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[695] incident worthy of note. The average distance marched by the regiments of this brigade is about six hundred and fifty miles. It has destroyed about eleven million dollars' worth of property, principally iron works and rolling mills. In the only action in which the brigade has been engaged, the officers and men fought with the greatest gallantry, repeatedly charging and finally putting to rout a force estimated at three or four times their own number. It is worthy of remark that Company C, Seventh Ohio cavalry, which had the advance at Ebenezer Church, and received the first volley,from probably one thousand muskets, maintained its position until the command was deployed, although every man in it was either killed, wounded, or had his clothes riddled with balls. Lieutenant Womeldorff commanded this company. Colonel Garrard behaved with conspicuous gallantry, steadying his men, and setting them a brilliant example of coolness and courage. Colonel Eggleston led his men also with great determination and bravery, both on this occasion and in the attack on Columbus. To the officers of the brigade staff, Lieutenants Mitchell, Yeoman, McKee, and Dryden, I am greatly indebted for their untiring exertions. In the fight at Ebenezer Church they were particularly active in urging forward and leading the men.

In conclusion I am proud to say that the discipline and soldierly conduct of the men of the Second brigade, is only excelled by the gallantry which they have displayed in every encounter with the enemy, and I trust they will receive due credit in the official reports of this campaign.

The official reports of the regimental commanders are hereto attached.

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

A. J. Alexander, Brevet Brigadier-General. To Major James W. Latta, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Headuarters Second brigade, Upton's Fourth division, C. C., M. D. M., East Macon, Ga., May 3, 1865.
Major J. W. Latta, A. A. G.:
Major — I have the honor to request that Colonel B. B. Eggleston, First Ohio veteran volunteer cavalry, may be brevetted for gallant and valuable services rendered during the campaign just closed. He led his regiment with great gallantry in the fight at Ebenezer Church, and again in the charge into Girard.

Colonel Eggleston deserves especial praise for the fine discipline, military appearance, and condition of his regiment.

He has always co-operated with and assisted me promptly and cheerfully in carrying out the orders transmitted from superior headquarters for the suppression of straggling and plundering in the command.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. J. Alexander, Brevet Brigadier-General.

[Endorsement.]

headquarters cavalry corps, M. D. M., Macon, Ga., June 27, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded, approved, and strongly recommended. Colonel Eggleston is a most worthy and gallant officer, fully entitled by distinguished services to this acknowledgment of his merit.

J. H. Wilson, Brevet Major-General.

headquarters Second brigade, Upton's Fourth division C. C., M. D. M., East Macon, Ga., May 3, 1865.
Major J. W. Latta, A. A. G.:
Major — I have the honor to request that First Lieutenant Y. O. A. Yeoman, First Ohio veteran volunteer cavalry, may be brevetted for gallantry in the charge at Montevallo, in the fight at Ebenezer Church, in the advance on Columbus, when he followed the enemy so closely with two men as to prevent their burning the bridges. He also behaved with his usual conspicuous gallantry in the charge into Girard.

Lieutenant Yeoman is an officer of education, a good disciplinarian, and has been of great value as the Inspector General of this brigade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. J. Alexander, Brevet Brigadier-General.

[Copy of Endorsement.]

headquarters cavalry corps, M. D. M., Macon, Ga., June 27, 1865.
Respectfully forwarded, approved, and strongly recommended. There is no more gallant officer in service than Lieutenant Yeoman.

J. H. Wilson, Brevet Major-General Commanding.

headquarters First brigade, Fourth division, C. C., M. D. M., Macon, Ga., April 21, 1865.
Major — I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of my command since leaving Chickasaw landing, Tennessee river, March twenty-first instant:

The distance marched direct has been four hundred and eighty-eight miles, while the scouting, expeditionary, flanking, and foraging marches swell the number of miles to an average of six hundred to each regiment.

Though much of this has been over a mountainous and partially sterile region, we have found sufficient corn, and if it were not for the long, hard marches, often extending into the night, our animals would now be in exceedingly good condition. Those worn out have been abandoned or turned over to the negroes, and their places supplied with captured horses and mules. The care of animals has been good, and straggling has not been marked or frequent.

The general conduct of officers and men has been excellent, and the command has been at all times in such condition that it could have been promptly used against an enemy with full effect.


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