Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 11.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[678]

I cannot close this report without adding my evidence of the noble conduct and soldierly bearing of those under my command, and especially would I mention the names of Major Eldridge, Captain Hathaway, and Captain Potter, commanding battalions, and Adjutant Dickinson, who rendered much valuable assistance in the general management of the regiment, although to individualize would seem unjust, when every officer and man performed their whole duty.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

sir — I have the honor to submit the following as a report of the doings of the troops under my command, which resulted in the capture of the bridges over Flint river, on the eighteenth instant.

In obedience to orders received from Colonel Minty, commanding division, I moved from camp, near Columbus, Georgia, at five and a half o'clock P. M., on the seventeenth instant, in command of the Fourth Michigan and Third Ohio cavalry, with directions to make a forced march during the night, and to reach ( practicable) at daylight on the eighteenth, and capture what is known as the double bridges over Flint river, and to spare nothing necessary for the accomplishment of the object.

The command was put in light marching trim, all pack animals and everything which could impede our march being left behind. For the first six miles our march was through a blind wood road, after which we struck the old telegraph road from Columbus to Macon, which was commodious and in good repair. Nothing occurred until daylight to break the mournful monotony of a night march, which was incessant and rapid with the exception of three slight halts, comprising about one hour in all.

It was reported that the enemy in various forces was just in our front, and that we might fall upon them at any moment; and to provide for any emergency that might arise, I sent one full battalion of the Fourth Michigan out as an advance, with orders to charge and capture, or cut through any force which might appear in front; but nothing was seen, although I learn that large numbers of stragglers together with three pieces of artillery were driven into the woods, and passed by the column unobserved in the darkness.

Just after daylight, at a point nine miles from the bridges, we came upon a squad of five rebels, and took them in. One mile farther several mounted men appeared, who were chased and driven into another road.

From this point the gait of the column was increased to a trot; three miles further, five more prisoners were captured. At Pleasant Hill, four miles from the river, we came upon a refugee train and several rebel soldiers, who showed symptoms of fight, but two or three minutes served to settle their accounts; two were killed, one mortally wounded,and three captured. From there a charge was ordered, and was executed with such precipitancy that the guard at the bridge, consisting of a force of fifty men, under command of Major Osborn, First Georgia cavalry, with instructions to defend and destroy the bridges, was completely surprised, receiving no knowledge of our approach until the head of our column struck the bridge, at the gallop, which was swept like a hurricane, not allowing the enemy time to fire a volley. A few scattering shots were fired, but to no effect. The whole force then broke and fled, and some made good their escape, being mounted on fresh horses, which were more fleet than ours in their jaded condition.

The advance followed them nearly four miles beyond the bridges, when the chase was given up. The object of the expedition having been fully accomplished, the forces were thrown into position to meet any attack that the enemy might make to regain possession of the bridges, where they awaited the arrival of the main column.

The results of the expedition were the capture of the two bridges, in good repair, five commissioned officers, and forty-four enlisted men, prisoners, killing two and wounding three, one mortally, and capturing fifteen wagons, one hundred and fifty head of mules and horses, besides a large quantity of bacon and provision, with no casualties on our part. To accomplish this the command had marched forty-six miles inside of fourteen hours, including all halts.

In closing this report, I would not omit to mention the high merit due to every officer and soldier in the command, for their untiring perseverance and prompt action throughout, to render the expedition a perfect success; and among whom I would specially mention Major Eldridge, commanding Fourth Michigan cavalry, and Major Livermore, commanding Third Ohio cavalry, for the good management of their regiments; and to Captain C. T. Hudson, commanding the battalion of Fourth Michigan cavalry, acting as advance, great credit is due not only for the full execution of every order, but for his bravery and gallantry in leading the charge upon the bridges, which swept everything in its impetuosity, and secured at a dash what might have been lost by fighting.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

Captain — I beg to hand you the following report of the part taken by my brigade in the assault and capture of Selma, on second instant:

On the night of the thirty-first of March I was