The following are reports in the Official Records relating to the 45th OVI's participation in the Battle of Atlanta, which unfolded from May 1 to September 8, 1864. The regiment joined the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps on May 11, 1864 in Red Clay, Georgia. On June 22, the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, 4th Army Corps, which with it served until it was mustered out in June of 1965.
For background on the battle itself, refer to the Atlanta Campaign Weib site, which includes a journal detailing the daily activities of the 4th Corps, from May to September.
HDQRS. FIRST CAV. DIV., DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, Our House, May 5, 1864.
Lieutenant Colonel J. S. FULLERTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
COLONEL: I have the honor to inforn you that the scouts of the
First Brigade report:
Strong pickets at Varnell's Station. Camp of infantry and cavalry at Mill Creek on this (Dalton) road. Citizens report earth-works at Poplar Sprins.
Will you have the kindness to inform the general that I shall
require a train of fifty wagons for the forage and rations of my
division, an if I carry a full supply of extra ammunition (eighty
rounds to the man) I shall need twenty-three wagons more, making
seventy-three wagons in all.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. M. McCOOK,
Colonel, commanding.
SPECIAL ORDERES,
HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, No. 127.
May 6, 1864.
* * * * * *
V. The Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry will move by 7 o'clock
train to-morrow, going to Cleveland, Tenn., where the regiment
will leave the cars, and after having been supplied with the
necessary tarnsportation will march without delay to Red Clay and
report for duty to Brigadier General H. M. Judah, commanding
Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.
By command of Major-General Schofield:
R. MORROW,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. SECOND Brigadier, SECOND DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
Before Atlanta, Ga., August 26, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to report the doings of the Second Brigade from the 16th day of May to the 18th of June:
On the 16th day of May we left Resaca in pursuit of the enemy, he having
evacuated on the night of the 15th; forded the Connesauga River, went into
camp, and remained until the evening of the 17th when the line of march
was taken up. Crossed the Coosawattee, went into camp nine mile south
of that river at 12 midnight; resumed the march at 7 a. m. on the 18th. At this
time was on the extreme left of the grand army. Went into camp eight miles
northwest of Cassville; remained until the morning of the 20th; passed through
Cassville south to Cass Station; formed in line of battle and moved to
within two miles of Etowah River; returned and went into camp on Pettit's Creek, and remained until the 23d, when we moved to Etowah Cliffs and camped for
the night on the north side of the river. On the morning of the 24th crossed
the river on pontoons, and moved up north side of Richland Creek.
Five miles from the river came up with the enemy, formed in line of battle,
sent out skirmishers and drove the enemy three miles south of Dallas on
Burnt Hickory road. On the 25th moved on Dallas, went into camp at 9 p.m.
(raining very hard). At 2 a. m. resumed the line of march,
crossed the Pumpkin Vine Creek, formed in line of battle on the
left of the grand army, advanced two miles through woods, and
found the enemy in force (at this time supporting the First
Brigade, General McLean commanding). The First Brigade built
breast-works, which the Second Brigade were ordered to occupy
while the first advanced on the enemy. On the return of the First
Brigade from their reconnaissance of the enemy's works and
position, I was ordered to hold the works and relieve the First
Brigade's skirmish line with a regiment from my command. The One
hundred and seventh illinois, Major Laurance commanding, was
detailed for that duty, with orders to hold the line. The position
was held by them until forced to retire by superior numbers. The
Twenty-third Michigan, Lieutenant-Colonel Spaulding commanding,
was ordered to support the One hundred and seventh illinois; the
two regiments were not able to maintain the ground. Three rebel
regiments now confronting the line (at this time Generals Howard
and Cox with their staff were riding down the line between my
advance and main line and received the fire of the enemy), the One
hundred and eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel
Sherwood commanding, was ordered to make a charge on the enemy,
retake and hold the ground lost, which was gallantly done. On the
evening of the 27th advanced the brigade close to the enemy's
lines and built works; remained in this position until the 2nd of
June, constantly skirmishing with the enemy.
On the 3rd moved to the left of the line three miles, found the
enemy's infantry and artillery in force. A charge was made and the
enemy driven from his position; remained until the 5th of June.
Moved two miles to the left on the 9th, took a position near the
enemy's lines. Went on a reconnaissance toward Lost Mountain,
found the enemy in front and strongly intrenched. On the 15th day
of June had a brisk fight with the enemy on the right of the
division and corps, drove the enemy from his works, and, driving
him to his second line at Lost Mountain, took position in the
first lien of the enemy's works; advanced the line to the base of
Lost Mountain, skirmishing with the enemy all day and night. On
the morning of the 17th the One hundred and eleventh Ohio
Volunteer Infantry was ordered to advance with the skirmish line
and feel of the enemy. It was found that they had left their works
on Lost Mountain, leaving only a cavalry force. The brigade was
ordered by General Hascall to take position on the right of the
army and advance in pursuit of the enemy. The enemy was driven
five miles, and the chase became so warm and spirited that it was
with difficulty the troops were restrained. By order of the
commanding general the One hundred and eleventh Ohio, Lieutenant
Colonel Sherwood commanding, was detached from the brigade and was
directed to make a reconnaissance to Nalam Creek, where the enemy
was found in force, and they returned to camp. From the 16th day
of May to the 4th day of June I had but five regiments in my
brigade-the Twenty-third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Forty-fifth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One hundred and seventh Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry and One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
On the 4th day of June, the Thirteenth Kentucky Volunteer
Infantry, Colonel Hobson commanding, and the Eightieth Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, Major Tucker commanding, were added to the brigade.
To the officers and men of the brigade I return my thanks for the promptness
with which my every command was executed.
I herewith forward the reports of regimental commanders, with a list
of casualties in the brigade. A report of the casualties is all that I deemed
necessary to make, as the doings and movements of the brigade was by
direction and under the immediate eye of the general commanding the division.
The casualties in the brigade during the time covered by this report were:
Command. Killed. Wounded. Missing.
Twenty-third Michigan 1 10 3
Volunteer Infantry.
One hundred and seventh 1 11 ...
Illinois Volunteer
Infantry.
One hundred and 2 28 ...
eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry.
Eightieth Indiana 2 12 5
Volunteer Infantry.
Total. 6 61 8
JNO. R. BOND,
Colonel 111th Ohio Vol. Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade.
[Captain KERSTETTER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.]
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY,
Lexington, Ky., September 5, 1864.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of the First Brigade, of General Hascall's division, while under
my command, which was from May 19 to June 4, inclusive:
During that time the First Brigade was not engaged to the extent
of a battle, but participated in several quite severe skirmishers,
losing upward of 100 men killed and wounded, on the line of
operations near Dallas. The service performed by the brigade
during this period was of the most meritorious, character, and
well calculated, from its nature, to test the courage and
endurance of all to the utmost. Having received no reports from
the commanders of the different regiments under my command, I can
not give the particular portions of service performed by the
different regiments, but must for that refer to the reports which
I understand, since my departure from the division, have been
called for from the regimental commanders.
Very respectfully,
N. C. McLEAN,
Brigadier-General.
Captain E. R. KERSTETTER,
Asst. Adjt. General, Second Division, 23rd Army Corps.
Numbers 312.
Reports of Brigadier General, Joseph A. Cooper, U. S. Army,
commanding First Brigade, of operations June 6-September 8.
HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, SECOND DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 8, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of my
brigade since the 6th day of June, 1864, consisting of the
following -named regiments, viz: Twenty-fifth Michigan Volunteer
Infantry, Sixth East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, Third East
Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry:
My brigade was in line of battle near Allatoona, Ga., and 4 p. m.
was relieved by Colonel Strickland's brigade, and fell back one
half mile. At night the Third East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry
returned, having been sent as wagon guard from Burnt Hickory to
Kingston. June 7, 8, and 9, lay in reserve. 10th, broke camp at 6
a. m., advanced three miles to near Lost Mountain, when the enemy
in front were found strongly intrenched, forming in two lines,
throwing one regiment, Sixth Tennessee Infantry, on the right of
Colonel Stricklands' where they remained until dark, and were
relieved by Thirteenth Kentucky and returned to brigade. 11th,
occupied same position. 12th, near noon moved by left flank 200
yards, putting two regiments in front line of the works previously
occupied by the First Tennessee Infantry. 13th and 14th, occupied
same position. 15th, occupied same position until 3 p. m. I gave
orders to Forty-fifth Ohio and Ninety-first, Indiana Regiments to
charge across an open field on the enemy's works, which they did,
and gained them without much resistance.
I was ordered to make a demonstration in favor of General
Butterfield, which I did, charging within 150 or 200 yards of
the enemy's batteries, delivering a volley, and fell back, and
constructed breast-works for the night. 16th, the brigade, with
Sixth Tennessee deployed as skirmishers, commanded by Captain Lea,
advanced again over the same ground that had the previous evening,
charging the enemy, and driving him into his rifle-pits. On the
17th, 18th, and 19th advanced some three miles, driving the enemy.
20th and 21st, occupied same position. 22d, advanced some three
miles in a southeasterly direction; formed on the right of the
Twentieth Army Corps. Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry
transferred to the Army of the Cumberland. 23d, took position and
threw up works, remaining until June 25. On the night of that day
advanced some 200 yards and put up new works. 26th, remained in
same position. 27th, were relieved by the Fourth Brigade, fell
back, and remained until the evening of the 28th, when we relieved
Colonel Hobson on the right of Colonel Swaine in front line. 29th
and 30th, remained in same position, occasionally relieving front
line, when we were relieved by General Geary's division of the
Twentieth Corps.
July 1, advanced brigade to the right three and one-half miles, passing to the right of Third Division, keeping up a heavy
skirmish with the enemy during the day, and charging their
skirmish line, driving them from their position and taking
possession of the cross-road near Nickajack Creek; built new works
in a commanding position, remaining until the evening of the 2d,
when we were relieved by a brigade of the Fifteenth Corps,
commanded by General Lightburn; moved back to the rear and took a
position, remaining until the morning of the 6th, when we left
camp; moved to Ruff's Station on Western and Atlantic Railroad.
7th remained in same position; on the morning of the 8th we
marched to Isham's Ferry, on the Chattahoochee River. 9th, crossed
the river and formed in position to support Third Division; two
regiments ordered up to support Second Brigade. 10th, remained in
same position until noon, when the two remaining regiments moved
up, took position, throwing up works. 11th, 12th, and 13th,
remained in same position. 14th, moved forward and took position
on left of Fourth Corps. 15th and 16th, remained in same position.
17th, moved on the Buck Head road, skirmishing with the enemy and
driving them; bivouacked during the night near Buck Head, Ga. On
the 18th we again moved forward toward Decatur, marching about
eight miles. 19th, our brigade moved forward with the division,
driving the enemy beyond Decatur without much resistance. 20th,
moved forward on the Atlanta road; sharp skirmishing all day; took
position at night in front of the enemy's works. 21st, remained in
the same position. 22d, moved forward, taking possession of the
enemy's works, which we discovered to be evacuated, moving up and
taking position with the rest of the division, throwing up works
under heavy fire of the enemy. Here we remained in position until
August 1. During the night of that day I quietly withdrew my
brigade, with the division, from the left, and next day, the 2d,
marched to the extreme right.
On the 3rd advanced my lines, and took up a new position under a
severe fire of artillery and musketry. 4th and 5th, remained in
same position. 6th, my brigade with the division was relieved by a
division of the Fourteenth Corps; the brigade moved to the right
about 3 p. m. I was ordered with my brigade to charge a rebel battery,
in concert with the Fourth Brigade, which they did under a hot fire from
the enemy; they pressed forward with courage and determination.
The battery was hastily drawn off by the enemy, who fell back in disorder.
I held my position with the brigade until dark, then fell back to connect with
the troops on my left. During the four days following I moved forward, driving
the enemy, and on the 10th instant took position south side of Utoy Creek,
where we have remained in the same position since.
During the time embraced in this report, the officers and men have
performed a large amount of labor and suffered from exposure, yet
there has been little complaint, and I award to them much credit for
their good conduct as officer and soldiers.
The casualties during this time have been light, considering the
number of skirmishers and engagements they have passed through.
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
Command. Officers. Men. Officers. Men. Officers. Men.
25th .. 3 3 33 .. ..
Michigan
Volunteer
Infantry.
..
91st .. 4 9 53 . ..
Indiana
Volunteer
Infantry.
..
6th East .. 5 7 47 .. ..
Tennessee
Volunteer
Infantry.
..
3rd East .. 5 2 28 .. ..
Tennessee
Volunteer
Infantry.
..
45th Ohio 1 3 2 51 .. 3
Volunteer
Infantry.
Chapter L. REPORTS, ETC.-ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND.
[Inclosure Numbers 3.]
Report of killed, wounded, and missing of the Second Brigade,
First Division, Fourth Army Corps, from May 3 to June 30, 1864.
Killed Wounded
Command Office Men Total Office Men Total
rs rs
96th Illinois -- 15 15 5 70 75
Volunteers,
Major G.
Hicks
40th Ohio -- 11 11 -- 52 52
Volunteers,
Colonel J. E.
Taylor
51st Ohio 2 13 15 3 55 58
Volunteers,
Colonel R. W.
McClain
99th Ohio -- 9 9 3 23 26
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel J. E.
Cummins
84th Indiana -- 14 14 4 51 55
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel A. J.
Neff
35th Indiana 1 13 14 2 50 52
Volunteers,
Captain J. A.
Gavisk
21st Kentucky -- 12 12 4 58 62
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel J. C.
Evans.
5th Indiana 1 2 3 -- 4 4
Battery,
Lieutenant A.
Morrison
115th Illinois -- 2 2 1 14 15
Volunteers,
Colonel J. H.
Moore
45th Ohio -- -- -- -- 3 3
Volunteers,
Captain J. H.
Humphrey
Total 4 91 95 22 380 402
Missing Aggregate
Command Offic Men Total Office Men Total
ers rs
96th Illinois -- 10 10 5 95 100
Volunteers,
Major G. Hicks
40th Ohio 1 20 21 1 83 85
Volunteers,
Colonel J. E.
Taylor
51st Ohio -- 2 2 5 70 75
Volunteers,
Colonel R. W.
McClain
99th Ohio -- 2 2 3 34 37
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel J. E.
Cummins
84th Indiana -- 16 16 4 81 85
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel A. J.
Neff
35th Indiana 1 7 8 4 70 74
Volunteers,
Captain J. A.
Gavisk
21st Kentucky -- 1 1 4 71 75
Volunteers,
Lieutenant
Colonel J. C.
Evans.
5th Indiana -- -- -- 1 6 7
Battery,
Lieutenant A.
Morrison
115th Illinois -- 2 2 1 18 19
Volunteers,
Colonel J. H.
Moore
45th Ohio -- -- -- -- 3 3
Volunteers,
Captain J. H.
Humphrey
Total 2 60 62 28 531 559
H. F. TEMPLE,
Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Numbers 20.
Report of Colonel Jacob E. Taylor, Fortieth Ohio Infantry,
commanding Second Brigade, of operations June 30-September 8.
HDQRS. SECOND Brigadier, FIRST DIV., 4TH ARMY CORPS, Atlanta, Ga.,
September 15, 1864.
I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations
of the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourth Army Corps, form the
30th day of June, 1864, up to and including the capture of
Atlanta:
On the 30th of June Brigadier General W. C. Whitaker, having
obtained leave of absence on account of ill health, took his
departure for the rear, and I, being senior officer present,
assumed command of the brigade. On that date the brigade lay on
the extreme right of the Fourth Corps, connecting its right flank
with General Jeff. C. Davis' division. The front line was pushed
up to within seventy-five yards of the enemy's works, at the point
where the brigades of Harker and McCook made the assault on the
27th of June. This line was held by two regiments of my command,
and was subjected to an incessant and fatally accurate fire from
the enemy. the remaining regiments of the brigade were camped at a
short distance in rear and were held to relieve the regiments on
the front line, which was done at 8 p. m. each day. The position
of the front line remained unchanged until the morning of July 3,
when the skirmishers of the Fortieth Ohio and Fifty-first Ohio
being advanced, it was found the enemy had evacuated his works,
which had been rendered almost impregnable against assault. The reserve
regiments of the brigade were moved, in accordance with orders
from Major-General Stanley, on the night of the 2nd instant about
one-half a mile to the left, and relieved General Kimball's
brigade, of Newton's division. At early dawn on the 3rd instant,
the enemy being gone, the brigade was assembled and massed in an
open field and awaited orders for pursuit. At 7 a. m., pursuant to
orders, the brigade took up the line of march, bringing up the
rear of the division. Leaving Marietta to the left, we proceeded
down the Atlanta railroad to a point four miles south of Marietta,
where the enemy was found intrenched. Here the brigade front. Next
morning, the 4th instant, being ordered to strengthen and advance
the line of skirmishers, I ordered the Forty-fifth Ohio to the
support of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, and immediately advanced
enemy's skirmish line (which was nearly equal in strength to a
line of battle), and, being well supported by the Forty-fifth
Ohio, carried the rifle-pits and held them, although exposed to a
galling flank fire, junction with them. The remaining regiments
distance of the skirmish line, and a temporary barricade erected.
On the morning of the 5th instant it was found that the enemy had
again fallen back, and, pursuant to orders, the brigade marched
with the division to Vining's Station, and went into camp along
the north bank of the Chattahoochee River. The position of the
brigade remained unchanged until the 10th instant, when with the
division it moved up the Chattahoochee and encamped near Powers'
Ferry. On the 12th instant a crossing of the river was effected,
and the brigade went into camp on the left of the river was
effected, and the brigade went into camp on the left of the
division on a high ridge protecting the Powers' Ferry crossing. On
the 18th instant the Thirty-fifth Indiana was detached from the
brigade (pursuant to orders from division headquarters) to guard
the supply train of the Corps, and did not rejoin the brigade
until the 30th of August. On the 18th instant the brigade moved
with the division to Buck head, where it remained until the
afternoon of the 19th, when orders were received to proceed on
Atlanta road across the north fork of Peach Tree Creek, which was
accomplished before night-fall. On going into camp three regiments
were put into the front line and ordered to throw up temporary
breast-works. The remainder of the brigade was held in reserve,
protected from the fire of the enemy by the nature of the ground.
A brisk fire was kept up between our skirmishers and the
skirmishers of the enemy. Next morning the brigade was ordered to
take the advance of the division and force a crossing of the south
fork of Peach Tree Creek, on the south bank of which direction
about two miles from the position held on the night of the 19th,
the road suddenly turned to the west, and we marched directly
toward Atlanta. The Twenty-first Kentucky was rapidly deployed as
skirmishers and advanced steadily, driving the skirmishers of the
enemy before them until they gained the creek. The brigade was
here brought to a temporary halt, in consequence of the
destruction of the bridge across the creek until another could be
constructed.
For better security, I ordered the Fortieth Ohio to the right as
flankers for the brigade, and brought the Forty-Ohio and
Ninety-sixth Illinois into line, the former on the right and the
latter on the left of the road. As soon as the pioneers had
constructed a bridge the skirmishers, with proper supports, were
ordered forward to take possession of the high ridge bordering the
south bank of Peach Tree Creek, but being considerably annoyed by
the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, who were posted behind a
cluster of log cabins on the crest of the ridge, one section of
the Fifth Indiana Battery, under command of Lieutenant Ellison,
was ordered into position, and by a few well-directed shots drove
the rebels from their cover, and the skirmishers advanced over the
hill, followed by the brigade in column. On the crest of the hill
I formed a line of battle, consisting of the Ninety-sixth Illinois
on the right;, the Fifty-first Ohio in the center, and the
Forty-fifth Ohio on the left; the Eighty-fourth Indiana was held
in reserve. I then directed the Fortieth Ohio, which was deployed
as flankers on the right, to move forward and extend the skirmish
line by forward, capturing the skirmish pits of the enemy. The
main line of battle was halted about 100 yards beyond the captured
pits of the enemy, and immediately erected a line of breast-works.
the skirmishers advanced so close to the main rebel works, and
were in such an exposed position that they were unable to throw up
any protection for themselves, especially on the left of the line
held by the Twenty-first Kentucky. The Fortieth Ohio was relieved
by the Fifth-first Ohio at 5 p. m., but it was impossible to
relieve the Twenty-first Kentucky at that time without too much
risk. About two hours before dark the rebels advanced from their
intention of driving it in. They were not only defeated in their
object, but were repulsed with great loss. Great praise is due to
the officers and men of the Twenty-first Kentucky and Fifty-first
Ohio for the pertinacity with which they held their ground on this
occasion. After dark the Twenty-first Kentucky was relieved by the
Ninety-sixth Illinois. The night was spent in building earth-works
with timber revetments. On the morning of the 21st instant the
Fortieth Ohio was sent incessant, killing and wounding a number of
my officers and men. The amount of firing done by the skirmishers
may be imagined by the fact that the Fortieth Ohio alone expended
27,000 rounds of ammunition during the night and day of the 21st
instant. At night the Twenty-first Kentucky was again ordered to
the skirmish line to relieve the Ninety-sixth Illinois. At 3 a. m.
of the 22nd our skirmishers pushed up to the enemy's works and
found them evacuated. They remained in the works until daylight,
and gathered up about 25 rebel prisoners. During the morning we
marched up to the high ridge confronting the enemy's works east of
Atlanta, and having been assigned a position in the line went to
work with a will in the construction of a line of intrenchments.
We were engaged in strengthening our works for several days, using
every conceivable device to render our position impregnable. The
timber was felled in our front for a distance of 200 yards, and an
abatis constructed through which it was impossible for a line of
battle to advance. On the night of the 26th instant (the Army of the
Tennessee having marched from our left flank around to the right,
thereby leaving our rear and left exposed) I was ordered to move
my brigade to the rear about one and a half miles and take
position in the rebel works, abandoned by them on the night of the
21st instant. These we strengthened and held until the 1st of
August, when we were ordered to relieve a brigade of the
Twenty-third Corps, directly on the left of the position we had
previously occupied before Atlanta. Here the entire brigade, with
the exception of the Fifty-first Ohio, which was kept in reserve,
was put into the front line of trenches, and remained there until
the night of the 25th instant. During this time I was frequently
ordered to make demonstrations on the enemy's line, which I did
with as much success as was possible, considering the ground on
which I had to operate. On the 16th instant, pursuant to orders
from the major-general commanding the Department of the
Cumberland, the Eighty-fourth Indiana was transferred from this to
the Third Brigade of the division. Universal regret was felt
throughout my command on parting with the noble regiment which had
so long and so honorably been associated with this brigade, and it
carried with it the best wishes of all. The Fifty-ninth Illinois
was assigned to this brigade in place of the Eighty-fourth
Indiana. Its commanding officer, Colonel Post, although the
ranking officer, declined taking command of the brigade, as he
expected soon to be transferred to the Third Division of this
corps. On the 18th orders for the transfer of the Fifty-ninth
Illinois were received, and on the 19th instant it left the
brigade, and was replaced by the Twenty-third Kentucky, Lieutenant
Colonel G. W. Northup commanding. On the 25th instant orders were
received to withdraw from our own pickets were not aware when we
left. All sick and convalescent men and surplus wagons and horses
having been sent off during the day the march was rapidly
accomplished, and by 3 o'clock next morning we had crossed
Proctor's Creek and made a temporary halt to allow the men a few
hours' rest. Our pickets were withdrawn successfully at 12 o'clock
that night by Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, Fifty-third Kentucky was
detailed for picket and did not afterward rejoin the brigade until
the next day. On the 26th the brigade was detailed to guard the
wagon train of the corps. We reached camp at 6 p. m. and
bivouacked for the night in the vicinity of Sandtown. On the 27th
we marched to Mount Gilead Church and went into position and built
a line of works. Here we met for the first time since the movement
commenced a body of the enemy, and skirmishing in lively style
ensued between the opposing forces. At noon on the 28th we marched
in the direction of the West Point railroad, and encamped at night
near Red Oak Station. On the 29th I reported according to orders
with my brigade to Brigadier-General Wood for the purpose of
assisting in the destruction of the railroad. Under the direction
of General Wood I moved about two miles toward East Point, where I
threw the brigade into two lines on the left of the railroad,
connecting with Carlin's brigade, of the Fourteenth Corps, which
was formed on the right of the road. The Twenty-first Kentucky was
deployed as skirmishers and the Fortieth Ohio as flankers. We
moved rapidly forward for a mile, driving before us a body of rebel
cavalry, when by General Wood's order I halted and held the enemy
at bay while working parties destroyed the road. When the work of
destruction was completed, I about-faced the brigade, retiring it
in line, with flankers out and the skirmishers bringing up the
rear. After passing inside the line of works I brought the brigade
into column and returned to my former camp. On the 30th we crossed
the West Point road and pushed out in the direction of the Macon
railroad. The enemy appeared on our left several times during the
day, but were kept off by the flankers. On the 31st we again
struck out for the Macon railroad, this brigade in advance. We had
not proceeded far when brisk skirmishing ensued, and we discovered
a strong line of works in our front. By order of General Kimball i
formed by brigade in line and commenced the construction of works.
Believing the enemy to be in weak force the skirmishers were
ordered forward and soon drove the rebels from their works, which
were found to be quite formidable. I brought up the bridge and
massed it in the field inside of the rebel works, and waited for
General Wood's division to pass, which here took the advance of
the corps. when he had got by I followed with the brigade,
throwing the Fifty-first Ohio on my left as flankers. We marched
some three or four miles and encamped at night in a position
commanding the Macon railroad, and threw up a strong line of
works. At daylight on the 1st of September we marched to the
railroad and commenced its destruction, working southward. Late in
the afternoon we had reached a point three miles from
Jonesborough, having destroyed the railroad thoroughly as we
advanced. Here we received orders to proceed toward Jonesborough
and attack the enemy. This brigade being in rear of the division
was held in reserve, and followed the movements of the division.
Two regiments, however, the Fortieth Ohio and Twenty-third
Kentucky, were detached and sent to report to General Grose,
commanding Third Brigade, and were placed by him so as to protect
his left flank. These regiments rejoined the brigade that night at
10 o'clock. At daylight the 2nd instant I was ordered to take
position on the left of General Grose's brigade, and attack the
enemy in his works, but daylight disclosed the fact that the
rebels had gone, and the movement was not made. We marched through
Jonesborough and down the railroad until we again found the enemy
intrenched near Loveyoy's Station. I was ordered to move on the
left flank of General Grose's brigade, which was deployed in line.
the Ninety-sixth Illinois, Major Hicks commanding, was deployed as
skirmishers on the left and in continuation of Grose's skirmish
line, and moved in conjunction with them. We moved forward,
conforming to the movements of Grose's brigade; the Fortieth Ohio
was in advance of the column. While advancing across a march under
a heavy fire, which swept the whole length of the column, Captain
Matchett, commanding Fortieth Ohio, was wounded so as to disable
him, and the command of that regiment devolved on Captain Kemper.
On entering an open field near the enemy's position, General Wood
took the responsibility of directing me to throw three regiments
into line and ordering a charge to the crest of the ridge in our
front, which would give us a fine position, either for offensive
or defensive movements. The charge was made under a storm of shot
and shell, and a barricade was instantly thrown up on the crest of
the ridge out of such materials as could be gathered on the ground.
In gaining and holding this ground we
lost severely in killed and wounded, owing to our nearness to the
rebel works. I should not omit to say that when the brigade
advanced to this position the skirmishers of the Ninety-sixth
Illinois charged gallantry and drove the enemy's skirmishers from
their pits and occupied them.
On the night of the 5th instant I was ordered to withdraw my
brigade at 8 o'clock and move toward Jonesborough. The night was
rainy, and, except when the lightning flashed, it was impossible
to see ten steps in advance. owing to the rains of the 3d, 4th,
and 5th instant, the roads were in a horrible condition, and the
men actually waded for miles through mud knee-deep. It was a
terrible night march, and the men, overcome with fatigue,
straggled considerably. Near daylight in the morning we reached
the position held on the night of the 1st instant, and here the
brigade encamped until the morning of the 7th, when we marched in
the direction and within eight miles of the city of Atlanta. On
the 8th we marched through the streets of the city we had fought
so hard and so long to possess, and proceeding two miles out on
the Augusta railroad, we formed our line running parallel with it,
facing south, and went into camp.
Subjoined is a list of casualties of the brigade since I assumed
command of it; also a list of prisoners captured.
It affords me pleasure to acknowledge the valuable assistance
rendered me on all occasions in the execution of orders and in
every movement we have made by the regimental, field, and line
officers of this brigade. My thanks are especially due to Colonel
McClain, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Evans,
commanding Twenty-first Kentucky Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel
Northup, commanding Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers;
Lieutenant-Colonel Tassin, commanding Thirty-fifth Illinois
Volunteers; Major Hicks, commanding Ninety-sixth Illinois
Volunteers; Captain Matchett, commanding Fortieth Ohio Volunteers;
Captain Humphrey, commanding Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers, and
Captain Taylor, commanding Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteers. They
have shown themselves amid hardships and dangers to be brave,
firm, persevering, and efficient officers, and deserve to be
gratefully remembered of their country.
The medical corps, under direction of Dr. J. N. Beach, acting
brigade surgeon, have been untiring in their endeavors to
alleviate the sufferings of the wounded.
To my staff - Captain H. F. Temple, acting assistant
adjutant-general; Captain John North, inspector-general;
Lieutenant J. C. Peck, aide-de-camp; Lieutenant G. W. Pepoon,
provost-marshal, and Lieutenant J. R. Dean, controlling ambulances
- my acknowledgments are due for their faithfulness and efficiency
in the discharge of their manifold duties. They have been tried on
many a field and their gallantry and fearlessness well attested.
Very respectfully,
J. E. TAYLOR,
Colonel, Commanding Brigade.
Captain E. D. MASON,
Asst. Adjt. General, First Division, Fourth Army Corps.
Reports of Colonel John R. Bond, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, of operations May 16-June 18 and August 15-September 8.
HDQRS. SECOND Brigadier, SECOND DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
Decatur, Ga., September 9, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following reports of the operations of this brigade from the 15th of August to September 8, 1864:
On the 15th found the brigade, under command of Colonel William E. Hobson, in position in front of East Point, Ga. Remained in position until the 18th, receiving the usual compliments from the enemy's shot and shell, with but small loss. On the 18th moved to right of Second Division outside our works. On the 19th went on a reconnaissance three miles below and west of East Point; returned to camp. On the 20th made the same move, and returned to camp same night. Remained in position until 28th, when we moved at dark, and went into position near the Mount Gilead Church, this brigade bringing up the rear. Our skirmish line was brought up in most gallant style, under the directions of Captain G. A. Gallup, brigade inspector, the enemy following them into our works. On the 29th moved two mils, and went into position two miles north of West Point railroad. On 30th took up line of march, crossed West Point railroad, and at 3 o'clock went into position, the enemy being in our front. 31st, at 6 o'clock resumed the march and a half mile south-west from Rough and Ready Station; changed their front, and went into position from the night.
September 1, moved east on Macon railroad, struck it about 12 m., destroyed track, switches, &c., moved down railroad to within two miles of Jonesborough. On 2nd September marched east, west, north, and south, and took up a position on the left of the Fourth Corps,
and the Eightieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Major Tucker
commanding, were added to the brigade. To the officers and men of
the brigade I return my thanks for the promptness with which my
every command was executed.
I herewith forward the reports of regimental commanders, with a
list of casualties in the brigade. A report of the casualties is
all that I deemed necessary to make, as the doings and movements
of the brigade was by direction and under the immediate eye of the
general commanding the division.
The casualties in the brigade during the time covered by this
report were:
Command. Killed. Wounded. Missing.
Twenty-third Michigan 1 10 3
Volunteer Infantry.
One hundred and seventh 1 11 ...
Illinois Volunteer
Infantry.
One hundred and 2 28 ...
eleventh Ohio Volunteer
Infantry.
Eightieth Indiana 2 12 5
Volunteer Infantry.
Total. 6 61 8
JNO. R. BOND,
Colonel 111th Ohio Vol. Infantry, Commanding Second Brigade.
[Captain KERSTETTER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.]
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Page 577Chapter L. REPORTS, ETC.-ARMY OF THE OHIO.
ADDENDA.
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. 2nd DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS, Numbers 8.
Decatur, Ga., September 9, 1864.
The general commanding the division deems this a proper time to
return his thanks to his troops for the admirable manner in which
they have reported themselves during the arduous campaign which
has just resulted in the captured of Atlanta. Your noble dead are
strewn all the way from Rocky Face Ridge to Lovejoy's Station (the
most southerly point our armies have reached) and yet you have
never failed to go forward with alacrity at the word of command.
Losing one-third of your entire number in fifteen minutes in the
desperate attempt to storm the enemy's strongly fortified position
at Resaca in the outset of the campaign, your have borne a most
important part in every subsequently movement in our progress. For
the great sacrifices you have sustained, you can point with just
pride to many substantial results which you have achieved -among
them may be mentioned turning the enemy's left at Moss' house near
Ruff's Station, thus compelling him to abandon Kenesaw Mountain
and Marietta; the passage of Utoy Creek in the face of the enemy,
capturing his entire skirmish line in their pits, and holding the
position during the most furious shelling imaginable, till other
portions of the army had crossed; the taking of Decatur and
destruction of the railroad at that point; the driving of the
enemy into his main works at Atlanta; establishing the first
batteries around the city and throwing the first shells into it,
as being operations to the credit of which you are particularly
entitled. These are some of the substantial results you have
accomplished, and the long lists of prisoners you have taken,
probably equal to your entire losses, to say nothing of the great
losses you have inflicted upon the enemy in killed and wounded,
tells how terrible has been the punishment you have returned for
that received. Comrades, you have established for the Second
Division a reputation which will make you honored and respected
whenever bravery is appreciated or patriotism and loyalty admired.
For all these things the general commanding desires in the name of
your country, in the name of liberty, to thank you.
By command of Brigadier-General Hascall:
E. R. KERSTETTER,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers.
37 R R-VOL XXXVIII, PT II
Page 577Chapter L. REPORTS, ETC.-ARMY OF THE OHIO.
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