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

[71] time all my regiments were engaged, and the masses of the enemy began to falter, and soon broke into disorder and commenced their flight back over the area they had so fiercely advanced upon, pursued by the Thirty-sixth Indiana, Twenty-third Kentucky, and Twenty-fourth Ohio, to the line occupied by the out-picket posts of the division before the battle commenced. Here night overtook us. The battle was over, and the enemy were gone beyond the reach of our guns. Colonel Hazen's brigade crossed the river to our rear, to support us, about the time of the enemy's retreat, and moved closely, with the Eighty-fourth Illinois, after my pursuing regiments, to give assistance, if needed. Some other forces collected or crossed the river to my right, and moved up the river bank in pursuit of the enemy, as my regiments advanced. What forces these were I have not learned. The battery posted near the brigade at the commencement of this day's fight, fired a few rounds, took a hasty leave from the field, and I have not made its acquaintance since. Artillery from the opposite side of the river rendered valuable aid, by playing upon the enemy in his advance and retreat. Our loss this day was not large, compared with that on the thirty-first. That of the enemy was very heavy. I can not too favorably notice the coolness and promptness of each and every field-officer of the brigade. They seemed to vie with each other which should most promptly execute every command, without regard to danger. And the line officers and men of the respective regiments appeared to fear or know no danger. New and old regiments alike acted tile heroic part and braved every peril. Captain Weller, in command of the Twenty-fourth Ohio, fell at his post on the last battle-field, and left Captain Cockerell in command, who bravely and skillfully filled his whole duty; and as much may be said of Captain Woodward, who succeeded to the command of the Thirty-sixth Indiana upon the fall of Major Kinley, at a critical and perilous moment in the first day's engagement.

I am under lasting obligations to my staff and orderlies, for their efficient assistance during these several days' fighting. Captain Peeden, Thirty-sixth Indiana, is entitled to great credit for his aid rendered me up to the time he fell wounded, on the thirty-first. Lieutenant J. P. Duke, of the Twenty-third Kentucky, also on my staff, deserves a high meed of praise for promptness and aid rendered me at all times during the whole of these engagements. Doctor Silas H. Kersey, Acting Brigade Surgeon, with unsurpassed industry and skill, rendered invaluable assistance to the wounded. My mounted orderlies, Frank Brough, Frank Webb, Albert Woods, William D. Smith, Martin Mann, and Lewis Miller, of the Second Indiana cavalry, and George Shirk and Isaac Bigelow, of the Thirty-sixth Indiana infantry, rendered me valuable services. But I am left to remember and lament, with friends, the fall, in this mighty struggle for human progress,of such brave spirits as Colonel Jones, Major Terry, Captain Weller, Captain Shults, Captain King, Adjutant Williams, Lieutenant Foster, Lieutenant Ball, Lieutenant Abercrombie, and others, whose earthly conflicts closed with these battles. I may truthfully add, that I mourn with those who mourn, over these irreparable losses. To the brave wounded, whose fate may or may not be uncertain — you have my earnest prayer for a speedy restoration to health and usefulness.

The casualties of the brigade, as near as can be ascertained, are as follows:<

	officers killed.	officers wounded.	men killed.	men wounded.	men missing.	total.
Twenty-fourth Ohio	4	4	10	68	12	98
Twenty-third Kentucky	0	3	8	50	22	83
Eighty-fourth Illinois	2	5	33	119	8	167
Thirty-sixth Indiana	2	6	23	85	18	134
Sixth Ohio	2	4	23	134	14	177
Total	10	22	97	456	74	659

Lists of which, with the reports of the regimental commanders, for further details, are here — with respectfully forwarded.

I have the honor to remain

Your obedient servant,

Colonel: In accordance with orders from headquarters, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Sixth regiment Ohio volunteers in the late series of battles, beginning on the morning of December thirty-first: