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[76] brigades of our division having been sent around to the right (which seemed the most feasible way of crossing the morass) with instructions, if possible, to flank the enemy and dislodge or capture them; finding that they were not likely to be immediately successful, I was directed by Colonel Robinson, commanding brigade, to take my regiment, numbering five hundred present, the immediate command of which devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Rogers and the Sixty-first Ohio, numbering about one hundred men, under command of Captain Garrett, and make a similar attempt by way of the left. Quickly moving around about a half-mile to the left and on to the border of the morass, the line was formed for attack by placing the Sixty-first Ohio on the right and the Thirty-first Wisconsin on the left, with instructions to dash through the swamp by the right of companies, coming into line the moment they emerged on the open ground in vicinity of the fort. This the men did with great spirit and determination, struggling through to within about three hundred yards of the forts, where an open swamp extended down to within fifty yards of the forts, the last fifty yards being heavily covered with abattis. Emerging into this opening, they formed instantly under a heavy fire from the enemy, and delivering a steady volley upon the enemy, they dashed upon the works with such impetuosity, that the enemy, becoming panic-stricken, fled in great confusion, abandoning much of their camp and garrison equipage and clothing. The colors of the Thirty-first Wisconsin were almost instantly flying from the parapets of the fort. Shortly after, the brigades that had gone to the right succeeded in passing the morass and came up; also the balance of our brigade, which Colonel Robinson promptly sent to my support on hearing the firing.

The loss of my regiment in this affair was one killed and three wounded. We escaped with so small a loss on account of the enemy firing too high. Loss of the enemy unknown, said to have been fourteen.

Through me the regiment, together with the Sixty-first Ohio, received the public thanks of Major-General Slocum, commanding left wing, army of Georgia; of General Williams, commanding Twentieth army corps; and of Colonel Robinson, commanding brigade, for the handsome manner in which they executed the affair. As all in the command behaved equally well, I can mention no names; I, however, here wish to make mention of the gallant conduct and efficient service rendered on this occasion by Captains Wallace and Herrick of Colonel Robinson's staff, who were detailed to assist me in the enterprise.

During the siege of Savannah, from the tenth to the twenty-first of December, at which time the enemy evacuated Savannah, the regiment was engaged in the ordinary siege duties, building works, etc., without any engagement with the enemy or casualties therefrom. On the twenty-third, we moved in and took position on the bank of the Savannah River, about two miles above the city, and are now engaged in preparing for future operations. Since arriving near Savannah, we have had but very limited supplies of rations or forage, and we are now suffering much for subsistence, the men receiving little else than small rations of rice, and our public and private animals almost nothing at all. It is probable that this is owing to the difficulty of landing supplies from the fleet.

The health and spirits of the men were never better than during the past campaign, the average daily number requiring medical attendance being about ten. The casualties during the campaign were one man severely injured while destroying railroad, one killed and three wounded by the enemy, and three captured while foraging, two of whom have since escaped and returned to the regiment. No sick were left on the road. Very respectfully your obedient servant,

F. H. west, Colonel Commanding Regiment.


Lieutenant-Colonel Thomson's Report.

headquarters Eighty-Second regiment Ohio veteran volunteer infantry, near Savannah, Georgia, December 27, 1864.
Captain A. E. Lee, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General:
Captain: In compliance with circular from headquarters First division Twentieth corps, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the various foraging expeditions sent out from Atlanta, and also in the recent campaign.

The Eighty-second regiment formed a part of the advance force which occupied Atlanta on the second day of September, and at that time was temporarily attached to the command of Brigadier-General Knipe. The First division, of which the Eighty-second regiment formed a part, remained encamped in Atlanta from the time of its occupation by our forces until the fifteenth November. The enemy, having interrupted our line of communication with the rear, various foraging expeditions were sent out south of Atlanta, for the purpose of procuring forage and provisions. The brigade to which the regiment is attached was sent out on two of these expeditions; the first expedition under command of Colonel Robinson, commanding Third brigade, First division, and the second under command of Brigadier-General Geary.

On these expeditions, the regiment loaded five hundred and forty wagons of corn and provender. In addition, the following supplies: Fifty bushels potatoes, twenty-five head of hogs, fifteen head of sheep, six head of cattle, and twenty gallons of molasses.

Early on the morning of the ninth of November, the enemy, in small force, made an attack on our picket-line south of Atlanta. The Third brigade was sent to the attacked point, but before getting into position, the enemy were repulsed, and the brigade returned to its encampment.

On the fifteenth day of November, the regiment left its camp in Atlanta, and entered upon the


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