Chapter XXXVI · (continued 3)

As the 19th of July was an eventful day in the history of this brigade, I choose to incorporate in this report the minutes of its operations made by Col. Dilworth at the time:

"This morning I was ordered to form my lines in rear of skirmish line and push across the Peach Tree creek. This was done by placing the 52d Ohio in advance, crossing the creek on a log, and moving out across the field and over the hill. Here we found an entire brigade of rebels and a portion of another. The balance of our brigade crossed, 1st, 85th Illinois and went to the assistance of the 52d Ohio on the left, and found a heavy force. Next came the 125th Illinois and moved forward to the crest of the hill. Next the 86th Illinois and formed on the left. The 22d Indiana at the same time commenced crossing on our right and connected with the 52d Ohio skirmishers on the right. Word was sent to Gen. Davis for assistance, at the same time information was received that the enemy were drifting to the right. Col. Langley, of the 125th Illinois, was ordered to form on the right, which he did at a double-quick, and just reached the top of the hill as the enemy were ready to attack, and after a fire from the 125th the rebels were driven back from the right. That night entrenchments were thrown up, and the men remained on the ground getting in the wounded."

The brigade lost in this day's operations two hundred and forty-five men, killed, wounded and missing. These losses fell heaviest on the 52d Ohio, 22d Indiana and 85th Illinois. The morning of July 20th found the brigade well fortified, and about noon two sections of Capt. Gardner's battery were put in position, which with the aid of sharp-shooters from this and the 2d brigade, succeeded in driving the enemy from his works. On the same day the 110th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Topping commanding, reported for duty and was put in line on the right. July 21st Col. Dilworth was ordered to make a reconnoisance with one regiment. He ordered out the 125th Illinois and connected with Col. Mitchell's brigade on the left and Gen. Morgan's on the right; moved too far to the right; found rebels near Moore's house on the Marietta and Atlanta road and returned to camp. July 22d—No enemy in our immediate front. Moved towards Atlanta to within two and a half miles of the city. Heavy cannonading to our front and left. Went into camp at night in reserve. July 24th—Relieved a regiment of Gen. Beard's division with the 125th Illinois. Remained in this position with a slight change of camp until the morning of the 28th of July. One regiment on out-post duty daily. July 28th—In connection with the division made a reconnoisance to Turner's Ferry, intending to strike 209the enemy in left flank, but being misled by an inefficient guide, the division took no part in the engagement of this day. After a long meandering and weary march, we returned late at night to near our old camp. From this date forward our duties were various. We built several lines of works, did picket duty, and changed position towards the right and front about three miles, and went into position in the evening, connecting with Gen. Baird on the left, 125th Ills. on the left, and the 22nd Ind. on the right of the front line, with the 85th Ills. on picket. On the following morning the picket line moved nearly three quarters of a mile to the front, and took fifteen prisoners with no loss to us. The main line moved forward, still keeping up the connection with General Baird on the left, and also connecting with Col. Mitchell on the right. Four companies of the 52nd Ohio relieved the 85th Ills. pickets. July 6th; brigade in same position, the enemy almost constantly shelling our lines. At night seventy-five men from the 110th Ills. relieved the 52nd Ohio on picket. I quote below, substantially, Col. Dilworth's minutes of the operations of the brigade on the 7th of July:

"Received orders about ten o'clock, that the division was to swing to the left, and that the movement would begin on the left. About noon I went to the lines and saw General Baird, who said he could not advance until evening. As soon as he had gone I received orders that Gen. Morgan had commenced the movement on the right, and for me to conform my movements to Mitchell's. I then went to the right, and found Col. Mitchell had advanced. My skirmish line was advanced, and the 125th Ills. was ordered forward, the 52nd Ohio was ordered up also. The 22nd Ind. advanced and connected with Col. Mitchell on the right and facing north-east. At night the 86th relieved the 110th Ills. on picket."

In gaining this new and important position, the brigade was exposed to a galling fire of musketry and artillery from the enemy's lines, and with but little chance to us to return, successfully, the fire. The brigade took possession of, and extended its lines across, the Sand Town road, and as speedily as possible erected strong fortifications. The loss to the brigade in this day's operations, was forty-two officers and men killed and wounded. Nothing of further importance than frequent changes of camp, and position in line, and picket duty, occurred until August 20th, on which day the brigade started at day break and marched to the rear lines of works of the 23rd corps, where we lay in close column for two or three hours, when orders came to move out. The whole division moved toward the right of our lines, with this brigade in advance. We marched rapidly to the line of the West Point rail road at Red Oaks; tore up track, and cut the telegraph wires in sight of a large force of rebel cavalry. Returned to camp at night after making a march of 21022 miles, most of the time in heavy rain and mud. From this time forth, the brigade performed its usual duties until August 26th, when we broke up camp and marched out with the division to contribute our remaining efforts to turn the enemy's left, and destroy the Macon rail road, the last and only line of transit for subsistence to his army at Atlanta. By the last of August it was very generally conceded that the enemy would tender us battle, as usual, on his choice of ground, and within his strong fortifications. On this last named day, we marched to an encampment for the night near Turtle Swamp, on the left of the Atlanta and Jonesboro road. On the following morning, early, we moved across to, and down, the Rough and Ready and Jonesboro road toward the latter named place, to a point about one half mile south of Flint river. Here the brigade moved to the left in an open field, and formed in order of battle as follows: First line, 22nd Ind. on the right, 125th Ills. in the center, and the 52nd Ohio on the left, except three companies of the 52nd Ohio, which were deployed as skirmishers; the second line comprised the 85th, 86th and 110th Ills. About 2 o'clock p. m., the brigade moved by the right flank across a difficult slough, and reformed its lines on the crest of a hill beyond, and under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery. From this point we discovered that the enemy were in strong force and well intrenched along the line of the Macon railroad. At about 3 o'clock p. m., our line advanced through a thick skirt of woods to an open corn-field beyond, swinging gradually to the right as it advanced down the slope beyond, until our course was nearly south. We moved to within one fourth of a mile of the enemy's line of works, and engaged his skirmishers with our own, while the main line was struggling to cross a swamp at the foot of the slope. As soon as a crossing was effected the enemy's skirmishers were vigorously attacked and driven to their main works. In this valley the first line built temporary works which it held but a few minutes, when it again moved forward. A part of the 52nd Ohio, charging with the 2nd brigade, aided in taking a rebel battery in their front. The 22nd Ind. and 125th Ills. advanced in quick time to the crest of the hill, where they encountered a line of rebels concealed among the standing corn. These two regiments became at once hotly engaged. The contest for a few moments appeared doubtful, and might finally have turned in favor of the enemy, but for the success of the 2nd brigade on our left. As soon as this success was known, not one moment was lost by the 22nd Ind. and 125th Ills. in charging the enemy's line, which finally yielded and broke, the men running in confusion to their intrenchments, but just in time to find themselves our prisoners. After driving the enemy back some six or seven hundred yards to their second line of works on the rail road, and the woods to the west of 211the rail road, our lines were about being reformed, when Col. Dilworth, commanding the brigade, received a severe wound, and was carried off the field. As soon as notified of this fact, I assumed command, and as rapidly as possible reformed my somewhat broken lines. Going a few rods to the left and rear, I met Captain Swift, brigade inspector, coming forward with the 85th Ills. from the second line. This I put to work to turn the rebel fortifications, and make them available to us in the event of a counter assault. Meeting with other members of the brigade staff, I directed them to bring forward the 86th and 110th Ills. as rapidly as possible, and hold them in readiness for further orders. In the mean time I drew from their former positions, the 125th Ills. and 22nd Ind., to give them some rest. At this juncture Col. Mitchell represented to me, that the enemy were massing in his front with a view to an attack, and asked me to send him some assistance. Knowing the importance of holding the hill we jointly occupied, I immediately sent him five companies from the 86th Ills., and seven from the 52nd Ohio. In a few minutes the other battalion of the 86th Ills., also went to his assistance. This force remained with Col. Mitchell about one hour, and I depend on him to do them justice in his report.

Between the right of the 2nd brigade and the left of the 15th corps, was a gap in the lines about one half mile wide. The threatening demonstrations of the enemy in front of this gap, showed the importance he attached to it, and I determined to throw all my available force into, and as far as possible close, it up. I accordingly moved the 125th Ills, to the right and front, as far as the crest of the hill, putting it nearly in the same position it occupied while fighting half an hour before. I then moved the 85th Ills. to the right, and the 110th Ills. to the left of the 125th, and directed them to put out as many sharp shooters as could be made available, to annoy and keep back the enemies' skirmishers, while the main line was ordered to construct works. The firing was kept up until dark. Several times the enemy attempted to advance, but were driven back to their works by the unerring aim of our guns. On the return of the 86th Ills., and the 52nd Ohio, from the assistance of the 2nd brigade, I put the first in position on the right, with the right well refused. The 52nd Ohio and 22nd Ind. were placed in reserve. Each regiment furnished pickets for its front, the entire picket line being under the especial charge of Captain Burkhalter, brigade provost marshal. These dispositions, in my opinion, rendered our position perfectly secure. At night the enemy abandoned his works, leaving his dead unburied, and wounded uncared for. Our loss in this day's fight was one hundred and thirty-five killed and wounded. The loss fell heaviest on the 22nd Ind. and 125th Ills.

We advanced about 10 o'clock to Jonesboro, went into position 212on the left of the rail road and town, where we remained until late in the day of Sept. 3rd, when I received orders from Major Gen. Davis, commanding the corps, to remove the brigade to Atlanta on the following day, to guard prisoners of war, and as escort to corps hospital trains. Arrived at this place on the afternoon of Sept 4th, with 1674 prisoners, and trains. Reported pursuant to orders, to Maj. Gen. Slocum, and went into camp on the west side of town, where the troops have remained doing no duty since.

In this review of the history of the third brigade during the late campaign, I have confined myself thus far, as nearly as possible, to a simple recitation of facts and circumstances; having been absent from the brigade a part of the time, and afterwards only with one of its regiments until the late fight at Jonesboro. Special mention of the conduct of many brave officers and soldiers, would, perhaps, meet with little favor from my feeble pen, even of those who have distinguished themselves by their heroic and daring behavior on every battle field. So far as I can learn, on the march, and in every engagement, they all did their entire duty, and the appalling casualty list, show the sanguinary character of the many conflicts in which these troops have taken part. The losses of the brigade foot up, since the 3rd day of May last, the enormous sum of ONE THOUSAND AND EIGHTY-TWO, killed, wounded and missing, being little less than the number now present in the ranks for duty. The brigade met with its heaviest loss in the assault on the enemy's works at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27th. The number has been stated previously. There every regiment was engaged, and where the contest was hottest, the front line could be claimed by no particular regiment, but was made up of the bravest men from all. At Peach Tree creek, July 14th, the 52nd Ohio, commanded by Lieut. Col. Clancey, with skirmishers, under command of Major Holmes, did nobly in clearing the heights beyond the creek, thus enabling the remainder of the brigade to cross and form line free from the enemies fire. In the same engagement, the 85th Ills., commanded by Major Rider, advanced to within a few yards of the enemy's main line, but could not hold its position. The loss to the regiment was heavy, but it behaved manfully. The 22nd Ind., commanded, in the early part of the engagement, by Maj. Shea, stood, unsupported, the brunt of a heavy assault, and yielded only as it was overpowered by superior numbers. Maj. Shea was wounded, and the command fell to Captain Snodgrass, under whose charge it has been most of the time since. The conduct of this officer, and his command, were all that could be asked in the late battle of Jonesboro, and as truly may I say the same of Maj. Holmes, who commanded the 52nd Ohio in the same engagement, until wounded and disabled, when the command devolved upon Capt. Rothacker. 213Also the 85th Ills., commanded by Maj. Rider until disabled, when the charge of the regiment fell to Captain Griffith. The 86th Ills. commanded part of the time by Lt. Col. Fahnestock, and part by Maj. Thomas. The 110th Ills., commanded throughout by Lieut. Col. Topping, and also the 125th Ills., commanded, through the latter part of the engagement, by Captain Geo. W. Cook. I wish to bear testimony to the general good conduct and bravery of the several officers above named, and their respective commands. I observed several striking instances of noble courage and true bravery among subordinate officers and enlisted men, but want of space forbids that I should mention them here. The reports from the commanders of regiments must suffice. Captains Anderson, Swift and Burkhalter, and Lieut. Tanner, of the brigade staff, are all known to the brigade, and appreciated for their coolness and bravery in action. My heartfelt thanks are due to the three last named for the eminent assistance they so cheerfully rendered me during the engagement on the 1st instant. Captain Anderson, A. A. A. Gen., while in the discharge of his duties, received a severe wound just before the command of the brigade fell to my charge, thus depriving me of his valuable services.

Our honored dead, of whom from this brigade there are many have all received a soldier's burial, and their scattered graves mark the meandering course of our march all the way from Resaca to Atlanta.

I have the honor to be, Captain,

Very respectfully, your obdt. servant.

(Signed) JAS. W. LANGLEY,

Lt. Col. 125th Ills., comd'g brigade.

To

Theodore Wiseman,

Capt. and A. A. Genl., 2nd Div., 14th A. C.

BRIGADE REPORT FROM ATLANTA, FLORENCE, TO SAVANNAH, GA.

Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division,

14th Army Corps, Army of Georgia, near

Savannah, Ga., January 3rd, 1865.

Captain: Pursuant to orders, of date Dec. 28th, 1864, I have the honor to report substantially the operations of my command, from the fall of Atlanta, up to, and including the, fall of Savannah.

On the fourth day of September last, my command, comprising 214the 85th, 86th and 125th Ills., the 52nd Ohio, the 22nd Ind., and three companies of the 110th Ills. Vols., moved from Jonesboro in charge of the 14th army corps hospital trains, and about seventeen hundred prisoners of war, to Atlanta, reaching the latter place about sundown. After reporting to Maj. Gen. Slocum, then commanding at Atlanta, and turning over my prisoners, by his orders I went into camp to the left of the White Hall road, just beyond the suburbs of the city, where I remained until the 29th day of September, when I received orders to move to Chattanooga by cars as rapidly as possible. At about 9 o'clock p. m., I got the brigade on board a train of cars going north, and arrived at Chattanooga Oct. 1st, at 3 o'clock p. m. General Morgan having previously gone to Huntsville, Ala., with the 1st and 2nd brigades of the division, I reported in person to Maj. Gen. Thomas, who directed me to proceed to Huntsville as rapidly as I could do with safety. I accordingly started on a train from Chattanooga at sundown, and arrived safely at Huntsville at 12 o'clock m., Oct. 2nd and went into camp on the south side of town, where we remained about two hours, when I received orders to move to the depot immediately. On going to my command, I found it all asleep, a luxury the men had not enjoyed since leaving, Atlanta, three days before. Shortly after arriving at the depot, we commenced reloading the same cars from which we had disembarked but two or three hours previously. At dark the entire division moved towards Athens, six miles when we met with obstructions on the road that delayed us until next morning, when we again started, reaching within six miles of Athens by noon. Here were other obstructions in the road, and we disembarked for the last time. By the order of Gen. Morgan, I directed Capt. Cook, commanding the 125th Ills., to guard the empty trains back to Huntsville, and return to the brigade by next train. At 2 o'clock p. m., the brigade marched with the division to Athens, and went into camp in two lines, facing south-east. It will be seen that my command was three days and four nights traveling from Atlanta to Athens, and with the exception of about six hours of that time they were on the cars, so closely crowded that none could lie down, even had that been possible they could not have slept, owing to the very heavy rain that fell almost without intermission during the trip. It was the ill fortune of my brigade, to ride on trains managed by drunken, incompetent, and irresponsible conductors and engineers, who, for the most part, seemed perfectly indifferent to the sufferings and inconvenience they imposed upon the soldiers, so long as they enjoyed official confidence, a profitable salary, and plenty to eat.

On the morning of the fourth of October, the brigade, except the 125th Ills., not yet returned from Huntsville, and the 110th Ills., in charge of supplies, marched from Athens toward Florence, fording 215the Elk River at Brown's Ferry, about sundown, after which it marched four miles to Rogersville and encamped for the night. Oct. 5th, marched at 6 o'clock a. m., crossed Shoal creek at dark, and went into camp beyond and within seven miles of Florence. Oct. 6th, the first brigade moved toward Florence at 7 o'clock a. m. but met the enemy's cavalry skirmishers just beyond our picket line. I was immediately ordered to follow with three regiments, leaving one as camp guard. It was with little difficulty that a reconnoisance was pushed through to Florence, as it was afterwards ascertained that the enemy opposing our progress thither, amounted to only about one hundred and fifty men. We reached the town at 1 o'clock p. m., and there learned certainly, what we already suspected, that Forrest had escaped across the Tennessee. At 3 o'clock p. m., we returned to Shoal creek, reaching there about sundown. On the following morning the entire command with the division returned to Florence, and went into camp on the south-east side of the town, where we remained two days.

Up to this time, from the date of our departure from Atlanta, it rained heavily every day, rendering the roads from Athens to Florence very muddy, besides swelling the numerous streams to their banks. These streams we were compelled to ford, with the exception of Shoal creek, which had a good bridge. The men were drenching wet, adding greatly to the weight of their loads, and their sleep, though sound, was the sleep of exhaustion and afforded them but little rest. Besides many were bare footed and foot sore. Those who fell sick by the way side, were left in houses to the care of the citizens, as we had no means of transportation. The citizens, as far as I am able to learn, uniformly treated our sick soldiers with a great deal of kindness. Officers had no comforts or conveniences above those of enlisted men, and indulged only in such luxuries as they could transport by virtue of their own physical strength. In short I do not hesitate to say, that our trip from Atlanta to Florence, came nearer tasking to the utmost, the physical endurance of the American soldier, than any campaign I ever witnessed, and I cannot withhold the mead of praise so eminently due the brave officers and men who made it. They performed all that was required of them with that characteristic cheerfulness, which has recently become so strongly engrafted in the heart of our army. Oct. 10th, we left Florence on our way back towards Athens, marched nineteen miles, and encamped for the night. Oct. 11th, resumed march towards Athens, and encamped for the night within eight miles of the town. Oct. 12th, reached Athens at 10 o'clock a. m., where the 125th Ills. rejoined the brigade. We moved two miles east of town, and went into temporary camp. At 2 o'clock p. m., I received orders from Gen. Morgan to detail one regiment to rebuild a rail 216road bridge across a branch of Lime Stone creek, which next morning it had completed, and about noon cars began to arrive at Athens to transport the division to Chattanooga. My command got off at 4 o'clock a. m., Oct. 13th, and reached Chattanooga at midnight and went in camp in two lines on the west side of town where it remained four days. My first effort was to procure shoes and clothing for my barefooted and almost naked men. I succeeded in procuring 785 pairs of shoes, and a sufficient supply of clothing. At the expiration of our four days rest at Chattanooga, we marched, on the morning of the 18th of October, by the Rossville and Dry Valley roads, to Lee and Gordon's mills on the Chickamauga river and encamped for the night. Oct. 19th marched to La Fayette and camped for the night. Oct. 20th, marched south from La Fayette about twelve miles and turned to the right, on a road leading to Brown Town Valley, and after fording Chattanooga river, we went into camp for the night. October 21st, marched 25 miles on Brown Town Valley road towards Galesville. Oct. 22nd, marched to Galesville, and went into camp north of town, where we joined the corps and remained five days, subsisting partly on government rations, and partly on the country. Oct. 28th, left camp at 2 o'clock p. m., and marched 8 miles towards Rome and camped for the night at Missionary station, near the state line. Oct. 29th, resumed the march at 6 o'clock a. m., and encamped at night on the north side of the Ostanalla river, and within one mile of Rome, where we remained until Oct. 31st, when I received orders to march to Kingston as guard to corps train. My command left Rome at 3 o'clock p. m., marched 8 miles and encamped at night on Cedar creek. Resumed march at 7 a. m. next day, and reached Kingston within three hours, when it went into camp and remained until November 8th, on which day we marched to Cartersville and encamped south-west of town about two miles, until November 12th, when I was ordered to relieve a brigade of the 2nd division, 15th army corps, at the fort on the Etowah river. November 13th, marched to Ackworth, stopping on the way to tear up and destroy three and a half miles of rail road track and ties; reached camp at 9 p. m. November 14th, marched by way of Kenesaw Mountain to within four miles of Chattahoochie river. November 15th, resumed march at 6 o'clock a. m., crossed the river on pontoon bridge and reached Atlanta at 1 o'clock p. m. This may be said to finish the North Alabama campaign, having been gone from Atlanta forty-eight days, instead of four, as was expected. Before reaching Atlanta, I sent orders to Captain Hall, commanding a small detachment of the brigade at that place, to procure guns, accoutrements and ammunition for every man in his command able to march, and I also had requisitions made by regimental commanders, for the amount of such ordnance 217stores required to perfectly equip their command. I had also an officer detailed from each regiment to take these requisitions to Atlanta, and give them their personal attention. These were sent from Kingston as soon as I received intelligence that we would shortly cut loose from our "old base;" but they failed to get the men properly armed, in consequence of the surplus ordnance stores having been shipped from Atlanta before their arrival. This left my command on reaching Atlanta, short fifty-four guns and accoutrements. From Kingston, also, I directed my brigade quartermaster, Lieut. A. M. Ayers, to proceed to Atlanta and draw his estimate of clothing and allowance of transportation. This he did to my entire satisfaction, having procured a sufficient number of shoes to give every man two pair; the result of which was, that upon our arrival at Savannah, I had not a barefoot soldier in my command.

The 3rd brigade, comprising 1721 total commissioned officers and enlisted men present, left Atlanta Nov. 16th, at 12 m., and marched on the Decatur road 9 miles and camped for the night. Nov. 17th, marched at 7 a. m. by way of Lithonia to Conyer's station. During the afternoon of this day we tore up and destroyed three miles of rail road track and ties. Nov. 18th, marched at 6 o'clock a. m. on the Covington road, and camped for the night three miles east of that town. To-day the brigade destroyed two and a half miles of railroad track and ties. To-day, also, we began to subsist off the country. Nov. 19th, marched at 6 o'clock a. m., crossed Alcova river, and went into camp at dark near Shady Dale. Nov. 20th, marched at 7 a. m., and camped at night near Eatonton Factory. Nov. 21st, marched at 6 o'clock a. m., and camped at night on east side of Cedar creek. Nov. 22nd, laid still to-day and let the 1st and 3rd divisions of the corps pass by. Nov. 23rd, marched at 6 a. m. with two regiments as train guard, and two as rear guard, and camped at night within two miles of Milledgeville, the rear guard reaching camp at half past 9 o'clock p. m. Nov. 24th marched at 10 o'clock a. m. through Milledgeville, Georgia's capitol, with colors displayed, and bands playing national airs, and camped at night seven miles beyond, on the Sandersville road. Nov. 25th, marched at 6 a. m. to Buffalo creek, where we found the bridge had been destroyed just before our arrival. My command marched at the head of the division column to-day; upon its reaching this creek I set to work a company of pioneers and two companies of men from the 22nd Indiana, and in half an hour had constructed a very good foot bridge, upon which I crossed the 22nd Ind., and afterwards the entire brigade. Leaving my pioneer party to assist Col. Buell in putting down a pontoon bridge for the crossing of trains, we camped at night on Keg creek. Nov. 26th, marched at 6 o'clock a. m., crossed Keg creek and met rebel skirmishers within ten miles 218of Sandersville. My foraging party assisted the troops in the advance to drive the enemy through town. We arrived in town at 10 o'clock a. m., and went into camp on the north side. Nov. 27th, marched at 7 a. m. on the Louisville road, crossed the Ogechee river, and camped within eight miles of Louisville for the night. Nov. 28th, marched at 6 o'clock a. m. to within one mile of Louisville, where we found that the bridge across Rocky Comfort creek, had been burnt, and was being repaired by the 3rd division, 14th army corps. At dusk I crossed my command over, marched through the town, and went into camp on the left of the Augusta road, about one and a half miles beyond. Nov. 29th, remained in camp all day. Nov. 30th, still in camp at Louisville. To-day I deployed the 86th and 125th Ills. as skirmishers, supported by the 52nd Ohio and 22nd Ind. and moved forward, covering the Warrenton and Augusta roads. This movement was induced by the presence in our vicinity of small parties of the enemy's cavalry, that had for two or three days past, been capturing and murdering foragers and other soldiers who were so unfortunate as to fall into their power. The enemy had, on the night previous to this movement, captured and killed two men of the 85th Ills., and one of the 125th Ills. My line advanced at 11 o'clock a. m. and drove the enemy in fine style, recapturing a small foraging party with trains from the 20th corps, that had ventured too far out. Pretty smart skirmishing continued for some minutes, when the enemy attempted to break my line, but were repulsed by the 86th Ills., with the loss of one captain and one private, who were killed outright, and left by the flying enemy on the field. At this juncture, by order of Gen. Morgan, I halted and adjusted my line. Everything remained quiet until 3:30 p. m., when I received orders to move forward until my right should connect with the left of the 2nd brigade, which was moving across towards the Augusta from the Waynsboro road. In this movement my line advanced at the double quick across a corn-field, to the woods beyond, driving the enemy out of a line of works about two hundred yards in length. It being deemed useless to pursue cavalry with infantry, I was directed at sun down to withdraw my brigade, and reestablish my picket line as it had been in the morning, which I did, the enemy following the skirmish line as it retired. In this day's operations a good deal of shooting was done by the enemy, but in driving him more than a mile, he did not succeed in wounding one of our men. We recovered the bodies of the enlisted men murdered the night before. I have no hesitancy in saying they were deliberately murdered after they had surrendered, as was evinced by an examination of the fatal wounds. One man was shot through the head, the ball entered just above the left ear, surrounding the entrance the hair was singed close to the scalp by the burning powder. The other two were shot 219through the body; one was shot three times, and the other twice. So close was the weapon held when discharged, that in every instance the clothing was scorched and burned.

In front of the left of my picket line, stood a cotton gin containing forty-eight bales of cotton, the property of Asa Hoyt, behind which the enemy had concealed himself, and fired upon my men in the morning. Not willing to give him the advantage of that position longer, upon the withdrawal of my troops, I detailed Major Holmes, 52nd Ohio, with a small number of men to destroy it, which they accordingly did, and which fact I reported to you in writing, while the gin was still burning. This embraces the only property of any kind burned by my orders during the campaign. Dec. 1st, marched at 10 a. m. as guard to 3rd division train, and reached camp at 11 p. m. Dec. 2nd, marched at 8 a. m. Furnished two regiments to guard the corps reserve artillery and ammunition trains, and reached camp at 8 p. m. Dec. 3rd, marched at 9 a. m. on Augusta road; crossed Buckhead creek and went into camp at dark on Mill creek, near Lumpton's station. Dec. 4th, marched at noon in rear of, and as guard to, 3rd division trains; passed through Habersham, and went into camp at 10 p. m. Dec. 5th, marched at 7 o'clock a. m.; furnished guard of two regiments for corps reserve artillery trains, and camped for the night at 7 p. m. Dec. 6th, marched at 6:30 a. m.; good roads all day. Marched twenty-one and a half miles on main Savannah road, and went into camp for the night Road blocked just ahead of this camp for three quarters of a mile by fallen trees. At night I made a detail of sufficient pioneer force to clear the road, which they accomplished by 9 p. m. Dec. 7th, marched at 11 a. m. in rear of, and as guard to, 3rd division trains. Reached camp at Ebeneezer creek at 8 p. m. Dec 8th, marched at 7 a. m.; order of march changed. Left all transportation excepting that belonging to brigade and regimental headquarters; crossed Ebeneezer creek at 12 m. and awaited the building of a bridge over little Kogglies creek; after which we marched four miles beyond, and went into camp at 8 p. m. In half an hour afterwards I received orders to return and camp for the night between the two creeks. Got into camp at 11 p. m. Dec. 9th, marched at 7 a. m., moved four miles and built two bridges over creeks. Moved about four miles farther on and encountered a section of a rebel battery planted in the road, well protected by a substantial earth work. I received orders from Gen. Morgan to send the 125th Ills. forward, deployed as skirmishers, on each side of the road, and develop, if possible, the strength of the enemy. The regiment thus moved to within one hundred yards of the rebel works, without drawing a shot from the enemy's musketry, though his artillery played continually upon a piece of our own posted in 220the road. The enemy had selected a good position to make a brief stand with a small number of men, having built his works in the center, and on either side of the road, just beyond where it divides a swamp. By direction of Gen. Morgan, I pushed forward the 86th Ills., six companies as skirmishers, until it joined the right of the 125th Ills. I then directed Lieut. Col. Fahnestock, commanding the 86th Ills., to wheel gradually to the left, and if possible get his right to the enemy's rear. This he did, so far as was in his power, but his whole line was in a swamp, where vines, rank weeds, and undergrowth timber was so abundant, that his progress was necessarily too slow to reach the desired position before dark, and at dark, by order of Gen. Morgan, the entire line was halted and established as a picket line for the night. During the night the enemy withdrew, and my skirmishers entered his works at daybreak. In this affair two men of the 86th Ills. were wounded. Dec. 10th, marched at 7 a. m.; proceeded five miles in the direction of Savannah, when we struck the 20th army corps column. Went into camp for the afternoon and night, on the left of the road. Dec. 11th, marched at 8 a. m. towards the city as far as the five mile post, and turned to the right and marched about three quarters of a mile, when, by direction of Gen. Morgan, I went into position in three lines, in reserve, facing south. My camp was as comfortable as I could wish, being on high ground, and in the midst of a pine grove. Dec. 12th, in the afternoon my command tore up and destroyed two and a half miles of track and ties, on the Savannah and Macon railroad. Dec. 13th, made the road, destroyed yesterday, suitable for a wagon road, after which the brigade did no other duties than furnish train and other guards, until the 22nd of December, the day subsequent to the fall of Savannah, when my command marched to within one and a half miles of the city, and went into camp in two lines, facing north, on the left of the canal, where we now are, making preparations for such other work as may be our lot to perform. This brigade, though small, is, perhaps, in as good condition for active operations, as any. There are many officers and men absent, whom I would be glad to have returned to their command. While in camp at Atlanta during the month of September last, there was perfected and forwarded a list of absentees, and efforts were being made to secure their return, but before much could be accomplished in this respect, the brigade was put in motion, and only stopped since arriving at this place. The strength of the command is as follows:

Present: Commissioned officers, 80. Enlisted men, 1634.

Absent: Commissioned officers, 58. Enlisted men, 1177.

Total: Commissioned officers, 138. Enlisted men, 2811.

After two day's marching from Atlanta, I found necessity for a party of pioneers to clear out and repair bad places in the road. To 221meet this end I detailed 30 enlisted men, for whom I could not procure guns, and armed them with spades, picks, and axes. These I put under command of Lt. Groninger, of the 86th Ills., an officer of the proper spirit and energy to make such a party very useful. I required these pioneers to march, each day, at the head of the brigade column, and build rail and pole bridges over small streams, for the safe and speedy passage of troops, and none will fail to appreciate the utility of such a force on all campaigns. When once drilled to labor, they will perform as much work in the same length of time, as three times the number detailed temporarily from the ranks. On the 18th of November, I began to subsist off the country, and to prevent, as far as possible, pillaging and marauding, and all manner of lawlessness, I had details of thirty men, and one commissioned officer, made daily, from each regiment, who reported at an hour stated, at brigade headquarters, where these details were verified. These I put in charge of a field, or acting field officer, whom I made responsible for the conduct of his men on that day. I directed that every thing obtained should be reported to this officer, and by him turned over, if subsistence for the troops, to the brigade commissary, or if mules and horses, to the brigade quartermaster. By so doing my foragers always obtained plenty and the troops shared alike in its distribution through the brigade commissary. From a statement submitted to me by Lt. Batchelder, A. C. S., I find that from Nov. 16th, until Dec. 16th, inclusive, my command drew, per man, of hard bread, 9 rations; peas, 8 rations; coffee, 26 rations; salt, 25 rations; sugar, 15 rations; bacon, 4 rations, and salt pork, 6 rations, beyond which issues the command subsisted from the country, and always had abundance. Besides this tabular statement of issues, I left Atlanta with 150 head of beef cattle very poor in flesh, and already weak from travel. The forage parties supplied the command so bountifully with fresh pork, that but little beef was consumed on the march, and before reaching Savannah, nearly all these cattle had died along the road, or were abandoned on account of being too weak to travel; but still my drove increased daily by acquisitions from the country, and on the 12th of December, when my command reached this position, it numbered about 231 head, large and small, all of which have since been issued to the troops. My forage details were frequently annoyed by the enemy, but, by always keeping well together, they were able to resist or drive away a considerable force. On the 30th November, particularly, the foragers of the brigade, under command of Capt. Powers, of the 22nd Ind., were attacked about nine miles from Louisville, by a party of Wheeler's command, and after a brisk fight, drove the enemy away. Towards night of the same day, as the detail was proceeding to camp at Louisville, with four ox wagon 222loads of forage, they were suddenly surrounded by three of Wheeler's regiments, and after some very severe fighting, succeeded in getting into camp, with the loss of one man killed and four wounded, and were compelled to abandon their provisions and wagons. On the 29th November, I mounted forty men on captured mules and horses, and placed the party under command of Captain Harbor, of the 125th Ills., a very brave and efficient officer. These labored to find where subsistence could be obtained, and to aid the infantry details in getting it, as well as for the purpose of capturing stock for the use of the army. It is not possible for me to state the exact number of horses and mules captured, as such property was frequently taken from my foragers, while on their way to camp, and informally turned over to Lt. Coe, quartermaster for the division. How many were turned over by orders from these headquarters, together with the number known to have been informally returned to Lt. Coe, were: horses, 104; mules, 160; total, 264. These numbers might have been increased somewhat, had I sent out parties to hunt exclusively for stock, but in nearly every instance such captures were the labors of my subsistence details.

The number of negroes that followed my column was 160. Of these 92 were officers' servants and 68 were refugees. The latter have been sent to division headquarters pursuant to orders. I submit and call your attention to casualty lists of the north Alabama and the Savannah campaigns hereto attached. A few of those marked "missing," deserve the punishment prisoners of war usually get, but it is the misfortune of the service that such men belong to the army and are counted as soldiers. They were doubtless in the act of stealing something when captured. I suppose every command has a few of such men. I know this one has, whom to loose from the army is a gain to the government. Nor can I say much less of some officers in the service, who in spite of their long experience, and in face of positive orders to the contrary, suffer, nay, by their passiveness, encourage their men to throw aside the restrictions of discipline, and become out-laws and brigands. I believe a company commander should be the best disciplinarian in the service, and should feel that his position, so immediately connecting him with the rank and file, makes him the surest conservator of the peace and good order of the army. And an officer who from incompetency or other cause is not well adapted to teach and maintain a good system of discipline in his command, should be summarily dismissed from the service. A few of such in my command I could cheerfully recommend for dismissal, and do honestly believe the service would be promoted thereby. Since the fall of Atlanta the brigade staff has undergone several changes. Most of the old members were absent during the Savannah campaign. Those at present 223serving on such duty, without specially naming them here, have all well and faithfully discharged every trust confided to them. I am also under special obligations to regimental commanders for their efforts to maintain strict discipline throughout the entire campaign. I commend them all to my superior officers.

RECAPITULATION.

Number of horses captured, 104; mules, 160; total, 264. Number of negroes that followed the command, 160. Rations issued on the Atlanta and Savannah campaigns per man: Hard bread, 9 rations; peas, 8 rations; coffee, 26 rations; salt, 25 rations; sugar, 15 rations; bacon, 4 rations; salt pork, 6 rations. Amount of railroad destroyed, track and ties, 11½ miles; cotton destroyed, 48 bales; cotton gins, one.

I have the honor to be Captain,

Very Respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant

JAS. W. LANGLEY,

Lieut. Col. Comdg. Brigade.

Theo. Wiseman,

Capt. and A. A. G.

Second Division.

BRIGADE REPORT FROM BENTONVILLE TO GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA.

Headquarters 3rd Brigade, 2d Division, 14th A. C.

Goldsboro, N. C., March 30, 1865.

Captain: I have the honor to report herewith the operations of this brigade from the hour I assumed command of the same up to its arrival at this place.

A few minutes before 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 19th, I was informed by Capt. Swift, A. A. A. G. of the brigade, that Gen. Fearing was wounded and disabled for further command, when I immediately assumed command of the brigade. This was just as my own regiment came out of the fight and began its formation on the Goldsboro road, as described in my regimental report. Capt. Snodgrass, commanding the 22d Indiana, had rallied about 100 men, mostly of his left wing, which had remained in better order than his right. The 125th Illinois almost entire formed line to the left and on the prolongation of the basis of alignment of the 22nd Indiana. I immediately directed two staff officers to find the 52d Ohio and 86th Illinois and put them in their order on the right of this new line. While these officers were preparing to execute this order, I directed so much of the line as was already formed to move forward 224to a point by me designated, where the left should rest, and about seventy-five yards in advance of the rallying point. I had at this time but one entire regiment and so much of the 22d Indiana as above mentioned. These I directed to carry rails and when arrived at the point to which they were ordered, to advance. I then chose my defensive line, nearly at right angles with the Goldsboro road, and ordered works to be rapidly constructed. As soon as the work began, a brigade of the 20th A. C., commanded by Gen. Robinson, joined my left, and began the construction of a refused line. I then passed towards the right and met Capt. James, commanding a portion of the 52d Ohio, and directed him to form on the 22d Indiana. Very soon thereafter Lieut. Col. Fahnestock reported with a part of the 86th Illinois, whom I directed to form on the right of the 52d Ohio, refusing well his right. By this time I may safely say that not more than one-half the command was present. I urged regimental commanders to bring forward their men as rapidly as possible, and waste no time in strengthening their works. Cartridge-boxes were nearly empty, and I directed Captain Swift to find ammunition wherever he could and distribute it to the regiments. This he obtained from the 20th army corps, not being able to find ammunition wagons of our own division. Men who had become separated from their commands, were rapidly coming forward, so that the line was now compelled to yield battalion front to the right. My works were scarcely strong enough to protect men lying down, when the enemy's skirmishers advanced to within shooting distance, and commenced a lively fire. At this moment a staff officer of the Major General commanding left wing, met Captain Burkhalter, brigade inspector, and directed that the line should be thrown back about seventy-five yards. This direction I could not obey, even if the point, selected by him, had been more advisable, for the main line of the enemy at this moment vigorously assaulted my works, and were handsomely repulsed. My line having proved available once I determined to strengthen and hold it; besides it was the nearest position I could obtain to the lines of the 1st and 2nd brigades of the division, which I knew were then isolated by the intervention of a heavy rebel column. About half an hour before sundown, Gen. Coggswell, commanding a brigade of the 20th army corps, moved in past my right, and advanced swinging to the left past my front, until his left rested about 150 yards to the front of my center. Here his command became hotly engaged, but maintained firmly its position, until darkness terminated all efforts of the rebels to dislodge it. During the fight in front, my left was attacked by strong columns of the enemy, but in every instance they failed to move it. As soon as darkness came on, I directed my line of works to be made strong, and obstructions placed in front. Though the troops 225of this command had been driven back at an early period of the day, I can bear witness to the total absence of anything like demoralization in the ranks, in the engagement I have attempted to describe. Men were cool and determined, and fought with the energy of heroes. During the night I maintained a good picket line to my front. On the morning of the 20th, at 9 o'clock, I was relieved by Gen. Carlin of the 1st division, and directed to join the 1st and 2nd brigades. This I did, and took position in reserve. At 9 p. m., by order of Gen. Morgan, I placed two regiments in temporary works which had been vacated by Gen. Baird's troops, and on the following morning I moved the two remaining regiments of the brigade, and extended the line across the Goldsboro road. This formation put the brigade in single line with the left much advanced. Here I had constructed a strong line of works. This new position placed me about one third of a mile in advance of the 1st division of the corps, and with no connection on my left, which fact I reported. About 10 a. m. Maj. Gen. Slocum visited my line, and informed me that he would immediately put in troops on my left. Soon after a division of the 20th army corps was formed, making the connection complete, but did not remain more than half an hour, when it was withdrawn, again leaving my left exposed. This involved the necessity of refusing the center and left of my line so much, that it threw my entire line on the south side of, and parallel to, the road. About 3 p. m., the enemy opened on my skirmish line with artillery, and at the same time advanced a line of battle and drove the skirmishers in. The line of battle advanced to within shooting distance of my main line, but hastily retired upon receiving our fire. The most of my line was so close to that of the enemy, that lively picket firing was kept up all day. At night the enemy retreated, and my skirmishers were the first to enter his works at daybreak, which fact I reported to you at once. On the 22nd instant the brigade marched as far as the Neuse river, and encamped for the night. On the morning of the 23rd, it crossed the Neuse and marched as train guard to this place, where it reached its present camp, on the north side of the city, at dark. In order to show, to some extent, the damage done to the enemy in the fight of the 19th instant, I have to report that on the next day, details from this brigade, for that purpose, buried 112 dead rebels, including 8 commissioned officers, on our front alone. Other duties were required of the troops before the dead were all buried. The casualty list of the brigade, pursuant to orders, has been forwarded. My grateful thanks are due to Captain Swift, A. A. A. G., Captain Burkhalter, A. A. I. G., and Lieut. Tanner, A. D. C., for the efficient services they rendered me at the critical moment when I assumed command of the brigade, and their subsequent conduct on the field only added luster to their 226long acknowledged bravery; also to Captain Stinson and Lieutenant Scroggs, of the division staff, who were, during a portion of the engagement, cut off from their commander, and served me to excellent purpose as volunteer aids, until communication was opened to Gen. Morgan's quarters.

I have the honor to be Captain,

Very Respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant

JAS. W. LANGLEY,

Lieut. Col. Comdg. Brigade.

To

Theo. Wiseman,

Capt. and A. A. G.

Second Division.