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

9th. Marched at nine o'clock A. M.; passed to the rear of the Seventeenth army corps; camped eleven miles north-west of Savannah, having travelled twenty-two miles.

10th. Marched at nine o'clock A. M., in the lirection of Savannah; travelled four miles and encamped.

11th. Marched at seven o'clock; passed along the canal, and to the right of the Fifteenth army corps; travelled twenty miles, and encamped ten miles south-west of Savannah.

12th. Marched at seven A. M., in the direction of Fort McAllister; camped at McAllister's plantation.

13th. Marched at seven A. M., to Midway. The rebel Colonel Hood, commanding the district, composed of the counties of McIntosh, Liberty, and Scriven, was greatly discomfited by our presence. His men, stationed at Sunbury, Dorchester, and Riceboro, and Station “No. Three,” were totally demoralized, and fled, reckless of organization, to the Altamaha bridge, whenever attacked. This gave us free access to the ocean. Captain E. A. Handcock, Ninth Pennsylvania, with one hundred and twenty men from the brigade, pushed his way to the Altamaha bridge, and although not able to destroy the bridge itself, burned effectually a long trestle three fourths of a mile, and other parts of the track just this side, rendering by this the bridge useless to the enemy. Returned, bringing with him to camp seventeen prisoners.

14th. Remained in camp.

15th. Marched in the direction of King's Bridge.

16th. Marched and went into camp two miles south-west of King's Bridge.

From Sunberry, our fleet to be seen in the distance, brings to an end this meagre outline of the operations of the brigade it was my honor to command in its passage through the Confederacy, and its many engagements from Atlanta to the ocean.

It would be impossible to render unto all, individually, that praise which is due them-all so well have done their part, so nobly fought. A nation's gratitude is due them.

In regimental commands the brigade has been extremely fortunate.

I would beg, before closing, to call your attention to the following list--“especial mentions” --of officers and non-commissioned officers, whose gallantry has come under my especial notice, and who have rendered distinguished services throughout the campaign, namely: Colonel Thomas J. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania, and Lieutenant-Colonel F. A. Jones, of the Eighth Indiana, for their ability and skill as cavalry commanders, and the ready anticipation of orders; Captain A. G. Sloo and Lieutenant Kelly, Third Kentucky cavalry, for their gallant conduct in the charge at Lovejoy, which resulted in the capture of two pieces of artillery.

I also take pleasure in commending the gallantry of Captain E. V. Brookfield, Commissary of Subsistence, Third cavalry division, in this charge; Captain Crowell, of the Eighth Indiana, for gallantry on two different occasions in charging the enemy; Captain E. A. Handcock, Ninth Pennsylvania, for gallant and meritorious conduct throughout the campaign; Lieutenant McJ. Davis, of Third Kentucky cavalry, and Lieutenant Bryen, Fifth Kentucky, for their gallantry in charging the enemy at Buckhead Creek; Sergeant Emory, company H, Sergeant Pepper, company L, Second Kentucky cavalry, and Sergeant James Taylor, Commissary Sergeant, Second Kentucky cavalry, for their gallant behavior on different occasions.

To the efficient, energetic, and brave officers composing my staff, whose duties throughout the whole campaign have been most arduous; who have been exposed to fire in every engagement, I would tender my heartfelt thanks.

Therefore, to you I commend Captain James Beggs, Third Kentucky cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General; Captain Samuel Lyons, Second Kentucky, Acting Assistant Inspector-General; Lieutenant H. D. Gorham, Fifth Kentucky cavalry, Aid-de-Camp; Lieutenant P. S. Benner, Third Kentucky cavalry, Aid-de-Camp; Lieutenant William Waters, Third Kentucky cavalry, Provost-Marshal; Captain Baker, Eighth Indiana, Acting Commissary of Subsistence; and Lieutenant Winters, acting ordnance officer; Eighth Indiana ordnance officer — were ever assiduously at work (aside from their regular duties) in almost every engagement. To Major R. M. Faisliegh, Chief Surgeon of the brigade, for his energy and efficiency displayed in the care of our wounded, I tender my thanks. To Captain Offutt, Fifth Kentucky cavalry, commanding pioneer corps, for his promptness, energy, and bravery, I am much indebted. Lieutenant Stetson, Tenth Wisconsin battery, commanding his own section and my two pieces captured from the enemy, I cannot thank too much. Throughout every engagement he has shown himself a superior artillerist and a brave soldier; most heartily would I recommend him for promotion.

Remembering those brave captains, we deeply mourn the loss of Captain Forrester, Fifth Kentucky cavalry, and White, Third Kentucky cavalry, who so gallantly fought, so bravely died — the former at Buckhead Creek, the latter at Waynesboro; falling in defence of their country and her honor. Sacred will be their remembrance in the hearts of their comrades and many friends.

In conclusion, I would tender to Colonel Thomas J. Jordan, Ninth Pennsylvania; Colonel Baldwin, Fifth Kentucky; Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, Eighth Indiana; Lieutenant-Colonel King, Third Kentucky cavalry, and Captains Forman and Gillmore, Second Kentucky cavalry, my heartfelt thanks for the hearty cooperation they have ever given me, and to return, through them, to the brave officers and men of their different regiments I am proud to command, that heartfelt gratitude due them.