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28th.
At daylight we took up our line of march on the road leading from Waynesboro to Louisville, the enemy following closely and persistently upon our rear, at the same time throwing heavy columns upon our flanks.
After we had moved about five miles, my regiment was ordered to build barricades and remain there until the column could pass, and bring up the rear, at the same time being supported by the Third Kentucky cavalry.
After the column had passed, the enemy came up in front of the barricade.
I opened a heavy fire upon them, driving them back in the road.
They then commenced a heavy flank movement upon both flanks, entirely secreted from us by a thick woods.
Not being aware of this movement, I remained too long at the barricades.
I then moved back across an open field, forming behind different barricades that were built in my rear, at the same time checking the rebel column which was advancing in the road.
Directly the enemy made their appearance upon both flanks and front, cutting off my rear from the command, and creating some confusion by firing upon us from every direction.
It was impossible for me to get through without scattering my command, as there was a large swamp and miserable road to move on. There was no place in the road for a mile, where we could find open ground enough to form a line to check the enemy's advance.
After we had cut through and come to where we could form, the men were easily rallied and formed, and the enemy driven back.
In this engagement my loss was two commissioned officers and fourteen (14) enlisted men. Lieutenant Little was wounded and captured while gallantly doing his duty.
I can also speak very highly of the conduct of Lieutenant Adams during the engagement, who was also captured.
As far as I can learn, out of the fourteen (14) enlisted men lost, three (3) were killed and one wounded. After moving some little distance further upon the road, our whole column was halted and formed in order of battle, and an immense barricade built.
Here the enemy made a bold front, throwing his whole column forward upon us, when they were suddenly repulsed with heavy loss by our artillery and dismounted cavalry.
They were thrown into confusion and driven entirely off. We camped that night about twelve miles from Louisville, the enemy concluding it would be bad policy in following any further.
29th.
My command moved with the brigade and encamped near Louisville.
There we joined the infantry.
30th.
Remained in camp.
December 1.--Moved off on the road leading from Louisville to Waynesboro.
We soon again met the enemy in force on that road.
They charged with heavy column upon our advance, but were repulsed.
My regiment was not engaged during the day.
2d.
We moved in the direction of Waynesboro, driving the enemy before us.
3d.
I was too unwell to remain in the saddle any longer; leaving the regiment in charge of Captain Gilmore, the command moved along the railroad, and went into camp four miles from Waynesboro.
In conclusion, it is necessary and but just that I should say something concerning the conduct of my regiment.
Much praise is due the officers and men of my command for the manner in which they have conducted themselves on this weary and tedious campaign.
I am not aware of a single man, either officer or private soldier, who deserves any censure on my part, but they have, at all times, inspired me with a great deal of confidence by their readiness and willingness to obey my commands.
Captain R. M. Gilmore has proven himself to be a gallant and efficient officer, being ever present where duty called him. I regret exceedingly the loss of Lieutenant W. C. Adams and Louis W. Little, Lieutenant and Adjutant of the regiment, who were beneficial to me on every occasion where true bravery and good counsel were required.
Sergeants Foley, Emery, Pepper, and Gilmore are worthy the praise due good soldiers, and I would recommend them for promotion.
They have each been in command of a company since leaving Marietta.
Yours very respectfully, etc.,
J. T. Forman, Captain Commanding Regiment.
December 4.--I took command of the regiment, as Captain Forman was unable longer to do duty.
We moved in the rear of the ambulancetrain toward Waynesboro.
We had not gone very far, however, when the Second brigade became engaged with Wheeler's forces.
Our men, under the command of Colonel Atkins, drove them from one position to another until we reached a point on the railroad about one (1) mile from town, when the First brigade relieved the Second brigade, and took the advance.
The rebels fought with determination, and it was difficult to drive them from the position they had here taken.
After the Third Kentucky had driven them from behind their barricades, I was ordered to report to Colonel Murray, commanding the brigade, who was at the time on the skirmish-line.
He ordered me to charge through town, which order I obeyed as near as I could.
While charging, some officer, without my knowledge, halted two companies, which was half of my command, and sent them to the right.
This left me with fifty (50) or sixty (60) men, which I did not discover until I came upon the enemy beyond town, when I halted and formed a line.
We remained here for a few hours, and marched on the road to Savannah some six or seven miles, and went into camp.
My loss in this engagement was two men wounded and five (5) horses killed.
5th.
Moved with the brigade in a south-eastern direction, and encamped.
6th.
The division separated, our brigade taking the right-hand road; and passing through the town of Sylvania, we came up with the Twentieth army corps.
7th and 8th.
Moved with the brigade in the rear of Twentieth army corps. 