Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 9.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[67] left wing, I entered the place at the head of my own regiment and the One Hundred and Seventh New-York volunteer infantry, and assumed command of the post. During my short stay in Milledgeville, I received orders direct from the Major-General commanding left wing of the army. My duties mainly consisted in patrolling the streets, ascertaining the amount of public and other property captured, and guarding the same, and maintaining, so far as my limited means would allow, good order in the city. The following is a list of the property seized, with the disposition made of the same: Two thousand three hundred muskets, smooth-bore, calibre 69, burned; ten thousand rounds cartridges, calibre 69, burned; three hundred sets accoutrements, burned; five thousand lances, burned; one thousand five hundred cutlasses, burned; fifteen boxes United States standard weights and measures, burned; one hundred and seventy boxes fixed artillery ammunition, thrown into the river; two hundred kegs powder, thrown into the river; sixteen hogsheads salt, thrown into the river. A large amount of cotton, say one thousand eight hundred bales, was disposed of by General Sherman. The manner of disposition was not made known to me. About one thousand five hundred pounds tobacco was taken by my order, and distributed among the troops generally. Beside the property above enumerated, a large lot of miscellaneous articles, such as harness, saddles, canteens, tools for repairing war materials, caps, etc., was burned in the building situated in the square, near the State House. I remained in command of the post till November twenty-fourth, when, by order of Major-General Slocum, I rejoined my brigade, being relieved by Colonel commanding Nineteenth Kentucky volunteers--name not known. Marched, same day, fourteen miles to near Bluff Creek.

November 25.--Marched to Hebron. On this march, the command was delayed six hours by the burning of the bridge over Buffalo Creek by the enemy. Whole distance marched, nine miles.

November twenty-sixth, marched to Tennille Station, on the Savannah and Macon Railroad, via Sandersville, the advance of the brigade skirmishing slightly with the enemy. Although my regiment advanced in line of battle for several miles, the enemy retreated so rapidly before the advance-guard, that my regiment did not come up with him. At Tennille, my regiment was placed directly on the railroad, without going into camp, and destroyed the road until dark. Amount destroyed say half a mile.

November twenty-seventh, marched twelve miles to Davisboro.

November twenty-eighth, commenced the destruction of the railroad in the morning. Marched thirteen miles, passing through Key West, and went into camp at Spears Station.

November twenty-ninth, marched eight miles, destroying railroad track, going into camp near Bostwick. On this day's march my regiment destroyed at least two miles of track, besides burning a large lumber and timber yard, situated on both sides of the track, and extending a quarter of a mile. This yard contained the worked timber for four completed railroad bridges, besides a large quantity of sawed ties and boards. The whole lot is variously estimated at from one to five million feet. I think three million feet a fair estimate.

November thirtieth, marched eight miles, crossing the Ogeechee River, and went into camp three miles beyond.

December first, marched ten miles, crossing Dry Creek, going into camp at an early hour.

December second, marched fifteen miles, and went into camp near Janes's Mill Creek.

December third, marched fourteen miles, crossing the Millen and Augusta Railroad.

December fourth, marched twelve miles, and went into camp near Hunter's Mills.

December fifth, marched three miles, and went into camp.

December sixth, marched ten miles toward Springfield.

December seventh, marched eleven miles, and went into camp one mile south-east of Springfield.

December eighth, marched ten miles, and went into camp.

December ninth, changed the direction of our march, and took the direct Savannah road. After marching about four miles, the enemy were found strongly intrenched, and occupying two small forts, directly in our front, entirely covering the road over which we had to pass. At this point the First division, being in the advance, was halted, and formed for the attack in the following order: Second brigade, Colonel E. A. Carman, on the right; First brigade, Colonel Selfridge, in the centre; Third brigade, Colonel Robinson, on the left. The Second brigade, in order to gain the rear of the enemy, if possible, made a detour to the right, moving by the flank a distance of one mile, gaining a position in a rice-swamp, through which the rear of the forts could be reached. My regiment, with the Second Massachusetts infantry on its right, was formed in line of battle in the rice-swamp; the balance of the brigade was formed on the left in the woods. An advance was then made in the above order for nearly one mile, when the skirmish line became engaged, and the brigade was halted. I remained in this position without orders to advance, until the enemy, being hard pressed by the Third brigade, who had gained the right flank of his position, began to retreat. I then moved on rapidly, without orders; but the swamp was so deep, and the enemy having a good road at his command, it was impossible for us to overtake him. After following him a distance of two miles, I returned by your order, and went into camp near the enemy's deserted works. The only casualty on this day was one officer, Captain Buck, wounded. Three of the enemy were captured by my skirmish line. Distance marched this day, six miles.

December tenth, marched at daylight, reached the Charleston and Savannah Railroad, halted,