour
age those heroic soldiers in that destroying conflict.
garesche's DEATH.
In the raidst of the horrid carnival, the General
hiraself galloped to the left of the railroad to rein
force a struggling line by the raoral power of his own
splendid exaraple. Garesche, who had never left hira
since they had raounted in the morning, save to exe
cute orders, was at his side. They were galloping
through a turault of iron raissiles. An unexploded
shell whizzed close by his leader, and the head of
Garesche vanished with it. Sickening gouts of his
brains were spattered upon his comrades, who turned
in horror from the ghastly spectacle. The rautilated

278 THE BATTLE ON THE I EFT.
form of the hero careened gently over the saddle, and
fell upon the field. The little prayer-book was in his
pocket. Men would have iraagined that this, at least,
wduld have touched the raind of the Chief. He did
not seem to observe it. His whole mind was intensely
absorbed with the thought of conquering. Almost
siraultaneously another shell exploded in the midst of
the staff', and brave Richmond, sergeant of tbe Fourth
Regular Cavalry, fell. Then two of the escort. Then
a fragraent of a shell ripped across the side of youth
ful Willie Porter. The General, totally unmoved by
danger, still careered through the field. Garesche
had been blown away from his elbow ; Kirby had
been shot; Benton's horse was smarting with' a
wound ; Hubbard's snorted with the sting of a ball in
his neck ; Taylor's was killed ; Porter's horse and then
hiraself were struck; poor Richmond was mortally
hurt; four or five of his escort and orderlies were
stretched upon the field. No wonder Bond said to
him, "General, do you think it right to expose your
self so rauch?" And the response! A regiment was
lying down upon the field before him waiting to be
called into action. Shot and shell were whizzing furi--
ously over thera. The Chief dashed up to the line and
addressed them : "Men, do you wish to know how to-
be safe? Shoot low. Give them a blizzard at their'
shins! But do you wish to know how to be safest
of all? Give them a blizzard, and then charge with
cold steel ! Forward, now, and show what you are
made of!" Bond had announced Garesche's death.
It seemed to occur to the General as a half-remem
bered dream. "I am very sorry," he said; "we can

THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 279
not help it." A report that McCook was kiUed was
communicated to hira. He said, "We can not help
it^-this battle raust be won."
Apparently unconscious of personal hazard and
the shocking havoc around hira, General Rosecrans
raoved about unscathed, calm, and absorbed by the
intensity of his own thought, with inflexible fixed
ness of purpose deeply graven in his firm lips and
brow. The field of battle where he rode that day is
thickly sprinkled with the useless aud exhausted
implements of slaughter which vainly cluttered
around him. Men can not look upon that plain to
day without a shudder at his fearful escapes.
Lessons in the art of battle were learned by vet
erans on that field. The troops were handled with
matchless skill. Lines upou lines were piled upon
each other so compactly that even the awful raoraen
tura and the ferocity of the rebel onslaughts did not
shake thera. Colurans were hurled in solid ranks
from one side of the field to the other extrerae as if
theywere toys; or were fiung into the face of the
eneray as if it were a game playing. It is no grasp
at rhetoric to describe the swift and steady evolutioni
of our brigades as perfect as the movements of a
grand review. Thousands acquired an idea of the
art of "handUng masses," of which they never had
dreamed before. It was a masterpiece of mental
manipulation. HAZEN IN THE TRIAL BATTLE.
To resume the thread of battle narrative. Hazen,
Grose, Shaeffer, Hascall, and Wagner's brigades con
stituted the real battle front in the afternoon. Hazen

280 THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT.
had the key of the position. Shaeff'er's brigade, by
order of General Rosecrans, was put into action by
General Sherridan on the right of General Wood's
and left of Palraer's divisions, on Hazen's left. The
Second and Fifteenth Missouri in the front Une. The
One Hundredth IlUnois, Colonel Bartleson, had been
sent to Hazen by General Rosecrans, and was posted
in line with the One Hundred and Tenth IlUnois and"
Ninth Indiana to the front, with the right resting on
the railroad; the Second Missouri in the same line,
with the remainder of Shaeffer's aud Hascall's bri
gades immediately on the left.
"At about four o'clock in the afternoon," said
Hazen with graphic eloquence, " the enemy again
advanced upon my front in two Unes. The battle
had hushed, and the dreadful splendor of this advance
can only be conceived, as all description must fall
vastly short. His right was even with my left, and
his left was lost in distance. He advanced steadily,
and as it seemed, to certain victory. I sent back all
of my remaining staff, successively, to ask for sup
port, and braced up my own lines as perfectly as pos
sible. The Sixth Kentucky had joined me from the
other side sorae tirae previously, and was posted just
over the embankment of the railroad. They were
strengthened by such fragraents of troops as I could
pick up, until a good line was formed along the track.
* * * * The fire of the troops was held until
the enemy's right flank came iu close range, when a
single flre from ray men was sufficient to disperse this
portion of his Unes, his left passiug far around to our
right." At the termination of that terrible fight,
Hazen's brigade "rested where it had fought — not a

THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 281
stone's throw from where it was posted in the moru-
ina;." Gallant brigade! and gallant leader! the
"Old Guard" would have been proud to hail you
comrades ! " Such heroic service rendered their coun
try this day," said eloquent Hazen, "such heroic and
daring valor, justly entitles these raen to the profound
respect of the people aud of the country." The regi
ments of that proud brigade, let it be not forgotten,
are the Indiana Ninth, the Illinois One Hundred and
Tenth, the Kentucky Sixth, and Ohio Forty-First.
And side by side with tbem, Grose's unfaltering regi
ments — Nick Anderson's Sixth Ohio, gallant Fred.
Jones' Ohio Twentj'--Fourth, Kinley's Thirty-Sixth
Indiana, Hamrick's Twenty-Third Kentucky, Waters'
Eighty-Fourth Illinois — an aggregate of one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-eight men when they
marched frora NashvUle — a thousand now. The rest
bled upon the fleld. Over on the left tbe gallant
Missourians fought until their cartridge-boxes were
eraptied again. GaUant Shaeffer fell at their head —
the last of the brilliant trio of which dauntless Phil.
Sherridau that frightful morning had been so justly
proud. HASCALL AND WAGNER.
Wood, with the solicitude of a gallant leader who
knows his troops, had watched his brigade with the
keen eye of a soldier from morning's dawn. Suf
fering from illness, and smarting with a wound, he
yet flrmly kept his saddle, and proudly witnessed tho
eff'ects of his own sharp discipline. Harker had been
posted on the right, but that gallant and skillful offi
eer was now resting in comparative security. He had
assisted in repelling the enemy repeatedly, and his
24

282 THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT.
shattered ranks rested while they watched the vigilant
foe. Wagner had held his position " at all hazards,"
and Cox, with his battery, supported by the Fifty-
Seventh Indiana, had emptied his caissons, and was
making a second draft upon them. Hascall had
moved dov/n upou his right after he had repelled tbe
eneray early iu the raorning, aud was sustaining an
almost overpowering shock when Wagner sent Lane's
Ninety-Seventh Ohio to his assistance. Breckin
ridge's troops, raeantirae, had crossed the river and
advanced in raasses upon Wagner. They were charg
ing in -full career, when Wagner, relying upon the
plucky of his noble fellows, sent the Fifteenth Indiana,
supported by the Seventeenth Indiana, to raeet them
in counter-charge. Meantirae Cox's Battery, sup
ported by the Fortieth Indiana, opened upon thera
with cannister. The steel of the Hoosiers and the
iron hail of Cox was too much for the rebels. They
fell back in confusion.
After Hascall had sent the Third Kentucky to
Palmer's assistance, the Tweuty-Sixth Ohio, under
Major Squires, was also sent forward, and took posi
tion on the right in support of the former, Estep's
Eighth Indiana Battery coming up soon after. The
Third Kentucky had already lost its gallant Colonel,
and the Twenty-Sixth Ohio was almost instantly
brought into violent coUision with the enemy. The
Third Kentucky was reduced one-half, and its brave
Major, D. R. Collier, soon received two severe wounds,
but refused to quit the fleld. Adjutant Bullitt's horse
was killed, and ten out of fourteen of the remaining
officers of the gallant Third Kentucky were wounded.
The Twenty-Sixth Ohio, fighting stubbornly, was also

THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 283
losing heavily. The eneray disregarded our artillery,
and having pushed up in range of the sraall arms,
their superior numbers proved destructive. But they
were unable to advance further, and after nearly an
hour of sanguinary corabat, Hascall had the satisfac
tion to see the enemy recoil, and almost simultane
ously they staggered from Wagner's front. Colonel
BueU, at the head of the Fifty-Eighth Indiana, raean
tirae, had been sent by Wood to Palmer's assistance,
where they raaterially aided in repelling the enemy,
and subsequently relieved the Third Kentucky. Has
call now threw forward the right of the Sixth Ohio
regiment, which was on tbe right of the Twenty-
Sixth, so that its fire would sweep the front of the
Twenty-Sixth Ohio and Fifty-Eighth Indiana, and
brought up Lane's Ninety- Seventh Ohio to strengthen
the right stUl more ; Estep's Battery supporting the
Sixth Ohio.
Hascall galloped back and called the attention of
General Rosecrans to the importance of his position,
and the necessity of keeping it well supported. " He
rode to the front with rae," said HascaU, "approved
the dispositions I had made, spoke a few words of
encourageraent to the men, cautioning them to hold
their fire until the enemy got well up, and had no
sooner retired than the eneray eraerged from the
woods and over the hill, and were moving upon us in
splendid style and iraraense force. As soon as they
came in sight the Sixth and Twenty-Sixth Ohio, and
Estep's Battery opened upon them, and did splendid
execution, but on they came until within one hundred
yards of our line, and Colonel Buell, of the Fifty-
Eighth Indiana, vho had lost three men but had not

284 THE BATTLE ON THE -LEFT.
fired a shot, ordered his men to fire. The effect was
indescribable. The eneray fell in winrows, and went
staggering back from the effect of this unexpected
volley. Soon, however, they carae up again, and
assaulted furiously for about an hour and a half, but
the raen all stood their ground nobly, and at the end
of that time compelled the enemy to retire. * *» *
The regiments all behaved splendidly again, and the
Fifty-Eighth Indiana won immortal honors. * * *
The Sixth, Twenty-Fourth, and Ninety-Seventh Ohio-
did noble service. * * * 'Plie One Hundredth
Illinois fought splendidly in all the actions which took
place ou the left of the railroad." This last advance
ended tbe third assault upou Hascall, and left him^
master of the position. " To the fearless spirits who
hazarded and lost their lives upon this consecrated
spot, the country owes a deep debt of gratitude."
While the third assault upon Hascall was progress
ing, the enemy's skirmishers were discovered slipping
down the opposite slope of Stone River, and working
their way down stream for the purpose of gaining-
Wood's left flank and rear. Cox's cannister soon
drove thera back, but a brigade of the eneray crossed
the river under cover of the woods three hundred
yards frora Wagner's front. He had ouly the Fif--
teenth and Fifty-Seventh Indiana with which to resist
them, the Fortieth being hotly engaged near the rail
road—the Nintey-Seventh Ohio supporting Hascall.;
Cox's artillery amraunition was nearly exhausted, audi
it w^as irapossible to replenish. The eneray had cut'
up the trains iu the rear, so that the situation was
soraewhat alarming. Wagner, relying ou his infantryi
determined to attack the enemy tirst. The stalwart

THB BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 285
Fifteenth Indiana again in the lead, the Fifty-Seventh
supporting, raoved boldly onward and engaged the
enemy in a bitter contest. Colonel Hines and Lieu
tenant Colonel Lenuard, of the Fifty- Seventh, now
went down, aud were carried from the fleld severely
wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Wood flxed bayonets,
and the Fifteenth rushed forward with a yeU. The
enemy broke, but the brave Hoosiers killed scores of
tbem, drove tw^o other regiments in disorder frora the
ffeld, and captured one hundred and seventy-five men
of the Twentieth Louisiana regiraent. Captain Cox
sent the last shot in his locker into the routed foe.
After the disabling of their field officers, the Fifty-
Seventh continued to fight without tbeir officers, and
participated in the glory of the brilliant corabat.
The Fifteenth lost thirty raen kiUed and one hundred
wounded in this single conflict. The eneray, dissatis
fied with their efl'ort, rallied and made a second dash,
but Cox had found ammunition by this time. Wag
ner's line fell back slowly, flghting, until the eneray
had advanced within cannister range of the battery,
when both Cox and Estep let drive. It was a dose
too rauch. The enemy, rejDeatedly repulsed on all
their positions, resentfully retired, leaving Hazen,
Hascall, and Wagner in possession of the position for
which they had so heroically fought. Wagner, in
closing the record of the day, congratulates hiraself
proudly that he found his command, at the termina
tion of the battle, " as far to the front as they were in
the morning, and the noble dead of this brigade lay
nearer the enemy's position than that of any other."
Had Wagner heard of the charge of Enyart's regi
ment, he might have made one honorable exception.

286 THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT.

THE BATTLE DIES OUT.
The afternoon was now far advanced. The last
bitter assaults obviously had shaken the confldence of
the enemy. Still they exhibited a sullen, resentful
aspect. Heavy masses were again assembled in front
of the center with a view to renew the onslaught.
But our artillery played upon them so effectively that
only a small force pushed to the range of our musketryj
and they were speedily hurled back. A last expiring
effort was made by their artillery, which opened upon
our lines terriflcaUy, but at sunset, Avith now and then
a roar aud a brazen sigh from howitzers, and the
vicious crack of rebel rifles, the sound of battle died
away into the silence of evening.
"The day closed," said General Rosecrans, "leav
ing us raasters of the original ground on our left,
and our new line advantageously posted, with open
ground in front, swept at all points by our artillery.
We had lost heavily in killed and wounded, and a
considerable nuraber in stragglers and prisoners ; also,
twenty-eight pieces of artillery, the horses having
been slain, and our troops being unable to withdraw
them, by hand, over the rough ground ; but the ene
my had been thoroughly handled, and badly damaged.
at all points, having had uo success where we had
open ground, aud our troops were properly posted,
none, which did not depend on the original crushing
of our Right and the superior masses which were, iu
consequence, brought to bear upon the narrow front
of Sherridan's and Negley's divisions, and a part of
Palmer's, coupled with the scarcity of ammunition,
caused by the circuitous road which the train had

THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT. 287
taken, and the inconvenience of getting it from a
remote distanee through the cedars."
Excepting the tranposition of regiments which had
fought three and four hours each in the front line
without intermission, there was little change in the
positioi?s of the troops that night. The noble feUows
were too weary to be tortured by unnecessary labor.
The battle which had begun at " six twenty-two
o'clock in the morning," was suspended at about five
o'clock iu the evening.
The dauntless deportment of the troops and the
fidelity of their officers was beyond all praise. The
raen exhibited unconquerable spirit, obeyed orders
with alacrity and precision, withstood the appalling
assaults of heavy raasses of the eneray, and the fury
of their destructive artillery with unflinching plucki-
ness and deterraination. When ordered to charge,
they moved to obey with wild, cheerful clamor;
when forced to recede, they gave ground slowly, and
bitterly contested it inch by inch. But for the mis
fortune that befell the Right Wing — which was in no
sense the fault of the soldiers, for they were as stub
born, as firra, and as thoroughly disciplined as those
of tbe Center aud Left Wing — Bragg's array would
bave been crushed as if between the upper and the
nether raill-stones. The raw troops that day proved
themselves worthy comrades of the veterans. They
fought with a vehemence and staunchness that aston
ished the best soldiers. Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Wis
consin, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota,
Pennsylvania, and the Regulars, vied with each other
in deeds of noblest heroisra. The fair farae of no
State, no division, no brigade, no regiment, no com-

288 THE BATTLE ON THB LEFT.
pany, distinctively, as such, was tarnished by dis
graceful conduct.
True, there were cowards ; but in such numbers there
must be some who lack moral firraness to endure,
more than they lack physical courage to fight. Many
straggled to the rear because their officers were kiUed.
Others in the rout of the Right lost sight of their
regiments and officers, and after being thus separated
were too much discouraged to seek them again. Per
haps three thousand straggled and went to the rear.
Colonel Burke, with the noble Tenth Ohio, stretched
a line of bayonets across the country at Stewart's
Creek and intercepted the retreat of hundreds. But
three thousand stragglers from a volunteer army of
forty-three thousand men, one third of which were
new troops, is not a large proportion. But when men
lose sight of their officers involuntarily, straggling is
a necessary and inevitable consequence, and they are
hardly culpable for going to the rear.

"WB FIGHT OB DIB HERE." 289

CHAPTER XXVIII.
Aftbb the Conflict — Headquarters — Consultation of Generals — A
Gloomy Night — Decision of tho Commander-in-Chief — Our Losses —
The Personal Influence of General Rosecrans in Battle — Orders
for January 1st — The Heroism of the Soldiers — The Medical Staff.
" Come one, come all, this rock shall fly
From its firm base as soon as I."
While the battle was raging, the General Com
manding, constantly followed by his faithful staff, was
galloping to every part of the field. So wheu it had
subsided, when his escort were almost ready to drop
from their saddles with fatigue, he again rode over
the ground to make his observations for future dispo
sitions. Tbere were no indications going to impress
his mind that Bragg contemplated withdrawal. On
the contrary the partial success he had raet during the
day confirmed a general impression that the enemy
would renew their eff'orts on the morrow. The
advantage was with them. They had driven the
Right and Center, and part of the Left from their
positions, captured many guns and prisoner's, and as
it subsequently appeared, they inferred from this and
from the equally important fact that they had cut off'
our trains and communication, that Rosecrans would
endeavor to fall back upon/ Nashville. How little
tbey coraprehended the man!
Headquarters were finally established in a little
25

290 "WE fight or die here."
cabin on the right of the road, within six-pounder
range of the rebel front. The Generals of the army
assembled at night to confer with the General Com
manding. Many of them were despondent. Some
advised a withdrawal. " Coramunication is cut off,"
they said ; " some of the troops have no subsistence."
The General Commanding, looking up sharply, said
caustically, " We may all have to eat parched corh
before we get out of this." The views of each officer
were not recorded. General Thoraas did not advise
retreat. General Crittenden pluckily insisted that
" we can whip them," and desired to go on with
the Left Wing movement into Murfreesboro. After
learning the opinions of his Generals, the Chief
mounted and rode to the rear.
After diligent exaraination of the country he con
cluded that if forced to fall back he could make a
firm stand on the high south bank of Overall's Creek.
But he entertained no thought of retiring. His con^
stancy was unshaken. He was immovably firm. He
put his trust in God, relied upon his stubborn bat
talions and resolved to conquer. Riding back to
headquarters, he said, with startling emphasis: "Gen
tlemen, we fight or die right here."
To appreciate the dramatic effect of this grave con
sultation of heroes, the reader must enter deeply into
the spirit of the occasion. No pen can portray the
situation. The day had begun in dreadful disaster, aud
the sun declined upon a spectacle of dreadful splen
dor. Seven thousand gallant men had fallen during
ten hours. Regiraents had lost, some their Colonels,
some all their field officers, and half or more of their
company commanders. Some had lost three-fourths

"we fight or die here." 291
of their officers. Johnson's two best Brigadiers were
gone, Sherridan's thre^were dead. Able Wood was
disabled. So was skillful Van Cleve. Ten Colonels,
ten Lieutenant Colonels, and six Majors were either
dead, captured, or wounded. Sherridan alone had
lost seventy -two officers. The Regular Brigade, four
teen hundred strong the morning of that frightful
day, had lost twenty-two most valuable officers and
five hundred and eight disciplined, valiant, trusty
soldiers. Almost two-thirds of the battle-field, almost
one-fifth of our artillery, were in the hands of the
eneray. Comraunication was in a raeasure cut off'
from Nashville. Some of the subsistence trains had
been destroyed, and the weary, hungry soldiers, who
marched and fought on Friday, Saturday, Monday,
Tuesday, bloody Wednesday, and who had slept or
watched shivering in the bleak November atmos
phere Monday and Tuesday nights without fires,
were now without food, sleeping again without fires.
Artillery ammunition was scant, and it was extremely
doubtful if more could be forced through the clouds
of rebel cavalry that hovered upon the single thread
of communication with the base of supplies.
No wonder the hearts of men sunk under the op
pressive weight of adverse fortune. It required sub
lime trust in Providence and in his own unconquera
ble will, for the infiex'ible Leader of that shattered
array to say, with the self-reliant eloquence which
only they who realized the gloora of that dreary night
can appreciate, "we found that we had amraunition
enough for another battle — the only question being
where that battle was to be fought." There was
magnificence in the response which flowed from his

292 " WE fight or die herb."
Generals. When he pronounced, "We flght or die
right here," "every one of my officers," said he — and
he raised upon his elbow in a bed of sickness, his eyes
flashing aud his pointed finger tremulous with the
enthusiasm which roused his soul, " I will say this of
all my officers — that however advisable some of them
regarded retreat — every one of them expressed the
greatest alacrity to carry out my purposes, and they
obeyed my orders cheerfully — not a man of them
objected or hesitated." " General," said one of them,
after the decision had been pronounced, " I did not
know you were so garae a man." The soldiers had
discovered it, aud with quick instinct put their trust
in him. " We saw you," they said ; " We'll fight
with you!"
It seeras superfluous to record the judgraent here,
but the point may be justly made. The great indis
putable feature of this day's battle, standing out
clearly as tbe sun in the heavens, was that General
Rosecrans, by his masterly skill, by his dauntless per
sonal courage, by his perfect self-possession underthe
most trying circumstances, by his persistent and tena
cious efforts, and flnally, by the greatness ofhis moral
exaraple, saved the array frora ruin, and converted
disaster into flnal triuraph.
The history of this raeraorable day is a history of
his incessant exertions, personal example, and self-
reliance. Men can not forget the great valor of the
forty odd thousand nameless braves who stood man-
full}', with more than manly fortitude, shoulder to
shoulder, through ten dreadful hours of havoc and
death, but they can not be identifled. But to him to
whom defeat would have been endless misfortune, aud

"WB fight or die here." 293
who was imminently in danger of being victimized
by want of skill in others, whom he was corapelled
to trust, raen aire .in justice bound to pay fair tribute.
There is not a soldier in his great army who does not
bear testimony that he personally retrieved the for
tunes of that disastrous day. Without his directing
mind, without his personal exaraple, without his
inflexible persistence and tenacity, overwhelming
catastrophe was inevitable. The lines had been
broken at every point on the Right. The Center,
under Negley, struggling flercely, must be swallowed
up, the Left and all would be gone, unless the
destroying tide could be stayed. No man could do
it save he, though all were flghting manfully. His
tory will indorse this record, let the heroism and sol
dierly character of Thomas, McCook, Crittenden,
Wood, Sherridan, Davis, Negley, Van Cleve, John
son, Rousseau, Palmer, Hazen, Hascall, and the dead
Sill, and Shaeffer, Roberts, and other brilliant names,
shine with such glowing luster as they should, let
their services be valued as highly as they ought.
This tribute of justice detracts not an iota frora
any of his coraraanders. Thoraas is not dirainished
in the estiraation of his countrymen, who proudly
revere him as the "true and jprudent, distinguished in
council, and on raany battle-flelds." McCook is none
the less esteemed because Rosecrans excels ; Critten
den's farae is not tarnished because that of the Chief
tain of the army is more conspicuous. Wood, and
Sherridan, and Davis, and Johnson, and Negley, and
Palmer, and Rousseau, and Van Cleve, are none the
less skillful, not less admired, because the soldiers of

294 "wb fight or die here."
the army, who decide for themselves, adjudge that
Rosecrans is more than master of his profession.
ORDERS FOR JANUART FIRST.
But that night's consultation resulted in arrange
ments for the morrow. "Orders were given," said
the General, " for the issue of all the spare ammuni
tion, and we found that we had enough for another
battle, the only question being where that battle was
to be fought.
" It was decided, in order to complete our present
lines, that the Left should be retired some two hund
red and fifty yards, to more advantageous ground, the
extrerae left resting on Stone River, above the lower
ford, and extending to Stokes' Battery. Stark
weather's brigade, arriving near the close of the
evening, bivouacked in close coluran, in reserve, in
the rear of McCook's left.
"After careful exaraination, and free consultation
with corps coraraanders, followed by a personal exam
ination of the ground in the rear, as far as Overall's
Creek, it was determined to await the enemy's attack
in that position, to send for the provision train, and
order up fresh supplies of ammunition, on the arrival
of which, should the enemy not attack, offensive oper
ations should be resumed."
McCook's corps was already disposed — Davis on
the right, Sherridan joining hira on the left, Johnson
in reserve ; Walker's brigade constituting Sherridan's
left, and ordered to reUeve Van Cleve in the morning.
Thomas was to remain in statu quo. Crittenden
reunited his comraand, bringing them all together on

"WB FIGHT OR DIB HERE." 295
the left of the turnpike, and took up a new line of
battle, about five hundred yards to the rear of the
former line; Hascall's division rested their right on
the position occupied by Stokes' Battery, and his left
on General Palmers right; General Palraer rested his
left on the ford, his right extending toward the rail
road, and perpendicular to it, thus bringing the line
at right angles to the railroad and turnpike, and
extending from Stokes' Battery to the ford.
THE SOLDIERS.
The jaded troops lay down upon their arms that
night, many of them where they had fought. It was
cold and dreary, and no fires were permitted in front,
but there was no murmur of discontent. The moral
aspect of that cheerless bivouac was sublime. " When
I witnessed the uncomplaining soldiers in their dreary
bivouac ; when I saw them parch corn over a few
little coals into which they were permitted to blow a
spark of life; when they carved steaks from the loins
of a horse which had been killed in battle, and ate,
not simply without murmuring, but made merry over
their distress, tears," said heroic Rousseau, "involun
tarily rolled from my eyes." Subsequently said Rous
seau, "Day and night in the cold, wet, and mud, my
men suffered severely ; but during the whole time I did
not hear one single murmur at their hardships, but all
were cheerful, and ever ready to stand by their arms
aud flght. Such endurance I never saw elsewhere."
This eloquent testimony applied to the whole army.
Sorae of the divisions, however, were fully suppUed;
Wood's certainly, for that true soldier took care to

296 "WB FIGHT OR DIB HERE."
replenish the haversacks of the men on the eve of
battle. THE MEDICAL STAFF.
The battle-fleld was strewn with the wounded.
Doctor Swift, the able Medical Director of the army,
most efficiently aided by Doctor Beebe, Doctor Phelps,
Doctor McDermot, and Doctor James, his Chiefs of
Corps, together with the noble division, brigade, and
regiraental Surgeons, exerted their utraost power to
reraove all the suff'erers as quickly as possible from
the fleld to the hospitals. Doctor Swift was often
in the flame of battle. Doctor James was in the very
forefront when the eneray bore down upon Stokes'
Battery. But few flinched frora duty — ^three in the
entire staff of surgeons, who shall be nameless now.
Said General Rosecrans officially :
" The ability, order, and method exhibited in the
management of the wounded, elicited the warmest
coramendation from all our general officers, in which
I most cordially join. Notwithstanding the numbers
to be cared for, through the energy of Doctor Swift,
Medical Director, ably assisted by Doctor Weeds and
the senior Surgeons of the various commands, there
was less suffering from delay than I have ever before
witnessed." There is not one word of exaggeration in this, and
if the enemy had not destroyed the General Hospital,
both our wounded and their's who fell into our hands,
would have been still more comfortably provided.
God knows there was great suffering. Let this suf
fice. " It is not needful to sound the stream oi blood
in all its horrid depths."

NEW year's DAT. 297

CHAPTER XXIX.
The First Day of January, 1863— Rain — Change of Division and Bri
gade Commanders — Position of Divisions— Van Cleve's Division
Crosses Stone River— Demonstrations hy the Enemy — The Regulars
Double-Quick to Stewart's Creek and back — The Brillia-nt Affair of
Colonel Innis and his Michiganders at Lavergne — Colonel J. W.
Burke and the "Bloody Tenth"— A Trying New Year's Day— Effect
of Wednesday's Reverse at Nashville — A Rebel Woman on the
House-Top.
' After raidnight it rained upon the soldiers. They
were thoroughly saturated, and in a few hours the
bivouacs were raasses of raud. Fortunately the array
was not harassed by serious alarms on the picket
lines. Long before daylight the new line was ad
justed, aud the troops stood at arms. General Rose
crans waited developments. It was not his policy to
force a renewal of the engageraent until his stores
were replenished.
Generals Wood and Van Cleve, though wounded
early in the battle of Wednesday, remained in the
field until its close. They were now unflt for duty,
and repaired to Nashville. Brigadier General Has
call succeeded the forraer, and Colonel Samuel Beatty
relieved the latter; Colonel George P. Buell taking
Hascall's brigade. Colonel Ben. C. Grider, of the
Ninth Kentucky, assuming command of Beatty's bri
gade. Walker's brigade relieved Van Cleve's division.
Starkweather's subsequently taking position on the
left of the latter. General Crittenden, in pursuance

298 NEW tear's day.
of orders, sent Beatty across Stone River at three
o'clock in the morning, to hold the hill overlooking
the river at the upper ford, a mile below the railroad
bridge in front of Murfreesboro; Colonel Price, com-i
manding the Third Brigade, crossed in advance, fol
lowed by the Second Brigade, Colonel Fyffe command
ing. The brigades formed in two lines, the right
resting on high ground near the river, east of the;
ford, the left thrown forward. Grider's brigade was
forraed near the hospitals, to protect the left flank.
Lieutenant Livingston's Third Wisconsin Battery
crossed the river and took up position on the rising
ground in front of Fyffe. The infantry were con
cealed by lying down. The enemy's skirmishers
appeared in front, but Livingston dispersed them by
flinging a few shells at them. Grose's brigade, how
ever, crossed to support Beatty, but subsequently^
with Livingston's Battery, was withdrawn.
Wood's division was withdrawn by Hascall to a line
about five hundred yards in rear of the position occu
pied tbe previous day. The line was now nearly at
right angles with the railroad, BueU's brigade on the
right, Harker in the center, Wagner on the left.
Excepting sorae sharp skirmishing on Harker's and
Wagner's fronts, which was finally ended by Bradley
and Cox freely using shell and spherical case shot,
Hascall's division was comparatively quiet during the
day. Palmer's division also rested in battle-order,
excepting Grose's brigade, which was sent across the
river to support Beatty's division. Repeated attempts '
were made by the enemy to advance upon the Center,
but they were foiled by Guenther's and Van Pelt's
Batteries. Morton's Pioneer Brigade once repulsed

NBW tear's DAT. 299
them severely. The Regular Brigade was ordered up
to meet an attack on McCook's front, and subse
quently was sent to Stewart's Creek. When nearly
there it was ordered back at double-quick tirae, but
upon its return it went into bivouac near headquar
ters. Scribner's brigade was withdrawn to the rear
early in the morning to prepare their rations. Before
the famishing fellows got ready, an alarm caused a
stampede araong some teamsters near their camp, and
a skirmishing flurry on Stone River compelled them to
take arms. A little later the disappointed troops were
marched up to the front again to meet a threatened
attack. Negley's division was hurried off to McCook's
right in the afternoon to meet a strong demonstration
on that front. His troops bivouacked there that night.
Bradley's brigade made a dash and captured eighty-
five prisoners. Wal'ter's brigade was constantly har
assed by pickets, and the eneray incessantly menaced
his front. Church's Battery signalized itself by its
effective gunnery, but the gallant veteran brigade,
which had been at many combats and several battles,
did not have the fortune which it craved, of showing
its mettle in a grand battle. At eight o'clock tbat
evening they made a successful reconnoissance, exhib
iting great gallantry. At about two o'clock a strong
demonstration was made by the euemy at the extrem
ity of a field, a mile and a half frora the Murfreesboro
pike, but the presence of Gibson's brigade with a bat
tery, occupying the woods near Overall's Creek, and
Negley's division, and a portion of Rousseau's, pre
vented a serious collision. The harassraents of the
day ended with a demonstration upon Walker's front.
The casualties this day were not numerous.

300 NEW tear's DAT.
BRILLIANT AFFAIR AT LAVERGNE.
The Michigan Regiraent of Mechanics and Engi
neers, Colonel Innis coramanding — three hundred
and ninety-one officers and men — ^had been posted at
Lavergne, midway between Nashville and Murfrees
boro, to protect communication. Colonel Innis took
position on the hights in rear of the hamlet, and con
structed a flimsy barricade of cedar brush for the
protection of his little garrison. Wheeler's rebel
cavalry, after destroying several trains upon the road,
appeared in front of Innis at two o'clock with a force
of three thousand men and two pieces of artillery.
A flag of truce was sent in, demanding a surrender.
Innis replied with more veheraence than piety, "Tell
General Wheeler I'll see hira d — d first. We don't
surrender much ! Let him take us." Whereon the
rebels essayed. A daring officer, galloping at full
speed in front of the first column of attack, called
upon the garrison to surrender. A bullet pierced his
breast. His coraraand charged gallantly. Wheeler
opened his artillery. The little garrison defended
themselves manfully. The rebel horsemen dashed
against the fiimsy barricades with admirable spirit.
The trusty rifles of the Michiganders destroyed them.
The coluran recoiled into the adjacent thickets. Their
commander sent another flag of truce, demanding
surrender. " See him d — d first," said Innis, curtlj'.
The desperadoes rolled up again with thundering
force. The steady Michiganders hurled them back
again. A third assault was foiled; then a fourth;
then a fifth. The rebel General sent another flag of
truce, explaining that his numbers were overwhelm-

NEW year's DAT. 301
ing, and demanding surrender to spare useless effusion
of blood. Innis lost his temper, told the fiag officer
to " go to the d — 1," and requested him to warn Gen
eral Wheeler to send no raore fiags. He " would fire
upon thera if he did." The eneray charged more
veheraently than before, and were again beaten off.
They organized a seventh attack in heavy force, and
thundered up the hill in a fury of passion. The gaUant
little garrison sent them reeling back again. Wheeler
withdrew out of musket range, and sent in his fiag
asking permission to collect his dead and wounded.
"Tell General Wheeler," said Innis, "tbat he is wel
corae to everything he can take beyond the range of
my muskets. We'll take care of the wounded and
dead who are under our guns."
THE "BLOODT tenth."
Meantime, Innis had sent a swift messenger to
Colonel Burke at Stewartsboro, five miles south, to
come and help him. Gallant Burke gathered part of
his sturdy Irishmen — the "bloody Tenth" — and raced
up the road with all the speed of eager soldiers. The
fighting fellows whose wild claraor had startled the
echoes of the Gauley Mountains at Carnifex, and
whose comrades were thickly strewn over the green
hills of Perryville, stretched out their brawny legs, and
stalked along the pike with eager energy. They had
held their own post defiantly, rescued captured trains,
drove the enemy from their front, but could get no
fight. They were after one now, swiftly and hotly.
"I never," said the gallant Burke, "saw fellows so
disappointed. When we got to Lavergne, Innis had
whipped the enemy, and we had no fight ! " The

302 NEW tear's DAT.
General Commanding did not forget their spirit.
Subsequently in his official report, he said: "The
Tenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, at Stewart's
Creek, Lieutenant Colonel J. W. Burke commanding,
deserves especial praise for the ability and spirit with
which they held their post, defended our trains,
secured the rear, chased away Wheeler's rebel cav
alry, saving a large wagon train, and arrested and
retained in service some two thousand stragglers from
the battle-field." So of the valiant Michiganders he
said : " The First Regiment of Michigan Engineers
and Mechanics, at Lavergne, under command of Col
onel Innis, fighting behind a slight protection of
wagons and brush, gallantly repulsed a charge from
more than ten tiraes their number, of Wheeler's
Cavalry." Not the least pleasing feature of these
developments of soldierly spirit, was the generous
enthusiasm with which Innis expressed his admiring
obligations to Burke and the "Bloody Tenth."
A trying new year's day.
The rebels, however, succeeded in harassing our
rear to an embarrassing extent, destroying trains,
capturing squads of troops whom they paroled and
released, being unable to escort them to their own
lines. Several wounded officers who were retiring to
Nashville for surgical attention, were disgracefully
maltreated. , Major Slemmer, of the Sixteenth United
States Infantry, was ejected frora his arabulance, and
other officers were corapelled to give their parole, and
halt by the highway until they were relieved by pass
ing trains.
New Tear's Day was trying upon the army, but its

NBW year's day. 303
constancy was unshaken. The troops went into biv
ouac as they had the previous nights, sleeping upon
their arms without fires, and somewhat annoyed by
picket fiurries along the lines. The General Com
manding was constantly in the field waiting develop
ments, and making dispositions for future operations.
The quiet of the enemy assured him that they had
been worried by Wednesday's battle, and it gave him
time to replenish his amraunition and subsistence
stores. His headquarters that night and thereafter
were in a little dilapidated log-cabin, within shell range
of the eneray on either front, on the right of the
Murfreesboro pike. He slept an hour or two in his
tent at the gable end of tbe cabin, and his staff
squeezed together as thick as figs in a drum on tho
dirty floor of the teneraent. All misgivings had been
disraissed from the minds of officers and soldiers.
All men felt with the General — " we shall beat them ! "
WOMEN ON the HOUSE-TOPS.
But there was another feature of "Happy New
Tear " worthy of observation. Tidings of Wedues-
day's reverse had been carried to Nashville on the
swift wings of cowardice. The few patriot residents
of the city and the garrison were profoundly affiicted.
They apprehended that a dreadful calaraity was about
to fall upon thera. Stragglers, officers, private sol
diers, camp followers, poured up the Murfreesboro
pike toward the city in streams. The wife of a rebel
officer clambered to the roof of her mansion, and look
ing southward, beheld the sharaeless raessengers of
evil. Cushi was running with evil tidings. There
was no prudent Ahimaaz to run by the way of the

304 NEW year's DAT.
plain to circuravent him. The woman clapped her
hands with sudden joy, shouting triumphantly,
" they are beaten back." Her friends of either sex
took no care to repress their exultation. Some were
overbearing and impudent. Officers and soldiers
silenced them savagely. Tet they poured forth into
the streets in numbers, aud with a gayety that had
not been witnessed since the Cnion armies had occu
pied the city.
The stragglers were roughly handled by General
Mitchell. He denounced them vigorously as infa
mous cowards, swore their stories of disaster were
lies, directed Lieutenant Colonel Cahill to organize
them and form thera in front of the city. He
laughed to scorn the notion that "Rosecrans was
whipped," and then with raenacing vehemence swore
that "if Rosecrans should be driven back, not one
stone of Nashville should be left upon another. I'll
blow the d — d town to fragments," said he, " if I am
compeUed to leave it." All this rebel joy, and all
this patriot gloora grew out of the exaggerations of
cowardly officers, fugitive soldiers, and tearasters who
fled from battle. A mal adroit incident happened to
confirm the untoward rumors. The extreme front
was an improper place for the important official
papers of the department. The numerical superi
ority of the rebel cavalry rendered it dangerous to
keep thera with headquarters' camp at an intermediate
point, and they were accordingly sent back to Nash
ville. The malcontents of the Rock City accepted
the incident as confirraation of disaster to the fed
erals. Later in the evening they became restive and
somber. It was impossible to explain it, but the

NEW tear's DAT. 305
mystery no doubt was revealed in the back parlors of
NashviUe. But it was very clear that there was "a
plague on all your houses." General Rains was killed,
and Moody's men had destroyed the " Rock City
Guards." And the women who ascended to the
house-tops were much moved, and went up to their
chambers and wept. New Tear's Day of 1863 was
not a " Happy New Tear."

26

306 SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGe's DIVISION.

CHAPTER XXX.
Fmdat, January 2 — Heavy Artillery Battle — Movements of the
Troops — Van Cleve's Division Across Stone River — Grose Supports
Him — Onslaught upou Van Cleve's Division — It is Broken — The
Batteries Massed — The Center and Right Wing Assisting the Left —
Negley, Davis and Morton to the Rescue — A Banner and a Battery
Captured— Awful Effect of Our Artillery— The Rebels Routed—
Brigadier General Hanson Killed.
Friday morning was raw and chilly, but the clouds
soon dispersed, and the sun glowed pleasantly. The
troops were cheerful. Sorae subsistence and ammuni
tion had arrived during the night. At dawn the
sharpshooters of the eneray introduced the exercises
of the morning with the sharp flring of their rifles.
Commanders were at their posts, expecting an attack
from the eneraj^ The " eyes of the army " were on
its flanks, and skirting the Murfreesboro pike, gallop
ing over the hills after rebel marauders. McCook
and Thomas remained in statu quo, part of their
respective forces in reserve.
Soraewhere about eight o'clock, whUe Morton's
Pioneer Brigade were making crossings at the raU
road, the enemy opened a furious cannonade from
four batteries on the east side of Stone River. They
ranged chiefly upon Harker's position. His men were
subject to sore trial, but they hugged the ground
closely, and escaped with one man killed and eleven
wounded. Estep's battery, upon which the enemy

SLAUGHTER OF BREOKINRIDGB's DIVISION. 307
had exact range, was forced to yield its position.
Bradley worked his guns with visible effect, until one
of our own batteries undertook to throw grape over
his head. Whereon he was reluctantly compeUed to
withdraw to a safer position. Stokes', Loomis', Guen
ther's, and several other batteries, took part in the
duello, and in a short time silenced the enemy. While
this was going on, an infantry demonstration was
made upon Wagner's skirmishers, but the eneray
were easily driven back. The rebels also gave Walk
er's brigade a salute, but Church soon satisfied them.
DISPOSITIONS ON THB LEFT.
General Rosecrans still persisted in his scheme of
wheeling into Murfreesboro with his Left, and with
that view, directed his attention chiefly to the posi
tion occupied by Van Cleve. Livingston's Battery
recrossed the river, and took up its position on the
left, leaving Lieutenant Hubbard, with a section of
the battery, on the eminence at the right of Price's
brigade. Price was on the right of the line, with the
Fifty-First Ohio, Eighth Kentucky, and Thirty-Fifth
Indiana Regiments in front, the Twenty-First Ken
tucky and Ninety-Ninth Ohio Regiments forraing
the second liue in reserve. Fyffe's brigade was on
the left, and the Seventy-Eighth Indiana was posted
in the front line to fill a gap.
A sharp clatter of musketry in front, early in the
morning, increased at eleven o'clock to the propor
tions of a severe fight. The enemy seemed to be
creeping up. Crittenden, therefore, sent Grose's
brigade across the river to strengthen Beatty's left.
About eight hundred yards below the right of

308 SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION.
Beatty's division Une, the river makes a detour of
perhaps a half raile to the rear, and courses nearly
parallel with the line taken up by Beatty. Grose
formed his regiments in echelon in support Of the
left of Beattj'; the Twenty-Third Kentucky about
two hundred yards to the left and rear of Beatty's
left, the Twenty-Fourth Ohio, Thirty-Sixth Indiana,
Eighty-Fourth IlUnois, and Sixth Ohio Regiments,
forming respectively, from right to left, the right of
the Eighty-Fourth Illinois resting upon a bluff at the
river, with tbe Third Wisconsin Battery near its left.
The brigade immediately collected logs, brush, rails,
and stones, making a good barricade, and waited
developraents. Cruft was posted on the west side
of the river, supporting a battery.
SYMPTOMS.
Meantirae, Beatty's skirmishers reported the move
ment of artillery toward his left, and that sixteen
regiments of infantry had appeared in his front. At
about noon the eneray flung a few shells at Hubbard's
guns. Directly a battery opens upon him. The
angry rattle of musketry increases in front. Rebel
skirmishers gradually approach, until it becomes too
hot for Livingston's gunners, and they retire to a
more secure position. Shells, now and then a solid
shot, knock the dirt over Beatty's men, but tbey lie
flat on their bellies. The enemy shoots blindly.
Soon our skirmishers are so strongly pressed that
two companies are sent to strengthen them. Men
are hurt on either side.
At half-past two o'clock four more rebel guns are
discovered moving to the left. At three o'clock

SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION. 309
rebel skirmishers are seen throwing down the fences
iu their front. Battle menacing, certainly! All these
conditions are noted. When the fences go down,
Beatty orders Price to retire his brigade behind the
crest of the hill. The enemy are seen moving up in
the distance. They advance in powerful masses —
battalion front, three ranks, or six men deep, in
mass, in the attacking column — a column of equal
strength in support, and another mass, not at all infe
rior, in reserve. Splendid display of martial pageant
ry. Their banners are flying haughtily; their steel
is dazzling. They raarch with superb solidity. Those
three powerful colurans seem to be three monstrous
machines. Breckinridge is launching them at three
little brigades, and one Wisconsin battery. Perhaps 1
THE ONSET.
The head of that frowning mass suddenly shoots
clean out from the timber into the front. Fearfully
splendid. Their batteries' have opened in stunning
accord. Shot and shell, whizzing, whirring, shriek
ing, as if they were winged flends. The firm sod
flies into clouds of dust ; trunks of trees are shivered
into atoms ; sf)lintered boughs rain upon the hiUs, as
if awkward and careless woodsmen were topping the
forests ; the flesh and bones of horses crush as if they
were brittle ice ; a man is suddenly tripped up — his
leg flies from its base ; a soldier's head vanishes — and
you do not even sigh, until you bury what remains.
The machine called a column of attack in mass — a
thousand raen in front, six men deep, with two other
machines just like it, pushing behind to sustain its
momentum, emits a blaze and a fume with a crashing

310 SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINBIDGB'S DIVISION.
and thr-r-r-r-upping sound — as if Titans were tearing
strong canvas. Then a counter-crash, quickly — per
haps two or three, from as many lines. Volley for
volley — then symmetry of sound is lost. File firing
ensues — that is, every man loads and fires for himself
with all his might, mostly shooting high, so that the
rSad flies overhead, and twigs flutter — many shooting
so low that the dirt is chipped up at the toes of men.
If the heaviest battalion is disciplined, and well
handled, it shoots most bullets and weigh~t of lead
decides, unless cold steel is thrust into the scale.
Then lead loses momentum. Price did not fire until
the enemy were within a hundred yards of him.
His volley shatters the head of the mass. "Why
didn't he " give them a blizzard, and then at 'em
with the steel?" His Uttle brigade fights hard,
struggle to keep their feet. Good soldiers! — they
had proved it before. Too many bullets for them.
A gray cloud suddenly sweeps toward their flank.
They brace up au instant, but are doomed to break.
Pity ! On the 10th of December they won honest
fame. Fyft'e fiings in a flank fire, which stings, but
does not destroy. Price goes back, breaks, confuses
the second line, so that it can not recover to resist the
overpowering billow. Fyffe is forced to fall oft' to
the rear.
The veteran Nineteenth Ohio, which settled the
Rich Mountain aft'air under "01d(?) Rosey," and
the Ninth and Eleventh Kentucky, march up. They
advance eagerly, and meet the machine, whose head
is tattered and torn, and it falls away to let the other
machine, that pushed it forward, roll upon the three
regiments. Six regiments to three are heavy. Mean-

SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION. 311
time " Old Rosey " had appeared on the field. Fifty-
eight iron and brazen battering raras had been
gathered in a mass ou the nether side of the river.
He was holding them in hand like a cocked pistol.
Mendenhall had gathered them, aud was directing
them truly. The immortal Eighth Division, under
soldierly Negley, was moving up. GaUant Davis,
eager to make a new exhibit of the mettle of his
salamanders, solicits the favor to advance his division,
and it is rushing across from Right to Left to get in
first. Johnson sends over Gibson, with the thirteen
hundred soldiers who remained of two thousand four
hundred and fifty-eight, who had begun the slaughter
of Wednesday. Pioneer Morton, who wants to be
" doing it about right," whenever and wherever he
can, rushes up in that "Excelsior" way of his, with
his "general utility" men — who diversify soldiers'
life by building bridges or fighting, and do either
admirably. Remember, they represent forty regi
ments — Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky,
Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ireland, Germany — the
Union. REVERSE.
Pity the noble Left Wing should meet with reverse
at all — it resisted so victoriously Wednesday ; but it
can afford it. Nothing but fair that the Right should
enjoy reciprocation of favors. The Left assisted the
Right; the Right can now help the Left — only the
Center is most lucky and crowds in first. The Nine
teenth Buckeyes, and the gallant Ninth and Eleventh
Kentucky fight staunchly, and the Indiana Thirty-
Fifth, on the left., talk of the bayonet, but it won't do
now. That gray bank, with a steel crest, lifting upou

312 SLAUGHTER OP BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION.
the right fiank, is too much bone and metah The
regiraents go back, slowly at first, and at length they
take water, as tbe first and the second Une did. The
billow behind them rolls on fast, and a crest breaks
off into the river. VICTORY.
Now the power of cannon is cast into the balance.
The shock of fifty-eight brazen aud iron monsters
shake the earth, and a tempest tears through tlie
forest. Legions of devils seem riving the timber
where the Left's Third Division was fighting. ^ TJie
Eighth leaps into the stream. The Second Division
of the Right is coraing — " Carlin, " said the Captain
of the host, " take your brigade to the left ; form it iii
two lines, and should you find our forces repulsed,
allow them to pass through your lines, and on the
approach of the enemy, give a whoop and a yell and
go at 'em! " Carlin's brigade was dreadfully reduced^
He felt some apprehensions lest they should not
respond j)roperly. "Tell them," said the General
Commanding, "tell them they must do it for us, and
the country ! " Gallant Carlin announced the appeal
of their Chieftain. They yell like Stentors ana
plunge into the stream. Gibson's thirteen hundred
charge, shouting Uke the clangor of trumpets.
Strange that you forget the noise of cannon in bat
tle frenzy. The ear is deaf to its uproar. Tou hea,r
shells fiutter and you dodge. Tou hear bullets pict,
pict, pict, pict, pict, aud a sheet of thera thr-r-r-up;
but unless you deliberately look upon battle as a spec;
tacle to enchant vision, aud listen to thunderous
artillery to admire the majesty of wonderful arti
ficial sound, the eye is unaff'ected by pageantry, and

SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION. 313
the ear waxes insensible to brazen detonation. Heart
and mind in unison, say, "we shall beat tbem!"
That absorbs sights and sound. Lo ! the mystery of
war's callousness. Thus, you see your best friend
vanish from your elbow with scarce an emotion. The
first gun booms, as if it were a doom. The fir^t crash
of musketry thrills to the very marrow of your bones.
Then the mighty effort ! Then blood in your veins
becomes lightning. Then you mutely cry, " we shall
beat them!"
There were fifty-eight guns en masse in the Center,
others on the river bank, and Livingston's across the
stream. Mendenhall's, and Loomis', of which were
Parson's, and Swallow's, and Bradley's, and Shultz's,
and Estep's, and Van Pelt's, Standart's, Stevens',
Nell's, MarshaU's, Cox's and Stokes' Batteries — hurl
ing solid shot, shell, grape, spherical case and cannis
ter; and the forests seemed bursting with agony.
All hell had broken loose. Then the machines which
are called columns, in mass, three lines deep, without
intervals, six men thick, w,ere torn to fragments.'
Grose was on the left of them. The Ohio Sixth and
Twenty-Fourth, the Indiana Thirty-Sixth, the Ken
tucky Twenty-Third, and tbe Illinois Eighty-Fourth,
raise with crazy clamor and rip into them. Scott's
Illinois Nineteenth, Stoughton's Michigan Eleventh,
Given with the Eighteenth, and Elliott and Binghatri
with the Sixty-Ninth Ohio ; Sirwell with the Penn
sylvania Seventy-Eighth, Moody v^ith" his " boys," of
the trusty Ohio Seventy-Fourth, NeibUng's "Twenty-
Onesters," the Thirty-Seventh Hoosiers, under Ward
and Kimball, stalk across the stream and pour ip vol
leys from the right and left. Haz^n iS rushing in
27

314 SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION^
with his veterans ; Davis, Carlin, and Morton follow
swiftly, eager for laurels. The " Twenty-Onesters "
are sent off to the left. The Seventy-Eighth Pennj-
gylva,nians, the Nineteenth IlUnoisans, the Seventy-
Fourth Ohioans rushed upon a battery, and the
"Twenty-Onesters," on the left, swoop upon it. A
rebel color-bearer, probed with a bayonet, sinks in a
pool of l:)Iood. A Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvanian
seizes the banner of the rebel Tennessee Twenty-
Sixth ; the Nineteenth, the Twenty-First, the Seven
ty-Fourth, the Seventy-Eighth — no matter which
State — swallow up the guns, four of them for tro
phies, and a mass of prisoners — gaUant Scott is down,
yet he shouts. Davis thunders in pursuit of the fugi
tives, while the Eighth Division, gathers again. The
fifty-eight pieces qf iron and bronze, in mass, roar
with, frightful concussion, and sweep the forests in
flank, in front,, in reverse. Hazen sharply follows the
fugitives ; Davis is onward ; Hascall is coming ; the
eneray, torn to pieces, are flying in wild dismay over
the riven forests, and through the cotton fields.
Ho,i:semen, frantic with deUght, race far ov,er the
fiel(J, trailing the captured banner along the regi
ments. Now the cannon and the infantry are aU
plunging forward. Twilight, and the thin blue pow
der fumes dispersing in haze, intermingle. Joyful
shouts sweU in shrill harmony on the far bank of the
river — leap across the stream, roll along the front,
spring frow rank to rank, stretch from left to right,
until their magnificently triumphant volume dies
away in pleasant echoes among the distant hills.
Such overwhelming ecstacy of victory !
" We shall beat tjiem! " The figure of the Com-

SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION. . 315
mander-in-Chief was again conspicuous, when the
might of his own good sword was needed. He hurled
his batteries and his battaUons together, at the mon
strous machines of Breckinridge, and destroyed them
in forty minutes. Two thousand men or more, who
had marched upon that field in haughty defiance, at
three o'clock and fifty minutes, were dead or man
gled at four o'clock and thirty minutes. Breckin
ridge was a fugitive; General Hanson mortally hurt;
General Adams crippled ; Colonel Pres. Cunningham
killed ; Colonel McGeggor fatally struck ; and scores
more of the master class, who fell in parricidal con
flict. It was an appalling calamity to rebel arms.
Our loss was about one hundred killed; perhaps four
hundred wounded — flve hundred in all.
Beatty was in it with his own brigade under Col
onel Grider, Fyffe's brigade, and the brigade of Stan
ley Matthews, then commanded by Colonel Sam^uel
W. Price. The latter bore the brunt of the disaster,
losing seventy-eight men killed, three hundred and
eleven wounded. The colors of the Eighth Ken
tucky Regiment were torn into fragments by a shell.
Fyffe, on the left, was not violently assaulted, and
was corapeUed to retire when Price gave way. Fyffe
himself was hurt by a fall from his horse. Grider
received the same shock, and it was too severe for
hira. There was much confusion, and a few eager
rebels pursued our fugitives into the stream. On the
other side some of the broken regimentsi rallied
quickly. The Nineteenth Ohio, Ninth Kentucky,
asnd Fifty-First Ohio, were among the first to cross in
pursuit of the flying jbe.
The enemy hardly expected a flank fire^rom Grose.

316 SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGB'S DIVISION.
It was very bitter. The wild scream of his valiant
regiments was as effective as their rausketry. The
Twenty-Fourth Ohio was again robbed of a jewel.
Colonel Fred. Jones and Major Terry had faUen on
Wednesday. Captain Enoch Weller, commanding
the regiment after Terry's death, was killed this day.
Among its many dauntless officers. Adjutant Henry
T. Graham shone conspicuously. Gibson's brigade
was called upon to assist General Palraer in driving a
strong force of the rebels out of the woods on the
flanks. The Thirty-Second Indiana — Willich's Ger
raans — charged and drove two rebel regiments clean
across the river.
Negley's division and the Pioneer Brigade had
been ordered up to meet the onset, while Crittenden
directed Mendenhall to dispose the batteries on the
hill on the west side of the river. Hazen's brigade
also crossed, and the Forty-First Ohio Regiment was
among tbe advanced pursuers of the rebels. General
Davis crossed the river at a ford below to attack the'
left flank of the eneray, but they retreated too rap
idly. Darkness put an end to pursuit. Davis, with'
Hascall's division on his left, Palmer in support,
begun at once to throw up breastworks upon tbe line
conquered from the enemy. The battle on Friday
evening was an awful paroxysm. General Rosecrans'
most graphically said : " The firing was terrific, and
the havoc terrible. The enemy retreated more rap
idly than they had advanced. In forty minutes they
lost two thousand men."
While this conflict was raging. Walker advanced
in his front with bis brigade — the Seventeenth Ohio,
Colonel J. W. Connell, and Thirty-flrst Ohio, Lieu-

.SLAUGHTER OF BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION. 317
tena,nt Colonel Lister, in front, supported by the
Thirty-Eighth Ohio, Colonel Phelps, and the Eighty-
Second Indiana, Colonel Hunter. The enemy opened
upon them sharply, but the brigade advanced flrmly
to a, point within eighty yards of them. The front
line then deUvered a volley deliberatelj', and dropped
upon their bellies to reload, the second Une following
suit. Bayonets were fixed, but the rebels fled to their
intrenchments. Several howitzers, in front and center of the Une,
continued to howl until after night fell, echoing
most dismally; and at nearly eight o'clock. Lieuten
ant Colonel Choate, Lieutenant Colonel Davis, of the
Eighty-Second Indiana, and Captain J. W. Stincb-
comb, of Colonel Walker's brigade, with a detach
ment of that command, made a successful reconnois
sance in front of the Right Wing, driving in tbe
enemy's outposts. The firing, during a few moments,
was as passionate as opening battle. Bullets flew
a,bput headquarters thickly, but the flurry was soon
over. Somewhat later. Colonel Dodge, with eight
companies of tbe Second and Third Brigades, John
son's division, raade a reconnoissance on the extrerae
right, and disturbed a large force of tbe enemy.
Somewhat later. General Rosecrans, deeming it
possible that the eneray raight again attack our
Right and Center, "made a deraonstration on our
Right by a heavy division of carap flres, and by lay
ing out a line of battle with torches, which auswered
the purpose." Lieutenant Colonel Bassett Langdon,
and Captain Fisher, of McCook's Stafl', and Captain
Charles R. Thompson, Aid to the General Command
ing, were selected, on account of their superior vocal

318 SLAUGHTER OP BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION.
powers, to marshal the division. A troop of order
lies escorted them, and constructed blazing fires along
the extreme Right, while the commanders of the
Light Division moved their forces by the right and
left flanks with sonorous clamor. Not long after
ward, the General Commanding supervised the new
Une of battle laid out with flambeaux, and left it for
the serious contemplation of the enemy.
It was raining at dark, but the gallant soldiers
were jocund. Their bivouac fires blazed like bon
fires. Cedars were piled upon cedars, until the black
clouds above seemed canopies of lambent flame.
Tbe warriors, inspired with the enthusiasm of vic
tory, shouted in their wild joy till sleep overcame
them. The future was opening into a glowing vista.
No more talk now of retreat. But hundreds, labored
through the dreary night, intrenching the front of
the army. General Rosecrans, standing near his
" cabin'd, crib'd, confined" quarter^, in mud half way
to his boot-tops, rubbed his hands complacently, and
repeated, " We shall beat them ! "

Saturday's operations. 319

GHAPTER XXXI.
Satcbdxt's Operations — Too Much Bain — The Front Harassed —
Rousseau Annoyed — He Seeks Revenge — John Beatty and Rough-
Handed Spears — East Tennesseeans Chaarge with a Slogan — The
Last Hostile Guns in Battle — The Wounded — Rebel Prisoners Eat
ing Parched Corn — A General Surprised — The Rebels Eetteat-^Sun-
i day — Mass — Off cial Summary of the Battle.
Saturday morning dawned inauspiciously. The
rain fell in torrents. The field of battle was a morass.
The camps were wretched muck of water and slop.
MiUtary operations upon an important scale were
impracticable. Quite early in the morning a brigade
of the enemy. Under cover of the woods, suddenly
pounced upon the Indiana Forty-SeCOnd, Lieutenant
Colonel Shanklin commanding. After a sharp fight,
the brave Hoosiers were cut up severely, and many
captured, including their commandet. The plowed
fields being irapassable by artiUery, no advance could
be raade profitably ; besides, the aramunition train did
not arrive until ten o'clock. Batteries were put in
position on the left, by which the gronnd could be
swept, and even Murfreesboro reached by the Parrott
guns. The enemy harassed the front on the Right and
Center, extending to the Left. It finally became so
annoying that General Rosecrans ordered the corps
coraraanders to clear their fronts, which was done
speedily. The sharpshooters in the woods on the left
of tbe Murfreesboro pike and the "Burnt House,"

320 Saturday's operations.
however, annoyed Rousseau's front all day, kUling
and wounding sorae men. General Thomas and he
obtained permission to dislodge them and their sup
ports which covered a ford. Four batteries, including
Guenther's and Van Pelt's, were opened, under the
direction of Colonel Loomis, and the " Burnt House"
and adjacent woods were soon battered to fragments.
EAST TENNESSEEANS.
At dark Rousseau sent Colonel John Beatty, with
the Third Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel Lawson com
manding, and the Eighty-Eighth Indiana, under Col
onel Humphreys, to drive the enemy from his cover.
Brigadier General Spears, who had arrived from
Nashville that day with a subsistence train, solicited
and obtained permission to participate in the affair.
Beatty advanced on the right with the First East
Tennessee Volunteers, Colonel Byrd, the Second East
Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Melton, three hund
red of the Fourteenth Michigan, commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel Phillips, of the First East Ten
nessee Infantry, and three hundred of the Eighty-
Fifth Illinois, wbich were held in reserve.
The line advanced gallantly, the skirmishers meet
ing with heavy resistance at the start. A column in
support appeared on the left of the enemy, upon
which Loomis opened his batteries, and they disap
peared. Our troops forced their way steadily under a
heavy fire, until within charging distance. Then the
Tennesseeans raised a wild slogan, and the whole line
dashed upon the enemy with the bayonet. The effect
was magical. The rebels fied in dismay. Many were
killed. The onslaught upon their intrenchments was

Saturday's operations. 321
so swift and sudden that,, thirty of tbem were cap
tured. The Colonel of the- faraous First Louisiana
regiment was killed, and his comraand was alraost
destroyed. Colonel Huraphreys, of the Eighty-
Eighth Indiana, was wounded in the hand by a bay
onet thrust, and Captain Bell, of the Third Ohio, was
severely hurt by a musket ball. This brilliant affair
reflected great credit on the officers and troops
engaged. The East Tennesseeans were especially
gratified. They had proved themselves trusty sol
diers. General Rousseau reported the results in per
son to General Rosecrans, who congratulated him,
but said, " Don't you let them drive you out." " I 'm
— ^blessed if I do," was Rousseau's emphatic response.
Rousseau's and Spears' troops fired the last shots that
were directed at the enemy in the memorable Battle
of Stone River. the wounded.
, The inclemency of this raiserable day afflicted the
wounded intolerably. Scores were shivering in the
rain and mud. The rebel cavalry had destroyed so
many hospital tents that it was irapossible to shelter
aU the sufferers. Every possible effort tbat ingenuity
and generous sympathy could devise was exerted to
mitigate their condition. Our own gallant soldiers
submitted uncomplainingly, regretting their wounds
because they could, not continue in the ranks. The
r^bel wounded sometiraes growled savagely at Tan
kee inhumanity. To silence them it was necessary to
point to patient victims of their murderous malice —
our own mutUated men — spread all over the areas
outside of the hospitals, chattering with cold in satu
rated garments and suffering torment, and to reproach

322 Saturday's operations.
them with the destruction of our hospitals by their
own companions. The zeal and devoted eftbrts of
our Surgeons to discharge their entire duty; Was
beyond all praise.
Near General Crittenden's hospital. Captain Wiles,
Provost Marshal General, assembled about a thousand''
prisoners, and organized them into companies for
their own benefit. Some of them were jovial, but
many were depressed and discouraged. By Saturday
morning they were half famished, having fasted
nearly forty-eight hours. Our trains having been cut
off by rebel cavalry, there was no subsistence for
them. Wiles sent them a load of corn, which they
ate voraciously, jocosely denouncing "our fellers"—
Wheeler's Cavalry — for " cutting off their rations."
At this time soipe of Rousseau's raen were eating
porter house steaks carved from the loins of Colonel
Starkweather's horse, which had been shot in the
battle — together with parched corn for dessert. Every
State engaged in the rebellion was represented in that
motley coUection of gray-backs.
SATURDAY NIGHT.
Saturday night was equally cheerless. It rained
incessantly. The General Coraraanding, apprehendi-
ing a freshet in Stone River, ordered the withdrawal
of the troops from the east bank of Stone River.
Notwithstanding the wretched discomfort of a biv
ouac in the mud, the troops were even hilarious. A
cheerful tone prevailed at headquarters, which was
increased by the arrival of Colonel Dan McCook with
a large supply train, after having repulsed a sharp
attack of the enemy below Stewartsboro.

Saturday's operations. 323
That evening while General Rosecrans was dicta
ting his official telegraphic report of the battle, to be
forwarded to General Halleck, General Crittenden
called at his marquee and casually remarked that he
supposed there would be no offensive operations on
Sunday. He "did not believe Old Master would
smile upon any unnecessary v'lolation of his laws."
General Rosecrans replied, " I am just telegraphing
to General Halleck that we shall probably be quiet on
Sunday." It was not then known that the battle was
ended. Conversation ran back to tbe advance from
Nashville. General Crittenden, with his customary
frankness, now disapproved of it in strong language.
He thought it had been extremely iraprudent to ad
vance when so inadequately supplied. " How raauy
rations do you suppose there are at Nashville?" said
Rosecrans. " Well," said Crittenden, " I suppose you
had seven or eight days ahead." General Rosecrans'
eyes twinkled sharply. He then said, " I supposed I
had informed you. I had Thomas, and probably
McCook. I have rations at Nashville to last until
the 25th of January, and they can be made to last to
the 1st of February." General Crittenden was sur
prised. He regretted that all the Generals had not
krtown it, because it would have relieved their minds
of many misgivings. General Rosecrans is apt to be
reticent in matters of vital moment.
SUNDAY.
At about midnight there were indications of a
freshet in Stone River. Before dayUght the Left
Wing was withdrawn to the east side of Stone Ri ver.
Sunday morning the sun rose clearly. A little later

324 Saturday's operations.
tidings were received that the eneray bad fled. The
General Coramanding devoted hiraself an hour to
High Mass that raorniug, his faithful and brave com
panion. Father Trecy, officiating. Who shaU 'say
that God did not hear, his prayer: '^ Non nobis!
Dominie non nobis ! Sed nomine tui da Gloriam.!"
Burial parties were sent out to inter the dead, and
General Stanley followed the euemy to reconnoiter.
Headquarters were removed to the east side ofthe
pike, and for the flrst time since the 2jth of Decem
ber — nine full days — tbe General Commanding and
his staff', and the noble soldiers of the Fourteenth
Army Corps, enjoyed respite from fatigue, hunger,
exposure, and battle. An officer said to Genora|^,
Rosecrans, " The army is enthusiastic in its approval
of your tenacity." His eyes sparkled an instant, then
he said sharply, "I suppose tbey have learned that
Bragg is a good dog, but Holdfast is better."
Tbe enemy loft several thousand of tbeir own
wounded in the town, and four hundred and four of
our wounded soldiers, but we found no hospital stores
there for tbe use of the rebel wounded.
official summary.
" Of the operations and results of the series of
skirmishes, closing with the battle of. Stone River
and the occupation of Murfreesboro," said General
Rosecrans, " we moved on the enemy with the follow
ing forces :
Infantry...'.  41,421
Cavalry  3,296
Artillery  2,223
Total  ..46,940

SATURDAY'S OPERATIONS. 325
We fought the battle with the following forces :
Infantry  37,977
Cavalry   3,200
Artillery  2,223
Total  43,400
We lost in killed :
Officers  92
Enlisted men  1,441
Total  1,533
We lost in wounded :
Officers  384
Enlisted meu  6,861
Total  7,245
Total killed and wounded  8,778
Being 20.03 per cent, of the entire force iu action.
"If there are any more bloody battles, on record,
considering the newness and inexperience of the
troops, both officers and men ; or if there have been
better fighting qualities displayed by any people, I
should be pleased to know it.
"As to the condition of the fight, we rriay say that
we operated over an unknown country, against a posi
tion which was fifteen, per cent, better than our own,
every foot of ground and approaches being well
known to the enemy, and that these disadvantages
were fatally exhumed by the faulty position of o"ur
Right Wing.
" The force we fousrht is estiraated as follows : We
bave prisoners from one hundred and thirty-two regi
ments of infantry (consolidation's counted as o'ne),:

326 Saturday's operations.
averaging frora those in General Bushrod Johnson's
division, four hundred and eleven each — say, for cer
tain, three hundred and fifty men each, will give, "No, men.
132 Regiments infantry, say 350 men each  46,200
12 Battalions sharpshooters, say 100 men each  1,200;
23 Battalions of artillery, say 80 men each  ,.... 1,840

29 Regiments cavalry, men each  400" lo,J80

400-1
And 24 organizations of cavalry, men each  70 j
220 62,520

" Their average loss, taken from the statistics of
Cleborne, Breckinridge, and Wither^' divisions, was
about two thousand and eighty each. This, for six
divisions of infantry a,nd one of cavalry, will amount
to fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty men ; or
to ours nearly as one hundred and sixty-five to one
hundred. " Of fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty reb
els struck by our missiles, it is estimated that twenty
thousand rounds of artillery hit seven hundred and
twenty-eight raen; two miUion rounds of musketry'
hit thirteen thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
men ; averaging twenty-seven cannon shots to hit
one man; one hundred and forty-five musket shots to
hit one man.
" Our relative loss was as follows : Per cent.
Right Wing  15,933. Musketry and. artillery loss 20.72
Center  10,866. " " " 18.4
Left Wing  13,288. " " " 246
" On the whole, it is evident that we fought supe
riori numbers on, unknown ground, inflicting, much

Saturday's operations. 327
more injury than we suffered. We were always
superior on equal grounds with equal nurabers, and
only failed of a raost crushing victory on Wednesday
by the extension and direction of our Right Wing."
Early on Monday morning, General Thomas ad
vanced into Murfreesboro, Negley's division in front,
driving the eneray's rear guard of cavalry before
them. Spears' brigade of East Tennesseeans and
General Stanley with the Fourth Regular Cavalry,
Captain Otis, and other cavalry regiments, came up
with the rear guard of the enemy at Lytle's Creek,
on the Manchester pike, three miles and a half from
Murfreesboro, and after sharp fighting in the cedar-
brakes, drove them at sunset from their last position.
Zahn's brigade of cavalry reconnoitered six miles on
the Shelbyville pike, but found no opposition.
McCook's and Crittenden's corps, following Thomas,
took position in front of the town, occupying Mur
freesboro. It was ascertained that the enemy's in
fantry had reached Shelbyville by 12 M. on Sunday,
but owing to the impracticability of bringing up sup
plies, and the loss of five hundred and fifty-seven
artillery horses, further pursuit was deemed inad
visable.

328 MORAL POWER IN BATTLE.

CHAPTER XXXII.
Review of the Field — The Self-Reliance of the General Commanding—
His Influence in the Battle — Moral Power — The Staff — Field OfBcers
' — Special Mention for Important Services — Addenda .— EnUsted
Men Distinguished — Consolidated Report of Casualties — Bragg's
Army and his Grand Tactics.
" Prostration always follows the fatigue and exhaus
tive passion of battle. Our gallant troops sorely
needed rest; tbeir officers needed it still more. The
subsequent irritability of those m command, and of
all in executive office, sufficiently indicated that nature
had been outraged. The patient endurance and lofty
spirit of the troops had been wonderful and, most
admirable. No suffering or privation had evoked
complaint. They were ever ready to spring to arms
and fight. This was attributable in very large
measure to the moral influence and example of the
General Comraanding, and the spirited officers of his
comraand. He was incessantly eraployed. At night
he vvas riding over the field preparing for the morrow.
In battle he was everywhere. The troops saw him
and had confidence in him. They would stand as
long as he stood.
An old soldier, remarking upon the battle of Wed
nesday, said that he could not doubt that "everybody
but Rosecrans was whipped that day." Just where
others would have begun to retreat he begun to fight.

MORAL POWER IN BATTLE. 329
Instead of looking around for gunboats or intrench
ments behind wbich to shelter what remained of his
army, he comraenced at once to raake new disposi
tions for the reception of the triumphant, advancing
host. He had but a few minutes at his disposal ; but
he improved them to the utmost. With calra, cheer
ful, confident, assuring presence, he rode through his
anxious, troubled, apprehensive ranks, the Ught of
battle in his eye rekindling valor in their souls, post
ing his reraaining cannon so as to sweep with deadly
aim the field over whieh the exulting rebels were so
soon to advance, placing his infantry so as to support
the artillery with the least exposure possible; and
making every one feel that retreat was not to be
thought of — that there was no choice but to conquer
or die. Hardly were the most necessary dispositions
completed when the rebel colurans came rushing on,
with shouts that shook the earth, undoubting that
they would repeat in a few minutes the lesson they
had just given McCook's routed command. But a
sheet of flame leaped to raeet them, a roar of cannon
and rattle of musketry drowned their frantic yeUs, a
pall of smoke shrouded the field of conflict from view,
and there was no cessation until silence on the other
side suggested the inutility of further firing on ours.
Soon the cloud lifted; the suu shone out bright and
warm ; our grim battaUons stood to their arms in
readiness for the word of comraand ; but there was
no foe within sights — nothing but a plain heaped with
the writhing and the dead. Such was the first taste
of his quality given to Bragg's bullies by Rosecrans ;
and, though often thereafter impelled to repeat the
dash of Wednesday morning, they never did it so
28

330 MORAL POWER IN BATTLE.
recklessly, nor with anything like the success of their
first atterapt. Battles had been well fought before;
sorae in which the General Coraraanding did bis work
fairly; raany in which our soldiers behaved nobly;
but the Stone River fight was saved, and Tennessee,
Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana with it, by WilUam 8.
Rosecrans. That he exposed himself recklessly, con
stantly, and infiuenced his officers to do likewise,
was no idle bravado, but a stern necessity. After
McCook's discorafiture, the fight was lost but for this.
Rarely pushing an advantage too far — giving his
routed meu time to recover from their first panic
before sending thera into action again — cool, patient,
steady, yet resolute, sanguine and watchful — General
Rosecrans proved hiraself more than fortunate, and
won a high place in the confidence and the afi'ections
of his countryraen. He will not be forgotten.
Men who knew General Rosecrans at horae, socially,
before he becarae a warrior, had inferred from his
temperament some proneness to hasty judgment, defi
ciency in executive skill, and lack of coolness and
deliberation. No doubt his military raind has devel
oped with experience, but it is plain tbe original esti
mate of his character was incorrect. There can be
no raistake that in coolness, readiness, fertility of
resource, celerity of thought, rapid decision, and com
prehensive grasp of raind in the raidst of the most
trying situations of peril, personal and raiUtary, he
proved hiraself perfectly equal to the tremendous
responsibility which devolved upon him. Practical
skill, profound strategy, and executive faculty with a
raind which grasps general principles, and eagerly
inquires into, and handles minute details, are rarely

MORAL POWER IN BATTLE. 331
embodied in one character, and yet General Rosecrans
demonstrated that he combines all.
When his Right Wing was so astouudingly flung
back into his face with frightful rapidity and violence,
it was enough to have shaken any ordinary mind. It
must have touched hira exquisitely. His plans were
so thoroughly prepared and digested, and so well
approved by his best Generals — he relied so earnestly
upon the staunchness of the trusty Right Wing, that
the pang of disappointraent, when it gave way, must
have beeu alraost crushing for the instant. A little
color, perhaps, faded frora his face, but he dashed
away emotion with a gesture of impatience, and vehe
mently said, "Never mind — never mind — we will rec
tify it — we will make it all right ! " From that instant
no man discerned a glimraer of despondency, uncer
tainty, or vacillation in his deportment, but he bent
the whole force ofhis will, and directed all the powers
of his mind into that fleld, with an obvious determ
ination to raake it his own. These were the observ
ations of many who watched hira all day long, with
the keenest and most painful solicitude. The faintest
relaxation of his constancy would have unmanned all
his array. THE STAFF.
The gallantry and unflinching fldelity of the Staff
was worthy of highest admiration. They were in
the raidst of the conflict constantly and discharged
their duties with unsparing zeal. It was not surpris
ing tbat tbere should have been so raany casualties in
the Staft'and escort, but it was marvellous that raost
of thera were not killed. The conduct of the Aids,
Captain Thompsbn, Captain Thoms, Lieutenant Byron

332 MORAL POWER IN BATTLE.
E!irby, and Lieutenant Bond, who were incessantly
carrying orders to all parts of the fleld, was consplcu-
ousl}' brilliant. But Barnet, Goddard, WUes, Skinner,
Curtis, Gilman, Michler, Hubbard, MerriU, Newberry,
Quartermaster Taylor, Coramissary Simmons, Royse,
youthful Porter, and Reynolds, and gallant Father
Trecy exhibited constancy, coolness, and courage in
the highest soldierly degree. The General Command
ing has publicly expressed his and the country's obli
gations to thera. HONORABLE MENTION.
Without an exception, the Coraraanders of Corps,
Divisions and Brigades, behaved with distinguished
bravery. Each officer was constantly in his place.
General Thomas did not seem to be any more dis
turbed by the tempest of battle than if it had been
a summer shower — always calm, cool, imperturbable,
but vigilant ancl watchful of his coraraand. Rousseau
was fiery and enthusiastic. "Battle's magnificently
stern array," had a splendid eft'ect upon him. He
rode through the storm erect. With radiant counte
nance and fiashing eyes, seeming to enjoy the infer
nal carnival. Loomis, of the faraous Michigan Bat
tery, is not unlike him in battle. A more superb
couple of heroes never fought together on any field.
Negley was eager, clear, vigilant, and self-possessed.
McCook was as brave as any soldier need be, and
was with his troops in their deepest trouble. Braver
meu, and cooler than Davis and Johnson, do not live.
Sherridan, fighting on the left of the Right Wing,
proved himself a soldier of a high order of courage and
skill.

MORAL POWER IN BATTLE. 333
Crittenden was perfectly calm, but an unusual
stateliness in his deportment seemed to indicate that
he was gravely conscious of the glories and horrors
of a great battle. He displayed, conspicuously, one
of the distinguishing qualities of a true soldier — a
will to obey orders implicitly. He was fortunate in
having such Generals as Wood, Van Cleve, Hazen,
Hascall, Harker, Cruft, Grose, Wagner, Beatty and
Fyft'e. The general estimate of the army, touching
division commanders, placed General Wood in the
very front rank — and his dispositions on the day of his
advance from Lavergne and until his wound com
pelled hira to relinquish his command, justified that
verdict. His official report is a model of soldierly
composition — technical, severe in style and yet elo
quently descriptive, while it breathes the spirit of a
thorough soldier throughout. General Palmer, by
his constancy, fidelity, and unflinching courage, won
the applause of the army. It is doing no injustice to
the remainder of the army to describe the battle of
Wednesday afternoon, fought by Hazen and Grose,
of the Second Division of the Left Wing, with Has
call, Shaefer and Wagner on his left, as one of the
most splendid efforts in martial history. True the
Left was grandly supported by the Center, but the
dreadful -flghting of that frightful afternoon was
chiefly done by the brigades which have been desig
nated. The skill and flrmness of Hazen, when the
tide was turning on the Right, holding the key of his
position sternly; the desperate heroism of his two im
mortal reginients — the One Hundredth lUinois fixing
bayonets, and the Forty-First Ohio without bayonets,
grimly clubbing their muskets to hold their position

334 MORAL POWER IN BATTLE.
until relief should arrive to enable them to retire for
amraunition, and shouting with wild vehemence; the
splendid spirit of the glorious Ninth Indiana, march
ing across that horrid front, swept as it was by can
non and awful volleys of rausketry, cheering with
grand deflance of death, was one of the raost sublime
examples of tragic, devotion in the annals of warfare.
No wonder the General Comraanding said that
" Hazen ought to be a Major General." But it was
the dramatic situation of Hazen's noble regiments
which made them stand out in snch comparative con-
spicuity. Where every regiment on the field dis
played the devotion and courage of veterans, it seems
almost invidious to individualize any. Who are the
cowards and traitors who can despair of the country
while the God of Battles gives us such soldiers to
fight in defense of the Republic?
Let the RepubUc rejoice that few field officers in all
that great army were recreants. The Fourteenth
Army Corps was a host of heroes led by heroes.
Each took his life in his sword-hand and fiung it with
magnificent devotion upon the altar of his country.
The soul swells with lofty pride in contemplating the,
great deeds of our countrymen upon that dreadful
field — and it thrills with anguish when it bends over
the graves of the noble dead — oh ! such multitudes
of the brightest spirits in all this wide land ! It
seemed as if the demon of destruction reveled with
infernal joy among onr most gallant officers. Death
singled out too many shining marks, and made them all
his own. The nation " mourns for her children and
will not be comforted, because they are not." Was
that noble sacrifice in vain ? " Words of my own,"

MORAL POWER IN BATTLE. 335
said General Rosecrans, with eloquent and touching
pathos, "can not add to tbe renown of our brave and
patriotic officers and soldiers who fell on tbe field of
honor, nor increase respect for their memory in the
hearts of our countrymen. The naraes of such men as
Lieutenant Colonel J. P. Garesche, tbe pure and noble
Christian gentleman and chivalric officer, wbo gave
his life an early offering on the altar of his country's
freedom; the gentle, true and accoraplished General
Sill ; the brave, ingenious, and able Colonels Roberts,
MUlikin, Shaeffer, McKee, Reed, Forman, Fred.
Jones, Hawkins, Kell, Harrington, Williams, Stem,
and tbe gallant and faithful Major Carpenter, of the
Nineteenth Regulars, and many other field officers,
will Uve in our country's history, as well as those of
many others of inferior rank, whose soldierly deeds
on tbis memorable battle-field won for them tbe ad
miration of their companions, and will dwell in our
meraories in long future years after God, in his
mercy, shall have given us peace and restored us to
the bosom of our homes and families."
Of the surviving brigade coraraanders, no word
was heard on the field or after battle but of praise.
Each seemed to have established himself so thor
oughly in the confidence of his special command that
tbe troops of the respective brigades proudly boasted
that their own was the truest and best commander in
the array. Hazen, Cariin, James St. Clair Morton,
Miller, Samuel Beatty, and John Beatty, Gibson,
Grose, Harker, Wagner, Starkweather, and Stanley,
are officers, said the General Commanding, in whom
tbe " Government may weU confide. They are the
men from whom our troops should be at once sup-

336 MORAL POWER IN BATTLE.
plied with Brigadier Generals ; and justice to the
brave men and officers of the regiments, equally
deraands their proraotion, to give thera and their reg
iraents their proper leaders. And then," said Gen
eral Rosecrans, with the enthusiam of a Chieftian,
who appreciates and loves the good soldiers who
have fought so well, " many captains and subalterns
also showed great gallantry, and capacity for supe
rior comraands. But above all, the steady rank and
file showed invincible fighting courage and stamina
worthy of a great and free nation, requiring only
good officers, discipline and instruction, to make them
equal if not superior to any troops in ancient or mod
ern times."
St. Clair Morton, Hazen, Carlin, and Miller — the
latter, at the especial request of General Thomas^
were at once recomraended for promotion to Briga
dier Generals. Hazen exhibited consummate skill,
deraonstrating his fitness for a large comraand. There
was a s^Dirit and gallantry about young Harker in the
midst of action that excited the liveliest admiration.
Beatty (Sarauel) was as cool and pleasant as an Octo
ber morning. He deported himself as if he had
taken a responsibility which he raust execute under
all circurastances, and he proceeded in a raethodical
business sort of way tbat suggested anything but bul
lets and blood. Rousseau, Wood, St. Clair Morton,
Colonel Loorais,. were the splendid figures of the bat
tle-field. They were no braver nor more devoted
than others, but there was a sort of gloriousness in
their deportment on the field that excited enthusiasm
iu all who saw them. " Quiet Phil. Sherridau " pre
served his sobriquet under all conditions, but the

MORAL POWER IN BATTLE. 337
nervy curtness of his orders showed that his spirit
was moved. The President did a wise thing when he
made Sherridan a Major GeneraL He did not do so
wisely when he overlooked Wood. But it is proba
ble that his honesty and desire to do right are com
pelled to_ play the coquette in endeavoring to strike
an even balance, numerically, between candidates
from the volunteer and regular armies respectively.
Perhaps it is well to maintain the principle of cora
pensation by appointing two Major Generals who
have not proved that they know their business, to
adjust a mistake made in appointing two others who
understand it thoroughly. But soldiers who have
fought do not appreciate it.
The tribute paid by General Rosecrans to General
Stanley (since proraoted), was warmly approved by
the array. Brigadier General Stanley, he said, "al
ready distinguished for four successful battles, Island
No. 10, May 27, before Corinth, Iuka, and tbe battle
of Corinth, at this time in command of our ten regi
ments of cavalry, fought the enemy's forty regiments
of cavalry, and held thera at bay, and beat thera
wherever he could meet them. He ought to be raade
a Major General for his services, and also for the
good of the service."
The gallantry and the fidelity of the staff' officers
of all the commanders was never surpassed. Among
those of subordinate rank, Captain Gates P. Thrus
ton, of McCook's Staff', attracted most attention, being
complimented in the official reports of six General
officers including that of General McCook, and finally
by General Rosecrans. The official lists of " special
mentions," which include some of those who were
29

888 SPECIAL MENTION.
conspicuously distinguished for gallantry and good
conduct, embrace the following names, viz. :
NAMES SPECIALLY MENTIONED OFFICIALLY FOR IMPORTANT
SERVICES IN THB BATTLE OP STONE RIVER.
By Major General McCook. — Brigadier Generals R. W. Johnson, P. H.
Sherridan, and Jeff. C. Davis, commanding divisions in the Right Wing;
for gallant conduct during the tattles, and for prompt and conscien
tious attention to duty during their service with the Right Wing.
Brigadier General D. S. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, commanded
advance of Right Wing during its advance from Nolensville; ia espe
cially mentioned for energy and skill.
Division Commander Wood — Brigadier General AI. T. Hascall, com
manding First Brigade ; deserves commendation and gratitude of his
eountry. Division Commander Palmer. — Brigadier General C. Cruft, First
Brigade ; for holding au important position, and for extricating his
command from the mass of confusion around him, caused hy repulse
of Right Wing.
Division Commander D. S. Stanley.— Colonel Minty, Fourth Michigan
Cavalry, deserves credit for the management of his command on the
march and in several engagements.
Colonel Murray, Third Kentucky Cavalry ; rendered important and
distinguished service, gallantly charging and dispersing the enemy's
cavalry in their attack on our train, Wednesday, Decemher Slst,
Colonel Zahn, Third Ohio Cavalry ; contributed greatly, hy his per
sonal example, to the restoration of order and confidence in that por
tion of the Second Brigade stampeded by the enemy's attack on
Wednesday, Slst.
Division Commander Johnson. — Colonel W. H. Gibson, Forty-Ninth
Ohio ; commanded Willich's brigade after the capture of Willich ; has
heen several times heretofore recommended for promotion, and is
again earnestly recommended by Major General McCook, and by Gen
eral Johnson, for meritorious conduct.
Colonel Charles Anderson, Ninety-Third Ohio; honorable mention
by Major General Rousseau, for gallant conduct.
Colonel Wallace, Fifteenth Ohio ; Colonel Dodge, Thirtieth Indiana ;
Colonel P. C. Baldwin ; recommended for promotion for coolness and
courage on the field of battle.
Division Commander Wood. — Colonel George D. Wagner, Fifteenth
Indiana, commanding brigade ; has commanded brigade for a year ; ia

SPECIAL MENTION. 339
recommended for promotion, for brave and skillful conduct during the
late battles.
Colonel C. G. Harker, Sixty-Fifth Ohio ; has commanded brigade for
a year ; is recommended for promotion, for brave and skillful conduct.
He is also specially mentioned by Major General McCook, for valuable
services on the Right Wing.
Division Commander Palmer. — Colonel W. B. Hazen, Forty-First Ohio,
commanding brigade; commanded brigade, and is especially men
tioned for courage and skill in handling his troops, and for maintain-
injj nn iin] ortant position.
Colonel W. Grose, Thirty-Sixth Indiana, commanding brigade ; com
manded brigade, and is recommended for coolness and bravery, in
fighting his troops against a superior force.
Division Commander Palmer. — Colonel Sedgwick, Second Kentucky;
Colonel D. A. Enyart, First Kentucky ; Colonel Ross, Ninety-Fourth
Ohio ; Colonel Osborne, Thirty-First Indiana ; displayed marked gal
lantry on the field, and handled their respective commands with
skill and judgnient.
Division Commander Van Cleve. — Colonel Samuel Beatty, Ninteenth
Ohio, commanding brigade ; commanding brigade, for coolness, intre
pidity and skill.
Colonel J. P. Fyffe, Fifty-Ninth Ohio, commanding brigade; is
recommended for coolness, intrepidity and skill. Is also especially
mentioned by Major General McCook, for valuable services with the
Right Wing.
Colonel Grider, Ninth Kentucky ; commanded brigade, and is
especially mentioned for gallantry and coolness under trying circum
stances. Division Commander Rousseau. — Colonel 0. A Loomis, First Michigan
Artillery ; rendered most important services throughout the battle.
Colonel John Starkweather, First Wisconsin, commanding brigade ;
especially mentioned for coolness, skill and courage.
Division Commander Negley. — Colonel William Sirwell, Seventy-
Eighth Pennsylvania ; Colonel Granville Moody, Seventy-Fourth Ohio ;
Colonel Hull, Thirty-Seventh Indiana ; for the skill and ability with
which they handled their respective commands.
Diinsion Commander Sherridan. — Colonel Greusel, Thirty-Sixth Illinois ;
Colonel Bradley, Fifty-First Illinois; are specially commended for
skill and courage.
Colonel Sherman, Eighty-Eighth Dlinois; honorably mentioned for
distinguished service.
Division Commander Johnson. — Lieutenant Colonel Hotchkiss, Eighty-

840 SPECIAL MENTION.
Ninth Illinois ; Lieutenant Colonel Jones, Thirty-Ninth Indiana ;
recommended for promotion for meritorious conduct. Lieutenant Col"
onei W. W. Berry, Louisville Legion; specially mentioned for gallant
and meritorious conduct; is also specially mentioned by Major Gen
eral Rousseau for retreating in good order before an overwhelming
force, and drawing off by hand a section of artillery he had been
ordered to support.
Division Commander Negley. — Lieutenant Colonel Neibling, Twenty-
First Ohio ; for skill and ability during the battles.
Division Commander Sherridan. — Lieutenant Colonel Laibolt, Second
Missouri; specially mentioned for skill and courage. Lieutenant
Colonel McCreary, Second Michigan ; honorably mentioned for distin
guished service.
Division Commander D. S. Stanley. — Major Kline, Third Indiana Cav
alry ; on the 27th engaged the enemy on the Nolensville pike, and put
them to flight. Captain E. Otis, Fourth United States Cavalry ; with
his regiment rendered important and distinguished service, gallantly
charging and dispersing the enemy's cavalry in their attack upon our
train, on Wednesday, December 31st, capturing seventy prisoners, and
rescuing three hundred of our own men
Staff of Major General Crittenden. — Major Lyne Starling, Assistant
Adjutant General; specially mentioned by Major General Crittenden
for gallantry in the battles, general efiBiciency, and eighteen months'
faithful service.
Division Commander Rousseau. — Major John King, Fifteenth United
States Infantry, Major Carpenter, Nineteenth United States Infantry,
Major Slemmer, Sixteenth United States Infantry, Major Caldwell,
Eighteenth United States Infantry, Major Fred. Townsend, Eighteenth
United States Infantry, commanding their respective regiments, are
specially mentioned for distinguished gallantry and ability. Major
Carpenter was killed, and Majors King and Slemmer wounded.
Division Commander Sherridan — Major Miller, Thirty-Sixth Illinois,
Major Chandler, Eighty-Eighth Illinois, Major Hibbard, Twenty-Fourth
Wisconsin; honorably mentioned. Captain John Mendenhall, Fourth
United States Artillery, Chief of Artillery and Topographical Engi
neer on Major General Crittenden's staff; recommended for promotion
for general etficiency and personal bravery and good conduct in battle.
Division Commander Wood. — Captain Chambers, Fifty-First Indiana,
Captain Gladwin, Seventy-Third Ohio ; these brave officers, with one
hundred and twenty raen, drove a large force of the enemy from a cov
ered position, and unmasked his battery.
Division Commander Palmer. — Captain Standart, Company F, First

SPECIAL MENTION. 841
Ohio Artillery ; for the gallant manner in which he handled his guns,
and brought them off the field.
Staff qf Major General McCook. — Captain Gates P. Thruston, First
Ohio; specially mentioned by Major General MoCook, and others, for
particular acts of gallantry, skill and good conduct. He is mentioned
by Generals Negley, Johnson, Davis, Sherridan, and Carlin.
Di^vision Commander Davis. — Captain Hale, Seventy-Fifth Illinois ;
Captain J. H. Litson, Twenty-Second Illinois; speciaUy mentioned for
gallant conduct in skirmishing.
Division Comma^nder Rousseau. — Captain Crofton, Sixteenth United
States Infantry ; Captain Fulmer, Fifteenth United States Infantry ;
Captain Mulligan, Nineteenth United States Infantry; these three
infantry Captains commanded their respective battalions after their
Majors had been disabled, and behaved with great gallantry, although
opposed by overwhelming numbers. Captain Guenther, Fifth United
States Infantry, Company H ; deserves great credit and special men
tion. Diinsion Commander Sherridan. — Captain Hescock, First Missouri
Battery; specially mentioned for bravery and skill in the battles,
and for general efficiency.
Pioneer Brigade. — Captain Bridges, Nineteenth Illinois ; continued in
command of his regiment after receiving a painful wound.
Division Commander Johnson. — Lieutenant Belding, First Ohio Artil
lery, Company A ; recommended for promotion for saving three of his
guns by his personal exertions.
Division Commander Sherridan. — Lieutenant Lambessard, Nineteenth
Illinois ; Lieutenant Wyman Murphy, Twenty-First Wisconsin, Inspect
ors of Pioneer Brigade ; are specially mentioned in two reports for
gallant conduct and energy.
Surgeon McDermot, Medical Director Right Wing ; for gallant con
duct in the field, and great care and consideration for the wounded.
Surgeon G. D. Beebe, Medical Director Center ; for zeal, energy and
efficiency. Surgeon A. J. Phelps, Medical Director Left Wing ; for
prompt attention to the wounded, great energy and efficiency in the
discharge of his duties.
By Major General Rosecrans  Major General G. H. Thomas, true and
prudent, distinguished in council and on many battle-fields for his
courage ; Major General McCook, a tried, faithful and loyal soldier,
wbo Ijravely breasted battle at Shiloh and at Perryville, and as bravely
on the bloody field of Stone River; and Mnjor General Thomas L.
Crittenden, whose heart is that of a true soldier and patriot, and whose
gallantry, often attested by his companions in arms in other fields,

342 SPECIAL MENTION.
witnessed many times by this army — never more conspicuously than
in this combat ; and the gallant, ever ready Major General Rousseau,
maintained their high character throughout this action.
Brigadier Generals Negley, Jefferson C. Davis, Stanley, Johnson,
Palmer, Hascall, Van Cleve, Wood, Mitchell, Cruft and Sherridan ;
ought to be made Major Generals in our service. Brigade command
ers. Colonels Carlin, Miller, Hazen, Samuel Beatty, of the Nineteenth
Ohio, Gibson, Grose, Wagner, John Beatty, of the Third Ohio, Harker,
Starkweather, Stanley ; recommended for promotion.
And the Staff, viz.: The noble and lamented Lieutenant Colonel
Garesche, Chief of Staff; Lieutenant Colonel Taylor, Chief Quarter
master ; Lieutenant Colonel Simmons, Chief Commissary ; Major C.
Goddard, senior Aiddecamp ; Major Ralston Skinner, Judge Advocate
General ; Lieutenant Frank S. Bond, Aiddecamp of General Tyler ;
Captain Charles B. Thompson, my Aiddecamp ; Lieutenant Byron
Kirby, Sixth United States Infantry, Aiddecamp, who was wounded
on the Slst ; R. S. Thoms, Esq., a member of the Cincinnati Bar, who
acted as Volunteer Aiddecamp, and behaved with distinguished' gal
lantry; Captain Wm. D. Bickham, Volunteer Aiddecamp, rendered
efficient services on the field ; Colonel Barnet, Chief of Artillery and
Ordnance ; Captain J. H. Gilman, Nineteenth United States Infantry,
Inspector of Artillery ; Captain James Curtis, Fifteenth United States
Infantry, Assistant Inspector General; Captain Wiles, Twenty-Second
Indiana, Provost Marshal General ; Captain Michler, Topographical
Engineer ; Captain Jesse Merrill, Signal Corps, whose corps behaved
well ; Captain Elmer Otis, Fourth Regular Cavalry, who commanded
the Courier Line, connecting the various headquarters most success
fully, aud who made a most successful, opportune, and brilliant charge
on Wheeler's Cavalry, routing the brigade, and recapturing three hund
red of our prisoners ; Lieutenant Edson, United States Ordnance Offi
cer, who, during the battle of Wednesday, distributed ammunition
under the fire of the enemy's batteries, and behaved bravely. Captain
, Hubbard and Lieutenant Newberry, who joined the staff on the field,
acting as aids, rendered valuable service in carrying orders on the
field; Lieutenant Royse, Fourth United States Cavalry, commanded
the escort of the headquarters' train, and distinguished himself with
gallantry and efficiency. All performed their appropriate duties to the
entire satisfaction of the General Commanding — "accompanying me
everywhere,'' said the General, "carrying orders through the thickest
of the fight, watching while others slept, and never weary when duty
called, deserve my public thanks and the respect and gratitude of the
army."

SPECIAL MENTION. 343

ADDENDA.
Lieutenant Colonel Houssam, Seventy-Seventh Pennsylvania Vol
unteers. Captain Bingham, Sixty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers.
Captain Cox, Tenth Indiana Battery.
Captain James P. Meade, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Volunteers.
Lieutenant John L. Dillon, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Volunteers.
Lieutenant Jones, Post's Brigade.
Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers captured a rebel flag from
Twenty-Sixth Tennessee, assisted by other regiments of Negley's
division. Lieutenant Guenther, United States Battery, and the Second Ohio
Volunteers, captured the flag of the Thirtieth Arkansas Regiment.
The Fifteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel
Wood commanding, charged and captured one hundred and seventy-
three prisoners from the Twentieth Louisiana Regiment.
The Thirteenth Michigan Volunteers gallantly recaptured two guns
belonging to Captain Bradley's Battery.
Carlin's brigade lost half its field officers in killed and wounded.
The Fifth Kentucky Volunteers dragged from the field, by hand, a
section of artillery, through deep mud and under heavy fire.
Four color-bearers of the Twenty-First Illinois were shot down, yet
the colors were borne safely through the fight.
SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTION.
Brigadier General David S. Stanley, senior Brigadier General at the
battle of Stone River. He commanded the forcie that did the fighting
at New Madrid. On the 27th of May, 1862, he commanded division
before Corinth, and repulsed a Vigorous sortie Of the enemy. At the
battle of Iuka his division fought well, supporting General Hamilton's
division, and pursuing the enemy. His troops bore a conspicuous part
in the battle of Corinth — charged the enemy, routed Maury's division
at the point of the bayonet, and followed the advance guard in tho
pursuit. As Chief of Cavalry, in the Department ofthe Cumberland,
he organized an effective force out of our almost disorganized Cav
alry, and successfully operated against the enemy double in numbers.
At the battle of Stone River he won universf't admiration for himself
by acts of personal daring and skillful n anagement of his troops.
Distinguished in five great battles, he is entitled to rank commensurate
with the command so long intrusted to him.

844 SPECIAL MENTION.
Brigadier General James S. Negley has commanded a division nearly
a year, always maintaining strict discipline, and keeping his com
mand in excellent condition. As commander of the post at Nashville,
he fortified and protected the city in a most judicious manner, while
cut off from communication, without support from our forces in Ken
tucky, and surrounded by a vigilant enemy, he subsisted upon their
country, made several successful sorties against them, at one time
routing a large force at Lavergne, Tennessee. At the battle of Stone
River he fought his troops obstinately, and handled them with con
summate skill, winning a high reputation for courage and generalship,
and contributing largely to the success of our arms.
Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood, a thoroughly loyal soldier from
Kentucky. When the war broke out, he assisted the Governor of
Indiana in organizing the troops in that State, and, through his energy
and experience, was instrumental in creating and systematizing the
military department for which that State is so justly celebrated. He
made a forced march to be present at the battle of Shiloh, reaching
there with his command in time to join in the pursuit. He com
manded a division before Corinth. At the battle of Stone River his
division repulsed the repeated assaults of the enemy in a most bril
liant manner, and the night of the Slst December found it occupying
the same ground it held in the morning. Early that day he was
severely wounded while nobly discharging his duty, but he did nol
leave the field till night ended the conflict.
Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis won distinction at the commence
ment of the rebellion, for gallant service at Fort Sumter. After
ward conspicuous in the sanguinary struggle in South-Western
Missouri. He captured nine hundred prisoners at Blackwater, and by
the splendid fighting of his troops, and his skillful management, con
tributed largely to the success of our arms at Pea Ridge. His services
at Shiloh and before Corinth deserve honorable mention. At Stone
River he sustained his high reputation. His division was compelled
to retire by being flanked, not by being driven. On the 2d of Jan
uary, he crossed Stone River with a, single brigade of hia division,
and gallantly led them against the enemy, and assisted in routing and
pursuing the corps of General Breckinridge.
Brigadier General John M. Palmer has long held a responsible com
mand with credit to himself and honor to his country. Xhe official
report of Major General Crittenden pays him a well-deserved compli
ment for important services performed at the battle of Stone River,
His troops were posted in the extreme front of the line of battle in an
exposed position, wheu they successfully resisted the massed assaults

SPECIAL MENTION. 345
of a foe flushed with anticipated victory, and held their ground during
the whole of that fearful conflict. He exposed himself freely to heavy
fire, and in the heat of battle maneuvered his command with prudence
and ability.
Brigadier General H. P. 'Fan Cleve first achieved distinction at Mill
Springs, Kentucky, where his command charged and routed the enemy
with the hayonet, and did a large part of the splendid fighting that
resulted in that most important and brilliant victory. He has always
home the character of an able, conscientious, and brave officer. At
the battle of Stone River he managed his command with skill and
vigor. When McCook's corps was driven back after his (Van Cleve's)
division had crossed the river to advance on Murfreesboro, General
Van Cleve hastened with a large part of his coramand to the Bight of
the army, and in an open field assisted in checking the advance of the
enemy. Though wounded early in the action of the Slst, he remained
on the field all day, animating, and obstinately and prudently fighting
his well-disciplined troops.
Brigadier General Phil. H. Sherridan is a model officer, and possesses
in an eminent degree qualities that promise for him a brilliant and
useful career in the profession of arms. As commander of a large
force of cavalry at Corinth, he proved himself enterprising, capable,
and more than a match in generalship for the enemy's most noted
offioers. At Stone River he won universal admiration. He held his
troops in hand, and fought them several hours, repulsing the enemy in
his front with great slaughter. Upon being fianked and corapelled to
retire, he withdrew his command more than a mile under a terrible
fire in remarkable order, at the same time inflicting the severest pun
ishment upon the foe. The constancy and steadfastness of his troops
on the Slst of December enabled the reserve to reach the Right of our
army iu time to turn the tide of battle, and changed a threatened rout
into a victory. He has fairly won promotion.
Colonel John Beatty, Third Ohio. Early in the war he participated
in the important military operations in Western Virginia, and was
present at Rich Mountain and Elkwater. He bore an honorable part
under General Mitchell in the engagement at Bridgeport, Tennessee.
He coraraanded the regiraent on the extreme right of McCook's corps
at the battle of Chaplin Hills, and displayed coolness and courage in
that exposed and fatal position. At Stone River, Colonel Beatty's bri
gade was in reserve, and when the Right of our army was driven
back, was gallantly led to the rescue, and through such splendid fight
ing as it and others did, the army was saved. On January Sd, Colonel
Beatty's brigado, under his skillful management, assisted in storming

346 SPECIAL MENTION.
the enemy's rifle pits, and achieving the success that led the enemy to
abandon the position before Murfreesboro.
Colonel Wm. H. Gibson, Forty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers, entered the
service July 3, 1861, as Colonel of the Forty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers a
regiraent, while under his charge, second to no other in drill, disci
pline, and efficiency. He long commanded a brigade, aud at one time
a division at Shiloh, before Corinth, and at Stone River ; he has proved
himself a working, wide-awake, determined, and able officer. During
the latter engagement he moved his brigade under oiders to various
parts of the field with admirable promptness and ability.
Colonel Wm. B. Hazen, Forty-First Ohio Volunteers, has been intrusted
with the responsibility of commanding a brigade perhaps as long as
any officer in the service of similar rank. At Shiloh he displayed
marked ability. At Stone River he proved himself a brave and able
soldier by the courage and skill displayed in forming and sheltering
his troops, and iu organizing and fighting all the material around him,
in order to hold his important position.
Colonel W. P. Carlin, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Volunteers. This thor
oughly educated and efficient officer has attained honorable distinction
at Pea Ridge, Corinth, Chaplin Hills, and Stone River, as well as by
the perfect state of discipline in which he always kept his command.
At Chaplin Hills he pushed his brigade into Perryville, threatened the
enemy's rear, and captured an aramunition train, several caissons, and
a considerable nuraber of the eneray. In the advance on Murfrees
boro, through his daring and skill, the brigade routed a rebel force and
captured a cannon. At Stone River, December SO, he drove in the
rebel skirmishers and advance guard in admirable style. December
Slst he held his troops in hand, fighting desperately against fearful odds
until the supports on both sides were driven back, and the faot that he lost
half his field officers in killed and wounded, and thirty-four and three-
fourths per cent, of his command, testifies to his stubborn fighting.
Colonel Samuel Beatty, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteers, distinguished him
self early in the war by gallant conduct in Western Virginia, particu
larly at Rich Mountain. At Shiloh he again did good service. On
the morning of the 31st of December, at Stone River, when our Right had-
been turned, he assisted by steady and unflinching fighting in check
ing the advance of the eneray. January 3d he commanded the Third
Division, Left Wing, in the sanguinary conflict east of Stone River,
and though forced to retire before overwhelming numbers, he rallied
his troops, and aided in the brilliant repulse and pursuit that soon fol-
lo'veJ. The official report of his coraraanding officer coramended him
for his coolness, intrepidity, and skill on the field of battle.

SPECIAL MENTION. 347
Colonel George D. Wagner, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteers, served as
Colonel of the Fifteenth Indiana on Cheat Mountain in Western Vir
ginia, and aided effectually in repulsing the attack of the rebel Gen
eral Lee at Elkwater. Distinguished for energy and efficiency as a
regimental coramander, he has coramanded successfully and efficiently
a brigade, and at the battle of Stone River his conduct was heroic.
He is respectfully recommended for proraotion to Brigadier General.
Colonel William Grose, Thirty-Sixth Indiana Volunteers, has long
commanded a brigade with ability that would make his promotion but
a simple act of justice to him and his comraand. At the battle of
Stone River his troops, posted in the extreme front, fought against
great odds, and the commander of his division reports that he con
ducted hiraself with great coolness and bravery, and managed his
troops iu such a manner that he could suggest no improvement. He
is respectfully recoraraended for proraotion to the rank of Brigadier
General. Lieutenant Colonel 0. L. Shepherd, coramanding Regular Brigade ;
coramanded the brigade with bravery and skill at the battle of Stone
River, and is specially mentioned in the reports of Major General
Rousseau and of Major General Thomas, his division and corps com
manders. The fearful loss of the brigade, being upward of thirty-
five per cent., attests the obstinacy of the fighting. He is respectfully
recommended for a "brevet."
Major Fred. Townsend, of the Eighteenth United States Infantry, com
manding a battalion of Regulars in the battle of Stone River, behaved
with great gallantry, and is especially mentioned in the report of hia
division commander. He is respectfully recommended for a "brevet."
Major Slemmer, commanding ba'tlalion of Sixteenth Regulars, fought
bravely, was badly wounded, and fell into the hands of the enemy.
While in a little cabin with six other wounded officers, the fire of our
batteries struck the house, and some of them prepared to put out a
white flag, but Major Slemmer sent his boy to say that there was no
one but six desperately wounded officers who would probably die any
way, and that if it was neoessary to hold the ground to blaze away
and knock the house to pieces.
Major Caldwell, commanding battalion of Regulars at the battle of
Stone River, has been in service twenty years — is honorably mentioned
by his brigade commander for gallantry. He is respectfully recom
mended for a "brevet."
Major John H. King, Fifteenth United States Infantry, has com
manded a battalion of Regulars for more than a year in active service,
and always praised by his superiors for order and efficiency. Was in

348 SPECIAL MENTION.
the battle of Shiloh, where he had a horse shot from under him ; and
was second in comraand in the battle of Stone River, where he fought
hravely. He is respectfully recomraended for " brevet."
Captain Crofton commanded a battalion of the Sixteenth United
States Infantry after Major Slemmer was wounded, in the battle of
Stone River, where he fought bravely. He is respectfully recommended
for "brevet."
Captain Mulligan, who succeeded Major Carpenter in command of
the Nineteenth Infantry Battalion in the battle of Stone River, is men
tioned by his commander for gallantry. He is respectfully recom
mended for a "brevet."
Captain Fulmer, Fifteenth Regular Infantry, succoeeded to the com
mand of that battalion at the battle of Stone River, after Major King
was wounded, and behaved with great bravery during the whole
action. First Lieutenant J. L. Guenther, Battery H, Fifth United States
Artillery. Too much can not be said in praise of this brave and
accomplished officer. His services in Western Virginia especially at
the battle of Greenbriar, deserves the most honorable mention. At
Shiloh hia heroic conduct and skill in managing his guns won univer
sal admiration, and C.iptain W. Terrill, his senior officer, was made
Brigadier General for like brilliant services. At the engagement at
Dog Walk he behaved with coolness and intrepidity. For his magnifi
cent conduct at Stone River he fairly earned the "brevet" of Major.
His battery almost annihilated the Thirty-Fifth Arkansas rebel regi
ment and cut down and captured its colors. His splendid Napoleons,
double-shotted with grape, defended themselves frequently unaided by
infantry, and gained for them the thanks and admiration of the army.
Served in Western Virginia with great credit.
Lieutenant Parsons commanding Companies H and M, Fourth United
States Artillery, in the battle of Stone River, has always managed to
get under the heaviest fire. He was in the affair at Cotton Hill, iu
Western Virginia, and at Shiloh in Mendenhall's Battery, which was
specially mentioned in General Crittenden's report. At Perryville he
behaved like a hero. His battery was specially distinguished in the
battle of Stone River on the day of the Slst of December, and on tho
morning of the 2d of January. He is respectfully recoraraended for a
Major " brevet."
Colonel John Kennett, Fourth Ohio Volunteer- Cavalry, who com
manded the Second Cavalry Division, accompanying General Crit
tenden's Corps, behaved with great gallantry and efficiency through
out the entire engagement, commencing on the 26th of Decern-

SPECIAL MENTION. 349
ber and terrainating on the 3d of January last. His cavalry drove tho
rebel cavalry from near Lavergne and followed them during our
advance. On the 30th, during all the day, the cavalry of his brigade
was scattered, but with those parts he could command, frora time to
time during the battle, he behaved with distinguished gallantly,
charging the rebel cavalry in person. He rallied some of our cavalry
and slopped stragglers in the rear, and captured a number of rebel
prisoners. His unwearied labors and conspicuous courage on former
occasions, as well as during the battle of Stone River, have endeared
him to the army, and it is a matter of deep regret that a functional
disease compelled hira to quit the service. He well deserves to be a
Brigadier General in the cavalry service.
ENLISTED MEN SPECIALLY MENTIONED FOB GALLANT CON
DUCT IN THB BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
Quartermaster Sergeant Colburn, Thirty-Third Ohio.
Sergeant Ferguson, Co. G, Fifty-Ninth Illinois.
First Sergeant German, Eighth Wisconsin Battery.
Privates A. F. Freeman and Abijah Lee (Orderlies with Brigadier
General Davis).
Private James Gray, Co. E, Thirty-Ninth Indiana.
Sergeant Holan, Co. G, Sixty-Fourth Ohio.
Corporal James Slater and Private Williara Hayman, Second Indi
ana Cavalry (escort General Palmer).
Sergeant McKay, Co. E, Forty-First Ohio ; Sergeant McMahon, Co.
H, Forty-First Ohio, and Corporal J. B. Patterson, Co. G, Forty-First
Ohio (commanded their respective companies in the battle and
behaved with great gallantry, recommended for proraotion).
Sergeant R. B. Rhodes, First Ohio Cavalry (coramanded escort of
Brigadier General Van Cleve).
Sergeant Jason Hurd, Nineteenth Ohio.
Private William Brown, Fifty-Seventh Ohio (captured thirty pris
oners). Private Nelson Shields, Thirteenth Ohio (preserving regimental
flag). Private J. F. Mitchell, Co. B. Thirty-Third Ohio.
Sergeant H. A. Millar, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania.
Sergeant A. R. Weaver, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania.
Sergeant F. Mechlin, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania.
Corporal W. Hughes, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania.
Sergeant P. A. Weaver, Seventy-Fourth Ohio.
Orderlies Jaggers and Parish, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry.

350

CASUALTIES.

CASUALTIES.
Our losses in the service of operations, beginning
with the 26th day of December and ending with the
battle of Stone River, were as follows :
EIGHT WING, MAJOR GENERAL McCOOK.
FIRST DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL JEFF. C. DAVIS.
First Brigade, Colonel P. Sidney Post Commanding.

Killed

Wounded

UiBsiDg.

Aggregate

REGIMENTS.

O B
a

O Bi
a09

O BOaUl

a.

O B an-i

22 d Indiana Volunteers 
778
2 1
25
5
"i 2 19
3443 3419 5
135
...
18SO
42 59 6
155
5
"i 2 19
"i")
Rn
74th Illinois Volunteers 
M
75th Illinois Volunteers 
Sth Wisconsin Battery 
80
1'
Total First Brigade 
—
315
Second Brigade, Colonel W. P. Carlin Commanding.
21st Illinois Volunteers 
15th Wisconsin Volunteers 
101st Ohio Volunteers 
88th Illinois Volunteers 
2d Minnesota Battery 
Total Second Brigade..
2
55
7
180
59
9
2
13
5
65
1
S3
8
4
19
2
121
66
6
2
32
5
104
34
I
3
1
5
1
1

10
122
20
475
1
193
31
294 111
206 170 9
790
Third Brigade, Colonel W. E.
Woodruff Commanding.
25th Illinois Volunteers 
1 1
2 1
"i

G
16
1510 4
29
176
3 1
1
5
34
72
49 46 42 2
175785
"i 1
2
5
25 15 1
""e 52
400
42 41
"l
12
fi?
1'Z
84
81st Indiana Volunteers.. 
fifi
fi
Co. B, 2d Indiana Cavalry...
2d Kentucky Cavalry, Co. G.
Total Third Brigade....
2 S
%',fi
1RR1
CASUALTIES.

351

SECOND DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL R. W. JOHNSON.
First Brigade, Brigadier General A. Willich, succeeded by Colonel W. H.
Gibson Commanding.

Killed

Wounded Misaing. Aggregate

REGIMENTS.

O B
O 2

CD

O B
O CD
.3

CD
P

0 B
aCD? 11
"2 4

CDP
"127 108
115
229 9424
697

C 3 13 8
"5 2
19

CD

Brigade ofiicers 

17 1812
30 91
87

"2 6
"2 1
11

6888
40
116 45 4

919

49th Ohio Volunteers 

2

214

167

89th Indiana Volunteers 

1
1

375

89th Illinois Volunteers 

148

Battery A, 1st Ohio 

29

4
Total First Brigade 
361
1145
Second Brigade, Brigadier General E. N. Kirk Commanding.
Brigade ofiicers 
34th Illinois Volunteers 
79th Illinois Volunteers 
29th Indiana Volunteers 
SOth Indiana Volunteers 
77tli Pennsylvania Volunteers..
Battery E, 1st Ohio 
Total Second Brigade.
19
23 14
SO 4
10
100
11
6866
108 28 5
373
72
121 51 70
28
342
29
189
212 131208 60 15
815
Third Brigade, Colonel P. P. Baldwin Commanding.
8
121718 3
4
62
249
1
46
81
64 3626 1
15
223
1262
11 1
8 1
12
60
135
93d Ohio Volunteers 
1
"7 1
10
32
4550 73 18 6
238972
"i 1
17
T'l
103
Sth Kentucky Volunteers 
1
117 99
3d Indiana Cavalry 
OT
Total Third Brigade 
1
11
523
Total Second Division 
2483
852

CASUALTIES.

THIRD DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL PHIL. H. SHERRIDAN.
First Brigade, Brigadier General J. W. Sill Commanding.

REGIMENTS.

Brigade officers 
36lli Illinois Volunteers 
88Lh Illinois Volunteers 
24th Wisconsin Volunteers.
21st Michigan Volunteers...
4.h Indiana Battery 

Total First Brigade..

Killed Wounded

45 131918 6
101

14

144 4855 8217

346

Missing.

13
48 9836

198

Aggregate

24

202 109
172136 26
645

Second Brigade, Colonel F. Shaeffer Commanding.

2d Brigade, officers 
2d Missouri Volunteers...
15tli Missouri Volunteers.
44tli Illinois Volunteers..
73d Illinois Volunteers 
1st Missouri Battery  ,

Total Second Brigade.

64

11

40 51
104 61 13

269

44

61 65
149 8319
377

Third Brigade, Colonel G. W. Roberts

Commanding.'

1
21 8
18 6 5
58
52
"4 2
IS
109 6796 3719
328
"2
"1 3
542545 9
25
158
17
I52
20
184
27tli Illinois Volunteers 
11 1
100
159
51st Illinois Volunteers 
fi?
49
Total Third Brigade 
4
544
Total Third Division 
15
42
223648
38
101
943
2700
11
30
400
2062
64
176
Ifififi
Grand Total 
5410
CASUALTIES.

35S

CENTER, MAJOR GENERAL GEO. H. THOMAS.
FIRST DIVISION, MAJOR GENERAL ROUSSEAU.

REGIMENTS.

Oifi'rs

Cnni.
Officers

Enlisted Men.

tn

Wi ^

w ^

3Sd Ohio Volunteers 
94th Ohio Volunteers 
2d Ohio Volunteers 
lOth Wisconsin Volunteers 
88tli Indiana Volunteers 
1st Wisconsin Volunteers 
21st Wisconsin Volunteers 
2d Kentucky Cavalry 
79th Pennsylvania Volunteers 
24th Illinois Volunteers 
15th Kentucky Volunteers 
88th Indiana Volunteers 
3d Ohio Volunteers 
42d Indiana Volunteers 
15th United Slates Infantry 
16th United States Infantry 
18th United States Infantry 
I9th United States Infantry 
Coinpany H, Sth United States Artillery

Total  8 44 27166 135 698170 908

10
1 ..

10

1715
22 1565 3 1
2 54
24 34 53 6854
104 173 35 4

14

21 24 3315

2 4 8
4
29 48 67 87 71
133
216 47 5

SECOND DIVISION, BRIGADIER

3ENERAL NEGLEY.

18th Ohio Volunteers 
19th Illinois Volunteers 

1
1
2 11

87
664 5
5
5

8
4537
4 43

2121121514
21 27 17 2 1
2
153

17 9
23 1
10 5
1913 "2"i
106

86
55
66 328566 74
103 9 37
"2
588

20 14
30 5
24 9
25 16 "3 11
154

115 83

84

69th Ohio Volunteers 

53

21st Ohio Volunteers 

103

74th Ohio Volunteers 

9?

37th Indiana Volunteers 

2

106

78th Pennsylvania Volunteers 

195

11
2d East Tennessee Volunteers 
1
"i 1
40
5
Battery G, 1st Ohio 
'9
Battery M, 1st Ohio 
11
49
1
Battery M, 1st Kentucky 
R
Total 
8
790
30
854

CASUALTIES.

RECAPITULATION.

COMMANDS.

j Non-
Offl'rs Com.
I Officers

Enlisted Men.

Total.

First Division 
Second Division...
Walker's Brigade.

166153 2

136106

698588 12

170 154

908 790 15

Aggregate 
Total killed and wounded.

16 94 67 321 241 1298 324;1713

,.2,037

LEFT WING, MAJOR GENERAL T. L. CRITTENDEN.
FIRST DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL T. J. WOOD.

CASUALTIES.

s

Killed 
WoundedMissing ...

200 859167

Total ,

67

1226

211 915 167
1293

SECOND DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL J. M. PALMER.

COMMANDS.

Wounded.

1st Brigade, Cruft's 
2d Brigade, Hazen's 
Sd Brigade, Grose's 
Standart's Ohio Battery 
Parsons' 4th United States Artillery..
Cockerell's Indiana Battery 

Total .

15

44 41 97 522
191

4446
107 522
206

218 318
456 12 14
43
1061

227 335
478 1214
44
1110

CASUALTIES.

355

Second Division — Continued.

COMMANDS.

Missing.

g

1st Brigade, Cruft's 
2d Brigade, Hazen's 
Sd Brigade, Grose's 
Standart's Ohio Battery 
Parsons' 4th United States Artillery.,
Cockerell's Indiana Battery 

Total .

120 52 74 S

126 52 74 3
62

397
433659 20
22

6 257 263 1579

THIRD DIVISION, BRIGADIER GENERAL VAN CLEVE.

COMMANDS.

Brigadier General Van Cleve..
1st Brigade 
2d Brigade 
3d Brigade 
Artillery 

Total.

Missing

17

216

233

52

303
225307 19

854

1
319
239328 19

81
160146

4 387 391

81
162148

1
466481557 25
1530

GRAND AGGREGATE.

Officers killed  92 Men killed  1441 Total killed  1,533
Officers wounded...384 Men wounded.... 6861 Total wounded.. 7,245

Total .
Prisoners ..

..476

Total..

.8302

Total ,

8,7783,000

Grand aggregate of killed, wounded, and prisoners  11,778

356 bragg's tactics.
Incongruous ofBcial reports make exactness in
aggregates iinpossible; but it was finally discovered
npon examination of all the data that the actual
numerical casualties of the Left "Wing exceeded tbose
of the Right Wing. Its per centage of losses was
correspondingly greater. We lost about three thou
sand prisoners.
The dead were buried in trenches, excepting in a
few instancea where regiments, with honorable esprit
du corps, sought tenderly for their comrades and
interred them carefully, distinguishing their places
of burial with head-boards. The body of Colonel
Garesche was interred in the Uttle cemetery ou the
knoll where headquarters were estabUshed on the
night of the SOth of December, but it was subsequently
exhumed by his brother and conveyed to the North.
bragg's armt and his grand tactics.
In the absence of positive data it is necessary to
rely upon circumstantial evidence in order to establish
the numerical force of Bragg's army in that battle.
The estimates of General Rosecrans are not only
plausible but fair. The testimony of the rebels them
selves confirms the general affirmation that Bragg's
army was at least equal, numerically, in infautry and
artUlery to Rosecrans' force, while his cavalry and
mounted infantry exceeded that of General Stanley,
at least four to one. Colonel Truesdail's reports,
touching the strength of Bragg's infantry force, were
generally verified, but reinforcements joined his forces
after Rosecrans moved from ISTashville.
It appeared subsequently that Bragg, confident in the
superb discipline of his ai-my, had misconceived the

bragg's tactics. 357
fighting quaUties of our men. He assumed that at
least half of Rosecrans' forces were raw, and therefore
unreliable, lie, therefore, not only concluded to give
battle at Stone River, but it is asserted that he was
preparing to fall suddenly upon the divisions at Gal
latin, menacing ISTashville with a sufficient force to
prevent Rosecrans from sending succor to the forces
at the forraer points.
It is certain that he was sanguine of success, and
his defeat, although compensated in some degree by
his success of Wednesday, was a sore disappointment.
Had he been satisfied to withdraw from Murfreesboro
Wednesday night, the prestige of victory would have
remained with him for a little while, though he would
have been bitterly pursued and at all hazards.
Bragg's mode of fighting was characteristic of the
Southern people. It was all dash, and the admirable
discipline of his troops told fearfully at every onset.
They charged with splendid daring. But it was evi
dent that they were best in onset. They did not a,t
any time display the staunch stand-up fighting pluck-
iness which distinguished our troops. Where two
lines were confronted in the fi-eld, man for man, the
superiority of our troops was at once made manifest.
IsTortbern phlegm was too much for Southern fire.
Their troops fought ferociously, ours with bitter de
terraination. ISTow and then some of our regiraents
galled to death by their marksmen, would rush infu-
riately forward and drive everj'tbing before them.
The rebels never attempted to resist a charge, though
our troops resisted mad charges by them repeatedly.
Tbey overwhelmed the Right Wing and the Third
Division of the Left by avoirdupois — not by fighting.

858 bragg's tactics.
Their grand tactics were conspicuous in this battle as
they were at Gaines' Mills, where they defeated Fitz
John Porter, who, if he had possessed the skill of
Rosecrans, would have utterly defeated the enemy,
though vastly outnumbered by them. The rebel artil
lery practice was very fine. They had exact range all
over our position. It was often remarked in the
midst of battle that their gunners were very skiUful.
Nevertheless the superiority of our artUlery was
established. Their sharpshooters were their most
formidable arm. They swarmed in the forests, and
during Wednesday there was not a point on the bat
tle-field that was not within their range. Half our
officers who were wounded were struck by them. In
McCook's front they had constructed platforms among
the branches of the trees, from which to practice their
devilish arts. Their mounted infantry were also sig
nally serviceable to them. Without them their cav
alry would not have been able to cut our communica
tions so successfully. In fine, the rebels again
illustrated in this battle, the fact that they had thor
oughly devoted themselves to war — that they had
rejected all theories ; that they had adopted the wisest
maxims of warfare, and had accepted the adraonitions
of experience. It was curious, however, that Bragg,
whose reputation as an artillery officer stood highest
in that branch of the service, should have been so
thoroughly beaten with his favorite arm.

incidents and anecdotes. 359

CHAPTER XXXIII.
Incidents and Anecdotes — Comedy of Battle — An Irish Rebel — A Brace
- of Wounded Soldiers — Colonel Granville Moody — His "Boys" — His
Piety and Pugnaoity — Singular Incidents — Distracted Birds and
Rabbits — "All the Dinner 's Gone" — Ambulance Corps on the Field
— The Generals, how they Appeared in Battle.
Rare comedy was intermingled with the tragedy of
battle. The humorism of battle saturates you after
carnage is ended, and when the dead are buried. The
richest of the fun and drollery is not printable. But
soldiers roar over awkward adventures of their com
rades when they asserable in their bivouacs. There
were sorae good things, however, that the reader can
enjoy. One was of Irish parentage, of course. A
Milesian meraber of the First Louisiana rebel regi
ment, who had been captured, was strolling around a
hospital with a broken arm, which had been dressed
by one of our surgeons. Said an officer, " Why, Pat,
you an Irishman and a rebel? How's that? What
are you fighting us for?" "An' sure, yer honor,"
retorted Pat quickly, "an' did yees iverhearof the
likes of an army an' there wasn't Irishmen init?"
"But, Pat," interposed Father Trecy, "you were
forced into the service, were you not ? " " Yer river-
enco," replied the incorrigible fellow, with a respect
ful salute, " I wint into it wid good will ; the boys
was all agoin'; there was a fight, an' sure Patrick

360 INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
wasn't the man to lit inny man go forninst him."
Pat was decidedly obdurate, and no more inquisitive
rhetoric was wasted upon hira.
A group of mangled soldiers were sauntering around
a field hospital, waiting for temporary bandages to be
applied to their wounds. The surgeon was fully
occupied, and some delay was unavoidable. A brawny
trooper, with a bullet in his left leg and a ball in his
right arm, hobbled up to the surgeon, holding his
wounded arm with his left hand. Projecting his
mutilated leg he said, with laughable grimace,
" Well, doctor, the d — d rebs come pretty near hittin'
me." Auother fellow, who had lost the end of his
nose, elbowed his way into the circle, spouting blood
as a whale spouts water, and convulsed the group :
"The d — d rascals" — sputter — "doctor" — sputter —
"came d — d near" — sputter — "missin' me."
Colonel Granville Moody, commanding the Seventy-
Fourth Ohio Volunteers, is a famous Methodist
preacher. He relinquished the altar for the sword.
Malicious people insinuated that the Gospel had lost
the services of a good advocate, aud that the army
was not promoted by its accession from the pulpit.
But the Colonel proved that he was a tremendous
fighter as well as a good preacher. He is fifty, or
more, perhaps, but well preserved, with magnificent
port, and six feet two or three inches of stature. He
has a fine genial face, fiery dark eyes, aud vocal range
that would have excited the envy of Roaring Ralph
Stackpole. He carried into battle a spirit of enthu
siasm which inflamed his " boys " to the highest
pitch of daring, and won for him tbe adrairation
of thousands. Lieutenant Colonel Von Sdirader

INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES. 861
(Inspector General on the stafl? of General Thomas),
than whom a braver or better soldier never resisted
storra of battle, had not been on friendly terms with
Moody for some months, but admiring his splendid
gallantry, he approached him in the heat of desperate
conflict, extended his hand, expressed his earnest
approbation of the Colonel's heroism, and begged that
ever after peace might exist between them.
A little later Moody's "boys," as he paternally
addressed them, were obliged to withstand a terrific
fii-e without enjoying opportunity to return it. Moody
galloped to General Negley and protested. " This fire,
General, is positively murderous ; it will kill all my
boys." But there was uo help for it. His martial
flock, imposing upon his benevolent nature, sometimes
indulged a little sly humor at his expense. In the
midst of battle, an Irishman in the regiment shouted,
" His riverence, the Colonel, has bin fightin' gatau all
his life; I reckon he thinks hell's broke loose now."
Not long after the battle. General Negley merrily
accused him of having indulged heterodox expletives
in the ardor of engagement. " I? it a fact. Colonel,"
inquired the General, " that you told the boys to give
'em hell?" "Now," repUed the Colouel reproach
fully, "there's some more of the boys' mischief. I
told them to give the rebels Hail Columbia, and they
have wickedly perverted my language." The fighting
parson, however, explained with a sly twinkle in the
corner ofhis eye, which had something of a tendency
to cast a doubt upon the subject.
But there was no doubt that one of his injunctions
to his regiment sounded raarvelously like a fervent
ejaculation swelling up from the depths of the " Amea
81

862 INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
corner" in an old fashioned Methodist Church. This
fact must be imagined that the anecdote may be
appreciated. The Colonel's mind was saturated with
piety and pugnacity. He praised God and pitched
into the rebels alternately. He had been struck by
bullets four times already. He had given the enemy
" Hail Columbia " once, and they had reeled back to
cover. Now they were swarming back to renew the
contest. Moody's regiment were lying on their bellies
waiting for them to come up. He had a moment to
spare, and thought he would exhort tbem. The
rebels were advancing swiftly, and probably cut him
short. But as they approached he said quietly,
" Now, boys, fight for your country and your. God" —
" and," said one of his boys, " we all surely thought
he was going to say 'Amen,' but at that instant the
rebels let fly, and the old hero roared with the voice
of a Stentor, ' aim low ! ' " Weeks afterward, wheu
the Colonel passed through his camp, the mischievous
rascals would shout behind him, "Fight for your
country and your God — aim low ! "
A singular incident occurred among the " Twenty-
Onesters" (Twenty-First Ohio). Battle was raging
with terrific fury on the Right, but had not yet
involved Negley's line. The men were lying behind
a crest waiting. A brace of frantic wild turkeys, so
paralyzed with fright that they were incapable of
flying, ran between the lines and endeavored to hide
among the men. One of the " Twenty-Onesters "
caught one, and cutting off its head began to strip it
of feathers, boasting complacently that he would bave
fresh fowl after the fight. The wave of battle had
Burgeil alarmingly near the front of the " Twenty-

INCIDENTS ANjJ ANECDOTES. 363
Onesters " before the soldier had plucked his garae.
But while he was inserting it in his haversack, an
officer riding through the lines espied him and ofiiered
him a dollar for it. The soldier hesitated a raoment,
but accepted. The officer bagged the turkey, but
neither he nor the soldier could raake change. The
" Twenty-Onesters " were ordered forward, and the
soldier shouted, " Never mind. Take it along. I 'U
collect after the fight ! "
But the frenzy of the turkeys was not so touching
as the exquisite fright of the birds and rabbits.
When the roar of battle rushed through the cedar-
thickets, flocks of Uttle birds fluttered and circled
above the field in a state of utter bewilderment, and
scores of rabbits fled for protection to our men lying
down in line on the left, nestling under their coats
and creeping under their legs iu a state of utter
distraction. They hopped over the field like toads,
and as perfectly tamed by fright as household pets.
Many officers witnessed it, remarking it as one of the
most curious spectacles ever seen upou a battle-field.
An Irish soldier was hit by a bullet, and turned to
his coraraander. "Captain," said Pat, "sbure an'
I'ra hit!" "What the d — 1 are you doing there,
then?" roared the Captain; "get out of that and give
a better man your place." " Be jabers," retorted Pat,
" I 'U do no such thing. I want revinge, an' be dad
I 'U get it."
Lieutenant Willie Porter, detaUed to the Adjutant
General's office, and ex officio member of the staff,
afforded a laugh in the midst of a shower of shells.
Willie, a staunch youth of sorae eighteen or nineteen
summers, had been weathering the storm all day at

364 INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
the heels of the General's horse. When he mounted
in the morning he prudently filled the General's hav
ersack with luncheon, and slung it over his shoulder.
During the afternoon a fragment of a shell tore away
part of his pantaloons near his waist, lacerated his
body, and cut away the side of his haversack, letting
the bread and meat fall to the ground. " There,
now ! " said WilUe Avith admirable sang froid, a ludi
crous grimace expanding his countenance, " all the
dinner's gone." Lieutenant WilUe Porter aud Lieu
tenant James Reynolds, his corapanion, about the
same age, deserved honorable official mention for
their gallantry.
Another member of the staff' had a narrow escape
from a shell which whizzed very closely to a portion
of his body that is ordinarily protected^ by coat taUs.
He objected decidedly — "itwould be so d — d ridicu
lous to be killed in that manner." The staff fairly
roared over it, but the Captain " couldn't see it."
The operations of arabulance corps ou the field
during the fight furnished a curious battle picture.
Dozens of those soraber-looking vehicles were visible
in the woods and on the plain streaming incessantly
between the front and the hospitals, and often under
fire. When the vail of smoke lifted occasionally,
squads of men, in fours, with stretchers, were descried
between the lines — wheu the conflict was partially
suspended at one point, although it was raging to the
right or left — bearing the wounded to the rear. Late
in the evening of Wednesday au ambulance party on
the right was fiercely hailed by the rebel pickets.
" What the h — 1 are you doing here? " " Picking up
wounded men ! " " Well pick 'em up quick and get

INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES. 365
out of this ? " Our men replied, " Send over and get
your wounded." " All right ! "
HOW THE GENERALS APPEARED IN BATTLE.
The rebel sharpshooters were sorely annoying.
They picked off scores of our soldiers and officers.
One of them permanently disabled Colonel Prizelle
of the Ninety-Fourth Ohio. General Rosecrans
probably owed his escape from them to the fact that
his rank was not distinguishable. His uniform was
mostly covered by an ample cavalry overcoat fastened
by a single button under his chin, so that only a few
buttons on the breast of his uniform were visible.
This was merely the accident of weather. It was a
chill morning, and overcoats were essential to com
fort. It was fortunate also that " Toby," his gray
charger, had not been brought to the front. It is
altogether probable he would have raounted bim that
day to spare " Boney," his inagnificent bay — a steed
of u'n^sual size and spirit, whose fire, syraraetry, and
proud style fully realized youthful iraagination's con
ception of a war horse with " neck clothed in thun
der, and sraelling battle."
The General is an inveterate smoker. When he
mounted in the morning he had a cigar in his mouth.
The absorption of battle caused him to forget it, and
the Ught expired, but the force of habit was triumph
ant. He retained the stump in his mouth during
hours, removing it mechanically when he gave orders.
The cigar, the sky-blue cavalry overcoat with stand
ing collar, a low-crowned black felt hat pushed back
upon his head until the back rim tipped down upon
his neck at a sharp angle, conceaUng the coat collar,

366 INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
and his chin elevated more than ordinarily, "Boney"
ptancing gently and bowing his head with stately
pride, was a picture of the General Commanding
which his staff will readUy recognize in this plain
sketch. Rousseau, in full uniform, rode a superb thorough
bred chestnut. He raet a friend on the field just after
his division had driven the enemy back into the
woods. He was just about to send after Starkweath
er's brigade. At that moment his countenance was
aglow with the enthusiasm of triumph — such a face
as men love to meet in battle, for it was inspiriting.
Drawing rein he accosted his friend cheerily, and
shook a canteen at him. "You look dry and
exhausted — let rae refresh you." It was mauna in the
wUderness, said his friend, subsequently. The latter
adraired the chestnut. Rousseau, turning in his
saddle, pointed to an ugly bullet laceration on the
rurap of his charger. "I wouldn't mind it," he said,
" but it's a  fine boss— a Kentucky boss." A shell
whizzing in close proximity concluded the colloquy.
Crittenden rode a fine bay horse, and was clad in a
dark overcoat, with a regulation cap covered with oil
cloth. Crittenden at review is more moved than Crit
tenden in battle. McCook's fine chestnut was killed
in the morning, and he rode a "plug" in the after
noon. Major Bates, of his staff, had also lost his
horse, but compensated hiraself by "jayhawking," as
he said, "soraebody's big yaller stud boss." Tbis was
while the awful battle of the Left Wing was going on
Wednesday afternoon. McCook and his staff" were in
a shallow basin at the left of his line. He looked a
little flushed and worried by fatigue, but did not seem

INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES. 367
in the least disturbed by battle. The misfortune of
the Right probably affected him. The infantry fought
in their overcoats, but the cannoniers stripped to the
buff. It was interesting to observe that horses which
at review are generally wild and rampant, were not at
all difficult to manage in the raidst of the stunning
uproar of battle. They exhibited splendid spirit, but
ordinarily they were perfectly tractable and gentle.
You would have said they appreciated the spirit of
the occasion. But when their riders were dismounted
they were seized with frenzy, and plunged across the
field in uncontrollable agony of fright.
After the battle. Major Goddard, for his services
and gallantry, was proraoted to the office of Adjutant
General and Chief of Staff, with rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. Lieutenant Bond was promoted to the
Senior Aidship, with rank of Major. Lieutenant
Kirby was recomraended for promotion to a Cap
taincy, and for a brevet as Major. The gallant offi
cers of staff of the Corps Generals v?ere alsp promoted,
Thomas, McCook, and Crittenden being designated
comraanders of the Fourteenth, Twentieth, and
Twenty-First Array Corps, respectively, thus increas
ing the numerical force of their staffs, and elevating
the grades of rank of officers.
CONGRATULATORY.
Upon the reception at Washington of thc tidings of
the success of Major General Rosecrans, the Presi
dent of the United States sent him the foUowing tele
graphic acknowledgment of his personal and official
gratitude.

368 INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
Washington, Januafy Sth.
To Major General Rosecrans :
Your dispatch, announcing the retreat of the enemy, hija
just reached here. God bless you and all with you. Please
tender to all, and accept for yourself, the nation's gratitude for
your and their skill, endurance, and dauntless courage.
A. LINCOLN.
The Secretary of War forwarded a sirailar congrat
ulation, and Major General Halleck also sent a tele
gram, of which the following is a copy, viz.:
Washington, January 9, 1863.
Major General Rosecrans, Commanding Army of the Cum
berland:GrENERAL — Rebel telegrams fully confirm your telegrams
from the battle-field. The victory was well earned, and one of
the most brilliant of the war. You and your brave army have
won the gratitude of your country, and the admiration of the
world. The field of Murfreesboro is made historical, and
future generations will point out the place where so many
heroes fell gloriously in defense of the Constitution and the
Uniofl. All honor to the Army of the Cumberland. Thanks
to the living, and tears for the lamented dead.
H. W. HALLECK.
I'he Victory electrifled the nation, and the people
heaped their grateful thanks upon the General and
his splendid army. It was the most raoraentous battle
of the war up to that period. It saved Tennessee
and Kentucky, and there can be little doubt that Ohio
and Indiana owe their present exemption frora inva
sion to it. AT MDRFREESBORO.
General headquarters were established in Murfrees
boro on Monday the 5th of January. The army took

INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES. 369
up a line in front and settled down to rest. Captain
Morton and the Pioneer Brigade at once proceeded to
reconstruct the railroad bridge across Stone Rivei-,
and to fortify the town in order to make it an inter
mediate magazine of suppUes. Details were dis
patched to the surrounding country to coUect all the
forage and stock that could be found. The grist mill
at the post was put into operation and the troops
were supplied with meal. The rainy season now inter
posed to obstruct offensive operations upon an exten
sive scale, though preparations were vigorously pressed.
Bad weather was corapensated for by a freshet in the
Cumberland, which reopened navigation and gave
assurance of suppUes. The War Department caused
the army to be reraodeled, by constituting its three
grand divisions Corps de Armee — the Fourteenth,
Twentieth, and Twenty-First, under Thomas, Mc
Cook, and Crittenden, Major deueral Rosecrans
commanding the grand array, — -and thus concluded
the history of the original Fourteenth Army Corps.

APPENDIX.

OFFICIAL REPORTS

BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.

GENERAL ROSECRANS' OFEICIAL REPORT.
Headqdaktees Department of the Comeerland, ¦»
morrreeseoko, tennessee, [¦
February 12, 1863. J
General — As the sub-reports are now nearly all in, I have the
honor to submit, for the information of the General-in-Chief, the sub
joined report, witb accompanying sub-reports, maps, and statistical
rolls of the battle of Stone River.
To a proper understanding of this battle, it will be necessary to
state the PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS AND PREPARATIONS.
Assuming command of the army, at Louisville, on the 27th day of
October, it was found concentrated at Bowling Green and Glasgow,
distant about one hundred and thirty miles from Louisville ; from
whence, after replenishing with ammunition, supplies, and clothing,
they moved on to Nashville, the advance corps reaching that place on
the morning of the Tth of November, a distance of one hundred and
eighty-three miles from Louisville.
At this distance from my base of supplies, the first thing to be dono
was to provide for the subsistence of the troops, aud open the Louisville
and NashviUe Railroad. The cars commenced running through on
the 26th of November, previous to which time our supplies had been
brought by rail to Mitchelville, thirty-five miles north of Nashville,
and from thence, by constant labor, we had been able to haul enough
to replenish the exhausted stores for the garrison at NashviUe, and
subsist the troops of the moving army. (371)

372 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Frora the 26th of November to the 26th of December, every effort
was bent to complete the clothing of the army, to provide it with
ammunition, and replenish the depot at NashvUle with needful sup
plies to insure us against want from the largest possible detention
likely to occur by the breaking of the Louisville and Nashville Rail
road ; and to insure this work, the road was guarded by a heavy force
posted at Gallatin.
The enormous superiority in numbers of the rebel cavalry, kept our
little cavalry force almost within the infantry lines, and gave the
enemy control of the entire country around us. It was obvious, from
the beginning, that we should be confronted by Bragg's army, recruited
by an inexorable conscription, and aided by clouds of mounted men,
formed into a guerrilla-like cavalry, to avoid the hardships of conscrip
tion and infantry service. The evident difficulties and labors of nn
advance into this country, and against such a force, and at such dis
tance from our base of operations, with which we connected by a sin
gle precarious thread, made it manifest that our policy was to induce
the enemy to travel over as much as possible of the space that sep
arated us — thus avoiding for us the wear and tear, and diminution of
our forces, and subjecting the enemy to all these inconveniences,
besiide increasing for him, and diminishing for us, the dangerous con
sequences of a defeat.
The means taken to obtain this end were eminently successful. The
enemy, expecting us to go into winter quarters at Nashville, had pre
pared his own winter quarters at Murfreesboro, with the hope of pos
sibly making them at Nashville, and had sent a large cavalry force
into West Tennessee to annoy Grant, and another large force into
Kentucky to break up the railroad. In the absence of these forces,
and with adequate supplies in NashviUe, the movement was judged
opportune for au advance on the rebels. Polk's and Kirby Smith's
forces were at Murfreesboro, and Hardee's corps on the Shelby ville and
Nolensville pike, between Triune and Eaglesville, with an advance
guard at Nolensville, while our troops lay in front of Nashville, on the
Franklin, Nolensville, and Murfreesboro turnpikes.
THE PLAN OF THE MOVEMENTS
Was as follows :
MoCook, with three divisions, to advance by the Nolensville pike to
Triune. Thomas, with two divisions (Negley's and Rousseau's), to advance
on his right, by the Franklin and Wilson pikes, threatening Hardee's
right, and then to fall in by the cross-roads to Nolensville.
Crittenden, with Wood'.s, Palmer's, and Van Cleve's divisions, to
advance by the Murfreesboro pike to Lavergne.
With Thomas' two divisions at Nolensville, McCook was to atiack
Hardee at Triune, and if the enemy reinforced Hardee, Thomas was
to support McCook.
If McCook beat Hardee, or Hardee retreated, and the enemy met us
at Stewart's Creek, five miles south of Lavergne, Crittenden was to
attack him ; Thomas was to come in on his left flank, and McCook,
after detaching a division to pursue or observe Hardee, if retreating
south, was to move, with the remainder of his foroe, on their rear.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 373

THE MOVEMENT
Began on the morning of the 26th of December. McCook advanced
on the NolensviUe pike, skirmishing his way all day, meeting with
stiff resistance from cavalry and artillery, and closing the day by a
brisk fight, which gave him possession of Nolensville and the hills one
and a half miles in front, capturing one gun, by the One Hundred and
First Ohio aud Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiments, his loss this day being
about seventy-five killed and wounded.
Thomas followed on tlie right, and closed Negley's division on Nolens
viUe pike, leaving the other (Rousseau's) division on the right flank.
Crittenden advanced to Lavergne, skirmishing heavily on his front,
over a rough country, intersected by forests and cedar-brakes, with
but slight loss.
On the 26th, General McCook advanced on Triune, but his movement
was retarded by a dense fog.
Crittenden had orders to delay his movements until McCook had
reached Triune, and developed the intentions of the enemy at that
point, so that it could be determined which Thomas was to support.
McCook arrived at Triune, and reported that Hardee had retreated,
and that he had sent a division in pursuit.
Crittenden beprau his advance about eleven o'clock A. M., driving
before him a brigade of cavalry, supported by Maney's brigade of
rebel infantry, and reached Stewart's Creek, the Third Kentucky gal
lantly charging the rear guard of the enemy, and saving the bridge,
on which had been placed a pile of rails that had beeu set on fire.
This was Saturday night.
McCook having settled the fact of Hardee's retreat, Thomas moved
Negley's division on to join Crittenden at Stewart's Greek, and moved
Rousseau's to Nolensville.
On Sunday the troops rested, except Rousseau's division, whioh was
ordered to move on to Stewartsboro; and Willich's brigade, whioh had
pursued Hardee as far as Rigg-i' Cross-roads, and had determined the
faot that Hardee had gone to Murfreesboro, when they returned to
Triune. On Monday morning McCook was ordered to move from Triune to
Wilkinson's Cross-roads, six miles from Murfreesboro, leaving a brigade
at Triune.
Crittenden crossed Stewart's Creek by the Smyrna bridge, on the
main Murfreesboro pike, and Negley by the ford, two miles above ;
their whole force to advance on Murfreesboro, distant eleven miles.
Rousseau was to remain at Stewart's Creek until his train came up,
and prepare himself to follow.
McCook reached Wilkinson's Cross-roads by evening, with an
advance brigade at Overall's Creek, saving and holding the bridge,
meeting with but little resistance,
Crittenden's corps advanced. Palmer leading, on the Murfreesboro
pike, followed by Negley, of Thomas' corps, to within three miles of
Murfreesboro, having hnd several brisk skirmishes, driving the enemy
rapidly, saving two bridges on the route, and forcing the enemy back
to his intrenchments.

374 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
About three o'clock P. M., a signal message coming from the front,
from General Palmer, said that he was in sight of Murfreesboro, and
the enemy were running. An order was sent to General Crittenden to
send a division to occupy Murfreesboro.
This led General Crittenden, on reaohiiigr the enemy's front, to order
Harker's brigade to cross the river at a ford on his left, where he sur
prised a regiment of Breckinridge's division, and drove it back on its
main lines, not more than five hundred yards distant, in considerable
confusion ; and he held this position until General Crittenden wag,!
advised, by prisoners captured by Harker's brigade, that Breckinridge
was in force on his front, when, it being dark, he ordered the brigade
baok across the river, and reported the circumstances to the Command
ing General, on his arrival, to whom he apologized for not having car
ried out the order to occupy Murfreesboro. Tho General approved of
his action, of course, the order to occupy Murfree.?boro having been
based on the information received from General Crittenden's advance
division, that the enemy were retreating from Murfreesboro.
Crittenden's corps, with Negley's division, bivouacked in order of
battle, distant seven hundred yards from the enemy's intrenchments,
our left extending down the river some five hundred yards. The Pio
neer Brigade, bivouacking still lower down, prepared three fords, and
covered one of them, while Wood's division covered the other two.
Van Cleve's division being in reserve, on the raorning of the SOth
Rousseau, with two brigades, was ordered down early from Stewart's
Creek, leaving one brigade there, and sending another to Smyrna to
cover our left and rear, and took his place in reserve in rear of Pal
mer's right, while General Negley moved ou through the cedar-brakes
until his right rested on the Wilkinson pike. The Pioneer Corps cut
roads through the cedars for his ambulances and ammunition wagons.
The Commanding General reraained with the Left and Center, exam
ining the ground, while General McCoolc moved forward from Wilkin
son's Cross-roads, slowly and steadily, raeeting with heavy resist
ance, fighting his way frora Overall's Creek until he got into position,
with a loss of one hundred and thirty-five killed and wounded.
Our small division of cavalry, say three thousand men, had been
divided into three parts, of whicll General Stanley took two, and
accorapanied General McCook, fighting his way across from the Wil
kinson to the Franklin pike, and below it. Colonel Zahn's brigade
leading gallantly, and meeting with such heavy resistance that McOook
sent two brigades from Johnson's division, which succeeded in fighting
their way into position, while the Third Brigade, which had been
left at Triune, moved forward from that place, and arrived at night
fall near General McCook's headquarters. Thus on the close of the
SOth, the troops had all got into position.
At four o'clock in the afternoon. General MoCook had reported his
arrival on the Wilkinson pike, joining Thomas — the result of the com
bat in the afternoon, near Grieson's house, and the fact that Sherridan
was in position there, that his right was advancing to support the cav
alry ; also, that Hardee's corps, with two divisions of Polk's, was on
his' front, extending down toward the Salem pike.
Without any map of the ground, whioh was to us Urra incogmta,

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 375
when General McCook informed the General Commanding that his
corps was facing strongly to the east, the General Commanding told
him that such a direction to his line did not appear to him a proper
one, but that it ought, with the exception of his left, to face much more
nearly south, with Johnson's division in reserve ; but that this matter
must be confided to him, who knew the ground over which he had
fought. At nine o'clock P. M., the corps commanders met at the headquar
ters of the General Commanding, who explained to them the following

PLAN OF THE BATTLE.
McCook was to occupy the most advantageous position, refusing his
right as much as practicable and necessary to secure it ; to receive the
attack of the enemy, or, if that did not come, to attack himself, suffi
cient to hold all the force on his front.
Thomas and Palmer to open with skirmishing, and gain the enemy's
center and left as far as the river.
Crittenden to cross Van Cleve's division at the lower ford, covered
and supported by the Sappers and Miners, and to advance on Breck
inridge. Wood's division to follow by brigades, crossing at the upper ford,
and raoving on Van Cleve's right, to carry everything before them into
Murfreesboro. This would have given us two divisions against one, and as soon as
Breckinridge had been dislodged from his position, the batteries of
Wood's division, taking position on the hights east of Stone River, in
advance, would see the enemy's works in reverse, would dislodge
them, and enable Palmer's division to press them back, and drive them
westward across the river, or through the woods, while Thomas, sus
taining the movement on the Center, would advance on the right of
Palmer, crushing their right; and Crittenden's coi-ps, advancing,
would take Murfreesboro, and then moving westward on the Franklin
road, get in their flank and rear, and drive them into the country,
toward Salem, with the prospect of cutting off their retreat, and prob
ably destroying tbeir army.
It was explained to them tliat this corabination, ensuring us a vast
superiority on our left, required for its success, that General McCook
should be able to hold his position for three hours ; that if necessary
to recede at all, he should recede as he had advanced on the preceding
day, slowly, as steadily, refusing his right, thereby rendering our suc
cess certain.
Having thus explained the plan, the General Commanding addressed
General McCook as follows :
" You know the ground — you have fought over it ; you know its
difficulties. Can you hold your present position for three hours ?"
To which General McCook responded :
"Yes, I think I can."
The General Commanding then said :
" I don't like the facing so much to the east, but must confide that to

376 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
you, who know the ground. If you don't think your present the best
position, change it. It is only necessary for you to make things sure.
Tlie officers then returned to their commands.
At daylight on the morning of the Slst, the troops breakfasted, and
stood to their arms, and by seven o'clock were preparing for the
BATTLE.
The movement began on the left by Van Cleve, who covered the
crossing at the lower fords. Wood prepared to sustain and follow him.
The enemy meanwhile had prepared to attack General McCook, and by
six and a half o'clock advanced in heavy columns regiraental front, his
left attacking Willich's and Kirk's brigades, of Johnson's division,
and were, after a sharp, but fruitless contest, crumbled to pieces and
driven back, leaving Edgarton's and part of Goodspeed's Batteries in
the hands of the enemy.
The eneray following up, attacked Davis' division, and speedily dis
lodged Post's brigade. Carlin's brigado was compelled to follow, as
'VS'oodruff's brigade, frora thc weight of testimony, had previously left
its position on his left. Johnson's brigades, in retiring, inclined too
far to the west, and were too rauch scattered to make a combined
resistance, though they fought bravely at one or two points before
reaching Wilkinson's pike. The reserve brigade of Johnson's divi
sion, advancing from its bivouac near Wilkinson's pike toward the
Right, took a good position, and raade a gallant but' ineffectual stand,
as the whole rebel left was moving up on the ground abandoned by
our troops.
Within an hour from the time of the opening of the battle, a staff
officer from General McCook arrived, announcing to me that the Right
Wing was heavily pressed, and needed assistance ; but I was not
advised of the rout of Willich's and Kirby's brigades, nor of the
rapid withdrawal of Davis' division, necessitated thereby. Moreover,
having supposed his wing posted more compactly, and his right more
refused than it really was, the direction of the noise of battle did not
indicate to me the true state of affairs. I consequently directed him
to return and direct General McCook to dispose his troops to the best
advantage, and to hold his ground obstinately. Soon after, a second
officer from General McCook arrived, and stated that the Right Wing
was being driven — a fact that was but too manifest, by the rapid
movement of the noise of battle toward the north.
General Thomas was immediately dispatched to order Rousseau — then
in reserve — into the cedar-brakes to the right and rear of Sherridan.
General Crittenden was ordered to suspend Van Cleve's movement
across the river on the left, and to cover the crossing with one brigade
and move the other two brigades westward, across the fields toward
the railroad, for a reserve. Wood was also directed to suspend his
preparations for crossing and to hold HascaU in reserve.
At this moment fugitives and stragglers from McCook's corps began
to make their appearance through the cedar-brakes in such numbers
that I became satisfied that McCook's corps was routed. I therefore
directed General Crittenden to send Van Cleve in to the right of Rous-

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 377
seau, Wood to send Colonel Harker's brigade further down the Mur
freesboro pike, to go in and attack the enemy on the right of Van Cleve,
the Pioneer Brigade meanwhile occupying the knoll of ground west
of the Murfreesboro pike, and about four hundrod or five hundred
yards in the rear of Palmer's center, supporting Stokes' Battery (see
accompanying drawing). Sherridan, after sustaining four successive
attacks, gradually swung his right round south-easterly to a north
western direction, repulsing the enemy four times, losing the gallant
General Sill, of his right, and Colonel Roberts, of his left brigade,
when, having exhausted liis ammunition, Negley's division being in
the same predicaraent, and heavily pressed, after desperate fighting
they fell back from the position held at the commencement, through
the cedar woods in which Rousseau's division, with a portion of Neg
ley's and Sherridan's met the advancing enemy, and checked his
movements. The aramunition train of the Right Wing, endangered by its sudden
discomfiture, was taken charge of by Captain Thruston, of the First
Ohio Regiment ; an ordnance officer, who, by his energy and gal
lantry, aided by a charge of cavalry, and such troops as he could pick
up, carried it through the woods to the Murfreesboro pike, around to
the rear of the Left Wing; thus enabling the troops of Sherridan's divi
sion to replenish their empty cartridge-boxes. During all this time.
Palmer's front had likewise been iu action, the enemy having made
several attempts to advance upon it. At this stage, it became neces
sary to readjust the line of battle to the new state of affairs. Rousseau
and Van Cleve's advance having relieved Sherridan's division from
the pressure, Negley's division and Cruft's brigade from Palmer's divi
sion, withdrew from their original position in front of the cedars, and
crossed the open field to the east of the Murfreesboro pike, about four
hundred yards in rear of our front line, where Negley was ordered
to replenish his ammunition and form in close column in reserve.
The Right and Center of our line, now extended from Hazen to
Murfreesboro pike, in a north-westerly direction, Hascall supporting
Hazen, Rousseau filling the interval to the Pioneer Brigade.
Negley in reserve. Van Cleve west of the Pioneer Brigade ; McCook's
corps refused on his right, and slightly to the rear, on Murfreesboro
pike; the cavalry being still further to the rear on Murfreesboro pike
and beyond Overall's Creek.
The enemy's infantry and cavalry attack on our extreme Right, was
repulsed by Van Cleve's division, with Harker's brigade and the cav
alry. After several attempts of the enemy to advance on this new
line, which were thoroughly repulsed, as were also the attempts on the
Left, the day closed leaving us masters of the original ground on our
Left, and our Une advantageously posted, with open ground, in front,
swept at aU points by our artillery. We had lost heavily in killed and
wounded, and a considerable number in stragglers and prisoners ;
also, twenty-eight pieces of artillery, the horses having been slain,
and our troops being unable to withdraw them, by hand, over the
rough ground; but the enemy had been roughly handled, and badly
damaged at all points, having had no success where we had open
ground, and our troops properly posted, none, which did not depend
32

378 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
on the original crushing of our Bight and the superior masses whici
were, in consequence, brought to bear upon the narrow front of Sher
ridan's and Negley's divisions, and a part of Palmer's coupled with
the sc.ircity of aramunition, caused by the circuitous road which the
train had taken, and the inconvenience of getting it from a, remote
distance through the cedars. Orders were given for the issue of all
thc spare amraunition, and we found that we had enough for another
battle, the only question being where that battle was to be fought.
It was decided, in order to complete our present lines, that the Left
should be retired some two hundred and fifty yards, to more advantageous
ground the extreme Left resting on Stone River, above the lower ford,
and extending to Stokes' Battery. Starkweather's and Walker's bri
gades arriving near the close of the evening, the former bivouacked in
close column, in reserve, in the rear of JlcCook's left, and thc latter
was posted on the left of Sherridan, near the Murfreesboro pike, and,
next morning, relieved Van Cleve, who returned to his position in the
Left Wing. DISPOSITION FOR JANUARY 1, 1863.
After careful examination, and free consultation with corps com
manders, followed by a personal examination of the ground in the
rear, as far as Overall's Creek, it was determined to await the enemy's
attack in that position, to send for the provision train, and order up
fresh supplies of ammunition, on the arrival of which, shonld the ene
my not attack, offensive operations should be resumed.
No demonstration on the morningof the 1st of January; Crittenden
was ordered to occupy the points opposite the ford on his left, with a
brigade. About two o'clock in the .afternoon, the enemy, who had shown signs
of movement and massing on our Right, appeared at the extremity bf a
field a mile and a half from the Murfreesboro pike, but the presence
of Gibson's brigade, with a battery, occupying the woods near
Overall's Creek, and Negley's division nnd a portion of Rousseau's on
the Murfreesboro pike, opposite the field, put an end to this demon
stration, and the day closed with another demonstration by the enemy,
on Walker's brigade, whioh ended in the sarae manner.
On Friday raorning, the enemy opened four heavy batteries on our
Center, and made a strong demonstration of an attack a little further to
the right; but a well-directed fire of artillery soon silenced his batteries,
while the guns of Walker and Sherridan put an end to his effort there.
About three o'clock P. M., while the Coraraanding General was
exaraining the position of Crittenden's Left, across the river, whieh
was now held by Van Cleve's division, supported by a brigade from
Palmer's, u. double line of skirmishers was seen to emerge from the
woods in a south-easterly direction, advancing across the fields, and
were soon followed by heavy columns of infentry, battalion front,
with three batteries of artillery.
Our ouly battery on this side of the river had been witlidrawn frora
an eligible point, but the most available spot was pointed out, and it
soon opened here upon the enemy. The line, however, advanced
steadily to within one hundred yards of the front of Van Cleve's divi-

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 379
sion, when a short and fierce contest ensued. Van Cleve's division
giving way, retired in considerable confusion across the river, fol
lowed closely by the enemy.
General Crittenden immediately directed his Chief of Artillery to
dispose the batteries on the hill, on the west side of the river, so as to
open on them, while two brigades of Negley's division, from the
reserve, and the Pioneer Brigade were ordered up to meet the onset.
The firing was terrific, and the havoc terrible. The enemy retreated
more rapidly than they had advanced; in forty minutes they lost two
thousand raen.
General Davis, seeing some stragglers from Van Cleve's division,
took one of his i>rigades and crossed at a ford below, to attack the
enemy on his loft flank, and, by General McCook's order, the rest of
his division was permitted to follow; but when he arrived, two bri
gades of Negley's division, and Hazen's brigade, of Palmer's division,
had pursued the fiying enemy well across the field, capturing four
pieces of artillery and a stand of colors.
It was now after dark, and raining, or we should have pursued the
enemy into Murfreesboro. As it was, Crittenden's corps passed over,
and with Davis, occupied the crests, which were intrenched in a few
hours. • Deeming it possible that the eneray might again attack our Right
and Center, thus weakened, I thought it advisable to make a demon
stration on our Right by a heavy division of oamp fires, and by lay
ing out a line of battle with torches, which answered the purpose.
SATURDAY, 3d DAY OF JANUARY.
It rained heavily from three o'clock in the morning ; the plowed
ground over which our Left would be obliged to advanoe, was impass
able for artillery. The ammunition train did |not arrive until ten
o'clock ; it was, therefore, deemed unadvisable to advance, but bat
teries were put in position on the left, by which the ground could be
swept, and even Murfreesboro reached, by the Parrott shells.
A heavy and constant picket firing had been kept up on our Right
and Center, and extending to our Left, which at last becarae so annoy
ing, that m the afternoon I directed the corps commanders to clear
their fronts.
Occupying the woods to the left of Murfreesboro pike with sharp
shooters, the enemy had annoyed Rousseau all day, and General
Thomas and himself requested permission to dislodge them and their
supports which covered a ford. This was granted, and a sharp fire
from four batteries was opened for ten or fifteen minutes, when Rous
seau sent two of his regiraents, which, with Spears' Tennesseeans and
¦ tlie Eighty-Fifth Illinois Volunteers, that had come out with the wagon
train, charged upon the enemy, and after a sharp contest cleared the
woods, and drove the euemy from his trenches, capturing from seventy
to eighty prisoners.
Sunday morning, the 4th of January, it was not deemed advisable
to commence offensive movements, and news soon reached us that the
enemy had fied from Murfreesboro. Burial parties were sent out to
bury the dead, and the cavalry was sent to reconnoiter.

380 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Early Monday morning General Thomas advanced, driving the rear
guard of the rebel cavalry before him six or seven miles, toward Man
chester. McCook's and Crittenden's corps following, took position in front of
the town, occupying Murfreesboro.
We learned that the enemy's infantry had reached Shelbyville by
12 M. on Sunday, but owing to the impracticability of bringing up
supplies, and the loss of five hundred and fifty-seven artillery horses,
further pursuit was deemed inadvisable.
It may be of interest to give the following
GENERAL SUMMARY
Of the operations aud results of the series of skirmishes, closing with
the battle of Stone River and the occupation of Murfreesboro. We
moved on the eneray with the following forces :
Infantry  41,421
Cavalry  3,296
Artillery  2,223
Total  46,940
We fought the battle with the following forces :
Infantry  37,977
Cavalry  3,200
Artillery  2,223
Total  43,400
We lost in killed :
Officers  92
Enlisted men  1,441
Total  1,533
We lost in wounded :
Officers  384
Enlisted men  6,861
Total  7,245
Total killed and wounded  8,778
Being 20.03 per oent. of the entire force in action.

OUR LOSS IN PRISONERS
Is not fully made out ; but the Provost Marshal General says, from
present information, they wiU fall short of two thousand eight
huijdred.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 381
If there are any more bloody battles on record, considering the
newness and inexperience of the troops, both officers and men, or if
there have been more fighting qualities displayed by any people, I
should be pleased to know it.
AS TO THE CONDITION OE THE FIGHT,
We may say that we operated over an unknown country, against a
position which was fifteen per cent, better than our own, every foot of
ground and approaches being well known to the enemy, and that these
disadvantages were fatally enhanced by the faulty position of our
Right Wing.
The force we fought is estiraated as follows: We have prisoners
from one hundred and thirty-two regiments of infantry (consolida
tions counted as one), averaging from those in General Bushrod John
son's division four hundred and eleven each — say, for certain, three
hundred and fifty men each, will give No. men.
132 Regiments infantry, say 350 men each  46,200
12 Battalions sharpshooters, say 100 men each  1,200
23 Battalions of artillery, say 80 men each  1,840
29 Regiments cavalry, men each  400 ¦! ..„ non
And 24 organizations of cavalry, men each  70 / '
220 62,520
Their average loss, taken from the statistics of Cleborne, Breckin
ridge and Withers' di\i^ions, was about two thousand and eighty each.
This, for six divisions of infantry and one of cavalry, will amount to
fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty men; or to ours nearly as
one hundred and sixty-five to one hundred.
Of fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty rebels struck by our
missiles, it is estimated that twenty thousand rounds of artiUery hit
seven hundred and twenty-eight men ; two million rounds of mus
ketry hit thirteen thousand eight hundred and thirty-two men; aver
aging twenty-seven cannon shots to hit one man ; one hundred and
forty-five musket shots to hit one man.
Our relative loss was as follows : Per cent.
Right Wing  15,938. Musketry and artillery loss 20.72
Center  10,866. " " " 18.4
Left Wing  13,288. « " " 24.6
On the whole, it is evident that we fought superior numbers on
unknown ground, inflicting much more injury than we suffered. We
were always superior on equal ground with equal numbers, and only
failed of a most crushing victory on Wednesday by the extension and
direction of our Right Wing.
This closes the narrative of the movements and seven days' fighting
which terminated with the occupation of Murfreesboro. For a detailed

382 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
history of the parts taken in the battles of the different commands,
their obstinate bravery and patient endurance, in which the new regi
ments vied with those of more experience, I must refer to the accom
panying sub-reports of the corps, division, cavalry and artiUery
commanders. Besides the mention which has been already raade of the service of
our ariillery by the brigade, division, and corps comraanders, I deem it
a duty to say that such a marked evidence of skill in handling the-
batteries, and in firing low with suoh effect, appears in this battle to
deserve special commendation.
Among the lesser commands which deserve special mention for dis-,
tinguished service in the battle, is the Pioneer Corps, a body of seven
teen hundred (1,700) men, coraposed of details from the companies of
each infantry regiment, organized and instructed by Captain James
St. Clair Morton, Corps' of Engineers, Chief Engineer of this army,
which marched as an infantry brigade with the Left Wing, made
bridges at Stewart's Creek, prepared and guarded the fort at Stone
River on the nights of the 29th and SOth, supported Stokes' Battery,
and fought with valor and determination on tlie Slst, holding its posi
tion until relieved ; ou the morning of the 2d advancing with the
greatest promptitude and gallantry to support Van Cleve's division
against the attack on our Left ; on the evening of the same day, con
structing a bridge and batteries between that time and Saturday even
ing ; and the efficiency and esprit de corps suddenly developed in this
command, its gallant behavior in action, the eminent service it is con
tinually rendering the army, entitle both officers and men to special
public notice and thanks, while they reflect the highest credit on the
distinguished ability and capacity of Captain Morton, who will do
honor to his promotion to » Brigadier General, which the President
has promised him.
The ability, order, and method exhibited in the management of the
wounded, elicited the warmest commendation from all our general offi
oers, in which I most cordifiUy join.
Notwithstanding the numbers to be cared for, through the energy of
Doctor Swift, Medical Director, ably assisted by Doctor Weeds and the
senior Surgeons of the various commands, there was less suffering
from delay than I have ever before witnessed.
The Tenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, at Stewart's Creek, Lieu
tenant Colonel J. W. Burke commanding, deserves especial praise for
the abUity and spirit with whioh they held their post, defended our
trains, secured their guards, chased away Wheeler's rebel cavalry,
saving a large wagon train, and arrested and retained for service
some two thousand stragglers from the battle-field.
The First Regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, at
Lavergne, under command of Colonel Innis, fighting behind a slight
protection of wagons and brush, gallantly repulsed ii charge from
more than ten times their numbers ,of Wheeler's cavalry.
For distinguished acts of individual zeal, heroism, gallantry, and
good conduct, I refer to the accompanying " List of Special Mrntims
.and Recommendations for Promotion," wherein are named some of the
many noble men" who have distinguished themselves and done honor

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 383
to their country and the starry symbol of its unity. But those
named there are by no means all whose names will be inscribed on
the rolls of honor we are prep.aring, and hope to have held in grateful
remembrance by our countrymen. To say that such men as Major
General G. H. Thomas^true and prudent, distinguished in council and
on raany battle-fields, for his courage; or Major General McCook, a
tried, faithful, and loyal soldier, who bravely breasted battle at
Shiloh and at Perryville, and as bravely on the bloody field of Stone
River; and Major General Thomas L. Crittenden, whose heart is that
of a true soldier and patriot, and whose gallantry, often attested by
his companions in arras in other fields, witnessed raany times by this
army long before I had the honor to command it, never rnore conspic
uously than in this combat, raaintained their high character througlii
out this action, but feebly express my feeling of obligation to them for
counsel and support from the tirae of my arrival to the present hour.
I doubly thank thera, as well as the gallant, ever-ready Miijor Gen
eral Rousseau, for their support in this battle.
Brigadier General Stanley, already distinguished for four success
ful battles. Island No. 10, May 27, before Corinth, Iuka, and the battle
of Corinth, at this time in comraand of our ten regiments of cavalry,
fought the enemy's forty regiraents of cavalry, and held them at bay,
and beat them wherever he could meet them. He ought to be made a
Major General for his services, and also for the good of the service.
As for such Brigadiers as Negley, Jefferson 0. Davis, Johnson,
Palmer, HascaU, Van Cleve, Wood, Mitchel), Cruft, and Sherridan,
they ought to be made Major Generals in our service. In such bri
gade commanders as Colonels Carlin, Miller, Hazen, Samuel Beatty of
the Nineteenth Ohio, Gibson, Grose, Wagner, John Beatty of the Third
Ohio, Harker, Starkweather, Stanley, and others, whose names are
mentioned in the accompanying report, the Government may well con
fide. They are the men from whom our troops should be at once sup
plied with Brigadier Generals; and justice to the brave men and
officers of the regiments, equally demands their promotion, to give
them and their regiraents their proper leaders. Many captains and
subalterns also showed great gaUantry and capacity for superior
commands. But above all, the steady rank and file showed invincible
fighting courage and stamina worthy of a great and free nation,
requiring only good officers, discipline, and instruction, to make them
equal if not superior to any troops in ancient or raodern times. To
them I offer my most heartfelt thanks and good wishes.
Words of my own can not add to the renown of our brave and
patriotic officers and soldiers who fell on the field of honor, nor
increase respect for their memory in the hearts of our countrymen.
The names of suoh men as Lieutenant Colonel J. P. GareschiJ, the
pure and noble Christian gentleman and chivalric officer, who gave
his life an early offering ou the altar of his country's freedom ; the
gentle, true, and accomplished General Sill ; the brave, ingenious, and
able Colonels Roberts, Millikin, Shaeffer, McKee, Reed, Forman, Fred.
Jones, Hawkins, Kell, and the, gallant and faithful Major Carpenter,
of the Nineteenth Regulars, and many other field officers, will live in ¦
our country's history, as well as those of many others of inferior

384 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
rank, whose soldierly deeds on this memorable battle-field won for
them the adrairation of their companions, and will dwell in our mem
ories in long future years after God, in his mercy, shall have given us
peace and restored us to the bosom of our homes and families. Sim
ple justice to the officers of my Staff requires their special mention,
the noble and lamented Lieutenant Colonel Garesche, Chief of Staff;
LieutenantColonel Taylor, Chief Quartermaster; LieutenantColonel
Simmons, Chief Commissary; Major C. Goddard, senior Aiddecamp;
Major Ralston Skinner, Judge Advocate General; Lieutenant Frank
S. Bond, Aiddecamp of General Tyler; Captain Charles R. Thompson,
my Aiddecamp, Lieutenant Byron Kirby, Sixth United States Infan
try, Aiddecamp, who was wounded on December Slst; R. S. Thoms,
Esq., a member of the Cincinnati bar, who acted as Volunteer Aidde
camp, and behaved with distinguished gaUantry; Captain William D.
Bickham, Volunteer Aiddecamp, rendered efficient services on the
field ; Colonel Barnet, Chief of Artillery and Ordnance ; Captain J.
H. Gilraan, Nineteenth United States Infantry, Inspector of Artillery ;
Captain James Curtis, Fifteenth United States Infantry, Assistant
Inspector General ; Captain Wiles, Twenty-Second Indiana, Provost
Marshal General; Captain Michler, Topographical Engineer; Captain
Jesse Merrill, Signal Corps, whose corps behaved well ; Captain Elmer
Otis, Fourth Regular Cavalry, who comraanded the Courier Line, con
necting the various headquarters most successfully, and who made a
most successful, opportune, and brilliant charge ou Wheeler's Cavalry,
routing the brigade, and recapturing three hundred of our prisoners.
Lieutenant Edson, United States Ordnance officer, who, during the
battle of Wednesday, distributed araraunition under the fire of thc
enemy's batteries and behaved bravely; Captain Hubbard and Lieu
tenant Newberry, who joined my staff on the field, acting as aids,
rendered valuable service in carrying orders on the field. Lieutenant
Royse, Fourth United States Cavalry, commanded the escort of the
headquarters' train, and distinguished himself with gallantry and
efficiency. All performed their appropriate duties to my entire satis
faction, accorapanying me everywhere, and carrying orders through
the thickest of thc fight, watching while others slept, never weary
when duty called, deserve my public thanks, and the respect aud
gratitude of the array.
With all the facts of the battle fully before me, the relative num
bers and positions of our troops and those of the rebels, the gallantry
and obstinacy of the contest and the final result, I say, from convic
tion, aud as public acknowledgraent due to Almighty God, in closing
tliis report, "non nobis t Dominie, non nobis. Sed nomine tui da Gloriam,"
[Signed,] WM. S. ROSECRANS,
Major General Commanding.
Brioadier General Thomas, Adjutant General United States Army.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 385

-1163. 3

MAJ. GEN. McCOOK'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
HEADQtTARTEES RiOHT WiNO FO0ETEBNTH AkMT CoRPS,
Ik Caup 2J Miles South of McurREESBOso, Tennessee,
January 8, 1868.
Mc^'oT C Goddard, Chief of Staff;
Majok — In compliance with telegraphic orders from the Gen
eral Commanding, received at my camp on Mill Creek, five miles south
of Nashville, at half-past four o'clock, A. M., on the morning of the
26th of December, 1802, I put the Hight Wing of the Fourteenth
Army Corps in motion toward Nolensville, Tennessee.
The First Division, Brigadier General Jeff. C. Davis commanding,
inarched at six A, M., upon the Edmonson pike, with orders to move
upon that road to Prim's blacksmith's shop, whence it was to march
iirect', by a country road, to Nolensville.
The Third Division, Brigadier General Philip H. Sherridan com
manding, also marched at six A. M., and upon the direct road
to Nolensville.
The Second Division, Brigadier General R. W. Johnson com
manding (the reserve of the Right Wing), followed the Third Divi
sion upon the direct road.
The advance guard of Generals Davis' and Sherridan's columns,
encountered the enemy's cavalry about two miles beyond our
picket line. There was continuous skirmishing with the enemy until
the heads of these columns reached Nolensville.
About a mile beyond the town, the enemy made a determined stand
in a defile and upon a range of hills that cross the turnpike at this
point, lining the slopes with skirmishers and placing a six-gun bat
tery on a coramanding position, endeavoring to repel our advance.
They were attacked in front and their position handsomely turned,
by General (Colonel) Carlin's brigade of Davis' division, capturing
one piece of their artillery and several prisoners. After taking pos
session of the defile and hills, the comraand was enoamped.
On the night of this day, I was visited by the General Command
ing, who gave me verbal orders to move forward in the morning to
Triune, seven miles distant, and attack Hardee's corps, supposed to be
quartered at that place. At this place I was joined by Brigadier
"General D. S. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, with the First and Second
Tennessee Regiments and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Preparations were made to raove forward at daylight, the cavalry
under General Stanley in advance, followed by the Second Division
under General Johnson.
It having rained all the day previous aud the entire night, there
was a deep fog, which prevented our seeing one hundred and fifty
yards fn anj' direetion.
38

386 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
The columns having moved about two miles to the front, they again
encountered the enemy, consisting of cavalry, infantry, and artillery.
The fog at this time being so thick that friend could not be distin
guished from foe, and our cavalry being fired upon by our infantry
skirmishers on the flanks — the enemy being conversant with the
ground, my troops strangers to it, and, from prisoners captured, hav
ing learned that Hardee's corps had been in line of battle since night
before, I did not deem it prudent to advance until the fog lifted. I
ordered the command to halt until the work could be done understand-
ingly. The fog having lifted at one o'clock P. M., an advance was
immediately ordered, driving the enemy's cavalry before us.
Ou nearing Triune, we found that the main portion of the forces
had retired, leaving a battery of six pieces, supported by cavalry,
to contest the crossing of Wrlson's Creek, which has steep and bluff
banks. The enemy having destroyed the bridge, it was with difficulty that
it could be crossed. On the approach of our skirmishers, the battery,
with the cavalry, took flight down the EaglesvUle road. It now being
nearly dark, and a severe and driving rain-storm blowing, they were
pursued no further.
Johnson's division crossed, and camped beyond Wilson's Creek,
repairing the destroyed bridge.
On the morning of the 28th, I ordered out a strong reconnoissance,
under command of Brigadier General Willich, to learn whether the
enemy had retired to Shelbyville or Murfreesboro. Pursuing seven
miles down the Shelbyville road, it was found that the enemy had
turned to the left, having taken a dirt road vrhioh led to the Salem
pike, thence to Murfreesboro.
Leaving the Second Brigade of Johnson's division at Triune, I
marched on the 29th, with my command, on the Balle Jack road,
toward Murfreesboro, the road being very bad, and the command did
not reach Wilkinson's Cross-roads (five miles from Murfreesboro) until
late in the evening.
My command was encamped in line of battle, Sherridan's on the
left of Wilkinson's pike, Davis' division on the right of the same road.
Woodruff's brigade guarding the bridge over Overall's Creek, and the
two brigades of Johnson's division watching the right.
On that evening, believing that the enemy intended giving our army
battle at or near Murfreesboro, I ordered the brigade left at Triune to
join the command without delay, which it did on the SOth.
At one o'clock A. M., ou the SOth, I received an order from General
Rosecrans to report in person at his headquarters, on the Murfrees
boro pike, and arrived there at three and a half o'clock A. M., received
my instructions, which were that the left of my line should rest onthe
right of General Negley's division, and my right was to be thrown
forward until it became parallel, or nearly so, with Stone River, the
extreme right to rest on or near the Franklin road.
My entire command advanced at nine and a half o'clock, and Sher
ridan's division moving down the Wilkinson turnpike, until its advance
encountered the enemy's pickets.
The line of battle was then formed, the left of Sherridan's division

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 387
resting upon the Wilkinson pike, immediately upon General Negley's
right. The remainder of Sherridan's division was deployed to the
right, the line running in a south-easterly direction. Davis' division,
which had already been deployed, moved up, his left resting upon
Sherridan's right, Johnson's division being held in reserve. Our front
was covered with a strong line of skirmishers, who soon became
sharply engaged with the enemy's sharpshooters and skirmishers.
The Une moved forward, but slowly, as the enemy contested stub
bornly every inch of ground gained by us. The ground was very
favorable to them. They were under cover of heavy woods and cedar
thickets. At twelve o'clock M. on the SOth, the house of a Mr. Harding
came within our lines. From that point I ascertained where the
enemy's line of battle was — our skirmishers being then about five
hundred yards distant from it.
The right, under General Davis, moved handsomely, but slowly into
position, as the ground over which he had to march was hotly con
tested by the enemy's skirmishers.
At one o'clock P. M., word was sent to General D. S. Stanley, Chief
of Cavalry, that Colonel Zahn, commanding three regiments of cavalry
on my right flank, was hard pressed by a superior force. I ordered
one brigade of my reserve division to report to General Stanley, who
conducted it to the Franklin road. On his approach the enemy press
ing Colonel Zahn retired, and the brigade was ordered back to its
former position.
At two o'clock P. M., a citizen, residing on the Franklin road, and
about half a mile in front of the enemy's line of battle, was put under
guard by General Stanley. He reported as follows T
"I was up to the enemy's line of battle twice yesterday, and once
this morning, to get some stook taken from me. The enemy's troops
are posted in the following manner: The right of Cheatham's divisrou
rests on the Wilkinson pike. Withers is on Cheatham's left, with his
left resting on the Franklin road. Hardee's corps is entirely beyond
that road, his right resting on that road, and his left extending toward
the Salem pike."
This man was immediately sent to the General Commanding, and
subsequently returned to me with the report that his information had
been received.
I also sent a report to the General Comraanding, by my Aiddecamp,
Horace N. Fisher, that the right of my line rested directly in front of
the enemy's center. This made me anxious for my right. All my
division commanders were immediately informed of this fact, and two
brigades of the reserve division, commanded respectively by Generals
Willich and Kirk, two of the best and most experienced Brigadiers in
the army, were ordered to the right of the line, to protect the right
flank, and guard against surprise there.
At six o'clock P. M., I received an order from the General Comraand
ing to have large and extended camp-fires built on my right, to deceive
the enemy, making them believe we were massing troops there. This
order was communicated to General Stanley, oommanding cavalry,
and carried into execution by Major R. H. Nodine, Twenty-Fifth lUi
nois, Engineer Officer on my staff.

888 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
On the morning of the SOth, the order of battle was nearly parallel
with that of the enemy, my right slightly refuged, and my line of battle
in fWo lines.
Two brigades of the reserve reinforced the right of the line, and
the Third Brigade of the reserve was posted in column about eight
hundred yards in rear of the right. On the evening of the SOth,
Sherridan's left rested on the Wilkinson road, and on the right of
Negley's divison, and the line then ran in a south-easterly direction,
through a cedar thicket, until General Davis' right rested near the
Franklin road. Kirk's brigade was on Davis' right. Willich's brigade
flanked on a line nearly perpendicular to the main line, forming a
crochet to thc rear, to avoid the possibilities of my right being turned
by anything like an equal foree. My Une wns a strong one, open
ground in front for a short distance. My instructions for the following
day were received at about six and a half o'clock P. M. on the SOth,
which were as follows :
"Take strong position ; if the enemy attack you, fall back slowly,
refusing your right, contesting the ground inch by inch. If the enemy
do not attack you, you will attack them, not vigorously, but warmly.'
The time of attack by you to be designated by the General Command
ing." 1 was also inforraed that Crittenden's corps would move, simulta
neously with my attack, into Murfreesboro.
Written instructions were sent by me to each division commander,
on the night of the SOtb, explaining to each what would be required
of them on the Slst.
At about six and a half o'clock on the Slst, a deterrained, heavy
attack was made on Kirk's and Willich's brigades, on the extreme
rigJit. They were attacked by such an overwhelming force, that they
were compelled to fall back.
General Kirk being seriously wounded at the first fire upon his main
line. General Willich having his horse killed early in the action, and
he falling into the hands of the eneray, the two brigades were
deprived of their immediate commanders, and gave way in confusion.
Colonel Post's brigade, on the right of Davis' division, and, in fact, my
entire line to Sherridan's left, was, almost simultaneously, attacked by
a heavy force of the eneray. The attack in front of Davis and Sher
ridan was repulsed several times; and had not the heavy attacking
colurans of the eneray on ray right succeeded so well, ray line could
have been maintained, and the enemy driven back to his barricades,
which extended from the Wilkinson pike, with but a short interval,
three-fourths of a mile beyond the Franklin road. General Sherri
dan's division was ably maneuvered by hira, under my own eye.
As soon as it became evident that ray lines would be compelled to
give way, orders were given to re-form my line in the first skirt of
timber, in the rear of my first position. The enemy advancing so
rapidly on my right, I found this impossible, and changed the point
of re-forming my line to the high ground in the rear of the Wilkinson
pike. Moving to the left of my line, and in rear of Sherridan's division, I
here met General Rousseau in a oedar-wood, posting his division to

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 389
repel the attack. I then ordered my line to fall still further back, and
form on the right of Rousseau. I gave General Johnson orders, in per
son, to form his division in rear of Rousseau ; Rousseau's division
having been withdrawn to the open ground in rear of the cedar-woods,
the last position became untenable, and ray troops were retired to the
NashviUe pike, where my wing, except Shaeffer's brigade of Sherri
dan's division, was reassembled and replenished with ammunition On
arriving at the pike, I found Colonel Harker's brigade, of Wood's
division, retiring before a heavy foree of the eneray. I immediately
ordered Robert's brigade, of Sherridan's division, to adv.ance into a
cedar-wood, and charge the enemy and drive him back. Although
this brigade was reduced in numbers, and having but two rounds of
cartridges, it advanced to the charge, underthe gallant Colonel Brad
ley, driving the enemy back with the bayonet, capturing two guns
and forty prisoners, and securing our communication on the Mur
freesboro pike at this point. This brigade is composed of the Twenty-
Second, Forty-Second, Twenty-Seventh, and Fifty-First IlUnois. The
Twenty-Seventh particularly distinguished itself.
About eleven o'clock A. M., Colouel Moses B. Walker's brigade
arrived upon the field, and reported to me for duty. They were
assigned to General Sherridan's command, to whose report I refer for
the good conduct of this brigade.
On the afternoon of the 31st, the Right Wing assumed a strong posi
tion ; its left, composed of Walker's brigade, resting near a command
ing knoll, the line running nearly north-west along the slope of a
ridge, oovered with cedar growth, the right resting on the Murfrees
boro pike. On the slope strong barricades were erected, which could
have been well defended by single lines. The second line, Gibson's
brigade (late Willich's) was used as a reserve. The Right Wing,
excepting Davis' division and Gibson's brigade, did not participate in
any general engagements after the Slst. There was constant skirm
ishing in my front till the night of the 3d.
On the 4th, the enemy left his position in front of the Right, and
evacuated Murfreesboro the night of the sarae day. On the 6th the
Right Wing raarched to its present camp, two miles and a half south
of Murfreesboro, on the Shelbyville pike.
The reports of Generals Johnson, Davis, and Sherridan, division
commanders, are herewith enclosed. Accompanying General John
son's report, you will find the reports of the brigade, regimental and
battery commanders carefully prepared.
I have been thus particular on account of the Commanding Gen
eral's dispatch to the General-in-Chief, and also from erroneous reports
sent to the public by newspaper correspondents. The attention of the
General Comraanding is particularly called to the reports of Colonels
Gibson and Dodge ; also, to Lieutenant Colonel Jones' report, who
coramnnded the pickets in front of Willich's brigade.
Captain Edgarton, commanding battery of Kirk's brigade, certainly
was guilty of a, great error in taking even a part of his horses to
water at such an hour. He is iu the hands of the enemy, and there
fore no report can be had from him at present.
In a strict compUance with my orders, and the knowledge I pos-

390 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
sessed of the position of the enemy, which was communicated to my
superior and the Generals under my command, I could not have made
a better disposition of my troops.
On subsequent examination of the field, I found the statements of
the citizen referred to in my report correct, as the barricades extended
fully three-fourths of a mile beyond the Franklin road. I am well
satisfled that Hardee's corps, supported by MoCown's division (late of
Kirby Smith's corps), attacked Kirk's and Willich's brigade about the
same time Withers' division attacked Davis, and Cheathaiu's division^
attacked Sherridan. Cheatham's and Withers' divisions compose
Polk's corps.
I was in the rear of the center of my line wheu this attack com
menced ; therefore I did not see all of the columns that attacked and
turned my right ; but it may be safely estimated that the rebel force
outnumbered ours three to one.
After leaving my line of battle, the ground in the rear was, first,
open fields ; second, woods, then a dense cedar-thicket; and over such
ground it was almost impossible for troops to retire in good order, par
ticularly when assailed by superior numbers.
My ammunition train, under charge of my efficient Ordnance Offi
cer, Captain Gates P. Thruston, First Ohio, was at an early hour
ordered to l^ke a position in the rear of the center of my Une. It was
then attacked by the cavalry, which was handsomely repulsed by a
detachment of cavalry under the direction of Captain H. Pease, of
General Davis' staff, and Captain G. P. Thruston, Ordnance Officer.
The train was conducted safely to the Nashville pike by Captain
Thruston, cutting a road through the cedar-wood for the passage of the
train. To Brigadiers R. W. Johnson, Philip H. Sherridan, and Jeff. 0.
Davis, I return my thanks, for their gallant conduct upon the day of
the battle, and for their prompt support and conscientious attention to
duty during their service in the Right Wing. I commend them to
my superiors and my country.
To Brigadier General D. S. Stanley my thanks are particularly due.
He commanded my advance from Nolensville, and directed the cavalry
on my right flank. A report of the valuable services of our cavalry
will be furnished by General Stanley. I commend him to my superiors
»nd my country.
For the particular instances of good conduct of individuals, I refer
you to the reports of division commanders.
I can not refrain from again calling the attention of my superiors to
the conspicuous gallantry and untiring zeal of Colonel W. H. Gibson,
of the Forty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers. He succeeded to the command
of Willich's brigade, and was ever prompt to dash upon the enemy
with his gallant brigade when opportunity perraitted. I have repeat
edly recoilimended him for promotion. He has again won additional
claims to his reward.
Colonel Harker, commanding a brigade of Wood's division, performed
gallant service under my supervision, as also did Colonel Fyffe, of the
Fifty-Ninth Ohio. They are commended to my superiors.
To piy staff— Lieutenant Colonel E. Bassett Langdon, Inspector Gen-

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 391
eral; Major R. H. Nodine, Engineer Officer; Major J. A. Campbell,
Assistant Adjutant General; Oaptain Gates P. Thruston, Ordnance Offi
cer; Captain B. D.Williams, Aiddecamp; Captain J.F.Boyd, Assistant
Quartermaster; Captain 0. F. Blake, Provost Marshal; Major Caleb
Bates, Volunteer Aiddecamp; CaptainHoraceN. Fisher, Volunteer Aid
decamp and Topographical Engineer — my thanks are due for their con
spicuous gallantry and intelligence on the field.
My escort, under command of Lieutenant Huckston, Second Ken
tucky Cavalry, and my orderUes, behaved gallantly. When my horse
was shot. Orderly Cook, of the Second Indiana Cavalry, replaced him
with his own.
The officers of the Signal Corps were ever ready to perform any
service in their Une, or as aids.
The report of Surgeon C. McDermot, the Medical Director of the
Right Wing, is also submitted. Surgeon McDermot's gallantry on the
field, and his great care of the wounded, is worthy of great praise.
My entire Medical Corps behaved nobly, except Assistant Surgeon W.
S. Fish, of the Third Indiana Cavalry, who fled to Nashville. He is
recommended for dismissal.
The casualties of my wing are 542 killed, aud 2,234 wounded.
The nation is again called upon to mourn the loss of gallant spirits
¦who fell upon the sanguinary field.
First of these. Brigadier General J. W. Sill, commanding First Bri
gade, Third Division. He was noble, conscientious in the discharge of
every duty, brave to a fault. He had no ambition save to serve his
country. He died n, Christian soldier, and in the act of repulsing the
enemy. Such names as Roberts, Shaeffer, Harrison, Stem, Williams, Reed,
Houssam, Drake, Wooster, and MoKee, all field officers, and many other
commissioned officers, of the Right 'iVing, who fell vindicating their
flag, will never be forgotten by a grateful country.
All of which is respectfully submitted, A. McD. McCOOK,
Major General United Statea Volunteer!.

MAJ. GEN. THOMAS' OFFICIAL REPORT.
Hbadquaeteks Center Fourteenth Aemt Corps, "j
Department of the Cumbeeland, y
Mcefreesboro, January 15, 1868. J
Major C. Goddard, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff:
Majoe — I have the honor to submit to the Major General command
ing the Department of the Cumberland, the following report of the
operations of that part of my command, which was engaged in the
battle of Stone River, in front of Murfreesboro. It is proper to state

392 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
here, that two brigades of Fry's division, and Reynold's entire division
were detained near Gallatin and along the Louisville and NashviUe
Railroad, to watch the movements of the rebel leader, Morgan, who
had been, for a long time, on the watch for an opportunity to destroy
the railroad.
Rousseau's, Negley's, and Mitchell's divisions, and Walker's brigade,
of Fry's division, were concentrated at Nashville; but Mitchell's divi
sion being required to garrison Nashville, my only available force was
Rousseau's and Negley's divisions, and Walker's brigade, of Fry's
division, about thirteen thousand three hundred and ninety-five
(13,395) efl'ective men.
December 26. — Negley's division, followed by Rousseau's division
and Walker's brigade, marched by the Franklin pike to Brentwood, at
that point taking the Wilson pike. Negley and Rousseau were to
have encaraped for the night at Owen's store. On reaching the latter
place, Negley hearing heavy firing in the direction of Nolensville, left
his train with a guard to follow, and pushed forward ¥,'ith his troops
to the support of Brigadier General J. C. Davis' command, the advance
division of McCook's corps, Davis having become hotly engaged with
the enemy posted in Nolensville and in the pass through the hills south
of that village. Eousseau encamped, with his division, at Owen's
store, and Walker, with his brigade, at Brentwood. During the night
a very heavy rain fell, making the cross-road almost impassable, and
it was not until the night of the 27th that Rousseau reached Nolens
viUe with his troops and train. Negley remained at Nolensville until
ten A. M., on the 27th, when having brought his train across from
Wilson's pike, he moved to the east, over an exceedingly rough by
road, to the right of Crittenden, at Stewartsboro, on the Murfrees
boro pike. Walker, by my orders, retraced his steps from Brentwood
and crossed over to the Nolensville pike.
December 28. — Negley remained iu camp at Stewartsboro, bringing
his train from the rear. Rousseau reached Stewartsboro on the night
of the 28th. His train arrived early next day.
December 29. — Negley's division crossed Stewart's Creek, two miles
south-west and above the turnpike bridge, and marched in support of
the head and right flank of Crittenden's corps, which moved, by the
Murfreesboro pike, to a point within two miles of Murfreesboro. The
enemy fell back before our advance, contesting the ground obstinately
with their cavalry rear-guard.
Rousseau remained iu camp at Stewartsboro, detaching Stark
weather's brigade, with a section of artillery, to the Jefferson pike
crossing of Stone River, to observe the movements of the enemy in
that direction. Walker reached Stewartsboro, from the Nolensville
pike, about dark.
December SO. — A cavalry force of the enemy, something over four
hundred strong, with two pieces of artillery, attacked Starkweather
about nine A. M., but were soon driven off. The enemy opened a
brisk fire on Crittenden's advance, doing but little execution, how
ever, about seven A. M. During the morning, Negley's division was
obliqued to the right, and took up a position on the right of Palmer's
division of Crittenden's corps, and was then advanced through a

OFFICUL REPORTS. 893
dense cedar thicket, several hundred yards in width, to the Wilkin
son Cross-road, driving the enemy's skirmishers steadily, and with
considerable loss. Our loss comparatively small. About noon, Sher
ridan's division of McCook's corps, approached by the Wilkinson
Cross-road, joined Negley's right, McCook's two other divisions
coming up on Sherridan's right, thus forming a continuous line, the
left resting on Stone River, the right stretching in a westerly direc
tion, and resting on high wooded ground, a short distance to tlie south
of the Wilkinson Cross-road, and has since been ascertained, nearly
parallel with the enemy's intrenchments, thrown up on the sloping
land bordering the north-west bank of Stone River. Rousseau's
division (with the exception of Starkweather's brigade) being
ordered up from Stewartsboro, reached the position ocoupied by the
army about four P. M., and bivouacked on the Murfreesboro pike, iu
the rear of the center. During the night of the SOth, I sent orders
to Walker to take up a strong position near the turnpike bridge over
Stewart's Creek, and defend the position against any attempts of the
enemy's cavalry to destroy it. Rousseau was ordered to move by six
A. M., on the Slst, to a position in rear of Negley. This position
placed his division with its left on the Murfreesboro pike, and its
right extending into the cedar thicket, through which Negley had
marched on the SOth.
In front of Negley's position, bordering a large open field, reaching
to the Murfreesboro pike, a heavy growth of timber extended in a
southerly direction toward the river. Across the field, running iu an
easterly direction, the enemy had thrown up rifle-pits at intervals
frora the timber to the river bank to the east side of the turnpike.
Along this line of intrenchments, on an eminence about eight
hundred yards from Negley's position, and nearly in front of his
left, some cannon had been placed, affording the enemy great advant
age in covering an attack on our center. However, Palmer, Negley,
and Sherridan held the position their troops had so manfully won the
morning of the SOth, against every attempt to drive them back, and
reraained in line of battle during the night.
December 31. — Between six and seven A. M., the eneray having
massed a heavy force on McCook's right during the night of the SOth,
attacked and drove it back, pushing his divisions in pursuit in
echelon, and in supporting distance, until he had gained sufBcient
ground in our rear to wheel his masses to the right, and throw them
upon the right flank of the Center, at the same moraent attacking
Negley and Palmer in front with a greatly superior force. To coun
teract this movement, I had ordered Rousseau to place two brigades,
with a battery, to the right and rear of Sherridan's division, facing
toward the west, so as to support Sherridan, should he be able to hold
his ground, or to cover him, should he be compelled to fall back.
About eleven o'clock. General Sherridan reported to me that his
aramunition was entirely out, and he would be corapelled to fall back
to get more. As it became necessary for General Sherridan lo fall
back, the enemy pressed on still further to our rear, and soon took up a
position, which gave them a concentrated cross-fire of musketry and
cannon, on Negley's and Rousseau's troops, at short range. This com-

394 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
pelled me to fall back out of the cedar-woods, and take up a line along
a depression in the open ground, within good musket range of the
edge of the woods, while the artillery was retired to the high ground
to the right of the turnpike. From this last position, we were enabled
to drive back the enemy, and cover the formation of our troops and
secure the Center on the high ground. In the execution of this last
movement, the Regular Brigade, under Lieutenant Colonel Shepard,
Eighteenth United States Infantry, came under a most murderous fire,
losing twenty-two officers and five hundred and eight men in killed
and wounded; but, with the co-operation of Scribner's and Beatty's
(John) brigades, and Guenther's and Loomis' Batteries, gallantly held
its ground against overwhelming odds. The Center having succeeded
in driving back the enemy from its front, and our artillery concen
trating its fire on the cedar-thicket on our right, drove him back far
under cover, from which, though attempting it, he could not make any
advance. January 1, 1863. — Repeated attempts were made by the enemy to
advance on our position, during the morning, but they were driven
back before emerging from the woods. Colonel Starkweather's bri
gade, of Rousseau's division, and Walker's brigade, of Fry's division,
having reinforced us during the night, took post on the right of Rous
seau, and left of Sherridan, and bore their share in repelling the
attempts of the enemy on the morning of the 1st instant.
Negley's division was ordered, early in the day, to the support of
McCook's right, in which position it remained during the night.
January 2. — About 7 A. M., the enemy opened a direct and cross
fire from his batteries in our front, and from a position on the east
bank of Stone River, to our left and front, at the same time making a
'strong demonstration with infantry, resulting, however, in no serious
attack. Our artillery, Loomis', Guenther's, Stokes', and another bat
tery, the commander's name I can not now recall, soon drove back
their infantry. Negley was withdrawn from the extreme right, and
placed in reserve behind Crittenden's right. About 4 P. M., a divi
sion of Crittenden's command, which had crossed Stone River to
reconnoiter, was attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy,
and, after a gaUant resistance, compelled to fall back. The movements
of the eneray having been observed and reported by some of my troops
in the Center, I sent orders to Negley to advance to the support of
Crittenden's troops, should they want help. This order was obeyed
in most gallant style, and resulted in the complete annihilation of
the Twenty-Sixth Tennessee (rebel) Regiment and the capture of
their -flag. Also, in the capture of a battery, which the enemy had
been forced to abandon at the point of the bayonet. (See Negley's
report.) January 3. — Soon after daylight, the Forty-Second Indiana, on picket
in a clump of woods about eight hundred yards in front of our lines,
was attacked by a brigade of the enemy, evidently by superior num
bers, and driven in, with considerable loss. Lieutenant Colonel
Shanklin, commanding the regiment, was surrounded and taken
prisoner, while gallantly endeavoring to draw off his men, under
the fire of such superior numbers. From these woods, the enemy'i

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 395
sharpshooters continued to fire occasionally during the day, on our
pickets. About 6 P. M., two regiments from Colonel John Beatty's brigade,
Rousseau's division, co-operating with two regiments of Spears' (Ten
nessee) brigade, of Negley's division, covered by the skillful and well-
directed fire of Guenther's Fifth United States ArtiUery, and Loomis'
First Michigan Battery, advanced on the woods and drove the enemy,
not only from its cover, but from the intrenchments, a short distance
beyond. The enemy having retreated during the night of the Sd, our troops
were ocoupied during the night of the 4th in burying the dead left on
the field. In the afternoon, one brigade of Negley's division was
advanced to the crossing of Stone River, with a brigade of Rousseau's
division in supporting distance, in reserve.
January 5. — My entire command, proceeded by Stanley's cavalry,
marched into Murfreesboro and took up the position which we now
hold. The enemy's rear guard of cavalry was overtaken ou the Shel-
byviUe and Manchester roads, about flve miles from Murfreesboro,
and after sharp skirmishing for two or three hours, was driven from
our immediate front.
The conduct of my command, from the time the army left Nashville
to its entry into Murfreesboro, is deserving of the highest praise, both
for their patient endurance of the fatigues and discomforts of a five
days' battle and for the manly spirit exhibited by them in the various
phases in this memorable contest. I refer you to the detailed reports
of division commanders, for special mention of those officers and men of
their commands whose conduct they thought worthy of partioular notice.
All the members of ray staff. Major G. E. Flynt, Assistant Adjutant
General ; Lieutenant Colonel A. Von Schrader, Seventy-Fourth Ohio ;'
Acting Inspector General, Captain 0. A. Mack, Thirteenth United
States Infantry, Acting Chief Commissary; and Captain A. J. Mackay,
Chief Quartermaster, were actively employed in carrying orders to
various parts of ray command, and in the execution of the appropriate
duties of their office. Captain 0. A. Mack was dangerously wounded
in the right hip and abdomen, while conveying orders from me to
Major General Rousseau. The officers of the Signal Corps, attached
to my headquarters, did excellent service in their appropriate sphere,
when possible ; and as aidsdeoamp, carrying orders. My escort, com
posed of a select detail from the First Ohio Cavalry, coramanded by
Lieutenant Barker, of the sarae regiment, have been on duty with me
for nearly a year, deserve commendation for the faithful performance
of their appropriate duties. Private Gusteam was killed by a cannon
shot, on the morning of January 2. Surgeon C. D. Beebe deserves
special mention, for his efficient arrangements for moving the wounded
from the field, and giving thera immediate attention.
The details' will be seen in the accompanying reports of division
commanders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE H. THOMAS,
Major General United States Volunteers,

896 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

MAJOR GENERAL CRITTENDEN'S REPORT.
Headquarters Left Wing, ¦>
MtTEEEEESBORO, January 20, 1863. j
Lieutenant Colonel C. Goddard, Chief of Staff:
Colonel — In obedience to orders, I left camp near Nashville ou the
26th of December, and reached the point where the battle of Stone
River was fought, before dusk on the morning of the 29th. The march
from Nashville was accompanied by the skirmishing usual when an
army moves toward an enemy, posted near by and in foroe. The
gallant and handsome things done by several different portions of my
coraraanrl during this march, have been raentioned in detail by the
iramediate commanders conducting the advance and leading the skirm
ishers. The seizure of two bridges, one by General HascaU, and the
other by Colonel Hazen ; the gallant charge of the troops of Hascall's
brigade, at Lavergne ; and the counter-charge and capture of twenty-
five of the enemy by a company of the new regiment. One Hundredth
Illinois, when charged by the enemy's cavalry, are worthy of special
notice. It was about dusk, and just at the moment when Generals Wood
and Palmer had halted to gather up their troops, that I reached the
head of ray command. These two Generals had their divisions in line
of battle. General Wood on the left, and General Palraer on the right,
the enemy in sight, and evidently in heavier force than we had yet
'encountered them; it was evident they intended to dispute the passage
of the river and to fight a battle at or near Murfreesboro.
At this moraent I received an order to occupy Murfreesboro with one
division, caraping the other two outside.
I immediately gave the order to advanoe, and the movement was
commenced. General Wood was ordered to occupy the place. General
Palmer being ordered, at General Wood's suggestion, to keep in line
with Wood's division, and advance with him, until he had forced the
passage of the river. At this time it was dark. General Wood had
declared, when he received the order, that it was hazarding a great
deal for very little, to raove over unknown ground in the night, instead
of awaiting for daylight, and that I ought to take the responsibility of
disobeying the order. I thought the movement hazardous, but as tbe
success of the whole army might depend on the prompt execution of
orders by every officer, it was my duty to advance. After General
Wood had issued the order to advance, and General Palmer had
received his also, they both came to see me, and insisted that
the order should not be carried out. I refused to rescind Ihe order,
but consented to suspend it for one hour, as General Rosecrans could
be beard from iu that time. During the interval the General himself
came to the front, and approved of what I had done.
In the meantime, Colonel Harker, after a sharp skirmish, gallantly

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 397
crossed the river with his brigade and Bradley's Battery, and Hascall
was already in the river advancing, when the order to suspend the
movement was received. As soon as possible I recalled Harker, and,
to my great satisfaction, this able officer, with consummate address,
withdrew from the actual presence of a vastly superior force his artil
lery and troops, and recrossed the river without any serious loss. Dur
ing the night General McCook came over to see the Coraraanding
General, and reported that he was on the Wilkinson pike, about three
miles iu the rear of our line, and that he should advance in the
morning. The next morning (the SOth) early, my line of battle was formed.
Palmer's division occupied the ground to the right of the turnpike, his
right resting on Negley's left, Negley having advanced into the woods
and taken a position in the center, to take a position with General
McCook when he should come into line. General Wood was to occupy
that part of our front to the left of the turnpike, extending down
the river. General Van Cleve was held in reserve to the rear and
left. This position of our forces was, without raaterial change, main
tained all day, though the skirmishing during part of the day was very
heavy, particularly on our extreme right, where McCook was coming
up. Then, when it apparently assumed the proportion of a battle, I
proposed to cross the river with my corps, aud attack Murfreesboro
from the left, by way of the Lebanon pike, but the General, though
approving the plan of attack, would not consent that I should move
until McCook was raore seriously engaged.
On the morning of the Slst, when the battle begun, I occupied the
front near the turnpike. General Palraer's division on the right, Gen
eral Wood on the left. General Van Cleve in reserve to the rear and
left. About 8 o'clock, when my troops under Van Cleve were cross
ing the river, as ordered, and when all was ready for an advance
movement, it became evident that our Right was being driven back;
orders were received and immediately issued recalling Van Cleve and
stopping the advance; Van Cleve was ordered to leave a brigade to
guard the ford, Matthews' brigade. Colonel Price oommanding in
Colonel Matthews' absence, was left, and to hurry with all possible dis
patch to try and check the enemy to the right and rear. One brigade
of his division. Colonel Fyffe's, had already been ordered to protect
the train then threatened near the hospital, and General Van Cleve
raoved at once and quickly to the right with Beatty's brigade. He
arrived most opportunely, as his own and Colonel Beatty's reports
show, and checked the enemy. The confusion of our own troops, who
were being driven from the woods at this point, hindered hira", for
some time, from forming his men in line of battle. This difficulty, how
ever, was soon overcome, his line rapidly forraed, and one small bri
gade, commanded by the gallant Colonel Beatty, of the Nineteenth
Ohio, under the direction of General Van Cleve, boldly attacked vastly
superior forces of the enemy, then advancing in full career, checked
their advance and drove them back. Being soon reinforced by
Fyffe's brigade and Harker's brigade, of Wood's division, tho enemy
viore pressed vigorously, and too far. They came upon the enemy

398 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
massed to receive them, who, outnumbering them and outflanking
them, corapelled them to fall back in turn. This they did in good
order, and fighting with such efl'eot that the enemy drew off and left
them, and they were able to hold their position during the remainder
of the day. From this time the great object of the enemy seemed to
be to break our left and front, where, under great disadvantages, my
two divisions, under Generals Wood and Palmer, maintained their
ground. When the troops composing the Center and Right Wing of our
army had been driven by the enemy from our original line of bat
tle to a line almost perpendicular to it, the First and Second Divi
sions of the Left Wing still nobly maintained their position. Though
several times assaulted by the enemy in great force, it was evident
that it was vital to us thatr-this position should be held, at least until
our troops, who had been driven back, could establish themselves on
their new line. The country is deeply indebted to Generals Wood
and Palmer for the sound judgment, skill, and courage with which
they managed their commands at this important crisis in the battle.
The reports of my Division Commanders show how nobly and how
ably they were supported by their officers ; and the most melancholy
and convincing proof of the bravery of all who fought in this part of
the field is their terrible list of killed and wounded, for with them
was no rout, no confusion; the men who fell, fell fighting in the
ranks. Generals Wood and Van Cleve being wounded on the Slst, their
commands devolved, of course, on other officers — General Hascall
taking coraraand of Wood's division, and Colonel Beatty of Van
Cleve's on the 1st day of January. It was a fortunate thing that
competent and gaUant offioers took command of these two noble
divisions. On the night of the Slst, with the consent of the General Command
ing, I reunited my command, bringing them all together on the left
of the turnpike, and before daylight, by orders from the General
Commanding,, we took up a new line of battle, about five hundred
yards to the rear of our forraer line ; Hascall's division was ordered
to rest their right on the position ocoupied by Stokes' Battery, and
his left on General Palmer's right; General Palmer was to rest hia
left on the ford, his right extending toward the railroad, and perpen
dicular to it, thus bringing the line at right angles to the railroad and
turnpike, and extending from Stokes' Battery to the ford. On the
morning of the 1st of January, Van Cleve's division again crossed
the river, and took position on ground the General considered it
important we should hold, extending from the ford about half a mile
from the river, the right resting on high ground near the river, and
the left thrown forward, so that the direction of the line should be
nearly perpendicular to it. These changes in position having been
accomplished, the day passed quietly, except continued skirmishing
and occasional artillery firing. The next day (January 2) large
forces of the enemy's infantry and artillery were seen to pass to the
right, apparently contemplating an attack. Lieutenant Livingston,

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 399
with Dru?y's Battery, was ordered over the river, and Colonel Grose's
brigade, of Palmer's division, was also crossed over, taking post on
the hill near the hospital, so as to protect the left and rear of Beatty's
position. About four o'clock on the evening of the 2d, a sudden and concen
trated attack was made on the Third Division, now commanded by
Colonel Beatty ; several batteries opened at the same time on their
division. The overwhelming numbers of the enemy directed upon two bri
gades, forced them, after a bloody but short conflict, back to the
river. The object of the enemy (it is since ascertained^ was to take
the battery which we had on that side of the river. In this attempt
it is most likely they would have succeeded, but for the sound judg
ment and wise precaution of Colonel Beatty, in changing the position
of his battery. It was so late when the attack was made, that the
enemy, failing in their enterprise to capture our battery, were sure
of not suffering any great disaster in case of a repulse, because night
would protect them. They not only failed to capture our battery, but
lost four of their guns in their repulse and flight. As soon as it
becarae evident that the enemy were driving Colonel Beatty, I turned
to my Chief of Artillery, Captain John Mendenhall, aud said, " Now,
Mendenhall, you must cover my men with your cannon." Without
any show of excitement or haste, almost as soon as the order was
given, the batteries began to open, so perfectly had he placed them.
In twenty minutes from the time the order was received, fifty-two
guns were flring upon the enemy. They can not be said to have beeu
checked in their advance ; from a rapid advance they broke at once
into a rapid retreat. Reinforcements soon began to arrive; our
troops crossed the river and pursued the fiying enemy until dark.
It is a pleasant thing to report that the officers and men from the
Center and Right Wing hurried to the support of the Left Wing,
when it was known to be hard pressed. General J. C. Davis sent a
brigade at once without orders, then applied for and obtained orders
to follow immediately with his division. General Negley, from the
Center, crossed with a part of his division. General McCook, to
whora I applied for a brigade, not knowing of Davis' raovement,
ordered immediately Colonel Gibson to go with his brigade, and the
Colonel and the brigade passed at double-quick in less than five
minutes after the request was made. Honor is due to such meu. On
the night of the 2d, General Hascall, with his division, and General
Davis with his, camped a little in advance of the position which
Beatty had occupied. General Palmer, comraanding the Second
Division, camped with two brigades in reserve to Hascall and Davis'
divisions, and the remaining brigade on this side of the river. In
this position these troops remained until Saturday night, when the
river beginning to rise, and the rain continuing to fall, it was feared
we might be separated from the rest of the army, and all recrossed
the river except Palmer's two brigades, which remained, and did not
come back until it was ascertained the next day (Sunday) that the
enemy had evacuated Murfreesboro.
I feel that this report of the part taken by my command in the

400 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
battle of Stone River is very imperfect. I have only endeavored to
give a general outline of the raost important features of the battle.-
The reports, however, of the division coraraanders, and the report of
the Chief of Artillery, give a detailed and good account of the memo
rable incidents which occurred in this particular fight.
Reports of the division commanders shov/ how nobly they were
sustained by their subordinate officers, and all reports show how
nobly the tioops behaved. Generals Wood and Van Cleve, though
wounded early in the battle of the Slst, remained in the saddle and
on the field throughout the day, and at night were ordered to the rear;
General Palmer exposing himself everywhere and freely, escaped
unhurt, and coramanded the Second Division throughout the battle.
To these division commanders, I return ray most earnest and heartfelt
thanks, for the brave, prompt, and able manner in which they executed
every order, and I most urgently present their names to tbe Com
manding General and to the Government, as having fairly eamed
proraotion. After the Slst, General Hascall coramanded Wood's division, the
First, and Colonel Beatty the Second, Van Cleve's. To these officers I
am indebted for the same cheerful and prompt obedience to orders,
the same brave support which I received from their predecessors in
command ; and I also respectfully present their names to the Com
manding Gener.al and the Government, as having earned promotion on
the field of battle.
There are nuraerous cases of distinguished conduct in the brigade
as well as regiraental commanders, mentioned by my division com
manders as meriting promotion, t respectfully refer the General
Commanding to division, brigade, and regimental reports, and solicit
for the gallant officers and men who have distinguished themselves for
conduct and bravery in battle, the honors they have won. We have
officers who have coramanded brigades for almost a year, though they
have but the rank of Colonel ; in such cases, and in all like cases,
as where a Lieutenant commands a company, it seeras if the officers
have capacity for their coraraands on the field, that they should have
the rank the command is entitled to. The report of Captain Menden
hall, Chief of Artillery to the Left Wing, shows the efficiency, skill,
and daring with which our artillery officers handled their batteries.
Division and brigade commanders vie with each other in commenda
tion upon different batteries. Some of the batteries, fighting as they
did in all parts of the field, won praises from all. To these officers,
also, attention is called, with a sincere hope that they may be rewarded
as their valor and bearing deserves.
Major Lyne Starling, Assistant Adjutant General to the Left Wing,
has been, for nearly eighteen months, the most indefatigable officer I
ever knew, in his department. His services to me are invaluable. On
tho field here, as at Shiloh, he was distinguished, even among so many
brave men, for his daring and efficiency. Captain R. Loder, Inspector
General for the Left Wing, has entitled himself to my lasting grati
tude, by his constant and able management of his department. It is
sufficient to say that the gallant and lamented Colonel Garesoh^ told
him, in my presence, but a short time before the battle, that he had

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 401
proved himself to be the best Inspector General in the army. On the
field of battle bravery was added to the same efficiency and activity
whioh marked his conduct in the camp.
Captain John Mendenhall, who has been mentioned already as
Chief of Artillery to my command, but of whora too much can not be
said, is also Topographical Engineer on ray staff. In this capacity, as
in all where he works, the w6rk is well and faithfuUy done. His
¦services at Shiloh, of whioh I was an eye-witness ; his splendid con
duct as Chief of Artillery to the Left Wing ; his uniform soldierly
bearing, point him out as eminently qualified for promotion.
To the Medical Director of the Left Wing, Doctor A. J. Phelps, the
thanks of the array and the country are due, not only for his prorapt
attention to the wounded, but for his arrangements for their iraraediate
accoraraodation. He took good care not only of the wounded of my
comraand, but of raore than two thousand wounded from other corps
and from the enemy. Since the battle, I have visited his hospitals,-
and can bear testimony to the efficiency of the Medical Department
of the Left Wing.
Captain Louis M. Buford and Lieutenant George Knox, my Aidsde
oamp, were brave, active, and efficient helps to me all through the
battle. Captain Buford was struck just over the heart, fortunately, by
a ball too far spent to penetrate, and which only bruised. The Cap
tain and Lieutenant Knox were frequently exposed to the heaviest
firing, as they fearlessly carried ray orders to all parts of the field.
Captain Case, of the Signal Corps, tendered his services as a volun
teer aid, and proved himself a bold soldier and an efficient aid. Two
other officers of the sarae corps. Lieutenants  — tendered
their services as aids, and were placed on ray staff during the battle,
aud I thank thera sincerely for their services.
Lieutenant Brown, of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, who com
manded my escort, was as quietly brave on the battle-field as he is
mild and gentlemanly in the camp.
Before concluding this report, it will be proper to add, that when I
speak of a quiet day, I mean tb speak comparatively. We had no
quiet days ; no rest from the tirae we reached the battle-field until the
eneray fled, skirmishing constantly, and soraetiraes terrible cannon
ading. On the 2d, which we call a quiet day, until about four o'clock
P. M., the First Division, under HascaU, laid for half an hour, in the
early part of the day, under the heaviest cannonading we endured.
Many men were killed, but he and his brave soldiers would not flinch.
The nuraber of killed and wounded, demonstrates with what fearful
energy and earnestness the battle waa consisted in my command.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. L. CRITTENDEN,
Major General Commanding.
34

402 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

THE CA.VA.LRY.

GEN. D. S. STANLEY'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
3.)

Headquaetees Cavalry Fourteenth Aemt Corps,
Department of the Cumberland,
Neae Muefreeseoeo, January 9, 1863.

Majoe — ^I have the honor to submit for the information of the Gen
eral commanding the army, the following statement of the part taken
by the cavalry under my command in the advance upou aud battle
of Murfreesboro :
Upon the 26th day of Deceraber I divided the cavalry into three
colurans, putting the First Brigade, commanded by Colonel Minty,
Fourth Michigan Cavalry, upon the Murfreesboro pike, in advance of
General Crittenden's corps. The Second Brigade, commanded by
Colonel Zahn, Third Ohio Cavalry, was ordered on Franklin to dis
lodge the enemy's cavalry, and move parallel to General McCook's
corps, protecting his right flank. The reserve cavalry, consisting of
the new regiments, viz. : Anderson Troop, First Middle Tennessee,
Second East Tennessee Cavalry, and four companies of the Third
Indiana, I commanded in person, and preceded General McCook's
corps on the Nolensville pike.
Colonel John Kennett, commanding cavalry division, commanded
the cavalry on the Murfreesboro pike. For the operations of this col
umn and also the movements of Colonel Zahn up to the 31st of Decem
ber, 1 would refer you to the inclosed reports of Colonel Kennett, and
Colonels Zahn and Minty.
On the morning of the 26th our cavalry first encountered the enemy
on the Nolensville pike, one mile in advance of Balle Jack Pass ; their
cavalry was in large force and accompanied by a battery of artillery,
-the fighting continued from ten o'clock until evening, during whicll
tirae we had driven the eneray two railes beyond Lavergne. The Third
Indiana and Anderson Troop behaved gallantly, charging the enemy
twice, and bringing them to hand and hand encounters. The conduct
of Majors Rosengarten and Ward, the former now deceased, was most
heroic. On the 28th we made a reconnoissance to College Grove, and
found that Hardee's rebel corps had raarched to Murfreesboro.
On the 29th, Colonel Zahn's brigade having formed, was directed to
march upon Murfreesboro by the Franklin road. The reserve cavalry
moving on the Balle Jack road, the column communicating at the
crossing of Stewart's Creek. We encountered the enemy's cavalry and
found them in strong force at Wilkinson's Cross-roads. Our cavalry
drove them rapidly acioss Overall's Creek, and within one-half mile
of the enemy's line of battle. The Anderson Cavalry behaved most
gaUantly this day, pushing nt full charge upon the enemy for six

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 403
miles ; unfortunately their advance fronted too recklessly ; having
dispersed their cavalry, the troops fell upon two regiments of rebel
infantry in ambush, and after a gallant struggle were compeUed to
retire, with the loss of Major Rosengarten and six raen killed, and the
brave Major Ward and five men desperately wounded. With the loss
of these two most gallant officers the spirit of the "Anderson Troop,"
which gave such full promise, seems to have died out, and I have not
been able to get any duty out of them since.
On the SOth the entire cavalry force was engaged in guarding the
flanks of the army in position. Some small cavalry skirmishing
occurred, but nothing of importance. At eleven o'clock P. M., the
SOth, I marched for Lavergne, with the First Tennessee and the
Anderson Cavalry. Near that place I was joined by detachments of
the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. At half-
past nine o'clock on the Slst, I received an order from the General
Commanding, directing me to hasten to the Right. I made all pos
sible speed, leaving a strong detachment to protect the trains crossing
the road at Stewartsboro, and to pick up stragglers. Upon arriving
upon the right flank of the army, I found order restored, and took
position on General McCook's right, my right extending toward Wil
kinson's Cross-roads, occupying the woods about the meeting-house
and Overall's Creek. In this position we were attacked, about four
o'clock P. M., by along line of foot^skirmishers. My first impression
was that these were covered infantry, but I soon learned that they
were dismounted cavalry. We successfully held them at bay for half
an hour with the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania dis
mounted, when, being outfianked, I ordered our line to raount and fall
back to the open field. The enemy followed here, and, being rein
forced by detachments of the Anderson and Third Kentucky Cavalry,
and by the First Tennessee, we charged the enemy and put him to
rout. The cavalry held the same position this night they had taken
upon my arrival upon the field. About nine o'clock New Year's morn
ing, the enemy showed a line of skirmishers in the woods to our front,
and soon after brought a, six-gun battery to bear upon my cavalry.
As we could not reach the enemy's skirmishers nor reply to his artil
lery, I ordered my cavalry to fall back. A part of Zahn's brigade
marched this day to Nashville, to protect our trains. Colonel Zahn's
report is inclosed.
The 2d and Sd of January the cavalry was engaged in watching the
flanks of our position. On the 4th it became evident that the enemy
had fled ; the cavalry was collected and moved to the fords of Stone
River. Upon the 5th we entered Murfreesboro. Zahn's brigade
marched in pursuit of the enemy on the Shelbyville pike six miles,
finding no opposition. With the remainder of the cavalry, I marched
on the Manchester pike, and encountered the eneray in heavy force at
Lytle's Creek, three and a half railes from town. 'We fought with this
force till near sundown, pushing them from one cedar-brake to another,
when, being reinforced by General Spears' brigade of East Tennes
seeans, we drove the enemy out of his last stand in disorder. We
returned after dusk and encamped on Lytle's Creek. Our troops all
behaved well. The skirmishing was of a very severe character.

404 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
The Fourth United States Cavalry, which was this day first under
my control, behaved very handsomely. Captain Otis' command acted
independently until the 5th instant, wheu they came under my
command. The duty of the cavalry was very arduous. From the 26th of
December till the 4th of January, the saddles were only taken off to
groom, and were immediately replaced.
Respectfully submitted, D. S. STANLEY,
Brigadier General and Chief of Cavalry;

OFFICIAL REPORT OF COL. JOHN KENNETT.
Headquarters Fiest Cavalry Division, ^i
Camp Stanley, January 8, 1863. /
Captain W. H. Sinclair :
Sin — I have tbe honor to submit to you the reports of the part taken
in the fighting of the two brigades coraposing the First Cavalry
Division frora December 26, 1862, up to the night of January 5, 1863,
from Nashville to Murfreesboro, and six iniles beyond Murfreesboro,
on the Manchester and Shelbyville pikes.
On leaving NashviUe the Second Brigade, under Colonel Zahn,
took the road to Franklin; Brigadier General D. S. Stanley, with the
First and Second Tennessee Cavalry and Anderson Troop, taking the
NolensviUe pike. The First Brigade, Colonel Minty commanding,
under my charge, took the Murfreesboro pike. I reported ray com
mand to General Palmer, who placed us in advance. Our skirmishers
drove the enemy some five miles. The afternoon was well spent when
General Palmer relieved us with infantry skirmishers. Thfe cavalry
forming tbe reserve on the right and lefl flanks, the First Brigade
marched directly as a reserve to the advance skirmishers of the
army composing the Left Wing, on their flanks, up to December 30,
1862. On December 31, 1862, we were posted as reserves on the flanks,
throwing out our skirmishers and vedettes, watching the movements
of the enemy. We performed a variety of duty as scouts on the dif
ferent avenues leading to our carap and connecting with the roads
centering upon Nashville, Tennessee — flankers, vedettes, couriers —
engaging the enemy daily on thc right flank.
Sorae few incidents whieh could not have fallen under the eye of the
brigade commanders, having occurred under my immediate notice, I
beg leave to append.
When the enemy charged upon our wing, scattering a few regi
ments, who stampeded to the rear, I received orders from General

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 405
Eosecrans in person, to collect all the cavalry at my command, and
proceed to rally the Right Wing and drive the eneray away. I found
Colonel Murray, of the Third Kentucky, in coraraand of about a
squadron of raen. With that we made our way to the right. We
found a complete stampede — infantry, cavalry, and artillery, rushing
to the rear, and the rebel cavalry charging upon our retiring forces
on the Murfreesboro pike. Colonel Murray, with great intrepidity,
engaged the enemy toward the skirts of the wood, and drove them in
three charges. His men behaved like old veterans. Between his
comraand and the field, was filled with rushing rebel cavalry charging
upon our retreating cavalry and infantry, holding raany of our
soldiers as prisoners.
I rallied the Third Ohio, some two companies, who were falling
back, and formed them in the rear of a fence, where volley after vol
ley had the effect of driving back the rebels on the run, the Third
Ohio charging upon them effectually, thereby relieving the pike of
their presence, saving the train, one piece of artillery, and rescuing
from their grasp many of our raen taken as prisoners. One of my
staff, Lieutenant Reilly, being a prisoner in their hands was released.
Lieutenant Murray, of the Third Ohio, displayed energy, courage,
and coolness upon this occasion, in executing my orders. I also take
great pride in mentioning the prompt manner with which my staff
conveyed my orders in all these engagements.
Two of my orderlies displayed high order of chivalry. Jaggers
charged upon two rebel cavalry, rescuing two men of the Fourth
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, who were being taken off as prisoners. The
other, Farrish, shot two of the rebels, and came to my rescue in a per
sonal encounter with a rebel, who was in the act of leveling his pistol
at my head, but he found a carbine leveled into his own face, and at
my order to surrender, he delivered his pistols, carbine, and horse to
me. They both deserve promotion, and would make good officers.
The able and undaunted spirit and ability which Colonel Minty has
displayed whenever coming under my eye, I take great satisfaction
in noticing. The officers and men all displayed great self-sacrifice.
Major Wynkoop, of the Seventh Pennsylvania commanding, and
Lieutenant Wooley, Adjutant General of the First Brigade, carried
out every order with unhesitating energy and will, displaying the
highest order of gallantry.
Captain E. Otis, of t,he Fourth Regular Cavalry, although he does
not belong to my division, but being posted on the Left Wing of our
skirmishers on the march on the Manchester road, I feel it my duty
as well as take great pleasure in stating he is is an able and efficient
officer. Brigadier General D. S. Stanley being in command of the forces
pursuing the retiring rebels on the march, it fell to my lot to convey
and see his orders executed. Before closing this report itis my duty
to make honorable mention of the meritorious conduct of Lieutenant
Newell, commanding a section of artillery attached to my division.
During the first day's engagement near Lavergne, he placed his two
pieces on well-selected ground, and did great execution, killing three
horses, dismounting seven, and scattering the rebel cavalry by his

406 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
well and timely aimed shots. He has on several occasions displayed
talents of first order as an artillerist.
It would not be amiss at this time to state that my entire command
were short of rations, performing duty, night and day, in the wet
field without shelter, exposed to the wet, cold, and hunger, without a
murmur. Major Paransom, of the Third Ohio, displayed great pres
ence of mind and determination in inaintaining his position on the
right flank with his battalion, to cover an ammunition train, long after
the cavalry on his right had been driven away by the enemy's shells.
Your obedient servant,
JOHN KENNETT,
Commanding' Division.

OFEICIAL REPORT OF CAPT. ELMER OTIS.

163. )

Headquaetees Foueth United States Cavaley,
Ih Camp neae Muefeeesboro, Tennessee,
January 7, 1863.
Major C. Goddard, Acting Assistant Adjutant General:
Sie — I have the honor to make the following report of the opera
tions of the Fourth United States Cavalry, in the battle in front of
Murfreesboro: On December 30, the Fourth United States Cavalry left camp at
Stewart's Creek, leaving the train and baggage under a strong guard,
commanded by 'Lieutenant Randlebrook. The regiment proceeded to
join General Rosecrans on the field of battle, and was drawn up in
line of battle in rear of the General's headquarters, but took no
immediate part in the action that day. Company L, commanded by
Lieutenant Royse, was General Rosecrans' immediate escort, and so
remains at the present tirae. Company M, strengthened by fifty men
detailed from Companies B, C, D, G, I, and K, commanded by Lieuten
ant L'Hommedieu, proceeded to establish a courier line from General
Rosecrans' headquarters to Lavergne, and so remained doing good
service until relieved, January 4, 1863. These details left rae with
only six small companies, numbering in aggregate two hundred and
sixty men, rank and file.
On the morning of the Slst, Colonel Garesche informed me that
rebel cavalry was appearing on the right flank of the line of battle,
and ordered me to proceed with the Fourth United States Cavalry to
look after them. This must have been between seven and eight o'clock
in the morning. I crossed the Murfreesboro pike and drew up the six
corapanies in line of battle in the following manner : each company
was in a column of fours led by the company commanders, the com
panies on a line paraUel to each other, company distance apart, lead-

OFFICLAL REPORTS. 407
ing the center myself. This was done owing to the wooded country
and fences that were obstructions to the ordinary line of battle.
Proceeding to the right of the line, I found our entire right flank
had given way. Learning from some men of General Davis' division
the position of the enemy's cavalry, I made a turn to the right,
moving about one-fourth of a mile, and discovered the enemy, t
came out of a piece of timber I was in, and getting over a fence, rap
idly charged the enemy with my entire command, completely routing
them with the exception of two pieces of artillery, supported by about
one hundred and twenty-five cavalry, stationed between my right and
the Murfreesboro and Nashville pike, who were not at first discovered.
I rallied my men again, and while rallying I saw about three hundred
of volunteer cavalry on my right ; I rode over to them and asked them
to charge the artillery with me and the few men 1 had rallied to take
the pieces. The officer replied that he was placed there to guard a
train, and would not charge with me. I have no doubt I could have
taken the artillery. Before I could get my raen rallied the artillery
moved off. About the time I got my coramand rallied, I received an
order from General Rosecrans to proceed to the Nashville and Mur
freesboro pike as soon as possible. I did so immediately. I have
since thought the General did not know my position, or he would have
allowed me to follow up the enemy. I was much nearer the pike than
I thought I was. I saw no more of the enemy's cavalry on the pike
that morning.
In this charge I can not speak in too high terms of the offioers and
men. Every man charged and kept in position, taking over a hundred
prisoners of the enemy and releasing a large number of our own cap
tured men. More redounds to their credit, considering that a large
raajority were recruits from volunteer infantry, and only some five
days drilled mounted.
Two companies of infantry were released in a body. The train on
the pike was, I have since learned, in the possession of the enemy
with a large number of stragglers, who were being disarmed at the
time. These stragglers did nothing to protect the train, scarcely
firing a shot.
From prisoners taken I have learned that the Fourth United
States Cavalry charged an entire brigade of cavalry, and routed thera
to such a degree that they disappeared from the field at this point
entirely. Later in the day I sent seventy-nine prisoners in one body
to the Tenth Ohio Infantry, stationed in our rear at Stewart's Creek.
Another body of forty men started, but I regret to say were captured.
Of the seventy-nine sent to the rear there was one captain and two
lieutenants. I have no doubt there were other officers, but did not
have an opportunity to examine them closely enough to find out.
Of the officers engaged it is almost impossible to particularize, they
all did so well. Captain Eli Long led his company with the greatest
gallantry, and was wounded by a ball through his left arm. Lieuten
ants Monck, Kelly, Lee, and Healey could not have done better.
It was a matter of great surprise to me, considering the ground
passed over, to find Dr. Comfort so soon on the field with his ambu
lance, caring for the wounded. He was in time to capture a prisoner

408 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
himself. First Sergeant Murphy led Company G, and commanded it
with great gallantry, the reports having counted eltven dead of the
enemy on the ground over which his company charged. Sergeant
M.ajor John G. Webster behaved gaUantly, capturing a lieutenant
mounted on a fine mare. First Sergeant James JIcAlpia led Company
E after Captain Long was wounded, and reports having killed two
rebels with two successive shots of his pistol. First Sergeant John
Dolan, Company B, captured iu captain and received his sword. Ko
one could have acted more bravely than First Sergeant McMaster, of
Company I. First Sergeant Christian Haefling, in charge of courier
line near headquarters, proceeded in the thickest of the fight and
recovered the effects of Colonel Garesche on his body, killed in this
day's fight. Our loss in this charge was small, Captain Eli Long and
six privates wounded.
Proceeding on the Nashville pike, I was ordered to escort a train to
the rear. I afterward got orders to return and report fo General
Rosecrans ; I returned, and for two hours looked for the General with
my command, but did not find him, although I found several of his
staff. I proceeded to the right flank and formed my regiment in front
of sorae rebel cavalry, who showed themselves in the distance, in
order to protect our train. 1 returned to General Rosecrans' head
quarters that night, and bivouacked near hira. The next morning,
January 1st, I was ordered to make a reconnoissance on the right
flank which I did, making my reports frequently to Major Goddard,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General ; that night bivouacking near
Overall's Creek, where ray coramand reraained watching the move
ments of the eneray until the 4th of January, when it was moved
to Wilkinson's Cross-roads. On January 5th roy command proceeded
under command of General Stanley to engage the enemy's rear guard,
on the Manchester pike, driving them some two or three milcs.
Private Snow, of Company L, orderly to General Rosecrans, was
ordered on January 2d, to pick up fifteen stragglers, march them to
the front, and turn them over to some commissioned officer. Failing to
find one he assuraed command, formed them in line, telling them that
he would shoot the first one that should run. He reports that they
fought bravely.
Twelve men were taken prisoners while performing courier duty.
Lieutenant Randlebrook was exceedingly vigilant guarding the train,
and of great service in sending forward supplies.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELMER OTIS,
Captain Commanding Fourth United States Cavalry in Field.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 409

REPORT OF COLONEL R. H. G. MINTY.

Headquaetees First Cavaley Brigade,
Camp before Murfeeesboeo, January 7, 1863,

..}

Lieutenant Chamberlain, Acting Assistant Adjutant General, First Cavalry
Division :
SiE — I have the honor to hand you the following report of the part
taken by the First Brigade, First Division Cavalry Reserve, in the
operations from the advance of the army from Nashville to, and
including the battle before, Murfreesboro.
I marched from Carap Rosecrans, near Nashville, ou the morning
of the 26th ult., with the Third Kentucky, Fourth Michigan, Seventh
Pennsylvania, and one corapany of the Second Indiana, and reported
to General Palmer on the Murfreesboro road. In accordance with
orders received from him, through the Colonel coramanding the divi
sion, I placed the Third Kentucky on the left, and the Seventh Penn
sylvania on the right of the road, keeping the Fourth Michigan on the
pike, with a strong advance guard thrown out.
Ten miles from Nashville I met the enemy's pickets, who, as they
fell back before us, were continually reinforced, until arriving at
Lavergne they disputed our progress with a force of two thousand five
hundred cavalry and mounted infantry, with four pieces of artiUery,
under General Wheeler. After some sharp skirmishing in which we
suffered some loss, and did the enemy considerable daraage, I raoved
under cover of a slight erainence on which Lieutenant Newell, of Batr
tery D, First Ohio, had his section planted, leaving two corapanies of
the Fourth Michigan dismounted, and in ambush behind a fence, to
support the artillery. I must here mention that Lieutenant NeweU did
splendid service with his two three-inch Rodmans. Every shot was
well planted, and he nobly fought the four guns of the enemy for over
half an hour, when a battery from General Palmer's division came up
to his assistance. One of the gunners was killed by a shell from the
enemy while serving bis gun.
Saturday, December 27. — The Seventh Pennsylvania, under Major
Wynkoop, raade a reconnoissance in front of General Palraer's divi
sion, which occupied a position on the left of the line. One battalion,
Fourth Michigan, under Captain Mix, was sent out on the Jefferson
pike, and did not rejoin the brigade until the following day.
The army advanced at about eleven o'clock A. M., the Third Ken
tucky and one company of the Second Indiana, under Colonel Murray,
on the left flanlc, and the Fourth Michigan, under my immediate
direction, covering the right flank.
Camped near Stewart's Creek this night.
Sunday, December 28. — I sent one battalion Seventh Pennsylvania,
under Captain Jennings, to reUeve the battalion Fourth Michigan on
the Jefferson pike.
Monday, December 29. — The army again advanoed— the Seventh

410 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Pennsylvania, under Major Wynkoop, on the left flank ; the Third
Kentucky, under Colonel Murray, on the right flank ; the Fourth
Michigan, under Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson, in reserve ; Second
Indiana on courier duty. Light skirmishing with the enemy all day.
Found the eneray in position in front of Murfreesboro at about three
o'clock P. M. Bivouacked immediately in rear of our line of battle.
Tuesday, December 30. — One battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania
and one battalion of the Third Kentucky formed, a chain of vedettes in
rear of line of battle, with orders to drive up all stragglers.
Under orders frora the Colonel commanding the division, I took the
Fourth Michigan, and one battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, back
on the Nashville road to operate against Wheeler's Cavalry, who, a few
hours before, had captured the train of the Twenty-Eighth Brigade on
the Jefferson pike. Between Stewart's Creek and Lavergne I met the
enemy, who were chiefly dressed in our uniforms. The Seventh Penn
sylvania drove them until after dark. I joined Colonel Walker's bri
gade, and camped with them near Lavergne for the night.
Wednesday, December 31. — Under orders from General Rosecrans I
reported to Brigadier General Stanley, Chief of Cavalry, who came
up the same morning with the First Middle Tennessee, and a part of
the Fifteenth Pennsylvania, aud in accordance with his orders we
moved rapidly across the country toward the right flank of General
McCook's position, leaving Lieutenant Colonel Dickinson with one
hundred and twenty meu to protect Lieutenant Newell's section of
artillery at the Cross-roads, north-west from Stewart's Creek. The
enemy's cavalry fell back rapidly before us for sorae miles. When
close to Overall's Creek our ow«I artillery, in position to our left, opened
on us with shell, and wounded severely one man of the Fifteenth
Pennsylvania. Crossing Overall's Creek, I took up position parallel to and about
three-quarters of a mile from the Murfreesboro and Nashville pike ;
the Fourth Michigan, under command of Captain Mix, forming a line
of dismounted skirmishers close to the edge of the woods, out of which
they had driven a. large force of the enemy's cavalry. They were
supported by a portion of the First Middle Tennessee Cavalry, also
disraounted. Captain Jennings' battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania, and two
companies of the Third Kentucky, under Captain Davis, were posted
in the woods near and to the riglit of the Fourth Michigan, with the
Fifteenth Pennsylvania (the Anderson Troop) in their rear.
My entire force at this time numbered nine hundred and fifty men.
The enemy advanced rapidly with two thousand five hundred cav
alry, mounted and dismounted, aud three pieces of artillery, all under
the command of Generals Wheeler, Wharton, and Buford. They drove
back the Fourth Michigan to the line of the First Tennessee skirm
ishers, and then attacked the Seventh Pennsylvania with great fury,
but met with a deterrained resistance. I went forward to the line of
dismounted skirmishers and endeavored to move thera to the right to
strengthen the Seventh Pennsylvania, but the raoment the right of the
line showed itself from behind the fence where they were posted, the
whole of the enemy's fire waa directed on it, turning it completely round.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 411
At this moment the Fifteenth Pennsylvania gave way and retreated
rapidly, leaving the battalion of the Seventh Pennsylvania and the
dismounted raen entirely unsupported, and no alternative but to
retreat. I fell baok a, short distance and reformed in the rear of a
rising ground, which protected us from the enemy's artillery.
The rebel cavalry followed us up sharply into the open ground, and
now menaced us with three strong lines, two directly in front of our
position, and one opposite our left flank, with its right thrown well
forward, and a strong body of skirmishers in the woods on our right,
threatening that flank.
General Stanley ordered a charge, and he himself led two companies
of the Fourth Michigan (H and K), with about flfty men of the Fif
teenth Pennsylvania, against the line in front of our left. He routed
the enemy and captured one stand of colors, which was brought in by
a sergeant of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania.
Captain Jennings, of the Seventh Pennsylvania, with his battalion,
supported this moveraent. At the same time I charged the flrst line in
our front with the Fourth Michigan and First Tennessee, and drove
thera from the field. The second line was formed on the far side of a
lane, with a partially destroyed fence on each side, aud still stood their
ground. I reformed my men and again charged. The enemy again
broke, aud were driven from the field in the wildest confusion.
I held the ground that night, with the First Tennessee, Fifteenth
Pennsylvania, and Fourth Michigan, picketing allot my first position.
A sergeant of the Seventh Pennsylvania, who was taken prisoner by
the enemy when we were driven back, states that before we charged
we had killed twenty-seven, including many officers.
January 1, 2, and 3. — Had the brigade under arms all day, with two
regiments on picket and skirmishing with the enemy's pickets.
January 4. — I moved the brigade to Wilkinson's Cross-roads and
bivouacked there for the night, with the Fourth Cavalry.
January 5. — I raar.ched through Murfreesboro and took the Manches
ter pike. One mile out I met the enemy's pickets and reported the
fact to General Stanley, who ordered an advance and took the lead
with the Fourth Cavalry.
After crossing a small creek, about two miles from Murfreesboro, the
bridge over which had been destroyed, the rebels commenced shelling us.
I sent the Third Kentucky well to the right and front and the Sev
enth Pennsylvania to the left, keeping the Fourth Michigan and First
and Second Tennessee in reserve. After some little delay we again
advanced. The Fourth Michigan, being next to and on the right of
the noad with one corapany, advanoed as skirraishers; the Third Ken
tucky on the right of the Fourth Michigan, the First "Tennessee on the
right of the Third Kentucky, and the Second Tennessee in reserve. In
this forraation we moved through a cedar-thicket, with a dense under
growth, rendering it almost impossible to force our way through. We
had occasional heavy skirmishing with the enemy, who continued to
shell us as we advanced.
About six miles out we met the enemy in foroe. A sh.irp skirmish
ensued, the Fourth Cavalry, First Tennessee Infantry, and the Seventh
Pennsylvania Cavalry having to bear the brunt of the fight on our side.

412

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

The enemy were driven from the field with heavy loss, and we
returned to within a mile and a half of Murfreesboro and went into
camp. CASUALTIES.

Killed

Wounded

Missing.

Aggregate

REGIMENTS.

O BiCDhi
t»

0 B
Ci0 "i 11
3

CO3
""9 7
6
5
10
37

0 3!0
s 1
"i

IS
50 1
12 8
5
89

0a
aCO 1
"i 1
2 1
6

raS

2d Indiana Cavalrv 

1
2 11
"2 7

u

61
3d Kentucky Cavalrv 
9
4Ui Michigan Cavalry 
19
1st Middle Tennessee Cavalry 
2d East Tennessee Cavalrv 
"i 1
IS
17
Total 
133
Horses killed, 61 ; wounded, 65.
Colonel Murray with a handful of men, performed services that
would do honor to a full regiment.
Captain Mix, with about fifty men, not only drove two hundred of
the enemy for over two miles, but he there held his position against an
entire regiment of rebel cavalry.
Lieutenant Eldridge, with eighteen men, and dismounted, attacked
the eneray, routed thera, and recaptured a wagon full of amraunition.
In the engageraent of Wednesday, the Slst, while leading his com
pany in a charge, Captain Mix's horse was shot under him, and, in the
same charge. Lieutenant Woolley, ray Acting Assistant Adjutant Gen
eral, was thrown from his horse, severely hurting his leg, notwith
standing which he remounted and continued to perforra all his duties.
In explanation of the large number of "missing" reported by the
Seventh Pennsylvania, I would call your attention to the fact tbat the
entire force of one battalion was deployed as a chain of vedettes in
rear of our line of battle, when the Right Wing was driven back, and
many of the raen must have been captured by tlie enemy while endeav
oring to drive forward the struggling infantry. *
In reporting such officers and raen who deserve special mention, I
must confine myself to those who came under my personal observation.
First Sergeant Bedtelyon, of Company K, Fourth Michigan Cavalry,
rode by my side during both charges against the enemy in the
engagement of Wednesday evening, Deceraber Slst, aud displayed
great gallantry and coolness. I have recommended him to his Excel
lency, the Governor of Michigan, for promotion. Bugler Bon Depen-
brook. Second Indiana Cavalry, and Quartermaster Sergeant Edward
Owen, Fourth Michigan Cavalry — when we were driven back in the
OFFICIAL REPORTS. 413
early part of the evening of December Slst, I was on foot and in rear
of the dismounted skirraishers who were running for their horses —
when these two gallant soldiers galloped to the front, bringing up my
horse. Lieutenant John Woolley, Second Indiana Cavalry, Acting
Ass'stant Adjutant General, First Cavalry Brigade, was thrown from
his horse and so severely hurt that he could not walk without great dif
ficulty, continued to press to the front on foot until he got another
horse, and reraained on the field until long after the engageraent was
over. Captain Frank W. Mix, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, had his horse
shot under him during the first charge ; he pressed forward on foot,
caught a stray horse, and led his company in the second charge.
Many others undoubtedly did as well as those I have mentioned, but
the above are the cases that came under my immediate notice.
The brigade has captured and turned over one hundred and ninety-
two prisoners.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. H. G. MINTY,
Colonel Commanding.

THE RIGHT w^iisra.

OFFICIA.L REPORT OF GEN. R. W. JOHNSON.
Headquarters Second Division, "1
Right Wing, January 6, 1863. J
Major J. A. Campbell, Assistant Adjutant General :
I have the honor to subrait the following report of the operations of
the Second Division, under ray command, beginning December 26,
1862, the day upon which it left Nashville, and terminating on Jan
uary 6, 1863 :
Agreeably to orders, the divisions of the Right Wing of the Four
teenth Army Corps marched from their camps near Nashville, taking
tho Nolensville pike, and arrived iu that village the same day, at four
o'clock P. M. On the following day the sarae divisions, with mine in
advance, marched to Triune. The rebel rear guard contested the
ground inch by inch, and the day was passed constantly skirmishing
with them, with no loss on our side, but several casualties on their
pan. Triune was occupied by my division about four P. M. The fol
lowing day (Deceraber 28), the coraraand remained in Triune. A
reconnoissance, to ascertain the direction the enemy had retreated,
was made by a brigade of my command, coraraanded by Brigadier
General A. WiUich. It having ascertained that the enemy had
retreated toward Murfreesboro, I was ordered to leave a brigade at

414 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Triune, and on the 29th to march on Murfreesboro on what is known
as the Balle Jack ra^d. Colonel P. P. Baldwin, Third Brigade, was
left at Triune. The command arrived at Wilkinson's Cross-roads
about eight P. M., on the 29th, and an order sent at once to Colonel
Baldwin to move forward his brigade, which arrived early on the
afternoon of the SOth. My division was in reserve on the 29th. Ou
the following morning, December 30, General Sherridan's division was
ordered to advance in line of battle, covering the Wilkinson pike,
while General Davis' division marched in the same order, on the right
of General Sherridan. My division, being held in reserve, was
marched in column on the pike. There being no troops on General
Davis' right, and General Sherridan's left being guarded by General
Crittenden's left wing (N. B. — Negley's division of Center), I was
ordered to oblique to the right, covering the right of General Davis'
division. About two o'clock P. M. I received an order from Major
General McCook to look well to my right, as General Hardee (rebel),
with his corps, was on the right flank of our column. I ordered the
Second Brigade, Brigadier General E. N. Kirk commanding, to take
position with his brigade, his left resting against the right of General
Davis, his right refused so as to cover our right flank. About dark I
placed General Willich's on the right of Kirk's, refusing his right, and
directed a heavy line of skirmishers to be thrown forward, connecting
on the left with those of General Davis, and extending to the right
and rear, near the Wilkinson pike. This line of skirmishers was
thrown forward about six hundred yards, and near those of the eneray.
My Third Brigade, Colonel Baldwin coraraanding, was held in reserve.
In consultation with General McCook, late in the afternoon ofthe SOth,
he informed me that he had reliable information to the effect that the
center of the rebel line of battle was opposite to our extreme right,
and that we would probably be attacked by the entire rebel army early
on the foUowing raorning. His prediction proved true. He also in
formed rae that he had coraraunicated this inforraation to the Com
manding General. I expected a change in the programme for the
following day, but none was made. My brigade commanders were
called together, and the operations of the foUowing day fully explained
to them. Every arrangeraent was made for an attack. Two gallant
and experienced officers commanded my two advance brigades, and
every precaution was taken against surprise.
At twenty-two minutes past six o'clock on the morning of the 31st,
the outposts in front of ray division were driven in by an overwhelm
ing force of infantry, outnumbering my forces greatly, and known to
contain about thirty-five thousand men. At the same time my extreme
right was attacked by the eneray's cavalry. The gaUant Kirk and
Willich soon opened up a heavy fire of musketry and artillery on the
advancing columns, causing wavering in the ranks, but fresh columns
would soon replace them, and it was apparent that to fall back was a
"military necessity." Edgarton's Battery, after firing three rounds,
had so many of his horses killed as to render it unmanageable. He,
however, remained with it, and continued so fire, until he fell by a
severe wound, and he and his battery fell into the hands of the enemy.
Before ft,lling back, the horse of General Willich was killed, and he

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 415
was wounded and taken prisoner. About the same time. General Kirk
received a severe wound, which disabled him. Seeing the pressure
upon my lines, I ordered up my reserve brigade, under the gallant
Baldwin. The troops of his brigade advanoed promptly, and delivered
their fire, holding their ground for some tirae, but, they, too, were com
pelled to fall back. The troops of this division, for the first time, were
compelled to yield the field temporarily, but the heroes of Shiloh and
Perryville did not abandon their ground until forced to do so by the
immense masses of the enemy hurled against them, and then inch by
inch. The ground over whioh the division passed, covered with the ene
my's dead and those of our own raen, shows that the field was warmly
contested. Several times the lines were reforraed and resistance
offered, but the columns of the enemy were too heavy for a single line,
and ours would have to yield. Finally the left flank of my division
reached, the line of General Rousseau's, when it was reforraed and
fought until out of aramunition, but my effioient ordnance officer. Lieu
tenant Murdoch, had a supply in readiness. Which was soon issued,
and the division assisted iu driving the enemy from the field in their
last desperate struggle of the day. Soon the curtain of darkness fell
upon the scene of blood, and all was quiet, awaiting the coraing of
raorn to renew hostilities.
Morning came but the enemy had withdrawn. January 1 was a
day of comparative quiet in camp, few shots being fired, but many
preparations made for a heavy battle on the following day. General
Crittenden's wing Tyas attacked in force on the 2d, and one of my bri
gades. Colonel Gibson's, was sent to reinforce thera. For the gallant
part taken by it reference is made to the report of Major General Crit
tenden. The enemy evacuated Murfreesboro on the night of the 3d.
On tho 6th I was ordered to raove my camp to a point on the Shelby
ville road, four miles south of Murfreesboro.
The conduct of the officers and men under ray command was good.
The Louisville Legion, under the command of the gallant Lieutenfint
Colonel Berry, brought off by hand one cannon, after the horses were
killed. They yielded the ground only when overpowered, offering an
obstinate resistance at every point. Some few in each regiment
becoming panic-stricken, fled to NashviUe for safety. Captain Simon
son managed his battery with skill and courage, and with it did good
execution. He lost two guns, but not until the horses had been killed
and the guns disabled. Goodspeed's Battery lost three guns and quite
a number of horses. This battery was handled well aud did good
execution, under Lieutenant Belden.
After the capture of General Willich, his brigade was coraraanded
teraporarily by Colonel WaUace of the l?ifteenth Ohio, but was after
ward coramanded by Colonel W. H. Gibson, Forty-Ninth Ohio. Gen
eral Kirk becoming disabled was replaced by Colonel Dodge, Thirtieth
Indiana, while the Third Brigade was coramanded by Colonel Bald
win. These four Colonels have demonstrated their fitness for command
on several bloody fields, and aro recomraended to my superiors for pro
motion. Their coolness and courage rendered thera conspicuous
throughout the bloody engagement. Major Klein and his battalion

416 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
of the Third Indiana Cavalry, deserve special mention under their
gallant leader; the battalion was always in front, and rendered effi
cient service.
To Captains Barker, Hooker, Thruston, and McLeland : Lieutenants
Taft, Hills, and Sheets of ray staff, raany thanks are due for their effi
ciency and promptness in carrying orders to all parts of the field.
My Medical Director, Surgeon Marks, and the raedical officers of the
division, were untiring in their exertions to alleviate the suff'eriugs of
the wounded, and to them ray thanks are due. My escort, composed
of the following named men of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, who
accorapanied rae throughout the engagement, deserves special mention
for their good conduct :
Sergeant Wm. C. Miles ; privates Geo. Long, Thos. Salyers, John
Christiau, John Whitten, James Bowen, B. Hammerslein, R. A. Novah.
Private Bowen's horse was killed by a cannon ball.
The loss of the division was as follows : Killed, 260; wounded, 1,005;
missing, 1,280; total, 2,545.
The missing are supposed to have been captured.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
R. W. JOHNSON,
B^rigadier General Commanding.

.1

GENERAL JEFF. C. DAVIS' REPORT.
Headquarters First Division, Right Wixg,
January 8, 1863.
Major J. A. Campbell, Acting Adjutant General:
Major — I have the honor to submit the following report of the
part taken by the division under my command, in the recent opera
tions against the enemy's forces in the vicinity of Triune and Mur
freesboro :
On Ihe morning of the 26th ult., in compliance with instructions
received from the General commanding the Right Wing, I broke up
camp at St. .James' Chapel, on Mill Creek, and advanced upon Nolens
ville via the Edmonson pike, as far as Prim's blacksraith shop; from
thence ray advance was over a rugged country road, rendered alraost
irapassable by the incessant rain which had been falling in torrents
during the entire niorning.
The enemy's pickets were discovered by my cavalry escort, com
posed of Corapany B, Thirty-Sixth Illinois Volunteers, under com
mand of Captain Shirer, within a few miles of our oamp. This sraall
force of cavalry being the only mounted force under our command, I
ordered them to the front, with instructions to drive iu the enemy's
pickets, and to attack him on his fianks at every opportunity. So

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 417
effectually was this done that the infantry and artillery were enabled
to raove with little interruption to within a mile of Nolensville. By
this tirae I had learned from reliable information, 'through citizens as
well as cavalry scouts, that the enemy occupied the town in some
force both of cavalry and artillery.
The First Brigade, consisting of the Twenty-Second Indiana, Sev
enty-Fourth, Seventy-Fifth, and Fifty-Ninth Illinois Regiments, and
the Fifth Wisconsin Battery, commanded by Colonel P. Sidney Post,
was immediately deployed for an advance upon the town. Pinney's
Fifth Wisconsin Battery was posted so as to command the town and
all approaches from the south-west. The eneray's cavalry was seen
by this tirae taking position on a range of hills south-west of town,
and was evidently attempting to flank our position. A few shells
from Pinney's Battery soon caused them to fall back. A battery
which by this time they had succeeded in getting into position,
opened fire but was after a few rounds silenced by Pinney's guns.
The Second Brigade, consisting of the Twenty-First and Thirty-
Eighth Illinois, Fifteenth Wisconsin, and One Hundred and First
Ohio Regiments, and the Second Minnesota Battery, comraanded by
Colonel Carlin, had by this tirae formed -a, line of battle on Post's
right, and moving rapidly forward soon engaged the enemy's dis
mounted cavalry in a sharp skirmish.
The Third Brigade, consisting of the Twenty-Fifth and Thirty-Fifth
Illinois, Eighty-First Indiana, and the Eighth Wisconsin Battery,
coraraanded by Colonel Woodruff, was deployed on the right so as to
check any effort which might be made to attack my flank from this
direction. Carlin advanced in exceUent order, driving everything
before hira until ordered to halt, having dislodged the enemy from
his position entirely.
By this tirae I ascertained that the eneray would probably make
another effort to resist our advance about two miles further on, and
notwithstanding it was late in the afternoon, and the men were rauch
fatigued from a hard day's march through rain and mud, I could not
forego the opportunity thus offered in giving them another chance
to signalize their courage and endurance. Ascertaining the enemy's
position as well as I could I ordered the advance. Their lines were
soon discovered, occupying a range of high rocky hills, through
which the Nolensville and Triune pike passes, known as " Knob's
Gap." This was a favorable position to the enemy and well guarded
by artillery, which opened fire at long range upon Carlin's lines.
Hotchkiss' and Pinney's Batteries were rapidly brought into aotion
and opened fire, while Carlin's brigade charged the battery, carried
the hights in his front and captured two guns. Post's brigade car
ried the hights on the left of the road with but little resistance, while
Woodruff's brigade drove in the eneray's skirmishers on the extreme
right. The day had now closed and I ordered the troops to bivouac in
accord.ance with instructions frora the General Commanding, who
arrived at this time upon the ground, followed by Generals Sherri
dan's and Johnson's divisions.
The steady courage and soldierly zeal displayed on this occasion by

418 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
both officers and men, gave ample assurance of what could be
expected of them in the coraing struggle at Murfreesboro.
On the 27th, in accordance with the General's instruotions, the
division took position at the junction of the Balle Jack road with the
Nolensville pike, one raile frora Triune, where it remained in bivouac
until the raorning of the 29th, at which time the advance was
resumed. In eorapliance with instructions, I moved forward on the
Balle Jack as far as Stewart's Creek, a few railes beyond which it was
reported by our cavalry the enemy had shown himself in considera
ble force. The General Commanding arriving at this time in person,
at the head of the column, ordered a halt until the division in the
rear could be brought up.
Brigadier General Stanley, commanding the cavalry in advance,
soon reported the road clear and the march was resuraed without
obstruction, until the entire coraraand reached the Wilkinson pike,
six miles from Murfreesboro.
The division bivouacked during the night at Overall's Creek, three
and a half railes frora Murfreesboro, the left brigade resting on the
Wilkinson pike. On the raorning of the SOth the division moved for
ward and took position on General Sherridan's right, about three
hundred yards south of and parallel to the Wilkinson pike, in which
position it reraained until two o'clock P. M. A few companies of
skirmishers thrown to the front, in a skirt of timber land, soon found
those of the enemy, and for several hours a brisk skirmish was kept
up with varying results.
About two 0' clock P. M., the General Coraraanding ordered a gen
eral advance of the whole line. This the eneray seemed at first dis
posed to resist only with his skirmishers ; gradually, however, as
both parties strengthened their lines of skirmishers, the contest
became raore aniraated. Our main lines steadily advanced, occupy
ing and holding the ground gained by the skirraishers, until about
half an hour before sunset, when the enemy's position was plainly
discovered running diagonally across the old Murfreesboro and
Franklin road. The enemy's batteries now announced our close prox
imity to their lines. Carpenter's and Hotchkiss' Batteries were soon
brought info position and opened fire. Woodruff's and Carlin's bri
gades by this time felt the fire of thc enemy's main lines and
responded in the most gallant manner.
Post's brigade, moving steadily forward on Ihe right, after a
most obstinate resistance on the part of the enemy succeeded in
driving his skirmishers frora a strong position in our front, for
cing them to retire upon their main lines. Night soon brought
a close to the conflict. Receiving directions at this timo, from
General McCook, to desist frora any further offensive demonstration
further than what might be necessary to hold ray position, I ordered
the troops fo rest for thc nigliton their arras. Two brigades of Gen
eral Johnson's division, heretofore held in reserve, arrived and took
posilion on my right about sunset, Ihus extending our line of battle
beyond the old Franklin and Murfreesboro ro.ad. These brigades
were commanded by Generals Willich and Kirk.
Tho night passed off quietly until about daylight, when the ene-

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 419
ray's forces were observed by our pickets to be in motion. Their
object could not, however, wilh certainty be determined until near
sunrise, when a vigorous attack was made upon Willich's and Kirk's
brigades. These troops seemed not to have been fully prepared for
the assault, and with little or no resistance retreated from tlieir posi
tion leaving their artillery in the hands of the enemy. This left my
right brigade exposed to a flank raovement, which the eneray was
now rapidly executing, and compelled rae to order Post's brigade to
fall back and partially change its front. Simultaneous with this
moveraent the enemy commenced a heavy and very determined attack
on both Carlin's and Woodruff's brigades.
These brigades were fully prepared for the attack, and received it with
veteran courage. The conflict was fierce in the extreme on both sides.
Our loss was heavy, and that of the enemy no less. It was according
to my observations, the best contested point of the day, and would
have been held but for the overwhelraing force moving so persistently
against my right. Cfirlin finding his right flank being severely pushed
and threatened with being turned, ordered his troops to retire. Wood
ruff's brigade succeeded in repulsing the enemy, and holding its posi
tion until the withdrawal of the troops on both its flanks compelled it
to retire.
Pinney's Battery, whioh had posted in an open field upon my
extreme right, and ordered to be supported by a part of Post's bri
gade, now opened a destructive fire upon the enemy's advancing lines.
This gallant and distinguished battery, supported by the Twenty-Sec
ond Indiana aud Fifty-Ninth Illinois regiments, together with a bri
gade of General Johnson's division, commanded by Colonel Baldwin
(Sixth Indiana Volunteers), for a short time brought the enemy to a
check on 'our right. Hotchkiss' Battery, had also by this time taken
an excellent position near the Wilkinson pike, so as to comraand
the eneray's approach across a large cotton-field in his front, over
which he was now advancing. The infantry, however, contrary to
expectations, failed to support this battery, and after firing a few
rounds was forced to retire. In accordance with instructions re
ceived during the night, announcing the plan of operations, for the
day, I desisted frora any further attempts to engage the enemy except
by skirraishers thrown to the rear for that purpose until my lines had
reached within a few hundred yards of the Nashville and Murfrees
boro pikes, when I again determined to reform ray lines to resist his
further advance. To this order but few of the regiments responded,
their ranks being much thinned by killed and wounded, and not a few
availed themselves of the favorable opportunity offered by the dense
woods through which we were compelled to pass to skulk like cowards
frora the ranks.
The reserve force here moved to the front and reUeved ray command
from any further participation in the engagement until late in the
afternoon when in compliance with instructions I took position on the
right. My skirmishers were immediately thrown out and soon engaged
the enemy's until night brought a close to hostilities for the day.
During the 1st and 2d of January, the division occupied this posi
tion in skirmishing with the enemy's pickets until late in the afternoon

420 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
of the 2d, when I received orders from General Rosecrans to hasten to
the support of a part of General Crittenden's coramand, who had been
sometirae hotly engaged vi.ith the eneray across the river on our
extreme left.
iUoving as rapidly as possible across the river to the field of battle,
I found our gallant troops forcing the enemy back on his reserves.
The brigade of Colonel Woodruff', being in the advanoe, only arrived
in time to participate in the general engagement.
After relieving the troops of General Palmer and Colonel Beatty,
and particularly the brigade of Colonel Hazen, which had so nobly
vindicated their courage in the then closing conflict, I ordered a
heavy line of skirmishers to be thrown out. 'I'he eneray's lines were
soon encountered, and a renewal of the engageraent seemed imminent.
A few rounds of grape and cannister from one of our batteries, how
ever, caused them to withdraw, and night again brought a cessation
of hostilities.
During the night I disposed of my troops iu such raanner as would
best ena,bleme to repel an attack, andin compliance with instructions,
I directed rifle pits and breastworks to be thrown up. This was done,
and morning found us well prepared for any emergency, either offen
sive or defensive.
The following day (3d January), considerable skirmishing was kept
up without abatement from early in the morning until dark. During
the night, I received orders from General Crittenden to withdraw my
command from the east bank of the river, and to report with it to
General McCook.
This moveraent was executed between one and four o'clock in the
morning, during which time the rain fell incessantly. The pickets
about this time reported the enemy as having been very active in their
movements during the latter part of the niglit, and their convictions
that he was evacuating his position. Further observations made after
daylight proved this to be the case.
The following list of casualties shows a loss in the division during
the several engagements above described, as follows :
orricEES.
KUled  16
Wounded  34
Missing  2 — 52
ENLISTED MEN.
Killed  176
Wounded  784
Missing  399—1,359
Total  1,411
This division lost three pieces of artillery, and captured two In the
list of officers killed are the names of Colonel Stem, One Hundred and
First Ohio ; Colonel Williams, Twenty-Fifth Illinois ; Lieutenant Col
onel Wooster, One Hundred and First Ohio ; Lieutenant Colouel McKee
Fifteenth Wisconsin; Captain Carpenter, Eighth Wisconsin Battery'

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 421
and Captain McCulloch, Second Kentucky Cavalry of my staff, whose
noble deeds of valor on the field, had already placed their names on the
list of brave raen. The history of the war will record no brighter names,
and the country will mourn the loss of no more devoted patriots than
these. Among the wounded are Colonel Alexander, Twenty-First Illinois ;
Lieutenant Colonel Tanner, Twenty-Second Indiana ; Captain Pinney,
Fifth Wisconsin Battery, and Captain Austin, Acting Assistant Adju
tant General, on the staff of Colonel Woodruff, whose names it affords
me special gratiflcation to mention.
From the 26th of December, until the close of the engagement on
the 4th of January, at Murfreesboro, no entire day elapsed that the
division or sorae portion of it did not engage the enemy. During a
great part of the time, the weather was excessively inclement and the
troops suffered much from exposure. A heavy list of casualties and
much suffering was unavoidable under the circurastances.
It affords me much pleasure to be able to report the cheerful and
soldier-like manner in which these hardships and privations were
endured by the troops throughout. History will record, and the coun
try reward, their deeds.
My staff consisting, of T. W. Morrison, Acting Assistant Adjutant
General; Captain H. Pease, Inspector General; Captain McCulloch,
Lieutenants Frank E. Reynolds, and Thomas H. Dailey, Aidsdecamp;
Surgeon J. L. Judd, Medical Director ; Captain Shriver, Ordnance
Officer; Lieutenant R. Plunket, Provost Marshal; private Frank Clark,
Clerk to the Assistant Adjutant General, and Acting Aiddecamp ;
deported themselves throughout the entire carapaign, as well as on the
battle-field, with distingushed zeal and conspicuous gallantry.
While expressing my high regard and approbation of the General Com
manding, 1 desire to tender ray thanks to yourself. Major, and to Col
onel Langdon, Major Bates, Captains Thruston, Williaras, and Fisher,
of his staff, for the prompt and efficient manner in whicll the field
duties were performed by them.
During the several engageraents in which the division participated,
ray subaltern officers attracted my adrairation by their conspicuous
gallantry, and whose naraes, I regret, can not be mentioned in this
report. They will be remembered in future recommendations for pro
motion. I am, Major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JEFF. C. DAVIS,
Brigadier General Commanding.

422 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

GENERAL P. H. SHERRIDAN'S REPORT.
Headquaetees Thied Division, Right Wing, "j
Camp on Stone Rivee, Tennessee, V
January 9, 1863. J
Major J. A. Campbell, Adjutant General and Chief of Staff:
Major — In obedience to instructions from the headquarters of the
Right Wing, I have the honor to report the following as the operations
of ray division, from the 26th day of December, 1862, to the 6th day
of January, 1863.
On the 26th of Deceraber I moved from camp, near Nashville, on the
NolensviUe pike, in the direction of Nolensville. At the crossing of
Mill Creek the enemy's cavalry made some re^stance, but were soon
routed, one private and one Lieutenant of the eneray being captured.
On approaching Nolensville, I received a message from General
Davis, who had arrived at Nolensville, via the Edmonson pike, that the
enemy were in considerable force on his front, and requesting me to
support hira.
On the arrival of the head of my division at NolensviUe, General
Davis advanced upon the enemy's position about two miles south of
that place, supported by my division. The enemy had here made a
stand in a gap of the mountains, but after a sharp conflict with Gen
eral Davis' coramand, were routed and one piece of artiUery captured.
On the next day (27th) I supported General Johnson's division in its
advance on Triune, where the enemy were supposed to be in consider
able force.
The town was taken possession of after a slight resistance, the main
portion of their forces having evacuated the place.
On the 28th I encamped at Triune. On the 29th I supported General
Davis' division, which had the advance from Triune on Murfreesboro,
encamping that night at Wilkinson's Cross-roads, from which point
there is a good turnpike to Murfreesboro.
On the next day (SOth) I took the advance of the Right Wing on
tbis turnpike, toward Murfreesboro, General Stanley witi a regiment
of cavalry having been thrown in advance.
After arriving at a point about three miles from Murfreesboro, the
enemy's infantry pickets were encountered and driven back, their
numbers constantly increasing until I had arrived within about two
miles and a quarter of Murfreesboro. At this point the resistance
was so strong as to require two regiments to drive thera. I was here
directed by Major General MoCook to form my liue of battle and
place ray artillery in position. iMy line was formed on the right ofthe
pike and obliquely to it, four regiments to the front with a second line
of four regiraents, within short supporting distance, in the rear, with
a reserve of one brigade, in column of regiments, to the rear and oppo
site the center. General Davis was then ordered to close in and form

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 423
on my right, the enemy all this time keeping up a heavy artillery
and rausketry fire upon my skirmishers.
The enemy continued to occupy, with their skirmishers, a heavy belt
of timber to the right and front of my line, and across some open
fields, and near where the left of General Davis' division was intended
to rest. General Davis was then directed by Major General McCook to
swing his division, and I was directed to swing my right brigade with
it until our continuous line would front nearly due east. This would
give us possession of the timber above alluded to, and which was oocu
pied by the enemy's skirmishers in considerable force. This move
ment was successfully executed, after a stubborn resistance on the
part of the eneray, iu which they used one battery of artUlery. This
battery was silenced in a very short time by Bush's and Hescock's Bat
teries, of my division, and two of the enemy's pieces disabled.
At sundown I had taken up my position, ray right resting in the
timber, my left on the Wilkinson pike, ray reserve brigade of four regi
ments to the rear and opposite the center.
The killed and wounded during the day was seventy-five men.
General Davis' left was closed in on ray right, and his line thrown to
the rear, so that it formed nearly a right angle with mine. General
Negley's division, of Thomas' Corps, was immediately on my left, his
right resting on the left hand side of the Wilkinson pike.
The enemy appeared to be in strong force in a heavy cedar-woods,
across an open valley in my front and parallel to it, the cedar extend
ing the whole length of the valley, the distance across the valley vary
ing from three hundred to four hundred yards.
At two o'clock" on the morning of the Slst, General Sill, who had
command of my right brigade, reported great activity on the part of
the enemy immediately in his front. This being the narrowest point
in the valley, I was fearful that an attack might occur at that point. I
therefore directed two regiraents from the reserve to report to General
Sill, who placed them in position in very short supporting distance of
his lines.
At four o'clock in the morning the division was assembled under
arms, and the cannoniers at their pieces. About fifteen minutes after
seven o'clock in the morning, the euemy advanced to the attack across
an open cottonfield on Sill's front. This column was opened on by
Bush's Battery, of Sill's brigade, which had a direct fire on its front.
Also by Hescock's and Houghtaling's Batteries, which had an oblique
fire on their front, from a commanding position near the center of my
line. The effect of this fire upon the enemy's colurans was terrible.
The enemy, however, continued to advance until they had reached
nearly the edge of the timber, when they were opened upon by Sill's
iiif intry at a range of not over fifty yards. The destruction to the
enemy's column, which was closed in mass, being several regiments in
depth, was terrible. Por a short time they withstood the fire, wavered,
then broke and ran. SiU directing his troops to charge, which was
gallantly responded to, and thc enemy driven back across tho valley
and behind their intrenchments. In this charge I had the misfortune
to lose General Sill, who was killed.
The brigade then fell back in good order and renewed its original

424 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
lines. The enemy soon rallied and advanced 'to the attack on my
extreme right, and in front of Colonel Woodruff, of Davis' division.
Here, unfortunately, the brigade of Colonel VA'oodruff gave way, also
one regiment of Sill's brigade, which was in the second line. This
regiment fell back sorae distance into the open field aud then raUied,
its place being occupied by a third regiment of my reserve. At this
time the eneray, who had attacked on the extrerae right of our wing,
against Johnson, and also on Davis' front, had been successful, and
the two divisions on my right were retiring in great confusion, closely
foUowed by the enemy, corapletely turning ray position, and exposing
my line to a fire from the rear. I hastily withdrew the whole of Sill's
brigade, and the three regiments sent to support it, at the same tirae
directing Colonel Roberts, of the left brigade, who had changed front
and formed in coluran of regiments, to charge the enemy in the tiraber
from which I had withdrawn three regiment?. This was very gal
lantly done by Colonel Roberts, who captured one piece of the enemy's
artillery, which had to be abandoned.
In the raeantirae I had forraed Sill's and Shaeffer's brigades on a
line at right angles fo my first line, and behind the three batteries of
artillery, which were placed in a fine position, directing Colonel Roberts
to return and forra on the new line. I then raade an unavailing
atterapt to forra the troops on ray right on this line, in front of vvhich
there were open fields through which the eneray w,as approaching
under a heavy fire from Hescock's, Houghtaling's, and Bush's batteries.
After the attempt had proved to be entirely unsuccessful, and my
right was again turned. General McCook directed me to advance to the
front and form on the right of Negley. This movement was success
fully accomplished, under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery, every
regiment of mine remaining unbroken.
I took position on Negley's right, Roberts' brigade having been
placed in position at right angles to Negley's line, facing to the south,
the other two brigades being placed to the rear and at right angles
with Roberts' and facing the west, covering the rear of Negley's lines.
I then directed Houghtaling's Battery to take position at the angle of
these two lines. Captain Hescock sending one section of his battery,
under Lieutenant Taliaferro, and one section of Bush's Battery to the
same point, the remaining pieces of Hescock's and Bush's Batteries
were placed on the right of Negley's line, facing toward Murfrees
boro. In this position I was immediately attacked, when one of the
bitterest and most sanguinary contests of the whole day occurred.
General Cheatham's division advanced on Roberts' brig.ade, and
heavy raasses of the enemy with three batteries of artillery advanced
over the open ground which I had occupied in the previous part of the
engageraent, at the same time the enemy opening from their intrench
ments in the direction of Murfreesboro.
The contest then became terrible. The enemy raade three attacks
and were three times repulsed, the artillery range of the respective
batteries being not over two hundred yards. In these attacks Roberts'
brigade lost its gallant coraraander, who was killed.
There was no sign of faltering with the men, the only cry being for
more ammunition, which, unfortunately, could not be supplied on

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 425
account of the discomfiture of the troops on tho right of oar wing,
which allowed the eneray to come in and capture our araraunition
train. Shaeffer's brigade being entirely out of aramunition, I directed tlicm
to fix bayonets and await the eneray. Roberts' brigade, which was
nearly out of a'raraunition, I directed to fall back resisting the enemy.
Captain Houghtaling having exhausted all his amraunition, and nearly
all the horses -of his battery having been killed, attempted, with the
assistance of the raen, to withdraw his pieces by hand.
Lieutenant Taliaferro, commanding the section of Hescock's Battery,
having been killed, and several of his horses shot, his two pieces were
brought off by his sergeant with the assistance of the men. The diffi
culty of withdrawing the artiUery here became very great, the ground
being rocky and covered with a dense growth of cedar. Hought.aling's
Battery had to be abandoned, and also two pieces of Bush's Battery.
The remaining pieces of artillery in the division were brought through
the cedars with great difficulty, under a terrible fire frora the eneray,
on to the open space on the Murfreesboro pike, near the right of Gen
eral Palraer's division. In coming through the cedars two regiraents
of Shaeffer's brigade succeeded in obtaining ammunition, and were
immediately put in front to resist the enemy, who appeared to be driv
ing iu our entire lines.
On arriving at the open space I was directed by Major General Rose
crans to take those two regiments and put them into action on the
right of Palmer's division, where the eneray were pressing heavily.
The two regiraents went in very gallantly, driving the eneray from the
cedar timber and some distance to the front. At the same time I put
four pieces of Hescock's Battery into action near by and on the same
front. The other two regiments of Shaeffer's brigade, and the Thirty-
Sixth Illinois of Sill's brigade, were directed to cross the railroad,
where they could obtain ammunition. I then, by direction of Major
General McCook, withdrew the two regiment? that had been placed on
the right of Palmer's division, also Captain Hescock's pieces, that
point having been given up to the enemy in the rearrangement of our
lines. These regiments of Shaeffer's brigade having supplied themselves
with araraunition, I put it into action, by direction of Major General
Rosecrans, directly to the front and right of General Wootl's division,
on the left hand side of the railroad.
The brigade advanoed through a clump of timber, and took position
on the edge of a cottonfield, dose upon the enemy's lines, relieving tho
division of General Wood, which was falling back under u. heavy
pressure from the enemy.
At this point I lost my third aud last brigade coramander. Colonel
Shaeffer, who was killed. The brigade, reraaining in this position
until after it had expended its ammunition, was withdrawn to the rear
of this timber, when it was again supplied and joined by the Thirty-
Sixth Illinois. I was here directed by General Rosecrans to form a
close column of attack and charge the enemy should they again come
down on the open ground.
36

426 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
The reraaining portion of the evening this gallant brigade remained
in close coluran of regiments, and under fire of the enemy's batteries,
which killed ahout twenty of the men by round shot. In the mean
time, Colonel Roberts' brigade, which had corae out of the cedars
unbroken, was put into action by General McCook at a point a short
distance to the rear, where the eneray threatened our communications
on the Murfreesboro pike.
The brigade having but three or four rounds of ammunition, cheer
fully went into action, gallantly charged the enemy, routing them,
recapturing two pieces of artillery, and taking forty prisoners. The
rout of the enemy at this point deserves special consideration, as they
had here nearly reached the Mui freesboro pike.
On the night of the Slst I was placed in position on the Murfrees
boro pike, facing south, and on the ground where Roberts' brigade had
charged the enemy. General Davis being on my right.
On the 1st of January heavy skirmish fighting with occasional
artillery shots on both sides was kept up till about three o'clock P. M.,
when a charge was made by a brigade of the eneray on my position.
This was handsoraely repulsed, and one officer and eighty-five men of
the eneray captured. Colonel Walker's brigade, of Thomas' Corps, was
also placed under my coraraand teraporarily, having a position on my
left, where the same character of fighting was kept up.
On the 2d of January Colonel Walker sustained two heavy attacks,
which he gallantly repulsed. On the 3d skirmishing took place
throughout the day. On the 4tli all was quiet in front, the enemy
having disappeared. On the 5th nothing of importance occurred, and
on the 6th I moved my carap to its present camp on Stone River, three
railes south of Murfreesboro on the Shelbyville pike.
I trust that the General Coramanding is satisfied with my division.
It fought bravely and well. The loss of Houghtaling's Battery and
one section of Bush's was unavoidable. All the horses were shot
down or disabled. Captain Houghtaling wounded, and Lieutenant Tal
iaferro killed.
My division, alone and unbroken, made a gallant stand to protect
the right flank of our army, being all that reraained of the Right
Wing. Had my ammunition held out I would not have fallen back,
although such were my orders if hard pressed. As it was, this
determined stand of my troops gave time for a rearrangement of our
lines. The division mourns the loss of Sill, Shaeffer, and Roberts. They
were all instantly killed, and at the raoment when their gallant bri
gades were charging the enemy. They were true soldiers — prompt
and brave.
On the death of these officers, respectively. Colonel Greusel, Thii-ty-
Sixth Illinois, took command of Sill's brigade, Lieutenant Colonel
Laiboldt, Second Missouri, of Shaeffer's, and Colonel Bradley of Rob
erts' brigade. These officers behaved gallantly throughout the day.
It is also my sad duty to record the death of Colonel F. A. Harring
ton, of the Twenty-Seventh Illinois, who fell heroically leading his
regiment to the charge.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 427
I refer with pride to the splendid conduct, bravery, and efficiency
of the foUowing regimental comraanders, aud the offioers and men of
their respective commands:
Colonel P. T. Sherraan, Eighty-Eighth lUinois.
Major F. Ehrler, Second Missouri.
Lieutenant Colonel John Weber, Fifteenth Missouri.
Captain W. W. Barrett, Forty-Fourth Illinois (wounded) .
Major W. A. Presson, Seventy-Third Illinois (wounded).
Major Silas MiUer, Thirty-Sixth Illinois (wounded and prisoner).
Captain P. C. Oleson, Thirty-Sixth Illinois.
Major E C. Hubbard, Twenty-Fourth Wisconsin.
Lieutenant Colonel McCreery, Twenty-First Michigan.
Lieutenant Colonel N. H. Walworth, Forty-Second Illinois.
Lieutenant Colouel F. Swannick, Twenty-Second Illinois (wounded
and prisoner).
Captain Sarauel Johnson, Twenty-Second Illinois.
Major W. A. Schmitt, Twenty-Seventh Illinois.
Captain Wescott, Fifty-First Illinois.
I respectfully bring to the notice of the General Coramanding the
good conduct of Captain Hescock, Chief of Artillery, whose services
were alraost invaluable. Also, Captains Houghtaling and Bush, and
the officers and men of their batteries.
Surgeon D. J. Griffiths, Medical Director of my division, and Doctor
McArthur of the Board of Medical Examiners of Illinois, were most
assiduous in their care of the wounded.
Major H. F. Dietz, Provost Marshal, Captain Morhardt, Topographi
cal Engineer, Lieutenant George Lee, Acting Assistant Adjutant Gen
eral, Lieutenants A. M. Denning, Prank H. Allen, E. W. DeBruin, J.
L. Forman, and Soward, Aidsdecamp, officers of my staff, were of the
greatest service to me, delivering ray orders faithfully, and proraptiy
discharging the duties of their respective positions.
The araraunition train above alluded to as captured, was retaken
frora the enemy by the good conduct of Captain Thruston, ordnance
officer of the corps, and Lieutenant Douglas, ordnance officer of my
division, who, with Sergeant Cooper of my escort, rallied the strag
glers and drove off the enemy's cavalry.
The following is the total of casualties in the division :
OFFICERS.
Killed  15
Wounded  38
Missing  11 — 64
enlisted men.
Killed  223
Wounded  943
Missing  400—1,566
Total  1,630
Of the eleven officers and four hundred enlisted men missing, many
are known to be wounded and iu the hands of the enemy.

428 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Prisoners were captured from the eneiny by my division as follow.s ;
Majors  1
Captains  ,  1
Lieutenants  3
Enlisted men  216
Total  221
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. SHERRIDAN,
Brigadier General Com'manding.

th:e; cen'ter.

GENERAL JAS. S. NEGLEY'S REPORT.
Headquarters Eighth Division, 1
MnRFREESBORO, January 8, 1863. /
Major George E. Flynt, Chief of Staff :
Sir — I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera
tions of the troops under my command, in the engagements with the
enemy on Stone River :
On Tuesday morning, December SO, 1862, the Eighth Division,
composed of the Seventh and Twenty-Ninth brigades, Schultz's, Mar
shaU's and Wells' batteries, was posted on a rolling slope of the west
bank of Stone River, in advance, but joining the extrerae right of
General Crittenden's line, and the left of General McCook's.
In the rear and on the right, was a dense cedar-wood with a broken,
rocky surface. From one position, several roads were cut through the
woods in our rear, by which to bring up the artillery and aramunition
trains. In front, a heavy growth of oak tiraber extended toward the river.
which was about a mile distant. A narrow thicket, diagonally crossed
our left, and skirted the base of a cultivated slope, expanding to the
width of a raile, as it approached the Nashville pike.
This slope afforded the enemy his most coramanding position (in the
Center), on the crest of which his rifle pits extended (with intervals)
from the oak tiraber immediately in my front, to the NashviUe pike
with a battery of four Napoleon and two iron guns, placed in position'
near the woods, and about eight hundred yards from my position. '
Behind this timber, ou the river bank, the enemy massed his col
umns, for the movements of the next day.
His skirmishers were driven from our immediate front after a sharp

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 429
contest ; in which the Nineteenth Illinois and Seventy-Eighth Penn
sylvania Volunteers, displayed admirable efficiency. The position of
my command was held, under a heavy fire, until darkness terminated
the skirmishing in our front, by which time, we had inflicted consider
able loss upon the enemy.
In the meantime. General Sherridan's division, came up and formed
" line of battle" (his left resting on my right), and began to advance,
driving the enemy, until he had passed the center of my brigade.
While General Sherridan was in this position, I changed my front
slightly, bearing it more to the left, to avoid masking a portion of
Sherridan's command.
The troops remained in this position andin " order of battle " all
night, cheerfully enduring the cold and rain, awaiting the morrow's
sun, to renew the contest.
Early the next morning, and before the heavy fog had drifted from
our front, the enemy, in strong force, attacked General McCook's
right, commencing a general engagement, which increased in intensity
toward his left.
Sherridan's division stood its ground manfully, supported by the
Eighth Division, repulsing and driving the enemy at every advance.
The eneray still gained ground on General McCook's right, and suc
ceeded in placing several batteries in position, which covered my
right; from these, and the battery on my left, whicli now opened, the
troops were exposed to a converging fire, which was raost destructive.
Houghtaling's, Schultz's, Marshall's, Bush's and Wells' Batteries,
were all ordered into action in my front, pouring destructive volleys
of grape and shell into the advancing columns of the enemy, mowing
hira down like swaths of grain.
For four hours, the Eighth Division, with a portion of Sherridan's and
Palraer's divisions, maintained their position, amid a murderous storm
of lead and iron, strewing the ground with their heroic dead.
The euemy, maddened to desperation, by the determined resistance,
still pressed forward fresh troops, concentrating and forming them iu
u, concentric line, on either flank.
By eleven o'clock, Sherridan's raen, with their ammuniton exhausted,
were falling back. General Rousseau's reserve and General Palmer's
division, had retired in the rear of the cedars, to form a new line.
The artillery ammunition was expended, that of the infantry reduced
to a, few rounds. The artillery horses were nearly all killed or
wounded ; my ammunition train had been sent back, to avoid capture;
a heavy column of the enemy was marching directly to our rear,
through the cedars. Communication with Generals Rosecrans and
Thomas, was entirely cut off, and it was manifestly irapossible for my
command to hold the position, without eventually making a hopeless,
fruitless sacrifice of the whole division.
To retire, was but to cut our way through the ranks of the enemy.
The order was given and manfully executed; driving back the enemy
in front, and checking his approaching columns in our rear.
All the regiraents in my comraand, distinguished themselves for
their coolness and daring, frequently halting and charging the enemy,
under a withering fire of musketry.

430 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
On approaching General Rousseau's line, the battalion of regulars,
under command of Major King, at ray request, gallantly charged for
ward to our assistance, sustaining a severe loss in officers and men
in the effort.
Colonels Stanley and Miller now promptly reformed their brigades,
with the remaining portions of the batteries, and took position on the
new line, as designated by Major General Thomas.
Shortly afterward the Twenty-Ninth Brigade was ordered to the
left, to repel an attack from the enemy's cavalry upon the trains.
The troops remained in line all night, and the next day in "order
of battle " until noon, when the division was ordered to the right of
General McCook's line, in expectation of an attack upon his front.
The next day (January 2) at one o'clock P. M., my comraand was
ordered to the support of General Crittenden, on the lelt, and took
position in the rear of the batteries, on the west bank of Stone River.
About three P. M. a strong force of the enemy, with artillery,
advanced rapidly upon General Van Cleve's division ; which, after
sustaining a severe fire for twenty or thirty minutes, fell back in con
siderable disorder; the enemy pressing vigorously forward/to the river
bank. At this important moment, the Eighth Division was ordered to
advance, which it did promptly ; the men crossing the river and
charging up the steep bank with unflinching bravery. The Twenty-
First, Eighteenth, Sixty-Ninth, and Seventy-Fourth Ohio, Nineteenth
Illinois, Eleventh Michigan, Thirty-Seventh Indiana, and Seventy-
Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, displaying their usual promptness
and gallantry. Four pieces of artillery and a stand of colors belong
ing to the Twenty-Sixth (rebel) Tennessee, were captured at the point
of the bayonet, also a large number of prisoners ; the enemy retreat
ing in disorder.
It is proper to mention here, that the artillery practice of Schultz's,
Mendenhall's, Standart's, Wells', Marshall's, and Stokes' batteries,
which were acting temporarily under my orders, in this engagement,
was highly satisfactory ; giving the enemy great tribulation.
The promptness displayed by Captain Stokes, in bringing his bai>
tery into action by my orders, and the efficient manner with which it
was served, affords additional evidence of his marked ability and
bravery as an officer and patriot. In the same connection, I teel per
mitted to speak in complimentary terms of the gallant Morton, and
his Pioneer Brigade, which marched forward under a scathing fire, to
the support of my division.
The enemy having fallen back to his intrenchments, my division
recrossed the river and resumed its forraer position.
On the evening of the 4th, the Twenty-Ninth Brigade was moved
forward to the north bank of Stone River, near the railroad, as an
advanced force. On the same day. General Spears' First Tennessee
Brigade, was assigned to the Eighth Division. This brigade distin
guished itself on the evening of the 2d, in a desperate charge on the
enemy. On the morning of the 5th, I was ordered to take command
of the advance and pursue the enemy toward Murfreesboro.
By nine A. M., the Eighth Division, Walker's brigade, Pioneer Brigade,

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 431
and General Stanley's cavalry force had crossed the river and taken
possession of Murfreesboro, without meeting any resistance; the re,ir
guard of the enemy retreating on the Manchester and ShelbyviUe
roads, our cavalry pursuing, supported by the Twenty-Ninth Brigade,
on the ShelbyviUe pike, and by Colonel Byrd's First East Tennessee
Regiment, on the Manchester pike.
The rear guard of the enemy (three regiraents cavalry and one bat
tery) was overtaken on the Manchester, flve railes from Murfreesboro.
Colonel Byrd fearlessly charged this unequal force of the eneiny,
driving him from his position, with a loss of four killed and twelve
wounded; enemy's loss not ascertained.
Our array marched quietly into Murfreesboro, the chosen position
of the enemy, whioh he was forced to abandon after a series of des
perate engagements. The joyful hopes of traitors have been crushed ;
treason receiving another fatal blow.
My command enthusiastically join me in expression of admiration
of the official conduct of Generals Rosecrans and Thoraas. During
the most eventful periods of the engagements their presence was at
fhe point of danger, aiding with their counsels aud animating the
troops by their personal bravery and cool determination.
I refer to my command with feelings of national pride for the living,
and personal sorrow for the dead. Without a murraur, they made
forced marches over alraost irapassable roads, through drenching win
ter rains, without blankets or a change of clothing; deprived of
sleep or repose, constantly on duty for eleven days; living three days
on a pint of flour and parched corn. Ever vigilant, always ready,
sacrificing their lives with a conterapt of peril, displaying the cool
ness, deterraination, and high discipline of veterans, they are enti
tled to our country's gratitude. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky,
Indiana, IlUnois, Michigan, and Tennessee, raay proudly inscribe
upon their scrolls of farae the names of the Seventy-Eighth Pennsyl
vania Volunteers, Eighteenth, Twenty-First, Sixty-Ninth, and Sev
enty-Fourth Ohio, Schultz's and Marshall's (Ohio) Batteries, the
Eleventh Michigan, Nineteenth Illinois, Thirty-Seventh Indiana,
Wells' section (Kentucky) Battery, and Spears' Tennessee Brigade.
I wish to make honorable raention of the bravery and efficient
services rendered by the following naraed officers and men, for whom
I earnestly request proraotion:
Brigadier General Spears, commanding First Tennessee Brigade.
Colonel T. R. Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, com
manding Twenty-Ninth IBrigade.
Colonel John T. Miller, Twenty-Ninth Indiana Volunteers, com
raanding Seventh Brigade.
Captain Jas. St. Clair Morton, coramanding Pioneer Brigade.
Captain James H. Stokes, commanding Chicago Battery.
Major John H. King, commanding Fifteenth United States Infautry.
Captain Bush, comraanding Fourth Indiana Battery.
Captain James A. Lowrie, Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieutenant Fred. H. Kennedy, Aiddecamp.
Captain Charles T. Wing, Assistant Quartermaster.

432 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Major Fred. H. Gross, Medical Director.
Captain Jaraes B. Hayden, Ordnance Officer.
Lieutenant Wm. W. Barker, Aiddecamp.
Lieutenant Robert H. Cochran, Provost Marshal.
Lieutenant Francis Riddell, Acting Assistant Commissary of Sub
sistence. 1
Lieutenant Charles C. Cook, Acting Aiddecamp.
Lieutenant W. D. Ingraham, Topographical Engineers.
Captain Frederick Schultz and Lieutenant Joseph Hein, Battery M,
First Ohio Artillery.
Lieutenants Alex. Marshall, John Crable, and Robert D. Whittlesey,
Battery G, First Ohio Artillery.
Captain W. E. Standart, Battery B, First Ohio Artillery.
Lieutenant A. A. Ellsworth, Commanding Wells' Section Kentucky
Artillery. Lieutenant W. H. Spence, Wells' Section Kentucky Artillery.
Lieutenant H. Terry, Third Ohio Cavalry.
Secretaries — Sergeant H. B. Fletcher, Company K, Nineteenth Illi
nois Volunteers; Corporal Rufus Rice, Company K, First Wisconsin
Volunteers; Private James A. Saugston, Company C, Seventy-Ninth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Sergeant Charles Rambour, Corapany
K, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteers. Wm. Longwell, Orderly, Sev
enth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Escort — Sergeant George C. Lee, Corporal E.H. Daugherty, Privates
Henry Schwenk, Henry B. Ziramerraan, John Higgins, Leon Starr,
Daniel Walker, John McCorkle, Abrahara Keppuly, George Gillem,
John Cunningham. CASUALTIES.
The following is an approximate report of the casualties in my
coraraand, during the battles before Murfreesboro, December SOth and
Slst, 1862, and January 2d and 3d, 1863 :

command.

WENl

into

ACTION.

LOST IN

ACTION

Second Division — Center —
Fourteenth Army Corps.
O BQ2
a
cca>m
Bo
Killed.
Wounded.
MiseiDg.
Hoises.
Guns.
O B
a?
CDa
O 03nCO
p
OBaJ?cn
eaa
5cap.
o sBp.
m*an
i'
r
CO
s
OQP
a*
First Tennessee Brigade 
6693 71
734
17191948
8
37
3
3
7879
1
2520
22
259415
1
3
0
""i"
94
193
5
Tnftintrv 
230 2 3
2
4401 75
110 47
4556
116 40
4 G 3
11
160 1
5 1
46 1

696
1
287 1
14 6
6
6
34
18
4
4
12 6
5
1
4 1
i
SfhiiUy's "Raffprv
53
Wells' Batterv 
ArtilleT'U 
7
232
212
IS
7
1
8
21
57 62
2226
4
9
66
11
Total 
237
4633
257
13
11
167
47
704
1
308
Remaeks. — My command c
of regimental colors.
apturet
1 upward of four hundred prisoners, four brass field pieces
and
one stand

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, Your obedient servant.
JAMES S. NEGLEY,
Brigadier General Commanding.
434 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

GENERAL L. H. ROUSSEAU'S REPORT.
Nashville, Tenn., ¦>
Jan^uary II, 1863. j
Maj<yr George E. Flynt, Chi^ of Staff:
SiE — I have the honor to report the part taken by my command, the
Third Division of the army, in the battle of Murfreesboro, begun on
the Slst ult., and ended on the 3d inst. :
Early on the morning of the SOth ult., in obedience to the order of
Major General Thomas, my division moved forward toward Murfrees
boro from Stewartsboro, on the Nashville and Murfreesboro turnpike,
about nine miles from the latter place. On the march forward several
dispatches from General Rosecrans reached me, asking exactly where
my command was, and the hour and minute of the day. In conse
quence we moved rapidly forward, halted but once, and that for only
five minutes. About half past ten o'clock, A. M., we reached a point
three miles from Murfreesboro, where General Rosecrans and Thomas
were, on the Nashville and Murfreesboro turnpike, and remained
during the day, and bivouacked at night.
At about nine o'clock A. M. on the Slst, the report of artillery and
the heavy firing of small arms on our right announced that the battle
had begun by an attack on the Right Wing, commanded by Major
General McCook. It was not long before the direction from which the
firing came, indicated that General McCook's command ha,d given way
and was yielding ground to the enemy. His forces seemed to swing
round toward our right and rear. At this time General Thomas ordered
me to advance my division quickly to the front to the assistance of
General McCook.
On reaching the right of General Negley's line of battle. General
Thomas there directed me to let my left rest on his right, and to deploy
my division off toward tbe right as far as I could, so as to resist the
pressure on General McCook.
We consulted and agreed as to where the line should be formed.
This was in a dense cedar-brake, through which my troops marched in
quick time to get into position before the enemy reached us. He was
then but a few hundred yards to the front, sweeping up in immense
numbers, driving everything before him. 'This ground was new aud
unknown to us all. The woods were almost impassable to infantry,
and artillery was perfectly useless, but the line was promptly formed.
The Seventeenth Brigade, Colonel Johu Beatty oommanding, on the
left, the Regular Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel 0. L. Shepard commanding,
on the right ; the Ninth Brigade, Colonel B. F. Scribner commanding,
was placed perhaps a hundred yards in rear and opposite the center
of the front line, so as to support either or both of the brigades in
front as occasion might require. My recollection is that perhaps the
Second and Thirty-Third Ohio regiments filled a gap between General
Negley's right and the Seventeenth Brigade, occasioned by the efl'ort to

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 435
extend our lines far enough to the right to afford the desired aid to
General McCook.
The Twenty-Eighth Brigade, Colonel John C. Starkweather com
raanding, and Stone's Battery of the First Kentucky Artillery, were at
Jefferson crossing on Stone River, about eight miles below.
Our lines were hardly formed before a dropping fire from the enemy
announced his approach. General McCook's troops, in a good deal of
confusion, retired through our lines, and around our right under a
most terrific fire. The enemy in pursuit furiously assailed our front,
and greatly outfianking us, passed around to our right and rear.
By General Thomas' direction I had already ordered the artillery,
Loorais' and Guenther's Batteries, to the open field in the rear. See
ing that my comraand was outfianked on the right, I sent orders to the
brigade comraanders to retire at once also to this field, and riding back
myself, I posted the batteries on a ridge in the open ground parallel
With our line of battle, and as my men emerged from the woods they
were ordered to take position on the right and left, and in support of
these batteries, which was promptly done. We had perhaps four or five
hundred yards of open ground in our front. While the batteries were
unlirabering, seeing General Van Cleve close by, I rode up and asked
hira if he would move his command to the right, and aid in checking
up the eneray by forraing on my left, and thus giving us a more ex
tended line in that direction in the new position taken. In the
promptest manner possible his line was put in motion, and in double-
quick tirae reached the desired point iu good season.
As the enemy emerged from the woods in great force shouting and
cheering, the batteries of Loomis and Guenther, double-shotted with
canister, opened upon them. They moved straight ahead for awhile,
but were finally driven back with immense loss. In a little while they
rallied again, and as it seemed, with fresh troops, again assailed our
position, and were again, after a fierce struggle, driven back. Four
deUberate and fiercely sustained assaults were made upon our posi
tion, and repulsed. During tbe last assault I was inforraed that our
troops were advancing on our right, and saw troops, out of my divi
sion, led by General Rosecrans, moving in that direction. I informed
General Thomas of the fact, and asked leave to advance ray lines. He
directed me to do so. We made a charge upon the eneray and drove
him into the woods, my staff and orderlies capturing sorae seventeen
prisoners, including a Captain and Lieutenant, who were within one
hundred and thirty yards of the batteries. This ended the fighting
of that day, the enemy in immense force hovering in the woods during
the night, while we slept upou our arms on the field of battle. We
oocupied this position during the three following days and nights of
the fight. Under General Thomas' direction I had it intrenched by
rifle-pits, and believe the enemy could not have taken it at all.
During the day, the Twenty-Eighth Brigade, Colonel Starkweather,
was attacked by 'Wheeler's Cavalry in force, and some of the wagons
of his train were burned before they reached him, having started that
morning from Stewartsboro to join him. The enemy were finally
repulsed and driven off with loss. Starkweather's loss was smalh In
this affair the whole brigade behaved handsomely.

436 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
The burden of the fight fell upon the Second Wisconsin, Lieutenant
Colonel Hobart commanding. This regiment, led by its efficient com
mander, behaved like veterans. Prom the evening of the Slst until
Saturday night, no general battle occurred in front of my division,
though firing of artillery and small arms was kept up during the day,
and rauch of the small arms during the night. 'The rain on the night
of the Slst, which continued at intervals until the Saturday night fol
lowing, rendered the ground occupied by my command exceedingly
sloppy and muddy, and during much of the time my men had neither
shelter, food, nor fire. I procured corn, which they parched and ate, and
sorae of thera ate horse-steaks cut and broiled frora horses on the
battle-field. Day and night in the cold, wet, and mud, my men suf
fered severely, but during the whole tirae I did not hear one single
murmur at their hardships, but all were cheerful and ever ready to
stand by their arms and fight. Such endurance I never saw. In these
severe trials of their patience and their strength, they were much
encouraged by the constant presence and solicitous anxiety of General
Thomas for their welfare.
On the evening of Saturday, 3d inst, I asked permission of General
Thoraas to drive the enemy frora a wood on our left front, to which he
gave his consent. Just before I directed the batteries of Guenther and
Loomis to shell the woods with six rounds per gun, fired as rapidly as
possible. This was very handsomely done, and ended just at dark,
when the Third Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel 0. H. Lawson, and Eighty-
Eighth Indiana, Colonel George Humphreys, both under command of
the brigade commander. Colonel John Beatty, moved promptly up to
the woods. When near the woods they received a heavy fire from the
enemy, but returned it vigorously and gallantly, and pressed forward.
On reaching the woods a fresh body of the enemy, attracted hj' the fire,
moved up on their left to support them. On that body of the enemy
Loomis' Battery opened with shell. The fusilade was very rapid, and
continued for perhaps three-quarters of an hour, when Beatty's com
mand drove the eneray at the point of the bayonet, and held the woods.
It turned out that the eneray were posted behind a stone breastwork in
the woods, and when ousted about thirty raen were taken prisoners
behind the woods. This ended the battle of Murfreesboro.
On the morning of the Slst six companies of the Second Kentucky
Cavalry, Major Thomas P. Nicholas commanding, were ordered down
to watch and defend the fords of Stone River to our left and rear.
The cavalry of the enemy several times, in force, attempted to cross
these fords, but Nicholas very gallantly repulsed them with loss, and
they did not cross the river.
I should have mentioned that Friday evening late I was directed by
General Thomas to place a regiraent in the woods on our left front as
an outpost, and with the view to hold the woods, as they were near
our lines, and the enemy could greatly annoy us if allowed to hold
them. Our skirmishers were then just leaving the woods. I ordered
the Forty-Second Indiana, Lieutenant Colonel Shanklin comraanding,
to take that position, which he did. But early the next raorning the
enemy, in large force, attacked Colonel Shanklin, first furiously shell
ing the woods, and drove the regiment back to our lines, taking

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 437
Shanklin prisoner. It was this wood that was retaken on Saturd£.y
night as before described.
The troops of the division behaved admirably. I could not wish
them to behave raore gallantly. The Ninth and Seventeenth Brigades,
under the lead of their gallant coraraanders, Scribner and Beatty,
were, as well as the Twenty-Eighth Brigade, Colonel Starkweather,
veterans ; they were with me at Chaplin Hills, and could not aot badly.
The Twenty-Eighth Brigade held a position in our front after the
first day's fighting, and did it bravely, doing all that was required of
them like true soldiers.
The brigade of United States Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel 0. L.
Shepard comraanding, was on the extreme right. On that body of
brave men the shock of battle fell heaviest, and its loss was most
severe. Over one-third of the command fell killed or wounded. But
it stood up to the work and bravely breasted the storm, and though
Major King, coraraanding the Fifteenth, and Major Slemmer ("Old
Pickens"), the Sixteenth, fell severely wounded, and Major Carpenter,
commanding the Nineteenth, fell dead in the last charge, together with
many other brave officers and men, the brigade did not falter for a
moment. These three battalions were a part of my old Fourth Brigade
at the battle of Shiloh.
The Eighteenth Infantry, Majors Townsend and Caldwell comraand
ing, were new troops to me, but I am proud now to say we know each
other. If I could I would promote every officer and non-commissioned
officer and private of this brigade of Regulars for gallantry and
good service in this terrific battle. I make no distinction between
these troops and my brave volunteer regiments, for in my judgment
there were never better troops than these regiraents in the world. But
the troops of the line are soldiers by profession, and with a view to the
future I feel it ray duty to say what I have of them. The brigade was
admirably and gallantly handled by Lieutenant Colonel Shepard.
I lost some of the bravest and best officers I had. Lieutenant Colo
nel Kell, coraraanding Second Ohio, was killed. After he fell his regi
ment was efficiently handled by Major Anson MoCook, who ought to
to be made Colonel of that regiraent for gallantry on the field. Colonel
Forman, my brave boy Colonel of the Fifteenth Kentucky, also fell.
Major Carpenter, of the Nineteenth Infantry, fell in the last charge.
His loss is irreparable. Many other gallant officers were lost.
Of the batteries of Guenther and Loomis I can not say too much.
Loomis was Chief of Artillery for the Third Division, and I am rauch
indebted to him. His battery was commanded by Lieutenant Van
Pelt. Guenther is but a Lieutenant. Both of these men deserve to be
promoted, and ought to be at once. Without them we could not have
held our position.
I fell in with many gallant regiments and officers on the field not
of my comraand. I wish I could name all of thera here. While fall
ing back to the line in the open field, I saw Colonel Charles Ander.=on
gallantly and coolly rallying his men. Colonel Grider, of Kentucky,
and his regiment, efficiently aided in repulsing the enemy. The
Eighteenth Ohio, I think it was, though I do not know any of its offi
cers, faced about, and charged the enemy in my presence, and I went

438 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
along with it. The Eleventh Michigan and its gallant little Colonel
(Stoughton) behaved well, and the Sixth Ohio Infantry, Colonel Nick
Anderson, joined my command on the right of the Regular Brigade,
and stood manfully up to the work.
I fell in with the Louisville Legion in retreat. Lieutenant Colonel
Berry commanding. This regiment, though retreating before an over
whelming force, was dragging by hand a section of artillery which it
had been ordered to support. A part of General McCook's wing of
the army had fallen back with the rest, but through the woods and
fields with great difficulty, bravely brought off the cannon it could no
longer defend on the field. Wheu I met it, it faced about and formed
line of battle with cheers and shouts.
To Lieutenant McDowell, my Acting Assistant Adjutant General;
Lieutenant Armstrong, Second Kentucky Cavalry; Lieutenant Millard,
Nineteenth United States Infantry, Inspector General; Captain Taylor,
Fifteenth Kentucky, and Lieutenant Alf. Pirtle, Ordnance officer, my
regular aids, and to Captain John D. Wickliffe and Lieutenant W. G.
Jenkins, both of Second Kentucky Cavalry, aids for that battle, I am
much indebted for services ou that field.
The wounded were kindly and tenderly cared for by the Third
Division Medical Director, Surgeon Musoroft, and the other Surgeons
of the command.
Lieutenant McDowell was wounded. My orderlies, James Emery
and the rest, went through the whole fight behaving well. Emery was
wounded. Lieutenant Carpenter, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, one
of my aids, was so badly injured by the fall of his horse that I would
not permit hira to go on the field. Lieutenant Hartraan, Seventy-
Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a member of my staff, was iU
with fever, and unable to leave his bed.
It should be mentioned that the Eighty-Eighth Indiana, Colonel
Humphreys, being placed at one of the fords on Stone River where our
forces were temporarily driven back, very opportunely rallied the
stragglers, and promptly crossed the river and drove the enemy back.
In this he was aided by the stragglers, who rallied and fought well.
The Colonel was wounded by a bayonet thrust in the hand in the
attaik of Saturday night on the enemy in the woods in our front.
I have the honor to be, etc., '
LOVELL H. ROUSSEAU, Major General.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 439

THE LEFT ^w^i:Na.

BRIGADIER GENERAL PALMER'S REPORT.
Headquaetees Second Division Left Wino, \
Camp neae Muefeeesboro, January 9, 1868. /
Major L. Starling, Chief of Staff :
Majoe — I have the honor to submit, for the information of the Gen
eral Commanding, the following reports of the operations of this divi
sion, from and including the 27th of December up to, and including the
4th of January.
At 11.20 A. M., on the 27th of December, while in camp near
Lavergne, I received orders to move forward, following the division of
General Wood, and to detach a brigade to proceed by the Jefferson
pike and seize the bridge across Stewart's Creek. The duty of con
ducting this operation was assigned to Colonel Hazen — which was well
and skillfully done.
The brigades of Cruft and Grose reached the west bank of Stewart's
Creek late in the afternoon of the 27th, and bivouacked there until the
morning of the 29th.
During all the day, Sunday, the 28th, the enemy's pickets were in
sight across the creek, firing upon us occasionally at long range, but
did us no harm. On Monday morning, 29th of December, at nine
o'clock, I was ordered to deploy one regiment as skirmishers; to dis
pose of my other troops so as to support it, and move forward at ten
o'clock precisely and continue to advance until the enemy were found
in position.
This disposition was made.
A few minutes before ten o'clock, Parsons was ordered to shell the
woods to our front, and at ten o'clock Grose's brigade moved forward,
skirmishing with the enemy, supported by the first brigade, Hazen not
having yet joined me.
The command advanced steadily, driving the light foroe of rebel
skirmishers before it to the top of the hill, some mile and a half this
side of Stewart's Creek, and being under the impression that the divi
sions of Wood and Negley were to advance with me.
In a few moments Wood's advance came up on the left of the pike
and the two divisions moved forward, constantly skirmishing (though
much heavier on Wood's front than my own) to the ground occupied
that night, afterward the theater of the battle of the Slst.
During the day the casualties were ten wounded in Grose's brigade,
none severely.
On the morning of the SOth, my division was formed as follows :
Third brigade (Grose's), in two lines, the left resting on the pike; first
brigade (Cruft's), to the right, extending across the point of woods, his

440 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
extreibe right retired to connect with Negley's left; and Hazen's bri
gade iu reserve.
There was considerable skirmishing during the day, the greater por
tion of which fell upon Cruft's brigade, which was in rather unpleas
ant proximity to a point of woods to his front and right, held by the
enemy in strong force.
About four o'clock I was ordered to advance and open upon the
enemy with all my artillery. This was not done, probably, as soon as
the order contemplated. The ground occupied by the batteries at the
time the order was received was low and oonfined; upon pushing for
ward the skirmishers of the first brigade to clear the way to a good
artillery position, iu the open field to the front, the rebels were found
numerous and stubborn. Learning very soon that a raere demonstra
tion was intended, all my batteries opened, and, I am satisfied, dara
aged the enemy considerably. The skirmish attending this movement
was quite brisk; the troops engaged doing themselves great credit.
This closed the operations of the day.
On the morning of the Slst, Cruft's brigade retained its position of
the day before. Hazen's brigade had relieved Grose, who had faUen '
back to a point some two hundred yards to the rear, and was forraed in
two lines nearly opposite the interval between the First and Second
Brigades; Standart's Battery on the extreme right. Parsons' near the
center. Early in the morning I rode to the right of my own command, and
the battle had commenced on the extreme right of the line ; soon after
ward, near eight o'clock. General Negley, through one of his staff,
informed me he was about to advance and requested me to advance to
cover his left. I gave notice of this to the General Comraanding, and
a few moments later received orders to move forward. I at once
ordered General Cruft to advanoe, keeping close up well toward Neg
ley; Colonel Hazen to go forward, observing the movements of Wood's
right; and Grose to steadily advance, supporting the advance brigades,
and all to use their artillery freely.
My line had advanced hardly a hundred yards when, upon reach
ing my own right, I found that General Negley had, instead of advanc
ing, thrown back his right, so that his line was almost perpendicular
to that of Cruft and to his rear; and it was also apparent that the
enemy were driving General McCook baok, and were rapidly approach
ing our rear.
Cruft's line was halted by my order. I rode to the left to make some
disposition to meet the coming storm, and by the time I reached the
open ground to the south of the pike, the heads of the enemy's columns
had foroed their way to the open ground to my rear. To order Grose
to change front to the rear was the work of a moment, and he obeyed
the order almost as soon as given; retiring his new left so as to bring
the enemy under the direct fire of his line ; he opened upon them iu
fine style and with great effect, and held his ground until the enemy
were driven back.
In the meantime Gener.al Negley's command had, to some extent,
become compromised by the confusion on the right, and my first bri
gado was exposed in front and flank to a severe attack, which also

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 441
now extended along my whole front. Orders were sent to Colonel
Hazen to fall back from the open cottonfield into which he had moved.
He fell back a short distance, and a regiment frora "Wood's division
which had occupied the crest of a low-wooded hill, between the pike
and the railroad, having been removed, he took possession of that
and there resisted the enemy. Hazen on the railroad, one or two
regiments to the right, some troops inthe point of woods south of the
cottonfield and a short distance in advance of the general line,
among whom I was only able to distinguish the gallant Colonel Whit
taker and his Sixth Kentucky ; still further to the right Cruft was
fighting aided by Standart's guns, and to the rear Grose was fighting
with apparently great odds against him. All were acquitting them
selves nobly, and all were hard pressed. I could see that Grose was
losing a great many men, but the importance of Hazen's position
determined me, if necessary, to expend the last man in holding it.
I gave my attention from that time chiefiy to that point.
The One-Hundreth Illinois oarae up on the left of the railroad and
fought steadily. As soon as Colonel Grose was relieved of the
enemy in his rear, he again changed front, moved to the left and
cooperated with Colonel Hazen. One regiment was sent to my sup
port from General Wood's command, and which behaved splendidly.
I regret my inability either to name the regiment or its officers.
Again and again the attack was renewed by the enemy, and each
time repulsed, and the gallant men who had so bravely struggled to
hold the position occupied it during the night.
Brigadier General Cruft deserves great praise for so long holding
the important position oocupied on our right, and for skillfully extri
cating his command from the mass of confusion around it. Standart
fought his guns until the enemy were upon him, aud then brought them
off safely ; while the Second Kentucky brought off by hand three guns
abandoned by General Negley's division.
Colonel Hazen proved himself a brave and able soldier by the skill
and courage exhibited in forming and sheltering his troops, and iu
organizing and fighting all the materials around him for the mainte
nance of his important position.
Colonel Grose exhibited great coolness and bravery, and fought
against great odds. He was under my eye during the whole day, and
I could see nothing to improve in the raanagement of his command.
I shrink from the task of specially mentioning regiments or regi
mental officers. All did their duty, and from ray iraperfect acquaint
ance with regiraents, I am apprehensive of injurious raistakes.
I recognized during the battle the Forty-First Ohio, which fought
until it expended its last cartridge, and was then relieved by the noble
Ninth Indiana, which came into line with a heavy shout, inspiring
all with confidence. The Eighty-Fourth, One Hundred and Tenth,
and One- Hundredth Illinois I knew; all new regiments, and all so
fought that even the veterans of "Shiloh " and other bloody fields had
no occasion to boast over them. The Eighty-Fourth stood its ground
until more than one-third of its number were killed or wounded. The
Sixth Ohio, the Twenty-Fourth Ohio,- the Twenty-Third Kentucky, and
the Thirty-Sixth Indiana were pointed out to me; and I recognized the

442 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
brave Colonel Whittaker and his fighting men doing soldiers' duty. I
only saw the regiments of Cruft's brigade fighting early in the day ; I
had no fears for them where valor could win. Indeed the whole divi
sion fought like soldiers trained under the rigid discipline of the
lamented Nelson, and by their courage proved that they had caught
a large portion of his heroic aud unconquerable spirit.
During the whole day I regarded the battery under the command
of Lieutenant Parsons, assisted by Lieutenants Cushing and Hunt
ington, as my right arm, and well did the conduct of these courageous
and skillful young officers justify my oonfidence. My orders to Par
sons were simple : "Fight where you can do the most good." Never
were orders better obeyed.
The reported conduct of the other batteries attached to the division
is equally favorable. They were in other parts of the field.
My personal staff, Captain Norton, Acting Assistant Adjutant Gen
eral; Lieutenants Simmons and Child; Lieutenant Croxton, Ordnance
Officer ; Lieutenant Hays, Division Topographical Engineer ; Lieuten
ant Shaw, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, were with me all day on the field,
and carried my orders everywhere with the greatest courage. Lieu
tenant Simmons was severely injured by a fragment of a shell.
I can not commend the conduct of Doctor Sherman, Ninth Indiana
Volunteers, Medical Director, too liighly. At all times from the com
mencement of the march from Nashville, and during the battles and
skirmishes in which the division was engaged, up to the occupation
of Murfreesboro, he was always at his post, and by his industry,
humanity, and skill earned, not only my gratitude and that of this
command, but that of the wounded of the enemy, many of whom were
thrown upon his care.
On the 1st of January, this division was relieved and placed In
reserve. On Friday the 2d, Grose's brigade was ordered over the river
to the left to support the division of Colonel Beatty, and during the
action the brigade of Colonel Hazen was also ordered over to cooperate
with Grose, while the First Brigade (Cruft's) was posted to support a
battery on the hill near the ford.
During the heavy cannonade the First Brigade maintained its posi
tion with perf^t coolness.
While the engagement was going on across the river a rebel force
of what seeraed to be three small regiments, entered the clump of
woods in front of the position of our batteries on the hiU near the ford.
These troops were in musket range of our right across the creek, and
I deterrained at once to dislodge them. Seeing two regiments, one of
which was commanded by Colonel Garrit, and the other by Colonel
Attmire, I ordered them to advance to the edge of the wood and deploy
some companies as skirmishers. They obeyed me cheerfully and
pushed in. Not being willing to leave the repulse of the enemy a
matter of doubt, or to expose these brave fellows to the danger of
heavy loss, I ordered up two of Cruft's regiments, and upon approach
ing the edge of the woods halted thera, and told them it was my pur-
, pose to clear the woods at the point of the bayonet. To inspire tbem
with coolness and confidence, the preparation for the charge was
made with great deliberation. To get the proper direction for the line,

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

443

guides were thrown out and the proper changes were made. Bayo
nets flxed, and these two regiments, Thirty-First Indiana and Ninetieth
Ohio, ordered to clear the woods. They went in splendidly. It was
done so quickly that the rebels had hardly time to discharge their
pieces. They fled with the utmost speed. All these regiments behaved
handsomely. The following is a list of the casualties of my command, and its
fearful proportions demonstrate its hard service :

Killed. II Woimded.

Missing.

ctq

COMMANDS.

O Ba CD>-lai

cap

1-3
o

O B
aca "I
O) 9
17
22 i
49

caa
218 318
456 1214 13
1031

?9oE
227 335
478 121414
1080

O BaCP3 6 6

B
120 52 74 362
257

oe—
126 52 74 S
6
2
263

m -

4441 97 5 22
191

44 46
107 52 2
206

397

2d. Brigade 

5
10

433

3d Brigade 

659

Standart's Battery 

20

Parsons' Battery 

9.-?,
18
Total 
15
1549
I have the honor to be very respectfully, yours,
J. M. PALMER,
Brigadier General Commanding.
GENERAL THOMAS J. WOOD'S REPORT.
Nashville, Tenn., 1
January 6, 1863. j
Major Lyne Starling, Chief of Staff:
On the morning of the 26th ult., the Left Wing ofthe Fourteenth Army
Corps broke up its encampment in' the vicinity of Nashville, and
moved toward the enemy. Reliable information assured us that they
were encamped in force at and in the vicinity of Murfreesboro ; but
as their cavalry, supported occasionally by infantry, had extended its
operations up to our outposts, and as we had been compelled, some
days previous to the movement ou the 26th ult., to fight for the greater
part of the forage consumed by our animals, it was supposed we would
meet with resistance as soon as our troops passed beyond the lines of
444 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
our own outposts. Nor was this expectation disappointed. The order
of raarch, on the first day of the movement, placed the Second Division
(General Palraer's) iu advance, followed by my own. Several miles
northward of Lavergne, a small hamlet nearly equidistant between
Nashville and Murfreesboro, portions of the eneray were encountered
by our advance guard, a cavalry foroe, and a running fight at once
commenced. The country occupied by these bodies of hostile troops,
affords ground peculiarly favorable for a small force to retard the
advance of a larger force. Large cultivated tracts occur at intervals, on
either side of the turnpike road, but the country between the cultivated
tracts is densely wooded, and much of the woodland is interspersed
with cedar. The face of the country is undulating, presenting a suc
cession of swells and depressions.
This brief description is applicable to the whole country between
Nashville and Murfreseboro, and it will show to the most casual ob
server how favorable it was for covering the moveraents and designs
of the enemy in resisting our progress. The resistance of the enemy
prevented our troops from gaining possession of the commanding
hights immediately south of Lavergne, during the first day's opera
tion, and delayed the arrival of my division at the site selected for its
encampment until some time after nightfall. The darkness of the
evening and the lateness of the hour, prevented such a reconnoissance
of the ground as is so necessary in close proximity to the enemy. But
to guard effectually against surprise, a regiment from each brigade
was thrown well forward as a grand guard, and the front and flanks
of the division covered with a continuous line of skirmishers.
The troops were ordered to be roused at an hour and a half before
dawn of the following morning, to get their breakfast as speedily as
possible, and to be formed under arms and in order of battle before
daylight. An occasional shell from the opposing hights, with which the
eneray coraraenced to greet us shortly after the morning broke, showed
these precautions were not lost. As it was understood from the Com
manding General of the Corps, that the Bight Wing was not so far
advanced as the Left, the latter did not move forward until eleven o'clock
A. M. on the 27th. At this hour the advance was ordered, and ray
division was directed to take the lead. The entire cavalry on duty
with the Left Wing was ordered to report to rae ; being satisfied, how
ever, from the nature of the country that its position in the advance
would be injudicious, and retard, rather than aid, the progress of the
infantry, I directed it to take position in re.ar of the flanks of the
leading brigade. I ordered Hascall's brigade to take the advance, and
move forward in two lines, with the front and flanks well covered
with skirmishers. The other two brigades, Wagner's and Harker's,
were ordered to advance on either side of the turnpike road, prepared to
sustain the leading brigade, and especially to protect its flanks.
These two brigades were also ordered to protect their outer flanks by
flankers. In this order the raoveraent coraraenced. Possession of the
haralet of Lavergne was the first object to be attained. The eneray
were strongly posted in the houses, and on the wooded hights in the
rear, where they were enabled to oppose our advance by a direct and
cross-fire of musketry. Hascall's brigade advanced nobly across au

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 445
open field to the attack, and quickly routed the enemy from their strong
hold. This was the work of only a few minutes, but raore than
twenty causalties in the two leading regiments proved how sharp was
the fire of the enemy. The forward movement of Hascall's brigade
was continued, supported by Estep's Eighth Indiana Battery. The en
emy availed themselves of the numberless positions which occur along
the entire road, to dispute our progress, but could not materially retard
the advance of our troops so determined and enthusiastic. They con
tinued to press forward through the densely-wooded country, in a
drenching rain-storm, till the advanoe reached Stewart's Creek, distant
some five miles from Lavergne. Stewart's Creek is a narrow, deep
stream, flowing between high and precipitous banks. It is spanned
by a wooden bridge, with a single arch. It was a matter of cardinal
importance to secure possession of this bridge, as its destruction would
entail difficulty and delay in crossing the river, and perhaps, involve
the necessity of constructing a new bridge. The advance troops
found, on their arrival, that the enemy had Ughted a fire upon it, but
had been pressed so warmly that there had been no tirae for the flames
to be communicated to the bridge. The line of skirmishers and the
Third Kentucky Volunteers, Colonel McKee, dashed bravely for
ward, though opposed to a fire from the opposing direction, threw the
combustible materials into the stream, and saved the bridge. While
this gallant feat was being performed, the left flank of the leading
brigade was attacked by cavalry. The menaced regiraents iraraedi
ately changed front to left, repulsed the attack, aud a corapany of
the One-Hundredth Illinois, Colonel Bartleson, succeeded in cutting
off and capturing twenty-five prisoners, with their arms, and twelve
horses with their accouterraents. The result of the day's operations
was twenty casualties, wounded, in Hascall's brigade, and sorae
twenty-five prisoners tsiken from the enemy. The enemy fell back iu
great disorder from Stewart's Creek. He left tents standing on the
southern bank of the creek, and in this encampment the ground was
strewn with arras.
Sunday, the 28th ult., we reraained in camp waiting for the troops
of the Right Wing and Center to get into position.
Monday, the 29th, the advance was resumed. Wagner's brigade, of
my division, was deployed, in order of battle, on the left or eastern,
and a brigade of General Palmer's division on the right or western,
side of the road. Cox's Tenth Indiana Battery, supported Wagner's
brigade. Moving pari passu, the two brigades advanced, clearing all
opposition, till we arrived within two miles and a half of Murfrees
boro. Harker's brigade was disposed on the left of Wagner's brigade,
in the advance, and Hascall's held in reserve. On arriving within
two miles and a half of Murfreesboro, the evidences were perfectly
unmistakable that the enemy were in force iraraediately in our front,
prepared to resist, seriously and deterrainedly, our further advance.
The rebels, displayed in battle array, were plainly seen in our front.
Negley's division, which was to take position in the Center, to com
plete the communication between the Right and Left Wings, was not
up, but several miles in the rear. Van Cleve's division, wliioh was to
support the left, was in the rear of Negley's. Consequently I halted

446 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
the troops iu advance, reported the faot to General Crittenden, com
manding the Left Wing, and desired further orders. Up to this moment,
the information received had indicated, with considerable probability,
that the enemy would evacuate Murfreesboro, offering no serious
opposition. But observations assured me, very soon after arriving so
near the town, that we should raeet with determined resistance, and I
did not deera it proper to precipitate the force in advance — two divi
sions, my own and Palmer's — on the entire foroe of the enemy, with
the remainder of our troops so far in the rear, as to raake it entirely
possible, perhaps probable, that a serious reverse would occur before
they could support us. Furthermore, the afternoon was well nigh
spent, and an attempt to advance would have involved us in the obscurity
of the night, on unexamined ground, in the presence of an unseen foe,
to whom our movements would have rendered us seriously vulnerable.
The halt being approved, my division was disposed in order of battle,
and the front securely guarded by a continuous line of skirmishers,
thrown out well in advance of their reserves. The right of the divi
sion, Wagner's brigade, rested on the turnpike, and occupied a piece of
wooded ground, with an open field in front of it ; the center, Harker's
brigade, occupied, in part, the woods in which Wagner's brigade was
posted, and extended leftward into an open field, covered in front by a
low swell which it was to occupy iu case of an attack, and General Has
call's brigade was posted on the left of the division, with the left flank
resting nearly on Stone River. The entire division was drawn up in two
lines. Stone River runs obliquely in front of the position occupied by the
division leaving a triangular piece of ground of some hundreds of yards
in breadth in front of the right, and narrowing to almost a point in
front of the left.
Such was the position oocupied by my division, Monday night. It
remained in this position throughout Tuesday, the SOth — the skirmish
ers keeping up an active fire with the eneray. In this encounter. Lieu
tenant EUiott, Adjutant of the Fifty-Seventh Indiana, was badly wound
ed. In the afternoon, I had three days' subsistence issued to the men;
and, near nightfall, by order, twenty additional rounds of cartridges
were distributed to thera. Coraraanders were directed to instruct the
troops to be exceedingly vigilant, aud to report promptly any indica
tion in their fronts of a movement by the enemy. The artillery horses
were kept attached to their pieces. Between midnight and dayUght
Wednesday morning, I received a message from Colonel Wagner, to the
effect that the enemy seeraed to be moving large bodies of troops frora
the right to the left. I iraraediately dispatched the information to the
headquarters of the Left Wing, and I doubt not it was sent thence to the
Commanding General, and by him distributed to the rest of the corps.
The division was roused at flve o'clock Wednesday raorning ; the men
took their breakfasts, and, before daylight, were ready for action.
Shortly after dawn, I repaired to the headquarters of the Left Wing for
orders. I met the Commanding General there, and received orders
from him to commence passing Stone River, immediately in front of
the division, by brigades. I rode at once to ray division, and directed
Colonel Harker to coraraence the movement with his brigade, dispatch
ing an order to General HascaU to follow Colonel Harker, and an order

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 447
to Colonel Wagner to follow General Hascall. While Colonel Harker
was preparing to move, I rode to the front to examine the ground. A
long, wooded ridge,' withdrawn a few hundred yards frora the stream,
extends along the southern and eastern side of Stone River. On the
crest of this ridge the enemy appeared to be posted in force. During
the morning some firing had been heard on the right, but not to a
sufficient extent to indicate that the troops were seriously engaged.
But the sudden and fierce roar and rattle of musketry, which burst upon
us at this moment, indicated that the eneray had attacked the Right
Wing in heavy force, and soon the arrival of messengers, riding in hot
haste, confirmed the indications. I was ordered to stop the raovement
to cross tbe river, and to withdraw the brigades to the rear, for the
purpose of reinforcing the Center and Right. General Hascall's and
Col. Harker's brigades were withdrawn, and the latter, under orders
from the Commanding General, moved to the right and rear. I ordered
Colonel Wagner to hold his position in the woods at all hazards, as
this was an important point, and so long as it was held, not only were
our left front and flanks secured, but the coraraand of the road leading
to the rear preserved. The vigorous attack on our Right nnd Center,
extended to our Left, and our whole line became seriously engaged.
Not only was the extrerae left exposed to the attack in the front, but
was much harassed by the enemy's artiUery, posted on the hights on
the southern side of Stone River. But the troops nobly maintained
their position, and gallantly repulsed the enemy. A slackening of tho
enemy's fire atthis moment, in his attack on our Center and Left, and
other indications that his forces were weakening in the Center, ren
dered the juncture apparently favorable for bringing additional and
fresh troops into the engagement. Hascall's brigade was now brought
forward, and put into position on the right of Wagner's brigade. But
the abatement of the enemy's fire was but the lulling of the storra, to
burst soon with greater fury. The attack was renewed on our Center
and Left with redoubled violence. Hascall's brigade had got into posi
tion in good season, and aided in gallant style iH driving back the
enemy. Estep's Battery, generaUy associated with Hascall's brigade,
had been detached early in the morning, and sent to the Right and
rearward, to aid in driving back the enemy from our Center and
Right. "The falling back of the Right Wing had brought our lines into
a crochet. This rendered the position of the troops on the extreme
left particularly hazardous, for had the enemy succeeded in gaining
the turnpike, in his attack ou the Right, the Left would have been
exposed to an attack iu the reverse. This danger iraposed on me
the necessity of keeping a rigid watch to the right, to be prepared
to change front in that direction, should it becorae necessary. Again
the enemy were seen concentrating large masses of troops in the fields
to the front and right, and soon these masses raoved to the attack.
Estep's Battery was now moved to the front to join Hascall's brigade.
The artillery in the front lines, as weU as those placed in the rear of
the Center and Left, poured a destructive fire on the advancing foe,
but on he came until within small-arm range, when he was repulsed
and driven back. But our thinned ranks and dead and wounded
offioers told, in sad and unmistakable language, how seriously we were

448 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
sufferers frora these repeated assaults. Colonel McKee, of the Third
Kentucky, had been killed ; and Colonel Hines and Lieutenant Colonel
Dennard, of the Fifty-Seventh Indiana, and Colonel Blake and Lieuten
ant Colonel Neff, of the Fortieth Indiana, with others, were wounded.
During this attack, the Fifteenth Indiana, commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel Wood, counter-charged ou one of the eneray's regiments, and
captured one hundred and seventy-five prisoners. The capture was from
the Twentieth Louisiana. While this attack was in progress, I received
a message from General Palraer, comraanding the Second Division of the
Left Wiug, that he was sorely pressed, and desired I would send him
a regiment, if I could possibly spare one. I sent an order to General
Hascall, to send a regiment to General Palmer's assistance, if his own
situation would warrant it. He dispatched the Fifty-Eighth Indiana,
Colonel G. P. BueU's regiment, to report to General Palmer. The
regiraent got into position, reserved its fire until the enemy were in
close range, and then poured in a withering discharge, from which the
foe recoiled in disorder. Our extreme left next became the object
of the enemy's attention. Skirmishers were seen descending the
slope on the opposite side of the river, as also working their way
down the stream for the purpose, apparently, of gaining our left
flank and rear. A few well-directed charges of grape and canister
from Cox's Battery, drove them back. This battery did most excellent
service in counter-battering the enemy's artillery, posted on the hights
on the southern side of the river. The afternoon was now well
advanced, but the enemy did not seem disposed to relinquish the
design of forcing us from our position. Heavy masses were again
assembled in front of the center, with a view, evidently, of renewing
the onset. But the well-directed fire of the artillery held them in
check, and only a small force came within range of our small arms,
which was readily repulsed. The enemy concluded his operations
against the Left, as night approached, by opening on it with his
artillery. Cox's and Estep's Batteries gallantly and effectually replied.
But darkness sooniput a conclusion to this artillery duel, and when the
night descended brought a period to the long and bloody contest of this
ever-raemorable day, which found the First and Second Brigades,
Hascall's and Wagner's, occupying, with sorae slight interchange in the
position of particular regiments, the ground on which they had gone
into the fight in the morning. Every effort of the enemy to dislodge
them had failed ; every attack was gallantly repulsed. I can not
speak in too high terras of praise of the soldierly bearing and steadfast
courage with which the officers and men of these two brigades
maintained the battles throughout the day. Their good conduct
deserves and will receive the highest comraendations of their com
manders and countrymen. The Commanding General of the enemy
has borne testimony in his dispatch to the gallantry and success
of their resistance. Cox's and Estep's Batteries were splendidly
served throughout the day, and did the most effective service. They
lost heavily in men and horses, and it was necessary for Estep to
call on the One-Hundredth Illinois, for a detail to aid in working
his guns. I have previously remarked that the Third Brigade, Colonel
Harker's, was detached early in the morning and sent to reinforce the

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 449
Eight. It remained on that part of the field during the entire day. I
am not able, consequently, to speak of its service from personal observ
ation. But its extremely heavy list of casualties shows how hotly it
was engaged, and what valuable service it rendered. I am sure it met
the expectation I had ever confidently entertained of what wduld be
its bearing in presence of the foe. Bradley's Sixth Ohio Battery wns
associated with this brigade during the day, was skiUfuUy handled, and
did most effective service. It lost two of its guns, but they were
spiked before they were abandoned. They were subsequently recap
tured by the Thirteenth Michigan, attached to this brigade. From
all I have learned of the service of the Third Brigade and Bradley's
Battery, I ara sure they deserve equal coramendation witb the other
two brigades and batteries, which so stoutly held the left. An official
report of events so thrilling as those of the battle of the Slst ult.,
made from personal observations araid the din and roar of the confiict,
and unaided by the reports of the subordinate commanders, must nec
essarily present but a brief and meager outline of the part enacted by
the troops whose services it professes to portray. A report so pre
pared may, entirely unintentionally on the part of the writer, do injus
tice to particular troops and officers. From the inability of reference
to the reports of subordinate commanders, I can not give any detail of
the heavy casualties of the battle of the Slst. I mnst leave them
to be reported with the subsequent casualties by my successor in com
mand. The absence of such reports prevents me frora signalizing
by names such regimental and company officers as particularly distin
guished themselves. But where all did so well it would be difficult,
perhaps invidious, to discriminate among them. To my brigade com
manders, Brigadier General Hascall, commanding First Brigade, Colonel
Wagner, Fifteenth Indiana, comraanding Second Brigade, and Colonel
Harker, Sixty-Fifth Ohio, commanding Third Brigade, my warmest
thanks are due for their valuable assistance, their hearty co-operation,
and intelligent performance of duty throughout the whole of that try
ing day. For these services and their gaUant and manly bearing
under the heaviest fire, they richly deserve the hi'|hest commendation,
and the gratitude of their countrymen. Colonels Wagner and Harker
have long and ably comraanded brigades, and I respectfully submit
it would be simply an act of justice to confer on them the actual
and legal rank of the command they have so long exercised. To Major
S. Race, Chief of Artillery ; Surgeon W. W. Blair, Fifty-Eighth In
diana ; Captain M. P. Bestow, Assistant Adjutant General; First
Lieutenant J. L. Yargan, Fifty-Eighth Indiana, Aiddecamp ; Cap
tain Y. R. Palmer, Thirteenth Michigan, Inspector General, and Major
Walker, Second Indiana Cavalry, 'Volunteer Aiddecamp, my thanks
are due and cordially given. Captain L. D. Myers, Division Quarter
master ; Captain Henderson, Commissary of Subsistence to the division,
and First Lieutenant Martin, Twenty -First Ohio, Signal Officer, but for
some time engaged in performing the duties of Acting Assistant
Quartermaster, great credit is due for the intelligent and efficient
performance of duty in their respective-departments. Captain Bruce,
Fifty-Eighth Indiana, Ordnance Officer of the First Virginia, deserves
credit for valuable services rendered in the Ordnance Depa.rtment
88

450 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
for the entire division, during the absence of the Division Ordnance
Officer. My division is composed of regiraents from the States of Illinois,
Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, aud Kentucky. To the relatives and persona,!
friends of those who have fallen in defense of their country, 1 would
respectfuUy offer ray sympathy and condolence.
About ten o'clock Wednesday morning, during one of the heaviest
attacks, I was struck by a Minnie ball on the inner side of the left heel.
Fortunately, the ball struck obliquely, or the injury would have been
much severer. My boot was torn open, the foot lacerated, and a severe
conlusion inflicted. I did not dismount from my horse till seven
o'clock in the evening. The coldness of the night, combined with the
injury, made my foot so painful and stiff as to render it evident I
would not be effective for immediate service. I was ordered by the
Comraanding General of the corps to repair that night, by arabulance,
with an escort, to this city. It was with extrerae regret I found myself
in a condition to make it necessary, on account of my injury, to ieiive the
division I had formed and so long commanded ; but the regret was alle
viated by the reflection that I had left the division under the command
of an able and experienced officer, one who had long served with it, who
knew it well, and in whora it had confldence — Brigadier General Hascall.
I ara still confined to my roora, but trust ere long to be able to resurae
my duties. I ara, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
TH. J. WOOD,
Brigadier General Commanding.

GENERAL M. S. HASCALL'S REPORT.
Headquaetees Fiest Division, ¦»
MuKFKEESBORO, Tenn., January 10, 186S. J
Major Starling, Assistant Adjutant General :
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of
this division during the recent battles, after the coraraand devolved
upon me, on the evening of December 31, 1862. At that time the divi
sion was considerably scattered, as Colonel Harker's brigade had been
in action during the Slst, on the extrerae right, and had not returned.
Colonel Wagner was in position to the left of the railroad, where he
had been in action during the day, and my brigade was to the right of
the railroad. About eleven P. M., of that day. Colonel Harker retired
with his brigade, and the division was once more together. At this
time I received an order to send all the wagons of the division to the
rear ; and shortly after this was executed, I received orders from Gen
eral Crittenden to fall baok, so that my right should rest on the posi
tion occupied by Stokes' Battery, and my left on the right of General
Palmer's division. This brought the new line of the division about five

OFFICIAL' REPORTS. 451
hundred yards to the rear of the one of the day before. The line of
the division was now nearly at right angles with the railroad, with the
center of the line resting on it, the First Brigade, Colonel Buell, on the
right of the Third, Colonel Harker in the center, and the Second, Col
onel Wagner's, on the left. In this position we lay all the next day
(January 1, 1863) with.nothing more than picket firing and an occa
sional artillery duel, to break the silence. The division lost, however,
several killed and wounded during the day. Each of ray brigades was
in line of battle, and I was occupying so much front that it kept the
men constantly on the alert. Most of the other divisions had one or
two brigades in reserve and could, therefore, relieve their me* some.
We maintained this position during the night of the 1st and till about
eight A. M. on the morning of the 2d, the batteries occupyin;; the
intervals between the brigades. At this time the eneray opened upon
us the most terrific fire of shot and shell that we sustained during the
entire engagement. It appears that during the night before, they had
massed sever.al batteries in our front, so they opened upon us from a
line of batteries one-fourth of a raile long, all at onoe. They had our
range perfectly, so that their shot were terribly effective from the first.
Estep's Battery, on the right of my line, being in an exposed situation
and receiving a very heavy fire, had to retire at once, not, however,
till so many horses had been killed, as to render it necessary for two
of the pieces to be hauled to the rear by the infantry. Bradley's Bat
tery, with Colonel Harker, in the center, having a better position, and
longer-range guns, opened a brisk fire on the enemy in return, and
had every probability of maintaining their position until Stokes' Bat
tery, in their rear, undertook to open on the enemy with grape whioh
took effect on Bradley's men, instead of the enemy, and corapelled
Bradley to retire. The infantry, however, along ray entire line,
although suffering severely frora the effects of this fire, all maintained
their position. In about half an hour this firing ceased, and noth
ing further, worthy of note, happened, until near four o'clock in the
afternoon of tha,t day. At this tirae General Van Cleve's division,
whioh was stationed across Stone River, to our left, was suddenly
attacked by ", heavy force of the eneray, under Breckinridge, and so
fierce was the onslaught that the division was compelled, alraost irarae
diately, to give way. General Jeff. C. Davis and General Negley were
ordered to their relief with their divisions, and as soon as they had
time to get over, the attack was checked, and the enemy began to
retire. At this time I received an order frora General Crittenden to
cross with my division, and immediately put the different brigades in
motion. While crossing at the ford one or two pieces of the enemy's
artillery were playing upon us, but as it was then dusk, their firing
was -not accurate, and I think we sustained no loss in crossing. By
the time we were over it was dark, and.the firing had nearly ceased.
Negley's division was returning, and Davis had taken up a position a
little in advance of where Van Cleve was attacked, his right resting
on the bank of the river. I moved up and went into position on the
left of Davis, my left inclining somewhat to the rear, to prevent it frora
being turned. General Davis and myself then fortified our fronts
as weU as we could with the logs, stones, and rails at hand, and

452 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
reraained in this position that night, the next day (January S), and
till about twelve o'clock that night, without anything more than picket
firing transpiring. I should remark that it rained very hard all day
January 3d, and during the night, so thsit our men and officers suffered
severely. By this time the rain had so swollen the river that General
Crittenden became apprehensive that it would not be fordable by
morning, and we might be cut off from communication with the raain
body of the army. He then ordered us back, and my division took up
a position in reserve near General Rosecran's headquarters, arriving
there about two o'clock in the morning, completely drenched with
raud ajii rain. They had now been on duty four days and nights,
sorae of the tirae with nothing to eat, and constantly in the front,
where they had to be all the time on the alert. The next morning we
heard that the eneray had evacuated. The battle was over. The conr
duct of the division, throughout, was admirable, and it can be truth
fully said, concerning it, that it held its original position, an* every
other position assigned to it, during the whole Jfour days.
I am under great obligations to my brigade coraraanders. Colonels
Wagner, Harker, and BueU. Colonel 'W'agner had his horse shot under
him on the Slst., and his clothes completely riddled with bullets. He,
nevertheless, stood by throughout, and ably and gallantly performed
his duty. The conduct of Colonel Harker was equally brave and effi
cient. They have now each coraraanded brigades for nearly a year,
and it seeras to me that common justice demands that they now receive
the promotion they have so gallantly earned. Colonel Buell came in
coraraand of the First Briga,de in consequence of my taking command
of the division ; and, although comparatively inexperienced, he per
forraed every duty gallantly and ^vell. All the officers of the division,
with a single exoeptipn, behaved gallantly apd did well, therefore, I
need not 4iserimins,te. The exception was Colonel John W. Blake, of
the Fortieth Indiana; and I consider it my duty to dr9,w the line of
distinction broad and deep between those who do well and those who
prove recreant. He became so drunk as to be unfit for duty, before
going into action, on the Slst., and wa? sent to the rear, in arrest, by
liis iraraediate commander. Colonel Wagner. The next that was heard
from him, he was in Nashville, claiming to be wounded and a paroled
prisoner. For this bad conduct I repommend that he be dishonorably
discharged from the service.
The casualties in the division were as follows :
The First Brigade went into action with seventy-four officers and
one thousand four hundred and fifty-four en¬Usted men, and lost :
orncEES.
Killed  4
Wounded  ,  21r- 25
enlisted men.
Killed  42
Wounded  278
Missing.  S4— 354
Total.  ,  87.9

OFFICIAI- REPORTS. 453
The Second Brigade went into action with eighty-six officers and
one thousand three hundred and eighty enlisted men, and lost :
OFr;oEES.
Killed  2
Woijinded  18— 20
enlisted men.
Killed  54
Wounded  26&
Missing  32— 855
Total  375
Tlje Third Brigade went into action with ninety-seven offioers and
one thousand seven hundred aiid Jijuety enlisted .men, in9ludirig th;^
Sixth Obio Battery, and lost : OFFICBES.
Killed  5
Wounded  J7— 22
enlisted hen.
Killed  104
Wounded  312
Missing  ,  loi— 6I7
Total  639
Eecapitclation.
The division went into action with two hundred and fifty-four offi?
cers and four thousand six hundred and eighty-three enlisted men,
and lo^t : '
OFFICEES.
Killed  U
Wounded  56— 67
enlisted hen.
Killed  200
Wounded  859
Missing..  167—1,226
Total  1,293
All of which is respectfuUy subpiitted. M. S. HASCALL,
Brigadier (general Comfiumding.

454 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

GENERAL H.. P. VAN CLEVE'S REPORT.
Headquaetees Thied Division, i
Aemt op the Cumberland. /
Major Dyne Starling, Assistant Adjutant General :
Major — I have the honor to submit the following report of the oper
ations of my division on the Slst of December, 1862 :
At seven o'clock on the morning of that day I received an order to
cross Stone River, on which my left rested, and march toward Mur
freesboro. The First Brigade, Colonel Beatty, Third Brigade, Colonel
Price, and the batteries, Captain Swallow coihraanding, were promptly
moved over and formed into line ; the Second Brigade, Colonel Fyffe,
being retained on the south side by a subsequent order.
My lines being formed and about to advance, by your order I re
crossed the river, leaving the Third Brigade to guard the ford. With
the First Brigade I marched rapidly to the support of General Rous
seau, whose division was hard pressed by the enemy. We formed in a
wood on the south side of the Murfreesboro and Nashville turnpike.
Our lines were no sooner formed than the enemy were seen advancing,
driving before them our scattered troops. Our ranks were opened to
suffer them to pass, when they closed and opened on the enemy with a
withering fire, who were soon brought to a halt. A murderous fire
was kept up on both sides about twenty minutes, when the enemy
began to recoil. Our second line now reUeving the first with hearty
cheer, the rebels broke and retreated. The Second Brigade coming up
at this moment, formed on the right and joined in the pursuit. We
pressed the enemy through this wood, then across an open field to
another wood, where they appear to have met with reinforcements and
reformed. The Seventh Indiana Battery, Captain Swallow, joined us
on this open field, and rendered efficient aid. Here I received informa
tion from General Rosecrans that General Rousseau was driving the
eneray, accorapanied with an order for me to press thera hard.
At the same moment I was notified by a messenger from Colonel
Harker, whose brigade was to my right and rear, that the enemy were
in force on my right in a wood, and were planting a battery there. I
immediately sent a message to Colonel Harker to press the enemy
hard, as I had no reserve to protect ray right ; to Captain Swallow,
who was doing good service with his battery, not to suffer it to be cap
tured ; to Colonel Beatty to send two regiraents, if they could possibly
be spared, to the support of Colonel Fyff'e, and a fourth to General
Crittenden to inform him of ray critical situation. The enemy now
poured a galling fire of musketry, accompanied with grape and shell,
on our right. Colonel Fyffe's brigade, supported by Captain SwaUow's
Battery, gallantly returned the fire, but being overpowered by numbers
on front and flank, were soon compelled to retire, followed but a short
distance by the enemy. Captain Swallow, to whom too much praise
can not be awarded, brought off his battery safely.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 455
Colonel Beatty, who had been pressing the enemy on the left, as soon
as he learned the condition of affairs, retired in good order ; with two
of his regiraents was ordered by General Rosecrans to protect a bat
tery on the Murfreesboro road; the reraaining tvvo regiments of his
brigade and Colonel Fyffe's brigade were reformed, and took a position
on the left of General McCook's Corps, and to the right of the Pioneer,
which position we occupied without further adventure till after dark.
I can not close this report without inviting your attention to the
gallantry displayed by those under my command during this engage
ment. To both officers and men too much praise can not be awarded.
I would particularly notice the coolness, intrepidity, and skill of my
brigade commanders. Colonels Beatty and Fyffe, and of Captain Swal
low, Chief of ArtiUery. To the merabers of my staff. Captain E. A.
Otis, Assistant Adjutant General ; Captain C. H. Wood, Inspector Gen
eral ; Captain William Starling, Topographical Engineer ; Lieutenants
T. F. Murdoch and H. M. Williams, Aidsdecamp, I owe much for the
promptness, faithfulness, and gallantry with which they executed my
orders, and conveyed intelligenoe on the field. Sergeant R. B. Rhodes,
of the First Ohio Cavalry, in coraraand of my escort, conducted hira
self like a true soldier, and deserves honorable mention.
^ A slight wound received early this day, becoming exceedingly pain
ful, on the following morning I was compelled to turn over the com
mand of the division to Colonel Beatty, and retire from the field.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE,
Brigadier General.

COLONEL SAMUEL BEATTY'S REPORT.
Headquarters Third Division, \
Camp neae Moefreesboeo, January, 1863. j"
Major Lyne Starling, Assistant Adjutant General :
Majoe — I have the honor to submit the following report of the
operations of this division for the time embraced between the 1st and
3d days of January, 1863, inclusive : . , t
I was called to the comraand of the division on the morning of Jan
uary 1st, by General Van Cleve's disability from the wound received
in the battle of the preceding day.
At three P. M. on that day, I received orders to cross Stone River
with my command at the "upper ford," and hold the hill overlooking
the river near the ford. Accordingly at daybreak the Third Brigade,
Colonel Price commanding, crossed the river at the place indicated,
throwing out skirmishers and flankers. Colonel Price was quickly

456 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
followed by Colonel Fyffe's brigade ; the force being formed in two
lines, the right retiring on the high ground near the river and east of
the ford, and the left thrown forward so that the direction of the line
should be nearly perpendicular to the river.
In the meantime, the First Brigade, Colonel Grider comraanding,
had beeu disposed as follows : Two regiments were forraed in the hol
low near the hospital as a reserve, the other two remaining on the
other side of the river to support a battery.
The enemy's skirmishers were now discovered in a wood, distant
half a mile or so from our first line, and occasional firing took place
on both sides.
Information of all these movements was sent to General Crittenden,
who sent me word that if I needed artillery to order up a battery.
The Third Wisconsin Battery, Lieutenant Livingston coramanding, was
accordingly, at about ten o'clock A. M., ordered to cross the river and
remain in the hollow near the ford.
Sraall parties of the enemy's cavalry and infantry were occasionally
seen, and at length a strong line was distinctly visible throngh the
openings of the wood. Lieutenant Livingston was ordered to bring
up his battery. It was accordingly placed in position on the rising
ground iu front of Colonel Fyffe's brigade. Several shells were thrown
at the enemy's line, which caused its disappearance ; it was supposed
that they had laid down. One section. Lieutenant Hubbard oommand
ing, was now moved to the hill on the right, whence also one or two
shells were thrown at detached parties. Colonel Fyffe's brigade was
moved to the left of the battery, where it was covered by a skirt of
woods. Our whole force had beeu constantly concealed by making the
men lie down.
About one o'clock the remaining two regiments of Colonel Grider's
brigade, the Nineteenth Ohio and Ninth Kentucky; were ordered to
cross the river, which they did, forming near the hospital on the left
of the other two regiments of the same brigade, to protect our left
flank. The enemy's force was oecasionally seen moving to our left,
and Generals Crittenden and Palmer were advised of the faot; Colonel
Grose was consequently ordered to support me. His brigade formed
so as to protect our left, relieving the Ifineteenth Ohio and Ninth Ken
tucky. These two regiraents were formed in rear of the right of the
second line as a reserve, being posted in the hollow near the ford.
No other disturbance occurred during the day, except the occasional
firing of the skirmishers, so Colonel Grose's brigade and Livingston's
Battery recrossed the river. About midnight we were alarmed by
sharp firing from the skirmishers ; they reported that it was caused by
the enemy's skirraishers advancing and firing upon us. One of our
men was killed and one wounded. Nothing else occurred during the
night. On the morning of Friday, January 2d, Livingston's Battery
carae across the river again, and was posted as before. There was
light skirmishing during the earlier part of the day.
The Seventy-Ninth Indiana, Colonel Kuifler, was ordered to talce
place in the first line, to close the gap between Colonel Fyffe's brigade
and the others. Nothing of note occurred until about eleven o'clock,
when the firing of the enemy's skirmishers became very constant and

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 457
heavy, as they slowly crept up toward us. The skirmishers now
reported a battery being planted iu our front, and shortly afterward,
that fifteen regiments of infantry and three pieces of artillery were
moving to our left.
Notice of all these moveraents was given to Generals Crittenden and
Palmer, and Colonel Grose's brigade again came over to our support.
About noon the enemy's battery opened with occasional shells, directed
at Lieutenant Hubbard's section of artiUery on the hill. The enemy's
artiUery were now seen moving to our left, and soon another battery
opened fire upon Lieutenant Hubbard's section.
As the enemy's skirmishers were so near that their firing was annoy
ing and dangerous to the artillery, I ordered Lieutenant Livingston to
retire and take a position on the hill near the hospital. A few shells
were still thrown by the enemy's battery on our left, and occasional
ones frora an apparently heavy battery across the river. As the ene
my's skirmishers pressed ours very closely, our lines were strength
ened by throwing out two more companies. The firing was very sharp,
and many of our raen as well as theirs were wounded. At about half
past two o'clock it was reported that four more of the enemy's guns
were moving toward our left. Word was sent of this, as in case of all
other movements, to General Crittenden. At about three o'clock our
skirmishers reported that the enemy's skirraishers were throwing down
the fence in front of our line. Orders were sent to Colonel Price to let
his first line fall back behind the crest of the hill, but before he could
receive thera the enemy were advancing across the field to the charge.
They were formed in column, with a front of apparently two regiments.
The first column was three regiraents, or six ranks deep ; this was
succeeded by a second of the sarae depth, and a third apparently
greater. At the same moment their artillery opened frora three or four differ
ent points, throwing shot, shell, and canister directly into us.
As the enemy's columns approached to within a hundred yards or
so, the first line rose up and delivered a heavy fire upon their column,
which checked it for a moment ; they soon pressed on, however. The
regiments of the first line, the Fifty-First Ohio, Eighth Kentucky, and
Thirty-Fifth and Seventy-Ninth Indiana, fought gallantly until the
enemy were within a few yards of thera, when, overpowered by num
bers, they were compelled to retire.
This movement confused and disorganized the second line, which
also was ordered to fall back. The reserve, consisting of the Nine
teenth Ohio, Ninth Kentucky, and Eleventh Kentucky, was now ordered
up. They advanced raost gallantly toward the crest of the hill, and
poured a destructive fire upon the enemy, whose first column was by
this time almost annihilated. Their supporting columns soon carae up,
however, and at the same time a force advanced along the river bank
upon our right fiank. Our men fought with raost desperate courage, as
will appear from their severe loss, until forced back by the actual
pressure of the eneray. Even then they broke back frora the right,
file by file, stubbornly contesting their ground. At last, however, the
right being forced back, the left was ordered to retire, which it slowly
did until the bank of the river was reached.

458

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

Attempts were made to rally the men at several points, but it was
impossible from the heavy fire and the close proximity of the eneray ;
raost of them were, therefore, forced across the river, where many "of
them rallied and returned with the first supporting troops ; and I am
proud to say that the colors of the Nineteenth Ohio, Ninth Kentucky,
and Fifty-First Ohio were the first to recross the stream after the
enemy's check. The treraendous fire of our artillery on the south side
of the river, with Livingston's Battery on the other, with the determ
ined resistance they had raet, had stopped the eneray at the river ; and
now, as our troops pressed forward, they fled in confusion, leaving four
of their guns.
Several brave officers had rallied a great number of our raen, and
were the foremost in the advance.
Night now came on and closed the pursuit. The regiments were
rapidly reorganized, and in a few hours were in a state of efficiency,
and turned out promptly and cheerfully at an alarm.
The Second Brigade, Colonel Fyffe, was not attacked, the front of
the enemy's column not extending to them. Seeing the right driven
back, they also retired in good order. Lieutenant Livingston's Battery
fired constantly and well from the first appearance of the enemy, until
the very last moment he could remain safely. He theu crossed the
river without losing a piece.
I can not too rauch commend the gallant manner in which my men
fought, and the promptness with which, when forced to give way, they
raUied and reorganized.
The following is a report of the number of killed, wounded, and
missing in the engagement before Murfreesboro, Tennessee :

COMMANDS.

Brigadier General Van Cleve..
1st Brigade 
2d Brigade 
3d Brigade 
Artillery 

Total .

Killed. Wounded. Missin

17

69 7675 6
216

668081 6
233

52

303
225307 19

854

1
319
239328 19
906

81
160146

4 387 391

81
162 148

1
466481657 25
1630

To the commanders of the different brigades, Colonels Grider, Price,
and Fyffe, ray thanks are due for the gallantry and coolness of their
behavior under very trying circumstances. Lientenant Livingston, of
the Third Wisconsin Battery, did efficient service, and perforraed his
duty ably and handsomely. Lieutenant Smocli, Third Kentucky Cav
alry, who commanded a detachment of couriers, remained constantly
on hand near me, and was of great use.
To the following officers, raembers of my staff, I tender my thanks

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 459
for their assistance, and the manner in which it was rendered : Cap
tain E. A. Otis, Assistant Adjutant General ; Captain C. H. Wood,
Acting Assistant Inspector General ; Captain "William Starling, Topo
graphical Engineer, and Lieutenants T. P. Murdoch and H. M. Wil
liaras, Aidsdecamp. Respectfully subraitted,
SAMUEL BEATTY,
Colonel Commanding.

CAPTAIN J. ST. CLAIR MORTON'S REPORT.
The following is a full abstractof the Official Report
of Oaptain James St. Clair Morton, Corps of Engi
neers, commanding Brigade of Pioneers :
The Pioneer Brigade of the Array of the Curaberland consists of
three battalions of infantry, selected frora forty different regiments,
and the Chicago Board of Trade Battery, Captain Stokes. Captain
Bridges, of the Nineteenth Illinois, coraraanded the First Battalion ;
Captain Hood, of the Eleventh Michigan, the Second, and Captain
Clements, of the Sixty-Ninth Ohio, the Third Battalion.
On the march from Nashville the brigade constructed two bridges
over Stewart's Creek, between the hours of four P. M. and four o'clock
A. M., 29th and SOth December, arriving at the battle-field on the SOth.
On the morning of the Slst of Deceraber, the brigade was engaged
in iraproving the fords of Stone River, in which the right battalion
sustained the fire of some rebel cavalry. Captain (now Brigadier
General) Morton was ordered, soon afterward, to take position in line
of battle. The brigade was formed by order of General Rosecrans,
in person, fronting toward the right. The enemy appeared on a rise
of ground, in front, from which they had driven one of our batteries.
Stokes' Battery immediately opened fire, with canister, and drove
thera back. Captain Morton, at the personal order of General Rose
crans, who, with his staff accorapanied him, advanced to the erainence
and held it, under a heavy fire from the rebel batteries and sharp
shooters. Stokes' Battery was supported by the First Battalion, on
the left, posted in a thicket ; the Third Battalion on the right, its
flank protected by the Second Battalion, posted in a wood, still
further to the right.
Shortly after the line was formed the eneray appeared across the
field, preparing to charge upon one of our retiring detachments,
which had been rallied by the Commanding General. Stokes' Bat
tery opened upon the foe, and the advance of the enemy was speedily
arrested. The right battalion was attacked soon after, the enemy

460 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
obviously intending to penetrate the line under cover of the forest.
The battalion changed front to obtain a flanking fire, and by a single
volley repulsed the eneray, coraposed of the Eleventh aud Fourteenth
Texas regiraents. The Seventy-Ninth Indiana had rallied on the right
of the ballalion in the raeantirae, and assisted in the success. This
wus one of the most brilliant episodes of the battle. It followed
quickly upon the charge made by the General in person, and was
really the second act of the draraa, which changed the tide of battle.
Toward sunset the eneray appeared on Morton's left. Two sections
of Stokes' Battery were brought to the left of the First Battalion,
and a brigade of the enemy which had attacked the battalion in the
thicket, was bitterly repulsed. Their dead were left within fifty
paces of Morton's lines. The troops behaved admirably.
The Pioneers slept on their arms that night. Early New Year's
morning, the enemy again appeared on the left, apparently to advance
through a gap between it and the Murfreesboro turnpike. Morton
immediately changed front and occupied the gap. A hot engagement
ensued, infantry and artillery being used so effectively that the
enemy could not push beyond tbe edge of the wood, and they were
finally driven back with severe loss. The position was held by llio
Pioneers until after nightfall, when they were relieved and formed
in reserve.
On the morning of Friday, the second part of the Pioneers were
engaged making road-crossings over the railroad, when the enemy
opened a severe cannonade. Stokes' Battery returned the fire, and
the battalions advanced, supporting it under a fire of solid shot and
shell, until the rebel battery was silenced, when the Pioneers fell
back to their position.
In the afternoon, when Breckinridge made his attack upon Van
Cleve's small division, which had been thrown across the river on our
left. General Rosecrans, in person, ordered the Pioneers to the left as
reinforceraents. Morton marched his command at double-quick, and
arrived on the line occupying a gap in it, under the firing of a rebel
battery, which was soon silenced by Stokes' Battery, whioh was
worked with great skill and vigor.
General Negley's (Eighth) division was already tremendously
engaged. The enemy had advanced in columns of brigades six deep
without intervals, presenting a most formidable mass, aud threatening
to carry everything before them. Our batteries opened in magnificent
concert, and the most obstinate combat of the whole series of engage
ments was culminating. General Negley now requested Morton to rein
force him, and the Pioneers were at once moved up at double-quick
and forraed, the Third Battalion in second line behind the division
under coraraand of General Jeff. C. Davis, the First extending
beyond it, and throwing out its own advance, occupying the space be
tween it and the river ; Stokes' Battery was posted on a knoll between
the First and Second Battalions, the Second being in second line on the
extreme right. The fighting, meantirae, of the most violent descrip
tion, was growing slack, and the enemy, finally defeated, were flying
back to Murfreesboro, darkness preventing pursuit.
After nightfall the Pioneers recrossed the river, and agaiu assumed

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

461

position in the reserve, the Second Battalion being detailed to dig
rifle-pits in the front, near the pike and ou the extreme right. They
labored all night in the rain. On January 3d, the Third Battalion
relieved the First, then on duty in the trenches ; on the 4th, the
Second and Third Battalions began the construction of two lunettes on
the north bank of the river, and the First Battalion began a trestle
bridge across it ; on the 5th the work continued, and the Third
Battalion, with the advance of the army, went in pursuit of the enemy.
The loss of the brigade was as follows :

OFFICEES.

MEN.

o P

Wounded.

KiUed.

Wounded.

First 

3
T

4
44 S

5 5
10 9

12

9
Third 
14
Stokes' Battery 
13
Total 
4
15
29
48
The force of the brigade actually engaged was sixteen hundred men
— ninety-five in Stokes' battery.
Throughout the engagement the Pioneers behaved nobly, and upon
requisition worked zealously night and day, although insufficiently
subsisted, and under vicissitudes of inclement weather and rebel fire.
Captain Morton euolgized the conduct of the artillerymen in the
highest raanner. They fought under the eye of the General, and
won high encomiuras frora hira. Captain Morton, in his report, says :
" As the Coraraanding General was everywhere present on the field with
his staff, he can not but have reraarked the good service done by Captain
Stokes, who raanifested the greatest zeal, and managed his battery
witji the utmost decision and success."
Captain Morton most honor.ably mentions his Adjutant, Lieutenant
Lambessen, of the Nineteenth Illinois; his Inspectors, Lieutenants Clark
of the Sixteenth United States Infantry, and Murphy of the Twenty-
First Wisconsin ; his Aids, Lieutenant Reeve of the Thirty-Seventh
Indiana, and Assistant Engineer Pearsa,ll ; " all of whom exhibited
the utmost ardor and alacrity in the performance of their duty."
Captain Hood, Captain Clements and Captain Bridges, commanding
the battalions, are highly extolled. The latter, though wounded on the
Slst remained in command of his battalion.
462 OFFICIAL REPORTS.

CAPTAIN JOHN MENDENHALL'S REPORT.
Headquaetees Left Wing, ¦(
January 10, 1863. J
Major L. Starling, Chief of Staff •
Major — I have the honor to submit tbe following report of the oper
ations of the artillery in the Left Wing from December 26, 1862, to
January 2, 1863. This array marched frora camp near Nashville,
Deceraber 26th; the Left Wing marching on the Murfreesboro pike.
December 26. — About three P. M., our advance was brought to a
stand-still near Lavergne, by a rebel battery. It was opposed by a
section of artillery serving with the cavalry, which being unable to
dislodge the enemy, our advance battery (Captain Standart, Battery
B, First Ohio) was, after a little delay, put in position and opened fire,
soon silencing the enemy.
December 11. — General Hascall took the advanoe with his brigade,
and Lieutenant Estep's Eighth Indiana Battery. They raarched stead
ily forward till the enemy were driven across Stewart's Creek; the bat
tery halting only when it was necessary to fire ; two pieces were
posted near, covering the bridge.
December 28. — Some artillery was so disposed as to check the enemy,
should they attempt to iJestroy or retake the bridge.
December 29. — Lieutenant Parsons, coraraanding Batteries H and
M, Fourth ArtiUery, being in a commanding position, threw a few
shells about nine A. M., driving the enemy's picket from the opposite
woods. Our column advanced across the bridge at ten A. M., raeet
ing with little resistance till within about three railes of Murfrees
boro. Our troops were placed in line of battle as they came up, the
artillery remaining with their divisions.
December SO. — About nine A. M., the enemy opened fire upon Cap
tain Cox's Tenth Indiana Battery (which was between the pike and
the railroad, and in front partially covered by woods). Captain Brad
ley's Sixth Ohio Battery, at once took a position to the left of tbe woods
and in a cornfield. The two batteries soon silenced that of the ene
my's. One shot killed a raan near where a number of General and
Staff officers were standing, and another passing through Battery H,
Fourth ArtiUery, killing one man, wounding anoUier, besides disabling
ft horse. December 31. — The Left Wing started to cross Stone River, about
eight A. M., but before a division had crossed, inteUigence was received
that the Right was falling back. Colonel Fyffe's brigade, which was
about crossing, was ordered to counter-march and move at double-
quick to the Right. Captain Swallow's Seventh Indiana Battery
operated for a time with this brigade, shelling the rebel cavalry from
tlie brick hospital. Colonel Beatty's brigade, having recrossed the
river, advanced to the support of the Right Wing ; but the Twenty-
Sixth Pennsylvania Battery, Lieutenant Stevens commanding, being
unable to follow the brigade through the woods, took a position near

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 463
the pike, and received the eneray with shot and sheU as they advanoed
after our retreating columns, and I think done his part in checking
them. He advanced as they retreated, and took a position in a corn
field on the right of the pike near the three-mOe post, and again
opened upon the eneray. The position of this battery under went sev
eral changes during the rest of the day, but reraained in the sarae
immediate vicinity. The Third Wisconsin Battery, having recrossed
the river with the brigade, took a position coraraanding the ford and
about twelve M., opened upon the eneray's cavalry, while atterapting
to drive off sorae of our wagons which had crossed the river, and were
near a hospital we had established on the other side, driving them
away with very little booty. The batteries of General "SVood's division
(Cox's Tenth Indiana, Estep's Eighth Indiana, and Bradley's Sixth Ohio,
all under command of Major Race, of the First Ohio Artillery) fought
with the brigades with which they were serving. I had no occasion to
give special orders to fhem during the day. The batteries of General
I*almer's division served with it during the morning, rendering good
service. Captain Standart's Battery fell baok with General Cruft's
brigade, and was not again engaged during the day. Captain Cock
erell, during the afternoon, was ordered to the front, taking a position
in the cornfield on the left of the woods where the enemy were mak
ing such desperate attempts to force back the Left. At this place.
Captain Cockerell was severely wounded in the foot, and the comraand
of his battery devolved upon Lieutenant Osburn. Two guns of this bat
tery were disabled from their own firing, the axles being too weak. One
of the limbers of this battery was blown up during the day. Lieuten
ant Parsons, commanding Batteries H and M, Fourth Artillery, was
ordered up to support the Left, about four P. M., and took a position
near the railroad. After he had expended all his ammunition,
I sent Captairf Swallow's Seventh Indiana Battery to replace him.
These batteries did much to repel the enemy as they advanoed with
the evident determination to drive us back at all hazards if possible.
During the night, the batteries were resupplied with araraunition, and
I directed them to take positions, as follows, before daylight, viz.:
Lieutenant Livingston, commanding ford on the extreme left ; Cap
tain Swallow, on his right, near the railroad; Lieutenant Stevens also
near the railroad, but on the left of Captain Swallow. The batteries
of the First Division between the railroad and the pike. Captain
Bradley on the Left, Captain Cox on the Right, and Lieutenant
Estep, in the Center. The Second Division batteries near the pike in
reserve. During the morning, Lieutenant Livingston was directed to cross the
river (he was assigned a position by Colonel Beatty), and Captain
Swallow took his place commanding the ford; Lieutenant Parsons was
ordered to a position on General Rousseau's front by General Rose
crans, and Captain Cox was moved across the pike near Stokes' Bat
tery, to support the right of his division, whicli had moved its right to
that point. After dark, Captain Standart was ordered to relieve Stokes'
Battery. No firing, except now and then a shell at the enemy's pick
ets, during the day.
January 2. — Early in the forenoon, the enemy opened fire first upon

464 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
our Left, which was not responded to, their shot and shell doing no
harm. They were opened more furiously upon the troops and batter
ies near the railroad and pike, several of our batteries replying and
soon silencing them. When the enemy had nearly ceased firing,
Stokes' Battery opened with canister upon Captain Bradley's Battery
and Colonel Harker's brigade wounding several men and horses.
Captain Standart, with three pieces. Captain Bradley's and Lieu
tenant Estep's Batteries, retired a short distance to fit up, tliey hav
ing received more or less injury from the eneray. Captain Bradley
fell back on account of being fired into by Captain Stokes. He
returned to his former position, after a little while, but Captain Stand-
art and Lieutenant Estep remained in reserve. I then ordered Lieu
tenant Parsons with Batteries H and M, Fourth Artillery, to a
position on the ridge to the right of Captain Swallows (who was on
the highest point-ridge, covering the ford) and Lieutenant Osburn,
Battery F, First Ohio, to a position perhaps a hundred yards to the
right of Lieutenant Parsons. During the afternoon Colonel Beatty
changed the position of Lieutenant Livingston's Battery to near the
the hospital (across the river).
About four P. M., while riding along the pike with General Critten
den, we heard heavy firing of artillery and musketry on the Left. We
at once rode briskly over, and arriving upon the hill near the fords
saw our infantry retiring before the enemy. The Genera] asked me
if I could not do something to relieve Colonel Beatty with ray guns —
Captain Swallow had already opened with his battery. I ordered
Lieutenant Parsons to raove a little forward v/ith his guns; then
rode back to bring up Lieutenant Estep with his Eight Indiana Bat
tery; meeting Captain Morton with his brigade of Pioneers, hc
asked for advice and I told him to move briskly forward with his
brigade, and send his battery to the crest of the hill near the batteries
engaged; the Eighth Indiana Battery took position to the right of
Lieutenant Parsons. Seeing that Lieutenant Osburn was in position
(between Lieutenant Parsons and Estep) I rode to Lieutenant Stevens'
Twenty-Sixth Pennsylvania Battery, and directed hira to change front
to fire to the left, and open fire; and then to Captain Standart's,
and directed him to move to the left with his pieces, and take position
covering the ford. I found that Captain Bradley had anticipated ray
wishes, and had changed front to fire to the left, and opened upon the
enemy. This battery was near the railroad. Lieutenant Livingston's
Battery (which was across the river) opened upon the advancing
enemy and continued to fire until he thought he could no longer main
tain his position when he crossed over, one section at a time, and
opened fire again. The firing ceased about dark. During this ter
rible encounter of little more than an hour in duration, forty-three
pieces of artillery belonging to the Left Wing, Captain Stokes' Bat
tery of six guns and the batteries of General Negley's division about
nine guns, making a total of about fifty-eight pieces, opened fire upon
the enemy. The eneray soon retired ; our troops following. Three
batteries of the Left Wing, besides those of General Davis, crossed
the river in pursuit. During this engagement, Lieutenant Parsons
had one of his howitzers dismounted by a shot from the enemy, but it

OFFICIAL REPORTS.

465

was almost immediately replaced by one captured from the enemy
and brought over by the Nineteenth Illinois.
Captain Cockerell and Lieutenant Buckmar were both wounded on
the Slst. The former coramanded Battery F, First Ohio, and the lat
ter belonged to the Seventh Indiana Battery. Major Race, First Ohio
Artillery, Chief of Artillery, in the First Division, and the several
battery comraanders with their officers and men all, wilh one exception,
deserves most grateful mention for their coolness and bravery
throughout the battle. Lieutenant Parsons, commanding Batteries
H and M, Fourth Artillery, and his officers. Lieutenants Cushing
and Huntington, deserve great credit for their courage under the hot
test of the enemy's fire. They were probably under closer fire and
more of it than any other battery in the Left Wing, and perhaps in
thc army. I ara more than pleased with the way they behaved, as
well as the brave men under them. Captain Bradley, Sixth Ohio
Battery, deserves particular notice for the manner in whioh he
''handled his battery. The one exception above referred to, is Lieuten
ant Richard Jervis, ofthe Eighth Indiana, who is represented to have
acted in a very cowardly manner, by retiring a section of the battery
at a critical moment without orders, or notifying his battery cora
mander. The following are the casualties, etc., in the several batteries :

batteries and commanders.

Hand M, Fourth Artillery, Lieutenant Parsons,,
B, First Ohio, Captain Standart 
F, First Ohio, Captain Cockerell 
Seventh Indiana, Captain Swallow 
Third Wisconsin, Lieutenant Livingston 
Twenty-Sixth Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Stevens.
Eighth Indiana, Lieutenant Estep 
Tenth Indiana,, Captain Cox,...,, 
Sixth Ohio, Captain Bradley 

Total.,

2 16 69 16

I am, Major, very respectfully.
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN MENDENHALL,
Chief of Artillery.

OFFICIAL REPORT

GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG.

Headquarters Aemy of Tennessee, "i
Tullahoma, February 23, 1863. J
Sir — On the 26th of December last the enemy advanced, in force,
from Nashville, to attack us at Murfreesboro. It had been well ascer
tained that his effective force was over sixty thousand effective men.
Before night, on that day, the object of the movement was developed,
by our dispositions in front, and orders were given for the necessary
concentration of our forces there distributed, as foUows:
Polk's corps and three brigades of Breckinridge's division, Hardee's
corps, at Murfreesboro; the balance of Hardee's corps, near Eagleville,
about twenty miles west of Murfreesboro; McCown's division (which,
with Stevenson's division removed, constituted Sraith's corps) at
Readyville, twelve railes east of Murfreesboro; the three cavalry bri
gades of '\Vheeler, Wharton, and Pegrara, occupying the entire front
of our infantry, and covering all approaches to within ten miles of
NashviUe ; Buford's small cavalry brigade, of about six hundred,
at McMinnville. The brigades of Forrest and Morgan, about five thou
sand effective cavalry, were absent, on special service, in West Ten
nessee and Northern Kentucky, as will be more fully noted hereafter.
Jackson's small infantry brigade was in the rear, guarding the rail
road from Bridgeport, Alabama, to the mountains. On Sunday, the
28th, our main force of infantry and artillery was concentrated in
front of Murfreesboro; while the cavalry, supported by three brigades
of infantry and three batteries of artillery, impeded the advance of the
eneray by constant skirmishing and sudden and unexpected attacks.
To the skillful manner in whicli the cavalry, thus ably supported, was
handled, and to the exceeding gallantry of its officers and men, must
be attributed the four days' time consumed by the enemy in reaching
the battle-fleld, a distance of only twenty miles from his encampment,
over fine macadamized roads. (466)

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 467
Fully aware of the greatly superior numbers of the enemy, as indi
cated in my early reports from this quaiter, it was our policy to await
attack. The position was selected and line developed with this inten
tion. Owing to the convergence upon our depot of so many fine
roads, by which the enemy could approach, we were confined in
our selection to aline near enough to the point of juncture to enable us
to successfully cover them aU until the real point of attack should be
developed. On Monday, the 29th, it was reported that heavy columns moved on
both the direct road from Lavergne and on the one leading into the
Lebanon road, by way of Jefferson. But on Tuesday, the SOth, it was
ascertained that the Jefferson pike was abandoned by a counterraarch,
and the whole forces of the enemy were concentrated on and near the
direct road on the west of Stone River.
Our arrangements were all completed before the eneray crossed Stew
art's Creek, nine miles out, and the infantry brigades were at onoe
called in; and the cavalry was ordered to fall back more rapidly, hav
ing most gaUantly discharged its duty and fully accoraplished the objects
desired. Late on Monday it became apparent the eneray was extend
ing to his right to flank us on the left. MeCown's division, in reserve,
was promptly thrown to that flank, and added to the command of
Lieutenant General Polk. The enemy not meeting our expectations
of making an attack on Tuesday — whioh was consumed in artillery
firing and heavy skirmishing, with the exception of a dash late in the
evening on the left of Withers' division, which was repulsed and
severely punished — it was determined to assail him on Wednesday
morning, the 1st.
For this purpose Cleborne's division, Hardee's corps, was moved
from the second Une on the right to the corresponding position on the
left, and Lieutenant General Hardee was ordered to tliat point, and
assigned to the comraand of that aud MoCown's division. I'his dispo
sition, the result of necessity, left me uo reserve; but Breckinridge's
command ou the right, not now threatened, was regarded .as a source of
supply for any reinforcements absolutely necessary to other parts of
the field. Stone River, at its low stage, was fordable at any point
for infantry, and, at sliort intervals, perfectly practicable for artil
lery. These dispositions completed. General Hardee was ordered to assail
the enemy at daylight on Wednesday, the Slst, the attaok to be taken
up by Polk's comraand in succession, to the right flank ; the move to
be made by a constant wheel to the right — on Polk's right, as a point;
the object being to force the euemy back on Stone River, and, if prac
ticable, by the aid of cavalry, cut him off from his base of operations
and supplies by the Nashville pike.
The lines were now bivouacked at a distance, in places of not more
than flve hundred yards, the camp fires of the two being within
distinct view. General Wharton's cavalry brigade had been kept on
our left to watch and check the movements of the eneray in that
direction, and to prevent his gaining the railroad in our rear, the
preservation of which was of vital iraportance. In this he was aided
by Brigadier General A. Buford, who had a small command of six

468 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
hundred new cavalry. The duty was most ably, gallantly, and suc
cessfully performed.
On Monday night Brigadier General Wheeler proceeded with his
cavalry brigade and one regiraent from Pegram's, as ordered, to gain
the eneray's rear. By Tuesday morning, moving on the Jefferson
pike, around the enemy's left flank, he had gained the rear of their
whole army, and soon attacked their trains, their guards, and the
numerous stragglers.
He succeeded in capturing several hundred prisoners and destroy
ing hundreds of wagons loaded with supplies and baggage. After
clearing the road he made his way entirely around, and joined the
cavalry on our left.
The failure of General McCown to execute, during the night, an
order for a slight change in the line of his division, aud which had to
be done the next morning, caused sorae delay in the general and
vigorous assault by Lieutenant General Hardee. But about seven
o'clock the rattle of rausketry andthe roar of artillery announced the
beginning of the conflict. The eneray was taken completely by sur
prise ; general and staff officers were not mounted, artillery horses not
hitched, and infantry not formed. A hot and inviting breakfast of
coffee and other luxuries, to which our gallant and hardy men had
long beeu strangers, was found upon the flre, unserved, aud was left
while we pushed on to a more inviting feast, that of captured artillery,
flying battalions, and hosts of craven prisoners, begging for their lives
they had forfeited by their acts of brutality and atrocity. While thus"
routing and pushing the enemy on his front. Lieutenant General
Hardee announced to me, by a messenger, that the moveraent was not
being as promptly executed by Major General Cheatham's command
on his right — the left of General Polk's corps — as he expected, and
that his line was consequently exposed fo an enfilading fire from the
enemy's artillery in that front. The necessary instructions for prompt
raovement at that point were immediately dispatched, and in a short
time our whole line, except Breckinridge's command, was warraly
engaged. Frora this time we continued to drive the enemy more or
less rapidly, until his line was thrown entirely bsick at right angles
to his first position, and oocupied the cut of the railroad along whieh
he had raassed his reserves and posted very strong batteries. The
eneray's loss was very heavy in killed and wounded — far exceeding
our own, as appeared frora a critical examination of the field, now
almost entirely in our possession. Of artillery alone we had secured
more than twenty-five pieces.
While the infantry and artillery were engaged in this successful
work. Brigadier General Wharton, with his cavalry coramand, was
most actively and gallantly engaged on the enemy's right and rear,
where he inflicted a heavy loss in killed and wounded, captured a full
battery of artillery attempting to escape, and secured and sent in near
two thousand prisoners.
The;e important successes and results had not been achieved with
out heavy sacrifices on our part, as tbe resistance of the eneray, after
the first surprise, was raost gallant and obstinate.
Finding Lieutenant General Hardee so formidably opposed by the

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 469
movement of the eneray to his front, reinforcements for him were
ordered frora M.ajor General Breckinridge, but the orders were counter
manded, as will hereafter appear, and Polk's corps was pressed forward
with vigor, hoping to draw the eneray back or rout him on the right,
as he had already been on the left. We succeeded in driving him from
every position except the strong one held by bia extrerae left fiank,
resting on Stone River, and covered by a concentration of artillery of
superior range and caUber, which seemed to bid us defiance. The
difficulties of our general advance had been greatly enhanced by the
topography of the country. All parts of our Une had to pass in their
progress over ground of the roughest character, covered with huge
stones, and studded with the densest growth of cedar, the branches
reaching the ground, and forming an alraost impassable "brake." Our
artillery could rarely be used; while the enemy, holding defensive
lines, had selected formidable positions for his batteries, and this dense
cover for his infantry, frora both of which he had to be dislodged by
our infantry alone. The determined and unvarying gallantry of our
troops, and the uninterrupted success which attended their repeated
charges against these strongholds, defended by double their numbers,
fully justified the unbounded confidence I had ever reposed in thera,
and have so often expressed.
To raeet our successful advances, and to retrieve his hopes in tho
front of his left, the enemy early transferred a portion of his reserve
from his left to that flank, and by two o'clock had succeeded in con
centrating such a force in Lieutenant General Hardee's front as to
check his further progress. Our two lines had, by this time, become
almost blended, so weakened were they by losses, exhaustion, and
extension to cover the enemy's whole front.
As early as ten o'clock A. M., Major General Breckinridge was
called on for one brigade, and, soon after, for a second, to reinforce or
act as a reserve to Lieutenant General Hardee. His reply to the first
call represented the enemy crossing Stone River iu heavy force, in his
immediate front; and on receiving the second order, he informed rae
that they had already crossed in heavy force, and were advancing to
attack his lines. He was immediately ordered not to await attack, but
to advance and meet them. About this sarae time a report reached me
that a heavy force of the enemy's infantry was advancing on the
Lebanon road, about five miles in Breckinridge's front. Brigadier
General Pegram, who had been sent to that road, to cover the flank of
the infantry with his cavalry brigade — save two regiments detached
with Wheeler and Wharton — was ordered forward immediately to
develop any such movement. The orders for the two brigades from
Breckinridge were countermanded, while dispositions were made, at
his request, to reinforce hira. Before they oould be carried out, the
movement ordered disclosed the fact tbat no force had crossed Stone
River, that the only enemy iu our iraraediate front there was a small
body of sharpshooters, and that there was no advance on the Lebanon
road. These unfortunate misapprehensions on that part of the field,
which, with proper precaution, could not have existed, withheld from
active operation three flne brigades, until the enemy had succeeded in

470 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
checking our progress, had reestablished his lines, and had collected
many of his broken battalions.
Having now settled the question that no moveraent was being made
against our right, and none even to be apprehended, Breckinridge was
ordered to leave two brigades to support the batteries at " A," on his
side of Stone River, and with the balance of the force to cross to the
left and report to Lieutenant General Polk. By the time this could be
accomplished it was too late to send this force to Lieutenant General
Hardee's support, who was unable to make further progress, and he
was directed to maintain his position. Polk was directed, with these,
reinforcements, to throw all the force he could collect upon the enemy's
extreme left, and thereby either carry that strong point, which had so.
far resisted us successfully, or, failing iu that, at least to draw off from
Hardee's front the formidable opposition there concentrated.
The three brigades of Jackson, Preston and Adaras, were successively
reported for this work. How gallantly they raoved to their work, and
how much they suft'ered in the determined effort to accoraplish it, will
best appear from the reports of subordinate commanders, and the state
ment of losses therewith. Upon this flank — their strongest defensive
position resting on the river bank — the eneray had concentrated not
less than twenty pieces of artillery, raasked almost entirely from view,
but covering an open space in front of several hundred yards, sup
ported right, left and rear by heavy masses of infantry.
The position proved impenetrable, and, after two unsuccessful efforts,
the attempt to carry it by infantry was abandoned. Our heaviest bat
teries of artillery and rifled guns of long range were now concentrated
in front, and their flres opened on this position. After a cannonade of
some tirae, the enemy's fire slackened, and flnally closed near nightr
fall. Lieutenant General Hardee had slightly retired his line from the
furthest point he had attained, for better position and cover, without
molestation from the enemy.
Lieutenant General Polk's infantry, including the three reinforced
brigades, uniting their front with Hardee's right, and extending to
our extreme right flank, formed a continuous line, very nearly perpen
dicular to the original line of battle, thus leaving nearly the whole
field, with all its trophies, the enemy's dead and many of his wounded,
his hospitals and stores, in our possession. The body of Brigadier
General SiU, one of their division comraanders, was found where he had
fallen, and was sent to town and decently interred, although he had
forfeited all claim to such consideration by the acts of cruelty, barbarity
and atrocity but a few days before coramitted, under his authority, ou
the woraen and children and old men living near the road on whicli he
had raade a reconnoissance.
During the afternoon Brigadier General Pegram, discovering a
hospital and large numbers of stragglers in the rear of the enemy's
lines and across Stone River, charged them with his cavalry, and
captured about one hundred and seventy prisoners.
Both armies, exhausted by a conflict of full ten hours' duration,
rarely surpassed for its continued intensity and heavy losses sustained,
sank to rest with the sun, and perfect quiet prevailed for the night.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 471
At dawn on Thursday morning, the first of January, orders were sent
to the several commanders to press forward their skirmishers, feel the
enemy, and report any change in his position. Major General Breck
inridge had been transferred to tho right of Stone River, to resume the
command of that position, now held by two of his brigades. It was
soon reported that no ohange had occurred, except the withdrawal of
the enemy frora the advanced position ocoupied by his left fiank.
Finding, upon further examination, that this was the case, the right
flank of Lieutenant General Folk's corps was thrown forward to occupy
the ground for which we had so obstinately contended the evening
before. This shortened our lines considerably, and gave us possession
ofthe center battle-field, from which we gleaned the spoils and trophies
throughout the day, and transferred them rapidly to the rear.
A careful reconnoissance of the eneray's position was ordered, and
the most of the cavalry was put in motion for the roads in his rear, to
out off his trains and develop any moveraent. It was soon ascertained
that he was still in very heavy force all along our front, occupying a
position strong by nature and iraproved by such work as could be
done by night by his reserves.
In a short time reports from the cavalry informed me that he*avy
trains were raoving toward Nashville, sorae of the wagons loaded, and
all the ambulances filled with wounded. These were attacked at
different places, many wagons destroyed, and hundreds of prisoners
paroled. No doubt this induced the eneray to send large escorts of
cavalry, and artiUery and infantry with later trains, and thus the
impression was raade on our ablest coraraanders that a retrograde
moveraent was going on.
Our forces, greatly wearied and rauch reduced by heavy losses, were
held ready to avail themselves of any change in the enemy's position ;
but it was deemed unadvisable to assail him as there established. The
whole day, after these dispositions, was passed without an iraportant
moveraent on either side, and was consumed by us in gleaning the
battle-field, burying the dead, and replenishing aramunition.
At daylight on Friday, the 2d, orders to feel the enemy and ascer
tain his position were repeated with the same result. The cavalry
brigades of Wheeler and Wharton had returned during the night,
greatly exhausted from long continued service, with but little rest or
food to either man or horse. Both the commanders reported the indi
cations from the enemy's movements the same. Allowing them only a
few hours to feed and rest, and sending the two detached regiments
baok to Pegram's brigade, Wharton was ordered to the right bank
across Stone River, immediately in Breckinridge's front. Reconnois
sances by several staff officers soon developed the faot that a division
had .quietly crossed unopposed, and established themselves on and
under cover of an eminence from which Lieutenant General Polk's line
was commanded and enfiladed. The dislodgement of this force or the
withdrawal of Polk's line, was an evident necessity. The latter
involved consequences not to be entertained. Orders were conse
quently given for the concentration of the whole of General Breckin
ridge's division, in front of the position to be taken, the addition to his
command of the ten Napoleon guns, twelve-pounders, under Captain

472 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
F. H. Robertson, an able and accomplished artillery officer, and for the
cavalry forces of Wharton and Pegram, about two thousand raen, to join
in his attack on the right. M.ajor General Breckinridge was sent for, and
advised of the movement and its objects, the securing and holding the
position which protected Polk's flank, and gave us command of the
enemy's, by which to enfilade him. He was informed of the disposi
tion of the forces placed at his disposal, and instructed with theni to
drive the enemy back, crown the hill, intrench his artillery, and hold
the position.
To distract their attention from our real object, a heavy fire was
ordered to be opened from Polk's front, at the exact hour at which the
raoveraent was to begin. At other points, throughout both Unes, all
was quiet. General Breckinridge, at three P. M., reported he would
advance at four. Polk's batteries promptly opened fire, and were soon
answered by the enemy. A heavy cannonade of sorae fifteen minutes
was succeeded by the musketry, which soon became general. The con
test was short and severe; the enemy was driven back, and the erai
nence gained; but the movement, as a whole, was a failure, and the
position was an;ain yielded. Our forces were moved, unfortunately,
to the left so far as to throw a portion of them into and over Stone
River, where they encountered heavy raasses of the eneray, while th,')se
against whora they were intended to operate on our side of the river
had a destructive enfilade on our whole line. Our reserved line was
so close to the front as to receive the enemy's fire, and, returning it,
took their friends iu the rear. The cavalry force was left entirely out
of the action.
Learning from my own staff officers, sent to the scene, of the dis
orderly retreat being raade by General Breckinridge's division, Brig-
dier General Patton Anderson's fine brigade of Mississippians, the
nearest body of troops, was proraptiy ordered to the relief. On reach
ing the field and raoving forward, Anderson found himself in front of
Breckinridge's infantry, and soon encountered the enemy's light troops
close upon our artiUery, which had been left without support. This
noble brigade, under its cool and gallant chief, drove the enemy back,
and saved all the guns not captured before its arrival. Captain F. H.
Robertson, after the disabling wound received by Major Graves, General
Breckinridge's gallant and efficient Chief of Artillery, took the entire
charge of the artillery of the division, in addition to his own. To his
gallantry, energy and fearlessness, is due the sraallness of our loss
sustained before the arrival of support — only three guns. His report
will show the important part he played in this attaok and repulse.
Before the end of the whole raoveraent, it was quite dark. Anderson's
command held a position next the eneray, corresponding nearly with
our original line, while Breckinridge's brigade coraraanders colUftted
their raen, as far as practicable in the darkness, and took irregular
positions on Anderson's left and rear. At daylight in the niorning
they were moved forward to the front, and the whole line was reestab
lished without opposition. During the night M.ajor General Cleborne's
division was re-transferred to its original position on the right, and
Lieutenant General Hardee directed to resurae his command there, and
restore our line.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 473
On Saturday morning, the 3d, our forces had been in Une of battle
five days and nights, with but Uttle rest. Having no reserves, their
baggage and tents had been loaded, and the wagons were four miles
off; their provisions, if cooked at all, were raost improperly prepared
with scanty means; the weather had been severe from cold and almost
constant rain, and we had no ohange of clothing, and in many places
could not have fire. The necessary consequence was the great
exhaustion of both officers and men, many having to be sentto the hos
pitals in the rear, and raore still were beginning to straggle from their
commands, an evil from which we had so far suffered but little. Dur
ing the whole of this day the rain continued to fall with little inter
mission, and the rapid rise in Stone River indicated that it soon would
be unfordable. Late on Tuesday night I had received the captured
papers of Major General McCook, commanding one corps d'armee of the
enemy, showing their effective strength to have been very nearly, if
not quite, seventy thousand men. Before noon, reports from Brigadier
General Wheeler satisfied me that the enemy, instead of retiring, was
receiving reinforceraents.
Common prudence and the safety of my army, upon which even the
safety of our cause depended, left no doubt in my raind as to the
necessity of my withdrawal from so unequal a contest. My orders
were accordingly given about noon for the raovement of the trains and
for the necessary preparations of troops.
Under the efficient management of the different staff departments,
everything had been secured and transferred to the rear, including
prisoners, captured artillery, sraall arras, subsistence, raeans of trans
portation, and nearly all of our wounded able to bear raoving. No
movements were made by the troops on either side during this most
inclement day, save just at night, when a sharp skirmish occurred
between Polk's right and the enemy's left flank, resulting in nothing
decisive. The only question with me was, whether the moveraents
should be raade at once or delayed twenty-four hours to save a few of
our wounded. As it was probable we should lose by exhaustion as
many as we should reraove of the wounded, ray inclination to reraain
was yielded. The whole force, except the cavalry, was put in motion
at eleven o'clock P. M., and the array retired in perfect order to its
present position, behind Duck River, without receiving or giving a
shot. Our cavalry held the position before Murfreesboro until Mon
day morning, the 6th, wheu it quietly retired, as ordered, to cover our
front. We left about one thousand two hundred badly wounded, one-half
of whom, we learn, have since died frora the severity of their injuries;
about three hundred sick, too feeble to bear transportation; and about
two hundred well men and medical officers as their attendants. [The
real number was two thousand eight hundred. — Author of Rosecrans'
Campaign.] In addition to this, the enemy had captured about eight
hundred prisoners frora us. As the one thousand two hundred wounded
are counted once under that head among our losses, they should be
excluded from the general total.
As an offset to this loss, we had secured, as will appear from tbe
report of my Inspector General, considerably over six thousand prison-
40

474 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
ers ; had captured over thirty pieces of artillery, six thousand stand
of sraall arras, ambulances, mules, and harness, with a large amount
of valuable property, all of which was secured and appropriated to
proper uses. Beside all this secured, we had burned not less than
eight hundred wagons, mostly laden with various articles, • such as
arms, ammunition, provisions, baggage, clothing, medicines and
hospital stores. We had lost three pieces of artillery only, all in
Breckinridge's repulse. A number of stands of colors — nine of which
are forwarded with this report — were also captured on the fleld. Others
known to have been taken were not sent in.
The number of fighting raen we had on the field, on the morning
of the Slst of December, was less than thirty-five thousand, of which
about thirty thousand were infantry and artiUery.
Among the gallant dead the nation is called to mourn, none could
have fallen more honored or regretted than Brigadier Generals James
E. Rains and R. W. Hanson. They yielded their lives in the heroic
discharge of duty, and leave their honored names as a rich legacy to
their descendants. Brigadier General Jaraes R. Chalmers and D. W.
Adaras received disabling wounds on Wednesday, I am happy to say
not serious, but which deprived us of their valuable services. Having
been under ray iraraediate coramand since the beginning of the war, I
can bear evidence to their devotion and to the conspicuous gaUantry
which has marked their services on every field.
For the sacred names of other heroes and patriots of lower grades,
who gave their lives, illustrating the character of the Confederate
soldier on this bloody field, I raust refer to the reports of subordinate
coraraanders, and to the list which will be submitted. Our loss, it will
be seen, exceeded ten thousand, nine thousand of whom were killed and
wounded. The enemy's loss we have no means of knowing with certainty. One
corps, commanded by Major General Thomas J. Crittenden, which was
least exposed in the engagement, reports over five thousand kiUed and
wounded- As they had two other corps and a separate division, third
of a corps, and their cavalry, it is safely estimated at three thousand
killed and sixteen thousand wounded ; adding six thousand two
hundred and seventy-three prisoners, and we have a total of twenty-five
thousand two hundred and seventy-three.
Lieutenant Generals L. Polk and W. J. Hardee, commanding corps.
Major Generals J. M. Withers and P. R. Cleborne, comraanding divi
sions, are especially commended to the Government for the valor, skill
and abUity displayed by thera throughout the engageraent.
Brigadier General J. Patton Anderson, for the coolness, judgraent,
and courage with which he interposed his brigade between our retreat
ing forces and the enemy, largely superior to him, on Friday evening,
nnd saved our artillery, is justly entitled to special mention.
Brigadier Generals Joseph Wheeler and John H. Wharton, com
manding cavalry brigades, were preeminently distinguished through
out the action, as they had been for a month previous, in many
successive actions with the enemy. Under their skillful and gallant
lead, the reputation of our cavalry has been greatly enhanced.

OFFICIAL REPORTS. 475
For the just commendation of many other officers, many of whom
were preeminently distinguished, I raust refer to the reports of their
mo^e iramediate commanders.
To the private soldier a fair meed of praise is due; and, though it is
seldom given, and so rarely expected that it may be considered out
of place, I can not, in justice to myself, withhold the opinion ever
entertained, and so often expressed, during our struggle for independ
ence. In the absence of the instruction and discipline of old arraies,
and of the confidence which long association produces between vet
erans, we have, in a great measure, to trust to the individuality and
self-reliance of the private soldier. Without the incentive or the
motive which controls the officer, who hopes to live in history,
without the hope of reward, and actuated only by a sense of duty and
patriotism, he has, in this great contest, justly judged that the cause
was his own, and gone into it with a determination to conquer or die,
to be free or not to be at all. No enconium is too high, no honor too
great for such a soldiery. However much of credit and glory may be
given, and probably justly given to the leaders in our struggle, history
will yet award the main honor where it is due — to the priviite soldier,
who, without hope of reward, and with no other incentive than a con
sciousness of rectitude, has encountered all the hardships and suffered
aU the privations. Well has it been said: "The first raonument our
Confederacy rears when our independence shall have been won, should
be a lofty shaft, pure and spotless, bearing this inscription, 'To the
unknown and unrecorded dead.'"
The raembers of ray staff arduously engaged in their several duties
before, during and since the prolonged engageraent, are deserving a
mention in this report.
Lieutenant Colonels George G. Gardner and G. W. Brent and Captain
P. Thompson, Adjutant Inspector General's departraent; First Lieu
tenants Towsou EUis and F. S. Parker, regular Aiddecamps; Lieuten
ant Colonel Beard, Inspector General; Lieutenant Colonels A. J. Hays
and V. A. May; Major James Stainbridge, Louisiana Infantry, and
Major Wra. Clarelate, Seventh Alabaraa Volunteers, Adjutant Assistant
Inspector Generals; Lieutenant Colonel L. W. O'Bannow, Chief Quar
terraaster; Major J- J. Walker, Chief Commissary; Majors F. MoUoy
and G. M. Hillyer, Assistants; Lieutenant Colonel H. Aladowski, Chief
of Ordnance; Captain W. H. Warren and 0. T. Gibbs and Lieutenant
W. F. Johnson, Assistants; Captain S. W. Steele, Assistant Chief Engi
neer, and Lieutenants H. C. Forie, and H. H. Buchanan, and J. R. P.
McFall; Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Hollinquist, Acting Chief of Artil-
tery; First Lieutenant R. II. Thompson, Assistant Surgeon; A. J.
Foard, Medical Director; Surgeon E. A. Llewellen, Assistant Medical
Director; Acting Surgeon T. G. Richardson, attendant on rayself, staff
and escort; Colonel David Urquhart, of Louisiana; J. Stoddard John
ston, of Kentucky; and St. Leger Grenfel, of England, the two former
vo'unteer aids, long on ray staff, serving me raost effeotivelj'; Major I?.
W. Baylor, A. Q. M.; Major B. 0. Kennedy, A. C. S., and Lieutenant
William M. Bridges, aiddecamp to the late Brigadier General Duncan,
reported just before the engagement, and joined my staff, on which

476 OFFICIAL REPORTS.
they served through the battle; Colonel M. L. Clark, of the Artillery
P. A., did me the favor to join and serve on ray staff during the
engageraent. His Excellency William G. Harris, Governor of Tennessee, and the
Hon. Andrew Ewing, meraber of the Military Court, volunteered their
services and rendered me efficient aid, especially with the Tennessee
troops, largely in the ascendant in the army. It is but due to a zealous and
effioient laborer in our cause, that I here bear testimony to the cordial
support given me at all times, since meeting him a year ago in West
Tennessee, by His Excellency Governor Harris. From the field of
Shiloh, where he received in his arms the dying form of the lamented
Johnson, to the last struggle at Murfreesboro, he has been one of us,
and has shared all our privations and dangers, while giving us his per
sonal and political influence with all the power he possessed atthe
head of the State Government. To the raedical department of the
array, under the able adrainistration of Surgeon Foard, great credit is
due for the success which attended their labors. Sharing none of the
excitement and glory of the field, these officers, in their labor of love,
devoted themselves assiduously in attending the sufferings of their
brother soldiers at war, when others are seeking repose. The reports
of subordinate commanders have been specially called for, and are
soon expected, when they will be promptly forwarded.
During the tirae the operations at Murfreesboro were being con
ducted, important expeditions under Brigadier Generals Forrest and
Morgan were absent in West Tennessee and Northern Kentucky. The
reports already forwarded show the complete success which attended
these gallant Brigadiers, and commend them to the confidence of the
Government, and gratitude of the country.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
General Commanding.
General S. Coopee, Adjutant General, Richmond, Va.

Publications of Moore, Witstacn, Keys ^ Co.

B jA. IT .A- E, 3D T.ia."5rXiOH'S
CYCLOPEDIA OF MODERN TRAVEL.
A Record of Adventure., Exploration and discovery for the poet fifty years. Compristna
Narraiivea ofthe most distinguished Travelers since the heginning of this Centv/ry. Pre^area
and arranged by Bayard Taylor. 1 vol. royal Sro. 1034 pp. Embellished with finepoT'
traits, on st^el by Buttre, and illustrated by over sixty wood eitgratrlngs hy Orr, and thirteen
authentic Maps by Schonberg. Sold by canuassing agents only.
A magnificcDt octavo volurae, which for general interest and value, ia worthy of thc
diotin guished compiler, and equally worthy of universal patronage. The volume reallj
contains the value of a whole library, reliable as a book of reference, and as interes'.ing
aa a book of romance. — Springfield {Mass.) JRepuhlican.
The popular lectures and writings of Bayard Taylor, have awakened in the United
States a thirst for information respecting foreign countries and natiOiis. A striking
proof of this is given in the fact that a pubUshing house in Cincinnati, have issued
under the auspices of Bayard Taylor, a volume of nearly one thousand pp., devoted
exclusively to records of travel. These Reports are perfectly reliable; the matters ot
fact of each explorer, often in his own language, are condensed iuto a consecutive narra
tive, by the most competent living author in tbe same department. — N. Y. Independent.
The reading public owes to Bayard Taylor many a debt for rare and valuable instruc
tion, most agreeably conveyed ; but we doubt if he ever performed a more useful service
than in compiling this massive, varied aud most valuable volume. The entire circle of
books of which he has given the spirit and juice, would form a library; and many of
them are now almost inaccessible. Mr. Taylor's part has been conscientiously done. It
is not merely a work of selection and groupings ; much of it is his own statement of the
results more voluminously given, and written in a clear and elegant style. We can not
but regard it as a very useful as well as entertaining work, well adapted to communicate
accurate and comprehensive views of the world, and supplying for families an almost
inexhaustible fund of pleasant reading. — N. T. Evangelist.
No writer of the present age can be found so admirably qualifled for such an under
taking. — Louisville Jowmal.
Such is the full title-page ofa magnificent octavo volutiae of 1034 pages, just issued.
* * * We said " a magnificent octavo." It is so whether we consider its contents, or
the superb style in which the publishers have gotten it up. It is just tbe book for the
fiimlly library ; all classes will be interested m its perusal. — Ladies Repository.
The conception of this work is admirable ; and its execution is what might he expected
from one of the moat accomplished and intelligent tra^'elers of the age. * * * It is
remarkable for compactness, condensation and symmetry; and whoever will take tha
time to read it through, will possess himself of an amount of information, in respect to
the physical, intellectual, and moral condition of almost every portion of the globe,
which he can scarcely expect to find elsewhere. The work is illustrated with a large
number of maps and engravings, which are executed with great skill and care, and add
much to the interest of the nai-ratives to which they are prefixed. — Puritan Recorder.
Mr. Bayard Taylor is the very Ulysses of modern tourists, and Emperor Adrian of
living ramblers — and so is qualified to edit, or compile ii'om the works of qther travelers.
* * * It is but the merest justice to say, that Mr. Taylor has done all that even an
uneasily satisfied reader could expect, to produce a capital book. — Boston Chronicle.
Apart from the confidence inspired by the name of the writer, it needs but a brief
explanation of its contents to show that it forms a highly important addition to tho
faraily library. Its pages are crowded with interesting information. — N. T. Tribune,
From Professor G. C. Fdton of Harvard Univei-sity.
A scholar, traveler and writer, having a reputation so deservedly high in this three
fold relation as Bayard Taylor, may be presumed to give his name only to works worthy
of it. The present volume I have examined carefully, and have read a considerable part
of it'; and I have found it prepared and arranged with excellent judgment, and filled
with matter of the highest interest and value. Both tbe plan and execution are in my
judgment marked by ability, extensive knowledge, good taste, and good sense.
From OUver Wendell Holmes, M. D., Author of "TJie Autocrat of the Breakfast Table,^' etc.
Mr. Bayard Taylor has done the reading public a great favor in bringing together the
most essential and interesting portions of so many narratives within a very moderate
compass, and in such a form as to be accessible to multitudes whose libraries must take
little room and cost but moderate expenditure. It is safe to say that no man's selection
would be accepted so unhesitatingly in Arierica as Ihoso of our own favorite travel
story-teller. From Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, of Boston, formerly Speaker Bouse qf Representatives, V. 3
I have examined it with great interest. It contains a largo amount of entertaining
and instractive matter, very conveniently and carefully arranged; and I shall value It
nan wrnrk both for Drescnt reading and future reference.

Ptiblications of Moore, Wilstach, Keys <fe Go.
THE SCIENCE OF EDUCATION;
AND ABT OF TEACHING. In Two Pabtb. Bv John Ogden. A. M.
1 Vol., 12mo. 480 pp. Price, $1.25.
It is proper to say that Mr. Ogden has, for the last six or seven years, been engaged
almost exclusively with Teachers and in Normal Schools.
NOTICES.
From the Bev. Wm. Buasell, State Educational Lecturer, MassachuseUs.
The truly philosophical and thoroughly practical methods of early culture, suggested
to the primary teacher, if faithfully acted on, would make our elementary schools
scenes of the most attractive and delightful, as well aa instructive, occupation for
childhood. From Wm. F. Phelp$, A. M., Principal ofthe N. J. State Normal School.
My dear Sir: — Allow me to say that, in my humble judgment, you have struck fhe
right vein, both in the conception and execution of your ideas regarding the Philosophy ol
Teaching. You afford a splendid contribution to our limited means lor tho training ot
Teachers. A good scholar merely has fulfilled only one of the conditions essential to a
good educator. What we most need is a clear elucidation and a scientific ciii&sifi cation
of the principles of education, so that they may be mastered and applied to the rearing
and training of rational and immortal beings. I need not assure you that thia task you
have, according to my notions, most happily executed. The application of diagrams to
the work seems to me to be a happy thought, addressing the subject to that most perfect
of all senses, the sense of sight.
From Cyrus Knowlton, Esq., Principal of Hughes High School, Cincinnati.
It ia by far the best work of the kind with which I am acquainted.
From A. J. Eichojf, laie Superintendent of Cincinnati PubKc Schools.
Messbs. Moore, Wilstach, K.T.va & Co. :
I have given attention to every work announced in England or this country, treating
upon this subject ; and I may say, without hesitation, that Mr. Ogden's treatise is, in
its conception and arrangement, the most scientific among them all. It can not be read
by the teacher without great practical advantage ; it will prepare him for the business
ofthe schoolroom; it will give new direction to his speculations; it will, I believe,
greatly assist to establish the business of teaching as a profyfision.
Schoolmasters owe it to themselves and their profession, to give this book a circula
tion never yet reached by any of a similar character. Its use should not be confined to
teachers alone. It should find a place in thc library of every family, as the most valua
ble contribution yet made in our language for the advancement of erlucation.
OGDEN ON EDUCATION,
Is a very full and systematic work on the goueral subject of education, full uf sug
gestive thoughts, tersely e.xpressed. They deserve aud demand proper consideration,
seasoned by that confidence in their author which his evident carefulness and experience
beget. — Rhode Island Schoolmaster,
Isjust the hand-book for teachers who intend to be thorough and foremost in their
profession. Intelligent parents would find it an interesting and valuable aid in the
hours when they " ponder in their hearts " how to bring up children.— Toronto (G, W)
Colonist. '
A very elaborate, philosophical, aud thorough work on a great subject, too much
overlooked by thinking men. * * * Must be immensely valuable to every parent
and teacher.— .y. Y. Observer.
Contains, in a single volume, a great deal of valuable material. The whole subject of
human culture is laid before the reader, and treated in simple vet comprehensive lan
guage. * * * Parents and teachers should be induced to study this-excellent work.—
Mass. Teacher.
Has many features, both novel and ingenious, which entitle it to consideration as an
origmal work.— JVcw York Century.
Enters very fully and closely into the Philosophy of teachins.- Philadelphia Piess.
Is a sound, judicious aud original work. It does not deal in com monly -received
nations, but really enters into the profound themes, upon which it trc-ats with great
strength of thought, keenness of perception, nnd practical akill— Zion'a Herald, Boston.
ii}i 'Vwt'*"/^ '''°'"^ extant that can pretend to a full and complete system of instruc-
fi^r^H ?m vLr - i''^'^^'°"f' y b'^en written on the subject that is valuable, which has
failed, however, in a great measure, to become available, because of tho absence of sys-
nS«r«n»iv n^'L^*""^" ^"^ recognize a systematic arrangement as a desideratum. Mr.
2! i?,v?S J^" V'T ""'"¦'y "^ scientific treatment of his subject than any autlio^
wo have met.— /owa Inutructor and School Journal. """'vr

PuhHcatiuns of Moore, WihUich^ Keys & Co.
We recommend all the boys in tho land to get these books and read thera.—
Pittsburg Gazette.
MAN-OF-WAR LIFE,
A lioy^s Experieiux in the United States Navy. By Charles Nordhopp. Sevmth
Edition. One volume, 167no., illustrated. Muslin, 15 cents. Muslin, gilt, $1.
THE MERCHAWT VESSEL,
A Sailor Boy's Voyage to »Sfec the World. By Chaeleb Noedhopp. Seventh Edition,
Qtie volume, IQmo., iUustrated. MusUn, 75 cents. Muslin, gilt, $1.
WHALING AND FISHING,
By Charles Nokdhofp, Author of " Man-of- War Lif "¦," "The Merchant Vessel." etc
One volume, l&mo., illustrated. Muslin, 75 cents.
A writer who is destined to cheer the family circle in ..¦ iny thousand houses on
many a winter night. He writes well— admirably ; that is,' simply and truthfully,
and in a very interesting way indeed. He tells the story of the vicissitudes, as well
as the pleasures, of the life of the boy or man before the mast, eo that no youth who
longs to be on the "deep blue sea" may hereafter say that it was out of his power
-4) learn precisely what he would have to encounter on becoming a sailor. The moral
:J[ the work is exceUent, and its style pithy and descriptive, — Washington Star.
^FuU of variety, and adapted to awaken the interest of young people in traveling
. ^venture, while it must greatly extend their geographical knowledge. — N. y. Times.
Very striking and graphic pictures of thc life at sea, evidently authentic and very
Jnstructive. ., . . . Has adventure enough to please, yet truth enough to dissipate
, the charm of a sailor's life.— N. Y. Evangelist.
There is in them a vast amount of information respecting tho commerce of the
world.— Presbyterian Witness,
These books are not for mere children, but for lads of some years and discretion.
They are remarkably well written. — N. Y. Indei^eudent.
One of the best and truest descriptions of seamen and of a seaman's hfe eve
given to the public, aud the reader is only left to wonder why one who can write so
remarkably well, had ever auy thing to do vvith the rigging  He describes thc
various countries which he visited so far only, be it remembered, as they foil under
hia own observation — and this carel\il restriction and regard to the ti-uth foj'ms one
of the principal charms of the works.— Boston Traveler.
Has a flne eye for observation and excellent descriptive powers. — Louisville Cour.
Multitudes of young readers will delight in these books. — Presbyterian Banner.
Since Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast," we do not call to mind anymore
admirable descriptions of a sailor's life at sea than are contained in these graphic
volumes. Herman Melville's nautical narratives are more highly spiced with
piquant descriptive scenes, it is true, hut for quiet, absorbing, and, as far as lands
men can judge, faithful accouuts of life on shipboard, commend us to this anony
mous author. He somewhat resembles Capt. Basil Hall in his lively pictures of the
routine of sea service, but he is uot so rambling nor so tlippant as that celebrated
"old salt."— N. Y. Tribune.
It (Man-of-War Life) is excellently well written, is characterized by a high moraj
tone, and impresses the reader with the truthfulness of its sketches, while it has all
tho fascination of a romance. It is by far the best book for boys that we have ever
seen. H bolh instructs and amuses them. Indeed, there are few men who will
commence this book and lay it down unfinished.— Lexington Ky., Statesman.
Mr. Nordhoff is a young writer who has seen every variety of sea life, fVom the
artistic organizat-ion of thc Man-of-War to the rough and tumble arrangements of a
Nantucket whaler; and without assuming any of the airs of authorship, has given
a str;vt-fo:vvard account of his adventures, which, in frank confiding naturalness,
are not without something of the secret charm which so bewilders all classes of
readers in the pemsal of v\ orks like Robinson Crusoe. Not that he makes use of
any imaginary touches to add to the piquancy of his autobiographical confessions,
but he has tho rare gift of investing every day realities with an atmosphere of hu
man sympathy which is more eflfective than tbe most dazzling colors of romance.-
Harper's Magazine.

nvcin MiT.i.ER>s NEW mndHi
SCENES AND LEGENDS OF THE NORTH OF SCOTLAixD
By Hugh Miller, author of " Footprints of the Creator." 1 vol.
12 mo. Pp.436. Price fl.
" A delightful book by one of the most delightful of living authors." —
A^. Y. Cour. and Enq.
"In this book Hugh Miller appears as the simple dramatist, reproducing
home stories and legends in their native costume, and in full life. The vol
nme is rich in entertainment for all lovers of the genuine Scotch character."
JV. Y. Independent.
" Fascinating portraits of quaint original characters and charming tales of
the old faded superstitions of Scotland, raake up the ' Scenes and Legends.
Purity of diction and thoughtful earnestness, with a vein of easy, half-con
cealed humor pervading it, are the characteristics of the author's style. Ad
ded to these, in the present volume, are frequent touches of the most elegantly
wrought fancy ; passages of sorrowful tenderness that change the opening
smile into a tear, and exalted sentiment that brings reflection to the heart."
CUizen. "This is a book which will be read by thosewho have read the other works
of this distinguished author. His beautiful style, his powers of description,
his pathos, his quiet humor and manly good sense would give interest to
any subject. * * There is no part of the book that is not interesting." —
Louisville Journal.
" This is one of the most unique and original books that has been written
for many years, uniting in a singularly happy manner all the charms of fic
tion to the more substantial and enduring graces of truth. The author is a
capital story teller, prefacing what he has to say with no learned circumlo
cutions. We cannot now call to mind any other style that so admirably com
bines every requisite for this kind of writing, with the exception of that of
his mort illustrious countryman, Scott, as the one Hugh Miller possesses." —
Colmnhiaii. " The contents of the book will be as instructive and entertaining, as the
exterior is elegant and attractive. Hugh Miller writes like a living man, who
has eyes, and ears, and intellect, and a heart of his own, and not like a gal
vanized skeleton, who inflicts his dull repetitions of what other men' have
seen and felt in stately stupidity upon their unfortunate readers. His obser
vation is keen, and his powers of description unrivaled. His style is like a
mountain-stream, that flows on in beauty and freshness, imparting enliven
ing influences all around. His reflections, when he indulges in them, are
just and impressive." — Christian Herald.
" Tales so romantic, yet so natural, and told in a vein of unaffected sim
plicity and graphic delineation, rivaling Hoge and Scott, of the same land,
will command avast number of admiring readers." — JV. Y, Christ. Intel.
" The interest of its facts far exceeds romance." — ^JV. Y. Evan.
" This book is worthy of a place by the side of the world-renowned vol
umes which have already proceeded from the same pen." — Pldl. Chronicle.

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