After the battle of Chickamauga and pursuit of Wheeler and Roddey, in their attacks upon our trains and lines of communication in the months of September and October, and the battle of Mission Ridge, in November, 1863, the cavalry of the department, consi
Read MoreReports of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade – September 13, 1864
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, I have the honor to hand you the following report of the operations of this brigade during the campaign ending in the occupation of Atlanta.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick to Captain J. E. Jacobs – September 13, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent campaign, commencing with the advance across Taylor’s Ridge and battle of Resaca, and ending with the defeat of the rebel army and fall of Atlanta:
Read MoreReport of Colonel Beroth B. Eggleston, First Ohio Cavalry, commanding Second Brigade – September 11, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward the following report of the operations of this command during the past campaign.
The brigade
Report of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Patten, First Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the First Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in the campaign which has just come to close:
On the 22nd
Report of Colonel Charles B. Seidel, Third Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of Third Ohio Veteran Volunteer Cavalry during the campaign just closed:
The regiment left C
Report from Lieutenant George I. Robinson to Lieutenant E. P. Sturges, Chicago Board of Trade Battery – September 5, 1864
On the 30th April I left Columbia, Tenn., marching with the Second Cavalry Division, Department of the Cumberland, to which my command is attached, to rejoin the army then in front of Chattanooga, arriving at Shellmound on the 7th Mat, where, by order of
Read MoreReport from Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
About the middle of April my division was very much scattered over the department, and, with the view of reorganization, was ordered to Columbia, Tenn. Before, however, Long’s brigade was mounted, I was ordered to join the army before Dalton on the 30th A
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
GENERAL: The rebel pickets were withdrawn from all roads to the east of this, except on the McDonough road, by 4 p.m. yesterday and their army may now be regarded as south of us. On the McDonough road the cavalry of the Army of the Ohio was skirmishing ye
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – September 4, 1864
In the Field, near Lovejoy’s, No. 64. September 4, 1864.
The army having accomplished its undertaking in the complete reduction and occupation of Atlanta will occupy the place and the country near it until a new campaign is planned in concert with the
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – September 3, 1864
The Twentieth Corps now occupies Atlanta and the Chattahoochee bridges. The main army is now here, grouped below Jonesborough. The enemy holds a line facing us, with front well covered by parapets, and flanks by Walnut Creek on the right and a confluent o
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – September 3, 1864
Major General H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.:
As already reported, the army drew from about Atlanta, and on the 30th had made a good break of the West Point road and reached a good position from which to strike the Macon railroad, the right (General
From Major General Jefferson C. Davis to Brigadier General William D. Whipple – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that no change has taken place in the general position of my lines to-day. During the early part of the morning two regiments from the First Division were engaged tearing up the railroad until the order was of two regim
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – September 3, 1864
In the Field, near Lovejoy’s Station, Ga. Numbers 63.
September 3, 1864.
I. Army commanders will, during to-day, send to Jonesborough all sick and wounded men, all empty wagons, and prisoners of war, also all surplus wheels not needed for a five day
From Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my division is to the rear and east (left) of Jonesborough, covering the roads leading to that place. The party I sent to Atlanta has not returned to my headquarters, and I cannot report state of affairs there. The
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant David F. How to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – September 3, 1864
GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you take up your position south of the road from Jonesborough to Flat Rock and covering it. You will observe well the roads leading toward McDonough, and have your scouting parties advance as far as that place;
Read MoreFrom George W. Schofield to Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox – September 2, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs me to say to you that he had the following instructions from General Sherman, viz: “If Stewart’s corps has passed down from Atlanta and joined Hood at Jonesborough, you may order Garrard up to act with you aro
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – September 2, 1864
At 2 a.m. I heard heavy firing and saw a large fire in the direction of Atlanta. I have just heard more firing seemingly nearer. Garrard is to our rear, with orders to cover us from all approach from that quarter. I have not yet clearly ascertained if Ste
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
I have your dispatch of 7.15 last evening, since which time you have a letter from me. I heard explosions and firing about Atlanta at 2 o’clock and at this moment I hear more seemingly nearer us, but due north; it must be Garrard, but what force he engage
Read MoreFrom Lieutenant Colonel H. W. Perkins to Colonel Robert H. G. Minty – September 2, 1864
COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that our large reconnoitering parties sent out this morning report that Atlanta is evacuated and that our people are now in there. He directs once. The general is just leaving for that point.<
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – September 2, 1864
You will, with your division, feel up in the direction of Atlanta. Rebels report the city in our possession. Let us know the exact state of affairs. Send scouts in the direction of Flat Rock and roads leading toward Decatur. General Davis’ corps is left h
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General John M. Schofield – September 2, 1864
COLONEL: Yesterday every one said (prisoners and citizens) that Stewart’s corps and militia were in Atlanta and East Point; also that Armstrong’s brigade cavalry [was] near East Point; also that a large train of wagons passed down toward Jonesborough unde
Read MoreReport of Major General John M. Schofield, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio – September 1, 1864
General Cox followed as soon as General Garrard arrived with his cavalry division, to cover our rear and trains against any sudden attack from the north
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
GENERAL: From reports of my staff I think enough of the railroad has been broken until we have conquered the army now lying at Jonesborough. We had pretty hard fighting with them this afternoon, and I think had all our force been engaged we would have bea
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – September 1, 1864
I have yours announcing the destruction up, including Rough and Ready. I want all your troops down on Stanley’s left, and the cavalry very far to Atlanta. Slocum is ordered to watch Atlanta from the bridge. If there be anything more at Jonesborough than H
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
As the question of rank will come up, I will decide it now, and beg you to acquiesce whatever your present opinion may be. Whenever two or more officers happen together on a common duty calling for a common head, even for a minute, the officer highest in
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
Your information corresponds with that of our information here. Baird is on the road leading straight down from Rough and Ready to Jonesborough, about five miles north of Jonesborough. Howard found a strong and threatening force in his front, but is stron
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 31, 1864
J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
August 31, 1864-8.15 a. m.
General SHERMAN:
Captain Audenried has just handed me your dispatch of this morning and explained your wishes. My troops are now massing n
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 31, 1864
I have yours of 3 a. m. I am satisfied you have as many men as can operate at that point now. Let Kilpatrick reach well to the right, break the telegraph and take up a few rails, but I want you to get possession and fortify some one point of the road itse
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 31, 1864
Your dispatch is received. Of course, now an attack by you on Jonesborough is out of the question, but you can make that position impregnable, and we can operate beyond. Baird is now moving toward the road four miles north of you, and Schofield about the
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick to Lieutenant David F. How – August 31, 1864
I have the honor to report that I forced a passage on the river half a mile below Jonesborough, drove in the enemy’s picket directly in his rear to a point within half a mile of the town, dismounted an entire brigade, sent the horses back across the river
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
I have your dispatch and am rejoiced. I think we have now a good game. Break road down toward Jonesborough. The bulk of the enemy’s good troops are there; they attacked Howard twice and were repulsed. Put Garrard’s cavalry at your back; work down the road
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 31, 1864
I wrote you in the night and the couriers are back with a receipt, so I suppose you are moving toward Mrs. Long’s or Morrow’s Mill. I was at Morrow’s yesterday and it seemed a good point, but examine well. I do not think the enemy will attack now, because
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Colonel Israel Garrard – August 30, 1864
COLONEL: The commanding general desires you, if possible, to move from your present position, via Mims’ and Trimble’s Mill, down to the point at the intersection of the Jonesborough and East Point road, where you will meet the infantry, instead of followi
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General John M. Schofield to – August 29, 1864
I. The plan of operations for to-morrow is as follows: The Army of the Tennessee to move from Fairburn to Renfroe Place (near Jonesborough); the Army of the Cumberland, from Red Oak, via Shoal Creek Church, to Couch’s; the Army of the Ohio, via Red Oak an
Read MoreFrom Major William H. Jennings to Captain Robert Burns – August 27, 1864
I have the honor to report that my regiment left camp on Peach Tree road, at 12 p. m. on the 17th instant, as rear guard of the brigade. Arrived at Sandtown at 8 a. m. on the 18th instant. Left Sandtown at sundown, as rear guard to the expedition, until,
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 25, 1864
On the 16th of August I made my Orders, Numbers 57, prescribing the mode and manner of executing the grand movement by the right flank to begin on the 18th. This movement contemplated the withdrawal of the Twentieth Corps, General Williams, t
Read MoreReport of Major Frank W. Mix, Fourth Michigan Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MICHIGAN CAVALRY,
Before Atlanta, August 24, 1864.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under my command, in the late raid under General Kilpatrick:
On the 17th
Report of Captain James B. McIntyre, Fourth U. S. Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following as a report of the part the Fourth U. S. Cavalry took in the late expedition commanded by General Kilpatrick:
Read MoreReport of Colonel Eli H. Murray, Third Kentucky Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
On the 18th August, with the Second and Third Brigades of the Third Cavalry Division, commanded respectively by Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, Eighty Indiana Cavalry, and Lieutenant-Colonel King, Third Kentucky Cavalry, left Sandtown.
Read MoreReport of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty commanding 1st Brigade Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 24, 1864
August 19, about break of day my advance (the Second Brigade) crossed the Atlanta and Montgomery Railroad. The rear brigade was sharply attacked on the left flank by artillery and dismounted cavalry. The Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry cut through and the co
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 23, 1864
As near as I can make out the rebels have repaired the Macon road, and we must swing across it. Let me know when you will be ready to execute the former plan.
Read MoreFrom Colonel Eli Long to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – August 23, 1864
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the late expedition of General Kilpatrick in the enemy’s rear. In pursuance of orders received on the evening of the 17th, I furnished my command with rations for five days, and moved f
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – August 23, 1864
GENERAL: I learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Klein, and from prisoners, taken by him, that the impression at headquarters that he had done but little damage to the railroad is erroneous. He informs me that he effectually destroyed 3 miles of the road below Be
Read MoreReport of Lieutenant Colonel Robert H. King, Third Kentucky Cavalry about Kilpatrick’s Raid – August 23, 1864
I have the honor to report that the Third Brigade moved from their camp, on the north bank of the Chattahoochee River, on the evening of the 18th, marching in the
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 22, 1864
General Kilpatrick is back. He had pretty hard fighting with a division of infantry and three brigades of cavalry. He broke the cavalry into disorder and captured a battery, which he destroyed, except one gun, which he brought in in addition to all his ow
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 22, 1864
Major-General, Commanding.
HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, In the Field, near Atlanta, Ga., August 22, 1864.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, U. S. Volunteers,
Commanding:
I wish to see General Kilpatrick soon as possible.
W. T.
From Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Major General Patrick Cleburne – August 21, 1864
Jackson says there are four guns on the left reporting to you, two 3-inch at Armstrong’s wagon train. Please send order to lieutenant Young at Ross’ wagon train near East Point to proceed at once to Jonesborough with two steel guns and one caisson.
[F.
From Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 21, 1864
Prisoners captured by General Cox last evening report that Kilpatrick struck the railroad at Jonesborough the morning after he started. Very distant artillery firing was heard in the direction of Macon from our extreme right last evening. I have learned n
Read MoreFrom Howell Cobb to General Samuel Cooper – August 20, 1864
The damage on road to Atlanta much less than supposed. The road now clear, and will be repaired in few days at furthest.
HOWELL COBB.
HDQRS. ROSS’ BRIGADE, JACKSON’S CAVALRY DIVISION,
August 20, 1864-8.30 a.m.
Brigadier-General JAC
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 19, 1864
According to the doctrine of chances, on the supposition that Kilpatrick breaks the road, of which, I think, there is no doubt, the enemy should try to break our center. Therefore, let orders be made that in case of any indications of such an event the wi
Read MoreFrom Berry to Captain Case – August 19, 1864
Saw a large column of smoke south of Atlanta about eight or ten miles distant. Our troops advanced this p. m. at 5 o’clock, and after a brisk skirmish retired. We lost only few men. Don’t know the number. Could see but very few in enemy’s lines.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Major General Patrick Cleburne – August 19, 1864
General Walthall is moving to your support; use him if you find it necessary. Please duplicate all important dispatches by courier.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Lieutenant General William J. Hardee – August 19, 1864
General Ferguson reports line of skirmishers advancing against him and Strahl; thought to be a heavy line of battle supporting. Am sending one brigade to Jonesborough; have sent Ferguson also. Don’s think it safe to send you more troops, except in case of
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Lawrence S. Ross to Brigadier General William H. Jackson – August 19, 1864
Commanding Division:
GENERAL: The enemy is advancing on Sandtown and Fairburn road in force. Scouts from their flanks and rear report at least a brigade of cavalry, followed closely by infantry. My pickets are now fighting them between Bethel and Enon
From F. C. Armstrong to General John B. Hood – August 19, 1864
I will move on below Lovejoy’s Station and in direction of Griffin. A scout from Fayetteville reports that 500 of the enemy passed through that place en route to Griffin one after sunrise.
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
Considerable artillery firing was heard from our right this morning, commencing at daylight and lasting about two hours. It first appeared to be near Fairburn, and moved continually toward Jonesborough. The enemy is very quiet in our front this morning an
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 18, 1864
GENERAL: To facilitate the success of General Kilpatrick as much as possible, I wish you to be in Decatur by daylight to-morrow morning (19th) with the effective force you have with you. Then move in the direction of Flat Rock and Atlanta, and so attract
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 18, 1864
The shots that go so deep into the city are from 10-pounder Parrotts in General Ransom’s front, which is the second division to the right of General Williams; he is well in the re-entrant between Atlanta and White Hall, looking up Proctor’s Creek. The 4 1
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – August 18, 1864
I wanted to come down to the extreme right to-day, and may still, but I must watch matters to our rear. Hood no doubt supposes he has put Wheeler on our line, and is demonstrating accordingly; he has small parties to cut our wires nightly. We cannot now g
Read MoreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – August 18, 1864
For the purpose of aiding General Kilpatrick in his operations on the Macon railroad as much as possible, I desire you to concentrate on your left flank as large a force as you can, without weakening your lines too much (by daylight to-morrow morning, 19t
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 18, 1864
General Kilpatrick reports that his command will make to-night for the direction of Jonesborough, on the Macon railroad. The general commanding directs that you endeavor to attract the attention of the enemy this evening and early to-morrow morning, with
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 18, 1864
Hood may attempt to pass round our left flank to our, rear following the cavalry movement, in which even I will move General Schofield, and if need be General Howard, in that direction. Therefore ascertain as soon as possible if any infantry has passed ou
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 17, 1864
Information from all scouts seems to confirm the report that Wheeler has taken off the greater part of his cavalry. I therefore think this will be as good a time as could be taken to make another raid on the Macon railroad, but if you send Kilpatrick I wo
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General William T. Sherman – August 17, 1864
Your dispatch directing the movement of the cavalry has been received, and the necessary orders given Garrard; also orders to keep the enemy fully occupied to- morrow and next day.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – August 17, 1864
Make preparations, but merely postpone. If the cavalry can do what we want, there is no need of moving the whole army.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General W. L. Elliott to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – August 17, 1864
The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that he is in receipt of a report from Major-General Stanley of a movement on the part of the enemy on our left. He desires you to keep a strict lookout, and watch any movement that may be made by him,
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – August 16, 1864
We will commence the movement against the railroad about Jonesborough Thursday night unless something occurs in the mean time to mar the plan. I will make my orders, and the preliminary preparations may be begun. If Wheeler interrupts our supplies, we can
Read MoreFrom William McNabb (citizen) to OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL – August 14, 1864
Says he is a citizen of Dalton, Ga.; has been in the employ of the Confederate Government on the Western and Atlantic Railroad for three years; has been at Griswold Station with rolling-stock of the road. Came through Atlanta and Decatur day before yester
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Gordon Granger – August 3, 1864
I want that brigade. Stephen D. Lee is here from Mississippi with 3,500 cavalry, dismounted. Deserters say also that Forrest is here, but, if so, only for consultation. Get General Lorenzo Thomas to give you some negro regiments to hold the railroad stati
Read MoreFrom General John B. Hood to General Howell Cobb – July 31, 1864
Wheeler has overtaken the raiders who cut the Macon road near Lovejoy’s. He says, “We fought them from last night till to-night, killing and capturing many. They have abandoned all their artillery, ambulance train, a number of horses and mules, strewing t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 31, 1864
General Garrard did not destroy any of the railroad. He was posted at Flat Rock by General Stoneman to occupy the attention of the enemy’s cavalry, which he (Stoneman) pressed to his rear and south. All we know to the Macon road is from a Colonel Garrard,
Read MoreFrom Colonel Israel Garrard to Major John A. Campbell – July 31, 1864
I have the honor to report that the most through and careful investigation of all the news and reports among the citizens of Decatur has satisfied me that there was a fight of no great importance with the rear of Stoneman’s column near Flat Rock, but furt
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 30, 1864
No change since my last. Weather has been intensely hot, and to-day it is raining hard. General Garrard’s cavalry is back. General Stoneman placed it at Flat Rock to cover his movement south. General Garrard reports the enemy’s cavalry all round him for t
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 30, 1864
A rebel scouting party which came into Decatur this morning informed the citizens that the railroad had been cut by our cavalry at a place called Jonesborough, as it was understood by Colonel Garrard, who brought the report.
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Brigadier General John H. Kelly – July 30, 1864
The general directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of to-day from Flat Shoals. There has been no information of General Wheeler since he passed through Jonesborough in pursuit of Yankee raid. The present whereabouts of the raid itself is u
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Major General Joseph Wheeler – July 29, 1864
Your dispatch of 1.15 p. m. just received. Jackson engaged the raid from the west at 3 p. m. Enemy said to be 3,000 strong. Infantry sent; 3,000 militia at Macon; some directed to be sent to Griffin. Send information south when important to them.
Very
From General John B. Hood to Brigadier General William H. Jackson – July 29, 1864
An infantry brigade (700) went down by rail several hours ago. Humes’ cavalry also ordered against your raiders should you need more force.
[J. B. HOOD,
General.]
HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
Fayetteville, July 29, 1864
From L. P. Dodge to Major General Joseph Wheeler – July 29, 1864
Your dispatch of yesterday, 6.30 p. m., just received. At same time one from General Jackson, dated near Campbellton, 28th, 9 p. m., stating that the force which crossed the river near that point was McCook’s cavalry division. They were evidently making f
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Francis A. Shoup to Governor Joseph E. Brown – July 29, 1864
Just have information that the enemy have struck the Macon road six mils below Jonesborough. General Hood desires you to give all possible assistance to repair the damage. Troops have been sent from here to prevent its destruction as far as possible. Plea
Read MoreReport from Confederate Major-General Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry – July 29, 1864
I took my place on the right of the army, skirmishing with the enemy until the 27th. At daylight on that morning, pursuant to orders, I relieved General Hardee’s entire line with my cavalry. While doing so I discovered that the enemy had abandoned their s
Read MoreReport from Confederate Scout J. M. Glass – June 24, 1864
Says I left the Federal lines on 18th instant in company with J. C. Moore; passed around to the left of the Federal army; first came up to rebel cavalry two miles this side of Marietta; was at Colonel Hill’s headquarters till morning of 20th instant. That
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